Welcome to our monthly Apple News Roundup. This column recaps the top 10 biggest Apple news announcements from each month, giving you an at-a-glance look at all the headlines you need to know. This edition features the highlights from July of 2022.
1. Apple introduces Apple Music Sessions
Exclusive live releases featuring artists Carrie Underwood and Tenille Townes are now available only on Apple Music. The Apple Music Sessions kicked off in Nashville with a host of incredible country artists, including Ronnie Dunn, Ingrid Andress, and many others, and Apple also plans to expand the series into other genres of music in the future. “Being in the studio with Apple Music was such an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share these unique, stripped-down versions of three songs I love with my fans,” Underwood said.
2. Apple launches public betas for iOS/iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura
Those interested in getting an early look at all the new features coming to Apple platforms this fall can download the official public betas.
To download the public betas on your devices, you’ll need to head to beta.apple.com and first enroll your device with the beta program using your Apple ID. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to download a beta profile to your device, which allows Software Update to “see” the available beta.
Read more about how to install the betas here.
3. Apple empowers people with their health information
According to a new health report, Apple products are helping users, developers, and health organizations advance personal health, research, and care. These products empower people to be at the center of their health, and Apple believes the strongest health innovations are possible only through direct collaboration with the medical community. The report also highlights Apple’s partnerships with clinicians and local governments on unique ways to support their work to promote public health, including building apps and features during COVID-19.
4. Apple to cut spending and hiring on select teams
Moving into 2023, Apple plans to cut back on certain teams in response to the economic slowdown. Not everyone will be affected, but in some cases, the company will not be backfilling or adding new staff. As reported by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, the plan comes at a time when the company expects to “cope with a potential economic downturn, a decision that stems from a move to be more careful during uncertain times.
5. Apple reports third-quarter results
Apple announced its financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year which ended on June 25, 2022. Record revenue was driven by iPhone and Services and an active installed base of devices reached an all-time high for all major product categories. June’s record revenue hit $83.0 billion, up 2 percent year over year. “This quarter’s record results speak to Apple’s constant efforts to innovate, to advance new possibilities, and to enrich the lives of our customers,” said Tim Cook.
6. Apple Maps adds multi-stop routing
Apple Maps on iOS 16 is now offering the ability to add multi-stop routing on the app. Users can now take a preview via the public beta version of the operating system which is now available. You can now add multiple stops along your driving route in Maps and plan a route with multiple stops on your Mac and it will sync to your iPhone. Apple Maps also brings transit fares and transit cards that can be added to Wallet.
7. Apple scores 52 Emmy Award nominations
Apple’s record-breaking nominations included “Ted Lasso” which earned 20 Emmy nominations in total, dominating as the most-nominated comedy series for the second year in a row, with standout performances including 10 acting nominations.
“Severance” made its Emmy debut with 14 total nominations for its hit first season, and Apple TV+ earned nominations across 13 additional titles. “We are immensely proud of the broad selection of Apple Original programming recognized by the Television Academy today,” said Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video.
8. Apple develops new “Lockdown Mode”
Apple is developing a new “Lockdown Mode” for its iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. This new mode was designed to fight industrial-strength hacking like the NSO Group’s Pegasus. Apple has also identified similar attacks on people in 150 countries over the past eight months. Lockdown Mode will be released later this year for free, and the company is planning on regular updates and improvements. Additionally, Apple hopes a planned $10 million grant to the Dignity and Justice Fund will help encourage more research on these issues.
9. New MacBook Air now available to order
Starting July 8, the new MacBook Air became available for order. Enabled by M2, the MacBook Air features a strikingly thin design in four beautiful finishes, a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p HD camera, MagSafe charging, and more. Additionally, it features a four-speaker sound system with integrated speakers and mics. The MacBook Air is available in four finishes and starts at $1,199 and $1,099 for education.
10. Apple plans extreme sports watch
Apple is rumored to be developing an extreme sports watch with a larger screen and ‘strong metal’ case. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this new rugged watch is designed for “extreme sports athletes.” The report also says that the rugged watch, the SE, and the upcoming Series 8 models will all use a new processor that will have similar performance to this year’s chip. They’re also expected to have sensors to take your temperature.
