MacRumors

Google is rumored to be working on a new wireless charging stand that could deliver 23W of charging power to its upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones, according to a leaked inventory image published by Android Police.

If true, that would beat the iPhone 12's maximum 15W wireless charging speed (or 12W on ‌iPhone 12 mini‌) using Apple's MagSafe charger, and would be another one-up for the Pixel 6 phones, which are already shaping up to be a respectable rival to the upcoming ‌iPhone‌ 13 expected to launch this month.

With a ‌‌MagSafe‌‌ charger and Apple's 20W power adapter or another appropriate 20W+ PD 3.0 charger, it takes about an hour to charge an ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌ from zero to 50 percent, which is double the time that it takes to charge using a USB-C to Lightning cable and a 20W+ USB-C power adapter.

Charging with a ‌‌MagSafe‌‌ charger is faster than charging with a Qi-based charger, which maxes out at 7.5W, but for the fastest charging speed a wired charging connection using a Lightning to USB-C cable is still the best.

For iPhones, that is. Last year's OnePlus 8 Pro came with a 30W "Warp" charger, and this year's OnePlus 9 Pro will support 50W wireless charging speeds thanks to the next-generation Warp charger, which is capable of charging a dead phone to full power in 43 minutes – faster than an ‌iPhone‌ plugged directly into a 20W charger.

Apple's longtime goal has been an ‌iPhone‌ with no external ports or buttons for a clean, streamlined device, but until it can improve the maximum 15W charging speed of ‌MagSafe‌ or come up with another wireless alternative, that's unlikely to happen.

In 2016, Apple was rumored to be partnering with Energous to deliver a "true wireless charging" solution, but nothing has come from it so far. Apple is still believed to be researching new wireless charging technologies, and with the advent of ‌MagSafe‌ on ‌iPhone‌ 12 models, the company is clearly still interested in innovating ways to power devices.

The ‌iPhone‌ 13 and future iPhones are expected to continue to use Lightning ports with the option of ‌MagSafe‌ until a more viable wireless charging solution comes along that allows for a portless ‌iPhone‌ design.

Starting today, the popular Philips Hue smart lights will feature a deep integration with the Spotify streaming music service, allowing Hue users to sync their lights to their Spotify playlists.

The Philips Hue system will use an algorithm to analyze the metadata of each song in real time to make Hue lights flash, dim, brighten, and change colors while matching with the beat, mood, genre, and tempo of music on Spotify. The algorithm even takes into account factors like loudness, segments, pitch, and more.

With the Sync tab in the Philips Hue app, users can personalize the Spotify integration experience. There are tools for starting and stopping the sync, changing the brightness and intensity of the lights, and choosing a palette to change the colors of the lights.

Spotify integration is free to use, requiring a Hue Bridge and color-capable Hue lights like the White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulbs. The feature works through the Philips Hue app and it does not require a microphone to react to the music, so the syncing experience can be done with no background noise and while leaving the phone free to be used for other tasks.

According to Philips Hue parent company Signify, the integration works with any Spotify-compatible audio device, which includes speakers, computers, and smartphones. All that's required is linking a Spotify account and a Philips Hue account in the Hue app, and the lights will perform whenever you play a Spotify song.

The Philips Hue and Spotify integration will begin rolling out as an early access program for Philips Hue App 4 users beginning on September 1.

Those who have the current version of the app can tap on the "What's New" update with the Spotify card and can select "Early access" to try it out. After October 2021, Spotify integration will be a permanent feature in the Philips Hue app.

Philips Hue parent company Signify today announced several new Hue lighting options, the most exciting of which feature the gradient technology that was added to the Philips Hue Play Lightstrip last year.

The new Philips Hue Play Gradient Light Tube is designed to sit above or below a TV, adding a blend of multiple lighting colors in a single lighting fixture. The Light Tube comes in either black or white to match home theater setups.

Gradient lighting functionality is also coming to an upgraded version of the Philips Hue Signe floor and table lamps and the Philips Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip, which can be used anywhere.

Other lighting updates are also coming. There's a new White Filament E14 Candle Bulb, and the Hue Filament bulbs on the whole are now available in White ambiance, so users can select any shade of warm-to-cool light. Prior Filament bulbs were limited to a warm yellow light.

White and Color Ambiance bulbs are coming in 1100 and 1600 lumen varieties (75W and 100W equivalent) so users can choose the brightness level that they need.

