In iOS 10, the simple Messages app you're familiar with has transformed from a bare bones texting platform into a fun, interactive communication service that takes advantage of games, apps, drawings, stickers, message effects, and more.
Following in the footsteps of apps like Facebook and Line, Apple is delving into stickers in a big way, giving iOS users new ways of expressing themselves. Like the real thing, Stickers in iOS can be stuck onto messages or images, or sent by themselves, and they can be resized, rotated, and stuck to other stickers for fun layering effects.
Apple recently removed the option to purchase Apple Store or iTunes gift cards by email from its U.S. website, eliminating the ability to buy e-gift cards.
The option to purchase physical Apple Store or iTunes gift cards by mail remains on Apple's website, while both physical and e-gift cards remain available from third-party resellers such as Walmart and Staples.
Apple previously allowed customers to purchase digital gift cards and send them by email. The purchaser selected a card design and value, and composed a birthday wish or similar message for the recipient.
The change appears limited to the U.S. for now, as Apple continues to sell Apple Store and iTunes gift cards by email in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Update (September 16): Apple has restored the page for purchasing gift cards by email in the United States.
With a brand-new iOS operating system now available, many users are excited to delve into iOS 10's biggest and boldest changes, like an overhauled Messages app and a more personal space in Photos to relive past vacations and family get-togethers. However, before you even get to all of iOS 10's new features, you'll have to get used to its new lock screen mechanisms, which completely change the way the iPhone is unlocked moving forward.
iOS 10 brings about the first major overhaul to the lock screen since the iPhone launched in 2007, ditching the popular "Slide to Unlock" instruction on the bottom of the screen for a collection of new prompts that make it easier than ever take advantage of the lock screen. Prior to iOS 10, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users in particular experienced some frustrations with the traditional method of unlocking the phone, as the faster Touch ID system would unlock "too quickly," causing users to miss notifications that might have been on the lock screen.
While slightly complex until you get the hang of it, iOS 10 streamlines this process so that you can still have your thumb placed on Touch ID when the iPhone wakes up via a new Raise to Wake feature on the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE, without immediately jumping past the lock screen. For more details on how to navigate the lock screen, interact with notifications, and unlock your iPhone, follow each set of instructions below.
In a statement given to BuzzFeed's John Paczkowski, Apple says the issue that was causing iOS 10 updates installed over-the-air to fail on some iPads and iPhones has been resolved, making it safe to resume iOS 10 downloads.
"We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.
Shortly after iOS 10 was released, a number of people who attempted to install iOS 10 using an over-the-air download saw their installation fail, effectively bricking devices until plugged into iTunes for an update or restore. For people who are not near a computer or who do not own one, this is a significant problem.
Users who were already affected by the problem will need to continue on with the restore process using a computer, but new users who attempt to install the update should not run into the problem.
Apple recommends creating a backup before installing any new iOS update, and those worried about having the install fail can instead download the update through iTunes, an installation method that has not been affected.
Apple today updated its iWork line of apps, including Pages, Keynote, and Numbers, for iOS 10. The new versions of the apps include a real-time collaboration feature, which is available as a beta.
With real-time collaboration, first announced on September 7, multiple users can edit an iWork document at one time using a Mac, an iOS device, or iCloud.com. Real-time collaboration allows all users to see what each person is doing inside the document, with multiple cursors and a list of document editors.
Also included in today's update is a new formatting pane designed for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, support for wide color gamut (a feature coming in the iPhone 7), improved downloading, and enhanced keyboard navigation and keyboard shortcuts.
What's New in Version 3.0 - Real-time collaboration (feature in beta) - Edit a document with others at the same time in Pages on Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iCloud.com - Share your document publicly or with specific people - See who else is in a document - See participants' cursors as they're editing
- A new format pane takes advantage of the display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro - Improved downloading - Pages now downloads documents from iCloud only when you're ready to work on them - Wide color gamut image support - Enhanced keyboard navigation and additional keyboard shortcuts
In Keynote, there's an option to present a slideshow that users can follow along with from their Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iCloud.com, and there's a feature for highlighting with the Apple Pencil while presenting on the iPad Pro. Pages and Keynote also both feature support for opening and editing Pages and Keynote '05 documents.
Apple's line of iWork apps are free to users who have recently purchased a new Mac or iOS device. Otherwise, each iWork app for Mac is available for $19.99 while each iWork app for iOS is available for $9.99.
