MacRumors

Apple looks increasingly unlikely to expand its LiDAR Scanner to the entire iPhone 13 lineup this year, despite some rumors to the contrary.

iphone 12 pro lidar scanner video
The LiDAR Scanner is a small sensor that uses 3D sensing to measure the distance to surrounding objects up to five meters away. This technology allows for enhanced augmented reality experiences and other unique capabilities, such as the ability to measure a person's height instantly.

Apple introduced the LiDAR scanner on the iPad Pro in March 2020, and later expanded it to the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max. Since then, there have been conflicting rumors about whether Apple will bring the feature to all iPhone 13 models in 2021.

A DigiTimes report in January first suggested this was part of Apple's plans for its next flagship lineup, and that we could expect LiDAR in the iPhone 13 mini and standard iPhone 13. Apple frequently introduces new features or specs on higher-end devices before trickling them down to lower-end devices in later years, so the claim seemed credible at the time.

Two months later, however, reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the rear LiDAR Scanner would actually remain limited to iPhone 13 Pro models, a claim which was quickly corroborated by sources who spoke to Barclays analysts.

Despite that pushback, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives has twice claimed this year that all iPhone 13 models will feature LiDAR, but support for that idea now seems more elusive than ever.

Leaker "Dylandkt," who has been accurate in the past about Apple product details before they were launched, said today that LiDAR is "only coming to the Pro iPhone models," regardless of hints earlier in the year suggesting otherwise.

Even if LiDAR doesn't come to the non-Pro variants of the iPhone 13, we do still expect other camera-related feaures being expanded across the entire iPhone lineup, including sensor-shift stabilization, which will introduce improvements in low light performance and stabilization by reducing camera shake.

There's also the possibility that all iPhones will receive an upgraded Ultra Wide camera lens with a wider f/1.8 aperture, although Kuo believes this upgrade will be exclusive to the Pro models. Lastly, display analyst Ross Young believes the entire 2021 iPhone lineup will use the same camera sensors as the iPhone 12 Pro Max, bringing overall improvements to the lower-end models.

Related Forum: iPhone

A larger redesigned, Apple silicon-powered iMac to replace the current 27-inch Intel model is still "en route," according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.

2020 iMac Mockup Feature 27 inch text 1
Writing in the latest instalment of his Power On newsletter, Gurman says the fact that Apple recently increased the screen size for the smaller ‌iMac‌ from 21.5 to 24 inches suggests to him that the 27-inch model could see an equivalent size increase.

I absolutely still believe that a larger, redesigned iMac to replace the Intel 27-inch models is en route. Apple increasing the screen size of the smaller model from 21.5 inches to 24 inches seems to indicate that the 27-inch model could see a size increase as well. I don't think, however, that Apple will launch the larger model with the same M1 chip that's in the smaller model. It likely will be an M1X, the beefier version of the current M1, or an M2X.

Apple has been working on a larger ‌iMac‌ with in-house processors for some time, but development of that version was reportedly paused to let Apple focus on releasing the redesigned 24-inch model, which was announced in April.

The 27-inch Intel models that remain in Apple's lineup launched in August 2020, suggesting they are reaching the end of their production cycle.

A new larger ‌iMac‌ would likely ape several changes that debuted in the latest 24-inch model, such as a thinner overall design, studio-quality microphones, and of course more powerful Apple silicon processors replacing Intel.

In a separate newsletter tidbit, Gurman also played down the idea that Apple could bring Touch ID to the Apple Watch one day. Gurman conceded that he could see the utility of ‌Touch ID‌ in the Apple Watch to approve app and media download payments, but said he didn't see that happening "any time soon, if ever."

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iMac

Apple plans to release its sixth-generation iPad mini this fall with a new design that features slimmer bezels, a larger display, and improved performance, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reports.

ipad mini 6 screen increase feature
In the latest edition of his weekly "Power On" newsletter, Gurman says the new ‌iPad mini‌, which is rumored to include an 8.4-inch display, an increase from the current 7.9-inch screen size, is a "go for this fall." Apple last updated its ‌iPad mini‌ in 2019 with Apple Pencil support, and Gurman calls the upcoming update the ‌iPad mini‌'s "biggest redesign" since it launched.

