Today
Apple TV+ partners with Will Smith for 2-month free trial offer ahead of ‘Emancipation’ premiere
Following a similar promo with Selena Gomez in November, Apple is once again giving away two month free trials of Apple TV+ to anyone who wants one, this time in partnership with Will Smith as promotion for the premiere of Emancipation. So if you don’t have Apple TV+ yet, visit apple.co/willgift and redeem your free two months.
Apple is launching a big security enhancement with iOS 16.2 that brings the long-requested feature of full encryption for iMessage in iCloud, iPhone backups, and eight other apps/categories. As part of the process, you’ll need to set up a recovery contact/key – here’s how to turn on iPhone end-to-end encryption for iMessage, iCloud, device backups, Notes, Safari, Photos, and more.
The EU legislation to mandate a common smartphone charger is now a done deal. After it looked like it would pass back in June, the Council of Ministers ratified the vote in October. Today the law has been officially signed and published with a December 2024 deadline for all new smartphones sold in Europe to use USB-C.
Google Chrome adding Memory and Energy Saver modes on Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks
With Chrome 108, Google is introducing Memory Saver and Energy Saver modes to improve the browser’s performance and extend battery life, respectively.
Deals: Apple MagSafe chargers from $30, official iPhone 13 cases starting at $25, more
All of today’s best deals are now live and headlined by holiday pricing returning on Apple’s official MagSafe chargers from $30. That’s alongside nearly all of Apple’s official iPhone 13 series cases on sale from $25, and a chance to put the latest iPad mini 6 under the tree with $99 in savings. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
On this day 47 years ago, Paul Terrell opened the Byte Shop, one of the world’s first personal computer retail stores and famously known for ordering the first rudimentary computers from Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak’s newly formed company, Apple Computer.
Apple Design Award-winning ski and ride tracking app Slopes is out today with a big update – interactive maps available for more than 200 resorts around the world. The functionality brings live tracking for where you and your friends are with lift and run details overlayed on-screen, plus you can see exactly where you’ve been.
Satechi’s new Dual Wireless Stand power bank refuels iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at once
Satechi today is launching its latest Apple setup companion, delivering a versatile 3-in-1 portable charger capable of refueling iPhone 14, AirPods Pro, and an Apple Watch all at the same time. The refreshed form factor of the new Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand can also fold to prop up your smartphone as it refuels, while still stowing away as a compact upgrade to your everyday carry.
Apple yesterday announced a range of new security technology for its platforms, including the expansion of end-to-end encryption to additional iCloud data types. In response to that announcement, however, Apple is already facing criticism from the FBI, which said that it is “deeply concerned with the threat end-to-end and user-only-access encryption pose.”
As the year comes to a close, Apple has shared an update on its Employee Giving program that’s making a big impact around the world through both direct donations and time from over 76,000 volunteers. The company also shared stories about how the efforts are making the world a better place.
While Elon Musk paid a visit to Apple Park last week for a meeting with Tim Cook, he was not able to get Apple to change its App Store fees (shocker!). As such, The Information reports that Twitter is planning to charge more for its Twitter Blue subscription on iPhone, as a way to offset the 30% cut Apple will take.
We’re just a few weeks away from the end of 2022, and it’s that time of year when people like to take a look back at everything they’ve done in the past 12 months. And to help people with that, Reddit is announcing today its Recap 2022, which highlights how users have engaged with the community during the year.
IKEA and Sonos started collaborating back in 2019 with the original SYMFONISK table lamp that doubles as an AirPlay-enabled smart speaker. After launching V2 last year with a new mix-and-match design, IKEA x Sonos has announced the newest addition to the lineup, the SYMFONISK Floor Lamp Speaker.
Yesterday
Apple is expected to introduce its mixed reality headset in 2023, and we’ve heard plenty of rumors about it. That includes the name of the platform that powers the device being named “realityOS.” However, recent reports have suggested that the platform may actually be called “xrOS” instead. It turns out, both names co-exist internally.
Apple on Wednesday released iOS 16.2 RC to developers and beta users ahead of the official release of the update expected sometime this month. As we know, the update adds new features like Apple’s Freeform app, new HomeKit architecture, and Apple Music Sing. But under the hood, iOS 16.2 also enables support for 5G networks for iPhone users in India.
Apple’s VP of Fitness Technologies Jay Blahnik is known for his appearances at almost every Apple event to talk about what’s new for Apple Watch users. This week, the executive shared some workout tips in an interview with The Sun.
After announcing its fun new karaoke feature yesterday, Apple Music Sing is live with the iOS 16.2 RC build. Follow along for a hands-on look at how to use Apple Music Sing karaoke including adjusting vocal volume, seeing the Duet view, and more.
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Sponsored by Chargeasap: The world’s first and smallest 270W USB-C GaN Charger– Chargeasap Zeus– is available now with early bird pricing for a limited time.
Apple on Wednesday announced new iCloud security features to strengthen users’ privacy. This includes Advanced Data Protection with end-to-end encryption for all data saved in the cloud, as well as support for physical security keys. In an interview with WSJ’s Joanna Stern, Apple’s SVP of software, Craig Federighi, shared some details about what led the company to introduce such features to iCloud.
TP-Link expands HomeKit lineup with new Kasa outdoor smart plug and in-wall light switches
TP-Link today is expanding its lineup of Kasa smart home accessories with three new HomeKit offerings. Delivering some of its first accessories that work with Siri right out of the box, the new TP-Link Kasa outdoor smart plug arrives just in time for pairing with holiday lighting and enters the market alongside a new in-wall light switch and dimmer switch.
Latest Apple Pay promo offers holiday discounts at Columbia, GOAT, Le Creuset, and more
Last week a 5% cash back offer arrived for new Apple Card customers. It turns out there’s also a December promotion for anyone using Apple Pay that brings some valuable holiday savings. The current offers include discounts from 10-70% off popular retailers like Columbia, GOAT, Theory, Fender, HotelTonight, Le Creuset, and more.
The iOS 16.2 Release Candidate is now available to developers, and it includes a number of different changes and upgrades. The update also expands a change to AirDrop that was previously limited to China: restricting how the “Everyone” option works with a new limitation.
Back in 2021, Apple announced a number of new child safety features, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) detection for iCloud Photos. However, the move was widely criticized due to privacy concerns. After putting it on hold indefinitely, Apple has now confirmed that it has stopped its plans to roll out the CSAM detection system.
iOS 16.2 RC for iPhone and iPad is now available for testing through Apple’s developer beta program. Today’s release introduces a number of enhancements to end-to-end encryption across various services including Messages in iCloud. The release candidate also introduces the new Apple Music Sing feature announced yesterday.
