Rumors

Apple has reportedly negotiated lower transaction fees for mobile payments

Cody Lee ∙ September 4, 2014

Bank Innovation shares some new details on Apple's mobile payments project this afternoon, reporting the company has managed to negotiate deals for lower credit card transaction fees with several banking institutions. This includes JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Capital One, and Bank of America.

Citing sources familiar with the negotiations, the site says that the banks have all agreed to give Apple a flat transaction rate for both in-store and online purchases, which is fairly uncommon in the industry. They will also apparently give the Cupertino firm a 10% discount on all of its processing fees.

U2 rumored to be on hand for Apple’s iPhone 6 event

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Some interesting rumors began bouncing around the tech world earlier today regarding popular Irish rock band U2 and Apple's big media event next week. The chatter has ranged from the iPhone 6 coming preloaded with the band's new album, to it performing live after the keynote.

Much of the speculation seems to stem from U2's secret video shoot in Dublin last week. According to The Sunday Times, the group closed down Samuel Beckett Bridge for the recording and placed black sheets around the set to prevent the public from seeing what they were shooting.

Apple reportedly discussing mobile payment service with Nordstrom

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Financial blog Bank Innovation is reporting this afternoon that Apple is in talks with upscale fashion retailer Nordstrom to be one of the early merchant partners for its new mobile system, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions.

It may even already be a done deal. Citing anonymous Nordstrom employees, the outlet says that the department store chain updated its POS (point of sale) terminals a few weeks ago in order to be compatible with the "most recent" iPhone models.

Apple strikes deals with American Express and MasterCard for new iPhone payments system

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Recode is reporting this morning that Apple has struck a deal with American Express, to work together on its new iPhone payments system. Citing sources familiar with the talks, the site says AmEx is just one of the many credit card firms the company has been talking to for the project.

Apple's new payments system is expected to allow iPhone 6 owners to pay for things at brick-and-morter stores using the handset. It's believed that the system will utilize NFC technology, and Recode's sources say that Apple's Touch ID tech will be involved in the process at some point.

Apple reportedly working with NXP on NFC solution for iPhone 6

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The Financial Times is reporting this morning that Apple has tapped Dutch chipmaker NXP to produce NFC chips for the upcoming iPhone 6. Citing several people familiar with the project, the site claims the secure, short-range wireless technology will facilitate transactions in a new mobile payment service.

The report doesn't add much in the way of new details, but it does corroborate with the ongoing consensus that after shunning the technology for several years, Apple has finally decided to add NFC to its handsets. Wired and Recode had similar scoops yesterday, as did well-connected blogger John Gruber.

New reports suggest only more expensive 4.7-inch iPhone 6 to be unveiled next month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated September 26, 2016

Apple this morning sent out invitations for a media event on September 9th, where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 6 and a new wearable device. We've heard conflicting theories on whether or not we'll see one or two new handsets on stage, but a new report out this afternoon suggests the former.

According to website GforGames, "informed sources" are telling Chinese media outlets that only the 4.7-inch version of the iPhone 6 will make an appearance at the event, alongside a new 5s model with 8GB of storage. Apparently the larger 5.5-inch iPhone will make its debut later this year in limited quantities.

Capacity of Flint Center for Apple’s September event hints big announcement incoming

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple must be planning big announcements for the September 9th media event that members of the press just got an invite to. Not only is the capacity of the Flint Center much larger than Apple's usual product unveiling venues, but the Cupertino-based company is constructing its own building on the Flint Center grounds as part of the event.

Apple reportedly debuting wearable alongside two new iPhones in September

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple has plans to launch a wearable, presumably the iWatch, at its September media event alongside two new versions of the iPhone, according to John Paczowski at ReCode. The iWatch was thought to be delayed until an October event, giving Apple more time to finalize its plans, however well plugged-in Paczowski claims the Cupertino-based company has moved up its timeline.

Leaked iPhone 6 logic board has likely place for NFC chip

Jake Smith ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

There have been rumors swirling for years that Apple will finally bring NFC to the iPhone, and if the schematics of a leak from last week hold true, the iPhone 6 may be the first to hold the communications technology. A MacRumors forum member examined bare logic boards claimed to ship with the iPhone 6, and have found leaked NFC chips fit perfectly.

Bloomberg: Apple preparing 12.9-inch iPad for early 2015

Cody Lee ∙ August 26, 2014

Bloomberg is reporting this afternoon that Apple is preparing a larger 12.9-inch iPad for early next year. Citing people with "knowledge of the matter," the outlet says that the company's suppliers are gearing up now, with production of the tablet scheduled to begin by the first quarter of next year.

The report revives a theory that has been bouncing around the rumor mill for more than a year now. Apple was originally expected to launch the 13-inch "iPad Pro" this fall, but is believed to have pushed back the project due to resources being used on the so-called 'iWatch,' and the new iPhone 6.

Amazon has acquired Twitch for $970 million

Jake Smith ∙ Updated December 29, 2017

Amazon has acquired Twitch, the world's leading video platform and community for gamers, both companies announced in a statement after the market close on Monday. Google's YouTube was thought to have originally been the winning bidder, but that has changed after Amazon stepped in to close the deal.

Retailer: Apple won’t release reversible USB Lightning cable this year, buy ours instead

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Third-party retailer Moca.co claims Apple doesn't have plans to release a reversible Lightning USB cable with the upcoming iPhone 6, or even in 2014, throwing a wrench in recent Apple rumors.