Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming one day after the launch of iOS 16.1.
Registered developers can download the iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the beta will be available over the air.
We don't yet know what's included in the betas, but there are a few features that have not yet been implemented. Apple is working on Game Center improvements, including SharePlay integration, and there is an upcoming Freeform app that Apple plans to debut later in the year.
When we learn what's new in the iOS 16.2 beta, we'll update this article.
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 9.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta coming just one day after the launch of watchOS 9.1.
To install the new watchOS 9.2 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Once installed, watchOS 9.2 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 yet know what's included in the watchOS 9.2 update, but watchOS 9.1 brought battery life improvements, Matter support, and various bug fixes.
We'll update this article if anything notable is found in the watchOS 9.2 update.
Though iOS 16 has been available since September, Apple delayed iPadOS 16 in order to add improvements to the Stage Manager feature. iPadOS 16 is finally available, so many iPad owners will be installing it for the first time today.
For those who are new to iPadOS 16, we've rounded up the five best features worth checking out, plus a quick look at some upcoming additions that Apple plans to introduce in the future. Make sure to watch our video up above to see these features in action.
Stage Manager - Stage Manager, a new Mac-like multitasking experience, is the reason iPadOS 16 was delayed. Stage Manager allows you to have four app windows open at once, swapping between them using a sidebar. Stage Manager has been criticized for a subpar, buggy experience, so it remains to be seen how it will be received by the general public. It is available on M1, M2, A12Z, and A12X iPads, though the External Display beta feature has been temporarily removed. Apple plans to re-add it later, but External Display support will be limited to M1 and M2 iPads.
Display Modes - Apple added new reference modes for those who have iPad Pro models and need to use their devices in a professional capacity. Reference mode is designed to allow 12.9-inch iPad Pro users to display reference color in addition to SDR and HDR, while Display Zoom lets you choose options like more space or larger text, in addition to the default view. The options are available under the Display and Brightness section of the Settings app.
Mail Updates - Apple overhauled the Mail app, adding useful features like Undo Send, which gives you up to 30 seconds to change your mind on an email you've sent out. You can also schedule messages and get reminders to follow up on an email you haven't heard back on.
Messages Updates - In the Messages app, you can unsend a message or edit a message, so long as the person you're messaging is also using iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, or macOS Ventura. You can also retrieve deleted messages and mark a conversation as unread, plus the FaceTime SharePlay feature now works in the Messages app so you can watch movies, TV shows, and more while chatting with friends.
Weather App - The iPad has a long-awaited Weather app for the first time. It's identical to the iPhone Weather app, providing 10-day forecasts as well as information on precipitation, air quality, UV index, wind speed, and more.
Freeform (Coming Soon) - Freeform is an app that Apple plans to introduce later this year. It's a collaborative brainstorming app that you can use for jotting down notes, sketching, adding links, inserting documents, adding videos, and more. Multiple people can work on a document together using FaceTime or Messages to communicate.
For more information on everything that's new in iPadOS 16, we have a dedicated iPadOS 16 roundup that outlines every feature.
The iMessage and FaceTime services available across Apple's platforms appear to be experiencing problems at the current time, with some users unable to send messages and make FaceTime calls.
There are a number of tweets about the issue on Twitter, and Apple's System Status page is listing an ongoing outage. The feature is not down for all users as of now, but Apple says that the service is unavailable for some and has been down since 11:48 a.m. Eastern Time.
Update 12:55 p.m Eastern Time: According to Apple's System Status page, the outage has been resolved.
Apple today updated its suite of iWork apps, including Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, with support for new features.
In the latest version of Pages, Keynotes, and Numbers Apple has added support for easily sharing documents with co-workers through Messages and support for new collaboration features in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, including integration with FaceTime.
The latest updates also add support for getting notified when changes are made in a shared document and improved support for Stage Manager on iPadOS 16. All of the new versions are available for customers on the App Store.
