In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman discussed all of the products Apple plans to ship in the coming months. The iPhone 14 is what we are most excited to see, but it’s just one of many devices Apple will unveil this fall. We also expect to see the Apple Watch Series 8, but according to Gurman, it won’t be faster than its predecessor.

Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t getting a spec bump

Gurman reports that “the S8 chip will have the same specifications as the S7, which was also the same as the S6.” In other words, the 2022 Apple Watch should run about the same as the 2020 Apple Watch. If you are holding out for a more powerful wearable, give it another year. Gurman says that next year’s models will get an “all-new processor.”

Gurman also reiterated that he believes Apple will reveal three new Apple Watch models this fall: The second-generation Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, and a rugged smartwatch for extreme sports. The new rugged model will reportedly have extra impact resistance and protection for hikers, bikers, swimmers, and more.

As for the new Apple Watch SE, Gurman says that the low-cost model will stick with the same screen size as the old model rather than matching the larger screen of the Series 7. Although the screen isn’t getting an upgrade, the new SE might feature the same S8 chip as the Apple Watch Series 8 — a major upgrade over the S5 chip of the original.

New features in watchOS 9

New features coming in watchOS 9. Image source: Apple

Of course, the power of the processor on the Apple Watch isn’t quite as important as it is on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Even without upgraded specifications, the Apple Watch should pick up a few long-awaited new tricks with watchOS 9.

Many of the new features revolve around working out. watchOS 9 shows more data on the display than ever before, so you can keep track of your Activity rings, Heart Rate Zones, Power, and Elevation with a twist of the Digital Crown.

The software update also allows lets Apple Watch automatically transition between running, swimming, and biking. Less fiddling with your watch means more time working out. You can also customize your workouts to suit your training style.

Finally, although Apple has not officially confirmed this yet, Mark Gurman also suspects that low-power mode will show up as a “hardware-exclusive feature” in watchOS 9. Presumably, you’ll need one of the 2022 models to take advantage of this feature.

Much like iOS 16, watchOS 9 won’t support every device that watchOS 8 supports. You won’t be able to get watchOS 9 on Apple Watch Series 3, and Gurman expects Apple to discontinue the 2017 model as a result. The first-generation Apple Watch SE should take its place at the same price point, while the next-gen SE will become the mid-tier option.

All of Apple’s secrets will be revealed during the company’s September showcase. Until then, we suspect that leaks will continue to spring.

Related news: For more Apple Watch coverage, visit our Apple Watch Series 8 guide.

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Apple unveiled the M2 System-on-Chip in early June, with the chip powering the 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro and redesigned MacBook Air. The first reviews for the M2 MacBook Pro already confirmed Apple’s claims surrounding performance and efficiency gains. Moreover, variations of the M2 should power future Mac and MacBooks. And if a new report is accurate, Apple’s first-gen AR/VR headset will feature powerful specs: the M2 chipset combined with 16GB of RAM.

Mark Gurman mentioned these specs in a new Power On newsletter. He said the latest mixed reality device prototype runs on the base M2 chip with 16GB of RAM.

The well-connected leaker listed the AR/VR headset as one of several upcoming Apple computers with similar specs. Specifically, the M2 and variations of it will power the Mac mini, Mac mini Pro, 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, and the Mac Pro. However, the more expensive Macs will get M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2 Ultra, and M2 Extreme versions of the chip.

Reports dating back to winter 2021 claimed that Apple’s AR/VR headset will feature powerful specs, including the M1 SoC. That’s because Apple wants the device to offer high-end features that require a lot of processing power.

Apple mixed reality glasses render – front view. Image source: Ian Zelbo

Why Apple’s AR/VR headset needs powerful specs

The Apple mixed reality experience we keep hearing about will involve seamless switching between VR and AR. The headset will feature virtual reality (VR) content, like high-end gaming. But it’ll also deliver augmented reality (AR) features where users will see digital objects overlayed on top of the real world.

Ming-Chi Kuo said back in late November 2021 that the first mixed reality headset will feature a processor similar to the M1 chip. The AR/VR headset will also get a secondary chip that handles sensor-related computing.

