It is now possible to use the My Verizon app to activate eSIM service on an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR in the United States.

The app was updated today to allow Verizon customers to purchase a cellular plan for the eSIM line of an iPhone without needing to visit a Verizon store. The in-app process should be more straightforward and convenient.

"My Verizon" changelog via Gabriel Lewis

Verizon and AT&T rolled out eSIM support last week, while T-Mobile is expected to offer an in-app solution for setting up eSIM...

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 45 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In this particular report we briefly cover (1) Apple's robotic system that places electric car batteries into place, (2) a possible future auto adjustment Apple Watch band, and (3) a depth mapping system that could work with a possible new Mac, television or gaming system (Apple TV). Apple was also granted design patents for ...

Samsung today introduced its latest smartphone, the Galaxy A8s. It is Samsung's first smartphone with an Infinity-O display, which has a nearly edge-to-edge, uninterrupted design beyond a small hole for the front-facing camera.

It is also Samsung's first smartphone without a headphone jack, much to the amusement of iPhone users, as Samsung has mocked Apple for over two years over its decision to remove the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, a trend that has continued through to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

While on stage unveiling the new Galaxy Note7 in 2016, for example, Samsung executive Justin Denison made sure to point out that the device came with a headphone jack. "Want to know what else it comes with?" he asked. "An audio jack. I'm just saying," he answered, smirking as the...

It took nearly two months following the on-sale date for the iPhone XR, but Apple's highly anticipated clear case for the colorful device is now available. We're not entirely sure what the delay was in launching it, and it's currently the only first-party case available for the iPhone XR, so we went hands-on with the new case to see how it stacks up.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.

Apple's clear case is intended to show off the colorful rear shell of the iPhone XR, and it does a great job at that, with a crystal clear view of the phone itself all around. The case is a bit firmer than we expected based on our previous experiences with third-party clear cases, so Apple's case holds its shape well while also providing solid protection.

The iPhone XR Clear Case...

EU regulators looked into Apple’s mobile payment service and found it was not market dominant but they could review it again if they receive formal complaints, according to anti-trust chief Vestager

Apple's new movie / TV service that's currently under development is, for the time being, known as "Apple Worldwide Video." Their content budget is dwarfed by Netflix and Amazon. Apple had reportedly started their project with a billion dollar budget that will grow to four billion by 2025, according to a Loup Ventures 2017 report. Amazon and Netflix reportedly have...

Today is Green Monday, an online shopping event that is similar to Cyber Monday, allowing customers another chance to buy gifts for the holidays at Black Friday prices and get their items shipped before Christmas.

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.

Most major retailers are running Green Monday deals today, and we've rounded up some of the best and most notable deals in this article. These include HomePod for $250 at Target, an iPad mini 4 for $250 at Best Buy, all-new Anker discount codes on Amazon, and more.

Target

Target today has brought back one of the best Black Friday discounts, offering shoppers the chance to get Apple's HomePod for just $249...

CNBC and Reuters today report that the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court has granted Qualcomm an import ban on the iPhone 6s through iPhone X in China after the court found those devices violated two Qualcomm patents. This could result in those iPhone models being unavailable to purchase in China.

However, in a statement issued to those publications, Apple said all iPhone models remain available for customers in China:Qualcomm's effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world. All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. Qualcomm is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one...

Last Thursday the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple relating to AirPower, their possible future wireless charging pad that could charge multiple devices simultaneously. Apple's patent application reveals a security aspect to AirPower and how the charging status of up to three devices is communicated to the user.

Apple appears to be readying the release of a new Smart Battery Case for the iPhone XS, and possibly versions for the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR too, based on information uncovered by 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo.

Rambo uncovered references to three model identifiers for the case in iOS code, including A2070, A2071 and A2171, suggesting that Apple could release the case in three different sizes for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Another identifier found in the iOS code reportedly points towards a 2018 release.

Apple's first Smart Battery Case was for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, and was equipped with a 1,877 mAh battery that protruded out of the back of the case. Apple later released an...

Bluesound today announced that its Generation 2i line of high-fidelity wireless speakers and home theater systems will each receive a software update on December 11 that will enable AirPlay 2, including the Pulse 2i, Pulse Mini 2i, Pulse Flex 2i, Pulse Soundbar 2i, Node 2i, Powernode 2i, and Vault 2i.

With the AirPlay 2 update, multi-room audio playback will be possible between multiple Generation 2i speakers or systems and other AirPlay 2-enabled devices, including the HomePod, Apple TV, select speakers from Sonos, Libratone, and Bang & Olufsen, and...

Yesterday the US Patent & Trademark Office published a series of six patent applications from Apple that relate to HomePod and possible future speaker systems and/or features.

