2,000 iPhones given for free by Japanese gov’t to passengers stuck on ship due to coronavirus

The Japanese government gave away 2,000 free iPhones to passengers stranded on a cruise ship due to the COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the novel coronavirus. The country’s health minister stated that 355 people onboard the ship have tested positive for the virus.

The smartphones were handed to each cabin so passengers could access an app made by the government, as per Macotakara via 9to5mac last Friday, Feb.14.

The said app from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will allow people on the quarantined ship to consult with a doctor. Smartphones registered outside of Japan are unable to access the app. This also prompted the ministry to hand out the devices to the passengers.

According to the report, the 2,000 devices were handed out to ensure that each cabin had one unit.

The ship arrived near the Japanese coast earlier this month with more than 3,700 people on board from over 50 countries. It was placed under quarantine after a passenger who left the vessel in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus.

The Japanese government may begin testing the travelers for the disease from Feb. 18, the captain said. Passengers with negative results will be allowed to disembark the ship starting Feb. 21.


The disease has already killed over 1,000 people and infected more than 42,000 worldwide. The World Health Organization named it COVID-19 after declaring the outbreak as a global health emergency. Ryan Arcadio/JB


source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple apologizes for slowing iPhones, offers discounted batteries

SAN FRANCISCO, United States — Apple on Thursday apologized to its customers for slowing down performance of older iPhone models and said it would discount replacement batteries for some of its handsets.“We’ve always wanted our customers to be able to use their iPhones as long as possible. We’re proud that Apple products are known for their durability, and for holding their value longer than our competitors’ devices.”

Apple said it was reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement from $79 to $29 for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced, starting in late January through December 2018.

The company said it also would issue a software update to make it easier for customers to see if an aging battery is affecting performance.

“As always, our team is working on ways to make the user experience even better, including improving how we manage performance and avoid unexpected shutdowns as batteries age,” the statement said.

The controversy erupted last week after Apple acknowledged a feature to “smooth out” spikes in demand for power to prevent iPhone 6 models from shutting down due to the cold or weak batteries.

Rumors had persisted for years at tech news websites devoted to Apple products and among fans of the company’s products that iPhone performance was being intentionally slowed, perhaps to push users to buy newer models.

Apple’s latest statement said that “we have never — and would never — do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades.”

But it noted that “batteries are consumable components that become less effective as they chemically age” and that factors such as heat can affect performance.

Apple said a software update last year “manages the maximum performance of some system components when needed to prevent a shutdown” and that “in some cases users may experience longer launch times for apps and other reductions in performance.” /cbb

source: technology.inquirer.net

iPhone slowdown for old models addresses aging battery issues, says Apple

iPhone users have recently taken note of performance slowdowns with older models and made it known on the Internet. Apple says the slowdowns are intentional, to address problems that may occur with an aging battery pack.

Lithium-ion batteries are known to deteriorate over time. This means they hold less charge and would require more frequent recharging. The lower power output could lead to devices suddenly shutting down in an effort to preserve internal components.

According to a statement made by Apple to The Verge, the company chose to slow down older iPhone models to compensate for the aging batteries. By lowering the demand the device makes of the battery, the older iPhone can remain stable and avoid sudden shutdowns or other component failures.

Apple made this feature available to the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE in 2016. They’ve also added it to the iPhone 7 through the iOS 11.2 update and plan to include the feature in future phones.

Reddit users have also noticed that replacing the batteries of their aging iPhones rolled back the slowdown effect. This returned their devices to peak performance as if brand new.

While Apple may have meant well, The Verge noted that the company’s approach may only help feed conspiracy theories. The phone manufacturer could make battery replacement easier and educate consumers about it. Instead, theories suggest that Apple makes it difficult on purpose to force the purchase of a new iPhone every 12 to 24 months. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

iPhone 8 mass production may be delayed by up to two months

Apple fans may have to wait until much later this year to get their iPhone 8 fix.

A reputable Apple analyst, KGI Ming-Chi Kuo, has indicated that mass production of the iPhone 8 may be delayed by one to two months from Apple’s usual release dates, reports 9to5Mac.

KGI claims that the possible causes for delay involve production of some cutting-edge major components. These include the custom OLED display, a custom Aple A11 10-nanometer SoC (system on chip), a newly-designed 3D touch module, and 3D sensing cameras.

