Apple this week confirmed a Sept. 9 press event, even as last-minute rumors about it continued to flow. The company simultaneously dealt with economic tumult, as well as losing one of its key Apple Music executives.
Apple's Sept. 9 press event
Apple on Thursday sent out media invitations to a Sept. 9 event at San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Unusually the invites were Siri-themed, suggesting that Apple has major plans for the voice technology.
The event is expected to focus on an iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but more importantly a completely revamped Apple TV -- featuring Siri support, as well as an A8 processor, a touchpad remote, and a unique App Store.
Tim Cook calms China concerns
In another unusual move, Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday sent an email to CNBC's Jim Cramer, looking to pacify concerns investors might have about economic troubles in China. Cook suggested that Apple has been doing well throughout July and August.
The action immediately raised questions about whether Cook was violating Securities and Exchange Commision regulations. These prevent publicly-traded companies from sharing certain information privately without also disclosing it openly.
Flood of 'iPhone 6s' rumors
A multitude of next-generation iPhone rumors emerged this week, apparently backing earlier claims about the devices. iOS code and a parts leak, for example, hinted that the devices will indeed get Force Touch controls.
Another report claimed that the phones will have 4K video and front-facing flash, and two others showed supposed boxes, including one hinting that Apple will stick to 16 gigabytes of storage on base models.
Apple Music director leaves for new job
Ian Rogers, formerly the CEO of Beats Music, made a sudden departure from Apple to work at a Europe-based company. While at Apple, he was instrumental in the development of Beats 1 radio.
Apple confirmed Rogers' exit, but refused to comment any further. Rogers was one of several top-level executives Apple brought over after its $3 billion takeover of Beats in 2014.
New Apple TV to 'blow away' other TV interfaces, lack Apple streaming service
One report claimed that the updated set-top will have a radically improved user inteface, better than any other smart TV option on the market. Part of this may involve the touchpad remote, which could also have a microphone for Siri and motion sensors for functions like gaming.
At the same time, another story reinforced views that Apple's long-delayed streaming TV service will have to wait. The main obstacle is thought to be Apple'a insistence on keeping the price to about $40 a month, lower than media companies are allegedly willing to accept.
AppleInsider podcast
Editors sat down to talk about a variety of topics, including Sept. 9 predictions, "Apple Car" rumors, and Apple's trouble on Wall Street.