Report: Apple tells suppliers it wants to expand manufacturing outside of China, India and Vietnam likely future production hubs
Apple has apparently advanced its plans to expand manufacturing outside of China, telling contract manufacturer partners that it is aiming to diversify production. According to the Wall Street Journal . report, this is what Apple has said.
Although some Apple products have been produced in other countries, such as Vietnam or India, the majority of Apple manufacturing is done in China at Foxconn’s and Pegatron’s facilities.
The Journal reports that Apple had been thinking about geographic expansion for some time, but was forced to halt any plans. However, the recent bout of strict lockdowns in Shanghai has reaffirmed the need to diversify.
China is also risky geopolitically. China’s trade disputes with the United States are also a problem.
However, any country can’t compete with China, which is large enough to fulfill Apple’s enormous order demands. Finding cheap, qualified, labor elsewhere is difficult. The transition to alternative production hubs like India or Vietnam will be slow and gradual.
Apple production partners like Foxconn have already established facilities in India to help produce iPhones for the domestic market there. A further expansion would see iPhones made in India and then exported for global sale.
Apple supplier BOE could lose millions of iPhone 14 OLED panel orders
Chinese display maker Beijing Oriental Electronics (BOE) struck a deal with Apple to supply OLED panels for the iPhone 14 series. However, South Korean publication The Elec reports that the company is yet to receive approval from Apple for the iPhone 14’s displays, and it could actually lose the order of about 30 million OLED screens for the 2022 iPhones.
That’s because BOE unilaterally changed the design of the circuit width of the iPhone 13’s OLED panels earlier this year to increase the yield rate, which resulted in Apple asking BOE to halt the production of the panels.
Apple iPhone 13
The production of the iPhone 13’s OLED panels by BOE has been halted since February, and The Elec reports that the display maker even sent a C-level executive joined by a few employees to Apple’s HQ to explain the reason behind making design changes unilaterally. BOE also asked the Cupertino-based tech giant to approve the production of OLED panels for iPhone 14, but it “didn’t receive a clear response from Apple.”
Apple reportedly wants to reduce its dependence on Samsung Display and LG Display by diversifying its suppliers and having a bargaining position. But since the company is said to have asked BOE to halt the production of iPhone 13 OLED screens and hasn’t approved the production of OLED panels for iPhone 14 yet, Samsung Display and LG Display will likely get orders for those 30 million panels that were supposed to be manufactured by BOE.
iPadOS 16: Here’s what we know so far about new features, supported devices, and more
WWDC 2022 will start a couple of weeks from now. On June 6, Apple will announce iPadOS 16, which will mark the next major release of Apple’s software platform for the iPad. Head below as we recap all of the latest rumors and expectations for iOS 16 this year, including new features, release info, and more.
When will iPadOS 16 be announced?
iPadOS 16 will likely be announced on June 6, during WWDC 2022’s keynote. The event will be online, although some students and developers will be able to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park.
Apple will continue to test its operating system until September. This is similar to what it has done in the past.
Recently, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said that the iOS 16 beta build release schedule is a bit different this year. According to the journalist, Apple has plans to introduce the first public beta of iOS 16 along with the third developer beta in July.
The reason, according to Gurman, is that the current internal builds are “a bit buggy.” As a result, Apple engineers will need more time to make the iOS 16 beta stable enough before letting anyone install it on iPhone and iPad devices.
iPadOS 16 supported devices
One of the biggest questions people have every year is whether or not Apple will drop support for any older iPad model. With last year’s release of iPadOS 15, Apple maintained compatibility with all of the devices that were supported by iPadOS 14, although limiting many functions.
An early rumor indicates that Apple plans to drop support for the iPhone 6s and the original iPhone SE. If that’s the case, iPadOS 16 could be incompatible with iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad (fifth generation), and the original iPad Pro models.
With that in mind, here’s what iPads could possibly receive iPadOS 16:
iPad Pro 12. 9 (5th gen);
iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen);
iPad Pro 12. 9 (4th gen);
iPad Pro 11 (2nd gen);
iPad Pro 12. 9 (3rd gen);
iPad Pro 11 (1st gen);
iPad Pro 12. 9 (2nd gen);
iPad Pro 10. 5 (2nd gen);
iPad Air (5th gen);
iPad Air (4th gen);
iPad Air (3rd gen);
iPad mini (6th gen);
iPad mini (5th gen);
iPad (9th gen);
iPad (8th gen);
iPad (7th gen);
iPad (6th gen);
New features with iPadOS 16
As of now, there are two main features expected for iPadOS 16: a new multitasking interface and revamped look for notifications.
