A teenager has been arrested for stealing more than $42,000 in Apple hardware from an Australian Apple Store.
Security staff found a teenager and accomplice fleeing with "electronic devices."
Police were able to identify one of the alleged offenders thanks to CCTV footage.
Police were able to identify the offenders via CCTV footage.
A teenager has been arrested after stealing more than $42,000 worth of Apple gear from an Apple Store in Canberra, Australia.
Police allege that about 4 am on Wednesday, the 16-year-old boy and another man broke into the Canberra Centre and a short time later gained entry to the Apple Store.
A 16-year-old teenager and another man broke into the Canberra Centre Apple Store and made off with AU$60,000 in hardware according to local reports. After security staff saw the pair fleeing one dropped a bag carrying Apple products. Later, police were able to identify one of the men using CCTV footage and they were later arrested.
The 16-year-old was due to face a local court last week after being charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, theft, and damage to property
It of course isn't unusual for Apple Stores to be targeted by crooks in this manner, but it's unlikely that the devices that were stolen would have continued to function after the break-in was discovered. Apple can remotely disable devices that are on display and it is those that tend to be stolen due to their ease of access.
The report doesn't say what kind of Apple hardware was stolen, but you have to imagine they were high-value items to be able to walk around with $42,000 worth of kit. High-spec iPhone 14 Pro and MacBook Pro hardware would likely get that value up pretty quickly.
You don't have to look too far for terrific iPhone 13 deals. Now we're a few months out from the device's initial launch last fall, most retailers and carriers are offering some kind of promotion but there are a couple of deals at Verizon in particular that are well worth considering.
Over there, you can save as much as $1,000 on your iPhone 13 purchase meaning you can get the flagship iPhone 13 Pro Max for as little as $100 with an Unlimited plan. All you have to do in order to get the deal is trade in your old or damaged phone.
Need a pair of iPhones? Verizon is also offering a 'buy one, get up to $1,000 off another' deal that also applies to other iPhone 13 models and may work well for families needing multiple devices.
Big phone, small price
iPhone 13 Pro Max | $1,000 off
You can get up to $1,000 off your iPhone 13 Pro purchase when you trade in an eligible device. The best part is the device you hand over doesn't even have to be in good condition. You can also get up to $1,000 back in the form of a prepaid Mastercard when you switch.
The device discount is applied over 30 or 24 monthly bill credits. Eligible trade-in devices include iPhone 4 and newer, with even the oldest devices netting you as much as $400 off. The phone you trade in doesn't even have to be in good condition, as long as it is free of battery damage.
In order to save the maximum $1,000, you'll need to trade in a newer device but models from the last couple of years like the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro are eligible for the full discount as are newer Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold or S20 series.
On top of saving as much as $1,000 on your iPhone 13 device, new members will also be able to get an extra $1,000 to help cover the cost of switching for a total of up to $2,000 off. The latter is provided in the form of a prepaid Mastercard based on the outstanding device payoff and termination fees at your previous carrier.
These iPhone 13 deals aren't only for new customers, though. Upgraders can also save on iPhone 13 purchases with the buy one, get one deal still applying, and up to $700 being offered for trading in your old phone if you only need the one device.
Some Apple Card users are unable to pay bills and add cards to their wallets.
New Apple Card customers might not be able to sign up.
Apple is aware of the issue and working on a fix.
Another Apple service outage, this time affecting its credit card.
Apple has confirmed that Apple Card is suffering a partial outage that is preventing some people from being able to pay their bills and add cards to their wallets.
Apple also confirmed via a service status page that those hoping to apply for Apple Card might be unable to do so until the issue has been fixed.
Some users may not be able to add Apple Card to Wallet, pay their bill, apply for Apple Card.
People first began reporting that Apple Card wasn't working as it should around an hour ago.
It looks like there could be an issue with Apple Card and making a Payment right now. Tried myself and had others comment on it where you try to pay, but it says unavailable. pic.twitter.com/qDlI4kdpet
If you're trying to apply for Apple Card or add a new one to your wallet, leaving things a while and trying again is probably the way to go. The same goes for paying your Apple Card bill, too. It isn't immediately clear whether the fault lies with Apple or its banking partner Goldman Sachs, but customers will likely not care — all they want to be able to do is manage their credit cards.
Thankfully, at the time of writing at least, making payments using an Apple Card doesn't appear to be affected by this issue.
Apple Card is currently a United States-only affair but rumors persist that Apple is working to bring the card to international markets in the future.
The Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go is almost here. This event will introduce Shiny Litleo, as well as see even more Hisuian Voltorb on the map. We here at iMore have everything you need to know to make the most out of this event and be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!
What is the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go?
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Pokémon Go hosts an event each year which includes an influx of red Pokémon, as well as Pokémon related to the new Chinese Zodiac animal. This year is the year of the tiger, so feline Pokémon will be joining the rest of the red Pokémon in spawns, eggs, and raids. The event will star Litleo, the Lion Cub Pokémon, whose Shiny variant will make its Pokémon Go debut at the start of the event.
When is the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go?
The Lunar New Year 2022 event will run for one week, beginning on Tuesday, February 1 and ending on Monday, February 7, 2022.
Pokémon with the potential to be Shiny are indicated with an asterisk.
Wild Pokémon
Players will be able to encounter the following Pokémon during the Lunar New Year 2022 event:
Paras*
Meowth*
Growlithe*
Voltorb*
Hisuian Voltorb
Electabuzz*
Magikarp*
Gyarados*
Torchic*
Combusken
Litleo*
Eggs
During the Lunar New Year 2022 event, players will be able to hatch the following Pokémon from 7KM eggs found in gifts:
Shuckle*
Slugma*
Darumaka*
Scraggy
Litleo*
Raids
The following raids will be appearing in gyms during the Lunar New Year 2022 event:
During the Lunar New Year 2022 event, players will be able to collect event exclusive Field Research tasks from PokéStops and Gyms. We don't know what the specific tasks will be yet, but players will be able to earn encounters with the following Pokémon by completing these Field Research tasks:
Alolan Meowth*
Galarian Meowth*
Magikarp*
Darumaka*
Litleo*
Espurr*
Players will also be able to earn Mega Gyarados Energy by completing Field Research tasks.
Timed Research
The Lunar New Year 2022 event will also feature two different Timed Research lines, one focused on catching Pokémon and one focused on friendship. These Timed Research lines will reward players with encounters with Pokémon like Litleo* and Espurr*.
Step one
Check back soon!
Completion Rewards: Check back soon!
Bonuses
In addition to all of that, players can enjoy the following bonuses during the Lunar New Year 2022 event:
Increased chance of Lucky Trade
Increased chance of Lucky Friends
Double Gift Stardust
One bonus Special Trade per day
Questions about the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go?
Do you have any questions about the Lunar New Year 2022 event in Pokémon Go? Which lucky Pokémon are you most excited to battle, hatch, or catch? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out the rest of our Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
Messenger now supports end-to-end encryption for everyone.
Encryption won't be enabled by default.
Other improvements include screenshot notifications and more.
There are two ways people can send secure messages now.
Meta's Messenger app has added support for end-to-end encryption across both chats and calls for all users, the company has announced. Now, people have two different ways to make sure that their messages are secure.
When sending messages people can enter vanish mode by swiping up on an existing chat or select Secret Conversations when starting a new chat by toggling the option on.
End-to-end Encrypted Group Chats and Calls in Messenger: Last year, we announced that we began testing end-to-end encryption for group chats, including voice and video calls. We're excited to announce that this feature is available to everyone. Now you can choose to connect with your friends and family in a private and secure way.
Alongside the new encryption features Messenger will now also warn people when someone takes a screenshot, similar to the way Snapchat also notifies people of the same thing.
Screenshot notifications: Last year, we updated the settings for disappearing messages in our end-to-end encrypted chats and now we're introducing a new notification when we detect that someone screenshots a disappearing message. We think it's important that you are able to use encrypted chats and feel safe, so we want to keep you informed if anyone takes screenshots of your disappearing messages. This is the same feature we offer in Messenger's vanish mode, and now we're rolling out this notification over the next few weeks for disappearing messages in our end-to-end encrypted chats.
Other improvements include the addition of GIFs and Stickers, while Reactions allow people to tap and hold on a message to select a Reaction of their choice.
You can read about the other changes, including new typing indicators, in the original press release.
Meta's Messenger is one of the best iPhone apps at what it does and you can bet all of your friends have an account already.
Pretzel and the Puppies will premiere on Apple TV+ on February 11.
The first season will run for eight episodes.
Mark Duplass and more stars will voice the show.
Another animated show aimed at kids and families is coming next month.
Apple has today announced a new animated TV show for kids and families that will premiere on Friday, February 11.
Announced alongside the arrival of its first trailer, new Apple TV+ showPretzel and the Puppies will star Mark Duplass and Nasim Pedrad as voice talent with the show itself based on the classic book from the creators of Curious George.
