The United States Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday sent out letters to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint questioning the carriers about their data selling practices, reports Motherboard.
The carriers have been found selling real-time location information from customer devices to data aggregators, leading the location data to end up in the hands of private investigators, bounty hunters, law enforcement, credit companies, and more.
Companies like LocationSmart and Zumigo obtained location information from U.S.-based cellular carriers and passed that data on to dozens of other companies, putting real-time customer location information in the hands of those who should not have it.
After coming under scrutiny for their location sharing practices, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile, pledged to stop doing so, but many had not actually stopped entirely as of January.
The FCC is now demanding answers from the four carriers. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel asked the heads of each company to provide details on whether the data aggregators were allowed to save phone location data and what steps carriers are going to take to make sure shared data has been deleted. From the letter to AT&T:
Real-time location information is sensitive data deserving the highest level of privacy protection. But it is evident from press reports that this data may have been sold without the explicit consent of consumers and without appropriate safeguards in place.
Accordingly, I appreciate your decision to end these location aggregation services by March of this year. To that end, I kindly request that you provide an update on your efforts and confirm by what date AT&T ended its arrangements to sell the location data of its customers. Please also confirm whether and by what date the company ended arrangements to sell assisted or augmented GPS data.
Finally, the public still has very little detail about how much geolocation data is being saved and stored-including in ways that may be far too accessible to others. Even de-anonymized location data may be combined with other information in ways that could make it personally identifiable again. Accordingly, please explain whether AT&T's agreements permitted aggregators or others to save and store location data they received from your company. If so, please confirm what steps your company is taking to ensure that these companies delete or destroy previously shared data and any derivative data. Alternatively, please explain what steps AT&T is taking to safeguard such data from use or onward sale that is inconsistent with consumers' original content.
Similar letters were also sent to Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile, and all four carriers have been asked to provide responses to the FCC by May 15, 2019.
Last weekend, The New York Times reported that Apple has removed or restricted many of the most popular screen time and parental control apps on the App Store since launching its own Screen Time feature in iOS 12 last year, raising concerns over potentially anticompetitive behavior.
Apple was quick to respond. In both an email to a concerned customer and a press release, Apple indicated that it became aware over the last year that some parental control apps were using a technology called Mobile Device Management or "MDM" that puts users' privacy and security at risk.
MDM technology is intended for enterprise users to manage their company-owned devices, and Apple says the use of MDM by consumer-focused apps carries privacy and security concerns that resulted in Apple addressing the situation in its App Store review guidelines in mid-2017.
"Contrary to what The New York Times reported over the weekend, this isn't a matter of competition," wrote Apple. "It's a matter of security."
Apple added that when it found out about these App Store guideline violations, it communicated with the necessary developers, giving them 30 days to submit an updated app to avoid being removed from the App Store.
In the days since, a handful of developers behind parental control apps including Qustodio, Kidslox, OurPact, and Mobicip have responded to Apple's press release with open letters, calling for the company to make the APIs behind its Screen Time feature available to the public for use in third-party apps.
If safety is such a great concern to Apple, why not share the APIs used in Apple's own Screen Time competitive service and instantly make the environment safer and open for everyone?
Ultimately, making the "Screen Time" API's public is the solution to this issue which would truly prove Apple's commitment to the safety and welfare of children. This would allow 3rd party developers like us to create effective products that give users genuine choices, while also complying with Apple's self-set standards.
If Apple truly believes that parents should have tools to manage their children's device usage, and are committed to providing a competitive, innovative app ecosystem, then they will also provide open API's for developers to utilize. Now, more than ever, the focus should be on building better and more diverse solutions for families to choose from.
Knowing that parental controls apps using MDM have been around for years, wouldn't it have been a better option for Apple to support an officially supported API before pulling the plug?
Tony Fadell, a senior executive at Apple in the 2000s, agrees that Apple should create and provide developers with APIs for Screen Time.
