Apple's rumored mini-LED 27-inch external display is still in the works and will reach mass production in 2024 or early 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
On Twitter, Kuo today said that the device will boast "all the features one would expect from a high-end monitor." The external display has previously been rumored to offer ProMotion for refresh rates up to 120Hz and an Apple silicon chip.
Unlike Apple's existing mini-LED display technology in the iPad Pro, which has a PCB backplane, the 27-inch monitor will have a glass backplane, Kuo explained. This will enable a thinner panel, narrower bezels, and longer product lifespan.
The claim seemingly comes in contrast to a report from display analyst Ross Young, who yesterday said that Apple had "killed off" the display "for now," despite shipping some display panels designed for the monitor last year. Young initially expected the monitor to launch in 2022, before shifting to the first quarter of 2023.
Apple Music, iTunes Match, and Apple Music radio appear to be experiencing issues at this time, according to Apple's System Status page.
Apple's developer site, the App Store, TestFlight, and Apple Support services were also previously down, but services have since been restored. Apple's developer site and System Status page for developer tools were unavailable for a short period of time around 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
We'll update this article when Apple Music comes back up or when the System Status page changes.
Update 9:41 p.m. Eastern: Updated article to reflect resolution of App Store and Developer site issues.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) last week warned users to stay away from public USB ports due to malware risks. On Twitter, the Denver FBI office (via CNBC) said that public charging stations in hotels, airports, and shopping centers can be a malware attack vector.
Bad actors have learned to use public USB ports to "introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices," the FBI said. When out in public, users should bring their own charger and USB cord, using an electrical outlet for charging purposes instead of a public USB port.
Apple's iPhones and Macs have a USB security feature that prevents the Lightning port from being used for data transfer purposes when it has been more than an hour since the device was unlocked, but this does not prevent malware installation if you are actively using your device and connect to a public port.
Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023
If a public USB port is used to transfer malware to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, hackers can gain access to sensitive data on the device, siphoning usernames and passwords, hijacking email, stealing money from online accounts, and more.
The only way to stay safe is to use your own USB cable to charge in public spaces, which effectively prevents this potential method of attack.
The FBI has a similar warning on its website, noting that people should not use free charging stations. The FBI also warns against using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, opening suspicious documents, using the same password for all accounts, and clicking unsolicited links in text messages and emails.
Panel production on the larger-screened 15-inch MacBook Air started in February and increased in March, with another ramp up planned for April, respected display analyst Ross Young said today in a tweet shared with subscribers. With production underway, Young said that he doesn't know the "precise launch timing" but assumes that it could happen in "late April/early May."
Young previously suggested that the 15-inch MacBook Air could launch in April, but his estimated launch timeline may be a little too early. At this point, it looks like a spring Apple event is not going to happen, and it seems unlikely that Apple would introduce a new iteration of the MacBook Air via press release.
With WWDC coming in less than two months, it perhaps makes the most sense for Apple to introduce the 15-inch MacBook Air at the Worldwide Developers Keynote on June 5, with a launch following shortly thereafter in June.
Either way, it sounds like a larger MacBook Air is coming in the first half of the year, with the machine set to join the 13.6-inch version. Rumors suggest that the MacBook Air could feature a 15.5-inch display, which would make it around the size of the now-discontinued 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. It would be sized between the 13.6-inch MacBook Air and the 16-inch MacBook Pro, giving those who want a slimmer, lighter, and more affordable machine with a larger display size an option that is not a "Pro" notebook.
Design wise, the 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to feature the same design as the current M2 model, which could also see a refresh alongside the new 15-inch version. Exactly which chip the MacBook Air will use remains to be seen, but it could include the current-generation M2 and M2 Pro chips, or the M3 chip series, if it is ready for launch by WWDC.
Amazon today has a new Gold Box for Anker charging accessories, offering up to 44 percent off USB-C chargers, portable batteries, wireless chargers, and more. These deals are only available on Amazon and will only last for the rest of the day.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
One of the highlights of the new sale is Anker's 555 Portable Power Station, which includes 6 AC outlets, 3 USB-C power delivery ports, 2 USB-A ports, and a car outlet. You can get this accessory for $699.99, which is $300 off the original price. For all the other devices on sale, check the lists below.
Apple today seeded new iOS 15.7.5, macOS Big Sur 11.7.6, and macOS Monterey 12.6.5 updates, with the new software introducing security improvements for those who are running older Macs, iPads, and iPhones that can't be updated to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura.
iOS 15.7.5 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
The macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey updates can be downloaded on the Mac by going to System Preferences > General > Software Update.
