With the iPhone 15 lineup, Apple is planning to adopt a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port in order to comply with regulatory changes that are being introduced in Europe. The USB-C port has been widely rumored at this point, but a first look at the actual iPhone 15 Pro chassis with included USB-C port was today provided to MacRumors and later shared on Twitter by leaker Unknownz21.
It's not hard to imagine what a USB-C port on an iPhone looks like as a replacement for a Lightning port because Apple already uses USB-C ports for iPads and Macs, but it is always interesting to get a look at leaked components. In addition to confirming a USB-C port for the iPhone 15 Pro, the image also provides the first glimpse at the tweaked curves rumored for the device.
Apple is expected to make some minor design updates to the iPhone 15 Pro chassis, adding a deeper curve that's visible in the leaked image. The company is also rumored to be transitioning to a titanium material instead of stainless steel, and the brushed metal of the device does look like it has a titanium finish.
With the transition to USB-C, Apple is planning to replace the E75 Lightning Controller with an E85 Port Controller, according to Unknownz21.
Note that while it is the iPhone 15 Pro shown with a USB-C port, the port update is coming to the entire iPhone 15 lineup, including the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The design refinements will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple today released the iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, and tvOS 16.4 updates to developers after a three week wait for new beta content. The software adds a number of new features, ranging from fresh emoji characters to web push notifications on iOS devices.
iOS 16.4 and its sister updates include new Unicode 15 emoji characters that were first approved in September 2022. The new emoji options include shaking head, pink heart, blue heart, gray heart, donkey, moose, black bird, goose, wing, jellyfish, hyacinth, pea pod, ginger, fan, comb, flute, maracas, and a number of left and right facing hand options.
This is a feature that Apple first announced at WWDC with the introduction of iOS 16, and it is now ready to start rolling out. Web apps added to a user's home screen can request permission to receive push notifications through a "subscribe" button or another similar direct interaction.
As on the Mac, the iPhone or iPad will prompt the user to give the web app permission to send notifications, and the notifications can be managed on a per web app basis in the Notifications section of the Settings app. Notifications from web apps work exactly like notifications from other apps, showing up on the Lock Screen, in Notification Center, and on a paired Apple Watch.
Note that to receive push notifications for a website, you will need to add it to the Home Screen. Web developers also must implement support for this feature, so it may not be working on iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 right away.
Focus Support for Web Push Notifications
Notifications for Home Screen web apps can be incorporated into Focus, so they can be rolled into Daily Summaries and there are options for configuring where and how to receive the web notifications.
Users who add the same web app to their Home Screen on more than one iPhone or iPad will see Focus mode automatically apply to all of them.
Badges for Home Screen Web Apps
Web apps added to the Home Screen can display badges to make users aware of alerts and notifications, similar to badges for regular apps. Badges are shown after a user gives permission to allow notifications, with web apps displaying the current badge count.
Add to Home Screen for Third-Party Browsers
Third-party browsers like Chrome can now let users add websites and web apps to the Home Screen from the Share menu.
Beta Opt-In Changes
With the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas, those who are enrolled in Apple's developer program are able to turn on developer betas directly from the Software Update section in the Settings app.
This will eliminate the need to install a profile from the Developer Center in order to get developer betas, simplifying the beta downloading process. There is also an option for public beta testers as well who want to install updates with less hassle.
Note that this will put an end to the public sharing of developer beta profiles as installing a developer beta will require each person to be signed into an Apple ID linked to a developer account.
In the Software Update section of the Home app, iPhone and iPad users who have not yet upgraded to the new architecture are seeing a "Home Upgrade Available" option after updating to iOS 16.4.
The new HomeKit architecture is meant to improve the reliability and efficiency of communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices.
The initial launch caused some HomeKit devices to go missing from HomeKit setups or to be stuck with a "configuring/updating" status. It also resulted in invitations to share the Home with others failing, and it broke HomeKit Secure video recording for some.
Podcasts
Apple made several updates to the Podcasts app. Channels access is available in the Library section, and Up Next now lets you resume episodes, start saved episodes, and remove episodes you want to skip.
For CarPlay, there's now an option to pick up where you left off on a podcast with Up Next, or find new podcast options in Browse.
Apple Music App Profile
There's now a prominent button for accessing your profile in the Apple Music app, which makes it easier to get to profile settings.
