A+ Report

The most significant change to the iPhone this year is due to an EU mandate rather than Apple's innovation. Adopting USB-C is a welcome move, but it's far from the innovations of the past.

Another year, another iPhone, with Apple claiming huge improvements making it the best one yet. With the iPhone 15, there are noticeable enhancements for those who upgrade annually.

The regular and plus-sized handsets have a faster processor and improved camera, replacing their notches with the dynamic island from last year's pro phones. This year's pro phones feature a lighter titanium body and an even more powerful processor.

However, Apple changing the charging port is less common. The iPhone 15 swaps lightning for USB-C, offering numerous benefits. You can charge iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods with the same cable; plug in external storage devices; and enjoy faster file transfer speeds on pro models.

The convenience of using one cable for various devices is a great perk. However, Apple's adoption of USB-C is due to European regulators rather than innovation.

USB-C is arguably the most meaningful change to the iPhone for most users. A survey suggests over 60% of iPhone owners would be influenced to buy an upgrade because of USB-C, and 44% of Android owners might switch.

The fact that this new feature has been forced upon Apple by politicians reveals much about modern smartphones where iteration dominates innovation. Major leaps forward are now rarer, with rivals Samsung and Google struggling to make foldable smartphones mainstream.

For technophiles, an annual phone upgrade remains attractive. But for everyone else, a new phone is likely borne out of necessity rather than excitement – fittingly exemplified by the iPhone 15's most notable update.

Apple may withdraw FaceTime and iMessage from the UK rather than compromise their security features, if new government proposals are enacted. These proposals involve updating the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, potentially obliging tech companies to seek home office approval for new security features before they can be released to customers.

Apple has consistently opposed this Act since its inception in 2015 and is now actively resisting it. The company has submitted a nine-page document detailing its objections during government consultations on the proposed amendments. Apple's primary argument is that it's unreasonable to demand clearance from the UK before launching a global security feature and unfair to dilute security for one country but not others.

Running different versions of services in various countries isn't something Apple favours. If these changes are implemented by the government, Apple may choose to withdraw its services entirely.

For this outcome to become probable, two events must occur: significant backlash against these rules and removal of existing review processes regarding encryption disablement. Under current regulations, while addressing national security or child protection issues, a company can be asked by the government to disable encryption; however, appeals can delay action until resolution.

The proposed update aims at eliminating such delays - once notified; tech firms would have no choice but immediately disable their security measures.

While Apple asserts that it won't hesitate in pulling out if such modifications take place, users needn't worry just yet as neither FaceTime nor iMessage will disappear overnight. As more stringent regulations get imposed on tech firms by the UK Government, resistance grows with companies like Apple insisting they cannot compromise on essential elements like customer data security.

The recently launched 15-inch MacBook Air has received great reviews, but according to a new report from Digitimes, sources in the supply chain are claiming that sales have been lower than expected, possibly up to 50% below predictions.

As a result, there may be some scaling back of production, although it’s not clear if this has begun or is still being considered. Some resellers, including possibly Apple itself, are calling for production of the 15-inch MacBook Air to cease.

While Digitimes has a strong track record for its supply chain sources, its conclusions about Apple’s plans have been less reliable in the past.

The 15-inch MacBook Air’s key feature is its larger screen, which was previously only available on much more expensive MacBook Pro models.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 14 range also introduced a new standard model with a larger screen.

While it’s uncertain whether Digitimes is correct about the sales figures, a disappointing performance for the 15-inch MacBook Air would be reminiscent of the reportedly unpopular iPhone 14 Plus, although it seems like Apple is going to persist with this strategy. There doesn’t seem to be a plan to return to a Mini format any time soon.

A group of more than 1,500 developers in the UK has recently filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, claiming that the App Store fee is excessive and that it stems from the company’s app distribution monopoly.

Apple charges developers a commission of up to 30% on transactions made on its platform, which has been a topic of discussion among governments and developers worldwide. The group of 1,566 app developers in the UK believes that Apple’s charges are unfair and constitute abusive pricing, harming both app developers and buyers.

“Apple’s charges to app developers are excessive, and only possible due to its monopoly on the distribution of apps onto iPhones and iPads,” Sean Ennis, a professor at the Centre for Competition Policy at the University of East Anglia and a former economist at the OECD, said in a statement. “The charges are unfair in their own right, and constitute abusive pricing. They harm app developers and also app buyers.”

However, Apple has previously stated that 85% of developers on the App Store do not pay a commission and that it helps European developers access markets and customers in 175 countries through the App Store.

Additionally, the Small Business Program ensures that developers earning less than $1 million a year are only charged a 15% fee, which increases to 30% once they cross the $1 million threshold.

