MacRumors

Prior to the launch of the HomePod mini, Pandora today updated its app designed for iOS devices to add in HomePod integration. ‌HomePod‌ support for Pandora was a feature that Apple promised would come in software updates this fall, right alongside iOS 14.

With the Pandora ‌HomePod‌ integration, ‌HomePod‌ owners (and future ‌HomePod mini‌ owners) can ask Siri to play content directly from Pandora as an alternative to Apple Music. Prior to iOS 14, ‌HomePod‌ was designed to work only with ‌Apple Music‌, and third-party music services needed to be streamed to ‌HomePod‌ using AirPlay.

According to Pandora, ‌HomePod‌ integration requires the latest version of the Pandora app. Once it's installed, open the Pandora app on an iPhone or an iPad, and then select Profile > Settings > Connect With ‌HomePod‌ > Use in Home to get it working. Music can be requested from Pandora by adding "on Pandora" to any ‌Siri‌ request for a song.

Apple also allows third-party music services to be set as the default service instead of ‌Apple Music‌. Pandora can be added as the default music app by opening up the Home app on the ‌iPhone‌, tapping on the Home icon, selecting Home Settings, tapping on your avatar and then tapping to set the default service to Pandora. Other music services like Spotify will also likely implement ‌HomePod‌ support in the future now that Apple allows it.

Pandora can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Apple's iPhone 12 models have a built-in ring of "MagSafe" magnets that make them compatible with magnetic accessories like cases, chargers, and wallets. Apple makes ‌MagSafe‌ accessories, but third-party companies are also able to design ‌MagSafe‌ products.

As highlighted on Twitter, Apple has an Accessory Design Guideline [PDF] that goes into great detail on the kinds of magnets accessory makers can use, the orientation, and other design specifics Apple is requiring.

Cases that have a ‌MagSafe‌ magnet, for example, must enclose the device, have a maximum thickness of 2.1mm, and must firmly attach to the device without relying on the magnets, which means no magnetic snap-on cases that won't otherwise stay attached to the ‌iPhone‌.

Apple's own ‌iPhone‌ 12 ad has a scene where a case appears to "click" on using the ‌MagSafe‌ magnets, but first and third-party cases in reality don't work that way, and Apple doesn't intend them to.

The design document is extensive and has specific placement, dimension, and polarity instructions so that all ‌MagSafe‌ accessories can magnetically self align "within a 1.55mm radial maximum. Cases with magnet arrays must not interfere with either wireless charging or magnetic stripe cards in an attached ‌iPhone‌ Leather Wallet, and Apple has special testing protocols for vendors to use.

There are also recommended magnet array vendors and requirements for the magnets used, with Apple requiring them to be N45SH NdFeB with a 7 μm - 13 μm NiCuNi plating finish. Magnetic force required to dislodge a ‌MagSafe‌ accessory has specific guidelines. Apple says a case attached to an ‌iPhone‌ 12 should take a minimum of 800 gf (gram force) to dislodge and a maximum of 1100 gf.

Accessory makers that want to have a label that denotes their accessory as a MagSafe-capable device must comply with Apple's guidelines. Those interested in reading more on Apple's guidelines can check out the full PDF document.

As part of the transition to Apple Silicon, Apple is designing a new Mac Pro that has a smaller form factor, reports Bloomberg. The new ‌Mac Pro‌ is said to have a design that looks like the current design, but in a more compact enclosure that's "about half the size."

It is not known if the new ‌Mac Pro‌ will replace the current model or will be sold alongside the current ‌Mac Pro‌, which was introduced last year. From Bloomberg:

Apple engineers are currently developing a new Mac Pro that looks like the current design at about half the size. It's unclear if that Mac will replace the current Mac Pro or if it's an additional model. Apple's chip designs could help the company reduce the size of its computers due to increased power efficiency, but the current Mac Pro is large, in part, to fit components like additional storage drives and graphics chips.

The new ‌Mac Pro‌ is not set to come out in 2020 and will presumably be released in 2021 or 2022. Apple is planning to move all of its Macs to ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips instead of Intel chips, but the company expects that process to take two years.

Next week's event is expected to see Apple unveil a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, and 13-inch MacBook Air, all of which will be equipped with ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips.

Next week's Apple event will see Apple introduce three new Macs with Apple Silicon processors, including a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, and a 13-inch MacBook Air.

The updated info on which Macs we can expect to see at the event comes direct from Bloomberg, with sources listed as "people familiar with the matter."

