Tag: mark gurman

  • Future HomePod + Apple TV combo device may feature camera & more

    Future HomePod + Apple TV combo device may feature camera & more

    The rumor: Apple is working on new, combo versions of the HomePod, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • Gurman notes the devices is in “early development,” and would include features from both HomePod, Apple TV and include a camera for video calling
    • There’s a second device in the works, too: “Apple has explored connecting the iPad to the speaker with a robotic arm that can move to follow a user around a room, similar to Amazon’s latest Echo Show gadget.”

    Our take: Apple’s future HomePods sound like a stark departure from the smart speaker category they’ve explored historically. I’ll be honest–the robotic arm HomePod/iPad combo sounds pretty cheesy. I just hope it won’t look like what I’m imaging in the header image, though…

  • New iPad Pro coming in second half of April due to display shortage

    New iPad Pro coming in second half of April due to display shortage

    The rumor: Apple’s first hardware announcement of 2021 is happening as soon as next week, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • Although the supply of MiniLED displays has been constrained due to a shortage, the new iPad Pro is still on track to launch “as early as the second half of April”
    • However, Gurman notes “that the larger iPad Pro (could) ship later and be available in constrained quantities to begin with”
    • The new iPad Pro is rumored to have a faster processor like the M1 chip, new Thunderbolt port and better cameras

    Our take: This confirms that Nikkei article from the other day and lines up with what every other good source has been reporting. Seems like we are getting the new iPad Pro sometime next week!

  • Apple’s VR glasses to be unveiled ‘in next several months’ at in-person event

    Apple’s VR glasses to be unveiled ‘in next several months’ at in-person event

    The rumor: Apple’s pricey, virtual reality headset is just months away from being unveiled, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • The new report, posted to Bloomberg, says the headset is coming “sometime in the next several months,” likely at an in-person event so that members of the press can go hands-on with the new product in a controlled environment
    • Apple’s VR headset will be relatively lightweight and include 12+ cameras, dual-8K displays and advanced eye-tracking…but may cost about $3,000

    Our take: With Apple’s entrance into VR, they’re going to want complete control over how the device is demoed…so seeding products for review (as they have done throughout the pandemic) isn’t an option for them here. Interesting report from Gurman who believes Apple will go back to in-person events as soon as it’s possible.

  • Apple Watch Series 7 ‘Explorer Edition’ may launch later this year

    Apple Watch Series 7 ‘Explorer Edition’ may launch later this year

    The rumor: Apple is working on a new, stronger edition of the Apple Watch, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • The tougher watch could be made of a more rubberized material and designed for “athletes, hikers and others who use the device in more extreme environments”
    • While functionality would be identical to other Apple Watch models, there may be better impact resistance (Apple is also working on new swim tracking features, but these are likely coming to all models)
    • A launch could happen as soon as later this year, but Apple has also discussed a 2022 release date

    Our take: If Apple is exploring an option like this, there must be a big enough market for rugged watches. Personally, I have never found the watch to be overly fragile or ‘un-rugged,’ but it certainly can’t compete with something like a G-Shock. I can’t imagine too many people would want something like this?

  • 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?

  • 2021 iPad Pro may be just as powerful as M1 Macs

    2021 iPad Pro may be just as powerful as M1 Macs

    The rumor: Apple is preparing a significant processing upgrade for this year’s iPad Pro, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    Our take: This could be the pivotal point for computing on iPad if the A14x/z is really as powerful as M1. Maybe I’m dreaming, but could this be the year that we finally see Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPadOS?

  • Apple March 2021 event possible, but not on the 16th

    Apple March 2021 event possible, but not on the 16th

    The rumor: Apple will not be holding a special event on March 16th, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).

    • In a tweet to AppleTrack, Gurman clarified that he believes there may be an event in March…just not on the 16th
    • Jon Prosser (78.2% accurate) previously suggested Tuesday, March 16 as the date for Apple’s next event

    Our take: With the March 16 date being months old at this point, I had my doubts about it holding up still. But it looks like there’s still hope for a March event, after all!

    https://twitter.com/markgurman/status/1363004400965275648?s=20
  • 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.

  • Future Macs may gain Face ID and cellular connectivity

    Future Macs may gain Face ID and cellular connectivity

    The rumor: After previewing the major upgrades coming to MacBook Pro, iMac and MacBook Air later in 2021, Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate) has also hinted at other major features coming later down the road.

    • Face ID was reportedly meant to be included in the major iMac redesign later this year, but has been pushed back to a future model instead
    • Apple is also testing cellular connectivity (5G?), a feature that has never been natively available on the Mac

    Our take: Of any instance to put Face ID in a product, it has always made the most sense to me in the context of the Mac. You’re already looking directly at your computer and it would be a seamless way to authenticate yourself, rather than always looking down and scrambling to find the Touch ID sensor…or typing in your full account password. But Gurman says this and cellular connectivity aren’t coming soon.