Apple may be launching its new iPads TODAY!

Apple may be launching its new iPads TODAY! Firm’s online store is down sparking rumours that the anticipated release of the gadgets is imminent

  • The firm’s US site is currently showing a holding image of the Apple logo
  • It is accompanied by the message ‘We’re making updates. Check back soon’ 
  • Typically this happens when Apple is refreshing the store with new items
  • Apple has an event in week’s time that could focus on its new streaming service  

The Apple Store in the US is temporarily offline, sparking rumours that the iPhone maker could be about to launch a host of new products.

The site is currently showing a holding image of the Apple logo with the words ‘Be right back. We’re making updates to the Apple Store. Check back soon.’

Typically this happens when Apple is refreshing the store with new items, or updating the specs on existing products.

 

The Apple Store in the US is temporarily offline, sparking rumours that the iPhone maker could be about to launch its new generation of iPads. The site is currently showing a holding image of the Apple logo

But Apple has an event scheduled for a week’s time when you’d typically expect new products to be unveiled.  

Apple has several rumoured products debuting soon, including a new affordable iPad, iPad mini 5, next-generation Airpods, and its wireless charging mat.

These product announcements were expected to be made via press release during the company’s March 25 ‘It’s Showtime’ event.

But Apple could feasibly announce new products sooner, possibly so that the event can focus on its new streaming services. 

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman wrote on Twitter: ‘If Apple was to be planning, say, new iPad and iMac announcements for this week, it would make a real statement about how much it wants to focus its March 25th event on its news and video services.’

The company have been teasing investors and fans for months about its ambitions to become a Netflix-style streaming service.

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman wrote on Twitter: 'If Apple was to be planning, say, new iPad and iMac announcements for this week, it would make a real statement about how much it wants to focus its March 25th event on its news and video services'

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman wrote on Twitter: ‘If Apple was to be planning, say, new iPad and iMac announcements for this week, it would make a real statement about how much it wants to focus its March 25th event on its news and video services’

Apple has an event scheduled for a week's time when you'd typically expect new products to be unveiled, but some speculate that it could be used to unveil the new service. Apple boss Tim Cook (pictured) teased that 'new services' will be launched in 2019 earlier this year.

Apple has an event scheduled for a week’s time when you’d typically expect new products to be unveiled, but some speculate that it could be used to unveil the new service. Apple boss Tim Cook (pictured) teased that ‘new services’ will be launched in 2019 earlier this year. 

Since October 2017, Apple has bought a dozen projects – nine of which have been green-lit for a full series.

The shows are said to be backed by a budget that is set to top $1 billion (£760 million).

People familiar with the matter say that to they have been ‘racing’ to secure movies and TV shows to offer alongside its own original videos and is offering concessions to get deals done by a Friday deadline, Bloomberg reported last week.

As consumers are keeping their handsets for longer, the iPhone makers are looking towards services because of its promise as ‘the next growth area’.

Apple forecasts such sales will top $50 billion (£38bn) a year by 2021. Last year, services brought in $39.7 billion (£29bn), up 33 per cent.  

While we might get the first glimpse at Apple’s streaming service next week, the full service isn’t expected to launch until later in the year.

Most of Apple’s own movies and TV shows are either completed or nearing the end of filming.

Shows that have finished shooting include ‘Are You Sleeping?’ starring Octavia Spencer; Ronald D. Moore’s ‘For All Mankind’; M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller series; Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney’s unnamed comedy; and ‘Dickinson’ starring Hailee Steinfeld, according to MacRumors.

Apple already offers a couple of shows, including ‘Carpool Karaoke.’ 

Apple is also planning to launch a new gaming subscription service that will work like ‘Netflix for games’.

The tech giant is said to be working on the platform which will allow users to access a library of games in return for a subscription fee 

Apple is also planning to launch a new gaming subscription service that will work like 'Netflix for games', according to reports. The tech giant is said to be working on the platform which will allow users to access a library of games in return for a subscription fee (stock image)

Apple is also planning to launch a new gaming subscription service that will work like ‘Netflix for games’, according to reports. The tech giant is said to be working on the platform which will allow users to access a library of games in return for a subscription fee (stock image)

WHAT SHOWS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON APPLE’S NEW NETFLIX-RIVAL STREAMING SERVICE?

Apple is making a billion-dollar bet on its own on-demand television service that is tipped to launch in 2019.

The streaming platform, which will rival popular services Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, is set for release as early as next March, reports suggest.

Since October 2017, the firm has bought a dozen projects – nine of which have been green-lit for a full series.

The shows are backed by a budget that is set to top $1 billion (£760 million).

The programming would only be available on a subscription channel, most likely bundled with the company’s existing Apple Music streaming service. 

They include —

  •  A psychological thriller by ‘The Sixth Sense’ director M. Night Shyamalan about a couple searching for a lost child.
  •  A drama series about a network morning show starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
  •  A series on the life of hip hop magnate Dr Dre called Vital Signs.
  • A drama series from ‘La La Land’ director Damien Chazellae.
  • A revival of Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed 1985 anthology series ‘Amazing Stories’.
  • A space drama from Battlestar Galactica creator Ronald D. Moore.
  • The company is also working on projects with comedienne Kristen Wiig and Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer.

According to sources close to the project, several of the projects have been delayed by Apple, which has pushed back on mature content.

M. Night Shyamalan’s show has reportedly been pushed back because Apple requested the removal of crucifixes from the house of the main characters.

The news network drama series has also been pushed back because execs were hoping for a more ‘upbeat’ show.

Vital Signs has been cancelled completely after Apple CEO Tim Cook took issue with scenes featuring cocaine, an orgy and ‘drawn weapons’.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk