MacRumors

Twitter user @DongleBookPro has today shared images of a prototype iPhone 5s in an unreleased Black and Slate color.

The ‌iPhone‌ 5s was launched in September 2013. The device featured Touch ID, a 64-bit processor, and a True Tone LED flash for the first time. Other new features included a five-element lens with an f/2.2 aperture, a 15 percent larger camera sensor, Burst Mode, and Slo-Mo 720p video capture at 120 frames per second.

The ‌iPhone‌ 5s offered Gold and Space Gray color options for the first time, and was also available in Silver. The previous-generation ‌iPhone‌ 5 was available in White and Silver, and Black and Slate. This prototype ‌iPhone‌ 5s is extremely unusual as it uses the ‌iPhone‌ 5's Black and Slate color option.

While it is possible that Apple was considering offering the ‌iPhone‌ 5s in Black and Slate, before opting for Space Gray instead, DongleBookPro suggests that the color was likely used to help conceal the next-generation device during development.

In addition, it is also notable that the prototype ‌iPhone‌ 5s was manufactured in December 2012, a mere three months after the launch of the iPhone 5 and nine months before it would be announced. This offers some indication of how far ahead the ‌iPhone‌'s development cycle runs.

The ‌iPhone‌ 5's Black and Slate color option was ultimately dropped in favor of Space Gray on the ‌iPhone‌ 5s, which has generally been a mainstay of ‌iPhone‌ color options since. The only models since then to not be available in a Space Gray option were the ‌iPhone‌ 7, ‌iPhone‌ 11, ‌iPhone‌ 12, and ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro.

Black and Slate was among the more short-lived Apple device colors, with the option only being available for the ‌iPhone‌ 5, first-generation iPad mini, and fifth-generation iPod Touch. The finish also spurned "scuffgate," where some ‌iPhone‌ 5 users complained about the tendency of the Black and Slate finish to be easily chipped, scratched, and scuffed, which may have contributed to it being discontinued.

DongleBookPro regularly posts images of unreleased Apple devices and prototypes, such as a first-generation iPod touch prototype with a 2013 Mac Pro-style glossy black finish and a first-generation Mac mini with an iPod nano dock.

This week was sure a busy one in the Apple world, with a flurry of announcements out of CES early in the week followed by a rash of Mac- and iPhone-related rumors later in the week.

The new rumors this week included details on updated MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro models, as well as a few other tidbits, so make sure to read on below to get caught up!

Kuo: New MacBook Pro Models to Feature Flat-Edged Design, MagSafe, No Touch Bar and More Ports

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week released a significant report sharing several new details about the next-generation MacBook Pro models coming in the third quarter of this year.

According to Kuo, Apple will be releasing 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring Apple silicon, a redesign with flatter iPhone 12-like edges, the return of MagSafe for charging, and more ports. Apple is also said to be getting rid of the controversial Touch Bar that has replaced the traditional function keys for the past several years.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also weighed in on the topic, corroborating many of the details shared by Kuo and noting that the new MacBook Pro models will also feature "brighter, higher-contrast" displays and that the return of MagSafe will allow for faster charging.

Apple Developing Redesigned iMac With Slimmer Bezels, Apple Silicon Chips

Along with redesigned 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple is also planning a redesign for its iMac lineup, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Gurman says there will be two iMac models to replace the current 21.5-inch and 27-inch sizes, and they will feature a design similar to that of the Pro Display XDR, with slimmer display bezels all around (including removal of the long-standing "chin" beneath the display) and a flat back. The new iMacs will also be based on Apple silicon chips with more processing cores and graphics horsepower than seen in the initial batch of M1 Macs released in late 2020.

Apple Working on Two New Mac Pro Desktops, One of Which Will Be Reminiscent of Power Mac G4 Cube

Also on the desktop Mac front, Gurman says Apple is working on a pair of Mac Pro models. The first is a direct successor to the current model and is likely to continue to use Intel processors.

