This week’s Apple Loop looks back at another week of news and headlines from Cupertino, including Apple’s iPhone security warning, launch event leaks, iPhone 14 price increases, another iPad delayed, Apple adds production in Vietnam, thoughts on the MacBook Air M2, Apple’s next USB-C move, and how the iPod could return.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions that have occurred in the Apple community over the last seven days.
Confirmation of Serious iPhone Security Flaws
Apple has confirmed reports of two major iOS exploits that expose iPhones running older versions to attack. To address this, iOS 15.6.1 was released, along with a warning to users to update immediately in order to have these two security holes fixed.
“The first issue fixed in iOS 15.6.1 is a vulnerability in the iPhone Kernel tracked as CVE-2022-32894 that could allow an application to execute code with kernel privileges,” writes Kate O’Flaherty. According to Apple’s support page, “Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”
“The other vulnerability addressed in iOS 15.6.1 is a flaw in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari (CVE-2022-32893), which could allow arbitrary code execution. Apple claims that attackers have used it in real-world scenarios.”
iPhone Launch Day Leaks
We’re still waiting for confirmation from Apple, but according to reports, Tim Cook and his team will take to the Cupertino stage on September 7th to unveil the iPhone 14 family. It appears that we will learn about the new iPhones a week earlier than usual. Let’s see how this affects physical release and availability:
“According to people familiar with the matter, Apple Inc. plans to hold a launch event on Sept. 7 to unveil the iPhone 14 line, introducing the latest version of a product that accounts for more than half of its sales. The new iPhones will kick off a busy fall product season that includes multiple new Macs, low- and high-end iPads, and three Apple Watch models.”
iPhone price increases are planned.
Along with information on an early release date, the iPhone 14 family’s potential pricing has shifted in the opposite direction. Prepare for a price increase, particularly on Pro Max models:
“Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities estimates that the “iPhone 14 series ASP [average selling price] would increase by about 15% vs iPhone 13 series ASP.” Yes, 15% is significantly higher than previous price leaks, raising concerns about a possible $1300 entry-level iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, the bigger picture is a little more complicated.”
Some MacBook Air M2 Thoughts
What if the best ‘performance per dollar’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Mark Ellis evaluates the MacBook Air M2 and concludes that it is just a little too much for him:
“…the new design is breathtaking. I adore the mini MacBook Pro’s design, and it is easily the most satisfying laptop I’ve ever owned. It also gets better the longer you own it. Even the smudges on the Midnight version fade quickly; they’re almost like a worn leather patina. The screen is also a genuine improvement over the M1 version. With the blistering sun creeping through every available window, that extra brightness has served me well over the last few weeks.”
What Will Apple Do Next?
Once again, the topic of USB-C connectivity, or more specifically, the universality of using USB-C and its potential to reduce e-waste, comes up in discussions about Apple products. The new entry-level iPad may not be available this year, but it is on its way:
“Along with the new high-end iPad Pro, Apple intends to redesign its most affordable iPad this year. The 10th generation iPad is expected to be released this fall, and it could be the most significant update to the entry-level iPad in years… The new iPad 10 is also expected to use USB-C instead of Lightning for charging and data transfer. The form factor will also be updated, with flat edges like the iPad Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad mini.”