Featured Stories: iPhone 12 Mini Rumors, New iPad Air Soon, iOS 14.2 Beta 2

Leak: iPhone 12 mini to start at 64GB, Pro models at 128GB

We’re likely just a few weeks away from Apple introducing its iPhone 12 lineup, and late-breaking rumors continue to surface. The final word comes from leaker Jon Prosser, who recently claimed that the so-called “iPhone 12 mini” will start with 64GB of storage, while high-end iPhone 12 Pro models will apparently come with a minimum of 128GB of storage.

Various sources have indicated that Apple’s next event will likely take place on Tuesday, October 13, with pre-orders for at least some iPhone 12 models expected to begin on Friday, October 16. The devices would begin reaching customers on Friday. October 23.

Four new iPhone 12 models are expected, including a 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and a 6.7-inch model, all with OLED displays, 5G support, and a new flat-edge design. Rumors have suggested that Apple may go for a staggered launch, with some models launching later than others, but the exact order of the launch remains to be seen.

New iPad Air Marketing Materials Hit Retail Stores, Suggesting An Imminent Launch

Last month, Apple introduced a new iPad Air with slimmer bezels, allowing for a larger 10.9-inch screen. The device also features a faster A14 Bionic chip, Touch ID built into the power button, a USB-C port instead of Lightning, and an improved 12-megapixel rear camera.

Apple says the new iPad Air will be available to order in October, but has yet to announce a specific release date. However, there are indications that a launch may be imminent as Apple stores are reportedly starting to receive marketing materials for the device. Pricing will start at $ 599 in the United States for 64GB of storage. Two completely new color options will be available, including green and sky blue.

A 12.9-inch iPad Pro mini-LED is expected in early 2021, with MacBook Mini-LED coming later

Apple plans to launch a new iPad Pro with a Mini-LED backlit display in the first half of 2021, followed by a new high-end MacBook with Mini-LEDs in the second half of the year, according to DigiTimes.

In early 2020, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple was developing up to six Mini-LED products, including a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an A14X chip for launch in the third quarter of the year. However, this was before the global health crisis began, so it would be understandable if the deadline was delayed due to supply chain disruptions and Apple engineers working from home.

Mini-LED displays, used on the order of 1,000 to 10,000 individual LEDs, can deliver deeper and darker blacks, brighter highlights, richer colors, and better contrast compared to traditional LED-based displays, although the technology has a significant increase in cost at the moment.

iOS 14.2 Beta 2 Released with Music Recognition Toggle for Control Center and More

Apple this week seeded the second iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 betas for developers and public beta testers, with a key new feature being a Shazam-powered music recognition tool built into the Control Center.

The second beta version introduces dozens of new emojis, including a smiling face with a tear, a ninja, people hugging, a black cat, a bison, a fly, a polar bear, blueberries, fondue, bubble tea, a pepper, and plus. .

The second beta version of iOS 14.2 also provides more clues that iPhone 12 models will not ship with EarPods in the box and introduces an overview of annual spending activity for Apple cardholders.

Apple has also seeded the ninth beta of macOS Big Sur and the second beta of watchOS 7.1 and tvOS 14.2.

WatchOS 7 Tips: Force Touch is Dead, Now What? [Video]

With the release of watchOS 7 last month, Apple added several new features to supported Apple Watch models, such as new watch faces and sleep tracking, but also removed support for the Force Touch gesture that had become second nature. for some users.

On our YouTube channel this week, we shared a video that highlights 10 ways to access some hidden controls that used to be shown with the Force Touch gesture.

We also share some other Apple Watch guides and how-tos this week:

Apple suggests restoring iPhone and Apple Watch to fix excess battery or missing GPS data

Apple this week shared a new support document with various fixes for users who may be missing training GPS routes or health data after updating their devices to iOS 14 and watchOS 7.

Apple said that users may notice any of the following issues after updating to iOS 14 and watchOS 7:

• Workout route maps are missing from the Fitness app on iPhone for GPS pre-workouts from your Apple Watch.
• Activity, heart rate, or other health-related apps won’t start or load data on your Apple Watch.
• The Fitness app or Health app won’t start or load data on your iPhone.
• Health or Fitness app reports inaccurate amount of data storage on your iPhone.
• The Activity app reports an inaccurate amount of data storage on your Apple Watch.
• Ambient sound level data or headphone audio level data from the Apple Watch is missing from the Health app on the iPhone.
• Higher battery consumption on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Apple’s support document is a helpful resource for troubleshooting these issues.

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