Apple CEO Tim Cook will soon be $50 million richer after selling 223,986 shares of Apple Stock, earning him a total of $50,276,076, according to an SEC filing. Cook was originally granted the stock as part of performance-based award based on Apple's shareholder return relative to other S&P 500 companies, and he often sells stock in October.

Earlier this week, Cook was granted an additional 219,502 shares of Apple stock. 54,876 shares are set to vest in one-third increments in April of 2027, 2028, and 2029. 164,626 shares are performance-based and will vest on October 1, 2027. Depending on Apple's performance between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2027, between 0 and 200 percent of the target number of shares can vest.

The total bonus will depend on Apple's total shareholder return relative to other companies in...

Macworld

Amazon’s second Prime Day sale is now here and from October 8-9, you’ll be able to score some of the best deals on Apple devices this side of Black Friday. All of Apple’s tablets, from the newest iPad Air and Pro to the mini and 10th-gen iPad will see some of their best prices ever.

The iPads picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. We’ve reviewed everything we recommend and we won’t tell you to buy something that’s not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and we’ve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so we’ve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right direction—and save you big bucks.

Of course, Prime Day isn’t just for iPads. If you’re...

Macworld

Wondering if AirPods will be on sale for Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days? Whether you’re buying your first pair of AirPods or upgrading the trusty ‘buds you have used every day for years, Amazon’s big yearly Prime Day sale is a great time to look for a discount.

Many Apple products are rarely on sale, and when they do go on sale they’re barely at a discount at all. AirPods are an exception: As long as they’re not a just-released model, they’re almost always available at a discount from the official retail price. And when big sales events come around, like Prime Day or Black Friday, you can often save 25 percent or more.

Amazon is one of the best places to look for AirPods deals, and we are already seeing some excellent discounts during the Prime Day event which runs from October 8 to midnight on October 9. We’ll keep this article updated...

Two students at Harvard University modified a set of Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses to add AI-based facial recognition technology, and the result is a wearable that is able to identify people in real time, according to a report from 404 Media.

The modified Meta Glasses are able to use the camera to scan a stranger's face to get their name, and there's also a function for pulling information like home address, phone number, and family members from internet sites that store that kind of data.

AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio, the creators, demonstrated the glasses in public. Ardayfio walked up to a total stranger, scanned her face, got her name and affiliations, and then pretended that he knew her from one of the organizations that came up in a search about her. In a second demo, Nguyen identified a random man and initiated a conversation...

Experience all the new features the iPad Pro with the M4 chip has to offer. Today, the 11-inch wi-fi model with Nano-Texture Glass and 1TB storage is down to just $1,593 from its original price of $1,700 on Amazon. The inclusion of the M4 chip catapults the latest iPad Pro to the cream of the […]

The post The iPad Pro with M4 Chip and Nano Texture Glass is $106 Off appeared first on iLounge.

Apple has produced the latest update for its experimental browser, Safari Technology Preview. Safari Technology Preview 204 is now available to download for those who would like to test Apple’s experimental browser. It allows users to try out features that exist in the preview version. It’s worth noting that these features may or may not […]

The post Safari technology preview 204 rolls out appeared first on iLounge.

Apple today released new public betas of tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of when it is released later in October. The third betas come a week after the second betas.

Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's public beta program can download tvOS 18.1 by opting in to beta updates through the Settings app on the Apple TV. ‌HomePod‌ software can be downloaded through the Home app on the iPhone. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app, choose Home Settings, and then select Software Update.

tvOS software releases are usually minor in scale compared to other operating system updates, focusing primarily on smaller improvements rather...

iOS 18 is full of big, headline changes like new customization tools, upgrades to Photos, Notes, and Messages, and the forthcoming Apple Intelligence features. But one smaller update is causing a lot of concern for social apps, and it’s a change designed to protect user privacy.

more…

Apple has announced that transcriptions in the Apple Podcasts app will be available in eight additional languages starting today, according to Dutch website iCulture.nl. The transcripts were previously only available for podcasts spoken in English, French, German, and Spanish since the feature launched as part of iOS 17.4.

Transcriptions in the additional languages will be rolled out on a gradual basis for all iPhones and iPads running iOS 17.4 or iPadOS 17.4 and later.

The newly-supported languages, per the report:

• Brazilian Portuguese
• Danish
• Dutch
• Finnish
• Italian
• Norwegian
• Portuguese
• Swedish

Check out our guide that explains...

Following AirPods Max updates. The teardowns reveal there are only a few internal changes for the AirPods 4, and a continued general lack of repairability across the board.

more…

Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break deals feature even lower prices on the official new Apple 25W MagSafe Charger as well as new lows on M4 iPad Pro configurations at up to $150 off and the official full-size black Magic Keyboard at a discount. But the real headliner is another shot at scoring an M3 Pro MacBook Pro at $500 off alongside and exclusive deal on the new metal/leather Apple Watch Ultra band from Burton Goods, the lowest price we have seen yet on a proper...

Apple's iPhones last longer in users' hands, with many years waiting before an upgrade. Meanwhile, Android users are switching their phones more frequently.


iPhone users delay upgrades
A growing number of iPhone users choose to keep their devices for extended periods. Based on CIRP's findings, about one-third of iPhone owners who purchased a new phone in the past year had kept their previous phone for at least three years.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Best Buy might offer an unspecified iPad mini model on clearance "soon," according to a product listing that was spotted on the retailer's website.

The placeholder listing is for an Apple product with a "MINI WIFI" model name, and it is in the "tablets" section on Best Buy's online store. Altogether, this strongly suggests that the listing will be for an iPad mini. The device will apparently be available for a clearance price of $359.99 in the U.S., down from a regular price of $599. However, the iPad mini currently starts at $499, so the listing appears to have a pricing error.

