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Apple's Mostly Virtual WWDC 2022 Keynote Is Set for June 6
Apple's Mostly Virtual WWDC 2022 Keynote Is Set for June 6
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
Apple's announced plans to hold a public keynote presentation for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 6, at 10 a.m. PT.
Why it matters
Apple typically uses its WWDC presentation to announce major software updates coming later in the year and sometimes to tease new hardware efforts as well.
What's next
CNET will be covering WWDC live, with analysis and perspective you can only get here.
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, was already set to begin on Monday, June 6. Now the company's confirmed it plans to kick off the event with a keynote address at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
Similar to WWDC over the past two years, Apple plans to hold its annual developer confab online and "free for all developers to attend." The event will run from June 6 through June 10.
This year, Apple's added plans for an in-person watch party for the keynote address at its Apple Park campus. Apple said it would choose a small group of developers to attend, and otherwise broadcast the event online.
Read more:What We Expect in iOS 16
Apple traditionally uses its WWDC keynote address to announce new features and major changes to its software in free updates typically made available the following fall. This year, those software updates are expected to include iOS 16, as well as updates to iPadOS, MacOS for the company's computers and likely WatchOS for the Apple Watch as well.
Apple's also increasingly rumored to be preparing new software supposedly called rOS, or "RealityOS," according to recent reporting by Bloomberg. The new software would help to power the company's eventual augmented reality and virtual reality headsets, which have reportedly been in development for years. In 2018, CNET reported on specifications of the device, such as dual-8K displays, which since has been supported by reporting from other outlets as well. Apple hasn't commented on the device's existence, but it's expected to be shown off at some point in the next year.
Aside from new hardware like the headset, Apple's also expected to announce the last in a series of redesigns it's performed on Mac computers over the past couple years. Among the changes, Apple has switched out the computer's microprocessing brains from those it relied on from Intel for more than a decade to new M-series chips designed by the teams creating chips powering the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Apple has since remade its desktop computers, such as the Mac Mini desktop and iMac all-in-one, as well as its laptops, the MacBook and MacBook Pro, with positive response to each of the releases so far. It's also released a new desktop computer, called the Mac Studio, designed for video and audio editors.
The next major update, Apple has said, will likely include the Mac Pro, its highest-performance computer, which is designed with software programmers, digital artists and computer researchers in mind. Whether it'll be shown off at WWDC is yet to be seen. But regardless, the company's software updates will offer a hint of what Apple's planning for the coming year.
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
This week brought us Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, when the maker of Macs and iPhones shares details of coming changes to the software that runs those and other devices. WWDC is on the geeky side, but it's also pretty clear what's in store for everyone who uses Apple products.
We found out, for instance, about iOS 16, coming to iPhones later this year with features like an updated lock screen heavy on customization; Apple Pay Later, which splits the cost of a purchase across four payments; and Safety Check, designed to help people at risk of abuse. We got a peek at MacOS Ventura, along with a redesigned MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro, both of which will pack the new M2 chip. And we learned about WatchOS 9 and iPadOS 16, too.
Our stories about WWDC came to you among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that also appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don't want to miss.
Commentary: Apple's changes to the iPhone lock screen are a bigger deal than you think.
James Martin/CNET
Commentary: Moderating social media is hard. Moderating the metaverse will be harder.
Getty/Xinhua News Agency
As tech's reach grows, companies are taking on a new, very personal, set of issues.
Screenshot/CNET
Here's why people freeze in place and have waking nightmares.
OsakaWayne Studios
The new MCU series about a Pakistani Muslim-American superhero shows just how far Hollywood has come.
Disney Plus
I don't recommend it.
Ben White
Initial analysis of the samples from asteroid Ryugu show the rock could change our understanding of the early solar system.
JAXA/Akihiro Ikeshita
Commentary: WatchOS 9's new running features could pair nicely with the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Google, Apple, and Microsoft expect passkeys can completely replace passwords. Apple support arrives in iOS 16 and MacOS Ventura.
Apple
§
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
Apple's WatchOS 9 update will bring new athletic performance metrics to the Apple Watch, among other key improvements to health and fitness tracking.
Why it matters
The update could be setting the stage for the rumored rugged Apple Watch expected to debut this year.
What's next
Apple will launch WatchOS 9 in the fall, possibly alongside three new Apple Watch models.
