Some Thoughts Ahead of Apple’s Event, Apple Facing Improving Device Upgrade Environment
Hello everyone.
Apple is holding its product event next Tuesday at Apple Park. Accordingly, next week’s update schedule needs to be adjusted. There will be updates on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. At this time, my expectation is that all three updates next week will be dedicated to reviewing Apple’s event, but we can revisit that plan next week.
Today’s discussion will focus on a few additional topics that are on my mind ahead of Apple’s event.
Some Thoughts Ahead of Apple’s Event
Expectations are on the rise ahead of Apple’s “Awe dropping” event.
While there is a surprisingly high level of awareness among the public that new iPhones come out in the fall, it certainly feels like attention surrounding the iPhone is elevated. Some of this could be due to more iPhone users being in a position to upgrade. Another factor could be that some of these iPhone rumors involving significant design changes is getting through to people.
All signs point to Apple unveiling an all-new ultra-thin iPhone next week. The new model, which would be positioned somewhere between the base flagship iPhone and the pro models will likely grab the most buzz and press attention.
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Apple Presentation Criticism, Attending the Apple Event, Vision Pro and Apple Events
Happy Wednesday.
Today’s update will be a bit different. There’s been something circulating in my mind since attending the Apple event earlier this month. A few recent articles about Apple’s digital presentations got me thinking more about the topic. Let’s discuss.
Apple Presentation Criticism
Ken Segall, who was involved in many iconic Apple advertising campaigns in the late 1990s and 2000s is not a fan of Apple’s virtual presentations. Here’s the beginning of his blog post published this past Monday:
“Okay, it took me forever, but I finally got around to watching the 2023 iPhone event.
Why so long? It’s all Apple’s fault. The more they announce new products in these prepackaged events, the less I feel like watching.
My viewing did not change my opinion of virtual presentations. Instead, in an odd way, it got me thinking about the power of A.I. Not that Apple used A.I. to generate the script—rather that A.I. could have written the script, and few would have noticed.
That’s because what Apple is doing is exactly what A.I. is so good at. They’re writing a script based on the show before. And the one before that. And the one before that. They’re stuck in a loop where a parade of presenters describe new products, minus any emotional connection.
ChatGBT wouldn’t break a sweat pulling that together.
To be sympathetic (for a brief moment), Apple’s pre-fab format was born of pandemic restrictions. It was the right solution at the right time. Kudos. But now, even as restrictions have been lifted, Apple chooses to self-restrict. Puzzling.”
This article came to my attention via Om Malik who like Segall does not think too highly of Apple’s virtual presentations. Interestingly, Malik doesn’t like how Apple relies on so many presenters these days. Instead, he yearns for the days when one person (Steve) handled most of the presentation.
One thing that both Segall and Malik disclosed is that
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Apple Sends Out Event Invites to Media, Peloton Is Imploding, A Peloton and Amazon Tie-up? (Daily Update)
The following update was sent to members on August 25th.
Hello everyone. Let’s jump right in.
Apple Sends Out Event Invites to Media
Yesterday, Apple sent out media invites for an in-person event at Steve Jobs Theater to be held on Wednesday, September 7th. It’s been three years since Apple last held a full-fledged in-person product event at Steve Jobs Theater.
Apple’s approach to WWDC was likely a test run for what is in store on September 7th. Apple will welcome press/media/analysts/VIPs/employees to Steve Jobs Theater to enjoy breakfast/refreshments. Guests will then be led to Steve Jobs Theater where Tim Cook will get on stage to welcome everyone. This will be directly followed by Apple playing a taped presentation. Afterwards, the press will be able to check out the new products in the demo area. Apple may even start the taped presentation a few minutes earlier for guests to encourage press liveblogging on social media.
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