MacRumors

Market research firm comScore today released data on U.S. online shopping for Black Friday, showing strong sales of $816 million, up 26% over last year's numbers. According to the data, Apple ranked as the fifth most-visited online retailer in the country on Black Friday, trailing Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. comScore noted in a statement to AllThingsD that Apple was "nipping at Target's heels" for fourth place in the rankings.

Fifty million Americans visited online retail sites on Black Friday, representing an increase of 35 percent versus year ago. Each of the top five retail sites achieved double-digit gains in visitors vs. last year, led by Amazon. Walmart ranked second, followed by Best Buy, Target and Apple.

“Each of the top online retailers generated significantly greater Black Friday activity compared to last year,” added [comScore chairman Gian] Fulgoni. “Amazon.com once again led the pack, with 50 percent more visitors than any other retailer, while also showing the highest growth rate versus last year. However, it is telling that the top multi-channel retailers also showed strong growth in visitors, demonstrating the importance of the online channel to the retail industry as a whole.”

In addition to its online retail presence, Apple obviously also operates an extensive network of retail stores, with nearly 250 locations in the United States. The company's products are also carried by the four online retailers that ranked ahead of Apple in Black Friday traffic, increasing its impact for what is expected to be a blockbuster holiday quarter for Apple.

The Register points to a press release (PDF) from Australian airline Regional Express describing an incident last Friday in which an iPhone experienced "self combustion" onboard an aircraft just after the flight landed in Sydney. Based on an accompanying photo of the damaged iPhone, the device appears to be an iPhone 4.

Regional Express (Rex) flight ZL319 operating from Lismore to Sydney today had an occurrence after landing, when a passenger’s mobile phone started emitting a significant amount of dense smoke, accompanied by a red glow.

In accordance with company standard safety procedures, the Flight Attendant carried out recovery actions immediately and the red glow was extinguished successfully.

A photo of the device shows a shattered rear glass panel and an apparent burn or scorch mark in the area corresponding to the lower half of the device's battery.

The press release offers no additional information on the circumstances surrounding the incident, such as whether the passenger was attempting to use the device at the time, but the iPhone has been turned over to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for investigation.

iPhone-related combustion is not an unheard-of phenomenon, although most reported incidents appear to have involved charging issues. This incident's occurrence on an airplane does, however, obviously draw some attention to the dangers of any potential combustion sources in such settings and will no doubt be thoroughly investigated in an attempt to determine its root cause.

Bloomberg reports that Sotheby's is preparing to auction off the original three-page document that served as the contract among Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne to establish Apple Computer on April 1st, 1976. The auction, set for December 13th, is predicted to see the document fetch $100,000 to $150,000.

“This is a foundation document in terms of financial history, social history and technological history,” said Richard Austin, the head of books and manuscripts at Sotheby’s in New York.

Additional papers documenting Ron Wayne's withdrawal as a partner just 12 days after the company was formed are also included in the auction package. Wayne initially received $800 for his 10% share of the company, and later received an additional $1,500 payment.

According to Sotheby's, Wayne sold the documents to a manuscript dealer at some point before another party acquired them in the mid-1990s as Apple appeared close to bankruptcy before Jobs returned to the company. That party has now decided to sell the documents given the recent publicity about Jobs following his death and the release of his authorized biography.

The Sotheby's auction of "fine books and manuscripts" includes over 350 separate lots, with the $100,000-$150,000 estimate for the Apple documents ranking in a tie for third with a 1733 map of America. The most valuable lot is predicted to be a 1789 letter from George Washington, which is estimated to sell for $300,000-$500,000.

Apple today revealed on its U.S. online store page that it will be offering free shipping on all orders placed through December 22nd. Free shipping from Apple typically requires a minimum $50 purchase, so the new program offers customers the opportunity to save some money on lower-cost purchases such as accessories.

In addition to the free shipping on all orders, Apple touts several other benefits such as free engraving on iPods and iPads, signature gift wrapping, and build-to-order Mac configurations as reasons to buy directly from Apple.

The free shipping situation is a bit more complicated internationally, however, with some countries such as New Zealand offering free shipping on all orders through December 25th while stores for other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom are only offering the free shipping for today.

Today is "Cyber Monday", as the Monday following Thanksgiving in the United States has become significant day for online holiday shopping as customers return to work from travels over the holiday weekend. While Apple does not offer specific Cyber Monday discounts on its products, a number of other retailers do participate in deals to help attract customers today.

Digitimes reports that Apple is set to update its MacBook Air line early next year, with a new 15-inch model appearing alongside refreshed 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch models. The update will reportedly take place during the first quarter of 2012.

Apple reportedly is set to launch its new MacBook Air series notebooks with panel sizes of 11.6-inch, 13.3-inch and 15-inch in the first quarter of 2012 and will directly compete against ultrabooks from PC brand vendors, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

The sources noted that related upstream players have already started pilot production of the MacBook Air models and will add a 15-inch model into the product line to expand its reach in the ultra-thin notebook market.

