Category: Apple

Apple is reportedly developing a new 27-inch mini-LED display, expected to be available by late 2025. Display analyst Ross Young shared this information, suggesting that it may be a new iteration of the Studio Display initially launched in 2022. The current Studio Display features a 5K LED panel, so introducing a mini-LED variant would mark a notable upgrade. According to Young, the mini-LEDs will be sourced from Epistar, while LG Display will be responsible for producing the panels.

In 2023, Young had noted that Apple was working on a Studio Display Pro that would include ProMotion technology, but that project was eventually canceled. At that time, he stated that Apple was not pursuing another 27-inch display. However, fellow analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple is still planning to launch a display in 2025. Apple has already adopted mini-LED technology in its MacBook Pro models, showcasing significant improvements in brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to traditional LED displays.

The MacBook Pro’s display utilizes over 10,000 mini-LEDs, enhancing the depth of blacks and clarity in shadows and highlights. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has confirmed rumors of Apple’s 27-inch mini-LED display project and speculates a release in 2026. In anticipation of other upcoming products, Apple is expected to reveal its iPhone 17 series in the coming months, featuring design updates, enhanced RAM specifications, and continued innovation across its device lineup. Additionally, updates regarding Mac models with new M5 chips have been postponed to 2026, while new features for the Apple TV are also on the horizon.

In this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we delve into Apple’s anticipated launch of a budget-friendly MacBook that will be powered by an iPhone chip. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this new device is expected to feature a 13-inch display and will utilize the A18 Pro chip.

Available color options are rumored to include silver, blue, pink, and yellow. MacRumors first detected indications of this new MacBook in backend codes associated with Apple Intelligence last summer, later confirming its specifications, including the A18 Pro chip and the identifier “Mac17,1.”

This development marks a significant shift, as it will be the first Mac to utilize an iPhone chip; up until now, Apple’s silicon Macs have exclusively featured M-series chips, which are generally equipped with higher core counts and better external display support. Given the capabilities of the A18 Pro chip, the new MacBook might omit some features such as Thunderbolt ports and support for more than 8GB of unified memory and multiple external displays.

It is likely the design could be based on older models like the M1 MacBook Air, helping to maintain cost efficiency. Kuo predicts that mass production of this new MacBook will commence towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or the beginning of the first quarter of 2026, aiming for a launch in the first half of next year.

We also touch upon Apple’s overall strategy for low-cost devices and how they are positioning their product line in the future. For ongoing discussions about the latest news from MacRumors and special guest appearances, be sure to subscribe to The MacRumors Show for weekly episodes.

Apple is anticipated to release a new set of smart glasses by the end of 2026, as reported by Bloomberg. These glasses are expected to be similar to the Meta Ray-Bans and Google’s recently revealed Android XR glasses.

The forthcoming Apple smart glasses will reportedly feature cameras, microphones, and advanced AI capabilities. They will enable wearers to capture photos, record videos, receive translation assistance, access turn-by-turn directions, enjoy music, make phone calls, and even provide feedback on what the wearer sees.

However, unlike other products in the market, these glasses are not expected to have augmented reality functionalities. Siri is set to play a crucial role in the user experience, with enhancements being planned before the product’s official rollout.

With an eye on a late 2026 launch, Apple has intensified its development efforts. The company aims to produce numerous prototypes by the end of this year, allowing for thorough testing prior to mass production and an eventual public unveiling.

According to insiders, Apple’s smart glasses will be well-made compared to Meta’s offering, which utilizes external AI models, while Apple will depend on its proprietary AI technologies. Although Apple aims for lightweight augmented reality glasses in the future, the upcoming smart glasses for 2026 are seen as an interim solution.

True augmented reality capabilities remain several years away due to the need for more affordable and compact components. In addition to its smart glasses, Apple is gearing up for a series of product launches and updates, including the anticipated iPhone 17 series and potential new features for the Apple TV.

However, significant revisions to the Mac lineup are not expected until 2026.

Apple is actively pursuing the streaming rights for the Formula One World Championship, according to reports from *The Financial Times*. This initiative comes on the heels of the success of “F1: The Movie,” Apple’s first major box office success, which has earned over $300 million globally.

The tech giant aims to enhance its sports streaming portfolio, having made its debut in live sports in 2022 with events from Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer on Apple TV+. Currently, Disney holds the rights to Formula 1, paying $85 million per year, alongside other charges to fans for its streaming service.

