MacRumors

Rumors have all but confirmed the upcoming iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus will include Force Touch, allowing the device to distinguish between a light tap and a deeper press to enable a wide range of new gestures.

Force Touch has been built into the Apple Watch and the trackpads of the Retina MacBook and the newest Retina MacBook Pros, adding a whole new dimension to the way the devices are controlled. On the Apple Watch, Force Touch is used within apps to access different settings, and on the Mac, it can do things like previewing links in Safari, and accelerating rewind/fast forward speed in iMovie.

Force Touch on the iPhone will work similarly to the way that it works on the existing devices that offer Force Touch, but there are some differences, according to information an inside source shared with 9to5Mac. Force Touch on the iPhone is said to be used primarily for "shortcut actions," letting users perform tasks within apps more quickly.

In Maps, for example, using Force Touch on a point of interest will cause turn-by-turn directions to start up immediately, while force pressing on a song in the Music app will bring up a menu to save it to a playlist. Force pressing on certain apps on the Home Screen could open directly to specific sections of the app.

Another feature in testing, according to one source, are shortcuts that appear after Force Touching an app icon on the Home screen. For example, if a user deep presses on the Phone app icon, he could choose to shortcut directly to the Voicemail tab. This could also apply to deep pressing the News app icon and being taken directly to either the Favorites or For You tabs.

Aside from Force Touch, the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus will feature an A9 processor with 2GB of RAM, a revamped camera system with a 12-megapixel camera, improved Touch ID, and a chassis made of a new material with reinforcements at the weak points that previously caused some iPhones to bend. Rumors suggest the addition of Force Touch and the new reinforcements will cause the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to be 0.2mm thicker, a change that will be hardly noticeable to most users.

Following the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last September, some users began experiencing issues with the larger-sized smartphones bending in their pockets after normal day-to-day usage. The issue -- informally known as "Bendgate" -- became widespread after a video test revealed it does not take much force to cause a slight curvature in the device.

Apple later commented that an iPhone 6 Plus bending under normal use is "extremely rare," adding that it had received only nine complaints from customers about the issue at the time. The company said the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus feature a "precision engineered unibody enclosure" constructed from 6000 series anodized aluminum and "stainless steel and titanium inserts to reinforce high stress locations" on the devices.

Nevertheless, it appears that Apple engineers have tweaked the design of the so-called "iPhone 6s" by strengthening the weak points of the smartphone's rear shell. A new YouTube video shared by Unbox Therapy shows that the areas around the Home and volume buttons on the "iPhone 6s" appear to be notably thicker -- 1.9mm versus 1.14mm -- suggesting that Apple's next iPhones could be less susceptible to bending under normal usage.

Interestingly, the video shows that the "iPhone 6s" rear shell is also slightly lighter, despite having a thicker shell at certain weak points. The purported "iPhone 6s" rear shell weighs in at 25 grams, compared to 27 grams for the iPhone 6 rear shell, suggesting that Apple could be using a new material such as the rumored 7000 Series anodized aluminum for its next-generation smartphones.

MacManiack, a reseller of iPhone, iPad, and Mac parts and accessories, has shared a new video that compares a purported "iPhone 6s" display with an existing iPhone 6 display. The side-by-side comparison reveals that the displays are very similar overall, with identical dimensions and the same placement of the FaceTime camera and proximity sensor, but the front panels do have some notable differences.

The alleged "iPhone 6s" display has a new connector in the top-left corner that supports multiple rumors claiming the next-generation smartphone will be equipped with pressure-sensitive Force Touch technology. The "iPhone 6s" display also has slightly redesigned flex connectors, Touch ID is integrated in the LCD and digitizer connector, and the protective plate on the back of the LCD is glued in place.

As the launch of the so-called "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus" inches closer, multiple components for the upcoming smartphones have leaked from within the supply chain. Chinese phone repair company GeekBar shared three photos of an identical looking "iPhone 6s" display assembly last week, while photos of the device's purported rear shell, logic board, battery, and more parts have also surfaced.

