Apple has turned the Apple Logo red at a number of Apple Stores across the globe, marking World Aids Day on December 1. The company also announced that proceeds from the sales of (Product)RED, uh, products, had reached over $100 million.
It’s fascinating to see how one unconfirmed rumour has stirred the Apple blogosphere into a frenzy. MacStories says removing the 3.5mm audio jack is inevitable, and the only question that remains is when Apple will get rid of the legacy headphone jack, not if. They suggest that it’s possible for Apple to hold out for a few more years before ditching it — but if the next iPhone has the headphone jack, the next major redesign probably won’t.
The Verge takes the more rational approach, claiming we don’t need a thinner iPhone. And it’s true, there’s no reason we need a thinner device when we already have devices as svelte as they are. Perhaps instead of removing the 3.5mm headphone jack, it’s time for Apple to push the world forward by introducing a new standard for audio connections — if not Lightning, then something else.
TouchArcade says there’s actually two parts to the story, one being the rumour of the removal of the headphone jack altogether, and the other being a patent application for removal of a portion of the headphone plug itself to shave precious millimetres off the thickness. And if you’re asking why an iOS-gaming blog is weighing in on the debate, the answer is probably pageviews.
Pro-grade composition app Sketch by Bohemian Coding is leaving the Mac App Store, citing a death by a thousand cuts as the reason for their migration away from Apple’s distribution point. Selling Sketch directly has a number of benefits over being in Apple’s distribution channel, as detailed in their explanation post.
Sketch follows in BBEdit’s and Coda’s footsteps by moving away from the Mac App Store, and it probably won’t be the last pro-grade app to do so. It’s a stark contrast to the iOS App Store, which, due to it being the only viable distribution method for iOS apps, is subject with the same kind of burdens. Over at iMore, Rene Ritchie talks about the contrast between the two App Stores.
Jason Snell explains what the “Optimise Mac Storage” option actually does in Photos for Mac.
Apple World Today says future iOS docks could have a retractable Lightning connector.
Two new Apple ads show us how powerful the iPhone 6s is, and how useful the always-on Hey Siri feature is for finding out stuff you want to know about.
Microsoft has called a truce with Apple, at least according to their latest TV ad. The Verge says it’s just Redmond keeping their friends close, and their enemies closer.
Originally published at: http://appletalk.com.au/2015/12/thursday-morning-news031215/