At the time, the analyst expected Apple to unveil the mixed reality device in late 2022. Those projections have changed. Kuo now sees Apple unveiling the AR/VR headset in January 2023. The device will supposedly then be released sometime in Q2 2023.

With that in mind, Gurman’s prediction that Apple upgraded the mixed reality headset to the M2 SoC makes sense. Apple will want to use the best possible specs for an AR/VR headset that should offer more sophisticated specs than what’s available from the competition. None of Apple’s rivals have anything similar to offer when it comes to specs.

At the same time, Apple has to balance power and efficiency. The AR/VR headset must run on its internal battery for several hours before requiring a full charge. With that in mind, the efficient M2 SoC would probably be a better choice than the Pro, Max, and Ultra chip variations that are coming soon.

That’s all speculation, however. We’ll have to wait until next January to see whether these specs predictions for Apple’s first AR/VR headset come true. Meanwhile, these reviews should tell you everything you need to know about the M2 chip’s power and efficiency.

More Apple coverage: For more Apple news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

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We’ve had rumors detailing the AirPods Pro 2 design and features for more than a year, with the latest reports expecting Apple to finally unveil the next-gen Pro wireless earphones this fall. Unlike other products, the AirPods Pro 2 rumors offered quite a rollercoaster ride, as some reports seem to contradict others. The newest AirPods Pro 2 leak provides a comprehensive look at the upcoming wireless earphones, detailing a redesign and the new features that go beyond listening to music or making calls.

The leak also offers renders showing the purported AirPods Pro 2 case and the new charging case, complete with its USB-C port.

AirPods Pro 2 design

The move to USB-C connectivity might be one of the most exciting AirPods 2 Pro features, signaling that Apple is preparing to switch away from Lightning. The European Union has already forced all electronics manufacturers to use the same USB-C standard for wired battery charging.

As a result, the iPhone might also switch to USB-C in the coming years. With it, all the remaining Lightning accessories should move to USB-C.

The AirPods Pro 2 getting USB-C ahead of the iPhone might seem like a strange decision. But Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 design and features will probably remain unchanged for several years. After all, this is the kind of product that doesn’t get annual refreshes.

AirPods Pro 2 case design render. Image source: 52Audio

The 52Audio report detailing the AirPods Pro 2 design and features also offers the renders seen above and below.

Aside from USB-C, the case also gets a speaker on the bottom that should help users locate the AirPods quickly with the help of Find My. On the side, the case has what appear to be holes for a lanyard. But the report says it’s actually a microphone that can pick up sounds and transmit them to the earbuds. That’s how the AirPods Pro 2’s rumored hearing aid function would work.

When it comes to the AirPods Pro 2 themselves, the earbuds will feature the same design as their predecessor. Contrary to other reports, the stem isn’t going away. The report says the new earbuds will look like AirPods 3 but with new ear tips to help with noise cancellation.

Brand new features

The microphone opening and sound cavity tuning holes will be similar to AirPods 3, 52Audio says. And the earbuds will have the same pressure-sensitive buttons as the current AirPods Pro.

But the AirPods Pro 2 will also reportedly have new health sensors that offer additional features compared to their predecessors.

We’re looking at a heart rate sensor that might also support temperature detection. However, the report says it’s unclear whether the AirPods Pro 2 will be able to measure temperature.

AirPods Pro 2 earbuds design render. Image source: 52Audio

Furthermore, the next-gen AirPods Pro will come with Apple’s new H1 System-in-Package (SiP). The chip will offer better performance and improved power consumption. The new H1 will reportedly support a “self-adaptive” noise cancellation feature.

Finally, the new AirPods should also offer a great music experience, and the report says that users can expect various upgrades:

Apple AirPods Pro 2 will follow the acoustic characteristics of AirPods 3, equipped with a combination of customized high-amplitude drive units and high-dynamic-range amplifiers, presenting delicate sound quality

The new earphones will also reportedly feature self-adaptive equalization, spatial audio for dynamic head tracking, audio sharing, and other functions.

