Apple will reportedly release redesigned AirPods next year

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It's been over a year and a half since the second-generation AirPods were released and almost a year since the AirPods Pro's launch, so it's not surprising that there are rumours Apple plans to revamp both wireless earbuds. Both will supposedly get new designs and better chips. The Pro might lose the signature stems, making it look similar to the Galaxy Buds Plus and Pixel Buds. It will still have noise-cancellation, though. The challenge is trying to fit the components in a smaller form factor. 

Meanwhile, the entry-level AirPods will inherit some of the Pro's design with a shorter stem and replaceable ear-tips. It will reportedly get a better battery life, too. According to Bloomberg, we can expect the new AirPods as early as the first half of 2021.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro might miss out on 120Hz screen

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While the smartphone industry moves to 120Hz displays for flagships, it looks like Apple might still be lagging. Industry insider Ross Young, who has a good track record with recent predictions, claims the iPhone 12 Pro won't be getting a 120Hz screen refresh rate. While the 120Hz OLED panels are ready to manufacture, Apple reportedly can't find driver ICs to drive the pixels at 120Hz. Instead of waiting, Apple will reportedly default to the 60Hz refresh rate. If this report is accurate, then this means Apple users will be missing out on the flagship feature again. 

Source: GSMArena

New report details ARM-based Apple Macs

Since last month's WWDC, we've learned about Apple's plans to switch to its own processors for its Macs. A new report from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo details the new ARM-based Mac laptops, including a MacBook Air and Pro models with 13.3-, 14-, and 16-inch models.

A new 13.3-inch MacBook Pro model will reportedly enter production in the fourth quarter of 2020, and it'll be joined by an ARM-based MacBook Air as well. Kuo claims the Air will start shipping at the end of the year or the first quarter of 2021. As for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, these Apple Silicon-equipped laptops will launch in the second or third quarter of 2021. 

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Apple rumoured to release a 5.5-inch, entry-level iPhone

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Aside from reportedly launching a 4.7-inch iPhone featuring the iPhone 8's design, there's supposedly a 5.5-inch model coming out as well, which will presumably reuse the iPhone 8 Plus' design. The new iPhones will reportedly have a solid-state home button similar to the original iPhone 8 devices while relying on Touch ID instead of Face ID. The handsets will also reportedly come with Apple Pay's Express Transit feature, which allows you to hold your phone near a transit terminal to pay for your ride. The new rumoured iPhones will also be able to scan NFC tags without needing to open an app, a feature that's only available on the iPhone XS, XR, and iPhone 11.

We don't know what the price for the 5.5-inch model will be, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the 4.7-inch model will have a starting price of US$399 (around CA$563). It will reportedly come with either 64GB or 128GB of storage and will come in grey, silver, or red. If we base it off Apple's usual pricing, then the 5.5-inch will cost $100 more. The 4.7-inch model is expected to come out at the end of March, so this rumoured model is presumed to launch then as well.

Source: The Verge