Author

Avatar for Mark Gurman

Mark Gurman

@markgurman

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.

Connect with Mark Gurman

@markgurman

Tim Cook talks hiring of Angela Ahrendts as Retail chief, says she is ‘best person in the world for this role’

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 15 2013 - 7:36 am PT
5 Comments
Site default logo image

6473947311_35d1536094_b

Last night, Apple announced that it had finally found a new Head of Retail: Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts. Ahrendts has been CEO of the fashion retailer for several years, leading the company through substantial growth in international markets. With that global growth experience and focus on high-end products, she seems like a natural fit to succeed in a role that has been so controversial over the past couple of years.

And Apple CEO Tim Cook seems to agree. The Apple chief executive took the time to keep his employees in the loop regarding the hiring process. Cook sent a company-wide memo this morning that discusses how he found Ahrendts and how she will fit into the Apple culture. While Ahrendts will be running Apple’s physical retail stores, she will also run Apple’s online stores. This is the first time in which the Retail Head’s domain covered both offline and online sales…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple finally finds new Head of Retail: Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts. Will begin in Spring 2014, run Online Stores too

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 14 2013 - 11:14 pm PT
9 Comments
Site default logo image

Burberry Group Plc CEO Angela Ahrendts At The London Stock Exchange

Apple today announced that it has finally filled the role of Senior Vice President of Retail: the Cupertino tech giant has hired Angela Ahrendts. Ahrendts is leaving her role as CEO of fashion retailer Burberry to take the top Apple retail job. Ahrendts will also lead Apple’s online stores. She will officially begin her role in Spring 2014.

You may recall Apple replaced its original Head of Retail Ron Johnson, who left for JCPenney but has since been removed from that role, with John Browett, but Browett proved not to be a good fit and was removed almost a year ago to date.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Like iPad 3, new iPad mini could be technically thicker to fit Retina Display

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 14 2013 - 9:29 am PT
18 Comments
Site default logo image
Space Gray iPad mini 2 casing (via Sonny Dickson)

Space Gray iPad mini 2 casing (via <a href="http://sonnydickson.com/2013/09/27/hands-on-with-the-ipad-mini-2-in-space-gray/">Sonny Dickson</a>)

One of the most exciting new features of the upcoming iPad mini successor is perhaps the long-rumored Retina display. Apple has been developing a Retina-version (Apple’s term for the crisper display found on iPhones, the larger iPads, and some MacBook Pros), but the company has been reluctant to ship it due to cost, hardware size, and battery-life concerns. Though for October 22nd, it sounds like Apple has an iPad mini with Retina display ready to go.

But, it could potentially have a very minor trade-off: some extra thickness and width that will likely not be noticeable to the human eye. Just like the the full-sized iPad went thicker (and heavier in that case) to accommodate the much higher-resolution Retina display, the iPad mini could slightly bulk up to fit the new display, according to Macotakara. At a conference in China, the website went hands-on with some purported cases for the next-generation iPad mini. These cases fit a device with a thickness of 7.5mm and width of of about 0.2mm wider than the current iPad mini…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Coming from Apple in 2014: 12-inch Retina MacBook, sharper iPad, cheaper iMac?

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 12 2013 - 4:30 pm PT
38 Comments
Site default logo image

8114255570_10af4cfb5f_h

According to typically-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, Apple has a slew of new products in the works for 2014. The analyst has summarized his expectations for these new products in a new research note, and has also reaffirmed some of his previous claims for products in Apple’s pipeline for the rest of Fall 2013…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple now says iPhone 5s ships in 2-3 weeks, customers seeing mid-November deliveries

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 11 2013 - 12:15 pm PT
7 Comments
Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2013-10-11 at 12.14.31 PM

Apple today has changed its iPhone 5s shipping estimates in the United States (and other countries such as China, Canada, and Australia), to note that the phones will ship in 2-3 weeks. Previously, Apple said that phones would ship in October. The high-end of the new quoted time will put some phones in the range of shipping during the first week of November…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Apple issues MacBook Air EFI firmware update with fixes for Boot Camp

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 10 2013 - 1:25 pm PT
2 Comments

Screen Shot 2013-10-10 at 1.22.31 PM

Today, Apple has issued a firmware update (via MacRumors) for the latest MacBook Air models. The update focuses on fixes revolving Boot Camp and the installation of Windows:

This update addresses an issue which may cause a black screen to appear when installing Windows 7 or Windows 8 using Boot Camp Assistant if both an external optical drive and USB thumb drive are connected to the system.  This update also ensures that the system will boot by default into OS X after installation of Windows 8.

