Rumors

iPhone 6 said to feature ‘Ultra-Retina’ display, 3 new sensors and more

A pair of reports surfaced this weekend, claiming to have knowledge of the features and specifications for Apple's new iPhone. The first report calls for the smartphone to have a trio of new sensors, and the other says an 'Ultra-Retina' display is in the cards.

So-called iPhone 6 rumors have been appearing rather frequently over the past few months, with everyone trying to predict the design and capabilities of Apple's next handset. A larger display, sapphire and A8 chip are all in the pile, and today we add this...

Apple has reportedly put its ‘iPad Pro’ project on hold

Folks looking forward to Apple's rumored 13-inch tablet may want to pick something else to pine over for a while. According to a new report, the Cupertino company has shelved its so-called 'iPad Pro' project due to various developmental issues.

Citing supply chain and channel inventory sources, Digitimes is reporting today that multiple vendors are running into problems producing larger tablets. The biggest hurdle seems to be a lack of support from platform developers and ecosystems...

Apple to open small stores in India with a focus on low-end iOS devices

Citing sources familiar with the company's retail plans, The Economic Times is reporting today that Apple is working with local distributors in India to set up small shops in larger cities to push some older-model iPhones and iPads, as well as some lower-end Macs.

The initiative is part of Apple's ongoing efforts to make inroads into the country, where its iPhone only accounts for about 2% of the smartphone market. These new shops, according to the report, will focus on cheaper devices like the iPhone 4 and 4s, and the iPad 2...

Apple said to be ‘scrambling’ to make changes to IAP policies required by March 31

In a settlement with the FTC earlier this year regarding a lawsuit over in-app purchases, Apple told the commission that it would issue refunds to those affected and modify its in-app billing system to make things more clear. The FTC agreed and gave the company until March 31, 2014 to make the changes.

In order to meet the government's orders, Apple must alter its billing practices to obtain a user's express consent before billing them for an in-app purchase, and provide them with an easy way to withdraw that consent. And according to a new report, Apple engineers are scrambling to meet the deadline...

Tim Cook, Turkish president to attend opening of Apple’s Istanbul store on April 4

Earlier this year, Tim Cook traveled to Turkey to meet with the country's president, to reportedly discuss the opening of a retail store in Istanbul, research and development and other matters. The store opening is of particular significance, as it would be Apple's first in the region.

Well it looks like the talks were successful. According to Turkish Apple blog ElmaDergisi, Apple is set to open a retail store in Istanbul's Zorlu Center on April 4. And as proof of the gravity of the event, both Cook and Turkish president Abdullah Gül are expected to be in attendance...

Apple to bring full-screen video iAds to iOS apps this year

AdAge is reporting this afternoon that Apple is looking to roll out new video iAds for iPhone and iPad later this year. Citing people with knowledge of the company's plans, the outlet says that these 'interstitial' ads will automatically play in full-screen on iOS devices.

The way it works currently, iAds are much less obtrusive: a user must click on a mobile banner for a brand's ad video to play. Under the new format, developers could opt to display TV commercial-like ads during moments of transition, like in between game levels...

Apple to release iOS 7.1 ‘any day now’ with support for SXSW iTunes Festival app

The highly-anticipated iOS 7.1 update could be landing any day now, according to a new report by Daring Fireball's John Gruber. The long-time Apple speculator and dot-connector has in the past proven to have knowledgeable sources that work inside the company.

Gruber says that a 'little birdie' has informed him that the app for Apple's upcoming iTunes Festival at SXSW in Austin, which will be used for providing information and streaming live performances, will require iOS 7.1. Thus the update should ship any day now...

New report claims revamped Apple TV could land ‘any week now’

When it comes to the Apple TV, it seems like everyone agrees that a new one is coming. But just when it will get here is a different story. We've heard everything from 'as early April,' to 'before WWDC in June,' and as late as 'in the fall this year with Apple's other product refreshes.'

The latest report, which comes from The Financial Times, claims that the refreshed Apple TV is finished and could land much sooner than everyone is expecting. Citing sources familiar with the company's plans, the outlet says that Apple's new set-top box could land "any week now."

Apple to launch iOS in the Car next week with Ferrari, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz

Nearly a year after its introduction, it looks like Apple is finally ready to launch iOS in the Car. The Financial Times is reporting that the company plans to introduce the new feature next week with 3 major launch partners: Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

Oddly enough, the Times doesn't mention the project by name, but says that drivers will be able to use Apple's 'in-car operating system' to use Apple Maps, watch movies, listen to music, make phone calls and send messages using the vehicle's in-dash display...

Apple reportedly working on iOS update to improve Touch ID

As cool as the fingerprint reader is on the iPhone 5s, it's not perfect. We have, on several occasions, complained about the accuracy of Touch ID seemingly 'fading' over time, and a number of 5s owners have turned out to Apple's support forums to voice their disdain as well.

Luckily, it sounds like there may be light at the end of the tunnel. AppleInsider is reporting this morning that the Cupertino company is currently preparing a software update that will improve the fingerprint recognition experience of Touch ID, and possibly fix the 'fade' issue...

Amazon said to be working on ‘Prime’ music streaming service

According to Recode, Amazon is in talks with record labels regarding a potential music streaming service. The site says the company plans to bundle the service with its Prime delivery option, where it already offers free movies and TV shows.

Sources familiar with the negotiations say Amazon has been having serious discussions with labels for the past few months, but it's no where close to a deal. Apparently the e-commerce giant is asking for too much of a discount on licensing fees...

‘Social Network’ director David Fincher in talks to lead Sony’s Jobs biopic

If you fancy yourself any kind of Apple fan, or movie fan, you have to be excited about Sony's upcoming biopic of Steve Jobs. Not only is it being written by Academy Award-winner Aaron Sorkin, but it's now being rumored that David Fincher has signed on to direct the film.

Fincher directed the hit Facebook flick 'The Social Network,' which Sorkin also wrote, and also directs and produces Netflix's critically-acclaimed drama House of Cards. So needless to say, adding him to the production team of the Jobs biopic would be a major move for Sony...