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While it seems hard to believe, it has already been nearly a month since the WWDC 2020 keynote, where Apple unveiled its latest software updates and confirmed that it will be transitioning to Macs with custom-designed processors. A last-minute rumor suggested that Apple also planned to unveil a redesigned iMac with thinner bezels at the event, but there ended up being no hardware refreshes.

MR-Future-Products-2020-Jul-Dark.jpg

The wait for new hardware could soon be over, however, as proven leaker "L0vetodream" has suggested that Apple has at least some new products "ready to ship." As usual, the tweet was rather cryptic, providing no further details.


The same Twitter account has revealed several accurate details about upcoming Apple hardware and software, including the launch timing of new iPhone SE and iPad Pro models earlier this year, the marketing name macOS Big Sur, the hand washing feature in watchOS 7, the handwriting-to-text feature Scribble in iPadOS 14, and much more.

It's unclear which Apple products could be imminent, but the iMac is a strong candidate. Last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple plans to refresh its existing Intel-based iMac in the third quarter of 2020, which runs through late September, prior to launching an iMac with Apple Silicon later this year. It is unclear if the Intel-based iMac refresh would include a redesign, or if that would be saved for the Apple Silicon model.

We're also still waiting for Apple's rumored AirTags items trackers, which would compete with Tile. MacRumors leaked several details about AirTags last year, but we haven't heard much on this front since Apple accidentally leaked the AirTags name in a support video back in April. It remains unclear if and when Apple will release the accessory.

Apple is also rumored to be planning high-end, over-ear headphones for release this year, but again, an exact timeframe remains unclear.

A new Apple TV is certainly overdue, with the box having last been updated in September 2017. We've heard rumors about a new Apple TV with an A12 chip or later for awhile now, but no announcement has transpired.

As for the HomePod, rumors have suggested that Apple is working on a smaller, lower-priced model for release this year. There has been some signs that a new HomePod could be on the horizon, such as inventory running low at times and Best Buy repeatedly offering the speaker on sale for $199.99, but there is still no word on a specific release date.

iPhone and lower-end iPad refreshes are not expected until the fall, followed by new AirPods and a larger 8.5-inch iPad mini in 2021.

Article Link: Leaker Suggests New Apple Products Are 'Ready to Ship' Amid Rumors of Intel-Based iMac Refresh
 
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It makes sense Apple would release a redesigned iMac with Intel chips. The chips are already prepped, it will juice enormous sales and provide time cover for the release of Apple Silicon laptops (which apart from chips will look identical to current models initially no doubt).
As for general products I hope a smaller HomePod and Over ears are coming soon. AirTags have all the makings of vaporware...
 
It seems absurd to me that Apple would unveil a new industrial design for the Intel-based iMac. They would almost certainly reserve the new design for the first Apple Silicon-based machine.
Apple could introduce the new design with intel chip and swap them with apple sillicon.
As the new MacBook Air design with intel chip and a poor heat dissipation.
 
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My guess:

27" Intel iMac: similar design, released very soon (July), maybe iMac Pro chassis to get better cooling for the 10th gen chips.

September keynote: iPhone related only (iPhone 12, AirPods Studio, maybe AirTags, wireless charger...)
October / November keynote: first batch of ARM Mac devices = the lower-end: iMac 24", MBA, maybe Macbook 12"
2021: second batch of ARM Mac devices = the higher-end: iMac 30-32", MBP 14"/16".
 
It seems absurd to me that Apple would unveil a new industrial design for the Intel-based iMac. They would almost certainly reserve the new design for the first Apple Silicon-based machine.

I don't think it's absurd at all.Most likely i'ts the 21" iMac (or new 24" - eg the smaller machine) that will go to Apple Silicon first and the 27" will probably be one of the last products 2 years down the line to move from Intel - so I wouldn't be surprised to see the new Intel based machine receive the new designed language that will go on from here for the next few years.
 