Alongside the release of iPadOS 16 on Monday, MacStories editor-in-chief Federico Viticci shared some candid feedback about Stage Manager, a new feature that allows for multiple overlapping windowed apps on the iPad. Viticci expressed his continued disappointment with Stage Manager, criticizing it as an "over-designed" and "poorly tested" feature with a "muddled constellation of missing features, bugs, and confusing interactions."
"Right now, Stage Manager is just another mode that was tacked onto existing iPad apps, disabled by default, slimmed down in scope, and shipped with a plethora of bugs," wrote Viticci. "It's disheartening to see Apple fumble this opportunity so badly."
Viticci shared a long list of bugs, technical issues, and challenges that he experienced while using Stage Manager and that he says are still present in the iPadOS 16 version released to the public this week. For example, he said there are keyboard-related bugs when QuickType predictions are enabled, layout bugs when switching the iPad from portrait to landscape orientation, full-screen app windows resizing incorrectly, and much more.
"There's the seed of a valid idea behind Stage Manager: create a continuum between the Mac and iPad that allows power users to go beyond what iPadOS has offered thus far," he wrote. "But that idea has been paired with the worst technical implementation of multitasking I've seen from Apple in the several years I've been using and writing about the iPad."
Viticci is hopeful that Apple will be open to feedback and continue to iterate on Stage Manager in future iPadOS 16 versions. He also hopes that Apple will release an API for developers next year that will allow apps to better support the multitasking feature.
Stage Manager supports up to four apps on an iPad's built-in screen, while another four apps will be supported on an external display on iPad models with the M1 chip and newer. However, Apple delayed external display support for Stage Manager and said the functionality will return in a software update later this year.
Today we're tracking a set of big sales across various Apple-related accessory brands on Amazon, including Eufy, Nanoleaf, and Beats.
Eufy
Starting with the Anker brand Eufy, you can save big on Eufy Security products this week thanks to a series of deals on Eufy indoor cameras (compatible with HomeKit), outdoor cameras, Wi-Fi doorbells, and smart vacuum cleaners. Some of these deals require you to clip on-page coupons, but otherwise they have all been applied automatically.
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.
You can also save on many Nanoleaf products on Amazon today, ranging from a set of starter kits at up to $50 off to the company's HomeKit-compatible Smart LED Light Bulb and Lightstrip. All of these deals have been automatically applied on Amazon and don't require a coupon code.
Lastly, Amazon is marking down a wide array of Beats headphones today, with the centerpiece deal on the Beats Studio Buds. You can get these accessories for $89.95 in five colors, down from $149.95, which is a new all-time low price on the earbuds.
Otherwise, there are deals on the Beats Fit Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and a few over-ear headphones, all of which you can find in the list below. These deals do not require any coupon codes.
Apple's $550 over-ear AirPods Max headphones are less effective at blocking out outside noise when using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) following their latest firmware update, according to results from a detailed audio test.
A recent update to testing by RTings.com reveals that the AirPods Max ANC "blocks out a bit less noise between the mid-bass to high-bass range" after the 4E71 firmware update, which was released in May. "When it comes to the mid and treble ranges, this firmware update has slightly changed the level of isolation, but it's a relatively minor difference," RTings.com said following its test.
The decrease in ANC effectiveness was highlighted in an article by The Verge last month following months of discussion and complaints from AirPods Max users on Reddit and other discussion forums.
It's unclear why Apple adjusted the ANC performance in the latest update or if it plans to restore ANC effectiveness in a future update. Apple occasionally updates the firmware on AirPods Max and other AirPods models to deploy new features, fix bugs, and tweak performance.
Apple has been providing developers with beta versions of AirPods firmware since WWDC earlier this year, with the most recent beta version having been released earlier this month, but there's no word on whether there are any changes to ANC performance in the update.
The Apple TV may not be the most obvious Apple device to consider upgrading – but with a series of minor upgrades in recent years, when should you consider buying a new one?
In terms of its set-top box offerings, Apple now only sells the Apple TV 4K (third-generation). The company launched its first modern Apple TV that runs tvOS, the Apple TV HD, in 2015. Since then, it has launched three new versions, each adding several new features and improvements over its predecessor, with some models offering more significant upgrades than others.
