Now AAPL Stock: The symbol you provided ("AAPL") doesn't appear to be registered
Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj

Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket

The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94

Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa

SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If

Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm

Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE

Insaneboy Fresh-Faced Recruit Joined: Oct 15, 2003
I was looking forward to that release for my son's iPod touch, only had it a year (birthday is in May, 6th gen was released in July) I know he'd have loved the new iMessage and I'd finally get to erase a bunch of apps he doesn't need. If I'd had the choice I'd have gotten a newer version(better processor), but apple only offered the 5th gen with the A5 at the time. Think this is the shortest lived apple product life I've ever experienced. Going to have to remind his grandparents not to send fancy iMessages to him when OS 10 is released as he probably won't be able to see them. (guessing it'll be like when you have an older iOS version and can't see newer emojis, just get a blank rectangle)
Inkling Grizzled Veteran Joined: Jul 25, 2006
What does this shifting list mean? It means the in/out decision wasn't technical. That decision was made months ago when the tech specs were written. This decision was made by marketing based on how many older devices needed to be artificially obsoleted. Call that "follow the money." But marketing may be wrong. Premature obsolence encourages people to delay. As the unhappy posting before mine illustrates, waiting can be smart. It often means getting a model that isn't killed off as quickly. Over the long-term creating situations where people upgrade every four years rather than every three costs Apple long-term sales.
Mike Wuerthele Managing Editor Joined: Jul 19, 2012
Yeah, you're wrong, Inkling. The iPad Mendoza line, for lack of a better term, where the population is split 50/50 is the iPhone 5s and iPad 4. If this was about forced obsolescence, and maximum device replacement, that's where the line would be, not where it got put. It got put at the A5.
This is the first forced obsolescence since iOS 7, and Mountain Lion. That was three and four years ago, respectively. iOS 9-limited devices won't burst into flames when iOS 10 ships.
Charles Martin Mac Elite Joined: Aug 04, 2001
Inkling: your theory is patent nonsense, to be frank. There is a difference with iOS devices and OS X devices: a quick glance at the Sierra compatibility list shows machines that are up to seven years old. For at least the second major cycle in a row.
Since iOS devices are designed to be upgraded every two years (the length of the average US contract -- not something under Apple's control), the fact that support stretches back to 2012's iPhone 5 -- that's four years ago -- suggests that in fact Apple is working to *extend* the life of typical iPhones, rather than shorten them: exactly the opposite of your incorrect premise.
In short, you appear to be confusing Apple with Google -- it is *Android* phones that are *deliberately* obsoleted by carriers after two years or less. For those of us who actually pay attention to this, it seems very clear that Apple's marketing re-used the previous iOS compatibility list on an assumption that was then corrected by engineering. Apple dropped the A5-era devices because it would not be able to run iOS 10 well enough to provide a good experience -- and that's why the fifth-gen iPod touch was dropped (not to mention its a dead product walking).
Not that the truth fits in with your pre-conceived narrative ...