**The Week in Review: Apple’s iPhone 15, MGM Hack, Tesla’s Cybertruck, and More**
*Welcome to the Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch’s regular newsletter that brings you the top tech news from the past few days. Whether you’re a news junkie or just curious about the latest tech happenings, WiR is the place to be. In this edition, we’ll cover Apple’s iPhone announcements, the MGM hack, the redesigned Tesla Cybertruck, and more. So, let’s dive in and catch up on all the industry buzz.*
**Apple’s iPhone 15 Steals the Spotlight**
At Apple’s packed press conference this week, the tech giant unveiled its latest offerings, including the much-anticipated iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Key features of the new iPhones include USB-C connectors, a move driven in part by EU legislation. The iPhone 15 Pro also boasts a titanium body, while both models feature a haptics “action button” that replaces the traditional mute switch. These new smartphones are set to revolutionize the market once again.
**iCloud+: Expanded Storage Plans for Apple Users**
In addition to the iPhone announcements, Apple revealed during its press conference that it is expanding its iCloud+ storage options. Users will now have the choice of 6TB and 12TB plans, perfect for photographers and filmmakers who require ample space for their media files. While the pricing details haven’t been disclosed yet, this expansion is a major boon for creatives who rely on iCloud for their storage needs.
**USB 3 Speeds on iPhone 15 Pro, with a Catch**
One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro is its USB 3 speeds, boasting file transfers of up to 10 gigabits per second. However, there’s a small drawback: users won’t find the USB 3 cable in the box. Apple will ship the iPhone 15 Pro with a USB 2.0 cable that has a Type C port. To unlock the full data transfer speeds, users will need to purchase an optional USB 3 cable. Despite this minor inconvenience, the iPhone 15 Pro’s exciting “space video” mode won’t require any non-original accessories.
**MGM Resorts Falls Victim to Cybersecurity Breach**
It’s been a tough week for casinos as MGM Resorts confirmed a cybersecurity issue that resulted in an ongoing outage affecting its properties in Las Vegas. This incident has caused disruptions to ATMs and slot machines at MGM casinos and forced hotel restaurants to accept cash-only payments. This breach comes on the heels of reports that Caesars paid millions in ransom to a cybercrime group. The casino industry is now grappling with the increasing threats posed by cybercriminals.
**Tesla’s Cybertruck Gets a Revamp**
Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck has resurfaced, this time with an updated interior. Recent photos shared by Tesla enthusiasts reveal a different steering wheel and center console compared to the prototypes showcased in May. However, it remains unclear whether these changes will be reflected in the final version of the Cybertruck once it hits the mass market. As Tesla fans eagerly await its release, the Cybertruck continues to generate excitement and speculation.
**Flexport Faces Leadership Crisis**
Supply chain startup Flexport made headlines this week following the sudden departure of its CEO, former Amazon consumer chief Dave Clark. In response, Flexport founder Ryan Petersen announced that the company would be rescinding dozens of job offers and implementing cost-cutting measures. The decision to revoke job offers and seek leased office space demonstrates Flexport’s commitment to regaining control and restoring stability within the organization.
**California Considers Banning Self-Driving Trucks**
In a blow to the autonomous transportation industry, the California Senate passed a bill (AB 316) that mandates the presence of a trained human security operator whenever a heavy, autonomous vehicle operates on the state’s public roads. This bill effectively prohibits fully autonomous trucks from operating in California. However, AB 316 still requires the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom to become law, and it remains uncertain given Newsom’s reputation for being tech-friendly.
**Square Confronts Disruption**
Last week, Square, the popular payments processor, faced a day-long outage that left small business owners unable to process payments. However, the company restored its services, ending the disruption. The Block-owned firm worked tirelessly to resolve the issue and return to normal operations. Square’s swift resolution demonstrates its commitment to providing uninterrupted payment solutions for its users.
**Podcast Recommendations**
Need a podcast to keep you entertained during your commute or unwind after a long work week? We’ve got you covered. Here are some podcast episodes you don’t want to miss:
1. TechCrunch+ senior climate reporter Tim De Chant discusses climate tech and hardware advancements in the latest episode of Equity. Gain insights into the latest sustainability trends and discover what’s in store for this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt conference.
2. FoundMeanwhile interviews Jaleh Bisharat, the co-founder and CEO of NakedPoppy, an e-commerce site specializing in personalized makeup shades and clean beauty products. Bisharat shares her personal journey and insights from her experience working in marketing for companies like Amazon and Eventbrite.
3. Chain reaction presents a panel discussion moderated by Jacquelyn at the Avalanche House event during Korea Blockchain Week. Gain valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by web3 enterprises, featuring industry experts from Google Cloud and Circle.
**TechCrunch+ Highlights**
If you’re a TechCrunch+ subscriber, you’ll have access to exclusive content, in-depth commentary, analysis, and surveys. Not a subscriber yet? Consider signing up to unlock a wealth of valuable insights. Here are some highlights from this week:
1. Antitrust and Generative AI: The FTC is advocating for aggressive enforcement of antitrust laws. What impact could this have on the generative AI market? Two guest contributors from international law firm Perkins Cole delve into this issue.
2. Instacart’s Impending IPO: Instacart is gearing up for its IPO, aiming to sell up to $616 million of its stock. With a debut price range of $26 to $28 per share, Instacart is poised to join the ranks of “decacorn” companies.
3. Fintech Calculations: Amidst the macroeconomic storm, some fintech companies are weathering the challenges better than others. Startups leveraging AI to combat money laundering and fraud are emerging as success stories in this sector.
