WEEKLY WHEATIES #2513
Apple's Foldable, Apple Changes, Security, Social Media, Money
In this newsletter:
📝 Post: Flip, Fold, or Flop? Awaiting Apple’s Foldable iPhone
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Apple Changes and Privacy Concerns
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Social Media Updates
😎 Pick of the Week: Money Usage
📦 Featured Product: Wireless Electrical Switch
📝 Flip, Fold, or Flop? Awaiting Apple’s Foldable iPhone
In the personal electronic/tech space, I think it’s safe to say Apple is a major player. They offer plenty of hardware devices to choose from, including: watches, phones, tablets, laptops, computers, smart speakers and headphones, a TV streaming device, and much more. Not to mention the tons of softwares and streaming services that work on all of those devices. I don’t like to talk much about leaks or what’s to come that isn’t announced because things can and have changed. Just as much, Apple even announced a bunch of AI features back in September we were promised that still have yet to be delivered.
Regardless, there has been a lot of talk about a potential foldable iPhone of sorts. With as many foldable Android phones available in various sizes and form factors, it’s only a matter of time before Apple releases theirs. Right? They have plenty of patents on foldable screens, so what’s taking them so long? As we inch closer to a potential announcement, there are many reports on the possible look and size of this long-awaited device.
The biggest discretion revolves around whether it will be a Flip- or a Fold- style device. Some refer to this as a Hotdog or Hamburger style based on when the phone is opened, if it appears in portrait or tablet mode. Except I have a personal theory based on the route they choose.
First, I think they are more inclined to release a Flip-style phone not to cannibalize their tablet sales. For example, if someone has this new potential Fold-style phone that opens up to the same size screen as an iPad Mini, why would they purchase an iPad Mini? And if someone already has an iPad Mini (or Fold-style phone in this case), why would they ever buy a larger iPad? Apple wants you to have one of every type of device they offer
Secondly, if they do choose to go the Fold-style route, I would bet the iPad Mini would be discontinued as the iPhone Mini was. Except for one other consideration - any foldable iPhone will be more expensive than any current iPhone, so the price wouldn’t be a deterrent for many. Meaning that they may still buy a Mini should they wish to have one - I just don’t believe anyone would want or need both. And I believe the Mini has its place for tons of non-personal aspects. Think about point-of-sale systems, control ‘boards’ for business automation, and more.
A similar argument can be made when comparing the tablets to the desktops and laptops. iPads are obviously a touch screen. No Apple laptop or desktop currently has a touch feature. Even their $5,000 ProDisplay desktop monitor doesn’t have touch capabilities. If these devices did, it may cannibalize their iPad sales. Especially now that the Sidecar feature allows an iPad to connect as a second screen, giving the Mac touch features. It’s not as popular as I’ve seen, but the option is there.
This also brings up the argument of the Apple Ladder concept. Essentially, most people would be fine with the base version of any product. Except most people would also want to upgrade their storage of that product. Which brings the price closer to the mid-level version of that product. Then, increasing storage on that product brings them even closer to the high-end-level version of that product. If the Mac lineup had a touchscreen, and you priced out a $1,000 plus iPad, at what point do you jump to the MacBook?
So where to draw the line? That’s always the question you should ask yourself. And that’s why my suggestion for Apple products (and PC laptops) is simple: Figure out what your budget is, and spend as close to it as you can. I covered more of this in Weekly Wheaties #2329, and there’s a good article on Macworld titled How much MacBook do you really need? that helps with speeds and storage.
As an Apple user myself, I will also note something many of you may be thinking. I recognize most of what they do is an iteration of what’s already done on Windows, Linux, Android, or the like. They aren’t as much in the innovative space as they were years ago, which also comes at a cost. In waiting for a foldable iPhone, they may have lost sales to Android phones. Except if you ask Apple, those users aren’t probably in their target audience.
All that said, do Apple users even want a foldable iPhone?
🗞️ ICYMI: Apple Changes and Privacy Concerns
Last fall, the EU announced they would be requiring Apple to improve how iPhones connect to other devices. Last week, the EU ordered Apple to open up access to iOS notifications, allow alternatives to AirDrop and AirPlay on the iPhone. There are a lot of specifics here, but the goal is to make iPhones play nice with other devices and accessories. However, Apple isn’t giving in and released a statement sharing concerns over security and privacy. Related to this same situation, iPhone users can now set WhatsApp as their default calling and texting app.
On the other end of security and privacy issues, specifically in messaging, the power of any app is irrelevant if you accidentally add someone to your private group chat. However, a bit closer to home for many, Genetic testing company 23andMe declares bankruptcy. If you have ever been a customer of theirs, it is suggested that you log in to your profile, download all of your data, and then delete your account if you would like your private information to stay private. Depending on who makes a bid, your information will literally be sold to the highest bidder.
🗞️ ICYMI: Social Media Updates
An update allows Meta to debut a new Friends tab, as a ‘throwback to OG Facebook’. Now you can search your feed and only see what you want to see, advertisements aside anyway. Don’t say that too loud or the premium subscription may follow. In other social media news, X.com was sold to xAI for $33 billion in all-stock deal.
😎 POTW: Money Usage
With all of the new forms of technology, apps, and services available, the Federal Reserve Financial Services’ FedCash Services released the 2024 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice. There are a lot of interesting findings here, but I wanted to point out a couple. First, while cash usage diminished in the late 20-teens, it has leveled off in the last few years while 90%+ of those surveyed have no plans to stop using cash in the future. If you are in the UK (or just an avid coin or Star Wars collector), be on the lookout for the Millennium Falcon 50p coin. Next, the survey showed over 50% person to person payments were made with mobile apps. Assuming this includes apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. Lastly, it appears that since 2020, the trend continues to rise with the total number of monthly payments individuals have, along with how many in-person payments less than $25.
📦 Featured Product
I’ve shared in the past how I enjoy my Kasa Smart Plug to use Alexa or Siri to turn on devices wirelessly. But sometimes you want to control something outside, and these switches aren’t exacly weatherproof. However, the Fosmon Wireless Remote Control Outdoor Electrical Outlet Switch is! You can use this on exterior lighting, fans, TVs, and much more. You can purchase a single or dual remote, and single or dual outlet. I’ve used mine for a few years now, and have only had to replace the remote’s battery once. That said, sometimes the remote can be a bit finicky to make a connection to turn on/off if too far away or too many walls in between the remote and the plug.
