T-Mobile appears to be experiencing a significant outage, with many T-Mobile customers unable to make calls or send text messages, reports TechCrunch.
Based on reports on Twitter and other social networks, the outage started at approximately 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
There's no word on just how many people are impacted by the service issues, but there are dozens of reports from T-Mobile users across multiple states.
It's not known when the outage might be resolved, but a T-Mobile support account reportedly said the carrier's engineers are "working on a resolution." We'll update this article when the issue has been resolved.
Amid all the online chatter about Apple Card, you may have come across references to the "arbitration clause" in Apple's agreement, and how you should opt out of it if you intend to apply for the credit card. So what is arbitration, and why should you steer clear of it?
Basically, arbitration is a way to resolve legal disputes between two parties (in this case, between you and Goldman Sachs, which backs Apple Card) without going through the courts.
Arbitration is often touted as being a quicker and less expensive way to resolve disputes. The problem is that arbitration often favors the company over the consumer, because the arbitrator(s) is typically chosen by the company, handing them an unfair advantage.
When you agree to Apple Card's terms and conditions, you are agreeing to forced arbitration to resolve any potential disputes between you and Goldman Sachs. In other words, you're waiving the right to individually sue the bank or be part of a class action lawsuit against the company.
The key passage in the Apple Card terms and conditions is as follows:
By accepting this Agreement or using your Account, unless you reject arbitration as provided below, you acknowledge that you are giving up the right to litigate claims (as defined below) and the right to initiate or participate in a class action. You hereby knowingly and voluntarily waive the right to be heard in court or have a jury trial on all Claims subject to this Agreement.
The good news is that there are several ways you can request to opt out of arbitration. Customers in the U.S. can call Apple on 877-255-5923, or they can send a letter to Lockbox 6112, P.O. Box 7247, Philadelphia, PA 19170-6112. However, the easiest method is to use the Messages feature in the iOS Wallet app. The following steps show you how.
Tap the black ellipsis button (the three encircled dots) in the top-right corner of the screen.
Tap Message.
Send a message stating that you'd like to opt out of Apple Card arbitration. You'll be connected to a Goldman Sachs assistant who will process your request within a few minutes.
At the time of writing, Apple doesn't seem to be providing confirmation when you opt out of arbitration via the Message route, so the best advice for now is to take screenshots of your conversation for safekeeping, just in case.
Apple this morning shared a new Apple Card support document, which covers proper cleaning and storage methods to maintain the card's signature white finish.
If the Apple Card gets dirty, Apple recommends gently wiping it with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. A soft microfiber cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol can also be used for stain removal.
Apple says that household cleaners, abrasives, solvents, ammonia, aerosol sprays and compressed air must be avoided, and warns that some fabrics, such as leather and denim, have the potential to cause permanent discoloration.
Due to the multi-layer coating process that gives the titanium card its white finish, Apple has detailed rules for proper storage.
The Apple Card should be stored in a wallet, pocket, or bag constructed from soft materials, and it should not touch another credit card because doing so could cause scratching.
Apple also warns against putting the Apple Card near magnets because doing so could cause the magnetic strip to become demagnetized, and Apple also says that the Apple Card should not be put in a pocket or bag that contains loose change, keys, or other potentially abrasive objects.
Over on our YouTube channel, we have an ongoing video series that's designed to highlight new, interesting, and useful iOS apps that we think are worth downloading and checking out
There are so many apps in the iOS App Store that it can be hard to find new apps and it's also easy to overlook great apps that are a bit older. Our app lists include both new and old apps that we recommend and have tested out.
Movies Anywhere (Free) - The Movies Anywhere app isn't new, but it might be new to some. It's basically an app that brings all of your movies together into one spot so you can see your whole media catalog at once. If you have DVDs with digital codes from VUDU, content from iTunes, and content from Amazon, you can get to it in one spot, plus you can rent and buy new movies.
