Welcome to our monthly Apple News Roundup. This column recaps the top 10 most significant Apple news announcements from each month, giving you a glance at all the headlines you need to know. This edition features the highlights from September 2022.
1. Apple unveils iPhone 14 lineup, Apple Watch Ultra/Series 8
On September 7, Apple hosted an iPhone-centric event where they unveiled the iPhone 14 lineup, new Apple Watch models, and updated AirPods Pro. The iPhone 14 lineup included four new models: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max. Three new Apple Watch models were also unveiled, including Apple Watch SE, the new Apple Watch Series 8, and the high-end Apple Watch Ultra.
2. iOS 16 brings the biggest update ever
The newest operating system, iOS 16 became available for users on September 12. It delivered the biggest update ever to the lock screen, as well as the ability to edit and collaborate in Messages, new tools in Mail, and more ways to interact with photos and video with Live Text and Visual Look Up. The popular updates to messages, allow users to edit text, undo send, and mark conversations as unread. Users can also schedule delivery of an email ahead of time or cancel delivery of a message before it reaches a recipient’s inbox.
3. Apple launches watchOS 9
The new watchOS 9 launched on September 12, boasts new watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a new Medications app, and more. The Workout app now supports a new Multisport workout type that automatically switches between any sequence of swimming, biking, and running workouts, using motion sensors to recognize movement patterns. This updated watch also brings enhanced and modernized complications to some of the most classic watch faces.
4. Apple’s iPhone 14 is deemed the most repairable
An article from CNBC claims that the iPhone 14 is the easiest to fix since the iPhone 7 in 2016, according to a blog post from IFIXIT. The post explains that Apple has redesigned the internal structure of the iPhone 14 to allow users to remove and replace both the device’s back glass and its screen by removing only two screws. These changes will make it easier for Apple store employees, repair shops, and end users to replace the phone’s screen.
Read more about the iPhone 14 and the new iPhone 14 Plus, here.
5. Apple Watch Ultra and new AirPods Pro launch
Starting September 23, the most rugged and capable Apple Watch and the most advanced AirPods ever arrived at Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers around the world. The Apple Watch Ultra brings a new, bold design and a wide range of features for endurance, exploration, and adventure—specifically designed for everyday and extreme athletes. The AirPods Pro include major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, and the A 49mm titanium case is the biggest and brightest Apple Watch display yet.
Read more about the new Apple Watch Ultra here, and more about the 2nd gen AirPods Pro, here.
6. Apple raises App Store prices in multiple countries
Apple announced that it will soon be raising prices in several countries including Japan, South Korea, and many others in Europe. There are no details as to the reason behind the increase in these countries, but it is more than likely related to the exchange rate of local currencies dropping against the dollar. More details can be found on the Apple Developer website.
7. Ted Lasso becomes the most Emmy Award-winning comedy
Apple TV+ landed nine Emmys in total, including four wins for Ted Lasso at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards. The second season of Ted Lasso also became the most Emmy-winning comedy for the second year in a row with four total wins. “We’re so grateful and humbled to see Ted Lasso honored with back-to-back wins for best comedy as audiences around the world continue to love the show and these characters as much as we do,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video.
8. Apple cranks up iPhone 14 Pro production
According to 9to5Mac, 10% increase in production came after a report said that the Pro models were in high demand and selling better than the regular versions. This change is also evident in Apple Store availability, as iPhone 14 Pro models are widely unavailable. Additionally, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone 14 Pro Max dominated the first weekend of pre-orders, while the iPhone 14 Plus was a disappointment.
9. Apple may move a quarter of iPhone production to India
According to an article from Reuters, Apple may make one out of four iPhones in India by 2025. J.P.Morgan analysts say that Apple production will be moving away from China due to geopolitical tensions and strict COVID-19 lockdowns in the country. They expect Apple to move about 5% of its iPhone 14 production from late 2022 to India—the world’s second-biggest smartphone market after China. It’s also estimated that about 25% of all Apple products, including Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods will be manufactured outside of China.
10. M2 Macs, new iPads rumored for October
Rumors abound that Apple is getting ready for another slate of product introductions this month. Though it’s unclear whether Apple will hold an event or simply announce the products via press release, products rumored to be on the docket include the iPad Pro, iPad 10, M2 Macs, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. According to 9To5Mac, the 10th generation iPad will have its biggest update in a decade—revealing that the new iPad will feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning. New M2 Macs are also said to be coming in October along with a second-generation Apple silicon Mac mini.