If the listing ends up being for the iPad mini 6, it could hint at the iPad mini 7 coming soon. Or, this could be a nothingburger. We'll see!

Last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said a new...

A new report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) says that iPhone owners hold onto their smartphones longer than Android owners

Over the past several years, the research group has tracked the increasingly longer time that iPhone owners have held onto their phones and waited to upgrade. As iPhones became more durable, installment payment plans became more transparent, and Apple introduced fewer must-have new features, iPhone owners have happily waited a little longer to get a new phone, according to CIRP. Android phone owners have a very different ownership pattern. 

Using its dataset from all mobile phone buyers, not just Apple device buyers, CIRP says that about one-third new phone buyers who had an iPhone kept that phone for three years or more. Only 21% of new phone buyers who had an Android phone reported it was three or more years old.

However, only about one...

A new report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) says that iPhone owners hold onto their smartphones longer than Android owners

Over the past several years, the research group has tracked the increasingly longer time that iPhone owners have held onto their phones and waited to upgrade. As iPhones became more durable, installment payment plans became more transparent, and Apple introduced fewer must-have new features, iPhone owners have happily waited a little longer to get a new phone, according to CIRP. Android phone owners have a very different ownership pattern. 

Using its dataset from all mobile phone buyers, not just Apple device buyers, CIRP says that about one-third new phone buyers who had an iPhone kept that phone for three years or more. Only 21% of new phone buyers who had an Android phone reported it was three or more years old.

However, only about one...

Well-known electronics repair website iFixit today shared an AirPods 4 teardown video that offers a look inside Apple's latest wireless earbuds. Specifically, these are the entry-level AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation (ANC).

Unsurprisingly, iFixit said AirPods remain a "nightmare to take apart," with the earbuds earning a lowest-possible 0/10 score on iFixit's reparability scale.

The teardown does not reveal any major internal differences between the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4.

The charging case for the AirPods 4 without ANC is equipped with a 345 mAh battery. This is the same size battery as in the AirPods 3 charging case.

iFixit also opened up the revised AirPods Max, which launched alongside the AirPods 4 last month. Aside...

We all switch back and forth between apps every day. But did you know there are two separate methods that are fastest? Here’s how you can switch between iPhone (and iPad) apps faster than ever.

more…

Apple App Store revenue rose 14% year-over-year in September, according to a report from Bank of America, as noted by Investing.com.

The bank said in a note Wednesday that the increase was driven by strong global demand, with SensorTower data showing that Apple App Store revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024) totaled $7.8 billion, a rise of 13.6% y/y.

In the same period, total app downloads (iPhone and iPad) grew by 5.5%, reaching 8.9 billion. Gaming apps, which still dominate the App Store’s revenue, grew by 6% yea-over-year to $3.9 billion, although they now account for 50% of total revenue compared to 54% a year ago, according to the bank.

The post Apple App Store revenue rose 14% year-over-year in September appeared first on MacTech.com...

Apple App Store revenue rose 14% year-over-year (y/y) in September, according to a report from Bank of America, as noted by Investing.com.

The post Apple App Store revenue rose 14% year-over-year in September appeared first on Apple World Today.

Apple App Store revenue rose 14% year-over-year in September, according to a report from Bank of America, as noted by Investing.com.

The bank said in a note Wednesday that the increase was driven by strong global demand, with SensorTower data showing that Apple App Store revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024) totaled $7.8 billion, a rise of 13.6% y/y.

In the same period, total app downloads (iPhone and iPad) grew by 5.5%, reaching 8.9 billion. Gaming apps, which still dominate the App Store’s revenue, grew by 6% yea-over-year to $3.9 billion, although they now account for 50% of total revenue compared to 54% a year ago, according to the bank.

The post Apple App Store revenue rose 14% year-over-year in September appeared first on MacTech.com...

After its summer iPhone app update fiasco, and a series of mostly-broken promises to fix it, Sonos is again trying to win back shaken customer confidence.


The updated and ill-fated Sonos app update.
Sonos hasn't had the best 2024, because of its ham-fisted approach to overhauling its app. After multiple apologies, the smart speaker maker is making a bigger statement, this time trying to convince users that it will move forward with its customers in mind.

The whole affair started in April with the announcement of its overhauled iOS controller app arriving...

Apple may start selling extension apps for its Messages app that runs on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. The company has been granted a patent (number US 12108310 B2) for a “message extension app store.”

About the Patent

In the patent, Apple notes that the use of text messaging systems began many years ago. For example, wireless cellular telephone carriers, such as Verizon or AT&T, allowed text messages through the Short Message Service (SMS) for cell phones in the 1990s before smartphones were available. 

Typically, the amount of data transmitted has been limited by rules established by the carriers. Recently, as the use of smartphones (e.g. iPhones) and tablet computers (e.g. iPad) has increased, the text messaging systems have developed the ability to send images, such as photos or emojis. And, of course, messaging systems such as Messages allows users to also send and receive text and images through “public” networks which include “public” WiFi access...

Apple may start selling extension apps for its Messages app that runs on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. The company has been granted a patent (number US 12108310 B2) for a “message extension app store.”

About the Patent

In the patent, Apple notes that the use of text messaging systems began many years ago. For example, wireless cellular telephone carriers, such as Verizon or AT&T, allowed text messages through the Short Message Service (SMS) for cell phones in the 1990s before smartphones were available. 

