The Apple TV could be getting a refresh on Tuesday. Photo: Ariel Zambelich/Wired
Apple’s next media event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, and the rumors are really heating up this week. We’re definitely expecting new iPhones. Other than that, it’s anyone’s guess. So with only a few days left to speculate, we’ve parsed the week’s last-minute rumors for you (and there are a lot!), ranking them in order from “utterly ridiculous” to “Duh, of course.” First up…
DON’T COUNT ON IT: Purported iPhone 5S Home Button Photos Reveal Fingerprint Sensor
A part labeled “iPhone 5C Flex Cable” discovered on clearance site sw-box.com looks to possibly be an iPhone 5S home button. Why’s that? Well, there’s been a lot of hearsay that Apple’s next flagship phone will include a biometric sensor. This part, which is shaped differently from the iPhone 5′s home button and past iPhone 5S leaks, looks like it could support such a sensor. But it’s hard to determine the veracity of photos. This one could be a part from a prototype iPhone that didn’t end up making the cut, rather than something from the finished product. Or it could just be an effort to ramp up web traffic.
A part labeled “iPhone 5C Flex Cable” discovered on clearance site sw-box.com looks to possibly be an iPhone 5S home button. Why’s that? Well, there’s been a lot of hearsay that Apple’s next flagship phone will include a biometric sensor. This part, which is shaped differently from the iPhone 5′s home button and past iPhone 5S leaks, looks like it could support such a sensor. But it’s hard to determine the veracity of photos. This one could be a part from a prototype iPhone that didn’t end up making the cut, rather than something from the finished product. Or it could just be an effort to ramp up web traffic.
ASK AGAIN LATER: Airport Express Could Be Getting an Update
Supplies of Apple’s Airport Express router are running low at brick and mortar retailers like Apple Stores and Best Buys, which could indicate a refresh is in order. The Airport Express was last updated in 2012, but this summer, Apple added the 802.11ac capable Airport Extreme to its product offerings. Apple could upgrade the Express so it (along with the 2013 MacBook Airs, and likely, future MacBook Pros) also supports the fledgling wireless standard.
Supplies of Apple’s Airport Express router are running low at brick and mortar retailers like Apple Stores and Best Buys, which could indicate a refresh is in order. The Airport Express was last updated in 2012, but this summer, Apple added the 802.11ac capable Airport Extreme to its product offerings. Apple could upgrade the Express so it (along with the 2013 MacBook Airs, and likely, future MacBook Pros) also supports the fledgling wireless standard.
ASK AGAIN LATER: iPhone 5C Cases to Ship September 20
Some iPhone case makers hedge their bets and build cases for new products based on unconfirmed specs and updates. Some, perhaps, have inside sources that make those bets less risky, but it’s impossible to know that as an outsider. So Case-Mate’s leaked iPhone 5C designs, which were discovered along with a release date of 8 a.m. on September 20th, are inherently suspect. But still, the images do seem to feature the not-yet-released handset.
Some iPhone case makers hedge their bets and build cases for new products based on unconfirmed specs and updates. Some, perhaps, have inside sources that make those bets less risky, but it’s impossible to know that as an outsider. So Case-Mate’s leaked iPhone 5C designs, which were discovered along with a release date of 8 a.m. on September 20th, are inherently suspect. But still, the images do seem to feature the not-yet-released handset.
ASK AGAIN LATER: OS X Mavericks to Debut in Late October
Apple’s next major desktop release may not be arriving at the same time as iOS 7 and the next iPhone, sources with 9to5Mac say. The OS has been in beta to developers since WWDC in June. Apple does usually release new versions of OS X and iOS at different times during the year. While iOS 6 and 7 were introduced in the fall, Apple’s last two OS X releases, Mountain Lion and Lion, were released in July 2013 and July 2012, respectively. By launching Mavericks later, Apple will reportedly (and logically) be able to focus more of its efforts on its new mobile releases.
Apple’s next major desktop release may not be arriving at the same time as iOS 7 and the next iPhone, sources with 9to5Mac say. The OS has been in beta to developers since WWDC in June. Apple does usually release new versions of OS X and iOS at different times during the year. While iOS 6 and 7 were introduced in the fall, Apple’s last two OS X releases, Mountain Lion and Lion, were released in July 2013 and July 2012, respectively. By launching Mavericks later, Apple will reportedly (and logically) be able to focus more of its efforts on its new mobile releases.