AppleCare Coverage Overview
In the Settings app, there's now an updated "Coverage" interface that shows you the warranty information of your iPhone and connected devices like Apple Watches and AirPods.
Shortcuts
There are options in Shortcuts for creating workflows that lock a device's screen and control the always-on display, plus there is an option to automatically enable or disable Stage Manager on the iPad. Apple has also added an option to have Siri announce Notifications as an action that can be incorporated into a Shortcut.
Content Previews for Mastodon in Messages
When you send a link to a Mastodon post to someone in the Messages app, it now displays a preview of the content that was shared rather than simply a link with an image.
5G for Turkey
5G support has been enabled in Turkey with iOS 16.4.
Tips User Guides
The Tips app now displays user guides for the iPhone and other devices that you might use with an iPhone, including Apple Watch, AirPods, and HomePod. In previous versions of iOS, the Tips app only offered up the iPhone User Guide.
Focus Mode
There's an always-on display filter that can be enabled for a Focus mode.
5G Standalone Support for T-Mobile
5G iPhone owners who use T-Mobile can turn on a new 5G option that allows them to connect to the carrier's 5G Standalone network.
As 9to5Mac points out, the 5G Standalone network from T-Mobile launched last November and is expected to allow for connection speeds up to 3Gb/s on Samsung smartphones. T-Mobile could soon expand the faster connectivity option to other devices like the iPhone.
More Granular Timing on Satellite Availability for Emergency SOS
For the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, Apple will now inform users of when the next satellite will be passing by in more detail. Apple used to provide an "Available Soon" and Available in X amount of time options for the feature, but now will give specific hour and minute timelines.
Next Satellite Available in [x]Hour(s) and [x]Minute(s)
Next Satellite Available in [x]Hour(s)
Next Satellite Available in [x]Minute(s)
Next Satellite Available in Less Than 1 Minute
Apple Card High-Yield Savings Account
The iOS 16.4 update lays the groundwork for the high-yield savings account for Apple Card owners, which Apple announced back in October. Code in iOS 16.4 has references to routing and account numbers, current balance, interest earned, data management, funds available for withdrawal, and more.
Apple will encourage customers to sign up for a savings account by providing a message that says "Transfer your Apple Cash balance to your savings account and start earning interest today" and "You can transfer up to [amount] from Apple Cash to your savings account in a single transaction and start earning interest today.
As with the Apple Card, the high-yield savings account will be offered through Goldman Sachs. Apple Card owners will be able to opt-in to having their Daily Cash deposited automatically so that it can earn interest. The savings account could be introduced alongside iOS 16.4, but it is not yet available in the Wallet app.
Launch Date
iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3 will be released in the spring, according to Apple. Spring begins on March 20 and lasts through June 20.
Multiple rumors have indicated that there are a handful of design changes that are coming to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and to demonstrate what we might see, Ian Zelbo has created a series of renders that were shared by 9to5Mac.
With the iPhone 15 lineup, a USB-C port will be added to all iPhone 15 models in lieu of the Lightning port. Based on the renders, the port won't look significantly different, but there may be some changes to the speaker holes at the bottom.
The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have somewhat thinner bezels than than the iPhone 14 Pro models, plus there is a minor change to the curve of the edges. The frame is slightly more curved and the glass curves into the edges, a subtle but noticeable tweak.
Zelbo's renders suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro camera bump will be thicker than the iPhone 14 Pro camera bump, with the lenses expected to be thicker as well. The layout is generally the same, and it is worth noting that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to get a unique periscope lens that will not be available on other iPhone 15 models.
With rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro models will transition to solid state buttons rather than physical buttons for the volume and power controls, we can expect some design changes. The renders do not appear to have the finished buttons included, as they are based on "early CAD drawings" likely sourced from Apple suppliers.
Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro models will look similar to the iPhone 14 Pro models based on these renders, but there will be some notable design updates that refine the look of the devices. For more on what to expect from the iPhone 15 Pro models, we have a dedicated roundup with all of the rumors.
Apple is preparing to release a new high-yield savings account option for Apple Card users, based on code that was found in the iOS 16.4 beta. The update lays the groundwork for the feature, which was announced in October.
Since Apple announced plans for a high-yield savings account for the Apple Card, it has not made any additional information available, including details on a launch. iOS 16.4 lays the groundwork for the feature, so it could be available alongside the iOS 16.4 release.
