Apple Says iPhone 6s Shutdowns Result of Manufacturing Issue Causing Batteries to Degrade Faster
Apple has posted a message on its Chinese website to address unexpected battery shutdowns affecting some iPhone 6s models, noting the issue is related to some batteries having been overexposed to “controlled ambient air” during the manufacturing process (via Business Insider).
We found that a small number of iPhone 6s devices made in September and October 2015 contained a battery component that was exposed to controlled ambient air longer than it should have been before being assembled into battery packs. As a result, these batteries degrade faster than a normal battery and cause unexpected shutdowns to occur. It’s important to note, this is not a safety issue.
Apple added that iPhones are designed to shut down automatically under certain conditions, such as extremely cold temperature. In this case, some iPhone 6s models are shutting down with around 30% battery percentage remaining to protect the device’s internal components from low voltage.
Apple said it has investigated other factors that could potentially cause an iPhone to shut down unexpectedly, but it has not identified any new factors. Nevertheless, the company said it will continue to monitor and analyze customer reports. Apple reiterated the battery issues are not a safety concern.
Apple launched a repair program earlier this month offering free battery replacements for affected iPhone 6s models. These devices fall within a limited serial number range manufactured between September 2015 and October 2015. Apple has since launched a tool to check if your serial number is affected.
Apple is also offering refunds to customers who previously paid to have their eligible iPhone 6s battery repaired or replaced. Apple recommends customers experiencing iPhone 6s battery issues visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.
Related Roundup: iPhone 6s
Buyer’s Guide: iPhone (Buy Now)
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Apple’s Profit Downturn and Negative Customer Opinions Threaten ‘Decade-Long Malaise’ for Company
Analysts at financial firm Oppenheimer today added to the pile of criticisms aimed at Apple and its current, and future, state of innovation within the technology industry. In a recently published note (via Business Insider), the firm addressed a few “strategic issues” it currently has with Apple, as well as concern for the future trajectory of the company.
In the near-future, Oppenheimer believes that iPhone sales will peak, specifically in 2018, and that “the company lacks the ability to raise prices across its iPhones, iPads and Mac products,” which is hurting its growth. The firm also described a disharmony between “Apple’s primary role as ‘the hardware platform’ … with its secondary role as ‘the software and service provider.’”
“We believe Apple lacks the courage to lead the next generation of innovation (AI, cloud-based services, messaging); instead will become more reliant than ever on the iPhone … We believe Apple is about to embark on a decade-long malaise. The risks to the company have never been greater.”
While the “Apple is doomed” mindset has been prevalent for much of the company’s lifespan, the “universe of negativity” surrounding the company became more noticeable throughout 2016. In April, Apple reported its first year-over-year decline in iPhone sales and quarterly revenue since 2003, and although initial shipments of the new Touch Bar MacBook Pro models were reported as strong, subsequent user experiences have largely varied between positive and negative opinions.
In October, Apple forecasted a return to growth for the last half of 2016 thanks to the holiday shopping season, potentially putting an end to the company’s downturn after its first annual revenue decline since 2001 and three consecutive quarters of negative growth. The constant bright spots in Apple’s revenue remain its services category, including the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music.
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99 Percent of Fake Apple Chargers Sold Online Fail Safety Tests
New research conducted by a global independent safety firm has revealed that 99 percent of fake Apple chargers sold online fail a basic safety test (via BBC).
The tests were commissioned by the U.K.’s Trading Standards and undertaken by Illinois-based global safety specialists UL. The insulation tests applied a high voltage to the chargers, which were bought online from eight different countries, including the U.S., China, and Australia.
According to the results, only three out of 400 counterfeit chargers were found to have adequate insulation to ensure protection against electric shocks. Leon Livermore, the chief executive of Chartered Trading Standards Institute, described the counterfeit chargers sold online as an “unknown entity” and urged shoppers to buy electrical goods only from trusted suppliers.
“It might cost a few pounds more, but counterfeit and second-hand goods are an unknown entity that could cost you your home or even your life, or the life of a loved-one,” he said.