Last fall, Apple updated its baseline iPad with an improved processor, followed by a major redesign to the iPad Air. The updated ‌iPad Air‌ features no Home Button and an-all screen design. Gurman says the ‌iPad mini‌ 6 will feature a design "similar" to the current latest ‌iPad Air‌.

Apple leaker Jon Prosser recently shared renders of what he claims to be the upcoming ‌iPad mini‌. According to the leaker, the ‌iPad mini‌ will feature a Touch ID sensor embedded into the power button, a hardware change first introduced in the ‌iPad Air‌. He also claims it will feature an A14 chip and a USB-C port rather than a Lightning port.

Apple is said to be releasing multiple products this fall, which alongside the annual iPhone and Apple Watch revamp, we're also expecting redesigned MacBook Pros and the sixth-generation ‌iPad mini‌.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

The upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will feature an upgraded 1080p webcam, compared to the current 720p "FaceTime HD" camera in Apple's latest MacBook Air and ‌MacBook Pro‌, according to a leaker who goes by the name "Dylandkt."

macbook pro facetime camera 2
In a tweet, the leaker says that the upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros will be receiving "an updated, improved 1080p webcam" alongside the "entire Mac lineup." Apple's most recent Mac, the 24-inch iMac, features a 1080p webcam; however, its ‌MacBook Air‌ and ‌MacBook Pro‌ continue to feature a 720p camera. While the quality of the webcam itself hasn't changed, Apple says that thanks to M1 and its latest image signal processor, image quality is improved on the MacBooks.

It's worth noting that "‌Dylandkt‌" has provided accurate information in the past. In November, five months before Apple announced its new iPad Pro, the account stated that Apple would bring the M1 chip to its next-generation iPad, which turned out to be accurate.

A few days before Apple's "Spring Loaded" event, which included the release of the redesigned 24-inch ‌iMac‌, the account posted that the new Mac would feature an ‌M1‌ chip, rather than an upgraded "M1X" iteration.

More recently, the account claimed that the "M2" chip will debut in updated and colorful MacBook Airs next year. The account added that the "M1X" chip is being reserved for high-end "Pro" Macs. Apple is expected to announce its redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with an upgraded Apple silicon processor, a new design, and more this fall.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

The mid-year rumor season is in full swing, with this week seeing a host of reports about not only the upcoming iPhone 13 but also next year's "iPhone 14," as well as the 2022 iPad Pro lineup and the upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro.

Top Stories 66 Feature
There's also some controversy over a Facebook-commissioned study showing that preinstalled apps from Apple and Google dominate usage on their respective platforms, so read on for details on these stories and more!

All iPhone 14 Models May Feature 120Hz ProMotion Displays

While rumors suggest only the two iPhone 13 Pro models will feature 120Hz "ProMotion" displays this year, a report this week claimed that the higher refresh rate is coming to all iPhone 14 models next year, allowing for smoother content and scrolling on the devices.

120 hz 14 holepunch feature
In March, reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that at least some iPhone 14 models will also abandon the notch in favor of a hole-punch display, similar to some of Samsung's Galaxy smartphones.

iPhone 13 Rumored to Feature Larger Wireless Charging Coil, Possibly for Reverse Wireless Charging

iPhone 13 models will be equipped with a larger wireless charging coil under the back glass for improved heat management, increased wattage, and possibly even a long-awaited reverse wireless charging feature, according to reporter and leaker Max Weinbach.

iphone 13 wireless charging coil
Reverse wireless charging has been rumored for iPhones for a few years now, but the feature has yet to materialize. Earlier this year, an FCC filing from Apple revealed that iPhone 12 models might have an inactive reverse charging feature.

Redesigned 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Still on Track for Mass Production in Third Quarter

Apple is still on track to begin mass production of the upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with mini-LED displays in the third quarter of this year, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

16 inch macbook pro m2 render
With production kicking off sometime between now and late September, rumors are indicating we could see an introduction of the new machines around the end of that timeframe, perhaps in October to provide a bit of separation from the iPhone 13 launch in its traditional September launch window.

