MacRumors

Apple Maps now offers cycling navigation across all 50 U.S. states, allowing users to receive turn-by-turn directions while riding a bike.

apple maps cycling directions
Apple Maps cycling directions fully covered 49 U.S. states as of July, according to Apple Maps enthusiast Justin O'Beirne, and cycling directions have since become available in Hawaii for complete nationwide coverage.

Apple Maps offers cycling directions along bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly roads as much as possible, complete with details like elevation, how busy a street is, and whether there are stairs along a route. On the Apple Watch, voice guidance and haptic feedback make it easier for users to stay focused on the path ahead.

Apple Maps cycling directions are also available in select other regions, including China, London, Barcelona, Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver.

Apple is playing catch up here with Google Maps, which began rolling out cycling directions in 2010 and now offers the feature in over 30 countries. However, Google Maps is only just now beginning to roll out granular details for cycling directions, like elevation, how busy a street is, and whether there are stairs along a route.

One of the new features coming with macOS Ventura and iOS 16 is Continuity Camera, which is designed to allow an iPhone to be used as a webcam for a Mac. The feature is enabled in the current betas, but it is designed to be used with special mounts being made by third-party companies like Belkin.

continuity camera belkin
Belkin has designed a MagSafe-enabled Continuity Camera mount that allows an ‌iPhone‌ to be set up in an ideal spot on a Mac to be used as webcam, and while the mount is not yet released, several YouTubers have been able to test it out to give us an idea of how it works.

Brian Tong, iJustine, and ZolloTech have prototype versions of the mount, which is deceptively simple. It attaches to the back of the ‌iPhone‌ and a small plastic lip on the back of the mount rests on top of the MacBook in the ideal position.


When the mount is attached properly to a Mac, Continuity Camera is automatically activated, with the Mac swapping over to the ‌iPhone‌'s camera.


With Continuity Camera, there are a number of options to take advantage of, including Center Stage for keeping someone in the frame, Portrait mode for blurring the background, Studio Light for adjusting the lighting, and Desk View, which is a unique feature that uses the Ultra Wide lens to show off your desktop.


Belkin's Continuity Camera accessory will likely be ready for launch alongside the debut of macOS Ventura and iOS 16 in a few months.

Related Forums: iOS 16, macOS Ventura

Now that we're in August, back to school season has arrived for many students. In order to prepare for a return to school, we've collected all of the best back to school sales from Apple-related accessory companies like Brydge, ZAGG, Pad & Quill, and more, as well as plenty of discounts on Apple products like the iPhone 13 at AT&T.

Back To School Deals Feature 2022Note: 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.

ZAGG

ZAGG and Mophie are offering 25 percent in savings this back to school season, with the chance to get discounts on portable batteries, keyboards, cables, and more. This sale doesn't require a coupon code and you can get 25 percent off up to three products, excluding items that have already been discounted.

zagg bts 2

This sale covers a wide range of products, including Mophie's MagSafe-compatible 3-in-1 travel charger, Snap+ PowerStation Stand, and more products including screen protectors, device sanitizers, cases, and keyboards.

Adobe

Adobe Creative Cloud is being marked down by over 60 percent for students and teachers this month, available for $19.99/month, down from $54.99/month. You can also opt for the annual plan at $239.88/year, down from $599.88/year.

adobe bts

This sale is only for the first year of Adobe Creative Cloud, and at the end of that year the subscription will return to the traditional price tag unless you cancel. Eligible students are required to be 13 years or older.

AT&T

AT&T has quite a few back to school promotions happening right now, including the iPhone 13 family of devices for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in this month. This deal is applicable to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro smartphones.

iphone bts

You can also get the iPhone 12 mini for 50 percent off, and there's a BOGO deal on Apple Watch and Apple Watch SE models. Lastly, AT&T is offering up to 25 percent off select Belkin accessories for back to school.

Brydge

You can get up to 40 percent off Brydge keyboards and other accessories this week, including products compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Pro. Brydge's sale prices have been applied automatically and do not require a coupon code, and the retailer offers free shipping on orders shipping to the contiguous United States that reach or exceed $75.