The delay would also leave Apple vulnerable to competition from its rivals, as more bezel-less Android devices make it to the market.  Furthermore, despite the rumors, Apple has yet to officially hint at what the iPhone 8 will actually look like.

Given the trend, it’s fairly safe to assume that it will also be a bezel-less device. It would at the very least put Apple on equal footing with Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi in that area.

KGI has indicated a pessimistic outlook on the sales of iPhone 7 models—interim updates at best that KGI believes will pale in comparison to more recently released smartphones.

Until more information gets released directly from Apple, there isn’t much else to do but wait and speculate. Who knows, the iPhone 8 might end up being worth the wait. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

New flagship iPhone may be called ‘iPhone Edition’

Last year, Apple said not to expect much from the 2016 iPhone release because they were apparently planning something big for 2017.

Japanese news site Macotara is serving up a dash of new speculations on the 2017 iPhone release and says that the upcoming 5-inch high-end model could be called the “iPhone Edition”, reports 9to5Mac.

According to the report, Apple is said to be testing various flagship prototypes. Some of these models are said to have no Home button while others retain it. Some prototypes apparently also have aluminum, glass and ceramic chassis designs.

Prototype testing is reportedly being carried out alongside engineering validation testing (EVT). However, Apple will need more time to procure materials to proceed with design validation testing and make final decisions. It is because of this that Macotakara claims that the iPhone may have a late release this year.

Other details contained in the Macotakara report mentions a possible OLED display, wireless charging, dual-cameras and a 5-5.1-inch screen real estate.

Finally, Macotakara claims that the iPhone Edition should be announced by September, together with the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus.

Should September actually be the release date of the “iPhone 8″, then that leaves fans quite a lot of time to save up for what should be a major iPhone update. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple to build iPhone in India this year—official

NEW DELHI—Apple is to start making iPhones in India this year, a local government official said Friday, as the firm looks to tap a booming middle class as sales in China slow.

The US giant has not confirmed the move, but chief executive Tim Cook said this week the company intended to “invest significantly” in India, where a pick-up in the economy provides ample opportunity for growth.

“We have an understanding with Apple and we expect them to start manufacturing in Karnataka by the end of April,” Priyank Kharge, minister of information technology and biotechnology in southern Karnataka state, told Agence France-Presse.

He said the new operation would likely assemble iPhones for the domestic market.

Apple has only a two-percent share of the Indian market, well behind rival Samsung on 23 percent, according to research firm Canalys.

However, last year it had 48 percent of the premium sector in which phones sell for $450 and above.

Experts said manufacturing locally would reduce the company’s costs and enable it to lower prices.

“They’re eager to be here because they’ve identified India as a strategic focus market,” said Jaideep Mehta of research firm IDC.

“They had a fantastic 2016 in India and shipped more two million devices to India, and now they’re looking to ultimately manufacture here as that gives them more flexibility to respond to market changes.”

Apple currently sells its phones in India through third-party retailers.

It is eager to open its own stores but Indian law would require it to procure 30 percent of the components of its products locally.

It is not clear whether the Karnataka plans would help it clear that hurdle.

Reports in Indian media said Wistron Corp., a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, was lined up to assemble iPhones at a plant on the outskirts of tech hub Bangalore.

Apple outsources all its manufacturing globally.

Analysts said that if confirmed the move would be a coup for India’s government, which has been trying to persuade foreign companies to manufacture in the country.

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple proved a phone can change the world in just 10 years

SAN FRANCISCO— Few people realized it at the time, but the world shifted fundamentally a decade ago when Steve Jobs pulled the first iPhone from Apple’s bag of technological tricks.

“Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything,” Jobs declared as he paced across a San Francisco stage.

It obviously wasn’t an empty boast. We all know now that Jobs’ “magical product” has reshaped culture, shaken up industries, put computers in billions of pockets and made it possible to do just about anything with a few taps on a screen. Besides its then 3.5-inch touch screen, the first iPhone featured a browser for on-the-go web surfing and built-in apps to check email and get directions.

GOING MOBILE
Apple has sold more than 1 billion iPhones since its debut, spawning millions of mobile applications and prodding other technology companies to make similar smartphones that have become like phantom limbs for many of us.

We use iPhones and their copycats to instantly share video and pictures with friends and family from almost anywhere. We use them to figure out where we are going. We use them to find the best deals while shopping in stores and to pay for stuff at the checkout stand. We use the phones to a hail ride, to tune instruments, to monitor our health and help find our next jobs.

