Quick Answer: Yes, AirPods work on planes and you can even use them during your flight. Airlines treat them no differently than wireless headphones. However, you should be aware of a few limitations.

True wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods are great for work, home, and working out. But what about travel? More specifically, do they work on a plane?

At first thought, it seems obvious. But sometimes, things aren’t as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ While AirPods might technically work on an airplane, rules can change.

For example, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) rules over device use on aircraft. So what’s the deal with using your AirPods and AirPods Pro on a plane?

So, will AirPods work on a plane?

Short answer: Yes

Yes, your AirPods will work on a plane, and yes, you can use them in the air. And, of course, you can use AirPods on in-flight TVs. Airlines treat them no differently than wireless headphones.

This functionality comes right out of the box available across all models includeing the second generation airpods, all the way to Apple AirPods Max.

However, you’ll have to enable your phone’s Airplane Mode to disable cellular radio. Then, turn Bluetooth back on. Thankfully, that’ll keep you inside the FAA’s rules.

READ MORE: AirFly connects your wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems

If your flight has onboard WiFi, you can connect that too. That’s all because, in 2013, the FAA relaxed its regulations on in-flight device use:

Can you use AirPods for phone calls on an airplane?

Sadly, no. The only thing you can’t do is make voice calls, even over WiFi, thanks to FCC regulations prohibiting airborne calls from using cell phones.

Do Apple AirPods 2nd generation work with in-flight entertainment?

Ah, in-flight entertainment. The best way to snooze through red-eye transatlantic flights. But there’s a problem.

Airlines don’t often give out headphones for free anymore. That’s okay; most of us have earbuds in our pockets, but do your AirPods work on a plane to watch movies?

The answer is yes, but you’ll need an adapter to connect things. We like Twelve South’s AirFly range, which works with in-flight entertainment systems or the TVs at your local gym.

If you don’t have a Bluetooth adapter, thankfully you can use AirPods or any other Bluetooth device for more than just watching movies on a plane. For instance, you can listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks via your laptop or smartphone.

Using AirPods on a plane without Wi-Fi

No worries if you don’t have a Bluetooth adapter! Thankfully, you can still use AirPods or other Bluetooth devices for more than just watching movies on a plane.

For instance, jam out to music, catch up on podcasts, or get lost in audiobooks via your laptop or smartphone, all without Wi-Fi.

AirPods connect to your device using Bluetooth, so you don’t need an internet connection. Just remember to set your device to airplane mode and enable Bluetooth while you’re in the sky.

Can you use AirPods on a plane?

Yup, AirPods work basically anywhere.

So the next time you fly, remember to use your Apple AirPods in the air, at the terminal, or anywhere gate-to-gate as long as your phone is in Airplane Mode.

And there you have it, folks, your comprehensive guide to using AirPods on a plane, all neatly packed in the table above.

It’s clear that whether you’re cruising at 30,000 feet with no Wi-Fi in sight or just want to tune out the world around you, AirPods have got your ears covered.

Where do you use your AirPods? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can Apple AirPods give you cancer?
• Can you use AirPods with non-Apple products?
• How to connect AirPods & AirPods Pro to Samsung TV?
• Study shows AirPods can be used as affordable hearing aids

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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However, in a new report, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that international buyers may not have to wait that long. 

Why the Apple Vision Pro isn’t available in non-US markets

The journalist said, “Apple is likely to release Vision Pro outside the U.S. market before WWDC 2024.” And he attributes different factors to back up his statement. 

Kuo states that Apple is planning to share visionOS’s development information with the global developers before WWDC 2024, as it would benefit the company and the global development ecosystem of visionOS if it could launch the headset in non-US markets.

As for the reasons behind Apple’s exclusion from the non-US markets, Kuo had the following to say, 

1. Apple Vision Pro’s initially limited supply
2. To ensure the sales process in the United States goes smoothly
3. They also needed more time to modify the algorithm to comply with other country’s regulations. 

Besides these, Apple also has to go through numerous logistical hurdles to make the device available internationally.  

For example, the protocol for adding prescription lenses varies from country to country. And, of course, for the sales process, Apple’s physical stores also play a crucial role.

They have to train all the store employees properly. 

However, Kuo believes there’s a possibility that Apple can overcome all these issues and be ready to launch the device before June, at least in some countries.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro finally gets FCC approval as launch inches closer
• Apple Vision Pro apps finally begin arriving to the App Store
• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders

The post Apple wants to launch Vision Pro outside the US before WWDC 2024 appeared first on KnowTechie.

