Yeah, there’s another rumor about Apple and an OLED iPhone
It’s the rumor that simply won’t die: Apple will use OLED screens in a future round of iPhones. The latest report comes via Reuters citing unnamed sources from South Korea’s Electronic Times (Korean). Also cited was last month’s report from Nikkei that stated Apple’s intent for the gorgeous screen tech is to add it to the 2018 iPhone.
Apparently the two companies making OLED displays, LG and Samsung, are close to a deal with Cupertino and they’re planning to spend over $12 billion to increase production capacity. Hmm, that lines up with previous info from LG about new manufacturing lines. Reuters notes that Apple “will likely” offer some cash to offset LG and Samsung’s investment, too. Keep in mind that Apple’s already using OLED, it’s just in a much smaller form: the Apple Watch.
Via: Reuters
Source: Electronic Times (Korean)
Apple is ‘Close’ to OLED Screen Deal With LG and Samsung for Future iPhones
Apple is close to signing a final agreement with LG Display and Samsung to provide OLED screens for next-generation iPhones, according to a new report from ET News [Google Translate] (via Reuters). The OLED panels are rumored to be included with iPhones starting in 2018.
The two Korean companies plan to spend around $12.8 billion (15 trillion won) combined to build up OLED production capacity over the next two to three years. ET News also adds that Apple is likely to provide some funding to both LG and Samsung to help with their investments. Additionally, LG plans on converting existing LCD production lines into OLED production lines to reduce costs. Samsung, on the other hand, will produce 30 percent fewer orders than LG.
Last month, Nikkei reported that Apple plans to switch iPhones over to OLED displays starting in 2018, with both LG and Samsung sharing a large portion of OLED panel production. LG was already planning capacity upgrades for high-volume OLED screen production that would be required for iPhone demand. Earlier this month, it was reported that Japan Display was also planning mass production of OLED displays for iPhones starting in 2018.
OLED displays can provide sharper images and brighter colors compared to LCD displays. However, OLED displays tend to have shorter lifespans and come with higher manufacturing costs. Apple has been reportedly “consulting with display makers” on how to minimize potential drawbacks.
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Class Action Lawsuit Accuses Apple of Crippling iPhone 4s With iOS 9 Update
Apple was today hit with a class action lawsuit (via AppleInsider) seeking over $5 million in damages for deceptive trade practices and false advertising. Plaintiff Chaim Lerman says that he and other iPhone 4s owners became unable to use their devices after upgrading to iOS 9 as the update “significantly slowed down” their iPhones and “interfered with the normal usage of the device.”
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were forced to either live with a “slow and buggy” device that “disrupts every day life” or shell out hundreds of dollars for a new iPhone.
When iPhone 4s owners are faced with the dilemma of continuing to use a slow, buggy phone or spend hundreds to buy a new phone, Apple often benefits because consumers will often buy a new iPhone to keep their investment in the App ecosystem. […]
Furthermore, iPhone owners will buy a newer iPhone when faced with the choice because it is familiar and they can easily transfer their information, media, contacts, and apps without a major disruption in usage. There is no learning curve and no delays and trouble that accompany new information input. Thus Apple stands to benefit financially when older iPhones are slowed down and owners are forced to purchase a new phone.
The plaintiffs argue that Apple failed to properly warn iPhone 4s users that the update would “significantly interfere” with the performance of their phones. When Lerman and other plaintiffs upgraded their devices, they noticed a significant drop in performance in both third-party apps and basic functions like using the Phone app. Because Apple does not allow iPhone users to easily downgrade their device to a previous iOS version, the plaintiffs feel like they’re forced into either using a slower phone or purchasing a new one.
Apple’s advertising, the plaintiffs allege, does not mention the potential of slowed performance for iPhone 4s users, instead focusing on performance improvements. The lawsuit points towards Apple’s iOS 9 website, which says the update brings “faster performance, improved security, convenient updates, and longer battery life.” The plaintiffs argue that Apple must have known about the iPhone 4s’ slower performance from internal testing or other means and did not warn users about potential headaches in their advertising.
