iPhone News

IDC: iPad now down to one-third of tablet sales

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated February 28, 2017

Tablet sales slowed during the second quarter, falling 9.7 percent to 45.1 million units, according to IDC researchers Monday. Because interest in tablets rises and falls with Apple's iPad, the slowdown in sales during the second quarter was attributed to the lack of a new iPad device being introduced by Apple.

In the horserace between Apple and Samsung (which will unveil a next-gen Note phablet on September 4), the iPad remains the top-selling tablet, although growth fell 14.1 percent on shipments of 14.6 million iPads, down from 19.5 million during the first quarter of 2013, IDC announced Monday. No. 2 Samsung also saw tablet shipments slow to 8.1 million units, down from 8.6 million devices during the previous quarter, though the South Korean vendor saw a 277 percent annual growth in tablet shipments...

How to adjust the position of app icon labels

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

LabelUp Pro is a new jailbreak tweak that allows users to reposition the app icon labels that normally appear underneath each app icon. The tweak features several sections dedicated to things like the Home screen, folders, and the app switcher. Each section contains a simple slider that allows you to adjust the position of the labels.

It's a tweak that technically works, but I found it a bit difficult to use due to the fact that respring is required with each change. Have a look at our video walkthrough inside for a brief demonstration.

NFL iOS app updated for the 2013-14 season, adds Verizon-only streaming

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

As first noted by AllThingsD, The National Football League has updated its iOS software for the upcoming NFL season. Among other changes, the official NFL Mobile 8.0 app boasts a revamped appearance, with stats and data updated for the 2013-14 season. As the new version now combines two previously standalone apps, one from the NFL itself and the other by Verizon, it comes with a premium streaming feature - but only if you're a Verizon iPhone owner.

Jailbreakers should proceed with caution as the new app isn't supported on jailbroken devices. If you're into professional American football, you're probably aware that the 2013 NFL regular season opens Thursday, September 5 (the Baltimore Ravens are playing against the Broncos in Denver). I've included more details about the new NFL Mobile 8.0 app after the break...

‘Flipswitch’ updated with improved theming support and performance

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

The Flipswitch toggle framework, a release co-developed by Ryan Petrich and Auxo co-creator Jack Willis, has been updated with several new improvements. The 1.0.1 beta 1 update brings with it improved support for theming, improved support for background threading, and better performance and enhancements in other key areas. Have a look inside at the full change log, along more details as to why this update matters for the future...

Microsoft shaves $100 off Surface Pro through August 29

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 5, 2013

In another sign that Microsoft's Surface tablets are failing to hit the ground running, the Windows giant has slashed the Surface Pro lineup by $100 through August 29. The Microsoft-branded tablet family was unveiled last October so it's only logical the company now wants to get rid of unsold inventory as it gears up to announce a second-generation Surface later this year. Both the 64GB and 128GB flavors of the Surface Pro are now a $799 and $899 value, respectively...

‘FaceHalt’ gains new experimental mode for wider app adoption

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 12, 2018

Great news for all of you FaceHalt early adopters. The tweak has now gained access to apps like Hulu, Netflix, and HBOGo by means of a new experimental option.

The new option, which can be found in a revamped preference panel located in the settings app, is the biggest new feature included with the tweak's 1.0.2 update. Other features included bug fixes.

In the change log for the update, the developer states that users should try the new Experimental mode, which can be setup on an app-by-app basis, if they find that merely enabling the tweak for a specific app doesn't work. Unfortunately, in my testing the tweak with Netflix, I was met with some pretty mixed results. Your mileage may vary.

Sodium: remix your wallpaper with tons of custom effects

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

I don't know about you, but I have a bad habit of keeping the same wallpaper on my iPhone for months on end. That usually makes for a boring background in dire need of a little seasoning — you can probably tell where I'm going with this.

Indeed, Sodium is a new jailbreak tweak that seeks to add some flavor to your iPhone's wallpaper. It does so by means of a variety of custom fill colors, blend modes, and more. Have a look inside at our video walkthrough to get a taste of what sodium offers.

Samsung issues invites to September 4 Note III event

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 5, 2013

In spite of naysayers, Samsung's stylus-based Galaxy Note phablet series has definitely carved a market for itself. Introduced in October 2011, the original 5.3-inch Note went on to ship a surprising ten million units by mid-August 2012, making a believable case for pen-based mobile devices sized between jumbo-smartphones and tweener tablets.

During last year's IFA, the Galaxy maker held the Unpacked event to introduce the Note successor, called the Note II. But that was last year and this year another Note upgrade is needed so the South Korean conglomerate has just sent out invites to an event unimaginatively called Unpacked 2013 Episode 2, with the Note III likely the star of the show...

Liquid damage suit members receive notice about cash payout from Apple

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Earlier this year, Apple has agreed to pay $53 million to resolve a consumer class-action lawsuit involving faulty moisture indicators in older iOS devices falsely interpreting that a device had been damaged by water, prompting Apple to unjustly deny customer warranty claims based on these defective indicators.

According to details made public on the settlement’s website, eligible customers are now being contacted via email about the class-action settlement and damages. Specifically, owners of older iPhone and iPod touch products may be entitled to a cash payment from Apple...

China investigating Apple suppliers over pollution concerns

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

Authorities in China are investigating two Taiwan-based Apple suppliers over pollution concerns, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. Environmental regulators believe that both UniMicron and Foxconn are knowingly polluting their water tables.

The investigation follows accusations made last week by Chinese activist Ma Jun and a number of nonprofit organizations. They claim that factories in Kunshan, China belonging to the two companies are guilty of releasing water tainted by toxic metals into the rivers...

Survey finds 52% of developers are working on iOS 7-only app updates

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Last month, we asked our readers if they would pay for iOS 7 app updates on apps they already owned. With all of the UI changes and new features Apple's added in the software, developers are having to spend an enormous amount of time and resources to bring their apps up to speed.

Looking at the comments in that post, though, the answer was clearly a resounding "no." In fact, a lot of readers claimed that they'd rather stay on iOS 6, than update to iOS 7 and have to repay for their favorite apps. Well, if this new survey is any indication, that may not be an option...

Spotify introduces new curated playlists

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

Streaming music services aren't just about the music these days. Aside from obvious bullet points like price and availability, users are also looking for features like discovery and smart playlists. And Spotify just made a huge play in this regard.

A few hours ago, Spotify took the wraps off its new 'Browse' page, which now features what it calls 'expert playlists.' These are essentially curated playlists that promise to deliver 'music for every moment,' from workouts to dinner parties...