Rumors

These rear shell photos could mean colors are coming to iPad mini 2

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

A fresh batch of images purportedly representing the back shell believed to belong to a next-generation iPad mini have popped up on a Chinese forum. On the surface, the back part is reminiscent of the current-generation iPad mini design. On closer inspection, however, it appears to be a little thicker. Per rumor mills, the next iPad mini looks virtually identical to the original, but if the iPad 3 is anything to go by, the Retina upgrade in fact could add thickness in order to accommodate a bigger battery and better graphics, both required to power the Retina display...

New iWatch concept takes a more traditional approach

Cody Lee ∙ Updated September 3, 2013

As reports claiming that Apple is working on a wristwatch-like device continue to swirl, and subsequent speculation grows, concept artists have taken to their digital palettes to create their own versions of the so-called 'iWatch.'

We've already seen a handful of these Apple-watch mockups—most of which feature curved glass displays and futuristic designs. But today, we've come across a concept that takes a far more traditional wristwatch approach...

Piper Jaffray: Apple to debut low-cost iPhone in September quarter

Cody Lee ∙ February 20, 2013

There are currently 3 or 4 strong rumors floating around the Apple-centric blogosphere these days: the iTV, the more recently popular iWatch, and then the recurring low-cost or 'budget' iPhone. What's funny is, some of these rumors have been around for years.

But if you ask The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, or anyone at Piper Jaffray, the budget iPhone will finally materialize this year. Reiterating its report from January, the firm sent out a note to investors claiming that a low-cost iPhone is on the way...

As iPad mini supply evens out, AU Optronics begins work on next-gen display

Cody Lee ∙ February 20, 2013

Yesterday we noticed that iPad mini supply has finally caught up with demand. For the first time since the tablet launched last November, all models are showing 'in stock' in Apple's online store, in several countries.

The improved stock is said to be due to AU Optronics solidifying higher yields of iPad mini panels. And not only has it figured out how to make the current-gen panels faster, but it's begun work on next-gen displays...

iPad 5 to switch to iPad mini display tech for thinner assembly

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 19, 2013

According to new reports by Taiwanese media outlets, Apple is said to be lining up suppliers for a fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad. The gizmo is said to adopt a revamped touchscreen technology, basically the same "GF2" display tech found on the 7.9-inch iPad mini. The iPad mini's display assembly is notably thinner compared to its bigger brother that sports the glass-on-glass design so the reports jive nicely with previous rumors pointing to the iPad 5 borrowing a few design ideas from the iPad mini, namely a thinner and lighter appearance...

Would you pay more for an iPad mini with Retina display?

Cody Lee ∙ February 18, 2013

Apple is widely expected to do some major updating to its tablet line this fall. The latest reports allege that the company is going to give its 9.7-inch iPad a complete makeover, and squeeze a high resolution Retina display into its smaller sibling.

The latter scenario is particularly interesting, because screen resolution has been the one complaint users have had with the current iPad mini. But according to new data from iSuppli, consumers may end up paying more for the extra pixels...

What if iWatch isn’t actually an Apple smart watch, but an aptly named TV?

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 18, 2013

As we entered 2013, the rumor mill has been increasingly churning out speculative reports regarding Apple's rumored TV set and smart watch projects, almost on a daily basis. Even Bloomberg joined the frenzy with claims that Apple has as many as a hundred product designers working on a wearable smart watch-like computer that "may perform some of the tasks now handled by the iPhone and iPad." But here's the kicker: what if this group is instead working on a television set - fittingly referred to as an iWatch?

How hi-tech curved glass could be used for an iWatch

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 18, 2013

Even though there certainly is no shortage of iWatch rumors these days, we're kinda short on new mockups. Thanks to the United Kingdom's The Guardian newspaper which yesterday published this detailed mockup, there's something to chew on on this slow news Monday (it's Presidential's Day holiday in the United States).

We already reported on how former Apple exec Jean-Louis Gassée thinks the iWatch is an intimate computer rather than a smart watch with a twist. We also know from Bloomberg that Apple reportedly has a 100-engineer strong team working on the project. Taking it all in, The Guardian newspaper thinks Apple's take on the Dick Tracy watch takes advantage of recent developments in hi-tech curved glass, cheaper sensors and better voice recognition software...

iTV could use LG Display’s OLED panels

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

LG Display, a major Apple supplier that makes high-resolution screens for the iPad mini, fourth-generation iPad, 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display and redesigned iMacs, plans to allocate more than 706 billion won, or approximately $656.7 million, toward building organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens for high-definition television sets by the end of June 2014, according to The Wall Street Journal. The investment will allow LG Display to make some 26,000 sheets per month for customers seeking 55-inch or larger television screens.

It was recently revealed that Apple hired LG Display's OLED expert Dr. Jueng Jil Lee. Another clue: Apple already holds several patents involving flexible OLEDs, OLED based BLUs for LCDs, OLED control schemes and others...

Likely doctored photo claims to depict iPhone 5S motherboard with A7 processor

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 20, 2017

A web site with an unestablished track record when it comes to Apple reporting has posted a claimed photograph of the iPhone 5S motherboard with Apple's A7 system-on-a-chip. Of course, the A7 silicon is widely expected to power the next-generation iPhone, the iPhone 5S, but the authenticity of this particular blurry image couldn't be confirmed at post time.

What's more, one credible publication has challenged the authenticity of the photograph by zooming in on the chip label to spot some unnatural looking pixels that give it away...

Google to open standalone retail stores this year

Cody Lee ∙ February 15, 2013

Once a highly valued partner, Google has spent the last few years moving in on Apple's territory. It's done it in the computer space, with its Chromebook OS, and in the smartphone space with Android. And now it looks like it's preparing to do the same thing in retail.

A new report is out this afternoon claiming that the Mountain View company is in the process of building standalone retail stores in the United States, in an effort to get its products into more hands. And its flagship locations could be ready by the holidays...

Third party apps may finally land on the Apple TV this fall

Cody Lee ∙ February 15, 2013

I know, I know. There's so many different Apple rumors these days, going in so many different directions, it's hard to keep track. There's the 4.8-inch iPhone, and the budget iPhone, and let's not forget about the iWatch, which has become extremely popular as of late.

But try to block all of that out for a second, and focus on the Apple TV. A new report is out today from Tech Crunch's well-connected MG Siegler, who says that talk of Apple’s broader television plans is picking up, and we could see something happen as early as this fall...