The second model is said to be less than half the size of the current Mac Pro and will feature a mostly aluminum exterior with a design that could "invoke nostalgia" for the Power Mac G4 Cube of old.

Apple Said to Be Working on Lower-Priced External Monitor to Succeed Thunderbolt Display

With Apple's Pro Display XDR priced at $5,000 (plus an additional $1,000 for the stand), many Apple users have been clamoring for Apple to launch a new consumer-focused display, and Gurman says Apple also has one of these in the works.

Few details on the new consumer display are known beyond scaled-down specs compared to the Pro Display XDR, but it would be Apple's first consumer-focused display since the Thunderbolt Display was discontinued in 2016.

Apple Testing In-Display Fingerprint Sensor for iPhone 13, Foldable iPhone Also in the Works

In a separate report, Gurman highlighted developments on the iPhone front, claiming that Apple is considering adding an under-display Touch ID sensor to this year's iPhone, in addition to the Face ID TrueDepth sensor.

He also says Apple is indeed working on foldable iPhones and developed several prototype foldable screens with electronics behind the screen and a mostly invisible hinge. Development is still in its early stages, however, so a launch of a foldable iPhone is "likely years away," if it ever happens at all.

The Best Apple-Related Accessories at CES 2021

This week marked the first all-digital CES 2021, and while Apple does not directly participate in the convention, there are always a wide variety of Apple-related announcements, including HomeKit smart home accessories, AirPlay 2 speakers and TVs, CarPlay receivers, and more.

On our YouTube channel this week, we highlighted some of the best Apple-related accessories introduced at CES 2021. This year's picks include Kensington's new iPad Pro docking station with built-in iPhone and AirPods wireless charging, LG's first UltraFine display with OLED technology for Macs, wireless earphones from Belkin that will integrate with Apple's Find My app for lost-and-found capabilities, and more.

Visit our CES 2021 news hub for our complete coverage, and subscribe to MacRumors on YouTube for more Apple-related videos.

New AirPods Pro and iPhone SE Rumored to Launch in April

Apple plans to release second-generation AirPods Pro and a third-generation iPhone SE in April 2021, according to Japanese blog Mac Otakara, citing information provided by Chinese supply chain sources.

The report claims that the new AirPods Pro will come with a slightly narrower charging case, but no further details were provided about either product.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple is aiming to make the second-generation AirPods Pro more compact by eliminating the stem that sticks out from the bottom, but it's unclear if Apple will achieve this feat. Gurman said Apple had a design in testing with a more rounded shape that fills more of the ear, similar to Google's Pixel Buds.

As for the iPhone SE, many rumors have suggested that a larger version of the device could be released. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously said that Apple plans to release an iPhone with an LCD and a Touch ID power button in 2021, and perhaps that device will be the new iPhone SE.

Safari Allows Users to Enable Hidden 'Items' Tab in 'Find My' App Ahead of AirTags Launch

Apple's long-rumored AirTags items trackers are expected to be managed through the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This week, a simple Safari trick was discovered that allows anyone to get an early look at this tab on these devices.

As spotted by MacRumors reader David Chu, entering the link findmy://items in Safari on devices running iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, macOS 11.1, or later leads to a hidden "Items" tab in the Find My app where both AirTags and third-party tracking accessories are expected to be managed. It's still unclear when AirTags will launch, but Apple often introduces its first new products of a calendar year in March.

Similar to Tile and Samsung's new Galaxy SmartTag, AirTags are expected to help users keep track of their personal belongings, such as their keys, wallets, and backpacks, with users receiving a push notification on their Apple devices when they are separated from a tagged item. AirTags are expected to support Ultra Wideband for improved spatial awareness, whereas the current Tile and Samsung trackers are limited to Bluetooth (both Tile and Samsung are expected to release Ultra Wideband trackers as well in the future).

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Apple has started "early work" on an iPhone that has a foldable display, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Though testing of a foldable ‌iPhone‌ has begun, Apple has not committed to releasing a device that has a foldable display.

