➀ Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that the cheaper version of Vision Pro is unlikely to arrive until after 2027; ➁ Apple plans to launch an upgraded M5 Apple silicon version in 2025, but it won't be significantly cheaper; ➂ The author expresses mixed feelings about the Vision Pro, highlighting its impressive technology but narrow use case and high price.
Recent #Apple news in the semiconductor industry
➀ Apple's M4 and M4 Pro chips in the new Mac mini could potentially make it a competitive gaming machine; ➁ Despite powerful hardware, the Mac mini faces challenges in attracting game developers and becoming a living room console; ➂ Apple has shown interest in the gaming market with Apple Arcade and previous console attempts.
➀ Apple is rumored to be in 'total redesign' mode for the upcoming MacBook Pro; ➁ The redesign is expected to happen in 2026 due to delays in display technology; ➃ The upcoming M5 MacBook Pro will have minimal design changes, focusing on a thinner design; ➄ Apple's original plan was to introduce a redesigned MacBook Pro in 2025.
➀ The global tablet market saw a 20.4% year-over-year growth in the third quarter, with 39.6 million units shipped. Apple shipped 12.6 million units, with a 1.4% year-over-year growth. The new iPad Pro was too expensive to sell well. Samsung and Amazon also saw significant growth. ➁ The report includes a breakdown of the top five tablet companies, their shipments, market share, and year-over-year growth. ➂ The data is provided by IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker.
➀ Apple has postponed the production of the more affordable Vision Pro beyond 2027.
➁ The delay is due to the challenge of creating successful use cases for the device, akin to the HomePod mini's struggle to gain widespread acceptance.
➂ Apple's pricing strategy is under scrutiny, as its concept of 'affordable' may still be costly compared to competitors.
➀ Apple's new M4 Max processor outperforms Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K and AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X in Geekbench 6 single-core benchmarks; ➁ In multi-core tests, the M4 Pro surpasses the Ryzen 9 but falls slightly behind the Core Ultra 9; ➂ The M4 Max achieves a single-core score of 3925 in Geekbench 6, surpassing the Core Ultra 9's 3450 and Ryzen 9 9950X's 3359.
➀ Apple reported a 6% revenue growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024; ➁ Strong demand for iPhone 16 mitigates the decline in sales in China; ➂ The report highlights the mixed performance of Apple's global market.
➀ CD Projekt Red announced that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available for Macs with Apple silicon in early 2025; ➁ The game will support path tracing and frame generation, utilizing the new M4 chips' advanced CPU and GPU capabilities; ➂ The Mac version will launch on the Mac App Store, GOG.com, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
➀ Apple has introduced a redesigned Mac Mini with the latest M4 and M4 Pro silicon, downsizing to 5 x 5 inches; ➁ The Mac Mini features a new power button placement on the bottom and enhanced connectivity options; ➂ The device starts at $599 for the M4 model with 10 cores and 10 GPU cores, while the M4 Pro model with 12 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores starts at $1,399.
➀ Apple has launched the new Mac Mini with M4 and M4 Pro processors; ➁ The new Mac Mini offers up to 1.8X better CPU performance and up to 2.2X better GPU performance compared to the M1-based model; ➂ The M4 Pro model features 14 CPU cores and a GPU with up to 20 cores, twice as powerful as the standard M4 GPU.
➀ Apple's third-generation Magic Mouse retains the same design flaws as its predecessor; ➁ The lack of ergonomics and the charging port location are the main issues; ➂ The only change is the switch from a Lightning port to a USB-C port.
➀ Apple is reportedly developing M5 chips; ➁ The move is boosting orders for TSMC's advanced processes; ➂ The industry is focusing on the launch of Apple's new products featuring the self-developed M4 chip.
➀ Apple's next-gen M5 chip is expected to launch by the end of 2025; ➁ The new iPad Pro is expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026; ➂ The M5 chip is designed for the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and M5 MacBook laptops.
➀ Apple refreshes the 24-inch iMac with the M4 lineup of processors; ➁ The new iMacs start at $1,299 and include Thunderbolt 4 and Apple Intelligence; ➂ The entry-level model features 16GB unified memory, with options for 24GB and 32GB.
➀ Apple has rolled out the first features of its Apple Intelligence; ➁ The features are available in iOS 18.1; ➂ Users need an iPhone 15 Pro or above to access the features.
➀ The Apple Vision Pro has faced challenges with high returns and a steep price point; ➁ Apple is reportedly scaling back production to better manage supply and demand; ➂ The device lacks compelling use cases and content, despite technological advancements; ➃ Apple is considering a more affordable version for future release.
➀ Apple is set to unveil its new M4 family of processors; ➁ The new MacBook Pros will be powered by the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max SoCs; ➂ TSMC's 3nm process node is used for the new processors.
➀ Apple's next-gen iPhone 17 Air rumored to feature an A17 chip; ➁ 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence; ➂ Single 48MP rear camera; ➃ TSMC's 3nm process node.
➀ Apple and the UKESF's STEM programme; ➁ Kioxia's valuation dropping from $30 billion to $5 billion in seven years; ➃ Alps Alpine's new smallest tactile switch and Littelfuse's tact switch with change-over contacts; ➄ Collaboration on a new mission for delivering the Space Capable Asteroid Robotic Explorer (SCAR-E) to the Moon's surface.
➀ ASML's orders fell far short of expectations, leading to a stock crash and dragging down the semiconductor sector;
➁ Apple quietly released the new iPad mini, pushing its stock to a new high;
➂ The Paris Motor Show opened, with Tesla returning after 5 years;
➃ China's new energy vehicle retail penetration rate reached 53.3% in September;
➄ Starbucks is reducing promotions and discounts;
➅ ASML, Ericsson, LVMH, Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Charles Schwab, and State Street announced earnings.