If WatchOS 9 serves as any indication, the Apple Watch's future is all about health and fitness. That message was front and center in June when Apple unveiled the new software, which is now available in beta ahead of its fall launch.
The update will bring more sports-performance tracking metrics (especially for runners), deeper sleep monitoring and tools for logging medication. It's impossible to know what to expect until Apple announces its next smartwatch (or smartwatches). But WatchOS 9's focus on athletic training seemingly sets the stage for the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition, which we might see later this year.
Read more: This Stylish, Luxury Hybrid Watch (Almost) Made Me Ditch My Apple Watch
It also suggests Apple wants its smartwatch to appeal to pro athletes, casual exercise enthusiasts and those who need to monitor cardiac health all at the same time. The next crop of Apple Watches rumored for the fall will likely come with new hardware to better support that vision -- hopefully with better battery life, too.
WatchOS 9's workout features would be a great for an Explorer Edition Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 7
Lexy Savvides/CNET
Apple sprinkled a bunch of new workout tools and metrics throughout WatchOS 9. These include new running data points like stride length and ground contact time, the ability to track heart rate zones, interval training, a multisport workout type for triathlons and kickboard detection for swimmers. The announcement also comes after Apple made improvements to the Apple Watch's cycling detection last year.
Only Apple knows what's in store for the future. But it feels like no coincidence that this update is coming as Apple is expected to launch a rugged Apple Watch designed for extreme sports this fall. Bloomberg reports an Apple Watch with extra impact resistance similar to Casio's G-Shock watches could be in the works. The watch is sometimes referred to as the Explorer Edition internally and may have a rubberized casing for additional durability, the report said. The device would reportedly be marketed as an alternative option for athletes and hikers alongside the standard Series 8 and next-generation Apple Watch SE.
Read more: iOS 16's Lock Screen Upgrades Make the iPhone More Like a Smartwatch
The Apple Watch already has plenty to offer fitness buffs, with many workout choices, activity goals and reminders, heart rate notifications and metrics like VO2 max and elevation. But until WatchOS 9 arrives, the Apple Watch will lack running-specific features that athletes might find useful. Garmin's running watches, for example, include tools like training programs for specific types of races, pace guidance and running metrics like cadence and stride length, among other features that vary by the model.
The Apple Watch is already the world's most popular smartwatch with 36.1% of global shipments in the first quarter of 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. With the new measurements geared toward runners coming in WatchOS 9, Apple could further solidify its grip on the market by appealing to the more niche competitive sports audience.
Even with the new features in WatchOS 9, the Apple Watch still won't offer quite as much feedback for runners as some specialized watches. But the new software certainly brings the Apple Watch closer than ever before.
What else WatchOS 9 might tell us about the Apple Watch's future
The Apple Watch's new Sleep Stages feature in WatchOS 9
Screenshot/CNET
Apple's emphasis on fitness was at the heart of its WatchOS 9 announcement. But some of the software's other updates might also suggest Apple's future direction. For example, the company did more on sleep tracking by introducing Sleep Stages, a feature that analyzes the amount of time spent in various phases of slumber. Apple is playing catch-up in this regard; rival fitness trackers from Fitbit, Oura and Samsung have supported this feature for years.
Apple's expansion in sleep tracking indicates it expects Apple Watches to be worn overnight more frequently. That makes me believe Apple could be planning some type of improvement to the Apple Watch's battery life, although there's no way to know for sure until the company reveals its next watch.
Apple says its smartwatch can last for 18 hours on a single charge, and anecdotally I typically get about one to two days out of it before it needs a power boost. The Apple Watch's battery life hasn't changed meaningfully in years, but Apple has worked around this by implementing faster charging speeds with the Series 6 and 7.
Apple will likely continue down this path rather than dramatically improving the watch's battery life. But there's also a chance Apple could introduce a new low-power mode with more functionality than the watch's current power reserve feature, says Bloomberg. It was supposed to launch with WatchOS 9, according to the report, although Apple didn't mention a new low-power option during Monday's event.
Considering that battery life has been one of the Apple Watch's persistent criticisms -- and not to mention Bloomberg's reliable track record -- I wouldn't be surprised to see this capability arrive in the future. And remember: Apple introduced new WatchOS 8 features for cyclists alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 during its fall product event in 2021. So there's a chance Apple could have more software features to announce later this year.
