Apple stores are still not pardoned from the jux. A man recently walked away with $58K worth of iPhones in a simple but yet truly effective delivery scheme.

On September 14 an unidentified man walked into a downtown Manhattan Apple store claiming he was a messenger. According to NYPD he told store employees he was there for a pickup and was handed over three boxes totaling to $58K worth of smartphones. He proceeded to load up the pricey merchandise to his van and sped off to an unknown location.

The thief is said to be anywhere from 45-55 years old, 5’10” and 195 pounds with a bald head. Police have released video surveillance footage which can be viewed below.

Considering the street value of the smartphones dude came up on a big score. This is not the first time Apple retail has gotten hit for big money. In 2015 a Queens Apple store employee was arrested for stealing one million dollars worth of gift cards.

Via Gothamist

—

Photo: screen cap

Hey Apple fanatics, passed on the iPhone 8 or iPhone X due to its very expensive price point? Well in 2018 looks like Apple will be launching 3 new iPhone SE models that should be kind on your bank accounts.

Oh, joy…

Apple is looking to have an, even more, busier 2018, with reports of three new iPhone X models (originally reported by Tekz24) coming and now they are looking to put a stranglehold on the smartphone market early with the new SE model. This isn’t the first time Apple dropped an SE model of their popular smartphone either.

Apple introduced the first SE model to the world in 2016 and it  was basically a watered down version of the iPhone 6 in an iPhone 5 body.  The report was put out by China Economic News Service, in their report, they state the SE2 as they are calling it will indeed sport the similar features as the previous SE Model.

China Economic News Service Reports (translated):

As for the iPhone SE 2 specifications, foreign reports should be the same as the previous generation equipped with 4-inch screen, but for the first time with Touch ID fingerprint recognition capabilities, there may be 32GB and 128GB two versions, priced at about 450 US dollars 13,514 yuan).

$450 is very reasonable but iPhone users want the latest technology that Apple crams into their phones. This sounds like there will be quite a few things missing or the phone won’t be as or near powerful as it’s sister versions the 8 or X.

With this tidbit of interest now out there, are you interested in the much more affordable SE2 model? Or are you still focused on the iPhone X or 8?

Once Apple drops more details on the rumored iPhone SE2 model we will bring them to you.

—

Photo: Screenshot/Apple

Apple has been the talk of the internets these past couple of days because they finally confirmed our suspicions and admitted to slowing down older iPhone models on purpose.

TMZ learned that a Los Angeles man was fed up with the news and decided to file a class action suit against the giant tech company.

We are not the least bit shocked at all.

Stefan Bogdanovich is not here for Apple’s shenanigans and feels his older model should not be slowed down to force him to upgrade his phone. So he made the bold move to file a class action lawsuit against Apple and seek retribution.

TMZ reports:

“A new class action suit has been filed by Stefan Bogdanovich, an L.A. man who, like millions of other people, uses an iPhone … but not an iPhone 8. He claims Apple’s tactic of slowing down older iPhone models causes users to suffer — specifically those with the 7 or 7s — and take a hit to their wallets.

Bogdanovich claims Apple’s decision to slow the operation of older phones to save battery life was never requested or agreed upon … and it lowers the value of their phones. He also believes — like many other users — that it’s just a ploy by Apple to get folks to buy the newest iPhone.

He wants Apple to stop slowing down older phones and get some payback for damages.”

Anyone affected by Apple’s slick move should be intrigued to see how this lawsuit will pan out if the court allows it to proceed. Surely there are millions of iPhone users (specifically those that still use older models) wondering where and how they do they sign up to be a part of the lawsuit.

You think Stefan has a good chance? Does he deserve his day in court? Let us know in the comments.

Photo: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/Getty Images

Apple is officially sorry yall for slowing down your old iPhone and to show how deeply sorry they are reducing the cost battery replacements for iPhone 6 or later from $79 to $29. Wow, they knocked off $50 bucks, meanwhile, folks already broke the bank for new iPhones.

Too late to apologize?