2/ Apple’s Screen Time still has many holes & deficiencies. Their v1.0 solution was a rush job & it’s very non-intuitive to use. Apple should be building true APIs for Screen Time so the “privacy” concerns are taken into account instead of limiting users App Store choices. https://t.co/rGRwB6HT4r
— Tony Fadell (@tfadell) April 28, 2019
The developers also refute parts of Apple's press release, with OurPact claiming that its parental control app for children was removed from the App Store on October 6, 2018 without any prior communication from Apple, just three weeks after iOS 12 was publicly released with Screen Time.
Three out of four of the developers add that Apple was slow to respond and did not provide any resolution for the sudden guideline violations.
While Apple is firm in stating that competition did not play a role in its crackdown on these apps, the timing is certainly curious. Many of the removals occurred shortly after Apple rolled out its Screen Time feature in iOS 12 last September, despite several of these apps having used MDM for a number of years.
At face value, public APIs for Screen Time does appear like a viable solution for both the privacy and security of users and ensuring a competitive landscape on the App Store. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced three years ago in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.
Safari Technology Preview release 81 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Dark Mode, JavaScript, WebRTC, Media, Layout, Accessibility, Web API, Storage, Security, Web Inspector, WebDriver, and Web GPU. Today's update adds the privacy preserving Ad Click Attribution API as an experimental feature, according to Apple's notes.
The new Safari Technology Preview update is available for both macOS High Sierra and macOS Mojave, the newest version of the Mac operating system that was released to the public in September 2018.
Apple’s aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
Qualcomm today announced its quarterly earnings results and shared details on the amount of revenue that it will be receiving in the coming quarter as part of its recent settlement with Apple.
As pointed out by Axios, Qualcomm will record $4.5 to $4.7 billion in revenue from the Apple settlement, which includes a "cash payment from Apple and the release of related liabilities."
Apple and Qualcomm announced a settlement in mid-April, dropping all lawsuits and litigation against one another. Apple at the time said the settlement included a payment from Apple to Qualcomm, but both companies declined to provide specific details on just how much Apple paid out in backdated royalties.
An analyst estimate put the number at around $5 billion to $6 billion, but it appears Apple didn't shell out quite that much.
Apple's deal with Qualcomm also includes a direct six year licensing agreement and a multiyear chipset supply agreement, which will see Qualcomm supplying modem chips to Apple for future devices.
Apple appears to have had no alternative but to settle with Qualcomm as it needed 5G modem chips for its 2020 iPhone lineup. Apple originally planned to use Intel chips, but rumors suggested Intel wasn't meeting development goals, leading to tension between Apple and Intel.
Just hours after Apple and Qualcomm announced a settlement deal, Intel said that it was exiting the 5G smartphone modem business and would not be making 5G smartphone chips at all, a decision the company later said was based on Apple and Qualcomm's settlement.
Yesterday, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple "feels good" about the resolution with Qualcomm. "We're glad to put the litigation behind us and all the litigation around the world has been dismissed and settled," said Cook. "We're very happy to have a multi-year supply agreement and we're happy that we have a direct license arrangement with Qualcomm that was important for both companies."
Trading in an old iPhone, iPad, or Mac can get you some extra cash to spend on a new device. Depending on where you decide to sell your device, you can get cash back or a gift card for a specific company like Apple, Amazon, or Best Buy.
What's most important to know when trading in a device is that there's no one best site or service. There are so many options out there and prices vary based on device and promotions that might be running, so your absolute best bet if you want to do a trade-in using a trade-in site is to spend 15 to 20 minutes doing price checks on some of the most prominent trade-in sites listed below.
Using a comparison site like Flipsy, uSell, or SellCell to compare trade-in prices can also be beneficial when you want to do some shopping around to get the best price for your particular device.
Trade-in Options
There are generally three options when you have an old device you want to get rid of: Trading it in through a company like Apple or a service like Gazelle, selling it in person via a service like Craigslist, or selling it to a person online through a service like eBay or Swappa.
Using a trade-in service is always going to be more simple than selling to a person, but the convenience of doing so will cost you. You're never going to get quite as much money from a trade-in service as you can get from direct sales, but there are some tips and tricks worth knowing before considering a trade-in.
Device Condition
Device condition is going to make a huge difference in the amount of money that you're able to get back for an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Most trade-in sites offer tiered payback based on condition, like Good, Fair, and Poor.
