Apple's annual four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event is now underway in the United States and select other countries, with customers able to receive a free Apple gift card with the purchase of select products through November 29.
Participating countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and select other regions.
The promotion is available on Apple's online store, in the Apple Store app, and/or at Apple Store locations. As usual, refurbished products are not eligible for a gift card, and the offer cannot be combined with educational pricing.
Black Friday is one of the few occasions per year that Apple offers deals on its products, but better deals are often available through resellers like Amazon, so make sure to check out our Black Friday roundup for the latest discounts on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, accessories, and more.
Apple's gift card values in the United States are as follows:
$50 for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone SE
$25 for second-generation or third-generation AirPods
$50 for AirPods Pro
$75 for AirPods Max
$50 for Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 3
$100 for 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro
$100 for MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini
$200 for 27-inch iMac
$50 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
$50 for Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and iPad Air
$25 for second-generation Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard Folio, MagSafe Duo Charger, and four pack of AirTags
$25 for Beats Flex and Beats Studio Buds
$50 for Powerbeats Pro, Solo3 Wireless, and Studio3 Wireless
As usual, many of Apple's latest products are excluded from the offer, such as iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 models.
Apple gift cards are now all-in-one and can be used towards the purchase of products, subscription-based services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, App Store apps, iTunes Store content like TV shows and movies, iCloud+ storage, and more.
The full terms and conditions for Apple's shopping event are available here.
Apple's long-rumored augmented reality (AR) headset project is set to bear its first fruit late next year with the launch of the first device carrying a pair of processors to support its high-end capabilities, according to a new research report from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors.
According to Kuo, the higher-end main processor is said to be similar to the M1 chip Apple introduced for its first set of Apple silicon Macs last year, while a lower-end processor will manage the sensor-related aspects of the device.
Kuo says the initial AR headset will be able to operate independently without needing to be tethered to a Mac or iPhone, and Apple is intending it to support a "comprehensive range of applications" with an eye toward replacing the iPhone within ten years.
We predict that Apple's AR headset to be launched in 4Q22 will be equipped with two processors. The higher-end processor will have similar computing power as the M1 for Mac, whereas the lower-end processor will be in charge of sensor-related computing.
The power management unit (PMU) design of the high-end processor is similar to that of M1 because it has the same level of computing power as M1.
In addition to AR, Kuo says the headset will also be able to support virtual reality (VR) experiences thanks to a pair of 4K Micro OLED displays from Sony, which require the computing horsepower of an M1-like chip.
Apple’s AR headset requires a separate processor as the computing power of the sensor is significantly higher than that of the iPhone. For example, the AR headset requires at least 6-8 optical modules to simultaneously provide continuous video see-through AR services to users. In comparison, an iPhone requires up to 3 optical modules running simultaneously and does not require continuous computing.
Last week, Kuo said that both the upcoming headset and the iPhone 14 coming next year will support Wi-Fi 6E technology, which offers the increased bandwidth and lower interference needed for AR and VR experiences.
AirPods deals continue to be some of the best offers we're tracking this Black Friday, and today Amazon kicked off a notable new deal on the AirPods 2. You can get the model with the Wired Charging Case for just $99.99 right now, down from $129.00.
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 another deal that you'll see reflected on the checkout screen after an automatic coupon worth $15 is applied to your order. The AirPods are shipped and sold directly from Amazon.
We're seeing a lot of AirPods deals this week, including the AirPods Pro with MagSafe for $159.00 ($90 off), the AirPods 3 for $149.99 ($29 off), and the AirPods Max for $429.00 ($120 off). Across the board, these are all lowest-ever prices and if you're interested in purchasing an AirPods model for the holidays, this week is the time to do it.
If you want to find all of the best Black Friday discounts you can already buy, be sure to visit our Best Early Black Friday Deals article, which has numerous AirPods offers. Additionally, we're keeping track of all this season's best deals in our Black Friday 2021 Roundup.
