Apple today released new firmware designed for the second-generation AirPods Pro, which means the new AirPods will have a day one firmware update available at launch. The 5A377 firmware is now available for new AirPods Pro owners, up from the 5A374 firmware they ship with.
Apple has not provided information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods, so we don't know what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.
There is no standard way to upgrade the AirPods software, but firmware is generally 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 or AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."
If we learn about any notable changes in the firmware update, we'll share details, but the software likely offers performance improvements and minor bug fixes.
Apple today released watchOS 9.0.1, a minor update to the watchOS 9 operating system that debuted in September. watchOS 9.0.1 is available for the Apple Watch Ultra, and it will be a day one update for those who are receiving an Apple Watch Ultra tomorrow.
Apple Watch Ultra owners can download the update by opening up the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.
According to Apple's release notes, the update addresses an issue that could cause audio to be distorted during phone calls when using the speakers.
Customers who preordered the Apple Watch Ultra on launch day will be receiving their orders tomorrow, and Apple retail stores will also likely have stock available.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature a more repair-friendly design with a removable back glass panel, allowing customers to more easily make aftermarket modifications to the device. Already, someone has modded an iPhone 14 with a transparent back glass panel that reveals various components inside the device.
The transparent back glass reveals the battery, wireless charging coil, logic board, Taptic Engine, internal side of the Lightning connector, and more. The modded iPhone 14 even has a custom rear camera housing with a frosted finish.
The photo of the modded iPhone 14 was shared today by a fewTwitter accounts, but we have yet to pinpoint the original source.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are the first models with easily removable back glass since the iPhone 4S. It is likely that many colorful and transparent back glass panels will emerge for hobbyists over time, just like in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S days. Back in 2011, someone even modded the iPhone 4 to feature a glowing Apple logo on the back.
One potential obstacle to aftermarket mods is that Apple requires technicians to complete "System Configuration" after replacing the back glass on iPhone 14 models, according to internal documentation obtained by MacRumors. It's not clear yet what happens if this software calibration process is avoided — possibilities could range from a simple non-genuine part warning in iOS to functionality like wireless charging being impacted.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max do not feature a removable back glass panel.
A copycat version of the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island has arrived on Android's Google Play Store in the form of an app called "dynamicSpot."
The app, still in beta, offers customers several different experiences at the top of their smartphones. In its current form, dynamicSpot offers playback control for songs, timers, battery status, and more features coming soon, according to the app's description. dynamicSpot also offers customization features not available on Apple's Dynamic Island.
With dynamicSpot you can easily get the iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island feature on your device! dynamicSpot gives you Dynamic Island mini multitasking feature, making it easier to access recent notifications or phone status changes. Just tap on the little black popup to open the displayed app, long press the popup to expand it and view more details. iPhone's Dynamic Island is not customizable, but dynamicSpot is! You can change interaction settings, select when to show or hide the popup or which apps should appear.
iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island
Instead of leaving the pill-shaped area at the top of the display unused, Apple decided to create new experiences for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max users. Dynamic Island displays various types of information and controls to users, including Now Playing, timers, and other system-wide alerts such as AirPods connecting. Chinese smartphone maker realme indirectly called Apple's Dynamic Island "quite appealing" as it looks to crowdsource ideas to replicate it.
We're tracking quite a few discounts across Apple's 2021 MacBook Pro lineup, with up to $399 off both 14-inch and 16-inch models. All of the deals below can be found on Amazon, and many of them require you to head to the checkout screen before you will see the discounted price.
14-inch MacBook Pro
For the 14-inch MacBook Pro, only the 10-core M1 Pro/1TB SSD model is on sale at $2,099.99, down from $2,499.00. This is the best price we've ever tracked on this model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
This time around, Amazon does have a checkout coupon for these MacBook Pro sales. This means that you won't see the sale price until you add the notebook to your cart, then head to the checkout screen. There, you'll get an automatic discount worth $99.01 applied to the order.
