Apple

6,141 'Apple News' stories November 2008 - May 2012

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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

Rumor: Apple HDTV looks like a Cinema Display with iSight and Siri says anon source

Seth Weintraub May 7 2012 - 8:35 am PT

Continuing a long string of recent exclusives that quote un-named sources, CultofMac today claims that someone who saw the Apple HDTV says it looks like a bigger Cinema Display with an iSight camera and Siri, according to the post.

We are filing this one somewhere between the infamous Steve Jobs eating rice pudding post and….

Analyst: Apple could use ‘iTV’ moniker for HDTV, partner with carriers for programming (9to5mac.com)

Amtrak ditches hole puncher for iPhone, new service tool scans tickets (Photos)

Élyse Betters May 7 2012 - 7:57 am PT

Government-owned railroad service Amtrak is set to use Apple’s iPhone and a new app as an electronic ticket scanner.

The New York Times reported that train conductors have been training to use the tech during select routes since November. The addition allows passengers to load a specific bar code on their smartphone screens that the conductor can scan for tracking purposes. Of course, passengers can still print their tickets per usual for Amtrak’s iPhones to scan.

Amtrak said 1,700 conductors would use the iPhone on routes across the country by late summer. The iOS device will come with a case containing an extra battery and a bar-code scanner. It will also come equipped with an app for scanning and indicating special conditions, such as whether passengers are disabled— and when and where they are departing— for coordinating a wheelchair lift. The app will even enable conductors to report the train’s mechanical failures.

The NYT article does not mention it, but 9to5Mac discovered mobile and emerging technologies developer Übermind claims to be the brain child behind the app’s shiny, new features. It’s website provided a few images (below) that depict what Amtrak described when detailing the iPhone’s case, battery, and app:

“Paper tickets are so 19th century. We ushered Amtrak’s conductors into the 21st century with our workforce automation solution. The bottom line for Amtrak: better customer service, better labor relations, and real-time business intelligence. Riders, taking the train just got fun again. [..] We worked with Amtrak to design and implement the engaging Digital Passport feature within Amtrak’s passenger iPhone app. With the personalized passport, riders can earn stamps for travel, share achievements to social networks, and view a map overlay of personal ridership stats. Train Masters, wanted.”

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Bug in Mac OS X 10.7.3 exposes passwords in plain text

Jordan Kahn May 7 2012 - 7:54 am PT

Security researcher David Emery (via ZDNET) claimed to have discovered a bug in Mac OS X 10.7.3 that stores login passwords in plain text. In a recent newsletter, he claimed someone—we are guessing an Apple programmer— mistakenly “turned on a debug switch (DEBUGLOG)” that stores the passwords in a system-wide debug log file. Emery explained folders encrypted with Apple’s “legacy” Filevault prior to upgrading to Lion are at risk:

…anyone who can read files accessible to group admin can discover the login passwords of any users of legacy (pre LION) Filevault home directories who have logged in since the upgrade to 10.7.3 in early February 2012… This is worse than it seems, since the log in question can also be read by booting the machine into firewire disk mode and reading it by opening the drive as a disk or by booting the new-with-LION recovery partition and using the available superuser shell to mount the main file system partition and read the file. This would allow someone to break into encrypted partitions on machines they did not have any idea of any login passwords for.

It would also allow them to access any content those usernames and passwords are meant to protect. Fortunately, the file with stored passwords is only kept for “several weeks” by default. However, it extends to Time Machine backups, because the log file is also backed-up in plain text. Emery said the best method to protect yourself until Apple fixes the issue is to simply use FileVault 2:
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Apple offers to settle Proview iPad trademark dispute, ‘Big Gap’ remains in reaching agreement

Jordan Kahn May 7 2012 - 7:03 am PT

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple offered to settle with Chinese company Proview after a long, ongoing battle over the iPad trademark in China. While the amount of compensation offered was not disclosed, Proview’s lawyers have not agreed to the deal and claim a “big gap’ remains in reaching a settlement.

