The Tech Media Minute: Apple Set to Unveil AirPods, 10 new Apple Watch Models
There’s a lot of Apple-related technology news on this Tuesday — both good and bad. Here’s a quick look at what’s making news in the world around you.
Top news stories
AirPods, 10 new Apple Watch models set to debut
Apple has (finally) announced that the company’s fall event will take place next Wednesday, Sept. 7. Today, recently filed trademarks in Russia reveal some of the products set to launch next week.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has filed trademarks for two new iPhone models, numbers A1778 and A1784. In addition, 10 unique “Apple Watch 2” model identifiers have been revealed.
These filings also confirm a new Apple product, the AirPod, which is almost certainly the new wireless headphones for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
As 9to5Mac concludes:
It isn’t clear whether Apple will be bundling AirPods in the box with the iPhone 7 or if they will be an optional extra. Many reports have suggested Apple is engineering Lighting EarPods which would be just like the current bundled EarPods headphones but feature a Lightning connector for compatibility with the iPhone 7.
Apple’s event begins at 10 a.m. PDT on Sept. 7 from the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California.
Speaking of headphones
Germany’s Bragi revealed that a “big announcement” would be made on Monday, Sept. 5. Bragi sells The Dash, which it describes as the “world’s first wireless smart headphones.”
In announcing the news, the company cryptically notes:
From Nikolaj, CEO@BRAGI: “I have a BIG announcement on Monday September 5th at 10AM Cupertino / 7pm Munich time. Tune in on our Facebook page for the live announcement.”
Could this announcement have to do with Apple’s new AirPods?
Given the “10AM Cupertino” mention, this wouldn’t be all that surprising since Apple is based in Cupertino, California. Assuming that Apple is involved here, the question then becomes whether Bragi is partnering with, or being purchased by Apple.
An announcement on Sept. 5 is strange, however. This date is Labor Day in the United States, and also, obviously, two days before Apple’s event. I’d reason that Apple wouldn’t announce a new partnership before a scheduled event, especially on a holiday.
We’ll find out on Sept. 5.
Apple owes Ireland billions, Cook responds
On Tuesday, the European Commission ruled that Ireland gave Apple preferential tax treatment. In doing so, the iPhone maker now owes the country up to $14.5 billion in unpaid taxes.
Soon after the ruling, Apple CEO Tim Cook published an open letter to customers in Europe.
Cook notes, in part:
Beyond the obvious targeting of Apple, the most profound and harmful effect of this ruling will be on investment and job creation in Europe. Using the Commission’s theory, every company in Ireland and across Europe is suddenly at risk of being subjected to taxes under laws that never existed.
Apple, no doubt, will appeal this decision.
On this day
Extra reading
Extra reading
We’ve looked around the web and found these other stories worth considering:
- Drive.ai wants to help autonomous cars talk with the people around them, The Verge
- 8 Pokemon Go myths you should stop believing, CNET
- Apple will finally update its stagnant Mac lineup this fall, BGR
Want even more? Check out Tech Media Extra.
The Tech Media Minute is published Monday through Friday on AppAdvice to highlight the biggest stories in technology.