A functional device in good condition with no scratches or other damage is going to fetch the most money. Some sites will let small wear and tear issues slide, while others will deduct cash if a device isn't in perfect condition.
All trade-in sites will ask you specific questions about the condition of your device, making sure it powers on, is fully functional, has no display issues, and no cracks.
Cracks, display issues, and other problems will drastically lower the amount of money you can get for a device, and some trade-in sites will refuse to take broken devices at all.
Services that receive your device will inspect it on their end to make sure the quality of your device matches up with how you described it. Most services have an option to pay less if the condition doesn't match up or send it back to you.
Activation Lock
You'll also be asked to make sure Activation Lock has been disabled by turning off Find My iPhone, which is standard operating procedure when trading in a device. Companies ask this to make sure the device will be usable after it's turned in.
Apple Trade-ins
If you're trading in an Apple product and want to upgrade to another Apple product, going the Apple trade-in route is a great idea. As seen in the price comparison listings below, Apple offers fair prices -- sometimes much higher than other trade-in sites -- and provides money for your old products in the form of an Apple gift card.
There's a caveat, though. To get Apple's top prices when trading in an iPhone, you need to do the trade-in when purchasing another device. For example, Apple offers $349 for an iPhone X in good condition when using the standard trade-in site, but when purchasing another device, you can get $450 for that same iPhone.
There are no special trade-in prices for Macs, iPads, and Apple Watch devices, so this only applies to iPhones. Apple sometimes shifts the trade-in prices that it offers, so it's worth shopping around.
The Apple gift card you receive for a standard trade-in can be put towards a purchase from the Apple online store or an Apple retail store, but Apple trade-ins are limited in scope because there's no option to get cash. Apple will send you a full trade-in kit so you can box up your device properly and send it in conveniently without having to hunt down a box and shipping materials.
If you don't want to hassle with sending a device in, you can also do trade-ins right in Apple retail stores.
Major Retailer Trade-in Programs
Companies like Best Buy, Amazon, and Target have trade-in programs, but they're generally not as good as Apple's trade-in program and are not the best for Apple devices.
Best Buy's trade-in program offers Best Buy gift cards, Amazon's offers Amazon gift cards, and Target's offers Target gift cards or cash via PayPal.
If, for some reason, you prefer to do a trade-in in person to get a gift card or cash right away, Target and Best Buy both offer in-store trade-ins. Other big box retailers like Walmart, Game Stop, and all carrier stores offer trade-in options. With carriers, you can often trade your device in when purchasing a new smartphone to get a discount.
There are so many that we can't go through them all, but it's worth knowing that all of them offer similar prices for devices, though some stores will sometimes do promos.
Other Trade-in Sites
There are dozens of trade-in sites that want to buy your old gear. We'll list a few of the most popular below, but remember, as noted above, it's a good idea to shop around and visit a few sites to get price comparisons for your specific device.
Gazelle - Gazelle is perhaps one of the best known independent trade-in sites. Gazelle's prices are not always the best, but it does offer promotions at times when new devices come out, and it's streamlined with a free shipping label provided. Gazelle has trade-in ecoATMs at various locations where you can get cash back instantly.
SellYourMac - If you need to trade-in or sell a Mac, SellYourMac is a solid choice with good reviews and prices that are competitive and often higher than other trade-in sites. Despite the name, SellYourMac also takes in iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices. MacRumors readers can get an extra $10 on any trade-in worth $25 or more when entering the promo code "macrumors."
Decluttr - Based on our pricing spot checks, Decluttr offers trade-in prices on Apple devices that are higher than most other trade-in sites. There are a few mixed reviews to be aware of, though, with reports that Decluttr sometimes drops price offers or takes several days to provide payment.
BuyBackWorld - BuyBackWorld is another site that offers higher than average trade-in prices. Most reviews are positive as with Decluttr, but there are some negatives such as complaints about checks taking a long time to arrive. The site's customer service is also said to be lacking.
MacRumors Trade-in - Lots of tech sites, MacRumors included, offer trade-in programs that will give you cash back for your devices. These services are usually comparable to buyback sites like Gazelle, but aren't typically the best deal you can get. MacRumors' program is through MyPhonesUnlimited and while it's convenient and quick because a box is sent right to you, you can do better if you want to put in more effort.
