MacRumors published thousands of stories in 2019, as part of our continued coverage of the latest Apple news and rumors. Below, we look back at the top 10 most discussed stories of the year in our forums, with topics ranging from the AirPower mat being canceled to the launch of the Apple Card.

1. Apple Officially Cancels AirPower (1,948 comments): At its iPhone X event in 2017, Apple previewed a new wireless charging mat called AirPower that would have been able to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, regardless of each device’s position on the mat. Apple failed to release the mat in 2018 as promised, however, leading to relentless rumors and speculation. In March 2019, Apple’s hardware engineering chief Dan Riccio finally came out and said the AirPower was canceled due to the product’s inability to meet its high standards.
   
2. Apple Card Rolling Out Today to Limited Number of Customers (1,920 comments): After being previewed at its March 2019 event, Apple rolled out its all-new credit card to select users in the United States in the first week of August 2019, followed by a wider launch later in the month. Built into the Wallet app on an iPhone, the Apple Card features Apple Pay support, up to 3% daily cashback, color-coded spending summaries, zero fees beyond interest, and much more.
   
3. Live 2019 iPhone Event Coverage: ‘By Innovation Only’ (1,855 comments): Live coverage of Apple’s September 2019 event at Steve Jobs Theater, where the company unveiled the iPhone 11 lineup, Apple Watch Series 5 models, and 10.2-inch iPad.
   
4. Live Apple Event Coverage: ‘It’s Show Time’ (1,537 comments): Live coverage of Apple’s March 2019 event at Steve Jobs Theater, where the company unveiled four new services: Apple News+, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Card.
   
5. Live From WWDC 2019: Coverage of Apple’s Keynote with iOS 13, macOS 10.15, and More (1,494 comments): Live coverage of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference from the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. Apple announced iOS 13, iPadOS, macOS Catalina, tvOS 13, and watchOS 6, in addition to previewing its new Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR.
   
6. AirPods Pro Launching on October 30 for $249 (1,173 comments): With a press release, Apple introduced higher-ends AirPods Pro with several improvements over regular AirPods, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water resistance.
   
7. Spotify on Apple’s Response to App Store Dispute: ‘Every Monopolist Will Suggest They Have Done Nothing Wrong’ (1,094 comments): Last year, Spotify filed an antitrust complaint against Apple in Europe over unfair App Store practices. Apple labeled the complaint as “misleading rhetoric” and argued that “Spotify wants all the benefits of a free app without being free.” Spotify fired back, claiming that “every monopolist will suggest they have done nothing wrong.”
   
8. Apple to Release Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR on December 10 (1,037 comments): Over two years after confirming that it was working on a new Mac Pro, Apple finally announced that the new Mac Pro and companion Pro Display XDR would be available to order starting December 10, 2019. Watch our hands-on video!
   
9. Intel Expecting Apple to Transition to Custom Arm-Based Chips Starting in 2020 (1,007 comments): Apple is planning to ditch Intel processors and transition to custom Arm-based chips starting in 2020, according to Bloomberg. Axios then cited multiple unnamed sources within Intel who said the rumor is true.
   
10. Apple Reveals All-New Mac Pro With Up to 28-Core Processor and 1.5TB of RAM, Starting at $5,999 (989 comments): After years of anticipation, Apple previewed its new Mac Pro at WWDC 2019 with up to 28-core Intel Xeon processors, 1.5TB of RAM, and 8TB of SSD storage. Base pricing of $5,999 was announced, but it was not until months later that maxed-out pricing of over $50,000 was revealed.

MacRumors will celebrate its 20th anniversary next month, having been founded on February 24, 2000. We look forward to another year of sharing the latest Apple news and rumors and we thank all of our readers for their support.

This article, “Top 10 Most Discussed MacRumors Stories of 2019: AirPower Canceled, Apple Card Launches, and More” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For this week’s giveaway, we’ve teamed up with Mous to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an iPhone case for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, or an earlier iPhone.

Mous offers cases for everything from Apple’s newest iPhones to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and there are several case designs to choose from.

The Limitless 3.0, designed for Apple’s newest iPhones, is perhaps Mous’ most popular case offering. Priced at $35 to $70, the Limitless 3.0 case is offered in several attractive materials, including Aramid Fibre, Bamboo, Black Leather, and Walnut.

Each case is designed to offer protection without adding a significant amount of bulk to the slim form factor of the iPhone. Mous’ AiroShock technology keeps the iPhone safe from drops, and raised top and bottom edges protect the display when it’s face down without impeding swiping.