The show will run for an eight-episode first season and is a "story about the modern dog family led by stay-at-home dad Pretzel, his five adorable Dachshund puppies, and mom Greta, the mayor of Muttgomery."
When your dad is the "world's longest dachshund," it puts a whole new twist on growing up! The eight episodes follow Pretzel (Duplass), Greta (Pedrad) and the puppies, in their hometown of Muttgomery. They are a modern and unique family who are always sniffing out ways to "make their bark," and make the world a better place for their four-legged friends and neighbors. Pretzel and Greta encourage their pups to try to solve their own problems, often reminding them to "Get those PAWS UP!" when they face a challenge.
If that looks like something you and your family will enjoy, you aren't the only ones!
If you want to enjoy Pretzel and the Puppies in style, be sure to check out our list of the best Apple TV deals on the market today.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famed directors, and starring award-winning actors and actresses across all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
We love the Apple Watch Sport Band; it's one of the best Apple Watch bands that Apple has made. Maybe your Apple Watch Series 7 (or other model) came with that unique, fluoroelastomer band with pin-and-tuck closure, and you're looking to get some more. Perhaps your Apple Watch came with a different band, and you've had your eye on a sport band (or several) ever since. The thing is, the real deal is $49 a pop. While they're worth it, you can also try several excellent alternatives if you want that Apple Watch Sport Band look for less.
High quality
Clockwork Synergy's Silicone Strap
Staff Favorite
We love our well-crafted Clockwork Synergy bands. While the buckle of this comfortable silicon band doesn't function like your standard Apple Watch sport band, Clockwork Synergy gives you the option to choose your metal hardware: stainless steel, brushed steel, yellow gold, rose gold, or PVD black. It comes in lots of colors.
This band from NEXT can be found for either size Apple Watch. The band looks a lot like Apple's band. If you'd like to choose between shopping online and a brick-and-mortar store option, you can find this at your local Best Buy as well as the site.
Straying a bit from the precise Apple Sport Band model, this one tapers away from the watch face and sports over a dozen different pretty, colorful, and whimsical patterns. Both Apple Watch sizes are available.
If you like the Apple Watch Sport Band look but would like something just a little slimmer, check out the SWEES Sport Band. It tapers away from the watch for a more delicate look. Choose from lots of colors and both Apple Watch sizes.
Target runs (or online orders) are a near-weekly occurrence in my household. It so happens that one of my favorite Apple Watch bands is from Target. The Heyday Apple Watch band doesn't look exactly like Apple's, but this excellent quality band has held up through many wears.
Get the Pride look for less with this band. Plus, there are plenty of other fun, patterned options here from which to choose. I particularly like the snakeskin style and the galaxy look. Both Apple Watch sizes are included.
You can have the Apple Watch Sport Band look for less
All of these are excellent sport bands for your Apple Watch, and you can get them without shelling out the $50 for a first-party band from Apple. Any would be a great addition to a band collection.
If you're looking for an alternative silicone band instead of just a copy of Apple's, the Clockwork Synergy Silicone Strap is what you need. It's a high-quality band for less than half the price of the Apple Sport Band. You can choose your hardware color to go with your Apple Watch. We own several of Clockwork Synergy's excellent bands, and the combination of price and quality can't be beaten.
Want to spend even less? Pick up a Heyday Apple Watch Band on your next Target run. This is a personal favorite of mine and is featured on our best Apple Watch bands list. There are so many options, you're bound to find one that fits you.
Apple has changed the way two-factor authentication SMS messages look.
Now, Apple's messages will only have iOS, iPadOS, and macOS autofill on authentic websites.
Improved security is always a good thing.
Apple has made a change to the way two-factor authentication SMS messages look in an attempt to help boost security.
Apple's change essentially means that any time it sends you a new SMS as a form of two-factor authentication the message will only be provided for autofill on Apple services and websites thanks to the addition of a new piece of text. As reported by Macworld, the move was first proposed more than a year ago — in August 2020, to be exact.
The new messages will include more text than usual — and have already been rolling out for the last few weeks, too.
A standard human-readable message, including the code, followed by a new line.
The scoped domain as @domain.tld.
The code repeated again as #123456.
If the site uses an embedded HTML element, called an iframe, the source of the iframe is listed after %, such as %ecommerce.example. (The original spec specifies @; Apple appears to be using % for its texts.)
