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In an update to its warranty coverage utility, Apple now requires users to log in with the Apple ID associated with a device before being able to check its warranty coverage status.

Previously, users could check the warranty of an iPhone using just its serial number or IMEI. This was especially useful for second-hand buyers.

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Even when moving home is for all the right reasons, it still has to count as one of life’s most mixed experiences. While the end result is hopefully a better home in a better location, the process also involves a great deal of stress, work and expense. In the case of our own recent move, we can tick all five boxes …

But one of the fun parts is the chance to start again with a blank sheet in terms of designing your home the way you’d like it to be. For most of us, that’s a DIY process. We look for inspiration online and in stores, then sit down at the computer – or pencil and paper – to play with ideas.

The posher approach is to hire an interior designer to do it all for you. You tell them your tastes, and what you’re looking to achieve, and let them come up with designs. You then say yes or no to the various elements, and they rework the designs until you end up with a final one you approve …

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Technology analysts TrendForce estimated that total smartphone production for 2017 reached 1.46B units, up 6.5% on the previous year. It predicts that growth will be slightly slower in 2018 as component costs continue to rise.

The company also predicts that iPhone sales will increase significantly this year, while those of Samsung smartphones will fall …

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Apple has clarified its policy on battery replacements. As long as the owner of the iPhone 6 (or later) handset is willing to pay the $29 fee, and the device is not otherwise damaged, Apple will process the repair without requiring further checks of condition.

This comes after some reported cases where Apple Store employees were refusing customers with ‘ineligible’ batteries which still passed Apple diagnostics testing.

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GE announced back in May that it would be adding HomeKit support to its C by GE smart light bulbs, initially promising this by the summer, then by the fall. Both seasons came and went without any sign, but HomeKit compatibility is reportedly about to arrive …

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As the hours rolls around in each timezone, Apple Watch owners are discovering a new easter egg to celebrate the New Year on their wrists. When the clock strikes twelve, the Apple Watch watch face lights up with animated fireworks.

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It’s no secret that 2017 was a huge year for Apple, with the introduction of 3 new iPhone models, new iPads, new Macs, a new Apple Watch, and much more. We covered it all right here at 9to5Mac, day in and day out, diving deep into various topics with news, reviews, how-tos, and more.

Every week we highlight the top stories of that week, but seeing that this is the last day of 2017, we’re going to outline the top stories of 2017…

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2017 was an incredibly active year for Apple retail, as the company’s refreshed store design continued its rollout across the world. As the calendar comes to a close, let’s take a look at every store location opened under the guidance of Apple’s retail chief Angela Ahrendts.

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Earlier this week, Apple issued a candid apology for how it handled the rollout of a feature that balances iPhone performance with aging batteries. The apology came after growing resentment from some users and a slew of lawsuits.

In addition to the “We’re sorry,” Apple also announced discounted battery replacements for affected users.

Some are saying, however, that Apple’s apology didn’t go far enough…

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