Apple's annual four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event has begun in Australia and New Zealand, with customers able to receive a free Apple gift card with the purchase of select products through November 29.
The promotion is available on Apple's online store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations in Australia. As usual, refurbished products are not eligible for a gift card, and the offer cannot be combined with educational pricing.
Apple's four-day shopping event will also be available in the United States, Canada, UK, and select other countries starting on Black Friday.
Black Friday is one of the few occasions per year that Apple offers deals on its products, but better deals are often available through resellers like Amazon, so make sure to check out our Black Friday roundup and best Thanksgiving Day deals for the latest discounts on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, accessories, and more.
Apple's gift card values in Australia are as follows:
A$70 for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone SE
A$35 for second-generation or third-generation AirPods
A$70 for AirPods Pro
A$105 for AirPods Max
A$70 for Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 3
A$140 for 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro
A$140 for MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini
A$280 for 27-inch iMac
A$70 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
A$70 for Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and iPad Air
A$35 for second-generation Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard Folio, MagSafe Duo Charger, and four pack of AirTags
A$35 for Beats Flex and Beats Studio Buds
A$70 for Powerbeats Pro, Solo3 Wireless, and Studio3 Wireless
As usual, many of Apple's latest products are excluded from the offer, such as iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 models.
Apple gift cards are now all-in-one and can be used towards the purchase of products, subscription-based services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, App Store apps, iTunes Store content like TV shows and movies, iCloud+ storage, and more.
Amazon has introduced a new record low price on the AirPods 3, available for $149.99, down from $179.00. At $29 off, this sale price beats the one that we were tracking earlier this week by about $5 and it's only available on Amazon as of writing.
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'll see this sale once you add the AirPods 3 priced at $169.99 to your shopping cart and Amazon automatically applies a $20 coupon code to your order. The AirPods 3 are shipped and sold directly from Amazon, and they're in stock now.
AirPods 3 adopt an AirPods-Pro style look with shorter stems and a more contoured design that's designed to better fit most ears. Apple says the AirPods have been created to sit at "just the right angle for comfort." To provide improved sound, Apple is using the H1 chip to provide an Adaptive EQ feature powered by computational audio.
If you want to find all of the best Black Friday discounts you can already buy, be sure to visit our Best Early Black Friday Deals article, which has numerous AirPods offers. Additionally, we're keeping track of all this season's best deals in our Black Friday 2021 Roundup.
While the $49 Jetpack works with the iPhone 12 or the iPhone 13 lineups, it has been customized to fit the iPhone 13. The magnets won't interfere with the camera, and it works perfectly on Apple's smallest iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 mini.
There are multiple magnetic battery packs on the market, including one direct from Apple, but Ampere says that its Jetpack has been created with a stronger magnetic connection. According to the company, the Jetpack uses "really really strong magnets" that keep it in place through shake tests and pulling it out of pockets and bags.
Inside, the Jetpack is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which will provide close to a full charge for some iPhone 13 models like the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 mini, and a partial charge for the larger iPhone 13 Pro Max. Like all non-MagSafe Qi-based wireless chargers, the Jetpack charges an iPhone at up to 7.5W as 15W charging is only available through Apple's MagSafe charging hardware.
That said, the Jetpack can charge other devices like Android smartphones at up to 15W because it has a 15W charging coil. It is compatible with older iPhone models as well as the AirPods, but the magnetic connection will be limited to MagSafe iPhones.
The Jetpack battery pack can be recharged using an iPhone's Lightning cable or a USB-C input/output port. The USB-C port can be used to charge an iPhone at speeds of up to 18W using a USB-C to Lightning cable if you need faster charging speeds than wireless charging provides.
For MacRumors readers, Ampere is offering a prize pack that also includes several accessories to go along with the Jetpack, including power adapters, charging cable, and the Sidekick Tech Sling, a little tech sling designed to accommodate the AirTag.