The report notes that discounts on the current MacBook Air models should extend through the lead-up to the debut of the new models, continuing to drive Apple's already-strong sales of the ultra-thin notebook line.

We first began hearing word of an ultra-thin 15-inch notebook from Apple back in July, with other sources also weighing in on the topic in recent weeks. Digitimes had previously indicated that component production for the notebook had begun with an eye toward a second quarter 2012 launch.

Sources have generally been unsure whether the new 15-inch notebook would be an expansion of the MacBook Air line or if it would appear as a slimmer MacBook Pro model, but this latest report indicates that it will indeed be a MacBook Air product.

Intel's Ivy Bridge platform, which is due for a spring launch in line with the reported MacBook Air revamp timeline, will bring a significant upgrade to the line's performance, particularly with regard to graphics improvements and new OpenCL support.

iPhone 4 (3.5") top vs Galaxy S (4") bottom via Engadget

According to Asian source, Hitachi Displays, Ltd. and Sony Mobile Display Corporation started to ship 4-inch LCD for new iOS device and LCD for iPad 3. These 2 companies will be merged their business with Toshiba Mobile Display Co., Ltd., as "Japan Display" in 2012 spring.

The report doesn't specify which iOS device that the screens would be used for, but the most natural choice would be the next generation iPhone. Apple has been said to be exploring the use of a 4" display for their upcoming iPhone. iLounge previously indicated that the 2012 iPhone would use a 4" display.

So far, Apple has only used a 3.5" display across its iPhone line, and there have been arguments that 3.5" may be the ideal size for one-handed use.

VR-Zone reports that Intel is quietly working on developing a standard docking format for their upcoming Ultrabook platform. The new docking system would incorporate a Thunderbolt connector as well as what appears to be a proprietary connector as well.

The non-Thunderbolt port would reportedly be used for power as well as direct access for the Ethernet controller which is required to support technologies such as Intel vPro and Microsoft's Connected Standby.

Apple's own solution has been much simpler. Their Thunderbolt Cinema Display offers a single cable which splits into a Thunderbolt cable and a Magsafe power cable. The Thunderbolt cable carries USB 2.0, FireWire 800, Ethernet, and Video from your laptop to the monitor.

Intel is aggressively pushing forward the concept of the Ultrabook which bears a close resemblance to Apple's MacBook Air. Ultrabooks are expected to be the hot product at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 which takes place in January.

The Wall Street Journal offers their own sources that confirm that Apple will be using Sharp as a source of display parts for the upcoming iPad 3.

Apple Inc. is adding Sharp Corp. as a maker of screens used in the next-generation iPad, people familiar with the situation said Thursday, as the U.S. consumer electronics company moves to diversify component suppliers for its products.

According to their source, Apple is also investing in Sharp's panel manufacturing factories in Japan to ensure it can get enough supplies for its iOS devices.

Sharp has been mentioned a number of times by various rumors as a new source of iPad screens for Apple. A recent analyst report said that production of iPad 3 screens was already underway and included Samsung, LG and Sharp.

Then, just on Wednesday, another analyst reported that Sharp may actually be supplying Apple with specially designed screens for the iPad 3. According to that report, Apple and Sharp have developed a new technology to allow a thinner high resolution display for the next iPad. Finally, Sharp may also be involved in Apple's television set plans, also supplying parts for that project as well.

Black Friday kicked off on the day after Thanksgiving and frequently offers customers short term sales on many products. While Apple does participate, their discounts tend to be rather small. Other online retailers can sometimes fill the gap to offer more enticing offers.

Sales Tax

National retailers such as Apple and Best Buy charge local sales tax on all orders. So, the advantage of using other online-only retailers is not getting charged that sales tax at the time of order (though you are typically expected to report it later). Local sales taxes are automatically charged for the following retailers in the following states:

- Amazon: Kansas, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota, or Washington
- MacMall: North Carolina, Illinois, New York, California, Tennessee, Minnesota, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

So, if you are in one of those states, it may make sense to look elsewhere or simply buy locally anyway if the savings are comparable.

iPad 2s

BestBuy was offering $45 off all iPad 2 models, but it appears to be sold out online. You may have luck at your local stores.

MacMall is offering $25-$45 discounts on iPad 2s as well depending on model. They appear to still be in stock.

Apple's online store is offering $41-$61 off the iPad 2 depending on model. Stock should be good from Apple.

Discounts on Other Apple Products

Apple's online sales prices will be on their online Apple Store, but their discounts will generally be the worst for most products (iPad 2 exception above), especially when sales tax is included.

Here's a list of prices at MacMall, Amazon and Apple Online's prices across the range of Apple's products.