Apple Likely to Debut Next-Gen 3nm Chip Technology in 2022 iPad Pro

Apple will reportedly launch a new iPad next year featuring a processor based on TSMC's next-generation 3nm process, resulting in faster performance and improved power efficiency.

ipad pro 3nm feature
If the report is accurate, this would be the second time in recent years that Apple has debuted new chip technology in an ‌iPad‌ before an iPhone. In September 2020, the fourth-generation iPad Air was announced with the A14 Bionic chip, around one month before the iPhone 12 lineup was unveiled with the same chip.

The 2022 iPad Pro lineup is also rumored to see the mini-LED display technology from the current 12.9-inch model extended to include the 11-inch model.

Massive New iPad Pro Could Finally Replace the Laptop

Apple has engineers and designers exploring future iPad models with larger display sizes that could be released within a few years from now, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The current iPad Pro is available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.

iPad More Than 12
Larger display sizes would help further blur the lines between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Pro, which is available with up to a 16-inch display. However, some customers continue to feel underwhelmed about the iPadOS software platform.

Apple Calls Facebook-Backed Study on Preinstalled Apps 'Seriously Flawed'

The majority of apps used by iPhone users are made by Apple, according to a study commissioned by Facebook. However, an Apple spokesperson fired back, claiming that the survey's methodology was "seriously flawed in a number of ways."

Facebook Feature
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously admitted that iMessage is his company's "biggest competitor by far," and Facebook also took issue with Apple's new requirement for apps to receive a user's permission to track them.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Apple today shared a new "In the Dark" ad focusing on the Night mode feature that's available in the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max.


The spot focuses on night mode selfies, showing a man taking photos of himself in various low lighting situations. "Now you can take amazing selfies in the dark," reads the tagline of video, which also uses the song "In The Dark" by YG.

Night mode was first introduced with the ‌iPhone‌ 11, but it was previously limited to the rear-facing camera. With the launch of the ‌iPhone‌ 12 lineup, Apple expanded Night mode to the front-facing camera and added a feature for taking Portrait mode shots in the dark.

Apple earlier today shared another new ad spot titled "Haystack," which focuses on locating a lost ‌iPhone‌ using the Apple Watch.

Apple's FaceTime app was the main focus for many of the iOS 15 updates that were introduced, but the Messages app wasn't entirely forgotten. Apple introduced a new Shared with You feature and streamlined several interface elements to make the Messages experience more pleasant.

iOS 15 Messages Guide Feature
This guide outlines all of the new features that Apple added to the Messages app in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

Shared with You

The main new feature in the iOS 15 Messages app is Shared with You, which aggregates content that people share with you in Messages into the proper apps. So if someone sends a photo, it shows up in a Shared with You section in the Photos app.

messages app shared with you
This isn't strictly a Messages addition because it's actually other apps that have this new section, but it does make Messages content much more accessible and less likely to be forgotten. There are multiple Shared with You integrations, as outlined below.

  • Photos - When someone sends you a photo in Messages, it automatically appears in the Shared with You section of the ‌Photos‌ app, which is located in "For You." Tapping on an image lets you save it to the photo library, and it has a record of who sent it. If you tap on the name of the person that sent it, it automatically opens up the Messages app so you can have a conversation.
  • Safari - Any link sent to you in Safari is stored in the Shared with You section of the main start page that's opened when you open up a new tab. Safari shows a preview of the link so you can see what it's about, and tapping the link opens up the website.
  • Apple News - A link to an Apple News story that's sent to you will be stored in the Shared with You section that's located in the Today and Following tabs in ‌Apple News‌. Stories that are found in News and Safari show up in Shared with You in both apps.
  • Apple Music - Music links sent in Messages are shown in the Shared with You section of Apple Music, which is located under Listen Now.
  • Apple Podcasts - If you're sent an episode of a Podcast or a link to a show, it's listed in the Shared with You section of Listen Now in the Apple Podcasts app.
  • Apple TV App - When a friend sends a movie or a TV show link over Messages, the TV show or movie will appear in the Shared with You section of Watch Now so you can find it quickly.

