Apple

6,135 'Apple News' stories November 2008 - July 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

Apple hires Patrick Pruniaux, VP of Tag Heuer Sales and Retail, for iWatch marketing

Mark Gurman Jul 4 2014 - 8:37 am PT

Earlier today, the CEO of Tag Heuer revealed to CNBC that Apple has hired one of the watch-makers sales directors. However, the company did not announce the name of this “director” or the person’s exact position. A source directly familiar with the Apple hire confirmed that the Cupertino-based company hired Patrick Pruniaux late last month. Pruniaux is not just any “Sales Director:” he was the Vice President of Sales and Retail, a major loss for Tag Heuer and a significant hire for Apple in the run up the launch of the Apple smart watch in October. Pruniaux is pictured in the photo above (second person from the right), and his LinkedIn profile reveals his impressive work in jewelry and watch marketing:

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Review: Transcend’s JetDrives add whopping 240-960GB SSD to MacBook Air at a great price

Seth Weintraub Jul 4 2014 - 7:34 am PT

See that little $190 daughter card up there^? It houses 240GB of Transcend SSD and it could replace the 64GB or 128GB SSD that came in your MacBook Air in as little as 5 minutes. Even better, Transcend just released larger versions in 480GB and 960GB sizes to blow your SATA III MacBook Air or Pro into new worlds of space. Keep in mind these are SATA-based SSDs and Apple’s latest round of MacBook Pro/Airs came with speedier PCIe SSDs so you can’t use these on Apple’s late 2013/2014 models (see bottom of the article for compatibility list).

I got my hands on a demo unit and took it for a test drive…

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Apple signs its first retail deal in Saudi Arabia

Mark Gurman Jul 4 2014 - 7:24 am PT

Less than two months after the Saudi Arabia government cleared Apple to begin marketing products and officially operate in the region, Apple has struck a sales deal with major Saudi Arabia-based retailer Jarir Bookstore. The deal includes both official sales inside of the Jarir retail stores as well as technical support for the products. Previously, Jarir had to use third-party means to secure its supply of Apple products, but now with Apple officially providing product supply, costs will go down for both the Bookstore and its customers, creating an overall improved experience for those looking to purchase Apple gadgets in Saudi Arabia.

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iWatch “an opportunity for high-end watch brands” says analyst as Apple hires TAG Heuer exec

Ben Lovejoy Jul 4 2014 - 5:28 am PT

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CNBC reports that Apple has hired the sales director of luxury Swiss watch maker TAG Heuer for an iWatch marketing role. The hire was reportedly confirmed by the head of the parent company’s watch brands, Jean-Claude Biver.

Biver said the watchmaker’s sales director left as recently as last week, “to take a contract with Apple” in order to launch the iWatch. LVMH owns Swiss watchmakers TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith …

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Decline of music downloads continues as on-demand streaming audio up 50 percent

Ben Lovejoy Jul 4 2014 - 4:18 am PT

beats

Apple’s presumed plans for an on-demand music service as part of its Beats acquisition is looking increasingly well-timed as Nielsen data shows that U.S. on-demand music consumption climbed 50.1 percent year-on-year, while music downloads fell by 12 percent in the same timeframe.

“With On-Demand streams surpassing 70 billion songs in the first six months of 2014, streaming continues to be an increasingly significant portion of the music industry,” says David Bakula, SVP Nielsen Entertainment …

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Apple begins selling unlocked iPads in Japan

Jordan Kahn Jul 3 2014 - 12:41 pm PT

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Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 3.28.20 PM

Apple confirmed today that it has released an unlocked variant of its cellular iPad in Japan allowing users to buy the device and use it with their carrier of choice.
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Apple patent details automatically adjusting security settings based on location, biosensors & behavior

