Apple Confirms Special Event On September 9, Likely For iPhones

 

Apple has sent out invites to a special event it’s holding on September 9, where we will almost certainly get our first official look at the next iPhone. The invites follow a previous report from Re/code pegging Tuesday, September 9 as the date, and the event’s timing is consistent with the launch of the iPhone dating back to to the iPhone 4S, when Apple began releasing new versions of its smartphone in the fall instead of in the early summer.

The event will almost definitely see the introduction of one, if not two new iPhone models. Scuttlebutt is that we’ll see at least a 4.7-inch iOS-powered smartphone and maybe one larger 5.5 inch model introduced by Apple at the event. Though only one might launch a few weeks after, with the larger version shipping later. Apple has been reportedly gearing up to provide sapphire-based displays in at least some of these devices, which could offer benefits in terms of durability and resistance to scratches and shattering.

This event is a bit atypical for Apple in that it’s being held neither on Apple’s Cupertino campus nor the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Instead, it’s being held at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino. Our guess is that this has something to do with capacity — Apple’s auditorium is very small and if Apple sees this as a high profile release — there are rumors of a wearable, too — then it could want more bodies in the seats.

Apple will also likely announce the general availability of iOS 8 at this event. If it follows the pattern of previous releases, it’ll arrive for existing device owners a few days before the iPhone 6 (or whatever Apple chooses to call it) ships.

Apple Says App Store Has Created 500,000 Jobs in Europe

Apple Inc. is embarking on something of a charm offensive with the European Union, and it seems the feeling is mutual.

The bloc’s antitrust unit waved through its purchase of Dr. Dre’s headphone company Beats, it trademarked the concept of its shops, while at the same time, the EU is looking into its tax situation.

On Wednesday, Apple reminded Europe that the App Store—which offers everything from Angry Birds to Menstruation Tracking Apps—isn’t just a place to download games, but a force for economic growth.

“Roughly 500,000 jobs have been created in Europe that are directly attributable to the App Store. Of the more than $20 billion developers have earned from App Store sales worldwide, $6.5 billion has been paid to European developers,” Apple said on its Web site. “In 2014 the overall app economy is expected to deliver $16.5 billion in revenues to EU GDP, and this contribution is growing at a rate of 12% per year.”

There are different sites for each country, highlighting app-based jobs there—the UK version features Ndemic Creations and Top10.com while France has Les Trois Elles Interactive and Stupeflix.

Apple is also keen to highlight its role in Ireland, where it’s been active since 1980.

Apple also has 4,500 suppliers in Europe, and directly employees 16,000 people on the Continent.

The feeling is reciprocal. Neelie Kroes, the European commissioner responsible for digital agenda, said the speed of job creation and revenue growth in the app economy is “incredible.”

“What other sector grows 25% a year? The ripple effects go far beyond the app makers themselves. Apple and others have started an economic revolution, and I want Europe to be front and centre in that action. Being an entrepreneur is hard and valuable work – leaders need to do everything they can to smooth the path for these start-ups who are helping to build the new economy,” she said.

Source : allthingsd