Well, those currently taking part in class action suits think so, but it looks like Apple is trying to prevent more from happening with this latest move. The tech giant issued a statement via their website talking about the issue. Here’s what they had to say:

“We’ve been hearing feedback from our customers about the way we handle performance for iPhones with older batteries and how we have communicated that process. We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down. We apologize. There’s been a lot of misunderstanding about this issue, so we would like to clarify and let you know about some changes we’re making.

First and foremost, we have never — and would never — do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that.”

Riiiiiggghhttttt. Apple went as far as to explain again exactly why they sneakingly slowed down older iPhone models:

“About a year ago in iOS 10.2.1, we delivered a software update that improves power management during peak workloads to avoid unexpected shutdowns on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. With the update, iOS dynamically manages the maximum performance of some system components when needed to prevent a shutdown. While these changes may go unnoticed, in some cases users may experience longer launch times for apps and other reductions in performance.

Customer response to iOS 10.2.1 was positive, as it successfully reduced the occurrence of unexpected shutdowns. We recently extended the same support for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in iOS 11.2.

Of course, when a chemically aged battery is replaced with a new one, iPhone performance returns to normal when operated in standard conditions.”

Now when they break it all down it all makes sense, but it they could have told customers they were doing with their phones and a lot of this fallout in the form of lawsuits could have probably been avoided. Their solution to addressing customer concerns is a battery replacement at a discounted rate, iOS software coming in 2018 that will help customers monitor their battery life and promising to improve how they manage performance and avoid unexpected shutdowns as the iPhone’s batteries age.

Sounds good, they should be doing this free 99 honestly. Of course, this is not immediately catching on with iPhone users who have taken to Twitter to reply to Apple’s apology letter.

Yikes, looks like Apple is gonna have some serious making up to do. See more responses to Apple’s apology in the gallery below.

—

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For the new year, Apple is in damage control mode after they admitted at the end of 2017 to slowing down older model iPhone batteries on purpose to “improve the performance of the phone”.  After being slapped with multiple class action lawsuits the company formally apologized to iPhone users by offering them a discounted battery replacement.

Knowing that they ultimately are in the wrong they have even decided that they will replace your iPhone battery regardless if your phone passes the test or not.

*Oprah voice*, you get a battery and you get a battery.

Macrumors confirmed the iGeneration report, Apple will replace the battery of iPhone 6 or newer model even if it passes the diagnostic test Apple runs to see if the battery falls below 80 percent of its original capacity. So if you feel your phone is acting slow or you believe your battery is underperforming you can take yourself to an Apple Store and get your battery replaced. Apple’s change of heart in regards to who is allowed to change their batteries follows news of folks who went to change their battery when the program was kicked off this weekend were denied battery replacements.

Apple knows they don’t need any more lawsuits or bad press coming their way in the new year. Their stocks took a hit last year and the iPhone X is well underperforming as far sales are concerned reportedly. So they definitely need their 2018 to start off right and this move is a step in the right direction. Apple doesn’t want their rival Samsung who plans on releasing a new Galaxy phone this year getting any more momentum either.

Apple we applaud your efforts, we still feel these battery replacements should free, it’s not like it’s going to hurt your pockets honestly.

—

Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Is your child addicted to their iPhone or iPad?  Apple is working on new parental controls to help parents control child addiction to their devices. 

Most parents use iPhones and iPads as learning tools and babysitting devices sometimes cause they work very well keeping their kid’s attention. It also gives parents some much-needed breathing room as well cause parenting is a 24/7 job. You also can’t keep a constant eye on your child/teen and what they consume and see on their iPhones or iPads also. Apple’s announcement of these forthcoming control measures come after two shareholders released a public letter January 6th complaining about Apple’s devices entrancing qualities and possible mental health impact on children Bloomberg reports. These two shareholders also own a combined $2 billion worth of Apple shares so hence the quick response to the letter.

Apple issued a quick statement to Bloomberg addressing the matter:

“Apple has always looked out for kids, and we work hard to create powerful products that inspire, entertain, and educate children while also helping parents protect them online. We have new features and enhancements planned for the future, to add functionality and make these tools even more robust.”

Gotta keep those shareholders happy right?

The two shareholders Jana Partners LLC and California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) want Apple to include more iOS features that will help parents monitor their child’s iPhone usage. They cite increased distraction and increased risk of depression and suicide for their request for Apple to come with new control measures. We guess they don’t think social media apps should get some of the blame for that cause this isn’t all on Apple to figure out honestly.

