In the iOS 16.1 beta, Apple is giving users of the second-generation AirPods Pro the ability to disable touch controls for volume.
One feature of the new AirPods Pro is that users can increase or decrease volume by swiping up or down on the touch sensors on the individual stems. While some users may find the feature convenient, others may not. On iOS 16.0.2, the current public release of iOS 16, users cannot disable touch controls for volume.
In the iOS 16.1 beta, there is a new toggle inside the Accessibility page for the second-generation AirPods Pro to enable or disable touch controls for volume. As before, users can customize the press-and-hold functionality of the AirPods Pro stems, including to switch among Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off, or to invoke Siri.
iOS 16.1 is available for developers and members of Apple's public beta program, with a public release expected in October. In addition to the new toggle for the AirPods Pro, iOS 16.1 will include changes to the battery indicator and more.
The 2021 11-inch iPad Pro has today become the longest-lasting model of its kind ever on sale, as indications mount that Apple is planning to replace the device with a new model as soon as next month.
In April 2021, Apple introduced new 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models featuring the M1 chip, a Thunderbolt port, 5G connectivity, Center Stage, and a mini-LED display for the larger model. They are still on sale and have now been available for over 18 months.
As of today, the 2021 11-inch iPad Pro is now 513 days old, making it one day older than the previous longest-reigning smaller iPad Pro model, 2016's 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The 2021 12.9-inch model remains 59 days younger than the first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro from 2015. This is because the first-generation iPad Pro debuted with a 12.9-inch model only in November 2015, before being joined by a 9.7-inch model just four months later.
The tenure of the 2021 iPad Pros is notable because customers have not been used to such a long wait for new models since the launch of the original version almost seven years ago, and could suggest that the next update will be substantial.
New iPad Pro models are expected to be announced at an Apple event as soon as next month. Several major retailers, including Optus and Logitech, have been spotted preparing for the launch of new iPad Pro models. The next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to feature the M2 chip, MagSafe wireless charging, two new four-pin connectors on the top and bottom side edges, and camera upgrades.
Apple is now selling the 13-inch MacBook Pro powered with the M2 Apple silicon chip in its refurbished store for the first time in the United States and Canada.
In the United States, Apple offers the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 with 256GB and 512GB of storage for $1,169 and $1,349, respectively. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip and 256GB of storage is usually priced at $1,299, while the 512GB is priced at $1,499. In the United Kingdom, Apple offers refurbished models with up to 1TB of storage.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro was updated with the new M2 Apple silicon chip this June alongside the redesigned MacBook Air. Apple says the new version with the M2 chip is up to 1.4x faster compared to the M1-powered model and up to 6x time faster than the previous generation 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Intel processor.
Who's ready for a breather? A flurry of hardware and software releases following Apple's "Far Out" event earlier this month is finally on a bit of a pause, with the Apple Watch Ultra and second-generation AirPods Pro now making their way into customers' hands while we have a couple of weeks before the iPhone 14 Plus launches.
This week saw the two major hardware releases, but also an important iOS update addressing some bugs with the latest iPhone models and iOS 16 in general, while the more significant iOS 16.1 update continues through beta testing. Be sure to read on below for details on these stories and more as we continue to explore everything new in Apple's latest releases.
Apple Releases iOS 16.0.2 With Bug Fixes for iPhone 14 Pro and More
The software update also addresses an issue with excessive copy and paste permission prompts on all iPhones running iOS 16, an issue where touch input was unresponsive on some iPhone X, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 displays following hardware service, and more.
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro have begun arriving to customers, and we've had a chance to go hands-on with the upgraded earbuds.
We've also rounded up both written and video reviews of the new AirPods Pro from select media and YouTube channels that had early access for more thorough looks. The reviews tested out sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, and more.
Apple Watch Ultra Unboxing and Hands-On
Like the new AirPods Pro, the all-new Apple Watch Ultra is now officially available as the first pre-orders have started arriving.
Apple this week seeded the second beta of iOS 16.1 to developers and public beta testers. As usual, the latest beta contains a handful of new features, changes, and improvements for the iPhone.
We've rounded up everything new in iOS 16.1 beta 2, including a design tweak to the battery percentage icon in the status bar and more, so be sure to check out the list if you install the beta on your iPhone.
Note that the video does not serve as a scientific test of the feature and is in a controlled environment, so it should be considered purely entertainment, but at least we finally have a closer look at the feature out in the wild.
