iFixit has completed its teardown of the new 10.2-inch iPad and uncovered the same 8,227 mAh/32.9 Wh battery as the sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad, while RAM has been increased from 2GB to 3GB.

The 10.2-inch iPad is similar to the sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad, with the same A10 Fusion chip and Apple Pencil support, but it has a larger display and a Smart Connector that enables support for Apple’s full-sized Smart Keyboard. Pricing continues to start at $329 in the United States.

Given the minor refresh, the 10.2-inch iPad has few hardware changes over the 9.7-inch iPad beyond the larger display, addition of a Smart Connector, and an extra GB of RAM. Repairability remains low due to strong adhesives and a soldered Lightning connector, although display repairs remain feasible.

This article, “10.2-Inch iPad Teardown Confirms 3GB of RAM and Same-Size Battery” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to make an impact in Hollywood by premiering feature-length movies to theaters before releasing them on its upcoming Apple TV+ streaming service.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has “made overtures to cinema chains and consulted with an entertainment executive” as it considers following a traditional theatrical release plan.

If Apple follows through with the plan of observing a significant period of theatrical exclusivity, it would be adopting a longstanding business model in the commercial cinema industry that’s also a proven route to awards eligibility, since film awards typically require a theatrical run for their candidates.

Theater chains want to attract audiences for as long as possible before they have the option to stream movies at home, with some requiring a 90-day period of exclusivity before movies go to home streaming services.

Netflix often releases its films in theaters before streaming them. However, adopting the plan could be perceived as risky for a new venture like Apple TV+, as Apple will likely want to use new content to attract and retain subscribers to its $4.99 per month streaming platform, due to arrive on iOS, Mac, and Apple TV in November.

This article, “Apple Movies Could Premiere in Cinemas Weeks Before Being Released on Apple TV+” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, Apple’s Mail app retains the swipe gestures of previous iOS versions that help you reduce the amount of time you spend managing messages in your inbox.

The basic inbox gestures still involve swiping right or left on an email to reveal tappable actions that you can perform instantly, without having to call up additional menus.

One of the default options that appear is the Flag action, which you might use to categorize a message that requests information needed by a certain date, for example.

Using only the swipe gesture, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Mail app provides only one color to use when flagging emails, but iOS 13 actually introduces support for multicolor flags – it’s just hidden away in the menu that appears when you hit the Reply button.

Tap the Flag button there, and you’ll reveal a submenu that allows you to choose one of seven colors, including the option to remove a flag. Note that whichever color you select here subsequently becomes the default color when you tap the Flag action or the More -> Mark… option via the inbox swipe gesture.

Did you know that you can customize the actions that appear when you use the Mail app’s inbox gestures? Click here to learn how.

This article, “How to Flag Emails Using Different Colors on iPhone and iPad” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple’s macOS Catalina update did not come out alongside iOS 13, with Apple instead planning to release it on an unspecified date in October.

While Apple has provided no detail on when the launch date might be, text on Apple’s Danish macOS Catalina website suggests that it could be coming on Friday, October 4.

Image from Apple’s Danish macOS Catalina site

An Apple Arcade section of the macOS Catalina website for Denmark says that Apple Arcade will be available in the App Store starting on October 4. The text is on the macOS Catalina page and refers to the Mac App Store as Apple Arcade for iOS has already launched in Denmark.

“Exceptional gameplay. Find it in the App Store from October 4,” reads the translated version of the site. No additional dates are provided on the Apple Arcade specific site, with the October 4 mention limited to the Catalina page.

Apple Arcade on the Mac requires the macOS Catalina update and is a macOS Catalina feature, so for Apple Arcade to be available on October 4, macOS Catalina would also need to be available by that date.

The problem with the October 4 date is that most macOS and OS X updates have historically been on a Monday or a Tuesday. The last time a Mac update came out on a Friday was OS X Snow Leopard, which was released 10 years ago.

Apple could potentially release macOS Catalina earlier in the week and then launch Apple Arcade on October 4, but it’s unclear why it wouldn’t simply be available when Catalina launches. If Apple’s Danish site is accurate, though, it seems we can expect to see macOS Catalina early in the month of October rather than later.