Development has not yet expanded beyond a display and Apple does not have full foldable ‌iPhone‌ prototypes in its labs. Like foldable smartphones from other companies, a foldable ‌iPhone‌ would allow for Apple to create a larger display in a package that is still pocketable.

Apple has discussed several foldable screen sizes, including one that unfolds to a size similar to the 6.7-inch display on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple's designs are said to have a "mostly invisible hinge" with electronics located behind the display rather than two panels separated by a visible hinge.

Bloomberg suggests that a foldable ‌iPhone‌ is likely "years away" or "ultimately may never be introduced," with Apple mostly focusing on the updates to its flagship iPhones and iPads that are coming in 2021.

The ‌iPhone‌ 13 models planned for this year are not expected to feature major design changes, as the 2020 ‌iPhone‌ models marked a significant technology and design overhaul. Apple engineers are said to consider the 2021 iPhones as an "S" version of the 2020 models. Apple has in the past used the "S" nomenclature in years where ‌iPhone‌ models featured more minor updates.

Though design changes are expected to be minor, Apple is testing an in-screen Touch ID fingerprint reader that would mark a major change to the biometric systems that Apple has used for flagship devices since the launch of the ‌iPhone‌ X.

The fingerprint sensor would be made available in addition to Face ID, and would be convenient for ‌iPhone‌ users who cannot unlock their iPhones with facial recognition when using masks.

Apple has also considered removing the charging port for some ‌iPhone‌ models in favor of wireless charging, and that appears to be something that's still on the table for the 2021 iPhones at this time.

Bloomberg's report today also confirms that AirTags are expected to see a 2021 launch and it reiterates iPad Pro rumors that suggest Apple is working on an updated version with a mini-LED display and a faster processor.

Apple this week implemented a server side blocking mechanism to prevent M1 Mac owners from sideloading iOS apps that have not been made available on the Mac by iOS app developers.

As noted by 9to5Mac, it is no longer possible to use third-party apps like iMazing to obtain an app .ipa file to install it on an ‌M1‌ Mac, a workaround that has been available since M1 Macs launched.

Attempting to sideload an app using the previously working method now results in an error that says "This application cannot be installed because the developer did not intend for it to run on this platform."

App developers have the option to make their iPhone and iPad apps available on ‌M1‌ Macs, but they can also choose not to do so. Popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Instagram, and others have opted not to make their iOS apps available on ‌M1‌ Macs and it was previously possible to install and use them with apps like iMazing or Apple Configurator 2, but that has ended.

The only ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ apps that can be installed on ‌M1‌ Macs are those that developers have expressly flagged and greenlit for use on Macs. Sideloaded apps already up and running can still be used, as this only affects new app installations. The same goes for previously downloaded .ipa files.

Apple has disabled the sideloading app feature on ‌M1‌ Macs running macOS Big Sur 11.1 and the macOS Big Sur 11.2 beta.

Apple has not been successful in reducing the amount of money that it owes VirnetX in patent infringement fees, with the Cupertino company today losing an appeal that would have vacated or reduced a $502.8 million award.

According to Reuters, a federal judge today denied Apple's request for a new trial and claims that the award should not exceed $113.7 million.

Apple must pay the original $502.8 million that was awarded to VirnetX in October 2020, and combined with a prior $454 million award, the payments, future royalties, and interest could result in Apple paying VirnetX more than $1.1 billion.

Jurors in both of the lawsuits that VirnetX levied against Apple ruled in favor of VirnetX and said that Apple's FaceTime, iMessage, and VPN on Demand features had infringed on VirnetX patents related to communications security.

Going forward, Apple will need to pay 84 cents per iPhone or iPad for future infringements, which is more than Apple wanted to pay. Apple claimed future royalties should be zero or no more than 19 cents per unit.

The legal battle between the two companies has spanned more than 10 years, having first kicked off in 2010.

Surprise late night rumors last night provided us with our first in-depth look at what we can expect from the new MacBook Pro models that are coming in 2021, and there are some significant changes in the works.

