Customers can now message Best Buy to get questions answered, store timings, resolve issues, and more using iMessage through Apple's Business Chat feature, as first reported by Apple blog Appleosophy.
Using iMessage Business Chat, Best Buy customers can now initiate a conversation with the retail chain by either navigating to a Best Buy location on Apple Maps and tapping the "Message" button or through its website and apps.
Apple Business Chat allows customers to message participating businesses right through iMessage on their devices, just as they would text a friend or family member. Apple Business Chat integrates with Apple Maps and Apple Pay, enabling users to purchase and pay for items in chat and begin chats through Apple Maps.
Apple is planning to launch a new entry-level iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Pro at its "Spring Loaded" event tomorrow, along with "a few surprises," according to Wedbush analysts.
In a new note to investors, seen by MacRumors, Wedbush analysts Daniel Ives and Strecker Backe explained that the iPad will be the main focus of Apple's "Spring Loaded" event, with new entry-level iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Pro models being announced.
The 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will apparently be receiving "significant changes," including the A14X chip and a "game-changing" mini-LED display for the 12.9-inch model, allowing for better color performance, dimming capabilities, and higher contrast.
While the entry-level iPad and the iPad mini will see "consistent pricing" compared to the current models, the iPad Pro models will apparently have "modest price increases" over the current versions.
While the new iPads will be the main focus of the event, Wedbush believes that "there could be a few surprises," including new iMacs with a range of color options, an updated Apple Pencil, and the long-awaited AirTags item trackers.
Moreover, third-generation AirPods are expected to be teased at the event, but will not be launched immediately. The AirPods 3 are instead expected to be launched "in a separate virtual event in the early summer timeframe," which may be referring to WWDC, starting on June 7.
This may explain some of the uncertainty around the launch of the third-generation AirPods, with some leaked images and reports claiming that launch is imminent, while others have said that they will not enter production until the third quarter of 2021. Nonetheless, it is not clear why Apple would announce new AirPods but not launch them for several months, suppressing the sales of the current model in the process.
MacRumors will provide live coverage of the "Spring Loaded" Apple event both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Apple may announce a podcasts subscription service at its "Spring Loaded" event tomorrow, according to Vox's Peter Kafka and findings in the beta of iOS 14.5.
Kafka remarked in a tweet, spotted by 9to5Mac, that he is "pretty sure Apple is prepping its own podcast plan - a paid subscription service - on Tuesday." MacRumors contributor Steve Moser has now said that Kafka's claim lines up with findings in the beta of iOS 14.5.
The Podcasts app in iOS 14.5 features a new account button on the "Listen Now" tab, just like in Apple Music. Notifications settings have been moved to this new area, which will presumably include other account and subscription information.
Apple has not yet announced a release date for iOS 14.5, but with eight betas having been released, iOS 14.5 is nearing the end of the testing process. It is likely that a release candidate of iOS 14.5 will follow the Apple event, along with an update on when iOS 14.5 will fully roll out.
Apple has been rumored to be planning to launch a podcasts subscription service for some time. A report by Loup Ventures analysts made the case for a new Apple service tentatively titled "Podcasts+." According to the report, Podcasts+ would form a tier in the existing Podcasts app, offering a selection of exclusive premium shows.
The service is speculated to be bundled as a part of Apple One as well as Apple Music, with no added charge for existing paid subscribers. Podcasts+ would help to "drive incremental interest" in Apple Music and Apple One as a result, "generating high-margin, recurring revenue."
The Information and Bloomberg have reinforced the rumor, explaining that talks between Apple and production companies for a new podcast service were ongoing.
Spotify has moved aggressively into podcasts, acquiring the exclusive rights to popular shows and removing them from other services. A podcasts subscription service would enable Apple to claw back space within the field.
According to Kafka, the new service could be announced as soon as tomorrow, presumably to accompany iOS 14.5, at Apple's "Spring Loaded" event. The event is also expected to see the debut of new iPad models and potentially redesigned iMacs with Apple silicon chips.
Update:AppleInsider reports that Apple is no longer accepting new podcast submissions on iTunes connect. Reports of Apple refusing to accept new podcast submissions for review began emerging yesterday, and may indicate that a major podcast-related change could be set to arrive imminently, which has fueled speculation around an Apple podcasts subscription service being announced tomorrow. It is also possible that the podcast submission block may simply be a consequence of scheduled maintenance.