This isn’t the first time Apple has been accused of planned obsolescence, as the company was hit with a lawsuit in 2011 regarding the iPhone 3G and iOS 4. That case was thrown out by the judge who ruled the iOS 4 update was not a “good or service” and dismissed claims of false advertising and deceptive business practices.
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‘iPhone 7’ Waterproof Rumors Persist Amid Claims of Hidden Antenna Bands
Catcher Technology will remain the largest chassis supplier for the upcoming line of next-generation iPhones, tentatively referred to as the “iPhone 7,” according to the China-based Commercial Times (via DigiTimes). Sources noted that Catcher’s non-Apple clients, representing about 40 percent of its overall sales, will keep it going until the majority of its output begins with the manufacturing of the iPhone 7 later in 2016. In total, Catcher Technology’s manufacturing supply is estimated to account for 30 to 35 percent of the shipment numbers for the iPhone 7.
iPhone 7 concept mock-up by designer Martin Hajek
The report also mentioned the continuing rumor that the iPhone 7 may be a completely waterproof device, building on the recent momentum that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus had this year that showed improved water resistance. The Commercial Times also spoke of “new compound materials” that would be put in place to form a discreet housing for the iPhone 7’s antenna, suggesting the possible removal of the bands from the back of the current iPhone generation.
As a non S-generation year, the iPhone 7 is expected to be a big step-up from the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, in terms of design and functionality, when it launches next year. Besides a waterproof design and now the possibility of a hidden antenna band, another rumor suggested Apple could be phasing out the 3.5mm headphone jack for an all-in-one Lightning connector port.
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‘iPhone 6c’ Said to Have Slightly Larger Battery Than iPhone 5s and 2GB of RAM
Apple’s so-called “iPhone 6c” will have a 1,642 mAh battery, slightly larger than the iPhone 5s battery’s 1,570 mAh capacity, according to Chinese website MyDrivers [Google Translate] (via Gadgetz Arena).
The report, citing “insider Foxconn employees,” also corroborates multiple rumors claiming the 4-inch iPhone will feature an A9 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB base storage, Touch ID and the same 2.5d curved glass used on the iPhone 6 and later.
Apple’s suppliers will reportedly begin mass production of the much-rumored smartphone in January ahead of a possible March announcement and subsequent April release. At least five sources have now predicted the “iPhone 6c” will launch in early 2016 since rumors about the device began circulating this year.
In November, often-reliable Japanese blog Mac Otakara reported that Apple has developed a new 4-inch iPhone that is essentially an iPhone 5s with sixth-generation iPod touch features, including an A8 chip, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 and an improved FaceTime HD camera with ƒ/2.2 aperture. The “iPhone 6c” may also come in at least three colors and lack 3D Touch.
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Apple Refreshes ‘Start Something New’ Campaign in Multiple Countries
Apple has reintroduced its “Start Something New” campaign ahead of New Year’s Day in Australia, India, New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The campaign will likely be expanded to the U.S., Canada, Europe and other regions soon.
“Start Something New” features a gallery of nearly a dozen paintings, photos, drawings, short films and other pieces of creative work made by artists using Apple products and apps, ranging from the Apple Pencil, iMac and iPad Air 2 to Adobe After Effects, Darkroom and Procreate.
Apple has also shared individual profiles for each new work and artist on its website:
– Painting fluid landscapes by Lu Jun, China
– Painting with dots by Lieu Nguyen, Vietnam
– Chasing wild vistas by Emma Phillips, Australia
– Illustrating nature through its details by Tiffany Bozic, USA
– Drawing with light by Darren Pearson, USA
– Shooting from a new perspective by Bernhard Lang, Germany
– Visualizing the power of gravity by Greg Barth, UK
– Cultivating a different kind of rose by Kahori Maki, Japan
– Composing a sense of wonder by Jake Sargeant, USA
– Seeking color in the streets by Brian Lotti, USA
– Capturing the texture of movement by William Hundley, USA
Apple ran a nearly identical campaign in December 2014, starting in Japan and later expanding to the U.S. and other countries.
