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The emerging reality of Apple's leaked products
The magic of "One More Thing" is truly dead. If there's anything that Apple's iPad mini event showed us on Tuesday, it's that the anticipation of an unknown product to be unveiled at the end of an Apple event has faded into the past. With a wink and a nod, Tim Cook and Phil Schiller acknowledged the growing wave of Apple supply leaks during the event. A brilliantly written piece from Ars Technica notes that, while security is tighter than ever in Cupertino under Cook's watch, increasingly accurate rumors related to Apple's unreleased products are coming from further down the supply chain. As the Ars piece states: Ultimately, the Apple employees we spoke to were willing to accept tighter security coming from the top, even when they disagreed that it was beneficial. But they also know that in today's world, where Chinese employees on the manufacturing line have cell phones and access to Internet connections, secrecy will get breached until Apple figures out how to improve security on the other side of the pond. Even then, leaks will never be contained completely. With the iPad mini event, as with the iPhone 5 event before it in September, we knew exactly what we were getting -- right down to the US$329 price point for the iPad mini. Real surprises, such as the release of the fourth-generation iPad and the new form factor of the iMac, were few. We at TUAW have a love-hate relationship with rumors ourselves, which is summarily condensed into Chris Rawson's weekly rumor roundups. It's like being spoiled for a favorite TV show or discovering that cache of unwrapped Christmas gifts in the back of your parents' closet. As a consumer, I appreciate knowing what's coming down the pipeline. But, I will miss that that magical bit of unexpected wonder that Steve Jobs tapped into with the "one more thing," the not-knowing of what Apple will bring us next.
Samsung may be getting out of display supplier deal with Apple next year
A report in the Korea Times suggests Samsung will sever its contract with Apple and will no longer supply LCD panels to the Cupertino company, starting in 2013. An unnamed senior industry source told the newspaper that the company is not making enough money off the panels that it is selling to Apple. We are unable to supply our flat-screens to Apple with huge price discounts. Samsung has already cut our portion of shipments to Apple and next year we will stop shipping displays. Samsung is reportedly shipping fewer and fewer panels to Apple each quarter, with the Korean company expected to supply Apple with only 4.5 million LCD panels in the second half of the year. This is down from the 15 million panels that Samsung sent to Apple in the first six months of 2012. Samsung will reportedly turn to Amazon and its own handset division to make up for the loss of orders from Apple. Apple sources components from many companies, including displays from LG and Sharp as well as Samsung.
13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display reportedly seen with 2,560 x 1,600 LCD, dual Thunderbolt ports
We hope you didn't want Apple's little event next week to be a complete surprise. After promises of extra details for a prior leak, a WeiPhone forum goer has returned with photos of what's supposed to be the active screen and ports of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display that might be on stage come October 23rd. If this is what we get alongside the similarly unofficial miniature iPad, we'll take it. The possible leak shows a 2,560 x 1,600 LCD (four times higher in resolution than the existing MacBook Pro) and, importantly, no sacrifices in expansion versus the 15-inch Retina model -- there's still the dual Thunderbolt ports and HDMI video that shipped with this system's bigger brother. Vital details like the performance and price are left out, so there's a few cards left off Apple's table, but the images hint at what could be a tempting balance between the 15-inch MacBook Pro's grunt and the MacBook Air's grace.
iMac ship times slip at some European Apple Stores
Rumors suggest Apple's upcoming October 23 event will also bring a much-needed refresh of the company's iMac and Mac mini line of computers. Adding some credence to the rumor is the observation from AppleInsider that iMac inventory is declining in some Apple online stores in Europe. Both the German and UK stores now have ship times of 1-3 days on their two iMac models. It's fair to note that this is not a widespread decline in supply, so it's possible this is an isolated incident, and the timing is coincidental.