The new iOS 10 update, released today, appears to be causing problems for some iPad and iPhone owners who are installing it over-the-air. On the MacRumors forums, we're seeing multiple reports from users who have attempted to install iOS 10 and have had their devices put into recovery mode, requiring a restore.
It does not seem to be limited to a single device, but most reports from iPad owners are coming from those who have the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which has had trouble with new software releases in the past. Multiple iPhone models also appear to be affected, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6, and iPhone SE. From MacRumors forum member bit_bucket:
What the actual heck. iPhone just bricked itself as well. That makes 2 devices screwed up by the OTA update and I have to try and restore to the older version now. I do not jailbreak and I did not preinstall the update. Just installed for the first time now. Come on apple. Appears since I hit update right after it hit the servers, I somehow got a corrupt install.
Anyone else having these issues?
Users who have their iOS 10 devices bricked by the update may need to do an iTunes restore if the update fails, which will erase all data. Some users have had their iPhones updated successfully through iTunes after the over-the-air update has failed and haven't needed to restore, but it has not been successful for other users. Here's the message users are receiving:
There is a problem with the iPhone "iPhone" that requires it to be updated or restored.
The problem may be fixed by updating your iPhone, which preserves your settings and content. However, if updating doesn't work, it may be necessary to click Restore, which erases all settings and content. If you backed up this iPhone to this computer or iCloud, you'll be prompted to restore the backup onto the iPhone.
In light of the installation issues some users are facing, those who are concerned about their devices being sent into recovery mode and bricked should hold off on downloading the iOS 10 update over the air for the time being until more information can be uncovered.
It appears iOS 10 installs through iTunes are not affected, so that remains a viable method for obtaining the iOS 10 update today. Ahead of installing iOS 10, either over the air or through iTunes, a backup should be made.
Update: Apple has given a statement on the issue that caused the iOS 10 update to fail over the air, and says it has now been fixed.
"We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.
Alongside iOS 10, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3, Apple today officially released Swift Playgrounds, a new app aimed at teaching both children and adults how to code through simple interactive coding exercises. It's meant to make learning to code "easy and fun" for everyone.
First announced in June at WWDC, Swift Playgrounds is meant for beginners who have no experience with coding, and it will be deployed in numerous schools around the world as standard curriculum.
"Everyone should have the opportunity to learn coding, and we are excited to bring Swift Playgrounds to the next generation of programmers looking for a fun and easy way to explore key coding concepts using real code," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "More than 100 schools around the world have already committed to adding Swift Playgrounds to their fall curriculum, and we can't wait to see what students create with it."
Swift Playgrounds is organized into a series of lessons that introduce new concepts and guide users through challenges and puzzles. It's centered on three characters that need to be guided through a graphical world using coding concepts like issuing commands, creating functions, performing loops, and using conditional code and variables. Apple plans to release new lessons on a regular basis.
The app also includes built-in templates that can be modified to create customized programs that can be shared with friends and family, and Swift Playgrounds code can be exported directly to Xcode to be turned into a full iOS or Mac app.
Swift Playgrounds is compatible with all iPad Air and iPad Pro models, along with the iPad mini 2 and later. iOS 10 is required to download the app, which is available for free from the App Store.
Apple today released iOS 10, the latest operating system designed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, to the public. iOS 10 can be downloaded the iPhone 5 and later, the iPad mini 2 and later, the iPad 4 and later, and the 6th generation iPod touch.
The update is available on all eligible devices through iTunes or over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software update. As with all major software releases, it may take a few minutes for the update to propagate due to high user demand.
According to Apple, iOS 10 is the "biggest release ever" for iOS devices, with major updates for Messages, Siri, Photos, Maps, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and the iOS interface.
iOS 10 features a redesigned Lock screen experience with 3D Touch-enabled notifications, a more easily accessible camera, and a widgets screen. A revamped Control Center also offers 3D Touch support along with new controls for music and HomeKit devices. Raise to Wake, a new feature for the latest devices, wakes up the iPhone without bypassing notifications.
Messages has been entirely overhauled with new features like background animations, bubble effects, rich links, and Digital Touch, and there's even a full Messages App Store that can add almost unlimited capabilities to messages, from sending stickers and GIFs to making payments or placing collaborative dinner orders.
A new Siri SDK lets developers build support into their apps, and a dedicated "Home" app gives users a central place to control HomeKit devices. Photos features impressive facial and object recognition capabilities, and a new Memories feature allows you to discover forgotten memories.
