MacRumors

Several Apple devices are now over 18 months old, and with new hardware that could bring valuable improvements to them on the horizon, much of it already existing in other devices, there are five important products that seem to be overdue an update.

While some devices like the Pro Display XDR and HomePod mini are arguably also due an update, there are at least five main Apple devices that appear to be overdue a refresh – where a new model could yield substantial improvements. Likewise, as time goes by, it becomes increasingly difficult for Apple to justify leaving these devices in its product lineup without a hardware update.

Be sure to refer to the MacRumors Buyer's Guide for constant updates on the age and status of all Apple's released products, as well as when updates can reasonably be expected on the basis of when new models came out in previous years.

5. iMac

Current model released April 2021 (one year and seven months old).

Though there is some contention around whether Apple will reintroduce a larger iMac model, the current model with a 24-inch display features the M1 chip – meaning that it is outdated compared to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, redesigned MacBook Air, and iPad Pro. Apple announced the M2 chip in early June this year at WWDC, and since three different devices now contain the chip, the iMac is ripe for a chip upgrade.

Yet reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest that an ‌iMac‌ with the M2 chip is not on the horizon. Following the ‌M2‌ series of Macs, Gurman said a new ‌iMac‌ will be among the first M3 series of Macs, which will include an updated 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌, an all-new 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌, and potentially a new 12-inch notebook that is "still in early development."

The M3 chip is expected to be built on TSMC's 3nm technology, unlike the ‌M1‌ and ‌M2‌, which are built using a 5nm process. The more advanced manufacturing process is expected to bring significant performance and efficiency improvements.

The device is expected to be the successor to the current ‌M1‌ ‌iMac‌ and may not launch until late 2023 at the earliest, according to Gurman, meaning that it may yet be some time before a new ‌iMac‌ emerges. It is not clear why Apple would exclude the ‌iMac‌ from the ‌M2‌ chip and wait until the M3 chip is available, especially since this means that the current ‌M1‌ model would be around for a considerable amount of time.

4. AirPods Max

Current model released December 2020 (one year and 11 months old).

Launched almost two years ago, the AirPods Max are the oldest AirPods still in Apple's product lineup. Despite being the most expensive AirPods at $549, the ‌AirPods Max‌ miss out on a large number of features that came to the second-generation AirPods Pro earlier this year.

With the H2 chips, significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, Adaptive Transparency, skin-detect sensors, the U1 chip, and Precision Finding, there are a plethora of notable features that are yet to come to the ‌AirPods Max‌. The headphones could also benefit from a refreshed selection of color options, MagSafe or USB-C charging, Conversation Boost, and sweat and water resistance.

• Ten Things AirPods Pro 2 Tell Us About AirPods Max 2

The status of the next-generation ‌AirPods Max‌ is not clear at the present time. In May 2021, Gurman said that Apple was not actively working on second-generation AirPods Max, but it is not known if this is still the case. Seeing as Apple seems to launch one new AirPods product per year, the ‌AirPods Max‌ could be next up for a refresh.

3. Entry-Level Mac Mini

Current model released November 2020 (two years old).

The ‌M1‌ Mac mini is the oldest latest-generation Apple silicon Mac, and, much like the 24-inch ‌iMac‌, it could benefit from an upgrade to the ‌M2‌ chip.

Even though adding an ‌M2‌ chip to the ‌Mac mini‌ would presumably require limited internal changes, Apple has thus far neglected to do so. Reports earlier this year suggested that Apple originally "had plans" to introduce new ‌Mac mini‌ models in 2022, but these arrangements were "probably scrapped" in favor of the all-new Mac Studio. A new ‌Mac mini‌ with the ‌M2‌ chip is purportedly still in the works for launch sometime in 2023.

2. Mac Pro

Current model released December 2019 (two years and 11 months old).

The Mac Pro is one of the last Intel-based Mac models still on sale and the only remaining Mac product line with no Apple silicon chip options. An all-new model that finally brings Apple silicon to the company's top-tier Mac aimed professionals has now been anticipated for over two years. At its "Peek Performance" event earlier this year, Apple even directly teased the launch of the Apple silicon Mac Pro, saying "that's for another day."

Previously, reports about a smaller Mac Pro model placed somewhere between the ‌Mac mini‌ and the ‌Mac Pro‌ made it difficult to know what to expect from the future of the high-end ‌Mac Pro‌ line, but it is now clear many of these rumors related to the Mac Studio, somewhat clarifying what can be expected from the next-generation ‌Mac Pro‌.

Multiple reports from Bloomberg's ‌Mark Gurman‌ about the Apple silicon ‌Mac Pro‌'s chip options and specifications provide a fairly straightforward picture of what to expect from the new flagship Mac. According to Gurman, users will reportedly be able to configure the new ‌Mac Pro‌ with "‌M2‌ Ultra" and "M2 Extreme" chip options.

• Apple Silicon Mac Pro Configurations: Everything We Know

Yet beyond its basic specifications, little is currently known about the device's design, ports, performance, and potential for modularity and customization, in real terms. Apple is expected to introduce the Apple silicon ‌Mac Pro‌ next year, and it could come alongside a "Pro" version of the Studio Display with a mini-LED panel and support for ProMotion.

1. Intel Mac Mini

Current model released October 2018 (four years and one month old).

While the ‌M1‌ ‌Mac mini‌ offers an entry-level model in the lineup, the high-end ‌Mac mini‌ still features an Intel processor. The high-end ‌Mac mini‌ was theoretically refreshed in 2020 when Apple doubled the storage on the device, but it is otherwise identical to the 2018 Space Gray unibody model.