Shared With You is an optional feature and for those who do not want to use it, it can be disabled. Just go to Settings > Messages and tap on "Shared With You." From there, you can turn off Shared With You entirely or choose the specific categories where you want to see Shared With You content. Options include Music, TV, Safari, ‌Photos‌, Podcasts, and News. Any category toggled off will prevent the accompanying app from featuring a Shared With You section that includes content from the Messages app.

Shared With You - Continue Conversations

In all apps that have a Shared with You section, content in these sections makes it clear who sent it to you. There are name labels that you can tap to go right to the Messages app so you can have a conversation about what was shared. Tapping the name label on an item shared with you also opens right up to the associated message so you can see the original conversation.

messages shared with you conversation

Shared With You - Pinning Content

If someone shares something with you that you definitely don't want to forget about, such as a photo or a link, you can long press on it and choose the "Pin" option. Pinned items are shown first in Shared with You, in Messages search, and the Details view of a Messages conversation.

messages app shared with you pin

Photo Collages

Multiple images sent in the Messages app now show up as a little photo collage of images stacked on top of one another. You can tap the collage and swipe through it to see each image in the stack. At the top left of the full screen interface, you can tap to see all of the images in a grid view, and there are also quick access tools for replying, adding a tapback response, downloading an image, or sharing it.

messages photo stack grid

Improved Photo Saving

All images you're sent in the Messages app have a little download icon next to them that can be tapped to save them, which makes it much easier to save a photo that you're sent to the photo library on your device.

Updated Photos Image Picker

The ‌Photos‌ image picker, including in the Messages app, now allows you to select photos in a specific order for sharing.

messages photo view select order

International Updates

Apple added a few country specific features to address issues with spam. In Brazil, on-device intelligence filters out unwanted SMS messages and organizes them into Promotional, Transactional, and Junk folders to keep clutter out of the main Messages inbox.

In India and China, there are options to turn notifications on or off for unknown senders, transactions, and promotions so users have more control over which types of messages are able to send notifications.

New Memoji and Memoji Stickers

Memoji, which are used in the Messages and ‌FaceTime‌ app, have been updated in iOS 15 with 40 new outfit choices, an option to choose two different eye colors, new glasses options, new headwear options, and new accessibility options that include cochlear implants, oxygen tubes, and soft helmet.

messages app memoji
Apple has also added nine new Memoji stickers like hand wave and lightbulb moment, heart hands, and more.

Other Messages Tweaks

  • Group Message Access in FaceTime - In ‌FaceTime‌, there's an option to access a group Messages thread with the people you're chatting with.
  • Focus Message Status - If you have Focus mode on and someone tries to send you an iMessage, they'll see a status update letting them know that you're in Focus mode. Friends and family can break through the Focus mode message with an urgent message.
  • Messages Photo Search - If you do a search with a contact name included, you can use Spotlight to find photos that person has sent you.
  • Announce Messages in CarPlay - Siri can now announce your incoming messages in CarPlay.

Guide Feedback

Have questions about Messages in iOS 15, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.

Related Forum: iOS 15

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Throwboy to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win one of Throwboy's plush pillows, all of which are modeled after classic Apple products and icons and are perfect for Apple fans.

iconicpillowcollection1
Throwboy's pillows are plush, squeezable versions of Apple products like the first iPhone, Classic Macintosh, iMac G3, first iPod, Finder Icon, Spinning Wheel, and more. Pillows are priced at $30 to $40, and the main Iconic collection features designs modeled after five of the most iconic Apple products to date.

iconicpillow
Each Throwboy pillow features intricate embroidery to match the detailing on the Apple product it's modeled after. The 1998 Pillow, for example, looks just like an ‌iMac‌ G3 with bright Bondi Blue fabric and embroidered details that include a CD slot, power button, handle, and more.

iconicpillowcollection2
The 1984 Pillow designed to look like the Classic Macintosh has a rainbow logo, floppy disk drive, and iconic square shape, while the 1977 Apple II Pillow features embroidered keys, a rainbow logo, and other detailing to make it unmistakable as a plush Apple II.

