Top 5 Apple Products to Look Forward to in 2024

[pappl]

I'm hoping for these new things:

- Siri AI, and hopefully this will replace the default search engines in Safari (use Siri AI search results instead of Google, Bing, .....)

- New HomePod Minis with faster response and Wifi 802.11ac/ax

- More Homekit functions (e.g. announce "Window still opened" when window sensor is >10 min open, remind me to do XY every sunday on HomePod 1, full shortcuts integration)

- A smaller iPhone (i know it's not gonna happen) :-(

- An Apple Watch which doesn't need charging. I hate to interrupt health readings because of required charging.
Make it automatic like every Seiko Kinetic Auto Relay since the 90s can do. Remove the wireless charging function and add a rotor which charges the battery. Seiko Kinetic charge holds up to 4 years, Apple watch is very efficient, maybe it could be possible?

- No lock screen swipe up anymore when FaceID unlocks my iPhone, bring me to the home screen at unlock.


Hopefully Tim reads my post. 😊

 

[AlanMarron]

I understand the reasons for Vision Pro not being at the top of the list, but in like five years, the phrase "it's not for everyone" will hopefully sound especially shortsighted

I have no particular beef with the Vision Pro, but prior to the iPhone, based on sales volume, AAPL has made many products that were “not for everyone“.

There's nothing about the VP that appeals to me, particularly because of my propensity to have motion sickness based on visual stimulation. Thus, it's not for this “everyone“.

 

[AlanMarron]

Apple TVs have had fans for years.

I still use a Gen. 2 without a fan. My housekeeper has accidentally knocked it to the floor many times and it keeps on going.

 

[akerr]

I still use a Gen. 2 without a fan. My housekeeper has accidentally knocked it to the floor many times and it keeps on going.

So in this case you’re the fan

 

[AlanMarron]

So in this case you’re the fan

This has been a tough day, so thank you for the laugh. 👍

 

[Neodym]

- An Apple Watch which doesn't need charging. I hate to interrupt health readings because of required charging.
Make it automatic like every Seiko Kinetic Auto Relay since the 90s can do. Remove the wireless charging function and add a rotor which charges the battery. Seiko Kinetic charge holds up to 4 years, Apple watch is very efficient, maybe it could be possible?

I doubt that kinetically generated power would be sufficient to power a wrist computer like the Apple Watch. The Seiko system only had to power a mundane wristwatch clockwork (perhaps with a date dial thrown into the mix).

That requires way less power than running a full-fledged wrist computer with various sensors, no matter how efficient.

Also, even after removing the wireless charging parts, there probably still wouldn’t be enough room for the mechanics of the kinetic generator mechanism.

I may be wrong and with the rumored change of the band attachment mechanism, there _may_ be more room to integrate a kinetic generator, e.g. in the Ultra‘s body. But I still doubt it could generate enough power to run the Watch or warrant its implementation as power backup system.

 

[okkibs]

I am excited for the anniversary AW and will certainly buy one as it will very likely be a new design. Even without microLED at the very minimum I expect slightly bigger screens (better screen-to-body ratio) and more/newer gen sensors. And since I want the tiniest version I'd like to see some of the qol improvements on the Ultra transferred over as well, both in software as well as hardware like the much brighter display.

Cherry on top would be if they made the entire body thinner. Compared to my analogue watches even the smallest SE model is rather clunky. That won't happen since all that tech needs space but I'd take a redesign with just a thinner body over any other improvements. Use the cheap SE hardware, make it more efficient so it uses less power and the battery can be smaller, use a stronger yet thinner material for the housing and cut thickness by 2mm.

 

[Motorola68000]

Right, so putting twice as much ram in the base model than most base model buyers need is “sustainable” and not wasteful?

So I guess everyone should just drive a V8 even if they only need 4 cylinder performance.

Which computer company in the world has a 5 year warranty?

It might be twice as much as you personally need rather than what most people need or will need in order to maximise performance from their devices, but you make a swingeing statement which seems to go completely against the latest evidence and tests comparing the performance with 8Gb and 16Gb, let alone the increased swapping putting extra burden on the SSD's longevity. Ironic when today Apple concur with my comments about gaming....which will require more than 8Gb if they want to be taken seriously. If they are advertising about the prowess of Macs for gaming, they will have to ensure they are up to the job. They're already in potential trouble over the misleading comments suggesting 8Gb = 16Gb, which tests prove to incorrect. They have two choices: Increase the RAM on their own volition, saving the costs of the 8Gb configuration, or they will have to put in a warning about anyone buying an 8Gb device with the intention of using it for the gaming that Apple suggest they are persuing and where already some non gaming software requires 16Gb in its specs.

