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Apple’s Big Spring Updates: Five exciting products to watch for

We’ve had a quiet start to 2025 with Apple products, with the only big news being the launch of the Black Unity Sport Loop. But spring is just around the corner, and Apple is gearing up to release five significant new gadgets.

New iPhone SE

The iPhone SE is set for its most substantial update since its introduction in 2016. This new model, possibly named the iPhone 16E, will ditch the home button for a modern look like the iPhone 14. It will also be the first iPhone to use Apple’s modem instead of Qualcomm’s, and it will switch to a USB-C port. This could be a game-changer for budget iPhone users.

New iPad

The entry-level iPad, which hasn’t been updated in over two years, is expected to get a boost with support for Apple Intelligence. Featuring the A17 Pro chip, this update will keep the same look but enhance performance significantly.

M4 MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is getting a minor update with the new M4 chip. While there won’t be many changes beyond this new processor, it might come sooner than expected, possibly before spring. This could mean faster and more efficient computing for users.

Updated iPad Air

The iPad Air is also in line for an update, adopting the M3 chip. Alongside, there might be a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the iPad Air, enhancing its usability as a laptop alternative.

Apple’s New Smart Home Display

Apple is entering the smart home market with a new display product, tentatively called ‘HomePad’. This device will have a 7-inch screen, can be mounted on a wall or attached to speakers, and will integrate with Apple Intelligence for smarter home control.

Wrapping Up

Beyond these, an updated AirTag with a new ultra-wideband chip is on the horizon. However, updates for products like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro won’t arrive until mid-2025. Additionally, iOS 18.4 is expected in spring, introducing the last of the new Apple Intelligence features from WWDC24, including an improved Siri. These updates promise to make spring 2025 an exciting time for Apple fans looking for both performance and design enhancements.

February 3, 2025
Changes to AppleCare+: No more long-term plans in stores

Apple is making some changes to how you can buy AppleCare+. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, starting next week, you won’t be able to buy a two or three-year AppleCare+ plan at Apple’s physical stores or directly on your device.

This means if you’re buying a new device in an Apple store, you’ll only have the choice between a monthly or yearly subscription for AppleCare+, not a one-time payment for several years of coverage.

Gurman also hints that in the future, even buying these longer plans on your device might not be an option anymore. This would affect everyone who doesn’t get their AppleCare plan right when they buy their device.

However, there’s a silver lining. If you’re okay with buying online, you can still get those two to three-year plans at the time you purchase your device.

It looks like Apple is moving towards making all AppleCare+ plans subscription-based. But for now, if you want to pay upfront for longer coverage, you’ll need to do it online at the time of device purchase.

For example, with a 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can still opt for a three-year AppleCare+ plan for $279 upfront, which is a bit cheaper than paying $99.99 each year for three years. So, if you prefer the upfront payment for peace of mind, keep an eye out for these changes and consider buying online when you get your next Apple product.

February 2, 2025
Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

Apple is reportedly gearing up to add support for PlayStation VR controllers to its Vision Pro headset, according to tech journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This exciting news follows months of collaboration between Apple and Sony, which was first mentioned back in December.

The partnership aims to introduce the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to Vision Pro users. Apple has been in talks with Sony for quite some time and has also been engaging with game developers to ensure these controllers can be used in their games. The goal is to enhance the gaming experience on Vision Pro by offering more precise control options.

Gurman suggests that this feature is still on track for release and is expected to come with an upcoming software update, potentially part of visionOS 3. This update would not only benefit gamers but also allow users to navigate the operating system more accurately.

While this move could make playing games on Vision Pro more enjoyable, it’s not yet clear if it will lead to a broader selection of games or increase sales. Currently, you can’t buy these PlayStation VR controllers on their own from Sony, which might affect how quickly this feature can take off once it’s available.

This project marks a significant step for Apple in improving the utility and appeal of the Vision Pro, blending the best of both companies’ technologies to enrich user interaction in virtual spaces.

Source

February 2, 2025
New Powerbeats Pro 2 Coming Soon: What to expect

Apple is set to reveal the Powerbeats Pro 2 on February 11, according to reports. These new earbuds will hit the market for $250 in the U.S.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed for those who love fitness, offering a more secure fit with adjustable ear hooks, just like their predecessor. They’re expected to include the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, which should make their noise cancellation better than before.

In a sneak peek last year, baseball star Shohei Ohtani was seen sporting the Powerbeats Pro 2, showing off a sleeker and more vertical design compared to the original Powerbeats Pro, which was introduced back in 2019 but is no longer available.

One of the exciting new features is the ability to monitor your heart rate while exercising. You’ll be able to link these earbuds to gym machines, like a treadmill, to keep an eye on your heart rate, with the info showing up in the iPhone’s Health app.

We’ve also learned that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will come in fresh colors, with Electric Orange being one of them. This was confirmed by Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter.

Looking at what Beats has been doing lately, we can expect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to have better sound, last longer on a single charge, and work more smoothly with Android devices, including features like finding lost earbuds. Plus, they’ll likely switch to a USB-C port for charging.