WatchOS 9 also provides another signal that Apple is expanding its efforts in general health and wellness. A new feature called AFib History will allow those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to access more information about their condition, such as an estimate of how often their heart rhythm is showing signs of A-fib. Another highlight in WatchOS 9 is the ability to track prescriptions and receive medication reminders.
These updates indicate Apple sees its watch as a tool for tracking bodily changes over time that can be shared with physicians. And if reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal prove accurate, Apple will take that idea a step further by adding a temperature sensor to the Series 8.
Many of the Apple Watch's major turning points have historically been tied to new hardware releases. The Series 3, for example, was the first model to support cellular connectivity, making the Apple Watch feel like a stand-alone product rather than an iPhone companion. The Series 4 brought ECG monitoring and fall detection, broadening the Apple Watch's role as a health device.
WatchOS 9 isn't as big of a leap forward as those launches. But it will bring functionality that could be crucial in Apple's mission to make the Apple Watch the ultimate health and fitness device. And that's very telling of Apple's immediate and long term plans for the Apple Watch.
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9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
This week brought us Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, when the maker of Macs and iPhones shares details of coming changes to the software that runs those and other devices. WWDC is on the geeky side, but it's also pretty clear what's in store for everyone who uses Apple products.
We found out, for instance, about iOS 16, coming to iPhones later this year with features like an updated lock screen heavy on customization; Apple Pay Later, which splits the cost of a purchase across four payments; and Safety Check, designed to help people at risk of abuse. We got a peek at MacOS Ventura, along with a redesigned MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro, both of which will pack the new M2 chip. And we learned about WatchOS 9 and iPadOS 16, too.
Our stories about WWDC came to you among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that also appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don't want to miss.
Commentary: Apple's changes to the iPhone lock screen are a bigger deal than you think.
James Martin/CNET
Commentary: Moderating social media is hard. Moderating the metaverse will be harder.
Getty/Xinhua News Agency
As tech's reach grows, companies are taking on a new, very personal, set of issues.
Screenshot/CNET
Here's why people freeze in place and have waking nightmares.
OsakaWayne Studios
The new MCU series about a Pakistani Muslim-American superhero shows just how far Hollywood has come.
Disney Plus
I don't recommend it.
Ben White
Initial analysis of the samples from asteroid Ryugu show the rock could change our understanding of the early solar system.
JAXA/Akihiro Ikeshita
Commentary: WatchOS 9's new running features could pair nicely with the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Google, Apple, and Microsoft expect passkeys can completely replace passwords. Apple support arrives in iOS 16 and MacOS Ventura.
Apple
§
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
Apple's WatchOS 9 update will bring new athletic performance metrics to the Apple Watch, among other key improvements to health and fitness tracking.
Why it matters
The update could be setting the stage for the rumored rugged Apple Watch expected to debut this year.
What's next
Apple will launch WatchOS 9 in the fall, possibly alongside three new Apple Watch models.
If WatchOS 9 serves as any indication, the Apple Watch's future is all about health and fitness. That message was front and center in June when Apple unveiled the new software, which is now available in beta ahead of its fall launch.
The update will bring more sports-performance tracking metrics (especially for runners), deeper sleep monitoring and tools for logging medication. It's impossible to know what to expect until Apple announces its next smartwatch (or smartwatches). But WatchOS 9's focus on athletic training seemingly sets the stage for the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition, which we might see later this year.
Read more: This Stylish, Luxury Hybrid Watch (Almost) Made Me Ditch My Apple Watch
It also suggests Apple wants its smartwatch to appeal to pro athletes, casual exercise enthusiasts and those who need to monitor cardiac health all at the same time. The next crop of Apple Watches rumored for the fall will likely come with new hardware to better support that vision -- hopefully with better battery life, too.
WatchOS 9's workout features would be a great for an Explorer Edition Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 7
Lexy Savvides/CNET
Apple sprinkled a bunch of new workout tools and metrics throughout WatchOS 9. These include new running data points like stride length and ground contact time, the ability to track heart rate zones, interval training, a multisport workout type for triathlons and kickboard detection for swimmers. The announcement also comes after Apple made improvements to the Apple Watch's cycling detection last year.
