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iOS

4,992 'iOS' stories August 2010 - May 2014
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The world’s most advanced mobile operating system

iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system that runs on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Historically, Apple releases a new iOS version once a year, the current version is iOS 13.

In 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone and iPhone OS. During the event, Jobs referred to the operating system as OS X because it shared a similar Unix core compared to the Mac. When Apple launched the iPhone SDK a year later, they officially changed the name to iPhone OS.

In the summer of 2008, Apple added the App Store to iPhone OS with version 2.0, and this set the stage for the “app economy” that we still enjoy to this day.

Version 3.0 was released in 2009, and it included copy/paste, MMS support, Spotlight, mobile tethering, and push notifications for 3rd party apps.

In version 4, Apple finally renamed iPhone OS to iOS (with the iPad sharing the same software). The major features were multitasking and FaceTime.

iOS 5.0 introduced Notification Center, iMessage, Siri, and iCloud.

iOS 6.0 removes Google Maps in favor of Apple Maps and added the Passbook app (now known as Wallet).

Version 7.0 brought a dramatic redesign of iOS with a new font, flatter icons, a and new Photos app. The redesign was led by Jony Ive.

Version iOS 8.0, Apple finally allowed third-party keyboards and the ability to share files from different apps.

Version 9.0 included Apple Maps, an overhauled Notes app, and multitasking for iPad.

Version 10.0 included an SDK for Siri, Maps, and iMessages.

Version 11.0 included a new iPad Dock, Customizable Control center, drag and drop on iPad, and the Files app with third-party integration.

Version 12.0 added Screen Time features for managing your time on devices, the Shortcuts app, ARKit 2.0, and Memoji.

iOS 13 added Dark Mode, swipe-style typing, a redesigned share sheet, made app downloads 50% smaller, 2x faster app launch speed, Memoji Stickers and Memoji Makeup, HomeKit-enabled routers and HomeKit Secure Video, a new “Sign in with Apple” option for logging into third-party services, all-new Apple Maps, and much more.

Compatible Devices with iOS 13

  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPod touch (7th generation)
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Amazon Cloud Drive Photos app gets revamped albums w/ large cover photos & more

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 20 2014 - 12:09 pm PT
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Amazon updated its Cloud Drive Photos app for iOS today with a few nice new features for viewing and managing photos and video stored in the app.

The app, which offers 5GB of storage free and automatically backs up photo and video from your iOS device, now includes a revamped album view with large cover photos in addition to other new photo management features. You’ll also now see your photo as its being uploaded within the progress indicator as well as dates when transitioning between months and years while viewing photos: Swiping through photos in the single photo view now lets you know when you transition between months or years. 

Lastly, Amazon notes the app now includes a filter to sort photos by newest or oldest first.

The updated Amazon Cloud Drive Photos app is available now on the App Store.

What’s New in Version 3.1.0

– New Album View: Quickly scroll through your albums with large, beautiful cover photos for each of them
– Upload Progress: See your photos as their being uploaded to the cloud
– Know when your photos were taken: Swiping through photos in the single photo view now lets you know when you transition between months or years
– Sort your Photos: Choose to see your photos newest first or oldest first
– Bug and Crash Fixes

Verizon rolling out VoLTE in ‘coming months’, could bolster iOS 8 FaceTime

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 20 2014 - 11:24 am PT
14 Comments
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Verizon Wireless is officially joining in on this year’s major new cellular network technology: Voice over LTE, or “VoLTE.” VoLTE allows voice calls on compatible smartphones to be made over the previously-data only LTE network technology. This allows for higher-quality, better sounding (“HD Voice”) phone calls to be placed. The rollout will occur “later this year”, or “in the coming months” depending on which part of the press release you believe:


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Apple expands in-store iPad trade-in program overseas starting w/ UK, France, Germany, & Spain

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 19 2014 - 8:43 am PT
3 Comments
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Update #2: The UK and Spain too. Apple is advertising the new program on its website in the new countries (pictured right).

Update: The iPad trade-in program is now available in Germany, according to a report from Macerkopf.de.

Last month we reported that Apple launched a new in-store iPad trade-in program on Earth Day in the US and Canada, and now the program has reportedly expanded to France. iPhoneaddict.fr reports that Apple confirmed the program has launched at Apple Stores in the country, which are currently accepting iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, and iPad mini for trade-in value towards a new iOS device. Like in the US and Canada, the program doesn’t allow customers to trade-in the current gen iPad Air or iPad mini with Retina display.
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Apple tells AppleSeed folks they’ll soon be testing OS X 10.9.4

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 16 2014 - 9:57 am PT
3 Comments

Shocker. Now that OS X 10.9.3 has finally been released publicly, Apple has told its AppleSeed testing group (Apple’s customer software seeding program) that they will automatically be enrolled in the testing phase for the upcoming OS X 10.9.4:

We reported a few weeks ago that Apple has begun development of 10.9.4 and has already seeded some alphas to employees. No word yet on what 10.9.4 includes, but it probably has some bug fixes and maybe even some new bugs.


