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iPhone SE saves Apple’s sales in the second quarter of 2020

Most come from iPhone 6s upgrades and Android switches

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Though it doesn’t seem like it, we’re already well into the third quarter of 2020. The world is looking into the new normal after the pandemic. That said, it’s also time to look back at what happened in the past quarter. Against all odds, Apple has managed to turn back a significant slide down in year-on-year second quarter sales, thanks to the recently launched iPhone SE. What’s more, a huge chunk of iPhone SE users come from former Android users.

According to a new Counterpoint Research report, all of smartphone sales in the US fell into the red in the last quarter. Most critically, OnePlus, Motorola, and ZTE sales plummeted drastically — -60, -62, and -68 percent, respectively. However, amidst the slide, Samsung and Apple withstood a huge drop. Samsung dropped by only 10 percent. Apple, on the other hand, dropped by 23 percent.

Though still in the red, Apple’s less significant drop draws from the success of the iPhone SE’s launch back in April. Further, the iPhone SE grabbed most of its sales from interesting sources.

Apparently, more than 30 percent of the sales came from existing Apple users upgrading from the iPhone 6s. This mostly means that the iPhone SE is not stealing its sales from the current iPhone 11 flagship series.

More importantly, more than 25 percent of iPhone SE users came from former Android users. As such, the iPhone SE did what it exactly sought out to do: offer a brilliant Apple experience for a considerably cheaper price. Especially with today’s more budget-conscious market, the iPhone SE’s attractive price tag hopes to capture a huge part of sales going forward.

SEE ALSO: iPhone SE most searched during lockdown

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Suunto joins Strava in legal battle against Garmin

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Last week, Strava started a surprising legal war against Garmin. The latter allegedly infringed on several software patents. Now, another company is joining the fight. Suunto is also suing Garmin for hardware-related patent infringements.

Strava’s issues stem from software-related issues. Some features, especially Garmin’s heatmaps, are allegedly violating Strava’s own patents. Thus, Strava is asking the courts to stop Garmin from selling its infringing devices, which coincidentally makes up most of the company’s lineup.

In contrast, Suunto’s issues are geared towards Garmin’s hardware. However, the desired end result is the same: stopping Garmin from selling its watches.

Via Canadian Running, Garmin reportedly violated up to five hardware patents. These patents supposedly cover a variety of features including antenna positioning, golf swing detection, and the case’s design.

The suit was filed on September 22, so it’s a fairly recent development too. Much like Strava, Suunto wants financial compensation and an injunction against Garmin selling affected smartwatches. Coincidentally, the devices affected once again include most of Garmin’s devices.

Last week, it felt unlikely that Strava’s lawsuit would lead to the collapse of Garmin’s business. However, with two companies now fighting against the one, the fight just got more interesting. To be fair, the cases might still end up with nothing happening, but it’s still worth following.

SEE ALSO: Strava is suing Garmin over alleged patent infringements

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Tim Cook might soon step down as Apple’s CEO

He’s turning 65 next month.

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Did you know that it’s been almost 15 years since Tim Cook took the reins of Apple? The brand’s stalwart fans can definitely thank Cook for Apple’s impressive success today. That said, nothing lasts forever, especially as one reaches the age of 65. Tim Cook, after bringing Apple to almost US$ 4 trillion in valuation, might soon step down as the company’s CEO.

When he took over as CEO, Cook had the unfortunate challenge of following Steve Jobs. But, as we can see now, the CEO was more than up for the task, leading the company to new heights. Cook, however, will soon enter his twilight years. This November, the CEO turns 65. Cook’s retirement now becomes a question of “when” and “who’s next.”

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the transition might come soon. A few of the company’s executives have started to leave the company. This year, COO Jeff Williams stepped down and will soon leave the company. Importantly, Williams was once seen as next in line for the throne.

Others are expected to follow Williams, eventually leading to Cook’s own retirement. Cook’s 65th birthday isn’t a sure deadline, but the talks should start. When Cook does retire from his CEO duties, it’s expected that he’ll transition instead into a new role as chairman, similar to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

Gurman also notes that the current heir, after Williams’s departure, is now the company’s hardware engineering boss, John Ternus. Importantly, this means that Apple might finally enter a new era outside of smartphones. As popular as the iPhone is, the company has struggled entering new facets of technology, including the middling Vision Pro. Ternus, as opposed to a more business-oriented leader, might steer Apple into those new frontiers.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Air Review

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realme 15T also releasing on October 8

A 3rd option under the latest realme numbered series

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realme is expanding the realme 15 Series with the launch of the realme 15T 5G on October 8.

The variant joins the realme 15 5G and realme 15 Pro 5G as part of a streamlined number series collection moving forward. realme earlier bared that it would let go of the “Plus” on such smartphones.

The realme 15T will launch on the same day in the Philippines as the realme 15 Pro 5G Game of Thrones Limited Edition.

Like the two other models under the 15 series, the realme 15T 5G comes with a 7000mAh battery. This is paired with 60W SUPERVOOC charging.

The phone is powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 6400 Max processor and has the ample RAM and internal storage expected of a device of its price point.

Moreover, the handset features a metallic-textured mid-frame and looks more compact than its two other counterparts.

But besides this, the 15T 5G still maintains a slim profile. The Suit Titanium colorway measures just 7.79mm thin. The Flowing Silver variant, meanwhile, has a 7.89mm thickness.

In front is a 6.57-inch AMOLED flat display with DT Star D+ glass protection. For its cameras, the phone has a 50MP camera each on the rear and in front.

Purchases from October 8 will come with exclusive freebies worth up to PhP 2,898, while supplies last.

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