Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including iPhone SE specs, Apple’s new hardware plans, a surprise iOS version, an iPhone update warning, Apple’s annual report card, Invites app launched, and an unwanted app from Europe.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.
Apple Forced To Up iPhone SE Specs
Apple looks set to launch the iPhone SE earlier than expected, but while we wait for Tim Cook to announce the new mid-range handset, many are considering how powerful the cheapest new iPhone will be. Given the demands of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone SE is going to need Apple’s top-of-the-line silicon:
“I doubt Apple wants to leave the iPhone SE struggling to support the brave new world of AI when it debuts, let alone years later…. This means that the A18 will be at the heart of the iPhone SE, although Apple could work some budgetary magic and partially lower the specs to create a performance gap between the iPhone 16 and iPhone SE.”
(Forbes).
Apple’s Coming Soon Roster
The iPhone SE isn’t the only new hardware we expect to see over the next weeks and months. Michael Burkhardt rounds up the usual suspects, including the entry-elve iPad refresh:
“Apple’s cheapest iPad is likely going to get its first update in over 2 years this spring, with the main focus being Apple Intelligence support. The last iPad refresh brought the first redesign to the base iPad since Apple started making budget iPads, so there likely won’t be any design changes.”
(9to5Mac).
A Surprise iOS 18.3 Update
Apple is working on an interim release of iOS. While the big 18.4 update—which features the last of the first trache of Apple Intelligence tools—is due later this quarter, an 18.3.1 build is being tested:
“This sounds like it will be a smaller update geared to bug fixes rather than the new features which are usually reserved for bigger-number releases like iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4. As for what’s in it exactly, it’s possible that the news and entertainment Apple Intelligence notification summaries which were turned off temporarily in iOS 18.3 because of uneven performance could be reinstated in iOS 18.3.1.”
(Forbes).
iPhone 11 Urgent Update Warning
This isn’t the only new version of iOS 18 available. This week, the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max picked up an update. Although it retains the iOS 18.3 numbering, it is a later build of the software; presumably, a specific issue for these handsets needed to be immediately addressed:
“Apple still hasn’t given any details of why the iPhone 11 series is getting this extra version, but a bug issue seems the most likely reason. Some users on Reddit have variously referred to reports of Safari breaking and Mail issues, but neither has been confirmed by Apple.”
(Forbes).
Apple’s Latest Report Card
Following Apple’s quarterly earnings, Jason Snell took to his traditional PowerPoint to look over the numbers and grade Apple with his annual “Report Card” on the company, put together with the help of a panel of Apple experts, commentators, and users. Here’s the summary of one area… the iPhone:
“Feelings about the iPhone lineup were mixed. Many panelists praised the incremental hardware improvements, but there was also disappointment in Apple Intelligence and the new Camera Control feature. The rolling down of previously higher-end features—the Action Button to the lower-end iPhones, 5X zoom to the smaller iPhone Pro—were well received. However, there were still complaints about the lack of a smaller phone option, lackluster color choices for Pro models, and software features that feel rushed or unfinished.”
(Six Colors).
Apple Launches Invites App
It’s been some time since a new Apple app, but this week saw the release of “Invites”, a solution for organising parties and events and getting people the relevant information. While it is limited to the iPhone for organising, invitees can use any system, not just Apple’s iCloud+ and Calendar services
“With Invites, “you can generate a quick digital invitation that, when shared with your friends, lets them gather all the info about the event, RSVP, and add it to their calendar. That includes your Android friends, who can access invites using a web-based version of the app on the iCloud site.”
(Forbes).
And Finally…
With Apple forced to open its walled garden of apps and allow consumers to choose what apps they want on their phone without having to wait for Apple’s permission, it has not take long for an app to be released for iOS that Apple would not have approved on the grounds of user safety. Apple’s statement:
“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids. This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem that we have worked for more than a decade to make the best in the world. Contrary to the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store. The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety.
(via MacRumors).
Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.
