Employees at Apple retail stores are planning for overnight updates following the September 12 "Wonderlust" event, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple retail workers will be getting stores ready for the launch of the iPhone 15 models and other devices.
Gurman suggests that the overnight update could be because Apple is planning for near-immediate availability of new products after the event, but it could also be time that is used to put up new marketing materials. It is not unusual for Apple retail stores to receive overnight updates ahead of new product launches.
If Apple follows past product debut timelines, the iPhone 15 models will be available for pre-order on the Friday after the event (September 15), with a launch to follow the next Friday, which would be September 22. While there were rumors several weeks ago about potential delays for some of the iPhone 15 Pro models, more recent information has suggested those issues have been solved.
We are now expecting all four of the iPhone 15 models to launch simultaneously, though it is likely that the 15 Pro and Pro Max will be available in more limited supply than the standard iPhone 15 models.
Apple at the event is also expected to introduce new Apple Watch Series 9 models, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and a version of the AirPods Pro 2 that come with a USB-C case. With the new iPhone models and the AirPods Pro transitioning to USB-C, the store downtime could be related to a push to inform customers about the change, but it could also be aimed at the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which will have a unique "periscope" telephoto lens.
With every iPhone iteration, Apple adds new functionality to the camera system, and the iPhone 15 series is no exception. MacRumors has obtained detailed information about the camera systems of the iPhone 15 lineup, from the standard iPhone 15 with upgraded 48-megapixel camera to the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its new periscope telephoto lens.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Main Camera: 48-megapixel image sensor, ƒ/1.6 aperture
The base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are expected to feature an all-new 48-megapixel Sony image sensor, which is a substantial upgrade from the 12-megapixel Main camera on the iPhone 14. The increase in megapixels will allow for higher resolution images with improved detail. It's worth noting that this claim has been made repeatedly by a variety of sources – including industry analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, along with Weibo user "Digital Chat Station."
The iPhone 15 is not expected to use the Sony IMX-803 image sensor from the iPhone 14 Pro, and will instead use a different Sony sensor with improved capabilities.
There is evidence that Apple tested different configurations of the base model iPhone 15, one of which featured the rumored stacked camera sensor system, while the other did not. It is currently unclear whether or not the stacked sensor system is present on the final units. Stacked camera sensors allow for faster readout speeds and improved low-light imaging.
No significant upgrades are expected for the Ultra Wide camera, which is expected to continue to have a 12-megapixel resolution and an ƒ/2.4 aperture.
iPhone 15 Pro
Main Camera: 48 megapixels, Sony IMX-803 image sensor, ƒ/1.78 aperture
As far as the iPhone 15 Pro is concerned, improvements focus mainly on the Telephoto and Ultra Wide cameras, with the Main camera still using the same Sony IMX-803 image sensor found in the iPhone 14 Pro. This information contradicts previous rumors suggesting that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max would use the Sony IMX-903 image sensor. Both the Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras will receive upgrades compared to the iPhone 14 Pro's 12-megapixel cameras, allowing for improved image quality and higher resolution photos.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Main Camera: 48 megapixels, Sony IMX-803 image sensor, ƒ/1.78 aperture
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most interesting in the lineup by far. MacRumors has confirmed with industry sources that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be equipped with an entirely new periscope lens system for the Telephoto camera, confirming previous claims from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. With periscope zoom technology, we can expect significant improvements to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's zoom capabilities. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, for example, is limited to 3x zoom, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to have between 5x and 10x zoom.
Unlike most cameras that have an image sensor directly underneath the camera lens, folded optics systems use angled mirrors to reflect light toward the image sensor. The directional shift is what allows for optical zoom that surpasses what's possible using a standard telephoto camera system.
Apple likely decided to make the periscope lens exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max for now due to space constraints. According to information from our sources, the camera module used in the iPhone 15 Pro Max is, to a certain extent, larger than the camera module in the iPhone 14 Pro models and the smaller iPhone 15 Pro. Apple appears to have increased the size of the camera module to accommodate the periscope lens hardware, which in turn required other internal components like the midframe assembly to be shifted accordingly.
In 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to increase in size to 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, giving Apple space for the periscope lens in both the Pro and Pro Max models. As noted by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, periscope zoom will not be limited to the larger Pro Max in the iPhone 16 lineup.
