MacRumors

Apple today launched its annual Back to University program in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Brazil, offering students and teachers free AirPods with the purchase of an eligible Mac or iPad. The promotion runs from January 6 through March 7.

Eligible devices include the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, ‌iMac‌ Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad Air. Purchases come with free standard second-generation AirPods, but customers can upgrade to third-generation AirPods or AirPods Pro for an additional fee.

Mac and ‌iPad‌ models are available at discounted educational prices when purchasing through the educational stores for Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea. Apple also offers AppleCare+ protection plans at a 20 percent discount.

To get the free AirPods, customers will need to add an eligible Mac or ‌iPad‌ to their carts, where the option to add the AirPods (or upgrade) will come up during the checkout process.

Discounts are available for current and newly accepted university students, parents buying for students, and teachers and staff at all levels. Sign up and enrollment verification through UNiDays is required. Educational discounts will be available for a limited time both online and in Apple retail stores that are open at the current time.

The Back to University program that launches every January is identical to the Back to School promotion that launches in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe in the summer months, so expect similar deals when Back to School rolls around in those countries later in 2022.

Back in December, Instagram lead Adam Mosseri said that Instagram was planning to reintroduce a chronological feed, and now Instagram is officially testing chronological feed options.

Going forward, there will be three different Instagram feed options available. The "Home" feed will be the Instagram experience that's available today, with Instagram suggesting content that it thinks that users will most want to see in an effort to "make the most of your time."

A "Favorites" feed will include a user-designated list of accounts to ensure Instagram users aren't missing content from their favorite people.

The "Following" feed will offer up a list of chronological posts from every account that an Instagram user is following. Mosseri said that Instagram feels it's important to offer this feature because the "Home" feed is going to gain more and more recommended accounts over time, so people will be able to see just the accounts they follow using this option.

According to Mosseri, Instagram wants to make it easier for people to view content how they want to see it. The feature is already in testing for some accounts or is going out over the next couple of weeks, and after the beta testing period, Instagram is planning to launch the chronological feed option in the first half of 2022.

Google today announced its 2022 product plans for the Android operating system, and several of the upcoming additions clearly mirror existing Apple features. The new functionality will allow Android smartphones and Google products to match capabilities already available with the Apple devices.

Fast Pair, a Google feature that enables Bluetooth accessories to instantly pair to an Android smartphone, is expanding to wearables, speakers, TVs, and smart home devices, so earbuds will be able to quick pair with Android TVs and Chromebooks, similar to how the AirPods work with the Apple TV and the Mac.

Automatic device switching, a feature that Apple built into the AirPods, is also coming to Google devices. Google says that it is working on technology that will allow Bluetooth headphones to automatically switch audio to whatever device you're using at the time, plus Google has plans to implement head tracking for spatial audio, adapting sound based on head position.

In addition to bringing AirPods-like features to more Google devices, Google is also adding iCloud-style messaging. Chromebook users will be able to access chat apps from their smartphones without installing them, and photos and videos on Android smartphones will be automatically available on connected Chromebooks.

For setting up Google devices, Google is introducing a feature that will allow Android users to set up their Windows PCs by bringing an Android smartphone close to the PC, which will sync text messages and files in addition to allowing for the quick setup of Bluetooth accessories. This is similar to Apple's feature that allows new devices to copy settings and content from an existing device over-the-air.

WearOS smart watches will soon be able to unlock Chromebooks, similar to how an Apple Watch can be used to unlock a Mac. Google already offers this feature to allow Android smartphones to unlock Chromebooks, but the new feature will more closely mirror what's possible with the Apple Watch.

Google is also adopting an Ultra Wideband car key feature that's similar to Apple's Car Keys. It will let a Samsung or Pixel phone unlock, lock, and start supported BMW vehicles, functionality that's already available with the iPhone.

Fast Pair and quick sharing for photos are coming in the next few weeks, while the other features are set to launch later in 2022.

Apple's first major product announcements of the year often occur in March or April, so there's a reasonable chance that trend will continue in 2022.