The European Commission has failed to find evidence that Apple conspired with record labels to put a stop to free music streaming services, reports Re/code, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation.

The European Commission spoke with multiple digital music services and record labels, but was not able to find evidence of illegal activity, putting an end to the probe. Investigators' "files will remain open," however, as Spotify continues with licensing talks with major labels.

European regulators began scrutinizing Apple's discussions with record labels in April, over concerns Apple would use its influence to persuade music companies to put an end to free ad-supported music services such as Spotify. Apple Music, unlike Spotify, does not offer a free listening tier.

Rumors later suggested Apple was indeed leveraging its power in the music industry to push record labels to stop offering licensing options for freemium music tiers, leading to investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, both of which are ongoing.

According to Re/code's sources, while the European Commission has found no evidence of collusion between Apple and record labels, it has also launched a separate investigation into Apple's App Store policies concerning competing music services.

Separately, the EU has asked Spotify and other music streaming services for information pertaining to Apple's mobile App Store, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Regulators are seeking information on the restrictions Apple places on apps offered through the store.

Apple's App Store policies are also currently being looked at by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, due to the 30 percent fee the company collects on app and subscription revenue. The FTC is concerned that Apple's fee and its policies, such as a ban on links to outside stores, are illegal under antitrust law.

Continuing on with its "If it's not an iPhone, it's not an iPhone" advertising campaign, Apple today updated its YouTube channel with a new "iPhone - Photos & Videos" ad that focuses on the photographic capabilities of the iPhone.

The ad depicts an assortment of artfully arranged iPhones that display photos and videos in an assortment of different patterns. A voiceover accompanies the ad, pointing out the iPhone's popularity as a camera and its ease of use.

Every day millions of amazing photos and videos are shot with iPhone. That's because the iPhone makes it easy for everyone to shoot amazing photos and video.

The style of the video mimics the other ads that are part of this particular campaign, "Loved," "iPhone - Hardware & Software," and "Amazing Apps," all of which were released in July. As with those videos, Apple ends the "Photos & Videos" ad with the tagline "If it's not an iPhone, it's not an iPhone."

Apple's latest campaign is the third series of ads for the iPhone, following an initial set of comedy ads from Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake and the "Shot on iPhone 6" campaign that highlights photos captured with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

As part of its newest advertising efforts, Apple also recently introduced a "Why There's Nothing Quite Like an iPhone" web campaign that focuses on features that differentiate the iPhone from competing devices, pointing out the iPhone's integration of hardware and software, wide range of apps, camera, resistance to malware, Touch ID, and Apple Pay.

Apple's annual fall iPhone event will likely be held on Wednesday, September 9, reports BuzzFeed's John Paczkowski, who has provided reliable information on event dates in the past. According to sources that spoke to BuzzFeed, the event will be held during the week of September 7, with September 9 targeted as the most likely date.

The event's focus will be on the next-generation iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, both of which will feature a Force Touch display, an A9 processor, an improved camera system, and a faster LTE chip, among other features. Apple may also unveil new iPads at the event, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro "seems to be a wildcard," says Paczkowski, meaning it could come at the event or at a later date.

In addition to the iPhone and iPad, Apple is also expected to unveil the next-generation Apple TV. The Apple TV will be a huge update over its predecessor, featuring an updated A8 processor, a full App Store, a touch-based remote control, and Siri integration. It will, of course, include an entirely revamped body as well.

With Apple unveiling the new iPhones on September 9, pre-orders, if available, are likely to kick off on Friday, September 11. The two devices are then likely to officially launch later in the month, perhaps on September 18. iPads and the Apple TV will probably launch during the same time frame.

Following an interview yesterday with Evening Standard, Wired today posted an interview with Apple Music executive Jimmy Iovine, in which the Beats co-founder admits the company's need to work to make Connect a better platform for artists and fans alike, and even hints at a possible curation aspect for Apple TV, similar to that of the company's new streaming music service.

