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Test code hints at future iPads with Touch ID and Apple Pay
There have been photos and vague rumors hinting that Apple's next iPads will involve more than just a speed bump, but there hasn't been much in the way of hard evidence... until today, that is. Hamza Sood has uncovered code in the iOS 8.1 developer beta that alludes to unannounced iPads with Touch ID fingerprint readers and, appropriately, Apple Pay support. Don't think that you'll be tapping your iPad to pay for goods at the local shop, however. From all indications, this is just for in-app transactions; there's no mention of NFC. It's also unclear when this new iOS version will arrive, although history suggests that the new iPads (and thus the finished 8.1 update) could surface in October.
Costco is now selling iPads and iPhones, with a patchy selection
Costco has a rough history with Apple products; the big-box chain sold Apple goods for a while, but pulled them in a huff after it was denied a chance to sell the original iPad. Time must have healed those wounds, then, since the retailer is now selling iPads and iPhones. There are some solid bargains, depending on what you're looking for. The iPhone 5s for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon is selling for $78 on contract, a full $120 lower than the regular sticker; you can also lop $100 off the price of Verizon-ready editions of the iPad Air (now $520) and iPad mini with Retina display ($420).
Tablet and e-reader deals of the week: 3.21.14
It's now officially spring -- that wonderful time of the year that leaves you feeling guilty for not going outside. Why not take a small, portable computing device with you? A selection of modestly discounted Android, iOS and Windows 8 slabs await your frugal whims after the break. Abhor reading LCDs in the great outdoors? No worries, we tossed in a more traditional e-reader for good measure. If you still can't find the sale of your dreams, you could always join us and add your favorite products to your "Want" list. Every time there's a price cut in the future, you'll get an email alert!
Retina iPad mini teardown uncovers giant battery, iPhone-class A7 chip
Many were no doubt caught off-guard by Apple's not-quite-surprise release of the iPad mini with Retina Display, but iFixit was clearly prepared -- it has already torn down the tiny tablet. The device isn't just a shrunken iPad Air, according to the repair shop. It now includes a (relatively) massive 24.3Whr, dual-cell battery that represents a huge upgrade over the 16.3Whr unit of the original mini. The A7 processor is also the low-power version from the iPhone 5s rather than the souped-up chip found in the Air. iFixit isn't a fan of the Retina iPad mini from a repair standpoint, scoring it two out of 10; there's still gobs of adhesive that would complicate most fixes, the company says. It's unlikely that you'll replace any parts yourself, then, but there's still plenty of juicy details available at the source link.
Some Lunatik has made a Flak Jacket for your iPad mini
Whether you have one of the original iPad minis or you're planning on getting the new Retina display model when it arrives later this month, you're going to want some protection for it. Lunatik has a really basic -- but very protective -- sleeve for your iPad mini called the Flak Jacket (US$49.95) that you'll want to take a look at. The Flak Jacket is made of microfiber to cradle your iPad mini softly, but has a tough exterior with a 3D grid-like surface in one of three colors -- black, mint (kind of a teal) or pink -- that provides a good grip for carrying. When you slip your mini into the Flak Jacket (with or without Apple's Smart Cover), you can be sure that it's not going to slide back out thanks to a magnetic closure at the top. The protection isn't going to weigh you down, either. The Flak Jacket weighs in at just three ounces on my postal scale. I'd love to see Lunatik make a Flak Jacket for the iPad Air, as it would be the perfect minimalist sleeve to accompany Apple's newest tablet. Conclusion Want relatively inexpensive, but tough protection for your iPad mini? This is it. With the Flak Jacket covering your iPad mini and a Smart Cover, you're carrying an incredibly thin package. Pros Tough exterior keeps the protected iPad from sliding from your hand or from slanted surfaces Magnetic closure keeps your device inside Microfiber interior cradles your iPad mini in softness Works with an Apple Smart Cover in place Cons A little on the pricey side at $50 Who is it for? Anyone who wants to keep an iPad mini protected without the weight and thickness of some of the cases that are available. Giveaway C'mon, I know some of you are probably waiting for a new Retina display iPad mini. Keep it protected from day one with a nice mint Lunatik Flak Jacket that we're giving away. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 10, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Lunatik Flak Jacket for iPad mini valued at $49.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
TUAW TV Live: OS X Mavericks and new iPads
During last week's show, Shawn "Doc Rock" Boyd and I discussed the Apple announcements that had been made, primarily the immediate availability of OS X Mavericks and the unveiling of the iPad Air and Retina display iPad mini. This week, we'll be talking about some of our favorite features of Mavericks, what we're looking forward to with the new iPads and how the changes in iLife and iWork are affecting Apple fans. To join in to watch the live feed and participate in the chat, just click here. You'll join us on the AOL On Network. If you can't watch the entire show today, come back to this page within 24 hours to see the latest video below. Past shows are also available on the TUAW YouTube channel.