Along with additional ports, a new flat-edged design, and the removal of the Touch Bar, Apple's updated ‌MacBook Pro‌ machines will readopt MagSafe.

MagSafe in the 2021 MacBook Pro Models

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will go back to a ‌MagSafe‌ charging connector, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in a separate report agreed and clarified that the ‌MagSafe‌ port will be a standalone charging port used instead of USB-C, with the new port located next to the USB-C ports.

The design of the new ‌MagSafe‌ connector will be similar to the design of the previous ‌MagSafe‌ connector used on Macs, and it will allow for faster charging speeds than are possible with USB-C.

MagSafe 1 - 2006

‌MagSafe‌ first debuted in January of 2006 when Apple launched the first-ever MacBook Pro, which was also the first Mac laptop with an Intel chip inside. There have been a total of two versions of ‌MagSafe‌, and the 2006 ‌MacBook Pro‌ used the original ‌MagSafe‌ connector.

The first ‌MagSafe‌ port featured a square-shape design with five holes, which attached to an accompanying connector using a magnetic connection. The idea was that if the connector was tugged, it would detach quickly and smoothly without causing damage to the ‌MagSafe‌ port or pulling the ‌MacBook Pro‌ off of a table or desk.

As with USB-C, ‌MagSafe‌ had a design that allowed the connector to be attached to a Mac in either orientation, and charging was even simpler than with USB-C because there was no need to enter a cable into a port - you just lined up the connector and it adhered right in place magnetically. Apple developed 45W, 60W, and 85W ‌MagSafe‌ connectors for various machines.

Initially, Apple used a T-shaped design that directed the cable straight out from a machine, but the original ‌MagSafe‌ was transitioned to an L-shaped design that positioned the cable on the side of a computer. The T-shaped design was used from 2006 to 2009, while the L-shaped design was used from 2010 through 2012.

MagSafe 2 - 2012

Apple in 2012 introduced a new version of ‌MagSafe‌ called ‌MagSafe‌ 2, featuring a thinner and wider port and a new connector design that was suited to the thinner Macs that Apple unveiled that year. ‌MagSafe‌ 2 connectors were not compatible with original ‌MagSafe‌ ports, requiring an adapter.

Apple went back to its T-shaped design for ‌MagSafe‌ 2 and stuck with it for the life of ‌MagSafe‌, and this is likely the same design and cable orientation that we'll see in the 2021 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models.

MagSafe Discontinuation

In 2016, with the introduction of the USB-C ‌MacBook Pro‌ models, Apple began discontinuing ‌MagSafe‌. ‌MacBook Pro‌ models released between 2016 and 2020 do not use ‌MagSafe‌ technology and instead charge through one of the machine's USB-C ports. ‌MagSafe‌ was fully phased out of the Mac lineup, and the last machine with ‌MagSafe‌, the 2017 MacBook Air, was discontinued by Apple in July 2019.

MagSafe's Return

Apple started bringing back ‌MagSafe‌ in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12 lineup. The ‌iPhone‌ 12 models feature a built-in ring of magnets to support a magnetic wireless charger option which Apple has named ‌MagSafe‌, and soon, ‌MagSafe‌ charging could be revived across Apple's product lineup.

Based on the rumors we've heard so far, it sounds like the upcoming ‌MagSafe‌ connector in the 2021 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will look similar to the ‌MagSafe‌ 2 connector that has since been discontinued. It is unlikely to be identical, however, as it is said to charge new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models more quickly than USB-C.

Past ‌MagSafe‌ cords were prone to breakage and fraying around the charging connector, so Apple may have a new design in mind for the 2021 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models to alleviate the problem.

In the past, Apple has not licensed its ‌MagSafe‌ technology, but that could change for the 2021 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models. Apple is allowing third-party companies to develop MagSafe-based charging options for the ‌iPhone‌, so this time around, we could potentially see third-party ‌MagSafe‌ charging solutions for the Mac, but that's not guaranteed.