throwboymacs3
Throwboy's 2001 Pillow is modeled after the original iPod with click wheel embroidery, while the 2007 Pillow looks just like the 2007 ‌iPhone‌ with a silver body, a home button, and thick black bezels.

iconicpillowcollection3
There's even a plush version of Apple's classic Finder Icon, and the multi-colored Spinning Wheel pillow is a life size version of the classic Mac icon that we're all familiar with.

throwboyspinningwheel
All Throwboy pillows are soft, huggable, and ideal for use as a throw pillow on a couch, bed, or chair. These pillows also make great gift ideas for Apple enthusiasts, and they brighten up any office space.

throwboyfindericon
We have 10 of Throwboy's pillows to give away, and each winner will be able to pick their favorite pillow: ‌1977 Pillow, 1984 Pillow, 1998 Pillow, 2001 Pillow, 2007 Pillow, Finder Icon, or Spinning Wheel. 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 MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. 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. 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 (July 9) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on July 16. The winners will be chosen randomly on July 16 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.

Apple today introduced a new Apple Music feature called This Week on Apple Music, which is designed to provide a break down of the five biggest things happening across ‌Apple Music‌ each week.

apple music weekly
Apple says that it will provide highlighted stories with album suggestions, playlists, videos, radio episodes, interviews, and more.

Today's recommendations include the BTS: Butter Dance Party playlist, an interview with Jennifer Lopez, a short film, and several radio episodes.


This Week on Apple Music content can be accessed using the ‌Apple Music‌ app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Apple's stock closed at an all-time high price of $144.57 on Wednesday and continues to extend its gains this week, reaching a new intraday high above $145 in trading today. Apple shares have risen around 17% since the start of June.

apple show time event banner
The stock market gains come ahead of Apple's third quarter earnings results, which will be reported on July 27. Apple unveiled several new products during the quarter, including the AirTag and new models of the iPad Pro, iMac, and Apple TV in April, and previewed major new software updates like iOS 15 and macOS Monterey at WWDC in June.

Apple's market cap is approaching a staggering $2.5 trillion, making it the world's most valuable tech company. Microsoft joined Apple in the $2 trillion valuation club for the first time last month, with gains extending to several major tech stocks.

According to Yahoo Finance, analysts on average expect Apple to set a new third quarter revenue record of $72.9 billion, up around 22% from $59.7 billion in the year-ago quarter. Apple's CFO Luca Maestri cautioned that supply constraints could have a revenue impact of $3 billion to $4 billion in the third quarter, with industry-wide chip shortages affecting supply of iPads and Macs, which could impact the results.

Tag: AAPL

Nanoleaf in June unveiled its new Elements Wood Look Hexagons, which are a departure from all of the prior light panels that Nanoleaf has designed. The Nanoleaf Elements feature a textured wood-like material that can be lit up with cool or warm white light, and when off, they appear to be simple wood panels, offering a more natural look than the white plastic of prior versions.

nanoleaf elements night time
The Nanoleaf Elements panels are not real wood and are still made from a plastic material, but there is a wood-like veneer. When not lit up, the Nanoleaf Elements look reasonably enough like wood from a distance, and it's definitely a different aesthetic than the plain plastic of other Nanoleaf light panels.

nanoleaf wood design
Whenever I do a Nanoleaf review there are always comments about what the white plastic looks like when not activated, so people who find that tacky may prefer this more subtle wood look that better blends into the home when the lights are not turned on. It's softer, calmer, and less obtrusive than the bright colors of other Nanoleaf options.

nanoleaf wood design lights off
Since the Nanoleaf Elements have a wood finish, Nanoleaf has limited them to shades of white light. Unlike other Nanoleaf products, these can only be set to temperatures between 1500K (warm yellow light) and 4000K (cool blue light). There is no option to choose colors, which makes these a much more subtle lighting option than the standard Hexagons and other light panels.

nanoleaf wall white light
I like color so I'm a big fan of Nanoleaf's standard light panels that can be set to millions of colors, but I do appreciate the soft lighting look of the Nanoleaf Elements. Since there's a wood pattern veneer over the lights, these panels do not get as bright as the standard panels and they're best for accent lighting. They provide enough light to replace a lamp that's on the dimmer side, but you're not going to be able to use them for any kind of task lighting.