DxOMark today published the results of its in-depth analysis of the iPhone XR's single-lens rear camera. Apple's flagship smartphone achieved an overall score of 101 points, surpassing Google's Pixel 2 to make it the top-ranked single lens phone in the site's rankings.

In its testing, DxOMark found the iPhone XR to offer "a very similar proposition for image quality as the flagship iPhone XS Max," across key photo attributes like exposure, color, detail, noise, and artifacts.

Both devices also achieved the same overall score for video, but the dual lenses of the iPhone XS Max meant the XR fell behind on zoom and bokeh shots, although DxOMark noted that Apple had managed to improve the flash on the more affordable single-lens iPhone.

Colored panels shot on iPhone XR

The review adds that the iPhone XR has very good exposure and dynamic range in bright light and indoor...

It was starting to look that Apple was shooting for a Disney-like image for their upcoming video service. To counter that image Apple is now shooting for a real drama in the vein of shows like "24" or "Homeland." Apple is now in negotiations ...

Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that relates to an augmented reality application and interface that could benefit services like Uber or Didi Chuxing facilitate in identifying an arriving vehicle and/or a passenger in a crowded area.

Apple is reportedly in negotiations to purchase the rights to Israeli drama series "Nevelot" (or, "Bastards"), which is described as a violent and mature drama series (via CNBC). Richard Gere could star in the adaptation, which is being written and created by "Homeland" creator Howard Gordon and "Law and Order: SVU" showrunner Warren Leight.

Image via Variety / Rex Features

Apple is said to be in a bidding war with Showtime, FX, and Amazon for the show, which revolves around two military veterans who go on a killing spree targeting young people, "because they believe today's kids don’t understand the sacrifices of their generation." Gordon and Leight would reformat the show for the American market, and potentially change the...

Apple today shared a pair of heartfelt videos titled Real Stories and Real Stories: Michael on its YouTube channel.

The first video focuses on the Apple Watch's potential to save lives, including a man who crashed while kitesurfing and used his Apple Watch to call his son, a 13-year-old boy whose Apple Watch alerted him to an elevated heart rate, a mother in a car crash who called 911 from her Apple Watch, and a man with blood clots.

"People reach out to Apple all the time to share how Apple Watch has become an indispensable part of their lives," said Apple in the Real Stories video description. "Here are some of their stories."

The second video highlights the story of Michael Jackson, from Duluth, Minnesota, who was born with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. One night, he was woken up by an Apple Watch notification about an elevated heart...

It's been three years since Apple first debuted the $99 Smart Battery Case for iPhone 6, 6s, and eventually 7, which included a rear-facing protrusion that held a 1,877 mAh battery. Apple may be working on a similar accessory for newer iPhone models, according to a discovery made by 9to5Mac in the second beta of watchOS 5.1.2.

In previous versions of watchOS, Apple Watch had an icon that displayed a battery case with a bottom chin and horizontal camera, indicating this as the Smart Battery Case for iPhone 6, 6s, and 7. In the latest beta of watchOS 5.1.2, things have been changed and this icon now displays a battery case with no bottom chin and a vertical camera.

...

Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that generally relates to providing map related features concerning venues in a map application. While Apple has been expanding indoor maps for airports, the next wave of indoor maps will be covering large city malls. Not only will you be able to view the mall like a directory on your iPhone, you'll be able to drill down further to see the floor plans of larger branded stores.

Apple today announced that its ECG app will be available on the Apple Watch Series 4 today as part of watchOS 5.1.2. Alongside that news, TIME has published a new interview with Apple's CEO Tim Cook and COO Jeff Williams.

The article begins with a story about 46-year-old Texas resident Kevin Foley, who was having trouble breathing normally during a movie. Fortunately, since he was wearing an Apple Watch and participating in the recent Apple Heart Study, he was alerted to signs of an irregular heartbeat and went to the emergency room.

At the hospital, doctors hooked Foley up to an ECG machine and found signs of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke and other potentially fatal complications. Foley spent the next few...

watchOS 5.1.2 will be publicly released today and enable the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 models, according to a report by The Verge that has since been pulled, likely because it was embargoed information published at the incorrect hour.

There is a chance the article was published on an entirely incorrect day instead, so we'll have to wait and see. The software update should be available around the usual 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time timeframe if it is indeed coming today.

Last week, MacRumors was first to report that watchOS 5.1.2 will enable the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 models.

More details to follow…

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5Tag:...

It's not just you: it appears that Siri Shortcuts have not been working properly for some iPhone users since as early as Tuesday.

A small but increasing numbers of users on Twitter and the MacRumors forums claim that they are unable to invoke shortcuts using Siri, including Federico Viticci of MacStories and Rene Ritchie of iMore. The shortcuts still work if executed directly from the Shortcuts app, but not with a Siri voice command.

