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6,153 'Apple News' stories November 2008 - February 2014
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Apple News and Brief History

Before you can properly understand Apple News, it’s important to know its history. Apple was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. In 1977, Apple’s sales were growing with the success of its early computers. Within a few years, Jobs and Wozniak hired designers and a production line crew. Apple went public in 1980 and was an instant success. Over the next few years, Apple shipped new computers featuring new graphical user interfaces, such as the original Macintosh in 1984. As the market for personal computers expanded through the 1990s, Apple lost market share to the cheaper Microsoft Windows on PC clones. Eventually, Wozniak and Jobs both left Apple. Jobs would go on to found NeXT and would return to Apple when NeXT was acquired in the late 90s. Apple then began a journey to the great second act in the history of the business world.

Since the release of the iPod in 2001, Apple has become a major player once again in the technology industry. After releasing the iPhone in 2007, the iPad in 2010, and the Apple Watch in 2015, Apple is now one of the largest companies in the world. Apple’s worldwide annual revenue totaled $274.5 billion for its 2020 fiscal year.

Today, Apple operates retail stores all across the world, has a growing services division, and an ever-expanding hardware lineup. The technology industry follows Apple news to see where the company is headed in the future.

Keep reading for the latest Apple news

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Court dismisses $2B patent troll claim against Apple for emergency feature in iPhones

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 28 2014 - 5:34 am PT
2 Comments

A German court has dismissed a $2B patent claim by IPCom against Apple for use of a standard which is a mandatory feature in all cellphones. As we reported earlier this month:

The chip is used to identify mobile phones used by the emergency services in order to give them priority access to networks when they are heavily congested, such as during a major disaster. Carriers can set their networks to block access to all phones in the vicinity of a major emergency other than those identifying themselves as belonging to police and rescue workers. The chip can be included in the circuitry of either a phone or a SIM.

IPCom claimed a patent on the technology, but Germany’s Mannheim Regional Court dismissed the claim, along with a similar one against HTC.

This is, however, unlikely to be the end of it. IPCom has a record of appealing such rulings, and attempting to charge for patents purchased from other companies is its primary source of revenue. The company owns more than a thousand mobile-related patents.

OS X 10.9.2 breaks AirPlay Mirroring and desktop extensions to external monitors for some users

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 28 2014 - 4:51 am PT
44 Comments
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A number of Mac users in an Apple Support Communities thread are reporting that Apple’s 10.9.2 update to Mavericks has broken AirPlay Mirroring to Apple TV and the ability to extend desktops to external monitors.

I just updated to 10.9.2 and now when i try and airplay mirror to my Apple TV, it sends the audio but just shows a black screen and i can’t drag anything to it. It doesn’t show any of the options for external displays in the displays section of System Preferences … 
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South African police take Oscar Pistorius’s iPhone to Apple after failing to crack passcode

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 28 2014 - 4:39 am PT
19 Comments
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Reeva Steenkamp, shot dead by Oscar Pistorius (photo: India Times)

The International Business Times reports that three detectives investigating the killing of Oscar Pistorius’s girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp have flown to Apple’s HQ in Cupertino to seek assistance in accessing the athlete’s iPhone.

Prosecutors want to access its SMS and WhatsApp messages as evidence for the trial.

South African police have been struggling to gain access to the phone for months, one of several handsets found in the double-amputee athlete’s Pretoria villa on the night he shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius has claimed that he cannot remember the passcode … 
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Apple adds Kendrick Lamar to iTunes Festival lineup at SXSW

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 27 2014 - 10:26 am PT
1 Comment

As noted by The Loop, Apple has announced that Kendrick Lamar will be returning to the iTunes Festival again this year at its March event in Austin, Texas, during SXSW later this year.

Earlier this month, Apple shared that it was bringing its iTunes Festival to the United States for the first time this year. Apple has already announced other artists added to the lineup including Soundgarden.

Check below for more of the already announced lineup:
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It’s AAPL schizophrenia time: most admired company; institutions bailing; tablet growth falling

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 27 2014 - 4:26 am PT
15 Comments
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Photo: Business Insider

If you based your assessment of Apple’s future prospects on analyst reports and polls, you’d be upping your medication today while reading three separate sets of numbers.

