Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including a massive iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro leak, an Apple Pencil upgrade, more iPad delays, AirTags update, Apple AI paper reveals LLM advances, who will pay for iPhone AI, and layoffs at Apple.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.
Massive iPhone 16 And iPhone 16 Pro Leak
The designs of Apple’s four iPhone 16 models have been leaked. Full views of a set of “blanks” reveal the upcoming models’ external dimensions, ports and controls. These answer many questions, not least about the mystery new button seen previously in various prototypes testing different forms:
“Apple has now settled on the design and the scope. For the latter, every iPhone 16 model will come with the new Capture Button, making marketing and developer adoption easier. For the former, Apple has decided on a capacitive button across all models. This means no moving parts in the actual button, instead relying on the haptic-based “Taptic Engine” to simulate the feeling of a physical button.”
(Forbes).
Apple Prepares Apple Pencil Upgrade
Consumers waiting on a refresh of Apple’s iPad line have seen expectations of a March reveal dashed. This week is no different, but they can take solace with tacit confirmation that iPad improvements are coming, thanks to details found inside the latest iPadOS software update:
“…what was found were multiple pieces of evidence that “point to a new gesture called “squeeze” for Apple Pencil… The thing is that as far as we know, there are no pressure sensors on the barrel of any of the three models of Apple Pencil, so the only easy explanation is that a new product, an Apple Pencil with this capability, is coming.
(Forbes).
More iPad Delays
The Apple Pencil upgrade suggests that new hardware is on its way, but it has been on its way for some time. DigiTimes notes that production on the new iPad models has been delayed several times, pushing back the expected March launch to May or later:
“In defense of these rumors, it does sound like Apple has experienced delays with the new iPads. DigiTimes this week cited sources at Taiwanese suppliers who said mass production of camera lenses for the upcoming iPads has been “repeatedly postponed,” and the report vaguely mentions that a “production launch” will likely take place in May.”
(Digitimes via MacRumors).
AirTags Expansion Under Way
Along with the expected bug fixes, the latest developer beta of iOS has revealed upcoming changes to Apple’s AirTags geolocation system as it expands its compatibility:
“Now, the software mentions suggest that the Find My app will identify tracking accessories even if they’re not AirTags. If it finds one, it will notify the iPhone… Right now, the iPhone software can spot Bluetooth trackers, but only ones which are certified by Apple. This is going to change, and it represents a big step forward.”
(Forbes).
Apple’s AI Advances
A new research paper from Apple’s AI team highlights efforts to improve the parsing of vague language inputs in the Large Language Modules used by generative AI tools. Given Apple is preparing a big push into AI at WWDC, this points to some of the improvements we can expect to see in Siri:
“The AI research paper, titled ReALM (Reference Resolution As Language Modeling) details a method for resolving vague language inputs, such as “this” or “that,” using LLMs. Apple’s approach involves converting all contextual information into text, which allows for more efficient parsing. The smallest ReALM models performed similarly to GPT-4, but with fewer parameters, making them better suited for on-device use.”
(Bezinga).
Who Pays For iPhone AI?
Apple will be unable to supply all its AI tools and meet customer expectations. Like many smartphone manufacturers, it will rely on several third-party services, including Google. And that might be an expensive proposition for consumers:
“There is one opportunity for monetization, and that’s through Apple. Rumors suggest Apple is in talks with Google to provide iOS 18 users access to Gemini. A different but related rumor suggests Apple is working to offer an AI App Store. Customers could go to the App Store to pay for access to premium AI features like Gemini search or other Google-provided AI tools.
(FT via Apple Insider).
And Finally…
Following the presumed cancellation of Apple’s automobile project, along with other small projects, has seen 700 layoffs processed this week:
“Apple is laying off more than 700 employees as the company has just canceled its Apple Car project and is also reconsidering the project to develop in-house Micro-LED displays. The layoffs became known after the company filed WARN notices in the state of California… a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) aims to protect employees by requiring employers to give a 60-day notice to affected employees and both state and local representatives before a plant closing or mass layoff. This gives laid-off employees time to adjust and transition to new jobs.”
(9to5Mac).
Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.
