iPod Touch

Hints of next-gen iPad & iPod touch models spotted in iOS 12.2 and Eurasian database

A recent report out of Japan alleged that a seventh-generation iPod touch is in the works, and now it's been hinted that the device may have no Touch ID nor Face ID. Additionally, evidence has surfaced that new iPad models are being worked on, too, also without Face ID.

iOS developer Steve Troughton-Smith has unearthed references to four new iPads from the iOS 12.2 beta, which released for developer testing last week.

"In theory, iOS 12.2 references four new iPads in Wi-Fi and cellular variants, all without Face ID, and an iPod touch with no Touch ID nor Face ID," he wrote on Twitter.

It's interesting that the current sixth-generation iPod touch uses the identifier "iPod6,1" but the upcoming model carries the identification string "iPod7,1".

"I've always figured it means they worked on a generation and decided not to ship it, so they skipped," Steve speculated (I think it signifies a next-generation design).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZefYz-0l8ik

These new iPad and iPod touch models had been registered with the Eurasian Economic Commission. As first spotted but MySmartPrice, the Eurasian filing lists tablet computers running iOS 12 with the following model numbers:

A2123 A2124 A2126 A2153 A2154 A2133 A2152

This database has reveled unreleased Apple devices in the past.

iDownloadBlog's own Harris Craycraft has taken it upon himself to revisit the sixth-generation iPod touch to see if this under-appreciated App Store machine is still worth it in 2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjMby_ZBNVI Subscribe to iDownloadBlog on YouTube

As for the newly referenced iPads without Face ID, these could be fifth-generation iPad mini models and a refresh of the $329 9.7-inch iPad, in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular editions.

We saw leaks of some iPad mini 5 parts in the past few months so we fully expect these new mini tablets to arrive in time for the spring. The low-cost iPad, according to one report, could have a bit larger screen at ten inches diagonally.

A claimed iPad mini chassis in Rose Gold

Other new features discovered in the iOS 12.2 beta include Apple News expansion to Canada, HomeKit TV support and a new magazine-subscription service (Apple may even be working on a Netflix-like subscription service for games).

Smaller changes in the iOS 12.2 beta that we managed to spot include a new Add Money button for Apple Pay Cash in the Wallet app, redesigned AirPlay icons, an overhauled Apple TV Remote widget in Control Center which now takes up the entire screen and more.

Could this be a fifth-generation iPad mini?

How cool would a next-generation iPod touch be, do you think?

Would you rather be interested in the next iPad mini?

Chime in with your thoughts in the comments down below.

How to convert iPhone HEVC videos to H.264 with VideoProc [sponsor]

The Mac and Windows app VideoProc by multimedia software developer Digiarty is among the most comprehensive video converters out there. Not only does it transcode foreign video formats including MKV, DIVX, FLV and WMV to iOS-friendly formats, but also lets you convert videos in the High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265) format captured with your iPhone to the more compatible H.264 codec, which lets you play them back on older devices.

HomeKit support for Smart TVs shown in action

Developer Khaos Tian has managed to add his Smart TV to the Home app on the iOS 12.2 beta by hacking Apple's HomeKit protocol. As a result, he's discovered, screenshotted and capture on video some of the upcoming HomeKit features for Smart TV integration and control.

Netflix for iOS picks up a handy new Instagram Stories share option

An image showing a red Netflix Logo set agains an all-black background

This integration began rolling out in Netflix for iOS today

You can now share your favorite movies and television shows on Netflix to your Instagram Stories. That's because the video-streaming company today updated its mobile app for iPhone and iPad with tappable artwork when watching movies or TV shows.

According to Variety, sharing your favorite movies and television shows from Netflix on Instagram Stories is pretty straightforward. Just select the title of your choice within Netflix's iOS app and use the Share feature to send it to Instagram, just like that.

From there, you can add the artwork to a Story or share it directly with your contacts. Netflix artworks in Instagram Stories also link back to Netflix.

This feature works with both original and licensed content.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to make it easier for members to share the Netflix titles they’re obsessing about and help them discover something new to watch. We hope our members enjoy this new feature!

This is possible thanks to Instagram's Stories API that became available in May 2018. Some of the other apps that take advantage of Instagram integration include Spotify and Soundcloud.

This feature is available in Instagram for iOS starting today. They're working on bringing this integration to Android but no time frame was provided at press time.

Will you be using this feature?

Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Apple releases iOS 12.1.3, watchOS 5.1.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.3 & tvOS 12.1.2

Following weeks of testing, Apple today released new software updates: iOS 12.1.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, iOS 12.1.3 for HomePod, macOS Mojave 10.14.3 for Mac, watchOS 5.1.3 for Apple Watch and tvOS 12.1.2 for the fourth-generation Apple TV and Apple TV 4K . While mostly about bug fixes that improve your security, these minor software updates are worth the time because they happen to boost the stability, performance and reliability of your devices.