This whole system works in a similar way to how password managers and iCloud Keychain will only present a password on a specified website or in an associated app. This means that fake websites can't use autofill to accept a two-factor authentication code because iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will spot that the domains don't match.
iOS, iPadOS, and macOS offer to fill in the code most recently arrived via SMS to the Messages app in any properly formatted field—including a phishing site's verification-code field. That makes it too easy on the scammers.
However, if the text message is scoped as Apple suggested, operating systems starting with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS 11 Big Sur will only offer to autofill on sites that match the domain name. The security isn't perfect, but it's a simple update to beef up defensive actions.
You still need to keep an eye on where you are clicking and what passwords you are entering, but this SMS change should at least help matters.
You can read more about how this all works in the original Macworld article, too.
Joni Mitchell says she is removing her music from Spotify.
Mitchell's music will remain available on Apple Music.
Mitchell is concerned about Joe Rogan's podcast and anti-vax messages.
Joni Mitchell wants her music nowhere near Joe Rogan.
Joni Mitchell is the latest artist to back Neil Young on his spat with Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan. The musician says that she will remove all of her music from Spotify after the streamer pulled Young's music following comments about Rogan.
Posting to her official website, Mitchell said that "irresponsible people are spreading lies," alluding to complaints that Rogan's Spotify podcast, called the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), shares misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
I've decided to remove all my music from Spotify. Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives. I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.
Mitchell also linked to an open letter to Spotify from "global scientific and medical communities" in which calls are made for a new misinformation policy.
We are a coalition of scientists, medical professionals, professors, and science communicators spanning a wide range of fields such as microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, and neuroscience and we are calling on Spotify to take action against the mass-misinformation events which continue to occur on its platform. With an estimated 11 million listeners per episode, JRE is the world's largest podcast and has tremendous influence. Though Spotify has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform, the company presently has no misinformation policy.
Netflix's Reed Hastings has reportedly bought $20 million in shares in the company.
Shares in Netflix have taken a tumble following the announcement of subscriber growth numbers.
Netflix shares have fallen from $612 to just over $384 this weekend.
It's the perfect time to buy.
Netflix co-CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings has reportedly bought $20 million in shares at a time where the company has seen its price stutter.
With Netflix currently reeling from the response to recent subscriber growth figures, it has also seen its share price tumble. Despite beginning this month at more than $612, shares in Netflix fell as far as $384 this weekend. Hastings bagged his new shares at between $379 and $394 a piece, according to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter.
According to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission Friday evening, Hastings purchased approximately $20 million worth of Netflix shares Thursday and Friday, paying between $379 and $393 for the privilege.
While the obvious thought is that Hastings is picking up shares while they're going for a song, that only works out if he's also confident in the price's ability to bounce back. Hastings would likely know better than most where Netflix and its financials stand. Despite stiff competition from the likes of Disney + and the growing content library of Apple TV+, Netflix is still the go-to destination for people looking for great TV shows, movies, and documentaries. The company's recent expansion into games could also prove to be inspired, too.
Bartlett will be joined on Extrapolations by seven other stars, writes Variety.
Murray Bartlett ("The White Lotus"), Yara Shahidi ("Grown-ish," "Black-ish"), Diane Lane ("Unfaithful," "Under the Tuscan Sun"), Heather Graham ("Boogie Nights," "Wander"), Grammy Award-winner Ben Harper, Judd Hirsch ("Uncut Gems," "The Goldbergs"), Hari Nef ("Transparent," "You"), and Neska Rose ("Drama Club") have all joined the series.
Apple TV+ currently has the eight-episode series in production, the report notes. All eight episodes will be "interconnected stories that will track the worldwide battle for our mutual survival spanning the 21st century and how changes to our planet will affect love, faith, work and family."
We don't yet know when we can expect Extrapolations to be available to stream but the only real question is how many other Apple TV+ shows Bartlett will be in by the time it will be ready to air.
Watch Extrapolations in style by checking out our list of the best Apple TV deals on the market today. Sure you can watch Apple TV+ content on just about anything that's connected to the internet, but nothing quite does it like an Apple TV.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famed directors, and starring award-winning actors and actresses across all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
Apple TV+ movie Cha Cha Real Smooth has won a virtual Sundance Film Festival award.
The movie's award comes just days after Apple splashed $15 million to pick it up.
Cha Cha Real Smooth stars Cooper Raiff and Dakota Johnson.
The movie won in the U.S. Dramatic category.
Just days after reports that Apple TV+ has picked up Cooper Raiff's Cha Cha Real Smooth, the movie has won its first award.
