We’re expecting numerous upgrades and changes with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, including a bigger battery, more power, and improved cameras. But one of the most immediately obvious changes might be the colors the phone is available in.
While we don’t know for certain what Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 colors will be available yet (and probably won’t do until it launches, likely in July), leaks have given us an idea as to some possibilities. And you’ll find these below, followed by some speculation about what other shades we might see.
We’ll also update this article whenever there’s any additional news about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6’s colors, so check back soon.
Light Blue
A Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 in blue (Image credit: Samsung)
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available in Blue but not a Light Blue, so this could be a new shade this year, though the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is available in a fairly pale blue shade (pictured above) that might be similar.
Light Green / Mint
A leaked render of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in Mint (Image credit: @OnLeaks / SmartPrix)
Ross Young also claims the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be available in Light Green, and courtesy of SmartPrix we’ve seen leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in a Mint shade, which is itself a light green. So there’s a good chance these two colors are one and the same.
You can see a leaked render of the phone in Mint above, and this is a color that you can also get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in, so it’s not new.
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Silver
A Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in gray (Image credit: Samsung)
Silver is another shade rumored by Ross Young, and it’s a color that you can’t get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in, with the closest option there being Gray. You can see that Gray above, but expect silver to be lighter and shinier.
Silver is a common smartphone shade so it’s an obvious and likely choice here, and is sure to prove popular among buyers.
Yellow
A Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in yellow (Image credit: Samsung)
Yellow is the final shade rumored by Ross Young, and it’s a color you can also get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in, as you can see above – though it’s possible this year’s yellow will be different.
It’s also worth noting that in the case of the Z Flip 5, this bright and vibrant shade is a Samsung.com exclusive, so it remains to be seen whether the same will be true with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Lavender
(Image credit: @OnLeaks / SmartPrix)
One last leaked shade is Lavender, which we’ve seen in leaked Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 renders.
Lavender is a color that you can also get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in, though it apparently has a slightly more subdued finish this time.
This understated shade could be a great choice for anyone who wants a splash of color without the head-turning brightness that the rumored yellow shade might deliver.
Other possible colors
While the above shades are the only ones that have so far been rumored, there’s a good chance that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will be available in other colors too. After all, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is sold in eight shades – though four are exclusive to Samsung.com. That’s a typical tactic from Samsung, so we’d expect something similar this year.
For reference, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available in Mint, Graphite, Cream, Lavender, Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow.
Yellow, Lavender, and Mint have already been leaked, as has a variant on Blue, but that still leaves Graphite, Cream, Gray, and Green as possible options. Though there’s every chance we’ll see different colors to last year instead.
Some iPhone 16 models will feature thinner bezels thanks to Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, The Elec reports.
BRS technology allows for a more compact and efficient layout of the screen’s underlying circuitry, enabling slimmer bezels without compromising on the display’s performance or the device’s overall form factor. This requires precise and advanced manufacturing techniques, given the complexity of tighter circuit placement and the need for bending some wiring downwards beneath the bezel.
Display Driver ICs (DDIs), the components at the center of this manufacturing challenge, control the activation and illumination of pixels on the OLED panel. To meet Apple’s requirements, LG Display is apparently diversifying its DDI supply chain, bringing on board Novatech from Taiwan alongside its existing supplier, LX Semicon. This move is designed to increase quality control while reducing costs.