Ahead, we recap some of Apple's past spring announcements and look ahead to some of the first new Apple products that we might see this year.

Past Spring Announcements

Last year, Apple held an event on April 20 to unveil its AirTag item tracker, new iPad Pro and 24-inch iMac models powered by the M1 chip, the second-generation Apple TV 4K, and a new purple color option for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.

Apple did not host a spring event in 2020, likely due to COVID-19 being declared a worldwide pandemic in March of that year. Apple still announced new products with press releases that spring, including updated MacBook Air and iPad Pro models on March 18 and the second-generation iPhone SE on April 15.

In 2019, Apple announced several new products with press releases in March, including new iPad Air and iPad mini models, new 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac models, and second-generation AirPods. Apple did go on to host a services-focused event later in the month, where it introduced the Apple Card, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade.

In 2018, the first major product release of the year actually came in February when the full-sized HomePod became available to order, but this is because Apple delayed the speaker's launch by a few months. Apple went on to host an education-focused event in March at a Chicago high school, where it unveiled the sixth-generation low-cost iPad.

Apple did not host a spring event in 2017, but it did announce the fifth-generation low-cost iPad, a (PRODUCT)RED color option for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and new Apple Watch band options with press releases in March.

What We Could See in Spring 2022

Apple is expected to unveil a long list of new products in 2022, and the ones most likely to be announced this March or April with or without an event include a third-generation iPhone SE with 5G, a redesigned 27-inch iMac powered by Apple silicon, and high-end Mac mini configurations also powered by Apple silicon.

iPhone SE With 5G

Apple plans to release a third-generation iPhone SE in the first quarter of 2022, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce. If this timeframe proves to be accurate, we can expect the device to be released by the end of March.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the new iPhone SE will feature a similar design as the current model, with a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID home button, and thicker bezels. Kuo said key upgrades to the device will include 5G support and a faster processor — reportedly the A15 chip as found in the iPhone 13 series.

27-Inch iMac With Apple Silicon

Apple is rumored to be planning a new 27-inch iMac with a mini-LED display for release in the first half of 2022, so a March or April announcement is possible. The new 27-inch iMac will support ProMotion, enabling a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother content and scrolling, according to display industry consultant Ross Young, who has proven to be a reliable source of display-related rumors.

Twitter leaker @dylandkt, another source who has proven reliable, claimed that the new 27-inch iMac will feature a similar design as the 24-inch iMac that launched earlier this year, but with a darker color scheme. He also said the computer will be powered by the same M1 Pro and M1 Max chips as used in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.

High-End Mac Mini With Apple Silicon

Apple is also expected to release new high-end Mac mini configurations powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in 2022, and a March or April announcement would make sense alongside the new 27-inch iMac.

Apple already updated the Mac mini with the M1 chip in November 2020, but only for lower-end configurations, with the higher-end models continuing to use Intel processors. Once the 27-inch iMac and Mac mini transition to Apple silicon, the only remaining Intel-based Mac would be the Mac Pro desktop tower.

For more details, make sure to check out our guides on What to Expect From Apple in 2022, Upcoming Apple Products, and Apple's 2022 Event Plans.

Meta has stopped developing its scratch-built operating system for augmented-reality (AR) and virtual-reality (VR) devices, according to The Information.

In a paywalled report published earlier today, The Information claims that Meta stopped the development of its operating system designed for Oculus virtual-reality devices and the company's upcoming augmented-reality glasses in November 2021, citing people familiar with the matter. Work on the operating system had reportedly been underway since 2017 and involved more than 300 Meta employees.

Existing Oculus devices, such as the Quest 2, run a modified version of Android called VROS, but Meta was designing a new OS from scratch to support its ambitions in the AR and VR space, a project known internally as "XROS." It is unclear why the project was abandoned, but the company could still revive aspects of the OS at a later date.

Going forward, Meta will focus on modifying an open-source version of Android for AR and VR use, rather than using its own in-house OS. The move is expected to save the company money and engineering resources, but ties Meta's AR and VR aspirations closely to Google in the long term.