Aukey

Aukey has 30 percent off back to school essentials in its sale this week, including markdowns on USB-C chargers, earphones, portable batteries, keyboards, desks, and more. Aukey's sale will last through August 4 and the company offers free shipping for orders over $25.

aukey bts

Chargers

Audio

Portable Batteries

Belkin

At Belkin you can take 15 percent off select chargers, cables, and routers with the code BTS2022. Belkin's sale includes the company's BOOST CHARGE wireless charging pads, surge protectors, USB-C cables, and MagSafe-compatible car mounts.

Other Sales

  • Adorama - Save on back to school tech and gear.
  • Best Buy - Save on tablets, TVs, monitors, and more.
  • JBL - Save on Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and more.
  • Nomad - Save on iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and more in Nomad's Outlet Sale.
  • Office Depot - Save up to 60% on back to school essentials.
  • OtterBox - Save 20% on gaming gear.
  • Pad & Quill - Save 20% on all leather bags.

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.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

Apple Watch Edition models are beginning to sell out just weeks before the Apple Watch Series 8 lineup is expected to be announced.

apple watch series 7 titanium
Several of the high-end Apple Watch Series 7 models with titanium casings are listed as "currently unavailable" on Apple's online store in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and select other countries. In the United States, availability of 41mm models is most depleted at this time, but a few 45mm models are out of stock too.

Apple Watch Series 8 models are expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 14 in September. In addition to two standard Series 8 models, Apple plans to introduce a "rugged" model with a larger display and a more durable design that would be suitable for hiking and extreme sports, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While the rugged model is said to feature a titanium case, it is unclear if it would be branded as an Apple Watch Edition.

Other rumored features for the Apple Watch Series 8 include the ability to detect if you have a fever and an "S8" chip with the same processor specifications as the S7 chip in the Series 7. For more, check out our Apple Watch Series 8 guide.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

Apple today removed 15 games from Apple Arcade, just over two weeks after it listed the first batch of titles set to leave the subscription service due to developer contract expirations.

apple arcade games leaving soon
On July 18, Apple added a section to the Arcade area of the App Store titled "Leaving Arcade Soon" and listed the games that would be removed, but it did not specify when they would be gone.

That section of the ‌App Store‌ has now been taken down, and the titles that were included in the first batch no longer show up in a casual search of the Store. Games that have gone from ‌‌Apple Arcade‌‌ include Spelldrifter, Projection: First Light, Lifeslide, EarthNight, Cardpocalypse, Dead End Job, and more.

Apple says in a support document that users who downloaded a game before it was removed from ‌Apple Arcade‌ can continue to play the game for "at least two weeks after," suggesting the titles will remain playable until at least August 16 and possibly beyond then.

After such a time, users who launch an ‌Apple Arcade‌ game that is no longer playable will receive a "No Longer Available" message.

Apple says that after a game has been removed from ‌Apple Arcade‌, the developer might choose to make their game available on the ‌App Store‌ for all users, although the game may differ from the version offered on ‌Apple Arcade‌.

If a developer chooses to allow users to load their saved progress in the ‌App Store‌ version of the game, users can continue playing right where they left off in the ‌Apple Arcade‌ version. Otherwise, users must start the game over again.

A source informed MacRumors that when ‌‌Apple Arcade‌‌ first launched, Apple signed three-year deals with a number of developers, and some of these contracts are apparently nearing expiry and not being renewed, which is why the games have been removed.

Amazon has the 41mm GPS Apple Watch Series 7 down to $279.99, from an original price of $399.00. The only color available at this price is the Green Aluminum Case with Clover Sport Band.

apple watch series 7 greenNote: 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.

At $119 off, today's sale on Amazon is a match of the previous all-time low discount that we tracked on this model during Prime Day. Additionally, Amazon has a bonus promotion where you can save 20 percent on Beats Studio Buds or Beats Fit Pro when purchased simultaneously with an Apple Watch.