The cases are made from a polycarbonate and TPU material, which is used in riot shields, and which has been tested extensively for its durability and protection by Mous.

The Limitless 3.0 cases are equipped with an AutoAlignPlus magnetic system that allow them to work with a range of accessories, such as a car vent mount, a card wallet, and a suction mount. Though there is a magnet for accessories, the Limitless cases work with Qi-based wireless chargers.

Mous also makes other case options for the iPhone, such as the Clarity, which offers impact absorption with a clear, minimalist design that doesn’t obscure the look of the iPhone. The Clarity case uses the same AiroShock protection and has the same screen protection as the Limitless 3.0.

There’s also the Contour, a simple dual-color case that comes in leather, and is available in multiple colors. The Contour offers drop protection, a microfiber lining, display protection, and the same AiroShock technology as Mous’ other cases.

We have 15 cases to give away to MacRumors readers, and each winner will be able to choose a case to fit their device and pick a color. To enter to win our giveaway, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

Mous iPhone Case



The contest will run from today (January 10) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 17. The winners will be chosen randomly on January 17 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.

This article, “MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone Case From Mous” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple’s online store and select Apple retail stores are now selling Scosche’s BaseLynx Modular Charging System, which features different device charging components that can be paired together to form a charging base.

The BaseLynx Modular Charging System can be purchased in a kit or piece by piece, and there are four different options available:

• MFi-certified Apple Watch charger, which works in Nightstand mode).
• Qi wireless charging pad for iPhones and AirPods.
• Vert charging station that charges three devices at once with one 18W USB-C port and two 12W USB-A ports.
• Charging EndCap, which fits on the end and includes an 18W USB-C port and a 12W USB-A port. The EndCap is the one component that doesn’t work alone.

Apple is selling the Scosche BaseLynx Modular Charging System Kit for $149.95 and the BaseLynx Modular Charging System Pro Kit for $199.95.

The standard kit includes the ‌Apple Watch‌ module, Qi module, and the vertical charging stand, while the Pro version includes those three modules along with the EndCap charger.

Each portion of the BaseLynx can also be purchased separately at prices ranging from $39.95 to $69.95, so customers can build a setup piece by piece.

There are only four charging modules at this time, but Scosche plans to build additional modules in the future that will integrate with the existing modules.

This article, “Apple Stores Now Selling Scosche’s BaseLynx Modular Charging System” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today updated its Apple Arcade gaming service with a new title, adding No Way Home, a space survival and crafting game where players need to fight to survive on an alien planet.

In No Way Home, there are more than 50 weapons to find, craft, and upgrade, aliens to befriend, over 60 monsters to defeat, and boss battles to engage in.

No Way Home uses a procedural universe so each game played is unique, and the game promises a rich story mode that takes place in a huge universe. Players can take multiple paths as they struggle to survive, and there’s cargo to find and loot.

Both touch screen support and controller support are available, and the game is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

Like all ‌Apple Arcade‌ games, No Way Home can be downloaded and played with an ‌Apple Arcade‌ subscription. ‌Apple Arcade‌ is priced at $4.99 per month and lets up to six members of a family play games for the one monthly fee.

This article, “Space Survival Game ‘No Way Home’ Now Available on Apple Arcade” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The major cellular carriers in the United States have all kicked off new offers for customers in the New Year, with the chance to save on your monthly cellular bill and hardware device payments for iPhone, Apple Watch, and more. We’ve rounded up these various offers below from Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

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

Sprint

Starting today, you can get the Apple Watch Series 4 at up to $275 off, seen in the form of a $11.46/month credit on your bill. This will make the 40mm Apple Watch $7.29/month and the 44mm model $8.54/month. A 24-month installment billing agreement is required, or you’ll have to buy a new watch line of service on a qualifying plan with one active handset on the account.

If you’re shopping for iPhone, you can get the 64GB iPhone 11 for $15/month with qualifying trade-in and Sprint Flex lease. You’ll need a new line of service and an 18-month lease, and afterwards you’ll see $14.17/month in credit applied to your bill.

You can also lease a 64GB iPhone XS at $37.50/month, and then get another 64GB iPhone XS for no extra cost thanks to a $37.50/month credit applied to your account within two bills. You’ll have to add two new lines or get one new line and one new upgrade, along with a pair of 18-month leases.