With a lower, $129 starting price and only one model year to choose from, new Apple TV buyers no longer face the same conundrum as in recent years when Apple offered multiple Apple TVs from different generations. Even so, first-time Apple TV customers may be able to obtain an older model second-hand or from a third-party retailer, so it will be important to weigh up exactly what was added with each new model.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple TV model compared to its direct predecessor:
Apple TV 4K (Third-Generation, 2022)
A15 Bionic chip (3.23 GHz, 6-core), 50 percent faster CPU performance and 30 percent faster GPU performance
4GB memory, 33 percent more
Passive cooling with fanless design
"" logo replaces "tv" logo
Height of 1.2 inches
Weight of 208/214 grams, 50 percent reduction
Support for HDR10+
Gigabit Ethernet port available with 128GB model only
Thread support available with 128GB model only
64GB or 128GB storage
Second-generation Siri Remote (USB-C charging port) included
Apple TV 4K (Second-Generation, 2021)
A12 Bionic chip (2.49 GHz, 6-core)
Support for high-framerate HDR content up to 60 fps
Support for audio output with 7.1.4 surround sound channels with Dolby Atmos
HDMI 2.0a port
Gigabit Ethernet port
First-generation Siri Remote (white ring around Menu button) included
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple A8 chip (1.5 GHz, 2-core)
2GB memory
"tv" logo
Height of 1.4 inches
Weight of 425 grams
Support for up to 1080p resolution
Support for SDR
Support for audio output with 7.1 surround sound channels
HDMI 1.4 port
10/100 Ethernet port
Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth 4.0
32GB or 64GB of storage
First-generation Siri Remote included
Unlike many other Apple devices, the Apple TV offers a lot of specific technical features that not all users can take advantage of due to reliance on the specifications of other connected hardware like TVs and speakers. As such, this should be the main criteria you use to determine if you need to upgrade to a new Apple TV.
In other words, if you do not see features like high-framerate content, improved HDMI port specifications, more advanced HDR formats, and Thread support as worthwhile upgrades, it is unlikely that it will be worth buying a new model. Keen home cinema enthusiasts, audiophiles, and gamers that can use features like Dolby Atmos support, Gigabit Ethernet, and ARC and eARC support stand to benefit more from upgrading.
If you do not have a 4K HDR TV, it is probably that not much will be gained by upgrading to the latest model, but it may still be worth it if you can take advantage of better performance and more storage. If you have the first-generation Apple TV 4K, it will only be worth upgrading if you want features like high framerate HDR, Thread support, and more power for gaming.
Unless you specifically want HDR10+ support or 128GB of storage, there is little reason to upgrade from the second-generation Apple TV 4K to the third-generation Apple TV 4K.
It is important to note that the latest version of the Siri Remote, the second-generation model with a USB-C charging port, is available from Apple separately for $59. It works with all of the above Apple TV models, so the Siri Remote should not be a major factor in deciding to upgrade.
Apple has detailed macOS Ventura's and iOS 16's new Continuity Camera feature in a recently published support document, offering details, instructions, and tips for the feature.
Continuity Camera is a new feature in macOS Ventura that allows users to use an iPhone as a webcam on their Mac. Continuity Camera works wirelessly or wired in FaceTime, Zoom, and other apps. With Continuity Camera, users will get video directly from their iPhone camera, which has significantly better quality than the built-in camera on Macs.
Continuity Camera also allows users to use different effects from their iPhones. For the first time on Mac, for example, users can use the Wide Camera on the iPhone to enable Center Stage. Studio Light, Portrait mode, and Desk View, which simultaneously shows a user's desk and face, are also available.
To attach an iPhone to a MacBook, users can purchase a new Belkin iPhone mount that attaches an iPhone to the top bezel of a MacBook. The mount retails for $29.95 and is available on Apple's online store.
