Last July, sales of iOS devices caught up with sales of Windows devices, making it a tight race as to who would ship the most units as 2015 wrapped up. Now, Asymco has shared a chart depicting the extraordinary growth of iPhone shipments and showing that in 2015, iPhone shipments overtook Windows shipments as a whole.

As you can see in the graph below, Apple shipped just over 300 million iPhones in 2015, continuing its consistent yearly growth. There were 275 million Windows devices shipped in 2015, according to Asymco, down from 300 million in 2014. In total, Asymco says that around 375 million iOS devices were shipped in 2015, with 75 million being iPads.

While Android shipments still considerably outpace iOS and Windows shipments, it’s important to remember that iOS devices are made by one manufacturer and one manufacturer only, whereas Android devices are made by a plethora of different manufacturers and are available in all sorts of different variants.

Furthermore, Apple today announced that iOS 9 is now installed on 75 percent of active iOS devices. Apple updated its App Store support page for developers with new data recently, announcing this milestone. iOS 9, of course, was made available last September. Over the past month, iOS 9 adoption increased from 71 percent to 75 percent. 19 percent of users are now running iOS 8, while 7 percent are running earlier versions.

Yesterday, Apple announced the first beta of iOS 9.3, brining with it new CarPlay features, Night Shift mode, new Health features, and more. This should lead to even more users finally taking the plunge and updating to iOS 9 at long last.

Filed under: iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: Apple, iOS, iPhone, Windows

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This week’s iOS 9.3 beta software update for iPhone and iPad is a pretty major release for a mid-cycle version. New features including the F.lux-like Night Shift which lets you change the color temperature of your display and Touch ID plus secure passwords for Notes feel more major version features. Other parts like new 3D Touch quick actions for many of Apple’s stock apps feel more like playing catch up, but overall iOS 9.3 is shaping up to be an impressive release. Check out the details below:

iOS 9.3 also includes new Siri languages including Hebrew, Finnish, and Malay, as well as the ability to pair multiple Apple Watches to one iPhone. Apple Watch users can also now view Activity data in the Health app, and detailed Workout data in the Activity app. These changes make Apple’s fitness featured much more integrated than before.

And on the iPad, there’s a whole new education-focused update included with features like user accounts by Apple ID, although these are currently only available to educational institutions. Still, iOS 9.3 has a lot to go around for everyone.

Check out our hands-on video with iOS 9.3 below:

For more details on iOS 9.3, check out our coverage this week of Apple’s upcoming software update as well as what’s new with Apple TV, Apple Watch, the Mac, and CarPlay:

• Apple releases first iOS 9.3, OS X 10.11.4, tvOS 9.2, & watchOS 2.2 betas
• iOS 9.3 adds multi-user support for iPads in schools, new Classroom app, more
• iOS 9.3 adds Night Mode, upgraded Health, Notes & News Apps + CarPlay Music
• Photos: With tvOS 9.2, Apple TV adds Podcasts app, Folders, Bluetooth keyboard support, new app switcher and more
• iOS 9.3 Gallery & Feature List: Night Shift, New 3D Touch features, updated Health app, Notes Touch ID, more
• iOS 9.3 Preview: First look at updated Apple Music + Maps apps in CarPlay [Video]
• tvOS 9.2 Preview: First look at Apple TV’s new Podcasts app, folders & switcher UI, Bluetooth keyboard support, more [Video]

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 3D Touch, Apple watch, F.lux, Health, iOS, iOS 9, iPad, iPhone, Night Shift, notes, Siri, Touch ID

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Skype today announced that tits bringing free group video calling— a feature it’s long had available on the desktop—to mobile devices including iPhone and iPad users.

Yes, it really has been a decade since Skype changed the way people connect with their loved ones. 6 years ago, we innovated again with one-to-one video calling on mobile phones. Today, we are excited to announce the next evolution – group video calling on Android, iPhone, iPad and Windows 10 Mobile.

The feature will officially launch in the coming weeks, but you can pre-register through Skype’s website here.

And keep an eye out for updates to the Skype for iPhone and Skype for iPad apps. In the latest update to the apps earlier this month, Skype also introduced to the ability to “Send video messages to groups directly from group chats.”

