| Cult of Mac

iPhone 16’s superior microphones could help deliver better AI-powered Siri experience

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Apple’s AI-driven voice-controlled digital assistant Siri
But these improvements will come at a price.
Image: Apple

Apple reportedly plans to use upgraded microphones on the iPhone 16 series for a better Siri experience. The new mics might feature a better signal-to-noise ratio and improved water resistance.

The improved hardware likely would boost manufacturing costs for Apple. But a better Siri — fortified with artificial intelligence — could gives Apple’s reputation a boost when it comes to AI.

MacBook Air gets speedy M3 chip in spring 2024

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M2 MacBook Air comes i 13-inch and 15-inch versions
Both the MacBook Air in 13-inch and 15-inch versions are expected to get the Apple M3 chip soon.
Photo: Apple

The Apple M3 processor will make its way to the MacBook Air line in March 2024, according to a trusted source of insider info. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch versions of the laptop will receive the chip upgrade.

The M3 made its debut in refreshed MacBook Pro and iMac models in October.

Entire iPhone 16 lineup could feature force-sensitive Action button

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Closeup of iPhone 15’s new Action button.
iPhone 16's Action button could benefit from force-detection capabilities.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly will bring the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button to the entire iPhone 16 lineup next year. It will seemingly be a capacitive button and pack a lot of additional functionality.

The new rumor indicates the iPhone 16’s Action button will use a force sensor, allowing it to detect changes in pressure.

Who will lead Apple when Tim Cook steps down? [The CultCast]

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Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tim Cook recently said Apple has “very detailed” succession plans for when he eventually steps down as CEO. Plus, the company definitely plans to hire from within. That got us thinking … who’s next in Apple’s game of thrones?

Also on The CultCast:

  • OLED screens might come to iPad Air and iPad mini somewhat soonish.
  • Europe’s busybody technocrats have some more grand plans for Apple and other manufacturers. We’ve got mixed emotions.
  • Sonos reportedly wants to take on Apple TV and AirPods Max with rival products.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Leak shows iPhone 16 Pro’s battery with a metal shell

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iPhone 16 Pro rendered image
iPhone 16 Pro's battery could use a metal backplate.
Graphic: Rajesh

If leaked images prove correct, Apple will adopt a new design for the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery featuring a metal shell on top. This could help with heat dissipation.

Like current iPhones, the purported iPhone 16 Pro battery has an L-shaped design. However, it has a capacity of 3,355mAh. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro uses a 3,274mAh capacity cell.

12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024

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iPad Air and iPad Pro
A 12.9-inch iPad Air could join the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2024.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could overhaul its tablet lineup in 2024, delivering the first 12.9-inch iPad Air and upgrading iPad Pro models to OLED displays and the company’s fast new M3 chip.

The upgrades could help boost iPad shipments to between 52 million and 54 million units in 2024, up from about 50 million in 2023.

AirPods 4 could deliver active noise cancellation

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Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates
With ANC, AirPods 4 might be a significant jump up from its predecessor.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

AirPods 4 will be the first in Apple’s budget line of wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation when they launch in 2024, according to high-profile tipster. And there’ll be other improvements, too.

In addition, a new version of AirPods Max over-the-ears headphones are also supposedly on the docket for 2024.

Pencil in new iPads for March 2024

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad
Multiple new iPads could be just five months away.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Spring 2024 could bring array of new iPad models, according to a reliable Apple tipster. This might include models from the smallest iPad mini to the largest iPad Pro.

Some of the changes will be only a faster processor, but other tablets will supposedly see more dramatic improvements.

Apple could announce new iPads on October 17 [Updated]

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iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
New iPads with faster chips could arrive soon.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could announce new iPads as soon as Tuesday, according to a new report. The company could unveil a new entry-level iPad, an updated iPad Air and the iPad mini 7.

All refreshed iPads purportedly will sport a minor spec bump but few other changes.