With the release of Chrome 90, Google is rolling out a new browser feature that lets you create a shareable link to a section of text you've highlighted on a webpage. Here's how to use it.
Sometimes when you share a webpage link with someone, you just want to bring their attention to a specific passage or sentence to make your point, rather than have them read through the entire article.
Last year, Google created an extension called Link to Text Fragment that does just this. Recognizing its utility, the tech giant has integrated the function into its browser to coincide with the release of Chrome 90.
To use the feature, visit a web page and simply highlight the text you want to create a link to, then right-click and choose Copy Link to Highlight from the dropdown menu.
The "Copy Link to Highlight" option
This will generate a URL that includes a hash (#) symbol. All you need to do is share the link with someone, and when they click it they'll be sent directly to that part of the webpage with the specific passage highlighted, as shown below.
The shared link in action
Unfortunately, the highlight links that Chrome generates only work in Edge and Chrome, therefore users running other browsers won't see the highlighted text. However, they'll still be sent to the webpage in question, so the link isn't completely useless to Safari or Firefox users.
Google says the copy link to highlight feature is currently rolling out to desktop and Android devices, and is coming soon to iOS. If you're using the desktop browser and you've updated to Chrome 90 but you're not seeing the option yet, you can enable it manually by navigating to Chrome://flags and enabling the copy-link-to-text flag (use the search field to find it).
Samsung is not planning to include a ToF (time of flight) sensor in its upcoming Galaxy S22 flagship smartphone, according to Korea IT News, due to the South Korean tech-giant believing the technology lacks a "clear advantage" for the front-end consumer.
Apple first introduced ToF, or LiDAR, with the iPad Pro in 2020, and first on the iPhone with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. LiDAR, in simple terms, measures the time light takes to reach a destination and back. Using that data, devices can map and create 3D spaces or objects.
Samsung included a ToF sensor in its Galaxy Note 20 that was released last year; however, Korea IT News notes that it "did not meet its expectations." Samsung believed that the new sensor and data would "boost effects of its smartphone cameras," but has ultimately decided that LiDAR lacks applications that "can induce" customers.
However, the company decided to remove the technology from the Galaxy Note 20 that was released in the fall last year as the technology’s level of use did not meet its expectation. While it expected that the technology would boost effects of its smartphone cameras as the technology is capable of 3D sensing, the technology remained as a means of assisting picture-taking due to lack of ‘killer applications’ that can induce use of technology from consumers.
While Samsung decides not to include a LiDAR sensor in its upcoming flagship device, Apple is continuing to expand its adoption of the technology. Wedbush analysts believe that Apple will include LiDAR in all models of the iPhone 13 lineup, rather than just the Pro devices. Alongside being available on more devices, the sensor is expected to receive improvements in recognizing and detecting corners and edges as part of a new and improved camera system.
Surtees Studios has released Bartender 4 for macOS Big Sur, following extended testing in public beta. As well as macOS 11 support, the popular tool for rearranging or hiding Mac menu bar items now runs native on M1 Macs and comes with several new features and core abilities.
With Big Sur, Apple increased the space between menu bar items, which reduces the space available for icons. To alleviate this problem, Bartender 4 now allows users to revert to pre-Big Sur spacing or even use no spacing so to fit in more menu bar apps.
Bartender 4 also introduces menu bar spacers, which allow users to add spacers between groups of menu bar items that can either be just a configurable space, text, or even emoji, for grouping menu bar items into similar groups.
Meanwhile, there are new triggers for showing menu bar items, including image comparisons that show a menu bar item when it matches a particular state, and the ability to use scripts to show items, such as when VPNs or AirPods connect, for example. Other built-in triggers include showing the battery icon when on battery power and showing Time Machine during a backup.
With the new Quick Reveal feature, users can now also get instant access to hidden menu bar items by moving their mouse to the menu bar, or alternately by clicking the menu bar.
Elsewhere, there are improvements to Bartender's search function, which now sports a Spotlight-like interface with fuzzy search to very quickly find, show and activate menu bar items from your keyboard. It's also now possible to assign hotkeys to menu bar items to display them.
In addition, Bartender 4 introduces a new preferences screen to organize and order menu bar items, and choose where new menu bar items are placed.