Libby (Free) - You might not know this, but if you have a library card in the United States, you can likely access a whole collection of eBooks and audiobooks that can be checked out through Libby. Libby supports a whole wide range of libraries and makes it easy for you to find and borrow books and place holds on content. You can send books to your Kindle or read right in the Libby app.
Madden NFL Mobile (Free) - Madden Mobile was updated for the 2019 season recently, and if you're not familiar with it, the game is meant to let you take on the role of an NFL GM as you take your team to the Super Bowl and play through dynamic NFL seasons. You can choose your NFL franchise, sign players, complete daily tasks, and face off with NFL superstars. It's free, but there are in-app purchases.
Archero (Free) - Archero is a fun little archery game where the goal is to use a bow and arrow to defeat wave after wave of monsters. It's simple but engrossing, and you'll run into all kinds of enemies while using unique skills to blast them into oblivion. Archero is free, but has in-app purchases.
Spotify Stations (Free) - Spotify Stations is a standalone Spotify app that came out earlier this year. It's designed to let you create radio stations based on your favorite songs and artists, much like Pandora. Radio stations in Spotify aren't new, but Spotify Stations makes the feature a lot easier to use.
Have a favorite iOS app? Let us know in the comments. We're always looking for new iOS app ideas for this video series, and we'll check out your suggestions. You can check out our recommendations from previous months here, and don't miss our similar Mac app series featuring great Mac apps worth downloading.
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 90 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Web API, Media, WebRTC, WebGPU, and Web Inspector.
The new Safari Technology Preview update is available for both macOS Mojave and MacOS Catalina, the newest version of the Mac operating system that was introduced at the June Worldwide Developers Conference.
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.
The Chicago Tribune recently launched an investigation into the radiofrequency radiation levels output by popular smartphones, and found that some of Apple's iPhones are allegedly emitting radiofrequency radiation that exceeds safety limits.
According to the newspaper, it contracted an accredited lab to test several smartphones according to federal guidelines. iPhones were secured below clear liquid formulated to simulate human tissue while probes measured the radiofrequency radiation the liquid absorbed.
Several iPhones measured over the legal safety limits in the tests, but the worst performer was the iPhone 7. Its radiofrequency radiation exposure was over the legal limit and more than double what Apple reported to federal regulators.
The iPhone X was slightly over limits in some tests, as was the iPhone 8, while the 8 Plus stayed within the legal range. iPhones were tested twice after Apple provided feedback on the testing method. The modified test "added steps intended to activate sensors designed to reduce the phones' power."
In these modified tests, where a reporter held the iPhone to activate the sensors in question, the iPhone 8 was under the 5mm limit, but the iPhone 7 models were not. Apple disputed the results found by The Chicago Tribune and said that the lab did not test the iPhones in the same way that Apple does, though Apple would not specify what was done wrong in the testing. Apple also said the modified testing had been done wrong.
Apple officials declined to be interviewed, and asked The Chicago Tribune to submit questions in writing, which were not responded to ahead of publication. Apple later shared a statement that again said the testing was inaccurate "due to the test setup not being in accordance with procedures necessary to properly assess the iPhone models."
"All iPhone models, including iPhone 7, are fully certified by the FCC and in every other country where iPhone is sold," the statement said. "After careful review and subsequent validation of all iPhone models tested in the (Tribune) report, we confirmed we are in compliance and meet all applicable ... exposure guidelines and limits."
The FCC, meanwhile, said that it is going to be doing its own testing over the next couple of months.
"We take seriously any claims on non-compliance with the RF (radiofrequency) exposure standards and will be obtaining and testing the subject phones for compliance with FCC rules," agency spokesman Neil Grace said.
Smartphones from Samsung, Motorola, and Vivo were also tested, and most of these also demonstrated radiofrequency radiation levels that exceed FCC guidelines in The Chicago Tribune's testing.
Both the FCC and smartphone manufacturers test all new smartphones before they're able to be released to the market, making sure devices comply with exposure standards for radiofrequency radiation. The Chicago Tribune claims that this is problematic because just one phone needs to pass and manufacturers are allowed to select the testing lab.