None of this can be confirmed at this time, however. And the report makes no mention of the AirPods Pro 2 release date or price.

More AirPods coverage: For more AirPods news, visit our AirPods Pro 2 guide.

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Apple’s first AR/VR headset might release in stores by this time next year. That’s according to a prediction from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo a few weeks ago. The analyst is back with a more detailed look at the current augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) industry, as plenty of Apple rivals are developing their own next-gen smart glasses wearables.

That’s where the analyst repeated his claim that Apple will likely release the mixed reality headset in January 2023, a prediction that’s in line with his previous remark. But don’t expect to buy the first Apple AR/VR headset in stores come January.

Meta’s development slowdown

Kuo penned a blog post rather than a Twitter thread to detail his view of the VR industry.

In previous days, Kuo pointed out on Twitter more than once that Facebook (now Meta) is slowing down its investments in its next-gen VR headsets, which could lead to launch delays. That was just days after Mark Zuckerberg demoed some of the technologies Meta is developing for its future AR/VR headsets.

Kuo further elaborated on Meta’s interest in the AR/VR space in the blog post, saying that the company has been selling VR headsets at a loss in recent years. But this helped the company promote VR devices and encouraged people to purchase them.

As a result, Kuo said that Meta’s intention to slow development would not hinder the VR industry’s growth.

The AR/VR headset industry will continue to grow

Moreover, Meta isn’t alone in developing AR/VR headsets. Besides the new entrant Apple, we have established players in the industry. The list includes HTC, Microsoft, Sony, and Valve. Then there’s also VR headset maker Pico, which is a leading brand in China.

Kuo said that the continuous growth of the VR industry is a clear trend, with all these companies expected to ship more headsets this year. And Apple “is a game-changer for the headset industry.” Kuo believes that the Apple AR/VR headset’s likely release in January 2023 will favor the industry’s continued growth.

PlayStation VR2 headset and Sense controllers. Image source: Sony

The analyst repeated his previous remarks about Apple’s revolutionary AR/VR headset. He said in the past that many Apple rivals would copy the mixed reality (MR) device’s hardware and software as soon as it releases. He also explained recently that he expects the headset to seamlessly switch from AR to VR, a feature unavailable on VR-only devices:

Although Apple has repeatedly reiterated its focus on AR, I believe Apple AR/MR supporting video see-thru could also offer an excellent immersive experience. Therefore, the launch of Apple AR/MR will further boost the demand for immersive gaming/multimedia entertainment.

Apple AR/VR headset release date

Kuo also noted that Apple’s AR/VR device will be the “most complicated product” the company has ever designed. As a result, many existing suppliers will also be part of the AR/VR headset’s supply chain.

Furthermore, Kuo said “Apple is an industry leader with significant competitive advantages and doesn’t need to join the Metaverse Standards Forum now.”

After the Apple AR/VR headset’s release, Kuo thinks “Apple’s global rivals will compete to imitate it, leading the headset hardware industry to the next stage of rapid growth and benefiting the related services and content ecosystem.”

Apple mixed reality glasses render – side view. Image source: Ian Zelbo

Kuo’s comments make sense. Apple usually sets the tone for any industry it enters. Even if it’s not the first company to make a specific product. That’s why Apple’s absence from the Forum should surprise nobody. Many of those companies will likely try to replicate Apple’s devices.

As for that January 2023 likely release for the AR/VR headset, that’s just speculation. Even if accurate, Kuo probably refers to Apple’s launch event for the product, not the in-store release. The analyst said recently that Apple might unveil the AR/VR headset during an event early in January 2023.

The AR/VR headset will be available for developers in the weeks following the event. But commercial preorders would start only in the second quarter of 2023 in such a scenario. Apple’s AR/VR headset will then get a May or June in-store release date.

While we wait for Apple to announce the mixed reality glasses, here’s what Meta has been working on.

More Apple coverage: For more Apple news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

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Apple is widely rumored to be working on two different types of smart glasses. The first will be a mixed reality headset that delivers augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) content, with a launch expected in mid-2023. The more exciting device is the Apple AR glasses coming in 2024 at the soonest. The AR glasses will not offer content as rich as the first Apple AR/VR headset, as it’s meant to complement the iPhone.

