Top Stories: What's New in iOS 15.2, Universal Control Delayed, and More

[MacRumors]

Just a week ahead of Christmas, things remain busy in the Apple news and rumor world, with Apple this week releasing iOS 15.2, macOS Monterey 12.1, and other related operating system updates. Unfortunately, the much-anticipated Universal Control feature didn't make the cut, so we'll have to wait until 2022 for that.

As far as rumors go, we heard more about next year's iPhone 14, an updated larger iMac, and potentially some new external displays, so read on for details on these stories and more!

iOS 15.2 Released: Here is Everything New

Apple this week released iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2 following over a month and a half of beta testing. As usual, there are lots of new features, such as the App Privacy Report and Communication Safety, so make sure to check out our list of everything new in iOS 15.2.

On our YouTube channel, we went hands on with the Apple Music Voice Plan, which is available starting with iOS 15.2. The plan lets you use Apple Music exclusively with Siri for $4.99 per month, but there are some limitations, so be sure to watch the video for more details.

Apple also released macOS 12.1 with SharePlay, as well as watchOS 8.3 for the Apple Watch and tvOS 15.2 for the Apple TV.

Apple Delays Universal Control Feature Until Spring 2022

One of the key new features that Apple announced for macOS Monterey was Universal Control, but it has yet to be released, and Apple has now confirmed the feature has been delayed until spring 2022.

Universal Control will allow for several Macs and iPads placed side by side to be controlled with a single mouse or trackpad. Apple previously said the feature would be available before the end of the year.

iPhone 14 Pro Models Rumored to Feature 48-Megapixel Camera and 8GB of RAM

While it has only been a few months since Apple released the iPhone 13 lineup, rumors are already starting to surface about iPhone 14 models.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, two iPhone 14 Pro models set to be released in September 2022 will be equipped with an upgraded 48-megapixel main camera and an increased 8GB of RAM. For more details, read our story on how the 48-megapixel camera is expected to work.

27-Inch iMac Pro With Mini-LED Display Expected to Launch in Spring 2022

One of the first new Apple products expected to launch next year is a 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip and a mini-LED display in the spring.

According to display industry analyst Ross Young, the new 27-inch iMac will support ProMotion with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. The computer is expected to be powered by the same M1 Pro and M1 Max chips as found in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, and we've put together a short video going over everything we've heard about the machine so far.

Apple Rumored to Launch Lower-Priced 24-Inch and 27-Inch External Displays: What to Expect

In addition to a new 27-inch iMac, rumors suggest Apple is also planning to release consumer-oriented 24-inch and 27-inch external displays that would be more affordable than the high-end Pro Display XDR.

Apple is also said to be planning a new Pro Display XDR with an Apple silicon chip and added support for ProMotion. The current Pro Display XDR was released in December 2019 and costs a hefty $4,999.

No Foldable iPhone Expected Until 2023 at the Earliest, But 2024 More Likely

Apple is not expected to introduce a foldable iPhone until 2023 at the earliest, with 2024 being the more likely target date, according to display analyst Ross Young, who has a reliable track record with Apple rumors.

Back in May, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple was working to launch a foldable ‌iPhone‌ with an 8-inch flexible OLED display in 2023, but he has said little else about Apple's work on foldable devices since then.

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Article Link: Top Stories: What's New in iOS 15.2, Universal Control Delayed, and More

 

[LoveTo]

My iPhone journey started with 5s. Since then, I’ve owned several other iPhones but have always dreamed of having an iPhone with no camera bump. If the rumors for 14 do indeed come true, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. I don’t even care about any other specs. They are decent anyway. I love the flat design so much that I still have my 5s with me to this day. Even the notch doesn’t bother me as much as the bump. I really wish this is true.

 

[Populus]

Good. I’m glad iOS 15.2 incorporates such new features, like the new Privacy Report. But I’m waiting for iOS 15.3 to make clean installs on all my devices: iPads and iPhones. Plenty of annoying bugs from what I’ve read over here on the latest release, and 15.3 seems to be focused on stability and bug fixes, just what iOS and iPadOS needs right now.

On some devices I have iOS 15, and on my mac Safari 15 on Big Sur, so right now I wouldn’t know how to organize myself without the amazing Tab Groups synced across all the devices. It is so convenient! I need it on all my devices! So I’m crossing my fingers for iOS 15.3 to be as smooth and bug free as possible (no software is perfect tho), with the latest security patches. I really want to make the jump to the new operating systems.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It was a good week. 2 more weeks until it’s all over for the year 2021

 

[xxFoxtail]

I’d be interested to try a foldable iPhone. It’s be nice to have one device to replace my iPhone and iPad Pro. Maybe even my MacBook if iOS is mature enough by then.

I just have a feeling I’m going to be more annoyed with a foldable.

 

[toke lahti]

Apple Delays Universal Control Feature Until Spring 2022

One of the key new features that Apple announced for macOS Monterey was Universal Control, but it has yet to be released, and Apple has now confirmed the feature has been delayed until spring 2022.

​

Universal Control will allow for several Macs and iPads placed side by side to be controlled with a single mouse or trackpad. Apple previously said the feature would be available before the end of the year.

Apple should definetely slow down this version madness. One major change per 2 years might be a good start.
Since Apple lacks money, resources and talent, with longer cycle, they could get new features out when they are new.

 

[Realityck]

This week brings a close to the software beta release process for the remainder of 2021. Hopefully we will see MacOS 12.2 and iOS/iPadOS 15.3 get released in the last week of January 2022. At least YouTube HDR is back working across all the OS's again.

Looking forward to the upcoming new monitors made by LG to be sold by Apple.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

Apple should definetely slow down this version madness. One major change per 2 years might be a good start.
Since Apple lacks money, resources and talent, with longer cycle, they could get new features out when they are new.

Ha ha, "Apple lacks money, resources and talent..." nice burn. What Apple actually lacks, is simply the will to fire its software division management team, and replace it will someone competent. As a software dev, it completely hurts my brain to see the ridiculous bugs that make it through to production, and this level of tragic incompetence. I'm convinced Craig must have a picture of Tim and that straight white cisgender female goat[1].

[1] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW_qXIHtmTk&t=207s

 

[TechRunner]

Megapixels are nice, but I'd like to see a 5X or better optical zoom on the iPhone 14 Pro.

 

[HiRez]

Really wish the Pro iMac would have a 30"-32" screen option, 27" is...just ok.

 

[flottenheimer]

New, lower priced, external displays — YEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!