According to Zillow, "Americans love to Zillow surf," and the FaceTime update is designed to make exploring the Zillow app with others easier and "a lot more fun."
After initiating a FaceTime call, one of the participants can start a SharePlay session through the Zillow app. Each person participating will need to install Zillow on an iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 15.1 or later.
Once launched, users can search for different locations in the Zillow app and browse through the available listings together, with content synced between them. Today's update brings Zillow in line with Redfin, another real estate app that previously introduced SharePlay support.
Since SharePlay launched alongside iOS 15.1, third-party apps have been adding integration. Quite a few apps and games now offer SharePlay support, including Twitch, Spotify, TikTok, Disney+, MasterClass, and more.
Popular privacy-first web browser DuckDuckGo is developing a dedicated desktop browser that will be available on the Mac, the company announced today in a year-end wrap-up article.
DuckDuckGo already offers a browser option that's available on mobile devices, and when it launches, the desktop browser will offer a similar experience.
The DuckDuckGo desktop browser will have "robust privacy protection" that works by default, without requiring users to adjust privacy settings or deal with different levels of privacy protection.
The app will "redefine user expectations of everyday online privacy, according to DuckDuckGo," and it will work across search, browsing, email, and more. The app is described as cleaner, more private, and faster than Chrome.
DuckDuckGo for desktop is being built around OS-provided rendering engines, which is similar to how the DuckDuckGo mobile apps work, and it will not use a Chromium fork like other browser offerings.
The desktop browser is in closed beta testing for the Mac right now, with a PC version also planned in the future. There's no word on a release date just yet, but DuckDuckGo is currently soliciting beta testers.
While Apple is rapidly transitioning its Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own Apple silicon, it's worth highlighting as 2021 wraps up that the relationship between Apple and Intel hasn't been entirely severed as reports indicate Apple still has one more Intel-based Mac in its pipeline that's yet to be released.
With the Mac Pro, Apple is not expected to entirely transition its most powerful Mac to Apple silicon yet, as we're expecting at least one new Mac Pro to feature an Intel chip. Apple is working on two new Mac Pro machines, one featuring an entire redesign, and another that will feature the current design with updated internals.
Apple silicon has proven itself to be a worthy competitor to even some of Intel's best portable processors, but it seems that Apple is not yet entirely confident enough to transition the Mac Pro, a desktop-class professional workstation used by animators, photographers, Hollywood insiders, and more, to Apple silicon.
For its Intel-based Mac Pro, we're expecting the desktop to feature Intel's Xeon Scalable processor, which Intel says has "advanced performance, security, efficiency, and built-in AI acceleration to handle IoT workloads and more powerful AI."
It may seem odd that, amid the transition of its MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac lines to Apple silicon, Apple would release another Mac with an Intel chip, but there are reasons even beyond performance that are likely influencing Apple's decision. Apple silicon chips run on an entirely different architecture than Intel-based Macs. On Apple silicon Macs, Apple uses Rosetta 2 to automatically and seamlessly translate apps built for Intel computers to run on Apple silicon.
While Rosetta 2 works for the majority of customers, Apple may be wanting to hold out a little longer to ensure the translation technology is more mature before allowing its most high-end professional and demanding customers to use it. By offering an Intel Mac Pro alongside an Apple silicon powered option, Apple can buy itself a little more time before completing its transition to its own chips.
Starting in early 2022, residents of select U.S. states will be able to add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age.
According to a Security Technology Alliance blog post shared by 9to5Mac, the TSA plans to begin accepting mobile driver's licenses at airports in two U.S. states starting in February 2022, followed by an additional two states around March. The TSA did not specify which states or airports will be part of this initial rollout, and it's unclear if Wallet app integration will be ready in time or if digital IDs will be limited to states' own apps at first.
In September, Apple revealed the first states that would let residents add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app as including Arizona and Georgia, with Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah to follow. Florida is also reportedly aiming to support the feature, while the Security Technology Alliance said several other states like Virginia and Louisiana have piloted mobile driver's license usage.
Residents of participating states will be able to tap the plus sign at the top of the Wallet app to begin adding a driver's license or state ID to the app, and then simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on an identity reader to present their ID at select TSA security checkpoints, without taking out their physical card or handing over their device.
Only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested identity information released from a user's device, and they do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to a TSA security officer to present their ID, according to Apple.