It is not clear whether the slimmer bezel technology is destined for the standard iPhone 16 models, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, or both. It may be more likely to appear singularly in the iPhone 16 Pro models since these devices are expected to see display size increases from 6.1- to 6.3-inches and 6.7- to 6.9-inches, without a substantial increase in overall size. It is also worth noting that Apple reduced the bezels of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max last year significantly more than the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. Last month, a report coming out of Korea suggested that BIS technology will come to the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still months away from launching, there are already over a dozen rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped new features and changes expected for the devices so far. These are some of the key changes rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models as of April 2024:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with large…
A first look at iOS 18’s rumored visionOS-style redesign may have been revealed by a new image of the Camera app. Alleged iOS 18 design resource. MacRumors received the above iPhone frame template from an anonymous source who claims they obtained it from an iOS engineer. It will allegedly be included as part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18, which helps developers visually design apps …
Apple is exploring various “personal robotics” projects in an effort to create its “next big thing,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Amazon’s Astro robot One of these projects is described as a “mobile robot” that would “follow users around their homes,” while another is said to be an “advanced table-top home device that uses robotics to move a display around”:Engineers at Apple have…
Nearly one year after it launched in the U.S., the Apple Card’s high-yield savings account will be receiving its first-ever interest rate decrease. Starting on April 3, the Apple Card savings account’s annual percentage yield (APY) will be lowered to 4.4%, according to data on Apple’s backend discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The account currently has a 4.5% APY. 4.4% will …
Apple has yet to release the first beta of iOS 17.5 for the iPhone, but two changes are already expected with the upcoming software update. iOS 17.5 will likely allow iPhone users in the EU to download apps directly from the websites of eligible developers, and the update might include some changes to how Apple ID recovery contacts work. More details about these potential changes follow. W…
Apple today added a handful of devices to its public-facing vintage and obsolete products list, including some older iPhone and iPad models. Apple now considers the iPhone 6 Plus to be “obsolete” worldwide, meaning that Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers no longer offer repairs or other hardware service for the device. Apple says it considers a product “obsolete” once seven…
Best Buy is discounting a large collection of M3 MacBook Pro computers today, including both the 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the laptop. Every deal in this sale requires you to have a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, although non-members can still get solid second-best prices on these MacBook Pro models. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and…
Apple researchers have developed an artificial intelligence system named ReALM (Reference Resolution as Language Modeling) that aims to radically enhance how voice assistants understand and respond to commands. In a research paper (via VentureBeat), Apple outlines a new system for how large language models tackle reference resolution, which involves deciphering ambiguous references to…
Apple could unveil a new and improved Apple Pencil, equipped with a brand-new “squeeze” gesture, providing additional control without taking your hand off the pencil.
According to 9to5Mac, there are references to a new gesture called “squeeze” in the code for iPadOS 17.5 beta, which was recently released to developers. This gesture appears to be used to add shapes, signatures, stickers, or a text field, thereby saving time for those writing notes or quickly annotating a sketch or document.
These squeeze gestures are unlikely to refer to the Apple Pencil 2, as it has pressure sensors only on its tip and not on the stylus’ surface. This suggests that the gesture is for an as-yet-unannounced Apple Pencil 3 that could launch alongside some new iPads rumored to launch in May.
Other indicators of a potential new model include mentioning the Apple Pencil being supported by the Find My app, as current Apple Pencils cannot be tracked via this app. This feature will allow you to find the Pencil, just like you can track AirPods and AirTags, which is handy for something so easily lost as a pen.
Another possible clue that a new Apple Pencil is on the way is that iPadOS 17.4 has added an updated version of the PencilKit API, which developers use to make apps compatible with the Apple Pencil. However, the exact new features are unknown.
The Apple Pencil 3 will likely feature the return of pressure sensitivity, which was missing from the more scaled-down Pencil released in October 2023. This feature allows you to change the thickness of your strokes depending on how hard you press down on the screen and is invaluable for digital artists.
Tipster Majin Bu posted on X that the Apple Pencil 3 will come with interchangeable magnetic tips to aid drawing, technical drawing, and professionals such as digital artists and photo editors. While the most extreme rumor from MacRumors claims the Apple Pencil 3 will support the Apple Vision Pro and allow you to use your surroundings as a canvas instead of touching a tablet screen and will even still use pressure sensitivity.
Based on what my source reportedthe new Apple Pencil 3 will come with interchangeable magnetic tips(for drawing, technical drawing and painting) pic.twitter.com/AXUdpbZFVhSeptember 30, 2023
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Potential pricing is currently unknown but is expected to be similar to the Pencil 2 at around £139 / $129 / AU$199. Hopefully, Apple will opt for some color variations this time around rather than only having a white option, as we’d like to see black, silver, or gold options or any other color.
The original Apple Pencil was released on November 11, 2015, while the second generation Pencil was released on November 7, 2018. On October 17, 2023, Apple launched an entry-level Pencil model for USB-C-equipped iPads.
Apple’s upcoming watchOS 11 update will drop support for 2018’s Apple Watch Series 4, according to iPhoneSoft.
