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APPLE BEGINS SELLING REFURBISHED IMAC WITH M3 CHIP IN CANADA

Thursday March 14, 2024 6:50 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple this week added the latest-generation iMac with the M3 chip to its
certified refurbished store in Canada for the first time since the computer was
introduced in October. As a reminder, availability in the U.S. began last month.

As usual for Apple's refurbished products, the refurbished iMacs are discounted
by approximately 15% compared to the equivalent brand new models, with pricing
starting at $1,439 CAD. A variety of configurations and color options are
available.

All of the usual accessories are included in the box, including a Magic
Keyboard, Magic Mouse, power adapter and cord, and USB-C to Lightning cable.

Apple says it puts refurbished Macs through "full functionality testing" and a
"thorough cleaning process and inspection," and they are covered by Apple's
one-year limited warranty and eligible for extended AppleCare+ coverage.

In our view, Apple's refurbished Macs are virtually indistinguishable from brand
new ones, providing a good opportunity for savings directly from Apple.

Apple also began selling refurbished 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with
M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in Canada last month.

Related Roundup: iMac
Tag: Apple Refurbished Products
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iMac
Show Full Article
1 comment

APPLE SPORTS APP UPDATED FOR MLB AND NCAA'S MARCH MADNESS

Thursday March 14, 2024 6:01 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

The new Apple Sports app for the iPhone received its first update today with
optimizations for the MLB and NCAA's March Madness. If you are a fan of these
leagues, make sure to update the app to ensure that complete data is available.

The full release notes for Apple Sports version 1.1:

> • Ready for March Madness? Follow the Men's and Women's NCAA Basketball
> Tournaments for real-time updates.
>
> • Starting with Opening Day, go deep this MLB season with play-by-play
> updates, betting odds, box scores, and more for all of your favorite teams.
>
> • Final scores are now sorted by league.

Released last month, Apple Sports shows scores, stats, standings, upcoming
games, betting odds, and more for a variety of leagues, such as the MLB, MLS,
NBA, NHL, and Premier League. The app also displays real-time play-by-play
information for ongoing games.

Apple Sports is available for free on the App Store, and it is compatible with
the iPhone only.

Tag: Apple Sports
Show Full Article
16 comments

APPLE VISION PRO'S NAME MAY STILL FACE TRADEMARK ISSUES IN CHINA

Thursday March 14, 2024 5:57 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

The Apple's Vision Pro headset may still face trademark issues with Huawei when
the company launches it in China.

As highlighted by the South China Morning Post, Chinese tech giant Huawei
registered the "Vision Pro" name in the country in 2021. This registration
encompasses a wide array of goods and services, including virtual reality
headsets and wearable video displays, effectively granting Huawei exclusive
rights to the "Vision Pro" name in China until November 2031.

According to the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA),
Apple's application for the trademark rights to "Vision Pro" is currently in a
state of "refusal to re-examine." Additionally, Apple applied to trademark the
brand name "Apple Vision Pro" in June 2023, and this application is still under
examination, leaving the company's branding strategy for the product in China
uncertain.

Huawei's first foray into smart eyewear came with the introduction of "Vision
Glass" in December 2022, expanding its portfolio under the Vision brand, which
also includes a range of smart TV screens. Following the release of Apple's
Vision Pro in the United States in February, Huawei has been rumored to be
preparing to launch similar devices.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Tags: China, Huawei, Trademark
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
Show Full Article
11 comments

PROTON ENCRYPTED MAIL DESKTOP APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR MAC

Thursday March 14, 2024 5:09 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Swiss-based privacy startup Proton today announced the availability of its
end-to-end encrypted desktop mail app for macOS and Windows, with a Linux
version in beta.

According to the company, the Proton Mail desktop app has been optimized to
integrate with Macs, which means it can sync themes with the desktop's light or
dark mode, display notifications natively, and offer instant switching between
mail and calendar.

> The new Proton Mail desktop app inherits from a decade of security
> enhancements we built for our web application. That means Proton Mail for
> Windows and macOS maintains our commitment to security and privacy with
> several key features: zero-access encryption and end-to-end encryption,
> protection against trackers and phishing attempts, and our high-security
> account protection program, Proton Sentinel.