Apple is planning to increase the availability of 5G mmWave capable iPhone models to more countries around the world with the release of the iPhone 13 later this year, offering even more customers access to the faster and newer technology, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a research note obtained by MacRumors, Kuo says that infrastructure for mmWave technology will increase substantially this year in places like Canada, Japan, Australia, and major European countries. Apple currently sells the mmWave iPhone 12 in the United States, which allocates to only 30-35% of overall iPhone 12 shipments.
While 5G smartphone shipments increased significantly in 2020, most of them only supported Sub-6 GHz. We believe that mmWave will create more diverse applications than Sub-6 GHz because of the benefits of faster speed and lower latency. The mmWave model of the iPhone 12 only supports the US market, and the shipment allocation of the total iPhone 12 is about 30–35%. We predict that the iPhone 13 mmWave models will be available in more countries (e.g., Canada, Japan, Australia, and major European mobile operators), so the shipment allocation of iPhone 13 mmWave models will increase substantially to 55–60%.
According to the analyst, this year, mmWave capable iPhone 13 models will allocate to 55-60% of shipments, a significant year-over-year increase. In terms of design, compared to the standard 6GHz handsets, mmWave iPhone 12 models feature a visible antenna on the right side of the device. Kuo expects the same antenna design to continue with the 2021 iPhone lineup.
A DigiTimes report earlier this month echoed similar information as Kuo, stating that Apple is expected to boost shipments of the mmWave iPhone this year. mmWave compared to the standard and more mainstream sub-6GHz technology offers faster speeds, but requires more advanced infrastructure and works in limited range.
Leaker known as "DuanRui" has shared more images that could give us our best look yet at Apple's redesigned notch for the iPhone 13. The new pictures follow similar images shared by the leaker last week, but the latest shots include a comparison with the existing iPhone 12 notch.
DuanRui posted three images on Twitter that apparently originate from Weibo, although source details remain unclear. All include what appear to be "film samples" or screen protectors similar to those shown in the previous images, except here you can see a clear reduction in notch width compared to the iPhone 12.
The reduced width is enabled by the earpiece being integrated into the top bezel, above the TrueDepth camera and Face ID components, indicated by the space left in the middle. According to a report from Japanese site Mac Otakara, the iPhone 13's TrueDepth camera array is "getting narrower" because the receiver at the top of the display will move to the edge of the case.
DigiTimes claimed in February that the iPhone 13 will feature a redesigned Face ID system that will allow for a smaller notch at the top of the screen. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also said that the iPhone 13 will have a smaller notch, although he did not mention the earpiece being repositioned.
A previously leaked 3D-printed mockup suggests that compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 13 Pro will feature a notch that is 5.35mm in height, as opposed to 5.30mm, and 26.80mm in width, down from 34.83mm.
The iPhone notch has gone unchanged since it debuted on the iPhone X in 2017, and Apple could take advantage of the redesign to include more on-screen details on either side of the notch, where cellular information and battery icon currently reside.
It feels like we've been waiting forever for new Apple products, but the wait is almost over as Apple has announced a media event for next Tuesday, so make sure to tune into MacRumors for full coverage of everything Apple announces.
While that was the big news this week, we also got some new details on Apple's iPhone plans for 2022 and 2023 courtesy of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, and we also saw some leaked iPhone cases in new colors that could make an appearance at next week's event. Read on for details on these stories and more!
What to Expect From Apple's April 20 Event: New iPads, AirTags and More
Following endless rumors about if and when there would be an Apple Event this spring, a date has finally been set. Just hours after Siri leaked the news, Apple announced that it will be hosting a virtual event on Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with a stream available on its website and YouTube.
As with Apple's virtual events in 2020, this event will consist of a pre-recorded video with Apple executives speaking from locations around the company's Apple Park headquarters in California. Apple is widely expected to introduce new iPads at the event, including a new iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display, and there could be other surprises in store such as Apple's long-awaited AirTags item trackers or a redesigned iMac with Apple silicon.
iOS 14.5 will likely be released next week as well following over two months of beta testing. The software update is packed with new features, including the ability for iPhone users who are wearing an Apple Watch to unlock the iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask. Check out our complete overview of everything we expect to or might see at next week's event.
MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's event across our platforms, including a live blog on our website and live tweets via @MacRumorsLive on Twitter, so be sure to follow along next week!
Mini-LED iPad Pro Expected at Apple Event on April 20 as Production Ramps Up
One of the new products Apple is expected to announce at its April 20 event is an iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display, and DigiTimes this week reported that Apple supplier Ennostar will be ramping up production of Mini-LED chips for the tablet later this month.
