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Apple Suggests iOS 18.4 Will Allow iPhone Users in EU to Set Default Maps and Translation Apps
In a recent document outlining the steps it has taken to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps starting in “spring 2025.” That timeframe suggests these options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which should be released in April.
Apple had already announced that iPhone and iPad users in the EU would be able to set default navigation and translation apps in “future software updates,” but it did not share a more specific timeframe for these options until now.
Once the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates are released, iPhone and iPad users in the EU should be able to set default navigation and translation apps through the new “Default Apps” section in the Settings app on the devices. For example, users should be able to choose Google Maps, Waze, or other options as their default navigation app, instead of Apple Maps. Likewise, they should be able to choose Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, or other options as their default translation app, instead of Apple’s Translate app.
As of the iOS 18.2 beta, iPhone users in the EU can already set a default browser app, mail app, app marketplace, phone calls app, messaging app, password manager app, and set default options for call filtering and software keyboards.
Apple’s compliance document was released to the public today alongside the European Commission’s announcement that it will be assessing whether Apple’s changes to iPadOS effectively comply with the Digital Markets Act.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18This article, “Apple Suggests iOS 18.4 Will Allow iPhone Users in EU to Set Default Maps and Translation Apps” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
In a recent document outlining the steps it has taken to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps starting in “spring 2025.” That timeframe suggests these options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which should be released in April.
Apple had already announced that iPhone and iPad users in the EU would be able to set default navigation and translation apps in “future software updates,” but it did not share a more specific timeframe for these options until now.
Once the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates are released, iPhone and iPad users in the EU should be able to set default navigation and translation apps through the new “Default Apps” section in the Settings app on the devices. For example, users should be able to choose Google Maps, Waze, or other options as their default navigation app, instead of Apple Maps. Likewise, they should be able to choose Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, or other options as their default translation app, instead of Apple’s Translate app.
As of the iOS 18.2 beta, iPhone users in the EU can already set a default browser app, mail app, app marketplace, phone calls app, messaging app, password manager app, and set default options for call filtering and software keyboards.
Apple’s compliance document was released to the public today alongside the European Commission’s announcement that it will be assessing whether Apple’s changes to iPadOS effectively comply with the Digital Markets Act.
This article, “Apple Suggests iOS 18.4 Will Allow iPhone Users in EU to Set Default Maps and Translation Apps” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Get Your Holiday Shopping Started With Our Exclusive 30% Off Sale at Satechi
Satechi and MacRumors have partnered up this week to help kickstart your holiday shopping, with an exclusive 30 percent sitewide discount for our readers. This sale is available only on Satechi’s website and has no exclusions, and it will run through this Friday, November 8.
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.
To get the discount, add anything on Satechi’s website to your cart and head to checkout. Once at checkout, you can enter the code MR30 to get 30 percent off your order for this week only. This discount code takes 30 percent off whatever is in your cart, so you can purchase multiple accessories at once.
Note: Use code MR30 at checkout to see the discount.
30% OFF SITEWIDEMacRumors Exclusive Sale at Satechi
Below we’ve rounded up some of Satechi’s best wireless chargers and other accessories, including a few that are compatible with MagSafe. Some highlights of the sale are the Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand and Trio Wireless Charger with Magnetic Pad. Of course, the MR30 code works sitewide at Satechi through Friday, so be sure to browse throughout the company’s products to take advantage of the sale.
Qi2 Wireless Car Charger – $42.00, down from $59.99
2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger – $56.00, down from $79.99
Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand – $70.00, down from $99.99
Slim X2 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard – $56.00, down from $79.99
3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand – $91.00, down from $129.99
Qi2 Trio Wireless Charging Pad – $91.00, down from $129.99
Remember that our promo code MR30 works sitewide and will end on November 8, so be sure to shop on Satechi’s website sometime this week before the sale closes.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we’re keeping track of all of the season’s best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you’ll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we’ll keep you updated so you don’t miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, “Get Your Holiday Shopping Started With Our Exclusive 30% Off Sale at Satechi” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Satechi and MacRumors have partnered up this week to help kickstart your holiday shopping, with an exclusive 30 percent sitewide discount for our readers. This sale is available only on Satechi’s website and has no exclusions, and it will run through this Friday, November 8.
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.
To get the discount, add anything on Satechi’s website to your cart and head to checkout. Once at checkout, you can enter the code MR30 to get 30 percent off your order for this week only. This discount code takes 30 percent off whatever is in your cart, so you can purchase multiple accessories at once.
