Apple offers free Developer Program memberships to nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities that distribute free apps on the App Store.
These free memberships have been available in countries that include the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Japan, and Brazil, but as of today, they're also expanding to eight new countries.
Eligible companies and organizations in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, and South Korea can now apply to have their Developer Program memberships waived.
Apple today shared a "first look" video featuring "Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet," an upcoming Apple TV Plus show that's set to debut on Friday, February 7.
"Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet" follows a team of video game developers navigating the challenges of running a popular World of Warcraft-style video game.
The series was created by Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day, known for their work on long running series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Day doesn't star in the show, but McElhenney plays the video game director.
In the first look spot, McElhenney says the show is a "testament to the madness that is a video game development company." David Hornsby, who plays Cricket on "Always Sunny" and has a role in the new series, says the show "comes from the people that make Always Sunny," which "gives the flavor for a lot of the comedy."
Apple has ordered nine half-hour episodes, and when "Mythic Quest" debuts, it will be one of the first comedy shows on the Apple TV+ service, joining existing shows that include "Dickinson," "For All Mankind," "See," "Servant," and "The Morning Show."
Apple is currently running a new Apple Watch promotion that's ideal for anyone who is considering trading in an older Apple Watch model to purchase a new model.
Apple is offering up to $100 on the Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Series 3 models, which is a higher trade-in amount than Apple normally offers for those devices.
Prior to when the promotion kicked off, Apple was offering up to $60 for an Apple Watch Series 2 model and up to $70 for an Apple Watch Series 3 model. The new promo provides an extra $30 to $40.
Apple is offering boosted trade-in prices as part of Heart Month, which takes place in February. Apple's Apple Watch page advertises the sale, which drops the price of an entry-level 40mm Series 5 watch to $299.
We tested the purchase process with a new 38mm Apple Watch Series 5 trading in a Series 3. Apple offered $100 for the trade-in, which is provided in the form of a refund to the purchase price after the old Apple Watch is shipped in.
Getting the maximum trade-in value for a Series 2 or Series 3 device requires the Apple Watch to be in good, working condition. Apple also offers $100 back for a Series 4 trade-in or $30 for a Series 1 trade-in.
Apple's largest manufacturing partner Foxconn has seen a "fairly small impact" from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak so far, but the company could face a "big" impact to its iPhone production if the Chinese government forces factories to remain closed for an additional week or longer, according to Reuters.
The report claims that Foxconn has halted "almost all" of its production in China through February 9 as ordered, but its factories in other countries such as Vietnam, India, and Mexico have apparently been able to fill the gap for now.
Given that Apple typically sources components from multiple suppliers, and that Foxconn has factories outside of China, it is likely that Apple will still release the lower-cost iPhone in March, even if supply is limited at launch.
Last week, the World Health Organization declared the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency. More information about the virus and how to protect yourself is available on the agency's website.
A big sale on nearly every model of the 2018 iPad Pro and 2019 iPad has opened up on Amazon today, providing up to $199 off these tablets. Both models are seeing lowest-ever prices in the sale, including new lows on both Wi-Fi and cellular options. Best Buy is matching the price of these iPads in a few instances as well.
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.
For the 10.2-inch iPad, prices start at $249.00 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model ($80 off), and also include a few cellular options starting at $379.99 for 32GB ($79 off). Many more models of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are on sale as well, including every storage capacity and most colors, with lowest prices hitting 1TB models of the 12.9-inch tablet.
10.2-Inch iPad
32GB, Wi-Fi - $249.00, down from $329.00 ($80 off, lowest ever)
128GB, Wi-Fi - $329.00, down from $429.00 ($100 off, lowest ever)
32GB, Cellular - $379.99, down from $459.00 ($79 off, lowest ever)
128GB, Cellular - $459.99, down from $559.00 ($99 off, lowest ever)
iPad Pro
11-Inch
64GB, Wi-Fi - $674.99, down from $799.00 ($124 off)
256GB, Wi-fi - $799.99, down from $949.00 ($149 off)
512GB, Wi-Fi - $999.99, down from $1,149.00 ($149 off)
1TB, Wi-Fi - $1,149.99, down from $1,349.00 ($199 off)
Amazon has opened up a new sale that's discounting a number of Apple Watch Series 5 models, including both GPS and cellular devices. The sale includes discounts of up to $50 off Series 5 models, with prices starting at $354.99 for 40mm Aluminum devices and rising from there.
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.
