PlayStation maker Sony today announced that it intends to begin producing mobile games designed for iPhone and Android devices through the acquisition of Savage Game Studios. Savage Game Studios founders have worked for companies that include Rovio, Zynga, and Wargaming, and Sony says they have "many years of experience making some of the most popular mobile games."
Sony says that its mobile gaming efforts will not take away from its work on console gaming, and will be "additive," providing new ways for people to engage with PlayStation content.
Our mobile gaming efforts will be similarly additive, providing more ways for more people to engage with our content, and striving to reach new audiences unfamiliar with PlayStation and our games. Savage Game Studios is joining a newly created PlayStation Studios Mobile Division, which will operate independently from our console development and focus on innovative, on-the-go experiences based on new and existing PlayStation IP.
Savage Game Studios is joining a new PlayStation Studios Mobile Division that is set to operate separately of the console team. There's no word as of yet what the PlayStation Studios Mobile Division will work on first, but there's already a new "unannounced AAA mobile live service action game" in development.
Snap today announced the launch of a new Dual Camera feature, which is designed to allow Snapchat users to record or capture photos using the front and back iPhone cameras at the same time.
The Dual Camera option can be accessed from the camera toolbar, and it is available for Snaps, Stories, and Spotlight videos. Snap says that it is a way for Snapchat users to "capture exciting moments while being part of the memory."
There are four layouts available, including vertical, horizontal, cutout and picture-in-picture. With the first two options, the view is split either vertically or horizontally, but with picture-in-picture, a circular front-facing camera view is overlaid on top of the back camera view. For the cutout view, Snapchat takes a cutout from the front-facing camera and overlays it on the back camera view.
Dual Camera is available to all iOS users as of today. Snapchat can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Apple today seeded the eighth beta of an upcoming iOS 16 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the seventh developer beta.
Registered developers can download the iOS 16 profile from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the beta will be available over the air. There is no iPadOS 16 update at this time as Apple has split iPadOS into iPadOS 16.1, which will be released after iOS 16.
iOS 16 introduces a revamped Lock Screen that offers a new level of personalization and customization through widgets, a notification redesign, and adjustable fonts and colors for the time. Multiple Lock Screens are supported, similar to watch faces, and can be associated with Focus modes.
Focus is easier to set up than before and more customizable, with Focus filters available to cut out distracting content within apps. The Messages app now features tools for editing an iMessage, unsending an iMessage, and marking messages as unread, plus it supports SharePlay, much like FaceTime.
The Mail app has improved search and tools that include undo send, schedule send, and follow up so you can get a reminder to check up on an email if you haven't gotten a response. Safari supports Shared Tab Groups and Apple is working to replace passwords with Passkeys, a more biometrically secure way to log in to accounts.
iCloud Photo Library allows users to more easily share photos with family members, and Live Text is supported in video. There's a neat new feature for lifting the subject from a background with a tap, which is part of Visual Lookup.
Dictation has improved, Maps now supports multi-stop routing, Apple Pay Later lets you split up purchase payments, and the Home app has been entirely overhauled with a new look. The fifth beta of iOS 16 added the battery percentage back to the status bar on iPhones that have a notch, plus it introduced new sounds for locating an iPhone via Find My or the Apple Watch.
Apple today released an updated version of Boot Camp, the software that allows the Windows operating system to be run on Intel-based Macs. Boot Camp 6.1.19 includes updates to the Precision Touchpad driver, according to Apple's release notes, along with other bug fixes.
This is the second Boot Camp update that Apple has pushed out in the last week, with Boot Camp 6.1.16 released on August 22. That update introduced WiFi WPA3 support and fixed a Bluetooth driver issue that could occur when resuming from sleep or hibernation.
Boot Camp users can navigate to the Start menu in Windows and open the Apple Software Update app to install the new Boot Camp drivers.
Boot Camp is a feature that is only available on older Intel-based Macs. It is not compatible with Apple silicon Macs, and these machines are not able to run Windows without virtualization software.
Apple is indeed working on satellite connectivity for the iPhone 14 and completed hardware tests for the feature ahead of mass production, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo says that Apple has the hardware support for satellite connectivity, but whether the iPhone 14 will support satellite communications depends on "whether Apple and operators can settle the business model." The iPhone 13 also has satellite hardware, but connectivity was not implemented because "the business model had not been negotiated."
