Here’s a strange coincidence: Apple’s AirPods case fits USB-C better than Lightning
Now that users are finally getting their hands on Apple’s AirPods, a few tidbits of information about the product are starting to roll in. Earlier today, we shared how AirPods hold up after drop and water tests. Now, eagle-eyed users have noticed that the charging port on the AirPods case is nearly identical to the shape of a USB-C port, leading to some questions…
Apple stops signing iOS 10.1 and 10.1.1 following release of iOS 10.2
Following the release of iOS 10.2 last week, Apple this evening has stopped signing iOS 10.1 and iOS 10.1.1 for all devices. This means that users are now longer able to downgrade to the operating system if they are having some sort of issue with the latest iOS 10.2 release.
Filed under: Apple
Apple now offering refurbished Apple Watch Series 1 & Series 2 models, prices start at $229
As it generally does when products reach a certain level of maturity, Apple today has started offering the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 via its online refurbished store. This marks the first time that Apple has made the Apple Watch available in refurbished condition since the device’s release.
Filed under: Apple
Hands-on: AirPods versus Powerbeats3, Apple’s new wireless W1 earphones compared
Apple currently makes two sets of earphones that include their new W1 chip: AirPods and Powerbeats3. The W1 chip enables instant pairing over Bluetooth and automatic pairing to iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch over iCloud. Beats Solo3 also have the Apple-designed chip but are on-ear headphones, and BeatsX earphones will have the W1 chip but won’t be available until February.
AirPods and Powerbeats3 include the same benefits of Apple’s W1 chip, but their specs and form factors are very different. Check out our hands-on comparison below:
Filed under: Apple
Instagram enhances Story feature with stickers, holiday content, hands-free mode, and Save Story option
In a recent flurry of Instagram updates, today the team announced even more new features coming out for Stories today. Rolling out now as a part of version 10.3, Instagram has added stickers, limited time holiday content, one-tap video recording, and a save story option.
Filed under: Apple
Apple rolling out macOS 10.12.3 beta 2 for developers
Apple has begun rolling out macOS 10.12.3 beta 2 to developers. Sierra 10.12.2 brought in new emoji, wallpapers, graphics & System Integrity Protection fixes, and the removal of the system battery’s estimated ‘time remaining’ feature.
This second seed of macOS Sierra 10.2.3 beta is available on the developer center and rolling out to the Mac App Store.
Filed under: Apple
Apple releases iOS 10.2.1 beta 2 for developers
Apple has released iOS 10.2.1 beta 2 for developers. The update follows the public release of iOS 10.2 last week and the first iOS 10.2.1 beta as well. iOS 10.2 included new redesigned emojis, the TV app for US users, a couple of new screen effects in Messages, amongst other enhancements.
Filed under: Apple
Apple Pay adds support for 14 new Chinese banks and credit unions
9to5Toys Lunch Break: SanDisk 32GB Lightning Flash Drive $30, WD 3TB My Book Hard Drive $70, Year-end iTunes movie sale, more
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:
SanDisk’s iXpand Lightning Flash Drive adds 32GB to your iPhone or iPad: $30 Prime shipped (Reg. $45)
Daily Deals: Western Digital 3TB My Book USB 3.0 External Hard Drive $70, Sharp 32-inch LED 1080p HDTV $130, more
Big year-end iTunes movie sale is now live w/ tons of great $5 titles, $0.99 rentals, bundle discounts & more
FREE MONEY: Gift the Apple fan in your life (including yourself) a $100 iTunes Gift Card for $85 with email delivery
Target offers Apple Watch Series 1 at Black Friday pricing just in time for last minute gifts: 38mm $200 or 42mm $230
Save $100 on iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi at Best Buy: prices start at $300 for 32GB, more
9TO5TOYS PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2016: Amazon’s Echo Dot changes your life for $40
Award-winning action RPG Bastion drops to just $1 on the App Store (Reg. $5)
- The iOS version of the SNES classic Secret of Mana is now matching its all-time low: $4 (Reg. $8)
- The Mickey Mouse Castle of Illusion platformer for iOS is now matching its lowest price at $1
- Grab Goat Simulator on iOS while it’s free (Reg. $5)
9to5Toys Gift Guide: Trevor’s Top 5 Tech Picks under $50 – smart home gear, drones, and more!
9to5Toys Gift Guide: The best tech accessories for any car or truck – Bluetooth adapter, USB Jump Starter, Dash Cam & more!
9to5Toys Gift Guide: Justin’s Top 5 Picks for Gamers – accessories, vintage Nintendo, art/coffee table books and more!
9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for Music Makers – pocket synths, headphone accessories, DIY kits and more
9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for the Techie Traveler – best messenger bags, Bluetooth gear, accessories and more
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Netgear’s Arlo Pro Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera System includes free seven day cloud recordings: $200 shipped (Reg. $250)
CaseCrown iPhone 7/6/s/Plus and SE cases in a variety of styles/colors for $4 Prime shipped
- Save upwards of $120/yr. owning your own modem: Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 $20 (Orig. $100)
- Aukey Outdoor shock and water resistant Bluetooth Speaker $12 Prime shipped (Reg. $20), more
- Games/Apps: Final Fantasy XV $35, Doom from $20, iOS freebies, more
- The best-selling iOS/Android-connected Furby: $40 Prime shipped
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
Upgrade to Apple CarPlay with this Pioneer 6.2-inch In-Dash Receiver for $300 shipped (Reg. $450)
Answer your door even when you’re not home with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro for $200 shipped (Reg. $250)
Massive list of discounted Gift Cards up to 20% off: Petco, JCPenney, Domino’s, Airbnb, Old Navy, Sears, Southwest + many more
Filed under: Apple
Opinion: Apple’s product secrecy may create ‘magic,’ but lack of transparency on upgrade cycles creates frustration
When Apple unveiled its latest MacBook Pro models, making particular reference to their ability to drive multiple 4K and 5K monitors, some wondered whether the company was readying itself to exit the desktop market – as it has already done for displays.
Even Apple’s own employees appeared to share this concern, with one asking on the company’s internal Apple Web system ‘Are Mac desktops strategic for us?’.
Tim Cook was quick to offer reassurance, stating that the desktop market was ‘very strategic’ for Apple, and that the company has ‘great desktops in our roadmap.’ There were, though, a couple of problems with this assurance …
Filed under: Apple