Apple’s high-end iPhone models have started at $999 in the US since they first launched in 2017 with the iPhone X, but could this be the year the starting price sees an increase?
This week also saw some other rumors about Apple’s upcoming headset and the company’s explorations into the emerging 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!
iPhone 15 Pro Predicted to See First Price Increase Since iPhone X
The next generation of Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models may be more expensive than current models.
In a research note this week, technology analyst Jeff Pu said he believes the iPhone 15 Pro models will see a price increase due to some rumored hardware upgradesincluding a titanium frame, solid-state buttons with an additional Taptic Engine for haptic feedback, camera improvements, increased RAM, a USB-C port, and more.
The higher-end/Pro tier of the iPhone has started at $999 since the iPhone X was released in 2017.
Report: Apple CEO Tim Cook Orders Headset Launch Despite Designers Wanting to Wait for AR Glasses
Apple is widely expected to announce its long-rumored AR/VR headset at WWDC this June following several years of development.
The Financial Times this week it was reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook approved the launch of the headset despite some of the company’s designers preferring to wait for a lightweight pair of AR glasses. The current headset is expected to be a larger device with a head strap.
Apple Seeds Fourth Betas of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4
The The fourth beta of iOS 16.4 has been seeded to developers and public beta testers this Sunday. Apple says the update will be released in the spring.
iOS 16.4 includes a small number of new features and changesincluding support for push notifications from websites, Podcast app improvements, new emoji options, and a new way to install beta software that will it’s harder to get the iOS 17 developer beta for free.
Refurbished iPhone 13 Models Now Available From Apple’s US Store
Apple this week began selling refurbished iPhone 13 models through its US online store 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 changes over time. The devices are discounted by more than 15% compared to Apple’s original new price.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in Yellow Launch This Week
Yes, it’s just a new color, but the The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are now available in a Yellow finish following Apple’s announcement earlier this month.
The launch of the new color brings renewed attention to the iPhone 14 series, which launches in September 2022. There are no other changes to the devices beyond the Yellow finish, so consider waiting for iPhone 15 later this year if you’re interested in the new features.
Apple Engineers Reportedly Exploring ChatGPT-Like AI Despite Siri Design Flaws
Amidst the rise of AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, a report from this week The New York Times own that Apple engineers test language development concepts just recently.
A separate report from 9to5Mac also highlighted this week Siri-related language generation code on tvOS for Apple TV, but it’s unclear exactly what Apple’s plans are for this rapidly evolving technology.
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