You can find the Beats promotion next to the "Extra Savings" banner under the price on the Apple Watch Series 7 page, and add both items to your cart to see the sale. 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.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

Apple is dropping its mask requirements for corporate employees at "most locations," according to an internal memo obtained by The Verge.

apple park drone june 2018 2
Apple's COVID-19 Response Team on Monday told corporate employees that the company is updating current protocols "in light of current circumstances," and urged staff to continue wearing a face mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.

Apple also noted in the email that "everyone's personal circumstances are different" and reminded corporate employees to respect every individual's decision to wear a mask or not.

Apple has been shifting its operating policies throughout the pandemic to keep in line with local regulations and to mitigate risk for employees and customers in areas where COVID is spiking.

For example, Apple in March relaxed its mask requirements for its retail employees in the United States due to a decline in Covid-19 cases and a relaxation of local mandates.

The latest move however comes amid a fresh wave of infections in California that were first identified in the Bay Area, due to the highly-contagious Omicron BA.5 subvariant.


Apple is still operating a hybrid home/office work policy for corporate employees in the United States. Staff began returning to their offices on April 11 for one day a week, ending a two-year work from home policy that Apple implemented during the pandemic.

Apple originally planned to have staff in the office for three days of the week by May 23, but the company reversed the decision after a surge in infections, and a two-day requirement was imposed on May 4.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Spotify is separating its play and shuffle buttons for paying subscribers, the streaming service has announced.

spotify play shuffle
Currently, the Spotify interface uses a combined play and shuffle button at the top of playlists and artist pages, so the change should make things simpler for Premium customers who prefer to listen to songs in the order they are listed.

Writing in a blog post, the company said the individual play and shuffle buttons would be rolling out on iOS and Android devices for Spotify subscribers worldwide over the coming weeks.

This new change will allow you to choose the mode you prefer at the top of playlists and albums and listen the way you want to. Whether you love the joy of the unexpected with Shuffle mode, or prefer listening to tunes in order by simply pressing Play, Spotify has you covered.

Spotify has received criticism in the past for its penchant for shuffling tracks, not just from users, but also artists frustrated that their albums are not being experienced in their proper running order.

Following the release of "30" by Adele last November, the singer thanked Spotify for removing the shuffle button as the default option when playing albums. Artists "don't create albums with so much care and thought into our track listing for no reason," she tweeted. "Thank you Spotify for listening."

Tag: Spotify

Apple has admitted that customers using the Studio Display may experience audio-related issues, including sound unexpectedly and abruptly cutting out, audio playing at a high speed, distorted audio quality, and choppy playback.

apple studio display blue
In a memo to authorized service providers, obtained by MacRumors, Apple acknowledges that customers may find themselves facing speaker issues with the company's $1599 display. Apple says that customers facing issues should unplug the Studio Display from power, unplug any accessories or devices connected to the display, wait ten seconds, then reconnect the Studio Display to power. Apple explicitly notes this is not a hardware problem and implies that a future iOS update may address the issues.

Apple has heavily boasted about the audio, mic, and camera built into the Studio Display. Apple says the speaker system is the "highest‑fidelity speaker system ever created for Mac" and has touted the controversial 12MP built-in camera with Center Stage and the six-speaker array system.

Customers have been reporting both microphone and speaker-related issues with their Studio Display over the last several months, but reports have become more frequent in recent weeks. Michael Tsai this week chronicled some testimonies from customers facing issues, with one customer writing:

The audio on my Studio Display fails intermittently. The only way I can get it to work again is to unplug the display overnight. That resets the display and resolves the problem temporarily. Until the next time. This is simply unacceptable for a $1600 monitor, and Apple should be ashamed of the poor quality control.

Based on the number of customer reports, audio-related issues with the Studio Display do appear to be relatively widespread. Hundreds of customers have taken to Twitter, the Apple Support (1,2,3,4,5) and MacRumors forums (1,2,3) looking for a permanent solution.








The Studio Display runs iOS and can receive software updates that address problems like this. Apple has attempted to address poor webcam quality with the Studio Display through a software update with mixed results. It seems the company will follow a similar route with audio-related issues. Today's memo offers no timeframe on when a permanent solution may arrive, but in the meantime customers are advised to ensure their display is updated to the latest firmware.

