MacRumors

Netflix today announced that it's adding the ability for users to subscribe to the video streaming service within its iPhone and iPad apps. The announcement was made in a new ad featuring two characters from Netflix show Orange is the New Black who discover and talk to Siri.

However, it was reported in June that Apple was considering changing the 30/70 revenue split to benefit streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Instead, Apple would discuss new commercial terms with media companies. On Apple TV, Apple is offering a more generous revenue split, with the Cupertino company taking 15 percent of revenue generated from HBO Now and other Apple TV apps.

Netflix is a universal app that's available in the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

In response to low-cost yearly upgrade programs from T-Mobile and Sprint, Verizon this afternoon announced a new program that will let iPhone customers upgrade to a new iPhone each year provided half of the device cost has been paid and the old device is traded in.

News of Verizon's program was shared by Re/code, and the site says Verizon's program will be available to all Verizon customers who purchase an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus and pay for their phone in installments. This includes customers who have already pre-ordered their devices.

According to Verizon, its new plan is superior to those offered by competitors because there is an option to pay off the phone over 24 months or pay half and trade it in each year.

"If you're not interested in upgrading, you still have the option to pay your phone off in 24 low monthly payments," Verizon said in a statement. "That's a better option than those "lease plans" offered by other companies, which can include surprise balloon payments just 18 months into your agreement, or ask you to turn over your phone without getting anything for it."

Earlier this week, T-Mobile introduced a JUMP! On Demand promotion that offers the iPhone 6s for as little as $5 per month with a qualifying smartphone trade in. Under the JUMP! On Demand program, customers can upgrade to a new phone as many as three times a year with device trade-ins.

Following the announcement of T-Mobile's promotional pricing, Sprint this morning announced limited time lower prices for its iPhone Forever program, letting customers get an iPhone 6s for as little as $1 per month with the trade-in of an iPhone 6.

With both programs, pricing varies based on iPhone 6s and 6s Plus capacity and the smartphone being traded in.

Apple today updated its Apple Store app for iOS devices to version 3.5, adding support for the new iPhone 6s and the iOS 9 operating system. Apple's release notes for the update are vague, so there are no details on what new features the app might have for iOS 9 and the iPhone 6s.

It's possible the Apple Store app update adds support for the 3D Touch feature built into the new iPhones, enabling Quick Actions that can be accessed directly from the Home screen, but it's also possible this is a simple compatibility update that makes sure the app works properly with the new devices. We'll update this post when we learn more about what's new in today's update.

What's New in Version 3.5
- iOS compatibility update
- Adds support for iPhone 6s

The Apple Store app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Update: Today's update does indeed add 3D Touch Quick Actions to the Apple Store app. A force press from the Home screen on the app icon will bring up options to open the app directly to the store, a list of retail stores, or orders placed.

Schlage today announced that its HomeKit-compatible Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt will be available for purchase beginning in November, with pre-orders that are kicking off today. Priced at $229, the Schlage Sense was previewed earlier this year at CES and is the first door lock that works with Apple's HomeKit home automation service.

With HomeKit integration, the Schlage Sense will allow homeowners to control their door lock with Siri voice commands, and it has the built-in end-to-end encryption that Apple requires of all HomeKit-compatible products.

The Schlage Sense is able to manage as many as 30 access codes through its accompanying app, which will let users create and delete codes at will, check the lock status, and view in-and-out activity. Unlocking the deadbolt can be done via the iPhone app, through Siri, or through a built-in touchscreen, and installing it can be done without professional help.

"We are thrilled to announce the release of the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt into retail. This launch has been highly anticipated, as we continue to reimagine and develop innovative keyless solutions that integrate smart-home technology," said Steve Down, Allegion residential leader. "As a leader in technology and innovation, the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is the newest offering in our suite of electronic products designed to offer consumers the strength, style and convenience that they expect from our brand, and now that also includes support for Apple HomeKit technology."

Schlage is selling the Sense Smart Deadbolt in two of its iconic styles, Camelot and Century, and it will be available in several finishes including Matte Black, Satin Nickel, and Aged Bronze, to match a range of home styles.

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com, and Build.com for $229. It will ship out in November.

Update: Schlage announced at CES 2016 that a Schlage Sense app for Apple Watch and support for Android devices will launch in 2016.

With watchOS 2, Apple introduced a new feature called Nightstand mode, which lets the Apple Watch be used as a nighttime clock and morning alarm when it’s attached to the charger. Nightstand mode only works while the Apple Watch is placed in landscape mode on its side, rendering a lot of early Apple Watch docks and stands less useful.

Going forward, accessory makers will likely focus on making products that work with the new Nightstand feature, but small Apple Watch dock maker Schuttenworks has already developed a simple, high-quality watchOS 2-compatible Apple Watch charging stand called the Ripple.

I’ve been using the Ripple on my night table for several weeks now, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It’s an attractive, low-profile stand that works with all Apple Watch models and all bands, both closed and open-loop, and at $54, it’s not a bad value.

