Category: Apple

In this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we explore Apple’s future plans for Vision headsets and smart glasses over the next few years. Recently, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo leaked a comprehensive roadmap detailing the company’s Vision and smart glasses initiatives until the end of the decade. Following this, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provided further insights on the anticipated launch of the new Vision Pro. In 2025, Apple is expected to release the Apple Vision Pro (M4), an updated version of the first-generation headset.

It will feature the M4 chip and an improved Neural Engine, along with a new head strap aimed at enhancing comfort. This model will not be classified as a second generation but will serve to support Apple’s ecosystem and maintain market presence, with mass production expected in Q3 of 2025. The year 2026 is slated to see no new Vision or smart glasses products released. However, in 2027, we anticipate the debut of Apple Smart Glasses, designed similarly to Meta Ray-Bans.

These smart glasses will include voice control, gesture recognition, audio playback, and photography capabilities, without a display. Production is set for Q2 2027, with a projected shipment of three to five million units. Additionally, the Apple Vision Air will also launch in 2027, boasting a lighter design and featuring the latest iPhone processor rather than an M-series chip. By 2028, a true second-generation Vision Pro and more advanced Apple XR Glasses are expected, with capabilities like a color display and AI integration.

Throughout the episode, we share our thoughts on these developments and discuss how they may fit into Apple’s broader product lineup. As developments unfold, we also touch on Apple’s potential foldable iPhone plans in light of recent industry announcements. Be sure to subscribe to The MacRumors Show for weekly updates and discussions.

In the early to mid-1990s, Apple unveiled a variety of unique products, including printers, digital cameras, a video game console, and a PDA. However, upon Steve Jobs’ return in 1997, many of these offerings were discontinued, allowing Apple to refocus and avoid bankruptcy.

For longtime readers of *MacRumors*, the peculiarities of Apple’s 1990s era may be well-known. However, for newer followers, revisiting this period can be intriguing.

Here’s a look at five distinctive Apple products from the 1990s, like the QuickTake, Newton eMate 300, Studio Display, StyleWriter, and Pippin. While notable products like the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh and Newton MessagePad exist, these selections are often less recognized today.

The Newton eMate 300, released in 1996, was designed as a classroom computer for children. It featured a colorful, durable casing, a 6.8-inch black-and-white touch screen, and a built-in keyboard.

Powered by a 25 MHz ARM processor and 3 MB of RAM, it provided basic computing functions. However, Jobs discontinued the entire Newton line when he returned in 1997.

Another notable product from this era was the QuickTake, one of the first consumer digital cameras. Launched in 1994, it allowed users to store up to eight photos, though it lacked advanced features like manual focus.

The later QuickTake 200 model boasted improvements like a higher resolution and a removable storage card but ultimately struggled against competitors. In 1996, Apple also ventured into gaming with the Pippin, a hybrid console priced at $599.

It failed to find its market niche due to fierce competition from less expensive options like the PlayStation and Nintendo 64, leading to its cancellation by 1998. Apple’s Studio Display, first released in 1998, was an external monitor that featured a 15-inch LCD screen and a sleek design, setting the groundwork for future display technologies.

Lastly, the StyleWriter inkjet printer marked Apple’s foray into printing, though Jobs later discontinued all printer lines upon his return to Apple. Through these products, we catch a glimpse of a transformative period in Apple’s history, illustrating the company’s ongoing evolution and technological innovation.

Apple is reportedly developing a new line of smart glasses that could compete with Meta’s AI-enabled Ray-Bans. Recent rumors have intensified about these glasses, prompting discussions about the features and specifications we can expect. As it stands, the designs for Apple’s smart glasses are still in the early stages, with true lightweight augmented reality glasses potentially years away. The initial offering is expected to focus on smart glasses that forgo traditional display functions, instead utilizing cameras, speakers, sensors, and AI technology to enhance the user experience.

Like the Apple Watch and AirPods, these glasses will serve as an accessory to the iPhone, providing users with auxiliary features to lessen reliance on their devices. In terms of design, Apple aims to give users a variety of material and frame choices, allowing the glasses to double as a fashionable accessory. Options in frames will include both metal and plastic variants, with color selections available. The company is experimenting with 3D printing technology for production and is likely to support both standard and prescription lenses, similar to the custom lens ordering for the Vision Pro headset.

