AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage is available in three additional countries starting today, including France, Italy, and Spain.
In addition to accidental damage coverage, the upgraded AppleCare+ plan includes coverage for up to two incidents of iPhone theft or loss every 12 months, with each incident subject to a €129 service fee. The plan itself costs up to €229 upfront for a two-year term or up to €11.49 per month depending on the iPhone model.
For example, if a customer's iPhone 13 Pro Max was lost or stolen and they had AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage, they could file a claim for a replacement iPhone for a €129 fee instead of having to purchase a new iPhone outright for over €1,200. In France, Italy, and Spain, theft and loss claims are handled by insurance company AIG.
AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage costs up to an extra €60 upfront or up to an extra €3 per month compared to the standard AppleCare+ plan.
AppleCare+ theft and loss coverage requires the customer to have Find My enabled on their iPhone at the time it is lost or stolen, and throughout the claims process, according to Apple. During the claims process, the customer will be asked to erase their missing iPhone, disable it, and transfer ownership before they can be issued a replacement device.
More details are available on the AppleCare+ for iPhone page in France, Italy, and Spain. Apple also has a support document with additional information.
AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage for the iPhone is also available in the United States, Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
With iOS 16, Apple added an iCloud Shared Photo Library to make sharing photos with your friends and family easier than ever. You can create a shared library and then invite any of your friends with an Apple product to view photos, contribute photos, and edit photos.
This guide covers all of the features that you need to know about to use the iCloud Shared Photo Library feature.
Creating a Shared Photo Library
After updating to iOS 16.1 or later, you can set up a Shared Library either through the pop-up interface or through the Set-Up option in the Settings section of the Photos app.
Tap on "Add Participants" to select people to share with, inviting them through Messages or through a link.
You can choose the images that you want to add to the Shared Library from your own iCloud Photo Library. Options include sharing all photos and videos, photos and videos by person or date, or manually selected photos.
You can then preview the content that you've added to the Library before opting to share everything. If it all looks good, tapping on the "Continue" button will create the shared library.
For those who do not have an iPhone or who prefer to work on a Mac or iPad, iCloud Shared Photo Libraries can be created on devices running iPadOS 16.1 or later or macOS Ventura or later as well. On the iPad, the setup can be done by following the iPhone instructions, and on Mac, a Shared Library can be created by opening up the Photos app, selecting "Settings," and then choosing the "Start Setup" option.
Each person invited to participate in an iCloud Shared Photo Library can add, edit, caption, favorite, and delete photos, just as if it were their own photo library. There are no limitations, and all participants have the same permissions.
You can opt to get a notification when someone deletes images from the shared library, with the toggle available in the Shared Library heading in the Photos section of the Settings app. When an image is deleted, the person who originally shared the image has the option of moving the image to their personal library rather than having it deleted, and deleted images are stored in the Recently Deleted folder for easy retrieval.
All tags, metadata, and location information remain accessible on photos added to an iCloud Shared Photo Library, but albums do not transfer over.
iCloud Shared Photo Library Limitations
You can share an iCloud Photo Library with up to five other people, so six people in total can use one library. The person who creates the iCloud Shared Photo Library will be the "host," and their iCloud storage space will be used for the shared photos. You are limited to one iCloud Shared Photo Library and cannot participate in multiple libraries.
It's worth noting that when you add your personal photos from your library to the shared library, the images are moved from the personal library to the shared library, so iCloud storage space/device storage space is not taken up twice and photos are not duplicated. If you have Optimize Storage turned off, your device will download a copy of all shared photos so you can make a backup on a Mac if desired.
Sharing Photos From Camera
If you're at an event with someone who you share a library with, you can opt to share photos from the camera directly to the library, making all of your shots instantly available to all participants.
In the Camera app, you can tap the icon that looks like two people to swap between automatic uploading to the shared library and your personal library.
Sharing can be enabled when participants are nearby using Bluetooth proximity, through the Camera app, or manually, with options available in the Settings app.