Below we’ve rounded up some of Satechi’s best wireless chargers and other accessories, including a few that are compatible with MagSafe. Some highlights of the sale are the Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand and Trio Wireless Charger with Magnetic Pad. Of course, the MR30 code works sitewide at Satechi through Friday, so be sure to browse throughout the company’s products to take advantage of the sale.
Qi2 Wireless Car Charger – $42.00, down from $59.99
2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger – $56.00, down from $79.99
Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand – $70.00, down from $99.99
Slim X2 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard – $56.00, down from $79.99
3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand – $91.00, down from $129.99
Qi2 Trio Wireless Charging Pad – $91.00, down from $129.99
Remember that our promo code MR30 works sitewide and will end on November 8, so be sure to shop on Satechi’s website sometime this week before the sale closes.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we’re keeping track of all of the season’s best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you’ll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we’ll keep you updated so you don’t miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, “Get Your Holiday Shopping Started With Our Exclusive 30% Off Sale at Satechi” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iPad Accessory Integration Becomes the EU’s Next Regulatory Feud With Apple
iPadOS is now under formal scrutiny by the European Commission to determine whether it complies with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The announcement by the European Commission marks the next step in its regulatory oversight of Apple, following the iPadOS designation as a “gatekeeper” platform in April 2024. The classification was part of a broader effort to apply the newly enforced DMA, aimed at limiting the dominance of major tech firms and promoting fair competition across the European Union.
The regulations outline obligations for “gatekeepers,” mandating these companies to open up their software ecosystems to ensure a level playing field. In a press release (via Reuters), the European Commission explained:Apple must, among others, allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPadOS, allow alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow accessory devices, like headphones and smart pens, to effectively access iPadOS features.Apple has already made a series of changes to iPadOS in the European Union to comply with regulations, and the Commission is now assessing the sufficiency of these changes. For example, iPadOS 18 will allow users in the European Union to install third-party app stores—referred to as “app marketplaces” by Apple—and set an alternative web browser as the default.
However, questions remain about Apple’s compliance with the DMA’s stipulations for accessory interoperability. The DMA states that platforms must support “accessory ecosystems like headphones and smart pens,” allowing these third-party devices to work effectively with core operating system functions.
While the iPad supports a wide range of headphones and styluses, the integration for accessories like the AirPods and Apple Pencil remains considerably more seamless and feature-rich compared to third-party alternatives, offering capabilities such as automatic device switching and pressure sensitivity.
Apple may try to argue that its current level of support for third-party accessories already meets the requirements of the DMA. Under the provisions of the DMA, violations could lead to significant penalties, potentially amounting to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover. The final judgement is expected to be published next year. Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Tags: Apple Pencil, Europe, European Union, iPadOSRelated Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, iPad AccessoriesThis article, “iPad Accessory Integration Becomes the EU’s Next Regulatory Feud With Apple” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
iPadOS is now under formal scrutiny by the European Commission to determine whether it complies with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The announcement by the European Commission marks the next step in its regulatory oversight of Apple, following the iPadOS designation as a “gatekeeper” platform in April 2024. The classification was part of a broader effort to apply the newly enforced DMA, aimed at limiting the dominance of major tech firms and promoting fair competition across the European Union.
The regulations outline obligations for “gatekeepers,” mandating these companies to open up their software ecosystems to ensure a level playing field. In a press release (via Reuters), the European Commission explained:Apple must, among others, allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPadOS, allow alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow accessory devices, like headphones and smart pens, to effectively access iPadOS features.Apple has already made a series of changes to iPadOS in the European Union to comply with regulations, and the Commission is now assessing the sufficiency of these changes. For example, iPadOS 18 will allow users in the European Union to install third-party app stores—referred to as “app marketplaces” by Apple—and set an alternative web browser as the default.
However, questions remain about Apple’s compliance with the DMA’s stipulations for accessory interoperability. The DMA states that platforms must support “accessory ecosystems like headphones and smart pens,” allowing these third-party devices to work effectively with core operating system functions.
While the iPad supports a wide range of headphones and styluses, the integration for accessories like the AirPods and Apple Pencil remains considerably more seamless and feature-rich compared to third-party alternatives, offering capabilities such as automatic device switching and pressure sensitivity.
Apple may try to argue that its current level of support for third-party accessories already meets the requirements of the DMA. Under the provisions of the DMA, violations could lead to significant penalties, potentially amounting to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover. The final judgement is expected to be published next year.
This article, “iPad Accessory Integration Becomes the EU’s Next Regulatory Feud With Apple” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple’s M3 MacBook Pro Gets Massive $600-$700 Discounts in Early Black Friday Sale
Today we’re tracking notable discounts on the previous generation M3 MacBook Pro at Amazon and Best Buy, with as much as $700 off select computers. Regarding the Best Buy discounts, you won’t need to have a My Best Buy membership in order to see the discounts for these sales.
