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Top Stories: New Macs Soon, iOS 15.4 Beta 4 Changes, Apple Headset Rumors, and More

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With only a week and a half to go until Apple's rumored March event, we're still unsure how many Macs we'll be seeing introduced at the event, but it's clear Apple has a bunch of new Mac models in the pipeline. We're of course still expecting a new iPhone SE and updated iPad Air at the event, so we should be seeing some updates for most of Apple's main product segments.

top_stories_26feb2022.jpg

We're also expecting to see iOS 15.4 and associated operating system updates released to the public around the time of the event, and Apple is continuing to make tweaks to the updates as they go through the beta period. Looking further off, this week saw rumors about Apple's progress on its first AR/VR headset and its plans for not only a foldable iPhone but also all-screen Macs with foldable displays, so read on for details on these stories and more!

Apple Rumored to Launch New Macs Next Month, More Around May or June

Apple plans to hold its first media event of the year on Tuesday, March 8, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and he said that he has been told to expect at least one new Mac to be announced that day.

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In the latest edition of his newsletter, Gurman added that Apple is planning another round of new Macs for release around May or June.

At the March 8 event, Apple is also rumored to announce a third-generation iPhone SE and a fifth-generation iPad Air, with key features of both devices expected to include an A15 chip and 5G support.

Apple Exploring 20-Inch All-Screen Foldable MacBook, But Foldable iPhone Delayed Until 2025

Apple is exploring the possibility of offering all-screen foldable notebooks with up to 20-inch displays, according to display industry consultant Ross Young, who has a proven track record with display-related information for future Apple products.

Foldable-iPhone-2023-Feature-Blue.jpg

Young believes a foldable MacBook is still several years away from release, and likewise, he said that Apple's foldable iPhone likely won't be released until 2025.

iOS 15.4 Beta 4 Includes AirTag Anti-Stalking Changes

Apple this week seeded the fourth beta of iOS 15.4 to developers and public beta testers. In the beta, Apple has introduced its promised AirTag anti-stalking changes, along with a new Siri voice option.

AirTag-is-Linked-to-Apple-ID-Feature.jpg

Apple also seeded the fourth betas of macOS Monterey 12.3, watchOS 8.5, and tvOS 15.4, along with a new HomePod software beta that hints at the smart speaker launching in additional countries soon.

Apple Reportedly Completes Production Tests for AR/VR Headset

Apple has completed second-phase engineering validation and testing (EVT 2) for its long-rumored augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset, according to DigiTimes.

apple-mixed-reality-headset-mockup-feature-purple.jpg

The report claimed that the headset will undergo third-phase EVT 3 testing soon ahead of volume production starting in August–September, with a final release apparently planned by the end of the year.

Apple Will Soon Offer Face ID Repairs Without Replacing the Entire iPhone

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers will soon be able to repair Face ID on the iPhone XS and newer without having to replace the whole device, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors from a reliable source.

iphone-13-face-id.jpg

Apple said authorized technicians will soon have access to a new TrueDepth Camera service part containing all Face ID and front camera modules, allowing for same-unit repairs.

Current iPod Touch Now Over 1,000 Days Old With No Sign of New Model

This week, the current seventh-generation iPod touch surpassed 1,000 days since it was released, and there are no rumors that suggest a new model is in development or coming soon.

ipodtouch2.jpg

Apple last updated the iPod touch in May 2019 with an A10 chip and a new 256GB storage option. Other features include a 4-inch Retina display, a Home button without Touch ID, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Lightning connector.

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 Soon, iOS 15.4 Beta 4 Changes, Apple Headset Rumors, and More
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/02/26/top-stories-new-macs-soon-ios-15-4-beta-4/
It’s already weekend and that means no news. From the news you propose on the article, I would like to comment about the Mac mini. I’m really pretty excited about it, especially if it comes with the same external power supply as the iMac with an Ethernet integrated connector. If the mini is slimmer, smaller and lighter, I will be able to carry it with me, as long as I can buy another power brick for the second place. Currently, I think Apple doesn’t sell the iMac power brick separately, and that’s a shame.

The other option is a MacBook Air, one of the redesigned models. But I am not sure about it, because I will use it mostly on 2 fixed locations, and I think I could use a mini for that. Of course having two screens is a plus (I have a monitor), but I’m not sure to what extent it is worth it. I guess it will depend on the final price and specs of both, the new Mac mini and the new MacBook Air.