It's Worth More - It's Worth More is similar to Decluttr, offering higher than average prices than you'll get from big box trade-in programs. Reviews for It's Worth More seem to be largely positive, but as with all of these trade-in programs, there are some complaints of offers being lower than expected once the devices are inspected.
Beyond the list here, there are literally dozens if not hundreds of other sites that will buy your old devices, but most of them are fairly similar. We'll be adding to this list if we come across any standout trade-in services that are worth highlighting.
Selling a Device Outright
You're always going to get the best price for an older device selling it yourself either in person using a platform like Craigslist to arrange a meetup or through a service like Swappa or eBay.
When using one of these sites to arrange a sell, your best bet is to search for similar devices to your own so you can see what the general price is, which will help you set your own price. You're generally going to want to price your device in the vicinity of the asking price of other devices so it will sell in a timely manner.
eBay - For smartphones and other electronics, eBay has an Instant Sale feature that estimates how much you can get on the site, which is handy. With Instant Sale, you can get an eBay voucher (rather than cash) right away from eBay. Not all devices are eligible for Instant Sale, so you may need to do a traditional listing and ship directly to a buyer. If you want cash, you can also do a standard listing.
Craigslist - Craigslist is designed to let you find buyers in your immediate area so you can cash for your devices quick. Setting up an in-person sale can be a hassle, and it will require meeting up with the potential buyer. Craigslist can let you sell your stuff without having to ship, and because it's a direct sale, you often get a lot more money than you do using a trade-in site.
Swappa - Swappa is basically like eBay, in that you can list your device for sale and sell it directly to a person to make more money than you'll get selling to a trade-in site. To sell on Swappa, your devices need to be fully functional, ready to activate (not locked or blacklisted) and without any cracks.
Sample Price Comparisons
Below, we priced out two devices. A newer iPhone and an older iPad to give you an idea of the differences you'll see on different trade-in sites. Remember, every device is going to vary in price from site to site, so it's best to shop around. Prices can even vary day to day, and we didn't always get the same price checking a few days after getting a price quote.
A 64GB iPhone X in silver color from Verizon in good or excellent condition, equating to no damage but some minor scratches from general use.
MacRumors - $390
Amazon - $357
Target - $330
Best Buy - $360
Verizon - $370
Gazelle - $352
It's Worth More - $516
BuyBackWorld - $480
Decluttr - $517
Apple - $349 ($450 w/ purchase)
Craigslist - ~$600
Swappa - ~$600
eBay - ~$550
A 32GB Wi-Fi only iPad mini 2 in good or excellent condition, equating to no damage but some minor scratches from general use.
MacRumors - $35
Amazon - $55
Target - $59
Best Buy - $70
Verizon - $45
Gazelle - $48
It's Worth More - $65
BuyBackWorld - $70
Decluttr - $63
Apple - $76
Craigslist - $75 - $100
Swappa - ~$100
eBay - ~$100
How to Get Your Device Ready to Sell or Trade-in
You're going to want to erase your iPhone, iPad, or Mac before you trade it in to make sure your personal data is gone and safe, and you'll also need to disable Find My iPhone and remove it from your iCloud account to make sure it's no longer Activation Locked.
If you're selling an Apple device to buy another Apple device, going with Apple's trade-in program is a good idea. Apple sends you a box to make it easy, provides decent prices that beat out many other trade-in sites, and gives you an Apple gift card to put towards another Apple purchase.
If you want cash and convenience, a site like Gazelle or Decluttr is worth checking out, but if you want the absolute most money, use eBay, Swappa, or Craigslist to sell a device directly to a person.
When you need to buy a new phone from a carrier, many carrier trade-in programs could be worth checking out just for the convenience, but no carrier or big box retailer is going to offer the best prices.
Guide Feedback
Know of a great trade-in option we left out or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.
Anker in late April announced the launch of its latest power adapter for charging Apple devices, the PowerPort Atom PD 2. Anker's newest PowerPort offers two USB-C charging ports and up to 60W of power in an enclosure that's smaller than standard stock laptop chargers.
