MacRumors

Apple will add two MacBook Air models and one MacBook Pro model to its obsolete products list on April 30, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors. All three notebooks have already been on Apple's list of "vintage" products since 2020 and will be moved to the "obsolete" list at the end of the month.

The models set to become obsolete:

• MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)
• MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2014)

Apple considers a product obsolete once seven years have passed since the company last distributed the product for sale. Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, but the MacBook models listed above may remain eligible for battery-only repairs in select countries for a limited time, the memo said.

Apple discontinued the 11-inch MacBook Air following its October 2016 event, where it introduced the first MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar. Apple continues to sell the 13-inch MacBook Air, which was last updated in November 2020 with the M1 chip, and display industry consultant Ross Young said a larger 15-inch MacBook Air is coming in 2023.

(Thanks, @StellaFudge!)

Apple is testing a device with a 9-inch foldable display, but the company's long-rumored foldable iPhone is unlikely to launch until 2025 or later, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

On Twitter, Kuo said that Apple is "actively testing" a device with a 9-inch foldable OLED display and a PPI somewhere between the iPhone and the iPad. This device is purportedly being used to evaluate and verify the key technologies involved in Apple's foldable, and may not feature the specifications of any final retail product.

Kuo believes that Apple's foldable product development is initially focusing on medium-sized devices, followed by devices with larger displays, before finally expanding to small devices like the ‌iPhone‌.

Kuo also revised his prediction from last year that claimed that Apple will launch its foldable ‌iPhone‌ as soon as 2024, explaining that it is now clear that this prediction needs to be revised to 2025 at the earliest. He added that Apple's first foldable device may be a hybrid ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌, or simply a foldable ‌iPad‌.

Kuo's comments come in response to a report from the The Elec, which claimed that Apple is collaborating with LG to develop a foldable OLED display panel with ultra-thin cover glass for future Apple tablets and notebooks. In February, display analyst Ross Young ignited rumors about Apple working on large foldable devices, explaining that the company is exploring all-screen foldable notebooks with displays around 20-inches in size.

A new DigiTimes report today focused on notebook shipments briefly mentions that Apple plans to launch a new MacBook Air in the second half of 2022, which lines up with a timeframe shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman earlier this month.

The relevant excerpt from the report, which cites supply chain sources:

Apple's MacBook series are high-end consumer devices, but can also be regarded as a business notebook model as they are favored by many companies or office workers, the sources indicated, adding that hot sales of MacBook Pro released in late 2021 have lingered into the first quarter of 2022, with shipment volumes higher than expected, and new MacBook Air set for launch in the second half of the year is expected to add further sales momentum.

The new MacBook Air will feature a slightly larger 13.6-inch display versus the current 13.3-inch model, display industry consultant Ross Young said in a tweet last week.

While several sources have claimed the new MacBook Air will feature an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 9-core or 10-core GPU options, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the notebook to have an M1 chip still, according to a list of predictions he tweeted in early March. In an email, Kuo told MacRumors that the new MacBook Air could have a modified M1 chip, and while he did not specify further, the rumored extra GPU cores are certainly possible.

Kuo's tweet said the new MacBook Air would also have an all-new design with additional color options, and enter mass production in the late second quarter or third quarter of 2022. Unlike the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Kuo does not expect the new MacBook Air to feature a mini-LED display, meaning ProMotion is unlikely.

Today we're tracking a pair of deals on Amazon and one offer from Das Keyboard, including an all-time low price on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and an ongoing solid discount on the Apple TV 4K.

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.

14-Inch MacBook Pro

Starting with the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M1 Pro/10-core CPU/1TB SSD), you can get this model for $2,249.00, down from $2,499.00. This sale is only available in Silver, and the notebook is shipped and sold directly by Amazon, with stock available today.

This sale remains the best price that we've ever tracked on this model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, and it beats the previous record low by about $50. Only Amazon is currently offering this discount price, and as of writing only the 1TB 14-inch MacBook Pro is seeing an all-time low price.

You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.

Apple TV 4K

Secondly, the 32GB Apple TV 4K is on sale for $169.98, down from $179.00. This isn't a record low price for this version of the Apple TV 4K, but it remains the most consistent discount for the set-top box in 2022.

The Apple TV 4K is available for the usual free Prime shipping options, and it's in stock and ready to ship today. You can also get the 64GB Apple TV 4K for $189.98, down from $199.00. Both of these Apple TV 4K models were released in 2021 and come with the redesigned Siri Remote.

