Backstory

This year, Apple’s largest competitor, Samsung, the Korean tech giant, is moving into the sixth generation of its foldable device lineup. Apple is nowhere to be seen. Even the rumors that surfaced online earlier pointed to the company opting for a foldable iPad rather than an iPhone.

For that part of the story, leaks pointed to a 2026 release date. However, with new, more believable information, it looks like the world’s largest phone company will be stepping into the foldable category, but not for any of its phones or tablets.

Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo Says Apple is Planning a Foldable MacBook

On Thursday, Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo revealed in a rather short tweet that only one of Apple’s foldable products has a clear release schedule: the MacBook, specifically a 20.3-inch model.

“Recently, I’ve received many inquiries about whether Apple plans to mass-produce the foldable iPhone or iPad in 2025 or 2026. My latest survey indicates that currently, Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule is the 20.3-inch MacBook, expected to enter mass production in 2027,”

That is not to say that Apple won’t be looking toward the smartphone segment, too. There are two derivations that one can make from this tweet, that are important to understand. One, Kuo only mentions that the foldable MacBook has a clear development schedule. He doesn’t state that the iPad or iPhone won’t be getting their fold models.

Secondly, Apple hasn’t and probably won’t comment on the matter, so since there is no official confirmation, especially with news targeted three years from now, it is too early to jump to conclusions right now.

“MacBook Fold” Will Technically NOT be the First for Its Kind

If you’re wondering why Apple is stepping into the laptop category just because it’s something new, well, you would be wrong, in a way. At this point, a lot of Windows laptops feature dual screens, the concept of which is partially similar to that of a Fold. While they don’t physically fold in half, the underlying idea is similar, and some companies have executed this concept quite well.

This year alone, we’ve seen a range of options like the Zephyrus Duo and ZenBook Duo series. This highlights that the MacBook Fold, if it comes to fruition, wouldn’t be the first of its kind.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

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According to rumors and reports, the number of improvements and new front-facing features that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are expected to offer is making them seem like a significant upgrade. Using the tetraprism camera, rumor has it that the iPhone 16 Pro will include a 5x optical zoom lens.

For those who are unaware, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a tetraprism lens, allowing it to achieve 5x optical zoom. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro, which is smaller, lacks the same zoom capability and therefore widens the gap between the Pro Max and the other models in terms of the camera.

Benefits of a Larger Frame

With the iPhone 16 Pro’s somewhat larger appearance, Apple seems to be merging the features of the two models. Users whose primary concern is the camera will have good reason to choose the smaller variant of the iPhone 16 Pro since Apple will be able to accommodate a tetraprism lens in it thanks to the larger body.

As part of a press release addressing the camera lens industry, the Taiwanese research firm TrendForce released the news. Up until now, the iPhone 15 Pro has been limited to 3x optical zoom, just as the iPhone 14 Pro models. This limitation will be lifted with the release of the iPhone 16 Pro.

Following the successful launch of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its exclusive Tetraprism telephoto zoom lens, the industry is expected to see an increase in the adoption of periscopic lens modules. Apple plans to bring this advanced hardware upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro, making it accessible to more users in the Pro series.

TrendForce

An increase in the use of periscope lenses is anticipated by the smartphone camera sector, according to the report. On smaller flagships, such as the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8, competitors will likely follow Apple’s lead and improve optical zoom capabilities as the technology advances.

Previous reports have indicated that Apple is expected to boost the screen size of the iPhone 16 Pro from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. Because of this, the device’s total size will be larger to accommodate the tetraprism lens. Whether Apple intends to provide further features that differentiate the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is an open question.

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Typically, the response to the durability and build quality of the Vision Pro has been largely positive. However, there is one small area that you’ll need to be extra careful about.

The Front “Laminated Glass” is Actually….Plastic!

Zack Nelson, from JerryRigEverything recently posted a complete teardown video of the Vision Pro, testing out how it reacts to certain forces and harsh conditions.

Interestingly, when the reviewer tested the scratch resistance of the Vision Pro’s front “glass,” it began showing scratches at a Mohs hardness level of 2, with deeper grooves appearing at level 3. This is particularly concerning because the cameras on the front, used for video passthrough, sit directly behind this “glass.” Any scratches will disrupt the display and significantly worsen your experience.

Scratches at a Mohs hardness level of 3 indicate that the headset is susceptible to damage from everyday objects like keys, jewelry, or even wiping it with a paper towel. Even a small amount of sand on the exterior, if wiped across the front, could potentially leave deep scratches over time.

Zack did mention that the outer layer is basically just plastic. Even though there might be glass underneath, scratches on the top layer are enough to warrant a replacement, which costs a whopping $800 ($299 with AppleCare+).