Proton says the ability to use a separate app from a browser for accessing email
and calendar also offers additional security benefits, such as protecting emails
or events from rogue browser extensions and allowing automatic updates without
relying on a browser.

The app also includes an Easy Switch tool that enables users to import messages
from Outlook or Gmail, forward new messages from Gmail, and more.

Besides these additions, the desktop app should be familiar to Proton users.
"Anyone who has used our web app before will instantly feel at home," says the
company.

Paying Proton account holders can download the Proton Mail app from the Proton
website, and the company is offering a 14-day trial for anyone on a free Proton
plan.

Tags: Encryption, Proton, Security
Show Full Article
36 comments

AIRPODS CASE WITH TOUCHSCREEN KNOCK-OFF COPIES APPLE PATENT

Thursday March 14, 2024 4:29 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Apple registers many patents most of which never see the light of day as
consumer products – officially, that is. One burgeoning knock-off merchant in
China has apparently taken cues from an idea Apple had in 2021 for AirPods
featuring a case with a built-in touchscreen display.

Pictures and video shared on X (Twitter) by occasional leaker @lipilipsi show
production units of counterfeit AirPods with an OLED touchscreen integrated into
the front of the case.

Activated when the case lid is opened, the display allows users to select noise
control options, "Find My" earbuds, choose equalizer presets, and lock the
screen. The display also shows users the battery level of each AirPod, the
current time, and Bluetooth connectivity.

It's clear where the concept has been ripped off from. An Apple 2021 patent
reads:

> "The utility of a headphone case can be enhanced, and user control over a
> user's wireless headphones can be improved, by configuring a headphone case
> with an interactive user interface to enable user control of operations
> associated with the wireless headphones."

In one embodiment, Apple envisions controlling Apple Music via the case through
the use of a capacitive touchscreen with a GUI that also provides tactile
feedback, allowing the user to control audio playback, adjust volume, favorite
songs, and interact with their music in other ways – similar to the knock-off
device we see here.

By integrating an interactive touchscreen display in such a way, the patent
argues, "deficiencies associated with user control of wireless headphones are
reduced or eliminated."

The popularity of AirPods has seen record numbers of counterfeit wireless
headphones seized at the U.S. border in recent years. According to a 2021
report, roughly 360,000 counterfeit wireless headphones with a retail value of
$62.2 million were confiscated in the first nine months of the U.S. government's
fiscal year, based on data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

> Airport with OLED display pic.twitter.com/tehsjwj9iF — fix Apple 🍏
> (@lipilipsi) March 13, 2024

That should be "AirPods with OLED display"

U.S. Customs said that 80% of all counterfeit products coming into the U.S. were
from mainland China or Hong Kong. While it's unclear how many of the seized
counterfeit headphones were AirPods, U.S. Customs said seizures had increased
50% in the previous five years as products such as Apple's earbuds gained
popularity.

Counterfeit AirPods can use genuine Apple serial numbers and usually look
physically indistinguishable from legitimate AirPods. Many often have functional
equivalent noise control features, but the touchscreen is a new one on us.

Related Roundup: AirPods 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: AirPods
Show Full Article
33 comments

APPLE VISION PRO IS 'OVER-ENGINEERED DEVKIT,' SAYS FORMER OCULUS HEAD

Thursday March 14, 2024 3:52 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Apple's first-generation Vision Pro headset is an "over-engineered devkit" that
ships with more sensors than is necessary to deliver Apple's intended
experience. That's according to Hugo Barra, former VP of Android and head of
Meta's phased-out Oculus headset brand.

Barra, who oversaw the Oculus team in 2017 after it was acquired by Facebook,
has published a surprisingly balanced in-depth analysis of Apple's spatial
computing device, which is well worth a read. But a couple of reflections are
worth highlighting.