Related Forum: Mac Accessories

Eve Systems today announced the launch of a redesigned version of the Eve Aqua, a HomeKit-enabled smart home device designed to automate irrigation systems and convert standard outdoor faucets into smart water outlets.

eve aqua
The Eve Aqua water controller is able to automatically activate an irrigation system using the Home app on the iPhone, the Eve app, Siri voice commands, or a physical button on the device itself.

The third-generation Eve Aqua includes Thread support for improved reliability and reach when used with other Thread-compatible devices. It activates and shuts off automatically, with no internet connection, bridge, or gateway required for functionality, and it runs off of 2 AA batteries.

Eve Systems says that the new Eve Aqua has been redesigned with a sleeker look that features a space gray body and matte black front, along with a brass faucet connector and magnetic valve for improved durability, leak protection, and quieter operation.

The new Eve Aqua is available today for $149.95 from the Eve website.

As expected, Apple today updated its vintage products list with eight more MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models released in 2015 and 2016.

Touch Bar 13 Inch MacBook Pro
Notably, the first MacBook Pro models with the Touch Bar are now classified as vintage. Apple introduced the Touch Bar in October 2016 as part of a complete redesign of the MacBook Pro. Apple has since removed the Touch Bar from higher-end MacBook Pro models, but it is still available on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip.

The full list of Macs that became vintage at the end of July:

  • MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
  • iMac (27-inch, Retina 5K, Late 2015)

9.7-inch iPad Pro models released in 2016 are now vintage as well.

A device becomes vintage once five years have passed since Apple last distributed the device for sale. Vintage products are typically ineligible for repairs at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, unless spare parts remain available.

Rumors suggest that the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro models are going to feature always-on display technology similar to the Apple Watch, and hints of what that always-on display might look like could be in the latest Xcode 14 beta.

xcode 14 always on iphone 14 pro
As noted on Twitter by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, the Xcode 14 beta features an interesting Lock Screen interface that eliminates detail from an on-screen widget as the screen wakes. The animation indicates that the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models could remove intricate details from widgets and other Lock Screen content when the iPhone is locked and the always-on display is active.


iOS developer @rhogelleim also noted signs of a black and white version of a widget that is typically in color in the Xcode 14 beta that could be related to the always-on display.

The most recent iOS 16 beta also features hints of a "Sleep" state for wallpapers, offering further information on how the always-on display will work. "Sleep" versions of wallpapers are darker, fading out bright colors, which would perhaps preserve battery life when used with an always-on display.

Always-on display functionality is rumored to be limited to the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro Max as these devices will have the necessary display technology. Rumors indicate the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro and Pro Max will feature refresh rates that vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, an improvement over the 10Hz to 120Hz refresh rates available with the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro devices.

The 1Hz refresh rate will allow for the time, widgets, and perhaps notifications to be visible while the ‌iPhone‌ is in a sleep state. Apple's ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro and Pro Max models are also rumored to be getting a no-notch design that instead uses pill-shaped and hole-punch cutouts for Face ID and camera hardware, improved rear cameras, and A16 chips, with full details available in our dedicated iPhone 14 Pro roundup.

Related Forums: iOS 16, iPhone

Samsung today shared the official trailer video for its upcoming "Unpacked" event that will see the debut of the next-generation foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4.


The Unpacked event is set to take place on Wednesday, August 10 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and Samsung is already taking reservations for the as-of-yet unannounced smartphones. "Find out how the next Galaxy is greater than phones now, and get ready to unfold your world of greater experiences at Samsung Unpacked," reads the tagline for the event teasing the new devices.