Recently, there was speculation that the trademark battle might have led to Apple holding off from launching the new iPad in the country. The case and negotiation process will continue at the Higher People’s Court of Guangdong, while separate complaints filed by Proview in February will seek compensation for alleged infringement of IP laws in the country.

In an interview with Xinhua on Sunday, Proview’s lawyer Xie Xianghui was positive negotiations were progressing:

“We feel that the attitude of Apple Inc. has changed. Although they expressed that they were willing to negotiate, they have never taken any action before. But now, they are having conversations with us, and we have begun to consult on the case.”

Expert: Apple settled for older display tech in new iPad, Sharp’s IGZO tech wasn’t ready

Jordan Kahn May 7 2012 - 6:51 am PT

With the new iPad’s “resolutionary” 2048-by-1536-pixel Retina display, which is arguably the flagship feature of the device, it might be somewhat surprising to hear that Apple originally planned on using lighter, thinner display tech. This is according to display expert and President of DisplayMate Technologies Raymond Soneira who told CNET, “There’s no question that the iPad 3 is Plan B.”

He claimed Apple would have used Sharp’s IGZO tech for a thinner display assembly, but instead was forced to go with older, amorphous silicon that required a larger battery. The move could have accounted for some of the increased weight to 1.46 pounds and depth of .037 inch. Soneira explained:

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Caught on camera: ‘iThief’ steals 100 iPads across Texas (Video)

Élyse Betters May 4 2012 - 1:02 pm PT

[vodpod id=Video.16465430&w=525&h=450&fv=allowFullScreen%3Dtrue%26bgcolor%3D%23000000%26autoPlay%3Dfalse%26screensLayer.startScreenOverId%3DstartScreen%26screensLayer.startScreenId%3DstartScreen%26]

O.K., here is another Walmart-based story: The retail giant’s asset protection team has captured an unidentified woman stealing iPads on surveillance video. Sure, theft is commonplace at the supercenter, but police said this woman has stolen roughly 100—or $57,000 worth of— iOS tablets.

According to ABC News’ Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate, WFAA:

She usually strikes in the early hours of the morning. Police say she does the same thing every time, leaving groceries at the counter and walking out of the store with two or three iPads. Her latest hit came last week at a Sherman Wal-Mart.

The video above shows how the Wally World thefts occur. The woman allegedly hit 36 cities in Texas, including 28 Wal-Mart stores and eight Targets. The crook’s dubious habits in the Lone Star state even earned her a new nickname: “The iThief.”

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Google facing tens of millions in fines in FTC’s iOS Safari privacy investigation

Jordan Kahn May 4 2012 - 12:25 pm PT

We knew that Google would likely face fines in the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation into its method of bypassing Apple’s default iOS Safari browser settings. Last month, reports claimed the FTC would make a decision on the fines within 30 days. Today, Reuters reported sources close to the situation have confirmed Google is currently negotiating with the FTC over fines that “could amount to tens of millions of dollars”:

Google Inc. (GOOG) is negotiating with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission over how big a fine it will have to pay for its breach of Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s Safari Internet browser, a person familiar with the matter said. The FTC is preparing to allege that Mountain View, California-based Google deceived consumers and violated terms of a consent decree signed with the commission last year when it planted so-called cookies on Safari, bypassing Apple software’s privacy settings, the person said.

Cross-posted on 9to5Google.com

Google could soon face big fines over iOS Safari privacy controversy in FTC investigation (9to5mac.com)
Lawmakers ask FTC to investigate Google over mobile Safari cookies (9to5google.com)

Oceanhouse Media’s Smithsonian Apps on sale for $.99 for Teacher Appreciation Month (Promo codes!)

Seth Weintraub May 4 2012 - 10:49 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx7x7qpKQmk]

The kids in my house are all big Oceanhouse iPad book fans, so today is a good day for them.