When adding an ID to the Wallet app, Apple said users will be required to take a photo of their face, which will be securely provided to the issuing state for verification. As an additional security measure, Apple said users will be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process.
Apple has not provided a specific release date for the feature beyond the early 2022 timeframe, and it is not enabled in the first iOS 15.3 or watchOS 8.4 betas. The feature was supposed to launch this year, but it was delayed.
Michigan resident John Nelson claims that he was recently targeted by car thieves who hid one of Apple's AirTags in his vehicle, a 2018 Dodge Charger.
According to a Fox 2 Detroit report, Nelson visited the Great Lakes Crossing shopping center in Auburn Hills, where he spent about two hours. After departing, he got a notification on his phone that informed him he was being tracked by an unknown AirTag.
Nelson was able to tap on the notification, and his iPhone provided him with the option to play a sound on the AirTag, which is one of the safety features that Apple has made available in addition to the tracking notifications. Following the sound the AirTag emitted, Nelson found it under the drain cap in the trunk of his car, which had required the thieves to unscrew the cap and place it inside.
The thieves were likely going to scrap the vehicle for parts, according to Nelson. A Michigan auto theft task force in Detroit told Fox 2 that they're seeing an uptick in "cases like these" in the Metro Detroit area. Thieves track the target vehicle with an AirTag and then wait for the ideal time to steal it. Dodge cars like Nelson's are reportedly a popular target.
Nelson turned the AirTag over to the police, but he says that he is paranoid that something similar could happen again.
Earlier this month, Canadian police released a report suggesting AirTags are being used in an increasing number of car thefts in Canada. Officers in the York Region said that there have been five incidents where thieves used AirTags to target high-end vehicles since September 2021.
To prevent situations like Nelson's, Apple has introduced anti-tracking features that alert users if an unknown AirTag is nearby. These alerts used to be limited to iPhone users, but alongside iOS 15.2, Apple released a "Tracker Detect" app for Android users that lets them scan for nearby AirTags.
Both Android and iPhone users can locate nearby AirTags, and can play a sound to locate them, plus there's a feature that causes them to automatically emit a sound after a short period of time. Tracker Detect and the Find My app both offer instructions on how to disable a rogue AirTag to prevent it from being used for tracking purposes, which is done by removing the battery.
iPhone 12 production in India has been halted by protests over food poisoning at a Foxconn factory, Reuters reports.
Foxconn's manufacturing plant near Chennai in southern India, which produces iPhone 12 models, is set to remain shut this week after protests by workers. Protestors reportedly blocked a major highway leading to the plant in response to 150 employees being admitted to hospital with food poisoning last week. The incident is said to have inflamed other employee concerns that have since been reported to the state labor ministry.
The temporary closure is expected to have a minimal impact on Apple in the short term, but it could have ramifications for ramping up production going into 2022. The disruption comes amid other supply chain constraints for Apple, which have been expected to worsen during the holiday quarter. The facility also makes Amazon Fire TV sticks and some devices for Xiaomi.
Apple's suppliers have kicked off shipments for a new 27-inch iMac with a mini-LED display, according to a paywalled preview of a DigiTimes report.
The shipments are said to be in limited quantities. No further details are available, but the report is likely referring to suppliers shipping individual components to larger manufacturers for final assembly as the new 27-inch iMac moves towards production.
Apple is widely rumored to be planning a new 27-inch iMac with a mini-LED display for release in the first half of 2022. According to display industry analyst Ross Young, who has proven to be a reliable source of display-related rumors, the new 27-inch iMac will support ProMotion, enabling a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother content.
Twitter leaker @dylandkt, another source who has proven reliable, claimed that the new 27-inch iMac will feature a similar design as the 24-inch iMac that launched earlier this year, but with a darker color scheme. He also said the computer will be powered by the same M1 Pro and M1 Max chips as used in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.
As of now, the 27-inch iMac is one of the last Intel-based Macs that Apple still sells, alongside the high-end Mac mini and the Mac Pro tower.
Update: This article was based on a preview of a paywalled DigiTimes report about shipments of Apple's new 27-inch iMac. DigiTimes has since posted a correction stating that it incorrectly claimed the device would come with a mini-LED display. It instead expects the computer to have an LCD display.
Update 2: Young still believes the new 27-inch iMac will be equipped with a mini-LED display.
