MacRumors

A future version of the Apple Store app will offer an augmented reality feature that allows customers to point their iPhone toward a product like a Mac in an Apple Store and instantly receive more information about pricing and specifications in an overlay on their screen, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In his newsletter this week, Gurman said Apple has been working on the feature since at least 2020 and has been testing it at stores in recent months, but it's unclear when it will be made available to the public. He said Apple plans to release an accompanying API for developers so that other retail stores could use the feature too.

"If the service debuts in the near future, it would be one of Apple's most significant AR-related launches to date — and a taste of what's to come with the headset," wrote Gurman, in reference to Apple's long-awaited AR/VR headset expected to launch this year.

Earlier this week we shared deals on nearly every model of Apple's 2021 MacBook Pro, with the exception of the 10-Core M1 Max, 1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro. Today, Amazon has introduced a new all-time low price on this model.

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

You can get the M1 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,999.99, down from $3,499.00. At $499 off, this is the best price we've ever tracked on this high-end model of the 2021 MacBook Pro, and only Amazon is offering this deal in Silver.

For more MacBook Pro deals, be sure to visit our article form earlier in the week, but note that some of these sales have since expired. Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

Mass shipments of second-generation AirPods Max and more affordable AirPods will likely begin in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025, according to the latest information shared by Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a series of tweets today, Kuo said Apple is aiming for a $99 price for the more affordable standard AirPods. Currently, the $129 second-generation AirPods are the cheapest option from Apple, while the third-generation AirPods are priced at $169 with a Lightning charging case and at $179 with a MagSafe case. This is the second time lower-priced AirPods have been rumored in as many weeks following a prediction from analyst Jeff Pu.

Kuo did not offer any additional details about the new AirPods Max. Apple's premium over-ear noise canceling headphones were first released in December 2020 for $549, and we've previously outlined new features that would make sense for the next-generation pair, such as a USB-C port instead of Lightning, improved noise cancelation, longer battery life, new color options, a U1 chip for Precision Finding in the Find My app, and more.

Apple's next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips were slated to hit the market in "early 2023," but the laptops are now expected to be "delayed once again," according to Taiwanese publication DigiTimes.

The report does not offer a revised launch timeframe for the new MacBook Pros. In his newsletter last weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple planned to release the laptops in the first half of this year and said they will have the same designs and features as the current models, but with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. Gurman said those chips will offer only marginal performance improvements over the current M1 Pro and M1 Max.

In late October, Gurman said Apple planned to release the new MacBook Pros in the first quarter of 2023 and had tied the launches to an upcoming macOS 13.3 release, but it's unclear if those plans have changed since then. Based on Gurman's latest timeframe of the first half of 2023, the new MacBook Pros should finally be released by Apple's annual developers conference WWDC in June at the latest, but hopefully sooner.

Apple's chipmaking partner TSMC started mass production of 3nm chips in late December, but reports have conflicted as to whether the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will be 3nm or remain 5nm like the M1 Pro and M1 Max.

The rest of the report is focused on how MacBook shipments will likely decline 40% to 50% sequentially in the first quarter of 2023, citing unnamed supply chain sources. The report claims that Apple "adjusting its shipment ratios" by adding Wingtech as a MacBook assembler is the primary reason for the substantial decline.

A short time ago, preview versions of Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices apps for Windows were discovered in the Microsoft Store, and it turns out one of those apps is hiding references to Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset operating system.

The Apple Devices app is intended to allow users to manage various Apple devices on Windows machines, functionality that was traditionally handled in iTunes but which has migrated to Finder on macOS. Windows users continue to use iTunes to manage Apple devices if needed, but with Apple working on standalone apps like ‌Apple Music‌ for Windows, it appears iTunes for Windows is nearing the end of its life and a replacement for device management functions is needed.

Upon investigating the new Apple Devices Preview app for Windows, Twitter user @aaronp613 discovered references to both "Reality OS" and "xrOS," two names that have appeared in repeated rumors as being in reference to Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had reported for quite some time that Apple was planning to call its headset platform "realityOS" or "rOS," but last month he revealed that Apple has updated its plans and will call the platform "xrOS". The name refers to "extended reality" to encompass both virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.

Over the weekend, Gurman reported that while Apple had been aiming to introduce the headset this month, the company is now planning for an introduction around its traditional spring media event time. A more complete introduction for developers will then come at WWDC in June ahead of the actual product launch later in the year.

