Dennis Sellers

<p class="">Apple has applied for a patent (number 10,630,500) for "selection of a coordinator device for an automated environment" that hints that it may be considering its own line of “smart home” products. Or the patent could simply involve more HomeKit features and increased cooperation with third party product suppliers.</p>

<p class="">The global tablet Applications Processor (AP) market grew 2% year-over-year to reach $1.9 billion, according to a new report from <a href="http://www.strategyanalytics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Strategy Analytics</a>. And Apple gained even more ground with its custom-made iPad processors, according to the research group.</p>

<p class="">Jeff Carlson just finished his latest effort, <em>Take Control of Apple Watch for Take Control Books</em>, a detailed examination of the capabilities of the current version of the hardware and software, with a nod to the future.</p>

<p class="">The rumor mill is churning today with reports of a 23-inch iMac, delays of some iPhone 5G models, and new AirPods. Let's look at the rumors, and see what the Sellers Research Group (that’s me) thinks about each one.</p><p class=""> </p>

<p class="">Apple TV+, Apple’s streaming service, has picked up a shortform series from the Jim Henson Company. featuring the stars of the 1980s favorite, <em>Fraggle Rock</em>, in a new adventure, called <em>Fraggle Rock: Rock On,</em> according to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fraggle-rock-returns-apple-shortform-series-1291068" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Hollywood Reporter</a>.</p>

<p class="">As you know, there's a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), putting doctors, nurses and extended care teams at risk for contracting COVID-19. At the same time, patients are under intense isolation and without their families — prompting leading medical associations like the American Medical Association to call for expedition in implementing telemedicine.</p>

<p class="">Apple is still hoping to make a deal for the rights to Pac-12 college sports content for its Apple TV+ streaming service, according to <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2020/04/20/Media/Pac12-digital-rights.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sports Business Daily</a>.</p>

<p class=""><a href="http://email.maxborgesagency.com/c/eJwVzUuOwyAQRdHVmCEqim8NGHSi9D7AFE4kYluGKJ3dtyO9yR08nRIJQc1VPCICAhhUSoNCkEreDF4vhsjSDYIFNxl4pr-8HQv3tPA6f-S8PcU9InlrClFmCroghECka63WYkJURrR4H2Pvk_6Z8Pfc3l5Lyo2__zPFEQuv66PLzq3x0U8p7Xvj93a0IsdW0keMmCwp73Kwzgcw2dOJZucgQS3qy4xYA2dlHVsgJvYh-0Q-VxecweJ0-QfBckU-" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Plugable</a>, a developer of USB devices, has launched the Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Dual Display Docking Station.</p>

<p class="">Apple has notified several of its suppliers that it plans to make about 213 million iPhones in the 12 months through March 2021, up 4% from the same period a year ago, despite some suppliers' belief that orders could end up being significantly lower, according to <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Telecommunication/Apple-aims-to-increase-iPhone-output-by-4-through-March" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nikkei Asian Review</a>.</p>

<p class="">Apple has given us the Apple Watch. Will it give us an “Apple Ring”? The company has filed for a third patent (number 10,627,902) for such a device with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.</p>

<p class="">Apple’s planned iPad Pro with 5G support and a mini-LED screen has been pushed from a late 2020 release to 2021, according to a new Chinese-language report by <a href="https://udn.com/news/story/7240/4506755" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">United Daily News</a>.</p>

<p class="">Apple announced that starting today, ore customers around the world can enjoy many of Apple Services. The App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and iCloud are now available in 20 more countries, and Apple Music is available in 52 additional countries.</p>

<p class=""><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-20/france-says-apple-s-bluetooth-policy-is-blocking-virus-tracker">Bloomberg</a> reports that France is asking Apple to remove a technical obstacle in iOS that it says is delaying a government contract-tracking app designed to contain the COVID-19 spread.</p>

<p class="">Remaining contestants on <em>American Idol</em> will film their next performances and submit them on an iPhone with three episodes left in the season, reports <a href="https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-idol-abc-fremantle-live-shows-1202911320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deadline</a>.</p>

<p class="">The rumor mill is off to a strong start this week. Let's round 'em up and see how likely they are to happen.</p>