Code in iOS 16.4 has references to routing and account numbers, current balance, interest earned, data management, funds available for withdrawal, and more.
Apple will encourage customers to sign up for a savings account by providing a message that says "Transfer your Apple Cash balance to your savings account and start earning interest today" and "You can transfer up to [amount] from Apple Cash to your savings account in a single transaction and start earning interest today.
As with the Apple Card, the high-yield savings account will be offered through Goldman Sachs. Apple Card owners will be able to opt-in to having their Daily Cash deposited automatically so that it can earn interest.
Apple has not yet provided the APR for the savings account that will be made available to Apple Card owners, and there is no mention in the code. There are also no signs of the savings account in the Wallet app as of yet.
The savings account and Daily Cash will be able to be managed through the Wallet app alongside the Apple Card.
The iOS 16.4 beta that Apple provided to developers today appears to reintroduce the HomeKit architecture update that was pulled from iOS 16.2 due to a wide range of HomeKit bugs that it added.
In the Software Update section of the Home app, iPhone and iPad users who have not yet upgraded to the new architecture are seeing a "Home Upgrade Available" option after updating to iOS 16.4.
There were signs that the HomeKit architecture would be reintroduced in iOS 16.4 as early as January, as Apple has been working on it behind the scenes for some time now. Apple has prepared an updated version of the update, presumably with fewer bugs that will impact HomeKit users.
The new HomeKit architecture is meant to improve the reliability and efficiency of communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices, and it is something that Apple has been developing since iOS 16 was announced at WWDC in June 2022.
The initial launch caused some HomeKit devices to go missing from HomeKit setups or to be stuck with a "configuring/updating" status. It also resulted in invitations to share the Home with others failing, and it broke HomeKit Secure Video recording for some.
With the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas, those who are enrolled in Apple's developer program are able to turn on developer betas directly from the Software Update section in the Settings app.
This will eliminate the need to install a profile from the Developer Center in order to get developer betas, simplifying the beta downloading process. There is also an option for public beta testers as well who want to install updates with less hassle.
Under a new Beta Updates section, iPhone and iPad users can opt to enroll in the iOS 16 Developer Beta or the iOS 16 Public Beta track. Those who were already enrolled in a beta will have these options toggled on automatically.
Beginning with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, members of the Apple Developer Program will see a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices already enrolled in the program that update to the latest beta release. Your iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to see this option in Settings. In future iOS and iPadOS releases, this new setting will be the way to enable developer betas and configuration profiles will no longer grant access.
Note that to receive developer betas, a Developer Program Membership is required, and to use this feature, the iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.
The iOS 16.4 beta that was released today introduces new Unicode 15 emoji characters, adding new emoji options for the first time in more than a year.
New emoji characters include shaking face, pink heart, light blue heart, donkey, moose, goose, wing, jellyfish, hyacinth, pea pod, ginger, flute, maracas, black bird, and more.
These new emoji options were first proposed in July 2022 and then were released in the new Unicode standard in September 2022. It often takes Apple several months to implement new emoji characters because the company's designers need to create the icons based on the information provided by the Unicode Consortium.
The emoji characters are available in the iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3 betas, which can be downloaded by developers. Apple will likely make a public beta available in the near future, but it will likely be several weeks before the software updates see an official release.
The iOS and iPadOS 16.4 betas that were seeded to developers today add support for web push notifications, a feature that Apple promised would be coming to iOS 16 back in June.
Websites that are saved as web apps to the Home Screen can send iPhone and iPad users Web Push notifications through the Push API, Notifications API, and Service Workers. A web app added to the Home Screen can ask the user permission to send push notifications, as described by Apple's WebKit team.
A web app that has been added to the Home Screen can request permission to receive push notifications as long as that request is in response to direct user interaction -- such as tapping on a 'subscribe' button provided by the web app. iOS or iPadOS will prompt the user to give the web app permission to send notifications. The user can then manage those permissions per web app in Notifications Settings -- just like any other app on iPhone and iPad.
Notifications from websites are designed to work exactly like notifications from other apps, showing up on the Lock Screen in Notification Center and on a paired Apple Watch.
Other new Safari 16.4 features include support for Focus for managing Safari Push Notifications, badge counts for website push notifications, third-party browser support for Add to Home Screen, and more.