Only Apple knows what's in store for the future. But it feels like no coincidence that this update is coming as Apple is expected to launch a rugged Apple Watch designed for extreme sports this fall. Bloomberg reports an Apple Watch with extra impact resistance similar to Casio's G-Shock watches could be in the works. The watch is sometimes referred to as the Explorer Edition internally and may have a rubberized casing for additional durability, the report said. The device would reportedly be marketed as an alternative option for athletes and hikers alongside the standard Series 8 and next-generation Apple Watch SE.
Read more: iOS 16's Lock Screen Upgrades Make the iPhone More Like a Smartwatch
The Apple Watch already has plenty to offer fitness buffs, with many workout choices, activity goals and reminders, heart rate notifications and metrics like VO2 max and elevation. But until WatchOS 9 arrives, the Apple Watch will lack running-specific features that athletes might find useful. Garmin's running watches, for example, include tools like training programs for specific types of races, pace guidance and running metrics like cadence and stride length, among other features that vary by the model.
The Apple Watch is already the world's most popular smartwatch with 36.1% of global shipments in the first quarter of 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. With the new measurements geared toward runners coming in WatchOS 9, Apple could further solidify its grip on the market by appealing to the more niche competitive sports audience.
Even with the new features in WatchOS 9, the Apple Watch still won't offer quite as much feedback for runners as some specialized watches. But the new software certainly brings the Apple Watch closer than ever before.
What else WatchOS 9 might tell us about the Apple Watch's future
The Apple Watch's new Sleep Stages feature in WatchOS 9
Screenshot/CNET
Apple's emphasis on fitness was at the heart of its WatchOS 9 announcement. But some of the software's other updates might also suggest Apple's future direction. For example, the company did more on sleep tracking by introducing Sleep Stages, a feature that analyzes the amount of time spent in various phases of slumber. Apple is playing catch-up in this regard; rival fitness trackers from Fitbit, Oura and Samsung have supported this feature for years.
Apple's expansion in sleep tracking indicates it expects Apple Watches to be worn overnight more frequently. That makes me believe Apple could be planning some type of improvement to the Apple Watch's battery life, although there's no way to know for sure until the company reveals its next watch.
Apple says its smartwatch can last for 18 hours on a single charge, and anecdotally I typically get about one to two days out of it before it needs a power boost. The Apple Watch's battery life hasn't changed meaningfully in years, but Apple has worked around this by implementing faster charging speeds with the Series 6 and 7.
Apple will likely continue down this path rather than dramatically improving the watch's battery life. But there's also a chance Apple could introduce a new low-power mode with more functionality than the watch's current power reserve feature, says Bloomberg. It was supposed to launch with WatchOS 9, according to the report, although Apple didn't mention a new low-power option during Monday's event.
Considering that battery life has been one of the Apple Watch's persistent criticisms -- and not to mention Bloomberg's reliable track record -- I wouldn't be surprised to see this capability arrive in the future. And remember: Apple introduced new WatchOS 8 features for cyclists alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 during its fall product event in 2021. So there's a chance Apple could have more software features to announce later this year.
WatchOS 9 also provides another signal that Apple is expanding its efforts in general health and wellness. A new feature called AFib History will allow those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to access more information about their condition, such as an estimate of how often their heart rhythm is showing signs of A-fib. Another highlight in WatchOS 9 is the ability to track prescriptions and receive medication reminders.
These updates indicate Apple sees its watch as a tool for tracking bodily changes over time that can be shared with physicians. And if reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal prove accurate, Apple will take that idea a step further by adding a temperature sensor to the Series 8.
Many of the Apple Watch's major turning points have historically been tied to new hardware releases. The Series 3, for example, was the first model to support cellular connectivity, making the Apple Watch feel like a stand-alone product rather than an iPhone companion. The Series 4 brought ECG monitoring and fall detection, broadening the Apple Watch's role as a health device.
WatchOS 9 isn't as big of a leap forward as those launches. But it will bring functionality that could be crucial in Apple's mission to make the Apple Watch the ultimate health and fitness device. And that's very telling of Apple's immediate and long term plans for the Apple Watch.
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Apple's Finally Making the iPad More Like a Mac (For Multitasking, at Least)
Apple's Finally Making the iPad More Like a Mac (For Multitasking, at Least)
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
Apple brought its iPad tablet a bit closer to the Mac computers in spirit on Monday at WWDC 2022, announcing new features for its iPadOS 16 software that add better multitasking features.