Along with periscope zoom, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will include the same 48-megapixel IMX-803 image sensor and Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras as the iPhone 15 Pro.
It's worth noting that the information presented here is pre-production information, and may not necessarily reflect the exact hardware of mass production units, but it represents our best visibility into what Apple has been planning for the new iPhone lineup.
To read more on what to expect, check out our dedicated rumor roundups for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple today announced that it plans to bring the new visionOS App Store to a developer beta release of visionOS this fall. The App Store will include apps and games built for visionOS, plus it will offer iPhone and iPad apps that are able to run on the headset.
By default, iPhone and iPad apps will be published automatically on the visionOS App Store, as most frameworks in iOS and iPadOS are included in visionOS. If an app requires a feature that is not available on Apple Vision Pro, App Store Connect will inform the app developer that it is not compatible and will need updates before it is made available to consumers.
Developers that need to make changes can use the visionOS simulator in the Xcode 15 beta to interact with and test app functionality. Further testing can be done through a compatibility evaluation or at one of Apple's developer labs.
Apple says that almost all iPhone and iPad apps will be able to run on the Vision Pro headset as is. Developers who want to make an experience designed specifically for the Vision Pro can do so with the visionOS SDK. Apps that use the visionOS SDK will adopt the standard visionOS system appearance and 3D content tuned for eye and hand input can be included. More information is available on Apple's developer website.
Apple today seeded the ninth beta of the upcoming tvOS 17 beta to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple debuted the eighth beta.
Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 17 update by opting in to the beta through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A registered developer account is required.
tvOS updates don't typically garner as much attention as updates to iOS and macOS, and are never as feature rich, but tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to the TV for the first time. The Apple TV 4K can connect to an iPhone or iPad that serves as the camera, with the FaceTime interface showing up on the TV's screen.
All of the FaceTime features are available, including Center Stage to keep you front and center, plus there are new gesture-based reactions that let you use your hands to generate on-screen effects. For example, if you make a heart with your hands, the screen will display hearts.
Split View for Apple TV lets users watch television with friends and family using SharePlay, and there are controls for transferring calls between the TV and an iPhone or iPad as needed. Third-party apps like Zoom will also be able to take advantage of this functionality, so those apps will also work on the TV screen.
Control Center on Apple TV has been revamped and it is easier for users to access key settings and information, plus there is a new feature that allows the iPhone to locate a Siri Remote that's been misplaced.
tvOS also features a range of new aerial screen savers, adds support for third-party VPN apps, introduces Dolby Vision 8.1 on compatible devices, and more. Details can be found in our Apple TV roundup.
Apple recently added 2023 Mac Studio models to its online refurbished store in the U.S., but they are not in stock yet. Configurations will be available with the M2 Max chip or the M2 Ultra chip, and multiple RAM and storage capacities.
Apple released the second-generation Mac Studio at WWDC in June. The refurbished models will be discounted by approximately 15% compared to brand new models, according to the store listings, spotted by MacRumors reader Ryan Gregg. It's unclear when orders will begin, but availability will likely begin over the coming weeks.
In addition to faster chips, the 2023 Mac Studio gained support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, up to an 8K external display, and high-impedance headphones.
Apple tests, inspects, cleans, and repackages all refurbished Macs to ensure they are fully functional and in good condition, and Apple's refurbished products are covered by a one-year limited warranty and eligible for AppleCare+ coverage.
Apple is gearing up for its upcoming iPhone-centric event that is set to take place on Tuesday, September 12, and the company today launched a YouTube livestream where viewers can sign up to get a reminder when the event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
In addition to streaming the event on YouTube, Apple also plans to make a video stream available through the Events website and the Apple TV app. MacRumors will have full coverage of the September 12 event as well, both on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Apple's fall event will see the unveiling of the iPhone 15 models, the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and a new version of the AirPods Pro charging case with USB-C.
Accessory maker Nomad today announced the launch of the new Base One Max 3-in-1, a high-end metal and glass charger that works with the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch.
This is a MagSafe charger, so it is able to charge a compatible iPhone at up to 15W. All iPhones since the iPhone 12 are able to charge at 15W with a MagSafe charger, with the exception of the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 13 mini, which charge at 12W.