The decision appears to be a considerable setback for Meta's long-term goal to be more independent and develop its own hardware. In particular, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been concerned for over a decade about the level of control that Apple and Google have over devices that are key to Meta's business model, leading to events such as Facebook's public relations battle with Apple over App Tracking Transparency.

Meanwhile, Apple is believed to be continuing work on "rOS," the operating system designed to run on the company's long-rumored mixed-reality headset and augmented-reality glasses. Apple is expected to become a major player in the "metaverse" with the launch of a mixed-reality headset as soon as this year, rivaling Meta.

rOS has reportedly been in development since at least 2017. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, rOS is based on iOS, and includes Siri and gesture controls. It features basic applications and an App Store, as well as technologies for accomodating virtual meeting rooms and 360-degree video.

Apple already has a strong foothold in AR technologies with ARKit, which provides developers with tools to create augmented reality apps for iPhones and iPads, and the company frequently adds new AR-based features to its devices such as AR walking directions in the Maps app and the LiDAR scanner on the iPad Pro.

Multiple reputable sources believe that Apple's headset will be announced before the end of this year, with the project now said to be "approaching liftoff."

Satechi today announced the launch of two new accessories designed for Apple's latest MacBooks, the USB-4 Multiport Adapter with 8K HDMI and the Pro Hub Max. Both of the new products are designed to expand the number of available ports for Apple's MacBook models.

The USB-4 Multiport Adapter features an 8K HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB-C PD charging port, three USB-A data ports that supports speeds of up to 10Gb/s, and micro/SD card readers. It supports 8K output at up to 60Hz, and Satechi says it has a design that's meant to allow for better heat dissipation to prevent connected devices from overheating.

Designed for Apple's M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBooks, the Pro Hub Max includes a 4K HDMI port for dual display functionality that supports up to 60Hz, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, micro/SD card readers, and an audio jack.

The Pro Hub Max is designed to plug into two of the USB-C ports on the side of one of Apple's new MacBook Pro models.

The USB-4 Multiport Adapter with 8K HDMI is priced at $150, while the Pro Hub Max is priced at $100. Both will be available from the Satechi website in the near future.

Nanoleaf today announced that it plans to open up Thread support to all Thread over HomeKit products, expanding the Thread ecosystem for improved connectivity and reliability of ‌HomeKit‌ devices.

With an update coming in the first quarter of 2022, Nanoleaf will enable its Thread Border Routers, which includes the Nanoleaf Shapes, Elements, and Lines, to work with all Thread over ‌HomeKit‌ devices. Some Thread over ‌HomeKit‌ devices include the Nanoleaf Essentials Bulb and Lightstrip, the Apple TV 4K, and various Thread-enabled Eve products.

Nanoleaf says that it will be the first company after Apple to open up Thread Border Routing to all Thread over ‌HomeKit‌ devices, paving the way for a faster and more reliable smart home. Thread technology creates a low latency mesh network between devices to cut down on dropped connections and to improve connection speeds and responsiveness. Every device that supports Thread in a smart home setup strengthens the Thread ecosystem.

The update will also allow Nanoleaf to prepare for the Matter over Thread devices that are set to launch later this year. Matter is a new connectivity standard that's meant to improve smart home device interoperability, and it is supported by Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung, and others.

Nanoleaf says that it is working with the Connectivity Standards Alliance to build Matter support into both current and future product lineups. Nanoleaf's first Matter-compatible devices will launch in late 2022.

Images of a prototype Apple MagSafe Battery Pack have today been shared online, revealing a look at the iPhone accessory from when it was in internal development.

The images, which come from Twitter account @ArchiveInternal, show a prototype version of Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack which differs from the final retail version of the Battery Pack in a number of ways. The prototype features a glossy white plastic shell, identifier information printed on the side, a different rear surface material with no embossed MagSafe alignment ring, and an LED on the rear instead of the bottom.

