MacRumors

Two weeks ahead of when the 34th annual Worldwide Developers Conference takes place, Swift Student Challenge winners have started receiving their 2023 prizes.

Rewards for winning include a WWDC 2023 sweatshirt, AirPods Pro, and a set of WWDC-themed pins. Each winner is also receiving a congratulatory note from Apple.

Congratulations! You took it to a whole new level. You're a confirmed WWDC2023 Swift Student Challenge Winner. The app playground you created demonstrates your commitment to great coding and ideation, which are values we champion at Apple. That's why we're excited to present you with this year's exclusive, well-earned reward. We admire your passion and use of Apple technologies, and we can't wait to see how you'll continue to code new worlds.

Apple hosts an annual Swift Student Challenge as part of the WWDC festivities. Students are tasked with creating an innovative coding project using Apple's Swift Playgrounds app. Apple required an interactive scene able to be experienced in three minutes, with students judged on technical accomplishment, creativity of ideas, and content of written responses explaining the project and other app development experience.

Some Swift Student Challenge winners will be invited to attend the special event that Apple plans to hold at Apple Park on June 5, with attendees picked using a lottery system.

Apple today released Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for select iPad models. The video and music creation apps are rolling out now on the App Store.

Both apps have subscription-based pricing set at $4.99 per month or $49 per year in the U.S. after a one-month free trial. Final Cut Pro is compatible with iPad models equipped with the M1 chip or later, and Logic Pro is available for iPad models equipped with the A12 Bionic chip or later. Both apps require iPadOS 16.4 or later.

Apple says the apps are optimized for the iPad's touch-first interface, providing the "ultimate mobile studio for video and music creators." More details about specific features can be found in our earlier coverage.

"Final Cut Pro for iPad introduces a powerful set of tools for video creators to record, edit, finish, and share, all from one portable device," said Apple's announcement from earlier this month. "Logic Pro for iPad puts the power of professional music creation in the hands of the creator — no matter where they are — with a complete collection of sophisticated tools for songwriting, beat making, recording, editing, and mixing."

Apple has dedicated Final Cut Pro for iPad and Logic Pro for iPad pages with more details, and we will have our own hands-on coverage of the apps soon.

On the Mac, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro remain $299.99 and $199.99, respectively.

Today on Amazon you can get three models of the 41mm GPS Apple Watch Series 8 for the all-time low price of $329.00, down from $399.00. Colors on sale include Midnight Aluminum, Silver Aluminum, and Starlight Aluminum. In addition to this model, we're tracking numerous best-ever prices across the Apple Watch Series 8 product range on Amazon.

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.

Both the S/M and M/L band sizes are on sale at this price, and Amazon estimates free delivery as soon as May 25 - 28 for most residences in the United States. The Apple Watch Series 8 has all of the same features as the previous generation wearable, with the addition of a temperature sensor and car crash detection functionality.

Additionally, the 45mm GPS Apple Watch Series 8 has hit $359.00, down from $429.00 on Amazon. This is another match of an all-time low price on the device, and it's available in the same three colors as the 41mm GPS model.

If you're shopping for a cellular model, you can get the 41mm cellular Apple Watch Series 8 for $429.00, down from $499.00. It's available in four colors, and overall this is a second-best price.

Amazon also has the 45mm cellular Apple Watch Series 8 for $459.00, down from $529.00. This one is available in two colors, with delivery estimates as soon as May 25 for both models.

The Apple Watch Series 8 features an Always-On display that lets users see their watch face and complications at all times, as well as crack-resistant front glass, IP6X dust resistance, and a WR50 water resistance rating. Heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen detection, ECG readings, sleep tracking, fall detection, and loud noise monitoring are also available, plus a built-in temperature sensor that's used for giving women additional insights into their health.

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

The new Pride Edition band for the Apple Watch is now available to order for $49 on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app, and will be available at Apple Store locations beginning May 24. The band is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 and newer.

