Top Stories: Tap to Pay on iPhone, AirTag Privacy Updates, and More

[MacRumors]

As we continue to roll toward a rumored Apple event in early March, we're starting to hear more about what we might see on the software side, with the iOS 15.4 betas revealing some new features and changes and Apple announcing a new "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature that could come as part of the update.

Apple has also announced some upcoming changes to the way AirTags work in order to address privacy concerns, while it looks like Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset is coming closer to fruition, so read on for details on these stories and more!

Apple Announces 'Tap to Pay' Feature Allowing iPhones to Easily Accept Contactless Payments

Apple this week announced a new "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature that will allow the iPhone XS and newer to accept contactless payments from other iPhones or credit cards without any additional hardware required.

Apple said the feature will launch in the U.S. later this year within supported iOS apps. Tap to Pay on iPhone will likely roll out with iOS 15.4 based on code-level references to the feature uncovered by MacRumors in the latest beta release.

Everything New in iOS 15.4 Beta 2: Face ID Updates, Tap to Pay Code and More

Apple this week seeded the second betas of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, macOS 12.3, watchOS 8.5, and tvOS 15.4 to developers and public beta testers.

The second beta of iOS 15.4 includes some new features and changes, including references to Apple's upcoming Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, preparations for state IDs and driver's licenses in the Wallet app, tweaked wording for the Face ID With a Mask feature, and more.

Apple also released iOS 15.3.1, macOS 12.2.1, and watchOS 8.4.2 with bug fixes.

Apple Announces AirTag Updates to Address Unwanted Tracking

Apple this week announced that it is making some updates to AirTags with the aim of cutting down on unwanted tracking. There are several changes that will be implemented in a multi-phase rollout.

For instance, in an upcoming iOS software update, Apple plans to implement new privacy warnings that will show up during AirTag setup in an attempt to thwart malicious use of the item tracking accessory.

Apple's 'realityOS' for Rumored AR/VR Headset Referenced in Source Code

New references to "realityOS," the AR/VR operating system that will run on Apple's rumored mixed reality headset, have been found in App Store upload logs and Apple open-source code this week.

Apple is widely rumored to be working on an AR/VR headset that could launch in late 2022, but due to reported development challenges, a launch could be pushed back to some point in 2023.

Check out our video overview of the latest rumors on the headset, and let us know whether you'd be willing to spend $2,000+ on it!

Tesla Design Chief on Apple Products: 'There's Nothing to Look Forward To'

Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen recently commented on Apple's design principles and product launches, lamenting that Apple doesn't deliver something "to look forward to" anymore.

While admitting that he wears an Apple Watch for fitness tracking purposes, von Holzhausen opined that Apple's devices have become "just a continuation" and a "slight refinement on the same thing."

Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over 'Jelly Scrolling' on iPad Mini

A Colorado man this week filed a class action lawsuit against Apple that accuses the company of fraudulently marketing and selling the sixth-generation iPad mini despite being aware of a so-called "jelly scrolling" defect with the device.

Apple last year told Ars Technica that the effect is normal behavior for LCD screens, but the lawsuit alleges that "jelly scrolling" is actually a defect that Apple is aware of and should either fix or acknowledge in marketing materials for the device.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: Tap to Pay on iPhone, AirTag Privacy Updates, and More

 

[macar00n]

If the iPad mini 6 didn't have such obvious jelly scrolling I would buy one immediately. Every 3-4 years I buy an iPad to see if I can fit it into my routine or find some use for it and just haven't been able to yet. But I really want to.

 

[I7guy]

Doesn’t a class action lawsuit have yo be accepted as such? Could be turned down by the court.

 

[siddavis]

I don't think you're ready for this jelly
I don't think you're ready for this jelly
I don't think you're ready for this
'Cause my body's too bootylicious for ya, babe

 

[ThunderSkunk]

If the iPad mini 6 didn't have such obvious jelly scrolling I would buy one immediately. Every 3-4 years I buy an iPad to see if I can fit it into my routine or find some use for it and just haven't been able to yet. But I really want to.