Apple has been believed to be working on a new Mac mini for some time. The potential of replacing the older high-end model with an Apple silicon machine was previously at the center of rumors related to new Mac minis, but now it looks like both the entry-level and the high-end model may be refreshed simultaneously. Apple is believed to be working on two versions of the next-generation ‌Mac mini‌, one with the standard "M2" chip and a second higher-end model with the "M2 Pro" chip.

A new high-end ‌Mac mini‌ with Apple silicon could get massive performance and efficiency benefits compared to the current model, and feature more Thunderbolt ports than the entry-level model. There is also the potential of a redesign. As a machine from over two years before Apple began the transition to its own custom silicon chips in the Mac, and two years since the entry-level ‌Mac mini‌ was refreshed, the high-end ‌Mac mini‌ seems to be the Apple device that is most sorely in need of a hardware refresh.

Meeting its promise of a November launch, Apple this week activated its Emergency SOS via Satellite service for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models in the U.S. and Canada, with more countries to come.

This week also saw some new additions for iOS 16.2 as it works its way through the beta testing process ahead of a public launch next month, while we saw fresh rumors about next year's iPhone 15 and leaked photos of an unreleased "Magic Charger" from Apple. We're also about to head into the holiday shopping season, so keep an eye out for some great deals!

Testing Apple's New Emergency SOS via Satellite Feature

All four iPhone 14 models support a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that allows the devices to connect directly to a satellite, enabling users to send text messages to emergency services when outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. The service launched in the U.S. and Canada this week and is free to use for the first two years.

Emergency SOS via Satellite includes a demo mode in the Settings app, allowing us to test out the feature without actually contacting emergency services. Check out our hands-on video.

Apple said the service will be expanded to the UK and three additional countries in Europe in December.

Kuo: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus Will Have Slower USB-C Ports Compared to Pro Models

iPhone 15 Pro models will feature a USB-C port with support for at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This would result in significantly faster wired data transfer speeds compared to existing iPhones with Lightning.

While the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are also expected to have a USB-C port, Kuo said those devices will remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps.

iOS 16.2 Will Let You Disable Wallpaper and Notifications for Always-On Display

Starting with iOS 16.2, currently in beta and expected to be released in December, iPhone 14 Pro users can hide the wallpaper and notifications in Always-On display mode. This results in the Lock Screen having a solid black, minimal appearance in Always-On mode, similar to many Android smartphones.

In the iOS 16.2 beta, the new "Show Wallpaper" and "Show Notifications" toggles are located in the Settings app under Display & Brightness → Always On Display.

Images of Unreleased 'Apple Magic Charger' Surface Online

Images of an unreleased MagSafe accessory called the "Apple Magic Charger" have surfaced online over the past couple of weeks. It appears that Apple decided against releasing the accessory.

The accessory features an aluminum rounded square with an embedded MagSafe charger that can be pushed out into a vertical position. It looks similar to Apple's discontinued iPhone Lightning Dock.

Apple to Hold Black Friday Event Starting November 25

Apple's annual four-day shopping event from Black Friday through Cyber Monday begins November 25 in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia, and many other countries.

As usual, customers can receive a free Apple gift card with the purchase of a qualifying product, ranging from any iPhone 13 model to the second-generation AirPods Pro. For more deals, check out our Black Friday roundup and our summary of all the best deals already available.

iOS 16.2 for iPhone Expected to Launch in December With These 8 New Features

iOS 16.2 is currently in beta testing and is expected to be released to the public in December. The update includes many new features and changes for the iPhone, such as Apple's new whiteboard app Freeform.

We've rounded up eight new features coming to the iPhone with iOS 16.2, including two new Lock Screen widgets from Apple, improvements to Live Activities, a revamped Home app, and more.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Microsoft's popular third-party keyboard for iOS, SwiftKey, is back on the App Store just weeks after the company announced it would be shutting down the app and delisting it from the platform.

In September, Microsoft said SwiftKey for iOS was being shut down and removed from the ‌App Store‌ for no clear reason. SwiftKey has been a popular alternative for iPhone users to Apple's default iOS keyboard, leaving many disappointed by the decision. Now, a few weeks later, Microsoft says due to customer feedback, it is bringing the app back to the ‌App Store‌.

"Based on customer feedback, SwiftKey iOS has been relisted on the Apple ‌App Store‌," said Microsoft spokesperson Caitlin Roulston to The Verge. The news was also shared on Twitter, with a Microsoft employee teasing for users to "stay tuned" to what's in store for the app.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones have dropped to a new all-time low price of $197.99 on Woot, down from $249.00. The AirPods Pro 2 are in brand new condition on Woot and as of writing they're in stock and ready to ship.

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

With this discount, the AirPods Pro 2 have now reached the lowest price point they've ever seen following their release in September. Woot's sale has been automatically applied so you don't need any coupon code or have to wait until checkout to see the discount.

The AirPods Pro 2 are similar in design to the original AirPods Pro, featuring a rounded design with silicone ear tips and a short stem. Apple added the H2 chip that enables new capabilities, including improved Active Noise Cancellation and and update to Transparency mode with an Adaptive Transparency feature that is designed to reduce loud environmental noise without blocking out all sound.

If you need more of an in-depth breakdown on the differences between the AirPods Pro 1 and AirPods Pro 2, check out our Buyer's Guide detailing all of the similarities and differences between each model.

We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2022.

Update: This deal has now sold out. If it returns we'll be sure to update this article.