"We all know one thing, we all have different television delivery systems, don't we all wish that the delivery systems were better, as far as curation and service?" he says.

"They're all technically good. And Netflix is starting to cross the code because they're starting to make some original content. It is really good, but still I mean none of us make movies here right, so we're all punters, or what do you call them in the music business, fans right? We want to watch movies. Sit down with your girlfriend or a bunch of friends and try to find a movie online. That box helps you none -- it doesn't help. You're on your own. And eventually that will catch them unless somebody digs in and really helps the customer. And entertainment needs that, it needs to live and breathe."

Iovine admits, however, that he wouldn't be the one spearheading such an innovation for the TV side of things, doubly noting that if such a curation aspect for Apple TV did appear, it probably won't be for some time. Speaking candidly with Wired, he said, "I'll tell you man, right now, this [music] is so daunting that I can't even think about anything else."

Before WWDC this year, a brand-new A8-Based Apple TV Box was expected to premiere alongside a long-rumored Apple streaming content service. New rumors point towards a September reveal, alongside the new iPhones, for the set-top box, with no word yet regarding what stages of development the streaming service is in. No specific reference to in-depth curation has been made in the past regarding the next generation of Apple TV, however.

Elsewhere in the interview, Iovine tackles the subject of Apple Music's Connect service, which allows artists to upload videos, songs, and short blog posts to keep fans up-to-date on the behind-the-scenes aspect of their work. As of yet, not much noise has been made coming out of the social network aspect of Apple Music, and Iovine knows the company has to work hard to make Connect what he and his team intended it to be in the first place.

"We have to prove [Connect's value to artists], and we will slowly prove that. That will be the piece of the service that comes along last, or later, and we have some real plans," he tells WIRED. "We're building it out a lot more, it needs a lot of technical work as well. But we believe we'll get there and it'll be a great place for artists to communicate and with a lot of independence and freedom to do what they want to do. But we're still building it."

Wired's full interview with Iovine is worth a read, with more in-depth looks behind the team that curates Apple Music for its users, his history in making and producing records for artists like Eminem and Dr. Dre, and even his opinions on Apple's old earbuds as a fuel for co-founding Beats.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today provided more information on the launch of the next series of iPhones, the so-called "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus," noting that mass production on the smartphone line will begin in late August, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency [Google Translate] (via GforGames). The production ramp-up will reportedly come roughly 1-2 weeks later than originally expected, but the change should not affect Apple's launch plans, which are anticipated to involve a mid-September debut as has been typical for the past several years.

The analyst notes that Foxconn is manufacturing 60 percent of all iPhone 6s models, with Pegatron taking the remaining 40 percent. Foxconn will reportedly handle all of the manufacturing for the larger-screened "iPhone 6s Plus."

Components for the iPhone 6s such as A9 chips and Force Touch-equipped display panels have been said to have been in production for several weeks now, and all of these components will be brought together at Foxconn's and Pegatron's facilities for final assembly.

Apple is facing increasing demand for the new line of iPhones, and a few of Foxconn's factories -- such as the one in Zhengzhou -- are rumored to be ramping up overtime for employees heading into mass production just to be able to meet demand. GforGames also notes that slowing production of the iPhone 6 line ahead of the updated models is providing some breathing room for the manufacturing and production of the new iPhones.

Earlier in the year, Kuo predicted a mid-to-late August time window for mass production on the new line of iPhones, so today's 1-2 week delay still falls inside the previous estimate. Recent rumors regarding the "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus" include the addition of Force Touch, a slightly thicker body to accommodate the new technology, camera improvements and perhaps a rose gold or pink color option.

In late July, Best Buy announced plans to begin Apple Watch sales online and in its retail stores beginning on August 7, and as promised, Apple Watch sales have now kicked off, with the device available for purchase on Best Buy's website.

