Top Stories: New Macs Incoming, iPhone 14 Pro Rumors, and More

[MacRumors]

We're more than halfway through February, and rumors are continuing to fly about what might be coming at Apple's rumored March event and beyond. The latest teaser comes from a regulatory database where several new Mac models have popped up.

Rumors about the next 27-inch "iMac Pro" and the iPhone 14 Pro continue circulate, and we're also expecting some new Apple displays at some point, so read on for all of the details on these stories and more!

Apple Files New Macs in Regulatory Database Ahead of Rumored Spring Event

Apple is rumored to be planning a virtual event for Tuesday, March 8, and ahead of time, the company has filed three unreleased Mac model numbers in a Eurasian regulatory database, as legally required.

Apple is expected to launch several new Macs with M1 Pro/Max and M2 chips this year, but it's unclear if any will be announced at the March event. One of the new Macs listed in the database is described as a "portable" computer, suggesting that it will be a MacBook of some kind.

Other products rumored to be announced at the event include new iPhone SE and iPad Air models, both with an A15 chip and 5G. In the latest episode of The MacRumors Show, we chatted with Andru Edwards about expectations and possibilities for the event.

2022 Mini-LED iMac Pro Could Launch in June

Apple is widely rumored to be planning a new version of the 27-inch iMac powered by M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and while the computer was originally expected to be released in the first quarter of this year, it might end up launching a few months later.

According to oft-accurate display industry consultant Ross Young, a redesigned "iMac Pro" with a mini-LED ProMotion display could launch in June.

iPhone 14 Pro Rumored to Feature 8GB RAM, Matching Samsung's Galaxy S22

iPhone 14 Pro models will feature 8GB of RAM, the most memory ever offered in an iPhone, according to a rumor that surfaced out of Korea this week.

8GB of RAM would match the amount of RAM in Samsung's new Galaxy S22 models, and it would be an increase over the 6GB of RAM in iPhone 13 Pro models.

It's unclear how much RAM the standard iPhone 14 models will have, but it will likely be less than the Pro models.

Apple is Finally Making a Cheaper Display: What We Know

Apple has not offered an affordable Apple-branded display since the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display was discontinued in 2016, but that is expected to change at some point in the foreseeable future.

Rumors suggest that Apple is planning new lower-priced standalone displays that would be sold alongside the high-end Pro Display XDR. We've put together a guide covering everything that we know about these displays.

Hands On: Testing Fortnite on iOS Using GeForce NOW

Fortnite has been unavailable to play on the iPhone and iPad since Apple banned it from the App Store in 2020 amid an ongoing legal battle with Epic Games, but the battle royale game is coming back to iOS devices thanks to Nvidia's GeForce NOW gaming service.

GeForce NOW is a browser-based gaming service that will allow ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ users to play Fortnite using Safari, and we tried out a beta version in a recent video.

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: New Macs Incoming, iPhone 14 Pro Rumors, and More

 

[Doomtomb]

March 8 can't get here soon enough

 

[beach bum]

Not too bothered about the amount of RAM in the upcoming iPhone 14, but would like to see the camera array recessed and a titanium model introduced.

 

[reyesmac]

The days of Apples minimum ram and drive space specs need to come to an end. Every new system under $2,000 is less capable than it should be because of the low specs. If all you need from a Mac is 8gb of ram and 256gb of drive space then Apple has you covered. However, if you need both more space and more ram, every retail price of every model except the macbook pro and the mac pro goes up by $400. Since $400 is too much for simple upgrades like that then you need to evaluate which system rips you off the least, which has more bang for the buck.

It would be much easier for the consumer if Apple came out with systems that retailed $400 more than the current systems and included the extra ram and drives space. All they would need to do is slightly tweak the design so people think its a different system but the components are mostly the same from the cheaper models. Just the exterior is different and it gets an M2 chip. They can then allow custom configurations that add even more to the price.

8, 16, and 32 can be the new good, better, best. All those models would be $400 over current ones. Current ones would still be sold along side newer ones. Once they see how well it sells they can whittle down the lower priced models and stay with the higher priced ones, reducing them by $100 as the years pass. Thats how they can pass big price increases on all new models without it shocking the consumers. The new models will be such that most consumers wont need to worry about upgrading them. If they reduce the ports enough then Apple can get back into the peripheral making business to make up the lost revenue of less upgrades being purchased.

 

[Lioness~]

All rumours are on repeat, over and over again.
Not that it bothers me, I wait for these stuff just as much as everybody else do at this time.
But there much be some record here ☺️

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

March 8 can't get here soon enough

Agree...However, my wallet is not looking forward to it!...LOL

 

[HowardEv]

“One of the new Macs listed in the database is described as a "portable" computer, suggesting that it will be a MacBook of some kind.”

Or, more likely, it’s the battery-powered Mini I’ve been waiting for! Like a MacBook, but without attached screen and keyboard.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not too bothered about the amount of RAM in the upcoming iPhone 14, but would like to see the camera array recessed and a titanium model introduced.