Acer offers a 3 year warranty on its desktops, but to argue that no computer company in the world has a 5 year warranty rather makes my point....they should and Apple are known for reliability so 5 years should be no hardship! If a company is confident in its products then a longer warranty for most is better than right to repair.

I did post about Apple 'raising the bar' which 16Gb base would do, and with the posts on MacRumour yesterday emanating from Apple re: games, it makes it even more pertinent that 16Gb is the base.

Yes it might involve a nominal increase to make 16Gb. base, but it could easily be nominal, as the expense of the 8Gb configuration will be saved and the actual cost of the RAM is negligible when cutting out the lower end production costs.

Apple gained its support because it was forward thinking, 16Gb would keep them ahead of the game and where customers purchasing 8Gb devices of late, encouraged by none other than Apple themselves about its interest in gaming could find their devices virtually useless for that in the near future as already tests have shown how performance with the 8Gb base machine can significantly deteriorate performance, let alone increase SSD swapping which may have adverse affect on the longevity of the product and where some software already has specs greater than 8Gb.

Widespread condemnation of Apple's RAM pricing will not go unmissed at Apple, and gaming for Apple represents its continued journey into services and media, which will increase profits much more than exhorbitant RAM upgrade or a 8Gb base no longer fit for purpose. It will not want to blot that copy book.

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes...

www.macrumors.com

 

[Blowback]

2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Apple, with the company set to enter a new product category for the first time since 2015. We're counting on the Vision Pro headset, new iPads, an impressive new Apple Watch, and so much more.

Below, we've highlighted the top five most interesting Apple product updates that are set to come out in 2024.

AirPods 4

New AirPods coming in 2024 will have an updated design with shorter stems, so they'll look something like a cross between the current AirPods and the AirPods Pro. Fit and sound quality will be improved, and there is one more major change -- two models.

There will be two versions of the AirPods 4 at different price points, and the more expensive model will have Active Noise Cancellation, a feature that has been limited to the AirPods Pro. The AirPods 4 will also get an updated case that has a speaker for Find My alerts and a USB-C charging port instead of a Lightning port.

Apple's AirPods 3 were similar in function to the AirPods 2 and had a limited number of new features to lure customers, so a fresh look and ANC at a lower cost than the AirPods Pro should make the AirPods 4 much more appealing.

OLED iPad Pro

Apple is bringing OLED technology to the iPad Pro in 2024, and it'll be the first time that Apple has released such a large OLED display. Compared to mini-LED or LED, OLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, improved HDR, and better power efficiency.

The new iPad Pro models are going to get a redesign and will come in updated 13-inch and 11.1-inch sizes. OLED displays are thinner, so Apple may be able to slim down the new iPad Pro models, plus we can count on a faster M3 chip that's an upgrade over the M2 in the current model.

We haven't had an iPad Pro design update for years, and a new look with updated display technology is a welcome change.

Apple Watch X

We're due for the Apple Watch Series 10 or "X" next year, which lines up with the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch if you're counting from the 2014 introduction date rather than the 2015 launch date.

The 2024 Apple Watch is going to get a refreshed design that may include a slimmed down body and a new magnetic band attachment system. A magnetic band attachment method would allow Apple to save valuable internal space inside the Apple Watch for a larger battery or other components, but it might mean that existing bands are not compatible with the new model.

Along with a new look, the Apple Watch X is rumored to feature blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection. Blood pressure monitoring on the wrist is a notable feat, and the Apple Watch will be able to tell the user if their blood pressure is trending upwards and heading toward hypertension. Specific systolic and diastolic readings won't be available, but blood pressure monitoring will still provide valuable information.

As for sleep apnea, the Apple Watch X will use sleep tracking and monitoring of breathing patterns to determine whether a person is possibly experiencing breathing interruptions during sleep. The information will be able to be relayed to a doctor for further testing.

iPhone 16

The standard iPhone 16 models will get several of the features that were limited to iPhone 15 Pro models, including the Action Button and a faster 3-nanometer A-series chip. The Action Button could be capacitive this year rather than mechanical, so Apple might be able to slim it down.

A new vertical camera lens arrangement will likely allow for capturing spatial video, a feature limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models right now. Apple is also adding a new capacitive Capture Button to all four iPhone 16 models, with the button located on the right side of the device below Power button. The button will sense pressure and will support haptic feedback, and rumors suggest it will be used for capturing video.

