Main stories: practices with AirPods Max, Apple Fitness + Debuts, iPhone 13 and rumors of Apple TV

Things have been very busy this week in the world of Apple, even with the holidays fast approaching. This week, Apple has released several releases in hardware and software programs, including AirPods Max, Fitness +, and other new features and enhancements as part of iOS 14.3 and associated operating system updates.

We also had some rumors about the iPhone 13 and Apple TV, while Facebook and Apple remain embroiled in a growing dispute over Apple’s upcoming move to require permission before companies can track online activity. of users for personalized advertising purposes. Keep reading for details on all of these stories.

Practices with AirPods max

Apple’s new AirPods Max headphones were released this week and we grabbed a pair to see if it’s worth the $ 549 price tag. We also shared impressions from reviewers and customers.

The AirPods Max have a premium design, with a breathable mesh headband that connects to memory foam headphones with stainless steel telescopic arms and a large digital crown that provides precise, tactile volume control. However, there is no power button, which will disappoint some users.

The sound quality and active noise cancellation are stunning with the AirPods Max and are competitive with headphones above the ears of competent brands like Sony and Bose. And with an Apple-designed H1 chip in each headset, the AirPods Max include instant pairing and automatic switching for Apple devices, a longer Bluetooth range and more.

While AirPods Max are quite heavy, headphones have been quite comfortable in our experience, at least for shorter periods of time. Some users have found that the headphones were heavier on the ears than on the head, as Apple says it designed the headband to distribute the weight and reduce pressure on the head.

Overall, the AirPods Max are certainly a pair of quality headphones, but the average person should definitely consider alternative headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose 700 noise canceling headphones by the hundreds. of dollars less.

Apple Fitness + launches with a free trial available

Apple’s new fitness service, Fitness +, is now available and offers Apple Watch users studio-style guided exercise videos in a variety of categories, including high-intensity interval workouts, yoga , dance, run, walk, bike, strength and more. Apple says new content will be added to the service each week.

Fitness + requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, although workout videos can be viewed on an iPhone or iPad without having an Apple Watch nearby once the service is set up. Videos can also be viewed on an Apple TV, but an Apple Watch is always required.

The main feature of Fitness + is that it integrates personal metrics such as the Apple Watch heart rate to motivate users, encouraging them on screen during key moments of training. All workout videos also offer modifications for beginners or those who prefer a slower pace.

Priced at $ 9.99 per month or $ 79.99 per year, Fitness + automatically appears as a new tab in the Fitness app on iPhone devices running iOS 14.3 or later, while iPad users can get the app Fitness from the App Store for iPadOS 14.3 or later. On Apple TV, the Fitness app appears automatically once users upgrade to tvOS 14.3. At launch, the service is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Fitness + offers a free one-month trial to existing Apple Watch users and an extended three-month trial is available for customers who have purchased a new Apple Watch Series 3 or later after September 15, 2020.

Released for iOS 14.3: Everything New!

This week, Apple has released iOS 14.3 and iPadOS 14.3 after a long period of beta testing, and there are several new features in the software updates.

In addition to compatibility with Apple Fitness + and AirPods Max, other new features include support for Apple’s new ProRAW image format, a TV + tab dedicated to the TV app, a new pregnancy section in the Health app, privacy tags in the App Store and more. And for iPad users, the iPadOS 14.3 restores the ability to delete emails using the magic keyboard delete key.

Other software updates released this week include watchOS 7.2 with a new Cardio Fitness feature that measures VO₂ max, macOS 11.1, tvOS 14.3 and a 14.3 software update for HomePod and HomePod mini.

IPhone 13 Pro models are expected to adopt LTPO technology for a 120 Hz display

Two out of four iPhone 13 models to be launched next year (probably Pro and Pro Max) will use OLED displays with low-power LTPO technology, paving the way for a frequent 120Hz update, according to a report from the chain supply Korea this week.

LTPO technology would result in a more energy efficient backplane, which is responsible for turning individual pixels on and off the screen. In turn, this could allow a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and smoother movement without causing too much success in battery life. Similar to recent Apple Watch models, LTPO could also allow iPhone 13 models to have an ever-visible screen.

While some rumors had suggested that the iPhone 12 Pro models would support a 120Hz refresh rate, display industry analyst Ross Young said the exact opposite, noting that the feature will be added. next to LTPO in 2021. iPad Pro models support up to 120Hz from 2017.

The new Apple TV was finally expected next year

Apple is finally planning to launch a new Apple TV in 2021, according to Apple Nikkei Asian Review, more than three years after the last transmission box was updated.

The report did not reveal any potential, but previous rumors indicated that the new generation of Apple TV could be equipped with a variant of the A12 chip for faster performance and possibly a game controller that would be beneficial. for Apple Arcade. There may also be a new 128GB storage option, compared to a current 64GB maximum.

The current Apple TV 4K was launched in September 2017 and looks virtually identical to the previous generation Apple TV HD.

Apple responds to criticism against Facebook tracking, saying users deserve control and transparency

Apple has responded to Facebook’s criticism of an upcoming iOS 14 privacy measure, specifically a change that will require users to grant permission so that their activity can be tracked for personalized advertising purposes early next year .

Apple stressed that it welcomes in-app advertising and does not prohibit tracking, but simply requires apps to obtain explicit user consent to track users for personalized advertising purposes, providing users more control and transparency.

“We believe this is a simple matter of defending our users,” Apple said in a statement to MacRumors. “Users should know when their data is collected and shared among other apps and websites, and they should be able to allow it or not. Transparency of app tracking in iOS 14 doesn’t require Facebook to change its focus on tracking users and creating advertising guidelines simply requires users to be able to choose. “

Facebook claimed that Apple’s tracking change will have a “harmful impact on many small businesses struggling to stay in the fleet,” adding that the new policy is about “profits, not privacy.” Facebook said many apps and websites will have to start charging subscription fees or add more in-app purchase options to meet their prices, which will make the Internet “much more expensive”.

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