For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with GRID Studio to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an Apple Watch Ultra 2. GRID Studio is known for taking non-operational Apple devices that would be cluttering up a landfill and turning them into stylish art for Apple fans.


GRID Studio takes apart iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple accessories, cleverly displaying each component to provide a look inside Apple's most iconic products. The pieces are arranged in a frame and accompanied by labels and little tidbits of Apple history.

The company is offering a flash sale this weekend, with up to 50 percent off a range of products. The GRID 1, featuring the well-known first-generation iPhone, for example, is available for $299, which is a $100 discount off of the typical price.

The original iPhone is one of Apple's most recognizable devices, and it is the ideal piece to get because it was such an important part of Apple's history. The GRID 1 features all of the internal components from the first ‌iPhone‌, from the home button to the chassis.

For something more affordable, the GRID 6 Plus, featuring the ‌iPhone‌ 6 Plus, is just $99 during the sale. The ‌iPhone‌ 6 Plus was Apple's first larger-sized ‌iPhone‌, sold alongside the ‌iPhone‌ 6. It is perhaps best known for being the subject of the major "bendgate" controversy because the chassis could become distorted in a pocket.


The GRID 13, available for $179, features Apple's more modern ‌iPhone‌ 13. The GRID 13 shows off the newer, flat-edged chassis that Apple introduced with the ‌iPhone‌ 12, a logic board with the A15 chip, and a range of components like the Taptic Engine and the TrueDepth camera system.


GRID Studio does accessories too, such as the Magic Mouse. A disassembled version of the Magic Mouse is on sale for $99, and it feature's Apple's love it or hate it mouse design.


We have an (assembled and functional) ‌Apple Watch Ultra 2‌ from GRID Studio to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The contest will run from today (May 16) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on May 23. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after May 23 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
This article, "MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Ultra 2 From GRID Studio" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today clarified that it has not blocked Epic Games from updating the iOS Fortnite app in the European Union, but it is not planning to allow ‌Epic Games‌ to offer Fortnite in the United States App Store at the current time.


In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple said that ‌Epic Games‌ tied its U.S. ‌App Store‌ submission to the update that was also being submitted to the ‌Epic Games‌ Store for iOS in the European Union. Apple told ‌Epic Games‌ to resubmit the update without the U.S. component.

We asked that Epic Sweden resubmit the app update without including the US storefront of the App Store so as not to impact Fortnite in other geographies. We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces in the EC.

This morning, ‌Epic Games‌ claimed that Apple blocked its Fortnite submission worldwide. "Apple blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US ‌App Store‌ or to the ‌Epic Games‌ Store for iOS in the European Union," Epic Games said. The company went on to claim that Fortnite on iOS will be "offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."

Given Apple's clarification, it sounds like ‌Epic Games‌ has decided to take Fortnite offline in the European Union rather than submitting an update that does not include Fortnite for the U.S. ‌App Store‌. By tying the updates together and suggesting Apple is denying Fortnite's distribution worldwide, ‌Epic Games‌ could rally lawmakers and customers to push back at Apple's attempt to "block" Fortnite in the U.S.

Fortnite gets weekly updates, and the updates need to go out for all platforms at the same time. Apple didn't remove Fortnite from the iOS ‌Epic Games‌ Store in the European Union, but by denying the Fortnite submission, the EU version of the game won't get the update on time. ‌Epic Games‌ could remove the U.S. ‌App Store‌ version of Fortnite from its app submission in order to update the EU version and keep it functional, but it's not yet clear if Epic plans to do so.

Fortnite has been banned from the U.S. ‌App Store‌ since 2020, and ‌Epic Games‌ does not have a valid U.S. developer account. Last year, to distribute Fortnite in the European Union using an alternative app marketplace, ‌Epic Games‌ created a subsidiary, ‌Epic Games‌ Sweden. Because ‌Epic Games‌ has no U.S. developer account, the company used ‌Epic Games‌ Sweden to submit Fortnite to the U.S. ‌App Store‌.

In the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit, Apple was at no point forced to allow Fortnite back in the ‌App Store‌, and it was made clear that Apple does not have an obligation to distribute Fortnite.

‌Epic Games‌ CEO Tim Sweeney said ahead of Apple's decision that he would be "very surprised" if Apple "decided to brave the geopolitical storm of blocking a major app from iOS," but the reality is that Fortnite hasn't been available through the iPhone and iPad ‌App Store‌ for the last five years.

Apple was recently ordered to change its ‌App Store‌ rules to allow developers to direct customers to purchase options outside of the ‌App Store‌ in the U.S., which is why ‌Epic Games‌ thought it would be able to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. ‌App Store‌, but Apple is upholding the ban. There is nothing in the order that changes the situation with Fortnite.
This article, "Apple Says Fortnite for iOS Isn't Blocked Worldwide, Just the U.S." first appeared on MacRumors.com

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If you're having problems using your Apple Card, Apple Cash, Apple Pay, or the Wallet app, you're not alone. According to Apple's System Status page, there is an ongoing issue affecting these services.


Apple says that some users may be experiencing issues with ‌Apple Card‌, Apple Cash, ‌Apple Pay‌, or Wallet, and there are multiple complaints on social media sites about ‌Apple Pay‌ and other features not working.

The outage has been ongoing since 11:44 a.m. Eastern Time. We'll update this article when the services are back online.

Update 2:13 p.m. Eastern Time: Apple says the issues have been addressed.
This article, "Apple Pay, Apple Card, Wallet and Apple Cash Currently Experiencing Service Issues [Update: Fixed]" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the long-awaited rollout of Apple CarPlay Ultra and Samsung's all-new S25 Edge, which is positioned to rival the iPhone 17 Air later this year.


Apple this week announced CarPlay Ultra, its next-generation ‌CarPlay‌ experience. ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra fully extends across all of the vehicle's displays, including the instrument cluster. It provides access to real-time vehicle data, supports iPhone widgets, theme options, instrument cluster display customizations, and introduces integrations for vehicle functions.

‌CarPlay‌ Ultra is available first in new Aston Martin models in North America. Existing Aston Martin vehicles will also support ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra through forthcoming software updates. Looking ahead, Apple says it has secured commitments from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to bring ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra to their vehicles in the coming year. Other automakers are expected to follow.

In other news, Samsung this week announced the Galaxy S25 Edge — a device clearly designed to undercut the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌'s expected appeal, with both smartphones aiming to be the thinnest in their respective ecosystems.

The Galaxy S25 Edge sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a titanium frame, and a remarkably slim 5.8mm profile, weighing in at just 163 grams. It features a dual-lens camera system, including a 200MP wide-angle sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, supported by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Samsung is also pushing its AI credentials with features like Drawing Assist and Audio Eraser.

In contrast, the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ is rumored to be even thinner at just 5.5mm, making it Apple's slimmest ‌iPhone‌ ever. It is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion. Apple is said to be removing the ultra-wide camera entirely and opting for a single 48MP wide camera, removing the SIM card tray, and the secondary stereo speaker to save internal space. Other expected specifications include a 24MP front-facing camera, 12GB of RAM, and the A19 chip.

While the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ may win the title of thinnest flagship, it could come with a major compromise: battery life. According to internal testing leaks, only 60–70% of users are expected to get through a full day on a single charge — a notable drop from the 80–90% seen with other recent ‌iPhone‌ models. Apple is reportedly using a higher-density battery and its custom C1 modem to squeeze as much efficiency as possible into the super-thin design.

To address this, Apple is reportedly developing a new USB-C battery case, designed to extend the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌'s runtime. The accessory could launch alongside the device to help mitigate negative perceptions around longevity. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about how the ‌iPhone‌ lineup is rumored to change after the release of the iPhone 17 lineup later this year, looking at what to expect in 2026, 2027, and beyond.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Kevin Nether, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: CarPlay Ultra and Samsung's iPhone 17 Air Rival" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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This week's best deals include a big sitewide sale at Anker that's exclusive to MacRumors readers, a BOGO Apple Watch band sale at Woot, and a couple of solid discounts on iPhone charging stations and Jackery portable batteries at Amazon. We're also tracking sales at Verizon, T-Mobile, Samsung, and Logitech below.

