The Apple conference has just ended. Apple released the iPhone 14 series, the Apple Watch series, and the new generation of AirPods Pro. As the dust settles on the product launch, some previous rumors have not been confirmed and the long-term hopes of some users have not been realized. The following will take stock of the content that has been circulating for a long time but did not come true at Apple's conference.
Mixed reality headset: Apple's mixed-reality headset has become the "elephant in the room," and while it wasn't mentioned at the event, there's more and more news about it. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that it could go public in January 2023. Apple has applied for the "Reality One" and "Reality Pro" trademarks, which may hint at its brand positioning. Powered by the M2 chip, the device is capable of mixed reality experiences and games. Apple's board of directors reportedly tried out the device earlier this year, and it may not have to wait too long to get a glimpse of it.
$100 premium on iPhone 14 Pro: Apple ended up not raising prices on the Pro and Pro Max models. The iPhone 14 Pro will start at $999, while the Pro Max will start at $1,099.
Satellite calling and texting: Rumors of Apple's plans to support satellite calling and texting have been circulating for months, and while not 100 percent true, there is still some substance to the rumors. Apple finally announced that the iPhone 14 supports emergency SOS via satellite, which can connect to a specific satellite frequency, send messages, and then communicate to emergency agencies through base stations, etc. Apple may eventually join the fray as carriers like T-Mobile look to get into satellite messaging services, and SOS alerts may be just the first step.
Watch Series 8 Fever Detection Feature: It was previously rumored that Apple would introduce a new fever detection feature for the Watch Series 8. While Apple did add two new temperature sensors to the device, their primary purpose is for period tracking.
The Watch Series 8 can take a user's temperature every five seconds and help users figure out when they last ovulated. Maybe Apple can somehow expand this feature for fever alerts in the future. However, it is also possible that its fever detection ability failed internal tests.
iPhone 14 mini: The iPhone 14 lineup does not include the mini model. Apple's latest mini iteration (probably the last) came out with last year's iPhone 13 lineup. The device features a smaller 5.4-inch display and is compact in size.
However, the possibility of another Mini is not entirely ruled out. The Plus model of the iPhone just returned, for the first time since 2018. If Apple sees demand for smaller devices in the future, there is also a possibility that the mini model will return.
Lossless audio on the new AirPods Pro: What Apple CEO Tim Cook calls the "state-of-the-art AirPods" still come with Bluetooth. While the second-generation AirPods Pro do have some noticeable upgrades, including improved noise cancellation and spatial audio, they don't come with the rumored lossless audio that should have vastly improved audio quality.
USB-C port: With Europe and even Brazil pressuring Apple to ditch the proprietary Lightning port, expect Apple to introduce a USB-C port on its devices. Apple is reportedly testing iPhones with USB-C now, but Ming-Chi Kuo doesn't expect it to appear until the second half of 2023.
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