Apple is said to be in the process of phasing out the third-generation Apple TV, according to 9to5Mac.
A source who spoke to the tech news site has indicated that Apple is pulling the device from its brick-and-mortar retail stores, with staff instructed to remove any remaining models from store shelves.
The claim comes despite the fact that the third-generation device is still available to purchase under the TV heading of Apple's online store, albeit at the bottom of the section page, with the option to compare the model with the fourth-generation device also still listed.
The third-generation Apple TV was released back in 2012 and received a spec bump the following year, but the model lacks the App Store native to tvOS, which also benefits from deep Siri integration and a touch-based remote that doubles as a controller.
Photo sharing app Instagram is set to become one of the first platforms specifically designed to take advantage of the iPhone 7's powerful new camera features.
Details of the upcoming update were shared by Instagram's head of design Ian Spalter during yesterday's Apple event in San Francisco, where he demonstrated how the app would make use of several of the new phones' capabilities.
First of all, the iPhone 7 Plus telephoto lens will be controllable simply by dragging a finger up and down in the Instagram camera window, allowing users to adjust the level of optical/digital zoom. Meanwhile, Apple's new Taptic Engine feedback will let users know how much zoom they've enabled when composing stills as well as during video recording.
Instagram is also revising all of its photo filters to take advantage of the iPhone 7 display's wider color gamut, allowing users to see a broader range of hues in their pictures.
Other additions revealed on stage included a 3D Touch action for the Instagram app icon that will let users quickly add a photo to an Instagram Story – the platform's new sharing feature aped from Snapchat.
Lastly, the app will make use of iOS 10's new Live Photos API to convert the video clips into Instagram Boomerang GIFs, which play back and forth on repeat.
The updated version of the app launches later this year, presumably after iOS 10 is released on September 13 and the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have made it into consumers' hands. Preorders for the devices begin Friday, September 9, with shipments scheduled to start on September 16.
T-Mobile has announced that it will offer a free 32GB iPhone 7 during pre-order to new or existing customers when they trade in their iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus or 6s Plus. The offer is for a limited time and will be available at T-Mobile.com when pre-orders are live and T-Mobile retail stores.
The offer partially extends to other iPhone 7 models. For example, the 32GB iPhone 7 Plus is available for $120 with a trade-in, while the 128GB and 256GB iPhone 7 are available for $100 and $200, respectively.
To qualify for the offer, the trade-in iPhone has to be a 6, 6s, 6 Plus or 6s Plus and be able to turn on, have no water damage, and not have a shattered screen. Customers will also need a 24-month no-cost finance agreement. T-Mobile says that customers will see a credit on their bill every month for 24 months. After 24 months, T-Mobile says customers will have paid nothing and received a free iPhone 7.
Customers can walk away at any time by either paying their outstanding phone balance or turning in their iPhone 7.
AT&T has also announced a promo for the iPhone 7. New and existing DirecTV and AT&T U-verse customers can get a 32GB iPhone 7 on either AT&T Next or AT&T Next Every Year when they add a new line to their account from another wireless provider. Customers will receive up to $650 in monthly bill credits whey they activate their new iPhone. Similar to the T-Mobile offer, customers can choose another iPhone 7 model and pay the difference.
While Beats announced three new wireless headphones equipped with Apple's new W1 wireless chip earlier today, it also quietly released the new Beats EP wired headphones with a 3.5mm headphone plug. The new on-ear headphones are built to deliver "premium" sound in a "tough" and lightweight frame.
The headphones are battery-free, allowing unlimited playback with a hassle-free fixed cable. They also come with adjustable vertical sliders so that users can personalize the fit for their head. RemoteTalk control allows users with iOS devices to take calls and control their music.
The Beats EP are available in four colors (blue, white, black, and red) and is available now on Apple.com and select retailers for $129.