Jordan Kahn Jul 3 2014 - 6:48 am PT

Apple-Patent-app-july-3-01

A new patent application published today by the United States Patent & Trademark Office details a system Apple could use to automatically configure security and other settings of a device based on its location or the habits of its user (Google filed for the same patent 2 months prior but who’s counting?). The majority of the patent discusses intelligently adjusting settings by detecting a device’s location while using retinal scans, DNA, fingerprints, or other biosensors to present an appropriate level of security to the user:
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Video shows how 4.7-inch iPhone 6 screen will feel in the hand

Ben Lovejoy Jul 3 2014 - 4:23 am PT

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrM1u_gu49A]

We showed you photos a few days ago of what is claimed to be the display covers for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, which appeared to have slightly curved edges. Chinese site iFanr (via NWE) has now posted a video of the same part, giving a sense of how the larger phone will feel in the hand compared to the iPhone 5s …
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These iPhone 6 renders show design details that physical mockups ignore [Gallery]

Mark Gurman Jul 2 2014 - 3:42 pm PT

For months, physical mockups, display components, front covers, and schematics for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6 have leaked on the web. However, the physical reconstructions and diagrams simply do not do the potential design of the redesigned smartphone justice. Based on recent reports and earlier part leaks, designer Mark Pelin has created a set of iPhone 6 design renders that might just be the clearest and nicest looking view of the potential phone. You can see the full image gallery below from Pelin:

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Pro video editors say OS X 10.9.4 update resolves Mac Pro graphics rendering issues

Mark Gurman Jul 2 2014 - 12:27 pm PT

Earlier this week, Apple released OS X 10.9.4 with various enhancements and bug fixes for wake-from-sleep and WiFi connectivity. In addition to those fixes, many professional video editors who use Mac Pros are reporting that graphics rendering and performance issues found in the preceding OS X 10.9.3 have been resolved. Graphics card incompatibility issues with 2013 Mac Pros bundled with AMD D700 and D500 graphics engines resulted in videos stalling during the exporting process, pink and green lines appearing in exported video, and various application crashes and freezes with key video production apps like Adobe Premiere Pro and Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve…

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Support for .Mac and .Me AIM logins ends for OS X 10.7.1 or earlier, newer versions unaffected

Jordan Kahn Jul 2 2014 - 10:14 am PT

AIM-iChat As Apple previously announced in April, today marks the end of support for AIM in iChat using a me.com or mac.com ID for Macs running OS X Lion 10.7.1 or earlier. While some reports are claiming the change also appears to be affecting users on newer versions of OS X, we’ve confirmed with sources with knowledge of the situation that users running 10.7.2 or higher, including Yosemite, will continue to have support for AIM.
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Wall Street ranks Apple world’s most respected company, analysts raise target share prices

Ben Lovejoy Jul 2 2014 - 4:52 am PT

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Barron’s reports that institutional investors have returned Apple to its number one slot in its annual ranking of the world’s most respected companies, after it was beaten last year by Berkshire Hathaway.

Apple topped this year’s ranking by scoring 3.94, giving it a wide margin of victory. Berkshire scored 3.58, and the mean was 2.37. Apple received the highest number of Highly Respect votes …

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Apple introduces official $49 Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter, connects with Kensington locks

Mark Gurman Jul 1 2014 - 8:39 pm PT

Apple has quietly introduced an official solution for users seeking to lock their 2013 Mac Pro to a stationary desk or other item. The $49 adapter attaches to the rear of the Mac Pro without any additional tools or instruction and can connect to a series of different Kensington locking mechanisms (via MacRumors). Here are the accessory’s highlights from Apple:

Enables Mac Pro (Late 2013) to be physically secured with a compatible lock (sold separately)
Attaches to Mac Pro without tools or enclosure modification
With a third-party lock attached, prevents Mac Pro from being opened, protecting internal components
Compatible with most standard Kensington or similar lock products

Earlier this year, third-party solutions with a more advanced setup process began hitting the Mac Pro accessory marketplace. This new Apple adapter marks the second first-party accessory optimized for the new Mac Pro design. Alongside the computer’s launch, Apple released black Thunderbolt cables to match the exterior color of the computer.