Aside from the transition to ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips, the new Macs will not feature significant design changes, with Apple continuing to use the same MacBook form factor. Rumors suggest Apple is working on redesigned versions of the ‌MacBook Pro‌ that will come in 14.1 and 16.1-inch sizes with mini-LED displays, but those machines will not be ready until 2021.

Apple's new Macs will feature 5-nanometer chips that are based on the A14 in the iPhone 12 models, bringing power efficiency and performance improvements. Apple plans to transition the entire Mac lineup to ‌Apple Silicon‌, but the process will take around two years.

While the notebooks will be the first to get refreshed, Apple is working on a redesigned iMac with an ‌Apple Silicon‌ chip and a new, smaller Mac Pro model.

Apple's event is set to kick off on Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event, and we'll also have coverage here at MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter.

Update: Bloomberg updated its original article and has clarified that the 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ and ‌MacBook Pro‌ are further along in production than the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, and that "at least those two laptops" will be shown off at the event. It's possible, then, that we'll see just the smaller notebooks with no mention of the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, but there's still a chance we'll see all three.

Apple in March purchased popular iOS weather app Dark Sky, and has begun integrating the Dark Sky features into iOS with the release of iOS 14. The Dark Sky app, priced at $3.99, continues to be available, and today Apple released an update for the app.

Dark Sky version 6.8.5 features a new extra large watch complication to be used with watchOS 7, and it includes improved location search with more suggested and relevant results to make it easier to find just what you're looking for.

There's also a new location icon to indicate when Precise Location has been disabled in the iOS 14 Privacy settings, and there's a fix for an issue that could cause a duplicate forecast page after moving it from Recent Searches to Saved.

Apple in iOS 14 introduced real-time minute-by-minute precipitation readings for the Weather app, which is something that Dark Sky specializes in. The Weather app also now supports severe weather events and provides details on when there will be a significant shift in weather coming up.

Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro could be some of the first Macs to get Apple Silicon chips with Apple perhaps announcing new versions of these machines at the Apple event set to take place in November.

Well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in July suggested that Apple would release new 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ and ‌MacBook Pro‌ models with ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips before the end of the year, with those machines positioned to transition over to ‌Apple Silicon‌ first.

Today, shortly after Apple's event announcements went out, leaker L0vetodream shared a tweet that says "13 inch x 2," with no other contextual information, but it can be interpreted as meaning Apple plans to announce two 13-inch ‌Apple Silicon‌ Macs at the event. The tweet alone doesn't mean much, but paired with the earlier and more extensive information from Kuo, it gives us a bit of insight into what we might expect to see announced next Tuesday.

Back in July, Kuo clarified that Apple is working on updated 14.1- and 16.1-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models that have a redesigned form factor and a mini-LED display, but he said that he does not expect these machines to launch until the second or third quarter of 2021.

There were some earlier rumors of a 24-inch iMac and speculation that it could launch before the end of the year, but L0vetodream's tweet mentions no desktop model and rumors from the Chinese supply chain last week suggested that a new ‌iMac‌ won't launch until the first half of 2021.

Kuo initially thought the ‌iMac‌ and the redesigned ‌MacBook Pro‌ models would launch in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early 2021, but it looks like the more exciting launch with Macs that have significant design changes will come next year.

‌Apple Silicon‌ Macs will be equipped with Apple's A-series chips, with the first ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips built on the 5-nanometer process. ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips will bring notable speed and efficiency improvements, along with support for universal apps able to run across all of Apple's devices. Apple plans to transition its entire Mac lineup to ‌Apple Silicon‌, a process that the company expects will take about two years.

For more on what to expect from the ‌Apple Silicon‌ Macs, make sure to check out our guide.

Apple today seeded the release candidate version of an upcoming watchOS 7.1 update to developers for testing purposes, two weeks after seeding the fourth beta and more than a month after releasing the watchOS 7 update.

To install the ‌watchOS 7‌.1 beta, developers need to download the proper configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once the profile is in place, the ‌‌‌watchOS 7‌‌‌ beta can be downloaded through the dedicated ‌Apple Watch‌ app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.

To update to the new software, the ‌Apple Watch‌ needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the ‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌.

