Apple Seeds Second OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 Beta to Developers
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming OS X El Capitan update to developers for testing purposes, more than a week after releasing the first OS X 10.11.1 beta and one day before the scheduled public release of OS X El Capitan on September 30.
The new beta is available through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store and through the Apple Developer Center.
The first beta of OS X 10.11.1 introduced support for Unicode 8 and new emoji like taco, burrito, cheese wedge, hot dog, middle finger, and unicorn head.
It is not clear what other improvements the first update to OS X El Capitan will bring, but it’s likely to be a minor update that includes bug fixes and performance improvements for issues encountered following the operating system’s official release. According to Apple’s release notes, the beta offers stability, compatibility, and security improvements.
A9 Chip Manufacturing Split 60/40 Between TSMC and Samsung, Not Segmented by Device Size
Teardowns of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus have revealed two different A9 chips inside the devices, one created by TSMC and one developed by Samsung, which is slightly smaller in size, having been manufactured on a 14-nanometer process instead of a 16-nanometer process.
There was early some speculation that the chips were divided by model, with the iPhone 6s getting the smaller Samsung chip and the iPhone 6s Plus receiving the larger TSMC chip, but new data collected by an iOS developer suggests that is not the case.
Hiraku Wang has created an app that’s able to determine whether an iPhone has a TSMC chip or a Samsung chip, and has shared some data on results gathered from users who have installed his app.
According to results from approximately 2,500 iPhones, there are more TSMC chips than Samsung chips. TSMC chips were found to be installed on 58.96 percent of devices, compared to 41.04 percent for Samsung chips.
The iPhone 6s Plus appears to have relatively equal split of Samsung and TSMC chips, with slightly more Samsung chips. Of 1,329 iPhone 6 Plus devices, 56.81 percent have the Samsung chip while 43.19 percent have the TSMC chip.
With the iPhone 6s, the numbers skew heavily towards the TSMC chip. Of 1,086 devices, 78.27 percent have the TSMC chip while 21.73 percent have the Samsung chip.
At this point in time, there is no evidence that the two chips perform differently, as more extensive testing must be done to determine any performance discrepancies. Though the chips are two different sizes, it’s highly unlikely there are going to be performance differences large enough to be noticeable during daily usage.
It is possible for users to check which chip version is installed in their iPhones using Wang’s tool, but users should be cautious about installing an app via enterprise certificate from an untrusted developer. We do not recommend MacRumors readers install the app.
Tim Cook Discusses Apple’s Enterprise Efforts at BoxWorks 2015
Apple CEO Tim Cook is participating in a “fireside chat” today with Box CEO Aaron Levie at BoxWorks 2015, following Apple’s record-breaking iPhone launch weekend.
Given that this is an enterprise conference, the interview naturally begins with a discussion of Apple’s enterprise efforts, although Cook notes that to some degree there is no such thing as an “enterprise phone” any more than there are enterprise cars and that Apple has been quietly numerous phones and tablets to companies.
Cook does, however, highlight some of Apple’s enterprise partnerships, including Cisco and Box, emphasizing how transformational mobile is for businesses. Mobility enables significant increases in productivity and gives companies the opportunity to rethink their business processes. But nobody, including Apple, is way out in front on this.
Levie then gives Cook a “layup” question, asking why this sort of transformation can’t happen on Android, with Cook responding that users want to use the best hardware with security built in from the start and a unified ecosystem.
Talking about ecosystem growth, Cook talks about how iOS has pulled the Mac along for the benefit of both operating systems, emphasizing the smooth transition between devices enabled by Apple’s Continuity features. “We think people want some similarity, but clearly these operating systems are different things. So we have no intention to blend them.”
Turning to partnerships, Levie and Cook discuss how Apple is working with former rivals like IBM and Microsoft to deliver better solutions for customers, something that will definitely benefit enterprise. Pointing toward Microsoft’s Office demo at Apple’s media event earlier this month, Cook notes “Apple and Microsoft can partner on more things than we can compete on. And that’s what the customer wants.”
We will continue to update this post as the interview proceeds.
OS X El Capitan Reviews: ‘Solid as a Rock’ and a Worthy Update Thanks to Performance Improvements
Following the release of the golden master version of OS X 10.11 El Capitan to developers earlier in the month, the first reviews for the newest iteration on Apple’s desktop operating system have begun to hit this morning, ahead of the wide public release tomorrow, September 30. After testing El Capitan for a few weeks, most sites agree that while OS X 10.11 isn’t a massive overhaul, its performance enhancements and speed boosts make upgrading to the free new OS essentially a no-brainer.
