Apple iPhone 5 (Americas GSM)
Apple to Replace Faulty iPhone 5 Switches
Apple has launched a program in the U.S. and Canada to replace the power/lock button of the iPhone 5. According to Apple, it discovered the button may fail on some devices manufactured through March 2013. Customers can use Apple's web site to determine if theirs is affected. If so, the phone can be sent directly to an Apple repair facility or taken to an Apple Store where it will be examined and then sent to a repair facility. Apple says the turn around time for repairs will be four to six days. In some cases, Apple may be able to provide a loaner device while the customer's iPhone is being repaired. Owners of the iPhone 5 can visit Apple's support site (link below) for more information.
Apple Releases iOS 7.1.1 to Squash Bugs
Apple today made iOS 7.1.1 available for download. The minor system update, which applies to the iPhone and iPad, resolves a handful of ongoing issues. It further improves performance of the TouchID function of the iPhone 5s, tweaks keyboard responsiveness, and tackles a bug related to Bluetooth keyboards when VoiceOver is activated. The update marks the first maintenance update to iOS 7.1, which was released last month, and is free to download and install.
Straight Talk Now Selling Nano SIM Cards
Straight Talk, an MVNO that runs a bring-your-own-device service, is now offering nano SIM cards. Nano SIMs are the smallest SIM cards available, and fit devices such as the iPhone 5/5s/5c, Moto X, and select Droids. The nano SIM cards cost $6.99. Customers can buy the SIM cards directly from Straight Talk and use them in unlocked GSM handsets. Service plans for smartphones start at $45 per month and include unlimited voice minutes and messaging, and 2.5GB of high-speed data. Straight Talk's service runs on the networks of both AT&T and T-Mobile around the U.S.
Apple Releases iOS 7.1 with Bug Fixes and New Features
Apple today made iOS 7.1 available to iPhones, iPads, and iPods Touch. The operating system update resolves a significant bug that soft reset iOS devices when being used. iOS 7.1 also adds support for CarPlay, Apple's recently-announced in-car software. The update tweaks the behavior of a wide range of functions, such as the ability to control Siri manually by pressing and holding the home button. Siri gains more natural-sounding voices for Chinese, UK English, Australian English, and Japanese. iTunes Radio was improved with new placement of the search bar, and the ability to buy albums directly from the Now Playing screen. The Calendar app gains the ability to display events in the month view, as well as view country-specific holidays. Accessibility has been improved with a bold font option, and the Reduce Motion function now applies to more apps, including weather and messages. iOS 7.1 also adds new HDR camera tools, improves iCloud Keychain support, automatically clears FaceTime calls, improves Touch ID on the iPhone 5s, improves performance of the iPhone 4, and provides other UI teaks. iOS 7.1 is free to download from Apple.
Apple's iBeacon to Track Shoppers, Offer Recommendations
Apple plans to launch its iBeacon service at 254 of its U.S. stores today, reports the Associated Press. iBeacon uses Bluetooth transmitters inside Apple Stores to track the exact location of shoppers. Customers must download the most recent version of the Apple Store application, and turn their Bluetooth radios on in order for iBeacon to track them. When shoppers move about the Apple Store, iBeacon can sense if they are standing next to a table of iPhones, for example, and will send a message to ask if the customer is interested in an upgrade. The app can also direct shoppers to the check-out counter, or alert them when purchases are ready for pickup. Apple Stores will also be able to send alerts concerning sales or deals to shoppers in the vicinity. iOS device owners need to agree to allow Apple to track them in order for iBeacon to work. Apple has not updated the Apple Store application since early November, and it is unclear exactly when iBeacon will come online.
Apple Releases iOS 7.0.4 to Resolve Facetime Bug
Apple today made iOS 7.0.4 available to iPhones and iPads. The minor system update fixes a bug that caused Facetime calls to disconnect. The update is small and can be downloaded over the air.
Apple Kills Off Cards App
Apple on Tuesday discontinued its Cards application for the iPhone. The app let iPhone owners create greeting cards directly on their phone and then place orders for physical cards that would be delivered by mail. Apple said orders placed with the Cards app up until 1PM September 10 will be fulfilled. After that point, it ceased accepting new orders. Apple suggests that people use iPhoto on their Mac computer, instead.
Apple to Accept iPhone Trade-Ins at Stores
Apple today confirmed the launch of a trade-in program that will be available at its retail stores. iPhone owners will be able to take their functioning iPhone to an Apple Store and trade it in toward the purchase of a new iPhone. "In addition to helping support the environment, customers will be able to receive a credit for their returned phone that they can use toward the purchase of a new iPhone," said an Apple spokesperson. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple will award up to $280 for old iPhones that are swapped for new ones. However, in order to buy a new iPhone customers will have to sign a new contract with a wireless network operator. The program gets under way today, according to CNBC.
