Top Stories: iOS 17 Beta 3, Meta Launches Twitter Rival, and More

[MacRumors]

Apple has moved on to a new round of developer beta testing for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and related updates, and the public beta program open to everyone should be kicking off very soon.

The next iPhone launch is also just two months away now, and we're continuing to hear rumors about what to expect from the next-generation models, while we've heard more this week about a rumored iPhone SE 4 and an upcoming external Mac monitor that could double as a smart home display.

Finally, Meta this week launched its Twitter competitor known as Threads, and it's seen rapid uptake thanks to its integration with Instagram. Read on for all the details on this week's biggest stories!

Everything New in iOS 17 Beta 3

Apple this week seeded the third beta of iOS 17 to developers for testing. The latest beta includes a few smaller changes for the iPhone, so be sure to check out our recap of everything new.

The first public beta of iOS 17 will be available later this month, according to Apple, and the software update will be released for all users with an iPhone XS and newer in September. Read our in-depth iOS 17 roundup to learn more about the update and new features.

Apple also released the third developer betas of iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17 this week.

iPhone 15 Pro Expected to Come in Blue

The iPhone 15 Pro models set to be introduced this September will be available in a unique dark blue color that has a gray tone, according to leaker Unknownz21.

Available in a new titanium material, the blue shade will have a brushed finish that is unlike the stainless steel Apple has used in the past. The color is similar to the blue Apple used for the iPhone 12 Pro models, but it appears to be darker and with more gray to better complement the titanium finish. Check out our article for renderings we created to demonstrate the new color.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Predicted to Be More Expensive Than Previous Model

The high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max will be more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099, according to tech analyst Jeff Pu.

One reason the Pro Max might be more expensive this year is the device's rumored periscope lens, which is expected to enable up to 5-6x optical zoom, compared to the current limit of 3x. The regular 15 Pro is not expected to have a periscope lens.

Meta's Twitter Alternative 'Threads' Now Available

Facebook's parent company Meta this week launched a new iPhone app called Threads that competes with Twitter. Thanks to Instagram integration, the app amassed over 30 million users as of Thursday morning, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

MacRumors is on Threads, as are several of our staff members, so be sure to follow us to keep up with the latest Apple news and rumors.

Apple Reportedly Working on Mac Monitor That Becomes a Smart Home Display When Idle

Apple is working on a new external monitor for Macs that also functions as a smart home display while not in use, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Apple is developing multiple new monitor offerings, some of which are likely to be successors to its Studio Display and Pro Display XDR, and one that could have smart standby features powered by an onboard iOS chip.

iPhone SE 4: Here's What the Latest Rumors Say

Rumors about a fourth-generation iPhone SE have been circulating sinc... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Top Stories: iOS 17 Beta 3, Meta Launches Twitter Rival, and More

 

[oofio2461]

Still Believe the SE 4 will come out in 2024, in 2025 the 13 would be able to buy but the SE 3 will still remain. There is No way they will update it for 2025 unless they plan on dropping the SE 3 in 2024.

 

[sw1tcher]

Facebook's parent company Meta this week launched a new iPhone app called Threads that competes with Twitter. Thanks to Instagram integration, the app amassed over 30 million users as of Thursday morning, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

There are now over 86 million Threads users.

At this rate, they'll have over 100 million users in less than a week. That's faster than ChatGPT (2 months) and TikTok (9 months).


"ChatGPT, the popular chatbot from OpenAI, is estimated to have reached 100 million monthly active users in January, just two months after launch, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to a UBS study on Wednesday.

It took TikTok about nine months after its global launch to reach 100 million users and Instagram 2-1/2 years, according to data from Sensor Tower."



Musk must be so mad at Thread's success. Twitter's new business strategy is to stop paying its bills and sue people for problems Musk created 🤣

Twitter threatens legal action against Meta over its new rival app Threads

Twitter has threatened legal action against Meta over its new text-based app called Threads. The offering launched this week as a rival to Elon Musk’s social media platform and has drawn tens of millions of users.

apnews.com

Musk sues law firm because he’s mad that Twitter paid $90 million bill

Musk tries to claw back $90M from firm that forced him to complete Twitter deal.

arstechnica.com

 

[Realityck]

Apple has moved on to a new round of developer beta testing for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and related updates, and the public beta program open to everyone should be kicking off very soon.

I expect it to happen early next week (Monday or Tuesday), because Apple allowed more people to use the dev betas early after changing the developer software access rules 6/6. Its not like anyone is reading about any of this years WWDC dev betas as being highly problematic, instead they are just as we expect, mostly working, a few issues as expected.

