Hyundai execs are reportedly 'divided' over possible Apple Car partnership

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We've heard rumours that Apple is in talks with Hyundai about developing its yet-to-be-confirmed Apple Car. And a new report from Reuters focuses on reluctance from the Korean car manufacturer's side. The report claims that Hyundai's executives are divided over the idea of collaborating with Apple. The primary concern is that the deal might turn Hyundai into a contract manufacturer for another brand, which an unnamed Hyundai executive claims they don't really do.

Their discussions reportedly began back in 2018 when Apple's car initiative was headed by Alexander Hitzinger. Hitzinger now works for Volkswagen. The talks stalled supposedly because of Hyundai's reluctance to work with other companies. The carmaker doesn't want to be like Foxconn for Apple's vehicles. But Hyundai has excess capacity, and contract manufacturing will help it secure production volume.

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Apple will reportedly drop support for original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s series when iOS 15 launches next year

When Apple launches the next iteration of iOS in 2021, there are a few phones that the system might no longer support. According to The Verifier, Apple might drop support for the original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus when iOS 15 comes out. 

9to5Mac says the source has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple rumours. But it has accurately reported things like iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 no longer getting updates past iOS 12, and that iOS 14 would support all the same iPhones as iOS 13.

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Report claims Apple still working on over-ear headphones, plans another HomePod speaker

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Aside from plans to revamp the AirPods, Apple is reportedly working on its other audio offerings. Bloomberg reports that its rumoured over-ear headphones is still in the works. Its design has been changed to reduce the size of the external touch pads and the amount of swappable parts. It might retain the replaceable ear pads but not the headband. The headphones were supposed to enter production a few weeks ago. But it had to be pushed back because of issues with the headband being too tight.

The company is also supposedly discussing plans to release another HomePod that sits between HomrPod and HomePod mini, price-wise. But this speaker is reportedly still in development, and it might not even be released. But we're keeping an eye out for it, in case it does get launched.

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.