16-inch MacBook Pro
Secondly, you can get the 10-Core M1 Pro/512GB 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,099.99, down from $2,499.00. This one is available in Space Gray and Silver, and you won't see the deal price until you head to the checkout screen.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
On the higher end, the 10-Core M1 Pro/1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro is on sale for $2,299.99, down from $2,699.00. This is another record low price on the 2021 MacBook Pro, and it's available in Silver and Space Gray.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
If you're looking for an M1 Max model, Amazon is offering a discount on the 10-Core M1 Max/1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro. You can get this model for $3,099.00, down from $3,499.00. Both colors are on sale at this price (Silver requires you to head to checkout to see the price), and this is another all-time low price for the MacBook Pro.
You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.
Apple is reportedly scaling back production of the new iPhone 14 due to seemingly low demand for the latest iPhone, which features the same design as last year's iPhone and a one-year-old chip.
According to supply chain employees who spoke to ITHome, Foxconn, who is Apple's largest supplier, has been instructed to dismantle at least five production lines that were previously making the iPhone 14 in Zhengzhou, China. Based on the report, it's unclear if this includes just the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 or also the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus.
The new revelation comes after Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said this week that Apple is ramping up production for the iPhone 14 Pro, which has seen high demand. Kuo added that Apple is moving production resources away from the iPhone 14 and into the iPhone 14 Pro to keep up.
On Apple's website, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in several configurations remain estimated to be shipped out in weeks, while the iPhone 14 remains available with no delay. The iPhone 14 Plus, arriving to customers on Friday, October 7, faces no delay on Apple's website.
Compared to the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 features the same design and display but is powered by the same chip as the iPhone 13 Pro and has newer camera features. The 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus is a larger version with a bigger battery, replacing the previous "mini" size from the iPhone 12 and 13 lineups.
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores on Friday, September 23. In advance, the first reviews of the wireless headphones have now been shared by select media publications and YouTube channels.
Priced at $249, the second-generation AirPods Pro feature improved audio quality, longer battery life, and up to 2x as much noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro. They also feature swipe-based volume control, an improved built-in skin-detect sensor that more accurately turns on or off audio playback, and a new XS ear tip option.
The new AirPods Pro come with an updated charging case with a built-in speaker and U1 chip for Find My support with Precision Finding, an opening to attach a lanyard for carrying convenience, and IPX4-rated water and sweat resistance. In addition to Lightning and MagSafe, the case can now be charged with an Apple Watch charger.
We have rounded up both written and video reviews of the new AirPods Pro below.
Written Reviews
The Verge's Chris Welch said there are "substantial" improvements to active noise cancellation:
But Apple has made substantial gains with its active noise cancellation. The company says, on average, the new implementation is “up to” two times as effective as the original AirPods Pro. And while I lack any scientific measurement tools, that claim doesn't seem unrealistic. At our office, I recently moved desks and now sit near an air vent that emits a persistent whir. The original AirPods Pro leave a trace of that in noise-canceling mode, but it's completely hushed and imperceptible with the second-gen pair. I can still hear chatting co-workers if they walk directly next to my desk, but at most times, the AirPods Pro grant me plenty of serenity. I've also observed legitimate improvements when commuting on the subway, and less overall street noise makes its way through when traversing Brooklyn day to day.
Welch also noticed improved sound quality overall:
Let's dig right into sound quality. Apple completely redesigned the amplifier and driver in the AirPods Pro, and while those drivers are the same 11-millimeter size as what's in the third-gen AirPods, they sound superior and deliver the cleanest, most dynamic output of any AirPods to date.
During my tests, I managed six hours and fifteen minutes of use with a mix of noise cancellation, transparency mode and calls. That's more than the previous generation (4.5 hours) and it's on par with most of the competition these days. Sure, some companies offer 10-plus hours on a charge, but the average is around five to seven for the noise-canceling products I've tested. More battery life would always be nice, but the six or seven hours Apple musters is enough to get you through the workday if you take a short break.
Gizmodo's Andrew Liszewski said the new swipe-based volume control feature is a welcomed upgrade, but can be "a little finicky" on occasion:
It's a welcome upgrade, but unfortunately one that I found a little finicky to make work. It occasionally required a couple of swipes before anything happened.
