Amazon today has a large collection of Apple Watch Series 9 models on sale at solid second-best prices, including both GPS and cellular devices. It's been a few weeks since we last tracked any notable markdowns on the Series 9, so if you've been waiting for a deal now is definitely the time to buy the wearable.
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You can get up to $100 off most Apple Watch Series 9 models right now on Amazon, starting at $299.00 for the 41mm GPS watches. We've rounded up all of the deals in lists below, focusing on the aluminum devices, but you can also find $100 discounts on a few stainless steel models as well.
The only versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 that aren't seeing any discounts this week are the 41mm cellular devices. Otherwise, you can get $100 off every other model of the wearable on Amazon. Most can be delivered as soon as the end of this week for Prime members.
LG is seeking compensation from Apple following the abrupt cancelation of the microLED Apple Watch due to the substantial investments it made in preparation of the project, The Elec reports.
As a result of the device's cancelation, LG Display has apparently been left with substantial sunk costs, including the expense of purchasing 14 U.S. patents related to microLED technology from Taiwan's Ultra Display. The company now faces potential claims from its equipment partners, some of whom had also invested in the project without formal contracts in place. LG also moved equipment from Gumi in Gyeongsangbuk-do to Paju in Gyeonggi-do, secured space for the microLED backplane process, and recruited specialized personnel to form a task force dedicated to the project. Overall, LG reportedly spent hundreds of billions of won to prepare for the microLED Apple Watch.
Apple's decision to cancel the project was reportedly based on concerns about the economic viability of microLED technology for the Apple Watch. Despite its potential advantages—such as brighter displays, improved color accuracy, and better power efficiency compared to existing OLED technology—Apple determined that the production costs associated with microLED were too high to justify its inclusion in the Apple Watch. There were also significant challenges related to the manufacturing process, which would have made it more difficult to produce the displays in the required quantities.
Apple's M3 MacBook Pro is seeing multiple high value discounts on Best Buy and Amazon today, with up to $1,000 off select models. This includes a new all-time low price on the entry-level M3 512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro at $1,299.00, down from $1,599.00, and a massive $1,000 discount on the high-end 16-inch model exclusively for Best Buy members.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Across the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro lineup you'll find $300-$400 off every model on both Best Buy and Amazon. In regards to the Best Buy discounts, most these do not require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership and are available to all customers. The only exception is the M3 Pro 512GB model, which has an extra $100 discount exclusively for Best Buy members.
If you're shopping for the 16-inch M3 MacBook Pro, we're also tracking steep discounts on every model at both retailers. The biggest savings will be found on the M3 Max, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD model at Best Buy, which is being discounted by $500 for all shoppers, and an extra $500 exclusively for My Best Buy members. This adds up to a massive $1,000 discount on the high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro, at the new record low price of $2,999.00.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Update 8/12: Some of these deals, including the $1,000 discount on the M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, have now expired on Best Buy. However, Amazon is still hosting a lot of the discounts as of Monday morning.
This weekend we're tracking a big collection of discounts on Bluetooth trackers, including Apple's own AirTag as well as Anker's more affordable brand of Eufy SmartTrack accessories. All of these deals can be found on Amazon.
AirTag
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.
Starting with the AirTag, you can get the 1 Pack for $23.99 and the 4 Pack of trackers for $72.99 on Amazon, down from $99.00. The 4 Pack price is an all-time low while the 1 Pack price is just shy of its all-time low.
Anyone who needs a Bluetooth tracker but wants to save a bit of money should look at Anker's Eufy brand of trackers, which are on sale on Amazon right now and compatible with Find My on Apple devices. These start at just $13.99 for one tracker and raise to $48.99 for a 4 Pack.
If you want a tracker that you can fit in a wallet, Eufy's SmartTrack Card is a great solution at $16.95, down from $29.99. Most of Eufy's trackers can be delivered between August 11 and August 15, and none of these deals require a coupon code in order to see the final sale prices.
Apple's work on iOS 18 continues, with a new Distraction Control feature and refinements for the Photos app, among other tweaks, coming in the latest beta. We're only about a month away from the official release, so Apple should be firming things up shortly.
In another news, we've known for a while that Apple is planning to update its entire Mac lineup with variants of the M4 chip, but we learned this week that the Mac mini is apparently set to get a redesign as part of its update, so read on below for details on this and all of our other top stories from this week!
Hands-On With Safari's New Distraction Control in the iOS 18 Beta
iOS 18 features a completely redesigned Photos app on the iPhone, but the changes have not been well received by all users. As a result, Apple has been making some tweaks to the app's user interface while the software update remains in beta testing.
Check out our list of everything new in iOS 18 beta 5 to learn more about the latest changes. iOS 18 should be widely released to the public in mid-September, alongside the launch of the iPhone 16 series.
M4 Mac Mini Rumored to Become Apple's Smallest Computer Ever With Complete Redesign
Gurman expects the new Mac mini to be released later this year. He said there will be two models of the computer, including one with the M4 chip that debuted in the iPad Pro, and one with an all-new M4 Pro chip.
Gurman said a plastic casing could allow for the Apple Watch SE to have a lower price, and a more kid-friendly design with colorful options. The next Apple Watch SE is expected to be announced in September.
15+ New Features Coming to the iOS 18 Messages App
You can now use any emoji as a Tapback, send messages over a satellite connection in certain locations, add text effects to individual words in a message, schedule messages to be sent later, and much more. iOS 18 also adds RCS support to the Messages app for an improved messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple typically releases its new iPhone series in the fall, and a possible September 10 announcement date has been floated this year, which means we are just one month away from the launch of the iPhone 16. Like the iPhone 15 series, this year's lineup is expected to stick with four models – iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max – although there are plenty of design differences and new features to take into account.
