MacRumors

Apple still plans to launch augmented reality "Apple Glasses" by 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, provided it can finalize new metalens technology in the interim, according to Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In his latest summary of surveys and predictions, Kuo says Apple is developing metalens technology to replace plastic lens covers in a range of devices, starting with iPads and iPhones.

Metalenses are a flat lens technology that use metasurfaces to focus light. In optical applications, they can take advantage of the flat surface and reduced thickness, compared to traditional, curved refractive lenses.

According to Kuo, metalens covers are set to enter mass production in 2024 for use in Apple's Face ID system for iPad Pro, then iPhone in 2025 or 2026. If development goes as planned, they would eventually be used in Apple's AR glasses, which will enter production in 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, says the analyst.

Looking further ahead, Kuo predicts that metalens covers could replace "lowest-end" plastic lenses in existing cameras between 2028 and 2030, assuming continuing linear progress in manufacturing and software algorithm development.

"Investors should be aware that over the next few years, metalens will gradually replace existing plastic lenses in 3D sensing applications," says the analyst, adding: "Glasses-type head-mounted display devices are the killer application for metalens."

This is the first time in a long while that Kuo has ventured to offer a launch timeframe for Apple Glasses. In March 2021, the analyst suggested Apple planned to release augmented reality glasses by 2025. That prediction was made in the context of a report about Apple potentially developing AR "contact lenses."

Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Apple paused development on the augmented reality Apple Glasses that it planned to introduce after its mixed reality headset.

According to Bloomberg, some Apple employees do not believe that Apple will ever ship AR glasses, since most of Apple's AR/VR group is working on mixed reality headsets, the first of which is expected to debut as soon as this June at WWDC.

Apple appears to be gearing up to introduce the Daily Cash savings account feature for Apple Card users, as mentions of a Daily Cash Savings account have been found in backend Apple code by Aaronp613.

The appearance of the code indicates that Apple has furthered its work on the savings account, and that it will be introduced in the very near future. Prior to the March 28 launch of Apple Pay Later, references showed up in the code the day before, so there is a chance that the ‌Apple Card‌ savings account could launch as soon as this week.

The code contains the terms of service for the savings account, as well as images that Apple will likely use for the feature in the Wallet app and other locations. It mentions iOS 16.3, but it is not yet clear if iOS 16.3 will be required to sign up for and use an account.

Apple back in October announced plans to introduce a "high-yield" savings account for ‌Apple Card‌ users to store Daily Cash, with all Daily Cash earned automatically deposited into the account. Apple at the time said the savings account would be available "in the coming months," but there has not been an update since then.

‌Apple Card‌ users can sign up for the savings account through Goldman Sachs, Apple's financial partner for the ‌Apple Card‌. Like the ‌Apple Card‌, the savings account will be managed using the Wallet app on iPhone or the Wallet section of the Settings app on the iPad.

While Daily Cash will be automatically deposited in the account once it is created, ‌Apple Card‌ users can opt to change where their Daily Cash is delivered in the future. There are also options for depositing additional money into the savings account through a linked bank account or through an Apple Cash balance. Funds can be withdrawn at any time with no fees or penalties.

Earlier today, an anonymous source who shared accurate information in the past revealed potential new features coming to the iPhone with iOS 17, including improvements to Search, the Dynamic Island, Control Center, and more. In addition, the source indicated that Apple is internally testing interactive widgets for the Home Screen and Today View, but they are unclear if this feature will make the final cut.

"Active widgets are in testing, but not confirmed by any means," the source said in a tweet. If made available to the public, the source said the interactive widgets would include one-tap buttons, sliders, and other dynamic content. The source shared additional alleged details about iOS 17 in a MacRumors Forums post.

Introduced with iOS 14, Home Screen widgets currently offer very limited functionality, as noted in Apple's developer documentation. "Widgets present read-only information and don’t support interactive elements such as scrolling elements or switches," says Apple. These limitations could be related to battery life considerations.

Last year, the same source leaked accurate details about the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro before the device was announced. However, given the source has yet to establish a long-term track record with Apple rumors, it remains to be seen if all of the latest details they have shared prove to be accurate this time around.

