There may be an issue with the new Apple Watch SE, which some users have found is overheating after a few hours of usage. Several Apple Watch SE owners in South Korea have run into problems, as noted in a Reddit post chronicling the complaints.
There have been six reports from Apple Watch SE owners in South Korea who have had their Apple Watches get hot and malfunction, with a yellow spot appearing in the upper right corner of the watch.
All of the owners who have experienced issues were wearing the watch when it got hot on the wrist or when charging and then it later exhibited the display issue. As described on Reddit:
The owner received the product on October 8. The owner slept with the watch on the wrist on October 9 night. Woke up on October 10 just to find the wrist is very hot. The owner quickly took off the watch to find the red wrist due to heat. No power signals from the watch, but the sound plays well when the watch is searched with the Find my Watch feature. The owner exchanged the device with a new product on October 16.
There has been no teardown of the Apple Watch SE so it's unclear what might be causing the problem, but as noted on Reddit, if it is similar in design to prior models, this could be the display connectors near the Taptic Engine.
It is not clear why this problem seems to be limited to South Korea, but we have not found other reports about the issue on the MacRumors forums, the Apple Support Communities, or social media networks. There may be a problem specific to watches manufactured in a certain area and shipped to South Korea, or it could be a more widespread issue and reports just haven't come in yet.
Update:MacRumors has also heard from an Apple Watch SE owner in the United States who experienced the same overheating issue. When charging, the Apple Watch SE got hot on the charger and then had a burned patch at the top right corner of the screen.
Apple today released watchOS 7.0.3, the third update to the watchOS 7 operating system that was released in September. watchOS 7.0.3 comes a week after the release of watchOS 7.0.2, a bug fix update that addressed battery drain.
watchOS 7.0.3 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.
Today's update is available only for the Apple Watch Series 3, and customers with other Apple Watch models will not see the update. watchOS 7.0.3 fixes the random reboots that Apple Watch Series 3 owners have been experiencing. From Apple's release notes:
watchOS 7.0.3 contains improvements and bug fixes, including an issue where Apple Watch Series 3 may unexpectedly restart for some users.
One of the announcements last week that flew under the radar since it wasn't explicitly mentioned during Apple's event was the introduction of Beats Flex, new wireless earphones that represent an upgraded version of the previous BeatsX. Not only do Beats Flex come with some upgrades, but they also carry a much lower price of just $49.99, representing the most affordable way to get into Apple's wireless earphone ecosystem.
The launch of Beats Flex comes at the perfect time, given that Apple has stopped including wired EarPods in the box with new purchases of iPhones, even older models that used to include them. EarPods are still available as a standalone purchase for a lower price of $19, but if you're going to be buying headphones, it's worth looking at wireless options like Beats Flex.
I've been using a pair of Beats Flex in a bright "Yuzu Yellow" color for almost a week, and I can say that they offer great value, particularly for those stepping up to wireless earphones for the first time, as those users are less likely to notice some of their shortcomings compared to more expensive Beats and AirPods options.
Right off the bat, I'll say that if you've used BeatsX, then you have a great idea of what to expect with Beats Flex. Beats Flex are a pair of sealing in-ear earphones connected by a wire designed to be worn around the neck. Along the connecting wire are a couple of modules housing the electronics, controls, and battery for Beats Flex, and they sit comfortably at the sides of the neck.
With the cable wrapping around behind the neck, it's super easy to pop one or both earphones out of your ear without worrying about losing them. And when you're taking a break from listening, the two earphones click together magnetically to keep the whole thing secure around your neck.
Fit
Beats Flex come with four sizes of eartips, so most people shouldn't have much trouble finding a good fit. The soft, pliable eartips are relatively easy to swap out, but you also don't have to worry about them coming loose unintentionally.
Similar to AirPods Pro, Beats Flex eartips are designed to seal in the ear canal, which helps secure them in place during activity and block out ambient noise.
As an everyday AirPods Pro user, one thing about Beats Flex that took some getting used to was the cables dangling from my ears. They put a little bit of pressure on the ears, and with the seal in the ears, any sounds from the cord brushing against my shirt or the side of my face were transmitted directly into my ears. Between a combination of making sure to adjust how the cord sat on my neck and simply time spent using Beats Flex, the sounds became much less annoying.
The cable is made of Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy that offers a shape memory effect to keep the cable looped comfortably around your neck while also allowing the earphones to be coiled up and tossed in a bag or put in your pocket.
Overall, I found Beats Flex to be quite comfortable, as I was able to wear them for many hours at a time with no discomfort in my ears, the cable draped around my neck didn't really bother me at all, and I quickly got used to having wires coming out of the earbuds. I still prefer my AirPods Pro, of course, but I found little to complain about when comes to fit with Beats Flex.
Sound Quality
I found the sound quality of Beats Flex to be quite good for a lower-priced set of earphones, with the sealing eartips helping to shut out ambient sound and offer a full, resonant sound. Bass tones come through rather strongly, while mid and particularly highs feel weaker, but overall these earphones compare quite well to competing models.