There are also a few options for anyone considering switching to Sprint. You can get the iPhone XR for $15/month, or the same smartphone in pre-owned condition for $8/month, if you switch to Sprint from another carrier.

AT&T

AT&T is offering its customers a chance to get up to $500 off eligible iPhones with a new line of service, while customers switching to AT&T can get up to $700 off when they port in their number from another service. The usual caveats apply: you’ll need a qualifying installment agreement, eligible smartphone trade-in, and pay a $30 activation fee.

iPhones that you can purchase under this offer include: iPhone: 8 (128GB/256GB), 8 Plus, XR (128GB/256GB), X (64GB/256GB), XS (256GB/512GB), XS Max, 11 ,11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (priced up to $1,450). AT&T noted that the 64GB iPhone 8, 64GB iPhone XR, and 64GB iPhone XS are not eligible.

iPhones that you can trade in under this offer include: iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. You can also trade in various smartphones from Samsung, Google, LG, Motorola, Razer, OnePlus, and more.

After all of this, customers switching to AT&T will get up to $700 in bill credits, while existing AT&T customers adding a new line will get up to $500 in bill credits. These credits start within three bills, and they will be applied in equal amounts over 30 monthly installments.

If you’re shopping around for Internet and TV packages, AT&T has a few bundle options of AT&T Internet and U-Verse TV, allowing you to save up to $240/year as well as $300 in AT&T reward cards. The carrier even has a few deals on accessories, like 20 percent off AT&T branded chargers.

Verizon

Verizon has a BOGO offer, allowing you to buy one iPhone and get $700 off a second one. Eligible devices include: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

If you add two of these to your cart with any Verizon Unlimited plan, you can get $700 credited to your account over 24 months.

The carrier also has a few deals on older iPhones, like the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7. You can get the iPhone 8 for $10/month when you buy a new smartphone line, or the same offer stands for the iPhone 7 at $5/month.

Other deals include Apple Watch offers, where you can buy one Apple Watch and get another for up to 50 percent off. To do this, add one Apple Watch to your cart on Verizon’s website and then shop for another to see the discount applied.

A new watch line of service is required and up to $150 off the retail price of the lower device will be applied.

T-Mobile

If you and someone else are switching to T-Mobile, you can get two lines and two new 64GB iPhone 11 smartphones at $90/month, via 24 monthly bill credits and qualifying trade-ins.

You can also save up to $700 on the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max when switching and trading in a qualifying device. This deal is for the 64GB iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max, and a monthly payment plan must be selected.

For both offers, you can get up to $700 off if you trade in: iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. You can also get up to $500 off if you trade in: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus.

Additionally, T-Mobile has an Apple Watch offer where you can buy the Apple Watch Series 3 and get $100 off when you add a paired DIGITS line. Once you buy the Series 3 on a monthly payment plan and activate at least one new line of Apple DIGITS service, T-Mobile will apply a monthly bill credit of $4.16 to your account for 24 months.

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

This article, “Deals: Cellular Carriers Kick Off New 2020 Offers on iPhone and Apple Watch” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Following in the footsteps of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, the first Android smartphones with Ultra Wideband technology will be released starting later in 2020, according to Barclays analysts.

In a research note obtained by MacRumors, the analysts said Android smartphones will be equipped with an all-in-one Ultra Wideband, NFC, and Secure Element chip introduced by Dutch chipmaker NXP Semiconductors last year. It is unclear which Android smartphones will adopt Ultra Wideband first, but Samsung did join a consortium with NXP last year to help develop the technology.

iPhone 11 lineup features Ultra Wideband technology

In a press release last year, NXP said Ultra Wideband will give mobile devices several new and interesting capabilities, such as being able to unlock a car’s doors when the device comes in close proximity of the vehicle, potentially foreshadowing a feature that could come to the iPhone down the road.

“With the SR100T, mobile devices will be able to communicate with connected doors, points of entry, and cars to open them once approaching,” said NXP in a press release. “Lights, audio speakers, and any other connected device with UWB sensing capability will be able to follow users from one room to another, and smart connected technology will intuitively be embedded in people’s lives.”

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max models are equipped with an Apple-designed U1 chip with Ultra Wideband, allowing the devices to understand their precise location relative to other nearby U1‑equipped Apple devices. On iOS 13, for example, there is a directional AirDrop feature where you can point an iPhone 11 at another iPhone user to instantly share files with them.