SIGNS POINT TO YES: New Apple TV Arriving September 10
A report from global trade intelligence platform Panjiva suggests that one oft overlooked Apple product could also be getting a refresh at its September 10 event: the Apple TV. Panjiva unearthed a U.S. Department of Homeland Security bill of landing that shows records of Apple receiving “Set Top Box with Communication Function” shipments. They’re from Shenzen, China-based BYD Precision Manufacture, rather than Apple’s usual Hon Hai (Foxconn) manufacturing partner. Apple last refreshedits puck-like set top box in the spring of 2012, so it’s about time for an update. The possibility of a new Apple TV was mayyyybe potentially corroborated by the online Apple Store being out of refurbished Apple TVs on Thursday, but the availability of refurbished Apple products goes in and out periodically.
A report from global trade intelligence platform Panjiva suggests that one oft overlooked Apple product could also be getting a refresh at its September 10 event: the Apple TV. Panjiva unearthed a U.S. Department of Homeland Security bill of landing that shows records of Apple receiving “Set Top Box with Communication Function” shipments. They’re from Shenzen, China-based BYD Precision Manufacture, rather than Apple’s usual Hon Hai (Foxconn) manufacturing partner. Apple last refreshedits puck-like set top box in the spring of 2012, so it’s about time for an update. The possibility of a new Apple TV was mayyyybe potentially corroborated by the online Apple Store being out of refurbished Apple TVs on Thursday, but the availability of refurbished Apple products goes in and out periodically.
SIGNS POINT TO YES: Leaked Doc Hints That TELUS Will Quit Selling the iPhone 5
A leaked “Device Discontinuation” document from August 29th shows that Canadian telecom TELUS will stop offering the iPhone 5 later this month. The iPhone 5 32GB and 64GB (Black) were specifically named on the discontinuation list, with September 28th as the official quit date. It appears (from this at least) that the 16 GB models would still be available, which is in line with how Apple has shifted product offerings when the iPhone 5 debuted. Between that fact and the timing, there’s a good chance some iPhone models will start disappearing from store shelves on the 28th.
A leaked “Device Discontinuation” document from August 29th shows that Canadian telecom TELUS will stop offering the iPhone 5 later this month. The iPhone 5 32GB and 64GB (Black) were specifically named on the discontinuation list, with September 28th as the official quit date. It appears (from this at least) that the 16 GB models would still be available, which is in line with how Apple has shifted product offerings when the iPhone 5 debuted. Between that fact and the timing, there’s a good chance some iPhone models will start disappearing from store shelves on the 28th.
SIGNS POINT TO YES: Apple Heading to China’s Biggest Carrier
Tim Cook has repeatedly emphasized that China is a super important market for Apple. So when it came to light that Apple would be holding satellite events for its Tuesday keynote presentation in Beijing (along with Berlin and Tokyo), it amped up speculation that the iPhone will 1.) come to China with the iPhone’s initial rollout and 2.) finally be available on China’s biggest carrier, China Mobile. Another Chinese carrier, China Telecom, appears to have accidentally offered a glimpse of its new iPhone offerings through a post that was published, and quickly taken down, this week.
Tim Cook has repeatedly emphasized that China is a super important market for Apple. So when it came to light that Apple would be holding satellite events for its Tuesday keynote presentation in Beijing (along with Berlin and Tokyo), it amped up speculation that the iPhone will 1.) come to China with the iPhone’s initial rollout and 2.) finally be available on China’s biggest carrier, China Mobile. Another Chinese carrier, China Telecom, appears to have accidentally offered a glimpse of its new iPhone offerings through a post that was published, and quickly taken down, this week.
WITHOUT A DOUBT: Apple Testing iPhones Up to 6-Inches
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Duh. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is testing iPhones 4.8 to 6-inches in size. Of course it is, Apple would be daft to not test a wide range of screen sizes and aspect ratios to make sure they are offering what they believe to be the best option for consumers. Six-inches is pretty big, but people seem to like the Galaxy Note, right?
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Duh. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is testing iPhones 4.8 to 6-inches in size. Of course it is, Apple would be daft to not test a wide range of screen sizes and aspect ratios to make sure they are offering what they believe to be the best option for consumers. Six-inches is pretty big, but people seem to like the Galaxy Note, right?
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