Looking back at another week of news and headlines from Cupertino, this week’s Apple Loop includes Apple’s iPhone security warning, Apple launch event leaks, increased iPhone 14 price, another iPad delayed, Apple adds production in Vietnam, thoughts on the MacBook Air M2. , Apple’s next USB-C move, and how could the iPod make a comeback?
Apple Loop is here to remind you of some of the many discussions that have taken place around Apple over the past seven days (and you can read my weekly roundup of Android news here on Forbes).
Massive iPhone security issues confirmed
Apple has confirmed reports of two major iOS exploits that leave older iPhones at risk. To counter this, iOS 15.6.1 has been released, along with a warning for users to update immediately to have these two security holes patched. Kate O’Flaherty reports:
“The first issue fixed in iOS 15.6.1 is a vulnerability in the iPhone kernel tracked as CVE-2022-32894 that could allow an app to execute code with kernel privileges. “Apple is aware of a report that may have been actively this problem. exploited,” the iPhone maker says on its support page.
“The other issue fixed in iOS 15.6.1 is a flaw in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari, CVE-2022-32893, which could allow arbitrary code execution. Apple says it believes attackers have used in real-life scenarios.”
(Forbes).
OMOTESANDO, TOKYO, JAPAN – 09/27/2021: iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro smartphones spotted… [+] is shown inside an Apple Store in Omotesando, Tokyo. (Photo by Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
iPhone launch day leaks
We’re still waiting for confirmation from Apple itself, but reports indicate that Tim Cook and his team will take the stage in Cupertino on September 7 to announce the iPhone 14 family. It looks like we’re getting news about the new iPhones a week earlier than usual. Let’s see what it does with physical release and availability:
“Apple Inc. aims to hold a launch event on Sept. 7 to introduce the iPhone 14 lineup, according to people with knowledge of the matter, launching the latest version of a product that generates more than half of its sales. The new iPhones will kick off a busy fall product season, which will also include several new Macs, low-end and high-end iPads and three Apple Watch models.”
(Bloomberg).
The price of the iPhone is planned
In addition to details about an early release date, potential price news has gone in another direction for the iPhone 14 family. Prepare for a price hike, especially on the Pro Max models:
“TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that the “iPhone 14 series ASP [average selling price] would increase by about 15% compared to the ASP of the iPhone 13 series”. Yes, 15% is significantly higher than previous price leaks and has raised alarm bells around a potential iPhone 14 Pro Max of $1300 entry level. But the full picture is a bit more complicated.”
(Forbes).
Power issues slowing down your iPad?
Apple is also expected to announce a new iPad at the same event, but questions are already being asked about stock levels due to manufacturing issues in China:
“Kuo said the temporary power outage may affect iPad assembly facilities in Chengdu and Chongqing, operated by Foxconn and Compal. He added that it is “difficult to assess production impacts at this time.” , but its impact should be limited if the power outage can be possible. will end on August 20. Flexible production scheduling could mitigate the effects of power outages, but it is unclear how affect iPad supplies if power is not restored by August 20.”
(Ming-Chi Kuo via MacRumors).
Apple brings Vietnam further into the production chain
Held in the chain of production chain news, Apple is expanding its product line in Vietnam. Apple Watch and MacBook will join iPad and AirPods manufacturing. Not only should this help with demand spikes, but it also diversifies Apple’s risk across assembly plans and indeed across countries:
“Apple is in talks to make the Apple Watch and MacBook in Vietnam for the first time, marking another win for the Southeast Asian country as the US tech giant looks to diversify production outside of China. The Apple suppliers Luxshare Precision Industry and Foxconn have begun trial production of the Apple Watch in northern Vietnam with the goal of producing the device outside of China for the first time, said three people with direct knowledge of the question in Nikkei Asia”.
(The Nikke thing).
Some thoughts on the MacBook Air M2
What if getting the best “bang for the buck” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Mark Ellis reviews the MacBook Air M2 and, after careful consideration, decides it’s a little too much for him:
“…the new design is something to behold. I absolutely love the look of the MacBook Pro mini, and it’s easily the most satisfying laptop I’ve ever worn. It also gets better the longer you have it. Even the midnight version spots quickly become a non-event; they are almost similar to a worn leather patina. The screen is also a really nice upgrade over the M1 version. That extra brightness has served me well over the past few weeks with the blazing sun streaming in through every available window.”
(Mark Ellis in the middle).
What’s next for Apple?
Once again, the topic of USB-C connectivity, or more specifically the universality of USB-C use and its potential to reduce e-waste, comes up in conversations about Apple products. The new entry-level iPad might not be ready to make the switch this year, but it’s coming:
“In addition to the new high-end iPad Pro, Apple also plans to revise its most affordable iPad this year. The 10th generation iPad is expected this fall and could be the biggest update to the entry-level iPad in years… The new iPad 10 is also rumored to switch to USB-C from Lightning for charging and data transfer.The form factor is also expected to be updated with flat edges similar to the iPad Pro, the iPad Pro and the iPad mini.”
(9to5Mac).
And finally…
Is the iPod coming back? Apple’s classic music player in iPhone form has never had the prestige of its GSM-connected sibling, but does it still have a place? If he were to be revived, where would he go?
“One use case that seemed like reason enough to keep the iPod touch around is the many merchants, corporations, and businesses that used the device as an RFID scanner and payment processor at the point of sale.
“Retailers, including the Apple Store, process payments using a mobile device and a card reader. All of these uses can be done with an iPhone or iPod touch. If the mobile is not needed, a basic iPod touch is would fit the need perfectly. It will be interesting to see what these companies do when their iPod touches get old and they have to replace them all.”
(Apple Insider).
Apple Loop brings you seven days of highlights every weekend here at 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 the Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.