Thursday, March 31, 2016

Apple releases iOS 9.3.1 to fix link tapping bug

Apple has released iOS 9.3.1 to the public for all iOS 9 capable devices. This release addresses a bug that appeared with iOS 9.3 where iOS devices would potentially crash after tapping on certain links. As iOS 9.3 is coming on all new iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro models, if you're an owner of one of these new devices, you'll want to update....

FBI will help unlock iPhone, iPod used in Arkansas homicide case

It's been a few days after the FBI has successfully unlocked the iPhone 5c used in the San Bernardino case and it seems as though they're not backing down. According to a new report from the Associated Press, the agency will be helping the four in a  homicide case in Arkansas and will be unlocking an iPhone and iPod. The report notes that the FBI will...

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro begin to deliver to customers

It may still me March 30 in the United States, but it is early in the morning in New Zealand. Customers who purchased either the 9.7-inch iPad Pro or iPhone SE are now beginning to see them arrive at their doorstep, via MacRumors. Apple Retail Stores from around the world are also preparing to sell the new iPhone and iPad soon. As noted on several...

Apple unleashes Safari Technology Preview, includes experimental web features, new icon

Today Apple launched a new version of its Safari browser, sort of. Branded as Safari Technology Preview, the browser is meant for developers and includes new experimental web technologies and will allow developers to test and develop future features coming to Safari. Moreover, Apple has included a new purple version of its Safari icon. According to...

Data shows iPhone SE mostly popular in China and India

It's pretty clear that the iPhone SE was released to appease a small group of people. With the device being released mid-cycle, the iPhone SE had low expectations from many. However, the iPhone SE is gaining traction from two of Apple's largest emerging markets: China and India. According to SimilarWeb, traffic to Apple's website is much lower than any...

If DoJ continues NY case, Apple can find out how FBI unlocked iPhone in San Bernardino case

So far, the FBI has refused to tell Apple the method it used to unlock the iPhone 5c in the San Bernardino case. However, a second case in New York could possibly give Apple the legal right to know how the agency unlocked the iPhone. When the FBI first said that it could unlock the iPhone without the help of Apple, a second case in New York was...

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

New data shows majority of iPhone SE buyers are switching from Android

While we didn't expect Apple to hit the ball out of the park with iPhone SE sales, the device is gaining some traction from the Android community, according to data from Slice Intelligence. Specifically, there are more Android switchers coming from the SE than there were when the iPhone 6s launched. Early data from Slice Intelligence indicates that the...

Government: We will not tell Apple the method to unlock San Bernardino iPhone

Yesterday, it was reported that the FBI successfully broke into the iPhone 5c used in the San Bernardino shooting. Now, the agency says it may not tell Apple the specifics as to how it was done. Today, ArsTechnica asked the FBI if they would be willing to tell Apple the method that was used. “We cannot comment on the possibility of future...

Apple acknowledges crashing issue with tapping links in iOS 9, software update pending

Various reports have noted a crashing issue when tapping links in iOS 9. While most reports say it is an issue with iOS 9.3, others have noted that this happens on previous versions of iOS 9 as well. Today, Apple has acknowledged the issue and says it will be pushing out a new software update (presumably iOS 9.3.1) to address this issue. “We are aware...

Monday, March 28, 2016

FBI withdraws case with Apple, says it has successfully gotten into iPhone 5c

It looks like the FBI's ongoing battle against Apple has finally come to an end, as revealed by a court filing today. The filing notes that the FBI has successfully broken into the iPhone 5c used by one of the gunmen in the San Bernardino shooting. For those out of the loop, the FBI requested that Apple help it unlock this iPhone. But after some mistakes...

Apple re-releases iOS 9.3 for older devices to fix activation issues

Last week, Apple pulled iOS 9.3 for older devices due to an activation issue after updating to the firmware. Later that day, the iPad maker re-released iOS 9.3 for the iPad 2. However, today it looks like Apple has re-released iOS 9.3 for all older devices that were affected by this activation issue. Today's build, labeled 13E237, is now available for...

iPhone SE sold very well in China, over 3.4M pre-orders through retailers

A report from CNBC claims that Apple's iPhone SE sold 3.4 million units during its preorder through retailers in China. The most popular color, coming in at 1.3M orders, was gold. With rose gold slightly trailing at 1.2M orders. If these numbers are true, this would show some impressive sales numbers, adding in orders directly from Apple, and from other...