Priced at $49, the Tech Sling is perfect for your iPhone, Jetpack power bank, and other accessories. It has a dedicated AirTag pocket with a clear window that allows it to be scanned should your bag be lost, and several mesh pockets for holding gear.
It's made from water resistant materials to keep your devices safe, plus there's a soft-lined pocket for the iPhone and another for sunglasses. It also has an RFID safety pocket to keep passports and credit cards safe when traveling.
We have 10 Jetpack Travel Bundles 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 24) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on December 1. The winners will be chosen randomly on December 1 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
MacRumors readers who want to pick up a Jetpack can take advantage of an early Black Friday sale that offers a 30 percent discount, dropping the price to $34. The discount is available on the Ampere website starting today, and no promo code is required.
Shazam, the popular music recognition service that Apple acquired in 2018, updated its iPhone and iPad app today with the ability to find more songs by analyzing the audio that is playing for a longer period before offering a result.
Shazam users can take advantage of the improved functionality by updating to version 15.0 of the app, which is available now on the App Store. Shazam is also integrated with Control Center and Siri on devices running iOS 14.2 or iPadOS 14.2 and later, but it's unclear if the enhancements are immediately available via this method.
Available on the App Store since 2008, the Shazam app allows users to quickly identify songs they do not know the name of. The release notes do not mention any other new features for the latest version of the app, which remains free to use.
According to macReports, the halt is due to rapid currency fluctuations as the Turkish lira has declined significantly in recent days, and store staff are telling customers that normal sale operations will resume once the Turkish economy stabilizes.
Other Turkish sources have claimed that the stores have been selling products today and that any halt is simply due the stores running out of available stock to sell, a supply chain situation that has been ongoing for some time and has regularly resulted in Apple stores limiting in-store sales.
Images shared by macReports show customers waiting outside two Apple Stores in the country's largest city, Istanbul. According to the report, customers with service appointments are being attended to, while customers looking to purchase products are being turned away. Retail staff is also reportedly telling customers that once sales resume, a price hike can be expected for products due to the Turkish lira collapsing.
Apple stopped the sale of products in Turkey yesterday following a historic economic collapse which resulted in the Turkish lira dropping 15%. At the time of writing, a Turkish lira is equivalent to approximately 0.082 U.S. dollars. We've reached out to Apple for a statement.
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.
Twitter Support has acknowledged a bug causing unexpected account logouts on iOS 15, promising that its teams are working on a fix and that it'll keep users updated on when it's resolved.
Posts on Twitter over the last several hours have shown users experiencing the bug, with some sharing frustrations that the app is requiring them to log back into Twitter upon every app launch. While some of the reports lack the specificity that the bug is happening on iOS devices, it seems likely to be the case following the acknowledgment from Twitter itself.
Hey @Twitter can you please make it so I don’t have to sign in every other freaking day? I never log out of my account yet I keep having to sign in. Thanks
— blueyosh (@hotorc97) November 24, 2021
WHY IS TWITTER LOGGING ME OUT OF ALL OF MY ACCS???? I HAVE 8 TWITTER ACCS AND DO YOU KNOW HOW HAED TO LOG IN ALL OF THEM???????? IVE BEEN DOING IT 2 TIME ALREADY SINCE OCTOBER
— kyle (@leeknowonIyfans) November 24, 2021
Why did Twitter log me out 🤨
— Z 72 (@asexualpilots) November 24, 2021
I almost got a heart attack when I tried to get in my Twitter and it wanted me to log in?? I never logged out 😭😩😭
— Enny Does It All❤ (@Queen_Enny19) November 24, 2021
Users impacted by the bug are advised to ensure they're running the latest Twitter version from the App Store and monitor the company's support account for updates.
Apple today shared its annual holidays ad titled "Saving Simon," shot on the iPhone 13 Pro with unspecified "additional software and hardware" used.
Directed by Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker Jason Reitman and his father, Oscar-nominated film director Ivan Reitman, Apple describes the three-minute ad as "a story for everyone who can't wait for the holidays to get here." The ad is set to the song "You and I" by Valerie June, which can be listened to on Apple Music here.