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.

Charging Accessories at Amazon

• What's the deal? Find great deals on iPhone charging stations and Jackery batteries


• Where can I get it? Amazon

This week, we're tracking a handful of solid discounts on a collection of iPhone charging stations and portable power stations. Regarding the former accessories, you'll find up to $50 off charging stations from Twelve South and Belkin, with the Belkin devices requiring you to clip an on-page coupon.

For the Jackery accessories, there are big discounts on a trio of the company's portable power stations. We've listed all of these deals below.

• Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station - $89.95 with on-page coupon, down from $99.95


• Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Stand - $99.99 with on-page coupon, down from $119.99


• Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe - $99.99, down from $149.99


• Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 - $469.00, down from $799.00


• Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 100 Plus - $629.00, down from $929.00


• Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro - $1,999.00, down from $3,699.00

Anker

• What's the deal? Get 20% off sitewide with our exclusive sale


• Where can I get it? Anker


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Anker is still offering our readers an exclusive 20 percent off this month, and the code works on nearly every accessory sitewide. In order to get this deal, head to Anker's website and add an accessory to your cart, then enter the code Ankermacrumors2025 at checkout to see the discount.

Apple Watch Bands at Woot

• What's the deal? Buy one Solo/Braided Loop on sale, get up to two free


• Where can I get it? Woot


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Woot's BOGO sale on Apple Watch Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands is still happening this week, but it is poised to finally end later tonight. If enough stock still remains, Woot could extend the sale again, but now is your best chance to buy one Solo/Braided Loop at a huge discount and get up to two bands for free.

For more information on how this sale works, be sure to visit our original post.

Verizon

• What's the deal? Save on iPhone and iPad cases, smartphones, and more


• Where can I get it? Verizon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Verizon's summer kickoff is back with the carrier's "Red Hot Deal Days" event, offering great deals on iPhone Silicone Cases, iPad Smart Folio, charging accessories, smartphones, wearables, and much more.

Samsung

• What's the deal? Save on monitors, storage solutions, and more


• Where can I get it? Samsung


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Samsung's discount event this week includes solid savings on a collection of monitors, like the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 Smart Monitor for $979.99 ($620 off). You'll also find a few sales on portable SSD devices, TVs, home appliances, and more.

Logitech

• What's the deal? Get up to $150 off with select purchase amounts


• Where can I get it? Logitech

Logitech is kicking off the summer season with a sale that provides $30 off orders worth $150 or more, $70 off orders worth $250 or more, and $150 off orders worth $450 or more.

T-Mobile

• What's the deal? Get an iPhone 16 Pro at no cost when switching to T-Mobile


• Where can I get it? T-Mobile

T-Mobile is enticing new customers to switch to the carrier with an offer that includes a new iPhone 16 Pro at no cost, plus up to $800 per line to help pay off your current phones from your existing carrier. With this deal, you don't need to trade-in your current device, and the offer is available to up to four people on the Experience Beyond plan.

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

---

This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Sitewide Sales Hit Anker, Verizon, Samsung, and More, Plus BOGO Apple Watch Band Sale at Woot" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The upcoming all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air could become the first Apple smartphone to adopt advanced battery technology, with Japanese supplier TDK preparing to ship its new generation of silicon-anode batteries by the end of June.


According to DigiTimes, TDK CEO Noboru Saito revealed in a recent interview that the Apple supplier has accelerated its production timeline, moving shipments forward from the originally planned September quarter. That may give smartphone makers enough time to use the cells in thinner models launching this year, he suggested.

"We've made good progress, and we're shipping them very soon," Saito said, adding that "some handset makers might be able to use the new battery in their product one generation early."

The timing could be soon enough for Apple's expected September launch of the iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to measure just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

TDK's batteries use silicon for anodes instead of the traditional graphite, allowing them to pack 15% more energy into the same space compared to conventional rechargeable battery packs. This advancement could be key to maintaining adequate battery life in such a slim form factor.

Having said that, reports have been mixed regarding the iPhone 17 Air's potential battery performance. While The Information's Wayne Ma claimed the device will have "worse" battery life compared to previous iPhone models, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman offered a more optimistic outlook, stating that battery life would be "on par with current iPhones" thanks to hardware and software optimizations.

Further supporting the possibility of decent battery life, Kuo recently mentioned in a blog post that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a "high-density" battery, although he didn't elaborate.

The device is also rumored to incorporate Apple's power-efficient C1 modem and lack an Ultra Wide camera, potentially providing more internal space for a larger battery.

Looking further ahead, a recent report from ETNews has suggested that Apple could adopt advanced silicon battery technology for its 2027 iPhone, marking the 20th anniversary of the iconic device. The next-generation battery could theoretically use pure silicon anodes, which can store up to 10 times more lithium ions per gram than current materials.

TDK is already working on its fourth-generation silicon batteries, according to the company's CEO. "We plan to introduce fourth-generation silicon batteries sometime in the next fiscal year to widen our lead even further," said Saito, claiming that "mass-producing silicon batteries requires special know-how. It's not like you can do it by just putting the materials together."

The 6.6-inch iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the Plus model in Apple's 2025 lineup, and is likely to be announced in September, per Apple's typical fall release schedule.
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Apple's Vision Pro headset has left many early adopters expressing dissatisfaction over its weight, limited use cases, and sparse software ecosystem, according to a new article from The Wall Street Journal.


In the year following the device's launch, user feedback suggests that it has failed to meet expectations for comfort, software support, and social acceptance. In interviews conducted by The Wall Street Journal, early buyers of the Vision Pro reported that the device now sits largely unused due to a range of practical issues. Dustin Fox, a real estate agent in Centreville, Virginia, said:

It's just collecting dust. I think I've probably used it four times in the last year.

It's way too heavy. I can't wear it for more than 20 or 30 minutes without it hurting my neck.

He explained that he was initially drawn to the device's novelty and potential productivity benefits, but found the physical experience of wearing the headset unsustainable for extended sessions. The Vision Pro weighs approximately 600 to 650 grams (1.3 to 1.4 pounds), depending on the light seal and headband configuration. This is considerably heavier than typical head-mounted consumer electronics, and the front-heavy distribution has become a recurring complaint.

Tovia Goldstein, a 24-year-old based in New York City, said that his experience watching content on the headset was also limited by discomfort and an insufficient number of apps to make it worthwhile.

After 60 minutes, you can't, you just have to throw it down. I wouldn't recommend anyone buying it, unless you're really rich and you don't know what to do with your money.

When he retrieves the device to investigate any new apps that have been added to the visionOS App Store, he noted the lengthy startup time as a deterrent, citing the need to connect the external battery and wait several minutes before the device is ready to use.

The Vision Pro debuted with high visibility, including a flagship store event in New York City attended by Apple CEO Tim Cook. In the weeks following the launch, users were spotted wearing the headset in public spaces such as malls, restaurants, and sports events, but several buyers said that public enthusiasm quickly diminished.

People were excited to be wearing it. Then it just died.

[...]

I feel total regret.

Fox said that he considered selling his Vision Pro, but resale values had fallen significantly below the original price.

Another early adopter, Anshel Sag, a technology analyst based in San Diego, used the Vision Pro for inflight entertainment but eventually abandoned it due to social discomfort and practicality issues.

I got pretty dirty looks from people. I don't need that.

It takes up like half of the volume of my carry-on.

The Vision Pro's travel case, sold separately for $199, is also large; it measures in at roughly 12 inches by 9 inches by 6.5 inches.

Anthony Racaniello, a media studio operator from Philadelphia, attempted to use the headset in the workplace and during air travel but experienced both social alienation and practical challenges. During one nearly six-hour flight, he said a flight attendant ignored him during beverage service.

You look like you have a sleep mask on. And people are going to treat you that way.

