Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including iPhone 17 display questions, WWDC schedule, iPad Pro details, new WWDC hardware, iOS 26 updates, and the first F1 film reviews.
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 Display Questions
A flurry of discussion over the upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air displays started this week. The consensus has been that Apple will finally introduce its ProMotion technology to the base iPhone models, which would allow a variable refresh rate from 120 Hz down to 1Hz. That now looks to be in some doubt. Why would a decision not to introduce ProMotion be an issue?
“Well, a bump up to 120Hz would give that smooth scrolling effect, so this is still definitely a step forward. However, ProMotion has a dynamic refresh rate, meaning the iPhone’s battery life can be preserved when there’s static content on the display, for instance, and the refresh rate is dialed right down to 1Hz. It’s this capability which also enables the always-on display that’s such a crowd-pleaser on the iPhone 16 Pro and other Pro models, for instance.”
(Forbes).
Apple Counts Down To WWDC 2025
Next week, we will see the annual Worldwide Developer Conference. Held at Apple’s campus, the keynote session will be streamed on multiple platforms. Tim Cook will lead his executive team in a high-level look at Apple’s plans for the following year. Forbes’ contributor David Phelan looks at the broadcast details and what to expect.
“If you’re planning to tune in to Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference for its keynote next week, you need to know when it’s happening and how you can see it. Apple just launched a page on its YouTube channel so you don’t miss a thing. Expected are details of new software for the iPhone (iOS 26, not iOS 19, as you might have thought), iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro.”
(Forbes).
M5 iPad Pro Details
One of the expectations at WWDC is he next-generation of Apple Silicon. The M series has typically been used in the Mac platform, but also appears in the iPad Pro form factor. Last year, the iPad Pro debuted the M4 chipset nearly six months ahead of the Mac. The same looks set to happen with the M5, supported by an update to iPadOS to bring it more desktop-like features:
“These changes should make the iPad a far more capable “computer,” for users who want that. But like Apple’s previous iPadOS upgrades, the company will undoubtedly still preserve the tablet’s simple, one-app-at-a-time UI for users who prefer it. In other words, the iPad’s versatility—serving both as a excellent tablet and capable laptop replacement—will be highlighted.”
(9to5Mac).
Any New Hardware For WWDC?
It’s been many years since new hardware debuted at WWDC, so it’s unlikely that the M5 iPad Pro will be presented next week. In fact, there’s almost nothing in the on deck circle for Tim Cook to pull a One More Things… except perhaps an AirTag?
“WWDC is always focused on software, but there are hardware announcements at the conference in some years. Most recently, Apple unveiled the Vision Pro and updated three Mac models at WWDC 2023. In 2024, however, it was a software-only affair.”
(MacRumors).
Just The New OS Versions
The modern WWDC is built around Apple’s annual update cycle. And at some point, hardware is no longer supported. While many are dropping off thi list this year, it’s worth noting that those in the relegation zone may not be getting the full upgrade;
“…as happens often from year to year, Apple may technically support a device while still withholding new features from it. For example, many iPhones support iOS 18, but only a handful are compatible with Apple Intelligence. As a result, a whole host of iOS 18’s most powerful features aren’t actually available on the majority of devices that can run iOS 18.”
(9to5Mac).
iOS 26’s New Features
The newly renumbered iOS 26 will be the key software update at WWDC. Much of the update is expected to be built around a new user interface to bring all Apple’s operating systems closer together in look and operation. How Apple addresses its lack of AI progress since WWC 2024 will also be a notable talking point. As for apps, there are going to be some significant changes in the smaller more specific apps:
“And while much of the spotlight will probably shine on the visual overhaul, 9to5Mac has learned that Apple has also been quietly preparing a handful of enhancements to everyday apps like Messages, Music, Notes, and even CarPlay. Some of which could be announced as early as next week.”
(9to5Mac via Forbes).
And Finally…
It’s not just a big week for software, it’s also a big week for Apple TV as its most ambitious film release arrives. The first reviews of F1—the imaginatively titled movie built around a fictional Formula 1 team—are in. Variety’s Zack Sharf gathers up the critics thoughts:
“#F1TheMovie is so freaking good. It has all the adrenaline, heart, pacing, story and character that completely fleshes out this movie into excellence. I can only imagine how much MORE I would love this movie if I was a fan of F1 racing! Maybe I am now?”
(Via Variety)
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.
