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Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera
It's not quite what we expected, but Apple has just introduced us to a new, 4th generation iPad at its event in San Jose, California today. It's essentially a hardware refresh for Apple's 3rd gen slate, as it packs new A6X silicon with quad-core graphics that the company claims provides double the performance of the old A5X chip. The new iPad also gets dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, expanded LTE compatibility (including Sprint and KDDI), a 720p FaceTime camera on the front and the new image processor first seen in the iPhone 5. Of course, it also gets the reversible Lightning port that debuted on on the iPhone, and will be available in both black and white. Pricing stays the same as its predecessor, with a 16GB WiFi version for $499 and a 16GB model with cellular data on board costs $629. Interested? You'll be able to pick one up through Apple's online and brick and mortar stores or Apple Authorized Resellers in a host of countries -- listed in the PR after the break -- on November 2nd.%Gallery-169063% For more coverage, visit our Apple Special Event hub!
Apple to hold conference for iDevice accessory makers, school them in using Lightning connectors
Apple may have shaken things up with its Lightning connector's unique internals, but a leaked schedule reveals it's holding a conference to help accessory makers get a handle for crafting products with the tech. Taking place between November 7th and 9th in Shenzhen, China, the MFi (Made for iPad / iPhone / iPod) Technology Summit will acquaint manufacturers with the new standard and guidelines for developing gear with the cable. Rather than divulging how to create Lightning connectors, it appears that Apple will be keeping the specifications close to its vest and assume the mantle of gatekeeper. According to one of TechCrunch's sources, Apple will control the supply of pins for its connector and will only sell them to partners when accessories meet Cupertino's standards. This tactic would match up nicely with the current requirements for the MFi certification program, which already makes parts from Apple-approved suppliers a necessity. It sounds like a potentially pricey proposition, but the source also claims that Cook and Co. have a fair asking price for components doled out in bulk, considering the technology behind them. Curious to see what else is on the docket for the three day shindig? Hit the first source link below for the full schedule.
Apple announces 'Special Event' for October 23rd -- we'll be there live!
Apple has just invited members of the press to attend a product launch on October 23rd, where we assume the long-rumored iPad mini will be unveiled. The event will go down merely weeks after Apple took the wraps off of the iPhone 5 (and strangely enough, the Foo Fighters played their last show for the foreseeable future). It's quite unlike Apple to throw two product parties in the fall, but if an entirely new iPad is being revealed, it may be a scenario that becomes more familiar in years to come. At this point, we're left with far more questions than answers: will the iPad mini really ship with a Lightning port, while the Retina iPad -- which was only introduced in March -- continues to ship with the "old" Dock Connector? Will Apple really continue to refresh its two iPad products at different intervals? Will the (presumed) AT&T iPad mini actually include mobile hotspot functionality? And while we're at it, is Apple really going to throw a "one more thing" into the mix by bumping its 13-inch MacBook Pro into Retina territory? After all, tossing "little" into the invite could allude to a smaller iPad and an update to an already-small laptop. We'll be there to bring you the blow-by-blow as it happens, so feel free to go ahead and take next Tuesday off. We'll sign the approval form.
