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Internal Apple doc reveals non-serviceable iPhone 5s/5c issues

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 20, 2013

So you stood in the line, maybe even battered the storm, and you've finally gotten your hands on a brand spanking new iPhone 5s (let me guess, they didn't have a gold variant?) or one of the colorful new iPhone 5c models? As much as you're going to protect your investment by handling your device with care and thinking twice before letting others play with it, accidents unfortunately happen.

And while Apple will cover factory faults and issues that may arise with your new handsets, many other issues won't be covered by Apple's standard one-year warranty. A leaked Apple document highlights some of the issues that might incur a charge and ones that aren't serviceable at all...

Apple TV 6.0 is out: iTunes Radio, AirPlay from iCloud, iTunes music purchases, more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 29, 2016

Following today's launch of the new iPhone 5s/5c and Wednesday's public release of iOS 7, Apple on Friday issued a major new software update to its "hobby project," the $99 Apple TV streaming set-top box. The company's been testing a companion Apple TV update since announcing iOS 7 at June's WWDC.

We previously caught glimpses of some of the new features such as AirPlay enhancements, automatic device configuration over Bluetooth, custom subtitles and Conference Room Mode for presenters. All of these goodies - and then some - are now readily available to Apple TV owners.

Go past the fold for the full details on iCloud Photos and Videos, iTunes Music Store purchases, Podcasts, AirPlay from iCloud and other Apple TV enhancements...

As expected, the iPhone 5s is way faster than the iPhone 5

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

We knew it would be faster, but there's something to be said about running benchmarks and confirming it for yourself. That's just what I did a few seconds ago. I fired up the new Geekbench 3, which now comes with 64-bit processor support I might mention, and compared the two devices head to head.

What I found wasn't very surprising, given Apple has stated in its press materials that the 5s is two times faster than the incumbent both in terms of CPU and GPU speed. Check past the break for the full breakdown of the results.

iPhone 5s chips: Samsung-made A7, NXP-made M7, Bosch accelerometer, Sony CMOS

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 21, 2016

After conducting its ritual teardown analysis of the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, both of which went on sale earlier today in the United States, China and an additional nine major global markets, the repair experts over at iFixIt teamed up with Chipworks for a high-tech analysis of the iPhone 5s's innards.

Putting the Apple-designed 64-bit A7 chip under a microscope, deep scans reveal the new iPhone engine is still being made by Samsung...

Sprint launches $65 a month One Up upgrade plan

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 20, 2013

As rumored, the U.S. wireless carrier Sprint on Friday launched its $65 a month upgrade program, just in time for the double iPhone 5s/5c launch. By the way, the new iPhones have gotten off to a great start as Apple cites "incredible demand" for the handsets. Akin to similar offerings from rival telcos AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, Sprint customers can now get a brand new smartphone every 12 months with no downpayment for a limited time, by signing up for the $65 a month One Up plan for unlimited voice, text and data. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

The launch: “incredible” demand, Tim Cook & Co. at Palo Alto store, line vids the world over

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

If it is Friday, you must be standing in line for the new iPhones. As the iPhone 5c officially hits stores and the iPhone 5s opens for both pre-sales and retail customers, Apple describes the rush to own the new smartphones as "incredible." From a Silicon Valley appearance by CEO Tim Cook to Hong Kong's own gold rush, talk of a down-and-out Apple is forgotten amid the lines and excited iPhone fanatics.

Acknowledging to AllThingsD that some models of iPhone 5s are "sold out or in limited supply," Apple reportedly is asking its suppliers to increase production by a third.

Gold is in - particularly when it comes to Apple's just-released iPhone 5s...

Review: Touch ID fingerprint sensor

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Far and away, the most compelling upgrade worthy feature on the new iPhone 5s is the new Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It was a feature that was rumored for many months, and today the general public can finally see what all of the fuss is about.

I've been putting the Touch ID sensor, which rests inside of the iPhone 5s' redesigned Home button, through its paces all morning. I've come away extremely impressed — not only with its ease of setup, but with its uncompromising accuracy.

After using it for a while, it's readily apparent that this is not something that Apple hastily put into the iPhone 5s. This isn't your father's fingerprint sensor. Touch ID is a feature that Apple has meticulously meshed into the iPhone to make one transparent and cohesive experience. And it just works.

iOS 7.0.1 fixes iPhone 5s Touch ID issue

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 20, 2013

As new iPhones launch today, Apple has flipped the switch on an iOS 7 0.1 update to fix a minor issue with the iPhone 5s's Touch ID fingerprint sensor while delivering "bug fixes and improvements". The maintenance firmware update is exclusive to the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c and users will be prompted to install it upon booting up their brand spanking new device. The software isn't available for iPhones other than the new ones. I've included additional tidbits after the jump..

First look: iPhone 5s

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

I was so angry when I woke up this morning, because I woke up late, and I just knew that meant I wasn't going to get an iPhone 5s. Much to my surprise, my local Verizon store had plenty in stock, albeit, none were gold.

I was able to walk in, say I wanted an unlocked iPhone 5s, and walked out in less than 15 minutes. It was an overall uneventful experience, despite my tardiness.

I decided to go ahead and go with the 32GB Space Gray iPhone 5s. While initially I kind of dismissed this color option, it's not half bad when you see it in person. In fact, I think it's safe to say that this is the best looking iPhone ever, outside of maybe the Gold model if that's your thing.

iFixIt tears apart the iPhone 5c

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 20, 2013

Just a few hours ahead of the iPhone 5s/5c launch in the United States and an additional ten major international markets, the repair wizards over at iFixIt gave the flagship iPhone 5s its usual teardown treatment. But wait, these guys are really quick - they've also posted their ritual teardown of another new iPhone, the gorgeous plastic iPhone 5c. I've included the most interesting tidbits and a nice video right after the break...

Gestrument LE review: make beautiful music without being a musician

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

In the current age of technology, a person doesn’t have to be a musician to play music. From fake guitars that play chords when you tap the screen to deeply technological wave table synthesizers, the iPhone has made it possible for anyone to write, record, and perform songs like a pro.

Gestrument LE is a music app that lets you create interesting and beautiful songs just by dragging your finger across the screen of your iPhone. We go hands on as we review the app...