The MacRumors Show

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the possibility of the next-generation iPad Pro featuring the M4 chip and what else to expect at Apple's "Let loose event." While Apple's upcoming ‌iPad Pro‌ models have been expected to feature the M3 chip for over a year, recent reports have unexpectedly suggested that the new devices will instead contain the as-yet-unannounced M4 chip and that a key new feature of the processor will be an upgraded Neural Engine optimized for AI tasks. Introducing the M4 chip in an iPad and only six months after the previous chip generation would be unprecedented moves, but there is evidence to suggest that it is a plausible possibility. Apple's "Let loose" event is expected to focus on the unveiling of redesigned ‌iPad Pro‌ models with OLED displays, two new iPad Air models, a high-end Magic Keyboard accessory, and a new Apple Pencil. We also talk through the three other announcements that Apple could have in store for the event. The special event will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube as usual.

Topics discussed in the podcast include Apple's iPad event announcement, speculation on new iPad Pro and Air models, Apple Pencil hints, comparison of Apple and Samsung accessories, Apple's design philosophy on colors, potential Apple Pencil features, and comparison between the iPad Pro and Vision Pro.

The podcast discusses the Humane AI Pin as a smartphone replacement, Apple's plans for AI-focused Mac hardware with M4-series chips, advancements in AI video editing tools, and the potential impact of AI on future technology like robotics and classic games.

Matthew Cassinelli, one of the minds behind Workflow, joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to talk Apple Shortcuts and potential improvements and AI features coming to the app in iOS 18. Workflow was a unique iOS app that allowed users to create macros for executing specific sequential tasks on their device. In 2017, Apple acquired Workflow and, the following year, it was rebranded as "Shortcuts." Shortcuts have since become a key part of Apple's ecosystem and can be used for a huge range of powerful, automated actions. Matthew was present at Workflow throughout its transition to Apple and now offers his own library of complex Shortcuts, which you can access over on his website.Last year, a report from The Information claimed that ‌iOS 18‌ will introduce some major AI features to Siri and the Shortcuts app. Apple apparently wants ‌‌Siri‌‌ to be able to help users automate complex, multi-step tasks with voice-based commands and have much deeper integration with Shortcuts, such as by potentially helping users build them. We break down Apple Shortcuts for beginners and look at some of the many use-cases for the app, as well as consider where it could go next with AI. 

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's recently rumored "personal robotics" projects, iOS 17.5, and the third-generation Apple Pencil, and more. Apple is reportedly looking into personal robotics, such as a "mobile robot" that would "follow users around their homes" and an "advanced table-top home device that uses robotics to move a display around." In the long term, Apple apparently wants to create machines that can "handle chores, like cleaning dishes in a sink," but the robotics projects are said to be in the very early stages of research, and it is unclear if any of them will ever be released. We also talk through the Beats Solo 4 headphones and Apple's upcoming iOS 17.5 update, which introduces web distribution in the EU, a color-changing Apple Podcasts widget, hints about next-generation iPad battery monitoring features and an upcoming ‌Apple Pencil‌ model, and third-party item tracker alerts. 

This episode is sponsored by Notion. Try Notion for free by visiting https://www.notion.com/macrumorsOn this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss all of the rumors surrounding WWDC 2024 and iOS 18.Earlier this week, Apple announced that its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place between June 10 and June 14. The event is almost certain to see the introduction of ‌iOS 18‌ and all of Apple's other major upcoming software updates.‌iOS 18‌ is expected to focus on artificial intelligence features, likely powered by Google's Gemini. New AI capabilities are rumored to come to Siri, Messages, Shortcuts, Spotlight, Health, Apple Music, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, but the company is expected to stop short of offering a full-fledged AI chatbot. Beyond AI, ‌iOS 18‌ will reportedly bring more flexible Home Screen customization, custom routesand topographic maps in the Maps app, "scenes" in the Freeform app, RCS support, new accessibility features such as a hearing aid mode for the AirPods Pro, and potentially a slight redesign inspired by visionOS.The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's rumored plan to refresh the entire AirPods lineup with a series of new models.The fourth-generation AirPods will reportedly feature a new design with a better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. For the first time ever, Apple is also apparently planning to offer a higher-end version of the AirPods with active noise cancelation and a speaker in the charging case to play a sound for easy location via Find My.The second-generation AirPods Max are expected to be a minor refresh, simply swapping the Lightning port of the current model for USB-C and adding Bluetooth 5.3 support. New color options are also a possibility, but it looks like Apple's most premium audio device will continue to miss out on the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, improved Active Noise Cancellation, skin-detect sensors, sweat and water resistance, the ultra wideband chip, Precision Finding, and support for additional charging methods.Both the fourth-generation AirPods and the second-generation ‌AirPods Max‌ are expected to launch in late 2024. Further in the future, Apple is expected to launch the third-generation AirPods Pro with an updated design that is focused on improved comfort and a faster chip.

Discussion on upcoming iPad Air models with M2 chip and new sizes, possible announcement alongside new iPad Pro models. Speculations on iPad workflows, MacBook Air, and placement in iPad lineup. Comparisons between Apple and Samsung tablets, speculation on new iPad release date and supply chain issues.

Discussion on the new MacBook Air with M3 chip, exploring upgrades like improved microphones and external display support. Comparisons with MacBook Pro, rumors of OLED display upgrades. Speculations on future Apple announcements including OLED iPad Pro models and Magic Keyboard redesign.

On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple’s decision to cancel its long-rumored electric vehicle project.  Despite Apple’s reputation for innovation, the company struggled to achieve the breakthroughs necessary to offer a viable self-driving car. The project’s ambitious scope and shifting focus led to repeated setbacks. Earlier this week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman broke the news that Apple has officially canceled its plans to launch a car, informing approximately 2,000 employees working on the project of the decision. Many of the staff working on the car will apparently move to Apple’s artificial intelligence division. The company apparently spent over $10 billion on the project over the period of a decade. We discuss the multifaceted reasons behind the Apple car’s cancelation and its implications for the future of the company and the wider automotive industry. We talk through the strategic missteps and missed opportunities that characterized the vehicle’s development, such as Apple’s failure to secure a partnership with an established automaker or to acquire a company like Tesla. Our conversation also touches on the competitive dynamics of the automotive industry, such as the reluctance of some automakers to adopt the next-generation CarPlay experience. Despite these challenges, the project’s cancelation opens new avenues for Apple to reallocate its resources toward improving its existing product lineup and emerging technologies such as generative AI.