The smart glasses are anticipated to include microphones and cameras, as well as touch and voice-controlled functionalities. Users will have the ability to take photos, capture video, make calls, receive directions, and identify various elements in their surroundings. While some features will operate independently, certain functions will require connection to an iPhone. Pricing for the smart glasses remains speculative but is expected to align with the costs associated with AirPods or the Apple Watch.

Analysts suggest a potential launch between 2026 and 2027. Future iterations of the glasses could eventually integrate augmented reality, which remains a significant aspiration for Apple.

Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17e in early 2026, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. This new model will succeed the iPhone 16e, which was launched in February, marking Apple’s transition to an annual update cycle for its entry-level iPhones. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17e will bear a resemblance to the iPhone 16e, yet will be powered by the new A19 processor, aligning it with the current iPhone 17 lineup, which features the A18 chip. The price for the iPhone 16e starts at $599.

Additionally, it is expected that the iPhone 17e will utilize the same OLED panel as its predecessor, aiming to reduce costs by using established production lines. Gurman’s insights support earlier claims by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also predicted a launch for the second-generation iPhone 17e in the first half of 2026. Additionally, an April rumor suggested that the device may have been approaching trial production; however, this claim indicated a release date for May 2026. Looking ahead, Kuo has mentioned that a third-generation “e” model would likely debut alongside the standard iPhone 18 in early 2027.

This change would reflect Apple’s strategic shift to releasing standard and “e” models half a year apart, a notable shift from previous release schedules. As Apple shifts towards an annual update strategy, it diverges from earlier practices regarding its “e” series, which lacked a consistent release timeline. This change suggests an intention to streamline and predict the product lineup for consumers, making it easier to anticipate upcoming releases. In addition to the iPhone 17e, various product updates and features are expected across the Apple ecosystem, underscoring the company’s continued innovation in mobile technology.

Recently, there’s been a growing sentiment among users that Apple is becoming overly restrictive with its approach to user protections. While larger issues like sideloading stir much debate, it’s the smaller changes that seem to be causing frustration. Take family sharing as an example.

Many parents, myself included, appreciate the need to prevent children from making impulsive purchases on the App Store—nobody wants to end up in those headlines about outrageous in-app spending. However, Apple has tightened control over the family library. Kids now require permission to simply redownload apps that parents have previously purchased.

This added step feels excessive, especially when it disrupts the convenience of sharing. Another issue pertains to the customization options for app icons. Apple introduced the ability to reposition icons freely, but in practice, you’re limited by a strict 2×2 grid.

This means placing a widget alongside app icons is impossible; it must align in a specific manner. Many users are left wondering why Apple doesn’t trust its users to have more freedom in organization. Furthermore, there’s the perplexity surrounding basic features, such as manual focusing in the camera app.

It seems inconceivable that Apple thinks users cannot handle such a fundamental tool. In conclusion, these minor restrictions are adding up to a frustrating experience for many. If Apple continues down this path, it risks alienating its user base.

A more flexible and user-friendly approach would certainly be appreciated. Come on, Apple, let us have a bit more freedom!

I have been looking at some older discussions about non-functional Apple Watches, but none seem to match the issue I’m facing. Yesterday, my partner’s Apple Watch Series 6 unexpectedly shut off while she was wearing it. I attempted a regular reboot followed by a forced reboot, but neither worked. I then placed it on the charger for several hours, but it still wouldn’t respond.

After leaving it overnight, I checked again, and it remained completely non-functional. Currently, I have placed her watch on my Apple Watch charger, which is the same model that originally came with my watch. I plan to leave it charging for the day to see if that might help. Before I conclude that this watch is completely dead, are there any additional troubleshooting steps I should consider?

I would typically take it to an Apple Store for assistance; however, the nearest one is over two and a half hours away, making that option impractical for us. Thanks for any advice you can provide.

I shut down my Intel iMac every night at 11 pm. When I turn the iMac back on in the morning and launch the Messages App, it doesn’t display any messages that arrived during the night while the iMac was off. Conversely, when I check my iPhone, I find all the messages waiting for me, but they never appear on the iMac, regardless of how long I wait.

As long as the iMac is powered on, messages are sent and received simultaneously on both devices. This indicates that the settings on my iPhone 11, iMac, and Apple iCloud are properly configured. However, it seems that once I shut down the iMac and restart it, it fails to fetch any messages from the cloud.

