Posts

Apple Store

Apple Is Creating A Magnetic Battery Pack Attachment For iPhones

/in , /by

Apple has announced that they are currently working on a magnetically attached battery pack for its newest line of iPhone models. This wireless accessory would charge the phone the same way a chargeable case would. 

Apple has been working on developing this attachment for at least a year, and was initially hoping to release it in the months following the iPhone 12 launch. iPhone 12 models were released back in October 2020, so it’s likely that the company will be releasing the product relatively soon, or by the end of the year. 

Embed from Getty Images

The battery pack would use the iPhone 12’s MagSafe system to attach to the device. The MagSafe systems are implemented into the newer iPhone models as a means of charging and pairing other accessories to your phone. One source claims that these battery packs will have a white rubber exterior, and would differ from Apple’s previous battery add-ons because it’s main role is charging the device itself. 

In internal testing, the magnetic attachment system proved to be strong enough to charge a device and stay attached to the phone itself. The accessories development, however, has overall been delayed due to internal issues that cause the product and phone to overheat when it’s in use. Apple is also apparently working on making sure the attachment can work over a phone case as well. 

Sources for Apple claim there’s a chance this attachment will be scrapped altogether due to these software issues, however, the company itself has denied to make any official comment. Accessories and wearable technology has been a major source of revenue for Apple in the past few years, equating to about $13 billion in sales last quarter alone. 

Embed from Getty Images

“The wireless charging device could be a popular accessory for Apple’s new MagSafe ecosystem. Last year, Apple released cases with MagSafe compatibility, leather wallets and a pair of chargers,” said tech expert Mark Gurman. 

Gurman went on to explain that if these wireless battery attachments are released, they would rival “similar offerings released by small makers in recent months. The company has also discussed other MagSafe accessories internally, including the potential for an in-car attachment, though that product hasn’t made its way into formal development.”

Apple has also supposedly been working on letting its mobile devices charge each other in the future. This means that Apple device owners could potentially use battery life from their phone to charge their Apple Watch, AirPods, or other iPhones. This technology will likely not be revealed for quite some time, however, because of the company’s need to perfect how the technology actually works. 

Apple’s MagSafe technology is likely going to be around for a while, and is expected to be incorporated into even more devices in the future. This will lead to the advancement in wireless charging capabilities and synchronicity among Apple’s many smart devices.

iPhone 12

Apple Warns That iPhone’s Should Be Kept 6 Inches Away From Pacemaker’s

/in , /by

Apple is currently warning customers that its smartphones could potentially interfere with certain medical devices, including pacemakers. In a notice published on Apple’s support page, the company expanded upon previously issued safety warnings against holding your iPhone close to pacemakers or defibrillators due to the fact that the phones contain magnets and radios that emit electromagnetic fields that could “interfere” with the medical devices. 

The notice specifically warns users about “the magnets inside all four iPhone 12 models, as well as MagSafe accessories. iPhone 12 versions contain more magnets than prior iPhone models, but they don’t pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than earlier models.”

Embed from Getty Images

In the update Apple explained that medical devices such as pacemakers contain sensors that could react to magnet or radio waves that come in extremely close proximity to it. The company recommends keeping iPhone’s and MagSafe chargers at a “safe distance away from medical devices, which would be at more than 6 inches apart, or 15 inches apart when wirelessly charging.”

When Apple initially announced the iPhone 12 last fall, they also unveiled the return of MagSafe charging for the iPhone and wireless charging docks that would allow users to charge their devices more easily. Other magnetic accessories such as cases and wallets were also released and meant to attach to the back of the phones. 

Apple didn’t respond to questions over why it was specifically expanding upon their safety guidelines now, however, many believe it’s due to the fact that the Heart Rhythm Journal released a report earlier this month that claimed the magnets in the iPhone 12 that make it compatible with MagSafe accessories could interfere with an implanted defibrillator. 

Embed from Getty Images

These warnings, however, aren’t that new within the medical community. Health experts have always cautioned patients with implanted medical devices not to hold cell phones too close to where the implantation is; this was in response to a slew of individuals who held their smartphones in their front shirt pocket.  

Apple warned in the notice that users should “consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information specific to your medical device and whether you need to maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and iPhone or any MagSafe accessories. Manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference.”

Apple also said if a user feels like any of their devices are interfering with their medical implantation’s then they should immediately stop using their phone or MagSafe accessory and speak with a physician. Another warning issued by the company claimed that iPhone 12 users specifically should avoid placing credit cards, security badges, or passports between your phone and MagSafe charger, as the magnets could damage the magnetic strips and readers on those items.

iPhone 11 Pro

Apple To Potentially Discontinue iPhone XR, iPhone 11 Pro After iPhone 12 Release

/in , /by

The iPhone 12 is currently projected to be released in October of this year. As the Keynote event gets closer and closer, many tech experts and blogs are placing their final bets for what’s to come with Apple’s newest smartphone upgrade. One of the most circulated rumors currently is reporting that Apple will discontinue the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone XR model once the 12 is finally released. 

The initial reports come from Twitter user @iAppleTimes, who’s been one of the most credible sources of information on all things Apple in the past. Recently, the user tweeted that the two iPhone models would be discontinued with iPhone 12’s launch and iPhone 11 deals would get a $150 price reduction.

