From the MacRumors staff
Despite officially unveiling the first set of M4 Macs last week, Apple still isn’t done with 2024 news, as some software news dropped this week with updates to Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, as well as new betas for iOS 18.2 and related updates with ongoing improvements ahead of its expected release in early December.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’ve also learned some new details about Apple’s plans to increase its focus on smart home products, led by a “control center” that could be unveiled as early as March, so read on below for all the details on those stories and more!
Apple to launch AI-powered home 'Control Center' as early as March 2025
We've been hearing about Apple's plans for smart home products for a while now, and this week we learned some fresh details about what to expect from the first iteration: a thin device with a ~6-inch square display, a camera and speakers, and an interface that looks like a cross between the iPhone's standby mode and watchOS.
The “control center” product will be able to display calendars, photos, smart home controls, and more, and it will be able to be mounted on a wall or a tabletop stand. As part of Apple's push into the smart home space, the company is also reportedly considering its own line of HomeKit cameras and other devices.
Here's everything new in iOS 18.2 Beta 3
Apple released a new round of betas for iOS 18.2 and related updates this week, and there are a number of tweaks and other changes in iOS 18.2, including continued work on next-generation CarPlay and more.
Apple also officially announced that iOS 18.2 will support AirTag location sharing in partnership with more than 15 airlines to help users find lost luggage.
Based on upcoming changes to UK carrier EE's Wi-Fi calling, it looks like iOS 18.2 and other updates could arrive as early as Monday, December 9.
Apple customers sue over AirPods Pro crackling issue
A trio of customers filed a class action lawsuit against Apple this month, accusing the Cupertino company of violating California consumer protection laws and engaging in false advertising for continuing to sell first-generation AirPods Pro models that had persistent crackling or static noises.
Apple has a repair program that covers affected AirPods Pro earbuds for three years from their original sale date, but customers are finding that replacement earbuds suffer from the same issues.
Apple releases Final Cut Pro 11 for Mac
After more than a decade with version 10, Apple’s professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro, has finally been updated to version 11 with a number of new features like AI-generated subtitles, spatial video editing, and a Magnetic Mask tool.
Apple’s corresponding audio editing app, Logic Pro, has also received an update to version 11.1 for Mac and 2.1 for iPad, with several new features and improvements.
M4 Max MacBook Pro: Real-World Usage Tests
Following the launch of the M4-based MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac last Friday, we dived into the high-end M4 Max MacBook Pro to see how it performs in real-world testing.
For users looking to push the limits of their computers, the M4 Max provides a significant upgrade over last year’s M3 Max, and will be a major step up for anyone using something more old.
The new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also include support for Thunderbolt 5, and we've taken a look at what that means for users looking for maximum performance.
Apple Black Friday 2024 Deals
The deals continue to pile up as Black Friday approaches, and we're tracking all the best ones in our Apple Black Friday roundup.
We also have a few special offers focused on specific Apple products, so be sure to check back for the latest news and stay tuned because deals come and go fast!
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