Phones have gotten so smart that they even talk back to us via helpful digital concierges such as the iPhone’s Siri and the recently introduced Assistant on Google’s Pixel phone.

“IPhone is an essential part of our customers’ lives, and today more than ever it is redefining the way we communicate, entertain, work and live,” Apple’s current CEO, Tim Cook, boasted in a retrospective that the Cupertino, California, company posted on its website.

ROADKILL IN ITS WAKE

The iPhone’s revolutionary touch screen doomed the BlackBerry, another once-popular internet-connected phone. Mobile phones and their tablet cousins triggered a downturn in personal computer sales that is still unfolding.

An estimated 219 million desktop and laptop computers shipped worldwide last year, down from 264 million in 2007, according to the research firm Gartner Inc. Meanwhile, nearly 1.9 billion mobile phones shipped last year, up from 1.15 billion in 2007.

All told, Gartner estimates about 5 billion mobile phones are currently in use around the world compared to 1.3 billion PCs.

The eroding popularity of PCs spurred shake-ups at powerful tech companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Hewlett-Packard and Dell, none of which adapted nimbly to the mobile world unleashed by the iPhone.

Then-Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer scoffed at Apple’s glass-and-metal gadget, telling USA Today in April 2007 that “there’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.”

Microsoft wound up squandering the $7.6 billion that it spent to buy phone maker Nokia in a futile attempt to catch up to the iPhone. Ballmer stepped down as CEO three years ago and was replaced by Satya Nadella, who introduced versions of Microsoft’s popular Office programs that worked on Apple’s iPad — a tablet based on the iPhone.

A HUGE HIT … AND THEN A STALL

The iPhone’s success helped make Jobs a revered figure for many, and one whose October 2011 death was mourned around the world.

The device has established Apple as the world’s most profitable company with earnings of $45.7 billion on sales of $216 billion during its latest fiscal year. (Prior to the iPhone’s release, Apple posted an annual profit of $2 billion on sales of $19.3 billion.) Its stock-market value is hovering around $635 billion, thanks to a split-adjusted stock price that’s risen by nearly a factor of 10 since the iPhone’s debut.

Lately, though, the iPhone appears to be losing some steam. People are keeping older models for longer before upgrading or switching over to competing phones that run on Google’s Android software.

Apple suffered its first-ever decline in iPhone sales in its last fiscal year, causing the company to miss its revenue projections and hitting Cook with a 15 percent pay cut .

Most smartphones now run on Android, partly because Google gives away the software. That has helped iPhone rivals woo price conscious consumers, especially outside the U.S., with phones that are much cheaper than the iPhone, whose latest models now cost more than $649 to $849.

In his statement, though, Cook promised the iPhone is “just getting started. The best is yet to come.”

source: technology.inquirer.net

Officially refurbished iPhones now on sale at Apple site

People who want to get an iPhone but want to save a few dollars are in luck. Apple has just started offering refurbished iPhones on its site at slightly more affordable prices.

However, as far as officially offered Apple products go, the discounted prices still carry something of a premium. Savings are estimated to be typically around $80 to $110, reports Tech Crunch.

The current selection is limited to iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, which are priced from $449 for the 16GB version of the 6s to $589 for the bigger 64GB Plus. Savings are calculated to be about 15% from the full retail price.

And since these are officially released by Apple, despite being refurbished, they also get a one-year warranty. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

WATCH: Man turns mirror into gigantic touchscreen iPhone

A YouTuber has transformed his simple mirror into a touchscreen Apple iPhone.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, YouTuber Rafael Dymek uploaded a two-minute-thirty-second clip demonstrating how he engineered and operated his astounding mirror phone. He could select and use his installed apps while beaming at his own reflection. Moreover, he could chat on his messenger apps and skim through news sites.

“Created a fully functioning smart touchscreen mirror based on Apple’s iOS 10,” he captioned his video. “Design includes the time and date in the upper right-hand corner and weather in the top left. All apps can be moved around and placed [anywhere].”

When the YouTuber streamed an episode of Netflix’s “House of Cards” on his phone, it looked fascinatingly transparent that he could still see his reflection. Lastly, his huge prototype goes inactive after 45 seconds and quickly “wakes up” when he taps the home screen.