nanoleaf yellow light wall
The Nanoleaf Elements have a true hexagon shape with an LED in each corner, and each LED can be individually controlled in scenes and designs, which is a departure from other Nanoleaf light panels. Because each LED can be controlled, you can make one part of a panel brighter than another, which adds another dimension of interest to the plain warm/cool lighting schemes.

nanoleaf lighting pattern
I have trouble noticing this feature when just creating a standard static lighting scene, but it's more obvious when trying to make different effects like a fire-style light or a flickering candle-like light. It makes the lighting patterns of the Nanoleaf Elements distinctly different than standard Nanoleaf panels.

nanoleaf app scene creator
Design wise, the Nanoleaf Elements Hexagons are identical to the Nanoleaf Hexagon and Triangle light panels released last year, offering the simple snap-in linking and the removable mounting plate that makes it much easier to get them off of the wall. The Hexagons come with the mounting plate already in place, so you just have to remove the adhesive backing and stick them to the wall in your desired pattern. If you don't know what you want, the Nanoleaf app has a useful Layout Assistant for generating designs.

nanoleaf panel design
Nanoleaf Elements connect to a home through a 2.4GHz WiFi connection and use HomeKit, so setup is as simple as scanning a ‌HomeKit‌ code. All of the panels are the same in functionality, but there's power connector that you need to plug in somewhere and a control module, which also has some touch based control options.

nanoleaf connector
Aside from the different veneer and the white light only color options, the Elements are otherwise identical to other Nanoleaf products. They're controlled through the Nanoleaf app (though can also be turned on/off through ‌HomeKit‌ and you can use them in ‌HomeKit‌ scenes), and there are features like touch responsiveness, rhythm music syncing to make them activate while music is playing, and more.

nanoleaf app main interface
They're designed to use Elements-specific scenes, but Nanoleaf has a wide selection of community-sourced scenes for its other panels, so there is a built-in feature for converting any standard scene into an Elements scene, which works okay. It's all white light, so sometimes it's hard to tell a difference between scenes, but the Nanoleaf-created scenes are unique.

nanoleaf convert pattern
I've been using Nanoleaf panels since the first Aurora triangles came out years ago, and they're still some of my favorite HomeKit-enabled lights. There are occasional connectivity issues with most ‌HomeKit‌ products, but even my original panels are still functioning like new years later and my Nanoleaf experience has always been largely hassle free. The Nanoleaf Elements are no exception and have worked well during the weeks that I have tested them.

nanoleaf white light
Nanoleaf recently added Thread border router support to its Elements panels, offering improved connectivity compared to Bluetooth and WiFi. Thread is a low power mesh network for smart devices, communicating with other Thread-enabled devices and boosting signals between them. Many modern smart home devices are adding Thread integration, so it's great to see Nanoleaf adopting the technology as well.

nanoleaf warm light

Bottom Line

The Nanoleaf Elements are quite different from Nanoleaf's prior products and may appeal to a new audience - those who are looking for a more subtle ambient lighting solution that looks good on or off.

The wood paneling design looks attractive even if the Nanoleaf Elements are not activated, and the individual LED control offers unique functionality you won't get with other Nanoleaf products. That said, these are not going to appeal to those who love the vibrant colors of the standard Nanoleaf products, and I do feel that the cost is prohibitive at $300 for seven panels. Comparatively, the Hexagons are $200, so Nanoleaf's more refined, and grown-up lighting panels are going to cost you more money.

How to Buy

A set of seven Nanoleaf Elements panels can be purchased from the Nanoleaf website for $299.99. Three panel expansion packs can be bought for $99.99.

Note: Nanoleaf provided MacRumors with a set of Nanoleaf Elements for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

The latest beta for iOS and iPadOS 14.7, released to developers this week, patches a bug that disabled an iPhone's ability to connect to Wi-Fi if a user connected to a specific Wi-Fi network with the name "%p%s%s%s%s%n."

ios wifi settings
In his latest video rounding up the latest changes in the beta, YouTuber Zollotech found that the update has silently patched the bug that caused an iPhone to become unable to connect to Wi-Fi networks.