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Apple, calling, group, iPad, iPhone, Skype, update, video

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Lenmar MFi Apple-Certified 3,000mAh Battery Case for iPhone 6/s: $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)

Samsung 850 EVO 1TB 2.5-inch Internal Solid-State Drive: $290 shipped (Reg. $350+)

View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack for iPhone/Android: $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)

Quick Review: SoundPEATS’ Q9A Bluetooth earbuds offer solid value at less than $20, exclusive discount

A Dark Room for iOS goes free as IGN’s Game of the Month (Reg. $1)

Giveaway: 1-yr. subscription to Apple Music, Beats Pill+ and Solo 2 Over-ear Headphones ($549 value)

You can finally use a Bluetooth keyboard with your Apple TV. Here are our favorite options: wp.me/p1xTlR-IWM https://t.co/00cM9VJc1I

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9to5Mac  (@9to5mac) January 11, 2016

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

iPhone 5s 16GB in Silver or Gray (No-Contract) from $100 shipped (Reg. $300)

• USB Power: Lumsing 16,000mAh Dual-USB Power Bank $20, more
• Kingtop Waterproof Solar Powered Motion Sensor Light $10 Prime shipped (Reg. $16)
• Games/Apps: Skylanders SuperChargers Pack for iOS $20, more
• Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x headphones + Apogee Groove headphone amp $329
• Daily Deals: Withings Wi-Fi Body Smart Scale $90, Mpow Bluetooth Receiver $14, more
• Refurbished HDTV Deals: VIZIO 40-inch 1080p 120Hz Smart $180, more
• Game pre-orders for Amazon Prime members – Final Fantasy XV, more: $48 ea (Reg. $60)
• Motorola Nexus 6 factory unlocked 32GB in blue/white: $250 shipped (Reg. $330)
• Fashion: Lucky Brand Jeans up to 50% off – 361 Vintage Straight $50 (Reg. $100), more
• Pick up a copy of Moby Dick as a Kindle download and audiobook for free (Reg. $6+)

Amazon Gold Box – Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Bagless Vac $75 shipped (Reg. $130) bit.ly/1Q2oNyx https://t.co/ZHCYebPdmE

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9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 12, 2016

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

iPhone 6/s/Plus and Android Cases from $1: Dual-Layer in Gold or Space Gray $4.50 (Reg. $10), more

iPhone 6/s/Plus Accessories w/ Prime shipping: Dual-layer Cases from $3 (Reg. $8+)

WD My Book 5TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive: $110 shipped (Reg. $140)

• Anker Tech Prime shipped: 13,000mAh Dual-USB Power Bank $25, more
• NES30 Bluetooth controller gives the latest titles a retro twist: $37 shipped (Orig. $50)
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• FitBit’s Charge HR fitness tracker available for just $110 shipped (Reg. $150)
• Download the iPad at Work for Dummies eBook for free (Reg. up to $17)
• Your Choice of 10 Top-Rated Mac Apps for $20 (up to $500 value), more
• Keep your Macs running smoothly with a CleanMyMac two-pack: $36 (Orig. $60)
• Add Bluetooth capabilities + a dual-port USB charger to your car for $16 (Reg. $28)
• 1-month free Marvel Unlimited comic subscription plus an exclusive digital starter pack
• Grab a free MP3 download of Elvis Presley’s 30 #1 Hits, more
• Fitbit ZIP Wireless Activity Tracker $30 shipped (Orig. $60)
• Over 100 audiobooks priced at $5 each to help motivate you in 2016
• Apple 27-inch Retina 5K iMac (Late 2014) 3.5GHz/8GB/1TB Fusion: $1,699 (Orig. $2,499)
• Apple is giving away Pixite’s Union image blending iOS app ($2 value)
• DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter w/ 2.7K Camera: $500 shipped (Reg. $699)
• Get in shape this year w/ huge savings on home workout gear
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NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

This new touchscreen Smart Remote controls your devices just by pointing at them

Report: Amazon planning to launch smaller, more portable version of its Echo speaker

• Segway and Intel got together to create a futuristic robot butler
• Activeon’s new 4K action camera uses solar power to provide six hours of recording
• Satechi adds pass-through charging to its USB-C hub
• Bang & Olufsen releases a new aluminum soundbar with AirPlay and a big price tag
• Reddit has compiled the best AMA sessions into a limited edition book, order now
• Nostalgia runs high on Kodak’s modern take of the Super 8 camera
• Polaroid’s new Snap+ is the beneficiary of a touchscreen display
• Sony takes to CES 2016 with new 4K HDR Ultra HDTVs, multi-room audio, more
• Nikon jumps into the action camera fray with its new Keymission 360
• LG drops new ultra-slim OLED 4K UHDTVs at CES that focus on HDR capabilities
• DJI introduces new 4K drone with a more affordable price, updates Inspire 1 PRO

