Category: Apple

Apple will launch the iPhone 7 in India at the Same Time as the US

Tim Cook’s recent India visit may have paid off more than people were expecting. Apple will launch the next iPhone 7 in India at the same time as most major markets like the US and the UK, according to our source, who is in proximity to the launch planning.

In India, Apple loses major of its initial sales push to the Grey market imports, or to people purchasing the iPhone overseas. Apple wants to cut this down by launching at the same time as the major markets.

India is one of the strongest growing smartphone markets in the world and Apple sees the large potential in the market.

Our source (who explicitly wished to remain anonymous due to his dealings with Apple) also mentioned that Apple is working hard on bringing not only the official Apple Stores experience to the main cities, but also to the online Apple Store which does not exist in India.

The company (Apple) is not only in the process of setting up Apple Retail stores that everyone is talking about, but also the official online Apple Store, which will allow people to customise their purchases.

While this information is not far from what Apple has officially announced, and the company is in talks with the Indian government to allow licensing for the retail stores. We still have to see if Apple will bring the full Apple experience to India. Something which many users complain has been lacking, especially the Apple Care experience which is possibly the best anywhere an official Apple store exists.

If Apple does launch the “full experience” online Apple Store, people may finally be able to customise their MacBooks and iMac as per required specs, have them shipped directly to their houses and also finally be able to get “I’m Batman” laser engraved on their iPad or iPhone.

June 1, 2016
Apple will finally Drop the 16GB Storage from the iPhone 7 Lineup

Apple will finally let go of the lowest possible configuration and the most popular configuration of the iPhones in the iPhone 7. The iPhone 7 will let go of the 16GB storage capacity and replace it with a 32GB storage option.

We had reported about this earlier this year, with Apple phasing out 16 GB we might see 32Gb or 64GB as the lowest spec iPhone 7 with the highest going all the way up to 256 GB.

The 16GB model is the most popular, due to its low price. However with iOS updates getting bigger and bigger, it may become impossible for Apple to push updates. With the large size of retina Apps and high res music rumored in the iPhone 7, Along with Apple’s possible launch of a streaming Video service, we see the 16 GB and maybe even the 32Gb variant become redundant.

Several Apple Analysts have also predicted this change in the iPhone 7 lineup . Apple is rumored to launch two sizes of iPhone 7 this year, just like the previous two models. However according to rumors the “plus” moniker might be replaced with a “pro” moniker like iPhone 7 Pro.

The iPhone 7 is rumored to have the same design as current gen iPhones, however, may sport larger than usual camera sensor and lenses, with the “pro” model boasting dual lens setup.

Apple will refresh the iPhone at their usual September event, and may also launch newer iPod models including those of the iPod Touch.

Meanwhile, you can watch our the iPhone SE go heads up with a Shotgun :

May 31, 2016
More iPhone 7 Pictures Leak Show Better Camera

A lot of rumours have surrounded the upcoming launch of the iPhone 7 in September. However the latest leak seems to point in the absolute right direction. The picture you see below was posted on Weibo along with some components of the iPhone 7 .

The back shown in the picture shows an even larger camera bump. Which points to a drastically improved camera and that too with a wider lens.

There is not a lot of visual difference in terms of design of the iPhone 7 from an iPhone 6/6s (if it is an actual image)

Major upgrades in terms of performance along the lines of CPU / GPU and display are expected in the iPhone 7, while some reports have pointed to the fact that the iPhone 7 may be officially waterproof, thanks to the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

The iPhone Pro / iPhone 7 plus is expected to host a dual camera setup the specifics of which are yet to be released.

Apple is also expected to include a big 256 GB storage option for the iPhone 7, keeping the base as 16GB however.

While these leaks get more and more interesting by the day, it seems we need to take them all with a pinch of salt, up until Apple officially launches the iPhone 7 in September.

VIA

May 24, 2016
Apple and Lenovo Biggest Winners in India, BlackBerry, Sony, and LG Biggest losers

In a recent report for India Smartphone market, Apple and Lenovo have come out on top in the list of fastest gaining Smartphone vendors. While the positions at the top have not changed much, with the top being Samsung followed by Micromax, Intex, Lenovo, and Lava.

