Apple Watch Ultra comes with a stock Depth app for underwater recreational activities like snorkeling and underwater pool swims, but most casual users probably won't get to see how the Depth app responds during the more committed activity of open water free-diving.
For anyone curious, tech reviewer and YouTuber DC Rainmaker has posted a video in which he demonstrates the Depth app in action at deeper levels, using an underwater test chamber designed for diving equipment.
With the help of a computerized depth simulator, DC shows how the Depth app fluidly responds to greater water pressure as a diver descends, showing the Meters and Feet readouts accurately adjust on the display as the background water animation fluctuates in kind.
The Depth app is designed for underwater activities at a maximum depth of 130 feet (40 meters), but Apple Watch Ultra has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters (328 feet), making the watch capable of withstanding greater depth pressures than the Depth app is designed for.
With this in mind, DC's test shows what happens in the Depth app when a diver descends below 130 feet: The screen turns bright yellow and reads "Beyond 130 FT," and no longer provides a depth reading until the diver returns to shallower water.
The test also demonstrates the Dive app's consolidated dive summary at the end of a dive session, letting users know the length of the dive, the water temperature range, and maximum depth. This data can be later found in the iOS Health app.
Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer.
For deeper ocean water diving, Apple has partnered with third-party outfit Huish Outdoors to develop Oceanic+, a Dive computer specifically designed for Apple Watch Ultra models. As a free app on the App Store, Oceanic+ will include depth tracking (including depth alarms), GPS tracking, logbook (up to 12 dives), snorkeling, and more.
For more advanced diving options such as No Decompression Limit, users will be required to purchase an Oceanic+ subscription plan ($4.99/day, $9.99/month, or $79/year). Oceanic+ will be available on the App Store later this fall.
As a means to customize their iPhones, many users want to use custom app icons on their Home Screen. iOS itself doesn't offer a native option to easily change and use custom app icons, but thankfully, the new iPhone 14 Pro and Dynamic Island make it easier to use a workaround to do just that.
One of the most popular ways users have used custom app icons on iOS is with Shortcuts. Using the Shortcuts app on iOS, users can create a custom shortcut on their Home Screen with any image or custom app icon they wish that opens a specific app. The workaround has not been perfect since there are practical limitations that can be annoying.
Intrusive banner when using custom app icons on the iPhone 13 and older
Every time you tap on a custom app icon shortcut on your Home Screen, a large banner appears at the top of your display to confirm the shortcut is running. Many users find the banner distracting and intrusive, which makes the workaround less than ideal.
Thankfully, the new iPhone 14 Pro and the introduction of Dynamic Island make using custom app icons with Shortcuts more seamless and effortless. Dynamic Island on the latest high-end iPhones introduces an entirely new area at the top of the display where system-wide alerts and contextual information now appear at the top rather than obscuring other parts of iOS.
One alert that Apple has moved to Dynamic Island is Shortcuts. When running Shortcuts on the iPhone 14 Pro, there is no longer a banner that appears at the top of the display. Now, the shortcut runs seamlessly in Dynamic Island.
Custom app icon Shortcut running on the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island
While Dynamic Island makes it easier to run custom app icon shortcuts, other limitations still exist. The most notable is that custom app icons still cannot show notification badges like normal apps. This can be annoying for users who want to use a custom app icon for social media or messaging apps, where notification badges are particularly useful.
Users creating custom app icons was a trend in 2020 following iOS 14, which introduced redesigned widgets to the Home Screen on the iPhone. Since then, Apple has more openly adopted the idea of users customizing iOS to their specific likings, making it easier to use custom app icons and, of course, the entirely personalized Lock Screen in iOS 16.
A growing number of user reports online suggest the microphone on some new Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models can become persistently unresponsive after an unspecified amount of time, causing apps that rely on the mic to throw up errors and stop working.
Photo shared by MacRumors forum member 2259 depicting the issue
Users have taken to the MacRumors forums and the Apple Support Community forums to relate the issue, which results in the following error notification from the Noise app, and also prevents system functions including Siri, Dictation, and Handwashing detection from working:
Measurement Suspended The Noise app cannot check sound levels when Apple Watch is in Water Lock or while the microphone or speaker is in use.