As someone who generally hates having to touch my earbuds while I'm wearing them (it inevitably dislodges them a little) I will probably continue to stick to using Siri voice commands for volume adjustments or track skipping (the one thing Siri does very well).
MobileSyrup's Patrick O'Rourke said swipe-based volume control is his favorite new AirPods Pro feature, providing for a more convenient listening experience:
In my experience, the new AirPods Pro volume touch controls are extremely responsive and work with subtle changes. If you, for example, only want to lower or raise the volume by a notch or two, you can do that with a brief swipe. The controls are also marked with a slight clicking noise, indicating they're active and working. I didn't run into any accidental presses during my several days with the AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen), even while long-pressing on the stem to toggle Active Noise Cancellation on/off or double-pressing to jump between songs.
On-device touch volume controls are by far my favourite new AirPods Pro feature. The convenience and ease of use of shifting volume levels directly on the AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen) without the need to take out my iPhone, really can't be understated.
O'Rourke added that iOS 16's Personalized Spatial Audio feature is not very noticeable:
In theory, I like the idea of audio being tuned specifically to the shape of your ear, but in practice, it doesn't make much of a difference. It's also worth noting that while I really like Spatial Audio when watching movies or TV shows on platforms like Apple TV+, I find it hit or miss with music, especially when a track wasn't originally recorded with the technology in mind and has been remastered.
WIRED's Parker Hall said the charging case's new built-in speaker "rings quite loudly" to assist with Find My location tracking, but he wishes the case had a USB-C port for wired charging instead of the usual Lightning connector:
Need to find the case via Apple's Find My app? Now you can, and it rings quite loudly. It also makes a little jingle when it starts charging. Speaking of, you can wireless charge as usual (the case supports MagSafe too), but it's a shame to see Apple still relying on the Lightning port instead of USB-C.
Meta is facing a new proposed class action lawsuit that accuses it of tracking and collecting the personal data of iPhone users, despite features and policies made by Apple which are meant to stop that same type of tracking.
In August, it was revealed that with the Facebook and Instagram apps, Meta can track all of a user's key taps, keyboard inputs, and more, when using the in-app browser. When a user clicks on a link on Instagram, for example, Meta can monitor their interactions, text selections, and even text input, such as passwords and private credit card details within that website.
This practice of tracking users is a direct violation of Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy, which requires apps to ask for user consent before tracking them across apps and websites owned by other companies.
Filed on Wednesday in San Francisco federal court, a new lawsuit accuses Meta of this violation, as reported by Bloomberg Law. The proposed class action lawsuit accuses Meta of violating Apple's ATT framework and state and federal laws by collecting user data without user consent within its Facebook and Instagram apps.
In most apps on the iPhone, developers use Apple's Safari to open links within their apps. Meta, however, has developed a custom-made in-app browser based on Apple's WebKit framework for Instagram and Facebook. Meta's browser allows it to inject a tracking JavaScript code named "Meta Pixel" into all links and websites shown.
The lawsuit accuses Meta of using the in-app browser on Facebook and Instagram as a way to circumvent rules enforced by Apple to prevent unwanted tracking of users. "This allows Meta to intercept, monitor, and record its users' interactions and communications with third parties, providing data to Meta that it aggregates, analyzes, and uses to boost its advertising revenue," the lawsuit says, according to Bloomberg Law.
Since its introduction in June 2021, Meta has been a vocal opposer of Apple's ATT policy, claiming it would hurt small businesses that rely on personalized ads.
Meta claimed in a full-page newspaper ad that Apple was hurting the ability of small businesses to grow, since if users opt-out of tracking, they're less likely to see ads personalized and recommended for them. Apple's ATT framework has had an impact on Meta's business as it's expected to lose $10 billion in revenue this year alone.
Update: A Meta spokesperson has provided MacRumors with the following statement:
These allegations are without merit and we will defend ourselves vigorously. We have designed our in-app browser to respect users' privacy choices, including how data may be used for ads.