Mini-LED backlighting will reportedly be exclusive to the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with benefits including increased display brightness, improved contrast, and more compared to LCDs used in the current iPad Pro models. A new 11-inch iPad Pro is still expected, with both sizes of the tablet rumored to gain a faster A14X chip, Thunderbolt support, improved camera systems, and 5G support for cellular models.
Due to manufacturing issues, the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro could ship later than the 11-inch model and be available in constrained quantities initially.
2022 iPhones Said to Feature 48-Megapixel Camera and 8K Video Recording, With No 5.4" Mini Option
While we're still several months away from Apple unveiling the so-called iPhone 13 lineup, the rumor mill is already looking ahead to next year.
Well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week said that the 2022 iPhone lineup will consist of four models, including two higher-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models and two lower-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models.
Notably absent from the 2022 iPhone lineup is a 5.4-inch "mini" model, which appears like it will meet the end of the line next year. That wouldn't be too surprising, as multiple reports have indicated that iPhone 12 mini sales have been lackluster relative to other iPhone 12 models since the devices launched in October. Rumors suggest there will still be an iPhone 13 mini, however, so it appears the 5.4-inch model will live on for one more year.
Apple Rumored to Adopt Under Display Face ID Starting With 2023 iPhones
Looking even farther ahead, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered some predictions for 2023 iPhones this week, including the introduction of under-display Face ID that would allow for a full-screen design without a notch or any holes in the display.
The notch has remained unchanged since its introduction on the iPhone X in 2017, but rumors suggest that we will finally see a smaller notch on iPhone 13 models this year. Kuo said Apple will then switch to a hole-punch display design for at least some 2022 iPhones, followed by the full-screen design in 2023. Android smartphone maker ZTE demoed the first under-screen facial recognition system a few months ago, proving that the feat is technologically possible.
Kuo also expects 2023 iPhones to feature a periscope camera lens, allowing for significantly improved optical zoom that goes well beyond the current 2.5x limit on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Leaked Photos Show Spring Colors for iPhone 12 Cases
Twitter user "Tommy Boi" recently shared a photo of some of the allegedly new iPhone 12 case colors, including Cantaloupe, Pistachio, Capri Blue, and Amethyst. The leaks have since continued, with Twitter user "Majin Bu" having shared a photo showing off three more allegedly new colors without names yet, including a sky blue, mustard yellow, and a red. The new spring colors will likely extend to Apple Watch bands such as the Sport Band and Solo Loop.
iPhone case and Apple Watch band colors are often refreshed on a seasonal basis. These latest color options will likely be added to Apple's online store for purchase following Tuesday's event.
Hands-On With Anker's MagSafe-Compatible Battery Pack
With a 5,000mAh capacity, the battery pack can charge an iPhone 12 mini to full, but for other iPhones, you're only going to get a partial charge. Anker says it can charge the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro to 95 percent and the iPhone 12 Pro Max to 75 percent, so it doesn't have as much capacity as other power banks on the market, but it's still a useful charge amount when you're in a pinch.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Reliable leaker known as l0vetodream has hinted that Apple may debut its rumored redesigned and colorful iMac at its "Spring Loaded" event on Tuesday, April 20.
In a tweet, the leaker posted an image of Apple's logo used for marketing the upcoming event and an image of the retro rainbow Apple logo alongside the colorful lineup of G3 iMacs. Apple leaker Jon Prosser previously reported that these upcoming iMacs would debut in various colors, a throwback move to the G3 iMac.
Apple is working on two new versions of the iMac to replace its existing 21.5-inch and 27-inch models. l0vetodream recently suggested that one of the new models will be bigger than the existing 27-inch iMac.
Apple is planning to hold its first event of 2021 on Tuesday, April 20, and it's looking like it will be an iPad-centric event. There are several iPad refreshes rumored to be coming for the iPad Pro, iPad mini, and low-cost iPad.
We may also see the launch of the AirTags, and there are new Macs on the horizon that could be unveiled in April. Below, we've rounded up everything we could possibly see at the April event so you know what to expect when Tuesday rolls around.
iPad Pro
Refreshed iPad Pro models are expected to be the main event at Apple's April event. Apple will overhaul the 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, but don't look for major external changes -- much of what's new will be internal.
Both models will feature an updated A14X chip that's just as powerful as the M1 chip in the Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.
