MacRumors

Apple will unveil its new iPhone 16 lineup in a range of new colors later this year in the fall. Here are all the rumored colors so far for the four models: ‌iPhone 16‌, ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

In the last few years, ‌iPhone‌ lineups have launched with five color options. This year, however, Apple could buck that trend for the 6.1-inch ‌iPhone 16‌ and 6.7-inch ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus. At least one of the standard models will come in more color options than ever before, claims one rumor.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," Apple's upcoming larger 6.7-inch ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus model will come in as many as seven colors that either build upon the existing five colors in the standard iPhone 15 lineup, or recast them in a new finish.

The following table shows the existing ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus color options alongside the colors rumored for the ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus:

‌iPhone 15‌ Plus (2023)	‌iPhone 16‌ Plus (2024)
Blue	Blue
Pink	Pink
Yellow	Yellow
Green	Green
Black	Black
–	White
–	Purple

The leaker in question did not provide any more context for the rumor beyond the model name, therefore it is not clear if they are claiming that the seven color options are exclusive to the ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus.

On the other hand, the leaker may have only seen materials for the larger device in the supply chain, in which case the same colors could also be coming to the smaller 6.1-inch ‌iPhone 16‌. Given that the two models are expected to be identical apart from their size difference, this possibility seems the most likely.

Note that this is the first rumor we have received about potential colors for the standard ‌iPhone 16‌ models, and the leaker has an unproven track record for accurate leaks, so the alleged colors need corroboration from other sources before we can definitively say they are coming.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple typically chooses four, cooler-toned colors for its ‌iPhone‌ Pro models. For last year's iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max, for example, Apple introduced a titanium chassis that came in four muted finishes: Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.

According to one rumor out of China, the existing Blue Titanium color will be dropped from the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ lineup in favor of a new "rose" titanium color, while Black Titanium will allegedly be replaced with a "space black" color, which is said to be similar to the iPhone 14 Pro color of the same name.

Additionally, the same source claims that the Natural and White Titanium colors will be slightly different on the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models. Natural Titanium is said to be returning, but with more of a gray tint to it. Meanwhile, White Titanium will appear more like a "silver white" color, which is also said to be similar to the silver version of the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro.

Last year, Apple surprised some ‌iPhone‌ fans by not offering a gold option. Gold was available through the ‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌ 5S to the ‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌ 8, and then on the ‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌ XS to the ‌‌‌iPhone 14‌‌‌ Pro. Given the popularity of gold, the rumored new "rose" color could well be the titanium version of a gold-like shade.

According to a rumor from another source, the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models will be available in "Desert Titanium" and "Titanium Gray" color options. These names suggest there could be some overlap with the separately rumored rose color and the tweaked Natural Titanium.

In another twist, a recent rumor out of Korea claimed that Apple's upcoming ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models will use an improved process for finishing and coloring titanium. According to the source, the new process will make the ‌‌iPhone 16 Pro‌‌ and ‌‌iPhone 16 Pro‌‌ Max look more polished than the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ models, which have a brushed finish.

‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ (2023)	‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ (2024)
Natural Titanium	Natural Titanium
Blue Titanium	Rose / Desert Titanium
White Titanium	Silver / White Titanium
Black Titanium	Space Black Titanium

The improved manufacturing process will allegedly result in a glossy appearance that is more akin to the heavily polished stainless steel material used in earlier Pro devices before the ‌iPhone 15‌ series. However, the new titanium finish will be less prone to scratches compared to stainless steel.

Summing Up

As of writing this, we are still around five months away from Apple announcing the ‌iPhone 16‌ series, so a lot can change in the meantime, and we could see additional rumors that corroborate or conflict with those we have uncovered so far. Either way, we will keep this article up-to-date with any subsequent developments, so be sure to check back.

You can read about everything else that we know about the ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup by visiting our dedicated iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro roundups. Apple is expected to release the ‌iPhone 16‌ series sometime around September.

It's an iPhone 17 rumor frenzy this week courtesy of Jeff Pu, an analyst who has sources within Apple's supply chain in Asia.

While the iPhone 16 lineup is still months away from being announced, rumors about the two-generations-away iPhone lineup typically begin to surface about a year-and-a-half before launch. For example, almost exactly a year ago, we learned that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will have larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively.