While the standard iPhone 16 models will have same design as the iPhone 15 models, the iPhone 16 Pro models will feature larger displays. The iPhone 16 Pro will measure in at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be 6.9 inches, up from 6.7 inches.

Other iPhone 16 Pro-exclusive rumors include a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, Wi-Fi 7, and a faster 5G chip from Qualcomm.

Vision Pro

It's been half a year since Apple unveiled the Vision Pro headset, and in early 2024, customers are finally going to get to try it out.

Apple sees the Vision Pro as the future of computing, referring to the device as the first spatial computer. It is a mixed reality headset, so you'll be able to swap between AR and VR using a Digital Crown on the side of the device. It won't be quite like any other headset on the market because Apple is using super high-resolution micro-LED displays with hand and eye tracking for controls.

Immersive apps, games, and experiences are planned for the Vision Pro, and users will be able to record spatial video to play back on the device.

The Vision Pro isn't at the top of our list because it's not going to be for everyone. It's prohibitively expensive at $3,500, and Apple is manufacturing a limited number of the headsets due to their complexity. At launch, the Vision Pro will only be sold in the United States, further limiting its availability.

People who have been able to try out the Vision Pro have said the initial iteration can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear, which will deter some users, but even with all of these caveats, the Vision Pro is going to shape Apple's future for some time to come.

Add Yours

What are you looking forward to seeing from Apple in 2024? Let us know in the comments below.

Article Link: Top 5 Apple Products to Look Forward to in 2024

What I've always wanted from the Apple Watch ??? Semi-immediate heart rate readings! Not the 'spinning' after an exercise or set. Would be nice to get the 'current' reading asap rather than waiting for the watch to (catch up?).

 

[Motorola68000]

duplicated post

 

[lowkey]

It might be twice as much as you personally need rather than what most people need or will need in order to maximise performance from their devices, but you make a swingeing statement which seems to go completely against the latest evidence and tests comparing the performance with 8Gb and 16Gb, let alone the increased swapping putting extra burden on the SSD's longevity. Ironic when today Apple concur with my comments about gaming....which will require more than 8Gb if they want to be taken seriously. If they are advertising about the prowess of Macs for gaming, they will have to ensure they are up to the job. They're already in potential trouble over the misleading comments suggesting 8Gb = 16Gb, which tests prove to incorrect. They have two choices: Increase the RAM on their own volition, saving the costs of the 8Gb configuration, or they will have to put in a warning about anyone buying an 8Gb device with the intention of using it for the gaming that Apple suggest they are persuing and where already some non gaming software requires 16Gb in its specs.

Acer offers a 3 year warranty on its desktops, but to argue that no computer company in the world has a 5 year warranty rather makes my point....they should and Apple are known for reliability so 5 years should be no hardship! If a company is confident in its products then a longer warranty for most is better than right to repair.

I did post about Apple 'raising the bar' which 16Gb base would do, and with the posts on MacRumour yesterday emanating from Apple re: games, it makes it even more pertinent that 16Gb is the base.

Yes it might involve a nominal increase to make 16Gb. base, but it could easily be nominal, as the expense of the 8Gb configuration will be saved and the actual cost of the RAM is negligible when cutting out the lower end production costs.

Apple gained its support because it was forward thinking, 16Gb would keep them ahead of the game and where customers purchasing 8Gb devices of late, encouraged by none other than Apple themselves about its interest in gaming could find their devices virtually useless for that in the near future as already tests have shown how performance with the 8Gb base machine can significantly deteriorate performance, let alone increase SSD swapping which may have adverse affect on the longevity of the product and where some software already has specs greater than 8Gb.

Widespread condemnation of Apple's RAM pricing will not go unmissed at Apple, and gaming for Apple represents its continued journey into services and media, which will increase profits much more than exhorbitant RAM upgrade or a 8Gb base no longer fit for purpose. It will not want to blot that copy book.

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes...

www.macrumors.com

8GB of ram was more than I need for my base model Mac mini in my lounge room. I stream YouTube music or Spotify, via Dirac live room correction software to my active speakers.

I’d be happy with 4GB of ram in that machine, But I had to pay for 8GB. No way I’d want to be paying for 16GB!

It’s called the base model for a reason!

 

[Motorola68000]

8GB of ram was more than I need for my base model Mac mini in my lounge room. I stream YouTube music or Spotify, via Dirac live room correction software to my active speakers.

I’d be happy with 4GB of ram in that machine, But I had to pay for 8GB. No way I’d want to be paying for 16GB!

