Eight years ago today, Steve Jobs passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 56, one day after somewhat subdued Apple executives introduced the iPhone 4s at a media event on the company’s Infinite Loop headquarters campus.
As he traditionally does, Apple CEO Tim Cook today marked the anniversary of Jobs’ death with a tweet, sharing a Jobs quote and a photo of him at the iconic cube at Apple’s Fifth Avenue retail store in New York City.
“The most precious resource we all have is time.” – SJ. Remembering you always. pic.twitter.com/nsUUiFzZnz
Apple continues to maintain its “Remembering Steve” page highlighting a few of the over one million submissions from people around the world who “shared their memories, thoughts, and feelings about Steve.”
Apple may have recently acquired UK-based motion capture company IKinema, based on evidence from company filings and information shared by a MacRumors reader.
IKinema offers animation technology that’s used for games, virtual reality, and more. Earlier this year, for example, IKinema partnered with Ubisoft for IKinema’s RunTime software for character creation. IKinema specialized in technology that allowed for real-time motion animation of virtual characters.
IKINEMA’s technology is embraced by development teams the world over to bring their games to life through delivery of high fidelity results in natural character locomotion and greater player immersion within dynamic game worlds, including substantial cost reduction and accelerated production levels by a factor of five times or more to expedite the release of games to market.
Based on details from IKinema’s mostly defunct website, the company considers itself a specialist in real-time procedural animation and whole body solving technology. IKinema has several videos on YouTube showing off its technology creating animated characters from real-life people, dogs, and more.
According to a document filed with the UK government, Apple lawyer Peter Denwood, who handles Apple’s international affairs, was named the director of IKinema on September 12, 2019, with his address listed as One Apple Park Way.
The address of the company was also updated to 100 New Bridge Street in London on September 26, which is the address for Apple Europe Limited.
The IKinema website is no longer functional with the exception of a few technical documents, and the company’s Twitter and Facebook accounts stopped being updated on August 19. MacRumors reader Peter, who is in the industry, told MacRumors that IKinema customers have been left in the dark “for weeks” and that the acquisition was confirmed in a private Facebook Motion Capture group this morning.
It’s not clear what Apple will do with IKinema’s technology, but Apple has delved into games with Apple Arcade, though the company does not develop its own game technology at this time.
Apple is also rumored to be working on various virtual and augmented reality projects, which could potentially benefit from IKinema’s software, as could Animoji and Memoji, which animate based on facial expressions using the TrueDepth camera system.
Update October 4 7:55 a.m.: Apple has confirmed its acquisition of IKinema, giving Tim Bradshaw of Financial Times the company’s usual boilerplate statement: “Apple buys smaller companies from time to time, and we generally don’t discuss our purpose or plans.”
The launch of Apple Arcade on Mac will complete the rollout of Apple’s subscription gaming service, with the service already up and running for all users on iOS, iPadOS, and Apple TV. While Apple touts Apple Arcade as having 100+ games overall, not every game is available on every platform and the Mac version of Apple Arcade currently offers about two dozen titles including Sayonara Wild Hearts, Operator 41, Big Time Sports, Card of Darkness, and more.
Apple Arcade requires macOS Catalina, and users currently running macOS Mojave are being presented with a “Welcome to Apple Arcade on Mac!” feature story in the Mac App Store. The feature outlines the Apple Arcade service and offers a “Check for Update” button, suggesting a public macOS Catalina launch may be imminent.
Apple Arcade is priced at $4.99 per month across all platforms, with Family Sharing allowing up to six members of a single family to access the service at no additional charge. A one-month free trial is also available.
Apple today launched a new repair program for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices that may fail to power on due to a faulty component. Affected devices were sold between October 2018 and August 2019, and users can check their serial numbers on Apple’s support site to see if their devices are part of the affected batches.
Customers with an eligible iPhone model can have their device repaired free of charge by Apple or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Affected customers can contact Apple support for a mail-in repair, visit an AASP, or visit an Apple retail store.
Affected devices are covered for two years from the date of first retail sale of the unit. Repairs may be limited to the original country or region of purchase.
Ive is pictured in a nearly all-white outfit on an outside ledge of the main Apple Park building, which he played a major role in designing.
National Portrait Gallery:
Jony Ive is one of the leading figures in contemporary design. Described by founder Steve Jobs as ‘his creative partner’ Ive joined Apple in 1992. From his early cutting-edge designs for the iMac and iPhone to realising the vision of Apple Park in 2017, his role has been central to Apple’s progressive ambition and success. As one of a few portraits by Andreas Gursky and the only portrait commission he has undertaken for a public museum, this newest addition to our collection reflects a long-standing professional admiration between two leading creative figures.