It seems absurd to me that Apple would unveil a new industrial design for the Intel-based iMac. They would almost certainly reserve the new design for the first Apple Silicon-based machine.
The Intel iMac redesign could have started before the final decision on the switch to Apple Silicon was made. Not holding it back seems reasonable. Any design issues that need improving cannot be blamed the chip architecture switch if the iMac is introduced with Intel.
 
While I hope the iMac piece is true, I also hope Apple doesn't remove the ability to upgrade RAM post-purchase, or cripple it (again) with inadequate cooling. (Yes, I know RAM is not upgradable on the 21.5" - I frankly don't care about that model.)

Unfortunately, I'm confident Apple will lock the next iMac down and make it all but impossible to upgrade post-purchase.
 
My guess:

27" Intel iMac: similar design, released very soon (July), maybe iMac Pro chassis to get better cooling for the 10th gen chips.

September keynote: iPhone related only (iPhone 12, AirPods Studio, maybe AirTags, wireless charger...)
October / November keynote: first batch of ARM Mac devices = the lower-end: iMac 24", MBA, maybe Macbook 12"
2021: second batch of ARM Mac devices = the higher-end: iMac 30-32", MBP 14"/16".

Close, but no change to iMac Pro (it doesn't run 10th gen Intel anyway and if anything they're cooler than the Xeons already in it)

Don't think you'll see a 12" MacBook back again - all signs point to Apple replacing the entry-level 13" MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon first - people seem to forget there are two tiers of 13" MBP from the cheaper version didn't get touched with the mid 2020 refresh and still has 8th gen Intel processors in it - almost certainly this becomes one of the first Apple Silicon machines along with a low end smaller iMac.
 
Apple could introduce the new design with intel chip and swap them with apple sillicon.
As the new MacBook Air design with intel chip and a poor heat dissipation.

I have a feeling even with overclocking and some cooling, the new chips run so much cooler they'll allow for a design that *can't* accommodate an intel chip (super thin). Imagine an ultra thin screen with no bump/curve for the hardware like with current Macs (flat from edge to edge)
 
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Is there any credible analysis out there about when we could see the next rev to the 16” MacBook Pro? I’m hoping the next rev will support LPDDR again.
 
Can not remember ever that Apple has introduced hardware at the WWDC a software only event...
Apple has announced several products at WWDC.

eg. iPhone 4, Apple's first Retina product.

In my dreams too, bud.

Let's get back to reality: this is far too cryptic to be a reliable leak.
Right now, he is the most reliable leaker out there. And he begins most of his tweets like that for whatever reason. Based on this, I'd expect some Apple hardware releases very soon, probably this month.

I'm guessing we'll see a new iMac Intel, although I'm not sure if it will be the old design or a new one.

As for the Apple TV, I'm still trying to figure out what benefit an A12 would be over A10X unless they add something else like more RAM and/or more storage. I'm not convinced they'd use A12Z but who knows?
 
Close, but no change to iMac Pro (it doesn't run 10th gen Intel anyway and if anything they're cooler than the Xeons already in it)

Don't think you'll see a 12" MacBook back again - all signs point to Apple replacing the entry-level 13" MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon first - people seem to forget there are two tiers of 13" MBP from the cheaper version didn't get touched with the mid 2020 refresh and still has 8th gen Intel processors in it - almost certainly this becomes one of the first Apple Silicon machines along with a low end smaller iMac.

Well, I think they will discontinue the iMac Pro. I guess the plan with iMac Pro was to develop better cooling technology for the iMac and to somehow fill the gap between old Mac Pro (trashcan) and current Mac Pro for the pro users. I don't think the will ever release an updated iMac Pro.
 
With things still as they are, it would make sense to keep the products unreleased until the September/October event. Announce it all then and make whatever is available to ship available immediately after.
With people still facing uncertainty right now, it’s best to kick the ball a little further upfield.
 
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