Typically, the amount of data transmitted has been limited by rules established by the carriers. Recently, as the use of smartphones (e.g. iPhones) and tablet computers (e.g. iPad) has increased, the text messaging systems have developed the ability to send images, such as photos or emojis. And, of course, messaging systems such as Messages allows users to also send and receive text and images through “public” networks which include “public” WiFi access...

Future Apple Pencils may be able to detect and reproduce colors and textures. Apple has been granted a patent for “Electronic Device With Optical Sensor For Sampling Surfaces” that hints at such a device.

The post Future Apple Pencils may be able to detect and reproduce colors and textures appeared first on Apple World Today.

Following the release of iOS 18 for the iPhone last month, Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.0.1 with bug fixes in the near future.

We previously reported that Apple has been internally testing iOS 18.0.1, and today a private account on X with a proven track record of sharing iOS-related information said the update will have a build number of 22A3370.

We expect iOS 18.0.1 to be a minor update that hopefully addresses the following issues:

• Touchscreen issues affecting the iPhone 16 series and some older models
• iPadOS 18 bricking some iPad Pro units with the M4 chip
• An iMessage bug...

Here’s a look at the top five iPhone apps that can help you navigate health emergencies effectively. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of enrolling in first aid training with Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics to be even better prepared.

The post Top 5 iPhone Apps to Help You in a Health Emergency appeared first on Apple World Today.

If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about iPhone photography, it’s Sebastiaan de With, co-founder of the developer behind the Halide app. In an incredibly deep dive into the iPhone 16 Pro cameras, he finds much to love – and a few flaws.

While his experience of comparing many iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro images mirrored mine – like for like, it’s hard to spot any differences – he still had a lot of positive things to say …

more…

Sonos has been struggling to regain the trust of its customers after its disastrous launch of a new version of the app.

After initially doubling down on the new app, the company’s CEO later apologized for it, and he has now made seven promises about how Sonos will operate going forward. This includes giving all products currently under warranty an additional year of coverage, but customers don’t seem too impressed …

more…

As of watchOS 11, can use Apple Watch as a remote control for an Apple TV through Bluetooth. You can also use Siri to start watching something.

The post How to use your Apple Watch as an Apple TV remote appeared first on Apple World Today.

Adobe has unveiled Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2025 and a standalone Photoshop Elements 2025.

The former costs US$149.99. The latter is $99.99. These prices are for a three-year license. Upgrades from previous versions are $119.99 ($79.99 for students and teachers) for the Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2025 and $79.99 for the standalone Photoshop Elements 2025.

Photoshop Elements 2025 & Premiere Elements 2025 is a photo and video editing software software bundle for folks who want to edit and create with their photos and videos. Photoshop Elements is designed for consumers who are just getting started with photo editing and want an easy way to organize, edit, create, and share their photos. Both are sold as a 3-year term license with no recurring subscription fees required

The post...

Adobe has unveiled Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2025 and a standalone Photoshop Elements 2025.

The post Adobe unveils Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2025 appeared first on Apple World Today.

Adobe has unveiled Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2025 and a standalone Photoshop Elements 2025.

The former costs US$149.99. The latter is $99.99. These prices are for a three-year license. Upgrades from previous versions are $119.99 ($79.99 for students and teachers) for the Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2025 and $79.99 for the standalone Photoshop Elements 2025.

Photoshop Elements 2025 & Premiere Elements 2025 is a photo and video editing software software bundle for folks who want to edit and create with their photos and videos. Photoshop Elements is designed for consumers who are just getting started with photo editing and want an easy way to organize, edit, create, and share their photos. Both are sold as a 3-year term license with no recurring subscription fees required

The post...

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The post Apple tops list of major American companies with highest employee growth...

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The post Your Online Passive Income Might Be Destroying The Planet  appeared first on MacTech.com.

Pebblebee, a company that makes smart tracking solutions, has launched Pebblebee Universal, a line of item trackers that can be seamlessly integrated with both the Apple Find My and the Google Find My Device networks. 

According to Pebblebee CEO Daniel Daoura the new Pebblebee Universal lineup includes three distinct trackers, designed to cater to a variety of tracking needs:

• Pebblebee Clip Universal – Compact and rechargeable with versatile attachment. Perfect for keys, bags, and more—keep your essentials secure wherever you go.
• Pebblebee Card Universal – Ultra-thin rechargeable tracker that fits effortlessly. Slip it into wallets and...

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The post Apple tops list of major American companies with highest employee growth...

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To view this content, you must be a member of Apple’s Patreon at $5 or more
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The post Your Online Passive Income Might Be Destroying The Planet  appeared first on MacTech.com.

Pebblebee, a company that makes smart tracking solutions, has launched Pebblebee Universal, a line of item trackers that can be seamlessly integrated with both the Apple Find My and the Google Find My Device networks. 

According to Pebblebee CEO Daniel Daoura the new Pebblebee Universal lineup includes three distinct trackers, designed to cater to a variety of tracking needs:

• Pebblebee Clip Universal – Compact and rechargeable with versatile attachment. Perfect for keys, bags, and more—keep your essentials secure wherever you go.
• Pebblebee Card Universal – Ultra-thin rechargeable tracker that fits effortlessly. Slip it into wallets and...

Batteries Plus, a specialty battery retailer, has announced an incentive aimed at helping consumers save money while prolonging the life of their iPhones. 

Starting today, customers who recycle their old iPhone battery at any Batteries Plus store will receive US$35 off the purchase of a replacement iPhone battery.

“We all know the frustration when our phone battery starts to lose its strength and we find our phones constantly sitting on a charger throughout the day,” said Jon Sica, chief operating officer for Batteries Plus. “But a brand-new phone doesn’t need to be the answer. Simply replacing the battery can keep a cell phone running at its full potential, while also saving our customers hundreds of dollars.”