While there have been disagreements between companies, such as Facebook, and Apple over the 30% fee, Apple has made changes to address some of the issues raised in the past. For example, the $100 developer fee is no longer required, and there are now more granular prices for app purchases.

This is evidence that Apple is not exempt from the sway of higher courts. However, a class action lawsuit doesn't always mean rules will change.

When Apple launched the iPhone and iPad, developers quickly created millions of apps. This led to massive successes for companies like Airbnb and Snap. However, other platforms such as Apple Watch and TV haven't enjoyed similar popularity with their App Stores largely ignored by big names like Twitter, Meta, and Uber.

Apple's own data reveals this disparity - its watch and TV stores have less than 1 million monthly active users in Europe compared to about 130 million for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac stores.

So what does this mean for the upcoming Vision Pro app store? Will it follow the success of iOS or struggle like its counterparts on Apple Watch and TV? According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the answer is likely somewhere in between. High product costs may deter developers from creating Vision Pro apps due to a smaller user base. Furthermore, lack of hand controllers could pose an additional challenge.

However, converting current apps into visionOS should be relatively straightforward which may boost the success of Vision Pro’s app store compared to those on Apple Watch and TV.

On release, Vision Pro will offer three types of apps: unaltered iPad/iPhone apps that run without any extra work; converted iPad apps optimised for mixed-reality experience; entirely new visionOS built specifically for virtual/augmented reality taking full advantage of high-resolution displays & eye-hand controls.

Most developers will likely allow their existing software to run unmodified on Vision Pro given there is no additional work required - potentially generating more revenue. Despite this potential influx however, consumers who paid around $4k (including tax & accessories) might expect heavily modified or completely rewritten applications suited to new interface – posing a possible hurdle for ecosystem development.

Additionally if we consider that during initial years only about 500k units are sold annually (compared with combined sales figure of 250m units/year across iPhone/iPad/Mac), it suggests a significantly smaller addressable market which could discourage developer investment further.

Concerns over limited VR controller support also add up making many established VR developers cautious about building an app solely dedicated towards the Vision Pro platform.

In contrast though, Gurman believe that despite a slow start & challenges ahead,Vision Pro presents long-term opportunities particularly because they cater for customers who aren't hesitant in spending money – meaning higher price tags can be expected ranging anywhere from $20-$250 depending upon the category/type.

Also noteworthy is fact that unlike previous launches where significant issues were reported initially, Vision Pro seems promising right off bat, with major players committing towards platform including Disney+, Microsoft, and Zoom. The only notable exception being Netflix who currently has no plans developing a native application, although its iPad version would still remain accessible via headset.

Apple Insider is carry a story about rumours suggesting that Apple is developing a large all-screen folding MacBook Pro. However, the current state of foldable display technology may potentially delay its launch.

In early 2022, it was speculated that Apple was creating a touchscreen device with a 20-inch foldable display, thought to be either a MacBook or an iPad.

By the end of that year, expectations shifted towards the development of a MacBook Pro featuring a roughly 20.5-inch foldable screen. If plans proceeded smoothly, this device could have launched as soon as 2026.

However, in early 2023 rumours suggested that Apple had accelerated its timeline for releasing its first foldable MacBook Pro and now aimed for a release sometime in 2025. An iPhone Fold is still expected to follow this release.

At this year's SID Review event in South Korea, the Samsung Display Managing Director Baek Seung-in spoke on the topic of foldable display reliability. Despite improvements being made over time from their initially weak start, these displays are not yet as durable as non-foldable alternatives.

Reports indicate Apple is collaborating with both Samsung Display and LG Display on producing its first product incorporating such technology. They also suggest Apple has been applying for patents related to products featuring foldable screens while industry observers anticipate their entry into this field will boost adoption rates.

The consensus appears to be that Apple is awaiting improvements in the durability and reliability of foldable displays before launching any devices using them. However, supply chain uncertainties persist about when exactly one can expect these new products from Apple.

Interestingly enough though six years ago they were granted patent rights for dual-display hardware resembling MacBooks equipped with unique hinges which transitioned automatically into digital keyboards upon requiring text input.

Curious.

Apple's market value surged by $71 billion following reports of its clandestine development of an 'Apple GPT', designed to challenge OpenAI. The tech giant is stepping into the generative AI arena, vying alongside numerous competitors for OpenAI's supremacy in AI technology.

Bloomberg revealed that Apple has been covertly crafting a tool named Apple GPT, echoing ChatGPT - the renowned AI chatbot and formerly fastest-growing 'app'. This service was constructed on proprietary models from Ajax, a framework initially developed last year and utilising Google Cloud.

This move trails after the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI; this sparked widespread popularity and triggered other companies such as Microsoft and Google to launch their own versions. Despite being operational internally at Apple, it remains uncertain when Apple GPT will be publicly accessible due to security concerns causing intermittent progress.