Rumors aside, Apple has not yet announced any new AR or VR product, be it a mixed reality headset or an AR-only gadget. But Tim Cook just teased that these products are coming in a recent interview.

”Stay tuned, and you’ll see what we have to offer.”

Tim Cook spoke to China Daily about AR products, reiterating his excitement about this product category.

“I am incredibly excited about AR, as you might know, and the critical thing to any technology including AR is putting humanity at the center of it,” the Apple CEO said, in what feels like a familiar stance on AR devices. “And that is what we focus on every day. Right now, as an example, we have over 14,000 ARKit apps in the App Store, which provide AR experiences for millions of people around the world.”

Apple mixed reality glasses render – side view. Image source: Ian Zelbo

What’s interesting about this particular comment is that Apple was silent about new AR features earlier this month during WWDC 2022. That’s where Apple could have unveiled realityOS, the operating system that will reportedly power the mixed reality headset and the AR glasses. However, some of the software innovations unveiled at WWDC would work well on AR/VR headsets.

That makes Cook’s comment more interesting, as it contrasts with the WWDC silence. And the executive went beyond just delivering an update on his excitement about AR:

“I think despite that, we’re still in the very early innings of how this technology will evolve,” Cook said. “I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities we’ve seen in this space, and sort of stay tuned, and you’ll see what we have to offer.”

When will the first Apple AR/VR headset launch?

Insiders familiar with Apple’s supply chain have provided plenty of details about the AR/VR headset in recent years.

The device is expected to look like current VR gaming headsets, but it’ll cost more than a MacBook. That’s because it’ll feature high-end specs, including an Apple M-series processor. As a result, the AR/VR headset will not need a wired connection to a computer or smartphone.

The AR/VR headset will also reportedly have more than a dozen cameras. They will be pointed both outward and inward at the user’s eyes. The Apple device will track eye movement, according to reports. Furthermore, 4K micro-OLED displays will project content into the retinas.

All of that will be packaged inside a commercial product that might look like the AR/VR headset in the concept images above.

According to an insider, Apple should unveil the first-gen AR/VR headset and realityOS in early 2023. The product might hit stores in the second quarter, sometime near WWDC 2023.

More Apple coverage: For more Apple news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

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The Apple Watch Series 7 may still be relatively young, but we’re already turning our attention to the next model — tentatively titled the Apple Watch Series 8. The next-gen smartwatch could well offer a complete redesign over this year’s watch. Or, it could refine on what we already have. Either way, it’s likely to be the best smartwatch out there.

Rumors about the next-gen smartwatch have already started circulating. While we don’t necessarily know what it will look like, we can speculate. Interested in learning more? Here’s everything we know so far about the Apple Watch Series 8.

Apple Watch Series 8 design

Contrary to all the rumors, the Apple Watch Series 7 offered a design that was very similar to the Apple Watch Series 6. That’s to say, it had rounded edges, and an overall look similar to the previous-generation model, save for the larger display.

That could change for the Apple Watch Series 8. Some rumors indicate that the Apple Watch Series 7 redesign got pushed to next year due to manufacturing issues. That means that we could next year get a flat-sided Apple Watch that will match recent iPhone and iPad models.

Image source: Jon Prosser/Renders by Ian

Renders showing what was then thought to be the Apple Watch Series 7 were first published by Jon Prosser. They show an Apple Watch that’s available in a number of colors.

Of course, it’s entirely possible that the leaked renders are completely off, and that the Apple Watch Series 8 will end up looking much like the Series 7. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing — the Series 7 is still a great-looking device. But it might disappoint some users that were holding out hope for a radical redesign.

Apple Watch Series 8 specs

The Apple Watch Series 7 offered very little in the way of upgraded internals over the Series 6. That could change for the Series 8.

