Reflecting on this week’s key updates and headlines from Apple, we explore leaked iPhone 17 specifications, lackluster iPhone 16 reviews, subpar iPhone 16 Pro sales, the latest iOS bug fixes, Apple’s new spare parts pairing tool, battery saver insights, and a fresh addition to Apple Music Classical’s library. Apple Loop aims to summarize some of the many discussions about Apple over the past seven days.
Speedier Display for iPhone 17
Apple is reportedly planning to drop the iPhone Plus for a thinner iPhone Air and will finally bring faster refresh rates to the standard iPhone models. This insight comes from renowned supply chain analyst Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, who notes:
“ProMotion would enable the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air displays to adjust to a more power-efficient refresh rate. While the iPhone 13 Pro models can scale down to 10Hz, the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 16 Pro models can go as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that shows various Lock Screen elements even when the device is locked. It is still unclear if the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will achieve a refresh rate as low as 10Hz or 1Hz.”
Mixed Reactions for iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 lineup has been available for over a week, and while it has pleased some dedicated fans, the general reception has been one of disappointment due to the lack of significant updates. The mood surrounding the iPhone 16 family, including the iPhone 16 Pro, can be summed up as follows:
“While the specifications are an upgrade over the iPhone 15 models, the changes are not groundbreaking. The display can get slightly dimmer or brighter as needed. The A18 Pro chipset is faster than the iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro, which was already more than capable of handling most tasks. Apple has increased memory to support new AI tools, and the battery life has improved slightly for video playback.”
Struggling iPhone 16 Pro Sales
Struggling iPhone 16 Pro Sales
Public sentiment towards the iPhone 16 lineup is reflected in recent sales figures. A survey by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that sales of the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have fallen short of expectations, with the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models maintaining sales figures:
“Apple seemingly misjudged consumer demand for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is struggling in the market. Although it may still end up being the top seller of the four models, pre-orders for the Pro models were impacted by the delay of Apple Intelligence. It is expected that sales will improve once that feature is available, especially with the upcoming holiday season. The Q1 2025 report from Apple will be one to watch.”
iOS Bug Fix Incoming
Before the anticipated release of iOS 18.1 in mid-October—which will debut Apple’s generative AI tools—several critical issues need immediate resolution. The iOS 18.0.1 update is expected next week to address these concerns, with a similar iPadOS update for Apple’s tablets:
“It’s believed that the touchscreen issue affecting some iPhone 16 and older models will be resolved. Other issues, such as a bug in Messages causing iPhone crashes when sharing a Watch face, are also expected to be patched.”
New Parts Pairing Tool
Apple has faced criticism for tying individual iPhone components to specific devices, limiting functionality if replaced without official authorization. This week, Apple partially addressed this with a new pairing tool for third-party repairers. While major components like the logic board remain restricted, smaller parts are now accessible for repairs:
“iFixit and the Phone Repair Guru have found that iOS 18 allows certain components, like the battery, back glass panel, and rear cameras, to be calibrated on-device without needing Apple Store involvement. This is a positive step for independent repair shops.”
Battery Health: 80 Percent or Bust
The iPhone 15 includes options to maintain battery health by limiting full charges. Juli Clover tested the 80 percent setting for an entire year. How effective was it compared to her colleagues’ experiences?
“I have slightly more battery capacity after a year compared to my coworkers, with four percent more at 28 more cycles. However, it’s unclear if this minimal gain justifies limiting the charge for a full year. The true benefit may become evident over two to three years, so I’ll continue using the 80 percent limit to monitor the long-term impact.”
And Finally…
Apple Music Classical has introduced a significant update: liner notes. These booklets, which are not downloadable outside the app, provide additional context to the music you listen to:
“Apple Music Classical now includes over 50,000 album booklets with extensive liner notes and translations. These booklets feature multi-language annotations, composer biographies, information about the orchestra, conductors, soloists, and, where applicable, sung texts and opera libretti.”
Apple Loop brings you a week’s worth of highlights every weekend here on Quintile Research. Be sure to follow us to stay updated on the latest coverage.
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