Unlike AirPods Pro, Beats Flex don't have active noise cancellation, but I still found they did a pretty good job shutting out background noise and letting me focus on what I was listening to.
Microphone audio quality is solid, with my voice coming through clearly on phone calls and Siri recognizing my commands and requests just fine. Beats says it has improved microphone performance compared to BeatsX with optimized placement and an advanced voice algorithm that helps improve audio quality and mitigate wind noise.
Controls
With nearly identical neckband housings on each side, it takes a little bit of practice to remember which functions are located where, but once you learn that it's easy to control things by feel.
The right-side housing includes just a single button along the edge that's easy to identify by feel, and that's the power/pairing button. Pressing and holding the button will turn Beats Flex on or off, and activate pairing as needed. If you're using them with an iOS device, you'll get quick pairing functionality by simply bringing Beats Flex close to your device after initially turning the earphones on. Android users can pair them either through the Bluetooth menu on their device or by downloading the Beats app for Android that gives you quick pairing access, firmware updates, product details, and information on battery level.
The left-side housing includes a pair of buttons, but they're easy to distinguish between by feel. Along the edge is an elongated volume rocker, while a raised, round button on the face of the housing offers playback control. A quick press of the playback control will play or pause your audio or answer or hang up on a phone call. A double press skips forward to the next track, while a triple press skips backward, and pressing and holding activates Siri.
The left-side housing also includes a black patch where the microphone lives, as well as the USB-C port. The left and right housings have small "L" and "R" labels to help you figure out which way to wear the earphones, but it doesn't take long to learn which way is correct by glancing at the physical features of the housings or even just by feel.
This setup is a bit different from BeatsX, which actually had a third housing located closer to the ear on the left side that was where all of the physical controls were located. I think I prefer the simpler Beats Flex layout, which helps reduce weight (they're 8% lighter than BeatsX) without compromising usability.
Connectivity
While Android users will get a fairly basic Bluetooth earphone experience with Beats Flex, the included W1 chip takes things to the next level for Apple users. It allows for quick pairing, seamless switching between devices linked to the same Apple ID, and Audio Sharing that lets you connect two pairs of compatible AirPods and Beats to a single device simultaneously to listen to the same content.
It's important to note that the W1 chip in Beats Flex is the same one that was in the previous BeatsX, and it's not the more advanced H1 chip found in the second-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, Beats Solo Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and the latest Powerbeats. That means Beats Flex don't support the new feature in iOS 14 that will automatically switch your earphones over to another device if you start playing audio on it.
Without the H1 chip, you also won't get hands-free "Hey Siri" support, so you'll have to press the voice assistant button on the left-side neckband housing in order to access Siri.
Range was solid in my testing, as is to be expected thanks to the W1 chip. It might not be quite as good as earphones with an H1 chip, but it does seem to outperform standard Bluetooth connections and I was able to receive solid audio reception from a device on the second floor of my house as I walked essentially the entire perimeter of my home, with only a couple of dropouts in spots of especially high physical interference.
Beats Flex don't have the same ear detection that AirPods have, which automatically plays or pauses when you insert or remove the earphones, but Beats Flex come close by offering an alternative mechanism in which magnetically clicking the earphones together pauses music while separating them resumes playback. It results in a brief second where audio is playing while the earphones aren't in your ear, but it's a very workable solution.
Battery Life and Charging
Beats says that Beats Flex will last for around 12 hours on a single charge, up from 8 hours with BeatsX. I found the 12-hour rating to be pretty accurate based on my listening spread across multiple sessions, so you'll likely be able to get several days' use out of them before needing to recharge them, even with fairly heavy usage.
When it comes time to charge Beats Flex, you'll need a USB-C cable, which is another change compared to BeatsX that used Lightning. A 6-inch USB-C to USB-C cable is included with Beats Flex, but you'll need to supply your own power adapter or connect them directly to a computer.
I don't mind the change to USB-C, as I've got plenty of USB-C cables just sitting around the house for charging my iPad Pro and Mac notebooks, but for some, the change might be a bit of an inconvenience. The switch to USB-C does make it much easier for Android users, as they generally have plenty of USB-C cables and may not already own any devices that charge over Lightning.
Just like with the Lightning port on BeatsX, the USB-C port on Beats Flex does not have any sort of cover on it. That leaves the port open to the sweat, rain, and dust, but it doesn't appear that should be a significant concern and it avoids the awkward port covers seen on many other devices.
It took less than 90 minutes to fully charge Beats Flex once I depleted their battery, and a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge when the battery is low will give you up to 1.5 hours of playback time in a pinch. There's a small LED on the power button that pulses red while charging and turns white once Beats Flex are fully charged.
Price
It's really hard to beat the $49.99 price tag of Beats Flex, particularly if you're in the Apple ecosystem, as you get a solid pair of wireless earphones that offer many of the bonuses made possible by Apple's custom chips.