Maps and Apple Music have both been redesigned with cleaner, simpler interfaces, with Maps gaining proactive suggestions and integrated third-party apps and Music gaining better content discovery features and a new focus on lyrics.
There's a new feature that lets stock iOS apps be hidden from sight, and the QuickType keyboard is smarter with new contextual predictions, including emoji predictions. Apple Pay is available on the web starting today, and Game Center has been largely eliminated.
For full details on the new features included in iOS 10, make sure to check out our complete iOS 10 roundup.
Update: Some users are reporting that iOS 10 has bricked their devices, so it may be wise to make a back up before upgrading or hold off on downloading the update for now.
Apple today released watchOS 3, the newest version of the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 3 is a significant update to the watchOS operating system, introducing an overhauled interface, new apps, new watch faces, and impressive performance improvements.
watchOS 3 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General -> Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone. watchOS 3 is available for all Apple Watch models, but requires an iPhone running iOS 10 to install, which was also released today.
watchOS 3 features a new dock that houses your favorite and recently used apps so they're quicker to access. Up to 10 apps saved to the dock are kept up to date at all times and are able to launch instantly, cutting down on app loading times.
Navigation is improved in watchOS 3, with left and right swipes able to change the watch face. Upward swipes bring up the Control Center, while a downward swipe opens the Notification Center. Pressing the side button brings up the new dock.
There are new Activity sharing features in watchOS 3, along with workouts and activities for wheelchair users. A new "Breathe" app guides you through daily deep breathing sessions to cut down on stress, and there are new Reminders, Find My Friends, and Heart Rate apps.
Three new watch faces are available, an SOS feature can automatically call emergency services, and an Apple Watch can be used to unlock a password protected Mac with new Continuity functionality. A revamped Messages app makes it easier to reply to incoming texts, plus there's a new "Scribble" feature for writing replies on the Apple Watch face with a finger.
Apple today released tvOS 10, the latest operating system designed for the fourth-generation Apple TV, bringing a range of improvements that make it easier to locate and watch content on Apple's set-top box.
tvOS 10 can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the fourth-generation Apple TV by going to System --> Software Update. Those who have automatic software updates turned on will be upgraded to tvOS 10 automatically.
In tvOS 10, Apple has brought improved search, expanded Siri capabilities, a new dark mode, a Continuity option for using the iPhone for text input, automatic download of universal apps, and more.
With tvOS 10, Siri is able to search for movies by topic, bringing up content around a theme like "high school comedies from the 80s" or "movies about dinosaurs," and a new Live Tune-In feature lets Siri go directly to a live channel in a supported app.
A Single Sign-On feature for pay TV apps that lets users sign in once with their cable credentials to access all live cable content included in a cable subscription was supposed to be included in tvOS 10, but it appears Single Sign-On was not included in the first version of the operating system and will be coming at a later date.
Third-party apps can do more in tvOS 10 with developer APIs for recording and live broadcasting, accessing iCloud Photo Library photos, using HomeKit, and developing games with more complicated controls that necessitate a game controller.
iOS 10 features like the Apple Music overhaul and the new Photos "Memories" feature have been ported to tvOS, allowing users to access the new Apple Music interface and view favorite Photos memories.
Apple today released a new version of iTunes, iTunes 12.5.1, which is available for OS X El Capitan and macOS Sierra users. iTunes 12.5.1 introduces a new Apple Music design, bringing Apple Music on the desktop in line with Apple Music on mobile devices just ahead of the release of iOS 10.
The update also brings macOS Sierra-specific features including support for Siri, allowing users to ask Siri to play songs on machines running macOS Sierra, and it includes support for Picture-in-Picture, another new Sierra feature.
iTunes 12.5.1 can be downloaded immediately from the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
Now with an all-new Apple Music design which brings greater clarity and simplicity to every aspect of the experience.
This update includes support for iOS 10. It also adds enhancements designed for macOS Sierra including:
- Siri. Play music from your Library and Apple Music using your voice. Just ask Siri. - Picture-in-Picture. Watch videos as you multitask and use different apps. Your video floats above your desktop in any corner of the screen.
While iOS 10 is being introduced today with an all new Apple Music experience that focuses on a cleaner look and easier to use interface, macOS Sierra will not be released until next Tuesday, September 20.
