MacRumors

The upcoming 2022 iPhone SE will gain 5G technology and an updated A-series chip, but it will not feature major design changes, leaker Dylandkt said today, echoing many of the previous ‌iPhone‌ SE rumors we've heard.

Third-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE rumors have been confusing for the last couple of years because some of the information pointed toward a major redesign with an ‌iPhone‌ 11-style look with no Touch ID home button and reduced bezels, but rumors were apparently describing two separate devices.

In addition to the 2022 ‌iPhone‌ SE, which will look like an ‌iPhone‌ 8 just like the 2020 model, Apple is working on a future ‌iPhone‌ SE that will do away with the Home button in favor of an all-display design for Apple's most affordable ‌iPhone‌ option.

According to ‌Dylandkt‌, Apple is developing an ‌iPhone‌ SE that's "similar to the XR/11" but with a "slightly smaller screen size." This device is expected to be released in 2024.

Display analyst Ross Young has also suggested that Apple is working on a 2024 ‌iPhone‌ SE with a 5.7 to 6.1-inch display and a hole-punch camera, which Apple is expected to adopt for the "Pro" ‌iPhone‌ lineup in 2022.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said back in 2019 that Apple was working on an "‌iPhone‌ SE Plus" with a full-screen design, no Face ID, and a ‌Touch ID‌ fingerprint sensor built into the power button on the side of the device. This ‌iPhone‌ SE never materialized, but it's possible Kuo was talking about the future technology Apple plans to introduce in 2024.

Apple is experimenting with multiple foldable iPhone prototypes, according to leaker Dylandkt, but a foldable ‌iPhone‌ may not be coming in the near future because Apple still has concerns over foldable display technology and the market for foldable smartphones.

In a tweet thread, ‌Dylandkt‌ said that Apple is working on a possible future device, but that foldable display technology is not advanced enough and there are still too many "compromises" to deal with.

Apple is also reportedly concerned about whether foldable smartphones will continue to be popular with consumers or will become obsolete in the coming years.

Before releasing a foldable ‌iPhone‌, Apple wants to be sure that a foldable design isn't a "regression from the current form factor of the ‌iPhone‌," which could indeed happen if there are issues with display longevity and quality because of the folding functionality. ‌Dylandkt‌'s comments suggest that Apple is continuing to take a wait and see approach to foldable smartphone technology, but some other rumors have indicated that Apple could release a foldable ‌iPhone‌ as soon as 2023.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in May 2021 that Apple is developing a foldable ‌iPhone‌ with an 8-inch flexible OLED QHD+ display that's set to be released in 2023. Display analyst Ross Young in December said that Apple would not release a foldable ‌iPhone‌ until 2023 "at the earliest," with 2024 being a more likely target date. Bloomberg in early 2021 said that Apple had started "early work" on an ‌iPhone‌ with a foldable display, indicating that there are a few years of development left.

Foldable iPhone rumors have been circulating since 2016, and we've previously heard reports about various prototypes that Apple is testing. Samsung has allegedly provided foldable display samples to Apple for testing purposes, but development has not yet expanded beyond a display.

At least one of Apple's foldable ‌iPhone‌ prototypes is said to feature two separate display panels connected with a hinge, a departure from single-display designs that Samsung has introduced. Another has been described as a foldable ‌iPhone‌ with a clamshell design similar to the Galaxy Z Flip.

Samsung has been releasing foldable smartphones for years now, and other Android manufacturers have also embraced foldable technology. Smartphones with foldable displays continuing to face issues with durability and build quality, and they also have high price tags that far exceed the cost of standard smartphones.

The 2020 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air has dropped back down to $539.00 today on Amazon, from $599.00. This sale is only available in the Silver color option, and Amazon estimates that it will take about a week for the tablet to be delivered.

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.

This is a second-best price on this version of the 10.9-inch iPad Air, but we haven't seen record low prices (or many deals at all) on the tablet since early September 2021. For those interested, this is still a solid deal and worth checking out before it disappears again.

There are a few other noteworthy iPad deals happening on Amazon this week. You can get the 10.2-inch iPad (256GB Wi-Fi) for $449.00, down from $479.00. The iPad mini 6 (64BG cellular) is on sale for $629.98, down from $649.00. Both of these sales are lowest-ever prices.

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.

Tech YouTuber Unbox Therapy recently shared a video looking at reputed dummies of Samsung's forthcoming Galaxy S22 lineup, corroborating earlier leaks that suggest it will again consist of three sizes to compete directly with Apple's latest devices, the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13/Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max models.