New Philips Hue Infuse Ceiling Lights are set to launch in 2022, offering up white and colored light with indirect light on the ceiling.

Signify is launching a major update for the Philips Hue app that will add new dynamic scenes. With dynamic scenes, lights in a room will slowly transition through the different colors in the scene. The update is also when when a new Philips Hue Spotify integration will launch, allowing Philips Hue lights to change colors and brightness based on Spotify songs that are playing.

In the fall, the Hue app will get a new Hue scene gallery with scenes that are designed to run for 24 hours. These scenes will change in brightness as time passes, mimicking the sun's movement over the course of the day. Signify is also planning a software update for the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box that will add compatibility with the 120Hz refresh rates of the latest game consoles. The Sync Box can support 120Hz with an image resolution of 1080p and 1440p. 4K will be limited to 60Hz as it is now.

The new products will be available starting today and will be available for purchase from the Philips Hue website. The White, White Ambiance, and White and Color Ambiance 1100 lumen (75W bulbs) are launching today and pricing will start at $14.99, $24.99, and $49.99, respectively for a single bulb.

The White Ambiance Hue Filament Bulbs and the Filament candle are also available today and are priced between $29.99 and $49.99. On October 1, the Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip will be available for $169.99, with an extension available for $69.99.

The Philips Hue Gradient Signe Floor and Table lamps will launch on October 12 and will be priced at $200 (table) and $300 (floor). The White, White Ambiance, and Color Ambiance 1600 lumen (100W) bulbs will be available on October 12 and will be priced at $19.99, $39.99, and $59.99, respectively.

Apps created for the Mac don't often receive as much attention as apps designed for iPhones and iPads, so we have a video series that highlights useful Mac apps worth checking out. Our August picks feature apps for drawing with the trackpad, managing music, keeping track of passwords, and more.

• SigmaOS ($10/Month) - SigmaOS is a browser that's aimed at those who do a lot of their work on the web. It allows websites and web apps to be organized into different workspaces or projects, and it supports multitasking with two active pages at one time. Workspaces that you don't need can be snoozed temporarily, and for those who often collaborate, you can send pages directly to another user's browser. SigmaOS is free to try, but it costs $10 per month for unlimited workspaces, pages, actions, and cross-device syncing.
• MiniKey ($1.99) - MiniKey is a lightweight one-time password app for the Mac that's designed as an alternative to apps like Authy or Google Authenticator. It lives in the Mac's menu bar and can be used to store all of your two-factor authentication codes. You can click to copy or drag and drop from the drop down menu where your authentication codes are stored.
• Magic Drawing App (Free) - Magic is designed to let you create drawings with your Mac's trackpad. It has pressure sensitivity when used with a MacBook's Force Touch trackpad, and there are customizable brushes to choose from.
• Sleeve ($5) - Sleeve is a desktop music player that works with Apple Music, Spotify, and Doppler. It's deeply customizable and lets you create a little desktop music widget that lets you know what's playing, provides album art, and offers up playback controls. You can decide just how much information you want to see and where you want it.
• Slapdash (Free) - Slapdash aggregates the capabilities from all of your apps into one easy access spot that can be reached with a single keyboard command (command + J). You just open up Slapdash and search for what you want if it's not already in the quick access list. Slapdash is customizable and there are team features for companies. Slapdash is free for limited use, but unlocking all of the features requires a $12/month subscription.

Know of a must-have Mac app or game that we haven't highlighted yet? Let us know in the comments below and we might feature it in a future video. Many of our Mac apps that we share are recommended by MacRumors readers. For more of our Mac app picks, check out our Mac apps archive.

Apple today seeded a new public beta of the macOS 12 Monterey beta to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test the new macOS Monterey software ahead of its public release. The updated beta comes just a day after Apple released the sixth macOS Monterey developer beta.

Public beta testers can download the macOS 12 Monterey update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website.

macOS Monterey introduces quite a few major updates for the macOS operating system. Universal Control, for example, lets a single mouse, trackpad, and keyboard be used across multiple Mac or iPad devices, and it's now possible to AirPlay directly to a Mac from an iPhone, ‌iPad‌, or even another Mac. ‌Universal Control‌ isn't out yet, but we're still hoping it makes it into the Monterey launch.

