The AppAdvice Tech Week in Review: iPhone 7 Sales and Hello Again, Mac

Big Week Ahead for Apple

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Apple will announce the company’s fourth-quarter results for 2016. This will be the first time we’ll see just how popular the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have become during the first few weeks of release. The handsets first launched on Friday, Sept. 16. The conference begins at 2 p.m. PDT.

Two days later, Cupertino is holding a Mac-centric event on the Apple campus. The event begins at 10 a.m. PDT.

Expect iOS 10.1 this week?

Apple has now released four beta versions for iOS 10.1. The major new feature in the software is Portrait mode for iPhone 7 Plus users. Demonstrated at the special media event in September, the feature automatically blurs out the background while keeping the subject of the photo in focus. The look is also known as the bokeh effect.

Last year, it took five betas before Apple released iOS 9.1 to the public. A year earlier, iOS 8.1 arrived after just two betas. Were Apple to release iOS 10.1 next week, expect it to arrive on Tuesday or  Wednesday around 10 a.m. PDT.

Also making news:

• Head-To-Head: Siri vs Google Assistant
• Apple Has Long Been Hiding a One-Handed Keyboard on iOS
• The Pixel XL vs iPhone 7 Plus Camera Test
• Here’s Why Apple HomeKit is Finally Going to Take Off

For the first time, China’s App Store revenues have overtaken those in the United States.

According to App Annie, China accounted for over $1.7 billion in revenue from the iOS App Store in the third quarter of this year. That’s enough for the country to overtake the U.S., which had been the top market for iOS apps since 2010. The U.S. is now the No. 2 market, trailing China by 15 percentage points, with Japan in third place.

Other app news:

• Osmo’s Pizza Co. Helps Teach Children About Business and Finance
• Google’s Gboard Gets Contacts Search and More Features
• Fantastic Beasts from ‘Harry Potter’? Soon You’ll Find Them in an iOS Game
• It’s Always Television Time With This Tracking App for iOS

Four new games were added to the AppAdvice review library this week, including:

• Build Your Dream Subway System in Mini Metro
• Fill the Screen With Color in the Puzzling Flud
• Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Puzzlepops! Trick or Treat
• Sate Your Curiosity With Alchademy, a Mix-and-Collect Game

It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping. This week, we focused on six amazing Bluetooth speakers that make great gifts for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.

Other accessory news:

• X-Doria’s Mesh Band for Apple Watch Offers a Stylish Look for Less
• Mistfit’s Phase is an Analog Timepiece With Smartwatch Features
• Haiku Home Ceiling Fans Make Your Home Smarter
• Future AirPods Could Last Days, Not Hours

Be sure to join us on Thursday, Oct. 27 for coverage of Apple’s “Hello Again” event.

Until then, let us know what you’d like to see Apple announce at the event. Leave your comments below.