Apple today released a new 4B65 firmware update for the Beats Fit Pro headphones that came out in November, updating the earbuds from the prior 4B58 firmware that was available at launch.
Apple does not offer information on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the Beats Fit Pro, so we don't know what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.
There's no standard way to upgrade the Beats software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the earbuds are connected to an iOS device. Putting the Beats Fit Pro in the case, connecting them to a power source, and then pairing them to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.
Beats Fit Pro are Apple's newest Beats earbuds, featuring flexible wingtips to keep them in the ear, a charging case, silicone tips, Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and an H1 chip for "Hey Siri" support.
If we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll share details, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes.
All of the Top 100 playlists can be accessed though the Apple Music streaming service, priced starting at $9.99 for a standard membership. Apple also offers a student plan for $4.99 per month, and soon there will also be a $4.99 per month Voice plan that allows users to ask Siri to play content, but it will not feature lyrics, song downloads, and other features.
Earlier today, Apple also announced the winners of the third annual Apple Music Awards, with The Weeknd being named the Global Artist of the Year and Olivia Rodrigo named as Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Apple today announced new limited-edition Beats Studio Buds in collaboration with clothing store Union, in celebration of the retailer's 30th anniversary.
The limited-edition Beats Studio Buds feature a red, black, and green design, which draws inspiration from the Pan-African flag and pays tribute to Union's roots as a Black-owned business, according to Apple. The charging case also features Union's logo.
The new Beats Studio Buds will be available exclusively at Union's Los Angeles and Tokyo stores and on its website starting December 1, with pricing set at $149.99 in the United States. This is the same price as the standard Beats Studio Buds, which launched in June and are available in red, black, and white through Apple's online store.
Key features of the Beats Studio Buds include a compact round design without any "stems" dropping below the ears, active noise cancellation with up to five hours of listening time per charge, hands-free "Hey Siri" support, IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance, Find My support, and a USB-C wired charging case.
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.
As previously rumored, TrendForce said the new iPhone SE will remain a mid-range smartphone with added support for 5G:
In terms of product development, Apple is staying with the plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models under a new series in 2H22. The third-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a major instrument in helping Apple establish a presence in the market segment for mid-range 5G smartphones. Its production volume for 2022 is forecasted to reach 25-30 million units.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously claimed that the new iPhone SE will feature a similar design as the current model, which is based on the iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID home button, and thicker bezels. Kuo said key upgrades to the device would include 5G support and a faster processor — reportedly an A15 chip.
The original iPhone SE was released in March 2016 and discontinued in September 2018. The second-generation iPhone SE launched in April 2020 and continues to be sold, with pricing set at $399 for 64GB of storage and $449 for 128GB of storage.
Images of transparent prototype AirPods and a 29W Apple power adapter have been shared on Twitter by Apple device collector Giulio Zompetti.
The prototypes, which appear to be either first-generation or second-generation AirPods, feature clear plastic along the stem and around the outer side of the earbud, with the normal white plastic on the inner side of the earbud. Transparent casings are sometimes used for prototypes to allow engineers to see directly into the device.
Apple has been known to use transparent casings for prototypes dating back to the Macintosh Classic. Other Apple device prototypes, such as for the Macintosh Portable and Newton have emerged over the years, but this is the first time that the striking transparent casing has been seen on an Apple device as recent and as compact as AirPods.
Last week, Zompetti shared images of a prototype Apple 29W charger with a transparent casing. The 29W power adapter came with the 12-inch MacBook, but was discontinued with that machine in 2018 and replaced with a 30W adapter.
In what has become an annual tradition, select Apple Store locations are now displaying a red Apple logo in support of World AIDS Day on December 1, such as Apple Nanjing East in Shanghai and Apple Ginza in Tokyo, with other locations likely to follow.
Apple has also announced that, now through December 6, it will donate $1 for every purchase made with Apple Pay on Apple.com, through the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store in the U.S. to The Global Fund to support the fight against AIDS and COVID‑19. Apple said it will donate a maximum of $1 million through this initiative.
Proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED products will be split between The Global Fund's battle against AIDS and COVID-19. Apple had previously committed to donating all proceeds to the Fund's COVID-19 response.
Apple also continues to sell a variety of (PRODUCT)RED products, ranging from iPhones to Apple Watch bands, with a portion of proceeds from every purchase benefitting The Global Fund. Over a 15-year partnership with (RED), Apple said it has raised nearly $270 million in the fight against global pandemics like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.