After five years of receiving the latest software updates, Apple Watch Series 3 lost support upon the release of watchOS 9 in 2022. Last year’s watchOS 10 update was compatible with all of the same Apple Watch models as watchOS 9, but a new rumor claims that watchOS 11 will drop support for the oldest currently supported Apple smartwatch: the Apple Watch Series 4. The full device compatibility list for watchOS 11 is said to be as follows:
Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
Apple Watch SE (first generation, 2020)
Apple Watch SE (second generation, 2022)
Apple Watch Ultra (first generation, 2022)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)
The Apple Watch Series 4 debuted alongside the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max in 2018, introducing the device’s first ever redesign, a larger display, double the amount of storage, Fall Detection, and the ability to take an ECG.
Last year, iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone X, but iOS 18 is rumored to support all of the same models as its predecessor. Apple is expected to preview watchOS 11, iOS 18, and its other next-generation software updates at WWDC on June 10. The updates will likely release to the public in the fall.
A first look at iOS 18’s rumored visionOS-style redesign may have been revealed by a new image of the Camera app. Alleged iOS 18 design resource. MacRumors received the above iPhone frame template from an anonymous source who claims they obtained it from an iOS engineer. It will allegedly be included as part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18, which helps developers visually design apps …
Apple has yet to release the first beta of iOS 17.5 for the iPhone, but two changes are already expected with the upcoming software update. iOS 17.5 will likely allow iPhone users in the EU to download apps directly from the websites of eligible developers, and the update might include some changes to how Apple ID recovery contacts work. More details about these potential changes follow. W…
Apple today added a handful of devices to its public-facing vintage and obsolete products list, including some older iPhone and iPad models. Apple now considers the iPhone 6 Plus to be “obsolete” worldwide, meaning that Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers no longer offer repairs or other hardware service for the device. Apple says it considers a product “obsolete” once seven…
Nearly one year after it launched in the U.S., the Apple Card’s high-yield savings account will be receiving its first-ever interest rate decrease. Starting on April 3, the Apple Card savings account’s annual percentage yield (APY) will be lowered to 4.4%, according to data on Apple’s backend discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The account currently has a 4.5% APY. 4.4% will …
Apple’s WWDC 2024 dates have been announced, giving us timing for the unveiling of the company’s next round of major operating system updates and likely some other announcements. This week also saw some disappointing news on the iPad front, with update timing for the iPad Pro and iPad Air pushed back from previous rumors. We did hear some new tidbits about what might be coming in iOS 18 and…
Best Buy is discounting a large collection of M3 MacBook Pro computers today, including both the 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the laptop. Every deal in this sale requires you to have a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, although non-members can still get solid second-best prices on these MacBook Pro models. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and…
Twelve years on from its launch, Siri now feels like a modern-day Apple Newton. Both started life as bold new personal assistants, only to stagnate and fall by the wayside. And both have been the butt of jokes on big comedy shows – the Newton was famously skewered on The Simpsons, while Siri has more recently ‘starred’ in the latest season of Curb your Enthusiasm (warning: the scene in question contains a tirade of expletives).
Yet while the Newton was put out of its misery and canceled in 1998, Apple has kept Siri ticking over in our iPhones. Well, barely – anyone who’s used Siri will have their own tale of frustration about its seemingly diminishing IQ. Apple can’t let this continue. And fortunately, the evidence is mounting that we’ll finally get a Siri reboot (or at least, a makeover) at WWDC 2024.
Apple is strongly hinting that AI and, to a lesser extent, Siri will be at the forefront of its annual developer’s conference. Its SVP of Marketing Greg Joswiak posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the event will be “Absolutely Incredible”, with the capitalization unsubtly spelling AI. Plus, the promo’s typography (below) also has echoes of Siri’s color scheme.
(Image credit: Apple)
But a wave of credible rumors and Apple’s own machine learning research also support the theory that Siri could soon become, if not great, then at least not an anachronistic embarrassment.
How exactly might Apple reboot Siri in June? It’s a long road back. Every time I’ve spoken to ChatGPT‘s baked-in Voice function I’ve marveled at how natural it feels in comparison. The trouble is, ChatGPT doesn’t have direct access to iOS for controlling my phone (unless you use Shortcuts). And Apple seemingly doesn’t have the generative AI chops – or the willingness to compromise on privacy – to do proper cloud-based AI.
The solution is likely to be a compromise, combining Apple’s latest on-device machine learning with third-party AI models like Google Gemini. That might result in a full Siri reinvention, but if it rescues the voice assistant from its current malaise, that’d be good enough for me…
A private chat
A Siri reboot isn’t certain at WWDC 2024, with the latest rumors a little confusing. This week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed that Apple “isn’t planning to debut its own generative AI chatbot” at WWDC 2024.
