Looking back on another week of Cupertino news and titles, this week’s Apple Loop loop includes the latest details on the iPhone 9, a brilliant leak from the iPhone 12, a new screen for the MacBook Pro, an update for iPad Pro, the latest guidelines from the App Store, and why Apple Care repairs may take longer.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of some of the many discussions that have taken place around Apple in the past seven days (and you can read my weekly summary of Android news here on Forbes).
IPhone 9 is ready to go
There are reports that the presumed iPhone 9 has entered the “final verification phase,” a verification of the entire process before production lines speed up the planned launch in some form. in March. I reviewed the impact earlier this week:
“Of course, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on supply issues could limit the speed or volume of production, limiting the availability of the new iPhone when it launches. It could also determine the size and scale from any launch event. Apple has in the past launched products only online, although these are normally updates to existing products, rather than a key product for 2020 and beyond. ”
More here on Forbes.
The front-facing camera module is visible on the back of an iPhone 11 Pro Max in The Hague, … [+]
Put a ring around the iPhone 12
Where will Apple put the camera flash on the iPhone 12? The latest leaks suggest that the flash will not stand out from the different lenses, but rather a ring flash will be adopted in this year’s design. This was tested for the iPhone 11 but was ultimately not used. According to remarkable Apple observer Filip Koroy, he returns for the 12. Gordon Kelly of Forbes examines the practical benefits:
“… This astonishing design and Apple’s decision not to follow up would explain how Apple should largely integrate an additional Time of Flight camera module in the iPhone 12. This despite multiple leaks indicating the general appearance of the camera modules and the camera bump won’t change dramatically from the iPhone 11 Pro. The ToF sensor (which is generally much smaller than a standard camera module) would fit perfectly inside the flash module, Apple could use its ring flash technology discontinued from the prototype of the iPhone 11. ”
More here on Forbes.
Apple Mini-LED Extension for MacBook and more
Apple is expected to use mini-LEDs in a number of new displays over the next year. By increasing the number of individually controllable light sources behind the color elements, LCD technology can be used to provide an experience much closer to the vibrancy and contrast of OLED. The details of the new technology come from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Juli Clover reports:
“Kuo’s note is particularly interesting in the mention of the 14.1-inch” MacBook Pro “because it is the first indication that Apple is planning a new size for its smaller offer of” MacBook Pro “. The” MacBook Pro “of 14.1 inches will be sold alongside an updated 16-inch acMacBook Pro. The mention of an iMac Pro is also notable because Apple has not updated its iMac Pro since its launch in 2017.
“According to Kuo, Apple’s mini LEDs are expected to be released in 2020 and 2021, but in previous notes, Kuo said we can expect to see the 16-inch” MacBook Pro “with mini LEDs in the fourth quarter of 2020, which could also be the time for the launch of the 14.1-inch version. ”
More on MacRumors.
Prepare for a new iPad
One of the surest signs that the equipment is about to be replaced is the decrease in the stock of the previous generation. With the current decline in iPad Pro availability, can we expect a new iPad at the same March event as the iPhone 9 is expected to launch? Henry Casey reports:
“This new iPad Pro is supposed to have a three-lens rear camera configuration plus a Time of Flight sensor, the first corresponding to the iPhone 11 line and the latter arriving to add augmented reality features. There are also rumors of ‘an iPad Pro 5G with a new generation Apple processor. ”
More on Tom’s Guide.
Application guidelines update
Apple updated the App Store guidelines this week, and all developers will have no choice but to follow them. In addition to ensuring support for the latest versions of iOS (according to Apple, 77% of devices have been sold in the past four years), Apple connection is required for any application that also offers Google Connect or Facebook Connect , and push messages can be used for advertising. Filipe Espósito had more details, starting with the SDK’s mandate:
“Apple says that all new apps and app updates will have to be built with the iOS 13 SDK starting April 30, 2020. This allows apps to offer features like dark mode, ARKit 3, Core ML 3, and more. Apple also requires developers to prepare their apps to be fully compatible with all currently supported devices, including the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the new 7th generation iPad. ”
More at 9 to 5 Mac.
And finally…
Apple’s repair service, Apple Care, is something that many users find extremely useful. But the speed of execution that has been the hallmark of the service could slow down over the next few weeks as the spare parts supply chain is under strain. Mark Gurman reports:
“The company recently told store technical support staff that replacement iPhones for heavily damaged devices will not be available for two to four weeks, according to Apple Store employees.
“The workers, known as Geniuses, were informed in a memorandum that they could offer to send replacement iPhones to customers and provide loaner devices to reduce delays.”
More at Bloomberg.
Apple Loop gives you seven days of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.
