Apple reported another good quarter with more than 14 million iPads sold, 4.6 million Macs, and almost 34 million iPhones. The company had $37.5 billion in revenue, a record for the September quarter.
The new iPad Air will hit Apple Stores tomorrow, with supply expected to be plentiful. It is likely that you’ll be able to order online and order for in-store pickup after midnight tonight. Early testing by some shows that the iPad Air may be significantly faster and more powerful than the current 4th generation iPad, in addition to being thinner and lighter. The new iPad mini with retina display should launch later in November.
Apple made several major announcements this past Tuesday with the release of Mac OS X Mavericks, revised apps, and new hardware. The biggest surprise may be that this latest OS X upgrade is a free download, and all six major Apple apps are now free.
The hardware announced included the new iPad Air which replaces the 4th generation iPad. In addition, a new version of the iPad mini features a retina display. There were also new MacBook Pros at a lower price point.
The six apps updated and made free were: Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iPhoto, iLife and iMovie. All six are available on both the Mac and iOS. See our video below for a summary of the announcements.
It’s official: Apple will hold another special event on Tuesday, Oct. 22. While the invitation doesn’t mention any products specifically, it is likely that we’ll hear about new iPad models. The event comes almost exactly one year after the announcement of the 4th generation iPad and iPad mini. It is likely that Apple will make the new iPads available either Friday, Nov. 1 or Friday, Nov. 8.
It is also very likely that Apple will announce the release of Mac OS X 10.9, Mavericks. The new version of the Mac operating system has been in testing for some time, and developers recently were notified to submit apps to the Mac App Store that support Mavericks. It is uncertain whether Mavericks will be released on that day, or some day soon to follow.
It is still just a rumor, but some sites are reporting that Apple will announce the next generation of iPads on Oct. 22. This is almost exactly one year after the previous iPad announcement, so it sounds plausible. Most rumor sites indicate that the new iPad will have a faster processor similar to the latest iPhone 5s, and that it will have a design much like the current iPad mini. The mini may also receive a processor upgrade, and may get a retina display.
Reports also speculate that Apple will use the Oct. 22 event to update us on the availability of a new Mac Pro machine, and release Mavericks, the next version of OS X. Developers recently received the gold master beta release of Mavericks, so the public release is almost certainly very near.
While news sites pounce on every bug in iOS 7, Apple has been responding to problems quicker than ever with software updates. Shortly after iOS 7 was released some obscure ways to partially bypass the lock screen on an iPhone surfaced. Apple released 7.0.2 only days later to address the issue. A similar problem, plus issues with the Messages app seem like they will be solved any day now with another update.
Now that we are into October, the one announcement that everyone expects from Apple is new iPad hardware. Last year’s 4th generation iPad and iPad mini were announced on Oct. 23 and released on Nov. 2. If they plan to follow a similar time schedule this year, then we can expect press invitations for a media event as soon as next week.
Just days after releasing the long-awaited iPhone 5s and 5c, Apple updated its iMac line. The new computers feature faster processors, faster graphics chipsets, faster solid-state drives and faster WiFi. The design of the iMacs remain the same.
The iPhone launch generally pleased investors with estimates of nine million phones sold, outpacing previous other iPhone launch. Shipping dates of the iPhone 5s have already slipped to “October” as Apple tries to keep up with demand.
iOS 7 arrived right on schedule yesterday. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users were able to download and install the new operating system. In addition, scores of popular apps issued updates to take advantage of new iOS 7 features, or to simply match the design of the new OS.
The release is a precursor to new iPhone hardware, due in stores tomorrow morning. Many of those wanting an iPhone 5C were able to pre-order the device, but the iPhone 5S is only available in the store and online starting tomorrow morning.
Mac users weren’t left out yesterday as the new version of iTunes released not only brings iOS 7 compatibility, but also the new iTunes Radio service to Mac users. iTunes radio, now available across most of Apple’s devices, lets you listen to streaming music based on a song, artist or genre.