The iPhone will also suggest content to share in the For You section of the Photos app, but you can turn it off if you want.
With the Settings app, you can turn off Sharing from Camera altogether to get rid of the toggle, or you can opt in to Sharing Automatically, which will automatically add all photos you take to the shared library. The automatic feature uses Bluetooth to determine when someone you share a library with is nearby, and it only uploads when you're with that person.
There's also an opt-in "Share When at Home" feature that always adds photos and videos from the Camera even when other participants are not there.
If you want to upload every photo that you take to the shared library even when not at home or not with a person you share with, there does not appear to be an option for it.
Swapping Between Personal and Shared Library
To swap from your main iCloud Photo Library to your Shared iCloud Photo Library, you can tap on the three-dot icon in the upper right of the Library view in the Photos app.
From there, you can elect to see your Personal Library, your Shared Library, or both at once.
Deleting a Shared Library
If you are the person who manages the Shared Library, you can opt to delete it in the Settings app. Just go to Photos > Shared Library > Delete Shared Library.
When a Shared Library is deleted, each person who contributed to the library will be able to keep the photos that they added or a copy of all the photos that were in the library at the time that it was deleted.
Photos from the shared library will show up in Memories, Featured Photos, and the Photos widget.
Merging iCloud Libraries
Every person who participates in a Shared Library can upload their entire selection of photos and videos to the library, allowing both people to ultimately have the same images on their devices.
In this situation, if there were already shared photos sent by AirDrop or other means, the built-in iOS 16 "Duplicates" feature will detect the extra images and will provide you with an option to remove them. Duplicates are not removed automatically.
You can open up the Photos app on the iPhone and scroll down to the "Utilities" section to access the Duplicates album to merge photos in the Shared Library.
Shared Favorites
Images that are marked as Favorites in the iCloud Shared Photo Library by any participant will also be shown in the Favorites photo album in the Photos app, which is worth noting.
Device Requirements
iCloud Shared Photo Library requires a minimum of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS Ventura. On devices running earlier versions of iOS or macOS, iCloud Shared Photo Libraries will not be visible or accessible. If you move your current photo library to a shared library, it will no longer be accessible on older devices.
On unsupported devices, you will see these message: "To access all your photos, update this Mac to the latest version of macOS" or "To access all your photos, update this iPhone to the latest version of iOS."
Guide Feedback
Have questions about iCloud Shared Photo Library in iOS 16, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.
Accessory maker Hyper, known for its range of chargers, hubs, and battery packs, recently introduced the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub, which it says is the world's first Goshen Ridge Thunderbolt 4 hub with an integrated power source.
Available on Kickstarter, the hub includes a built-in GaN power source that alleviates the need for an extra power brick and allows it to operate with a standard power cable, ultimately resulting in a more streamlined setup.
The Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub includes three 40Gbps/15W Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports for data transfer and accessory charging and one 40Gbps/96W power delivery Thunderbolt 4 port, but there are no other included ports. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support dual 4K 60Hz or single 8K 30Hz display connectivity, though dual displays are not compatible with M1 or M2 MacBooks.
The hub works with with the 2016 MacBook Pro or later, the 2018 MacBook Air or later, and the 2021 iPad Pro or later, as well as Windows and ChromeOS devices.
The HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub can be preordered from Kickstarter for $179, a 40 percent discount off of the planned retail price, and it is set to ship out in November 2022.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Kickstarter. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple Maps offers cycling directions along bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly roads as much as possible, complete with details like elevation, how busy a street is, and whether there are stairs along a route. On the Apple Watch, voice guidance and haptic feedback make it easier for users to stay focused on the path ahead.
Apple Maps cycling directions are also available in select other regions, including China, London, Barcelona, Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver.
Apple is playing catch up here with Google Maps, which began rolling out cycling directions in 2010 and now offers the feature in over 30 countries. However, Google Maps is only just now beginning to roll out granular details for cycling directions, like elevation, how busy a street is, and whether there are stairs along a route.