The bug was discovered on Twitter last month and consisted of an ‌iPhone‌ connecting to a Wi-Fi SSID with the name "%p%s%s%s%s%n." According to user reports, doing so would "permanently disable" an ‌iPhone‌'s Wi-Fi functionality, making the bug rather dangerous.

While some have claimed the bug "permanently" disabled their ‌iPhone‌'s Wi-Fi, other users found that resetting their network settings after connecting to the network restored Wi-Fi for the ‌iPhone‌.

Apple has been testing iOS and iPadOS 14.7 with developers and public beta testers for the past few weeks. Apple can be expected to publicly release the update soon, given the crucial bug fix that it provides to ‌iPhone‌ user.

Last month, Apple previewed iOS 15, the next major update to iOS destined for a public launch this fall. The upcoming update to iOS 14 will likely be the last major update to the operating system ahead of iOS 15's fall release.

Apple is interested in streaming rights for the National Football League's "Sunday Ticket" package, reports The Information. Apple has had discussions with NFL executives, but the NFL is also speaking with TV networks and other tech firms as well.

nfl sunday ticket
Sunday Ticket streaming content currently airs on DirecTV, but it is up for auction and should Apple acquire the rights, out-of-market fans will be able to watch non-prime time games from all 32 NFL teams on Apple TV+.

DirecTV pays somewhere around $1.5 billion to broadcast the Sunday Ticket games, but its deal with the NFL expires in 2022, paving the way for other networks to bid on the package. The NFL is looking to get more money when establishing a new deal.

ESPN parent company Disney is said to be interested in acquiring the rights for the ESPN streaming service, and according to The Information, Apple is not seen as a serious contender for the rights because it has been reluctant to invest money in entertainment programming.

That said, Apple has an ongoing relationship with the National Football League, and in 2020, hired James DeLorenzo to run a sports division for ‌Apple TV‌+. DeLorenzo previously negotiated Amazon's deal with the NFL to stream live games.

Apple previously held talks with the Pac-12 conference about live streaming college sports, but nothing ever came of those talks and there continues to be little sports-related content on ‌Apple TV‌+.

Acquiring the rights to the NFL's Sunday Ticket package would draw a wider audience to ‌Apple TV‌+, appealing to those who live away from their favorite football teams.

Apple TV+ shows have been nominated across the Hollywood Critics Association's first annual TV awards, with "Ted Lasso" leading nominations with eight selections.

ted lasso
The Hollywood Critics Association has published its nominations for its first annual TV awards, as highlighted by Deadline.

‌Apple TV‌+'s Ted Lasso has received eight nominations, which is more than any other show. Overall, ‌Apple TV‌+ titles have received 15 nominations across various categories. Netflix was the leading streaming service, with a total of 28 nominations across multiple categories.

Ted Lasso has been nominated for Best Streaming Comedy Series, Best Actor for Jason Sudeikis, dual nominations in Best Supporting Actress for Juno Temple and Hannah Waddingham, and four nominations in Best Supporting Actor for Brendan Hunt, Brett Goldstein, Jeremy Swift, and Nick Mohammed.

For Best Streaming Comedy Series, Ted Lasso takes on Netflix's "Cobra Kai," Peacock's "Girls5Eva," and HBO Max's "Hacks" and "The Flight Attendant," as well as ‌Apple TV‌+'s "Mythic Quest." Mythic Quest also received a number of other nominations, with Rob McElhenney being nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy Streaming Series and Danny Pudi for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Streaming Series.

‌Apple TV‌+'s "Servant" is nominated for Best Drama Streaming Series, competing with Netflix's "Bridgerton" and "The Crown," Amazon Prime Video's "The Boys," Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale," and Disney+'s "The Mandalorian." Rupert Grint is also nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Streaming Series. For "Dickinson," Hailee Steinfeld is nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy Streaming Series.

"1971: The Year Music Changed Everything" is nominated for Best Streaming Docuseries, Documentary Television Movie, or Non-Fiction Series, where it rivals Netflix's "American Murder: The Family Next Door," "Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel," "Murder Among Mormons," "The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness," and "Unsolved Mysteries," HBO Max's "Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults," Hulu's "Kid 90s," and Amazon Prime Video's "P!nk: All I Know So Far."

