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Mac Pro

Apple’s new Mac Pro to come with 48 CPU core M2 chip

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According to rumors, the upcoming Mac Pro would feature chip alternatives “that are at least twice or four times as powerful” as the unreleased M2 Max. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple has accelerated testing of the new Mac Pro in anticipation of its expected release next year.

mac pro
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As per Gurman, the “M2 Ultra” and “M2 Extreme” in-house chips, which are newer and more potent, will be used in the machine. The two models include 256GB of memory, 76 and 152 GPU cores, and 24 and 48 CPU cores, respectively. The rumored M2 Max is anticipated to have 12 CPU cores and 38 GPU cores, in contrast to the base M2’s 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.

Gurman also revealed a Mac Pro configuration that Apple is actively testing. The device has 192GB of memory, 24 CPU cores, and 76 GPU cores. It utilizes macOS Ventura 13.3, whose initial release is scheduled for this coming Monday. The $5,999 Mac Pro was last released by Apple in 2019, and it is scheduled for an upgrade soon.

Before Apple introduces the new Mac Pro, there may be an upgrade for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros in addition to a new Mac mini. He claims that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will be featured in Apple’s most recent high-end laptops, whereas the Mac mini launch will feature the same M2 silicon as in the 2022 MacBook Air. Gurman also points out that Apple has also tested a Mac mini M2 Pro

This summer saw the debut of the first Apple M2 processor, which compared to the Apple M1 provided up to 35% higher performance in graphics tasks and up to 8% greater efficiency in multi-threaded CPU-focused operations.

With the introduction of the M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra chips, Apple expanded the M1 family, and it is anticipated that it will continue to expand the 5nm M2 range in a similar manner. The M1 Ultra, the top model in the Apple M1 line, included a 64-core GPU and a 20-core CPU.

The Apple M2 chip was introduced at WWDC 2022 and has since been incorporated into many of Apple’s product offerings. The new iPad Pro 2022 is the latest edition to the M2-powered family.

Apple’s new iPad Pro comes with an M2 chip along with the world’s most advanced mobile screen, professional camera, Thunderbolt, Face ID, and a four-speaker sound system.  It also has a next-generation Apple Pencil hover experience.

While Apple Silicon has revitalized entry-level desktop Macs, MacBooks, and even iPads, Mac Pros are still limited to Intel architecture (max 24 CPU cores). However, if Gurman’s reporting is right, Apple has a major move planned for the Mac Pro.

Apple’s new Mac Pro is anticipated to launch sometime in the following year, and thanks to the company’s new M2-series CPUs, it may end up becoming the most powerful laptop the company has ever released.

iPad Ultra

Apple May Launch its Biggest Tablet 16-Inch iPad Ultra, in 2023

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Apple, not long ago, added a new model to its iPad Pro lineup. The new iPad Ultra Pro features Apple’s M2 chip, making it the most powerful iPad by far. Apple may go one step further next year and launch a larger 16-inch display model.

iPad Ultra
Image Source: nextpit.com

Highlights

  • Apple may be developing an iPad with a 16-inch display.
  • It’s presumed to be called the iPad Ultra.
  • The iPad Ultra, Apple’s largest tablet, will be launched next year.

According to reports, Apple is working on a model that could effortlessly be called the iPad Ultra, with the largest screen on an iPad, and plans to release it in 2023.

The upcoming iPad model, according to The Information, “would further blur the line between the iPad and MacBook,” because the tablet would have the same screen size as the company’s largest laptop. While there is no official name for the iPad in development, based on Apple’s new naming convention for large gadgets, it is safe to call it the iPad Ultra.

According to the report, Apple may unveil this iPad in the final quarter of next year, but this timeframe is subject to change.

For quite some time, rumours of a large-screen iPad have begun circulating. Mark Gurman, from Bloomberg, reported last year that Apple was working on a 14- to 15-inch iPad that would be available sometime within the next year or two.

Ross Young, another executive who is a supply chain analyst and has frequently been accurate about Apple-related developments, backed up Gurman’s claim, saying Apple could release a 14.1-inch iPad Pro with a Mini LED panel and ProMotion new technology as sooner as next year.