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.
Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2021 have now passed, we're still expecting to see a few solid leftover deals as this "Cyber Week" continues. To start, we're tracking deals on Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
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.
You can get the Smart Keyboard Folio for 11-inch iPad Pro for $99.00 on Amazon, down from $179.00. This is the model that launched last year, and it includes a full keyboard and provides front and back protection to an 11-inch iPad Pro or 4th generation iPad Air.
Secondly, Amazon is offering the Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro for $299.99, down from $349.00. This sale price is only available in White, and this is the newest 2021 model of the Magic Keyboard that features a trackpad and floating cantilever design.
Final price includes $29.99 taken off at checkout.
We did track a deal that knocked this accessory down by another $58 last month, but that all-time low discount has not returned. If you're looking to purchase the Magic Keyboard for the holidays, today's sale is a solid second-best price and Amazon's shipping estimate currently puts it at within seven days.
Another great holiday gift for an iPad Pro user is the Apple Pencil 2, and Amazon's $99.00 sale price on this accessory is one of the best leftover Black Friday deals this week. The Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with the following iPads: iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, and 5th generations), and 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations).
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Apple named "A Slight Change of Plans" with Maya Shankar as "Best Show of the Year." The show combines storytelling with cognitive and behavioral science to help listeners navigate change in their lives, including real-world stories about change when navigating the foster care system and undergoing medical treatments. A Slight Change of Plans features conversations with Riz Ahmed, Kacey Musgraves, Tommy Caldwell, and more.
"Anything for Selena" with Maria Garcia has been awarded "Newcomer of the Year." The show explores Latino fatherhood, belonging, identity, and language through storytelling and cultural analysis.
In addition to Best Show of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, Apple recognized a large number of shows and episodes that have "defined and reflected" 2021:
Shows
"A Kids Book About: The Podcast" with Matthew Winner
"Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain"
"Good Inside with Dr. Becky"
"Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang"
"Pantsuit Politics" with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers
"Teenager Therapy" with Gael Aitor, Kayla Suarez, Mark Hugo, and Thomas Pham
"The Experiment" with Julia Longoria
"The Midnight Miracle" with Talib Kweli, yasiin bey, and Dave Chappelle
"This Land" with Rebecca Nagle
"U Up?" with Jordana Abraham and Jared Fried
Episodes
"A Friendly Ghost Story" from "Invisibilia" with Yowei Shaw and Kia Miakka Natisse
"Bubba Wallace" from "Club Shay Shay" with Shannon Sharpe and Bubba Wallace
"Glorious Basterds" from "Storytime with Seth Rogen"
"How Do I Love Someone?" from "WILD" with Megan Tan
"My Parents, Ellen and Tom" from "Forever is a Long Time" with Ian Coss
"The Body Mass Index" from "Maintenance Phase" with Michael Hobbes
"The People in the Neighborhood" from "Still Processing" with Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris
"The Symphony" from "The Midnight Miracle" with Talib Kweli, yasiin bey, and Dave Chappelle
"The Unwritten Rules of Black TV" from "The Experiment" with Hannah Giorgis
"This Strange Story" from "9/12" with Dan Taberski
For more information about Apple's nominations and the top new shows, free channels, and subscriptions in Apple Podcasts, see the full press release.
Some 16-inch MacBook Pro owners appear to have identified a shared issue suggesting the MagSafe 3 connector sometimes fails to deliver the expected charge when their Mac is turned off and the lid is closed.
As outlined on Reddit, some 16-inch MacBook Pro Models, when powered off, are failing to charge if the MagSafe connector is plugged in. Instead of turning green, the MagSafe light flashes amber and fails to deliver power to the Mac battery. Some customers have contacted Apple Support to find a solution, with varying degrees of success. One user, in particular, said that after a lengthy back and forth, Apple Support decided to send them a replacement laptop.
So it's not just me then! I have the EXACT same issue. Went to the genius bar and they tested with a cable and charger that they have and it still had the same problem. They said they would order a new 140 watt charger for me to see it would fix it but said most likely it's a firmware issue but didn't really provide any evidence for such a thing. I went home and the next day I get a call from Apple. Someone was calling me to follow up and they asked me a bunch of questions and provided instructions to run a special diagnostics program. After I did all that they said they want to take my MacBook and its charger back and that they would give me a completely brand new MacBook as soon as they get one. I'm still waiting for that but that's where I'm currently at.
