Featured Stories: Apple Watch, iOS 16, Mac, and Dual USB-C Charger Rumors

We’re less than two months away from WWDC and Apple-related rumors are surfacing with increasing frequency. The latest batch includes an overview of upcoming Macs based on the next-generation M2 family of chips, plans for the Apple Watch Series 8 and future models, what could be Apple’s first multi-port USB charger, and some details on software on iOS 16.

Other news this week included an Apple bug that caused users to be temporarily unable to update firmware on their studio displays, much discussion of Meta’s plan to take almost 50% of commissions on virtual goods in the metaverse even when he argues against Apple’s app store fees, and more, so read on for all the details!

Apple tests at least nine new Macs with four different variants of M2 chips

Apple is internally testing several variants of the next-generation M2 chip and the updated Macs that will be equipped with them, reports Bloomberg, citing developer logs. There are “at least” nine new Macs in development that use four different M2 chips that are successors to the current M1 chips.

The machines include M2-based MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and Mac mini models, while more powerful 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and a new Mac Pro will use M2 variants like the M2 Pro and M2 Max. and a successor to the M1 Ultra that is currently in the high-end Mac Studio.

New Apple Watch health features coming this year, but blood pressure and blood sugar sensors delayed

We’re expecting to see as many as three new Apple Watch models later this year, and while it looks like we’ll be getting some new health-related features, like a body temperature sensor on higher-end models, a couple of long-running models. The rumored sensors for blood pressure and blood sugar don’t seem ready for prime time just yet.

Some of those features will be integrated with new health-related improvements in iOS 16, which we’re also starting to hear a bit about. It looks like we won’t be getting a significant redesign, but there will be some adjustments to notifications and other aspects.

Rumored Apple Dual USB-C Port Charger Supposedly Shown Off In Leaked Images

Following the discovery last week of a premature mention of an upcoming 35W dual USB-C charger from Apple, we’ve now seen some purported leaked images of the US version of the device, which includes foldable prongs and ports on the side of the charger.

There’s been a bit of confusion as similar chargers from Mophie and white-label knockoff accessory makers are also popping up, but it looks like Apple is getting in on the act as well.

Studio Display update issue fixed as Apple addresses code signing issue

Over the weekend, users of Apple’s new Studio Display were unable to update the device’s firmware due to an apparent oversight by Apple that left the latest version unsigned by Apple for several days.

When Apple stopped signing iOS 15.4 earlier this month to help keep users on the latest iOS 15.4.1 update, it seems the company forgot there wasn’t a 15.4.1 update available for Studio Display, so Apple did not authorize the installation of a current version. Apple fixed the issue on Monday and users can go back to updating their screens.

Apple says plan for nearly 50% commission on Metaverse purchases ‘exposes Meta’s hypocrisy’

While Meta, better known as Facebook, and founder Mark Zuckerberg have repeatedly criticized Apple’s 15-30% commission on in-app purchases on the App Store, Meta has revealed that it will receive a commission of almost 50% into digital assets in its “metaverse”. “

The revelation immediately sparked comments about Meta’s hypocritical stance on commissions, and Apple was not shy about weighing in, saying that it “shows that while they seek to use Apple’s platform for free, they happily take from creators and small businesses that use yours.”

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