Ive:
I have been obsessed with Andreas’ work for a couple of decades and vividly remember the thrill of our first meeting seven years ago. His very particular and objective presentation of what he sees, whether voluminous landscapes or the rhythm and repetition of supermarket shelving is both beautiful and provocative. Mindful that he rarely makes portraits, this is a conspicuous and particular honour for me.
Gursky:
It was fascinating to take photographs in the new Apple HQ, a place that plays such a historically crucial role in our present and future. And above all, it was inspiring to work with Jonathan Ive within this setting. It was he who found the form for the technological revolution that was initiated by Apple and his aesthetic has left a mark on an entire generation. I admire his immense visionary power and have tried to express this energy in my portrait.
Ive’s portrait is on display in room 32 of the gallery. Entry to the gallery is free, but some special exhibitions cost money.
Ive has led Apple’s design team since 1996. In his current role as Chief Design Officer, he has been responsible for all design at Apple, including the look and feel of Apple products like the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch, packaging, and major architectural projects such as Apple Park and Apple Stores.
“Jony is a singular figure in the design world and his role in Apple’s revival cannot be overstated, from 1998’s groundbreaking iMac to the iPhone and the unprecedented ambition of Apple Park, where recently he has been putting so much of his energy and care,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Following the release of iOS 13.1.2 on Monday, Apple has stopped signing several previous versions of iOS, preventing downgrades to these earlier versions. iOS versions no longer being signed include iOS 12.4.1, iOS 13.0, and iOS 13.1.1, while iOS 13.1 remains signed for the time being.
iOS 13.1.2 was a bug fix release that quickly followed iOS 13.1.1, which primarily addressed issues with battery drain, Siri, and access permissions for third-party keyboards. iOS 12.4.1 was largely a jailbreak fix released by Apple in late August.
Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date.
iOS 13.1.2 is now the current public version of iOS, but developers and public beta testers can download iOS 13.2, an upcoming update with features like the Deep Fusion image processing system for the new iPhone 11 lineup.
Multiple rumors have suggested Apple is working on an updated iPad Pro that could launch at some point this fall, and some of those rumors have said the next-generation version could potentially come with a triple-lens camera.
In mid-September, images of an iPad Pro dummy model with three cameras popped up, and with some help from Sonny Dickson, we got our hands on a physical model for our latest YouTube video.
We have a 12.9-inch dummy model of the third-generation iPad, but it’s also expected to come in an 11-inch version much like the current iPad Pro lineup.
Design wise, the tablet is identical to the current iPad Pro, with the exception of the triple-lens camera setup. As with the iPhone, the dummy model has a square-shaped camera bump that houses three lenses, which will presumably be the same lenses in the iPhone 11 Pro: ultra wide-angle, wide-angle, and telephoto.
The design of the camera bump resembles the design we saw in some iPhone dummies ahead of the launch of the 2019 iPhones, and we don’t think it’s representative of what the cameras will actually look like should this year’s iPad Pro be upgraded with an iPhone-style camera setup.
In all likelihood, the actual cameras would more closely resemble the look of the iPhone cameras with a square-shaped bump housing three distinct lenses.
Other than the triple-lens camera setup, the design of the dummy iPad Pro is identical to the current iPad Pro with 12.9-inch display, slim bezels, Face ID and no Home button, and a smart connector on the rear of the device.
Dummy models like these are often used by case makers to create cases ahead of the launch of new devices, because there can be a lot of money in being one of the first companies to come out with a case for a freshly launched product.
These dummy models are typically based on leaked schematics and info from the suppliers that make components and assemble Apple devices, so more often than not, when we see a dummy model, it’s an accurate representation of what we can expect.
That said, there is some question about this iPad Pro dummy and we can’t be entirely sure that the next-generation iPad Pro is going to get a triple-lens camera, mostly because we’ve heard so little about it.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who often provides accurate insight into Apple’s product plans, has said that Apple is planning on an iPad Pro refresh this year but has given no detail on what to expect, while Bloomberg, another reliable source, has said that we can expect faster processors and “upgraded cameras,” but it’s not clear if “upgraded cameras” means a triple-lens camera system.
Japanese site Mac Otakara, which has a mixed accuracy record, is the source for the triple-lens camera rumors. Citing a Chinese supply source, Mac Otakarain August said that the new iPad Pros will feature the same camera system that’s in the 2019 iPhones.
