Apple ditches Beats; AirPods' bigger sibling reportedly in works

Apple's AirPods may not be the best option available for the audiophiles, but they sure created a stir in the industry and were sold like hot cakes. The popularity was such that the company is now planning to expand audio gear portfolio but under its own brand. KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple is working on over-ear headphones under its own name rather than Beats.

There aren't many details available, but Apple would reportedly be focusing on high-end audio - hopefully, this means balanced audio rather than Beats' high bass audio.

AirPods' bigger version?

While not mentioned, but these would wireless too and will possibly incorporate AirPods wireless chip. It is also said to heavily rely on Siri's voice. The analyst believes that the headphones will ship no longer than the fourth quarter of 2108 but named two of the suppliers (Primax and SZS).

As always, this isn't confirmed whether the device will make it to . The move seems like Apple wants to capitalize on the popularity of the AirPods.

New tools

Apple is also reportedly working on a new tool and will introduce it with iOS 12 slated to launch this fall. The new tool will fight iPhone and iPad addiction among children alongside a slew of new features.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple's forthcoming iOS 12 mobile operating will bring a new tool dubbed as Digital Health, which enables parents to monitor the time their kids spend on their iPad and iPhones.

In January, Apple received an open letter by two of its major investors, who urged the company to fight iPhone addiction in kids. The Cupertino-based giant responded to the letter saying it will soon be implementing new parental control features with the upcoming iOS update.

iOS 12

With iOS 12, Apple will reportedly put major features on second priority for the next two years and will try to fix current iPad and iPhone issues by adding additional changes to the operating system.

Apart from the Digital Health tool, the Animojis for iPhone X users will witness improvements. The update will also fix issues with the ability to run certain iOS apps such as the Home app. What's more interesting, the third-party apps will be able to function across iPhones, iPads and Mac computers - a feature that will involve both iOS and macOS 10.14.