According to Kuo, it is "hard to predict" when the iPhone will offer satellite communication services, but it is expected to happen "eventually." When it is implemented, in the iPhone 14 or beyond, satellite connectivity will be used for emergency texting and voice services. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said that iPhone users will be able to use satellite connectivity to report emergencies to authorities in areas with no cellular service, and send short messages to contacts in the event of an emergency.
Rumors have suggested that Apple is working with Globalstar, and Kuo says that is indeed the operator that Apple is most likely to partner with. Satellite communications consultant Tim Ferrar said on Friday that he expects Apple and Globalstar to launch a satellite communications feature for the iPhone 14.
T-Mobile and SpaceX last week announced a plan to provide smartphone connectivity anywhere in the United States using "satellite-to-cellular" service, and the timing of the announcement may have been planned to preempt Apple's own satellite-related announcement. SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to launch a beta of the service in 2023, and it likely will not require an iPhone 14.
Based on the box design, this iPhone was among the initial batch of original iPhone models sold in the first few months after the iPhone launched in June 2007, as the Home Screen does not include an iTunes Store icon. The iTunes Store app was initially not included on the iPhone and wasn't added until a few months later with the release of iPhone OS 1.1 in September 2007. The iPhone box design was subsequently updated to add the icon.
The listing doesn't offer any clues on the condition of the actual iPhone inside the box, but given it's still sealed, it should be in brand-new condition.
Apple's two-year transition from Intel processors to its own custom-designed chips in Macs is nearly complete. The only remaining Intel-based Macs that Apple sells are a higher-priced Mac mini configuration and the Mac Pro tower, and both of those models are expected to be updated with M2 series chips by the end of the year.
Based on the latest rumors, we've outlined when to expect new models of every Mac in Apple's lineup and which chips they are expected to be powered by. For more information and purchase recommendations, consult the MacRumors Buyer's Guide.
MacBook Air
When was the current model released? July 2022
What chip is in the current model? M2 chip
When to expect a new model? The second half of 2023
What chip to expect for new model? M3 chip
Major design changes for new model? Unlikely, but a larger 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to launch alongside the existing 13-inch model
Apple updated the MacBook Air in July 2022 with the M2 chip, a slightly larger 13.6-inch display, a notch, flatter edges, and new Starlight and Midnight color options. The notebook features MagSafe charging, an upgraded 1080p camera, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones, four speakers, and more.
When to expect a new model? The second half of 2023
What chip to expect for new model? M3 chip
Major design changes for new model? Unclear. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is the last Mac that Apple sells with a Touch Bar
Released in June 2022, the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro features the same design as the previous model, with the only notable change being the addition of the M2 chip. Another spec bump to the M3 chip is expected in June 2023 or later.
14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
When were the current models released? October 2021
What chips are in the current models? M1 Pro and M1 Max chips
When to expect new models? October 2022 likely, but possibly the first half of 2023
What chips to expect for new models? M2 Pro and M2 Max chips
Major design changes for new models? Unlikely, as the larger MacBook Pro models received a significant redesign with extra ports and more in 2021
Apple's next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are "well into development and testing," and planned for release "as early as this fall," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. As usual in recent years, Gurman said the timeframe could be pushed back due to supply chain disruptions or other factors.
While some reports suggested that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips may be Apple's first 3nm chips, it looks increasingly likely that the chips will remain 5nm. The chips would still have modest performance improvements over the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and increased GPU core counts and unified memory (RAM) are also likely.
iMac
When was the current model released? May 2021
What chip is in the current model? M1 chip
When to expect a new model? 2023
What chip to expect for new model? M3 chip
Major design changes for new model? Unlikely, as the iMac received a significant redesign with an ultra-thin colorful enclosure in 2021
Apple released the colorful 24-inch iMac with an M1 chip in May 2021. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to skip an M2 version of the iMac and will instead release a model with an M3 chip at some point in 2023.
Gurman also believes that Apple eventually plans to release a larger iMac to replace the discontinued 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro models.
Mac mini
When was the current model released? November 2020
What chip is in the current model? M1 chip
When to expect a new model? October 2022 likely
What chips to expect for new models? M2 chip
Major design changes for new model? Unlikely
Apple released the Mac mini with an M1 chip as one of its first three Apple silicon Macs in November 2020. Nearly two years later, a new version of the base model Mac mini with an M2 chip is rumored to be on the horizon.
