MacRumors

The number of eSIMs installed in devices will increase from 1.2 billion in 2021 to 3.4 billion in 2025, mostly thanks to Apple and Google devices, according to a study conducted by Juniper Research.

eSIMs are small modules embedded directly into devices that provide cellular connectivity by storing multiple network operator profiles, removing the need for a physical SIM card in an ejecting tray.

The adoption of eSIMs in devices is expected to increase 180 percent by 2025, with as much as 94 percent of global eSIM installations being driven by the consumer electronics sector. Other contributors include the industrial and public sectors.

Although widespread adoption is reliant on network operators, Apple and Google devices are highlighted as the most important drivers in the adoption of eSIM frameworks, accelerating the growth of the technology in the industrial and public sectors. The research paper urges device manufacturers to place more pressure on operators to support eSIM frameworks and accelerate market maturation.

Apple has pioneered the commercialization of eSIM technology since the launch of the cellular Apple Watch Series 3. eSIM has since proliferated to the iPad Pro and iPhone in 2018.

The upcoming iOS 14.5 update is also expected to add support for dual 5G-band using the physical SIM as well as the eSIM chip. This functionality was previously only available in mainland China.

eSIM adoption by more carriers is likely to lead to the eventual removal of the SIM card tray on the ‌iPhone‌ and create more internal space, but as shown by the limited support for eSIM on cellular versions of the Apple Watch in some regions, there is still some way to go before the technology has truly widespread use.

Hyper today officially launched the HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack for the iPhone 12 lineup, allowing customers to utilize MagSafe and wireless charging technology to power up their iPhones on the go.

The battery pack only uses ‌MagSafe‌ to align itself magnetically to the ‌iPhone‌ 12 – it doesn't actually do the charging using ‌MagSafe‌ technology. Instead, it will charge the ‌iPhone‌ using standard 7.5W wireless Qi charging. The pack weighs 120 grams and has a built-in 5,000 mAH battery, meaning an ‌iPhone‌ 12 can be fully charged twice on the go.

The battery pack itself charges over USB-C, which also means it doubles as a portable standard power bank for any smartphone, thanks to its USB-C port that supports up to 12W of charging power. The battery pack design is straightforward, featuring a four-stage LED charging indicator and an on-off button on the bottom. Hyper says the battery pack features "industry-leading advanced temperature control, overcharge protection, and foreign object detection."

The HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack is available for order now for $39.99.

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

Apple prototyped models of the first-generation iPad with two ports for expanded docking options, according to images of a prototype unit.

Shared on Twitter by Apple device collector Giulio Zompetti, the images reinforce previous reports that Apple was planning to offer two 30-pin connector ports on the original ‌iPad‌, with one on the base below the Home Button, and one on the left-hand side.

Zompetti explained that Apple was initially planning to offer a "dual dock system" on its first tablet. Presumably, this would have functioned in much the same way that the smart connector did on the first and second-generation ‌iPad‌ Pros, third-generation iPad Air, and seventh and eighth-generation ‌iPad‌, in order to be able to connect to the Smart Keyboard or accessories such as Logitech's Logi BASE ‌iPad‌ charging dock in landscape mode. The two-port system apparently also supported concurrent charging.

Beyond docking in accessories such as keyboards, two ports could also have opened up the option for connecting to multiple wired accessories such as external hard drives or SD card readers via a dongle for compatibility with the 30-pin connector, without the need for a multi-port adapter.

Prototype first-generation iPads with two ports have been seen a number of times before, with some images even showing the internals of a two-port ‌iPad‌. Patents depicting the dual-port design have also come to light in the past.

Apple reportedly chose to remove the feature in the design verification testing stage. While Apple has launched 22 different ‌iPad‌ models in six screen sizes, every ‌iPad‌ model to date has only had just one port for data transfer and charging.

Given that some ‌iPad‌ power-users hope that the tablet will one day feature more than one port to aid productivity, it is interesting that Apple considered implementing such a feature long before the creation of the iPad Pro or even the switch to a USB-C connector on some models. Some may believe that the images prove that Apple saw the ‌iPad‌ as a productivity-oriented device long before it was truly capable of doing so with features such as multitasking, the Files app, or mouse support.

At its product launch event today, Xiaomi announced a wireless charging pad that's capable of charging three devices, each up to 20W simultaneously, for a total of 60W across the pad.