To bring you up to speed, we've summarized below the biggest iPhone 16 rumors we've covered so far here on MacRumors. For more details, follow the links, or dive into our dedicated roundups for both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. 1. Larger Displays
Biggest Ever iPhones
This year's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to be getting bigger display sizes, increasing to 6.27- and 6.86-inches, respectively. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively. The new display sizes would be the largest ever for the iPhone. 2. Vertical Camera Layout
iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus
Apple's iPhone 16 base models will feature a vertical camera arrangement with a pill-shaped raised surface, instead of a diagonal camera arrangement like the iPhone 15. The new camera bump features two separate camera rings for the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras. The vertical camera layout is expected to enable Spatial Video recording, which is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models. 3. Battery Changes
All iPhone 16 Models
Rumors suggest the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature larger batteries than their predecessors, although the smaller iPhone 16 Pro device could see the biggest improvement, while the iPhone 16 Plus may have reduced capacity. The iPhone 16 is said to have a 6% increase over the iPhone 15, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max gaining a 5% increase, and the iPhone 16 Pro seeing a 9% increase. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to have a 9% reduction in capacity. On the other hand, Apple could also potentially use stacked battery technology to increase energy density and prolong lifespan across the lineup. 4. Capture Button
New Camera Capabilities
All iPhone 16 models will have a new "Capture Button" dedicated to triggering image or video capture. The button will add features like the ability to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, focus on a subject with a light press, and activate a recording with a more forceful press. The Capture Button will be located on the bottom right side of the iPhone 16, and will take the place of the mmWave antenna on U.S. iPhone models, with the antenna relocating to the left side of the device below the volume and Action buttons. 5. Ultra Wide Lens Upgrade
iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera lens, which should allow it to capture more light, resulting in improved photos when shooting in 0.5× mode, especially in low-light environments. This also means that iPhone 16 Pro models should be able to shoot 48-megapixel ProRAW photos in Ultra Wide mode. These photos retain more detail in the image file for more editing flexibility, and can be printed at large sizes. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is also rumored to boast a bigger main camera thanks to an advanced custom 48-megapixel Sony IMX903 sensor. 6. Super Telephoto Camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the first to feature a super telephoto periscope camera for dramatically increased optical zoom. "Super" or "ultra" telephoto usually describes cameras with a focal length of over 300mm. The current telephoto lens is equivalent to a 77mm lens, so if accurate, there could be a notable increase in zoom capabilities. Super telephoto cameras are often used for sports and wild animal photography, but the extremely soft backgrounds they create also make them useful for portrait photography, providing there is enough distance between the subject and the photographer. 7. Faster Wi-Fi Support
Wi-Fi 6E & Wi-Fi 7
Apple's 2024 iPhone Pro models are expected to get Wi-Fi 7 in the Pro models, enabling data transfer over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously. This should result in faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. With technologies such as 4K QAM, Wi-Fi 7 is also expected to offer peak data transfer speeds of over 40 Gbps, a 4× increase over Wi-Fi 6E. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to support Wi-Fi 6E, which works with the 6 GHz band, enabling faster wireless speeds and reduced signal interference. 8. New A18 Series Chips
All iPhone 16 Models
Apple's next-generation A18 Pro chip is expected to be manufactured with TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, known as N3E. All four iPhone 16 models will be equipped with A18-branded chips, according to rumors, but Apple could still differentiate between the standard models and the Pro models, even giving the chips separate A18 and A18 Pro names. It makes sense for all four iPhone 16 models to have the same A18 chip because of the Apple Intelligence features set to debut in iOS 18. Apple Intelligence requires a high-powered chip for the AI features to run on-device. At this time, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are able to use Apple Intelligence. 9. 5G Qualcomm Modem
iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple is expected to use Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X75 modem in this year's Pro and Pro Max models. The Snapdragon X75 includes improved carrier aggregation and other technology advancements for faster 5G download and upload speeds compared to the X70, which is used in iPhone 15 models. The modem's combined mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G transceiver also takes up 25% less circuit board space, and is said to use up to 20% less power. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain the Snapdragon X70 modem. 10. Tetraprism Lens
iPhone 16 Pro
Both iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature 5x optical zoom, which is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple's tetraprism lens system has a "folded" design that allows it to fit inside the smartphone, enabling up to 5x optical zoom and up to 25x digital zoom. In contrast, the current smaller iPhone 15 Pro is limited to up to 3x optical zoom, which is in line with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. 11. Micro-Lens Technology
More Efficient OLED
Apple is said to be weighing up the use of micro-lens technology to maintain or increase the brightness of OLED displays on next year's iPhone 16 models while potentially reducing their power consumption. MLA works by using a uniform pattern of billions of lenses inside the panel that reduces internal reflections. These lenses turn the path of light reflected backwards from the inside of the panel towards the screen, which can serve either to increase perceived brightness while maintaining the same level of power consumption, or maintain brightness levels while consuming less power compared to conventional OLED panels at the same luminance. 12. Action Button
iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 15 Pro models include an Action Button, and in 2024, the Action Button is expected to be expanded to the standard iPhone 16 models. The Action Button used across the iPhone 16 lineup will be identical to the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button. The Action button, which replaces the traditional mute switch, can perform multiple functions such as activating the Flashlight, turning on the Camera, launching a Shortcut, enabling or disabling a Focus mode, using Translate, turning on/off Silent Mode, and more. 13. 40W Fast Charging and 20W MagSafe
Both iPhone 16 Pro Models
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will support 40W wired fast charging and 20W MagSafe charging, according to a recurring rumor. Right now, iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models are capable of up to 27W peak charging speeds with an appropriate USB-C power adapter, while official MagSafe chargers from Apple and authorized third parties can wirelessly charge the iPhone 15 models at up to 15W. The charging boost is expected to balance and improve the problem of increasing charging time caused by the increase in battery capacity. 14. Upgraded Microphone
Enhanced Siri
Apple is said to be planning a significant upgrade to the iPhone 16 microphone to improve the new Apple Intelligence-enhanced Siri experience, which will include contextual awareness, semantic indexing, app control, and on-screen awareness. Apple's Siri AI ambitions will heavily rely on improved voice input processing, and the new mic is expected to offer significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. 15. New Thermal Design
Reduced Heat