Titanium? Are you planning on testing it at the gun range?

 

[Apple_Robert]

All rumours are on repeat, over and over again.
Not that it bothers me, I wait for these stuff just as much as everybody else do at this time.
But there much be some record here ☺️

I have learned not to get exited over Apple rumors, especially on here. I haven't seen any news to get excited over, yet. If Apple were to surprise us with a 12" M series MB, I would definitely be excited.

I am not upgrading my phone. I am happy with my 13 minis. I could be talked into upgrading my M1 MBA, depending on what kind of bells and whistles it comes with, not that I need much.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The days of Apples minimum ram and drive space specs need to come to an end. Every new system under $2,000 is less capable than it should be because of the low specs. If all you need from a Mac is 8gb of ram and 256gb of drive space then Apple has you covered. However, if you need both more space and more ram, every retail price of every model except the macbook pro and the mac pro goes up by $400. Since $400 is too much for simple upgrades like that then you need to evaluate which system rips you off the least, which has more bang for the buck.

It would be much easier for the consumer if Apple came out with systems that retailed $400 more than the current systems and included the extra ram and drives space. All they would need to do is slightly tweak the design so people think its a different system but the components are mostly the same from the cheaper models. Just the exterior is different and it gets an M2 chip. They can then allow custom configurations that add even more to the price.

8, 16, and 32 can be the new good, better, best. All those models would be $400 over current ones. Current ones would still be sold along side newer ones. Once they see how well it sells they can whittle down the lower priced models and stay with the higher priced ones, reducing them by $100 as the years pass. Thats how they can pass big price increases on all new models without it shocking the consumers. The new models will be such that most consumers wont need to worry about upgrading them. If they reduce the ports enough then Apple can get back into the peripheral making business to make up the lost revenue of less upgrades being purchased.

"Starting at $<low price>" gets all of the pricing press on launch. It's one of the oldest marketing tricks in the book, used by many (most?) companies.

You are thinking like a consumer- and rightfully so- in which customers want a better value for the money they spend... and, for many, minimum specs to hit that touted <low price> doesn't quite do it. However, if you think like the seller, you want to hit well proven psychological price points for the press coverage of the launch. Low price gets buyers "in the store" during which the sales team- virtual or live- can up-sell them for more profitability. As long as you have the promoted model at the promoted <low price> too, you are not breaking any laws.

As (also) a consumer, I also want more value for my money and think "under" specs does NOT deliver the desired value. But it's a business (marketing) model that has been around since probably the first business transactions and you and I feeling differently about it won't make a lick of difference.

As in all things like this, voting with wallets is all that can drive change. If buyers as a group refuse to play the game that is presented to them, the game will change. Else, if it "just works"- and it does- seller has no most-driving-incentive to change.

 

[Lioness~]

I have learned not to get exited over Apple rumors, especially on here. I haven't seen any news to get excited over, yet. If Apple were to surprise us with a 12" M series MB, I would definitely be excited.

Neither do I. Long time ago I learned this is biggest Wild West for speculations on the net ?

I am so waiting to toss out my old iMac for a new Mac mini or iMac however, preferable a Mac Mini Pro/Max at this point. So I hope to be overly exited soon.

 

[beach bum]

Titanium? Are you planning on testing it at the gun range?

LOL!!! No, but it would be a nice deterrent for finger prints. Also, it would be a change from the shiny stainless steel that we’ve had for forever.

 

[bobtem]

Doesn’t “new” imply “incoming”? Clumsy wording MR, as usual.

 

[beach bum]

I have learned not to get exited over Apple rumors, especially on here. I haven't seen any news to get excited over, yet. If Apple were to surprise us with a 12" M series MB, I would definitely be excited.

I am not upgrading my phone. I am happy with my 13 minis. I could be talked into upgrading my M1 MBA, depending on what kind of bells and whistles it comes with, not that I need much.

A 12” M series MB would be amazing! I’m sure that there are a lot of people who would be excited to see the 12” MB make a comeback. It would be an instant purchase for me. ?

 

[Realityck]

Apple is expected to launch several new Macs with M1 Pro/Max and M2 chips this year, but it's unclear if any will be announced at the March event.

Should have said “at the rumored March event.”

Funny enough Mark Grumman original speculation sounded plausible to what would be announced if we do have a event.

 

[Apple_Robert]

LOL!!! No, but it would be a nice deterrent for finger prints. Also, it would be a change from the shiny stainless steel that we’ve had for forever.

If you would wear white gloves when using the phone like I do, you wouldn't suffer from print phobia. Titanium would make for a very expensive phone.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Neither do I. Long time ago I learned this is biggest Wild West for speculations on the net ?

I am so waiting to toss out my old iMac for a new Mac mini or iMac however, preferable a Mac Mini Pro/Max at this point. So I hope to be overly exited soon.

