Category: News

  • Redesigned iMacs to launch ‘toward the end of’ 2021

    Redesigned iMacs to launch ‘toward the end of’ 2021

    The rumor: Apple still plans to introduce revamped iMacs this year, but not imminently, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • Gurman says the first full iMac redesign in nearly a decade will happen “toward the end of this year”
    • Redesigned iMac models will feature larger displays with slimmer bezels and new Apple Silicon inside

    Our take: With other reputable sources like Ming-Chi Kuo (78.2% accurate) suggesting a 24-inch iMac is set to launch earlier in the year, I could see Apple doing a staggered launch. Perhaps we’ll see the smaller iMac in the Spring and bigger iMac in the Fall.

  • Apple begins work on 6G connectivity for future iPhones

    Apple begins work on 6G connectivity for future iPhones

    The rumor: Just months after launching the first iPhones with 5G, Apple is already looking to the next standard, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • With sixth-generation cellular connectivity, “some analysts say the technology could enable speeds more than 100 times faster than 5G”
    • Like with their first-party silicon, Apple plans to one day design and produce the cellular modems found inside their products

    Our take: With the disappointing and shortsighted rollout of 5G, it’s comical to already be talking about 6G. But I have no interest in any future wireless standard until the promise of 5G is actualized and delivered.

  • Apple MagSafe smart battery pack may be coming soon

    Apple MagSafe smart battery pack may be coming soon

    The leak: New code in iOS 14.5. beta 2 reveals Apple could be releasing an exciting new MagSafe accessory soon, as spotted by Steve Moser.

    • A new “Mobile Charge Mode” has been added in iOS 14.5 beta 2 that keeps iPhone charged to 90% when this unreleased MagSafe accessory is attached
    • It is possible this future product could also be an updated version of Apple’s Smart Battery Case with MagSafe support

    Our take: Apple has released a Smart Battery Case for the past two years, so it’s reasonable to assume that they will do the same this year. But with MagSafe on iPhone 12, I definitely seem them going the pack route over a proper case.

  • What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 2? New emojis, Music app upgrades & more

    What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 2? New emojis, Music app upgrades & more

    The news: Apple released the second beta of the major iOS 14.5 update on Tuesday morning at 10am PST.

    • The latest beta 2 update weighs in at 677.5MB on iPhone 12
    • Beta 1 included ‘Mask ID,’ dual-SIM support for 5G, default music app selection and so much more

    What’s new?

    https://twitter.com/Wilson_boi_101/status/1361875069551603723?s=20
    • iPhone 12 ‘green tint’ issues appears to have finally be addressed
    • 217 new emoji: clouded smiley, heart on fire and exhaling smiley headline the update (via Emojipedia)
    • Music app upgrades include new pop-over menus and swipe-options
    • Checkmark removed from iOS and watchOS Software Update presence panel
    • On iPadOS when using a Smart Folio, the microphone is now muted when the product is closed (via MacRumors)
  • iPhone 13 may get always-on display, stronger MagSafe & Portrait Mode for video

    iPhone 13 may get always-on display, stronger MagSafe & Portrait Mode for video

    The rumor: Apple is planning a number of notable upgrades for the iPhone 13 series, according to Max Weinbach (67.1% accurate, via EAP).

    • 3 impressive camera upgrades: new astrophotography mode, upgraded higher-quality ultra-wide lens and Portrait Mode for video(!)
    • Always-on display: the clock, battery level and minimalistic notifications are said to be shown at all times
    • Stronger MagSafe magnets will be placed in the chassis to improve the attraction of accessories

    Our take: An always-on display would be so incredibly nice to finally see on iPhone! And as a huge fan of MagSafe, stronger magnets on the 2021 iPhones would make some accessories like the wallet attach more securely. I’m still highly skeptical about Portrait Mode for video coming this year, though.

  • AirTags reportedly on schedule to launch in March

    AirTags reportedly on schedule to launch in March

    The rumor: Apple may finally be releasing AirTags in just around a month, according to Jon Prosser (79.2% accurate).

    • AirTags are currently expected at a to-be-announced event in March
    • A new iPad Pro and new Macs are also rumored to be dropping at the special event

    Our take: While I’m skeptical of any release for AirTags at this point, Apple has pushed these back long enough and with vaccine distribution beginning to ramp up, it seems like an okay time to launch the product. But I don’t see travel broadly going back to normal levels for a number of months still.

