IPhone Christmas Crisis, iPad Mini Review, New iPhone SE Leaks

Returning to another week of Cupertino news and headlines, this week’s Apple Loop includes Apple’s warning for the iPhone 13, a new iPhone for 2022, MacBook Pro charging issues, calls dropped by iOS, an iPad Mini review, a new introduction to Swift, and the annual app store awards.

Apple Loop is here to remind you of some of the many, many discussions that have taken place around Apple over the past seven days (and you can read my weekly recap of Android news here on Forbes).

Apple iPhone 13 warning to suppliers

It’s shaping up to be a relatively dark Christmas for the iPhone. Apple has warned its suppliers that demand for the iPhone 13 will not pick up if the supply issue is resolved. With Christmas stock already limited by component availability, customers with long waiting lists buy a new smartphone from another manufacturer. There is no deadlock of buyers waiting to be released for the New Year:

The company has told its component suppliers that demand for the iPhone 13 line has weakened, people familiar with the matter said, noting that some consumers have decided not to attempt to obtain the hard-to-find item. … But the hope was to make up for it. much of that shortfall next year, when supply is expected to improve. The company is now advising its suppliers that those orders may not materialize, according to people, who have asked not to be identified as the talks are private. “

(Bloomberg).

A third iPhone SE

Given the success of the current version, the next iPhone SE update could be seen as a pivotal release for Apple; there’s more market in the mid-range than in flagships, so it’s important to have a strong presence with a new device (rather than a three-year-old iPhone that has slipped down the price scale) . Take a step forward with the 2022 iPhone SE:

“In terms of product development, Apple maintains its plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models of a new series in 2:22. The third-generation iPhone SE should be a major instrument to help Apple to establish a presence in the mid-range 5G smartphone market segment, with production volume for 2022 expected to reach 25-30 million units.

(Tendency).

Charge your MacBook before closing the cover

Apple’s new MacBook Pro laptops are critically acclaimed, but they’re also gaining a reputation for picky little glitches. With a stack that already has the inconsistent user interface around the notch and the lack of support in Apple’s own apps for the 120Hz Pro Motion display, you can add issues with charging in sleep mode:

“The problem is exasperating for those who run their laptops on battery power and charge during their downtime. When the MacBook Pro is turned off, it will not charge using the MagSafe connector; the indicator will remain on in orange, rather the most useful green to indicate that the battery is being charged. “

(Forbes).

No more problems with iOS

Apple is also facing a new issue with iOS 15, with Bluetooth connectivity cut off between handsets and various car-based hands-free systems, resulting in lost connections and dropped calls. There is currently no word on an imminent solution to the problem which raises a number of security concerns for those who rely on their smartphones while on the go:

“… both iOS 15.1 and iOS 15.1.1 cause significant connectivity issues for Bluetooth hands-free system devices in cars. The problems appear to primarily affect the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, but they are spread across many automotive brands as well. “

(Forbes).

IPad Mini review

With the fast A15 Bionic processor, improved webcam, and USB-C support, Apple’s latest little tablet has a lot to offer. Henry Casey takes the iPadOS-powered tablet and reviews the latest iPad Mini 6, focusing on the iPad Air echoes in the design:

“… looking at the slate next to the regular iPad, you might think its name is misleading.” Sure, it’s smaller, but it’s not the “mini” version of the regular iPad – as I mentioned above, it’s more of the smaller version of the iPad Air ( 2020). It has the same nearly bezel-less design, a Touch ID-enabled power button on the side, no home button, flat edges, and a USB-C port – all iPad Air staples.

(Tom’s Guide).

I will ask you if you want to come and play

Apple has announced an update to Swift Playgrounds, its entry-level coding tool for students and developers to understand Apple’s Swift programming language. After its reveal at WWDC earlier this year, Apple has now offered the Playgrouind for an invitation-only public beta. “

Apple has invited developers in recent weeks to join the Swift Playgrounds 4 beta program through TestFlight. Developers must agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in order to access the beta app, which means they cannot share Swift Playgrounds 4 details publicly. “

(9to5Mac).

And finally…

Apple announced behind the scenes of its annual App Store Awards for Best Apps and Games (a separation that I find oddly notable) with the iPhone App Of The Year award given to Toca Boca’s Toca Life World; the iPad app prize awarded to LumaFusion by LumaTouch; and the Mac to Craft award from Luki Labs Limited:

“For more than a decade, Apple has recognized the best apps and games at the end of each year. To recognize the impact of the winning developer teams, last year Apple designers started a tradition of celebration through meticulous craftsmanship with physical rewards from the App Store. for each winner. Inspired by the iconic blue App Store icon, each award reveals the App Store logo embedded in the 100% recycled aluminum used to make Apple products, with the winner’s name engraved on the other side.

(Apple).

Apple Loop gives you seven days of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Remember to follow me so you won’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.