One of the new features coming with macOS Ventura and iOS 16 is Continuity Camera, which is designed to allow an iPhone to be used as a webcam for a Mac. The feature is enabled in the current betas, but it is designed to be used with special mounts being made by third-party companies like Belkin.
Belkin has designed a MagSafe-enabled Continuity Camera mount that allows an iPhone to be set up in an ideal spot on a Mac to be used as webcam, and while the mount is not yet released, several YouTubers have been able to test it out to give us an idea of how it works.
Brian Tong, iJustine, and ZolloTech have prototype versions of the mount, which is deceptively simple. It attaches to the back of the iPhone and a small plastic lip on the back of the mount rests on top of the MacBook in the ideal position.
When the mount is attached properly to a Mac, Continuity Camera is automatically activated, with the Mac swapping over to the iPhone's camera.
With Continuity Camera, there are a number of options to take advantage of, including Center Stage for keeping someone in the frame, Portrait mode for blurring the background, Studio Light for adjusting the lighting, and Desk View, which is a unique feature that uses the Ultra Wide lens to show off your desktop.
Using your iPhone as a webcam with Belkin's new MagSafe attachment is so easy.. Got a chance to test out an early version of it on iOS and Mac OS Ventura Betas. Desk view is also 🔥🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Y1AZCS31oT
— iJustine (@ijustine) July 29, 2022
Belkin's Continuity Camera accessory will likely be ready for launch alongside the debut of macOS Ventura and iOS 16 in a few months.
Now that we're in August, back to school season has arrived for many students. In order to prepare for a return to school, we've collected all of the best back to school sales from Apple-related accessory companies like Brydge, ZAGG, Pad & Quill, and more, as well as plenty of discounts on Apple products like the iPhone 13 at AT&T.
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.
ZAGG
ZAGG and Mophie are offering 25 percent in savings this back to school season, with the chance to get discounts on portable batteries, keyboards, cables, and more. This sale doesn't require a coupon code and you can get 25 percent off up to three products, excluding items that have already been discounted.
Adobe Creative Cloud is being marked down by over 60 percent for students and teachers this month, available for $19.99/month, down from $54.99/month. You can also opt for the annual plan at $239.88/year, down from $599.88/year.
This sale is only for the first year of Adobe Creative Cloud, and at the end of that year the subscription will return to the traditional price tag unless you cancel. Eligible students are required to be 13 years or older.
AT&T
AT&T has quite a few back to school promotions happening right now, including the iPhone 13 family of devices for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in this month. This deal is applicable to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro smartphones.
You can also get the iPhone 12 mini for 50 percent off, and there's a BOGO deal on Apple Watch and Apple Watch SE models. Lastly, AT&T is offering up to 25 percent off select Belkin accessories for back to school.
Brydge
You can get up to 40 percent offBrydge keyboards and other accessories this week, including products compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Pro. Brydge's sale prices have been applied automatically and do not require a coupon code, and the retailer offers free shipping on orders shipping to the contiguous United States that reach or exceed $75.
Aukey
Aukey has 30 percent off back to school essentials in its sale this week, including markdowns on USB-C chargers, earphones, portable batteries, keyboards, desks, and more. Aukey's sale will last through August 4 and the company offers free shipping for orders over $25.
At Belkin you can take 15 percent off select chargers, cables, and routers with the code BTS2022. Belkin's sale includes the company's BOOST CHARGE wireless charging pads, surge protectors, USB-C cables, and MagSafe-compatible car mounts.
Apple Watch Edition models are beginning to sell out just weeks before the Apple Watch Series 8 lineup is expected to be announced.
Several of the high-end Apple Watch Series 7 models with titanium casings are listed as "currently unavailable" on Apple's online store in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and select other countries. In the United States, availability of 41mm models is most depleted at this time, but a few 45mm models are out of stock too.