Now removed but since re-uploaded by others, the video pretty much confirms earlier reports that Samsung's flagship S22 and S22 Plus smartphones will sport a glossy design that retains the rounded Contour Cut Camera housing seen in the S21 and S21 Plus, while the S22 Ultra will boast a new, more rectangular Galaxy Note-style design with rear cameras that are flush with the case, and a matte finish.

According to a leaked spec sheet, the S22 will have a slightly more compact 6.1-inch display than its predecessor (6.2 inches), while the S22 Plus is expected to come in at 6.55-inches (previously 6.7-inches). Both are said to include triple-lens camera arrays featuring a 50-megapixel main camera alongside ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. (Apple plans to add a 48-megapixel camera lens to this year's iPhone 14, followed by a periscope lens in 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.)

Taking things up a notch, the more squared-off S22 Ultra is expected to come with four embedded cameras, including a primary 108-megapixel sensor with a Super Clear lens, which should provide reduced glare and reflections in shots, along with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and 10-megapixel 10x periscope lens. Unlike the S21 Ultra, this year's model is also expected to come with an S Pen stylus holder built into the side.

Last year, after initially mocking Apple for not including a charger with the iPhone 12, Samsung followed its rival's lead and didn't include a charger with the Galaxy S21 series. The same is expected to apply with the S22 lineup, although Samsung is rumored to be upping the charging speed of the S22 Ultra with a separate 45W USB-C power adapter, up from the 25W maximum supported by the previous generation model.

Samsung typically announces its latest flagship smartphone lineup to rival Apple's iPhones in January or February, but there's been no confirmation of a media event yet, and given the global chip shortage and other supply-limiting factors, Samsung could well opt for a later launch this year.

iPhone 14 Pro models will feature a pill-shaped camera cutout at the top of the display, with the notch removed, according to tweets shared by leaker @dylandkt, who has proven to be a reliable source of Apple-related rumors over the last year or so. To accommodate this change, the leaker said Face ID hardware will be moved under the display.

While it has been widely reported that iPhone 14 Pro models will not have a notch by reputable sources like analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, this is the first time we've heard about the possibility of a pill-shaped camera cutout at the top of the display instead of a circular hole-punch cutout that was originally rumored.

Face ID moving under the display has likewise been rumored previously by display industry consultant Ross Young, who has proven to be a reliable source of display-related information for future Apple products. Last year, for example, Young accurately claimed that the new iPad mini would feature an 8.3-inch display with the home button removed.

In a tweet, @dylandkt said he has been assured that Face ID's reliability will not be negatively affected by the under-display change.

Apple is rumored to be planning a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max for release in September of this year. The lineup is also expected to include a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, and as of now it appears that these models will continue to have a notch, with a pill-shaped camera cutout limited to Pro models.

Last year, @dylandkt shared accurate information about products like the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro before they were released.

Apple's AirPods Max headphones in new condition are down to $399.99 on Woot today, from $549.00. This sale price is only available in Pink, and you'll need to log into your Amazon Prime account on Woot to see the deal.

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

This is now the all-time best price we've ever tracked on the AirPods Max, beating the previous low price by about $50. Woot provides free standard shipping for Amazon Prime members, and the headphones are brand new and come with a one year Apple limited warranty.

We track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones.

Update: Woot has sold out of the AirPods Max.

WhatsApp is testing a helpful new feature on iOS that displays profile pictures in system notifications when users receive new messages from chats and groups.

First spotted by app specialist WABetaInfo, the first new feature for the platform in 2022 uses APIs in iOS 15 to add the WhatsApp profile images to notifications in top-screen banners and in the Notification Center when users receive a message.

WhatsApp on Android has been able to display the profile pictures in system notifications for some time, so this change brings parity to the app across both platforms.

If you don't see the profile pictures in your notifications yet, that's because WhatsApp is first making the change for beta testers so they can report bugs, before the feature is rolled out to millions of users on iOS devices worldwide.

The last update to WhatsApp came in December, and was a privacy change to prevent people on the messaging platform from viewing the "Last Seen" status of users whom they have never chatted with.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers today granted Apple's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the company by Jay Freeman, creator of an alternative App Store known as Cydia for "jailbroken" iPhones and iPads. The case might not be over yet, however, as Freeman was given the option to file an amended complaint by January 19.

Freeman sued Apple in late 2020, alleging that the company has an illegal monopoly over iOS app distribution given that the App Store is the only authorized marketplace where users can download apps on the iPhone and iPad. His complaint also alleged that Apple has "consistently tried to snuff out alternative app stores" such as Cydia.