Design wise, the Base One Max 3-in-1 looks almost identical to the Base One Max that Nomad came out with last year, but it has an extra charging spot behind the Apple Watch charging puck to accommodate AirPods. The charger features a metal base and a glass-covered top, and it is one of the more attractive charging options on the market.
The Base One Max is heavy, weighing in at over 1.5 pounds, so it's not going anywhere on your desk or nightstand. At this weight, it's not a travel charger, but the heft is nice because it keeps the charger stable when you pick up you iPhone. Nomad makes the charger in silver and carbide, with the former featuring white glass and the latter featuring black glass.
We were able to try out the charger for a couple of days ahead of launch, and it charges at the speed that Nomad advertises. The 15W charger works at up to 15W with MagSafe iPhones, and this charging spot can also be used with Qi-based devices. The dedicated AirPods charging spot charges at 5W, and the upright Apple Watch charging puck charges at the standard speed. It is worth noting that depending on your band, the Apple Watch can get in the way of the AirPods charging spot. Open bands are not an issue, but it is a tighter fit with closed bands like the Solo Loop, so there could be an issue with interrupted charging.
Nomad has not included a fast charge Apple Watch charging puck, so this is probably not a charger that you want to get if fast charging is a feature that you need. Fast charging is highly useful if you charge your Apple Watch briefly before sleep and before wearing it for the day, but for those who charge overnight, it's not as functional.
Because this is a flat MagSafe charger rather than one that is upright, it is not going to work with the new iOS 17 StandBy mode because that requires the iPhone to be placed in an upright horizontal position. The Base One Max 3-in-1 charges via USB-C, which is nice, but Nomad does not include the USB-C power adapter. Customers who buy this will need to power it with a 30W USB-C power adapter. While no adapter is included, it does come with a 2m USB-C to USB-C cable.
Nomad arguably makes some of the nicest chargers on the market, and if you're looking for something that is going to look stellar on your desk, this is the charger to pick up. At $170, though, it would be nice if it included a power adapter and faster Apple Watch charging because that is a premium price tag with a feature set that is not quite able to keep up with those from competitors.
The latest version of the DoorDash app for iPhone contains code-level references to Live Activities, according to software researcher @aaronp613, suggesting that the app will soon widely support the feature. DoorDash already had a Live Activities toggle visible in the Settings app for a few months, but the feature does not appear to be functional yet.
Live Activities allows iPhone users to stay on top of real-time events right on the Lock Screen on any iPhone model compatible with iOS 16, and in the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple is expected to expand the Dynamic Island to all four iPhone 15 models set to be announced on Tuesday, September 12.
For the DoorDash app, Live Activities will enable users to more easily track the status of their food delivery order and the ETA at a glance. DoorDash competitor Uber Eats rolled out support for the feature worldwide in May.
Other popular apps that support Live Activities include the NBA and MLB apps for basketball and baseball games, Flighty for flight tracking, Citymapper for public transit, ParkMobile for parking, and CARROT Weather for weather forecasts. Google Maps also continues to work on Live Activities support after promising to offer the feature.
Ugreen today added a new 300W multi-port GaN charger to its growing stock of charging accessories. The $269 brick features four USB-C ports and one USB-A port, and aims to provide enough power for desktop users requiring a single charging solution for multiple devices when away from home.
Instead of supplying fixed power output to several devices, Ugreen's latest Nexode unit operates using variable power distribution. Its most powerful USB-C port utilizes the Power Delivery 3.1 protocol to offer up to 140W, which is enough to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro up to 50% battery in around 30 minutes using Apple's MagSafe 3 cable while charging four other devices at the same time.
Running with this configuration as an example, the second, third, and fourth USB-C ports will provide 65W, 45W, and 20W, respectively, leaving 22.5W output from its USB-A port. In other configurations, the second and third USB-C ports are capable of up to 100W, while the fourth can output 45W of maximum power, according to Ugreen.
The charger includes a built-in Thermal Guard system that provides intelligent temperature monitoring, taking 6,000 temperature readings a minute in order to keep connected devices protected from overheating, overcharging, and excessive current. The Nexode 300W is also encased in a fire-resistant and flame-retardant PVC shell for added fire protection and drop resistance.