Based on reports, the issue can be temporarily resolved by restarting the Apple Watch until the bug eventually manifests itself again, suggesting the problem is software-related rather than a hardware defect.
Updating affected Ultra watches to the latest post-release version of watchOS 9 doesn't fix the issue, which Apple is apparently aware of. The company has been replacing new models under warranty, presumably until it patches the bug in a forthcoming software update. We'll update this article if we learn more.
Apple has begun manufacturing the iPhone 14 in India, the company has confirmed in a statement, with locally made models expected to be sold later this year.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple said it is "excited to be manufacturing iPhone 14 in India," just a few weeks after its launch. In the past, India has served as the production hub for older-generation iPhone models, while its production of newer models has only begun several months after they have been globally launched.
Apple and its leading supplier Foxconn have upped their investment in India over the last several years by training staff and opening new facilities. According to analysts, Apple plans to produce 25% of all iPhones in India by 2025, with other products such as the iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods set to follow.
A YouTuber has put Apple's claims for the durability of the Apple Watch Ultra to the test by putting it up against a drop test, a jar of nails, and repeated hits with a hammer to test the sapphire crystal protecting the display.
TechRax, a channel popular for testing the durability of products, first tested the Apple Watch Ultra by dropping it from around four feet high. The Apple Watch Ultra was left mostly unscuffed, aside from some minor dents along the titanium casing. Next, the Apple Watch Ultra was mixed around in a jar of nails and was once again left with no visible marks.
TechRax also tested the durability of the Apple Watch Ultra's sapphire crystal display cover by repeatedly hitting it with a hammer. In the test, the watch withstood repeated hits with the hammer until it finally cracked, and only after the table took some damage first.
While the Apple Watch Ultra's display did not initially take damage, the watch did fail to turn on after repeated hits. The failure to power on could indicate that while the sapphire may not have broken at first, some internal components may have suffered damage. Of course, the test is unrealistic in portraying a typical use case of the Apple Watch Ultra, but it may provide some customers reassurance about the strength of the sapphire crystal display cover.
Apple claims the Apple Watch Ultra is its most rugged, durable, and extreme Apple Watch yet, appearing to be aimed to compete directly with Garmin. In response to the Apple Watch Ultra, Garmin said it measures battery life in "months" and not "hours." The Apple Watch Ultra is priced at $799 and began arriving to customers on Friday.
As we approach the end of a busy product release season for Apple with only new iPads and Macs left to be announced over the next month or so, we're also setting our sights on 2023. Apple is rumored to have several major products in the pipeline for next year, including new Macs, a new HomePod, a VR/AR headset, and so much more.
Other than new iPhones and Apple Watches, which are expected every year on a regular cadence, there are other products to look forward to from Apple. Below, we've rounded up six major products other than the iPhone 15 you can expect to launch next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.
15-Inch MacBook Air
Apple is expected to release a 15-inch MacBook Air in 2023, as previously rumored and reaffirmed today by Gurman. The MacBook Air is rumored to be similar in display size to the 16-inch MacBook Pro but with a thinner and lighter design. The current MacBook Air measures 13 inches, and the 15-inch MacBook Air would likely use the same design as the current model, which was introduced in June.
iMac With M3 Chip
Apple is working on a new iMac that it plans to launch next year, according to Gurman. The new iMac will feature the M3 Apple silicon chip, but other details, including its design and size, have yet to be seen. Apple is also working on an "iMac Pro," but whether that's the rumored M3 iMac or a separate standalone product is unclear.
Apple TV, HomePod, and FaceTime Camera All-in-One
Apple is working on a new product for the home that combines a HomePod with an Apple TV and a FaceTime camera. The product was originally reported in April 2021, and Gurman today said it could launch towards the end of 2023. "The device's other capabilities would include standard Apple TV box functions like watching video and gaming plus smart speaker uses such as playing music and using Apple's Siri digital assistant," Gurman said in a previous report.
Additional details about the product, including its form factor and price, are not yet known, but with a launch possibly slated for sometime next year, more details may emerge in the coming months.