Not only is replacing a phone battery cost-effective, but recycling the spent battery is a crucial step toward...

Batteries Plus, a specialty battery retailer, has announced an incentive aimed at helping consumers save money while prolonging the life of their iPhones. 

Starting today, customers who recycle their old iPhone battery at any Batteries Plus store will receive US$35 off the purchase of a replacement iPhone battery.

“We all know the frustration when our phone battery starts to lose its strength and we find our phones constantly sitting on a charger throughout the day,” said Jon Sica, chief operating officer for Batteries Plus. “But a brand-new phone doesn’t need to be the answer. Simply replacing the battery can keep a cell phone running at its full potential, while also saving our customers hundreds of dollars.”

Not only is replacing a phone battery cost-effective, but recycling the spent battery is a crucial step toward...

Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming character-driven psychological thriller “Before,” starring and executive produced by award-winning actor, comedian and filmmaker Billy Crystal. 

The 10-episode limited series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, October 25, followed by new episodes every Friday through December 20. Alongside Crystal, the supernatural mystery series stars Emmy and Tony Award winner Judith Light, Jacobi Jupe, Emmy Award nominee Rosie Perez, Tony Award nominee Maria Dizzia and Ava Lalezarzadeh.

Here’s how the limited series is described: “Before” stars Crystal as Eli, a child psychiatrist who, after recently losing his wife, Lynn (Light), encounters a troubled young boy, Noah (Jupe), who seems to have a haunting connection to Eli’...

Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming character-driven psychological thriller “Before,” starring and executive produced by award-winning actor, comedian and filmmaker Billy Crystal. 

The 10-episode limited series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, October 25, followed by new episodes every Friday through December 20. Alongside Crystal, the supernatural mystery series stars Emmy and Tony Award winner Judith Light, Jacobi Jupe, Emmy Award nominee Rosie Perez, Tony Award nominee Maria Dizzia and Ava Lalezarzadeh.

Here’s how the limited series is described: “Before” stars Crystal as Eli, a child psychiatrist who, after recently losing his wife, Lynn (Light), encounters a troubled young boy, Noah (Jupe), who seems to have a haunting connection to Eli’...

Plugable has launched the Thunderbolt Docking Station with DisplayLink and 96W Charging (TBT-6950PD). It merges —as you might guess from the name — Thunderbolt and DisplayLink technologies.

Additionally, Plugable announces the release of the 67W Triple USB-C Charging Station (PS3-METERC3), a portable power station designed for those who need to charge multiple devices at home, in the office, or while traveling.

TBT-6950PD

The TBT-6950PD can connect two displays via Thunderbolt and two via HDMI, giving users the benefits of a quad-display setup. It’s compatible with...

Plugable has launched the Thunderbolt Docking Station with DisplayLink and 96W Charging (TBT-6950PD). It merges —as you might guess from the name — Thunderbolt and DisplayLink technologies.

Additionally, Plugable announces the release of the 67W Triple USB-C Charging Station (PS3-METERC3), a portable power station designed for those who need to charge multiple devices at home, in the office, or while traveling.

TBT-6950PD

The TBT-6950PD can connect two displays via Thunderbolt and two via HDMI, giving users the benefits of a quad-display setup. It’s compatible with...

Now that the EU's ruling on Apple's back taxes in Ireland is final, the country's government says the $14 billion could be "transformational."


Apple's European headquarters, located in Cork, Ireland.
For a decade, Ireland has sided with Apple against the European Union and worked with it to protest that no laws or regulations were broken. Now that the EU has finally said tough, Apple has to pay up, Ireland is thinking well, what's done is done, and is rubbing its hands.

Ireland has good reason to be happy with this result, even if it disagreed with it. For alongside the $14 billion from Apple, the country already had a budget surplus of around $9.2 billion.


...

Microsoft this week announced Office 2024, a new standalone version of its productivity suite for both Mac and PC users. Available now, Office 2024 offers an alternative for those who prefer a one-time purchase over the subscription-based Microsoft 365.

The new release includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. These applications come as "locked-in-time" versions, meaning they won't receive ongoing feature updates like their Microsoft 365 counterparts.

For Mac users, Office 2024 brings several notable improvements, according to Microsoft. Excel now boasts faster performance, particularly when working with multiple open workbooks. Meanwhile, Outlook for Mac introduces customizable swipe gestures that are designed to enhance email management and work with Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse.

PowerPoint gains new...

Apple’s iPhone 16 handsets are a bit more costly to produce, but the difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16’s production cost isn’t dramatic. A cost analysis performed by TD Cowen has stated that a 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max costs Apple about $485 to manufacture, including the components, box, and assembly process. […]

Source

A fire at Tata’s iPhone component plant in Tamil Nadu, India, has led to the facility’s indefinite closure. The incident may force Apple to rely more on China to meet iPhone production demands. The fire occurred on September 28, 2024, and has caused significant disruptions, particularly for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. India’s Role […]

A 30-year-old delivery worker, Bharat Sahu, lost his life while delivering a brand-new iPhone in Lucknow, India. Sahu, employed by Flipkart, delivered an iPhone worth ₹150,000 ($1,800) to a customer who chose the cash-on-delivery (COD) option. The buyer, Gajanan, along with his accomplice, Akash, planned to rob Sahu instead of paying for the phone​. A […]

A stolen 2023 Ferrari 812 GTS, valued at $575,000, was tracked down by police in Waterbury, Connecticut, using the owner’s Apple AirPods. The Ferrari, stolen from Greenwich on September 16, was found after the owner used the Find My app to track the AirPods left inside the car. Quick Recovery with AirPods and iPhone Waterbury’s […]

While companies like Apple and Meta have been investing in their own mixed reality headsets, Microsoft seems to be going in the opposite direction. The company announced on Tuesday that it’s discontinuing HoloLens 2, its advanced XR headset.

more…

Following the release of a new firmware for AirPods last week, Apple has now released a new beta firmware made specifically for the . Read on as we detail what to expect from future AirPods firmware updates.

more…

Facebook parent company Meta last week added new AI features to its camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. You can use the camera feature on the glasses to get information about what's around you and to remember things like where you parked. There's also now support for video for AI purposes, for "continuous real-time help."