Barra notes that Apple has packed Vision Pro with an impressive six tracking
cameras, two passthrough cameras, two depth sensors, and four eye-tracking
cameras. This "over-spec'ing," says Barra, is "characteristic of a v1 product
where its creator wants to ensure it survives the hardest tests early users will
no doubt want to put the product through."

Apple's decision to over-spec the Vision Pro, however, inevitably makes the
headset weigh over 600 grams, and "makes it difficult for most people to wear it
for more than 30-45 minutes at a time without suffering a lot of discomfort."

> Because of its heavy weight, Vision Pro has inevitably landed in the world as
> a high-quality "devkit" designed to capture everyone's curiosity, hearts &
> minds with its magic (especially through the voice of enthusiastic tech
> influencers) while being realistically focused on developers as its primary
> audience. In other words, the Vision Pro is a devkit that helps prepare the
> world to receive a more mainstream Apple VR headset that could have
> product-market fit in 1 or 2 generations.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes Apple is working on multiple new Apple Vision
models, exploring both a low-cost version and a second-generation version. With
the low-cost version, Gurman believes Apple will eliminate the EyeSight feature
and the M-series chip, using more affordable components.

In another notable claim, Barra reckons Apple has made the Vision Pro experience
intentionally blurry in order to hide pixelation artifacts and make graphics
appear smoother, which he sees as a "clever move" by Apple.

> One of our biggest product positioning struggles within the Oculus VR team
> from the very beginning — especially when trying to convince reviewers — was
> always related to having underwhelming displays. Every single Oculus headset
> that ever shipped (including the latest Quest 3) has suffered from
> resolution/pixelation issues varying from "terrible" to "pretty bad". It's
> like we're living in the VR-equivalent world of VGA computer monitors.

By making the Vision Pro optics slightly out of focus, Apple has achieved "way
smoother graphics across the board by hiding the screen door effect (which in
practice means that you won't see pixelation artifacts)." However, Barra laments
the Vision Pro's "significant motion blur and image quality issues that render
passthrough mode unusable for longer periods."

Barra claims that it was this motion blur in passthrough mode that was one of
the many reasons why he decided to return his Vision Pro. "It's just
uncomfortable, leads to unnecessary eye strain, and really gets in the way of
anyone using the headset for longer periods of time," he adds.

You can find Barra's lengthy write-up of his experience with Vision Pro over on
his blog. Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the United States, with the
device expected to launch in more countries later this year.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Tag: Meta
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
Show Full Article
61 comments

APPLE VISION PRO LIKELY TO LAUNCH IN THESE NINE COUNTRIES NEXT

Wednesday March 13, 2024 4:55 pm PDT by Aaron Perris

Apple will soon add 12 new languages to the virtual keyboard on the Vision Pro,
based on code discovered by MacRumors. Right now, the Apple Vision Pro keyboard
only supports English (US) and Emoji, which makes sense as it is limited to the
United States.

To bring the Vision Pro to new countries, Apple needs to add support for
additional languages. The code indicates the following languages will be added:

* Cantonese, Traditional
* Chinese, Simplified
* English (Australia)
* English (Canada)
* English (Japan)
* English (Singapore)
* English (UK)
* French (Canada)
* French (France)
* German (Germany)
* Japanese
* Korean

It's likely that these language additions hint at the countries where Apple will
launch the Vision Pro next, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany,
Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UK. Hong Kong and Taiwan are also
potential candidates.

When the Vision Pro launched, Apple said that it would bring the Vision Pro to
additional countries later this year, but the company did not provide timing.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will expand Vision Pro
availability to additional markets prior to the June Worldwide Developers
Conference.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
Show Full Article
65 comments

THROWBOY LAUNCHES GIANT PILLOW MODELED AFTER MAC FINDER ICON

Wednesday March 13, 2024 4:10 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Throwboy, known for its line of pillows designed to look like classic Macs, this
week launched a new jumbo version of the Apple fan favorite Icon Pillow.

Designed to look like the Finder icon from early Macs, the jumbo Icon Pillow
measures in at 37 inches by 37 inches by 15 inches, and it is the biggest pillow
that Throwboy has created to date. It is made of a soft plush material with
fleece eyes and smile, and it is so big that it weighs in at 16 pounds.

