Tag: mark gurman

  • Apple is working on a foldable iPad/MacBook that might look like this

    Apple is working on a foldable iPad/MacBook that might look like this

    The rumor: In the works at Apple right now is a new hybrid tablet and laptop device, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Power On).

    • “I’m told Apple has indeed been exploring a dual-screen, foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid that would take the second approach. It would trade in the physical keyboard and trackpad for a fully touch-screen base…the device has been in development for the past couple of years” Gurman says
    • Reputable display analyst Ross Young (100% accurate) was the first to reveal the existence of this 20-inch all-screen foldable a few days ago

    Our take: I am firmly in the camp that believes Apple experiments with a lot of different devices and technologies…but only chooses to release a select few that they believe will really change the status quo. For example, Apple could make a TV screen tomorrow. They’ve been shipping incredible screens on products for years. But they likely haven’t done so because they haven’t found a truly compelling option that would differentiate them from the existing incredible displays made the likes of LG and Sony.

    My point being that I’m highly skeptical on this device right now. Hey, maybe it comes one day. But there’s just no benefit I see from this foldable technology at this point in time. Just imaging typing on a flat touch screen keyboard all the time…

  • Apple planning to release new Macs in March, plus May/June

    Apple planning to release new Macs in March, plus May/June

    The rumor: Apple is planning to drop new Macs multiple times in 2022, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Power On).

    • “I don’t believe the iMac Pro launch is too distant either. While we’ll get new Macs in March, I’m told Apple is already gearing up for another round of Mac releases around May or June” Gurman says
    • Gurman suggests the new Mac Pro could debut around this time (at WWDC) and ship later in the Fall

    Sam’s take: More and more, Apple’s Silicon releases are looking like regular, scheduled updates each year…rather than the incredibly sporadic releases we became accustomed to in the past. I’m here for it.

  • Multiple M2 Macs may be unveiled at Apple’s March 8th event

    Multiple M2 Macs may be unveiled at Apple’s March 8th event

    The rumor: Apple is likely to announce a redesigned Mac mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro on March 8th, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Power On).

    Ian’s Take: For weeks now there have been conflicting rumors about what to expect at the March event and it is finally starting to be clear. While at first, the 3rd-generation iPhone SE and new iPad Air seemed to be the focus of the event, it is now clear that this event will be all about the new M2 chip…which will be featured in a new Mac mini and a low-end MacBook Pro 13-inch. We also hear that Apple is planning on launching even more Macs in May or June. This is an extremely exciting year for the Mac and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us.

  • New Mac mini and Mac mini Pro models coming in 2022

    New Mac mini and Mac mini Pro models coming in 2022

    The rumor: Apple will segment the Mac mini into multiple lines for the first time later this year, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate).

    • “Hearing there will be multiple new Mac minis this year, assuming regular and Pro” Gurman says
    • Jon Prosser (69% accurate) previously suggested Apple was working on a Mac mini Pro many months ago, which is said to look similar to the render above

    Our take: Apple is really leaning into the non-Pro and Pro strategy this year…and I think it’s a really good idea. Want something sleek and more affordable that gets the job done? Mac mini. Want more power in a bigger chassis? Mac mini Pro.

  • Apple improves benefits for all retail workers with slew of positive changes

    Apple improves benefits for all retail workers with slew of positive changes

    The rumor: Working at Apple’s retail stores will be better than ever when the new benefits go live on April 4, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate).

    The details, via Bloomberg…

    • Double the paid sick days for part and full-timers
    • More vacation days each year, beginning at 3 years of working (was 5 years)
    • Part-timers get up to 6 paid vacation days, plus parental leave for the first time (up to 6 weeks with work time scaling back up for the first 4 weeks back) and “access to discounted emergency backup care for children or elderly family members”

    Our take: This is really good. Some workers have been asking for better benefits for months now, and it’s good that Apple is set to deliver these new benefits in early April. Just straight positives across the board.

  • Apple will release 4 Macs with M2 chips beginning later this year

    Apple will release 4 Macs with M2 chips beginning later this year

    The rumor: This could be the biggest year for Mac releases ever, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Power On).