While many Apple Stores in the U.S. offer two-hour delivery of in-stock products for $9, customers should beware of potential theft and subsequent refund difficulties when considering this option, based on online complaints over the years.
The latest cautionary tale was shared this week by a Reddit user in California, who claimed that the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Apple Watch Ultra they ordered through Apple's online store with same-day delivery was falsely marked as delivered by the Uber Eats driver assigned to deliver the order. The customer contacted Apple's customer service team, but claimed that Apple ultimately declined to offer a refund for the $2,098 purchase, despite the customer having video evidence of waiting outside for the delivery at the address provided.
The customer said they were informed by Apple that "our carrier has completed the requested investigation, and no further action will be taken by Apple." They added that Uber also failed to provide a resolution for the matter on their end.
Similar stories about potential theft or difficulties with Apple's same-day delivery option have been shared by other customers onReddit and elsewhere online. In some cases, customers have eventually been able to receive a refund after lengthy discussions with Apple's customer service team, but it's unclear what factors Apple considers in its investigation. Others have received a refund by filing a chargeback with their credit card issuer.
The problem is compounded by the fact that police departments in some jurisdictions refuse to investigate petty theft. In this latest case, for example, the customer from California said they were unable to file a police report about the incident.
Apple has offered same-day delivery in most metro areas in the U.S. since at least 2019. Many orders were delivered by Postmates when the service first became available, and after Postmates was acquired by Uber in 2020, Uber Eats is now Apple's primary delivery partner. Anyone who drives for Uber can accept Apple deliveries via Uber Eats in the same way as a food or drink order, despite most Apple purchases being significantly more valuable.
The underlying issue appears to be that Apple and its courier partners like Uber have inadequate measures in place to prove that an order was actually delivered, leaving the burden of proof on the customer in incidents where theft may have occurred. We have reached out to Apple, but have yet to receive a response. A spokesperson for Uber requested specific information about the alleged incident in order to investigate further.
It's worth noting that the vast majority of Apple Store same-day deliveries are likely completed without issue, but these isolated incidents about potential theft continue to surface over the years, so customers should be aware of the potential risks.
Update — February 17: In an update to their Reddit post today, the customer from California claims that a member of Apple's leadership team contacted them and agreed to issue a full refund for the cost of the items.
Virtualization software Parallels for Mac now supports Windows 11 Pro on Apple silicon machines, as Microsoft is now officially allowing the app to use the Arm-based version of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise.
Apple silicon Mac users can access the Windows 11 platform on their machines using Parallels, and as it is an authorized solution from Microsoft, IT administrators can install the Arm-based version of Windows 11 on employee Macs.
Parallels is well-known virtualization software that allows Windows apps and desktops to be used on Mac machines. Apple used to have its own Boot Camp solution, but Boot Camp is not available on Apple silicon Macs, leaving virtualization software as the only option for Mac owners who need to access Windows content.
Today we're tracking a few deals on Apple's 2021 MacBook Pro at Amazon, which has up to $500 off select models of the previous-generation MacBook Pro. This includes sales on both 14-inch and 16-inch models of the 2021 MacBook Pro.
14-Inch MacBook Pro
Starting with the 14-inch MacBook Pro (10-Core M1 Pro, 1TB), this model is available for $1,999.97, down from $2,499.00. This sale beats the previous price tracked earlier in the month by about $100, and it's an overall match of the best deal we've ever seen on this MacBook Pro.
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.
Moving to the 16-inch MacBook Pro (10-Core M1 Pro, 512GB), Amazon has this model for $2,099.00 in Space Gray, down from $2,499.00. Compared to previous sales, it's a second-best price on the notebook.
Lastly, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (10-Core M1 Max, 1TB) is available for $2,999.00, down from $3,499.00. Amazon has this sale available in Silver, and it's a match of the lowest price we've ever tracked on this model of the 2021 MacBook Pro.
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.
The data reveals how many iPhones and iPads are running iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, as measured by devices that transacted on the App Store on February 14. iOS 16 is compatible with the iPhone 8 and newer, while iPadOS 16 is compatible with all iPad Pro models and select iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models released since 2017.
Apple's website says iOS 16 is installed on 72% of all iPhones and on 81% of all iPhones introduced within the last four years. 20% of all iPhones are still running iOS 15, while 8% are running iOS 14 or earlier, according to Apple.
iPadOS 16 adoption is at 50% overall and at 53% for all iPad models introduced in the last four years, according to Apple. iPadOS 15 usage remains fairly high at 35% across all compatible iPad models, while 13% are running iPadOS 14 or earlier.
