Comment: With a rumored new iPhone lineup, it’s time for new names

I’ve commented before on Apple’s rather messy iPhone lineup. The company currently sells the iPhone SE, the iPhone 6s, the iPhone 7, the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X. Given the Plus model variations, and ignoring colors and storage capacities, that’s eight different phones across four different sizes.
If we ignore the relatively minor form factor differences between the iPhone 6s, 7 and 8, that’s also three different designs.
But KGI’s predictions of what we can expect this fall, reiterated today, would make for a much more sensible lineup …
Apple enters second decade heading Fortune’s list of the world’s most admired companies

Apple last year hit a decade at the top of Fortune’s list of the world’s most admired companies, and it’s still in the same place in its 11th year.
Rival smartphone maker Samsung dropped out of the list last year over its exploding batteries, and hasn’t made it back in this year …
Shareholders likely to see most of AAPL’s repatriated cash, say analysts, with $88B benefit

While taxpayers will welcome the $38B tax contribution Apple will make from the $245B foreign cash it plans to repatriate, AAPL shareholders are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries.
Analysts expect Apple to spend most of the money in three ways, with shareholders reaping the rewards …
Exclusive: AT&T to offer prepaid iPhone 6s for under $350 (6s Plus for $445) on $45 month plan
FCC blocks two cheapskate tactics Internet service providers wanted to use

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has blocked two tactics Internet service providers had hoped to use to reduce the expense needed to meet their broadband service obligations …
Apple’s ‘Everyone Can Code’ program rolls out to 70 more colleges & universities

Adoption of Apple’s ‘Everyone Can Code’ curriculum, offered free of charge to schools and colleges, continues. The company today announced that 70 colleges and universities in Europe have opted to offer the program to their students …
Apple begins hiring staff for upcoming retail location in Washington, D.C’s historic Carnegie Library

Ahead of opening later this year, Apple has posted several job listings for various positions at their new retail location in the District of Columbia. Located inside the historic former Carnegie Library, the new store will be Apple’s second in Washington D.C., and one of the company’s largest historic restoration projects to date.
KGI lowers iPhone X sales estimates, reiterates 6.1-inch LCD iPhone coming in fall

A new report from KGI defies market consensus claiming that iPhone X shipments are not as strong as many believe. The analyst says that it believes Apple will ship around 18 million iPhone X units in the current quarter, significantly below estimates from other analysts. It primarily blames longer replacement cycles in China for the weaker demand for iPhone X.
However, KGI reaffirms its predictions of a three tier 2018 iPhone lineup with a 6.1-inch LCD model, a successor to iPhone X and a 6.5-inch OLED ‘iPhone X Plus’ launching in the fall. In fact, KGI suggests that Apple may stop making iPhone X altogether when production of the new 2018 models ramp up.
Review: Away Travel’s USB-powered Carry-On luggage helped me survive CES

Traveling can disrupt even the best laid plans, and with today’s connected lifestyles, the stress of an unexpected situation is only exacerbated if you’re worrying about keeping your devices powered up. Combine that with the chaos and and spectacle that is the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a travel headache.
Earlier this month, I spent 5 days in Las Vegas for CES 2018. With me came The Carry-On, modern and thoughtfully designed luggage with USB power sent over to try out by Away Travel. Over the course of the show I put The Carry-On to the test, traversing miles of hotel, casino, and airport carpeting to bring you my thoughts. Let’s take a look at how well it held up and how it kept my devices charged…
‘Right to repair’ legislation gaining steam amid Apple’s iPhone battery replacement program

Amid Apple’s ongoing battery repair program, iFixit today reports that “Right to Repair” legislation is gaining traction. The site explains that so far this year, 17 states have introduced bills that would reduce repair costs by opening up parts and tools to independent repair shops…