Apple Not a Fan of FCC's 700MHz Interoperability Plan
Apple has indicated that it opposes the Federal Communications Commission's mandate for interoperability in the 700MHz spectrum band. The FCC is weighing whether or not it should require all devices that use 700MHz spectrum to support all or most of the bands therein. AT&T and Verizon Wireless operate their LTE networks in Band Class 17 and Band Class 13, respectively, and Apple's iPhone works in both. The iPhone does not, however, support Band Class 12 in which smaller, regional operators, such as U.S. Cellular, operate. Smaller carriers have banded together and requested the interoperability measures, but the FCC has yet to act upon it. Apple's lawyers recently spoke to FCC representatives about the interoperability proceedings and called them unnecessary, problematic, and cost-inducing. AT&T also opposes the interoperability proposal. AT&T and others point to television channel 51 as the reason behind Band Class 17's creation in the first place, citing interference problems. A handful of interested parties met with the FCC to discuss the issue last month, but the FCC has not indicated when it may make a final ruling on the matter.
AT&T to Push Wireless Emergency Alerts to iPhone
AT&T today announced that owners of the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S will soon be able to receive wireless emergency alerts. AT&T will push a small carrier update to the iPhone 5 and 4S in the coming days that enables the function. Wireless emergency alerts are sent by the government to warn of danger. The alerts are most often related to severe weather or abducted/missing children, but can notify mobile device owners of other dangers, such as attacks. iPhone owners will be able to turn off all but Presidential alerts, which are pushed to all mobile devices and cannot be disabled. The alerts will be available to iPhones running iOS 6.1 and up.
AT&T Brings PTT to iPhone for Its Business Customers
AT&T today announced a new application that delivers push-to-talk walkie-talkie functionality to the Apple iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. According to AT&T, the application supports large contact lists and talk groups, allows businesses to combine PTT services with enterprise mobile applications, and provides businesses with supervisory override so they can communicate with all PTT-enabled devices at the same time. AT&T claims that calls can be setup in less than one second. In addition to the new iPhone app, AT&T announced that its Enhanced Push-to-Talk service can now be used over Wi-Fi networks as well as its cellular network. This is the first time that PTT has been available on the iPhone from a U.S. carrier.
T-Mobile Announces iPhone Trade-In Deal
T-Mobile USA today announced a new program that's meant to further entice potential iPhone customers. Beginning April 12, and running through June 16, T-Mobile will offer new customers the iPhone 5 for $0 down when they trade in an old iPhone 4S or iPhone 4. The program offers additional account credits of up to $120 depending on the final value of the traded-in iPhone. Customers will still be responsible for making monthly payments on the remaining value of the iPhone 5. The T-Mobile iPhone 5 supports T-Mobile's brand new LTE network, in addition to HSPA+ in the 1700MHz AWS and 1900MHz spectrum bands. It also offers HD Voice calling. Customers who do not have an old iPhone to trade can still purchase the iPhone 5 for $99 down and then make 24 monthly payments of $20 on top of the cost of T-Mobile's new Simple Choice plans.
T-Mobile's iPhone Is Unique Variant of AT&T's Model
T-Mobile's version of the iPhone 5 has the same model number (A1428) as the one sold by AT&T, yet has unique tweaks that make it compatible with T-Mobile's WCDMA/HSPA+ network in the 1700 MHz AWS band. Unlocked A1428 iPhone 5s sold by AT&T and Apple will be able to work with T-Mobile's LTE 1700 and WCDMA/HSPA+ 1900 networks with a minor software update, but will never work with T-Mobile's WCDMA/HSPA+ 1700 network, according to an Apple product manager at today's T-Mobile event. That means only iPhone 5s sold by T-Mobile will have full high-speed data coverage from day one. Unlocked iPhone 5s used with T-Mobile will have limited high-speed data coverage at first, improving as T-Mobile makes progress with its network modernization this year.
