Some RadioShack outlets may still be stocking the 16GB version of the iPhone 4, a new training document suggests. The document states that both 8 and 16GB models are available for $100 with a two year contract, and that the offer is "good for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon." No 16GB iPhone was ever built for Sprint however; only the 8GB option is available with that carrier.
Accessory makers Cirago and CaseInity have separately unveiled several new accessories for iOS devices. Cirago has produced three, chief among these being the Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard Case for the iPad 2. Brushed aluminum is combined with padding at the corners to cushion an iPad; to use the keyboard, a person must pull the tablet from the case and sit it in a built-in stand either vertically or horizontally. The case costs $90.
Today in the MacNN forums Grizzled Veteran sdilley14 started a thread looking for possible scratch removal products for the iPhone 4. Today Mac Enthusiast mkral was looking for a way to move notes from iPhone to iCloud, a solution has yet to be found.
Apple is suing Samsung over cases for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as well as an assortment of cellphones, Bloomberg reports. At a court hearing in Sydney, Australia, Apple said it has issued a notice of infringement to Samsung, and will file a statement of claim. Samsung is accused of violating patents and registered designs; a lawyer for the company, Katrina Howard, elaborated that the cases are accused of infringing at least 10 patents.
In what might be seen as a portent of worldwide sales, figures from a British research firm obtained by the Financial Times indicates that the iPhone 4S is dominating the market for smartphones in the UK, making up 25 percent of all smartphone sales in the four weeks leading up to December 9th. Combined with the other iPhone models, Apple's phones made up 37 percent of all smartphone sales.
A sting operation involving undercover New York Police Department officers resulted in 141 arrests last week, according to an announcement. The NYPD say that having identified a number businesses throughout New York City -- including some thought to have received stolen goods before -- the undercover officers went out to sell iPhone 4s and iPad 2s with the claim that they were stolen. Devices were offered at prices between $50 and $200.
As shopping season gets into full swing, a number of accessory makers are still turning out new cases and accessories for the iPhone 4 and 4S. Krona Cases offers a combination of a small wallet with an iPhone case, while SwitchEasy has announced two new iPhone cases, including one that is available in holiday colors for a limited time. Meanwhile, Killspencer has launched what they call iPhone "veils," adhesive wooden veneers.
An updated Windows utility, iFaith, promises to let iPhone owners to downgrade to earlier versions of iOS 5, according to famous iOS hacker iH8snow. With the advent of iOS 5, Apple changed the code in such as a way as to prevent normal downgrading methods. iH8snow says he has discovered a way around the obstacle, enabling dumped iOS 5 SHSH blobs to accept unsigned restores.
The first hack to bring all the features of Siri to other devices has been released on Cydia, the distribution network for jailbroken iOS software, reports say. The 100MB software is called H1Siri, and available via two Cydia repositories, Cydia.be and iphone3gsystem.fr/cydia. Currently the code works on both GSM and CDMA iPhone 4 models, as well as the fourth-generation iPod touch.
For Black Friday many online retailers have begun offering special deals a few days early. At id America chose from a wide selection of iPhone 4 and 4S accessories and from 11/23/11 through 12/1/11 save up to 20% off your purchase when you enter coupon code 'BLKFRI20OFF' at checkout. Until Sunday 11/27/11 save 40% on Mariner Software's document management app called Paperless, which is available for Mac or Windows now for only $29.95, down from $49.95.
Extended Access has released the Exo Flak Jacket, a new case for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The accessory uses aircraft-grade aluminum, with an anodized coating for extra protection. It ships in the form of front and back plates, which must be manually fastened together using screws and a screwdriver, both of which are included.
Accessory maker SwitchEasy has launched its Avant-garde series, which consists of four new textured cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, using sculptural design to add tactile and grip sensation in a stylish design. The case also includes a reinforced frame protector made of polycarbonate to protect impact points, and includes headphone jack and connector protectors.
A test conducted by Adrian Kingley-Hughes at ZDNet appears to prove that the battery-draining issue that is affecting some iPhone 4 and 4S owners doesn't have it's root in hardware. Using a pair of identical, purchased-on-the-same-day iPhone 4S handsets, Hughes and his developer tester were able to make the battery issue "jump" from a handset that had the problem to one that didn't by swapping backups.
The iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS held on as the US' bestselling smartphones during the third quarter of 2011, according to new NPD Group data. Following behind in the top five were two Android-based phones -- the HTC EVO 4G and the Motorola Droid 3 -- as well as the Samsung Intensity II, which NPD classifies as a smartphone even though the device is more basic than most. The updated top phone list is almost identical to one for Q2, the only difference being the Droid 3 replacing the HTC Inspire 4G.
Both AT&T and Verizon have given up US iPhone share to Sprint with the advent of the iPhone 4S, according to data from Localytics. Whereas 60 percent of iPhone 4 owners are on AT&T, and 40 percent are on Verizon, AT&T's lead is just 56 percent for the iPhone 4S. Verizon appears to be suffering the most with the new phone, sitting at 32 percent; in all Sprint currently has 12 percent of 4S subscribers.
The company behind a number of cases that have added or enhanced iPhone and iPod abilities -- including one that turned an iPod Touch into a full-blown phone -- are testing a new device called the Vooma Peel PG92 that works with a jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4S and offers the ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously, using an unofficial app to control them. The case, which also provides a battery pack, could be ideal for users who move between two countries frequently.
Despite rumors that Apple was testing its voice-activated search and task managing feature Siri to make it available for the iPhone 4, a user who filed a "bug report" suggesting that Apple offer Siri on older iOS devices for a fee got a reply back from the company stating that "we currently have no plans to support older devices," reports Cult of Mac contributor Michael Steeber.
Apple has finally discontinued 16 and 32GB models of the iPhone 4 for China Unicom, and the latter company is accelerating efforts to launch an 8GB version by the end of the month, sources close to the carrier claim. The company's general manager, Lu Yumin, has publicly stated that it is pushing to sell the iPhone 4S as soon as possible. Local reports suggest that while the 4S is still waiting for regulatory approval, it could ship by the end of 2011, preceded by an 8GB iPhone 4 as in the US.
SwitchEasy has announced another new case for the iPhone 4 and 4S, the Lanyard. As its name implies, the accessory's main feature is a loop which can be used to attach string or decorations. No string is included with the case by default, however.
Accessory maker Mophie has launched a new case bundle, the Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition. Included is a one-year subscription for the Mophie Outdoor GPS app, which covers the continental US and Hawaii. In parallel buyers get a year-long subscription to the Mophie Outdoor Edition website, which allows desktop viewing and planning. After that duration site access will cost $20 a year.
Both Sprint and Verizon are seeing strong iPhone sales, says Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu, citing checks. Sprint has allegedly begun reversing a tide of subscriber loss to AT&T and Verizon, which was caused by simply not having the iPhone as an option until October 14th. The carrier may also be attracting people thanks to offering the only unlimited iPhone data plans in the US.
Accessory maker SwitchEasy has announced a new case for the iPhone 4 and 4S, the CapsuleRebelX. Designwise the case is similar to the basic CapsuleRebel, but with the usual spine-shaped frame replaced by a new "Crossbones" arrangement. In both instances the frame snaps into place on top of a softer inner layer, which wraps around the back and sides of an iPhone while still providing access to buttons, switches and ports.
Hackers, who have been busy trying to get the Siri system interface to work on non-iPhone 4S devices, have found some degree of success with almost all members of the current iOS family now that an enterprising pair have grafted Siri onto a current-generation iPod touch, reports Engadget. As with the other hacked versions, however, the trick is only partly successful -- the modified versions can't work with Apple's servers, leaving the program mostly "brainless."
The iPhone 4S has landed in stores and Electronista has its hands on a white 64GB model. As most readers will be aware of by now, the phone looks almost identical to the iPhone 4. However, the internals have largely been given a once over with major upgrades in processing power and graphics performance. Our first impressions are that the changes really shine and are good enough that even iPhone 4 owners may want to seriously consider an upgrade.
MacWorld Senior Editor Jason Snell is reporting that Sprint plans to offer the iPhone 4S with its micro-SIM slot unlocked, and that Verizon will remove the carrier lock from any iPhone 4S if the customer has been with them for 60 days or more in good standing (and requests an "international unlock"). Apple itself sells the iPhone 4 and 4S (along with 3G iPad) with the micro-SIM "factory" unlocked, but U.S. carriers generally put a "carrier" lock on them to ensure customers don't switch networks easily.
Analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray believes a cavalcade of current iPhone 3GS users, who skipped the iPhone 4 for a variety of reasons, will move to the iPhone 4S by the millions over the next year, accounting for up to 18 percent of Apple's iPhone sales, AppleInsider reports. Munster believes that 18.8 million 3GS users, based on an estimated 27.6M total iPhone 3GS sales, are still available for upgrading and will likely take advantage of the new model.
Brian Hogan, the man who obtained a lost iPhone 4 prototype and later admitted he "regretted" not returning it to Apple, was sentenced to one year of probation, 40 hours of community service and will pay Apple $250 in restitution, CNet reports. A friend of Hogan's named Sage Wallower, who allegedly helped Hogan "shop" the prototype to media outlets, also received the same sentence. The pair were found guilty of misdemeanor theft earlier today after originally pleading not guilty.
While the processor inside the iPhone 4S has already been shown to have given the new phone a significant speed boost for web browsing and JavaScript benchmarks, tests on other models reveals that iOS 5 may play a significant role as well -- allowing the iPhone 4, iPod Touch and iPhone 3GS to gain a noticeable performance boost when it is released on Wednesday. In the case of the iPhone 4, initial testing has shown it catching back up to its latest rivals.
Sales of the iPhone 4 and 3GS are still doing well, even with the impending of launch of the iPhone 4S later this week, says Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley. Although non-specific, the claim is said to stem from checks with US cellphone carriers. Walkely adds that preorders of the iPhone 4S appear to be doing well, something Apple itself has validated by announcing that over 1 million preorders were made in the space of a day. By comparison, just 600,000 iPhone 4s were preordered in a similar timeframe last year.
Accessory maker Belkin has introduced additional cases for the iPhone 4S (and iPhone 4) along with models for the current-design iPod Touch in addition to the models announced yesterday, and ZAGG is now selling a version of its popular Invisible Shield clear film for the iPhone 4S and 4. Belkin's cases offer protection and durability in a wide array of designs and colors, while the Invisible Shield film provides strong scratch protection in a micro-thin coating that preserves the look of the iPhone.
Verizon in confirming its iPhone 4S plans said it was clearing out existing iPhone 4 models. Its 16GB and 32GB models have been slashed to $150 and $200 on contract respectively. Verizon hasn't said how long it expects the older phones to stay in stock.
Former Gizmodo editor and now Wirecutter founder Brian Lam revealed Wednesday evening that the late Steve Jobs had been kind even at the height of the incident surrounding the escaped iPhone 4 prototype. Recalling the conversation after the initial story, he noted that Steve just said he "really want[ed] my phone back" and emphasized that he wasn't mad at the news outlet. While he clearly got upset after the site refused to give the iPhone back without a formal letter, Jobs delicately ended a following call, telling Lam "you're just doing your job."
Because Apple's latest iPhone model, the iPhone 4S introduced yesterday, is approximately the same exterior dimensions (with the same button and camera placements) as the iPhone 4, existing cases also fit the new model. Consequently, vendors have had no issues in making "iPhone 4S" cases immediately available, even though the new phone isn't actually out yet. Below are some of the newest cases from a variety of makers, compatible with both iPhone 4 models.
(Update: iPhone 4 8GB preorders live) Sprint in a low-key move published its product page for the iPhone 4S. The page currently focuses on summarizing features and teases the pre-order campaign starting Friday. It also emphasized its advantage in having true unlimited data on the device.
Some vendors have begun special trade-in promotions in the wake of yesterday's iPhone 4S announcement. Chief among these is eBay, which has launched an Instant Sale promotion that ends at 11:59PM Pacific time on Wednesday. The auction site is offering up to $357.50 for a 32GB AT&T iPhone 4, or $318.50 for an equivalent Verizon model. 16GB capacities can fetch as much as $325.50 or $297.75, respectively.
Apple has begun offering as much as $200 or more for used iPhone 4s as a part of its Reuse and Recycling program. The $200 figure applies to a 16GB iPhone 4 in good condition. For that amount a device must be fully functional, including the battery, and lack any scratches, scuffs, cracks or water damage. A person must also do a factory reset of iOS and supply the power adapter.
Although the iPhone 4S is now Apple's flagship smartphone, the company is keeping both the iPhone 4 and 3GS on sale. Like the 3GS the 4 is now restricted to 8GB of memory, although black and white tones are still available, as is the choice of going with AT&T or Verizon in the US. There prices for an iPhone 4 now start at $99 on contract; an unlocked GSM model is $549. In both cases the downgraded hardware is shipping on October 14th.