With that introduction time frame rapidly approaching, it's no surprise that Apple is preparing its other apps and platforms to integrate with the headset and ‌xrOS‌, but the references in the new Apple Devices Preview app for Windows are likely an accidental slip-up by Apple.

Despite years of resistance, Apple is now working on adding touchscreens to Macs, according to a report today from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The report claims that a new MacBook Pro with an OLED display could be the first touchscreen Mac in 2025.

Gurman said Apple engineers are "actively engaged in the project," indicating that the company is "seriously considering" producing touchscreen Macs. The first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen would retain a traditional laptop design with a trackpad and a keyboard, but the display would gain support for touch input like an iPhone or iPad.

The first touchscreen Macs are likely to use macOS, as Apple is not actively working to combine iPadOS and macOS, according to the report. iPhone and iPad apps are available on Macs with Apple silicon chips, though, unless a developer opts out.

Apple has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a touchscreen Mac over the years, so this would be a major reversal in philosophy for the company if it moves forward with these plans. In 2010, for example, Steve Jobs said that "touch surfaces don't want to be vertical" due to arm fatigue associated with holding up a finger to the screen. And in 2021, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus said the Mac was "totally optimized for indirect input" and said the company did not feel there was a good reason to change that at the time.

Last October, Microsoft announced that Apple Music and Apple TV apps would be coming to the Microsoft Store in 2023 for installation on Windows devices, providing significant improvements for users on those platforms who have had to access ‌Apple Music‌ via the web or Apple's outdated iTunes for Windows app and ‌Apple TV‌+ via the web.

Preview versions of the two apps, as well as an Apple Devices app for managing devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods from Windows machines have now appeared in the Microsoft Store, as noted by The Verifier [Google Translate].

• Apple Music Preview
• Apple TV Preview
• Apple Devices Preview

In the app descriptions, Apple highlights that, as preview versions of these apps, "not all features may work as expected." The company also warns that installing any of these apps will prevent iTunes for Windows from opening. As a result, other content types such as audiobooks and podcasts will be inaccessible until Apple releases a compatible version of iTunes or the user uninstalls the preview apps.

All three of the new Apple apps require Windows 11 version 22621.0 or higher.

Update: Users are currently unable to install the preview apps on their machines, but will likely be able to do so soon.

Apple is testing a new version of the Mac Pro running macOS 13.3, according to a tweet shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today.

Given that macOS 12.3 was released in March 2022 and macOS 11.3 was released in April 2021, it's likely that macOS 13.3 will be released in the spring as well. This timeframe could set the stage for Apple to introduce the Mac Pro at a spring event, shortly before releasing macOS 13.3 with support for the computer. The new Mac Pro is expected to feature Apple's new M2 Ultra chip, but a higher-end "M2 Extreme" chip was reportedly canceled.

Earlier this week, Gurman said the new Mac Pro will have the same design as the 2019 model, but lack user-upgradeable RAM.

In an October edition of his newsletter, Gurman said the long-awaited 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips would also be tied to macOS 13.3, suggesting that the notebooks could be announced this spring as well.

Gurman has previously claimed that a new Mac mini is in the works with M2 and M2 Pro chip options, but he hasn't commented on the Mac mini recently. It's certainly possible that it gets announced alongside the new Mac Pro and MacBook Pro models. In the meantime, Apple continues to sell Intel-based Mac Pro and Mac mini configurations.

Apple has not released any new Macs since the MacBook Air with the M2 chip in July.

Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates to public beta testers, providing the new software to the general public. The public betas come one day after Apple provided the beta to developers, and nearly a month after the first public betas.

Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's free beta testing program can download the ‌iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3‌ betas over the air after installing the proper certificate from the Public Beta website.

So far, iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 appear to be more minor updates than the iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 releases. The software includes support for physical Security Keys for adding an additional layer of protection to an Apple ID.

With this feature, a physical FIDO certified security key can be used in lieu of device authentication when signing into an ‌Apple ID‌ on iCloud or a new device.

The update also includes a more streamlined process for transferring a song to a HomePod from an iPhone and vice versa, with Apple providing additional detail on how it works. No other major changes have been found in the beta as of yet.

