Latest news with #byMacRumors
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Apple's 18.8-inch foldable device delayed, iPhone 18 Fold still on track for 2026: Jeff Pu
Apple's much-anticipated entry into the foldable device segment may face a significant delay, with a new report suggesting the company's 18.8-inch foldable product will not enter mass production in late 2026 as initially expected. The device is now unlikely to be unveiled before early 2027. According to a research note from Jeff Pu of GF Securities, cited byMacRumors, Apple's plans for a larger foldable display have been pushed back. The delay impacts the production and potential launch timeline of what many speculate could be a foldable tablet or a new category of Mac device. The product was previously expected to begin mass production in the final quarter of 2026, but this now appears uncertain. Despite the setback for the larger foldable, Apple's smaller foldable handset, rumoured to be part of the iPhone 18 series, seems unaffected. The analyst maintains that the so-callediPhone 18 Fold is still on track for a potential September 2026 launch, aligning with the tech giant's traditional annual iPhone release schedule. Pu also commented on Apple's forthcoming iPhone 17 series, which is due in September 2025. According to his assessment, the upgrades in the iPhone 17 lineup may be modest compared to previous years, with more significant changes expected to arrive with the iPhone 18 range in 2026. The 18.8-inch foldable device, if launched, is expected to offer a dual-use experience, functioning both as a high-end tablet and a compact MacBook alternative. Apple's approach appears to align with a growing trend in the tech industry where devices are increasingly designed to serve multiple purposes in a single form factor. Reports had previously suggested that both of Apple's foldable devices, the large-screen model and the foldable iPhone, were planned to enter mass production around the same time. However, this latest development implies a staggered timeline, with Apple potentially debuting its first foldable iPhone ahead of the larger hybrid device. The iPhone 18 Fold, once released, is expected to compete directly with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line, marking Apple's first foray into the foldable smartphone segment. While Apple has not officially confirmed any plans for foldable devices, the growing body of reports and analyst notes indicate that the company is actively exploring new form factors as part of its long-term hardware strategy.
Mint
10-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Code hints at Apple's plans for generative AI support chatbot: What it could mean for users
Apple is reportedly working on a generative AI-powered chatbot designed to enhance user experience within its Apple Support app. According to a recent report byMacRumors, code found by contributor Aaron Perris hints at the development of a text-based virtual assistant capable of addressing customer queries instantly. While the feature is not yet publicly available and Apple has provided no official timeline for its release, the development could mark a potentially significant shift in the tech giant's support strategy. The chatbot appears to serve as an immediate intermediary between the user and a live support representative, allowing for faster resolutions without the need to wait for callbacks or text replies. What is particularly noteworthy is the timing of this revelation. Just weeks ago, Apple executives Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, and Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, toldThe Wall Street Journal that the company had no interest in building a 'bolt-on chatbot.' Instead, they emphasised Apple's focus on delivering 'deeply integrated' AI features across its ecosystem. The emergence of this standalone support assistant may signal a rethink of that stance. The chatbot, said to be similar in functionality to OpenAI's ChatGPT, is reportedly powered by generative AI models, though Apple has not disclosed which models are being utilised. The code suggests that while the assistant is designed to offer immediate help, it should not be viewed as a replacement for professional or technical advice. Further details indicate the assistant may support image and file uploads, a functionality that could be particularly useful for diagnosing issues visually or verifying details like proof of purchase and warranty status. If implemented, this feature could streamline processes like checking AppleCare+ coverage or past repair records. The development also comes amid several recent reversals in Apple's AI and software strategies. The company has reportedly delayed the launch of its revamped Siri assistant, shifted towards incorporating third-party AI models after initially pursuing an in-house approach, and toned down the ambitious 'Liquid Glass' design language in the latest iOS 26 beta following mixed feedback.
Mint
11-06-2025
- Mint
iOS 26 Beta hints at unannounced AirPods Pro 3: Report
Apple may have inadvertently revealed its next major audio product through its latest software update. The first developer beta of iOS 26, released shortly after the company's WWDC 2025 keynote, contains references to theAirPods Pro 3, an as-yet unannounced successor to its premium wireless earbuds. The discovery, initially reported byMacRumors contributor Steve Moser, highlights the term 'AirPods Pro 3' buried within the code of a UI framework related to headphone functionality. This marks the second time Apple's own software has hinted at a refresh to the AirPods Pro line. A previous update had already swapped out explicit mentions of the second-generation model in favour of a more inclusive label: 'AirPods Pro 2 or later'. You may be interested in Although Apple has made no official announcements regarding new AirPods hardware, the software clues are consistent with speculation that a third-generation model could debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, expected to be unveiled in September. This would mirror Apple's strategy from 2022, when the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) launched in tandem with the iPhone 14 series. While firm details remain elusive, early indications suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 may feature incremental upgrades rather than a complete overhaul. These could include a refined H2 chip offering enhanced active noise cancellation and improved battery performance. However, no major design changes or entirely new features have been uncovered in the beta code so far. Previous analyst reports had suggested a more significant leap in hardware capabilities might not arrive until 2026, when Apple is rumoured to introduce a model equipped with an infrared camera, part of a broader ambition to integrate advanced sensors into its audio devices. As always, Apple is expected to remain tight-lipped until its next major hardware event in the autumn. Until then, fans and developers alike will likely continue mining iOS 26 for any further clues about what is to come.