Fortune reports that Apple tops the ‘most admired companies‘ list for the seventh time in a row, with Amazon and Google the runners-up. The charts are based on polling directors, executives and analysts in the USA’s largest companies.

The same source cites a Morgan Stanley investment note showing that the 30 largest institutional investors, who between them hold at least 30 percent of the shares on the market, have been selling AAPL, with their holdings at a record low … 
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Apple explains Touch ID in depth with latest iOS security document

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 26 2014 - 2:17 pm PT
11 Comments
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In the latest release of its iOS Security document spotted by TechCrunch, Apple offers a number of details about the function and processes of the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system offered on its iPhone 5s. The document describes the Secure Enclave, “a coprocessor fabricated in the Apple A7 chip,” which manages safely matching active fingerprints read by Touch ID against registered fingerprints saved by the user. While much of how Touch ID behaves was revealed last fall when the iPhone 5s was introduced and through experience, the white page does list more specifics than have previously been made available…


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Apple releases iTunes 11.1.5 w/ compatibility improvements & crash fix

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 26 2014 - 10:47 am PT
1 Comment

Apple has released today a minor update to iTunes on OS X with a fix for a nasty bug that could cause iTunes to crash. The update also includes compatibility improvements with iBooks, Apple says.

The software update follows yesterday’s release of the highly critical OS X 10.9.2 release which filled an existing SSL bug that left users vulnerable to malicious attackers. Apple also introduced FaceTime Audio calling and contact blocking which debuted on iOS 7 last fall.

The update should be rolling out to OS X users through the Mac App Store.

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9to5Toys Last Call: Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 5 $60, Logitech Ultrathin iPad keyboard (Refurb.) $25, extra 10% off open box Apple gear, more

Avatar for Feb 26 2014 - 10:01 am PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed,Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Cowboom 10% Off Sitewide: Open-box (like new) AirPort Extreme $144, Apple TV $62, iPad Air $414, more

Seagate Hard Drives: 2TB Expansion desktop $70 (Reg. $130), 2TB Backup Plus portable $120 (Reg. $180)

Game/App Deals: Infinity Blade III: $3 (Reg. $7), The Room Two: $1 (Reg. $3), 50% off XCOM (iOS), Limbo $2, iOS freebies, more

Best Buy iPad Savings Event: Save on nearly all current iPad models and configurations ($20-$200 off)

Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

Even after OS X 10.9.2 Mavericks update, users still complaining about Mail issues

Avatar for Mark Gurman Feb 26 2014 - 7:59 am PT
60 Comments
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It’s safe to say that Mail in OS X Mavericks has been the new operating system’s least impressive point. Since launch, users have been complaining about issues relating to Gmail accounts, stability, and overall synchronization. Apple first attempted to patch up these bugs with a fix in early November of last year…


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Wishful thinking: Why it’d be nice if Apple created a line of Ive-designed office technology products

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 26 2014 - 6:59 am PT
51 Comments
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Image: deskology.com

I have a number of friends who can’t understand why I pay what they refer to as ‘the Apple tax’: the premium paid for Apple products over alternatives that offer much the same functionality.

I can argue about the functionality, of course. The usability, stability and (usually!) security of OS X are all things worth paying for in my view, but I’m not ashamed to admit that aesthetics also matter to me. When I’m going to spend 8+ hours in front of a computer, I’d rather I was looking at something sleek and beautiful rather than something plastic, ugly and a chore to use and understand.

I feel the same way about the other technology on my desk and in my office, but it isn’t always easy to find kit that works well and looks the part too. I can’t help thinking there’s a lot of office technology that could use the Jony Ive touch … 
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Ever wondered why your mouse pointer is angled, not straight?

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 26 2014 - 3:49 am PT
7 Comments

Here’s the reason, courtesy of a concept drawing from Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, where the graphical user interface was invented, and where Steve Jobs was introduced to the concept that was to lead to the Macintosh. 8BitFuture writes:

When the graphical user interface was later developed by Xerox, however, the team found that the vertical pointer was almost impossible to see due to the low resolution displays in use at the time.