The new changes to the iPad represent another key shift to the device, aiming to advance the "pro" capabilities of Apple's tablets. While Apple's added to the power and capabilities of its iPads, the software has been criticized by many reviewers, including us at CNET, for not offering enough functionality.
Apple appears ready to answer many of those concerns with its newest software, which will come as a free update in the fall.
Some features, like sharing documents through Messages collaboratively, are extensions of new iOS 16 sharing features on the iPhone. It looks like FaceTime calls could happen while working on a shared document more easily, and work while keeping FaceTime open. It looks like a step towards virtual collaborative work solutions for Apple, similar to what Google and Microsoft already use. SharePlay, which is Apple's connected social framework introduced last year, is also coming to Apple's GameCenter for starting multiplayer games.
Apple also has a collaborative workspace app called Freeform, coming later this year, that will work like a giant whiteboard. Invited collaborators could can start adding stuff at the same time. Freeform is coming to iOS and MacOS, too.
Stage Manager swaps out groups of open apps, the same as on the next version of MacOS.
Apple
iPadOS 16 is also aiming to make better use of more advanced iPads that feature Apple's M1 chip. Metal 3 promises better graphics, but Apple's also aiming to add more desktop-like features in apps: Some will have customizable toolbars, and the Files app looks like it's finally getting a little more versatile for file management.
M1 iPads are getting display scaling to create an effectively larger-feeling display, allowing more app screen space (but with smaller text and images). There's also free-form window resizing, along with external display support. Both features have been overdue on iPadOS. Stage Manager, a MacOS feature that's coming later this year, is also on iPadOS. The result looks to be windows that can overlap and be different sizes, just like a Mac.
And external displays work like extra screen space now instead of just mirroring the iPad. The feature's limited to eight apps running on-screen at once, but that's a lot more than what was available before.
There's also, finally, a Weather app (a longtime missing app, for some reason).
Apple announced its software updates as part of its Worldwide Developer Conference, or WWDC, being held online and in person at its Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.
For eager fans who can't wait until the fall, Apple should offer a public "beta" test version of its iPadOS software in July, although specific dates for that haven't been announced. While it may seem tempting to do that, we at CNET recommend you only do so on a device you don't rely on day to day, just in case it's buggy.
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These New MacOS Ventura Tricks Make Your Mac Much Better
These New MacOS Ventura Tricks Make Your Mac Much Better
A big change is coming to Apple's Mac computer line, thanks to the new version of MacOS, called Ventura. It's going to change the way you use video-conferencing apps like Zoom, how you juggle multiple apps at once, and even how you dig around the settings menus to make everything work the way you want.
Some of these new changes are so big, they break my general OS rule -- that operating system updates should be like good cinematography in a movie: an important backbone, but not one that stands out too obviously. Why do I usually say that? Because if you change a device's user interface or features too radically, you lose the muscle memory and personal workflow developed over time. But at the same time, change too little and no one will feel the need to update.
The new version of MacOS is a bigger deal than most, adding many significant new features and improvements. The official release should be coming later in 2022, but the public beta is available now.
Everyone always says not to install beta operating systems on your primary devices, and I've offered similar counsel in the past. But honestly, once it hits the public beta phase (as opposed to a locked-down developer beta), things are usually in pretty good shape.
So with that mindset I downloaded and installed MacOS Ventura on a MacBook and iOS 16 on my phone. Didn't even back anything up, just went for it. Yolo, I suppose.
The next bit of unspoken OS update truth is that most people will never see, use or even be aware of most of the updates, especially as so many are small tweaks that operate behind the scenes, or add functionality you're probably not even looking for.
But Ventura does a little more than most OS updates, and when combined with iOS 16 or iPadOS 16, you get access to some really useful features. So, while most of Ventura probably won't make a big difference in your day-to-day life, here are four new features in the beta that stand out the most.
Stage Manager: A better, faster way to get around the Mac
The single biggest visual change in Ventura is this fresh new way to sort and organize various Mac apps and switch between them. Rather than Apple's traditional Cmd-Tab or swiping up with four fingers, Stage Manager puts your active apps in a thumbnail column on the far left side of the screen.
