News

Verizon launches unlimited data plan with 10GB of LTE tethering, offers free iPhone 7/Plus

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

Verizon is no longer the only major US carrier without an unlimited data plan. As announced yesterday, the carrier's newly launched Unlimited plan gives you unlimited 4G data, texts and minutes on a single smartphone or tablet in exchange for $80 per month, or $45 per month for four lines ($180 total).

Those prices entail paper-free billing and AutoPay and exclude taxes. It's unclear if Verizon's access fees of $20 per month per smartphone and $10 per month per tablet apply to the new plan.

Like with other carriers, you don't really get truly unlimited data: consume more than 22 gigabytes of 4G LTE data per line in any given month and the system begins prioritizing usage behind other customers in the event of network congestion. For a limited time only, the big red carrier is offering a free iPhone 7/Plus, Google Pixel or another flagship smartphone to those who'd switch to the new plan.

Apple submits third FCC filing for its mystery Bluetooth and NFC device

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

Apple has submitted its third filing for a mystery Bluetooth and NFC device with the US Federal Communications Commission (FTC). The original “Wireless Device” was first uncovered in an FCC filing back in September 2016, with a second appearance last month.

The latest update concerns a device with the model number A1845 and is generally similar to Apple's prior submissions. The filing doesn't seem to be for Apple's rumored Siri-powered appliance akin to Amazon Echo wireless speakers because it lacks built-in Wi-Fi.

KGI: iPhone 8 will squeeze a Plus-sized battery into a smaller form factor

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a note to clients this morning, obtained by MacRumors, in which he predicted that Apple's upcoming iPhone 8 would manage to squeeze a Plus-sized battery into a smaller 4.7-inch form factor, possibly having even better battery life than a 5.5-inch LCD iPhone.

This will be achieved by utilizing a pricier stacked logic board design—also known as a substrate-like PCB (SLP) mainboard—that would create additional space inside the device to accommodate a significantly larger battery.

Google Maps for iOS updated with shareable lists of your favorite places

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

Following its most recent update which brought out the ability to track how busy places are in real-time, Google today announced a new Lists feature on Google Maps for iOS that lets you keep track of your favorite places and easily share them with friends.

Beginning today, users are permitted to create custom lists of places, share their lists with others and follow the lists their friends and family share with them, all without leaving the Google Maps app.

Apple co-sponsors security conference BSides

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

In another telltale sign proving that Apple's involvement in academic research and publishing related to security and privacy has been increasing as of late, the company is now publicly listed as one of the sponsors of the information and security conference, called BSides. Apple's name now appears on the conference's sponsor page alongside other companies like Google, Dropbox, Fitbit and more. Held today and tomorrow in San Francisco, the two-day event is centered around technical discussions aimed at security engineers and their affiliates.

Watch Apple’s star-laden trailer for Apple Music’s upcoming Carpool Karaoke show

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

Apple during last night's Grammy Awards ceremony aired a trailer for its upcoming Carpool Karaoke spinoff, saying it's coming soon without committing to a specific air date for the show. It will be exclusively distributed to Apple Music members.

The show will feature unlikely celebrity pairings, like Metallica and game show host Billy Eichner or wrestler John Cena and cager Shaquile O'Neal.

Apple has joined Wireless Power Consortium, giving credence to rumors of wireless charging in iPhone 8

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

Apple has officially joined the Wireless Power Consortium, a multinational technology consortium which creates and promotes market adoption of its ubiquitous interface standard Qi (pronounced chee) that's being used for wireless charging across a number of consumer electronics devices.

The move could be interpreted as another sign that Apple's rumored iPhone 8 might come with wireless charging capabilities, as rumored.

Apple reportedly orders 160 million OLED panels for iPhone 8 from Samsung Display

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 23, 2017

Apple has apparently signed a deal with Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, to build an additional 60 million organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels for iPhone 8, The Korea Herald newspaper reported Monday. The deal is worth five trillion Korean won, or about a $4.3 billion.

The deal is in addition to an agreement that Apple and Samsung signed last year to supply 100 million OLED display panels for iPhone 8.

Best iOS 10 tweaks, iPhone 8 rumors, HomeKit accessories… the top stories of the week

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

Like every Sunday, we get to take a look at some of the most popular posts that were published on iDB during the week that just ended. Whether it is a news item, a new jailbreak tweak, a tutorial, or an app review, we sum it all up in one convenient place for you.

As always, if you like what you're reading, please feel free to spread the love by sharing our posts on your favorite social network.

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Rumor: iPhone 8 won’t ship with wireless charger, USB-C cable or headphone jack adapter

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 11, 2017

Japanese blog Mac Otakara claimed Saturday that iPhone 8's rumored wireless charging feature may require a dedicated wireless charger accessory that customers would need to purchase separately. Citing reliable sources within Apple's supply chain, the story goes on to say that iPhone 8 also won't ship with the 3.5mm headphone jack adapter found in the iPhone 7 box nor will it come with a Lightning to USB-C cable as some have hoped.

Apple has finished filming Planet of the Apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 11, 2017

Apple has reportedly finished filming Planet of the Apps, an unscripted television show about apps and their talented creators, MacRumors has learned from a person familiar with the project. The Cupertino company reportedly built a real set near Hollywood in order to record the show and tore it down at the conclusion of filming.

The whole filming process was apparently “very stressful,” but “exhilarating”. It's unclear when the reality series will air, but it's believed that Apple plans on making it available to Apple Music subscribers at no charge.

Another Apple Watch Series 2 ad highlights closing Activity rings

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 11, 2017

Apple on Saturday released a new fitness-focused advertisement for Apple Watch Series 2 through its official YouTube channel. Titled “Catch, Swim, Play”, the commercial invites viewers to be more active and close their Activity rings. The latest 15-second video is a continuation of the previous mini-ad which also challenged viewers to close their Activity rings by moving more, having some exercise and standing up every 50 minutes for a bit.