Mac mini (Intel)
When was the current model released? October 2018
What chip is in the current model? Intel's eighth-generation Core i5 or Core i7
When to expect a new model? October 2022 likely
What chip to expect for new model? M2 Pro chip
Major design changes for new model? Unlikely
Apple still sells a higher-priced Mac mini configuration with Intel processors, but rumors suggest it will be replaced with a model with an M2 Pro chip soon. It remains to be seen if the higher-end Mac mini remains available in Space Gray, as Apple dropped that color option for the standard Mac mini when it was updated with the M1 chip.
Mac Studio
When was the current model released? March 2022
What chips are in the current model? M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips
When to expect a new model? Unknown
What chip to expect for new model? M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips?
Major design changes for new model? Unlikely
As a first-generation product, the future of the Mac Studio remains to be seen. There is no clear timeframe for when the Mac Studio might be updated, but if it is, it would be reasonable to expect a spec bump with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips.
Mac Pro
When was the current model released? December 2019
What chips are in the current model? Intel Xeon W processors
When to expect a new model? By the end of 2022
What chips to expect for new model? M2 Ultra and M2 Extreme chips
Major design changes for new model? Potentially. The new Mac Pro with Apple silicon could be smaller at a minimum
At its March 2022 event, Apple teased the launch of a Mac Pro with Apple silicon, saying "that's for another day." According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release a new Mac Pro with M2 Ultra and "M2 Extreme" chips, and it's very likely that the computer will be released by the end of 2022, completing Apple's move away from Intel.
For the first time since 2019, Apple will host an in-person event to launch its newest iPhones on Wednesday, September 7, at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park. While the event is expected to remain primarily digital with an in-person component, it marks the first time in three years that Apple is holding an event in the Steve Jobs Theater and the first in-person iPhone launch since the iPhone 11.
Apple's annual fall iPhone event is one of the most highly anticipated events for the company each year. At this annual event, Apple showcases its latest innovations in the iPhone, Apple Watch, and other products and services. Due to the global health crisis, what used to be an entirely in-person event at Apple Park turned into digital, and pre-recorded videos live streamed online.
For the upcoming "Far Out" event, we still don't know what format Apple will use. With a small in-person crowd at the Steve Jobs Theater, Apple could have a live presentation with some parts pre-recorded. Either way, those in attendance will have the added benefit of having hands-on time access to the new products. Regardless of the specific format, the upcoming event remains somewhat historical. So we thought it would be fun to look back at Apple's last five in-person events before the new digital format took hold.
Apple's last fully in-person event was the iPhone 11 launch on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. At this event, Apple revealed the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, the Apple Watch Series 5, a new 10.2-inch iPad, and updates to services such as Apple Arcade. Relive that event and all of its announcements here.
Write code. Blow minds.
While WWDC 2022 did have an in-person crowd, it was still a pre-recorded event with no in-person presenters to showcase Apple's latest creations. The last in-person WWDC was in 2019, one of recent most jam-packed WWDC keynotes. During WWDC 2019, Apple not only showcased iOS 13, iPadOS 13, macOS Catalina, and more, but it also revealed the Mac Pro and the Pro Display XDR.
It's showtime.
A few months before WWDC in 2019, Apple held a service-focused event on March 27, 2019, at Apple Park and in the Steve Jobs Theater. During this event, Apple revealed a wide range of new services, including Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, Apple Card, and Apple News+.
The event was less mainstream compared to typical Apple events given the lack of hardware announcements for consumers. Still, it marked a critical turning point for Apple as it pivoted to also becoming a services company beyond just hardware and software. The event was held at the Steve Jobs Theater for select members of the media. Check out posts from MacRumors' coverage of the event here.
There's more in the making.
Not held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, Apple's October 30, 2018, event included the reveal of a redesigned MacBook Air, the completely new edge-to-edge 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and a new Mac mini at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. The event was heavily targeted toward creative professionals, such as artists and musicians who could use the new iPad Pro and the second-generation Apple Pencil to create their work. The new MacBook Air revealed at the time also targeted students who needed a light, thin, and capable laptop.
Gather round.
To wrap up the list, we look back at Apple's September 12, 2018, event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park, where Apple announced the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max, the Apple Watch Series 4, and the iPhone XR. This was just the second event Apple had ever held at the Steve Jobs Theater after the first event in 2017, which included the launch of the iPhone X.