Apple announced two new iPhone models this week, both of which will be available on Sept. 20 in the USA and many other countries. The iPhone 5s is the successor to the iPhone 5 with a faster A7 processor and a fingerprint scanner built into the Home button. The iPhone 5c is a lower-cost plastic version without the new processor or fingerprint scanner.
Both new iPhones will come in a variety of colors and Apple is producing a series of color cases as well. Pre-orders for the iPhone 5c will start tomorrow, but those who want an iPhone 5s will have to wait in line on the 20th. You can see our report on the new iPhones at http://macmost.com/e-916.
In addition to the new hardware, the new iPhones will come with iOS 7, the new version of Apple’s mobile operating system. Two days earlier, on Sept. 18, iOS 7 will be available as a free upgrade for those who own recent generations iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models.
Apple has officially announced a special media event for Sept. 10. Rumors have pointed to this date for the announcement of a new iPhone model. Typical of Apple invitations, no indication of what will actually be announced has been given, save for the message: “This should brighten everyone’s day.”
Rumor sites are pretty much unanimous that a new iPhone 5s will be announced, and perhaps a cheaper plastic iPhone 5c. Some say that the new iPhones will then appear in stores on Sept. 20. Other rumors mention new iPad models, new iMacs, new MacBooks, and even a new Apple TV model.
A good portion of the event will most likely focus on iOS 7, the new iPhone operating system. It should launch with the new iPhone, and become available to other recent iPhone models at approximately the same time. iOS 7 for the iPad may also come at the same time, or could wait until a new iPad model is released.
Apple is holding a second event ten hours later in Beijing, China. This could simply be a time-zone-friendly way for Apple to directly address media in China, or it could signify a special product for the Chinese market. While most believe that a cheaper iPhone 5c would be sold internationally, some think it could be a special model meant for the Chinese market only.
Apple announced last week a new program that lets iPhone users trade in their old iPhone for partial credit toward a new one. The program is expected to be implemented across most Apple Stores this month. You can trade in your old iPhone for a gift card that must be used immediately for the purchase of a new iPhone with contract. The amount depends on the specifications and condition of the old iPhone.
Apple launched a new support web site this week at getsupport.apple.com with an easy-to-use interface that leads to multiple ways to get help with Mac, iOS, iTunes and other products and services.
The site starts the process by asking users what type of product they are using. Then narrows down the type of problem with simple choices. The user is then given a choice of talking to someone on the phone, scheduling a call, using online chat, or making an appointment at an Apple Store. Apple Knowledge Base articles are also listed at the bottom of the screen.
The new site is being rolled out day-by-day around the world, so not everyone has access to it yet, and not all services, like phone support, are available everywhere.
This change was rumored previously, and may only be the first of many changes to the way Apple offers support. Some sources believe that Apple will soon change its AppleCare extended warranty program to be a per-user service, rather than a per-product service.
Apple is once again holding its iTunes Festival in London and broadcasting it to the world via Apple TV and iOS devices. The iTunes Festival channel has appeared on Apple TVs as the 30-day concert event starts on September 1. It will feature some of the top music artists in the world. iOS device owners can download the iTunes Festival London 2013 app to stream the video.
More rumors bloggers are jumping on the iPhone 5C bandwagon, agreeing that there will be a cheaper plastic version of the iPhone coming out in September. Photos and video of devices and shells seem to be appearing everywhere. Most believe that the announcement will come September 10.
Most rumor sites are now focusing on the probable release of a new iPhone this fall. Several prominent news sources are claiming that Apple will hold a special event on September 10 to announce iPhone plans.
Analysts predict that there will be two iPhone models introduced. One would be the iPhone 5S, an upgrade of the current 4-inch display model. The other would be an iPhone 5C, a cheaper plastic model with a smaller screen.
Other rumored changes include a better camera on the iPhone 5S and a fingerprint censor built into the Home button that will let you unlock your phone without entering a passcode. The plastic iPhone 5C may come in a variety of colors.