T-Mobile to Offer Apple iPhone
T-Mobile USA today revealed that it will offer customers the Apple iPhone 5, 4S, and 4. Preorders for the iPhone 5 begin April 5, and the device will be in stores April 12. The Apple iPhone 4S and 4 will be available in select markets later. The iPhone 5, for example, will require a $100 downpayment, with $20 monthly installments added to the customer's bill. The customer can also choose to pay full price for the device. The iPhone 4S will require a $70 downpayment and $20 in monthly payments, and the iPhone 4 will require a $15 downpayment and $15 in monthly payments. According to T-Mobile, Apple customized the iPhone 5 for T-Mobile's network. It supports T-Mobile's LTE network, in addition to HSPA+ in the 1700 and 1900 MHz spectrum. T-Mobile is also the only U.S. carrier to support the iPhone 5's wideband audio capability, which T-Mobile calls HD Voice. The iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 will not be customized for T-Mobile's LTE network, but can access its HSPA+ service in the 1900MHz band.
THX Sues Apple Over iPhone and iPad Speaker Design
THX has filed a lawsuit against Apple that claims the iPhone maker is violating its intellectual property. According to the complaint, THX holds a patent granted in 2008 for "narrow profile speaker configuration and systems" that pertains to boosting audio output in small speaker designs. THX says the iPhone 4, 4S, and 5, as well as all iPads and newer iMacs violate this patent. THX is seeking damages for lost royalties/sales and a fair licensing agreement for its technology moving forward. THX Ltd. was formerly part of Lucasfilm, founded by George Lucas of Star Wars fame. The company was spun off as an independent entity in 2002.
Solavei Now Offering Nano SIM Card for iPhone 5
Solavei today announced the availability of a nano SIM card that is compatible with the Apple iPhone 5. The card, which costs $9, is being offered with the same $49 service plan that Solavei offers to other devices. Solavei's low monthly fee includes unlimited voice, messaging, and data. iPhone 5 owners interested in Solavei's service will need to have an unlocked device. Unlocked iPhones can be purchased directly from Apple starting at $649 for the 16GB model. According to Solavei, it now offers full-size SIM cards, micro SIM cards, and nano SIM cards, which allows most any device to be used with its service. Solavei is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile USA's network. It cautions that high-speed HSPA+ service is only available to the iPhone 5 in select markets.
iOS 6.1, Available Today, Adds Features to Siri
Apple today made iOS 6.1 available to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The system update adds LTE support for more carriers worldwide, as well as makes it possible to purchase Fandango movie tickets via Siri and download individual songs from iCloud in iTunes Match. The new system software also makes it easier to reset advertising preferences. The update may be installed over the air, or via iTunes.
AT&T Opens FaceTime-Over-Cellular to More iOS Customers
AT&T today announced that it is extending the availability of FaceTime Over Cellular to more of its customers. AT&T said all customers with tiered data plans will be able to use the feature as long as they have a compatible device (iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPad, iPad Mini). At the moment, this new policy only excludes customers who have grandfathered unlimited data plans. They will not be able to use FaceTime Over Cellular, though all AT&T customers with FaceTime-capable devices can continue to access the feature over Wi-Fi. AT&T said this change in policy was made after extensive network testing. The feature will be enabled automatically over the coming weeks. Customers don't need to take any action.
Truphone Intros Nano SIM for iPhones and iPads
Truphone today announced the availability of a nano SIM card for Apple's cellular-equipped iOS devices. Truphone offers wireless service only via SIM cards. It already has full-sized and micro-sized SIM cards for other devices. The new nano SIM cards will fit into the small trays used by Apple in its latest iPhones and iPads. Truphone pitches its service as one that's ideal for business travelers, as it lets them tie multiple international phone numbers to a single SIM card/device. It also has roaming agreements in place in more than 200 countries.
'Do Not Disturb' Bug to Resolve Automatically Jan 7
Apple today indicated via its support forums that a bug currently keeping the iPhone's Do Not Disturb feature on indefinitely will resolve itself January 7. Until then, Apple said the feature will need to be turned on/off manually.
iOS 6.0.2 for iPhone and iPad Resolves Wi-Fi Bug
Apple has issued a minor system update to its iOS platform. iOS 6.0.2 is available for iPhones and iPads and helps fix a bug related to Wi-Fi connectivity. Apple also recent seeded a fourth beta of iOS 6.1 to developers, though there's no word on when it will be available.
T-Mobile USA to Sell Apple Products in 2013
T-Mobile USA will offer Apple devices beginning in 2013. Speaking at Deutsche Telekom's investor conference in Berlin, Deutsche Telekom CEO Rene Obermann said that its U.S. subsidiary would finally sell Apple products next year. Obermann stopped short of naming the Apple iPhone as one of those products. T-Mobile USA has been refarming its 1900MHz spectrum to make it compatible with the HSPA+ 3G radio in the iPhone. It has about 10 markets prepared so far. It will eventually use its 1700MHz AWS spectrum for a 4G LTE network that is expected to go live in the middle of 2013. T-Mobile USA has long courted Apple iPhone users, but never sold the device directly.