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.
The highlight of the sale is on the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/1TB) for $1,399.00, down from $1,999.00. This one is available at both Amazon and Best Buy, and it’s a new all-time low price on the computer.
$600 OFF14-inch M3 MacBook Pro (1TB) for $1,399.0014-inch MacBook Pro
M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB – $1,099.00, down from $1,599.00
M3, 8GB RAM, 1TB – $1,299.00, down from $1,799.00
M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB – $1,399.00, down from $1,999.00 [matched at Amazon]
M3 Pro, 512GB – $1,599.00, down from $1,999.00 [matched at Amazon]
M3 Pro, 1TB – $1,999.00, down from $2,399.00
M3 Max, 1TB – $2,799.00, down from $3,199.00 [matched at Amazon]
16-inch MacBook Pro
M3 Pro, 36GB RAM, 512GB – $2,299.00, down from $2,899.00
M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB – $2,899.00, down from $3,499.00
M3 Max, 48GB RAM, 1TB – $3,271.84, down from $3,999.00
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we’re keeping track of all of the season’s best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you’ll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we’ll keep you updated so you don’t miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, “Apple’s M3 MacBook Pro Gets Massive $600-$700 Discounts in Early Black Friday Sale” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Today we’re tracking notable discounts on the previous generation M3 MacBook Pro at Amazon and Best Buy, with as much as $700 off select computers. Regarding the Best Buy discounts, you won’t need to have a My Best Buy membership in order to see the discounts for these sales.
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.
The highlight of the sale is on the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/1TB) for $1,399.00, down from $1,999.00. This one is available at both Amazon and Best Buy, and it’s a new all-time low price on the computer.
14-inch MacBook Pro
M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB – $1,099.00, down from $1,599.00
M3, 8GB RAM, 1TB – $1,299.00, down from $1,799.00
M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB – $1,399.00, down from $1,999.00 [matched at Amazon]
M3 Pro, 512GB – $1,599.00, down from $1,999.00 [matched at Amazon]
M3 Pro, 1TB – $1,999.00, down from $2,399.00
M3 Max, 1TB – $2,799.00, down from $3,199.00 [matched at Amazon]
16-inch MacBook Pro
M3 Pro, 36GB RAM, 512GB – $2,299.00, down from $2,899.00
M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB – $2,899.00, down from $3,499.00
M3 Max, 48GB RAM, 1TB – $3,271.84, down from $3,999.00
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we’re keeping track of all of the season’s best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you’ll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we’ll keep you updated so you don’t miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, “Apple’s M3 MacBook Pro Gets Massive $600-$700 Discounts in Early Black Friday Sale” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools Feature Highlighted in Humorous Ads
Apple last week released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 with the first set of Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including Writing Tools. Within the Writing Tools suite, there is an option to change the tone of text you write to be friendly, professional, or concise, along with the ability to have text summarized into key points. Apple highlighted these capabilities today in two humorous Mac ads.
In the first ad, a furious employee types out an angry, unprofessional email to a coworker who is apparently stealing their pudding. Before sending the email, they use Writing Tools to change the tone of the email to be friendlier.
In the second ad, an employee uses Apple Intelligence to quickly catch up on the key points in documents being discussed during a meeting.
Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPhone 16 model, any Mac with an M-series chip, and any iPad with an M-series or A17 Pro chip.Tags: Apple Ads, Apple IntelligenceThis article, “Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools Feature Highlighted in Humorous Ads” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple last week released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 with the first set of Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including Writing Tools. Within the Writing Tools suite, there is an option to change the tone of text you write to be friendly, professional, or concise, along with the ability to have text summarized into key points. Apple highlighted these capabilities today in two humorous Mac ads.
In the first ad, a furious employee types out an angry, unprofessional email to a coworker who is apparently stealing their pudding. Before sending the email, they use Writing Tools to change the tone of the email to be friendlier.
In the second ad, an employee uses Apple Intelligence to quickly catch up on the key points in documents being discussed during a meeting.
Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPhone 16 model, any Mac with an M-series chip, and any iPad with an M-series or A17 Pro chip.
This article, “Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools Feature Highlighted in Humorous Ads” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iOS 18.1: Take a Hearing Test With AirPods Pro 2
If you’re concerned about hearing loss and own AirPods Pro 2, Apple in iOS 18.1 offers a convenient new clinical-grade hearing test that’s easy to use. Here’s everything you need to know about checking your hearing health with this new feature.
