Category: Apple Insider

On sale for $569 on Black Friday, Amazon has slashed the price of Apple’s new iPad Air 4 even further, dropping it down to down to $559, and matching the all-time record low price we’ve seen. At the time of publication, Amazon says the tablet is expected to ship on Dec. 20, so you’ll want to secure your spot in line for the best delivery dates.

AppleInsider will be highlighting the best Cyber Monday throughout the holiday weekend. Be sure to download our app and follow us on social media for the latest news and best prices on your favorite Apple gear and accessories.

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive discounts on hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus deals on AppleCare, software and more. Here are some of the offers:

The new AirPods Pro deal is courtesy of Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama with a bonus $30 promo code discount for AppleInsider readers that stacks with a $30 instant rebate. With coupon code APINSIDER (and shopping through our special pricing link to activate the deal), the wireless headphones are priced at $189.

As mentioned above, you must shop through our special pricing link and enter coupon code APINSIDER in the same browsing session to active the special offer. This deal is valid while supplies last.

1. Make sure you’re using a browser with cookies enabled that isn’t in private mode.
2. Click on the price link to the desired configuration from this article or the Adorama price links in our Price Guides. You MUST click through our links in the same shopping session that you use our coupon. If you try to save a link for late, the coupon WON’T WORK. Once you click through a price link, you’ll see a price that’s higher than advertised (we’ll fix that in a moment).
3. Add the AirPods Pro to your cart anyway, and when you’re done shopping, begin the checkout process.
4. Look for a link that says “Do you have a gift card or promo code?” next to the gift icon. Click that to bring up a coupon code field.
   
5. Enter the coupon code APINSIDER in the field and click apply. The discount should appear under “Promo Savings” above the order total.
6. That’s it.
   As always, if you have any issues, you can reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll try and help.

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive discounts on hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus deals on AppleCare, software and more. Here are some of the offers:

Perhaps the very first health feature of the Apple Watch was its ability to sense heart rate. Five years and six versions on, it’s still a key feature — and Apple continues to research how to add blood pressure measurements to it.

A pair of newly-revealed patent applications show that Apple wants to make it possible for the Apple Watch to continually monitor blood pressure. “Electrical Coupling of Pulse Transit Time (PTT) Measurement System to Heart for Blood Pressure Measurement,” says that it can be done without interruption to the user.

“Current ambulatory and home blood pressure measurement approaches… fail to provide continuous measurement of blood pressure,” it says. “Additionally, when an oscillometric blood pressure measurement cuff is used to monitor a person’s blood pressure when sleeping, the intermittent inflation and deflation of the cuff can disturb the person’s sleeping pattern, thereby harming the subject to some extent and potentially changing the person’s sleeping blood pressure.”

“Thus, convenient and effective approaches for noninvasive continuous measurement of blood pressure remain of interest,” it continues.

Both this, and the similar “Blood Pressure Monitoring Using a Multi-Function Wrist-Worn Device” patent application, propose using the Watch as just one part of the process. In each of these new applications, the Watch will measure blood pressure by timing how long it takes a pulse to reach it from the user’s heart.

“Output from a pulse arrival sensor coupled to the wrist-worn device is processed to detect when a blood pressure pulse generated by ejection of the volume of blood from the left ventricle arrives at the wrist,” says the first patent application.

“A pulse transit time (PTT) for transit of the blood pressure pulse from the left ventricle to the wrist is calculated,” it continues.

This does mean the user wearing electrodes or some other kind of sensor as well as the Apple Watch. So it’s not going to be adopted by everyone, it will be used when medical advice recommends continuous study.

Detail from the patent showing positioning of sensors

“Home blood pressure measurements may be recommended where information is desired regarding the effectiveness of blood pressure lowering medication,” explains Apple, “and/or where doubt exists as to the reliability of ambulatory blood pressure measurement.”

Apple has previously investigated doing continuous heart rate measures without the use of extras such as electrodes, or a blood pressure cuff.

The leaker known as @L0vetodream on Twitter has shared an especially vague remark regarding a Ming-Chi Kuo report about future MacBook models published late on Monday. The tweet just suggests that the redesigned models destined for late 2021 would not be limited to Apple Silicon.

This suggests that future models of Apple’s popular MacBooks may still offer Intel variants. This is in direct contrast to what Apple’s SVP Greg Joswiak said in an interview on M1 processors.