Apple already has controls in place on their device that does a good job at restricting access to adult APPS and content (music and video) but this is a much more hardline approach. Apple agrees so we shall see what the tech giant comes up in the near future to appease the shareholders.

—

Photo: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/Getty Images

Source: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE / Getty

Do you want to know exactly how much data Apple has collected from you? The company that Jobs built will now give you a chance to see it.

Due to Europe’s new GDPR  (General Data Protection Regulation) law going into effect on May 25, companies will now have to reveal or delete the personal data they hold if individuals demand so. Apple in compliance with the new law opened a new Data and Privacy site that will allow customers with accounts located in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to download all of their data the company has collected on them.

The data involved will revolve around your Apple ID account and your iPhone’s info plus any data that you have synced to through iCloud. You will also get your Apple Music and App Store activity plus any history with Apple Care included in that cache of data. Apple does warn not to expect all of that data to be readily available right away. If you are downloading content like iCloud file and photos, it could take up to a week to have that prepared for you. You do have the option to download the data in smaller chunks if need be.

You will also have to act quickly and download once it’s available because the data will be purged by Apple after two weeks. All of the information collected by Apple is, of course, voluntary but it is always good to know precisely what information they have and gives customers the ability to spot and correct errors.  Although its only available in Europe right now, Apple does plan to make the feature available to everyone soon.

—

Photo: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE / Getty

Source: Justin Sullivan / Getty

Today (June 4), led by Tim Cook, Apple held their annual WWDC event, and the focus was entirely on improving the performance of their products with iOS 12, watchOS 5, macOS Mojave and Apple TV. We break down the best highlights from the highlights from the event. 

iOS 12

Apple’s software VP, Craig Federighi made it entirely clear to the attendees in the room that “for iOS 12, we are doubling down on performance.” Being that recent iOS updates have been very buggy lately this focus is warranted. There are definitely some new additions, changes, and improvements coming to your iPhone, IPads worth looking forward too.

Screen Time

Google introduced its digital well-being dashboard called Android P which wants to help users limit their phone use. Apple is aiming for the same with its new Screen Time feature which breaks down exactly how much you are using your iPhone and individual apps. Like Android P it will allow you to set a time limit for each app which will warn you when you are about hit your time limit and hit you with a “time’s up” message once the timer runs out.

Group FaceTime

If you always wanted to be able to facetime more than just one friend at one time the good folks at Apple have heard your cry. Thanks to iOS 12, you can now start a Facetime session that will feature up to 32 people. Now why you would want to be a part of a group text but with video is beyond us. We can see this feature being beneficial for conference calls maybe.

Photos

Apple is taking another page out of Google’s book with how iOS 12 will handle and store your photos. iOS 12 will now offer search suggestions, filter and effect suggestions as well as suggesting which friends to share the photo with. Honestly, something you similarly experience if you utilize Google Photo’s app BUT if you don’t want to download a Google on your iPhone (there are people like this) this update is for you.

Siri Gets An Upgrade

Apple is allowing third-party developers more integration with Siri giving them the ability to create shortcuts for the favorite digital assistant.

Source: Apple / apple

CONTINUED

Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty

Source: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE / Getty

iPhone and iPad owners already put themselves in the upper echelon when it comes to smartphone ownership. A new study suggests that owning either one of those Apple products means that you’re rich. Economists from the University of Chicago point out that Apple’s iPhone is the most reliable indicator when it comes to determining if a person is rich stating “no individual brand is as predictive of being high-income as owning an Apple iPhone.”

Don’t worry U.S. Android owners you are also considered wealthy as well, and if you happen to use Verizon’s phone service, you make that list as well.

Most iPhone users reading this probably are laughing while reading this but according to the researchers, knowing if someone owns the smartphone gives them a 69% chance to guess correctly that the owner is “high-income.” Now when they say “high-income” that means the owner belongs to the top quartile of household incomes. How did they come to this exciting conclusion you ask? Researchers used data from Mediamark Research Intelligence which supplied them with a sample size of 6,394. The data used by the researchers included bi-annual questions as well as info on the participants household income gathered from face-to-face-interviews.