In the ad, a boy kicks over three out of four snowmen in front of his family's house. Just before kicking over the fourth snowman, his sister runs out of the house and saves the snowman by placing it in the family's freezer for an entire year. After she places the snowman back outside the following winter, the ad takes an unexpected twist that leads to a touching moment on the family's front lawn.
"To the ones we've waited all year to be with," the ad concludes. "Happy Holidays."
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. Apple said the program will launch early next year in the U.S. and expand to additional countries throughout 2022.
Apple CEO Tim Cook briefly shared his thoughts about self-service repairs in an interview with KTLA's Rich DeMuro (via 9to5Mac), saying that it "feels good" to offer manuals and parts to customers with the expertise to complete their own repairs. For most customers, however, Cook believes that the Apple Store will remain the best option for repairs.
Cook's full comments on the program, with light editing for clarity:
We realized that there were some people that wanted to this and that are trained to do this. They're the Popular Mechanics crowd if you will, which I love and have been focused on my entire life. It feels good to put the manuals out there, and get the parts out there, that enables people to do this. Still, if you're not comfortable doing that, we encourage you to come in the Apple Store and get it done for you. That's still the best way, perhaps, for most people. But if you're a technician, then have at it, because you're able to do it yourself.
Apple's self-service repair program will include an online store that will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools, the company said. In an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, Apple said the store will be operated by an unspecified third party. Apple plans to share more details about the program as it approaches launch.
Cook, speaking at the grand opening of Apple's new store at The Grove in Los Angeles, also reiterated that Apple is focused on augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and autonomy and said that Apple will use these core technologies in a variety of ways.
Black Friday 2021 has kicked off, and you can now get some of the year's best deals on numerous Apple products. In this article we're providing a quick summary of all the best sales we've seen so far this season. For more on the best sales happening this week, visit our Black Friday Roundup.
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.
A Note On Availability
More so than in years past, in 2021 we've had bigger and steeper sales in the lead-up to Black Friday, making it easier to finish up your shopping before the holiday even begins. Because we're still a few days out from Black Friday, and because many solid sales began days ago, be sure to shop now if you see something you want. Availability on particularly great deals can - and will - dwindle fast, as we saw on Walmart's $90 discount on the Apple Watch Series 3.
Where To Shop
Over the past few weeks we've been spotlighting the best deals coming to Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. If you like shopping at one retailer or another, we recommend browsing our spotlight posts this week to see what's available now, and what's still to come.
Although there may be instances in which this is beneficial for certain people, overall the best deals and bargains on Apple products won't be found on Apple.com during the week of Black Friday, but on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and other similar retailers. For this reason, you'll see a focus on these third-party retailers in this article.
AirPods Pro
What's the deal? AirPods Pro with MagSafe for $169.99
Amazon's $90 markdown on the new AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case has been coming and going this week as one of the highlights of Black Friday 2021. If you can catch it while it's at $159.00, that's probably the best deal you'll see, but as of now they're priced at $169.99. That's still a solid price, and you may want to lock things in since shipping estimates are pushing out to mid-December. You can also keep an eye on Walmart for a potential return of the $159.00 price tag there, but Walmart appears to have pulled its listing for them for the time being.
You can get the newest model of AirPods, the AirPods 3, for $149.99 on Amazon this week, down from $179.00. This is beating the price we were tracking earlier this week and is now an all-time low price, and while availability has been good so far this week, we don't know how well stock will continue to hold up.
Although they're now an older model, big savings can be found on Apple's AirPods 2 this Black Friday. Amazon currently has the model with a Wired Charging Case for $99.99, down from $129.00. You'll see this sale after an automatic coupon is applied to your order, and this is the second-best price we've ever seen on the AirPods 2.