While tests can be conducted from up to 25mm away, The Chicago Tribune used the distance that manufacturers choose for their own tests. In Apple's case, that's 5mm. A second test was also done at 2mm to simulate the way most people carry their phones.
It's worth noting that testing was done in a way to simulate the worst possible exposure conditions.
The phone was now operating at full power, creating what was essentially a worst-case scenario in terms of radiofrequency radiation exposure. Typically, Moulton said, consumers do not experience exposure like this. But it could happen, he said, in limited situations, such as someone talking continuously in an area with a weak connection.
The Chicago Tribune says that its testing was not meant to rank phone models for safety, and in the limited testing, only 11 models were examined. In many cases, just one device was tested, and even then, the paper says it's not known whether the cellphones found to be above the limits even have the potential to cause harm.
Apple tells customers worried about radiofrequency radiation exposure to use a hands-free option, and on some iPhone models, such as the iPhone 4 and 4s, Apple has recommended carrying the devices at least 10mm away from the body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below tested levels. Apple made a similar suggestion with the iPhone 7 when submitting documentation to the FCC, but allegedly did not go on to inform customers about the 5mm distance recommendation.
The FCC plans to do additional testing on smartphones to follow up, which should give more insight into the safety of smartphones. For more on the testing procedures and the results, The Chicago Tribune's full report goes into much more detail and is well worth reading for those who are concerned.
Samsung today debuted a bunch of GIFs that are meant to serve as comebacks for Android users who are maligned for their green text bubbles.
As iPhone owners know, iMessages on an iPhone are denoted with a blue chat bubble, while SMS text messages from other devices such as Samsung devices are green. That lets iPhone users know who has an iPhone and who doesn't.
iOS users often prefer texting other iOS users over Android users because SMS messages lack many of the capabilities available to iMessage users. If you've ever been in a group text with a bunch of iPhone users and one Android user, for example, you've probably run into bugs and other limitations.
iPhone users' preference for blue bubbles sometimes leads to Android users being teased or left out of conversations. Samsung's solution is, as The Verge points out, apparently a series of GIFs shared on Giphy that Android users can send to the iPhone users who make fun of them for green bubbles.
All of the GIFs feature weird animated green chat bubbles that range from creepy to bizarre. There's "Deal With It" green bubble lettering, a unicorn that stabs a blue chat bubble and turns it green, a green chat bubble with huge muscles showing off, an iguana that turns a green bubble blue, and more.
In many of the GIFs, green bubbles are seen as defeating or conquering blue bubbles in some way, suggesting SMS texts are superior to iMessage texts. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Samsung made more than 20 GIFs that are on Giphy for Android users to take advantage of, and according to The Verge, Samsung is reaching out to Instagram meme pages to ask them to share the GIFs plus the hashtag #GreenDontCare.
Well-known accessory makers Anker and Aukey have introduced many new discounts this week, offering notable sales on helpful Apple accessories like wireless chargers, portable batteries, Lightning cables, and more. We've listed every deal from each company below, along with the expiration dates for each discount so you know how long you have to take advantage of the sales.
We routinely keep track of the latest discount codes offered by Anker and Aukey in our full Deals Roundup. If you're interested in power accessories for Apple devices, be sure to check out our giveaway this week to enter for a chance to win RAVPower's new 61W USB-C Power Adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple today seeded the eighth beta of watchOS 6, the software that runs on the Apple Watch. The new beta comes a week after the seventh beta and over two months after Apple first unveiled the new watchOS update at the Worldwide Developers Conference.
To install the watchOS 6 beta, you'll need the proper configuration profile, which can be obtained through the Apple Developer Center. Once the profile is in place, the beta can be downloaded using the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.
Installing the software requires the Apple Watch to have 50 percent battery. It also needs to be put on a charger and it has to be in range of the iPhone.
watchOS 6 is a major update that offers up a long list of new features. First and foremost, there's an App Store right on the Apple Watch, so you can find and download new Apple Watch apps on your wrist.