A machine learning algorithm was also used by the researches to help observe different groups and how their preferences changed over time. With the help of the machine learning algorithm, they determined that “cultural differences” are not growing when it comes to brands that people are familiar with.

Another factor that played a vital role in the study was the price of the newer generation of iPhones. The iPhone X and 8 are both very pricey no matter how the customer decides to pay for it. Despite payment plans that sell the idea of affordability to potential customers you still wind up paying a grip for the phone in the long run.

This latest study puts the iPhone in the company with other brands such as Grey Poupon, Kikkoman soy sauce, and  Land O’Lakes butter which were associated with were also associated with being rich. This is a fascinating study being that running gag of people always saying you are swimming in the dough for owning the latest iPhones. Do you agree? iPhone owners do you feel like you are in the “high-income” bracket?

[h/t BGR]

—

Photo: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE / Getty

Source: JOSH EDELSON / Getty

Apple is heavily rumored to unveil new models of its uber-popular iPhone model today (Sept. 12) but a recent link on its own website might have knocked the wind out of their sails. 

Not even Apple is safe from leaks apparently, and they have no one to blame but themselves for this apparent gaffe. The accidental slippage of information that would probably have the late Steve Jobs stark raving mad was spotted by website Allthings.now in Apples own XML files nonetheless. The Verge followed that up by discovering references to a new iPhone model the iPhone XR inside the AppleCare section.

Apple has since removed the information, but there is this wonderful tool called a screenshot and images of the files and handsets are now all over Twitter.

Yikes, the leaks also confirmed the rumored all-screen Apple Watch 40mm and 44mm models as well as adding more insult to injury for the company who is usually pretty good at keeping things close to the vest.

While these leaks do take away the joy from the reveals, we still don’t know if these are the exact specs and details when it comes to these new devices. So we will even have to tune in to Apple’s live event to learn precisely which model is which. So we will take the leaks with a grain of salt but won’t be surprised if in fact the images floating around of the new models is in fact true.

Apple could also still have a few tricks up its sleeves as well, the leaks also hint at Apple opting not to unveil its new iPad Pro models but that could change now. We also could finally see a new low-cost MacBook Pro model as well. Whatever the case, despite this information coming out early it won’t stop excited iPhone users from purchasing Apple’s latest phones and devices regardless.

—

Photo: JOSH EDELSON / Getty

Source: Chesnot / Getty

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is a champion for iPhone owners privacy, but a bug affecting the device’s FaceTime video chat feature that turns the smartphone into a spying tool is shaping up to be the company’s biggest fail yet.

Steve Jobs is screaming from the Apple Store in the sky.

Monday (Jan 28) iPhone owners had Twitter buzzing after 9to5Mac reported the major FaceTime glitch that affects recently added group addition that no one really wanted that much. The hack allows a user to listen to another user and even hack the front-facing camera without recipient of FaceTime call even answering their phone turning the smartphone into a spying device.

The glitch affects any pair of devices running  iOS 12.1 or later and Apple is well aware of the issue and has disabled the Group FaceTime feature and in a statement said:

“We’re aware of this issue, and we have identified a fix that will be released in a software update later this week.”

To be on the safe side iPhone owners are being urged to turn off the FaceTime option by simpling going into the phone’s settings and disabling it until that update comes. This privacy fail is not the start Apple was looking for who is about to report possibly disappointing financial numbers. The glitch is so bad even New York Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo urged New Yorkers to disable the feature and stated:

“The FaceTime bug is an egregious breach of privacy that puts New Yorkers at risk.”

As you can imagine iPhone users and conspiracy theorists had thoughts on the matter. You can peep the fallout in the gallery below.

—

Photo: Chesnot / Getty

Source: JOSH EDELSON / Getty

Group FaceTime, the update nobody asked for was plagued by a bug that turned the iPhone into a surveillance device. After cheaters and women with keen detective skills reacted from the eye-opening discovery, Apple has finally released a fix for the issue.

