Top Stories: iPhone Ultra Rumor, Reverse Wireless Charging Still Planned, and More

[MacRumors]

We're into a bit of a quiet period for Apple following the flurry of product announcements and launches kicking off 2023, but that doesn't mean we aren't still seeing lots of news and rumors about what's coming up in the future.

iPhone rumors continue to circulate about both this year's iPhone 15 lineup and potentially the iPhone 16 lineup for 2024, while we also heard some rumors about Apple's Mac plans and an upcoming return of the new Home app architecture that got pulled from iOS 16.2 due to widespread issue, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!

Apple Considering New High-End iPhone Alongside Pro and Pro Max

Apple has discussed selling a new top-of-the-line iPhone "Ultra" model alongside the Pro and Pro Max in 2024 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Based on this timeframe, the device would be part of the iPhone 16 lineup or later.

Gurman speculated that the Ultra model could feature additional camera improvements, a faster chip, a larger display, and perhaps a portless design without Lightning or USB-C. He said the device would be pricier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099.

Apple Still Working to Allow iPhone to Wirelessly Charge AirPods and Other Devices

Apple is reportedly continuing development on a reverse wireless charging feature that would allow the iPhone to charge other devices like AirPods.

With the iPhone 12, an FCC filing hinted at reverse wireless charging capabilities that might be hidden inside the hardware, but Apple has never enabled this functionality in the years since and it's unclear exactly when the feature would be available, if ever.

Apple May Not Launch New Mac Studio With M2 Ultra Chip Due to Similarity With Upcoming Mac Pro

Apple released the all-new Mac Studio desktop computer in March 2022 with M1 Max and M1 Ultra chip options, which offer impressive performance. In fact, the higher-end model with the M1 Ultra chip is the fastest Mac ever, until the Apple silicon Mac Pro arrives.

Unfortunately, the Mac Studio might not be updated with an M2 Ultra chip this year, as it would make the computer too similar to the upcoming Mac Pro with the same chip. We're also hearing that a new 27-inch display with mini-LED backlighting and 120Hz ProMotion may not launch in the first quarter of this year as previously predicted.

iPhone 15 Pro 'Buttonless Design' Rumors: What We Know

The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to feature a "buttonless" design with solid-state volume and power controls. Here is everything we know about this rumor so far.

Instead of moving, the solid-state buttons would provide haptic feedback when pressed, like the trackpad on modern MacBooks. The devices would have two additional Taptic Engines to power this functionality.

Apple to Re-Release New HomeKit Architecture in iOS 16.4

Apple in its upcoming iOS 16.4 update will re-introduce the revamped HomeKit architecture it originally pulled in December due to widespread issues.

Backend code for the Matter smart home standard indicates that Apple is ready to re-introduce the updated Home architecture in iOS 16.4. It was originally released with the iOS 16.2 update, only to be pulled a week after launch because of bugs and installation issues.

iPhone 14 Pro Over 20% Faster Than Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in Benchmarks

Samsung's newly announced Galaxy S23 Ultra hasn't quite hit the market yet, but unearthed benchmarks for the device suggest Apple still has the world's fastest mobile processor by a considerable margin.

Geekbench scores reveal that that the iPhone 14 Pro's A16 Bionic chip offers up to just over 20% faster CPU performance than Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

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!

Article Link: Top Stories: iPhone Ultra Rumor, Reverse Wireless Charging Still Planned, and More

 

[Vespi]

Didnt iphone 11 models come equipped with reverse charging? I remember some youtuber stating this

 

[mrr]

If they call it the “Ultra” it should at least support the Apple Pencil.

 

[DailySlow]

If they call it the “Ultra” it should at least support the Apple Pencil.

And speaking of pencil(s) why does it not include "find my"? if you find mine, DM me LOL

 

[Fraserh02]

We know it is in the hardware because it is already enabled to reverse wirelessly charge the MagSafe battery pack. I guess imagine it would potentially be enabled for small products such as the AirPods. Unsure as to if the Apple Watch would be work as it isn’t standard QI if I’m right?

 

[JMO1]

We're into a bit of a quiet period for Apple following the flurry of product announcements and launches kicking off 2023, but that doesn't mean we aren't still seeing lots of news and rumors about what's coming up in the future.

iPhone rumors continue to circulate about both this year's iPhone 15 lineup and potentially the iPhone 16 lineup for 2024, while we also heard some rumors about Apple's Mac plans and an upcoming return of the new Home app architecture that got pulled from iOS 16.2 due to widespread issue, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!

Apple Considering New High-End iPhone Alongside Pro and Pro Max

Apple has discussed selling a new top-of-the-line iPhone "Ultra" model alongside the Pro and Pro Max in 2024 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Based on this timeframe, the device would be part of the iPhone 16 lineup or later.