Apple last Friday released new versions of iOS 16.4.1 and macOS Ventura 13.3.1 with fixes for actively exploited vulnerabilities, and today's software updates address the same issues on older devices. There are two separate vulnerabilities, both of which were known by Apple to have been used in the wild.
The IOSurfaceAccelerator vulnerability could allow an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple addressed the out-of-bounds write issue with improved input validation. The WebKit vulnerability could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute code. Apple fixed this issue with improved memory management.
Google's Threat Analysis Group and Amnesty International's Security Lab are credited with finding and reporting both issues to Apple.
A dummy iPhone 15 Pro has surfaced in a video shared on the Chinese version of TikTok today, providing a closer look at the device's rumored design. Key hardware features expected include solid-state buttons, a USB-C port, and a titanium frame.
The video doesn't reveal anything new beyond existing rumors, but it does provide a 3D view of what the iPhone 15 Pro could look like. Overall, the device looks similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, with the most notable differences being an elongated volume button and what will supposedly be an Action button replacing the Ring/Silent switch.
The dummy model is likely based on leaked CADs from iPhone case makers. It's unclear if the rear camera bump or other aspects of the dummy iPhone are perfectly to scale, or if a physical SIM card slot will remain in some countries as shown, after being removed from all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. last year. It's also possible the final design of the buttons and other parts could have more detail than revealed by this basic mold.
All four iPhone 15 models are expected to adopt USB-C, but Pro models could support USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 for faster data transfer speeds than the standard iPhone 15 models, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. All four models are also expected to feature the Dynamic Island, which is currently limited to iPhone 14 Pro models.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 lineup at a September event as usual. Other rumored features for the Pro models only include the A17 Bionic chip, thinner bezels around the display, faster Wi-Fi 6E, increased RAM, and more.
Apple has abandoned its plans to release a 27-inch external monitor with mini-LED backlighting, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Young initially expected the monitor to launch in 2022, but a release has yet to materialize.
In a tweet shared with paying subscribers today, Young said that Apple has "killed off" the display "for now" for reasons unclear, despite shipping some display panels for the monitor last year. He did not provide a reason for Apple's decision, and it's unclear if the company will ever release the monitor in the future or if it will remain cancelled.
Young previously said the display would support ProMotion, allowing for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Given the 27-inch size that was rumored, it is possible the display could have been a next-generation version of the Studio Display, but it also could have been a new model positioned between the Studio Display and the higher-end Pro Display XDR. The current Studio Display starts at $1,599 with a 5K resolution and no ProMotion.
Apple released the Studio Display in March 2022 alongside the Mac Studio. The monitor has not received any hardware updates since launching.
Young has a good track record with display-related information about future Apple products. In the past, he accurately revealed that ProMotion was coming to the iPhone 13 Pro and the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, that the sixth-generation iPad mini would be equipped with a larger 8.3-inch display, and many other details.
Update — April 11: Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the display will enter mass production in 2024 or early 2025.
YouTube Premium subscribers will soon have access to SharePlay and an enhanced 1080p video quality option with a higher bitrate on the iPhone. In a blog post today, YouTube said both features will be available in its iOS app "in the coming weeks."
SharePlay will let you watch YouTube videos with friends and family while on a FaceTime call together, while the enhanced 1080p option will make videos look "extra crisp and clear," especially when there is a lot of detail and motion, according to YouTube. The standard 1080p video quality option will remain available to all YouTube users.
Other perks available to YouTube Premium subscribers starting today include an option to queue videos in the iOS and Android app, the ability to continue watching a video where you left off when switching devices, and an option to have recommended videos automatically downloaded while on Wi-Fi for offline viewing at a later time.
YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month in the U.S. and provides ad-free video playback, the ability to play videos while using other apps or while a device's screen is locked, an option to download videos for offline playback, and more.
Amazon is kicking off the week with a fresh discount on Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro (10-Core M2 Pro, 512GB), on sale for $1,849.99, down from $1,999.00. You can get this notebook in both Space Gray and Silver on Amazon, with delivery dates estimated around April 18 - 21.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This is a solid second-best price on the 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro, which hasn't seen a record low discount since February. Given that this computer is now just about three months old, Amazon's $149 markdown is a great option for anyone wanting to buy a MacBook Pro this week.
There are also a few sales on the 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro on Amazon, starting with the 12-Core M2 Pro, 512GB model for $2,349.99, down from $2,499.00. For more storage, you can get the 12-Core M2 Pro, 1TB model for $2,549.99, down from $2,699.00. Last is the 12-Core M2 Max, 1TB notebook for $3,199.00, down from $3,499.00.