Really, the Apple Watch doesn’t need a much faster processor — but giving it one would ensure that it will stay relevant for longer. Some rumors suggested that Apple was pursuing a new double-sided System-on-a-Chip for the Series 7, which would reportedly give the device a battery boost. It’s possible we could see that tech on the Series 8. Only time will tell.

Whether that tech arrives in the Apple Watch Series 8 or not, it’s entirely possible that the device will get better battery life. Now that the Apple Watch tracks sleep, users need a better battery life than ever.

Apple Watch Series 8 fitness tracking

Rumors about better fitness tracking on the Apple Watch have been circulating for some time. Notably, Apple is reportedly working on a way to track blood glucose in the Apple Watch, which would help users detect or monitor diabetes. This would be a huge addition to the device.

A report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is also working on a skin temperature sensor, which could potentially help with fertility planning. The body temperature sensor is a big boost to the features if it’s true. That said, most recent rumors suggest that Apple may skip the temperature sensor on the Apple Watch Series 8, with Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman noting that chatter about the temperature sensor has slowed down over the past few months. Bloomberg also reports that the much-awaited blood glucose monitor is set now for 2024.

That said, new reports suggest that the Apple Watch Series 8 will offer a better Atrial Fibrillation detection feature, even telling users how often they’re in AFib, known as the “AFib burden detection.”

We’ll have to wait and see what kinds of improved fitness tracking we do end up seeing in the Series 8. Regardless, it will likely continue to make the Apple Watch worth the money.

Apple Watch Series 8 cost and release date

We’re still a long way off from an official Apple Watch Series 8 release. The Apple Watch Series 7 was announced alongside the iPhone 13 series at an event in September 2021. It’s likely that the new device will be announced at a similar time in 2022. We expect the price to remain similar — with the smaller model starting at $399.

Features your watch can already do

Even if you are interested in the Series 8 watch, you should know what you can currently get in the Series 7 options. You can unlock your iPhone with your Watch. You can use Apple Pay. The Apple Watch lets you switch faces to best suit your needs. The Apple Watch works without an iPhone (although not every feature may work). It tracks your sleep as well as checks your heart rate. These are just a handful of the features you can use. An Apple Watch is worth the money because it allows you to do so much from your wrist. You don’t need a plan to work it, as it can work via Wi-Fi. But a plan is required if you want to use it for most of its functionality when you aren’t near Wi-Fi. Your watch won’t use your phone’s data, as it connects to your phone via Bluetooth. More popular questions include:

How do you pay with Apple Watch?

If you’re shopping in an app on your Apple Watch, see if there is an Apple Pay option. Double-tapping the side button brings up your Apple Pay as well, if there is a credit card machine that accepts tap to pay. It’s quite easy to hold your wrist up to it.

How do I receive phone calls on my Apple Watch?

If you’re getting a phone call, you can click Accept, the green button, or Reject, the red button that pops up on your Apple Watch. To dial out, you can click on the Phone Call button and scroll through your contacts or choose someone in your recent calls and click their name to call them. The volume will play through your watch’s speaker or through headphones if you have them connected. This works for Wi-Fi or cellular calls.

The post Apple Watch Series 8: Everything we know so far appeared first on BGR.

Apple’s first-gen augmented (AR) glasses aren’t coming anytime soon. They’re not to be confused with the mixed reality (MR) headset that’s supposedly going to be unveiled early next year ahead of its June 2023 release. The MR device will also support AR experiences. But the headset will look more like a regular virtual reality (VR) device. VR content might also play a more significant role in the overall experience.

The Apple AR glasses will focus only on augmented reality, and they’ll supposedly have a design similar to prescription eyewear. And now, a new report claims that Apple’s first-gen AR glasses are currently in the design development stage ahead of a 2024 launch.

What is Apple’s mixed reality headset?

Mixed reality describes experiences that involve AR and VR content, and that’s Apple’s primary focus right now. Various reports have claimed that Apple’s first MR headset will be rather bulky, just like other VR headsets from competitors.

The device will focus on media content, gaming, and communication, featuring powerful hardware. The MR device will supposedly feature an M-series chip that can power a MacBook. It may also pack high-resolution displays that beam content into the retina, with several sensors and cameras that point inwards and outwards.

