So that you’re again to work after the lengthy vacation break? As we dive into 2023, these slices of Apple-related information ought to prep you for the 12 months forward as we wait to see what Apple achieves in 2023.

iPhone, Mac, iPad and {hardware} rumors

Throughout the season, the next tidbits of hypothesis started to flow into:

  • The iPhone 15 rumors envision this 12 months’s smartphones with cutting-edge A17 3nm chips for higher efficiency and far lengthier battery life, a slight enchancment in efficiency, 48MP rear cameras throughout all the vary, haptic buttons and titanium body. In associated information, Apple might cancel or delay plans for iPhone SE4.
  • The primary 3nm chips ought to arrive in Macs this 12 months, presumably with new M2-branded processors, in keeping with 9-5Mac.
  • TSMC has commenced manufacturing of 3nm chips in Taiwan. Apple at present depends on chips produced utilizing the foundry’s 5nm course of.
  • Apple is engaged on a brand new model of iPad mini outfitted with a brand new processor for launch this 12 months. It might ultimately launch a foldable pill, however not earlier than 2025.
  • Apple is reportedly engaged on AirPods Lite, a lower-cost model of its earbuds designed to compete with all these cheap AirPod-like units you see round.
  • The corporate is planning a brand new 27-in. 120Hz show with Mini-LED.
  • Maybe essentially the most attention-grabbing snippet pertains to Apple’s new Apple Pencil patent. This describes a tool that may pattern actual world colours and textures to make use of on an iPad.

Excellent news, unhealthy information within the Apple provide chain

Apple’s challenges with manufacturing in China have been nicely documented, however a change within the nationwide strategy to COVID-19 mitigation appears to have enabled its manufacturing companions to return to extra regular manufacturing, albeit at important price.

These adjustments imply Foxconn met 90% of its authentic manufacturing goal, Reuters experiences. That is translating into improved {hardware} availability throughout a number of areas.

Apple continues to diversify its manufacturing base and has introduced LuxShare in to fabricate iPhone 15 Professional Max. Nevertheless, the reverberations of quickly rising numbers of infections are being felt downstream throughout the part provide chain so long-term {hardware} availability stays exhausting to evaluate.

Apple continues investing in manufacturing amenities outdoors China, with India’s authorities working to seize MacBook and iPad manufacturing and Vietnam about to open manufacturing domestically.

There was extra reporting that Apple is seeing some weak spot in gross sales of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus fashions, and is allegedly contemplating a worth lower on the latter. It’s attention-grabbing that Amazon is now promoting that mannequin at $50 lower than sticker worth, whilst Apple warns of much more costly battery replacements for iPhones, Macs, and iPads, beginning in March. All this happens towards a backdrop of worsening financial efficiency throughout the US, Europe, and China.

Apple’s quest for CSR

Cynics might name it greenwashing, however the fact is that if each firm made the identical diploma of effort, we’d have an opportunity of assembly local weather targets. Sadly, they don’t. The excellent news from Apple is that it appears to be advancing beforehand disclosed plans to reap warmth from its iCloud knowledge facilities to heat close by properties. What’s necessary about this transfer is that it units a precedent for company social accountability elsewhere.

Amazon and Microsoft are already making this shift. Simply take into account how a lot vitality these areas use. Can this gasoline even be utilized in different methods, quite than disappearing to drive your Tweets?

Whereas Apple allegedly intends to loosen its controls across the App Retailer, it’s also trying to find factors of resistance past which it needn’t budge. In December, Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner met with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to speak App Retailer regulation and his firm’s multi-billion investments in provide chain enterprise there. Backside line? It’s doable some expectations will transform over-blown.

Farewell to Darkish Sky

Increase any remaining glass of the great things to the reminiscence of the superb Darkish Sky app, which Apple acquired in 2020 and has now closed. You’ll discover most of its options within the firm’s personal Climate app, however I’ll at all times have a gentle spot for Darkish Sky. Farewell, and thanks for the climate warnings.

Good for stress…?

Frontiers for Digital Well being revealed analysis that exhibits “very promising” indicators you should use the Apple Watch and ECG readings to observe stress. A seemingly acceptable place to log out as we enter the Submit-holiday-New-Regular-Is-Not-Terribly-Regular instances.

Glad New Yr!

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