A new report out today by The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the recent shake ups to Apple leadership, and how the changes could be an indicator that the company is transitioning from relying on iPhone sales to prioritizing its services business and other divisions. Newly appointed executive John Giannandrea also heads Siri development Specifically, the report claims that recent hires, departures, promotions, and restructurings have led to several projects…

Last month, the United States Justice Department announced a series of criminal charges against Chinese smartphone maker Huawei for stealing trade secrets, bank fraud, wire fraud, and obstructing justice. Today, The Information has shed light on Huawei’s tactics of stealing trade secrets, some of which were aimed at Apple. According to today’s report, a Huawei engineer in charge of the company’s smartwatch project tracked down a supplier that makes the heart rate…

In his wide-ranging research note today touching on Apple’s product releases for 2019, Ming-Kuo provided a glimpse at upcoming AirPods, iPads, iPhones, displays and MacBook Pros. Regarding the Apple Watch, however, he had only a brief mention: ECG supports developed for additional countries. New ceramic casing design added. Expanding Apple Watch ECG support to other countries is not particularly revealing. Apple has been working to expand access since its launch but regulations…

Apple’s long-awaited AirPower wireless charging mat and a new version of AirPods with wireless charging support and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity will start shipping in the first half of 2019, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo also expects a new iPod touch with a faster processor to launch in 2019. While there’s been a flurry of recent rumors about the AirPower and 2nd generation AirPods, there have also been conflicting reports on the…

In a thorough research note outlining Apple’s plans for 2019, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo describes his outlook for the next iPad lineup. According to Kuo, Apple plans to release two new iPad Pro models, a 10.2-inch iPad, and a refreshed iPad mini, each equipped with an upgraded processor, later this year. Rumors of a refreshed iPad mini (“iPad mini 5“) have been consistent over the past few months. Apple in January registered seven…

In a thorough research note outlining Apple’s plans for 2019, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo describes his outlook for the next iPhone lineup. According to Kuo, the 2019 iPhone lineup will mirror that of the current lineup, including 6.5-inch and 5.8-inch OLED models as well as a 6.1-inch LCD model. As for changes to expect in 2019, Kuo says the iPhone XR successor may be upgraded to 4GB of RAM, while all models will…

CNBC reports that Apple has hired ex-Microsoft exec and former CEO of a smart lock company to revamp Apple’s home initiatives. Hiring Jadallah is the latest signal that Apple plans to get serious about its own efforts in the home. Recently, the company acquired a start-up called Pullstring, a start-up that specializes in voice-enabled toys. That purchase could help the smartphone maker become the center of a connected living room. Apple has…

Apple is today sending out notifications to Apple Music subscribers that, when tapped, allows them to send a referral to friend to sign up for a free one-month subscription to Apple Music. According to Apple, the referrals for a free month of service can only be sent to people who do not already subscribe to Apple Music. The person who signs up for the free trial will see their subscription renew after…

Apple recently purchased PullString, a San Francisco startup that enables the design and publishing of voice apps through its PullString Converse platform, reports Axios. PullString could be used to improve the voice capabilities of Siri, Apple’s personal voice assistant. On its website, PullString says that it can be used to “collaboratively design, prototype and publish voice applications for Amazon Alexa.” At PullString, we strive to help people talk effortlessly with voice technology…

Apple is planning to release AirPods that feature a new surface coating, wireless charging, and a black color option, according to a report from Taiwanese Economic Daily News. Apple supplier Inventec has been manufacturing the new AirPods and is ready to ship them in the spring, perhaps alongside the AirPower, which is now in mass production. Black AirPods from Colorware Economic Daily Times says that the AirPods will be priced the same…