Google Updates YouTube for iPhone 5 and iPad
Google today provided an update to its iOS YouTube application that optimizes it for the iPhone 5's larger display. The revised application also includes iPad compatibility, as well as the ability to stream videos via AirPlay. The update is a free download from the iTunes App Store. Google also pushed out a minor update to Google Voice that includes bug fixes.
Apple Now Selling Unlocked iPhones in U.S.
Apple today made the iPhone 5 available for sale unlocked and without a contract through its U.S. web site. The 16GB model costs $649, the 32GB model costs $749, and the 64GB model costs $849. All three models list as shipping in one week. The iPhone is also still available with a contract from AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless. According to Apple, the unlocked iPhone will only work on GSM networks such as those run by AT&T or T-Mobile. Unlocked iPhones will not work on Sprint or Verizon's networks. Travelers will be able to use unlocked iPhones on the GSM-based networks of foreign carriers.
Google Voice Updated for iPhone 5
Google today provided an update to its Google Voice application for the Apple iPhone. The chief change in the application is support for the iPhone 5 and iOS 6. This means the app now full utilizes the larger display on the iPhone 5. It also includes bug fixes. The app is free to download.
Apple Now Selling Lightning-to-MicroUSB Adapter
Apple recently added an adapter to its U.S. web site that will allow microUSB cables to connect to Lightning ports. It will work with the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini. The adapter costs $19.
Google Optimizes Chrome for iPhone 5
Google has updated its Chrome browser for iOS, making the app compatible with iOS 6 and the iPhone 5. The update to Chrome takes advantage of the iPhone 5's larger display, but leaves most other functionality unchanged.
LTE Goes Live in Yet More AT&T Markets Ahead of iPhone 5
AT&T announced that another handful of markets now have access to its LTE 4G network. The new markets include Detroit, Mich.; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Fayetteville and Wilmington, N.C.
Samsung to Add Apple iPhone 5 to Patent Lawsuit
Samsung today indicated through a court filing that it plans to target the Apple iPhone 5 with patent litigation. "Samsung anticipates that it will file, in the near future, a motion to amend its infringement contentions to add the iPhone 5 as an accused product," the company said. The iPhone 5 goes on sale this week. Apple and Samsung have a number of patent lawsuits that are either in-progress or pending. Samsung is already targeting Apple's iPhone 4 and 4S.
iOS 6 Now Available for iPhone, iPad, iPod
Apple today released the final version of iOS 6, which can be downloaded and installed on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The new operating system from from Apple adds a number of new features, such as system-wide Facebook integration, tab syncing between mobile and desktop Safari, email VIPs, and improvements to Siri. In addition to new features, the operating system offers brand new applications, including Passbook which can be used for airline and other tickets, and a brand new Apple-designed Maps application. The update is free and can be installed through iTunes.
Cricket Wireless to Sell iPhone 5 Sept. 28
Cricket Wireless today announced that it will offer the Apple iPhone 5 beginning September 28, one week after the device goes on sale at AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless stores. Cricket didn't provide pricing details.
Verizon Won't Charge for FaceTime Over Cellular
Verizon Wireless today said that users of iOS 6 devices will be able to use the FaceTime feature over Verizon's cellular network without paying extra for it. The feature will be available to the iPhone 5 and other Apple devices as a part of their monthly data allotment. The service can also be used by those who have grandfathered unlimited data plans with no extra penalty or cost. Like Verizon, Sprint will allow iPhone owners to use FaceTime over cellular without charging extra for it. Verizon and Sprint's policies are in direct contrast with AT&T's, which requires users to pay for a more expensive Mobile Share plan to access the feature.
C Spire Wireless to Sell iPhone 5 September 28
C Spire Wireless today announced that it will offer the Apple iPhone 5 beginning September 28, one week after the device goes on sale at AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless stores. C Spire didn't provide pricing details.
