Apple iPhone Event set for September 14th

Apple’s next big fall event will take place on Tuesday, September 14th at 1PM ET, the company announced. The event, which carries the tagline “California streaming,” will be another virtual event broadcast from Apple Park.The company typically announces the year’s new iPhones at the fall event, and this year’s entry is expected to be called the iPhone 13. We also expect to see a new Apple Watch as well as new AirPods.

The new series of phones will apparently come in the same sizes as the iPhone 12, but a headline feature for some models could be high refresh rate screens, finally delivering tech that has been available on many Android phones. The new phones are also expected to have smaller display notches and improved cameras. It’s hard to pull specific clues from Apple’s static event invite, though the darkening sky might suggest we’ll see improved night mode photography. And perhaps the glowing Apple logo is hinting toward an always-on lock screen for the iPhone. 

The next Apple Watch, reportedly called the Apple Watch Series 7, is rumored to have a new design with flatter edges and larger 41mm and 45mm screens, a 1mm bump from the Series 6. (Though, the new Watch is reportedly facing manufacturing issues that could lead to delays.) Apple’s next entry-level AirPods may have a new design that takes cues from the AirPods Pro. New 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros equipped with the company’s custom-designed chips and an SD card slot are also rumored to be on the way. The event arrives following a tough few weeks for Apple. The company delayed controversial child protection features after intense criticism from privacy and security experts. Apple announced a number of recent App Store policy changes, though they only mildly address developer concerns. And with proposed legislation in multiple countries, increased regulatory scrutiny, and the looming verdict in the Epic Games v. Apple trial, we could be on the precipice of profound changes in the way Apple operates.

iPhone 13 Feature Leak - Portrait Video mode and more!

Apple is about a month away from announcing the new flagship iPhone lineup for 2021, colloquially dubbed the iPhone 13. 

While the exterior industrial design of the phones won’t change much this year — aside from a visibly smaller notch cutout at the top of the display — Bloomberg reports that a big focus for the higher-end iPhone 13 Pro  and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be camera upgrades with new features when shooting video and taking photos …

Bloomberg specifically mentions the addition of a Portrait mode when shooting video, expanding Apple’s synthetic background blur effect beyond static photos. Portrait mode was first introduced with the dual-camera iPhone 7 Plus in 2016.

Earlier this year, leaker Max Weinbach said that iPhone 13 Portrait mode would use new algorithmsthat incorporate data from the LiDAR scanner, as well as support video output.

The report also says that the iPhone 13 Pro models will also be able to record in the ProRes video format for the first time, offering higher-quality output for creative professionals. The Apple ProRes format was developed by Apple more than a decade ago, and now supports up to 8K resolutions. Final Cut Pro is coded to efficiently handle and edit ProRes content, and is widely used in the professional video industry for delivering final rendered projects.

As far as photography is concerned, Apple is said to be using a new “filters” system to improve photo color reproduction. Unlike the existing filters in the Camera app, these new versions will be smarter and “precisely apply changes to objects and people using artificial intelligence,” according to Bloomberg. This will likely be assisted by an upgraded image signal processor in the Apple A15 chip, Apple’s next-generation custom SoC.

The iPhone 13 will come in the same four screen sizes as iPhone 12, with one “mini” 5.4-inch size, a standard and pro 6.1-inch size and the largest 6.7-inch pro size. 

Today’s Bloomberg report did not say for certain whether the phones will feature 120Hz ProMotion screens, but said that they will include “new screen technology that could enable a faster refresh rate for smoother scrolling.” Other rumors have indicated that ProMotion would be limited to the two high-end “Pro” models.

From leaked schematics and dummy units, we already have seen how the lenses of the iPhone 13 are getting substantially larger, another hint at forthcoming camera improvements. 

We currently expect the iPhone 13 to be announced in early September and ship later in the same month.

iOS 15 Beta is here. Here's where to grab it.

This is your opportunity to get a glimpse of the future of iOS, iPadOS and watchOS. Apple just released the first public beta of iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8. Those releases are the next major versions of the operating systems for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Unlike developer betas, everyone can download these betas — you don’t need a $99 developer account. But don’t forget, it’s a beta.

The company still plans to release the final version of iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8 this fall. But Apple is going to release betas every few weeks over the summer. It’s a good way to fix as many bugs as possible and gather data from a large group of users.

As always, Apple’s public betas closely follow the release cycle of developer betas. Apple also released the second developer beta of iOS and iPadOS 15 today. So it sounds like the first public beta is more or less the same build as the second developer build.

But remember, you shouldn’t install a beta on your primary iPhone or iPad. The issue is not just bugs — some apps and features won’t work at all. In some rare cases, beta software can also brick your device and make it unusable. You may even lose data on iCloud. Proceed with extreme caution.

But if you have an iPad, iPhone or Apple Watch you don’t need, here’s how to download it. Head over to Apple’s beta website from the device you want to use for the beta and download the configuration profile — do that from your iPhone for the watchOS beta. It’s a tiny file that tells your device to update to public betas like it’s a normal software update.

Once it’s installed, reboot your device, then head over to the Settings (or Watch) app. You should see an update. In September, your device should automatically update to the final version of iOS 15, iPadOS 15 or watchOS 8 and you’ll be able to delete the configuration profile.