However, this is the first time we’ve heard of a 16-inch iPad model, which would essentially be a keyboard-less MacBook except if you add the Magic Keyboard. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which not long ago received an upgrade to include Apple’s M2 processor which is the largest iPad in Apple’s lineup.

Apple also released iPadOS 16, which includes features like Stage Manager that help make multitasking, more refined and simple.

In some ways, Apple is gradually transforming the iPad into a laptop that would also function similarly to a MacBook, which is also what users have been requesting. An earlier report suggested that Apple was developing a version of macOS that would only run on the iPadOS. For what it’s worth, it may be a bright spot for iPad users.

usb-c

Apple iPhone 15 Series To Have USB-C Charging Port

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Apple has confirmed that the USB-C charging port will be used in place of the conventional Lightning port on the next iPhone 15 series when it launches. 

USB-C
Image Source: bloomberg.com

Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup suggests that it is prepared for the significant shift to type C. On September 6, 2022, Apple unveiled its latest lineup of iPhone 14, but speculations about the upcoming series have already begun. According to the latest reports, Apple will finally transition to Type C charging ports with the new iPhone 15 series.

With its upcoming iPhone 15 lineup in Europe, Apple is most likely to substitute a type C charging port for its lighting port, which has been in use for over ten years now. Recently, a regulation was established in the European Union requiring all smartphone manufacturers to switch to USB Type C ports by the year 2024.

Apple is now the only significant brand in the smartphone industry that does not adhere to this USB standard.

Apple’s Joswiak revealed at a WSJ tech event that Apple will have to embrace the USB-C connection for its upcoming iPhones. The confirmation follows the EU’s decision in favor of a universal charging connector for all devices.

Reports suggest that the iPhone 15 lineup from Apple will feature four new models with two distinct processors to distinguish between entry-level and premium models. All four models will come with USB-C charging port.

According to speculations, the iPhone 15 Pro models could have enhanced 8GB RAM. The upgraded RAM is added to complement Apple’s new processor. A periscope lens is anticipated for the new iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Although Apple is developing its own 5G modem, the new iPhone 15 range won’t use it yet. This may be used for later models that debut in 2024. The iPhone 15 series will continue with the use of the existing Qualcomm modem. 

It is also speculated that the 6.1-inch basic iPhone model is expected to be discontinued when the iPhone 15 series debuts in 2023. A rumor from Gizmochina claims that Apple would probably release an ‘Ultra’ iPhone model boasting a few distinctive features in 2023.

Many people voiced their displeasure with the new iPhone 15 Ultra model on Twitter in response to the rumor. According to LeaksApplePro, the upcoming iPhone 15 Ultra, would have a premium titanium body.

Before the announcement of the iPhone 14 series, it was speculated that hat the Pro versions in this line-up would also have titanium bodies, however, this did not materialize. Titanium-built phones are incredibly rare and will contribute to the product’s improved appearance. 

According to a report, Apple has been continually assessing the popularity of the iPhone 14 Plus. Some iPhone manufacturing partners have been asked by the company to stop producing the iPhone 14 Plus right away.

Apple has also contacted two component suppliers to reduce manufacturing by up to 90%. The iPhone 14 Plus is reportedly not as well-liked by users as Apple had anticipated.

The popularity of the iPhone 14 has reportedly decreased. Apple appears to be concentrating on bringing a variety of modifications to the new iPhone 15 series right now. 

Along the lines of the EU, India is also considering imposing a rule that would require tech firms to have a common standard charger, including USB-C, by 2024. 

iOS 16.1

Apple To Release iOS 16.1 Update With New Features on October 24

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Apple will launch iOS 16.1 on October 24, 2022. The new update will be accessible on iPhones running on iOS 16 i.e iPhone 8 and models thereafter. 

iOS 16.1
Image Source: thetimesofbengal.com

Apple has revealed that iOS 16.1 will be released soon and will include new features like “Live Activities,” “Clean Energy Charging,” etc. The latest update will include a few significant changes. With the help of Live Activities, users will be able to stay informed about events in real-time through their lock screen.

