Top Stories: Apple Expected to Release ‘AirTags’ and More in First Half of 2020, Powerbeats4 Leak, iPad Turns 10

The final week of January began with the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the original iPad, followed by well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasting several new Apple products that he expects to launch in the first half of 2020. Other top stories included leaked images of Powerbeats4 earphones, SIM-free iPhones becoming eligible for interest-free financing with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and more.

Apple Said to Launch AirTags, New iPads and Macs, Small Wireless Charging Mat, High-End Headphones, and More in the First Half of 2020

Apple plans to release several new products in the first half of 2020, including Ultra Wideband item tracking “AirTags,” high-end wireless headphones, a small wireless charging mat, a lower-cost 4.7-inch iPhone, refreshed iPad Pro models, and refreshed MacBook Pro and/or MacBook Air models, according to the latest forecast from well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Last year, MacRumors uncovered evidence of Apple working on Tile-like item tracking tags in iOS 13 code, including a potential “AirTags” name. As with iPhone 11 models, Kuo believes the tags will support Ultra Wideband, which would likely make it possible to locate the tags with much greater accuracy than Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi.

MacRumors uncovered evidence of a hidden “Items” tab in the Find My app for “AirTags”
Kuo also expects Apple to release an iPhone with a Touch ID power button on the side of the device in the first half of 2021. He believes the handset will have a 5.5-inch or 6.1-inch LCD display.

iOS 13.3.1 Released, Includes Images of Upcoming Powerbeats4 Earphones

Apple released iOS 13.3.1 this week with a toggle for enabling or disabling the U1 Ultra Wideband chip in iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models. However, there’s more to the update than meets the eye.

Hidden in iOS 13.3.1 code, MacRumors has discovered images that correspond with unreleased Powerbeats4 headphones. Powerbeats4 will likely be nearly identical to the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌, but with a wire and a more affordable price tag.

Apple has also released macOS Catalina 10.15.3, watchOS 6.1.2, tvOS 13.3.1, and a software update for the HomePod.

iOS 14 Rumored to Support Same iPhones as iOS 13

iOS 14 will be compatible with any iPhone that can run iOS 13, according to French website iPhoneSoft.fr. On the other hand, the report claims iPadOS 14 will drop support for a few older iPad models, including the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4.

This week, Apple revealed that iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 are now installed on nearly 80% of all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models introduced in the last four years.

10th Anniversary of Steve Jobs Unveiling the iPad

Monday marked the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the iPad at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. It was one of the last major products that he unveiled before his death in 2011.

“iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,” said Steve. “iPad creates and…