I think Apple is the gold standard. Sony doesn't really care after you pay them. Consider any update to be a bonus. There has been considerable advancement in technology since 2019. It's a shame that it's unlikely we'll see an M8.
There has been no relevant advancement in optics since 2019, and 1" cameras/sensors are not about computational processing but image acquisiition.
As long as people have no viable suggestion what an M8 should have over an M7, the whole clamor leaves me meh.
Faster sensor readout time, AI-AF, 10-bit video, USB-C, CFexpress Type A.
I don't know about using CFe type A, but surely it could get SD UHS-II. Not like I shoot tons of action on my M7, but it does take a while to clear the buffer if I shoot a full burst.
It could definitely benefit from newer subject detection autofocus. I've tested it (by pointing it at my TV) and the animal detect autofocus doesn't detect very many animals. Cats and dogs, sure, and some birds, but it fails with most other animals.
On the other hand, do we really want or need better AI autofocus? It sounds good, but even if they are able to cram a Bionz X or XR chip in there, it would probably take a serious hit to the battery life. Sure, it'd be cool if it autodetected a bunny or lizard running around while I'm out and about photographing other stuff, but I don't know if I'd trade that for lower battery life; it's not like the RX100 line is known for stellar battery life.