12GB of RAM

In a research note with investment firm Haitong, Pu said the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will be equipped with 12GB of RAM. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro models have 8GB of RAM, and the iPhone 16 Pro models are also expected to have 8GB of RAM. The increase would contribute to improved performance for multitasking on the iPhone.

The alleged RAM amounts across the iPhone 17 lineup:

• iPhone 17: 8GB
• iPhone 17 Slim: 8GB
• iPhone 17 Pro: 12GB
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: 12GB

How that compares to the iPhone 15 lineup:

• iPhone 15: 6GB
• iPhone 15 Plus: 6GB
• iPhone 15 Pro: 8GB
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: 8GB

Narrower Dynamic Island on Pro Max

Pu said the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a "much narrowed Dynamic Island" as a result of the device adopting a smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system.

This would be the first size reduction for the Dynamic Island since its iPhone 14 Pro debut.

Apple has started building its own AI servers that use the M2 Ultra chip, Haitong analyst Jeff Pu reports.

Pu provided the analysis based on supply chain checks in a new note to investors seen by MacRumors. Foxconn is said to currently be assembling Apple AI servers that contain the ‌M2‌ Ultra, with plans to assemble AI servers powered by the M4 chip in late 2025. Last month, a reputable source on Weibo said that Apple was working on processors for its own AI servers made with TSMC's 3nm process, targeting mass production by the second half of 2025, which may line up with this report about M4-powered AI servers.

Apple's decision to build its own AI server is reflective of the company's ongoing strategy to vertically integrate its supply chain. Apple will likely use its own chips to enhance the performance of its data centers and future AI tools that rely on the cloud.

While Apple is rumored to be prioritizing on-device processing for many of its upcoming AI tools, it is inevitable that some operations will have to occur in the cloud. By the time M4-based servers could be operational in data centers, Apple's new AI strategy should be well underway.

In line with broader industry expectations, Pu also expects Apple to announce on-device AI features at WWDC in June, such as audio recording summarization, photo and video editing, and live translation. While the iPhone 16 lineup will tout a range of AI features, 2025's iPhone 17 models will apparently be more focused AI devices.

Apple's first foldable devices will reach mass production in 2025 and 2026, according to Haitong analyst Jeff Pu.

In a note to investors seen by MacRumors, Pu said that foldable devices are increasingly visible in Apple's supply chain with accelerating progress. The company is expected to release a large-screen foldable iPad or MacBook to kick-off its foray into the product category before launching a higher volume foldable iPhone.

One Apple foldable with a 20.3-inch display will apparently start production in late 2025, which is sooner than previously expected. This time frame is said to be supported by information from Korean display makers, as well as American and Taiwanese hinge manufacturers.

Apple's first foldable iPhone will allegedly feature a 7.9-inch or 8.3-inch display. The company may launch two foldables with these two display size options, or it may opt for a single display size option only. The foldable ‌iPhone‌ could form a new ultra-high end smartphone line for Apple. The device is currently scheduled to reach mass production late 2026, a year after the 20.3-inch foldable.

Do you sometimes struggle to maintain focus while you're working, or find it difficult to unwind and relax at the end of the day? Believe it or not, your iPhone could help with that. Keep reading to learn how.

If you are looking to minimize distractions when you focus on something, or just want to zone out after a hard day's work, it's well worth checking out the Background Sounds feature on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you are at home or in a public place, you can play calming sounds with just a few taps on your device to help you concentrate or rest.

In iOS and iPadOS, Apple's Background Sounds include balanced, bright, and dark noise, as well as natural sounds like ocean, rain, and stream. All of the sounds can be set to play in the background to mask unwanted environmental or external noise, and the sounds mix into or duck under other audio and system sounds, so you don't have to drown out what's important to you.

Enable Background Sounds on iPhone and iPad

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Under "Hearing," tap Audio & Visual.
   
   

4. Tap Background Sounds, then tap the switch to turn on Background Sounds on the next screen.
5. Tap Sound to choose a sound effect. Choose from Balanced Noise, Bright Noise, Dark Noise, Ocean, Rain, and Stream.
   

Your device will need to download individual sound effects when you play them for the first time, so make sure you have an internet connection, but after that you can play the background sound wherever you are.

Note that the last screen in the steps optionally lets you set the volume of the sound, and includes an additional option to automatically stop the sound when you lock your device.

