Apple Seeds iOS 12 Golden Master to Developers and Public Beta Testers Ahead of September 17 Launch Date

Apple today seeded the golden master (GM) version of iOS 12 to developers. The golden master represents the final version of iOS 12 that will be released to the public, and it comes after a beta testing period that saw Apple release 12 betas over the course of the beta testing period.

Registered developers can download the iOS 11 golden master from the Apple Developer Center or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed, while public beta testers can download the update over-the-air.

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iOS 12 is a significant update for the operating system designed for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It introduces multiple new features, with with Apple revamping the operating system from top to bottom to make iPhones and iPads, especially the older models, faster and more responsive.

On the iPhone X, there are new Animoji characters (Ghost, Koala, Tiger, and T-Rex) along with “Memoji,” which are customizable, personalized, humanoid Animoji that can be used both in Messages and in FaceTime, plus there are fun new camera effects in both of those apps.

Apple originally planned to introduce Group FaceTime support in iOS 12, but the feature was removed in iOS 12 beta 7 and will not be reintroduced until later this fall in a future iOS 12 update.

Siri is smarter than ever in iOS 12 with a new Shortcuts feature designed to let you create multi-step customized automations using first and third-party apps that can be activated with Siri voice commands. Shortcuts can be created through the Shortcuts app, which will be released alongside iOS 12, and Siri will offer up Shortcuts suggestions.

Apple built comprehensive time management and monitoring tools into iOS 12 with Screen Time, allowing you to keep track of how much time you’re spending in apps on your iPhone and iPad. App limits can help you cut back on iOS device usage, and robust parental controls are included for families.

Updated Do Not Disturb options make activating Do Not Disturb more intuitive and simple, and a new Do Not Disturb at Bedtime feature cuts down on nighttime distractions and sleep interruptions by hiding notifications at night.

Grouped Notifications make incoming notifications easier to view and manage, while a new Instant Tuning feature lets you tweak your notification settings right on the Lock screen on a notification-by-notification basis to cut down on the number of notifications you receive.

Apple News has a new Browse feature, the Stocks app has been redesigned and brought to the iPad, iBooks has been overhauled with a new look and a new name – Apple Books – and Voice Memos has been revamped with iCloud support and an iPad app.

ARKit 2.0 introduces new capabilities like shared experiences that let two people see the same AR environment on separate devices, and persistence, which allows AR experiences to be saved across multiple sessions. There’s also a new Apple-built Measure app for measuring objects using AR functionality.

iOS 12 includes a revamped and rebuilt Maps app that uses a new Apple-designed Maps engine that displays foliage, pools, buildings, pedestrian pathways, and other map elements more accurately. The new Maps also includes significant improvements to traffic, real-time road conditions, construction, and more, plus it lets Apple push out changes and fixes more quickly.

The updated Maps app is available in the Northern California area during beta testing and at launch. Following iOS 12’s public release, Apple plans to continue rolling out the new Maps app to additional U.S. locations.

iOS 12 will be released to the public on Monday, September 17, four days ahead of the official launch date of the new 2018 iPhones. For more details on all of the new features included in iOS 12, make sure to check out our iOS 12 roundup.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
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Apple Reveals ‘iPhone XR’ With 6.1-Inch Liquid Retina LCD Display and Six Color Options Starting at $749

Apple today announced the iPhone XR featuring an edge-to-edge “Liquid Retina” LCD display with wide color and True Tone support, and the same all-screen design as the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, but with an aluminum frame instead of stainless steel.

Comparatively, the iPhone XR has a bigger display (6.1-inch) than the iPhone 8 Plus (5.5-inch), but a smaller overall body, and comes in six colors: White, Black, Blue, Coral, Yellow, and (PRODUCT)Red.

A seven-layer color process gives the glass back nuanced hues, and the aluminum band and camera trim are color matched. The new design also supports Qi wireless charging, is splash and water resistant with a rating of IP67, and protects against everyday spills including coffee, tea and soda.

The iPhone XR uses LTE Advanced for faster download speeds and introduces Dual SIM through the combined use of a nano-SIM and digital eSIM.

Otherwise, the iPhone XR has many of the same gestures and features as iPhone X, with swiping up to unlock and no home button. iPhone XR does lack 3D Touch, but instead includes a new feature called “Haptic Touch,” similar to the Force Touch found on MacBook Pro trackpads.

The iPhone XR is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine, and includes the TrueDepth camera system first introduced in the iPhone X, along with faster Face ID, and a more advanced camera system capable of portrait photos via a single camera lens.

iPhone XR features a 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture wide-angle lens with an all-new sensor, delivering faster auto-focus, while larger and deeper pixels improve image fidelity and low-light performance on photos and videos.

New Depth Control allows users to adjust the depth of field both in real-time preview and post-capture, while improvements to the ISP, Neural Engine and improved software algorithms enable portrait photos with a signature bokeh effect. New smart HDR feature also brings better highlight and shadow detail across photos, according to Apple.

iPhone XR will be available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models in the aforementioned colors, starting at $749. iPhone XR will be available to pre-order in more than 50 countries beginning Friday, October 19, with availability in stores beginning Friday, October 26.