Safari has an updated tab bar and support for Tab Groups to keep tons of tabs organized, and FaceTime now features support for spatial audio, Portrait Mode (M1 Macs only) and Voice Isolation for cutting out background noise. A SharePlay ‌FaceTime‌ feature lets Apple TV users watch TV, listen to music, and share their screens with one another.

Shared With You, another new feature, keeps track of the music, links, podcasts, news, and photos that people are sent in Messages, highlighting it in the relevant apps. Notes has a new Quick Note feature for jotting down thoughts, and the Shortcuts app is now available on the Mac.

A dedicated Focus mode helps people stay on task by cutting out background distractions based on what's going on, and there's an updated Maps app with a whole slew of new features. With Live Text, Macs can now detect text in photos or provide details on animals, art, landmarks, plants, and more in images. The new beta adds Live Text support for Intel Macs.

Mail Privacy Protection hides IP and prevents tracking through invisible pixels, and iCloud Private Relay keeps Safari browsing protected. There are many other new features in ‌macOS Monterey‌, with a complete overview available in our macOS Monterey roundup.

Apple has also released new public betas of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and tvOS 15, and a fifth beta of Safari 15 for macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina users.

Twitter's latest beta update introduces support for providing content creators with Bitcoin tips using the "Tip Jar" feature that Twitter introduced earlier this year. Bitcoin isn't yet available to select as a tip option for beta users, but code in the beta suggests that Twitter is in the process of rolling it out.

When the Tip Jar was first introduced, Twitter allowed users to add Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, PayPal and Venmo links to their Twitter profile, but soon, there will be a Bitcoin option. The addition of a Bitcoin tipping option comes after Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey told investors in July that Bitcoin was important to the company and would be coming to the Tip Jar in the future.

Details in the latest Twitter beta indicate that users will be directed through a Bitcoin tutorial that includes details on the Bitcoin Lightning Network and custodial and non-custodial Bitcoin wallets.

Twitter gives Strike, Blue Wallet and Wallet of Satoshi as examples of custodial wallets and Muun, Breez, Phoenix and Zap as examples of non-custodial wallets. Twitter also informs users that a Strike account is required. "We use Strike to generate Bitcoin Lightning invoices so you'll need to connect your account to accept Bitcoin tips" reads the text.

Twitter also appears to be working on "Cheer," "Haha," "Hmm," "Like," and "Sad" reactions to tweets that users will be able to activate using a press and hold gesture on the current like button.

Bitcoin support for tips is limited to the Twitter beta at this time and is not yet available for all beta users, so it is not yet clear when the Bitcoin feature will see an official release. There's also no word just yet on when the new reactions will launch.

Apple today released a revised version of the AirTags firmware that was first provided to AirTags owners last week. The new internal build number is 1A291c, up from 1A291a.

We don't know what's included in the new firmware and no new features were found following the first release, so it likely focuses on bug fixes and other under-the-hood improvements.

There is no way to force an AirTag update, as it's something that's done over-the-air through a connected iPhone. To make sure the update happens, you can put your ‌AirTag‌ in range of your ‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌, but you have to wait for the firmware to roll out to your device.

You can check your current ‌AirTag‌ firmware version using the Find My app, with instructions available in our how to.

The popular endless hopper Crossy Road from Hipster Whale is coming soon to Apple Arcade. A release date has not been announced at this time, but users can sign up to be notified when the game becomes available through the App Store.

Similar to Frogger, Crossy Road tasks players with crossing a road bustling with traffic and obstacles, and there are many adorable characters to choose from, ranging from a chicken to a penguin. As with all games available through the service, the Apple Arcade version of Crossy Road will not have any ads or in-app purchases available.

Crossy Road was among the first games announced for the fourth-generation Apple TV alongside the introduction of the tvOS App Store back in September 2015. However, it appears the Apple Arcade edition of the game will be limited to the iPhone and iPad.

A variation of the game titled Crossy Road Castle, an endless runner/platformer combo, launched on Apple Arcade in February 2020.

Three additional games are set to launch on Apple Arcade this Friday, including Zen Pinball Party, MasterChef: Let's Cook, and Layton's Mystery Journey.

Priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, Apple Arcade provides access to a catalog of over 200 games without ads or in-app purchases across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, with additional titles added periodically.

Apple today seeded the eighth betas of iOS and iPadOS 15 to developers for testing purposes, with the updates coming one week after Apple released the seventh betas.