Apple Watch apps no longer need to have an iPhone component, which means developers can create standalone Apple Watch apps for the first time. Apps are able to take advantage of new APIs so you'll be able to do things like follow along with a workout or listen to streaming music from third-party services.
Since Apple Watch apps are now independent of apps on the iPhone, you can now remove some built-in apps from the Apple Watch, a feature that was enabled in beta 3.
There are several new watch faces in watchOS 6, including Numerals Mono and Duo with huge numbers, Modular Compact, a Gradient watch face that shifts over the course of a day, a Solar Dial watch face that visualizes the sun in a 24 hour path around the dial, and the California watch face with a mix of standard numbers and roman numerals.
A new Taptic Chimes feature provides a silent touch on the wrist at every hour, and if sound is turned on, you'll hear an audible chime. You can also hold two fingers on the Apple Watch's display to hear the time spoken out loud.
There are new Audiobooks, Voice Memos, and Calculator apps, along with a new Noise app that warns you if you're exposed to sound that's too loud and a new Cycle Tracking app for period tracking. Activity Trends, visible on the iPhone, are also available to chart your fitness progress and make sure your fitness trends are improving.
New complications are available for wind speed, chance of rain, and the new Noise app, plus there's a Voice Memos complication for recording a memo quickly, a cellular strength complication, and a complication for the Calculator that opens up the app.
Siri can now provide full web search results right on the watch when asked a question, and for Mac users, the Apple Watch can now approve Mac security prompts.
When it launches in the fall, watchOS 6 will be available on all Apple Watch models with the exception of the original Apple Watch, released in 2015. For more on what's new in watchOS 6, make sure to check out our watchOS 6 roundup.
Apple today seeded the eighth betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS to developers for testing purposes, a week after releasing the seventh betas and two months after unveiling the new operating system at the Worldwide Developers Conference.
Registered developers will need to download the profile for the iOS 13 and iPadOS betas from Apple's Developer Center. This beta, like earlier betas, can be downloaded over-the-air once the proper profile has been installed.
Apple split iOS 13 and iPadOS into separate updates in 2019, one designed for iPhone and one designed for iPad. iPadOS is identical to iOS 13 in almost every way, though there are some iPad-specific features such as new multitasking capabilities. For the most part, the two operating systems share the same features.
iOS 13 is a huge update with a long list of new features. Perhaps the most noticeable outward-facing change is a systemwide Dark Mode that changes the entire look of the operating system from light to dark, darkening everything from system elements to apps.
Apple overhauled the Photos app, introducing a new Photos tab that curates your entire Photos library and shows you a selection of highlights organized by day, month, or year, and there are revamped Photo editing tools.
For the first time, you can edit video right in the Photos app, cropping, rotating, applying filters, and adjusting lighting and color. There's a new High-Key Mono lighting effect, and for Portrait Lighting in general, intensity can be adjusted.
There's a less obtrusive volume HUD, a new Find My app that combines Find My iPhone and Find My Friends and lets you track your devices even with they don't have an LTE or WiFi connection.
A Sign In with Apple feature gives you a convenient and data safe way to sign into apps and websites, providing an alternative to Facebook and Google sign in options. Apple's even able to generate single-use randomized email addresses so you don't have to give your real info to apps and websites. Sign in with Apple requires developers to support the feature, so it won't be widely available until iOS 13 launches.
Maps features a new street-level "Look Around" mode and a Collections feature for making lists of places, Reminders has been entirely overhauled to make it more functional, there's a profile option in Messages along with new Memoji and Animoji stickers, and Siri has a new voice.
CarPlay in iOS 13 has been overhauled with a new look, multiple sets of AirPods (or Powerbeats Pro) can be connected to the same phone so you can share music with a friend, Siri on HomePod can detect multiple voices for multi-user support, and HomePod also supports Handoff.
There are a ton of additional new features and changes coming in iOS 13, and for a full rundown of what you can expect, you should check out our iOS 13 roundup.
Each new beta brings new features and changes to iOS 13, and the seventh beta added tweaks to Find My, an option for deleting Message attachments, changes to the Dark Mode wording, new options for mail received by blocked senders, and more.
