Rumors

Alleged iPhone 6 cases surface in two different sizes

Cody Lee ∙ April 11, 2014

Most of the reports we've seen thus far regarding the iPhone 6 have pointed to two separate models: one with a 4.7-inch display and one with a 5.5-inch. It's possible that Apple is simply testing two different designs, and only plans on releasing one, but the consensus is that both models will make it to market.

Adding evidence to that theory is a new photograph, which surfaced online earlier today, of what are supposed to be two iPhone 6 cases. It's hard to tell how big they are, but it's being said that they were made to fit new, larger iPhones, and there's a mysterious cutout on the left-hand side of each of the cases...

Apple looking to beef up its iTunes team amid ‘overhaul’ rumors

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

According to recent reports, Apple is looking at various ways to remedy declining music sales, and better combat the competition. Billboard says the company is considering everything from launching an on-demand streaming music service, to giving its iTunes Store a dramatic overhaul.

And it certainly appears Apple is working on something big in regards to the media manager. A number of iTunes team-job listings have popped up on its website this week calling for iTunes Software Engineers, Senior Software Engineers, and an iTunes Recommendation Platform engineer...

Apple said to be considering adding high-resolution music to iTunes soon

Cody Lee ∙ April 11, 2014

Rumor has it that Apple is considering taking drastic measures to reverse declining music sales. Billboard says the company is looking into several options, including giving its iTunes store a 'drastic' overhaul, opening up iTunes to Android users, and launching an on-demand streaming music service.

Apple may also be planning to add high-resolution audio to its digital library soon as part of its turnaround efforts, according to music blogger Robert Hutton. Citing sources familiar with the company's plans, Hutton says the iPhone-maker could launch new hi-res music downloads as early as WWDC...

Case maker’s iPhone 6 model hints at a larger display, thinner design

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Most of the reports we've seen thus far regarding the iPhone 6 point to a larger display and much thinner profile. And earlier today, our friends over at Nowhereelse.fr posted new evidence to support that theory: a case maker's model for the handset from Chinese case manufacturer Elam.

As you can see in the photo above, the design of the phone looks very similar to what we've seen so far. Note the device's extremely thin profile, rounded corners and larger display. It looks very much like the device we've been seeing lately in purported schematics and designer mockups...

Next-gen iPad Air and Retina iPad mini to feature A8 processor, Touch ID

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Rounding out our coverage of Ming-Chi Kuo's lengthy report on 2014 Apple products last night, we have the iPad. We've already discussed the analyst's predictions for the iWatch and iPhone, and now it's time to take a look at his prophecies for Apple's next-gen tablets.

According to Kuo, the Cupertino company is planning on launching a second generation iPad Air this year alongside a new Retina iPad mini. He says that both slates will feature new A8 processors, and will finally receive Home buttons outfitted with Touch ID technology...

iPhone 6 to include relocated sleep/wake button and larger, higher resolution display

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Last night, KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo sent out a monster research note to investors with a timeline of when he thinks Apple will release their new products this year. He also offered details on each product, which he's learned from his supply chain connections and other sources.

We've already covered Kuo's iWatch predictions, which called for a "fashionable" smartwatch with advanced features like biometric sensors and wireless charging, and now it's time to look at his iPhone forecasts. The analyst sees two Apple-branded smartphones launching this year...

iWatch to come in two sizes, feature wireless charging and be ‘fashionable’

Cody Lee ∙ April 9, 2014

Since we first began seeing 'iWatch' rumors back in early 2013, I've been wondering what the smartwatch will look like. Will it look like a traditional watch, similar to those from Samsung and Motorola? Or will it look more like a fitness band, like Nike's FuelBand? What kind of features will it have?

Admittedly, there's been no shortage of reports on the so-called iWatch, but a new research note from KGI Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo offers perhaps the most comprehensive look at the device we've seen. The analyst says the watch will come in two sizes, feature wireless charging, and will be "fashionable."

A timeline of all the products Apple is rumored to launch this year

Cody Lee ∙ April 9, 2014

Apple is preparing to release a bevy of new products this year, according to a new research note from KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo. The highly regarded analyst has laid out a timeline of all the products Apple is rumored to launch in 2014, beginning in Q2 and going all the way through December.

Kuo sees Apple starting with an iMac refresh in late Q2, followed by upgrades to the iPad Air and iPad mini. He then sees the company introducing a new 4.7-inch iPhone and the oft-rumored iWatch in Q3, and closing out the year with a refreshed Apple TV, 5.5-inch iPhone and a 12" MacBook...

Apple said to be considering ‘dramatic’ overhaul of iTunes music store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Apple is considering the most dramatic overhaul of its iTunes music store in more than a decade, according to a new report by Billboard. Citing sources familiar with the company's deliberations, the outlet claims Apple is actively looking for ways to combat declining music downloads.

We saw a similar report from Billboard last month, which claimed that the Cupertino firm was mulling over an Android version of its iTunes store, as well as an on-demand streaming service of sorts. It's clear that Apple is facing increasing competition from Spotify, Rdio and other services...

New report says iWatch is set to launch in September

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

It sounds like Apple is aiming for a fall launch of its so-called iWatch project. According to a new report from DigiTimes, the Cupertino company has taken delivery of samples of flexible circuit boards for the smartwatch ahead of its September debut.

The news comes just 24 hours after Taiwan’s Economic Daily News claimed that Apple was aiming for a 3rd quarter iWatch launch. And while both outlets have somewhat sketchy track records, combined with previous intel the two reports hold weight...

Google building Android set-top box with voice input, apps and games

Cody Lee ∙ Updated July 1, 2017

In 2011, Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said that, "by the summer of 2012, the majority of the televisions you see in stores will have Google TV embedded." But here it is, 2014, and a quick search of BestBuy.com confirms that the lofty goal never came to fruition.

The company hasn't given up on the living room though. In fact, according to a report from The Verge, it's readying a new Android-based set-top right now. The site has obtained screenshots and other documents outing the project, which is apparently named Android TV...

Production of 4.7-inch iPhone 6 screens to start in May, 5.5-inch model delayed

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Production on screens for the 4.7-inch version of Apple's next iPhone could start as early as May, according to a new report from Reuters. Citing supply chain sources, the outlet says that Japan Display and other manufacturers are readying their facilities and could begin churning out panels next month.

Unfortunately, for those looking forward to the oft-rumored 5.5-inch model, it sounds like production issues have forced Apple to delay the handset. Reuters says that manufacturers are running into difficulties with in-cell technology, and the larger displays may not go into production for several months...