Using this feature users can simply glance at the lock screen to keep up with a current sporting event, monitor their ride’s progress, or check the status of their order. In essence, a widget in the notification area will pop up to display real-time updates, somewhat like other notifications.

The new update allows users to remove the Wallet application from their iPhones. As one may anticipate, uninstalling the Wallet app prevents you from using a number of features, such as Apple Cash, Apple Pay, and Apple Card. The new iOS 16.1 supports Matter.

A new intelligent connectivity standard called Matter will allow compatible devices to function in unison across the platform. Clean Energy Charging seeks to reduce the carbon emissions of the iPhone by planning charging periods for when the grid is utilizing greener energy sources.

The new battery symbol, which finally shows the percentage, was one of the new features of iOS 16. It was already fairly good, but iOS 16.1 improves it a little by making the font bigger and hence easier to read.

Due to their smaller displays, some iPhone models, including the iPhone XR, 12 mini, and 13 mini, were unable to show the battery percentage. However, all iPhones operating the most recent OS version now have access to this feature thanks to the iOS 16.1 update. 

Apple will now provide customers with more precise control over the copy-paste capability with the next iOS 16.1 update. One can now allow or restrict copy-paste functionality for every app. One can choose to have the app request their consent each time they want to copy material from another app. Additionally, one can permanently permit it or refuse access; the choice now mostly rests with the user. 

With the introduction of iCloud Shared Photo Library in this update, there is a new, seamless way for families to share images with a different iCloud library in which a maximum of six users can collaborate, contribute and enjoy. Existing photos can also be added to the iCloud Shared Photo Library, and the system will automatically organize them according to several criteria, including date, by default.

Prior to iOS 16.1, Apple’s home workout app Fitness+ needed an Apple Watch device to function, however, this requirement is no longer a factor. Users can now monitor their workout sessions from an iPhone even without the Apple Watch. Apple does not currently provide the Fitness+ service in India. 

On October 24, Apple will also release the updated iPad OS 16.1. Users of iPads will notice a number of changes in the new iPadOS 16, most notably the contentious new Stage Manager multitask function.

high-yield savings account

Apple and Goldman Sachs collaborate to provide high-yield savings accounts to Apple Card customers

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Apple is taking a major step toward providing its customers with more banking services. The company announced today, that it is collaborating with Goldman Sachs to launch a new high-yield savings account feature for Apple Card credit cardholders that will allow them to save and grow their Daily Cash which is the cashback rewards earned from Apple Card purchases.

high-yield savings account
Image Source: ithinkdiff.com

In the upcoming months, Apple says cardholders will be able to automatically save this money in a new, high-yield savings account from Goldman Sachs which will be accessible through Apple Wallet. Customers can also deposit their own funds into this account.

“Savings enables Apple Card users to grow their Daily Cash rewards over time, while also saving for the future,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet,” Bailey said in a statement late on Thursday.

Source: in.investing.com

According to Apple, the account has no fees, minimum deposit, or minimum balance requirements, making it competitive with various neobanks that are often used as a way for customers to reserve digital cash and monetize interest payments.

However, Apple did not specify what interest rate would be paid out on these high-yield accounts in its press release. According to Bankrate data, competitors are currently offering APYs ranging from 2.20% to 3.05%. According to Investopedia data, some are going even higher, with APYs currently exceeding 3.1%. Apple stated that it is not prepared to announce the APY due to the current highly volatile interest rate environment.

When the new service becomes available, Apple Card users will be able to set up and manage their Savings account directly in the Apple Wallet mobile app. From then on, all Daily Cash earned through Apple Card purchases will be automatically deposited into this account, unless customers choose to have the cash added to their Apple Cash card in Wallet instead, as they do at the present time. According to Apple, this option can be changed at any time.

An in-app Savings dashboard will show the account balance as well as the interest earned over time.

Apple currently offers 3% cashback on Apple Card purchases made with Apple Pay at select merchants such as Apple, Uber/Uber Eats, T-Mobile, Walgreens, Panera Bread, Nike, ExxonMobil, and Ace Hardware. Apple Card purchases will earn 2% cashback when using Apple Pay, and 1% cashback when using the titanium card or a virtual card number to shop online.