You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.
Domino's Pizza today announced that customers in the U.S. can now place a pickup order using Apple CarPlay. However, you can't freely choose toppings in the car, as the functionality is only available for preselected or recently placed orders.
To get started, download the Domino's app for the iPhone, open the app on CarPlay, and select "Tap to Order" or "Call to Order." The first option allows you to order a preselected "Easy Order" saved to your Pizza Profile, or repeat a recently placed order, while "Call to Order" allows you to order by phone. The app also allows you to view nearby Domino's locations and track the status of your order using the Domino's Tracker.
Coupled with Domino's available Carside Delivery option, customers ordering via CarPlay can pick up their pizza without leaving their vehicle.
Domino's says it is the first major pizza chain to offer CarPlay integration, as part of the company's focus on innovating with technology. Domino's also lets customers place an order using the Apple Watch, by texting an emoji, and more.
WWDC is now just two months away, and we're starting to hear a bit more about what we might see with upcoming iOS 17 and watchOS 10 updates that should be unveiled during the keynote.
This week also saw the release of an iOS 16.4.1 bug fix update, another rumor about Apple's timeline for transitioning some of its Mac notebooks to OLED display technology, and a curious Bitcoin-related discovery in macOS, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!
iOS 17 Rumored to Feature 'Major' Changes to iPhone's Control Center
Control Center was introduced with iOS 7 nearly a decade ago and has looked largely the same since iOS 11 was released. The menu provides iPhone users with convenient access to controls for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, display brightness, volume, and many other system functions.
Apple released the 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip and a colorful ultra-thin design in April 2021. Later this month, it will have been two years since the all-in-one desktop computer was last updated.
Rumors suggest that a new 24-inch iMac with an M3 chip could be released later this year. We've put together a guide covering the latest rumors about the next iMac, including new features and changes to expect.
watchOS 10 to Feature 'Notable Changes' for Apple Watch
Apple is expected to announce watchOS 10 during the WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5, alongside iOS 17, macOS 14, and other new software. On the hardware side of things, Gurman said only modest upgrades are planned for the next Apple Watch models coming later this year.
Apple Releases iOS 16.4.1 With Fixes For Siri Response Issues and Other Bugs
A parallel macOS Ventura 13.3.1 update with fixes for the emoji issue and a bug with the feature that allows you to automatically unlock your Mac while wearing an Apple Watch. Both the iOS and macOS updates also address a pair of security vulnerabilities that Apple says may have been actively exploited, so be sure to update your devices.
Apple Has Included Bitcoin Whitepaper in Every Version of macOS Since 2018
Anyone with a Mac running macOS Mojave or later can see the PDF for themselves by typing this command into Terminal. The document provides an overview of Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pros Reportedly Not Getting OLED Displays Until 2026
Apple is unlikely to release high-end MacBook Pro models with OLED displays until 2026, according to display industry analyst Ross Young.
In the meantime, Young said Apple plans to release a 13.4-inch MacBook Air with an OLED display as early as next year. The switch from LCD to OLED technology would allow for increased brightness, improved contrast ratio, and decreased power consumption for longer battery life.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Following the release of iOS 16.4.1 today, Apple has stopped signing iOS 16.3.1, preventing iPhone users from downgrading to that software version. iOS 16.4, iOS 16.4.1, and the iOS 16.5 beta remain signed at the time of writing.
iOS 16.3.1 was released on February 13 and was a minor update with bug fixes, security improvements, and additional Crash Detection optimizations for iPhone 14 models. Apple routinely stops signing older iOS releases over time in order to prevent users from downgrading to an outdated software version.
iOS 16.4 will likely be unsigned later this month, so iPhone users who wish to downgrade to that version have limited time remaining to do so.
Today apple unsigned:
iOS 16.3.1 iPadOS 16.3.1 tvOS 16.3.2 audioOS 16.3.2
— Aaron (@aaronp613) April 8, 2023
Apple today released iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1 for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, respectively, and it's a good idea to install them as soon as you can because all three updates include important security fixes.
According to Apple's security support documents for iOS and macOS, the new software includes fixes for two separate vulnerabilities, both of which were known by Apple to have been actively exploited in the wild.
The IOSurfaceAccelerator vulnerability could allow an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple addressed the out-of-bounds write issue with improved input validation. The WebKit vulnerability could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute code. Apple fixed this issue with improved memory management.
Google's Threat Analysis Group and Amnesty International's Security Lab are credited with finding and reporting both issues to Apple.
Apple has also released a new Safari 16.4.1 update for macOS Monterey and macOS Big Sur, which likely addresses the WebKit vulnerability.