The rumored emphasis on notifications is intriguing because Apple made many changes to its iOS notification system in the past two years with features such as Notification Summary, Focus Modes and Notification Summary. Apple seems to be unhappy with iOS’s implementation of notifications and plans more improvements for next year.
Additionally, iPadOS users have been asking year after year for Apple to bring a better multitasking interface for Pro users. Windows, for example, would be the safest bet to really improve the iPad experience with bigger screens. The company has made Slide Over and Split View easier, but the OS is not yet ready for prime time.
Pro apps, such as Final Cut Pro, and the ability to have different accounts for the same iPad – just like on macOS and tvOS – have been feature requests from users for years as well.
9to5Mac’s Take
We expect more details on iPadOS 16 to emerge as we approach WWDC 2022 kicking off June 6. Although Apple will announce tons of new features, if iPadOS 16 finally gets a proper multitasking interface, this will be a huge improvement for the operating system.
Personally, I would like to see Apple make notifications more clear and easy to find without having to sort them. I’m also hoping for some updates to home screen widgets, particularly in regards to interactivity, and major updates to the Home app and HomeKit in general.
What do you hope to see in iPadOS 16? What’s on the top of your wishlist? Let us know down in the comments!
Related:
iOS 16: Here’s what we know so far about new features, supported devices, and more
watchOS 9: Here’s what we know so far about new features, supported devices, and more
Here’s everything we know so far about the 2022 iPad Pro
M1 iPad Pro turns one, but patience for pro experience hits zero
Everything we know so far about a new HomePod model
With Apple discontinuing the original HomePod last year, users were eager for a new iteration of the company’s bigger smart speaker. It is slowly growing in popularity worldwide, but it is not as powerful as the original HomePod.
There are new rumors that Apple may soon release a HomePod. We know what we have so far.
Design of the new HomePod
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in May 2022 that the possible new HomePod will likely remain the design people already know. Kuo described the new smart speaker by saying “there may not be much innovation in hardware design.”
While the original model had a nice look with amazing sound capabilities, it wouldn’t be a big deal whether a new model would feature the same design.
Another possibility for a new version has been rumored by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman for a while. The journalist says a new HomePod would be a combo between Apple TV, the smart speaker, and a FaceTime device.
Apple does appear to recognize this, and it’s developing a combined Apple TV, HomePod and FaceTime camera home hub device for release around 2023. Will that version finally improve Apple’s offering in the living room? Only time will tell. But if the next big revamp doesn’t go well, it might be time for Apple to consider putting the Apple TV on the same shelf as other living room products like the iPod HiFi and high-end HomePod.
Features: U1 chip, Dolby Atmos, Lossless support, more
So far, it’s unknown what features a new HomePod could feature, although one can guarantee it will have AirPlay 2 compatibility, Lossless and Dolby Atmos support, and deeper integration with all Apple devices.
It would also be nice if this product features the U1 chip to quickly transfer songs between an iPhone and the smart speaker and eARC compatibility so it can be used as the main TV speaker connected with an Apple TV 4K.
9to5Mac‘s Filipe Esposito believes a feature this product should have is a true surround mode. He explains:
Since the HomePod supports Dolby Atmos, which is a technology that enables three-dimensional sound, a true surround mode would take the experience of using the product as TV speakers to the next level.
Imagine if you could place four HomePods in your living room, each serving as an independent audio channel. Or even if there was an option to set up a 5. 1 surround system using a larger HomePod as a subwoofer that would be killer.
How much will the new HomePod cost?
If one of the reasons the original HomePod didn’t sell well was its price tag – Apple even reduced it from $350 to $300 at some point – it’s likely that a new HomePod could cost between $100 and $300.
It all depends upon the hardware and features Apple offers. While a new product combining the smart speaker with an Apple TV could surely be close to $300, maybe just the smart speaker could cost around $200 since Apple still sells the HomePod mini for $99.
When Apple releases a new HomePod
Last year, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said this Apple TV + HomePod new product would launch as soon as 2023.
Although these could be different products, analyst Ming Chi-Kuo believes a new HomePod will launch in late 2022 or early 2023.
“Apple would release a new version of HomePod in 4Q22-1Q23, and there may not be much innovation in hardware design.”
Wrap up
So far, these are the rumors regarding a new iteration of Apple’s take on a smart speaker device. 9to5Mac‘s Zac Hall wrote why we are eager to see a new HomePod unveiled soon:
Larger HomePods are great for the living room, whereas smaller versions are more appropriate throughout the house. Hopefully, Apple has found a way to get closer to the original HomePod in terms of quality, but without the hefty price tag that limited its appeal to the masses.