Rather than make the pointer larger, the decision was made to turn it 45 degrees, making it easy to see. Despite the high resolution displays we have today, the concept has managed to stick for 33 years.

Apple formally appeals ebooks antitrust ruling, asks for monitor to be suspended until a new decision is made

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 26 2014 - 2:17 am PT
14 Comments
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Apple has formally appealed the Department of Justice’s ebooks antitrust case, via the Associated Press. Previously, Apple has only officially complained about the power of the appointed monitor — now they are asking for the entire case to be re-evaluated.

Apple claims it was ignorant of any inter-publisher price fixing and that Apple setup iBooks through legal arrangements without knowledge of any behind-the-scenes collusion.


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Sprint MVNO ‘Ting’ will add support for iPhone 5 on its usage based plans next week

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Feb 25 2014 - 11:34 am PT
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Update, March 11: As expected, Ting just confirmed official iPhone 5 support. It expects support for the iPhone 5s and 5c to come by September. Full details in our original article below:

Soon users will be able to activate their unlocked Sprint iPhone 5 on Ting, the Tucows-owned Sprint MVNO offering no-contract wireless service and usage-based billing. Late last year we reported that the company had made a deal with Apple and Sprint to begin supporting iPhones. At the time the bring-your-own-device support was limited to the iPhone 4 and 4S and sources told us iPhone 5 support was held up by Sprint, which doesn’t typically offer popular devices to its smaller carrier partners until they are at least a generation or two behind. Now, with the iPhone 5s & 5c on the market for almost half a year, sources say Sprint and Apple are finally ready to give Ting the go ahead for iPhone 5 support.
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Apple releases OS X Mavericks 10.9.2 with SSL fix, FaceTime Audio, contact blocking, Mail fixes

Avatar for Mark Gurman Feb 25 2014 - 10:06 am PT
54 Comments
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Following an extensive developer beta process, Apple has just released OS X Mavericks 10.9.2 to end users. The update brings a few new features and enhancements, including:

  • FaceTime Audio in the FaceTime and Messages apps
  • Contact blocking for FaceTime and iMessage
  • Mail app improvements
  • Autofill fixes for Safari
  • Audio fixes
  • VPN fixes
  • VoiceOver fixes

The release notes do not make mention of the SSL security bug that was squashed on iOS late last week, but a fix is present in this new OS X update. The update is available on the Mac App Store in the Software Update tab.


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Apple sapphire supplier’s projected 2H14 revenues likely indicate fall iPhone launch

Avatar for Mark Gurman Feb 25 2014 - 7:36 am PT
2 Comments
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Apple’s new sapphire crystal component producer GT-Advanced announced its Q4 2013 earnings results yesterday, and in addition to talking about the past quarter, the company shared some details about its future and its well-publicized partnership with Apple.

We previously indicated, based on research into publicly available shipping documents, that we expect Apple and GT-Advanced to be developing sapphire crystal displays for a future iPhone model. The companies are likely to be able to produce over 100 million displays this year…


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Apple joins growing call for Arizona to veto anti-gay religious discrimination bill

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 25 2014 - 5:28 am PT
122 Comments

Gov. Jan Brewer (photo: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Update: Following Apple’s expression of opposition and much national attention, Governor Brewer has vetoed the bill.

[tweet https://twitter.com/GovBrewer/status/438838664928325633]

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Apple has confirmed an NBC report that the company has urged Arizona State Governer Jan Brewer to veto a highly controversial (to put it mildly) bill that would allow businesses to deny service to gay and lesbian customers.

Apple spokeswoman Kristin Hueget confirmed Monday that the company had reached out to Brewer and urged a veto.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, Sen. John McCain and three State Senators who originally voted for the bill are also among those who have joined calls for the veto.

Apple’s sapphire plant, believed to be making screens for the iPhone 6, is located in Mesa, Arizona. The company last year applauded the Supreme Court ruling that banning same-sex marriage in California was unconstitutional.