Inspired by the LGBTQ+ community, the new Pride band features a sprinkles-like design showcasing the original Pride flag colors and five others:

Inspired by the strength and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community, the new Sport Band design showcases the original pride flag rainbow colors and five others — black and brown symbolize Black and Latin communities, in addition to those who have passed away from or are living with HIV/AIDS, while light blue, pink, and white represent transgender and nonbinary individuals.

A matching Pride Celebration watch face for the Apple Watch and iPhone wallpaper are available on devices updated to watchOS 9.5 and iOS 16.5.

Apple releases a new Pride band each year and continues to support and bring awareness to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations around the world.

Apple today announced a multibillion-dollar deal with American technology company Broadcom to make several key components for its devices in the United States.

The multi-year agreement with Broadcom will see Apple use 5G radio frequency and wireless connectivity components, including FBAR filters, that are designed and manufactured in the U.S. Apple CEO Tim Cook said:

We're thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of American manufacturing. All of Apple's products depend on technology engineered and built here in the United States, and we'll continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy because we have an unshakable belief in America's future.

Apple has collaborated with Broadcom for many years, with the company providing important chips for devices like the AirPort and iPhone 5S. Apple noted that it already supports over 1,100 jobs in Broadcom's Fort Collins FBAR filter manufacturing facility, and the partnership will see continued investment in automation projects and training programs for technicians and engineers.

The investments are part of the commitment Apple made in 2021 to invest $430 billion in the U.S. economy over a period of five years. The company today said that it is on track to meet its target through direct spending with American suppliers, data centers, capital expenditures, and more.

Samsung Display has unveiled a new generation of OLED panel that it says can recognize fingerprints anywhere on the screen and even check the user's heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels using multiple simultaneous finger readings.

Usually, fingerprint sensors in smartphones are attached under the display panel as a separate module and are only sensitive to fingerprint data within a limited portion of the screen. By contrast, Samsung's new "Sensor OLED Display" extends this sensitivity to the entire screen by embedding a light-sensing organic photodiode (OPD) into the panel itself.

The technology currently being shown off at SID Display Week 2023 opens up some exciting possibilities for future smartphones, such as multi-finger authentication (putting four fingers on the display, for example), which could offer several thousand million times stronger security than a single finger.

Another potential feature could be the ability to authenticate individual apps on a phone's Home Screen simply by placing a finger on the app icon to open it, replacing the need for a passcode or facial authentication.

But perhaps the most intriguing claim being made is the ability of the Sensor OLED Display to check cardiovascular health, including blood pressure when two fingers are used.

"To accurately measure a person's blood pressure, it is necessary to measure the blood pressure of both arms," notes Samsung Display's press release. "The Sensor OLED display can simultaneously sense the fingers of both hands, providing more accurate health information than existing wearable devices."

Samsung says the system works because OLED light is reflected differently depending on the contraction and relaxation of the blood vessels inside the finger, and when it returns to the panel, the OPD is able to recognize it and converts it into a blood pressure reading.

Samsung did not provide information on the accuracy rate or speed of its Sensor OLED display, nor did it explain whether the authentication and biometric readings could be taken at the same time, but the company clearly has confidence that the technology is destined for smartphones in the near future.

Could it or something similar one day appear in an iPhone? It's no secret that Apple has been working on a Touch ID system designed to be set under the display since at least 2013, with several patents awarded to the company over the years. Indeed, despite claims that under-screen Touch ID on a future iPhone is unlikely, Apple has, if anything, intensified its research in under-screen fingerprint sensing technology.

Earlier this year, Apple was granted a patent relating to under-screen Touch ID that combines shortwave infrared technology with an optical imaging system that could have multiple functions. Not only does the latest embodiment aim to read the user's fingerprint when it touches the display, it could also determine vein pattern, blood oxygenation, pulse, and the presence of gloves and wetness.

