Sunday, January 31, 2016

iPad Air 3 features hinted at in new case leak

The blog Macotakara has apparently caught a leak on the Alibaba site that shows a case for the upcoming iPad Air 3. Whether it is true or not can't be confirmed, as the photos could be high quality mock ups. However, it true, the case does confirm a few rumors about the new iPad. First, the camera hole seems adjusted for another item besides just the...

The TiP Weekly: Ahrendts interview, AC wall plug adapter recall, iPhone/iPad rumors, and more!

Welcome to The TiP Weekly, where we summarize the week's news and suggest some of our favorite apps, podcasts, albums, and more! The week was full of Apple news, with an interview, an earnings call, several beta OS updates, and even an AC wall plug adapter recall. Be sure to check the Links of Note section for more news, original content, and...

Friday, January 29, 2016

Apple is working on long range wireless charging, according to report

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is working on a wireless charging solution that could make its way into the 2017 iPhone. The iPhone maker is working with several partners in the United States and Asia to create a solution where iPhones and iPads can be charged across the room, rather than using an inductive charger and power mat. Of course,...

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Apple recalls AC wall plug adapters designed for several countries

Apple has announced a recall for AC wall plug adapters designed for several countries worldwide. The adapters shipped from 2003 to 2015 with Mac, some iOS devices, and the World Travel Adapter Kit. The adapters pose a risk of electrical shock if they break. AC wall plug adapters designed for Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina,...

Apple supplier comments strengthen noise cancelling EarPods rumor

As we inch toward an inevitable announcement of Apple's next flagship iPhone, the rumors continue. Many 'iPhone 7' rumors have orbited around the idea of Apple eliminating the 3.5mm headphone jack. One rumor has claimed that 'iPhone 7' will ship with a set of Lightning connected EarPods. Another rumor said that those Lightning EarPods will also noise...

New in iOS 9.3 beta 2: Ability to update Smart Connector accessories

With the latest beta for iOS 9.3, Apple has added the ability to update the firmware for accessories that uses the proprietary Smart Connector on the iPad Pro. First discovered by German developer Stefan Wolfram, iOS 9.3 asked him to update his Logitech Create keyboard. Usually, firmware updates require you to connect the accessory to the Mac, but...

Supply-chain says iPad Air 3 will include 4GB of RAM, 4K display, and larger battery

After a report from yesterday, the supply-chain is now saying Apple will release a 9.7-inch iPad Air 3 that will include 4GB of RAM, a 4K display, and a larger battery. As usual, this should be taken with a grain of salt as it's coming from an unnamed supply-chain source. Bumping up the screen resolution to 4K on the iPad Air 3 would give it a higher...

Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts says she treats retail employees like executives

In a recent interview with Fast Company, Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts discussed what it's like being at Apple for the past two years. Previously, she was the CEO of fashion company Burberry. One of the strategies Ahrendts uses to improve retail efficiency is treating all retail employees as if they were executives. She says within the first six...

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Apple to debut iPad Air 3 in March, new Apple Watch models unveiled

With just a little over a month until Apple's rumored March event, speculation has been going around speculating what Apple could possibly unveil at its spring event. Last year, Apple unveiled the 12-inch Retina MacBook and announced a shipping date for the Apple Watch. This year? It looks like Apple will be launching iPad Air 3, iPhone 5se, and some new...

KGI: iPhone 7 Plus with dual cameras using LinX tech, 2-3x optical zoom

KGI securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 7 Plus will once again get the upper hand, this time with dual cameras which use the LinX technology Apple acquired last year. By using two separate camera lenses, Apple will have additional image data that can be used to create a more detailed photo. KGI is also reporting that the iPhone 7 Plus will...

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Apple Q1 2016 earnings call: Record iPhone sales, $79.95 billion in earnings, and more

Amidst analyst expectations that Apple's iPhones sales would decline year over year for the 2015 holiday season, Apple reported record Q1 iPhone sales, and $79.95 billion in earnings for Q1 2016 (up 2% from last year, and a record Q1 outcome for the company). Opening In his opening remarks, Tim Cook noted that Apple's success is in spite of global...

Patent shows that iPhone can lose camera bump despite phone being thinner

iPhone users could be separated into two groups, one that deals with the decision Apple makes and those of us who would more likely prefer a slightly thicker iPhone with a slightly larger battery, in return we also get rid of the protruding camera on the back. The issue with thin phones, however, is that Apple can only go so thin before the laws of...