Reuters says Insignia Flex Tablet may cost $239 to $259, we'd say it faces stiff odds
Best Buy omitted a handful of details when it unveiled the Insignia Flex Tablet last week, not the least of which is the price that usually sells Insignia-branded gear. A Reuters tipster claims to have filled in that blank: the 9.7-inch, Ice Cream Sandwich-based slate will reportedly cost between $239 to $259 when it ships November 11th. That's not bad for a tablet at the size of the Flex, but you'll be giving up a lot to get that screen size if the price tag is real. A similar outlay could net a (likely faster) 32GB Kindle Fire HD, for starters -- and while we don't know any details of what's coming from Apple's "little" event next week, we have a hunch that it just might overshadow Best Buy's hopes of being the value leader in the tablet field. Without an official confirmation or denial, we'd suggest fence-sitting for a little while longer if you're not already in love with the big-box retailer's in-house brand.
Tips have 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display joining iPad mini at rumored Apple event
While Apple's supposed October 23rd event still exists only in the land of leaks and rumors for now, there's mounting suspicions that it won't just be a one-trick pony if it becomes real. Both AllThingsD and 9to5Mac claim to know that a 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display is also on the cards for the presentation and would be just what you'd expect: a smaller version of the 15-inch model with four times the screen resolution of its conventional equivalent (2,560 x 1,600 here), all-flash storage and a price premium. There's not much more to go on beyond talk of a D1 codename versus the 15-inch D2, although we won't have long to find out if the rumor represents more than just wishful thinking. You might want to hold out on buying that MacBook Air for a week as a precaution.
iPad mini accessories ready months before launch
Apple hasn't announced an iPad mini yet, but according to a report in AllThingsD, accessory manufacturing is already booming in Asia. Topeka analyst Brian White says accessory makers have been ramping up production for the iPad mini, with some starting to produce accessories as early as September. White said that, during his tour of Asia, "we uncovered over 20 suppliers that showed us accessories for the iPad Mini." He added that "some already have the accessories boxed, labeled and ready for order." Several of these manufacturers showed White a dummy model of the iPad mini that "fit our hands like a glove." Though some analysts are bearish on a mini iPad, White believes it will be a hit. He predicts Apple will sell between 5 million and 7 million iPad mini tablets in the current quarter. Eventually, he expects the mini to outsell the 9.7-inch iPad.
iPad mini's rumored launch may be aimed at Microsoft Surface
This theory is speculative, but let's give CNN's Don Sears some consideration anyway. He suggests that Apple's suspected iPad mini event has been moved from the rumored October 10 to 17 date range to the current expectation of the October 23. Why, he asks? Because the Microsoft Surface is due to arrive right around then, he answers. Microsoft announced its Surface tablet unit quite a while ago, and rumors suggest that the device will greet the public this month. Sears suggests that Apple re-scheduled its own event to more closely coincide with Microsoft's launch plans. While much of this is based on suspicions and rumor (Apple has not officially announced an event), Sears' logic rings true. After all, Apple has had no problem with stealing thunder. It has announced its own products specifically around big industry conferences like CES and GDC many times before, and it would be very Apple-like to take Microsoft's release on directly, stealing much of the anticipated Surface buzz. We'll have to see how this all plays out when these announcements finally do happen later on this month.
Apple's supply relationship with Samsung reportedly strained
The Korea Times is reporting that Apple's relationship with Samsung's supply arm is strained. According to the infamous "industry sources," (not to be confused with "people familiar with the matter"), Samsung did not participate in the development of Apple's A6 chip, which powers the iPhone 5. Instead, the company is assembling parts only. It's believed that Samsung took part in the development of Apple's A5. Just last week, we learned that Apple added Samsung's Jim Mergard to its talented staff. Last August, Bloomberg reported that Apple and Qualcomm tried to purchase exclusive access to TSMC chip production. Considering the contentious legal relationship between the consumer products divisions of Apple and Samsung, it'll be interesting to see where their manufacturing relationship goes.