According to Throwboy, the jumbo Icon Pillow is the ultimate home decor for tech
lovers, and it is sized for snuggling with. It is filled with a plush, poly
filling that is meant to give it a bouncy fill, and it is designed to be
durable.

Throwboy makes the Icon Pillow in a range of sizes, from jumbo to the more
reasonable 13 inch by 13 inch version. There's also a mini pocket Icon pillow
and one that comes with a sad face.

The jumbo Icon Pillow can be purchased from Throwboy for $390. It is available
in the U.S., UK, and Canada.

Show Full Article
74 comments

APPLE SUPPLIERS DONATE TO RESTORE FUND FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTS AND OTHER CARBON
REMOVAL PROJECTS

Wednesday March 13, 2024 2:49 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today announced that suppliers Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
(TSMC) and Japanese company Murata Manufacturing are investing in its Restore
Fund, a program aimed at scaling investments in high-quality nature-based carbon
removal while also protecting critical ecosystems.

TSMC is investing up to $50 million and Murata is investing up to $30 million,
with the money managed by Climate Asset Management. Apple established the
Restore Fund in 2021 with a $200 million donation, and expanded it in 2023 with
another $200 million.

Apple is using some of the money to support the creation of sustainably
certified working forests on degraded pasture and agricultural lands in South
America. The project is meant to meet increasing global demand for timber while
reducing pressure on natural forests.

Two of the partners that Apple is working on the forests have planted
eucalyptus, an ideal tree for sustainable forests because of its fast growth
rate, ability to restore degraded land, and lower water consumption than other
kinds of trees.

Apple's third partner is developing sustainable forests of tropical hardwoods
native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, with some of the land also going toward
restoring tree species that are nearing extinction. The Restore Fund will be
used for other projects that focus on ecosystem conservation and restoration,
with selection underway. Apple set a goal of removing 1 million metric tons of
carbon dioxide from the air by 2025, which it is on track to exceed.

Apple wants to be carbon neutral across its entire supply chain by 2030. More
than 300 suppliers have signed up for the Supplier Clean Energy Program that
commits them to achieving 100 percent renewable energy for all Apple production
by the end of the decade, and Apple has also asked its partners to decarbonize
their Apple-related operations.

Tag: Apple Environment
Show Full Article
60 comments

EPIC GAMES ACCUSES APPLE OF CHARGING 'UNJUSTIFIED FEES' FOR REQUIRED NON-APP
STORE PURCHASE LINK

Wednesday March 13, 2024 1:14 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Epic Games is once again after Apple, this time accusing the Cupertino company
of violating a court ruling that requires Apple to allow developers to offer
in-app links to direct customers to third-party purchase options on the web.

Apple tweaked its U.S. App Store policies back in January, and developers are
permitted to put one link in their apps that leads to a website where customers
can make a purchase without using the in-app purchase system. Apple is still
charging commission for these purchases, requiring developers to pay between 12
and 27 percent (three percent lower than the 15/30 standard fee).

‌Epic Games‌ is unhappy with the fee that Apple continues to charge, today
telling the court that Apple has not complied with the order, and asking that
Apple be held in contempt of court. ‌Epic Games‌ claims that the fees make the
links "commercially unusable," thereby subverting the injunction.

> Apple violates the Injunction in three ways. First, with respect to External
> Links, Apple has imposed new fees and enacted a slew of new rules that work
> together to make the links commercially unusable. This new fee and
> accompanying web of restrictions subverts the purpose of the Injunction,
> allowing Apple to continue extracting its excessive commissions and making it
> effectively impossible for a developer to inform users about, and direct users
> toward, an alternative platform for making a purchase.
>
> Second, Apple continues to categorically prohibit any steering using "buttons"
> or "other calls to action". Specifically, Apple does not allow External Links
> that resemble a "button" in any way.
>
> Third, Apple's Guideline 3.1.3 still prohibits certain apps, including all
> multiplatform services (i.e., apps that operate across multiple platforms and
> allow users to access the same content across these platforms, including
> popular games such as Minecraft), from "within the app, encourag[ing] users to
> use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase". This language expressly
> contravenes the Injunction by prohibiting any steering to alternative
> purchasing methods.