MagSafe Hardware

With Apple planning to debut a new ‌MagSafe‌ connector option, it's a sign that the hardware needed to charge a Mac will continue to be shipped with Mac machines. With the 2020 iPhones, Apple stopped providing power adapters for charging purposes, but it doesn't seem like that's a move that will expand to the Mac lineup.

The switch back to ‌MagSafe‌ is likely to be popular with ‌MacBook Pro‌ owners who have been missing the feature since Apple transitioned to USB-C. In fact, the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models appear to be removing all of the features that Mac owners have complained about, including the Touch Bar that has never caught on the way that Apple hoped it would, and the limited number of ports on USB-C machines.

WhatsApp has opted to delay new privacy policy changes that have led to a significant amount of confusion over data sharing with Facebook, WhatsApp announced today. The planned privacy policy update will be delayed for three months, but it is not canceled.

According to WhatsApp, there's been "a lot of misinformation" leading to concern about the update. WhatsApp clarifies that the update does not expand its ability to share data with Facebook and is instead simply providing further transparency about how user data is collected and shared when using a new tool for messaging a business on WhatsApp.

With these updates, none of that is changing. Instead, the update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data. While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it's important people are aware of these services. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.

WhatsApp is now planning to move back the date on which people will need to review and accept the new terms and conditions to use the WhatsApp app, and no accounts will be deleted or suspended on February 8, which was the original date WhatsApp planned to enact the new policy. WhatsApp will now "do a lot more" to clear up misinformation about how privacy and security works, and then will make the new business options available on May 15.

WhatsApp first announced its new usage terms in early January, and the changes at the time suggested WhatsApp would share additional data with Facebook such as phone number, service-related information, IP address, and transaction data, but WhatsApp has since made it clear that the update does not affect data sharing with Facebook in terms of user chats or profile information, with the new terms instead applying to those who use the business chat feature.

WhatsApp has in fact shared some user information with Facebook since 2016, such as phone number, but chat messages and phone calls remain private and protected with end-to-end encryption.

Though there is a delay in the rollout of the new privacy policy, WhatsApp told The Verge that there will be no changes. The update is designed to make it clear to users that messages to businesses could be stored on Facebook servers, necessitating data sharing between the two companies. Facebook will be able to use that data for ad targeting and to improve its digital commerce business.

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Satechi to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard and an Aluminum Desktop Stand for the iPad, both of which are Satechi's newest accessories.

Announced last week, the $70 Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard is a compact, travel-friendly keyboard that works with Apple's Macs and iPads. At 11 inches long and 4.5 inches wide, it tucks neatly in a bag or backpack for taking on the go, but it still has a full QWERTY layout.

For those who prefer something larger for desktop use, Satechi also has the Slim X3 Keyboard, which features the same design but with a numeric keypad and additional function keys. Both versions are available with either Bluetooth connectivity or a wired connection.

The keys are backlit with 10 adjustable brightness levels, and multiple Bluetooth connections are supported so you can swap between a Mac, ‌iPad‌, and iPhone with just the press of a button. There are built-in macOS and iOS function keys, and a USB-C port is included to recharge the keyboard.

Designed specifically with Apple users in mind, the keyboard has an aluminum build that is meant to match Apple devices, and no special setup is required for it to work. It is compatible with 2012 and newer Macs, the ‌iPhone‌ X and later, and Apple's iPads.

Alongside the Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard, Satechi unveiled the Aluminum Desktop Stand, which is built to work with Apple's modern iPads, including the 2019/2020 iPad Pro and 2020 iPad Air, but it is also compatible with iPhones and any other 4-inch to 13-inch smartphone or tablet.

Priced at $45, the Aluminum Desktop Stand is designed to turn the ‌iPad‌ into a multi-purpose workstation. An adjustable mount and base hinges allow for the ‌iPad‌ to be positioned just where you need it, and the stand can be used in either landscape or portrait mode.

The mount is adjustable to 180 degrees, while the hinges can be adjusted 135 degrees, allowing for quite a bit of flexibility for hands-free video watching, FaceTime calls, fitness videos, and work when paired with a keyboard. It can even be folded down and used as a sketching base.