Third-party accessory company Mophie today announced the "Power Capsule," a new carrying case with a built-in battery that's aimed at recharging wireless headphones. Mophie's new accessory is well-timed, following Apple's move to Lightning-connected headphones in the iPhone 7 and the slowly growing adoption of wireless solutions, including Apple's own AirPods, which include their own charging case.
The Power Capsule includes a 1,400 mAh battery, which Mophie said can provide up to eight full charges for wireless headphones. Inside the case is an integrated USB output, so earbuds aren't the sole beneficiary of the accessory. The company mentioned "small, compatible wireless devices, wearables and other accessories," like fitness trackers and other wearables, could also be used with the case.
As with most battery packs, the Power Capsule supports pass-through charging, so the device within will be prioritized and then charging will switch over to the Power Capsule itself to fuel up. On the underside of the case is a row of LED lights to provide easy indication of where the current charge is and when users should begin charging it.
The power capsule holds a built-in 1400mAh battery, providing up to eight full charges for wireless earbuds. The integrated USB output also charges a variety of electronics including wearables, fitness trackers and more. Pass-through capabilities allow both the power capsule and your device to charge simultaneously. Once your device is fully charged, an automatic shut-off will engage to ensure maximum charges. Easy-to-find LED power indicators displayed on the outside of the case allow you to check charging status without needing to open the case.
The outside of the case is made out of EVA Foam and high quality silicone and was "developed for those on the move," so it'll keep accessories protected on road trips and at the gym, according to Mophie.
The Mophie Power Capsule is available right now on the company's website for $39.95, and will launch in Best Buy's retail stores September 18.
Apple has announced that it will be reopening three of its U.S. retail locations on September 16, the same day the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus become available for purchase in stores.
Apple Park Meadows in Lone Tree, Colorado, Apple Ridgedale in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Apple The Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis, Indiana will each reopen on Friday at 8:00 a.m. local time. All three stores have relocated to larger units within their respective shopping malls, and it is likely that each location will be facilitating iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus purchases as normal.
Each store will feature Apple's next-generation retail layout, including a combination of The Avenue, Genius Grove, The Forum, The Plaza, and The Boardroom, coupled with large glass doors, sequoia wood shelves, light boxes extending the length of the ceiling, and large digital screens for product marketing. Apple is in the process of renovating or relocating several of its U.S. stores to reflect the new design.
Apple Willow Bend in Plano, Texas before (left) and after (right)
The trio of grand reopenings will occur just six days after four other locations reopened: Bay Street in Emeryville, California, West Town Mall in Knoxville, Tennessee, Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, and Mayfair in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Apple Legacy Place in Dedham, a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts, and Apple Memorial City in Houston, Texas also reopened on September 2.
In related news, Apple Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia will be closed for renovations starting September 25.
Kwikset has announced that its Kevo smart lock's touch-to-open technology will only work on iOS 10 if the Kevo app is open and visible on an iPhone's screen, due to a bug related to Bluetooth LE peripheral mode.
Kwikset said it is working closely with Apple to support a solution that will restore the functionality as quickly as possible. iOS 10 will be publicly released later today, so the fix will likely be included in a subsequent software update.
In the meantime, Kwikset offers some temporary solutions for continuing to use Kevo's touch-to-open functionality:
- When at your door, open the Kevo app on your iOS phone or smart device, making sure you can see the app on your device screen and touch the Kevo smart lock on your door - When at your door, open the Kevo app on your iOS phone or smart device, making sure you can see the app on your device screen, and use the app to lock and unlock the door (In Home Locking and Unlocking) - If you have a Kevo key fob, the Touch-to-Open functionality of Kevo will still work
Kwikset said the iOS 10 bug does not affect the security of Kevo smart locks, while the sending, receiving, and revoking of eKeys is also not affected.
Update: Kwikset says iOS 10.0.2 addresses the bug. The update fully restores Touch-to-Open functionality.
Twelve South today announced the launch of a revamped HiRise, its popular stand for the iPhone and the iPad. The HiRise 2 features an all new design with with a smaller overall footprint but a heavier overall body, so it's better able to hold up larger devices like the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
Due to its small size, it's not recommended for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but it works with all other Lightning-based devices, including Apple's new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. It charges all kinds of Apple devices, like the Magic Mouse, the Apple Remote, and even the upcoming AirPods (through the included case).