We're still a week away from Black Friday, but deals are already starting to hit with increasing frequency. The latest one comes from Amazon with a $60 discount on all Apple Watch Ultra configurations, bringing them down to $739.

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.

This is the lowest pricing we've seen for the Apple Watch Ultra, which was just released in September. Previous maximum discounts have only been in the $20 range on select band options.

Configurations include:

• Black/Gray Trail Loop (Medium/Large)
• Black/Gray Trail Loop (Small/Medium)
• Blue/Gray Trail Loop (Medium/Large)
• Blue/Gray Trail Loop (Small/Medium)
• Yellow/Beige Trail Loop (Medium/Large)
• Yellow/Beige Trail Loop (Small/Medium)
• Green Alpine Loop (Large)
• Green Alpine Loop (Medium)
• Green Alpine Loop (Small)
• Orange Alpine Loop (Large)
• Orange Alpine Loop (Medium)
• Orange Alpine Loop (Small)
• Starlight Alpine Loop (Large)
• Starlight Alpine Loop (Medium)
• Starlight Alpine Loop (Small)
• Midnight Ocean Band
• White Ocean Band
• Yellow Ocean Band

For more Black Friday-related deals, be sure to check our post highlighting all of the current deals available on Apple products, as well as our Black Friday roundup that will be regularly updated over the next week and beyond.

Every so often, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera updates his desk with new Mac-centric products that help improve his workflow as he records and edits videos for the site. Dan has just shared a 2022 desk update over on the MacRumors YouTube channel, highlighting all kinds of new desk accessories that you might want to check out for your own setup.

• MX Mechanical Mini Keyboard for Mac ($150) - Designed for Macs, the MX Mechanical Mini Keyboard has a Mac-centric keyboard layout with Tactile Quiet low-profile switches and backlit keys.
• MX Master 3S Mouse ($100) - The MX Master 3S Mouse has also been designed specifically for the Mac, featuring a MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel and an adjustable DPI that can be used with high-resolution displays. It can connect to three devices at once.
• Ugmonk Desk Accessories ($449 for a set) - Ugmonk recently came out with a new collection of desk accessories called "Gather," which includes things like monitor stands and organizers, headphone stands, and shelves for streamlining your desktop. Note that this is a Kickstarter, so back with caution. Products will not arrive until spring 2023.
• ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat ($130) - The ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat is a vegan leather and felt desk mat that has a smooth surface for a mouse and then an add-on wireless charger that works with your iPhone and AirPods. Note that this wireless charger has magnetic charging, but it is limited to charging an ‌iPhone‌ at a maximum of 7.5W because it is not an official MagSafe charging solution.
• Volt 276 ($269) - The Volt 276 audio interface is designed for those who create music, videos, and podcasts. It plugs into a Mac and improves vocals, instruments, and other audio while you record.
• Loupedeck Live ($269) - The Loupedeck Live is a custom touch screen console that you can program to create quick access buttons for any app. It is designed to be used for live streaming, but shortcuts and macros can be created for any software.

Make sure to watch our video up above to see all of these products in action, and let us know if you have suggestions for other accessories we should check out in a future video.

VMware today announced the launch of Fusion 13, the latest major update to the Fusion virtualization software. For those unfamiliar with Fusion, it is designed to allow Mac users to operate virtual machines to run non-macOS operating systems like Windows 11.

Fusion 13 Pro and Fusion 13 Player are compatible with both Intel Macs and Apple silicon Macs equipped with M-series chips, offering native support. VMware has been testing Apple silicon support for several months now ahead of the launch of the latest version of Fusion.

With Fusion 13, Intel and Apple silicon Mac users can access Windows 11 virtual machines. Intel Macs offer full support for Windows 11, while on Apple silicon, VMware says there is a first round of features for Windows 11 on Arm.

VMware Tools provides virtual graphics and networking, and more is still to come. With certified and signed drivers Windows 11 looks fantastic, and adjust the resolution to 4K and beyond! Note that Fusion on Apple Silicon must run the Arm variant of Windows 11, and it does not support the x86/Intel version of Windows.

Users who need to run traditional win32 and x64 apps can do so through built-in emulation.

Fusion 13 also includes a TPM 2.0 virtual device that can be added to any VM, storing contents in an encrypted section of the virtual machine files and offering hardware-tpm functionality parity. To support this feature, Fusion 13 uses a fast encryption type that encrypts only the parts of the VM necessary to support the TPM device for performance and security.

The software supports OpenGL 4.3 in Windows and Linux VMs on Intel and in Linux VMs on Apple silicon.

Fusion 13 Player is free for personal use, and commercial licenses for both versions are available at a 30 percent discount to celebrate the launch. VMware Fusion 13 Player is priced at $104.30, and VMware Fusion Pro is priced at $139.30. Upgrades from prior versions are also available at a lower cost.

Verizon this week announced the launch of a new Test Drive program that is designed to allow you to try the Verizon network for free over a 30-day period.

Any U.S. smartphone user with an eSIM and unlocked device can get 100GB of 4G/5G data to test out the Verizon network before committing to switching to the carrier. Verizon's program is similar to the Network Pass option offered by T-Mobile, though it doesn't last as long.

In addition to 100GB of data, Verizon's test program includes unlimited talk and text, and the service can be used alongside an existing cellular subscription. 4K streaming quality is available over 5G Ultra Wideband, while streaming is limited to 480p on LTE and 5G Nationwide.

Those who want to try Verizon can scan the QR code on the Test Drive FAQ page to download the My Verizon app to get access to the free trial. As mentioned above, an unlocked, eSIM-capable smartphone is required, and testers cannot be existing Verizon subscribers. eSIM compatible iPhones include the iPhone XR and later.