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Apple’s New Hardware Chief Johny Srouji Awarded Nearly $10 Million in Stock
Apple’s newly promoted Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies Johny Srouji was awarded 90,270 restricted stock units on October 5, 2015, according to a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The restricted stock units awarded vest 12.5% in semi-annual installments over a four year period.
Srouji now has a total of 217,305 restricted stock units and 101,881 common stock units, which together amount to just over $34 million at AAPL’s current trading price of around $107 per share. The latest batch of 90,270 RSUs are currently valued at approximately $9.6 million, but will not fully vest until October 2019.
Apple often rewards high-level executives with RSUs based on their performance. In August, for example, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue received 560,000 and 350,000 restricted stock units respectively worth over $97 million combined. Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts also received 113,334 restricted stock units as a signing bonus upon joining Apple in May 2014.
Srouji was promoted to Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies on December 17, as part of a larger executive team makeover that saw Jeff Williams promoted to COO and marketing chief Phil Schiller take over App Store leadership across all Apple platforms. Tor Myhren, chief creative officer at ad agency Grey, will also join Apple in early 2016 as Vice President of Marketing Communications.
Srouji joined Apple in 2008 to lead development of the A4 chip for iPhone 4, and he now oversees silicon and hardware technologies, including batteries, application processors, storage controllers, sensors silicon, display silicon and other chipsets across Apple’s entire product line. Prior to Apple, he held senior positions at Intel and IBM in the areas of processor development and design.
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New Year’s Resolution Apps: CARROT Fit, Lifesum, Mint and More
January 1 is a popular day to begin New Year’s resolutions, but many people fall back to bad habits by February because the goals they set are not realistic. If you are one of those people, consider focusing on making small improvements to your lifestyle this year by taking advantage of iOS apps that can help you succeed.
Drink more water with Lifesum, a free healthy living app for easily tracking each glass or bottle of water you drink. The daily goal is set to 8 glasses, or 68 fl. oz, by default, but can be adjusted based on your personal needs. Water intake data can be exported to Apple’s official Health app.
Drinking water can contribute to better alertness and productivity, weight loss, improved digestion and many other benefits. Lifesum can also help you track your breakfast, lunch, dinner and exercise. Some features require upgrading to a Lifesum Gold subscription. [Direct Link]
Save more money with Mint, a free app that links to your U.S. or Canadian bank account and provides an overview of your cash flow, recent transactions, upcoming bills and spending habits based on categories such as restaurants, groceries, fast food, alcohol and bars, clothing and more.
Mint enables you to create budgets to help you save money. Aim to reduce your spending by a realistic amount relative to your net income. If you spend $83.33 less per month on non-essential purchases, for example, the savings quickly add up to $1,000 in one year. [Direct Link]
BUDGT [Direct Link] is a simplistic budget and expense tracking alternative that does not link with your bank account. The app costs $1.99.
Get in shape with CARROT Fit, a top-rated fitness app that delivers an exhaustive 7-minute interval workout based on 12 high intensity 30-second exercises with 10 seconds of rest in between each set. The app also features a step counter, weight tracker, workout calendar and more.
CARROT Fit is $2.99, so it is worth a try before signing up for an annual gym membership or personal training, which can easily cost upwards of $300 or $50 per hour respectively. The app’s 7 Minutes in Hell workout can be completed anywhere, and the only equipment needed is a chair. [Direct Link]
Quit smoking with Smoke Free, which tracks how much money you have saved since quitting, how many cigarettes you’ve avoided smoking, how long you’ve been smoke free, how many hours of life you’ve theoretically regained, overall health improvements and more.