Macworld calls El Capitan “solid as a rock,” noting improvements to features like Mission Control and the introduction of Split View as big positives. Overall, Macworld views the upgrade as “routine”, a welcome refresh amid Apple’s continued push towards performance and security improvements.
Should you update to El Capitan? Unreservedly yes—I’ve found it to be stable, it’s free, it’ll download and install itself on your Mac with nearly no intervention, and it’ll bring with it improved security, speed, and functionality.
The days of dramatic operating-system updates are over. El Capitan is as solid as the giant granite monolith that towers over Yosemite Valley. Upgrade, and get an improved Mac. It’s really that simple.
Engadget gives El Capitan an 87/100 score, calling it a “modest update” after Yosemite last year, but with solid new introductions like multitasking and noticeable improvements to Spotlight, Safari, and Photos. In particular, the site points out the exciting possibilities that will come from the addition of third-party extensions for Photos, allowing users to take advantage of the editing tools of other photo apps within Apple’s own Photos experience.
While Apple promised third-party extensions when it first unveiled the new Photos app earlier this year, extensions won’t actually be available to download until tomorrow. Extensions can be downloaded from the Mac App Store, either bundled with an app or distributed on their own. Although some developers, like the folks behind Pixelmator, have gotten a head start, most developers are only just getting the chance to access these tools for the first time. So, we should be seeing more extensions hit the App Store as the season wears on. Personally, as an Engadget editor posting lots of hands-on photos, I’d really like to see one for batch-watermarking.
The Verge commented on the small but noticeable improvements brought by El Capitan, such as the ability to pin tabs in Safari and even mute them from the address bar, which the site says should cause Google Chrome users to give Apple’s browser another look. Overall, The Verge views OS X 10.11 as Apple’s evolutionary in-house solution for a handful of problems and shortcomings third-party software has addressed over the years, making the update feel both minor and substantial at the same time.
El Capitan takes the sorts of things that experts have been doing with third-party apps and utilities for years on the Mac and builds them right into the OS. Spotlight is becoming more than just a simple file search box. Window management is becoming easier. Notes is more than just a raw text box. Most of it left me nonplussed because all of these things didn’t feel new and different to me — I’ve been finding ways to fix all of those problems for years with third party apps and add-ons. But with El Capitan, Apple’s made the learning curve you usually have to climb to become a “power user” (whatever that is) much more gradual.
Everyone will be able to get in on experiencing El Capitan for themselves starting tomorrow, when the new version of OS X launches for the public. Before the update goes live, a handful of other sites have posted reviews for El Capitan, including: The Wall Street Journal, The Next Web, CNET, Ars Technica, and SlashGear.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments & Cast Interviews From Upcoming ‘Steve Jobs’ Film
With publicity for the new Steve Jobs movie ramping up ahead of its October 9 release, a new video was shared by ScreenSlam over the weekend, showing a few behind-the-scenes moments of the creation of the film, along with some cast and crew interviews.
Seth Rogen, who stars as Steve Wozniak, praises screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s unique approach to the story and describes the movie as so “cinematic” and different from any other biopic, that it almost feels more like fiction than reality. Director Danny Boyle also described the movie as a natural extension of Sorkin’s previous movie, The Social Network, with both films centering around individuals who “create this modern world” and the repercussions their innovations have on themselves, their friends and family, and everyone who uses what they built.
ScreenSlam also posted a lengthier 37-minute video — of which the original video is a truncated version — that houses in-depth interviews with more cast and crew members including Katherine Waterston, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Aaron Sorkin himself. The glimpses behind the cameras of the movie’s shoot can only be found in the shorter video, however.
The film has been the subject of some controversy over the last week, when Aaron Sorkin gave a heated response to Apple CEO Tim Cook’s initial negative impression of the yet-to-be released movie. The next day, Sorkin reneged slightly on his comments, saying that “Tim Cook and I probably both went a little too far,” and hoping that Cook enjoys the movie when he sees it as much as Sorkin enjoys Apple’s products.
Apple Updates Privacy Site to Explain How It Handles Personal Information
Apple today updated the privacy section of its website with a noticeable expansion that CEO Tim Cook said is aimed at explaining how the company handles each user’s personal information, “what we do and don’t collect,” and why that is. In an introduction letter for the new site expansion, Cook stated that Apple has always been upfront and honest with the sharing and distribution of a user’s data, only doing so when they were well aware of each time it happens. He, and the company, hopes this site continues to reassure customers of Apple’s trustworthiness.