As the name suggests, Satechi created the Aluminum Desktop Stand from aluminum in an effort to match Apple's devices, and it is available in a space gray shade. Grip pads on the stand hold your devices in place while you work.

We have a Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard and Aluminum Desktop Stand to give away to 15 MacRumors readers. To enter to win our giveaway, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The contest will run from today (January 15) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 22. The winners will be chosen randomly on January 22 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.

Apple is developing two versions of the Mac Pro to succeed the ‌Mac Pro‌ that was first released in December 2019, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

The first updated ‌Mac Pro‌ is a direct successor to the current ‌Mac Pro‌ and it will use the same design. It may also be equipped with Intel processors rather than Apple silicon chips, and it could be one of the sole machines in the Mac lineup to continue to rely on Intel technology. Rumors suggest that most other machines are transitioning to Apple silicon.

The second machine will use Apple silicon chips and it will be less than half the size of the current ‌Mac Pro‌, putting it somewhere between the existing ‌Mac Pro‌ and the Mac mini. It will feature a mostly aluminum exterior, and Bloomberg suggests that it could "invoke nostalgia" for the Power Mac G4 Cube.

Apple is testing Apple silicon chips with as many as 32 high performance cores for its desktop computers, and 16 to 32-core graphics options are also in the works. For its highest-end machines, though, Apple is developing more expensive 64 and 128-core GPUs, which would be several times faster than the graphics options Apple uses from AMD.

There is no word on when the two new ‌Mac Pro‌ models might come out. Apple is working on transitioning its Mac lineup to Apple silicon chips, a process that is expected to take up to two years to complete. In a prior report, Bloomberg said that the Apple silicon ‌Mac Pro‌ was planned to launch by 2022.

Along with new redesigned 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple also has major plans for other Macs in the Mac lineup. We've been hearing rumors about a redesigned iMac for more than a year now, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today shared a report that offers details on what to expect.

The new ‌iMac‌ models will feature slimmed down bezels around the screen, and the metal chin will be removed in favor of a design that's similar to the Pro Display XDR monitor that Apple released in 2019.

Rather than a curved rear design, the iMacs will feature a flat back, which is also a design that we're expecting to see with the upcoming ‌MacBook Pro‌ models, and prior rumors have described this as "iPad Pro design language." There will be two versions to replace the existing 21.5 and 27-inch models, and prior rumors have suggested that one of these models will measure in at 23 to 24 inches.

Like the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models, the redesigned iMacs will adopt Apple silicon chips, and the revamped look will coincide with Apple's move to shift away from Intel's chips, giving the iMacs updated processors and a fresh design all at once.

Apple plans to equip the new iMacs with next-generation versions of the Apple silicon chips that will be faster and with more GPU power. Apple is testing Apple silicon chips with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, but higher-end desktop models could have as many as 32 high-performance cores. Apple is also working on improved GPU technology and is testing 16 and 32-core graphics components.

Apple is expected to release the new iMacs in 2021, but specific launch timelines aren't known at this time.

Apple has started early development of a lower-priced external monitor that would be sold alongside its high-end Pro Display XDR, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The display would be a consumer-oriented successor to Apple's previous Thunderbolt Display, introduced in 2011 for $999 and discontinued in 2016.

The report claims that Apple's new lower-priced display will feature reduced brightness and contrast ratio compared to the Pro Display XDR, which is priced at $4,999 before factoring in an optional $999 stand:

As part of its revived Mac desktop efforts, Apple has started early development of a lower-priced external monitor to sell alongside the Pro Display XDR. Apple’s current monitor debuted in 2019 and costs $5,000 — before factoring in the $1,000 stand.

The cheaper monitor would feature a screen geared more for consumer than professional use and wouldn’t have the brightness and contrast ratio of the top-tier offering. Apple last launched a consumer-grade monitor called the Thunderbolt Display in 2011 for $999 but discontinued it in 2016.