Earlier this month, Apple issued a pair of updates that focus on fixing battery life bugs on both Airs and Retina MacBook Pros.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Jony Ive and Marc Newson talk collaboration and development of one-off Leica for (RED) auction

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 10 2013 - 9:57 am PT
1 Comment
Site default logo image

i.1.ive-newson-apple-red-auction

Earlier this week, we reported on some details and photos of the one-off Leica camera designed by Apple’s Jony Ive and Marc Newson for the Product(RED) campaign. Leica originally shared some interesting tidbits about the functionality and development process of the camera, but now, Vanity Fair has published an extensive interview with Ive and Newson about the process. The report provides an interesting look into Apple PR’s process of organizing interviews of its executives:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple prepping expansion of iPhone trade-in program to UK, Europe stores

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 9 2013 - 12:40 pm PT
3 Comments
Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2013-10-09 at 3.35.56 PM

Update October 14th: It’s here.

In August, Apple launched an iPhone trade-in program for its United States-based retail stores. The promotion is part of Tim Cook’s grand plan to dramatically increase iPhone sales inside of his own stores. Interestingly, the iPhone “Reuse and Recycle” trade-in program has been absent from Apple Stores outside of the United States even though approximately 1/3 of the company’s stores exist outside of the U.S.

That will soon change, according to a reliable source. This person says that Apple has begun preparing training materials for its United Kingdom retail staff on the Apple Store iPhone trade-in-program and that the initiative will launch in the UK in the coming months. Apple has begun training a small number of UK-based stores on the program, but it will take the company a few weeks to rollout the training across the region…


Expand
Expanding
Close

AOL to drop iCloud email support from its Alto webmail service

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 9 2013 - 11:58 am PT
5 Comments
Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2013-10-09 at 2.56.06 PM

AOL has informed applicable users that it will be dropping support for accessing email from Apple’s iCloud service from its recently launched Alto webmail client. Alto is a web-based mail client that intelligently sorts and integrates email from services such as iCloud Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL. AOL has informed iCloud users who have logged into Alto that support for iCloud will be dropped on December 2nd:


Expand
Expanding
Close

iPhone 5s and 5c rolling out to more than 25 new countries on Oct. 25, a dozen more Nov. 1

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 9 2013 - 5:39 am PT
7 Comments
Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2013-10-09 at 8.39.05 AM

Following the launch of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in the United States on September 20th, Apple has announced that it will begin phase 2 and phase 3 of the new devices rollout in the coming weeks. On Friday, October 25th, Apple will launch the 5s and 5c in 25 new countries, with a dozen more gaining the devices on Friday, November 1st.

October 25th countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, French West Indies, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand.

November 1st countries:

Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UAE.

The iPhone 5s hit 9 million sales in its opening weekend for its initial launch, and 5s supplies have so-far remained tight. Full press release below:


Expand
Expanding
Close

Facebook prepares major updates to iPhone apps as top engineer returns to Apple

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 9 2013 - 4:07 am PT
8 Comments
Site default logo image
FacebookApp

Screenshots of upcoming Facebook Graph Search for iPhone update

Facebook is preparing a pair of major updates for its most popular iPhone applications, according to a source familiar with the apps. Facebook is testing an updated version of its main iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch client that integrates the social network’s powerful Graph Search tool. Graph Search is a feature that allows Facebook users to locate fellow users that have similar interests. For example, a Graph Search user can search for all friends who “Like” a certain Facebook page, musician, or movie. The upcoming app update incorporates Graph Search into the Facebook app’s main search bar.

In addition to the aforementioned update to the main Facebook for iOS application, Facebook is preparing a redesign of its Messenger app. Facebook is said to be internally testing two new versions of Messenger. The first version is said to look largely similar to the Messages application bundled into iOS. That version includes green interface elements. The second version in testing, which the source says is more likely to ship to end-users, is heavy on white space and very fitting for iOS 7’s design. It is not filled with blue interface elements like the new Facebook app. The new app has tabs for active/recent chats, contacts, and settings across the bottom…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

iTunes Radio coming to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom in early 2014

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 7 2013 - 5:35 pm PT
1 Comment

According to Bloomberg, Apple is targeting a launch for iTunes Radio in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia for early 2014. The report positions this iTunes Radio launch as beating Pandora to launch in these English speaking regions.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) plans to expand iTunes Radio to English-speaking countries outside the U.S. by early 2014, beating industry leader Pandora Media Inc. (P) to the U.K. and Canada, people with knowledge of the situation said. iTunes Radio is also set to start early next year in Australia and New Zealand, where Pandora already operates, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t public. Nordic countries are also being targeted in the same time frame, the people said.