One of the most anticipated product announcements of 2023 is a new Mac Pro, as the current version still features Intel processors. Rumors suggest the upcoming Mac Pro will feature the M2 Ultra chip with a 20-core CPU, up to a 64-core GPU, and 64GB or 128GB of unified memory. The Mac Pro is also expected to be offered with an "M2 Extreme" chip, which will have a 40-core CPU, up to a 128-core GPU, and at least 128GB or 256GB of unified memory.
Some users of the second-generation AirPods Pro are reporting ongoing issues with their brand-new earbuds randomly disconnecting from their devices as they listen to music or watch videos.
The reports can be found in the MacRumors forum as well as from readers of MacRumors who have reached out to us directly. Symptoms can also include an iPhone or iPad showing the AirPods Pro as connected, but no audio actually being played. Reports suggest the bugs are sporadic and apparently not caused by anything specific, with no clear fix.
Mine keep disconnecting from my iPhone randomly throughout the day. Also sometimes it shows that they're connected but sound doesn't come through so I'll have to reconnect them. Hope this is just a software issue.
I have connection issues as well. Similar to others sometimes it shows connected to my iPhone in settings but there's no audio playing through AirPods just through iPhone and the AirPods do not show up drop down shade.
Such problems are not entirely unique to the second-generation AirPods Pro, as customers of the original AirPods Pro that launched in 2019 have reported similar issues in the past. The new AirPods Pro, having launched three years after the original, have caused some users to be frustrated that bugs related to connectivity are seemingly not yet addressed.
The new AirPods Pro began arriving to customers on Friday, so it's still unclear just how widespread the bug is. Users facing similar issues with their new AirPods Pro are encouraged to make sure the AirPods and their iPhones are updated to the latest firmware and iOS version. The latest firmware for the second-generation AirPods Pro is 5A377.
Apple Pay Later, an upcoming service from Apple that will let qualifying U.S. customers split a purchase into four equal payments over six weeks, is reportedly being delayed until 2023 due to technical engineering challenges.
Announced at WWDC in June, Apple has said that Apple Pay Later will be "coming in a future update" to iOS 16, but the company has not provided a specific timeframe. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said today in his Power On newsletter that the service is likely to face a delay and launch in the spring as part of an iOS 16.4 update.
This leads me to believe that the company isn't completely certain when Apple Pay Later will be ready for launch. It's possible the feature won't arrive until iOS 16.4 in the spring. I'm hearing there have been fairly significant technical and engineering challenges in rolling out the service, leading to the delays.
Apple Pay Later will be built into the Wallet app and be available for purchases online and in apps on the iPhone and iPad. The Wallet app, alongside the upcoming Apple Pay Later service, gained other new features with iOS 16, such as the ability to track online orders and more.
Apple is gearing up to possibly replace its "Pro Max" iPhone with an all-new "Ultra" iPhone 15 model next year, reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman said today.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that for the iPhone 15, Apple is planning a revamped design alongside USB-C and a potential name change. Apple could replace its "Pro Max" branding, which it started to use with the iPhone 11, with "Ultra," according to Gurman.
Based on Apple's current pattern, we can expect a revamped iPhone design next year, coinciding with a shift to USB-C and the potential of a new Ultra model replacing the Pro Max.
The shift to using "Ultra" branding for the highest-end iPhone would follow in the footsteps of other naming decisions Apple has made recently. Most notably, the most rugged and extreme Apple Watch yet is named Apple Watch Ultra, while the most powerful Apple silicon chip to date is M1 Ultra.
Specific details for the iPhone 15 are still rather scarce given it's still a year away, but Apple is widely expected to shift to USB-C for next year's iPhones. Additionally, rumors suggest that the hole-punch and pill-shaped cutouts, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro, will trickle down to all models of the iPhone 15 lineup.
Apple may decide to release its remaining products for 2022, which include updated iPad Pro, Mac mini, and 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, through press releases on its website rather than a digital event, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Apple is currently "likely to release its remaining 2022 products via press releases, updates to its website and briefings with select members of the press" rather than a digital event. Rumors had suggested that Apple was planning a second fall event in October that would focus on the Mac and iPad, but that may no longer be the case.
