This week in Apple: iPhone launch date revealed, 'walkie-talkie' idea shelved

The big Apple news this week was the announcement of a September 10 event in Cupertino, where we’ll most likely see the launch of the 2019 iPhones (mockups of those phones are pictured above).

We also saw some little news stories, such as a rumor that Apple had a “walkie-talkie” feature in mind for the iPhone (but has shelved it for now), Siri privacy concerns, the sound quality of Apple’s AirPods, Apple’s slightly-altered stance on right-to-repair, and some news regarding a new Apple TV Plus show.

See the Apple news roundup below for all the latest!

The top Apple news stories of the past week:

• • iPhone launch event set for September 10: On Thursday, Apple sent out press invites for a media event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino on September 10. This is undoubtedly the event at which Apple will launch the 2019 iPhones. Mark your calendar!
  • Apple shelves “walkie-talkie” feature for iPhones: Allegedly, Apple was working on a so-called “walkie-talkie” feature for the iPhone which would allow iPhone users to communicate with other iPhone users without the need for a cellular or even data connection. The feature has been shelved, apparently, mostly because it relied on Intel modems, which obviously is a bit of a problem going forward.
  • Apple apologizes for Siri privacy problems, will keep doing it anyway: Apple issued an apology of sorts regarding its practices of paying humans to listen to your Siri conversations. However, it will keep doing that anyway, albeit with some slight policy changes. Oh, and if you opt-out of the recordings, Apple will still listen.
  • iPhone security flaw went unchecked for two years: Speaking of security and privacy, Google uncovered a major security flaw in iPhones that affected the devices for over two years. It’s pretty scary stuff, click here for more info.
  • You can repair your iPhone at third-party shops, but only old ones: Apple doesn’t have the best stance when it comes to right-to-repair, but it is giving just a little on that front. Going forward, you can repair your old, out-of-warranty iPhone at third-party repair shops with genuine Apple parts. So giving, much courage.
  • Rumored Tile-like Apple device could one-up the OG: You know those Tile devices that you can attach to things so you can find them with your phone? Apple reportedly has an Apple-ified version of that concept on the way, and it could be even better than a Tile device because it will use other people’s iPhones to help track it.
  • Consumer Reports doesn’t like AirPods, thinks Galaxy Buds are better: Consumer Reports published a comparison between Apple’s AirPods and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, and the Galaxy Buds were the clear winner, especially when it comes to sound.
  • First trailer for Apple original ‘Dickenson’ hits YouTube: A new television show starring Hailee Steinfeld called Dickenson will air exclusively on Apple TV Plus. You can now watch the first trailer for that show here.

Thinking about making the switch?

If you are currently an Apple user thinking about making the switch to Android, we have multiple articles and guides that can help you with that process. Despite how it might seem, moving from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many of the services and systems on iOS have similar or even the same counterparts on Android.

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, consult our list of the best Android smartphones available now.