Xiaomi says the charging pad includes 19 wireless charging coils, enabling devices to be charged anywhere they're placed on the pad. Typical wireless chargers require precise and nimble placement of devices for them to receive a charge. Xiaomi is looking to challenge the status quo, giving customers more freedom as to where they place their devices.

The pad will charge any device that supports Qi wireless charging, including newer iPhones and AirPods. Xiamoi's pad bears striking similarities to Apple's now canceled AirPower charging mat, which it announced in 2017, only to cancel two years later due to its inability to meet its own high-quality standards.

Apple never announced a price for ‌AirPower‌, so a comparison is hard to make. Xiamoi's wireless charging pad will retail for $90.

Xiaomi's devices, ranging from smartphones to tablets, have been publicly criticized in the past for heavily borrowing design elements from Apple's iPhones and iPads, and adopting marketing materials tactics similar to Apple's.

A prototype Leica camera designed by former Apple designers Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson is heading to auction in June (via The Verge).

The camera prototype features many of the subtle industrial design cues Ive and Newson are known for, particularly on their Apple products. The exterior is also made of Ive's preferred lightweight material, aluminum. While the camera is not directly affiliated with Apple, it is clear to see the selective curves, polished finishes, and minimalism that have become synonymous with Apple's product designs.

The prototype Leica camera was produced during the development of a one-off Product (RED) Leica M that was sold at a charity auction in 2013 for $1.8 million. A total of 561 models and nearly 1,000 prototype parts were made during the camera's design process.

Ive and Newson teamed up to create a range of products for the Product (RED) auction, including an aluminum desk, a striking red Mac Pro, and a set of solid gold EarPods, among other items.

A year after the auction, Newson joined Ive at Apple and became responsible for the design of the Apple Watch, having previously worked for wristwatch manufacturer Ikepod.

Both Ive and Newson departed Apple in 2019 to found the design company LoveFrom. Apple has said in the past that it was LoveFrom's first client and that Ive and Newson are still "very involved."

The camera is said to be from the "final development step" of the design process and comes with a matching Apo-Summicron 2/50 mm ASPH lens. The device, described as being in "B+" condition, has a starting price of around $118,000. It is estimated to reach between $235,000 and $295,000 in bidding.

Apple has not produced a dedicated camera since it released the 0.3 Mpx Apple QuickTake in 1994, but the prototype Leica may give the best glimpse yet of what a modern Apple camera could look like today.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, Apple saw its iPhone shipments in Gulf countries increase by 55% compared to the quarter prior, thanks to the launch of the 5G enabled ‌iPhone‌ 12 and last year's ‌iPhone‌ 11 lineup, according to market research by IDC.

In total, the region saw smartphone shipments grow by 2.3% in the last quarter of the year compared to Q3, to a total of 2.26 million units. Specifically, Saudi Arabia represented nearly half of all smartphones shipped in the region for Q4. However, it witnessed an overall decline in shipments compared to the previous quarter. The UAE represented 26.1% of smartphone shipments for the region in the quarter and saw overall growth compared to Q3.

Quarter-on-quarter, Apple saw a significant increase of 55% in ‌‌iPhone‌‌ shipments, growth that was primarily enabled by the ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌ and last year's ‌‌iPhone‌ 11‌ lineup. Akash Balachandran, IDC's senior research analyst, says that if it were not for shortages amongst Apple's supply chain, ‌iPhone‌ shipments would have been more prominent in the quarter.

Apple still, however, rests behind Samsung as the leading smartphone maker in the region. Samsung holds 42% of the market share for the GCC, 3% less than it did the previous quarter. Apple saw its market share increase by 7% to 23% in the final quarter of the year.

Dutch tech blog iCulture this morning reported that Apple Maps is now showing speed camera information in at least some parts of the Netherlands, suggesting Apple is in the process of rolling out the feature in more countries.

While navigating in-car with ‌Apple Maps‌ via CarPlay or on iPhone, drivers in a region where the speed camera feature is available are alerted to camera locations on roads via a yellow icon showing a camera with its flash in operation. Maps shows the location of fixed cameras that check for speed and stopping at red lights.

Currently Apple only lists speed camera availability in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, but today's report suggests the feature is coming to the Netherlands and potentially other regions, too. So far, alerts for speed cameras have been seen in North Holland's Haarlem region, so it could be a while before the country gets full rollout. iCulture notes that ‌Apple Maps‌ still doesn't show the maximum speed on Dutch roads.

