Apple rumored to launch loyalty rewards program alongside mobile payments system

Apple is reportedly looking to roll out a so-called "iWallet" loyalty program in cooperation with merchants and retailers that could be announced at Tuesday's special media event.

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 22

Amazon slashes subsidized price on Fire Phone to 99 cents ahead of Apple's 'iPhone 6' unveiling

With hours to go before Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone, Amazon slashed the price on its first foray into the smartphone market, the Fire Phone, to just 99 cents with a new two-year service contract.

Katie Marsal 11 years ago 70

iTokens: Why it makes sense for Apple's rumored payment system to use tokenized transactions

Apple is finally expected to announce its entry in the mobile payments arena alongside the "iPhone 6" at a media event on Tuesday in Cupertino, and rumors suggest that the new system will be based around tokenization for enhanced security. AppleInsider took a look at what that means for users.

Shane Cole 11 years ago 111

5.5" 'iPhone 6' said to launch in limited quantities on Sept. 19 alongside 4.7" model

Apple fans clamoring for the anticipated 5.5-inch version of Apple's "iPhone 6" may not have to wait long, as a new report claims that the "phablet" model will launch alongside the 4.7-inch version on Sept. 19, though quantities could be limited at launch

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 88

Rumor: Apple's next-gen handsets will be named 'iPhone 6' and 'iPhone 6 Plus'

With Apple widely expected to introduce the "iPhone 6" in two different screen sizes on Tuesday, a new rumor claims the 4.7-inch model will be given the basic moniker, while the larger 5.5-inch variant will allegedly be known as the "iPhone 6 Plus."

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 109

Apple now emails users whenever their iCloud account is accessed through a Web browser

As part of its efforts to beef up iCloud security and prevent unauthorized access, Apple now by default sends users an email when someone has logged into their iCloud account through a traditional Web browser.

Katie Marsal 11 years ago 37

First look: Metawatch's iPhone-connected Meta M1 smartwatch

With Apple expected to announce its entrance into the wearable devices market on Tuesday, established smartwatch maker Metawatch is looking to differentiate itself from the rest of the herd with the new Meta M1.

Victor Marks 11 years ago 31

More videos claim to show functioning 4.7" 'iPhone 6,' massive 2915 mAh battery for 5.5" model

With just over a day to go before Apple's highly anticipated media event, a slew of new videos from China claim to again show off functioning 4.7-inch "iPhone 6" units, complete with a new credit card toting Passbook icon. And yet another video offers a peek at a 2,915 mAh battery expected to power the jumbo-sized 5.5-inch iPhone.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 43

Review: Apple's mid-2014 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display

Like the updated mid-2014 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, Apple's latest 15-inch notebook brings slightly speedier Intel processors. But with memory, graphics and design all carried over from last year, the most substantial change is a $100 price cut.

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 30

How to enable Apple's secure two-step verification for your iCloud & iTunes accounts

Last week's celebrity photo leaks were a stark reminder of what can happen to internet users that fail to follow basic security precautions, like enabling two-factor authentication when it's available. With Apple's own security practices under the microscope, AppleInsider shows you how to enable Cupertino's own implementation.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 68

Apple invites fashion publications to Sept. 9 event, signaling likely 'iWatch' focus

With a large number of high profile fashion editors and bloggers invited to Apple's Sept. 9 media event, it's expected that the company wants to win the favor of the fashion industry for its anticipated entrance into the emerging wearable devices market, potentially positioning the "iWatch" as more of a chic statement than geeky gadget.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 157

Photos and video purportedly detail working 'iPhone 6,' hint at Passbook-based mobile payments

Two separate "leaks" out of China on Saturday supposedly show operational versions of Apple's next-generation iPhone, including images of what appears to be credit card or mobile payments support for Passbook.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 189

Apple's massive fall lineup reportedly causing shipping delays for other manufacturers

Apple is reportedly securing dates for its upcoming fall shipments, expected to include new iPhone and iPad models, and the number of devices coming out of China is so large that major shipping companies are delaying orders from other device makers.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 67

Apple reportedly adds CVS and Walgreens to list of mobile payment partners

Less than one week before Apple is expected to announce a new iPhone, and possibly "iWatch," at a special event on Sept. 9, a report on Friday claims the company has inked partnerships with CVS and Walgreens for a rumored mobile payments system debut.

