Macintosh

342 'Macintosh' stories December 2010 - July 2014

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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 Store visuals revamped with inspiration from recent TV campaigns

Ben Lovejoy Jul 1 2014 - 4:54 am PT

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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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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Apple releases OS X 10.9.4 with WiFi & wake-from-sleep fixes, Safari 7.0.5

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2014 - 10:12 am PT

In addition to releasing iOS 7.1.2 today for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, Apple has just released OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 for Macs (direct combo update download link). The update brings various bug fixes, improvements, and security enhancements to the Mac:

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Apple also provides new OS X 10.9.4 seed to non-developer AppleSeed testers

Mark Gurman Jun 20 2014 - 12:40 pm PT

We noted yesterday that Apple released OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 build 13E19 to developers, and now users of Apple’s customer AppleSeed software testing program are reporting that the seed has also gone out to those non-developers. 10.9.4 is a bug fix release without major feature enhancements, and it is unclear when it will ship publicly to all Mac users. This fall, Apple will ship OS X 10.10 Yosemite with a refreshed user interface, new Continuity features, and improved applications.

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Apple releases new cheaper iMac with low-end processor, priced at $1099

Benjamin Mayo Jun 18 2014 - 5:05 am PT

As rumored last week, Apple has today released a new model of iMac. These machines are considerably cheaper than their predecessors, priced at $1099. Previously, the cheapest iMac SKU was priced at $1299 (which is now the mid-range model).

The cheaper iMac features a 1.4 GHz dual-core i5 CPU, which represents a significant worsening in performance over the previous base model of iMac, which featured a processor clocked at 2.7 GHz. The CPU does Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz however, which does make up some of the difference.

Aside from the CPU, the hard drive has also been cut to 500 GB. The new model also features a lower-end integrated graphics chip. All other iMac models continue to use either Iris Pro integrated graphics or dedicated Nvidia cards. Otherwise, the internals of the new machine are unchanged.

Apple’s Press release below…

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Apple seeds update to OS X Yosemite Developer Preview

Mark Gurman Jun 17 2014 - 10:07 am PT

Alongside the second beta of iOS 8, Apple has provided an update to the OS X Yosemite Developer Preview. Yosemite brings many new features to the Mac, including a new design, Continuity features, and enhanced applications. We’ll update this post with new discoveries in the new preview as they are found. You can let us know what you find at tips@9to5mac.com.

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Apple releases SMC update for mid-2013 MacBook Airs to address battery issues

Michael Steeber Jun 9 2014 - 2:16 pm PT

Apple has issued SMC update 2.0 for all mid-2013 MacBook Airs, citing a fix for battery problems while the computer’s screen is closed.

This update addresses an issue which may cause the battery to drain faster than expected when the lid is closed.

You can download the update here or in the Mac App Store.

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Apple posts OS X Yosemite design video from WWDC keynote

Mark Gurman Jun 9 2014 - 1:58 pm PT

Apple has posted the video about OS X Yosemite’s new design from the WWDC keynote. The video gives a look at the system’s new inherent translucency, cleaner layout, redesigned icons, and new buttons. You can watch it below:

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Giveaway: Win a Pad & Quill accessory pack for iPhone, iPad, & Mac ahead of Father’s Day ($600 value)

Zac Hall Jun 5 2014 - 2:28 pm PT

Update: Our winners have been chosen at random and contacted. As thanks for everyone participating, Pad & Quill is generously offering 15% off any order for a limited time to our readers using the coupon code DAD14 at checkout. 6/12/14

With Father’s Day quickly approaching, our friends over at Pad & Quill are teaming up with us to give away some cool bags and cases for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more. Pad & Quill makes super well-crafted accessories that look and feel very rich and thought out. We’ve had the chance to cover and review several of their products in the past.