Registered developers can download the profile for the iOS and iPadOS betas from the Apple Developer Center, and once the profile is installed, beta updates will be available over the air.

iOS 15 is a major update that introduces a slew of new features focused on cutting down on distractions and spending more time with friends and family.

FaceTime has a revamped interface with new SharePlay features for listening to music, watching videos, and sharing your screen with your friends and family members, though this is delayed until after the launch of iOS 15. In Messages, if something like a url, photo, news article, or song is shared with you, you can see the content in Apple's dedicated apps through a new Shared With You Feature.

Focus lets you create custom notification modes that hide irrelevant apps and notifications when you're doing things like working or spending time with your family so you can better focus on the activity at hand, and there's a new notification summary that de-prioritizes less important notifications so you're not constantly inundated with information.

Maps includes a new 3D view in select cities that lets you see 3D landmarks, there are immersive AR directions when walking, and driving directions are better than ever, especially at complex interchanges.

Safari has been redesigned with a new look that moves the Tab Bar to the bottom of the interface (though this is optional), plus it now supports Tab Groups for improved organization, and extensions can be used in Safari for iOS devices for the first time. Later this year you'll be able to add your ID card to the Wallet app in some U.S. states, and Apple is making it easier to add key cards for hotels, smart home locks, and more to the Wallet app.

Spotlight is better than ever and can bring up more tailored search results, and Photos has a "Live Text" feature that lets you take a photo of something with text like a receipt to translate it into typed text on your iPhone. ‌Photos‌ can also identify landmarks, books, plants, and pets, so you can snap a photo of a plant and get information on what it might be.

Apple has also added multiple privacy improvements, such as a new App Privacy report coming to the ‌iPhone‌ that will let you know how often apps access sensitive info like your location, a Mail feature that hides your IP address, and Siri processing that's done on device.

For a complete overview of everything that's new in iOS 15, we have a dedicated roundup that walks through all of the new features, and Apple has been adding feature refinements throughout the beta testing period. The sixth beta, for example, overhauled the design of Safari and added a toggle to disable changes introduced in earlier betas. In the seventh beta, Apple said that iCloud Private Relay will be introduced as a beta feature at launch.

Apple today seeded the eighth beta of the upcoming watchOS 8 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after Apple released the seventh watchOS 8 beta.

To install ‌watchOS 8‌, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once installed, ‌watchOS 8‌ can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update.

To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it needs to be in range of the ‌‌iPhone‌‌. It's not recommended to install ‌watchOS 8‌ on a main Apple Watch as the software may be unstable at this early date.

watchOS 8 has several new features that are extensions of new features introduced in iOS 15. There are improvements to Wallet that allow it to hold keys for unlocking hotel, car, and home doors, plus Apple will let U.S. users add their IDs to Wallet later this year.

Apple overhauled the Home app, and for the Workout app, there are new Tai Chi and Pilates workout types, and the Breathe app has been renamed to Mindfulness thanks to a new Reflect session that invites users to get into a positive state of mind. When sleeping, the Apple Watch now measures respiratory rate.

Focus mode from iOS 15 syncs to the watch so users can stay on task, and in the Messages app, Scribble, dictation, and emojis can be combined within the same message, making it easier to communicate. Dictated text can be edited, and GIFs can be sent right from the watch.

There's a new Portrait watch face, and the Photos app has been updated with support for Memories and Featured ‌Photos‌. A new Find My app lets items be located right on the wrist, and there are also new updates for Music, Weather, Timers, and more, along with a new Contacts app.

Nomad today announced the launch of the Base Station Mini with Magnetic Alignment, a small single-device charger designed for Apple's iPhone 12 models.

The Base Station Mini with Magnetic Alignment features the same design as the original Base Station Mini, but it also includes integrated magnets that allow it to align more easily with MagSafe devices. This is not an official ‌MagSafe‌ accessory because ‌MagSafe‌ charging components need to be supplied from Apple and Apple has been slow getting the hardware to third-party companies.

As it is not using ‌MagSafe‌, the new Base Station Mini will charge an ‌iPhone‌ 12 (and earlier iPhones) at a maximum of 7.5W, but it is a 15W charger so it can charge Qi-enabled Android smartphones more quickly. It is also compatible with AirPods and other Qi-based devices.

A USB-C cable comes along with it for charging purposes, and there's a built-in light sensor that dims at night so it's ideal for use on a night stand.