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 66

Apple hires superstar designer Marc Newson, to work with personal friend Jony Ive

It was reported on Friday that well-known industrial designer Marc Newson will be joining Apple to work as part of close friend Jony Ive's design team in an as-yet-unannounced capacity.

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 126

Apple employees 'have set low expectations' for 'iWatch' battery life - report

One of the biggest issues associated with color touchscreen smartwatches has been battery life, and the same problems may persist with Apple's first foray into the wrist-borne wearable devices market, according to a new report.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 78

Sight unseen, Apple's competitors expect 'iWatch' to help establish wearable computing market

Apple's role as the top trendsetter in technology is so well established that even rival companies Samsung and LG are openly admitting they hope the "iWatch," whatever it actually is, will help expand the market for wearable devices beyond niche status.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 73

Apple rolls out TestFlight beta testing app, reportedly preps iOS 8.0.1 for carriers

In advance of next week's iPhone 6 unveiling, Apple on Friday released a consumer-facing app for the TestFlight beta service that will come online alongside iOS 8, and is also said to have begun preparations to seed carrier partners with beta builds of iOS 8.0.1.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 8

Review roundup: Motorola's Moto 360 is the best smartwatch yet, but poor battery life is unacceptable

Motorola has finally released its Android Wear-powered Moto 360 smartwatch — wisely or not, just days before Apple is expected to debut its "iWatch" — and early reviews say that the device is a fine standard bearer for Google's wearable operating system, though it could benefit from some more time in the lab.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 97

Apple's 'iWallet' payments seen as unlikely to earn much money, but will lock in users to iPhone ecosystem

In looking at the potential options for Apple in launching a mobile payment platform, one analyst believes the company is most likely to start small and safe with a "proxy" approach — a strategy that wouldn't make Apple much money, but would help lock users into the company's iPhone ecosystem.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 71

Misfit announces developer toolkit, list of more than 30 initial partners

Fitness tracking firm Misfit on Thursday announced availability of an expanded developer toolkit for third-party apps and devices, opening the door to interesting partnerships like integration with Walgreens' Balance Rewards points program.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 5

Apple, Google appeal Judge Koh's rejection of settlement in no-poach lawsuit

In a court filing late Thursday, Apple, Google, Adobe and Intel appealed Judge Lucy Koh's rejection of a proposed $324.5 million settlement relating to a class action lawsuit leveled by Silicon Valley employees, calling the jurist's decision "rigid and formulaic."

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 23

Apple activates revamped iTunes Connect Web portal with design overhaul, new tools

Apple on Thursday launched an updated version of its iTunes Connect developer Web portal, with a design overhaul coming alongside deeper data management features for launching, selling and managing content on the iTunes Store.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 8

Apple's secretive 'early field failure analysis' quality control team profiled in new report

A report on Thursday offers a rare look inside Apple's secretive EFFA quality control division that runs down and fixes launch day hardware issues before they become larger, more costly problems.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 24

Cook says Apple will roll out new iCloud security alerts, expand 2-step authentication after celebrity photo flap

In response to a recently leaked cache of nude photos apparently stolen from celebrities' iCloud accounts, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company plans to activate new security measures designed to thwart future attacks.

