Apple M2 MacBook Air will reportedly launch this July

Apple didn't give an exact launch date when it introduced the M2-powered MacBook Air. But a new report claims that it'll be arriving next month. It'll supposedly get a July 15 launch, with pre-orders starting the week before on July 8. This might be good news considering early reports said the release might be late due to COVID-related factory shutdowns in China. But if this report is accurate, there's a possibility this new laptop could still be in short supply. Delivery dates could be pushed back further into the future. At least we have a date to watch out for, for now.

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Rumours claim a new Apple HomePod is coming

Source: MacRumors

Apple has already discontinued the original HomePod, but it might be launching a new version of it. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new HomePod will feature a new display on top with touch support. Size and audio quality will reportedly be similar to the original, but it will be powered by the future Apple Watch Series 8 chip, the S8. This S8 processor will have the same specs as the S7 and S6 chips. But it will be an upgrade from the current HomePod mini, which runs on the S5 chip. Are you one of those people waiting for the HomePod to come back? 

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Apple iPhone 14 Pro tipped to get an always-on display

Source: Apple Insider

Apple might want to highlight the new lock screen widgets of iOS 16 by finally bringing an always-on display option to its iPhone lineup. In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the iPhone 14 Pro will be the first device to get this option. Apple has reportedly developed the feature for years, but the lock screen changes prompted its release. This Pro model will show the same lock screen widgets as other members of the iPhone 14 range. But the screen will remain at low brightness and framerate, which could help it drain your battery less. There will also supposedly be a setting that prevents sensitive data from appearing on display.

Aside from the always-on display, the iPhone 14 Pro will reportedly get an updated front-facing camera, 48-megapixel rear camera system, an A16 processor, thinner bezels, and an update to the pill-shaped cut out and hole punch instead of the notch. The non-Pro models will supposedly feature more modest changes, with the phones retaining the A15 processor. But the 5.4-inch mini model will reportedly be replaced by a 6.7-inch version. All models will keep the Lightning port, but there are plans to shift to USB-C in 2023.

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LG Display is reportedly prepping work for Apple's 2nd-gen mixed reality headset

Concept render based on purported leaked information (Ian Zelbo)

While Apple's first-generation mixed reality headset hasn't launched yet, LG Display is reportedly preparing to supply micro OLED display panels for the next-generation model. The company is believed to be ordering deposition equipment for micro-OLED displays from Sunic System. The company supposedly plans to use the equipment to produce the displays for the headset. 

It's believed to be part of the supply chain for the upcoming headset, but it's not expected to supply the main screen. Sony is reportedly supplying that. LG's rumoured to be providing the regular OLED display panels for the outer indicator screen. For the next-generation headset, LG is supposedly hoping to take the orders from Sony. It could be a wise move for Apple, given that Sony indirectly competes with Apple thanks to its PlayStation VR headsets.

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