Apple is expected to announce iOS 17 during the WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5, and as usual, the first beta version should be made available to developers for testing later that day. The first public beta will likely be released in July.

Ahead of Apple unveiling iOS 17 at WWDC in June, an anonymous source who shared accurate information in the past has revealed potential new features coming with the update, including improvements to Search, the Dynamic Island, Control Center, and more.

In a post on the MacRumors Forums and on Twitter, the source indicated that search functionality will be "heavily improved" in iOS 17, but no specific details were provided. The built-in search tool on the iPhone helps to surface information on your device and on the web, with results and suggestions provided as you type. Starting with iOS 16, there is a dedicated "Search" button at the bottom of the Home Screen for easy access.

Apple is expected to expand the Dynamic Island to all four iPhone 15 models this year. On the software side, the source said the Dynamic Island will be able to "do a lot more" on iOS 17, without elaborating. Introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro last year, the Dynamic Island currently displays system alerts like low battery percentage and incoming phone calls, and Live Activities such as Uber rides and NBA scores.

As reported last week, the source reiterated that iOS 17 will include "major changes" to the Control Center's design and customizability. Control Center was introduced with iOS 7 nearly a decade ago and has looked largely the same since iOS 11.

The source added that iOS 17 will include new custom accessibility settings that will give users more control over the iPhone's user interface. This could relate to a hidden "Custom Accessibility Mode" that was discovered in the iOS 16.2 beta last year. The new mode would allow users to replace the typical Lock Screen and Home Screen with more accessible UI elements, remove the Dock, set much larger app icons, and more.

Other changes the source expects in iOS 17 include additional settings for notifications and the always-on display, more Focus filters, car key improvements in the Wallet app, updates to the Camera and Health apps, and a significant number of new ARKit frameworks, as Apple gears up to launch its long-rumored AR/VR headset later this year. The source said Apple is also considering allowing for interactive Home Screen widgets.

Overall, the source believes iOS 17 focuses on performance and stability improvements. As a result, they are adamant that the update will remain compatible with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, contrary to a previous rumor.

We have elected to share this information since the same source leaked accurate details about the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro before the device was announced last year. However, given the source has yet to establish a long-term track record, it remains to be seen if all of these latest details will prove to be accurate.

Apple is expected to announce iOS 17 during the WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5, and as usual, the first beta version should be made available to developers for testing later that day. The first public beta will likely be released in July.

Warner Bros. today announced plans to launch a new streaming service that will merge HBO Max and Discovery+ content. The HBO brand will be eliminated, and the streaming service will be called just "Max."

HBO has undergone several different rebranding efforts over the years, as there were previously HBO GO and HBO Now streaming services that were merged into HBO Max in 2020. The "Max" rebrand that drops the HBO name comes after a 2022 merger between Discovery and WarnerMedia. At the time of the merger, the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery company made it clear that HBO Max would eventually be combined with Discovery+, and rumors in December hinted at the "Max" naming.

Abandoning the HBO branding is a curious decision as the HBO Max streaming service is known for some very popular shows, such as Succession, Game of Thrones, Euphoria, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us. The Max streaming service will have three different price points available:

• 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.

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.

"Max" is set to launch on May 23, and it will include HBO Max content and Discovery TV content such as HGTV, the Food Network, ID, TLC, and more. Alongside the launch of the service, Warner Bros. also announced a new Harry Potter television series as well as another Game of Thrones prequel show.

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.

Apple today released new tvOS 16.4.1 software for the Apple TV models and HomePod 16.4.1 software for the ‌HomePod‌ and the HomePod mini.

According to Apple's release notes for the update on the ‌HomePod‌, it includes performance and stability improvements. Apple does not provide release notes when installing tvOS updates, but it likely includes similar performance and stability improvements.

‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app by following the instructions in our HomePod‌‌ update how to.

The tvOS 16.4.1 update can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌‌‌ by going to System > Software Update. ‌‌‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates turned on will be upgraded to ‌tvOS 16.4.1 automatically.