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 81

Rovio releases Angry Birds Stella, Rdio unveils station-focused update

Gamers and music lovers both have App Store updates to be happy about Thursday, as Rovio released the latest edition of its blockbuster Angry Birds franchise and streaming radio firm Rdio unveiled a major update with a focus on stations.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 2

Apple Store app overhauled with cross-platform shopping features, fresh design

Ahead of an expected iPhone unveiling on Sept. 9, Apple on Thursday rolled out an updated version of its Apple Store app for iOS, introducing cross-device shopping support, enhanced imagery and refined navigation.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 8

Apple reportedly wrangles lower credit card transaction fees for mobile payments rollout

Adding to rumors regarding Apple's supposed mobile payments solution, a report on Thursday claims the Cupertino tech giant has managed to negotiate lower transaction fees from five credit card issuing banks.

Mikey Campbell 11 years ago 32

Apple's 'iWatch' has flexible sapphire screen & wireless charging, 'iPhone 6' to offer one-handed mode, NYT says

As hype builds for Apple's Sept. 9 announcement, yet another report chimes in with alleged details, saying the company's wearable "iWatch" will sport a flexible screen and wireless charging, while the company's larger iPhone models will apparently offer a one-handed mode for ease of use.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 100

Samsung's 'rushed,' 'half-baked' announcements set Apple up for easy victory this fall, analyst says

Samsung this week made a slew of announcements, most notably its next-generation big-screen Galaxy Note 4 smartphone, but none of the products were enough to impress analyst Brian White, who doesn't think the South Korean electronics maker is well positioned to compete with Apple's anticipated fall product lineup.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 96

Apple to hold live stream of Sept. 9 event, begins countdown on website

With less than five days to go until Tim Cook takes the stage at the Flint Center in Cupertino, Apple has begun promoting the event — at which the iPhone 6, iWatch, and perhaps second-generation iPad Air will be unveiled — on its homepage with a countdown timer to the live stream.

Sam Oliver 11 years ago 46

U2 says reports of Apple tie-up for 'iPhone 6' are untrue

Rumors that mega-popular rock band U2 have struck a new partnership with Apple to release their upcoming album on the so-called iPhone 6 and could participate in next Tuesday's media event in Cupertino are without merit, a U2 spokesperson said on Thursday.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 20

Both Apple's 'iPhone 6' and 'iWatch' will offer NFC e-wallet payments, WSJ reaffirms

Yet another publication chimed in on Thursday to say that Apple's next iPhone and its anticipated wearable "iWatch" will support near-field communications technology to enable wireless payments, while the "iWatch" is also said to sport a curved OLED display.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 47

Apple supplier Catcher Technology accused of labor violations in China plant

Workers at a Catcher-owned facility in Suqian, China are subjected to discriminatory hiring policies, forced to handle toxic materials without proper protective gear, and made to work excessive overtime to manufacture parts for Apple's next-generation iPad Air, according to a scathing undercover report released Thursday by China Labor Watch and Green America.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 35

Exclusive aerial footage of Apple's mysterious white box next to 'iPhone 6' event site

Not too far from Apple's Campus 2 project, a temporary structure is rising for the company's September 9 event, and new aerial shots captured by an amateur photographer using a flying camera drone offer a closer look at the mysterious white box that has generated considerable buzz.

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 104

Apple's 'iWatch' to have two sizes, 8GB storage, multiple material & color options for 2015 launch - report

With Apple design chief Jony Ive reportedly confident of the so-called "iWatch's" chances when pitted against the famous Swiss watchmakers, a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple will offer its upcoming wearable — which is unlikely to hit shelves before 2015 — in at least two sizes with 8 gigabytes of internal storage and a variety of color and material options, including gold

AppleInsider Staff 11 years ago 78

'iPhone 6' will lack sapphire cover but gain 128GB variant, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says

Apple's "iPhone 6" will not feature a scratch-resistant sapphire screen cover, but both the 4.7- and 5.5-inch versions will come with new higher-capacity options of 128 gigabytes of storage, a barometric pressure sensor, and a programmable power button, according to one well-connected insider.

Neil Hughes 11 years ago 52

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