There is no word on the size, resolution, or other specs of Apple's lower-priced display yet, but the Pro Display XDR is equipped with a 32-inch 6K display, while the Thunderbolt Display had a 27-inch panel with a QHD resolution of 2560x1440. The display would likely have far thinner front bezels than the Thunderbolt Display.

Apple is considering launching a new subscription service that would be focused on podcasts, according to unnamed sources that spoke to The Information. The service would charge people to listen to podcasts.

By creating a paid podcasting service, Apple could potentially lure podcast creators with the promise of more money, stealing them away from other platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, and Amazon.

Apple has long had a popular Podcasts app and has maintained a podcast distribution service on its Mac and iOS platforms, but Apple has not to date attempted to make money from it.

Over the course of the last couple of years, the podcast market has grown and Apple's rivals like Spotify have been snapping up major podcasting names, leading to consolidation in the industry. As The Information points out, Spotify has spent $800 million buying podcasting companies like Gimlet Media and The Ringer, as well as acquiring the rights to popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience.

In the future, many podcasts may be exclusive to specific platforms and may also come with a subscription fee, and Apple could establish itself as one of the first companies to have a dedicated podcasting service.

Apple has been building out its podcast efforts in recent years. Rumors from Bloomberg have suggested Apple is working on original podcasts that will be exclusive to the podcasts app.

Apple plans to purchase original content and will also create audio spinoffs of existing movies and programs on Apple TV+. In the fall, Apple hired Jake Shapiro, a veteran radio executive, to head up a team working with podcast creators.

According to The Information, talks between Apple and production companies for a podcast service are taking place now, but it continues to be unclear if Apple will follow through and launch the service. If it does launch, it could be bundled with other services like Apple Music, ‌Apple TV‌+, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+ as part of the Apple One bundles that the company offers.

The possibility of a paid podcasting service was raised by Loup Ventures analysts earlier this month in a report that suggested Apple could be working on a range of new paid services including Podcasts+, Stocks+, and Mail+.

Update 10:24 a.m.: Bloomberg is corroborating the claim, citing its own sources claiming that Apple "has discussed the plan to create a subscription service with its partners."

Apple today shared a new "Shot on iPhone" video that offers a behind the scenes look at what it takes to create "Shot on ‌iPhone‌" movies.

The video features four student filmmakers reimagining cinema tradition in a new way and taking advantage of classic noir, magical realism, stop-motion animation, and more.

The videos were shot using one of Apple's new ‌iPhone‌ 12 devices, and the full films that were created with the iPhones will be coming to Apple's YouTube channel on January 19, January 26, and January 27.

First introduced in 2016, the controversial Touch Bar may be on its way out this year, with reputable Apple sources Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman indicating that Apple plans to remove the feature on new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in 2021.

In a research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said that the Touch Bar will be replaced with a row of physical function keys, in line with previous-generation MacBook Pro models and the current MacBook Air. Gurman weighed in on the matter in a report with Bloomberg, claiming that Apple has tested new MacBook Pro models without a Touch Bar, and he was more decisive in a follow-up tweet.

Following these reports, "Touch Bar" is now trending on Twitter, with many users reacting enthusiastically about its potential removal and others expressing hope that the Touch Bar will remain on at least some MacBook Pro models.

Apple described the Touch Bar as "revolutionary" and "groundbreaking" when it was first introduced on the 2016 MacBook Pro. The touchscreen strip is positioned above the keyboard, providing users with customizable controls, ranging from traditional function keys to app-specific shortcuts and features. A popular example is the Touch Bar displaying a row of emoji when composing a message in the Messages app.

"The Touch Bar places controls right at the user's fingertips and adapts when using the system or apps like Mail, Finder, Calendar, Numbers, GarageBand, Final Cut Pro X and many more, including third-party apps," Apple said in 2016. "For example, the Touch Bar can show Tabs and Favorites in Safari, enable easy access to emoji in Messages, provide a simple way to edit images or scrub through videos in Photos and so much more."

