Report claims Apple still working on over-ear headphones, plans another HomePod speaker

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Aside from plans to revamp the AirPods, Apple is reportedly working on its other audio offerings. Bloomberg reports that its rumoured over-ear headphones is still in the works. Its design has been changed to reduce the size of the external touch pads and the amount of swappable parts. It might retain the replaceable ear pads but not the headband. The headphones were supposed to enter production a few weeks ago. But it had to be pushed back because of issues with the headband being too tight.

The company is also supposedly discussing plans to release another HomePod that sits between HomrPod and HomePod mini, price-wise. But this speaker is reportedly still in development, and it might not even be released. But we're keeping an eye out for it, in case it does get launched.

Apple will reportedly release redesigned AirPods next year

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It's been over a year and a half since the second-generation AirPods were released and almost a year since the AirPods Pro's launch, so it's not surprising that there are rumours Apple plans to revamp both wireless earbuds. Both will supposedly get new designs and better chips. The Pro might lose the signature stems, making it look similar to the Galaxy Buds Plus and Pixel Buds. It will still have noise-cancellation, though. The challenge is trying to fit the components in a smaller form factor. 

Meanwhile, the entry-level AirPods will inherit some of the Pro's design with a shorter stem and replaceable ear-tips. It will reportedly get a better battery life, too. According to Bloomberg, we can expect the new AirPods as early as the first half of 2021.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro might miss out on 120Hz screen

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While the smartphone industry moves to 120Hz displays for flagships, it looks like Apple might still be lagging. Industry insider Ross Young, who has a good track record with recent predictions, claims the iPhone 12 Pro won't be getting a 120Hz screen refresh rate. While the 120Hz OLED panels are ready to manufacture, Apple reportedly can't find driver ICs to drive the pixels at 120Hz. Instead of waiting, Apple will reportedly default to the 60Hz refresh rate. If this report is accurate, then this means Apple users will be missing out on the flagship feature again. 

Source: GSMArena

New report details ARM-based Apple Macs

Since last month's WWDC, we've learned about Apple's plans to switch to its own processors for its Macs. A new report from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo details the new ARM-based Mac laptops, including a MacBook Air and Pro models with 13.3-, 14-, and 16-inch models.

A new 13.3-inch MacBook Pro model will reportedly enter production in the fourth quarter of 2020, and it'll be joined by an ARM-based MacBook Air as well. Kuo claims the Air will start shipping at the end of the year or the first quarter of 2021. As for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, these Apple Silicon-equipped laptops will launch in the second or third quarter of 2021. 

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