On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's recently rumored "personal robotics" projects, iOS 17.5, and the third-generation Apple Pencil, and more.



Apple is reportedly looking into personal robotics, such as a "mobile robot" that would "follow users around their homes" and an "advanced table-top home device that uses robotics to move a display around." In the long term, Apple apparently wants to create machines that can "handle chores, like cleaning dishes in a sink," but the robotics projects are said to be in the very early stages of research, and it is unclear if any of them will ever be released.



We also talk through the Beats Solo 4 headphones and Apple's upcoming iOS 17.5 update, which introduces web distribution in the EU, a color-changing Apple Podcasts widget, hints about next-generation iPad battery monitoring features and an upcoming ‌Apple Pencil‌ model, and third-party item tracker alerts. 

95: Apple's Next BIG Thing

Join MacRumors' Dan Barbera and Hartley Charlton for discussion about all of the latest news and rumors from the world of Apple. Whether you’re wondering what’s next for the iPhone, looking for insights into the rumor mill, or just have an interest in the latest gadgets, we’ll be bringing you everything you need to know about the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more.

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After one hundred episodes of The MacRumors Show, we delve into a wide range of queries submitted by our audience over the past few weeks, such as whether we wear our Apple Watches overnight, our favorite third-party apps, our biggest disappointments and surpassed expectations with Apple devices, and our desk setups, as well as a mix of more personal questions. Thank you for listening!

101: 101st Episode Special: Answering YOUR Questions!

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On this week's special episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's newly announced iPad Pro, iPad Air, Apple Pencil Pro, and revamped Magic Keyboard accessory.



We explore the updates to the iPad Pro's hardware, such as the introduction of the M4 chip, OLED displays, a landscape front-facing camera, an Adaptive True Tone flash, and a thinner design. The iPad Air is now available in a larger, 13-inch display size option and offers the M2 chip, a landscape front-facing camera, and ‌Apple Pencil‌ hover.



The Magic Keyboard for the ‌iPad Pro‌ now features an aluminum top case, a new trackpad with haptic feedback, and a function row, while the Apple Pencil Pro introduces the squeeze gesture, barrel roll, haptic feedback, and Find My integration. We evaluate these new products and discuss the potential implications of the upgrades for users, including professionals who rely on the iPad out in the field.






100: M4 iPad Pro & M2 iPad Air Are FINALLY Here!

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the possibility of the next-generation iPad Pro featuring the M4 chip and what else to expect at Apple's "Let loose event."



While Apple's upcoming ‌iPad Pro‌ models have been expected to feature the M3 chip for over a year, recent reports have unexpectedly suggested that the new devices will instead contain the as-yet-unannounced M4 chip and that a key new feature of the processor will be an upgraded Neural Engine optimized for AI tasks. Introducing the M4 chip in an iPad and only six months after the previous chip generation would be unprecedented moves, but there is evidence to suggest that it is a plausible possibility.



Apple's "Let loose" event is expected to focus on the unveiling of redesigned ‌iPad Pro‌ models with OLED displays, two new iPad Air models, a high-end Magic Keyboard accessory, and a new Apple Pencil. We also talk through the three other announcements that Apple could have in store for the event. The special event will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube as usual.

99: New iPad Pro With the M4 Chip for AI?

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Let loose" event, where the company is widely expected to announce new iPad models and accessories.



Apple's event invite shows an artistic render of an Apple Pencil, suggesting that iPads will be a focus of the event. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also alluded to the Apple Pencil in relation to the event and a series of Apple logos appear to hint at upcoming illustration capabilities. Apple has not released any new iPads since October 2022, so this event has been a long time coming. Apple is expected to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, along with updated ‌Apple Pencil‌ and Magic Keyboard accessories. 



Apple's upcoming special event will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube as usual. The event invitation does not mention an in-person component, with Apple inviting the media to watch online alongside the general public. It will take place just over a month before Apple's annual developers conference WWDC, which runs from June 10 through June 14.






98: Apple's iPad Event is FINALLY Happening!

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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest AI consumer technology and Apple's rumored plans to bring major AI-focused hardware enhancements to the Mac later this year.



We talk through the response to Humane's AI Pin and its widely acknowledged deficiencies, such as its limited utility, subpar camera performance, and steep price point. We also take a look at the Rabbit R1, another AI device that prompts us to question the necessity of such hardware when similar functionalities could potentially be achieved with existing smartphones.



Apple is rumored to introduce M4-series custom silicon chips starting this year, featuring more powerful Neural Engines with more cores to support AI processes. These chips are likely based on the advancements coming to the iPhone 16 lineup's A18 chip, hinting that iPhone-exclusive AI features could later come to the Mac.



We also touch on the progress of AI tools in video editing software, including recent announcements from Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve which have introduced new AI-driven editing features like generative fill and object removal. Such features could see enhanced performance on next-generation Macs with AI-focused chips.

95: Apple's Next BIG Thing

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