The best compliment I got was a light chuckle and "It looks like you're wearing ski goggles at work."

He later sold his Vision Pro for $1,900 — a 46% loss from the original purchase price — and said he did not miss it.

It's definitely a glimpse at the future. I just think it's a ways away from there. For now, you have to put on what feels like a 500-pound MacBook Pro, strap it to your face and have people laugh at you.

Yam Olisker, a 20-year-old YouTuber from Israel, flew to New York to purchase the Vision Pro at launch and obtained ‌Tim Cook‌'s signature on both his iPhone and the Vision Pro box.

This is the first time, ever, that I've thought an Apple product was just a bit early, or ahead of its time. I use it much less than I expected.

That being said, he does not regret the purchase and enjoys watching movies with his Vision Pro, especially 3D films like Metallica, which he said makes it feel "like you're at the concert." Nevertheless, the weight remains an issue, and he has to lie in bed to mitigate its effect when watching movies.

Although Apple's work on a substantially enhanced Vision Pro model has apparently stalled, there are strong indications that the company will release "an incremental update to the product with limited changes to its physical design," such as a chip upgrade, according to The Information. Corroborating this, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have said that a more iterative second-generation Vision Pro is in active development, adding the M5 chip and little else.

This updated model is expected to reuse most of its components from the first-generation Vision Pro to offset the surplus inventory in Apple's supply chain. Gurman said the refreshed device could launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026.
This article, "WSJ: Some Apple Vision Pro Buyers 'Feel Total Regret'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has been named the most valuable global brand for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 2025 edition of Kantar's BrandZ report, with its brand now valued at $1.29 trillion — a year-over-year increase of 28%.


The latest Kantar BrandZ Global Top 100 ranking assigns Apple the top position in a comprehensive analysis of brand performance, marking a continued upward trend for the company. Kantar's valuation methodology combines financial performance with brand perception, incorporating insights from over 4.5 million consumer interviews across 522 categories in 54 markets.

According to the report, Apple's dominance reflects sustained consumer trust, premium positioning, and successful diversification across hardware, software, and services. The company's brand value now constitutes approximately 12% of the total value of the BrandZ Global Top 100, which stands at $10.7 trillion in 2025.

Kantar also identifies Apple as representative of two of the fastest-growing categories in the ranking: consumer technology and luxury. According to the report, these sectors grew 46% and 45% respectively, outperforming categories such as finance, automotive, and telecoms. The report cites sustained demand for high-end devices like the iPhone Pro models and the Apple Watch Ultra as indicators of this dual-category positioning.

Apple's lead in the BrandZ ranking places it ahead of other major technology firms including Google (No. 2, $944.1 billion), Microsoft (No. 3, $884.8 billion), Amazon (No. 4, $866.1 billion), and Nvidia (No. 5, $509.4 billion).
This article, "Apple Again Named the World's Most Valuable Brand" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Epic Games said today that Apple has blocked its attempt to bring Fortnite back to iOS devices, leaving the popular battle royale game unavailable on iPhones and iPads worldwide.


"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," Epic stated via its Fortnite account on X (Twitter). "Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."

Apple banned the ‌Epic Games‌ developer account back in 2020 when ‌Epic Games‌ violated its ‌App Store‌ rules to add web-based purchases, kicking off a multi-year legal battle. Because the main ‌Epic Games‌ developer account continues to be banned, Epic submitted Fortnite to the U.S. ‌App Store‌ using an account from Epic Games Sweden, a subsidiary that Epic formed to create the ‌Epic Games‌ Store alternative app marketplace in the European Union.

The game was submitted for review on May 9, but after waiting over 120 hours without a response, Epic was forced to pull and resubmit its application to include the latest update.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about his frustration with the situation, claiming that Apple has not been returning the company's calls and that the review process typically moves much faster.

Before submitting Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the company spoke with Apple about its plans – but never claimed Apple approved them. It remains unclear if Apple will allow Fortnite back, as the Epic v. Apple lawsuit confirmed that Apple has the right to ban Epic's account and isn't required to reinstate it.

It's the latest chapter in the ongoing legal battle between the two companies, which began in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic implemented direct payment options that bypassed Apple's 30% commission.

The game had briefly returned to iOS devices in the EU via the Epic Games Store, but that version has now also gone offline.
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Sony has announced its new WH-1000XM6 wireless noise-canceling headphones. The good news is that the company has brought back the foldable design that was absent from its predecessor, the WH-1000XM5. The bad news is that it's stuck with the same naming convention, which sounds less like headphones and more like a dot-matrix printer from the 70s.


The WH-1000XM6 headphones now happily fold up into a redesigned carrying case with a magnetic closure instead of a zipper, making it more compact and travel-friendly than the XM5's. Otherwise, the overall aesthetics remain largely unchanged, but Sony claims the new model delivers significantly improved noise cancellation, a better Ambient Sound (transparency) mode, and enhanced audio quality.

Powering the enhanced noise cancellation is Sony's new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which works in conjunction with an expanded array of 12 microphones – 1.5 times more than the previous model. The company says this processor is seven times faster than its predecessor, allowing for more precise real-time noise adaptation.

Sony has also introduced several new software features, including Scene-based Listening, which automatically adjusts settings based on your activity and environment. The headphones also support LE Audio with Auracast for broadcast listening capabilities.

Battery life remains unchanged from the WH-1000XM5 at 30 hours, although Sony notes that a quick three-minute charge provides up to three hours of listening time. You can also charge this model and listen to your music at the same time.

Sony says it has collaborated with recording engineers from prestigious studios including Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering to fine-tune the improved sound profile.

It sounds promising. The only real downer seems to be the fact that Sony has priced these cans at $449.99 – $50 more than the previous model. Whether the improvements justify the price jump is the main question. These are unashamedly plastic headphones, after all. MacRumors should have a hands-on review of Sony's latest flagship headphones soon.

The WH-1000XM5's come in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue, and are available to buy from the Sony website and all the major electronics retailers.
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Apple has stopped signing the iPadOS 17.7.7 update that was released earlier this week for devices unable to run versions of iPadOS 18, meaning that users will not be able to install the update even if they see it available in Software Update. Affected devices include the sixth-generation iPad, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and the second-generation 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌.


The company has not provided a reason for unsigning the update, but there are a number of reports on the MacRumors forums, Reddit, and elsewhere from users who have experienced issues logging into apps after updating their devices.

From MacRumors forums member mrsmith1:

I have an iPad 6th generation. After the latest update 17.7.7 I’ve been having problems with certain, but not all apps. Wikipedia, Duck Duck Go, Letterboxd and others. Every time I open them it’s like the first time and I have to sign up or do a tour of the app. I can’t seem to do anything about it. Any ideas?

From Reddit user National_Case748:

Since updating my iPad to iPadOS 17.7.7 (build 21H433), all apps (such as YouTube, X, etc.) log me out every time I close them. This issue did not happen before the update.

I’ve already tried all of the following:

• Checked that Screen Time and Restrictions are disabled.


• Verified that no profiles or MDM configurations are installed.


• Made sure Safari cookies and password saving are enabled.


• Performed a full Reset All Settings.


• Finally, I did a complete factory reset and set up the iPad as new (not from backup).

Even after all this, the problem persists. Every time I open an app, it behaves as if it were freshly installed and asks me to log in again.

Apple has presumably prevented users from updating to iPadOS 17.7.7 for the time being to address these issues and will release a new update once they have been fixed.

Update 1:35 pm May 16: Apple has now pulled iPadOS 17.7.7 entirely, meaning it will no longer show up in Software Update at all.
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Microsoft today shared a new ad on YouTube with the tagline "we're faster than a Mac."


In the video, Microsoft says the top-end Windows PCs with Copilot+ branding are up to 58% faster than the previous-generation MacBook Air with the M3 chip, based on Cinebench 2024 multi-core CPU benchmark results. The ad is citing old figures that were reported on all the way back in May 2024, so take that as you will.