While the iPhone 7 Plus introduced today saw a general $20 increase compared to the iPhone 6s Plus it will replace, customers in some countries are finding prices on both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus and other products increasing by even more due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
One country significantly affected by the changes is the United Kingdom, where off-contract prices for the iPhone 7 in the UK are £599 for 32 GB, £699 for 128 GB, and £799 for 256 GB, compared to £539, £619, and £699 for the iPhone 6s last year. With its higher price points and the general price increase, the iPhone 7 Plus is seeing even large price jumps of between £100 and £130 for UK customers.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have seen more moderate price increases in euro-based countries like Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Italy. In Germany, for example, the iPhone 7 is priced at €759, €869, and €979, roughly €15 higher than the iPhone 6s was priced prior to today. With the general price increases compounding the currency adjustments for the iPhone 7 Plus, prices have increased by €45 on those corresponding models.
The iPhone isn't the only Apple product receiving price changes. For example, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £729 in the UK as of today, an increase from the previous £679. Other iPad models have seen similar increases, while the Apple Pencil has increased from £79 to £99. Accessories such as cases and cables have also seen price increases in the UK.
Apple Pay is expanding to three new countries this fall, including New Zealand, Russia, and Japan. Apple today confirmed its plans to bring Apple Pay to Japan on stage at its iPhone 7 event, while the Russia and New Zealand Apple Pay sites were updated with info on an imminent launch.
As was previously reported, Apple Pay in Japan will be implemented through a partnership with Sony and an iPhone 7 with support for the FeliCa tap-to-pay format, which has been widely adopted in the country. Apple Pay, which will work with Suica, will be coming to Japan in October.
Apple Pay is accepted anywhere Suica is available, so users can make quick everyday purchases and buy or reload a Suica card or commuter pass, all with their iPhone. Japan's major financial brands will also support Apple Pay, so shoppers can make purchases in many of the country's largest stores, at neighborhood shops and restaurants, and from their favorite online merchants.
Apple Pay in Japan will support credit and prepaid cards issued by AEON, Credit Saison, JCB, Mitsubishi UFJ Nicos, Orient Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Card, Toyota Finance, UC Cards and View Card, and carriers KDDI, NTT Docomo, and Softbank.
Apple Pay will be coming to New Zealand through a partnership with ANZ, and it will initially be limited to ANZ customers. A launch date has not been announced but it is expected to be released in October.
"Our customers in the nine markets around the world where Apple Pay is live today love how convenient it makes their day-to-day shopping, and we can't wait to bring Apple Pay to New Zealand so customers there can start making easy, secure and private payments in their favourite stores, apps and on the web," said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay, in a statement.
Details on Apple Pay in Russia are limited with no word on which banks it will work with, but the service is expected to debut before the end of the year.
Apple Pay is currently available in nine countries including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, France, and Singapore. Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey has said Apple is "working rapidly" to expand the service to additional countries in Asia and Europe.
Along with a slew of new collections for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2, Apple today introduced new first-party bands into its pre-existing band categories, including ones for the Sport Band, Woven Nylon, and Classic Buckle. Elsewhere, Apple has decided to minimize colorways for bands like Modern Buckle and Leather Loop, but it's kept the same silver and space black options for the Milanese Loop and Link Bracelet.
We'll go through each first-party band available for purchase below, with an emphasis on the new colors available to purchase on Apple's website.
Sport Band
New to the Sport Band line are four colors: Pink Sand, Ocean Blue, Cocoa, and Concrete. The high-performance fluoroelastomer band has a few traditional colors carried over from the Apple Watch's previous iteration, including: White, Midnight Blue, Yellow, Light Pink, Mint, Black with Space Black Pin, Turquoise, and Product Red.
For Sport Bands, the only discrepancy between 38mm and 42mm case sizes is Royal Blue, which is available only for 38mm. As usual, each Sport Band is available for $49.00, and some of the older colors are still facing availability issues, which have been propagating online since the summer.
