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!

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats

Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio. Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014. Q.ai has...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...

Top Rated Comments

flofixer Avatar
26 months 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
26 months ago
I can’t think of anything I’d want less than CarPlay running my entire vehicle
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
26 months 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
26 months 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
26 months ago
Every new kind of computing wanting to be ”spatial”… ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SFjohn Avatar
26 months 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)