First of all, I just want to offer a quick apology for the extended break from these daily blogs. The planning and preparations to make it to WWDC were insane as I also work a demanding full-time job. Thanks for bearing with me! Now on to the main event.
Apple Signs major deal with Major League Soccer
Today Apple announced that it has signed an exclusive deal with Major League Soccer. The deal includes every single Major League Soccer match being streamed directly via the Apple TV app. The deal lasts for 10 years starting from 2023.
What makes this deal so significant is that it comes with no restrictions. And will include replays and in-depth post-match analysis in addition to a variety of other exclusive content. If you’re an Apple TV+ subscriber, it will be available at no additional cost.
To access the content from Major League Soccer, you’ll simply need a device with the Apple TV app. Either an Apple TV, an Xbox, Playstation, iOS device, Mac, or a smart TV with the app installed.
“For the first time in the history of sports, fans will be able to access everything from a major professional sports league in one place,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “It’s a dream come true for MLS fans, soccer fans, and anyone who loves sports. No fragmentation, no frustration — just the flexibility to sign up for one convenient service that gives you everything MLS, anywhere and anytime you want to watch. We can’t wait to make it easy for even more people to fall in love with MLS and root for their favorite club.”
Eddy CUe
Larger 14 inch iPad to be none Pro?
Ross Young, an industry display analyst claimed last week that Apple is planning to release a new 14-inch iPad Pro. But now he has changed course and believes it may be a regular iPad model. The reason why? According to his sources, the panel in the testing phase for this size class lacks ProMotion support.
Young followed up from last week’s tweet with a tweet to super followers that states the device won’t have mini-LED either.
New low cost iPad on the way
As reported by 9to5 Mac, Apple is said to be working on an update to its low-cost, entry-level iPad. In its 10th generation update, the device may feature a USB-C connector, an A14 chip, 5G connectivity, and a larger, 10.5-inch display. There is little information as to the design and if it will retain the current form factor with a Touch ID home button.
Macbook Pro 13 with M2 coming 17/06
Apple shared today that on Friday the 17th of June at 5AM PFT, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 will be available for customer orders. There is no word yet on the more exciting MacBook Air with M2. But Apple did have this to say:
Users love the compact design of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and now with M2, it gets even more performance and capabilities. It features a next-generation 8-core CPU with advancements in both performance and efficiency cores, along with Apple’s next-generation GPU, which now has up to 10 cores — two more than M1. And with its active cooling system, MacBook Pro is designed to sustain pro performance for those with more demanding workflows.
Apple
This device may be using an older design but thanks to the M2 chip, it should receive regular updates and software support for many years to come. And that starts with a free upgrade to macOS Ventura this autumn.