As the calendar turns to July and the public beta of iOS 18 and related operating system updates are just around the corner, we continue to take a look at what changes and features users can expect.
Other Apple news and rumors this week included the addition of several iconic devices to Apple’s “vintage” product list, a leak from Apple’s servers suggesting the development of rumored “home accessories” separate from the Apple TV and HomePod, and rumors about other products that may receive support for Apple Intelligence features. Read on for more details on these stories and more.
iOS 18: 10 New Home and Lock Screen Features
iOS 18 introduces a more customizable home screen with dark and light options for app icons, the ability to arrange app icons anywhere on the grid, and the flashlight and camera shortcuts at the bottom of the lock screen can now be assigned to other actions.
For more details, check out 10 new features for the Home and Lock Screen in iOS 18. The update is compatible with the iPhone XS and later, and is currently in developer beta ahead of a public beta later this month and likely a full release in September.
Apple declares iPhone X, HomePod, and original AirPods “vintage”
Apple added three more key devices to its vintage product list this week, including the iPhone X, the first-generation HomePod, and the original AirPods.
Apple considers a product “vintage” if it has been discontinued for five years. Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers may continue to repair vintage products for up to two years, provided the necessary parts are available.
Leak confirms Apple’s development of “home accessories”
According to MacRumors contributor Aaron Peris, an unannounced device with the identifier “HomeAccessory17,1” was discovered in code on Apple’s servers.
The leak follows a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that Apple is working on a new version of the HomePod with a built-in display. Like the existing HomePod, the new model is expected to run a variation of tvOS.
Gurman: Apple Intelligence will be in the Vision Pro, but not the HomePod
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said this week that Apple Intelligence’s suite of AI features will be available on future Vision Pro headsets, but unfortunately not on existing HomePod models.
Existing HomePods are thought to not have enough RAM to run the Apple Intelligence feature smoothly, but the feature may be available in a future rumored HomePod with a display.
MacRumors Show: Luke Miani talks about the Apple Watch X
This week on the MacRumors Show, YouTuber and podcaster Luke Miani joins us to discuss the latest rumors about the upcoming Apple Watch “Series X.”
Coming 10 years after the Apple Watch was unveiled alongside the iPhone 6, the Apple Watch Series X was initially rumored to be a major overhaul of the device. But it now appears the upgrades will be smaller than expected, focused on a new case and display size while the design will remain virtually the same. Dan, Hartley and Luke take a closer look at the conflicting rumors.
Kuo: The new AirPods will be equipped with a camera to enhance the spatial experience
According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with at least one built-in infrared camera by 2026.
Kuo said the infrared camera could enable future AirPods with air gesture controls and better compatibility with Vision Pro headsets, so spatial audio could be optimized as users face a certain direction, for example.
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