A video shared on Reddit shows that when the MacBook Pro is closed, the light on the MagSafe charger repeatedly flashes amber and is accompanied by the typical macOS charging sound effect. A consistent orange light means the MacBook is being charged, while green shows it's fully charged.
If a MacBook Pro is connected to MagSafe while turned on and it is then turned off, MagSafe 3 continues to charge the Mac as expected. The issue only occurs for some users when attempting to plug in the MagSafe connector when the Mac is already turned off. The flashing amber MagSafe light is an indication that something is not functioning as normal, and an Apple Support page includes steps for users to take to return MagSafe to normal operation. However, the steps don't seem to work in the reported cases where the MacBook Pro is turned off with the lid closed.
Not all 16-inch MacBook Pro owners face the problem, and MacRumors has been unable to reproduce the bug. Regardless, there are enough users facing the problem that Apple may address it in the near future.
Apple has announced the winners of the third annual Apple Music Awards, which recognize "the best artists of 2021 and their influence on global culture."
The awards honor achievements in music across five categories, with winners chosen through a process that reflects both Apple Music's editorial perspective and what customers around the world have been listening to most.
Apple has named The Weeknd as Global Artist of the Year, while Olivia Rodrigo is Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Rodrigo also bagged the Album of the Year award for her debut album, "SOUR," and Single of the Year for "drivers license." The Songwriter of the Year award went to multi-instrumentalist H.E.R. especially in recognition of her 21-track R&B album "Back of My Mind."
This year, the Apple Music Awards also introduces a new category of awards for Regional Artist of the Year, recognizing artists from five countries and regions: Africa, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia. The Regional Artist of the Year awards recognize artists who made the greatest impact culturally and on the charts in their respective countries and regions, according to Apple.
"The past 12 months have proved to be a remarkable year for music, and we're thrilled to honor the artists who are shaping culture and connecting with fans around the world on Apple Music," said Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Apple Music and Beats. "This year we're also recognizing more regional artists, showing the world the impact of extraordinary talented musicians who are making waves globally."
The Apple Music Awards celebration kicks off Tuesday, December 7, 2021, with interviews, original content, and more all streaming worldwide on Apple Music and the Apple TV app. Apple's full article has a more complete list of details on all of the artists that are to be honored with a special Apple-designed award.
Apple is working on an updated version of its Swift Playgrounds app, which is an educational tool designed to teach children and adults alike how to use the Swift programming language that first launched in 2016.
The new version of Swift Playgrounds was first announced at the June Worldwide Developers Conference, and now Apple is allowing some developers to test it out in a beta capacity ahead of launch.
Developers who have been invited have been required to sign a non-disclosure agreement to get access, but one developer shared screenshots and details with 9to5Mac, giving us a quick inside look at the app.
With Swift Playgrounds 4, developers will be able to submit their projects designed with the software directly to the App Store, allowing for app creation on the iPad. There will be a simple, easy to use interface for submitting an app to App Store Connect without the need for Xcode on Mac.
The app will allow those learning code to preview and see changes in real time as they type, as described by 9to5Mac:
Swift Playgrounds 4 also lets users preview and see changes in real time as they type. Live editing also works when the developer shares the project with someone else via iCloud Drive, so multiple people can work on the same project at the same time. Users can even test the app in full screen, explore SwiftUI controls, search across all files in a project, use quick inline code suggestions, and easily switch between Swift Playgrounds and Xcode (or vice versa).
There are also quick access options for setting app parameters and getting an app up on the store with little hassle. App creators can, for example, use a ready-made icon by choosing a color and an icon, or uploading a custom icon that gets automatically sized.
Right now, some of the Swift Playgrounds 4 features require iPadOS 15.2, so there's a possibility that we could see Swift Playgrounds 4 released as soon as iPadOS 15.2 launches. There's no word yet on when we can expect iPadOS 15.2, but Apple will likely debut it prior to the end of the year.
We've been tracking Apple product and accessory deals for Cyber Monday 2021 today, and now Woot is offering a solid discount on the previous generation 32GB Apple TV 4K. You can get this device in new condition for just $99.99 if you're an Amazon Prime member. Note that this sale will last for one day only.