Lenovo’s shipments increased 63 percent year-on-year while Apple experienced a shipments increase by 56 percent. The report also mentions the fact the Apple is the most aggressive in terms of growth and also has the largest growth potential.

Apple is outperforming the overall market in India, and still has great growth potentia

Apple recently took a lot of flak for a poor performance in the year on year results for Apple. While their revenue lowered to 10 billion from 13 billion, Apple still had double the sales of any other competition brand. Apple is agressively changing its strategies in India to ensure great results and it appears to be showing. Apple Also recently launched the iPhone SE which despite a huge price difference from global markets is doing well for the brand in India.

Microsoft, BlackBerry, Sony, and LG lost the maximum market share with respect to shipments. Troubled by a market that is trending towards low-cost yet high spec handsets. Micromax on the other hand experienced a slight drop in market share from the year ago quarter to 16.7 percent.

The report mentions that Micromax, in particular, has been through tough times, with key executives leaving. Now the company is aiming to revamp its strategy to incorporate an ecosystem of services around payments and content. Micromax’s market share fell by a couple of percentage points to 16.7% in Q1 2016.

Source

May 6, 2016
While FBI and Apple were Fighting in Court , LAPD unlocked an iPhone 5s : Report

A new report originating from the LA Times claims that while Apple and FBI were taking matters to court and creating a public issue over iOS privacy. Los Angeles police investigators obtained a method to open a locked iPhone 5s.

The LAPD was able to unlock and access information on the iPhone 5s which belonged to April Jace, wife of actor Michael Jace, accused in her killing at their South L.A. home in 2014.

The report mentions that LAPD found a “forensic cellphone expert” who could “override the locked iPhone function,”. There is no other information on how the iPhone was actually unlocked and it looks like only those involved will know the actual details of the case.

While the FBI managed to do this with a foreign third party organization, the appearance of a sum of US $ 1 Million which was paid for the obtaining the crack of the iPhone 5c in the San Bernardino case. It is also unknown what the version of iOS on the iPhone 5S which was unlocked by LAPD was, if similar the same “forensic cellphone expert” could have been used by the FBI and saved the US $ 1 MillionCould it be the infamous Siri bypass?

Could it be the infamous Siri bypass? Hard to tell!

[LA Times]

May 5, 2016
Apple Will Not Be Allowed to Sell Refurbished iPhones in India

Apple has been denied the request to import and sell refurbished iPhones to the world’s second largest mobile population, a telecommunications ministry official told Bloomberg on Tuesday.

With India inc. heavily pushing “Make In India”, the rejection could simply be rebellion by competition brands who do not want Apple to gain foothold by selling cheaper refurbished phones. Companies started a public campaign against the effort, arguing that such a move would trigger a flood of used electronics while defeating the government’s Make-in-India program to encourage local manufacturing.

India is one the largest smartphone markets in the world, However, Apple has only been able to capture 2% stake in this ever growing region. This is reportedly due to the high prices and less availability of Apple products. Refurbished iPhone sales would have allowed Apple to pentrate a lower segment of the market which would have drastically improved sales and market share for Apple.

Apple is also seeking permission to open its own stores, and drive sales up for the iphone by offering specail Apple financing and deals, as they would in other markets.

VIA

May 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 7 May Not have a Home Button

The iPhone 7 to be launched this year is expected to bring about a significant design change for the Cupertino-based technology giant. With Apple revising the design of the iPhone with each new number, the iPhone 7 is expected to improve its looks drastically in comparison to the iPhone 6s.

Adding to the rumors of the new all glass design is the recent announcement by LG. The company announced that they have developed a new display technology which will allow manufacturers of smartphones to place a fingerprint scanner right on the display glass.

It is not new information that LG is one of the biggest display providers to Apple, and with the next iPhone due in September 2016, LG’s announcement comes right on time. The new display by LG allows the user to scan their finger anywhere on the glass of the screen, making the need for a button or a panel to scan the fingerprint redundant. LG said its new module has a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 0.002 percent. Because the module is sealed under a layer of glass, it remains protected from splashes and scratches.

Back in June 2015 reports pointed to Apple working on an integrated fingerprint scanner display :

Apple is internally developing touch and display driver integration (TDDI) single-chip solutions for its iPhones, according to sources in Taiwan’s IC design industry.

