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  • iPad mini 6 now expected to release in second half of 2021

    iPad mini 6 now expected to release in second half of 2021

    The rumor: Apple’s next-generation iPad mini is still months away, according to Ming-Chi Kuo (76.6% accurate).

    • Kuo’s updated estimate suggests the iPad mini 6 is coming in the second half of 2021, versus sometime in the first half
    • An updated iPad mini has been rumored for years now, and is expected to have a larger display with slimmer bezels and faster processor

    Our take: Again, this is not the redesigned iPad mini that so many want…just a tweaked version of the existing model. Like most product delays, I’m sure there’s some reason behind this, but it also seems like Apple has been sitting on the new mini for some time.

  • AirPods 3 & Apple Music HiFi to launch ‘in the coming weeks’

    AirPods 3 & Apple Music HiFi to launch ‘in the coming weeks’

    The rumors: Apple is preparing to release 2 new music products soon, according to HITS Daily Double (not yet tracked).

    • The new HiFi tier of Apple Music is said to cost only $9.99/month…the same price as the standard plan
    • AirPods 3 will also likely launch “in the coming weeks,” alongside the new Apple Music offering

    Our take: While I would normally say that a rumor from a source like this is complete BS…they were the site that called the release of the original iPod back in 2001. Considering that HDD doesn’t leak frequently, I believe this one. Can’t wait for HiFi streaming, and especially for the long-awaited AirPods 3.

  • New iMac, iPad Pro & Apple TV releasing on May 21

    New iMac, iPad Pro & Apple TV releasing on May 21

    The news: While Apple previously provided launch guidance of “available second half of May,” we now have the exact launch date.

    • The updated iMac, iPad Pro and Apple TV models all launch on Friday, May 21 (pre-orders go live tomorrow at 5am PST)
    • Apple hasn’t publicly confirmed the release date yet…but it leaked in the source page code for the UK press release (nice find, 9to5Mac!)

    Our take: So the new products are just under a month away. Seems like pre-ordering this round will be the way to go because there have been wide concerns about supply for both iPad Pro and iMac…

  • iPad and Mac supply shortages expected in second half of 2021

    iPad and Mac supply shortages expected in second half of 2021

    The news: During Apple’s quarterly earnings call today, Tim Cook confirmed that two product lines would likely experience shortages in the second half of 2021 (via MacRumors).

    • “The constraints come from semiconductor shortages that are affecting many industries and it’s a combination of the shortages and the very high level of demand that we’re seeing for both ‌iPad‌ and Mac.” says Apple CFO Luca Maestri
    • We first heard of a rumored shortage last week, but even Apple doesn’t seem to be sure of the extent just yet

    Our take: Apple didn’t specify what products exactly would be experiencing the shortage: just iPad and Mac broadly. Guessing this applies to the new 24-inch iMac…but again, not entirely sure yet. And Apple doesn’t seem to know exactly how bad it will be yet either.

  • AirPods 2/Pro 3E751 update released

    AirPods 2/Pro 3E751 update released

    The news: Apple just released a new firmware for AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro, as first spotted by MacRumors.

    • No release notes have been provided for 3E751, and no new changes have been discovered just yet
    • Apple’s last update for AirPods Max corrected issues with phantom battery drain

    Our take: As always, we’ll have to wait and see what’s new in the latest 3E751 update for AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro (Apple never provides a changelog). If I had to guess, it could be some optimization shipping alongside iOS 14.5?

  • Apple ‘M2’ processor reportedly begins production ahead of next MacBook release

    Apple ‘M2’ processor reportedly begins production ahead of next MacBook release

    The rumor: Apple’s first major upgrade to their own silicon has started production, according to Nikkei Asia (rating pending).

    • The new tentatively named M2 chip may be ready to ship by July, meaning it will likely power the new MacBook models set to launch in the second half of the year
    • “Sources said it will eventually be used in other Mac and Apple devices beyond the MacBook” Nikkei notes

    Our take: Two big takeaways in the story for me: 1) Apple may jump to M2 before something like M1X or M1Z and 2) that we likely aren’t getting new MacBook models ahead of the Fall.