‌Epic Games‌ collected statements from other developers that have spoken out
against Apple's App Store fees, including Paddle CEO Christian Owens and Down
Dog CEO Benjamin Simon.

Apple was initially ordered to make the ‌App Store‌ changes in 2021 as part of
its court battle with ‌Epic Games‌. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers, who oversaw
the case, took issue with Apple's anti-steering rules. Apple was able to delay
implementing the ‌App Store‌ changes for a few years while it appealed, but none
of the courts decided to change the verdict. Apple ultimately took it to the
Supreme Court, but the court declined to hear the case, so Apple had to comply
immediately at the beginning of the year.

Apple has said that it is fully in compliance with the injunction. From Apple's
January statement of compliance:

> As of January 16, 2024, Apple has fully complied with the Injunction: It is
> striking the relevant parts of the App Store Review Guidelines applicable to
> apps on the U.S. storefronts of the iOS and iPadOS App Stores and implementing
> new rules that permit developers to (i) include in their apps buttons or links
> with calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms in
> addition to IAP and (ii) communicate with customers through points of contact
> obtained voluntarily from customers through account registration within the
> app. As a result of these changes, developers have the option of informing
> consumers, both within and outside the app, about alternative purchase
> mechanisms in addition to IAP.

Epic Games claims that the fee Apple charges for the link is "financially
unattractive" for developers who want to choose another payment solution, and it
"prevents any meaningful competition between payment solutions." The company
wants the court to require Apple to bring its policies into compliance with the
injunction.

Tags: Epic Games, Epic Games vs. Apple Guide
Show Full Article
252 comments

M3 MACBOOK AIR TEARDOWN SHOWS APPLE FIXED BASE MODEL'S BIGGEST FLAW

Wednesday March 13, 2024 11:11 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

The repair website iFixit today shared a video teardown of the base model
13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip and 256GB of storage, and it shows that
this configuration is equipped with two 128GB flash storage chips. This change
results in significantly faster SSD speeds compared to the equivalent MacBook
Air with the M2 chip, which has a single 256GB storage chip, as the SSD can read
and write from the two chips simultaneously.

YouTube channel Max Tech ran Blackmagic's Disk Speed Test tool with a 5GB file
size test on both the M2 and M3 models of the 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of
storage and 8GB of RAM, and they found the SSD in the M3 model achieved up to
33% faster write speeds and up to 82% faster read speeds compared to the SSD in
the M2 model.

Apple's decision to switch to a single 256GB chip for the base model M2 MacBook
Air was controversial, even though the slower SSD speeds are unlikely to be
noticed by the average user working on common day-to-day tasks. Fortunately, the
base model M3 MacBook Air's SSD speeds are now roughly equivalent to the base
model M1 MacBook Air again, so customers no longer need to be concerned about
this potential limitation.

play

Apple still sells a 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 256GB of storage for $999, so
customers who want maximum SSD performance should avoid that model.

Beyond this SSD-related change, the teardown shows that the M3 MacBook Air
models have a virtually identical internal design as the M2 models. The video
provides a look at the battery cells with adhesive pull tabs, logic board,
trackpad, and more.

Update: iFixit's CEO Kyle Wiens said the base model 15-inch MacBook Air with the
M3 chip and 256GB of storage also has two 128GB storage chips.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Tags: iFixit, Teardown
Buyer's Guide: 13" MacBook Air (Buy Now), 15" MacBook Air (Buy Now)
Related Forum: MacBook Air
Show Full Article
103 comments

TIKTOK CLOSER TO POTENTIAL U.S. BAN AS HOUSE PASSES BILL REQUIRING SALE

Wednesday March 13, 2024 9:46 am PDT by Juli Clover

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation that would force
TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the social media network or face a ban in the
United States. The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled
Applications Act will now go to the Senate, where its fate is unclear.

