Apple News: Hardware Launch & iPhone Rumors, More

This week in Apple News, we found rumors related to a possible hardware launch for next week. However, if this rumor came true, the launch would be quite limited, perhaps only with a press release. It would be similar to how Apple launched the iPhone SE earlier this year (although the launch certainly wouldn’t be for an iPhone).

In other Apple news, we heard about the tech coming to future Macs, rumors of periscope zooms for iPhones, Apple’s choice of the best app of 2020, a camera for it. ‘Apple Watch, and more!

See the Apple News roundup below for all the latest.

The main Apple news from last week:

• Leaked internal memo indicating a possible hardware launch: An AppleCare memo obtained by MacRumors highlights the possibility of a hardware launch on Tuesday 8 December. The memo instructs technicians employed by Apple to prepare for new product SKUs and other new product-related information. We have no idea what to expect, but it won’t be a big launch like we’ve seen with the new Macs and iPhones. Instead, it will likely be reduced to a press release and only affect one or a few products. Stay tuned!
• Periscope zoom rumors suggest the feature will be available on iPhones soon: While several Android phones have had periscope zoom systems (which allow higher levels of truly optical zoom), the technology has yet to appear on an iPhone. According to AND News, Apple is working hard on this feature. However, don’t hope: Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is unlikely to launch a periscope-powered iPhone before 2022.
• IPad and MacBook mini-LED on the way, apparently: The rumor mill that is DigiTimes says Apple is working hard to try and deliver an iPad Pro and MacBook Pro with Mini-LED technology in 2021. Mini-LED displays could be a step forward even on the tallest OLED panels in range, although we haven’t seen anything from Apple with the technology yet.
• Apple Watch sales hit a new record, plus the camera accessory: The Apple Watch, which defines the Apple industry, is now more popular than ever. Thanks to the latest releases, Apple moved 11.8 million Apple Watches in the third quarter of 2020. This is an increase of almost 75% from the same period last year. In related news, have you ever wanted a camera on your Apple Watch? No? Well, that didn’t stop this company from starting one.
• Best and Most Popular Apps of 2020 Revealed: Apple has launched a list of the 20 most downloaded apps on its App Store. You can see the full list here, but it shouldn’t be surprising which one is at the top (that’s Zoom, duh). Additionally, the company named their favorite app of 2020, and it’s a little-known app called Wakeout !, which gives tips for light exercise during office hours.
• Apple has been fined heavily for misleading claims: In Italy, a consumer watchdog organization slapped Apple with a fine of 10 million euros (~ $ 12 million) related to iPhones. The group claims that Apple’s advertising in the country has overestimated how long and how deep an iPhone can be submerged in water before it stops working.
• Apple extends its partnership with (PRODUCT) RED: Apple’s long-standing partnership with the (PRODUCT) RED charity group gives us iPhones, cases and other red-colored products every year. A portion of the proceeds from these products are used to fight the HIV / AIDS crisis in Africa. Last Tuesday, on World AIDS Day, Apple announced it was expanding this partnership to help tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the same parts of Africa that RED is already targeting.

Are you considering making the switch?

If you are reading this Apple news article on an iOS device and are considering upgrading to Android, we have several articles and guides that can help you with this process. Despite what it may sound like, switching from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many services and systems on iOS have similar or even identical counterparts on Android.

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of the best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, check out our list of the best Android smartphones available right now.