After the Test Drive, Verizon offers a streamlined process for porting a number over and choosing a 5G plan. For those who opt not to continue with the service, the trial simply ends when the 30-day period has expired, with no need to cancel as no credit card is required.

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with BluShark to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win one of Apple's new Apple Watch Series 8 models, plus a matching BluShark Apple Watch band to go along with it.

BluShark offers a wide selection of Apple Watch bands in materials ranging from leather, to canvas, to AlphaPremier and more. There are all kinds of colors and materials to choose from, and each band is carefully crafted with high-quality materials. BluShark is not just an Apple Watch band company, and has been producing watch bands for years.

Pricing on the BluShark Apple Watch bands is affordable, ranging from $10 for silicone options to $78 for high-end crocodile leather bands. All BluShark bands are sized to fit all Apple Watch models, from older 38mm models to the large 49mm Apple Watch Ultra.

For those who are fans of the Apple Watch Ultra, BluShark makes a Multiloop band that is similar in design to the much pricier Alpine Loop that Apple just came out with. Priced at $32, the Multiloop band has an adjustable G-hook design and it comes in green, linen, orange, and black. BluShark sells all of the colors together for $78, and there are also sitewide deals for free bands if you buy two, three, or four together.

BluShark's Knit Weave bands also pair well with the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 8 models. They're made from a unique nylon weave material that has a texture resembling a knit fabric and an eyecatching depth of color. Knit Weave bands are priced at $32 and come in a whole range of colors from black to gray to brown, plus there are various striped options.

The company's AlphaPremier bands feature a seatbelt weave nylon and a comfortable fit with a dual-layer design, and the Leather bands come in a variety of designs and colors.

We have an aluminum Apple Watch Series 8 to give away, with the winner able to select the size and color. The winner will also be able to choose the BluShark band of their choice.

To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The contest will run from today (November 18) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on November 25. The winner will be chosen randomly on November 25 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

While we're still around 10 months away from Apple introducing the iPhone 15 lineup, rumors already suggest that the higher-end Pro models will have even more exclusive features than usual compared to the standard models next year.

In September, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that strong sales of iPhone 14 Pro models would likely encourage Apple to increase differentiation between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max and the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, although it's worth noting that many hardware changes are likely planned at least a few years in advance.

There are currently at least five features rumored to be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models:

• A17 chip: iPhone 15 Pro models will be equipped with an A17 Bionic chip manufactured based on TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, providing performance and efficiency improvements, according to Japanese publication Nikkei Asia. The report claimed that 2023 could mark the second year in a row in which only the Pro models of the new iPhone lineup feature Apple's latest chip.
• Faster USB-C port: iPhone 15 Pro models will feature a USB-C port with support for at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, which would result in the devices having significantly faster data transfer speeds with a cable compared to existing iPhones with Lightning. Kuo said the USB-C port on standard iPhone 15 models will remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds like Lightning.
• Increased RAM: iPhone 15 Pro models will be equipped with an increased 8GB of RAM, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce, while the standard models will likely continue to have 6GB of RAM as they do currently. Additional RAM can allow apps like Safari to keep more content active in the background, preventing the app from reloading content when reopened.
• Solid-state buttons: iPhone 15 Pro models will feature solid-state volume and power buttons, according to Kuo. The analyst said the devices will be equipped with two additional Taptic Engines that provide haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of pressing the buttons, without them physically moving, similar to the Home button on the latest iPhone SE or the trackpad on newer MacBooks.
• Increased optical zoom for iPhone 15 Pro Max: The iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a periscope telephoto lens, according to Kuo. This could result in the device having at least 10x optical zoom, compared to 3x on iPhone 14 Pro models.

Due to the increased differentiation, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the iPhone 15 Pro Max will potentially be renamed as the iPhone 15 Ultra.

Pushing customers towards the Pro models would help Apple to increase the iPhone's average selling price. The trend already began this year when only the iPhone 14 Pro models received Apple's latest A16 Bionic chip, with the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models still equipped with last year's A15 Bionic chip.

Apple will likely announce the iPhone 15 lineup next September as usual. With many months remaining until the devices launch, it's likely that additional features will surface, so the info we have right now is only a glimpse at what to expect.

Created by smart lock maker Level, the Level Lock+ is the one of the first Home Key-compatible smart locks on the market, designed to unlock a door automatically when a Home Key-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch is held near it.

The Level Lock+ replaces the prior-generation Level Lock, and it uses that same unassuming design. Many smart locks are immediately recognizable as smart locks, but the Level Lock+ looks like any standard deadbolt with all of the smart capabilities hidden away inside the door, with no bulky components inside or out.

There are limited color options with the Level Lock+, but it does come in satin nickel and matte black. It's not going to match well with bronze, gold, or similar door hardware, so I do wish that it came in additional color options. The Level Lock+ is sleek looking and I am a fan of the simplicity. It's unassuming on the door, and it looks like nothing special, so it doesn't draw attention.

The Level Lock+ replaces an existing deadbolt, and installation is fairly straightforward. I had a setup that had included a keypad, so I needed to paint the door and do a bit of repair before I could get it installed. I have never installed a door lock before, but the Level Lock+ instructions were simple enough to follow.

The bolt is adjustable and there are two sizes. The end of the bolt basically needs to stick out of the borehole, and if it doesn't on the smaller size, it needs to be adjusted to the larger size. For my door, the larger size was too long and the smaller size was not quite right either, so I did have to do some sanding and tweaking of the deadbolt cutout to get things to fit right.

