Originally published at: https://appletalk.com.au/2019/02/tuesday-morning-news190219/
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has emptied the magazine, letting loose with Apple rumours left, right, and centre. While we’ve already heard about some of his predictions for Apple hardware this year, new stuff includes a completely redesigned 16-inch MacBook Pro, a ceramic Apple Watch when the fifth generation is released later this year, and a 31-inch 6K display that will mark Apple’s return to the professional display scene. The rest we’ve more or less heard about already or can expect given Apple’s usual hardware release cadence, including updated iPads, iPad Pros, iPod touch, iPhones, AirPods, and the upcoming Mac Pro which will be "easy to upgrade".
The Wall Street Journal suggests recent changes in Apple leadership represent a change in focus from iPhone hardware revenue as the main revenue generator for the company to having more of a focus on services. By promoting John Giannandrea to his current role of SVP of machine learning and AI strategy, the departure of Angela Ahrendts, and the reduction in role of Bill Stasior, the WSJ says Apple is transitioning to a company that is building a services catalog and enhancing its AI position.
The Information reports on the somewhat shady business practices of Huawei, who attempted to coerce Apple manufacturers and suppliers to share Apple’s component specs with promises of big orders. Huawei engineers were apparently working on their own smartwatch sometime last year, and attempted to discover details about Apple’s component prices, as well as getting Apple manufacturers to share details of existing designs from Apple hardware.
Apple has announced a new partnership with Oakland-based non-profit Dream Corps, who currently bring educational and workforce development opportunities to young adults. Dream Corps’ #YesWeCode initiative teaches underrepresented minorities to code, with 60% of graduates from the course getting coding-related positions, and with Apple now supplying hardware, professional support, curriculum guidance, and more, participants should be well placed for success in the tech sector.
While limited time interest free promotions aren’t new, Apple Australia is currently offering 24 months interest free on purchases over $1000, as well as $50 credit when you purchase an iPhone, the latter of which has never been seen before. The promo ends March 4, and given that Apple’s current back to school deals are included, may be a good way to get something for less.
Apple is promoting Apple Music by allowing current subscribers to gift a free month of Apple Music to friends. But Apple’s push notification notifying everyone of the promo seems to be in violation of Apple’s own App Store guidelines, which say push notifications should not be used for advertising, promotions, or direct marketing purposes. This isn’t new either — plenty of bigger companies abuse push notifications, all because there aren’t any real ramifications for doing so.
The third beta of macOS Mojave 10.14.4 is out, but curiously the corresponding iOS, watchOS, and tvOS releases aren’t out yet. Perhaps someone pulled the trigger a little early, and we’ll see the non-Mac platforms updated later today or tomorrow.
Ever since Apple’s USB-C power adapters removed the "ears" or "stand" that allowed you to coil the MagSafe cable around the adapter, there has been no good way to store your power adapter and cable. Fuse’s Side Kick is a power adapter accessory that restores some of this functionality — while it’s not as neat as Apple’s previous solution, it’s not bad, and can be pre-ordered on Kickstarter now.
Heart Analyzer is a decent third-party heart rate tracking app for the Apple Watch, and it now has support for live heart rate tracking. Improved complication options now allow you to see a similar graph to Apple’s inbuilt one, but I’m curious about whether they would be able to update their graph as often as an Apple-developed complication can.
January 2009 marked the last time Apple took to the stage at Macworld expo, telling us about iLife and iWork 09, showing off the 17-inch unibody MacBook Pro, and cheaper song purchases via the iTunes Music Store. While that era of Apple showing up at events has passed, MacStories has the full recap.