Click on the app you want and it jumps to the middle of the screen, making it easy to swap between apps on the fly. Sure, it wasn't hard to jump between apps before, but this is a new, very visual way of doing that. If you have multiple windows open in an app (like multiple browser windows), clicking on the thumbnail on that left rail will jump between those windows.
Stage Manager puts your open apps along a left side rail.
Screenshot by Dan Ackerman/CNET
Now that I'm using Stage Manager, I can't imagine going back to not using it. However, it does leave us with what I'd call the Double Dock problem. You've now got a horizontal dock at the bottom of the screen and a second quasi-dock running vertically down the left side of the screen. If you want a really clean desktop view and need to hide Stage Manager, pop open the Command Center (the two pills icon) and toggle it off.
Using an iPhone as a wireless webcam with Camera Continuity.
Libe Ackerman/CNET
Continuity Camera: Use your iPhone camera, at last
This is something I've been waiting on Apple to implement for many years. The elevator pitch is that you can now use your iPhone as a wireless webcam for your Mac. Sounds simple enough, but before now you had to use a third-party app like EpocCam, which just isn't simple and bug-free enough to rely on for everyday use.
Now, with Ventura on your Mac and iOS 16 on your phone (both currently via public beta), it's suddenly easy to do and it works in Zoom, FaceTime and many other apps. Just select your phone as a camera from the app's camera selection menu. You do need to be logged in to the same Apple ID on both devices, and on the same Wi-Fi network with Bluetooth enabled.
Why would you want this? Unless you have the new M2 MacBook Air or the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, your MacBook has a pretty unimpressive 720p-resolution camera. Those newer Macs have much better 1080p cameras, but your iPhone rear camera is still going to be much, much better than that. Looking at the 1080p camera in the M2 MacBook next to the video from an iPhone 13 Pro via Camera Continuity, the iPhone was clearly superior.
There are some extra tricks available in the Command Center under Video Effects, including Center Stage, which follows your face around the frame; Portrait mode, which blurs the background slightly; and Studio Light, which dims the background and brightens your face.
The iPhone makes a great webcam in MacOS Ventura.
Libe Ackerman/CNET
Potentially more interesting is Desk View, which uses the iPhone's wide-angle lens to capture what's happening just below the laptop's wrist rest and touchpad, even though the phone is pointed directly at your face. It's a stand-alone video app, so you'd screenshare it in Zoom, for example. It's pretty limited right now in what it shows and how it's implemented, but I'm interested in experimenting with it more.
But wait, there's more.
How do I position my phone to use it as a webcam, you ask? I'm sure there will be a lot of mini tripods and phone mounts available to clip your phone to the top of a MacBook.
This 3D-printed clip helped attach an iPhone to the MacBook lid.
Dan Ackerman/CNET
But I've gone ahead and designed a simple one via TinkerCad, and printed it on a 3D printer. This specific mount is designed for an iPhone 13 Pro Max, with a case, and the new M2 MacBook Air. You can try downloading and printing it if you think it'll fit your phone and laptop; also I'm making the CAD file available as well, so you can adjust the measurements to your liking.
If you don't have a 3D printer, our list of the best ones is a good place to start.
The public TinkerCad file is here, and the 3D STL file is here on Thingiverse.
System Settings/Preferences: Slightly less confusing
Am I the only one who finds the Mac's traditional System Preference menu confusing? It's a bunch of icons, which seem to shift around with every OS version, and the tools you want are inevitably buried in submenus. I find some of the organizational choices confusing, and question some of the internal logic.
System Preferences is now... System Settings.
Dan Ackerman/CNET
The new look and feel of the menu, now called System Settings, is delightfully basic. It's just a list. The actual functionality isn't really different, but I find it much easier to navigate because you can still see the other list entries while inside a specific menu. The somewhat opaque icons and category names are still there and things like click-and-drag for the trackpad are still buried in a submenu of the accessibility menu, but it's nice to move the UX needle toward utility over design.
Live captions for videos: Make FaceTime calls easier to follow
As a bonus fourth favorite feature, I like the real-time captioning that works across different apps and audio sources.
YouTube videos already offer closed captions that are pretty good, but livestreams, for example, can be a problem. Other video or video-related services offer a wide range of captioning and subtitle options, some good, some less so.
Live Captions adds real-time transcription to almost anything.