At this point, we can't be certain that Apple will ever put Touch ID under iPhone screens. There also remains a possibility that Apple instead introduces an iPhone with Touch ID built into a physical side button, in line with the latest iPad Air and iPad mini models, although there haven't been any rumors to suggest that Apple plans to follow that route.

Apple's roadmap for under-panel technology, as outlined by DSCC industry consultant Ross Young, suggests we're unlikely to see an under-screen version of Touch ID in an iPhone anytime soon. Apple appears to be more focused on moving Face ID and the front-facing camera under the display, both of which it aims to achieve by 2027.

Warner Bros. today launches its new "Max" streaming service that merges HBO Max and Discovery+ content, and the new rebranded app is already appearing on Apple devices and can be downloaded from the App Store.

Announced last month, Max includes all HBO series and movies, Max Originals, and select series and movies from Warner Bros., the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, the Turner Library, Looney Tunes, Adult Swim, and more. It also rolls in Discovery favorites from TV brands including HGTV, the Food Network, TLC, ID, Magnolia Network, Discovery, and more.

The new Max service also claims to feature smarter recommendations, improved app performance, easier sign-in and navigation, new profile PINs for adult profiles, and new Hubs and genres.

Warner Bros. says that existing HBO Max subscribers that subscribe through HBO will have access to Max at the same price as their HBO Max subscription, with more information available on the HBO Max website. Those who subscribe through a TV, mobile, or wireless provider will be informed of any price or plan changes.

On some platforms, the HBO Max app will automatically be updated to the Max app, and on others, users will be prompted to download the Max app when attempting to open the HBO Max app. Discovery+ customers can sign up as new Max customers, as those subscriptions will not transition. Discovery+ will continue to be available as a standalone service.

The Max streaming service is being offered at three different price plans:

• Max Ad-Lite: $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Includes 2 concurrent streams, 1080p resolution, no offline downloads, and 5.1 surround sound quality. Supported by ads.
• Max Ad Free: $15.99/month or $149.99/year. Includes 2 concurrent streams, 1080p resolution, 30 offline downloads, and 5.1 surround sound quality.
• Max Ultimate Ad Free: $19.99/month or $199.99/year. Includes 4 concurrent streams, up to 4K UHD resolution, 100 offline downloads, and Dolby Atmos sound quality.

The full list of 4K content available to stream on Max's Ultimate Ad-Free tier can be found in the Warner Bros. Discovery press release. Max can be streamed to a wealth of smart TVs, set-top boxes, and consoles. In terms of Apple devices, Max is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Based on initial user reports, it looks like the Max app for ‌Apple TV‌ does not synchronize with the TV app's Up Next section, and the service has reverted to using a custom player instead of the native tvOS player. Some users have also reported problems logging in to their existing HBO accounts on ‌Apple TV‌, while others are having trouble seeing 4K HDR content.

HBO has existed under several brands in recent years. HBO GO and HBO Now streaming services were merged into HBO Max in 2020. Then a 2022 merger between Discovery and WarnerMedia paved the way for the decision to combine HBO Max with Discovery+. Hence we now have Max.

Max is currently only available in the U.S., but there are plans to launch Max in more countries, including Latin America and the Caribbean, by the end of the year. Max is expected to become available in Europe and South East Asia in 2024.

As previously announced, Apple will be launching Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for select iPad models on Tuesday, May 23. Apple says the apps are optimized for the iPad's touch-first interface, and more details are available in our earlier coverage.

Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad will likely be released on the App Store around 1 p.m. Eastern Time, based on our analysis of Apple's regional websites. Some media outlets and YouTubers received early access to the apps, and Apple's embargo for reviews will be lifting tomorrow, providing a closer look at the apps in action.