Apple is working on a new Maps feature for iOS 14.5 or later that lets users report speed checks along a route, suggesting a future version of Maps could use crowdsourcing to alert drivers to mobile speed traps.

Update: Readers in other countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, and New Zealand have since contacted MacRumors to say they have also noticed the speed camera feature now appearing for them in ‌Apple Maps‌.

Square Enix has released a remastered version of classic roleplaying game Final Fantasy VIII for iPhone and iPad.

Final Fantasy VIII originally launched on PlayStation way back in 1999, and while its predecessor is considered the true classic in video game history, the eighth installment in the franchise still sold more than 9.6 million units worldwide.

This port for iOS and Android is of the remastered version, which came to consoles including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam in 2019.

As a remaster, it features updated visuals and character models, as well as new in-game features including Battle Assist, which maxes out your hit points, an option to turn off enemy encounters except big event battles, and a speed boost feature that lets you play through the game at three times the default speed.

Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is available for ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ as a one-off purchase, costing $16.99 for a limited time. After April 4, the price increases to $20.99. [Direct Link] Note that the app requires approximately 2.6GB to download, so make sure you download over Wi-Fi and you've got plenty of free storage space on your device, which will need to be running iOS 13 or later.

As we get closer to the launch of the 2021 iPhone lineup, rumors surrounding what may come after the ‌iPhone‌ 13 have already begun circulating.

Apple is believed to plan its new iPhones several years in advance of their release, so it is highly likely that plans for 2022 and 2023 ‌iPhone‌ models are well underway at Apple. There have now been a sufficiently large number of reports from reliable sources about Apple's plans for the ‌iPhone‌ over the next few years, allowing us to build a provisional idea of what may be in store.

2022: iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 3?

In 2022, the ‌iPhone‌ will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary. It will mark five years since the first "all-screen" ‌iPhone‌ design, which premiered with the ‌iPhone‌ X in 2017. Currently, the tentatively titled "iPhone 14" is expected to feature:

• Hole-punch front-facing camera design, replacing the notch.
• Snapdragon X65 10 Gigabit 5G modem and antenna system.
• A16 chip, manufactured using a 4nm fabrication process.
• Vapor chamber thermal sytem for improved cooling.
• Unibody lens design for flatter rear camera bump.
• Upgraded telephoto camera.
• Upgraded ultra wide cameras expanded to all models.

2022 is also expected to see the release of a third-generation iPhone SE model, which would be two years after the launch of the current model.

Android-Style Hole-Punch Camera Design

In 2022, Apple is expected to make some substantial design changes to the ‌iPhone‌. Most strikingly, ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models will allegedly see their notch replaced with a punch-hole design, as seen on a number of premium Android devices.

While the change is expected for the high-end 2022 iPhones, if manufacturing yields are sufficient, the lower-end ‌iPhone 14‌ models could also feature the same design.

Apple has applied for a number of patents related to under-display Face ID technologies, but the company could also conceivably push some ‌Face ID‌ components and the front-facing speaker into the top bezel.

Barclays analysts believe that a smaller notch on ‌iPhone‌ 13 models will be the result of a "more tightly integrated version of the current structured light system" for ‌Face ID‌, adding that a "bigger shift" is likely to come in 2022, with Apple apparently aiming to adopt time-of-flight architecture for ‌Face ID‌ that would allow for an "even smaller footprint."

The World's First 10 Gigabit 5G Modem and Antenna

In February 2021, Qualcomm introduced the the Snapdragon X65, which is the world's first 10 Gigabit 5G modem and antenna system for smartphones. While the X65 is not expected to be used for the ‌iPhone‌ 13 in 2021, it is expected to be added to Apple's 2022 ‌iPhone‌.

4nm A16 Chip

TrendForce believes it is highly likely that the A16 chip in 2022 iPhones will be manufactured based on TSMC's upcoming 4nm process, paving the way for further improvements to performance, power efficiency, and density.

Flatter Rear Camera Bump

‌The 2022 ‌iPhone‌ models are said to be adopting a new "unibody lens design," which Apple will use to reduce the thickness of the rear camera module.

