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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
AirPods Pro 3 launch likely for 2025 despite conflicting rumours
Apple's autumn launch cycle is fast approaching, and speculation around what products will make the cut is intensifying. While iPhone 17 models and the iPhone 17 Air are almost guaranteed, recent rumours have cast doubt on the arrival of another much-anticipated device, the AirPods Pro 3. Last week, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stirred uncertainty by stating that AirPods were unlikely to see "significant updates" until 2026, with infrared camera-equipped AirPods entering production in that year. He also mentioned that a lighter version of the AirPods Max was due in 2027. At face value, Kuo's comment seems to push the AirPods Pro 3 beyond 2025. However, several observers have pointed out the ambiguity in his phrasing. Crucially: -He used the term 'may not', suggesting some uncertainty. -The phrase 'significant updates' is subjective and might not preclude a modest hardware revision. -He notably did not specify 'AirPods Pro', instead referring to the AirPods line more broadly. This has left room for interpretation, and hope, among those expecting a refresh of the Pro model. Adding to the speculation is a recent Apple software update that included code references to new AirPods hardware. These references are often reliable indicators of an imminent product launch. In addition, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who originally tipped AirPods Pro 3 for a 2025 release, has not updated or withdrawn his report, suggesting the plan may still be in motion. Another leaker, Kosutami, also hinted at a launch 'soon', though with limited specificity. Apple's release cadence also supports the case. The AirPods Pro 2 launched in 2022, three years after the original 2019 release. A 2025 refresh would maintain that three-year cycle, and with interest in high-end wireless audio remaining strong, it would make commercial sense for Apple to strike now. While Kuo's comments injected some doubt into the timeline, a closer reading and supporting signals suggest AirPods Pro 3 are still likely to launch this autumn. If that's the case, they'll arrive just in time to capitalise on the iPhone 17 wave, and consumer demand for the next evolution of Apple's premium earbuds.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
OpenAI and Jony Ive's AI device to enter mass production in 2027: Kuo
OpenAI's much-anticipated leap into hardware, in collaboration with iconic designer Jony Ive, is taking shape, and now we have a timeline. According to renowned TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new screenless AI device is set to enter mass production in 2027, with initial products expected to roll out in 2026. Kuo revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the prototype device is 'slightly larger than Humane's AI Pin' but retains a compact form factor reminiscent of the iPod Shuffle. Designed to be worn around the neck, the device features cameras and microphones to sense its environment and relay information contextually, a hallmark of the emerging category of ambient, screenless AI devices. Mobile Finder: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launched in India Unlike smartphones or traditional wearables, this new device will not have a display. Instead, it will rely on connectivity to smartphones and PCs to process data and deliver output. It aims to function as an ever-present AI assistant, seamlessly interacting with the real world while offloading computing tasks to companion devices. Kuo's post comes on the heels of Bloomberg's report that OpenAI has acquired 'io,' a subsidiary of Jony Ive's design firm LoveFrom, in a deal reportedly valued at around $6.5 billion. This acquisition not only underscores OpenAI's ambition to move into hardware but also signifies a broader shift in the industry, from purely software-based AI to what is increasingly referred to as "physical AI." According to Kuo, OpenAI plans to manufacture the device outside China, with Vietnam a likely choice. This move aligns with growing tech sector trends to diversify supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties, something Apple has also pursued in recent years. If successful, the device could kickstart a new wave of AI hardware, personal, invisible, and intuitive, challenging the smartphone's dominance and redefining how we interact with technology.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple may radically change its iPhone release schedule. Here are 3 business-boosting reasons why
For well over a decade now, consumers have been used to new iPhones coming out in the fall, like clockwork. However, according to a series of reports, Apple may be planning to change its iPhone release schedule drastically. The change could significantly impact when you can buy your next preferred model of the iPhone. It could also provide Apple with several key advantages in an increasingly competitive smartphone landscape. Trump wants to fast-track an Alabama coal mine expansion—but almost all its rock is shipped overseas Kroger and Albertsons cut worker hours. A new report looks at the impact to workers Rite Aid store closings timeline: Which pharmacies will close first? See the list of initial locations in 9 states Apple released the original iPhone on June 29, 2007. For the following three years, Apple released a new iPhone every June or July. But in 2011, Apple altered its iPhone release window, shifting to a fall launch date for the iPhone 4s. Since that date, Apple's new family of latest and greatest iPhones has launched every fall, with the exception of the iPhone SE (which was historically not considered part of the latest iPhone family) and this year's iPhone SE replacement, the iPhone 16e. Yet, according to two reports this week—one from The Information and one from respected TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo—2025 is the last year that Apple will launch an entirely new iPhone family of entry-level and premium phones in unison in the fall. Instead, beginning in 2026, Apple will move to a biannual iPhone release schedule, which will see the pricier 'premium' iPhone models launch in the fall, and the cheaper 'entry-level' and 'budget' iPhone models in the first half of the following year. You can still expect to see Apple launch the new iPhone 17 family in full this fall: most likely the entry-level iPhone 17 and the premium iPhone 17 Slim/Air (the exact name of the new, thin iPhone is uncertain at this point), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. But this will be the last year Apple releases entry-level and premium family members at the same time. (The budget iPhone 17e is expected to debut in Spring 2026 as is usual for the budget model). Starting in 2026, though, things will change. Apple will launch the premium iPhone 18 