Category: News

  • iOS 13.7 beta released with better COVID-19 notifications support

    iOS 13.7 beta released with better COVID-19 notifications support

    The news: Apple just released iOS 13.7 beta 1 to developers.

    • According to 9to5Mac, “iOS 13.7 lets you opt-in to the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications system without the need to download an app. System availability depends on support from your local public health authority”
    • This the first time Apple has ever released an iOS x.7 update
    • Apple has more details about exposure notifications here: http://covid19.apple.com/contacttracing

    Our take: The barrier of needing an app to participate in exposure notifications always felt odd to me, and it seems the new update will allow anyone to opt-in. Pretty cool.

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max images show UI changes, same-size notch

    iPhone 12 Pro Max images show UI changes, same-size notch

    The leak: New images of a prototype iPhone 12 Pro Max have surfaced, courtesy of EverythingApplePro and Max Weinbach (39.1% accurate).

    • Notch size is unchanged in these new images
    • The bezels shown on the iPhone 12 Pro Max are quite thick
    • A larger 6.7-inch display allows for more information on display
      • AM/PM notation
      • Tweaked battery icon

    Our take: This leak corroborates the other iPhone 12 Pro Max screenshots shared prior. I love the AM/PM notation as it seems Apple is taking advantage of the extra screen space. However, I am extremely disappointed to see that notch is the same size as before.

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max screenshots show 120Hz support, 4k240p slow-mo

    iPhone 12 Pro Max screenshots show 120Hz support, 4k240p slow-mo

    The leak: Screenshots from a nearly complete iPhone 12 Pro Max test unit have been leaked by Jon Prosser (77.8% accurate).

    New features shown in the first screenshot:

    • LiDAR sensor autofocus and subject detection
    • New video modes of 4k120/4k240p video
    • Enhanced night mode with extended exposure times
    • Advanced noise reduction
    • Bit depth video
    • Zoom enhancements

    And from the second, arguably more exciting screenshot:

    • High refresh rate (120hz) support
    • Adaptive refresh rate changes from 60 to 120hz as needed

    Our take: These screenshots are pretty wild. Don’t think we’ve ever seen anything like this before. Confirms a lot of what we’ve been hearing, and they’re almost certainly real with Jon’s track record. That being said…these are test features. Not all will likely make the cut.

  • 120Hz display may still launch on iPhone 12 Pro

    120Hz display may still launch on iPhone 12 Pro

    The rumor: Amid issues implementing 120Hz displays on the iPhone 12 Pro series, the feature may still make the cut, according to Jon Prosser (77.8% accurate).

    • Prototypes currently exist with 120hz working on the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • Other sources have recently indicated that iPad-Pro like ProMotion tech is not coming in 2020

    Our take: Who is to believe at this point? Prosser (77.8% accurate) has been consistent in saying from the get-go that 120Hz is coming. But Weinbach (39.1% accurate) doesn’t think it will make the launch. Across the board, sources seem split on this defining feature.

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max case shows new camera setup

    iPhone 12 Pro Max case shows new camera setup

    The leak: A fresh image of an updated iPhone 12 Pro Max case shows a tweaked camera design with a new circular cutout.

    • The new cutout below the right camera lens is likely for the new LiDAR sensor
    • Triple cameras will remain for another year
    • It’s unclear if a LiDAR sensor is also coming the the smaller iPhone 12 Pro, too

    Our take: The camera placement looks about right to me. We’ve still yet to see the real implications for what a LiDAR sensor is truly capable of, but Apple seems to be sold on the promise if it’ll be on the latest Pro iPads and iPhones.

  • Apple’s foldable iPhone may have a fabric hinge, Face ID & more

    Apple’s foldable iPhone may have a fabric hinge, Face ID & more

    The rumor: Apple is actively working on the development of a foldable iPhone, according to Jon Prosser (77.8% accurate).