I hope your bank account starts crying with purchase joy very soon. The M series Macs are amazing and well worth the price of admission (void where prohibited and exclusions apply).

 

[beach bum]

If you would wear white gloves when using the phone like I do, you wouldn't suffer from print phobia. Titanium would make for a very expensive phone.

No real phobia of fingerprints. ? If it gets too bad, a quick wipe on my t-shirt works wonders. ? Ok, granted a fully titanium iPhone would be very expensive, but if it is limited to the trim similar to the AW, it shouldn’t be too costly.

 

[anthony13]

I got the impression in this article that the rumor suggests the new iMac Pro (or whatever they call it) will get an M2, but isn’t the prevailing rumor that that device will get an M1 Max with more cores?

 

[HowardEv]

All rumours are on repeat, over and over again.
Not that it bothers me, I wait for these stuff just as much as everybody else do at this time.
But there much be some record here ☺️

Come on, this is the first time we've heard a rumor of a "portable Mac" that if it is what I hope it is, will be a complete game changer, eliminating the compromises of all-in-ones.

 

[mansplains]

All rumours are on repeat, over and over again.
Not that it bothers me, I wait for these stuff just as much as everybody else do at this time.
But there much be some record here ☺️

That's par for the course, when your 'rumor' is wrong you just say the product was delayed, cycle continues

 

[Bug-Creator]

All rumours are on repeat, over and over again.

It is worse, all rumours combined make no sense at all....

Apple building out the higher end with M1 based SoCs while also releasing M2s on the lower end, one of them even in a product that not only looks dated today but also makes no sense at all to stay in the lineup.

I do expect at least some of these rumours to be proven wrong pretty soon, maybe they were planted misinformation all along.

 

[ghanwani]

The top story was that some folks don’t want to pay Tim Cook $99M and if they don’t he might quit, joining the great resignation.

 

[Realityck]

It is worse, all rumours combined make no sense at all....

Apple building out the higher end with M1 based SoCs while also releasing M2s on the lower end, one of them even in a product that not only looks dated today but also makes no sense at all to stay in the lineup.

I do expect at least some of these rumours to be proven wrong pretty soon, maybe they were planted misinformation all along.

Thats usually the case with rumors, the earliest ones have some plausibility, but as soon as people think that their personal product wish list is whats going to happen they get proven wrong.

Like the your example of M2 laptops before most M1 Pro/Max desktops that are under redesign are announced.

We all know Apple is currently offering multiple ARM based laptops, and only a Mac mini and 24" iMac. There are at least three more likely announcements we can predict. Obviously the long delayed redesigned 27" iMac, a Mac Pro that is multiple AS SoC based, and some other headless Mac that is more then a Mac mini and less than a Mac Pro. The last product is subject to the most speculation.

Also before anything can be released it needs to have a thoroughly debugged MacOS release that its is shipped with. Here we are only on the beta 3 of 12.3 that still has a way to go with various issues and adding Universal Control, and people are hopping that to be released in a couple of weeks.

Oh, sorry guys if I injected some realism on what to expect for the rumored early March event. Updated iPad Air (very likely), updated iPhone SE with 5G (very likely), another possible Mac, given all the not so great news lately not very good odds, updated AirPod Pro well that's a lot more likely.

 

[SrevenJ]

The days of Apples minimum ram and drive space specs need to come to an end. Every new system under $2,000 is less capable than it should be because of the low specs. If all you need from a Mac is 8gb of ram and 256gb of drive space then Apple has you covered. However, if you need both more space and more ram, every retail price of every model except the macbook pro and the mac pro goes up by $400. Since $400 is too much for simple upgrades like that then you need to evaluate which system rips you off the least, which has more bang for the buck.

It would be much easier for the consumer if Apple came out with systems that retailed $400 more than the current systems and included the extra ram and drives space. All they would need to do is slightly tweak the design so people think its a different system but the components are mostly the same from the cheaper models. Just the exterior is different and it gets an M2 chip. They can then allow custom configurations that add even more to the price.

8, 16, and 32 can be the new good, better, best. All those models would be $400 over current ones. Current ones would still be sold along side newer ones. Once they see how well it sells they can whittle down the lower priced models and stay with the higher priced ones, reducing them by $100 as the years pass. Thats how they can pass big price increases on all new models without it shocking the consumers. The new models will be such that most consumers wont need to worry about upgrading them. If they reduce the ports enough then Apple can get back into the peripheral making business to make up the lost revenue of less upgrades being purchased.

They do the same with the Dell xps and the Samsung Galaxy phone. Now that I'm retired I am considering changing, but it looks like all big companies do the same things, nickel and dime us to death.

With Apple, you give up a lot more money for a perceived safety advantage over living in an open source environment. The issue with Samsung is that they have no support. There's no store to go into for help. And their website is useless, only a sales tool that gives out wrong information.