Dennis Sellers

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,347,050) for an “augmented reality device to warp images” that would help the visually impaired. It seems to involve a totally different device than the long-rumored augmented reality/virtual reality headset that’s dubbed “Apple Glasses.”</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple has filed for two new patents that hint at iPhones with wraparound displays. Patent number 10,345,860 is for, well, an “electronic device with wraparound display.” It involves a transparent housing and a flexible display assembly enclosed within the transparent housing. </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">In a note to clients — as noted by<em> </em><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/08/apples-2020-iphones-could-spark-sales-growth-jpmorgan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>CNBC</em></a>— JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee expects Apple’s 2020 iPhones to spur growth in unit sales, thanks to four new models, including a low-cost version and three models with 5G modems.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Production of a new iPad will begin in July, followed by mass production of a new 16-inch MacBook Pro in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the <a href="https://money.udn.com/money/story/5607/3917786" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Economic Daily News</em></a>. </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Other World Computing’s  <a href="https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/ENVPROC2N10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OWC Envoy Pro EX with USB-C</a> is one of the slickest  and sleekest solid state drive solutions around and a fine accessory for Macs with limited storage capacity. In other words, just about all of ‘em.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple is celebrating the United States Women’s World Cup championship with a homepage takeover. Check it out at <a href="https://www.apple.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.apple.com</a>. But watch quickly; the tribute plays, then disappears.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple has released the second public betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS. They’re available on <a href="https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple's Beta Software Program website</a>. Just remember that beta software, so proceed with care.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The original, vintage Apple-1 operation manual issued by Apple Computer circa 1976, 12 pages, could fetch $10,000 at an upcoming auction, according to the folks at RRAuction (which, you should note, is the company doing the auctioning).</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I have a Bondi Blue iMac and a Tangerine iMac on my desk — and they’re only a fraction of the size of the originals. I’m kidding, of course. Sadly, I don’t have any of the original iMacs, but I do have a couple of cute little <a href="https://classicbot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Classicbots</a>.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,341,826) for “easy location sharing” for its Messages app on iOS, watchOS, and macOS.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,338,344) for a small form telephoto camera as it looks for more ways to improve the photo/video abilities of its iPhone and iPad products.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">On a regular basis, <em>Apple World Today</em> posts a list of notable new apps or app updates that have been released. They may not necessarily be new, but they're popular and deserve mention. Here are this week’s picks.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.counterpointresearch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Counterpoint Research</a> estimates that 5G smartphone sales will exceed five million units in 2019 as carriers ramp their 5G networks and device portfolios. Global 5G smartphone sales will reach 22 million units, according to our estimates. Overall, the U.S. will lead the market in 5G smartphone sales, followed by China, adds the research group.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Apple has filed for a patent (number 20190205028) for a “touch-based interactive learning environment” that involves <a href="http://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/">Swift Playgrounds</a>, a free iPad app to teach kids of any age basic coding skills in Swift.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">India’s plans to ease local sourcing rules in single brand retail to help companies such as Apple open their own retail stores in India, reports <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/budget-2019-india-to-ease-local-sourcing-norms-for-single-brand-retail-apple-benefits/articleshow/70087103.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Economic Times</em></a>, quoting various “analysts and sector watchers. The move is purportedly aimed at attracting higher foreign investment at a time when global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have slowed, but those coming into India have been robust. </p>