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 sale price is listed as $109.99, but Amazon Prime members who log into their account on Woot can take an additional $10 off, knocking the price down to $99.99. Although this is for the older 2017 model of the Apple TV 4K with the original Siri Remote, it's a great entry level price point for Apple's set-top box. This model was priced at $179 when it was the latest generation.
The biggest differences between the 2017 and 2021 Apple TV 4K lie in their internals, with the 2021 model getting an update with Apple's A12 Bionic chip vs the 2017's A10X Fusion chip. Still, the 2017's performance will be enough for most people, making Woot's offer today a great idea for holiday shoppers. If you want a deeper comparison between the two models, read our Buyer's Guide.
Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
In association with CIT as the financing partner, Apple has launched a new Mac Upgrade Program for small businesses and Apple business partners that allow companies to easily distribute and upgrade their fleets of MacBooks at an affordable price to all of their workers.
As outlined on CIT's website, shared by Max Weinbach, Apple Business Partners can distribute the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and 16-inch MacBook Pro to their staff for only 3% of their retail list prices as monthly installments.
The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are offered at $60 and $75 per month, respectively, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are offered at $30 and $39 monthly payments. No Mac desktop is provided as part of the program.
While details are scarce, CIT's website says that small businesses can apply for the program through the website, and if approved, Apple will process and ship the Mac orders.
A similar program exists for regular customers with the iPhone Upgrade Program, where customers can get the latest iPhone for one monthly price. The program has been a popular financing option for customers. A Mac Upgrade Program is not offered publicly to regular customers, and it's important to note that customers less often upgrade their Mac computers, so a program in that regard may make less sense.
We started sharing deals on Apple products for Cyber Monday 2021 earlier today, and now we're tracking deals and bargains available from all of the best Apple accessory companies. Similar to Black Friday, you can expect Cyber Monday savings from Twelve South, Nomad, Belkin, Casetify, and many more.
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.
Nomad
Nomad is offering 30 percent off sitewide today, allowing shoppers to save on iPhone cases, charging accessories, Apple Watch bands, MagSafe-compatible accessories, and more.
Twelve South's massive Black Friday sale has extended into Cyber Monday this year, and you'll find steep discounts on nearly every products on Twelve South's website. We've highlighted a few devices below, and be sure to shop the sale before it ends tonight at midnight.
Anker is offering up to 40 percent off select products this Cyber Monday. This includes chargers, power banks, docks, cables, and more. We've listed a few highlights below, but be sure to browse the full sale before it ends on December 5.
There is a large collection of Belkin accessories on sale this Cyber Monday, ranging from wireless chargers to USB-C portable chargers, wireless earbuds, and smart plugs. Check out all the deals below, available from Amazon, Target, and Best Buy.
At Belkin's own website, you'll find 30 percent off sitewide.
Charging Accessories
BOOSTCHARGE TrueFreedom PRO - $49.99 (regular $99.99) on Amazon
SOUNDFORM Rise True Wireless Earbuds - $49.99 (regular $79.99) on Amazon + Best Buy
SOUNDFORM Move True Wireless Earbuds w/ Qi case - $39.99 (regular $69.99) on Amazon
BOOSTCHARGE Wireless Charging Stand + Speaker - $29.99 (regular $49.99) on Amazon
Nanoleaf
Nanoleaf is offering up to 25 percent off its lighting kits this Cyber Monday, and you can get a $25 gift card when you spend $350 or more on the Nanoleaf storefront.
Additionally, six customers who make a purchase today on Nanoleaf's website will get their entire order for free. There are also special Nanoleaf lighting bundles sold at Amazon and Best Buy.
Satechi
Satechi's Black Friday sale has carried over into Cyber Monday, allowing shoppers to get up to 30 percent off their orders on the Satechi website. Just use the codes listed below corresponding to the amount of money you spend.
20% off orders up to $75 with code: BFCM20
25% off orders $75 - $150 with code: BFCM25
30% off orders over $150 with code: BFCM30
1Password
You can get 50 percent off of your first year of 1Password Families today. This makes the password management app cost $2.50 per month, down from $4.99 per month (billed annually). Following your first year, you'll be charged the regular price until canceled.
ZAGG
ZAGG began offering 40 percent off sitewide last week, and this sale will last through December 6.
This sale allows you to get 40 percent off up to ten products on ZAGG's website, and it excludes already-discounted items. This offer also can't be combined with any other coupon code or discount.
