I wonder what kind of phones are being mysteriously field-tested in Seattle right now. Are those Lightning connectors?!
Photo of mysterious phones being field tested in downtown Seattle
Author
Mark is an award-winning journalist who worked at 9to5Mac for over six years. He covers Apple and other topics related to the consumer technology industry.
Mark is regarded as one of the go-to reporters for all Apple-related matters, one of Wired‘s top 16 people to follow in technology, and one of TIME Magazine‘s top 25 bloggers of 2013. Mark has also been profiled by CNN Fortune multiple times, NPR, the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, the Huffington Post, Business Insider, Columbia Journalism Review, Marketplace, Haaretz, and USA Today. Mark was also recently named to the 2015 Forbes 30 under 30 List.
In 2012, Mark published the first photos of the iPhone 5, broke the news about Apple’s switch to an in-house Maps application, revealed the first 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, forecasted that Apple would update the iPad’s software with Siri support, and accurately revealed the iPad mini’s higher-than expected price point.
In 2013, Mark published the first photos of the original iPad Air, provided the first details about Jony Ive’s end-to-end iPhone and iPad software update called iOS 7, provided information about OS X Mavericks, and detailed Apple’s early work on the Apple Watch.
In 2014, Mark revealed Apple’s work on a new Health application for iOS 8 and the Apple Watch, Ive’s redesign of OS X called Yosemite, and details about the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Mark started out 2015 with a significant scoop detailing Apple’s yet-to-be-released 12-inch MacBook with a Retina display, thinner design, and more advanced trackpad and keyboard. He has continued the year by reporting on several details about iOS 9, including the new Proactive Assistant, redesigned Siri, upgraded Maps with transit functionality, new system font, split-screen iPad apps, Swift 2.0, as well as predicting a performance focus for both that software upgrade and OS X El Capitan. Mark finished the year by reporting the majority of the details about the new Apple TV, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Apple Watch updates, the iPad Pro, the iPad mini 4, and iMacs.
Mark started out 2016 with exclusive reports on Apple’s work on a pair of completely wireless Beats headphones for the iPhone 7, details on the iPhone SE, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, Apple Watch updates, Apple’s March product event, new Apple retail initiatives, and Tim Cook’s Town Hall meeting with Apple employees.
Mark has also written long-form features on “Apple Anonymous,” a group of retail employees who discuss work over Twitter and the fascination of watches by Apple executives. Most significantly, in fall 2014, Mark published an extensive profile of Apple’s PR and Communications department that was compiled over two months into nine chapters. Mark also provides analysis on relevant technology industry topics, such as Apple’s recent executive shakeup. Mark kicked off his writing career at the end of 2009, and he had his first significant break in 2011 with a story detailing Siri and the iPhone 4S.
You can follow him on Twitter.
Updated MacBook Air line to offer slightly faster processors, not much else
Earlier today we reported that Apple would release new MacBook Air models this week, likely tomorrow, and that the refresh would likely focus on improved Intel Haswell processors. A source has just sent in the above image that confirms this refresh will revolve around new chipsets…
New MacBook Airs likely launching tomorrow
Update: Here are the specs…
Apple is preparing to launch a refreshed line of MacBook Air laptops as soon as tomorrow, according to multiple sources. These sources say that shipments of new MacBook Airs have begun arriving in large quantities to Apple Stores across the country. Another source adds that Apple Stores are scheduled to re-arrange the placement of Macs in stores to focus on the MacBook Air tomorrow morning…
Apple Store logo leaves start going green in honor of Earth Day (photos)
In line with our report from last week, Apple has begun updating its logos on some of its more high-profile stores with green-colored leaves. Some users in Asia, Italy, and Australia are already posting posting photos of the tweaked logo. Apple Store employees will also be wearing green colored shirts to celebrate Earth Day for the next week.
http://instagram.com/p/nGc3iknUpX
More photos:
Mailbox goes 2.0 on iOS, gains Auto-swipe and cross-device Dropbox sync
Dropbox has released version 2.0 of Mailbox for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Mailbox is the popular email application that allows users to easily sort email for later access. In line with announcements from Dropbox’s recent press conference, the update adds a feature called Auto-swipe. This feature essentially automates common actions based on user’s past email email swipe and snooze tendencies. Mailbox is also leveraging Dropbox’s backend to synchronize the app’s settings across devices.
Apple seeds OS X 10.9.3 build 13D45a to developers
Following last week’s seed, Apple has provided beta build 13D45a of the upcoming OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 to registered developers. The update, as always, is present for developers in the Software Update tab of the Mac App Store. 10.9.3’s release date hasn’t been announced, but it includes improved iTunes syncing functionality and better support for 4K external Mac monitors.