We still believe it is Mini LED.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) December 22, 2021
As 2022 is shaping up to finally be the year Apple announces its long-awaited and rumored AR/VR headset, a new set of artistic renders have offered us our best look yet at what Apple's first headset will look like, based on credible reports citing sources from within the company.
The renders, created by concept maker Ian Zelbo, are based on details provided in a report from The Information about what Apple's AR/VR headset will look like. That report cited several internal images of a "late-stage prototype" of Apple's headset. Per that information, depicted below, the headset will feature a headband that's reminiscent of an Apple Watch band, with soft inner mesh that rests against a wearer's face.
Not all heads are the same size, and the headband will presumably be adjustable. It'll remain entirely black on the front of the headset, offering a sleek and more elegant look. There will also be a Side Button on the left and top side of the headset, but its purpose remains unknown.
Apple's first headset, which Zelbo calls "Apple View," though it remains officially unnamed, is expected to be a niche and expensive product aimed at serving as only an entry for Apple into the AR and VR industry. Apple is working on two AR and VR projects, with the headset expected to debut next year and a sleeker pair of augmented reality glasses in 2023 or later. You can check out full 8K resolution photos of Zelbo's on his website.
MacRumors and Flexibits have partnered up this week, offering our readers a chance to take 50 percent off their first year of Flexibits Premium, which includes popular apps Fantastical and Cardhop. This offer will run through December 31 on the Flexibits website, and the subscription supports apps across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Flexibits. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The offer can be found by visiting Flexibits.com and clicking on the "MacRumors Exclusive Offer" banner at the top of every page. With this deal, you will get 50 percent off your first year of Flexibits Premium, and it can be used on either Individual Plans or on Family Plans.
Fantastical is a calendar app that can sync across apps for Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Similarly, Cardhop can sync across Apple devices and provides a more in-depth contact management platform.
Trial production of the third-generation iPhone SE is set to get underway in the near future as Apple's suppliers and supply chain increase preparation for mass production of the new handset ahead of a launch reportedly set for early next year.
MyDriversreports today that trial production, a stage in the supply chain ahead of when the device is mass produced, is set to start soon, according to sources in the upstream supply chain, hinting that the launch of the new iPhone is approaching. The new iPhone SE is reportedly on track to be released in the first quarter of 2022, towards the end of March.
The iPhone SE is a popular choice for customers looking for a smaller and more compact iPhone. Ahead of when Apple is expected to abandon the 5.4-inch "iPhone mini" in the 2022 iPhone series, the iPhone SE will likely play an increasingly more critical role in the iPhone lineup. The current iPhone SE starts at $399 and Apple's expected to keep the same price for the upcoming model.
Apple will see flagship iPhone 13 production begin on Indian soil early next year, courtesy of Foxconn's factory in Chennai, reports the Economic Daily News.
The plans come following a reported improvement of semiconductor supply in the region, as well as a successful trial production run of the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 by Foxconn.
Mass production is set to start in February, and the Foxconn plant is expected to directly supply the local domestic market as well as shore up oversees demand, with 20-30% of iPhones produced in India usually earmarked for export.
Since the launch of Apple's iPhone 13 series in September, the iPhone 13 has proved the most popular model in India, selling more than the high-end iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Still, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are said to be the current best-selling iPhones in the country. The two models are also produced by Foxconn, while the second-generation iPhone SE is produced by Wistron's factory in Bengaluru.
A report earlier in the year said Taiwanese Apple supplier Pegatron would share iPhone 13 mini orders with Foxconn in India, producing the smallest model at its own factory in Chennai. With the addition of the iPhone 13 series to its Indian manufacturing plans, Apple will make nearly 70% of iPhones sold in the country locally.
Apple recently rolled out its updated 3D mapping experience in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to both Apple's iOS 15 features page and reports on Twitter.
With the launch of iOS 15 in September, Apple introduced an updated Apple Maps experience with 3D maps that feature additional detail and custom-designed landmarks in select cities.
At launch, the updated Maps app was limited to major cities like Los Angeles, New York City, London, and San Francisco, but Apple has been working to expand it to additional areas. Back in November, Apple brought the 3D Maps experience to Washington, D.C. and San Diego.
As of now, the detailed city experience for Apple Maps can be accessed in London, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Washington D.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.
