Apple to Launch Next iOS Version?

A report published on New Year’s Day claims that Apple Inc. is all set to launch the next version of its operating system, the iOS. According to information received from Times-Herald, the technology giant has already started testing the iOS 7 version on a new iPhone model. Leading app development companies across the world have also confirmed references to iPhone identifiers in their usage logs. Their statements claim that the iPhone 6.1 model will run the updated version of iOS platform. In fact, app requests for the new Apple operating system version have already been registered on the developer logs; if the report published is to be believed, they are originating from a website address identified with usage within the Cupertino giant’s workplace. Compatibility of popular mobile applications on iOS 7 is also being tested by Apple.

 

However, the above mentioned website does not hold any authentication claims regarding the report. It has been stated in statements from the website personnel that data derived about mobile devices and operating systems can often be faked. In this case though, the IP footprint is unique and the attempt of sharing the Apple OS upgradation news can be led back to the company’s Cupertino campus.

 

The current version of operating system running in Apple devices such as iPhone 5.1 and iPhone 5.2 is iOS 6. These versions were released in the mobile market by Apple in the month of September this year. if the reports circulating in the technology circle come true, the world mobile industry will be presented with iphone 6 and iOS 7 towards the middle of this new year.

 

Copper Mobile, one of the reputed iPhone App Developer and mobile developers has emerged as a leader in the field with more than 300 apps to its credit.

iPad Mini; The Monetary Performance So Far

There were various price presumptions before the launch of iPad Mini. While some thought new tablet to compete with Amazon Kindle Fire HD, thus to be priced at $199, others guessed the device to be available for $299. When the device was finally introduced, Apple Inc. priced it at $329.

Research firm IHS carried the teardown analysis of the iPad Mini and made a cost estimation of all the components used in the tablet. It reveals that chip and battery, display, and other parts of the base model of iPad Mini cost around $188 to Apple.

 

If we calculate the cost of the components, it is 57 percent of the retail price, which means that Apple is getting a gross margin of 43 percent on the iPad Mini.

 

What is Taking up the Margin Part?

 

The iPad Mini is coming with GF2 technology, which reduces the thickness of the display. Since, the technology is in early stage, there might be some glitches. There are chances of Apple getting higher margins once it overcomes problem areas.

 

What Adds Up to the Margin?

 

It is the iPad Mini models with higher memory, which are generating higher profits for Apple. The company is selling Wi-Fi only 32GB and 64GB models at price of $429 and $529 respectively. The price of flash memory is significantly low. Adding flash memory of 32GB and 64GB is costing Apple $8 to $24, but it is making profit of $90 and $162 per unit. So, higher the sales of 32GB and 64GB versions of iPad Mini, better the profit margins of Apple.

 

What are Other Tablet Makers Getting?

 

IHS has also looked at the Surface tablet priced at $499 for the base model. As per the estimation, the cost of components in the 32GB model is $271. Microsoft is also selling Touch Cover at $120, which might be costing $16 to the company and is adding significantly to profit share.

 

Amazon is however focusing more on increasing its customer base instead of profit percent. The base model of Kindle Fire HD is priced at $199 however, the total cost of the components is said to be $165.

 

Apple iPad Mini is a recent launch but its aggressive cannibalization might add 3 million tablets to Apple's kitty at the end of the last quarter of 2012. Price is one of the major criteria for people preferring iPad Mini over the iPad. Another research firm IDC in its just-released 2013 predictions has revealed that devices with 8 inch or smaller screens will capture 60 percent of the tablet market, which indicates higher profit margin for Apple iPad Mini.

 

This post comes to you from Copper Mobile, one of the top iPhone developers and iPad application development companies providing enterprise app development solutions.

Why Would Apple Bring Maps & Siri to OS X?

The recent report of 9to5Mac on Apple developers testing OS X 10.9 has left everyone guessing about the newest inclusions in the next version of OSX. It has not been long since Mountain Lion was released and Apple is again testing OS X10.9, which has features like Siri and Apple's own Maps app.

Predictions are around and the tech world is presuming things. 9to5Mac writes, "With this MapKit framework, as developers refer to it for iOS, in OS X 10.9, it is also possible that Apple will extend its own work on mapping on the Mac besides integration for developers. It is possible that Apple will want its own full-fledged Maps app on the Mac, but we have not been able to confirm that as of yet".

 

Speculations are in the air that Siri would be an upgrade from the Dictation application, currently running on Macs. Apple is planning to release the updated version next summer and there are chances of a major overhaul during this time period.

 

The 2011 OS X upgrade consisted of many features of iOS including Reminders, Notes, iMessage, Game Center, AirPlay mirroring etc, therefore, chances are high that new version will come with Siri & Maps.

