Top Stories: iOS 17 Rumors, Beats Studio Buds+ Leak, and More

[MacRumors]

WWDC is a little over a month away, and rumors about iOS 17 are continuing to come into focus with new reports surfacing this week about enhancements to the Lock Screen, Apple Music, and App Library, as well as new health tools and perhaps a brand-new journaling app.

Apple also appears to be gearing up to release some new Macs, while the upcoming Beats Studio Buds+ earphones saw their full details prematurely posted to Amazon, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!

iOS 17 to Include Mood Tracker, Health App Coming to iPad

iOS 17 will include new tools for tracking emotion and managing vision conditions in the Health app, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He also expects the Health app to expand to the iPad this year.

In addition, Gurman said Apple is working on an artificial intelligence-powered health coaching service that it plans to launch next year. He said the feature is designed to encourage exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep.

Three Unreleased Mac Models Appear on Apple's Servers

Three new Mac model numbers were recently added to a Find My configuration file on Apple's backend, suggesting that new Macs could be on the horizon.

Apple is widely expected to release a larger 15-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip in the near future, while other models like the 24-inch iMac and the Mac Pro are due for updates over the coming months, but it's unclear which new Macs are listed in the file.

iOS 17 Rumored to Add New Lock Screen, Apple Music, and App Library Features

iOS 17 will include new features and changes across the Lock Screen, Apple Music, App Library, and Control Center, according to a Weibo post this week from the same account that revealed Apple would launch the iPhone 14 in Yellow earlier this year.

Apple will announce iOS 17 during the WWDC keynote on June 5. Overall, rumors have suggested the update will be focused on performance and stability improvements.

Beats Studio Buds+ Launching in May With Transparent Design Option and More

Apple's rumored Beats Studio Buds+ were briefly listed on Amazon this week, providing a closer look at new features and changes before they are officially announced. The earbuds were listed with a May 18 release date and a $169.95 price in the United States.

The listing revealed that the Studio Buds+ will be available in a new transparent design option, and feature improved noise cancellation, longer battery life, and more.

Apple Reportedly Plans to Release iPhone Journaling App

The Wall Street Journal this week reported that Apple plans to release a journaling app for the iPhone that would compete with the likes of Day One.

If released, the app would "analyze the users' behavior to determine what a typical day is like, including how much time is spent at home compared with elsewhere, and whether a certain day included something outside the norm," according to the report.

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... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Top Stories: iOS 17 Rumors, Beats Studio Buds+ Leak, and More

 

[surfzen21]

I really like the way the "redesigned" health app looks. If this is how it winds up looking, I hope the tiles are moveable so we can organize them how we like.

 

[vegetassj4]

Health App for iPad. Nice, I was thinking about this the other day. However, I alredy have a mood tracker.

 

[Warped9]

Mood tracker? 🙄

If you need a device to tell you how you’re feeling you already have issues.

 

[Realityck]

Three Unreleased Mac Models Appear on Apple's Servers

Three new Mac model numbers were recently added to a Find My configuration file on Apple's backend, suggesting that new Macs could be on the horizon.

Apple is widely expected to release a larger 15-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip in the near future, while other models like the 24-inch iMac and the Mac Pro are due for updates over the coming months, but it's unclear which new Macs are listed in the file.

The 15” is still an old rumor from January 2021. A updated M2 Max, M2 Ultra Mac Studio, the mysterious AS based Mac Pro, and updated 24” iMac using M2/M2 Pro is another possibility. Any updates to the 13” MBP, and 13” MBA could just occur as soon as ready. All these should happen to finally move past all this waiting.

 

[HiVolt]

Mood tracker? 🙄

If you need a device to tell you how you’re feeling you already have issues.

Perhaps to record your mood swings because iOS is a p0s when it comes to stability these days.

Useless "feature" IMO.

 

[Warped9]

…iOS is a p0s when it comes to stability these days.

Not been my experience.

 

[daneoni]

I love how the Mac Pro is the sore thumb sticking out in a picture filled with Apple Silicon Macs

 

[macsound1]

I love how they Mac Pro is the sore thumb sticking out in a picture filled with Apple Silicon Macs

Is that an Apple silicon Mac Pro though?

 

[Realityck]

Is that an Apple silicon Mac Pro though?

No, that is that exotic 2019 art example of how to spend money.

I think most expect a return to reasonable Mac Pro designs that cost less than 1/2 that. They did back in 2003 thru 2012. Before the trash can showed up in 2013.