According to the support document, users will need an iPhone running iOS 16 or later and a Mac with macOS Ventura to use Continuity Camera. Additionally, users must be signed into the same Apple ID on both devices with two-factor authentication enabled, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must also be enabled.
Apple this week released iOS 16.1, the first major update to the iOS 16 operating system since its public release, and also released iPadOS 16 to the public. While both updates brought many features to iPhone and iPad users, Apple still has more features planned for 2022.
Below, we've listed five features and new apps for iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 that Apple has promised to release before the end of 2022 through subsequent updates.
iPadOS 16: External Display Support
One of the hallmark features of iPadOS 16 is that the iPad is finally gaining proper support for external displays. The feature is incorporated into Stage Manager, a new multitasking windowing system for select iPad models.
While Stage Manager is available with iPadOS 16.1, released yesterday, external display support is not. Apple delayed external display support until "later this year," so we'll have to wait until possibly iPadOS 16.2 before we see it available.
Gaming Together Over SharePlay
One new feature of SharePlay on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 is that later this year, users will be able to use SharePlay to play games with friends and family over FaceTime. This will work for games with Game Center integration and that support multiplayer. In iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, Apple already expanded SharePlay to be built-in on apps like Messages.
Freeform
A new app coming later this year from Apple is Freeform. Freeform is a productivity app where teams can easily collaborate in a single place with notes, shared files, web links, drawings, documents, photos, videos, and more. Freeform will be available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Emergency SOS Via Satellite
Exclusive to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro and launching in November, users will be able to make emergency SOS texts via satellite on their iPhone. Emergency SOS via satellite will initially only be available in the U.S. and Canada and will be free for users for the first two years. Pricing beyond the first two years has not been made public.
Apple Music Classical
In August 2021, Apple acquired Primephonic, a streaming service that specialized in classical music. In that announcement, Apple said it would release a dedicated Apple Music experience app specifically designed and tailored for classical music in 2022.
With just a few months left before the end of the year, Apple has not yet released the app, but traces of its development have been found in iOS 16 code, hinting we could see its release alongside an upcoming iOS 16 update.
iPhone 15 Pro models will feature an increased 8GB of RAM, a USB-C port, and multiple camera improvements, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce.
In a press release today, TrendForce indicates that the iPhone 15 lineup will again consist of four models and that only the two Pro models will get Apple's latest processor, as was the case with the iPhone 14 lineup. Users can expect the Pro models to be equipped with the A17 Bionic chip, while the standard models would stick with the A16.
TrendForce predicts that the 15 Pro models will be equipped with an increased 8GB of RAM to complement the A17 chip, compared to 6GB for the iPhone 14 Pro models. The standard models will likely continue to have 6GB of RAM.
The switch from Lightning to USB-C has been widely rumored for iPhones as the European Union passed a law requiring such a change earlier this year.
In line with previous reports, the research firm expects the iPhone 15 Pro Max to feature a Telephoto lens with periscope functionality, allowing for 10x optical zoom or higher, compared to the current 3x limitation. The Pro models should have an upgraded Main lens with an "8P" design, which would be one extra optical element for better camera performance.
TrendForce says iPhone 15 models will remain equipped with a Qualcomm modem for 5G because Apple is not yet satisfied with the mmWave performance of its in-house modem. The research firm believes Apple will introduce its own 5G modem in 2024.
Apple will likely announce the iPhone 15 lineup in September 2023.
Apple today called on its suppliers to take new steps to decarbonize and address their greenhouse gas emissions.
In a press release, Apple said that it will evaluate the work of its manufacturing partners on a regular basis to encourage them to decarbonize their Apple-related operations and use 100 percent renewable energy, tracking and auditing progress annually. It added that Apple will specifically partner with suppliers that are "working with urgency and making measurable progress toward decarbonization," and is encouraging manufacturers to address their greenhouse gas emissions beyond their Apple production, offering suppliers a suite of free e-learning resources and live training courses through the Clean Energy Program.
