iPhone 14, 14 Plus tipped to get enhanced A15 chip

Source: MacRumors

A couple of days before Apple's Far Out event, more rumours about the new Apple iPhone 14 series is coming up. The Wall Street Journal reports the lower-end iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will get an "enhanced version" of the A15 Bionic chip. If the report is accurate, then only the Pro versions (possibly the Pro and Pro Max) will get the new A16 chip, marking the first time Apple limits the release of its latest chip to the Pro models

This enhanced version of the A15 is expected to be similar to the higher-end A15 five-core chip on the iPhone 13 Pro models. So, you can expect improved graphics from the previous generation.

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Apple Watch Pro might not support older Apple Watch bands

Apple is rumoured to be unveiling a new Apple Watch Pro during its upcoming "Far Out" event on September 7. And one of the latest leaks about this smartwatch is you can't use older Apple Watch bands with it. Leaker UnclePan, who correctly predicted the screen sizes of the Apple Watch Series 7, claimed on Chinese social media Weibo that the Apple Watch Pro would get a 47mm/48mm displays with wider straps. They said the squared shape of these upcoming watches wouldn't be a perfect fit with the existing bands.

If the reports are accurate, the Apple Watch Pro will be the first Apple Watch that doesn't offer retro compatibility for existing bands. This Watch Pro will reportedly visually differentiate itself from the Series 8, but rumours diverge over whether the watch will get flat edges. The Pro is also expected to feature a "more durable formulation of titanium" to make it a more rugged device, get better battery life, and add support for body temperature measurements.

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Your iPhone might show you more ads in the future

Source: Apple

Apple is looking to amp up its ad business, which means you might see more ads on your iPhone in the future. A report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims you might see more ads within first-party Apple apps like Maps and Podcasts. Apple apps like the App Store, News, and Stocks already serve some advertising to users, but now it's looking to branch to more apps. Gurman believes we'll see more ads in digital storefronts like Books and Podcasts, the TV+ app, and even Maps through search ads.

According to Gurman's Power On newsletter, Apple's advertising teams "gained a foothold" within its Services business earlier this year. Todd Teresi, who used to work for Eddy Cue during the time of the iAd network, started reporting to Cue again. And Teresi reportedly discussed expanding the ad arm of Apple, increasing its US$4 billion annual revenue to double digits. And the company needs to serve more ads to accomplish that goal.

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Apple is reportedly funding podcasts it could turn into films or TV shows

Source: Apple

Apple has supposedly signed a deal with podcast producer Futuro Studios to help fund future podcast development and productions. As part of the deal, Apple gets the first refusal on the rights to turn these podcasts into a film or TV show. The tech giant has already produced TV shows based on podcasts WeCrashed and The Shrink Next Door.

The company's TV division leads the podcasting deals it enters. Meanwhile, its actual podcasting unit has reportedly avoided investing in specific titles to appear as a "neutral platform." Apple and Futuro have declined to comment on Bloomberg's report. But it looks like Apple is using the technology to benefit its other businesses more than directly expanding or growing the shows. Aside from using it for adaptations, Apple has done companion podcasts for content like The Problem with Jon Stewart and For All Mankind as promotional tie-ins.

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