“Tyrannosaurus Rex!,” “Triceratops Gets Lost,” “Woolly Mammoth in Trouble,” “Polar Bear Horizon,” and “Penguin’s Family” are all on sale for $.99.

We have 10 different promo codes in the forums for those who are quick. Go see all of Oceanhouse Media’s iPad apps on the App Store.

Oceanhouse has some other news today, as well:

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Apple in court: iPhone data collection, Samsung/iPad patent case, & double iTunes billing

Jordan Kahn May 4 2012 - 10:39 am PT

When we reported on Apple’s courtroom woes in March, we told you lawmakers were sending letters to iOS devs (Apple included) and questioning them on their privacy policies about how apps access contact data without explicit user permission. Despite promises, Apple has yet to carry out an update requiring apps to ask for user-approval, but an earlier case over the collection of user data has been given the green light by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in California. Reuters reported the lawyers representing customers in the case claimed in court today that Apple “collected data on customers’ geographical locations even after users said they didn’t want to share the information.” The judge is asking Apple to submit relevant documents to the plaintiffs by May 17.

In other courtroom news, ComputerWorld reported this week that Judge Koh ordered Apple and Samsung to “streamline” its patent claims ahead of a trial set for July 30. According to the report, the companies have already cut back the claims included in the case to 37 products, 16 patents, six trademark, five trade dress claims, and an antitrust suit, but Judge Koh said the extent of the case is “cruel and unusual punishment to a jury.” If Apple and Samsung do not agree to reduce the set of claims, the trial could be postponed until next year. The news comes after the companies agreed with Koh to have their CEOs meet for settlement talks related to the patent cases on May 21-22.

Justia.com reported this week that Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit over claims that iTunes is continually double billing a customer for downloads of a song. Apple apparently refuses to refund some customers for these double billing incidents, citing its Terms of Service. A copy of the lawsuit and more information on the class action is here.

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SquareTrade now covers jailbroken iPhones

Élyse Betters May 4 2012 - 10:23 am PT

Third-party warranty firm SquareTrade now covers jailbroken iPhones, unlike Apple’s own AppleCare service program.

A jailbroken iPhone simply means it is freed from the limitations imposed by Apple for safety measures. It gives users extensive access to the internal system with options to install non-App Store third-party software. The procedure, however, voids Apple and carriers’ warranty offerings.

SquareTrade’s Vice President of Strategy Vince Tseng told 9to5Mac exclusively that jailbroken iPhones are eligible for coverage, but the firm does not cover issues that occur as a result of jailbreaking. When jailbreak-related software mishaps occur, Tseng said SquareTrade will only provide support options. Moreover, iPhones with jailbreak-related hardware mishaps are not eligible for coverage, and such situations will void any SquareTrade warranty.

The warranty offered through SquareTrade covers when a “techie” jailbreaks an iPhone, and then drops or breaks it. At that point, the coverage guarantees a replacement or repaired smartphone—depending on a user’s preference and case. The inclusive change affects both existing and new coverage holders.

“The warranty service is for all iOS devices,” Tseng further elaborated, “and it covers four claims, where as Apple only covers two claims.”

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Updated: Walmart iPhone sale was a mistake

Élyse Betters May 4 2012 - 9:13 am PT

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UPDATE: Walmart just responded to 9to5Mac’s inquiry and said the retail chain “experienced a pricing error in limited stores” yesterday. The company spokesperson said the issue has been addressed and normal prices are now in effect: 16GB iPhone 4S for $188, iPhone 4 for $88, and iPhone 3GS for $0.97.

Cult of Mac reported that an Edmond, Okla., Walmart is offering the 16GB iPhone 4S for $114. The Verge followed-up the claim and reported an Austin, Texas Walmart store is providing the same deal; although, four other stores in the United States said the discounts are not in place.