Despite media focus on AI, it was noticeably absent from discussions during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June. Reports suggest that while substantial efforts are being made behind closed doors at Apple towards adopting more generative AIs into their products, they're not yet ready to reveal these plans publicly.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple has kept quiet about generative AIs but admits using ChatGPT himself. His reservations lie with security issues which need addressing before full adoption can occur.

Already incorporating machine learning across all devices via Siri – its virtual assistant – improvements have already been witnessed through the Ajax framework application. However commercialisation strategies for launching an initial chatbot based on Generative AI still pose challenges for the company.

Security seems to be a bottom line challenge too.

The iPhone 15 series could feature enhanced stacked battery technology for improved energy density and extended lifespan, according to a recent rumour by Twitter user RGcloudS. This information emerged as part of an alleged leak regarding Samsung's Galaxy S24+ and S24 Ultra models, which are reportedly also adopting the same technology.

Stacked batteries use a lamination manufacturing technique that folds elements into zig-zag layers instead of rolling them up. This results in less wasted space within the cell and more active material, leading to higher overall capacity. In addition, heat distribution is more uniform across the cell, extending its lifespan.

Electric vehicles heavily use stacked batteries due to their high power output, rapid recharging capabilities and superior energy densities. They're also used in medical devices, aerospace/aviation industries and renewable energy storage systems.

RGcloudS also suggests Apple might be exploring 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe charging but isn't sure if it pertains to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 lineup. Currently, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers peak wired charging speeds of up to 29W while MagSafe only charges at 15W.

Although this rumour has circulated widely on various websites and news outlets from RGcloudS who primarily handles Android leaks; their credibility with respect to Apple leaks remains uncertain.

We shall wait and see.

People have been wondering what Apple is planning with AI. Recent discussions has focused on how their chips seem far more capable than the uses they are being put to, and new developments such as being able to clone your voice drops serious hints about future capabilities.

The time for a big and aggressive push into AI may almost be here. That’s according to Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities.

Apple already uses machine learning for Siri and smart photo rendering. The newer A-series chips highlight their neural processing capabilities, while iOS 17 is rich with machine learning functionalities, featuring an advanced auto-correct keyboard. But unlike the Google Pixel 7, which has a Tensor chip that prioritizes AI processing, iPhones are not as AI-driven. 

Since it seems like the iPhone 15 series will have limited hardware upgrades from the iPhone 14, with the exception of a potential periscope camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it makes sense to concentrate on improving AI and software. 

Ives thinks that with AI, the iOS Health app can give personalized advice on workouts, meals and exercise based on your heart rate, sleep and breathing data. 

The analyst also suggests that Apple could use AI to track a person’s mood by listening to their speech, even analysing text messages. Some people may object to such a feature, even if it stays on the device. 

Apple's focus on AI may be imminent, considering the emergence of ChatGPT, Google Bard chatbots, and other AI-based systems, applications, and tools.

With phone hardware upgrades no longer providing significant performance and photography improvements, AI and smarter software could be the new frontier for smartphones. 

However, I believe that Apple's Siri virtual assistant is far less intelligent than Google Assistant, and that Apple's AI technology in the consumer arena has a long way to go to catch up with Google. 

Apple could enhance the use of AI on iPhones by focusing on specific apps and services, such as the Health app, and introducing AI-powered features in a smart and non-intrusive way, while optimizing machine learning models in incremental steps. 

The Apple September Event is just around the corner, where Apple is expected to unveil iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Not long now.  

Accessing offline maps on Apple Maps will be as simple as tapping your phone. Users will have the ability to easily select and download an area on their device with just one tap. Even when offline, users can access turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, public transport and cycling, find places in Maps, see their estimated time of arrival and more.

Exploring the great outdoors is made easy in the United States with thousands of park trails. Maps now simplifies the process of finding trails in US parks by providing place cards with detailed information such as trail length, type, difficulty, and elevation gain.

Maps users who have electric vehicles will be able to filter real-time charging station availability by plug type, charging network, and more. In addition, those with compatible vehicles can specify a preferred charging network.

One of my favourite apps, Apple Fitness+, will offer Custom Plans that allow you to create your own workout or meditation routine. Custom Plans offer personalised workout or meditation schedules based on your preferences like day, duration, workout type and more.

Queuing Fitness+ workouts and meditations will be possible with Stacks. With the introduction of Stacks, Fitness+ users can select and complete several workouts and meditations in a row, without any interruptions. To use again in the future, stacks can be saved to a user's library.

Audio Focus will also be available on Fitness+ to help you dial in your workout or meditation. With Audio Focus, Fitness+ users can prioritize either the music or trainer's voice for a more personalised workout experience.