Apple adds rising star with background in FDA approvals & product testing to medical team
Apple has added Divya Nag, a rising star in the medical device community, to its in-house medical technology team, according to sources with knowledge of the hire. Nag made her entry into the medical technology world earlier this decade by co-founding Stem Cell Theranostics, a company that focuses on technologies for testing new medicines for the market and how the drugs will affect patients. Nag also participated in the Stanford-based StartX, an “accelerator” for medical technology-focused startups. Nag was just recently recognized for her many accomplishments in the medical and science fields with the Forbes’ annual 30 Under 30 award.
If those claimed iPhone 6 schematics were actually for an iPhone ‘6c’…
Remember those sketchy looking, claimed future iPhone schematics?
Apple preparing iOS 7.1.1 bug fix update as iOS 8, OS X 10.10 testing increases
Unsurprisingly, Apple appears to be readying a bug fix update to iOS 7.1 called iOS 7.1.1. Numerous visits to 9to5Mac from areas surrounding Apple’s campus on devices running iOS 7.1.1 have appeared in our analytics. The increase in views likely indicates that the bug fix update will come over-the-air to iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches in the near future. iOS 7.1 was released in March with user-interface tweaks, a new calendar view, and CarPlay support.
In similar news, it appears, based on our analytics, that iOS 8 testing inside Apple has increased:
Apple to celebrate ‘Green Cities’ 2014 Earth Day campaign on April 22nd
Apple will be celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd in its retail stores and on its Cupertino, California campus, according to multiple Apple employees. Earth Day is an annual day of focus on environmental protection and initiatives that has taken place in several countries since 1970…
Apple seeds OS X 10.9.3 build 13D43 to developers
Approximately one week following the previous beta release, Apple has provided build 13D43 of the upcoming OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 to developers. The update is available in the Mac App Store Software Update section for those on earlier betas and can also be found on the Mac Developer Center website. Apple has not announced when 10.9.3 will be publicly released. Indications from those using the beta point to the update providing improved support for 4K external displays and improved syncing with iTunes. Thanks, D!
Another weekend, another set of iWatch concept photos
Another weekend, another cool set of iWatch concept photos to look at. These ones are courtesy of Edgar Rios on…
Apple releases Xcode 5.1.1 with bug fixes
After seeding the golden master build to developers last week, Apple has released Xcode 5.1.1 to everyone for free via the Mac App Store. The update is a bug fix release with the specifics shown in the screenshot above.
Apple seeds OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 build 13D38 to developers
Approximately one week following the previous seed, Apple has provided developers with OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 build 13D38 to developers. The new version of OS X, which is yet to have an announced release date, will bring improved support for 4K monitors and syncing through iTunes. Thanks, D!
Jony Ive shakes up Apple’s software design group, iPhone interface creator Greg Christie departing
Following friction between top Apple Human Interface Vice President Greg Christie and Senior Vice President Jony Ive, Apple’s hardware and software design is being dramatically shaken up, according to sources familiar with the matter. After adding human interface design direction to his responsibilities in 2012, Ive will soon completely subsume Apple’s software design group, wresting control away from long-time human interface design chief Christie, according to sources briefed on the matter. Previous to this shakeup, all Apple software design has been led by Christie, who has reported to Craig Federighi, and Ive has been attending interface design meetings and providing instruction…
Comcast/Time Warner filing with FCC says Apple exploring new set-top box
There has been no shortage of indicators that a new version of the Apple TV set-top box is incoming. We reported last year and earlier this year that Apple is progressing on new Apple TV hardware that will include new content, such as an App Store or “Game Store,” references to a new model have appeared in iOS 7 code, and numerous other reports have said that a new box is incoming from Apple.
Today, a filing from Comcast and Time Warner Cable pitching their planned merger to the FCC references Apple’s development of a new set-top-box. Here’s the notable quote from the filing (via Daisuke Wakabayashi):
Today, Google competes as a network, video, and technology provider, and 8 out 9 of the next Google Fiber markets the company announced are in Comcast or TWC areas. Apple tablets are viewing platforms for cable services even while Apple offers an online video service, Apple TV, and explores development of an Apple set-top box. Microsoft just announced that it will feature ads on the Xbox One, creating a new video advertising platform. And just last week, Amazon announced its own set-top box while it continues to leverage its unequaled sales platform and family of competitive tablets to promote its burgeoning Prime Instant Video business.
The bolded portion (emphasis ours) of the above quote says that Apple is exploring development of a new set-top box. The quote comes in context of the cable behemoths explaining why their merger is important amidst growing content competition from the likes of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. While it is possible that the companies are just speculating based on rumors about the next version of the Apple TV, several reports have indicated that Apple has been in direct talks with Time Warner Cable and Comcast regarding a new set-top box…
Amazon A9’s VP of Search heads to Apple to fix up Maps search
Benoit Dupin, Vice President of Amazon A9’s Search Technology group, has left the high-profile search technology firm to take up a job with Apple. Dupin’s profile from Amazon A9’s executive management website disappeared this week, and his LinkedIn profile has been updated to reflect that he began his position as a director at Apple this month.