Earlier this week, Amazon acknowledged a worsening counterfeit problem on its site and said it had made fighting the fake products a “major goal” going forward. The announcement followed a lawsuit filed by Apple last month against a company it accused of selling fake power adapters and cables on Amazon. Apple conducted its own tests and said it found that almost 90 percent of so-called genuine Apple products and accessories it had purchased from Amazon over the last nine months were actually counterfeit.
“Counterfeit electrical goods are likely to be poor quality and in the worst cases unsafe,” said Gillian Guy, chief executive of the U.K.’s Citizens Advice. “Look out for tell-tale signs of counterfeiting such as mistakes in brand names or logos, and check plugs for safety marks – all genuine electrical items made in the EU should have a CE mark on them.”
Trading Standards included guidelines in its press release to help consumers in the EU spot a fake charger, advising them to check pin size, look for regulation markings, warnings and instructions. In addition, Citizens Advice urged consumers not to overcharge appliances and to never cover devices when charging or use a charger with a cracked case or frayed cable.
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Apple Retail Stores Sporting Red Logos for World AIDS Day
Over 400 Apple retail stores around the world have red logos today, in recognition of World AIDS Day. The logos, which Apple has put up at its stores for the last several years on December 1, are meant to raise awareness for the global fight against AIDS.
Earlier this week, Apple announced plans to donate $1 to partner charity (RED) for every Apple Pay purchase made at an Apple Store, on Apple.com, or through the Apple Store app as part of a World AIDS Day campaign. Apple has pledged to donate up to $1 million during the event, which will last until December 6.
Bank of America is also making a donation for every Apple Pay transaction made using its cards from December 1 to December 7, with plans to donate up to $1 million.
In addition to its Apple Pay promotion, Apple has released several new PRODUCT(RED) items over the course of the last month, including an iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case, an iPhone SE case, a Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker, and Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones. Throughout the year, a portion of the proceeds from PRODUCT(RED) sales goes to The Global Fund to put a stop to AIDS.
Several App Store apps are also offering limited-edition custom (RED) content for World AIDS Day, and all in-app purchase proceeds will be donated. Participating apps include popular titles like Best Fiends, Boom Beach, Clash of Clans, Candy Crush Jelly Saga, Farm Heroes Saga, PewDiePie’s Tuber Simulator, Hay Day, Plants vs. Zombies Heroes, and more.
Apple Stores around the world are @RED today for #WorldAIDSDay. Together we can #endAIDS. pic.twitter.com/yFrLua7IoR
— (RED) (@RED) December 1, 2016
The (RED) initiative has raised more than $365 million to date to stop AIDS in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia. Funds raised by (RED) are donated to The Global Fund, a group that works to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as epidemics.
Apple is one of (RED)’s biggest contributors and has donated nearly $120 million over the last 10 years.
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Apple Now Lets You Check Your iPhone 6s Serial Number to See if You’re Eligible for a New Battery
Two weeks after launching an iPhone 6s battery repair program, Apple has released a tool that allows iPhone 6s owners to check whether their device is affected by the problem.
An updated page for the iPhone 6s program includes an option to enter a serial number to determine whether an iPhone 6s is eligible for a free battery replacement.
A small number of iPhone 6s models manufactured between September and October of 2015 have a faulty battery, which can cause the iPhone 6s to unexpectedly shut down.
Devices that fall into the eligible manufacturing date will be able to receive a new battery from Apple at no charge should they exhibit the unexpected shutdown issue. Devices must be in good working condition to receive a battery replacement — Apple won’t swap it out if there’s an issue like a cracked screen that could impair the battery replacement.
iPhone 6s owners with an eligible device can visit an Apple retail store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or call Apple Support for assistance with the issue. Customers who have already paid to have their iPhone 6s batteries replaced can receive reimbursement from Apple for the repair costs.
Related Roundup: iPhone 6s
Buyer’s Guide: iPhone (Buy Now)
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Apple Working to Put a Stop to iCloud Calendar Spam
Over the course of the last week, many iCloud users have been the target of spam that’s delivered in the form of an unsolicited Calendar event invitation, and now Apple is working on a way to stop it.
In a statement given to iMore’s Rene Ritchie, an Apple spokesperson said the company working to block spam invites.