Reports of Apple TV+'s involvement surfaced recently with a reported $15 million being spent to bring it under the streamer's wing. Now it's already received another win, this time in the form of the audience choice in the U.S. Dramatic category at the virtual Sundance Film Festival.
First reported by Variety, the win could be the first for many for a movie that has all the makings of being an Apple TV+ hit. Written by and starring Raiff, the movie also has Dakota Johnson to its name.
"Cha Cha Real Smooth" stars Raiff as a recent graduate working as a bar mitzvah hype man. While on the job, he strikes up a unique friendship with a young mother (Dakota Johnson) and her teenage daughter (Vanessa Burghardt). Leslie Mann, Evan Assante, Raúl Castillo and Odeya Rush fill out the ensemble.
We don't yet know when we will be able to watch the movie ourselves, but it's likely to already be one at the top of many must-watch lists.
If you want to enjoy Cha Cha Real Smooth in style — whenever it's available to stream — be sure to check out our list of the best Apple TV deals on the market today. If an Apple TV isn't your style, fear not. Apple TV+ can be streamed on iPhones, Macs, and iPads as well as a host of streaming devices including game consoles.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famed directors, and starring award-winning actors and actresses across all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
Alex Moffat has signed on to play opposite Vince Vaughn on an upcoming Apple TV+ show.
Moffat will take on a recurring role in the new show.
Bad Monkey is based on a popular 2013 novel.
Moffat will have a recurring role opposite Vince Vaughn.
Upcoming Apple TV+ series Bad Monkey has a new cast member following the news that Saturday Night Live's Alex Moffat has joined the show.
Set to star Vince Vaughn, the next big Apple TV+ show is based on Carl Hiaasen's popular 2013 novel about a former detective who winds up working as a food inspector. Deadline reports that Moffat will have a recurring role opposite Vaughn.
Bad Monkey tells the story of Andrew Yancy (Vaughn), a one-time detective demoted to restaurant inspector in Southern Florida. A severed arm found by a tourist out fishing pulls Yancy into the world of greed and corruption that decimates the land and environment in both Florida and the Bahamas. And yes, there's a monkey. Moffat will play Evan Shook, an obnoxious real estate developer from Maryland who has bought the land next door to Andrew Yancy (Vaughn) on a secluded promontory in Big Pine Key and is in the process of developing a hideous spec house that is an affront to Yancy's environmentalist sensibilities. Yancy makes it his mission to scuttle Shook's plans, creating one problem after another for Shook as he desperately tries to find a buyer for his McMansion.
There is currently no timeline for when we can expect Bad Monkey to appear on our screens but this is one show that is already shaping up to be another winner for Apple's streaming service.
Apple TV+ is available as a $4.99 per month subscription and is also part of the Apple One bundle, too.
If you want to enjoy Bad Monkey in style, be sure to check out our list of the best Apple TV deals on the market today.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famed directors, and starring award-winning actors and actresses across all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
Apple now allows developers to mark apps as unlisted.
Unlisted apps don't appear in search and categories.
Apps can still be found via their specific URL.
This is something developers have wanted for a long, long time.
Apple is now allowing developers to mark apps as unlisted, effectively removing them from the App Store unless someone has their URL.
When an app is marked as unlisted it won't appear in any App Store search results, charts, recommendations, or categories. In fact, the only way to access an unlisted app is to click or tap its URL on a website, for example. Apple confirmed the change in new developer documentation.
Release your apps that aren't suited for public distribution as unlisted on the App Store, discoverable only with a direct link. Unlisted apps don't appear in any App Store categories, recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings. They can also be accessed through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. Apps for specific organizations, special events, or research studies, or apps used as employee resources or sales tools are good candidates for unlisted distribution.
Developers will need to submit a request to have their app marked as unlisted and that request can be made at any time, even if the app is already visible in the App Store. Apple is also keen to point out that this method of unlisting apps is not designed to give developers a way to offer beta versions via the App Store — TestFlight should still be used. Apps submitted and marked as unlisted will continue to work their way through App Store review and must be finished, functional versions.
The benefits of marking an app as unlisted are obvious and could allow companies to offer apps specifically for in-house use without making them visible to the public, for example.
WhatsApp head Will Cathcart says that the company would "love" to make an iPad app.
Historically, WhatsApp's service wasn't set up for multi-device usage.
Recent changes to WhatsApp infrastructure means an iPad app is now closer to reality than ever.
Now that WhatsApp's systems are set up for multi-device access, the excuses are running out.