But that doesn’t mean Apple isn’t planning some Siri upgrades. Apple has never seen Siri as a chatbot like ChatGPT – since June 2021, the voice assistant has processed our questions on-device by default. “This addresses one of the biggest privacy concerns for voice assistants, which is unwanted audio recording” Apple said in a press release at the time.
Apple almost certainly won’t have changed its mind since then. So the improvements to Siri’s on-device performance will have to come from Apple – and there’s evidence that the tech giant has been exploring this.
Mark your calendars for #WWDC24, June 10-14. It’s going to be Absolutely Incredible! pic.twitter.com/YIln5972ZDMarch 26, 2024
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Last week, Apple researchers published a March 2024 paper that tested whether or not it’s possible for voice assistants to ditch trigger words like ‘Siri’ and instead use on-device AI to tell whether you’re speaking to your phone or someone else. This followed Apple’s quiet publication of a family of multimodal models (AI models that can simultaneously interpret different types of data) called MM1.
For the voice assistant paper, Apple’s researchers trained a large language model (LLM), based partly on OpenAI‘s GPT-2, to look for voice patterns that signify whether or not we’re asking for help from our phone. That’s pretty futuristic stuff. While the results were promising, it’s likely too soon for this kind of tech to find its way into iOS 18 or our iPhones.
Still, Apple is clearly working hard on voice assistant tech and we’ll likely see some of the fruits of this at WWDC 2024. Only six months ago, Apple was rapidly increasing its spending on conversational AI to “millions of dollars per day”, according to a report from The Information. Given the rapid advances of its rivals, some of this investment will surely go towards improving Siri.
(Image credit: Apple)
New Siri announcements also haven’t been completely extinct in recent months. In December 2023, Apple announced that its new S9 SiP (system in a package) meant the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 could “now process Siri requests on device”. This meant you could now ask Siri about over 20 health data markers, because your data wouldn’t leave the smartwatch.
None of this is the work of a company that’s given up on its voice assistant. The question is what Apple will do about the bigger part of the puzzle – answering queries that on-device Siri won’t be able to answer…
I’m not sure I understand…
If Siri can’t answer a question, you can ask it to search the web for you. This is where Apple might be looking to outsource to an external AI model to help with more challenging queries – with Bloomberg predicting that this could be Google Gemini in the US and Europe, with Apple also in talks with Baidu in China according to the Wall Street Journal.
Bloomberg’s report says this generative AI “heavy lifting” could include functions like “creating images and writing essays based on simple prompts”. But these AI features will be delivered via the cloud, with Apple still using its own AI models to process on-device functions and Siri actions.
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Tada Images)
This mooted Google Gemini deal wouldn’t be unusual for Apple. The tech giant doesn’t have its own search engine, so it’s long had an agreement (reportedly worth $18 billion a year) with Google for it to be the default option on Safari. That deal is now under threat from EU regulators.
Bloomberg says that a similar deal for Google’s Gemini AI models would simply build on this existing partnership between Apple and Google – again, if regulators allow it. It could even be a convenient replacement for that current deal between the tech giants, if it doesn’t crumble from the pressure of regulatory scrutiny.
Whatever happens with these talks, Apple seems unable to solve the whole generative AI puzzle on its own – and unwilling to shift its stance on privacy. That will likely mean some compromises for an upgraded Siri, rather than a giant leap.
Baby steps
The thing is, I’m not demanding (or expecting) a full Siri relaunch at WWDC 2024. All I want is for Apple to acknowledge Siri’s existence, make it less cloth-eared, and lay out how it’s going to make it a more conversational iPhone assistant. Right now, Siri is a brake on the potential of products like the AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, but it can start turning over a new leaf in iOS 18.
For years, Siri has been held back by internal squabbles, a lack of tech breakthroughs, and the wider problem that voice assistants don’t generate much revenue. But if Apple does, as the rumors suggest, outsource some of its generative AI features to the likes of Gemini AI, then it could play catch-up while reducing its liability when the occasional controversy inevitably strikes.
(Image credit: Apple)
None of this would rocket Siri towards being a voice assistant leader. But it’d be enough to keep Apple in the AI game, while reinvigorating one of the iPhone’s most frustrating features. At this point, Siri is damaging Apple’s reputation, so WWDC 2024 has to be a tipping point one way or the other.
