Glad to see the 3% Daily Cash list growing for Apple Card.
As this list grows, it’d be nice to have some signal that a merchant I’m about to pay is part of the 3% club. That will definitely get me to use my Apple Card, instead of my default card that offers better benefits, at least for me.
My rule of thumb:
3%: Apple, Uber, Uber Eats, Walgreens, Duane Reed
2%: Any Apple Pay purchase
1%: Everywhere else
And it’s that last category that has me reach for my default credit card. 3% is compelling to me. As the list grows, I might be tempted to promote my Apple Card to the top spot in my Wallet.
Apple events are interesting in many ways. We get to see the new products from Apple, obviously, but we also talk with other reporters and analysts about where the various markets are heading. For one New York Times reporter, Jack Nicas, it’s an opportunity to shame other people.
Here is Jack talking about the event on Twitter:
I don't see a problem with a tech company hosting a product launch. Most do it.
What's strange about Apple events: Many Apple bloggers act as fans, not journalists. One person in the media section literally gave Tim Cook a standing ovation; another cried during an Apple Watch ad https://t.co/bFbJ5QCmTE
Jack, I’m not a fan. I’m a blogger/journalist and have been covering Apple since 1994. I’m harsh on Apple when they deserve it and I speak out against bias bullshit when it’s needed. That’s not being a fan, that’s being truthful to your readers.
I didn’t see the person standing, so I’m not sure if it was a person from the media or perhaps an Apple employee. It could even have been someone from one of the companies that were demoing their products on stage and was really excited.
Contrary to what Jack says, there really is no “media” section in Steve Jobs Theater. There is the front where all of the VIPs sit, and there is the rest of the theater.
So maybe Jack isn’t being a complete asshole about the guy standing. However, his next remark proves what a complete dick Jack can be.
Apple showed a heart-wrenching Apple Watch ad that caused one reporter to cry. What does Jack do when he sees this?
Offer comfort? No, he takes to Twitter to shame her. Class act, that Jack.
However, the person that was brought to tears by the watch ad came forward. It was Ellen Cushing, a senior editor at The Atlantic. What’s that, it’s not just Apple bloggers that have feelings at Apple events!
i was the crying reporter sitting next to Jack. I was crying because it’s a video about people with disabilities overcoming challenges and also sometimes my face makes water whether I want it to or not?? https://t.co/RSNO4PPLWE
Jack, being the hard-nosed guy he is, stuck to his guns. Joking, when he found out it was a reporter from another large news organization he folded so quick it would make your head spin.
I did not know that was you, Ellen! Apologies for any offense. As I noted later, it was an emotional ad and there's nothing wrong with crying!
And you are not an Apple blogger, so my tweet is wrong. And also: There is nothing wrong with being an Apple blogger.
Hey Jack, here’s a piece of advice for you. Before you call people down for, you know, being compassionate human beings (and bloggers), maybe you should take a look in the mirror and decide how you can be less of a complete total fuckhead.
My friends and I visited and recreated every default Apple wallpaper on a one week road trip. Starting with MacOS Mojave in Death Valley National Park, we traveled to each of Apple’s California Locations to try and make an identical photo to their wallpapers that come installed with every new Mac computer.
Pretty impressive. Thanks to Matt Corkum for the link.
Last year, Apple rolled out the option to pay monthly for some of its two (in some cases three) year AppleCare+ plans for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Today, Apple quietly changed how it works so customers can buy an indefinite monthly AppleCare+ subscription.
The change to AppleCare+ monthly plans almost went under the radar after Apple’s busy iPhone event. But an eagle-eyed 9to5Mac reader spotted the new AppleCare+ legal document that was updated today. Under “Plan Term and Renewal,” Apple describes how the monthly plans work now.
It’s often hard to justify the cost of AppleCare+ but this will help a great deal.
Located at Liseberg in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Helix is a 1,381-metre-long rollercoaster that features a nauseating mix of corkscrews, pretzel knots, a zero-g roll, and a Norwegian loop. To experience the ride passport-free, drone racing pilot Viggo Koch chases the coaster during a run to give an authentic POV experience.
I’ve flown a drone in the past but even in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t imagine flying one this well.
The iPhone 11’s camera was the main focus of the most prominent product images in Apple’s iPhone event Tuesday, and consumed the most overall time on stage. The iPhone 11 features major upgrades to the iPhone camera system across the product line, which is good, because the perception among smartphone-market watchers is that Apple’s photography game had fallen behind competitors like Google, Samsung, and Huawei.
After the event I got to spend some time with an iPhone 11 Pro and its Camera and Photos apps, both of which have been modified to support the new features of the iPhone 11 line. Here’s a look at what’s new and how it all fits together.
