Here’s Why You Might Want to Wait to Get a New MacBook

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.”

Burgundy

Dôen Elowen Skirt

I can't stop thinking about this skirt for fall — it's my #1 must-have. I just know I can get so much wear out of it, which is the testament to any piece of clothing or purchase you're going to make. I could style it with a basic tee or tank, or style it with a cashmere cardigan and heels like above. The options are endless!

Madewell Greta Flat

A great way to incorporate new hues into your wardrobe this fall — especially if you're a little nervous to use too much color — is through your shoes! That way you can keep a simple fit, with dress or a basic top, and add an extra pop of color to your shoes. That will create a fun mixture of classic pieces, with a fun statement for juxtaposition. Madewell also has the best new arrivals for the season, so definitely check it out ASAP!

Terracotta (or Tomato Cream)

Quince Vintage Wash Dress

Maxi dresses are a staple of mine, no matter what season it is. I will throw on a comfortable, airy maxi dress over sweatpants any day of the week. This dress is not only a maxi, but it's also in the perfect shade of tomato cream, which is the "It" color for fall 2024. I love the shape, color, and even the brand, Quince! I've bought a few pieces from them and ended up loving every single one!

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Cuyana makes fantastic bags, and it's no surprise to me that they would jump on the terracotta trend with their classic tote silhouette. This spacious bag can hold just about anything, and even has a little inside pocket for goodies like keys, lip gloss, and other essentials that can get lost in the bottom of your purse. I definitely recommend throwing this over your shoulder if you're eager to try out this color trend!

Mille Suki Polka Dot Long Sleeve Cotton Blend Dress

Remember what I said about maxi dresses? Well, I couldn't help but add another one! This adorable polka dot number is a lovely take on the terracotta trend! The semi-puff sleeves paired with the keyhole cutout in the bust make for a chic sort of cottagecore silhouette that I just can't get enough of!

Bright Red

Ann Taylor Tuck Stitch Cardigan

I love Ann Taylor for all their classic staples, and this red sweater is no exception! It pulls together that vintage, old money style in a more modern way which is just the look I'm going for when styling this shade of red. The gold buttons are the perfect cherry on top to this stitch cardigan.

Lucky Brand Boot Leg Jean

These classic, red boot leg jeans are on sale for only $39! They're the perfect way to make a statement for fall, while being perfectly on trend. I love them, because they make getting dressed easy. Since they're a statement piece, themselves, all you have to do is add a button down and some simple shoes for a put-together look.

Dôen Marianne Dress

This red dress from Dôen may seem like a statement piece, but it's actually a staple piece, too. This dress has carried me through so many different occasions, and so many different outfits because of how versatile it is. It can be styled up with heels or down with flats. A gem of a piece to add to your everyday wardrobe essentials!

Green (In Every Shade)

Madewell Belted Trench Coat

This coat, while slightly khaki-colored rather than green, is a great example of incorporating green into your wardrobe in a mild way. Plus, styling it with chocolate brown like above is another amazing way to add a popular color theme for fall! I'm all about this shade of green!

Gap Cashsoft Sweater

This sweater is made with a plush-like cashmere that is almost identical to the soft, quintessential fall fabric. It's incredibly cozy, just like cashmere, but on a budget for those of us that are trying not to spend $100+ on a sweater. This cardigan is in this autumn season, because #BratSummer is extending into fall! Grab this green sweater for a fun pop of color!

White

Dôen Leah Dress

No, folks, this color is not going anywhere post Labor Day! It's still around, and better than ever for the fall! In fact, millennials are describing it as "old money" to wear white this fall, so take notes ladies and gentleman. One of my favorite ways to wear white in autumn is with a cream shade — just like this absolutely gorgeous Dôen dress that's what dreams are made of (at least what mine are)! I can see it as my quintessential daily fall fit paired with either flats or tall boots!

Ann Taylor White Corduroy Pants

This entire 'fit is such a look — and something I will definitely wear this autumn, including these incredibly chic corduroy pants in white. The pants honestly take the outfit to a whole other level! I like the added texture that feels fall but still approachable, and could be worn year-round.