AllThingsD: Apple event on Oct. 23
AllThingsD is suggesting that Apple will hold a press event on October 23rd to announce the so-called "iPad mini." Will it happen? Jim Dalrymple's monosyllabic confirmation is all I need to hear. See you on the 23rd.
Android 4.2 shows up in our server logs, shocks no one
Reports have been circulating that devices running Android 4.2, rumored to be code-named Key Lime Pie (though it's seeming more likely that it will retain the Jelly Bean moniker), have been popping up in server logs and benchmarks across the web. Well, after doing some digging through our own records, we're seeing quite a few instances of hardware running the unannounced Google platform visiting Engadget. Now, we do feel it necessary to add the caveat that there are some strange reports in our logs as well, coming from hardware allegedly running Android 5.0 and 6.0, but we're not convinced of their authenticity. We are, however, fairly certain that the numerous Galaxy Nexii hitting our site sporting Android 4.2, build JOO90B, are legit. We're also seeing a number of occams, potentially an obtuse reference to the RAZR (a Moto Nexus perhaps?) pinging our servers running the same build. Like others, we're seeing reports of the Arc S running 4.2 as well, but upon further investigation it seems more likely that this is a beta of Jelly Bean 4.1 currently being tested by Sony. Obviously, none of this is official, but it only makes the impending release of a new Nexus or Nexii seem all the more likely.
WSJ: Apple has ordered 10 million iPad minis
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Asian suppliers have received an order for 10 million iPad minis (or whatever they're called) from Apple. That's interesting, depending how much faith you put into "some component suppliers" as sources of Apple news. The Journal reports that Apple hasn't responded to requests for further information. Well, yeah. How about we just simmer down until the thing is announced?
WSJ: iPad mini assembly has begun
A report from the Wall Street Journal suggests Asian suppliers have started mass production of components for the iPad Mini. Cited in the WSJ report are LG Display and AU Optronics, both of which are supposedly mass-producing 7.85-inch displays for the rumored tablet device. According to the Wall Street Journal's sources, Apple has allegedly opted to go with a non-Retina display for its smaller iPad. The choice to downgrade the display was supposedly a cost-cutting measure that'll help keep the price tag of the device competitively low. If these rumors for the iPad Mini pan out, then price will be a major factor as Apple will be competing with the $199 Kindle Fire HD and the $199 Nexus 7 tablet. Previous rumors suggest the iPad Mini will include a Lightning port, a nano-SIM card slot and an aluminum casing with a thin bezel.
Daily Update for October 2, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
China certifies iPhone 5, sales may begin in October
It looks like China will get the iPhone 5 sooner than previously thought, M.I.C. Gadget reports. Two models of the iPhone 5 received China Compulsory Certificate approval less than a week after it officially went on sale. Previous certifications took two months on average, with the iPhone 4S gaining its certification in December 2011 for sale in January 2012. The iPhone 5 must also receive a MIIT network license and approval from China Radio Management before sales begin. M.I.C. Gadget suggests that sales will begin in October, but whether that's fact or fodder for a Rumor Roundup, we'll find out soon. But with the certification, the Magic 8-Ball is pointing to all signs looking good for a Chinese rollout of the iPhone 5 soon.
