According to 9to5Mac there seem to be indications in iOS 14 betas that the iPhone 8 SE 2 will come in a "Plus" size.
Really to me then what I think we're gonna see is updates to the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus to a 9 version with updated specs and a lower entry price point.
So you'd likely have a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions.
Will supposedly contain an A13 Bionic chip, like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pros
Retain the solid-state TouchID home button
I would hope both models would get a dual lens camera system (at least), but it hasn't been mentioned. Also could make it encroach on the iPhone 11
I would also like to see it pick-up some the iPhone SE's design elements
Colors
Straight edge design, like the iPhone 5
Return to metal (good for target market)
The design is rumored to mimic the iPhone 8 designs to save costs.
It's expected to be released this Spring and could start around $399.00 or $349.00
For the iPhone 12 there were also some iOS 14 secrets revealing details about potential new features
Indications that only two of the three upcoming "iPhone 12" models will have a time-of-flight sensors.
Probably reserved for only the "Pro" models
New 2020 MacBook Air
Apple updated the MacBook Air line this week and they lowered the price
Now starts at USD $999
New models have the latest 10th generation Intel Core processors and can be configured to to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7
Only an extra $100 to upgrade to a 1.1GHz quad-core Core i5 chip (first quad-core in a MacBook Air)
That quad-core i5 is up to 76 percent faster than the 2018-2019 models based on early benchmark scores
Has Intel Iris Plus Graphics that Apple claims can deliver up to 80 percent faster graphics performance.
The new Air also adopts their new scissor-switch Magic Keyboard design introduced with the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
has a full 1mm of key travel and the new inverted-"T" arrangement for the arrow keys
Add Bluetooth 5.0 and support for Dolby Atmos playback, plus a three-mic array with directional beam forming (like the 16-inch MacBook Pro)
The design and most of the other specs remain the same
13-inch Retina display with True Tone
Touch ID and a Force Touch trackpad
Two Thunderbolt 3 ports, stereo speakers, an Apple-designed T2 security chip
And unfortunately still just a 720p FaceTime camera
It does have slightly less battery life down about one hour in wireless web browsing and movie playback at 11 hours and 12 hours respectively.
The starting model is not only USD $200 cheaper, but come with double the storage at 256GB
Comes in three colors, space gray, silver, or gold and is available to order now.
Updated Mac mini, a bit, too
The standard configurations of Mac mini now come with double the storage capacity
The $799 configuration now comes standard with 256GB, while the $1,099 configuration features 512GB of storage
All the other specs remain the same. So unfortunately they are still using the old 8th Gen Intel processors and Intel UHD Graphics 630
Apple also introduced new iPad Pros
Apple updated the iPad Pro line and introduced a new Magic Keyboard case
The updated iPad Pros retain the design and sizes of the 2018 models.
11-inch and 12.9-inch
But they have a new camera system and a bunch of other goodies on the inside
A new A12Z Bionic Chip
That's an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU with Apple's Neural Engine
They also all have 6GB of RAM and Apple's U1 ultra wide-band chip.
New rear camera array has a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera
Also has LiDAR Scanners for 3D and augmented reality applications'
Apple doubled the storage in the staring configurations so they are now 128GB instead of just 64GB
It also supports 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
New iPad Pro pricing starts at USD $799 for the 11-inch and $999 for the 12.9-inch
So do you upgrade?
If you have a 2018 iPad Pro I think if it depends if these things matter to you:
New camera features and LiDar, small processor bump,MacBook and maybe 2GB more RAM (1TB 2018 models had 6GB RAM), and Wi-Fi 6 support.
If you have an older iPad and/or were in the market for an iPad you have an awesome new choice.
Apple Magic Keyboard case
Has a "floating" hinge design with USB-C pass through power.
Can be adjusted up to 130 degrees
The cool thing about the charging port is that means you can use the USB-C port on the iPad for other accessories, like storage.
Keyboard is same as the new MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro with scissor switches and 1mm or travel.
Oh, it's also backlit
Did I mention it also has a trackpad?
Cursor is a transparent circle.
It "morphs" as you interact with objects on the screen. Highlight a button before you click it, or turn into an i-bar hen interacting with text.
Supports new multi-touch gestures for accessing the home screen, switching between apps, and accessing the app switcher and slide over
Will be available in May and priced at $299.00 and $349.00 (11-inch or 12.9-inch)
It is compatible with the 2018 iPad Pros.
The iPadOS 13.4 update due out on March 24th will add full support for Bluetooth and USB trackpads or mice.
iPadOS 13.4 will work with all iPad Pro models, the iPad Air 2 or later, iPad fifth generation or later, and iPad mini 4 or later.
Logitec announced new keyboard cases with trackpads as well and will have versions that support the 10.2-inch iPad and the 10.5-inch iPad Air.
Could there be a second iPad Pro update later this year?
There are still supply chain rumors that say Apple has plans to release iPad Pros with mini LED display technology in the fourth quarter.
Seems more likely to me that they could be working on the technology and plan to have suppliers start building panels in the 4th quarter for an iPad Pro update in the spring of 2021.
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Feedback, commentary, opinions
Your thoughts on Apple TV+ shows
I got a lot great emails and feedback from you.
In general most of you have trended against the critics and said that you're enjoying Apple's programs
I think one trend I noticed was that most people are trying at least 3 or four shows and finding one or two series that resonate with them.
It's really varied based on taste.
In general also it seems most feel like Apple's most if not ALL of Apple's shows are really good, but there hasn't been that one stand-out "hit".
I did git one piece of feedback from Mike that I wanted to share because I think it does speak to one area where i think Apple needs to improve when it comes to it's service
Play clip from Mike.
They are struggling to promote their shows, although I have seen a lot more recent advertising on other services.
I think a bigger issue in my opinion is the lack of any good centralized way to browser their shows in the TV app
They have a banner, but it only highlight individual shows.
There is not "All Apple TV+ Shows" directory which is just odd.
I think it's to keep the TV app as equal with all services
But then Apple suffers from not having it's own Apple TV+ "app"
The TV app should really have a "browse by service" option, but maybe that defeats the point?
The more I use the TV app the more disappointed I get with it. It had such promise.
iBooks, Apple is highlighting right now free books and audiobooks that you can get.
Use Group FaceTime to "hangout" with friends and family
You can do a call with up to 32 of your closest friends and family members
Need iOS 12.1.4 or iPadOS and an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPod touch (7th generation
You can add fun camera effects
Use Memoji and Animoji
Play Jackbox Games on your Apple devices / Apple TV
