Apple’s iPhone sales in 2022 were extremely strong.
They were so good the company was able to capture eight of the ten spots in Counterpoint Research’s Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker.
Apple has been the only brand to achieve this.
The iPhone 13 was the most-sold smartphone of the year, according to the analysis, making up 28 percent of all iPhone sales. It reigned as the best-selling handset in China, U.S., U.K., Germany, and France.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the second best-selling device. Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max was third, followed by a break to award the Samsung Galaxy A13 as the fourth best-selling device.
“The iPhone 14 Pro Max sales were led by early adopters and those upgrading to a higher iPhone variant,” the analysis found.
“Major advancements in the iPhone 14 Pro series, such as dynamic island and faster processor, make it more attractive, as the base model is almost identical to the previous year’s model.”
The oldest device to make the top 10 was the iPhone 12, with the sixth-highest smartphone sales. The analysis notes price cuts due to new iPhone launches and its 5G capability played a role in its popularity.
The Samsung Galaxy A03 also made the list, marking its place as the 10th best-selling smartphone in 2022.
Brazil’s Ministry of Justice has seized iPhones from Apple retail stores nationwide.
Back in September, the regulator suspended the sale of iPhones that don’t come with charging bricks in the country. Apple said that removing charging bricks was intended to help the environment by reducing waste. However, Senacon, Brazil’s consumer protection agency, argued there were other ways for Apple to do this, such as by switching to USB-C.
Apple was fined R$12,275,500 (about $3.08 million CAD), but the move didn’t make the company comply.
According to Tecnoblog, the government has seized iPhones from various retail stores in Brazil’s capital, Brasilia.
The decision is being disputed in court, and the tech giant’s Brazil faction will continue selling iPhones until a decision is rendered.
Apple will reportedly be sending back repaired iPhone 12s in a new eco-friendly box certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
According to a memo obtained by MacRumors, Apple says the iPhone will be placed in 100 percent plastic-free boxes made out of bleach-free paper. More specifically, iPhone 12 models that are repaired will be shipped in the eco-friendly packaging brown box from Apple Repair Center depots to Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Service Providers and/or directly to customers in the U.S. or other regions, likely including Canada.
It’s unclear if Apple will expand this repair program to all repaired iPhones in the future.
Apple also says in the memo that this is part of its initiative to eliminate plastic in all its packaging by 2025.
Back in April, the tech giant announced that it reduced its plastic in packaging by 75 percent since 2015, with only 4 percent of plastic within packaging in 2021.
Apple dropped iOS 15.4 on Monday, March 14th and with the update came new emojis, an additional voice option for Siri and minor bug fixes, though frontrunning the release is the long-requested support for ‘Face ID with a mask.’
While Apple released a temporary fix for using Face ID while wearing a mask with iOS 14.5, it required you to own and wear an Apple Watch. Now, however, your iPhone will scan and analyze unique features and characteristics around your eyes to identify you.
Fret not those who wear eyeglasses, the feature works for us too, so no more pulling the mask down for a split second or typing in your passcode!
It’s worth noting that, unfortunately, the new mask-enabled Face ID doesn’t work on all Apple iPhones, even if your device is running iOS 15.4. The feature is limited to iPhone 12 and newer models, which means the new iPhone SE (2022), which ships with iOS 15.4, can’t unlock your phone just by looking at you if you’re wearing a mask.
To set up the new feature, you’ll first have to update your phone to iOS 15.4. Upon rebooting, your device should automatically prompt you about the new feature, and to set it up. If for any reason it doesn’t, head to settings, navigate to ‘Face ID and Passcode,’ and scroll down to ‘Face ID with a Mask,’ as seen in the image referenced below:
Your device will now scan your face, more so your eyes, so make sure you’re not wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses. The procedure works similarly to standard Face ID setup where you’ll have to rotate your face in a circular motion. The process is swift and doest take more than five seconds. For those who wear glasses, you’ll have to go through an additional scan. Right below the ‘Face ID with a Mask’ toggle, you’ll now see an ‘Add Glasses’ option, as seen in the screenshots below:
In my personal experience, the feature doesn’t work, unfortunately, but other members of the MobileSyrup team have been more successful. I’ve tried setting up the new feature four times since yesterday, in multiple different lighting conditions, with eyeglasses, without eyeglasses, while wearing a cap and without one. I’ve tried rebooting my device and then setting up the new feature with no success.
