Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman ran a story this morning discussing Apple’s fall product blitz which allegedly includes a new pair of Apple-branded headphones, upcoming Apple Watch Series 6 models, a redesigned iPad Air tablet and a smaller HomePod smart speaker.
The story appears to corroborate prior rumors about Apple’s upcoming product launches, but this is the first time we’re hearing that the company will release all those gadgets before the end of this year. As for the next iPhone, the company reportedly asked suppliers to build at least 75 million 5G-capable iPhone units for later this year.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Debby Wu:
The Cupertino, California-based technology giant anticipates shipments of these next-generation iPhones may reach as high as 80 million units in 2020, according to people familiar with the situation. Apple plans to launch four new models in October with fifth-generation wireless speeds, a different design and a wider choice of screen sizes.
The 2020 iPhone lineup should feature “squared edges similar to the iPad Pro,” like we head before. The LiDAR scanner that debuted on the 2020 iPad Pro refresh should be found on at least the larger of the Pro phones. He’s referring to a flagship model that’s said to sport a screen size measuring 6.7 inches diagonally vs. the current 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The high-end iPhones will allegedly rock stainless steel edges rather than aluminum sides on the cheaper models, like the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR. The story claims that the Pro models will come in a new dark blue color option replacing the current midnight green colorway. “Among the most significant improvements of the new handsets will be the new A14 processor, upgrading speed and power efficiency,” reads the article.
As for a fourth-generation iPad Air, it’ll have an iPad Pro-like edge-to-edge screen. A recent rumor alleged the next iPad Air would offer a Touch ID power button and a 10.8-inch display.
The Apple Watch Series 6 lineup is said to consist of Series 6 models and a low-cost option replacing the Apple Watch Series 3 in the lineup. An over-ear headphones, that may be called AirPods Studio, plus a smaller, more affordable HomePod smart speaker, are thought to be coming before 2020 wraps up, too, according to the write-up.
Apple’s rumored item-tracking accessory, dubbed AirTag, “will be equipped with a leather carrying case”. No launch timeframe was provided regarding AirTags. Last but not least, Apple is also working on a next-generation Apple TV with faster chips and an overhauled remote with a Find My-like feature that would make the TV accessory easier to find.
The next TV, however, may not launch before 2021.
Fairly reliable Japanese blog Mac Otakara said yesterday that the next iPhone and Apple Watch models, along with AirTags, will be formally unveiled at a media event in October