I usually hate these “hands on” pieces because they are so limited but Snell has uncovered several details not shown on stage that make me even more excited about the new iPhones from a photography point of view.
One of the understated components of Apple’s iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro is the new U1 chip. It didn’t get a prominent callout onstage at today’s announcement event, but it will underpin what Apple says are “amazing new capabilities” coming to iOS devices in the future, including a more accurate, directional version of AirDrop coming with iOS 13.
The “U” in U1 stands for “ultra-wideband,” which is the technology Apple is using to power new location tracking features for its smartphones and, hopefully soon, other accessories, too. The U1 chip effectively lets the newest iPhone locate and communicate with other U1 devices in a more accurate and speedy fashion.
And it will do so much more. This is why the rumors of “Apple Tags” ran rampant.
This year, amid the flurry of new features and performance claims, Apple made a pretty interesting technical announcement. No, there’s no support for 5G with any of the new models (we expect that’ll come in 2020), but that doesn’t mean there won’t be speed. All three of them — the iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max — include support for Wi-Fi 6.
Basically, it’s “future proofing” your iPhone 11 devices.
We posted the video yesterday, but turns out there’s a secret message embedded in six frames, at about 1:24 in the video.
Follow the headline link to the video, pause, then drag the slider to about 1:23 in. Now press period (“.”) to advance one frame at a time until the Easter egg comes into view. Have patience, might take a good number of frames to get there, but it’s there, I swear.
Marques Brownlee offers up a terrific overview of the iPhone 11 Pro, all from the hands-on area of yesterday’s Apple event.
Most of the video is tightly focused, so check out this video from Rajiv Makhni, which gives a much broader view of the chaos (or at least the aftermath).
This according to the SpeedSmart Speed Test app. Grain of salt, but if true, that’s a pretty big speed increase.
Reminds me of the huge battery gains in the iPhone 11 Pro, all without a major increase in the battery size. This all due to efficiency gains in the A13 bionic chip?
The original list pulled together on Reddit (follow the headline link) included a monthly payment for an iPhone 11 Pro Max. I do like the premise, but my list is all about services, and what you’d see if you went all in.
2tb iCloud – 9.99
Apple Music – 9.99
Apple Arcade – 4.99
Apple TV+ – 4.99
Apple News – 9.99
That’s a total of $39.95 a month, or $44.95 if you’ve got the Apple Music family plan.
California legislators approved a landmark bill on Tuesday that requires companies like Uber and Lyft to treat contract workers as employees, a move that could reshape the gig economy and that adds fuel to a yearslong debate over whether the nature of work has become too insecure.
And:
In California, the legislation will affect at least one million workers who have been on the receiving end of a decades-long trend of outsourcing and franchising work, making employer-worker relationships more arm’s-length. Many people have been pushed into contractor status with no access to basic protections like a minimum wage and unemployment insurance. Ride-hailing drivers, food-delivery couriers, janitors, nail salon workers, construction workers and franchise owners could now all be reclassified as employees.
This might seem like a yawn, but this could bring seismic change to tech. Companies that have pushed work out to contractors have avoided having to provide benefits, even with some contractors working full time.
Those same companies have avoided paying for unemployment insurance. And that last bit is perhaps the most complicated part of this puzzle, since the program is a unique marriage of both state and federal laws and feels certain to be challenged.
I attended the iPhone 11 event this morning in Cupertino, Calif. and was impressed with Apple’s hardware and software releases. I’ll go into more detail in the coming days, including on my podcast, but I wanted to share some things that really stood out to me.
iPhone 11, Pro, Max
First off, I think they nailed the naming. The iPhone 11 is now the standard model, the Pro is a step up, and the Max is a further step up with a much larger screen. All three phones are incredible in what they offer for the price point, but I’m still a Max guy.
The Ultra Wide Angle camera is beautiful. What really stood out to me was being able to take a picture when you’re in tight spaces—I think we’ve all run into that problem when trying to take a photo.
Of course, being able to widen the view of any picture and capture an entire scene will give us another great way to take photos on the iPhone.
Night Mode may be my favorite feature of all, if it works the way Apple showed it. They didn’t really take a photo of a concert, but I’m hoping the premise will be the same and I’ll be able to use this in those types of low-light conditions.
I’m also looking forward to hearing Spatial audio in the new iPhone. The implementation of this could really change audio on the smartphone.
There are a lot of little details that were impressive too. For instance, the ability to hold the button while taking a photo and have it switch to filming a video. That’s pretty cool.
Apple Arcade
I’m not a gamer, but at $4.99 for the family, this service is going to be an automatic add-on for a lot of people. Whether a gamer themselves, or for the kids in the family, it just seems like a no-brainer.
