Today Apple announced an upcoming enhancement to existing repair processes that will enable customers and independent repair providers to utilize used Apple parts in repairs. Beginning with select iPhone models this fall, the new process is designed to maintain an iPhone user’s privacy, security, and safety, while offering consumers more options, increasing product longevity, and minimizing the environmental impact of a repair. Used genuine Apple parts will now benefit from the full functionality and security afforded by the original factory calibration, just like new genuine Apple parts.
Category: Apple
My Spatial Persona Impressions (Updated)
I just spent some time playing with spatial Personas with Jason Snell, and I have to say, having Personas free from their floating boxes makes the whole thing much more personal.
When you join a call, the other person is directly in front of you. You can see their Personas and hands, floating in your room. If you’re in an Environment, they appear there as well. It really felt like Jason was in the PodCabin with me.
Spatial Personas Launching on Vision Pro Today
Today, Apple is launching spatial Personas to users of the Vision Pro. In short, this allows a caller’s Persona to break free of a singular box during a FaceTime call and puts them directly into the space of the person on the other end of the call.
This should give a much better sense of presence when on a call with another Vision Pro user, and allows people who are not in the same place to share content more easily and naturally, especially when using SharePlay.
New Apple Immersive MLS Video Dropping Today⇢
Apple has announced that new immersive video is coming to Apple Vision Pro users today at 6 p.m. Pacific. Jason Snell has more:
I’m excited to see the finished product — all of Apple’s immersive videos have been pretty amazing — but I have to point out that this five-minute highlight packages is being released 110 days after last year’s MLS Cup Final. That’s not great turnaround time. If immersive video for sports is going to be a thing, turnaround is going to need to be a lot faster.
WWDC 2024 Announced⇢
Apple today announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 10 through 14, 2024. Developers and students will have the opportunity to celebrate in person at a special event at Apple Park on opening day.
Free for all developers, WWDC24 will spotlight the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS advancements. As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to helping developers elevate their apps and games, the event will also provide them with unique access to Apple experts, as well as insight into new tools, frameworks, and features.
macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 Released
The newest version of macOS includes fixes for:
- USB hubs connected to external displays may not be recognized
- Copy protected Audio Unit plug-ins designed for professional music apps may not open or pass validation
- Apps that include Java may quit unexpectedly
As of this writing, Apple’s “What’s new in updates for macOS Sonoma” page isn’t updated yet, but you can grab the update via System Settings.
Breaking Down the DOJ’s Case Against Apple⇢
Unlike most of us Apple Bloggers, John Voorhees actually went to law school. Like David Sparks, he left the law to become a writer and podcaster, so his article on the DOJ’s suit against Apple is the one I’ve been waiting for. Over on MacStories, he has broken down the complaint filed last week.
I learned a ton in reading through this, and I think you will too. I’m not going to blockquote any of it, just to make you click through to MacStories.
United States DOJ Sues Apple⇢
Lauren Feiner, writing at The Verge:
The US Department of Justice and 16 state and district attorneys general accused Apple of operating an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market in a new antitrust lawsuit.
The DOJ and states are accusing Apple of driving up prices for consumers and developers at the expense of making users more reliant on its iPhones. It alleges that Apple “selectively” imposes contractual restrictions on developers and withholds critical ways of accessing the phone, according to a release.
Manuals, Specs, and Downloads⇢
Chris De Jabet pointed me to this new page on Apple’s Support site. I totally dig it.
3D Printing a Macintosh⇢
Well, this is delightful:
We’re Going Matte to the Future
A pair of rumors are circulating about the screens on future Apple devices.
Up first, we have Chance Miller, writing at 9to5Mac:
A new rumor today says that Apple has invested billions in a new coating technology for future iPhone displays. This technology would allegedly make future iPhone displays “more scratch-resistant” and add a new anti-reflection layer, but it won’t be ready for the iPhone 16 this year.
The rumor comes from the account Instant Digital on Weibo, which has previously shared accurate information about upcoming iPhone announcements. Apple has reportedly developed equipment that adds a “super-hard” anti-reflective layer to the iPhone’s display, which is also more scratch-resistant than before.
Apple Style Guide: March 2024⇢
Hot off the presses, a new PDF from Apple, complete with this silliness:
Apple Vision Pro: Always use the full name. In general references, don’t use the with Apple Vision Pro. It’s OK to use another article or a possessive adjective: Adjust the fit of your Apple Vision Pro.
You put on and take off Apple Vision Pro. When you have it on, you’re wearing it.
And this:
Don’t refer to Apple Vision Pro as a headset. In most cases, use the product name; in content where the name is repeated frequently, you can use device.