We are sorry that some of our users are receiving spam calendar invitations. We are actively working to address this issue by identifying and blocking suspicious senders and spam in the invites being sent.
iCloud calendar spam isn’t new, but there’s been a serious uptick in calendar spam since last week. Because iCloud calendar invites are sent to an iCloud calendar automatically by default and there’s no easy way to ignore them, there’s no clear way to stop the spam.
Image via OS X Daily
Declining, accepting, or choosing “Maybe” on an incoming iCloud invite lets an iCloud email address is valid, so until Apple can put a stop to the spam, there are two fixes. First, by logging in to iCloud via a web browser and accessing the Calendar settings (Click the cog, go to Preferences, then choose Advanced), you can choose to receive all event invitations as email. Emails can be more easily ignored and deleted.
Second, you can create a new Calendar, name it Spam, move the spam invitation to the Spam calendar, and then delete the Calendar entirely. This method does not inform spammers that an event has been declined and does not verify an iCloud account’s validity. For more detailed instructions, make sure to check out our how to.
Both iOS users that use the default Calendar app and those who use third-party calendar apps like Fantastical are affected by the spam issue, which appears to be fairly widespread.
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Yelp wants you to add a ‘Yelfie’ to your restaurant reviews
After letting its users virtually queue up for restaurants with a previous update, now Yelp wants them to put a face to the person behind each star-rating. With the service’s amateur reviews shaping restaurant scenes around the globe, the influential platform’s latest update allows its users to attach a selfie, or “Yelfie,” as the site is unfortunately calling them, to their reviews.
When checking-in to a restaurant, reviewers can now pout after being served a poor pastry or smile after tasting a particularly succulent soup. With over 140 million monthly users, these amateur critics now have a chance to gain some notoriety. It will be interesting to see how influential popular “Yelpers” become.
The idea was originally developed by the company at a hackathon conference and they decided that it was too good an idea to waste. Both Android and iPhone Yelp users can download the update today. With spurned restaurant owners now being able to see who’s behind their scathing reviews, be sure to check your Yelfie before you wreck your self(ie).
Source: Yelp
Cyber Monday Sales Live for iPhones, Macs, iPads, Accessories, and More
For those who missed out on last week’s Black Friday deals, or remain on the lookout for a few more gift ideas, Cyber Monday offers a number of online and in-store discounts on a wide range of Apple-related products and accessories. Most deals will remain available through the end of day on Monday, November 28.
Best Buy
Best Buy has a collection of Apple products on sale for Cyber Monday, with free shipping on all orders and free in-store pickup options available for customers.
iPhone
– iPhone 7 (32 GB) for $1 with activation and a two-year contract on Verizon: Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
– Buy any iPhone on installment or lease agreement and select Beats Solo 3 or Powerbeats 3 headphones, save $100.
– iPhone SE (16 GB) for $9.99/month ($160 total savings) when you buy and activate with Verizon: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold
12.9-inch iPad Pro
– 32 GB Wi-Fi for $699.99 ($100 off): Silver, Space Gray, Gold
– 128 GB Wi-Fi for $799.99 ($100 off): Silver, Space Gray, Gold
Apple TV
– Up to $30 off: 64 GB $169.99 and 32 GB $127.49
MacBook
– 1.1 GHz/256 GB $1,149.99 ($150 off): Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold
– 1.2 GHz/512 GB $1,449.99 ($150 off): Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold
MacBook Air
– $200 off discontinued 11.6-inch MacBook Air with 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage
iTunes
– Buy one iTunes gift card, get one of equal or lesser value 20% off: $15, $25, $50, $100, 3 x $10
Target
Target’s 15% off site-wide sale is still going on through the end of the day. There are a few restrictions, but other than iTunes gift cards, Apple products are included in the offer.
B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video is offering some of the better Cyber Monday deals we’ve seen on Apple products. We’ve listed some of the notable discounts below.