Conclusion
In-person events at Apple Park have a rich history, and while Apple's upcoming "Far Out" event likely won't be a full return to normal with in-person presenters and announcements, it does mark the first iPhone launch at the Steve Jobs Theater in three years. What are you most looking forward to for Apple's "Far Out" event? Let us know in the comments below.
One of the summer's best sales is still around as we head into September this week, with the 32GB Apple TV 4K priced at $119.99 on Amazon, down from $179.00. You can get this model delivered as soon as this Wednesday for Prime delivery customers.
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.
This sale has been the most consistent deal we've tracked on the Apple TV 4K, and overall it's a second-best price. It also comes with the new version of the Siri Remote.
If you're interested in more storage, the 64GB Apple TV 4K is also on sale and is priced at $139.99, down from $199.00. This one can be delivered as soon as this Wednesday as well, and is another second-best price.
T-Mobile today announced that it is adding an Apple TV+ subscription to its Magenta MAX plan, giving eligible T-Mobile customers unlimited access to Apple's original content, including hit shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Severance, and more.
In a press release, T-Mobile announced that the added perk of an Apple TV+ subscription will come at no additional cost to T-Mobile customers, effective August 31. Regular Magenta customers can get 6 months free of Apple TV+.
With Apple TV+ access, Magenta MAX customers now have access to a wide assortment of added benefits, including unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi and high-speed data abroad in 215+ countries and destinations, protection against scam calls, and more.
A new rumor suggests that Apple's upcoming Apple Watch "Pro" will not be compatible with existing Apple Watch bands, meaning customers who opt for the new high-end Apple Watch will also be required to purchase new bands rather than using bands they may already have.
Apple is widely expected to announce a new high-end Apple Watch "Pro" during its upcoming "Far Out" event on Wednesday, September 7. The new watch is rumored to feature a more rugged design, with a possible flat display and a redesigned case that features a larger display and measures somewhere between 47mm and 48mm.
According to a post on Weibo by the account "UnclePan," who has shared accurate information in the past, the Apple Watch "Pro," due to its more squared-off design, will not be compatible with older Apple Watch bands. While Apple has slowly increased the size of the Apple Watch over the years, it has maintained compatibility with older Apple Watch bands. The backward compatibility allows customers to upgrade their Apple Watch and continue using their existing watch bands without being forced to buy new ones.
The new Apple Watch "Pro" is expected to be targeted at athletes and customers who want a ruggedized and durable Apple Watch. Given this, Apple may opt to provide an entirely new line of Apple Watch bands explicitly designed for pro-athletes that work with the Apple Watch "Pro" and no other Apple Watch model.
The new Apple Watch "Pro" is just one addition to the Apple Watch lineup expected in a little over a week. Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 8 and an updated second-generation Apple Watch SE. The Series 8 is expected to keep the same design as the Series 7 but could feature battery life improvements and a new body temperature sensor. Learn more about the upcoming Apple Watch lineup with our guide.
Update:Bloomberg’sMark Gurmanhas tweeted that he believes the Apple Watch "Pro" will remain compatible with older Apple Watch bands.
Amazon is kicking off this week with new all-time low prices on a few models of the 2021 MacBook Pro. These sales offer up to $400 off Apple's MacBook Pro in both 14-inch and 16-inch display sizes.
14-inch MacBook Pro
For the 14-inch MacBook Pro, only the 10-core M1 Pro/1TB SSD model is on sale at $2,099.00, down from $2,499.00. This beats the previous low price by $100 and is now the best deal we've ever tracked.
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.
Secondly, you can get the 10-Core M1 Pro/512GB 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,099.00, down from $2,499.00. This one is only available in Space Gray on Amazon, and current delivery estimates put it for the first week of September.
On the higher end, the 10-Core M1 Pro/1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro is on sale for $2,299.00, down from $2,699.00. At $400 off, this is another brand new record low price on the 2021 MacBook Pro, and it's available in Silver and Space Gray.
You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.
New trademark filings suggest that Apple is gearing up to soon launch its first AR/VR headset as it looks to secure several possible names and marketing terms for its upcoming headset, including "Reality Processor," "Reality Pro," and "Reality One."
The filings, reported by Bloomberg, were filed in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and Uruguay and are listed under shell companies used by Apple in the past to trademark names. Apple regularly uses shell companies to trademark names as it allows the company to maintain secrecy over unannounced products, services, or software.