The tech giant released iOS 12.1.4 yesterday (Feb. 7) to address the glaring issue their smartphones were suffering from. Initially, to combat the bug, Apple turned off Group FaceTime and urged customers to turn off the feature on features by going in their phone’s settings. If you are one of those who missed the function and in dire need of it, you have to update your phone because in the current iOS 12.1.3 or earlier builds it will remain disabled.

Apple is not out of the woods yet as this bug has caught the attention of the Government. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is now requesting the company reveal what it knew about the bug when a 14-year-old boy and his mom discovered the issued before the public learned about it. The committee also wants the answer to that question by February 19th, so the clock is ticking.

Apple is making a killing in its wearable department thanks to the growing popularity of AirPods and the Apple Watch, but the iPhone is losing its flare. This bug doesn’t help matters going into the new year with iPhone users suspicious about the devices that pretty much play a significant role in their everyday lives, and we don’t blame them one bit. With the arrival of the fix does this restore your confidence in Group FaceTime? Or will it stay off even after you update your phone? Let us know in the comment section below.

—

Photo: JOSH EDELSON / Getty

Source: Chesnot / Getty

As if we need another reason not to trust using our iPhones. Reports from TechCrunch and The App Analyst detail how certain iOS apps are recording your screen while you use them.

Typically when an app tells you that it’s collecting data for technical support or analytics, we think it’s no big deal. According to the eye-opening report the apps belonging to Air Canada, Abercrombie & Fitch, Expedia, Hotels.com, and others used analytics software from a company called Glassbox that utilizes “session replay” tech that unknowingly records screens showing them exactly how the app is being used by users.

Every button push, every piece of information that is entered by the user is recorded by the software and yes even sensitive information like your credit card numbers. There are features to prevent that critical info from showing but the scary part is that the function did not block out all of that info.

If you still find this hard to believe, The App Analyst used a man-in-the-middle software to intercept the data going to Glassbox servers and recorded it while using Air Canada’s app displaying how easily your user passwords and credit card info is collected and recorded.

The practice isn’t only exclusive to iOS apps. Gizmodo reported that some Android apps also have screen recording software embed built-in as well. The company behind this case, Appsee boasts its screen capturing capabilities to software developers. While the companies seem to be on top of what is being recorded this is definitely worrisome behavior with the rash of huge date leaks happening as of late.

If you have second thoughts now when opening up your favorite app, it’s totally understandable.

—

Photo: Chesnot / Getty

Source: Stephen Lam / Getty

Apple’s long-rumored second generation AirPods might come with a feature the company promised for some time now. According to rumors, the tentatively named AirPods 2 will feature a wireless charging case that achieves a full charge in 15-minutes.

The case along with the AirPower mat was promised by Apple with the announcement of the iPhone X. Leaker Max Weinbach who doesn’t really have a great track record when it comes to his rumors drop the news about the AirPods 2 on his Twitter account. He states “wireless charging will happen” and will apply to both the case and the AirPods.

The case will be able to achieve this “super fast wireless charging” by utilizing Qi coils, the technology that can already be found in Apple’s iPhone 8, X, XS, XS Max, and XR smartphones. While this is a huge improvement from generation 1’s current 3-hour battery life after a 15-minute charge, there are some downsides. Weinbach reports that the case will be “bigger in one direction and heavier,” fans should not be worried though.

The new case will also have a new look going for a more matte look ditching the glossy look taking cues from the Apple Pencil 2. Weinbach says we can expect the AirPower and AirPods 2 wireless charging tech to be released in the next few months. Keep in mind Samsung is dropping their new Galaxy Buds with a wireless charging case on Friday (March 8), alongside its family of new Galaxy smartphones, so they are well ahead of the curve in this field.

—

Photo: Stephen Lam / Getty

Source: Michael Short / Getty

Today’s Apple Event might have been about it’s new plus subscription services specifically on its TV steaming one but its new Apple Credit Card coming this summer that literally stole the show.

Adding your credit and debit card to the iPhone’s Apple Wallet app is already a thing but the tech company is going to the next level and wants to help you get your financial life together with its new card which is built into the app.

