Comment: Apple's Spring Loaded Event – The Good the Bad... And Almost No Ugly

Apple just published release candidate versions of macOS 12.2, iOS 15.3, iPadOS 15.3, watchOS 8.4, tvOS 15.3, and HomePod Software 15.2 via Apple Developer Connection – making a full release next week likely.

For a short while now, Apple has tried to force the iOS 15 update on users who still have iOS 14 installed. Users are no longer being given the option to remain on iOS 14 and receive safety updates. According to Cupertino, this is only temporary.

Will Apple soon be required to allow other app platforms (and thus external app stores) on iPhone and iPad? The US Senate is currently deliberating whether tech companies should be allowed a monopoly on app stores and commissions. Meanwhile, Apple addresses the "sideloading" problem in a letter to the committee.

Thanks to ProMotion, it's now possible for iPhones to deliver an up to 120 Hz refresh rate. However, this currently only applies to the Pro models. Now, two analysts have just offered up contradicting prognoses. Apple is likely to continue confining 120 Hz capabilities to the Pro models of the iPhone 14.

There will likely be successors to both the iPad Air and iPad Pro before the end of this year. Two new reports recently mentioned some details: the iPad Air looks set to receive some features from the iPad mini, and the next iPad Pro should support wireless charging.

Those who would like to play the popular game "Fortnite" on iPhone or iPad will soon have the opportunity to do so again. Starting next week, users will be able to play the shooter via GeForce Now. There's currently a waiting list for the beta and no paid subscription is necessary.

The iPod shuffle, previously considered history, is celebrating an unexpected comeback – even though the device's last generation was released in 2010. However, this time, the device isn't hitting the streets because of music, no – this time it's for fashion.

Tumblr feels its hand forced to take action against sensitive posted content, Twitter fine-tunes the search function, and WhatsApp is soon to make it easier to listen to long audio messages.

According to rumours, Apple's upcoming VR/AR headset should come with performance power comparable to the M1 Macs. Additionally, supplier-insider Ming-Chi Kuo states that the headset should require an equally powerful power adaptor.

Some iPhone 13 users have encountered a rather strange error: after activating the phone's loud speaker during a call, their conversation partner can no longer hear them. Apple is frequently of no use and doesn't believe the problem to be hardware based.

Apple is soon to reveal its most recent quarterly figures, which will show how Apple's sales volume and profit has developed over the last few months. Last year was very good financially for Tim Cook. The CEO of the iPhone conglomerate considerably increased his salary.

Every now and then, a new "disruptive" technology hits the market – and the first iPhone was a perfect example. New markets arose as the battle over the best "smartphone" erupted among tech giants. Exactly 15 years ago, Apple released its best seller to date.

High profile sources at Apple have repeatedly leaked information concerning a potential foldable iPhone – which could even hit the market by 2024. Leaker DylanDKT suspects that these reports maybe unfounded – as Apple may see the "foldable" trend as coming to an end.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apples upcoming mixed reality headset will profit from special, folded lenses. However, a release isn't expected until 2023. Facebook's parent company, Meta, has head to give up developing its own OS – according to a new report.

Audiobooks are a huge hit amongst many users, however, they have to be purchased separately from Apple. That could change soon; according to a current report, there's a new service division at Apple which could be responsible for a subscription model audiobook service – similar to Amazon's Audible.

Apple released the third generation of AirPods right in time for the Christmas season – and the headphones appear to have hit their mark amongst customers. Apple observed a considerable increase in sales numbers in comparison to previous years holiday seasons.

It's been a long while now since Apple has offered an "affordable" external display. In June 2019, Cupertino released the Pro XDR – for pretty much US$5,000. Mark Gurman now reports that a more accessible display is likely to hit the market in 2022.

The entire rumor mill was actually expecting a presentation of the next Mac Pro in the winter of 2022 – however, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg now reports that it could make an appearance as early as the WWDC. Furthermore, customers shouldn't expect the M2 to be much faster than the M1.

The AirPods are a pretty big hit at Apple, to some of the company's own surprise – the product is still selling extremely well. The head of Apple's audio department recently revealed some details about the AirPods 3's development and the limitations of Bluetooth.

Ever since its first generation, the Apple Watch's digital crown has allowed users to scroll through and close current apps. The series four's digital crown also holds the smart watch's EKG sensor. In a new patent, Apple reveals another alternative.

Although many users are quite fond of their OLED displays, the "organic light emitting" displays aren't entirely devoid of faults. LG has recently taken it upon itself to combat some of these with the improved brightness and image quality of its new OLED EX technology.