We believe in telling you up front exactly what’s going to happen to your personal information and asking for your permission before you share it with us. And if you change your mind later, we make it easy to stop sharing with us. Every Apple product is designed around those principles. When we do ask to use your data, it’s to provide you with a better user experience.
We’re publishing this website to explain how we handle your personal information, what we do and don’t collect, and why. We’re going to make sure you get updates here about privacy at Apple at least once a year and whenever there are significant changes to our policies.
The website is segmented into four different tabs, the first being “Our Approach to Privacy,” detailing the process Apple takes in building privacy and encryption into everything it makes, including apps like iMessage and services like Apple Pay. “Manage Your Privacy” reminds users of the suite of tools Apple has created to ensure their own security when using an Apple device, thanks to features like Touch ID and passcode lock. The page even goes so far as to instruct customers in the steps of being aware of a phishing scam and how to limit ad-tracking on your iPhone.
In the “Government Information Requests” portion of the updated website, the company ensures that when a government agency requests data to be revealed to them from an Apple device, they “require that it be accompanied by the appropriate legal documents such as a subpoena or search warrant.” The company also promises it’s never worked with a government agency to install a “backdoor” into one of its devices or apps, nor has it allowed government access to its servers, stating finally that it “never will.”
The final section is simply Apple’s updated Privacy Policy, which the company promises to update at least once a year, or “whenever there are significant changes to our policies.”
Is Apple a cult? New York University Historian says “it obviously is”
Even when working from a garage in the Silicon Valley, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs never saw his products as mere pieces of tech. He had a very strong vision that shaped the way people look at technology. It was a mentality, as well as a way of life, something he later conveyed to the company’s followers. He was seen as some form of tech prophet. And if that’s the case, his company is also to be portrayed as some form of religion; Cupertino is its Mecca and Apple stores are the temples.
We have all heard of the “Cult of Apple”, but when we say this we usually just refer to the intense fervor Apple followers show towards the tech giant and its products. Most of us don’t dig into what really makes Apple some form of cult, but it turns out this company does take plenty of cues from the most popular religions on earth. At least this is what expert Historian and NYU professor Erica Robles-Anderson believes, and she backs up her argument with plenty of evidence.
“They feel iconic, like an emblem of the personal. And yet it’s a cult. Right? It’s so obviously a cult.” -Erica Robles-Anderson, Historian and NYU professor
Inclusion vs exclusivity
We have all seen manufacturers speak of their devices as some form of exclusive product. Apple has never portrayed itself that way. Even if they price their products at much higher rates, they always display a mentality that makes it seem as if iPhones and other Apple products are for everyone. These phones are always simple and natural. We obviously can’t forget that “it just works” phrase, which became some form of unofficial slogan for the company.
The whole point is that Apple makes you feel included. Everyone in this “cult” is working towards a common purpose – there’s some form of unity here. Robles-Anderson brings up the newer Samsung store at SoHo, one of New York’s important shopping districts. They launched with “giant ropes outside, as if anticipating a giant crowd, and big bouncer-looking people in fancy suits.” Needless to say results weren’t as expected, and she believes it’s partly because the Korean manufacturer took that secluding business approach.
“It was a deep misunderstanding about special access, as opposed to what Apple has built, which is the feeling of being in it together, as though you were fighting something, even though it’s the most valuable company in the world.” -Erica Robles-Anderson, Historian and NYU professor
Apple’s cathedrals
In order to further help us understand how Apple achieved this unusual passion from its followers, Erica takes us back to temples. She states that cathedrals and other religious structures were pretty much technology in its times; they were works of art that went beyond what’s possible. And we can see the same influence in Apple’s products, as well as the architecture and interior design they choose for their stores.
The SoHo Apple store is especially unique. Customers have to walk through stone steps, which are wide and deep. Upon reaching the entrance you are met with unnecessarily large doors, which also happen to be quite heavy, similar to those in medieval churches. The store welcomes you with a large skylight and plenty of lights, making the space very bright. Right in front is a wide glass staircase that seems to challenge common sense. In addition, the store uses an excessive amount of clear surfaces, so people can always see each other. This makes both service and interaction with other people very personable.
Robles-Anderson claims places like this make you feel small. In addition, the design makes you feel as if you have entered a different place, and upon entering you feel as if something important is about to happen.
