This week in Apple: Foldable iPhone tests, AirPods Pro 2, and more 2021 rumors

This week in Apple news, we heard about the future of foldable iPhones. Allegedly, Apple has completed durability testing on two foldable prototypes. Of course, it’s anyone’s guess if either model will make it to a commercial state, or when that could ever happen.

In other Apple news, we heard about the displays of upcoming iPad Pro models, AirPods Pro 2 rumors, Apple pulling a very inappropriate app from the App Store, that Mariah Carey Christmas special, and more.

See the Apple news roundup below for all the latest.

The top Apple news stories of the past week:

• Foldable iPhones move to the next phase: According to Economic Daily News, Apple could be working on no fewer than two foldable iPhone prototypes. It’s possible one could look like the third-party mock-up above. According to EDN, the two prototypes were in a durability testing phase and both have “graduated,” as it were. It is unlikely we’ll see a foldable iPhone in 2021, but this backs up earlier rumors that a foldable is on the way.
• iPad Pro with Mini-LED tech slated for Q1 2021: According to a DigiTimes report, Apple could launch a 12.9-inch iPad Pro sometime over the next few months. This new iPad would probably be one of the first — if not the first — products from the company with Mini-LED technology. Theoretically, this could make the iPad’s display even better than high-end OLED panels. We’ll need to wait and see if that ends up being true, though.
• AirPods Pro 2 could come in two sizes: A new hardware leak (found via MacRumors) suggests that there could be two sizes of the next iteration of AirPods Pro. This could be beneficial for folks who think current AirPods are either too big or too small, depending on the sizes of their ear canals.
• Caviar creates $108,000 AirPods Max: If you didn’t already balk at the AirPods Max because of their ridiculous $550 price tag, could we interest you in spending over $100,000 more on a model dipped in gold? Over-the-top Russian customization company Caviar is now selling AirPods Max with a “pure gold” finish. There’s no word on how much heavier this will make the already-heavy headphones.
• Third-party AirPods Max cases finally available: Speaking of AirPods Max, another big complaint aside from their price is their purse-like case. Thankfully, third-party firms are already rolling out solutions, with SFBags.com being one of the first. You can grab a leather case for your new headphones for $99.
• Xiaomi drops charger from Mi 11 box, just like Apple: In news everyone expected, Xiaomi announced this week that its new Mi 11 phones won’t come with a charger in the box. This is notable considering the company made fun of Apple just a few months ago for doing the same thing with the iPhone 12 series. However, Xiaomi is at least still offering the charger for free for those who want one, something Apple should also have done.
• Apple pulls controversial app from App Store: Apple this week pulled an app from the App Store called Vybe Together. On the surface, the app seems pretty standard. However, if you dig further you find out that the specific intention of the app is to help people organize private parties and skirt local regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The app’s official TikTok account has also been banned.
• That Mariah Carey Christmas special apparently was a hit: On Apple TV Plus, you can watch the Mariah Carey Magical Christmas Special. Apparently, the special was enough of a success that Apple has asked Carey to do another one for the 2021 holiday season — with an unlimited budget. Seriously. Maybe Apple could want to make it a tradition?

Thinking about making the switch?

If you are reading this Apple news article on an iOS device and thinking about making the switch to Android, we have multiple articles and guides that can help you with that process. Despite how it might seem, moving from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many of the services and systems on iOS have similar or even the same counterparts on Android.

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, consult our list of the best Android smartphones available now.