U.S. lawmakers want TikTok to be sold to a company outside of China due to
concerns that the Chinese government could force ByteDance to hand over data
from users located in the United States. If China made the request, ByteDance
would not be able to refuse. There have also been suggestions that China could
use TikTok to spread political propaganda.

ByteDance has attempted to alleviate these fears by storing data from U.S. users
on servers owned by Oracle, but the White House and lawmakers do not believe
that is enough.

If passed, the bill would require ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months to
a company approved by the U.S. government. Should ByteDance not sell the
company, U.S. app stores would not be able to distribute the app without
breaking the law, effectively leading to a ban. China would also need to approve
the sale, and the Chinese government made it clear last year that it would
"firmly oppose" a forced sale.

There are a limited number of companies with enough capital to be able to afford
TikTok, and the obvious choices, such as Google or Meta, would likely be barred
from acquiring it due to antitrust concerns.

Should the bill make it through the Senate, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed
that he would sign it into law. A number of senators have expressed worries
about the wording of the act, and it does not have universal support at this
time.

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.

Tag: TikTok
Show Full Article
219 comments

REPORT: MOST SUBSCRIPTION-BASED APPS DO NOT MAKE MONEY

Wednesday March 13, 2024 8:33 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Most mobile apps with subscriptions do not make money, a new in-depth analysis
finds.

The "State of Subscription Apps" report comes from RevenueCat (via TechCrunch),
a prominent mobile subscription toolkit provider. With nearly 30,000 apps
utilizing its platform for monetization management, RevenueCat is able to
provide a reliable overview of the subscription app landscape thanks to its data
collection capabilities. The analysis delves into data from over 29,000 apps and
18,000 developers, collectively responsible for more than $6.7 billion in
revenue and over 290 million subscribers.

RevenueCat found that while the top-performing 5% of subscription apps amass
revenue 200 times greater than those in the bottom quartile, the median monthly
revenue for apps after one year is less than $50. Only 17.2% of apps cross the
$1,000 monthly revenue mark. Reaching this milestone significantly boosts the
likelihood of further financial growth, with 59% of these apps progressing to
achieve $2,500 in monthly revenue, and 60% of those reaching the $5,000 mark. A
mere 3.5% of apps achieve $10,000 in monthly revenue.

Health and fitness apps generate at least twice the revenue of all other
categories combined, both in the bottom quartile and among the top 5% of
earners. In contrast, travel and productivity apps face the most significant
challenges, with even the top performers in these categories struggling to make
over $1,000 per month after a year on the market.

Despite these statistics, the subscription app market continues to grow and the
average price for monthly subscriptions has increased by 14% from $7.05 to
$8.01. However, the report also noted a recent shift in consumer behavior, with
a 14% drop in subscriber retention over 12 months.

Show Full Article
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AMAZON DISCOUNTS 2ND GEN APPLE WATCH SE TO JUST $189

Wednesday March 13, 2024 7:53 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard

Amazon today has the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE for $189.00, which is just $10
higher compared to its all-time low price. This deal is available in the Silver
Aluminum Case with Winter Blue Sport Loop and Midnight Aluminum Case with
Midnight Sport Loop, and only Amazon has the discount.

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.

You can also get the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE on sale right now, available for
$219.00 on Amazon, down from $279.00. This is another near all-time low price
that's just $10 away from the lowest price on the Apple Watch SE, and it's
available in Midnight, Silver, and Starlight Aluminum options.

$60 OFF
Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $189.00

$60 OFF
Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS) for $219.00

This model of the Apple Watch SE launched in September 2022 and remains Apple's
most affordable Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE lacks some of the upgraded
features you'll find in some Series 9 or Ultra 2 models, like temperature
sensing, ECG functionality, and blood oxygen monitoring, but it will otherwise
provide you with all key Apple Watch features, and at the cheapest price
possible.

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related
products and accessories.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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HERE'S EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT APPLE'S NEXT-GENERATION CARPLAY

Wednesday March 13, 2024 7:42 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay
at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Below,
we recap the latest information about the upcoming software system.

Apple's render of next-generation CarPlay from WWDC 2022

Next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument
cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more. It will also support multiple
displays across the dashboard, and offer a variety of personalization options.