Redesigned Cooling System

Starting in 2022, high-end ‌iPhone‌ models are likely to adopt a vapor chamber thermal system, providing it meets Apple's requirements for reliability. The system is said to be currently undergoing aggressive testing.

The VC thermal system will be purportedly be required for the high-end iPhones to enable better performance and faster 5G connection speeds. There are already smartphones from companies like Samsung, Razer, and LG that use vapor chamber cooling technology to keep devices at a lower temperature when under heavy strain.

Telephoto and Ultra Wide Camera Upgrades

All 2022 ‌iPhone‌ models are currently expected to see significant camera upgrades. The ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models could feature camera improvements that focus on the telephoto lens, with Apple upgrading from a 6-element lens to a 7-element lens.

In 2021, the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro models are expected to get significantly upgraded Ultra Wide cameras, increasing from f/2.4 to f/1.8 and from a five-element lens to a six-element lens, also gaining autofocus instead of the current fixed focus. In 2022, these upgrades to the Ultra Wide camera are expected to trickle down to the entire ‌iPhone 14‌ lineup instead of being reserved for the Pro models.

Third-Generation iPhone SE

Various analysts have said that a third-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ will arrive in the first half of 2022.

There is some uncertainty around whether the device will keep its current design with a 4.7-inch display or mirror the ‌iPhone‌ 11 with a 6.1-inch display, but it is expected to retain the Touch ID fingerprint scanner and LCD display technology. Upgrades are likely to include sub-6GHz 5G and a newer A-series processor. There is also the chance of the ‌iPhone SE‌ adopting the ‌iPhone‌ 11's dual camera system with an added Ultra Wide lens.

2023: iPhone 15 and Foldable iPhone?

In 2023, it will be ten years since the launch of the popular ‌iPhone‌ 5s, and five years since Apple revealed the first large full-screen ‌iPhone‌ design in the ‌iPhone‌ XS Max. 2023's presumably-titled "iPhone 15" is currently rumored to feature:

• A true full-screen design with no notch or hole-punch.
• Under-display ‌Touch ID‌ fingerprint scanner.
• Periscopic telephoto camera.
• A17 chip, manufactured using a 3nm fabrication process.
• Apple-designed 5G modem.

Rumors have also indicated that a new ‌iPhone‌ model with a clamshell folding design may debut in 2023. Keep in mind that the 2023 ‌iPhone‌ rumors are still years off, and what we're hearing now in terms of rumors may not actually materialize.

The First Truly Full-Screen iPhone

A minimum of one high-end ‌iPhone‌ model in 2023 is expected to feature the first true full-screen design with no notch or hole punch.

Presumably, if the hole-punch front-facing camera design is not rolled out to all ‌iPhone‌ models in 2022, being kept for Pro models only, then in 2023 the design will reach the lower-end models too.

Under-Display Touch ID

Apple is believed to be planning to implement a fingerprint scanner under the display of at least one high-end ‌iPhone‌ in 2023.

Periscope Camera

In 2023, the ‌iPhone‌ is expected to adopt a "periscopic telephoto lens" for the first time. Periscope technology would allow for significantly increased optical zoom on iPhones, well beyond the current 2x and 2.5x limits on the ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, respectively. Huawei's P40 Pro+ smartphone, for example, features a periscope lens with up to 10x optical zoom.

Apple has allegedly run into trouble developing its own periscope camera system because much of the technology is guarded by other patents, and thus Apple is instead exploring purchasing the components from the patent holders instead. Samsung, for example, owns the "ball-type actuator" technology used in many periscope lenses.

3nm A17 Chip

Apple has committed to order chips fabricated using TSMC's 3nm process, which will be used for the A17 chip. The ‌3nm‌ process yields 30 percent and 15 percent power consumption and performance improvements over the 5nm process, respectively, indicating notable advancements.

Apple-designed 5G Modem

Amid rumors of Apple working on its own 5G modem to move away from Qualcomm, recent reports have indicated that Apple could debut its custom-designed 5G cellular modem in all 2023 ‌iPhone‌ models.

Apple reportedly began developing the modem in 2020, after acquiring the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business a year earlier to bolster its efforts, and 2023 may be when the modems are ready to be included in iPhones. Barclays previously said the modem will support both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands of 5G.

The First Foldable iPhone

Apple is purported to have started work on an ‌iPhone‌ with a foldable display. Multiple sources have stated that Apple could release a foldable ‌iPhone‌ with a 7 to 8-inch flexible OLED display as soon as 2023.