The best way to prevent this is to use a screen protector on the front. This can absorb the impact of debris and scratches, protecting the actual front layer of the Vision Pro.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

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There is an adapter available from the manufacturer that would allow for on-device diagnostics and repairs, according to code found by MacRumors. To access developer mode, you’ll need to purchase an additional attachment, as the headset itself does not contain a connector that may be used to link it to a computer. The code, which described the accessory’s compatibility with the Vision Pro, was found in the diagnostic tools.

The attachment is listed as a development tool with the product number A2776 in Apple’s most recent iOS 17.4 beta. The attachment was initially believed to be utilised by Apple staff in retail outlets to fix Vision Pro issues. The corporation appears to have made the strap available to all developers. The attachment is targeted towards developers, so not everyone can get their hands on it, according to Daring Fireball’s John Gruber. The strap can only be obtained by developers in the United States who have a paid Apple Developer Account.

The Developer Strap resembles the Vision Pro’s audio strap in appearance. Nevertheless, a computer-compatible extended USB-C dongle is included with it. For Apple, the Developer Strap is all about speeding up “the development of graphics-intensive apps and games.” Similar to the Vision Pro’s regular audio strap, this one will have high-quality audio. More information on the item will be shared when it becomes available.

Source: MacRumors

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Apple Apparently Uses a Modified Lightning Connector on One Side of the Vision Pro Battery Pack

On X, a user discovered that the Vision Pro battery pack’s cable can apparently be removed using a SIM ejector tool. The battery features a hole on one side of the connector, where inserting the pin effectively “unlocks” the cable from the battery, causing it to pop right out.

The removable side provided us with our first glimpse at the new, modified Lightning connector. For comparison, the conventional connector uses 8 pins, whereas this version incorporates 12 pins and is inarguably wider.

For the battery pack, it had a cable running through it, one side of which was Apple’s proprietary round-shaped connector that connected to the headset itself and the other side of the cable ran into the battery pack, and seemed like it was unremovable. The issue with this was that any damage to the cable or the connector itself could lead to some serious costs for the consumer down the road.

While the concept of the cable being separable may not seem huge, it does provides consumers with the flexibility of knowing that they won’t have to replace the entire battery if only the cable is damaged or worn out. On the other hand, if the battery needs replacement or servicing in the future, it would be much more environmentally friendly to simply swap out the battery instead of the entire bundle, including the cable.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

via: Ray Wong

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Apple calls Vision Pro the “ultimate entertainment device,” and it’s no exaggeration. At launch, the headset will boast a library of over 150 movies in 3D, including blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water, Dune, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Avengers: Endgame, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The best part is that if you already own the 3D version of a movie on Apple TV, you can enjoy it on Vision Pro at no additional cost. Services like Disney+ will also feature 3D content at launch, along with new specialized animated screening environments that surround the movie you’re watching.

With Disney+, subscribers can watch thousands of TV shows and films from four iconic environments with vivid details: the Disney+ Theater, inspired by the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood; the Scare Floor from Pixar’s Monsters Inc.; Marvel’s Avengers Tower overlooking downtown Manhattan; and the cockpit of Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder, facing a binary sunset on the planet Tatooine from the Star Wars galaxy.

Other services mentioned notably include ESPN, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, Red Bull TV, IMAX, TikTok, and MUBI. Users will be able to directly download content from these sites to watch on the go, and they also have the option to stream content online via Safari.

In addition to this, Apple has also announced the new “Apple Immersive Video” format for the Vision Pro, which is basically 180° 8K recordings in 3D, captured with Spatial Audio for the most accurate possible representation of the depicted environment and to ensure maximum immersion.

Netflix Misses Out

While most of the popular services were mentioned, Netflix apparently wasn’t found in the press release. While it is highly unlikely that the service will not be available to the Vision Pro users, partially because Apple previously confirmed it, but mainly since the app might not be ready at launch. Netflix may join us later down the road.

This is all we know for now, but rest asssured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

via: Apple

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Insider Ming-Chi Kuo states that Apple may share more details about the Vision Pro’s software, visionOS, with developers at the upcoming WWDC. This is crucial to ensure that the device evolves into the full-fledged ecosystem that Apple promises, as soon as possible.

We reported earlier this week that the Vision Pro has a sales target of 400,000 units for 2024, with a limited supply of only 80,000 units available at launch. This constraint leaves little room for Apple to expand outside the U.S. markets. However, there is also the issue of market reception and how sales will go in the U.S.

Apple will surely be analyzing sales trends here and then making calculated decisions on how to approach non-U.S. markets. Other than that, Apple has been in a bit of turmoil with global regulations for different regions. The company will need to look into that and adjust the algorithms for the Vision Pro according to the rulings of these regions.