Das Keyboard

Update: Das Keyboard is offering the Model S Keyboard for Mac at $99.00, down from $119.00. This sale will only last for one day and you won't need any coupon code to see the discount.

The Model S Keyboard was designed for the Mac and it includes Cherry MX blue gold-plated mechanical key switches, a two-port USB hub, and Mac-specific Command and Alt/Option keys.

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

Following a trend of enthusiasts successfully switching the iPhone's Lightning port for a USB-C port, engineer Ken Pillonel has added a functional Lightning port to a Samsung Galaxy A51.

Pillonel was the first to gain notoriety for modifying an iPhone X to add a functional USB-C port, which went on to sell for over $86,000 at auction. His latest project sought to achieve the inverse and add a Lightning port to a Galaxy A51, including charging and data transfer functionality.

Pillonel told Engadget that the project was "a complex modification that required some out-of-the-box thinking."

The Lightning cables sold by Apple are not "dumb." They will only charge Apple devices. So I had to find a way to trick the cable into thinking it was plugged into an Apple device. And the whole thing needs to fit inside the phone, which is another challenge in itself.

Pillonel admitted that "the quality of the finished product is nowhere near what it was for the ‌iPhone‌," but he doesn't expect "anyone in their right mind" to want to do this to their device. "It was for fun, I just wanted to see if I could do it," he explained, adding that such projects serve as a great example of what can be achieved with devices, even without the help of the companies that originally made them.

Pillonel plans to release a full-length explanation video about the Galaxy A51's conversion from USB-C to Lightning on his YouTube channel soon.

Apple is collaborating with LG to develop a foldable OLED display panel with ultra-thin cover glass for future iPad and MacBook models, according to a report from The Elec.

The report explains that LG Display will supply 17-inch foldable 4K OLED panels to HP this year, destined for an in-folding notebook with an 11-inch display when closed. LG Display has growing expertise in foldable OLED displays, having supplied the 13.3-inch display panel for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold.

The Elec claims that alongside its foldable OLED notebook panel for HP, Apple is collaborating with LG Display "to develop another foldable OLED panel." This panel will purportedly use an ultra-thin cover glass instead of polyimide, which most other foldable displays currently use.

The report is the second dependable sign from Apple's supply chain that large foldable devices are in development, since The Elec's claim appears to line up with a recent report from display analyst Ross Young, which said that Apple is exploring all-screen foldable notebooks with displays around 20-inches in size.

• How Would a MacBook With a Foldable Display Work?

Young said that these devices could form a whole new product category for Apple and result in a dual-use product, potentially able to work as a notebook with a full-size on-screen keyboard when folded and as a monitor when unfolded and used with an external keyboard. The devices feature 4K resolutions or higher at the size Apple is investigating, Young added.

While Young described the device as a "foldable notebook," it seemed plausible at the time that the all-screen device could actually be a foldable ‌iPad Pro‌, and today's report from The Elec's clarifies that the display panel in development is suitable for both tablets and notebooks.

According to Young, the launch timeframe for Apple's foldable notebook is "likely later" than 2025, with 2026 or 2027 being floated as reasonable possibilities.

If you recently picked up a new Mac such as the Mac Studio, you may be in search of useful accessories to go along with it. In our latest YouTube video, we have once again rounded up some excellent Mac accessories that we think are worth checking out.