Apple is rumored to be working on a graphene thermal system for the iPhone 16 lineup, while the iPhone 16 Pro models could add metal battery casings to reduce overheating. Graphene has high thermal conductivity, surpassing that of copper, which is currently used in iPhone heat-sinks. Another source has claimed that iPhone 16 models will be equipped with a "larger graphite sheet" inside the chassis of the devices, to address potential overheating. The move could be in response to widely encountered overheating issues experienced with the iPhone 15 Pro, which Apple addressed through a software update. 16. Expanded Storage
Both iPhone 16 Pro Models
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available with double the maximum storage capacity as the iPhone 15 Pro models, increasing from 1TB to 2TB, according to one rumor. The move is said to be a result of Apple's switch to higher-density Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash for higher storage models. Apple's use of QLC NAND could allow Apple to fit more storage into a smaller space and it is less expensive than Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND, which current iPhones use. On the downside, QLC has comparatively slower read and write speeds. 17. Increased Memory
iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus
Apple's iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models have been rumored to both feature 8GB of RAM, an increase over the 6GB of RAM in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. More working memory should equate to improved performance for multitasking on the iPhone. Apple has hinted that plenty of RAM is required for Apple Intelligence features, so it is perhaps no coincidence that all devices in the iPhone 16 lineup will have at least 8GB of RAM. 18. Upgraded Neural Engine
Enhanced Machine Learning
Apple's next-generation A18 chips will feature an upgraded Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores, according to one Taiwanese report. An upgraded Neural Engine should improve the performance of Apple Intelligence features and machine learning tasks. Apple's iPhone 12 through iPhone 15 models all include a 16-core Neural Engine. Despite no difference in core counts across generations, Apple has still managed to improve their performance in successive models. 19. Ultra-Thin Bezel Technology
Maximized Display Size
Apple plans to maximize the display size on the iPhone 16 series by using a new ultra-thin bezel technology, according to one rumor. Apple will use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to minimize the bezel at the bottom of the display. BRS achieves this by rolling up the internal copper wiring into a more compact package. Apple reportedly plans to apply the borderless display technology to all four iPhone 16 models, but the Pro models will have the thinnest bezels of any smartphone, beating the screen border thinness of even its latest iPhone 15 Pro devices. 20. New Polished Titanium Finish
iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple will use an improved finishing process for the titanium chassis on the iPhone 16 Pro models, according to one rumor. The new process will allegedly make the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max look more polished than the iPhone 15 Pro models, which have a brushed finish. The improved manufacturing process will result in a glossy appearance that is more akin to the heavily polished stainless steel material used in previous Pro iPhones. However, the new titanium finish will be less prone to scratches compared to stainless steel. 21. Reduced Lens Flare
Less Photo Artifacts
Apple is said to be testing a new anti-reflective optical coating technology for its iPhone cameras that could improve the quality of photos by reducing artifacts like lens flare and ghosting. Apple plans to bring new atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment into the iPhone camera lens manufacturing process to apply the coating. ALD-applied materials can also protect against environmental damage to the camera lens system without affecting the sensor's ability to capture light effectively. 22. New Colors
All iPhone 16 Models
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to be available in black, white or silver, gray or "Natural Titanium," and rose. This suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro's Blue Titanium option will be discontinued and replaced with a new rose color, which could even have a bronze appearance under certain lighting conditions. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus is said to be coming in black, green, pink, blue, and white. Compared to the iPhone 15, this means that white will replace yellow, with the other colors remaining the same.
The Photos app redesign has been one of the most controversial changes that Apple made in iOS 18, and Apple has made several updates during the beta testing process. There is an entirely new unified look for the Photos app compared to iOS 17, along with some neat new features.
This guide aggregates everything different with the iOS 18 Photos app, and it is up to date with Apple's latest changes.
Unified Design
iOS 18 does away with separate tabs in the Photos app, introducing an all-in-one view. The Photo Library is still the main focus of the app and what you'll see when you open up Photos, but you'll now scroll down to get to additional content rather than tapping on the separate For You and Albums tabs.
The Photo Library grid displays approximately 30 images at one time, and to use the swipe gestures to display fewer or more images on the screen, you need to swipe down to get to the full Photo Library view. From here, you can pinch in or out to adjust the view.
This is also where the Years and Months organizational options are for navigating through your past images. The Days option has been removed, and is instead accessible in a Recent Days Collection if you scroll down.
There is a quick access search icon in blue on every view in the Photos app, along with a Select button that lets you select multiple images for sharing, deleting, adding to an album, and more. Tap on Search to get into the Search interface, and Done when you're finished, or tap on Select and tap images to choose them.
You'll need to get used to swiping down to get to the full Photo Library view, and swiping back up to get to the other views in the app.
Below the main Photos grid, you can swipe to see different collections of images that previously would have been listed under the For You tab, along with your Albums, which were also previously located in a separate app section.
Much of what was in the prior version of the Photos app is still in the new one, but with a different all-in-one screen organizational structure.
Filters and Sorting
In the full Library View, which is accessible by swiping down, you can get to the filter and sort options. You can sort the Photo Library by either recently added or date captured.
The icon with two arrows houses filters, which include Favorites, Edited, Photos, Videos, and Screenshots. If you tap on one of these, you can filter out everything else to see just that category.
With the separate View Options tab, you can remove Screenshots and Shared With You images from your Photo Library. View Options also has Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Aspect Ratio Grid tools, all of which were in the prior version of the Photos app.
Collections and Customization
The iOS 18 Photos app is focused on Collections, which are basically different albums that aggregate photos based on subject, location, type, and other parameters. Everything outside of the photo grid is considered a "Collection."
Recent Days - Displays your recent images by date. You can scroll through or tap on the Collection name to see your entire Photo library organized by day. It's essentially equivalent to the Days view from the iOS 17 Photo Library design.
Albums - A collection of all of the albums you've created, including Shared albums you're in.
People and Pets - Albums organized by person or pet, with Apple using machine learning to detect the people in the images. The People and Pets album now supports Groups, so if you have many images featuring the same people, you'll see them grouped together. Groups are auto-generated if there are enough images, but you can also create them.
Memories - Houses the auto-generated slideshows that Apple creates, along with the new Apple Intelligence Memory Maker slideshows.
Trips - Shows your photos from different locations. Tapping into this Collection and then tapping the dates lets you see your trips by year.
Shared Albums - Albums that you share with others.
Pinned Collections - A selection of your favorite collections or albums.
Featured Photos - A rotating collection of your best images surfaced by the Photos app.