Tim Cook has already promised during an earnings call with Apple’s annual shareholders that the company will “break new ground” this year in generative AI. While that doesn’t necessarily refer to Siri, could Apple do all of that while leaving Siri as it is? I don’t think so. And while Cook said the technology will “unlock transformative opportunities for our users”, I’m just hoping it’ll turn Siri into more than just a cooking timer.
Apple’s next-generation A18 Pro chip for iPhone 16 Pro models will feature a larger die size for boosted artificial intelligence performance, according to Jeff Pu, an investment analyst who covers companies within Apple’s supply chain.
In a research note with Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities this week, Pu added that the A18 Pro chip will be equipped with a 6-core GPU, which would be equal to the A17 Pro chip in iPhone 15 Pro models.
Generative AI
iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for a range of iPhone features and apps, including Siri, Spotlight, Apple Music, Health, Messages, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Shortcuts, and more. Apple has reportedly considered partnering with companies such as Google, OpenAI, and Baidu for at least some of these features.
iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to feature an upgraded Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores, which could result in some of iOS 18’s generative AI features being exclusive to those models. Pu previously said the larger die size would be related to the Neural Engine, which could power on-device generative AI features.
Apple has used a 16-core Neural Engine since the iPhone 12 series. However, it has still improved the Neural Engine’s performance over the years, even when core counts have not changed. For example, Apple says the A17 Pro chip has up to a 2x faster Neural Engine compared to the one in the iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 Bionic chip.
Apple has promised to make generative AI announcements later this year. iOS 18 will be previewed at Apple’s developers conference WWDC in June, so we’re just a few months away from learning about the company’s plans.
6-Core GPU
With the A17 Pro chip, iPhone 15 Pro models have significantly improved graphics capabilities compared to previous models. Apple said the new 6-core GPU is up to 20% faster and also more power efficient than the 5-core GPU in the A16 Bionic chip. iPhone 15 Pro models also support hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for improved graphics rendering, which results in more realistic graphics in games.
Pu believes Apple will stick with a 6-core GPU for the A18 Pro chip, so graphics improvements may be more limited for iPhone 16 Pro models this year.
Wrap Up
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 series in September. For more details, read our iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro roundups.
The next-generation iPad Pro will feature a landscape-oriented front-facing camera for the first time, according to the Apple leaker known as “Instant Digital.”
Instant Digital reiterated the design change earlier today on Weibo with a simple accompanying 2D image. The post reveals that the entire TrueDepth camera array will move to the right side of the device, while the microphone will remain on the top and simply be centered.
Currently, the front-facing camera of both the iPad Air and iPad Pro resides on the top of the device, which means that the camera is positioned to the left when the device is being used in landscape, such as with a Magic Keyboard. Apple relocated the front-facing camera of the 10th-generation iPad to the side of the device to provide a better experience in landscape and the company has not launched a new iPad since then.
In January, code discovered in iOS 17.4 suggested the next iPad Pro’s TrueDepth camera array would be moved to the side of the device. “During Face ID setup, iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen,” the code read.
Earlier this month, Instant Digital suggested that the switch to a landscape front-facing camera could also be made on the next-generation iPad Air. How Apple will achieve this switch to a landscape camera on the new iPad models is unclear, since the second-generation Apple Pencil connects to both the iPad Air and iPad Pro using an inductive magnetic charger located where it seems the camera will need to move to. Both the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models are expected to launch within weeks.
iOS 18 will give iPhone users greater control over Home Screen app icon arrangement, according to sources familiar with the matter. Home Screen on iOS 17 While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, to ensure there is some uniformity, our sources say that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18. For example, we expect that the…
Apple today released iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1, minor updates to the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems. The new software comes a couple of weeks after Apple released iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 with app changes in the European Union, new emoji, and more. iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software…
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple’s rumored plan to refresh the entire AirPods lineup with a series of new models. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The fourth-generation AirPods will reportedly feature a new design with a better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. For the first time ever,…
An unpatchable vulnerability has been discovered in Apple’s M-series chips that allows attackers to extract secret encryption keys from Macs under certain conditions, according to a newly published academic research paper (via ArsTechnica). Named “GoFetch,” the type of cyber attack described involves Data Memory-Dependent Prefetchers (DMPs), which try to predict what data the computer will…
The latest 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models have been available for two weeks now, and MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been using the 15-inch version since it launched. Over on our YouTube channel, Dan shared a review now that he’s been able to spend some quality time with the machine. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The M3 MacBook Air is a perfect…
We’re getting closer to the launch of new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, while rumors about iOS 18 are continuing to ramp up with this week’s surprise revelation that Apple has been talking to Google and others about potentially helping power the generative AI features expected to be a major part of this year’s update. Other news this week saw the release of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1…
Based on the leaks and rumors it seems increasingly likely that Meta is working on a cheaper version of the Meta Quest 3 – expected to be called the Meta Quest 3 Lite or Meta Quest 3s.