After about five minutes of sanding, I was able to get the bolt in the right position, and from there, the Level Lock+ hardware fit right into the deadbolt cutout and snapped into the end of the bolt, which is where the battery is housed. It's a clever setup because you can change the battery just by popping the end of the deadbolt.

Once I managed to get everything aligned correctly, it was just a matter of screwing everything together. I did run into another problem with the strike plate, as it was smaller than my existing strike plate. I had to drill new holes, which wasn't a big deal. In the end, everything lined up properly and I had the lock up and functional within about 20 minutes.

The Level Lock takes a CR2 battery, and I'm not sure how long the battery lasts before it needs to be replaced. The CR2 batteries are about $4 each, and the amount of battery life you get will likely vary based on how often you're unlocking your door. There is a physical key, so access is available if the battery dies and you're not home.

After setup, I was able to add the lock to the Level app and connect it to HomeKit, making it available for use both in the Home app and the Level app. Once added to ‌HomeKit‌, the Home app gave me the option to use Home Keys with the Level Lock, and I just needed to tap on the banner in the Home app to add the Level Lock to Wallet.

Home Keys are an iOS 16 feature that let you store your house key in the Wallet app, and from there, unlock your front door with your ‌iPhone‌ using NFC. Home Keys did not initially work for me, but I re-added the lock to ‌HomeKit‌ and then it worked well.

With Home Keys, you can enable "Express Mode" in the Wallet app to unlock the door without needing Face ID or a passcode, which is convenient. You just tap the top of the lock with your ‌iPhone‌ and it unlocks with no other authentication and even when the phone is locked. It also can continue to unlock the door for a few hours after the ‌iPhone‌ battery has died thanks to NFC.

There are a lot of ways to unlock the Level Lock. In addition to Home Keys, you can use the Level app, the Home app, ask Siri, use a key, or set up a key card. With a Home hub, you can open the lock remotely for guests or provide them with a pass so they can use their own smartphone to unlock your door as needed.

You can set it up so each person in your home can access the Level Lock, and the Level app has a list of every time the lock was locked or unlocked. You'll also get Home app notifications when the Level Lock is accessed. The Home app supports automations, so you can set up functions to lock the Level Lock when the last person in the home leaves, lock it at night, and unlock it when you arrive home, if you want.

Since I was able to get Home Keys set up, I haven't had an issue accessing the Level Lock with any of the available methods, and it is convenient to be able to open my lock in a multitude of ways, and to have the option to open it for a guest if I'm not home. The Level Lock takes just a few seconds to unlock when directed to do so, and you can hear the mechanism inside working.

I do want to touch on the physical security of the Level Lock as there is a popular video from Lockpicking Lawyer that shows him accessing the Level Lock in just seconds with a simple rake tool. The Level Lock is not a hard lock to pick, and anyone who has a small amount of lockpicking knowledge and common tools can likely get into it. My partner, for example, does lockpicking as a hobby and was able to pick the Level Lock in less than 30 seconds.

There are a lot of deadbolts and door locks that are simple to pick and take little effort to access, so this is not a major surprise, but Level could have ramped up the security here. Some easily acquirable deadbolts from companies like Schlage are more secure, which makes them pickable, but with more of a time investment and more specialized tools.

A door lock is more of a social contract than anything else, serving as a signal that your house is locked up and should not be accessed. Someone who really wants to get into a locked house likely has many alternative means to do so beyond lockpicking, such as breaking a window. Still, I think the pickability is something that any potential buyer should be aware of.

Level says that its lock has a BHMA AAA rating, but this rating is based on weight, withstanding a sledgehammer, and withstanding an attempt to pull the door open. It also takes into account durability, such as smooth functionality and resistance to dents, but it is in no way a measure of security from lockpicking. If security is a top priority, you'd be better off with specialized high security locks than the Level Lock+ or anything that can be bought off the shelf at a big box store.

Bottom Line

The Level Lock+ is super convenient, plus it's sleek and looks unassuming. It's so nice to be able to tap my ‌iPhone‌ on my lock and open the door, and I have found it handy to be able to unlock the door for guests from another room, as well as letting in workers when I am not home.

That said, this is a pricey lock at $329, and I would have liked to see a more robust, secure product at that price point. Level has pointed out that the Level Lock+ has a typical C lock cylinder used by hundreds of lock brands on the market, and that many consumer grade locks can be easily picked, but that doesn't seem like a great excuse for a lock that's over $300. Most locks that Level is talking about are around $30 at Home Depot, and that's a major price difference.

Hopefully the next iteration of the Level Lock will include some additional security features. It doesn't need to be unpickable because that's not the main way criminals are breaking into houses, but just an extra layer of security would have been nice to keep it from popping open with basic tools in 30 seconds.

How to Buy

The Level Lock+ can be purchased from the Apple Store for $329.95 or directly from Level for $329.00. A keypad add-on accessory is also available for $79.00, or $59.00 when purchased with a lock.

Note: Level provided MacRumors with the Level Lock+ for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Level. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Verizon today is discounting Apple's 2021 AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case to $159.99, down from $249.99. As with other Verizon sales, free two day shipping is available and you don't need to be a Verizon customer to get this deal.

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

This price point on the AirPods Pro is a match of the previous all-time low price that we most recently saw very briefly on Amazon. Stock for the 2021 AirPods Pro has been dwindling since the announcement of the second generation model, so Verizon's deal today makes for a great chance to get the previous generation model at its best price before it disappears again.