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Review: Proximo, the feature-packed Bluetooth tagging system for the forgetful

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy May 16 2014 - 7:35 am PT
6 Comments
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We’ve all done it. You put your keys down, and five minutes later you have no idea where they are. You could swear you put your phone on the kitchen table last night, but it’s not there now. You put your bag under the restaurant table and then walk out without it. Doing all three in the same week might suggest the help you need is more medical than technological, but for those occasions when you do one or other of them, Proximo is designed to help.

Bluetooth tags also provides some degree of protection against theft, where you’ll be alerted to any of your tagged items walking off.

There are a number of different tagging systems on the market, with varying levels of functionality. Proximo is one of the more sophisticated, offering five different features …
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Flappy Bird creator teases new game in screenshot

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 15 2014 - 1:54 pm PT
5 Comments

Just a day after Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen told CNBC his hit iOS game would return to the App Store in August, today the developer is teasing a new game currently in development.

Despite reportedly confirming Flappy Bird would make a return, Nguyen’s tweet about his new game reads, “I am making a new game. So people can forget about Flappy Bird for a while.” 

There aren’t any other details on the game or a timeframe for release, but Nguyen did provide the screenshot above which appears to show similar gameplay to Flappy Bird.

iPhone 6 with larger, sharper 1704 x 960 resolution screen in testing

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 14 2014 - 6:45 am PT
76 Comments
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Apple is preparing to release a new iPhone with a larger screen later this year, and while multiple reports have indicated that the screen will be larger, the exact dimensions of the screen and its resolution have so far been guesswork.

Some industry watchers have speculated that Apple could stretch the iPhone software’s interface and retain the iPhone 5s’s screen resolution of 1136 x 640. This approach would allow all iOS software and App Store apps to function normally on the iPhone 6 without work from developers. The downside of this approach would be that the iPhone 6’s display would fall below Steve Jobs’ somewhat arbitrary 300 pixels per inch definition of ‘Retina’ for a phone.

Just like with the transition to the iPhone 4’s Retina display in 2010 and the transition to the iPhone 5’s taller screen in 2012, Apple is preparing major resolution changes for the iPhone 6 that will require software changes by both Apple and developers, according to people briefed on the specifications of the new device…


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Columbia University students create software allowing native iOS apps to run on Android devices

Avatar for Mike Beasley May 13 2014 - 8:20 pm PT
27 Comments
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Photo: Reuters

For some time now, iOS users have cited the quality and quantity of third-party software available for the platform as an important factor in their choice of mobile devices. Over the years Android has amassed its own collection of apps and users have continued butting heads over which system had the better selection.

Now, six Columbia University students have bridged the gap between the two platforms with something called Cider (via The Next Web). Not to be confused with the other Cider software (for OS X), the Android version of Cider essentially fools iOS applications into believing they’re running on an actual iPhone or iPad.


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Apple adds iOS Developer interface design guidelines book to iBooks

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 13 2014 - 3:50 pm PT
4 Comments

Apple has added the iOS Human Interface Guidelines for App Store app designers to the iBookstore. Previously, the guidelines were solely available from the online Apple developer portal, and the addition to the iBookstore makes the guidelines for designing iOS 7 apps more easily accessible.

Federico Viticci notes at MacStories that the book is properly optimized for viewing on the iPad:

The 20 MB guide is compatible with iPads as well as Macs running iBooks on OS X Mavericks, and it takes advantage of the app with inline video playback, two-page page layouts, and built-in annotations (plus, of course, font size and color controls for reading settings).

The book can be downloaded for free on iOS or OS X.

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Review all types of 3D files with this free new Autodesk app for iOS and Mac

Avatar for 9to5 Staff May 13 2014 - 11:25 am PT
2 Comments

[ooyala code=”tyZ3RkZDptTdk4MiQaHJVCnxUdZyD8pf” player_id=”null”]

Today Autodesk launched FBX Review for Apple Mac OS X and iOS 7. The free standalone app gives professional artists and animators a powerful, lightweight tool to conduct detailed reviews of a wide range of 3D assets, including detailed 3D models, environments and character animations.

Now artists on the Windows or Apple platforms can use FBX Review to view 3D assets with a full feature set, without using commercial 3D animation software. An artist working in Autodesk 3ds Max can send an animation file to anyone who has installed FBX Review, and the recipient will have a full menu of features with which to view the assets.