Note that Apple’s Hearing Test feature is not available in all regions, likely due to differing regulatory laws. Apple maintains a list on its website of regions and territories where the test is available. If your location isn’t on the list, you can still take the test – see the last section of this article for details.
What You Need
AirPods Pro 2 updated with the latest firmware
iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 18.1 or later
A quiet environment
About 5 minutes of uninterrupted time
The Hearing Test requires that you listen for a comprehensive range of tones at different and sometimes very low volumes. For this reason, it’s important to take the test in a quiet environment for the full duration of the test, free from intermittent noise, people talking, or loud air conditioning or fan systems nearby.
Taking the Hearing Test
Make sure your AirPods Pro 2 are sufficiently charged before taking the test.
Put your AirPods Pro 2 in your ears.
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap your AirPods Pro name at the top of Settings.
Under “Hearing Health,” tap Take a Hearing Test.
Answer the preliminary questions about your age and recent loud noise exposure.
Follow the fit test to ensure your ear tips create a proper seal.
When the test begins, tap the screen each time you hear a tone.
Complete the test for both ears (the test will automatically switch sides).
Understanding Your Results
The test measures your hearing in dBHL (decibel hearing level) and provides an easy-to-read classification:
Up to 25 dBHL: Little to no hearing loss – can hear normal conversation easily
26-40 dBHL: Mild hearing loss – can hear normal speech at close range
41-60 dBHL: Moderate hearing loss – requires raised voices to understand speech
61-80 dBHL: Severe hearing loss – can only hear very loud speech or shouting
Tap “Show Details” to see a frequency-by-frequency breakdown of your hearing ability. This graph shows how well you hear different pitches, from low (250 Hz) to high (8 kHz). This detailed view can help identify specific types of hearing loss and is the same format audiologists use, making it easy to share with healthcare providers.
You can access your test results anytime in the Health app. Tap Browse ➝ Hearing, then tap Hearing Test Results to view your history. To share your results with healthcare providers, tap Export PDF at the bottom, or tap the Share button to email or save the audiogram.
After the Test
The results of your test can be used to unlock additional AirPods Pro 2 features and options including Media Assist and Hearing Aid mode.
Media Assist
If mild to moderate hearing loss is detected, you can enable Media Assist to optimize audio for your hearing profile:
Go to Settings ➝ your AirPods Pro
Scroll down to Hearing Health
Tap Media Assist.
Toggle Media Assist on.
Choose Use Hearing Test Results to apply your recent test data, or Custom Setup to manually adjust settings.
Media Assist will then automatically adjust music, videos, and calls to enhance frequencies you have trouble hearing.
Hearing Aid Mode
Your AirPods Pro 2 can function as basic hearing aids, amplifying conversations and environmental sounds. You can enable this feature in the Settings app under Accessibility ➝ Hearing Devices.
Bear in mind that the Hearing Aid feature isn’t available everywhere. Apple maintains a list of regions and territories in which the feature can be accessed.
Taking the Hearing Test in Unsupported Regions
As we mentioned at the top of this article, Apple’s Hearing Test feature isn’t available in all regions and territories at the time of writing this, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the test.
Instead, you can use the following deep link to directly access the test in the Health app: x-apple-health://HearingAppPlugin.healthplugin/HearingTest – tap the link or paste it into Safari on your iPhone or iPad and you will be taken straight to the test (thanks to Reddit user Special_Lake240). Alternatively, download this Apple Hearing Test shortcut, grab your AirPods Pro 2, then run the shortcut on your device to take the test.
After taking the test using this method, your results will be available in the Health app. Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to access Apple’s other hearing health features like Media Assist and Hearing Test unless they are officially available in your region. Related Roundup: AirPods ProBuyer’s Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, “iOS 18.1: Take a Hearing Test With AirPods Pro 2” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
If you’re concerned about hearing loss and own AirPods Pro 2, Apple in iOS 18.1 offers a convenient new clinical-grade hearing test that’s easy to use. Here’s everything you need to know about checking your hearing health with this new feature.
Note that Apple’s Hearing Test feature is not available in all regions, likely due to differing regulatory laws. Apple maintains a list on its website of regions and territories where the test is available. If your location isn’t on the list, you can still take the test – see the last section of this article for details.
What You Need
AirPods Pro 2 updated with the latest firmware
iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 18.1 or later
A quiet environment
About 5 minutes of uninterrupted time
The Hearing Test requires that you listen for a comprehensive range of tones at different and sometimes very low volumes. For this reason, it’s important to take the test in a quiet environment for the full duration of the test, free from intermittent noise, people talking, or loud air conditioning or fan systems nearby.
