Category: Apple

Apple Will Use 5nm Processors For iPhones Starting 2020

Apple is best known for making premium smartphones which offer top of the charts performance. Though many other OEM’s have taken a lead in the design and optics department, none of them has even come close to the processing power Apple’s A-series of SoC’s have. Its latest chipset, the Apple A12 is reported to be a full generation ahead of Qualcomm and Huawei’s offering, the Snapdragon 855 and the Kirin 980 respectively. Fresh reports state that Apple is planning to use 5nm processors in iPhones starting the year 2020.

Apple’s 5nm Processors

Reports state that Apple’s chipset supplier, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company(TSMC) will announce its 5nm fabrication process in a few days. The event will take place on February 25 at the Mobile World Congress(MWC) in Barcelona. Apple will reportedly soon place an order for the manufacturing of 5nm chipsets which will be used in the 2020 iPhones. This chipset is expected to be called the A14 Bionic and would support 5G and enhanced machine learning capabilities.

Apple’s new 5nm chipsets will be made using a new technology called Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography, developed by TSMC. This technology would allow the company to pack more transistors in a confined space, making the chip smaller. This would then result in increased performance and efficiency of the new smartphones. TSMC claims that it will be able to mass produce these chipsets by 2020, confirming the reports. There were also reports claiming Apple would release a 5G iPhone next year. This device is expected to have an Intel modem to support the new communication standard.

Also read: Huawei’s Foldable Phone, The ‘Mate X’ Leaks

Apple was one of the first company’s to unveil a 7nm chipset, the A12 Bionic in 2018; when they announced the current generation of iPhones . Other chipset manufacturers, like Qualcomm and Huawei also started manufacturing SoC’s using the 7nm fabrication process; but their products weren’t at par with Apple’s offering. In almost all the benchmarks, the Apple A12 Bionic has the Kirin 980 and the Snapdragon 855 beat. Unlike Apple, the competition isn’t likely to switch to 5nm chipsets as soon as next year, so they may release devices with 5nm chips in or after the year 2021.

February 23, 2019
Apple Planning To Combine iPhone, iPad And Mac Apps By 2021

The Apple ecosystem is vast, with various devices interconnected seamlessly. Despite running the same OS, the apps on the iPhone and the iPad differ in functionality and availability. A report claims that by the year 2021, the company will combine its iPhone, iPad and MacOS apps in a project codenamed Marzipan.

Combined Apps In The Apple Ecosystem

The move of combining apps for all the major products in the Apple ecosystem will make it easier to develop apps for these products. The Marzipan project might make an appearance in the upcoming Apple’s WWDC Developer conference in June. Only app development will be linear as Apple has confirmed that it won’t merge iOS and MacOS as a singular platform. Along with the alleged Marzipan project; Apple is also expected to announce the next generation of iOS, the iOS 13 for iPhones and iPads, at the event.

The alleged project Marzipan will begin its journey later this year, as Apple will let the developers port their iPad apps to Mac computers via a software development kit. This will be further explored in the year 2020 when iPhone apps will be tested for porting to Mac. All of these will be combined to form a united app experience across these three platforms by the year 2021. The kit will be released as early as June, which coincides with reports of it launching at the WWDC. This change will let developers create a cross-platform experience for an app, as some apps are currently available on iOS and not on MacOS.

Also read: Samsung Announces The Galaxy S10 5G Smartphone

The project Marzipan is expected to provide a revenue opportunity for Apple as the company takes a profit share for in-app purchases and in-app subscriptions. It is also expected to announce some new products in its services divisions; namely a premium news subscription service and a video content initiative, in the month of March. The idea of combining apps for different ecosystems was first explored by Microsoft for its Windows Phone and Windows PCs, as well as Google when developing Android apps for ChromeOS. This move by Apple is expected to improve the app experience and may provide seamless connectivity on a single app between different platforms.

February 21, 2019
Apple’s Device Lineup For 2019 Leaked

Each year Apple releases new versions of its devices with significant upgrades over their predecessors. The devices that generally see an update each year include the iPhones, MacBooks and iPads. According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is bound to have a busier 2019 than usual, with more devices planned to launch in the year than usual. This would include three iPhones, a new MacBook Pro, new iPads and a 31-inch monitor with 6K resolution.