Apple’s support page for the new feature mentions “To use Face ID with a mask, Face ID must clearly see your eyes and the areas around the eyes.” I tried it with my eyes wide open, and I’ve tried it with a resting face, and nothing works. Normal Face ID without a mask still works perfectly, with or without eyeglasses. Further, for what it’s worth, I’ve tried different coloured masks too to no avail. For reference, I use an iPhone 12 Pro.
On the other hand, my housemate, who uses the latest iPhone 13 Pro is able to unlock his phone while wearing a mask without a delay or without having to alter the angle of the phone. I don’t think it has anything to do with a one-generation newer iPhone, but at the same time, I also can’t rule the possibility out.
If you decide to pick up a new iPhone 12, you might want to consider shopping with Telus’ flanker brand Koodo.
As shared by RedFlagDeals user ‘angelove,’ Koodo is currently offering a free pair of second-gen AirPods with the purchase of an iPhone 12 with all three of its tab plans. Check them out below:
Tab Plus: $0 upfront, $20 per month for 24 months financing — Plans start at $50
Tab Mid: $120 upfront, $15 per month for 24 months financing — Plans start at $50
Tab Basic: $736 upfront, $10 per month for 24 months financing — Plans start at $25
This offer is exclusively available online and for new activations at Koodo only. Also worth noting is that the deal is available until January 4th, after which the free AirPods promo will be withdrawn.
Belkin’s new 3-in-1 charger is the first third-party fast charger designed for the Apple Watch Series 7.
The BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad features MagSafe 15W charging speeds for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 and of course, fast charging for the Series 7. Apple says that the Series 7 can go from roughly 0-80 percent in 45 minutes with fast charging.
The charger also features a standard Qi charging pad designed for AirPods. It’s also worth noting that the Apple Watch charger portion is adjustable, allowing you to lay the smart watch flat or upright thanks to a small switch on the underside of the charger.
Alongside the 3-in-1 charger, the accessory maker revealed a standalone fast charger for the Apple Watch Series 7 that includes a USB-C cable.
Apple will likely cut iPhone 13 production by 10 million units due to the ongoing global chip shortage, according to Bloomberg.
The publication says that the tech giant initially planned to produce 90 million iPhone 13 units by the end of 2021, but lowered those expectations because its chip suppliers are unable to meet the demand. Bloomberg says that Apple declined to comment on the report.
The worldwide chip shortage is putting pressure on a wide range of industries, including console manufacturers and even automakers. So far, Apple has managed to weather the chip crisis because its supplies are sourced from several companies, though it seems that strategy may have finally caught up with the company.
Apple’s iPhone 13 series was released earlier this month to generally positive reviews. While the smartphone is very similar to the iPhone 12, it features improved low-light camera performance, a faster chip and upgraded 120Hz refresh rate displays on the higher-end Pro and Pro Max models.
If you want to buy an iPhone but aren’t hankering for the pricey new iPhone 13, Freedom may have a deal for you.
The Shaw-owned regional carrier currently has the iPhone 12 available for a pretty good price. The 64GB model of the iPhone 12 is available for $0 upfront with a $25/mo Tab charge for 24 months on a minimum $50 plan. In other words, you can get the iPhone 12 for about $600 total over two years.
If 64GB isn’t enough for you, Freedom also offers the 128GB iPhone 12 for $0 upfront on a $35/mo Tab ($840 over two years) with a minimum $40 plan. That’s not as good of a deal, however.
As for plan options, Freedom currently offers two types of plans — ‘Unlimited’ and ‘Freedom.’ The main difference between the two is that Unlimited plans let people use data beyond their data cap, but at a reduced speed.
Another difference more relevant to this iPhone deal: Freedom plans are the only ones with a $50/mo option. In other words, if you want the deal exactly as advertised, you’ll need the Freedom 5GB + 10GB Bonus plans, which costs $50/mo after the $5 ‘Digital Discount.’
