TECH DIGEST- Apple Set to Embrace USB-C for Upcoming iPhone Release, Aligning with EU Charging Standard. Apple’s upcoming iPhone, scheduled for unveiling on September 12, is poised to adopt a USB-C charging port, marking a significant departure from the firm’s proprietary Lightning connector.

While most Apple devices, including the latest iPads, have already made the transition to USB-C, this move for the iPhone aligns with a European Union directive mandating a common charging standard for phones by December 2024, aimed at reducing consumer costs and electronic waste.

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Notably, Apple had previously opposed the EU regulation, contending that such strict mandates inhibit innovation rather than fostering it, potentially harming consumers worldwide. However, the tide appears to have shifted, with the company embracing the USB-C standard for its forthcoming iPhone release.

While Apple’s Lightning to USB-C adapters are already available, this shift suggests that the era of the Lightning cable, which retails for £19 on the Apple store, may be drawing to a close. It remains unclear whether this change will be exclusive to the European market or if Apple will implement it globally, but the move reflects the broader industry trend towards standardized charging solutions for greater convenience and sustainability.

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TECHDIGEST – The United States of America is on the verge of banning the popular social media app, TikTok, and other apps that are based in or have links with China.

The move is predicated on security concerns that the Chinese government officials could gain access to American users’ data under Chinese law that could compel the company to hand over information. 

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A new bill by U.S. lawmakers indicates that the impending ban is not only targeting Chinese apps but also “any social media company in, or under the influence of, China, Russia, and several other foreign countries of concern.”

Specifically, the bill is targeting TikTok which is owned by ByteDance.

Nairametrics understands that the company will remain the main target until the day it can be certified that it no longer poses as a security threat to the United States of America.

Earlier this year, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had written to Apple and Google requesting them to remove TikTok from their app stores. FCC Commissioner, Brendan Carr, accused TikTok of harvesting swaths of sensitive data that are being accessed in Beijing. 

The Commissioner alleged that TikTok is not just an app for sharing funny memes or videos but a “sophisticated surveillance tool that harvests extensive amounts of personal and sensitive data.”  

ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, however, assured the U.S. regulator that it was not under the influence of the Chinese government, adding that Americans’ data are saved with the company. These assurances have, however, failed to douse the tension. 

 Source:Nairametric 

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TECHDIGEST – Apple Inc is set to unveil iPhone 14 at a yet-to-be announced date with mind blowing features.

Some of the new features in the iPhone 14 model range is likely to have the most recent chipset, which would be the A 16 or the A 16 Bionic. The iPhone 14 family is rumored to include support for 5G networks and may possibly boast an updated version of the 3D touch feature.

As stated on SNBC13 website, https://snbc13.com/apple-event-date-apple-iphone-14-expected-release-date-price-features/, Apple Representative, Jeff Williams noted that the iPhone 14’s battery may also be the source of improvements, as the capacity may increase as newer models get thicker.

An analyst at TF International Securities named Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a “great track record for Apple information,” said improvements are also expected to be made on the camera front. Specifically, a 48-megapixel main camera that is capable of recording in 8K video is anticipated.

Indeed, if historical patterns are any indication, the month of September is typically the one in which Apple makes an announcement regarding the release of a new iPhone.

The previous model, which was designated as the iPhone 13, was made available to the public for the first time on Friday, 24th September 2021. However, it was introduced as a new model on Tuesday, September 14.

There are many rumors surrounding the new iPhone, as there are before every potential event that Apple hosts. Will it have a battery that can charge more quickly, a front-facing camera that is of higher quality, or a new A 16 chipset? SNBC13 has reached out to Apple for a comment and has compiled the most recent information from the sources that are considered to have the most credibility.

While the date for the official launch will be announced soon, iPhone enthusiasts can anticipate that it will be presented at the following Apple event.

Apple is notorious for delaying the announcement of their launch dates until the very last minute. There will be an event, but it has been speculated that it will take place either on Tuesday, September 6 or on Tuesday, September 13.

There are persistent rumors circulating that the new iPhone range will be priced higher than its predecessors, which brings up an important question.

Ming-Chi Kuo, whom Forbes also cites, tweeted in response to Hon Hai Technology Group that he believed there would be a price increase of 15 per cent and that he believed the increase would take effect soon.

“One of the companies that has benefited from the increased average selling price of iPhone 14 series is Hon Hai/Foxconn.

“I estimated that the average selling price of the iPhone 14 series would rise by approximately 15 per cent (compared to the ASP of the iPhone 13 series) to $1,000-1,050 (USD) as a result of two price hikes for the iPhone 14 Pro as well as a higher shipment proportion,” he said.

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TECHDIGEST – Starting next year, Apple will sell to its customers using iPhone 12 and 13 “parts, tools, and manuals” to repair the smartphone in the comfort of their homes.

The ‘”Self Service Repair” programme will start in the United States and “expand to additional countries throughout 2022”, the fourth-largest global smartphones manufacturer made this known on Wednesday.

The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly repaired components of the smartphone, such as the display, battery, and camera. The ability for additional repairs will also be made available later next year. It will also include its Macs with M1 chips.

“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.

“In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”

Although the statement announcing the new program was illustrated by a lady fixing her phone at the kitchen table, Apple hinted that its customers should first visit a ‘certified’ technician before attempting self-care.

Apple added, “Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.”

Following a repair, customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.

Source: Punch

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TECH DIGEST – Apple shares were sent reeling Thursday on word of a steep drop in sales of iPhones, which are at the heart of the tech titan’s money-making engine.
Apple profit fell 7 per cent to $12.7 billion in the recently ended quarter, the Silicon Valley-based colossus said in its earnings release.
The California tech giant’s total revenue edged up from last year’s level to $64.7 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter, but revenue from iPhone sales — the major income driver for Apple — slid some 20 per cent from a year ago, unsettling investors.
The company’s share price nosedived more than four per cent in after-hours trading.
“iPhone is the cash cow and the driver of pretty much every add-on service Apple has out there,” said analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights and Strategy.
Apple has made a priority of selling apps, games, subscriptions and music to iPhone users in recent years to break its dependence on handset sales.

From Apple TV and the App Store to Apple Watch and AirPod earbuds, the company’s other offerings are aimed at iPhone users, Moorhead noted.

“I expect Apple in the next quarter to have a nice big surge due to the new models, and also the financing or new phones with monthly plans,” Moorhead said.

Freshly-launched iPhone 12 models include some tailored for ultra-fast 5G networks.

“Apple capped off a fiscal year defined by innovation in the face of adversity with a September quarter record, led by all-time records for Mac and Services,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook said in a statement.

Cook added that early response to the company’s first 5G-enabled iPhone lineup has been “tremendously positive”

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