    These are the Macs getting an M2 chip as soon as this year…

    • Low-end MacBook Pro 14-inch
    • iMac 24-inch (refresh of current M1 model)
    • Low-end Mac mini (refresh of current M1 model)
    • Redesigned MacBook Air

    Our take: I find it most interesting that Apple is already looking to update their M1 products to faster M2 chips. Considering how that chip gets the job done for the vast majority of the population, I thought Apple would keep it around for some time. It doesn’t appear that way. Unlike Intel refreshes, which would happen on the Mac intermittently, every couple of years, it looks as if Apple could be updating computers with their latest silicon much more regularly!

  • 2022 MacBook Pro refresh will focus on new low-end model

    2022 MacBook Pro refresh will focus on new low-end model

    The rumor: Apple’s next MacBook Pro will be an updated version of the 14-inch…but with worse specs across the board, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Power On).

    Here’s what to expect…

    • Same design as the current 14-inch model
    • Worse screen without Mini-LED or 120Hz ProMotion
    • Lower storage configuration options
    • M2 chip (yet to be unveiled)

    Our take: So who is this notebook for? I’m genuinely confused because Apple is working on a revamped MacBook Air with specs that are almost identical…and it will likely be cheaper. Based on this report, Apple is taking away essentially everything that makes this MacBook Pro in the first place.

  • Apple March 8 event scheduled for new products

    Apple March 8 event scheduled for new products

    The rumor: Apple’s first event of 2022 is just over a month away, according to Mark Gurman (85.5% accurate, via Bloomberg).

    • “Apple Inc. is targeting a date on or near March 8 to unveil a new low-cost iPhone and an updated iPad, according to people with knowledge of the matter” Gurman says
    • The report specifies that both a new iPhone se and iPad Air will be unveiled, with a new Mac also being possible

    Our take: There we go: Apple event in early March from the best Apple source in the game. The lineup of products doesn’t sound wildly exciting by any means but this is the best news we’ve heard in a while.

  • New iPhone, iPad and Mac rumored to launch at Apple event in March/April 2022

    New iPhone, iPad and Mac rumored to launch at Apple event in March/April 2022

    The rumor: Apple will be unveiling new products across 3 categories this Spring, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).

    • “The company is planning to launch a new iPhone SE with 5G and a faster processor, a new iPad Air, and at least one new Mac this spring” Gurman says
    • Gurman previously broke the story that Apple was holding an event in March/April before anyone else

    Our take: We had heard previously about this new iPhone SE and iPad Air, but now it looks like a new Mac (likely a new Mac mini) is a sure bet, too. When it’s finally released, I have a feeling the new Mac mini will steal the show with its all-new design.

  • Your iPhone will soon be able to accept credit cards and work as payment terminal

    Your iPhone will soon be able to accept credit cards and work as payment terminal

    The rumor: Apple is preparing to ship a new feature that will turn your iPhone into a payment terminal, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Bloomberg).

    • When the new feature ships later this year, you’ll be able to use the NFC functionality on your iPhone to accept payments from NFC-enabled credit cards…essentially replacing traditional point-of-sale (POS) or payment terminals (pictured above)
    • The new feature could be included in iOS 15.4, which is expected to launch in beta soon

    Our take: This is…kind of an insanely big deal? I’m surprised I haven’t seen more folks lose their minds over the fact that, within a few months, someone will be able to tap their credit card on the back of your phone and pay you for something…with no additional hardware. I’m calling it now: when this ships, it will be incredibly detrimental for the likes of Square and Shopify.

  • Apple rumored to release most products ever in Fall 2022

    Apple rumored to release most products ever in Fall 2022

    The rumor: Apple is planning for their biggest season of product releases ever, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate).

    • “I’m told that Apple is readying the widest array of new hardware products in its history this fall…(that) list includes four new iPhones, a low-end MacBook Pro, an updated iMac, the new Mac Pro, a revamped MacBook Air, an AirPods Pro upgrade, three Apple Watches, a low-end iPad and iPad Pros” Gurman says
    • Previously, Apple held 3 product launch events in Fall 2020 and 2 at the end of 2021

    Our take: That is a lot of hardware to ship between September and November. I’m sure it would give Apple a killer holiday quarter, but I’m positive we will see some products before then. It just sounds like the major releases are some months away… Good thing we have the upcoming Spring event and WWDC 2021 to hold us over until then.