Gurman speculated that the Ultra model could feature additional camera improvements, a faster chip, a larger display, and perhaps a portless design without Lightning or USB-C. He said the device would be pricier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099.

Apple Still Working to Allow iPhone to Wirelessly Charge AirPods and Other Devices

Apple is reportedly continuing development on a reverse wireless charging feature that would allow the iPhone to charge other devices like AirPods.

With the iPhone 12, an FCC filing hinted at reverse wireless charging capabilities that might be hidden inside the hardware, but Apple has never enabled this functionality in the years since and it's unclear exactly when the feature would be available, if ever.

Apple May Not Launch New Mac Studio With M2 Ultra Chip Due to Similarity With Upcoming Mac Pro

Apple released the all-new Mac Studio desktop computer in March 2022 with M1 Max and M1 Ultra chip options, which offer impressive performance. In fact, the higher-end model with the M1 Ultra chip is the fastest Mac ever, until the Apple silicon Mac Pro arrives.

Unfortunately, the Mac Studio might not be updated with an M2 Ultra chip this year, as it would make the computer too similar to the upcoming Mac Pro with the same chip. We're also hearing that a new 27-inch display with mini-LED backlighting and 120Hz ProMotion may not launch in the first quarter of this year as previously predicted.

iPhone 15 Pro 'Buttonless Design' Rumors: What We Know

The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to feature a "buttonless" design with solid-state volume and power controls. Here is everything we know about this rumor so far.

Instead of moving, the solid-state buttons would provide haptic feedback when pressed, like the trackpad on modern MacBooks. The devices would have two additional Taptic Engines to power this functionality.

Apple to Re-Release New HomeKit Architecture in iOS 16.4

Apple in its upcoming iOS 16.4 update will re-introduce the revamped HomeKit architecture it originally pulled in December due to widespread issues.

Backend code for the Matter smart home standard indicates that Apple is ready to re-introduce the updated Home architecture in iOS 16.4. It was originally released with the iOS 16.2 update, only to be pulled a week after launch because of bugs and installation issues.

iPhone 14 Pro Over 20% Faster Than Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in Benchmarks

Samsung's newly announced Galaxy S23 Ultra hasn't quite hit the market yet, but unearthed benchmarks for the device suggest Apple still has the world's fastest mobile processor by a considerable margin.

Geekbench scores reveal that that the iPhone 14 Pro's A16 Bionic chip offers up to just over 20% faster CPU performance than Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

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!

Article Link: Top Stories: iPhone Ultra Rumor, Reverse Wireless Charging Still Planned, and More

Would definitely benefit from reverse wireless charging. My wife’s phone always has way more power than mine and it would be nice to borrow some haha

 

[Synthetic]

Going through with the Mac Pro is such an awful idea at this point. Cool it's a Mac Studio in a way bigger now totally unneeded case. Cut your losses, consider the Studio as the new Pro, and be done with it. I can't help but feel they'll be way less criticized going that route than releasing the Pro. The Pro makes as much sense as Apple building its own car. Stop that. Better off buying some electric start-up. And please let me know if there's something I'm missing here. I honestly don't mind if I'm told I'm wrong.

 

[BringBackTheNewton]

I hope they make HomeKit worth using. Right now the alternatives are years ahead

 

[Mr. Dee]

Going through with the Mac Pro is such an awful idea at this point. Cool it's a Mac Studio in a way bigger now totally unneeded case. Cut your losses, consider the Studio as the new Pro, and be done with it. I can't help but feel they'll be way less criticized going that route than releasing the Pro. The Pro makes as much sense as Apple building its own car. Stop that. Better off buying some electric start-up. And please let me know if there's something I'm missing here. I honestly don't mind if I'm told I'm wrong.

It’s a symbolic product in some ways. But a bigger problem is who is gonna wanna buy it if it lacks the modularity of the predecessor? It’s what got them in trouble in the first place. How is this even competing in the target industry where it matters which is CGI? So much of that industry has been consumed by HP, Dell, Linux and Windows. Their workflows demands customization.

 

[BringBackTheNewton]

Would definitely benefit from reverse wireless charging. My wife’s phone always has way more power than mine and it would be nice to borrow some haha

It's a killer feature! 😁

 

[BringBackTheNewton]

It’s a symbolic product in some ways. But a bigger problem is who is gonna wanna buy it if it lacks the modularity of the predecessor? It’s what got them in trouble in the first place. How is this even competing in the target industry where it matters which is CGI? So much of that industry has been consumed by HP, Dell, Linux and Windows. Their workflows demands customization.