Taking the Hearing Test
Make sure your AirPods Pro 2 are sufficiently charged before taking the test.
Put your AirPods Pro 2 in your ears.
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap your AirPods Pro name at the top of Settings.
Under “Hearing Health,” tap Take a Hearing Test.
Answer the preliminary questions about your age and recent loud noise exposure.
Follow the fit test to ensure your ear tips create a proper seal.
When the test begins, tap the screen each time you hear a tone.
Complete the test for both ears (the test will automatically switch sides).
Understanding Your Results
The test measures your hearing in dBHL (decibel hearing level) and provides an easy-to-read classification:
Up to 25 dBHL: Little to no hearing loss – can hear normal conversation easily
26-40 dBHL: Mild hearing loss – can hear normal speech at close range
41-60 dBHL: Moderate hearing loss – requires raised voices to understand speech
61-80 dBHL: Severe hearing loss – can only hear very loud speech or shouting
Tap “Show Details” to see a frequency-by-frequency breakdown of your hearing ability. This graph shows how well you hear different pitches, from low (250 Hz) to high (8 kHz). This detailed view can help identify specific types of hearing loss and is the same format audiologists use, making it easy to share with healthcare providers.
You can access your test results anytime in the Health app. Tap Browse ➝ Hearing, then tap Hearing Test Results to view your history. To share your results with healthcare providers, tap Export PDF at the bottom, or tap the Share button to email or save the audiogram.
After the Test
The results of your test can be used to unlock additional AirPods Pro 2 features and options including Media Assist and Hearing Aid mode.
Media Assist
If mild to moderate hearing loss is detected, you can enable Media Assist to optimize audio for your hearing profile:
Go to Settings ➝ your AirPods Pro
Scroll down to Hearing Health
Tap Media Assist.
Toggle Media Assist on.
Choose Use Hearing Test Results to apply your recent test data, or Custom Setup to manually adjust settings.
Media Assist will then automatically adjust music, videos, and calls to enhance frequencies you have trouble hearing.
Hearing Aid Mode
Your AirPods Pro 2 can function as basic hearing aids, amplifying conversations and environmental sounds. You can enable this feature in the Settings app under Accessibility ➝ Hearing Devices.
Bear in mind that the Hearing Aid feature isn’t available everywhere. Apple maintains a list of regions and territories in which the feature can be accessed.
Taking the Hearing Test in Unsupported Regions
As we mentioned at the top of this article, Apple’s Hearing Test feature isn’t available in all regions and territories at the time of writing this, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the test.
Instead, you can use the following deep link to directly access the test in the Health app: x-apple-health://HearingAppPlugin.healthplugin/HearingTest – tap the link or paste it into Safari on your iPhone or iPad and you will be taken straight to the test (thanks to Reddit user Special_Lake240). Alternatively, download this Apple Hearing Test shortcut, grab your AirPods Pro 2, then run the shortcut on your device to take the test.
After taking the test using this method, your results will be available in the Health app. Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to access Apple’s other hearing health features like Media Assist and Hearing Test unless they are officially available in your region.
This article, “iOS 18.1: Take a Hearing Test With AirPods Pro 2” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
When to Expect New M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro Models
Apple’s fall 2024 Mac releases have included new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro models, all of which debuted with variants of Apple’s M4 chip. Apple intends to update the rest of its Mac lineup with M4 series processors over the next 12 months, which will make it the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all of its Macs.
This means we can expect new M4 versions of MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models next year. Here’s what the latest rumors tell us about when each machine will launch, and what kinds of upgrades we can expect for them.
M4 MacBook Air
Apple in March 2024 launched updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models equipped with Apple’s M3 chip, and the company will soon start production of M4 versions ahead of an early 2025 launch, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. There are no new design changes planned for the MacBook Air models, and the focus will be on the M4 chip, but the base model will come with at least 16GB of RAM, after Apple updated the base M3 model to 16GB, up from 8GB. An M4 MacBook Air could also feature a new 12MP Centre Stage camera with Desk View support, an improvement over the current 1080p FaceTime HD camera, given that both the new M4 iMac and M4 MacBook Pro models also debuted with the upgraded camera. The machines will arrive next year between January and March.
M4 Mac Studio
Apple plans to refresh the Mac Studio after the M4 MacBook Air has been released in early 2025. It will be equipped with a variation of the M4 processor – likely an M4 Ultra or Max chip. The current model comes in both M2 Max and M2 Ultra variants. Mark Gurman claims that the Mac Studio was on track to be updated alongside the MacBook Air, but it is now going to see a refresh between March and June. In previous reports, he said the Mac Studio would come out in mid-2025, so it is unclear what has changed.