Rumors suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will have an updated design with a single hinge design instead of the double hinges of the prior-generation Samsung foldable phones. The new hinge will be smaller for a thinner and lighter design, and the smartphone will continue to fold like a book.

galaxy z fold 3
The Z Fold 4 is expected to continue to feature a 7.6-inch interior display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it could have an under-display fingerprint sensor instead of a fingerprint sensor at the right side of the device. Upgraded cameras are coming, including a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The Galaxy Fold 3 was priced at $1,800, and display analyst Ross Young says that the Fold 4 could get a small price cut.

samsung z fold 3 front
As for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, it will continue to feature a 6.7-inch display that folds out vertically, but according to Young, it will have a larger 2-inch cover display. Not much else is known about the Z Flip 4, but camera improvements are possible, as are battery life improvements and new color options. Both new smartphones are expected to run the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus chips.

galaxyzflip5
Samsung has been making foldable devices since the 2019 introduction of the Galaxy Fold, and the company has several years of experience with various design improvements and iterations.

Apple has yet to debut a foldable iPhone, though rumors suggest there are prototypes in the works. Right now, work is said to be in the early stages, and Apple has considered several foldable screen sizes, including one that unfolds to a size similar to the 6.7-inch ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max and others in the eight to nine inch range.

Rumors about Apple's foldable design have been all over the place, with some suggesting an invisible hinge and others pointing toward a two-display design with a visible hinge. There's also been a rumor of a foldable ‌iPhone‌ with a clamshell design similar to the Galaxy Z Flip. Multiple sources indicate that 2025 is the earliest that we might see a foldable ‌iPhone‌, so there's plenty of time for Apple's plans to change and evolve.

For more on what we know about a possible foldable ‌iPhone‌, check out our dedicated foldable iPhone guide. Apple is also rumored to be working on a larger-screened foldable iPad.

Tag: Samsung

Sonos in June launched the Sonos Ray, a compact, affordable soundbar that pairs well with an Apple TV-powered home setup because of its AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration. We picked up a Sonos Ray to give MacRumors readers an idea of how it works and whether it's worth the $279.


The Sonos Ray is smaller than other Sonos soundbars, measuring in at about 22 inches long, so it's ideal for smaller spaces and smaller entertainment setups. Like most Sonos products, it's sleek and blends well into surrounding decor, and it looks a lot like the Sonos Beam.

There are easy access touch controls at the top, along with power, ethernet, and optical audio ports at the back. Just as a quick note, if you happen to have a remote that doesn't support IR, you might not want to pick up the Sonos Ray as some of these remotes are not compatible due to the optical audio port and you'll need to manually adjust volume. This won't impact most people, as most remotes (including the Apple TV remote) work with the Sonos Ray.

If you need more audio output than what the Ray provides, it does play well with other Sonos speakers and subwoofers, but even on its own, the sound quality is impressive. You won't get Dolby Atmos at this price point, but the sound is solid despite the small form factor, and it easily beats out TV speakers. There are four Class-D digital amplifiers, two tweeters, two high-efficiency midwoofers, and a built-in bass reflex system, plus it features adjustable EQ and Sonos' TruePlay feature for tuning sound to the room the Ray is located in.

With ‌AirPlay‌ 2 and ‌HomeKit‌ integration, the Sonos Ray pairs with HomeKit-enabled products and speakers, plus it can be controlled and adjusted through the Home app and Siri commands. ‌AirPlay‌ integration makes it easy to ‌AirPlay‌ audio directly to the Ray if needed, and it is all in all a good choice for those who need a soundbar for a smaller space.

Tag: Sonos

Apple today shared a new video that's aimed at Android users who are considering a switch over to an iPhone. The video walks through common questions that switchers might have, including transferring contacts, photos, and messages, trade-ins, long-term updates, and more.


It also covers the durability of the ‌iPhone‌ such as water resistance, battery life, reliability of the iOS operating system, security, and privacy protections for personal data.

Apple's four-minute video on switching to an ‌iPhone‌ is basically a condensed version of its dedicated "Switch to iPhone" website that walks through everything smartphone users need to know about upgrading to an ‌iPhone‌. Apple also maintains a dedicated "Move to iOS" Android app that makes it easy to transfer data.