The TDDI single-chip solutions will also come with integrated fingerprint sensors, said the sources. The integrated design would fit into future iPhone designs – models with ultra-thin and ultra-narrow displays, and with a whole plane design eliminating the Home button.

In fact, Apple also has a patent for the same.

Other reports point to a flush home button made of liquid metal, which would be recessed when pressed but would return to original shape after recovery.

LG’s solution, which is 0.3mm thick, is inserted on the lower backside of a smartphone’s cover glass. LG has also designed its own adhesive to allow this module to be stuck to the glass of the smartphone.

With 3D touch, the need for the home button may also be directly replaced by making the screen 3D touch capable. With LG’s new fingerprint technology, and Apple’s 3D Touch released with the iPhone 6s combined with rumors of a seamless glass design, it is highly likely that Apple may drop the home button on the iPhone 7.

Via

May 4, 2016
Schematics Reveal iPhone 7 will Have Smart Connector

Think of the Smart Connector on the iPad Pro and it has mostly been used by case makers to power up the cases which come with keyboards. Until recently when Logitech released a dock which allows you to charge the iPad Pro using the Smart Connector.

iPhone 7 plus version drawings have been shared by Japanese site Mac Otakara, and they show a purported “pro” variant with a 5.5-inch display which will also have the smart connector just like the iPad Pro. The handset is set to measure in at 158.22mm x 77.94mm x 7.3mm. Along with a large cutout in the schematic that shows a possible dual-camera setup.

The addition of the smart connector would mean that you will still be able to charge up your iPhone 7 while listening to music via headphones connected to the lightning connector. (See: Apple Set to change history)

On the flip side, it could be used to charge headphones, as Apple is apparently working on new Beats Headphones to be released alongside the new iPhone 7.

People also suggest that the iPhone smart connector could be connected to other peripherals, including external microphones, lenses and camera cases to make for a nice portable camera kit.

Who knows what Apple has up its sleeve and if the final iPhone 7 will have the smart connector in the first place. Previously MacFan has been accurate about Apple’s devices, sharing design details of the iPhone 6/6 Plus and 12.9-inch iPad Pro ahead of launch.

Source

April 29, 2016
Apple Wants to Remove iPhone Distribution Chain in India

Apple is all set to launch official Apple stores and the online Apple store in India. With the company steadily moving forward towards that goal, they intend to remove the current distribution layer in the market.

Sources close to iGyaan from within Apple have clarified that service and sale of all iPhones may fall back under Apple’s own command as the general approach towards service has been poor in India when compared to global standards of service.

Traditional distribution model which was adopted by importers of iPhone in India, Ingram and Reddington, end up decreasing the sale prices of the iPhone considerable within one year, which is not the case with Apple’s global sales model. Apple wants to ensure that the price protection for the customer who buys the phone at launch is equal for the customer who buys the phone six months from launch.

The Recent launch of the iPhone SE is the biggest example of Price problems faced by the company. The iPhone SE was launched at Rs. 39000 while the iPhone 6s was available at the time for around Rs. 40000 down about Rs. 16000 from initial launch price. Apple then steadily moved to regulate the price of the iPhone in India, even though denying it, to ensure the sale of their new mid-tier iPhone SE.

Apple sees India as a large opportunity for sales, only after the US and China, and expects to be able to provide equivalent pricing as the US markets and also ensure that price does not fall by taking reins of the sales and service model in India. In a scenario like that the iPhone SE, which costs $ 399 in the US would cost Rs. 26500 in India and not Rs. 39000.

April 28, 2016
Apple Posts $ 10.5 Billion Profit This Quarter

While most companies are struggling to get any sales, Cupertino electronics giant Apple just posted a net profit of $ 10.5 Billion. Although, lower than last year’s income of $13.6 billion Apple is still going strong.

The Company posted lower quarterly revenue of $50.6 billion which compared to revenue of $58 billion, in the year-ago quarter, is not a big drop.

“Our team executed extremely well in the face of strong macroeconomic headwinds,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

We generated strong operating cash flow of $11.6 billion and returned $10 billion to shareholders through our capital return program during the March quarter,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO.