AirPods Max
What's the deal? AirPods Max in select colors for $429.00
Amazon currently has Apple's AirPods Max on sale for $429.00, down from $549.00. This is a match of the lowest price we've ever tracked on the AirPods Max, but as of now it's only available in Sky Blue on Amazon.
iPhone
What's the deal? iPhone 12 and 13 deals everywhere
Deals on iPhones are always abundant around the holidays, and 2021 is no different. A standout this year can be found at T-Mobile, which is offering a free iPhone 13 Pro, free AirPods 2, and free year of Apple TV+ when trading in an eligible device and placing the iPhone 13 Pro on a Magenta MAX monthly plan.
Otherwise, you'll find the usual installment plan offers from other carriers. AT&T began offering its Black Friday sales last week, and with them you can get an iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, or iPhone 13 mini at no cost with a trade in and installment plan. You can also get $1,000 off the iPhone 13 Pro Max with the same requirements.
At Verizon you can get up to $1,000 when you trade in your old smartphone and purchase an iPhone 13 model. There are also some solid iPhone 12 deals, like a BOGO free offer and a free iPhone 12 mini with any Unlimited plan.
Target - Get up to $250 off iPhone 12 and 13 when adding new line; get up to $140 Target gift card with in-store activation of an iPhone SE
Walmart - Get up to $750 in eGift cards with activation and purchase of iPhone 12 and iPhone 13
Best Buy - Save up to $1,000 on iPhone 13 when trading in and activating on Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile
Apple Watch
What's the deal? $60 off Apple Watch SE; $19 off Series 7
These deals are both all-time low prices on the Apple Watch SE, and you can find similar sales at Best Buy and at Amazon this Black Friday. Target shoppers should remember that you can get an additional 5 percent off your order with the Target RedCard.
On Monday, Walmart had $90 off the Apple Watch Series 3, available at just $109, but given how steep that sale was it didn't last very long. It may be worth keeping an eye on Walmart through this week, and on Friday, as the company may restock the Series 3 models at these all-time low prices.
You can also currently find all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 7, but the discounts aren't particularly deep. The best sales you'll find as of today are $19 off Series 7 models on Amazon. This is only for select models, and some discounts only reach up to $9 off. Still, if you want to own the newest Apple Watch model, you can at least save a little bit of money on Amazon.
MacBook Pro
What's the deal? Lowest price on the new 14-inch MacBook Pro
Amazon has the 8-Core M1 Pro/512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro for $1,949.99, down from $1,999.00. Although just $50 off, this is a match of the lowest price we've tracked to date on this model of the new MacBook Pro, so anyone still shopping for this model should take a look at this model soon. Unfortunately, this model currently has a shipping estimate in early January, so it won't make it in time for the holidays when shipped from Amazon. Only Amazon has this sale as of writing.
If you want a little more storage, the 10-Core M1 Pro/1TB 14-inch MacBook Pro is on sale for $2,449.99, down from $2,499.00. This model will still arrive before the holidays.
Amazon has Apple's M1 24-inch iMac at $50 off in multiple configurations, starting at $1,249.00 for the M1 iMac with 7-Core GPU/256GB, down from $1,299.00. Additionally, this week Amazon has discounted the M1 iMac with 8-Core GPU/512GB for the first time ever, available for $1,649.99, down from $1,699.00.
Amazon sales always come and go quickly, and we haven't had a clear picture on what kind of iMac deals to expect on Friday, so if you've been waiting for a sale these are solid all-time low prices on the newest iMac.
iPad Pro
What's the deal? Tons of iPad Pro deals starting at $999.00 for 12.9-inch models
Amazon has a massive sale on 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, offering savings on all models and lowest ever prices on nearly every single one. Prices start at $999.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, and jump to $2,249.00 for the 2TB Cellular device.
