Apple’s 2013 Fall Announcements: iOS 7 Powers Innovation In New Devices

Author: Jim Lundy
Date: November 6, 2013
Topic: Mobile
Research Note Number: 2013-44


Issue: Who are the mobile providers and how will they compete?

Summary: On October 22nd, 2013, Apple released major iPad, Mac and software upgrades. Combined with the recent iPhone 5s introduction, much of what is new is due in part to Apple’s iOS 7 operating system. We highlight five key areas to watch, as well as two missed opportunities.

Event: On October 22, 2013, Apple announced new versions of its iPad tablet line, including the first upgrade to its 8-inch iPad Mini. The Mini now has the same Retina display featured on the iPhone and the full-size iPad, along with a new A7 processor that will be able to handle 64-bit apps when they become available. The 10-inch iPad also sports the new chip along with increased memory (to 128 GB) and other hardware upgrades, including USB3 and 802.11ac WiFi. All the new iPads contain upgraded motion/position sensors that offer some intriguing mobile app possibilities.

Previously, on September 11th, 2013, Apple released its new iPhone 5S along with iOS 7, a major upgrade to its mobile operating system. Trivial changes, like the new user interface design, have captured much of the press attention, but some of the less visible features are much more significant. Five of them stand out for enterprise users.

What’s Hot

The major deliverable is iOS 7 itself. It is often overlooked but this release is packed with new capabilities, some of which are not intuitively obvious to device buyers.

Prediction: We expect Apple to add Touch ID to other Apple devices by YE 2014.


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Note: This is part of Aragon’s archived research.