Top Stories: Titanium iPhone 15 Pro, Touchscreen Macs, iOS 17 Expectations, and More
The Apple rumor mill is back in full force as we approach the middle of January, indicating that the holidays are officially gone. This week witnessed a wide range of near-term and longer-term rumors, including those on Apple’s mixed-reality headset, the Apple silicon Mac Pro, the next iPhone 15 and iOS 17, as well as new technologies that may be introduced to Apple products over the following several years.
iPhone 15 Pro Now Widely Rumored to Feature Titanium Frame
This week was a particularly active one for Apple product speculations, beginning with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s confirmation that the iPhone 15 Pro versions will have a titanium frame rather than the existing stainless steel frame. Additionally, the Apple Watch Ultra is made of titanium.
Additionally, haptic feedback solid-state volume and power buttons are anticipated for the iPhone 15 Pro versions.
Gurman noted that, contrary to what display industry expert Ross Young claimed last year, the Dynamic Island will be available on all four of the iPhone 15 models when they are released later this year. The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max are the only devices that have the functionality right now.
Apple Reportedly Working on Touchscreen Macs, Including MacBook Pro With OLED Display
Gurman claims that despite years of opposition, Apple is planning to include touchscreens into next Macs. According to his source, the first Mac to offer touch input like an iPhone or iPad may be a new MacBook Pro with an OLED display.
Apple has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a touchscreen Mac over the years, so this would be a major reversal in philosophy for the company if it moves forward with these plans.
iOS 17 Rumored to Have 'Fewer Major Changes Than Originally Planned'
While we are still around five months away from Apple unveiling iOS 17 at WWDC in June, a report this week claimed that the software update may have "fewer major changes than originally planned."
The report said that Apple’s focus on the "xrOS" operating system for its upcoming AR/VR headset has drawn away resources from the iPhone’s software. As of now, here is is everything that we know so far about iOS 17.
Apple’s 'Reality Pro' Headset Said to Debut Before WWDC, Ship in the Fall
Apple’s eagerly anticipated AR/VR headset is anticipated to be unveiled this spring and go on sale later in the year. According to rumors, the headset may be called "Reality Pro."
More allusions to "xrOS" and "Reality OS" have already been found in the future Apple Devices app for Windows. At WWDC, Apple is anticipated to offer further information regarding the operating system for the headgear.
New Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Chip Might Launch This Spring Alongside macOS 13.3
The long-awaited Mac Pro with Apple silicon could be announced this spring, with the computer’s launch potentially tied to macOS 13.3.
Apple’s new M2 Ultra processor is anticipated to be used in the next Mac Pro, although a more powerful "M2 Extreme" chip was apparently scrapped. According to reports, the premium desktop tower will look the same as the 2019 version but won’t feature user-upgradable RAM this time.
Apple to Design Custom Displays, Starting With MicroLED for Apple Watch Ultra
According to rumors, Apple intends to completely design and build its own screens for gadgets, beginning with a microLED display for an updated Apple Watch Ultra in 2024. LG is allegedly on board, and the screens would still be produced by an outside provider.
While it is anticipated that the Apple Watch Ultra will move away from OLED, a different report this week said that MacBooks would begin using OLED next year.