Apple’s other software updates, including iOS 13, iPadOS watchOS 6, and tvOS 13, have already been released and Apple Arcade is available on all other platforms except for the Mac at this time.

(Thanks, Boris!)

This article, “macOS Catalina Could Launch on October 4 According to Apple’s Danish Site” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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GarageBand, Apple’s music making app designed for iPhones and iPads, was today updated to version 2.3.8, introducing support for iOS 13 features.

The app now works with Dark Mode, and because GarageBand already had a darker interface, there are new lighter interface elements when used in Light Mode.

GarageBand also now supports accessing files from external hard drives, SD card readers, and USB drives through the files app.

Along with these iOS 13 features, GarageBand has improved audio fidelity of Apple Loops when making tempo and key changes, and a new downloadable “Skyline Heat” sound pack with a collection of more than 350 Hip Hop loops and six drum kits. Release notes are below:

– Support for Dark Mode and new Share sheet in iOS 13

– Access files from external hard drives, SD card readers, and USB drives

– Improves audio fidelity of Apple Loops when making tempo and key changes

– New downloadable “Skyline Heat” sound pack with a collection of over 350 new Hip Hop loops and 6 drum kits

GarageBand can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

This article, “GarageBand for iOS Gains Dark Mode, External Hard Drive Support” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple in iOS 13 introduced a new Sign in with Apple feature, which is designed to let you create accounts for apps and websites using your Apple ID, so you don’t have to give away your personal information.

Sign in with Apple is an alternative to the existing sign in with Google and Facebook options that apps and websites often offer. Apple’s version protects your privacy and even lets you mask your email address.

How Sign in with Apple Works

In an app that supports Sign in with Apple, there’s a “Continue with Apple” option that you’ll see when asked to create an account.

Tapping “Continue with Apple” explains that the feature is designed to let you sign into websites with the Apple ID that you already have. Developers don’t see your Apple ID and are only provided with your name and your email address, though there is also an option to hide your email address if desired.

Apps and websites get no personally identifiable information from you. When you use the feature, apps receive a unique identifier that is distinct for each developer, so there’s no cross-platform or cross-app tracking available.

With Sign in with Apple, developers and websites have no way of gathering information about you beyond the name that you provide and your email address, unless it’s hidden.

Hiding Your Email Address

When using Sign in with Apple, you can provide developers and websites with your email address, or you can use a hidden email address assigned by Apple that will then forward incoming correspondence to your real email address.

If you choose to use your real email address, you can use any email associated with your Apple ID.

If you choose to hide your email address, Apple generates a unique email address that developers and websites can communicate with. Apple deletes messages after delivery or after a short while if undeliverable.

Sign in with Apple Developer Requirements

Apple is requiring all apps that offer sign in with Google, sign in with Facebook, or sign in with Twitter options to also offer Sign in with Apple, but there is an April 2020 deadline, so the feature may not be available in apps right away. Eventually all apps that allow you to sign in with other accounts from Google, Twitter, and Facebook will also be required to offer Sign in with Apple.

Apps are not required to use Sign in with Apple as an option if signing in with a username and password is available, though developers certainly can if they choose to.

Websites aren’t required to use Sign in with Apple, but the option is available, and apps that also have websites do have Sign in with Apple implemented.

Where Sign in with Apple Works

Sign in with Apple works on the web and in iOS and Android apps. So if you have a login for an app that also has a website, you can use Sign in with Apple as a log in option in both places.

Using Sign in with Apple on the Web

When you use Sign in with Apple on the web, websites will request your Apple ID to log in, but the entire authentication process is handled by a separate window and done through Apple so the website never sees your Apple ID.

How to Change Your Forwarding Email

If you’re signing into an app, Apple uses your default Apple ID email address, but if you’re signing into a website, you can change your associated email address for forwarding purposes.

To do so, open up the Settings app, choose your Apple account (your picture) and then select Name, Phone Numbers, and Email.

Biometric Authentication

Apple protects your Sign in with Apple logins with Touch ID, Face ID, and passcode options so no one can sign in to your accounts but you. Biometric options are used where available, such as on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, with passwords used on Macs that don’t have biometric authentication options.

