Is Apple Developing a Snapchat Killer?

Apple is reportedly working on a new video sharing app to include in later operating systems, a new report says. The new app — which will have elements of Snapchat, Instagram and Vine — is part of Apple’s new focus on bringing integrated social media networks to their lineup of mobile devices, according to Bloomberg.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is also reportedly testing features related to the video app in iOS. This is apparently a move to “capitalize on the popularity of social networks,” and in likely in response to the slowing of Apple’s hardware business, Bloomberg reported.

The app will reportedly allow users to record video, apply filters, and annotate and draw on the videos — much like Snapchat allows. Users could then send the video to their contacts, or share it via various social media networks.

It’s also being designed with speed and efficiency in mind. It will be designed for one-handed use, and sources close to the project said that a video could be shot, edited and uploaded in less than a minute, Bloomberg reported. The app — which is still in the preliminary stages — is apparently being developed in the same department that created Final Cut Pro and iMovie — and Apple has recently hired former video production specialist Joe Weil to head the project.

The tech giant hopes to launch the app sometime next year, but could scrap the project if unforeseen problems arise — or it doesn’t meet their expectations — according to MacRumors.

Other Apple apps that were reportedly cut in development include Memories — a proposed machine-learning photo management system that was slated to be bundled into the existing Photos application, according to sources close to the project. But this planned video app is just one piece of a larger social-related plan Apple has for its software and hardware — Cupertino wants to make sharing and connectivity a “system-wide” feature, Bloomberg reported.

One of these features — which has been tested and may see a future release — is an assistant-type system similar to the already existing iPhone software that recommends points of interest, contacts, and apps. Another planned feature is a way for contacts to combine all of their communications into one single app or “panel.” This feature could allow two friends to see all of their texts, emails and social media interactions in a single place, one of the sources said.

But the release of these features — and their scale — is all dependent on Apple’s stringent privacy policies. Any or all of these features could potentially be scrapped if the Apple team feels that they could expose too much personal user information or data, MacRumors reported. Apple has declined to comment on the reports, citing their policy against responding to rumor and speculation, CNBC reported.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]