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The HomePod turned two years old this week, and Apple is still dealing with the fallout of the Wuhan coronavirus epidemic, which aside from the human toll has impacted both Apple’s retail sales and product manufacturing. Read on for details on these stories and more that topped the news this week.
5G iPad Pro Models With A14 Series Chip Said to Launch in Fall 2020
A report this week claims that Apple plans to release its first iPhone and iPad models with 5G connectivity in the second half of 2020. An announcement in September or October is possible.
The new iPhone and iPad models are expected to be equipped with 5nm-based A14 chips — likely A14X for the iPad Pro — and support a combination of mmWave and sub-6GHz variants of 5G. Qualcomm is expected to supply its Snapdragon X55 modem for the iPhones, but the report does not specify which modem the iPads will use. Apple is also said to be hoping to use an in-house antenna design for its upcoming 5G iPhones, having been unhappy with the designs offered by Qualcomm.
Upcoming Low-Cost iPhone Again Rumored to Start at $399
Apple is widely rumored to be planning a new lower-cost iPhone model, tentatively referred to as the iPhone SE 2 or iPhone 9, and a new report this week claims the device will start at $399 in the United States.
The device is expected to resemble the iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch display and a Touch ID home button, but with a faster A13 chip and 3GB of RAM. It will be available with 64GB or 128GB of storage in Space Gray, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED, according to oft-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Rumors have suggested the new lower-cost iPhone will be unveiled around March, and ahead of time, suppliers are reportedly gearing up for production of the device. With manufacturing delays stemming from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China, however, there is some uncertainty about launch timing.
Apple Reportedly Working on ‘AirPod Pro Lite’ Earphones
A questionable report this week claims that Apple is working with supply chain partners in Taiwan on several upcoming products, including so-called “AirPod Pro Lite” wireless earphones.
“AirPod Pro Lite” is a bit of an oxymoron, as “Pro Lite” sounds like the regular AirPods that Apple sells for $159. Without any further details provided, it is unclear if the report is referring to third-generation AirPods or something else.
Hands-On With Samsung’s New S20 and Galaxy Z Flip Smartphones
It’s not Apple news, but one of Apple’s biggest competitors launched several new products this week, with Samsung taking the wraps off of the foldable Galaxy Z Flip phone, a new…
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/02/15/top-stories-5g-iphone-ipad-airpods-pro-lite/