Apple also means to give back to its shareholders, The company has authorized an increase of $50 billion to the Company’s program to return capital to shareholders. Under the expanded program, Apple plans to spend a cumulative total of $250 billion of cash by the end of March 2018

April 27, 2016
iPhone Se Shot with a Shotgun

In this video, the iPhone SE goes up against a 12 Gauge Shotgun check it out!

April 23, 2016
Apple Updates Retina MacBook Now Starts Rs. 106900
Apple’s Retina Macbook had a lot of buyers last year, despite its high price tag and low specs. This year Apple has updated the Retina MacBook and added a Rose Gold option, considering a lot of people seem to like that color. Spec wise changes include :
- 6th Generation Intel Core M 1.3-GHz processor
- 8 GB of 1866 MHz memory
- Intel HD Graphics 515
- PCIe-based flash storage
- 41.4-watt/hour lithium-polymer battery
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Rose gold color option
Things that should have changed but have not include a single USB TYPE C port and the pricing which has changed in India but not for good. The new Retina MacBook comes with a 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.2 GHz, 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage for MRP INR 106900 , and with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7 GHz, 8GB of memory and 512GB of flash storage for MRP INR 129900. Configure-to-order options include a 1.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz.

While the US price remains at US $ 12999 for the 1.1 GHz variant and US$ 1599 for the 1.2 GHz variant.

Customize options are not available in India.
April 20, 2016
Apple is Working on an All Glass AMOLED iPhone

Apple may be working on an iPhone that may shed metal from the front and rear giving it a unique rounded glass design. A single piece of glass that goes from front to back held in place with liquid metal sides.

This may be this year’s redesign or a variant of the iPhone which may launch in 2017 as perhaps the iPhone Pro. Apple has previously used glass front and back on the iPhone 4 and 4s.

The new iPhone will also have an AMOLED display which will allow the iPhone to become lighter and thinner, which in turn will also allow Apple to utilize the Apple Watch type 3D touch technique.

According to industry reports, Apple has already placed a $2.59 billion order to Samsung which is to supply 100 million 5.5-inch OLED displays starting 2017.

Which makes the iPhone 7 launching this year a non-AMOLED display based device, leaving a lot of Apple fans disappointed. Most leaks of the iPhone 7 have shown of similar iPhone 6/6s style designs with aluminum backs. With Apple revamping the iPhone lineup in 2017, the 2016 winter may not belong to the Cupertino fruit company.

But, as with all launches, we won’t know till we know.

Source

April 18, 2016
Apple Recovers US $ 40 Million Gold Thanks To New Recycling

Apple has run its recycling program for a very long time and users often return their old beat down phones to Apple in efforts to properly dispose of the ruined smartphone. Apple’s latest Environmental Responsibility Report (PDF) shows that it recovered 89 million pounds of materials in its recycling program last year, including $40 million worth of gold.

Gold is used in many Apple portable components and circuit boards because “it has low electrical resistance and, unlike copper, doesn’t corrode.” This adds to the efficiency of the product and if recycled properly can save the wastage of the precious material.

Apple has already shown off its interests in Recycling this year, pushing the user to add to helping save the environment and the new Auto Recycling Robot LIAM.

You can read the full report here.

April 18, 2016
iPhone 6s will be cheaper than iPhone SE soon

With Apple prepping the launch of the iPhone SE in India on the 8th of April for a whopping Rs. 39000 for the base 16 GB variant. The iPhone 6s which features better specs and a larger screen capable of 3D touch is presently available for as low as Rs. 41000 on online websites, and if you choose one of the credit card deals, you can have one today for approximately Rs. 40000. There is absolutely no need to purchase the hybrid old-new iPhone SE which has some components from the iPhone 5s and many from the iPhone 6s

The iPhone 6s however, has only one disadvantage for those looking to buy a smaller 4-inch phone, and that is the size of the iPhone 6s. The iPhone 7 launch is slated for September 2016, with anyone holding out for a new phone for all this while the iPhone 7 launch is expected to further lower the price of all phones, including the new iPhone SE.

However, if you cannot wait that long, choose the iPhone 6s over the iPhone SE, in India at least. It offers a lot more bang for its buck.
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March 31, 2016