At least one case maker is expecting Apple Pencil support for the upcoming 2019 iPhones, despite no solid rumors suggesting the new devices will work with the Apple Pencil.
Case site Mobile Fun is, as of this morning, stocking an "iPhone 11 Pro" case from Olixar with a built-in mini Apple Pencil holder. The case maker seems to believe Apple is designing a smaller version of the Apple Pencil that will work with at least the larger 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max successor.
The case in question is a rendering, not a real case, and it therefore doesn't offer concrete evidence that Apple is planning to introduce Apple Pencil support for the 2019 iPhone lineup. It's not even clear if Olixar has actually manufactured these cases, especially because the Apple Pencil sleeve on the back doesn't look functional. From the accessory's description:
Crafted from premium genuine leather, this exquisite grey case from Olixar for the iPhone 11 Pro provides stunning style and prestigious protection for your phone in a slim and sleek package, with the added convenience of an Apple Pencil sleeve.
There have been some rumors and analyst predictions hinting at Apple Pencil support, but thus far we've heard nothing from a reliable source.
Were Apple indeed developing a miniature version of the Apple Pencil that works with the 2019 iPhone, it's likely we would have heard more about it by this point given the detailed rumors we've heard about other aspects of the 2019 iPhone lineup.
That said, Korean site The Investor said in 2017 that Apple would introduce Apple Pencil support for iPhone as soon as 2019, and recently, Citi Research listed the Apple Pencil as one prospective feature for the new devices.
One reliable source, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, has said that Apple Pencil support is a possibility for a future iPhone, but that was in 2018 and he has made no further mention about Apple Pencil support in the 2019 device lineup.
Many times, early case designs for upcoming iPhones are accurate because there's a lot of money in being first to design a case for a new device, but in this situation, Olixar may just be aiming to draw eyes to its brand name using a case rendering for a feature that's interesting, but likely not coming.
For details on all of the features we do expect in the 2019 iPhone lineup, such as triple-lens cameras, bilateral wireless charging, larger batteries, and more, make sure to check out our 2019 iPhone roundup.
Twelve South today announced the all-new Journal for iPad Pro, a new leather case made specifically for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models.
Journal for iPad Pro includes a built-in shell that holds the tablet, and includes a storage space for the Apple Pencil. There's also an interior pocket to hold a compact Bluetooth keyboard or paper documents.
The new case matches existing Journal accessories from Twelve South, like the Journal for MacBook, Journal for iPhone, and the Journal CaddySack. The new iPad Pro version includes a full zippered edge to fully secure the tablet when it's inside the case.
Journal for iPad Pro is priced at $99.99 for the 11-inch model and $119.99 for the 12.9-inch model. It's available to purchase today on TwelveSouth.com.
Just weeks away from its annual September event, Apple has filed several unreleased iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac model numbers with the Eurasian Economic Commission today, according to filings uncovered by MacRumors.
There appears to be over a dozen new iPhone models listed as running iOS 13, including A2111, A2160, A2161, A2215, A2216, A2217, A2218, A2219, A2220, A2221, A2223, A2296, and A2298, as well as four new Apple Watch models listed as running watchOS 6, including A2156, A2157, A2092, and A2093.
All of those iPhone models except A2296 and A2298 were previously filed in May as running iOS 12, and have now been updated to reflect that they are running iOS 13, while the Apple Watch listings have never been seen before.
As for the Mac, 11 model numbers have been filed, but all of them have either been released or were already filed in June as running macOS Mojave and have merely been updated to reflect macOS Catalina. At least one of these models could certainly be the 16-inch MacBook Pro rumored to launch this fall.
The filings do not reveal specific product names, so we cannot confirm details like whether the Apple Watch models are considered Apple Watch Series 5 models, but new models of some kind are evidently coming. Leaked assets from watchOS 6 recently revealed upcoming titanium and ceramic Apple Watch finishes.