Today, the FCC has published filings from Apple and test reports confirming that Vision Pro can be sold in the United States.

However, it wasn’t a secret that the Apple Vision Pro didn’t have FCC’s approval up until now – the company has always been upfront about it, and even its marketing material included the disclaimer.

Apple Vision Pro has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

So, Apple can finally remove this disclaimer from its marketing materials, courtesy of the FCC.

That said, several FCC documents are still labeled as short-term confidential, with more details set to become available on July 14, including internal photos, setup photos, and more.

Apple Vision Pro lacks UWB and the latest Wi-Fi chip used in the M3 Macs

The FCC filing has revealed an interesting new detail for the Vision Pro. Apparently, Apple’s mixed-reality headset lacks Ultra Wideband and Wi-Fi 6E or 7 chips.

However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the hardware inside the Vision Pro was developed around Apple’s M2 silicon. Apple has since moved on to the M3 chip. 

So, the absence of these chips was speculated. The FCC filing just supports these assumptions.

For this same reason, the Apple Vision Pro will support Wi-Fi 6, not the Wi-Fi 6E. And for those who were expecting Wi-Fi 7, according to MacRumors’ Joe Rossignol, there’s always Apple Vision Pro 2, but we will likely have moved on to Wi-Fi 10 by then. 

In addition, the FCC filing reveals that Apple Vision Pro will not come with Ultra Wideband capabilities.

Reportedly, the iPhone 15’s UWB is of a specific kind, and the Vision Pro lacks that. Apparently, Apple’s UWB chip is all about spatial awareness, but it is also different from spatial computing.

Now that the FCC has officially granted its approval, Apple can officially launch the Vision Pro in the United States. 

However, if you are disappointed about the $3,499 Vision Pro not having UWB and Wi-Fi 6E/7, don’t worry. Apple Vision Pro has plenty of things to get excited about. 

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro apps finally begin arriving to the App Store
• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

The post Apple Vision Pro finally gets FCC approval as launch inches closer appeared first on KnowTechie.

The headset arrives on February 2, and the Cupertino company has made it possible for developers to submit their apps. The visionOS applications are finally rolling out today. 

Apps for the Apple Vision Pro have started rolling out 

The developers who submitted their application for the visionOS for the App Store Review at the beginning of this month are getting email notifications today. 

The email is basically telling them that the applications submitted by them have been approved. And now, they are available for download on the visionOS App Store.

However, developer Dylan McDonald also noticed that the iOS App Store is also showing which apps are compatible with the device.

While there are still a few weeks left for the Apple Vision Pro’s launch, select journalists and developers have been publishing hands-on experiences. So, it’s not surprising that Apple has made the visionOS apps available on the App Store right now.

Since the spatial computer’s announcement back in 2023, Apple has been hosting labs all around the globe for developers to test their apps. 

A few of them were even able to obtain a developer’s kit, which needs to be returned to Apple after the headset’s launch. 

Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the configuration with 256GB of storage. The official launch is set for February 2.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• If you plan on preordering Apple’s Vision Pro, better own an iPhone
• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

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Today, Apple has updated the App Store Guidelines to comply with the outcome of the 2021 Apple vs. Epic trial.

The changes to the App Store guideline are basically related to Apple’s anti-steering rules that have always blocked developers from using alternative payment methods in their apps. 

What changes in the revised App Store guidelines?

First of all, the changes Apple is making to the App Store guidelines are only applicable to the United States. 

The updated App Store guidelines allow developers to link alternative payment methods. However, there’s a catch. 

The app also needs to offer purchases through Apple’s own In-App Purchase system. It means an application cannot add alternative payment platforms if it doesn’t employ Apple’s In-App Purchase system. 

According to the updated guidelines, the developers can apply for an entitlement, allowing them to add buttons or links for directing users toward out-of-app purchase systems. Here’s what the guidelines actually say, 

Developers may apply for an entitlement to provide a link in their app to a website the developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to purchase such items. Learn more about the entitlement. In accordance with the entitlement agreement, the link may inform users about where and how to purchase those in-app purchase items, and the fact that such items may be available for a comparatively lower price.

The entitlement is limited to use only in the iOS or iPadOS App Store on the United States storefront. In all other storefronts, apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.