Apple Watch isn’t selling well, second-gen Apple Watch production may start as early as March

On Tuesday a sketchy report from DigiTimes claimed that production on the Apple Watch 2 will begin as early as March of this year. The report also reiterates that the Apple Watch hasn't been selling well and Apple is aware and will not be adding Foxconn as a second manufacturer for the wearable. Apple originally considered shifting some second-generation...

VirnetX seeking $532 million from Apple over FaceTime, iMessage, and VPN patent claims

VirnetX, a known patent troll is seeking $532 million from Apple over FaceTime, iMessage, and VPN patents, claiming that Apple is using those patents without permission, according to Bloomberg. VirnetX has several patents on Virtual Private Networks, known better as VPN, and is saying Apple's FaceTime, iMessage and VPN services all infringe on their...

Monday, January 25, 2016

Second OS X 10.11.4 beta released by Apple

Along with updates to iOS, watchOS, and tvOS betas, Apple also released the second beta for OS X 10.11.4, the next update for OS X El Capitan. This update brings a few features to the Mac alongside iOS. For starters, Live Photos, introduced last year with the iPhone 6s, can now be viewed and shared via iMessages in the Messages app. Additionally,...

Apple seeds watchOS 2.2 beta 2 to developers

With a plethora of beta updates today, Apple is chugging along now releasing watchOS 2.2 beta 2 to developers. The new update allows users to pair multiple Apple Watch's to a single iPhone and has some improvements to the maps application. If you're a developer and want to get it yourself, you can get it from the Developer Portal. If you're already on...

Apple seeds tvOS 9.2 beta 2 to developers

Alongside iOS 9.3 beta 2, today Apple seeds tvOS 9.2 beta 2 to developers. This is the second major tvOS revision since Apple first launched tvOS alongside Apple TV 4 in October. TvOS 9.2 beta 1 brought support for Bluetooth keyboards, folder arrangements on the home screen, and more. We'll keep digging to see if there's more changes and update this...

iOS 9.3 beta 2 seeded to developers

It's been a few weeks since Apple seeded the second iOS 9.3 beta to developers and public beta testers, Apple today has seeded its second iOS 9.3 beta to developers. iOS 9.3 is the third major revision for iOS 9. iOS 9.3 beta is now available for download via Apple's Developer Center. We assume a public beta for the firmware will soon be available...

Apple releases tvOS 9.1.1

Today, Apple released a relatively minor update for the new Apple TV. tvOS 9.1.1 brings some minor bug fixes and improvements to the new device. However, the Podcasts app for Apple TV, initially seen in the tvOS 9.2 beta, is also included in the tvOS 9.1.1 release. This update can be downloaded directly onto your Apple TV in the Settings...

Drawing of iPad Air 3 with LED flash and four speaker design leaked

On Monday, a drawing published by French blog NowhereElse.fr indicates that the third-generation iPad Air will be borrowing the four speaker design of the iPad Pro. In addition, the iPad Air 3 may also include an LED flash to improve picture quality taken from the iPad. The blog says that it has reliable sources and has been correct on two out of...

iPhone 5se to feature A9/M9 processor, always-on Hey Siri, and come in 16/64GB storage models

As speculation continues, Mark Gurman from 9to5Mac is now reporting that the 4-inch iPhone, now known as iPhone 5se, may possibly contain the A9 processor rather than the A8. Gurman notes that several prototypes are moving around the Apple campus, some with the newer A9/M9 processor and others with the A8/M8 processor. The report says that we'll more...

Fifth Apple Store in China to open this month, 33 total as Apple’s retail presence expands

At the pace Apple is working at, the company could easily hit 40 retail stores in a couple of months. Today, Apple announced that it will be opening its thirty-third Apple Store in China on 31st January, making it the fifth Apple Store opening this month. This new Apple Store will be the first in Qingdao, a large port and industrial center due to its...

4-inch iPhone shown next to iPhone 5, according to leaked photo

Last week, Mark Gurman reported that the 4-inch iPhone will be dubbed iPhone 5se rather than the iPhone 6c, and over the weekend an image leaked online showing off what appears to be a 4-inch iPhone (with the body similar to the current iPhone 6s) up against the iPhone 5. The photo was originally shared on One More Thing, which has a notable track...

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Apple Music Memos: Capture song ideas, and make quick recordings you can share

On January 20, Apple delivered updates to GarageBand and Logic Remote for iOS, along with a new app called Music Memos. This immediately triggered some optimism in me, as it signals that Apple is not only working to improve its existing creative apps, but working on brand new ideas as well. I wonder if this ambition is a reflection of Jimmy Iovine's...

The TiP Weekly: More 4-inch iPhone rumors, Apple Watch Hermès, iPhone 7 rumors, and more!