Study: Apple Maps not affecting iPhone 5 demand
ChangeWave Research and 451 Research surveyed 4,270 North American consumers in September 2012 and found that 32 percent were either somewhat likely (13 percent) or very likely (19 percent) to buy an iPhone 5 despite the recent negative press, says a report in AppleInsider. Most consumers are apparently shrugging off any issues with the iPhone 5. ChangeWave's vice president of Research Dr. Paul Carton said, "Despite the media attention surrounding both the Apple Maps issue and the Apple Lightning port issue, neither has had an impact on the massive numbers of buyers queuing up to buy the iPhone 5. Rather, the survey results show both issues hardly rank as bumps in the road." Recent complaints about the iPhone 5 have centered on legacy accessory compatibility with the new Lightning port and problems with Apple's new Maps app. Surveyed interest in the iPhone is up from last year when the iPhone 4S debuted. A similar survey conducted in October 2011 showed that only 10 percent of consumers were very likely to buy a 4S, while 11.5 percent were somewhat likely. The iPhone 4S turned out to be a very successful product for Apple, and these new survey results bode well for sales of the iPhone 5. [Via AppleInsider]
30-pin to Lightning adapter: early users test compatibility
We got a message from developer David Stanfill this morning, who's had an opportunity to start using Apple's 30-pin to Lightning connector. As early pre-orders are just now arriving, we were curious as to how things were working. "I can confirm," he writes, "That the 30-pin to Lightning cable works with none of the previous Apple Accessories. I tested the SD card reader, USB reader, VGA/HDMI out adapter and the Withings Blood Pressure monitor. We're one for three for car stereos at the office." So any good news? Stanfill writes that his speaker systems are working. It's still early days -- perhaps Stanfill received a defective unit. With millions of dollars in gadgets and adapters on the line, however, the transition may not prove as easy as we had hoped. Has your adapter arrived? How is it working for you? Drop a note in the comments and share your experience. The Lighting/30-pin adapter sells for $29 and is currently shipping two to three weeks out. Those who ordered on the first day are now receiving units. Update: Commenters are having much better results than Stanfill with their adapters, especially with the Withing monitor. Some of his items were tested off-label and were not meant for use with the iPhone.
Apple's Lightning authentication chip cloned
One of the "features" of Apple's new Lightning adapter on the iPhone 5 is a special authentication chip that must be built into the adapter or third-party peripherals in order for them to work properly. Apple is reportedly doing this in order to ensure compatibility with third-party Lightning peripherals, but there's some concern about availability and cost of those peripherals due to this requirement. Well, never fear -- M.I.C. Gadget is reporting that someone has already cloned the authentication chip, leading the way to a flood of non-authorized peripherals and most likely a lawsuit or two. Manufacturer iPhone5Mod has announced the US$39.90 Flash Lightning Dock, which includes a very cool glowing cable complete with LEDs that light whenever the iPhone 5 is charging or syncing. But wait, there's more! According to M.I.C. Gadget, "The lights actually change speed based on the battery capacity of the iPhone 5, with the animated lights moving quicker the lower the battery charge is, and finally stopping motion (lights off) when the iPhone 5 is fully charged." Whether or not Apple and its team of crack lawyers will allow an unapproved cable and dock to actually hit the market is unknown. In the meantime, enjoy a fun, glowing video of the Flash Lightning Dock since you may never be allowed to own one.
Daily Update for October 8, 2012
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 begins shipping its Lightning to 30-pin adapter at the speed of... freight
iPhone users with a flotilla of 30-pin devices, desperate to restore connectivity with their newest handset's natty connector, can rest easy. Cupertino has contacted several Australians who pre-ordered the 30-pin to Lightning adapter to tell them they can expect the first units to arrive tomorrow. The Stateside store is still promising a generic "October" launch, but it can't be too far away if the Antipodeans are getting theirs.
Harman shows off its upcoming JBL docks and speakers, we go eyes-on
Harman announced a fair amount of JBL-branded speakers back at IFA, but that wasn't all it had to announce before the year goes out. Today we met with in the company in NYC, where it was ready to show off even more of its upcoming wireless and dock speakers. In fact, don't tell Harman that the 30-pin connector is on its way out, as its $199 OnBeat Venue (seen above and $139 OnBeat aWake are ready to pair up with your last-gen iOS devices. The Venue is rated for a peak output of 30-watts and features a stow-away dock a tweeter and woofer combo for both stereo channels, component outputs for use with TVs, an obligatory 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth if you'd prefer to go wireless. The aWake shrinks things down to about 13 watts, and features a digital clock so that you can use it on your bedside night stand -- despite its small size, it'll easily dock an iPad. Both systems also work with free JBL apps for iOS that'll enhance the experience. According to the company, it's also working on solutions for the Lightning connector, but wouldn't reveal any hard details. Moving along to dedicated speakers, you might recall the SoundFly BT, which recently got outed during its trip to the FCC. The 20-watt Bluetooth-equipped unit is strictly intended to plug directly into wall outlets, having only a status light with no inputs or buttons. It'll set you back $149 when it hits shelves, and if you tack another another $50 you can get an AirPlay-equipped version instead. We gave the BT a quick listen and it sounded surprisingly big with a fair amount of bass extension -- impressive considering it's petite and it plug-friendly design. A Harmon rep even noted that the hotel we were in was interested in procuring some for its rooms. Sadly, the units aren't remotely water-resistant, even though our demo area was a bathroom. Lastly, we're actually most intrigued by the $59 Harman / Kardon BTA 10 dongle. The nearly matchbook-sized box connects to any speaker via its 3.5mm jack, allowing you to stream over Bluetooth 4.0 on the fly. Power is supplied via a micro-USB cable, and a blue indicator light lets you know that it's powered up. Harmon's mainly created it to add Bluetooth functionality to its non-wireless speakers, but it can be used with any speaker of your choice. We're also told that it overs very high-quality, despite being Bluetooth, thanks to some in-house development dubbed as TrueStream. There's no exact word on when all of these units will hit shelves, but you can peek the galleries for better looks -- check the source link for full details.