While the ad is using an older MacBook Air for comparison purposes, Microsoft's fine print does say some Copilot+ PCs are still faster than even the latest MacBook Air models with the M4 chip, based on the same Cinebench 2024 benchmark.


Some of the Copilot+ PCs that were tested include Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7x with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, Microsoft's Surface Laptop with the Snapdragon X Elite, and HP's OmniBook Ultra 14 with AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 375.

While it is true that some PC chips are faster than Apple silicon chips in certain tests, Apple said the M4 family of chips continues to offer industry-leading performance per watt. This impressive power efficiency results in the MacBook Air having fast performance, long battery life, and a thin and light design without an internal fan.

In the end, using Windows over macOS remains a dealbreaker for some customers regardless.
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Amazon this week is providing record low prices on multiple models of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.99 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Colors on sale at this price include Purple, Space Gray, and Blue.

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.

Compared to past sales, this is a match of the best price we've ever tracked on the tablet. You can also get the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.00, which is another $99 discount and available in multiple colors.




These deals have been around for a few weeks now, and given that they are the last ones left in the iPad mini 7 lineup, they may soon disappear. This time around, we aren't tracking any deals on the 256GB Wi-Fi model, or any of the cellular tablets.

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

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Apple today shared new videos that highlight the upcoming Accessibility features that the company plans to introduce with iOS 19 and macOS 16. Apple this week debuted a number of new Accessibility options that will be coming later this year to honor Global Accessibility Awareness Day.


The first video, uploaded to Apple's main YouTube channel, shows off the Magnifier on Mac feature. We saw this video Tuesday in Apple's newsroom post, but it's now easier to watch over on YouTube. In the spot, a woman uses an iPhone connected to her Mac in a classroom setting to zoom in on the chalkboard so she can better see the professor's notes and diagrams.

Magnifier on Mac uses the ‌iPhone‌ camera's zoom feature, beaming the feed to a Mac through Continuity Camera. There are options for creating multiple live session windows for tracking a presentation while also zooming in on a textbook, and each view can be customized with different brightness levels and color and contrast filters to suit individual needs. Magnifier on Mac is an extension of the existing Magnifier option on the ‌iPhone‌, which allows the ‌iPhone‌ to be used to zoom in on text and detect objects.

Apple's second video was shared on the Apple Music YouTube channel, and it focuses on Music Haptics on ‌iPhone‌. Introduced as part of iOS 18, Music Haptics provides taps, textures, and vibrations to the audio of music that's playing, so that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can experience songs.


In ‌iOS 19‌, Apple plans to expand Music Haptics, adding new customization options. Users will be able to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, and there will be settings to adjust the intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
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Apple today announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles.


CarPlay Ultra features deep integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in Radio and Climate apps, customizable widgets, and more. The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can also adjust the color scheme. To learn more, read our coverage of Apple's announcement.

Starting today, CarPlay Ultra is available in newly-ordered Aston Martin vehicle models in the U.S. and Canada, and it will be rolling out in select existing Aston Martin vehicle models through a software update in the coming weeks.

Fortunately, if you cannot afford a $250,000 luxury vehicle from Aston Martin, CarPlay Ultra will eventually be available in more affordable vehicles.

Apple said "many" other automakers around the world plan to offer CarPlay Ultra within the next year, including the following three Korean brands:

• Hyundai


• Kia


• Genesis

Apple first previewed next-generation ‌CarPlay‌ at WWDC 2022, and at the time it shared a long list of automakers that were committed to offering the software system. The list is nearly three years old, however, so it might not be entirely accurate anymore.

The list was as follows:

• Acura


• Audi


• Ford


• Honda


• Infiniti


• Jaguar


• Land Rover


• Lincoln


• Mercedes-Benz


• Nissan


• Polestar


• Porsche


• Renault


• Volvo

Porsche previewed its next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster design in late 2023, but the automaker has not provided an update since then.



Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz leadership has since expressed a lack of willingness to let Apple essentially take over its entire software experience.

We will provide coverage of CarPlay Ultra vehicle announcements as they happen.
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Today we're tracking a pair of big sales from Verizon and Samsung, which are offering great deals on products including Apple's MagSafe iPhone cases, iPad Smart Folio, computer monitors, storage accessories, and much more.

Verizon

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.

Verizon today kicked off its annual "Red Hot Deal Days" event, offering deals on everything from smartphones to wearables, headphones, soundbars, and first-party Apple accessories. This includes up to $18 off Silicone Cases with MagSafe for iPhone and up to $20 off Smart Folio for various iPad models.



Verizon is also offering the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, and iPad all for no cost, with multiple stipulations. You'll need to buy or upgrade to the new iPhone on the Unlimited Ultimate Plan and trade in an existing device from Apple, Google, Motorola, or Samsung. You'll receive promo credits for these devices over the course of 36 months.

• Apple Silicone Cases with MagSafe - Get 20% off


• Apple Smart Folio - Get 20% off


• Belkin charging accessories - Get 20% off


• Xbox accessories - Get up to 50% off


• Meta Quest 3S and Ray-Ban Meta glasses - Get $100 off when bought together

Samsung

Over at Samsung, the retailer is hosting a couple of new special discounts on monitors and various storage devices. For the ViewFinity monitors, if you log in with Samsung's Education Offer Program membership, you can save an extra 10 percent as a teacher.

• Portable 1TB SSD T7 - $99.99 ($10 off)


• Portable 4TB SSD T5 - $229.99 ($128.99 off)


• 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Curved Monitor with USB-C - $399.99 ($300 off)


• 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Curved Monitor With Thunderbolt 4 - $499.99 ($300 off)


• 49-inch Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor - $849.99 ($450 off)


• 27-inch ViewFinity S9 Smart Monitor - $979.99 ($620 off)


• 49-inch Odyssey G9 Curved Smart Gaming Monitor - $1,149 ($650 off)


• 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Gaming Monitor with 4TB SSD - $1,386.98 ($788 off)

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Starting this weekend, Xfinity customers can watch Apple's weekly Sunday Night Soccer production at no additional cost.


Sunday Night Soccer consists of a weekly Major League Soccer match every Sunday evening during the 2025 season, with enhanced production and studio programming from Apple. Sunday Night Soccer was already available to Apple TV+ subscribers at no extra cost, and now that perk has been extended to Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Stream customers.

Xfinity customers can find Sunday Night Soccer matches for free via the channel guide, with no Apple TV+ or MLS Season Pass subscriptions required.

2025 marks the third year of a 10-year partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer.

For customers who prefer to watch Sunday Night Soccer via Apple TV+, the streaming service is available through the Apple TV app on a wide variety of devices, and on the web at tv.apple.com. A free seven-day trial is available.
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The iPhone 16 lineup is now being sold at discounts of over $350 on major Chinese e-commerce platforms, as the company and its retail partners move to stimulate demand in the face of declining sales and intensifying competition in the world's biggest smartphone market (via Reuters).


JD.com and Alibaba's Tmall marketplace have introduced significant markdowns on Apple's new devices ahead of China's annual mid-year "618" shopping festival, which runs from June 1 to June 18. JD.com is currently offering the iPhone 16 Pro with 128GB of storage for 5,469 yuan, down from the official Apple China price of 7,999 yuan — a 2,530 yuan reduction equivalent to approximately $351. Tmall is offering the same model at 5,499 yuan, representing a 2,500 yuan discount when applying platform-specific coupons, some of which include Chinese government subsidies.

While Apple has not openly confirmed its role in the price reductions, the company has employed similar tactics in previous years, particularly around major shopping festivals. In January, Apple issued limited-time discounts of up to 500 yuan on its official website in China.

Smartphones priced below 6,000 yuan qualify for government subsidies of up to 500 yuan, depending on the city or province. These subsidies are part of a national consumption initiative aimed at boosting sales of electronics and other goods amid slowing economic growth. Historically, Apple devices were priced above the subsidy threshold, but the recent discounting has brought certain ‌iPhone 16‌ models under the limit, making them eligible for the incentives.

