New iPad mini is here — but where are the Macs? (CultCast #669)
Oct 18, 2024
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The new iPad Mini 7 is turning heads with its support for Apple Intelligence and enhanced storage, raising questions about the future of Mac products. Speculations swirl as Apple may quietly roll out new Mac devices without a big event. The conversation shifts to a potential affordable Vision headset, emphasizing the need for innovative use cases for greater consumer interest. Light-hearted banter about Apple products and hilarious headphone debates add a fun touch, making tech discussions entertaining and relatable.
The new iPad Mini features an A17 Pro chip, bringing significant upgrades yet raising questions about its market relevance and pricing.
Speculation surrounds Apple’s plans for upcoming Mac releases, suggesting a shift towards quieter announcements instead of grand product events.
The discussion highlights Apple’s ambition in the smart home market, focusing on creating a more integrated ecosystem to compete effectively.
Deep dives
Introduction of the Participants
The episode introduces the host and the guests, all of whom have ties to the tech and Apple-focused community. The host discusses the absence of one of the regular participants, Lewis Wallace, who is currently in Italy on vacation. This prompts lighthearted banter about his obsession with the country and his tendency to join his wife on trips there, even when he hasn't been invited. The dynamic among the group is playful, setting the stage for a fun discussion on various tech topics.
Discussion on the New iPad Mini
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the new iPad Mini, which features an A17 Pro chip and the same design and display as its predecessor. The episode highlights the implications of the upgraded chip, noting some technical speculations about how this change affects processing power. However, the group expresses skepticism about whether this upgrade is sufficient, considering the iPad Mini's historical tendency to be overlooked in Apple's product lineup. Ultimately, they debate whether the incremental updates justify the launch of a new model at a higher price point.
Speculation on Upcoming Apple Events
As they transition to discussing Apple's upcoming product announcements, the hosts touch on potential Apple events related to new Macs. They speculate whether these will be standalone events or just press releases, especially given the modest nature of expected updates like spec bumps. The conversation shifts to the merits of having a proper event to showcase new designs versus low-key product launches that might not generate much excitement. Key factors include Apple's trend of releasing new products without the fanfare they once carried.
Apple's Aspiration in the Smart Home Market
The podcast dives into Apple's evolving strategy in the smart home sector, as it aims to catch up with competitors like Amazon and Google. The hosts discuss Apple's focus on integrating new smart devices and potential operating systems that would enhance user experiences across homes. They emphasize that Apple's success hinges on its ability to create a more open ecosystem instead of the previously closed systems that limited integration with third-party devices. The discussion underlines the excitement around Apple's latest efforts to be a player in the smart home arena.
The Challenge of Apple's Vision Pro Headset
The group reflects on the challenges faced by Apple's Vision Pro headset, noting that the product has yet to gain mainstream traction despite its advanced technology and features. They express concerns over its price point and usability, indicating that many consumers are reluctant to invest in a product that isn't seen as essential. The participants speculate on how Apple can innovate and iterate the headset to make it genuinely appealing to a wider audience while ensuring it doesn't simply become another high-priced gadget without a strong intended use case. This leads to a broader discussion on the risk of being stuck in a continuous cycle of expensive tech products that fail to find a place in consumers' lives.
This week, a new iPad mini drops — what does this mean for the Macs on the way? Also, details on all the weird Vision products Apple’s working on…
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The iPad mini 7, the first new version released in three years, offers support for the AI features dubbed Apple Intelligence. Plus, the tablet comes with a significant jump in storage capacity and supports the new Apple Pencil Pro.
For wider adoption, Apple is reportedly working on a cheaper Vision headset. In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that the low-end Vision headset “cost about $2,000 and probably use an inferior processor and cheaper materials.”
Apple reportedly wants to repurpose some of the technology that went into its Vision Pro headset for simpler products. That includes a pair of smart glasses plus AirPods with IR cameras.