Media Types - Lets you see images recorded with different camera settings. Options include Videos, Selfies, Live Photos, Portrait, Panoramas, Slo-mo, Screenshots, Screen Recordings, Spatial, and RAW. This section used to be under the Albums tab.
Utilities - Essentially offers filters for different types of images, letting you quickly get to images with handwriting, receipts, and more.
Wallpaper Suggestions - Images that the Photos app thinks would make ideal wallpapers, complete with different tints, colors for the time, and fonts.
Customization
You can change the order that Collections are displayed under the Photos grid, so you can get to your most used features first. To do this, scroll down to the bottom of the Photos app and then tap on the Customize and Reorder option.
You can deselect a checkmark to remove a Collection, or tap and drag the three bars next to each Collection to rearrange the order. Tapping on X exits out of the menu and goes back to the main Photos view.
Pinned Collections
Pinned Collections is a collection of your other Collections and albums. You can add anything you want to the Pinned Collections section, including albums, media types, other collections, and Utilities. It's basically a way to get one-tap access to any Photos app category.
This is a good section for adding content you like to access that isn't already included in one of the default Collections, such as the Map that lets you see where all of your photos were taken.
If you often need to access your screenshots or your videos, those make good pinned collection options. You can also choose any person or pet from the People and Pets Collection, specific trips, and specific memories.
Customizing this section can be done by tapping on one of Apple's suggestions, which are in green, or tapping on the Any Collection or Album option to select something custom. To remove a Pinned Collection, tap on the red "-" button, and to rearrange, tap and drag on the three bar icon.
Pinned Collections stay in the Pinned Collections section, so you can't do something like turn a specific pet album into a separate Collection of its own.
Photo Editing
The interface for editing one of your images hasn't changed too much, but there are some updates. Rather than tapping on the "Edit" button at the top right of the app, you'll now need to tap on the icon that looks like three slider bars to get into the editing interface.
The Share Sheet icon and Delete icon are in the same spots, and there's still a heart for favoriting images and an info button that also transforms with a sparkle icon when there's something in the image that can be identified, like a plant or animal.
All of the same photo management features like Copy, Duplicate, Hide, Slideshow, and Add to Album can be accessed by tapping the three dots in the upper right corner. Tapping the X there now exits the editing view, which is a departure from the prior back arrow on the left side of the app.
Apple hasn't changed the actual editing tools, and they're all still in the same spots.
Utilities
In iOS 17, the Utilities album was limited to Imports, Duplicates, Hidden, and Recently Deleted, but in iOS 18, the new Utilities Collection houses a lot more image types.
Hidden - Images you've hidden from view in the photo grid. Requires a Face ID scan to access.
Recently Deleted - Images you've deleted in the last 30 days. Requires a Face ID scan to access.
Duplicates - If you have duplicate images, you can use this to merge them. This section doesn't show up if you don't have duplicate images.
Receipts - Shows pictures of receipts, or images your device thinks are receipts.
Handwriting - Displays all images that have handwriting in them.
Illustrations - Shows paintings and drawings.
QR Codes - Surfaces images that have QR codes in them.
Recently Saved - All images recently saved to your library.
Recently Viewed - All images you've looked at recently.
Recently Edited - All images you've edited recently.
Documents - Features images that have documents in them.
Imports - Shows imported images.
Map - Opens up the map where you can see all of your images based on location.
Recovered - This album only shows up if you have a missing image after an update, such as an image taken with a third-party app that didn't make it into your library.
Search Improvements
Apple made several improvements to the Search function in the Photos app. You can search using natural language, and get a lot more specific than before.
Not only can you search for a specific person, for example, you can find photos where they're only wearing blue, or were holding an ice cream. Some example search terms:
Me with food
Cats outside
Bugs on plants
Pancakes with banana
Flowers from last year
Cat in a box
You can essentially describe any photo that you remember and the Photos app might be able to find it based on your description. You can also now search for specific parts of videos that you've captured and the Photos app will go right to the scene in the video if it recognizes what you've typed.
For all of the search features, the Photos app needs to index your library because this is done on-device, and indexing can take quite a long time.
Memory Maker (Apple Intelligence)
Memory Maker is a feature that lets you create a custom Memory Movie from your photos and videos using a text prompt. You can get to the Memory Maker in the Memories Collection in the Photos app.
Tap on the "Create" option to start a new memory based on a phrase. You can type in something like "My cat over the years" "exploring Ireland," "yummy food," or "happy photos with Eric." The Photos app will search through your library for the best images, creating a mini narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
Your memory will be set to music, with Apple selecting songs that go along with the topic. You can select a new song to go along with the memory, and if you have an Apple Music subscription, it will use Apple Music songs. You can also edit the timeline and the title for further customization.
Memory Movies can be shared on social networks or in messages, added to your Favorites, or AirPlayed to an Apple device.
Clean Up (Apple Intelligence)
Part of Apple Intelligence, Clean Up can be used to intelligently identify background objects in your photos so you can remove them with a tap. It's designed to help you quickly and easily eliminate distractions from your photos, but it's not coming until later this year.
Image Playground Integration (Apple Intelligence)
Image Playground, the app that will let you generate images based on text prompts, will integrate with the Photos app to create images that feature your friends and family members.
Image Playground is also an Apple Intelligence feature that will be coming in the future.
Google this week announced the Google TV Streamer as a replacement for the Chromecast, setting its sights on directly rivalling the Apple TV 4K, so how do the two devices compare?
Fundamentally, the Google TV Streamer is designed with a focus on deep integration with Google's ecosystem including services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant. It is also positioned as a smart home hub, supporting Matter and Thread protocols to control a wide range of smart home devices.
In contrast, the Apple TV 4K is deeply embedded within Apple's ecosystem, providing access to services such as Apple Arcade and Apple Music, with support for features like HomeKit and AirPlay. Its compact, black puck design allows it to blend effortlessly into most home entertainment setups, while offering powerful performance with the A15 Bionic chip.