Saturday, March 26, 2016

KGI: New iPhone 7 with AMOLED display and iPhone 4-like design coming in 2017

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is saying that Apple will revamp its entire iPhone lineup in 2017. Kuo notes that the new iPhone will feature a glass casing with an AMOLED display. Kuo believes that Apple is planning to use either a glass, plastic or ceramic casing for its 2017 iPhone but will ultimately choose glass “as plastic doesn’t offer...

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Apple updates iOS 9.3 on iPad 2 to fix activation issue

Just hours after Apple confirmed that iPad 2's updating to iOS 9.3 would be bricked, the company has now pushed a new version of iOS 9.3 to fix this issue. The new build of iOS 9.3 is labeled build 13E236, which is specifically for the iPad 2. The current version of iOS 9.3 for iPhone is build 13E234, and 13E233 for iPad. iPad 2 users whose...

Apple shares ‘The Kiss’ Apple TV ad, focusing on Siri Remote

Today Apple published an advertisement focused mainly on the fourth-generation Apple TV. In it's latest ad, "The Kiss", the new Apple TV is shown using the Siri Remote that comes with the set-top box. The ad features the popular HBO TV series Game of Thrones and shows the Apple TV Siri Remote being used to find content to watch, and rewind content. In...

Apple pulls iOS 9.3 updates for older devices

Earlier this week, we reported that some users were experiencing issues when updating to iOS 9.3. Now, Apple has confirmed that there is an issue with iOS 9.3 on older devices and has now pulled the software update for older devices. Apple says that on iPhone 5s or earlier, or iPad Air or earlier, users may be promoted to enter the Apple ID originally...

Report: Forcing Apple to create ‘GovtOS’ won’t help in court

The mobile forensics company Cellebrite, who is reportedly working with the FBI to unlock the iPhone in the San Bernardino case, says data extraction is only the first challenge it has to overcome. If law enforcement were able to get their hands on that data, it would answer all of the questions. Just as it is for physical evidence, the admissibility of...

iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro now available for order

After being announced earlier this week, Apple's latest hardware, specifically the iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro, are now available for pre-order from Apple's website. The iPhone SE looks fairly identical to the iPhone 5s. However, don't judge this iPhone by its looks. The internals are closer to that of the iPhone 6s. In fact, the iPhone SE is...

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Apple Store down ahead of iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro launch

As per usual, Apple has taken down its Online Store ahead of a new product launch. The companies Online Store currently states, “We’ll be back. We’re busy updating the Apple Store for you and will be back soon.” Though a bit earlier than usual, we expect both the iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro to sell out fairly quickly. Apple will open...

Re/code: Apple Pay coming to mobile sites later this year

According to a report from Re/code, Apple is looking to partner with several mobile vendors to roll out Apple Pay in mobile sites starting later this year. The report notes that Apple has been working to expand its mobile payment service outside of apps. So, instead of entering credit card information, users will be able to use Apple Pay to complete their...

Latest OS X Server update suggests 2016 12-inch MacBook coming soon

Earlier this week Apple unveiled the 4-inch iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and a few new Apple Watch bands at its "Let us loop you in" press event. As expected, Apple made no reference to Macs whatsoever during the event. But according to details given to 9to5Mac, Apple may be updating its Macbook line soon as there are references to an 'early 2016'...

Apple’s ‘Let us loop you in’ event is now available to watch on YouTube

In case you missed Monday's Apple event, you can now watch it on YouTube. During the event, Apple announced the 4-inch iPhone SE, new Apple Watch bands, a 9.7-inch iPad Pro and more. The overall event was roughly an hour. If you'd like to hear our thoughts on it, tune in to our...

Various reports saying iOS 9.3 is bricking iPad 2 devices

There have been various reports claiming that updating an iPad 2 to iOS 9.3 can potentially brick the device, with the iPad refusing to activate. A handful of users have reported on Apple Support Communities threads, tweets to @AppleSupport, and tons of emails to Apple regarding this issue. However, it could simply be Apple's activation server being...

Exclusive ‘Environmental’ iPhone and iPad wallpapers found on Apple’s website

As part of the newly announced Apple Renew program, the company has posted a handful of exclusive wallpapers to its site, to encourage users to recycle their old devices. As a small thank you, this card is printed out when users recycle their devices at Apple Stores. However, the URL is open to anyone. Upon opening the page, users are able to download...

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

New 13 and 15-inch MacBooks set to launch in July

While DigiTimes has a rather mixed record when it comes to reporting Apple news, they are now reporting that new 13 and 15-inch variants of the MacBooks are set to debut this summer in July. Although the report doesn't say this, it's safe to say Apple will be announcing the new MacBooks at it's annual Worldwide Developer Conference in June. Looking at...