Catch up on our CES 2016 coverage: DJI 4K Drones, new 4K UHDTVs, action cameras, more bit.ly/1mL10rd https://t.co/zcclfFgilU

—
9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 08, 2016

Filed under: Tips and Tricks Tagged: 9to5Toys, Amazon, app deals, Best Buy, Daily Deals, free apps, Gold Box, iPhone case, lenmar, Samsung 850 EVO, video games, View Master

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After a false start late last month, VLC for Mobile has now arrived on the new Apple TV. VideoLAN officially announced the new Apple TV version of the VLC media player app, which it calls “a full port of VLC media player combined with platform specific features.” VLC enables unsupported media formats to be played on Apple products including the new Apple TV for the first time.

VideoLAN notes that the first version of VLC for Apple TV is notably missing connections to cloud services like Dropbox and OneDrive, but these features are being tested and will be added in the future. The shipping version currently relies on server-based content for media playback on the 4th-gen Apple TV:

VLC on the Apple TV automatically discovers storage and shares on your local network (using the SMB, UPnP media server, FTP and PLEX protocols). You can browse them with the clicker or the Remote, select the content you want and it will play.

During playback, you’ll be able to add subtitles from OpenSubtitles.org. Login credentials can be securely stored on your Apple TV and will be synchronized to your iPad or iPhone (and the other way around) to ease access.

VLC for Apple TV also supports remote playback and controlling media playback from a web browser as well. The app let you change playback speed, view album art, and much more. The app is especially notable because apps like it were not sanctioned before on older Apple TVs and only now possible because of the more open tvOS app platform which allows developers to create channels on the new device.

VLC for Mobile is a universal app so downloading version 2.7.2 on your iPhone or iPad should place the Apple TV app in the purchased section of the tvOS App Store. Otherwise simply search for VLC on the Apple TV App Store as the update is rolling out now.

Filed under: Apple TV, Apps Tagged: Apple TV, VLC

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A new patent awarded to Apple today suggests that the company’s audio plans for future iPhones may go beyond reportedly ditching the 3.5mm headphone socket in favor of Lightning and Bluetooth. The patent is very densely-worded, but seemingly describes a method of getting higher-quality and higher-volume audio from speakers built into slimmer devices.

Apple’s statement of the problem is clear enough.

Given the area constraints imposed on many portable electronic devices, it is increasingly difficult to provide high-quality audio sound output and pickup without hindering the ability to make portable electronic devices smaller and thinner. Consequently, there is a need for improved approaches to provide high-quality audio sound output and/or pickup from portable electronic devices as they get smaller and thinner.

The language describing Apple’s proposed solution is less clear, but from a combination of this and the accompanying diagrams, I at least have a working theory of what is being suggested …

Rather than just using the volume of air you can push through the speakers themselves, Apple appears to be proposing to allow more of the internal space of the device to act as an audio chamber.

The invention pertains to a portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, an audio element can be mounted on or coupled to an intermediate structure (e.g., a flexible electrical substrate) having an opening therein to allow audio sound to pass there through. In another embodiment, an audio chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and a flexible electronic substrate to which the audio element is mounted or coupled thereto.

Effectively, turning other components of the iPhone – like a circuit board – into part of the speaker. This would allow a greater volume of air to be pushed, increasing the sound volume achievable from internal speakers, as well as potentially increasing the quality of the audio. The patent describes using the same technique to improve the microphone(s).

Interestingly, the views of 9to5Mac readers on ditching the 3.5mm headphone socket appear to be almost evenly split between the 43% happy to use Lightning or Bluetooth and the combined 40% who don’t care about a slimmer iPhone and/or want to strangle Jony Ive with their headphone cable.

Photo: TechnoBezz

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Apple Inc, audio, iPhone, iPhone 7, Music, speakers

Check out 9to5Mac for more breaking coverage of iOS Devices, iPhone, and Apple Inc.

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Personally, I’m a coward where betas are concerned. Trying one on a secondary device is fine, but I tend to steer clear of them on my daily drivers.

But the iOS 9.3 beta, released yesterday, was a big one! There was Night Shift, that gradually warms the colors on the display to match our natural circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep after staring at the screen until late. Notes secured by Touch ID. Better access to health data. Improved Apple Music integration within CarPlay. Improved personalization for News. And additional 3D Touch functionality for the stock apps.