There may be some tweaks to the number of speaker holes and their positions, and the camera lenses may protrude less from the camera bump at the back of the tablets. The new iPad Pro models could support Thunderbolt, making them compatible with additional external monitors, hard drives, and peripherals in addition to adding faster data syncing speeds.
The most notable new feature aside from the A14X will be limited to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is expected to gain a mini-LED display. Mini-LED technology offers impressive wide color gamut performance, high contrast and HDR, and local dimming, which dims the backlight behind black areas of the screen while keeping the bright parts lit for blacker blacks and better contrast.
Mini-LED displays are expensive and difficult to manufacture, so for now, the technology is limited to Apple's highest-end iPad Pro. Apple's manufacturing partners are having difficulties with the mini-LED displays, so it's possible the mini-LED 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in limited quantities when it launches.
There have been a few rumors about a third-generation Apple Pencil in the works, and it's possible that the next iPad Pro models will be accompanied by a refreshed Apple Pencil.
The third-generation Apple Pencil looks similar to the second-generation version, but with a glossy finish. It's not clear what new features might be included if Apple does refresh the Apple Pencil, but there have been rumors of a potential black model.
We haven't heard particularly reliable rumors about a new Apple Pencil, so it's not really clear if we're going to see one at the April event.
More on what we know about the third-generation Apple Pencil can be found in our roundup.
iPad mini
There's an iPad mini 6 in the works, but don't expect major changes. Recently leaked dummy models suggest the iPad mini 6 will look quite similar to its predecessor with thick bezels and a Touch ID Home button.
It's possible these models are not quite accurate as there have been several rumors suggesting the iPad mini will feature a larger 8.5 to 9-inch display, which would be an upgrade from the current 7.9-inch display and would presumably be implemented through a reduction in bezel size.
Models are often designed for case makers and sometimes it doesn't matter what the front of the device looks like, so it could be that the general sizing is accurate except for the display, which could perhaps feature smaller bezels. It's also possible that there's another more significant update for the iPad mini in the works for the future, but it will come at some point after this more minor refresh.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that Apple is working on an iPad mini with a mini-LED display, but it doesn't seem like that's a feature that's going to be included with this refresh since it's currently technology rumored only for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Japanese site Mac Otakara said the iPad mini 6 will have an 8.4-inch display with slimmer bezels and a design similar to the iPad Air 3, and that's perhaps the most convincing rumor we've heard because the same design is also rumored for the next low-cost iPad, and right now, the iPad mini 5 and eighth-generation iPad are quite similar.
There were some not so believable rumors that Apple would introduce a "Pro" version of the iPad mini with an 8.7-inch full-screen display and chassis that's wider and shorter, but that rumor doesn't make a lot of sense, especially because it suggests a launch will come in the second half of 2021 rather than the spring launch that we're expecting.
The low-cost eighth-generation iPad is due for a refresh and while we haven't heard a lot about a new model, it would make sense for it to be updated alongside other iPad models at the April event.
The ninth-generation iPad is expected to continue to be available at the same low price, but it could be updated with a design that resembles the third-generation iPad Air with a 10.5-inch display (up from 10.2-inches) and a thinner and lighter body.
It will continue to feature a Lightning port and a Touch ID Home button, but it will be upgraded to an A13 chip and it may also offer 4GB RAM. More on the low-cost iPad can be found in our iPad roundup.
AirTags
We've been waiting for Apple's AirTags for what feels like years now, but with Apple's Find My Network Accessory Program now available for third-party product manufacturers, Apple could be ready to finally launch the AirTags. It's possible that to combat any monopoly accusations, Apple wanted to make sure that third-party products had the same access to the Find My app as AirTags, which has now happened.
For those unfamiliar with AirTags, they're small trackers that are equipped with Bluetooth and are designed to attach to important but easily lost items like wallets, cameras, and keys. AirTags (and the items they're attached to) can be tracked right inside the Find My app alongside iPhones, iPads, and Macs, so you can keep an eye on all of your important belongings in one place.
AirTags details have been leaking since the release of iOS 13, but we're still not sure what the AirTags will look like. Based on some simple images found in iOS, they could be small, circular tags with built-in Bluetooth and ultra-wideband support. Ultra-wideband, a feature first introduced in the iPhone 11 lineup, is key because iPhones that have a U1 chip will be able to track AirTags with much more accuracy than Bluetooth alone.