Woven Nylon
There are five new colors in Woven Nylon users can choose from: Light Pink/Midnight Blue, Yellow/Light Gray, Space Orange/Anthracite, Toasted Coffee/Caramel, and Navy/Tahoe Blue. Apple Watch fans can expect to see a few old Woven Nylon colors still available in the store: Pearl, Gold/Red, Pink, Royal Blue, Scuba Blue, and Black.
Similar to the Sport Band, there's a small difference between the Woven Nylon options available to 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch owners, with Gold/Royal Blue sold only in 38mm. Otherwise, the two sizes have the same colors. Each band is available for $49.00, and a few of the older colors are facing the same "sold out" or "currently unavailable" labels as the Sport Bands.
Classic Buckle
In the higher-quality $149.00 Classic Buckle, a new color option comes in the sole form of Sea Blue. Otherwise, in 38mm users can choose from the expected options of Saddle Brown, Midnight Blue, Black, and Red, while 42mm owners get the added options of White and Marigold.
Modern Buckle, Leather Loop, Milanese Loop, and Link Bracelet
In the rest of the bands, Apple has pared down options to only a few colors without introducing any new alternatives for buyers. Modern Buckle has the most with four options of Midnight Blue, Black, Marigold, and Red. The other three have only two: Smoke Gray and Midnight Blue for Leather Loop, and Silver and Space Black for both Milanese Loop and Link Bracelet.
Apple has also kept the same pricing scheme on each of these bands, so Leather Loop and Milanese Loop run for $149.00, Modern Buckle runs for $249.00, and Link Bracelet is priced highest at $449.00.
Anyone interested in the new bands can order them from Apple's website, with the fastest shipping options coming in as soon as Friday, the same day that pre-orders begin for both Apple Watch Series 2 and iPhone 7.
It took Apple two hours to cover all of the new products and their impressive features, but we've created a quick five minute recap for those of you who want a taste of what Apple announced without watching the entire keynote or reading all of our extensive coverage.
Highlights include water and dust resistance for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, along with a faster A10 Fusion processor, all new camera systems for much better images (including a dual-camera system for the iPhone 7 Plus), no headphone jack, and two new colors being sold alongside the standard Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold - a matte "Black" and a glossy "Jet Black."
As for the Apple Watch Series 2, it too features improved waterproofing to make it suitable for swimming, along with a new GPS chip and a processor that's twice as fast. To make up for the lack of a headphone jack in the iPhone 7, Apple also introduced new wireless Beats headphones and completely wireless "AirPods," both of which come equipped with an Apple-designed W1 wireless chip.
Make sure to stay tuned to MacRumors for more extensive coverage of all of Apple's new products and check out our event recap post for more detail on everything that's new.
The iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus, and the Apple Watch Series 2 will be available for pre-order this Friday. Apple's New AirPods will be available in October.
Apple removed the headphone jack in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, a controversial decision that's upset some iPhone fans. On stage at today's media event, Apple executives explained that it had been done to save space and to usher in improvements in wireless headphone technology, but in an interview with BuzzFeed, Apple's Greg Joswiak, Dan Riccio, and Phil Schiller explained in much greater detail why the decision was made to move away from the 3.5mm headphone jack.
The idea for the removal of the headphone jack was raised during the development of the iPhone 7. In a nutshell, the "driver ledge" for the display and backlight, traditionally placed near the camera, was interfering with the new camera systems in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, leading Apple to explore other placement options. It was moved near the audio jack, but it also caused interference with various components, including the audio jack itself, so Apple engineers toyed with the elimination of the jack altogether.
When the headphone jack was removed, Apple realized it was easier to install the new Taptic Engine for the pressure-sensitive Home button, implement a bigger battery, and reach an IP7 water resistance rating, so the elimination of the headphone jack became essential for all of the other features in the iPhone 7.
