It was a fairly interesting week for rumors this week, with reports claiming new 5G iPad models will be coming around the same time as 5G iPhones, likely in the September–October timeframe, while a mysterious "AirPod Pro Lite" has been mentioned as being in the works.
The HomePod turned two years old this week, and Apple is still dealing with the fallout of the Wuhan coronavirus epidemic, which aside from the human toll has impacted both Apple's retail sales and product manufacturing. Read on for details on these stories and more that topped the news this week.
5G iPad Pro Models With A14 Series Chip Said to Launch in Fall 2020
The new iPhone and iPad models are expected to be equipped with 5nm-based A14 chips — likely A14X for the iPad Pro — and support a combination of mmWave and sub-6GHz variants of 5G. Qualcomm is expected to supply its Snapdragon X55 modem for the iPhones, but the report does not specify which modem the iPads will use. Apple is also said to be hoping to use an in-house antenna design for its upcoming 5G iPhones, having been unhappy with the designs offered by Qualcomm.
Upcoming Low-Cost iPhone Again Rumored to Start at $399
The device is expected to resemble the iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch display and a Touch ID home button, but with a faster A13 chip and 3GB of RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB of storage in Space Gray, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED, according to oft-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Rumors have suggested the new lower-cost iPhone will be unveiled around March, and ahead of time, suppliers are reportedly gearing up for production of the device. With manufacturing delays stemming from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China, however, there is some uncertainty about launch timing.
Apple Reportedly Working on 'AirPod Pro Lite' Earphones
"AirPod Pro Lite" is a bit of an oxymoron, as "Pro Lite" sounds like the regular AirPods that Apple sells for $159. Without any further details provided, it is unclear if the report is referring to third-generation AirPods or something else.
Hands-On With Samsung's New S20 and Galaxy Z Flip Smartphones
Given that Macs currently use Intel processors, the references are naturally prompting speculation that perhaps Apple plans to release Macs with AMD processors, but this is unconfirmed as of yet.
AMD does supply dedicated graphics in select MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, and Mac Pro models.
HomePod Turns Two, Lower-Priced Model Might Launch Later This Year
At launch, the HomePod cost $349, but Apple reduced its price to $299 in April 2019. Apple has never disclosed HomePod sales, instead grouping the speaker under its "Wearables, Home, and Accessories" category, which set a quarterly record of $10 billion in revenue over the final three months of 2019.
Many Mac Models Facing Lengthy Delivery Estimates Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Apple continues to be impacted by the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China, where many of its retail stores remain closed as a precaution. Apple has reopened its five stores in the Beijing area as of Friday, but with limited hours and temperature screening of customers until further notice.
Last week, we reported that many custom iMac, iMac Pro, and MacBook Pro configurations are facing longer-than-usual delivery estimates on Apple's online store, and this now extends to orders of the new Mac Pro in many countries. This is likely the result of many Apple suppliers suspending production in China due to the coronavirus outbreak, and supplies should improve as operations begin to resume.
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