Dennis Sellers

<p class="">On April 4, 2013, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White predicted that Apple woul introduce an Apple-branded HDTV (the "iTV") with an accompanying "iRing," a ring accessory that lets you control the set by pointing their finger. It never happened, but it was an interesting idea, though I see several flaws.</p>

<p class="">Apple has been granted a patent for “peripheral treatment for head-mounted displays” that hint at more features of the rumored “Apple Glasses.” It mainly explains the way such a device will provide augmented reality views.</p>

<p class="">Apple has been granted yet another patent (number 10,600,989) that hints at iPhones and iPads with flexible displays. This one involves the use of a hinge.</p>

<p class="">On a regular basis, <em>Apple World Today </em>posts a list of notable new apps or app updates that have been released. They may not necessarily be new, but they're popular and deserve mention. Here are this week’s picks.</p>

<p class="">Reports from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC7U4jb9tDs&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">iUpdate</a> and the Israeli site <a href="https://theverifier.co.il/45992/exclusive-apple-watchos-7-features-and-new-hardware-series-6-7/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Verifier</a> say that an upcoming Apple Watch will incorporate Touch ID either via a fingerprint sensor built into the Digital Crown or a fingerprint sensor built under the watch screen itself.</p>

<p class="">Apple has released a new screening tool and set of resources to help people stay informed and take the proper steps to protect their health during the spread of COVID-19, based on the latest CDC guidance.</p>

<p class="">Apple has filed for a patent (number 2020096770) that suggests the rumored "Apple Glasses” will have a “tunable lens.”</p>

<p class="">Taiwanese makers of iPhone-bound printed circuit boards (PCBs) deny rumors that Apple’s 2020 iPhone will be delayed by months, according to a <a href="https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20200327PD200.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DigiTimes</a> (a subscription is required to read the entire article).</p>

<p class="">Apple’s latest hardware releases — the revamped MacBook Air, Mac mini, and iPad Pro -- go under the microscope in a <a href="http://www.macvoices.com/macvoices-20102-peter-cohen-on-the-new-mac-mini-ipad-pro-and-macbook-air-part-1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacVoices discussion</a> with Peter Cohen.</p>

<p class="">In a note to clients -- as noted by <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacRumors </a>— analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple plans to launch several laptop AND desktop Macs with its own custom designed ARM-based processors in the first quarter of 2021 (or perhaps late this year).</p>

<p class="">I’ve been playing — er, working with — the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro since March 25 and have found it to be — not surprisingly — a great tablet. But I know your question: is it now a feasible laptop alternative/replacement? My answer remains the same as it has been for some time: “yes” for many folks, “no” for others (including me).</p>

<p class="">As noted by <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacRumors</a>, Apple is offering new free trial options for Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X, its pro video and pro audio editing applications. The tech giant is giving customers 90 days to try ‘em before buying ‘em.</p>

<p class="">A currently unpatched security vulnerability affecting iOS 13.3.1 or later prevents virtual private networks (VPNs) from encrypting all traffic and can lead to some Internet connections bypassing VPN encryption to expose users' data or leak their IP addresses, reports <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/unpatched-ios-bug-blocks-vpns-from-encrypting-all-traffic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bleeping Computer</a>.</p>

<p class="">If there's one company that’s in a great position to survive the coronavirus pandemic, it's Apple. The tech giant ended 2019 with US$247 billion in cash, securities and account receivables.</p>

<p class=""><a href="https://sensortower.com/blog/revenue-per-iphone-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to</a> a study by <em>Sensor Tower</em>, consumer spending per active iPhone reached a “key milestone” in the U.S. last year with the average amount spent on in-app purchases (IAP) and premium apps reaching an estimated US$100 for the first time.</p>