Cardholders would not have to depend solely on Apple Card purchases to fund their brand-new Savings accounts. Customers will be able to deposit additional funds via a linked bank account or their Apple Cash balance, as per Apple’s statements.

They can also withdraw this money at any time by transferring it to the same linked bank account or any linked bank account or even their Apple Cash card, without incurring any fees.

Apple has been steadily moving into the payments market with the launch of the Apple Card, allowing it to establish a more direct connection with its customers as it accelerates its “services” business, which perceives it selling subscriptions to a variety of offerings, including Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, iCloud+, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and more.

It’s also attempting to make Apple Pay a more realistic choice for online shopping, with the announcement of an Affirm competitor, Apple Pay Later, for dividing purchases into four interest-free payments. This offering, however, has been postponed until 2023, according to Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has been repositioning itself as a more traditional bank with its Marcus by Goldman Sachs product, which announced last year that it had reached a milestone of more than $100 billion in customer deposits after five years of operation. The collaboration with Apple will give it a new perspective on the consumer deposits market.

Apple did not provide a specific launch date for its high-yield Savings account, only stating that it would be available in the coming months.  The company stated that the Savings account feature will be included in an upcoming iOS release, but did not specify which version number would include the option.

ad space for TV+

Apple to sell ad space for TV+ next year

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Tech behemoth Apple is allegedly in talks with executives from media companies and networks about the prospect of offering ad space for TV+ streaming platform, possibly as early as next year.

ad space for TV+
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According to media reports, Apple intends to sell video ad spaces in early 2023, presumably for its Apple TV+ platform.

As per reports, Apple wants to increase its advertising revenue from its current level of $4 billion annually to double-digit numbers through this ad space for TV+. Apple executives believe TV+ has untapped potential. The company’s advertisements are currently dispersed throughout display adverts for applications in the App Store, News and Stocks applications, and other apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. While some shows on Apple TV already have featured adverts, these did not come for Apple.

Ad-supported tiers also aid in curbing price rises as streaming providers put more emphasis on profitability than subscriber growth. In December, Disney+ will introduce an ad-free tier for the same $7.99 monthly fee as the current ad-free tier.

Apple’s involvement in live sports is also tied to the availability of its video ad inventory. On the TV+ platform, MLB Friday Night Baseball has already generated some advertising revenue, but so far, MLB Network, not Apple, has been the seller of these commercials.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s executive VP of services, claimed to have reorganized services management in May to put a greater emphasis on streaming and adverts.

In order to entice users on a budget, streaming providers Disney and Netflix are also attempting to develop ad-based monetization strategies. They are expected to unveil their plans within the next few months.

By 2022, Netflix also plans to introduce an ad tier for subscribers. The decision was taken after the company experienced a significant decline in revenue for the very first time in ten years.

Comparatively speaking to Netflix and Disney, Apple’s customer base in the streaming industry is modest. The tech giant has nonetheless received praise for its high-end, award-winning shows and its expanding sports coverage.

In a period of rising inflation and economic insecurity around the world, an ad-based tier might attract more price-conscious users to the company. Next year, Apple will also broadcast Major League Soccer events. Apple is also expected to secure the rights to broadcast NFL Sunday Ticket along with other major sports events.

Millions of prospective viewers will watch these live sports programs, which will increase advertising sales. Currently, an Apple TV+ membership in the United States costs $4.99/month or $49.99/year.

Apple, though, is fully committing to the “premium content” brand. It might adopt a price increase for its ad-free membership along the lines of Disney+ and launch an ad-supported tier at the existing $4.99 pricing. Additionally, Apple TV+ features a tonne of acclaimed, brand-friendly programs like “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show” that marketers would undoubtedly want to capitalize on.

Some of Apple’s Big Tech competitors have expressed disapproval of the company’s growing ad presence. However, since so many streaming platforms are entering the ad-tier market, Apple TV+’s decision will be considerably simpler to defend.

Apple Inc. owns and runs Apple TV+, a paid streaming service available in the United States. It debuted in 2019, and it offers a variety of original movies and TV shows under Apple Originals production.