• DockCase SSD Enclosure ($99) - The DockCase SSD Enclosure, as the name suggests, is a simple enclosure designed for an SSD. It has a small LCD that displays information about your SSD like SSD health, and DockCase says that it has built-in power loss protection and heat dissipation features. It supports M.2 NVMe SSDs.
• Twelve South MagicBridge ($50) - The Twelve South MagicBridge is designed to turn the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Trackpad 2 into a single control surface for a tidier workspace. It keeps the trackpad and the keyboard from sliding apart, with the trackpad able to be positioned on the left or the right.
• OWC miniStack STX (Starting at $279) - The miniStack from OWC is an add-on accessory that's designed for the Mac mini. It adds up to 18TB of extra HDD and SSD storage space, and you can buy your own storage or purchase a model with storage already built in. It includes a universal SATA HDD/SSD bay AND an NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD slot, and OWC says it is the first Thunderbolt certified Thunderbolt 4 storage solution.
• Vissles LP85 Mechanical Keyboard ($119) - This ultra-thin mechanical keyboard from Vissles matches well with Apple's devices and according to Vissles, it is the world's thinnest optical-mechanical keyboard. If you like the feel of a mechanical keyboard but don't like the bulk, this may be worth checking out.
• Keychron K4 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard($69) - If you're looking for a more traditional mechanical keyboard that's also more affordable, the Keychron K4 has an excellent key feel with Gateron switches and 15 types of RGB backlighting. It's also affordable at pricing that starts at $69.
• VIVO Adjustable Under Desk Mounting Platform ($55) - If you use your Mac in clamshell mode, this adjustable mounting platform from VIVO is worth checking out because it installs right under your desk and keeps your laptop out of sight and out of the way, freeing up desktop space. You can also use this as a pull out option for your laptop or other products.
• OXO Good Grips Laptop Cleaner ($12) - The OXO Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner is an ideal solution to keep your laptop from getting grimy. One side of the OXO is designed to clean fingerprints and smudges from your display, while the soft brush sweeps dirt and crumbs away from your keyboard. The brush retracts and there's a cover for the end to keep it from getting dirty when not in use.
• Satechi Pro Hub Max ($99) - The Pro Hub Max from Satechi is designed to work with Apple's modern Mac models. It plugs into two USB-C ports on the side, adding additional ports for you to use. It features a USB-C PD port, 4K HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C data, USB-A data, micro/SD card readers, and an audio jack port.

Do you have favorite Mac accessories you want to recommend to other MacRumors readers? Let us know in the comments below.

Apple's Maps app in the United States has incorporated real-time roadway hazard information from HAAS Alert Safety Cloud, making the app better at notifying users of upcoming safety issues.

According to a blog post announcing the integration, HAAS Safety Cloud is the "most comprehensive and trusted digital alerting platform for roadway safety."

Drivers that are approaching emergency vehicles, incident responders, work zones, and other hazards on the road sourced by Safety Cloud will now receive an alert in Apple Maps. Digital alerts about upcoming hazards in the road improve driver safety and can reduce the risk of crashes.

HAAS Alert's SVP of Connected Vehicle, Jeremy Agulnek, said that the company applauds "Apple for prioritizing driver safety and taking steps towards achieving the Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries."

The Maps app has had safety alerts about upcoming road hazards for some time now, but the addition of information from the HAAS Safety Cloud will make the alerts more comprehensive.

(Thanks, Jordan!)

Apple today released macOS Monterey 12.3.1, a minor update to the macOS Monterey operating system that launched in October. macOS Monterey 12.3.1 comes two weeks after the launch of macOS Monterey 12.3, an update that brought Universal Control.

The ‌‌‌‌‌macOS Monterey‌‌ 12.3‌‌.1 update can be downloaded on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Preferences.

According to Apple's release notes, macOS Monterey 12.3.1 introduces a fix that could cause Bluetooth controllers like game controllers to disconnect from the Mac after playing audio through some Beats headphones. It also addresses a bug that could cause USB-C or Thunderbolt external displays to not turn on when connected to the 2018 Mac mini as a secondary display.

This update fixes the following issues:
- USB-C or Thunderbolt external display does not turn on when connected to Mac mini (2018) as a second display
- Bluetooth devices, such as game controllers, may disconnect from your Mac after playing audio through some Beats headphones

macOS Monterey 12.3.1 also addresses two vulnerabilities, including an AppleAVD issue that could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges and an Intel Graphics Driver issue that could allow an application to read kernel memory.

Apple says these exploits may have been actively exploited, so it is a good idea for all users to update as soon as possible.

Today's macOS Monterey update was also accompanied by iOS 15.4.1, iPadOS 15.4.1, tvOS 15.4.1, watchOS 8.5.1, and new 15.4.1 software for the HomePod.

Apple today released iOS 15.4.1 and iPadOS 15.4.1, minor updates to the iOS and iPadOS 15 operating systems that were released in September. iOS 15.4.1 and iPadOS 15.4.1 come two weeks after the launch of iOS 15.4.

The iOS 15.4.1 and iPadOS 15.4.1 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes an issue that could cause the battery to drain more quickly than expected after updating to iOS 15.4. It also includes fixes for Made for iPhone hearing devices and Braille devices.