We’ll be picking one grand prize winner to receive Pad & Quill’s Field Bag, Aria for iPad Air case, Bell Fino for iPhone 5s case, and any choice of Pad & Quill MacBook case for free (over a $600 value). In addition to the grand prize winner, two additional winners will be selected each to receive their own choice of any Pad & Quill iPhone or iPad case. Find out how to enter after the break…
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Review: TwelveSouth HoverBar 3 positions your iPad right where you want it

Ben Lovejoy Jun 3 2014 - 6:00 am PT

There are times when an iPad can act as a handy sidekick to your Mac, but with a typical iPad stand you end up looking a little like a nodding dog as you look up at your monitor and down at your iPad. The TwelveSouth HoverBar 3 is designed to solve that, positioning your iPad display right next to your iMac or Apple Thunderbolt/Cinema Display.

The HoverBar can also be used on its own to position an iPad more comfortably, especially when using it to watch movies …
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Apple posts stream & download of WWDC 2014 video

Benjamin Mayo Jun 2 2014 - 12:35 pm PT

Update: Download is now available on iTunes.

You can now rewatch the WWDC 2014 keynote online at Apple.com. You can also read full coverage of all the announcements here on 9to5Mac.

Apple usually posts downloads of the event, through podcasts in the iTunes Store, shortly afterwards too. We’ll update when these go live.

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Apple improving cross-platform integration between iOS and OS X, cross-platform AirDrop, Handoff, instant hotspot and more

Benjamin Mayo Jun 2 2014 - 10:39 am PT

Apple wants users to be able to smoothly move between their Macs and iOS devices. AirDrop now interoperates between Mac and iOS devices. However, it goes further. Handoff allows you to send a document from your Mac to your iOS device, just by being in close proximity to each other.

The Mac also notices when an iOS device is nearby for Personal Hotspot. The phone appears in the WiFi menu, shown above, and with one-click the phone connects to the Mac and the devices start tethering.

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Katie Cotton finishes up at Apple just ahead of WWDC

Mark Gurman May 30 2014 - 4:51 pm PT

Following up on their earlier report, Re/code is reporting that Katie Cotton’s last day at Apple is today. Cotton has been Apple’s PR chief and Vice President of Corporate Communications since the return of Steve Jobs in the 1990s. Her departure comes just days ahead of Apple’s developer conference, but you can bet Cotton was heavily involved in decisions surrounding the event. Kara Swisher has a great tribute to Cotton’s career that is well worth a read.

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Apple seeds first beta of OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 to developers

Mark Gurman May 28 2014 - 10:20 am PT

Just a couple of weeks after releasing OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 to users, Apple has seeded the first beta of the upcoming OS X 10.9.4 to developers. We first reported that Apple was nearing a release of OS X 10.9.4 in beta to developers. It’s unclear what changes are in store with the new system, but hopefully it fixes the many headaches that Mac Pro users have been facing since 10.9.3’s release earlier this month. No word on when 10.9.4 will go public, but it is interesting that this Mavericks release will be in beta in tandem with OS X 10.10‘s beta release next week at WWDC. Thanks, D!

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Slipping shipping times may support analyst prediction of new, cheaper iMacs launching at WWDC

Ben Lovejoy May 26 2014 - 6:53 am PT

Slipping shipping times for iMacs on Apple’s site may support a timeline released last month by KGI Research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicating that new, lower-cost iMacs could be launched this quarter.

Apple usually quotes 24 hours for delivery of standard-configuration iMacs, but is currently showing 3-5 business days across the range. Increased shipping times are sometimes an indication of lower or sporadic stocks, which tend to precede the launch of new models. With WWDC just one week away, that would be a logical time to announce them …
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“Where’s the mouse?” Today’s kids try to figure out an Apple II [Video]

Ben Lovejoy May 26 2014 - 4:50 am PT

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF7EpEnglgk]

If you ever wanted an illustration of how far computer technology has come in a single generation, this video portrays it well. A bunch of kids who’ve grown up with Macs, iPads and iPhones, and for whom apps and the web are as natural as breathing, try their hand at an Apple II – starting with the challenge of how to switch it on.

Scarily, I’m old enough to have used an Apple II and now feel slightly nostalgic, but I don’t think I’ll be trading in my MacBook Pro anytime soon.