Inventory shortfalls suggest iMac refresh around the corner
Low iMac inventory numbers may suggest an upcoming refresh. If these screenshots from an Apple Authorized Service Provider who asked not to be identified are a true reflection of channel supply on current inventory, numbers are running low -- way low. Our AASP friend writes, "While putting in an order today we stumbled upon both our suppliers have no stock of 21- or 27-inch iMacs. One picture has an estimated ETA while the other shows all current models at zero stock. All four models look similar to the picture that displays the ETAs." Imminent refresh? We hope so, but you know what Betteridge's law says. Reports of a rapid release of new iMacs surfaced on September 7. %Gallery-165846%
iPhone 5: the rumor roundup
We're on the cusp of Apple's sixth iPhone launch, and there's very different expectations than there were last year. The 2011 rumor cycle left more than a few people burned: the later-than-usual October launch and repeated claims of a heavily-remade design led some to a disappointment when the iPhone 4S arrived, even though the final product had a slew of camera, speed and voice command upgrades. This year, the rumors have been grounded well before there was an event date in our hands. There have been fewer instances of wild rumors. Instead, it's been based more around pragmatism, using either tangible leaks or sources that have a solid track record. Think of the perennial leaks from the Wall Street Journal or the increasingly well-established sourcing from iMore and The Loop. Whether you're conspiracy-minded or not, it's been hard to ignore the sheer number of claims that have tamped down expectations rather than inflated them. It's as though there's a collective fear we'll see a repeat of the 2011 hysteria and deal with fans (or detractors) complaining about missing features that were never promised in the first place. Where last summer was full of uncertainty, this year there's a mounting consensus as to what we'll see, how we'll get it, and when. Tracking everything that's been mentioned may be a handful, however. With that in mind, we'll dive in and gauge what's likely to emerge from behind Apple's curtain on September 12th -- as well as what we can rule out from the get-go.
WSJ reports next iPhone will support LTE around the world
This is hardly shocking news, but it's good news that will make the iPhone competitive going forward. The Wall Street Journal reports the upcoming iPhone will support LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks all over the world, including the US, Europe and Asia. The addition of LTE to the latest iPhone has been expected by most observers. LTE is a faster network standard that is being pushed by cellular companies because it is more efficient and it gives them a chance to, in some cases, charge more for the faster speeds. Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone September 12, and adding LTE will give it parity with companies like Samsung who are already offering Android phones with LTE capability. Verizon is fully deploying LTE Networks, and AT&T has recently announced more cities in its rollout of the service. Sprint, the remaining major iPhone seller here in the US, is also deploying LTE services.
WSJ: 2012 iPhone to support global 4G LTE
Now we're intrigued. It's a common (if unconfirmed) belief that the next iPhone will support LTE-based 4G, but the Wall Street Journal now understands through the ever-present "people familiar with the matter" that Apple is taking 4G worldwide. Where the current iPad only supports two LTE frequencies and drops to HSPA+ outside of the US and Canada, the new iPhone will supposedly cover parts of Asia and Europe as well. The exact countries haven't been outlined, although it's easy to imagine Apple going for those countries where 4G speeds matter the most: there's been rumblings of talks with KT and SK Telecom in South Korea, but we could also see France, Germany, Japan and Scandinavian countries in the mix. The rumor hasn't been confirmed, of course. That said, the iPhone was already purported to be using a new cellular chipset -- and a number of carriers, most often in the US, have long said they won't carry new smartphones unless LTE is part of the package. We'll know the full scoop on Wednesday.
Fox News: New iMacs are imminent
Fox News "Fox and Friends" host Clayton Morris is a huge Apple fanboy like us, and he's reporting today that "the iMacs are coming." His take is that delayed in-store pickup of the 27-inch model -- which TUAW reported on last week -- as well as multiple sources telling him that a "new lineup of desktop machines from Apple is imminent" is enough to run a story saying that the company is going to "unveil (a) new lineup of desktop iMacs." Well, that will happen eventually. But whether or not it happens at the September 12 Apple event is another question. Yes, all of us would love to see a Retina display iMac with the new Ivy Bridge processors and better graphics chips, USB 3.0 and a thinner design thanks to no optical drive. But is Apple going to spoil the fun at the iPhone-dominated event next week with a throw-off announcement about a product that doesn't contribute a whole lot to the company's bottom line? A quick check showed that the availability of both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch models for in-store pickup is now showing "Available Sep 19" across the US. A wild guess? That is probably the date that new iMacs might be announced and available, as to not take any of the shine off of the iPhone announcement. What's your take on the iMac story? Are the new machines imminent (next week), or do you think that Apple will wait another week (September 19) to unveil the new desktops? Leave your comments below.
