Apple Has Finally Brought the MacBook Out of the Stone Age

The iPhone 15

New iPhone

The latest iteration of iPhone is the iPhone 15, and it will also be available as the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They’ll come in 5 colors: white, black, pink (rejoice!), green, and yellow. The Pro models are fitted with a strong, lightweight titanium casing, and have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus models boast a 6.7-inch screen.

No More Lightning Cables

And yes, you read it right – the Lighting charging ports are no more for new Apple products, including the iPhone 15. From now on, users will only be able to use a USB-C cord (that, according to Apple, ushers in potentially faster charging times) for charging their devices. The change makes things fairly easy for cross-functional purposes, as USB-C cords are also compatible with non-Apple products.

Action Button

The Lightning port isn’t the only thing that Apple said they’re retiring. The new iPhone no longer has a ring silencer slider on the side. Instead, it’s now called an “action button.” The action button will still silence alerts, texts, and calls by default, but will also be capable of other handy commands you tell it to complete.

Sharper-Than-Ever Camera

As expected, the iPhone 15 variations boast an updated camera system. The company’s stepped it up so that the smartphones have a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor than ever before. The back camera also has a new “nanoscale coating” for handling lens flares and lowlight with expert skill. The camera system reportedly has more enhanced color, better image stabilization, and a 4K cinematic video mode.

Improved Connection

The new iPhones also feature an ultra wideband chip, which expands the device’s connection strength. This chip allows iPhones to connect to other devices from up to three times farther away. It’s incorporated into the “Find My’ technology that you may already use to find your friends, devices, and more.

Apple made sure to address pricing for the new iPhone, as well as existing models:

• iPhone SE will start at $429.
• iPhone 13 will start at $599.
• iPhone 14 will start at $699.
• iPhone 15 will start at $799.
• iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899.
• iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.

The new iPhones start shipping and hitting stores on September 22.

Store More With New iCloud+ Plans

Apple also announced that starting September 18, iCloud+ will offer 6TB ($29.99/mo) and 12 TB ($59.99/mo) storage plans, which expands their previous largest offering of 2TB ($9.99/mo). The new plans are ideal for large photo and video libraries, or users of Apple’s Family Sharing.

Apple Watch Series 9

Shout Out To Sustainability

The company introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, which is reportedly Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral product. They’ll also be making another sustainability effort by eliminating leather materials from the Apple Watch. The wristbands will no longer be made of leather, but instead, a material called “fine woven,” which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.

With The Tap Of A Finger

The most notable news surrounding the new Apple Watch is the introduction of hand gesture controls. With the watch on, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to answer (or end) phone calls, play and pause music, or snooze alarms. Siri can also take commands via the watch now.

Apple Watch Tune-Up

The Series 9 watch is now made with a custom S9 chip for faster processing, according to Apple. The screen features a new edge-to-edge display that doubles the brightness levels, plus the model is available in a new pink color!

Apple noted these updated prices for the Apple Watch:

• Apple Watch SE starts at $249.
• Apple Watch S9 starts at $399.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

1. Maybe I Do (2023) — On Hulu

When people ask me what my least favorite movie is, this one always tops the list. The film follows a nearly-engaged Michelle (Emma Roberts) and Allen (Luke Bracey), who introduce their parents to one another...and realize both couples (Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and William H. Macy) have been cheating on their spouses with each other. It's so messy and cynical and left me feeling hopeless instead of hopeful. And based on the 31 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and 5/10 IMDb rating, I'm not the only one.

2. Down To You (2000) — On Paramount+

College students Al (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Imogen (Julia Stiles) fall hard for each other when they meet, but it wouldn't be a rom-com without some random conflict trying to keep them apart. And in Down to You, that includes a porn star (Selma Blair) who's trying to get some quality alone time with Al. I love Julia, but considering this movie only has a 3 percent RT rating and a 5/10 IMDb score, this is probably one you can skip.

3. Because I Said So (2007) — On Starz

Despite the fact this cast is incredible, Because I Said So is one of the worst rom-coms ever. Daphne (Diane Keaton) loves her three daughters more than anything. But when her youngest Milly (Mandy Moore) brings home the wrong guy again, Daphne gets in the middle and sends out a personal ad on Milly's behalf. Not even costars Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo can save this movie, which has a 3 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.6/10 on IMDb.