The select stores are apparently selling the latest iOS smartphone at a $74 discount. Wal-Mart’s Web site lists the price of the iPhone 4S at $188, but the price comes with a “store pricing may vary” at select stores note. The 8GB iPhone 4 price tag is also cut by $34 at the two participating Walmart stores, according to the reports.

9to5Mac directly called 17 Wally World stores around the U.S., but we could not find similar deals offered at any of the stores. We also called the only two Walmarts in Edmond to confirm the reports. However, we were told the stories were wrong for the West Danforth Road store, because the iPhone 4S is still selling at its normal price.

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This is how Apple can improve text editing in iOS [Video]

Jordan Kahn May 4 2012 - 7:02 am PT

Update: looks like it is happening in the Jailbreak community.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGQTaHGQ04Q&feature=player_embedded]

Editing text on an iOS device can often be cumbersome. Currently, it requires you to tap twice to select text, and then drag small blue cursors to highlight a portion, or try to tap in between letters to set the cursor. To demonstrate a more efficient method of navigating text on an iPad, YouTube user danielchasehooper posted the video above showing a concept of moving the cursor and editing text with gestures.

When performing lots of edits in larger documents the direct interaction metaphor falls apart for cursor control. Even short portions of text can be painful to edit when you need to move the cursor to a precise location. Would you ever want to write a document on your computer without using the arrow keys? This is the reality iPad users face because they do not have the equivalent of arrow keys. There is a better way.

In the video, we see a dragging gesture on top of the keyboard being used to control the cursor. We also see a two-finger drag to move it faster and the ability to select a portion of text by holding a button while dragging. The video certainly makes a good case that Apple’s current implementation could be improved. The video’s creator urges iOS users to contact Apple and request the feature with the following provided instructions:

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Apple now credits Open Street Map under iPhoto acknowledgments

Jake Smith May 4 2012 - 5:45 am PT

When Apple released iPhoto for iOS on March 7, many quickly realized that Apple was not using Google Maps as it usually does for mapping, but rather maps from the OpenStreetMap project. Apple offered no official credit to the non-profit project, which collects a series of maps from over 500,000 people worldwide. However, it appears that Apple has finally credited OpenStreetMap in its latest iPhoto update, as the non-profit project tweeted the news last night.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/#!/openstreetmap/status/198101512201834497[/tweet]

While OpenStreetMap is available for anyone to use, the project does ask for one-line of attribution (via TPM). Apple now mentions OSM under the iPhoto acknowledgements in settings.

That wasn’t so hard?

iPhoto for iOS apparently uses OpenStreetMap data, not in-house solution (9to5mac.com)

Upcoming Smithsonian exhibit features the patents and trademarks of Steve Jobs

Jordan Kahn May 3 2012 - 2:58 pm PT

As part of its events for World Intellectual Property Day 2012, the Smithsonian Institution will exhibit over 300 patents and trademarks credited to Steve Jobs and Apple at the Ripley Center Museum starting May 11. Among the items to be on display: a 1985 Apple Macintosh computer, mouse, and keyboard; a NeXT computer; a 2010 Apple iPod; and 312 documents. The Smithsonian and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will display the exhibit until July 18.

The World Intellectual Property Organization released a brochure on its website announcing the Jobs exhibit:

Jobs held 317 utility and design patents in the United States. On display are the patent certificates that list him among the inventors involved in the conceptualization of many iconic Apple products, including computer cases, iOS-based devices, packaging, keyboards, mice and power adaptors, and even the glass staircases found in many Apple stores. In addition to his U.S. patents, Jobs is named on some 28 international applications filed under WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system.

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Samsung announces Galaxy S III with S Voice and a bunch of other iOS features

9to5 Staff May 3 2012 - 12:36 pm PT

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lpLGb1WW8E&hd=1]

Samsung announced the Galaxy S III today at the Unpacked event in London. Apple’s biggest competitor in the smartphone space, and the only other manufacture making any significant profit, showed off the upgraded 4.8-inch 720P SuperAMOLED display device that now weighs 133 grams among other minor spec improvements.