Along with a new design, the HiRise 2 comes in two new colors, a matte black to match the new "Black" iPhone and a matte white shade.
The basic HiRise 2 is priced at $39.99 and is available in black or silver, and users must provide their own Lightning cables. The HiRise 2 Deluxe is available in black, silver, or white for $59.99 and ships with both an MFi-certified Lightning cable and a micro-USB cable so either iOS devices or devices that require a USB cable (including many iOS device battery cases) can be charged.
The HiRise 2 is available from the Twelve South website starting today.
Apple opened pre-orders for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus last Friday at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time, and T-Mobile has now revealed that the smartphones shattered all of the carrier's previous iPhone pre-order records. T-Mobile said pre-orders from Friday through Monday were up nearly 4x compared to the iPhone 6 series two years ago.
T-Mobile also announced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus set a single day sales record for any smartphones ever in the carrier's history, although it stopped short of sharing any specific numbers. iPhone 7 was already T-Mobile's top pre-registered smartphone ever, topping pre-registrations for both iPhone 6s and iPhone 6.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available beginning September 16 at T-Mobile stores in the U.S. and on its website. Its prepaid brand MetroPCS customers will carry the smartphones beginning September 23. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models from AT&T and T-Mobile do not support CDMA networks such as Verizon and Sprint.
T-Mobile is offering a free 32GB iPhone 7 to new or existing customers who trade in their fully functional iPhone 6 or later sans water damage or a shattered screen. A two-year financing agreement is required.
In the midst of the publication of multiple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus reviews, one tidbit within The New York Times' mostly positive review of the 2016 iPhone briefly looked forward to the much-anticipated "mega cycle," ten-year anniversary model of next year's iPhone. According to the publication, who spoke with two anonymous Apple employees, "next year’s iPhone will have a full-screen face with the virtual button built directly into the screen."
While not new information, the comment does continue a rumor of a drastically redesigned iPhone in 2017 that will introduce an edge-to-edge OLED display and eliminate the top and bottom bezels, where the front-facing FaceTime camera and Touch ID Home Button are currently housed. The redesigned Home Button of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (which isn't an actual button, but packs in Apple's Taptic Engine to mimic a button press) will be completely gone in 2017, and fused with the OLED display, along with Touch ID functionality.
But taking the leap to the 7 may be a wise bet, even for late technology adopters. Apple is likely to continue making iPhones without headphone jacks, and next year’s iPhone will have a full-screen face with the virtual button built directly into the screen, according to two people at the company who spoke on condition of anonymity because the product details are private. Apple declined to comment on next year’s iPhones.
With an all-glass, edge-to-edge display, Apple design chief Jony Ive's vision of an iPhone that looks like a single sheet of glass could finally come true in 2017. Regarding the display, it's said to be flexible OLED rather than an LCD, allowing Apple to introduce a thinner device that consumes less power and offers a better display with higher contrast ratio and more true to life colors.
It may also feature edges that are curved on both sides, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. That curved model could potentially be placed as a 5.8-inch premium addition to the line, with the other 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch, lower-priced iPhone 8 tiers including flat LCD displays.
Coming up sooner, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be launching this Friday, September 16, to the first round of pre-order customers. While an iterative design, Apple has made a few notable changes to the iPhone line this year, including the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, a flush Home Button, improved water resistance, and major overhauls to the camera, especially with the dual-lens system on the iPhone 7 Plus.
Apple Maps has been updated with comprehensive transit data for the U.S. cities of Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enabling iPhone users in the areas to navigate using public transportation, including buses or light rail.
Transit routing options in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area include Port Authority of Allegheny County buses and light rail, while directions for Central Ohio Transit Authority buses are provided in the Columbus metropolitan area.
Apple introduced Transit in Maps as part of iOS 9 in select cities around the world, including Baltimore, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto, and over 300 cities in China. The feature has its own tab in Apple Maps on iOS 10 when entering directions.
The feature has since expanded to a number of regions around the world, including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Honolulu, Kansas City, Miami, Montréal, Portland, Prague, Rio de Janeiro, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, Seattle, parts of New South Wales in Australia, and parts of British Columbia in Canada.
In a statement given to 
Apple today released a new version of iTunes, iTunes 12.5.1, which is available for OS X El Capitan and macOS Sierra users. iTunes 12.5.1 introduces a new Apple Music design, bringing Apple Music on the desktop in line with Apple Music on mobile devices just ahead of the release of iOS 10.