Apple already made a slight concession by introducing a physical Esc key on the latest 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models after users complained about the virtual Esc key in the Touch Bar on previous models.

Kuo expects the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models to launch in the third quarter of 2021, which begins in late June.

The long-rumored Apple Car could use a "C1" chip based on the A12 Bionic processor and boast in-cabin AI capabilities such as eye-tracking, according to a highly-speculative report by analyst Colin Barnden for EETimes.

The report outlines the methodology and licensed technologies believed to be behind an Apple automotive-grade processor, which it tentatively calls the "C1" chip.

Since Apple will require a chip foundry with capacity for automotive processes, the report suggests that Samsung or TSMC could supply Apple. TSMC is believed to have been developing a 7nm automotive-grade process for some time, and Samsung has developed the Exynos Auto V9 SoC on its 8nm process.

With an understanding of the limitations of suppliers, the report suggests that the C1 could bear a close resemblance to the design of the A12 Bionic chip, which is already fabricated with a similar 7nm process, and be manufactured by TSMC.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving Chip has 6 billion transistors and a power consumption of 36W, falling short of Apple's A12, which has 6.9 billion transistors and a power consumption of 3.5W. Due to its parity with existing automotive SoCs, it is speculated that the C1 will be based on the A12 Bionic, before being modified for specific automotive applications.

I'm certain Apple would make some tweaks, changes and additions to keep us all guessing, but if the iCar is to enter production in 2024, then a lightly modified variant of the A12 looks like a great starting point for the C1. After all, why re-invent the wheel?

With the knowledge that Apple licenses technologies that it cannot design itself, such as Arm architectural technologies and CPU cores, the report proposes that Apple will license a number of technologies for the C1. Foremost is the Occula NPU core from Seeing Machines, which would enable Apple to implement a plethora of in-cabin AI features such as driver eye-gaze tracking.

Seeing Machines has adopted an Arm-like business model for licensing the Occula Neural Processing Unit, making it available for Apple to implement into its own custom chip designs. Occula boasts AI and computer vision algorithms, human factors expertise with naturalistic driving data, IR optical path expertise operating, and a 3-pillar embedded processing strategy. The technology is therefore believed to be Cupertino's first choice for designing AI-driven in-cabin monitoring systems.

There is some debate around how close Apple's consumer vehicle is to market, with speculated launch dates varying from 2024 to 2027. Nevertheless, there has been a striking increase in reports surrounding the Apple Car which suggest that the project is gathering momentum, with Hyundai recently confirming that it is in negotiations regarding Apple Car production.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today outlined his expectations for all-new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models later this year, including the return of the classic MagSafe charging connector, the removal of the Touch Bar, a new flat-edged design, and the return of more ports built into the notebooks for expanded connectivity.

One of the most controversial design changes to the MacBook Pro came in 2016, when Apple removed the majority of ports from the notebook, forcing users who still rely on I/O options like USB-A and HDMI to purchase adapters or docks. Apple used the removal of ports as an opportunity to tout its "thinnest and lightest MacBook Pro ever," but the decision was criticized by many users and even prompted a "dongle hell" meme.

While current MacBook Pro models are equipped with only two to four Thunderbolt ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, it wasn't always this way. From 2012 to 2015, the 15-inch MacBook Pro offered a wider selection of I/O, including a MagSafe connector, two Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

In 2011, the 15-inch MacBook Pro offered even more connectivity options, including MagSafe, a Gigabit Ethernet port, FireWire 800, a Thunderbolt port, two USB-A ports, an SD card reader, separate audio in and audio out jacks, a CD/DVD drive, and a slot to connect a Kensington security lock. This model also had a small strip of LEDs built into the chassis that showed how much charge the battery had remaining with the push of a small button.

For now, it remains unclear what new ports will be added to the 2021 MacBook Pro, if the rumor proves to be accurate. In his research note, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said that the notebooks will be "equipped with more types of I/O, and most users may not need to purchase additional dongles," but he did not share anything more specific.

Kuo expects the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models to launch in the third quarter of 2021, which begins in late June.