If your keys fall down the couch cushion or your wallet gets kicked under the bed, for example, the iPhone will be able to locate the exact part of the room where they're located. This kind of functionality will make AirTags more accurate and more useful than other Bluetooth trackers on the market.
AirTags might attach to items with rings or adhesive, and the bottle cap-sized trackers are rumored to come with a keychain that has a leather pouch on it, which may be one of the attachment methods.
There have been mixed rumors on charging methods. One rumor has pointed towards a built-in rechargeable battery that works with an Apple Watch-style charging puck, while another suggests the AirTags will run on a replaceable CR2032 battery. Either way, it sounds like they'll last for a good amount of time rather than featuring a non-replaceable battery.
Anything that you lose will show up on the Find My map with an associated address, and when the iPhone is close to a lost item, you might see an augmented reality map with specific positioning that makes it easier to find the missing item. AirTags will also be able to play a sound when triggered in the Find My app.
With iOS 13, Apple introduced a feature that's designed to let Apple products communicate with one another when offline, letting a lost iPhone ping off of someone else's iPhone it comes into contact with even without a cellular or WiFi connection. This function will come to AirTags as well, letting millions of iPhones and Apple devices all around the world track lost items.
The iMac is expected to get a total design overhaul in 2021, with Apple introducing redesigned models with slimmer bezels and a much smaller chin. One of the new iMacs is expected to be around 23 to 24 inches in size and could be a replacement for the 21.5-inch iMac, while the other is expected to be larger than the current 27-inch model.
Rumors suggest that the new iMac models will look similar to the Pro Display XDR monitor that Apple released in 2019, and that display has an iMac like design but with no bottom area and narrower side bezels. There is a possibility that Apple will make the refreshed iMac available in a range of colors like silver, space gray, green, sky blue, and rose gold, which happen to be the colors of the fourth-generation iPad Air.
Alongside of the new design, Apple will introduce updated and much faster Apple silicon chips with as many as 32 high-performance cores and 16 and 32-core GPU graphics options.
We don't know when the new iMacs are coming out, so the April event is a possibility, but it's equally likely we won't see these new machines until the summer or the fall.
Product launches often include iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands in new colors, and the spring event will be no exception. We've seen leaked iPhone cases in colors that include Cantaloupe, Amethyst, Pistachio, and Capri Blue, so we're expecting those colors at a minimum, plus we've also seen images featuring cases in sky blue, mustard yellow, and red.
Apple often matches iPhone case colors to Apple Watch bands, so expect to see silicone band options in those same shades.
MagSafe Battery Pack
Apple is designing a MagSafe-compatible battery pack for the iPhone 12, and it's possible that it could be announced or previewed at the April event, though it's definitely not guaranteed or even rumored.
Hints of a battery pack were first found in the iOS 14.5 beta, but Bloomberg says that it's still in development and Apple has heat issues to work out, so it might not be ready to go.
Some of the prototypes that have been tested have featured a white rubber exterior, but beyond that, we don't know what the MagSafe battery pack might look like. It could perhaps be similar to Apple's prior Smart Battery Cases, just without the case portion.
iOS 14.5 Release Date
iOS 14.5 has been in testing since February, and it's the biggest update to the iOS 14 operating system to date. Apple has not yet announced a release date for iOS 14.5, but we're on beta eight and nearing the end of the testing process.
It's possible iOS 14.5 will be released on Apple's event day, but since we haven't had a release candidate yet, it's likely we'll get that finalized version along with an update on when iOS 14.5 will roll out.
iOS 14.5 includes a long list of new features from an option to unlock the iPhone with an Apple Watch while wearing a mask to dual-SIM 5G support, new emoji characters, and crowdsourced accident info in Maps. We have a full list of everything new in iOS 14.5 in our beta features article.
Other Unlikely Possibilities
Apple TV
Apple is working on a new version of the Apple TV 4K, and the refresh is highly anticipated because Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV since 2017.
Rumors suggest a new Apple TV will feature a faster processor, more storage, and a new remote control that integrates with the Find My app. There have been some rumors that Apple is developing a gaming-focused version of the Apple TV that will support console-level games, but it's not clear if that's accurate or if that's planned for the 2021 refresh.
There have been no signs that the Apple TV will be coming in early 2021 or will debut at the April event, so it's likely to be a product that we're not going to see until later in the year. That said, it is a possibility since we have no info on a launch timeline.
