The AppAdvice Week In Review: Looking Ahead To Apple’s Oct. 22 Special Event
October 20, 2013
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Apple will unveil their final batch of new products for 2013-14. Expected are new iPads and Macs, the official launch of OS X Mavericks and the next-generation Mac Pro, and the demise of the month-old iPhone 5c.
Okay, so that last point many be wishful thinking on my part.
Here’s what you need to know heading into Apple’s next special event:
Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad will receive a rare design change on Tuesday, plus some new features. By the end of the day, the iPad 5 will look a lot like a super-sized iPad mini, with many of the internals of the iPhone 5s.
This means a thinner design (and yes, new cases), along with an A7X-powered processor, new camera, and more.
Most likely, the iPad 5 will also include Touch ID. However, at least one analyst says that isn't happening, so we'll have to wait and see.
Hasn't Apple's next-generation OS X been released yet? Indeed, it has not.
With one of the longest gestation periods in recent memory, OS X Mavericks should finally receive an official release date on Tuesday. Version 10.9 includes a number of new features, such as iBooks, Maps, and the ability to tag files. It also includes lots of changes under the hood.
We've heard very little about the new Mac Pro since it was first demoed in June. That should change this week, when Apple is almost certainly going to announce a release date for its first cylinder Mac. Also expected on Tuesday are the unveiling of a new MacBook Pro and Mac mini.
Want some more coverage about Tuesday's event? Of course you do:
As a reminder, Apple's event begins at 10 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Join us for live coverage throughout the day at appadvice.com.
We've reached the part in our presentation when we criticize Apple yet again over the iPhone 5c. I'd rather not kick something when it is down. Instead, I'll point you here and here for reports that show iPhone 5c production is slowing down because of poor sales.
What I would like to discuss is the so-called "Kardashian phone," a.k.a. the iPhone 5s. It seems this was unofficial name for the gold version of Apple's best-selling handset before it went into production.
Joe White has the story:
The executive washrooms at Apple will soon require an upgrade, thanks to the company's most recent hiring.
Next spring, Angela Ahrendts will become the first female member of the Apple executive team. Ahrendts, who now heads Burberry, will oversee Apple's retail and online stores, as a senior vice president.
Cupertino had been on the hunt for a new retail boss ever since John Brownett – Apple’s former head of retail, who joined in May 2012 – left following a disastrous couple of months.
The iPad 5
Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad will receive a rare design change on Tuesday, plus some new features. By the end of the day, the iPad 5 will look a lot like a super-sized iPad mini, with many of the internals of the iPhone 5s.
This means a thinner design (and yes, new cases), along with an A7X-powered processor, new camera, and more.
Most likely, the iPad 5 will also include Touch ID. However, at least one analyst says that isn't happening, so we'll have to wait and see.
The iPad mini 2
Forget the internals. The launch of the iPad mini 2 will primarily be judged by whether it includes a Retina display. If it doesn't, watch out for the pitchforks.OS X Mavericks
Hasn't Apple's next-generation OS X been released yet? Indeed, it has not.
With one of the longest gestation periods in recent memory, OS X Mavericks should finally receive an official release date on Tuesday. Version 10.9 includes a number of new features, such as iBooks, Maps, and the ability to tag files. It also includes lots of changes under the hood.
New Macs
We've heard very little about the new Mac Pro since it was first demoed in June. That should change this week, when Apple is almost certainly going to announce a release date for its first cylinder Mac. Also expected on Tuesday are the unveiling of a new MacBook Pro and Mac mini.
Want some more coverage about Tuesday's event? Of course you do:
- Could Apple's Next-Generation Apple TV Launch On Oct. 23?
- Report Claims To Pinpoint Launch Dates For New iPads, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro
- Beyond New iPads, Few Surprises Are Expected At Apple's Upcoming Media Event
- Verizon Begins Offering Same Day Delivery Service On Handsets
- Updated: Apple’s ‘Spaceship Campus’ Gets Closer To Landing
- It's Official: Apple's 2013 iPad Event Will Be Held On Oct. 22
- What Apple's iPad 5 Needs To Remain The Best Selling 9.7-Inch Tablet
- What Apple's iPad Mini 2 Needs To Remain The Best Selling 7-Inch Tablet
The latest on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s
We've reached the part in our presentation when we criticize Apple yet again over the iPhone 5c. I'd rather not kick something when it is down. Instead, I'll point you here and here for reports that show iPhone 5c production is slowing down because of poor sales.
What I would like to discuss is the so-called "Kardashian phone," a.k.a. the iPhone 5s. It seems this was unofficial name for the gold version of Apple's best-selling handset before it went into production.
Joe White has the story:
Long before Apple’s champagne-colored iPhone 5s was announced in September, Kim Kardashian had her black iPhone 5 anodized in gold, using Anostyle. Back in 2012, Kim published a Twitter update about her iPhone makeover, and the anodized handset even went on to appear in the hit reality TV series, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” Anostyle later noted that gold orders were its most popular product, by far. As such, when the time came for Apple to produce its own official gold iPhone handset, an internal (albeit informal) nickname was chosen for the forthcoming iDevice: “the Kardashian phone.”Isn't it about time for the Kardashian's 15 minutes of fame to be over?
Apple makes a hire
The executive washrooms at Apple will soon require an upgrade, thanks to the company's most recent hiring.
Next spring, Angela Ahrendts will become the first female member of the Apple executive team. Ahrendts, who now heads Burberry, will oversee Apple's retail and online stores, as a senior vice president.
Cupertino had been on the hunt for a new retail boss ever since John Brownett – Apple’s former head of retail, who joined in May 2012 – left following a disastrous couple of months.
Recommended Reading
- Angry Birds Go! Will Race Into The App Store In December by Brent Dirks explains that the Kardashians aren't the only ones extending their 15 minutes of fame.
- Songza Gets Updated For iOS 7 With New Edge-To-Edge Now Playing Screen by Aldrin Calimlim notes the latest app update for one of the App Store's most popular music apps.
- The 2013 Furby Boom Laughs And Sings Its Way Into Stores by yours truly is impressed with Hasbro's newest lovable robot.
- Oyster, The So-Called 'Netflix For Books,' Splashes Into iPad With Universal Update by Aldrin Calimlim suggests now is the time to take a look at the new all-in-one e-book service.