It’s not yet been confirmed, but the gadget is expected to be a more affordable version of the Quest 3 – at a price closer to the Quest 2 – that would see the Meta fully phase out its last-gen VR hardware. The trade-off would be the device wouldn’t have all the capabilities of the Quest 3 – likely sporting lower-resolution displays, less RAM, a worse chipset, or dropping mixed reality support (though that last point seems unlikely).
We’ve collected the latest news and rumors here so this page can serve as your one-stop shop for all things Meta Quest 3 Lite. As we learn more about the device we’ll be sure to update the page and keep you in the loop with all the latest information.
Is the Quest 3 Lite the true Quest 2 replacement? (Image credit: Shutterstock / Boumen Japet)
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Price
As the Meta Quest 3 Lite isn’t yet official – meaning Meta itself hasn’t confirmed (or denied) its existence – we can’t say for certain how much it’ll cost or when it will be released.
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But based on rumors and previous Meta hardware releases, we can make some reasoned predictions on what the gadget might cost and when we could see it in action.
Price-wise, we can reasonably expect it’ll cost around the same as Meta’s last-gen headset, given the Lite is billed as a super-affordable model meant to fully replace the Oculus Quest 2. It’ll certainly cost less than the Meta Quest 3.
This would likely see it released at around $299 / £299 / AU$479, which is where the Quest 2 started life. Honestly, we’d be more than a little disappointed if it was more expensive.
The Meta Quest 3 could soon have a sibling (Image credit: Zenni)
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Release date
As for the Quest 3 Lite’s release date, Meta usually likes to release new hardware in October. However, it might decide to mix things up with this budget-friendly gadget to avoid confusing it with its main line Quest and Quest Pro lines.
We predict the Quest 3 Lite will be announced and released as part of this year’s Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, which should be around June based on previous years.
If Meta sticks to its usual hardware release schedule, though, then a launch after this year’s Meta Connect – which we expect will land in September or October – could be on the cards.
Of course, this assumes the Meta Quest 3 Lite even launches at all.
The Meta Quest 3 Lite will likely look a little different to the Quest 3 (Image credit: Meta)
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Specs and design
So far we haven’t heard many specs for the Meta Quest 3 Lite. The main leaks so far have been renders showing off its possible design.
These leaks suggest it’ll be bulkier than the Quest 3, likely because the Lite would adopt the fresnel lens system used by the Quest 2. This makes some sense as fresnel lenses are cheaper, partly because the alternative pancake lenses require brighter displays. However, considering pancake lenses lead not only to a slimmer headset design but also better image quality (and we’ve seen cheap headsets like the Pico 4 use pancake lenses) we’d be surprised if Meta didn’t use them in the Lite.
One of the leaks went into more detailed specs, suggesting it’ll have 128GB or 256GB of storage (instead of the 128GB or 512GB in the Quest 3) and 1,832 x 1,920 pixel displays (one per eye). Something seems off about the leak, though, in terms of the assets shared and the included info that could help identify the leaker (which seems like a bad idea for anyone trying to avoid the wrath of Meta’s well-funded legal team).
Meta Quest 3 Lite may actually be “Meta Quest 3S”u/LuffySanKira on Reddit claims they were shown these graphics in what was likely a Meta User Research Zoom meeting.I can’t verify them, but I CAN verify Meta does feedback sessions like these. pic.twitter.com/DjkZnVMP6bMarch 16, 2024
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As such, color us skeptical when it comes to the details highlighted in the post.
Meta Quest 3 Lite: Software
Assuming the Meta Quest 3 Lite has the same or similar mixed-reality capabilities as the Meta Quest 3, we expect it’ll have access to all of the same software – which is to say, everything available on the Quest platform’s Store (and many other games and apps available through sideloading via third-party digital storefronts).