Cydia launched in early 2008, months before the App Store debuted. The app allows users who jailbreak their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to install apps outside of the App Store, as well as themes and tweaks that customize the look and functionality of iOS. For example, long before Apple introduced the Control Center on the iPhone, there was a tweak available on Cydia called SBSettings that offered similar functionality.

The lawsuit alleged that Cydia was the "first comprehensive solution" for expanding the iPhone's capabilities, and "the App Store before the App Store." (Early members of the jailbreaking community might argue that the Installer app was the true first.)

Freeman joined a growing number of developers who have sued Apple for alleged anticompetitive behavior, including Fortnite creator Epic Games.

When the complaint was first filed, an Apple spokesperson said the company would review the lawsuit, but denied that Apple was a monopoly given that it faces competition from Android. Apple has also repeatedly touted the privacy and security benefits of the App Store, claiming that third-party app stores could expose users to fraud and malware.

Should an amended complaint be filed by Freeman, Apple has until February 2 to respond, according to Gonzalez Rogers.

A growing number of iPhone users across the MacRumors Forums, Apple Support Communities, Reddit, and Twitter have reported that security camera snapshots in the Home app have failed to refresh over the last few weeks.

HomeKit Secure Video cameras added to the Home app each have a thumbnail that provides a still view of recent footage, and normally these thumbnails automatically refresh on a periodic basis. However, users on multiple iOS versions are experiencing an issue with the thumbnails failing to refresh and showing outdated footage as a result. The issue appears to extend to the Home app on the iPad and Mac for some users.

Importantly, the cameras still function properly when viewed live, but the thumbnails not updating is proving to be an annoyance for affected users.

While users have attempted to come up with temporary workarounds, such as the tedious process of signing out of their Apple ID account and then signing back in on affected devices, the issue appears to resurface for many over time. We've reached out to Apple to see if it is aware of the issue and/or planning a fix, and we'll update this story if we hear back. Users can also report the bug via the Home app feedback page on Apple's website.

Apple has a long-standing and well-known partnership with (RED), a charity that raises funds with the aim of eliminating HIV/AIDS in several African countries. Apple sells a variety of (PRODUCT)RED devices, such as the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 13 and the (PRODUCT)RED Apple Watch Series 7.

(RED) today shared a video highlighting its 15-year partnership with Apple, which has raised nearly $270 million through the sale of (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories. Through Apple's donations, (RED) has been able to reach millions of people with education, care, and treatment services.

(RED) and Apple have a shared history in fighting to end HIV/AIDS. As a (RED) partner for 15 years, Apple has raised nearly $270 Million for the Global Fund through the sale of (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories. With COVID threatening to undo the progress made to date in the AIDS fight, Apple has been engaging its customers in the fight against both pandemics year round and during key moments through the App Store, Apple Pay integrations, and employee engagement.

Typically, proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED purchases go to the Global Fund to fight aids, but in 2020 and 2021, Apple redirected 100 percent of eligible proceeds to the Global Fund's COVID-19 support to provide support for health systems in Africa threatened by the pandemic.

Apple's website indicates that the proceeds provided to the Global Fund from (PRODUCT)RED purchases will be split through December 31, 2022. Half will continue to be used to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and half will go to the fight to end HIV/AIDS.

There's an ongoing issue with Apple's Calendar app for iPhone, which causes 2022 holidays to not show up for users in a number of countries.

Earlier this week, we highlighted public holidays missing from devices in the UK, but MacRumors readers have let us know that this issue is much more widespread. Users in Australia, the UK, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark and other countries are not seeing holidays for their country show up in the Calendar app.

‌iPhone‌ users began asking about the missing 2022 holidays starting in mid-2021, and some assumed that the holidays would make an appearance when it rolled around to January 2022, but that has not happened.

Holidays are showing up appropriately in the United States so this is not a worldwide issue, but it does appear to be affecting a number of countries. The problem could potentially be limited to iPhones running latest operating systems as one user has said that a device with an older operating system is showing the 2022 holidays as expected, but it's not clear which versions of iOS are affected.

Given the large number of users impacted, the Calendar problem is likely a bug that Apple may be planning to address in a future update now that 2022 has rolled around and people are missing their holiday calendars or are experiencing calendar errors.

There is a solution for UK users as the government has provided a downloadable list of public holidays in a format compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ (ICS), and similar solutions may be available in other countries for those who do not want to wait for an Apple fix.

Update: Some users in affected countries have noticed that their public holidays are returning to the Calendar app, so Apple is likely rolling out a fix at this time.

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.