Where the 2013 Mac Pro went right — and wrong | AppleInsider

Unlike the original Mac Pro introduced on August 7, 2006, the 2013 version is already fading into memory and may be remembered for its flaws instead of its benefits.

appleinsider.com

 

[FloatingBones]

Mood tracker? 🙄

If you need a device to tell you how you’re feeling you already have issues.

Go back and read the article about this feature. The software is not to "tell you how you're feeling". It's for making journal notes about how you're feeling to identify trends. "When I do [X], I often feel [Y]." Apps exist to already to do that; it makes sense to have that functionality universally available in Apple's software. People using such tracking software don't "have issues"; they're figuring out how to gain a bit more control of their emotions.

 

[oofio2461]

no major news this week regarding hardware...

 

[Warped9]

Three things I think are reasonably certain: we will see a 15in. MacBook Air at WWDC, we’ll get an updated iMac 24 by the end of the year and iPhone 15 will arrive this September.

The rest is as clear as mud.

 

[Realityck]

Three things I think are reasonably certain: we will see a 15in. MacBook Air at WWDC, we’ll get an updated iMac 24 by the end of the year and iPhone 15 will arrive this September.

The rest is as clear as mud.

Maybe, maybe not. Like I mentored Apple never implied there was a 15" MBA coming.

see for yourself

MacRumors: Apple News and Rumors

Apple News and Rumors

www.macrumors.com

Apple may offer a larger version of the MacBook Air with a 15-inch screen, according to a recent report from well-connected Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.

Yeah the he's always right guy.

 

[phenste]

Mood tracker? 🙄

If you need a device to tell you how you’re feeling you already have issues.

I got problems out the a** and would happily (lol) use a mood tracker—it’s technically already something I’m supposed to do every day

also, you don’t think Apple has some black magic up their sleeve to determine your mood, do you? the user would input it—I’d imagine, if they’re smart, they’ll pair this with the journaling app. if you have dogs—t memory the way I do it’s pretty useful to be able to retroactively reflect on one’s day, week, etc.

[edit: @FloatingBones beat me to it on this; as far as your “derision” goes, glad to know you have hate in your heart for no reason whatsoever 💜]

 

[phenste]

I love how they Mac Pro is the sore thumb sticking out in a picture filled with Apple Silicon Macs

it really is quite embarrassing how long it’s taking them to update that thing.

cost of production for wheels must be way too high these days 😭

 

[jennyp]

Mood tracker? 🙄

If you need a device to tell you how you’re feeling you already have issues.

You miss the point entirely. It's not to "tell you how you're feeling". You know that already (duh). It's to gain some insight as to what factors might be associated with changes in your well-being. I used an app with a somewhat rudimentary version of this and I did see some clues as to what was making me feel generally better—and worse. Some were quite counterintuitive. And everyone has "issues". Perhaps in time these sorts of tech might help people understand them a bit better.

 

[citysnaps]

You miss the point entirely. It's not to "tell you how you're feeling". You know that already (duh). It's to gain some insight as to what factors might be associated with changes in your well-being. I used an app with a somewhat rudimentary version of this and I did see some clues as to what was making me feel generally better—and worse. Some were quite counterintuitive. And everyone has "issues". Perhaps in time these sorts of tech might help people understand them a bit better.

Thank you. In a sea of the usual inane responses here, it's refreshing reading your well-reasoned post.

 

[Col4bin]

Apple, please add the ability for the iOS version of Apple Music to cross-fade tracks, just like how you already allow this functionality for Apple Music on Android for the past several years. Ridiculous.

 

[Mr Rib]

No, that is that exotic 2019 art example of how to spend money.

I think most expect a return to reasonable Mac Pro designs that cost less than 1/2 that. They did back in 2003 thru 2012. Before the trash can showed up in 2013.

Where the 2013 Mac Pro went right — and wrong | AppleInsider

Unlike the original Mac Pro introduced on August 7, 2006, the 2013 version is already fading into memory and may be remembered for its flaws instead of its benefits.

appleinsider.com

I agree. If they don't change the pricing scheme from the last Mac Pro iteration, they can start looking for clients in Dubai because noone in the right mind in current economy (not someone who actually uses it as a pro tool) is going to pay that kind of money for something that already will be a sort of compromise (the whole SoC / GPU situation we discussed already).
So it's either reasonable pricing and a bit of a design pivot in one of the directions (adding external GPU support as doubtful as it sounds, creating a special apple silicon version just for Mac Pro as doubtful as it sounds) or an ultra-niche product for youtube tech reviewers and rich guys who don't need it as a tool but like gadgets.