Screenshot by Dan Ackerman/CNET
Live captions adds just that, live captions, in a pop-up box and works with real-time spoken-word content from many video sources, including FaceTime calls. That's great for expanding accessibility, but also handy for situations where the person on the other end of your video call isn't clearly audible, has a bad mic, etc.
I've tried it a few times, and you really do get a nearly instantaneous onscreen transcription of what the other person is saying. It's not a feature I would use all the time, but it's both impressive and useful.
Venturing into Ventura
There are many more features in MacOS Ventura, including improvements to Mail, Safari, Spotlight and how passwords are handled. I frankly found those less interesting than the parts I've highlighted above, considering what would make an actual difference in my everyday workflow. Some of these work well now, while others need more time to fully bake, which is understandable considering this is a beta.
The official version of Ventura should be available this fall, based on when Apple has issued OS updates previously.
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Apple Needs Another Affordable 5G iPhone
Apple Needs Another Affordable 5G iPhone
What's happening
The iPhone SE is Apple's only 5G phone that costs less than $500. Android competitors are outpacing Apple in affordable 5G options, as proven by the Google Pixel 6A and other devices.
Why it matters
Apple needs to provide more choice when it comes to wallet-friendly 5G iPhones. 5G once demanded premium prices, but it's become the standard in most new phones.
What's next
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 14 in September. When it does, the iPhone 12 Mini could see a price cut that brings it to $500.
Shortly after Apple launched the iPhone 13 in September, I wrote about why the iPhone 11 was (and is) still a great deal at $500. It has Face ID, a sharp dual camera system and a large screen for $300 less than the iPhone 13. What's not to like?
There's only one setback that gives me some pause when recommending the iPhone 11: It doesn't have 5G. A few years ago, 5G was just a buzzword that tech giants used to get customers excited about new products. Companies like Samsung charged a premium for 5G phones back in 2019, even though 5G networks were in the early stages then.
In 2022, you can get by just fine without a 5G phone. But now that 5G has become standard in most moderately priced phones, there's little reason not to buy one if you're already upgrading. Unless you're an Apple fan that doesn't want to spend more than $500, that is.
Many US shoppers likely aren't paying that price all at once since carriers offer monthly installment plans. Most carriers also promote deals to subsidize upgrades, but those discounts usually require conditions like opening a new line or choosing a pricier plan.
Apple launched the $429 iPhone SE in March to provide a wallet-friendly 5G option. But with its small 4.7-inch screen and single camera, it's not for everyone. At the same time, companies like Samsung and Google have been releasing promising 5G phones with many of the same qualities found on more expensive models, like the Galaxy A53 and Pixel 6A.
All of Apple's flagship phones come with 5G, starting with 2020's iPhone 12. But compared to Android, Apple doesn't offer many options when it comes to affordable 5G devices. That could change in the coming months when the iPhone 14 is expected to launch, and I'm hoping it does.
Do I really need 5G in my next phone?
The answer is complicated. In many everyday scenarios, you probably won't notice the difference between 4G and 5G. And 4G networks aren't turning off anytime soon, so you don't need to worry about a 4G phone becoming obsolete.
But if you're buying a new phone, it's best to go with a 5G-enabled device if you can afford one. Carriers are expanding their midband 5G networks, which provide speedier performance than 4G LTE, and low-band 5G can function at longer distances than the super fast (but severely limited) millimeter-wave 5G.
If you want a phone that will last for the next three to five years, I'd recommend buying a 5G phone so that you don't miss out on speedier midband networks as they continue to expand. If you think you'll be upgrading again in the next year or two, it's fine to buy a 4G phone.
The iPhone SE is Apple's only sub-$500 5G phone... for now
The 2022 iPhone SE
Patrick Holland/CNET
With eight iPhones on the market, Apple certainly provides a lot of choice. However, the 2022 iPhone SE is the only 5G option under $500.
Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to like about the iPhone SE. It runs on the same processor as the iPhone 13, which means it has fast performance for the price. The camera takes great photos, and its battery life is longer than the previous iPhone SE's. But it also comes with a lot of limitations.
The iPhone SE only has one rear camera even though most modern phones have at least two. That camera lacks night mode -- another feature found on most phones released in 2019 or later. The iPhone SE also has the same design as the nearly 5-year-old iPhone 8, which means it has a small display and old-fashioned bezels above and below the screen. That can make it feel dated compared to many newer devices, like the Pixel 6A. It's also not very different from the $400 iPhone SE that launched in 2020, aside from the new model's 5G support and newer chip.