This update includes the following bug fixes for your iPhone:
Battery may drain more quickly than expected after updating to iOS 15.4
Braille devices may become unresponsive while navigating text or displaying an alert
Made for iPhone hearing devices may lose connection within some third-party apps

iOS and iPadOS 15.4.1 fix an AppleAVD issue that could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple says this exploit may have been actively exploited, so it is a good idea for all users to update as soon as possible.

Apple has also released new tvOS 15.4.1, HomePod 15.4.1, and watchOS 8.5.1 updates to go alongside the iOS 15.4.1 update.

Alongside iOS 15.4.1 and iPadOS 15.4.1, Apple today released a new 15.4.1 update designed for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. The 15.4.1 update comes two weeks after the release of the 15.4 HomePod software.

According to Apple's release notes, the ‌HomePod‌ 15.4.1 software update fixes an issue that could cause some HomeKit accessories to fail to respond when controlled via Siri voice commands.

Software version 15.4.1 addresses an issue where some HomeKit-enabled accessories could fail to respond when controlled via Siri. This update also includes bug fixes for your HomePod.

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app by following the instructions in our HomePod‌‌ update how to.

Apple today released watchOS 8.5.1, a minor update to the watchOS 8 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 8.5.1 comes two weeks after the launch of watchOS 8.5.

‌‌watchOS ‌8.5.1 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.

According to Apple's release notes for the update, watchOS 8.5.1 adds security updates and bug fixes for the Apple Watch.

Apple today announced the official launch of its Business Essentials service designed to help out small businesses that use Apple products. The service was previously available in a beta capacity to a limited number of businesses, but now it is available to any small business that wants to participate.

Business Essentials, available to businesses with up to 500 employees, is a subscription-based service that provides device management features that include setup and onboarding, iCloud storage, and optional 24/7 access to Apple Support through AppleCare+ for Business, another new addition.

‌AppleCare‌+ for Business can be added to any Apple Business Essentials plan, and it offers 24/7 access to phone support, training for both IT administrators and employees, and up to two device repairs per plan — by individual, group, or device — each year.

Apple Business Essentials is priced at $2.99 per user to $12.99 per user, with the price varying based on the number of devices and the amount of ‌iCloud‌ storage that each employee needs. A two month free trial is available to all customers, including those who used the service in beta.

Apple this week announced that its largest retail store in South Korea will be opening soon in the Myeongdong neighborhood of Seoul.

Apple Myeongdong will hold its grand opening on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. local time. Due to the pandemic, attending the opening will require a reservation, which can be placed through Apple's website starting Thursday, April 7 at 8 a.m. local time.

To celebrate the grand opening, Apple shared a short video and made a special wallpaper available to download for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. In a recent issue of his "Tabletops" newsletter about Apple retail, Michael Steeber said the video and wallpapers are inspired by a traditional Korean art style known as "chaekgeori."

In-person Today at Apple sessions will be hosted at Apple Myeongdong, with safety measures in place such as the compulsory wearing of masks, physical distancing, and temperature checks. The sessions allow customers to learn skills related to photography, art, design, video, coding, music, and more using Apple products and accessories like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Pencil, with free reservations available through Apple's website.

Apple Myeongdong will be the 518th retail store that Apple operates around the world and the third in South Korea.

Apple competitor Samsung today announced a new partnership with iFixit that will see Samsung providing authentic parts, repair tools, and repair guides to customers who want to repair their own Galaxy devices.

Samsung's new program mirrors a self-repair program that Apple introduced last year. The "Self Service Repair" program, which is supposed to be launching in early 2022, is designed to let users do their own repairs by sourcing parts and repair manuals from Apple.

Apple's program will be limited to the iPhone 12 and ‌iPhone‌ 13 at launch, though Apple plans to offer self-repair options for other devices over time. Apple plans to provide more than 200 individual parts and tools for repairing the latest iPhones.

Like Apple's repair program, Samsung's repair option is also limited at the current time. Samsung and iFixit will be providing repair parts for the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S21, and the Tab S7 Plus, but not the latest Galaxy S22 devices. Samsung plans to launch its initiative in the summer, and additional devices will be supported over time.

Customers who use Samsung's self repair program will be provided with step-by-step repair guides for replacing display assemblies, back glass, and charging ports, with used parts returned to Samsung for recycling. In a statement, Samsung's SVP of customer care Ramon Gregory said that Samsung is "creating more ways for consumers to extend the lifespan of [its] products with premium care experiences."

