Have you ever wanted to create your very own iPhone 6 mockup video? Well, today is your lucky day. Thanks to Chinese site Taobao you may have the opportunity to purchase one of these sketchy dummy devices. (Rumors not included.)
More images of an iPhone 6 mockup have recently been published via NoWhereElse. At this point, publishing these dummy models has become somewhat of a daily ritual, but they are definitely interesting to look at.
If it means anything, these are definitely the most detailed iPhone 6 dummy models that we’ve seen to date. Like previous mockups, there’s nothing special to see here, but if these models are designed around the rumored specifications, it may give us an idea of what’s coming down the line later this year.
A new rumor from Mac Otakara (via AppleInsider) indicates that the next-generation iPhone could sport curved edges in place of the squared edges found on every model of the iPhone since the iPhone 4 debuted in 2010. To facilitate this, the display glass would also be slightly curved, although probably not to the degree of some of the first curved phones that have been revealed.
This is the first we’ve heard of any rounded edges on the iPhone 6. Given how prevalant other rumors regarding the phone’s design, such as two models, each with a larger screen, have become in recent months, it seems a bit a bit odd that this design note is just now coming out. We’re calling this one a bit sketchy until there’s more information to support it.
Two Apple rumors have popped up today originating from the KoreaHerald and Chinese media outlet MyDrivers (via Gforgames) that claim to share new details about upcoming next-generation iPhones. The first report from MyDrivers claims that industry sources from Taiwan say Apple won’t move to sapphire for the next-gen iPhone display. It cites cost and limited production capacity, but claims Apple is prototyping an “iPhone 6” with sapphire display anyway. The biggest problem with this report— apart from the site’s track record— is that Apple recently acquired enough equipment for its new Arizona sapphire plant to produce 100-200 million 5-inch iPhone displays a year. While the report adds that Apple will likely use sapphire for the rumored iWatch display, it’s certainly preparing its Arizona plant to produce much beyond just that product.
Next we have the KoreaHerald report claiming that both Samsung and Apple are working on bezel-less displays and that Apple is prototyping one that includes a fingerprint sensor:
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Apple is working on a new version of the Apple TV, and according to MG Siegler, it could arrive as soon as next month. We have independently heard that a new version of the Apple TV is in development, but our sources have not provided a clear picture in terms of a launch timeframe.
Siegler says that the launch could occur in October, which is the month that we’re expecting new versions of the iPad arrive. It would make sense for Apple to launch the new Apple TV and iPads in tandem as this is a launch combination that it has done in the past (iPad 3 + Apple TV 3 in 2012)…
With a dramatic title of ‘Behold: The First Part Leaks of the Grey or Graphite iPhone 5S!’, Sonny Dickson has released what he claims are leaked photos of a fourth iPhone 5S color: grey.
Given the extent of the apparently solid leaks of the gold or champagne color, it would be odd for there to have been no prior leaks of a fourth color. There are several alternative explanations for what is apparently shown here.
First, this type of photo is very easy to fake, either in Photoshop or by overlaying readily-available black glass on a white iPhone. Second, it could be a genuine Apple prototype from a stage at which Apple was trying out other colors. Third, it could be a quality-control failure. Finally, and most likely of all, it could be a counterfeit. Counterfeit iPhones have been around in China for years (hell, there are even counterfeit Apple stores), some of which attempt to be close replicas and some of which use different colors. It’s a near-certainty that there are already knock-offs in existence based on the 5S.
Even lighting and angle can create this kind of illusion. The photo below is simply a standard white iPhone 5 which appears very similar in appearance to the claimed graphite 5S without any alteration:
This doesn’t appear likely to be the explanation in this case, as we see the phone from several angles, but it does serve as a useful reminder not to get too excited by such claims.
Remember what the iPhone 5 looked like in all the pre-announcement leaks?
Let me remind you; http://t.co/vWv9ZAUUx2 http://t.co/AxR3F51DHn
— 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓 (@sentry) August 26, 2013
None of this means the photos couldn’t be genuine, but that’s certainly not where we’d be putting our money. Either way, we don’t have too long to wait: the iPhone 5S is expected to be unveiled at a media event on 10th September and go on sale on the 20th.
<a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/08/10/new-mockups-claim-to-show-iphone-5s-and-iphone-5c-designs-gallery/">iPhone 5S/5C physical mockups</a>
Apple’s next two iPhone models will be named iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, according to a report from Japan-based Macotakara. With repeated reports and rumors of the next-generation iPhone retaining the same design as the iPhone 5, the “iPhone 5S” name has long been claimed and regarded as the name of the new flagship iPhone. Apple’s iPhone 4S and iPhone 3GS retained the designs of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G, respectively.
However, because of Apple’s surprise naming scheme for the third-generation iPad (The new iPad), an outright claim of the name “iPhone 5S” may be important to some interested in the upcoming device.