Mobile Devices

According to Kuo, Apple will launch these devices over the course of the year. Like yesteryear, Apple will reportedly launch three iPhone models in the year 2019. These would have the same screen size and display types as the current iPhones. This means that two out of three iPhones will have an OLED display with a screen size of 5.8 inch and 6.5 inch. While the third iPhone will have a 6.1 inch Liquid Retina display.

The smartphones will feature an upgraded frosted glass casing, reverse wireless charging, upgraded FaceID, larger batteries and triple rear cameras. Unfortunately, the feature distribution in the devices isn’t known but reports suggest the triple cameras will only be offered in the 5.8-inch and the 6.5-inch iPhones. Also, contrary to the reports that the new iPhones will have a Type-C port, the devices are expected to retain a lightning port in 2019.

Computing Devices

The 2019 iPad models are also expected to receive significant update over their predecessors. The reports suggest Apple will release two new iPad Pro models which will have upgraded processor and thinner bezels around the display. An iPad mini with an upgraded processor is also expected in 2019.

The new MacBook Pro will be the most notable launch by Apple this year. The report claims that the company will bump the screen size of the 15-inch model to accommodate a display between 16-inches and 16.5-inches. This change suggests a decrease in bezel size around the display. Reportedly, the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro is will be offered with up to 32 GB of RAM storage which is an appreciable addition. As the current model maxes out at 16 GB of RAM.

The company is also expected to launch a brand new monitor which will feature a 31.6-inch 6K display. It may sport a Mini-LED like backlight design. The company is also expected to announce a new Mac Pro desktop computer which will have the ability to upgrade components as per the need of the user. It is likely to be launched alongside the 31.6 inch monitor with 6k resolution.

Wearables & More

Talking about wearable devices, the report claims that Apple is expected to introduce the ECG function to more countries this year, along with launching a new ceramic casing design. The AirPods 2 will also be significantly different than the first generation, offering features like wireless charging and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity. The company is also expected to ship the AirPower wireless charging mat before the first half of 2019 ends. There is also the new iPod Touch that is expected, arriving this year with an updated processor.

Also read: Galaxy S10, S10+ Leaked In Video, Prices Tipped

With a lineup like the one above, seems like Apple has a busy year ahead of it. Unfortunately, the report doesn’t mention the launch date and the prices of the devices. But, they are expected to launch during the course of the year, with first announcements starting in the month of March.

February 18, 2019
Apple Is Working On A Foldable Phone Claims Patent

Samsung will announce the first foldable smartphone of 2019 at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20. Several reports and leaks have revealed that many other major OEMs are also working on smartphones with a foldable display. Notably, Apple also may be looking to join the foldable smartphone bandwagon. A patent listing on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website by Apple hints that the company is working on a foldable smartphone.

Apple Foldable Smartphone

While this patent for a foldable smartphone was filed by Apple on October 12 last year, the patent was granted to it on February 14. Interestingly, the patent by Apple for a foldable device goes back to July 2011, when it filed the first patent. The images posted by Apple in the patent show various concepts of how the smartphone could fold, with a different design shown in each image. Most of the designs show a smartphone fold into half. The Apple foldable smartphone is expected to make use of a flexible OLED display to provide it with the foldable functionality. Most of the devices in the freshly granted patent have a bottom mounted connector which is likely to be the lightning port.

While most of the patents show a device with a display folding outwards, some of them employ an inner folding display. According to some of these images, Apple may also be considering a device with an asymmetrical fold. The images do not disclose the position of the camera sensor. Hence, it cannot be confirmed whether the device will have one or not.

Also read: Xiaomi To Launch A Wireless Charger Power Bank Alongside The Mi 9

Past reports claimed that Apple is unlikely to launch a foldable smartphone in the year 2019. Going by its track record, it will wait until the technology is perfected for mass implementation. As of now, it is unclear whether the technology from these patents makes its way into future iPhones or not. Perhaps the iPad or MacBook will make use of this technology.

You can view the patent filed by Apple here.

February 18, 2019
Apple May Launch Its Subscription News Service On March 25

Apple is planning to launch its paid “Apple News Subscription” at an event expected on March 25. The event will probably take place at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park Campus, with a special focus on Apple’s newest News service.

