This week in Apple: Rumors of hardware launch next week and periscope zoom

This week in Apple news, we found some rumors related to a possible hardware launch for next week. However, if this rumor comes true, the launch would be quite small, possibly only with a press release. This would be similar to how Apple launched the iPhone SE earlier this year (though the launch would definitely not be for an iPhone).

In other Apple news, we heard about the tech coming to future Macs, periscope zoom rumors for iPhones, Apple’s choice of the best app of 2020, a camera for the Apple Watch, and more!

See the Apple news roundup below for all the latest.

The top Apple news stories of the past week:

• Leaked internal memo hints at possible hardware launch: An AppleCare memo obtained by MacRumors points to the possibility of a hardware launch on Tuesday, December 8. The memo tells technicians under Apple’s employ to prepare for new product SKUs and other new info related to products. We have no idea what’s in store, but it won’t be a big launch as we saw with the new Macs and new iPhones. Instead, it will likely be whittled down to a press release and only involve one or a few products. Stay tuned!
• Periscope zoom rumors suggest feature coming soon to iPhones: Although several Android phones have had periscope zoom systems (which allows for higher levels of truly optical zoom), the tech hasn’t appeared on an iPhone yet. According to ET News, Apple is hard at work on the feature. However, don’t get your hopes up: noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that it’s unlikely Apple would launch a periscope-powered iPhone until 2022.
• Mini-LED iPads and MacBooks on the way, apparently: The rumor mill that is DigiTimes claims that Apple is hard at work trying to deliver an iPad Pro and a MacBook Pro with Mini-LED technology in 2021. Mini-LED displays could be a step up over even the highest-end OLED panels, although we’ve yet to see anything from Apple with the technology.
• Apple Watch sales hit new record, plus camera accessory: Apple’s industry-defining Apple Watch is now more popular than ever. Thanks to the newest releases, Apple moved 11.8 million Apple Watches in Q3 2020. That’s up nearly 75% from the same time last year. In related news, have you ever wanted a camera on your Apple Watch? No? Well, that didn’t stop this company from making one.
• Best and most popular apps of 2020 revealed: Apple launched a list of the 20 most-downloaded apps on its App Store. You can see the full list here, but it shouldn’t be surprising which one is at the top (it’s Zoom, duh). Additionally, the company named its favorite app of 2020, and its a little-known one called Wakeout!, which gives tips for light exercise during office hours.
• Apple hit with a big fine for misleading claims: Over in Italy, a consumer watchdog organization slapped Apple with a €10 million (~$12 million) fine related to iPhones. The group claims that Apple’s advertising in the country overpromised just how long and how deep an iPhone can be submerged in water before it will cease to function.
• Apple expands partnership with (PRODUCT)RED: Apple’s longstanding partnership with charity group (PRODUCT)RED gives us red-colored iPhones, cases, and other products each year. Part of the proceeds from these products goes to helping combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. On World AIDS Day this past Tuesday, Apple announced that it is expanding that partnership to help combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the same areas of Africa that RED already targets.

Thinking about making the switch?

If you are reading this Apple news article on an iOS device and thinking about making the switch to Android, we have multiple articles and guides that can help you with that process. Despite how it might seem, moving from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many of the services and systems on iOS have similar or even the same counterparts on Android.

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, consult our list of the best Android smartphones available now.