Thinking back to BeatsX, those earphones were introduced in early 2017 with a price tag of $150. That price was dropped over time to $120 and then $100, although those price cuts saw a few other changes like the elimination of an included carrying case and the fins intended to allow for even more in-ear fit options. Yes, BeatsX were frequently on sale for even less than the eventual $100 list price, but dropping all the way to an MSRP of $50 is a big move for Apple and Beats as the march toward the ubiquity of wireless headphones continues.
Final Thoughts
Beats Flex are great entry-level earphones that give you most of the Apple-specific features you see on more expensive Beats and AirPods models. With solid sound quality for the price and a comfortable fit, it's hard to find much not to like about them.
The cable between the earphones makes them a bit more noticeable while wearing, compared to something like AirPods. But that cable also helps keep you from losing your earbuds without resorting to something like over-ear hooks like on Powerbeats Pro that some find bulky and uncomfortable, or Powerbeats, which include both hooks and a cable.
The cable and magnetic earphone attachment mechanism also let you easily take them in and out throughout the day without needing to put them back into a case, and the 12-hour battery life is well beyond what AirPods or even Powerbeats Pro can deliver. Regular Powerbeats offer up to 15 hours of battery life but are less convenient to take in and out of your ears.
Apple and Beats aren't known for offering cheap products, but at just $50, Beats Flex will likely be the perfect starter set of earphones for many of those looking for a bit more freedom than you get being tethered to their device with wired earphones. They're definitely a way to dip your toes into Apple's wireless earphones without having to step up to more expensive options from Apple and Beats that are all at least three times the price unless you find a great deal.
Beats Flex are available to order now in Beats Black and Yuzu Yellow for an October 21 launch, with Smoke Gray and Flame Blue color options coming in early 2021.
iPhone XS models and newer feature both a physical SIM slot and a digital eSIM, allowing for a feature known as dual SIM, dual standby. This means you can have two lines of service on one iPhone, which is useful for purchasing data-only plans while traveling abroad or having personal and business lines on a single iPhone.
5G will not be available in Dual SIM mode on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro at launch, however, according to an internal training document for Apple employees shared on Reddit. MacRumors can confirm that the document is authentic.
From the document:
"Does 5G work with Dual SIM?" When using two lines in Dual SIM mode, 5G data isn't supported on either line and will fall back to 4G LTE. If customers are using eSIM only and are on a 5G supported carrier and service plan, they'll have 5G access.
According to an internal Verizon slide obtained by MacRumors, however, Apple plans to enable 5G support in Dual SIM mode with a software update later this year. In the meantime, Verizon says that eSIM customers must remove the physical SIM from their iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro to access its 5G network.
5G is automatically enabled on iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models, as long as users have chosen a supported wireless carrier that offers a 5G network. To access 5G while roaming in other countries, Apple's document says that customers can purchase a local SIM card or eSIM plan and use it as a single line with 5G where available.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro pre-orders began last Friday, and shipments will begin arriving to customers this coming Friday. iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available to pre-order starting Friday, November 6.
Update: 2020 has ended without Apple enabling 5G in Dual SIM mode, despite an internal Verizon presentation indicating that a software update would enable this functionality by the end of the year. Apple has not responded to requests for comment.
While the iPhone 12 Pro does not launch until Friday, we now have an early unboxing video of the device courtesy of Twitter account DuanRui, providing a closer look at the shiny new flat-edge design and sleek Graphite color option.
Ben Geskin re-uploaded the unboxing video to YouTube, which we've embedded below:
Geskin has also uploaded an unboxing video of the iPhone 12 in Blue:
In addition to the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple notes that its MagSafe Charger is compatible with the iPhone 8 through iPhone 11 Pro Max, but the charger does not magnetically attach to those devices. The MagSafe Charger is also limited to 7.5W on older iPhones, compared to 15W on iPhone 12 models.
Aaron Zollo of ZolloTech demonstrated this backwards compatibility by charging an iPhone 8 and iPhone 11 Pro Max with the MagSafe Charger. The charger is also compatible with AirPods and AirPods Pro cases, but not the Apple Watch.
As for other MagSafe accessories, YouTube channel MrHtech has shared an unboxing video of Apple's new Silicone Case for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro in five colors: Navy, Plum, Pink Citrus, Cyprus Green, and Kumquat. Notably, the Silicone Case now covers the bottom of the iPhone, with cutouts for the Lightning connector, speaker, and microphone.
YouTube channel iCrackUriDevice has shared an unboxing of the Clear Case with MagSafe for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. Unlike the new Silicone Case, the Clear Case continues to expose the bottom edge of the iPhone.
MagSafe cases will begin arriving to most customers on Friday, while the Leather Wallet with MagSafe appears to be slated for delivery in November. Apple's MagSafe Duo Charger and Leather Sleeve with MagSafe will be available at a later date.
Japan has followed the United States, Australia, and numerous countries around the world in preparing to heavily regulate big tech companies, including Apple, due to antitrust disputes and fears about market control (via Reuters).