For true portability I have an iPad Pro
 
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Is there a native boot Ubuntu / Linux / Debian / Fedora that can run on the new ARM Macs to run server software or is Mac Ports still an option where you compile it yourself in terminal?
 
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currocj said:
I'm looking forward to a new Mac mini that's a little beefier, more RAM, dual up to 6K display support, etc. Here's to hoping!
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Let’s not forget 4 TB4 ports each with their own controller so no bandwidth sharing, HDMI 2.0 minimum, 10GB Ethernet, combo 3.5mm headphone Jack with a proper DAC.


Just think 12yr ago the power of the SG Mac Mini on Intel is using 1/12th the power from the last Mac Pro, this time it’ll use 1/30th the power.
 
The 2016-2020 MBP’s were a no-go for me because of the Touch Bar, keyboard and lack of IO. They were essentially junk, I even went back to PC and didn’t buy another MacBook until the 2021 16” MBP.


A foldable MacBook would be a nonstarter.
 
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TravelsInBlue said:
The 2016-2020 MBP’s were a no-go for me because of the Touch Bar, keyboard and lack of IO. They were essentially junk, I even went back to PC and didn’t buy another MacBook until the 2021 16” MBP.


A foldable MacBook would be a nonstarter.
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I can understand not liking that era of MBP's, but for me, MacOS is what keeps me using Macs, more so than the hardware.

But my laptop is more of a desktop replacement 90% of the time, usually in clamshell mode, so hubs and dongles, a poor built-in keyboard and the Touch Bar weren't a deal breaker.

Still very happy for the recent changes to the MBP line.
 
MacRumors said:
With only a week and a half to go until Apple's rumored March event, we're still unsure how many Macs we'll be seeing introduced at the event, but it's clear Apple has a bunch of new Mac models in the pipeline. We're of course still expecting a new iPhone SE and updated iPad Air at the event, so we should be seeing some updates for most of Apple's main product segments.
Click to expand...
Notice the choice of words, rumored, unsure, how many? Yes we know the transition been going on for over a year, and that of course we have certain desktop models still yet not announced. The odds are not great, as a couple of tidbits is the basis of this event speculation and neither has been backed up recently with additional indications. The suspense, oh the suspense, and it’s getting close, what to think? o_O
 
Considering the situation in the world at the moment, I'm finding it difficult to focus on new consumer electronics.
If I had a say in anything Apple, I would certainly hold off any glossy event for the time being. The invites has not been sent out, no harm in waiting a few weeks more.
 
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bollman said:
Considering the situation in the world at the moment, I'm finding it difficult to focus on new consumer electronics.
If I had a say in anything Apple, I would certainly hold off any glossy event for the time being. The invites has not been sent out, no harm in waiting a few weeks more.
Click to expand...
The betas are not really ready to go RC in spite of this gossip. Safari still has issues across OS’s. Anyone that reads the notes, sees issues listed and some workarounds. Still Macrumors says we expect to see these released around the time of this event is wishful thinking IMHO. ;)
 
More M1 M1 MAX Macs. so all Macs except for the Mac Pro all run on the same chip. The M1.
No overclocking. No upgrades. and in some cases No Repairs.

Then the next wait. The M2.
 
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Ready to place my order for the new Mini.

As for new ipads, until they can boot macOS or some kind of macOS Lite, they are simply giant iphones with no practical business use.
 
Love to see a new iMac , mines the late 2015 and my upgrade finger is getting mighty itchy

A super duper Mac mini is a very exciting idea too
 
bollman said:
Considering the situation in the world at the moment, I'm finding it difficult to focus on new consumer electronics.
If I had a say in anything Apple, I would certainly hold off any glossy event for the time being. The invites has not been sent out, no harm in waiting a few weeks more.
Click to expand...
This is something that happens in the world all the time, unfortunately. It’s not just now!
There are wars, starvation, misfortune and all kinds of horror going on every day!

The questions we might asks ourselves in those moments when it highlights worldwide as of now, are important. I agree deeply about that.
But counting our blessings, and feel gratitude for the goodness is life, doesn’t stand in contradiction to the evil or wrongdoings we can witness. I don’t think so.
I even think it’s important to do so even more at those moments. I certainly don’t mean the focus on the materialistic part of electronics. But the values of communication and mentally evolution it can bring in all of our lives.

I am good with whatever Apple and Tim decides regarding having a keynote now or not. I personally hope they have it as usual though. They have already showed their goodwill, what else can they do?
We can’t force an ethical evolution around us, we can only live by example.
I am so looking forward to see what new Macs are presented soon.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1497004932364341266
 
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