Apple executives also believe the headphone jack is outdated technology that needed to go to make room for new advancements. According to Dan Riccio, it was holding Apple back "from a number of things" the company wanted to add to the iPhone, taking up space that could be used for camera improvements, battery, and processors.
"The audio connector is more than 100 years old," Joswiak says. "It had its last big innovation about 50 years ago. You know what that was? They made it smaller. It hasn't been touched since then. It's a dinosaur. It's time to move on." [...]
For Dan Riccio, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, the iPhone's 3.5-millimeter audio jack has felt something like the last months of an ill-fated if amicable relationship: familiar and comfortable, but ultimately an impediment to a better life ahead. "We've got this 50-year-old connector -- just a hole filled with air -- and it's just sitting there taking up space, really valuable space," he says.
According to Apple's Phil Schiller, there's no ulterior motive behind the move away from the 3.5mm headphone jack. "We are removing the audio jack because we have developed a better way to deliver audio. It has nothing to do with content management or DRM -- that's pure, paranoid conspiracy theory," he said.
To ease the transition away from the 3.5mm headphone jack, Apple is including a 3.5mm to Lightning adapter with every iPhone 7 and it is also offering EarPods with a Lightning connector. Apple's new AirPods, which are fully wireless and are priced at $159, will also make it easier for customers to adapt to a device without a jack.
On the subject of Apple's new AirPods, Apple's Schiller says the earbuds, which are "as advanced a project as Apple Pencil," have been in development since the Apple Watch was conceived. "We knew we needed a great wireless solution for audio," he said. "What if you could design what the future of headphones should look like?' That's we asked the team to do."
The full explanation for the removal of the headphone jack, which is well worth reading, is available over at BuzzFeed.
Apple's latest iPhones, the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, are the company's first iPhones that have been advertised as "water and dust resistant" with an official IP67 rating under International Electrotechnical Standards, a uniform way of determining water and resistance ratings across a wide range of devices.
IP67 is actually two numbers, one that refers to the dust resistance rating and one that refers to water resistance. IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, indicating the iPhone 7 is completely protected against dust.
IPx7, the water resistance rating, means the iPhone 7 can withstand immersion in water to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes, tested in laboratory conditions. IPx7 is the second-highest rating, below IP8, which indicates an ability to withstand long periods of immersion under pressure. Samsung's devices, by the way, are rated at IP68, suggesting better overall water resistance.
Apple describes the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus as "splash, water, and dust resistant," and it should hold up to accidental drops in the pool, bathtub, or shower or light splashing. It shouldn't be used in high-pressure water conditions, such as in direct shower water, and it shouldn't be kept under water for extended periods of time.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
Apple warns against attempting to charge a wet iPhone, which could result in damage to the device, and it specifies that any liquid damage to the device is not covered under warranty, so it's best to use caution when exposing the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus to water.
One of the key new features of the Apple Watch Series 2 is an improved water resistance rating of up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, which by definition means the watch can be used for shallow-water activities such as swimming in a pool or ocean, white water rafting, and fishing without risking water damage.
These activities are in addition to the previous IPX7 splash resistance that allows for the Apple Watch, including first-generation models, to be worn while washing your hands or jogging in the rain. Many original Apple Watch owners also routinely shower and swim with the device, although Apple never officially recommended such activities.
However, while the Apple Watch Series 2 has improved water and dust resistance, fine print on Apple's website says the device should not be used while scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth, presumably including jet skiing and deep water snorkeling.
Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
Apple Watch Series 2 models are priced from $369 and will be available starting Friday, September 16 in the U.S. and select other launch countries.
During today's big media event, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 2, with an emphasis on the wearable's swimproof and activity tracking features. To a lesser degree, the company mentioned the casing materials -- aluminum, stainless steel, and now ceramic -- and detailed new versions of its bands created with collaborator Hermès.