ZAGG's website includes Mophie and its full lineup of charging accessories. With the new sale, you can get 40 percent off the new MagSafe-compatible Snap+ system of products, like the Snap+ Wireless Stand or the Snap+ Juice Pack Mini.
Casetify
Casetify has up to 25 percent off this Cyber Monday, and its sale will last through tomorrow, November 30. You can find the specific sales below, and no coupon code is required.
Buy 1, Get 10% off
Buy 2, Get 20% off
Buy 3, Get 25% off
Brydge
Brydge is taking 20 percent off all tablet keyboards and MacBook vertical docks today, and offering free shipping at the same time to residents in the United States. There are numerous iPad keyboards on sale, but we've listed a few below to kick off your shopping.
With Black Friday over, Cyber Monday 2021 is now in full swing and you can find many of the same sales as last week on Apple products like AirPods, Apple Pencil, and iPad Pro. In this article we're focusing on the best Cyber Monday discounts on Apple products like these and more.
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.
AirPods
AirPods continue to be the best Apple product to shop for this holiday season, with Black Friday pricing on numerous models sticking around this Cyber Monday. Unfortunately, Amazon's and Walmart's $90 discount on the AirPods Pro with MagSafe hasn't returned today, but Amazon has a decent $70 discount for anyone who missed the Black Friday sale.
Otherwise, you'll find notable discounts on the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, all available on Amazon this year. Some sales do require an automatic coupon, and so you won't see the deal price until you reach the cart screen.
Another leftover deal from Black Friday is on the Apple Pencil 2, which is on sale for $99.00, down from $129.00. Amazon's offer on this accessory remains one of the best and most consistent discounts we've tracked this year.
MacBook Pro
14-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
10-Core M1 Pro 1TB - $2,449.99 at Amazon ($49 off, lowest ever)
16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
10-Core M1 Pro 512GB - $2,399.00 at Amazon ($100 off, lowest ever)
To get the deal, you'll need to select the $100 (or more) Apple Gift Card option, then enter the code APPLENOV at the checkout screen.
Apple TV 4K
Woot has the original Apple TV 4K (32GB) for $99.99 for Amazon Prime members in its Cyber Monday flash sale. You'll see a $109.99 price tag when heading to Woot, but if you sign into your Amazon Prime account you'll get a $10 markdown on your order, making this a solid deal for the original Apple TV 4K (which was priced at $179 when it was the latest generation).
Apple is still working on a future wireless charger that would function similarly to the now-abandoned AirPower, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In the latest edition of the journalist's Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterates earlier reports that Apple still intends to create a wireless charging accessory that would charge multiple devices like an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once.
Apple first announced the AirPower in September 2017 alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. At the time, Apple said the charging product would launch sometime in 2018, but that didn't happen. Following months of rumors about development issues, Apple canceled the project in March 2019.
Since then, Apple has rolled out MagSafe charging for its iPhones, including the MagSafe Duo accessory, which can wirelessly charge an Apple Watch and iPhone in tandem, although the Duo is just two separate wireless chargers joined together. If Gurman is correct, Apple still plans to release a charging device that can charge up all three products at the same time.
Continuing the theme, Gurman says he believes Apple is still investigating charging solutions that don't rely on contact-based inductive charging technology. Specifically, he mentions Apple is working on "short and long distance wireless charging devices" and that the company "imagines" a future where all of its major devices can charge each other. "Imagine an iPad charging an iPhone and then that iPhone charging AirPods or an Apple Watch," adds Gurman.
We've long heard rumors of so-called reverse wireless charging capabilities for recent iPhone series. The closest it has come is with its MagSafe battery pack, which can receive power from an iPhone when the latter device is plugged in and charging.
Given the MagSafe Battery Pack's reverse wireless charging feature, it seems technically possible that an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 could deliver power to AirPods or AirPods Pro, but Apple has not yet implemented this feature.
The holiday shopping season is now upon us, with this week's news being dominated by Black Friday deals that started popping up early in the week and will carry on into next week, so make sure to check out our coverage to find the best prices on gear for Apple fans.
Black Friday wasn't the only topic of discussion this week, however, as other popular stories including Apple revealing that it's pushed back the launch of digital IDs in the Wallet app to early 2022, Android users getting an update to improve the handling of iMessage reactions, and Tim Cook discussing Apple's recently announced self-service repair program. Read on for details on these stories and more!