While both devices support 4K resolution and advanced HDR formats, they differ in their storage options, connectivity features, and additional functionalities. The Google TV Streamer emphasizes an AI-powered user experience with personalized content recommendations and generative AI screensavers, whereas the Apple TV 4K offers ecosystem advantages like Apple Arcade and Fitness+ for a more integrated Apple experience. All of the key differences between the two devices are listed below:
Google TV Streamer
Apple TV 4K
Designed to sit in front of the TV, with a noticeable design intended to blend with home decor
Compact, black puck design that can be easily hidden or integrated into a home entertainment system
Voice Remote with customizable button, textured back, and remote finder
Siri Remote with touch surface, volume control on face, and remote finder
Available in Hazel (Google Store exclusive) and Porcelain
Available in Black only
$99.99
$129 (Wi-Fi) $149 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)
Releases September 24, 2024
Released November 4, 2022
Choosing between the Google TV Streamer and the Apple TV 4K ultimately depends on your specific needs and the ecosystem you are already invested in. For those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, the Google TV Streamer is clearly the best choice. It is designed to work seamlessly with Google services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant, making it ideal for users who rely on these platforms. It also supports playback from external storage devices. The device's support for Matter and Thread protocols also makes it a strong contender for those with a smart home setup. Additionally, its AI-powered content recommendations and generative AI screensavers provide a personalized and modern user experience.
On the other hand, the Apple TV 4K is perfect for users who are heavily entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. With seamless access to Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, FaceTime, and AirPlay, this device is tailored for those who use Apple devices and services. The A15 Bionic chip ensures excellent performance, making it suitable for users who require a particularly robust device for streaming and light gaming. The Apple TV 4K's compact design allows it to fit discreetly into any home entertainment setup, and its integration with HomeKit, Matter, and Thread makes it a strong choice for those looking to manage their smart home devices through Apple's ecosystem.
Each device has unique strengths that cater to slightly different user needs based on ecosystem. Ultimately, if your primary concern is deep integration with Google services and a focus on smart home connectivity, the Google TV Streamer is the way to go. Conversely, if you are looking for a device that offers powerful performance and extensive access to Apple services, the Apple TV 4K will be your best bet.
For people who have multiple devices to charge or who want a family charging hub, Scosche makes a BaseLynx modular charging kit that can be added to and upgraded as needed. The Baselynx has been around since 2020, but an updated 2.0 version came out last year with MagSafe support and Apple Watch fast charging.
There are multiple BaseLynx 2.0 components that can be purchased separately or in a bundle. The BaseLynx is made from a lightweight plastic material, but it doesn't look out of place in an office or home environment. Right now, the BaseLynx 2.0 is only available in white, but Scosche is working on a new Qi2 version that will come in black.
The BaseLynx 2.0 2-in-1 Stand features an upright MagSafe charger that can charge a compatible iPhone at up to 15W, plus it has a smaller platform at the bottom for charging Qi-compatible AirPods or other devices that don't need much power.
The BaseLynx 2.0 Watch is a magnetic Apple Watch charger that supports fast charging with compatible Apple Watch models. It has a simple design with a small curved arm that has the charging puck at the top.
The BaseLynx 2.0 Vert is the most versatile component in the setup, featuring three USB-C ports with a shared 60W output for charging iPads, iPhones, and other USB-C devices. The Vert has four metal bars with silicone padding to hold your devices in place while they charge.
You can stack three devices in the bars, though depending on the placement of other components, you might be able to fit one more. The Vert comes with one USB-C cable, but you'll need to supply other short cables to go along with it. I bought 12-inch and 6-inch cables, and found that 12 inches is the ideal cable size to use with the charger.
You plug one end of the cable into your device and the other end into the Vert, and then put it in one of the Vert's slots, so the cable needs to be long enough for that. Six inches is long enough for an iPhone, but not something larger like the iPad Pro. I definitely wish the USB-C ports were on the back of the Vert to better hide cabling for a cleaner look. With one port in use, a device gets the full 60W. With two, it's split into 30W, and with three, each port gets 20W.
There's also a BaseLynx 2.0 End Cap, which adds extra charging power to a BaseLynx setup. It has a 125V AC outlet for connecting laptop chargers or other devices, and a dedicated 67W USB-C port, both of which can be used at the same time. Because the Vert only has 60W of shared power, the End Cap is a better option for charging a laptop.
Each BaseLynx component comes with a removable cable component that snaps on to one side, and this is what's removed to connect more than one module together. Because each one can be charged individually, you can opt to use them in separate locations, but the idea is to connect multiple chargers together to create a customized charging station. With four modules, it is 13 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, so you do need a larger-sized desk or enough counter/table space to accommodate it. While I don't mind the design, it has a somewhat blocky aesthetic that might not be for everyone. In terms of space, it takes up less desk area than the multiple chargers I had before, and it offers a good balance of charging capability and space used.
The End Cap is designed to fit on the end, as the name suggestions, but the other components can fit together in any arrangement. There are connectors and holes on each piece (covered by the aforementioned cable components and snap-in protectors) that link together. The option to arrange the modules is nice because you can set it up in an optimal arrangement for your usage needs.
You can connect a surprising number of modules to a single setup, and Scosche uses a points-based system to make it simple. The Vert is five points, the 2-in-1 Stand is two points, the Watch charger is one point, and the End Cap is 0 points. Configurations can have fifteen total points, so you can connect three just Verts, two Verts, two 2-in-1 stands, and a Watch charger, or any other combination of components.
The setup that I tested with the Vert, 2-in-1 Stand, Watch charger and End Cap is eight points, so I could add additional components in the future if I need to charge more devices. With that kind of expandability, you can set up a charging station that can work for all members of your household or multiple people in an office.
Any setup of 15 points or less only needs one power source and one cable, so it significantly cuts down on cables that you need to plug in and have on your desk. Having fewer cables and needing fewer outlets is something that I love about the Scosche BaseLynx system. I have test devices so I have a few more Apple products than the average person, and it streamlined my desk setup.
With the BaseLynx setup that includes the End Cap, Vert, Apple Watch charger, and 2-in-1 charger, I can charge two iPhones (one is USB-C), an iPad Pro, an iPad mini, an Apple Watch, AirPods, and a Steam Deck. If I use a multi-port power adapter with the End Cap, that would expand a bit more. Most devices charge at maximum speed with this setup, though the iPad Pro is charging at 20W with all ports engaged, and the 13 Pro Max is limited to its maximum wireless charging speed.
