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Don't expect Apple to switch to USB-C for the iPhone 11
September is only a few short weeks away, which means we're fast approaching the likely date for Apple's fall event and, barring a major surprise, the reveal of this year's iPhone lineup. The latest rumors suggest Apple will have again have three models to showcase, much like last year's trio of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
Google adds haptic feedback to its iPhone keyboard
Haptic feedback has been a feature in iPhones for the past few years, but you wouldn't know it while you were typing -- even third-party keyboards either use it in limited situations (like SwiftKey) or ask you to pay up. Google is willing to step up to the plate with a full and free solution, though. The latest version (1.40) of Gboard for iOS has introduced an option for haptic feedback with key presses, giving you reassuring thumps as your fingers hit the glass. You can't fine-tune the vibration strength like you can with Android, but that tactile experience will be there.
Apple Watch rumor suggests 'solid state' buttons are coming
Now that the Apple Watch has built-in LTE, what could change in the next version? A rumor from Fast Company suggests that the Watch could follow Apple's "Force Touch" equipped laptops or iPhone 7 (and higher) models by making the button and digital crown "solid state" parts that don't actually move when clicked. While the crown is still said to rotate freely, a click would be simulated by vibrations from the Apple Watch's Taptic Engine. Like the laptops and phones, removing a moving part could make the device more reliable, easier to build, increase space for important things like extra battery, and more. The other part of the rumor is that these buttons could also host sensors capable of health tracking, and push the device toward a future where it doesn't have any buttons at all. But first, the moving parts have to go.
Your Apple Watch is late because of bad haptic feedback parts
Wondering why your Apple Watch won't ship for weeks, even though you ordered as soon as humanly possible? The Wall Street Journal might know why. Its sources claim that some Taptic Engines (the haptic feedback unit that vibrates your wrist) broke down in early testing, prompting Cupertino to switch suppliers and create a massive-but-necessary logistical headache. From all indications, Apple is pushing many orders to June simply because it expects to get up to speed by then. That won't be much consolation if you're staring at a bare arm for the next month or more, but you'll at least know why you're missing out. [Image credit: iFixit]
