Is Apple ready to ditch its controversial MacBook keyboard?

We might be seeing an end to Apple’s controversial butterfly keyboard. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will supposedly be moving to a new scissor-switch design that uses glass fiber reinforcement. The first devices to get the new keyboard include a new MacBook Air coming out this year, followed by a new MacBook Pro scheduled to launch in 2020. It might not make its way to the rumoured 16-inch MacBook Pro or the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Of course, there is no confirmation from Apple as we speak. But it definitely has reasons to switch out the keyboards. The current butterfly keys have had issues regarding these keys acting erratically or completely stop working as dust and other particles find their way into the mechanism. What the new design could offer includes durability as well as better typing experience from “longer key travel.” And the new scissor switch will supposedly be cheaper, but not as cheap as an average laptop keyboard. This new switch might be a bit thicker, but Kuo says “most users can’t tell the difference.” It’ll reportedly be made by Taiwan-based manufacturer Sunrex.

Source: The Verge

Apple’s rumoured new MacBook Pros might not come out this year

Peak performance: The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2018) review

Apple has been rumoured to be developing some new MacBook Pros that were set to release later this year. But analyst Ming-Chi Kuo corrected his earlier research note that claims the products will be released this 2019. The new MacBooks, which are said to include 16- and 16.5-inch models as well as a higher spec’d 13-inch model, are expected to come out either in 2020 or 2021. As The Verge points out, the change might make more sense since the current design of the MacBook Pros are barely three years old. However, this iteration has been plagued by design flaws, so it might also make sense for Apple to fast-track its hardware release outside of its normal update cycle to put these issues to rest. What Kuo predicts would still come out this year is a 31.6-inch 6K display with a “Mini LED-like backlight design” for professionals.

Apple reportedly talking to HBO, Showtime, and Starz for its upcoming video service

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Ahead of the company’s March 25^th event for the rumoured video subscription service, Apple is reportedly in talks with HBO, Showtime, and Starz to provide content. The company’s own original programming is reportedly not far along enough to be ready when the service launches. And that’s why it needs partners to provide content for its service. These three aforementioned networks are reportedly still negotiating over things like user experience and marketing, but a deal might be reached with some of them by Friday. Netflix and Hulu were reportedly in talks with Apple before but neither wanted anything to do with the service.

Bloomberg’s report suggests the service will live inside the Apple TV app for iOS and Apple TV, but it isn’t clear yet what this is going to look like or how it’ll affect non-subscribers who have Apple TV. We’re set to find out answers to these questions soon. We’re also geared to hear more about Apple’s new magazine subscription service. It’s being reported that these two will be separate subscriptions but there might be bundles to entice users to get both. The magazine subscription service is expected to be part of the Apple News app.

Source: The Verge

Apple reportedly working on making its own modems

What might be costing Apple a lot right now could pay off in the long run. Reuters reports that Apple is seriously considering making its own in-house smartphone modems so that it won’t have to rely on the likes of Intel and Qualcomm to make it for them. The report cites two anonymous sources who are said to be familiar with the matter. The sources claim Apple has shifted engineering staff that worked on modem technology in the supply chain division to its in-house hardware tech division. Report claims Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, has also taken over the company’s modem design efforts last month.

Modems are integral for phones to connect to wireless network towers. Qualcomm used to supply these for Apple before their relationship turned sour. Intel took over but rumour has it Apple isn’t particularly happy with the company’s performance. It makes sense then that they might want to shift to making their own modems. Some of its Android competitors, like Huawei and Samsung, already make their own modems.