With the iPhone 7 (or is it the iPhone 6SE) launch just around the corner, A report from the Nikkei Asian Review, with ties close to Apple is claiming that the largest tech company in the world is working on what may be a curved screen iPhone for 2017.
If read correctly, the report claims that Apple will launch a total of three phones, a 4.7 inch and a 5.5 inch flat phone along with a 5.5 inch device with a curve. This would be especially similar to the Samsung strategy of the curved phones since the Note Edge in 2014.
This rumour is further detailed thanks to a patent that has been granted to Apple for a curvy phone.No further details of the smartphone are yet available. It also seems that Apple may need to switch to either OLED display from Samsung or POLED display from LG, to allow for such a device to exist. However, according to rumours Apple may switch to OLED display for the iPhone 7 which will launch in a few weeks time.
Traditionally people have stayed away from curved screen phones, however, Samsung has this year put the fear of the curve in the past by launching its flagship in a edge only format, which means that this is the first time a Samsung Note device is available with a flat variant. Also putting weight into the fact that users are now more accepting of the radical curved design.
Cupertino based Apple Inc. has launched its own Bug Bounty program with a winning of US $ 200,000 for hackers and researchers who find and report security flaws in Apple products. Apple claims that they have reached a stagnation point where its own testers and even third party contract security firms are having difficulty finding bugs.
Bug Bounty and hacking seem to be becoming lucrative on the other side of the fence. Recently the FBI paid US $ 1 Million to a Hacker to hack into the San Bernardino case iPhone .
Apple’s Bug Bounty program is by far the biggest corporate bounty program announced, and will definitely get some bug bounty specialists scrambling for the prize. Other companies like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have already paid out huge sums to bug finders. Vine got added to this list recently.
Apple has just leased 40,000 sq ft of prime real estate in Bangalore / Bengaluru to set up a development accelerator for iOS Apps.
Apple had announced this project back in may when tim cook said :
India is home to one of the most vibrant and entrepreneurial iOS development communities in the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “With the opening of this new facility in Bengaluru, we’re giving developers access to tools which will help them create innovative apps for customers around the world.
The facility in Bengaluru will be Apple’s second after Hyderabad where earlier this year Apple also launched a technology centre, dedicated to Apple Maps development.
Apple’s next iPhone is coming on Friday, Sept. 16th according to latest leaks, and the naming seems to have changed. So everything you heard about the three models of the iPhone, including the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone Pro may turn out to be just great misleads.
The next iPhone may be called the iPhone 6SE keeping the design lineage same as the previous gen iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s.
A report from Apfelpage suggests Apple may not call the device the iPhone 7 after all. It says Chinese supply chain sources have seen packaging and labelling that indicates the new phone will be called the ‘iPhone 6SE’.
All Glass iPhone Design for 2017
However, it seems unlikely that Apple will change the naming system of its flagship smartphone, And a iPhone 7 name seems more likely and on the cards. With Apple majorly overhauling the design of the iPhone in 2017, the iPhone 7 Moniker would make sense for a new design phone.
This has been a terrible year of leaks for the iPhone 7, with information on Apple’s next iPhone availble as early as Feburary the next iPhone has been seen in images and in video.
The latest images put the three variants of the iPhone 7 together. Reportedly the iPhone 7, The iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 7 Pro, these phones are expected to match many of the leaks includian the ommision of the Headphone jack.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus seem to be getting a new design along with a bigger camera lens, however the iPhone 7 Pro will get the dual camera treatment and the smart connector dots.
Earlier reports cliamed Apple was testing two 5.5-inch iPhone 7 models. However, this is the first time an iPhone 7 plus with a single big camera lens has been spotted. Interestingly the back image also shows an [s] which is usually seen in the second edition of iPhones like the iPhone 6s. This might mean that someone is just messing with your head, or that these are really good mockups putting rumors together.
The video below however, shows an iPhone 7 running with the display on, interestingly the video maker does not touch the screen or use the phone. The quality of the video also suggests that its is an illuminated dummy being passed off as an iPhone. However at this point it is difficult to guess what Apple will put out this year in September. Till then, Enjoy the leaks!
It appears that Apple may actually be killing the mute switch on the next generation of the iPhone. If new image leaks are to be believed the next iPhone will not only cut the headphone jack but also the mute rocker switch.
New images leaked by a french website show what supposedly an accurate dummys of new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Pro and they tie in with a lot of the leaks in the past. For the iPhone 7 Pro dual cameras on the rear, an existant yet redisigned home button and no headphone jack, a new design larger single camera for the iPhone 7. However, one new fact that appears is the lack of the silent switch.
Apple already removed the switch from the newest iPad Pro, even though a virtual button exists. Apple has made no major revision to the design of the iPhone 7 to warrant the removal of the mute switch, unless it somehow hinders the water resistivity of the iPhone, which seems to be the only logical answer. Either that or the images are of a nice mockup made using current leaks, wouldnt be too difficult considering you can 3D print anything now.