Through Apple Wallet, lucky Apple Cardholders will be able to manage every financial detail keeping track of their purchases via trends and pay your bill. iPhone owners will be able to sign up for the card instantly on their phones and can update their personal information via iMessage. What really stood out is the fact there are no late, annual or international fees, that’s right we said NO FEES, daily 2% cash rewards on all of your purchases, it goes up to 3% on when you purchase Apple Products and very low-interest rate.

The card will be virtual, but for those places that don’t accept virtual cc’s, there will be a physical card option as well. The titanium Magnises inspired card will have your name laser inscribed on it and will have no card number, CVV security code, expiration date or signature on it making it more secure than any card on the planet.

As you can imagine the internet reacted, AirPod owners are making sure their credit scores are good so they can flex even harder, scammers are coming together to figure out how to crack this code and more. Hit the gallery below to see Twitter’s reaction to Apple/Goldman Sachs new credit card that looks curb credit card fraud altogether.

—

Photo: Michael Short / Getty

Source: Anton Novoderezhkin / Getty

Apple is big on security and making sure all of your information is safe, but two Oregon students have exposed the company has a lot of work to do when it comes to its return policy scamming the tech giant out of nearly a million dollars.
Two foreign students Quan Jiang and Yangyangg Zhou here on visas reportedly received shipments of counterfeit iPhones from China. The bootleg smartphones which easily passed for the real versions of the phone were then returned to Apple and exchanged for working replacements.

The scam surprisingly worked with Jian and Zhou according to reports sending Apple 2,000 fake phones claiming they were defective models. The company didn’t exchange all of the counterfeit phones but did replace over 1,400 of the iPhones. Apple reportedly lost up to $900,000 due to them falling for the jig. It took a while, but Apple and customs eventually caught on.

The two students were making off like fat cats because the knockoffs only cost around $30. When Zhou’s house was raided, authorities found over 300 bootleg iPhones. Now both men are facing a range of charges including wire fraud, trafficking knockoff goods, and false customs declarations. Zhou’s attorney’s claims his client had no knowledge of the scam and that Jiang was the “mastermind” behind the whole thing despite evidence being found in his residence.

—

Photo: Anton Novoderezhkin / Getty

Source: Anton Novoderezhkin / Getty

Back in April, we reported on the eye-opening scheme involving two Oregon students who somehow exposed Apple’s struggle return policy and scamming the company of nearly a million dollars. Now one of those students has pleaded guilty for his part in the operation.

Quan Jiang, a Chinese national and former engineering student copped to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods that hoodwinked Apple out of 1,500 iPhones. Jiang spilled the beans to investigators breaking down how he was regularly sent 20-30 broken handsets and then taking them to Apple to trade them in either in person or online for working units claiming they won’t power on abusing the company’s warranty program.

Jiang would then ship the working iPhones back to China where they would be sold for hundreds of dollars and get a cut of the take. The money would be given to his mother where she would deposit the funds into his account. Despite using different aliases to carry out his dubious scheme, according to court documents, Apple noticed that Jiang actually used either his name, email address, mailing address, or IP address on 3,069 warranty claims.

Out of those 3,069 claims 1,576 of them were denied, Jiang was still able to obtain a jaw-dropping 1,493 replacement iPhones from Apple. If you do the math, each handset costs $600, and that comes out to $900,000 in losses to the company that Steve Jobs built.

Jiang is looking at up to 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine or twice the money he scored while carrying out the scheme depending on which is more significant. As part of his plea, he must also pay back Apple $200,000 in restitution for swindling the company. He is scheduled to be sentenced in late August, we bet he wished there was an app that could make this all go away right now.

—

Photo:  Anton Novoderezhkin / Getty

Source: Chesnot / Getty

This shouldn’t really come as a shocker, but according to the ever so reliable site 9to5Mac, Apple has just filed model numbers for three new handsets the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Max and an upgraded version of the iPhone XR.

The Apple news source reports this news with the utmost confidence being that Apple devices always show up in the Eurasian Economic Commission regulatory database usually ahead of their official announcements and releases. According to the website the 2019 iPhone models reportedly showed up in this group of model numbers A2111, A2160, A2161, A2215, A2216, A2217, A2218, A2219, A2220, A2221, and A2223.