  • ‘iPhone Flip’ design likely, may be available in numerous colors

    ‘iPhone Flip’ design likely, may be available in numerous colors

    The rumor: Apple’s internal teams are pushing ahead on a foldable iPhone with a clamshell flip design, according to Jon Prosser (79.2% accurate).

    • While both flip and fold designs have been in testing, Apple’s focus has reportedly shifted to the flip-phone design
    • The foldable iPhone is also said to come in multiple colors, suggesting that this device will be targeted a more general audience

    Our take: I definitely see Apple settling on one design, and this report from Prosser solidifies that mentality. Still, I’m highly skeptical that a folding iPhone from Apple will ever release, because it just doesn’t feel like something that they would do. Something about a folding phone feels cheap, regardless of the price tag.

  • $3k Apple AR/VR headset first look: interchangeable headbands, 12+ cameras & eye-tracking

    $3k Apple AR/VR headset first look: interchangeable headbands, 12+ cameras & eye-tracking

    The rumor: Apple is continuing work on a high-end mixed reality headset that will debut as soon as next year, according to The Information (90.9% accurate).

    • The illustration of the headset below is a recreation of internal Apple renders from a “late-stage prototype” seen near the end of 2020
    • Advanced eye-tracking, dual 8K displays and more than 12 cameras will reportedly be present on the product when it ships as soon as next year
    • Apple reportedly “has discussed pricing it at $3,000”

    Our take: This is the first time we’ve ever seen what this device will exactly look like. Seems pretty simple so far, and that Sport Band type headband just screams Apple to me. A super important part of on-body devices is weight, and it looks like Apple is certainly keeping that to a minimum with lightweight mesh materials.

  • What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 1? ‘Mask ID,’ 5G dual-SIM & UI updates

    What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 1? ‘Mask ID,’ 5G dual-SIM & UI updates

    The news: Following the release of of iOS 14.5 beta 1 to developers, here is everything that’s new.

    What’s new?

    • Face ID now works with a mask on if you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone
    • New sorting options in Reminders and the ability to print in-app
    • Type to Siri now has a compact UI in line with other iOS 14 features
    https://twitter.com/fjordstrom/status/1356332137163726849?s=20
    • Landscape boot screen on iPadOS
    https://twitter.com/mattbirchler/status/1356427559106412544?s=20
    • Emoji search now available on iPadOS
    • Updated UI in Software Update preference panel
    • Exact release date is now shown under the track list in Music
    • New ‘Made For You’ section in Music app, but doesn’t seem to work properly yet
    • Music data now scrolls in the media player once again!
    5G Dual-Sim enabled screenshot 14.5 Beta 1
    byu/mxk31 iniOSBeta
    • 5G Dual-SIM now enabled worldwide
    • PS5 and Xbox Series S/X controllers now fully supported
    • Podcasts app features new show/episode UI and updated search page with categories displayed
    • Apple Maps collections get an updated design
    • Dedicated Search tab added in News
    • Send arrow in Messages is now more faded prior to any character input
  • All iPhone 13 models may get upgraded ultra-wide lens, more

    All iPhone 13 models may get upgraded ultra-wide lens, more

    The rumor: Apple is planning significant upgrades to the auxiliary lenses across iPhone 13 models, according to Barclays (64.7% accurate, via MacRumors).

    • All iPhone 13 models may get an upgraded ultra-wide lens with ƒ/1.8 aperture (currently ƒ/2.2), which will allow more light inside for better-looking photos
    • iPhone 13 Pro is also said to be getting the telephoto lens upgrades currently found on iPhone 12 Pro Max, with a 2.5x optical zoom and ƒ/2.2 aperture

    Our take: I’m consistently disappointed in many of the photos I take on the current ultra-wide camera, as there’s almost always some level of grain present even in moderate lighting. This upgraded aperture won’t eliminate that entirely, but will be a significant move forward.

  • Second rumor echoes ‘shorter’ iPhone 13 notch design

    Second rumor echoes ‘shorter’ iPhone 13 notch design

    The rumor: Apple is taking a different kind of approach to shrinking the notch on the 2021 iPhones, according to Jon Prosser (79.2% accurate).

    • Rather than moving inward, the notch may simply be moving upward on iPhone 13 (same width but shorter)
    • This echoes an earlier report from IceUniverse, who also reported that this would be the design

    Our take: While I certainly don’t want this as much as a skinnier notch design, this is a step in the right direction. If I’m being honest, this change feels subtle, and I could definitely see Apple moving forward this way.

    https://youtu.be/MgeTioKF6mU