The issue is not affecting all users, nor is it affecting all apps. Third-party apps appear to be affected more than Apple's apps. It also doesn't appear to be related to today's release of iOS 12.1.1 or Shortcuts version 2.1.2. Your mileage may vary, so leave us a comment in our forums if you are affected.

I’ve been editing an article...

On Sunday Patentlly Apple posted a report titled "While the G20 US-China Meeting ends with a 90 Day Halt to new Tariffs." The news was fairly positive. But big business can't rely on big maybe's from governments when the stakes are this high and so we reported yesterday that Foxconn could possibly set up a plant in Vietnam if tensions rise again after the 90 day tariff freeze ends. Now Foxconn's CEO is turning more pessimistic. Today we learn that Foxconn sees the US-China trade war lasting much longer than most think

A British lawmaker has released more than 200 pages of confidential, internal Facebook emails revealing discussions of payments for user data and special access for certain companies, including Netflix, Airbnb and Lyft.

Apple today released iOS 12.1.1, the third update to the iOS 12 operating system since its September launch. iOS 12.1.1 is a minor update that follows iOS 12.1, a more significant release that brought features like Group FaceTime, eSIM support, and new emoji.

The iOS 12.1.1 update is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. As with all iOS updates, iOS 12.1.1 is free to download.

iOS 12.1.1 reintroduces a feature that's designed to let you take a Live Photo while on a FaceTime call so you can capture favorite moments and save them indefinitely. Taking a Live Photo on a FaceTime call requires the person you're video chatting with to have the "FaceTime Live Photos" setting toggled on, which can be accessed by going to...

Apple today received FCC approval for a nondescript "sleep monitor" in the United States. While much of the application is hidden due to a standard confidentiality agreement, one document reveals that the sleep monitor is "designed by Beddit in California" and has an all-new model number 3.5.

Simply put, this could end up being an all-new Beddit 3.5 sleep monitor that Apple will eventually release, but no further details are available. It could also be a modified version of the existing Beddit 3 sleep monitor.

Apple acquired Beddit, a company that develops health-related hardware, in May 2017 and continues to sell the Beddit 3 sleep monitor for $149.95 on its online store. The thin, flexible sensor is placed under the sheet on top of the mattress and automatically begins tracking sleep-...

Apple has begun selling its long-awaited iPhone XR clear case on Apple.com and at many Apple Stores around the world. The case is priced at $39 in the United States, with online orders placed today estimated for delivery within a few days.

Apple says the case is crafted from a blend of clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU plastics, with a scratch-resistant coating applied to both the exterior and interior. The clear design is appropriate given the iPhone XR is available in a variety of colors, such as yellow, blue, white, coral, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Apple's description of the case:Thin, light and easy to grip — this case lets you enjoy the look of iPhone XR while providing extra protection. It's also crafted with a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU materials, so the case fits right over the buttons for easy use. On the surface, a scratch-resistant coating has been applied...

A copy of the February 1984 premiere issue of Macworld magazine signed by Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs will be up for auction on the RR Auction website between December 6 and December 13.

Jobs signed the magazine at the grand opening of Apple's iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York on May 19, 2006, writing "to Matt, steven jobs" on the front cover, which features a photo of Jobs posing with a trio of original Macintosh computers. The magazine is listed in fine condition with light handling and edge wear.

The premiere issue of Macworld magazine is considered to be scarce and desirable in its own right, while Jobs was often reluctant to provide his autograph, so this is a rare collectible estimated to fetch at least $10,000 at auction.

There is both photo and video proof of Jobs signing the magazine, along with letters of authenticity from verification services Beckett and PSA/DNA....

Last Friday Microsoft surprisingly overtook Apple as the leading U.S. company in market value. The chart below shows that the two companies could be jostling for top status along with Amazon for weeks, months or a quarter or two. That's insprired Microsoft to strike while the iron is hot and hit back at Apple in a new ad.

Actor Toby Kebbell has been hired as the lead character in Apple's upcoming psychological thriller series being created by M. Night Shyamalan and Tony Basgallop (via Deadline). Kebbell will star opposite Lauren Ambrose, who was cast in Apple's show back in August.

Toby Kebbell via Wikimedia Commons

M. Night Shyamalan's series is said to follow a young couple, Dorothy (Ambrose) and Sean Turner (Kebbell), who hire a nanny to help care for their newborn child. Also in the cast is Rupert Grint, who will play the younger brother of Ambrose's character.

Kebbell is known for his role as Koba in...

70 percent of eligible iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices are running iOS 12, as measured by the App Store on December 3, 2018, according to the latest adoption figures shared by Apple on its App Store support page today.

