The launch of Apple Mixed Reality glasses has been delayed by two months, Google Maps shows directions on the dynamic island, iFixit disassembles the new HomePod, iPhone 12 with USB-C and Lightning ports, and other exciting news in the margins…

News on the sidelines Week Mar 5 - Mar 11

Apple still plans to bring back the 12-inch MacBook

A rumor from Korean blog Naver suggests that Apple is considering relaunching the 12-inch MacBook, and is expected to decide whether to proceed with mass production in the second half of this year. Analysts have previously expressed skepticism about the launch of new MacBooks with screen sizes less than 13 inches, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman sparked rumors about the possibility of a new 12-inch MacBook in 2024 or later. The original 12-inch MacBook was first introduced in 2015 and discontinued in 2019, but interest in the device has rekindled with Apple's move to silicon chips.

The 15-inch MacBook Air will come with an M2 chip

In a report issued by the site DigiTimes Taiwanese, it is rumored that Apple will launch the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip in the second quarter of 2023, which runs from April to June. It is said to have begun mass production and will be the largest screen size ever for the MacBook Air, which was previously offered in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Apple has already refreshed the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip in July 2022. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted the launch of the 15-inch MacBook with M2 chips and M2 Pro in the second quarter of 2023 or later, though it may Not Air branded.

There are also rumors that Apple may update the MacBook Air again with the M3 chip in the second half of 2023, despite the unusual timing of two updates in such a short time frame.

Display industry analyst Ross Young estimated that the new MacBook Air will be launched in "early April," which corresponds to the second-quarter time frame in the DigiTimes report.

iPhone 15 Pro will come with very thin edges like the Apple Watch

According to an anonymous leaker called “ShrimpApplePro” on Twitter, the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will have thinner bezels or bezels around the screen similar to the Apple Watch 7. This rumor has been supported by additional reputable sources.

The leak also indicates that the edges will be curved on all iPhone 15 models, but this information has not been confirmed from additional sources. The leak previously shared that at least one iPhone 15 model will have a titanium frame and curved back edges. Among the rumored features of the iPhone Pro models are that they will come with the next-generation A17 Bionic chip, a faster USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6E, 8GB of RAM, and responsive buttons.

Only 50% of iPhone cases made in India meet Apple's quality standards

Apple is having trouble increasing its production in India due to low quality components and slow progress. In a factory in Hosur run by Apple supplier Tata, only half of the components are produced of good quality and considered sufficient for use in assembly at Foxconn's factories, but they fall far short of Apple's manufacturing and environmental goals. Former Apple engineers say that Chinese suppliers are working quickly and efficiently in order to meet Apple's requirements. other than the Indians. Apple is improving production in India by sending engineers to train junior local workers.

Indian companies started producing iPhone models in 2017 and Apple plans to diversify its supply chain. Tata is said to aim to become a full-service supplier to Apple and is in talks to acquire Wistron's iPhone assembly plant in the Indian state of Karnataka.

iOS 16.3.1 update causes issues with the Google Photos app

The recent iOS 16.3.1 update caused issues with the Google Photos app, as it crashes when users try to open it after the update. But the latest update includes a fix for a security vulnerability that is being actively exploited. It must be updated immediately, and to solve the problem of the Google Photos application, you must update it or even remove it and reinstall it. Google has issued an update in which it solved the problem.

iPhone 12 mini with two USB-C and Lightning ports attracts attention

A technician made a unique modification by adding a USB-C port to the iPhone mini 12, in addition to the original Lightning port. He removed the speaker to make room for the new port. After reassembling the iPhone and adjusting the speaker to fit the limited interior space, both ports were fully functional, making it possible to charge the device and listen to audio via a wired connection simultaneously. The modification received a wide response on social media. It is expected that Apple will adopt USB-C ports for future iPhone models due to pressure from various unions and organizations.

Apple now sells refurbished iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro M1 models

Apple recently launched renewed versions of the iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro 2021 models on its online stores at discounted prices for the first time. The iPad Mini 6 is available in multiple colors and starts at $419 for the 64GB model, while the 256GB model is available for $549.

The refurbished 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $639, and the 12.9-inch fifth-generation iPad Pro starts at $889, both with a storage capacity of 128GB. These models feature the previous generation M1 chipset and are available in Space Gray and Silver color options.

Refurbished Apple products are fully tested and virtually identical to new, and are eligible for AppleCare Plus and the same 14-day return period as new devices.

iFixit breaks down the new HomePod

The popular repair website iFixit recently took apart the second generation of the iPhone HomePod Apple released it last week and shared a video of the process. It has a more salvage design and is easier to open than the original HomePod.

Inside are components such as the S7 processor, LED lights, an internal speaker, an amplifier board, a heat sink, a power supply, five external speakers, as well as a humidity and temperature sensor at the bottom, which is the same as in the HomePod mini. Overall, the iFixit team praised the new HomePod for being easy to remove due to the thinning adhesive.

Google Maps provides turn-by-turn directions on the dynamic island

Google announced that its Maps app will soon support live activities, allowing iPhone users to receive real-time turn-by-turn directions on the lock screen and dynamic island on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Thus, navigation information can be accessed without the need to unlock the iPhone or open the Google Maps application.

Miscellaneous news

◉ Bloomberg's Mark Gorman reported that Apple's mixed reality glasses will be launched in June instead of April, and are scheduled to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

This is not all the news that is on the sidelines, but we have brought you the most important of them, and it is not necessary for the non-specialist to occupy himself with all the incoming and outgoing. And help you with it, and if it robbed you of your life and got busy with it, there is no need for it.

Sources:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10| 11| 12

Related articles