Plenty of Apple, iPhone, and iPad news gets released each week – but we know you’re busy, so we’ve got your back. Here, we’ve picked out some of the most notable things you should know from the past few days and summarized them for easy digestion. You’re welcome.
So please dig into this week’s Apple news bites, freshly sourced from all around the web. As ever, click through to read the full stories if you want to know more!
iPhone 9 to enter production next month
It’s been widely reported that Apple will be launching a lower-cost iPhone this Spring as the spiritual successor to 2016’s iPhone SE. This upcoming device is expected to reuse the design specifications of the 4.7-inch iPhone 8, with internals updated to pack more of a punch. It’s rumored to launch sometime in March for around $400, which would be a fantastic option for two kinds of consumers: those on a budget, and those who prefer smaller handsets. No word yet on what Apple might call this device, but iPhone 9 is a solid bet.
iPhone 12 rumored to rock exclusive navy blue finish
With iPhone 12 widely expected to stick with the same design language as iPhone 11, early adopters will need an eye-catching differentiator to show off their purchase. Last year’s iPhone 11 Pro models came with a unique Midnight Green finish, which proved exceptionally popular. This year, Apple is rumored to stick with the same tactic, swapping the green option for a luxury Navy Blue finish.
Apple reportedly increases orders for CPU chips
Reports indicate that Apple has bumped up orders for its A-class processing chips with manufacturer TSMC. Though Apple designs these chips, which power its iPhone and iPad range, in-house, it relies on external companies like TSMC to handle production. Supposedly strong sales of the cheaper-than-usual iPhone 11 are responsible for these increased orders; the handset has sold well since launch, and done particularly well in China to boot. This increased demand, coupled with the fact Apple looks likely to release five different handsets this year (iPhone 9 and four different iPhone 12 models) are likely the reason for this beefy order.
Companion podcasts to help promote Apple TV+
Apple looks set to capitalize on the recent trend for companion podcasts – both official and fan-made – by commissioning its own official podcast content to accompany its original TV shows. Apple reportedly sent out a call for production pitches last summer, so we may start to see these podcasts sooner rather than later, especially with an influx of new shows coming to TV+ over the next few months.