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  • iOS 14.2 GM released ahead of public launch, read the full changelog

    iOS 14.2 GM released ahead of public launch, read the full changelog

    The news: Apple seeded the final version of iOS 14.2 to developers on Friday afternoon.

    Our take: The refreshed now playings views in iOS 14.2 are amazing. Plus, the 100+ new emoji are slick.

    Full changelog

    iOS 14.2 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:

    • Over 100 new emoji, including animals, food, faces, household objects, musical instruments, gender-inclusive emoji, and more
    • Eight new wallpapers in both light and dark mode versions
    • Magnifier can detect people nearby, and report their distance using the LiDAR sensor included in iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • Support for iPhone 12 Leather Sleeve with MagSafe
    • Optimized battery charging for AirPods to slow the rate of battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods spends fully charged
    • Headphone audio level notifications to alert you when audio level could impact your hearing
    • New AirPlay controls to stream entertainment throughout your home
      Intercom support with HomePod and HomePod mini using iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay
    • Ability to connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio
    • Option to provide statistics about Exposure Notifications, without identifying you, to participating Public Health Authorities

    This release also fixes the following issues:

    • Apps could be out of order on the Home Screen dock
    • Camera viewfinder may appear black when launched
    • The keyboard on the Lock Screen could miss touches when trying to enter the passcode
    • Reminders could default to times in the past
    • Photos widget may not display content
    • Weather widget could display the high temperature in Celsius when set to Fahrenheit
    • Next-hour precipitation chart description in Weather could incorrectly indicate when precipitation stops
    • Voice Memos recordings are interrupted by incoming calls
    • The screen could be black during Netflix video playback
    • Apple Cash could fail to send or receive money when asked via Siri
    • Apple Watch app may unexpectedly close when opened
    • Workout GPS routes or Health data are prevented from syncing between Apple Watch and iPhone for some users
    • Audio is incorrectly labeled as “Not Playing” in the CarPlay Dashboard
    • Devices could be prevented from charging wirelessly
    • Exposure Notifications is disabled when restoring iPhone from iCloud Backup or transferring data to a new iPhone using iPhone Migration

    For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
    https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

  • Under-display Touch ID may come to iPhone in 2021

    Under-display Touch ID may come to iPhone in 2021

    The rumor: Apple is working on an all-new version of Touch ID that sits beneath the display, according to L0vetodream (88.5% accurate).

    • It’s unclear when under-the-screen Touch ID will launch, but previous rumors suggest it could come as soon as next year
    • Apple recently integrated Touch ID into the power button of iPad Air, marking the first time Apple’s fingerprint technology was placed somewhere other than the home button
    • Amid a worldwide pandemic where face coverings are normal, the flaws of Face ID have become increasingly apparent

    Our take: As Jon Prosser (85.5% accurate) explains, MESA = Touch ID codename and uts = under-the-screen. Other sources, such as Mark Gurman (88.3% accurate) have previously suggested this could be used in tandem with Face ID on an iPhone in 2021.

    https://twitter.com/L0vetodream/status/1316988346950823937?s=20
  • “This year has a few more exciting things in store” says Tim Cook

    “This year has a few more exciting things in store” says Tim Cook

    The news: While Apple rarely comments on future products and development, Tim Cook confirmed that there’s still more coming before the end of 2020.

    • Mark Gurman (88.3% accurate) suggests Cook is referring to Apple Silicon Macs
    • Apple is expected to hold their final event of the year on November 17

    Our take: I really like Apple’s new approach of giving us the slightest tidbits about what to expect from them in the future. This is confirmation…from the top…that new products are coming soon!

  • Apple One bundle launches tomorrow

    Apple One bundle launches tomorrow

    The news: Apple has confirmed to Bloomberg that Apple One is releasing on Friday, October 30.

    • Apple One includes 3 tiers (Individual, Family, Premier) and starts at $14.95/month
    • The services bundle was initially unveiled at the September 15 Event
    • Apple also confirmed that Fitness+ is coming later this quarter

    Our take: Still not sure if I’m signing up for any of these bundles.

  • macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta references 3 unreleased Macs

    macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta references 3 unreleased Macs

    The news: Apple may be preparing to release as many as 3 new Macs, according to hidden references in the latest macOS Big Sur beta, as spotted by Hans Tønning.