On its iPhone 11 Pro page, Apple teases that the directional AirDrop feature is “just the beginning” of what is possible with Ultra Wideband, adding that “amazing new capabilities” are coming later.

Last year, MacRumors uncovered evidence of Apple working on Tile-like item trackers in iOS 13 code. The so-called AirTags will also support Ultra Wideband, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggesting that iPhone 11 models will be able to locate the tags with precise accuracy in both indoor and outdoor areas.

MacRumors exclusive: Find My app with hidden “Items” tab for AirTags

The distance between two Ultra Wideband devices can be measured precisely by calculating the time that it takes for a radio wave to pass between the two devices, with much more accuracy than Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi.

It is unclear when Apple plans to announce its item tracking tags, or if development of the product has been abandoned.

In any case, it appears that Ultra Wideband really is just getting started.

This article, “Android Smartphones Expected to Follow iPhone With Ultra Wideband Technology Starting Later This Year” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Best Buy today began a new 3-Day Sale, kicking off discounts on Philips Hue accessories, Beats headphones, MacBook Pro USB-C hubs, 4K TVs, and more. Best Buy’s new sale will last through Sunday, January 12 at 11:59 p.m. CT, and select products have limited quantities.

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

Best Buy 3-Day Sale

Smart Home

• Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance LED Starter Kit – $119.99, down from $189.99
• Arlo Video Doorbell – $129.99, down from $149.99
• C by GE Smart Lighting – Save 20 percent on select products
• Amazon Echo Show (2nd Gen) – Save $100 on two models

Audio

• UE Wonderboom Bluetooth Speaker – $39.99, down from $99.99
• Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Bluetooth Speaker – $119.99, down from $249.99
• Marshall Stanmore II Bluetooth Speaker – $199.99, down from $349.99
• Powerbeats3 Wireless Headphones – $94.99, down from $199.99
• Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones – $199.99, down from $349.99
• Jabra Elite Active 65t True Wireless Headphones – $159.99, down from $189.99

TVs

• Toshiba 43-inch LED Smart 4K TV with Fire TV – $229.99, down from $329.99
• Insignia 50-inch LED Smart 4K TV with Fire TV – $259.99, down from $349.99
• Samsung 55-inch LED Smart 4K TV – $349.99, down from $379.99
• Samsung 65-inch LED Smart 4K TV – $479.99, down from $549.99

Miscellaneous

• WD Easystore 2TB External USB Hard Drive – $59.99, down from $109.99
• Platinum USB-C 8-Port Hub for MacBook Pro – $64.99, down from $79.99
• WD Easystore 10TB External USB Hard Drive – $159.99, down from $249.99
• Linksys Velop AX5300 Mesh System 2-Pack – $599.99, down from $699.99
• Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Dual-Band Router – $149.99, down from $189.99

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

This article, “Deals: Best Buy’s New 3-Day Sale Discounts Philips Hue, Beats Headphones, USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro, and More” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is now accepting donations from users to help Australian bushfire relief efforts. The company has updated its U.S. and Australian websites with a banner that visitors can click on to make donations, 100 percent of which go to directly to the aid agencies involved.

Depending on the device you’re using to access Apple’s website, clicking on the banner launches the Music app or the iTunes Store where you can select how much money to donate from a series of pre-defined amounts. The U.S. site offers six buttons ranging from $5 to $200.

Donations made via the U.S. site go to the American Red Cross, while donations made through the Australian site go directly to the Australian Red Cross. Visitors to the sites outside of their respective regions don’t appear to be able to donate at this time.

The plea follows Apple’s own donation pledge in late December to support fire fighting efforts in Australia. For several weeks now, bushfires have been burning across Australia due to one of the worst droughts in history and record-breaking heat waves.

At least 27 people have died and more than 800 homes have been destroyed. Wildlife has also been impacted by the ongoing fires – an estimated 25,000 koalas were killed when flames devastated Kangaroo Island last week.

Apple often provides donations during major disasters and most recently donated money to help fight the wildfires in California.

This article, “Apple Accepting Donations to Help Australian Bushfire Relief Efforts” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Overnight, Apple has quietly slashed almost all of its maximum estimated trade-in values of second-hand iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch models.

For example, yesterday on Apple’s device trade-in program web page, the iPhone XS Max had an estimated trade-in value of up to $600, but today Apple is only offering up to $500 –– a full $100 less than it did 24 hours ago. The only devices that have been spared reductions are the MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, Mac mini, and ‌Apple Watch‌ Series 1, 2, and 3.