Don't like your Lightning cable? Double Helix will mod it for you
If you would rather have your Lightning cable look bold instead of bland, then you should check out this custom mod by Double Helix cables. The cable maker is offering to take your Lightning cable and turn it into something that stands out from the crowd. The customized cable is crafted from a stock cable and can be shortened to your preferred length. You can also enclose it in a silver or black sleeve and add a gold USB plug to the end. Not only does it look striking, the gold plug also won't get stuck in your computer's USB port, a problem that some people are reporting with the stock cable. The Double Helix cable will set you back $85, if you buy the cable as part of the package. If you provide Double Helix with the Lightning cable, the company will knock $20 off the price of the mod.
A look inside Apple's Lightning cable
Apple's iPhone 5 includes a new Lightning cable that drops the number of available pins from 30 down to eight. Besides its smaller size, the new cable is also reversible and lets you insert the plug without worrying whether it's facing the right way. Apple says the cable has "an adaptive interface," but doesn't provide any additional information on this feature. Thanks to Apple Insider, which collaborated with cable expert Peter from Double Helix cables, we now know a few more details on how this adaptive interface works. According to the report, the Lightning port determines which type of data is being sent and likely uses the authentication chip within the cable to dynamically assign pins based on the cable's orientation. No matter how you insert the cable, the correct pin assignment is always applied. This is convenient for users, but it could prove costly over the along run. Third-party cables offer a less expansive alternative to Apple's pricey cables, but these 8-pin cables could be rendered useless if they lack the necessary authentication chip. You can read more about the pin assignments and the authentication chip in the article at Apple Insider.
Some users reporting difficulty removing Lightning cable's USB end
If you're having some problems with your new Lightning cable getting stuck in your Mac or PC, you are not alone. According to a CNET report, a growing number of iPhone 5 users are complaining that the USB part of the cable is difficult to remove from their desktop or laptop USB port. In some cases, iPhone 5 owners have traveled to the Genius bar in order to have the cable forcibly removed from their computer. Apple support forum member Nclose took a close look at the USB end of the Lightning cable and noticed that the bottom notches, which hold the cable in the USB port, are deeper than the notches on previous iPhone sync cables. It's possible that these notches on the Lightning cable are too deep and allow the tabs inside the USB port to grip extra tightly onto the cable. Apple is reportedly "aware of the problem" and is offering replacement cables to customers who are affected by this issue.
Apple Lightning cable inspection finds an extra-smart connector, won't make for cheap substitutes
Apple made much ado of the Lightning connector it launched side-by-side with the iPhone 5, but what we've known about it has been limited outside of the presence of an authentication chip. Double Helix Cables' Peter Bradstock has delved deeper and tells AppleInsider that there's some clever wiring that clinches the reversible design. While Lightning's power supply is truly symmetrical among the contact pins, the data isn't -- which suggests a chip inside is redirecting data to keep the plug working as intended. The technique helps explain why Apple would need any elaborate circuitry in the first place. No matter the wizardry inside, Bradstock doesn't see any cut-rate Lightning alternatives being useful in the near future: as it's unlikely that anyone outside of Cupertino knows how the authentication works at this stage, clone cables may amount to little more than heaps of metal and plastic.