“When we said we would support Intel systems for years to come, that was talking about the operating system.” Apple had previously commented that future Intel hardware was coming, but Joswiak said “We still had Intel systems that were in the pipeline” when it was said, “That very next month, we introduced an Intel-based iMac.”

These comments suggest that there are no more Intel Macs coming, though Apple also said the transition to Apple Silicon would take two years. In the meantime Apple could continue to release high-end Intel variants to support specific pro workflows, though given the M1’s processing power, that may not be necessary.

The person behind the @L0vetodream Twitter account has a good accuracy record.

When Apple introduced the new M1-powered Mac mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro, it quietly changed the video output limitations, enabling the Mac Mini to drive two monitors, and the MacBooks to handle one external screen alongside the built-in display. Shortly after launch, a YouTube video indicates it’s possible to go far beyond Apple’s recommendations.

Published on Sunday, the video by Ruslan Tulupov shows the M1 Mac mini working with more than the two-screen limit. Following an initial video showing it was possible to drive three screens using one adapter, a second video uses a plethora of adapters to bring the total screen count to six on one Mac mini.

To accomplish the feat, Tulupov works around Apple’s limitation that allows for the HDMI port to drive one screen and Thunderbolt 3 to drive a second. While a screen is connected to HDMI as usual, the video then uses a Thunderbolt 3 dock as a main base for all of the other video connections.

A Thunderbolt-to-HDMI adapter is used to connect one screen to the dock, while other displays are connected using a variety of DisplayLink adapters. Using the Big Sur-compatible DisplayLink drivers and software, the extra adapters were able to provide a video feed to each of the screens.

Creating such a setup is an expensive project, with each DisplayLink adapter costing between $75 and $100 each, before you factor in a suitable Thunderbolt dock, let alone the displays. You could end up paying out the equivalent of an entry-level M1 Mac mini on top of the Mac mini itself, and it appears that the retail value of Tulupov’s setup is around $950, not including monitors, exceeding the cost of a second Mac mini.

Additionally, each display under DisplayLink consumes CPU and GPU resources to function, as opposed to just the GPU for the native displays. You are not going to be able to render six 4K-resolution screens and have it still running consistently speedy under load, at a consistent frame rate, or to play video well.

Further complicating a similar installation, DisplayLink drivers have been unusable at times in macOS over the last five years. For example, macOS 10.13.4’s release broke DisplayLink and other similar systems until support was reintroduced to make the adapters functional again months later. Other breakages induced by macOS updates have been fixed by the driver manufacturer itself — but they are not day and date fixes.

The company is rumored to be preparing a new iPad Pro model with mini LED backlighting for release in early 2021. But a report from Korea-based publication TheElec suggests that some models in the 2021 iPad Pro lineup could also adopt OLED display technology.

According to the publication, Samsung Display and LG Display are currently developing new OLED panels for the tablets. Unlike a mini LED model, these OLED-equipped iPad Pro models are reportedly slated for a launch in the second half of 2021.

TheElec reports that Apple’s plan to release OLED iPad Pro models could be delayed depending on the scale of adoption of LCD displays with mini LED backlighting, however.

Those OLED displays will be produced according to higher specifications than the OLED screens on Apple’s iPhone lineup. That could be to mitigate some of the issues with OLED use on tablets. Because tablets are typically used longer, OLED panels with just one emitting layer could suffer from burn-in or loss of brightness over time.

Samsung Display, for example, was said to be adding a distribution chamber to one of its OLED production lines that would be able to stack emitting layers on top of each other. The result would be an OLED panel with a longer lifespan compared to ones that use just one layer.

Although Apple is largely expected to release at least one mini LED iPad Pro model in 2021, it isn’t clear how this rumor of OLED-equipped devices fits in. The Cupertino tech giant may have changed its plans, or it could be planning to release a mini LED model early in 2021 with OLED devices coming later that year.

OLED and mini LED technology have many of the same benefits over traditional LCD displays, including better power efficiency, higher levels of brightness, and improved contrast ratios.

In addition to new display technology, Apple is rumored to introduce 5G wireless connectivity on its iPad Pro models in 2021.