The MacRumors Show: Sara Dietschy Talks iPhone 14 Features
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.
As usual, September has been a very busy month for Apple. The company released the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8, and a new Apple Watch SE last week, followed by the Apple Watch Ultra and new AirPods Pro this week. On the software side, Apple released iOS 16, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16.
All attention now turns to October and beyond, with rumors suggesting that Apple still has a lot on its schedule through the end of 2022. Below, we have put together a list of some of the bigger announcements to expect from Apple later this year.
iPhone 14 Plus Launch
While the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max launched on September 16, the iPhone 14 Plus is available starting October 7. Apple did not provide a reason for the staggered release, but the iPhone 14 Plus is a brand new option in the lineup and will become the first non-Pro model with a large 6.7-inch display ever sold.
Key new features of the iPhone 14 Plus include car crash detection, upcoming support for emergency texting via satellite in the U.S. and Canada, longer battery life, improved cameras, and a more repairable design with a removable back glass panel. The device is powered by the same A15 Bionic chip with a five-core GPU as in the iPhone 13 Pro.
The only differences between the iPhone 14 Plus and the smaller 6.1-inch iPhone 14 relate to display size, battery life, weight, and price.
It's not yet clear if iOS 16.1 will include features like iCloud Shared Photo Library and the new Freeform digital whiteboard app that Apple says will be available later this year. iOS 16.2 will likely be released in December with any remaining features promised.
Apple Event in October
Apple often holds an October event to announce new iPad and Mac models, and this year will likely be no exception. Given how early the September event was this year, the next event could be held in early October, but timing remains to be seen.
For the October event, rumors suggest that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro models with the M2 chip, a redesigned 10th-generation entry-level iPad, and at least a few more Macs powered by the M2 series of chips. A new Mac Pro is almost certain by the end of 2022, while new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models are also possible.
iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura Release Dates
Apple says iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura will be released to the general public in October. Apple will likely announce exact release dates for the software updates either during its October event or immediately afterwards.
In August 2021, Apple announced the acquisition of classical music service Primephonic. At the time, Apple said it planned to launch a dedicated classical music app in 2022 that combined Primephonic's user interface with additional features.
Few details are known about the dedicated Apple Music Classical app or when it might launch, but it should be coming soon as 2022 draws to a close.
Upon the release of the second-generation AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max became the oldest current-generation AirPods product still in Apple's lineup. Introducing several new features like Adaptive Transparency and the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro may provide some of the best indications yet of what to expect from the second-generation AirPods Max.
Almost two years later, rumors about a successor to the original AirPods Max are thin on the ground. The last we heard about the next-generation AirPods Max was a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in May 2021, which explained that Apple was considering launching new color options for the device. In addition to new color options and revised audio hardware, there are at least ten potential AirPods Pro features that could make their way to the second version of the AirPods Max.
H2 Chips
The second-generation AirPods Pro are the first device to contain the H2 chip, Apple's custom silicon chip designed specifically for earbuds and headphones.
The H2 chip enables improved computational audio to enhance sound quality on the AirPods Pro and improves battery life with better energy efficiency. As the AirPods Max are Apple's most high-end AirPods, it seems almost certain that the next version will contain an H2 chip in each earcup. The chips will likely be at the heart of any improvements to the device's audio hardware.
Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity
Alongside the H2 chip, the new AirPods Pro feature Bluetooth 5.3, a specification that has also come to the entire iPhone 14 lineup as well as the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra. As such, it is inevitable that the second-generation AirPods Max will similarly feature the latest Bluetooth standard. Bluetooth 5.3 offers features important enhancements to reliability, connection performance, and power consumption.
Improved Active Noise Cancellation
Thanks to the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro feature improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is up to two times more effective at blocking out unwanted noise.
The outward-facing microphones detect external sound so the AirPods can analyze environmental noise, while the inward-facing microphone listens to the sound coming toward the ear. The new AirPods Pro then adapts the sound signal reaching the ears 48,000 times per second to eliminate external noise.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are also equipped with a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms to reduce additional unwanted noise. As the only other AirPods to offer ANC, it seems inevitable that with the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Max will also offer enhanced ANC.
Adaptive Transparency
The second-generation AirPods Pro feature an all-new Adaptive Transparency mode that allows important environmental noise like speech in, while heavily reducing unwanted environmental noise like a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or even loud speakers at a concert.