Related Roundup: iPhone XsTag: September 2018 event
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Apple Discontinues iPhone SE, iPhone 6s and iPhone X

With today’s announcement of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone SE and the iPhone 6s, the two iPhones that it was selling as its most affordable smartphones.

The iPhone SE was Apple’s last remaining 4-inch device, and now the smallest phone that Apple sells is the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and iPhone 8.

Apple has also discontinued the iPhone X, something that we were expecting based on rumors. The iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max replace the iPhone X.

Apple’s new lineup is as follows:

• iPhone 7 with pricing starting at $449
• iPhone 7 Plus with pricing starting at $569
• iPhone 8 with pricing starting at $599
• iPhone 8 Plus with pricing starting at $699
• iPhone XR with pricing starting at $749
• iPhone XS with pricing starting at $999
• iPhone XS Max with pricing starting at $1,099

The iPhone 7 is now Apple’s cheapest device at $449, which is $100 more expensive than the now-discontinued 32GB $349 iPhone SE. With the discontinuation of the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE, Apple no longer sells an iPhone that includes a headphone jack.

The iPhone 7 models come with 32 or 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 8 models are available with 64 or 256GB of storage. The iPhone XR is available with 64, 128, or 256GB of storage, while the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are available with 64, 256, or 512GB of storage.

Apple’s iPhone XS and XS Max smartphones will be available for pre-order this Friday, with a release date coming on September 21, while the iPhone XR will be available for pre-order on October 19 with a ship date of October 26.

Tag: September 2018 event
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Apple Releases New Cases for iPhone XS and XS Max

Alongside the new iPhone XS and XS Max, Apple has released new Silicone and Leather case options in a range of fall colors.

Priced at $39, Silicone Cases for the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max are available in colors that include Nectarine (a reddish orange shade), Lavender Gray (gray with a touch of blue), Blue Horizon, Stone, Pink Sand, Midnight Blue, White, Black, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Leather Cases for the iPhone XS and XS Max, priced at $49, come in Peony Pink, Cape Cod Blue, Forest Green, Taupe, Midnight Blue, Saddle Brown, Black, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Apple is also selling Folio Cases for iPhone XS and XS Max, priced at $99 for iPhone XS and $129 for iPhone XS Max. The Folio Cases are available in Peony Pink, Cape Cod Blue, Forest Green, Black, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Apple has not yet released iPhone XR cases because that device will not be available to pre-order until October 19 ahead of an October 26 release date. Apple is likely to debut new cases for the devices closer to the launch date.

All of the new cases for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max will be available for purchase this Friday when the two new high-end smartphones become available for pre-order.

Related Roundup: iPhone XsTag: September 2018 event
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Apple’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Won’t Ship With Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

Since the headphone jack was removed from the iPhone with the launch of the iPhone 7, Apple has bundled iPhones with a Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter for customers who continue to have 3.5mm headphones.

With the launch of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, Apple is discontinuing this practice and will not include the Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter.

On the “In the Box” section of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR tech specs, no adapter is listed. The three devices will ship with EarPods with Lightning Connector, a Lightning to USB Cable, and a USB Power Adapter.

Apple’s new iPhone lineup also marks the discontinuation of the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE, the last two iPhones that Apple sold with a headphone jack.

None of the headphones in the new lineup, which includes the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, and iPhone 7, have a headphone jack.

Apple is continuing to sell the Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter separately for $9.

Tag: September 2018 event
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Apple Watch Gains New Band Colors in Sport, Sport Loop, Leather, and Stainless Steel

Amid the reveal of the Apple Watch Series 4, today Apple refreshed its band lineup with new colors for Fall 2018. There is no major new Apple Watch band style this season, like the introduction of the Sport Loop and Woven Nylon following previous events, but there are quite a few new colors to match the new iPhone cases.

To start, there are three new Sport Band colors: Nectarine, Blue Horizon, and Lavender Gray. These join existing Sport Band colors like Stone, Midnight Blue, Pink Sand, White, Black, and (PRODUCT)Red. Sport Bands run for $49.00 in the United States. There are no new Nike Sport Bands being sold individually.

Next up, the Sport Loop has added five new colors: Cape Cod Blue, Nectarine, Hibiscus, Storm Gray, and Indigo. You can also still buy the Pink Sand, Seashell, and Black Sport Loops. These also sell for $49.00 on Apple.com.

In leather, the Modern Buckle has gained new Peony Pink, Forest Green, Cape Cod, and Ruby (PRODUCT)Red options, all available in 40mm case sizes only. The Leather Loop (44mm only) has received Forest Green and Cape Cod as well, and the existing Stone option remains available. All of these run for $149.00.

On the more expensive side of things, Hermès has four new bands. There are two new Double Tour options, in Indigo/Craie/Orange Swift Leather and Bordeaux/Rose Extrême/Rose Azalée Swift Leather. Both of these are color blocked and match exclusive watch faces found on Apple Watch Series 4 Hermès editions, and cost $489.00.