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

Still Believe the SE 4 will come out in 2024, in 2025 the 13 would be able to buy but the SE 3 will still remain. There is No way they will update it for 2025 unless they plan on dropping the SE 3 in 2024.

Post 2017, Apple has consistently(!) year-after-year offered a lineup of iPhones spanning three SoC generations. Which also means that Apple has (since 2017) never kept any iPhone in the line-up for more than three generations at the very most.

Facts are that:

• Pros get cut annually. New Pros launch every year.
• minis stay 2 years, gets cut the 3rd year (expecting the same for Plus, but we don't know yet). No consistent launch for minis or Plus.
• Mid-range consistently stay in the line-up for 3 years and get cut every 4 years. New mid-range every year.
• SEs have only ever stayed in the line-up for around 2-2.5 years, never more. Seems to launch every 2-4 years or so. No consistent launch schedule.

There's no leaks or indications that this strategy is about to change and thus no reason to expect a big change.

iPhone 13 will therefore most likely get cut from the line-up when iPhone 16 drops in 2024.

iPhone SE launch schedule has never been regular, and the next SE could just as well be launched in early 2024 or 2025, or see no new models for several many years.

I do confidently expect SE 3 to get cut when iPhone 16 launches, possibly already this year when iPhone 15 drops.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Can I please have an orange iPhone Apple?

 

[boswald]

I’m thrilled for iOS 17. Bring it on!

 

[tripsync]

There are now over 86 million Threads users.

At this rate, they'll have over 100 million users in less than a week. That's faster than ChatGPT (2 months) and TikTok (9 months).


"ChatGPT, the popular chatbot from OpenAI, is estimated to have reached 100 million monthly active users in January, just two months after launch, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to a UBS study on Wednesday.

It took TikTok about nine months after its global launch to reach 100 million users and Instagram 2-1/2 years, according to data from Sensor Tower."



Musk must be so mad at Thread's success. Twitter's new business strategy is to stop paying its bills and sue people for problems Musk created 🤣

Twitter threatens legal action against Meta over its new rival app Threads

Twitter has threatened legal action against Meta over its new text-based app called Threads. The offering launched this week as a rival to Elon Musk’s social media platform and has drawn tens of millions of users.

apnews.com

Musk sues law firm because he’s mad that Twitter paid $90 million bill

Musk tries to claw back $90M from firm that forced him to complete Twitter deal.

arstechnica.com

meanwhile

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1677546368741806080

🤣

BTW I actually used Threads. I tapped the button to follow everyone that I followed on Instagram. Now my Threads feed and Instagram feed are practically the same. People crossposting the same pictures as in Instagram. What's the point?

This is like Google bragging they have 80% world marketshare but Apple still earns more revenue from the App Store than Google's play store.

 

[Sorinut]

meanwhile

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1677546368741806080

🤣

BTW I actually used Threads. I tapped the button to follow everyone that I followed on Instagram. Now my Threads feed and Instagram feed are practically the same. People crossposting the same pictures as in Instagram. What's the point?

This is like Google bragging they have 80% world marketshare but Apple still earns more revenue from the App Store than Google's play store.

Google can't keep a service going to save its life. Meta, despite all it's fault (and it has a lot), seems to know how to keep the lights on with new projects.

 

[tripsync]

Google can't keep a service going to save its life. Meta, despite all it's fault (and it has a lot), seems to know how to keep the lights on with new projects.

Uh...

Facebook is shutting down its live shopping feature on October 1 | TechCrunch

Facebook is shutting down its live shopping feature on October 1 to shift its focus to Reels, the company announced in a blog post. After this date, you

techcrunch.com

Facebook’s Paid Online Event program is being terminated by Meta

Facebook’s paid online event service is coming to an end as Meta, the parent company of the platform, has decided to shut it down.

www.digitalinformationworld.com

Facebook Gaming App Will Shut Down Soon

Released in 2020, the Facebook Gaming App will become defunct in October.

www.gamespot.com

Facebook will shut down Bulletin, its newsletter service, by early 2023

Facebook is pulling the plug on its newsletter subscription service Bulletin and no one is even pretending to be surprised. New York Times media reporter Katie Robertson broke the news: SCOOP: Meta/Facebook is shuttering its Bulletin newsletter subscription service. It plans to wind it down …

www.niemanlab.org

Millions affected as Facebook removes key feature after seven years

The social media giant said the move was in keeping with its users’ preferences.