The new trade-in iPhone values on the trade-in program page match the values offered on Apple’s online store when purchasing new devices. There are no special trade-in prices for Macs, iPads, and ‌Apple Watch‌ models when ordering a new device, so this only applies to iPhones.

We’ve compiled a list of all device trade-in reductions below for convenience. The new maximum estimated trade-in values are shown in bold alongside yesterday’s values in brackets.

Apple’s New Estimated ‌iPhone‌ Trade-in Values

• ‌iPhone XS‌ Max –– up to $500 ($600)
• ‌iPhone XS‌ –– up to $420 ($500)
• iPhone XR –– up to $300 ($370)
• ‌iPhone‌ X –– up to $320 ($400)
• iPhone 8 Plus –– up to $250 ($300)
• ‌iPhone 8‌ –– up to $170 ($220)
• ‌iPhone‌ 7 Plus –– up to $150 ($200)
• ‌iPhone‌ 7 –– up to $120 ($150)
• ‌iPhone‌ 6s Plus –– up to $100 ($120)
• ‌iPhone‌ 6s –– up to $80 ($100)

Apple’s New Estimated iPad Trade-in Values

• iPad Pro –– up to $220 ($290)
• ‌iPad‌ –– up to $100 ($140)
• iPad Air –– up to $70 ($100)
• ‌iPad‌ mini –– up to $80 ($120)

Apple’s New Estimated Mac Trade-in Values

• ‌MacBook Pro‌ –– up to $2530 ($2530)
• MacBook Air –– up to $660 ($670)
• MacBook –– up to $610 ($630)
• iMac Pro –– up to $4150 ($4240)
• iMac –– up to $1500 ($1560)
• ‌Mac Pro‌ –– up to $1700 ($1700)
• ‌Mac mini‌ –– up to $230 ($230)

Apple’s New Estimated ‌Apple Watch‌ Trade-in Values

• ‌Apple Watch‌ Series 4 –– up to $100 ($110)
• ‌Apple Watch‌ Series 3 –– up to $70 ($70)
• Apple Watch Series 2 –– up to $60 ($60)
• ‌Apple Watch‌ Series 1 –– up to $30 ($30)

The reductions appear to have occurred not just on Apple’s U.S. online store, but in other countries and regions as well, including the United Kingdom. Tech blog iFun.de was first to spot the reductions in Apple’s Germany online store.

Apple has heavily promoted its ‌iPhone‌ trade-in program at its retail stores and on its website for over a year now, and CEO Tim Cook recently claimed the increased emphasis has been effective, noting that a third or more of customers that visit its retail stores end up trading in an older device for a newer one.

Using Apple’s trade-in service is always going to be more simple than selling to a person, but the convenience of doing so will cost you. You’re never going to get quite as much money from a trade-in service as you can get from direct sales, but there are some tips and tricks worth knowing before considering a trade-in. Check out our full trade-in guide for more advice.

This article, “Apple Slashes Estimated Trade-In Values of iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch Models Overnight” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Bethesda has updated the iOS versions of DOOM and DOOM II with some notable features that should please fans of the original classic first-person shooters.

Both games now offer an increase in framerate from the original 35fps to 60fps for smoother gameplay, and a new aspect ratio has been added that stretches the display vertically to match the original 4:3 aspect ratio that the game was intended to be played in.

There’s also added support for quick saves and a new option to select any episode, map, and difficulty setting for immediate play, without having to clear the previous levels first.

Perhaps the biggest addition though is support for DOOM and DOOM II community add-ons. These will be curated and offered as free downloads from the main menu, and Bethesda says that it is open to suggestions as to which community-made episodes it should include in the future.

As it stands, players can load up John Romero’s SIGIL, as well as TNT Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment, the latter two forming 1996’s Final DOOM release. As noted by our sister site TouchArcade, DOOM II also gets No Rest for the Living, which is a map pack originally available on Xbox Live.

Gamers will need a Bethesda.net account to access the add-ons, but the good news is that Bethesda has removed the online log-in requirement that caused so much frustration when the games were released last year.

A full rundown of all the updates and improvements can be found here. DOOM and DOOM II are available to download for iPhone and iPad from the App Store and both games are priced at $4.99 each.

This article, “DOOM and DOOM II for iOS Updated to Run at 60fps and Support Free Add-ons” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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