A few of the features shown off were S-Voice, which is like Siri, Scan and Match for Music (iTunes Match), and Airplay-like “AllShare Cast” for streaming content to your HDTV through the AppleTV-like AllShare Cast Dongle. Samsung also named its iPod nano-like music player “Pebble,” which bears a resemblance to the iOS Kickstarter watch that goes by the same name.

One cool new thing is a face recognition photo app. It lets you instantly send pictures to your friends that it recognizes in your pictures. The S III also has a pop-up player, which is sort of an app version of picture-in-picture that allows you to watch a movie while you switch around to other applications.

Initial reviews seem a little luke-warm on the device. Most call it an incremental update from the S II with new features that also brought some new flaws.

Oh, and Phil Schiller will not like this news: Flipboard for Android is debuting on the S III.

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Yes, Apple is still working on haptics for touch devices

Jordan Kahn May 3 2012 - 9:47 am PT

We already know Apple is working on haptic technologies for mobile devices from patents in the past (here, here, and here). We also know that last-minute rumors of Finnish company Senseg’s technology being included in the third-generation iPad never came true. Another patent surfaced today giving us a look at Apple’s work with an advanced multi-tiered haptics system for iOS devices. PatentlyApple has all the details:

…today’s surprise invention packs a punch with a wildly intelligent multi-tiered haptics system. The system will actually allow an iDevice display to deform so that it could provide the user with a button, an arrow or even a geological map to physically pop right out of the screen to give it 3D depth. If that wasn’t cool enough, Apple’s patent discusses a flexible OLED display that could be used for video glasses.

Last-minute rumor: Apple snuck Senseg’s groundbreaking haptic display technology into iPad 3? (9to5mac.com)

IDC: iPad’s all-purpose functionality allows it to trump content consumption Android devices

Élyse Betters May 3 2012 - 9:00 am PT

The iPad is more than just a content-yielding eReader, and consumers are finally making the distinction.

Analytics firm IDC released new data today illustrating Apple’s global tablet market share having increased dramatically from 2011’s holiday quarter. The firm accredited the iPad’s success to its all-purpose functionality that outshines Android devices’ content.

The iPad rose to 68 percent in Q1 2012 from 54.7-percent in Q4 2011. Apple’s 13.3-percent gain is attributed to the Kindle Fire’s staggering 12.8-percent drop to 4 percent in Q1 2012.

IDC’s Mobile Connected Devices Research Director Tom Mainelli explained the market share differences:

“Apple reasserted its dominance in the market this quarter, driving huge shipment totals at a time when all but a few Android vendors saw their numbers drop precipitously after posting big gains during the holiday buying season. […] Apple’s move to position the iPad as an all-purpose tablet, instead of just a content consumption device, is resonating with consumers as well as educational and commercial buyers. And its decision to keep a lower-priced iPad 2 in the market after it launched the new iPad in March seems to be paying off as well.”

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Report: New thinner iPhone will have longer 4 inch screen, metallic backside and small round dock connector

Jordan Kahn May 3 2012 - 6:03 am PT

[slideshow]

Earlier this year, leading up to the new iPad launch, iLounge editor Jeremy Horwitz claimed to have held the new device, and then he reported a few of the features that would ultimately launch with the third-gen iPad in March (and some that would not). Today, Horwitz claimed to have new details on the next-generation iPhone. He reported the device would sport a longer 4-inch screen, metallic backside, and smaller and rounded dock connector.

The majority of Horwitz’s specs mirror our report from March 2011 about the iPhone 5 prototypes spotted with metal backs, larger displays, and the overall iPhone 4 design.

