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Faulty speakers and dual-cameras could cause iPhone 7 shortages at launch

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

Apple's suppliers are ramping up production of iPhone 7 parts ahead of the big reveal on September 7, but some manufacturers have been reportedly experiencing serious defects in the waterproof speaker and dual-camera modules for months now, and are yet to be resolved.

As a result, customers may initially face iPhone 7 shortages at launch as Apple's supply chain deals with low yields, according to a recent report in Nikkei Asian Review. An industry source familiar with the matter did not name any suppliers beyond indicating they're struggling to produce iPhone 7 parts in volume.

Leaked iPhone 7 prototype sticker reaffirms that 32GB is the new 16GB

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

Various leaks published over the past few months by solid sources have strongly indicated that the iPhone 7 would at long last ditch its oft-criticized 16-gigabyte tier, replacing it with a 32-gigabyte SKU as the new entry-level option for buyers. Based on the image of an info sticker of an alleged iPhone 7 prototype obtained from Foxconn, that smartphone leakster The Malignant tweeted out this morning, it would seem that the next iPhone might indeed start out at 32GB.

Report: iPhone’s switch to AMOLED short-lived as Apple looks to adopt Micro-LED screens

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

Apple's Tenth Anniversary iPhone due next year is widely expected to use the superior AMOLED display technology, but only for a short while as the Cupertino company looks to adopt the emerging Micro-LED screens in the long run, according to a report from Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes.

Micro-LEDs waste far less battery power compared to other commercially viable display technologies, making them ideally suited for mobile devices like iPhones and iPads. Traditional TFT LCD panels waste a lot of energy because they require a backlight.

Instagram’s popular Explore tab now recommends Stories from people you could follow

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

Today, Instagram's Explore tab will start showing some users a bar of Stories from accounts they could follow, TechCrunch reported yesterday, saying these algorithmically personalized suggestions will roll out to everyone soon. Stories recommendations are based on who you follow and the topics you care about, making it easy to add someone new to your Home feed’s Stories section.

Papa John’s now lets you order pizzas, drinks and desserts right from your Apple TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

Tuesday, Papa John's launched a brand new application allowing owners of the fourth-generation Apple TV to order pizza from the comfort of their couch, straight from their Apple TV. In becoming the first restaurant to bring food ordering to the Apple TV, Papa John's said that all orders placed using the new app will have an automatic 25 percent discount applied to them. Users must sign into their existing Papa John's account to automatically provide payment information and access their favorite meals.

Rumor: iPhone 7 will also be offered in Darth Vader-like glossy black colorway

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

Japanese blog Mac Otakara was first to report that Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 refresh would include a Space Black Apple Watch-like darker color option replacing the existing Space Gray colorway. Tuesday, Mac Otakara published a pair of photos purportedly showing a claimed iPhone 7 SIM tray in Darth Vader-like glossy black finish said to resemble the exterior of the 2013 Mac Pro. Sources told Mac Otakara that the next iPhone would come in a total of five color choices.

Here’s Tim Cook’s message to Apple community regarding massive Irish tax bill

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 30, 2016

The European Commission has ruled that Apple is on the hook for €13 billion ($14.5 billion) in back taxes as its “sweetheart deal” to pay a lower tax rate in Ireland has been characterized as “illegal state aid”.

Apple is going to appeal the ruling and now CEO Tim Cook has penned an open letter, entitled “A Message to the Apple Community in Europe,” in which he explains Apple's position in this case, writing he is “confident” that the huge tax bill will be reversed.

EU orders Apple to pay $14.5 billion in back taxes

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated September 6, 2017

At a press conference Tuesday, the European Commission's competition commissioner Margarethe Vestager announced that the European Union has ordered the government of Ireland to collect up to €13 billion, or about $14.5 billion, in back taxes from Apple. The sum represents Europe’s largest tax penalty and a significant increase over the 1 billion figure floated around ahead of the ruling.

Apple will appeal the decision.

Let’s Talk iOS 150: This is the business

Sébastien Page ∙ August 30, 2016

As Apple just sent out invites for the iPhone 7 event, Cody and Sebastien discuss what's likely to be unveiled, and what is not. A chat about the recent iOS 9.3.5 software update, Apple's rumored video sharing features, and the war going on in the music industry right now.

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Support Let’s Talk iOS: Want to get into HomeKit? Visit idevicesinc.com and use promo code iOS for 15% off your home’s evolution.

NightOwl enables Twitter’s night mode automatically based on the time

Anthony Bouchard ∙ August 30, 2016

In one of its most recent updates, Twitter added a new night mode theme to its mobile app that makes the app easier on your eyes at night.

For jailbreakers who like the feature, but expected more than having to manually operate it all the time, a developer has figured out a way to make Twitter's night mode more automatic with a new jailbreak tweak called NightOwl.

Customize your Notification Center interface with CustomNC

Anthony Bouchard ∙ August 30, 2016

Minimalists who don't like lines, separators, and other visually unappealing forms of UI elements appearing in Notification Center can use a new jailbreak tweak dubbed CustomNC to make it look just how they want it to.

Bloomberg: new Macs and 5K monitor could debut as early as October

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2018

Apple is working on several upgrades to its Mac product line, reports Bloomberg. Citing sources familiar with the company's plans, the outlet says the refreshed hardware includes new versions of the iMac, MacBook Air, and the oft-rumored MacBook Pro.

Also in the pipeline is a new 5K standalone monitor. Apple, of course, discontinued its Thunderbolt Display earlier this year, after years without an update. This time around, Bloomberg says the Cupertino firm is collaborating with LG to build its monitor.