His latest (mildly NSFW) song, “Does this iPhone have 5G,” sets to music some of the social media reactions to Apple’s Tuesday product showcase. Check it out.
Some people love Apple leaks. Other people surely hate them. Photo: Apple
I imagine Tim Cook seething with rage.
And I imagine workers in Apple’s marketing department filled with a gut-churning mixture of righteous anger, paranoia and dread.
What could cause such unpleasantness inside the pristine glass walls of Apple’s spaceship HQ (or within remote employees’ home bubbles)? Tuesday morning, images of the entire iPhone 12 lineup and HomePod mini leaked just hours ahead of Apple’s “Hi, Speed” event.
Apple called Tuesday’s event “Hi,Speed” as reference to the iPhone 12 with super-fast 5G networking. Screenshot: Apple
Apple’s “Hi, Speed” event included the company’s most critical release of 2020: the much-anticipated iPhone 12 series. And a long-awaited cheaper HomePod, too.
Here are the most important takeaways from Tuesday’s event to put these new products in context.
Apple's "Hi, Speed" event offered up some nice updates to the iPhone 12 and HomePod, but left some boxes on the wishlist unchecked. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
It happens before every Apple event. The rumor mill, tech blogs (hello), and iPhone-obsessed nerds pin every hope, dream and desire on the next version of Apple’s devices.
More often than not, those desires are dashed, pushing those wants off to another event. While Apple’s iPhone 12 event showed the steps the company is taking toward iterating on its most popular device, there were also some things left on the wish list.
HomePod mini offers a smaller and cheaper Apple smart speaker experience. Photo: Apple
Apple took the wraps of the HomePod mini Tuesday, showcasing a pint-size smart speaker that promises high-end audio at a lower price than its big brother. But the most interesting parts might have nothing to do with music.
With Apple’s custom U1 ultra-wideband chip inside, the HomePod mini also can serve as an advanced hub for home automation. A new Intercom feature promises to connect family members wherever they are. And, in typical Cupertino fashion, the speaker will work closely with other Apple devices.
Like the larger HomePod, the small, round smart speaker comes wrapped in a mesh fabric. A backlit touch surface on the top offers volume controls and shines during Siri interactions.
The HomePod mini measures just 3.3 inches high by 3.9 inches wide, and weighs just 0.76 pounds. It packs one full-range driver and dual passive radiators, and it leans on what Apple calls “computational audio” to deliver high-quality audio out of this smaller form factor. Despite many of Apple’s glamor shots making it look totally wireless, the HomePod mini relies on a cord just like its big brother.
An experience ‘only Apple can deliver’
Long-time Apple fans might not be too shocked to hear that the $99 smart speaker will offer an experience “only Apple can deliver.”
Apple's iPhone 12 event promises to be packed full of goodies. Photo: Apple
Want to get an advance glimpse of just about everything Apple plans to show off today at its “Hi, Speed” event? Thanks to leaker Evan Blass, now you can!
Blogger and phone leaker Blass posted images of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro variants in all available colors, alongside the new HomePod mini in both Space Gray and White options. Check them out below.
At least some things are predictable here in 2020! Photo: Apple
Apple’s online store has temporarily gone down ahead of its “Hi, Speed” event, which will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. PDT.
When it comes back online following the event, it will likely be with a range of new goodies on offer — including details of the new iPhone 12 handsets and HomePod mini.
The new HomePod could offer a neat new feature. Photo: Apple
Apple’s upcoming HomePod mini smart speaker and sixth-gen Apple TV will both function as ultra wideband base stations, according to Apple tipster Jon Prosser.
This means they will be able to track your location as you move inside your house, if you are carrying another device boasting an Apple U1 chip (like an iPhone 11 or Apple Watch Series 6).
Plus, now we’re getting word of yet another Apple event possibly coming in November. Let’s hope the hardware hits just keep coming!
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