The Mac Pro is a relic of the past. The industry has moved on since Apple refused to keep up

 

[Mad Man]

Apple needs to simplify its product lineup and naming - current naming sucks to distinguish the too many too similar products.

 

[Synthetic]

And I totally get it's symbolic, and it'll sting to have to tell everyone your dropping it. But you have to be honest with yourself and your customers. The king is dead, long live the king.

It’s a symbolic product in some ways. But a bigger problem is who is gonna wanna buy it if it lacks the modularity of the predecessor? It’s what got them in trouble in the first place. How is this even competing in the target industry where it matters which is CGI? So much of that industry has been consumed by HP, Dell, Linux and Windows. Their workflows demands customization.

 

[BringBackTheNewton]

And I totally get it's symbolic, and it'll sting to have to tell everyone your dropping it. But you have to be honest with yourself and your customers. The king is dead, long live the king.

Apple lost the Pro Market years ago, they gained a phone market and an app store monopoly at the same time so I don't think they're going to be too upset about it

 

[Synthetic]

Yeah I agree. I also like your name.

Apple lost the Pro Market years ago, they gained a phone market and an app store monopoly at the same time so I don't think they're going to be too upset about it

 

[The Game 161]

if it was close last year you would have thought they would add it this year but who knows. reverse wireless charging is a rather simply feature to add.

 

[cocoua]

Apple needs to simplify its product lineup and naming - current naming sucks to distinguish the too many too similar products.

Mmm? It is not clear to you than Max is better than Pro and that Ultra is better than Max but less than Pro?
Now, Extremme would be better than Pro and Max but less than Ultra, and Atomic would be much better than Ultraman.
It feels Groucho is in the Apple execs board

 

[SR 7]

If they call it the “Ultra” it should at least support the Apple Pencil.

Thats probably the plan.

Cook: No one is buying our phones! How can we increase sales without upgrading our devices because it costs money?!?

Cook R&D Team: I know! We can have a new phone that supports the Apple Pencil!!

Cook: Yes! AND we will raise the price by $150! AND we will call it, iPhone ULTRA! Because its Ultra cool for the 2% of our customer base that uses the pencil!

Board of directors: YES!!!!!!!! This is why you deserve the $82 million salary Cook!

 

[mrr]

Thats probably the plan.

Cook: No one is buying our phones! How can we increase sales without upgrading our devices because it costs money?!?

Cook R&D Team: I know! We can have a new phone that supports the Apple Pencil!!

Cook: Yes! AND we will raise the price by $150! AND we will call it, iPhone ULTRA! Because its Ultra cool for the 2% of our customer base that uses the pencil!

Board of directors: YES!!!!!!!! This is why you deserve the $82 million salary Cook!

I bet you are right but in the end they will fudge support for the Apple Pencil

 

[lazyrighteye]

If they call it the “Ultra” it should at least support the Apple Pencil.

I’d like to see Pencil support on Pro line as well.

 

[cthompson94]

I don't know if I am in the minority with this.. but I really don't care for reverse wireless charging. A while back when I had a Samsung I used it once to check it out and I have never seen anyone use it. I get why it would be used in an in the pinch situation, but these same situations like camping, hiking, traveling are usually planned there for devices charged and depending how long you camp for bringing a powerbank is usually done. Any instance I can think of you can have access to a outlet/power bank and if you are stranded somewhere I would rather keep as much of my phone battery life as possible not give it to something else especially with reverse wireless charging being poor in efficiency granted with Magsafe it will be a bit better *maybe one other reason why the new Airpods have Magsafe*

 

[Mr. Dee]

And I totally get it's symbolic, and it'll sting to have to tell everyone your dropping it. But you have to be honest with yourself and your customers. The king is dead, long live the king.

Its certainly very niche, but the psychological ramifications of not have a modular Mac that gives users the flexibility could trickle down the product line. Lets hope the reason why its taken this long is the need to rejigger Apple Silicon to better support third party components such as video cards, RAM and maybe upgradable Apple Silicon chips. Even if they charge an arm and leg for it.

 

[surfzen21]

If they call it the “Ultra” it should at least support the Apple Pencil.

I wish my ultra watch supported Apple Pencil 🤣

 

[anthogag]

iPhone Ultra would be much more interesting if it were ‘rugged’ like Watch Ultra. For example, take it Scuba diving. No camera bump because it’s thicker and titanium-ized.

 

[moshind]

The upcoming MacPro does not seem to excite, it seems that they met the disadvantages of the all-in-one chip, and even so, what is the problem to upgrade the Mac Studio with a better CPU? Not that I am the client for a studio or a pro, but sometimes I really do not understand Apple.