Entries for slightly modified iPhone 4s and iPod touches are showing up in Apple's inventory system, an anonymous source says. The new iPhone models are reportedly identified with the codename N90A, linking them to the regular iPhone 4, the N90. The association may mean that the new SKUs are simply cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4s, rather than rumored iPhone 4S models, which would theoretically have the same amount of storage but a few upgrades, like faster processors.
Accessory makers Griffin and RadTech have introduced several new cases for iOS devices. Griffin's entry is the TechSafe, designed for the iPad 2. The product's main feature is a security cable, meant to deter theft by keeping an iPad tethered to an anchor point until a four-digit combination lock is opened.
Apple is on the verge of discontinuing the official iPhone 4 bumper case, at least in its current form, a report indicates. 9to5Mac cites an anonymous source on the matter, providing little other detail. The move would make sense if the next-generation iPhone is switching to tapered edges as believed, although by extension it may imply that Apple is diminishing or completely eliminating the iPhone 4's status in its upcoming lineup. Since 2009 Apple has kept the previous year's iPhone around as a cheaper option.
Mophie has expanded its range of iPhone battery packs with the new Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition. The battery case offers the same features as Mophie's standard Juice Pack Plus for the iPhone 4, but with an orange and olive drab color scheme. The Outdoor Edition also differentiates itself by shipping with Mophie's Outdoor Navigation app.
Foxconn's non-consolidated revenues dropped 6.55 percent sequentially in August, amounting to about $7.39 billion US, the Asian manufacturer has announced. The company explains that while shipments of computers and communications devices remained unchanged from July, consumer electronics fell below original expectations. Industry observers contacted by Digitimes suggest that the dip may be linked to lower shipments of the iPhone 4 ahead of a new iPhone model.
Sprint officials have started briefing workers on an imminent launch of the iPhone 4, an anonymous salesperson with the company claims. People are reportedly being told that the phone will launch on Sprint next month, using standard data plans. These should include a $10 charge imposed on smartphone data.
Analyst Shaw Wu of Sterne Agee has raised his estimates of iPhone 4 and iPad sales in the quarter ending in September based on checks with parts of Apple's global supply chain, and has reiterated his "Buy" rating, indicating that he expects Apple to continue outperforming the market with September results and over the next 12 months. With the next iPhone predicted for an October launch, Wu believes both iOS products will continue a strong run through the rest of the year.
Home improvement chain Lowe's is in the process of equipping its workers with 42,000 iPhone 4s, according to Bloomberg. In initial use the devices will simply handle tasks like scanning, checking product information, viewing how-to videos or connecting to lowes.com. Each store should get about 25 phones, states CIO Mike Brown.
Radio Shack may be set to sell iPhones through Verizon beginning next week, however the retailer appears to be set to distribute the iPhone 4 rather than the next-generation model. A leaked screenshot from Radio Shack's inventory system, which was posted by 9to5Mac, suggests the company will begin offering the 16GB and 32GB variants on September 15.
Shipping times for the iPhone 4 have extended to 1 to 3 days at Apple's online store, checks show. The one exception is the 16GB black Verizon model, which is still shipping within 24 hours. iPhones have been available in a 24-hour window for the past several months, making any new delay unusual.
The two remaining suspects in involved in the theft of an iPhone 4 prototype last year have plead not guilty, says CNET. Both Brian Hogan and Robert Sage Wallower are charged with misdemeanor theft; Wallower faces an additional accusation of possessing stolen property. Hogan is believed to have found the prototype in a Redwood City bar, left there accidentally by Apple engineer Robert Gray Powell.
Canadian carriers Bell and Virgin Mobile have joined Telus in lowering the price of the iPhone 4. In both cases a 16GB model is just $100, although with Bell this requires a three-year contract, and on Virgin either the contract or coverage under a SuperTab. 32GB models remain as expensive as before, costing $270.
Zagg has announced a new keyboard for iPads and other mobile devices, the ZAGGkeys SOLO. The keyboard connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, and provides a base with a slot to display an iPad in a notebook-style configuration. It feeds on a 510mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, and include function keys for commands like Cut, Copy, Paste, Slideshow, Search and Home. It should start shipping August 15th in black, silver or white for $70. The company is now taking pre-orders.