Ugreen chart indicating power distribution wattages
The Ugreen Nexode 300W desktop charger is available to purchase starting today for $269 on Amazon and the Ugreen website. Both sites are currently offering a limited-time deal of 26% off the retail price, or a $70 discount.
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Apple's Mac Studio with the M2 Max chip (32GB RAM, 512GB SSD) has dropped to $1,799.00 today on B&H Photo, down from $1,999.00. As of writing, only B&H Photo has this deal, and you can get free two-day shipping.
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This is an all-time low price on the M2 Max Mac Studio, which Apple debuted during WWDC in June. This is a second-generation device and has the same overall design as the original model. The main upgrades come from the updated M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips.
Additionally, B&H Photo has the M2 Ultra Mac Studio (64GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for $3,699.00, down from $3,999.00. This is another best-ever price on the Mac Studio that only B&H Photo has right now, and it's available for free two-day shipping as well.
Apple today announced that four new games will be added to Apple Arcade this month, including Cypher 007, Japanese Rural Life Adventure, Junkworld, and My Talking Angela 2+. In addition, Apple said over 40 games available on the service will be receiving updates this month, including the popular game Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
Details about the upcoming games and updates can be found in the Apple Newsroom announcement on Apple's website.
Launched in November 2019, Apple Arcade is a subscription-based gaming service accessible through the App Store. Priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year in the U.S., the service provides subscribers with access to nearly 300 games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. All games on Apple Arcade are free of ads and in-app purchases.
Apple Arcade is included for three months for free with the purchase of a new Apple device, such as one of the upcoming iPhone 15 models, which are expected to be announced at Apple's event on Tuesday, September 12. Apple says this offer is available for first-time subscribers and "qualified" returning subscribers.
Amazon today has all-time low prices on Apple's new 15-inch MacBook Air in both 256GB and 512GB options. You can get the 256GB 15.3-inch MacBook Air for $1,099.00, down from $1,299.00.
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This sale is available in three colors: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. All models are in stock and have an estimated delivery date between September 6 and September 11. These notebooks debuted this past June and we last tracked this record low price in August.
Additionally, Amazon has the 512GB 15.3-inch MacBook Air on sale for $1,299.00, down from $1,499.00. This one is available in three colors and has an estimated delivery date between September 6 and September 11 as well.
The new MacBook Air features a large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, M2 processor, six-speaker system, two Thunderbolt ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and MagSafe. The 15.3-inch MacBook Air is mostly similar to the 2022 13.6-inch MacBook Air, but there are some key differences that we highlighted in our buyer's guide.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Apple plans to release new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays in mid to late 2024, according to a report today from DigiTimes, citing supply chain sources. The report indicates that some Apple suppliers have already started to expand their touchscreen panel capacity to prepare for the launch.
The report claims that the new iPad Pro models will be equipped with hybrid OLED displays that are made with a combination of flexible and rigid materials, which could contribute to a thinner and lighter design compared to the current models.
OLED technology would enable the next iPad Pro displays to have increased brightness, higher contrast ratio, greater color accuracy, and lower power consumption compared to existing models with LCD panels. Apple already uses OLED displays for the latest iPhone and Apple Watch models, excluding the lower-end iPhone SE.
iPad Pro models released in 2017 and later support ProMotion, allowing for a variable refresh rate between 24Hz and 120Hz. The switch to OLED would likely allow for the refresh rate to drop down even further to 10Hz or lower to save battery life. iPhone 14 Pro models can reach as low as 1Hz while in always-on display mode.
Currently, the larger iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch display, so the 13-inch model would be slightly larger. Apple reportedly aims to decrease the size of the bezels on future iPad Pro models, but it's unclear if that will apply to the next models.
The report claims that Apple suppliers will likely stop shipments of the current iPad Pro models with mini-LED backlighting by mid 2024, suggesting that those models might be discontinued instead of sticking around as a lower-cost option.
By now, it has been widely rumored that Apple will be launching new iPad Pro models with OLED displays in 2024. A previous report from Korean website The Elec indicated that mass production of the next iPad Pro models would begin in the first half of 2024, with the most likely launch months for the devices being March or June at this point.
Other new features rumored for the next iPad Pro models include an M3 chip and a redesigned Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad and an aluminum casing.