7news.com.au

Facebook's video speed-dating service is shutting down January 20th

Along with Sparked, collaborative music-making app Collab is closing up shop.

www.engadget.com

Meta’s private messaging app for couples is shutting down

Tuned is shutting down on September 19th.

www.theverge.com

Meta Shuts Down Facebook Watch Originals Programming

The end of Facebook's originals comes as Meta is laying off 10,000 employees in its latest round of cuts.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

https://www.lightreading.com/big-tech/meta-kills-facebook-connectivity/d/d-id/782257

 

[Wanted797]

Can I please have an orange iPhone Apple?

Just buy the golden “brown” leather case like I did.

Though I was disappointed at how orange it was.

 

[Sorinut]

Uh...

Facebook is shutting down its live shopping feature on October 1 | TechCrunch

Facebook is shutting down its live shopping feature on October 1 to shift its focus to Reels, the company announced in a blog post. After this date, you

techcrunch.com

Facebook’s Paid Online Event program is being terminated by Meta

Facebook’s paid online event service is coming to an end as Meta, the parent company of the platform, has decided to shut it down.

www.digitalinformationworld.com

Facebook Gaming App Will Shut Down Soon

Released in 2020, the Facebook Gaming App will become defunct in October.

www.gamespot.com

Facebook will shut down Bulletin, its newsletter service, by early 2023

Facebook is pulling the plug on its newsletter subscription service Bulletin and no one is even pretending to be surprised. New York Times media reporter Katie Robertson broke the news: SCOOP: Meta/Facebook is shuttering its Bulletin newsletter subscription service. It plans to wind it down …

www.niemanlab.org

Millions affected as Facebook removes key feature after seven years

The social media giant said the move was in keeping with its users’ preferences.

7news.com.au

Facebook's video speed-dating service is shutting down January 20th

Along with Sparked, collaborative music-making app Collab is closing up shop.

www.engadget.com

Meta’s private messaging app for couples is shutting down

Tuned is shutting down on September 19th.

www.theverge.com

Meta Shuts Down Facebook Watch Originals Programming

The end of Facebook's originals comes as Meta is laying off 10,000 employees in its latest round of cuts.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

https://www.lightreading.com/big-tech/meta-kills-facebook-connectivity/d/d-id/782257

Killed by Google

Killed by Google is the open source list of dead Google products, services, and devices. It serves as a tribute and memorial of beloved services and products killed by Google.

killedbygoogle.com

It's currently at 288 products.

 

[tripsync]

Killed by Google

Killed by Google is the open source list of dead Google products, services, and devices. It serves as a tribute and memorial of beloved services and products killed by Google.

killedbygoogle.com

It's currently at 288 products.

Your argument was Meta "seems to know how to keep the lights on with new projects."

Google killing 1000 products does not prove Meta is good at keeping the lights on.

 

[Will Co]

Wonder how the number of active Threads users will look once the initial interest wears off.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

Wonder how the number of active Threads users will look once the initial interest wears off

"Threads" is like Scientology. Easy to get in, but hard to get out. At the moment you can only deactivate your account, but you can only delete it by also deleting your Instagram account.

With that trick they are inflating the number of users. I wonder if they will really publish the number of active users.

At the moment the app is horrible bad. For a test I signed up and followed two accounts. Yet my feed was full of stuff from people I did not follow and there does not seem to be a way to change that. Stuff I did not request is basically spam. It is not any better than ads.

 

[Will Co]

"Threads" is like Scientology. Easy to get in, but hard to get out. At the moment you can only deactivate your account, but you can only delete it by also deleting your Instagram account.

With that trick they are inflating the number of users. I wonder if they will really publish the number of active users.

At the moment the app is horrible bad. For a test I signed up and followed two accounts. Yet my feed was full of stuff from people I did not follow and there does not seem to be a way to change that. Stuff I did not request is basically spam. It is not any better than ads.

That’s useful knowledge, and insightful. Because of the way they’re making it hard to leave, what really matters is active users, as you say. Wanna take a bet that info never sees the light of day?

 

[Realityck]

"Threads" is like Scientology. Easy to get in, but hard to get out. At the moment you can only deactivate your account, but you can only delete it by also deleting your Instagram account.

Then Mark Zuckerberg admits people shouldn't be sharing their personal imagery today.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/09/tech/mark-zuckerberg-emoji-kids-faces/index.html

When Mark Zuckerberg shared a photo on Instagram of his family on July 4, two things stuck out: the billionaire CEO wore a striped souvenir cowboy hat, and the faces of his children were replaced with happy face emojis.

Zuckerberg’s post was promptly criticized by some who saw the decision to obscure the faces as a reflection of his privacy concerns for sharing pictures of his children online, despite his creating massive platforms that allow millions of other parents to do just that.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has long been scrutinized over how it handles user privacy and for the way its algorithms can be used to lead young users down potentially harmful rabbit hoes.