Apple appears to have three product updates on the roster for the remainder of 2022: updated 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with the M2 chip, an updated Mac mini with M2 and unannounced "M2 Pro" chip options, and updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Apple announced the M2 chip in June for the redesigned MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Other than the new chip, the updates to the Macs and iPads will be relatively incremental upgrades with no major design changes rumored for the products. Apple has released even fairly significant products via press release in the past, such as the AirPods Max and the original AirPods Pro.
In the iOS 16.1 beta, Apple is giving users of the second-generation AirPods Pro the ability to disable touch controls for volume.
One feature of the new AirPods Pro is that users can increase or decrease volume by swiping up or down on the touch sensors on the individual stems. While some users may find the feature convenient, others may not. On iOS 16.0.2, the current public release of iOS 16, users cannot disable touch controls for volume.
In the iOS 16.1 beta, there is a new toggle inside the Accessibility page for the second-generation AirPods Pro to enable or disable touch controls for volume. As before, users can customize the press-and-hold functionality of the AirPods Pro stems, including to switch among Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off, or to invoke Siri.
iOS 16.1 is available for developers and members of Apple's public beta program, with a public release expected in October. In addition to the new toggle for the AirPods Pro, iOS 16.1 will include changes to the battery indicator and more.
The 2021 11-inch iPad Pro has today become the longest-lasting model of its kind ever on sale, as indications mount that Apple is planning to replace the device with a new model as soon as next month.
In April 2021, Apple introduced new 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models featuring the M1 chip, a Thunderbolt port, 5G connectivity, Center Stage, and a mini-LED display for the larger model. They are still on sale and have now been available for over 18 months.
As of today, the 2021 11-inch iPad Pro is now 513 days old, making it one day older than the previous longest-reigning smaller iPad Pro model, 2016's 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The 2021 12.9-inch model remains 59 days younger than the first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro from 2015. This is because the first-generation iPad Pro debuted with a 12.9-inch model only in November 2015, before being joined by a 9.7-inch model just four months later.
The tenure of the 2021 iPad Pros is notable because customers have not been used to such a long wait for new models since the launch of the original version almost seven years ago, and could suggest that the next update will be substantial.
New iPad Pro models are expected to be announced at an Apple event as soon as next month. Several major retailers, including Optus and Logitech, have been spotted preparing for the launch of new iPad Pro models. The next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to feature the M2 chip, MagSafe wireless charging, two new four-pin connectors on the top and bottom side edges, and camera upgrades.
Apple is now selling the 13-inch MacBook Pro powered with the M2 Apple silicon chip in its refurbished store for the first time in the United States and Canada.
In the United States, Apple offers the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 with 256GB and 512GB of storage for $1,169 and $1,349, respectively. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip and 256GB of storage is usually priced at $1,299, while the 512GB is priced at $1,499. In the United Kingdom, Apple offers refurbished models with up to 1TB of storage.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro was updated with the new M2 Apple silicon chip this June alongside the redesigned MacBook Air. Apple says the new version with the M2 chip is up to 1.4x faster compared to the M1-powered model and up to 6x time faster than the previous generation 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Intel processor.
Who's ready for a breather? A flurry of hardware and software releases following Apple's "Far Out" event earlier this month is finally on a bit of a pause, with the Apple Watch Ultra and second-generation AirPods Pro now making their way into customers' hands while we have a couple of weeks before the iPhone 14 Plus launches.
This week saw the two major hardware releases, but also an important iOS update addressing some bugs with the latest iPhone models and iOS 16 in general, while the more significant iOS 16.1 update continues through beta testing. Be sure to read on below for details on these stories and more as we continue to explore everything new in Apple's latest releases.
Apple Releases iOS 16.0.2 With Bug Fixes for iPhone 14 Pro and More
The software update also addresses an issue with excessive copy and paste permission prompts on all iPhones running iOS 16, an issue where touch input was unresponsive on some iPhone X, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 displays following hardware service, and more.
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro have begun arriving to customers, and we've had a chance to go hands-on with the upgraded earbuds.
We've also rounded up both written and video reviews of the new AirPods Pro from select media and YouTube channels that had early access for more thorough looks. The reviews tested out sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, and more.
Apple Watch Ultra Unboxing and Hands-On
Like the new AirPods Pro, the all-new Apple Watch Ultra is now officially available as the first pre-orders have started arriving.