The Base Station Mini with Magnetic Alignment is available from the Nomad website for $69.95.

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

Production of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 has been delayed due to the upcoming watch featuring a "complicated design," according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

According to the report, Apple suppliers began small-scale production of the watch last week, and during which, employees "encountered critical challenges in reaching satisfactory production performance."

Manufacturers of Apple Watch 7, as the device is expected to be called, began small-scale production last week but encountered critical challenges in reaching satisfactory production performance, multiple people familiar with the situation said.

Three sources said the current disappointing production quality could be attributed to the complexity of design, which is significantly different from that of previous generations of the watch, and the assemblers found issues when putting together electronics modules, components and displays.

As a result of the complex design, which is rumored to come in the form of flat-edges and larger displays, Apple suppliers have "temporarily halted" production of the new watch as engineers attempt to "further certify the designs before going into mass production."

The Apple Watch Series 7, according to Nikkei Asia, will come with blood pressure measurement capabilities, an apparent factor in production being halted. Specifically, hardware to enable blood pressure measurements must "meet requirements for water-resistance performance, further increasing the engineering and production challenges."

Apple is widely rumored to be planning an all-digital event for the middle of next month, where the company is expected to announce the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7. Today's report, however, citing sources, says those plans might be impacted due to the production issues. While production of the watch may be experiencing issues, those issues may only result in delayed shipping of the device rather than a delay in its announcement.

For example, Apple suppliers earlier this year were battling with production constraints related to mini-LED displays used in the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. While the new iPad was announced in April, it didn't begin shipping until later in May due to production issues. A similar scenario may be in play with the Apple Watch Series 7 if today's report is true.

Update 9:42 am: Bloomberg is hearing similar information that the launch is likely to be delayed.

Apple Inc.’s upcoming smartwatch is suffering production snags as manufacturers adjust to a new design, likely leading to delays, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Update 9/7/21: "Being James Bond" is now available to watch through the Apple TV app.

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Ahead of the theatrical release of James Bond film "No Time To Die" on October 8 in the United States, a 45-minute retrospective titled "Being James Bond" will be available to watch for free through the Apple TV app, according to Deadline.

The story from MGM is said to feature Daniel Craig reflecting on his 15 years playing Bond, with never-before-seen archival footage from his conversations with producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The retrospective will be available for free through the Apple TV app in over 30 regions from September 7 through October 7.

Amazon in May announced it reached an agreement with MGM to acquire the entertainment company for $8.45 billion, following a report last year that claimed MGM had reached out to companies like Apple and Netflix to gauge interest in a potential acquisition. Amazon said it would help preserve MGM's heritage and catalog of films, and provide customers with greater access to MGM's existing works, such as the James Bond franchise.

With the launch of Apple's iPhone 13 lineup believed to be just a few weeks away, we have compiled all of the coherent rumors from our coverage over the past year to build a full picture of the features and upgrades coming to the company's new smartphones.

For clarity, only explicit improvements, upgrades, and new features compared to the ‌iPhone‌ 12 lineup are listed. It is worth noting that the rumors below are aggregated from our coverage from a wide range of sources, including leakers, analysts, and publications. The reliability of each source varies, so some of the rumored features should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Nevertheless, the overall view of the ‌iPhone‌ 13's rumors gives a good idea of many of the upcoming upgrades and what users can largely expect from the device when it is officially revealed in the near future.

Design

• Thicker design around 7.57mm, up from 7.4mm on the ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌ models.
• Diagonal rear camera layout on the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13, also slightly larger than previous models.
• Larger rear camera unit on the iPhone 13 Pro, around the same size as the iPhone 12 Pro Max at around 36mm by 37mm.
• Thicker camera bumps: The ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌ models feature camera bumps in the range of 1.5mm to 1.7mm, while the ‌‌iPhone‌ 13‌ mini and ‌iPhone‌ 13 will have a thicker 2.51mm camera bump and the ‌‌iPhone‌ 13‌ Pro will feature a 3.65mm thick camera bump. The individual lenses are expected to protrude less within the thicker camera bumps.
• Relocated buttons, with the side button, mute button, and volume buttons moved slightly lower down.
• Darker graphite and bronze potential new color options.