Safari Technology Preview release 137 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Web Inspector, CSS, JavaScript, WebAssembly, Experimental Model Element, Accessibility, Web API, Content Security Policy, Media, Apple Pay, and Web Extensions.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is built on the Safari 15.4 update and it includes Safari 15 features introduced in macOS Monterey. There's a new streamlined tab bar with support for Tab Groups to organize tabs, along with improved support for Safari Web Extensions. Apple in Safari Technology Preview 135 added 120Hz refresh rates for the new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Live Text allows users to select and interact with text in images on the web, but macOS Monterey and an M1 Mac is required. There's also Quick Notes support for adding links and Safari highlights to remember important information and ideas. The new Safari Technology Preview update is available for both macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey, the newest version of the Mac operating system.
Apple's aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
Apple in October 2021 announced the Apple Music Voice Plan, a new low-price subscription tier for Apple Music. This article explains what the Voice Plan is, what you need to use it, how to become a new subscriber, and how to play music with the service.
What Is Apple Music Voice Plan?
The Apple Music Voice Plan lets you access the Apple Music catalog with Siri. Priced at $4.99, the Voice Plan provides access to all songs, playlists, and stations in Apple Music using Siri, and is augmented by a custom in-app experience with suggestions based on your music preferences and a queue of recently played music.
The Voice Plan is primarily designed to allow you to ask for songs and albums from the Apple Music catalog by Siri request, rather than through the Apple Music app interface. In that sense, it's useful with CarPlay in the car and on the HomePod where the natural inclination is to use voice control.
As far as the Apple Music app goes, the Voice Plan populates the Listen Now section, where you can find music you recently played and discover personalized music recommendations that you can play with just a tap or by asking Siri. In the Radio tab, you can access live and on-demand radio, and you can use the Search field to find music, but you can only play it by asking Siri.
What Are the Limitations of the Voice Plan?
First and most obviously, the Voice Plan can only be activated through Siri, whereas on a standard Apple Music subscription you can use Siri to play anything from the Apple Music catalog and use premium features, like full access to the Apple Music app, downloading music, syncing your library across your devices, and more.
As a result, Apple Music Voice Plan has a limited interface in the Apple Music app, but it does offer full access to Apple's song catalog and radio stations, as well as playlist suggestions. You can actually search for artists, albums, and songs using the Apple Music app, and you can listen to previews of songs, but not the full song. If you find a song in Apple Music that you want to play after hearing the preview from tapping it, you'll need to ask Siri to play the full version.
Users can ask Siri for music suggestions that are provided based on listening history or likes and dislikes, and a "Play it Again" feature lets users access a list of recently played music. There is no option to add songs or albums to the Library, nor can you create playlists or save music for offline listening. If you want those features, you need to upgrade to the full Apple Music subscription.
Lastly, there is no support for Spatial Audio or Lossless Audio, both features that require the $9.99 per month Apple Music plan, nor is there an option to view lyrics, watch music videos, or see what friends are listening to.
Where is the Voice Plan Available?
The Apple Music Voice Plan is available in 17 countries and regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
How to Subscribe to Apple Music Voice
As the Voice Plan is centered on using Siri, naturally you will need to own at least one Apple device that supports Siri, such as Apple TV, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, or HomePod mini. iPhones and iPads must have iOS 15.2 or later installed to access the Apple Music Voice Plan. If you intend to use a Mac to access the Voice Plan, it needs to be running macOS Monterey 12.1.
If you're new to Apple Music, you can start a seven-day free trial of Apple Music Voice by saying "Hey Siri, start Apple Music Voice," or by tapping the Voice Plan option in the Apple Music app on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. After seven days, you can subscribe to the Voice plan in the Apple Music app.
If you can't seem to subscribe to the plan, check to make sure it's available in your country (see above). Also, check that your device supports Siri, and that it's up-to-date with the latest software:
An iPhone or iPad with iOS or iPadOS 15.2 or later
An Apple TV with tvOS 15.2 or later
A Mac with macOS 12.1 or later
How to Play Music with Apple Music Voice
To play a song, album, or artist, say:
"Hey Siri, play Moonlight Drive by The Doors."
"Hey Siri, play the top songs by Adele."
"Hey Siri, play the new album by Lucy Dacus."
To play hits from any decade or genre, say:
"Hey Siri, play hip-hop songs from the 90s."
"Hey Siri, play the top songs of the year."
"Hey Siri, play some 90s ambient."
You can also play mood for your mood or activity ("Hey Siri, play some workout music.") and find out what's playing ("Hey Siri, who sings this song?"). In addition, you can request live and on-demand radio and control what's playing ("Hey Siri, skip this song.")