The feature is designed for "for more comfortable everyday listening," according to Apple. Along with improvements to ANC facilitated by the H2 chip, it seems highly likely that the second-generation AirPods Max will also feature Adaptive Transparency.
Conversation Boost
It is also possible that the AirPods Max could also gain Conversation Boost, a feature that has thus far been exclusive to the AirPods Pro.
Designed to help people with mild hearing challenges hear conversations better, Conversation Boost uses the beam-forming microphones on the AirPods Pro to boost the volume of a person talking directly in front of you, making it easier to hear what they are saying.
Skin-Detect Sensors
Apple's skin-detect sensor technology was first introduced on the third-generation AirPods and recently expanded to the AirPods Pro, leaving the AirPods Max as the only current-generation AirPods product without the feature. The current AirPods Max still use optical IR sensors to detect when they are placed over a user's ears.
While skin-detect sensors would not be quite as useful on the AirPods Max since playback is unlikely to be triggered on a surface or in a pocket, they could help playback pause and resume more quickly and accurately. The skin-detect sensors are also more efficient and deliver better battery life – something that the AirPods Max could also take advantage of.
Longer Battery Life
Apple touts improved battery life for both the third-generation AirPods and the second-generation AirPods Pro. The second-generation AirPods Max could gain a similar battery life boost using the efficiency gains of the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and skin-detect sensors, providing Apple does not shrink the size of the internal battery.
Sweat and Water Resistance
The third-generation AirPods and second-generation AirPods Pro feature IPX4-rated sweat and water resistant earbuds and charging cases. This is an area that Apple has improved over time on its various earbuds, but the first-generation AirPods Max do not feature any sweat or water resistance rating.
Some sort of sweat and water resistance rating for the second-generation model seems plausible, especially given Apple's growing focus on health and fitness. Apple Fitness+ launched just a day before the release of the first-generation AirPods Max in 2020, so it is not out of the question for the second-generation model to have more of a focus on fitness by being sweat-resistant.
U1 Chip and Precision Finding
The second-generation AirPods Pro's MagSafe Charging Case features an Apple U1 chip for Precision Finding in the Find My app, much like AirTag item trackers.
The current AirPods Max feature basic support for Find My, but a U1 chip in the second-generation version could enable a much more precise way to locate the headphones when they are nearby.
Charging
The second-generation AirPods Pro's case added the ability to charge using an Apple Watch charger, adding to the plethora of charging options that already included MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, and Lightning.
It is too early to say if the second-generation AirPods Max will feature a new way to charge, such as via MagSafe, but such a change would necessitate deeper changes to the AirPods Max's design. Nevertheless, the fact that Apple now provides four different ways to charge the AirPods Pro could indicate that it is aware of the benefits of multiple ways to charge and could want to expand this to its highest-end headphones in some way.
It's the official launch day for Apple's latest and greatest product, the Apple Watch Ultra. We picked up one of the new watches to check out the features and compare it with the Apple Watch Series 8 to see if it's worth the upgrade.
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's largest watch to date, measuring in at 49mm, a full 4mm over the 45mm Apple Watch Series 8. It can look large depending on your wrist size, plus it's thicker than you might expect. If you can comfortably wear a 45mm Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra may not feel too much bigger, but it sits higher.
It's heavier than the 45mm Apple Watch Series 8, but not so much so that it's super noticeable. Coming from a 41mm Apple Watch, it might feel too big, but it comes down to personal preference. Apple says the Ultra will fit wrists as small as 130mm.
Apple designed rugged bands for the Apple Watch Ultra, and we picked up the Alpine Loop and the Ocean Band. The Alpine Loop is similar to the Sport Loop, but it has two layers and a texture similar to the now-discontinued Woven Bands. The Ocean Loop is a sort of ridged Sport Band that's got some stretch.
As for feature set, Apple designed the Apple Watch Ultra for "adventurers and explorers," so it has some semi-niche options that the average user might not ever need to access like a Depth app for diving. The new Compass app has more universal appeal with the option to set Waypoints and use Backtrack if you're in danger of getting lost, which is handy even for casual hikes. The built-in Siren that's exclusive to the Ultra is surprisingly loud and has the potential to be handy even when in urban areas.
The Apple Watch Ultra's WayFinder face offers up a ton of information with space for eight complications, and the dark mode that shows the face in red is an option we wish was available for more watch faces.