Google has expanded on its #BestPhonesForever ad campaign with a new video titled "Spa Day" in which it pokes fun at the upcoming iPhone 15's implied lack of headline features and its expected adoption of USB-C in lieu of a Lightning port.
In the ad, an iPhone and a Pixel are depicted relaxing in a tranquil spa amid towels and candles, idly chatting to one another with their rear cameras covered by cucumber slices.
"Pixel, a spa day was the perfect idea with all these launch events coming up," says the iPhone, lamenting that the launches "just keep getting harder." After fondly recalling the applause that its slide-to-unlock feature elicited 16 years ago, the iPhone continues:
"Now it seems like every time I turn around, phones like you are doing stuff I can't, like unblurring old photos, answering unknown calls with AI, and live translating messages... it's exhausting. But I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve."
"Like what?" says the Pixel.
"That's under wraps. But let's just say you'll be USB-C-ing soon!"
"You're finally getting USB-C charging?"
"What?" says the iPhone as the cucumber slice slowly slithers off its camera lens. "How did you know?"
"Lucky guess?" replies the Pixel sarcastically.
"Rest up for October 4," reads the ad's tagline, in reference to Google's upcoming Pixel event, where it is expected to unveil a new Pixel 8 lineup, a new Pixel Watch, and potentially Pixel Buds updates.
Since the iPhone 5, Apple has kept the Lightning port on the iPhone, despite much of the industry moving to USB-C. However, after coming under pressure to comply with new regulations implemented in Europe, Apple is swapping the Lightning port on iPhone 15 devices for a USB-C port.
With this transition, the Mac, iPhone, and iPad will all finally charge using USB-C, allowing Apple customers to charge their devices with what has effectively become the de facto universal charging standard for consumer mobile and laptop devices.
Apple will acquire the major Swedish classical music record label BIS Records, intending to fold it into Apple Music Classical and Platoon.
BIS Records was founded in 1973 by Robert von Bahr. The label focuses on a range of classical music, with particular focus on works that are not well represented by existing recordings. It is an award-winning name in the world of classical music, acclaimed for its vast catalog and impressive audio quality. The label celebrates its 50th anniversary this week.
The company announced its impending acquisition by Apple earlier today. The BIS Records homepage now features a statement from founder Robert von Bahr:
Dear Friends,
A few days ago BIS Records turned 50 years old and I am immensely proud of what our small team of people has accomplished during this half-century. BIS's specialty, while paying our dues to the core repertoire, has been to nurture young classical artists and interesting living composers and to safeguard the musical treasure that we all represent long into the future. It is to that end that, after much careful consideration, and having just turned 80, I am excited to announce the rather momentous news that we have made the decision to become part of the Apple family.
We thought long and hard on how to maintain and build upon our prestigious history and looked for a partner who would further our mission, as well as an increased global platform to bring classical music to new audiences all over the world. Apple, with its own storied history of innovation and love of music, is the ideal home to usher in the next era of classical and has shown true commitment towards building a future in which classical music and technology work in harmony. It is my vision and my sincerest dream that we are all a part of this future.
There have been numerous moves of late by Apple to further support creativity within the classical space, not the least of which was the release of Apple Music Classical earlier this year. Apple and BIS also share a fundamental belief in the importance of preserving audio quality. As you are all aware, BIS has always been about exceptional sound quality, and Apple's dedication to sound, as well as to Spatial Audio, is something I have followed with interest.
BIS will become part of Apple Music Classical and Platoon. As proud as I am of this milestone, I am even more proud of the fact that the entire personnel of BIS, including me, have been retained. We all look forward to a future, filled with new music and artists in golden sound from this increased force in classical music.
BIS is set to become a part of Apple Music Classical and the Apple-owned label Platoon. Apple acquired Platoon, a London-based A&R startup focused on discovering rising music artists, in 2018.
In 2021, Apple announced that it had purchased the classical music streaming service Primephonic and would be folding it into Apple Music via a new app dedicated to the genre. Apple released the Apple Music Classical app in March. The app offers a simpler interface for interacting with classical music specifically. Unlike the main Apple Music app, Apple Music Classical allows users to search by composer, work, conductor, catalog number, and more. Users can get more detailed information from editorial notes and descriptions.