The Belkin deals start today (Nov. 22) and run through Nov. 30 on Amazon.com. They include chargers, wireless-charging stands, and more — all making great stocking stuffers for the Apple lover in your life. Here’s a rundown of the offers:

• Belkin USB-C Multimedia + Charge Adapter: $34.99 ($35 off)
• Belkin USB-C Multimedia Hub: $49.99 ($50 off)
• Belkin BoostCharge Dual USB-C PD GaN Wall Charger 68W: $36.99 ($18 off)

• Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker + Wireless Charger: $199.99 ($100 off)
• Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Charging Pad 15W + QC 3.0 24W Wall Charger: $24.99 ($15 off)
• Belkin BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand + QC 3.0 24W Wall Charger: $34.99 ($10 off)
• Belkin BoostCharge Dual Wireless Charging Pads: $29.99 ($20 off)

• Wemo Mini Smart Plug: $23.99 ($11 off)
• Wemo Smart Light Switch 3-Way 2-Pack: $59.99 ($20 off)

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive discounts on hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus deals on AppleCare, software and more. Here are some of the offers:

The Nebula Astro is a tiny projector with a cute, kid-friendly design. It’s marketed for portability but can easily replace the TV in a child’s room or playroom.

The Astro Portable Projector fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. It’s only available in white and is made of matte plastic, so it feels premium and solid, though probably not durable enough to survive a fall or a throw from a cranky toddler.

It has a friendly look comparable to the EVE robot in Pixar’s “Wall-E.” The front consists of a black hooded lens that houses the projector and the proximity sensor, with a small wheel for focus control residing nearby.

Speaker grills are on each side of the device, the back, and the base, and are flat for laying the device down easily. There is a standard tripod mount on the bottom and the rear has a USB-C port and HDMI port.

The small black circle contains the IR receiver for the included remote. The top contains a couple of buttons for simple controls: power on, volume up/down, and a toggle switch for the Bluetooth speaker mode.

Astro’s design obviously pulls from sci-fi like Star Wars

The projector casts an image at 480p resolution at a 16:9 ratio. You have to manually adjust focus, and the lamp life is rated at 30,000 hours.

There is a proximity sensor built into the front of the projector to stop the lamp from harming the eyes of curious children. If anything passes in front of the projector, the lamp shuts off until the sensor is no longer obscured.

It has two ports in the rear and the USB-C port doubles as a data input or a charging port. The HDMI port is rated for HDMI 1.4, though it will still only output 480p.

The projector weighs only 13 ounces and is almost a perfect cube at 3.6 inches high, 3.2 inches wide, and 3.5 inches long.

The Astro projector runs a skinned version of Android 7.1 with a built-in proprietary app store. You can download some entertainment apps like Amazon Video or Netflix, and games like Crossy Road. The selection is limited, but includes the most popular apps.

The software includes parental controls so you can place a passcode on apps and restrict adult content. Using YouTube and Netflix is no different from using the apps on a smart tv.

The software sometimes lags and the remote becomes unresponsive, though that may be due to limited processing on the Astro. When navigating the software or viewing content, the cooling fans spin up loudly. The speakers often drown out this sound, but it is audible at lower volumes.

Astro benefits Apple users by being an AirPlay device, mirroring the display of an iPhone or iPad and streaming video. It will not play DRM content, however, so you can’t stream iTunes purchases or Apple TV+.

There is an official Nebula app for controlling the projector without the included remote. It works fine, but instead of having digital buttons, it presents a large trackpad to touch and swipe to interact.

The biggest benefit of using the remote app is access to a keyboard, as typing using the physical remote is painstakingly slow.

The Astro Projector turns off the bright lamp when someone crosses too close to the device

Power on the Astro Projector with the switch on top of the device or using the included remote. After a short boot-up sequence you are greeted with the list of installed apps.

We recommend setting up the apps using the phone app since you’ll have access to a digital keyboard. Otherwise, you’ll be navigating a virtual keyboard using a directional pad.

The interface is fairly basic, and it is designed to show what apps you have downloaded and gets you to the media playback quickly. The app store is hidden in the settings menu, which can be a bit odd at the first launch.

After setting up the apps, everything works as expected. You’ll be able to open an app, select what you want to watch, and exit out using the simple controls.

There is a built-in parental control section in settings to restrict apps and content using a password. Streaming at 480p does not require a strong internet connection, so streams start fast and rarely buffer.

Nebula says that streaming will last about 2.5 hours when not connected to power. You can connect a battery pack to extend use, but it must output at least 10W.

The time to a full charge when not in use is 2 hours.

Playing YouTube videos works as expected

The projector will show a decent quality image in a dark room with a white backdrop. Physically moving the projector will change the size of the displayed image, as expected.

The projector will adjust the angle of the displayed image based on how it’s physically angled where mounted.

A button on the speaker, or a menu in software, can toggle speaker mode. This shuts off the projector and turns the Astro into a Bluetooth/AirPlay audio receiver.

