Apple tipped to release low-end iPad to serve as a smart home display

Apple is reportedly planning to release a low-end version of the iPad with the sole purpose of using it for smart home management. This display can be used for controlling HomeKit devices, streaming video, or making FaceTime calls, among others.

It'll be built for wall mounts or attached to other surfaces with magnetic fasteners. You can think of it as Apple's answer to the Meta Portal or the Echo Show. The company is reportedly targeting a 2024 launch for this smart home display.

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Apple's augmented reality glasses are shelved for now

For now, augmented reality tech in Apple products is limited to devices like the iPad and iPhone

Apple's rumoured augmented reality glasses will not come out anytime soon. Bloomberg reports that the project has been on hold indefinitely. It was supposed to follow up another rumoured device, the high-end mixed reality headset expected later this year. The company has supposedly faced "technical challenges" in developing these glasses. So, Apple is supposedly shifting its focus on developing the mixed reality headset.

The one expected to launch this year would supposedly cost around US$,3000 with dedicated VR hardware and a desktop-like M2 CPU like those in the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini. But then Apple is supposedly working on a more affordable option with iPhone-like hardware coming in 2024 or 2025 with a starting price closer to US$1,500.

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Apple's mixed reality headset might debut this spring

Apple might be ready to launch its long-rumoured mixed reality headset soon. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the headset will debut this spring ahead of the Worldwide Developers Conference in June and will start shipping in the fall.

The headset is expected to cost as much as US$3,000, offering both virtual and augmented reality experiences using Apple's new xrOS operating system. Apple has reportedly shown off this Reality Pro-branded device to a "small number of high-profile" developers, so there will be third-party apps for it. But there are still "many kinks to work out" on the device, Gurman claims. And this has slowed down the development of other Apple projects and products.

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Apple supplier TSMC to reportedly begin 3nm chip production this week

Apple's primary chip supplier TSMC will reportedly start mass producing its 3nm chips this week. The new process is expected to be used for the upcoming M2 Pro chips that will power updated MacBook Pro and Mac mini models. According to reports, the chipmaker will begin the mass production process on Thursday, December 29, which will be commemorated with a ceremony at Fab 18 at the Southern Taiwan Science Park.

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