There have also been various corroborated rumors from the Asian supply chain about a foldable ‌iPhone‌ being tested.

This may also be the first ‌iPhone‌ to feature Apple Pencil support due to its larger screen size.

For more on Apple's foray into foldable devices, make sure to check out our foldable iPhone guide.

It is essential to take rumors surrounding future iPhones with a pinch of salt, as there is still plenty of time for Apple's plans to change. Nonetheless, given the track record of many of the analysts and leakers from whom these reports are derived, it is likely that there is some truth to them.

For now, eyes are set on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 lineup, expected to arrive later this year. For more on Apple's most immediate new generation of iPhones due to arrive later this year, see our detailed roundup.

The Apple Watch can accurately determine a user's "frailty," according to the findings of a recently-published study from Stanford University (via MyHealthyApple).

Frailty can be determined using a six-minute walking test (6MWT), and the metric is a general standard used to evaluate the functional mobility and exercise capacity of a patient. Higher scores indicate "healthier cardiac, respiratory, circulatory, and neuromuscular function," according to Apple.

Conducted by Stanford University researchers and funded by Apple, the study provided 110 Veterans Affairs patients with cardiovascular disease with an iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 3. Patients conducted regular at-home six-minute walking tests, which were then compared to their standard in-clinic 6MWT performance.

The study found that an Apple Watch was able to accurately assess frailty with a sensitivity of 90 percent and specificity of 85 percent when supervised in a clinical setting. When assessed in an unsupervised setting at home, the Apple Watch was able to accurately assess frailty with a sensitivity of 83 percent and specificity of 60 percent.

The findings indicate that passive activity data gathered by the Apple Watch is an accurate predictor of in-clinic 6MWT performance.

In this longitudinal observational study, passive activity data acquired by an iPhone and Apple Watch were an accurate predictor of in-clinic 6MWT performance. This finding suggests that frailty and functional capacity could be monitored and evaluated remotely in patients with cardiovascular disease, enabling safer and higher resolution monitoring of patients.

While the study used a specially-developed app called "VascTrac" to gather 6MWT data alongside the Apple Watch's passively-collected activity data, Apple has since included a series of new mobility-related health metrics in watchOS 7, including the 6MWT. It is likely that preliminary data from studies such as this encouraged Apple to add the metrics in watchOS 7.

The research may urge healthcare providers to offer at-home assessment of functional capacity in cardiovascular disease patients using an Apple Watch.

With March drawing to a close and no sign yet of an Apple media event, rumors are continuing to dominate the news cycle. This week saw a number of new reports about the iPhone 13, a potential "rugged" Apple Watch model, a HomePod with a screen and camera, and more.

The competitive dispute between Apple and Intel also took an interesting turn this week, with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger announcing a new strategy for the chipmaker that will see it pursuing other companies like Apple in hopes of manufacturing their custom chips. Read on for all of the details on these stories and more!

iPhone 13 Front Glass Reveals Smaller Notch With Earpiece Relocated to Top Bezel

iPhone 13 models are widely expected to feature a smaller notch, and now we have a first look at the potential design.

Greek repair provider iRepair this week provided MacRumors with an alleged photo of front glass panels for iPhone 13 models, with the same three 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch display sizes as the iPhone 12 lineup. The notch on each iPhone is visibly smaller as a result of the earpiece speaker being moved up into the top bezel, a design choice that was first rumored for iPhone 12 models last year but failed to materialize.

Multiple sources have claimed that iPhone 13 models will feature a smaller notch, including analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

After shrinking the notch this year, Kuo said that Apple plans to switch to a hole-punch display design for at least some 2022 iPhone models, similar to Samsung's Galaxy S21 and other recent smartphones, followed by an iPhone with a true all-screen design without a notch or holes and an under-display fingerprint scanner as early as 2023.

Apple May Launch Rugged Apple Watch Model for Extreme Sports as Soon as This Year

Apple is weighing up the possibility of launching an Apple Watch with a rugged casing that's made for use in extreme environments, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The latest Apple Watch models are water-resistant to 50 meters, but Gurman suggests that Apple could make a new device more "rugged" by giving it a rubberized casing, making it more resistant to damage in extreme environments compared to the current lineup of aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel cases.