We've collected a few of the Apple Watch Series 5 models on sale below, but be sure to visit Amazon to see the full range of the discounts. Many of the devices on sale today represent the lowest prices currently available for each Apple Watch, and some of the lowest prices we've ever seen on Amazon.
Apple today announced that it will be providing special coverage of the 2020 presidential election in the United States starting today, complete with news and analysis from dozens of sources, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FiveThirtyEight, Fox News, NBC News, ProPublica, Reuters, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, TIME, USA Today, and others.
The election coverage will be available through the Today tab of the Apple News app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple says users must update to iOS 13.3, iPadOS 13.3, or macOS 10.15.2 to access all of the content, including a series of curated guides, state and national polling data, infographics, and other resources.
Beginning with the next Democratic debate in New Hampshire on February 7, Apple News will feature live-streaming video from ABC News, along with real-time analysis and updates from FiveThirtyEight and other outlets. Apple says a livestream of the debate will also be available through its TV app.
The special coverage will last through the 2021 presidential inauguration.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Amazon has discounted a wide range of iPad mini 5 models to kick off the week, providing lowest-ever prices on both Wi-Fi and cellular devices. Across the tablets being discounted, each sale represents the lowest-ever price that we've tracked on each model.
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.
To start, you can get the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 5 for $349.99, down from $399.00 ($49 off). From there you'll find 256GB models on sale, as well as discounted prices on the cellular tablets, with prices starting at $509.00 ($20 off).
iPad mini 5 Sale
64GB Wi-Fi - $349.99, down from $399.00 ($49 off, lowest ever)
256GB Wi-Fi - $499.99, down from $549.00 ($49 off, lowest ever)
64GB Cellular - $509.00, down from $529.00 ($20 off, lowest ever)
256GB Cellular - $639.00, down from $679.00 ($40 off, lowest ever)
Head to our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more discounts on Apple products and related accessories.
An allegedly leaked video showing Samsung's upcoming "Galaxy Z Flip" has been shared online, offering a hands-on preview of what the company's second attempt at a folding phone will look like.
Shared on Twitter by mobile leaker Ben Geskin, the short clip shows the clamshell-like device in action for the first time. The Galaxy Z Flip is reminiscent of a traditional flip phone that folds up into a compact palm-sized phone, making it small enough to easily fit into a pocket.
The handset appears to have two cameras on the back next to a digital clock readout, similar to the alleged leaked images we saw in December. What isn't clear is whether the model uses the previously rumored "ultra-thin glass" that Samsung is said to have developed in an effort to avoid the display issues that plagued the Galaxy Fold, which uses a plastic screen.
The 6.7-inch Galaxy Z Flip is expected to be more affordable than its book-style predecessor, which costs $1,980 in the U.S. Motorola announced in November the resurrection of its Razr brand in the form of a similar-looking vertically folding Android phone. The new mid-range Razr will cost $1,499 when it's released next month.
The Galaxy Z Flip is expected to be revealed alongside the Galaxy S11 (possibly called the "Galaxy S20") at Samsung's Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 11.
There are no rumors suggesting that Apple has plans to release a foldable smartphone anytime soon, but Apple is undoubtedly looking into foldable devices given that rival companies are coming out with them. In the past, Apple has patented some foldable display technology, and a rumor earlier this year suggested Samsung has provided folding display samples to Apple.
Wistron's new plant in India plans to begin assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs) for iPhones, a first for the Taiwanese contract manufacturer that will save Apple having to pay import taxes on the vital smartphone component.
Reuters reports that the PCB assembly will take place in Wistron's new iPhone plant, which is about 40 miles outside of Bengaluru, when it becomes operational by April. Wistron's other plant, located in central Bengaluru, has been pumping out iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 models since 2017.
A PCB serves as a bed for key iPhone components like processors, storage, and memory, and usually accounts for about half the cost of a smartphone.
That makes PCB assembly in the country a major boon for Apple, as it avoids taxes levied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to boost local manufacturing and create new jobs. On Saturday, India's federal budget revealed that the country will begin taxing imports of populated PCBs at 20 percent from April, up from the previous rate of 10 percent.
Wistron's larger rival, Foxconn, which began making iPhone XR models in India last year, already assembles PCBs locally. India is still largely dependent on China for supplies of other smartphone parts like display panels and camera modules.
The positive move by Wistron comes as Apple starts ramping up efforts to bring online and in-store sales to customers in India for the first time.
