#385 - Industrial Design Team shakeup!

This week: some major changes are in store for Apple’s legendary industrial design team… we discuss. Plus: Apple commits to fixing all MacBook keyboard issues in just ONE day. This is huge. And it looks like not one but TWO new versions of the AirPods are in development, with one being released this year. We’ll fill you in. And the new Powerbeats Pro wireless earphones are almost here, and they look like the higher quality AirPods we’ve always wanted.

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On the show this week

@erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney

 

This week's stories

Order Leander's new book, signed!

Apple sets 24-hour turnaround time for MacBook keyboard repairs

• Apple has ordered that sticky MacBook keys be repaired fast enough that, whenever possible, the owner can get their computer back the next day.
• An internal Apple memo said this:
• • “Most keyboard-related repairs will be required to be completed in store until further notice. Additional service parts have been shipped to stores to support the increased volume. These repairs should be prioritized to provide next-day turnaround time.”
• Keyboard issues were previously being sent out for repairs, which could take a full week.
• Apple is now prioritizing repairs and they will be done in store whenever possible. The goal is to get your laptop back to you in 24 hours.
• My source says they see rarely see issues with the 3rd get butterfly keyboard He works at one of the busiest stores on the the west coast.
• They see 2017 and 2016 MBP keyboard issues all the time...
• When they do see issues, it’s usually with someone who does a lot of typing
• For 2016 2017 models, he said most issues are from debris under the keys.
• They use a special tool to remove the key, blow it out with canned air, and wipe it out with alcohol, then it’s “good as new”

Renowned Apple analyst thinks 2 new AirPod models are on the way

• Ming-Chi Kuo says Cupertino plans to release two new models of AirPods, either at the end of this year or the start of 2020.
• The two models Kuo mentions will include a more expensive and a cheaper option. This would make the AirPods product lineup similar to how Apple has been dividing the iPhone since 2013’s iPhone 5c and 5s. Kuo says the pricier AirPods option will include a redesigned form factor. The cheaper models, meanwhile, will retain the same design and pricing as the current model.

Third-gen AirPods may be on the way before end of 2019

• We may only just be getting used to our second-gen AirPods, but Apple is reportedly gearing up to release its third generation AirPods.
• According to a new Digitimes report, the AirPods 3 headphones will go on sale by the end of 2019. The main selling point of the new AirPods will be their smart noise-cancelling tech.
• AirPods are reportedly Apple’s second-best-selling new product of all time.

Powerbeats Pro will only be available in black at launch

• Apple revealed the Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds earlier this month with black, ivory, moss and navy color options. The ivory ones look especially sleek, but it appears that only the black ones will be available at launch.
• Black launch mid May, others available this summer.
• The new Powerbeats Pro are the first truly wireless earbuds to come out of the Beats by Dre labratory. They’re pretty much the same as the new AirPods, only they have better sweat and water resistance. Longer battery life is one of the other standout features and they have the same H1 wireless chip you’ll find in the updated AirPods that came out last month.

Samsung delays Galaxy Fold launch

• Samsung is hitting the brakes on the launch of its folding smartphone, the Galaxy Fold and have recalled all the review units.
• Galaxy Fold units were supposed to start shipping to customers on April 26th with units costing $1980 a piece.
• Samsung is now saying they’ll be reinforcing the screen, and announcing another new release date "in the coming weeks."
• If you don’t know the screens were having all sorts of issues.
• Rewiewers were unknowably removing the plastic screen protector which was causing failures.
• One reviewer found that something got behind the bend of the display and caused a bulge.
• There’s was a weirdly visible crease in on the screen where it folds. The Verge highlighted that.