M4 Mac Pro
Apple last updated the Mac Pro in June 2023, adding an M2 Ultra chip and officially completing the transition away from Intel chips. Apple will refresh the Mac Pro in the summer of 2025, according to Mark Gurman. Like the Mac Studio, the next Mac Pro will skip the M3 series. Instead it will be equipped with the highest-end version of the M4 chip, codenamed “Hidra.” Based on the description of the chip, it could be positioned as an “Ultra” or “Extreme” chip. Gurman has said the M4 Ultra chip in the next Mac Pro will “probably” have up to a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, which would be double the M4 Max’s up to 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU. It could also support up to 512GB of memory, a notable increase over the current 192GB limit.
M4 Series Performance
Like the M3, the M4 is built on a 3nm process, but with enhancements from Apple supplier TSMC for improved performance and power efficiency. The M4 also includes an improved Neural Engine that fuels accelerated AI workloads. Apple says it is the company’s most powerful Neural Engine ever, capable of 38 trillion operations per second.
Geekbench 6 benchmark results have surfaced for Apple’s new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models, so we have some indications of performance. In the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models, the highest-end variants of the M4 Pro and M4 Max both outperform the highest-end M2 Ultra chip in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro: The M4 Max is up to 25% faster than the M2 Ultra in terms of peak multi-core CPU performance. Meanwhile, the M4 Max is up to 20% faster than the M4 Pro when it comes to peak multi-core CPU performance.
In terms of graphics performance, Geekbench 6 results indicate that the M4 Pro and M4 Max are up to around 40% and 25% faster for graphics than the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, respectively. Notably, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the highest-end M4 Max with a 40-core GPU has up to 85% as fast graphics as the Mac Studio with the highest-end M2 Ultra chip with a 76-core GPU, even though it has 36 fewer GPU cores.Related Roundups: Mac Studio, MacBook Air, Mac ProBuyer’s Guide: Mac Studio (Caution), 15″ MacBook Air (Neutral), 13″ MacBook Air (Neutral), Mac Pro (Neutral)Related Forums: Mac Studio, MacBook Air, Mac ProThis article, “When to Expect New M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro Models” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple’s fall 2024 Mac releases have included new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro models, all of which debuted with variants of Apple’s M4 chip. Apple intends to update the rest of its Mac lineup with M4 series processors over the next 12 months, which will make it the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all of its Macs.
This means we can expect new M4 versions of MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models next year. Here’s what the latest rumors tell us about when each machine will launch, and what kinds of upgrades we can expect for them.
M4 MacBook Air
Apple in March 2024 launched updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models equipped with Apple’s M3 chip, and the company will soon start production of M4 versions ahead of an early 2025 launch, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. There are no new design changes planned for the MacBook Air models, and the focus will be on the M4 chip, but the base model will come with at least 16GB of RAM, after Apple updated the base M3 model to 16GB, up from 8GB. An M4 MacBook Air could also feature a new 12MP Centre Stage camera with Desk View support, an improvement over the current 1080p FaceTime HD camera, given that both the new M4 iMac and M4 MacBook Pro models also debuted with the upgraded camera. The machines will arrive next year between January and March.
M4 Mac Studio
Apple plans to refresh the Mac Studio after the M4 MacBook Air has been released in early 2025. It will be equipped with a variation of the M4 processor – likely an M4 Ultra or Max chip. The current model comes in both M2 Max and M2 Ultra variants. Mark Gurman claims that the Mac Studio was on track to be updated alongside the MacBook Air, but it is now going to see a refresh between March and June. In previous reports, he said the Mac Studio would come out in mid-2025, so it is unclear what has changed.
M4 Mac Pro
Apple last updated the Mac Pro in June 2023, adding an M2 Ultra chip and officially completing the transition away from Intel chips. Apple will refresh the Mac Pro in the summer of 2025, according to Mark Gurman. Like the Mac Studio, the next Mac Pro will skip the M3 series. Instead it will be equipped with the highest-end version of the M4 chip, codenamed “Hidra.” Based on the description of the chip, it could be positioned as an “Ultra” or “Extreme” chip. Gurman has said the M4 Ultra chip in the next Mac Pro will “probably” have up to a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, which would be double the M4 Max’s up to 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU. It could also support up to 512GB of memory, a notable increase over the current 192GB limit.
