🍎 Apple Event Preview: iPhone 15, Airpods, and More!
Happy Labor Day all,
We are releasing this edition on Monday since it’s a long weekend here in the United States. So today really feels like Sunday.
The event we are looking forward to is the Apple Event next week, so in today’s edition we give you a preview of what’s going to be announced.
Personally, I don’t think the upgrades of the iPhone are worth it every generation anymore, but depending on what features come out in the 15, I may be willing to upgrade. I’ll keep you guys updated.
Also notable this weekend weekend, Tesla has been making more price-cuts, and the following table really shows you how quickly they have been making changes to their pricing.
Enjoy today’s edition! — Humphrey, Tim & Rickie
Market Report
Upcoming Apple Event Announced
The new iPhone is coming soon! Apple recently set Sept. 12 as the date for its biggest product-upgrade event of the year, when it’s set to unveil the iPhone 15 and new smartwatches. Here are some of the recent highlights from various leaks and rumors regarding the event.
iPhone 15 Lineup
There will be two entry-level models (iPhone 15 and 15 Plus) as well as two high-end models with significant upgrades.
The entry-level phones will inherit features from last year's Pro models, such as the A16 chip and a 48-megapixel rear camera, while maintaining the current design.
The high-end versions will feature a titanium frame, slimmer screen borders, an A17 processor, and a new customizable button to replace the traditional mute switch.
AirPods and Apple Watch
Apple is also set to introduce updated AirPods with a USB-C charging port and unveil the Series 9 Apple Watch and a second-generation Ultra Watch.
The EU’s legislation on universal charging has apparently forced Apple to shift from the Lightning port to USB-C for the iPhone. While this is beneficial for the consumer (more compatibility, potentially faster charging), Apple could lose licensing revenue and risk easier defection to Androids.
3D Printing New Products?
Apple is experimenting with 3D printing to manufacture devices, starting with the Apple Watch Series 9. This new process would reduce both the time needed to make the devices and the amount of material being used.
Apple also intends to try the 3D printing process on the next iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra sometime next year, but the company hasn’t yet been able to mass-produce the 3D-printed aluminum enclosures used in Mac and iPad.
Economic Update
Despite the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes and continued hawkish stance, many companies have been able to manage their interest expenses effectively, largely because they took advantage of historically low-interest rates. While interest expenses are rising, they are still near their lowest levels since 2009.
Historically, cheap interest expenses and low rates have played a large role in boosting profit growth. Over the past 20 years, it’s accounted for more than 40% of the profit growth in the S&P 500. With rates unlikely to drop significantly below their 2019 levels, the future of earnings growth could be at risk. However, the ideal outcome is that by the time debt refinancing becomes a concern, inflation will be back to the 2% target and the Fed can finally lower rates. therefore, it resides near the end point of the targeted aptitude of 69%.
In July, core PCE (the Fed’s preferred inflation metric) slowed a slower price increase of 0.2% for the second consecutive month while consumer spending increased by an inflation-adjusted 0.6%, which has led many analysts to reconsider or drop recession forecasts…
Forecast Ahead
Big Number
The upcoming iPhone 15 lineup is expected to be the most expensive yet, with prices potentially ranging from $799 to $2,000 according to Forbes. Rising prices for the flagship phone coincide with decreasing public excitement surrounding new iPhone releases. Google Trends data found that search interest in recent iPhone announcements has been significantly lower compared to releases in the past decade.
For instance, the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020 generated only a third of the search volume compared to the 2018 XS/Max and 2013 5C/5S models.
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