In a week filled with significant developments, Apple made headlines with its game-changing approach to operating system naming and the long-awaited launch of WhatsApp for iPad after more than 15 years.
In a surprising turn of events just days ahead of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), rumors have surfaced that Apple will revamp its operating system naming scheme. Instead of releasing iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, and others individually, the tech giant is reportedly opting for a unified “26” theme, aligning the versions with the upcoming year. This mirrors how car manufacturers often introduce new models earlier than their designated year.
As Apple prepares for the anticipated release of the iPhone 17 Pro later this year, it will face competition from the newly introduced ultra-slim “iPhone 17 Air.” Nevertheless, expectations remain high for significant upgrades to Apple’s flagship models. A preview of twelve exciting features for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max suggests noticeable visual differences that will distinguish them as the latest models. Looking even further ahead, insiders report that Apple may be testing a cutting-edge 200-megapixel camera sensor, expected to debut first in the Pro iPhone variants, although it may take another year or two before its release.
In a landmark move, WhatsApp finally launched an iPad-optimized app, marking a significant milestone for the messaging platform. The announcement came earlier this week, with the app released shortly thereafter. The focus now shifts to Meta’s other major application, Instagram, which still lacks a native iPad version.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that Apple has scaled back some ambitious features planned for its rumored smart home robot, aiming to expedite its market entry. Although specific details about the postponed features remain undisclosed, they may appear in later iterations of the robot. Currently, the device is said to sport an iPad-like display mounted on a robotic arm, capable of adjusting its position to stay visible while responding to voice commands. Gurman suggests a simpler smart home hub may be launched as early as the end of this year.
In a retrospective glance, The Information reported that Apple once considered collaborating with Boeing to develop a satellite internet service, akin to Starlink, for homes and mobile devices. The initiative, which involved launching thousands of satellites, was ultimately shelved due to cost concerns and implications for Apple’s carrier relationships. Instead, Apple has since partnered with Globalstar to provide more limited satellite services available on recent iPhone models. Recently, the company enhanced its Messages and Find My features via satellite in Mexico, expanding its existing coverage in the U.S. and Canada, even as it evaluates the future of these services in light of carriers launching their own satellite options.
In another finding, a user on the Chinese platform BiliBili discovered references to Apple testing the potent M3 Ultra chip within unreleased MacBook Pro models. This suggests that Apple may have explored incorporating this high-end chip into its MacBook line, even though it has not officially released such a model, likely due to thermal and power management issues in that format.
Sony has recently launched its latest WH-1000XM6 headphones, leading to discussions about how they compare to Apple’s AirPods Max. In a new YouTube video, Dan evaluates both headphones, highlighting that while the AirPods Max have specific advantages within the Apple ecosystem, Sony’s latest offering outshines them in terms of comfort and overall performance.