  • Major iOS 14.5 update released with ‘Mask ID,’ new emoji, app tracking transparency and more

    Major iOS 14.5 update released with ‘Mask ID,’ new emoji, app tracking transparency and more

    The news: The biggest update to iOS 14 since launch last September has just been released with a slew of new features.

    • ‘Mask ID’ allows owners of an Apple Watch to unlock their iPhone using Face ID…even with a mask on
    • New emoji include updated headphones, vaccine shot, head in the clouds and more
    • App tracking transparency allows you to consent to being tracked by apps like Facebook
    • Siri’s voice has been seriously upgraded
    • Developing…
  • New report suggests 11/12.9-inch M1 iPad Pros will launch at different times

    New report suggests 11/12.9-inch M1 iPad Pros will launch at different times

    The rumor: Apple is preparing a slightly staggered launch for the brand new iPad Pro lineup, according to Jon Prosser (77.8% accurate).

    • The 12.9-inch model may launch on Friday, May 21, with the 11-inch iPad Pro coming on Saturday, May 22
    • Apple traditionally launches new products on a Friday, so a Saturday launch would be notable

    Our take: If anything, the new XDR display on the 12.9-inch would make me believe that model is coming after the 11-inch…not the other way around. Either way, Apple has publicly said a launch in the second half of May, so this (pretty much) lines up.

  • iOS 15: New Home Screen on iPad, revamped notifications, iMessage upgrades & more

    iOS 15: New Home Screen on iPad, revamped notifications, iMessage upgrades & more

    The rumors: Apple is preparing a number of significant upgrades for iOS 15, according to Mark Gurman (88.7% accurate).

    Here’s what will likely be included in the update, per the latest report from Bloomberg:

    • Upgraded notifications: Choose whether or not your device makes a sound on receipt using new categories like “driving, working, sleeping or custom categories.”
    • New Lock Screen: Little details are provided, but you’ll apparently be able to access the new notifications options here and in Control Center
    • Better automatic replies for messages: This option will be available everywhere now, rather than just while driving
    • iMessage may gain more social features, but these could be delayed
    • A new Home Screen on iPad: “The most significant update to the device’s Home Screen since first launching the product in 2010,” widgets will be placable anywhere, and you’ll even be able to replace the standard app grid with an all-widget look
    • More privacy features, too: See which apps are silently collecting data from you

    Our take: Sounds like a smaller upgrade than iOS 14, but still some big changes coming. I’m so excited to see the new Lock Screen because I’ve gotten quite bored of the current design that was unveiled with iOS 7. The new Home Screen on iPad sounds great too…I just hope it’s enough to make it feel more like a serious computing device. Gurman also mentions Apple’s plans for iMessage to become more like a social network in the future: I’ve never thought about it this way, but it’s probably the app that I do use the most.

  • AirTag shown in first hands-on photos and videos (roundup)

    AirTag shown in first hands-on photos and videos (roundup)

    The news: Ahead of pre-orders on Friday, the first photos and videos of Apple’s AirTag have been published by members of the media.

    • AirTag, which is incredibly tiny, seems to be a better option for finding things than something like a Tile due to the UWB capabilities with Precision Finding (a beautiful UI, might I add)
    • Many reviewers also noted how private these feel, with anti-human-tracking features built-in and location data not stored on the AirTag itself
    • They seem to get scratched easily, however: a number of media reported scratches and scuffs after just a few hours of usage…which is disappointing considering that most AirTags are likely to get banged around
    • Photos and videos in this article were provided by Andru Edwards, CNET, Marques Brownlee, Mashable, Sam Sheffer, TechCrunch and The Verge

    Photos

    Videos

  • Leaderboard update: Apple April 20 ‘Spring Loaded’ event

    Leaderboard update: Apple April 20 ‘Spring Loaded’ event

    Following Apple’s ‘Spring Loaded’ presentation in Cupertino on Tuesday, we take a look at which sources went up…and the leakers that went down. It’s time for a leaderboard update.

    Sources that got more accurate

    Sources that got less accurate

    Note: As you may have noticed, no source is perfect. That’s because even the best get some info right and some info wrong: do not harass anyone for their track record. The leaderboard functionality on AppleTrack is here only to help tech enthusiasts better understand how likely a rumor really is.

    As always, if you notice a discrepancy on someone’s record, let us know.