Two-Factor Authentication

On the web, all of your Sign in with Apple logins are protected by two-factor authentication, so you will need to confirm with a verified device just like you would when signing into iCloud on a new device. Two-factor authentication is required to use Sign in with Apple.

Managing Your Sign in with Apple Data

Apple maintains an on-device list of all of the apps and websites where you’ve used Sign in with Apple. Open up the Settings app, tap on your profile, choose Password & Security, and then tap on the “Apps Using Your Apple ID” option.

If you disable Sign in with Apple, the information that was shared with the developer to set up Sign in with Apple will continue to be available to the developer and handled according to the developer’s privacy policy.

Privacy

Apple doesn’t track what apps you’re using or where you have accounts, but Apple says that information about your Apple ID and your device use patterns could be used to help Apple prevent fraud. Developers do not see any data from you that you don’t provide.

This is the info WordPress got about me when signing up for an account with Sign in with Apple. No real info included.

The first time that you sign into an app or website, Apple shares a “simple numerical score” with the developer to prove that you’re a real person. The score is calculated from recent Apple account activity and “abstracted information about your device and usage patterns.”

Apple says that it knows if you’ve enabled Sign in with Apple for an app or a website, but it does not track the apps that you sign in to or when. Apple does not see or retain a history of which apps or websites you sign into or when you use Sign in with Apple, nor do developers receive this information.

Guide Feedback

Have questions about Sign in with Apple, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.

This article, “Sign in with Apple: What It Is and How It Works” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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A teardown of the 44mm Apple Watch Series 5 conducted by repair site iFixit found few design changes compared to the 44mm Apple Watch Series 4, but a subsequent teardown of the 40mm model has found some more significant design deviations.

The battery inside of the Apple Watch Series 5 has a new metal casing, likely constructed from aluminum, rather than the foil pouch that surrounds most lithium-ion batteries.

Based on an Apple patent, iFixit suggests that the new metal casing is designed to be a more space-efficient method for sealing batteries. The size of the battery compartment in the Series 5 doesn’t appear to have changed significantly over the Series 4 model, but the battery in the Series 5 offers 10 percent larger capacity than the Series 4 (0.944Wh vs. 0.858Wh).

Foil pouches feature a larger seal than the metal enclosure, so with the design change, Apple may have been able to use the space saved for a slightly larger battery.

New battery design on left, old design on right

iFixit says that the metal casing also makes the battery physically stronger, which is ideal for repair purposes. An aluminum enclosure makes it more difficult to puncture during repairs.

The new design is limited to the 40mm Apple Watch Series 5 and was not seen in the 44mm Series 5 model. iFixit says that it’s not clear why the updated design was used in one watch and not the other, but it could be that the smaller watch needed additional battery or Apple wanted a “low-key” way to test the design.

This article, “40mm Apple Watch Series 5 Features New Battery Design, 10% More Capacity” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released a second supplemental update for macOS Mojave 10.14.6, the current release version of macOS that’s available to the public.

The macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update can be downloaded by going to the “Software Update” section of System Preferences and selecting the Update Now option. There are also updates available for macOS Sierra and macOS High Sierra.

There’s little detail on what’s included in today’s update, but Apple’s release notes say that it “improves the security of macOS” and is recommended for all users. According to a support document, it addresses a vulnerability that could allow remote attacker to “cause unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.”

The next-generation version of macOS, macOS Catalina, is still in beta testing and is set to see a public release sometime in October, though Apple has not specified when.

This article, “Apple Releases macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update 2” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Though watchOS 6 is now available, the update has not been released for Series 1 and Series 2 models, so Apple today made a watchOS 5.3.2 update available for these devices.

watchOS 5.3.2 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General -> Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have over 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.

According to Apple’s release notes, the watchOS 5.3.2 update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users. A security support document says the watchOS 5.3.2 update includes a fix for a vulnerability that could allow a remote hacker to cause unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

Apple has not released watchOS 6 for the Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watch models, despite the fact that these devices will be getting the update.

Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watch owners may need to wait for the release of watchOS 6.1 to get watchOS 6, as that beta is available for older devices as well as newer ones.

While waiting for the watchOS 6 update, Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watch owners should download the software released today.

This article, “Apple Releases watchOS 5.3.2 Update for Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watches” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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