Apple

Another technical drawing suggests iPhone 7 has same width and height as iPhone 6s

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 13, 2016

Reliable French leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer via his blog NowhereElse.fr and Twitter handle @OnLeaks published this morning another claimed technical drawing of Apple's forthcoming iPhone 7 which suggests that the device will be as tall and wide as the current-generation iPhone 6s, measuring in at exactly 67.1 mm wide and 138.3 mm tall.

The leaked drawing does not specify the depth of the iPhone 7, but previous rumors did point to an iPod touch-thin phone so it's too early to tell if existing cases will fit the iPhone 7 or if these will need reengineering for a thinner form factor.

Top 3D Touch shortcuts and gestures available for the App Store and iTunes Store apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 8, 2016

The App Store and iTunes Store storefronts are 3D Touch-enabled on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, with each supporting some pretty smartly chosen Home screen shortcuts that'll save you a few taps once you get the hang of them.

On the other hand, previewing your apps and media via force-pressing isn't as developed as in other stock apps, such as Messages and Maps. But don't you worry—iDownloadBlog comes to the rescue!

This quick tutorial clearly demonstrates where on the App Store and iTunes Store common 3D Touch shortcuts and Peek and Pop gestures do and don't work.

Apple meets with top podcast producers to hear their complaints

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 7, 2016

Unhappy that Apple's been neglecting iTunes podcasts for years now, top producers were invited to meet with Apple executives at the company's Cupertino headquarters and voice their grievances, The New York Times reports.

It's true that the iTunes podcasting hub's remained virtually unchanged since its 2005 debut so it shouldn't surprise Apple if producers think that this might have something to do with the fact that podcasts bring the Cupertino firm nothing in direct revenue.

While Apple essentially gave life to the podcasting industry, and it still dominates that sector, company officials made no promises to these producers. Small wonder some of them are now concerned that Apple may no longer care about podcasting.

Leaked screenshots show off minor design changes in upcoming iTunes 12.4 update

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 7, 2016

Apple is working on a minor update for desktop iTunes and MacRumors was able to obtain screenshots which show off several design improvements in tow for the app. This isn't the top-to-bottom overhaul we've been all waiting for though the changes in iTunes 12.4 should make this infamous Mac and Windows app a bit easier to use.

As per the leaked screenshots, iTunes 12.4 packs in a redesigned media picker, a persistent sidebar for quick access to different sections of your iTunes library, a slightly reworked mini player and a tad simpler menus.

Dedicated HomeKit app is reportedly in the works for iOS 10 launch this fall

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 7, 2016

In addition to an overhauled Apple Music app, the forthcoming iOS 10 software update is likely going to bring out a brand new stock app for your Home screen: HomeKit.

First spotted by MacRumors, an Amazon reviewer who works in the marketing department at Apple apparently made the claim that the next version of iOS due this fall will have a standalone HomeKit app.

How to repost Instagram photos, videos, and stories on iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 16, 2024

The Instagram app lacks the option to repost Instagram photos, videos, and stories natively, so people usually screenshot photos to post them as their own. This works fine as a workaround but requires extra steps, such as cropping the screenshot. Maybe more importantly, it generates photos of poor quality.

Reposting, also known as regramming, is quite a common practice, even though the Instagram application doesn't provide a way to easily do that. As a result, you must use third-party applications. In this post, we will show you how to repost Instagram photos, videos, and stories from your iPhone using an app we developed ourselves called Reposter for Instagram.

Apple’s reportedly decided not to add Smart Connector to iPhone 7

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 6, 2016

An unconfirmed iPhone 7 part which leaked out of China back in March had us wondering whether the iconic smartphone might come outfitted with the iPad Pro's Smart Connector. Since then, various analysts and sources have speculated that this could indeed be the case, including the fairly reliable Japanese blog Mac Otakara.

Today, however, Mac Otakara reports that Apple has decided not to include the Smart Connector on the iPhone 7 after all.

Apple makes your Mom star in ‘Shot on iPhone’ ad

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 31, 2017

Mother's Day is this Sunday and Apple is taking notice. In addition to airing a Mother’s Day-themed iPhone 6s ad and sending an email blast to remind customers to pick up an Apple Watch as a Mother’s Day gift recommendation, the company has now launched a dedicated website that lets you make your Mom appear in her own 'Shot on iPhone' film.

The interactive web app is aptly named “Moms Shot on iPhone” and is really amazing.

Dedicated Connect tab is going away in iOS 10’s Apple Music overhaul

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 6, 2016

Apple is going to pull plug on the dedicated Apple Music Connect tab when iOS 10 launches this fall, if a new report from 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman is anything to go by. Citing sources familiar with the upcoming Apple Music overhaul, the publication claims that the Connect tab will be “demoted,” its functionality integrated into the For You recommendations section.

“Connect will still exist within applicable artist pages as it does today, but its demotion from the set of Apple Music tabs indicates that the feature has not lived up to Apple’s expectations from last year,” reads the article.

Apple wants to lease a 800,000 square foot warehouse for Project Titan R&D work

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 6, 2016

The Wall Street Journal yesterday shared some rather interesting development regarding Silicon Valley's worst-kept secret, an Apple-designed electric car, dubbed Project Titan. The firm is apparently seeking a massive 800,000 square foot warehouse, presumably to keep research and development work on Project Titan secret for as long as possible.

Furthermore, the iPhone maker is said to be in the process of expanding Project Titan team, which reportedly had about 600 employees last year, according to sources.

Design of Apple’s ‘A11’ chip for 2017 iPhones and iPads has been finalized

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 6, 2016

Taiwanese component makers are currently scrambling to fulfill orders as the Cupertino firm is getting ready to kick off production of this year's upcoming iPhones and iPads.

Moreover, Apple's engineers should now be close to completing work on a 2017 iPhone and have certainly been developing a 2018 iPhone for some time now.

Trade publication DigiTimes wrote in a new report that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), a foundry that builds chips for Apple, has now taped out an Apple-designed 'A11' chip that will power 2017 iPhones and iPads.

$4.99 Apple Music subscriptions now available to eligible students in seven countries

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 6, 2016

As first reported by TechCrunch, Apple's begun offering half-price Apple Music subscriptions to students who are enrolled in an eligible college or university.

Costing just $4.99 per month in the United States with the same features as the regular $9.99 per month plan for consumers, the fifty percent discount is now available to students in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

The company is working with UNiDAY, a student verification technology provider, to ensure that students who sign up are actually enrolled in classes.