Apple Watch Series 8 models are expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 14 in September. In addition to two standard Series 8 models, Apple plans to introduce a "rugged" model with a larger display and a more durable design that would be suitable for hiking and extreme sports, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While the rugged model is said to feature a titanium case, it is unclear if it would be branded as an Apple Watch Edition.
Apple today removed 15 games from Apple Arcade, just over two weeks after it listed the first batch of titles set to leave the subscription service due to developer contract expirations.
On July 18, Apple added a section to the Arcade area of the App Store titled "Leaving Arcade Soon" and listed the games that would be removed, but it did not specify when they would be gone.
That section of the App Store has now been taken down, and the titles that were included in the first batch no longer show up in a casual search of the Store. Games that have gone from Apple Arcade include Spelldrifter, Projection: First Light, Lifeslide, EarthNight, Cardpocalypse, Dead End Job, and more.
Apple says in a support document that users who downloaded a game before it was removed from Apple Arcade can continue to play the game for "at least two weeks after," suggesting the titles will remain playable until at least August 16 and possibly beyond then.
After such a time, users who launch an Apple Arcade game that is no longer playable will receive a "No Longer Available" message.
Apple says that after a game has been removed from Apple Arcade, the developer might choose to make their game available on the App Store for all users, although the game may differ from the version offered on Apple Arcade.
If a developer chooses to allow users to load their saved progress in the App Store version of the game, users can continue playing right where they left off in the Apple Arcade version. Otherwise, users must start the game over again.
A source informed MacRumors that when Apple Arcade first launched, Apple signed three-year deals with a number of developers, and some of these contracts are apparently nearing expiry and not being renewed, which is why the games have been removed.
Amazon has the 41mm GPS Apple Watch Series 7 down to $279.99, from an original price of $399.00. The only color available at this price is the Green Aluminum Case with Clover Sport Band.
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.
At $119 off, today's sale on Amazon is a match of the previous all-time low discount that we tracked on this model during Prime Day. Additionally, Amazon has a bonus promotion where you can save 20 percent on Beats Studio Buds or Beats Fit Pro when purchased simultaneously with an Apple Watch.
You can find the Beats promotion next to the "Extra Savings" banner under the price on the Apple Watch Series 7 page, and add both items to your cart to see the sale. Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Apple is dropping its mask requirements for corporate employees at "most locations," according to an internal memo obtained by The Verge.
Apple's COVID-19 Response Team on Monday told corporate employees that the company is updating current protocols "in light of current circumstances," and urged staff to continue wearing a face mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.
Apple also noted in the email that "everyone's personal circumstances are different" and reminded corporate employees to respect every individual's decision to wear a mask or not.
Apple has been shifting its operating policies throughout the pandemic to keep in line with local regulations and to mitigate risk for employees and customers in areas where COVID is spiking.
For example, Apple in March relaxed its mask requirements for its retail employees in the United States due to a decline in Covid-19 cases and a relaxation of local mandates.
The latest move however comes amid a fresh wave of infections in California that were first identified in the Bay Area, due to the highly-contagious Omicron BA.5 subvariant.
Masks were previously still required in “public spaces,” but not at desks. Now requirement dropped altogether. Doesn’t seem like the most ideal time to do so however. See that big case decline between Feb. and March? That was the last time Apple dropped the requirement. https://t.co/vyKX3okvhupic.twitter.com/MfcaumfNq2
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 2, 2022
Apple is still operating a hybrid home/office work policy for corporate employees in the United States. Staff began returning to their offices on April 11 for one day a week, ending a two-year work from home policy that Apple implemented during the pandemic.
Apple originally planned to have staff in the office for three days of the week by May 23, but the company reversed the decision after a surge in infections, and a two-day requirement was imposed on May 4.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Spotify is separating its play and shuffle buttons for paying subscribers, the streaming service has announced.
Currently, the Spotify interface uses a combined play and shuffle button at the top of playlists and artist pages, so the change should make things simpler for Premium customers who prefer to listen to songs in the order they are listed.