Despite not having an embossed ‌MagSafe‌ alignment ring, the prototype still has a faint circular outline that indicates the presence of ‌MagSafe‌ technology. It is possible that the prototype is simply missing the additional rubbery layer present on the final ‌MagSafe Battery Pack‌.

The placement of the LED charging indicator on the back of the Battery Pack is curious since it would be obscured by the ‌iPhone‌ it is attached to, which may have led to the decision to move it to the right of the Lightning port on the bottom.

Apple has been known to put LED charging indicators in particular places in the past, such as on the first-generation AirPods, which featured a LED indicator inside the charging case, where it could not be seen when the case was closed. Apple changed this with the second iteration of the device, when it moved the LED to the front exterior of the AirPods charging case.

Apple was rumored to launch a magnetic external battery for some time before finally launching the ‌MagSafe Battery Pack‌ in July 2021. The company's work on the accessory became apparent in mid-February 2021 after the launch of the second iOS 14.5 beta, where MacRumors discovered a mention of a mysterious "battery pack" in the code. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman later confirmed that Apple was indeed working on a ‌MagSafe Battery Pack‌ designed for the ‌iPhone‌ 12, while other rumors alleged that the accessory would have reverse wireless charging.

The ‌MagSafe Battery Pack‌ was reportedly hindered by development problems and software issues prior to its release, and the accessory has had a mixed reaction from customers since its launch.

Images and videos of Apple prototype devices are frequently shared online by collectors, with recent findings including transparent AirPods, an Apple Watch Series 3 with additional connectors, and even a working AirPower prototype.

Amazon is offering discounts on Apple's 24-inch M1 iMac in two configurations this week. Discounts start with the 7-core GPU with 256GB, priced at $1,249.00, down from $1,299.00. This sale is only available in Silver.

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 markdown is a match of the previous record low price on this version of the M1 iMac. No other retailers are matching the sale as of writing, so you'll only find this deal on Amazon.

In another new sale, Amazon is offering $49 off the M1 iMac with the 8-core GPU and 512GB of storage, priced at $1,649.99, down from $1,699.00. These iMacs are sold directly from Amazon and both are available to ship today.

You can keep track of ongoing sales on Apple's iMac line by visiting our Best iMac Deals guide. There, we keep track of the best iMac offers from Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo, and other retailers, so be sure to check back often if you're shopping for an iMac for the first time, or thinking of upgrading.

For those interested in adding wireless CarPlay to their vehicle on an aftermarket basis, Alpine today introduced its next-generation Halo receiver with an 11-inch capacitive touchscreen that hovers over the dashboard. Despite having such a large screen, the receiver has a single-DIN chassis, allowing it to be installed in a wide range of vehicles.

Alpine's previous Halo receiver was limited to wired CarPlay, but the new iLX-F511 model includes support for both wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a higher-resolution 1280x720 display and high-resolution audio playback. The new receiver is also compatible with SiriusXM 360L, which offers both satellite radio and on-demand audio.

The screen can be tilted at four pre-set angles to better match the tilt and height of the dashboard, and other features of the receiver include hands-free Bluetooth phone calls outside of CarPlay, one HDMI input and output, one AUX input, two USB-A ports, rearview camera compatibility, iDatalink Maestro support, and more.

Alpine said the iLX-F511 will ship in February 2022 for a suggested price of $1,199.95 in the United States, and a smaller 9-inch iLX-F509 model will also be available for a suggested price of $999.95. Both units will be available at select car audio retailers.

Apple has an agreement with Google that it won't develop its own internet search engine so long as Google pays it to remain the default option in Safari, a new class action alleges.

Filed in a California court earlier this week against Apple, Google, and their respective CEOs, the lawsuit alleges the two companies have a non-compete agreement in the internet search business that violates US antitrust laws.

Specifically, the complaint charges Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai of participating in "regular secret meetings" in which Google agrees to share its profits with Apple if it is given preferential treatment on devices like the iPhone and iPad.

The class action also alleges that Google pays Apple annual multi-billion-dollar payments based on an agreement that Apple won't launch its own competing search engine, and that the non-compete agreement includes plans to actively suppress smaller competitors and acquire actual and potential competitors.