Apple is working on refreshed MacBook Pro models with a new design and 14- and 16-inch size options. These new MacBook Pro models will feature slimmer bezels and a design with more ports, along with more powerful Apple silicon chips.
We're not expecting the new MacBook Pro models until the second half of 2021 at the earliest, so don't expect to see them in April. More on what's coming to the MacBook Pro lineup can be found in our dedicated MacBook Pro guide.
AirPods 3
Earlier this year, there were rumors indicating the AirPods 3 were close to launching and could come at a spring event, but those rumors were inaccurate. Rumors of an early 2021 launch were quashed after Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that mass production will begin on the AirPods 3 in the third quarter of 2021, indicating a launch much later in the year.
AirPods 3 aren't expected at the April event for that reason, but rumors suggest the earbuds will feature an AirPods Pro-like design but without the Active Noise Cancellation. If you want to know more, we have a full guide on the AirPods 3 rumors.
Apple will live stream the April 20 event on the Apple Events website, YouTube, and in the Apple TV app on the Apple TV and other platforms.
For those unable to watch a live stream, MacRumors will provide live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
The 21.5-inch iMac in both its non-4K and 4K offerings is experiencing dwindling availability at Apple Stores across the United States, with shipping dates for online orders of the non-4K model slipping by at least a week.
A vast majority of Apple Stores are listing the standard 21.5-inch iMac as unavailable for pickup. The higher-end configuration with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of Fusion Drive storage is currently unavailable for pickup entirely, but is available for delivery. Regardless of configuration, Apple lists at least five to seven business days for shipping estimates.
The higher-end 21.5-inch iMac with a 4K display is also experiencing a lack of availability at a few stores nationwide; however, it largely remains in stock. The larger 27-inch iMac remains available as normal.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Activity Awards, a fun company that creates magnets designed to look like the awards that you receive for reaching Apple Watch fitness goals.
Priced from $8.99 to $12.99, each magnet is modeled after a different award, with a wide range of options available. There are awards for meeting goals like the seven-day move, exercise, and stand requirements along with awards for special activity challenges like the heart and yoga events Apple has offered.
There are awards for meeting new records and collections that include all the perfect week awards and awards to mark each monthly challenge in 2021. All of the awards are true to the design of Apple's awards made available in the Fitness app, and there's no mistaking them.
Each magnet is made in the style of an enamel pin with bright colors and high-quality finishes, and we were impressed with them when we reviewed them last year. You can stick them to any magnetic surface.
There are many people who have been inspired to work out and get fit because of the Apple Watch, and Activity Awards are an ideal self reward if you've been working hard because they serve as a physical representation of a fitness achievement to remind you what you've accomplished.
Activity Awards also have the potential to make a great gift for someone who has put a lot of effort into working out with the Apple Watch. Many of the designs are also eye-catching and look great stuck on the refrigerator.
We have seven Activity Awards prize packages to give out to MacRumors readers. Two winners will get to pick any six awards, two winners will get to pick any five awards, and two winners will get to pick out four awards. One grand prize winner will receive a monthly subscription that includes all 12 Perfect Month Awards and all 12 Monthly Challenge Awards for 2021, shipped out throughout the year.
To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook 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 (April 16) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on April 23. The winners will be chosen randomly on April 23 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
A new sale has hit Apple's MagSafe Duo Charger today on Amazon, now available for $112.45, down from $129.00. The MagSafe Duo includes a Lightning to USB-C cable, but not Apple's 20W USB-C Power Adapter.
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.
We have seen the MagSafe Duo Charger drop to $99.99 at Best Buy in the past, but that sale has never returned after first hitting in early March. Today's offer is the first new deal we've tracked on the accessory since that time, and it's the lowest price Amazon has offered.
MagSafe Duo launched in December 2020 and offers a MagSafe charging puck for the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 mini, along with an Apple Watch charger. The MagSafe Duo features a foldable design for easier portability, and it ships with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Also on sale is the regular MagSafe Charger, available for $34.00, down from $39.00. Although just $5 off, this is the best price we've tracked on the Apple first-party accessory. MagSafe maintains compatibility with Qi charging, so it can be used to wirelessly charge an iPhone 8 or later, and even AirPods.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
The two higher-end "iPhone 13 Pro" models that are coming in 2021 are expected to use LTPO display technology to enable 120Hz refresh rates, according to display analyst Ross Young.