The first of his claims: As rumored, the new iPhone will be “longer and thinner” than iPhone 4 and 4S, and it will sport the following changes to its physical design:

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Inventor says Apple several years away from large Liquidmetal products

Jordan Kahn May 2 2012 - 12:44 pm PT

Last month, there were rumors claiming Apple planned to use the Liquidmetal amorphous metal alloys it obtained the rights to in 2010 for an upcoming iPhone. Speaking with BusinessInsider, one of Liquidmetal’s inventors, Atakan Peker, said Apple is still a few years away before we will see Liquidmetal used in a large scale—at least for MacBooks. Although, he does think a breakthrough product made of the material is in the cards for Apple.

A few highlights from the interview are below:

How long did it take to perfect Liquidmetal?

I would not say Liquidmetal was perfected. This is a technology that has yet to be matured and perfected both in manufacturing process and application development. I should note that this is a completely new and different metal technology. Therefore, there is no suitable manufacturing infrastructure yet to take full advantage of this alloy technology.

For example, I estimate that Apple will likely spend on the order of $300 million to $500 million — and three to five years — to mature the technology before it can used in large scale.

I’ve heard rumors that future MacBooks from Apple could use Liquidmetal casing, what would that be like? Is it likely to happen?

Given the size of MacBook and scale of Apple products, I think it’s unlikely that Liquidmetal casing will be used in MacBooks in the near term. It’s more likely in the form of small component such as a hinge or bracket. A MacBook casing, such as a unibody, will take two to four more years to implement

How does Liquidmetal compare to the metal, glass, and plastic used in mobile devices now?

Each material has its own advantage and disadvantages. Plastics are low cost to manufacture into complex shapes but not strong enough. Metals are strong but difficult to produce into complex shapes. And glass feels and looks beautiful but is highly fragile. Liquidmetal can combine these advantages and remedy some of these shortcomings.

Is there anything else relating to mobile gadgets and Liquidmetal that you think people should know about?

I expect Liquidmetal application in two ways: First evolutionary substitution of current materials and secondly, and more importantly, in a breakthrough product made only possible by Liquidmetal technology. Apple’s exclusively licensing a new material technology (specifically for casing and enclosures) is a first in the industry.

This is very exciting. Therefore, I expect Apple to use this technology in a breakthrough product. Such product will likely bring an innovative user interface and industrial design together, and will also be very difficult to copy or duplicate with other material technologies.

You can read the full interview at BusinessInsider.

Report: Apple building thinner and lighter Liquidmetal next-gen iPhone (9to5mac.com)

Parallels app is now iPad Retina-optimized with iOS 5 compatibility

Élyse Betters May 2 2012 - 7:25 am PT

The app that lets users wirelessly access their Mac applications and Windows programs on-the-go, while running Parallels Desktop for Mac, was just updated to version 3.1.530.

Parallels Mobile allows users to remotely control all the software on a computer from an iOS device, but today’s upgrade includes iOS 5 compatibility and new iPad optimization. It also offers support for international keyboard layouts when working in Mac applications, fixed scrolling in Mac and Windows, and a host of other improvements.

The app requires Parallels Desktop for Mac version 6 or 7 (Amazon currently offers v7 for $62), but 9to5Mac found Parallels Desktop 7 to be a huge leap ahead of its predecessor. This is especially true for Lion users that want to run the odd Windows app, try Windows 8, or for devs that just want to run another instance of OS X.

Parallels Mobile is $4.99 in the App Store.

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AirPlay to older projectors with Kanex ATV Pro Adapter

Élyse Betters May 2 2012 - 7:01 am PT

Kanex just released an AirPlay mirroring adapter for VGA projectors that streams content wirelessly from computers and iOS devices to TVs and projectors through Apple TV.

The Kanex ATV Pro is geared toward legacy projectors lacking HDMI ports. The new tech connects to Apple TV’s HDMI output port, as well as other device’s HDMI ports, and offers a mini D-sub 15-pin VGA port and 3.5mm stereo minijack audio connection for aging projectors and sound systems. It is also power plug free and supports up to 1080p with vertical refresh rate range of 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

The result allows teachers and presenters with an iOS device to stream or mirror content directly to a VGA projector through an Apple TV without additional equipment, power, or infrastructure.

