Face ID Macs could be some years away, with the first Mac models to incorporate Apple's depth-based facial recognition technology predicted to drop “within a couple of years”.
Mark Gurman bets Face ID is coming to Macs “within a couple of years”
Mark Gurman
Mark Gurman believes a redesigned iMac to replace 27-inch Intel models is “en route”
A new Apple silicon iMac to replace the 27-inch Intel-based models is coming later in 2021, powered by the next-generation Apple M2 chip, according to a reliable Bloomberg reporter.
Bloomberg: iPad Pros with bigger screens may be coming in “a couple of years”
Apple is reportedly considering building iPad Pro models featuring bigger displays than the current 12.9-inch model although such devices are apparently a couple of years away.
Apple Watch SE 2 and a new rugged Explorer model are apparently on the cards for 2022
While 2021's Apple Watch Series 7 will gain minor changes like an improved screen, Apple launches in 2022 reportedly include the next Apple Watch SE along with a new rugged model.
Bloomberg: Apple is working on an AirPower-like charger and investigating long-range charging
Apple is reportedly developing a new inductive charging mat that could wirelessly charge multiple devices at once. On top of that, Apple is researching new charging technologies.
The Mac transition to Apple silicon could complete “as early as 2022”
Replacing Intel chips with Apple's in-house silicon in the Mac computers is a two-year transition that could complete, according to a well-informed source, as early as next year.
Bloomberg: Apple silicon Mac Pro will replace AMD graphics with up to 128-core Apple GPU
The next Mac Pro update planned for 2022 will use next-generation Apple silicon providing up to 128 GPU cores fast enough to replace AMD parts used in the current Intel-based models.
Bloomberg: A revamped MacBook Air with next-generation Apple silicon dropping at year-end
Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a new high-end model of its beloved MacBook Air by the end of 2021, with the upcoming notebook ostensibly running next-generation Apple silicon.
New swim-tracking features are reportedly coming to the Apple Watch
Apple could be working on new swim-tracking features for the Apple Watch, says a new report.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
New swim-tracking features rumored. Could be exclusive to Series 7. Older models might benefit, too. Further details unknown. Swim-tracking enhancementsThis tidbit came as a brief one-sentence mention in today's report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman regarding a new rugged Apple Watch model that could launch later in 2021 or in 2022.
“Apple is also working on new swim-tracking features for the Apple Watch,” reads the report.
Unfortunately, no further information was provided so we can only speculate as to what that means. Swim tracking has been available in the Workout app on the Apple Watch since Series 2 models, which introduced a higher level of water resistance. Subsequent software updates have made the feature more versatile than initially.
→ Apple Watch water resistance: Everything you should know
With swim-tracking, your Apple Watch can count laps you make in a pool and track your freestyle swimming across open water, as well as display splits, sets and other metrics in the Fitness app on the iPhone.
Another valid question deals with availability.
Will the aforementioned enhancements be exclusive to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 or is this something that current and some older models could get via a software update?
We think it's the latter because swim-tracking takes advantage of data provided by the onboard GPS, accelerometer and heart rate sensors. The rest is just an algorithm. But then again, it wouldn't be the first time Apple has made a certain feature exclusive to the latest models even though it could be supported on older hardware.
Apple Watch Explorer Edition with a rugged casing may launch in 2021 or 2022
Apple is considering a rugged Apple Watch, according to a new report from Bloomberg. It may debut later in 2021 or 2022 at the earliest and target different watch buyers, the report has it.
Apple may be working on a MagSafe battery pack for the latest iPhone 12 series
Apple is reportedly considering making other MagSafe accessories beyond the chargers, wallets and cases, according to sources cited in a new Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman.
Apple is bringing Face ID and integrated cellular support to the Mac platform
Apple has begun to lay the groundwork for bringing its secure Face ID biometric authentication from the iPhone and iPad to the Mac platform. Also, software support for integrating cellular connectivity could be part of the company's plan to give its loyal Mac following what it wants.