In response to several accidents caused by poorly-made third-party chargers, Apple is offering a program that will help people upgrade to official chargers. Starting August 16, you can bring those adapters to Apple Stores and exchange them for Apple ones for $10. Here’s the official page for the program: http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter-takeback/
Giving kids iOS devices has been getting more difficult as these devices rely more and more on iCloud which has been closed off to those under 13. But Apple took a big step in fixing the problem by changing the iTunes terms and conditions to allow kids to have Apple accounts, at least if it is part of their school’s program. You can read more here: http://www.apple.com/ios/ios7/education/.
The middle of the summer means no real news from Apple. But rumor sites are filling the void with speculation. It looks like Apple news this fall will be mostly about iOS products, with a new iPhone and iPad expected at some point.
The most contentious rumors are about whether there will be a low-cost version of the iPhone. Some sites claim it will be a plastic-case version, while others claim it will not exist at all. Another debate is whether we will see a new iPad mini model, and if that model will have a retina display or not.
One thing we do know is that the next version of iOS and the next version of OS X are in beta development right now and being used by developers worldwide. We’ll certainly see both of these in the coming months, regardless of what new hardware comes out.
Apple announced its latest quarterly financials this week, and Wall Street was enthusiastic about the report. Shares jumped in after-hours trading and continued to rise the next day. The company earned more than $35 billion with a profit of nearly $7 billion, slightly up from last year.
The most impressive piece of news was the 31 million iPhones sold. The launch of the new MacBook Air models drove more than 3.8 million Mac sales. In addition, Apple’s guidance for next quarter was higher than analyst estimates.
While the business side of Apple was happy with this news, the developer side had a rough week when Apple closed its developer portal after it was compromised by an intruder. Though it looks like no real damage was done, Apple has kept the area closed for an extended period while it improved security at the site.
Apple released a new version of Logic, its pro audio app, this week. The re-designed app Logic Pro X includes new features such as automatic drum tracks, bass amp designer, drum kit designer and pitch editing. There is also now a companion app for controlling Logic using an iPad connected wirelessly to the Mac.
The map apps race continued this week with Google updating their iOS app to 2.0. The new version gives iPad users full resolution, and improvement over the old version which only allowed iPhone emulation mode. In addition, there’s a long list of new features like indoor maps, live traffic reports, and Google+ integration.
Rumors are flying that a new iPhone is on the way. Some believe it will be called the iPhone 5S and will feature dual LED flash, a fingerprint sensor, faster processor and larger battery. Others claim that there will be two models: a standard one and a lower-cost option. If the reports of production starting this month are true, then we could see the new phone in September or October.
A U.S. District judge ruled that Apple did indeed conspire with publishers to fix e-book prices when it launched iBooks. Apple continues to deny the charges and reportedly plans to appeal. All five publishers also charged in the case have already reached out-of-court settlements with the government.
Apple had pushed a pricing model where publishers must sell books at the same price on all services, rather than letting retailers, such as Amazon, set prices at any amount.
In another court, Apple and Amazon made peace over a lawsuit concerning the “app store” name. Held up for years, the case started when Apple accused Amazon of infringing on its App Store trademark by using a similar name for selling apps for Kindle devices. Amazon had countersued. Both companies have agreed to drop the cases.
Every year Apple makes special offers during the summer for the college-bound. Students already get a discount on purchases, but for the next few months, they can also get a $50 or $100 iTunes gift card with their purchase. This makes it easy for a student to buy a Mac or iPad and load it up with iWork apps for free.
It looks more and more likely that Apple’s next new product will be a wearable wrist device. Trademark applications have been filed by Apple in several countries for the name “iWatch.”
Apple has been moving forward this week on software plans announced at its developers conference. There are reports that the second beta of iOS 7 has been released, with support for both the iPad and iPhone. They have also started testing iWork for iCloud by inviting all Apple employees to try the new web-based versions of the apps.
American Airlines completed its transformation to using iPads in place of flight bags across its entire fleet. Following them will be Jet Blue which announced similar plans just yesterday. Using iPads instead of heavy flight bags will save space, paper and fuel.
In other news, Apple extended the online Apple Store to cover Russia this week. There is no official retail store in the country, and up until now anyone wanting Apple products would have to buy them from third parties.