4. Gigli (2003) — Rent on Amazon Prime

After Gigli's (Ben Affleck) plans to kidnap a young man get messed up, he meets gangster Ricki (Jennifer Lopez), who's there to help. And, of course, romance makes this movie messier than it already is. This movie might have introduced Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, but it makes our worst rom-com list thanks to its 6 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and 2.6/10 IMDb rating.

5. Mother of the Bride (2024) — On Netflix

This new Netflix rom-com follows mother-daughter duo Lana (Brooke Shields) and Emma (Miranda Cosgrove), who travel to Thailand for Emma's wedding. While the nuptials are enough of a surprise, Lana is totally unprepared for Emma's future father-in-law to be the man who broke her heart all those years ago. Sorry, y'all, it's giving Rufus & Lily and Dan & Serena dating at the same time, just...tropical. Mother of the Bridehas a 4.8/10 on IMDb and a 13 percent on RT.

6. The Merry Gentlemen (2024) — On Netflix

While we're on the Netflix train, let's talk about The Merry Gentlemen. I know this isn't The Worst Christmas Movies Ever, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about this wild movie. When Ashley (Britt Robertson) learns her parents' restaurant is closing, she orchestrates a male dance revue to bring in some extra cash. But based on the 4.8/10 IMDb rating and 41 percent RT score, it doesn't quite capture the Magic Mike of it all. Nonetheless, I'll watch anything with Chad Michael Murray.

7. Mr. Wrong (1996) — Rent On Amazon Prime

Martha (Ellen DeGeneres) really wants to get married, and it looks like Whitman's (Bill Pullman) the perfect man. But the more Martha learns about him, the more she wants to break up with him. Unfortunately he won't take no for an answer. This flick has a 7 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.6/10 on IMDb.

8. New Year's Eve (2011) — Rent on Amazon Prime

I'm dreaming of the day we have another ensemble rom-com like New Year's Day, which stars Jon Bon Jovi, Katherine Heigl, Lea Michele, Ashton Kutcher, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Jessica Biel, Abigail Breslin, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Zac Efron. Unfortunately, not even the cast could save this from our worst rom-coms list, thanks to its 7 percent RT score and 5.6/10 IMDb rating.

9. First Daughter (2004) — Rent on YouTube

Ouch, this one hurts a little bit because I love this movie! But the facts don't lie. First Daughter follows the president's daughter Samantha (Katie Holmes) as she tries to have a normal college existence, and winds up falling for James (Mark Blucas), who she doesn't realize is actually an undercover agent. Somehow this only has an 8 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5.2/10 IMDb rating.

10. Sex and the City 2 (2010) — Stream on Max

Sex and the City might be one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. Unfortunately this movie, which finds Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) in Abu Dhabi, isn't. The movie only has a 16 percent RT score and 4.5/10 IMDb rating.

11. Crossroads (2002) — Stream on Netflix

Three childhood BFF's, Lucy (Britney Spears), Kit (Zoe Saldana), and Mimi (Taryn Manning), go on a roadtrip to breathe life into their friendship, and reconnect with their dreams. But with its 3.8/10 IMDb rating and 15 percent RT score, a lot of people feel like the movie sucks the life out of viewers instead.

12. Cinderella (2021) — Stream on Prime Video

My oh my. Will we ever run out of Cinderella adaptations? Viewers did not like this new musical version, which reimagines Ella as a future fashion designer, and the 4.4/10 IMDb rating and 41 percent RT score prove it. Camila Cabello stars as the title role opposite Nicholas Galitzine, Billy Porter, and Idina Menzel.

13. Material Girls (2006)

This riches-to-rags story follows two sisters (Hilary Duff & Haylie Duff) who have to save their father's cosmetics company when a huge scandal threatens to destroy everything. Material Girls might be loosely based on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, but judging by the 4 percent RT score and 4/10 IMDb rating, it has a lot less wit. It's not currently streaming, but maybe that's not actually a bad thing.

14. From Justin to Kelly (2003) — Rent on Amazon Prime

Justin (Justin Guarini) and his friends set off for spring break in Fort Lauderdale, where he immediately falls for Kelly (Kelly Clarkson). The only problem? Kelly's friend Alexa (Katherine Bailess) is doing everything she can to keep them apart. Oh, did I mention it's a musical? If that's not a warning sign, the movie's 1.9/10 IMDb rating and 8 percent Rotten Tomatoes score definitely is.