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This week’s Apple news, including the latest iPhone 16 hardware leaks, iPhone 15 issues, foldable iPhone plans, Mac touchscreens, Apple’s quiet AI gain, Windows losing iTunes, Apple Maps mess, and more. Let’s look back at the headlines.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of some of the many discussions surrounding Apple over the past seven days. Also check out Forbes’ weekly digest of Android news.
iPhone 16 is gearing up for Vision Pro
New details of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have leaked, bringing some impressive changes to the main camera. This year’s layout has two lenses placed vertically. Not only is the camera lens closer to the chassis than previous raised lenses, but the layout also represents an interesting choice to support Apple’s expanding ecosystem.
“While the angled position seen on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus allowed for a larger lens to be mounted on a similarly sized square camera panel, the vertical shape is similar to the current iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This could mean that it could include features exclusive to the Pro model of the ‘Series. “
Its function? 3D recording for playback on the Apple Vision Pro headset, Apple’s Spatial Recording.
(Forbes).
Apple addresses issues with iPhone 15
A surprise release of iOS is expected in the next week or two to fix a troubling issue found in the iPhone 15 family. iOS 17.4 will be a groundbreaking release, but we can’t delay it. Therefore, iOS 17.3.1 is released to address bug fixes related to text display. Because if this release is delayed, 17.4 will also be delayed. And that can’t happen:
”[iOS 17.4 has to arrive on time, because it’s fitting in with new legislation. That’s the Digital Markets Act and though it only affects the 27 countries of the European Union, for now at least, it needs to be punctual. And since Apple wouldn’t release an update for one territory and not another, that means it has to be ready to go in the U.S. at the same time as the EU. In other words, a delay now, to minor updates like the new iOS 17.3.1 could have a catastrophic effect on the big update coming next month.
(Forbes).
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Can’t Find The Magic
As the Android world continues to explore and innovate in the foldable phone space, Apple remains committed to the slab style in public. Naturally, the R&D team are doing their own work, but a recent report by The Information, Apple is facing the same challenges as the competition:
“…they’re too thick when folded up; they’re easily broken; they would cost more than non-foldable versions; the seam in the middle of the display tends to be both visible and feel-able; and the hinge on an iPad-sized device would prevent the device from sitting flat on a table (though this concern hasn’t stopped Apple from introducing substantial camera bumps on many of its tablets and all of its phones).”
(The Information via Ars Technica).
Touching Your MacBook
Apple has resolutely refused to add a touch screen to the MacBook, but with macOS and iPadOS drawing closer together, the lack of a screen-based input is an Achilles’ heel. This week saw Apple granted a patent for an Apple Pencil-like device that can be stored in the MacBook and used to interact with the screen:
“There’s one big operational difference between the iPad and the MacBook… a touchscreen. While you can work with the trackpad, it’s not a great solution. If Apple is looking to equip the MacBook with an Apple Pencil, that suggests a digitizer for the stylus and a touchscreen is being planned.”
(Forbes).
Apple’s Quiet AI Grab
Android manufacturers, led by Google’s Android 14 and the launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, have leaned heavily into AI with their latest handsets. Yet Apple is working behind the scenes to bolster its corporate knowledge and toolsets through the purchase of smaller AI companies, according to the latest report from Statista:
“Apple’s pursuit of AI innovation has been evident in recent years. The tech giant has made a series of strategic acquisitions, including staff hires from AI startups to bolster its AI capabilities across various product lines […] Apple has acquired up to 32 AI startups by 2023, the most of any tech giant. In terms of overall AI startup acquisitions, Google follows Apple with 21, followed by Meta with 18 and Microsoft with 17. ”
(Statista via 9to5Mac).
Goodbye Windows Cuckoo
At a time when Macs were rarely seen on the market (at least outside of designers and publishers), iTunes on Windows was for many people first the iPod, then the iPhone and the introduction to Apple’s ecosystem. It was the entrance. Perhaps the world’s greatest cuckoo egg is preparing to say goodbye to its useful nest.
“Apple will officially launch the Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple Devices apps on Windows this week. These apps originally launched in preview last year, but after working with Microsoft to launch the apps, Apple , the preview tag has been removed.” Together with the completely revamped iCloud for Windows app, these apps are designed to move Windows users away from their dependence on iTunes. ”
(The Verge).
And finally…
Apple Maps is causing a bit of a problem in my hometown of Edinburgh this week. Things get weird when roads are closed and Apple Maps doesn’t register updates. For example, a vehicle driving on a former road that is now a staircase:
”[Edinburgh] The council said it was aware that the changes caused vehicles to run into bumps.
A representative for the City of Edinburgh told Fortune that Google had updated its GPS to reflect that Greenside Lane was no longer suitable for vehicle traffic, while Apple was asked to make a correction…Map updated While waiting to confirm what happened, the city council installed temporary fencing to prevent further incidents from occurring. ”
(luck).
Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any future coverage. You can read last week’s Apple Loop here. You can also read this week’s issue of Android Circuit, Loop’s sister column, on Forbes.
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