New features coming to the Apple platforms are:

  • Support for ZIP files: makes asset review easier by supporting ZIP files containing both geometry and texture files. When opening the ZIP fileFBX Review automatically assigns the textures, helping to streamline the review process by eliminating the need to bake textures.
  • Geometry cache support: supports geometry cache playback, including Maya cache, 3ds Max cache, and the Alembic cache format. Geometry cache support is available only on desktop versions of FBX Review.
  • Re-focus perspective camera: FX Review now supports changing the focus of the perspective camera by double tapping (mobile) or double-clicking (desktop) on the desired area of focus.

To download FBX Review for iOS, visit: http://autode.sk/1qzHAFX  and for Mac OS X: http://autode.sk/1spZtmp 

For a complete list of FBX Review features, visit: http://area.autodesk.com/products/features/fbx

Apple plans to match Microsoft Surface with split-screen iPad multitasking in iOS 8

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 13 2014 - 6:30 am PT
120 Comments
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iOS 8 is likely to supercharge the functionality of Apple’s iPad with a new split-screen multitasking feature, according to sources with knowledge of the enhancement in development. These people say that the feature will allow iPad users to run and interact with two iPad applications at once. Up until now, each iPad application either developed by Apple or available on the App Store is only usable individually in a full-screen view.


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Beats acquisition may be part of a new focus on music quality, suggests Japanese blog

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy May 13 2014 - 4:29 am PT
33 Comments
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Following the presumed acquisition of Beats, Apple plans to up its music game with support for high-resolution audio files in a revamped Music app in iOS 8, and to offer a higher-quality version of its In-Ear Headphones, reports Japanese blog Macotakara. 

The source of the high-res audio rumor appears somewhat circumstantial, linked to a Warner Music post about the forthcoming release of a ‘Super Deluxe’ version of three remastered early Led Zeppelin albums in 96kHz/24-bit form – a resolution the current iOS Music app cannot play. It is, however, consistent with a similar earlier rumor regarding iTunes support for higher-quality audio … 
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Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine could hit the WWDC stage in early June as Apple execs

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 12 2014 - 11:28 am PT
3 Comments
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If the Apple acquisition of Beats Electronics actually moves forward, co-founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine could see their grand introductions as Apple executives at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in early June. That’s at least according to Billboard, which has a great track record in covering the music industry…


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Twitter officially rolling out ‘mute’ function to its mobile and web apps, enhances iPad app

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 12 2014 - 10:36 am PT
5 Comments

<a href="https://twitter.com/missambear/status/461870350301941760">Images from @missambear</a>

After a limited test period, Twitter has officially begun rolling out mute functionality to its iOS, Android, and Web applications. The mute feature allows users to block out Tweets and Retweets from individual people in their timelines without actually unfollowing those users.

In the same way you can turn on device notifications so you never miss a Tweet from your favorite users, you can now mute users you’d like to hear from less. Muting a user on Twitter means their Tweets and Retweets will no longer be visible in your home timeline, and you will no longer receive push or SMS notifications from that user. The muted user will still be able to fave, reply to, and retweet your Tweets; you just won’t see any of that activity in your timeline. The muted user will not know that you’ve muted them, and of course you can unmute at any time. To mute a user from a Tweet on your iOS or Android device or on Twitter for web tap more and then mute @username. To mute someone from their profile page, tap the gear icon on the page and choose mute @username.

It appears the feature is rolling out over-the-air, so an update from the App Store or Google Play is unlikely to be required at this time. The feature will roll out to all users over the coming weeks, according to Twitter.

In other Twitter news, the social network has brought some new features to the iPad:


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Hyper launches the first Made-for-iPhone/iPad USB flash drive w/ built-in Lightning connector

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 12 2014 - 7:59 am PT
41 Comments
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Hyper— we’ve reviewed some of its MacBook batteries and iPhone accessories in the past— is today announcing the first Made-For-iPhone/iPad/iPod touch (MFi) flash drive that includes a built-in Lightning connector. Unfortunately you can’t get your hands on one just yet, but you can preorder through a funding campaign the company just launched on Kickstarter.

Hyper told us it’s been working on the product for over two years and just recently got approval from Apple: “As expected, Apple had many concerns for iOS storage products like the iStick. We actually started MFi application for this product more than 2 years ago. It was definitely not an easy process but we managed to address all of Apple’s concerns and finally just got MFi approval.”


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Apple improves refund turnaround times for returns to less than a week

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo May 12 2014 - 5:21 am PT
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A retail research firm is reporting that Apple has improved its return systems for customers, via Reuters. Customers can now get a refund in a less than a week, whereas it used to take about ten days.

The report says Apple has transitioned to a new expedited shipping service, which ships returned products back to Apple within three days. In turn, this means customers get their money back faster. The new delivery method was first spotted during the holiday period and now seems to be a permanent measure.