Apple's Lightning connector suppliers struggle to meet demand
With the iPhone 5, Apple introduced the new Lightning connector, effectively retiring the old 30-pin dock connector to the dust pile of the past. However, Lighting cables have been in limited supply and currently have a two to three-week wait time in Apple's online store. The reason for this, according to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, is two-fold: change in supplier weighting and resulting low yield rates. As noted by AppleInsider, Kou maintains that because the Lightning connector is much more complex to build and requires new methods of production, the initial yield rate will be lower. This should change as production goes on, but for now Apple's suppliers physically can't make as many Lightning connectors as they could dock connectors. Another factor resulting in Lightning connector shortage is the fact that Apple changed the supplier weighting for Lightning connector production. For dock connectors, Foxconn made up to 60 percent of all units, but since Foxconn has been having some trouble with production, Apple now gets 60 percent of Lightning connectors from rival Foxlink. Because Foxlink has a better yield rate than Foxconn (who now makes 40 percent of the Lightning cables), but not as high a yield rate as it did for dock connectors, the output is still much lower, which means more time to get the new cables in the hands of iPhone 5 users. As time goes on, production rates and yields are sure to increase. Until then, you may have to wait a few weeks before you can pick up extras of Apple's latest cable wonder.
Apple's iPhone 5 will arrive with a free Lightning to 30-pin adapter (update: Apple officially says no it won't)
If you were miffed at having to pay $29 to adapt your existing iPhone accessories to the iPhone 5's newfangled Lightning connector, fear not: Apple will throw in the first adapter, gratis. Extras will still run the aforementioned sum, which Cupertino has justified by saying the units will include chips to enable features like analog and USB audio along with syncing and charging. There's also a $39 cable version available, but neither format will let you output HDMI or VGA video -- there's more (as yet unpriced) adapters coming for that. Update: Well, the plot thickens. We're now hearing reports that the above wording is a mistake, and that the adapter isn't included after all. The information comes via a reader of The Next Web, who advises Apple sales support informed them it was an error. Of course, we're reaching out to get the final word on the matter. However, that won't be much consolation to those who made a purchase based on incorrect info. Update 2: The above wording is now nowhere to be found on Apple's site, suggesting that it was indeed an error. We'll keep you posted if we hear anything more. Update 3: Well, we've just received word from Apple confirming that the iPhone 5 will not ship with a 30-pin to Lightning adapter, which is a bit of a bummer. But, it does come with a Lightning to USB adapter, so if your current accessories have a USB port, all hope is not lost. Sadly, the specific iPod out functionality found in BMWs and Minis is not supported. The full comment is below. The Lightning to 30-pin adapter does not come in the box with iPhone 5. It is sold separately. However, the Lightning to USB cable does come with iPhone 5 for connection to AC chargers and other devices... The Lightning to 30 Pin adapter supports analog audio output, USB audio, as well as syncing and charging. Lightning to VGA and Lightning to HDMI cables will be available in the coming months.
Lightning to HDMI and VGA cables incoming, says Apple
Apple has already announced a 30-pin adapter for the iPhone 5's new Lightning standard, but its product page betrays a pair of limitations: "video and iPod Out not supported." That's nothing another accessory can't fix, of course. According to The Verge, Cupertino has plans to release Lightning to HDMI and VGA cables "in the coming months," giving early adopters something to pine for on day one. No word on pricing or specific availability of course, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it hover around the existing adapter's $29 price tag. Fine by us, assuming it pulls its weight.
Daily Update for September 13, 2012
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 Note: Because of technical difficulties with Castfire, the Sept. 12 Daily Update wasn't published until a few hours ago. You can listen to our recap of the iPhone 5 announcement here.