Up until recently, Apple device sales in India had to be done through third-party retailers, as Apple didn't have permission to sell devices in the country due to foreign investment rules and regulations.
However, in August 2019, India eased its rules and Apple now plans to open an online Apple Store in India to start official online sales of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more in the country starting in the third quarter of 2020.
Sold between 2002 and 2004, the iMac G4 is long outdated, but MacRumors forum member Hughmac has given the arm-mounted computer a second life by cleverly transforming his into a desk lamp.
Hugh says he started by gutting the inside of the iMac's base, removing all components. Next, he removed the display and cut the back side of it into a flower shape, making sure to keep the Apple logo intact. Last, he connected a ceiling light to the top of the arm, ran wiring through the base, and added a power switch.
All in all, this is a brilliant do-it-yourself project that takes recycling to a whole new level. More photos can be found in the MacRumors forums.
A new ad for Apple Arcade released today blends the real world with the virtual one while showcasing several games available on the service, including LEGO Builder's Journey and Ultimate Rivals: The Rink.
Apple Arcade launched in September, providing iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac users with access to over 100 games with no in-app purchases or ads for $4.99 per month in the United States. The latest titles include co-operative augmented reality game Secret Oops! and family-friendly battle royale game Butter Royale.
The one-minute ad is accompanied by an animated "livestream" of Oceanhorn 2, another game available on Apple Arcade.
Apple Arcade has also taken over Apple.com, possibly as part of a larger advertising campaign timed with the Super Bowl today.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has lowered his iPhone shipment forecast by 10 percent to 36-40 million units in the first quarter of 2020, noting that the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak is affecting iPhone supply in China.
For example, multiple reports have indicated that assembly of the rumored "iPhone 9" or "iPhone SE 2" could be disrupted. The lower-cost device, expected to be a revamped version of the iPhone 8, was rumored to enter mass production in February ahead of a March release. Apple could still announce the device in March, but initial supply could be limited until production can ramp up.
In his research note with TF International Securities, seen by MacRumors, Kuo added that smartphone shipments in the Chinese market declined by 50-60 percent year-over-year during the Chinese New Year holiday period, possibly due to declining consumer confidence in the country stemming from the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency. More information about the virus and how to protect yourself is available on its website.
Browse Apple's US website today and you may be surprised to see your favorite video game character drop in and make an unexpected appearance.
Characters including the likes of Sonic, Frogger, and little LEGO people have invaded Apple's homepage to promote Apple Arcade, the company's subscription gaming service.
Launched in September 2019, Apple Arcade is a premium subscription service that allows App Store users to pay one monthly fee to gain access to over 100 games that that have no in-app purchases or additional costs.
All Arcade games work on the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Macs, which is likely one of the reasons why Apple's playful promotion has seen game characters take over every product section on its homepage.
Apple teamed up with both indie developers and big-name gaming companies to create "new and exclusive" games for the Apple Arcade service. All the content that is released through Apple Arcade is freshly created for Apple Arcade, so it doesn't include existing games.
Apple Arcade is priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, and one subscription allows up to six family members to play through Family Sharing. For those who have not yet given Apple Arcade a try, there is a one-month free trial available.
In his latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said Apple Arcade had got off to a "strong start," but he didn't reveal subscription figures. Apple has also recently increased visibility of Apple Arcade in its retail stores, introducing colorful promotional displays and highlighting compatible gaming accessories.
A wide selection of refurbished iPad Air and iPad mini 5 models are available, including configurations with Wi-Fi or LTE, 64GB or 256GB storage, and Space Gray, Gold, or Silver finishes. Prices are discounted by around 15 percent compared to the equivalent brand new models on Apple.com.
Apple says certified refurbished iPad models are thoroughly inspected, tested, cleaned, and repackaged in a new white box, with all accessories and documentation included. Every refurbished iPad receives a new battery and a new outer shell, making them virtually indistinguishable from brand new iPads.
Every refurbished iPad is covered by Apple's standard one-year warranty effective on the date the tablet is delivered. The coverage can be extended to two years from the refurbished purchase date with AppleCare+, which costs $69 or $3.49 per month for the latest iPad Air and iPad mini in the United States.
While certified refurbished iPads represent a decent opportunity for savings straight from Apple, better deals are often available from resellers like Amazon and Best Buy. Be sure to monitor our Apple Deals roundup.
Apple today announced that it has closed all of its corporate offices, stores, and contact centers in mainland China through February 9 due to the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, out of an abundance of caution.