Social media praised the man for his unique skills. “Useful for people who spend all day in front of a mirror,” one user commented.  Gianna Francesca Catolico

source: technology.inquirer.net

iPhone 7 Plus and jet black variants sold out

Despite the negative reactions to the missing earphone jack on the iPhone 7, Apple still managed to sell a generous amount of its new smartphone, so much so that people who didn’t pre-order the jet black version will have trouble picking one up from Apple stores.

According to an Apple statement, the company has already allocated all of its iPhone 7 Plus stock and sold all of the jet black iPhone 7 versions, reports Engadget.

“Beginning Friday, limited quantities of iPhone 7 in silver, gold, rose gold, and black will be available for walk-in customers at Apple retail stores. During the online pre-order period, initial quantities of iPhone 7 Plus in all finishes and iPhone 7 in jet black sold out and will not be available for walk-in customers,” Apple told TechCrunch.

Apple partners as well as carriers will have differing stock levels and may be better equipped to handle customer orders.

Even online orders are indicating a 2-3 week waiting time so customers may need to exercise some patience until backlogs get cleared up and more supply is made available.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple iOS 10 update causing problems for some iPhone users

Apple had been heavily marketing the new iOS update a couple of months back but when the time came for it to be released, trouble brewed as multiple complaints about the update streamed over social media.

For some users, the update process would fail and would be accompanied by a message asking them to plug the iOS device into a PC or Mac for complete system restoration, reports The Verge.

A spokesperson from Apple said in a statement to The Verge, “We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers.”

Although the initial installation bug proved to be a major headache for a number of affected users, Apple says this has been fixed and that their customers will now be able to safely update their iOS 10 devices. But just in case, it would be wise to keep a backup for an iOS device before proceeding with the update.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Jet black iPhone 7 vulnerable to fine scratches

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 7, people took issue with its lack of a headphone jack. But there’s another flaw worth noting: the jet black-colored device is more scratch-prone than the other color variations.

Having an iPhone has already become a sort of status symbol, so having a shiny piano black-finished iPhone is sure to turn some heads. However, 9to5Mac reports that there is a warning on the tech specs page for the iPhone 7 that reads:

“The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.”

While the jet black iPhone 7 will retain the sturdiness that is to be expected of the device lineup, it would appear that scratches are something to watch out for. The best solution that Apple can offer is to buy one of the many iPhone cases that will flood the market.

Apart from its striking looks, the jet black version is also limited to a 128GB and 256GB variant while the rest have a minimum of 32GB of storage.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple Store displays Apple Watch 2, iPhone 7 event teaser

Apple certainly enjoys indulging in a few theatrics when introducing new products. In preparation for the unveiling of the iPhone 7, Apple has temporarily ceased its online store operation, displaying the message to “check back soon” in several languages.

At 10 a.m. PST, Apple’s media event will kick off to finally introduce the much-awaited iPhone 7 and a second-generation Apple Watch, reports 9to5Mac.

There was a rather extensive prediction made recently about the iPhone 7’s features and specifications, so it is understandable that many will be anxious to see whether these predictions will be right on the money.

More information will be made available once the event has run its course.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple analyst predicts more iPhone 7 details

With Apple’s long awaited event just days away, Apple analyst Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities predicted a few more details that may or may not be unveiled on Wednesday when Apple officially launches its iPhone 7.

In a report on Kuo’s predictions, The Verge cites features that may seem to be not so overly innovative individually but would come together to form a solid product from Apple.

To start with, Kuo predicts that the internal components will consist of a base storage capacity of 32GB with 128GB and 256GB variants, 3GB of RAM, and a new A10 processor clocked at 2.45GHz. It will also have a wide color gamut similar to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Moving to the “outer” parts, Apple may now offer five color options for users to choose from, including rose gold, gold, silver, “dark black” and “piano black.” The long rumored absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack will also be confirmed at the event.

As for taking pictures, the iPhone 7 is predicted to feature a dual-lens camera system that features telephoto and wide-angle cameras with both having 12-megapixel sensors. Its flash will be equipped with four LEDs, two warm, and two cool.

Other features that Kuo has predicted included in the iPhone 7 is an earpiece that also doubles as a speaker for better sound reproduction when parking the iPhone on landscape, IPX7 water resistance, a laser-based proximity sensor and, finally, FeliCa NFC technology for the Japanese market.