Unlike other AR and VR devices, Apple’s mixed reality glasses will not require a wired connection to a computer. But the mixed reality device will likely not offer mobile experiences. You’ll have to use the device at home or in your office rather than out and about.

The Apple AR glasses, on the other hand, should be more elegant. Reports say Apple wants to make AR glasses that look just like traditional glasses. They’ll connect directly to the iPhone to offer augmented reality experiences. But they won’t support the immersive virtual reality features that will be available on the MR headset.

Qualcomm’s Wireless AR Smart Viewer glasses design. Image source: Qualcomm

When will the Apple AR glasses launch?

The most recent rumors say that Apple plans to introduce its mixed reality device early next year. Sales should start during the June 2023 quarter.

Then, Apple’s AR glasses will get a 2025 launch, according to reports. And that assumes Apple can stick to its schedule. Various reports also noted that Apple had to postpone the MR headset’s launch as it dealt with multiple issues during development.

The good news seems to be that the AR glasses have entered the design development stage at Apple. That’s according to a note from Haitong Intl Tech Research analyst Jeff Pu.

Apple will supposedly have an AR glasses prototype ready by the end of the year, with mass production to start in the second half of 2024.

“We expect it to adopt waveguide technology, and Corning (GLW) and Hoya (7741 JP) are sampling the glass. We expect Lante to benefit from the partnership with Corning,” Pu said, focusing on the various suppliers that might win new contracts from Apple.

Whether or not Pu’s information is accurate, we’re not likely to see any confirmation from Apple regarding launch plans for its AR glasses. The company didn’t even unveil new AR features at WWDC 2022 earlier this month. However, various software ideas presented at the event would benefit from devices running Apple’s rumored realityOS operating system. That’s the OS that will reportedly power the MR and AR glasses.

The AR glasses might be Apple’s most important product since the iPhone. Augmented reality gadgets might replace the need for smartphones in the future. While it won’t happen with first-gen devices, Apple certainly seems to be interested in having its own AR glasses in stores as soon as possible.

More Apple coverage: For more Apple news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

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The Apple Watch Series 7 is wildly popular and it’s currently down to its lowest price of 2022. If ever there was a time to finally pull the trigger and buy one, this is it.

Head over to Apple’s site and you’ll see that the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399. Considering how much better it is than any other smartwatch out there, that’s already an incredible value.

But if you head over to Amazon right now, you’ll find that the Apple Watch Series 7 price just fell to $329 for the 41mm model. Or, if you want the larger 45mm version, it’s on sale starting at just $359. That means you can save a whopping $70 on either model in multiple colorways.

Or, if you want a GPS + Cellular model, you can save up to $100 depending on which case and band combo you want.

Those aren’t just the lowest prices of the year, as a matter of fact. They also happen to match the Apple Watch Series 7’s all-time low prices, period. That means there has never been a better time to pick up the flagship Apple Watch!

Apple Watch Series 7 at the lowest price ever

Have you been considering an Apple Watch for yourself? Well, Amazon is running a surprising deal on Apple’s latest Watch model. And that includes a huge $70 discount off the most popular SKU among our readers. Believe it or not, that means you can actually pick up an Apple Watch at the lowest price ever!

It should be no surprise that the Apple Watch Series 7 was one of the most popular tech gifts ahead of the holidays last year. The newest Apple Watch takes everything people love about Apple’s smartwatch and makes it even better.

The new display on the Series 7 is 20% larger than Apple’s older displays. On top of that, the Apple Watch now includes a built-in pulse oximeter feature. That is obviously a very timely addition to Apple’s top wearable.

Amazon has been running a big sale for a while, offering great discounts on so many Apple Watch Series 7 SKUs. Now, several additional discounts have been added to the sale with new all-time low prices. But several options have already sold out. That means you’ll need to hurry if you’re hoping to get in on the action.

There are plenty of Apple products on sale right now on Amazon, too. AirPods Pro are down to the best price of 2022 so far. You’ll find great prices on AirPods 3 and AirPods 2.