Lightning 30-pin adapter works with analog audio, "iPod Out" doesn't mean what you think it means (Updated)
A certain degree of confusion around not-yet-shipping products is inevitable, as hands-on information is limited and manufacturers' descriptions may be cryptic. In the case of the iPhone 5, Apple's not helping matters with its spec page for the Lightning to 30-pin dock adapters, specifically the mention of "iPod Out" not being supported. [Updated: As one of our commenters noticed, Apple has now removed the confusing reference to the "iPod Out" feature. The store page now says "This adapter lets you connect devices with a Lightning connector to many of your 30-pin accessories. Support for analog audio output, USB audio, as well as syncing and charging. Video output not supported." It's not clear if this actually means that the adapter does support iPod Out for car stereos, but it is clear that analog audio is included.] The $29/$39 Lightning adapter certainly sounds pricey (and is generating some high-profile complaints for its cost and for the retrofit challenges), but one reason for that is the amount of work it has to do. As with Thunderbolt, these are "cables with a chip"; they handle digital to analog conversion, USB audio, all the signaling for track changes, etc. that were part of the original 30-pin connector standard. There are two things these adapters won't do to emulate the 30-pin dock link. They can't send analog video out, and they don't support "iPod Out" mode. As soon as people began reading that the adapters didn't support "iPod Out" they immediately assumed (in the absence of helpful information, like a link on the spec page or something of that sort) that meant the adapters wouldn't handle analog audio, and that the iPhone 5 would completely obsolete millions of dockable devices at a stroke. Cue mass panic. Here's the thing, though: "iPod Out" doesn't actually mean "audio output from an iPod." It's the branding for a very specific feature for cars and remote-screen tools that was included in iOS 4, which delivered a customized iOS graphic display via the in-dash screens when the device was docked. BMW made a big deal of including this feature as early as 2010, but few other manufacturers have jumped on board. [Reader Abraham V. points out that the 2012 Honda Civic supports iPod Out; if you know of other cars that do, chime in via the comments. –MR] For my money (and possibly for plenty of other people's money), Apple ought to clarify the "iPod Out" notation ASAP on the adapter page, and it might need to do a little bit of consumer education about the capabilities of the adapter. Folks are definitely confused out there. Unfortunately, this consumer confusion isn't helped by coverage like this post at Cult of Mac or this CNN Money story, which erroneously conflate the "iPod Out" feature support with the fact that the Lightning interface is "all digital" and leap promptly to the conclusion that you can't get any analog audio out of the 30-pin adapter. That's incorrect. Macworld sought and received direct confirmation from Apple that the adapter does supply analog audio, and the company told The Verge that future adapters will support VGA and HDMI video out, just like the current 30-pin accessories. What does this mean for you? If you don't have a car that supports iPod Out, and you don't plan to buy one, go ahead and get that iPhone 5 or new iPod touch you're craving. The Lightning to 30-pin adapter may be clumsy and certainly isn't cheap, but it definitely will let you connect to your music.
Apple accommodates European law with Lightning Micro USB adapter
Apple's iPhone 5 introduced the Lightning connectivity port as well as adapters for older, 30-pin hardware. A Micro USB adapter was also released on Sept. 12, which Apple had to produce to comply with European law. Apple, RIM, Nokia and nearly every other major mobile phone manufacturer agreed to adopt Micro USB as a charger standard for their devices in 2009. Cellphone charger standards were published by those involved a year later, which stipulated that Micro USB chargers should be "predominant" within two years. Hence, the Lightning to Micro USB Adapter is now available on UK and French Apple Stores for £15 / €19 (about $25 as of this writing).
Apple appeases European lawmakers with Lightning-to-microUSB adapter
We do love products that only exist to circumvent the finer points of legislation (hello there, Aston Martin Cygnet), but even better are the ones that actually serve a purpose. To comply with the European Commission's insistence that all smartphones must have a microUSB connector, Apple is putting out a Euro-specific adapter for its new Lightning standard. It's turned up in the UK and French stores so far, setting you back £15 / €19 ($25) -- and we imagine it won't be long before some entrepreneurial soul starts buying them in bulk to sell to microUSB users Stateside.
