Apple’s high-end iPhone models have started at $999 in the US since their launch in 2017 with the iPhone X, but could this finally be the year for the starting price to rise?
This week also saw some more rumors about Apple’s upcoming headset and the company’s explorations in the booming AI industry, as well as the release of a new round of beta updates, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!
First iPhone 15 Pro price increase since iPhone X predicted
Apple’s next-gen iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models could be more expensive than existing models.
In a research note this week, technology analyst Jeff Pu said he believes iPhone 15 Pro models will see a price increase due to several rumored hardware upgrades, including a titanium frame, solid-state buttons with added Taptic Engines for haptic feedback, and camera improvements , more RAM, a USB-C port and more.
The high-end/pro tier of the iPhone has started at $999 since the iPhone X was released in 2017.
Report: Apple CEO Tim Cook ordered the launch of headsets despite designers wanting to wait for AR glasses
Apple is widely expected to announce its long-rumoured AR/VR headset at WWDC this June after several years of development.
The financial times This week reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook approved the headset for launch, though some of the company’s designers preferred to wait for lightweight AR glasses. The current headset is expected to be a bulkier device with a headband.
Apple launches fourth betas of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4
The fourth beta of iOS 16.4 was seeded to developers and public beta testers this week. According to Apple, the update should appear in the spring.
iOS 16.4 comes with a handful of new features and changes, including support for website push notifications, improvements to the Podcasts app, new emoji options, and a new beta software installation method that will make it harder to find the iOS 17 developer apps. Get beta for free.
Refurbished iPhone 13 models now available in Apple’s US store
Apple this week began selling refurbished iPhone 13 models through its online store in the US, for the first time since the devices launched in 2021.
All four models are listed in the refurbished store, including the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, but availability varies over time. Devices are discounted by over 15% compared to Apple’s brand new original prices.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in yellow were introduced this week
Yes, it’s just a new color, but the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are now available in a yellow finish following Apple’s announcement earlier this month.
The launch of a new color draws attention to the iPhone 14 series, which launched in September 2022. Apart from the yellow skin, there are no other changes to the devices. So consider waiting for the iPhone 15 later this year if you’re interested in new features.
Apple engineers are reportedly exploring ChatGPT-like AI despite Siri design flaws
Amid the rise of AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, a report this week by The New York Times claims that Apple engineers recently tested speech generation concepts.
A separate report from 9to5Mac This week also highlighted Siri-related speech generation code in tvOS for Apple TV, but it’s unclear exactly what Apple’s plans are for this rapidly evolving technology.
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