Smoke Free provides you with daily missions and tips to help you stop smoking, and rewards you with badges for not smoking or avoiding cravings for various lengths of time. These features can be unlocked via in-app purchase, while most of the app’s other features are free to use. [Direct Link]
Wake up rested with Sleep Cycle, a free intelligent alarm clock app that analyzes your sleep and wakes you in the lightest sleep phase, allowing you to feel rested and relaxed. The app has patented technology that monitors your sleep movements using sound or vibration analysis.
Simply open Sleep Cycle and place your iPhone on a nightside table or floor near your bed, and the app will find the optimal time to wake you up during a 30 minute window that ends at your set alarm time. Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a power source to ensure it does not die overnight. [Direct Link]
Sleep Cycle offers an optional annual Premium subscription for $1.99 per year featuring online backup, long term sleeping trends, sleep notes, a heart rate monitor, Philips HUE lightbulb support and more. Sleep Cycle’s developer Northcube AB says the app was developed using proven sleep science and years of research and development. The app is also fully integrated with Apple’s stock Health app.
Organize your life with Wunderlist, a popular task management and to-do list app acquired by Microsoft in June 2015. The app allows you to create to-do lists with optional subtasks, notes, files and comments, and set due dates and reminders for important deadlines.
Wunderlist is free to use, while upgrading to Wunderlist Pro is optional and provides unlimited access to Files, Assigning and Subtasks for $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year through an auto-renewing subscription. [Direct Link]
Lifesum, Mint, CARROT Fit and Wunderlist have companion Apple Watch apps available.
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Apple Dominates Holiday Sales With Nearly 50% of All New Device Activations
Apple devices accounted for just under half of new mobile device activations during the holiday season, according to a new report released today by mobile analytics firm Flurry. 49.1 percent of all new devices activated were Apple devices, and while that number is slightly down from last year’s 51.3 percent, Apple still dominated all other mobile device companies.
Samsung devices, for example, were responsible for 19.8 percent of all device activations, while Nokia devices made up 2 percent and Xiaomi devices made up 1.5 percent of all device activations.
Larger-screened “phablets” like Apple’s 5.5-inch iPhone 6s Plus were especially popular during the 2015 holiday season compared to prior years, representing 27 percent of new device activations. That’s up from 4 percent in 2013 and 13 percent in 2014. Full-sized tablets have gone down in popularity, making up only 9 percent of new device activations in 2015.
Medium-sized iPhones like the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 were still the most popular Apple devices over the holiday period at 65 percent, followed by full-sized tablets, phablets, and smaller tablets like the iPad mini. Comparatively, only 35 percent of Android devices activated were medium-sized smartphones, while 50 percent were phablets.
Apple’s phablet was introduced in September 2014, and in less than a year and a half has commanded 12% share of all Apple devices activated during Christmas week. This appears to be coming at the expense of medium phones and small tablets as more users opt for the size in between the iPhone and iPad Mini. You’ll note we did not break out a “Large Tablet” category for the new iPad Pro. These are grouped into “Full-Size Tablets” and represented less than 1% of device activations.
As for app downloads, Christmas day saw customers downloading 2.2x as many apps as the average day in December across multiple platforms including the Apple App Store and Android’s Google Play.
To gather its data, Flurry measured smart device activations and app downloads from the more than 780,000 apps it tracks. Data was collected from December 19 to December 25.
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Apple Music could be getting more Beats Music stations soon
Beats 1’s radio broadcasts were a key selling point when Apple Music was first announced. Now, it appears Apple is expanding with new radio options. In a series of filings, the company applied for trademarks covering both the names and logos of Beats 2, Beats 3, Beats 4 and Beats 5, which means we could be seeing up to four new stations in the near future. The applications, which were filed last month, follow reports that Apple’s agreements with record labels allow it to add five new radio stations without having to negotiate new contracts.
Of course, these applications only offer vague descriptions concerning the trademarks, so we don’t know what kinds of content to expect from the new stations just yet. However, Apple has been known to host an event in the spring, so perhaps we’ll find out more about Beats 2 and the rest of the lot then.
[Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Via: TechCrunch, Consomac, Apple Insider
Source: Justia
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