Despite actively considering such a model, Gurman includes the usual caveat about rumored future products by noting that his sources say it could be ultimately canceled or delayed.

Apple is also working on new swim tracking features for the Apple Watch, according to the report, although no additional details were given.

After Anti-M1 Ads, Intel Wants to Make Apple Silicon Chips

Just days after launching an advertising campaign against M1 Macs, Intel has expressed interest in manufacturing future Apple silicon chips.

In an interview with the BBC, Intel's new CEO Pat Gelsinger said "everybody wants multiple suppliers" for chips, adding that there is "very real potential" for a renewed partnership.

When asked why Intel chose to run an advertising campaign against M1 Macs while hoping to win Apple's business, Gelsinger said "we have great respect for Apple as a company" but added "at the same time, we're going to be aggressive competitors and we're out to reinvigorate the PC ecosystem."

Apple currently relies on Taiwanese manufacturer TSMC for all of its custom-designed chips for the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other devices.

Apple Developing New 'HomePod' Models With Screens and Cameras

In a report focused on an unactivated temperature and humidity sensor uncovered in the HomePod mini this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman briefly mentioned that Apple has "been developing new speakers with screens and cameras."

This reporting suggests that Apple could be at least exploring the idea of new HomePod models with a display and camera to compete with the likes of Google's Nest Hub Max, Amazon's Echo Show, and Facebook's Portal, but Gurman cautions that "a launch isn't imminent," so there is no guarantee that Apple will release such a product.

Earlier this month, Apple announced that it is discontinuing the full-sized HomePod and shifting its focus to the HomePod mini. Gurman said that Apple still lacks a "unifying strategy" for the smart home market, with some people within the company apparently blaming the lack of progress on Siri's shortcomings compared to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Apple Discontinues 512GB and 1TB SSDs for 21.5-inch iMac

Apple this week discontinued 512GB and 1TB SSD storage configurations for the 21.5-inch 4K iMac, leaving a 256GB SSD or 1TB Fusion Drive as the only options available for the computer.

Apple also removed the iMac Pro from its online store this week after announcing that the computer would be discontinued earlier in the month. Now that supplies of the iMac Pro have run out, the computer is no longer available to purchase from Apple's online store, except for some refurbished models.

Both of these moves likely foreshadow the introduction of a redesigned iMac with an Apple silicon chip later this year. Rumors suggest the new iMac's design will resemble Apple's high-end Pro Display XDR, with thinner bezels around the display, no metal "chin" below the display, and a flat back. Two unreleased iMacs were referenced in the latest macOS 11.3 beta.

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On Friday, Apple CEO Tim Cook met virtually with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to discuss the global health crisis, digital infrastructure, and digital capabilities in Austria and the EU, according to a tweet by the Chancellor's official account.

The two also discussed the rapid digitalization of our lives and other current trends in technology.

Cook and Kurz met previously in January 2019 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. That meeting, according to Kurz, was a "unique opportunity to learn about the philosophy behind one of the world's most iconic brands and a good conversation on how we can successfully shape Europe's digital future."

Alongside his meeting with the Austrian Chancellor, Cook also virtually met with German politician Markus Soder to discuss Apple's recent announcement that it will invest more than 1 billion euros in a new European Silicon Design Center in Munich.

Apple and Epic Games lawyers are continuing to plan for their upcoming May 3 bench trial, and in a preparatory conference held today, the judge overseeing the case said that attendance will be limited due to the ongoing global health crisis (via Law360).

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has been planning for an in-person trial because she believes that the case is significant enough that the court should hear it in person. She has also said in the past that Apple and ‌Epic Games‌ witnesses in the case will be less likely to lie when sworn in in a physical courtroom.

COVID-19 cases are dropping in the San Francisco Bay Area and people are getting vaccinated, which means the courtrooms are able to open up. Regardless of whether attendees have been vaccinated, however, masks will be required.

‌Epic Games‌ and Apple will each be limited to six people in the courtroom at a time, and the press and the public will not be able to attend in person, but live audio will be provided. All testifying witnesses will be given a clear mask so that the judge is able to clearly see responses, and legal teams will be able to wear cordless microphones to make them easy to hear.

Unused rooms in the courthouse may be able to be used for legal team meetings, but Gonzalez Rogers recommended that Apple and ‌Epic Games‌ rent office space across from the courthouse in case it's needed.