Apple today seeded the second beta of macOS Ventura 13.2 to its public beta testing group, letting the general public try out the new features ahead of the software's release. The public beta comes one day after Apple provided the beta to developers and nearly a month after the first public beta.

Public beta testers can download the macOS 13.2 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 13.2 introduces support for protecting an Apple ID with a physical security key, such as a Yubikey. The physical security key is used for two-factor authentication when signing into your ‌Apple ID‌ on a new device, on iCloud, or on other Apple websites, and it replaces device codes.

Apple says that physical security keys offer an additional layer of protection for those who are concerned about their Apple IDs being accessed.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today reiterated that iPhone 15 Pro models will be equipped with solid-state volume and power buttons, and he added that other high-end devices could follow suit in the future if the change is well received. Presumably, this would include the iPad Pro, and perhaps the Apple Watch Ultra.

Kuo previously said iPhone 15 Pro models will be equipped with two additional Taptic Engines that provide haptic feedback when the buttons are pressed, without the buttons actually moving. This would be similar to the solid-state Home button introduced on the iPhone 7 and the Force Touch trackpad on recent MacBooks.

In a series of tweets today, Kuo noted that Cirrus Logic will benefit from the change as the supplier of Taptic Engine chips for iPhones.

Solid-state buttons on iPhones could allow for even better water resistance and would eliminate moving parts that can wear out or break over time. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are still expected to have mechanical buttons.

Apple is expected to unveil the entire iPhone 15 lineup in September as usual, so the devices are still around eight months away from launching.

A free Business Connect tool announced by Apple today allows businesses to customize their location card in the Maps app with a brand logo, images, and other key information, such as special promotions or seasonal menu items at a restaurant. Businesses can also highlight various actions, such as ordering groceries via Instacart, making a dinner reservation via OpenTable, booking a hotel at Booking.com, and more.

Apple says these new capabilities are available to businesses in the U.S. starting today, and will be available to businesses globally in the coming months, so it will take some time for businesses to update their information. Businesses can also customize the way key information appears across the Messages app, Wallet app, and Siri interface.

Once a business has logged in to Business Connect with a new or existing Apple ID and Apple has verified the business, they can claim their location(s) and begin updating and personalizing their place card using the self-service website, free of charge.

"We created Business Connect to provide Apple users around the world with the most accurate information for places to eat, shop, travel, and more," said Apple's services chief Eddy Cue. "Apple Business Connect gives every business owner the tools they need to connect with customers more directly, and take more control over the way billions of people see and engage with their products and services every day."

More information is available on the Apple Business Connect website.

Amazon today has Apple's 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (2TB Wi-Fi) for $1,299.97, down from its original price of $1,899.00. This is the lowest price we've ever tracked for this previous-generation M1 model of the iPad 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.

You can get this price in both Space Gray and Silver on Amazon, and we are seeing stock dwindle on the latter option. Fastest delivery options are set for as soon as Saturday, January 14, while free delivery will arrive on January 18.

The M1 and M2 iPad Pro models share a majority of their features, with the biggest advantages of the newer models coming with the performance boost from the M2 chip. If you prioritize saving money over owning the newest Apple accessories, Amazon's $599 markdown today is a solid offer on the previous-generation iPad Pro.

Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

Apple supplier BOE is in talks to rent dozens of hectares of land in north Vietnam to build a plant dedicated to making OLED display panels that will likely be used in future iPhones.

The Chinese company is seeking to invest a total of up to $400 million on 100 hectares of land, half of which could be used to build a $250 million factory specializing in the creation of OLED screens, according to Vietnamese newspaper VNExpress. BOE intends to complete all of the building work by 2025.

The plan highlights efforts by Apple to move away from having its supply chain predominantly based in China, amid geopolitical tensions and disruption caused by the country's COVID-19 lockdown measures. Taiwan's Foxconn and China's Luxshare Precision Industry already make or plan to make a number of Apple products in the area, including MacBooks and iPads.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, BOE is set to become the largest supplier of displays for new iPhones by 2024. The company has reportedly beaten Samsung for orders for the upcoming ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, and by 2024, it will start mass shipments of high-end LTPO displays for the ‌iPhone‌, making it the largest display supplier.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Apple plans to use in-house, custom-designed displays for some future mobiles devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch, although the displays would likely still be manufactured by an outside supplier.

Twitter has made the algorithmic "For You" timeline the default feed that users see when they open the iOS app, a controversial change that the company has tried previously before rolling it back due to a pronounced backlash.