The watchOS 7.1 update introduces new hearing health protections, with the watch able to send a notification when music is too loud and could damage hearing. It also brings the ECG app to South Korea and Russia. Apple's full release notes are below:

watchOS 7.1 contains new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
- Adds the ability to be notified when your headphone audio level could impact your hearing
- Adds support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in the Republic of Korea and Russia
- Adds support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in the Republic of Korea and Russia
- Resolves an issue that prevented some users from unlocking a Mac with Apple Watch
- Fixes an issue where the screen may be dark on wrist raise for some Apple Watch Series 6 owners.

watchOS 7.1, like watchOS 7, is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 and later.

With pre-orders for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max scheduled to take place this Friday, Apple today began offering pre-approval for the new iPhone models for ‌iPhone‌ Upgrade Program members.

Existing and new ‌‌iPhone‌‌ Upgrade Program members can use the Apple Store app on the ‌‌iPhone‌‌ to go through all of the pre-approval steps to get ready to purchase one of the new iPhones on November 6.

Apple's pre-approval process is designed to make it simple and quick for ‌‌iPhone‌‌ Upgrade Program members to purchase their new iPhones right when pre-orders become available. Those who are part of the ‌‌iPhone‌‌ Upgrade Program can select their preferred ‌‌iPhone‌‌, confirm their carrier, and get loan approval ahead of time, cutting down on the steps needed to make a purchase on launch date.

‌iPhone‌ Upgrade Program pricing on the ‌iPhone 12 mini‌ starts at $29.12 per month and pricing on the ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌ starts at $45.79 per month.

Pre-orders for the ‌‌iPhone 12 mini‌‌ and ‌‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌‌ begin at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, November 6, with the first orders set to arrive to customers on Friday, November 13. Those who want an ‌‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro‌ Max or ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌ mini should order as soon as possible when pre-orders go live as supplies could be limited.

Apple today announced a third fall 2020 event, which is set to be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. on the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. As with the September and October events that saw the debut of new Apple Watches, iPhones, and other products, the November event will be digital only, with Apple likely providing pre-taped segments for each new product that will be announced.

Apple has already announced a new fourth-generation iPad Air, eighth-generation iPad, Apple Watch Series 6, and iPhone 12 lineup, the November event is expected to be a Mac-centric event with Apple introducing the first Apple Silicon Mac. We've got a quick overview of what to expect below.

Apple Silicon Mac

Apple has promised the first ‌Apple Silicon‌ Mac with an Arm-based chip is coming before the end of 2020, and it looks like the November event will be all about ‌Apple Silicon‌ Macs.

Apple first announced its work on ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips back in June, and we've heard little since then. ‌Apple Silicon‌ chips are similar to the A-series chips used in Apple's iPhones and iPads, with the chips designed in-house by Apple and manufactured by TSMC.

‌Apple Silicon‌ chips will bring improved performance and more efficient Macs that have a deeper integration between hardware and software, allowing for things like universal apps that run on all Apple devices.

There's no clear word yet on which Mac will be the first to get an ‌Apple Silicon‌ chip, but rumors suggest Apple is working on a new MacBook Air or a revived 12-inch MacBook, so the lower-cost MacBook line could see an update first. There are also rumors of a new 14-inch MacBook and a 24-inch iMac, so these are possible candidates as well.

We could get just a single Mac or multiple Macs could be refreshed with ‌Apple Silicon‌ at the same time.

Other Possibilities

This event will likely be held primarily to introduce the first ‌Apple Silicon‌ Mac (or Macs), but there are still some other products that are on the horizon that could see a launch at the November event.

AirPods Studio

Apple is developing high-end over-ear headphones that are a part of the AirPods family, offering an over-ear alternative to the AirPods and the AirPods Pro. Rumors suggest the AirPods Studio will cost $349 and will offer Active Noise Cancellation and a retro-style design.

Rumors initially suggested AirPods Studio would launch before the end of the year, but Bloomberg recently said there have been development issues, so it's now unclear if we're still on track to get them in 2020.

AirTags

AirTags are Apple's long-rumored Bluetooth trackers that can attach to items like wallets and keys, letting them be tracked right in the Find My app alongside iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

We've been expecting AirTags for quite some time now and we could finally see them in November, but there's also a chance that Apple is holding off until next year.

Event Coverage

Apple plans to stream the Mac event live on its Events website, on YouTube, and on the Apple TV app when it kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. For those unable to watch, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage both on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.

AR Event Accompaniment

As with Apple's prior two events, Apple has created an augmented reality teaser for the Apple event, which can be viewed by visiting the event page on an iOS device. This month's event features a black Apple logo that opens and closes like a MacBook with a glowing rainbow background.