Customers interested in the new lock adapter will have the easiest time purchasing it from the Apple Online Store, which is currently showing shipment times of 24 hours. Apple’s stores, according to Apple’s ship to store tool, are not yet stocking the adapter.

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Apple defending its streaming technology used by MLB, ESPN, and others against patent dispute

Zac Hall Jul 1 2014 - 12:33 pm PT

Another day, another patent dispute. This time Apple is defending the use of its HTTP live-streaming service against Emblaze, Ltd., Bloomberg reports.

Specifically, the lawyer for Emblaze has accused Apple of pushing its video streaming technology on sports-related services like WatchESPN and MLB At Bat which support live streaming over apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and more.

Apple began working on its HTTP live-streaming service, or HLS, “no earlier than 2007,” demanding that services such as “At Bat” use the format to drive sales of iPhones and iPads — and inducing infringement of Emblaze’s patent, Pavane said.

“Apple’s HLS is nothing more than Emblaze’s patented solution under a different name,” he said.

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iPhone & iPad AppleCare+ purchase window extended to 60 days as standard plan discontinued

Mark Gurman Jul 1 2014 - 7:22 am PT

Apple today will be rolling out a couple of significant changes to its AppleCare support offerings. As we detailed in a report last month regarding Apple’s future plans for AppleCare, Apple will making a significant push for its premium AppleCare+ service. AppleCare+ is the iPhone and iPad protection plan offering that provides support for an additional two years (on top of the free 90 days of support) and support for up to two incidents of accidental damage.

Previously, customers were required to buy the plan within 30 days of purchase of an iPhone or iPad, but today’s change brings that purchase window to 60 days. This gives customers more time to decide if they will need enhanced support for their mobile Apple devices. The AppleCare+ plan costs $99 for both recent iPhone and iPad models. The plan can be purchased both via Apple’s Online Store or inside of official Apple retail stores. The AppleCare+ change is supported in all AppleCare+ regions except Japan, where the timeframe remains 30 days…

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Apple’s new & cheaper 16GB iPod touch with rear camera goes international

Mark Gurman Jul 1 2014 - 6:15 am PT

Apple has launched the cheaper 16GB version of the iPod touch with a 5 megapixel iSight camera internationally. The new iPod also comes in the same Space Gray, Silver, Pink, Yellow, Blue, and (Product) RED models as the 32GB and 64GB configurations. The new 16GB player first launched in the United States last week, but today marks the first time that the units are available at Apple’s sales channels across the world. The pricing of the 16GB iPod touch is now local equivalents to $199, which is a reduction from $229. The device is shipping within 24 hours from several online stores, including the ones for the U.K., France, Italy, and Germany.

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Apple Store visuals revamped with inspiration from recent TV campaigns

Ben Lovejoy Jul 1 2014 - 4:54 am PT

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IFO Apple Store reports that Apple is revamping its back-lit in-store photo panels, replacing its signature white-background product shots with visuals inspired by its recent advertising. Out are clean, sterile close-ups of the products, and in are colorful visuals showing what people are doing with the products.

The new graphics were photographed like magazine ads, showing the iPad/iPhone being used in actual situations, complete with their surrounding people and places. Their colors, tone and brightness is much richer and darker than the previous graphics …

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Samsung reportedly takes early lead in possible three-way battle to make Apple’s A9 processor

Ben Lovejoy Jul 1 2014 - 4:02 am PT

A report from DigiTimes claims that Samsung has received orders from Apple for chips made using its new 14nm process, with volume production set to ramp up in the course of next year.