It’s called the base model for a reason!

4Gb! I suggest you would be in a very small minority of customers and indeed it would likely cost Apple MORE to produce a 4Gb version because of the SOC situation, and its also why if they cut out the 8Gb configuration the cost to 16GB would be negligible, offset by having a much larger 16Gb production line, and where even if you personally believe you only need 4GB, its likely the Mac OS requires 2-4Gb alone. Not familiar with the RAM requirements of your Dirac Live Room Correction software, although even they suggest their software alone requires 2Gb of RAM. So you'd likely have a problem with 4Gb base system anyway?"

Dirac Live® requires a Windows or macOS computer with the following minimum specification:

• Windows. • Microsoft Windows 10. • Intel i3 or equivalent. • 2GB RAM.
• macOS. • macOS 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, or newer. • Intel i3 or equivalent. • 2GB RAM."

Out of interest we've just had the ONLY failure in our M1 Mac mini's. We had 20 of them, so not a bad result, but the SSD's failed on one unit, when we checked with our customer, he was obviously trying to get too much out of the 8Gb base configuration, and its quite possibly this resulted in the SSD failure.

However, we used the opportunity to have a play with the superb M1 Mac mini, just like the equally good iMac m1.

We have in house tech support/repair facility, that we don't usually bother with soldered logic board repairs, as its either replacement, or just write the unit off where usually they've paid for themselves anyway.

In this case though our engineer wanted to play, so he replaced the NAND chips, which cost us just $175, replacing the 256Gb with 2Tb, where the engineer had seen on line comments about others who had done this.

Took him about an hour, and he was lucky with the DFU process, as I know others have had problems in that respect. We will not put the M1 Mac mini with 2Tb back out there, we will use it in-house, but $175 for 2Tb of storage does demonstrate how cheap NANDS are and where I doubt swapping on a 2Tb set up would have resulted in SSD premature failure (although to be accurate there was no evidence it was directly from swapping).

Its not RAM, but I couldn't resist peeking at him playing around, and I must admit its a few decades since I messed about with logic boards etc., but looking at the NANDS, I'm not keen on the soldered spots on NANDS, it was to use a phrase that shows my age 'much easier with socket pins' in which case you'd take out faulty component and just plug a new one in without desoldering or decluttering, or respotting the NANDS. The only thing you had to be careful of is pin damage then.

I didn't ask whether there was a technical reason we can't still use socketed processors/RAM/NANDS, as its not my forte and my logic board experience goes back 40 years, so electronics wise, a little (lot) out of touch may be!

 

[ric22]

.

I didn't ask whether there was a technical reason we can't still use socketed processors/RAM/NANDS, as its not my forte and my logic board experience goes back 40 years, so electronics wise, a little (lot) out of touch may be!

Without getting into the the technical argument of how negligible the benefits are, the main reason their are no longer socketed is because it's cheaper and easier and saves Apple $1-2. Total thickness is a factor in phones and tablets, but less of an issue in a laptop as sockets don't add much bulk.

 

[ric22]

Plus, of course, it's good for Apple in terms of driving people to pay their ridiculous Apple tax on upgrades, and causes devices to become obsolete/simply die sooner/promotes under-speccing, prompting another sale. ☹️

 

[lowkey]

4Gb! I suggest you would be in a very small minority of customers and indeed it would likely cost Apple MORE to produce a 4Gb version because of the SOC situation, and its also why if they cut out the 8Gb configuration the cost to 16GB would be negligible, offset by having a much larger 16Gb production line, and where even if you personally believe you only need 4GB, its likely the Mac OS requires 2-4Gb alone. Not familiar with the RAM requirements of your Dirac Live Room Correction software, although even they suggest their software alone requires 2Gb of RAM. So you'd likely have a problem with 4Gb base system anyway?"

Dirac Live® requires a Windows or macOS computer with the following minimum specification:

• Windows. • Microsoft Windows 10. • Intel i3 or equivalent. • 2GB RAM.
• macOS. • macOS 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, or newer. • Intel i3 or equivalent. • 2GB RAM."

Nope. 4GB of ram would do it. Currently Activity Monitor says
App Memory: 2.71 GB
Wired Memory: 1,003 MB

8GB of ram in the base model is plenty. I could do what I need with a “Mac Mini SE” that had 4GB of Ram and cost less.

16GB IN THE BASE MODEL would be overkill for loads of people. If the base model had 16GB and was another $100 more expensive, then I probably would have gone with a second hand computer and Apple would have missed out on a sale.