Apple Plans iPad-Like Design for Next iPhone, Smaller HomePod (bloomberg.com) 22
Apple is preparing a redesign of its top-tier iPhones, borrowing cues from the latest iPads, as part of a major fall refresh that will see 5G added to as many as four new handset models and the release of two key new accessories, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing people familiar with the plans. From the report: This year's successors to the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will be joined by two lower-end models to replace the iPhone 11. At least the two high-end devices will have flat stainless steel edges instead of the current curved design as well as more sharply rounded corners like the iPad Pro introduced in 2018. Reminiscent of the iPhone 5 design, the new handsets will have flat screens rather than the sloping edges on current models, said the people asking not to be identified because the plans aren't public.
Apple has also been developing a smaller and cheaper version of its HomePod speaker, to be released as early as this year, and so-called Apple Tags that will let users track real-world objects like keys and wallets, according to people who've seen prototypes. Because of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, at least some of the new iPhones could be released multiple weeks later than normal, though still within the typical fall window, people familiar with the launch plans said. Apple hasn't informed suppliers of any significant delays, other people said, and its engineers are expected to travel to China and finalize product designs in May.
Apple has also been developing a smaller and cheaper version of its HomePod speaker, to be released as early as this year, and so-called Apple Tags that will let users track real-world objects like keys and wallets, according to people who've seen prototypes. Because of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, at least some of the new iPhones could be released multiple weeks later than normal, though still within the typical fall window, people familiar with the launch plans said. Apple hasn't informed suppliers of any significant delays, other people said, and its engineers are expected to travel to China and finalize product designs in May.
Travel to China in May? (Score:2)
Right.
Bet it still has Lightning connectors (Score:2)
... borrowing cues from the latest iPads, as part of a major fall refresh ...
Like a USB-C port instead of Lightning?
Re:Bet it still has Lightning connectors (Score:4, Funny)
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10 years is about the time the 30-pin connector stuck around.
And some people are still bitching about it going away. I'm not saying going to USB C is the wrong move, but god damn I'm not ready to listen to the whining getting turned up to 11 again when they do.
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I think it's about time that they moved. It may not seem like it's been that long, but the lightning connector is getting close to the decade mark (8 years with the next phone refresh) and 10 years is about the time the 30-pin connector stuck around. USB-C doesn't have the disadvantages that previous versions had and no one has a problem buying cheap Chinese lightning cables online instead of the ones Apple wants to sell them, so it isn't like they're going to lose a major revenue source either. All of their laptops have shifted to using USB-C so it isn't as though there's an argument about the port not being widespread enough.
And the USB-A connector is something like 25 years from its initial design; but you would have thought Apple committed an actual mortal sin when they moved their laptops to USB-C only.
You Slashdotters are a peculiar bunch. You say you want change; but only when you feel no change (Apologies to Todd Rundgren).
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USB-C has 12 wires [allaboutcircuits.com] (24 actually, but they're mirrored), of which 6 are available for alternate mode data. Lightning has 8 wires [wikipedia.org], only 4 of whi
Nobody cares about design (Score:3)
Make it water-proof, fall-proof and idiot-proof and we'll be happy.
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Make it water-proof, fall-proof and idiot-proof and we'll be happy.
If you change the "proof"s to "resistant"s, then we can talk.
Everybody knows there is no such thing as anything-"proof" designs, and especially not "idiot-proof".
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Make it water-proof, fall-proof and idiot-proof and we'll be happy.
A large number of shock proof, water proof, damage proof, larger thicker devices with removable SD card, swappable batteries, and headphone jacks, completely failing in the market proves without a doubt that Slashdotters are an absolutely minority in the market not worth catering for.
It's unfortunate, but most of the people calling for some other phone here somehow find the excuse not to buy it.
hemlines in China predict nerd organ harvest (Score:2)
No company in history has done more to damage the nerd brand than Apple.
Another thing that joins Milan to Cupertino is discount Chinese craftsmanship. Only Cupertino said to their Chinese labour force: "don't call us, we'll call you" and so now—as a direct result—hemlines are migrating on schedule in Cupertino, wh
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You do realize that was the whole point of Apple, right? Computers "for the rest of us"?
The Apple I was one of the first computers that was available to purchase "completely assembled" - add a power supply and a keyboard and you had a computer. The computer store you bought it from could supply those parts as well.
The Apple II was one of the first that was available completely boxed up and otherwise "living room friendly" instead of the
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The Apple I was one of the first computers that was available to purchase "completely assembled" - add a power supply and a keyboard and you had a computer. The computer store you bought it from could supply those parts as well.
The Apple 1's actual claim-to-fame was that it had a Monitor ROM with bootup code (and other functions) in it that allowed the owner to flip on the power and actually start computing.
Now, some smartass will no-doubt mention the Sphere 1, which "beat" the Apple 1 to market by a few months; but for some reason, the company went belly-up (although the main Designer went on to be involved in the Design of the PET and TRS-80 (and it shows)) :
https://raymii.org/s/articles/... [raymii.org]
IIRC, all other personal computers at
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So apple was not first. Even in the beginning, Got it.
The only difference is that you can actually find an Apple 1. Try that with a Sphere 1. You might find one, but probably not more than that.
Sphere was definitely first at one thing: Defining the term "Vaporware".
I'll just leave this here (Score:2)
More e-waste straight from the factory.
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardow... [ifixit.com]
Post-Ive Design Language (Score:2)
It is obvious that these new products are part of a new, "Post-Ive" Design Language.
Thin, curvy and slippery is out; thick, industrial and boxy is (back) in.
And now we know what next year's Samsungs, Hawaii-s, LGs, HTCs, etc. will look like!
Huh, they look different? (Score:2)
All I can see is "featureless slab of glass".
For any "modern" smartphone.
There isn't even anything on there, that could be called design in the first place.
All I wondering, is when the first person will cut himself to death with their "thinspired" design. Not if. When. :)
My bets are on "Tried to carry huge smartphone on shoulder like an 80s boombox "in da hood". Lopped arm and shoulder right off.".