Apple's iPhone shipments in China reportedly declined 9% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. A separate report placed the year-over-year decline at 49.6%, falling from 3.75 million units in the first quarter of 2024 to 1.89 million in the first quarter of 2025. During the same period, Chinese competitors experienced significant growth, with Xiaomi seeing a 40% increase in shipments and Huawei seeing a 10% increase.

Apple continues to list devices at full price on its own platforms. The tactic of reducing prices with third-party retailers allows the company to offer region-specific price adjustments without undermining its premium positioning globally.
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The first videos of Apple's CarPlay Ultra experience are now available, providing a never-before-seen look at the long-anticipated iPhone-linked infotainment software.



British automaker Aston Martin today shared the first video of Apple's CarPlay Ultra experience in-action, followed by a detailed walk-through of the ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra system on Top Gear's YouTube channel, which provides the first comprehensive look at the system in the real-world.

The video shows the ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra setup process, navigation, personalizing the instrument cluster, controlling vehicle functions, widget options, customizable themes, and more.



Earlier today, Apple announced that ‌CarPlay‌‌ Ultra is now available for new Aston Martin vehicle orders in North America, and will expand to vehicles globally over the next year.

Existing Aston Martin vehicles with the automaker's next-generation infotainment system in the U.S. and Canada will be eligible for a software update at local dealers to add support for ‌‌CarPlay‌‌ Ultra in the coming weeks.

Other automakers around the world, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, are still working to bring ‌‌CarPlay‌‌ Ultra to drivers. ‌‌CarPlay‌‌ Ultra works with the ‌iPhone‌ 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer.


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OpenAI has officially integrated its flagship GPT-4.1 model into ChatGPT, making it available to Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers starting today. The company announced the rollout on X (Twitter), highlighting the model's strengths in coding tasks and instruction following.


Enterprise and Education users won't be left behind for long, with access promised "in the coming weeks," according to OpenAI.

Alongside the premium-only upgrades, the company is also replacing GPT-4o mini with GPT-4.1 mini as the default model for all users, including those on free accounts. If you've enabled the ChatGPT extension for Apple Intelligence on your devices, Siri will presumably now default to GPT-4.1 mini going forward.

Both models support a one million context token window (the amount of text/media in a prompt that an AI model can process), far surpassing GPT-4o's 128,000-token limit. OpenAI claims that speed improvements make GPT-4.1 "more appealing for everyday coding tasks" compared to their recently introduced reasoning models.

• Everything Your iPhone Can Do With ChatGPT

The deployment comes a few weeks after the new models were released to developers. OpenAI said that both new models have undergone standard safety evaluations before being released to the public.
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Apple today announced that its next-generation CarPlay experience, now dubbed "‌CarPlay‌ Ultra" begins rolling out today, starting with Aston Martin vehicles.


‌CarPlay‌ Ultra is now available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada. It will also be available for existing models that feature the brand's next-generation infotainment system via a software update in the coming weeks. Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said:

iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles. With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent. This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car's systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker. We are excited to kick off the rollout of CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin — and this is just the beginning, with more automakers on the way.

‌CarPlay‌ Ultra is designed to bring a consistent look and feel to the entire driving experience. It integrates more directly with the vehicle to provide information on all of the driver's screens, featuring real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster with options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more.


Drivers can choose to display information from the iPhone, such as maps and media, alongside information from the vehicle, such as advanced driver assistance systems and tire pressure.

Moreover, drivers can use on-screen controls, physical buttons, and Siri to navigate through and operate standard vehicle functions such as radio and climate, as well as vehicle-specific features like audio system configurations or performance settings, all within the ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra system.



‌CarPlay‌ Ultra also offers iPhone-style widgets that the user can configure to their liking, allowing them to get information at a glance, such as upcoming calendar events, weather conditions, and more.



Automakers can reflect their unique look and feel of their brand in the ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra experience with custom themes that "feel tailor-made for each vehicle." Drivers can also personalize the wallpapers and colors of themes to match their individual preferences. Aston Martin said:

Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra. As a brand, our focus on world-leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance, and craftsmanship. The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers. Building on our in-house state-of-the-art infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalization opportunities, which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector.

‌CarPlay‌ Ultra is available for new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, and will expand to include vehicles globally in the next year. Existing Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada that contain the automaker's next-generation infotainment system will be eligible for a software update available at local dealers to add support for ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra in the coming weeks. ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra now features on Aston Martin's homepage.



Other automakers around the world are still working to bring ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra to drivers, according to Apple. Newly committed brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. ‌CarPlay‌ Ultra works with the ‌iPhone‌ 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later.
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Update: According to Apple, the user-disclosure screens have been live on the EU App Store since the beginning of Apple’s DMA Compliance Plan back in March 2024. The screen is not new. Original story follows.

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Apple has begun placing prominent warning labels on EU App Store listings that use alternative payment methods. The warning symbols appear as a red exclamation mark in a triangle, accompanied by text stating that the app "does not support the App Store's private and secure payment system" and "uses external purchases."


As noted by Michael Tsai, Apple is using its highest-level "critical" alert iconography – the same triangle symbol that macOS reserves for situations that might result in "unexpected loss of data."

Instacar, a popular Hungarian car valuation app with thousands of positive reviews, appears to be among the first to receive this treatment.

Apple's use of the warning labels comes just weeks after the European Commission fined Apple €500 million for violating the Digital Markets Act by restricting developers from informing users about alternative payment options. The Commission ordered Apple to "remove the technical and commercial restrictions on steering."


The warning labels also follow a contempt order issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on April 30, barring Apple from enforcing App Store rules that prevented developers from directing users to external payment methods.
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Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will have a hole-punch camera on the outer display, claims a Chinese leaker in Apple's supply chain.


According to the Weibo-based account Digital Chat Station, the inner display on the book-style foldable is a 14.1:1 panel featuring an under-screen camera, while the outer screen is a 14.6:1 panel with a hole-punch camera.

The leaker claims that these specifications relate to a new engineering prototype from Apple that's "slightly smaller than the previous unit we handled, with the same resolution and aspect ratio," according to a machine translation. The leaker added that a Touch ID sensor is included on the side of the device.

Digital Chat Station has made accurate claims in the past. For example, in 2023 they revealed that the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus would feature a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor than the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, as well as the display panel design of the ‌iPhone‌ 12 back in 2020.

The leaker's latest claim corroborates a previous rumor from the Korean news aggregator yeux1122, who said in April that Apple had opted for a hole-punch front-facing camera on the outer display. The Naver blog account claimed that the design is almost identical to current foldables on the market, such as Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

It remains unclear whether the hole-punch will be visible during active use or encased in a smaller Dynamic Island, but Face ID is not expected to be part of the equation.

Expected to launch next year, Apple's book-style foldable is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch crease-free internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will include a dual-lens rear camera along with front-facing cameras usable in both folded and unfolded states, ensuring comprehensive camera functionality in any configuration.

Kuo has also said that Apple has integrated Touch ID into the side button, in order to conserve internal space for other components.

Kuo says final hardware specifications will be locked in during the second quarter of this year (April 1 - June 30), suggesting some elements are still subject to change. However, analyst Jeff Pu claims that the device has already entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn – a critical stage in Apple's product development cycle – indicating that key specs may already be finalized.

Mass production is reportedly scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, with a release expected late next year. The first-generation foldable iPhone is expected to carry a price tag between $2,000 and $2,300.
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President Donald Trump has asked Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt the company's manufacturing expansion in India, in a potential disruption of Apple's plan to shift iPhone production away from China.


"I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday," Trump said during his state visit to Qatar, according to Bloomberg. "He is building all over India."

"They [India] have offered us a deal where basically they have agreed to charge us literally no tariffs. I said 'Tim, we are treating you really good, we put up with all the plants you built in China for years. We are not interested in you building in India. India can take care of themselves'."

Trump claimed that following their discussion, Apple will be "upping their production in the United States."