Accessibility Shortcut Access

Once you have downloaded the background sounds, you can quickly start and stop the audio via an Accessibility Shortcut. Here's how to set one up.

Set Up the Accessibility Shortcut

1. Tap through to Settings ➝ Accessibility.
2. Select Accessibility Shortcut near the bottom of the menu.
3. Tap Background Sounds to select it. You can also drag the three lines icon at the far right to change the order in which it appears in the shortcuts menu.

You can triple click your iPhone's Side button to access the Accessibility Shortcut at any time. Alternatively, you can add an Accessibility Shortcut button to your device's Control Center in the following way.

Access Accessibility Shortcut

1. Tap through to Settings ➝ Control Center.
2. Find Accessibility Shortcuts under the "More Controls" list and then tap the entry to include it in Control Center.

Once that's done, swipe from the top-right corner of your screen to bring up Control Center, then simply tap Accessibility Shortcut button and then tap Background Sounds to turn the audio on or off.

Background sounds are also available on Macs running macOS Ventura or later. Check out our dedicated how-to article for all the details.

Apple's iPhone 17 Plus or "‌iPhone‌ 17 Slim" will feature a 6.55-inch display, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young.

In a post to subscribers on X (formerly Twitter), Young added to a report first shared yesterday by Haitong International Securities Jeff Pu. Pu claimed that the ‌iPhone‌ 17 Plus, rumored to launch in 2025, could be replaced by an "iPhone 17 Slim."

Pu said that the ‌iPhone‌ 17 Slim will feature a 6.6-inch display, which is a slight reduction on the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 Plus, which feature a 6.69-inch OLED display. Now, Young has clarified that the device will feature a 6.55-inch display. This is a reduction of two percent over the previous, current, and next-generation models.

A smaller display would help differentiate the larger ‌iPhone‌ 17 model from the ‌iPhone‌ 17 Pro Max, while remaining larger than the ‌iPhone‌ 17 and ‌iPhone‌ 17 Pro, which are expected to feature 6.1- and 6.3-inch displays, respectively.

While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from launching, an early rumor about an all-new iPhone 17 model has now surfaced.

In a research note with investment firm Haitong this week, analyst Jeff Pu said Apple is planning a so-called "iPhone 17 Slim" model that would replace the Plus model in the lineup. Pu said this model will feature around a 6.6-inch display, a slimmer design, an A18 or A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, a 24-megapixel front camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera.

More specifically, display industry analyst Ross Young said this iPhone 17 model will have a 6.55-inch display. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch display.

Pu expects the iPhone 17 Slim to have an aluminum chassis, rather than a titanium casing like the Pro models. He expects the device to have some external design changes, but he did not share any specific details.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, so some of these reported features could change.

A reference to an unreleased "Apple Pencil Pro" has been spotted in the source code for Apple's homepage in Japan. We have independently confirmed that the code exists, but it would be unsurprising if Apple removes it after it was discovered.

This finding suggests that an Apple Pencil Pro could be announced at the Apple Event tomorrow. However, given the code does not appear on Apple's homepage in the U.S. or other countries, there is a chance that the Japanese website made a translation error.

A computer translation of the source code:

Folded green, yellow, orange and blue paper forms the Apple logo. Inside the logo, you can see the creator's hand holding the Apple Pencil Pro and drawing.

Regardless of whether the Apple Pencil Pro name is used, a new Apple Pencil is expected to be announced at the Apple Event. Rumored features include a new "squeeze" gesture and haptic feedback, while Vision Pro support is also a possibility by visionOS 2.

It is likely that the Apple Pencil Pro would replace the second-generation Apple Pencil, released in 2018. Other models available include the Apple Pencil with USB-C, and the original Apple Pencil from 2015, which is expected to be discontinued once Apple stops selling the ninth-generation iPad with a Lightning connector.

Other products expected to be announced at the Apple Event include two new iPad Pro models with Apple's next-generation M4 chip, a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air to go along with an updated 10.9-inch model, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPads.

Apple today updated Apple.com with a teaser for tomorrow's event, adding an interactive erasing feature that seems to hint at a refreshed version of the Apple Pencil.

Hovering over the Apple logo and moving the mouse allows the current artwork to be erased and replaced with a new logo design. Apple created a total of six logos for the May 7 "Let Loose" event, and the interactive eraser cycles through those options.