“Kanex is excited to be delivering a product that supports an interactive learning experience. We listened to the concerns surrounding technological modernization and designed a high-quality adapter that grants facilities an unmatched HD solution for iLearning with their iOS devices and Apple TVs,” explained Kanex President Kelvin Yan in a press release.

The ATV Pro is available now for $59. Additional details are available at Kanex’s website, and the presser is available below.

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Apple’s iOS chief Scott Forstall cashes in shares worth $38.7M

Jordan Kahn May 2 2012 - 6:45 am PT

Following Apple’s CEO Tim Cook selling off approximately 20,000 shares of company stock in March, new filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange commission discovered by Fortune’s Philip Elmer-Dewitt show iOS chief Scott Forstall recently sold 64,151 shares worth roughly $38.7 million:

The shares were the remains of a 120,000-share retention bonus that was granted in 2008, vested last month and reduced by 55,849 shares on March 24 to pay taxes. Forstall still holds 2,988 Apple shares worth, at Friday’s closing price, $1.8 million.

Many reported the over 64k shares sold by Forstall represent 95 percent of his current holdings in Apple Inc. However, that is not entirely true, because two new retention bonuses are coming his way in in the years ahead. Those shares could be worth over quarter billion dollars—if Apple continues increasing closer to the $1,000 per share target that many analysts are expecting.

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Updated OS X Mountain Lion Preview 3, 10.7.4, Xcode builds seeded to developers

Mark Gurman May 1 2012 - 4:16 pm PT

Apple has released software updates to both of their already acknowledged, unreleased Mac OS X updates: Mountain Lion and Lion 10.7.4. The OS X Mountain Lion is a not a full new Developer Preview, but is simply an update to the already released Developer Preview 3. Changes are currently unknown, but please send in anything you find to tips@9to5mac.com. The update weighs in at 1.45GB on a MacBook Air, but that may vary on other machines. Similiarly, Apple released a few minor developer preview updates during the OS X Lion beta period.

In addition, Apple has seeded a new build of 10.7.4 to developers. The build number is 11E53, and this is notable as this is only a single build shift from last week’s release of 10.7.4 build 11E52. A slow down in build number changes often means an imminent release of whatever OS X update is being tested. Augmenting this possibility is that Apple has added the 10.7.4 change log to the installer application for the beta. Apple says the build has no known issues but asks developers to focus their testing on graphics, iCal, Mail, Printing, and Time Machine.

Apple has also released Developer Preview 4 of Xcode 4.4. The Xcode preview requires either OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Lion.

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Senator Tom Coburn says he’s ‘absolutely livid’ about Apple’s tax practices

Jake Smith May 1 2012 - 2:03 pm PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8bAEVhciCY&start=649]

Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma appeared on “Morning Joe” earlier this morning to talk the debt crisis. During the interview, a question came up about a piece The New York Times ran this weekend that discussed Apple’s tactics of legally skirting billions in taxes each year by using tax havens like Nevada, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Virgin Islands. Keep in mind: These practices are perfectly legal and other large companies are doing the same. However, when the Senator was asked about the topic, Coburn sternly replied that he’s “absolutely livid.”

As a solution to the issue, Coburn said that the nation needs to “reform the tax code,” which he said will lead to economic growth. The senator also said he has begun work with Michigan Senator Carl Levin to look into how Apple is doing this. The big thing it looks like the senator wants to do is bring the funds from these larger companies back into the United States to help put more money back into the economy—obviously through large taxes.

Apple currently has $74 billion of its money off-shores, and it is pushing, along with other companies, for a tax-holiday where it could bring its money back into the U.S at a cut tax rate. Apple responded to the NYT piece on Sunday:

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