 

Cloud computing is the latest buzz in the tech arena. Be it Microsoft, Google, or Apple, everybody is trying to offer a secure & reliable central storage repository to customers. The recent growth trend of Apple is not too enthusiastic, so Apple might be using iCloud as a strategy to hold its customers. If all the Apple devices come with similar features, it will get easier for users to access content from anywhere & this could be the reason behind Apple developers investing time introducing some massive enhancements in the OS X10.9.

Switzerland Federal Railways Compensated by Apple

Switzerland’s Federal Railways was compensated with $21 million, winning a case of licensed intellectual property against Apple. It was sometime during the middle of September this year that Apple was accused by the Swiss Federal Railways of copying the design of a clock the former used in its iOS 6 update. The clock icon used by Apple is reportedly an auspicious symbol for Switzerland and its Federal Railways since it was designed during the 1940s by Hans Hilfiker.

 

The report published in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper of Switzerland says that Apple used the famous clock design without permission from the Swiss Federal Railways authorities. The latter held trademark & copyright over the clock and therefore Apple had to pay a price for its act of appropriation. The licensed agreement between the two parties allows Apple to continue using the design in its clock app coming with the updated version of iPad tablet.

 

Market analysts have put forward their views that a sum of $21 million is inconsequential for a cash rich company like Apple. But it clearly shows that technology giant Apple makes an effort to work quickly when matters of license & intellectual property are involved. Daniele Pallechi, a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Railways had earlier made it clear in his statement to the media that the owners of the clock design were rather unhappy with the unprofessional attitude shown by Apple. He said in a statement to the media that though the Swiss felt proud to see the iconic clock being used by Apple, shock as to why permission had not been duly taken was clearly there. The fact that the Swiss Federal Railways authorities did not sue Apple on infringement issues has left the latter’s reputation & revenue unharmed.

 

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iPad's Market Share Sees a Drop in Third Quarter of 2012

IDC's third quarter report has come out with some astonishing numbers. The market share of Apple iPad has dropped to 50.4%, which was 59.7% in the same period last year.

Apple is still number one in the tablet market followed by Samsung, which has jumped from 6.5% to 18.4% in that same period. The third place is acquired by Amazon with 9%, Asus comes forth with 8.6%, and Lenovo is the last in top 5 with 1.4%.

IDC has revealed that 5.1 million Samsung tablets were shipped in third quarter of 2012, which is 115% and 325% more than second quarter of 2012 and third quarter of 2011, respectively.

Vendor	3Q12 Shipments	3Q12 Market Share	3Q11 Shipments	3Q11 Market Share	3Q12/3Q11 Growth
Apple	14.0	50.4%	11.1	59.7%	26.1%
Samsung	5.1	18.4%	1.2	6.5%	325.0%
Amazon	2.5	9.0%	NA	NA	NA
Asus	2.4	8.6%	0.7	3.8%	242.9%
Lenovo	0.4	1.4%	0.2	1.1%	100.0%
Others	3.3	12.2%	5.4	28.9%	-38.9%
All Vendors	27.8	100%	18.6	100%	49.5%

Amazon has done a brilliant job in the third quarter and Kindle Fire line-up is one of the factors that helped it in doubling the market share quarter-over-quarter.

Apple iPad mini has just entered the market, so it is difficult for us to come-up with future predictions at present.

The Battle is on between Microsoft & Apple

Apple has sent out invitations for a "special event" on October 23 in San Jose. As anticipated, Apple will be launching its much awaited iPad Mini and a few more goodies for tech lovers.

 

That's not all for the October fest. Microsoft too will be revealing the tablet Surface, to give you the perfect holiday season.

 

The Apple-Microsoft battle is a rare scene in the early and recent-era PC days. Although, the companies will not be competing directly but launch around the same time has got an interesting news element.

 

While there are a lot of speculations around iPad Mini & the device is expected to compete with Kindle Fires and Nexus Tablet, Microsoft Surface will be competing against the full size iPad range. The expected price of smaller iPad could be $299 or $349 and Surface is priced at $499.

 

Confirming the news of 23 October event, Apple said that it will be showing off the new iPad mini, iTunes, and a new Retina MacBook.

 

With holiday season arriving, buyers can expect a whole new range of tablets coming to the market. The competition would be tough and Apple, Microsoft & Android device makers will give their best to promote devices. Tablet eruption in market with new names becoming a part of the march, Apple's market dominance is becoming talk of the tech town. And it is the "best-of-breed" image of Apple that might work in its favor.

 

While Microsoft is all set to grow a decent Windows 8 base, Android lovers will see more tablets appearing in the market.

 

It is a real challenge for Apple to create a niche for itself in the crowded tablet market. When all eyes are set on the 23 October event, Apple is much needed to give its best shot and do something really different to become the show stealer.