The PowerPort Atom PD 2 uses Gallium nitride or GaN, a new material that allows semiconductor components to be shrunk down, leading to smaller charging accessories. Anker has been updating its power adapter line with GaN, bringing more compact charging options that take up less space.
Design wise, the PowerPort Atom PD 2 is smaller than your standard 61W or 87W charger for the MacBook Pro, but it's not as small and compact as the lower power 30W PowerPort Atom PD 1. It measures in at 2.68 inches by 2.72 inches and it's just over an inch thick.
Comparatively, Apple's 61W USB-C Power Adapter is 2.85 by 2.85 inches, and it's about the same thickness, so you're not saving a lot of space with the PowerPort Atom PD 2, but as explained below, it's a lot more versatile.
It's made from a shiny white plastic material with a gray face, an Anker logo at the side, and a charging indicator to let you know when it's in use. At the back, there's a set of retractable prongs that you can fold up when the power adapter isn't in use to make it easier to carrying around.
There are two USB-C ports built into the PowerPort Atom PD 2, which none of Apple's chargers can boast. With two USB-C ports, you're not limited to charging one USB-C device at a time. There are no cables included, so you're going to need to supply your own.
With the Atom PD 2, you can charge a MacBook and an iPad Pro at the same time at full speed using USB-C to USB-C cables, or charge a MacBook or iPad Pro and fast charge an iPhone using a USB-C to Lightning cable. There's a maximum of 60W of power available, so it can charge a 13-inch MacBook Pro at normal charging speed, just like the standard 61W power adapter from Apple.
You could also potentially use this to charge a 15-inch MacBook Pro, though it would charge your machine more slowly than an 87W power adapter. Still, 60W is enough to keep your MacBook Pro going with a moderate work load.
When you're charging a higher watt device like the 13-inch MacBook Pro, you're not going to want to have another device charging at the same time to make sure all 60 watts are going to the MacBook Pro. If you plug in multiple devices, the power is split and managed between devices.
I don't have a 13-inch MacBook Pro, but the PowerPort Atom PD 2 was able to charge my MacBook at the appropriate speed and fast charge my iPhone XS Max at the same time, providing a 50 percent charge from near dead in approximately 30 minutes. It also worked well with my 15-inch MacBook Pro for my standard workload, which involves web usage, Photoshop and other image editing tools, writing apps, and other miscellaneous apps.
Like all Anker devices, the PowerPort Atom PD 2 uses high quality components and features UL certification to ensure its safety.
Bottom Line
Anker's charging $54.99 for the PowerPort Atom PD 2, while Apple charges $69 for its 61W USB-C Power Adapter, which makes the PowerPort Atom PD 2 the obvious choice if you need an extra power adapter. Not only is it more affordable, you also get two USB-C ports that can be used for charging a single device at the full 60W or two devices with the 60W of power split between them.
If you have multiple USB-C devices at this point or want to be able to fast charge your iPhone with a USB-C to Lightning cable, Anker's PowerPort Atom PD 2 is a good buy.
Google today announced a new privacy-focused auto-delete option for automatically removing Location History and Web & App Activity after a set period of time.
You can now choose to delete your information manually, every three months, or every 18 months. With these settings enabled, Google will regularly clear out your data at the three month mark or the 18 month mark.
Prior to this change, Google allowed Location History and Web & App Activity to be disabled or manually deleted, but there were no controls for regular deletion, which may encourage more people to use these features.
Google's Location History feature tracks the locations that you've visited, while Web & App Activity tracks websites you've visited and apps that you've used. Google uses this information for recommendations and cross device syncing.
Google says the new controls for Location History and Web & App Activity will be rolling out "in the coming weeks," and has suggested the auto-delete functionality will be coming to additional features in the future.
Netflix today announced a new feature for its streaming TV and movie service, high-quality audio, which Netflix says takes its sound quality "to another level."
High-quality audio is designed to provide audio that more closely matches with what creators hear in the studio, resulting in a "richer, more intense experience."