In a change that is sure to draw the ire of some users, Twitter has removed the sparkle-shaped icon from the top-right of the app's interface that let users switch between "For You" and "Latest" and replaced it with two tabs called "For You" and "Following."

"For You" still shows users tweets from people they follow out of order, sprinkled with algorithmically suggested tweets from people they don't, while "Following" shows tweets in pure reverse chronological order.

While the change technically makes it easier to switch timelines – users can now just swipe between them instead of tapping the star icon – users on iOS will now always see the algorithmic "For You" tab when opening the app, whether they want to or not.

Another notable result of the change is that people who use pinned lists for alternative timelines will now need to perform more swipes to get to those lists.

The move comes after CEO Elon Musk last month tweeted that the "main timeline should allow for an easy sideways swipe between top, latest, trending, and topics you follow," and said that the company would be making the changes soon. As of writing though, there are no options to swipe to trending or followed topics, while the old star button still exists on Android and the web.

Twitter originally used a reverse chronological feed, showing the newest tweets at the top of the app, before it switched to a timeline that placed a selection of top tweets first. That caused consternation among users, and Twitter eventually added the option to switch back to the pure chronological timeline.

As many will undoubtedly observe, Twitter's decision to prioritize its algorithmic timeline now makes it more akin to the way TikTok works. TikTok learns what users tend to view and pushes them to more of the same suggested content with a similar "For You" feed, which boosts engagement. Whether Twitter's algorithms will have the same success rate remains to be seen.

Apple infringed on one of medical technology company Masimo's pulse oximeter patents when it launched Apple Watch models that use light sensors to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood, an International Trade Commission (ITC) judge ruled on Tuesday.

Masimo, which designs pulse oximetry devices, has been embroiled in an ongoing battle with Apple over several health capabilities found in some Apple Watch models, and Masimo has been pushing to have the models banned in the United States.

Medical grade pulse oximetry devices are what Masimo specializes in, and pulse oximetry is a feature that Apple added to the Apple Watch with the Series 6 model. The feature found in the Series 6 and later Apple Watch models uses light to detect the amount of oxygen in the blood, with the feature joining heart rate monitoring and ECG capabilities.

In June 2021, Masimo filed a patent infringement lawsuit with the ITC asking it to halt imports of the Apple Watch Series 6 because of patent infringements related to blood oxygen monitoring.

In Tuesday's ruling, the judge concluded that four other patents at issue were not infringed. The ITC will now consider whether to implement an import ban on Apple Watch models that include the blood oxygen monitoring feature, according to the medical device maker. The final determination is expected to be completed by May 10.

"We are happy that the judge recognized Apple's infringement of Masimo's pulse oximetry technology and took this critical first step toward accountability," said Masimo CEO Joe Kiani in a statement given to MD+DI. "Today's decision should help restore fairness in the market. Apple has similarly infringed on other companies' technologies, and we believe today's ruling exposes Apple as a company that takes other companies' innovations and repackages them."

"We respectfully disagree with today's decision, and look forward to a full review by the Commission," Apple said in a statement reported by Reuters.

Masimo initially sued Apple in January 2020, accusing the company of stealing trade secrets and improperly using Masimo inventions. In the prior filing, Masimo claimed that Apple sneakily poached Masimo employees and used patented Masimo technology when developing the sensors used in the Apple Watch.

Apple plans to release the first MacBook with an OLED display by the end of 2024 at the earliest, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a series of tweets today, Kuo said OLED technology would allow for thinner and lighter MacBook designs.

All existing MacBooks have LCD panels, with the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring mini-LED backlighting and ProMotion. Unlike LCDs with mini-LEDs, OLED displays have self-emitting pixels and do not require backlighting, which would give MacBooks even better contrast ratio and allow for longer battery life.

Kuo did not specify whether the OLED MacBook would be a Pro or Air model. Last month, however, display industry analyst Ross Young said Apple planned to introduce a new 13-inch MacBook Air with an OLED display in 2024. He also expects Apple to release new 11.1-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays next year.

While it appears that Macs and iPads will transition to OLED displays over the next few years, the Apple Watch might start moving away from the technology. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today reported that a new Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display could be released by the end of 2024. MicroLED technology would offer even higher brightness and improved contrast ratio compared to existing Apple Watch models with OLED displays.