Of course, we first reported that iTunes Radio would see an expansion soon. Last week, we noted that Apple is advertising positions in Canada for the launch of iTunes Radio in the country. We reported that this job listing indicates that Apple is gearing up for the launch in the coming months.


Expand
Expanding
Close

AT&T now allows Live TV streaming to its iPhone and iPad apps, both at home and on-the-go

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 7 2013 - 7:39 am PT
1 Comment
Site default logo image

TV To Go

On September 30th, AT&T updated its iPad-optimized U-verse app with the ability to stream live television. Over 100 channels can be streamed to the iPad app while you are in your U-verse connected home, and a growing list of 20 channels can be streamed while you are away from home. Today, AT&T matched its iPad update by enabling the same functionality for its (separate) iPhone application:


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Review: Twelve South GhostStand for MacBooks

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 4 2013 - 5:03 pm PT
0 Comments

IMG_3885

Since its launch a couple of months ago, I have been using the Twelve South GhostStand as a stand for my MacBook Pro. Ideally, the stand is supposed to be used as a way to prop up a laptop’s display to be used with an external mouse and keyboard. However, in my current setup, I lack external input devices, but the stand has been excellent for making room on my desk for other work and watching movies. Sometimes, it is also helpful to use the computer (with its built in keyboard and trackpad) while its propped up on the stand.

As for the accessory itself, the build quality is great, and it is easy to setup. The GhostStand ships with two pieces that you connect together to form the stand. It is not recommended that users take the stand apart after setup. The stand includes a soft material on the bottom so you don’t have to worry about scratching your desk or other places in which you might place the GhostStand. The stand works with MacBooks of all kinds, including the classic models, Airs, Pros, and Retina Pros.

It runs for $34.99, and it a great option for those looking to extend their notebook experience with an external keyboard and mouse. 

iTunes Radio launch in Canada imminent as Apple seeks programmers

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 4 2013 - 4:31 pm PT
1 Comment
Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 7.18.07 PM

Apple’s popular, free music streaming service iTunes Radio looks set for an imminent launch in Canada. Since launching last month in tandem with iOS 7, iTunes Radio has been exclusive to the United States. However, Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue has noted that he would like the service to launch in “more than 100 countries.” Even with this plan in place, there has been no indication of when iTunes Radio would arrive internationally and exactly where…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Apple updates iPhone website with Tips and Tricks, teaches users new iOS 7 features

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 4 2013 - 11:58 am PT
10 Comments

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 2.53.58 PM

 

Apple has updated its iPhone website with “Tips and Tricks” (you’re welcome, Apple) pages to teach users about features found on the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 4s (via MacRumors).

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 2.54.21 PM

 

The pages detail some of the software-exclusive features to the iPhone 5s in addition to some enhancements that came in iOS 7. For instance, the section’s spends time highlighting the camera app, which arguably received one of the most significant in-app transformations with the launch of the new iOS.

Site default logo image

Radio Shack to match Best Buy’s $50 off iPhone 5c deal as Walmart cuts 5c price

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 4 2013 - 11:45 am PT
5 Comments

iPhone-5c

Yesterday, we noted that – through October 7th – Best Buy will offer a $50 gift card with the purchase of an iPhone 5c in-store. This gift card can be applied toward the purchase of the colorful iPhone. Today, Radio Shack has informed us that it will begin matching Best Buy’s deal in its stores tomorrow. The deal will run through November 2nd. Like with Best Buy, the card could be applied to the purchase of the 5c. This offer is also compatible with Radio Shack’s trade-in program, which offers between $100 and $250 depending on your iPhone model (iPhone 4s, 5, or 5s)

Update: Walmart says it will cut the price of the iPhone 5c to $45, which is a drop from their already discounted sales price ($79).

Update 2, Oct. 11: Target has informed us that this weekend it will begin matching the $49 deal offered by other retailers through its Target Mobile centers in over 1,500 of its stores across the country. As usual, it will also offer an additional 5 percent off for customers with a Target REDcard.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Endorsed by Tim Cook at WWDC, Anki Drive likely to launch this month

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 4 2013 - 11:35 am PT
3 Comments
Site default logo image

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnsR-kZUx6o&w=640&h=360]

With Apple CEO Tim Cook’s endorsement, Anki, a company with artificial intelligence and robots-based products, debuted Anki Drive at WWDC earlier this year. Anki Drive is a car game for iOS that connects to physical cars. The app is currently available via the App Store while the cars and mat system will be available via retail channels…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Tim Cook reflects on second anniversary of Steve Jobs’ passing in letter to employees