Netflix's audio bitrate now goes up to 640 kb/s on devices supporting 5.1 surround sound and 768 kb/s for devices that support Dolby Atmos. For the improved Dolby Atmos sound, a Netflix Premium subscription is required.
Most TV devices that support 5.1 or Dolby Atmos are capable of receiving better sound. Depending on your device and bandwidth capabilities, the bitrate you receive may vary:
5.1: From 192 kbps (good) up to 640 kbps (great/perceptually transparent)
Dolby Atmos: From 448 kbps up to 768 kbps (Dolby Atmos is available for members subscribed to the Premium plan)
For those with bandwidth or device limitations, the high-quality audio feature is adaptive, so it will provide the best possible audio to match your device or connection's capabilities.
Netflix says its new bitrates will "evolve over time" as its encoding techniques get more efficient.
Apple recently objected to the logo of a new German cycling path in an appeal filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office, according to German outlets General-Anzeiger Bonn and Westdeutscher Rundfunk.
Apple reportedly takes issue with the logo's green leaf and supposed "bitten" right side, attributes the company believes are too similar to its own logo.
The logo, registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2018, was designed for a new cycling path named Apfelroute that is set to open in the Rhine-Voreifel region of Germany on May 19. Rhine-Voreifel Tourism has already used the logo on uniforms, bike racks, cycling maps, banners, signposts, and more.
In addition to the appeal, lawyers representing Apple have reportedly sent letters to Rhine-Voreifel Tourism ordering them to stop using the logo, but the tourism agency believes it would be very expensive to do so.
"With the Apfelroute we have a completely different product and it is unbelievable that such a large company is attacking us," said one company official.
While it may sound unfair that a company as large as Apple is going after a small German tourist agency's cycling path logo, keep in mind that companies have an obligation to police and enforce their trademarks, as failure to do so could be viewed as abandonment, possibly resulting in the loss of trademark rights.
German reports suggest that Rhine-Voreifel Tourism narrowing the scope of the Apfelroute trademark will likely be enough for Apple to withdraw its opposition. If not, there is also the chance of an out-of-court settlement.
Best Buy is back with another sale today, offering discounts on a variety of Apple products and accessories. These include the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPhone X, Apple Watch Series 4, and numerous products from Beats.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The most notable discount today is for the latest MacBook Air with 8GB RAM and 128GB of flash storage, priced at $949.99, down from $1,199.99. This is the lowest price ever seen for the notebook, and Best Buy has it in all three colors: Gold, Silver, and Space Gray.
Our Deals Roundup has more information on other sales happening this week, like discounts on the new AirPods and an exclusive discount on the ElevationDock 4.
Apple recently unveiled its revamped TV app with a new "Channels" feature that enables users to subscribe to TV networks on an à-la-carte basis and watch them all in the TV app without having to open another app.
Image: The Streamable
When the new TV app became available to test in the iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 betas in late March, subscription options were limited to Showtime, Starz, Smithsonian, and Tastemade. As noted by The Streamable, however, additional channels have been added as of the fourth betas of iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 this week.
The most notable addition is HBO for $14.99 per month, in time for the final three episodes of Game of Thrones, while other recently added channels include Cinemax, EPIX, Sundance Now, Lifetime Movie Club, and UMC.
When the new TV app is publicly released on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV later this month, other networks that will be supported in Apple TV Channels include CBS All Access, Nickelodeon, Mubi, The History Channel Vault, Comedy Central Now, Acorn TV, Britbox, Noggin, MTV Hits, and Shudder.
MacRumors is pleased to announce our Tenth Annual MacRumors Blood Drive, throughout the month of May 2019. Our goal is to save lives by increasing the number of life-saving blood and platelet donations. While most blood drives are specific to a geographic location, our blood drive is online and worldwide.
Over the past nine years, MacRumors Blood Drives have recorded donations of 544 units of blood, platelets, and plasma, and celebrated new signups for organ donor and bone marrow registries. We've heard from people whose lives were saved by blood, platelet, or bone marrow donations, including lives saved by complete strangers.
How to participate in the month of May
If you are eligible, schedule a blood or platelet donation (see FAQ), at any donation center near you. Then post in the MacRumors 2019 Blood Drive! thread to tell us about it and to accept our thanks. Or tell us if you register as an organ donor and/or register for the bone marrow registry (see FAQ).
