Taking a look back at another week of news and headlines from Cupertino, this week’s Apple Loop includes the latest iPhone 16 leaks, problems with the iPhone 15 Pro, iOS bug-fix released, a MacBook Pro mystery, Apple’s amazing USB cable, the Apple search engine, and an expensive Apple Watch is left behind.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the very many discussions that have happened around Apple over the last seven days (and you can read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes).
iPhone 16 Details Leak
Given the long lead time to design and develop a new smartphone, it will come as no surprise that Apple is hard at work on the iPhone 16 family. It may be early days yet, but the broad physical details on the handsets have leaked:
“Current information suggests that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will maintain the same dimensions as the current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, with the only difference being an increase in weight of around 2 grams for both models – 173g for the iPhone 16 , and 203g for iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes as their predecessors.”
(MacRumors).
Apple Confirms iPhone 15 Overheating Issues
Following the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, many users encountered handsets that were running hot. Apple acknowledged the issue earlier this week, citing a higher-than-expected power draw by third-party apps. David Phelan reports, with Apple’s statement:
“We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out.”
(Apple via Forbes).
Important iOS Bugfix Released
To address the issue, Apple has released a point update to iOS. It’s not a features update; it’s not addressing any security or upgrades; it’s very much here to address the overheating issues:
“This is a small update with a very big purpose. You’ll have heard that some iPhone 15 series handsets have been overheating. Not all phones and not all the time. But enough phones and more than hot enough to catch the attention of early adopters.”
(Forbes).
A MacBook Pro Mystery
Will Apple update its professionally-focused 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops before the end of the year? A new report from supply chain watchers Digitimes suggests so, but just because the parts are in the chain does not mean a launch is imminent:
“These claims are not out of the question, but there’s good reason to doubt the launch timing in DigiTimes’ latest supply chain report. Apple updated the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January, and most rumors suggest refreshed models are coming next year… the next version of these two machines are expected to feature M3 Pro and M3 Max chips and will “probably” launch by the middle of 2024 at the latest.”
(DIgitimes via MacRumors).
It’s New, It’ Connects, Do You Want One?
There’s a brand new product available from Apple this week, which many will find useful. For the first time, a USB-A to USB-C cable is available in the Apple Store!
“This USB-C to USB-A cable is USB-IF certified and compatible with your USB-C enabled Mac, iPad, or iPhone, per the product page. Presumably, that means this USB-A to USB-C cable will work with CarPlay. That’s probably the most common reason iPhone 15 owners would be shopping for a USB-A to USB-C cable. While USB-C is becoming common in newer cars, USB-A is the only CarPlay connection option for many car”
(9to5Mac).
Apple Search, Yes Or No?
Would Apple launch its own search engine? If all the parts are there, tradition would say the launch of a search engine is a matter of when, not if. All the parts for the engine of a search engine are hidden across Apple’s portfolio. That doesn’t mean Apple is ready to close down its Google Search revenue stream. But it’s nice to show they could when it’s time for a renegotiation.
“But the best evidence of Apple’s search efforts can be seen in Spotlight, which helps users find things across their devices. A couple of iOS and macOS versions ago, Apple started adding web search results to this tool, pointing users directly to sites that might answer their questions. During different points in time, those results were powered by either Microsoft Corp.’s Bing or Alphabet Inc.’s Google. Siri also uses that technology to offer up web results.”
(Bloomberg).
And Finally…
A number of Apple Watches have reached the end of their life, at least in terms of Apple support and repairs, with the original wearables now hitting the “obsolete” status. And that includes the status-defining $17,000 18-karat gold Apple Watch.
“All first-generation Apple Watch models released in 2015 were added to Apple’s obsolete products list on September 30, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors. As a result, these outdated “Series 0″ watches are no longer eligible for repairs or other service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Provider locations.”
(MacRumors).
Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.
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