I've ended up in the opposite position. I use the mini with cellular for absolutely everything, running around, note-taking, sketch pad, and all internet stuff so my computers don't have to. I haven't even owned a phone since the first mini came out, but I just inherited a mint condition iPhone 8, tried it for a few days with a friends SIM and hated how cramped it felt, and the phone/sms spam, my gods. Weird chinese calls, iranian silence calls, and random XXX sms messages appearing out of the blue. Never again.

 

[JayParris]

I imagine ‘Tap To Pay’ will never turn up in the UK then. I’ve been waiting for ‘Apple Cash’ since iOS 11.

 

[Realityck]

Apple this week seeded the second betas of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, macOS 12.3, watchOS 8.5, and tvOS 15.4 to developers and public beta testers.

This is the longer beta cycle that I think will allow the next AS Macs to be released towards end of April. It’s also encompasses Universal Contol that Apple held back from previous releases since announced at WWDC.

 

[macar00n]

I've ended up in the opposite position. I use the mini with cellular for absolutely everything, running around, note-taking, sketch pad, and all internet stuff so my computers don't have to. I haven't even owned a phone since the first mini came out, but I just inherited a mint condition iPhone 8, tried it for a few days with a friends SIM and hated how cramped it felt, and the phone/sms spam, my gods. Weird chinese calls, iranian silence calls, and random XXX sms messages appearing out of the blue. Never again.

Wow, this is the kind of experience I hoped I could have with the mini. Replace most phone and some computer time. I think I'll go to the store and look at it. Maybe it would allow me to yet the iPhone mini the next time around as even the 13 Pro I have now feels bulky for everyday carry. I've already turned off all notifications to mitigate some of the stuff you hate.

 

[Realityck]

Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen recently commented on Apple's design principles and product launches, lamenting that Apple doesn't deliver something "to look forward to" anymore.

Tesla is putting an electric motor in a automobile that has been around for over 100 years and using a electric motor is nothing new. Also why a Tesla looks a bit like Mazdas, its because Tesla Design Chief Franz von Holzhausen designed car concepts at Mazda from 2005–2008 prior to joining Tesla. His work has likely been informed and influenced by the Mazda design language.

 

[AppleTO]

Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen recently commented on Apple's design principles and product launches, lamenting that Apple doesn't deliver something "to look forward to" anymore.

IMO, neither does Tesla. Their vehicles are way to expensive in Canada for your average person (don’t even bother buying the non-AWD version here).

I know a few people who have them and say that they are terrible in the winter, and some days cannot even be used at all. Not to meantion, some have paid 8-10K for full self driving, which will likely never be legallly allowed here for the life of their particular vehicles. Kinda scammy if you ask me.

 

[zoomp]

Not many people discussing this but maybe March 8 event would focus on whole desktop Macs product line. Mac mini with M1 Pro/Max and Mac Pro with single/dual/quad M1 Pro/Max. That's why apple didn't introduce the minis with the MBP, so that it wouldn't canibalize possible Mac Pro clients.

And then, you ask me 'what about WDDC?'. That will be focused on AR/VR headset for developers.

 

[zoozx]

LOL

Not, No, No way in H, LOL.....

 

[MNLondon]

As we continue to roll toward a rumored Apple event in early March, we're starting to hear more about what we might see on the software side, with the iOS 15.4 betas revealing some new features and changes and Apple announcing a new "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature that could come as part of the update.

Apple has also announced some upcoming changes to the way AirTags work in order to address privacy concerns, while it looks like Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset is coming closer to fruition, so read on for details on these stories and more!

Apple Announces 'Tap to Pay' Feature Allowing iPhones to Easily Accept Contactless Payments

Apple this week announced a new "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature that will allow the iPhone XS and newer to accept contactless payments from other iPhones or credit cards without any additional hardware required.