If you want 5G and more modern features like Face ID, a camera with wide and ultra-wide lenses, improved durability and a larger 5.4-inch screen, your closest option is the $600 iPhone 12 Mini. It's more affordable than other devices in Apple's lineup, like the $700 iPhone 13 Mini, $700 iPhone 12 and $800 iPhone 13. But it's nearly two years old and is out of budget for anyone with a $500 limit.
2022 iPhone Prices
Model
US starting price
5G
Screen size
CPU
Release date
iPhone SE
$429
Yes
4.7 inches
A15 Bionic
March 2022
iPhone 11
$499
No
6.1 inches
A13 Bionic
September 2019
iPhone 12 Mini
$599
Yes
5.4 inches
A14 Bionic
November 2020
iPhone 12
$699
Yes
6.1 inches
A14 Bionic
October 2020
iPhone 13 Mini
$729
Yes
5.4 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13
$829
Yes
6.1 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13 Pro
$999
Yes
6.1 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
iPhone 13 Pro Max
$1,099
Yes
6.7 inches
A15 Bionic
September 2021
While Apple's sub-$500 5G options are limited right now, that might not be the case for much longer. Apple traditionally lowers the prices of its older iPhones when releasing new models, as it did with the iPhone 11 last year. If Apple follows the same pattern, the 5G-enabled iPhone 12 and 12 Mini could see another price drop that brings the Mini down to $500 this fall.
There's also another possibility. Before Apple launched the iPhone SE in March, rumors suggested Apple was working on a cheaper iPhone with the same design as the iPhone 11. This rumored device has been referred to as the iPhone SE Plus.
Now that the iPhone SE is becoming a more regular part of Apple's iPhone lineup, there's a chance Apple could use this rumored iPhone 11-inspired design for the next-generation model. That would certainly address many of the iPhone SE's current limitations, particularly its small screen and single camera.
But based on Apple's release schedule, we probably won't see a new iPhone SE until March or April 2024. So if you're looking for a cheaper 5G iPhone in the near term, the current iPhone SE or a discounted older model will be your best bet.
The Android competition is moving ahead of Apple
The Google Pixel 6A
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
The Android landscape looks vastly different than Apple's. There are plenty of choices for those who don't want to spend more than $500 on a new phone yet still want 5G connectivity. The $450 Google Pixel 6A is probably the best option right now, thanks to its great camera, large screen, eye-catching design and early access to Android updates.
The Pixel 6A isn't alone. There's a growing selection of 5G Android phones that cost $500 or less but have features that once demanded a premium price. Samsung, for example, sells the $450 Galaxy A53 5G and $400 Galaxy A42 5G, both of which have large screens, on-screen fingerprint sensors and multi-lens cameras. The iPhone SE doesn't have any of those features, although it is the only current iPhone with a physical home button and fingerprint sensor.
Motorola's $500 Moto G Stylus 5G has a spacious 6.8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and four times as much storage as the base iPhone SE model. Although it's not available in the US, the recently launched Nothing 1 phone is another example of an affordable 5G Android phone. For a price that translates to roughly $480, you get a large 6.55-inch OLED screen, a dual camera with a 50-megapixel main sensor and 128GB of storage. You can even find 5G phones for under $300, like the $250 Samsung Galaxy A13, although phones in the $400 to $500 range offer a better balance between features, speed and affordability.
These Android phones offer a lot of value compared to the iPhone SE. But it's important to acknowledge where they fall short. The Pixel 6A is only guaranteed to get three years of major Android version updates, while Apple's upcoming iOS 16 software will run on iPhones that are nearly five years old. Apple also supports phones for much longer than Motorola, which only promises one software upgrade. Unlike the iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy A53 5G doesn't run on the same processor as the company's flagship phones. During my time testing the Galaxy A53, I experienced occasional software lag and performance hiccups -- an issue that hasn't come up with the iPhone SE.
For those who just want a basic inexpensive iPhone to stay connected to Apple's apps and services, the iPhone SE is probably enough. But Android phone makers are proving that the list of compromises you need to make when spending $500 or less on a new phone is getting shorter. Now it's time for Apple to catch up.