In all, the new features don’t sound too extravagant on their own and actually seem like “logical” step-ups for a new device. How Apple integrated all these features to work together will be the deciding factor as to whether the new iPhone 7 will be able to carry Apple to the expected game-changing device that it is currently working on for a 2017 unveiling.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple developing Snapchat-style app

As part of Apple’s strategy to target younger users, the company is developing its own video-sharing app similar to Snapchat and Instagram.

According to a report on 9to5Mac, the company was motivated by the level of engagement that social apps generated on the iPhone. Users averaged 50 minutes a day on Facebook and 30 minutes on Snapchat. The focus for Apple’s app will be on short, easily created videos.

Apple is highly experienced when it comes to video editing and will be employing the same development team behind Final Cut Pro. They will apparently also hire the former president of a video production company to lead the new project.

The company has not been idle when it comes to developing apps with “multiple social-related features.” It has been busy testing out different software that have yet to be released. With the introduction of third-party animated sticker packs for the iMessage in iOS 10, users may soon see more of social apps developed by Apple.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Google’s Duo app joins crowded field of video calling

SAN FRANCISCO—Knock, knock, Google’s video chatting app has arrived.

The app, dubbed Duo, represents Google’s response to other popular video calling options, including Apple’s FaceTime, Microsoft’s Skype and Facebook’s Messenger app.

Duo isn’t much different from the other video chatting services, except that it gives a glimpse at who is making the call, helping the recipient decide whether to answer. Google calls this feature, “Knock, knock.”

The new app, announced in May, is being released Tuesday as a free service for phones running on Google’s Android operating system as well as Apple’s iPhones.

Like FaceTime for iPhones, Duo only requires a person’s phone number to connect. Many other services require both participants to have account logins to use their video calling options.

Google has been offering video calling through its Hangout feature for several years, but the internet company is now tailoring that service for business meetings.

Duo is being billed as a simpler, more reliable way to see friends and family as you talk to them.

It is the first of two new mobile apps that Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., has planned for this summer. The Mountain View, California, company also is preparing to unveil a new messaging app called Allo featuring a robotic assistant that will suggest automated responses to texts.

source: technology.inquirer.net

New iPhone may have wireless charging feature

While Apple is trying to keep a lid on the new iPhone 7 Plus until next year, people can’t wait to get a peek of what it could possibly be, including the features that it may come equipped with.

Tech Radar reports on some of the latest leaked information about the upcoming iPhone including its wireless charging capabilities.

A leaked slide also mentioned that the upcoming iPhone will have an IP68 certification, which means that it will be dust- and water-resistant. It will have a 12MP dual-lens camera, as well.

These are just some of the possible features in store to be divulged in 2017, but Apple may still have a few surprises up its sleeve that have escaped from being leaked. Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

WATCH: User views IPhone6s photos and contacts without unlocking phone

An Android user has unlocked a newly-discovered trick that enables an iPhone user to access its photos and contacts list without a passcode or fingerprint.

In a YouTube channel, user Videosdebarraquito uploaded a video on April 4  featuring a step-by-step guide that grants an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus to view the phone’s contact list and photo albums even though the user has no passcode.

First, Siri should be activated, either by using the home button or saying “Hello Siri”. Then, ask Siri to search Twitter and if Siri asks you what to search, say “@gmail.com” or any username of a Gmail address. Once given a full list of tweets, find a tweet with a full e-mail address in it and click it. Using the 3D touch of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, firmly press on the e-mail address until a pop-up window appears.

Lastly, click “Add New Contact / Add to Existing Contact” from here, you’ll be able to pick the photo box to view all the photos and contacts on the device.

This glitch is possible when using the 3D touch pop-up feature, thus it is solely allowed on iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. It is also noted that a number of trials should be done to conveniently master the glitch. Gianna Francesca Catolico, INQUIRER.net

source: technology.inquirer.net

How the New iPhone Update Can Help You Get Better Sleep

I am one of those people who got to sleep with my phone in my hand. I know I am not alone. It’s just addicting to stay hooked about every other news that pops up, whether it’s Tom Hiddleston giving you weather updates or this new mash-up for Rihanna’s “Work.”

 Either way, staying up because of your phone isn’t just how intriguing the latest news is, it also has something to do with how the light on your phone can suppress the melatonin (the hormone responsible for making you sleepy) in your body.

The smart people over at iPhone then developed Night Shift. A new update along with the iOS 9.3, Night Shift adjusts your phone’s light and screen colors so you won’t mess up your melatonin even if you’re updating yourself with everyone’s else Snapchat story at 10 p.m. In the morning, Night Shift will shut off to allow your phone to adjust back to your regular settings.