M4 Series Performance
Like the M3, the M4 is built on a 3nm process, but with enhancements from Apple supplier TSMC for improved performance and power efficiency. The M4 also includes an improved Neural Engine that fuels accelerated AI workloads. Apple says it is the company’s most powerful Neural Engine ever, capable of 38 trillion operations per second.
Geekbench 6 benchmark results have surfaced for Apple’s new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models, so we have some indications of performance. In the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models, the highest-end variants of the M4 Pro and M4 Max both outperform the highest-end M2 Ultra chip in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro: The M4 Max is up to 25% faster than the M2 Ultra in terms of peak multi-core CPU performance. Meanwhile, the M4 Max is up to 20% faster than the M4 Pro when it comes to peak multi-core CPU performance.
In terms of graphics performance, Geekbench 6 results indicate that the M4 Pro and M4 Max are up to around 40% and 25% faster for graphics than the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, respectively. Notably, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the highest-end M4 Max with a 40-core GPU has up to 85% as fast graphics as the Mac Studio with the highest-end M2 Ultra chip with a 76-core GPU, even though it has 36 fewer GPU cores.
This article, “When to Expect New M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro Models” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Canon Now Accepting Orders for Spatial Video Lens Previewed at WWDC
Canon’s new stereoscopic RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL camera lens for spatial video recording recently became available for pre-order. In the U.S., pricing is set at $449.99, and orders are estimated to be delivered in mid-November.
Apple and Canon announced the lens at WWDC in June. The lens attaches to Canon’s EOS R7, enabling the mirrorless camera to record 3D videos for playback on AR/VR headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3. More details about the lens are available on Canon’s website, and in our coverage of the WWDC announcement.
After recording spatial videos with the Canon E07 and this lens, Apple said users would be able to edit the spatial videos in Final Cut Pro on the Mac, and upload them to Vimeo. Final Cut Pro will likely be updated with spatial video editing capabilities in mid-November, and Vimeo released a Vision Pro app with spatial video support last month.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: CanonBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, “Canon Now Accepting Orders for Spatial Video Lens Previewed at WWDC” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Canon’s new stereoscopic RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL camera lens for spatial video recording recently became available for pre-order. In the U.S., pricing is set at $449.99, and orders are estimated to be delivered in mid-November.
Apple and Canon announced the lens at WWDC in June. The lens attaches to Canon’s EOS R7, enabling the mirrorless camera to record 3D videos for playback on AR/VR headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3. More details about the lens are available on Canon’s website, and in our coverage of the WWDC announcement.
After recording spatial videos with the Canon E07 and this lens, Apple said users would be able to edit the spatial videos in Final Cut Pro on the Mac, and upload them to Vimeo. Final Cut Pro will likely be updated with spatial video editing capabilities in mid-November, and Vimeo released a Vision Pro app with spatial video support last month.
This article, “Canon Now Accepting Orders for Spatial Video Lens Previewed at WWDC” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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What to Expect From Apple’s M4 Ultra Chip Next Year
Apple last week debuted its latest M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, and the highest-end M4 Ultra chip should follow next year.
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the M4 Ultra chip in the next Mac Pro will “probably” have up to a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, which would be double the M4 Max’s up to 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU. That would be unsurprising, as the M1 Ultra and M2 Ultra chips both have up to double the number of CPU and GPU cores compared to the M1 Max and M2 Max chips, respectively.
Not all patterns at Apple carry on forever, so it is still noteworthy that the M4 Ultra chip will likely follow the same doubling scheme as usual.
When will the M4 Ultra chip be available? In a report last month, Gurman said the next Mac Studio will likely “debut between March and June” next year, and higher-end configurations of that computer should be available with the M4 Ultra chip. He expects a new Mac Pro desktop tower with the M4 Ultra chip to follow in the second half of next year.
Given the Mac Studio and Mac Pro were never updated with M3 series chips, the M4 Ultra chip would give these computers an improved Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and ray tracing for improved graphics rendering for the first time.
A few years ago, Gurman said that Apple had tested a so-called “M2 Extreme” chip that would have offered even greater performance than the M2 Ultra chip, but he later said that the chip’s release was canceled. Apple could choose to revisit an “Extreme” chip for the Mac Pro in the future, but there are no “M4 Extreme” chip rumors as of now.Related Roundups: Mac Studio, Mac ProBuyer’s Guide: Mac Studio (Caution), Mac Pro (Neutral)Related Forums: Mac Studio, Mac ProThis article, “What to Expect From Apple’s M4 Ultra Chip Next Year” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple last week debuted its latest M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, and the highest-end M4 Ultra chip should follow next year.