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 4 2013 - 6:47 am PT
7 Comments
Site default logo image

On the eve of the second anniversary of the passing of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reflected on the moment in a company-wide email. A source has provided a copy:

Team-
Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of Steve’s death. I hope everyone will reflect on what he meant to all of us and to the world. Steve was an amazing human being and left the world a better place.I think of him often and find enormous strength in memories of his friendship, vision and leadership. He left behind a company that only he could have built and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple. We will continue to honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to the work he loved so much. There is no higher tribute to his memory. I know that he would be proud of all of you.
Best,

Tim

Last year, Apple honored Jobs with a tribute video on its homepage. The video is embedded above and it is a delightful look into the legacy of the man who changed the lives of so many people.

OS X Mavericks goes Golden Master, now out for developers

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 3 2013 - 8:11 pm PT
8 Comments
Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2013-10-04 at 12.20.26 AM

In line with our report from earlier today, Apple has released OS X Mavericks Golden Master (GM) to developers. It became available to AppleSeed users and Apple employees earlier today. This GM stage means that Apple has completed work on OS X Mavericks, and this is the version that will be released to customers later this month. Apple has also released a slew of updates to developers, including new versions of iPhoto and Xcode. The GM update requires a new download from the Mac App Store…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Apple opens up iTunes Radio ad creation to iAd Producer

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 3 2013 - 4:13 pm PT
1 Comment

Screen Shot 2013-10-03 at 7.08.24 PM

 

In addition to the iTunes 11.1.1 and OS X 10.8.5 updates, Apple has updated its iAd Producer application. iAd Producer allows Mac users to create ads for deployment via the iAd Network inside of App Store applications. Most notable in today’s update, Apple has now opened up the ability to create ads for display inside of iTunes Radio.

This release contains a number of enhancements and fixes, including:
● Support for creating iTunes Radio ads for iOS devices.
● Simplified, more flexible interface for iAd Blueprints projects.
● Support for creating iAd Blueprints projects that support multiple languages.
● Improved action support in Quick Preview.
● Improved search results in Code Documentation.
● Live asset previews during drag-and-drop.
● Support for grouping and ungrouping views.
● CSS class auto-completion in the Object Inspector.
● Support for taking photos and using the front-facing camera.
● Accessibility improvements for exported content.
● Music video support in iTunes LP content
● Other bug fixes and improvements.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Best Buy giving out $50 gift cards with iPhone 5c purchases through Oct. 7

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 3 2013 - 3:45 pm PT
2 Comments

Screen Shot 2013-10-03 at 6.41.41 PM

Best Buy has noted on its website that between today (Thursday) and October 7th (next Monday), it will be offering $50 gift cards with iPhone 5c purchases. The offer is exclusive to purchases within Best Buy’s physical retail stores via on-location purchases or the in-store pickup option. The gift card will not be applicable to the iPhone 5c purchase, but can be used for future transactions at Best Buy. If you return the iPhone 5c, you must also return the gift card, according to Best Buy. Best Buy is currently not running any promotions for the (still constrained) iPhone 5s.

Update: Best Buy has updated its terms. Yes, you can use the gift card toward the 5c in-store.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Apple to promote Mac Apps for education and enterprise with new volume purchase program

Avatar for Mark Gurman Oct 3 2013 - 3:05 pm PT
23 Comments
Apple's current iOS-exclusive program

Apple’s current iOS-exclusive program

Apple has informed Mac developers that it is preparing to launch the ability for educational institutions and developers to purchase apps from the Mac App Store in volume for a discount. The upcoming feature was announced in an email:

We’re pleased to announce that Mac apps will soon be eligible to participate in the Volume Purchase Program for Business and Education. The Volume Purchase Program allows businesses or educational institutions to purchase multiple copies of your app at once.

You may also offer a discount to educational institutions for multiple purchases. If you choose to offer a volume discount for an app, institutions that purchase 20 or more copies of that app in a single order will receive a 50-percent discount.

Your existing Mac apps will not be automatically enrolled in the discount for educational institutions. If you would like to offer your existing Mac apps at a discount for the Educational Volume Purchase Program, check “Discount for Educational Institutions” in the Rights and Pricing section of the Manage Your Apps module on iTunes Connect.

For orders of 20 copies, a discount of 50% to the total order will be applied. This option will not be enabled for developers automatically, but the app sellers will need to enable the feature in iTunes Connect.

Apple launched volume purchase functionality for iOS applications in 2011. 


Expand
Expanding
Close