    • The current foldable prototype has a fabric hinge
    • 2 separate display panels align perfectly to create a ‘seamless’ screen
    • Stainless steel rounded edges are also present
    • There’s also an outer display with no notch, but slim forehead with embedded Face ID
    • No release date is currently known

    Our take: So Apple obviously has a lot of products currently in development that we’ve heard about: Apple Glass, Apple Car, foldable iPad, foldable iPhone…so on and so forth. The foldable iPhone is still something I just have a really hard time seeing from Apple. I have absolutely no doubt that they’re playing around with the idea for some kind of foldable…but the concept itself is still so niche in my mind. I’d bet that if this ever makes it to market, it’s still 2-3 years out.

  • First look at original AirPower prototype

    First look at original AirPower prototype

    The news: Our first ever hands-on images of an AirPower prototype have surfaced on video-sharing site bilibili and noticed by Mr.white (25% accurate).

    • There are layers of copper coils stacked on top of each other, likely leading to excess heating and ultimately resulting in the product’s cancellation
    • Above the coils sits a keyboard-esque looking aluminum panel with cutouts of complex circuitry
    • A Lightning connector was present on the device, as well

    Our take: The original AirPower certainly would’ve been an engineering marvel. I’m curious to see how things turn out for the second version reportedly in the works…

  • Test Apple livestream reveals possible September 10 event

    Test Apple livestream reveals possible September 10 event

    Update 12:50pm PST: Jon Prosser (77.8% accurate) says no event is happening on September 10.

    The news: Apple briefly scheduled a livestream on YouTube that may have revealed the date of their next Special Event.

    • September 10, 2020 was the date for when the ‘test’ livestream was set to take place
    • The scheduled livestream has since been made private

    Our take: Apple doesn’t usually hold events on a Thursday, but this is one of those scenarios where things feel too convenient to be a mistake. Apple could have scheduled a test livestream for any day…but September 10, 2020, specifically? I think it’s very possible that they leaked their next event.

    Screenshot via u/ninjadinogaming

  • New iPad Pro could launch as early as September

    New iPad Pro could launch as early as September

    The rumor: Apple may update the iPad Pro for a second time in 2020, according to mydrivers.com.

    • A new iPad Pro may be releasing in September/October
    • Mini-LED and 5G are rumored to be the flagship features
    • Other sources have suggested a new iPad Pro isn’t coming until early 2021
    • Apple updated the iPad Pro early this year in March

    Our take: With the iPhones being delayed this year, I think it’s reasonable to believe that another new version of the iPad Pro has also been delayed or isn’t coming until next year. Apple has updated an iPad twice in one year before, but it still seems relatively unlikely.

  • iPad Air 4 to have 11-inch display & A14 chip, coming in March 2021

    iPad Air 4 to have 11-inch display & A14 chip, coming in March 2021

    The rumor: Apple is prepping a new iPad Air model for release in early 2021, according to mydrivers.com (first spotted by MacRumors).

    Tech Specs

    “According to news from foreign experts,” here’s what is coming to the next iPad Air:

    • 11-inch Liquid Retina display
    • A14 processor
    • 128, 256 & 512 GB variants
    • USB-C
    • Quad stereo speakers
    • $649 starting price
    • March 2021 release

    Our take: If Apple does adopt what is basically the iPad Pro design on the new iPad Air, I would say it’s almost certain that we’ll see a larger screen on a future iPad Pro. If these above specs are correct, the 2021 iPad Air is going to be incredibly appealing.

  • iOS 14 beta 5: what’s new?

    iOS 14 beta 5: what’s new?

    The news: Apple just released iOS 14 beta 5, which includes a larger Apple News widget, (sort of) brings back the scroll wheel date/time picker and continues to improve exposure notifications.

    What’s new

    • New Shortcuts splash screen, source
    • Hidden spatial audio visualization for AirPods Pro
    [Feature] iOS 14 Beta 5 – Remove photo from Featured Photos widget
    byu/Ricanaire iniOSBeta
    • Remove specific Photos from the Home Screen widget, source
    • HomeKit tiles are a tad smaller (via MacRumors)
    • Refreshed exposure notifications setup, now with the ability to be notified if an app for your area is released, (via 9to5Mac)
    Clock Wheel is back!!!
    byu/HorseCheng iniOSBeta
    • Date/time picker returns…sort of
    • Even sneakier way to hide photos in the Hidden Album, source