128GB Wi-Fi - $999.00 at Amazon ($100 off, lowest ever)
Depending on which retailer you prefer, you can get a $15 gift card from Target and Best Buy when purchasing the $100 Apple Gift Card. These are the best offers you'll find this season on the new Apple Gift Card, as we don't see straight cash discounts on these gift cards. If you were planning to buy an Apple Gift Card already, the $15 store credit could also help knock down the price of an Apple Watch SE or pair of AirPods to an even steeper all-time low price.
Apple TV 4K
What's the deal? 32GB 2021 Apple TV 4K for $159.99
Amazon this week introduced a new low price on the 32GB Apple TV 4K from 2021, available for $159.99, down from $179.00. This price will be reflected in your cart after an automatic coupon has been applied.
Secondly, you can get the 64GB Apple TV 4K for $169.99, down from $199.00 on Amazon, following the application of an automatic coupon at the checkout screen. With this sale, Amazon now has the best price we've ever seen on this model of the Apple TV 4K.
As of writing, stock is somewhat low on the 32GB Apple TV 4K. Amazon estimates that the product will ship within 10 days, so there's still plenty of time for it to arrive before the holidays.
We aren't seeing many particularly steep discounts on the HomePod mini this week, so if you had your eye on one and want to save even a little money, Staples is the best bet. That retailer has the speaker at $89.00, down from $99.00. Otherwise, B&H Photo has the speaker for $94.99.
Amazon has the Apple Pencil 2 for $99.00 this week, down from $129.00. This is an Amazon all-time low price and one of the most consistent discounts that we track on the Apple Pencil 2.
MagSafe
What's the deal? Solid deals on MagSafe accessories
If you're on the hunt for MagSafe accessories for stocking stuffers this year, Amazon and Verizon have a few good deals. The MagSafe Charger is $29.99 at Verizon, down from $39.00; the MagSafe Duo Charger is $103.99 at Amazon, down from $129.00; and the MagSafe Battery Pack is $74.24 at Verizon, down from $99.00. These sales are solid offers across the board.
Shoppers should note that stock on the Beats studio Buds has been fluctuating today on Amazon. Be sure you're purchasing a new pair and not a used version from a third-party Amazon reseller.
We're keeping track of all this season's best deals in our Black Friday 2021 Roundup. You can also find more of our daily deals and other offers in our Deals Roundup.
Mozilla has told users of its Lockwise password management app that it will officially end support for the app on December 13. While the password manager will continue to work after that date, it will no longer receive support or security updates.
Lockwise began life in 2018 as Lockbox, an open-source mobile app for iOS, Android, and desktop that allowed users to access login credentials and autofill passwords stored in Mozilla's Firefox web browser.
Most of those features have now been integrated into Firefox on desktop and/or mobile, signaling the end of the road for the standalone Lockwise app.
"The Firefox Lockwise app will no longer be updated and supported by Mozilla and will not be available in the Apple App and Google Play Stores," Mozilla said in its email to users.
"After that date, current Lockwise users can continue to access their saved passwords and their password management in the Firefox desktop and mobile browsers."
Android users will be able to access the password autofill functionality offered by the Firefox app instead, but users on iOS will have to wait to gain the ability to manage Firefox passwords system-wide.
"Firefox for iOS will already sync your saved Lockwise passwords," states Mozilla in a support article. "You can currently only use those inside Firefox. Check back for updates in December 2021 on how to use Firefox for iOS as your system-wide password manager."
Earlier this month, Mozilla released Firefox 94 for iOS devices, which introduces a new homepage design that adds several quality of life improvements to the browser. Firefox says that the new features are designed for "short bursts of online interactions that are constantly interrupted by life."
Earlier today, Apple announced that it had filed suit against NSO Group, the firm responsible for the Pegasus spyware that has been used in state-sponsored surveillance campaigns in a number of countries. NSO Group seeks to take advantage of vulnerabilities in iOS and other platforms to infiltrate the devices of targeted users such as journalists, activists, dissidents, academics, and government officials.
