Taking a look back at another week of news and headlines from Cupertino, this week’s Apple Loop includes a shock iPhone 15 Pro leak, new Action Button details, disappointing iPhone 15 news, MacBooks on contracts, Apple’s surprising decision, a colorful USB update, and the death of the Dynamic Island.
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 15 Price Shock
With the launch of the iPhone 15 family fast approaching, many who have been holding off will be ready to buy a new phone. When they do, there’s going to be a bit of sticker shock at the increased price:
“In a new exclusive, Digitimes sources confirm the much-discussed potential $200 price increase for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but also state that the iPhone 15 Pro is unlikely to escape the hikes with a $100 price jump as well… The iPhone 15 Pro Max price may also rise close to $2,000 if leaks about a new top tier two terabyte storage option are borne out.”
(Digitimes via Forbes).
iPhone 15 Action Button Details
Apple’s replacement for the mute switch is the Action Button, and a closer look at the iOS 17 beta reveals more details on how the immovable button will work:
“The code reveals enhanced haptic feedback patterns, specifically for toggling Silent Mode off as well as on. Historically, iOS had a simple haptic notification when users activated Silent Mode, but there was no such feedback when deactivating it. After all, such feedback was unnecessary, given users were using a physical switch to silence their phones.”
(Forbes)
Launch Dates And Retail Delay
While everyone expects Apple to reveal all of the new iPhone models on September 12th, will they all go on sale simultaneously? It looks like the top-of-the-range iPhone 15 Pro Max model will arrive late – although a small shipment may reach stories to satisfy an arbitrary launch window:
“But the iPhone 15 Pro Max looks like being delayed. According to 9to5Mac, who heard it from “a major equity analyst note”, one component exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be in short supply, meaning that it won’t arrive until early to mid-October. All four phones will be revealed at the same time and it’s possible Apple will have some stocks so it won’t announce a different onsale date for the Pro Max.”
(Forbes).
Would You Buy A MacBook On Contract?
While many still use contracts and monthly payments to help finance a new phone purchase, most laptops are bought outright. This makes UK company Sky’s offer to finance a laptop purchase in the same way as a mobile an interesting option that may become more widespread in the future:
“Next time, however, I may not have to worry so much about that decision when seeking out my best MacBook of the future. The news this week that Sky is to offer Apple MacBook on contract was something I initially shrugged off: “Surely that’ll cost loads more?” was my initial assumption. But that’s actually not the case.”
(T3)
Apple’s Thumbs Up For Right To Repair
This week, the Right To Repair movement picked up an unexpected supporter in California. With sealed batteries, proprietary calibration machines, and a strict control on parts, Apple’s endorsement of the current bill is certainly worth noting:
“In an unprecedented move, Apple has officially endorsed Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman’s Right to Repair Bill in California. This endorsement comes on the heels of intense lobbying battles over the past few years that halted the bill behind the scenes, primarily due to resistance from Apple and other manufacturers.”
(iFixit).
Rejoice At The New Cable
Perhaps the most significant and exciting change with September’s product launch is… a longer USB cable. And not just any USB cable… they’ll come in multiple colors! How fabulous:
“Apple device collector “Kosutami,” who has revealed most of the details about the color-matched and braided USB-C to USB-C cables allegedly accompanying the iPhone 15 models, now says that the cable is 1.5m in length. The rumor was also shared by “Majin Bu,” who added that the new cables should be much more durable. The longer cable will presumably necessitate redesigned packaging.”
(MacRumors).
And Finally…
Some of Apple’s new hardware initiatives work out. Some don’t. The dynamic island around the selfie camera cutout of the iPhone hoped to be the former, but it’s looking like the latter:
“Splitting out the notification hub into a section that displays time-sensitive alerts has certainly had its benefits. However, Dynamic Island’s utility is almost entirely dependent on app support. And the lack of broader developer support means I usually stare at a large black blob on my screen most of the time.”
(Android Authority).
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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