With all of these new features that involve the camera continually viewing what's around the wearer, there are new questions about what Meta is doing with that data. TechCrunch specifically asked Meta if it was using the images collected by the Meta Glasses to train AI models, and Meta declined to say.

"We're not publicly discussing that," Anuj Kumar told TechCrunch. Kumar is a senior director that...

Adobe has unveiled the latest versions of Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, with plenty of AI-powered tools to help make editing even easier.


Adobe announces Elements 2025 for Photoshop and Premiere
These tools are aimed at casual users who want easy-to-use editing options. The tools may attract social media users who need audio tracks and artistic effects for videos. They're also available as a one-time buy rather than via a subscription plan.

Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements are getting a big boost this year thanks to Adobe AI-powered elements. And, thanks to full support for the M3 chip, it's even faster on Mac.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider...

Adobe today unveiled new versions of Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, the company's affordable photo and video editing software aimed at users who want to enhance their photos and videos with simple editing tools.

Photoshop Elements 2025 incorporates multiple new AI-powered tools to make editing quicker than ever. There's a new Remove tool that lets users select an area in the image to remove with a brush, plus it is accompanied by an Object Removal Guided Edit.

There's also an option to change the color of objects in an image by selecting them with the automatic selection tools and then choosing a new color.

A new Depth Blur filter adds blur to images to mimic a depth of field effect, with controls for adjusting blur strength, focal distance, and focal range. It's a useful way to change the focus of an image.

There is a Combine...

Microsoft is planning to discontinue its mixed reality HoloLens 2 headsets, according to a report from UploadVR. Production on the HoloLens 2 is ending, and sales will cease when stock runs out.

Security updates will be provided until December 31, 2027, but after that point, Microsoft plans to end software support for the HoloLens 2.

Microsoft was one of the first companies to delve into mixed reality technology, and it introduced the original HoloLens in 2016, following up with the HoloLens 2 in 2019. The HoloLens headsets have always been expensive and Microsoft has targeted them to enterprise customers rather than the general public.

At the current time, Microsoft does not appear to have plans for another HoloLens headset. There were rumors of a version three back in 2022, but work was...

Juno, an app designed for watching YouTube on the Vision Pro, has been removed from the App Store, developer Christian Selig said today. Back in April, YouTube emailed Selig and said that Juno was violating the YouTube Terms of Service and the YouTube API by modifying the native YouTube.com web user interface, and used YouTube trademarks and iconography that could be confusing to customers.

In response, Selig switched from using the embed player to the website player, made it clear that Juno was an unofficial YouTube viewer, and explained to YouTube that as a web viewer, Juno is not using YouTube APIs. At the same time, though, YouTube filed a complaint with the ‌App Store‌, and Selig went on to warn customers that he would not fight Google on any decision regarding Juno.

Juno has now been removed from the ‌App Store‌ by Apple in response to YouTube...

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by SUPCASE and I-Blason: Protect your brand new iPhone 16 in style with rugged cases.

...

Google thought Apple adopting RCS would fix everything, but the messaging protocol is still a distant second to iMessage thanks to a lack of carrier support, device support, and encryption.


RCS messaging now available on iPhone
When iOS 18 launched, some iPhone users saw a tiny change in the Messages app — an RCS tag in text chats with supported Android users. However, the list of people able to take advantage of this better system is as convoluted as Android's fragmentation problem.

According to a list provided by...

Via Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is set to update its entry-level iPhone SE early next year, alongside updates to the iPad Air and accessories.

The new iPhone SE will be a significant release, featuring a shift away from the dated forehead and chin bezels, replaced with an all-screen design with Face ID unlock. The new iPad Air will keep the same chassis design, with the update predominantly focused on ‘internal improvements’.

more…

The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro have been widely available for nearly two weeks. But it’s only now that we’re getting a close-up look at the two devices’ differing chips, courtesy of ChipWise. Here are the A18 and A18 Pro chips.

more…

Moravian University — located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania — has been named an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024-2027 term, marking the third time since 2018 that the institution has earned this prestigious distinction. 

Apple Distinguished Schools are, in Apple’s words, “centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple’s vision for learning with technology.” There are more than 470 such schools in 34 countries.

“Being named an Apple Distinguished School for the third time since 2018 is a testament to our commitment to embracing technology as a means to enhance learning,” said Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian University. “As the sixth-oldest college in the United States and the fastest-growing...

Apple has released new third developer betas of watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1 for testing, but without betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, nor macOS Sequoia 15.1.


watchOS 11 introduces better cycle tracking, more customizable Activity Rings, and more personalization.
A new round of betas are available, but they are taking an unusual form. Tuesday's batch includes only the third builds of watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1.

So far, it seems that the sixth round of betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and...

The National Labor Relations Board has accused Apple of violating employees’ rights to organize and advocate for better working conditions by maintaining a series of unlawful workplace rules, reports Reuters.

In a complaint announced on Monday, the U.S. labor board said Apple required employees nationwide to sign illegal confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements and imposed overly broad misconduct and social media policies. The complaint accuses Apple of “interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of” their rights under federal labor law.