The audio quality is not amazing, but if you’re using this to entertain kids through the quiet moments, then that is a non-issue. There isn’t any bass to speak of, but the audio does come through loud and crisp.

You can use speaker mode for up to 14 hours over Bluetooth.

Connecting this 1TB external SSD to Astro was simple

Despite being a small projector, there are a wide variety of options for getting video to the device. You can connect anything via HDMI making the Astro a great portable TV.

The USB-C port can read memory from flash drives and hard drives that don’t need external power. When connecting an external drive via USB, files will show up in an app on the Astro, which works in a straightforward fashion. Popular formats like H.264, VP8, DivX are supported.

The limited specs and sometimes-finicky software do not completely undermine this projector. Since it is aimed at younger children, they will happily watch whatever is being streamed without any concerns about pixel count or audio quality.

That being said, these specs seem a bit low despite a $280 price tag. Other entertainment options exist within that price range without needing access to a hanging sheet or empty white wall.

This device fills a specific niche that will make certain people very happy. If you live in a large home where you’re constantly moving about with a toddler, and happen to have white walls, you might find such a device a godsend.

Other use cases could include projecting an Xbox onto a sheet during a sleepover or having an additional entertainment source in the hotel room while traveling with kids. If you cannot think of an opportunity to use the Astro, then it may not be for you.

Despite its limited use case and software quirks, this is a good portable projector. A better specification would mean a bigger and more expensive device, so the Nebula Astro may just fit into your life.

• Portable and kid safe design
• Modern type-C charging
• Decent speaker quality

• Expensive given OS and resolution
• Short battery life limits use case

You can buy the Nebula Astro Portable Projector at Amazon for $279.99.

The Xbox Series X controller does not stray far from the previous generation’s design aesthetic, but it does include important Bluetooth updates and button changes. The new controller has Bluetooth Low Energy built in alongside the Xbox wireless radio spec for a wide range of compatibility.

Xbox says it built the controller so it could be used across consoles, PCs, and phones since its xCloud service would enable play from anywhere. You can even connect the controller directly to your MacBook or iPad using the USB-C connector.

MacRumors first spotted the change in a support document, which sites the plans for future compatibility with the Xbox controller. This means you’ll be able to connect the controller to any device running the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or tvOS once compatibility is added.

Apple nor Sony have commented on future compatibility with the DualSense controller, the controller for the PS5. Reports suggested that iOS 14.3 included support for the Playstation 5 controller, but AppleInsider staff have not successfully paired the controller in any of the beta periods.

The next generation of consoles is here, and so are the controllers. Find out which console works best for the Apple user and decide what controller to get by reading our comparison here.

In a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives says that recent Asia checks have been “incrementally bullish” around iPhone 12 demand in the U.S. and in China. Ives is currently predicting that Apple suppliers will ship 80 million iPhone 12 units in the initial launch period, with sales just less than 90 million possible, but on the outside edge of the prediction model.

Wedbush is seeing a “clear tick up” for demand around the iPhone 12 Pro models, with indications that the 6.1-inch variant is currently the “star of the show.” Demand for the iPhone 12 Pro Max is also very strong, however, and Ives notes that this bodes well for Apple’s average selling price (ASP) heading into 2021.

In late October, Ives anticipated 75 million units sold. Roughly eight weeks prior to Thursday’s note, and prior to the iPhone 12 event, the analyst expected 65 million to 70 million units.

“We have not seen a launch uptrend such as this in a number of years for Apple and the only iPhone trajectory similar would be the iPhone 6 in 2014 based on our analysis,” the analyst said.

Based on lead times on Apple’s online storefront, as well as Wedbush’s Asia checks, Ives believes that pre-orders for the iPhone 12 have tracked nearly double that of the iPhone 11.

In China, strong pent up demand has created healthy performance of the iPhone 12 lineup heading into the holiday season. The investment firm previously called China a “key ingredient” in the 2020 to 2021 supercycle.

“With our estimation that 350 million of 950 million iPhones worldwide are currently in the window of an upgrade opportunity, we believe this will translate into an unprecedented upgrade cycle for Apple with a major holiday season on the horizon despite the softer consumer backdrop,” Ives writes.

The analyst is maintaining his $150 12-month AAPL price target, based on a sum-of-the-parts valuation on its 2021 fiscal estimates. Broken down, that’s based on a 15x multiple to Services at about $900 billion and a 7.3x multiple on Apple’s hardware business at $1.7 trillion.