The new iPhone and Apple Watch models will very likely be unveiled in September, while the new Macs will likely arrive in October or later.
There are also some already-released products on the list that have been filed as running Apple's latest operating systems, including various older iPhone, iPod touch, Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models.
Eurasian Economic Commission filings like these have foreshadowed the release of new Apple products on numerous occasions, including multiple iPad, iPad Pro, iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods models. The filings are legally required for any encrypted devices sold in Russia and select other countries.
There are quite a few discounts on the MacBook Air going on this week, including models from late 2018 and mid 2019. Sales can be found at Best Buy and Amazon, with as much as $350 off Apple's MacBook Air.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Prices start at $849.99 for the late 2018 128GB MacBook Air, and $899.99 for the mid 2019 128GB MacBook Air. We've rounded up each model discounted in the list below.
MacBook Air Sale
Late 2018
128GB - $849.99, down from $1,199.00 ($350 off, lowest ever) [Best Buy]
256GB - $1,049.99, down from $1,399.00 ($350 off, lowest ever) [Best Buy]
Mid 2019
128GB - $899.99, down from $1,099.00 ($200 off, lowest ever) [Best Buy]
256GB - $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00 ($200 off, lowest ever) [Amazon and Best Buy]
Best Buy is also continuing to discount a variety of Apple Watch models, including both the Series 3 and Series 4 versions of Apple's smartwatch. For these sales and more, be sure to head to our full Deals Roundup.
Chase Bank today announced that it will be shutting down its Chase Pay app for iOS and Android in early 2020, at which point the QR code-based payment service will no longer be available for use in stores.
Chase said it is shifting its focus to expanding Chase Pay's presence in more merchant apps and websites, including Grubhub and the new Chase Center venue app launching for the upcoming Golden State Warriors season.
"We continue to focus on our customers and they are using the Chase Pay button on merchant websites and in merchant apps, and now their tap-to-pay Chase cards more than ever," said Eric Connolly, head of Chase Pay. "So, we're shifting our focus to expand Chase Pay's presence in more merchant apps and websites."
Chase Pay failed to gain significant traction in stores, likely because it is less convenient than contactless payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Pay. In fairness, Chase has also offered Apple Pay since 2014.
Chase began informing customers about this news by email today.
Apple is widely expected to unveil three new iPhones in just under three weeks, and ahead of time, Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes has shared a laundry list of its expectations for the devices.
The paywalled report corroborates several existing rumors, including the 2019 iPhones having the same display sizes as the 2018 lineup, including 5.8-inch OLED, 6.5-inch OLED, and 6.1-inch LCD models. All three iPhones are said to feature Face ID, with no changes to the notch area and no 3D Touch.
DigiTimes also expects the 2019 iPhones to feature A13 processors manufactured based on TSMC's 7nm process, two-way charging of wearables like the Apple Watch and AirPods on the back of the iPhones, and new colors, in line with a previous rumor of new green and lavender finishes for the next iPhone XR.
The report adds that battery capacities will increase to around 3,200 mAh, 3,500 mAh, and 3,000 mAh for the next iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR respectively, which would be around 20 percent, 10 percent, and two percent larger than the batteries in the equivalent 2018 iPhones.
Korean website The Elec previously claimed the next iPhone XR will sport a 3,110 mAh battery, which could still be accurate given that DigiTimes appears to be roughly estimating its reported capacities.
And, of course, more cameras. The next iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models are widely expected to sport triple-lens rear cameras, while the next iPhone XR is rumored to gain a dual-lens rear camera. On the higher-end models, the third lens is rumored to enable a "0.5x" ultra-wide-angle viewfinder.
Much of this information has already been outlined by respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, including two-way charging and battery capacities increasing by roughly the percentages outlined above, but this information from the DigiTimes Research division in Taiwan adds further credence as the new iPhones near launch.
The report does outline one new possibility, claiming that Apple may release a 5.8-inch iPhone with dual nano-SIM support this year, which would likely be limited to the Chinese market. Last year, Apple released the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR with dual nano-SIM slots in China, but the iPhone XS lacked this.
