Another week and we're still getting reports that Apple has been reducing component orders with multiple suppliers
This combined with claims that Apple is seeing weaker then expected demand for it's new iPhone line-up has created a lot of tension and frustration among investors. Just look at Apple's stock price and you'll see the results
One issue being cited is Apple offering too many choices to consumers from older iPhone 7 and 8 models to the new iPhone XS line and the XR.
The allegation is it's making it harder to predict the component order levels for suppliers
It's also said Apple has cut order levels for all thee models and again this week revised down iPhone XR orders which would seem odd going into a Holiday buying season.
iPhone XR orders by up to a third
The Wall Street Journal is also reporting that Apple is lowering prices on the iPhone XR in Japan by offering subsidies to Japanese carriers
The move is reportedly being done in response to continued iPhone 8 popularity in Japan
The report also says Apple is restarting production of the iPhone X for sale in certain markets
The new production round of iPhone X is ‘due in part’ to Apple’s contract requirements with Samsung Display.
Seems unlikely according to AppleInsider
It's worth noting that in the past we've often had reports of cuts in orders only to later receive record breaking numbers at the next quarterly results
But Apple was being conservative in the forecasts for the next quarter and is no longer going to report unit sales numbers
So see both of these as signs that Apple is uncertain about this quarters iPhone numbers.
Am I just wrong in my feelings about the iPhone XR?
I feel it's going to be a bit of a slow starter for Apple, but ultimately that as people upgrade this year it's the device thy'll choose
Still currently seems to be indications that many are choosing the iPhone 8 series, maybe because of price?
Apple and Amazon broker reseller deal
Amazon will soon be an authorized Apple Reseller and will change some of the rules for how Apple products are sold on the site
Apple and Amazon have struck a deal that will allow only Apple Authorized resellers to sell Apple products on Amazon starting January 4th
How to become a Apple Authorized Reseller
You need to have an existing account in good standing with an authorized Apple distributor.
Need tp agree to buy a minimum of $100,000 of certified Apple products a year from your distributor.
You need to be certified, have all your business and insurance in place and you need to pass an application process.
It's NOT easy
Ultimately I think it's a good thing for consumers
Does mean smaller independent shops and refurbish or used reseller will no longer be able to use the Amazon platform.
Apple confirms "pedestrian" mapping data
We spoke about the backpack rig that was recently spotted in the Bay Area
Apple has now confirmed it's Maps team will be collecting pedestrian data in California over the next month.
Starting with the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara
Apple has been working hard to rebuild it's map data from the ground up and add it's own first party data
It's already done about half of California.
Apple said the improvements will extend across the United States over the next year, but there is no timeline for a broader rollout.
This latest effort appears like a step to take things further will probably improve walking directions and add data in pedestrian only areas like parks, walking paths, and shopping areas.
Also released a "5 Reasons iPad Pro can be your next computer" ad
Apple really pushing the iPad Pro as a computer replacement for ill or for good
You already know my opinion
The reasons:
1. more powerful than most computers
2. It's a scanner, camera, editing suite, notepad, cinema, music studio, book, and a computer (software?)
3. Goes anywhere, due to LTE support.
4. Easy to use interface (split screen, drag and drop)
5. Even better with Apple Pencil
Not sure this is going to convince that many people.
Apple acquires more AI prowess
This time the AI seems to be focused on privacy something we know Apple is focused on.
The deal is a smaller one for a company called Silk Labs and supposedly happened earlier this year.
Founded in 2015 by three former Mozilla employees the company with about a dozen employees was focused on using artificial intelligence in ways that protect user privacy.
The founders previously worked on Firefox OS, Mozilla's failed attempt to create a competing mobile operating system
The technology was designed to work locally on small devices and focused on making IoT more secure
Had a failed Kickstarter for Sense, a security camera and smart home hub capable of recognizing users and adjusting connected devices based on shared preferences.
Could be amazing for a future HomePod.
We know Apple is always looking to do more on device, especially when it comes to privacy.
The tech could have applications in many of Apple's existing and future products. Like HomePod, HomeKit, and iPhones and iPads.
Apple TV Stick?
According to the site "The Information"
Apple considering the idea of a lower cost TV "dongle" to complete with Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick
As 9to5 points out, right now Apple's Siri remote cost more then most streaming "sticks"
I think it's not surprising Apple is considering this sort of thing, but doesn't mean it will happen.
Could be a good way to get more people into the Video streaming service when they launch it in 2019.
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Useful "hidden" iOS gestures
The "keyboard" trackpad has been making the rounds in recent weeks.
Depending on your device you might activate it differently, but more or less works the same across the board
On a 3D Touch supported device you can 3D touch (force press) anywhere on the keyboard.
On a non-3D touch device (and 3D touch ones) running iOS 12 you can tap and hold on the spacebar. Same goes for "haptic touch" devices, really the iPhone XR only at this point.
Tap with a second finger to start a selection and then drag to complete it.
We've covered a lot of 3D touch ones recently, but I though we could mention some more universal ones
Tap on the status bar (notch) to scroll to top in many apps.
Quick swipe up from bottom on a non-home button device to return home.
Swipe on the "Home Indicator" bar to swipe between open apps.
Pull down in many apps to access "search" functionality.
Shake to undo.
Swipe from right to left on notification in Notification Center to get additional options
Manage will let you Deliver Quietly or turn off a specific notification
Deliver quietly means it will still be in notification center, but will not show on the lock screen, play a sound, show an alert or banner.
File Vault and best security practices for your Mac