While the apps have one-time pricing on the Mac, the iPad versions will have subscription-based pricing only. Both apps will be priced at $4.99 per month or $49 per year in the U.S. after a one-month free trial. Final Cut Pro is compatible with iPad models equipped with the M1 chip or later, and Logic Pro will be available for iPad models equipped with the A12 Bionic chip or later. Both apps require iPadOS 16.4 or later.

"Final Cut Pro for iPad introduces a powerful set of tools for video creators to record, edit, finish, and share, all from one portable device," said Apple's announcement from earlier this month. "Logic Pro for iPad puts the power of professional music creation in the hands of the creator — no matter where they are — with a complete collection of sophisticated tools for songwriting, beat making, recording, editing, and mixing."

Apple has dedicated Final Cut Pro for iPad and Logic Pro for iPad pages with more details, and we will have our own hands-on coverage of the apps soon.

The rear camera lenses on the lower-end iPhone 16 model will be arranged in a vertical layout, according to information shared today by Twitter account @URedditor. The design change would presumably extend to the iPhone 16 Plus as well.

Apple switched to diagonally-arranged rear camera lenses with the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, and the design carried over to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The diagonal layout is expected to continue with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus later this year, but the devices will apparently be the final models to use the design.

If this rumor proves to be accurate, the iPhone 16 would be returning to a vertical layout last seen on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. The leaker said this change will make the device "instantly recognizable" as the latest model, at least when combined with other newer design aspects like the Dynamic Island and a USB-C port.

It's unclear why Apple might be planning this change beyond aesthetics. When the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini launched, Apple simply said "a redesigned rear camera layout with diagonally arranged lenses enables the advanced dual-camera system," so perhaps Apple has figured out a way to fit camera components within a vertical orientation again.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 in September 2024, so the device is still far away from launching, and the design plans could change.

Bigger changes are expected for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which will reportedly feature larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. Those devices have triple-lens rear camera systems, so the vertical layout would not apply.

@URedditor accurately revealed some details about App Clips before the feature launched in 2020, and is more recently known as the first source to share an alleged real-world image of the iPhone 15 Pro with a USB-C port, and various other iPhone 15 details. We'll have a better idea of the source's credibility after the iPhone 15 launches.

Display analyst Ross Young recently reported that the iPhone 16 Pro and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max will see an increase in their display sizes compared to previous generations, growing to almost 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively.

An alleged CAD model of the larger ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max (which could possibly be branded as iPhone 16 Ultra) was recently shared with 9to5Mac by Sonny Dickson and used to create renderings showing how much bigger Apple's largest iPhone model could be for the 2024 lineup.

According to the CAD model, the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max will apparently grow more significantly in the vertical dimension than in the horizontal dimension, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The overall ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max device height would increase by approximately 5 mm to ~165.0 mm while the width would only increase by about 0.5 mm to ~77.2 mm.

It's still very early in the rumor cycle for the ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup as we're well over a year away from launch, so the accuracy of the leaked CAD model remains uncertain. We'll undoubtedly hear much more in the coming months, so we'll see if future information lines up with this early claim.

Today we're tracking a few solid deals on Apple accessories and products, including the MagSafe Battery Pack, AirTag, AirPods 3, and more. These sales are divided among Amazon and Verizon, and all products are in stock and ready to ship out today.

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.

Starting with the AirPods deals, Verizon has both models of the AirPods 3 on sale. You can get the AirPods 3 with Lightning Charging Case for $149.99, down from $169.99; and the AirPods 3 with MagSafe Charging Case for $159.00, down from $179.00. Verizon has remained one of the only retailers to have consistent deals on the AirPods 3 in 2023.

Amazon has the MagSafe Battery Pack for $84.00, down from $99.00. This device was cheaper last holiday season, but today's price is one of the best deals we've tracked so far in 2023 and is an overall solid second-best price.

Amazon also has the MagSafe Charger at $31.00, down from $39.00, which is another second-best price. All-time low prices on these MagSafe devices have been somewhat rare over the past few months, so anyone in the market for Apple's first-party MagSafe accessories should consider these deals because they're the best around online right now.