Like its predecessor the Wave, which we reviewed earlier this year, the Ripple uses a clever split design and magnet system to lock the Apple Watch charger in place and keep the cord out of sight.

➜ Click here to read more...

Apple Music DJ Zane Lowe has recently begun discussing the upcoming shows for a few artists on the Beats 1 radio service, including hour-long series centering around Haim, Major Lazer, and Eric Prydz. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Lowe discussed how difficult it was to essentially build an entire radio station from the ground up in just a few months, along with the challenge he and his team faced in gathering enough talent to fill his idea for weekly shows.

“[And] I’ve spent so much time trying to elicit information from musicians,” he continues. “Knocking on doors and hoping for 30 minutes or an hour. That’s hard! That’s really hard! So we thought, ‘What would happen if we convinced them, the artists, to invest in it and create their own platform? What road might that take us down?’ And now, 70-80% of what goes to air is made by people who make music.”

“We knew a lot of the people were only available for a short amount of time. So we were immediately thinking about how it was going to end, which got us to the idea of doing it all in seasons. Once we decided to do that, as challenging as that can be, it created a far more exciting prospect.”

The original programming blocks put into rotation after Apple Music's launch included shows from Elton John, Pharrell, and Dr. Dre. Today's announcement confirms that users will be able to look forward to a new slate of shows coming this fall, with Major Lazer's "Lazer Sound" launching on Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m. Eastern.

A week later, Eric Prydz's show will debut and alternate Friday's with "Lazer Sound." The slot for the band Haim -- which is composed of a trio of sisters from southern California -- has yet to be announced, but Lowe hinted at a show filled with the group's brand of "infectious" music coupled with personal stories about their upbringing. Ultimately, Lowe plans to keep Apple Music and Beats 1 on a path of unique diversity among its music offerings and programmed shows, and thinks that's what ultimately makes the service unique for its users.

“You’re either going to get this really intimate, closed door experience (Homme, St. Vincent), or a very genuine depiction of the banality and craziness of being in different hotel rooms and bus stops (WRTJ),” Lowe says. “I love that. There doesn’t have to be a barrier between us and artists, it can be just as creative of a pursuit as designing your stage set or t-shirt design. Seeing how people have used that has been really, really cool. It’s like, let’s give people all the options, so they can choose. Let’s give them the best, easiest place to hear what they love and maybe find out a thing or two.”

When Apple Music launched over the summer, it was met with a somewhat mixed reaction, balancing praises of its convenience and robust offerings but hampered by its UI and layout, among other launch issues. Many of those who initially signed up for Apple Music and received its three-month-long free trial will soon have to decide whether to commit to paying its $9.99 per month charge or cease using Apple's new streaming music service.

A report from August suggests many of the service's initial users have already begun to stop using it even before their free trial ended. Fortunately for those interested in the radio aspect of Apple Music, Beats 1 and its upcoming shows are available without a subscription.

Sprint today announced a new offer as part of its iPhone Forever program, where customers can get the new 16GB version of the iPhone 6s for $1 per month and the iPhone 6s Plus for $5 per month, with the trade-in of an iPhone 6. The carrier noted that the new offer is a "limited time" deal for those users visiting Sprint's retail locations, with the official launch of the program coinciding with the new iPhone debut on Friday morning.

Just like T-Mobile's offering, the price required to pay each month will vary depending on the exact type of iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus model you purchase, and the quality of the iPhone 6 that is traded in. With that in mind, customers can expect to pay around $5.77/month (64GB) or $10.53 (128GB) when purchasing an iPhone 6s, and $9.77/month (64GB) or $14.53 (128GB) when buying an iPhone 6s Plus.

“Once again it is clear that the best place to get the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is Sprint,” said Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure. “New and existing customers who trade in their current iPhone 6 can now get a device for only $1/month, making it the best way to get the iPhone – and a yearly upgrade is included in this charge. We are certain that more people will continue to switch to Sprint because of the great service and value we offer.”

Those who trade in an iPhone 5s will also be able to participate in the offer, but can expect slightly higher monthly rates due to the older model of the iPhone. Preparations have begun for the launch of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The smartphones will officially go on sale tomorrow, September 25 in first-wave launch countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, and the United States.

Apple today updated its lineup of Solo2 Wireless, Tour2, and Powerbeats 2 Wireless headphones, adding a trio of new colors as part of a new "Active Collection." The Beats Tour2 In-Ear Headphones, Solo2 Wireless Headphones, and Powerbeats2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones are now available in simple primary shades of Blue, Yellow, and Red.

Both the Active Collection Solo2 Wireless Headphones and the Powerbeats2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones will ship out to customers immediately with next day shipping, but the Tour2 In-Ear Headphones lists a delivery date of Tuesday, September 29.

Pricing for the Active Collection starts at $129.95 for the Tour2, with the PowerBeats2 priced at $199.95 and the Solo2 priced at $299.95.