Apple today released the second beta of macOS Ventura 13.4 to its public beta testing group, allowing the general public to try out the software ahead of its official launch. The second macOS Ventura 13.4 public beta comes a week after Apple seeded the first public beta.

Public beta testers can download the macOS 13.3 Ventura update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website.

The latest macOS Ventura 13.4 beta adds a new beta installation method where developers and public beta testers can opt-in to receive beta updates without the need for a profile to be installed. For developers, an Apple ID needs to be associated with a developer account to get access to a developer beta, while public beta testers need to sign up on Apple's public beta website with their ‌Apple ID‌ and then elect to receive beta updates using the System Settings app.

Work on macOS Ventura is winding down as Apple prepares to shift its focus to macOS 14, the as-of-yet-unnamed next-generation version of macOS that we expect to see introduced this June at WWDC.

Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test out the software head of its official launch. The second public betas come two weeks after the first public betas, and a day after the second developer betas.

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 16.5 appears to be a relatively minor update, and few changes were found in the first developer beta. There is a new Sports tab located in the Apple News app, and Siri can now be asked to start a screen recording.

Development on iOS 16 is slowing down as Apple prepares for the upcoming June debut of iOS 17, the next-generation version of iOS.

Apple plans to release an iPhone SE with a custom-designed 5G modem in 2025, according to analyst Jeff Pu. In a research note with Haitong International Securities on Tuesday, he said the modem will be manufactured by Apple's chipmaking partner TSMC.

This information comes two months after analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple restarted development of a fourth-generation iPhone SE with a 6.1-inch OLED display and an Apple-designed 5G modem. He said the modem would be built with TSMC's 4nm process and support sub-6GHz bands only, meaning that mmWave would not be supported initially.

Kuo said mass production of the fourth-generation iPhone SE would begin in the first half of 2024, and Qualcomm's CEO also anticipated a 2024 timeframe for Apple's modem, but Pu believes the device's launch has been delayed until 2025.

The current iPhone SE was released in March 2022 and is equipped with Qualcomm's custom Snapdragon X57 chip for sub-6GHz 5G. The 4.7-inch device is Apple's last iPhone with a Home button and Touch ID, but Face ID is likely for the new model, as Kuo said the device will have a similar design as the standard iPhone 14 model.

Apple acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business in 2019 in an effort to design its own iPhone modem, a move that would reduce its dependence on Qualcomm. It's unclear if Apple's modem will offer any customer-facing benefits compared to Qualcomm's modems, such as faster 5G performance or improved power efficiency.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Tuesday indicated that iPhone 15 Pro models will no longer have solid-state buttons due to "unresolved technical issues before mass production." He now expects the buttons to have a "traditional" design.

The change in plans was first reported by tech analysts Jeff Pu and Shelly Chou. In a research note with investment firm Haitong International Securities on Tuesday, the analysts said they believe the solid-state buttons will be pushed back to the iPhone 16 series in 2024 due to unspecified "design issues." As a result, they said the iPhone 15 Pro models will not be equipped with two additional Taptic Engines, as previously rumored.

With a solid-state design, the buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro would not have moved when pressed. Instead, two additional Taptic Engines inside the iPhone would have provided haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of movement, similar to the Home button introduced with the iPhone 7 and the Force Touch trackpad on newer MacBooks.

It was also rumored that iPhone 15 Pro models would be equipped with a unified volume button, and that the Ring/Silent switch would become a multipurpose Action button, but it is not entirely clear if those changes will still occur. Apple could proceed with these changes with clickable buttons, but the other possibility is that Apple sticks with two volume buttons and a Ring/Silent switch until the iPhone 16 Pro next year.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 Pro at a September event. Other features rumored for the device include a titanium frame, USB-C port, A17 Bionic chip, thinner bezels around the display, faster Wi-Fi 6E, increased RAM, and more.

Woot today has a collection of first party Apple accessories at steep discounts, and every item is in new condition and comes with a one year Apple warranty. This sale will run for the rest of April, but many accessories will likely sell out long before that so be sure to shop soon.