Macs
– Early 2015 13″ MacBook Air (1.6GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB SSD) for $879 ($150 off, regular $1,029)
– Early 2015 13″ MacBook Air (1.6GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,039 ($160 off, regular $1,199)
– Early 2015 13″ MacBook Pro (2.7GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB SSD) for $1,149 ($150 off, regular $1,299)
– Mid 2015 15″ MacBook Pro (2.7GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,299 ($200 off, regular $1,499)
– Late 2016 13″ MacBook Pro sans Touch Bar (2.0GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,399 ($100 off, regular $1,499)
Apple Watch Series 1
– 42mm Apple Watch Sport (Space Gray/Black Sport Band) for $199 ($150 off, regular $349)
– 42mm Apple Watch Sport (Space Gray/Black Woven Nylon Band) for $199 ($150 off, regular $349)
– 42mm Apple Watch Sport (Silver/Orange Sport Band) for $199 ($200 off, regular $399)
– 42mm Apple Watch Sport (Silver/Blue Sport Band) for $209 ($190 off, regular $399)
iPad
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + 4G LTE/128GB/Rose Gold) for $629 ($200 off, regular $829) — sale ends at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
MacMall
MacMall is offering Cyber Monday deals on a range of Apple products, including iPads, Macs, and accessories. The discounts are similar to what it offered on Black Friday.
iPads
– iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/32GB/Space Gray) for $359 ($40 off, regular $399)
– iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/128GB/Silver) for $474 ($25 off, regular $499)
– iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi + Cellular/128GB/Space Gray) for $589 ($40 off, regular $629)
– iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/32GB/Space Gray) for $347 ($52 off, regular $399)
– iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/128GB/Space Gray) for $435 ($64 off, regular $499)
– iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/128GB/Silver) for $459 ($40 off, regular $499)
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi/32GB/Space Gray) for $491 ($108 off, regular $599)
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi/32GB/Gold) for $491 ($108 off, regular $599)
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi/32GB/Silver) for $491 ($108 off, regular $599)
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular/32GB/Space Gray) for $611 ($118 off, regular $729)
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular/32GB/Silver) for $611 ($118 off, regular $729)
– 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular/128GB/Gold) for $887 ($142 off, regular $1,029)
Macs
– Early 2015 13.3″ MacBook Air (1.6GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,115 ($84 off, regular $1,199)
– Early 2016 12″ MacBook (1.1GHz Core m3/8GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,172 ($127 off, regular $1,299)
– Mid 2015 15″ MacBook Pro (2.2GHz Core i7/16GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,819 ($180 off, regular $1,999)
– Mid 2015 15″ MacBook Pro (2.5GHz Core i7/16GB RAM/256GB SSD) for $1,959 ($140 off, regular $2,099)
– Mid 2015 15″ MacBook Pro (2.2GHz Core i7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD) for $2,160 ($139 off, regular $2,299)
– Early 2015 13″ MacBook Pro (2.7GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB SSD) for $1,195 ($104 off, regular $1,299)
– 27″ iMac with Retina 5K Display (3.2GHz Core i5/8GB RAM/1TB HDD) for $1,673 ($126 off, regular $1,799)
– Late 2013 Mac Pro (3.5GHz Intel Xeon E5/16GB RAM/256GB SSD/Dual AMD FirePro D500) for $3,639 ($360 off, regular $3,999)
Other
– 64GB Apple TV 4 for $159 ($40 off, regular $199)
– AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook/MacBook Air/13″ MacBook Pro for $215 ($34 off, regular $249)
– Apple Pencil for $89 ($10 off, regular $99)
– Smart Keyboard for 9.7-inch iPad Pro for $139 ($10 off, regular $149)
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is offering a “free memory upgrade” on the iPhone 7, with 128 GB models selling for $650 and 256 GB models selling for $750, which is a savings of $100 on both phones. Offers are only available online and through T-Mobile telesales (1-877-413-5903).
Twelve South
Twelve South is offering up to 50% off on a collection of its MacBook accessories, as well as some headphone stands. Those who place an order on Twelve South today will also receive free shipping in the United States. Like most offers, it ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time tonight, while supplies last.
– Fermata – $69.99 (regular $79.99)
– BookBook for MacBook – $39.99-$69.99 (regular $79.99-$99.99)
– BaseLift for MacBook – $19.99 (regular $39.99)
– BookArc möd for MacBook – $29.99 (regular $59.99)
– HoverBar for iPad – $29.99 (regular $59.99)
– MagicWand – $14.99 (regular $29.99)
– BassJump 2 for MacBook – $34.99 (regular $49.99)
Pad & Quill
Pad & Quill is giving its customers a site-wide discount of 15% off on Cyber Monday, including accessories for the MacBook, iPad Pro, and even Apple Pencil. Take an additional 5% off with coupon code “PQ5” entered at checkout.