Moving to the AirTag, Amazon has the 4-Pack for $89.00, down from $99.00. Delivery is available as soon as May 24 for Amazon Prime members, and this deal is a second-best price on the Bluetooth tracker accessory.

Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test out the software head of its official launch. The public betas come just a few days after Apple provided the betas to developers.

Those who have signed up their accounts for Apple's free beta testing program can enable the beta by opening up the Settings app, going to General, selecting Software Update, tapping on Beta Updates, and selecting the iOS 16 Public Beta option.

iOS 16.6 seems to be a relatively minor update, although Apple does appear to be laying the groundwork for the launch of the previously announced iMessage Contact Key Verification feature in this update.

Development on iOS 16 is slowing down as Apple prepares for the unveiling of iOS 17 in just two weeks at WWDC, and iOS 16.6 is likely to be one of the last updates to iOS 16 before the public release of iOS 17 expected in September.

An initial public beta of watchOS 9.6 has also been released.

Apple today released the first beta of macOS Ventura 13.5 to its public beta testing group, allowing the general public to try out the software ahead of its official launch. The macOS Ventura 13.5 public beta comes a few days after Apple provided the software to developers.

Public beta testers can download the macOS 13.5 Ventura update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website.

There is no word as of yet on what's included in macOS Ventura 13.5, and no notable new features were found in the developer beta.

We're expecting to see Apple unveil macOS 14 in just two weeks at WWDC, and macOS 13.5 should be one of the last updates to Ventura that will tide users over until the public release of macOS 14 later this year.

Following yesterday's news that an apparent Apple shell company is seeking to trademark the term "xrProOS" ahead of a headset unveiling at WWDC two weeks from today, additional trademark activity seemingly linked to Apple has surfaced around a couple of other terms.

The first is "realityproOS," which was filed yesterday in New Zealand and noticed by patent attorney Narly Kalupahana. The filing was made by the same Immersive Health Solutions LLC company that filed to protect terms like "Reality One" and "Reality Pro" last year. Those terms have been rumored to be potential names of Apple's upcoming headset devices.

The new "realityproOS" filing cites a May 1 filing in Jamaica for establishing a priority date, a tactic commonly used by Apple to hide early trademark protection efforts as the trademark activity in the country is not currently available online.

The second trademark filing that has seen activity in recent days is "realOS," a term which was broadly registered in Europe last year by an apparent Apple shell company named Realityo Systems LLC to cover various aspects of computers and operating systems. Realityo Systems also gained some notice last year after it was discovered the company had submitted a filing for "realityOS" in late 2021.

In the past few weeks, Realityo Systems has submitted additional filings in other countries for the "realOS" term with a much narrower description of "computer operating systems, computer operating systems for integrated circuits."

A trademark for "realOS" in the United States dating back to 2006 was also previously owned by Fujitsu, but changed hands several times before being acquired by Realityo Systems in November 2022.

With a number of operating system-related trademarks seemingly linked to Apple having seen activity in recent days, including "xrOS," "xrProOS," "realityproOS", and "realOS," it's unlikely that Apple plans to use all of them as public-facing names. It is interesting, however, to see Apple seeking to protect various options as it prepares to show its long-rumored headset to the world.

Apple's 2022 iPad Air has hit numerous all-time low prices today on Amazon. In total, you'll find up to $99 off the iPad Air, with record low prices available for both Wi-Fi and cellular models.

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.

Starting with the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air, this model is available in three colors at $499.99 on Amazon, which is down from $599.00. This is a record low price for this tablet on Amazon, and Space Gray, Blue, and Purple are in stock now and can arrive as soon as May 24.

Secondly, the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air has hit $649.99 on Amazon, down from $749.00. This is another record low price, and it's available in three colors. Most of these models have an estimated delivery date between May 24 and 28 for residences in the United States.