Display

• Smaller, narrower notch with the camera moved from the right to the left of the speaker, and the speaker moved up to the top edge of the display to provide more display space.
• "ProMotion" display with variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother on-screen motion, facilitated by low-power LTPO backplane technology, on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max.
• Always-on display, similar to the Apple Watch, enabled by the variable refresh rate on the Pro models. The feature is expected to bring a simplified always-on lock screen with the current time and notifications.

Chip and Connectivity

• Next-generation "A15" chip bringing improved performance and efficiency, manufactured with a 5nm fabrication process.
• Faster 5G speeds due to use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 third-generation 5G modem, which can aggregate 5G data from mmWave and sub-6GHz bands simultaneously for better speeds and coverage, as well consume less power and take up less internal space.
• Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications to make calls and send messages in emergency situations when there is no 4G or 5G coverage, but this feature may not be immediately available even if the device contains the appropriate hardware.
• Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for improved performance, lower latency, and faster data rates when using a latest-generation Wi-Fi connection.
• Wider availability of mmWave 5G models, available in regions outside the United States for the first time.

Batteries and Charging

• Reverse wireless charging functionality thanks to a "slightly bigger" wireless charging coil that could provide better thermal management and higher wattage.
• Larger batteries, which could result in longer battery life. The ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max is said to have a 4352mAh battery, up from 3687mAh in the ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌, while the ‌iPhone‌ 13 and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro will feature a 3095mAh battery, up from 2815mAh in the ‌iPhone‌ 12. The ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini is expected to include a 2406mAh battery, up from the 2227mAh battery in the iPhone 12 mini.
• Faster charging with support for 25W power adapters. The ‌iPhone‌ 12 models can currently only take advantage of up to 20W of charging power.
• More energy efficient chip to prolong battery life, with 15-20 percent lower power consumption to offset the battery life impact of high-refresh rate displays.

Camera Hardware

• Sensor shift stabilization on the Wide camera of all iPhone 13 models, bringing low light improvements and reduced camera shake. The feature is also rumored to be available for the Ultra Wide lens on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max.
• Larger camera sensors on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max with larger pixels, allowing the camera to accept more light for a higher-quality image.
• Improved Ultra Wide camera on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max, with autofocus instead of a fixed focal length, a six-element lens, and a ƒ/1.8 aperture to let in more light than the current ƒ/2.4 aperture lens, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions. Some sources have suggested that the ƒ/1.8 Ultra Wide camera will actually come to all ‌iPhone‌ 13 models.
• Improved Telephoto camera with a ƒ/2.2 aperture on the iPhone 13 Pro, bringing over the improvements and 2.5 times optical zoom that came with the ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌.
• Improved Wide camera on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max, expected to have a ƒ/1.5 aperture, which is a small increase compared to the ƒ/1.6 aperture on the ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌.

Camera Software Features

• Cinematic Video Mode to blur the background of recorded video, similar to Portrait Mode for still photos.
• ProRes video recording with options for HD and 4K resolutions, exclusive to the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max similar to ProRAW for still photos on the ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro models.
• Improved filters to enhance the look and coloring of photos, allowing users to choose from multiple styles. Filters will be applied to objects and people precisely using artificial intelligence rather than flatly enhancing the entire picture.
• Astrophotography Mode for improved night sky photography.
• Image Stabilization Correction Mode to automatically detect and keep a subject in focus while recording video.

Other Features

• Improved Face ID that can authenticate users while wearing face masks or foggy glasses.
• Stronger MagSafe magnets to improve the iPhone's adherence to MagSafe accessories and chargers.
• Smudge-resistant stainless steel frame to lessen the effect of fingerprints on the polished edges of the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max.
• Up to 1TB of storage for the first time, potentially related to the space needed for ProRes video files.

If these features do come with the ‌iPhone‌ 13 lineup, the 2021 models could shape up to be a significant upgrade for many users. Most indications seem to be pointing to Tuesday, September 14 as the most likely event date for the announcement of the ‌iPhone‌ 13 models, and we could see event invites go out as soon as next week.

Joby today announced the launch of new MagSafe-compatible mounting options that are designed to work with the popular GorillaPod tripods.

The GripTight Mount for MagSafe attaches to an iPhone 12 model using magnets and it features a hybrid clamp for use in both portrait and landscape mode. There's an included 1⁄4" - 20 tripod mount that's compatible with the GorillaPod or other tripod options. There are also multiple mounting points for use with other accessories like lights and microphones.