If you aren't eligible to donate blood for reasons of age, health, height/weight, a recent donation, or because you are deferred as a donor, please encourage someone else to make a donation, and let us know. If they donate, you both belong on our Honor Roll. See our Blood donor eligibility thread for news about the deferral policies for gay men in different countries.
Share our message and help this cause by convincing friends and relatives to participate as well. The Honor Roll lists this year's donors. Please congratulate them for their generous acts on behalf of strangers.
From June 2019 to April 2020
In between MacRumors Blood Drives, join Team MacRumors and get credit for your interim donations in next year's drive. Anytime you donate, let us know, as follows:
Go to our team page and click PLEDGE TO GIVE BLOOD. (Bookmark the page for the future.)
Fill in your MacRumors username as your first name. Fill in @ macrumors as your last name.
In the comments field, tell us what type of donation and how many units, e.g., 1 unit of whole blood, 2 units of platelets, etc.
The email address and zip code fields don't matter. MacRumors won't use that information.
We look forward to another successful MacRumors Blood Drive. Thank you to our many donors over the last 9 years!
Verizon today announced a revamped version of its Verizon Up loyalty program with new and more frequent rewards for customers.
Verizon customers will now receive a reward credit every month after paying their bill, instead of after every $300 spent, which they can use towards things like a future smartphone purchase, Starbucks coffee, Uber rides, and "Super Tickets" for exclusive experiences like concerts and sports events.
One of the "Super Ticket" experiences is a private concert with musician Shawn Mendes for 2,000 customers in New York City on May 14.
These enhancements will make Verizon Up more competitive with T-Mobile Tuesdays, which offers a variety of free rewards and offers on a weekly basis, ranging from free tacos at Taco Bell to trips to the MLB All-Star Game.
Rewards and localized offers are available through the updated My Verizon app.
MacRumors has partnered with Elevation Lab to offer our readers an exclusive discount on the company's MFi certified ElevationDock 4 for iPhone. We've listed all the details you need to know about this sale below, along with notable discounts on the 2019 AirPods and some new offers from Sprint.
ElevationDock 4 Exclusive Sale
You can shop for the ElevationDock4 on Amazon in either White or Black, add one to your cart, and then enter the code MacRumors40 in the gift cards and promotional codes box in the checkout screen to get 40 percent off the order.
This will bring the price of the ElevationDock 4 down to $29.97, from $49.95. Elevation Lab's accessory locks to smooth surfaces to keep itself in place and ensure stability for any docked, Lightning-enabled iPhone.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The Dock4 is made of a medical-grade silicone and comes with a braided USB cable to connect it to a wall or computer power source. This exclusive sale will last until May 5.
2019 AirPods Price Drop
In another sale, Costco is offering one of the first major discounts on the recently released AirPods with Wireless Charging Case, which you can get for $179.99, down from $199.99 if you're a Costco member.
Additionally, the retailer is offering the AirPods with Charging Case for $139.99, down from $159.99. For both versions of the 2019 AirPods you'll have to add $4.99 shipping and handling to your order if you can't find a local store to purchase the headphones.
We've seen a few similar price drops for the AirPods with Charging Case over the past few weeks, but Costco's deal marks the first notable discount on the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case seen since the new headphones debuted in March. Of course, you'll have to be a Costco member to see the deals.
Sprint iPhone Offers
At Sprint, there are multiple offers for Apple's iPhone that you can take advantage of if you're an existing customer, or if you're thinking about switching over to the carrier. These include pre-owned iPhone 7 and 8 devices, brand new iPhone XS and XS Max devices, and a 50 percent off monthly lease offer for the iPhone XR.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (pre-owned) - Get a $100 prepaid Mastercard when switching to Sprint and purchasing iPhone 7 or 7 Plus pre-owned (exp. 7/18)
Moment, the company behind the popular Moment lenses, today updated its Moment Pro Camera app for iOS devices, adding new features and a new pricing structure.