Apple added a big orange button to the side of the Apple Watch Ultra called the Action button, and you can map it to various Ultra features for quick access even when you have gloves on. It can launch workouts, set waypoints in the Compass app, activate Shortcuts, turn on the flashlight, and more.
The Digital Crown was also made more accessible with bigger ridges that make it easier to use when you're gloved, and the speaker quality has been amped up with the addition of extra speakers.
For the feature set it offers, the Apple Watch Ultra is surprisingly affordable, especially when rumors had put the prospective cost at close to $1,000. Even if you're not out adventuring on a regular basis, the Apple Watch Ultra has options that are nice to have just in case, so it may be worth picking up if it fits your wrist and your lifestyle.
Have an Apple Watch Ultra? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Almost three years after the launch of the first-generation AirPods Pro, Apple unveiled the second-generation model alongside the iPhone 14 lineup and several new Apple Watches. Although the second-generation AirPods Pro feature the same design as their predecessor, they improve on features like Active Noise Cancellation, in-ear detection, and battery life, while introducing new functionality like Adaptive Transparency, volume adjustment touch controls, and precision finding.
In late 2021, Apple introduced a major update for its standard AirPods, with the new earbuds adding Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, force sensor controls, sweat and water resistance, MagSafe charging, and more.
Should you consider purchasing the $179 third-generation AirPods, or do you need the higher-end AirPods Pro, which sell for $249? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these sets of AirPods is best for you.
Comparing the AirPods and AirPods Pro
The AirPods and AirPods Pro share a large number of important features such as Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat and water resistance, and skin-detect sensors. Even so, there are some meaningful differences between them that are worth highlighting, including design and Active Noise Cancellation.
Key Differences
AirPods (Third-Generation)
AirPods Pro (Second-Generation)
Semi in-ear design
In-ear design with silicone ear tips (four sizes) and vent system for pressure equalization
Force sensor controls
Force sensor and touch controls for volume adjustment
H1 chips
H2 chips
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.3
–
Active Noise Cancellation
–
Transparency and Adaptive Transparency
–
Conversation Boost
Up to 5 hours listening time with Spatial Audio enabled
Up to 5.5 hours listening time with with Spatial Audio enabled
Up to 4 hours of talk time with a single charge
Up to 4.5 hours of talk time with a single charge
Up to 20 hours of talk time using MagSafe Charging Case
Up to 24 hours of talk time using MagSafe Charging Case
MagSafe Charging Case with Find My, built-in speaker, U1 chip for Precision Tracking, and lanyard loop
MagSafe Charging Case compatible with MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
MagSafe Charging Case compatible with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
Final Thoughts
The standard AirPods are now very similar to the AirPods Pro, offering almost all of the same features at a lower price point. As a result, the third-generation AirPods should be the default choice for most prospective buyers. If you also have AirPods Max, which already offer ANC, and are looking for an additional pair of headphones to use while working out or on the go, the third-generation AirPods are also a good choice.
You should only buy the AirPods Pro if you specifically prefer the fit and improved sound that in-ear silicone tips can provide, or need Active Noise Cancellation. It is also worth buying AirPods Pro if you could make good use of Apple's Conversation Boost accessibility feature. Otherwise, the advancements of the H2 chip, minor battery life improvements, and Adaptive Transparency may not be a worthwhile set of improvements over the standard AirPods.
AirPods Pro frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Pro version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The standard AirPods also often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
Customers who personalize their second-generation AirPods Pro charging case with an engraving will now have that engraving reflected directly on iOS as they pair and connect their AirPods Pro.
Apple allows customers to personalize their AirPods Pro charging case with a special engraving that can include select emojis and Memojis. Unlike before, starting with the second-generation AirPods Pro, that engraving is now reflected on the digital case on iOS as a user pairs and connects their AirPods Pro.
The second-generation AirPods Pro began arriving to customers today. The new AirPods Pro include better Active Noise Cancellation, the new H2 chip, and an updated charging case with deeper Find My integration and a lanyard loop.
With AirPods Pro 2, Apple improved the Charging Case by adding a U1 chip for Precision Finding with Find My. With AirPods Pro 3, Apple added a U2 chip to improve the feature. This article explains how to use Precision Finding to locate your AirPods Pro if you've misplaced or lost them.