Welcome to The TiP Weekly, where we summarize the week's news and suggest some of our favorite apps, podcasts, albums, and more! This week, Apple released a round of software updates for iOS and OS X devices. We also saw some new betas go out, hinting at some of the software features we'll be seeing on the Apple Watch and Apple TV in the near...

Friday, January 22, 2016

Minor Apple Watch update in March, with full ‘Watch 2.0′ coming in the Fall

Apple is planning to refresh the Apple Watch similarly to how the iPhone maker did back in September of 2015 with new bands and casings according to Mark Gurman from 9to5Mac. In addition to new Sport bands and expanded case offerings for the Apple Watch Sport, Apple may be interested in developing all new bands and working with fashion companies beyond...

Report: Apple readying ‘iPhone 5se’, not ’6c’ for March/April

The video that supposedly showed off an 'iPhone 6c' from yesterday? It's fake according to multiple sources who have reportedly used the upcoming 4-inch display. Instead of releasing a smaller version of the iPhone 6s, Apple plans on upgrading the internals of the iPhone 5s, which released in the fall of 2013. It's also worth noting that Apple will not...

Apple adds an additional 50 banks and credit unions to Apple Pay

In Apple’s continued expansion of Apple Pay, the company has added another 50 U.S. banks to the company’s mobile payment service. Apple Pay is available for iPhone 6 and above and Apple Watch in-store via NFC. The service is also available in-app for any iPad supporting Touch ID. Here's the list: 1st MidAmerica Credit Union Achieve...

Tim Cook to speak privately with Pope Francis today

According to multiple sources, Apple CEO Tim Cook is scheduled to speak privately with Catholic Church Pope, Pope Francis. And while it's unclear what exactly will be discussed, the photo above states that 'Signor Timothy Donald Cook' is booked in for 11:30. The meet up may be related to the Pope speaking with several other well known tech giants from...

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Apple publishes new Apple TV ad showing off popular tvOS apps

Apple today released a new advertisement showcasing its latest generation Apple TV. This ad continues the trend of Apple showing off apps on the Apple TV platform, informing customers that the device can run apps. The title of the ad is “Apple TV – The Future of TV is Apps,” which is the slogan Apple has been using for all of their Apple TV ads as...

California bill could compromise iPhone security

California Assembly Member Jim Cooper (D-9th) introduced Assembly Bill 1681 (AB 1681) on January 20, 2016. The bill would require that any smartphone manufactured on or after January 1, 2017, and sold in California after January 1, 2017, be able to be decrypted and unlocked by its manufacturer or OS provider. While Cooper probably has good intentions...

New iPhone sales record in India as Apple is planning on opening its first retail store in India

Despite an official Apple Store in India, iPhone sales are hitting all new records, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple reportedly shipped 800,000 units in the December quarter in India, with the previous high at 500,000 nearly a year ago. While the 800,000 number may sound impressive, the number also puts old iPhone models into the equation. The...

Possible leaked video of the 4-inch iPhone? Looks similar to the current iPhone 6s

Apple is expected to hold an event in March. While we're unclear what Apple will unveil, the 4-inch iPhone is expected to unveiled during the event. But according to MIC Gadget, the new 4-inch iPhone (also known as the iPhone 6c), will look nearly identical to the current iPhone 6s models, just in a smaller form factor. However, this video should be...

Apple announces first iOS Development Facility will soon be coming to Europe

This morning Apple announced that it will be launching its first ever iOS Development Facility in Europe. The facility, which will be located in Naples, will offer a place for students to learn how to develop for the iOS platform. The App Development Center will feature on-site teachers with a curriculum that will drive strong diverse developer...

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Leaked NightShift Control Center toggle, hints at possible toggle in iOS 9.3

In iOS 9.3 there's a feature called NightShift which allows the screen to change its temperature as the sun sets and the night begins. But, one major setback is that unless you have the feature set to automatic, you'll have to be digging through the Settings app to find the toggle for it. However, Apple's iOS 9.3 preview page in Canada hints that the...

Application with regulators show Apple is looking to open up an Apple Store in India

According to the India Times, Apple is looking to open up an Apple Store in India. This wouldn't be Apple's first attempt, however. The iPhone maker has filed an application with the Indian government to open up a company branded retail store in the country. Apple has filed an application with the DIPP (department of industrial policy and promotion)....