The complaint claims that advertising rates are subsequently higher than rates would be in a competitive system. It therefore seeks an injunction prohibiting the non-compete agreement between Google and Apple, a cessation of the profit-sharing agreement and preferential treatment, and an end to the multi-billion dollar payments.

Lastly, the complaint calls for "the breakup of Google into separate and independent companies and the breakup of Apple into separate and independent companies in accordance with the precedent of the breakup of Standard Oil company into Exxon, Mobile, Conoco, Amoco, Sohio, Chevron, and others."

It's no secret Apple and Google have a considerable monetary agreement that ensures Google's position as the default search engine on Apple devices. Neither company has ever confirmed exactly how much Google pays to be the default search engine on Apple devices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, but it's rumored to be in the billions.

In 2020, The New York Times reported that Apple receives an estimated $8-12 billion per year in exchange for making Google the default search on its devices. According to one analyst, Google's payment to Apple in 2021 to maintain this status quo may have reached up to $15 billion.

This is believed to be the single biggest payment Google makes to anyone, and could account for up to a fifth of Apple's annual profits. But it has also drawn scrutiny in the past, in particular from the US Justice Department, which claims that the deal is representative of illegal tactics used to protect Google's monopoly and stifle competition.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has also called the arrangement a "significant barrier to entry and expansion" for rivals in the search engine market, and in 2020 asked for enforcement authorities to be provided with a range of options to address the deal between Apple and Google to provide a more level playing field for other search engines.

Bringing the antitrust case to a San Francisco court this week, lawyer Joseph M Alioto said: "These powerful companies abused their size by unlawfully foreclosing and monopolizing major markets which in an otherwise free enterprise system would have created jobs, lowered prices, increased production, added new competitors, encouraged innovations, and increased the quality of services in the digital age."

Apple and Google would likely argue that while the payments are indeed for Google to remain the default search option, users can select other search engines in Safari including Microsoft's Bing, Apollo Fund's Yahoo, and independent search engines DuckDuckGo and Ecosia.

Apple would also likely point out that it is already in the search engine business and maintains an active web crawler, called Applebot. The crawler chiefly operates in the background to improve ‌Siri‌ and Spotlight search results, although past reports have interpreted Applebot's increased activity as Apple "stepping up efforts" to develop its own search technology should its agreement with Google become incompatible with antitrust laws.

Apple's search for additional mini-LED display suppliers has hit a speed bump after its primary candidate's latest attempt to pass certification failed, according to a new industry report.

Apple's 2021 M1-powered 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ was the first Apple product to feature the company's Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED, rather than traditional LCD or OLED. Last year also saw redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring mini-LED displays, and more devices are expected to follow that utilize the newer display technology.

Apple currently uses just two suppliers of mini-LED chips, the main one being Taiwan-based Epistar and the other Germany-based Ams Osram. Epistar intends to expand its already fully utilized chip production capacity to Taiwan and China, while Ams Osram began supplying Apple in the second half of 2021.

China-based LED chipmaker Sanan Optoelectronics was thought to be next in line to pick up Apple's business, with Sanan originally expected to become the third supplier of mini-LED chips for Apple as soon as the fourth quarter of last year.

However, the company is still languishing at the stage of small-volume trial production, according to DigiTimes, with the suggestion being insufficient stability in quality and/or patent issues have been holding the supplier back.

As Apple requires that its supply chain makers have sufficient tech licenses of their own or from others to avoid patent infringement, Sanan's failure to pass certification, besides quality problems, is possibly related to patent issues, the sources suggested.

Sales of Apple's existing mini-LED based products are expected to increase significantly in 2022, and Apple is believed to be working on more products that use mini-LED technology, including a new 27-inch iMac, a redesigned MacBook Air, and potentially refreshed iPads.

Because there are more LEDs and more dimming zones than in cold cathode fluorescent lighting used for LCD panels, mini-LED displays can offer deeper, darker blacks, brighter brights, richer colors, and better contrast because there's more control over what's displayed on the screen with so many LEDs.

