New rumor says iMac Pro could launch at March 8 event

The rumor: Apple will “definitely” unveil a new Mac next week, according to Twitter user DuanRui.

Sam’s take: As many accurate leaks as DuanRui has posted about in the past, I’m just not convinced a high-end iMac Pro is coming next week. Young’s track record is simply unbeatable at this point.

New image claims to show ‘iPhone 13’ branding

The leak: A new photo with “iPhone 13” branding was just shared on Twitter by Weibo-wizard DuanRui.

  • The new photo, seen above, shows what appears to be some official packaging for “iPhone 13”
  • Rumors have suggested that this year’s iPhone will be called iPhone 13 or iPhone 12s

Our take: Like the other sketchy-looking leak from earlier…it appears to be legitimate, but I’m not 100% sure just yet. But iPhone 13 seems plausible.

New photo allegedly shows unreleased 45mm Apple Watch size

The leak: A new photo, posted to Twitter by user DuanRui, seemingly provides confirmation of a larger 45mm size for the Apple Watch Series 7.

  • The image, which appears to be heavily cropped, shows an engraving that says “45MM,” a size that Apple doesn’t currently sell
  • An earlier rumor also suggested Apple would offer the Apple Watch Series 7 in 41/45mm variants due to the new looks that includes a redesigned chassis and slimmer bezels on the display

Our take: Although the photo is top-tier sketchy…I think it’s real. With the screen upgrades that have been rumored by more credible sources, a subtle increase in size adds up.

Leaked iPhone 12s cases visualize significantly larger camera modules

The leak: New photos of iPhone 12s cases showing sizing changes have surfaced, as spotted first by DuanRui on Twitter.

Our take: I didn’t realize how much bigger than camera modules were getting until I saw these photos…wow. Definitely seems like the cameras will be a larger focus than normal this year.

Report suggests media ‘will soon’ receive new Apple products

The rumor: Apple may be seeding review units of new Apple products to members of the media “soon,” according to DuanRui on Twitter.

  • DuanRui, a Twitter account who frequently aggregates rumors spawning in Asia, says “Some people say that Apple’s cooperative media will soon receive new Apple products,” but also notes, “I don’t know if it is true or not”
  • Apple is rumored to hold an event sometime in April where an updated iPad Pro and AirTags will be released

Our take: There’s a lot of smoke for new products this month. At a minimum, we will be seeing a new iPad Pro. But I’m hopeful for AirTags as part of a larger event, too.

2021 iPad Pro sticker leaked, mysterious source says launch in mid-April

The leak: Apple’s new iPad Pros are coming in less than a month, according to Weibo user Uncle Pan (not yet tracked).

  • The sticker, which is usually placed on the rear of Apple accessories, says the unannounced accessory supports “iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)…”
  • Jon Prosser (78.2% accurate) has previously said a new Magic Keyboard would be launching alongside the new iPad Pro models
  • In a reply on Weibo, Uncle Pan says the new tablets are coming in “mid-April”

Our take: While Uncle Pan is not a proven source just yet, this sticker seems to be legitimate and lines up with other credible reporting about a new iPad Pro (and updated Magic Keyboard) coming in April.

Official iPhone 12 cases confirm new ‘mini’ naming

The leak: A leaked photo of official iPhone cases reveals the naming for Apple’s 2020 lineup, courtesy of DuanRui.

  • Stickers on the new cases reveal the following:
    • iPhone 12 mini
    • iPhone 12 / 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max

Our take: This looks legitimate to me, and it aligns precisely with what L0vetodream (88.7% accurate) shared earlier this month. mini, in all lowercase, will be the name of Apple’s 5.4-inch iPhone 12.

iPad 8 to receive minor update at September 15 event

The leak: Alongside new Apple Watches and a redesigned iPad Air, Apple will also be updating the cheapest iPad later this week, according to Kang (95% accurate).

  • A new A12 processor will provide a significant upgrade from the current-gen A10 Fusion chip
  • The display size will remain at 10.2-inches

Our take: This Weibo source nailed a ton of leaks ahead of WWDC which almost never happens. I’m not sure where they’re getting this intel from, but last time it was spot-on.

Thanks to DuanRui for spotting these posts on Weibo.

Alleged iPad Air 4 images show Touch ID, all-screen design

The leak: A seemingly-real quick start guide for the fourth generation iPad Air has surfaced on Twitter, courtesy of DuanRui.

  • An all-screen design is complimented by Touch ID, which can be found in the newly elongated lock/power button
  • There’s a FaceTime HD camera on the front of the tablet
  • A single camera is located on the rear, upper-left hand corner
  • The iPad Air 4 may be coming as soon as September, according to recent leaks

Our take: If these images are fake…they’re really, really good fakes. They look legitimate to me, and they line up with most everything we’ve heard about the next generation iPad Air…that it’s a slightly watered-down iPad Pro.

Touch ID in the power button…hmmm. It’s a stretch for sure, but even it is slightly longer and consistent between these images. Again, I’ve seen bad fakes of quick start guides in the past, and this just feels different. Tweet us with your thoughts @appltrack.