About The Event

Apple hasn’t ‘officially’ sent out invitations yet, but its only a matter of time before Apple announces the event. In the past, Apple has targeted its March events in the past towards iPad launches. We can expect to get a refreshed iPad Mini. Especially because the iPad Mini would be the perfect companion to the new Apple News Subscription service. We could also see the new AirPods or the long-awaited AirPower charger.¸

About The Apple News Service

For a long time now, reports have been passed around that the company will soon add a paid subscription to the Apple News Bundle, which will include premium magazine and news subscriptions in a single package. This looks very similar to the service that Hulu provides for movies and shows. Last month, images surfaced which showed the Apple news service in an iOS 12.2 beta update, so this confirms the fact the service is indeed going to launch soon. Also, Apple is reportedly asking for a 50 percent cut from the publishers, depending on the number of times their articles will be read.

Also Read: Apple AirPods 2, AirPower Leaked, Launching Soon

Although the subscription cost hasn’t been revealed yet, it is rumoured that the Apple News Service will launch at approximately $10 per month. Apple is known to take bigger steps than its competition and succeeding at them, so we’ll have to wait for the event to unearth all the details.

February 13, 2019
Apple AirPods 2, AirPower Leaked, Launching Soon

When Apple launched the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and the iPhone X with wireless charging, they introduced another device with it, the Apple AirPower. The wireless charging mat by Apple was seen as an integral part of the Apple ecosystem. Now that most Apple products charge wirelessly, a product like AirPower could prove very useful. But it had been more than a year and we didn’t hear about the AirPower since. That is until now. It is reported that the AirPower has been leaked and will launch this spring.

The report seems official as it also claims that the advertisement shoot for Apple AirPower has already begun. This gives weight to the rumors that the AirPower was supposed to be launched in the first half of 2019. Along with that, it is also claimed that AirPods 2 are also making their debut this year. They will have deeper bass and look similar to the last model. It was reported that the AirPods 2 will arrive with great new upgrades over its predecessor. They will support hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ command and will have some more sensors to track health features.

AirPods 2: New Features

The Apple AirPods 2 are reported to sport an identical size as the last one. They would also look very similar to the original AirPods. They will have an improved internal design to provide more bass, something which was lacking in the first generation. Airpods 2 will also have wireless charging and have new sensors which will track some key health features. This may include heart monitoring and step count. The battery life will be identical to the first one. The texture will be similar to Google Pixel 3 to improve grip. This grip may also be used in the next generation of iPhones.

The AirPods 2 and the AirPower are not expected to debut together, which is unfortunate. Apple will reportedly also release a wireless charging case for the first-gen AirPods. The AirPods 2 are expected to arrive later this year. As far as pricing is concerned, the AirPower is expected to cost around $150 (Rs. 10,674) and the AirPods 2 are expected to retail at $200 (Rs. 14,233).

Also read: Apple Working On A Secret 5G Chip, Claims Patent

Apple devices are known for their top-notch quality and seamless connectivity across the Apple ecosystem. The AirPower and the AirPods 2 are just expected to add on that experience and make it more convenient. We will have more details about the devices in the coming months.

February 11, 2019
Apple Working On A Secret 5G Chip, Claims Patent

The MWC 2019 will kick off soon in Barcelona in a few days. It is expected that a lot of new and unique technologies will make an appearance. The technology that most people are excited about, is the introduction of 5G. It is expected to enable faster mobile data and improved connections over mobile. Most smartphone manufacturers also have promised a device that will support 5G. One company that hasn’t is Apple. It is expected that Apple is not attending the MWC 2019 nor will it launch a 5G device in 2019. But rumors have started to rise up again as a 5G technology patent by Apple has been leaked.

Apple has been silent about its stance on 5G and iPhones that will eventually support it. Apple has been known to patiently wait until a technology achieves near perfection to implement it. But this patent leak proves that Apple is working on some 5G technology secretly and has named it ‘Apple Bald Eagle 5G’. The patent was filed earlier this month at the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property or BOIP.

iPhones With 5G in 2019?

Apple was earlier reported to skip the 5G hype bandwagon and wait until 2020 to implement it. It was attested to the fact that it would use Intel’s 5G modem in the 5G compatible iPhone. However, as Intel will not be able to supply the large number of Chips required by Apple, The implementation was expected to be pushed to 2020. This patent leak suggests that Apple has been trying to make one on their own. This would also mean that Apple may be able to launch a 5G compatible iPhone in September 2019.

The description offered with the patent said ‘Mobile telecommunication network services’. Apple has used the logo of the American Flag and its national symbol, the Bald Eagle combined with Apple Logo. This may be due to the fact that Apple is an American company and may name its modem after the national symbol.