For those unfamiliar with Moment Pro Camera, it's an iOS app that was designed to work with the Moment line of lenses, but those lenses are not required to access the features. The app also works on a standalone basis, offering up full manual photography tools along with other features to improve your iPhone images.
The updated Moment Pro Camera app features a new Zebra Stripes option, which is designed to let you see a visual representation of areas that are either under or overexposed so that you can adjust your camera settings. In areas that need adjustment, you'll see stripes in the viewfinder.
Focus Peaking has also been added to adjust the focus in photo or video mode. When using manual focus, sharp edges in the viewfinder will be highlighted.
On iOS, the pricing on the Moment Pro Camera app is changing from freemium to paid. Previously, you could unlock pro tools within Moment through an in-app purchase, but now the app will require an upfront purchase.
Moment is now available from the App Store for $5.99, and to celebrate the launch of the updated app, Moment is offering 15 percent off all of its lenses and gear. [Direct Link]
Apple today announced that it is opening a retail store at the renewed Carnegie Library in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 11, as noted by 9to5Mac. The grand opening will take place at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The store opening will follow months of renovations to Carnegie Library led by Apple, architecture firms Foster + Partners and Beyer Blinder Belle, and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. Apple's store is expected to have a "subtle" presence that respects the historic integrity of the building.
"Together, let's create the next chapter," says Apple. "Inspired by the rich history of Carnegie Library, we are reimagining Apple Carnegie Library as a brand-new space to learn. Where everyone is welcome to come and discover all kinds of creativity, connect with new ideas, and share their stories."
To celebrate the grand opening, Apple will be hosting special Today at Apple sessions at the store between May 18 and June 29. The so-called StoryMakers Festival, led by GoldLink, Nigel Barker, No Kings Collective, and more, will focus on storytelling with photos, music, video, and art and design.
Thrilled to share the news about our new home in Washington, D.C. — Apple Carnegie Library, opening May 11. It’s an honor to continue the legacy of this beautiful building as a place where people seek knowledge and a sense of community. pic.twitter.com/xI3Hi08y7m
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 1, 2019
Apple's plans to open a store at Carnegie Library were first revealed back in 2016. The 116-year-old building is located across the street from the Washington Convention Center in Mount Vernon Square in Downtown Washington, D.C.
Apple defines vintage products as those that have not been manufactured for more than five but less than seven years. Devices on the list are no longer be eligible for service at a Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Providers.
The only exceptions are in California and Turkey, where due to local laws, Apple will continue to service the iPad 2 until March 2021. From that date, the iPad 2 will finally go from "vintage" to "obsolete" worldwide.
The iPad 2 was originally launched in March 2011 and continued to be sold by Apple as a lower-cost option until March 2014. The big-bezeled iPad 2 featured a 9.7-inch display with 132 PPI, an A5 chip, and a 0.7-megapixel rear camera. It also had a 30-pin dock connector.
An internal memo obtained by MacRumors last month revealed Apple's plans to obsolete iPad 2 models by the end of April.
Apple Pay is "coming soon" to The Netherlands, according to the Dutch bank ING. A teaser announcement on the bank's regional website, spotted by iPhoned.nl and iCulture.nl, revealed the news this morning.
The short press release doesn't give a launch date, and instead advises customers to keep an eye on the site and the bank's social media accounts to stay informed about the imminent arrival of Apple Pay in the country. Users of the ING mobile banking app can also expect to receive a message letting them know when they will be able to their add bank card to Apple's secure digital wallet for use on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.
The Netherlands has waited a long time for Apple Pay. There were rumors in 2017 that Apple's mobile payment system would arrive in the country later the same year, but the launch failed to materialize and we've heard very little about it since. Meanwhile, Apple Pay went live in bordering countries Germany and Belgium in late 2018.
Apple Pay first launched in the United States in October 2014 and is also available in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Japan, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia, New Zealand, Brazil, Poland, Ireland, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in March that Apple Pay will be available in more than 40 countries and regions by the end of 2019.
Update: Portuguese bank Crédito Agrícola also recently announced that Apple Pay is coming soon. Hat-tip to MacRumors reader Rúben Antunes.
Update 2: The Apple Pay page for The Netherlands is now live and says the service will be available soon in the country.
Apple today 
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