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  • iPhone 13 reportedly on schedule for late September launch

    iPhone 13 reportedly on schedule for late September launch

    The rumor: At least some of Apple’s 2021 iPhones won’t be launching as late as the iPhone 12 lineup, according to Wedbush Securities (78.6% accurate, via 9to5Mac).

    • The new phones may be coming as soon as the third week of September 2021, but Wedbush notes that “product model tweaks” could push some models to early October
    • Apple launched iPhone 12 in October 2020, a break from the usual September release that started with iPhones 4S in 2011

    Our take: All signs are pointing to the usual September release for at least some of the 2021 iPhones. This makes sense, of course, because the pandemic is finally coming to a close.

  • HomePod isn’t dead: Apple working on new versions with ‘screens and cameras’

    HomePod isn’t dead: Apple working on new versions with ‘screens and cameras’

    The rumor: Apple isn’t anywhere close to throwing in the towel on the HomePod line just yet, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • Apple is reportedly working on new HomePod “speakers with screens and cameras” but also notes that they aren’t coming out for some time
    • Prior to last week’s discontinuation, Apple was planning an updated version of HomePod for release sometime in 2022

    Our take: As critical as I have been of HomePod and HomePod mini, I want Apple to continue to make an effort in the home. It would be fascinating to see what these prototypes look like, because right now I’m just picturing an iPad-speaker of sorts. Doesn’t seem like these next speakers are coming out for at least a year or two, though.

  • HomePod mini has a secret temperature and humidity sensor

    HomePod mini has a secret temperature and humidity sensor

    The news: Apple could enable new HomePod mini functionality through a software update, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • iFixit has discovered a hidden temperature and humidity sensor inside
    • Gurman speculates Apple could enable new functionality for smart thermostats via a software update in the future
    • The original HomePod was just discontinued last week

    Our take: It’s super interesting to the that we’re just now learning about this hidden sensor. Gurman is pretty strategic with the way he shares scoops, though, so perhaps this software update is coming pretty soon?

  • Apple discontinues 21.5-inch iMac models with 512GB & 1TB SSDs

    Apple discontinues 21.5-inch iMac models with 512GB & 1TB SSDs

    The news: Apple has just discontinued specific configurations of the 21.5-inch iMac, ahead of a rumored April event.

    Our take: Even MORE evidence that at least the smaller iMac may be getting updated soon. Again, this hasn’t been suggested by credible sources yet, but all signs are pointing to the Apple Silicon iMac refresh coming shortly.

  • Apple confirms existence of Apple Silicon iMac in Xcode crash log

    Apple confirms existence of Apple Silicon iMac in Xcode crash log

    The leak: Apple has confirmed that an iMac with Apple Silicon inside is in active development, as first shared by developer Dennis Oberhoff.

    • According to 9to5Mac, “What this screenshot shows is that this developer’s application crashed while being used on an iMac powered by an ARM processor. Apple does not currently sell an iMac powered by an ARM processor, so this signals that the app was being used on an unreleased iMac with Apple Silicon processor.”
    • Apple’s redesigned iMac with Apple Silicon inside could launch as early as Apple’s rumored April special event, but sources broadly aren’t expecting the new models to drop until Fall

    Our take: Another indicator that Apple may be planning to launch these new iMacs soon. No release date is confirmed yet, but I am cautiously optimistic based on previously reported timelines and the slew of iMac news lately.

    https://twitter.com/DocterD/status/1372186358974984193?s=20
  • 2021 iPad Pro coming in April: Mini-LED, better cameras & A14X processor

    2021 iPad Pro coming in April: Mini-LED, better cameras & A14X processor

    The rumors: Apple is preparing a number of upgrades for the new iPad Pro coming soon, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    Here are the reported specs for the 2021 iPad Pro models:

    • Mini-LED display (12.9-inch model only)
    • Upgraded cameras
    • A14X processor “on par” with M1 chip
    • USB-C port with new Thunderbolt functionality for faster transfer rates
    • Coming next month

    Our take: Other than the Mini-Led display on the 12.9-inch model, I’m not really seeing the WOW upgrade for these next iPad Pro models. Maybe the third-generation Apple Pencil will be the kicker?

  • Apple targets April for next special event, March event now unlikely

    Apple targets April for next special event, March event now unlikely

    The rumor: Apple’s first event of 2021 will actually be held in April, according to Jon Prosser (78.2% accurate).

    Our take: It seems like Apple may have changed some plans last-minute. Week-to-week, a ton of sources have flipped on their reporting. Last week, we heard iPad Pro, AirTags and AirPods were ready to go. This week, DigiTimes (65.1% accurate) now says the new iPad Pro isn’t coming until April at the earliest and L0vetodream (89% accurate) and Ku0 (76.6% accurate) said AirPods aren’t releasing now either…

  • New iPad Pro may not ship until April at the earliest

    New iPad Pro may not ship until April at the earliest

    The rumor: Apple’s iPad Pro will not be launching in March after all, according to DigiTimes (65.1% accurate).

    • The new report suggests “volume shipments” won’t start until the second quarter of 2021 (April-June) at the earliest, a significant delay from the late March timeframe they reported last week
    • Apple’s next iPad Pro is said to be equipped with a chip as fast as M1, and feature 5G connectivity alongside an all-new Mini-LED display

    Our take: DigiTimes flip-flopping on the release of this iPad Pro in just under a week lends credence to the fact that something at Apple changed last minute. We have no idea why, but it doesn’t appear that we are getting this new iPad Pro in March, after all.

  • Apple adds new COVID vaccine functionality in update to Apple Maps

    Apple adds new COVID vaccine functionality in update to Apple Maps

    The press release: Apple just pushed an OTA update to Apple Maps that will help you find vaccination sites more easily.

    • First, there’s new integration with “VaccineFinder, a free, online service developed by Boston Children’s Hospital that provides the latest vaccine availability for those eligible at providers and pharmacies throughout the US. Users can find nearby COVID-19 vaccination locations from the Search bar in Apple Maps by selecting COVID-19 Vaccines in the Find Nearby menu”
    • In the press release, Apple also details how you can ask Siri about vaccination by asking, “Where can I get a COVID vaccination?”

    Our take: Love that Apple is making it easier to find a vaccination location (this is really hard for a lot of us in the US right now).

  • 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…