As for the “iPhone 5C,” this name gained attention when purported packaging materials for the upcoming, lower-cost, plastic iPhone surfaced in photos online. It is unclear what the “C” in “5C” could stand for, but speculation and logic points to the “C” standing for “color.” Like recent iPod touch models, this plastic iPhone is rumored to come in a series of colors…
Motorola Atrix Fingerprint Sensor (via DigitalTrends)
As this fall approaches, both rumors and actual evidence have pointed to the next iPhone’s marquee feature being a fingerprint sensor for authentication purposes. We previously provided iOS 7-based evidence and information regarding Apple’s work on implementing a fingerprint sensor in future products.
While we reported that Apple is actively developing fingerprint solutions that sit within a display for products a few years into the future, it seems that this year’s iPhone fingerprint sensor could be integrated into the iconic home button.
In light of these rumors, Geppy Parziale, a biometric authentication expert from InvasiveCode, has compiled in-depth look at the technology that powers miniature fingerprint sensors:
via and more at AndroidCentral
Earlier today, Google invited the press to a July 24th event in San Francisco likely for an upgraded NExus 7 tablet, and we heard that the tablet will cost $229 for 16GB and $269 for 32GB. Retailers are also supposedly gearing up to receive stock of the device as early as July 20th and having firesales on the current versions.
Over at 9to5Google, we now have a gallery of images of what will likely be the next Nexus 7 tablet (by way of Android Central). Reports claim that the device will again be manufactured by ASUS and come in 16GB and 32GB models.
The tablet features two cameras, a 1.2MP shooter on the front and a 5MP rear made by Chicony.
As far as specs go, the Nexus 7 v2 is listed as having a Qualcomm APQ8064 motherboard with a Snapdragon S4 pro processor. The device is also said to have a whopping 4GB of DDR3L RAM?!?!, though that may not turn out to be correct. The tablet will also supposedly feature stereo speakers. These specs are exactly the same as what KGI analyst Mingchi Kuo predicted way back in May of this year.
Design wise, the device features a look similar to the original model. The volume rocker and power button are on the left hand side, while the microUSB port is on the bottom. It appears to be relatively thick for a 7-inch tablet and is made out of what looks like a similar rubber material….
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In a new report, the hit-or-miss Digitimes shares some very unsurprising details about the next full-sized iPad: a slimmer bezel design and a single LED light tube to power the display. Back in January, we posted photos of shells for the next full-sized iPad, making claims of a slimmer, iPad-mini like bezel unsurprising.
As for a single LED light tube, the current fourth-generation iPad uses two tubes, and this makes the device slightly thicker overall than the preceding iPad design found in the iPad 2. It seems somewhat obvious that Apple would need to reduce the amount of lighting internals in order to reach a thinner form-factor.
While Digitimes shares some unsurprising tidbits, the site also shares some unrealistic claims: the new report says the fifth-generation iPad will include a larger viewing area and better battery life. In terms of a larger viewing area, we feel that it is unlikely that the iPad’s screen size will grow in this new fifth-generation model. If Apple were to ever make a larger iPad, it seems probable that this would be an entirely new model. It also seems likely that the Digitimes report is referring to the ratio of the 9.7-inch screen size to the overall face of the product due to the slimmer bezel. In that regard, yes, the iPad 5 will feature a larger viewing area than previous iPads with thicker front faces.
As for improved battery life, Digitimes, in the past, has mixed up new battery chemistry with end-results. For instance, the third and fourth generation iPads need much larger and versatile battery systems in order to power the high-resolution Retina display. Digitimes, before the third-generation iPad launched, correctly indicated that the new iPad would sport improved batteries. However, the iPad still gets 10 hours as the bigger batteries balance out with the new pixels. Perhaps a similar situation will occur with this next-generation iPad.
Nontheless, the site says the next iPad is on for September with production inching closer:
Although suppliers have not yet received a firm mass production schedule from Apple and are mainly shipping products for pilot production, the sources pointed out that pilot production is already able to satisfy demand for the initial launch. Therefore, the sources expect Apple to give its shipment estimates at the end of July or early August.
However, the iPad mini’s features seem a bit less certain:
According to an alleged insider at SK Telecom, the South Korean carrier is in talks with Apple to release an iPhone with LTE-Advanced data speeds, with it most likely being the “upcoming iPhone 5S.” The carrier official said that SK Telecom approached Apple about the idea, rather than vice versa, but that the company still seems interested and the two are “in the middle of negotiations.” The Korea Times notes that Apple would most likely use a Qualcomm modem to take advantage of the technology.
In theory, LTE-Advanced could double the download speeds of normal LTE thanks to new carrier aggregation technology that allows downloads over multiple radio channels simultaneously.
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Could this be the rear case of the long-rumored low-cost iPhone? Tactus (via Macrumors) thinks so.