WhatsApp head Will Cathcart says his company would love to make an app for iPad but stopped short of saying that it actually would.
The lack of a WhatsApp app on iPad continues to be a big bone of contention for its users and we've been told before that one could come eventually. Now, in an interview with The Verge, Cathcart has confirmed that the company would "love to do it," apparently completely missing the point that the only people stopping that from happening is the WhatsApp management team.
While WhatsApp has historically not been built in such a way to make message syncing work between devices, work to change that has been underway for some time.
"We did a lot of work on the technology for supporting multiple devices," Cathcart said, referencing the rollout of opt-in, multi-device support for WhatsApp last year. "Our web and our desktop apps now have that. If I have multi-device on, I can turn my phone off or lose my network connection and still get messages on my desktop. That would be really important for a tablet app, to be able to use the app even if your phone isn't on. So the underlying technology is there."
With the excuses beginning to run dry, maybe now is the time that WhatsApp gave the people what they want — a version of the hugely popular messaging app that works natively on the tablet that so much of the world uses. WhatsApp is already one of the best iPhone apps at handling cross-platform messages. How long will it be before it's one of the best iPad apps, too?
macOS Monterey, the next generation of Mac software, is now available as a public beta.
The time has come. You can now download the macOS Monterey public beta on your Mac. It's not an overly complicated process, but we're here to walk you through it and if you need it, a place to get extra help. All the best Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey.
Apple occasionally offers updates to iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS as closed developer previews or public betas. While the betas contain new features, they also contain pre-release bugs that can prevent the normal use of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Mac, and are not intended for everyday use on a primary device. That's why we strongly recommend staying away from developer previews unless you need them for software development, and using the public betas with caution. If you depend on your devices, wait for the final release.
What's new in the macOS Monterey public beta?
January 28, 2021: Apple releases macOS Monterey 12.3 public beta to testers
Apple has released the macOS Monterey 12.3 public beta for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
December 17, 2021: Apple releases macOS Monterey 12.2 public beta to testers
Apple has released the macOS Monterey 12.2 public beta for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
November 10, 2021: Apple releases macOS Monterey 12.1 public beta 2 to testers
Apple has released the macOS Monterey 12.1 public beta 2 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
October 7, 2021: Apple releases ninth macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 9 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
September 29, 2021: Apple releases eight macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 8 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
September 21, 2021: Apple releases seventh macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 7 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
August 31, 2021: Apple releases sixth macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 6 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
August 11, 2021: Apple releases fifth macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 5 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
July 28, 2021: Apple releases third macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 3 for members of the Beta Software Program. If you already have the macOS public beta installed, head to System Preferences > Software Updates and download away. If you've been waiting for macOS Monterey to get started with macOS testing, now's the time to grab it!
July 16, 2021: Apple releases second macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 2 for members of the Beta Software Program.
June 30, 2021: Apple releases first macOS Monterey public beta to testers
Apple has released macOS Monterey public beta 1 for members of the Beta Software Program.
How to make a backup of your Mac
Before joining the public beta, you need to make a backup of your Mac. That way, if something goes wrong, or if you're not happy and want to revert to macOS Big Sur, you can go right back to where you started.
Even if you back up every night, you'll want to make double, triple sure you're covered. So make a manual backup now. Here's how to do it with Time Machine. If you use something different or additional, like SuperDuper!, make sure you manually start a backup now.
Click on the Time Machine icon in your Mac Menubar.
Click on Backup now.
Let the backup finish before proceeding.
Note: If you're not averse to the Terminal, you can also make a bootable macOS Big Sur installer as a way to jumpstart reversion, if needed.
How to register your account for the macOS public beta
If you've already joined a public beta for macOS in the past, you don't need to register again for macOS Monterey. Sign in with the same Apple ID. If you've never joined a public beta before, you'll need to start by signing up with your Apple ID.
Click on Sign up to get started. (If you've already signed up for a previous public beta, Click on Sign in and skip to "How to enroll your Mac" below.)
Enter your Apple ID email address and password.
Click Sign in.
Once you're signed up and signed in, it's time to start downloading.
How to enroll your Mac in the macOS public beta
Downloading the macOS Monterey public beta is done through System Preferences in the Software Updates.
Click on the macOS tab if it's not highlighted already.
Click the Download macOS Public Beta Access Utility button.
Open the file from your Downloads window.
Double-click the package to run the installer.
When the installer is finished downloading, System Preferences will automatically open to the Software Updates section. Click Update to download and install the public beta software. After the software has been downloaded, your Mac will automatically restart.