With an increasing interest in Formula 1, reflected by a significant rise in viewership—from 554,000 in 2024 to approximately 1.1 million, further climbing to 1.3 million for the initial ten events of this year—Liberty Media, the sport’s U.S. owners, sees potential for increased deal values. Future streaming rights could exceed $121 million annually.

Following its theatrical release, “F1: The Movie” is expected to be available for streaming on Apple TV+ in 2025, setting a strategic stage for Apple as it seeks to consolidate its position in the competitive streaming landscape. In addition to its streaming ambitions, Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 series, with expectations for design updates and new features.

Moreover, in select states, users may soon be able to add their driver’s licenses or state IDs to the Wallet app, although this rollout has lagged since its announcement in 2021. Apple’s plans for new Mac models have shifted to 2026, and rumors suggest exciting developments on the horizon for its upcoming Apple TV as well.

Apple’s latest original film, “F1: The Movie,” has emerged as the company’s highest-grossing theatrical release, surpassing $293 million globally just ten days after its debut. With a remarkable opening weekend haul of $146 million, the film has outperformed prior Apple projects like Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon,” which earned $221 million, and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which reached $158 million. In contrast, earlier Apple films such as “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Argylle” struggled significantly at the box office. A substantial portion of the film’s revenue can be attributed to IMAX screenings, which generated roughly $60 million, or about 20% of total ticket sales.

Outside North America, the film has grossed $109.5 million, with notable international markets including China ($22 million), the United Kingdom ($17.3 million), Mexico ($12.3 million), France ($11.5 million), and Australia ($9.8 million). Despite its success at the box office, “F1” faced high production costs exceeding $250 million, with marketing expenses adding an estimated $100 million. While it has outstripped Apple’s previous theatrical releases in revenue, the total gross is still below the break-even point for such a large investment. Box office returns typically see studios split profits with exhibitors, often receiving around 50% of domestic ticket sales and a smaller share internationally.

Thus, it appears that “F1” has not yet fully recovered its costs through theatrical sales alone. Looking ahead, “F1” is set to be available on Apple TV+ in 2025 after its theatrical run.

Recent renders have emerged showcasing the new design features of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, particularly highlighting changes to the Apple logo and MagSafe magnet array. These updates include the elongated camera bump, which now extends across the entire width of the device, with the LiDAR Scanner and flash repositioned to the right. Another notable modification is the transition to an aluminum frame surrounding the new camera design, reminiscent of the iPad Pro.

This frame will feature a glass cutout below the camera bump to facilitate wireless charging. A significant design shift involves the relocation of the Apple logo to the center of this glass segment, resulting in a lower positioning compared to the previous design. This adjustment affects the appearance of MagSafe accessories as well.

The magnetic ring on clear cases may obscure the new position of the Apple logo. To address this issue, Apple appears to be altering the MagSafe magnet array by introducing a break in the circular design to allow the logo to be more visible. Leaker Majin Bu has illustrated these changes in renders showing both iPhone 17 Pro models in clear cases.

The Apple logo is now centrally positioned within the newly designed glass cutout. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are anticipated to launch in the fall, featuring upgrades such as a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, 24-megapixel front-facing camera, and the A19 Pro chip. While the iPhone 17 series is set to be released soon, more significant design changes are expected with the iPhone 18 models next year.

Interestingly, three out of the four iPhone 17 models will reportedly come with increased RAM compared to their iPhone 16 counterparts, with the iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max each equipped with 12GB of RAM.

A new Apple TV is anticipated to launch later this year, sparking excitement with rumors about potential features and upgrades. Here’s an overview of what we might expect from the upcoming device. One of the key upgrades is expected to be faster Wi-Fi support.

The new Apple TV will reportedly utilize Apple’s own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which supports Wi-Fi 6E. This enhancement would provide faster speeds and reduced latency compared to the current model, which supports only Wi-Fi 6. Moreover, there are speculations that the device may even support Wi-Fi 7, boasting theoretical speeds upwards of 40 Gbps.

The upcoming model will likely feature a newer chip, potentially an A18 or A19, improving performance over the current A15 Bionic chip. This upgrade may allow for enhanced functionalities, including the potential integration of Apple Intelligence within tvOS. Another intriguing prospect is the inclusion of a built-in FaceTime camera.