But the choice also highlights a broader trend among some social media users, and particularly among high-profile individuals, to be more cautious in sharing identifiable pictures of their children online.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg with his family on July 4 2023.
From zuck/Instagram

For years, celebrities from Kristen Bell and Gigi Hadid to Chris Pratt and Orlando Bloom have been blurring images or using emojis to help protect their kids’ privacy on social media. Zuckerberg, too, had previously posted pictures of the back of his daughters’ heads and their side profiles rather than showing their entire faces.

It’s more rare for everyday users to take a similar approach — but perhaps it shouldn’t be.

“By modeling for us that he was careful not to share his family’s location or childrens’ identities, he may be communicating that it is the end users’ responsibility to protect themselves online,” said Alexandra Hamlet, a New York City-based psychologist who closely follows the impact of social media on young users.

Meta did not respond to a request for comment.

 

[Picklefoot]

Killed by Google

Killed by Google is the open source list of dead Google products, services, and devices. It serves as a tribute and memorial of beloved services and products killed by Google.

killedbygoogle.com

It's currently at 288 products.

287 products nobody’s ever heard.

 

[wouwout]

That’s useful knowledge, and insightful. Because of the way they’re making it hard to leave, what really matters is active users, as you say. Wanna take a bet that info never sees the light of day?

Active User Minutes might be more precise. I'm still an active user but have only opened the app twice, feed is either cringy or not interesting.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

Then Mark Zuckerberg admits people shouldn't be sharing their personal imagery today.

Photos of children really do not belong on social media. Once they are out, they could be used for face recognition. In Russia their already is an app that can identify people on the streets if they have a VKontakte profile. Their may be laws in some countries against that, but the internet does not have any borders and who can guarantee that a photo will never be used for facial recognition. For me the idea that anyone could identify me on the street is a nightmare. House intruders could identify people's faces at the airport to find out who is not at home for a while. Pediphiles could identify kids and follow them on social media or even in real life.

That's why it is important for me that my photo and my real name never appear on the same website. Nobody should use his real name on a social media profile, if he also has a profile photo with his face. Some company employees even appear on a company website with name and photo. That is a very bad idea. Facial recognition for everybody will come sooner or later. We have to be prepared. For example never let anybody tag you in a photo that is public.

 

[macconservative]

That’s useful knowledge, and insightful. Because of the way they’re making it hard to leave, what really matters is active users, as you say. Wanna take a bet that info never sees the light of day?

This is really not a distinct number since you have to have Instagram account in order to have Threads. I just deactivated my Instagram account a few weeks ago and am not going to reinstate it just for Threads and no I don't have a twitter account either.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Photos of children really do not belong on social media. Once they are out, they could be used for face recognition. In Russia their already is an app that can identify people on the streets if they have a VKontakte profile. Their may be laws in some countries against that, but the internet does not have any borders and who can guarantee that a photo will never be used for facial recognition. For me the idea that anyone could identify me on the street is a nightmare. House intruders could identify people's faces at the airport to find out who is not at home for a while. Pediphiles could identify kids and follow them on social media or even in real life.

That's why it is important for me that my photo and my real name never appear on the same website. Nobody should use his real name on a social media profile, if he also has a profile photo with his face. Some company employees even appear on a company website with name and photo. That is a very bad idea. Facial recognition for everybody will come sooner or later. We have to be prepared. For example never let anybody tag you in a photo that is public.

I have neither my real name, nor my real face so I'm good here 👍

 

[macconservative]

Photos of children really do not belong on social media. Once they are out, they could be used for face recognition. In Russia their already is an app that can identify people on the streets if they have a VKontakte profile. Their may be laws in some countries against that, but the internet does not have any borders and who can guarantee that a photo will never be used for facial recognition. For me the idea that anyone could identify me on the street is a nightmare. House intruders could identify people's faces at the airport to find out who is not at home for a while. Pediphiles could identify kids and follow them on social media or even in real life.

That's why it is important for me that my photo and my real name never appear on the same website. Nobody should use his real name on a social media profile, if he also has a profile photo with his face. Some company employees even appear on a company website with name and photo. That is a very bad idea. Facial recognition for everybody will come sooner or later. We have to be prepared. For example never let anybody tag you in a photo that is public.

I used to post family photos on these platforms but stopped doing this a few years ago. The ones that are concerning are the ones that will post every single photo they take but their profiles have no restrictions on them at all. One reason that I got off instagram was that if I accepted a request from someone, they could see my entire friends list and there is no way to restrict this like there is in Facebook