### Apple Product Speculations: Insights on Glasses, AirPods, HomePod Touch, and More
This week’s installment of Rumor Replay at 9to5Mac explores the latest conjectures surrounding Apple’s forthcoming products, including Apple Glasses, next-gen AirPods, the highly anticipated HomePod Touch, and new functionalities for external displays. Here’s a summary of the most captivating rumors.
#### Apple Glasses: A Dual-Mode Outlook
Recent information from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg indicates that Apple’s smart glasses may function on visionOS, the same operating system utilized by the Vision Pro. Significantly, these glasses might offer two operational modes: a full version when connected to a Mac and a lighter, mobile-optimized interface when linked to an iPhone. This dual capability could elevate user experience, making the glasses adaptable for both stationary and mobile usage.
#### Next-Gen AirPods: H3 Chip and Wellness Features
Gurman further revealed that Apple is in the process of developing AirPods 5, although they may not include the heart rate monitoring feature present in AirPods Pro 3. Instead, Apple intends to unveil other health-related features, such as temperature sensing. Moreover, an H3 chip is being developed, designed to minimize lag and enhance audio quality, although its release schedule remains uncertain. There are also indications that future AirPods could integrate camera technology, possibly aligning with Apple’s wider AI aspirations.
#### HomePod Touch: Pricing and Variants
The expected HomePod Touch is projected to debut next spring, with a target price of around $350. This device will reportedly be available in two variants: one featuring a display on a speaker base and another intended for wall installation. The pricing is slightly elevated compared to some expectations, but efforts are ongoing to cut costs. The dual-variant strategy suggests potential flexibility in design and pricing tactics, possibly enabling a more budget-friendly wall-mounted option.
#### New Features for Apple External Displays
Clues from macOS beta versions indicate that upcoming external displays might present substantial enhancements, including a built-in Center Stage camera for the next Pro Display XDR. Furthermore, support for driving external displays at 120Hz has been incorporated into the M5 iPad Pro, indicating that the soon-to-be-released Studio Display may also support elevated refresh rates. These advancements reveal that Apple is concentrating on improving the functionality and performance of its external display range.
### Conclusion
The latest speculations regarding Apple’s product range unveil thrilling prospects for the future of their technology. From the groundbreaking dual-mode capability of Apple Glasses to the wellness features in AirPods and the awaited HomePod Touch, Apple consistently strives to challenge the limits of consumer electronics. As these products evolve, they promise to transform user experiences and integrate more fluidly into everyday life.