Apple itself has been carbon neutral across its corporate operations since 2020, but has the long term goal of being carbon neutral across its entire global supply chain and the life cycle of every product by 2030. Apple has reduced its emissions by 40 percent since 2015, primarily thanks to improvements in energy efficiency, low-carbon design, carbon neutrality for corporate operations, and transitioning its supply chain to renewable electricity.
More than 200 suppliers representing more than 70 percent of Apple's manufacturing spend have already committed to using renewable energy like wind or solar for all Apple production, including Corning Incorporated, Nitto Denko Corporation, SK hynix, STMicroelectronics, TSMC, and Yuto.
Apple also announced new initiatives designed to help decarbonize the global economy and promote new climate-focused solutions, including investments to construct large-scale solar and wind facilities in Europe, partnerships to support businesses moving to clean energy, and Restore Fund projects to advance natural carbon removal and help carbon removal generate a financial return. For more information about Apple's latest environmental efforts, see the full press release.
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.
Apple today released iOS 16.1 to the public after a little over a month of beta testing, adding essential new features to the iOS 16 operating system and debuting a version of iPadOS 16 for the first time.
iOS 16.1 adds features that were delayed from the iOS 16 update, plus it tweaks some existing capabilities and interface options. We've outlined everything new in iOS 16.1 below.
iCloud Shared Photo Library
Apple delayed iCloud Shared Photo Library in order to work out some of the bugs, but it is available in the iOS 16.1 update. With iCloud Shared Photo Library, a total of six people can share one Photo Library, making it easier to distribute photos among friends and family members.
Everyone who is a member of an iCloud Shared Photo Library can add, edit, favorite, caption, and delete photos, and users can have one personal library and one shared library. There are tools for swapping between two libraries, and choosing to upload photos to the Shared Library directly from the camera, when other library participants are nearby, and more.
iCloud Shared Photo Library is a complicated feature that you may have a lot of questions about, so we have created a dedicated guide that walks you through how to use it.
Live Activities
Lock Screen and Dynamic Island feature Live Activities has launched in iOS 16.1. Live Activities are a new notification type that allow you to follow along with something in real time, like an approaching Uber ride, a flight, a sports game, and more.
There is a Live Activities API available to developers in iOS 16.1, so alongside the launch of the update, developers will be able to add new Live Activities experiences into their apps.
Wallet Key Sharing
Car, hotel room, and other keys that are available in the Wallet app can be shared securely with others through Messages, WhatsApp, and other messaging apps.
Lock Screen/Home Screen Customization
When tapping on the "Customize" interface on the Lock Screen, there's now an option to choose between customizing either the Lock Screen or the Home Screen, rather than just the Lock Screen. This makes it easier to customize the look of the iPhone from one spot without having to go through multiple steps.
Apple Fitness+ on iPhone Without an Apple Watch
Apple Fitness+ is available even if you do not have an Apple Watch to use with both iOS 16.1 and tvOS 16.1. You can start a workout if you are an Apple Fitness+ subscriber, though you will be missing the Apple Watch metrics on the display.
You can subscribe to Apple Fitness+ without a watch after the updates have been installed.
Matter Support
iOS 16.1 adds support for the Matter smart home connectivity standard. Matter allows for interoperability between smart devices from different companies, so HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant devices, for example, can work together.
Clean Energy Charging
iOS 16.1 adds a toggle to enable "Clean Energy Charging" in the Battery section of the Settings app. Clean Energy Charging will try to reduce your carbon footprint by selectively charging when lower carbon emission electricity is available.
Apple says that the iPhone will still reach full charge before you need to use it based on your daily charging routine, and the feature can be toggled off if desired. It appears to be enabled by default when updating to iOS 16.1.
Delete Wallet App
iOS 16.1 adds the option to remove the Wallet app from the iPhone entirely. In iOS 16 and earlier versions of iOS, the app could be removed from the Home Screen, but not deleted. It is now able to be deleted entirely for those who do not want to use Apple Pay or other Wallet features.
The option comes as Apple is facing a lawsuit accusing it of violating antitrust law by making Apple Pay the only available mobile wallet for tap-to-pay payments on iPhone.
