Market Watch column provides a thorough analysis of stock market fluctuations and expert ratings.

Apple Daily | Apple, Goldman Sachs Fined $90M Over Apple Card Issues; iPhone SE 4 Production Begins

Market BriefThursday, Oct 24, 2024 8:01 am ET

2min read

【iPhone】

1. With iOS 18.2, iPhone users in the EU can now fully delete core apps like the App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera, and Photos, except for the Phone and Settings apps. This update is part of Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act. Removed apps can be re-downloaded via the Settings app. In other countries, these apps can only be hidden.

2. Apple suppliers will begin mass production of the fourth-generation iPhone SE in December. It is expected to resemble the iPhone 14 with a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a newer A-series chip, USB-C, and Apple-designed 5G modem. Release is anticipated in early 2025.

3. Following an investigation by the CFPB, Apple and Goldman Sachs were fined nearly $90 million for Apple Card customer service breakdowns and misrepresentations. Issues included mishandled transaction disputes and misleading information about interest-free payment options.

4. Astropad has launched an iPhone accessory called Bookcase, adding handles for easier holding during reading sessions. It's adjustable for most smartphones and integrates with MagSafe for recent iPhone models.

5. iOS 18.2 introduces a new "Default Apps" section globally, allowing users to manage default apps for functions like email, messaging, and browser. EU users get more options to choose non-Apple apps as defaults.

6. Iowa residents can now add driver's licenses and IDs to the Apple Wallet app, usable at select TSA checkpoints and venues. This feature is slowly being adopted across various states.

【iPad】

1. The iPad mini 7 is now available with an A17 Pro chip, offering improved performance, 8GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6E, and Apple Pencil Pro support. It retains the same design as the previous model but with internal upgrades.

2. iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 betas introduce Mail app categorization, sorting emails into sections like Primary, Transactions, and Promotions. Apple Intelligence prioritizes important emails in the Primary inbox.

3. Apple has seeded the first betas of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, featuring new Apple Intelligence tools like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Siri integration with ChatGPT. These updates are currently for developers with compatible devices.

4. Apple's iPad mini 7 is now available for pickup and online orders. It features an A17 Pro chip, enhanced connectivity, and improved camera capabilities. It's priced starting at $499, with options up to $799 for higher storage and cellular models.

5. Apple plans to release an entry-level iPad 11 in spring 2025. It is expected to support Apple Intelligence with a newer A-series chip, possibly 8GB RAM, continuing the design of the iPad 10.

【Mac】

1. Apple has introduced exciting Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2, including Image Playground and Genmoji, available in the new beta for developers. These features allow for creative image and emoji generation.

2. Production for M4 versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models will start soon, with an early 2025 release expected. These models will focus on the M4 chip, with no major design changes.

3. Apple's upcoming Mac mini is expected to undergo a significant redesign, with enhanced connectivity and hardware upgrades. Anticipated features include the M4 chip, increased base RAM, and a new design.

4. Amazon has discounted the previous generation 256GB 13-inch M2 MacBook Air to $699.99. The new 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is also available at a reduced price, matching its all-time low.

5. Apple's future Macs are likely to have at least 16GB of RAM as standard, moving away from the previous 8GB base configuration. This is expected to support upcoming AI features.

【Vision Pro】

1. Apple may stop production of the current Vision Pro headset by the end of 2024 due to low demand. Work on a second-generation model has been paused to focus on a lower-cost version.

2. Vimeo has launched a native app for the Vision Pro, supporting spatial videos. Users can view, upload, and share videos on the headset, with upcoming Final Cut Pro updates to support spatial video editing on Mac.

【Others】

1. Apple released a new Safari Technology Preview update, featuring fixes and updates for CSS, JavaScript, Media, and more. This browser allows users to test upcoming features in Safari without needing a developer account.

Disclaimer: the above is a summary showing certain market information. AInvest is not responsible for any data errors, omissions or other information that may be displayed incorrectly as the data is derived from a third party source. Communications displaying market prices, data and other information available in this post are meant for informational purposes only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Please do your own research when investing. All investments involve risk and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Keep in mind that while diversification may help spread risk, it does not assure a profit, or protect against loss in a down market.