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Upcoming Apple Vision Pro Could Get More Comfortable 'Dual Knit Band'

Apple is working on a next-generation version of the Vision Pro with an updated chip, and it could include a new Dual Knit Band that provides a more comfortable fit.


Updated Apple backend code found by MacRumors includes a reference to a "Dual Knit Band," which is not a band that exists at the current time. The Apple Vision Pro comes with a Solo Knit Band and a Dual Loop Band, but no Dual Knit Band.

Based on the name, the new band could be a cross between Apple's two existing bands, featuring the same comfortable material as the Solo Knit Band but with a more supportive two-band fit. A text description of the Dual Knit Band suggests that there will be an upper band that spans the top of the head and another band that fits behind the head.

Some people have made custom adjustments to the Vision Pro to get it to accommodate two Solo Knit Bands for extra support at the top of the head, and those that have gone that route suggest it is much more comfortable than Apple's current Dual Loop Band.

Back in July, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that the refreshed Vision Pro could include a new strap that would make it easier to wear the headset for long periods of time, and it looks like the rumor is accurate.

The Vision Pro weighs between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces, putting considerable strain on the head when it's worn for long periods of time. Some users find the weight of the device and the poor distribution of the Solo Knit Band to cause discomfort. The Dual Loop Band removes some of the weight from the face, but because it doesn't have the same knit design as the Solo Knit Band, it is less comfortable.

Apple is expected to refresh the $3,499 Vision Pro before the end of 2025. It will get a faster M5 chip, but Apple doesn't plan to make any other updates to the device.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

This article, "Upcoming Apple Vision Pro Could Get More Comfortable 'Dual Knit Band'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Max Buyer's Guide: 30+ Differences Compared

The AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max are Apple's highest-end headphone options, so which should you choose?


Apple just debuted the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ, adding new features like improved active noise cancellation, the U2 chip, and heart rate monitoring. The AirPods Pro 2 were already more advanced than the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ, which have not been meaningfully refreshed since their introduction in 2020, so the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ take an even bigger leap ahead of their over-ear siblings. Nevertheless, there is still a good case for buying the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ against the AirPods Pro.

Both the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ and the AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, volume controls, "Hey Siri" commands, and automatic switching. As the two highest-end AirPods options, should you consider purchasing the $249 โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ, or do you need the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ, which still sell for $549? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these AirPods are best for you.










































































































































โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ (2025) โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ (2020, 2024)
Plastic design Aluminum, stainless steel, and silicone design
IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistant earbuds and charging case
Available in White only Lightning: Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green
USB-C: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange
In-ear fit Over-ear fit
Clip-on silicone/foam ear tips (five size options) Magnetic fabric ear cups
Skin-detect sensors Optical IR sensors
~10mm custom high-excursion Apple drivers and high dynamic range amplifiers 40mm dynamic Apple drivers and more powerful high dynamic range amplifiers
Dual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphones Nine microphones (eight used for Active Noise Cancellation, three used for voice pickup)
H2 chips H1 chips
Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.0
2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity 2.4GHz connectivity
Lossless audio support with Apple Vision Pro Lossless audio via USB-C
"Hey โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ" and "โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ" voice commands "Hey โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ" voice commands
Force sensor for media and listening mode controls Noise control button for listening mode controls
Touch controls for volume adjustment Digital Crown for media controls and volume adjustment
Transparency and Adaptive Transparency Transparency
Adaptive Audio
Loud Sound Reduction
Hearing Protection
Hearing Test
Hearing Aid
Automatic Conversation Boost
Conversation Awareness
Live Translation
Heart rate sensing during workouts
Lanyard loop
U2 chip for Precision Finding
Speaker in charging case for Find My
Up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge
5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time 5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time
Charge with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and USB-C Charge via USB-C or Lightning only (depending on model)
โ€ŒMagSafeโ€Œ Charging Case Smart Case to preserve battery charge in ultra-low-power state
$249 $549



While there is some overlap between the AirPods Pro and โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ with features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency, the entirely different fit and form factor of the headphones should make it easier for most customers to decide which device they prefer. Some users will even buy and use both.

The โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ offer a wide range of color options and a premium design, making them more of a fashion accessory. They also feature much longer continuous battery life from a single charge. If you dislike the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro, the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ may also be more comfortable, especially for longer listening sessions.

Owing to its over-ear design and significantly larger drivers, the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ deliver markedly better audio quality than the AirPods Pro, so if your main priority is audio quality, the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ will undoubtedly be the best choice. They also support Lossless Audio via USB-C.

On the other hand, the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ offer a high-level of convenience and portability due to their small size and charging case. The audio quality of the AirPods Pro cannot rival the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ, but features like Adaptive Audio, Loud Sound Reduction, Conversation Boost are ideal for when you're on the go.

Due to their lightweight, in-ear design and sweat and water resistance, the AirPods Pro are perfect for outdoors use and fitness activities. They also now feature heart-rate monitoring during workouts.

The โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ are much more versatile when it comes to charging, with four different ways to charge, compared to the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ's obligatory USB-C port. Due to their size, weight, less durable design, and limited portability, the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ are best used at home for high-fidelity, prolonged listening sessions, while the AirPods Pro offer a more balanced experience with a high level of convenience and portability.

It is also worth noting that the AirPods Pro have many more features than the โ€ŒAirPods Maxโ€Œ, such as "โ€Œโ€ŒSiriโ€Œโ€Œ" voice commands, Precision Finding, Bluetooth 5.3, wireless lossless audio with the Vision Pro, Live Translation, and Hearing Test.

AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Max version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. Both sets of AirPods often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
Related Roundups: AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3
Related Forum: AirPods

This article, "AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Max Buyer's Guide: 30+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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New iPhones See 'Stronger Than Expected' Demand With One Exception

Nearly two weeks after the iPhone 17 series launched, analysts at investment banking firm Morgan Stanley said demand for the devices has been "modestly stronger than we originally expected," based on a combination of extended shipping estimates on Apple's online store and information it gathered from Apple's supply chain.


There has been strong early demand for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, according to the analysts. However, they said the ultra-thin iPhone Air has faced "relative weakness" in demand so far.

"Our supply chain checks suggest an iPhone 17 build increase is likely imminent," wrote Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring, in a research note today. In the second half of 2025, Apple's supply chain might increase its production of the new iPhones to more than 90 million units, up from 84 million to 86 million units currently, the note said.

Morgan Stanley has raised its price target for Apple shares to $298. However, analysts believe the company's stock price already reflects strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, and they would need to see even more upside "to argue for more sustained near-term stock outperformance." Apple's shares are trading for around $256 at the time of writing.

The analysts are bullish about iPhone shipments in 2026 and 2027, as Apple is widely expected to release its first foldable iPhone model in September next year.

"iPhones are getting old and Apple's biggest innovation in years less than 12 months away," the analysts wrote, in reference to the long-rumored foldable iPhone.
Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

This article, "New iPhones See 'Stronger Than Expected' Demand With One Exception" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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