Battery Percentage in Status Bar
iOS 16.1 adds battery percentage to the battery icon in the status bar on the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone 13 mini, all iPhones that did not support the feature in iOS 16.
Screenshot UI
When you close the Screenshot editing tool, there is an updated interface in the upper right corner that gives the options to delete a screenshot, copy and delete, or save it. This menu used to be at the bottom of the iPhone, so this new implementation is sleeker and less in your face as it does not take over the bottom of the display.
Battery Status Bar Visual Charge Indicator
Apple in iOS 16 added battery percentage to the battery icon in the status bar on Face ID iPhones, and in iOS 16.1 beta 2, improved the feature to show a visual indication of the charge level.
The battery icon shifts throughout the day as the battery depletes or is charged, making it easier to see charge level at a glance. Prior to the beta, the battery indicator in the status bar showed percent, but the battery level was static and always full, making it sometimes confusing to determine the iPhone's charge with a quick look.
Battery Font
Apple has updated the font that's used for the battery icon, slightly increasing the size.
Lock Screen Charging Indicator
When charging an iPhone, the battery percentage is now displayed above the time both when the iPhone first starts charging and each time that it is woken from sleep during the charging process.
This allows for a clear indication of the charge level when tapping on the iPhone's display without unlocking the device. The always-on display does not show charge level and waking the screen on an iPhone 14 Pro model is required to get the battery level to show up.
Wallpaper Updates
Apple has updated the Wallpaper section of the Settings app to allow users to swap between wallpapers from this interface. The design has also been tweaked, making the options to add new wallpaper more obvious.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Apple is beginning to lay the groundwork for Emergency SOS via Satellite and Find My satellite integration, functionality that is coming to iPhone 14 models starting in November. Code in the update reveals some of the text we can expect to see.
Send your location using a supported iPhone from places where there are no cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
Send your Location via Satellite.
This friend sent you their location via satellite because they have no other network available.
Can send location again after X amount of time.
X hours ago - Last time your location was sent.
You can now text emergency services via satellite on your iPhone.
iPhone can try to use a satellite to text emergency services. When it's safe, exit the vehicle and follow the iPhone instructions.
iPhone is texting emergency services via satellite.
AirPods Pro 2 Volume Touch Control Toggle
The iOS 16.1 beta adds a new feature that allows the touch-based volume control of the AirPods Pro 2 to be disabled.
Preload In-App Content
After you've downloaded an app from the App Store, there is sometimes extra content to download the first time you open it, especially if it's an app that has a large size. With iOS 16.1, there is a toggle to automatically run newly downloaded apps in the background to download content before you first launch them.
The setting is enabled by default and can be found in the Settings app under App Store > In-App Content.
Books App
In the Books app, reader controls are automatically hidden when you begin to read.
Bug Fixes
The iOS 16.1 update includes a number of bug fixes.
Deleted conversations may appear in the conversations list in Messages
Dynamic Island content is not available when using Reachability
Apple's next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will be equipped with "very high-bandwidth, high-speed RAM," according to information shared by MacRumors Forums member Amethyst, who accurately revealed details about the Mac Studio and Studio Display before those products were announced.
The current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with LPDDR5 RAM from Samsung, with the M1 Pro chip providing up to 200 GB/s of memory bandwidth and the M1 Max chip topping out at 400 GB/s. On a speculative basis, it is possible that the next MacBook Pro models could be equipped with Samsung's latest LPDDR5X RAM for up to 33% increased memory bandwidth with up to 20% less power consumption. This would result in up to 300 GB/s memory bandwidth for the M2 Pro and up to 600 GB/s for the M2 Max.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the next MacBook Pros to have few other changes beyond the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. At this point, it seems likely that the laptops will be announced in November at the earliest with press releases on the Apple Newsroom site. Apple has launched new Macs in November multiple times in recent years, including the original 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2019 and the first three Macs with the M1 chip in 2020.
The current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips were released in October 2021 and featured a complete redesign with a notch in the display and additional ports like HDMI, MagSafe, and an SD card reader.