This model of the AirPods Pro was introduced in 2021 with the MagSafe Charging Case, but otherwise the headphones themselves are the same as the 2019 AirPods Pro.

Verizon also has a great deal on the HomePod mini, with every color dropping to $79.99, down from $99.99. HomePod mini deals are also very rare, making for another solid early Black Friday offer from the carrier.

We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2022.

This week on The MacRumors Show podcast we discuss Apple's long-awaited mixed-reality headset, as well as Emergency SOS via satellite and the unreleased "Magic Charger" accessory.

Following the release of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for the iPhone 14 lineup earlier this week, we talk through demoing the feature and our expectations for where it will truly be useful in the future. We also look at Apple's ecosystem of MagSafe accessories after it emerged that the company abanoned plans to release a "Magic Charger" for the ‌iPhone‌.

Last week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that work on realityOS, the operating system designed for Apple's mixed-reality headset, is "wrapping up internally" as the company's focus turns to apps on the new platform. Meanwhile, DigiTimes reports that Apple is targeting March 2023 to begin mass production of the headset – a time frame that fits in with other key reports. As signs of the headset's introduction in the first half of the next year appear to solidify, we discuss how the device's announcement and launch is likely to take place, as well as Apple's AR/VR roadmap for the future.

Listen to The MacRumors Show using apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or subscribe by copying our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. You can also watch a video version of the podcast on the MacRumors YouTube channel.

If you haven't already listened to the last episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for a deep dive into the key features of macOS Ventura and expectations about upcoming Mac models with John Gruber.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests like Federico Viticci, Sara Dietschy, Luke Miani, Sam Kohl, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, iJustine, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, Jon Rettinger, Rene Ritchie, Andru Edwards, Jon Prosser, and Mark Gurman. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover in the future.

We're just one week away from Black Friday, and today Target has decided to share a sneak peek of what shoppers can expect online and in stores next week. This includes the typical range of Black Friday sales, like TVs and streaming devices, as well as a few Apple products.

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

Target's Black Friday Schedule

Target's circular this week confirms that most deals will be valid from this Sunday, November 20 through Saturday, November 26 (there are some exceptions with a few deals already going live today). All Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving day, and will open at varying local times on the morning of Black Friday.

• Sunday, November 20 - Online sales begin
• Thursday, November 24 - Stores closed, online sales continue
• Friday, November 25 - Specific opening hours vary by location
• Saturday, November 26 - Target's Black Friday sales end

Target Black Friday - Deals Start 11/20

Target is offering a wide variety of discounts this season, ranging from video game consoles to kitchen appliances, TVs, Apple products, and more. We've divided up some of the major discount categories in the sections below, and remember that you won't see many of these sale prices until Sunday, November 20.

TVs

• Samsung 43-inch UHD 4K Smart TV - $249.99, down from $289.99
• Samsung 50-inch UHD 4K Smart TV - $299.99, down from $349.99
• Samsung 55-inch 4K Crystal HDR UHD TV - $349.99, down from $499.99
• LG 55-inch 4K UHD Smart LED TV - $349.99, down from $429.99
• LG 65-inch 4K UHD Smart LED TV - $449.99, down from $579.99 ($25 Target Gift Card with purchase)
• Samsung 65-inch 4K Crystal HDR UHD Smart TV - $449.99, down from $649.99
• Vizio 65-inch QLED HDR Smart TV - $459.99, down from $719.99 ($25 Target Gift Card with purchase)
• Samsung 70-inch 4K Crystal HDR UHD Smart TV - $549.99, down from $749.99
• TCL 75-inch 4K UHD HDR Roku TV - $629.99, down from $1,299.99

Streaming Devices

• Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K - $24.99 (Save $25)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max - $34.99 (Save $20)
• Roku Express HD - $17.99 (Save $12)
• Google Chromecast - $19.99 (Save $10) and get $10 Target Gift Card when you buy 2
• Roku Ultra - $69.99 (Save $30)

Video Games

Video games are always a popular category for Black Friday sales, and this year is no different at Target. Nintendo's annual Switch and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle has returned in 2022, priced at $299.99 and including a three month Nintendo Online membership. Otherwise you'll find the usual collection of discounted games and accessories.

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - Get $10 Target Gift Card with purchase
• Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit - $59.99 (Save $40)
• Mario Party Superstars - $29.99 (Save $30)
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - $29.99 (Save $30)
• Sonic Frontiers - $39.99 (Save $20)
• Elden Ring - $39.99 (Save $30)
• Horizon: Forbidden West - $39.99 (Save $30)
• PlayStation DualSense - $49.99 (Save $20)
• Xbox Controllers - $44.99 (Save $20)
• Gaming gift cards - BOGO 15 percent off

Audio

• Beats Studio Buds - $99.99 (Save $50)
• Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones - $99.99 (Save $100)
• Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones - $149.99 (Save $200)
• Powerbeats Pro - $149.99 (Save $100)
• Beats Fit Pro - $179.99 (Save $20)
• Sony Noise Canceling Earbuds - $179.99 (Save $100)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 - $199.99 (Save $30)

Smart Home

• Amazon Blink Mini Security Camera - $29.99 (Save $5) and BOGO Free
• Amazon Blink Wi-Fi Video Doorbell - $34.99 (Save $15)
• Amazon Echo Show 5 - $34.99 (Save $50)
• Amazon Echo Dot 3 - $14.99 (Save $25)
• Ring Video Doorbell - $59.99 (Save $40)
• Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen - $49.99 (Save $50)

Apple

In regards to Apple products, you can get up to $300 off an iPhone when you activate a new line, or up to $200 off when you upgrade an existing line. To go with the iPhone deals, Target is offering 25 percent off MagSafe cases and accessories. You can find the rest of the deals listed below.