Customer data required to be signed off by ‘privacy czars’

As we've all seen with the Apple vs. FBI case, Apple deeply believes in customer privacy and security. According to a piece written by Reuters, Apple can internally debate about privacy concerns for a very long time. Any collection of Apple customer data requires sign-off from a committee of three “privacy czars” and a top executive, according to...

Monday, March 21, 2016

Apple Pencil replacement tips pack now available for $19

While there was no official mention of it, Apple is now selling replacement tips for the Apple Pencil in packs of four for $19. The tips will ship within 1 business day, with the earliest turnaround time being on Wednesday. While a single replacement tip shipped with Apple Pencils, owners could not purchase additional tips without purchasing another...

DoJ says ‘possible method’ found to unlocking iPhone, asking for hearing with Apple to be delayed

Apple and the Department of Justice was set to have a hearing tomorrow regarding Apple's refusal of unlocking an iPhone used in the San Bernardino shooting. However, the DoJ is now asking to vacate the hearing, noting that they may have found a method to unlock the iPhone. According to the filing just made by the Department of Justice, it has found a...

watchOS 2.2 released with multi-Watch support, new Maps app

After first being released in beta in January, watchOS 2.2 has been released alongside iOS 9.3, OS X 10.11.4, and tvOS 9.2. Those with multiple Apple Watches will be glad to discover that iOS 9.3 and watchOS 2.2 will allow for multiple Watches to be paired to a single iPhone. watchOS 2.2 also brings a revamped Maps app, with a new starting screen with...

Apple.com updated with new iPhone SE, Apple Watch bands, 9.7″ iPad Pro, and more

After announcing several new products today, Apple has refreshed its website and Apple Store app with new products, some of which are currently available to order. If you're looking to buy something right now, take a look at Apple's many new Apple Watch bands. In addition to new colors for virtually every type of band, including a Space Black...

Apple releases OS X 10.11.4 update for their Mac line

At Apple's event today, VP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi announced the public release of OS X 10.11.4, the latest update to the Mac's operating system, OS X El Capitan. This update brings support for several features in line with other Apple platforms. This includes Live Photos, which are now supported in Messages. Live Photos were...

iPad family grows with 9.7″ iPad Pro, with True Tone display

After months of rumors and leaks, Apple's 9.7" iPad Pro has confirmed by Apple's announcement at today's event. The new 9.7" iPad Pro weighs less than 1 pound, which makes it equivalent to the weight of iPad Air 2. The True Tone display of the 9.7" iPad Pro is similar to that of the larger iPad Pro, with lower reflectivity, higher brightness, a...

iOS 9.3 will be available today

Night Shift Night Shift allows iOS devices to get rid of the blue tint which will help users sleep easier. Notes In a continued update to Notes in iOS 9, Apple has added password protected notes to iOS 9.3. Health Health now includes health app suggestions within the app. News Top News and Editor's Picks are now shown on the front page of...

Apple unveils iPhone SE, a new 4-inch iPhone

Apple has unveiled a new iPhone at today's event. The new iPhone, the iPhone SE, brings Apple back to its earlier smartphone roots. Before the iPhone 6, many criticized Apple for making the iPhone small. However, that size always proved better for one-handed use. Today's release brings the power of the latest iPhone to the 4-inch form factor. Greg...

Apple releases tvOS 9.2 to the public

Today Apple has released tvOS 9.2 to the public. The new update includes support for folders for apps on the home screen, Siri dictation for text boxes and an updated iOS 9-esk app switcher. Apple has been gradually pushing new updates to the Apple TV since its release in October. With tvOS 9.1, Apple added support for the Podcasts app and now Apple is...

Apple announces new Apple Watch bands

Today Apple is announcing new nylon bands for Apple Watch. Also, the company has also announced a Space Black milanese loop. With the new nylon bands, Apple Watch Sport will start at $299. Just like reported, Apple has done a smaller update to the Apple Watch line rather than updating the Watch as a whole. They've also updated its sport line with its...

Tim Cook opens Apple event with company history, initiatives

Apple's CEO Tim Cook has opened up their Spring event with updates. The event started with a video highlighting the past 40 years of Apple. The company turns 40 on April 1st. One thing that Tim Cook started with was addressing the focus of the iPhone. There are currently over 1 billion Apple devices in use around the world. The iPhone is an extension...

Report: The FBI has been fighting Apple way before the San Bernardino case began

Looking at a behind-the-scenes report from Bloomberg, Apple and the FBI have been going against each other way before the San Bernardino case surfaced. Among other details, Apple gave the FBI an early look at iOS 8 so it could understand the direction Apple was going in terms of encryption. Apple's use of strong encryption has been a concern for the...