The catalog will exceed 100 games in the coming weeks, and you get a free one-month trial.
Apple TV+
We knew that Apple was investing heavily in original programming, but the more I see, the more impressed I am. The trailer for see was captivating and I can’t wait to watch it.
The big thing about Apple TV+ was we didn’t know the price—now we do. At $4.99 a month for a family, I’m signing up. I don’t think anyone expected Apple to release it this cheap. Everyone talked about bundles and ways that Apple could make it more affordable, but they ignored all of that and just made it inexpensive from the start.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch has always been one of my favorite devices. It changed the way I think about exercise, food, and what I do everyday.
I think I’ll like having the Apple Watch screen on all the time, but I haven’t tried that yet. I’ve had to tap the screen enough to know that it’s a pain sometimes just to see what time it is.
iPad
It makes sense that they announced an upgraded iPad considering they released the new iPad OS. They brought a lot of great features to the new iPad at a price point that is affordable for almost anyone.
When Phil Schiller said that the new iPhone 11 Pro was the first mobile device that Apple has ever given the name “Pro” to, there was a reason. That’s because after we saw the demo, it became abundantly clear that mobile filmmaking was a thing, and Apple was dead set on giving them a cinema-grade camera to shoot with. And thanks to an upcoming release of FiLMiC Pro, that’s not going to just be hype. The future is here.
Apple invited FiLMiC Pro to the Steve Jobs Theater to highlight an upcoming build of the app, which gives mobile filmmakers some game-changing new features. Now a cinematographer will be able to not only switch between shots in real-time from all four cameras (including the Selfie camera) but will have a kind of video switcher to see each image and choose it with a simple touch of the screen. There’s also a refined director’s viewfinder, which will enable users to zoom into each focal length from the SuperWide camera to the 2x telephoto, all while recording at 4K at 60fps.
The FiLMiC Pro demo alone makes me want to buy an iPhone 11 Pro Max.
From 2014 to 2016, the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft followed the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67p) around space: collecting scientific data, sending a probe to its surface, and capturing some 400,000 photographs of the comet. This cinematic video was made from those photos.
If you had told me this video was the opening sequence to the next Alien movie, I would have believed you.
Two toddlers in New York City are warming hearts all over Facebook after one dad posted a video of these two “besties.”
Maxwell and Finnegan are inseparable, Michael Cisneros, Maxwell’s father, told ABC News. The boys, who are 2 years old, have only known each other for about a year.
Need a dose of goodness? Watch these two precious little boys greeting each other on the streest of Nw York City.
It’s a day late (my apologies) but many of you may not know what The Publisher of The Loop sounds/looks like. You might be surprised. Stick around to see Gene Munster predict “a 16″ Macbook Pro, new HomePod, new services, Apple Tags…” Gene is just spouting off every rumour he’s heard in the past four months. If nothing else, check out this tweet with the host teasing Jim about his beard.
Apple has posted the full video of this morning’s Apple event in case you didn’t watch it live. Want just the highlights? They’ve also posted this video:
Apple today announced iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, a new pro line for iPhone that delivers advanced performance for users who want the very best smartphone. The new Super Retina XDR display is a pro display with the brightest display ever in an iPhone. The powerful Apple-designed A13 Bionic chip provides unparalleled performance for every task while enabling an unprecedented leap in battery life to easily get through the day. A new triple-camera system provides a pro-level camera experience with an Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto camera, delivering huge improvements to low-light photography and offering the highest quality video in a smartphone that is great for shooting action videos.
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max come in four gorgeous finishes including a beautiful new midnight green, and will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, September 13 and in stores beginning Friday, September 20.
These are the replacement for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. This is some pretty amazing gear. The cameras are a major leap forward, both in terms of computational photography and Night mode, which looks to make huge improvements in low light photography.
Follow the link and check out the images. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max look remarkable.
On pricing:
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will be available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models in midnight green, space gray, silver and gold starting at $999 and $1,099, respectively.
Don’t forget to use your Apple Card for the 3% daily cash bonus.
Apple today announced iPhone 11, delivering innovations that make the world’s most popular smartphone even more powerful, improving the features people use the most throughout their day.1 iPhone 11 introduces a powerful dual-camera system, offering an intuitive camera experience with the highest quality video in a smartphone and Night mode for photos. iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip to perform the most demanding tasks, while getting through an entire day on a single charge, and is designed to withstand the elements with improved water resistance.
iPhone 11 comes in six new gorgeous colors, and will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, September 13 and in stores beginning Friday, September 20, starting at just $699 (US).