The iOS 16.1 update that was released today introduces support for Live Activities, a new type of lingering Lock Screen notification that lets you track information in real time. Live Activities are visible primarily on the Lock Screen, but if you have an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, they also show up in the Dynamic Island.
Developers are beginning to implement support for Live Activities, and we've rounded up apps that are using the new feature.
Skiing and snowboarding app Slopes is using Live Activities to let users track two customizable stats, along with information about who else is riding at the resort. It also provides a daily timeline of performance. Users can choose stats that include vertical distance, speed, number of runs, time spent on the slope, and more.
Dynamic Island support is included for iPhone 14 Pro users, offering quick access to tools like pause and resume when taking a break.
Flight tracking app Flighty offers Live Activities for keeping an eye on upcoming and in progress flights. The Live Activity implementation shows on the Lock Screen three hours before a flight, offering up necessary information like time until departure, gate, flight status, booking code, seat number, and more.
After takeoff, the app includes an offline progress bar that lets you know how much time is left on a flight. On iPhone 14 Pro models, Dynamic Island integration provides flight information at the top of the iPhone whenever there is a critical update like a delay. The Dynamic Island Live Activity also displays departure countdown and gate number while other apps are in use.
The Live Activity can be used for free on the first flight, but after that, Pro is required. Flighty Pro is priced at $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
Mountaineering app Landscape is using Live Activities on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island to provide real time stats, with a rolling elevation graph so you can keep an eye on your climb. The app shows elevation, total distance, and more.
Time management and focus app Forest shows countdown times on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island so you can see how long you have left on the project that you're working on. Forest is an app where you grow a tree by focusing on a singular task such as studying without otherwise using your device.
Using the Live Activity option requires deep focus mode to be disabled, which is the mode that requires the Forest app to stay open, preventing the use of other apps.
CARROT Weather will show an approaching storm when rain is expected within the next hour. Storm progress can be tracked on the Lock Screen or the Dynamic Island. You will be able to see upcoming precipitation levels over the next 60 minutes.
Designed for photographers and those who like to track the sun, Lumy is an app that lets you know the position of the sun in any location around the world. It offers up information on sunrise, sunset, first light, last light, golden hour, blue hour, moonrise, moonset and more.
With Live Activities and Dynamic Island integration, Lumy users can keep track of any sun event.
Meal planning and recipe app Crouton uses Live Activities and the Dynamic Island to display recipe timers and steps for each recipe so users can follow along with each step without having to open up the app.
Pestle's Live Activity lets you keep an eye on timers when using other apps, plus it shows current recipe steps. It also supports two timers at one time for different dishes being cooked simultaneously.
Reddit app Apollo uses Live Activities to let users follow along with comments on Reddit threads. Reddit users can go to a specific Reddit thread and then choose the "Start Live Activity" option. Apollo will then monitor the thread and show live, recent comments as they come in on the Lock Screen or in the Dynamic Island.
Twitter app Aviary uses the Live Activity feature to allow you to undo a tweet from the Lock Screen or the Dynamic Island. Tweets can be undone for up to 30 minutes after being sent.
Activity tracking app Steps uses Live Activities to allow users to see their workout progress from the Lock Screen and the Dynamic island.
Steps now supports the Dynamic Island and Live Activities! We've added live progress while recording a workout -- it's great for checking in quickly while walking. pic.twitter.com/qGLHn0Cvt1
— Steps - Activity Tracker (@StepsApp) October 23, 2022
Other Apps With Live Activities and Dynamic Island Support
PosturePal - Keeps track of a posture session on the Lock Screen, letting you know if you tilt your neck in a way that will impact back, neck, and shoulder health.
MoneyCoach - Tracks how much you've spent on a specific budget category.
Calzy - Keeps track of a calculation on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island.
SmartGym - Allows users to track the progress of a workout from the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island.
Sticky Timers - Sticky Timers is designed to let you keep track of multiple timers at the same time using the Dynamic Island.