Are you excited about a new generation of this product? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Apple would release a new version of HomePod in 4Q22-1Q23, and there may not be much innovation in hardware design. Although smart speakers have been a key component of the Home ecosystem for many years, Apple seems to be still trying to figure out the best way of achieving success in this space.
— Guo Ming Qi (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 20, 2022
Making sense of the latest rumors about Apple’s looming AR and Mixed Reality headsets
Apple will likely enter a new category of headsets within the next few years. There are currently two products that have been rumored: an AR headset and a Mixed Reality headset. These products are commonly known as “Apple Glasses” or AR/VR headsets. Here’s what we know about them so far.
Everything about Apple’s Mixed Reality headset
Design and features
Apple’s Mixed Reality headset is the product with the most rumors so far. In January of 2022, not only analyst Ming-Chi Kuo talked about it, but Display Supply Chain analysts did, too.
In a DSCC paper, analysts believe Apple’s Mixed Reality headset will feature an “innovative three-display configuration”, with two micro OLED 4K displays and another AMOLED panel for low-resolution peripheral vision. Not only that, but it will likely include a powerful mobile CPU and GPU in the headset.
MingChi Kuo believes Apple does not want its mixed reality headset to be positioned as only a gaming device but also as something that can be used for other applications. Kuo believes that Apple’s solution has “the most industrial design .”
“.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman corroborates with Kuo, saying the Mixed Reality headset will focus on gaming, media consumption, and communication.
Gaming should be a strong focus of the machine, especially given that it will have multiple processors, a fan, extremely high-resolution displays and its own App Store. Look for Apple to position the device as a dream for game developers. Next, media consumption. I expect Apple to work with media partners to create content that can be watched in VR on the device. Third, communications. To be the next-generation Zoom, look for VR FaceTime and animated emoticons.
Pricing and availability
About its price, DSCC paper corroborates a previous report by Bloomberg saying that this headset will come at a “high price”. DSCC believes Apple’s AR/VR headset would cost around $9. Rumors suggested it would cost around $3,000.
Our assumption is that the first-generation headset will be a high-end device targeted at professionals and developers to expand Apple’s ecosystem in AR/VR. According to rumours, the device will have multiple cameras that enable hand tracking as well as a LiDAR sensor.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the first-generation headset will weigh around 300-400 grams, which compares quite favorably to the existing VR headsets on the market. However, he believes Apple is already working on a second-generation design that will be significantly lighter, as well as feature an updated industrial design, a new battery system, and a faster processor.
In May 2022, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple had “recently demoed its upcoming AR/VR headset device to the Apple company board of directors.” Bloomberg previously reported that a consumer launch for the headset is planned for 2023 but an early announcement of the device is likely. This report also said that the development of the headset’s operating system has ramped up in recent months.
Both Kuo and DSCC expect Apple to launch this product by the end of 2022. Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple’s headset will be released in late 2022 with limited supplies.
According to the analyst, more significant shipments of the product won’t begin until the first quarter of 2023, suggesting that the headset will arrive in stores with only a few units available for customers.
Everything about Apple’s AR headset
Apple loves Augmented Reality. The company’s CEO gave some statements throughout 2021 about this technology and how Apple wants to embrace it as “the future” of the company. Not only that, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently gave a bold statement saying that Apple plans to replace the iPhone with AR technology in ten years.
Aside from the Mixed Reality headset which will require an iPhone to function properly, Apple’s new AR headset can be used as a standalone device. Kuo wrote:
If the AR headset is used as an accessory to either the Mac or iPhone it won’t be conducive for product growth. A standalone AR headset will provide the best user experience and ecosystem.
In another report by November of 2021, Kuo said that Apple’s AR headset will have a processor “with the same computing power level as the Mac”, and its chip design will be the most significant difference between the Apple AR headset and its competitors. The analyst wrote :
[I]t has Mac-level (PC-level) computing power, (2) it can operate independently without relying on a Mac (PC) or an iPhone (phone), and (3) it supports a comprehensive range of applications rather than specific applications.
Controversial reports regarding Mixed Reality headset and AR headset
Apart from these reports, it’s important to note that most stories about Apple’s AR headset talk about “VR capabilities”, which would mean we’re talking about the Mixed Reality headset instead.
For example, in the same report that Kuo talks about the processor of this headset, the analyst predicts that it will be equipped with two Sony 4K micro OLED displays, which indicates that it could also support VR. It’s not only the same display that DSCC backed in January; Ming-Chi Kuo talks also about it’s VR capabilities.