As part of its announcement, Apple revealed that it is notifying the "small number of users" who have been targeted via the FORCEDENTRY exploit for a now-patched vulnerability that allowed Pegasus to be installed on their devices. Apple also said that it will continue to notify users it believes have been targeted by state-sponsored spyware attacks "in accordance with industry best practices," and the company has now shared a new support document outlining how it will notify those users.
Notifications will be delivered to affected users via email and iMessage notifications to the addresses and phone numbers associated with the users' Apple IDs, with the notifications providing additional steps users can take to protect their devices. A prominent "Threat Notification" banner will also be displayed at the top of the page when affected users log into their accounts on the Apple ID web portal.
Users will never be asked to click links or install apps via the email and iMessage notifications, so users receiving notifications should always log into their Apple ID accounts on the web to verify that threat notifications have been issued for their accounts and to learn what to do next.
Apple acknowledges that there may be some false alarms with its notifications and that some attacks may go undetected, as it is facing constantly evolving tactics from state-sponsored attackers. Apple's threat-detection methods will similarly evolve, and so the company will not be sharing information on its methods to hinder efforts by attackers to evade detection.
Regardless of whether or not you receive a threat notification from Apple, the company advises all users to take the following steps to secure their devices:
Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes
Protect devices with a passcode
Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID
Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders
Finally, Apple shares a list of emergency resources at the Consumer Reports Security Planner website for those users who have not received an Apple threat notification but believe they may have been targeted by state-sponsored attackers to obtain expert assistance.
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.
Apple plans to adopt TSMC's 4-nanometer chip production technology to mass produce its first in-house 5G modem chip, four people familiar with the matter said, adding that the iPhone maker is developing its own radio frequency and millimeter wave components to complement the modem. Apple is also working on its own power management chip specifically for the modem, two people briefed on the matter said.
The report lines up with previous rumors of Apple launching its own modem as part of the 2023 iPhone lineup, and Qualcomm last week revealed that it is using a planning assumption that it will only have a 20% share of modem production for the 2023 iPhone. Qualcomm believes that Apple will be using its own modem solution in most regions around the world, but will continue to rely on Qualcomm for certain markets, at least initially.
Today's report from Nikkei says that Apple and TSMC are currently trialing production of Apple's in-house modem designs using TSMC's 5-nanometer process, but that they will shift to the more advanced 4-nanometer technology for mass production. TSMC is already aiming to use 4-nanometer technology for the main A-series chip in the 2022 iPhone lineup, with 2022 iPads and 2023 iPhones moving to 3-nanometer technology for their A-series chips.
Unclutter today kicked off a new Black Friday Mac app bundle, which includes twelve Mac apps for $75 (worth a total value of $350). You can also pick only the apps you want and pay half the regular price for each individual app.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apps in the bunlde include Aeon Timeline 3, BetterZip 5, DaisyDisk, Unclutter, Path Finder 10, Permute 3, Squash 3, Unite 4, Default Folder X, TextSoap 9, TextSniper, and uBar 4. You won't need any special promo code as the $75 bundle price has been applied automatically.
Below you can find all of the apps in this bundle, as well as their individual pricing. Most come with lifetime licenses, and they're all 50 percent off.
Aeon Timeline 3 - $32.50, down from $65.00 (Lifetime license)
BetterZip 5 - $12.50, down from $25.00 (Full license)
DaisyDisk - $5.00, down from $10.00 (Lifetime license)
Unclutter - $10.00, down from $20.00 (Lifetime license)
Path Finder 10 - $18.00, down from $36.00 (Lifetime license)
Permute 3 - $7.50, down from $15.00 (Lifetime license)
Squash 3 - $14.50, down from $29.00 (Lifetime license)
Unite 4 - $12.50, down from $25.00 (Lifetime license)
Default Folder X - $17.50, down from $35.00 (Full license)
TextSoap 9 - $25.00, down from $50.00 (Lifetime license)
TextSniper - $5.00, down from $10.00 (Lifetime license)
uBar 4 - $15.00, down from $30.00 (Lifetime license)
We're keeping track of all this season's best deals in our Black Friday 2021 Roundup. You can also find more of our daily deals and other offers in our Deals Roundup.