At its "Far out" event in 2022, Apple announced the second-generation Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8. The Apple Watch SE is a low-cost option that still offers many of the Apple Watch features that have made the device so popular over the years, while the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a more feature-rich experience with additional health monitoring capabilities.
Both the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8 feature the S8 chip, Crash Detection, water resistance, an optical heart sensor, up to 18 hours of battery life, and more, but there are significant differences between the two devices.
The aluminum Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch SE is much more competitively priced at just $249. So what exactly do you get by spending the additional $150 and is it worth it? Our comparison helps to answer the question of which of these two Apple Watch models is best for you.
Key Differences
Apple Watch SE (second-generation)
Apple Watch Series 8
Aluminum casing
Aluminum or stainless steel casing
Ion-X glass front
Ion-X glass (aluminum) or sapphire crystal (stainless steel) front
Color-matched nylon composite back case
Ceramic back case
44mm or 40mm case size
45mm or 41 mm case size with edge-to-edge display (nearly 20% more display area than Apple Watch SE)
Retina display
Always-On Retina display
324 by 394 pixels with 759 sq mm display area (40mm) and 368 by 448 pixels with 977 sq mm display area (44mm)
352 by 430 pixels with 904 sq mm display area (41mm) or 396 by 484 pixels with 1143 sq mm display area (45mm)
Second-generation optical heart sensor
Third-generation optical heart sensor
–
Blood oxygen sensor and Blood Oxygen app
–
Electrical heart sensor and ECG app
–
Temperature sensing
Cycle tracking
Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
–
U1 chip
–
Fast charging
Available in Midnight, Starlight, and Silver
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and PRODUCT(RED) (aluminum) or Silver, Graphite, or Gold (stainless steel)
Starts at $249
Starts at $399 (aluminum) or $699 (stainless steel)
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a minor improvement over the previous Series 7 model, offering Crash Detection and body temperature sensing. Yet compared to the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a considerably more feature-rich device with advanced capabilities.
With its larger display, advanced health monitoring features, and range of colors and finishes, the Apple Watch Series 8 will be the model of choice for those who want more out of their smartwatch. If you feel that the always-on display, additional health monitoring features, or fast charging would be particularly useful to you, or simply like a specific casing and color combination not available with the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 8 will be the best model for you.
If you are on a budget and are not particularly attracted to the additional features of the Series 8, the Apple Watch SE is still a very compelling option. As it shares so many features with the Apple Watch Series 8, in most cases you should probably choose the more inexpensive model, unless you particularly value features such as the larger, always-on display or advanced health monitoring and can justify the added cost.
The Apple Watch SE is an ideal device for children and senior citizens who do not have an iPhone thanks to Family Setup, but it is also the go-to model for most customers who are new to the Apple Watch and those who are upgrading from a Series 3 or older due to its competitive pricing and generous feature set, allowing users to get an unconstrained Apple Watch experience at a low cost.
Apple will move 25% of its entire iPhone production line to India by 2025 as it looks to diversify its supply chain, JP Morgan analysts said (via Reuters).
Apple currently produces some iPhone models in India, including the iPhone 13 and soon the iPhone 14. Apple's supply chain remains highly concentrated in China, but the company has made efforts to move suppliers and production lines elsewhere.
JP Morgan analysts believe that by late 2022, 5% of iPhone 14 production will be moved to India, with a significant shift taking place three years later. In addition to moving 25% of iPhone production to India by 2025, the analysts expect Apple to move 25% of other product lines outside of China, including AirPods, Mac, Apple Watch, and iPad.
Apple suppliers, including Foxconn, have invested heavily in India with supply chain infrastructure, factories, and training, for the last several years. Apple is expected to begin production of iPhone 14 models in India in the coming weeks, but the company's high priority on secrecy has reportedly complicated plans.
With millions of devices shipping out to customers with every Apple launch, there's occasionally someone who gets lucky and gets a new product ahead of schedule. This time around, Redditor playalisticadillac received an Apple Watch Ultra from AT&T two days before the official debut, sharing some images on the social media site.
