We began tracking early Black Friday deals yesterday, and a new discount has emerged on the Apple Watch SE 3 today. You can get the 44mm GPS model for $229.99 down from $279.00, a $49 discount and the best price we’ve ever seen on this brand new Apple Watch.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. when you click a link and make a purchase, we may recieve a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Specifically, this is the Starlight Aluminum Apple Watch SE 3 with Starlight Sport Loop in Medium/Large. No other SE 3 devices are being discounted right now on Amazon, or anywhere else, but if we begin tracking more markdowns we’ll be sure to share the expanded deals.
In addition to the Apple Watch SE 3 discounts, Amazon has $99 off the Apple Watch Ultra 3 right now, which are new record low prices on the wearables. For more holiday shopping discounts, our main post on early Black friday deals has sales on iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Pencil Pro, and more.
If you’re on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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What’s New in iOS 17.1: Key Features and Improvements
Apple has released iOS 17.1, bringing a host of new features and improvements to compatible iPhones. This update, following the major iOS 17 launch in September, focuses on enhancing the user experience with new dialog tools, accessibility options, and performance tweaks. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new.
Key new Features in iOS 17.1
1. Contact Key Verification for iMessage
iOS 17.1 introduces Contact Key Verification in iMessage, a significant step towards enhancing message security. This feature allows users to verify that they are communicating with the intended recipient, protecting against potential man-in-the-middle attacks. Users can initiate verification by scanning a QR code with the recipient or by verifying through a recovery code. Learn more about Contact Key Verification from Apple Support.
2. NameDrop for easier Contact Sharing
NameDrop, a new AirDrop feature, simplifies the process of sharing contact information.By simply bringing two iPhones close together, users can quickly exchange contact cards.This works even if the devices aren’t actively using AirDrop. Read more about namedrop on The Verge.
3.Live Voicemail Transcription
Live Voicemail now transcribes voicemails in real-time as they are being left. This allows users to decide whether to answer the call while the voicemail is still in progress, saving time and providing greater control over communication. See Live Voicemail in action on 9to5Mac.
4.Enhanced Photos App
The Photos app receives improvements with iOS 17.1, including a refined experience for viewing and organizing photos. The update also includes bug fixes and performance enhancements for faster loading and smoother navigation.
5. Accessibility Improvements: Assistive Access
Assistive Access, a new accessibility feature, simplifies the iPhone interface for users with cognitive disabilities. It reduces clutter and provides a more focused experience, making it easier to use essential apps and features. Learn about Assistive Access on Apple’s Accessibility website.
6. Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements
As with any software update, iOS 17.1 includes numerous bug fixes and performance improvements. These address issues reported by users and contribute to a more stable and reliable iPhone experience. Apple has specifically addressed a charging issue affecting some users.
compatibility
iOS 17.1 is compatible with the following iPhone models:
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
Key Takeaways
- iOS 17.1 enhances message security with Contact Key Verification.
- NameDrop simplifies contact sharing with nearby iPhones.
- Live Voicemail transcription provides real-time voicemail previews.
- Accessibility features like Assistive Access improve usability for all.
- The update includes essential bug fixes and performance improvements.
iOS 17.1 is a significant update that builds upon the foundation of iOS 17, offering valuable new features and improvements for iPhone users.Apple is expected to continue refining the iOS experience with future updates, focusing on security, accessibility, and user convenience.