Apple appears to have temporarily halted sales of devices in Turkey as the country's economic crisis deepened on Tuesday morning. The lira dropped 15 percent after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan staunchly defended recent rate cuts, reports Reuters.
Right now, Apple's Turkey storefront is up and operational, but no devices are able to be added to a virtual cart or purchased at this time because of the volatility.
A Turkish lira is equivalent to approximately 0.078 U.S. dollars at the current time, and its value has been steadily falling since last week. Over the course of the last year, the Lira has dropped 45 percent vs. the dollar.
There is no word on when Apple might resume sales in Turkey, but inflation is close to 20 percent and with Erdogan continuing to refuse to raise interest rates, the downward slide may continue.
(Thanks, Can!)
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.
Apple today announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Israeli firm NSO Group and its parent company with the aim of holding it accountable for targeting Apple users with spyware used for surveillance purposes.
In the lawsuit, Apple offers up information on how NSO Group infiltrated the devices of iPhone owners and how it utilized the Pegasus spyware to do so. Apple is asking for a permanent injunction that would ban NSO Group from using Apple software, services, or devices.
"State-sponsored actors like the NSO Group spend millions of dollars on sophisticated surveillance technologies without effective accountability. That needs to change," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "Apple devices are the most secure consumer hardware on the market -- but private companies developing state-sponsored spyware have become even more dangerous. While these cybersecurity threats only impact a very small number of our customers, we take any attack on our users very seriously, and we're constantly working to strengthen the security and privacy protections in iOS to keep all our users safe."
NSO Group created invasive spyware known as "Pegasus" that was sold to various world governments and was used to access the devices of journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists. Apple has been working on fixing exploits and has addressed major Pegasus-related hacks in iOS 14.6 and iOS 14.8.
With iOS 14.8, for example, Apple addressed a zero-click FORCEDENTRY iMessage exploit that could infect iOS devices with the Pegasus software, allowing for access to the camera, microphone, text messages, phone calls, emails, and more. Apple engineers worked around the clock to develop a fix, and additional BlastDoor security protections have been implemented in iOS 15 to protect the Messages app.
Those who were impacted by FORCEDENTRY will be notified by Apple, and going forward, Apple says any time that it finds activity consistent with a state-sponsored spyware attack, affected users will be informed.
Apple says that it has not found evidence of successful remote attacks against users running iOS 15 and later updates, and that everyone should update their phones and run the latest software. Apple security chief Ivan Krstić said the lawsuit is a signal that Apple will not stand for the use of weaponized spyware against "those who seek to make the world a better place."
"At Apple, we are always working to defend our users against even the most complex cyberattacks. The steps we're taking today will send a clear message: In a free society, it is unacceptable to weaponize powerful state-sponsored spyware against those who seek to make the world a better place," said Ivan Krstić, head of Apple Security Engineering and Architecture. "Our threat intelligence and engineering teams work around the clock to analyze new threats, rapidly patch vulnerabilities, and develop industry-leading new protections in our software and silicon. Apple runs one of the most sophisticated security engineering operations in the world, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our users from abusive state-sponsored actors like NSO Group."
In addition to filing a lawsuit against NSO Group, Apple plans to contribute $10 million to organizations pursuing cybersurveillance research and advocacy. Apple will also donate the damages from any lawsuit to the same cause, and will continue to support researchers at Citizen Lab with pro-bono technical, threat intelligence, and engineering assistance.
NSO Group has claimed that its software exploits have only been sold to "vetted" military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies for use against criminals and terrorists, but a massive data leak earlier this year confirmed widespread abuse of the spyware. As a result, NSO Group has been blacklisted by the U.S. government, and no American organization is allowed to work with it. The company is also facing a 2019 malware lawsuit from Facebook, which a judge earlier this week refused to dismiss.
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.
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 these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
