Apple has had a relatively quiet summer so far in terms of product news, but in a few short weeks, you can expect plenty of action at Apple’s headquarters.
This week, Bloomberg reported that Apple will introduce several new hardware updates this fall, including three new iPhones, at least two new iPads, and a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The news followed reports about Apple’s other planned products for the coming months, including how much its Apple TV Plus streaming-video service.
Meanwhile, Apple officially pushed into financial services by releasing Apple Card, a credit card in partnership with Goldman Sachs. And if you’re interested in a deep dive into Apple’s e-waste recycling, we have you covered.
Read on for more about all the major Apple headlines from the past week:
Plenty of New Hardware
The next couple months could play host to an Apple hardware bonanza, if a new Bloomberg report is accurate. According to that report, Apple plans to unveil three new iPhones in September, alongside updates to its iPads, Apple Watch, AirPods, and HomePods. Apple will also unveil a new 16-inch MacBook Pro this fall, according to the report. Needless to say, the company is making a heavy push at hardware shoppers ahead of the busy holiday shopping season.
Apple’s iPhone Questions
While three new iPhones may sound nice, I asked some important questions this week that Apple should answer about its iPhone 11 lineup. The Bloomberg report said the new iPhones would have better cameras compared to last year’s models, but will anyone care? And with China tariffs still looming, there’s a chance iPhone prices will rise.
How Will Apple TV Plus Compete?
Apple TV Plus will begin streaming original series and other content this fall. And when it’s available, Apple may charge $9.99 monthly the service, according to Bloomberg. While that’s about the same price as basic Netflix or Hulu access, with Disney’s own Disney Plus streaming service heading to devices this fall for $6.99 per month, would a $10-a-month Apple TV Plus with less content stack up? Analysts chimed in here.
An Apple Arcade Leak
In addition to Apple TV Plus, the tech giant is working on releasing Apple Arcade, a game-streaming service that s expected to premiere this fall. This week, reporters at Apple news site 9to5Mac got early access to Apple Arcade and revealed that Apple may charge $4.99 monthly for access. A one-month free trial may be available as a teaser.
Revamping the Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 5, the smartwatch expected to be released next month, may have new titanium and ceramic case designs, software code in the watchOS 6 beta operating system revealed this week. Apple has used everything from ceramic to steel Apple Watch case designs, but it has never offered a titanium version. The last ceramic model was available with Apple Watch Series 3 released in 2017. Prices and availability are still unknown.
A Detailed Look at Apple Daisy
Apple has made a big push in recent years to get people to recycle their iPhones and letting Apple and other companies use “e-waste” in future phone designs. This week, Fortune published a detailed report about Apple’s e-waste efforts and how its hardware recycling system Daisy works. It’s a must-read.
One More Thing…
Apple released its Apple Card credit card broadly to the public this week. And after signing up for the card, my colleague Aaron Pressman wrote about its good and not-so-good features. Check out his article.