Apple is planning to call the software that runs on its AR/VR headset "realityOS," so "Reality One" could make sense for the name of its first AR/VR headset. Other trademarked terms, including "Reality Processor," could refer to the chip that runs on the headset. Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning to use an M2 Apple silicon chip with 16GB of RAM for the AR/VR headset but notes Apple may need more powerful graphics to handle the experience.
Apple's first AR/VR headset, expected to be announced as soon as this January, will be a high-end niche device that could cost upwards of $3,000. Bloomberg and reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both report that Apple is already working on a second-generation version of its AR/VR headset that could be less pricey and lighter. The follow-up version, as well as the "Apple Glasses," aren't expected to launch until later this decade, according to Bloomberg.
In May, Apple showcased its AR/VR headset to its board, indicating that the development of the product is largely complete. realityOS is expected to feature several AR/VR-based experiences, such as integration with Apple Maps and FaceTime with Memojis. You can learn more about Apple's AR/VR headset with our roundup.
Apple's next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are "well into development and testing," and there is still a chance the notebooks will be released later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In his "Power On" newsletter today, Gurman said Apple plans to release the new MacBook Pro models "as early as this fall," but as usual, he said there is a chance the timeframe is pushed back due to supply chain disruptions or other factors. Mass production of the notebooks will begin in the fourth quarter, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
While some reports suggested that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips may be Apple's first 3nm chips, it looks increasingly likely that the chips will remain 5nm. The chips would still have performance improvements over the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in the current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, as Apple is expected to move from TSMC's standard 5nm process "N5" to its more advanced 5nm process known as "N5P."
Like the standard M2 chip, the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips would likely also have increased GPU core counts and RAM compared to their M1 equivalents.
No major design changes have been rumored for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is unsurprising given that the notebooks launched with an all-new design in October 2021. The redesigned included the return of ports like MagSafe and HDMI, while a notch was added to the display for an upgraded 1080p camera and thinner bezels.
The so-called "Apple Watch Pro" will feature a larger 47mm case size, according to a report today from Japanese website Mac Otakara. By comparison, the Apple Watch Series 7 is available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes.
The report, citing information received from "reliable sources," also claims the Apple Watch Pro will feature a completely flat display, whereas existing Apple Watch models have slightly curved edges around the display. The flat design could improve the durability of the Apple Watch Pro, which Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported will be a "rugged" model designed for high-impact activities like hiking and extreme sports.
While a 47mm case size is new information, the flat display has been rumored previously. Other features expected for the Apple Watch Pro include a titanium casing, longer battery life, an expanded Low Power Mode, an S8 chip, and more.
Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Pro alongside two standard Apple Watch Series 8 models and the iPhone 14 at its September 7 media event. Pricing remains to be seen, but titanium Apple Watch models currently start at $799 in the United States, so it would be reasonable to expect a starting price of around $799 to $999.
Mark your calendars! Apple has officially announced that it will be holding a media event on Wednesday, September 7, where we're expecting to see the iPhone 14 and additional announcements. The uncharacteristically early official announcement two weeks ahead of time may be due to this marking the return of standalone in-person media events for the first time in almost three years.
Other news this week included confirmation from Apple that iPadOS 16 has been delayed a bit and will not launch alongside iOS 16 next month, an expansion of Apple's Self Repair Program to the Mac, and fresh rumors about the iPhone 14 lineup and upcoming MacBook Pro models, so read on for details on these stories and more!
Apple Announces September 7 Event With 'Far Out' Tagline
Rumors suggest Apple plans to release numerous devices by the end of the year, including new models of the iPad, iPad Pro, Mac mini, Mac Pro, Apple TV, AirPods Pro, and more, so there's always a chance that at least one or two of these products also gets announced at the September event.
Apple is also expected to hold an October event this year, so it should be a busy fall season for the company as usual.
Apple Confirms iPadOS 16 is Delayed and Will Launch as iPadOS 16.1
Images Allegedly Show Real iPhone 14 Pro Display Cutouts and Status Bar Items
With the iPhone 14 Pro display expected to gain a new pill-and-hole-punch design rather than a notch, it looks like there will be some changes to how iOS handles the front camera system on the new models.
Leaked photos and screenshots suggest the cellular/Wi-Fi/battery indicators in the status bar will move slightly down and to the right to better line up with the new camera system design.