series models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone 18 Slim/Air, along with a new foldable iPhone 18 in the fall. However, the entry-level iPhone 18 and budget iPhone 18e won't be released until approximately six months later, in the spring of 2027. This new staggered release schedule is sure to irritate some consumers, particularly those who enjoy buying the entry-level new iPhone model every September. However, the change will benefit Apple in several ways. The Information was the first to report on Apple's planned release schedule changes, followed a few days later by a report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo suggested that one of the main reasons Apple was shaking up the iPhone schedule was to give the company an advantage in China, which is Apple's second-largest market after the U.S. According to Kuo, Apple is facing intense competition in China, and since many smartphone manufacturers now release phones in China in the first half of the year, this leaves Apple at a disadvantage. Traditionally, when competitors launch their new phones in the first half of the year, Apple is selling a phone that is already six months old. That's not great optics from a marketing perspective. By moving the iPhone's entry-level and budget 'e' versions launch to the first half of the year, Apple can market new phones while its competitors are doing the same. This benefits Apple not only in China but also around the world. Springtime has historically been one of Apple's slower sales periods because the company does not usually have a major new flagship iPhone product launch at that time. However, by launching the entry-level version of the latest flagship iPhone series in the spring, Apple can boost its sales during this period. Having a fresh new flagship phone on the market isn't the only advantage Apple can gain from staggering its newest iPhone family launch across two different points during the year. The strategy may also encourage consumers who desire the latest iPhone to upgrade to the premium model instead of waiting another six months for the entry-level model to be released. For example, someone who really wants a new iPhone 18 in 2026 will need to opt to purchase one of the premium iPhone 18 models, which is expected to include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Slim/Air, and foldable iPhone 18. They won't have the option to buy the cheaper iPhone 18 or iPhone 18e until around six months later, in 2027. Delaying the less expensive models by six months may compel some consumers to opt for the pricier premium ones instead, ultimately benefiting Apple's bottom line. Finally, Apple could also benefit from a manufacturing perspective if it shifts to a biannual iPhone release schedule, as The Information pointed out (via MacRumors). Currently, Apple's manufacturing partners around the world—but primarily in China—must bring on tens of thousands of workers every summer to assemble iPhones for the fall launch. Bottlenecks can easily occur in the manufacturing chain if enough workers aren't available. However, if Apple staggers its iPhone rollout throughout the year, Chinese manufacturers may not need to staff up at the levels traditionally required. As a result, it is less likely that labor shortages will impact iPhone launch dates and availability. This may help Apple mitigate some manufacturing risk, which could otherwise delay product launches and thus hurt sales. Of course, it should be noted that Apple hasn't confirmed plans to transition to a biannual iPhone release schedule in 2026—and the company will likely not announce anything until it unveils the new premium models that fall. Still, the move does make a lot of sense for the company from both a marketing and financial perspective. Given that The Information and Kuo both have good track records when it comes to reporting on Apple's supply chain plans, the change seems more likely than not. What that means for consumers is that 2025 is probably the last year that Apple will launch the full family of the newest iPhones simultaneously, marking the end of an era of sorts for the iPhone. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple's China Gamble at Risk as Global Tariff War Heats Up, Analyst Warns
Apple (AAPL, Financials) faces growing risks as trade tensions between the United States and China intensify, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo said the company could weather higher tariffs if they are limited to the United States by shifting supply and adjusting prices. But if U.S. allies also raise barriers, Apple would be forced to speed up moving production out of China a shift he called risky and hard to control. The warning follows a fresh round of tariffs from the Trump administration, which raised duties on Chinese goods to as much as 145%. China has responded with 125% tariffs on some U.S. products, new restrictions on strategic mineral exports, and a complaint at the World Trade Organization. Apple has made early moves into India and Vietnam, but Kuo said the company remains heavily reliant on China, especially for iPhone assembly. Broad-based tariffs could hit Apple's supply chain and margins before it can fully diversify, he said. While some analysts say full economic decoupling remains unlikely, Kuo cautioned that the short-term risks for Apple are rising sharply. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple Faces Growing Risk If China Trade Tensions Spread Globally
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) could face significant fallout if the U.S.-China tariff dispute deepens, according to a warning issued Monday by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo shared his analysis on social platform X, noting that the latest statement from China's Ministry of Commerce as reported by CNBC suggests that the U.S. may be using tariff negotiations to pressure its allies into curbing trade with China. If additional countries respond by increasing tariffs on Chinese exports, the risks for Apple could rise sharply. The Ministry of Commerce said it would respond firmly to any international efforts it sees as undermining China's trade interests. China will not accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures, the ministry said. Kuo noted that Apple can manage if only the U.S. enacts high tariffs. But if a broader coalition follows suit, Apple would be forced to accelerate its diversification efforts, including building more iPhone production capacity outside of China. Under such a scenario, Kuo said, Apple's exposure would become immeasurable and entirely uncontrollable. It's important to note that the stock posted a modest 0.43% gain over the past week, even as the S&P 500 slid 2.33%. However, over one month, six months and year?to?date it's fallen 10.64%, 17.62% and 23.63% versus the S&P's declines of 9.33%, 11.92% and 12.52%, respectively. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