While Tactus doesn’t have a notable track-record in such leaks, the design does appear reasonably consistent with the majority of rumors so far. It’s a plastic shell, similar dimensions to the iPhone 4 but a little thicker as you’d expect with a polycarbonate casing.
Tactus also claims to have some details of the phone’s spec:
I’ve also heard on the grapevine that the alleged budget iPhone will have an A5 processor like the iPad Mini with a 32nm diecast. It’s also rumoured it will have a 3.5 inch retina screen, much like the 4S, but not as big as the iPhone 5 … I’ve also discovered the factory producing this secretive project have confirmed the device will be available in Black, White, Blue, Red and Yellow
Tactus got a picture of an iPhone back shell, and then decided to make up a load of other random facts. Hey ho, still better than DigiTimes.
— Benjamin Mayo (@bzamayo) April 18, 2013
Real or not real? Let us know your view
Since we first heard rumors that Microsoft was working on Office for iOS as far back as 2011 and got a look at alleged leaked images of an iPad app that Microsoft later denied were real, every couple of months we’ve seen reports that say the app is coming soon. First it was November 2012, then early 2013, and others claimed “sometime after” March 2013. The latest rumor: Microsoft has Office for iPhone and Android is scheduled for fall 2014.
ZDNet claims to have got its hands on Microsoft roadmap for next year and says on it is “iOS/Android support for Office”:
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An Apple patent granted on Tuesday would allow you to buy some music and other iTunes content even when offline.
It appears that iTunes would proactively download locked versions of new recommendations (and perhaps more generally new releases) which you could later unlock by using credit stored on the device. So if you are both very impatient and without wireless data access, Apple may one day have you covered.
According to an unverified rumor from MacDailyNews, Apple will announce the next generation of its Mac Pro line sometime this month.
Apple will announce its replacement for the company’s Mac Pro lineup this month, a source who has been correct about Apple product matters in the past has just informed us. We cannot independently corroborate this information, so this item has been categorized as a rumor.
MacDailyNews says its source for this information has provided accurate information in the past, but the site still classifies the information as a “rumor” because it could not corroborate the details. The site previously reported accurate information regarding iCloud pricing and the iOS name.
The site is not sure if this will be a revamp to the existing Mac Pro or a new computer that will be deemed as a Mac Pro replacement.
Earlier this year, we reported that new regulatory standards forced Apple to discontinue its current model of Mac Pros. The computer has since been removed from multiple European online stores.
Apple CEO Tim Cook previously told an Apple customer that Apple is working on something “really great” in the Pro space for “later” in 2013.
According to a report from CNET, Twitter might be preparing to launch a new standalone iOS music app as early as the end of this month. The report cites “a person familiar with the matter” and claimed Twitter would use technology it acquired through its purchase of music discovery service We Are Hunted to provide a music service dubbed “Twitter Music.” CNET says the service will provide customized content suggestions based on who users follow on Twitter. It would also apparently integrate with SoundCloud and carry Twitter branding unlike the company’s recently launched video sharing app Vine:
Twitter Music suggests artists and songs to listen to based on a variety of signals, and is personalized based on which accounts a user follows on Twitter. Songs are streamed to the app via SoundCloud.
The report provided a breakdown of how the app works, explaining that it will offer suggested songs and artists based on Twitter followers, links to songs people are listening to through the hashtag #NowPlaying, and popular and emerging tracks for trending and newly popular artists:
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Apple’s stock share price has risen today, after being down this morning, due to a rumor of an imminent stock split announcement. SeekingAlpha points to a tweet from The Street’s Doug Kass that seems to be the original source of the rumor. Apple’s next shareholder meeting will be held tomorrow, and this is where the announcement is rumored to take place.
We’d caution that this is just a rumor (if reliable, why didn’t he post it on the Street.com?)at this point and Kass’s past hits include things such as:
“I am also hearing that Google CEO Eric Schmidt has already begun low-level discussions with several Apple board members regarding his role as a possible temporary replacement to Steve Jobs should the options-backdating issues intensify at legal levels.”
Also Kass has a big personal interest in AAPL’s share price:
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[tweet https://twitter.com/#!/up2secapple/status/202068480105775105]
Update May 16, 2012: German publication Handelsblatt (via Bloomberg) quoted Chief Executive Officer Oliver Seidl of German TV manufacturer Loewe as saying the company has had “no contact” with Apple regarding an acquisition.
Less than a month after posting a false claim about Apple’s CEO Tim Cook visiting the Valve HQ, ole’ Danny Dilger claimed this weekend that Apple is moving to acquire a German TV manufacturer called “Loewe.” Again, we did not run with the story, because we preferred to mock it instead via Twitter. Not only has that story been debunked, but more allegations about Foxconn’s CEO Terry Gou having confirmed an Apple television are now being denied by the company. Oh, and Digitimes’ track record…