Japan is reportedly "laying the groundwork" to regulate big tech companies including Apple, Google, Amazon, and Facebook. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC), said that Tokyo will join global efforts to regulate digital platform operators.
"If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up," Furuya told Reuters. "We're closely watching developments including in Europe."
Furuya expressed the need for global coordination when regulating large technology companies, particularly since they tend to have similar business practices across the globe.
We'll work closely with our U.S. and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition.
If digital platform providers are found to be abusing their dominant market positions against the interests of consumers, the FTC says that it is ready to act decisively with probes that will "push through aggressively." The FTC will also investigate the Japanese smartphone market and determine if there can be improvements made to encourage competition.
In particular, the European Union is preparing forceful regulations for big tech, including compiling a "hit-list" of companies and a wide-reaching Digital Services Act that could ban tech companies from pre-installing apps and force them to share data with their competitors.
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.
Following an announcement earlier in the month that "The Snoopy Show" will launch on Apple TV+ in 2021, today WildBrain revealed that a collection of new one-off specials will also be coming to Apple TV+.
These specials will include the popular characters celebrating Mother's Day, Earth Day, New Year's Eve, and going back to school. Besides the new series and specials, fans can also expect a 70th anniversary documentary film coming next year on Apple TV+.
In addition to the new content, Apple TV+ is getting iconic Peanuts specials, including "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." The Halloween special will premiere on Apple TV+ today for subscribers, and then it'll be free for everyone in the TV app from October 30 through November 1.
"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is coming on November 18 for Apple TV+ subscribers, and then it'll be free from November 25 through November 27 in the TV app. Lastly, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" premieres for subscribers on December 4, and then it'll be free from December 11 through December 13.
Apple first inked a deal with WildBrain (formerly DHX Media) back in 2018, agreeing to be the exclusive home of new Peanuts content. The first of these shows was "Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10," for which Apple won an Emmy.
Amazon has introduced a few discounts on Apple's 2020 MacBook Air in both 256GB and 512GB storage options. To start, you can get the 256GB MacBook Air for $849.99, down from $999.00. You'll see this price after a $100 coupon is applied automatically at the checkout screen.
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.
Likewise, the 512GB MacBook Air has an automatic coupon on Amazon this week. It's priced at $1,149.99, down from $1,299.00, following a $99.01 coupon at checkout (or $49.01, depending on the color you choose). Both models are available in all three colors, and these sales represent the best discounts that we've ever tracked for the new 2020 MacBook Air.
These models were updated in March of this year with a new Magic Keyboard with scissor switches, faster processors, more storage space, and a reduced starting price tag of $999.00 for the 256GB model. Both models feature a 13-inch Retina display, slim black bezels, and a Force Touch trackpad. Apple offers the MacBook Air in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold.
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.
Apple today unveiled "Apple Music TV," a constant live stream of currently popular music videos, live shows, and events that will run for 24 hours every day (via Variety).
Users in the United States will be able to watch Apple Music TV in the Apple Music app as well as in the Apple TV app. In the TV app, you can scroll down a bit to find Apple Music TV highlighted today, and it's at the top of the Browse tab in Apple Music.
The new service has begun with a countdown of the top 100 most streamed songs in the United States on Apple Music. On Thursday, viewers will be able to tune in to a launch celebration of Bruce Springsteen's upcoming album, while on Friday it'll be the exclusive home to the launch of two music videos: Joji's "777" and Saint Jhn's "Gorgeous."
Apple said that every Friday it will debut new videos on Apple Music TV, and that viewers can expect to see Apple Music 1 radio host Zane Lowe appear on the platform doing interviews and more.
The British government is closing a loophole in U.K. driving laws that allowed some smartphone users to escape punishment for picking up and using their mobile device to take a photo or play a game while driving (via BBC News).
As it stands, making phone calls and sending text messages are banned while driving on roads in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Drivers can get six penalty points and a £200 fine if they use a hand-held phone when driving. Drivers who passed their driving test in the last two years can also lose their license.
The current applicable law says it is illegal to use a device "which performs an interactive communication" while driving. However, drivers have successfully argued that filming or taking photos while driving does not match the wording in the current legislation.
For example, in 2019 Ramsey Barreto was found guilty of using his phone to film a crash in north London two years ago, but the 51-year-old successfully appealed against the conviction.
Two High Court judges subsequently criticized the 16-year-old law on using mobile phones, which they said had failed to evolve with the rise of smartphones.
BBC News reports that the new legislation will apply across the U.K. and is expected to come into effect early next year.
Mobiles will still be able to be used to pay for a drive-through takeaway, and drivers will still be able to use devices hands-free under the plans, according to the Department for Transport.
Using an iPhone 12 in Dual SIM mode throttles the cellular data speed to 4G LTE, according to an Apple Sales FAQ shared with retailers and carriers.
All 5G iPhone 12 models support Dual SIM mode, which refers to the ability to switch between a SIM card and an eSIM operating on independent numbers and/or carriers. However, an image of a training document from Apple's Sales Web resources called "What you need to know about 5G on iPhone" and posted to Reddit suggests the iPhone 12 will not support 5G on either line when Dual SIM mode is active. The FAQ reads:
"Does 5G work with Dual SIM?" When using two lines in Dual SIM mode, 5G data isn't supported on either line and will fall back to 4G LTE. If customers are using eSIM only and are on a 5G-supported carrier and service plan, they'll have 5G access.
The document suggests that only by disabling one SIM or the other will 5G speeds be available – a limitation that, if confirmed, will come as a blow to iPhone 12 customers who intended to use separate work and personal lines, for example.
On the bright side, this incompatibility could be a software issue, and therefore something Apple could resolve down the line. Indeed, the Reddit user who posted the above image claims that an update coming later in 2020 will enable 5G when using a Dual SIM mode.
This information is allegedly revealed in Apple's internal training documents, but 5G is not anywhere mentioned in Apple's Dual SIM support page, which was last updated on September 26. We've reached out to Apple to clarify the matter and will update this article if we get a response.
(Thanks, De Paul Sunny!)
Update: MacRumors has received independent confirmation that the documentation is genuine.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo released a research note this morning detailing what he's seen with the volume of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro pre-orders in the first weekend of sales.
Kuo had previously indicated that Apple's estimated shipment allocations for the new iPhone models placed the iPhone 12 at the top with 40-45% of inventory allocation (up from 15-20%). However, the strong interest in the iPhone 12 Pro in pre-orders has caused him to revise that split:
The iPhone 12 Pro pre-order beat our expectation because of Apple core fans’ initial preference for high-end models, the strong demand in the Chinese market, and the coming peak season demand in the US and Europe.
Due to the demand, Kuo sees the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro to each have approximately 30-35% share each of new iPhone shipments in this quarter. Meanwhile, Kuo also downgraded his expectations for the iPhone 12 mini with estimates that it will be responsible for only 10-15% of sales (down from 20-25%). Kuo cites weak demand for the smaller device in the Chinese market.
The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 are very similar devices, though the Pro model has LiDAR, a telephoto camera lens and more RAM. More detailed comparison available:
Taiwanese carriers believe that sales of iPhone 12 models will be strongest since the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, according to the Economic Daily News.
To keep up with strong demand for the devices, the publication claims that Apple suppliers Foxconn and Pegatron are offering increased bonuses to workers on the assembly line. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro pre-orders began Friday, while the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available to order starting November 6.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Taiwanese carriers sold out of iPhone 12 pre-orders in just 45 minutes, but it is unclear how much supply was available. iPhone 12 Pro pre-orders were also quick to sell out in the United States, with delivery estimates slipping to November less than an hour after pre-orders began.
Introduced in 2014, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were extremely popular thanks to their larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays, helping Apple sell a record 135.6 million iPhones in the two quarters after the devices launched. However, Apple stopped disclosing iPhone unit sales after its 2018 fiscal year, so any iPhone 12 sales figures will be estimates.
Apple announced the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro this week, and pre-orders opened on Friday, October 16, with shipping dates due to begin on Friday, October 23.
The launch of a new iPhone is always a mad dash with case manufacturers trying to launch their products in time for the first customers. We've collected this list of early iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro cases presently available.
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.
From the Forums
Our iPhone Accessories forum is buzzing with activity from readers who are trying to pick out the perfect case. We've pulled some interesting recommendations from these threads, which you can explore yourself or ask for more personalized advice.
Apple's own silicone case for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro features a soft-touch finish and fits snugly over the volume buttons, side button and curves of the device without adding heft. It features perfectly aligned port hole cutouts and has built-in magnets for MagSafe accessories, and is of course compatible with Apple's MagSafe charger. The case offers a decent amount of protection, and is available in Plum, Deep Navy, Kumquat, Cyprus Green, Pink Citrus, White, Black, and PRODUCT(RED).
Long-time case manufacturer Speck's Presidio2 line takes in the Presidio2 Armor Cloud, Presidio2 Grip and Presidio2 Pro, and thanks to a partnership with company Microban, each of model features protection against stain and odour-causing bacteria around the sides of each case. Armor Cloud protects against drops up to 16 feet, while the Grip and Pro feature a soft-touch finish. Speck also offers a number of clear cases with design flourishes and impact protection.
This tough yet relatively slim bumper case from Survivor promises to guard against harsh impacts, scrapes and scratches, dust and dirt, thanks to an ultra-strong base and a four-layer construction that integrates FortiCore shock absorption technology protective against 16-foot drops. Meanwhile a raised bezel ensures screen protection, and microbial and antifungal protection prevents discoloring stains, odors and degradation. Available in Black and Asphalt Black.
Totallee's typically minimalist offering sits at the extreme end of the iPhone 12 case market, in that it really is extremely thin indeed. In fact, it's more like a second skin for your device that shields it from scratches and adds grip, but provides very little in the way of drop protection. If your top priority is keeping your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro slim and sleek, then this is might well be the case for you. Available in green, navy blue, and frosted black and clear colors.