Sprint Confirms FaceTime Over Cellular Won't Cost Extra
Sprint today announced details regarding the iPhone 5, including availability and price. As announced by Apple, the device can be preordered on Sprint.com starting at 12:01 AM Pacific Time on Friday, September 14, with delivery and in-store availability scheduled for September 21. Additionally, Sprint reiterated that the iPhone 5 will continue to have access to truly unlimited data. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said, "We are proud to offer Truly Unlimited data to iPhone customers so they can enjoy everything iPhone 5 has to offer on our 4G LTE network." That includes FaceTime over cellular. Sprint's unlimited plans start at $79.99, and Sprint said customers won't have to worry about throttling, metering, or overages. AT&T is only offering FaceTime over cellular to customers who join its Mobile Share plans.
iPhone 5 To Come In Nine Variants
Apple's spec page for the iPhone 5 has been posted, revealing that the phone will come in three different radio configurations, each offered in three different storage capacities - 16, 32, and 64 GB - for a total of nine variants. One model will be exclusive to AT&T, supporting 4G LTE in their 700 and 1700 bands. The model for Verizon and Sprint will support CDMA and both carriers' 4G LTE bands, plus three other LTE bands used overseas. The CDMA model will also support EVDO Rev. B. A third model will support European and Asian LTE bands. This global version is similar to the Sprint/Verizon version, but with US-specific modes disabled. All three versions will support quad-band GSM and quad-band WCDMA/HSPA+ (850/900/1900/2100). None of the versions will support T-Mobile's USA's HSPA+ network in the 1700 (AWS) band. Nor will any version support band 12, the lower-700 MHz band used by regional carriers such as U.S. Cellular for 4G LTE service.
iOS 6 Available Starting September 19
Apple today provided more information about iOS 6, the next version of its smartphone and tablet platform, and the platform's availability. Some of the new features discussed today include a panorama mode for the camera, which allows users to capture wide vistas for the first time. iOS 6 will also include the new Apple Maps app, which Apple says includes 100 million points of interest worldwide, and offers cinematic camera angles for flying around landscapes. Other features in iOS 6 include VIPs in the mail app; Passbook for tickets to events/transportation; iCloud integration with the Safari browser; new Siri features for movies and sports; and FaceTimver over cellular. iOS 6 will be available to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and Retina iPad starting September 19. It is a free upgrade.
Apple Reveals iPhone 5 with Larger Display and LTE
Apple today announced the iPhone 5, which features a 4.0-inch Retina Display and LTE 4G. Announced during an event in San Francisco, the iPhone 5 is the first from Apple to break from the 3.5-inch display used since the original iPhone in 2007. The iPhone 5's display measures 640 x 1136 pixels, which changes the aspect ratio to the 16:9 industry standard for video content. The display has a pixel density of 326ppi and 44% more accurate color. The display uses in-cell technology, which combines the display with the touch screen into a single panel. The exterior design of the iPhone has changed a bit to match the new display. It uses less glass than the iPhone 4/4S and more aluminum for improved durability. The device is 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S, and is 18% thinner at 7.6mm. The iPhone 5 supports LTE, dual-carrier HSDPA, and HSPA+. It uses a single chip and single radio, and has a dynamic antenna for use with the varied LTE frequencies around the world. It will work on AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless's LTE networks in the U.S., as well as those of a dozen other countries. The iPhone 5 features the new A6 processor, which Apple says is two times faster than the A5, offers improved graphics performance, is 22% smaller, and is more power efficient. The iPhone 5 battery life exceeds that of the iPhone 4S, and provides up to 8 hours of LTE surfing time. The iPhone 5's camera has been improved with backside illumination for better low-light performance, a hybrid IR filter, a five-element sapphire lens, and an f2.4 aperture. The camera module is 25% smaller than than of the iPhone 4S. The camera takes advantage of the A6 processor's added horsepower to reduce noise and capture photos 40% faster. Other improvements to the hardware include three microphones for better noise reduction, wideband audio for better phone calls, and an improved speaker for better sound. The iPhone 5 also offers 720p video capture for the iSight camera. The iPhone 5 breaks with the long-used, 30-in dock connector and switches to a new, smaller connector called Lightning. Apple says the new dock is reversible (cable can be inserted either way, making it easier to use), uses an adaptive interface, and offers better durability. The iPhone will be sold in black and white, and will be offered in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions for $199, $299, and $399, respectively, with a new two-year contract. Pre-orders will open September 14, and the device will ship September 21 in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It will ship in other countries starting September 28.
Next iPhone to Have Worldwide LTE Support
The next-generation iPhone will support LTE 4G in multiple countries around the world, reports the Wall Street Journal. Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, the Journal said that the iPhone will work on the LTE 4G networks of operators in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, though the Journal's sources didn't specify which network operators. The next iPhone will not support LTE across all bands in all countries, which is impractical from an engineering perspective (36 different spectrum bands are in use around the world for LTE). In the U.S., the two largest LTE networks, currently run by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, operate in the 700MHz band. Sprint is deploying LTE in the 1900MHz band, while T-Mobile will deploy LTE in the 1700MHz band. The Journal also reported that the next iPhone will have a "slightly larger screen." Apple has scheduled a press conference on September 12, where it is expected to reveal the new smartphone.