Apple, in a statement provided by a spokesperson to Reuters, said it has always respected its employees’ rights to discuss wages, hours and working conditions, which is reflected in its employment policies.

“We strongly disagree with these claims and...

The National Labor Relations Board has accused Apple of violating employees’ rights to organize and advocate for better working conditions by maintaining a series of unlawful workplace rules, reports Reuters.

In a complaint announced on Monday, the U.S. labor board said Apple required employees nationwide to sign illegal confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements and imposed overly broad misconduct and social media policies. The complaint accuses Apple of “interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of” their rights under federal labor law.

Apple, in a statement provided by a spokesperson to Reuters, said it has always respected its employees’ rights to discuss wages, hours and working conditions, which is reflected in its employment policies.

“We strongly disagree with these claims and...

Apple has announced that Apple Podcasts “is elevating series — narrative shows with episodes intended to be listened to in order — that captivate listeners across multiple genres.”

The post New chart, category, celebration of essential series launches on Apple Podcasts appeared first on Apple World Today.

Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming visionOS 2.1 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming a week after Apple seeded the second visionOS 2.1 beta.

Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app on their device, going to the Software Update Section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the Developer Beta. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta.

There's no word yet on what's included in visionOS 2.1, but there are visionOS 2 features that Apple has not yet released, such as the option to use a larger ultrawide screen for the Mac Virtual Display and support for Multiview for MLS and MLB games.Related Roundup:...

Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming tvOS 18.1 beta to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming a week after Apple seeded the second tvOS 18.1 beta.

Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 18.1 update by opting in to the beta through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A registered developer account is required.

tvOS software releases are usually minor in scale compared to other operating system updates, focusing primarily on smaller improvements rather than outward-facing changes. We don't know what's included in tvOS 18.1.

Apple shares some information on tvOS releases in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each tvOS launch, but Apple does not provide notes during beta testing.

Though we don...

Klarna, which offers monthly payment plans as a service, is now an official Apple reseller. Customers can purchase iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac and more directly from Klarna’s app or website with monthly payment options.

more…

Need a router upgrade but don’t want to break the bank? This deal will give you faster internet speed whenever you need it for bandwidth-intensive tasks. Today, the eero Max 7 Mesh WiFi Router is down to just $449.99 from its original price of $600 on Amazon. Boasting wireless speeds of up to 4.3 Gbps, […]

The post The eero Max 7 Wifi Router is $150 Off appeared first on iLounge.

Apple’s rumored Home Hub might assume a square display screen, according to an online leak. The unreleased device, dubbed Home Hub and with an internal ‘HomeAccessory’ label and codename J490, is believed to have a square display and the A18 chip. In addition, the Home Hub is said to respond to gestures, recognize people using […]

The post Apple Home Hub might feature an iPad-like screen appeared first on iLounge.

Apple has released another firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2. Firmware build number 7A305 is for the AirPods Pro 2 in both USB-C and Lightning cases, with release notes saying that the contents are for improvements and bug fixes. It’s the third firmware update for the wireless earbuds in September, which makes it unusual […]

The post Apple launches another AirPods Pro 2 firmware update appeared first on iLounge.

Card game ‘Balatro’ recently debuted on the App Store and Apple Arcade. Balatro was teased as a newcomer to the Apple ecosystem in September. It’s a roguelike deck-builder where the objective is to create a winning poker hand. However, there are special cards with abilities that change how the classic card game is played. Chips […]

The post ‘Balatro’ arrives on Apple Arcade and App Store appeared first on iLounge.

Macworld

Apple might not have updated the Apple Watch this year, but it did give the Ultra 2 a gorgeous new black titanium case. And if you’ve been drooling over it, now’s the time to buy: You can get it for $732.89 at Amazon, down from its $799 MSRP.

The 49mm black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 was only introduced a few weeks ago, but it’s definitely a model that we love because it looks stunning, no matter what color band you get. When we reviewed the natural titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, we gave it a 4-star rating and appreciated the bright screen and the operating system that goes with it. The rugged watch is great for tracking sports and workouts.

“Apple has broadened the variety of sports, and it’s possible to customize each one with the particular goals you want to achieve. And...

Apple’s iPhone 16 line is getting an exclusive and powerful new feature later this year—likely in iOS 18.2. It uses the A18 chip, Camera Control, and smarts from Apple, ChatGPT, and Google to unlock a fresh way of interacting with the world. Here’s everything you should know about visual intelligence.

more…

We're just one week out from Amazon Prime Day, and today we're already tracking a big collection of deals from popular brands including Anker and Jackery on Amazon. These deals include portable power stations, which are high-capacity portable batteries that can provide backup power to a wide variety of devices, from laptops to RVs.

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.

For the Anker deals, you'll need to have a Prime membership in order to see some of these discounted prices, while others require an on-page coupon to be clipped before you see the final deal price. In regards to the...

Sinclair’s NewsON, a provider of live and on-demand local news content and Mindgrub, a digital innovation agency, have announced what they describe as a “landmark collaboration.”

The companies say they’re “pioneering the future of spatial computing in news media consumption” by launching an Apple Vision Pro app for NewsON. This marks Sinclair’s first foray into spatial computing specifically for local news delivery, blending digital content with physical surroundings.

The NewsON app for Vision Pro introduces a”Newsroom immersion” feature, leveraging spatial aspects of the Vision Pro for displaying interactive news maps and a complete immersive environment. NewsON’s Vision Pro app features partnerships with over 280 local TV stations in TV markets covering more than 90% of U.S. households and provides access to on-demand newscasts and short form story clips from local TV stations nationwide.

