The AWT News Update is on hiatus while my compadre, Steve, is on a road trip. In its place, I’ll offer a text-only (no podcast) summary of breaking stories with a tip o’ my hat to my former website, Apple Daily Report.
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Iowa has approved a deal to give Apple $208 million in state and local tax benefits to build two data storage centers near Des Moines and the promise to create 50 jobs. The deal approved Thursday by the Iowa Economic Development Authority includes a refund of $19.6 million in state sale taxes for Apple Inc. and a $188 million break on property taxes from Waukee, a booming suburb bordering Des Moines.
According to a Fluent report seen obtained by AppleInsider, approximately 70% of iPhone users won’t consider purchasing any other smartphone with 40% who are looking to upgrade planning to choose the “iPhone 8.”
Apple has released updates to its iCloud-based News Publisher, featuring user interface enhancements and a completely redesigned dashboard.
Walt Disney Company will send “Star Wars” characters into the realm of augmented reality next week to draw fans into stores as they release new merchandise tied to upcoming movie the The Last Jedi.
As noted by MacRumors (https://www.macrumors.com), Benjamin Geskin has shared a photo of what appears to be four bare logic boards that are likely for the so-called iPhone 7s Plus.
Canaccord Genuity analyst T. Michael Walkley told clients that Apple’s share of the profits from the smartphone industry dipped to 64% during the June quarter.