‌Apple TV‌+ shows have been nominated for over 400 awards since the streaming service's launch, including 25 Daytime Emmy Awards. In particular, Ted Lasso has been a major award-winner for Apple, receiving a Critics Choice Award, SAG Award, a Golden Globe, and more.

In July 2020, Apple introduced a new all-in-one gift card in the United States that combines its previously separate Apple Store and iTunes gift cards into one, and the combined gift card is now available in Canada and Australia as well.

apple gift card new
The new Apple Gift Card can be applied towards "everything Apple," including purchases of Apple products and accessories, App Store apps, iTunes Store content like TV shows and movies, services like Apple Music and Apple Arcade, iCloud+ plans, and more. The gift card is available on Apple's website in digital and physical versions, with the physical card sent by mail including a collectible Apple logo sticker available in five designs.

The gift card's availability in Canada was alerted to us by MacRumors reader Basic Apple Guy, while 9to5Mac noticed Australia was added too. Apple is no longer selling separate Apple Store and iTunes gift cards in these countries following the transition.

Apple Store and iTunes gift cards remain available in many other countries for now.

For the next several weeks, Apple is offering customers in a select number of U.S. states the opportunity to purchase a wide range of its products without a sales tax.

apple sales free tax hoilday
Every year, select states offer businesses and consumers the incentive of having no sales tax as a way to help boost sales and are usually aimed at helping families lower the cost of back to school shopping. The dates for each state differ, and the selection of states this year is relatively small. Only purchases made during a state's specific holiday are free of state sales tax.

The policy around each state also varies. Alabama, for example, which is holding its sales-free tax holiday between July 16 and 18, requires that the total sales price of all items must remain under $750. Apple products, including Macs, iPad, and the iPod touch, are eligible, alongside accessories such as keyboard, mice, the Apple Pencil, and more.

Missouri, which is running its holiday between August 6 and 8, has a higher limit of $1500 and the addition of more accessories, including printers, routers, RAM upgrades, the Apple TV, and more. South Carolina, sharing a holiday with Missouri, has no limit and includes tax-free purchases of earbuds, headphones, and flash drives, however only for students. Virginia consists of a limit of only $60 for cell phone chargers and batteries.

More information on Apple's sales tax holiday, participating states and products, can be found on Apple's website.

B&H Photo is offering a solid deal on the Apple Watch Series 6 to end the week. You can get the 40mm GPS Series 6 device in Product(RED) for $319.00 on B&H Photo, down from $399.00.

apple watch series 6 red saleNote: 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.

Only the Product(RED) color is being discounted for this model, and at the time of writing only B&H Photo is offering the sale, although Amazon says that it will have more stock soon. This isn't the best price we've ever tracked, but it is the best currently available online and one of the more consistent deal prices we've seen for this model.

Amazon also has the 44mm GPS Apple Watch Series 6 at a discount, but it isn't currently in stock. You can get this model in Product(RED) for $349.00, down from $429.00, and if you place your order now you'll lock in this price when stock returns soon on Amazon.

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

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Apple today shared a new ad called "Haystack" in which a rancher uses his Apple Watch to find his iPhone 12 in a haystack. The ad plays on the "needle in a haystack" idiom and is set to the song "Searching (For Someone Like You)" by country singer Kitty Wells.


In the one-minute ad, a rancher drives down a rural street surrounded by bales of hay. He then backs up his truck off the street, walks with his dog to a large haystack, and taps on a button in the Apple Watch's Control Center to ping his iPhone, which results in the iPhone playing a sound to help pinpoint its location if misplaced nearby.

"An iPhone that's lost is easily found," says Apple. "Relax, it's iPhone + Apple Watch."

To use this feature on the Apple Watch, swipe up to open Control Center and tap the Ping iPhone button, which will make the device chime. You can also touch and hold the Ping iPhone button to make the iPhone flash as well.

Of course, if your iPhone isn't in range of your Apple Watch, you can track its location using the Find My app on another Apple device or iCloud.com.