News

A short 15-minute boost from AirPods charging case equals three hours listening time

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 9, 2016

The AirPods, Apple's new $159 wireless earphones, are scheduled to go on sale in late October so we'll need to be patient for a while before getting our hands on a pair of these and learn just how long it takes to charge both the earphones and Apple's Lightning-based charging case from 0 to 100 percent.

Meanwhile, I stumbled upon a nice tidbit in BuzzFeed's interview with Apple executives saying that it only takes a short 15-minute boost from the tiny charging case to give AirPods three hours of run time.

Google Photos for iOS gains Live Photos stabilization feature

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 9, 2016

iPhone photography fans who use Google Photos for iOS as their go-to photo management and backup solution will be delighted to learn that the latest version of the iPhone and iPad application now integrates advanced stabilization and rendering features that can make Live Photos smoother. Borrowed from Google's Motion Stills app which debuted in June 2016, this feature can freeze the background in your Live Photos or create sweeping cinematic pans.

Apple Watch Series 2 is a bit thicker and heavier than the original Apple Watch

Anthony Bouchard ∙ September 8, 2016

Although they look just about the same on the outside, the new Apple Watch Series 2 is built just a little bit thicker and heavier than the Apple Watch Series 1 and the original Apple Watch.

The findings might be a deal-breaker for some people who already thought the original Apple Watch was too thick to begin with. After all, many were hoping Apple would thin out the footprint of the next-generation Apple Watch, rather than make it thicker.

Get notified when Super Mario Run launches in the App Store

Anthony Bouchard ∙ September 8, 2016

One of the first things to be shown off at Apple's keynote on Wednesday was the upcoming Super Mario Run game for the iOS platform.

Although no solid release date has yet been announced, apart from "in time for the holidays," the game is already showing up in the App Store with the ability to set up a notification for launch day.

Apple stops reporting opening weekend sales numbers for new iPhones

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 8, 2016

An Apple spokesperson has confirmed to CNBC that the company won't be reporting opening-weekend sales numbers for the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, giving the publication a funny reason for the unexpected decision: due to demand outweighing supply, Apple feels that first-weekend sales stats are “no longer a representative metric” for investors and customers when it comes to iPhones.

To me, that sounds more like Apple management aiming to pre-empty any further fallout in case launch sales are not as high as Wall Street analysts like to predict.

Apple is removing third-generation Apple TV from store shelves

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 8, 2016

The writing has been on the wall for the third-generation Apple TV since the fourth-generation model debuted in October 2015 with its refreshed hardware, Siri Remote and a brand new operating system, tvOS, that supports an App Store with third-party apps and games.

Apple now appears to be ready to kiss the previous-generation device good-bye: 9to5Mac reports that the third-generation Apple TV is being pulled from store shelves as Apple begins phasing it out.

Apple execs go on PR offensive to defend removal of “dinosaur” headphone jack from iPhone 7

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 8, 2016

Apple's marketing honcho Phil Schiller said during yesterday's iPhone 7 keynote that the company has had the courage and vision to remove the ubiquitous 3.55 mm audio headphone jack from the handset in a forward-thinking move that has allowed its engineers to cram more hardware features inside the handset than ever before.

Schiller, Greg Joswiak and hardware chief Dan Riccio took to BuzzFeed News to list some of the new iPhone 7 features made possible by the abolished jack.

iPhone 7 is water resistant but liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 7, 2016

Apple's new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are the first dust and water resistant iPhones with IP67 protection, meaning they're 100 percent resistant to dust and sand and should survive being submerged in about a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The devices have waterproofed components like the buttons, the chassis and the SIM tray.

Plus, they most likely use gaskets and seals like other water resistant phones. But if water does make its way into the device and damages it, don't count on Apple to replace it at no charge because liquid damage is not covered under its warranty.

Watch the product videos from today’s iPhone 7 event

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple has posted the product videos shown during today's iPhone 7 event to its YouTube channel. Included in the spots are clips showing off the Apple Watch Series 2, the iPhone 7, and the all-new, wireless, in-ear headphones it's calling "AirPods."

Of course if you missed the keynote this morning, we recommend watching a replay of it in its entirety, or at the very least check out this humorous highlight reel. But for folks who just want to get to the meat of the event, these videos will do the trick.

You can now watch a replay of today’s iPhone 7 event

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Folks who missed today's iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2 event, or would just like to watch it again, will be happy to hear that Apple has posted the full video online for your streaming pleasure. Obviously you can read everything you need to know about today’s event right here on iDB, but if you have the time, the video is worth watching.

Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter is only $9

Anthony Bouchard ∙ September 7, 2016

One of the things that sets the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus apart from the rest of the iPhone lineup is the exclusion of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple is now requiring headphones to either go wireless or utilize the Lightning port.

Apple recommends using a case with Jet Black iPhone 7

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 7, 2016

Apple's new Jet Black finish for the iPhone 7 looks breathtaking, but here comes the bad news: it could scratch all too easily though not on the #Scuffgate level. According to Apple itself, the highly glossy back of your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus may show “fine micro-abrasions” with use.

In fact, the company is recommending that would-be shoppers buy a case to help keep their handset in pristine condition.