Apple’s Online Store is down ahead of today’s event

As per usual, Apple has taken down its Online Store ahead of today's keynote. The companies Online Store currently states, “We’ll be back. We’re busy updating the Apple Store for you and will be back soon.” This implies today's event will feature some new products. We expect to see the new iPhone SE, a revised 9.7-inch iPad, and some new...

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Latest iOS 9.3 beta now encrypts iCloud backups with device passcode

According to a post on Reddit, users who attempt to restore a device via iCloud backups in iOS 9.3 will be promoted to enter the passcode that was set on the device that created that backup. Earlier reports claimed Apple was working on encrypting iCloud backups in such a way that it didn't have the key, and this may be the solution they have come up...

Friday, March 18, 2016

New 9.7-inch iPad Pro to start at higher 32GB of storage for $599

The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be the first iPad of its size to start at anything higher than $499, says Mark Gurman from 9to5Mac. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro will start at a 32GB base Wi-Fi only configuration, with a 128GB option and cellular at higher price points. The new iPad Pro is set to be unveiled at Apple's March 21 event. According to the report,...

iPhone ‘SE’ to look identical to iPhone 5s, 12MP camera with 4K video

It's no secret that the iPhone SE will be announced during Apple's March event on Monday. However, the design of the iPhone still seems to be up in the air. Some reports say it'll be a miniaturized iPhone 6s, others say it'll closely resemble the iPhone 5s. Today, Mark Gurman from 9to5Mac is reporting that Apple will indeed stick to the iPhone 5s...

If Apple is required to create a backdoor, some engineers would rather quit

In the future, if the FBI wins its court battle against Apple and forces the company to unlock the iPhone and create a backdoor, some Apple engineers may simply say they do not want to help law enforcement with unlocking the iPhone. Some Apple employees who may be called by the FBI to help them unlock the iPhone are already considering future plans if...

Thursday, March 17, 2016

TIME interview with Tim Cook on Apple vs. FBI: ‘I’m offended by it. Deeply offended by it.’

Tim Cook got his first solo appearance on the front page of TIME magazine today. The publication published a lengthy interview with the Apple CEO with the topic specifically being on the Apple vs. FBI case. Firstly, Cook stated that he is uncomfortable fighting against the government, but Apple is fighting it because it believes in civil liberties....

Leaked images of 4-inch iPhone may confirm ‘SE’ branding, 16GB base option

Someone posted an image on Chinese microblogging site Webio that reportedly shows the spec sheet of the soon-to-be-announced 4-inch iPhone SE. The image appeared on the site earlier this week and is highly possible that this is the real deal, given that the actual announcement is now days away. Previous reports have mentioned that the iPhone SE will...

Apple Events app for tvOS now available, ahead of event on Monday

With previous generation Apple TV's, there were no such thing as an App Store. Which meant Apple could automatically pop an Apple Events channel on your Apple TV. Now, with the fourth-generation Apple TV, Apple has now released their Apple Events app for tvOS ahead of the keynote on Monday. This app allows users to tune in to the live stream on Monday...

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Apple posts ‘Timer’ iPhone 6s ad featuring Cookie Monster

By now many know that if you ask Siri "What is 0 divided by 0," she'll tell you a joke that relates to Cookie Monster. In a new ad dubbed "Timer", Apple is putting Cookie Monster as the center of attention. During the ad, Cookie Monster is making cookies and asks Siri to create a timer using the hands-free "Hey Siri" feature found in the iPhone 6s, or...

Steve Wozniak sides with Apple in FBI fight, says he is worried about Apple Watch complexity

Today Steve Wozniak took on a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) and answered a variety of questions from the community. He also gave an interview from one of Reddit's new formative sites, in which he discussed things such as Tim Cook as CEO, the Apple Watch, and much more. One of the more popular questions surrounds Woz's approval of Tim Cook as CEO. He...

TSMC and ARM announce partnership to advance mobile processors

Two companies with extensive history regarding Apple mobile processors, TSMC and ARM, have announced a partnership to create a 7nm FinFET manufacturing process. The companies have set their sights on mass production in 2018, ready for what would be considered Apple's 'iPhone 8,' with what might be called the 'A12' processor. TSMC, a processor...

iPhone 7 Plus could possibly have a 256GB storage option

SanDisk 256GB chip on top, older 64GB chip on the bottom. Today Italian site HDblog shared pictures of the new SanDisk 256GB NAND flash memory that could possibly be used in the upcoming iPhone 7 devices. In previous years, Apple has used SanDisk NAND flash memory components for its iPhone 5, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices. While other models...