Casetify is this year touting its first-ever antimicrobial cases, layered with the brand's proprietary Defensify coating. Both the Impact and Ultra Impact cases claim to destroy 99% of bacteria and germs on impact with the surface, and despite being just 1.2mm thin, the Impact offers protection from drops up to 6.6-foot, while the Ulta Impact offers 9.8-foot drop defense. There's also a vegan Leather case that's made of 90% recycled materials, As usual, the big plus with Casetify is that both cases are available in 15+ colorways, thousands of custom prints and personalized finishes, and every case features a flash-absorbing camera ring on the rear.
Tech21 is offering an iPhone 12 case for people who prefer to travel light. Its Evo Wallet cover has a secure magnetic enclosure that features a pocket for two bank cards and includes a handsfree stand for watching video. The case offers drop-protection up to 12-foot, claims microbial protection, and is MagSafe compatible.
Otterbox's Symmetry Series combines an inner hard shell that deflects shock and an outer soft slipcover for absorbing impacts, while a raised lip around the edge helps guard the screen against cracks. Besides offering decent overall protection for your iPhone 12, the case also includes an integrated popgrip that lies flush in the case when not in use and can be easily swapped out if you want to switch up the look.
Conceived by Scandinavian designer Jesper Ståhl, the Nudient case features a minimalist look with impeccably precise cutouts. The exterior is coated with three layers of rubberized material for better grip, and a suede fabric inner to keep your handset protected from scratchy dust particles. It also has built-in magnets for use with Nudient's own magnetized accessories. The case is available in Sangria Red, Pine Green, Ink Black, Midwinter Blue, Dusty Pink, Clay Beige, and Saffron Yellow.
The Emma Crossbody Bandolier is a classic black leather case and gold-tone details and an open-face design, but its signature feature is the adjustable crossbody shoulder strap for handsfree carrying. Emma includes a hidden snapback credit card compartment on the rear, and is available in 10 understated colors for a chic look.
Slim yet protective, RhinoShield's SolidSuit case is a one-piece shell with a premium finish on the back. It uses proprietary impact-resistant technology called ShockSpread material, which offers military-grade defense against drops and falls, yet its featherweight design ensures you won't even know it's there. It's available in a range of colors and custom prints, and also plays nice with the company's range of add-on camera lenses.
If you're looking for something that offers more protection, ArmadilloTek cases feature shock absorbent TPU and an impact-resistant thermal plastic shell, along with a honeycomb design and reinforced corners to keep your iPhone safe. There's also a built-in kickstand that's useful for watching videos and FaceTiming.
Apple's new MagSafe charger and cases have begun arriving to some customers earlier than expected, and images of the accessories have started to surface on Twitter. The photos provide a first look at the products in real-world use.
As of writing, some MagSafe cases are also available for pickup at select Apple Stores in countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Filip Chudzinski, developer of Apple Watch band app Bandbreite and editor of Apple Store-focused Twitter account Storeteller, has shared a number of high-quality images of the MagSafe charger and the Deep Navy Silicone Case for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
YouTube channel DerDaku has shared a MagSafe charger unboxing video in German:
MagSafe is set to improve the charging experience on iPhone 12, with magnets that are optimized for alignment and efficiency, and the technology still supports existing Qi charging mats.
MagSafe also brings a new ecosystem of magnetic cases and accessories that snap onto the iPhone 12. This includes new silicone, leather, and clear cases that easily connect onto the back of the iPhone, as well as a separate leather wallet accessory. Third-party accessories from Belkin and OtterBox have also been announced.
The images reveal a ring containing MagSafe's magnets on the interior of the case and confirm that Apple's new silicone cases cover the bottom of the iPhone for the first time.
The MagSafe charger also seems to be made of matte silver aluminium, unlike the polished metal seen on Apple's similar Apple Watch charging puck.
It came about a month later than in most years, but this week finally saw Apple's media event where it showed off its new iPhone lineup. As expected, we got four new devices in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro lineups with staggered release dates, and Apple also showed off the upcoming HomePod, a much smaller and cheaper smart speaker compared to the standard HomePod.
Apple's media event obviously dominated the news this week, including not just the main hardware but also the new MagSafe ecosystem of accessories coming with the iPhone 12. This week also saw the start of pre-orders for the fourth-generation iPad Air, as well as some rumors about a possible Mac-focused event in November, so read on for all of the details!
Everything Announced at the Apple Event in 7 Minutes
Apple this week hosted its second event in as many months, introducing its long-awaited iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro lineup, the all-new HomePod mini, and a collection of MagSafe chargers and accessories that magnetically attach to the back of the new iPhones.
For more detailed coverage of Apple's announcements this week, check out the rest of our top stories below.