Apple also states developers can display the link to the alternative payment method on “one app page the end user navigates to (not an interstitial, modal, or pop-up), in a single, dedicated location on such page, and may not persist beyond that page.”

The company has even provided templates for the developers.

• For special offers go to [X]
• Lower prices offered at [X]
• To get [X%] off, go to [X]
• Buy for [$X.XX] at [X]

Apple still gets a commission

All that said and done, Apple still gets a hefty commission on all purchases done through the alternative platforms.

Apple’s commission will be 12% for the developers who are a member of the App Store Small Business Program and 27% for other apps.

The commission applies to the “purchases made within seven days after a user taps on an External Purchase Link and continues from the system disclosure sheet to an external website.”

In order to ensure Apple’s commission is properly collected, developers have to provide a periodic accounting of qualifying out-of-app purchases, and Apple even has the right to audit the developers if necessary.

However, Apple also says this way of collecting commissions will be extremely difficult and may be impossible in many cases.

Although developers are contractually obligated to pay the commission, as a practical matter, with hundreds of thousands of developers with apps on the U.S. storefronts for the iOS and iPadOS App Stores, collection and enforcement will be exceedingly difficult and, in many cases, impossible.

That said, collecting a commission in this way will impose additional costs on Apple and the developers.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple reveals which apps will work on Vision Pro at launch
• Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch
• Apple Vision Pro 2 to get brighter, more efficient Samsung display
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

The post Apple to finally allow alternate payment methods in US App Store appeared first on KnowTechie.

Ahead of the launch, we have some insight into the applications for productivity, streaming, and others for the company’s new “Spatial Computing” platform that you can expect at launch.

Applications available for Apple Vision Pro

We are not entirely sure which or how many applications will be available at the Apple Vision Pro launch, but Apple has shed some light on the matter.

According to the company’s latest press release, there are “more than 1 million familiar apps across iOS and iPadOS are available on Apple Vision Pro and automatically work with the new input system.”

That said, the device’s Apple Store will feature apps with custom-designed “spatial computing experiences unlike any other platform” – allowing apps to scale and be arranged almost anywhere.

Here’s the list of applications that would offer a full spatial computing experience, according to Apple.

Productivity apps

• Microsoft 365 apps (specifics TBA)
• Fantastical
• JigSpace
• Slack
• Apple’s Freeform

Communication apps

• FaceTime
• Zoom
• Cisco Webex
• Microsoft Teams

The headet’s Persona feature will also be available at launch, but it is to be considered a beta version.

Vision Pro streaming apps

The following streaming services will be ready for Vision Pro.

• Apple TV+
• Disney+
• Max (HBO Max + Discovery)

Gaming

• Access to 250+ games with Apple Arcade
• Support for PS5 and Xbox wireless controllers (and others)
• More games could be supported outside of Apple Arcade

That’s all! Interestingly, not even a single Google productivity or entertainment services were explicitly mentioned.

In terms of entertainment services, we are getting Disney+, HBO Max, and other services. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 and Slack were the big work names.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch
• Apple Vision Pro 2 to get brighter, more efficient Samsung display
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024
• Sony (kind of) announces its Vision Pro competitor at CES 2024

The post Apple reveals which apps will work on Vision Pro at launch appeared first on KnowTechie.

The process is known as Sideloading, and the company has yet to reveal how it plans to comply with the legislation. However, according to a recent report, the iPad company plans to do it really soon. 

Whatever happens, will happen soon enough

The report comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, and according to the journalist, Apple is expected to roll out an update that will enable sideloading for iPhone and iPad users in Europe in the coming weeks. 

Interestingly enough, Gurman says that due to these sudden changes, the iPhone company will split the App Store in two: one version for the EU countries and another for the rest of the world. 

The Digital Markets Act also requires the company to allow developers their iOS apps outside the App Store. 

Hence, third-party apps also have to be allowed to use third-party payment methods for all in-app purchases. Interestingly enough, the Cupertino company has been working to comply with the DMA for a year. 

Whatever happens will happen soon enough, as the deadline for the companies to comply with the DMA legislation is March 7. 

More countries may join the legislation, more trouble for Apple 

In a report, 9to5Mac revealed that Japan is preparing its own version of the antitrust legislation. 

So, it is likely that Japan will also similarly force Apple to sideload iOS apps in the future. Japan wants the company to allow developers to implement alternative payment methods in their apps. 