Also read: Xiaomi Mi 9 Confirmed, Certified By The IMDA In Singapore

Apple doesn’t implement a piece of technology until it has been perfected for use to the general audience. So even if Apple decides to wait out till 2020 for 5G, it may be for the best.

February 11, 2019
Apple Has Successfully Fixed The Eavesdropping FaceTime Bug

Last week was a tough one for Apple, as iOS devices were hit by a major bug in the Facetime application. Furthermore, a Facebook project was caught spying on users that violated Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program policies. Fortunately, Apple was able to revoke Facebook’s enterprise certificate on its devices that halted the cruel project.

What Is The Eavesdropping Bug?

Last week a 14-year old high school student from the US discovered a bug on Apple’s iOS devices that ran on iOS 12. The teenager discovered that iOS 12 devices would allow users to listen to another FaceTime user by calling them and adding themselves to a group call before the contact answered. This case caused a huge stirrup as iOS devices were previously considered significantly secure than its Android counterparts.

Apple’s Solution

After the eavesdropping bug was originally discovered, Apple manually disabled the servers that allowed FaceTime connectivity. Apple has released iOS 12.1.4 update for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad that has successfully fixed the FaceTime bug. Also, the FaceTime servers have now been reset and are functioning properly.

Google’s Shocking Revelations

CVE-2019-7286 and CVE-2019-7287 in the iOS advisory today (https://t.co/ZsIy8nxLvU) were exploited in the wild as 0day.
— Ben Hawkes (@benhawkes) February 7, 2019

Also Read: AMD Has Launched The World’s First 7nm Based GPU, Radeon VII In India

After the iOS 12.1.4 update, an apex Google security engineer, Ben Hawkes on his Twitter revealed that the new update has also fixed two vulnerabilities. Shockingly, the executive claimed that both the vulnerabilities were exploited in the wild as zero-day. A zero-day vulnerability is a software, hardware or firmware flaw unknown to the manufacturer until hackers leverage that flaw to conduct a cyber attack.

February 8, 2019
Apple Watch Series 4 Saves A 67-Year Old Man’s Life

Apple Watch Series 4 was launched alongside the new iPhones in September last year. The watch brought along many significant changes in the device. One such feature was fall detection. And time and again, people have praised it for the accuracy of the feature. Now, the Apple Watch has been credited to save a Norwegian man’s life.

According to the Norwegian news site NRK, 67- year old Toralv Østvang was found “bloody and unconscious” on his bathroom floor by emergency crews. Toralv was wearing an Apple Watch Series 4 when it informed the emergency services. Toralv suffered three fractures due to the falls. His daughter believes that the damage would be higher if he hadn’t worn the watch at the time.

Apple Watch Series 4: Saving Lives Of People

Apple introduced a plethora of features with the Apple Watch Series 4. One of the features was Fall detection. The watch used its sensors like Accelerometer and Gyroscope and some custom algorithms to detect hard. falls as strong as 32 g-force. The watch detects the type of fall and requires the user to respond to its pop up. Also, If the user doesn’t respond to it in 60 seconds, the watch will inform the authorities.

The fall detection, is not the only feature saving lives of people. Since the debut of the ECG feature on the new Apple Watch models, several users have been alerted to previously undiscovered atrial fibrillation. And the Apple Watch’s SOS Emergency feature has also helped many users after some deadly car accidents.

Also read: Apple Is Now Selling Refurbished Units Of The iPhone X

Apple Watch Series 4 has turned out to be a life saver for many people all around the world. This shows how much Apple takes its claims seriously about the health features. The Apple Watch Series 4 GPS price in India starts from at Rs. 40,900 for the 40mm variant, while its 44mm version will be priced at Rs. 43,900. The Apple Watch Series 4 Cellular edition 40mm variant with an aluminium case, is available with a price tag of Rs. 49,900. On the other hand, the Series 4 Cellular edition 44mm with aluminium case is priced at Rs. 52,900.

February 5, 2019
Apple To End Support For iOS 13 On Older Devices
One things Apple users have an advantage over any smartphone maker is the software. The brand has been consistent enough to update even some of its older devices seamlessly. But it looks like Apple will change things up a bit as a report from an Israeli website The Verifier. The report says that Apple is soon ending support for iOS 13 on older devices. The news comes after lower than expected sales of the newer iPhones. It was to the excellent software support on older devices to make it run like new. These two news may be related to each other more than you think.