Based on rumors, it appears Apple's ultimate plan is to transition much of its iPad and Mac lineup to mini-LED display technology over the next year or two.

Apple's widely-rumored AR/VR headset is coming at the end of 2022, with shipments to ramp up in the first quarter of 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said Apple's headset will feature two "3P pancake lenses," which have a folded design that allows light to reflect back and forth between the display and lenses. This design can allow Apple to release a more compact and lightweight headset.

The Information last year shared the above render of Apple's supposed headset based on a "late-stage prototype" that it viewed. The report claimed the headset will have a curved visor with a soft mesh material, swappable headbands, and more.

Earlier today, display industry consultant Ross Young claimed Apple's headset will be equipped with three displays.

Belkin today introduced new high-end Soundform earbuds, which offer Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and integration with Apple's Find My app.

According to Belkin, the Soundform Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds are the company's top-of-the-line audio solution. In addition to an Active Noise Cancellation feature, the earbuds feature a Multipoint connection to connect to and switch between multiple devices.

The earbuds are equipped with 12mm dual-layer dynamic drivers, and there are three microphones in each earbud. AptX HD 24-bit audio is supported, and the earbuds last for up to eight hours on a single charge. A charging case adds an additional 28 hours of battery life.

Three sets of ear tips and wing tips come with the earbuds for a customized fit, and Apple users can add the Soundform earbuds to the ‌Find My‌ app. With ‌Find My‌ integration, the earbuds can be tracked right alongside other Apple devices and can be located when lost. Thanks to ‌Find My‌ network support, the earbuds can be tracked down even when they're out of Bluetooth range by leveraging other nearby Apple devices.

The charging case can charge over USB-C or with any Qi-based wireless charger. The earbuds have an IPX5 water resistance rating so they can hold up to light splashes of water and sweat, and the sound can be customized with Belkin's Soundform app.

Belkin's Soundform Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds will launch in the second quarter of 2022.

Belkin's Wemo brand is gaining a new Wemo Smart Video Doorbell, which is a camera-equipped doorbell option that supports HomeKit Secure Video. The Wemo Smart Video Doorbell offers a 4-megapixel high-resolution camera with a 178-degree field of view, zoom functionality, and night vision.

With ‌HomeKit Secure Video‌ integration, the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell is able to offer 10 days of storage through an iCloud+ subscription, priced starting at $0.99 per month. Apple's HomeKit video protocol also ensures that access to the camera's footage is fully encrypted, and it adds features like motion detection notifications and specific alerts for when people, animals, vehicles, or package deliveries are detected.

According to Belkin, the Wemo Doorbell is the third Wemo product to offer ‌HomeKit‌ integration alongside the Wemo Stage and the Wemo Smart Plug, and operation of the doorbell can be done without using the Wemo app.

Belkin is partnering with smart home service provider OnTech to offer installation, setup, and education on the video doorbell, which supports existing systems powered by 16-24 V AC transformers with 30 VA or higher power, but it can also be self-installed. There is an optional wedge included with the doorbell that is designed to increase the field of view, but it can be eliminated for those who want a thinner profile.

Along with the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell, Wemo is planning to introduce new versions of its most popular products, including the Wemo Smart Plug, the Wemo Smart Light Switch, and the Wemo Smart Dimmer. The updated products will be built with support for Matter over Thread for more reliable connections and seamless compatibility with other Matter-enabled products.

Matter is a new connectivity standard that's supported by Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, and other companies, and support is rolling out to various smart home products in 2022.

Belkin's Wemo Smart Video Doorbell, which is priced at $250, can be ordered starting today from the Belkin website. Wemo's Matter-supported devices are set to come out later in the year.

Verizon today announced plans to expand its 5G Ultra Wideband technology to more than 100 million people across 1,700 cities in the United States, offering 5G speeds that are up to 10x faster than 4G LTE speeds and that can hit up to one gigabit per second.

According to Verizon, "nearly one in three Americans" will be living in areas where faster 5G speeds are available, but while the technology is coming to 1,700 cities, it's worth noting that it will be limited to select areas.

