Apple's Beta Releases

Recently, Apple released the fourth beta versions of iOS 16.1 and tvOS 16.1, along with the fifth beta of iPadOS 16.1 for developers and testers. As is customary, Apple advises against installing these beta versions on primary devices. Additionally, the new macOS Ventura is also nearing its release, as beta testers received their tenth build this week. A full release date for these operating systems has yet to be announced.

USB-C Charging Mandate

In a significant development, the European Union has mandated that all smartphones sold in Europe must feature a USB-C charging port starting in 2024. This legislation aims to minimize electronic waste by encouraging consumers to stop discarding old chargers and cables when purchasing new devices. This change will undoubtedly impact Apple, which continues to use its proprietary Lightning port in the iPhone 14. Industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that USB-C is expected to debut with the iPhone 15 next year.

Given that iPhones are Apple's best-selling products annually, transitioning to USB-C poses challenges, particularly in ensuring a reliable supply of USB-C controllers. Furthermore, advancements in USB4 technology promise data transfer speeds of up to 80Gbps, which will benefit users transferring large Pro-Res video and Pro-Raw photo files.

AirPods Pro 2 Battery Notification Issue

As I write this, I'm enjoying my AirPods Pro 2, which I absolutely love! However, I've come across reports on Reddit where some users have received notifications via the Find My app, indicating that the battery in their case and both earbuds needs replacing. Although Apple hasn't issued an official statement, it appears this issue is linked to the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds or charging case reaching critically low battery levels. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced any such notifications, and it seems this could be resolved with a simple over-the-air firmware update.

Foxconn's Revenue Surge

In a surprising turn, CNBC reported that Foxconn has experienced remarkable revenue growth due to strong demand for the pro iPhones. As the primary assembly point for Apple's iPhone, Foxconn recorded a 40.4% year-on-year increase in demand, with September revenue hitting $25.9 billion—a staggering 83.2% increase compared to August. Prior to the recent keynote event, many anticipated the iPhone 14 Plus would be the top seller, and now that it has finally been released, it will be intriguing to see how it performs in the market.

Upcoming Display Launch

Display analyst Ross Young predicts that Apple is set to unveil a new display in the first quarter of 2023. Young, who shared this insight with his followers on Twitter, forecasts that a 27-inch mini-LED display will arrive by spring 2023. This new display is not expected to replace the Pro Display XDR but will feature a 120Hz refresh rate with ProMotion technology, likely priced higher than the Studio Display, which starts at £1499.

Anticipating October Events

Despite various sensational titles circulating on YouTube, there is no solid evidence suggesting that Apple has changed its plans regarding an October keynote event. As mentioned last week, this doesn't mean Apple won't launch more products this year; it simply indicates they may not be introduced at a formal event. Products still awaiting updates include Macs, iPad Pros, and potentially a new 4K Apple TV. The development of the Mac Pro is being kept under wraps and may not roll out until Q1 2023, along with the long-awaited headset.

iPhone 14 Plus Launch Day

Believe it or not, October 7 marks the release date for Apple's iPhone 14 Plus in Australia and New Zealand. Due to time zone differences, customers in these regions often get their hands on new products first. As New Zealand lacks official Apple Stores, Australian customers will be the first to experience the iPhone 14 Plus. If you're in Australia, I’d love to hear your first impressions!

Apple's Legal Victory in France

This week brought a small victory for Apple in France. In 2020, the company was fined €1.1 billion after a premium reseller claimed to have suffered from Apple's anti-competitive practices. This week, however, one of the main charges related to price-fixing was dropped, significantly reducing the fine to €373 million.

That's all for this week's updates, but I'll be back next Friday with more news. Have a fantastic weekend and a great week ahead!

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The first video showcases the highlights from the Apple Event on September 9, offering insights into the latest announcements and product launches.

In the second video, Jimmy and Tim Cook engage in a conversation in NYC about the new iPhone 16 and the future of Apple Intelligence.