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 October 2022.
1. iPhone 14 Plus launches
The long-awaited iPhone 14 Plus became available in stores on October 7. The phone features a 6.7-inch display, an upgraded dual-camera system, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, A15 Bionic, and the best battery life ever in any iPhone. “This is a great option for customers who want a much larger screen in a light and durable aluminum design with big enhancements to all cameras, excellent performance, essential safety capabilities, and 5G,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. iPhone 14 Plus is available in midnight, blue, starlight, purple, and (PRODUCT)RED.
2. Apple aims to decarbonize production by 2030
On October 25, the company called upon its global supply chain to take new steps to address its greenhouse gas emissions and its approach to decarbonization. The work of its major manufacturing partners including running on renewable electricity was evaluated, and they will continue to track yearly progress. Apple has been carbon neutral across its entire global supply chain since 2020 and is laser-focused on this goal. “Fighting climate change remains one of Apple’s most urgent priorities and moments like this put action to those words,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
3. Apple releases next-generation Apple TV 4K
The strongest Apple TV yet was introduced by Apple on October 18. The Apple TV 4K features the A15 Bionic chip, HDR10+, and the biggest screen yet at a new starting price. HDR10+ support joins Dolby Vision on Apple TV 4K, so users can watch their favorite movies and TV shows in the best quality possible across more TVs. The TV works seamlessly with all other Apple devices and services including Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+.
4. Apple Fitness+ now available in 21 countries
As of October 24, Apple Fitness+ became available for iPhone users to subscribe to and enjoy in countries where the service is offered, even without an Apple Watch. For the first time, customers can receive three free months of Fitness+ with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. A new Artist Spotlight series was also introduced featuring music from Taylor Swift along with a new workout program—Yoga for Every Runner, featuring ultramarathon athletes such as Scott Jurek.
5. Apple Music and Mercedes Benz bring Spatial Audio to drivers
Through a partnership between Apple and Mercedes-Benz, Spatial Audio on Apple Music is now available natively in the car for the first time. The audio is integrated through the MBUX infotainment system in Mercedes-Maybach models, the EQS and EQS SUV, as well as the EQE and the S-Class. The vehicles are equipped with studio-quality sound better than in a concert hall. “We’re joining forces to offer our customers a benchmark music experience unparalleled in the industry,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s chief technology officer and a member of the board of management.
6. Introducing Ask Apple for Developers
On October 11, Apple introduced a new series of interactive Q&As and one-on-ones providing developers with direct access to Apple experts. Ask Apple was built on successful programs such as Tech Talks and Meet with App Store Experts. “We’ve been listening to feedback from developers around the world about what will be most helpful to them as they build innovative apps, and we’ve seen an increased appetite for one-on-one support and conversation with Apple experts,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations and Enterprise and Education Marketing.
7. iPadOS 16 launches with windowed app support
iPadOS 16 became available on October 24, and this update introduces new ways to collaborate via Messages, big updates to Mail, iCloud Shared Photo Library, passkeys and new collaboration features in Safari, the Weather app, pro features including Reference Mode and Display Zoom, and a new multitasking experience with Stage Manager. New features in Messages make it possible to edit, undo send, and mark conversations as unread. iPadOS 16 is available today as a free software update.
8. Apple Introduces next-generation iPad Pro
The new iPad Pro features a next-level Apple Pencil hover experience, ProRes video capture, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and powerful features in iPadOS 16. The most noteworthy upgrade is the addition of the M2 chip—its performance turbochargers the most demanding workflows, from massive photo editing to manipulation of 3D objects, and more. Additional Pro features include Stage Manager, Desktop-class apps, and Reference Mode.
9. macOS Ventura delivers new productivity tools
On October 24, macOS Ventura became available and it’s taking the Mac experience to a whole new level with capabilities for the user. The new features include a Continuity Camera which allows users to work across their Apple devices, and productivity tools like Stage Manager, which help with focus and ease of movement between tasks. Additionally, Safari now offers a passwordless option along with updates to Mail and Messages. macOS Ventura is available as a free software update on Macs with Apple silicon and those that are Intel-based.
10. Apple reveals redesigned 10th-gen iPad
Apple introduced a redesigned iPad with four new colors on October 18, which includes an all-screen design featuring a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. The iPad, which is available in blue, pink, yellow, and silver, boasts a powerful A14 Bionic chip, advanced cameras, fast wireless connectivity, USB-C, and more. “We’re so excited to bring the completely redesigned iPad to our most advanced iPad lineup ever,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
It is good to hear that Apple is de-carbonizing its production. But it needs to de-carbonize how it offers credit. The Apple Card is managed by Goldman-Sachs, which as we know, is assisting in providing capital to fossil-fuel companies. Apple needs to provide credit that is not involved in the fossil fuel business.