Apple's 5G iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models are able to take advantage of Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband technology, but an appropriate Verizon plan is required. Not all of Verizon's plan offerings include 5G UW speeds.

Ahead of 5G Ultra Wideband expansion, Verizon is updating its unlimited phone plans. As of January 5, the 5G Get More, 5G Play More, and 5G Do More plans will offer speeds up to 10x faster, and the highest-tier plan, the 5G Get More plan, now features unlimited premium data. It was previously capped at 50GB per month. Lower tier plans will not include the fastest 5G connection speeds.

Verizon's 5G expansion announcement comes as AT&T and Verizon have both agreed to delay the C-band spectrum launch that will enable the rollout of the faster speeds. The Federal Aviation Administration has asked the cellular carriers to hold off until January 19, after previously asking them to delay deployment until January 5.

The new agreement is designed to ensure there will be few disruptions to air operations when the C-band spectrum is deployed, as it gives the FAA and FCC more time to prepare. AT&T and Verizon initially balked at further delays for the C-band rollout because the deployment was already pushed back a month, but have agreed to one further two week delay. AT&T and Verizon have been assured that they will be allowed to deploy their new 5G wireless networks later this month.

Apple today updated its investor relations page to announce that earnings for the first fiscal quarter of 2022 (fourth calendar quarter) will be shared on Thursday, January 27.

The first quarter earnings call will give us insight into sales of the iPhone 13 models, AirPods 3, M1 Pro and Max MacBooks, and other devices during the holiday quarter that ended in December. Apple CEO Tim Cook last quarter said that supply constraints caused by chip shortages had cost Apple $6 billion, and the chip shortages and supply issues are also expected to impact Apple's first quarter earnings results.

In the first quarter of 2021, Apple reported record earnings of $111.4 billion revenue and net quarterly profit of $28.8 billion. Apple once again declined to provide guidance for the first fiscal quarter of 2022.

The quarterly earnings statement will be released at 1:30 PM Pacific/4:30 PM Eastern, with a conference call to discuss the report taking place at 2:00 PM Pacific/5:00 PM Eastern. MacRumors will provide coverage of both the earnings release and conference call on January 27.

Intel today unveiled new 12th-generation Core processors suitable for laptops, and as part of the announcement, it claimed that the new Core i9 is not only faster than Apple's M1 Max chip in the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but is the fastest mobile processor ever.

The new Core i9 features a 14-core CPU with six performance cores and eight efficiency cores, while the 10-core M1 Max chip has eight performance cores and two efficiency cores. The high-end Intel chip has a max Turbo Boost frequency of 5.0GHz, but power draw can reach up to 115 watts, which is significantly more power than the M1 Max chip ever uses and not ideal for the thermal envelope of devices like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

Intel shared a very basic performance vs. power chart as part of its marketing, with fine print indicating that performance was measured based on compiling binaries with the SPEC CPU 2017 benchmark suite. Interestingly, the chart claims that the new Core i9 achieved faster performance-per-watt than the M1 Max chip, but overall the M1 Max can still operate at much lower wattages than Intel's top-of-the-line mobile offering.

"Specrate 2017 integer n-copy data is a good benchmark that we use to gauge client multi-threaded performance, and our data indicates that the Core i9-12900HK is faster performance-per-watt than the M1 Max processor in this test," an Intel spokesperson told MacRumors, when asked for comment about the results.

Of course, we'll have to wait to see how the 12th-generation Core processors perform in real-world testing for a true comparison with the M1 Max chip.

Intel's new chips are certainly fast, but Apple likely has no regrets with switching to its own custom silicon given the power efficiency of its chips, which deliver impressive performance without running hot in thin and light systems like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. And we're likely just months away from Apple unveiling its next-generation M2 chip that should take another leap forward in performance-per-watt.

Intel's 12th-generation mobile Core processor lineup includes 28 chips, including mid-range and low-end Core i7 and Core i5 options. The chips have entered final production and devices powered by them are expected to launch this year.