Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including iPhone 17 Pro leak, iPhone SE Design, iPad Mini launch, macOS’ Apple Intelligence, new MacBook Pro details, and Apple’s 3D innovations.
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.
iPhone 17 Pro Specs Leak
The upcoming iPhone Pro smartphone looks ready to build on the increased specs required for the iPhone 16 Pro family to keep up with Android. The need for more working memory lies in the new world of AI. As for the power to run the latest models, that will need new processor technology in an updated Apple Silicon chipset.
“Previously, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max had this much, but the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus had 6GB, which is why they can’t handle Apple Intelligence….A previous report has said that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will boost this to 12GB and now it’s been reported that there will be a move to a 2-nanometre chip.
(Forbes),
iPhone SE Design Clues
While the design of the iPhone SE has not completely leaked, we can get a clear idea of the external design from the cases that will go on sale. Naturally, there are more leaks around these than in the actual hardware. And so we have a great look at what’s to come:
“The case has a flat back panel with a cutout for the rear camera that appears slightly larger than that of the iPhone SE 3, which could mean the iPhone SE 4 packs two cameras, a first for the series. The iPhone SE 4 is already expected to take design cues from the iPhone 14, becoming the first of Apple’s budget “Special Edition” iPhones to nix Touch ID for Face ID and the notch.”
(Tom’s Guide).
New iPad Mini Arrives
This week saw the surprise launch of a new iPad Mini. Widely expected to launch alongside a new M4 trio of MacBook Pro models, the press release arrived early this week. Naturally, Apple’s generative AI suite was mentioned:
“The previous iPad mini used the A15 Bionic chip. That was fast, but it isn’t capable of Apple Intelligence, so Apple has upgraded the chip here to the A17 Pro, first seen in the iPhone 15 Pro last year. Apple is selling this as a big upgrade in lots of ways, but support for Apple Intelligence is a big one.”
(Forbes).
What’s In The iPad Box?
Apple has taken some notable decisions around the packaing of the new iPad Mini. While the USB-C cable has been strengthed through a braided cover, customers in Europe will miss out on a charger. If a new one is needed these will need to be purchased separately:
“This change is likely in response to EU regulations regarding electronic waste that will be enforced starting in 2026, but even some European countries that are not part of the EU are impacted.”
(MacRumors).
Would Mac Users Like To Know More?
Following several developer releases, Apple has opened up the beta of macOS Sequoia to the public. While it is not yet complete, there’s enough here for the adventurous to look at what Apple has planned for its desk-bound computers. And yes, once more, it’s Apple intelligence:
“iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 are the first updates that includes Apple Intelligence features. Not all AI capabilities have been added, but the beta includes Writing Tools, Siri updates, summaries, AI-powered Focus modes, and smart replies. To use Apple Intelligence features, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPhone 16 model, or M-series Mac or iPad.”
(MacRumors).
Macbooks Ready
Meanwhile, the M4 MacBook Pro models (that are still to be announced) are rolling off production lines as Apple stockpiles the new laptops ahead of an expected launch at the end of October
“Apple is expected to unveil new MacBook Pro models equipped with the latest M4 chip in October, which could boost related component shipments,” says the paywalled report, published today. “This trend is evident in the revenue reports from component manufacturers such as Jarllytec and Shin Zu Shing for September.”
(Digitimes).
And Finally…
Apple has invested heavily in the marketing of AI for the new iPhone, even though the backronymed Apple Intelligence will not be fully available until March 2025. Perhaps Tim Cook and his team would have been better off emphasising how AI is used in other apps rather than the writing and creative aids it has focused on?
“The system, called Depth Pro, is able to generate detailed 3D depth maps from single 2D images in a fraction of a second—without relying on the camera data traditionally needed to make such predictions. The technology… is a major leap forward in the field of monocular depth estimation, a process that uses just one image to infer depth.”
(VentureBeat).
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.