It provides access to over five million classical music tracks, including new high-quality releases, in addition to hundreds of curated playlists, thousands of exclusive albums, and other features like composer bios and deep dives on key works. Apple commissioned high-resolution digital portraits of famous composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, and Johann Sebastian Bach for the app, using color palettes and artistic references from the relevant classical period, with more unique artwork to be added over time.
Upon the app's release, Apple said that it had been working with classical music artists and institutions to offer exclusive content and recordings. The acquisition of BIS Records appears to be the latest move to bolster the service.
Apple argues that iMessage is not sufficiently popular to be classified as a "gatekeeper" under EU law, the Financial Times reports.
The discussion comes ahead of the publication of the first list of services to be regulated by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The legislation introduces new rules that apply to tech giants that meet its "gatekeeper" criteria and force them to open up their various services and platforms to other companies and developers. For example, Apple could be forced to allow third-party companies and rival apps like Meta's WhatsApp to integrate directly with iMessage.
In recent correspondence with the European Commission, Apple argued that iMessage does not meet the number of users at which the DMA's rules apply, and should not be obliged to comply with it as a result. Analysts estimate that iMessage has as many as one billion users around the world, but Apple has not disclosed any official numbers about the service for several years, or how many users it has in Europe specifically. Whether iMessage will be included on the EU's initial list of gatekeeper services will depend on how it defines the market in which it operates.
The DMA could prompt similar major changes to the way in which the App Store, FaceTime, and Siri work over the next couple of years. Apple is expected to add support for sideloading apps from outside the App Store on iPhones and iPads in Europe via an update to iOS 17 due to the DMA's requirements.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple aims this year to release the iPhone 15 in India at the same time as its global launch in mid-September, based on local reports.
According to sources who spoke to The Economic Times, Apple is on course to narrow the lag between the iPhone's global launch to a few days, if not a achieve a simultaneous reveal in India.
In recent years, initial batches of new iPhones have exclusively been made in China, before India comes on stream gradually in the following months. In 2022, for example, Foxconn's Chennai facility began production of the iPhone 14 ten days after the global launch, but it took around a month for the locally made iPhones to be available in the country.
This year locally made iPhone 15 models will initially cater to the Indian market exclusively, but exports to Europe and the U.S. are expected to begin after December. The shift signals the company's gradual progress in diversifying its supply chain away from China, with Apple now the largest smartphone exporter in India.
Late last month, a device presumed to be an iPhone 15 model was spotted in India's regulatory database. A similar thing happened around the same time last year: Just a few weeks before the announcement of the iPhone 14 lineup, a single iPhone 14 model was spotted in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) database that turned out to be the standard iPhone 14 model built for "other countries and regions." New Apple devices being spotted in global regulatory databases often indicates that launch is soon to follow.
Apple has raised its sales target by almost 100% year-on-year for over 200 Premium Reseller stores in India in the second and third quarters, according to The Economic Times. Apple CEO Tim Cook in his latest earnings call said that the company broke revenue records in the country and saw sales grow by double digits in what is the third largest smartphone market in the world.
Apple is developing a low-cost MacBook series to compete with Chromebook models in the education sector that could be launched as early as the second half of 2024, claims a new report out of Taiwan.
According to DigiTimes' industry sources, Apple will likely launch the new product line to differentiate it from the company's existing MacBook Air and Pro lines. The outer appearance will still use a metal casing but will be made of "different materials" and the cost of the mechanical components will be lower, claims the report.
The launch timeframe for the alleged new MacBook series appears to be based on a lack of related activity at major Apple suppliers like Quanta Computer and Foxconn, making a launch in the first half of next year unlikely.
Over 13.9 million Chromebooks were shipped in 2019, increasing to over 30.4 million in 2020 and 33.5 million in 2021, according to DigiTimes Research, highlighting the popularity of Google's low-cost laptops in the education sector, especially during and around the global pandemic.
Chromebook shipments are said to have slowed since the end of lockdowns, but the scale of shipments is still larger than before COVID. The number of educational institutions that have adopted Chromebooks over the last few years is also said to have seen rapid growth, especially when compared to Apple's iPads, sales of which have lagged in the education market.
This is the first rumor we have heard that Apple is actively developing a new MacBook series that the company will price below its more premium MacBook offerings, so expectations should remain guarded until we receive corroboration from other sources.
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