Rumors

Apple has reportedly negotiated lower transaction fees for mobile payments

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

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

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

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

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.

Leaked iPhone 6 logic board has likely place for NFC chip

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.

Can’t wait for iPhone 6? Truffol launches reversible Lightning USB cable for $10

Online retailer Truffol has launched a reversible Lightning cable for models of the iPhone, iPad, and iPods that support the connection technology. This marks the first reversible Lightning cable, meaning there is no wrong way to plug it into the USB port on your charger or computer as there is on the official cable sold by Apple.

Apple hasn't officially launched or embraced a reversible Lightning cable as of yet, but is rumored to do so when it launches the iPhone 6 in the coming weeks. Truffol is allowing you get a leg up on the Cupertino-based company for a measly $9.99.

Photos show possible rear shell for 5.5-inch iPhone 6

New photos have surfaced this afternoon, of what is said to be the rear shell of the 5.5-inch version of the upcoming iPhone 6 (referred to as the iPhone 6L by some). The part is positioned next to the shell of its 4.7-inch counterpart, giving us an idea of scale.

While component leaks for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 have been plentiful, leaks for the larger 5.5-inch model have been fairly scarce So, if they're legit, these photos could be placed in just a small stack of evidence we've seen thus far that a 5.5-inch iPhone exists...

Alleged reversible Lightning to USB iPhone 6 cable caught on video

Along with the many enhancements and improvements expected in the iPhone 6 this fall, the handset is also expected to ship with a new, reversible Lightning to USB cable. We've seen multiple photos of the alleged cable, and Apple even holds a patent for such a design.

Tonight comes more evidence of the theory, with frequent part-leaker Sonny Dickson posting a video showing the new cable in action. It appears to work similar to the Lightning side of the current cable, allowing the user to plug in the USB side, regardless of orientation...