O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: Lightning

  • Rumor: Apple to stop selling iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE models in EU later this month

    Rumor: Apple to stop selling iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE models in EU later this month

    You may love the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE, but if you live in the European Union, the clock is ticking as to being able to purchase these handsets within the region. In order to comply with a regulation that all newly-sold smartphones feature a USB-C port, these units, which still feature the Lightning port for wired charging, will soon be removed from store shelves.

    Per the French blog iGeneration, the iPhone models will no longer be sold through Apple’s online store and retail stores in the European Union as of December 28, which is when the regulation goes into force. Apple may begin phasing out the iPhones even earlier in Switzerland, which has a close relationship with the European Union market. There, the report states that the devices will be removed from Apple’s online store as of December 20.

    Apple Authorized Resellers in the European Union will be able to continue selling these iPhones until their remaining inventory is depleted, the report added.

    Apple seems to be about to stop selling some of its other Lightning-based wares in the EU, including its Magic Keyboard without Touch ID. The keyboard still uses a Lightning port for charging.

    There are 27 countries in the European Union, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. While the United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020, the report said Apple will stop selling the devices in Northern Ireland, which continues to follow many of the European Union’s trade laws.

    The report cites details shared by Apple’s internal team. Apple did not reply to comments as to the rumors.

    Apple is expected to announce a fourth-generation iPhone SE with a USB-C port in March, so the device will quickly return to the European Union. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus likely would have been discontinued in September, so sales of those devices would end in the European Union around nine months early.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and iGeneration

  • macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 updates add support for wired Xbox controllers

    macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 updates add support for wired Xbox controllers

    If you’re hankering to use a wired Xbox controller on your Apple device, you’re going to live this.

    Apple’s newest operating system updates for iOS 18, iPadOS, and macOS 15 Sequoia add support for the wired controllers.

    Previously, Apple devices supported wireless Xbox and PlayStation controllers via Bluetooth, but when it came to wired connections, only PlayStation controllers were compatible. This update marks a step forward in broadening gaming accessory support across Apple’s ecosystem.

    Per Apple engineer Nat Brown back in June, the Xbox uses a custom USB protocol for its wired controllers. Apple has added this with the latest updates, thus allowing for more comfortable gaming.

    The setup guides are as follows:

    Connecting to Apple Devices with Lightning Ports:

    If you’re using an iOS device with a Lightning port—such as older iPhones or iPads—you’ll need a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to connect your wired Xbox controller. This requirement mirrors the setup process for wired PlayStation controllers on these devices. The adapter facilitates the necessary USB connection, ensuring your controller communicates effectively with your device.

    Connecting to Apple Devices with USB-C Ports:

    Simply plug the controller in using a USB-C to USB-C cable to establish the wired connection.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the wired Xbox controller with the operating system updates, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors and @natbro

  • Apple releases firmware updates for AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Pencil Pro

    Apple releases firmware updates for AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Pencil Pro

    On Tuesday, Apple released new firmware for its AirPods 2 wireless earbuds along with updated firmware for its Apple Pencil Pro stylus. The new AirPods Pro 2 firmware allows users to access features such as head-shaking gestures, and it’s thought that the Apple Pencil Pro update centers around bug fixes.

    Tuesday’s update brings the AirPods Pro 2 firmware build version to 7A294, up from 6F8. This firmware update is only for AirPods Pro 2, both the USB-C and Lightning versions, and won’t be released for AirPods Max or other non-H2 devices.

    The head-shaking gestures, which were mentioned as being in development at this year’s WWDC event, allow users to shake their head yes or no to reply to Siri. Improved noise isolation and personalized spatial audio features for gaming are also present.

    The updated Apple Pencil Pro firmware jumps the version number from 0.1.33 to 0.1.40. Given that there are currently no details as to what the update entails, it’s thought that this is a bug fix with quality-of-life improvements.

    The Apple Pencil Pro’s firmware can be updated by attaching the stylus to a compatible iPad. For the AirPods Pro 2, the new firmware update is installed automatically, as there is no mechanism to force an update manually. The firmware will install by itself as long as the AirPods are in a charging case and connected to an iOS device.

    The AirPods firmware version can be checked via the following steps:

    1. Open the Settings app
    2. Select General
    3. Select About
    4. Select the AirPods you wish to view
    5. A menu will appear showing relevant device information
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    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider

  • Apple debuts AirPods 4 wireless earbuds, cites new features between the two product tiers

    Apple debuts AirPods 4 wireless earbuds, cites new features between the two product tiers

    Concluding the “It’s Glowtime” media event on Monday, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its wireless earbuds.

    The two models aim to replace the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 generations, and the last time Apple updated its AirPods was in October 2021. At the time, the AirPods 3 arrived with a new design and Spatial Audio support, but they did not entirely replace AirPods 2. Instead, Apple kept both products around: AirPods 2 at a lower $129 price point, with AirPods 3 debuting at $179.

    With its AirPods 4 model, Apple is looking to replace its third-generation units by splitting the AirPods 4 lines into two different offerings. The AirPods 4 will feature a similar look and feel to the AirPods 3, but will come packaged in a new, more compact charging case than was available with AirPods 3. The new AirPods 4 charging case features USB-C charging, replacing the previous Lightning port.

    The AirPods 4 will feature a variety of audio upgrades driven by the H2 chip. The upgrades include features such as voice isolation, personalized spatial audio, and the ability to respond to Siri with a nod or head shake. These features had previously been exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 users will receive them as well.

    The AirPods 4 will arrive at a higher price point, but still include

    What’s different between AirPods 4 modelsfeatures like Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio. Its charging case also supports MagSafe wireless charging as another option, in addition to USB-C.

    The more more affordable model will lack these key features, but still include the new design and some other features.

    Both AirPods 4 models became available to pre-order starting on Monday, and they ship on September 20. The standard AirPods 4 are available for $129, while AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation cost $179.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac

  • Rumor: AirPods 3 Pro earbuds to feature “much better” Active Noise Cancellation feature over previous models

    Rumor: AirPods 3 Pro earbuds to feature “much better” Active Noise Cancellation feature over previous models

    If you’re hoping for dramatically improved Active Noise Cancellation on the AirPods Pro 3, you may get it.

    Per a Tuesday post on X, noted leaked Kosutami claimed that the AirPods Pro 3 will feature “much better” active noise cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2, which launched nearly two years ago. However, the leaker did not provide any specific details about this alleged upgrade.

    Apple currently advertises the AirPods 2 as featuring “up to twice as much” active noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Pro 3 may see a significant improvement beyond this.

    Apple is expected to announce both low-end and mid-tier AirPods 4 wireless earbuds at its September 9 media event. Kosutami claimed that the AirPods Pro 3 are also coming “soon.” Still, it is unclear if this information is accurate, as other media sources previously reported that Apple planned to release a redesigned AirPods Pro model in 2025.

    Both Apple’s low-end and mid-tier AirPods 4 units are rumored to feature a revised design with better fit in the ear, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. The mid-tier AirPods 4 are also said to feature active noise cancellation and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for Find My location tracking.

    The AirPods Max headphones are rumored to be updated later this year, albeit the only anticipated change for this model is a switch to a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and @Kosutami_Ito