Apple this week seeded the second beta of iOS 16.1 to developers and public beta testers. As usual, the latest beta contains a handful of new features, changes, and improvements for the iPhone.
We've rounded up everything new in iOS 16.1 beta 2, including a design tweak to the battery percentage icon in the status bar and more, so be sure to check out the list if you install the beta on your iPhone.
Note that the video does not serve as a scientific test of the feature and is in a controlled environment, so it should be considered purely entertainment, but at least we finally have a closer look at the feature out in the wild.
The MacRumors Show: Sara Dietschy Talks iPhone 14 Features
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.
As usual, September has been a very busy month for Apple. The company released the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8, and a new Apple Watch SE last week, followed by the Apple Watch Ultra and new AirPods Pro this week. On the software side, Apple released iOS 16, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16.
All attention now turns to October and beyond, with rumors suggesting that Apple still has a lot on its schedule through the end of 2022. Below, we have put together a list of some of the bigger announcements to expect from Apple later this year.
iPhone 14 Plus Launch
While the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max launched on September 16, the iPhone 14 Plus is available starting October 7. Apple did not provide a reason for the staggered release, but the iPhone 14 Plus is a brand new option in the lineup and will become the first non-Pro model with a large 6.7-inch display ever sold.
Key new features of the iPhone 14 Plus include car crash detection, upcoming support for emergency texting via satellite in the U.S. and Canada, longer battery life, improved cameras, and a more repairable design with a removable back glass panel. The device is powered by the same A15 Bionic chip with a five-core GPU as in the iPhone 13 Pro.
The only differences between the iPhone 14 Plus and the smaller 6.1-inch iPhone 14 relate to display size, battery life, weight, and price.
It's not yet clear if iOS 16.1 will include features like iCloud Shared Photo Library and the new Freeform digital whiteboard app that Apple says will be available later this year. iOS 16.2 will likely be released in December with any remaining features promised.
Apple Event in October
Apple often holds an October event to announce new iPad and Mac models, and this year will likely be no exception. Given how early the September event was this year, the next event could be held in early October, but timing remains to be seen.
For the October event, rumors suggest that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro models with the M2 chip, a redesigned 10th-generation entry-level iPad, and at least a few more Macs powered by the M2 series of chips. A new Mac Pro is almost certain by the end of 2022, while new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models are also possible.
iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura Release Dates
Apple says iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura will be released to the general public in October. Apple will likely announce exact release dates for the software updates either during its October event or immediately afterwards.
In August 2021, Apple announced the acquisition of classical music service Primephonic. At the time, Apple said it planned to launch a dedicated classical music app in 2022 that combined Primephonic's user interface with additional features.
Few details are known about the dedicated Apple Music Classical app or when it might launch, but it should be coming soon as 2022 draws to a close.
Upon the release of the second-generation AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max became the oldest current-generation AirPods product still in Apple's lineup. Introducing several new features like Adaptive Transparency and the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro may provide some of the best indications yet of what to expect from the second-generation AirPods Max.
Almost two years later, rumors about a successor to the original AirPods Max are thin on the ground. The last we heard about the next-generation AirPods Max was a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in May 2021, which explained that Apple was considering launching new color options for the device. In addition to new color options and revised audio hardware, there are at least ten potential AirPods Pro features that could make their way to the second version of the AirPods Max.
H2 Chips
The second-generation AirPods Pro are the first device to contain the H2 chip, Apple's custom silicon chip designed specifically for earbuds and headphones.
The H2 chip enables improved computational audio to enhance sound quality on the AirPods Pro and improves battery life with better energy efficiency. As the AirPods Max are Apple's most high-end AirPods, it seems almost certain that the next version will contain an H2 chip in each earcup. The chips will likely be at the heart of any improvements to the device's audio hardware.
Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity
Alongside the H2 chip, the new AirPods Pro feature Bluetooth 5.3, a specification that has also come to the entire iPhone 14 lineup as well as the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra. As such, it is inevitable that the second-generation AirPods Max will similarly feature the latest Bluetooth standard. Bluetooth 5.3 offers features important enhancements to reliability, connection performance, and power consumption.
Improved Active Noise Cancellation
Thanks to the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro feature improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is up to two times more effective at blocking out unwanted noise.