Moving to cellular models, the 64GB cellular iPad Air is available for $649.99, down from $749.00. This is a second-best price and it's also available in three colors: Blue, Purple, and Starlight.

Lastly, the 256GB cellular iPad Air has hit $799.99, down from $899.00. You'll find two colors are available at this discounted price, which is also another all-time low price on the iPad Air.

For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

Mophie today launched two new MagSafe-compatible car vent mounts that are available on Mophie's website, on Apple.com, and in Apple stores around the world. One of the mounts supports wireless charging while the other is strictly for mounting your iPhone and does not directly charge.

Starting with the non-charging accessory, the Magnetic Vent Mount is $39.95 and holds the ‌iPhone‌ securely while preserving access to the Lightning port, so you can still charge your ‌iPhone‌ via cable. This device rotates and tilts allowing for ideal viewing angles, and it includes an adjustable offset arm so you can position the ‌iPhone‌ away from the vent.

Next is the Wireless Charging Vent Mount with MagSafe for $99.95, and it's the same design as the previous vent mount with the addition of 15W of wireless charging via MagSafe. It comes with a 20W USB-C car charger and 1.5M USB-C cable. You'll find all the same features as the non-charging mount, including an adjustable arm and secure hold.

If you purchase the new vent mounts on Mophie's website, you can save some money. Mophie is currently running a bundle and save sale, where you can get at least 30 percent off when buying two or more products at the same time. Just add the mounts to your cart (or any other compatible products on ZAGG's brand of websites), and you'll see the 30 percent off applied automatically.

On Apple.com, you can get the Magnetic Vent Mount for $39.95 and Wireless Charging Vent Mount with MagSafe for $99.95. Both delivery and in-store pick-up options are available.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Mophie. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Apple is hiring for at least a dozen new experts in generative artificial intelligence amid rumors that the company is stepping up its work on AI.

The Apple job listings, first spotted by TechCrunch, seek a range of machine learning specialists "passionate about building extraordinary autonomous systems" and began appearing on April 27. The openings are for positions in the Integrated System Experience, Input Experience NLP, Machine Learning R&D, and Technology Development Group.

Some of the roles, such as a Visual Generative Modeling Research Engineer, specifically involve work on "visual generative modeling to power applications across computation photography, image and video editing, 3D shape and motion reconstruction, avatar generation, and much more."

Following the launch of an official ChatGPT app for iPhone last week, it emerged that Apple has banned employees from using such utilities due to security concerns and work on its own similar technology. In March, DigiTimes reported that Apple is "re-examining" its work on artificial intelligence. The company is now believed to be testing generative AI concepts that could one day be destined for Siri.

Since updating to watchOS 9.5, some Apple Watch owners have been noticing an unusual green tint to their watch display when accessing certain UI elements, based on complaints shared on Reddit and the MacRumors Forums.

Almost all of the models affected are Apple Watch Series 8 and older devices, with earlier models seemingly faring worse. Users afflicted with the issue say that the green tint is visible on the passcode input screen, when accessing the Control Center, and when pulling down notifications. Based on the majority of reports, fewer Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra models are affected by the issue.

Some have suggested that Apple may have intentionally added the tint, but this seems unlikely given that most users agree that it is uncharacteristically ugly and looks out of place. One user described it as looking like a "washed out LCD" screen rather than the pure OLED blacks they are used to seeing on their watch.

It's not entirely clear what's going on, but according to user reports, the weird tint has been popping up since last week's watchOS 9.5 update, suggesting it's a software issue rather than anything hardware related. Some people have been able to get the tint to go away after restarting, but others have not had the same success.

Apple has fixed similar color tint issues on iPhones in the past that were caused by a software bug. If this is indeed a software problem, Apple should be able to address the issue in a future watchOS update. watchOS 9.6 is in testing right now, but it's not yet clear if that removes the tint.

(Thanks, Alex!)