The Apple Page -- Nothing About The Bakken -- September 13, 2019

It's my impression that big things are happening with Apple right now. I think it was the focus on pricing, Apple TV, and the iPad that got my attention.

The number of "positive" articles about Apple's recent announcements was notable.

AAPL now sports a $1.01 trillion market cap.

Apple TV is a game changer.

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Market cap: $1.008 trillion yesterday, but with shares likely to fall today, AAPL could drop below $1 trillion. MSFT at 1.061 trillion and should open higher today. Yesterday, AAPL hit fourth straight gain to 11-month high.

Mastercard: Apple Card -- a good investment for Mastercard North American according to its CEO.

LOL: this is the reason AAPL shares slid a bit yesterday. Goldman Sachs says that by offering free trial for Apple TV+, earnings will be hurt. Oh, give me a break.

Chinese tariffs? What tariffs? New, better iPhone less expensive than the model it replaces, and most folks agree that previous model was best iPhone ever. Price cut for an iPhone despite tariffs? Who wudda thought.

Walgreens: offers higher rate with Apple Card cash-back program; Walgreens will now sell more Apple accessories. Isn't that interesting? Walgreens. Isn't that where Rogaine is sold?

Apple watch: always-on display will be a big hit.

iPad: entry-level 10.2-inch iPad -- the only Apple tablet without a modifier like Air, Mini, or Pro -

• first time there is no current iPad with a 9.7-inch screen, the first time that has happened in the history of the device. Huge change, and very, very welcome.  
• But this is what blows me away: starts at $329. The iPad Pro starts at $799, and I doubt most folks will be able to tell much of a difference. iPad:
• retina display
• A10 Fusion chip
• supports 1st generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

iPad Pro: Apple's 1 terabyte iPad Pro is now $200 less expensive. 

Focus on pricing: it is clear that Tim Cook slashed prices across the board.

Smartest thing Apple did regarding new iPhone: not 5G capable. Why? US doesn't have 5G regardless of what television ads imply.

By the way: 5G will be another "thing" that Balkanizes the US. States like Texas will be "all in" when it comes to 5G. California? Not so much.