The event is expected to focus on new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but rumors suggest the iPads will also be accompanied by an overhauled ‌Apple Pencil‌ and a refreshed version of the Magic Keyboard.

Code in iOS 17.5 mentions an ‌Apple Pencil‌ with a "squeeze" gesture, so it is possible that the new model that's coming will have a hardware-based erase option enabled with a squeeze. The current ‌Apple Pencil‌ models do not have a universal erase feature that works across apps, and adding such an option would likely be popular with users.

Apple today highlighted five new games coming to Apple Arcade over the next month.

The new titles include:

• Rabbids: Legends of the Multiverse: Adventure card battler in the popular Rayman series from Ubisoft.
• Return to Monkey Island+: A modern take on the classic point-and-click adventure.
• Tomb of the Mask+: Tomb-raiding platformer game with an eye-catching retro style.
• Fabulous - Wedding Disaster+: Wedding-themed time management game.
• Where Cards Fall: Spatial puzzle game for Apple Vision Pro.

Throughout May, there will also be updates to current ‌Apple Arcade‌ games like Hello Kitty Island Adventure, WHAT THE CAR?, and Ridiculous Fishing EX, with further updates to come in June.

Accessible through the App Store, ‌Apple Arcade‌ is a subscription-based service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro, all free of ads and in-app purchases. The service received its first price increase last year, with U.S. pricing rising from $4.99 to $6.99 per month.

Apple today announced that iOS 17.5 will be released to the public "soon," following over a month of beta testing. While the software update is relatively minor, it does have a few new features and changes, as outlined in the list below.

"The new Pride Radiance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpapers will be available soon with watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5," said Apple, in its press release introducing a new Pride Edition band for the Apple Watch.

Below, we have recapped everything new in the iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 betas so far.

Web Distribution

Starting with the second beta of iOS 17.5, eligible developers are able to distribute their iOS apps to iPhone users located in the EU directly on the web, instead of through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.

"Web Distribution" is limited to larger developers based in the EU. To qualify for this distribution method, Apple says the developer must be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more, and have an app that had more than one million annual installs on iOS in the EU in the prior calendar year.

"Web Distribution" builds upon the alternative app marketplaces that Apple already allows on the iPhone in the EU starting with iOS 17.4. Apple has made these app-related changes to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Quartiles

iOS 17.5 includes a fun addition for Apple News+ subscribers: a daily word game called Quartiles.

Quartiles tasks you with combining tiles to form words and earn points. Each puzzle starts with a grid of 20 tiles, and words can be formed with one to four tiles. A quartile is a four-tile word, and if you find all five in each puzzle, you earn a 40-point bonus. The website Gadget Hacks shared a walkthrough of the game with more details.

Quartiles is the third puzzle game included with an Apple News+ subscription, alongside Crossword and Crossword Mini. Starting with the iOS 17.5 beta, all three games integrate with Game Center to display leaderboards.

On an iPhone updated to the iOS 17.5 beta, Quartiles can be found in the Apple News app under the Following tab → Puzzles. The game is also available on the iPad and Mac starting with the iPadOS 17.5 and macOS 14.5 betas.

Apple News+ is available in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K., but the puzzle games seem to be limited to the U.S. and Canada for now.

Repair Mode

iOS 17.5 introduces a "Repair State" option that lets an ‌iPhone‌ be sent in for service without deactivating Find My and Activation Lock.

Color-Changing Apple Podcasts Widget

While listening to a podcast on the iOS 17.5 beta, the background color of the Apple Podcasts widget changes to match the podcast's cover art. This feature was first added in the iOS 17.4 beta, but it was removed before that update was released.

Mobile Device Management

As noted by Aaron Perris, MDM solutions can enforce an iOS beta version during Automated Device Enrollment starting with the iOS 17.5 beta.

Code Changes

Battery Health Menu for Future iPads

The first iPadOS 17.5 beta added several new references to a Battery Health menu on the iPad, but the feature is not actually visible yet. The menu is expected to show an iPad battery's maximum remaining capacity and charge cycle count.

A sample of the code strings added in the iPadOS 17.5 beta:

• "iPad must be regularly used while not connected to power to show maximum capacity."
• "This is the number of times iPad has used your battery's capacity."
• "The iPad battery is performing as expected."
• "iPad batteries, like all rechargeable batteries, have a limited lifespan and may eventually need to be serviced or replaced."
• "The original battery was designed to retain X capacity at X cycles under ideal conditions. Actual battery performance depends on a number of variables, including how iPad is used and charged regularly. The one-year warranty includes service for defective batteries in addition to rights provided under local consumer laws."