Even worse, the US Department of Justice or DOJ is also in preparation to force the company to do the same. Sideloading apps may become a global matter for Apple in the future.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 may lose a key health feature soon
• Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch
• Microsoft passes Apple as world’s most valuable public company
• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time

The post Apple may split App Store to comply with EU antitrust rule appeared first on KnowTechie.

However, after a legal battle with the medical equipment manufacturer Masimo, the ban was lifted temporarily a few weeks ago. 

While Apple has appealed against the sales ban, according to a new report, the Cupertino company plans to remove blood-oxygen tracking functionality from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 if the appeal fails.

You may not want to update your Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Series 9

The report comes from Bloomberg, and according to the outlet, Apple apparently has a backup plan if its appeal against the sales ban fails to work. 

The plan was reportedly revealed by Masimo and was even approved by the US Customs and Border Protection agency. 

It is widely believed that the issue can be solved with a software tweak. So, it is highly likely that Apple will reinstate the blood-oxygen tracking capabilities if it wins the appeal or forms a deal with Masimo.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has already begun shipping the modified Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 to retailers with the feature disabled. However, they were still instructed to hold the sales for the moment.

Either way, if you use the Watch Ultra 2 or Series 9 and love Apple’s SpO2 tracking, you may not want to install the upcoming update.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch
• Microsoft passes Apple as world’s most valuable public company
• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• If you plan on preordering Apple’s Vision Pro, better own an iPhone

The post Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 may lose a key health feature soon appeared first on KnowTechie.

For example, recently, we got to know Apple’s demo process for the Vision Pro and the contents of the box.

However, a new leak has revealed that Apple has likely cut a singular feature from the final version of the Vision Pro, called Open Sky Entertainment.

Apple Vision Pro may get the feature back through a future VisionOS update

Apple recently updated a video – Introducing Apple Vision Pro – to introduce and further hype up the product.

The video is available on YouTube and, of course, on Apple’s official website. 

However, according to the M1Astra on X/Twitter, one of the features showcased at the WWDC 2023 is missing from the new video. 

Specifically, Apple introduced an Open Sky Entertainment feature back in the day of WWDC 2023, enabling users to replace the view of their ceiling with a virtual sky.

The new video no longer shows the feature. 

The original clip showed a person lying in bed with the Vision Pro, looking up at the ceiling to see the sky. 

Interestingly, we believe this removal is not accidental but deliberate. 

On the Vision Pro webpage, there’s a section that details how the Environments feature works. That page no longer lists the option to view an open sky.

More specifically, the phrase “magically replace your ceiling with a clear, open sky” has been replaced by “turn your room into a personal movie theater with the Cinema Environment.”

Hence, it is clear at this point that Apple removed the feature deliberately. But the reason remains a question mark. 

The most plausible assumption would be Apple failed to polish the feature before the official launch or that the feature never worked as expected to begin with and was scrapped. 

However, there’s still a possibility of Apple adding it later in the future with a VisionOS update. 

Who knows what will happen ultimately, but currently, in all likelihood, you will not get the Open Sky Entertainment feature at launch, which is set for February 2.

Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the configuration with 256GB of storage. Pre-orders are starting on January 19.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple wants Vision Pro apps to use the “Spatial Computing” branding
• Apple Vision Pro 2 to get brighter, more efficient Samsung display
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024
• Sony (kind of) announces its Vision Pro competitor at CES 2024

The post Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch appeared first on KnowTechie.

This year, iOS 17 is here, with tweaks to autocorrect, and many other requested features.

This begs the question: How do you update your iPhone to iOS 17, and what do those updates do?

The smaller updates bring any feature updates that missed the major update or patch vulnerabilities and other bugs. While major ones can completely change your iOS from an older version to the latest version.

You can manually update iOS on your iPhone or let the iPhone do it automatically. The best way to keep your iPhone secure from attack is to keep it updated, so we’ll show you how.

How to update your iPhone

Pro Tip

While you’re still on the update menu, tap on Automatic Updates and make sure that both toggles next to Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates are green. By doing this, you’ll never have to update your iPhone again manually.

Now you’ve got your iPhone updated to the latest version, iOS 17, patching out those nasty vulnerabilities that could have let attackers get into your device and bringing all the latest features.

That wasn’t hard, was it? Are there any other iPhone tips and tricks you’d like to see? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to backup your iPad with or without a computer
• Here’s how to clean your iPhone speakers
• How to use iMessage on an Android device
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The post How to update your iPhone appeared first on KnowTechie.