Find My uses Bluetooth signals from lost AirPods to relay their location back to you. Apart from Bluetooth, however, the second-generation AirPods Pro Charging Case is also equipped with a U1 Ultra Wideband chip, and on iPhones that also have U1 chips, there's a Precision Finding feature that enables you to more accurately determine the distance and direction of your AirPods when they're in range, when compared to Bluetooth alone.
If you want to find lost AirPods Pro 2 and you have an iPhone 11 or later model, Precision Finding will direct you to the exact location of your AirPods using input from the camera, accelerometer, and gyroscope, with guidance provided through sound, haptics, and visual feedback. Here's how to use it.
If your AirPods are connected, open Settings and tap the AirPods tab just below your Apple ID, scroll down, then tap Show in Find My. If you've misplaced your AirPods earbuds along with the case, launch the Find My app and select your AirPods in the "Devices" list.
Tap Find. It should say "Nearby" underneath if the Precision Finding feature is available.
Now start moving around to locate your AirPods and follow the onscreen instructions. You should see an arrow pointing in the direction of the AirPods, an approximate distance telling you how far away they are, and a note if they're located on a different floor.
As you approach the AirPods, you'll feel haptic feedback from your phone and there will be audio cues to let you know that you're approaching an item. The AirPods graphic on the iPhone will also shift as you get nearer to it. Precision Finding exits when you've successfully located your AirPods and your iPhone is in very close proximity. Note that Ultra Wideband isn't universally supported worldwide, therefore Precision Finding won't work in some countries. But bear in mind that the AirPods Pro 2 Charging Case comes with a built-in speaker, so you can also make it play a sound using Find My to more easily locate it.
Following last week's launch of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, this week's deals continued to focus on great discounts and promotions on the new Apple smartphones and their best accessories. You'll also find the first markdowns on the new Apple Watch SE and ongoing solid sales on iPad Pro and MacBook Pro.
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.
Verizon kicked off a big sale on MagSafe accessories and chargers to mark the launch of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, and these deals are still ongoing. You can get the MagSafe Charger for $29.99, down from $39.00. The MagSafe Duo Charger is down to $96.74, from $129.00; and the MagSafe Battery Pack is down to $74.24, from $99.00.
One week ago the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro launched, and launch day deals are still available at all the major carriers. This year's most popular promotion offers up to $1,000 off the iPhone 14 when you trade in your old smartphone and purchase the iPhone 14 on a qualifying installment plan offered from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile.
This week, Amazon introduced the first discounts on the new Apple Watch SE, offering $9 off in select configurations. You can get the 44mm GPS model for $269.98, down from $279.00, and the 44mm Cellular model for $319.98, down from $329.00.
In the face of the expected launch of new iPad Pro models next month, Amazon has begun clearing out 2021 models. One of the best deals is on the 256GB Wi-Fi model and it's on sale for $999.99, down from $1,199.00. You can find more tablets on sale in our article here.
We've been tracking steep discounts on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro for a few weeks, and things have stayed consistent as we entered fall this week. You can get a solid $399 off multiple configurations of the 2021 MacBook Pro on Amazon, with prices starting at $2,099.00 for the 1TB 14-inch model.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
After a three-year wait, the second-generation AirPods Pro earbuds are finally here, arriving in the hands of customers as of today. We picked up a the AirPods Pro 2 and thought we'd check them out to give MacRumors readers an overview of all the new features.
Design wise, the AirPods Pro look almost identical to the original AirPods Pro, but there are some changes with the charging case that you'll notice. It's got a little hole for a lanyard, but note that Apple isn't selling its own lanyard - you'll need a third party solution from a company like Incase.
The MagSafe Charging Case also has speakers at the bottom to play a sound when lost, and it integrates with the Find My app so you can find the case AND the AirPods individually. There's a U1 chip for Precision Finding too, in case it's lost close by and you need to track it down.
You can charge the AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning or with MagSafe chargers, and as a bonus, Apple even added support for the Apple Watch charger. So you can basically charge with whatever you've got lying around.
Apple redesigned the internals of the AirPods Pro and there's a new H2 chip and all new audio components. Fit is about the same and still just as comfortable, but you now have XS tips to choose from in addition to S, M, and L.
With the H2 chip, Apple says the AirPods Pro can cancel up to twice as much noise. It's not super noticeable right off the bat, but get into some noisy environments with heavy traffic, construction, or the hum of an airplane, and you'll hear an improvement.