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Apple Watch Hermès to be available online starting this Friday

Back in October, Apple announced that they were going to be partnering up with fashion company Hermès to create an exclusive Apple Watch with exclusive Hermès watch faces. The Hermès Watch has only available in select Apple and Hermès stores. However, starting on Friday Apple will begin selling the Apple Watch Hermès on the Apple Online Store, and...

iOS 9 code suggests iPhone 7 will have Li-Fi tech, further confirms death of headphone jack

There's been a lot of speculation about Apple getting rid of the headphone jack in favor of audio through the lightning port on the iPhone 7.  And it seems as though some iOS internal software code has seemingly confirmed this rumor. Jailbreaker @kyoufujibaya has discovered a reference to ‘Headphones.have.%sinput.NO.’ within the latest iOS 9.3 beta...

Apple’s 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference may be scheduled for June 13-17

Every June Apple holds its Worldwide Developers Conference at Moscone West in San Fransisco, California. This gives thousands of developers the opportunity to see what Apple's got in store in terms of software, and gives them the chance to talk with Apple engineers and sit in on workshops and software sessions. Although Apple hasn't officially...

Apple releases OS X 10.11.3 for Macs

Apple has today released the latest update to OS X El Capitan. Having been in beta testing for a month, this update, OS X 10.11.3, doesn't provide new user features but instead focuses on stability, compatibility, and security. As such, all Mac users are recommended to update to it. The update can be found in the Mac App Store. OS X El Capitan users...

Apple releases iOS 9.2.1 to the public

Alongside OS X 10.11.3, today Apple has released iOS 9.2.1 to the public. The firmware has been in beta for several weeks and contains a small MDM fix that would have apps stall while downloading or installing. Today's update is available over-the-air and is compatible with all devices that support iOS 9. iOS 9.2.1 marks the fifth update to iOS 9 to...

Apple to sponsor Super Bowl with free products and equipment for hosting committee

On February 7, the Super Bowl will kick off at Levi's Stadium, which is near a lot of major tech headquarters including Apple. In years past, the Super Bowl relied on sponsorships from the local government. However, this year major tech companies are stepping onto the plate to help out with the bill. The Wall Street Journal notes that Apple is sponsoring...

Apple gets some US sales bans on some Samsung phone features

It looks like Apple has finally managed to get a sales ban on some of Samsung's phone features that infringe on Apple's patents. However, this is effectively useless though it's a small victory for Apple as they continue to fight Samsung in court. Apple's ban goes over three patents: the controversial 'slide to unlock' patent, autocorrect and...

Apple requires court order after death to obtain Apple ID password

According to a report from CBC News, Apple would not disclose an Apple ID password to a widow after showing her late husband's death certificate and her will. Instead, Apple is asking Peggy Bush (72), to attain a court order to gain access to the account. Originally, Apple said that her husband's death certificate would be okay but later changed their...

Monday, January 18, 2016

App Store app prices to up in several major countries due to exchange rates

Today Apple has notified App Store developers that prices in Canada, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore and South Africa will be increasing due to exchange rates. Customers in these regions will see a spike in prices within the next 72 hours. And customers who are currently on a subscription plan will also get notified of the price increases...

Apple pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Day on home page

Just like years past, Apple has updated their home page to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. The page is black and white and takes up the entire home page, with all Apple related marketing removed to celebrate. The quote is carefully picked out and reflects Apple's values, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for...

Sunday, January 17, 2016

The TiP Weekly: The end of ad-supported iTunes Radio, new OS betas, Apple in politics, and more!

Welcome to The TiP Weekly, where we summarize the week's news and suggest some of our favorite apps, podcasts, albums, and more! Last week was great if you like beta operating systems, as new versions were released for iOS, watchOS, and tvOS with new features. Apple also announced the end of ad-supported iTunes Radio stations, and have found...

Friday, January 15, 2016

How to hide default apps on iOS 9.3 beta 1

For years, iOS users have expressed their desires for the ability to hide some default iOS apps, like Stocks and Tips. Using Apple Configurator 2.2 beta with iOS 9.3 beta 1 (and a developer account), it is now possible to hide individual stock apps from the home screen. Heads up: This process requires the device to be in "Supervised" mode, which can be...

Report: Apple Watch 2 in March is highly unlikely

In December, there was a rumor stating that Apple is working on the second-generation Apple Watch and that it will be unveiled in March. But according to TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino, he believes the Apple Watch 2 won't be coming so early in the year. Citing several sources familiar with the matter, Panzarino says we'll see an Apple Watch refresh...

Apple to get rid of ad-supported iTunes Radio stations on January 29, will require an Apple Music subscription

In an email that is currently rolling out to customers, Apple announced that they will be getting rid of the ad-supported iTunes Radio stations on January 29. This means if you want to listen to any iTunes Radio stations you will be required to have an Apple Music subscription. However, Beats 1 will become the "premiere free broadcast." First launched...