Everyone knows that as an iPhone user, you also need an Apple Watch and AirPods. Now, you can save big on all of Apple’s must-have accessories.

The Apple Watch Series 7 price discounts are definitely the most noteworthy deals right now, though. You’ll find prices as low as $329 for the GPS model and $429 for the cellular model.

There’s no way this deal will be around for very long, so hurry up or you’ll miss out.

Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS, 41mm)

Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm)

Apple Watch Series 7 fast facts

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind if you plan to take advantage of the Apple Watch Series 7 price discounts:

• Apple Watch Series 7 is Apple’s newest and fastest Apple Watch model ever
• The new Always-on Retina display is nearly 20% larger than the Series 6
• Make or receive phone calls and texts right on your wrist, even with the GPS model that doesn’t have cellular
• An all-new sensor and updated app let you measure your blood oxygen level
• ECG app and special sensors can check your heart rhythm in addition to taking your pulse
• Apple’s new always-on Retina display is 2.5x brighter outdoors
• The upgraded S7 chipset makes the Apple Watch Series 7 up to 20% faster than its predecessor
• Includes support for 5GHz Wi-Fi and U1 Ultra Wideband chip
• Apple Watch tracks your daily activity and syncs with the Fitness app on your iPhone
• You can also track workouts including running, walking, cycling, yoga, swimming, and even dance
• Water resistance lets you swim or even shower without taking off your Apple Watch
• Sync your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks to listen without your phone

Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS, 41mm)

Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm)

Go here to see this month’s best deals online!

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Apple is expected to revolutionize any new product category it enters because that’s what the company has always done. The list includes iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and MacBook. Apple wasn’t first in any of those categories, yet its products set new standards in each of them, with rivals tripping over themselves to copy Apple’s innovations. When the first-gen mixed reality (MR) glasses drop next year, Apple will likely revolutionize that industry too.

Apple is yet to unveil realityOS, the iOS-based operating system rumored to power the MR headset and Apple’s future AR glasses. Yet a top Apple insider has explained how the product will revolutionize the industry.

Mixed reality combines two experiences into one: AR and VR. Virtual reality (VR) is obviously the more popular of the two right now.

VR uses a headset to display content directly in front of the wearer’s eyes. VR devices are available from various companies, including HTC, Sony PlayStation, and Facebook (Meta). They’re relatively affordable and feature similar designs. And they work when connected to computers that process the VR data.

Concept: A woman uses the augmented reality features on her AR glasses Image source: scharfsinn86/Adobe

The current AR/VR landscape is in need of disruption

Augmented reality (AR) is the more exciting of the two technologies. It’s also the more complex one.

With AR, companies like Apple will display digital content over real-life objects. Like showing text messages or navigation directions using a device that will resemble prescription glasses.

Unlike VR, AR devices are in their early days. Existing devices have limited functionality and require a connection to a smart device like a smartphone. More sophisticated features will require tech advancements to bring the power of a computer to a pair of glasses.

Complex experiences will be possible with AR, like displaying virtual computer displays on top of a real desk, but that’s years away.

When it comes to MR, Microsoft’s HoloLens is probably one of the best options you have. However, it’s hardly the kind of device regular consumers can use. It’s very expensive and it targets the workplace.

Apple’s first-gen MR device might be able to offer some of those sophisticated AR experiences with the same obvious drawbacks. The headset will be expensive and bulky, covering the user’s eyes. Therefore, you’ll want to use the MR glasses at home or at the office rather than out in the wild. But Apple’s MR glasses aren’t just about work.

This brings us to a pair of tweets from Ming-Chi Kuo, the prominent Apple analyst who has been leaking plenty of details about Apple’s first-gen MR device.

Most recently, the leaker said he expects Apple to unveil the mixed reality glasses in early January 2023. Apple will then open preorders for the MR glasses in the second quarter, with the headset hitting shelves during the period.

How Apple’s MR glasses will “just work”

Earlier, Kuo said that Apple would not unveil realityOS at WWDC 2022, and risk competitors stealing its ideas before the MR glasses are ready to hit sales. His prediction contradicted other reports, but it was correct. Apple made no mention of realityOS, although plenty of new software features it unveiled at the show could work on mixed reality devices.