Apple Unveils iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max With 5G, Flat-Edge Design, LiDAR Scanner, and More
This year's flagship iPhones have arrived with the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, both of which feature a new flat-edge design with slightly slimmer bezels, compatibility with 5G networks, a faster A14 Bionic chip, improved cameras, a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality, a new Pacific Blue color, improved durability, and more.
As was rumored, iPhone 12 models ship without EarPods or a charger in the box. Apple touted the environmental benefits of no longer bundling these accessories, noting that the move reduces carbon emissions and avoids the mining and use of rare-earth elements. Removing these accessories has also resulted in iPhone 12 models shipping in a thinner box. EarPods and a power adapter can be purchased separately for a reduced price of $19 each.
Equipped with a dual-lens rear camera system, the iPhone 12 mini's new Wide lens has an ƒ/1.6 aperture, the fastest yet on an iPhone.
Like the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro models, the iPhone 12 mini features Apple's latest A14 Bionic chip, 5G support, new Ceramic Shield front glass that Apple says provides four times greater drop protection, and a new magnet-based MagSafe system that allows for precise wireless charging and easy-to-attach accessories from Apple, like a leather wallet for the Apple Card.
iPhone 12 mini will be available in five aluminum finishes, including blue, green, black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED. Pre-orders begin Friday, November 6 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, with shipments and in-store availability beginning one week later on Friday, November 13. Pricing starts at $699.
Apple Announces HomePod mini With Spherical Design and S5 Chip for $99
Nearly three years after the HomePod launched, the Siri-powered speaker now has a smaller sibling.
The spherical HomePod mini stands just 3.3 inches tall, compared to 6.8 inches for the standard HomePod. However, despite being much smaller, Apple says the HomePod mini still delivers "amazing sound" using "computational audio."
The top of the speaker features a backlit touch surface with volume and playback controls, and it glows when Siri is invoked. By placing two HomePod minis in a single room, a stereo pair can be created for a wider soundstage.
Like the existing HomePod, the HomePod mini offers HomeKit smart home capabilities, handing off of audio from an iPhone, multi-user detection, ambient sounds, and compatibility with Apple's new Intercom feature for sending messages to everyone in a household — from one HomePod to another, or to an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, or vehicle with CarPlay.
HomePod mini will be available in white and space gray for $99, with pre-orders set to begin Friday, November 6.
While not shown during its event, Apple also introduced Beats Flex earphones, an upgraded version of BeatsX for $49.99.
Apple Revives 'MagSafe' Brand With New Magnetic Accessories for iPhone 12 Lineup
On the back of the iPhone 12 models is a new magnet-based MagSafe system that allows for precise wireless charging and easy-to-attach accessories from Apple and third-party brands like Belkin and PopSocket.
Apple's lineup of MagSafe accessories will include chargers, cases, and even a leather wallet that can hold an Apple Card. Some of these accessories are available to order starting this Friday, with others coming later.
MagSafe was previously the name of Apple's detachable power cable for MacBooks, a feature that was fully discontinued by 2019.
Fourth-Generation iPad Air Now Available for Pre-Order
While Apple didn't announce anything about availability of the new iPad Air at its media event on Tuesday, the company did launch pre-orders of the new tablet on Friday alongside the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
Priced starting at $599 for 64GB of storage, the 10.9-inch iPad Air features an edge-to-edge display with a unique Touch ID power button instead of Face ID. Like the new iPhone 12 models, the iPad Air uses Apple's new 5-nanometer A14 Bionic chip.
The new iPad Air comes in silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and blue, and it features Apple Pencil 2 support, a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera. Following a week of pre-orders, it will be availabile starting Friday, October 23.
First Mac With Apple Silicon Expected to be Announced in November
During its WWDC keynote in June, Apple announced that it will be switching from Intel to its own custom-designed processors for Macs starting later this year, promising industry-leading performance per watt. At the time, Apple said that it plans to ship the first Mac with Apple Silicon by the end of the year and complete the transition in about two years.
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.
Google has added a new feature to its Search app that allows you to hum a song that's stuck in your head, and then use the company's machine learning algorithm to try and identify it.
In the Google app or using the Google Search widget, tap the mic icon and say "what's this song?" or click the "Search a song" button. Then start humming the tune for 10-15 seconds. When you're done, the Google app returns results showing the most likely options based on the tune.
Then you can select the best match and explore information on the song and artist, view any accompanying music videos or listen to the song on your favorite music app, find the lyrics, read analysis and check out other recordings of the song when available.
You can also whistle or sing the tune, and the app will use its machine learning models to "transform the audio into a number-based sequence representing the song's melody," which it then compares to existing songs.
Google says it trains the models on sources including humans singing, whistling or humming, as well as audio recordings, ignoring things like instruments and vocal quality to zone in on the numeric sequence. You don't need to use perfect pitch for it to work, and the results were impressively accurate in our tests, so if you have a frustrating brain worm that you just can't identify, this is the easiest way to put you out of your misery.
The feature is currently only available in English on iOS, but Google says it hopes to expand it to more languages in the future.