If it has significantly worse specs – such as the Quest 2’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset – there may be some software that launches in the future that would be exclusive to the full Quest 3. But we expect the Quest 3 Lite would use a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 so, hopefully, this won’t be an issue.
We’ll have to wait and see what Meta announces.
The Meta Quest 3 Lite needs to have mixed reality (Image credit: Meta)
Meta Quest 3 Lite: What we want to see
As for what we want to see from the Quest 3 Lite VR headset – acknowledging that its lower price will necessitate lower specs than the Meta Quest 3 proper – our ideal setup would boast the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and 8GB of RAM as the Quest 3, though 6GB of RAM like the Quest 2 is, admittedly, a lot more likely.
Storage options would start at 64GB – as frankly, you don’t need a lot of storage space for VR apps, especially if you’re willing to download and delete them as necessary – and the displays would be a lower resolution than the Quest 3. A leak suggested the 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye option, and considering this is what’s used by the Quest 2 it does make some sense.
Pancake lenses seem like an easy win from a design and image-quality perspective (especially if Meta opts for poorer displays), and mixed-reality passthrough that’s at least as high-quality as the Quest 3 is also a must.
Beyond this, one rogue cost-cutting measure could see Meta scrap or change its Quest 3 controllers. However, given how much developers have emphasized to us the importance of VR handsets having a standard design, and the fact that many Quest titles don’t support hand-tracking, this might be a step too far.
The next-generation iPad Pro models will feature thinner bezels around the screen compared to previous models, according to a rumor shared today by a previously-accurate leaker known as “Instant Digital” on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
The leaker claimed that the next 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models will have 7.12mm and 7.08mm bezels, respectively, when excluding the metal edges of the devices. If these measurements are accurate, the bezels would be around 10% to 15% thinner than on previous iPad Pro models released between 2018 and 2022.
The new iPad Pro models should be announced in late March or early April, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Tuesday, March 26 has been specifically rumored as a potential iPad Pro announcement date.
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23″>claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an…
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until “deeper” into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I’ve repeatedly said that new…
The next-generation iPad Air is now reportedly shipping to the United States and other countries in preparation for launch. The rumor comes from the leaker known as “Instant Digital,” who claims that manufacturers in China are now shipping the 2024 iPad Air in two sizes to overseas locations. “Everything is ready” for launch, the Weibo user says. The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored…
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. …
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow. This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available. USB…
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C…
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models will be offered with a matte display option for the first time, according to the Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital.”
The Weibo user explained that the iPad Pro’s new matte display option will be offered in addition to the standard, glossy glass finish. It apparently features -4° to +29° of haze and may tout some kind of blue-light blocking technology to help protect the eyes. Matte screen protectors for the iPad have become extremely popular, so it is possible that Apple is trying to offer such an option at the point of purchase for those who want it.
It is not known if the matte display option will be “nano-texture” glass like on the Pro Display XDR and Studio Display, but it seems plausible. Nano-texture glass is effectively a matte finish that scatters light to minimize glare, which is ideal in environments with bright light sources. While matte screen coatings effectively reduce reflections, they also make the image slightly more dull and hazy. Nano-texture glass features an etched surface to help preserve image quality.
Nano-texture glass has only been offered on desktop displays so far. It is harder to clean owing to its textured surface that grips oil and debris more tightly, and Apple cautions that it should only be cleaned with a polishing cloth made with soft, non-abrasive material. It is not clear how a matte display on the iPad would hold up to fingerprints as a result.
The matte display option may also be available on the next-generation iPad Air models, but the leaker could not confirm if this will be the case. They added that new iPad models will be announced next week.
Earlier this week, Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple’s Ceramic Shield found on recent models. It is not apparent if this technology is related to the new matte display option for the iPad, but it is a possibility.
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23″>claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an…
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until “deeper” into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I’ve repeatedly said that new…
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. …
The next-generation iPad Air is now reportedly shipping to the United States and other countries in preparation for launch. The rumor comes from the leaker known as “Instant Digital,” who claims that manufacturers in China are now shipping the 2024 iPad Air in two sizes to overseas locations. “Everything is ready” for launch, the Weibo user says. The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored…
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C…
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow. This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available. USB…
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
