Leaker: Apple Planning iPad Air With Under-Screen Touch ID, ARM MacBook, Game Controller, and More

[PostApple2016BrainWash]

You guys may all be right, but I was hoping that those who responded might be able to cite some sources. Might you have any for this? Because in their absence, I think we're all just operating on informed speculation. For instance, this experienced tech writer (also operating on informed speculation) opines the opposite:

What’s Stopping Apple From Making The Next MacBook Air Run On iPadOS? Absolutely Nothing

Could Apple go the whole hog and switch laptops such as the MacBook Air from macOS to what’s currently known as iPadOS? Yes, it could. At a stroke.

www.forbes.com

It's a doable idea and optional choice to run iPadOS that Apple will be able to do it not only for serving the customer demand but also increase iPadOS service revenue.

 

[chucker23n1]

You guys may all be right, and my own guess about this agrees with yours: Apple has recently, and explicitly, recommitted themselves to the Mac, and designing a MacBook that doesn't run MacOS would run counter to this. But I was hoping that those who responded might be able to cite some sources. Might you have any for this? Because in their absence, I think we're all just operating on informed speculation. For instance, this experienced tech writer (also operating on informed speculation) opines the opposite:

What’s Stopping Apple From Making The Next MacBook Air Run On iPadOS? Absolutely Nothing

Could Apple go the whole hog and switch laptops such as the MacBook Air from macOS to what’s currently known as iPadOS? Yes, it could. At a stroke.

www.forbes.com

The entire idea that Apple might do a Mac that runs on ARM is "informed speculation".

However, if a MacBook doesn't run macOS, is it really a MacBook, or is it just an iPad, iBook*, or similar? Why bother calling it MacBook if it's not a Mac?

*) Apple is not beyond brand re-use

 

[Analog Kid]

the iPad or iPhone that has a faceID just swipe up, it will unlock (if you include tap to wake then that's 2 steps)

This doesn’t work if your hand is covering the sensor, or if the iPad is on the table and your face isn’t directly over it. It might be preferable to you, but I’m not discussing hypotheticals here— these two scenarios are a common source of frustration for me.

you have to tap to wake, and then look for that small portion where that fingerprint scanner is and then rest your finger to unlock, that doesnt even include rotating the ipad for the right position to press unless that scanner will work even with your finger is sideways or upside down.

Apple added rotated FaceID to iPad, I’m sure it would handle rotated TouchID. You have to be looking at the screen to activate FaceID, so that’s not a new limitation and noticing which of two possible places the TouchID sensor is located (assuming there is only one small region) won’t be much of a burden and is no worse than needing to locate which of the two possible locations the FaceID sensor is located.

Frankly, I wish my watch would unlock it, but since they don‘t seem to include that functionality then being able to leave it on my desk, pick up the pencil, and touch the screen to start taking notes would be a much smoother workflow for me.

 

[RaoulDuke42]

I would love it if they brought back the 12" MacBook.

Currently using the first gen 2015 model and absolutely love it, but its not going to last forever, so i do hope the bring the 12" back, preferably exactly the same design.

I second that- with the exception of the keyboard, let's see a return of the 12" with the new "Magic keyboard" and an Apple designed CPU. Would be the illest.

 

[Techwatcher]

No x86-64 programs (unless they emulate) and no Bootcamp. 2021 is going to be interesting for this new direction of MacBook. Good thing they’re testing it on one model first apparently. But if macOS will be running on ARM then what’s their excuse for not bringing an optional boot of macOS to iPad Pro since iPad Pro now has a Magic Keyboard?

 

[unQuestionable]

I am led to believe the ARM based MacBooks will have an actual Touch Screen in place of the TrackPad. It's already a touch screen with haptic feedback, to make it a digital screen wouldn't require too much extra engineering, and you'd be able to have full Apple Pencil support and more, and STILL technically means it's not a touch screen Mac.

 

[CarlJ]

I am led to believe the ARM based MacBooks will have an actual Touch Screen in place of the TrackPad.

It’s a rumor, but I’m not sure how much of that is grounded in reality and how much is people wishing for it to be true.

 

[anshuvorty]

I am led to believe the ARM based MacBooks will have an actual Touch Screen in place of the TrackPad. It's already a touch screen with haptic feedback, to make it a digital screen wouldn't require too much extra engineering, and you'd be able to have full Apple Pencil support and more, and STILL technically means it's not a touch screen Mac.

Maybe in the future. There is no way Apple will just introduce a radically new design for their Apple Silicon Macs during this transition. They want people to feel the comfortable and familiar with the product but with insane specs. Once people are convinced that these products are just as good, if not, better than their Intel counterparts, then, Apple can go ham with the design elements.

....at least, that is how I think Apple will go about introducing the Apple Silicon Macs and the transition and new designs....who knows??!??! Just my $0.02.