The AppAdvice week in review: Launch date set for the next iPhone and more Apple news

As we head into mid-August, we're beginning to get a clearer picture as to when Apple will be announcing new iOS devices. What those new devices will look like remains open to debate. Here are just a few of the stories that we covered during the week that was.

The three biggest stories of the week

1. Launch date set for the next iPhone ... Tuesday, Sept. 9 looks to be the day when Apple will hold its annual iPhone launch event. As Re/Code first noted:

Onstage at our inaugural Code conference earlier this summer, Apple SVP Eddy Cue described the company’s fall product pipeline as the best he’d seen in his 25 years at Apple. A few weeks from now we’ll get our first look at what he was talking about. Apple has scheduled a big media event for Tuesday, Sept. 9 — a date to which Apple numerologists will strain to attribute significance. As with September events past, the focal point of this one is to be Apple’s next-generation iPhones, which are expected to feature larger displays of 4.7 and 5.5 inches and run speedy new A8 processors. Apple declined comment.

Apple probably won't announce the Sept. 9 event until later this month or even later. Last year, Apple waited until the week before the event to make the announcement. What's going to be announced on Sept. 9? See: The Apple 'iPhone 6' rumors most likely to become reality. 2. ... And perhaps for the "iWatch" too The iWatch rumor mill has slowed down considerably in recent weeks, with one report saying that Apple's long-rumored wearable device won't even launch until December. No so fast, says the Daring Fireball's John Gruber. On Friday, when discussing the design of Motorola's upcoming Moto 360 smart watch, the credible Apple commentator implied that the iWatch is set to be announced in September.

As Aldrin Calimlim relayed:

“It looks like Motorola’s designers tried to draw as much attention as they could to the 360’s stupid flat-tire display shape,” Gruber says. “The only way this could get funnier would be if it doesn’t even ship until after Apple announces their wrist wearable thing next month.”

Can't wait for the iWatch? Consider the Meta M1 from industrial designer Frank Nuovo and his Design Studio Nuovo.

3. New iPads in October? Apple's iPad remains the top selling tablet in the world. Unfortunately, sales for the tablets are falling, as is their marketshare. As we get closer to the likely October launch of the "iPad Air 2" and third-generation iPad mini, I recently suggested "3 ways to jumpstart iPad sales."  I noted:

If Apple is really committed to improving iPad sales, I’d suggest they eliminate the 16GB model, and offer 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB models. Better yet, also release a 256GB model.

Also, except for screen size, the iPad Air and 7.9-inch iPad mini with Retina display are essentially the same tablet. Future models should be further differentiated. For example, vary the color options and/or give the iPad Air a better camera.

Finally, by ditching the entry-level 16GB iPad model, Apple could lower the price it charges for the tablet across the board.

Many of our readers had other ideas. Rob said:

It's also just not that exciting as it was 3,4 years ago. Every novelty wears off. Apple needs to find a way to make the iPad exciting again. Thinner and faster won't cut it. Even though I'm entrenched in the Apple ecosystem I believe the Surface tablet is doing more to advance the tablet than Apple even though its far less sexy. If Apple introduced keyboard covers of their own that alone would revitalize interest but maybe also cannibalize Macbook Air sales.

Joseph Spiegel explained:

The iPad line needs a Retina+ display too. It's long overdue. If the 8" mini can do retina, that makes the DPI of the Air crappy. I haven't heard any "rumors" of a Retina+ display, why?

Finally, iUser said "I think Apple is proud of what they've accomplished thus far, they're almost laughing 'look how much we have sold of our tablets without any of that fancy stuff, who needs advancements when you have a solid rep?'" What do you think Apple should do to help improve iPad sales?

For further consideration

Stories you might have missed this week:

• Pebble unveils limited-edition colors for its smart watch
• Apple’s Online Store adds a dedicated accessory section featuring Beats by Dr. Dre
• It's the end of the line for Sprint's plans to acquire T-Mobile
• Former Nike exec and Angela Ahrendts colleague is Apple’s new digital marketing director
• Steve Jobs wanted to give everyone access to free Wi-Fi

Viral video of the week

It hasn't exactly been a blockbuster summer at the movie houses. As attention soon turns to fall, consider the newest trailer for "Interstellar," the latest film from Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight" trilogy):

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