Watch this Instagram video to know how to activate Night Shift on your phone.


Sweet dreams, everyone!
[Allure]


Photo courtesy of Petra Collins’ Instagram account

source: preen.inquirer.net

Apple goes small for new iPhone, iPad

CUPERTINO, United States — Apple went small on Monday — cutting prices as well as screen size — as it unveiled a new iPhone and iPad aimed at first-time buyers and customers in emerging markets.

The new launches came as Apple geared up for a high-profile court battle with the US government on encryption and data protection, with chief executive Tim Cook claiming that protecting privacy is an obligation for the tech giant.

The new iPhone SE will debut at $399 for US customers without a contract subsidy, a significant cut from the price of Apple’s larger iPhones.

Apple sold 30 million of its other small-screen iPhones in 2015, company vice president Greg Joswiak said, showing that many customers like the compact size — despite the trend toward bigger displays.

“Some people really love smaller phones,” he told the low-key event at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, unveiling the aluminum handset with upgraded specifications and other features including Apple Pay.

“In some countries like China, for a majority of these customers, it is their first iPhone.”

The new iPhone model has strong potential in international markets beyond China, particularly in India, according to Creative Strategies analyst Tim Bajarin.

Even though the price tag is higher than low-cost Android handsets that dominate the market, it puts the cherished Apple brand within better reach to people in developing economies.

“It will be a good winner for them,” Bajarin said of the iPhone SE.

“While China is still growing, I think their next big market is India and this is a good first step toward an India focus.”

The iPhone SE will be aimed at first-time Apple buyers and those who want to upgrade from the iPhone 5S and 5C, which have not been updated in over two years. The iPhone 6S, the lowest-cost handset in the large-screen family, starts at $649.

New iPad

Also unveiled at the event was a new iPad Pro that also moves smaller — a 9.7-inch display compared with the 12.9-inch model on the original business-geared tablet.

“It is a large enough display to get all your work done, but easy to carry around,” said Apple vice president Phil Schiller.

The smaller, new iPad starts at $599 for US customers, down from around $800 for the original.

Apple took direct aim at Windows-powered personal computers, noting the large number of machines that are five or more years old but still in use.

The iPad Pro has always been aimed at the business market, but “this is the first I have heard Apple say they were going after the PC crowd,” Bajarin said.

Apple will be taking orders Thursday for the new phone and tablet, with deliveries set for March 31, in the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore, with more markets to be added in April.

Kickstarting upgrades

Apple is seeking “to kickstart the upgrade cycles for both iPhones and iPads,” said Jan Dawson at Jackdaw Research.

“Larger iPhones are still selling in huge volumes, but there’s considerable evidence that some of those who own smaller iPhones are holding onto them rather than upgrading to the new, larger iPhones.”

Dawson said in a blog post that he sees “significant pent-up demand within Apple’s base of iPhone owners who want a smaller iPhone with up-to-date specs and newer features.”

But he added that “this pricing doesn’t get the iPhone down to the kind of prices needed to really spur sales in emerging markets, where older devices have been on sale for some time at similar or lower prices.”

Apple also announced it was cutting the entry-level price for its Apple Watch to $299 from $349 as it unveiled a new nylon band for the device.

Apple has not released sales figures for the smartwatch but analysts have said it has become the market leader.

‘Obligation’ to protect privacy

Cook used the unveiling to reiterate his views on encryption and data protection a day ahead of key court hearing.

“We need to decide as a nation how much power the government should have over our data and our privacy,” Cook told the crowd gathered for the event, one day before a court hearing on a hotly contested FBI effort to force the company to help break into the iPhone of a shooter involved in a deadly December attack.

“We believe strongly we have an obligation to help protect your data and your privacy. We owe it to our customers. We will not shrink from this responsiblity.”

Apple, backed by a broad coalition of technology giants like Google, Facebook and Yahoo, argues that the FBI is seeking a “back door” into all iPhones as part of the probe into the December 2 massacre in San Bernardino, California that left 14 people dead.

Because of the iPhone’s encryption, Apple contends it would need to build a weaker operating system to help the FBI crack the phone’s passcode.

The US Justice Department argues that it is making a “modest” demand that could help reveal vital evidence in a terror case.

source: technology.inquirer.net