Interestingly, it didn't divulge any of the new versions of its own first-party bands and collections, of which there are quite a few. Below we'll list out each new collection of the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 by case type. Unless specifically designated, each collection has both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Aluminum Cases
For aluminum, the pricing structure is as follows: $269 (38mm) and $299 (42mm) for Series 1 models, and $369 (38mm) and $399 (42mm) for Series 2 models.
Given the various bands included with stainless steel cases in these collections, pricing is more varied than the aluminum models. The collections start at $549 (Sport Band), $649 (Classic Buckle and Milanese Loop), $699 (Leather Loop and Space Black Milanese Loop), $749 (Modern Buckle), $949 (Link Bracelet), and $1049 (Space Black Link Bracelet).
The Apple Watch Series 2, as well as the upgraded Series 1, will go on pre-order this Friday, September 9. After that, the wearable device will launch in more than 25 countries -- including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada -- on September 16.
Check out the MacRumorsevent recap post for every piece of news from today's media event, including articles on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, as well as details on the Apple Watch Series 2.
Despite rumors suggesting the Apple Watch Series 2 models would feature longer battery life than the original Apple Watch models, technical specifications for the new devices shared by Apple suggest the Apple Watch Series 2 will continue to offer up to 18 hours of battery life -- the same as Apple Watch Series 1.
Part leaks indicate the Apple Watch Series 2 may indeed have a larger battery built into it, but it appears any increase in battery capacity is being consumed by the new GPS chip introduced in the Series 2. GPS, which will bring better location tracking to the Apple Watch, can drain a significant amount of battery.
Apple didn't mention the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 2 on stage or point towards any battery improvements, so we will need to wait for a device teardown to see exactly what's inside.
In addition to a new GPS chip, the Apple Watch Series 2 features a more water resistant casing suitable for swimming, a display that's brighter in direct sunlight, and a second-generation dual-core S2 system-on-a-chip that offers 2x faster graphics performance and 50 percent faster CPU performance. Power drawn by the GPS chip may also be mitigated by the new S2.
Apple has shared five new videos on YouTube today that promote healthy and active lifestyle choices, emphasizing the importance of a regular sleeping pattern, proper nutrition, taking moments to calm your mind, and staying active. The fifth video explains how these healthy habits are all connected.
Apple Health - Sleep promotes the natural rhythm of going to bed at the same time and getting enough hours of sleep each night. Apple introduced a new Wake Alarm in the Clock app on iOS 10 that, when enabled, reminds you when it is time to sleep, tracks how many hours you slept, and provides detailed sleep analysis.
Apple Health - Nutrition is centered upon eating healthy foods, and being aware of how much food we eat. The video emphasizes the importance of eating more real foods than junk foods. Apple says nutrition is not about eating perfectly, but rather about making better food choices "one bite at a time."
Apple Health - Mindfulness explains how the human mind is not wired to be "always on," and encourages finding a few moments to take a few deep breathes to help eliminate day-to-day stresses.
Apple Health - Activity is centered upon "sitting less, moving more, and getting some exercise" by "squeezing in a minute here and a minute there." Apple says being active does not explicitly require going to the gym, but rather simply finding enjoyable activities that get you moving throughout the day.
Apple Health - Everything's Connected ties the first four videos together by explaining how small lifestyle changes can become healthy habits when you see how they connect. The video recaps the importance of four key areas that can improve your health: sleep, nutrition, activity, and mindfulness.
Apple today announced the debut of a new Ceramic Apple Watch, which is positioned as the high-end "Apple Watch Edition." With the introduction of the new glossy white Ceramic Apple Watch, Apple has discontinued the previous-generation 18-karat Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition models. Gold Apple Watch Edition models are no longer available for purchase from the Apple Online Store.
Pricing on the original Apple Watch Edition collection started at $10,000 and went as high as $17,000, and the quiet discontinuation of the Gold and Rose Gold models suggest they did not sell well enough to justify keeping them in the lineup.