Models A2220, A2221, and A2223 more than likely represent the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Max, and the upgraded XR model. Rumors are already swirling about the handsets with leaks of its new design and specs getting Apple fanatics talking and cringing at the phones new triple camera design.

Per 9to5Mac:

This year’s iPhones are expected to largely feature the same outside appearance as the 2018 iPhone flagships, although Apple may switch to a more matte finish for the back glass. In addition to upgrades like bilateral wireless charging for AirPods and the more powerful Apple A13 chip, it looks like the 2019 iPhones will focus on camera upgrades.

Apple is adding an extra camera to both the XR and the XS; the 2019 iPhone XR will feature a dual-camera module and the iPhone 11 and 11 Max will feature a triple-camera system for the first time. The iPhone will seemingly include a larger, square camera bump to accommodate the new cameras.

The additional lens in the triple-camera system is believed to be an ultra-wide camera made by Sony, expanding the range of zoom available in the iPhone Camera app. Apple may also use computer vision technology to blend data from each of the three cameras together to take more-detailed photos at a standard zoom level. The front-facing camera will also be upgraded to take better quality shots.

Apple is currently playing catch up with Samsung and Google, whose current flagship phone models are ahead of the curve with their new camera systems. You can expect Apple to pull the lid off its new iPhones at a fall media event sometime in September.

—

Photo: Chesnot / Getty

Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty

All the buzz is currently being directed at the iPhone Pro or iPhone 11 whatever Apple is going to call it. But word on the tech streets is the company is planning on bringing back it’s mid-range SE model in 2020.

Yup, you read correctly the company that Jobs built is already thinking about what it is planning on doing next year when it comes to its ridiculously popular smartphone. According to a new report from Nikkei, Apple will be relaunching the mid-range iPhone SE model it initially scrapped back in 2018. The company hopes that it will offset the sales decline it saw in regions like China and India.

According to reports, it will look similar to the 4.7-inch iPhone 8 model that launched back in 2018. It will have sport an LCD screen, a single-lens rear camera, 128GB of storage as well as some of the components from higher-end iPhone models that are dropping this year.

Per Nikkei:

The new model would be Apple’s first low-cost smartphone since the launch of the iPhone SE in 2016, which started at $399. Though the name and price of the new model haven’t been decided, it is viewed as the latest generation of the iPhone SE. 

The decision to revive the lower-cost model comes amid a rough patch for the iPhone. Apple reported its first-ever decline in iPhone shipments for last year, and this summer it lost the title of No. 2 smartphone maker to Huawei. The U.S. company also has suffered two straight quarters of shipment and market share drops this year, according to IDC data. The global smartphone industry overall also faces its third consecutive annual decline in 2019, according to IDC projections.

We expect to hear more details about the phone at Apple’s upcoming September 10 event. Stay tuned, we will be delivering all of the details from the event.

—

Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty

Source: SOPA Images / Getty

Apple is continuously trying to find ways to improve on its flagship smartphone, the iPhone. Apple whisperer, Ming-Chi Kuo is predicting that the tech giant’s 2021 iPhone will be completely wireless.

According to 9To5Mac, Kuo (who is usually right) predicts that Apple will kill the Lightning charging port on the iPhone by 2021. This means that Apple is looking to give iPhone owners a “completely wireless experience.” by doing away with the Lightning port that has been featured on its devices since 2013 when it was introduced on the iPhone 5.

Per 9To5Mac:

“In 2021, Kuo is predicting a followup to the iPhone SE 2 as well as a new iPhone model without Lightning connectivity. Kuo says that this would “provide the completely wireless experience,” meaning there would be no ports at all rather than a switch to USB-C from Lightning.”

“Kuo implies that Apple only plans to remove the Lightning port from the “highest-end model” at first, rather than from the entire iPhone lineup at once. Kuo says.”

This development is eyebrow-raising because Apple failed to deliver its long-rumored wireless “AirPower” charging mat. So does this mean Apple hasn’t given up on the accessory?

Other announcements from Kuo include the iPhone SE 2 in 2020 that will feature a 4.7-inch LCD screen. Plus four 5G OLED iPhones as well. We shall see if his predictions will come to pass, and chances are very high they will.

—

Photo: Apple / iPhone 11 Pro