TV Remote - Allows users to access up to four TV remote buttons from the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island.
Subjects - Student planner app Subjects lets users track class schedules, homework, grades, and GPA, and with Dynamic Island integration, it shows the current class and the time remaining.
Cowboy - Electric Bikes Created for Cowboy brand electric bikes, the Cowboy app integrates Live Activities to allow users to see their ride progress in real time.
Grocery - Creates a Lock Screen Live Activity that shows your grocery list or recipe timers.
GPS Tracks - GPS Tracks uses Live Activities for tracking a route that you're on and for navigating to a set waypoint.
Plantry Meal Planner - Plantry supports Live Activities for running timers when cooking.
Marvis Pro - Music app Marvis Pro uses the Dynamic Island and Lock Screen Live Activities for Now Playing and Up Next information for songs. The app integrates with Apple Music.
Live Activity Requirements
To use Live Activities, an iPhone running iOS 16.1 is required. The Dynamic Island component requires an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
iOS 16.1 includes a Clean Energy Charging option that is designed to allow iPhone users to cut down on their carbon footprint. Clean Energy Charging selectively charges when lower carbon emission electricity is available for those who want a greener charging method.
Apple today published a support document on Clean Energy Charging, providing more specific details on how it works, how to disable it when necessary, and which settings need to be active to get it to work.
Clean Energy Charging is limited to the United States, and it requires Location Services, System Customization, and Significant Locations to all be enabled in the System Services section of the Settings app in order to function.
It is on by default, and those who want to turn it off will need to do so by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
When enabled, Clean Energy Charging allows the iPhone to get a forecast of carbon emissions in the nearby energy grid, using that to charge the iPhone during times of cleaner energy production.
Apple says that Clean Energy Charging works with Optimized Battery Charging to learn a user's habits, engaging only when the iPhone is charged for long periods of time, such as at home or work. It does not engage if charging habits are variable or when the user is in a new location, such as when traveling.
When Clean Energy Charging turns charging off, a notification on the Lock Screen provides details when the iPhone will be fully charged, similar to Optimized Battery Charging. Touching and holding on the notification brings up a "Charge Now" option to set the iPhone to charge the iPhone to full.
With the release of iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1, Apple has updated the App Store review guidelines that are provided to developers who create apps for iPhones and iPads.
Apple is now requiring that apps provide the App Review team with full access to an app, with an active demo account or demo mode for apps that include account-based features. The change will make it easier for app reviewers to investigate all of the parameters of an app.
In regard to NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, Apple allows apps to sell NFTs and services related to NFTs, as long as in-app purchases are used. Apps can offer minting, listing, and transferring capabilities, and can use NFTs to unlock in-app content when in-app purchases are used.
Apps can also allow users to view already-owned NFTs, but already-owned NFTs cannot be used to unlock features or functionality within an app as a way to skirt in-app purchases. Apple's full wording is below:
"Apps may use in-app purchase to sell and sell services related to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), such as minting, listing, and transferring. Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features or functionality within the app. Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others, provided that the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase."
Apple says that apps created for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types do not need to use in-app purchases, while also clarifying that digital purchases such as "boosts" within social media apps such as Facebook do indeed need to use the in-app purchase function. From the guidelines:
"Advertising Management Apps: Apps for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers (persons or companies that advertise a product, service, or event) to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types (television, outdoor, websites, apps, etc.) do not need to use in-app purchase. These apps are intended for campaign management purposes and do not display the advertisements themselves. Digital purchases for content that is experienced or consumed in an app, including buying advertisements to display in the same app (such as sales of “boosts” for posts in a social media app) must use in-app purchase."
The updated guidelines also ban any concepts that attempt to capitalize or profit from "recent or current events, such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, and epidemics." With the Matter smart home standard now integrated into iOS, apps that support Matter must use Apple's support framework for Matter to initiate pairing.
Other guideline changes prevent music from iTunes and Apple Music previews from being used for entertainment value, and allow apps to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions so long as the functionality is only offered in countries where the app has appropriate licensing.
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