 

[everlast3434]

Beats Buds+, Federal Prison Edition

 

[citysnaps]

I agree. If they don't change the pricing scheme from the last Mac Pro iteration, they can start looking for clients in Dubai because noone in the right mind in current economy (not someone who actually uses it as a pro tool) is going to pay that kind of money for something that already will be a sort of compromise (the whole SoC / GPU situation we discussed already).
So it's either reasonable pricing and a bit of a design pivot in one of the directions (adding external GPU support as doubtful as it sounds, creating a special apple silicon version just for Mac Pro as doubtful as it sounds) or an ultra-niche product for youtube tech reviewers and rich guys who don't need it as a tool but like gadgets.

I think the current pricing is fine, and that the upcoming MacPro will be similar (with a small increase due to inflation).

In the end, the MacPro is for people and businesses that need slots and high performance bus for various kinds of high performance cards (data acquisition, accelerators, etc). And most importantly, a robust rack mount version, similar to the current MacPro (I suspect Apple would use the same chassis for the upcoming rack mount MacPro).

For those kinds of customers, MacPro prices are not a huge driver, as they are with other Macs.

 

[Realityck]

I think the current pricing is fine, and that the upcoming MacPro will be similar (with a small increase due to inflation).

In the end, the MacPro is for people and businesses that need slots and high performance bus for various kinds of high performance cards (data acquisition, accelerators, etc). And most importantly, a robust rack mount version, similar to the current MacPro (I suspect Apple would use the same chassis for the upcoming rack mount MacPro).

For those kinds of customers, MacPro prices are not a huge driver, as they are with other Macs.

Enterprise is not stupid or price ignorant, thinking that current $6000 price for a 2019 Mac Pro version still in production without specifications being updated.

Lets compare

28-Core Mac Pro​

• 2.5GHz Intel Xeon W
• 28 cores, 56 threads
• Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz
• 66.5MB cache
• Supports 2933MHz memory

Hardware costing $12999​

• 2.5GHz 28‑core Intel Xeon W processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz
• 32GB (4x8GB) of DDR4 ECC memory
• Radeon Pro W5500X with 8GB of GDDR6 memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• Stainless steel frame with feet
• Magic Mouse
• Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English
• Accessory Kit

New Dell Precision 7960 Tower Workstation​

• Intel® Xeon® w7-3465X (75MB Cache, 28 cores, 56 threads, 2.5GHz to 4.8GHz Turbo 300W)
  
• Windows 11 Pro for Workstations (6 cores plus), English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese
• NVIDIA® T400, 4 GB GDDR6, 3 mDP to DP adapters, 7960T
• 32GB, 2x16GB, DDR5, 4800MHz, RDIMM ECC Memory
• 512GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD, Class 40
• Precision 7960 Tower 1400W FB NVMe/SATA Chassis (FMX)
• Ports & Slots

$6,951.95 comparably. I tend to compare for the states (HP vs Dell WS's)

 

[citysnaps]

Enterprise is not stupid or price ignorant, thinking that current $6000 price for a 2019 Mac Pro version still in production without specifications being updated.

Lets compare

28-Core Mac Pro​

• 2.5GHz Intel Xeon W
• 28 cores, 56 threads
• Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz
• 66.5MB cache
• Supports 2933MHz memory

Hardware costing $12999​

• 2.5GHz 28‑core Intel Xeon W processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.4GHz
• 32GB (4x8GB) of DDR4 ECC memory
• Radeon Pro W5500X with 8GB of GDDR6 memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• Stainless steel frame with feet
• Magic Mouse
• Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English
• Accessory Kit

New Dell Precision 7960 Tower Workstation​

• Intel® Xeon® w7-3465X (75MB Cache, 28 cores, 56 threads, 2.5GHz to 4.8GHz Turbo 300W)
  
• Windows 11 Pro for Workstations (6 cores plus), English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese
• NVIDIA® T400, 4 GB GDDR6, 3 mDP to DP adapters, 7960T
• 32GB, 2x16GB, DDR5, 4800MHz, RDIMM ECC Memory
• 512GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD, Class 40
• Precision 7960 Tower 1400W FB NVMe/SATA Chassis (FMX)
• Ports & Slots

$6,951.95 comparably. I tend to compare for the states (HP vs Dell WS's)

It has always been that way regarding price.

Still, there will be many who prefer to stay in the Apple camp, especially with an upcoming rack-mount Apple Silicon MacPro. As there has been in the past with a rack-mount Intel-based MacPro.

 

[Realityck]

It has always been that way regarding price.

Still, there will be many who prefer to stay in the Apple camp, especially with an upcoming rack-mount Apple Silicon MacPro. As there has been in the past with a rack-mount Intel-based MacPro.

As I previously commented, the 2003 thru 2012 models large full size towers (G5 and intel models) were not that expensive. I owned a couple. They were 1/2 the price.