The biggest change of iOS 15 is a new Focus mode. In addition to “Do not disturb,” you can configure various modes — you can choose apps and people you want notifications from and change your focus depending on what you’re doing. For instance, you can create a Work mode, a Sleep mode, a Workout mode, etc.

There are many new features across the board, such as a new Weather app, updated maps in Apple Maps, an improved version of FaceTime with SharePlay and more. Safari also has a brand-new look.

Apple wants to replace your wallet with the Apple Watch

Before you leave your house in the morning, you probably check your pockets for three things: your phone, keys, and wallet. But if Apple’s plans for its smartwatch pan out, you might just need to make sure you have one thing on you: your Apple Watch.

As part of the watchOS 8 software update, available as a public beta in the coming weeks, the Apple Watch will be able to present digital ID cards, which will eventually include licenses, and lock and unlock everything from your front door to your car.

“This is kind of our vision for eventually replacing the physical wallet where you just have everything you need...right on your wrist,” Deidre Caldbeck, director of Apple Watch product marketing, told Yahoo Finance.

Of course, you’ll need a few additional pieces of technology to make it all work as seamlessly as Apple proposes, including the appropriate Apple Watch version, compatible door locks, and, well, a car that supports the company’s wallet capabilities.

Apple isn’t alone in its effort, either. Google is working on Android support for digital driver’s licenses and car keys. Samsung is also working on its own digital keys. And automakers still need to bring support to their future vehicles.

But with the right pieces in place, the Apple Watch could become your wallet and keys of the future.

Apple has offered its Wallet app on the Apple Watch since it first launched in 2015. Users add their credit cards via the Wallet app on the iPhone, which pulls them onto the watch. Double tapping the button on the side of the Apple Watch pulls up your available credit cards, which you can pay with at any wireless payment terminal.

But the Wallet app has gone well beyond credit cards. In certain states, you can already use a digital version of your car insurance card to present as proof of insurance when you’re pulled over. And just like your credit cards, you can pull your insurance card up on your Apple Watch.

And now the company is adding ID cards to the Wallet app.

“We're early on this, obviously,” Apple VP of technology Kevin Lynch explained. “You'll be able to have it in your Wallet. You can see your ID there like your other cards. And then you can present that if you choose to, for example, TSA.”

When presenting your driver’s license, your watch will display information like your name, age, address, and other information based on what you’re required to show.

“Very much like how Apple Pay works, you can digitally present it, and the information can show up for the person who is looking at your ID,” Lynch said. “And we manage which information is available to which person. Kind of like you do in [the Health app].”

You'll soon be able to put your driver's license on your Apple Watch.

The concept of bringing your personal ID to the Apple Watch is incredibly enticing. I’ve found myself walking around my neighborhood without my wallet on multiple occasions figuring I could use my watch to pay for things if I needed to jump into a store, only to realize I need my license if I decide to pick up wine. Oh, let’s face it, it’s actually White Claw.

Of course, it will take time for the technology to roll out, and each state will likely have different rules as to whether digital IDs can serve as substitutes for physical copies. But New York state and even the federal government are already lookinginto ways for digital IDs to become a reality.

There are, however, potential pitfalls to such a move. The American Civil Liberties Union, for example, points to the risk of increased ID checks online or by authorities. The organization also warns of tracking capabilities being used as part of digital ID programs.

“A digital system could enhance user privacy and control if done right — but it could also become an infrastructure for invading privacy and increasing the leverage and control of government agencies and companies over individuals,” the organization says in its report “Identity Crisis: What digital driver’s licenses could mean for privacy, equity, and freedom.”

Apple, however, says that neither it, nor the authority that provides your ID, will be able to track when or where you’ve shown it. That, though, doesn’t address the issue of increased ID checks that the ACLU warns of.

It’s not just your ID and credit cards, though. Lynch explained that watchOS 8 will also allow users to lock, unlock, and start their cars from their Apple Watches.

“It's a lot of fun to be able to just walk up to your car and have it unlock and then drive,” Lynch said. “I think where we're at right now, with this kind of keys to the world type thing that we're working on here with Apple Watch.”

The Apple Watch will soon be able to unlock and start your car. Though, your car will need to support the technology, too.

Of course, you’ll also need a car that can interact with the Apple Watch to make all of this work. That means a car that supports technologies like near-field communication (NFC) and Ultra Wideband (UWB) connections. Your Apple Watch will also need to offer those features. So if you have anything other than the Apple Watch Series 6, UWB is out.

So what's to prevent someone from stealing your Apple Watch and making off with your car, or stealing your license? The same thing that prevents them from stealing your credit cards: your watch's passcode. If someone manages to grab your watch, it will lock the minute it's off your wrist. To unlock it and access your personal information and keys, you'll need to reenter your passcode. Without it, the watch can pretty much just tell you the time.

What's more, the Apple Watch's unlock feature will only work close to your car, similar to your keys. You'll also need to be seated in the driver's seat to start your car with your watch. Essentially, it'll be no different than a pair of keys, with the convenience of them now being a part of your watch.

What about when your watch dies? Well, then it's time to go back to the old standbys of your physical ID and keys. In other words, you'll still want to keep your wallet and keys nearby.

Apple’s watchOS 8 beta is expected to launch this summer, with the final release coming later this fall. Stay tuned for a full review of the update. And while it will take some time for states and automakers to catch up with Apple’s ambitions, a world in which your ID and keys live on your wrist doesn’t seem too far off.

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