Not only that, but our usage so far suggests that it’s an extremely stable beta, with no issues at all noted yet …

If you haven’t already done so, check out the full details and gallery, then let us know whether iOS 9.3 might be the release that finally tempts you to venture out there into beta-land.

While you once had to have a developer account to gain access to iOS betas, Apple introduced a public beta program last year that allows anyone to sign up. You can register for it here.

Developers still get a head-start, sometimes by a day or less, but for bigger releases they get access 1-2 weeks before the rest of the world. Signing up as a developer costs $99/year, so we’re also asking whether that might be a route you’d consider for bigger releases.

Let us know in the poll, and share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: beta, iOS 9, iOS 9.3

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While the number of U.S. retailers who accept Apple Pay has grown seven-fold between the launch of the service and the end of last year, usage appears to be lagging behind that curve. A survey by Phoenix Marketing found that even in the cases of retailers with the highest levels of Apple Pay usage, only a minority of customers use the payment method there more than once a month.

The survey also noted that 47% of Apple Pay users had experienced a failed transaction at least once, and that a handful of states account for half of all payments made using the service.

As someone who lives in the UK, where contactless payment first launched in 2008, none of this surprises me – and I don’t think it’s anything for Apple to worry about …

As an early adopter of new technology, I was keen to take advantage of contactless payment, but I’ve experienced four barriers along the way, most of which are playing their part in Apple Pay usage rates today.

First, your bank needs to support the service. In the UK, Barclays was the first to offer a contactless card, but changing banks is a hassle, so I ended up waiting until 2012 for my own bank to provide them. Many Apple Pay users have likewise had to wait for their own bank to support the service.

Second, many retailers still don’t accept Apple Pay – and third, when they do, most have transaction limits. Both factors mean that we haven’t yet reached the point where we can simply leave our physical wallet at home and use our iPhone/Watch for all purchases. Until we reach that point, the habit of reaching for our wallet is going to play a significant role.

Finally, it isn’t always clear whether or not a retailer accepts contactless payment. While they should display the contactless symbol or Apple Pay logo at the payment terminal, not all do. Where we’re not sure, it’s less hassle to simply use another form of payment than it is to risk a failure or to ask an assistant who may or may not know.

That ‘handful of states’ is also no surprise: that too is similar in the UK. Today, there are few retailers in London – even corner shops – who don’t support contactless payment, but it’s still a different story in other parts of the country. Again, until we can be confident that most retailers support it, it’s easiest to use other payment methods.

The story here, I think, is that Apple Pay usage will mirror that of contactless cards: a relatively slow burn until we reach the tipping point where most retailers accept it. Once acceptance is near-universal, and retailers finally realize the strong security means they can lose the transaction limits, many of us are likely to use Apple Pay for almost every transaction.

Via ArsTechnica. Photo Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg.

Filed under: Apple Pay Tagged: Apple pay, Apple Pay adoption, Apple Pay usage, contactless payment

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A senior Microsoft spokesman dismissed the iPad Pro as nothing more than a companion device, contrasting it with the Microsoft Surface when speaking to TrustedReviews.

Dan Laycock, Senior Communications Manager for Microsoft Surface, says that while consumers can get by with a single Surface product, the same can’t be said for Apple’s heftiest tablet.

“Microsoft really wants you to only carry one device for tablet and PC use,” explains Laycock, speaking to us at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016 in Las Vegas. “Whereas the iPad Pro is always going to be a companion device.”

Laycock also said that “at one point in time, Apple declared that if there’s a stylus, that’s failure” – a reference to a quote by Steve Jobs when referring to early smartphones. Apple, of course, argues that the Apple Pencil as an optional accessory for some tasks is very different to a device which cannot easily be used without a stylus.

Benchmark tests last year showed that the Apple Pencil offered lower latency than Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 stylus.

Via Business Insider

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: iPad, iPad Pro, Microsoft, Microsoft Surface, Microsoft Surface Book, Steve Jobs

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While retail head Angela Ahrendts last year confirmed an earlier report that the company would be opening its first Apple Store in Singapore, she didn’t reveal the location. The address had, though, been reported as 170 Orchard Road in an email from a fitness company advising that its branch there would be closing to make way for a new Apple Store.

Photos posted by iPhone Hacks appear to show work underway at the address as the windows are covered. While there’s still no definitive evidence that this is the location, it looks like we may not have to wait too much longer before we find out.

Apple announced last year that solar energy will power all of the company’s operations in Singapore, including the new store.

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Angela Ahrendts, Apple retail stores, Apple Store, Apple Store Singapore, Singapore

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