Adaptive Transparency builds on the original Transparency Mode and is also enabled by the H2 chip. It cuts down on loud noises like sirens or power tools while leaving everything else around audible, and it works well. Apple has always had the edge on Transparency Mode compared to other earbud manufacturers, and that's still true.
Apple added a new driver and amplifier to the AirPods Pro for richer bass and clear sound even at high volume levels. We didn't notice a huge difference between the original AirPods Pro and the new model, but the sound is warmer, and there's definitely improved range at the low-end with more bass.
You can still use all the same button presses you used with the prior AirPods Pro for swapping songs, but Apple also added a touch control for adjusting volume without having to access your device, which is a useful addition.
Battery life is also improved with up to six hours of listening time and 30 hours total with the case. We haven't had time to do a lot of testing with battery life, but that's what Apple's estimates put it at thanks to the H2 chip.
So are these worth the upgrade? The answer is yes if your 2019 model is starting to show signs of issues with battery life or if you want to get access to improved ANC. AirPods Pro continue to be some of the best earbuds on the market and are worth picking up.
With new Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 models now in the hands of customers, Apple has brought a host of smart new features to many people's wrists. But there's more to come.
Apple has a handful of additional features in store for Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra owners before the year's end, and some of them are watchOS 9 functions, which means they will even work on older Apple Watch models, too. Here's what we can expect.
1. Track Detection
Apple will soon introduce a new Track running experience that automatically detects when you arrive at a running track, and combines Apple Maps data with GPS to provide a more accurate route map – including an option to choose your lane – and more accurate pace and distance metrics. Apple says Track Detection is coming later this year to the United States via a software update for Apple Watch Series 4 and later models.
2. Race Route
A new Workout feature especially for runners, Race Route enables you to race against your best or last result on any frequently completed routes. The feature will also offer in-session pacing guidance to keep your progress competitive. Apple says Race Route is coming later this year to Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
3. International Roaming
For cellular Apple Watch models, Apple will soon be introducing support for international roaming. Apple says it has agreements with 30 carrier partners to support the feature, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the U.S., Three and O2 in the U.K., and international carriers including China Mobile, Movistar, and Softbank. Apple says international roaming will be available by the end of this year for Apple Watch Series 5 and later cellular models.
4. Family Setup – Home App Support
Coming to Family Setup is support for the Home app, which will allow a child to be invited as a member to control HomePod speakers and smart home accessories. As a result of the additional support, kids will also be able to use home keys and hotel keys in Apple Wallet.
The feature depends on Apple's new Home architecture, a separate update in the Home app, and will be available in a software update later this year. Note that sharing control of your home and receiving Home notifications require a home hub, and only Apple TV and HomePod are supported as home hubs in iOS 16.
5. Oceanic+ App (Apple Watch Ultra)
Developed by Apple in conjunction with third-party outfit Huish Outdoors, Oceanic+ is a built-in Dive computer specifically designed for Apple Watch Ultra models. As a free app on the App Store, Oceanic+ will include depth tracking (including depth alarms), GPS tracking, logbook (up to 12 dives), snorkeling, and more.
For more advanced diving options such as No Decompression Limit, users will be required to purchase an Oceanic+ subscription plan ($4.99/day, $9.99/month, or $79/year). Oceanic+ will be available on the App Store later this fall.
6. Low Power Mode (Apple Watch Ultra)
Apple Watch Ultra has the best battery life of any Apple Watch, capable of reaching up to 36 hours during normal use. However, Apple has a new low-power setting in the works that can extend battery life to reach up to 60 hours on a single charge.
Apple says this projected battery life is based on the following usage while in Low Power Mode and with workout settings enabled for fewer heart rate and GPS readings: 15 hours of workout, over 600 time checks, 35 minutes of app use, 3 minutes of talk, and 15 hours of sleep tracking, over the course of 60 hours. Apple says the low-power setting with reduced frequency of GPS and heart rate readings will be available later this fall.
With AirPods Pro 2, Apple has improved the Charging Case by adding a U1 chip for Precision Finding with Find My. This means there is a speaker built into the case that can emit a sound to help you locate it.
However, the speaker also plays an audible chime whenever you start charging the Charging Case. The sound plays whether you connect the case to power via Lightning or place it down on a charging pad. If you find this distracting, here's an easy way to turn it off.