Apple also has added hundreds of new mood and activity playlists to Apple Music that have been optimized for voice. Subscribers can ask Siri to "Play the dinner party playlist," "Play something chill," or even "Play more like this" for a personalized music experience.
The more music you play, the more Apple Music learns what you like and what you don't. And you can help Apple Music learn your taste in music by telling Siri when you like or don't like a song, which is the same as liking and disliking content in the Apple Music app.
Overall, it's a decent option for someone who will use Siri exclusively on something like a HomePod or CarPlay and wants to save some money, although there are a lot of additional features that you get with the extra $5 for the full $9.99 per month Apple Music plan.
iOS and iPadOS 15.3 can be downloaded over the air after the proper profile from Apple's public beta testing website has been installed on an iPhone or an iPad.
There's no word yet on what's included in the iOS 15.3 and iPadOS 15.3 betas, suggesting that it likely focuses on under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes. There were no major additions in the first developer betas.
There are a few features that Apple has yet to implement, such as Universal Control and support for IDs in the Wallet app. Universal Control will let multiple Macs and iPads be controlled with the same keyboard and mouse, and Apple recently said that the feature will come out in the spring. There were no signs of Universal Control in the first beta, so it looks like it will be coming in iPadOS 15.4.
Digital IDs in the Wallet app has been in the works since Apple introduced the feature at WWDC in June. Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah are expected to be the first states to implement digital ID support, and Florida is also in talks to support the feature.
Amazon continues to lead the market for smart speakers and smart screens with devices like the Echo Dot and Echo Show, but Apple has nearly doubled its market share in this segment thanks to the HomePod mini, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.
Strategy Analytics estimates that Apple shipped 4 million smart speakers in the third quarter of 2021, taking a 10.2% share of the combined smart speaker and smart screen market. Google's Nest Mini was the top-selling device in the segment, followed by the HomePod mini and Amazon's fourth-generation Echo Dot, the research firm said.
By comparison, Apple's market share for smart speakers and screens was estimated at 5.9% in the year-ago quarter, prior to the HomePod mini launching.
Apple is at a disadvantage in this particular report, as it does not compete in the smart screen market. In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expressed his belief that Apple should launch a larger iPad as a home hub to compete with devices like the Echo Show 15. It's unclear if Apple will ever release such a device, but Gurman did earlier this year report that Apple was exploring future iPads with larger display sizes.
As for the HomePod mini, the $99 speaker has not been updated since launching in October 2020, beyond getting new yellow, orange, and blue colors. Based on Apple's increased market share, the current HomePod mini appears to remain a success.
Apple plans to add a 48-megapixel camera lens to the iPhone next year, followed by a periscope lens in 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a research note today with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said these iPhone camera upgrades over the next two years will help to boost Taiwanese manufacturer Largan Precision's market share, revenue, and profit.
Kuo did not provide any further details, but he has previously claimed that the 48-megapixel camera will be limited to iPhone 14 Pro models and allow for 8K video recording, up from 4K currently. These high-resolution 8K videos would be suitable for viewing on Apple's AR/VR headset that is expected to launch next year, he said.
Kuo also previously claimed that iPhone 14 Pro models may support both 48-megapixel and 12-megapixel output, which would likely be achieved with a process known as pixel binning. Already in use on some Android smartphones, like Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra, pixel binning could allow iPhone 14 Pro models to shoot 48-megapixel photos in bright conditions and 12-megapixel photos in low-light conditions to preserve quality.
Further ahead, Kuo reiterated his belief that at least one iPhone 15 model will gain a periscope lens in 2023, paving the way for significantly increased optical zoom. This lens would have folded camera optics, where light absorbed by the image sensor is bent or "folded," allowing for increased optical zoom while maintaining a compact design appropriate for smartphones.
Huawei's P40 Pro+ features a periscope lens with up to 10x optical zoom, for example, while iPhone 13 Pro models are limited to 3x optical zoom.
The Beats Studio Buds have returned to their lowest-ever price at numerous retailers today, available for $99.99, down from $149.99. You can get this deal at Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Adorama, and B&H Photo.
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.
With so many retailers offering the deal, there are a few chances to still get these headphones in time for Christmas. Specifically, Amazon, B&H Photo, and Verizon have shipment options with delivery before the 25th, although you may have to pay extra.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Flexibits. 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.