The images include an unboxing and comparisons to the prior-generation 45mm Apple Watch, and while we've seen the device in reviews, it's always nice to hear from an actual consumer. Answering questions on Reddit, playalisticadillac says that the watch is not as large as expected on a smaller wrist, and that it pairs well with the Milanese Loop band.
There's not much else to be gleaned from the device's early arrival, but additional information about the Apple Watch Ultra can be found in the media reviews that went live this morning.
The Apple Watch Ultra is set to launch on Friday, September 23. At 49mm, it is the largest Apple Watch that Apple has released to date, and it is the first Apple Watch to feature notable design changes. Created for explorers and adventurers, it has a more rugged build that is better able to hold up to extreme conditions, water sports, and other activities.
An issue preventing the GPS from working properly on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max for many users on the first iOS 16.1 beta has been fixed in the second beta. Updating to the latest beta will restore location accuracy on the device.
Like the Apple Watch Ultra, both iPhone 14 Pro models feature dual-frequency GPS support. This means the iPhones can receive signals from GPS satellites operating on both the legacy L1 frequency and the higher-power L5 frequency, which can better travel through obstacles like buildings and trees. A combination of the two signals should lead to improved location accuracy in mapping apps and other apps that rely on location.
Apple says iOS 16.1 will be released later this year. The update will enable Live Activities support in third-party apps, introduce a new Clean Energy Charging feature in the United States, add support for Matter accessories in the Home app, make Apple Fitness+ available to iPhone users without an Apple Watch, and more.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.
Safari Technology Preview release 154 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Web Inspector, CSS, JavaScript, Rendering, Reporting API, Web API, Accessibility, Media, and Intelligent Tracking Prevention.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is built on the Safari 16 update and it includes support for feature coming in macOS Ventura such as Live Text, Passkeys, Web Extension improvements, and more.
The new build of Safari Technology Preview is compatible with machines running macOS 13 Ventura, unlike prior versions of Safari Technology Preview, but it no longer works with macOS Big Sur.
Apple's aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores on Friday. Ahead of time, an early unboxing video of the new AirPods Pro has surfaced on YouTube, providing a closer look at what's in the box and more.
Apple already provided the media hands-on time with the new AirPods Pro at Steve Jobs Theater earlier this month, so the video does not reveal anything new, but it still provides a glimpse at the unboxing experience. In the box are the AirPods Pro, a new charging case with a built-in speaker for Find My support and a lanyard loop, silicone ear tips in sizes ranging from XS to L, a Lightning to USB-C cable, and documentation.
The second-generation AirPods Pro also feature improved audio quality, longer battery life, up to 2x as much noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro, the ability to swipe up and down on the stem to adjust volume, and more. The new AirPods Pro are available to order now and remain priced at $249 in the United States.
iPhone users are adopting iOS 16 at a quicker pace than they adopted iOS 15 last year, according to updated data from analytics company Mixpanel. Nine days after launch, iOS 16 is installed on an estimated 23.26 percent of iPhones.
10 days after launch in 2021, iOS 15 was installed on just 19.3 percent of devices, as iPhone owners at the time seemed more reluctant to upgrade due to some early bugs. iOS 16 may also be more appealing because of the visual changes that it introduces.
There's a redesigned Lock Screen experience for much more customization than before, along with Lock Screen widgets. iOS 16 also includes features like iMessage editing and undo send, which could tempt people to upgrade.
At the current time, Apple is allowing iPhone users to stay on iOS 15 if desired by providing security updates, and updating to iOS 16 is not yet required. Apple did the same thing last year with the launch of iOS 15, allowing people to remain on iOS 14 for about four months after the update launched.
The upcoming iOS 16.1 update will add notable features like Live Activities for the Lock Screen and changes to the battery indicator in the status bar, and once that update launches in October, we could see a notable uptick in iOS 16 adoption.
With iOS 16 adoption growing by the hour, iOS 15 is now installed on an estimated 66.96 percent of devices, while 9.77 percent of devices continue to run an older version of iOS. Mixpanel's data comes from visits to websites and apps that use the Mixpanel analytics SDK, so the numbers do fluctuate and are not official.