Apple’s AR headset requires a separate processor as the computing power of the sensor is significantly higher than that of the iPhone. For example, the AR headset requires at least six to eight optical modules to simultaneously provide continuous video see-through AR services to users. In comparison, an iPhone requires up to three optical modules running simultaneously and does not require continuous computing.
So, what we really know so far is that Apple is indeed readying an AR headset that will work without the need of an iPhone, but what we’re looking forward to this year is a Mixed Reality headset, and most reports that mention an AR headset are, in fact, about the Mixed Reality one.
Wrap up
Apart from all of these reports, another indication that Apple is indeed readying its entry into a new product category is the fact that the company hired Meta’s AR communications lead by the end of 2021.
With all of that in mind, expect Apple to introduce a pricey Mixed Reality headset, weighing around 350 grams, with a premium look, lots of cameras, a LiDAR sensor, and more features than any other competitor has yet. As of now, it’s not that clear whether this product will work with or without an iPhone nearby, but one thing is for sure: when available, will be almost impossible to get one.
Asus ROG Phone 6 and Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition will be powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC yesterday with some performance and power efficiency improvements over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, and 16 companies have confirmed to launch smartphones with this new chip at the helm, starting Q3 2022. While we don’t have an exact date for the launch of the first Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered smartphone yet, Asus has announced that the ROG Phone 6 will be the first gaming phone to come with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC under the hood.
Additionally, Realme’s founder and CEO, Mr. Sky Li, announced that the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition will be one of the first Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered smartphones to come to the market.
The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition will be introduced in China, but it’s unclear if it will make it to the global markets. Last year’s GT Master Explorer Edition powered by the Snapdragon 870 was China-exclusive, so we aren’t betting on its successor to launch globally.
While we await more details about the ROG Phone 6 and GT 2 Master Explorer Edition, you can head this way to check our announcement coverage of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 to know more about it, and here to find out how the chip performed in benchmark tests on an engineering device sent to us by Asus.
Apple @ Work: Why Apple Business Essentials isn’t a direct competitor to other MDM vendors
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Apple Business Essentials is an important product for Apple. I’ve talked to many companies who manage Macs and iPads, and they’re not interested in the service. It’s a positive thing. Apple isn’t looking to control 100% of the device management market. Companies like Kandji, Jamf, Mosyle, JumpCloud, and Addigy do a great job of enabling Apple to work great in the enterprise. Other MDM vendors are not the enemy of Apple Business Essentials. It’s unmanaged devices.
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers managed an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Through his experience deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, hundreds of Macs, and hundreds of iPads, Bradley will highlight ways in which Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, train users, stories from the trenches of IT management, and ways Apple could improve its products for IT departments.
When Apple purchased Fleetsmith, I think the first reaction in the Mac admin community was somewhat adverse. Apple did make a mistake in removing the App Catalog feature immediately. Apple Business Essentials is a tool that will help small businesses get the best out of their iPad, iPhone and iPad. From the ease of purchasing in a customized business store to zero-touch onboarding to easily keeping devices secure day to day, Apple wants a business as small as two people to as large as 500 to have a great experience with Mac devices. Apple Business Essentials subscriptions are great, but Apple also loves selling iPhones, iPads and Macs.
What happens if a company outgrows Apple Business Essentials?
If a company grows from 300 people to 1,000 and outgrows Apple Business Essentials, that’s not bad for Apple because they just sold 700 MacBook Airs to that company.
The feature of Apple Business Essentials is aimed at helping small businesses without a Mac expert continue to have a great experience. As a company grows, bringing some of that expertise in-house might make sense, and the company could go with a more fully-featured MDM product. The design of Apple Business Manager is so that a company can easily connect a new MDM server to their account and re-enroll all of their devices into the new MDM. The existing licenses for all applications will be quickly made available. Apple created its platforms so that customers would not be tied to any one vendor, even Apple itself.
The enemy is unmanaged devices
As I said initially, Apple’s goal with Apple Business Essentials isn’t to take over the MDM market. Apple is happy with a thriving MDM marketplace. Different vendors offer different focus and integrations. Enterprise customers like options and want to avoid being locked in to a vendor. Apple created Apple Business Essentials in order to help customers get off the ground zero with managed devices. It also helps them on their way to better Mac management.
Apple wants its business customers to be able to enjoy a superior experience in all aspects of Mac purchasing. Apple is the winner, whether that’s through Apple Business Essentials (or another MDM vendor).
Feature request: HomePod should have a true surround mode
HomePod, Apple’s smart speaker, has some great features when it comes to pairing multiple speakers together. Thanks to AirPlay 2, users can play the same audio on different HomePods around the house or even use a stereo pair as standard Apple TV speakers. However, there’s one thing that I still miss about the HomePod, and that’s a true surround mode.