If the latest public beta does not appear on the Updates list, restart your Mac. Then, open System Preferences and click the Software Updates pane.
The public beta update can take a long time to finish downloading, depending on the size. You can check the status in the Software Updates preference pane of System Preferences.
How to install the macOS public beta
The macOS public beta installer will automatically open when it's downloaded. If it doesn't, or if you prefer to do it later, you open Install macOS Public Beta at any time via Spotlight or Launchpad or from the Application folder in the Finder.
Launch Install macOS Public Beta app if it's not launched already.
Click Continue at the bottom.
If prompted to make a backup and you didn't before, click Continue in the drop-down. If you just made a backup, click Cancel.
Click Continue at the bottom once your backup completes or if you skipped it.
Click Agree to accept the licensing terms.
Click Agree again to confirm.
Click on the drive you want to install onto (if you have multiple options, most people won't.)
Click Install.
Enter your administrator password and click OK.
Click Restart (if your Mac doesn't restart automatically, or you don't want to wait).
Once your Mac reboots, it'll be running the macOS public beta. There's a brief bit of setup you'll need to go through, however, as the system will have changed enough that it'll need your login to complete the update.
Once that's done, you'll be ready to rock macOS Monterey.
How to update to a new version of the macOS public beta
To download updates of the macOS public beta from now on:
Open System Preferences from your Dock or Applications folder.
Click Software Update.
Click Update Now if there is an update available for your Mac.
Click the checkbox next to Automatically keep my Mac up to date if you want your Mac to download and install software updates in the future automatically.
By default, Shortcuts will display a notification every time a personal automation is run; for automations like "Charging," however, receiving an extra notification every time you plugged in/unplugged your phone could quickly become excessive, however, and create a pile of notifications from the Shortcuts app in one's Notification Center.
Notify When Run
With the new "Notify When Run" toggle, Shortcuts users can toggle off the setting to notify them when the shortcut is run, meaning you won't actively know each time the automation trigger is met.
It's also important to note that this is tied to "Don't Ask When Run" as well, which must also be turned off; if the shortcut does ask you when run, that ask part is itself a notification and naturally cannot be hidden.
Instead, you'll receive one notification stack from Shortcuts (that displays much like iOS 15's Notification Summaries) – here's an example from Federico Viticci on Twitter:
Interesting: even if you disable notifications for Shortcuts automations in iOS 15.4, the system will still send you a summary, with options to disable them. Guess Apple is very concerned about background execution still (rightfully so; someone could set these up for you, etc.) pic.twitter.com/gA5IaMWcuZ
As Federico mentioned, this method works well – Shortcuts users can still check the list of automations that have been running, but now the app doesn't get in your way while trying to do extra work for you; it just happens seamlessly now.
Automation types
All Automation types enabled with "Don't Ask When Run" are also enabled with this trigger; automations for Focus are great paired with Set Watch Face for custom Apple Watch faces depending on your Focus Mode, Time automations can execute your scripts at any intervals, and the various device triggers could be implemented with more nuanced levels without making the experience too complicated.
However, that also means that Location triggers for "When I Arrive" and "When I Leave" as well as Connection triggers for "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth" do not allow you to hide the notifications; these triggers are more specific/particular, and Apple doesn't allow automations for every location changes/device connection (if you want an automation for context changes, try Focus modes instead).
I think the App automation benefit the most from this because there's a lot of potential for tracking something when you start using an app or when you finish; however, up until this point, Shortcuts' notifications would very much over-notify you, and you'd end up with hundreds and hundreds of extra notifications each day while doing normal tasks.
Now, with this Notify When Run option turned off, you could be running Automations the entire day and only have to see one set of notifications & check it when you feel like it – this is a big win for Automations in Shortcuts.
Automate your life
Automations represent the highest value activity that most people can get from Shortcuts – it quite literally does the work for you without any sort of manual input from you, so naturally, you get a lot out of it without even trying.
I hope Apple continues to make Automations a priority with Shortcuts going forward; there are still issues like the lack of customizing the title of a notification (so you know what it actually did, rather than relying on the icons of the actions to understand), Automations are not shareable via iCloud links online, and they cannot be backed up or restored (so you have to set them up fresh on every new device/if you reset).
The 2021 10.2-inch iPad features the new faster A13 Bionic chip, a retina display, and ships with iPadOS 15, making it one of the best entry-level iPads we've seen. You're going to want to ensure you keep your new iPad in mint condition, and the best way to do that is to get one of the best iPad 10.2 cases. Keep in mind that these cases are intended for the iPad 9th generation, but they will still fit the 8th and 7th-gen iPad perfectly.