Moment, known for its lineup of camera lenses and accessories for Apple's iPhones, today announced the launch of a new series of MagSafe cases and mounts designed for the iPhone 12 models.

The MagSafe-compatible ‌iPhone‌ cases from Moment are designed to be thin and light with a soft touch texture. There's a wrist strap connection at the bottom and an included lens mount to make the case and the ‌iPhone‌ 12 compatible with M-series lenses. Two models are available, including a thinner version and a more rugged protective model that better protects the bottom of the phone.

Along with cases, Moment is introducing Tripod Mounts that attach magnetically using what it says is a proprietary magnet that is stronger than standard accessories. It works with standard 1/4"-20 tripods or handles and a Pro version includes a cold shoe arm.

There's a Multi Threaded Mount with extra strong magnets and five female threads on the front to allow the ‌iPhone‌ to connect to tripods, rig mounts, ball heads, and other photography equipment, while a Cold Shoe Mount lets you mount a light or a microphone.

For use in the car, there's a Car Vent Mount that has the same strong magnetic connection and that attaches to the car's air vents using a rubberized fit attachment, and for use at home, there's a wall mount that includes a strong magnet on one side and 3M adhesive on the other so the ‌iPhone‌ can be attached to anything.

Moment's accessories are priced starting at $19.99 and can be found on the Moment website.

Microsoft today announced that the Apple TV app will be available on the new Xbox Series X and Series S on November 10, the day the consoles launch. The app will also be released for the previous-generation Xbox One console.

The Apple TV app will allow Xbox users to stream content from subscription-based Apple TV+, Apple TV Channels like AMC+ and CBS All Access, and the iTunes Store, as well as existing content in their iTunes libraries.

From the press release:

When our all-new Xbox family of consoles launch worldwide on November 10, you'll have more than just the entertainment apps you enjoy today on Xbox One. We're excited to share that the Apple TV app is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S on November 10.

The Apple TV app gives you access to thousands of shows and movies from one convenient location, allowing you to enjoy Apple TV+, Apple TV channels, brand-new and popular movies, and personalized entertainment recommendations.

The Apple TV app is already available on select Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio TVs, and it is set to launch on the PS5 and PS4 on November 12.

Update - November 9: The Apple TV app is now available on Xbox, one day early, according to a tweet from The Verge's Tom Warren spotted by Apple Terminal.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini kick off this Friday, November 6, at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Ahead of pre-orders, we have information on deals that shoppers will be able to take advantage of this week, as well as on launch day on Friday, November 13.

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

Some of the deals for the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini are similar to ones that were offered for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro at launch last month, although there have been a few changes. Many of the deals for the new iPhone models launching tomorrow are also valid on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.

AT&T

AT&T will offer up to $700 off iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini (as well as 12 and 12 Pro) starting November 6. This offer is for new and existing customers, who must purchase an iPhone on a 30-month AT&T installment plan, subscribe to an unlimited plan, and trade in an eligible smartphone.

Once these qualifications are met, shoppers can get the iPhone 12 mini at no extra cost, the iPhone 12 Pro Max for $399 ($13.30/month for 30 months), the iPhone 12 Pro for $299 ($10/month for 30 months), or the iPhone 12 for $99 ($3.34/month for 30 months). Head to AT&T's wireless page on November 6 to get these deals.

Right now, you can get up to $800 off the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro when trading in an eligible smartphone and adding a new line or upgrading an existing line. You'll get up to $800 in bill credits over 30 months. If you're interested in an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, visit AT&T's website before the end of the week, as this offer will expire on Friday.

Verizon

Verizon is offering a few BOGO deals for the newest iPhone devices. To start, you can get one iPhone 12 Pro Max for free when you switch to Verizon, start a new service or add a new line on the Get More Unlimited plan, and purchase an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max.

Similarly, you can get an iPhone 12 mini for free when you switch to Verizon, start a new service or add a new line on the Get More Unlimited plan, and purchase an iPhone 12 or 12 mini.

If you're an existing Verizon customer, you can get the iPhone 12 mini for as low as $12/month with select Unlimited plans. You'll also have to trade in your existing smartphone to see this offer, and once you qualify you'll see $412 in promo credit applied to your account over 24 months.