HomePod for TV Speakers
Even before the HomePod mini, users had the option to set up two HomePods as a stereo pair so that sound comes out in left and right channels for a more immersive experience. And now with the sixth-generation Apple TV, you can set a pair of HomePods as your television’s default speaker via the eARC connection.
I currently have two TVs in my home and they all have an Apple TV. The built-in speakers of the TV aren’t very good so I purchased two HomePod minis to improve my music and watch better quality movies.
And in fact, I really enjoy using HomePods as TV speakers. These HomePods are much louder than the television sound and produce a deeper bass. But even though they support Dolby Atmos, HomePod still doesn’t really support true surround.
Currently, only one pair of HomePods can be set as default speakers for your Apple TV. With AirPlay 2, there’s the option to select other HomePods to play the same audio simultaneously on all of them – but it will just replicate the sound in both pairs instead of making it surround.
Not to mention that selecting multiple HomePods in the AirPlay menu is always a mess. This should not be a problem.
True surround mode for HomePod
Since the HomePod supports Dolby Atmos, which is a technology that enables three-dimensional sound, a true surround mode would take the experience of using HomePods as TV speakers to the next level.
Imagine if four HomePods could be placed in your living space, serving each as an audio channel. Or even if there was an option to set up a 5. 1 surround system using a larger HomePod as a subwoofer (with rumors of a new HomePod in the works, that would be killer).
Of course, there are many surround system options available on the market, but personally I like using HomePods because of the integration with AirPlay, HomeKit, and all my Apple devices. If there’s one feature I wish for tvOS 16 and HomePod Software 16, that’s a true surround mode for the HomePod.
What do you think about using HomePods as your TV speakers? Do you miss any of the features? Let me know in the comments below.
More information about HomePod
The original HomePod’s demise is a slow and sad one (despite appreciating value)
As HomePod turns 4, here’s what could follow the discontinued Siri speaker
New to HomePod or just unsure what to do with it? Try these useful voice commands
Twitter updates its API to give developers access to reverse chronological timeline
Twitter on Friday announced an important update to its “API v2,” which can be used to create third-party clients for Twitter. Developers now have the ability to access the reverse chronological timeline as users can via the official Twitter App.
In a post on Twitter Community (via The Verge), a Twitter engineer details what actually changes with the update. Previously, developers had to use an old API to get the most recent tweets and retweets from users, which resulted in a more complicated development process, not to mention the limits that the old API has.
Paul Haddad, the developer behind the popular Twitter client “Tweetbot,” explained that API v1. 1 lets the app request updates to the home timeline 15 times every 15 minutes, with a limit of up to 800 tweets for each user. With today’s update, third-party apps support up to 180 requests in the same timeframe, with a limit of up to 3,200 tweets.
Not only is the new API better for getting the latest tweets, but it should also make the process of developing a Twitter client less complicated, since developers now no longer need to implement support for v1. 1 and v2.
The Twitter API v2 was officially released last year as a response to developers, who had always complained about the lack of access to important features of the social network in the old API. For instance, Twitter’s third-party apps had no access to things like polls, cards, and metrics with API v1.1.
It ‘s worth noting that while developers can implement Twitter API v2 for free, unlocking it for a large amount of apps and tweets requires elevated access through a paid plan.
With these latest improvements to the API, it seems that Twitter has finally changed its mind when it comes to supporting developers working on third-party clients for its platform. The update to the Twitter API v2 with reverse chronological timeline is now available for all developers.
More about Twitter
Twitter now rolling out exclusive Spaces for Super Follows creators
Twitter testing new conversation thread button for Spaces
Twitter Circle now official, Instagram Close Friends’-like feature rolling out to some users
iQOO Neo6 is launching in India with Snapdragon 870 SoC
iQOO hasn’t detailed the Indian Neo6’s specs sheet yet, but the company confirmed that the smartphone will come in two colors and have 12GB RAM and 256GB storage onboard. There will also be additional memory options.
iOQO also said that the Neo6 will support 80W charging, filling the smartphone’s battery from 1% to 50% in 12 minutes with the bundled adapter and cable. Your mileage will likely vary, though, since iQOO is advertising those numbers based on its lab tests where the Neo6 was charged in a room with an ambient temperature of about 25degC while the smartphone’s display and other services and functions (except calls) were turned off.
iQOO Neo6 will come with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and 80W charging
You can expect iQOO to reveal more about the Indian Neo6 in the coming days, but it appears India’s Neo6 is a rebranded Neo6 SE announced in China earlier this month. You can head this way to check the detailed specs of the Chinese Neo6 and Neo6 SE.
