MESSAGE
| DATE | 2025-08-15 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [Hangout - NYLXS] Apples Future
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tech.yahoo.com
Apple accidentally leaked its own top-secret hardware in software
code—and it looks like we’re getting a slew of products across 7
categories
Dave Smith
7–9 minutes
Apple appears to have accidentally revealed a slate of unannounced
hardware after internal identifiers surfaced in publicly shared software
code, offering unusually concrete clues across multiple product lines.
The disclosures, first surfaced by MacRumors, point to next-generation
chips spanning Apple’s iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Vision Pro
product lines, and help validate past reports and rumors about Apple’s
roadmap for future products.
For some context: Apple’s software regularly includes device strings,
codenames, and chip references that surface ahead of hardware—often
confirming families and classes, if not final specs. The identifiers
coherently map Apple’s late‑2025 to 2026 pipeline: silicon upgrades
across the lineup, an Apple TV spec jump that unlocks AI/gaming
features, a Vision Pro “speed bump” anchored on M5, and display R&D that
points to a higher‑end Studio Display in early 2026.
To be clear: While all these details below come from identifiers and
documentation located in Apple’s own software code, Apple has not
actually announced any of these products, so specifications, features,
and timelines can change before release. As always, take reports about
future Apple products with a grain of salt until they are officially
unveiled.
What leaked, and what it suggests
New HomePod mini
What’s coming: A next‑gen HomePod mini (codename B525) tied to
Apple’s T8310 microarchitecture—the same core architecture used to power
the latest Apple Watches—indicating a major jump over today’s S5-based
model. MacRumors notes Apple is also testing an in‑house Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth
combo with Wi‑Fi 6E and is considering new colors.
How it differs: The current mini runs an S5-class chip without a
Neural Engine. The new model is expected to add a 64‑bit dual‑core CPU
derived from A16 and a 4‑core Neural Engine for faster on‑device
processing and smarter audio features.
Pricing context: The mini launched at $99 and has held close to that
level. A chip and radio upgrade could carry a small premium, but Apple
often protects the entry price.
New Apple TV
What’s coming: An Apple TV refresh “later this year” would
prominently feature the A17 Pro, the same chip that powered last year’s
iPhone 15 Pro, which would significantly improve Apple TV performance,
Apple Intelligence support, and headroom for console‑style graphics.
How it differs: Today’s Apple TV 4K runs A15. The A17 Pro upgrade
should deliver sizable gains and enable more advanced gaming and AI
features; Apple is also testing its own Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi silicon for the
box.
Pricing context: The current model starts at $129–$149; an A17 Pro
upgrade suggests Apple stays near that band, with possible variance for
storage or Ethernet.
Apple Studio Display 2
What’s coming: Code references to “J427” for a next‑generation
Studio Display, with a second code path “J527” under evaluation.
Reporting points to a potential mini‑LED backlight, early 2026 timing,
and pairing alongside the first Mac computers powered by Apple’s
forthcoming M5 chip.
How it differs: The 27‑inch Studio Display (2022) uses a standard
LED backlight and 60Hz. A mini‑LED upgrade would raise peak brightness,
contrast, and HDR performance. Two code paths suggest Apple tested
multiple sizes or variants before finalizing.
Pricing context: The current Studio Display starts at $1,599. A
mini‑LED version could command a higher price, but Apple’s exact
positioning (and whether features like ProMotion appear) remains unclear
until closer to launch.
New iPad mini
What’s coming: The next iPad mini (J510/J511) is tied to the A19
Pro—the same chip family earmarked for iPhone 17 Pro—marking a rapid
step up from the current mini’s A17 Pro.
How it differs: Beyond the SoC leap, Apple has explored an OLED mini
as early as 2026, but timing remains up in the air. The A19 Pro variant
is expected to offer more GPU cores than A19; Apple may also sell a
version with one fewer core for certain devices, as it often does with
its mobile devices.
Pricing context: Apple has priced the iPad mini as a premium small
tablet; an A19 Pro uplift without an immediate display overhaul suggests
pricing stays where it is.
New entry-level iPad
What’s coming: Apple’s next low‑cost iPad (J581/J582) is referenced
with an A18 chip and is tracking for a spring refresh.
How it differs: The current entry-level iPad uses an A16 chip. The
A18 will reportedly add a 16‑core Neural Engine and Apple Intelligence
support, bringing modern AI features to the budget tier while
maintaining the existing chassis, according to prior reporting cited by
MacRumors.
Pricing context: Apple has targeted aggressive entry pricing; the
current entry model starts at $349. If the only major change is moving
to an A18 chip, that starting price will likely hold.
Vision Pro 2
What’s coming: Code strings align Vision Pro’s second generation to
the M5, settling months of M4 vs. M5 reporting. Aside from silicon,
changes are expected to be modest, with a new strap for comfort under
discussion. The launch could be late 2025.
How it differs: The first‑gen headset uses M2. An M5 step would
dramatically lift CPU/GPU performance and neural processing while
keeping the industrial design largely intact, per current indications.
Pricing context: The first model starts at $3,499. With an iterative
update centered on silicon and comfort, Apple is likely to keep the
entry price in the same zone pending any configuration changes.
New Apple Watch
What’s coming: Series 11, Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3 are tied to an S11
SiP that maintains the T8310 architecture used in S9/S10 (two “Sawtooth”
performance cores, 64‑bit dual‑core CPU, 4‑core Neural Engine,
second‑gen UWB, 64GB storage).
How it differs: Apple often reuses watch microarchitectures for
multiple years. Expect packaging or efficiency tweaks rather than big
performance gains this cycle; larger shifts may come with S12 in 2026.
Codename references also point to next‑year models already in planning.
Pricing context: Apple has historically kept the aluminum Series
model’s U.S. starting price steady—Series 9 launched at $399, with
another $100 for the cellular option. Absent a materials or display
change, Series 11 is likely to remain in that band. Similarly, the Ultra
line has held a $799 starting price since its debut, so barring new
sensors or materials, that pricing is likely to stay in that ballpark.
And the value pricing for the Watch SE—$249 to start, with $50-100 extra
for cellular depending on configuration‚ is likely to have a similar
entry price.
A leak not without precedent
This isn’t the first incident of this kind; Apple has a long history of
leaving breadcrumbs about future hardware through breadcrumbs in its
software. AirTags, for instance, were once named in an official Apple
support video before launching after months of iOS code hints that
foreshadowed the product and its “Find My” integration. Other popular
Apple products like AirPods, Apple TVs, and Watch variants have also
been tipped off through references in code.
So, while none of the products are official yet, the newly surfaced
identifiers are consistent with Apple’s internal taxonomy and build on
earlier code-based reporting touching Apple’s entire hardware lineup.
But, if these references are accurate, this could be a very expensive
holiday season coming up for Apple fans.
For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial
draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before
publishing.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
--
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