The trial is set to take place on May 3, and each side will have 45 hours to present their case. Each side is also allowed to submit 100,000 words that can be split up among experts for reports, and the deadline for exchanging reports is April 27.

Apple and ‌Epic Games‌ are expected to call a number of high-profile witnesses. Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple Fellow Phil Schiller, and Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi will all be attending to defend the company's App Store practices.

Cook will be directly examined for one hour, with a one hour cross examination also included. Federighi will testify for two hours with a one hour cross examination, while Schiller, who is in charge of the ‌App Store‌, will testify for a total of 10 hours. Apple last week said that its senior executives are eager to share the impact that the ‌App Store‌ has had on economies around the world.

Our senior executives look forward to sharing with the court the very positive impact the ‌App Store‌ has had on innovation, economies across the world and the customer experience over the last 12 years. We feel confident the case will prove that Epic purposefully breached its agreement solely to increase its revenues, which is what resulted in their removal from the ‌App Store‌. By doing that, Epic circumvented the security features of the ‌App Store‌ in a way that would lead to reduced competition and put consumers' privacy and data security at tremendous risk.

Epic Games witnesses include ‌Epic Games‌‌ CEO Tim Sweeney and other Epic employees, and third-party witnesses will include executives from Facebook, Microsoft, Nvidia. ‌Epic Games‌ also intends to call on iTunes chief Eddy Cue and former iOS software chief Scott Forstall, who was involved in the ‌App Store‌'s launch.

Apple lawyers today said all but one witness will testify in person, and Epic too plans to have most of its witnesses appear in person.

The May 3 trial will focus on Epic's accusation that Apple is a "behemoth seeking to control markets, block competition, and stifle innovation" by imposing "anti-competitive restraints" against ‌App Store‌ developers and employing "monopolistic practices in markets." ‌Epic Games‌' most popular title, Fortnite, has been out of the ‌App Store‌ for months now as the two companies await the trial.

‌Epic Games‌ plans to argue that the 30 percent cut that Apple takes from apps is "oppressive," as is the rule that requires developers to use in-app purchases. Apple recently lowered the 30 percent commission rate to 15 percent for developers that make under $1 million in a given calendar year, but this does not apply to major developers like ‌Epic Games‌.

Apple will argue that its ‌App Store‌ prices are fair and in line with other competing software marketplaces, and that its ‌App Store‌ policies offer important protections for consumers.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Woolnut to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Leather Folio for Apple's iPads. Woolnut makes a range of high-quality sleeve options available in sizes to fit Apple's modern iPads.

Priced at around $160 (135 euros), the Leather Folio for iPad Pro and Air is sized to fit the fourth-generation iPad Air and the first and second-generation 11-inch iPad Pro models, while the Leather Folio for iPad Pro (available for $173) is compatible with the third and fourth-generation 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ models.

Because the upcoming 2021 ‌iPad Pro‌ models that are rumored to be coming soon will feature the same 11 and 12.9-inch sizes, Woolnut's existing folios should be compatible with the new models.

Made from soft, full-grain Scandinavian leather, the Leather Folios are lined with 100 percent natural wool felt sourced from Germany. The wool has water-repellent and shock absorbing properties to keep the iPad inside safe.

Each folio is sized to fit the ‌iPad‌ and accessories that include the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil, with a dedicated holder for the Pencil.

The Leather Folios come in three colors that include Black, Cognac, and Green, and each zips down the side with a high-end YKK Excella zipper sourced from Japan. Over time, the leather of the Folio will develop a unique patina for a custom look for each user.

We have four Leather Folios from Woolnut to give to MacRumors readers, with each winner able to choose their preferred folio. To enter to win our giveaway, 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 (March 26) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on April 2. The winners will be chosen randomly on April 2 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 released iOS and iPadOS 14.4.2, minor security updates that come close to three weeks after the release of iOS/iPadOS 14.4.1 and more than a month after the iOS/iPadOS 14.4 updates.

The iOS and iPadOS 14.4.2 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, the software provides an important security fixes and should be installed by all users. A security support document says that the update fixes a vulnerability that was actively exploited.

Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to universal cross site scripting. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

Apple has fixed the issue by improved management of object lifetimes.

Apple has also released iOS and iPadOS 12.5.2, security updates that are available for older devices.