• Apple Watch Series 7 - $349.99 (save up to $150)
• 9th Gen iPad - $279.99 (Save $50)
• iPad mini - $399.99 (Save $100)
• AirPods Pro 2 - $199.99 (Save $50)
• AirPods 2 - $89.99 (Save $40)
• Apple Gift Card - Spend $100, get $15 Target Gift Card

We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2022.

Users still want a "mini" form factor iPhone, but a complete redesign is the most-desired feature from the iPhone 15 lineup, according to a survey conducted by SellCell.

SellCell asked over 2,500 ‌iPhone‌ users in the United States to gather its data. The most popular Apple device to buy over the holiday period this year is the ‌iPhone‌, with 37.4 percent of survey respondents planning to buy one for Christmas. AirPods take second place with 18.7 percent of respondents, followed by the Apple Watch with 16.3 percent. The HomePod mini is the least popular Apple device to buy for Christmas, with just 2.9 percent of respondents planning to purchase one. It is also worth noting that 40.6 percent of respondents had no plans to by an Apple device for the holidays.

When asked if they had plans to upgrade to an ‌iPhone‌ 14 model, 13.6 percent of respondents said they had already done so – but a further 29.7 percent still have plans to do so in the immediate future. Of the 56.7 percent who have no plans to upgrade, 45.3 percent said they plan to hold onto their current device for longer, and 5.1 percent said that they are waiting for the launch of the ‌iPhone 15‌ lineup next year. 2.4 percent of respondents are apparently waiting for the launch of the fourth-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE. 59.4 percent of respondents who plan to buy an ‌iPhone‌ 14 model say they are happy to wait five weeks to get hold of a new device.

When asked specifically if they liked the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Plus, 20.4 percent of respondents said that they already had one or planned to buy one soon. 22.5 percent said that it is too expensive, 12.1 percent said it is too big, 7.8 percent said that it had a poor mix of features compared to the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro, 6.6 percent said that the price is too near that of the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro, and 6.6 percent said that they would have preferred a smaller, "‌iPhone‌ mini" form factor device.

Looking to the ‌iPhone 15‌ models, aesthetics were at the forefront of the survey responses when asked what they most want from next year's new ‌iPhone‌ lineup. 35.2 percent of respondents said that they are most eager to see a design overhaul for the device, while 30.3 percent most want to see new color options.

28.8 percent want to see the return of accessories like EarPods and a power adapter, 23.9 want the ‌iPhone 15‌ to have a periscope zoom camera, 23.6 percent would like to see the return of Touch ID, 20.3 percent want the ‌iPhone‌ to switch to USB-C, and 11.7 percent want the Dynamic Island to expand across the entire range of ‌iPhone 15‌ models. 8.5 percent want to see the "mini" form factor make a return in the ‌iPhone 15‌ lineup, which makes sense given that 6.6 percent of people who will not buy the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Plus refuse to because they prefer smaller devices.

Hundreds of Twitter employees today resigned from the company rather than opting in to be part of "Twitter 2.0" under Elon Musk, according to The Verge. Musk earlier this week told workers that Twitter will be "extremely hardcore" going forward, with employees expected to put in long hours at high intensity. "Only exceptional performance will constitute a passing grade," he said.

Musk on Wednesday sent out a Google form and asked employees to respond "Yes" by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday if they wanted to stay at the company. Hundreds decided not to, and have said their goodbyes in Slack and on Twitter. Departing employees will receive a severance package.

When he took over Twitter, Musk laid off approximately half of the 7,500 employees that were at the company at the time, and since then, he has continued firing employees who have been critical of him, including longtime engineers.

Twitter employees that spoke to The Verge said that given the number of people that have left, Twitter could "start breaking soon" and that it will be "extremely hard for Twitter to recover."

With the exodus of employees, Twitter temporarily closed all office buildings and suspended badge access. According to Zoë Schiffer, Musk and his team are "terrified employees are going to sabotage the company."

In the final hours ahead of the deadline, Musk reportedly attempted to convince employees to stay. Bloomberg says that key staff were brought into meetings and Musk also walked back his in-office work demands. He had said that all employees needed to work from the office 40 hours a week, but today he said that working from home was allowed with monthly in-person meetings and managerial approval.

At the current time, Musk's first initiative is on pause as Twitter makes changes. Last week, Twitter introduced a more expensive $8 version of Twitter Blue that included a verification badge, and it turned out that debuting widespread verification led to account impersonation that impacted numerous companies.

GRID Studio is known for creating unique wall art showcasing the history of iconic devices, ranging from the original iPhone to the original Game Boy. Each device is disassembled and the components are artistically displayed and labeled in a frame.

The company recently sent me their iPod touch frame for review. The original iPod touch was the first Apple product that I ever owned, and led me down the path of becoming an Apple reporter, so the device is very meaningful to me. However, note that the frame contains the second-generation iPod touch, released in September 2008.

Priced at $139 in the United States, the iPod touch frame is one of GRID Studio's more affordable options and would make a great gift for an Apple fan this holiday season, especially after the final iPod touch was discontinued earlier this year. It also offers frames for several iPhones, the iPad mini, the iPod classic, and the Apple Watch.

The frame is nicely packaged in thick black paper with a ribbon and a wax seal. Inside, my frame was in good condition with the exception of two small scuffs on the rear side of the black border near the clips that keep the backboard secured. While unideal, this damage is very minor and is out of sight when the frame is hanging on the wall.

