Category: News

  • Some iPhone 11/12 models are already showing aluminum discoloration

    Some iPhone 11/12 models are already showing aluminum discoloration

    The news: The aluminum finish on iPhone 11 and 12 may not be all that durable, as first reported by Svetapple.

    • The issue, not currently widespread, seems to be affecting the aluminum edges of recent iPhone 11 and 12 models
    • From the images that have surfaced so far, it appears that (RED) iPhones could be disproportionately affected.

    Our take: This doesn’t seem to be too pressing of an issue so far, but I’d certainly hope that Apple would provide replacements for devices exhibiting this in under two years. Perhaps in a few months we’ll see a replacement program…

  • What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 4?

    What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 4?

    The news: Apple just released a slew of new beta updates to developers on Monday morning.

    • The update weighs in at 378.2MB on iPhone 12 Pro
    • iOS 14.5 includes mask unlock with Apple Watch, new emojis and support for AirTags

    What’s new?

    • Daily playlists in Apple Music will show the most popular songs in large cities on any given day (via 9to5Mac)
    • Developing…
  • In split from others, Kuo says no new AirPods at March event

    In split from others, Kuo says no new AirPods at March event

    The rumor: Apple’s third generation AirPods are not coming at Apple’s March event, according to Ming-Chi Kuo (76.6% accurate).

    • In a new research not obtained by AppleTrack, Kuo said mass production for AirPods 3 is not planned until Q3 2021, between July 1 and September 30
    • Other sources, like Kang (97.8% accurate) and Jon Prosser (78.2% accurate) said that new AirPods are ready to ship now

    Our take: I think Kuo is wrong here because his track record lower than both Kang and Prosser. Odd to see him go against two higher-rated sources, but perhaps he is referring to AirPods Pro 2, instead?

  • Could AirPods 3 release ahead of Apple’s March 23 event?

    Could AirPods 3 release ahead of Apple’s March 23 event?

    The speculation: As the announcement of Apple’s March 23 event nears, some are guessing that AirPods 3 may not appear at the event at all.

    • All AirPods releases, except for one, have all happened via press releases: AirPods 2 in early 2019, AirPods Pro in late 2019 and AirPods Max in late 2020
    • The single AirPods release that happened at an Apple event took place in September 2016 when the product was first unveiled to the public

    Our take: While I was extremely bullish on AirPods 3 launching at the event next week, I wouldn’t be shocked if they launched through a press release sometime this week. If we would end up seeing them ahead of March 23, I would say Monday or Tuesday are our best guesses. But it’s still entirely possible that these come at the March event, too.

  • Kang: New AirPods ready to ship

    Kang: New AirPods ready to ship

    The rumor: New AirPods could launch at any time, according to Kang (97.8% accurate).

    • Alongside Kang, Jon Prosser (78.2% accurate) has also reported that AirPods are ready to go
    • Apple’s first event of 2021 is rumored to take place as soon as March 23

    Our take: With the most accurate source of all time and the slew of leaks over the past week, there’s almost no chance AirPods 3 don’t launch on March 23. I can’t wait!

  • Apple discontinues the original HomePod

    Apple discontinues the original HomePod

    The news: In an odd move from the company, Apple has discontinued the original HomePod as first reported by TechCrunch.

    • In a statement, Apple said “HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.”
    • HomePod was originally released in February 2018 after numerous delays

    Our take: I’ve always seen the HomePod as a good but overpriced speaker, and it’s clear that the market felt the same way. Sure, the sound was impressive, but it was hard to justify so much for a speaker that was significantly more locked down and niche than something like a Sonos One. RIP HomePod.

  • AirPods 3 details: hybrid in-ear design, optional ear tips & coming soon for ~$150

    AirPods 3 details: hybrid in-ear design, optional ear tips & coming soon for ~$150

    The leak: New photos of AirPods 3 provide our closest look yet at the upcoming earbuds, shared first by 52audio (not yet tracked).

    • These new images show AirPods 3 as a ‘semi-in-ear’ design between AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro, with the option to use ear tips for a different fit
    • 52audio says the same H1 chip will remain, and the price will be around $150
    • AirPods 3 may launch as soon as Apple’s March 23 event

    Our take: As I hoped, the ear tips will be optional! These look like they’ll be the perfect upgrade over AirPods 2, but I do find it out that apparently the same H1 audio chip will be inside…

  • Images of prototype ‘Jet Black’ iPhone X surface

    Images of prototype ‘Jet Black’ iPhone X surface

    The leak: Apple attempted to bring a fan-favorite color to iPhone X at some point, according to Mr.white (50% accurate).

    • The newly released images show a deeper, darker Jet Black colorway for iPhone X than the Space Gray option Apple ended up shipping
    • Jet Black was a one-off release that first debuted in 2016 on iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices

    Our take: I would love to see Apple bring back a deeper black color for future iPhones, because in recent years Space Gray has really had an emphasis on the gray part. Samsung’s S21 Phantom Black option just looks phenomenal.

    https://twitter.com/laobaiTD/status/1370453717053411329
  • What’s new in the AirPods Max 3C39 update?

    What’s new in the AirPods Max 3C39 update?

    The update: After releasing the first firmware update for AirPods Max earlier this week, we now have confirmation of what exactly has changed, courtesy of Guilherme Rambo.

    • Phantom battery drain has addressed, and AirPods Max now lose battery much slower while in the Smart Case
    • A crash after being connected to a new device has also been fixed in 3C39

    Our take: Shoutout to Gui for giving us the release notes Apple didn’t. Glad that both of these issues have been corrected OTA and there was nothing more serious at play here.

  • New MacBook Pros may not launch until second half of 2021

    New MacBook Pros may not launch until second half of 2021

    The rumor: Apple’s redesigned MacBook Pro models may not be launching for a few months still, according to Nikkei Asia (not yet tracked).

    • Nikkei says that mass production, which was initially scheduled for May or June, will not happen until the second half of 2021
    • Previous reports suggested that the new MacBooks could lunch as soon as this Summer

    Our take: If there’s any good news in the story, perhaps it’s the fact that something like the iMac may have been pushed up for release…but that’s just a guess. Doesn’t seem like these new MBPs will be launching until sometime in the Fall.

  • New AirPods 3 renders depict likely final design

    New AirPods 3 renders depict likely final design

    The leak: New renders for Apple’s upcoming AirPods 3 have been shared by Gizmochina (not yet tracked).

    • While not shown anywhere in the new images, Gizmochina mentions that AirPods 3 will likely ship with replaceable eartips…but it appears they could be optional?
    • AirPods 3 look like a truly hybrid design between AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro
    • These new AirPods could release as soon as March 23 at Apple’s first event of the year

    Our take: The fact that these new renders don’t show the eartips as mandatory gives me hope. And with all these leaks popping up…I think the March event is safe bet.