The outward-facing microphones detect external sound so the AirPods can analyze environmental noise, while the inward-facing microphone listens to the sound coming toward the ear. The new AirPods Pro then adapts the sound signal reaching the ears 48,000 times per second to eliminate external noise.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are also equipped with a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms to reduce additional unwanted noise. As the only other AirPods to offer ANC, it seems inevitable that with the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Max will also offer enhanced ANC.
Adaptive Transparency
The second-generation AirPods Pro feature an all-new Adaptive Transparency mode that allows important environmental noise like speech in, while heavily reducing unwanted environmental noise like a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or even loud speakers at a concert.
The feature is designed for "for more comfortable everyday listening," according to Apple. Along with improvements to ANC facilitated by the H2 chip, it seems highly likely that the second-generation AirPods Max will also feature Adaptive Transparency.
Conversation Boost
It is also possible that the AirPods Max could also gain Conversation Boost, a feature that has thus far been exclusive to the AirPods Pro.
Designed to help people with mild hearing challenges hear conversations better, Conversation Boost uses the beam-forming microphones on the AirPods Pro to boost the volume of a person talking directly in front of you, making it easier to hear what they are saying.
Skin-Detect Sensors
Apple's skin-detect sensor technology was first introduced on the third-generation AirPods and recently expanded to the AirPods Pro, leaving the AirPods Max as the only current-generation AirPods product without the feature. The current AirPods Max still use optical IR sensors to detect when they are placed over a user's ears.
While skin-detect sensors would not be quite as useful on the AirPods Max since playback is unlikely to be triggered on a surface or in a pocket, they could help playback pause and resume more quickly and accurately. The skin-detect sensors are also more efficient and deliver better battery life – something that the AirPods Max could also take advantage of.
Longer Battery Life
Apple touts improved battery life for both the third-generation AirPods and the second-generation AirPods Pro. The second-generation AirPods Max could gain a similar battery life boost using the efficiency gains of the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and skin-detect sensors, providing Apple does not shrink the size of the internal battery.
Sweat and Water Resistance
The third-generation AirPods and second-generation AirPods Pro feature IPX4-rated sweat and water resistant earbuds and charging cases. This is an area that Apple has improved over time on its various earbuds, but the first-generation AirPods Max do not feature any sweat or water resistance rating.
Some sort of sweat and water resistance rating for the second-generation model seems plausible, especially given Apple's growing focus on health and fitness. Apple Fitness+ launched just a day before the release of the first-generation AirPods Max in 2020, so it is not out of the question for the second-generation model to have more of a focus on fitness by being sweat-resistant.
U1 Chip and Precision Finding
The second-generation AirPods Pro's MagSafe Charging Case features an Apple U1 chip for Precision Finding in the Find My app, much like AirTag item trackers.
The current AirPods Max feature basic support for Find My, but a U1 chip in the second-generation version could enable a much more precise way to locate the headphones when they are nearby.
Charging
The second-generation AirPods Pro's case added the ability to charge using an Apple Watch charger, adding to the plethora of charging options that already included MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, and Lightning.
It is too early to say if the second-generation AirPods Max will feature a new way to charge, such as via MagSafe, but such a change would necessitate deeper changes to the AirPods Max's design. Nevertheless, the fact that Apple now provides four different ways to charge the AirPods Pro could indicate that it is aware of the benefits of multiple ways to charge and could want to expand this to its highest-end headphones in some way.
It's the official launch day for Apple's latest and greatest product, the Apple Watch Ultra. We picked up one of the new watches to check out the features and compare it with the Apple Watch Series 8 to see if it's worth the upgrade.
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's largest watch to date, measuring in at 49mm, a full 4mm over the 45mm Apple Watch Series 8. It can look large depending on your wrist size, plus it's thicker than you might expect. If you can comfortably wear a 45mm Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra may not feel too much bigger, but it sits higher.
It's heavier than the 45mm Apple Watch Series 8, but not so much so that it's super noticeable. Coming from a 41mm Apple Watch, it might feel too big, but it comes down to personal preference. Apple says the Ultra will fit wrists as small as 130mm.