New 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Expected to Enter Mass Production This Year
In a tweet, Kuo said the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models may still have chips based on TSMC's latest 5nm process given that TSMC's financial guidance indicated that the company will not begin to receive revenue from 3nm chip production until 2023.
iPhone Mini Fans: What to Look Out for When the iPhone 14 Models Launch
While rumors suggest there won't be an iPhone 14 mini this year, due to lackluster sales of the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini, fans of Apple's smaller 5.4-inch smartphone will still have options.
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.
Netflix is planning to charge between $7 and $9 for its upcoming ad-supported tier, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Netflix's current lowest-priced plan is $9.99 per month in the United States, with the plan offering 480p streaming.
Netflix also has a $15.49 per month plan for 1080p streaming, and a $19.99 per month plan for 4K streaming. The lower-cost ad-supported tier is aimed at those who don't mind ads and who do not want to pay $9.99+ for a standard Netflix subscription.
Ads will be shown before and during TV shows and movies, and Netflix plans to sell approximately four minutes of advertising per hour, which will be shorter than the 10 to 20 minutes of commercials per hour shown by cable companies. Customers will not be able to skip ads or access playback controls while ads are playing, but Netflix does want to limit ad targeting and make sure ads are not too repetitive.
The ad-supported tier will have more restrictions than more expensive tiers, and Netflix does not plan to allow customers subscribed to the plan to download TV shows and movies for offline viewing.
Netflix has turned to ads because it has not been able to maintain subscriber count. The company lost subscribers for the first time in 10 years in the first quarter of 2022, and blamed "a large number of households sharing accounts" and "competition."
Netflix is aiming to introduce the more affordable plan in limited markets before the end of the year, but a full rollout may not happen until 2023.
The iPhone and iPad have a built-in intelligent search feature called Spotlight, which is designed to search through apps, files, and the web to help you find what you're looking for. Apple improves Spotlight Search with every iteration of iOS, and iOS 16 is no exception.
This guide highlights everything that's new with Spotlight in iOS 16, available now, and iPadOS 16, coming in October.
Home Screen Search
Accessing the Spotlight Search feature is typically done by swiping down from the Home Screen to bring up the search interface, but Apple in iOS 16 decided to add another "Search" button.
You can now find a "Search" option available at the bottom of the Home Screen, which can be tapped to enter the Spotlight Search interface. The Search button replaces the dots that were previously there to let you know how many app pages you have available.
The button is located just above the dock, but there is an option to disable it in the Home Screen section of the Settings app.
Spotlight can find locations, people, scenes, text, pets, objects, and more in images from Messages, Notes, and Files, in addition to the Photos app in iOS 16.
Quick Actions
Apple updated Spotlight to support Quick Actions, which are functions that can be done right from the search interface.
Some of the options:
Start a timer
Activate a Focus
Shazam a song
Run a Shortcut
Spotlight can also help you find the Shortcuts that are available for any app.
Siri Suggestion Improvements
Apple has updated Siri Suggestions to consider the context when offering up apps that you might want to use. This makes the suggested apps and actions in Spotlight more relevant to what you might be doing at the current time.
Siri Suggestions can do things like suggesting directions when you have a meeting coming up, or offer a flight status check when you have a flight. It can also suggest that you call someone having a birthday, show your favorite apps you use at certain times of the day, or bring up your recent searches so you can get back to prior results more quickly.
Live Activities
When Apple launches Live Activities in the future, Spotlight will be able to be used to start a Live Activity that will show up on the Lock Screen. Live Activities are interactive notifications that stay up to date, allowing you to keep an eye on things happening in real-time right from the Lock Screen.
If you're following a sports game, for example, you can see the updated score on the Lock Screen, or if you're waiting for an Uber ride, you can watch for your driver to approach.
Live Activities will not be available when iOS 16 launches, but will be coming in a future update.
Expanded Rich Results
Apple is improving the rich search results that show information like data on an actor when you search for an actor's name. The feature will now show additional information for businesses, sports leagues, and sports teams.
App Clip Improvements
App Clips are modified versions of apps that let you use limited app functionality without having to do a full install. Spotlight integrates with App Clips, offering up App Clip suggestions when you're in a relevant location.
In iOS 16, Apple uses precise location suggestions to improve App Clip suggestions in Spotlight, but Location-Based Suggestions can be disabled as always in the Privacy section of the Settings app.
Guide Feedback
Have questions about the Spotlight Search feature in iOS 16, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.
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.
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.