Writing in a blog post, the company said the individual play and shuffle buttons would be rolling out on iOS and Android devices for Spotify subscribers worldwide over the coming weeks.
This new change will allow you to choose the mode you prefer at the top of playlists and albums and listen the way you want to. Whether you love the joy of the unexpected with Shuffle mode, or prefer listening to tunes in order by simply pressing Play, Spotify has you covered.
Spotify has received criticism in the past for its penchant for shuffling tracks, not just from users, but also artists frustrated that their albums are not being experienced in their proper running order.
Following the release of "30" by Adele last November, the singer thanked Spotify for removing the shuffle button as the default option when playing albums. Artists "don't create albums with so much care and thought into our track listing for no reason," she tweeted. "Thank you Spotify for listening."
Apple has admitted that customers using the Studio Display may experience audio-related issues, including sound unexpectedly and abruptly cutting out, audio playing at a high speed, distorted audio quality, and choppy playback.
In a memo to authorized service providers, obtained by MacRumors, Apple acknowledges that customers may find themselves facing speaker issues with the company's $1599 display. Apple says that customers facing issues should unplug the Studio Display from power, unplug any accessories or devices connected to the display, wait ten seconds, then reconnect the Studio Display to power. Apple explicitly notes this is not a hardware problem and implies that a future iOS update may address the issues.
Apple has heavily boasted about the audio, mic, and camera built into the Studio Display. Apple says the speaker system is the "highest‑fidelity speaker system ever created for Mac" and has touted the controversial 12MP built-in camera with Center Stage and the six-speaker array system.
Customers have been reporting both microphone and speaker-related issues with their Studio Display over the last several months, but reports have become more frequent in recent weeks. Michael Tsai this week chronicled some testimonies from customers facing issues, with one customer writing:
The audio on my Studio Display fails intermittently. The only way I can get it to work again is to unplug the display overnight. That resets the display and resolves the problem temporarily. Until the next time. This is simply unacceptable for a $1600 monitor, and Apple should be ashamed of the poor quality control.
Based on the number of customer reports, audio-related issues with the Studio Display do appear to be relatively widespread. Hundreds of customers have taken to Twitter, the Apple Support (1,2,3,4,5) and MacRumors forums (1,2,3) looking for a permanent solution.
Well I just had to reboot my monitor.
Welcome to the wonderful world of monitors with chips and (presumably) operating systems.
My Apple Display Studio Display was mangling audio this morning. Caused issues for a podcast. Had to reboot the old-fashioned way: power cycling.
— John Koetsier (@johnkoetsier) July 28, 2022
The speakers in my Studio Display have stopped working. It’s been days. Still can’t get them to work again.
— Parker Ortolani (@ParkerOrtolani) July 18, 2022
is anyone else's studio display buggy for video/audio?
I just got one and for some reason youtube/music apps freeze or become frequently choppy
— Kiran (@neuroswish) July 30, 2022
Studio Display Audio Issues — I had the same issues with my… rebooting a monitoring fix the problems. Just weird to have to reboot a display, though.https://t.co/5kNrRWljEj
— A Numeric Citizen (@numericcitizen) July 29, 2022
Since yesterday my Studio Display will only play audio for a few seconds and then it stops. Audio playback works fine on the MacBook Pro that’s connected to the display. Not sure if it’s hardware or software related. I’m running the Ventura beta.
Anyone seeing something similar? pic.twitter.com/u4yO1bFubq
— Simon B. Støvring (@simonbs) July 28, 2022
I have to restart both my Apple Studio Displays. Otherwise, audio gets choppy and eventually just cuts out completely. Rebooting the Mac doesn't help. You literally have to power cycle the entire Studio Display(s). Happens about every 5-6 weeks for me it seems. https://t.co/Y328O82hV9
— Mario Guzmán (@MarioGuzman) July 26, 2022
Audio recording from my Apple Studio Display microphone is still fundamentally broken in every app. Latest OS and display firmware versions.