In the fiscal year ending March, Apple's iPhone production in India reached $22 billion, a nearly 60% increase compared to the previous year. However, Trump's comments complicate Apple's strategy to import most US-bound iPhones from India by the end of next year.

Apple and its manufacturing partners have accelerated their movement away from China in recent months. The trend began after COVID restrictions disrupted operations, and has only accelerated amid ongoing US-China tensions, particularly in the wake of Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs.

Most India-manufactured iPhones are assembled at Foxconn's factory in the southern part of the country. Tata Group's electronics manufacturing arm, which acquired Wistron's local business and manages Pegatron's operations in India, is another major supplier.

When asked about the supply chain's future during the company's recent earnings call, Cook said: "What we learned some time ago, having everything in one location had too much risk with it. We have, over time, with certain parts of the supply chain, opened up new sources of supply. You could see that kind of thing continuing in the future."

During the same earnings call, Cook highlighted Apple's impact in the United States, including plans to spend $500 billion over the next four years and expanding facilities in several states. A new factory for advanced server manufacturing in Texas is scheduled to open later this year.
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Apple this week introduced a new feature designed to allow prospective Apple Music users to import their saved music and playlists from third-party music services to ‌Apple Music‌.


The feature is either in an expanded testing phase or it has started rolling out, and it is available in Australia and New Zealand according to an Apple Support document. Signs of the transfer option first surfaced back in February 2024, when an Android user saw a reference to the option in the ‌Apple Music‌ beta for Android. There is no word on when library and playlist transfer options might expand to other countries, but it is likely Apple is planning to expand the rollout in the near future.

Apple is partnering with SongShift for the new ‌Apple Music‌ feature. SongShift is an app that transfers music playlists across streaming platforms, but by working with Apple, the functionality has been integrated directly in the ‌Apple Music‌ app. Adding a simple option for transferring content from another service to ‌Apple Music‌ could spur people with large, curated libraries and playlists to make the jump to Apple's music service.

‌Apple Music‌ subscribers in Australia and New Zealand can initiate song transfers on the web or using the ‌Apple Music‌ app for iPhone, iPad, or Android. Songs, albums, and playlists from music services like Spotify can be transferred to ‌Apple Music‌, though what can be transferred does depend on the service.

On an ‌iPhone‌ or an ‌iPad‌, transfers can be initiated by opening up the Settings app, navigating to Apps, and selecting ‌Apple Music‌. In the ‌Apple Music‌ settings, there is a "Transfer Music from Other Music Services" option that lists supported music services. Users can select what they want to transfer, and then ‌Apple Music‌ will locate matches for songs in the ‌Apple Music‌ catalog, adding them to the ‌Apple Music‌ library.

In instances where an exact match for a song isn't able to be located, Apple will flag the music as Needs Review, displaying alternate versions that can be selected. Apple warns that some content might not be available or have an exact match in ‌Apple Music‌, and the company also notes that only user created playlists are able to be transferred, not playlists created by another music service.

Source playlists and libraries in the other music service will not be impacted and will still be available.
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Two years after changing the name of HBO Max to just Max, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is reversing its decision. Starting this summer, Max is going to be rebranded as HBO Max.


It turns out that it may have been a bad idea dropping the well-recognized HBO brand name from the Max streaming service and opting for a much more generic name. In a blog post explaining the decision, WBD says that the HBO brand is best known for its consistent, high-quality content, which is what the company wants to focus on.

This evolution has also been influenced by changing consumer needs, and the fact that no consumer today is saying they want more content, but most consumers are saying they want better content. With other services filling the more basic needs with volume, WBD has clearly distinguished itself through its quality and distinct stories, and no brand has done that better and more consistently over 50+ years than HBO.

WBD says that the decision to go back to HBO Max demonstrates the company's willingness to use "consumer data and insights" to "position itself for success," suggesting the name change and the effort to include Discovery content for a wider audience wasn't popular with customers.

WBD Streaming CEO JB Perrette said that going forward, HBO Max won't provide "everything for everyone," but "something distinct and great for adults and families."

The HBO service has undergone several rebranding efforts over the years. The first HBO streaming service was known as HBO Go, and it later became HBO Now. HBO Now was rebranded as just HBO, and then it became HBO Max. After that it was just Max, and now we're back to HBO Max.
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Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser.


‌Safari Technology Preview‌ 219 includes fixes and updates for Canvas, CSS, JavaScript, Media, Rendering, Web API, Web Extensions, and WebRTC.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia, the newest version of macOS.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple’s aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
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On Friday, Epic Games submitted Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, and since then, we've been waiting to see if Apple would approve the game and allow it back on the iPhone and the iPad. There's been no word from Apple so far, but ‌Epic Games‌ opted to pull its first App Store review request, and has now resubmitted Fortnite.


Fortnite leaker Shiina shared the news, with the information reposted by ‌Epic Games‌ CEO Tim Sweeney. According to Sweeney, ‌Epic Games‌ needs to release a weekly Fortnite update with new content on Friday, and platforms need to be updated simultaneously. The company pulled the prior version, and submitted a new version with the update for review.

‌Epic Games‌ apparently had not heard from Apple since submitting Fortnite to the ‌App Store‌ on Friday. "The first request went unreviewed for 120+ hours," wrote Shiina. Apple's App Review guidelines suggest that 90 percent of ‌App Store‌ submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours, but it's clear that Fortnite's return to the ‌App Store‌ is not straightforward for Apple.

Apple banned the ‌Epic Games‌ developer account back in 2020 when ‌Epic Games‌ violated its ‌App Store‌ rules to add web-based purchases, kicking off a multi-year legal battle. Because the main ‌Epic Games‌ developer account continues to be banned, Epic submitted Fortnite to the U.S. ‌App Store‌ using an account from Epic Games Sweden, a subsidiary that Epic formed to create the ‌Epic Games‌ Store alternative app marketplace in the European Union.

Prior to submitting Fortnite to the U.S. ‌App Store‌, ‌Epic Games‌ CEO Tim Sweeney said that Epic "conversed" with Apple about its plan, but at no point did he say that Apple had okayed the idea. It's still not clear if Apple will approve Fortnite for the U.S. ‌App Store‌, because the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit made it clear that Apple was well within its rights to terminate Epic's account, and does not have an obligation to allow Fortnite into the ‌App Store‌.

‌Epic Games‌ is trying to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. ‌App Store‌ because Apple is now required to allow U.S. developers to direct customers to web-based purchase options available outside of the ‌App Store‌, which is what Fortnite got banned for in the first place. The order was part of an injunction levied by the judge overseeing ‌Epic Games vs. Apple‌, and it is now being enforced. Apple is appealing the ruling, but has to follow it until Apple hears from the appeals court.

Sweeney said that he would be "very surprised" if Apple "decided to brave the geopolitical storm of blocking a major app from iOS," and it is true that Apple might not want to risk further angering the judge overseeing the case.
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Apple is updating the Maps app with insights, ratings, and reviews from expert sources, with the aim of helping users find top-ranked restaurants, hotels, and more.


There are now options to search for and view Michelin-starred, Green Star, and Bib Gourmand restaurants, along with Michelin Key hotels. As of right now, the search options are available for locations in the U.S., but Apple plans to expand them to additional regions in the future. Searching for Michelin restaurants and hotels can be done with the filters feature in the Maps app.

"MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest are leading industry experts that consumers rely on for finding the best restaurants, hotels, and golf courses, and we're excited to bring their valuable insights and accolades to our users in Apple Maps," said David Dorn, Apple's senior director of Internet Software and Services Product. "These new integrations make Maps an even more useful and seamless resource for users to discover great new places whether in their hometown or traveling somewhere new."

Apple also plans to add rankings and insights from The Infatuation and Golf Digest to Maps, along with additional expert sources.

Apple says that place cards in the Maps app will show distinctions, descriptions, and images from expert sources. For select hotels, users will be able to book directly from the Maps app, and Apple will soon introduce options to schedule restaurant reservations through Michelin and tee times through Supreme Golf.