The new Ceramic Apple Watch Edition is priced more affordably at $1,249 for the 38mm model and the $1,299 for the 42mm model. While the Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition models shipped with several band options, the Ceramic Apple Watch Edition is available with a single "Cloud White" Apple Watch Sport Band.
The Ceramic Apple Watch Edition will be available for pre-order alongside the other new Apple Watch Series 2 models on September 9.
Apple today quietly updated its AppleCare+ repair program for the iPhone, introducing a new $29 screen replacement option and raising the incidental repair fee to $99 for all iPhones.
With AppleCare+, iPhone users receive no-questions-asked coverage for two incidents of accidental damage, subject to a service fee. Previously, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users had to pay a $99 fee for each replacement, while iPhone SE and iPhone 6 and earlier replacements were priced at $79.
Apple is now charging a $99 service fee across the board for repairs regardless of device, but at the same time, there's a new option that will save many iPhone users money -- screen repairs for a service fee of just $29.
Repairs for iPhones that need to be replaced or repaired due to a damaged screen will now be more affordable, while more significant repairs for the latest devices will continue to cost $99. Those with an iPhone SE or an iPhone 6 and older will now need to pay $99 instead of $79 for major repairs, but will also save money with the cheaper screen repair option.
AppleCare+ is priced at $129 for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus and extends iPhone coverage for two years. AppleCare+ for the iPad is unchanged.
Immediately following its media event today in San Francisco, Apple invited members of the press to a special hands-on area to get a closer look at the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The first real-life photos and videos of the smartphones are now beginning to surface around the web, showcasing the improved cameras, new black colors, no headphone jack, and more.
The Vergeshared pictures of the iPhone 7 in both the new Black and Jet Black colors, providing a glimpse of the new matte and glossy finishes in action. The two new colors complement the existing options of Gold, Silver, and Rose Gold. Jet Black in particular will be limited to 128GB and 256GB models of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, while the other four colors will be available for all storage capacities.
In the article, the website described the iPhone 7's capacitive home button as "awful," adding that "it doesn't feel like a button at all."
Another thing I tried: the new home button, which uses a "taptic engine" to give you physical feedback when you press it — it's pressure sensitive too, so it can tell if you really mean to press it or just tap it. And it's awful. On a MacBook trackpad, you get this uncanny feeling that you're actually hitting a button. On the iPhone, the whole bottom of the phone just sort of "kicks." It's not bad haptics like you remember, with weird vibration, it's just a new kind of bad haptics. It doesn't feel like a button at all. It's a bummer.
CNET prepared a quick hands-on video with the iPhone 7 Plus in Rose Gold, showing off its dual cameras, no headphone jack, stereo speakers, repositioned antenna bands, and capacitive, force-sensitive home button.
SlashGear, meanwhile, provided a hands-on look at Apple's new wireless AirPods with charging case and Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. AirPods will be available for $159 in late October, while the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter is included in the box with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The adapter is $9 as a standalone purchase on Apple's online store and retail locations.
More hands-on videos and first impressions should follow in the coming hours and days.
Alongside the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has released a selection of new iPhone cases that come in new fall colors. Designed to fit the iPhone 7 with its larger camera and the iPhone 7 Plus with its dual camera setup, the cases are available in the standard leather and silicone materials for each device.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases are not yet available for purchase, but should become available for pre-order on Friday, September 9 when pre-orders begin for the two new smartphones.
To match the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases, Apple has also updated its line of Smart Covers and Cases for the iPad, offering them in the same silicone colors.
iPad Smart Covers and cases for the iPad mini 4 and 9.7-inch iPad Pro are now available in 16 different colors as some of the older shades have also stuck around. The new iPad accessories are available for order today and will deliver by September 10.
Apple Pay is expanding to three new countries this fall, including New Zealand, Russia, and Japan. Apple today confirmed its plans to bring Apple Pay to Japan on stage at its iPhone 7 event, while the 
