Top Stories: Apple Vision Pro Launch, Next-Generation CarPlay Features, and More

Apple Vision Pro is here! Apple's "spatial computing" headset has officially launched, and we've got all the details on the ground-breaking new device for both early adopters and those just looking for more information as Apple takes in first step into what it believes is the future of computing.

top stories 3feb2024
While the Apple Vision Pro launch was the biggest news of the week, it certainly wasn't the only topic making waves as Apple is continuing work on iOS 17.4 with a host of changes to how the app ecosystem will work in the European Union, we received word that iOS 18 coming later this year could be a massive update, and more, so read on below for more!

Apple Vision Pro Launches: 'The Era of Spatial Computing Has Arrived'

After years of rumors, the Apple Vision Pro has finally launched, at least in the United States. In-store launches began at 8:00 a.m. Friday, with pre-order deliveries also happening the same day.

Apple Fifth Avenue Vision Pro Launch
Apple has shared a wealth of information alongside the launch, and we've rounded up quite a bit including an extensive list of some of the 600 native apps available for visionOS at launch, details on how to let a guest try out your Vision Pro, tips for making the best possible virtual Persona, accessories you can use with your Vision Pro, and more.

Hands-On With the Apple Vision Pro: Unboxing, Initial Thoughts and More

We've picked up our own Vision Pro unit and put together a lengthy video outlining the unboxing, setup, and early impressions of the lead device in Apple's latest product category.

Apple Vision Pro Unboxing and Hands On Thumb 1
There are certainly some mind-blowing aspects to the aspect, but there are other areas where the experience isn't ideal, so be sure to check out our initial coverage and stay tuned for more in-depth reports as we spend additional time with it.

Apple Seeds First iOS 17.4 Public Beta With EU App Ecosystem Changes and More

Apple this week seeded the first public beta of iOS 17.4 with a long list of changes to the App Store, Safari, Wallet, and more in the EU. These changes are the result of Apple complying with new regulations set to be enforced next month under the Digital Markets Act.

App Store vs EU Feature 2
iOS 17.4 will be released to all users in March, and the changes only apply to EU countries. We recently recapped all of the changes in one convenient list.

iOS 18 Potentially 'Biggest' Software Update in iPhone's History

iOS 18 has the potential to be the "biggest" software update in the iPhone's history, according to info shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

iOS 18 Mock Feature Baubles
Gurman said he plans to share more details about specific iOS 18 features and changes that are planned in the future, but we already know about two new features that should be included in the update, including RCS support in the Messages app and ChatGPT-like generative AI functionality for Siri.

Next-Generation Apple CarPlay Will Feature These 8 New Apps

Apple recently updated its website to confirm that the first U.S. vehicle models with next-generation CarPlay support will debut in 2024, but it did not provide a more specific timeframe, or indicate when availability will begin in other countries.

Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1
The first beta of iOS 17.4 references eight new CarPlay apps, including Auto Settings, Car Camera, Charge, Climate, Closures, Media, Tire Pressure, and Trips.

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!

Top Rated Comments

flofixer Avatar
7 weeks ago

I can’t wait for CarPlay. My 2013 sedan has no option for CarPlay so it’s a must have in my next new car!

Please stop talking about Apples new headset, it’s a niche product that most people can’t afford and don’t need. Even if they could get one! Stop pumping it up, maybe in 10 years it’ll be $50 and everyone will have one but let’s wait till then to make a big deal about it
It is a big deal. Many people are happy with it despite the naysayers. I just watched Avatar in 3d and it's AMAZING. The underwater scenes felt like I was at an aquarium. I have yet to try most of the features, but I'm very happy with my initial impression. What a great first step for Apple in this medium.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TravelsInBlue Avatar
7 weeks ago
I can’t think of anything I’d want less than CarPlay running my entire vehicle
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
7 weeks ago

Does anyone here have CarPlay, and are all of those glowing screens a bit off-putting while driving?
Probably no worse than some of the EV cars with computer displays. Most vehicles have normal size nav displays that CarPlay uses. Would think you can adjust the backlighting on those new Porsche displays as a example.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yammabot Avatar
7 weeks ago
I can’t wait for CarPlay. My 2013 sedan has no option for CarPlay so it’s a must have in my next new car!

Please stop talking about Apples new headset, it’s a niche product that most people can’t afford and don’t need. Even if they could get one! Stop pumping it up, maybe in 10 years it’ll be $50 and everyone will have one but let’s wait till then to make a big deal about it!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stiksi Avatar
7 weeks ago
Every new kind of computing wanting to be ”spatial”… ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SFjohn Avatar
7 weeks ago

Does anyone here have CarPlay, and are all of those glowing screens a bit off-putting while driving?
We installed a CarPlay head set into an old Honda, we both loved it. Now we don’t own a car, but when we rent we make sure CarPlay is included.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone Home Screen Gradient Blank Spaces 1

Sources: iOS 18 Lets Apps Be Placed Anywhere on Home Screen Grid

Sunday March 24, 2024 1:33 pm PDT by
iOS 18 will give iPhone users greater control over Home Screen app icon arrangement, according to sources familiar with the matter. While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, to ensure there is some uniformity, our sources say that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18. For example, we expect that the update will introduce...
iPad Pro 2024 Landscape Camera Feature

New iPad Pro Again Rumored to Feature Landscape Front-Facing Camera

Monday March 25, 2024 5:43 am PDT by
The next-generation iPad Pro will feature a landscape-oriented front-facing camera for the first time, according to the Apple leaker known as "Instant Digital." Instant Digital reiterated the design change earlier today on Weibo with a simple accompanying 2D image. The post reveals that the entire TrueDepth camera array will move to the right side of the device, while the microphone will...
sonoma desktop wwdc

Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Fix for USB Hub Bug

Monday March 25, 2024 10:10 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.4.1, a minor update for the macOS Sonoma operating system that launched last September. macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 comes three weeks after macOS Sonoma 14.4. The ‌‌‌‌macOS Sonoma‌‌ 14.4‌.1 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. There's also a macOS 13.6.6 release for those who...
iPhone 15 General Feature Green

Apple Says These New iOS Features Are Coming Later This Year

Sunday March 24, 2024 7:45 am PDT by
Apple has previously announced three new iOS features that it said are coming to the iPhone later this year, as outlined below. The new features include the ability to install iPhone apps on the web in the EU, RCS support in the Messages app, and next-generation CarPlay. Web Distribution Apple recently announced that eligible developers will soon be able to distribute their iOS apps to ...
Beyond iPhone 13 Better Blue Face ID Single Camera Hole

Seven Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 17

Tuesday March 19, 2024 5:20 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip...
maxresdefault

iOS 18 Rumored to Feature 'More Customizable' Home Screen

Sunday March 24, 2024 7:10 am PDT by
iOS 18 will feature a revamped Home Screen that is "more customizable," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He revealed this information in his Power On newsletter today, but he did not provide any specific details. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple will announce iOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June. Other features and changes rumored for...
combine images

Top Stories: iOS 18's Generative AI Features to Rely on Google?, Latest on New iPads, and More

Saturday March 23, 2024 6:00 am PDT by
We're getting closer to the launch of new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, while rumors about iOS 18 are continuing to ramp up with this week's surprise revelation that Apple has been talking to Google and others about potentially helping power the generative AI features expected to be a major part of this year's update. Other news this week saw the release of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1...