— Seth Willits (@sethwillits) July 26, 2022
The Studio Display runs iOS and can receive software updates that address problems like this. Apple has attempted to address poor webcam quality with the Studio Display through a software update with mixed results. It seems the company will follow a similar route with audio-related issues. Today's memo offers no timeframe on when a permanent solution may arrive, but in the meantime customers are advised to ensure their display is updated to the latest firmware.
Eve Systems today announced the launch of a redesigned version of the Eve Aqua, a HomeKit-enabled smart home device designed to automate irrigation systems and convert standard outdoor faucets into smart water outlets.
The Eve Aqua water controller is able to automatically activate an irrigation system using the Home app on the iPhone, the Eve app, Siri voice commands, or a physical button on the device itself.
The third-generation Eve Aqua includes Thread support for improved reliability and reach when used with other Thread-compatible devices. It activates and shuts off automatically, with no internet connection, bridge, or gateway required for functionality, and it runs off of 2 AA batteries.
Eve Systems says that the new Eve Aqua has been redesigned with a sleeker look that features a space gray body and matte black front, along with a brass faucet connector and magnetic valve for improved durability, leak protection, and quieter operation.
As expected, Apple today updated its vintage products list with eight more MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models released in 2015 and 2016.
Notably, the first MacBook Pro models with the Touch Bar are now classified as vintage. Apple introduced the Touch Bar in October 2016 as part of a complete redesign of the MacBook Pro. Apple has since removed the Touch Bar from higher-end MacBook Pro models, but it is still available on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip.
The full list of Macs that became vintage at the end of July:
MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
iMac (27-inch, Retina 5K, Late 2015)
9.7-inch iPad Pro models released in 2016 are now vintage as well.
A device becomes vintage once five years have passed since Apple last distributed the device for sale. Vintage products are typically ineligible for repairs at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, unless spare parts remain available.
Rumors suggest that the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro models are going to feature always-on display technology similar to the Apple Watch, and hints of what that always-on display might look like could be in the latest Xcode 14 beta.
As noted on Twitter by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, the Xcode 14 beta features an interesting Lock Screen interface that eliminates detail from an on-screen widget as the screen wakes. The animation indicates that the iPhone 14 Pro models could remove intricate details from widgets and other Lock Screen content when the iPhone is locked and the always-on display is active.
A preview of the rumored iPhone 14 Pro ‘Always on Display’ feature might have been leaked by Xcode 14 beta 4 Simulator. Attached are the first two frames of a video of waking the sim. The first image (Always on Display mode) removes texture from the whale image in the widget 🧵 https://t.co/YDsTmuHotbpic.twitter.com/jPYDGh7m6k
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) August 1, 2022
iOS developer @rhogelleim also noted signs of a black and white version of a widget that is typically in color in the Xcode 14 beta that could be related to the always-on display.
The most recent iOS 16 beta also features hints of a "Sleep" state for wallpapers, offering further information on how the always-on display will work. "Sleep" versions of wallpapers are darker, fading out bright colors, which would perhaps preserve battery life when used with an always-on display.
Always-on display functionality is rumored to be limited to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max as these devices will have the necessary display technology. Rumors indicate the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will feature refresh rates that vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, an improvement over the 10Hz to 120Hz refresh rates available with the iPhone 13 Pro devices.
The 1Hz refresh rate will allow for the time, widgets, and perhaps notifications to be visible while the iPhone is in a sleep state. Apple's iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models are also rumored to be getting a no-notch design that instead uses pill-shaped and hole-punch cutouts for Face ID and camera hardware, improved rear cameras, and A16 chips, with full details available in our dedicated iPhone 14 Pro roundup.
Samsung today shared the official trailer video for its upcoming "Unpacked" event that will see the debut of the next-generation foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4.