Kuo never explained what sort of software novelties Apple competitors might want to steal, and it’s unlikely that he’ll have early access to any of that. The analyst leverages his connections to Apple’s supply chain to predict the company’s moves. But he did reveal one of the MR glasses’ features that will help Apple revolutionize the industry.

According to Kuo, the MR glasses will switch seamlessly between VR and AR experiences. That’s something unavailable from other commercial devices right now.

“Now everyone knows what a VR experience is and what an AR experience may look like,” Kuo said. “But for most people, it’s hard to imagine what kind of innovative experience the smooth switching between AR and VR can provide, and it may be one of key selling points of Apple’s headset.”

He continued, “I think a complete mixed reality is not only the hardware that can support both AR and VR but the ability to integrate AR and VR and switch them smoothly for different scenarios.”

That’s just speculation, of course. But it’s the kind of speculation that makes sense, considering Apple’s way of creating consumer experiences that should “just work”. And remember, Kuo has a phenomenal track record when it comes to Apple’s unannounced plans.

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There’s been a lot of talk about Apple’s first-gen mixed reality glasses during WWDC 2022. That’s where Apple might have unveiled the headset were it not for the supposed manufacturing delays. Apple didn’t even announce realityOS, the new operating system that will power augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences on Apple headsets. As a result, the mixed reality headset will get an early 2023 release date. And now, a new report claims Apple will follow that launch with first-gen AR glasses in late 2024.

That’s not when the glasses will start selling in stores, however.

Apple’s unannounced mixed reality device is the new wearable that has received the most attention in recent years. It’s the device that Apple can manufacture now and it will probably revolutionize AR and VR experiences.

That’s what mixed reality (MR) is — showing AR and VR content on the same screens. Another name for it is extended reality (XR).

None of the current VR headsets out there can also offer AR content. Those devices are relatively affordable, but they need to be tethered to a computer.

Apple’s mixed reality headset will supposedly look like VR devices, but it’ll also offer AR content. That’s when digital elements are overlayed on top of the real world.

Also, if leaks are accurate, the MR device will be as powerful as a Mac and won’t require a wired connection to any computer. And it’ll be more expensive than an entry MacBook Air or Pro.

Some of these leaks also mention Apple’s AR glasses while noting buyers should not expect a release date sooner than 2025.

Unlike the MR gadget, the AR glasses should look like prescription eyewear. They will only deliver AR content, not VR. And they will likely require a connection to an iPhone, although we expect it to be a wireless link between the glasses and the handset.

Apple AR Glasses concept. Image source: Martin Hajek

Apple AR glasses launch date

Apple’s plans might always change, and there’s no guarantee that Apple’s first AR glasses will be anything like rumors suggest.

Some of the most recent mixed reality headset reports claimed that Apple encountered several delays over the years as it was ironing out issues with the headset. The recent lockdowns in China might have further delayed the release date.

According to a note from Haitong Intl Tech Research analyst Jeff Pu, Apple will launch the AR glasses in late 2024. That would only be the announcement event, however. The glasses aren’t likely to hit stores immediately after the event, assuming the rumored timeframe is accurate.

Before we get to Apple’s AR glasses, Apple insiders expect Apple to follow a particular launch strategy with the MR headset. Apple might unveil the device alongside realityOS next January. The company would then give developers several months to create content for the headset. Apple will then start selling it in stores in the second quarter of 2023. That’s according to a recent estimate.

The first-gen AR glasses will supposedly then get the same launch pattern. Like the mixed reality device, the AR glasses will be a brand new Apple product, requiring special attention from developers.

If Pu’s estimate is accurate, we should expect the AR glasses to hit stores in early 2025.

Separately, the analyst said that Apple will unveil the second-gen mixed reality glasses in the second half of 2024. The prediction makes some sense, as MR devices aren’t the kind of gadgets that need to get annual upgrades. But, again, there’s no way to confirm any of this for the time being.

More Apple coverage: For more Apple news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

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