Can’t really improve on George Takei’s commentary …

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Crowdsource update: SunSprite, the solar-powered wearable aimed at geeks

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 25 2014 - 4:44 am PT
0 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLZ8CGOUg2w]

With all the focus on skin cancer caused by too much exposure to sunlight, you might expect a UV-measurement gadget to be designed to warn you when you’ve spent too long in the sun. But no, the SunSprite has the opposite goal: it’s aimed at those who spend all their time indoors, and don’t get enough time in the sun. Or, to put it more concisely, geeks.

Sunlight plays a role in both mood and sleep patterns. The SunSprite measures exposure to both visible and UV light, and uses LEDs to indicate when you’ve met your daily goal of having spent enough time outside. It also communicates with a companion iPhone app. The retail price is a rather hefty $149, but early bird Indiegogo backers can get one for $89.

A neat thing about it is the same sunlight it measures also powers the device. The low energy requirements of the SunSprite mean that just a few minutes of sunlight provide enough energy to power the gadget for a week.

With some rumors suggesting that the iWatch may incorporate solar panels, perhaps this is one more health-based sensor Apple could include?

There’s a longer video that goes into more detail below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsePn7icDuw]

Security consultant takes less than a day to exploit OS X bug to capture all SSL traffic

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 25 2014 - 3:58 am PT
6 Comments
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Update: The bug has been fixed in OS X 10.9.2

Security consultant Aldo Cortesi said in a blog post (via ZDNet) that it took him less than a day to exploit the goto fail bug in OS X to capture all SSL traffic, and that there’s a good chance he isn’t the first to have done so – an implicit suggestion that the vulnerability may already be being used in man-in-the-middle attacks.

I’ve confirmed full transparent interception of HTTPS traffic on both IOS (prior to 7.0.6) and OSX Mavericks. Nearly all encrypted traffic, including usernames, passwords, and even Apple app updates can be captured. This includes:

  • App store and software update traffic
  • iCloud data, including KeyChain enrollment and updates
  • Data from the Calendar and Reminders
  • Find My Mac updates
  • Traffic for applications that use certificate pinning, like Twitter … 
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Security researchers highlight iOS flaw that enables hidden logging of touch events and other actions

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 25 2014 - 1:59 am PT
5 Comments

Researchers at security firm FireEye are highlighting an exploit involving iOS’s multitasking architecture to enable a nefarious (or exploited) app to record user touch events, Home Button presses and other events even whilst the app is backgrounded. It has always been theoretically possible for apps to record touch events whilst foregrounded, as the app needs access to the touch input to respond to user events. However, FireEye are demonstrating that this is possible even when the iOS app is not frontmost.


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Tim Cook’s youth in South Alabama profiled by local paper

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 24 2014 - 11:51 am PT
5 Comments
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Tim Cook posing for the year book in 11th grade (via AL.com)

In what is a rather interesting profile published on AL.com, Michael Finch II has uncovered some fascinating details about Tim Cook’s early life growing up in Robertsdale, Alabama.

“When it comes to Tim Cook, Robertsdale wraps him in a protective hug and keeps strangers with their curious questions at arm’s length,” Finch writes noting that Cook flew back to his hometown last Christmas through the airport in Pensacola, Florida, about an hour southeast.

The profile goes on to describe the pride Robertsdale feels for Cook’s accomplishments now and what they saw in Cook during his youth
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Apple suing China’s patent office & Zhizhen Network Technology over Siri

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 24 2014 - 7:27 am PT
5 Comments

Tim Cook during the China Mobile launch earlier this year

Amid Apple’s push to expand its presence in China with its new deal with China Mobile, AFP reports Apple is suing the State Intellectual Property Office in China as well as Zhizhen Network Technology.

The dispute is not a new one as Zhizhen Network Technology previously sued Apple over disputes with Siri and its Xiao i Robot product, but this time the roles are reversed. Furthermore, Apple is filing suit against the patent office responsible for protecting patent rights after the agency declined to invalidate Zhizhen’s patent, according to the report.

The case will be heard on Thursday by the Beijing Number one Intermediate People’s Court, but no ruling has been announced for the case heard last July yet, so we it may be some time before this concludes.