Although the FaceTime app was already added to Apple TV with tvOS 17, having a built-in camera would eliminate the need for an external device to conduct video calls. Reports suggest that Apple has considered adding gesture controls, which would allow users to navigate the interface using hand movements. In addition to these features, there are rumors of a lower price point for the new Apple TV.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that a price under $100 could be optimal, citing previous models that launched at $99. Currently, the Apple TV begins at $129, with higher specifications priced at $149. The anticipated launch for the new Apple TV is projected for September or October of this year, although some sources suggest the release could extend into November or December.

This timeline aligns with previous Apple TV announcements, making it a highly awaited event for Apple enthusiasts.

Apple has announced a price reduction for its Apple TV, now available for $69 instead of the previous price of $99. CEO Tim Cook revealed this update during the “Spring Forward” media event held in San Francisco. The new pricing applies to the third-generation Apple TV, coinciding with the introduction of HBO Now for Apple TV. However, no new model was unveiled during the event, leaving fans anticipating further announcements.

Rumors of a revamped Apple TV have been circulating for a while, but its launch is expected to be delayed until later this year or beyond. The next generation of the device is anticipated to include an enhanced remote control and a new operating system, complete with a built-in App Store. Additionally, users can expect a redesigned user interface for new apps. In other news, Apple is gearing up to launch its iPhone 17 series in the coming months.

Significant design changes are anticipated for the Pro models, particularly in the rear casing and camera area. New features are also being discussed for residents in select U.S. states, allowing them to store their driver’s licenses or state IDs digitally in the Wallet app for easy access. Meanwhile, regarding Mac updates, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has indicated that Apple may not refresh any Macs with the latest M5 chips until 2026. This means that updated MacBook Air and Pro models are now expected in the first half of that year.

As the tech world watches closely, the anticipation for the next Apple TV and other upcoming devices continues to grow. Exciting features and innovations are on the horizon, keeping consumers eager for what Apple has planned.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the next-generation Apple TV might be priced even lower than the recently announced Apple TV 4K, which starts at $129. This new model is already a decrease from the previous version’s $179 price tag.

Kuo suggests that a price point under $100 would be ideal for this device, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Historically, Apple has launched previous generations of the Apple TV, specifically the second and third models, at $99, with the third generation later dropping to $69.

This sets a precedent for offering a sub-$100 Apple TV, allowing Apple to better compete with affordable streaming devices from competitors like Google, Amazon, and Roku. It’s also possible that when the new model is released, the current Apple TV 4K will remain in the lineup at around $99.

In the meantime, the latest Apple TV 4K presents a better value than its predecessor. Even with Apple aiming to entice customers into purchasing the $149 model—boasting 128GB of storage, Ethernet, and Thread support—the new device offers more competitive pricing than the previous models which were priced at $179 for 32GB and $199 for 64GB.

As the tech landscape evolves, Apple continues to prepare for future launches. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in the next few months, with significant updates anticipated for next year’s iPhone 18 models.

Meanwhile, potential enhancements to Apple’s product lineup are expected, such as foldable OLED displays for a future iPhone model and shifts in manufacturing strategies. These developments suggest ongoing innovation and market adaptation from Apple as it seeks to maintain its competitive edge.

Recent rumors suggest that a future Apple TV may feature a built-in camera, enabling users to make video calls through FaceTime and other applications. This speculation comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who noted that the addition of the camera would eliminate the need for an external device, as users currently rely on their iPhone or iPad for video calls via tvOS 17. Gurman mentioned in his *Power On* newsletter that such an Apple TV with a camera could introduce gesture-based controls. While he did not elaborate, recent updates in iOS 17 and tvOS 17 have allowed users to utilize hand gestures to create 3D effects during video calls.

It remains uncertain whether these gestures would be the only available controls or if entirely new functionalities would be included in tvOS. In addition to the Apple TV, Gurman revealed that Apple is exploring a “lightweight smart display,” designed for mobility within the home. This device, comparable to an entry-level iPad, is intended to be moved easily from room to room and could connect to charging stations throughout one’s home. Production testing for these screens has reportedly begun, though no final decision has been made regarding their launch.

While there is buzz surrounding these potential devices, there is no confirmed timeline for their release. Gurman has previously indicated a new Apple TV model could debut in the first half of 2024, but it’s not clear if this model will include a camera or if such a feature will take longer to materialize. As always, Apple continues to innovate and adapt in the evolving landscape of smart home technology.