I tested charging speeds for all of the components, and there were no surprises. The 2-in-1 Stand charged my iPhone from 0 to 38 percent in an hour in three tests, and from 0 to 39 percent in another two tests. The Apple Watch charger fast charged my Series 9 as expected (I charge in 20 minute increments twice a day), and in a timed test, it hit 70 percent in 30 minutes when starting from a dead battery. The Vert power split worked as described as well, with a 20/20/20 split with all three ports in use. Those ports are ideal for the iPhone and iPad, and I charge my MacBook Air and Steam Deck with the End Cap that supports 67W or a power adapter plugged into the included outlet.
Bottom Line
All of the components are useful, but if I had to choose one or two, the Vert and the End Cap are the most versatile. Having a multi-port stand for my larger devices that keeps them tucked out of the way frees up a lot of desktop space, and it's turned out to be very convenient. I have seen multi-port charging stations that are cheaper on Amazon, but most of these use USB-A and are bulkier than Scosche's system. It is worth noting that there are no USB-A ports available, so if you have things that charge with USB-A, you'll need a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
I don't think the design of the BaseLynx 2.0 is going to be for everyone, especially those who are not fans of upright chargers like the Vert or who don't have a need for multi-device charging, but if you do need to charge a lot of devices, it's space saving. I think it works best as a communal charging option in a centralized location, and that's probably what will appeal to most people.
As with most third-party charging solutions for Apple devices, the downside to Scosche's BaseLynx 2.0 is the price. The full kit is $280, and a standard kit is $180, with Apple selling both of these accessories. The other modules can be purchased separately, but prices are only cheaper if you only want one or two components. Even at these prices, if you have a lot of devices or want something that will work for multiple people in the family, the BaseLynx 2.0 setup is a good option. It's slim, it's modular and can be added to over time, and it keeps devices out of the way while they're charging.
Scosche previewed a Qi2 version of the BaseLynx 2.0 earlier this year, and it's set to come out later this year. Qi2 offers the same charging speed as MagSafe without the need for licensing Apple technology, so it is possible that model will be cheaper and it may be worth waiting for.
How to Buy
The BaseLynx 2.0 Pro Kit that has the End Cap, Vert, 2-in-1 Charger, and Apple Watch Charger is available for $280 from Apple, while the standard kit with Vert and 2-in-1 Charging Stand is available for $180. The individual components can be purchased directly from Scosche.
This week's best Apple-related deals are headlined by massive discounts across the M2 and M3 MacBook Air family, with as much as $249 off these computers. You'll also find great deals on AirPods Max, iPad, and iPad mini, plus savings on third-party accessories including Samsung's Smart Monitor M80D and Anker's new products.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
MacBook Air
What's the deal? Take up to $249 off M2 and M3 MacBook Air
The star deals of the week focused on both the M2 and M3 MacBook Air, with up to $249 off these computers on Amazon. In regards to the newer M3 models, you can get the 256GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air for $849.98, and the 256GB 15-inch M3 MacBook Air for $1,049.98, both of which are best-ever prices on the computer.
Samsung Monitor
What's the deal? Take $251 off Samsung's Smart Monitor M80D
Amazon this week also introduced a new record low price on Samsung's 32-inch Smart Monitor M80D, which is the newest version of the monitor. It's available for $447.90 right now on Amazon, down from $699.99.
The best AirPods discount this week was on the AirPods Max, which hit $399.99 and is still available at this price in every color on Amazon. This is only about $5 higher compared to the low price we tracked during Prime Day in July.
Anker
What's the deal? Buy 2, get 15% off Anker's new Prime accessories
Anker introduced a new lineup of "Prime" accessories this week, and alongside the launch there's a bundle offer on the Anker website. If you buy two of the new devices, you can get 15 percent off your order. You can find the full list of compatible products for this BOGO deal in our original post.
Apple's 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 returned to its all-time low price of $379.99 this week on Amazon. This isn't the only model on sale either, you can also get the 256GB Wi-Fi tablet and both cellular models on sale for record low prices right now on Amazon.
Earlier in the week, Amazon discounted the 64GB Wi-Fi 9th generation iPad to $229.00, and this price has dropped even further as we head into the weekend. You can now get the iPad for $224.00, down from $329.00, making a new all-time low price.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Apple updated its Apple Maps on the web feature to add support for the Firefox browser this week. Firefox users on Mac, PC, and iPad can now visit Apple Maps on the web, and the site works as intended.
Prior to yesterday, attempting to visit the Apple Maps website popped up an error message that the Firefox browser was not supported. Apple's support document for its web-based Maps feature now lists Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox as supported browsers on Mac and iPad, and Edge, Chrome, and Firefox on Windows PCs.
Apple rolled out support for Apple Maps on the web in July, and it is available in a public beta capacity. The web interface can be used to get walking and driving directions, search for locations, find places to visit, view ratings and hours, and browse through a curated collection of Guides.
Apple has also added support for ordering food directly from the Maps app from supported restaurants, and discovering places to eat, shop, and explore in cities worldwide. Apple is working to introduce Look Around for street level location viewing in the coming months, and developers are able to link out to maps on the web in their apps.
Google Maps has long offered a web-based mapping option, but getting directions with Apple Maps has been limited to the Maps app on Apple devices. Apple Maps on the web can be found on the Apple Maps website.
Maps on the web is only available in English at the current time, but Apple will add support for additional languages in the future.
OpenAI on Thursday announced that ChatGPT now allows users to create up to two images per day for free, with no subscription required. The images are generated by OpenAI's image generation model DALL-E 3.
"Just ask ChatGPT to create an image for a slide deck, personalize a card for a friend, or show you what something looks like," said OpenAI, in a post shared on X.
Additional image generation with DALL-E 3 continues to require a ChatGPT Plus subscription, priced at $20 per month.
Apple previously announced that ChatGPT will be integrated into Siri across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia starting later this year. Siri will be able to show ChatGPT answers directly in response to questions and other prompts, but the user will have to grant permission every single time they want to use ChatGPT via Siri.