With the built-in magnet and the GripTight jaws pulled back, an ‌iPhone‌ 12 model can be easily positioned, and then the jaws can be twisted in for even more security than is afforded by the magnetic connection.

For those who want hands-free filming, there's a GripTight Wall Mount for MagSafe, which lets a MagSafe-compatible ‌iPhone‌ be mounted to a wall for filming purposes.

Those who don't already own a GorillaPod may want to check out the GripTight GorillaPod for MagSafe, which features the MagSafe Mount along with a tripod. GorillaPods are known for their versatility thanks to adjustable and wrappable legs.

The GripTight Mount is available for $23.97, while the GripTight Wall Mount for ‌MagSafe‌ is available for $14.97. The GripTight GorillaPod for ‌MagSafe‌ is priced at $41.97, with all accessories available from the Joby website.

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

In the latest episode of the Apollo Effect podcast series, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty discussed the potential for a so-called "Apple Car" to disrupt the auto industry through vertical integration of hardware, software, and services. Huberty also praised Apple CEO Tim Cook, noting that the late Steve Jobs would have been proud.

Apple Car's Vertical Integration

While some reports over the years have indicated that Apple's automotive ambitions might be limited to software and services, Huberty said Apple is most successful when there is vertical integration, as evidenced by the iPhone. Huberty said Apple would want a hand in the design of the vehicle, in how the software communicates with the hardware, and in choosing the right components and technologies to use.

"When you think about what will differentiate the car of the future, it's certainly being creative around new supply chains," said Huberty. "It's about vertical integration of different components, hardware design, software, and ultimately, the services that can be delivered in that automobile. It's about consumer trust and credibility, and certainly brand when it comes to a consumer product. And all of those categories are ones where Apple is a leader."

Huberty said once Apple manages to "get the car right," the company can then introduce services on top. While she did not provide any examples, one could imagine an "Apple Car" having everything from full Apple Music integration like in the Porsche Taycan to built-in displays for rear passengers to watch Apple TV+ shows or play Apple Arcade games.

In a December 2020 research note, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said an "Apple Car" is unlikely to hit the market until 2025–2027 at the earliest.

Tim Cook's Legacy

Last week marked the 10th anniversary of Cook being named Apple's CEO after Steve Jobs stepped down from the post due to declining health. Huberty reflected on Cook's era in the podcast interview, noting that Jobs would be proud.

"I really think that Tim Cook has done a pretty phenomenal job allowing for Steve's legacy to carry on, protecting that legacy while building his own very separate legacy," said Huberty. "Steve was very much about design and innovation and getting in the weeds in those two areas. Tim has allowed the culture of the company to continue on that front, but at the same time, he's layered in some of the softer aspects that are harder to measure," she added, noting that Cook has successfully scaled operations while placing a greater focus on areas like employee benefits, charitable giving, and environmental responsibility.

"I think if Steve was looking down, he would be very proud of the way that Tim has built his own legacy while protecting the culture and the differentiation around design and innovation that Steve started," she concluded.

In January, Apple launched its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative in the United States with the goal of "building a more just, more equitable world " and an initial commitment of $100 million. Today, the company is recommitting an extra $30 million to the initiative.

In a press release, Apple says that the added $30 million will support students, innovators, and communities takes charge in creating a more inclusive world.

Apple today announced $30 million in new commitments as part of its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), supporting students, innovators, and advocacy organizations that are leading the charge in creating a more inclusive, more just world. These new projects include a Global Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub; expanded education initiatives for community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); a new cohort of the Apple Entrepreneur Camp immersive tech lab for Hispanic/Latinx founders and developers; and funding for leaders working to advance criminal justice reform and environmental justice.

Alongside the added commitment, Apple is also partnering with California State University to launch a new "Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub" that will work to expand access to education to typically underprivileged students. The new hub will launch as a partnership between Apple, CSU, and the state of California.

Apple's commitment will support the initiative's main location on the California State University, Northridge campus near Los Angeles, and provide Apple technology, design support, and thought partnership as the project expands. The partnership will launch equity-centered programming focused on transforming HSIs throughout the CSU and across the nation. It also seeks to expand by establishing regional HSI Equity Innovation hubs at affiliate colleges and universities, and through partnerships with national organizations committed to advancing this work.

In addition, Apple is also expanding its work with Tennessee State University and several other organizations and community colleges to "implement programs that will help incarcerated and paroled individuals learn new skills and work to prevent recidivism."

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