Get ready for these new earbuds to hit the market soon with their blend of style, performance, and health features tailored for an active lifestyle.

Source

February 2, 2025
Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

Apple could roll out a fresh iCloud feature named ‘Confetti’ as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In his latest newsletter, Gurman revealed that ‘Confetti’ is designed to make it easier for users to send out invitations to parties, gatherings, and meetings. It’s unclear whether this new tool will come as a separate app or be part of an already existing one like the Calendar.

This new service is linked with the recently launched iOS 18.3 update.

Last month, the tech news site 9to5Mac found some code in iOS 18.3 suggesting Apple might be working on a new app called “Invites” for organizing events. This app would connect directly with iCloud. Gurman’s recent news supports this discovery, although many specifics remain a mystery.

We should get more details once Apple makes its official statement.

February 2, 2025
A Simple Guide to Apple One: Why a student plan could work
Apple One, which came out in 2020, makes it easy for Apple lovers to sign up for several services at once with a good discount. Right now, there are three levels: Individual, Family, and Premier.

Current Apple One Levels
- Individual: For $19.95 each month, you get Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage.
- Family: At $26.95 a month, you get 200GB of iCloud+ storage, and you can share everything with your family.
- Premier: For $37.95 monthly, this gives you Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and a big 2TB of iCloud+ storage.
These options work well, but I think there’s a chance to do something even better by adding a tier for students.

Why Students?

Apple already offers a student discount for Apple Music, which is usually $10.99 but drops to $5.99 for students. Plus, students get Apple TV+ for free as long as they keep the student subscription. This shows Apple knows how to attract students with deals.

The Idea: Apple One for Students

We could imagine an Apple One Student plan. It would be like the Individual plan but cheaper. Students could enjoy iCloud+ for their files and photos, and Apple Arcade for some fun gaming, in addition to the music and TV they already get with their student perks.

If we look at the 45% discount on Apple Music for students, an Apple One Student plan might be around $10.95 a month. This would be a great way for Apple to get more young users interested in their services.

After students finish school or after five years (whichever comes first), they might keep using Apple One because they’re already used to the benefits. This could be a win-win situation for both Apple and the students.

In summary, while Apple One is already a solid choice for many, adding a student tier could make it even better, helping Apple grow its user base among younger people while giving students great value for money.
February 2, 2025
Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

Apple Watch is known for saving lives, but now, Apple Vision Pro is making its mark in healthcare, especially in surgery and medical training. Harry McCracken from Fast Company shares how this expensive device is becoming unexpectedly useful in medical settings.

At UC San Diego Health, doctors use the headset to make operating rooms more efficient, reducing physical stress and enhancing work flow. Sharp HealthCare has also started a new center focused on spatial computing, and they’re hosting a big meeting where 300 experts are discussing how Vision Pro can be used in surgery, teaching, and more.

Susan Prescott from Apple was surprised at how quickly the medical community has taken to the Vision Pro. One surprising benefit? Its high price. Prescott explains, “It’s an exciting time where we’re bringing healthcare leaders together not just to listen, but to share and inspire each other with how they’re using Vision Pro.”

Even with its high cost, adoption in the medical field has been swift. UC San Diego Health’s surgeon, Ryan Broderick, describes how the Vision Pro helps in surgery:

“For the best surgical view, the screen should be right in front of your face. But in many surgeries, you have to twist and turn, which can strain your neck and back over time. The Vision Pro fixes this by letting you place screens exactly where you need them.”

The headset uses Apple’s M2 chip, like in their computers and tablets, and a special R1 chip to handle all the sensors. This setup helps prevent nausea and provides critical, real-time data during operations.

With the Vision Pro, surgeons can see their environment while also having virtual screens positioned for comfort. Dr. Broderick’s team tested this by streaming live surgery feeds directly into the headset, improving ergonomics significantly. They’ve already done over 50 cases with promising results.

Despite the $3,500 price tag, the value in healthcare is clear. Tommy Korn, an ophthalmologist at Sharp HealthCare, notes that typical operating room screens cost around $20,000 each. Here, Vision Pro not only offers ergonomic benefits but also seems like a cost-effective choice.

So, while the Apple Vision Pro might seem pricey at first glance, in the medical field, it’s proving to be an investment worth considering. Check out the full story by Harry McCracken at Fast Company for more insights.

February 2, 2025
Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

The big deal between Google and Apple, worth $20 billion a year for search rights, was found to break competition laws last summer. Although Apple isn’t on trial, what happens in this case could change things a lot for them. So, Apple has asked to slow down the court process.

Apple Wants a Say in the Case

Just a few days ago, Apple tried to get its witnesses into Google’s trial but was turned down. Apple isn’t accused of doing anything wrong, but they argued that Google can’t look out for Apple’s interests anymore because Google is busy protecting itself from claims that could break up its business.

Since they couldn’t bring their witnesses, Apple has now asked for a pause in the court case. They say they need this to keep their rights safe while they appeal the decision.