ChatGPT will also be available within Apple's system-wide Writing Tools feature, allowing users to quickly generate text and images. Apple said ChatGPT will be powered by OpenAI's latest GPT-4o model on its software platforms.
iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to use ChatGPT without creating an account, and this will presumably now include the ability to generate up to two images per day for free. ChatGPT Plus subscribers will be able to connect their accounts to access paid features on these devices, including additional image generation.
Apple ensured that OpenAI will not store ChatGPT requests made from its devices, and it said users' IP addresses will be obscured.
iOS 18 expands Adaptive Lighting support to Matter-compatible smart lights, The Verge reports.
Adaptive Lighting was introduced in iOS 14, providing a way to automatically adjust the color temperature of smart lights throughout the day. The feature currently only works with HomeKit-enabled devices, but it will be extended to smart lights that are compatible with the Matter standard with iOS 18.
Matter, a smart home interoperability protocol developed collaboratively by Apple, Google, Amazon, and other smart home brands, seeks to create a unified, platform-agnostic ecosystem for smart devices. Adaptive Lighting is an exclusive feature of the Apple Home ecosystem, meaning it is not included in the Matter specification itself.
The expansion of Adaptive Lighting to Matter devices was discovered in the latest beta version of iOS 18. Users running the beta reported seeing a new toggle for Adaptive Lighting in the settings of their Matter-compatible smart lights within the Home app.
Confirmation of the feature's development also came from Nanoleaf, whose CEO Gimmy Chu stated that the company is "one of the partners that are part of the launch of Adaptive Lighting on Matter products." It is highly likely that other major smart lighting brands, such as Philips Hue, will also support the feature in due course.
In addition to the expanded support for Adaptive Lighting, iOS 18 brings a range of other smart home enhancements to the Home app such as improved guest access controls, support for robotic vacuum cleaners like the iRobot Roomba, and hands-free unlocking of smart doors.
Apple has ramped up iPhone 16 production in expectation of high demand, leading Foxconn to hire 50,000 new workers in just two weeks, BusinessKorea reports.
Apple apparently decided to boost production by 10% this year, aiming for a total output of 90 million iPhone 16 models, in expectation of strong sales. The company has intensified production efforts with its primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, in Zhengzhou, China. The factory, known as the world's largest iPhone production base, is now operating at full capacity, having brought in 50,000 additional workers within the last two weeks.
Foxconn's Zhengzhou facility is central to Apple's global supply chain, responsible for approximately 80% of the company's iPhone production. As the peak season for iPhone production typically begins in August and extends through December, Foxconn's recruitment drive is crucial in meeting the increased output required during this period. Local media outlets have reported that Foxconn has significantly raised wages and bonuses to attract the necessary labor force. In late July, the company advertised an increased hourly wage of up to 25 yuan and raised the hiring bonus from 6,000 yuan to 7,500 yuan as of August.
Apple is also reportedly planning to produce a larger variety of iPhone models in India starting with the iPhone 16 lineup. The new devices are expected to launch next month.
As a result of the first Apple Intelligence features being delayed, iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 are currently in beta testing simultaneously.
Below, we explain the differences between the two upcoming software updates, including new features and estimated release timing.
New Features
iOS 18.0
iOS 18 introduces new customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center, a redesigned Photos app, numerous enhancements to the Messages app, an option to lock apps behind Face ID or Touch ID, and much more.
The highlight of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, but the rollout of these artificial intelligence features was pushed back to iOS 18.1.
On the other hand, the fifth developer beta of iOS 18 includes some changes that are not yet available in the first iOS 18.1 developer beta, including the new Distraction Control tool in Safari for erasing distracting elements from a web page. That feature and the other changes should be added to later iOS 18.1 beta versions.
Read our in-depth iOS 18 roundup to learn more about the update.
iOS 18.1
The first Apple Intelligence features are now available to test in the iOS 18.1 developer beta, which is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max currently. The features available to try so far include new writing tools, suggested replies in the Messages app, email summarization, phone call recording, and more.
Apple Intelligence features that are not yet available to try include Image Playground for custom-generated images, Genmoji for custom-generated emoji, and several enhancements to Siri, including ChatGPT integration, richer language understanding, deeper per-app controls, on-screen awareness, personalized context, and more.
Release Timing
iOS 18.0
iOS 18 will likely be released in mid-September, based on the timing of previous major releases:
iOS 17: September 18, 2023
iOS 16: September 12, 2022
iOS 15: September 20, 2021
iOS 14: September 16, 2020
iOS 18.1
iOS 18.1 will likely be released in late October, based on the timing of previous similar updates:
iOS 17.1: October 25, 2023
iOS 16.1: October 24, 2022
iOS 15.1: October 25, 2021
iOS 14.1: October 20, 2020
Latest Versions
As of August 9, the latest iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 betas are as follows:
iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 are both available as developer betas.
To enroll in Apple's developer beta program, visit developer.apple.com, sign in to your Apple ID, and accept the terms and conditions of the Apple Developer Agreement.
Since 2023, installing iOS developer betas no longer requires being enrolled in the Apple Developer Program for $99/year. Anyone with an Apple ID can accept the Apple Developer Agreement and access the betas for free.
After accepting the agreement, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General → Software Update → Beta Updates. This is where the iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 developer betas are listed, and you can tap on one to begin the installation process. Note that the iPhone must be signed in to the same Apple ID set up as a developer account.
Due to software bugs and other potential issues, we recommend installing the iOS 18 or iOS 18.1 betas on a secondary iPhone, rather than the device that you use daily. We also highly recommend backing up your iPhone to your Mac before installing beta software on the device, to prevent data loss in the event something goes wrong.
iOS 18 is available as a public beta, but iOS 18.1 is not currently.
To enroll in Apple's free public beta program, visit beta.apple.com, sign in to your Apple ID, and accept the terms and conditions.
After signing up, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General → Software Update → Beta Updates. This is where the iOS 18 public beta is listed, and you can tap on it to begin the installation process. Note that the iPhone must be signed in to the same Apple ID enrolled in the public beta program.
Due to software bugs and other potential issues, we recommend installing the iOS 18 public beta on a secondary iPhone, rather than the device that you use daily. We also highly recommend backing up your iPhone to your Mac before installing beta software on the device, to prevent data loss in the event something goes wrong.
iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
While the iOS 18.1 beta is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models, the update should be released for all of the iPhones listed above eventually. However, Apple Intelligence features will remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models and newer.