Apple confirms it's 'unclear' whether there will be enough Retina iPad minis to meet demand
While Apple CEO Tim Cook may have put one rumor to rest during today's earnings call, he basically confirmed another one: When asked about the availability of the iPad mini with Retina display, Cook said that the new model will start shipping "later in November," but that it's "unclear whether we'll have enough for the quarter or not." Cook quickly pointed out that "we know how many we'll have," but that it's difficult to predict demand for a product until it starts shipping. He seemed to be confirming persistent rumors that the Retina mini would be in short supply during the holiday shopping season. Although Cook insisted that "we'll do fairly well with iPad," and that Apple will have a "really great holiday season," the company may have reason to be concerned about not being able to meet demand for the new model. As reported earlier, iPad sales were flat compared to the same period last year, even while competitors are seeing major growth in tablet sales. Apple has seen its share of the total tablet market drop from 60 percent a year ago to just 32 percent today. Apple is hoping, according to Cook, for "an iPad Christmas," but it may be one that many customers will have to celebrate without the company's most notable new model.
Daily Update for October 25, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Apple Stores will open at 8 AM November 1 for iPad Air launch
Want to be one of the first people to latch onto a lightweight, streamlined iPad Air? Apple will be opening its stores at 8 AM local time on November 1 for those who want to pick up the latest version of the popular tablet. While the start of online sales has not been announced, it's anticipated that Apple will follow the script used by the recent iPhone 5s launch, where online sales began at 12:01 AM Pacific Time. Also following the sales model of the iPhone 5s, Apple is not taking pre-orders online. For past iPads, buyers could pre-order online for home or office delivery on the day of launch. If you're holding out for the Retina display iPad mini, you'll have to wait until later in November.
iPad Air and Retina iPad mini will support T-Mobile LTE, including 200MB of free monthly data
T-Mobile CEO John Legere was dropping hints last week that his carrier would play a part in the new iPad launches, and we now know just what he meant. The Apple Store mentions that both the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display will have options for T-Mobile LTE in addition to the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon support we've seen in previous iPad generations. There's even a special treat for choosing Magenta's network -- like customers using other 4G Connect devices, iPad owners will get 200MB of free data per month. They can pay for 2.5GB ($30) or 4.5GB ($40) per month if they need more, and the device remains unlocked. The new option only makes sense in places with good T-Mobile coverage, but it could prove tempting for iPad fans who aren't keen on paying for cellular data.
Take two tablets: Will the iPad Air and Retina iPad mini cure Apple's market share slide?
Apple put up some impressive numbers today: 170 million iPads sold to date. 475,000 iPad apps available. $13 billion paid to app developers. Yet those numbers only tell part of the story. While the iPad may continue to be the top-selling tablet line, it no longer dominates the market the way it once did. A year ago, 60 percent of all tablets sold were iPads, according to numbers from IDC. By this summer, that number was down to 32 percent, with Android models soaring from 38 percent to 63 percent. Even Windows models jumped from just 1 percent of the market to 4 percent -- and that was before Microsoft slashed the prices of older Surface models and released its second-generation tablets.
Apple: 170 million iPads sold to date
Pointing out that it was once mocked as something that would "never replace netbooks," Apple CEO Tim Cook boasted that the company has sold 170 million iPads since the device's launch. "Remember netbooks?" He quipped. According to Cook, there are 475,000 iPad apps, and they're not those "stretched out" apps you may see on other platforms. Of course, Apple faces continued competition from those other platforms, and, has seen its market share drop from 60 percent of all tablet sales a year ago to 32 percent by this summer, according to IDC. However, iPads, according to Cook, are used up to four times as much as competing tablets, and are ranked first in customer satisfaction (presumably by J.D. Power).