The sizes of the screen remain at 4.7 inches for the iPhone 7 and 5.5 inches for the larger iPhone 7 Pro.
16 GB iPhones may soon become obsolete, claims a new report. The rumors of a 32 GB base iPhone are returning to the interwebs. For a while buyers of the iPhone have been complaining about the low storage availability on the cheapest iPhone model, which also incidentally is the most selling variant of Apple’s Smartphone.
Apple let go of its 4GB and 8GB iPhones and launched a 16GB minimum iPhone in 2009 with the iPhone 3GS. At that time the 16 GB capacity seemed overkill and the industry swayed to catch up with Apple.
Leaked iPhone Design
Today most flagships ship with 64 GB storage, so a 32 GB minimum iPhone would make sense. However, reports in the past have claimed that Apple might simply launch with a 64 GB capacity, as a starting going all the way up to 256 GB as more expensive options.
Either way buyers of the new iPhone may not have to worry about the low space warning. At least for a little while.
Recent reports have often maintained that the iPhone 7 will ditch the 3.5 mm headphone jack in favor of the lightning port which will output Hi-res audio to your favorite pair of headphones. However, new parts leaked on Weibo along with some new reports, it looks like the iPhone 7 may keep the 3.5 mm headphone jack after all.
Leaked iPhone components show that the phone will keep the headphone jack. The parts also show the rumored dual camera setup of the iPhone 7 Pro and some SanDisk memory chips of up to a size of 256GB.
Interestingly, this leak also shows some dual-sim capabilities on the Apple iPhone 7. If true this would be the first iPhone to support dual sim capabilities.
With so many supposed leaks happening, it is quite unclear on what the specifications of the final iPhone 7 will be. Earlier reports suggested that the dual camera setup had been scrapped, However, it seems to have returned. Apparently, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi are also exploring dual-lens cameras for their upcoming smartphones.
The new iOS 10, which ships this fall, possibly after Apple releases a new iPhone, will enable a bunch of new features and also the new iMessage. But, in a move not expected from Apple, you will finally be able to delete 23 of the Apple Apps that come on the iPhone, that you may not use ever.
Apple will allow the removal of 23 Apps that come pre loaded, iso you can finally get rid of that annoying “Stocks” app and even apps like Tips, Compass, Music, Maps, and FaceTime.
Getting rid of these apps may give you upto 150MB of space, which might be crucial for those still on a 16GB iPhone and not using any of these apps.
All these apps will be downloadable from the App Store, incase you feel guilty for getting rid of them.
Apple has updated iOS to iOS 10, and now it focuses big on user experience.
Lock Screen
Apple has improved the look of the lock screen, with the support for 3D Touch, you can now swipe right to access the camera and swipe left to get to the today screen.
Apps will now be able to showcase their live content in widgets including images and video streams on the today screen.
You can 3D touch to reply and have conversations from lock screen which will include media responses.
Siri
Siri gets a big update and gets open to developers, now allowing you to book rides, and respond to messages on WhatsApp or book tickets using your favorite app. You can also initiate Skype calls among many other things you will be able to do later on thanks to developers utilizing this entirely.
QuickType
Using a new, predictive long type, algorithm the keyboard can predict what you are trying to say. The keyboard will share your location or automatically fill out calendars for you using your recent messages. Even remember addresses you were browsing and fill out a new address entry for you.
Photos
Photos now will use billions of algorithms on each picture to find out what is in the picture to help you organize them quickly. You also get instant montages for your memories. You can also change the mood and music to these montages, much like what we have seen in Zoe from HTC.
Maps
Maps get a big update with respect to look and functionality. Maps now understands your schedule and suggests locations. You can also sort searches for the type of cuisine if you are searching for restaurants, or you can see suggestions on your route for cafe’s in case you are feeling sleepy. Apple is opening Maps to third party developers to allow usage of Maps within their apps.
Apple Music
Apple music app gets a redesign, and it reminds us a lot of Windows Phone’s UI. The newly downloaded music tap allows users to look at all their music downloaded from Apple Music and sort it in their preferred order. The now playing tab includes lyrics of every song on Apple Music, and you can read as the song plays.
News
Apple News gets a redesign as well; you can also get new breaking news notifications. The App will also allow for Subscriptions from your favorite publications.
Apple Home
Apple Home is the first major all-new app today. It builds on Apple’s HomeKit infrastructure to let you manage and control all your connected and compatible accessories around the home.
Phone App
The new phone app gets VOIP support so you will no longer see notifications, but a full fledged call for your VOIP calls.
