Kicking off another week of news and headlines from Cupertino, this week’s Apple Loop includes a sudden iPhone price increase, the loss of the iPhone 14 Pro, a disappointing MacBook Air delay, the dominance of the App Store may be over, dreaming of a new web browser, the best of iOS 16.2 features, SOS satellites will come to Europe.
The Apple Loop is here to remind you of some of the many Apple discussions over the past seven days (And you can read our weekly Android news roundup here on Forbes).
ultra price for ultra phone
The BOM of the upcoming iPhone 15 Ultra is expected to increase by $100 from the current iPhone 14 Pro Max. This means that Apple will pass on the price increase to consumers, all that $100 and more:
Now LeaksApplePro says the iPhone 15 Ultra will have a starting price of $1,299 — a $200 increase over the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the biggest one-generation jump in iPhone history. iPhone.
“The iPhone is going to be more expensive. Even in the United States. Apple is losing margins year after year. High production costs and inflation, which makes the money the company has in the bank less than its value, eventually broke the camel’s back.
(Forbes).
CUPERTINO, CA – SEPTEMBER 7: An attendee holds a new Apple iPhone 14 Pro at an Apple event … [+]
iPhone 14 is missing
Although it’s too late to order a new iPhone 14 Pro for Christmas due to production delays, the supply chain for new iPhone models is catching up but not keeping up with demand. That likely means a better-than-expected calendar for the first quarter of 2023, so keep an eye on the yearly numbers for a more accurate representation:
According to a UBS report seen by AppleInsider, analysts cut iPhone unit estimates by 5% for the December quarter and 3% for fiscal 2023. As supply improved and times wait times have declined in the United States and China, it still faces significant hurdles. in the new year.
(Apple Insider).
New screen for Apple, long wait for everyone else
Apple is set to launch the MacBook with a bright and vibrant OLED panel, bringing it into line with many Windows laptops…but that equality isn’t happening anytime soon. Apple’s Jeckerati will likely have to wait eighteen months for that to reach the consumer-focused MacBook Air:
“2024 is quite a big launch window, but there are two key moments that could happen; at WWDC in June or later in the year in the October/November window. As the second generation Apple Silicon MacBook Air launches alongside the M2 chipset at WWDC in 2022, I think it’s more likely to be June 2024… Apple is such a creature of habit and putting the Mac platform on a regular update cycle that iPhone will undoubtedly be welcomed by many consumers and businesses looking for the predictions that can predictable upgrade cycle.
(Forbes).
More than one app store for Europe
Apple has spent years defending its permission-only policy for its App Store on iPhone and iPad, giving it veto power over every developer app that runs on the devices it sells to consumers while citing security and user experience issues. The European Digital Markets Act prohibits this practice in Europe, with compliance required by 2024. Apple is preparing to comply with European legislation and allow other stores to access the platform:
These measures – reversing longstanding policies – are a response to EU laws aimed at leveling the playing field for third-party developers and improving consumers’ digital lives. For years, regulators and software makers complained that Apple and Google, which operate the two largest mobile app stores, have as much strength as the gatekeepers.
(fleurberg).
Bring real choice to iPhone browsers
Along with the App Store’s decision, Apple is also expected to remove the restriction that the only browser engine that can be used in the iPhone is Apple’s own Safari engine. That means developers looking for more controls on the web to enable better browser-based apps should have iOS alternatives in the future.
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other popular web browsers like Opera and DuckDuckGo are all currently forced to use WebKit on iOS, leading to limited differentiation with Safari. Apple has previously said WebKit requirements are imposed primarily due to security and privacy considerations. , but some argue that in anti-competitive policy.
(Mac rumors).
All the new features in iOS 16.2
New Apple security features, discussed last week here on Apple Loop, are now available in the public release of iOS 16.2, along with a number of key features. Joe Rossignol highlights the best novelties:
“Apple released iOS 16.2 this week with several new features, including the Freeform digital whiteboard app, Apple Music Sing, advanced data protection for US users, and more. Attention now turns to iOS 16.3, which is expected to enter beta testing this week. »
(Mac rumors).
To finish…
Apple’s use of SOS satellite messaging will be a lifeline for a small group of users (but it creates good addresses and a sense of security in a smartphone. That feeling will reach new customers this week as SOS will be Released in parts of continental Europe and the UK:
Satellite Emergency SOS, a new safety feature introduced with iPhone 14 that allows users to contact emergency services when they don’t have a regular cellular or Wi-Fi signal, is now available in some European countries. Canada last month, but today it’s available in France, Germany, Ireland and the UK.
(the edge).
The Apple Loop brings you seven days of special events every weekend here at Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any future coverage. 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.