All three iPhones feature dual SIM support in other countries by way of a single nano-SIM paired with an eSIM inside the device. This functionality enables iPhone users to have two phone numbers available at once, which is useful for travel or having both personal and work lines on a single iPhone.
Tuesday, September 10 is the widely predicted date of Apple's event, with invites to the media likely to be issued towards the end of August. MacRumors will have live coverage of the keynote as usual.
Hong Kong website ChargerLAB claimed in a tweet that Apple will do away with its original 5-watt charger and instead include a USB-C charger that will enable twice-as-fast iPhone charging times without ditching the Lightning connector. The leak is said to have been confirmed by a "high level executive," according to the site.
ChargerLAB has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple rumors. The site incorrectly claimed the USB-C charger would be coming to last year's OLED iPhones, although Apple did debut a USB-C charger in its 2018 iPad Pro models, which now feature USB-C ports instead of Lightning.
ChargerLAB also claimed in January that Apple's ill-fated AirPower had entered mass production – the wireless charging mat was in fact canceled by the company in March.
Despite that, its latest charging claim does at least have precedent. Japanese site Mac Otakara said in April that Apple could include an 18W USB-C power adapter with the 2019 iPhones along with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
It's not clear if this is accurate, however, as a different report from Mac Otakara said Apple would continue to include a 5W charger with a USB-A to Lightning cable with the 2019 iPhone lineup.
Either way, we'll know soon enough. Apple is expected to announce its new iPhone lineup at a media event next month – most likely on September 10, if an iOS 13 beta screenshot is anything to go by. Like the 2018 iPhones, the new lineup is expected to consist of 5.8 and 6.5-inch OLED devices alongside a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone that's more affordable.
The new iPhones will look largely similar to last year's models, with the exception of new rear camera setups. We don't know for sure what Apple will call the new iPhones, but iPhone 11 is a possibility for the iPhone XS successors. For more on what's expected in 2019, make sure to check out our comprehensive iPhone roundup.
Apple is in the final stages of certifying flexible OLED panels produced by BOE Display for use in future iPhones, according to a new report out today.
The Nikkei Asian Review says Apple is "aggressively testing" screens made by the Chinese company, as it considers taking on BOE as an OLED supplier to cut costs and reduce its reliance on Samsung, which is believed to be Apple's primary supplier of OLED displays.
BOE is the world's top producer of large liquid crystal screens and already makes liquid crystal displays for Apple's iPads and MacBooks, but the firm has its sights set firmly on the expanding OLED panel market, which is expected to be worth more than $30 billion this year, up from $25.5 billion in 2018.
At the same time, Apple is seeking to diversify its supply chain as much as possible. The company often tries to secure at least two suppliers for any given component in order to reduce its supply chain risk and improve its bargaining position. Given that Samsung's OLED panel is the most expensive component in the iPhone XS and XS Max, bringing on board another supplier would be a significant coup for Apple.
According to today's report, Apple is currently testing flexible OLED displays from BOE's facility in Chengdu, Sichuan province, which is China's first site to produce the advanced displays. BOE is also building another facility in Sichuan province, which would be allocated to Apple if it places orders, Nikkei's sources said.
Two sources with knowledge of the situation said BOE was likely to supply the new iPhones next year if it wins certification. But it might first be asked to offer displays for repair purposes, as well as panels for older models of iPhones, one source suggested. That would still mark a significant milestone for BOE, the source said, as it would be Apple's first-ever purchase of Chinese-made OLED displays.
LG is believed to be the only other OLED supplier Apple is considering for future iPhones. LG already supplies OLED displays for the Apple Watch, but Apple will only order them for iPhones if the South Korean firm can meet the component's high quality control standards – LG reportedly temporarily halted one of its OLED display production lines due to manufacturing challenges earlier this year.
Rumors suggest Apple will complete its transition to an all-OLED lineup in 2020, releasing high-end 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch models with OLED displays and a lower-end 6.1-inch model with an OLED display, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple today 
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