Verizon is also introducing a new 30-month Verizon Device Payment plan for the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max on November 6, which will be available in addition to the existing 24-month option. This will alter the monthly cost of each iPhone: the iPhone 12 Pro will cost $33.33/month vs $41.66/month on 24-month plans, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max will cost $36.66/month vs $45.83/month on 24-month plans.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is offering anyone who switches to the carrier or adds a new line a chance to get the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini for free. You'll also have to trade in an eligible smartphone and purchase the new device on a 30-month installment plan.

The base model of the iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available for $150 if you are switching to T-Mobile, have a smartphone to trade in, and purchase the new device on an installment plan. The iPhone 12 Pro will start at $50 for the base model.

Other T-Mobile deals include two iPhone 12 (or 12 Pro) models and two lines of unlimited 5G data for $100/month.

For those who just want one iPhone, T-Mobile is offering up to $850 off via 30 monthly credits if you switch to T-Mobile from another carrier. You'll also need to trade in an eligible device, including iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS, and XS Max.

There will also be a chance to save some money when you purchase either smartphone through Apple.com. With these offers, you can get an additional $150 trade-in credit when trading in an iPhone 8 or newer after buying the new iPhone 12 Pro Max or 12 mini.

Shoppers will just have to select T-Mobile or Sprint as their carrier on Apple.com, trade in the iPhone, and activate the new device on any T-Mobile/Sprint phone plan.

Whenever you're in the market for a new iPhone, be aware that we've been tracking the latest carrier deals in our Best iPhone Deals guide. This includes discounts and offers from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and more.

Austrian developer Objective Development today announced the release of Little Snitch 5, a major new version of its popular network monitoring utility on the Mac. Whenever an app attempts to connect to a server on the internet, Little Snitch shows a connection alert, allowing you to decide whether to allow or deny the connection.

The headline new feature of Little Snitch 5 is integration of new network filter technologies introduced in macOS Big Sur. Objective Development says the app's underlying engine was rebuilt to replace the previous kernel extension-based approach, which is no longer supported by macOS. The app has also been redesigned for macOS Big Sur.

Little Snitch 5 now captures connection information in the background. The app no longer requires the Network Monitor application to be running in order to collect this information, resulting in reduced memory and CPU consumption. The new monitoring system is now capable of holding traffic information from up to one year ago, versus one hour previously.

System administrators now have the ability to configure settings via a command line interface, making Little Snitch scriptable for the first time. This interface provides both historical and real-time log data of all network connections.

The app has also moved to drag-and-drop installation, meaning that restarting is no longer necessary for installation or updates.

Little Snitch 5 is available now on Objective Development's website for $45 per individual license. Existing customers who purchased Little Snitch 4 after November 1, 2019 can upgrade to Little Snitch 5 for free. Customers who purchased Little Snitch 4 prior to November 1, 2019 are able to purchase Little Snitch 5 for a reduced price of $25.

Little Snitch 5 requires macOS Big Sur. Users still running macOS Catalina or older can still purchase and run Little Snitch 4, which includes a free update to Little Snitch 5, giving users the freedom to choose when to upgrade.

England will enter a new lockdown from Thursday, November 5 to curb a steep rise in coronavirus cases, the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced. The lockdown will last for at least four weeks, closing all non-essential shops, including all Apple stores in the country, just over one week before Apple launches the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max on Friday, November 13.

In his announcement explaining the lockdown decision, the Prime Minister said the strict measures will include closing pubs, restaurants, gyms, non-essential shops and places of worship. People will be told to stay at home except for specific reasons, such as work that cannot be done at home, childcare or education, exercise outdoors, medical reasons, and essential shopping. Ministers have so far refused to rule out an extension to the lockdown if COVID case numbers don't improve.

Apple has yet to comment, but the lockdown will basically force Apple's 32 stores in England to close until at least Wednesday 2 December, and will likely also include stores operating with an Express storefront, which means customers in the country are won't be able to select in-store pick up of new ‌iPhone 12 mini‌ or ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌ devices when they launch next Friday. Orders of HomePod mini, which launches on the same day, will be similarly limited to deliveries only.

Apple Stores in Wales and Northern Ireland are already closed due to lockdown restrictions, while Apple's Glasgow and Edinburgh stores will remain open under Scotland's new tiered regional restrictions, which went live on Monday. Online pre-orders for the new ‌iPhone 12 mini‌ and ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌, which begin this Friday, and order shipments the following Friday are not expected to be significantly impacted, with Royal Mail and courier companies excluded from the restrictions. We're still waiting to hear if the pickup point system will remain over the lockdown period.