Connect your AirPods Pro 2 to your iPhone.
Launch the Settings app.
Tap the AirPods Pro 2 tab just under your Apple ID.
Scroll down and toggle off the switch next to Enable Charging Case Sounds.
That's all you need to do. Note that the setting will remain grayed out if the Charging Case is currently connected to power.
Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro models in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to supply chain publication DigiTimes. The report does not mention specific models, but it very likely refers to the next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros given that the 13-inch model was already updated earlier this year.
There has been uncertainty surrounding the timing of new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and whether they would be equipped with 5nm or 3nm chips, but it is looking increasingly likely that the notebooks will be released later this year with 5nm chips. Apple is expected to hold an October event focused on the Mac and iPad, so it would be fitting for the new MacBook Pro models to be announced then.
In August, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips were "well into development and testing" at Apple. The notebooks will have very few new features beyond the faster chips, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, after receiving a major redesign in October 2021.
The latest design of the high-end MacBook Pro includes a flatter-edged chassis, a notch at the top of the display, revived ports like MagSafe and HDMI, and more. MacBooks typically go multiple generations between major hardware changes.
While they might remain 5nm, the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are expected to be manufactured based on TSMC's newer 5nm process known as "N5P," so the new MacBook Pro models would still have performance and power efficiency improvements. However, a bigger bump in performance would come from the switch to 3nm chips in 2023 or later.
MacBook shipments have "remained relatively stable" compared to Intel-based Windows laptops, according to DigiTimes. The launch of the new MacBook Air with the M2 chip in July combined with the upcoming launch of new MacBook Pro models could result in Apple's notebook market share hitting a nearly five-year high in 2022, the report added.
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra are now available to purchase, but if you aren't interested in these updates you can save a lot of money on Series 7 models right now on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The best deals are on cellular models of the Apple Watch Series 7, starting with the 41mm cellular model for $379.00, down from $499.00. This is an all-time low price on the cellular Apple Watch Series 7, and it's only available in (PRODUCT)RED.
You can also get the 45mm cellular Apple Watch Series 7 at a discounted price of $400.00 in several colors, down from $529.00. This is another record low price on the Series 7, and Amazon has an estimated delivery date of September 25-28.
Comparatively, not many GPS models of the Series 7 are seeing notable discounts on Amazon this week. The best deal can be found on the 45mm GPS Apple Watch Series 7 for $369.99, down from $429.00. This is a second-best price on the wearable.
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro are now in the hands of customers, and one notable new tidbit that has come to light is that the MagSafe Charging Case can broadcast its charging status to the iOS Battery widget even when the AirPods are in your ears.
With other AirPods models, including the first-generation AirPods Pro, users have to place the earbuds in the Charging Case to get a reading of the battery status of the case itself. With AirPods Pro 2, the Battery widget will now show you the status of both the Charging Case and the AirPods, regardless of whether the earbuds are in the case.
The AirPods Pro 2 case includes a built-in U1 chip that enables Find My with Precision Finding so that it can be exactly located. It seems likely therefore that the U1 chip is enabling the Charging Case to broadcast its battery status over high-frequency Ultra Wideband, rather than having to rely on a Bluetooth connection via the AirPods.
Priced at $249, AirPods Pro 2 are available to order from Apple's website and to pick up at Apple Stores. Are you a new owner of AirPods Pro 2? Let us know what your initial impressions are in the comments.
Apple Watch Ultra orders are beginning to arrive to customers around the world. For customers who forgot to pre-order an Apple Watch Ultra or simply decided to wait, many configurations are now estimated for delivery in 3-4 weeks, but the good news is that same-day or next-day pickup is now available at select Apple Store locations.
A quick spot check of Apple's online store reveals that many Apple Watch Ultra models with the Alpine Loop or Ocean Band are available for in-store pickup today in countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., but Trail Loop models are much harder to find. In-store availability will likely deplete quickly as the day goes on.
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com or in the Apple Store app, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP or postal code, choose an available Apple Store location, select a pickup date, and select a 15-minute check-in window. Payment is completed online, and a valid government-issued photo ID and the order number may be required upon pickup.
A few Apple Watch Ultra models may also be available for walk-in customers at Apple Store locations with enough inventory, but your mileage may vary. Walk-in customers may be placed into a separate queue with lower priority upon arrival to the store.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are also available for Apple Store pickup starting today.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
