The usual AWT News Update won’t arrive today as my compadre, Steve, is dealing with some family matters. 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.
Of course, the rumor mill is in maximum overdrive regarding the next generation of iPhones. Photos of an “iPhone 8” design dummy published show the device in a rumored gold/copper color.
Apple supplier Lumentum reported a huge increase in orders for 3D sensing laser components thought to be included in the upcoming iPhone 8 to enable advanced augmented reality features, as noted by analyst Gene Munster at LoupVentures. The company has $200 million in orders during the quarter — up from just $5 million in revenue for the 3D sensing tech during the June quarter.
In other news, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 37 (Safari TP37). This version tests Apple Pay support for Cartes Bancaires, France’s interbank network. It also has some 33 different bug fixes and other improvements. If you’re not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do so here. The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
Next: Apple is geared to become the first company to reach $1 trillion in market cap, RBC Capital analysts say. The tech giant has gained $56 billion in market value since it announced increasingly optimistic guidance for its third quarter last week, bringing its current market value to $826.85 billion. RBC said Apple stock has plenty of upside left as it closes in on the mid-September launch of the 10th anniversary iPhone.
