This week on AI: 'iPhone 8' plans, Apple Maps drone fleet, MacBook Pro performance shootout & more

AppleInsider

News settled down this week post-Thanksgiving, but there were still developments involving next year's OLED-equipped "iPhone 8," and hints about where Apple is going with its Maps app and future health hardware.

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Everything you need to know:

• See how the 2016 MacBook Pro beats the 2015 model in performance > >
• Apple is testing over 10 prototypes for next year's flagship iPhone > >
• Drones and indoor navigation will help to improve Maps in 2017 > >
• Samsung was denied an appeal of a $119.6M verdict in Apple's favor > >
• Apple is interested in cardiac-related health hardware > >
• Apple Pay arrived in Spain > >
• Australian banks suffered a setback in their attempt to gain access to the same NFC technology Apple Pay uses > >

For in-depth discussion of this week's hottest stories, listen to the AppleInsider podcast. Subscribe here, or stream the embed below:

A roundup of all of our hottest stories this week:

Watch: Apple's 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar vs. 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro in performance shootout

Apple asks OLED suppliers to increase output in anticipation of curved 'iPhone 8' in 2017

Apple to use drones, indoor navigation data to improve Maps in 2017

Second Samsung appeal bid on $119.6 million iPhone slide-to-unlock patent verdict denied

Recent Apple emails with FDA reveal interest with cardiac monitoring hardware, Parkinson's support

Apple launches Apple Pay in Spain with support for four financial institutions

ACCC draft determination denies Australian banks' bid to bargain or boycott Apple Pay

Apple to refund iMac hinge repairs as Belgium & Norway get carrier billing for iTunes

Apple Music student memberships now available in more than 30 regions

Apple offers new Beats & iPhone accessories, special iTunes & App Store content for World AIDS Day

Apple updates Boot Camp audio driver that was causing blown MacBook Pro speakers

Apple investigating iCloud Calendar spam solution

Apple scaling back iPhone 7 production as early demand fades - report

Researchers bypass Apple's iOS Activation Lock on iPhone and iPad

Apple blames iPhone 6s battery problems on air exposure during manufacturing

Beatlejoose76

First time listening to AI podcast and didn't make it through to the end. Agree with above. Not a good idea to eat and speak simultaneously, very unprofessional takes away credibility. Also irritating... conveys disrespect to audience. 

sweatr

I stopped listening as soon as the lip-smacking started. Past podcasts featuring this guest were similarly irritating for his running-nose sniffs, lip-smacks and passive, dull-witted responses to "What do you think about...?" questions. Glad the other guys here brought it up so you can fix it.