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

There are about two dozen items being discounted in Woot's sale today, with a focus on Apple Watch bands and iPhone accessories. There are drastic discounts on some accessories, with as much as 75 percent off iPhone 13 model cases, up to 46 percent off Apple Watch bands, and 55 percent off AirTag keychains and loops.

We've collected a majority of the items on sale in the lists below, but be sure to visit Woot's landing page for the sale for the full list, which also includes older iPhone 11 and 12 accessories. Remember that all items in this sale are in new condition, so you don't need to worry about ordering refurbished products for this particular event.

AirTag

• Meyer Lemon Leather Key Ring - $12.99, down from $35.00
• California Poppy Leather Loop - $12.99, down from $39.00
• Capri Blue Leather Loop - $12.99, down from $29.00

Apple Watch Bands

• Sport Loop - $18.99, down from $49.00
• Sport Band - $18.99, down from $49.00
• Sport Loop (Special Editions) - $22.99, down from $49.00
• Leather Link - $51.99, down from $99.00
• Milanese Loop - $52.99, down from $99.00

iPhone Accessories

• iPhone 13 Pro Silicone Case - $14.99, down from $49.00
• iPhone 13 Pro Leather Case - $14.99, down from $59.00
• iPhone 13 Pro Max Leather Case - $14.99, down from $59.00
• Leather Wallet (does not support Find My) - $26.99, down from $59.00

Charging

• Lightning to USB-C Cable (2-pack or 3-pack) - $19.99 - $24.99, down from $38.00 - $57.00
• 20W USB-C Power Adapter + Lightning to USB-C Cable - $29.99, down from $38.00

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.

Popular fitness app Strava has launched long-awaited Spotify integration, allowing users to access favorite content on the audio streaming service while recording their activity.

Up until now, Strava users wanting to listen to audio in Spotify while tracking a run or bike ride had to switch between apps to control their media. Now that's all a thing of the past, thanks to Strava's new in-app media widget.

After starting recording an activity, users can tap a music icon in the top-right corner of the Strava interface and connect their Spotify account, after which it's possible to browse content in the Spotify widget and choose what to play.

The integration supports music, podcasts, and audiobooks, and users can swipe through the queue to see what's next, as well as browse through custom-made and popular Spotify-made playlists.

The Spotify widget can be used by both paying and non-paying Spotify users. Free Spotify users can shuffle albums/playlists/artists, but will not be able to pick specific songs, and will hear intermittent ads.

Meanwhile Spotify premium users can select specific songs in their albums and playlists, but doing things like shuffling settings, queuing up specific songs, and using search can only be done in the Spotify app proper.

The next-generation iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will no longer feature solid-state buttons due to "unresolved technical issues before mass production," according to the latest information shared by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo said iPhone 15 Pro models would be equipped with solid-state buttons back in October. He said two additional Taptic Engines inside the iPhone would provide haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of pressing the buttons, without them physically moving, similar to the Home button on the iPhone 7 or the Force Touch trackpad on newer MacBooks. However, in a Medium post today, he said the devices will have mechanical buttons after all.

"My latest survey indicates that due to unresolved technical issues before mass production, both high-end iPhone 15 Pro models (Pro & Pro Max) will abandon the closely-watched solid-state button design and revert to the traditional physical button design," wrote Kuo. It's unclear if a "traditional" design means there will be two volume buttons or if Apple will still adopt a single, elongated volume button, as was previously rumored.

Kuo said there is still time for Apple to modify the iPhone 15 Pro's design given the device remains in the EVT development stage. He believes the change will have "limited impact" on the mass production schedule and shipments for the Pro models.

The reversal was also reported by tech analysts Jeff Pu and Shelly Chou at Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities. The analysts believe the solid-state button design has been delayed until the iPhone 16 series in 2024.

Kuo said this news is "unfavorable" for Cirrus Logic and AAC Technologies, two key suppliers of Taptic Engine-related components for iPhones.

Apple's AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max headphones regularly receive over-the-air firmware updates that are installed through an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but for those who do not have an Apple device, there is no way to get new firmware on their own.

In an updated AirPods firmware support document, Apple today addressed this situation, recommending those without an Apple device visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to update their firmware. From the support document:

If you don't have an Apple device nearby, you can set up an appointment at an Apple Store or with an Apple Authorized Service Provider to update your firmware.

Visiting a retail location just for firmware is inconvenient, but it stands to reason that most people who own AirPods have an Apple device of some kind. Android users and PC users will not be able to install firmware updates from their devices because Apple does not make any kind of AirPods management app for those platforms. Apple does have a Beats app for Android devices that allows firmware to be updated.

Apple also updated the document to clarify that firmware updates are installed automatically when the AirPods are charging and are within range of an ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or Mac that is connected to WiFi.

New AirPods firmware was released today, with firmware 5E133 bringing bug fixes and other improvements to the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, ‌AirPods Pro‌, ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2, and ‌AirPods Max‌.

With the launch of iOS 16.4, Apple introduced a new beta installation method for those who are enrolled in Apple's Developer Program or who use the public beta testing option.

The changes were exclusive to iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, but now Apple is expanding them to macOS and watchOS with the macOS 13.4 and watchOS 9.5 betas that were released to developers today. Developers and public beta testers enrolled in Apple's respective programs can toggle on beta updates directly from System Settings on the Mac, and the Software Update section in the Watch app on iPhone.

Apple's new beta installation method replaces the profiles that have previously been used for installing both developer and public watchOS and macOS updates. On the developer side, enabling betas now requires an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.

Using a developer profile without an associated developer account is no longer a possibility, so only registered developers will be able to get access to the developer beta going forward. The same goes for the public betas, though access to the public beta program is free and open to anyone, unlike the developer program, which costs $99 per year.

For minor beta updates, the changes won't have a big impact, but when iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS 14 are announced, the ‌Apple ID‌ requirement will prevent those who do not have a developer account from being able to install the developer betas. In past years, non-developers have been able to use shared developer profiles to get early access to new software.

Apple today introduced new 5E133 firmware for the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, the AirPods Max, the original AirPods Pro, and the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 up from the 5B58 and 5B59 firmware updates that were released in November and January.

Apple does not offer immediately available release notes on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods‌, but the company does maintain a support document with release information.

There is no standard way to upgrade the ‌AirPods‌‌ software, but firmware is installed over-the-air while the ‌‌AirPods‌‌ are connected to an iOS device. Putting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ in the case, connecting the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to a power source, and then pairing the ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌ to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.

You can check your ‌‌‌AirPods‌‌ firmware by following these steps:

• Connect your ‌‌AirPods‌‌ to your iOS device.
• Open the Settings app.
• Tap General.
• Tap About.
• Tap ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌.
• Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

If we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll update this article, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes.

Apple is planning two new Apple Watch activity challenges for Earth Day and International Dance Day, which are set to be celebrated on Saturday, April 22 and Saturday, April 29, respectively.

The activity challenges will be displayed as notifications on the Apple Watch in the days leading up to the events. To earn the Earth Day award, Apple Watch owners will need to do a workout that lasts for 30 minutes or more.

Let's get out there and show some love for the planet. On April 22, work out for 30 minutes or more to earn this award. Record it with the Workout app or any app that adds to Health.

On International Dance Day, Apple Watch users can earn an award by completing a Dance workout that lasts for 20 minutes or more.

Get into the groove! Earn this award by recording a Dance workout of 20 minutes or more on International Dance Day, April 29. Record it with the Workout app or any app that adds workouts to Health.

Apple Watch owners who earn the awards will unlock dedicated badges in the Fitness app, plus they will get a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.

The Earth Day and Dance Day challenges follow Apple's March challenge that celebrated International Women's Day.

Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after the launch of the first betas.

Registered developers can opt in to the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to Software Update, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option and toggling on the iOS 16/iPadOS 16 Developer Beta. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta.

iOS 16.5 adds a Sports tab in the Apple News app, making it easier to access sports-focused content. You can choose to follow your favorite teams to get updates on a regular basis. The update also includes a new Siri option for starting a screen recording with a voice command.