There is no visible Battery Health menu on any existing iPad models running the iPadOS 17.5 beta, leading us to believe that the menu may be limited to the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models that are expected to launch this month, and likely other new iPads released in the future. Apple has shown battery capacity information on iPhones for many years, but cycle count information is currently limited to the latest iPhone 15 series.

New Apple Pencil

In the iPadOS 17.5 beta, there are potential references to a new fourth-generation Apple Pencil, amid rumors that the accessory will be updated soon.

The beta includes a hidden code reference to a "V4" version of the Apple Pencil:

NumberOfApplePencilV1ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV2ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV3ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV4ConnectionsCount

A new Apple Pencil is rumored to launch alongside updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models this month. Apple refers to the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil released last year as the third-generation Apple Pencil in iOS code, so the fourth-generation model would be a new version that would likely succeed the second-generation Apple Pencil.

Additional code in the iOS 17.5 beta suggests that the Apple Pencil could gain a "squeeze" gesture for certain actions, and haptic feedback is also expected.

Third-Party Item Tracker Alerts

Apple and Google last year jointly announced a proposed industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth item trackers for unwanted tracking of individuals. As part of this initiative, Apple promised to expand AirTag-like "Found Moving With You" alerts to third-party item trackers in a future software update, which turns out to be iOS 17.5.

The first iOS 17.5 beta added references to alerts for third-party item trackers. For example: "You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item."

Tile, Chipolo, Samsung, Eufy, and Pebblebee all expressed support for the industry specification, according to Apple's announcement last year.

In related news, Google launched its own Find My Device network last month.

Block All Participants in Group FaceTime Calls

iOS 17.5 beta code indicates that there may be a new "Block All Participants" option for group FaceTime calls, which could help users to fight spam.

Amazon has new all-time low prices on Apple's 15-inch M3 MacBook Air today, starting at $1,149.99 for the 256GB model. In order to see these discounts you'll need to clip an on-page coupon and then head to the checkout screen.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

You can also get the 8GB RAM/512GB model for $1,349.99 and the 16GB RAM/512GB model for $1,549.99, both of which are $149 off their original prices. These computers just debuted in March 2024, featuring faster M3 chips, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina displays, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, six-speaker sound system, two USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

There are also a few 13-inch M3 MacBook Air models on sale at Amazon, including the 256GB model for $999.00 and the 512GB model for $1,199.00, which are $100 discounts. Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

Apple today announced a new Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch band, watch face, and wallpaper.

The band features a fluorescent design inspired by multiple pride flags with a laser-etched lug that reads "PRIDE 2024." Black, Hispanic, and Latin communities, as well as those impacted by HIV/AIDS, are represented on the band by the black and brown colors, while transgender and non-binary individuals and represented by the pink, light blue, and white colors.

The band is accompanied by a new Pride Radiance watch face and wallpaper for iOS and iPadOS, in which beams of light glow against a dark background and stack on top of each other. On the Apple Watch, the colors trace each numeral of the watch face and react in real time as the wearer moves their wrist based on gyroscope input. On the iPhone and iPad, beams of color spell out "Pride" and dynamically move when the user unlocks the device. For the first time, the Pride watch face and wallpapers can be customized to show specific colors representing LGBTQ+ communities.

The new braided Solo Loop will be available starting May 22. The new Pride Radiance watch face and ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ wallpaper will be available "soon" with the release of watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Amazon today has Apple's AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 with Lightning Charging Case on sale, with up to $49 in savings on these earbuds. For the AirPods 3, this is the first time we've tracked a discount on the device since February.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

The AirPods 2 are on sale for $79.99, down from $129.00, and the AirPods 3 with Lightning Charging Case are on sale for $139.99, down from $169.00. This discount on the AirPods 2 beats the sale we've been tracking over the past few weeks by about $10.

Shipping times have started slipping on the AirPods 3, with estimates currently given for May 17-22 for most residences in the United States. If you're looking for a Pro model, Amazon also has the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C on sale for $179.99, down from $249.00.

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

Update: The AirPods 3 deal has expired.