Our thoughts are with the people most immediately affected by the Coronavirus and with those working around the clock to study and contain it. Out of an abundance of caution and based on the latest advice from leading health experts, we're closing all our corporate offices, stores and contact centers in mainland China through February 9. Apple's online store in China remains open. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and we look forward to reopening our stores as soon as possible.
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency. More information about the virus and how to protect yourself is available on its website.
The final week of January began with the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the original iPad, followed by well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasting several new Apple products that he expects to launch in the first half of 2020. Other top stories included leaked images of Powerbeats4 earphones, SIM-free iPhones becoming eligible for interest-free financing with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and more.
Apple Said to Launch AirTags, New iPads and Macs, Small Wireless Charging Mat, High-End Headphones, and More in the First Half of 2020
Apple plans to release several new products in the first half of 2020, including Ultra Wideband item tracking "AirTags," high-end wireless headphones, a small wireless charging mat, a lower-cost 4.7-inch iPhone, refreshed iPad Pro models, and refreshed MacBook Pro and/or MacBook Air models, according to the latest forecast from well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
iOS 13.3.1 Released, Includes Images of Upcoming Powerbeats4 Earphones
Apple released iOS 13.3.1 this week with a toggle for enabling or disabling the U1 Ultra Wideband chip in iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models. However, there's more to the update than meets the eye.
Apple has also released macOS Catalina 10.15.3, watchOS 6.1.2, tvOS 13.3.1, and a software update for the HomePod.
iOS 14 Rumored to Support Same iPhones as iOS 13
iOS 14 will be compatible with any iPhone that can run iOS 13, according to French website iPhoneSoft.fr. On the other hand, the report claims iPadOS 14 will drop support for a few older iPad models, including the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4.
Monday marked the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the iPad at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. It was one of the last major products that he unveiled before his death in 2011.
"iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price," said Steve. "iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before."
25 Must-Know macOS Tips for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Mac Users
There are dozens if not hundreds of macOS shortcuts and tricks to streamline your workflows and make it easier to use your Mac, but many of these shortcuts are easily overlooked or forgotten.
SIM-Free iPhones Now Qualify for 24-Month Interest-Free Financing With Apple Card
SIM-free iPhone models now qualify for Apple Card Monthly Installments, which allows customers to purchase an iPhone with the Apple Card and pay for it over two years with no interest or fees in the United States. Previously, the installment plan was limited to carrier-activated iPhones.
Apple already offered interest-free iPhone financing through its iPhone Upgrade Program, but the Apple Card plan has a few advantages, including managing payments in the Wallet app and no late fees. iPhone purchases via Apple Card Monthly Installments also qualify for 3% Daily Cash.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple is now offering an onsite repair option for customers in select cities who need issues with their Apple devices addressed but aren't able to visit a repair shop or Apple Store.
The onsite repair options are available through Apple Authorized Service Provider Go Tech Services, which promises to repair your device "at your home or office."
When visiting Apple's Support site to initiate a device repair, there's now a mention of an onsite option when scheduling a repair. "Look for an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Genius Bar. In select locations, onsite service may be available."
Onsite repairs from Go Tech Services appear to be available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas. When choosing a repair option in one of these cities, Go Tech Services can be selected as one of the repair providers.
Go Tech Services is listed as the top option in cities where it is available, and selecting it warns that an onsite visit fee may be charged in addition to the provider's standard repair cost. Apple's support site does not include additional details about the fee, and clicking the "Book through this provider" option redirects users to Go Tech Services' website, where an appointment can be scheduled.
On the site, users are instructed to select a date and a time for a repair, but this part of the booking process also does not include information on fees. In San Francisco, there are no available same-day appointments, with the earliest appointment available on Monday.
Apple offers onsite repairs for its enterprise customers, but until now, there has never been a similar repair option for regular consumers. Go Tech Services is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, so the repairs aren't coming directly from Apple, but it's akin to visiting a similar AASP like Mobile Kangaroo or Best Buy.
It's not clear the extent of the problems that can be addressed by the onsite service provider. We were able to choose Go Tech Services for a cracked iPhone display, but not for a battery replacement.
Go Tech Services appears to operate exclusively through Apple, as visiting the company's website redirects to a notice that repairs must be initiated through Apple's support site.
Apple offers free Developer Program memberships to nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities that distribute free apps on the App Store.
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.
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.
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.