Messages
Messages gets a big update, with bubble effects, digital touch photos, and videos much like Snapchat. You can now play music directly from the messages app. You can also reply to images by double tap and send a small heart. The Emoji feature allows you to convert words to Emoji. Emoji is also three times bigger in the new Messages app. Replies can now have effects too. You can also send handwritten messages. Apple Messages almost similar to Google’s Allo allowing you to collaborate over dinner orders or movie screenings primarily using apps to communicate with friends.
Finally, Apple is opening Messages to Developers.
Other features include Split View on the iPad to allow browsing two safari windows at the same time. You will get live photos editing, Conversation view on Mail and the whole eco system gets end to end encryption.
Apple has updated the WatchOS to version 3, with WatchOS 3 Apple is paying strict attention to performance and basic usage addons.
The new load times for apps on WatchOS 3 are seven times faster. Apple has also included the Mini Mouse watch face and a new activity circle watch face, which will come in either analogue or digital.
You will also get control centre just like iOS by simply swiping up from the bottom of the watch face.
There is also a new scribble feature that will let you scribble characters on the watch face directly to make words and sentences for replying more quietly in various languages.
Apple WatchOS 3 will also allow you to make emergency services calls like 911 in the US, and you will be able to make calls instantly from the watch. Apple watch will automatically switch to emergency numbers in the country you are using the Apple Watch.
The Activity sharing feature allows you to compete with your friends with your workouts and fitness goals. The new Breathe app reminds you to do the most important thing to stay alive, breathe. The app will give you quick directions on how to get quick deep breaths in for a more relaxed mind.
Apple’s big WWDC 2016 announcement is hours away, and the Cupertino giant has a lot up its sleeve. The company is expected to launch and announce several improvements to its software products and also possibly upgrade some hardware.
Siri
Apple is serious about making Siri better, not only by making it more open but also more connected. While Google showed off some major improvements at Google IO, Amazon has also been working on Alexa which has left users excited about what next to expect.
However, with Siri being the most used assistant globally, thanks to Apple’s tight control, opening up to select third parties may be next on the agenda.
MacOS
Apple will rename Mac OS X to MacOS to continue its naming system across the board. The next in line is expected to be MacOS Fuji according to rumors. Apple is expected to make the seamlessness between iOS and MacOS smoother and sharing of files is expected to improve even though AirDrop is considered the best file sharing system.
iOS 10
Apple will announce, and launch the developer preview of iOS 10. iOS 10 is expected to include major improvements across the board. Newer design and graphics overlay, improvements to apps and functionality and better multitasking.
Macbook Pro
Apple may announce, or quietly upgrade the Macbook Pro to newer hardware, improved chipsets, However, Apple’s next-generation MacBook Pros are expected to include an OLED touch panel that will replace the function keys on the existing MacBook Pro . Apple may hold off launching these new Macbooks at a separate event.
Apple Watch 2
Apart from a possible design revamp the Apple Watch 2 might also include a larger size, up to 47mm. Apple will also add functionality to straps by allowing third party developers to include large batteries which will sit on the straps and allow for much longer battery life, up to a week. Apple is also said to be working with brands like Hermes to launch higher end Apple Watches at WWDC.
Apple’s investments in the hundreds of megawatts of solar projects for powering its server farms and offices is apparently generating more electricity than the company can use. Apple has set up a new business called Apple Energy with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to sell power on wholesale markets.
Apple has announced its plans for significant investments in solar projects throughout the US, and this will only help generate more electricity for the energy company.
Apple claims that they generate enough electricity to recover 93% of its usage worldwide. The company also has investments in hydroelectric, biogas, and geothermal power, will buy green energy from the grid when and if needed.
Apple may not be looking to convert this into its main business and call it iPower, however, it seems that they can sell back to the grid and get rid of any surplus they may not need. Apple had earlier this year shown $ 1.5 Billion in green investments, and major initiatives to improve recycling and impact on the planet.
We have already heard that Apple is planning to launch the iPhone 7 at the same time in India as major markets like the US and UK. According to a new tip Apple is working on launching the iPhone 7 at a price lower than before and also with attractive payment plans.
According to our insider working closely with the launch of the Apple iPhone in India, he claims that pricing for the next-gen iPhone 7 will start at Rs. 49990 for the base model of the iPhone 7 (which could be a 32GB model), Apple is also working closely with Citibank and Bajaj Finserv to deliver 0% interest EMI options for customers looking to buy the iPhone 7 at launch. The plans will range upto a period of two years and will have no processing fees or surcharge.
This will give the sales of the iPhone a big push in India, with consumers getting the ability to own the otherwise difficult to afford smartphone.
Apple globally works with Network carriers to make the iPhone easily available to customers. In India, however, network carrier monthly device plans have not been a success and after the Reliance “Dhirubhai Ambani ” device offer fiasco, India network providers have generally stayed away from such plans.
Apple has however worked with Airtel and Vodafone in the past to offer up the iPhone at attractive monthly payments. This time it seems Apple is ready to go all out.