Since the end of the first lockdown earlier this year, Apple has been operating its retail business with safety procedures implemented at all stores, including temperature checks, social distancing, increased cleaning, and a limit on how many customers are allowed inside its stores at once.

Elsewhere in Europe, France entered a national lockdown last week that will last at least a month as it aims to curb one of the continent's biggest coronavirus surges and ease the pressure on its hospitals. In Belgium, non-essential shops will close until mid-December, as more than half the country's 2,000 intensive care beds are already full.

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

Apple today announced [Google Translate] that electrocardiogram (ECG) and irregular heart rhythm notification features will be coming to the Apple Watch in South Korea as part of the upcoming iOS 14.2 and watchOS 7.1 releases.

While Apple hasn't confirmed a release date for the updates, it appears to be imminent based on today's press release and the fact that a "Release Candidate" version of iOS 14.2 was pushed out to developer and public beta testers on Friday.

Word surfaced back in August that the ECG feature had received approval in South Korea, but it's taken a few additional months for Apple to prepare for its public release.

The ECG feature, which is now available in nearly 50 countries for Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6, allows users to directly measure electrical heart activity by simply placing their finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds. The irregular heart rhythm feature intermittently measures the user's heart rate in the background and sends a notification if it detects an anomaly it categorizes as atrial fibrillation, which can be a serious heart arrhythmia condition.

Both features are considered medical diagnostics, and so they require approval from regulators in each country where they are to be made available, a requirement that has slowed the rollout of the features.

Apple's new blood oxygen monitoring feature on the Apple Watch Series 6, in contrast, is considered a wellness feature rather than a medical diagnostic, and thus is not subject to significant regulatory scrutiny, which enabled Apple to offer it in more than 100 countries at launch.

Update:The ECG app for Apple Watch Series 4 and later will also be available in Russia with the release of iOS 14.2 and watchOS 7.1, reports Meduza.

Apple's newer iPhones, beginning with the iPhone 12 mini, ‌iPhone 12‌, ‌‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro, and ‌‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro‌ Max, are equipped with a photography feature called Night Mode, which is designed to take crisp, clear photos even when lighting conditions are poor, such as at night.

‌Night Mode‌‌ originally debuted in the ‌iPhone‌ 11 series, but its use was limited to the rear-facing wide-angle camera. With ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌, however, Apple has extended ‌‌Night Mode‌‌ functionality to all the lenses, and if you have an ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can take advantage of the LiDAR Scanner's advanced photography smarts to unlock ‌Night Mode‌ Portraits, too.

Apple's Portrait Mode has become a popular way of taking impressive shots using a depth-of-field effect known as bokeh, allowing ‌iPhone‌ users to shoot a photo that keeps the subject sharp with a blurred background. With the addition of ‌Night Mode‌, ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro can automatically brighten Portrait shots while preserving the night time feeling, balancing the light and dark elements of an image.

Here's how to take a Portrait shot using ‌‌Night Mode‌ on ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro and ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌‌.

1. Launch the Camera app on your ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro or ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌.
2. Select Portrait below the viewfinder.
3. If the flash icon is yellow in the top-left corner of the screen, tap it to turn it off.
4. Look for the ‌Night Mode‌ icon at the top of the viewfinder – it looks like a crescent moon. If the ambient light is low, ‌‌Night Mode‌‌ will automatically engage and the icon will be yellow. If it's not engaged but you think your portrait would still benefit from ‌‌Night Mode‌‌, simply tap the button. If you don't see the ‌Night Mode‌ icon at all, there's too much light and you won't be able to use it.
   
   

5. If you manually engaged ‌Night Mode‌, you can adjust the exposure time with the slider just above the shutter button. If ‌Night Mode‌ automatically engaged then the exposure time is already selected, but you can adjust it yourself by tapping the yellow moon icon and moving the horizontal dial.
6. Tap the shutter button and hold your ‌iPhone‌ still while the exposure time runs and your Portrait picture is taken.

By recruiting the help of the gyroscope in your ‌‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro‌, ‌‌Night Mode‌‌ can detect when the device is attached to a tripod and will present longer exposure times than normally offered, enabling you to take more detailed shots in very low light.

When taking ‌‌Night Mode‌‌ shots during handheld use, you'll usually see 1-3 second delay and you can manually select up to a 10-second delay, but with a tripod you may see up to 30 seconds available in the Night mode dial.