Rumors

Next-gen iPhone rumored to feature glasses-free 3D display

Cody Lee ∙ November 5, 2014

The next iPhone released may feature a glasses-free 3D display, according to a report from Economic Daily News. The Taiwanese publication says that Apple supply chain partner TPK is currently raising funds for an upcoming Apple project, and its sources indicate it has something to do with a "naked eye 3D screen."

As we've stated before, Economic Daily News has a spotty track record in providing Apple intel, posting dozens of both accurate and inaccurate stories. It's possible, though, that Apple is planning to make 3D displays one of the headlining features of its next iPhone, much like Touch ID and Siri were for 5s and 4s models.

Michael Fassbender now in talks to play Steve Jobs in Sony biopic

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The tumultuous casting process of Sony's Steve Jobs biopic continues, with Michael Fassbender now reportedly in talks to play the Apple co-founder. Variety reports today that following the departure of Christian Bale, the actor has begun "early talks" with director Danny Boyle and Sony execs.

Although not as well known as Bale, Fassbender has starred in a number of high profile movies, including Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds and Ridley Scott's Prometheus. He also received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, for his performance in 12 Years a Slave.

Apple rumored to drop iPad mini development to focus on larger ‘iPad Pro’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple is dropping iPad mini development in order to focus its efforts on the so-called 'iPad Pro,' according to a sketchy new report from Taiwan's Economic Daily News this evening. The site claims that this year's iPad mini 3 model will be the last for the 7.9-inch tablet line.

Such a move wouldn't be surprising, as Apple gave little attention to the smaller iPad at last month's event. It's believed that the mini is far less popular than its larger sibling in terms of sales, and due to production costs and pricing, it provides much smaller profit margins.

New report says iPad Pro will be 7mm thin with a 12.2-inch display

Cody Lee ∙ November 1, 2014

Apple's upcoming iPad Pro will feature a 12.2-inch display, and be nearly as thin as an iPhone 6 (6.9mm), according to a new report from Macotakara. Citing reliable sources, the Japanese outlet says the device will also contain stereo speakers, and a microphone, on both its top and bottom edges.

Additionally, the outlet claims that the design of the device is largely based on the iPad Air 2, and it has provided a rough sketch of the tablet, which you can see above. There's not much to the illustration, but there does seem to be a row of what looks like speaker holes across the device's top bezel.

Seth Rogen to play Steve Wozniak in upcoming Steve Jobs biopic

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Seth Rogen has been tapped to play Steve Wozniak in Sony's highly anticipated Steve Jobs biopic, reports Variety. The actor will star alongside Christian Bale, who has been confirmed for the role of Jobs, and possibly Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), who is being eyed for an 'unspecified role.'

Rogen has written, produced and starred in a wide range of movies, from 50/50 to The Green Hornet, but is perhaps best known for such R-rated comedies as Pineapple Express This is the End. He will also be receiving direction from the real 'Woz,' who has signed on as a consultant for the film.

Apple said to be planning holiday launch for Apple Pay loyalty program

Cody Lee ∙ October 21, 2014

Apple is hoping to launch its rumored Apple Pay loyalty rewards program in time for the holiday season, reports Bank Innovation. The program was initially thought to be part of Apple Pay 2.0, expected in the fall of 2015, but new reports claim Apple pushed up the time table.

How the program will work is still unknown, but Bank Innovation says it will likely utilize Apple's iBeacon tech. It offers an example that includes the Apple Pay user receiving a push notification while in a clothing store that reads: "hey if you buy this now, you can get this for free."

Apple to stop selling Fitbit products in stores

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 10, 2017

Apple may soon stop selling Fitbit device in its retail stores, according to Recode. The outlet says that its source gave no meaningful reason for why it's decided to pull the products, but it may have something to do with its upcoming Apple Watch.

Introduced at last month's media event, the Apple Watch is billed as a device capable of handling a number of smartphone tasks, as well as tracking and analyzing various health and fitness data. This would put it in direct competition with Fitbit.

Apple to unveil 27-inch Retina iMac this week, initial iPad Air 2 supplies may be limited

Cody Lee ∙ October 14, 2014

Apple plans to unveil a new 27-inch iMac with Retina display at its event tomorrow, reports Ming-Chi Kuo. In a note to investors, the highly regarded analyst offers up last minute predictions of what Mac and iOS products we can expect to see announced during the keynote.

Kuo says that a 27-inch Retina iMac is on the docket, and should be available before the end of the year. Due to the difficulties involved in developing and mass producing different hi-res panels, however, he doesn't see a 21-inch version arriving before the second half of 2015.

Apple said to be planning October 24 launch for new iPads

Cody Lee ∙ October 14, 2014

Apple is planning to launch its new iPads on October 24, according to a new report from MacRumors. Citing a reliable source, the outlet claims that the new tablets expected to be unveiled on Thursday will become available for purchase on Friday of the following week.

The source told the site that Apple was shipping "mass quantities" of a new product to the United States, in preparation for the October 24 launch, although they did not specifically say iPads. That being said, given timing and context, the product is almost certainly tablets.

Apple retail employees begin training on Apple Pay as launch nears

Timothy Reavis ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

As Apple readies the launch of Apple Pay for later this month, it has initiated a mandatory, one hour training program for its retail employees and is coordinating with third-party retailers to ensure that stores will be able to complete transactions via Apple Pay starting on launch day.

Per a recent leak, screenshots indicate that Apple Pay establishment will be an option when setting up the rest of the device, and credit card details can be entered manually or scanned in with the device's camera. A new report by 9to5mac suggests that settings can be adjusted and additional credit cards can be added through an upcoming "Passbook & Apple Pay" tab in iOS's Settings app.

New photos show A8X chip and other claimed iPad Air 2 parts

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Photos of several components allegedly belonging to the upcoming iPad Air 2 popped up online today. Republished by Apple.club.tw, the images show a Home button flex cable, a front panel, a volume button flex cable, and a logic board.

And on that logic board, it appears that there is an A8X chip. You can't see it at first, but a MacRumors forum user zoomed in on the photo and tweaked the colors, and as you can see in the image below, it looks like there are 3 characters.

What to expect from the iPad Air 2 [Video]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The iPad Air 2 has all but been confirmed for an October 16th unveiling, according to Recode's John Paczkowski, a source with an impeccable track record. You might as well schedule some time off for 10AM PST on October 16th, because his word is basically bond.

With that in mind, I thought I'd take a minute to do a brief video roundup on what to expect from the iPad Air 2. Apple's 6th generation tablet is expected to endure some significant changes in this year's scheduled refresh. Check inside as we break it all down on video.