A few months ago, Apple prototype collector Kosutami shared the first images of a prototype HomePod with an LCD display on top. The images have since been corroborated as we heard from independent sources that the prototype is likely for an upcoming generation of the HomePod. Kosutami is now back with more images of the HomePod prototype with an LCD.

We rely on Bluetooth for lots of devices so it can be frustrating when our peripherals don’t work normally. Read along for 5 tips and tricks to fix Mac Bluetooth issues, including resetting your Bluetooth module and ways to remove interference.

Apple has won a temporary pause on the Apple Watch ban, thanks to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Apple has been unable to sell or import Apple Watches with blood oxygen sensors due to an ongoing patent infringement battle with Masimo.

As the end of the year savings roll in, we’re now tracking the best price yet on Apple’s 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro. If you’re not sold on the newer M3 releases, you can save $400 on the model from earlier in the year at $1,599. It comes joined by Apple’s official iPhone 15 series MagSafe clear cases at $38, as well as a rare chance to save on Nomad’s black stainless steel 45mm Apple Watch link band at $78. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

As the saga of the Apple Watch ban in the US continues, we’ve been learning more about what exactly led medical technology company Masimo to file a lawsuit against Apple years ago. A new Bloomberg report on Wednesday revealed how Marcelo Lamego, one of Masimo’s key engineers, was hired by Apple after emailing Tim Cook.

As reported on Tuesday, Apple has officially filed its appeal of the ITC’s ruling that bans it from selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States.

In its appeal, Apple argues that the Federal Circuit should pause the ban until U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes a decision about whether a “redesigned version” of the devices “falls outside the scope” of the initial orders.

Amazon is ringing in 2024 by bringing ads to Prime Video. The company has announced this week that movies and TV shows will both start showing ads on January 29 unless you’re willing to pay them an extra $2.99 per month.

As the Digital Markets Act antitrust law passed in the European Union, Apple has until March 2024 to let users in Europe install iOS apps outside the App Store. Although Apple has yet to say a word about how it will do this, regulators around the world have also been considering applying the same demands to the company – and Japan could be the next country to do so.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that Tang Tan, Apple’s chief iPhone and Apple Watch designer, is leaving the company in February. Now, more details have emerged to reveal that Tan is headed to LoveFrom to be reunited with Jony Ive.

Whether it’s something recurring or an unexpected event, we all experience stress and anxiety. You may not have thought about it, but if you have an Apple Watch, there’s a useful tool on your wrist to help deliver some peace and calm. Follow along for four ways to reduce stress and relax with Apple Watch.

Earlier this month, Apple Design Award-winning ski and ride tracking app Slopes got 3D interactive maps, improved search, and more. Now, in a surprise update, Slopes on iOS is getting live lift and trail status details for more than 50 resorts in the US and Canada.

What seemed impossible a few weeks ago has come to pass: Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 sales have been banned in the US after the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the devices infringed patents owned by health company Masimo. While Apple is certainly not happy about this, AliveCor – another health company – praised the ITC’s decision since it also accuses Apple of violating its patents.

If Santa didn’t bring you the Apple Watch you were hoping for, today we’re tracking a $104 discount on the original Apple Watch Ultra. It drops down to $695 with your choice of band and comes joined by one of the final chances to save $70 Apple Watch Series 9 before stock runs out, as well as an Anker charging gear sale from $16. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

To close out the year, Apple Arcade is highlighting a collection of “Essential” titles available on the platform. Across five categories, for kids to adults, solo to multiplayer, and more – here are the 30 games Apple thinks you should play.

Earlier today, the Biden administration formally announced its decision not to overturn the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 sales ban in the United States.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said that it strongly disagrees with the ITC’s decision and will be “taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.” The company also formally appealed the ruling.

Earlier this month, CNBC published a rare inside look at Apple’s silicon lab inside Apple Park, alongside an interview with Johny Srouji and John Ternus. Now, CNBC has shared a video of the full 35-minute sit-down interview for your viewing pleasure.

One of the few remaining Apple Pay holdouts has finally caved to the pressure. Lowe’s, the second largest hardware chain in the United States, is now rolling out Apple Pay support to its over 2,100 locations throughout the country.

Update: Here’s Apple’s statement to 9to5Mac on this decision:

At Apple, we work tirelessly to create products and services that meaningfully impact users’ lives. It’s what drives our teams — Clinical, Design and Engineering — to dedicate years to developing scientifically validated health, fitness and wellness features for Apple Watch, and we are inspired that millions of people around the world have benefited greatly from this product. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.

The December 25 ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales, due to a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo was first reported by us last week. Apple ended watch sales on the online store a few days ago, and now the Apple Watch is also unavailable at Apple retail stores.

The ITC confirmed this morning that the Biden administration chose not to overturn the ban. “After careful consultations, Ambassador Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s determination”, the agency said in a statement.

Apple @ Work is brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that fully integrates 5 different applications on a single Apple-only platform, allowing Businesses to easily and automatically deploy, manage & protect all their Apple devices. Over 38,000 organizations leverage Mosyle solutions to automate the deployment,  management, and security of millions of Apple devices daily. Request a FREE account today and discover how you can put your Apple fleet on auto-pilot at a price point that is hard to believe.

In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Oren Todoros from Spike about Spike for Teams, Generative AI in the workplace, and much more.

Got an Apple Gift Card for the holidays? Whether you have a digital or physical one, we’ll cover how to redeem and use your Apple Gift Cards on iPhone, iPad, Mac, the Apple Store app/online, as well as in-person at an Apple Store.

While you probably didn’t find a Vision Pro under the Christmas tree this morning, it won’t be too long until you can hand over $3,500 to Apple and get one. A new report from Ming-Chi Kuo today reiterates expectations that Vision Pro will be available for purchase sometime in February.

As Apple Stores across the United States start to close for the day, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales halt is officially going into effect. Apple removed its flagship Apple Watches from its online store on Thursday, and now they’re also being removed from Apple Stores.

When Apple Stores reopen after Christmas on December 26, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 won’t be available.

Apple is out with a new ad focused on the iPhone 15 Plus. Called “Miss You,” the ad emphasizes the iPhone 15 Plus battery life – concluding that the device offers “loooooong battery life” alongside its other features.