Apple will be holding its first event of the year this Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube.

How long will the event be? In his newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the video will have a runtime of "around 35 minutes."

Apple is expected to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, along with updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories.

Here are the latest rumors:

• Two new iPad Pro models with the M4 chip, OLED displays, a thinner enclosure, thinner bezels, a matte screen option, a landscape-oriented front camera, other design changes, and possibly MagSafe wireless charging.
• Two new iPad Air models with the M2 chip and a landscape-oriented front camera, including a first-ever 12.9-inch iPad Air.
• A new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro with an aluminum enclosure, larger trackpad, and other design tweaks.
• A new Apple Pencil with haptic feedback and a "squeeze" gesture for certain actions. Vision Pro support is also possible, but might come with visionOS 2.

The event is taking place just over a month before Apple's annual developers conference WWDC, which runs from June 10 through June 14.

Apple will hold its first media event of 2024 on Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time through a live stream. Titled "Let Loose," the event is expected to see the unveiling of new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, along with updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories.

There are several ways to watch the May 7 event, with details listed below. We've also included a useful guide on when the event will take place in your particular time zone.

Apple Events Website

With the Apple Events website, you can watch the event live on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, PC, or any other device with a web browser. The Apple Events website works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other main browsers.

Just navigate to www.apple.com/apple-events/ using a web browser at the appropriate time to watch. You can visit the site now to add an event reminder to your calendar.

YouTube

Apple also plans to stream the event live on YouTube, which is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to watch because the YouTube live stream can be viewed on every platform where YouTube is available, which is pretty much all platforms, from smartphones and tablets to consoles and smart TVs.

Apple has posted a placeholder for the May 7 event on YouTube, and you can visit it now to set an event reminder through YouTube.

Apple TV App

Apple used to have a dedicated Apple Events app on the Apple TV, but ahead of WWDC in June 2020, it folded into the Apple TV app. On event day, there will be a prominent ‌Apple TV‌ app section dedicated to the live stream, which can be watched on any device where the ‌Apple TV‌ app is available.

This includes the ‌Apple TV‌, iPhones, iPads, Macs, and some smart TVs. If you have an ‌Apple TV‌, the ‌Apple TV‌ app is one of the best ways to watch the event live. Apple hasn't updated the ‌Apple TV‌ app with the new event as of yet, but it should be added soon.

Event Time Zones

Apple's "Let Loose" event will take place at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, which is an earlier start than usual, so keep that in mind if you're used to operating on Apple's more traditional event schedule. Event times in other time zones are listed below.

• Honolulu, Hawaii — 4:00 a.m. HST
• Anchorage, Alaska — 6:00 a.m. AKDT
• Cupertino, California — 7:00 a.m. PDT
• Phoenix, Arizona — 7:00 a.m. MST
• Vancouver, Canada — 7:00 a.m. PDT
• Denver, Colorado — 8:00 a.m. MDT
• Dallas, Texas — 9:00 a.m. CDT
• New York, New York — 10:00 a.m. EDT
• Toronto, Canada — 10:00 a.m. EDT
• Halifax, Canada — 11:00 a.m. ADT
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 11:00 a.m. BRT
• London, United Kingdom — 3:00 p.m. BST
• Berlin, Germany — 4:00 p.m. CEST
• Paris, France — 4:00 p.m. CEST
• Cape Town, South Africa — 4:00 p.m. SAST
• Helsinki, Finland — 5:00 p.m. EEST
• Istanbul, Turkey — 5:00 p.m. TRT
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates — 6:00 p.m. GST
• Delhi, India — 7:30 p.m. IST
• Jakarta, Indonesia — 9:00 p.m. WIB
• Shanghai, China — 10:00 p.m. CST
• Singapore — 10:00 p.m. SGT
• Perth, Australia — 10:00 p.m. AWST
• Hong Kong — 10:00 p.m. HKT
• Seoul, South Korea — 11:00 p.m. KST
• Tokyo, Japan — 11:00 p.m. JST
• Adelaide, Australia — 11:30 p.m. ACST
• Sydney, Australia — 12:00 midnight AEST
• Auckland, New Zealand — 2:00 a.m. NZST next day

MacRumors Coverage

If you're not able to watch or just want to follow along with us as we watch the event unfold, visit MacRumors.com for our liveblog or follow us on Twitter at MacRumorsLive for our live tweet coverage.