Intel is planning to install its next-generation Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) technology in devices by 2024, ETNews reports.

netgear nighthawk raxe300
Wi-Fi 7 is the successor to Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), bringing two times faster data processing speeds of 5.8 Gbps and more stable 6 GHz bandwidth stability, as well as support for up to 36 Gbps when working with data. Intel plans to expand its Wi-Fi 7 development efforts ahead of its introduction to the market in 2024 and intends to apply its technology predominantly in laptops before expanding to other devices.

"We are currently developing Intel's Wi-Fi '802.11be' in order to obtain the 'Wi-Fi Alliance' certification, and it will be installed in PC products such as laptops by 2024. We expect it to appear in major markets in 2025," Eric McLaughlin, vice president of Intel's wireless solutions division, said at a recent press conference in Asia.

"Wi-Fi 7 almost doubles the frequency bandwidth of 802.11ax (170 MHz) to 320 MHz and doubles the speed of Wi-Fi. Since there is more than a year left before the release of 802.11be, there is still a chance that we could improve the processing speed even further," he added.

Meanwhile, Apple is on the cusp of transitioning its devices to Wi-Fi 6E. While it was heavily rumored to debut with the iPhone 13 lineup last year, Apple has yet to release any devices with support for Wi-Fi 6E. That is expected to change this year starting with the iPhone 14.

Apple's long-rumored mixed-reality headset is also expected to feature Wi-Fi 6E. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that head-mounted display devices in 2022, 2023, and 2024 will offer Wi-Fi 6/6E, Wi-Fi 6E/7, and Wi-Fi 7, respectively, but it is unclear if this information was related to Apple's product roadmap specifically.

Wi-Fi 6E offers the features and capabilities of Wi-Fi 6, including higher performance, lower latency, and faster data rates, extended into the 6 GHz band for processing speeds of 2.4 Gbps. The additional spectrum provides more airspace beyond existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, resulting in increased bandwidth and less interference.

Last year, the FCC adopted rules that make 1,200 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band available for unlicensed use in the United States, paving the way for the introduction of new devices with Wi-Fi 6E support.

Along with Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and MediaTek are also preparing to release Wi-Fi 7-based products.

Apple's 64GB Wi-Fi iPad has returned to its all-time low price of $299.00 on Amazon this week, down from $329.00. Both the Silver and Space Gray colors are in stock at this price, with delivery estimates set for as soon as August 3.

yellow ipadNote: 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.

This is a match of the record low price we previously tracked on the 10.2-inch iPad, and right now only Amazon has the sale. You can also get the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad on sale, available for $429.00, down from $479.00.

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.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

The standard iPhone 14 models will still have better performance than the iPhone 13, despite containing the same A15 Bionic chip, according to leaker "ShrimpApplePro."

iPhone 14 vs 14 Pro Feature
In March, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that only the iPhone 14 Pro models will feature the A16 chip, with the standard ‌iPhone 14‌ and ‌iPhone 14‌ Max models to be equipped with the A15 chip like the ‌iPhone‌ 13. In an April edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman agreed that standard ‌iPhone 14‌ models are "likely to stick to the A15 from last year or a variant of it." The rumor has since been echoed by other sources like Taiwanese research firm TrendForce.

This differs from Apple's strategy to date of equipping all of the latest iPhones with the same chip. For example, the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini, ‌iPhone‌ 13, ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro, and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max are all equipped with the A15 chip.

Despite retaining "some old hardware," the non-Pro ‌iPhone 14‌ models will "still have some overall performance boost over the ‌iPhone‌ 13 series," ShrimpApplePro said in a tweet. This is reportedly due to a new cellular modem and a new internal design, among other changes.

These other improvements could include more memory, with the all of the ‌iPhone 14‌ models expected to feature 6GB of memory, 2GB more than the iPhone 13. The ‌iPhone 14‌'s new, more efficient modem is expected to be physically smaller, use less power, and offer a high level of performance. As such, ShrimpApplePro's claim that the ‌iPhone 14‌ will still offer performance improvements seems likely.

Earlier this year, Gurman said that "beyond trying to make the Pro stand out," ongoing chip shortages may have contributed to Apple's decision to limit its upcoming chip to the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models.

Related Roundup: iPhone 14
Related Forum: iPhone