The front plastic cover is covered in protective film that needs to be removed. I immediately started tearing off the plastic film, but this resulted in pieces getting stuck under the black border, at which point I realized that it would have been a better idea to take off the back cover and remove the plastic film in one piece, so keep that in mind.

Components in the frame include the iPod touch's front panel with a printed screenshot, Home button, 3.5-inch multi-touch display, logic board, rear shell with a headphone jack and 30-pin dock connector, various flex cables and buttons, and more. The frame also includes the original iPod touch's wordmark and September 5, 2007 introduction date, along with a quote from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

There are some scratches and a tiny dent on the rear shell of the iPod touch, as the device is used, but this isn't an issue to me and the frame would be much more expensive if it contained a brand new device. I do wish it were the original iPod touch, but the second-generation model is still old enough to capture the nostalgia of the device.

There are two small hooks on the back of the frame for hanging the artwork on a wall, and an additional pair of hooks in the box.

All in all, the frame is high quality and is a very cool piece of wall art. Beyond two tiny scuffs on the back of the frame, which may have arisen during shipping, I have no complaints. There is certainly cheaper wall art out there, but GRID Studio frames are worth considering if you are a devoted Apple fan or know someone who is.

GRID Studio's frames can be purchased on its website, with many options still available for delivery before December 25.

Note: GRID Studio provided MacRumors with a framed ‌iPod touch for the purpose of this review, but no other compensation was received. This is not a paid advertisement.

Apple with iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 is introducing the Freeform app, which is designed for brainstorming ideas, creating sketches, and collaborating with others on projects. Freeform is basically a blank canvas that you can use for anything.

In this guide, we've highlighted the various tools that you can use with the Freeform app on the iPhone and the iPad.

Shapes

There are hundreds of pre-designed "clip art" shapes that are available in Freeform, across the following categories: Basic, Geometry, Objects, Animals, Food, Nature, Symbols, Education, Arts, Science, People, Places, Activities, Transportation, Work, and Ornaments.

You can stack multiple shapes on top of one another with layering, change the color, draw over them, resize them with drag and drop gestures, break the component pieces apart and manipulate the design, add various borders, group them together, adjust opacity, and more. There are a huge number of tools for working with shapes for your projects.

Images, Scans, and Documents

The Freeform app supports all kinds of documents. You can add photos and videos directly from your Camera Roll in the Photos app, or take a photo with your ‌iPhone‌ or your ‌iPad‌.

‌Photos‌ and videos that you add to your project can be resized with drag and drop gestures, cropped, viewed in full, and layered with other images and shapes.

You can scan documents using the ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌'s camera in either color or black and white, add various documents from iCloud Drive, or add any link from Safari. Links and files are shown in little card-like tiles and can also be rearranged on the canvas with drag and drop gestures and layered over shapes, images, and other files for a visual look at your documents you've added.

Stickies

With the Freeform app you can add digital post-it notes, or Stickies as Apple calls them. The Stickies are basically the same as the Stickies app that is available for Mac. You can change the color of Stickies, choosing from one of seven, and add text.

On an ‌iPad‌, you can use an Apple Pencil to write directly on one of the Stickies, but if you use typed text, you also have various formatting options available like bold, bullet lists, different font sizes, and more.

Text Insertion

Using the text box, any typed text can be inserted anywhere on the Freeform canvas. Text can be as long or as short as you want, and all of the standard formatting options are available for changing font, color, size, and alignment, as well as adding styles like bolding and underlining.

Drawing Tools

Freeform has the same set of drawing tools that you might be familiar with from Markup. You can draw with a finger on the ‌iPhone‌, or on the ‌iPad‌, with an ‌Apple Pencil‌. There are pens, markers, and crayons to choose from, all with adjustable opacity, color, and line thickness.

You can also access an eraser, a select tool for targeted selections of items on your canvas, and a lasso fill tool that fills lines that you draw.

Colors

Freeform has support for a huge range of colors. You can pick a simple color from a grid, choose a color from a spectrum interface, use sliders, or manually type in color hex codes for a specific shade. Favorite colors can be saved to the bottom of the interface, and opacity can be adjusted for any color as well.

An eyedropper tool is available to match any color that's already on the canvas.

Object Movement

Any object in a Freeform document can be quickly rearranged and resized with drag and drop gestures. Tapping provides an interface where you can send an object to the "Back" or the "Front" for layering purposes, but there are no true layers to work with.

Objects can be locked in place, duplicated, and constrained or unconstrained in proportion, useful if you want to change one dimension and not another.

File Management

Freeform boards can be saved as a PDF document or printed out, and they can also be saved to apps like Files and Dropbox. You can also email, text, and otherwise share links to boards with others.

Multiple Boards

You can have multiple Freeform boards, which can be viewed as icons or a list, and sorted in various ways such as by name or date. Groups are available to organize a large number of boards, and there are also separate sections for Recents, Shared, and Favorites.

Collaboration

Freeform has been designed as a collaboration tool, and you can share Freeform boards with other ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ users. All Freeform board participants can work on the same board, adding images, texts, links, and more for group brainstorming sessions.

Changes made to Freeform boards are synced for all users in real time, though it is worth noting that collaboration has not yet been fully fleshed out during the beta testing process.

Availability and Device Compatibility

Apple's Freeform app is available on the ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, and Mac. It requires iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or macOS Ventura 13.1 to work, and it is a standalone app that will not be available on devices not able to run these updates.