I wonder if anyone else has experienced this issue. Each time I reboot the iMac in the morning, the Messages App is empty, although my iPhone shows the messages that came in overnight. This continual lack of synchronization between the devices after a shutdown leads me to believe that the iMac isn’t retrieving messages from the cloud as it should.

It’s frustrating because everything works perfectly while the iMac is on, suggesting that the problem only arises after a shutdown. If others have encountered this same issue, I would appreciate hearing about your experiences and any solutions you may have found. It’s essential to resolve this, as seamless communication across devices is one of the key benefits of using Apple products.

I recently stumbled upon some information regarding USB-C charging cables, which has sparked my curiosity about their differences in capability. Upon closer examination, I’ve learned that there are variations between cables that may appear identical. As the owner of both a 12-inch MacBook and a 15-inch MacBook Pro, I find myself needing to discern which cable is suitable for each device, something I had never considered before. An interesting point is that Apple is now offering a new 1-meter USB-C cable, sold alongside the latest iPads, yet it still lists compatibility with the 15-inch MacBook Pro.

This prompts me to question whether the 2-meter cables included with the 12-inch models differ from those bundled with the larger models or those sold separately by Apple. The article I reviewed mentions that the serial numbers on these cables might indicate their intended use. For example, cables with serial numbers starting with C4M or FL4 are meant for the 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapters, while those beginning with DLC or CTC correspond to the 61W or 87W models. This suggests that the differences between cables might be more than just cosmetic; there could be functionality variations that impact how effectively they charge devices.

While it’s possible that the discrepancies in serial numbers serve mainly as internal identifiers for warranty purposes, I can’t help but wonder if there are real differences in performance and optimization among various USB-C cables. This realization raises further questions about the importance of selecting the right cable for maximizing the capabilities of my devices.

In this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we delve into Apple’s potential plans for a budget-friendly MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed that the company is looking to introduce an all-new, “affordable” MacBook featuring a 13-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, and a colorful palette including silver, blue, pink, and yellow.

This upcoming device will mark the first time a Mac is equipped with an iPhone chip, as previous Apple silicon Macs have utilized M-series chips. These M-series chips generally provide higher performance specifications such as more cores, greater memory capacity, and improved external display support.

The A18 Pro chip was first featured in the iPhone 16 Pro last year and is anticipated to limit features like Thunderbolt ports and memory capacity to just 8GB, potentially restricting the support for multiple external displays. To keep production costs manageable, Apple might consider reusing the design of existing models, such as the M1 MacBook Air.

This would help create a distinction between this new model and the MacBook Air. Additionally, Apple may choose to resurrect the “MacBook” brand name to differentiate it from the other MacBook lines, similar to how the iPad family is structured.

Kuo predicts that mass production for this new MacBook could commence late in 2025 or early in 2026, pointing to a possible launch in the first half of next year. During the episode, we also discuss Apple’s broader strategy for low-cost devices and how this fits into their future plans.

For more insights and updates on Apple news, be sure to subscribe to The MacRumors Show for weekly episodes featuring discussions on various topics within the tech industry.

Apple is contemplating the introduction of cellular connectivity to its Mac lineup, marking a potential first for the company. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is “investigating” the integration of modem chips into future Macs. However, the launch of a cellular-enabled Mac is not expected until 2026 or later.

In early 2025, Apple plans to debut a custom-built 5G chip, which has been under development for several years. This chip will first be implemented in devices such as the iPhone SE, a budget iPad, and the anticipated iPhone 17 “Air.” This rollout provides Apple an opportunity to test the new technology before it is integrated into its flagship devices.

Over the following three years, the custom 5G modem is expected to expand to other iPhones and iPads, and there is potential for it to be included in Macs as well. With this advancement, a Mac featuring a 5G chip would function similarly to a 5G-enabled iPhone or iPad, allowing for cellular network connections without relying on Wi-Fi or a hotspot. The first version of Apple’s modem will support sub-6GHz 5G, while a subsequent generation is expected to adopt faster mmWave technology.

Ultimately, Apple aims to outstrip Qualcomm with its future modem chips, prioritizing improved performance and advanced AI capabilities. The idea of integrating cellular technology into Macs has been in discussions for several years. Back in 2008, then-CEO Steve Jobs mentioned the challenges of fitting a modem chip in the MacBook Air, largely due to space constraints and carrier limitations.

However, advancements in chip technology since then suggest a more feasible integration in the coming years.