The Samsung Electronics and Globalfoundries team reportedly has landed orders for its 14nm FinFET process from Qualcomm and Apple, with related foundry services to begin in early 2015, according to industry sources in Taiwan …

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Apple launches 2014 Back to School promotion: $100 Apple Store gift cards with Macs, $50 with iPad/iPhone

Benjamin Mayo Jul 1 2014 - 2:38 am PT

As we reported two weeks ago and again yesterday, Apple has today launched its Back to School promotion for this school season. Like previous years, qualifying student customers will get a free gift card alongside any purchase of a Mac, iPad or iPhone. While last year Apple gave out Mac App Store/iTunes cards, this year’s cards are for Apple Retail Stores.

Buying any Mac makes the buyer eligible for a $100 Apple Store gift card and $50 cards will be distributed alongside iPads and iPhones.

Interested students can buy any Mac (except for the Mac Mini), or any iPad or iPhone currently on sale at the Apple Store, to be eligible for the promotion. Students can also receive education discount pricing where applicable, alongside the gift card giveaway.

Back to School runs from today until September 9th and available in many regions, including the United States, Canada, the UK and many other countries in Europe.
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Hands-on: 1Password beta highlights iOS 8’s Touch ID & Extensions APIs (video)

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 9:22 pm PT

Besides new user features such as health tracking, user interface optimizations, and improved messaging, iOS 8 introduces several new APIs for developers that will result in improved App Store apps that tie even deeper into the system. Two of the most notable API additions in iOS 8 are Touch ID and Extensions. The Touch ID feature will allow developers to design applications that can use the iPhone 5s’s fingerprint scanner, and Extensions will allow them to integrate their own software into share sheets within other apps.

1Password, a popular password management program, is testing an updated version of its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application that taps into both of these APIs. We’ve gone hands-on with the beta version—which developer AgileBits stresses is still a pre-release build with functionality and interface elements that can and will change—and both features feel right at home in a third-party app. You can find tours of both the Touch ID and Extensions features below:

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Apple to announce Q3 2014 earnings results on July 22nd

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 3:49 pm PT

Apple has posted a note on its official Investor Relations website to indicate that it will be holding its Q3 2014 earnings results announcement and conference call on Tuesday, July 22nd. The call begins at 2PM PT/5PM ET, and Apple usually releases the numbers in the form of a press release around 1:30PM PT/ 4:30PM ET. This upcoming call will be the first under new CFO Luca Maestri, and he will likely be joined by Apple CEO Tim Cook on the call. We’ll have live coverage of the earnings results and notes of interest from the follow-up conference call.

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Apple’s annual Back to School promotion to start tomorrow

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 1:08 pm PT

<a href="http://www.aredesignawards.com/award_winner_detail.cfm?key=2009129">Retro Apple Store Back to School display</a>

As we reported two weeks ago, Apple’s annual Back to School promotion will begin tomorrow, according to sources. The program will be similar to last year’s offering, which provided $100 Mac App Store gift cards alongside Mac purchases and $50 cards with iPhone and iPad purchases. Apple will be re-decorating its stores overnight with a new education theme to go along with the new promotion. Earlier today, Apple unveiled upcoming iTunes U updates for the iPad, and the timing seems like anything but a coincidence.

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First comparison photos of black and white 4.7-inch iPhone 6 screen glass [Gallery]

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 11:54 am PT

Photos of physical mockups and various parts for the upcoming iPhone 6 have been leaking out an almost weekly basis over the course of the past several weeks. However, actual parts for the display cover for the larger phone have yet to leak out. Today, Sonny Dickson sent us several photos of purported display glass covers in both black and white variations for the 4.7-inch iPhone. Apple is also working on an even larger 5.5-inch “phablet” model, but we do not have photos of the screen covers for that model…

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Tim Cook & Eddy Cue once again invited to Sun Valley media conference

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 11:04 am PT

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior VP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue could once again be attending the Sun Valley media and financial conference in Idaho. Re/Code‘s Kara Swisher obtained the invited guest list for the conference, which also includes Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and various executives from Yahoo, Amazon, LinkedIn, and several other major companies. While the Apple executives were invited, there is no confirmation (as of yet) of their attendance…

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