Apple also says 72 percent of devices sold in the last four years are running iOS 12. By comparison, 63 percent of devices introduced since September 2014 were running iOS 12 as of October 29, 2018, but those figures cannot be directly compared due to Apple's tweaked wording for this particular chart.

iOS 12 was installed on 60 percent of all eligible devices as of October 29, 2018, so adoption is up 10 percentage points in five weeks.

iOS 12 adoption is outpacing iOS 11, which was installed on 59 percent of...

Unit shipments for the global personal computing devices market, comprised of traditional PCs (made up of desktops, notebooks and workstations) and tablets, is expected to decline 3.9% in 2018. The only ray of sunshine over the next five years is growth in hybrid notebooks or detachables. Beyond PC stats, a rumor has surfaced stating that Microsoft will dump their Edge Browser for one based on Chrome.

There's a common misunderstanding among business owners that songwriters are only compensated by the purchase of their CDs, so that a business owner can freely play copyrighted music for customers. Not so, and Apple's new trademark filing for 'Apple Music for Business' indicates that Apple will be ...

Apple moved some of its marketing staff off other projects to focus on bolstering sales of the latest iPhone lineup in late October, around the time the iPhone XR launched, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The report cites an unnamed person familiar with the situation who described the move as a "fire drill" and "a possible admission that the devices may have been selling below some expectations," a concern shared by some analysts and investors. Apple's stock price has plunged nearly 17 percent since November 1.

Apple is certainly marketing the latest iPhones more aggressively than in previous years. A banner at the top of its website advertises the iPhone XR "from $449," but with an asterisk, as that price requires trading in an iPhone 7 Plus for a $300 credit as part of a...

Microsoft this week shared a new ad on its Microsoft Surface YouTube channel, this one aimed at promoting the Surface Go. As the ad begins, a little girl stares into the window of a Microsoft Store and begins singing about her preference for the Surface Go over Apple's iPad, to the tune of the song "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

She sings, "Grandma don't run out and buy an iPad, it was fine when I was six but now I'm 10. My dreams are big so I need a real computer, to do all the amazing things I know I can." Microsoft's ad is aimed at Apple's own "What's a Computer?" ad campaign, which began in 2016 and showed off a few of the things that the iPad Pro can do as a replacement to a traditional laptop computer.

Microsoft's description of the video includes a reference to needing a "real computer": "...

A South Korean publication has been writing about Korean students finding meaningful employment in Silicon Valley. One of them landed a job with Apple and today they covered a brief interview with Jeong Min-woo. When Jeong Min-woo began his master's program in natural language processing (NLP) at Pohang University of Science and Technology 15 year ago, he had no idea that artificial intelligence (AI) would become the next big thing.

While we can't say why Apple is having a a last minute sale, but they are right now on Apple's US Home Page as you can see in our cover graphic. The offer is not available in Canada at the moment. Moments ago the home page began with the announcement of the iPhone XR from $449 with a trade in...

Apple CEO Tim Cook this afternoon accepted the Anti-Defamation League's inaugural Courage Against Hate Award at the Never is Now Summit on Anti-Semitism and Hate, where he gave a keynote speech that had a strong message for those seeking to spread hate on Apple's platform.

"We only have one message for those who seek to push hate, division, and violence, Cook said. "You have no place on our platform. You have no home here."

Cook went on to say that this is a longtime view of Apple's, and he pointed out the company's removal of Infowars content earlier this year. Apple, he said, is not afraid to say that its values drive its curation decisions.From the earliest days of iTunes to Apple Music today, we have always prohibited music with a message of white supremacy. Why? Because it's the right thing to do.

And as we showed this year, we won't give a platform to violent conspiracy theorists on the App Store. Why? Because it's the right thing to do.

My...

Apple's Machine Learning Journal Volume 1, Issue 12 begins by noting that the typical audio environment for HomePod has many challenges — echo, reverberation, and noise. Unlike Siri on iPhone, which operates close to the user’s mouth, Siri on HomePod must work well in a far-field setting. Users want to invoke Siri from many locations, like the couch or the kitchen, without regard to where HomePod sits.

In a new entry in its Machine Learning Journal, Apple has detailed how Siri on the HomePod is designed to work in challenging usage scenarios, such as during loud music playback, when the user is far away from the HomePod, or when there are other active sound sources in a room, such as a TV or household appliances.

An overview of the task:The typical audio environment for HomePod has many challenges — echo, reverberation, and noise. Unlike Siri on iPhone, which operates close to the user’s mouth, Siri on HomePod must work well in a far-field setting. Users want to invoke Siri from many locations, like the couch or the kitchen, without regard to where HomePod sits. A complete online system, which addresses all of the environmental issues that HomePod can experience, requires a tight integration of various multichannel signal processing technologies.To accomplish...