Apple shared its first iOS 15 adoption statistics in January 2022, whereas these iOS 16 adoption figures were released in February, so the difference in timing does not allow for a direct comparison. However, accounting for the extra month of availability, it appears that iOS 16 adoption has followed a similar trajectory as iOS 15.
Apple today seeded the first beta of macOS Ventura 13.3 to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming two weeks after the release of macOS Ventura 13.2.
Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and after the appropriate profile is installed, with the betas available through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings.
There is no word yet on what's included in macOS Ventura 13.3, but we'll update this article if anything new is discovered.
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming three weeks after the launch of iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3.
Developers are able to download the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the beta software will be available over the air.
We don't yet know what's included in the betas, but we are waiting on the Apple Music Classical app that Apple has in development, and we also haven't seen new emoji releases since iOS 16 was released, so that's a possibility.
When we learn what's included in the update, we'll share details.
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 9.4 update to developers for testing purposes, with the software update coming a little over two weeks after the launch of watchOS 9.3.
To install the watchOS 9.4 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Once installed, watchOS 9.4 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update. To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it has to be placed on the charger, and it will need to be in range of the iPhone it is paired with.
We don't know what's included in the watchOS 9.4 update as of now, but we'll update this article if anything notable is found in the beta.
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 16.4 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming 15 days after the launch of tvOS 16.3.
Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 16.4 update by downloading a profile on the Apple TV using Xcode.
tvOS updates are usually minor, focusing on internal bug fixes and improvements rather than notable outward-facing changes. There is no word as of yet what's included in the tvOS 16.4 update, but we'll update this article if we find anything new.
Apple shares some information on tvOS releases in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each tvOS launch.
Though we don't often know what's new in tvOS during the beta testing process, we let MacRumors readers know when new updates are available so those who are developers can download it upon release.
T-Mobile today announced that its customers can receive a free subscription to MLS Season Pass, allowing them to watch live MLS matches through the Apple TV app. The offer can be redeemed starting February 21 via the T-Mobile Tuesdays app on the App Store.
MLS Season Pass is regularly priced at $14.99 per month or $99 per season, but Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a discounted price of $12.99 per month or $79 per season. MLS kicks off its 2023 season on February 25, with all games streaming through the Apple TV app, as part of a new 10-year partnership between Apple and the MLS.
A subscription to MLS Season Pass includes all live MLS regular season and playoff matches, and the Leagues Cup, with no blackouts. Apple said the majority of matches in the 2023 season will be played on Saturdays, with 7:30 p.m. local start times.
T-Mobile and Metro customers can redeem the offer between February 21 and March 14 of this year, and the complimentary MLS Season Pass subscription will last through January 31, 2024, which covers the entire regular season and playoffs.
Apple has been awarded yet another patent for a foldable device, with the latest embodiment featuring a clamshell design with touch-sensitive areas on the sides that serve as virtual buttons (via CNBC).
Filed by Apple in April 2021 and approved this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the new patent explores ideas for "Electronic Devices With Display and Touch Sensor Structures" and envisions how parts of a device could work as input surfaces to augment the display or for use when the display is folded up.
In one example, the patent describes how display layers and touch sensor layers could be "overlapped" in a device's outer panels, and how the touch sensors could go under a glass layer along the front, bottom, and "curved sidewalls" of a device, suggesting the potential for touch input across the entire outer chassis of a clamshell-style enclosure.
Elsewhere in another example, the patent describes "wrapping a display around some or all of the device," where the curved sidewalls would house touch-sensitive layers, allowing them to work as camera controls, volume sliders, and other functions.
The patent is fueling fresh speculation that Apple's first foldable device is getting nearer to launch. The company has been working on foldable display technology for some years now, filing multiple foldable-related patents. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last year that Apple is actively testing a foldable display, although he believes Apple's first foldable device may be a hybrid iPhone and iPad, or simply a foldable iPad. More recently, Kuo said that Apple is preparing to launch a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand in 2024.
Display analyst Ross Young said last year that Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone has been delayed until 2025. The news of the delay reportedly came after discussions with supply chain sources, suggesting that Apple has been conducting due diligence to ascertain the viability of bringing such a product to market anytime soon.
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