This is the replacement for the iPhone XR (which is still available, at $599) in the big three lineup. Follow the link for all the details, including the dual camera, which seems a big step up from the XR camera system.
Apple today announced Apple Watch Series 5, debuting an Always-On Retina display that never sleeps, so it’s easy to see the time and other important information, without raising or tapping the display. New location features, from a built-in compass to current elevation, help users better navigate their day, while international emergency calling1 allows customers to call emergency services directly from Apple Watch in over 150 countries, even without iPhone nearby. Apple Watch Series 5 is available in a wider range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic and an all-new titanium. Combined with the power of watchOS 6, users are empowered to take charge of their health and fitness with new features like Cycle Tracking, the Noise app and Activity Trends.
And:
Starting today, Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) is available to order in 41 countries and regions and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) is available to order in 22 countries and regions. Both models will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 20.
The biggest change worth noting, at least in my view, is the always-on Retina display. To conserve battery, the watch display is dimmed, but bright enough to make out the important elements, to see the time and complications. Raise your wrist, or tap the display to bring the display to full brightness.
All this, and the battery life is still 18 hours, just like the Series 4.
As to pricing:
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) starts at $399 (US) and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) starts at $499. The popular Series 3 (GPS), with built-in GPS, optical heart rate sensor and water resistance, starts at a new low price of $199 and Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is $299.
Again, be sure to use your Apple Card if you plan to buy one of these, for the 3% daily cash bonus.
Apple today introduced the new seventh-generation iPad, bringing more screen area and support for the full-sized Smart Keyboard to its most popular and most affordable iPad. Starting at just $329, the upgraded iPad features a stunning 10.2-inch Retina display and the latest innovations including Apple Pencil support, the fast A10 Fusion chip, advanced cameras and sensors, unmatched portability and connectivity, ease of use and great all-day battery life.3 The new iPad is available to order starting today and in stores starting Monday, September 30.
Don’t forget to use your Apple Card if you plan to buy this for that 3% daily cash bonus.
Apple today announced that Apple Arcade will be available on the App Store on Thursday, September 19 with iOS 13, offering an all-new way to enjoy games without limits. With a subscription to Apple Arcade for $4.99 per month, users get unlimited access to the entire catalog of over 100 new, exclusive games, all playable across iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and Apple TV. Apple Arcade is launching with a one-month free trial, and users will not find the games on any other mobile platform or subscription service. Apple Arcade games can all be played offline, and a single subscription includes access for up to six family members with Family Sharing. The catalog will exceed 100 games in the coming weeks as new titles are introduced, with more games to come every month. Apple Arcade will be available on September 30 on iPadOS and tvOS 13 and in October on macOS Catalina.
Follow the link for a partial list of games and descriptions. The games I’ve seen so far look phenomenal. I’m definitely in.
Apple today announced Apple TV+, the first all-original video subscription service and home for today’s most imaginative storytellers, will launch November 1 in over 100 countries and regions. Apple TV+ will offer a powerful and inspiring lineup of original shows, movies and documentaries, including “The Morning Show,” “Dickinson,” “See,” “For All Mankind” and “The Elephant Queen.” The service will be available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac and other platforms, including online at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. Starting today, customers who purchase any iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch or Mac can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free. Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share one Apple TV+ subscription.
That one year free if you buy one of the listed Apple devices makes this even more of a no-brainer.
Apple today announced three unprecedented medical studies, in partnership with leading academic and research institutions, that will reach more participants than has ever been possible. The studies will be available on the new Research app.
The studies:
Apple Women’s Health Study: In partnership with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Apple has created the first long-term study of this scale focused on menstrual cycles and gynecological conditions. This study will inform screening and risk assessment of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, osteoporosis, pregnancy and menopausal transition.
Apple Heart and Movement Study: Apple is partnering with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association on a comprehensive study of how heart rate and mobility signals — like walking pace and flights of stairs climbed — relate to hospitalizations, falls, heart health and quality of life in order to promote healthy movement and improved cardiovascular health.
Apple Hearing Study: Alongside the University of Michigan, Apple is examining factors that impact hearing health. The Apple Hearing Health Study is the first of its kind to collect data over time in order to understand how everyday sound exposure can impact hearing. The study data will also be shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a contribution toward its Make Listening Safe initiative.
The Research app will be available as a free download in the App Store later this year.
Will there be a new Apple Watch? And, if so, will it get the name Series 5? Will there be One More Thing at the end?
One of the most interesting things about today’s event is that you can watch it, via YouTube, embedded in your favorite web site. You can, of course, go old school and watch it on Apple’s official Apple Special Event page. Or just keep this page open and watch it below.