The Unpacked event is set to take place on Wednesday, August 10 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and Samsung is already taking reservations for the as-of-yet unannounced smartphones. "Find out how the next Galaxy is greater than phones now, and get ready to unfold your world of greater experiences at Samsung Unpacked," reads the tagline for the event teasing the new devices.
Rumors suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will have an updated design with a single hinge design instead of the double hinges of the prior-generation Samsung foldable phones. The new hinge will be smaller for a thinner and lighter design, and the smartphone will continue to fold like a book.
The Z Fold 4 is expected to continue to feature a 7.6-inch interior display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it could have an under-display fingerprint sensor instead of a fingerprint sensor at the right side of the device. Upgraded cameras are coming, including a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The Galaxy Fold 3 was priced at $1,800, and display analyst Ross Young says that the Fold 4 could get a small price cut.
As for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, it will continue to feature a 6.7-inch display that folds out vertically, but according to Young, it will have a larger 2-inch cover display. Not much else is known about the Z Flip 4, but camera improvements are possible, as are battery life improvements and new color options. Both new smartphones are expected to run the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus chips.
Samsung has been making foldable devices since the 2019 introduction of the Galaxy Fold, and the company has several years of experience with various design improvements and iterations.
Apple has yet to debut a foldable iPhone, though rumors suggest there are prototypes in the works. Right now, work is said to be in the early stages, and Apple has considered several foldable screen sizes, including one that unfolds to a size similar to the 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max and others in the eight to nine inch range.
Rumors about Apple's foldable design have been all over the place, with some suggesting an invisible hinge and others pointing toward a two-display design with a visible hinge. There's also been a rumor of a foldable iPhone with a clamshell design similar to the Galaxy Z Flip. Multiple sources indicate that 2025 is the earliest that we might see a foldable iPhone, so there's plenty of time for Apple's plans to change and evolve.
Sonos in June launched the Sonos Ray, a compact, affordable soundbar that pairs well with an Apple TV-powered home setup because of its AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration. We picked up a Sonos Ray to give MacRumors readers an idea of how it works and whether it's worth the $279.
The Sonos Ray is smaller than other Sonos soundbars, measuring in at about 22 inches long, so it's ideal for smaller spaces and smaller entertainment setups. Like most Sonos products, it's sleek and blends well into surrounding decor, and it looks a lot like the Sonos Beam.
There are easy access touch controls at the top, along with power, ethernet, and optical audio ports at the back. Just as a quick note, if you happen to have a remote that doesn't support IR, you might not want to pick up the Sonos Ray as some of these remotes are not compatible due to the optical audio port and you'll need to manually adjust volume. This won't impact most people, as most remotes (including the Apple TV remote) work with the Sonos Ray.
If you need more audio output than what the Ray provides, it does play well with other Sonos speakers and subwoofers, but even on its own, the sound quality is impressive. You won't get Dolby Atmos at this price point, but the sound is solid despite the small form factor, and it easily beats out TV speakers. There are four Class-D digital amplifiers, two tweeters, two high-efficiency midwoofers, and a built-in bass reflex system, plus it features adjustable EQ and Sonos' TruePlay feature for tuning sound to the room the Ray is located in.
With AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration, the Sonos Ray pairs with HomeKit-enabled products and speakers, plus it can be controlled and adjusted through the Home app and Siri commands. AirPlay integration makes it easy to AirPlay audio directly to the Ray if needed, and it is all in all a good choice for those who need a soundbar for a smaller space.
Apple today shared a new video that's aimed at Android users who are considering a switch over to an iPhone. The video walks through common questions that switchers might have, including transferring contacts, photos, and messages, trade-ins, long-term updates, and more.
It also covers the durability of the iPhone such as water resistance, battery life, reliability of the iOS operating system, security, and privacy protections for personal data.
Apple's four-minute video on switching to an iPhone is basically a condensed version of its dedicated "Switch to iPhone" website that walks through everything smartphone users need to know about upgrading to an iPhone. Apple also maintains a dedicated "Move to iOS" Android app that makes it easy to transfer data.
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