Updated July 21 with new details on Apple AirPods release dates.
Looking back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including new iPhone 16 features, iPhone 16 Pro launch dates, Apple’s AI delay, iPad Pro’s improved Files app, Cellbrite locked out of iOS, Microsoft’s wish Apple for AI and a shelf full of Emmy nominations/
The Apple Loop is here to remind you of some of the many discussions surrounding Apple over the past seven days. You can also read my weekly roundup of Android news here on Forbes.
iPhone 15 Pro Max in White Titanium (Photo by Ming Yeung/Getty Images)
iPhone 16 Pro key feature update
Apple continues to fall behind on the basic features that Android users expect from their mid-range smartphones, let alone their premium smartphones. Based on the leaks of the past weeks, we have more information about the faster charging iPhones coming this year.
“It’s not just that the battery will be different, although a recent report says it will be, but that when it runs down it will be much faster to recharge.” This is because the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max support 40W wired charging speeds…
“All iPhone 15 series phones currently support wired charging speeds of up to 27 watts, assuming you have a powerful enough charging plug. This means you can charge your iPhone 15 from dust to 50% in about 30 minutes. It’s not bad, but faster would be better.
(Forbes).
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro launch dates
Tim Cook’s Apple has adopted a predictable release schedule for each iPhone generation, and there are no signs that the 2024 iPhone 16 family will change that pattern. David Phelan of Forbes looks at the likely dates of the announcement and the announcement of the announcement:
“I believe the keynote will be on Tuesday, September 10th… Apple varies how far in advance it announces the keynote, usually with a gnomic and vague announcement that gives away more than you’d expect. Apple likes to make a splash with keynote reveals, so I believe it will roll out this announcement on Wednesday, September 4th or Thursday, September 5th for maximum impact.
(Forbes).
Update: AirPods 4 will be released this year
Many are waiting not only for the latest iPhones, Apple’s AirPods are even longer. The current third-generation AirPods were announced on October 21; a cheaper variant that removes MagSafe/Qi charging out of the box was released in September 2022, but since then Apple’s audio accessory has remained untouched. The Apple community will be happy to hear that the fourth generation of AirPods is on track to arrive by the end of the year:
The AirPods 4 models will reportedly have a design that “looks like a mix” of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, including short handles. None of the AirPods 4 variants will feature interchangeable tips like the AirPods Pro, but they will “offer an improved fit … the new AirPods 4 models are due for release later in 2024. Apple typically releases new AirPods around the same time as the new iPhone in September.”
(9to5Mac).
iPhone 16 Pro software delayed
While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro may go on sale at the end of September, the real upgrade will be in Apple’s introduction of AI. The grandly titled Apple Intelligence should catch up to Android, but it won’t happen overnight. It won’t even happen in 2024:
“Yet the AI that the iPhone is clearly missing right now won’t be available until the first quarter of 2025. Tim Cook and his team will be asking the Apple faithful to buy the smartphone with the promise of getting the AI at some point in the meantime all these benefits are available on Android [since 2023]. Apple’s iPhone will be two generations behind Android’s AI efforts before it even leaves the Cupertino stage.
(Forbes).
Take the files you want with you
While the iPadOS18 update isn’t as extensive as many had hoped, Apple has addressed several issues and annoyances that users have been facing. The Files app now offers smarter downloads and offline access from the main iCloud sources:
“Not only on iPad, but also on iPhone in iOS 18, you can long press on a file or folder and find a new ‘Save Download’ button in the menu. That’s right, you can tell iPadOS to keep an entire downloaded folder or file permanently, never to be dumped in the cloud again.”
(9o5Mac).
The secure iPhone is back
Cellbrite is a household name in security circles given its skills in digitally cracking locked smartphones for law enforcement. Now, with their current toolset, phones running the latest version of iOS are reportedly immune to their approaches
“Leaked documents reveal that Cellebrite cannot unlock iPhones running iOS 17.4 and later, at least as of the date of publication (April 2024). The company has confirmed that the documents are genuine. Cellebrite devices, which are widely used by law enforcement agencies, can crack most Android phones, although there are exceptions…
(9to5Mac).
The AI is arriving
While many will be waiting for AI for the iPhone 16 family, those who need it now may want to consider an unusual solution, at least for generative AI imaging… Microsoft:
“Previously available in preview for nearly a year, Microsoft Designer is finally available to everyone. Tested using Microsoft Edge and other browsers via a website, Designer is now open for use on more platforms, including iOS, Android and Windows apps. The app itself is free, but requires a Microsoft account to sign in and use it; previously, items were available through other Microsoft apps, including Word.
(Apple Insider).
And finally…
With this year’s Emmy nominations announced, Apple is proud to tout the success of Apple TV. With a record 72 nominations, it’s Apple’s best year yet from the manufacturing stable:
“With Best Show at the Emmys, Apple TV+ receives nominations in 16 Apple Originals, including Lessons in Chemistry, The Morning Show, Slow Horses, Palm Royale, Loot, Hijack, STEVE! (martin) 2-part documentary, Girls State, The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, Lords of the Air, The Silos, Physical, Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, The New Look, Sugar and many more’
(Apple).
The Apple Loop brings you seven days of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Be sure to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, and this week’s edition of the Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.