**Summary**
In this edition of Week in Review, we covered Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, along with the expansion of iCloud+ storage options. We also discussed the MGM hack that disrupted operations in Las Vegas, the redesigned Tesla Cybertruck, and the leadership changes at supply chain startup Flexport. Additionally, the California Senate passed a bill that could ban self-driving trucks, and Square resolved a disruption that left small business owners unable to process payments. We shared podcast recommendations and highlighted TechCrunch+ exclusive content. Stay tuned for next week’s edition of Week in Review for more top tech news updates.
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Hello, folks, and welcome to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch’s regular newsletter that rounds up the top tech news of the past few days. Our humble opinion is that there is no better place to get caught up in industry happenings, whether you’re a news junkie or just one of the tech-curious.
In this edition of WiR, we cover Apple’s iPhone and other related announcements, the MGM hack, and the re-emergence of Tesla’s Cybertruck with an updated interior. Also on the agenda is payments processor Square facing disruption, California considering a ban on self-driving trucks, and the tumultuous canning of supply chain startup Flexport’s CEO, former Amazon consumer chief Dave Clark.
If you haven’t done so yet, sign up here to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday. Now, to the news!
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Apple presents the iPhone 15: Apple had a packed press conference on Tuesday and among the highlights were two new iPhones: the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Both features USB-C connectors, a measure driven in part by EU legislation. There are other new features too, including a titanium body (on the Pro) and haptics”action button” which replaces the mute switch on previous generation iPhones.
iCloud Expanded Storage Plans: In other Apple news, the company announced during Tuesday’s press conference that it is adding 6TB and 12TB storage options to iCloud+, its cloud storage subscription. (Unfortunately, the price was not announced.) Amanda notes that while the average consumer won’t need as much space, the new plans could be useful for photographers and filmmakers, who are ready to get big camera upgrades with the iPhone 15.
USB 3 speeds on iPhone, with one drawback: A major advantage of the iPhone 15 Pro is USB 3 speeds: file transfers of up to 10 gigabits per second. But, as Ivan reports, the owners will not take them out of the box. Apple will ship a USB 2.0 cable with a Type C port; Users will have to use “an optional USB 3 cable” to unlock higher data speeds. But hey, at least the new iPhone 15 Pro”space video“Mode will not require any non-original accessories.
The big MGM data breach: It’s been a bad week for casinos. Following reports that Caesars paid millions in ransom to a cybercrime group, hotel and casino giant MGM Resorts confirmed that a “cybersecurity issue” is to blame for an ongoing outage affecting systems at the company’s properties. company in Las Vegas. According to reports on social media, the incident caused disruptions to ATMs and slot machines at MGM casinos in Las Vegas, and forced hotel restaurants to accept cash-only payments.
Cybertruck receives a redesign: Tesla’s Cybertruck, the subject of frequent delays, has been spotted out in the wild with an updated interior. New photos shared by Tesla watchers The Kilowatts show a Cybertruck with what appears to be a different steering wheel and center console than the ones we saw in May. But as Harri writes, it’s unclear whether this particular vehicle reflects what the Cybertruck will look like once Tesla finally delivers it en masse.
Flexport strikes back: Two days after former Amazon executive Dave Clark’s abrupt departure as Flexport CEO, Flexport founder Ryan Petersen said publicly that the company will rescind dozens of job offers and look to lease office space as Flexport tries to rein in costs. and get “your house in order.”
California Considers Banning Self-Driving Trucks: In a blow to the autonomous transportation industry, the California Senate on Monday passed a bill, AB 316, that requires a trained human security operator be present every time a heavy, autonomous vehicle operates on the state’s public roads, effectively banning fully autonomous trucks. Of course, AB 316 still needs to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom before it becomes law, which is not certain given Newsom’s reputation for being friendly to the tech industry.
Square cut resolved: If you didn’t notice last week, Square restored its services after a day-long outage left small business owners unable to process payments. The Block-owned company had been fighting, until last Friday morning on the west coast of the United States, against a prolonged outage that had interrupted its services since the afternoon of the previous day.
Audio
Do you need a podcast to pass the time, whether you’re commuting to work or relaxing after a long, stressful work week? Don’t worry, we will connect you.
Equity brought TechCrunch+ senior climate reporter Tim De Chant to the show to talk about climate tech, hardware advancements, and why we have a full stage this year at Disrupt, TechCrunch’s flagship sustainability-focused conference.
In this week’s episode of FoundMeanwhile, the team interviewed Jaleh Bisharat, co-founder and CEO of NakedPoppy, an e-commerce site that helps people find the makeup shades that best suit them and offers a marketplace of “clean” natural beauty products. “. Bisharat spoke about his personal journey toward launching the company after a long career working in marketing for companies like Amazon and Eventbrite.
AND Chain reaction summarized a panel that Jacquelyn moderated live at the Avalanche House event held in Seoul, South Korea, during Korea Blockchain Week. The panel focused on the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the web3 enterprise, with speakers including Dan Sun, Startup Success Manager for web3 APAC at Google Cloud, and Gagan Mac, Product Manager and Senior Director of web3 Services at Circle.
TechnologyCrunch+
TC+ subscribers get access to in-depth commentary, analysis and surveys, which you’ll find out if you’re already a subscriber. If you are not there, consider registering. Here are some highlights from this week:
Antitrust and Generative AI: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advocates aggressive enforcement of antitrust laws. How could this affect the generative AI market? Two guest contributors from Perkins Cole, the international law firm, investigate.
Instacart’s very high rating: Alex writes about Instacart’s IPO, noting that the startup could sell up to $616 million of its stock, a total of 22 million shares. With a debut price of between $26 and $28 per share, Instacart will be close to “decacorn” status.
The fintech calculation: Some fintech companies are weathering the macroeconomic storm better than others and see an end in sight. In particular, startups using AI to fight money laundering and fraud appear to be enjoying tailwinds, Anna reports.
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