Thursday Apple Rumors: Will Apple Debut New Products at WWDC?

by Christopher Freeburn | May 22, 2014 12:46 pm

Here are your Apple rumors[1] and AAPL news items for today:

daily apple rumors AAPL[2]Surprise: Sources tell 9to5Mac that Apple (AAPL[3]) plans to take the wraps off “new hardware[4]” at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month. Apple has typically shown off some new devices at previous WWDC events. Last year, it unveiled its totally-redesigned Mac Pro at the annual conference. The new report conflicts with recent rumors, which had suggested that Apple would not display new equipment at this year’s WWDC, opting instead to focus on its Mac OS X 10.10 refresh and the upcoming iOS 8, which is expected to launch later this year along with the iPhone 6. Apple is widely expected to release a smartwatch — dubbed the iWatch — along with an updated Apple TV set-top box, a 12-inch MacBook, updated tablets and, of course, two iPhone 6 models this year. Most analysts have expected the iPhone 6 and iWatch to launch in September or later. This year’s WWDC will be held at the Moscone West center in San Francisco between June 2 and June 6. Apple has confirmed that the WWDC keynote will begin at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time) on June 2 and run until about noon. On Wednesday, Apple released an update for its official WWDC app[5] for iOS urging users to “download this update to get all the latest news and information for WWDC 2014 as it’s posted.”

Footprint: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Apple has signed a deal to lease a seven-building complex in Sunnyvale, Calif[6]. The 290,000-square-foot Sunnyvale Crossing complex can provide workspace for about 1,450 workers. Sources say that Apple has signed seven-to-ten year leases in Sunnyvale, a change from its previous preference for three-to-five year leases. Two years ago, Apple also leased space in two Santa Clara buildings. The Sunnyvale expansion comes as Apple begins work on its new futuristic-styled headquarters building in Cupertino. The new HQ complex, which has been described as appearing like a spaceship, will ultimately provide space for 14,200 workers.

Permission: Apple has secured a license to operate[7] in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, AppleInsider notes. According to a report in Al Eqtisadiah, a Saudi Arabian newspaper, Apple has obtained clearance from the Saudi government to run product marketing and service operations, as well as provide IT services and provide training. Saudi Arabia is looking to attract investment from selected foreign companies that could boost the country’s economy. Apple will conduct business in the kingdom under the name “Apple of Saudi Arabia.”

For more about the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors[8] stories.

Endnotes:

  1. Apple rumors: https://investorplace.com/search/?q=Apple+Rumors&searchsubmit=Search
  2. [Image]: https://investorplace.com/hot-topics/apple-rumors-stock-news/#.U338d15hOf3
  3. AAPL: http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/investplace/quote?Symbol=AAPL
  4. new hardware: http://9to5mac.com/2014/05/21/apple-confirms-wwdc-2014-keynote-to-be-held-monday-june-2nd-at-10-am/
  5. released an update for its official WWDC app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id640199958?mt=8
  6. to lease a seven-building complex in Sunnyvale, Calif: http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_25809442/apple-plans-occupy-290-000-square-foot-office
  7. has secured a license to operate: http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/05/21/apple-granted-license-to-sell-products-in-saudi-arabia-
  8. Apple Rumors: https://investorplace.com/2012/04/hot-topics/apple-rumors-stock-news/

Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2014/05/thursday-apple-rumors-will-apple-debut-new-products-wwdc/