LAUNCH TIMING

Aston Martin and Porsche previewed their customized next-generation CarPlay
designs in December. Aston Martin said it would release its first vehicles with
next-generation CarPlay support in 2024, including a new model of its high-end
DB12 sports car. Porsche did not provide a timeframe or specific details about
its own plans.

A spokesperson for Porsche this week told us that it has no update to provide
about next-generation CarPlay availability at this time, while a spokesperson
for Aston Martin has yet to respond to our request for comment.

Porsche's next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023

In January, Apple updated its website to confirm that the first vehicle models
with support for next-generation CarPlay will debut "in 2024," but it has yet to
provide a more specific timeframe. This wording is shown on Apple's websites for
several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and
others.

COMMITTED AUTOMAKERS

When it first announced next-generation CarPlay, Apple said the following
automakers were committed to offering it in new vehicles:

* Acura
* Audi
* Ford
* Honda
* Infiniti
* Jaguar
* Land Rover
* Lincoln
* Mercedes-Benz
* Nissan
* Polestar
* Porsche
* Renault
* Volvo

Beyond the addition of Aston Martin, it is unclear if this list has changed
since that initial announcement at WWDC 2022.

Aston Martin's next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023

Apple has not indicated if any next-generation CarPlay apps or features will be
available in existing vehicles with standard CarPlay support.

NEW FEATURES

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INTEGRATION

Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle's instrument cluster,
including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature
gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose
from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific
options.

CLIMATE CONTROLS

You'll be able to access your vehicle's climate controls directly within the new
CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat,
fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.

MULTI-DISPLAY SUPPORT

Next-generation CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a
vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system,
instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the
new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen
shapes and layouts.

WIDGETS

Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance
information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar
events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and
more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the
instrument cluster.

FM RADIO APP

Next-generation CarPlay will include an all-new Media app that allows you to
easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.

NEW APPS

iOS 17.4 for the iPhone includes hidden code-level references to eight new
CarPlay apps:

* Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle
settings.
* Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle's rear-view camera feed.
* Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging
status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
* Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle's climate controls within
CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system,
fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
* Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle's doors are opened, and
it might also display vehicle warning symbols.
* Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls
within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear
if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet
streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as
Top 40 and Rock.
* Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle's
tires, and provide low pressure, high pressure, and flat tire warnings.
* Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the
vehicle's average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time
elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.

iOS 17.4 also revealed that next-generation CarPlay will likely display a
"Goodbye" animation on the dashboard display after the driver shuts off the
vehicle:

As previously announced by Apple, additional images found in iOS 17.4 confirm
that users will be able to adjust the theme and color scheme of next-generation
CarPlay, including the appearance of the instrument cluster:

Apple released iOS 17.4 in early March, and it is possible that it will be the
minimum software version required for next-generation CarPlay when it eventually
launches. However, it is also possible that Apple still has final preparations
to make in iOS 17.5 and beyond, so we will ultimately have to wait and see when
the software is ready.

MORE IMAGES

SUMMARY

Apple says next-generation CarPlay will launch in 2024, but a more specific
timeframe is still unknown. Aston Martin and Porsche have previewed their
next-generation CarPlay designs, and the recently-released iOS 17.4 update for
the iPhone includes hidden code-level references to next-generation CarPlay apps
and features.

Related Roundup: CarPlay
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
Show Full Article
94 comments

APPLE BEGINS ASSEMBLING IPHONE 15 IN BRAZIL

Wednesday March 13, 2024 6:37 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple has started assembling the iPhone 15 model in Brazil, shifting in its
global manufacturing approach to mitigate high import taxes and diversify its
supply chain.

As reported by MacMagazine (via 9to5Mac), the assembly process is being carried
out at the Foxconn facility in São Paulo and seeks to reduce the high import
fees levied on electronics in Brazil, which significantly inflate the cost of
electronics for consumers in the country.

Apple has not yet reduced the retail price of the ‌iPhone 15‌ in Brazil, where
it continues to sell for R$7,300 (approximately $1,460) for the 128GB model.
This price is nearly double the device's starting price in the United States.
The initiative also is part of Apple's broader strategy to diversify its
manufacturing footprint beyond China and reduce its reliance on a single region.

Only the 6.1-inch ‌iPhone 15‌ model is being assembled in Brazil. The ‌iPhone
15‌ Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models continue to be imported from China. Brazilian
customers can identify whether their ‌iPhone 15‌ was assembled locally by
checking the model number, with units produced in Brazil carrying the identifier
"BR/A." In contrast, imported units are denoted by "BE/A" and "BZ/A."

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Tag: Brazil
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone
Show Full Article
48 comments

VLC MEDIA PLAYER POTENTIALLY COMING TO APPLE VISION PRO

Wednesday March 13, 2024 5:41 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

VideoLAN is working on bringing its popular open source VLC media player to
Apple Vision Pro, according to tech newsletter Lowpass.

The non-profit organization said it was currently developing a version for
Apple's spatial computing headset. "We already have a version of VLC running on
the Vision Pro," VideoLAN president Jean-Baptiste Kempf told Lowpass writer
Janko Roettgers.

However, one of the reasons the app hasn't already been released is that the
potential user base is still considered too small. "I'm not sure there is any
use case yet," added Kempf.

VLC recently surpassed five billion downloads across desktop and mobile
platforms, according to the organization. The cross-platform media player and
framework launched 23 years ago as a student project, and continues to attract
millions of new users thanks to its support for multiple codecs and its ability
to play multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming
protocols.

Meanwhile, work continues on VLC 4.0. Development has taken longer than
anticipated, according to Kempf, with the core of the app being completely
rewritten. Recent nightly builds put the focus on content, with the default
player window replaced by a view of the user's library. However, Kempf said that
some changes could be reverted before the app's official release.

Kempf said that VLC may even add access to FAST channels and other ad-supported
online media in the future, potentially allowing users to start watching
something right away.

VLC 3.0.20 is a free downloaded for Mac from the VideoLAN website.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Tag: VLC
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
Show Full Article
63 comments

GARAGEBAND FOR MAC UPDATED WITH IMPORTANT SECURITY FIX

Wednesday March 13, 2024 5:31 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple this week updated GarageBand for Mac with an important security fix. Users
should update the app as soon as possible due to this security vulnerability.

In a support document for the new GarageBand version, Apple said "a
use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management":

> GarageBand
>
> Available for: macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma
>
> Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app
> termination or arbitrary code execution
>
> Description: A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory
> management.
>
> CVE-2024-23300: Marc Schoenefeld, Dr. rer. nat.

GarageBand version 10.4.11 is available on the Mac App Store. The update also
includes stability improvements and bug fixes, according to Apple.

Tag: GarageBand
Show Full Article
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GUIDES

iOS 17 Features

Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 17, plus
how-tos that walk you through using the new features.

iOS 17.4 Features

App Store changes for the EU, new emoji, Podcasts transcripts, and more.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: How to Use All the New Features

Get the most out your iPhone 15 with our complete guide to all the new features.

50 New macOS Sonoma Features

A deep dive into new features in macOS Sonoma, big and small.

• 10 Hidden Messages Features in iOS 17
• iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro
• 22 Hidden Features in watchOS 10
• Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2
• 20 Time-Saving iPhone Tips
• 14 macOS Tips to Make Your Life Easier
• 14" MacBook Pro vs. 16" MacBook Pro
• Apple M2 Chip
• AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2
• One AirPod Not Working?
See more guides

UPCOMING

iPad Pro
Early 2024

Revamped models with OLED displays, M3 chip, and redesigned Magic Keyboard
accessory.

iPad Air
Early 2024

Updated 10.9-inch model and new 12.9-inch model, M2 chip expected.

iOS 18
June 2024 Preview

Expected to see new AI-focused features and more. Preview coming at WWDC in June
with public release in September.

iPhone 16
September 2024

Action button expands to all models, new Capture button, camera improvements,
and more.

• iPhone 16 Pro
See full product calendar

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