Apple said the feature will launch in the U.S. later this year within supported iOS apps. Tap to Pay on iPhone will likely roll out with iOS 15.4 based on code-level references to the feature uncovered by MacRumors in the latest beta release.

Everything New in iOS 15.4 Beta 2: Face ID Updates, Tap to Pay Code and More

Apple this week seeded the second betas of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, macOS 12.3, watchOS 8.5, and tvOS 15.4 to developers and public beta testers.

The second beta of iOS 15.4 includes some new features and changes, including references to Apple's upcoming Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, preparations for state IDs and driver's licenses in the Wallet app, tweaked wording for the Face ID With a Mask feature, and more.

Apple also released iOS 15.3.1, macOS 12.2.1, and watchOS 8.4.2 with bug fixes.

Apple Announces AirTag Updates to Address Unwanted Tracking

Apple this week announced that it is making some updates to AirTags with the aim of cutting down on unwanted tracking. There are several changes that will be implemented in a multi-phase rollout.

For instance, in an upcoming iOS software update, Apple plans to implement new privacy warnings that will show up during AirTag setup in an attempt to thwart malicious use of the item tracking accessory.

Apple's 'realityOS' for Rumored AR/VR Headset Referenced in Source Code

New references to "realityOS," the AR/VR operating system that will run on Apple's rumored mixed reality headset, have been found in App Store upload logs and Apple open-source code this week.

Apple is widely rumored to be working on an AR/VR headset that could launch in late 2022, but due to reported development challenges, a launch could be pushed back to some point in 2023.

Check out our video overview of the latest rumors on the headset, and let us know whether you'd be willing to spend $2,000+ on it!

Tesla Design Chief on Apple Products: 'There's Nothing to Look Forward To'

Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen recently commented on Apple's design principles and product launches, lamenting that Apple doesn't deliver something "to look forward to" anymore.

While admitting that he wears an Apple Watch for fitness tracking purposes, von Holzhausen opined that Apple's devices have become "just a continuation" and a "slight refinement on the same thing."

Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over 'Jelly Scrolling' on iPad Mini

A Colorado man this week filed a class action lawsuit against Apple that accuses the company of fraudulently marketing and selling the sixth-generation iPad mini despite being aware of a so-called "jelly scrolling" defect with the device.

Apple last year told Ars Technica that the effect is normal behavior for LCD screens, but the lawsuit alleges that "jelly scrolling" is actually a defect that Apple is aware of and should either fix or acknowledge in marketing materials for the device.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: Tap to Pay on iPhone, AirTag Privacy Updates, and Moresyre

 

[MNLondon]

I'm quite sure that Apple has the expertise to innovate. It's a pity that Jonny Ive isn't there anymore to create new designs. I know he had a couple of strange ideas, but mostly he was, for Apple, a tremendous resource and brilliant designer
.
I hope that Apple can go forward into the future, innovating, rather than following. I do dislike the Notch idea on phones and now on MacBooks , it's quite bizarre and off-putting , especially when Samsung have all but eliminated it. I don't understand why Apple can't have an under screen camera for Face ID or FaceTime.

Come on Apple, pull something new and exciting out of the bag!

 

[aka777]

I've ended up in the opposite position. I use the mini with cellular for absolutely everything, running around, note-taking, sketch pad, and all internet stuff so my computers don't have to. I haven't even owned a phone since the first mini came out, but I just inherited a mint condition iPhone 8, tried it for a few days with a friends SIM and hated how cramped it felt, and the phone/sms spam, my gods. Weird chinese calls, iranian silence calls, and random XXX sms messages appearing out of the blue. Never again.

Similar experience with my mini. I now have an iPad mini cellular for the bigger stuff and a iPhone mini for calls and when out and about.

Best of both worlds, as I was sick of carrying the pro max in my pocket. Barely notice the mini iPhone in my pocket.