Possible Devices That May Be Affected

Out of the current Apple devices, these are the devices that are expected to be affected by this change.

iPhones:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
iPads:
- iPad Mini 2
- iPad Mini 3
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Air
- iPad Air 2
iPod:
- iPod touch 6th generation
This might be step on Apple’s part as the recent decline in iPhone sales has been attributed to the lack of the need to upgrade. Or it may be that Apple is phasing out these devices due to older hardware. Whatever may be the case, Apple might release the iOS 13 in the coming months. And the features it will bring would be most applicable to the newer devices, so the decision makes sense. But with Apple pushing updates to devices for as long as they do, makes them still the most backwards compatible OS makers.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy A90 To Have A Pop Up Selfie Camera

Apple has been pretty consistent with updating their older devices. The iOS 12 update reached to the iPhone 5s, a six year old device. This news may be a big deal for the people who have purchased an older Apple device recently. But this move by Apple may result in the increase of sales of the newer devices.
February 5, 2019
Apple Is Now Selling Refurbished Units Of The iPhone X
Apple launched the iPhone X in the year 2017 which was originally available for US $ 999 for the base 64 GB variant. Although the device has now been discontinued in most countries, the company is selling refurbished units of the iPhone X in the US and UK at heavily discounted prices.

What Is A Refurbished Device?

Certified refurbishment is the distribution of products, usually electronics and electricals, that have been previously returned to the company for various reasons like not sold in the market or new launch of a product.

Reputably, Apple’s certified refurbished devices are thoroughly examined, cleaned, and repackaged into a new box with all new accessories and user manuals. Additionally, the company also replaces the casing and battery of refurbished devices. Hence, such devices are regarded as good as brand-new.

Refurbished iPhone X Price

The refurbished iPhone X is available in two colour options which are Space Gray and Silver. It is available in two storage variants for which the price is as follows:
- US- 64 GB ($769), 256 GB ($899)
- UK- 64 GB (£769), 256 GB (£899)
iPhone X Specifications

Also Read: The Portless Meizu Zero Is Available For Pre-Order At $1299
- Display: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ 2346 × 1125 pixels, 19.5:9 aspect ratio
- Operating System: iOS
- Processor: Apple A11 Bionic
- RAM: 3 GB
- Storage: 64 GB / 256 GB
- Rear Cameras: 12 MP + 12 MP, Quad LED Flash
- Selfie Camera: 7 MP
- Security: FaceID
- Connectivity: 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5 .0
- Battery: 2,716 mAh
- Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm
- Weight: 174 g
February 5, 2019
Apple Blocks Google’s Internal Apps On iOS

Just after a few days of banning Facebook’s notorious internal apps on its iOS, Apple has now blocked Google for the same. The company can no longer run its internal apps on Apple’s platform following a privacy scare. This was reported by TechCrunch and Bloomberg’s Mark Bergen.

The main reason cited behind this decision is Google and Facebook’s use of these apps to monitor users activity. Apple’s move to block Google’s developer certificate comes just a day after Google disabled its Screenwise Meter app following press coverage. Google’s app also relied on Apple’s enterprise program. The program enables the distribution of internal apps within a company.

According to a statement by Google “We’re working with Apple to fix a temporary disruption to some of our corporate iOS apps, which we expect will be resolved soon.” This statement was given to Mark Bergen. Since that, Apple seems to have revoked Google’s apps.

Facebook’s Beef with Apple

This news comes days after Facebook was caught installing root certificates on iOS devices. These would help the company steal the usage data of the users. This was being done in exchange of an amount up to US $20. Apple also took necessary action against Facebook on the matter.

It was time for Apple to take a stand too, as the issues concerned privacy, a part where Apple claims to stand out. Incidents like these would’ve shown the company in a bad light. Since the news broke out, Facebook, in a statement to Bloomberg said “We can confirm that we have our enterprise certificate restored and we are working on getting our internal apps back up and running.”

Also read: Samsung Breaks Terabyte Threshold for Smartphone Storage

February 1, 2019
Apple Will Launch Over-Ear Style Headphones In The Second Half Of 2019
Apple launched the iPod in the year 2001 which revolutionized the music industry. Apple also introduced the earbuds which were a key driver for the success of the portable music player. Over the years, the company has launched several versions of the earbuds which were succeeded by EarPods in the year 2012. In late 2016, Apple unveiled the AirPods which have become the de-facto standard for wireless earphones.