Incase
Incase is offering a 50% discount site-wide on Cyber Monday, including a collection of its MacBook bags, cases, battery packs, and more, with the code CYBER50. Additionally, anyone who spends over $50 before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 28, when the sale ends, will receive a free gift in their order.
Belkin
Belkin is giving its customers a 30% discount on all of its products today with the code HAPPYDAY. The two exclusions to the offer include the $99.99 PowerHouse Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone and the $39.99 Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar, which lets users listen to music and charge their iPhone 7 simultaneously. The company is also offering free ground shipping on all orders placed within the U.S., currently running through January 2, 2017.
Speck
Speck’s deal running today is 30–40% off almost everything site-wide.
ZAGG
Like last year, ZAGG is offering a 50% discount site-wide on Cyber Monday, with three exclusions: Slim Book Pro, Rugged Book Pro, Glass+, and Sapphire Defense.
ZAGG’s offer runs later than most sites’, closing on Tuesday, November 29 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, with an additional limit of only three discounted items allowed per customer.
Other Deals
– Griffin has extended its Black Friday sale so customers can continue to save 30% site-wide with the code CYBERMONDAY.
– OtterBox is automatically taking 25% off of all orders placed on its website today.
– Staples is offering 15% off of $50 and $100 iTunes gift cards only.
– OWC has a collection of deals on Thunderbolt dock solutions, EarPods, Beats by Dre accessories, and more.
– Incipio is offering 50% off site-wide, with orders of $100+ gaining a promo code for 20% off a future purchase.
– DODOcase is offering 30% off site-wide with promo code CM30.
– Native Union has a selection of docks, cables, cases, and watch bands for up to 80% off.
MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.
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Maliciously crafted video can freeze your iOS device
If you thought last year’s iOS text crash bug was a headache, you’d better brace yourself. EverythingApplePro and other users have confirmed that at least one maliciously crafted video is guaranteed to trigger a memory leak and freeze iOS devices, even if they’re running something as ancient as iOS 5. All you have to do is play the linked video file in Safari — your iPhone, iPad or iPod will lock up within a few seconds, forcing you to hard reboot to regain control of your gear. It’s so far useful only for cruel pranks (you should be fine afterward), but these kinds of quirks can occasionally be used as part of security breaches.
The trick is limited to unaltered files, so you don’t have to worry about a YouTube link or other processed video bringing your device to a screeching halt. And of course, the immediate precaution is to avoid tapping direct video links (particularly from known hosts like vk.com and testtrial.site90.net) if you don’t know that you can trust them. The problem, as you might surmise, is that attackers may use link shorteners or otherwise try to hide the nature of the video.
We’ve reached out to Apple about its plans for a fix, and we’ll let you know if can outline plans. It won’t be surprising if there’s already a patch in the works. Don’t be surprised if it’s focused strictly on iOS 10 users, though. The latest version already had 60 percent adoption as of late October, and many of those running iOS 9 can upgrade. An iOS 10-only fix would (eventually) cover the vast majority of users.
Via: 9to5Mac, MacRumors
Source: EverythingApplePro (YouTube), Reddit
Malicious Video Link Causes iOS Devices to Freeze, Requiring a Hard Reset
A malicious video link that when played in Safari causes iOS devices to crash has been discovered this morning.
Playing the MP4 video in question through Safari appears to have no effect at first, but gradually the operating system slows down before it freezes completely, after which only a hard reset will bring the device back to life. YouTube channel EverythingApplePro has posted a demonstration (i.e. not the original video) showing the exploit in action.
The bug appears to affect iOS builds as far back as iOS 5, while iPhones running iOS 10.2 beta 3 are said to power off and show the spinning wheel indefinitely.
If you fall victim to the prank, you’ll need to hard reboot to get your device working again. According to a Reddit post by user Riddle, currently the top level domains hosting the video appear to be vk.com and testtrial.site90.net, but bear in mind that the video could be hosted on other sites quite easily and that URL shorteners can mask the actual address you’re being linked to.
This kind of prank isn’t new. Three years ago, a text exploit made the rounds that caused both Mac and iOS devices to crash.
(Via 9to5Mac.)
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AIVAnet 