Apple has not yet provided details on how many devices are running iOS 16, but Mixpanel's data has not historically been too far off of the actual numbers.
Amazon has introduced a fresh wave of discounts on the 2021 iPad Pro lineup, with most of the markdowns focused on the larger 12.9-inch model. We are expecting Apple to announce new M2 iPad Pro tablets very soon, during what should be an event sometime in October, so be sure to keep that in mind when shopping the 2021 models.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The focus of the new sale is on Wi-Fi and Cellular models of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, starting with the 256GB Wi-Fi model for $999.99, down from $1,199.00. Shoppers should note that this tablet and a few others will not have their sale price reflected until you head to the checkout screen.
Shipping delays are also happening for some iPad Pro tablets this week on Amazon, so keep an eye on arrival dates when ordering. The 256GB Wi-Fi 12.9-inch iPad Pro has an estimated arrival between October 1 - 3, for example, but some are in stock, like the 128GB Cellular tablet.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
256GB Wi-Fi - $999.99, down from $1,199.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
512GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.99, down from $1,399.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
128GB Cellular - $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
256GB Cellular - $1,199.99, down from $1,399.00 ($199 off)
11-inch iPad Pro
128GB Wi-Fi - $739.00, down from $799.00 ($60 off)
Apple introduced these tablets in April 2021, and they feature the M1 chip, a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model, 5G connectivity, and an all-screen design with an edge-to-edge display that does not include a Home button. 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.
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 16.1 update to public beta testers, with the beta coming one week after Apple seeded the first public beta. Apple has also seeded a new public beta of iPadOS 16.1 and a new public beta of watchOS 9.1.
Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's free beta testing program can download the iOS 16.1 beta over the air after installing the proper certificate from the Public Beta website.
Apple says that iOS 16.1 will introduce Live Activities, an interactive notification feature designed to let you keep an eye on things happening in real time. Live Activities will be available on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, but you won't see them in the beta because developers are still working on implementing support.
The update includes a Clean Energy Charging feature in the United States that causes the iPhone to selectively charge at times when lower carbon emission electricity is available, plus it lays the groundwork for Matter, a smart home standard that Apple plans to begin supporting this fall.
The second developer beta of iOS 16.1 tweaked the design of the battery status bar icon, adding a visual indication of charge level. It also changed the battery font, updated the Lock Screen charging indicator, and fixed a copy and paste bug.
Other new features include a deletable Wallet app, changes to the Lock Screen customizing interface, and more, with details available in our iOS 16.1 feature guide.
Apple today seeded the sixth beta of macOS Ventura to its public beta testing group, allowing non-developers to test the new macOS Ventura operating system ahead of its release. The sixth beta comes following the fifth public beta and it corresponds with eighth developer beta released earlier this week.
Public beta testers can download the macOS 13 Ventura update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website.
macOS Ventura introduces Stage Manager, a new multi-tasking option for focusing on a task while having other apps waiting in the wings. Stage Manager puts your main app front and center, tucking your other apps to the side for quick access.
Continuity Camera allows you to use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac, offering much better camera quality than the built-in Mac camera. Apple is building special stands to hold the iPhone with a Mac, and there are neat features like Desk View, which uses the Ultra Wide lens.
Handoff now works with FaceTime so you can answer calls on the Mac and then transfer them over to another device, and Messages is gaining undo, edit, and mark as unread features. SharePlay now works in Messages in addition to FaceTime, and the Mail app has been overhauled. Search is more relevant, emails can be scheduled, and there's even an option to undo an email for up to 10 seconds after it's sent.
Apple brought the Weather and Clock apps to the Mac, redesigned System Preferences and renamed it System Settings, and added support for Shared Tab Groups. Passwords are being replaced with more secure Passkeys in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, and there are updates to Spotlight, Visual Lookup, Live Text, and more.
There are a ton of other features in macOS Ventura, and we have a full rundown available in our dedicated macOS Ventura roundup.
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.
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.