Rumors aren’t clear on the camera setup of the new iPad Pro, but they do agree on one point: a fall refresh is expected. Multiple rumors indicate some kind of new tablet is coming this year, but there’s no solid information on when just yet.
Because we’re still expecting new iPad Pro models, the already announced Mac Pro, and the much-anticipated and highly rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro, Apple may be planning to hold an October event as it has done in years past.
If there is an October event, it’s likely Apple will hold it at the end of the month, perhaps somewhere around Tuesday, October 29. The 2016 and 2018 events were held on Thursday, October 27 and Tuesday, October 30.
For more on what to expect from the iPad Pro update in 2019 and the bigger update rumored for 2020, make sure to check out our iPad Pro roundup.
Consumer Reports said the iPhone 11 Pro models earned the top spots for having significantly improved battery life, excellent cameras, and other improvements, like a greater degree of water resistance, more durable glass casing, brighter displays, and faster performance powered by the new A13 Bionic chip.
On battery life:
For one thing, the battery life is much better. The iPhone 11 Pro Max lasted a more than impressive 40.5 hours in our testing. That’s the longest stretch of any phone currently listed in our ratings. And it marks a big turnaround for Apple. Just a few years ago, iPhones tended to lag behind the competition in this area.
On the cameras:
In the case of the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, our testers say they notched some of the highest scores in our ratings for still-image quality. The iPhone 11 also rated Very Good in this category. And all three phones received Excellent ratings for rear-video quality.
While the iPhone 11 Pro models top the list, Consumer Reports emphasized how tight the scoring is at the top of its smartphone rankings. In some categories, it said just fractions of a point separate the top models.
Consumer Reports believes those with own an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or even an iPhone XR can probably save their money and wait. Despite marked camera and battery life advancements, the non-profit firm said there just may not be enough in the way of new features to justify spending $999-plus on a new model.
A subscription to Consumer Reports is required to view the full smartphone rankings.
Amazon Prime Video is currently unavailable in the App Store across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Amazon had updated the iOS version of the app shortly before it was removed from the App Store, but it is unclear why the app was pulled or whether this is a temporary move.
Apple deferred comment to Amazon, which has yet to respond to our email. We’ll update as we learn more.
Update: MacRumors has been informed this was a technical issue and the app should be back up shortly.
Update 2: Amazon Prime Video has returned to the App Store.
Like all Pad & Quill cases, the Bella Fino Edition iPhone cases are made from full-grain American leather and are reinforced with UV-resistant nylon stitching. Each case will develop a unique patina over time with use, customizing it to each person.
The Bella Fino Edition has a slim design that adds just 0.28 inches to either side of the case, and it attaches to the iPhone though an interior snap-on case that attaches to the leather of the Bella Fino through 3M adhesive.
There are several card slots inside to hold six to eight credit and debit cards, and there’s also a larger pocket that can hold cash. An elastic strap holds the case closed when the iPhone isn’t in use, and there’s a quick access window for holding a driver’s license or ID card.
For all of the different case variations for each iPhone, there’s an appropriately sized camera cutout that leaves the camera operational, plus wireless charging is supported. The Bella Fino Edition comes in multiple colors, including chocolate and blue, black and plum, black and gray, whiskey and blue, and whiskey and green.
Along with multiple iPhone case options, Pad & Quill also offers several Apple Watch bands, and the winners for the giveaway can choose either Pad & Quill’s Lowry Cuff Edition or Pilot’s Band, both of which are available for the 42/44mm Apple Watch models.
The Lowry Cuff Edition is a cuff-style Apple Watch with a cutout that allows the watch to connect to the skin for monitoring heart rate. It’s made from full-grain leather with a soft pigskin lining, and it’s able to fit wrists sized 125 to 215mm.
Priced at $99.95, the Lowry Cuff Edition comes in multiple colors and features either silver or black lugs to match the various Apple Watch models that are available, plus it has UV-resistant stitching, brass hardware, and rivet reinforcement.
Pad & Quill’s Pilot’s Band has a simpler design that’s no less attractive, made from full-grain leather with pigskin lining. Like the Lowry, the Pilot’s Band comes in multiple color options, each of which will develop a rich patina over time.
The Pilot’s Band is priced at $79.95 and fits wrists sized 125 to 215mm. Its design is modeled after B-Uhren bands from WWII, and Pad & Quill says it’s “nigh unbreakable.”
We have three of the Apple Watch bands and three iPhone cases to give away to three MacRumors readers. Each winner will be able to choose one of the two Apple Watch bands and will be able to pick the Bella Fino case that will fit their iPhone.
To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (October 4) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 11. The winners will be chosen randomly on October 11 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