Powered by RealityKit and SwiftUI,...

Sinclair’s NewsON, a provider of live and on-demand local news content and Mindgrub, a digital innovation agency, have announced what they describe as a “landmark collaboration.”

The companies say they’re “pioneering the future of spatial computing in news media consumption” by launching an Apple Vision Pro app for NewsON. This marks Sinclair’s first foray into spatial computing specifically for local news delivery, blending digital content with physical surroundings.

The NewsON app for Vision Pro introduces a”Newsroom immersion” feature, leveraging spatial aspects of the Vision Pro for displaying interactive news maps and a complete immersive environment. NewsON’s Vision Pro app features partnerships with over 280 local TV stations in TV markets covering more than 90% of U.S. households and provides access to on-demand newscasts and short form story clips from local TV stations nationwide.

Powered by RealityKit and SwiftUI,...

Macworld

At a glanceExpert's Rating

Pros

• Antivirus protections.
• Lots of tools are available, including Cloud Backup and Password Manager.
• Email tracking quarantine is an eye-opener.

Cons

• Slower than rival VPNs.
• Inflexible payment options.

Our Verdict

Norton Ultra VPN is a solid offering from a company dedicated to securing your tech, but its pricing structure, lack of browser integration and slower speeds make it hard to recommend over others.

Price When Reviewed

This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

Best Pricing Today

Price When Reviewed

First year is from $39.99 Norton Secure VPN; $49.99 Norton Ultra VPN; $59.99 Norton Ultra VPN Plus. Renews at a higher price of $79.99/$109.99/$129.99.

Best Prices Today: Norton Ultra VPN...

Tata's iPhone factory in India has now been closed indefinitely after a fire, and Apple may have to turn back to China to avoid a shortfall in production.


Pegatron facility (Source: Pegatron)
The fire at Tata's plant in Tamil Nadu, India — formerly owned by Pegatron — started on September 28, 2024, and has been put out. After authorities initially saying that it was "unlikely" that the plant would reopen soon, reports now say that because of extensive damage, the facility is closed indefinitely.

According to Reuters, the...

Steeper MacBook Pro price drops are in effect this October, with stacked instant and coupon discounts knocking up to $950 off every M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max model.


Save on every Apple MacBook Pro.
We're tracking new markdowns across Apple's current MacBook Pro range, with every model now up to $950 off. Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama, in particular, is offering larger instant rebates across hundreds of SKUs that stack with promo code APINSIDER — with a bonus discount available on AppleCare as well with the code.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider

Macworld

When the iPhone 16 handsets were unveiled last month, there weren’t many surprises. Most of the upgrades had been leaked long before, or accurately guessed by well-informed analysts. But not everything we heard before the event proved to be correct.

One theory, supported by seemingly robust evidence, was that the new phones would bring a substantial increase in wired charging speed, all the way up to 45W if the power brick and other accessories supported it. (The 15-series iPhones deliver wired charging up to 29W.) This claim was made by a credible leaker and based on a Chinese regulatory filing.

Technically, the pre-event rumor was that the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max would support...

Macworld

Apple’s M3-series MacBook Pro was released in the fall of 2023, but Apple has seemingly put the laptop on a more frequent update cycle, with reports of an M4 MacBook Pro coming before the end of 2024 hitting the rumor mill.

In this article, we are keeping track of all the rumors about the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro M4 Release date: When will Apple update the MacBook Pro?

• Possible launch at an October Apple event.

It’s only been a year since the M3-series MacBook Pro were introduced in October 2024, but it looks like Apple is getting ready to update them again, despite the fact that the company seems to have forgotten to update many desktop Macs to run on the M3 series chips. With the arrival of the M4 in the iPad Pro back in May it looks like the...

Goldgenie, a luxury customizer of technology and gifts, has unveiled a 24k Gold M3 iMac, featuring a 24-inch 4.5 Retina display.

The post Want a 24k Gold M3 iMac? It’ll cost you $17,000 or more appeared first on Apple World Today.

Macworld

When we take our iPhones out of our pocket to make a call, send a text, or check our email, we expect them to work. When they don’t, it can be a frustrating experience, especially when you can’t get online. If you’re away from Wi-Fi, you’re dependent on a cellular connection, and when that isn’t available, you’ll be alerted with an SOS icon in the status bar. Here’s what it means and how you can fix it.

What is SOS mode?

SOS mode doesn’t mean your iPhone is in distress. Rather, it means your device isn’t connected to a cellular network and can only make emergency calls via satellites. This feature is available in Australia, Canada, the United States, the U.K., Japan, and parts of Europe. In other regions, it will say No Service or Searching. It requires an iPhone 14, 15, or 16 running iOS 18.2 or later.

Why is my iPhone is SOS mode?

There are several reasons why your iPhone may be in SOS mode:

The Apple versus Epic Games case rumbles on despite the rejection of attempts to appeal by both companies.

Yesterday one of the judges in the case effectively accused Apple of lying, and now the Cupertino company is attempting a new tactic in a bid to have the ruling either thrown out altogether or narrowed so that only Epic Games benefits …

more…

When you shoot video on iPhone 16 models, multiple formats like Spatial Audio and Stereo are recorded to allow more audio customization. If you record video with Spatial Audio turned on, you can later edit the video sound — to reduce background noise to focus on the person speaking on camera, for example.

Spatial Audio is automatically enabled on all iPhone 16 models when you record video. Spatial Audio produces a more realistic and immersive audio recording, but it also allows you to edit the sound of your video later in the Photos app using the new Audio Mix feature.

Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background audio and speech, allowing you to choose one of the following options to remix your video's sound:

• Standard: Play the original audio you recorded.
• In-Frame: Reduce sounds and voices from sources not visible in the video frame.
• Studio...

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend an iPhone launch event in the Steve Jobs Theater, Om Malik has shared a series of photos intended to give an inside view of Glowtime, together with his thoughts on what it’s like to be there.

The writer, photographer, and investor says that this event was quite different to previous ones as there was a new type of attendee …

more…

While some are calling it boring, there are lot of great spec updates in iPhone 16 Pro Max with the most impactful being significant improvement to photography workflows that affect everyone.


iPhone 16 Pro Max review
Iteration is only a sin if it isn't being useful, and iPhone 16 Pro Max manages to be a quiet leap over iPhone 15 Pro Max despite looking nearly identical. The only real giveaway besides color is the incredible size of the device and the new button.

The last few iPhones have gone beyond the usual processor and camera updates by adding in some kind of special feature. iPhone 14 Pro...

Parks Associates’ new consumer study Consumer Perception and Use of Generative AI reveals voice commands to alert emergency services are among the most valued smart speaker applications — especially for owners of Apple’s HomePod.

The report by the research group shows 31% of US internet households show interest in a smart home speaker/display that can request medical, fire, or police assistance with voice commands. According to Parks Associate President/CMO Elizabeth Parks, after rapid growth in the first five years, the market for smart speakers and displays has hit a ceiling. 

Parks Associates research shows 50% of US internet households own a smart speaker or display in...

Parks Associates’ new consumer study Consumer Perception and Use of Generative AI reveals voice commands to alert emergency services are among the most valued smart speaker applications — especially for owners of Apple’s HomePod.

The report by the research group shows 31% of US internet households show interest in a smart home speaker/display that can request medical, fire, or police assistance with voice commands. According to Parks Associate President/CMO Elizabeth Parks, after rapid growth in the first five years, the market for smart speakers and displays has hit a ceiling. 

Parks Associates research shows 50% of US internet households own a smart speaker or display in...

A new study by Parks Associates shows that 71% of HomePod owners use their devices regularly.

The post Study: 71% of HomePod owners use their devices regularly appeared first on Apple World Today.

Future Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs may have flexible speakers as hinted by a newly granted patent (number US 12108200 B2).

About the patent

The patent relates generally to speakers and specifically to speakers with flexible components for use in consumer electronics. In the patent Apple notes that consumer electronics are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes with versatility becoming increasingly important in an ever-connected environment. 

Speakers are typically included with consumer electronics such as head-mounted displays, headphones, smart phones, smart watches, laptops, or other wearable devices. Apple says that packaging such speakers can be difficult and is driven by the size, shape, and audio capabilities of both the speaker and the electronic device within which the speaker is integrated. Flexible speakers could help overcome such limitations. 

Summary of the patent

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A...

Future Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs may have flexible speakers as hinted by a newly granted patent (number US 12108200 B2).

About the patent

The patent relates generally to speakers and specifically to speakers with flexible components for use in consumer electronics. In the patent Apple notes that consumer electronics are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes with versatility becoming increasingly important in an ever-connected environment. 

Speakers are typically included with consumer electronics such as head-mounted displays, headphones, smart phones, smart watches, laptops, or other wearable devices. Apple says that packaging such speakers can be difficult and is driven by the size, shape, and audio capabilities of both the speaker and the electronic device within which the speaker is integrated. Flexible speakers could help overcome such limitations. 

Summary of the patent

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A...

In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, Apple has launched all-new free classroom resources “to help educators and students embrace creativity in any lesson.” 

The post Apple launches new professional learning resources for teachers appeared first on Apple World Today.

Ireland plans to invest the 14 billion euros (about US$15.5 billion) that Apple has been ordered to pay in back taxes into housing, energy, water and transport infrastructure, Finance Minister Jack Chambers told parliament on Tuesday — as reported by Reuters.

“It is this government’s view that we should utilize these revenues to address the known challenges that we face in housing, energy, water and transport infrastructure,” Chambers said.

The European Commission, Europe’s anti-trust and consumer investigation agency, ruled in 2016 that Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have attracted investment and jobs by helping big companies avoid tax in other countries, including European Union members. 

The commission said Ireland was too lenient in rulings it gave to Apple and which helped the company shield tens of billions of dollars in...

Extensive damage from a fire at Tata Group’s iPhone component plant in southern India could hamper production ahead of a festive season sales surge and may force Apple’s suppliers to arrange critical parts from China or elsewhere, reports Reuters.

The fire broke out at the plant in Tamil Nadu state early on Saturday, leaving 10 people with minor injuries and halting production. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Counterpoint Research told Reuters it estimates local sales of 1.5 million units of iPhone 14 and 15 models during the Indian festive season which runs from late October to early November, with Apple struggling to fulfil as much as 15% of that demand due to the fire.

“There will be a 10-15% impact on production of older iPhone models from India. Apple could offset that impact by importing more components,...

In an apparently never-ending legal brouhaha, Apple has asked a U.S. judge to throw out or narrow a decision governing the App Store, saying new legal developments undermine a court order that “Fortnite” video game maker Epic Games won in its lawsuit against the tech giant, reports Reuters.

The tech giant made its request on Monday in a to U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California. In Monday’s filing, Apple said new decisions by California state courts and the U.S. Supreme Court in two unrelated cases bolster the company’s legal arguments against the injunction.

This is all part of an ongoing global legal battle between Apple and Epic. On Aug. 13, 2020, Epic Games announced that it had introduced a new direct payment option in the Fortnite app for iPhone and iPad, allowing players to purchase 1000 V-Bucks for US$7.99 rather than $...