Apple intends to update its entire Mac lineup to the M4 processor over the next 12 months, which will make it the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all of its Macs.
Apple will update its MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac lines with its latest M4 chip as early as this year, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, with the Mac mini also set to feature its first redesign since 2010.
Following the launch of the M4 iPad Pro in May, Apple will continue the M4 transition with the above mentioned Macs, and complete it with updates for the MacBook Air, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio in 2025.
Gurman's sources tell him there are MacBook Airs in development for the spring, and Mac Pro and Mac Studio models are planned for the middle of next year.
M4 MacBook Air – Spring 2025
M4 Mac Pro – Summer 2025
M4 Mac Studio – Summer 2025
Like it did with the iPad Pro, Apple appears to be skipping straight to the M4 chip for the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, meaning these models will not see an M3 chip update at all.
Like the M3, the M4 is built on a 3nm process, but with enhancements from Apple supplier TSMC for improved performance and power efficiency. The M4 also includes an improved Neural Engine that fuels accelerated AI workloads. Apple says it is the company's most powerful Neural Engine ever, capable of 38 trillion operations per second.
The Mac Studio is likely to be equipped with a variation of the M4 processor, which could be an M4 Ultra or Max chip. The current Mac Studio comes in both M2 Max and M2 Ultra variants.
Meanwhile, the Mac Pro will feature the top-tier M4 chip, codenamed "Hidra," which could be marketed as an "Ultra" or "Extreme" variant. Apple is developing this more powerful chip in response to criticism that the M2 Ultra wasn't sufficient for a high-end machine.
Apple has said the ultra-thin M4 iPad Pro serves as a model for its upcoming design philosophy, with the company planning to offer "the thinnest and lightest products" in each category across the tech industry. Aside from the Mac mini, we don't know when each model will get the ultra-thin treatment, but Gurman has previously reported that Apple is already working on a thinner version of the MacBook Pro.
In iOS 18, Apple Maps has gained a new "Search here" button that makes it much easier to find what you're looking for in areas that aren't your current location or when you're exploring any new place on the map.
In earlier versions of iOS, if you search nearby for, say, gas stations or restaurants in Apple Maps, and then drag the map to another location with your finger, it will usually (but not always) auto-populate the new area with search results for the same request.
That behavior hasn't changed in iOS 18, but what you now get in addition is a "Search here" button that gives you more manual fine-grained control of the area in which to search. This is especially useful if you adjust the zoom level of the map, or scroll away only slightly from the original search – two instances where auto-populating results can be spotty or sometimes not appear at all.
Google Maps has had this feature for years, so it's good to see that Apple Maps has finally adopted it. iOS 18 also adds other improvements to Apple Maps, including topographic maps complete with trail networks and hikes (a feature that Apple first brought to the Apple Watch last year), as well as options to save favorite trails, download them for offline use, add notes, and get information like elevation and length.
iOS 18 is currently in public beta and will be officially released in the fall, around mid-September, when the iPhone 16 series is launched.
Apple updated its Digital Markets Act compliance plan in the European Union today, making changes related to external linking. Developers are now free to direct users to non-App Store purchase options for in-app content such as subscriptions, with no restrictions or control over the messaging to customers.
Apple made the update to comply with the European Commission's objection to its anti-steering rules, but there is a new fee structure that's complicated and not easy to digest. Shortly after Apple announced its new terms, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media to call Apple's commission "an illegal new 15% junk fee." He went on to say that the terms make it "completely uneconomical for developers to distribute their apps through both the Apple App Store and competing iOS app stores."
Sweeney has been outspoken about Apple's Digital Markets Act changes since the first updates were introduced in February, and he has long accused Apple of malicious compliance.
In the European Union where the new DMA law opens up app store competition, Apple continues its malicious compliance by imposing an illegal new 15% junk fee on users migrating to competing stores and monitor commerce on these competing stores.https://t.co/YUYwsnrh32pic.twitter.com/xAWGkOWPrH
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) August 8, 2024
Spotify likewise didn't have anything nice to say about the updated link rules. In a statement to TechCrunch, Spotify said the revisions are "deliberately confusing," but "at first glance," Apple is continuing to "blatantly disregard" the requirements of the DMA.
We are currently assessing Apple's deliberately confusing proposal. At first glance, by demanding as much as a 25% fee for basic communication with users, Apple once again blatantly disregards the fundamental requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission has made it clear that imposing recurring fees on basic elements like pricing and linking is unacceptable. We call on the Commission to expedite its investigation, implement daily fines and enforce the DMA.
According to Apple, the new initial acquisition fee that developers who use links have to pay reflects the value that the App Store provides when connecting developers to customers in the EU. The second store services fee reflects the ongoing services and capabilities that Apple provides developers, such as app distribution, App Store trust and safety, promotional tools, anti-fraud checks, and more.
EU developers who choose to use links to direct customers to purchase options outside of the App Store will pay between 10 percent and 27 percent commission, depending on the App Store terms they've agreed to and whether they belong to the App Store Small Business Program. Developers operating under the new DMA business terms that support alternative payment methods and distributing apps outside of the App Store must also pay the Core Technology Fee in addition to the store services fee and the initial acquisition fee.
The 10 to 27 percent commission for developers that adopt linking out is under the 15 to 30 percent commission that was required prior to any of the DMA changes, but Epic Games and Spotify do not feel that Apple's fees are fair. As Epic Games and Spotify are major companies, they would need to pay the 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee to Apple, which would cost tens of thousands per month.
Epic Games plans to bring an Epic Games Store to the iPhone and iPad in the European Union, and Sweeney today said that the plan is still on track. The store is set to launch "soon," and Epic Games will charge developers 12 percent for payments that it processes and 0 percent for third-party payments.
Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Apple $1.95 billion for not allowing streaming music apps like Spotify to tell users about cheaper subscription prices outside of the app. Apple in response created a Music Streaming Services Entitlement that would require Spotify to pay a 27 percent commission on website purchases made through the App Store. The fee for the new Link Entitlement is the same for an app of Spotify's size.
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