Yes, it's still August, but in my mind it's already September, and I'm staring at the new iPhone 15. How else can I feel when every day is filled with new rumors about Apple's next big release? That said, we know this round of iPhones won't be a sea change (USB-C charging does not count as a monumental update). The lack of major design and feature enhancements from Apple means that even incremental updates from Samsung for both new and slightly older phones (like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 getting a OneUI update), and the likelihood that Samsung's S24 Ultra will remain the telephoto leader, mean the iPhone 15 could have its work cut out.
Even in the wearable space, Apple's anticipated Watch 9 will not be the big redesign we're waiting for – although the Watch 10, or Watch X, could be a different story, and at least here Apple's lead is so huge that it can almost afford to stand still while Google, Samsung, and others try out new designs and features in a bid to catch up. I wonder if Apple will try to distract us with the surprise addition of Face ID to all the latest MacBooks (ones with the notch). I would love that.
Maybe I should just stop worrying about all this and settle in to watch Suits like everyone else. But if you can drag yourself away from Gabriel Macht for a moment, please join us as we look back at the biggest stories of the week – it wasn't all about Apple, or the show that introduced the world to Meghan Markle.
Until next week,
Lance Ulanoff, US Editor-in-Chief
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iPhone charging speeds have traditionally lagged behind those available on Android devices, and that looks set to continue. Sources are saying that the iPhone 15 will get a wired charging speed boost to 35W – but that's still behind Android flagships.
How will the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung's next super-premium smartphone, differ from the S23 Ultra that launched earlier this year? According to the latest whisperings it will switch from aluminum to a tougher titanium alloy frame, and it'll be a little lighter too.
According to one Apple tipster, the Apple Watch X (or Apple Watch 10) due to land in 2024 is going to look significantly different to what we have today – and we have to admit that it's time for Apple to change up the design of its signature wearable.
Imagine being able to log into your Apple computer just by looking at it. That's the future promised by a newly discovered Apple patent, which suggests the company is looking at putting the Face ID tech from its iPhones and iPads into iMacs and MacBooks as well.
Suits might have wrapped up four years ago, but it's finding a new lease of life on streaming services, and is racking up billions of viewed minutes across Peacock and Netflix – though the show's writers aren't benefiting from its continued success.