Embed from Getty Images

Price reduction on older generation iPhone models occurs annually with the drop of every new iPhone, typically followed by the discontinuing of whatever the oldest model is that year; last year it was the iPhone 7 Plus and everything before. So the discontinuing of two of Apple’s most recent models is quite surprising. 

It’s important to remember that even when this information comes from the most credible blog sources, we must take them with a grain of salt. While dropping these models may be surprising, it’s a newer trend that Apple’s seemed to follow. Every year they drop multiple versions of the same upgraded device, and ween out which models are most successful to continue selling. 

Last year when the iPhone 11 was launched, Apple also silently discontinued selling the iPhone XS and XS Max; this is also a part of the company’s efforts to only have a few smartphone options available at once. Since Apple also launched the iPhone SE earlier in 2020, it makes sense that they would want to discontinue newer models to keep up with the upgrades. 

Embed from Getty Images

So the real question is what you should do if you’re currently in the market for a new iPhone, but don’t know if you should wait for the 12, the price-reduced 11 deals, or just go for it and pay for a new one now. If you were specifically looking to get the iPhone 11 Pro of iPhone XR, remember, this discontinuation is still simply a rumor based on Apple’s trends in the last few years, however, you may want to think about picking one up soon, just in case. 

If Apple does decide to discontinue both models, however, they won’t just pull them from the shelves without warning, and you’ll still be able to buy them online from third-party sellers. Establishments like Best Buy, or cell-service retail locations will likely have an overstock in the discontinued models that they’ll sell at a reduced price. 

Once Apple does finally launch the iPhone 12, it’s likely that all previous generation models will reduce in price as well. Third-party retailers typically also follow in these footsteps, so if you’re serious about getting a new phone as quickly as possible, try to hold out until the fall. 

Covid-19 has made it difficult for Apple to follow their usual launch schedule, hence the fall keynote presentation being delayed a month; it typically takes place in the beginning of September with the launch of the new iPhone models two weeks later. 

Wireless Charger

Wireless Charging Might Be The New Standard For Apple In 2021

/in , /by

Apple is known worldwide as one of the most innovative top tier technology brands. Every year the company upgrades itself and its line-up of personal devices, a collection which seems to grow annually as well. Whether it be removing the home button from the coveted iPhones, creating a 16 inch screen for their Macbook Pro line, or creating a mini version of the iPad, Apple has never been one to hold back from an upgrade, no matter how tiny, and no matter the controversy amongst buyers. Now, after seven years of lightning cable charging, Apple may be getting rid of the port in its entirety on their mobile devices. 

The report comes from Ming-Chi Kuo, a top Apple analyst who stated that the company is looking to get rid of the charging cable and port on all of its premium iPhones by 2021. Instead, Apple will convert all of their phones to wireless charging. Any iPhone above, and including, the 8 model already has wireless charging capabilities; however, they also all still contain the lightning cable port for standard charging practices. Now, it seems as though the company is ready to keep moving into the direction of “what’s next” in terms of technology trends. 

Embed from Getty Images

Apple has long been known to set the standard for the tech world in regards to what consumers want to see and use. They set a standard with their sleek and modern Airpods, and they weren’t even the first brand to come out with wireless earbuds. Additionally, they were one of the first to come out with a phone that you unlock with your fingerprint, setting a precedent for other mobile phones that you open with some sort of personal body scan such as the face, fingers, eyes, etc. They also were one of the first companies in general to create, mass produce and distribute tablet devices with their now iconic line of iPads. With all of these examples and more, Apple didn’t have to be the first to come up with the concept, but they memorialized themselves as pioneers for nearly every technology trend since its creation. 

This would also not be the first time Apple has removed some sort of input technology from its devices to most consumers dismay. A few years back the company removed all CD drives from its Macbook line, as well as standard USB ports and other input ports, to the point that now the standard Macbooks just have a port for their charger and headphones. The removal of these ports may seem like it’s to make the devices more sleek, modern, and easy to use, but the reality is it can make consumers lives’ a lot more difficult depending on what they plan on using the devices for and what additional attachments they need to buy to accommodate those plans. 

Embed from Getty Images

The significant changes, however, are what arguably keep Apple relevant and in the spotlight in regards to trailblazing technological trends. While the upgrades may not always be what the public thinks they want, they keep the company heavily involved in the conversation, and the sales speak for themselves, especially when it comes to iPhones. The iPhone is Apple’s biggest source of revenue, but sales have seemed to decline within the past few quarters. That being said it makes sense that the company would want to give its most beloved product a headline-worthy upgrade. 

Kuo’s report also “estimates that Apple will release five new iPhone models next year. [He] predicts the company will release a 4.7-inch model in the first half of the year and four 5G-enabled versions — 5.4 and 6.1 inch lower end models and 6.1 and 6.7 higher end models — in the second half of the year. [His] predictions for release in the second half of 2020 echo those in a report from JP Morgan analysts released earlier last week,” (CNN).

The lightning cable was originally introduced in 2012, after Apple got rid of its then-standard 30-pin charging system. That transition shook up a lot of tech consumers when the decision was initially made, but they eventually came around, as they always do. Only time will tell how valid and to what extent this predictions and reports hold up, but if there’s one thing we all can agree upon, it’s that we all will be talking about when the time does come.