Alternatively, those who want more data (or “unlimited” data) can get one of the Unlimited plans, which start at $60/mo for 10GB + 7GB Bonus with the $5 Digital Discount. It’s also worth noting that if customers grab one of the $75/mo or higher plans, the iPhone 12 Tab cost drops $5 to $20/mo ($480 over two years). While a better phone cost, you’d also end up paying an extra $25/mo compared to the $50 option, which arguably negates the $5/mo phone discount.
Either way, considering Apple charges $949 for the iPhone 12 64GB if you buy it directly from them, getting it for $600 from Freedom isn’t a bad deal. All in, the Freedom offer would cost $1,800 over two years ($600 for the iPhone plus $50/mo plan over 24 months is $1,200, thus $1,800 total). If you were to buy the iPhone 12 direct from Apple, you’d need to get a plan that costs at least $35/mo for two years to beat the Freedom price.
One final note: when I started writing about the Freedom deal, it was actually better. The website listed the iPhone 12 as available on a $20/mo Tab with a $50 plan, but that offer was removed (I managed to grab a screenshot, which you can see below).
Screenshot of Freedom’s iPhone deal taken minutes before it changed.
You can check out the iPhone 12 deal for yourself here.
The iPhone 13 series is very similar to the iPhone 12 lineup in regarding its look and overall performance.
However, according to Bloomberg’s nearly always reliable Mark Gurman, that could change with next year’s iPhone 14. Gurman says that the iPhone 14 will feature a “complete redesign” and the first significant update to the smartphone’s look since 2017’s iPhone X.
You could also argue that, at least as far as design is concerned, the move from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 12 was substantial because of its squared-off sides and entirely redesigned cameras.
Beyond stating that the iPhone 14 will adopt an entirely new look, Gurman didn’t offer additional details regarding the iPhone 14’s redesign. However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently stated that Apple will ditch the display notch with its 2022 iPhone lineup, saying that the smartphone will feature a hole-punch front camera like most high-end Android smartphones.
Other recent rumours indicate Apple will likely drop the iPhone mini from its lineup in favour of a larger “regular” model alongside its “Pro” devices. We’ve also seen reports regarding an under-display Touch ID fingerprint sensor, though it’s unclear if this technology will make its way to Apple’s 2022 smartphone line or in future devices.
As always, approach these rumours with an air of skepticism. Apple’s iPhone 13 series only just released, and iPhone 14 devices are a year away, so the tech giant’s strategy regarding the smartphone line could easily shift in the coming months.
Europe could soon require all smartphone manufacturers to use USB-C charging, according to a new EU Commission ruling proposal.
The commission says the proposal aims to reduce e-waste and the “consumer inconvenience” resulting from different chargers. The commission also mentions that it wants manufacturers to stop selling chargers alongside electronic devices to minimize e-waste further.
“With today’s proposal… USB-C will become the standard port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles,” reads the report.
The report then says that it has reduced the number of mobile chargers in Europe from 30 to just three, with Apple’s proprietary Lightning port part of the smaller list. The report states that roughly 20 percent of devices sold in Europe feature the Lightning port, but that the EU wants to change this — possibly by forcing Apple to adopt USB-C.
EU executive vice president Margrethe Vestager made the following statement in the report:
“European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers. We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions.”
As you may have already guessed, Apple has resisted the shift to USB-C in the past concerning the EU’s efforts. For example, last year, when the organization voted on the concept of a standard charger, Apple released a statement stating that adopting USB-C would “stifle innovation.”
In a statement to the BBC, Apple said, “We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”
With the release of the iPhone 12, Apple stopped including a charging brick in the box of its smartphones, citing environmental concerns related to materials and shipping costs. This move also likely saved the tech giant a lot of money. The company has also shifted to USB-C charging with several of its other devices, including Macs, most iPad models and its accompanying ecosystem of accessories. Some Android devices from companies like Samsung, for example, also no longer include chargers in their boxes.
It’s unclear if this law will go through, given it’s still in the proposal stages and must first be passed by lawmakers and several governments. However, it’s possible that in a few years, Apple could be forced to adopt USB-C for the iPhones it sells in Europe.
