Source: Rene Ritchie / iMore
What you need to know
- Apple is set to announce four new iPhones next week.
- Bloomberg's new event preview backs up much of what we've heard in recent days and weeks.
- New iPhones will all feature 5G and OLED screens.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has shared his usual preview of the upcoming Apple special event, backing up much of what we've been hearing in recent days and weeks.
Gurman confirms that all four iPhone 12 models will feature OLED screens this year, moving away from the LCD panels that had previously been used in mid-range models like iPhone 11 and iPhone XR.
Also for the first time, all four phones will use OLED screens. That's a shift from last year when the entry-level iPhone 11 used a cheaper LCD screen.
The new iPhone 12 handsets might have OLED screens, but they will still save money by using aluminum rather than stainless steel, according to the new report. LiDAR Scanners will also be an iPhone 12 Pro-only affair, as suspected.
All of the new phones will have flat sides to make the design more consistent with the latest iPads. The lower-end models will continue to use aluminum edges, while the higher-end phones will still use stainless steel. The pricier Pro models will also have a Lidar scanner on the back for augmented reality applications and will have three cameras instead of two. There will also be a new dark blue color option.
Gurman adds weight to the belief that the first Apple silicon Macs will be announced in November, while also mentioning AirPods Studio and a smaller HomePod. He doesn't, however, appear to be suggesting that we can expect those to be announced next week. AirPods Studio in particular aren't thought to be ready just yet.
The Apple headphones have been in development for nearly three years, but have faced development challenges along the way. An early version had large touch panels on both sides to control playback, but those sensors were reduced in size. The noise-canceling headphones have been designed to be reversible so that both ear cups can fit either ear and for the pads to be replaceable. Apple recently stopped selling rival headphones and speakers.
Apple will announce iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and who knows what else next week. October 13 will be the big day and we'll be watching along. Will you?

iOS gaming recap: PlayStation makes big moves into iOS, Streets of Rage 4
Besides some new games, a huge game maker discussed its plans to move into the mobile space, although it's unclear when. Here's what else you missed this week.

GRAMMY-winning music producer lauds his Mac Studio but still wants Mac Pro
GRAMMY-winning music producer Mike Dean, who has worked with the likes of Kanye, Selena Gomez, and Madonna has taken to Instagram to wax lyrical about his M1 Ultra Mac Studio while still lamenting the fact that he can't buy an Apple silicon Mac Pro.

Review: You really ought to check out Catalyst Black for iOS
Catalyst Black is an online multiplayer game that has teams compete against each other to score points and take down opponents. It has both sci-fi and fantasy elements since players can turn into large beasts to do additional damage.

Buy one of these silly AirPods cases to stand out
You want something really weird, silly, or wonderfully different to protect your AirPods from life's bumps and drops? We've got you covered.