Both the MacRumors site and our X (Twitter) account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so be sure to stay tuned.

It's been a long time since the last one, but an Apple event is finally right around the corner! While it's anticipated to be a fairly short pre-recorded affair, we're expecting to see the first updates to the iPad lineup in over a year and half, so make sure to tune in to see what Apple has in store.

Other news and rumors this week included a couple of product introductions from Apple's Beats brand, a roundup of rumors about updates to Apple's stock apps coming in iOS 18, and more changes to Apple's policies in the EU related to the Digital Markets Act, so read on below for all the details!

What to Expect From the May 7 Apple Event

Apple's first event of 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, and we've put together our usual pre-event guide outlining what we're expecting to see on Tuesday. Several new products are expected to be unveiled, including two new iPad Pro models, two new iPad Air models, an updated Apple Pencil, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPads.

One rumor was particularly surprising this week, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said there is a "strong possibility" that the new iPad Pro models will be equipped with Apple's next-generation M4 chip, rather than the M3 chip that debuted in the MacBook Pro and iMac six months ago. Gurman believes the M4 chip will have an upgraded Neural Engine that is able to process artificial intelligence (AI) tasks faster.

In addition, the new Apple Pencil is rumored to feature haptic feedback.

Will the New iPad Pro Really Have the M4 Chip?

Will the next iPad Pro models be equipped with the M4 chip instead of the M3 chip, or will this rumor end up being as wrong as the flat-edged Apple Watch Series 7 from a few years ago?

While it would be unprecedented for an M-series chip to debut in an iPad before a Mac, there is some evidence to suggest that the rumor might be true, so check out our story for more details about this possibility.

Beats Solo Buds Launching in June for Just $79.99

Apple unveiled two new Beats headphone models this week, including the on-ear Beats Solo 4 and the compact Beats Solo Buds.

Launching in June, the Beats Solo Buds are particularly interesting given their competitive $79.99 price point. Key features include ear tips with four size options, up to 18 hours of battery life, a USB-C carrying case, and Find My support on iOS and Android. However, the Solo Buds lack active noise cancellation, and the carrying case does not have a built-in battery.

In other Beats news, LeBron James and Daniel Ricciardo have been seen in public carrying an unreleased speaker very clearly descended from the discontinued Beats Pill family, so it looks like the popular portable speaker may be making a comeback in the not too distant future.

iOS 18 Rumored to Add New Features to These 16 Apps on Your iPhone

Apple's annual developers conference WWDC is now under six weeks away, and that means the iOS 18 beta is just around the corner.

iOS 18 is rumored to include major upgrades to many built-in iPhone apps, including Apple Music, Messages, Calculator, Notes, Safari, and others. We recently recapped new features that are expected on a per-app basis, so check out the list for a complete overview.

Apple Confirms iPadOS Will Get Same EU App Changes as iOS This Fall

All of the app-related changes recently introduced on iPhones in the EU will also be available on iPads in the EU starting later this fall, according to Apple.

This news comes after the EU ruled that the iPad is a "gatekeeper" platform. Apple has six months to comply with the Digital Markets Act on the iPad, so alternative app marketplaces, support for web browser engines other than WebKit, and more will likely be available by iPadOS 18.1.

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Some Swift Student Challenge winners today began receiving congratulatory certificates from Apple, with one Distinguished Winner sharing a images of the letter he received from Apple.

We're honored to recognize you as a Distinguished Winner of the 2024 Swift Student Challenge. Your app playground stands among the best of the best in this year's challenge, demonstrating your creativity, passion for coding, and commitment to building great apps.

You've truly inspired us and we can't wait to see what you do next!

Apple this year picked a total of 350 winners, including 50 Distinguished Winners. Winners are meant to receive AirPods Max headphones, but Apple appears to be sending that reward in a separate shipment.

While all 350 Swift Student Challenge winners were eligible to apply to attend Apple's June 10 WWDC special event at Apple Park, the Distinguished Winners are being invited to Cupertino for a three-day ‌Apple Park‌ event that also includes time to interface with Apple engineers.

Apple's annual Swift Student Challenge tasks students with creating an innovative coding project using the Swift Playgrounds app. Projects are judged based on technical accomplishment, creativity of ideas, and the content of the written responses that explain the project.