Both Apple and Samsung have introduced these self-repair programs in response to right to repair legislation that many states have crafted. Apple and other tech companies have lobbied hard against such legislation, and are perhaps aiming to stave off wide sweeping requirements by implementing their own solutions.

Apple's newest iPad mini continues to sit at all-time low prices in a few different configurations, including the entry-level 64GB Wi-Fi tablet at $459.00, down from $499.00. This sale can be found at Amazon, and B&H Photo is matching the prices on other models listed below.

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.

The iPad mini 6 launched last September with a larger 8.3-inch display, the A15 Bionic chip, support for the Apple Pencil 2, and a USB-C port. To date, this price on the 64GB Wi-Fi model is the best we've seen at any retailer.

You can also nab an all-time low price on the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6, priced at $599.00, down from $649.00. This is one of the sales that's being matched at B&H Photo in the Starlight colorway.

Lastly, both cellular options are on sale. The 64GB cellular iPad mini 6 is priced at $599.00, down from $649.00 (matched at B&H Photo); and the 256GB cellular iPad mini 6 is priced at $749.00, down from $799.00 (matched at B&H Photo).

For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

Schlage today released its Encode Plus smart lock with support for Apple's home keys feature in the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch. The smart lock is available in a variety of finishes at The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Build.com for $300 in the United States.

Apple's home keys feature lets you add a key card to the Wallet app, eliminating the need to use a physical key. Upon doing so, you can simply hold a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch near the Encode Plus to lock or unlock the door that it is installed on. The feature, powered by NFC technology, requires an iPhone XR or newer updated to iOS 15 or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer updated to watchOS 8.

Express Mode allows you to unlock the door by simply holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock, or there is an option to require Face ID or Touch ID as an additional layer of security. With Power Reserve, you may still be able to tap to unlock the door for up to five hours after your iPhone has run out of battery.

Encode Plus also supports HomeKit for controlling the lock with the Home app or Siri voice commands on an iPhone or Apple Watch, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The lock has a physical keypad and a keyhole to unlock the door without a device if necessary, providing peace of mind if you are without your iPhone or Apple Watch.

With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the Schlage Encode Plus does not require a smart home bridge or any other hardware. The lock is battery operated, with four AA batteries included and a low-battery indicator built into the keypad.

In the Home app on an iPhone, you can set up access codes for guests who need temporary access to your home.

Encode Plus is the first smart lock to support Apple's home keys feature, but additional options should enter the market over time.

Apple TV+ is suffering from infrastructure problems and some content partners have become frustrated with the service, Business Insider reports.

Industry sources speaking to Business Insider claim that ‌Apple TV‌+ lacks "a sufficiently robust infrastructure," resulting in a frustrating corporate culture. The ‌Apple TV‌+ content team is reportedly under-resourced and has irritated production partners. The streamer's leadership structure is "very flat" and "key departments, like marketing and publicity, don't communicate enough, leaving partners to juggle multiple points of contact."

Two content executives who have worked with ‌Apple TV‌+ told Business Insider that the streamer's in-house lawyers lack familiarity with common entertainment law practices and executives are expected to check with bosses before making decisions, which slows down the dealmaking and production processes. One executive said that ‌Apple TV‌+ began streaming a show before a contract was signed, while another said that they had problems simply getting invoices paid.

Other sources said that ‌Apple TV‌+ has a chaotic approach to marketing, including "disruptive, last-minute marketing planning for projects that have been in the works for months; sloppy press rollouts; landing pages for series that weren't ready in time." "They are still marketing like it's an iPhone, not content," one executive told Business Insider. As a result, details of new projects are tightly controlled and kept secret until the last minute, and content partners get little to no information on how their projects are performing with subscribers. Similar concerns were raised by studio executives speaking to The Information last year.

A former Apple member of staff said that there is burnout at ‌Apple TV‌+, partly due to a number of delayed shows moving forward at the same time. "There's going to be a breaking point. People are stretched thin and working too hard," they added.

Apple purportedly wants to make all of ‌Apple TV‌+'s content itself to avoid reliance on partners like Warner Bros., but it does not currently have the resources to do so. The company is said to be hoping to rectify some of the immediate workflow issues by hiring more mid-level content executives to manage cost projections and budgeting. Another source speaking to Business Insider defended ‌Apple TV‌+, claiming that the issues are the result of the streamer still being fairly new.

The report comes just days after ‌Apple TV‌+'s "CODA" won Best Picture at the Academy Awards this year, becoming the first film from a streaming service to ever win the award.