Apple rumoured to release a 5.5-inch, entry-level iPhone

Review: Apple iPhone 8 Plus

Aside from reportedly launching a 4.7-inch iPhone featuring the iPhone 8's design, there's supposedly a 5.5-inch model coming out as well, which will presumably reuse the iPhone 8 Plus' design. The new iPhones will reportedly have a solid-state home button similar to the original iPhone 8 devices while relying on Touch ID instead of Face ID. The handsets will also reportedly come with Apple Pay's Express Transit feature, which allows you to hold your phone near a transit terminal to pay for your ride. The new rumoured iPhones will also be able to scan NFC tags without needing to open an app, a feature that's only available on the iPhone XS, XR, and iPhone 11.

We don't know what the price for the 5.5-inch model will be, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the 4.7-inch model will have a starting price of US$399 (around CA$563). It will reportedly come with either 64GB or 128GB of storage and will come in grey, silver, or red. If we base it off Apple's usual pricing, then the 5.5-inch will cost $100 more. The 4.7-inch model is expected to come out at the end of March, so this rumoured model is presumed to launch then as well.

Source: The Verge

Apple rumoured to showcase HomeKit at CES 2020

For the first time since 1992, we know Apple will be making its appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 in Las Vegas. We know Apple Senior Director of Global Privacy Jane Horvath will be speaking at the consumer privacy panel on January 7. But on top of that, there are rumours that Apple will be showcasing its HomeKit smart home system at CES. Some companies will also supposedly show off new products for the home that work with Apple's Siri. Apple itself reportedly won't be showcasing new hardware, though. Amazon and Google are expected to showcase new software capabilities for its internet-connected devices alongside its voice assistants. 

Source: MacRumors

Apple tipped to launch a premium, gaming-centric MacBook or iMac at WWDC 2020

At this year's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce a premium gaming-optimized MacBook or iMac. Taiwan's Economic Daily News didn't go into detail about what the machine could be, but it suggested that the gadget will cost up to $5,000. The device will also supposedly be aimed at esports players or those in the competitive video gaming field. The report must still be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism as the publication has a mixed record of getting rumours right. Apple holds WWDC every June, so there's still a lot of time until then.

Source: MacRumors

Apple Watch Series 5 might get (PRODUCT)RED variant in 2020

New rumours claim Apple will be expanding its Watch Series 5 lineup to include a new (PRODUCT)RED variant sometime next year. The Apple Watch reportedly showed up in an unspecified Apple database describing that this variant will be an aluminum model with a red finish similar to the iPod touch. The (PRODUCT)RED model will reportedly be offered alongside the silver, space gray, and gold aluminum casing options.

What isn't clear is when the model will be introduced. Apple donates a portion of proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED devices sold to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Apple has sold a wide array of (PRODUCT) RED gadgets, including iPhones, iPad cases, and Beats audio accessories.

Source: MacRumors