Apple today released macOS Ventura 13.3.1, a minor update to the macOS Ventura operating system released last October. macOS Ventura 13.3.1 comes almost two weeks after the launch of macOS Ventura 13.3.
The macOS Ventura 13.3.1 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings.
According to Apple’s release notes for the update, it introduces a fix for a bug that could cause Auto Unlock with Apple Watch not to work, plus it includes a fix for an issue that caused the pushing hands emoji not to show skin tone variations.
macOS Ventura 13.3.1 provides important bug fixes and security updates for your Mac including:
- Pushing hands emoji does not show skin tone variations - Auto Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch may not work
Apple is already beta testing macOS Ventura 13.4, an update that will follow macOS Ventura 13.3 and should see a release in the next month or so.
Apple today released iOS 16.4.1, a minor update to the iOS 16 operating system that first came out last September. iOS 16.4.1 is a bug fix update that comes almost two weeks after the launch of iOS 16.4, an update that introduced new Emoji, Safari Web Push notifications, Voice Isolation for phone calls, and more.
iOS 16.4.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
According to Apple's release notes, iOS 16.4.1 add a fix for an issue that could cause Siri not to respond in some cases, and it adds skin tones variations for the pushing hands emoji.
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including:
- Pushing hands emoji does not show skin tone variations - Siri does not respond in some cases
Apple is already testing iOS 16.5, a follow up to iOS 16, and the company will soon transition to working on iOS 17, the next-generation version of iOS that is expected to see an introduction at WWDC in June.
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the design of Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset with professional product designer Marcus Kane.
Marcus is an industrial designer and UX consultant who uses virtual and augmented reality headsets on a daily basis to support his workflow. He recently created detailed concept renders of what he expects Apple's mixed-reality headset will look like with YouTuber David Lewis based on rumors, Apple patent filings, and his own expertise.
We talk through Marcus's approach to the design and what existing Apple products inspired him, looking at some of the key aspects that Apple will have had to consider with the device. We also discuss the broader user experience with the headset, including its rumored waist-mounted battery pack – which Marcus has envisioned as enclosed in a pouch on a shoulder-strap that also contains a cable to power the device, potential restriction to indoors use only, and real-world passthrough with a "reality dial."
Since Marcus uses existing headset products to support his design work, we learn about some of practical use-cases for this category of device, where Apple could compete, and what key software features the company could deliver. See more of Marcus's work over in David Lewis's latest video, and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion about WWDC 2023 and whether Apple's headset will finally emerge at the event.
Back in December, Tesla announced the launch of a $300 multi-device wireless charger able to charge three Qi devices at one time. There are notable parallels to Apple's now-canceled AirPower charging mat, so we thought we'd check it out to see what it's like.
Design wise, the charger is a flat, angular platform made from aluminum with an alcantara fabric top, which Tesla says was inspired by the Cybertruck. There's some subtle Tesla branding at the front, an LED light to let you know when charging is taking place, and an integrated USB-C cable.
The charger is heavy and well made, but the integrated cable is a negative because if it breaks, there's no way to replace it. Tesla includes a 65W wall adapter that's also modeled after the Cybertruck, plus a removable stand that can be used to transition the charger from a flat orientation to more of an angled orientation.
The Tesla Wireless Charging Platform is able to charge up to three devices at one time from any position on the charging base, which is how Apple wanted the AirPower to work. Three devices can receive up to 15W of power, though iPhones will be limited to 7.5W since this is Qi charging.
Unlike the AirPower, Tesla's Wireless Charging Platform does not work with the Apple Watch, but it is compatible with Qi-based iPhones and AirPod models. Given the size of the device, you're probably not going to be able to charge three large smartphones, but two smartphones and a set of AirPods works.
Tesla's charging mat is using FreePower, a technology from Aira that we have seen used in other Qi-based wireless chargers. The Base Station Pro from Nomad, for example, used FreePower and it was remarkably similar to the Tesla product. The Base Station Pro ran into trouble because it was not able to work properly with the iPhone 12 and later due to firmware issues, and it remains to be seen if the Tesla charger will have similar problems with future smartphones.
The Tesla Wireless Charging Platform works as advertised, and generally, you can place a device anywhere on the platform to get it to charge. Position does still matter somewhat, though, because you still need to make sure you have a good alignment with a coil to get the full charging speed.
At $300, and with only Qi-based charging, it's not worth buying the Tesla Wireless Charging Platform unless you're a Tesla superfan. At this point, a MagSafe charger is a much better use of your money if you're in the Apple ecosystem.
What do you think of Tesla's charger? Let us know in the comments below.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
