Serial leaker Jon Prosser in a series of tweets published Friday updated his followers on what his sources are telling him about Apple’s upcoming product launches.
A less expensive Apple Watch
According to Prosser, who runs Front Page Tech on YouTube, a less expensive version of the Apple Watch is in the offing. He did not say whether the device will skimp on features. If prior rumor-mill reporting is an indication, Apple may release a watch with a plastic enclosure as opposed to the costlier, aluminum, titanium and ceramic enclosure available today.
Various strings unearthed from the iOS 14 code unearthed earlier this year have hinted at a possible new Kids Mode for the watchOS software. This mode might include the Activity rings that are better suited to kids wearing the smartwatch. Is Apple working on a n inexpensive Apple Watch model aimed specifically at kids? Who knows… Other rumors regarding the next Apple Watch include an improved ECG feature and a new blood-oxygen sensor.
First ARM Mac
Apple at the WWDC 2020 announced a major move that will result in the Mac computers being transitioned away from the Intel processors, adopting Apple’s in-house designed chips within two years. According to Prosser, the first ARM Mac will be a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro notebook.
He did not say when the first Mac built around Apple’s own chip might drop, but Apple already told us to expect such a machine before 2020 wraps up (and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo concurs).
Apple game controller
Twitter leaker @L0vetodream reported in April that Apple has been working on its own game controller for release this year or next. Today, Prosser corroborated that rumor and added that an Apple-branded game controller would compete with the PlayStation and Xbox controllers.
The accessory might launch alongside an updated Apple TV set-top box which is said to feature much beefier graphics via the Apple A12Z chip and increased storage, two features aimed at boosting the experience of playing games on the device. Prosser even claims he has confidential photographs of the sixth-generation Apple TV which he refused to share publicly.
iPhone 12
Apple is expected to update the iPhone lineup with the upcoming models, tentatively named the iPhone 12, which should feature multiple display sizes, 5G networking and other improvements. One of the features that has been rumored repeatedly is a ProMotion display for the next iPhone that would double the screen refresh rate from 60 to 120Hz.
According to Prosser, however, ProMotion is not coming to this year’s models. Even though mass production of the 2020 models kicks off in September, (later than the usual July time frame), Apple won’t include a 120Hz display in the upcoming models. That’s consistent with a reliable display analyst who isn’t expecting a ProMotion display on this year’s models.
Tidbits
The wide-ranging Q&A with Prosser answered a few other questions.
Aside from the next iPhone not sporting a 120 Hz screen, for example. Prosser says he’s not holding his breath for Apple’s elusive AirPower wireless charger. As for the rumored over-ear AirPods Studio headphones, the leaker is adamant that the product is indeed coming. He was unable to confirm the price and release date for the AirPods Studio though.
“In the near future, whether people believe it or not, the iPad will kill off the traditional Mac,” he also tweeted without elaborating further. Lastly, Prosser stands by his earlier prediction that Apple’s been working on augmented-reality wearable accessories coming in 2020 or 2021.
Your opinion
What are your thoughts on this Apple leak dump by Prosser?
Remember, this is the guy who was laughed at many times before even though he has been consistently proving his critics wrong. For instance, he correctly predicted release dates for the new iPhone SE, Powerbeats and iMac. Just recently, he said Apple was phasing out the Beats brand and everyone was ridiculing him for that.
Let us know what you think by leaving a comment down below.