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said the M4 Ultra chip in the next Mac Pro will “probably” have up to a 32-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU, which would be double the M4 Max’s up to 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU. That would be unsurprising, as the M1 Ultra and M2 Ultra chips both have up to double the number of CPU and GPU cores compared to the M1 Max and M2 Max chips, respectively.
Not all patterns at Apple carry on forever, so it is still noteworthy that the M4 Ultra chip will likely follow the same doubling scheme as usual.
When will the M4 Ultra chip be available? In a report last month, Gurman said the next Mac Studio will likely “debut between March and June” next year, and higher-end configurations of that computer should be available with the M4 Ultra chip. He expects a new Mac Pro desktop tower with the M4 Ultra chip to follow in the second half of next year.
Given the Mac Studio and Mac Pro were never updated with M3 series chips, the M4 Ultra chip would give these computers an improved Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and ray tracing for improved graphics rendering for the first time.
A few years ago, Gurman said that Apple had tested a so-called “M2 Extreme” chip that would have offered even greater performance than the M2 Ultra chip, but he later said that the chip’s release was canceled. Apple could choose to revisit an “Extreme” chip for the Mac Pro in the future, but there are no “M4 Extreme” chip rumors as of now.
This article, “What to Expect From Apple’s M4 Ultra Chip Next Year” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Vision Pro With M5 Chip Rumored for 2025, Apple Also ‘Considering’ iPhone-Connected Glasses
Apple plans to release an updated Vision Pro headset with its as-yet-unannounced M5 chip in 2025, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The current Vision Pro is equipped with the M2 chip, which debuted in 2022.
Kuo did not say if the updated Vision Pro will have any other new features or changes compared to the current model that launched earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Apple has delayed production of a cheaper version of the Vision Pro until “beyond 2027” for “a while now,” according to Kuo. In the U.S., the current Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and this expensive price has surely limited sales.
“At $3,500, it’s not a mass-market product,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook, when asked about the Vision Pro in a recent interview. “Right now, it’s an early-adopter product. People who want to have tomorrow’s technology today—that’s who it’s for. Fortunately, there’s enough people who are in that camp that it’s exciting.”
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also touched on Apple’s future plans for its Vision line of products.
Like Kuo, Gurman said that Apple is planning a “chip upgrade” for the Vision Pro, but he did not say if that will happen in 2025. He also believes that Apple continues to develop a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset with “scaled-down technologies,” but he did not provide a release timeframe for that product either.
Gurman added that Apple is “seriously considering” an iPhone-connected, glasses-like device.
“I also continue to hear that Apple is seriously considering a device that offloads the computing components to an iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies,” he said. “That’s something that would be roughly akin to the glasses offered by companies like Xreal. The benefit for Apple is that it would reinforce the iPhone as the center of its product ecosystem and offer something that could be a much more popular option than the $3,500 Vision Pro.”Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTags: Apple Glasses, Mark Gurman, Ming-Chi KuoBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, “Vision Pro With M5 Chip Rumored for 2025, Apple Also ‘Considering’ iPhone-Connected Glasses” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple plans to release an updated Vision Pro headset with its as-yet-unannounced M5 chip in 2025, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The current Vision Pro is equipped with the M2 chip, which debuted in 2022.
Kuo did not say if the updated Vision Pro will have any other new features or changes compared to the current model that launched earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Apple has delayed production of a cheaper version of the Vision Pro until “beyond 2027” for “a while now,” according to Kuo. In the U.S., the current Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and this expensive price has surely limited sales.
“At $3,500, it’s not a mass-market product,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook, when asked about the Vision Pro in a recent interview. “Right now, it’s an early-adopter product. People who want to have tomorrow’s technology today—that’s who it’s for. Fortunately, there’s enough people who are in that camp that it’s exciting.”
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman also touched on Apple’s future plans for its Vision line of products.
Like Kuo, Gurman said that Apple is planning a “chip upgrade” for the Vision Pro, but he did not say if that will happen in 2025. He also believes that Apple continues to develop a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset with “scaled-down technologies,” but he did not provide a release timeframe for that product either.
Gurman added that Apple is “seriously considering” an iPhone-connected, glasses-like device.
“I also continue to hear that Apple is seriously considering a device that offloads the computing components to an iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies,” he said. “That’s something that would be roughly akin to the glasses offered by companies like Xreal. The benefit for Apple is that it would reinforce the iPhone as the center of its product ecosystem and offer something that could be a much more popular option than the $3,500 Vision Pro.”
This article, “Vision Pro With M5 Chip Rumored for 2025, Apple Also ‘Considering’ iPhone-Connected Glasses” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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