Most of the above isn’t what Apple intends to share publicly, but much more will become transparent once the Vision Pro goes on sale this February. The reception that this device receives in the U.S. will more or less impact the way Apple releases the Vision Pro in foreign markets.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

via: Ming-Chi Kuo

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While multiple reports earlier shed light on the fact that the Vision Pro will be in short supply, many believed that a lack of adequate product applications was showcased last June. Coupled with a high price tag of $3,499, this was expected to prompt consumers to wait until after the launch. However, it seems as if this may not be the case.

Apple May Produce 60,000 – 80,000 Vision Pro Units Before Launch

Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the company may only manufacture about 60,000 to 80,000 units prior to launch, meaning that you’ll likely need to act quick if you want your hands on one. In July last year, FT published a report stating that Apple would target close to 400,000 sales for the year 2024.

It remains to be seen how things pan out, but the general reception has been positive and there’ll be more clarity after the pre-orders go live on the consumer consensus for this device. This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

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On the flip side, with flat screens taking center stage once again, minimal bezels and overall less distraction on the front screen seem to be the ideal approach forward. Apple, ‘the one late to the party,’ also recognizes this and is looking to manufacture full displays without any sorts of notches (or pillhole cutouts).

Apple Secures Its 5th Patent for Under-Display Camera Hardware in the Last 15 Months

Patently Apple reports that Apple has secured over four patents in the past 15 months (Sep 2022 – Dec 2023) for under-display camera technology. Now, most of these are targeted towards providing the ideal solution for the tradeoffs that come with putting the cameras and sensors underneath the display. For one, no more than 20% of light in the visible spectrum is able to pass the display stack, resulting in poor camera results.

The new patent, that uses a “black masking layer in a display having transparent opening” details the idea of an electronic device, like the MacBook or an iPhone having sensors or camera hardware underneath the display.

Now, Apple talks about the display being divided into two parts—the one with normal pixel density, and the other with fewer pixels. This part, with fewer pixels is called the “pixel removal region.” In this region, there are clear areas, like windows, where the screen is see-through. Underneath these clear areas, there’s the face recognition or light sensor.

To make this work, Apple uses a black masking layer with a grid pattern on the screen. This grid has openings or “apertures” that let light through in the pixel removal region. Apple also adds patches in these openings to control how much light gets through.

The patent describes how these patches are strategically placed to reduce any unwanted light angles on the sensor. The patent also talks about arranging the pixels in a way that some remain in the pixel removal region, making it look seamless to the viewer.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

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One of the many advantages of this new technology is its ability to achieve a peak brightness of around 10000 nits. The displays are geared for AR/VR devices, and their extreme brightness makes them ideal for this use. Apple might want to integrate this in future versions of the anticipated Apple Vision Pro AR Headset.

Benefits of High Brightness

In real-world use, such high brightness from an AR headset appears to be a constant spray of light piercing your eyes, and its application appears to be meaningless. However, in AR/VR headsets, this brightness is useful. With thicker lenses for larger FOV, the ultimate brightness viewed by the user lowers significantly, which this display technology compensates for by giving a highly visual experience.

Furthermore, increased pixel density is the primary advantage of the upcoming display technology. The LCD panels can reach over 2600PPI (Pixels Per Inch), resulting in a high-resolution display in such a compact size. In addition to its high pixel density, the display has excellent motion clarity, which is essential for engaging VR experiences. All of these features were thoroughly thought out by Samsung and appear to be extremely innovative in this area of technology.

The eMagin WUXGA dPd ULT has a completely distinct production process. Instead of the classic Motherglass methodology, this uses an innovative Silicon Deposition technology for displays, which is very similar to how computer chips are manufactured. This technology creates the display by developing little parts of the display one by one, eventually creating a big display made up of thousands of pixels.

This technology not only consumes one-fifth the power of typical displays, but it also costs significantly less, making it an ideal alternative for large-scale corporations like Apple to use and develop higher-quality products at lower prices.

Laptop Display Technologies

Along with AR screens, Samsung demonstrated several fascinating laptop displays using their new technologies. Focusing on battery efficiency and display quality, Samsung unveiled some fascinating screens that could be highly beneficial for Apple’s Macbooks.

Samsung created a method that gives increased colour saturation, enabling brighter and better colours while using less brightness than typical LCD screens. While it is less bright, it appears brighter to the naked eye, thus saving more than 10% of energy in total.

Samsung’s “Intelligent Color Technology” is a new technology that targets colours on a display and improves power efficiency by up to 35%. This technology enables displays to subtly vignette the image from the edges while reducing power consumption by 35%. This is a significant number of power efficiency figures and will undoubtedly be noticed by many corporations, including Apple.

These new technologies from Samsung clearly indicate to a huge customer, such as Apple, that frequently picks OEM manufacturers such as Samsung, BOE, and LG since they are less expensive and easier to obtain large orders. With these new developments, Apple will undoubtedly aim to incorporate them into future technologies, particularly VR/AR headsets.

Source: ShortCircuit, eMagin

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