The new information will come up in searches for various places, but Apple also has curated Maps guides from Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest.
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Time sure flies, and we're now less than a month away from the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference where Apple will introduce new software updates. Rumors are picking up ahead of the event, so we thought we'd highlight some of the updates that we're looking forward to learning more about.

1. The new iOS design. We've been hearing that Apple is planning a major design overhaul for iOS 19, with a look that's inspired by visionOS. Round buttons, glassier interface elements, and a simplified design style are expected. It's going to be the biggest design change since iOS 7, which was controversial when it launched. We're sure to see some of the same love it or hate it type of reactions with the 2025 revamp.


2. macOS 16's name. One of the big mysteries that's always unveiled at WWDC is what Apple plans to name the next-generation version of macOS. Apple has been naming new versions of macOS after California landmarks since 2013, and we're not out of names yet. There are a bunch of names Apple has trademarked over the years, including Condor, Redwood, Shasta, Skyline, Pacific Miramar, Mammoth, Grizzly, Redtail, Tiburon, and Rincon.


3. New app designs. Along with the overall ‌iOS 19‌ interface update, Apple is overhauling its apps to adopt the new design language. Expect buttons with more transparency that puts more focus on content, pop out menus, rounded buttons and tab bars, and that same glassy visionOS look.


4. More battery life. ‌iOS 19‌ will bring an AI-powered battery management feature that will analyze how you use your device and make automatic adjustments where possible to minimize battery usage. The new AI battery mode will be able to limit app and system feature power draw based on your usage habits.


5. Live translation for AirPods. Apple is developing an AirPods feature that will translate in-person conversations from one language to another, and it's a feature that is expected to come in ‌iOS 19‌ and an AirPods firmware update. It's likely going to be limited to the AirPods Pro, and could be tied in some way to the AirPods Pro 3 that are coming this year.

We've got more on what's coming at WWDC in our iOS 19 roundup and our WWDC 2025 roundup, so make sure to check those out.

WWDC 2025 will begin with a keynote event on June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will have a live stream available, but we'll also be providing coverage here on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account for those who aren't able to watch.
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As WWDC 2025 approaches, Apple has updated its Developer app to prepare for the week-long event. The refreshed version of the developer app will host the ‌WWDC 2025‌ session videos, 1-on-1 labs with Apple engineers, and more.


Apple will stream the ‌WWDC 2025‌ keynote event in the Apple Developer app, plus the app will feature the Platforms State of the Union and other developer sessions that will be debuting throughout WWDC week.


When Apple refreshes the Developer app for WWDC each year, it adds new stickers that can be used in the Messages app. This year's sticker selection includes Genmoji-inspired options, such as a dinosaur surfing, an octopus with a keyboard, and a flying pig. There's also a colorful Hello sticker, and a California sticker that features California poppies. Each sticker is animated.




















At ‌WWDC 2025‌, Apple will unveil iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 19, visionOS 3, and watchOS 12. We're not expecting any hardware products this year.

‌WWDC 2025‌ is set to kick off on Monday, June 9 with a keynote event that will see Apple introducing the new software updates. The Developer app is available from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
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Apple Vision Pro users could soon be able to scroll through content with their eyes, according to Bloomberg. Apple is working on a visionOS 3 feature that would eliminate the need for hand gestures when browsing websites, reading, and more.


The Vision Pro already supports navigating through the operating system by looking at an item and then using a hand gesture to "tap" it, so eye-based scrolling would be a natural extension of that existing functionality. Apple plans to add eye scrolling capabilities to all of the built-in apps on the Vision Pro, and it is developing APIs that will let developers do the same.

There are multiple cameras in the Vision Pro that are used for eye tracking purposes and for iris scanning, a biometric authentication feature. Apple has experimented with eye tracking on other devices too, with an Accessibility feature on the iPhone and iPad allowing iOS users to look at an onscreen pointer that follows eye movement. With this option, users can look to navigate, and then focus their eyes on one spot to perform a tap action.

visionOS 3 is set to debut at the Worldwide Developers Conference that starts on Monday, June 9.
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The new Pride Edition Sport Band for the Apple Watch is now available to purchase in person at Apple Store locations in the U.S. and select other countries.


Apple unveiled the band last week, as part of its 2025 Pride Collection, which also includes a new Pride Harmony watch face and a matching iPhone and iPad wallpaper. The watch face and wallpaper are available starting with watchOS 11.5, iOS 18.5, and iPadOS 18.5. All three software updates were released two days ago.

The band has been available on Apple.com since last week, and in-store availability commenced by today. Available in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, the band features rainbow stripes that vary in shape and size, with no two bands looking exactly alike.

In the U.S., the band costs $49.

The matching Pride Harmony watch face features rainbow stripes that dynamically shift to form large hour numerals as users raise their wrist to check the time.

The matching iPhone and iPad wallpaper features colorful stripes that change position as users move, lock, or unlock their devices.

Apple says its Pride Collection celebrates the strength and beauty of LGBTQ+ communities around the world. In addition to the Pride Collection, Apple said it is proud to financially support organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities.
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Apple led the global tablet market in the first quarter of 2025, achieving 14% year-over-year shipment growth amid heightened demand for iPads, according to new data from Canalys.


Worldwide tablet shipments reached 36.8 million units in the first quarter 2025, representing an 8.5% year-over-year increase. Apple shipped 13.7 million iPads during the quarter, up from 12.1 million in the first quarter of 2024, raising its global market share from 35.5% to 37.3%. The company's performance came in the context of growing replacement demand for tablets first purchased during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by recent hardware updates to the iPad lineup.

Apple's shipment growth outpaced the broader market average and occurred despite increased competitive pressure from Chinese vendors including Xiaomi, Huawei, and HONOR. According to Canalys, these brands gained market share by targeting lower cost segments with wide device portfolios and by leveraging ecosystem integration across devices. Xiaomi, in particular, saw a 56.1% year-over-year increase in tablet shipments, reaching 3.1 million units and surpassing Lenovo for the first time.
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Every year heading into WWDC, one thought on many Mac fans' minds is what Apple will choose as the name for the next version of macOS. The tradition dates all the way back to the beginning of Mac OS X with its big cat names like Leopard, and Apple shifted to California-themed names with the unveiling of OS X Mavericks in 2013.


Back in 2014, we discovered more than 20 California-themed trademark applications filed by various limited-liability companies, which were all but certain to be shell companies created by Apple to hide its identity. Over time, some of the trademarks like Yosemite, Sierra, Mojave, Monterey, Mojave, Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia were indeed used as macOS names, while trademark applications for other names were abandoned.

Apple has still proceeded to use some of the names with abandoned trademark filings as macOS names, such as Big Sur in 2020. So, there is still a possibility that macOS 16 will use one of the names that Apple had filed to protect many years ago.

Here is a list of the remaining macOS name possibilities that Apple had filed to protect:

• California


• Condor


• Diablo


• Farallon


• Grizzly


• Mammoth


• Miramar


• Pacific


• Redtail


• Redwood


• Rincon


• Shasta


• Skyline


• Tiburon

Apple's trend of using Tiburon in iPhone marketing images in recent years has led some fans to speculate that macOS 16 could be named macOS Tiburon, but this is obviously far from concrete evidence. Indeed, it was once on the trademark path, though.


Of course, there is no guarantee that Apple will ever use any of these names. It is simply fun to think about the possibilities each year.

WWDC 2025 begins on Monday, June 9.
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Today we're tracking a handful of Apple accessory discounts on Amazon, including an all-time low price for the Apple Pencil Pro and a solid deal on the AirTag 4-Pack. Neither deal requires a coupon code this time around, as both have been applied automatically by Amazon.

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 Apple Pencil Pro, you can get this accessory for $99.00, down from $129.00. This is a match for the record low price on the Apple Pencil Pro, and it's a deal that doesn't typically stick around long on Amazon, so if you've been waiting for it to return, be sure to check it out soon.



Secondly, Amazon has the AirTag 4-Pack for $79.98, down from $99.00. This is a second-best price on the accessory, and you can find the 1-Pack on sale as well on Amazon, available for $24.95, down from $29.00.



If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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The Apple TV 4K (second- and third-generation) is capable of relaying audio from a compatible TV to a HomePod – even when you're not using your Apple TV. This allows you to stream audio from a TV-connected game console or other set-top box straight to Apple's smart speakers. Keep reading to learn more and how to set it up.


The second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K supports two additional connection standards, called ARC and eARC. ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature of HDMI 1.4 that enables audio from a device to be sent to a compatible TV and relayed through its HDMI port to a separate audio receiver, speaker, or sound bar. Meanwhile, eARC (enhanced ARC) adds support for the passthrough of higher bandwidth audio like Dolby Atmos, as well as 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound.

On Apple TV 4K, ARC and eARC support effectively allows a HomePod or HomePod mini (or stereo-paired Homepods in a Home Theater Audio setup) to play audio from other TV-connected devices like a cable box, PS5, or Xbox Series X. The following steps show you how to get it set up.

Set Up ARC or eARC on Apple TV 4K

Make sure that your TV supports ARC or eARC. You can check if it does by seeing if there's an ARC label next to the HDMI port that your Apple TV is connected to. Alternatively, check your TV manual or try contacting the TV manufacturer.

1. On your Apple TV, launch the Settings app.


2. Select Video and Audio ➝ Audio Output.
   
3. Under "Default Audio Output," make sure the HomePod(s) in the same room as your TV are selected.


4. Under "Audio Return Channel," select Play Television Audio. You'll know ARC or eARC is enabled when it says On (ARC) or On (eARC).

If ARC or eARC doesn't work for you after following the above steps: assuming your TV supports the standard, check whether you need to turn on ARC, eARC, or HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings.
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Apple today announced a new custom city experience and guide for the upcoming Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco 2025.



The new Detailed City Experience includes custom-designed 3D Monégasque landmarks of significant locations, such as Casino de Monte-Carlo, Fairmont Monte Carlo, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Yacht Club de Monaco, and the F1 Paddock Club. When dark mode is enabled at dusk, the 3D rendition of Monaco gains a unique moonlit glow effect.

There are also new details to represent road markings, land cover, trees, and public transit routes, and important navigation details like turn lanes, medians, bus and bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings. There is also a new windshield view for drivers, which displays a road-level view as the user approaches interchanges.

The F1 racetrack will be highlighted with markers for the circuit's turns, as well as 3D representations of grandstands, footbridges, the finish line, and more. The Maps app will also show advisories like road closures. Apple senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, said:

Apple Maps is the best way to navigate and explore the world, so we're excited to bring this amazing experience to F1 fans and attendees of the Grand Prix de Monaco. Whether fans are there in person or watching from afar, the beautifully designed Detailed City Experience and Monaco Grand Prix features give them an incredible view into Monaco, just in time for the race and the upcoming premiere of F1 The Movie.

They'll be able to navigate the principality during the iconic Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco 2025 and hunt down key landmarks in Monaco and the race, to truly feel part of the action ahead of the film's launch at the end of June.

In celebration of next month's release of Apple Original Films' "F1 The Movie," starring Brad Pitt, Maps users will also be able to explore a custom Guide featuring the world's most iconic F1 racetracks, including Monaco and other tracks featured in the movie.

The new Apple Maps experience rolls out later today. The Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco takes place from May 23 to May 25. Apple's original "F1 The Movie" debuts on June 25.
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Apple is believed to be developing several technological innovations to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, and one key technology it's considering is Mobile High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), according to a report from ETNews.


HBM is a type of DRAM that stacks memory chips vertically and connects them via tiny vertical interconnects called Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs) to dramatically boost signal transmission speeds. It's primarily used in AI servers today, and is often referred to as AI memory due to its ability to support AI processing alongside GPUs.

Mobile HBM is what the term suggests – a variant of the technology for mobile devices that is designed to deliver very high data throughput while minimizing power consumption and the physical footprint of the RAM dies. Apple is looking to enhance on-device AI capabilities, and ETNews reports that connecting mobile HBM to the iPhone's GPU units is being considered as a strong candidate for achieving this goal.

The technology could be key for running massive AI models on-device, such as for large language model inference or advanced vision tasks, without draining battery or increasing latency.

The report indicates that Apple may have already discussed its plans with major memory suppliers like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, both of which are developing their own versions of mobile HBM.

Samsung is reportedly using a packaging approach called VCS (Vertical Cu-post Stack), while SK hynix is working on a method called VFO (Vertical wire Fan-Out). Both companies aim for mass production sometime after 2026.

As always though, there are manufacturing challenges. Mobile HBM is a lot more expensive to manufacture than current LPDDR memory. It could also face thermal constraints in slim devices like iPhones, and the 3D stacking and TSVs require highly sophisticated packaging and yield management.

If Apple does adopt this technology for its 2027 iPhone lineup, it would be yet another example of the company pushing the envelope for its 20th anniversary iPhone, which is rumored to feature a completely bezel-less display that curves around all four edges of the device.
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Apple is reportedly considering a radical redesign for the 20th anniversary iPhone that could feature a completely bezel-less display that curves around all four edges of the device, claims a new report out of Korea.


ETNews writes that Apple is aiming to use "four-edge bending" display technology for the 2027 iPhone that would curve not just along the left and right sides as seen in some current smartphones, but also wrap around the top and bottom edges. This would create a truly borderless visual experience with content flowing seamlessly across all sides of the device.

This follows a report by Bloomberg over the weekend that said Apple plans to launch a "mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display." The Information last week also cited multiple sources claiming that at least one new iPhone model launching in 2027 will have a truly edge-to-edge display. Bloomberg previously reported that the device would be a Pro model in Apple's 2027 lineup.

Based on the latest report, the ambitious design would eliminate traditional screen borders entirely, potentially marking one of the most significant design shifts in the iPhone's history since the 10th anniversary iPhone X, which saw Apple drop the Home button, introduce a notched display, and adopt an intuitive swipe gesture-based navigation interface.

The new display technology is said to be part of Apple's broader push toward next-generation hardware for the commemorative iPhone. The company is also reportedly looking to develop an OLED display driver IC (DDI) based on 16nm FinFET process technology, instead of the traditional 28nm planar process currently used.

The display driver technology would apparently deliver significant power efficiency improvements, which is likely to be increasingly important as smartphones get thinner and enhanced on-device AI features demand more power. The report also claims that Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone could include pure silicon batteries instead of graphite-based ones for increased energy density.

Apple is expected to begin discussions with OLED suppliers Samsung Display and LG Display about implementing the advanced technologies for the anniversary model, according to the report.

Technical Challenges

Achieving a four-sided curved all-display design would present Apple with some major technical challenges, such as placing the front-facing sensors, cameras, and speakers under the display.

As a stepping stone towards this all-screen design in 2027, The Information on Tuesday reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be equipped with under-screen Face ID, with only a small pinhole remaining for the front camera on those devices. Counterpoint Research vice president Ross Young has since corroborated the report.

As for the front-facing camera, several Android phones already feature under-display selfie cameras, and Apple has reportedly been working on its own solution for some time. According to an April 2024 report, LG Innotek – one of Apple's Korean suppliers – is developing under-display cameras that leave no visible hole when inactive. These systems use a "freeform optic" multiple lens array designed to reduce image distortion and improve brightness, compensating for the light loss that typically occurs when a camera sits behind a display.

However, another concern adopting a four-sided curved all-screen design would be structural integrity, since bending the screen on all sides would introduce new stress points that could be more vulnerable to damage from drops. The described design could also require big changes to user interaction. With no bezels to rest fingers on, Apple would likely need to develop new palm-rejection algorithms and potentially revise iOS gesture navigation for edge-sensitive input.

Assuming the reports are accurate, Apple has some major hardware and software hurdles to overcome over the next two years. If the company can pull it off though, such a design sounds like a fitting way to celebrate two decades of Apple's most iconic product.
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