Many temples are built on levels, with different purpose on each floor. This is very common in Mormon temples, for example, in which different levels are used for different things, and you can find different types of religious representatives in each part. In this case, Erica compares Apple Geniuses to priests, and the second floor is where they can be found. In here, they share information and knowledge. It’s said to be more welcoming than the first floor, with plush chairs and a giant screen.
Rituals
We can all guess where this is going, right? Apple and its followers definitely have some types of ritualistic behavior. Of course, there’s the whole deal with people camping out for days just to get an iPhone. This has become much more than a race to get the latest and greatest product; people do this as some kind of tradition. As Robles-Anderson said, they are working towards something together. They are part of something bigger – think of it as some form of pilgrimage.
She also compares this to biblical traditions like Passover, when Jewish people had to travel to Jerusalem and be at the Holy Temple for a sacrifice to god. She calls these “feast days”. Apple release dates are celebrations.
Kaesler Media / Shutterstock.com
The meaning of life?
Well, we won’t go as far as saying Apple answers the most important questions to humanity, but Erica does believe that when people come to Apple Stores they are looking for something much deeper than apps, calls and the like. Just head over to your local Apple store and look at the walls. These are adorned by pictures of planets, stars, nature and other imposing symbols being displayed by huge “monolithic devices”. Though they are small on your hand, these devices promise something huge – information.
Google, Android and its partners
There’s no doubt other companies can learn a lot from Apple’s marketing and strategies. Whether you will see the company as a cult or not, we can’t deny they hold a very tight grip on the market, even if Android manufacturers have proven time and again that they can often do a better job at making a gadget.
This is why Apple doesn’t need to be first at anything, they just have to make the strongest impression with what they do, something they are amazingly good at. They target your feelings, psychology, physiology and senses.
Let’s face it, most Android manufacturers are bad at marketing. Samsung is likely about the best at it, and as you can see they fail to make its followers very included. HTC makes amazingly built devices and some would say their designs are among the best, but they can’t make ends meet when convincing people to purchase their phones. And even new Chinese startups are starting to gain more hype than tech veterans like LG, Huawei, Sony and others.
Maybe there needs to be some kind of Genius lesson on how to do advertising and marketing right. Shall we have it at this SoHo Apple store?
Apple Watch 2 May Arrive in Mid- to Late-2016
Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri claims the second-generation Apple Watch will arrive in mid- to late-2016, reports AppleInsider. The report also claims that the second Apple Watch would be thinner than its predecessor.
Arcuri’s research memo, based on a recent trip of Asian suppliers, also says Apple will ship 18 million Apple Watches by the end of 2015, with at least 45 million shipped in 2016. Although he also notes the figures for 2016 may be pessimistic based on the current data.
Thus far, very few rumors have emerged about Apple’s next Apple Watch. In June, it was reported that the second Apple Watch would feature a FaceTime camera, expanded Wi-Fi and new materials. The new Wi-Fi chip would allow the Watch to do more without an iPhone.
Discontinued Apple Software Returns to ‘Purchased’ Tab in Mac App Store
Earlier today, we noted Apple had recently removed older versions of OS X and other discontinued software from the Purchased tab of the Mac App Store for users who had previously purchased or downloaded them. The apps, which included Aperture, iPhoto, OS X Lion, OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Mavericks, have now returned to the Purchased tab.
The disappearance of the ability to re-download older software irked users, with some calling the action “user hostile.” It’s unclear if Apple pulled the software intentionally or whether the Mac App Store experienced a temporary bug in advance of the availability of OS X El Capitan. However, the software was unavailable for several days before returning tonight.
Only one of the apps, Aperture, will continue to be compatible with OS X El Capitan.
Thanks, Michael!
Apple to Announce Q4 2015 Earnings on October 27
Apple updated its investor relations page today to note that it will announce its earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter (third calendar quarter) of 2015 on Tuesday, October 27. The quarterly earnings statement will be released sometime 1:30 PM Pacific/4:30 PM Eastern, with a conference call to discuss the report taking place at 2:00 PM Pacific/5:00 PM Eastern.
The earnings report will provide a look at early iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus sales. Apple this morning announced launch weekend sales of 13 million for the two devices, outpacing iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sales during launch weekend in 2014.
For the third quarter of 2015, Apple reported earnings of $10.7 billion on $49.6 billion revenue, selling 47.5 million iPhones, 10.9 million iPads, and 4.8 million Macs. Apple’s guidance for the fourth quarter includes expected revenue of $49 to $51 billion and gross margin between 38.5 and 39.5 percent.
MacRumors will provide coverage of both the earnings report and conference call on October 27.
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