Best Black Friday Deals on Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, MacBook Pro, and More
Apple is also running its annual four-day shopping event on Black Friday through Cyber Monday in the United States and several other countries, with customers able to receive a free Apple gift card with the purchase of select products through November 29.
Apple Delays iOS 15 Feature for Adding Your Driver's License to Your iPhone Until Early 2022
Apple has revealed that an upcoming iOS 15 and watchOS 8 feature that will let you add your driver's license or state ID to your iPhone and Apple Watch has been delayed until early 2022.
Prior to the change, iMessage reactions would appear as a subsequent text message on Android devices, such as [Contact Name] "Loved" [Text of the Original Message], which was both confusing and repetitive.
Tim Cook Discusses Apple's New Do-It-Yourself Repair Program and More
Apple recently announced a new self-service repair program that will provide customers with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and manuals for completing their own repairs of select devices, starting with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models early next year.
Apple's self-service repair program will include repair manuals on the Apple Support website and an online parts and tools store for customers that will be operated by a third party.
Apple has allowed third-party streaming music services to natively support the HomePod since 2020, but Spotify has yet to enable the feature, which would allow users to use Siri to play Spotify content from their HomePod without opening the app.
Apple Sues NSO Group Over State-Sponsored Spyware Targeting iOS Users
Apple this week filed a lawsuit against NSO Group to "hold it accountable" for state-sponsored spyware targeting Apple users. Apple said it is also contributing $10 million to organizations pursuing cybersurveillance research and advocacy.
Apple said it is notifying the "small number of users" worldwide that it discovered may have been targeted. Apple has shared a support document outlining how it will notify those users "in accordance with industry best practices."
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Astropad to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Luna Display adapter that can turn an extra Mac or iPad into a secondary display for a primary Mac or even a Windows PC.
Priced at $130, the Luna Display adapter is designed to plug into a Mac or a PC using a USB-C port on newer machines, a Mini DisplayPort (older Macs), or an HDMI port (PCs), and when paired with the Luna Display software, a main Mac or PC can be connected to an iPad or another Mac using WiFi.
With this setup, you can take advantage of older hardware or add an extra display to your workflow without having to spend money on another device. It's especially useful for those who have makeshift work-from-home setups that could make use of an extra device.
The Luna Display extends a Mac or PC's display to a secondary Mac or iPad. There's an iPad to Mac mode, an iPad to PC mode, a Mac to Mac mode, and a PC to Mac mode. For the USB-C version of the Luna Display, it can be used interchangeably between Macs and PCs thanks to a software update that came out earlier this year.
For those who have a Mac mini or Mac Pro, Luna Display has a "headless" mode that allows another Mac or iPad to be used as the main display for one of these display-less machines.
The Luna Display apps are designed to support both PCs and Macs, and the recent update also made the software faster on Apple's M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max machines. Macs and PCs have the same features when used with Luna Display, such as Teleprompter mode for an iPad connected to a main machine. Astropad is also working on 5K display support, a feature that is coming by the end of 2021.
Apple has designed a Sidecar function for using an iPad as a secondary device for a Mac, but it's much more limited than what Luna Display can do because it only works with a Mac and an iPad. Luna Display supports Mac-to-Mac, PC-to-Mac, and PC-to-iPad connectivity in addition to Mac-to-iPad functionality.
It's also worth noting that Sidecar is limited to newer devices, while Luna Display is compatible with older iPads and Macs that don't support the Sidecar feature. Luna Display also offers full native resolution, which is not available with the Mac to Mac AirPlay feature that Apple added in macOS Monterey, plus it connects over Ethernet or Thunderbolt in addition to WiFi for faster speeds.
Luna Display provides full keyboard, trackpad, and mouse support on both connected machines in Mac-to-Mac mode or PC-to-Mac mode, plus it has full native support for Apple silicon Macs. On the iPad, there's full support for touch gestures, Apple Pencil, and keyboards.
The dongle works with 2013 and newer Macs running macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later, as well as iPads running iOS 9.1 or later.
We have five of the USB-C Luna Display adapters to give away to MacRumors readers. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (November 26) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on December 3. The winners will be chosen randomly on December 3 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
While the Luna Display is normally priced at $130, there is a Black Friday discount that's available. Astropad is discounting the Luna Display by 30 percent, dropping the price to $91, plus free worldwide shipping is available, making it an ideal time to pick one up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