Apple designed rugged bands for the Apple Watch Ultra, and we picked up the Alpine Loop and the Ocean Band. The Alpine Loop is similar to the Sport Loop, but it has two layers and a texture similar to the now-discontinued Woven Bands. The Ocean Loop is a sort of ridged Sport Band that's got some stretch.
As for feature set, Apple designed the Apple Watch Ultra for "adventurers and explorers," so it has some semi-niche options that the average user might not ever need to access like a Depth app for diving. The new Compass app has more universal appeal with the option to set Waypoints and use Backtrack if you're in danger of getting lost, which is handy even for casual hikes. The built-in Siren that's exclusive to the Ultra is surprisingly loud and has the potential to be handy even when in urban areas.
The Apple Watch Ultra's WayFinder face offers up a ton of information with space for eight complications, and the dark mode that shows the face in red is an option we wish was available for more watch faces.
Apple added a big orange button to the side of the Apple Watch Ultra called the Action button, and you can map it to various Ultra features for quick access even when you have gloves on. It can launch workouts, set waypoints in the Compass app, activate Shortcuts, turn on the flashlight, and more.
The Digital Crown was also made more accessible with bigger ridges that make it easier to use when you're gloved, and the speaker quality has been amped up with the addition of extra speakers.
For the feature set it offers, the Apple Watch Ultra is surprisingly affordable, especially when rumors had put the prospective cost at close to $1,000. Even if you're not out adventuring on a regular basis, the Apple Watch Ultra has options that are nice to have just in case, so it may be worth picking up if it fits your wrist and your lifestyle.
Have an Apple Watch Ultra? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Almost three years after the launch of the first-generation AirPods Pro, Apple unveiled the second-generation model alongside the iPhone 14 lineup and several new Apple Watches. Although the second-generation AirPods Pro feature the same design as their predecessor, they improve on features like Active Noise Cancellation, in-ear detection, and battery life, while introducing new functionality like Adaptive Transparency, volume adjustment touch controls, and precision finding.
In late 2021, Apple introduced a major update for its standard AirPods, with the new earbuds adding Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, force sensor controls, sweat and water resistance, MagSafe charging, and more.
Should you consider purchasing the $179 third-generation AirPods, or do you need the higher-end AirPods Pro, which sell for $249? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these sets of AirPods is best for you.
Comparing the AirPods and AirPods Pro
The AirPods and AirPods Pro share a large number of important features such as Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat and water resistance, and skin-detect sensors. Even so, there are some meaningful differences between them that are worth highlighting, including design and Active Noise Cancellation.
Key Differences
AirPods (Third-Generation)
AirPods Pro (Second-Generation)
Semi in-ear design
In-ear design with silicone ear tips (four sizes) and vent system for pressure equalization
Force sensor controls
Force sensor and touch controls for volume adjustment
H1 chips
H2 chips
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.3
–
Active Noise Cancellation
–
Transparency and Adaptive Transparency
–
Conversation Boost
Up to 5 hours listening time with Spatial Audio enabled
Up to 5.5 hours listening time with with Spatial Audio enabled
Up to 4 hours of talk time with a single charge
Up to 4.5 hours of talk time with a single charge
Up to 20 hours of talk time using MagSafe Charging Case
Up to 24 hours of talk time using MagSafe Charging Case
MagSafe Charging Case with Find My, built-in speaker, U1 chip for Precision Tracking, and lanyard loop
MagSafe Charging Case compatible with MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
MagSafe Charging Case compatible with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
Final Thoughts
The standard AirPods are now very similar to the AirPods Pro, offering almost all of the same features at a lower price point. As a result, the third-generation AirPods should be the default choice for most prospective buyers. If you also have AirPods Max, which already offer ANC, and are looking for an additional pair of headphones to use while working out or on the go, the third-generation AirPods are also a good choice.
You should only buy the AirPods Pro if you specifically prefer the fit and improved sound that in-ear silicone tips can provide, or need Active Noise Cancellation. It is also worth buying AirPods Pro if you could make good use of Apple's Conversation Boost accessibility feature. Otherwise, the advancements of the H2 chip, minor battery life improvements, and Adaptive Transparency may not be a worthwhile set of improvements over the standard AirPods.
AirPods Pro frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Pro version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The standard AirPods also often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