Note that Best Buy has particularly good deal on an 11" MacBook Air for $849 ($150 off), though they are out of stock on their online store.

Others Discounts of Interest

- $100 iTunes Gift Card - for $80
- Microsoft Office Home and Student - for $69.99 ($50 off)
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 - for $49.99 ($50 off)
- For Fry's, they are offering 8GB iPod Touch for $188 and you get a free $50 gift card. In store only (not online).
- iCade - $59.99 ($40 off)
- VMWare Fusion - $29.99 ($20 off)
- 27" Thunderbolt Display - $929 ($70 off)

AppShopper tracks sales for iOS and Mac app stores. Some notable sales:

iOS:
- djay ($19.99 -> $9.99)
- RISK ($2.99 -> $0.99)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas ($6.99 -> $4.99)
- Real Racing ($2.99 -> $0.99)
- Mirrors Edge for iPad ($9.99 ->$1.99)

Mac:
- Grand Theft Auto 3 ($14.99 -> $6.99)
- 1Password ($49.99 -> $24.99)

Price Matching

We've heard that retail Apple Stores will price match on Black Friday with other authorized retailers if asked.

Please note that prices may fluctuate during the day, though we try to keep on top of them. Several of the vendors listed are affiliate partners with MacRumors and referred sales may benefit the site financially.

Bloomberg reports that an Australian appeals court is currently hearing testimony in its review of the injunction currently preventing Samsung from selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the country due to complaints from Apple of design infringement.

According to the report, judges in the appeals case appear to be somewhat skeptical of the fairness of the injunction, leading to speculation that they may lift the injunction when they rule on the case early next week.

“The result looks terribly fair to Apple and not terribly fair to Samsung,” Federal Court Justice Lindsay Foster said today at a hearing in Sydney on Samsung’s appeal for the ban to be overturned.

Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett issued an injunction Oct. 13 barring the sale of the Galaxy 10.1 Tab in Australia until Apple and Samsung resolve the patent dispute at trial. Bennett failed to consider the “dire consequences” of the ban on Samsung, which has been “entirely shut out” from marketing the device, Neil Young, Samsung’s lawyer, said today.

Judges also questioned whether lifting the injunction would severely harm Apple during the approximately three-month window before the full trial can take place in March.

The introduction of the Galaxy tablet at 600 Australian stores would also affect sales of iPhones, Mac computers and applications because people who buy one device tend to purchase other related products, [Apple lawyer Stephen] Burley said.

“We’re talking about a period of three months and all of Apple will come tumbling down?” [Justice John] Dowsett said. That’s “very speculative,” he said.

Samsung has noted that it will scrap the Galaxy Tab 10.1 launch in Australia entirely if it is not permitted to sell during the holiday shopping season, arguing that it will have missed the window to make an impact in the market. The company has also faced lawsuits and injunctions in other countries and just last week introduced a tweaked version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany in an attempt to skirt around an injunction there and satisfy complaints that the original design too closely mimicked that of the iPad.

Much has been made of Foxconn's efforts to begin producing iPads in Brazil, but the initiative has also included iPhone production that has moved along at a bit faster pace than the iPad plans.

As evidence of the fact that Brazilian iPhone production is already up and running, MacMagazine.com.br shares photos [Google translation] of a new 8 GB iPhone 4 carrying markings revealing that it was manufactured in Brazil.

Aside from an "Indústria Brasileira" notice replacing the usual "Assembled in China" statement found on most iPhones, the new Brazilian model also includes a regulatory agency logo from Anatel, the Brazilian Agency of Telecommunications. The software also reports a model number of MD198BR, with the "BR" suffix suggesting a Brazil-specific model.

Apple has yet to introduce the 8 GB iPhone 4 in Brazil, but a separate source has reportedly told MacMagazine.com.br that the device is set to launch on December 2nd. The launch of that device would almost certainly come alongside the debut of the iPhone 4S in Brazil, although specific information on a launch date for the iPhone 4S has not yet been received by the site.

High Brazilian import taxes on goods such as the iPhone and iPad have resulted in slow adoption of Apple's devices in the world's fifth most populous country. By moving production into the country, Apple and Foxconn hope to spur growth there while also expanding and diversifying manufacturing for worldwide distribution.

iPad production has apparently yet to begin in Brazil, although Foxconn has claimed that it will be ramping up manufacturing of the device there next month.

Australian promotional page

As reported, the discounts appear similar to last year, with expected discounts in the U.S. to be $41-$61 off iPad 2s and $101 off MacBook Pros, Airs, and iMacs.

As usual, App Store developers frequently use the holidays to hold sales on their apps. AppShopper tracks these sales for both iOS and Mac App Stores.

Our affiliate partner MacMall has already started their Black Friday sales with discounts across a range of Apple products and accessories. We'll be putting together a round up of all deals on Apple products. Please submit tips for any other good Apple-related deals that are spotted.