Apple has held events in September and October so far, first focusing on the Apple Watch Series 6 and iPad Air and then new iPhone 12 models and the HomePod mini. There are still a handful of products that Apple is expected to launch before the end of the year, so will we see a November event?
From AirPods Studio to an Arm-based Silicon Mac, there are still new devices that we could see this year. Below, we've outlined the rumored products that didn't make an appearance at the October event.
AirPods Studio
Apple is planning to add high-end over-ear "AirPods Studio" headphones to its AirPods lineup, and some rumors suggest that may be a product that's ready to go and set to launch before the end of 2020.
There was speculation that AirPods Studio would show up at the October event, but a massive leak outlining what we'd see at the event didn't include AirPods Studio, so we ended up knowing not to expect it.
Both AirPods and AirPods Pro launched in the later months of the year, so there's still a good chance we're going to get new headphones this year. Rumored to be priced starting at $350, AirPods Studio will feature Active Noise Cancellation and a retro-style design that could involve both a premium model made from high quality materials and a sport-oriented model made from breathable, lighter weight materials.
AirPods Studio could feature magnetic ear cups and headband padding that can be swapped out for a customizable look, much like Apple Watch bands, and there could be neat features like ear detection so there's no right or left side when wearing the headphones.
The 2020 launch date isn't a sure thing, as there's been some mixed information suggesting the AirPods Studio might not be ready for launch, so it's unclear just what's going to happen.
AirTags
We've been hearing rumors about Apple's Bluetooth-based item trackers for well over a year, and there's never been a clear launch timeline. It would have made sense to unveil the AirTags alongside new iPhones given the interoperability between them, but that didn't happen.
If you've been living under a rock and aren't familiar with AirTags, they're Apple's version of the Tile. AirTags are small Bluetooth-equipped item trackers that you can attach to important but easily lost items, allowing the AirTags (and the items) to be tracked right inside the Find My app alongside your Apple devices.
There's no guarantee that AirTags are launching in 2020, so there's a chance that we aren't going to see them this year. In fact, leaker Jon Prosser, who has a mixed track record when it comes to reporting Apple's plans, recently said the AirTags won't be coming until March 2021. Prosser has since said that the AirPods Studio headphones have actually been pushed back, so Apple is going to debut AirTags instead. Given the super mixed information, we'll have to wait to see what ends up launching.
Recent speculation suggests that Apple perhaps has had the AirTags ready to go for quite some time (hence code found in early versions of iOS 13), but has held them back to allow third-party item tracker manufacturers time to develop their own solutions that integrate with the Find My app in an effort to stave off antitrust accusations. Since AirTags rumors first leaked, Tile has been unhappy because a better Apple-designed Bluetooth tracker that integrates right into the Find My app has the potential to tank Tile's business.
Apple Silicon Macs
Apple itself has said that the first Mac with an Apple Silicon chip is coming before the end of 2020, so we can count on at least one Mac launch in November or December.
There's no word yet on exactly which Mac will get an Apple Silicon chip first, but based on rumors, candidates include a new MacBook Pro, a new MacBook Air, a resurrected 12-inch MacBook, or a new 24-inch iMac.
Apple is working on a revamped 14-inch MacBook that will be similar to the 16-inch MacBook and a redesigned 24-inch iMac to replace the 21.5-inch iMac, and the launch of both of these significant redesigns would be an ideal time to unveil fresh new Apple-designed chips.
Regardless of which Mac comes first, Apple is transitioning its entire Mac lineup to Apple Silicon chips, a process that's expected to take a year. By the end of 2021, Apple may be well on its way to sunsetting all Macs with Intel chips. We may not be able to count on AirPods Studio or AirTags for certain, but new Macs are definitely coming.
Apple TV
As with AirTags, rumors about a next-generation Apple TV have been floating around for months, if not years. We haven't had a new version of the Apple TV since 2017, and we're long overdue for an update.
Apple is said to be working on multiple Apple TV set-top boxes, including one that has an A14X chip that offers console-like performance. There are also rumors of a new Apple TV remote with Find My integration to keep it from getting lost.
No Apple TV made an appearance at Apple's October event, and it's not looking like we're going to see it a potential November event, either. According to an August report from Bloomberg, a new Apple TV might not be ready to launch until sometime in 2021.
November Event?
There's a chance that Apple could hold a third November event to show off new products because the Apple Silicon Macs at a minimum are event-worthy devices. Of course, there's no guarantee at this time, because the devices that are still on the horizon could also come out through a press release.
Predicting a possible event date in November is tricky. November 3 is election day in the United States, November 11 is Veterans Day, and November 26 is Thanksgiving in the United States with Apple giving all corporate employees that week off. If Apple does hold an event, we could perhaps get invites in the first week of November with an event to take place on November 9 or 10 ahead of Veteran's Day.
A recent rumor has suggested that Apple is actually planning an Apple Silicon event for November 17, so that could be when we'll see an announcement instead. That date is getting awfully close to Thanksgiving a week later, but Apple doesn't have a lot of options in the month of November.
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