Amazon A9 is Amazon’s Palo Alto, California-based subsidiary that focuses on developing Amazon’s marquee search and advertising functionality. While Amazon has become popular in the tablet, eBook reader, and now set-top-box worlds, its core business has, of course, been Amazon.com, and Dupin’s work on search powers the heart of the online sales giant…
Everything to know about iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 (Roundup + New Details)
While Apple only officially announced its 2014 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last week, we have been reporting all of the known information about what Apple plans to unveil at the event over the course of the past few months. Now that WWDC is official, we have compiled a roundup of everything we know about Apple’s next-generation iOS device and Mac operating systems below, and we’ve also included some new tidbits not found in our earlier reporting. You can find out what there is to know so far about iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 below:
Steve Jobs in 2010 on Apple TV’s future: Magic Wand, apps, Web browser
<a href="http://9to5mac.com/write-a-community-article/apple-tv-concept-03/">Apple TV Concept</a>
An interesting email chain between Steve Jobs and various Apple executives has surfaced via court records for the latest spat between Apple and Samsung. Our earlier article on the matter detailed some parts of the email in which Jobs revealed roadmap plans for 2011 and some of 2012. The discussions were a preview of what was to be discussed at an off-site for Apple’s “Top 100” employees. Presentations regarding the yet-to-be-announced iPad 2, iPad 3, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, Verizon iPhone 4, Apple Campus 2, and iCloud took place, but the talking points regarding Apple TV deserve a closer look in light of recent rumors of an imminent update…
Apple seeds GM version of Xcode 5.1.1 to developers with bug fixes
Apple has seeded the golden master version of Xcode 5.1.1 to developers. This indicates that a public release should be imminent. This new seed follows the release of Xcode 5.1 in the middle of this past March. Release notes below. Thanks, D!
iWork for iCloud gains new design & sharing options, Mac/iOS updates later today
Apple is making some notable improvements to its iWork suite of productivity applications today across its platforms. First, the Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps found on iCloud.com have been updated with some enhancements: all three apps now have improved Retina display support, an updated design for the editor tab, and improved sharing functionality. The new sharing options allow users to share documents in a view-only state (previously, anyone could edit documents shared via iCloud), and documents can be opened directly via iCloud Mail.
Keynote, Apple’s slide presentation creator, has added the ability for the editing of charts within imported files. Numbers, Apple’s Excel-competitor, has improved pop-up menus, and Pages has gained improved text wrapping, new templates, and like Keynote, the ability to edit charts from imported documents. These changes have already been pushed to the web version of iWork, and Apple has told iCloud.com users that compatible updates for OS X and iOS will be arriving later today. These updates come just days after Microsoft’s successful launch of the Office suite on the iPad…
Apple launches TD-LTE iPad Air and Retina iPad mini models in China
Apple has released new versions of the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display in China to support the area’s TD-LTE networks. This brings high-speed capable versions of the late-2013 iPad models to China for the first time:
BEIJING―April 1, 2014―Apple® today announced TD-LTE capable models of iPad Air™ and iPad mini™ with Retina® display, bringing high-speed LTE performance* to iPad® customers in China, are available starting today. The new iPad models give customers the ability to connect to today’s most advanced cellular data networks at blazingly fast speeds, so users can surf the web or download email and apps even faster. iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display models supporting TD-LTE also accommodate the TD-SCDMA mobile standard, and join existing iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display WLAN + Cellular models in support of Personal Hotspot connectivity and other advanced cellular technology (GSM/EDGE, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+) to provide customers in China fast cellular access in whichever iPad model they choose.
The 16 GB model sells for RMB 4,488, while the prices for larger capacities go as high as RMB 6,588 for the 128 GB model. iOS 7.1 builds previously indicated that a few new iPad models were en route, and this announcement seems to answer what those models are. This announcement marks yet another minor iPad change this year, with Apple recently re-introducing the fourth-generation iPad.
Apple seeds OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 build 13D28 to developers
A little over a week following the past seed, Apple has released OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 build 13D28 to developers. Apple is again asking testers to focus on Graphics Drivers, Audio, Safari, and Contacts/Calendar USB sync via iTunes. The first 10.9.3 seed brought enhanced support for 4K external monitors. Apple previously started seeding 10.9.3 builds to AppleCare employees as well as fixes for iTunes. Apple is yet to indicate when 10.9.3 will be released to the public. Thanks, D!
It’s official: Apple’s first store in Turkey to open in Istanbul on April 5th
Following several months of anticipation, Apple’s first official Apple Retail Store in Turkey will open in Istanbul on April 5th. The new store is located in the center of the Zorlu Center mall, and the official announcement has come in the form of emails to customers in Turkey and on a banner around the physical store…