Except for its own range of audio accessories, Apple also owns the Beats by Dre audio accessory brand which it acquired in the year 2014. After acquiring Beats, Apple added a few products to the brand but that has slowed down after 2015. Last year, Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputed Apple analyst claimed in that Apple will launch a pair of over-ear style headphones which unfortunately did not happen. A fresh report published by Bloomberg suggests that the headphones are likely to launch soon.

Expectations & Launch Date

Also Read: Samsung Launches Budget Galaxy M10 & Galaxy M20 Smartphones In India

Except for the rumour that Apple is readying a pair of wireless headphones, any detail about its features and specifications is unavailable. The Bloomberg report mainly talks about Sonos launching a new lineup of high-end headphones. But it also states that Apple will launch a pair of Over-ear headphones in the second half of 2019. Following are the expected features of high-end headphones from Apple
- Siri Integration- Like the Apple AirPods, the anticipated headphones are expected to have Siri integration which will allow users to wirelessly control features on their iPhone.
- W1 Chip- The Apple W1 is a SoC from Apple which is used in the AirPods and several Beats headphones. It is used for a streamlined and seamless wireless connection between Apple products. Therefore the high-end over-ear headphones are assumed to feature this chipset.
- Wireless Charging- Reports in the past have claimed that Apple is developing AirPods with wireless charging support and a similar feature is also expected from the over-ear Apple headphones.
January 30, 2019
Apple Will Now Pay The Winners Of Its “Shot On iPhone” Photo Contest

Earlier this week, Apple announced the “Shot on iPhone” contests for photographers who wanted to showcase their talent. The pictures would be judged by a panel of 10 professionals and the winners would get a spot in Apple billboards across the world.

The contest asks the users of the latest iPhones in town, namely the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR to submit their best photos via Twitter, Instagram, email, or Weibo. The 10 best photos — selected by a panel of judges that includes Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller and former White House photographer Pete Souza will be featured “on billboards in select cities, Apple retail stores and online,” according to the contest site.

Well, Apple might’ve thought that exposure would be enough for them to participate but after facing a serious backlash for not paying the winning photographers anything, Apple has updated the contents on its website, in the original press release about the contest.

First spotted by The Verge, the new paragraph reads, “Apple believes strongly that artists should be compensated for their work. Photographers who shoot the final 10 winning photos will receive a licensing fee for use of such photos on billboards and other Apple marketing channels.”

Apple has also updated their rules in a PDF from “Prize has no cash value” has changed to “Winners will receive a licensing fee for use on billboards and other Apple marketing channels.” Considering the past, Apple hasn’t gotten out of their way much to correct their mistakes, not even admitting they made one in the first place in some cases.

Details as to the amount the winners will be paid are unclear. Some photographers suggested earlier this week that Apple pay $10,000 per photo to the winners, though others argued that exposure should be payment enough. However, now that Apple has decided to give a fee to the winners rather than just relying on exposure by them, it may be expected that more people come on board the idea of entering the contest, which is supposed to take place until February 7.

January 25, 2019
The Apple AirPods 2 Will Support Hands-Free “Hey Siri” Voice Command

The Airpods 2 have been in the rumors for quite a while now. Along with the much leaked and hyped Airpower, the second generation of the super successful Apple Airpods are all but confirmed to be on the way. The latest news comes on behalf of 9to5Mac where the latest beta of iOS 12.2 was decoded and was found to have a separate, hands-free command for the Airpods.

via 9to5Mac

Now, the first generation of the Airpods don’t support this feature and thus, it is all but confirmed that the second generation does. There is also a claim of the Airpods getting new health-centric features. What those are, isn’t very clear because there is only so much you can do while being plugged in the ears.

The Airpods were launched in 2016 and were appreciated for their super simple pairing and connectivity to the Apple products. The sound quality of the Airpods was average at best so it will be interesting to see Apple work on it this time. The hands-free Siri command can be very useful in certain circumstances like when you want to summon the assistant to do the work for you. One more feature coming definitely to the second-gen Airpods will be wireless charging support for the case right from the ground up.

The updates seem substantial and justify a new model of the Airpods. One thing we wish Apple would work on something to make the size of the Airpods much smaller than they already are and if possible, make them look a little less ridiculous while in the ears. Color options also would be appreciated this time around.

The launch date of Airpods 2 isn’t clear on the horizon yet, but we should expect it to see it sometime in 2019, possibly in the first half.

January 25, 2019