    • 9to5Mac notes that the 3 new Mac references include the following:
      • MacHardwareTypes-2020f.bundle
      • MacHardwareTypes-2020g.bundle
      • MacHardwareTypes-2020h.bundle
    • The new bundles don’t reveal what Mac models are coming, and it’s possible that the references could be for 3 distinct models…or just 1
    • Apple is rumored to be holding their final event of the year on November 17

    Our take: Even more confirmation that new Macs are coming. One of these, for sure will have Apple Silicon inside…but I’d bet at least one of these Macs will have Intel inside.

    https://twitter.com/HarckerTech/status/1321848497830875136?s=20
  • First hands-on images and videos of iPhone 12 mini surface

    First hands-on images and videos of iPhone 12 mini surface

    The news: Ahead of pre-orders next week, the first hands-on media of iPhone 12 mini has popped up online.

    • A now-privated YouTube stream posted by George Buhnici and new photo by L0vetodream show just how tiny and portable the device really is
    • We found the original video online, and it’s split in 4 parts below
    • iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max release on November 13

    Our take: I’m really excited to get this, and could absolutely see this becoming my vacation phone or even daily driver.

    https://twitter.com/L0vetodream/status/1321692109045313537?s=20
    Part 1
    Part 2
    https://streamable.com/i9g43c
    Part 3
    https://streamable.com/vo3bqa
    Part 4
  • Ahead of November 17 event, Apple invites devs to one-on-one labs

    Ahead of November 17 event, Apple invites devs to one-on-one labs

    The news: Apple is inviting select developers to one-on-one sessions ahead of a rumored next month, as spotted by 9to5Mac.

    • Developers who have a Silicon Developer Transition Kit (DTK) can attend one-on-one labs with Apple on November 4 and 5
    • The DTK is an A12z-powered Mac mini that must be returned to Apple at some point in the future
    • Jon Prosser (85.5% accurate) says the Apple Silicon event will take place on November 17, where AirTags will also be announced

    Our take: Seems like perfect timing that Apple is meeting with select devs and a November event is rumored to be just around the corner…

  • Apple may be developing a competitor to Google Search

    Apple may be developing a competitor to Google Search

    The rumor: After years of speculation, Apple may actually be working on a competitor to Google Search, according to the Financial Times (FT).

    • FT suggests Apple’s interest in building an in-house competitor to Google Search may have been spurred by recent antitrust investigations
    • The Department of Justice recently estimated that Google pays Apple $8-12 billion dollars per year to retain Google Search as the default across Apple products

    Our take: Logically, it makes sense that Apple would be exploring the idea of their own search engine. But financially, leaving $8 billion dollars on the table each year? No way.

  • iPhone 12 secretly supports reverse wireless charging

    iPhone 12 secretly supports reverse wireless charging

    The news: The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro secretly support reverse wireless charging, according to a new FCC filing.

    • MagSafe appears to enable wireless charging for small accessories placed on the back of all iPhone 12 models, and could be enabled through a future software update
    • The feature may work with a new version of AirPods expected to release in 2021
    • Reverse wireless charging was initially rumored for iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro last year

    Our take: I can see it now: new AirPods next year will boast reverse wireless charging on only the new iPhones. Of course, all of this is meaningless if Apple never enables it through software. But hardware wise, it appears the functionality is present!

  • Redesigned iMac may feature A14T chip, Apple-designed GPU

    Redesigned iMac may feature A14T chip, Apple-designed GPU

    The rumor: Apple is planning to launch a revamped iMac with a modified A14 chip next year, according to The China Times (77.8% accurate).

    • Powering the first iMac with Apple Silicon may be the A14T processor, a variant of the A14 chip found inside iPhone 12 and iPad Air
    • An Apple-designed GPU will reportedly be seen in this Mac first
    • The redesigned iMac is set to ship in the first half of 2021

    Our take: While The China Times is not known for their solid track record, they have done pretty good this year with the claims they’ve made. Looks like we are only getting a new MacBook with Apple Silicon this year.

  • AirPower is reportedly, actually, finally dead

    AirPower is reportedly, actually, finally dead

    The rumor: After rumors reignited a few months back about AirPower still being worked on at Apple, Jon Prosser (85.5% accurate) has provided an update on the state of the project.

    • AirPower’s development has apparently been ‘removed from the schedule for 2021.’
    • Prosser adds that sources he’s spoken with have low confidence in any future revival
    • Prior leaks suggested Apple was still problem-solving the canceled product

    Our take: As soon as I saw MagSafe announced earlier this month, I knew AirPower’s fate in my heart. The idea—a mat where you can just lay your stuff on it (anywhere) and it’s fully charged the next day—is beautiful. And AirPower was beautiful. But it’s time to move on to MagSafe, which is entirely different, but still cool enough.