Apple tells AppleSeed folks they’ll soon be testing OS X 10.9.4

Mark Gurman May 16 2014 - 9:57 am PT

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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Many users experiencing a hidden /Users folder after upgrading to OS X 10.9.3, here’s how to fix

Benjamin Mayo May 16 2014 - 6:48 am PT

Update: The glitch may be related with the latest versions of Find My Mac and iTunes, according to testing by The Mac Observer.

Since upgrading to OS X 10.9.3, some users are reporting that their /Users folder is now hidden. This means the folder is no longer visible when looking at the root of the hard drive in the Finder, which is inconvenient for Macs with multiple users installed.

With OS X Lion, Apple took the liberty to hide the Library folder from OS X users. However, it does not seem like hiding the /Users directory is an Apple design decision. Many users are still seeing this folder after updating and the behaviour is consistent. The most likely conclusion is that is simply a bug that slipped through to final release, despite Apple’s new beta testing program. If you are affected by this bug, you can find out how to make your /Users folder visible again after the break …

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

Benjamin Mayo May 12 2014 - 5:21 am PT

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.

Footprint of Apple’s ‘spaceship’ campus clearly visible in latest aerial photos

Benjamin Mayo May 8 2014 - 5:51 am PT

Following up on an aerial shot posted last week, AppleToolbox has taken a handful of much clearer photos, showing the progress of Apple’s new campus.

AppleToolbox says it took these images yesterday, so they should reflect the most recent state of the project. The spaceship imprint of the main building can now be clearly seen on the ground. The images also show quite a lot of construction activity is already underway. Images of the excavated plot for the ancillary buildings are also visible, which will be dedicated to research and development facilities.

Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer was leading the development of the project, but it still unclear who has taken over these responsibilities since he announced his retirement in March.

Apple is currently planning to open the new campus to its employees in roughly two years time.
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Apple to increase share buybacks to $90 billion, announces seven-to-one stock split, increase dividend to $3.29 per share

Benjamin Mayo Apr 23 2014 - 1:32 pm PT

As part of Apple’s earnings releases, Apple has announced an extension to its buyback plans. The company will now buyback an additional $30 billion of Apple stock, totalling $90 billion, significantly accelerating its original plans.

Apple® today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized another significant increase to the Company’s program to return capital to shareholders. The Company expects to utilize a total of over $130 billion of cash under the expanded program by the end of calendar 2015.

The board has also announced a seven-for-one stock split beginning June 2nd 2014. Apple last split its stock in 2005, nine years ago. Apple will also increase the dividend by about 8 percent to $3.29 per common share. This will begin on May 15th. Apple plans to increase its dividend every year. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Cook said that the buyback will “show you how much confidence we have in the future of the company”.

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Wall Street predicts just two percent year-on-year growth in iPhone sales

Ben Lovejoy Apr 17 2014 - 5:06 am PT

Fortune has its usual roundup of what the analysts are expecting Apple to report in iPhone sales next week, and the forecasts make worrying reading. The overall average is for quarterly sales of 38.2 million, which would represent year-on-year growth of just two percent.

Adding to the concern, ten of the 32 analysts included in Fortune‘s poll predict a fall in sales when compared to the same quarter last year.

With the new iPhones having generated record sales in their opening weekend, and Apple having reported all-time quarterly high iPhone sales in Q1, the question is why the pessimism regarding Q2 … ?
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Opinion: Should Apple settle its Android disputes and move on?

Ben Lovejoy Apr 15 2014 - 6:59 am PT

With Apple in the midst of its second major court battle with Samsung over alleged patent violations, and all but one of the five claims relating to Android rather than to anything Samsung-specific, it’s gotten me wondering whether further cases of this kind are truly beneficial to Apple.

I understand it emotionally, of course. It’s galling to work hard on a hugely popular hardware design or user-interface only to see someone else copy parts of it, and the desire to hit back at that is a natural one. But I’m not sure that it makes too much sense rationally …
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