Straight from Apple
Apple's Smart Keyboard
Staff Favorite
The new iPad is compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard so that you can carry a keyboard with you. Plus, when it's not in use, it covers both the screen and back.
Keep it simple and practical with the Apple Smart Cover for your new iPad. It will wake up your iPad up and put it to sleep thanks to the built-in magnets.
With military-grade drop protection and a spill-resistant keyboard, the Logitech Rugged Folio offers a full-size keyboard in a heavy-duty protection case.
This two-tone and textured case is lined with microfiber and has two different standing viewing angles. Plus, it activates the auto sleep/wake feature.
With all the handy features of Zagg's Slim Book, the Rugged Messenger adds a layer of protection with a heavy-duty shell case that provides 6 feet of drop protection. The keyboard portion of the case is detachable, so you only clip it on when you need it.
I would highly suggest that anyone looking to get the best iPad 10.2 cases should take a look at one with a keyboard. It lets you type on your iPad as if it were a laptop, all while protecting your iPad when it's not in use. Apple's Smart Keyboard is a simple option that offers both light protection and a sleek look.
Of course, if you don't like keyboard cases and just want something that will cover up your iPad while you're carrying it around, the MoKo Smart Shell is simple and effective. It has the auto sleep/wake feature of the iPad screen, so you don't have to worry about the screen once you close it. Plus, unlike Apple's Smart Cover, it actually covers the back of the iPad too.
"We think about privacy being a fundamental human right"
What you need to know
Apple's head of privacy has given an interview for Data Privacy Day.
Erik Neuenschwander sat down with Rene Ritchie to discuss privacy across all of Apple's platforms.
He reiterated that Apple thinks of privacy as a "fundamental human right."
Apple's head of privacy Erik Neuenschwander has sat down with Rene Ritchie to give an interview on Data Privacy Day.
Neuenschwander and Ritchie discussed Apple's various privacy initiatives and specific features like Hide My Email and Mail Privacy Protection as featured in iCloud+ and on devices like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. Neuenschwander reiterated Apple's stance on privacy saying:
"We think about privacy being a fundamental human right, and how the only way that you're going to realize that is by designing it into everything that we build... we want great features and great privacy and I think we've shown time and time again across the years that we can deliver on that..."
He also discussed how Apple uses data minimization to reduce the amount of data collected on users in the first place, and how it tries to ensure that apps and services only use the data they need to function and nothing more, stating that avoiding data collection upfront was "a great way to be privacy-respecting to the user."
Neuenschwander's comments echo changes made by Apple in recent years to software and hardware, notably in iOS 14 with the addition of App Tracking Transparency. The feature means that users must opt-in to tracking using an IDFA number across apps and services, a tool previously used to target specific advertising on platforms like Facebook.
Apple's privacy stance came under fire in 2021 after the company announced a series of new Child Safety Measures that involved a controversial plan to scan the hashes of iCloud Photos against a database of existing Child Sexual Abuse Material. Apple took the decision to delay the plans last year and has not spoken about them since.
Apple has told developers that it will no longer bundle Python 2 in macOS from macOS 12.3 onwards.
Developers should use Python 3, but that doesn't come pre-installed.
Developers have been told to bundle Python into their apps if it is required.
Time to bundle that runtime in your apps if it's a requirement.
Apple has confirmed that it is removing Python 2 from macOS 12.3 which means that there will be no version of the scripting language installed by default.
The news comes via the macOS Monterey 12.3 beta that was recently made available to developers. The current version that Apple ships with macOS is Python 2.7 and that will be removed completely. Python 2.7 has not been supported for more than a year now, and while there are newer versions available Apple will not be bundling those, either.
As MacRumors notes, developers will need to install the latest build of Python manually and were told as far back as 2019 that they should begin to bundle the Python runtime inside their apps if it was required.
Apple says that developers should use an alternative programming language instead, such as Python 3, but it's worth noting that Python 3 also does not come preinstalled on macOS. Developers can run the stub /usr/bin/python3 in Terminal, but it prompts users to install Xcode developer tools, which includes Python 3.
"If your software depends on scripting languages, it's recommended that you bundle the runtime within the app," Apple said when discussing the situation previously.
Apple made the first macOS 12.3 beta available to developers yesterday but there is no indication of when it will also be released to the public. We expect a few betas to arrive before we get to that point, however.
