A 'cheaper' Apple Vision Pro might be in the works

Apple

Apple may release a "cheaper" Vision Pro headset with fewer features and an iPhone chip instead of a Mac chip, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He wrote in his Power On newsletter that this could lower the price between US$1,500-$2,500 (around CA$2,043-$3,405) for a budget model. Of course, that's still a premium price tag, but that's still less than its US$3,500 (CA$4,767) starting price.

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Apple can reportedly update iPhones in their packaging

Apple Insider

Apple might be able to update your iPhone even if they're still in their packaging and Apple's stores. Typically, when you buy new hardware, you would need to update the device when you first open it. But Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports in his newsletter that Apple has a system that can update the iPhone's operating system before they get sold. And they don't even have to be taken out of the box.

There will be a "pad-like device" in stores where employees can place unopened iPhone boxes to trigger an update. This pad will wirelessly turn on the iPhone, run the software update, and then turn it off again. This system might be in place before the year ends.

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How Apple’s rumoured USB-C Change will affect iPhone 15 customers

MacRumors

Apple’s iPhone 15 series launch coming up, and the company is preparing its retail staff to inform customers about the major change in charging port. The new iPhones are expected to use USB-C instead of Lightning, which means existing Lightning cables will not work with them.

Customers who buy a new iPhone 15 will reportedly receive a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, but they will need to buy a USB-C charger separately if they don’t have one already. Apple’s retail employees will then need to recommend the Apple USB-C power adapters and additional Apple-certified USB-C cables available in the store.

Apple has been using the Lightning port on iPhones for over a decade, but it has switched to USB-C for its Macs and iPads in recent years. The company was reportedly influenced by the new regulations in Europe that require a common charging standard for smartphones. However, Apple could also benefit from the switch to USB-C financially.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has increased its shipment forecast of its 20W USB-C charger by 120% for the third quarter of 2023 and expects to ship 70 million units in the fourth quarter. The total shipment of Apple’s 20W USB-C charger in 2023 could reach 230–240 million units, which is a 30–40% year-on-year growth, driven by the high demand for replacement chargers.

Kuo also believes the iPhone 15 series will support faster charging speeds with Made for iPhone-certified (MFi) USB-C chargers, including Apple’s 20W Power Adapter. Leaker ShrimpApplePro claims that the iPhone 15 models will only work with USB-C accessories with the Apple MFi certification.

Additionally, Apple supplier Foxconn is reportedly producing EarPods and cables with USB-C connectors that are MFi-certified. Apple is also expected to launch a new AirPods Pro USB-C charging case.

Some sources suggest that the iPhone 15 models could support charging speeds up to 35W, which would allow for faster charging with compatible power adapters. This feature may be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models only. 

The current iPhone 14 models can charge at a maximum of around 27W, with the Pro models being slightly faster. A jump to 35W would reduce the charging time significantly. Apple could recommend its 30W MacBook Air charger or its 35W Dual USB-C charger for the iPhone 15 models for optimal charging speed.

The switch to USB-C will generate revenue for Apple from accessory sales, as this expected change will render millions of Lightning cables and USB-A chargers obsolete. However, it will also increase the cost for customers who want to buy a new iPhone 15 model this year, as they will have to purchase new chargers and cables, too.

Apple will announce the iPhone 15 series at an event on Tuesday, September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube, on Apple’s website, and in the Apple Events app for the Apple TV.

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Report: iPhone 15 to charge faster than ever with USB-C port

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 on September 12, and the device will likely feature a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port that has been used since 2012. This rumoured change means the upcoming iPhone series will allow the iPhone 15 to support charging speeds up to 35W (compared to 27W for the iPhone 14 Pro). However, users may need to buy Apple-certified cables and chargers to enjoy the full benefits of fast charging.

The switch to USB-C is also motivated by the EU’s regulation that requires all new phones sold in the bloc to use USB-C for wired charging by December 28, 2024. The iPhone 15 is expected to have improvements such as slimmer bezels, a titanium frame, and a possible price increase for the Pro and Pro Max models. 

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