Young reaffirmed the detail in a tweet that said he'd heard rumors about only one model featuring LTPO, which he says is inaccurate.
Heard some rumors in the industry and media that there would only be one LTPO model from Apple later this year. Can confirm that is not the case. Apple fans can relax!
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) April 16, 2021
LTPO OLED displays feature a more power efficient backplane able to turn the individual pixels on and off on the display, better preserving battery life. Young has previously said that LTPO technology is linked to 120Hz refresh rates and will need to be implemented before ProMotion can be brought to the iPhone, otherwise the 120Hz refresh rate would drain too much battery life.
At this point, multiple rumors have confirmed both LTPO technology and 120Hz refresh rates for the two Pro-level iPhone 13 models. 120Hz ProMotion displays were rumored for the iPhone 12 models as well, but Apple did not implement them and instead saved the feature for the iPhone 13 lineup.
Samsung will supply most of the LTPO OLED displays to Apple, with Apple also potentially sourcing displays from BOE and LG Display.
Apple has long offered 120Hz refresh rates in the iPad Pro lineup. As on the iPad, the higher refresh rate on the iPhone will make motion content on the screen smoother, crisper, and more responsive for tasks like reading, gaming, and more.
In late 2019, Apple along with Amazon, Google, and the Zigbee Alliance announced plans to develop a universal standard for smart home products, leveraging existing protocols like Apple's HomeKit, Amazon's Alexa, and Google's Weave.
The so-called "Project Connected Home over IP" or "Project CHIP" aims to make it easier for device manufacturers to build devices that are compatible with a variety of smart home platforms and voice assistants by defining a specific set of IP-based networking technologies for device certification. The new open source standard will rely on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and Thread for device setup and connectivity.
According to a webinar hosted by the Zigbee Alliance earlier this week, highlighted by The Verge, companies participating in the project will be able to get devices certified beginning in late 2021. The standard will be available across several categories, including lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, window coverings/shades, TVs, and even smart home bridges to bring Project CHIP to older smart home products.
If the Project CHIP standard is successful, customers will have greater confidence that smart home products they purchase are compatible with a wide variety of smart home platforms and smart home products they already own.
Users may notice that a number of very old apps are receiving new App Store updates. Instead of fixing bugs or adding new features, the updates are occurring because Apple is updating developers' apps that use a legacy App Store code signing certificate with the latest version so that they can launch correctly in the upcoming releases of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5.
Developers of affected apps do not need to re-sign their apps themselves, since Apple will issue the update and new signing certificate itself. Apple is issuing the updates with the What's New text "This app has been updated by Apple to use the latest Apple signing certificate."
Apple alerted developers of affected apps about the required update and its purpose, and the updates have now started rolling out to users.
Ah yes, legacy, ye olden time of *checks notes* 2018 😂
To be fair, that does feel like a decade ago… pic.twitter.com/RCnk7hZVnB
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) April 13, 2021
The change only affects apps that have not been updated at all for several years, and therefore have an outdated code signing certificate. Apple conducted a similar wave of signing certificate updates in July last year.
The updated signing certificates will allow apps to launch as expected in iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, which are due to be released very soon.
M1 MacBook Air and Pro deals remain solid as we enter the weekend, with multiple best-ever prices hitting both models of Apple's 2020 M1 MacBook lineup. Prices start at $949.00 for the 256GB MacBook Air and at $1,399.00 for the 256GB 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.
MacBook Air
On Amazon and B&H Photo you can get the 512GB M1 MacBook Air for $1,149.00, down from $1,249.00 [B&H Photo]. This sale is available in all colors, and it's a match of the lowest price that we've ever tracked on the 2020 512GB MacBook Air.
You can also save on the 256GB M1 MacBook Air, priced at $949.00, down from $999.00 [B&H Photo], but this isn't quite the best price we've ever seen on this notebook. All of these models are in stock at both retailers and ready to ship today.
Similarly, Amazon and B&H Photo have the M1 MacBook Pro models at a discount. You can get the 256GB MacBook Pro for $1,199.00, down from $1,299.00 [B&H Photo]. This sale price is available in both Silver and Space Gray.
The 512GB MacBook Pro is on sale for $1,399.00, down from $1,499.00 [B&H Photo]. We've seen this model go down to $1,349.00 previously on Amazon, but that sale is rare, and today's price tag is still a solid discount.
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.
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 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.