Best Buy plans to offer 16 models from the aluminum Apple Watch Sport and stainless Steel Apple Watch collections. Models available online include all 38 and 42mm Apple Watch Sport models, and 38 and 42mm stainless steel Apple Watch models with Black Sport Band, White Sport Band, and Milanese Loop.

Apple Watch purchases placed online ship immediately, and in-store pickup is also available. Best Buy will likely begin in-store sales of the Apple Watch when participating retail stores open in the morning across the United States. The Apple Watch is available in 100 Best Buy stores, with Best Buy planning to expand retail availability to more than 300 stores over the next few months.

Best Buy is also selling a selection of Apple Watch Sport Bands and the Milanese Loop, plus the company is offering a wide range of Apple Watch accessories from third-party manufacturers, including charging stands, screen protectors, protective cases, and bands.

Best Buy is the first major national retailer aside from Apple to sell the Apple Watch. Since the device's launch in April, it's been limited to the online Apple Store, Apple retail stores, and select boutiques around the world due to constrained supplies.

Apple has managed to ramp up production and catch up with demand rapidly over the past few months, with the expansion to Best Buy coming less than two months after the Apple Watch became available for purchase in Apple's own retail stores.

Apple made a significant change to its online presence today, merging its Apple.com website with its once-separate online store, to create one main website. There is no longer a standalone store.apple.com website that is used for making purchases, and the "Store" tab that was once at the top of Apple.com has been removed.

Instead, there's a universal shopping bag icon that displays products in the shopping cart, past order information, account details, and favorites. Purchasing an item is now done by clicking the "Buy" button on each individual product page, which links to the same purchasing menus that were present in the online store.

Apple's main site includes direct links to Mac, iPad, iPhone, Watch, Music, and Support. Despite the major integration, Apple's main site is largely unchanged, as are the product pages. Locating accessories is somewhat more difficult, however, with the removal of the central store site and the lack of dedicated store sections. Accessing accessories is largely done by visiting the main product sections and clicking on banners like "Accessories for Apple Watch" and "Accessories for iPhone."

Apple's integrated online store streamlines the shopping experience. Instead of viewing information about a product on the main site and then having to click over to the store, everything is now done in the same place.

In a statement given to TechCrunch, an Apple spokesperson said the change was done in an effort to create a simpler site for customers to learn about and shop for products.

"We redesigned Apple.com knowing that our customers want to explore, research and shop in one place," said an Apple spokesperson in a statement. "The new Apple.com takes the very best of our existing site and our online store to give customers one simple destination to learn and buy without navigating between two different sites. We've also improved several of the site's features to make shopping easier than ever for our customers."

The changes to the Apple.com site were made this afternoon and are live in the United States and several additional countries.

Apple introduced its 2015 Back to School promotion in late July, but it was initially limited to Apple's Retail Stores in a few select countries. As of today, the Back to School Program is also available for purchases made online, and it has expanded to additional countries.

With Apple's 2015 Back to School promotion, students, parents of students, and educators who purchase an eligible Mac will receive a free pair of Beats Solo2 On-Ear Headphones or a pair of Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones at a $200 discount.

Eligible Macs include the iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Pro. The Mac mini, refurbished Macs, iPads, and iPhones are excluded from the 2015 Back to School program.

Apple has added a link to the Back to School promotion on its main site, which takes users to the Education Store and details the promotion. Viewing any Mac in the Education Store also brings up information on the Back to School program.

When an eligible Mac is added to a shopping cart, buyers will have the option to select their free Beats Solo2 headphones in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Blue, Gloss Pink, Gloss Gray, Gloss Red (Product RED), Gold, Silver, or Space Gray. Students hoping to take advantage of the $200 discount on Wireless Solo2 headphones will need to add them to the cart manually.

This year's Back to School promotion is a significant deviation from the deals offered in past years. Previously, Apple provided iTunes or Apple Store gift cards in amounts between $50 to $100 with the purchase of a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Apple's Back to School promotion will run until September 18, 2015.