10. App of the Day Tracker

Apple’s highest editorial/curatorial standard is its coveted “App of the Day” feature in the App Store. Investors, developers, entrepreneurs and other influencers say they watch that space obsessively to spot trends and rising companies. Here’s what was featured over the last week:

9/24: Quartz News in a whole new way (News; free)

9/23: ChargePoint EV Charging made easy (Navigation; free)

9/22: PlantSnap Identify a flower, leaf or tree (Education; $3.99)

9/21: Memrise Fun and easy language learnings (Education; free with in-app purchases)

9/20: Day One A new way to journal (Lifestyle; free with in-app purchase)

9/19: TripIt Keep track of all your trips (Travel; free with in-app purchases)

9/18: Shortcuts Do more with your apps (Productivity; free)

9/17: Sky Guide View starts day or night ($2.99; offers additional in-app purchases)

1. Apple has published a roundup of iPhone XS reviews that cherry-picked the positives on the smartphone lineup, while reviewers take a more balanced view. The company touted Mashable acknowledging "the improved camera hardware" and The New York Times saying it did "a terrific job of increasing screen size without adding bulk." However, Apple skipped the reviews where CNBC said the features don't justify an upgrade from the iPhone X and CNET advises upgraders to see what the iPhone XR is like. Some analysts are wondering if Apple is puffing its chest on the iPhone XS technological feats because sales have reportedly been questionable—something Apple seems to acknowledge by increasing its orders for the less expensive iPhone XR. — MARKETWATCH

10. App of the Day Tracker

Apple’s highest editorial/curatorial standard is its coveted “App of the Day” feature in the App Store. Investors, developers, entrepreneurs and other influencers say they watch that space obsessively to spot trends and rising companies. Here’s what was featured over the last week:

9/17: Cinemagraph Pro Living photos (Photo & Video; free with in-app purchases

9/16: Zillow Houses for sale and rent (Lifestyle; free)

9/15: Over Edit and add text to photos (Photo & Video; free with in-app purchases)

9/14: Bloom Mystery coloring (Entertainment; free with in-app purchases) 

9/13: Pocket Save and read news and articles (News; free with in-app purchases) 

9/12: Vogue Runway (Lifestyle; free)

9/11: Tinycards Fun flashcards (Education; free)

1. Apple has opened pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 4, iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max with availability beginning on September 21. The newest Apple Watch starts at $399 and can rapidly increase depending on bands, materials and connectivity options. Prices range from $999 for the least expensive iPhone XS to $1449 for a fully maxed out iPhone XS Max. The less expensive, colorful iPhone XR will become available for pre-order on October 19. — APPLEINSIDER

2. The new Apple Watch Series 4 has the potential to make a major difference for people and save lives, according to analysts and the people who designed the device. "Every bone in my body tells me this is very significant," said chief design officer Jony Ive. "I'm so zealous about the [Apple] Watch because I see it as making a material difference to people's quality of life and actually their ability to be alive." He noted that he had seen thousands of letters from users who said the device had saved their lives. Other health and technology analysts say the new watch has that much more capability with its new atrial fibrillation detection and electrocardiogram app qualities. — THE WASHINGTON POST

3. The Apple Watch Series 4 may well be a "gateway drug" to the whole Apple ecosystem, according to CNBC's Jim Cramer. "If you get the watch, you're going to get the phone. That's the way it works," the "Mad Money" said Cramer. "Consider the watch as the gateway drug to the whole Apple ecosystem." Cramer, who had been touting Apple's service business, said the new device will attract a new demographic with the health focus of the Apple Watch.— CNBC

4. Apple's new larger iPhone lineup is sexist according to some women who say the new smartphones won't fit in their hands. “Women like me with small hands who need the most secure phone for safety reasons are stuck with something they can’t hold and constantly risk dropping,” tweeted University of North Carolina sociology professor Zeynep Tufekci. “Some people like the bigger phones. Fine. Keep an alternative for the rest of us.” The relatively tiny iPhone SE—perhaps the best iPhone ever—was discontinued with the new announcement. — REFINERY 29