This week on AppleInsider: Stock market jeopardy, 'iPhone 6s' press …
This week on AppleInsider: Stock market jeopardy, ‘iPhone 6s’ press event, Apple Music numbers & more
This week was tougher for Apple than some others, with serious trouble on the stock market, but the company did make headlines with rumors about a September press event, and the first-ever official Apple Music numbers.
‘iCloud Voicemail’ may be coming in 2016
On Monday, a report said that Apple is working on an iOS feature called “iCloud Voicemail” that will have Siri answer iPhone calls if a person is unavailable. Siri would also be able to explain where a person is and why they can’t answer, and transcribe any messages for later reading.
Apple is said to be testing the feature in preparation for a launch sometime in 2016, possibly alongside iOS 10. The company filed a patent on a similar concept in 2012, but has done relatively little with voicemail since the introduction of the iPhone and Visual Voicemail in 2007.
Apple denies MVNO rumors
In an unusual move, Apple quickly denied rumors that it was trialing its own mobile virtual network operator service. An MVNO simply rides on the networks of other wireless carriers, but can set its own rates for customers, often at a discount over what the carriers themselves charge.
The rumor suggested that any MVNO plans would have to wait up to five years or more, which could still leave room for Apple to pursue the option.
AAPL drags down Dow Jones Industrial Average
Poor performance by Apple stock caused the company to fall below its 200-day moving average, and it was reported that over the past four and a half months, Apple has accounted for 14 percent of losses to the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Apple replaced AT&T in the index on March 19.
Apple shares have been on a downward slide since mid-July. The decline is believed to be linked to third-quarter financial results, which though record-setting were still below some forecasts.
Apple Music hits 11 million subscribers
Thursday saw Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue announce that Apple Music has gained 11 million subscribers so far. Although rumors and estimates of subscriber numbers were circulating previously, Apple itself had yet to weigh in.
The figure may not mean much in the long-term. Since every Apple Music customer is still in the middle of a three-month free trial, the real test will come at the end of September, when people will have to choose whether or not to renew at cost.
Sept. 9 event could showcase new iPhones, iPads, & Apple TV
A late-breaking rumor claimed that Apple will host its next press event on Sept. 9. There the company is expected to promote not just new iPhones, but a next-generation Apple TV, and even new iPads. In recent years, Apple has typically reserved iPad announcements for October.
The rumor noted that it’s unclear whether one of those iPads will be the “iPad Pro.” The device is predicted to have a 12.9-inch screen, a USB-C port and a pressure-sensitive stylus.
AppleInsider podcast
Editors chatted about a variety of topics, including Wall Street, the MVNO rumors, their favorite apps, and DJI’s new Phantom 3 Standard drone.
Source:
This week on AppleInsider: Stock market jeopardy, 'iPhone 6s' press …