Their latest court document explains:

“If we don’t pause this case, Apple could be hurt in ways we can’t fix later. We might lose our chance to be part of deciding what happens next, like at the trial itself, while they decide on our rights. This gets even worse because of what the other side said in our last meeting.”

The document also mentions that courts often allow such delays when someone wants to appeal a decision about joining a case, and Apple hopes this court will agree too.

If Apple can’t join in the way they want, they have a backup plan:

“At the very least, the court should let Apple see all the case documents as someone not officially in the case until the higher court decides.”

No matter what, Apple thinks they need to be involved in the court process to some extent to avoid serious damage to their interests.

February 1, 2025
Six Apple Products getting exciting updates in 2025

This year is shaping up to be a big one for Apple, with several products that haven’t seen updates in years finally getting some love. Here’s what to look forward to:

iPhone SE 4

Last update: March 2022

Apple’s next budget iPhone, the iPhone SE 4, is set to bring significant improvements. Expect to see the powerful A18 chip, support for Apple Intelligence, an OLED screen, Face ID, 8GB of RAM, a 48MP camera, USB-C port, and Apple’s first custom 5G modem. This model could be a game-changer when it launches in March.

AirTag 2

Last update: April 2021

Four years after the original, AirTag 2 is on its way. It promises better tracking distance, an enhanced wireless chip, and privacy improvements. Look for it to hit the market mid-year.

HomePod mini 2

Last update: November 2020

The HomePod mini, which has been without a hardware refresh for over four years, is gearing up for an update. While specifics are under wraps, there’s hope for Apple Intelligence support and better syncing with the new ‘HomePad’. Expect it toward the year’s end.

AirPods Pro 3

Last update: September 2022

Although software updates have kept AirPods Pro fresh, a hardware update is due in September. The AirPods Pro 3 will likely feature a new look, the H3 chip, a heart rate sensor, and better noise cancellation.

Apple Watch SE 3

Last update: September 2022

The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE is due for an update, possibly bringing new chips and health sensors. We might see it in spring or with the new iPhones in September.

New Apple TV 4K

Last update: November 2022

Known for its irregular updates, the Apple TV 4K is finally getting a refresh. It’s expected to include a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip and a faster processor, with a possible release in late fall.

Conclusion

Not all Apple products get yearly updates, but when they do, they’re significant. These updates are eagerly awaited, promising to bring new features and performance improvements to Apple’s lineup. Here’s to hoping Apple delivers on these exciting promises.

February 1, 2025
Is there really a call for the iPod’s Return?

Sometimes, I come across posts where people reminisce about the days when iPods were all the rage. I have to admit, the iPod was my introduction to the Apple world. But now, years after its discontinuation, I’m not convinced that people genuinely want the iPod back, despite their claims. Here’s my take on why.

Apple officially ended the iPod era in 2022 with the discontinuation of the iPod touch, declaring that “music lives on.” However, the iPod had already started fading away much earlier, particularly in 2017 when the last of the iPod nano and shuffle were no more.

Now, with the iPod gone, there’s a natural nostalgia, and some folks argue for its revival. While I get the sentiment, I think the need for an iPod doesn’t hold up in today’s world.

A Look Back at the iPod’s Journey

The original iPod came out in 2001, a time when computers were big and phones weren’t smart. The idea of having a device that could hold “a thousand songs in your pocket” was revolutionary. I remember the thrill of using an iPod for the first time.

As technology advanced, Apple introduced various iPod models, including the tiny nano and shuffle. These devices were hugely popular, making up 40% of Apple’s revenue in 2006. But the landscape was changing, and Apple knew it.

Smartphones were getting smarter. When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone in 2007, he mentioned it would be the best iPod yet, combining music and phone functionalities. He was right; the iPhone made separate music players less necessary.

Do We Miss the iPod?

I used to carry both an iPhone and an iPod because early iPhones didn’t have much storage. But as iPhones improved and music streaming became the norm, the need for a dedicated music device dwindled.

iPod sales hit their peak in 2008 with nearly 60 million units sold, but they started declining from 2009, especially after the iPhone’s introduction. By 2014, when Apple last reported iPod numbers separately, sales had dropped to just 14 million units.

Why the iPod Might Not Make a Comeback

Some argue that Apple could make money by bringing back the iPod. Yet, I believe Apple knows better than to expect significant sales from a relaunched iPod. The iPhone mini’s short-lived tenure shows that even when consumers claim to want something, sales might tell a different story.

Sure, there might be an initial rush to buy an iPod for nostalgia, but long-term demand? Doubtful.

The Legacy of the iPod

I keep my old iPod nano on my desk, not just as a reminder of good times but also to understand why we’ve moved on. In our current tech environment, we prefer devices that do it all.

Apple has essentially continued the iPod’s legacy through devices like the iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and even the Apple Watch, which, in many ways, is like a modern iPod nano. You can listen to music on it independently of your phone. Even with these options, though, I find myself never leaving home without my iPhone.

So, do people want the iPod back? Probably not. The spirit of the iPod lives on, just in a different, more integrated form.

February 1, 2025