The other two new bands are the same colors in Single Tour, which runs for $339.00.

Lastly, there’s just one new color in the stainless steel section of Apple’s bands webpage: a new Gold Milanese Loop for $149.00. You can also still buy the Silver and Space Black Milanese Loop, and now the Space Black option is priced the same as all the others at $149.00.

All bands are now available to purchase on Apple.com.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4, watchOS 5Tags: Apple Watch bands, September 2018 eventBuyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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Apple’s 2018 iPhones Continue to Ship With 5W Power Adapter

Despite rumors suggesting Apple’s 2018 iPhones might ship with an 18W adapter and a Lightning to USB-C cable to enable fast charging right out of the box, that didn’t end up being the case.

The iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR ship with the same standard 5W Power Adapter that’s traditionally included with iPhone models. The three devices also include a standard Lightning to USB-A cable, despite the fact that Apple’s current Mac lineup has been transitioned to USB-C.

Those who want to use fast charging on the new 2018 iPhones will continue to need to purchase an 18W+ power adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable.

There are plenty of third-party 18W+ power adapters on the market (or you can get a 30W MacBook charger from Apple for $49), but Apple sells the only certified Lightning to USB-C cable at this time. Apple is planning to let other manufacturers make these cables, but third-party USB-C to Lightning cables aren’t expected until next year.

With fast charging, iPhone models are able to charge to 50 percent battery life in a 30 minute time span. iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR all support fast charging.

Tag: September 2018 event
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Apple Discontinues Apple Watch Edition

Apple’s new Series 4 Apple Watch lineup is missing the higher-end ceramic Apple Watch Edition models that were first introduced in 2016.

In fact, there are no higher-end Apple Watch Edition models at all this year, with Apple offering only GPS and GPS + Cellular Aluminum and Stainless Steel Series 4 Apple Watch options.

“Edition” models were first introduced alongside the original Apple Watch, with Apple offering solid gold Apple Watch options at prices that exceeded $10,000.

These models did not prove to be popular with consumers and Apple did not continue offering solid gold Apple Watch options beyond the original Apple Watch.

With the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple introduced “Edition” models that were made from ceramic priced starting at $1,299, which it continued offering when the Series 3 Apple Watches were announced.

Apple is continuing to sell Apple Watch Series 3 models as a low-cost option alongside new Apple Watch Series 4 models, but only in aluminum. Apple is no longer offering the Apple Watch Series 3 in stainless steel or ceramic, a material that has been discontinued.

The Apple Watch Series 4 is available in aluminum and stainless steel in colors that include Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and Space Black. Aluminum models start at $399, while stainless steel models are priced starting at $699. Stainless steel models start at a higher price point because all stainless steel models are equipped with LTE support.

With the launch of the Apple Watch Series 4 and the price drop on the Series 3 (which now starts at $279), Apple has also discontinued Apple Watch Series 1 models.

Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 14, likely at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time. Orders will start shipping out on September 21, the launch date for the device.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4, watchOS 5Tag: September 2018 eventBuyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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Apple Debuts New AppleCare+ Theft and Loss Plan Priced at $299 for iPhone XS and XS Max

Alongside the launch of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, Apple has introduced a new AppleCare+ plan that’s designed to protect against theft and loss.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is priced at $299 (or $14.99 per month over 24 months) for the iPhone XS and XS Max and allows for two incidents of accidental damage, theft, or loss coverage, so long as the purchaser pays the deductible.

As with regular AppleCare+, Apple will repair accidental damage for $99, but a lost or stolen phone will be more expensive.

It will cost $199 to get an iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s or iPhone 6 replaced, and $229 to get an iPhone XR, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, or iPhone 6 Plus replaced.

For a replacement iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone X, customers will need to shell out $269. Getting a new iPhone will require the device in question to have Find My iPhone enabled. Disabling the feature voids coverage, according to Apple.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss will be available as a purchase option when pre-ordering an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max this Friday.

It will also be available for the iPhone XR when that device becomes available, and based on the pricing of the plan for the iPhone 8 Plus, it will cost $249 or $12.99 per month for 24 months.

Apple is continuing to sell standard AppleCare+ that offers coverage for two incidents of accidental damage but no theft or loss coverage. Regular AppleCare+ for iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max will cost $199, so the Theft and Loss coverage is $100 more expensive.

Tag: September 2018 event
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iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max to be Available SIM-Free at Launch

Apple will offer SIM-free iPhone XS and iPhone XS models for pre-order according to Apple’s website, which means customers will be able to purchase the new smartphones without a carrier.

The SIM-free models are not always offered for newly launched iPhones, especially when supplies are tight, so the availability of SIM-free models suggests iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max supply will be plentiful this year.

SIM-free models are unlocked and can be activated with any carrier at a later date, making them an appealing purchase choice.

To purchase a SIM-free device, the outright price must be paid upfront. The iPhone XS starts at $999, while the iPhone XS Plus starts at $1,099. Apple plans to begin offering pre-orders this Friday, likely at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time based on past iPhone launches.

Related Roundup: iPhone XsTag: September 2018 event
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