Reuters positions the change as a way to lift online sales. This seems a little farfetched, and is unlikely to significantly affect purchasing decisions, but it will no doubt be appreciated by Apple’s customer base. Perhaps, it will help customer satisfaction slightly, Tim Cook’s favorite statistic.

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Apple warns developers of scheduled four hour iTunes Connect maintenance happening May 14th

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 10 2014 - 7:16 am PT
1 Comment

 

Apple has notified developers via email that iTunes Connect, the website used to manage and submit applications, will be down for maintenance on May 14th. According to the notice, maintenance will began at 8 AM Pacific Time and last for approximately four hours. Apple does not specify if any user-facing changes will be made, but perhaps Apple is making preparations for some announcements coming in just a few weeks at the 2014 Worldwide Developers Conference. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!


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Apple-partner Vimeo revamps its iOS app with new design, faster video loading

Avatar for Mark Gurman May 9 2014 - 2:16 pm PT
5 Comments

Vimeo has updated its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application with a new, lighter design as well as some helpful new features. The “friendlier” design is easier to navigate, lighter, and cleaner and features more user-interface elements to blend into the design aesthetic of iOS 7. Vimeo became an iOS partner last year with integrated Vimeo video uploading in iOS 7.


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Target replacing employee PDAs with iPod touch this summer

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 8 2014 - 9:04 pm PT
3 Comments
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Target is in the process of switching its sales floor staff away from the old PDA and LPDA systems they previously carried to Apple’s iPod touch. The new iPod touch-based system is set to roll out to Target stores later this year, according to an internal newsletter the company sent out to employees.

In the memo sent out to staff, Target explains that its old PDAs and LPDAs that employees are currently using have “reached the end of their lifespans— and they’re running a crazy quilt of dozens of applications that have been patched together over the years.” The company notes that its Store Operations team ran tests to find the best solution and ultimately settled on the iPod touch:
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California passes bill forcing smartphone makers to offer kill switch by July 2015

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 8 2014 - 2:49 pm PT
4 Comments
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Bloomberg reports California’s Senate has passed a bill that will force smartphone makers like Apple to implement “technology that would let customers remotely wipe data from their devices and render them inoperable when stolen.” Officials have been attempting to pass similar bills with no luck but have since made tweaks to the legislation removing tablets and other terms.

Under the new bill, smartphones sold in California must include the technology starting in July 2015. While the bill was passing 25-8, the margin in the Democratic-controlled Senate can change as absent members continue to enter votes. The state Assembly, also controlled by Democrats, will consider the legislation next.

Last year Apple introduced new theft deterrent features with iOS 7 just as government officials in San Francisco were increasing pressure on smartphone makers to implement such features. While the new “Activation Lock” feature requires an Apple ID and password to reactivate a stolen phone after being remotely erased/wiped by the owner, it fell short of a kill switch feature that officials were hoping for and required the user to enable it. Google has since introduced similar features.

Samsung and Google have yet to respond to comment on the bill, but an Apple spokesperson told Bloomberg the following:
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Belkin’s new $99 QODE Thin Type keyboard case for iPad Air now available

Avatar for Jordan Kahn May 8 2014 - 6:43 am PT
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Originally announced back in October after Apple announced the iPad Air, Belkin today let us know that its new QODE Thin Type keyboard for iPad Air is now available to purchase worldwide. 

Tipping the scales at just over 12 ounces, the Thin Type is lighter than the iPad Air itself and provides a productive, laptop-like typing experience and screen protection in a svelte package… The QODE Thin Type features Belkin’s exclusive TruType technology with well-spaced, responsive keys for faster, more accurate typing. It also has a new smart sensing technology that automatically turns the keyboard on or off when open or closed, helping make active battery life an impressive 79 hours.

The case acts as a screen cover when not in use, packs in Belkin’s usual high-quality Bluetooth keyboard with TruType keys, and also includes “secure-hold” magnets to attach to the iPad. The case measures in at less than 4mm thin, will automatically shut off when not in use, and will last for around 79 hours on a single charge (31o0 hrs on standby), according to the company.

The new QODE Thin Type keyboard is now available for $99.99 from Belkin in an anodized aluminium color to match the iPad Air with either white or dark gray keys.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37f452RadB0]

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GoodReader update adds masses of editing flexibility, offers 60 percent discount

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy May 8 2014 - 4:49 am PT
6 Comments

GoodReader, the popular PDF management app for iOS, has been updated to version 4 – with a mass of new editing features. New features are:

  • Insert blank pages for notes and drawings, solving the problem of not having enough space to annotate or draw images on a document
  • Rearrange pages in a document
  • Rotate individual pages – or even all of them
  • Delete any pages from a document
  • Extract individual pages as separate files, and split PDF files into halves – enabling a sub-set of pages to be shared as its own file
  • Email individual pages rather than the entire document
  • Append pages from other PDF files …


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