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  • Sony acquires Insomniac Games, developer of Spider Man

    Sony acquires Insomniac Games, developer of Spider Man

    Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the acquisition of Insomniac Games, developer of last year’s Spider-Man game. The PS4 – the exclusive title was the Insomniac’s most successful game, reportedly selling 13.2 million copies worldwide. According to Sony, Insomniac will shortly become a first-party PlayStation studio. The latest acquisition brings Sony Worldwide Studios to a total of 14 game development studios.

    “Insomniac Games is one of the most highly-acclaimed development studios in the industry and their legacy of best-in-class storytelling and gameplay is unparalleled,” Shawn Layden, Chairman of SIE WWS, said in a statement. “We have enjoyed a strong collaborative partnership with the studio for many years, and are thrilled to officially welcome them to the Worldwide Studios family. The addition of Insomniac Games to SIE WWS reiterates our commitment to developing world-class gaming experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform.”

    “The decision to join forces with Sony extends far beyond familiarity. Our studio vision is to create experiences that have a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives. As we look ahead to our future, we know that joining the WWS family gives us the best opportunities to fully achieve that vision on a much larger scale. Further, we believe that Sony shares a similar vision to positively impact players’ lives, their employees’ lives and the games industry at large,” said Ted Price of Insomniac Games in a statement to fans.

    Apart from last year’s Spider-Man, Insomniac has also developed popular games like ‘Ratchet & Clank’ as well as ‘Resistance’. Insomniac Games was founded in 1994 and has mostly remained an independent studio for nearly 25 years. It has worked with big-name companies such as Sony and Microsoft on several projects. Besides, Insomniac has also worked with Oculus on several VR games. They’ve also developed the upcoming Stormland game, currently announced as an Oculus exclusive.

    That said, there weren’t any announcements about future games alongside the acquisition. However, given the fact Spider-Man on PS4 has sold over 13.2 million copies worldwide as of July 28, 2019, it’s apparent Sony and Insomniac might pair up for a Spider-Man sequel on the PlayStation 5.

  • Nintendo officially denies Switch exchange program

    Nintendo officially denies Switch exchange program

    Multiple reports surfaced last week suggesting that Nintendo is letting users exchange their Switch units for the upgraded model for free. According to various reports, customers in the U.S. and Canada can exchange their current Switch for a new one, if purchased after July 17.

    However, a new report by The Verge notes that there’s no official exchange program for Switch. In a statement, a spokesperson for Nintendo stated that the company ‘do not have a Nintendo Switch exchange program.’

    With that said, it appears Nintendo Switch owners can still swap their Switch units for the improved model, which now offers a better battery life of up to nine hours. Key sources indicate that Nintendo is still welcoming exchange requests.

    First reported via a user on Reddit, eligible customers will need to contact Nintendo customer care and will have to pay for shipping the shipping costs. Even Polygon reported that they got in touch with a Nintendo representative and confirmed that the trade-in offer was indeed eligible.

    Get in touch with Nintendo customer care

    Besides, even Nintendo’s spokesperson’s statement seems to suggest that you can trade-in your current Switch for a new one. “We always want players to enjoy their Nintendo Switch systems, and if anything ever gets in the way of that, we encourage them to visit http://support.nintendo.com for support, or to contact our consumer support team.”

    The new model has a superior battery life, nearly twice the original Switch. Besides, Nintendo claims that games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for five-and-a-half hours compared to the original model’s three. Nintendo will also be releasing the Switch Lite later this fall, which can be used in conjunction with a TV.

  • iOS 13 beta tips at an iPhone 11 event on September 10

    iOS 13 beta tips at an iPhone 11 event on September 10

    Apple today started rolling out iOS 13 beta 7 for developers. As expected, people are already looking for clues through the software about the upcoming iPhone 11. It appears iHelp BR has found something concrete in the latest iOS 13 beta. They’ve discovered an image named ‘HoldForRelease,’ which shows the September 10 date on the calendar of iOS 13’s home screen. Now, this implies that Apple might hold an iPhone event on the said date.

    Notably, even iOS 12 included a similar image, which displayed September 12, which was, in fact, the date Apple officially announced the iPhone XS range. Now, the presence of a similar picture in iOS 13 beta, only points to the fact that Apple might hold an iPhone 11 event on September 10.

    Apple typically holds an iPhone event on the second Tuesday or Wednesday in September. For instance, the iPhone XS event was held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, while the iPhone X went official on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Similarly, the iPhone 8 event was held on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, while the iPhone 7 was unveiled on
    Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

    Are three iPhones incoming?

    As per earlier reports, Apple is expected to launch three new iPhones in 2019. These include the successor to the iPhone XR with a 6.1-inch LCD screen, along with two OLED models with 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch displays. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries.

    Multiple sources also point to the fact that Apple will incorporate a triple-lens camera setup for this year’s flagship iPhone model. Besides, a recent leak via Twitter suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone model for 2019 might have the word ‘Pro’ in its name, as opposed to the ‘Max’ moniker. Now, this suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone for 2019 might be called the iPhone 11 Pro, or simply the iPhone Pro.

    Besides, analysts at Citi Research predict that Apple Pencil support might finally arrive on the next iPhone.

  • Some MacBook Pro units pose a fire risk, now banned from US flights

    Some MacBook Pro units pose a fire risk, now banned from US flights

    Select MacBook Pro models are considered a fire threat and banned on flights in the United States. The US Federal Aviation Authority has stated that some MacBook Pro laptops pose a fire risk, and won’t be allowed on board any flights in the country. The aviation body added these MacBook units wouldn’t be allowed either as hand baggage in the cabin or the cargo.

    Apple had earlier confirmed that the batteries of MacBook Pro units sold between September 2015 and February 2017 tend to overheat, therefore, could pose a fire risk. The company issued a recall back in June for faulty MacBook Pro models which might have an issue with lithium-ion batteries. Apple, however, stated that only a small number of MacBook Pro units had flaws with the battery.

    Notably, the company hasn’t revealed an exact number of faulty MacBook units sold between the said period. That said, researchers estimate the number of affected units to be 460,000, out of which 26,000 were from Canada.

    The ban mainly applies to 15-inch Macbook models sold between September 2015 and February 2017. To find out whether your MacBook Pro is or isn’t a safety risk on flights, you’ll have to find out your serial number. Just go to the ‘About this Mac’ page found at the top-left corner of your Mac’s screen. Then head over to the link and type in your serial number in the search bar under ‘Eligibility.’ If your MacBook is eligible for a recall, go to your local Apple store and get a battery replacement for free.

    Apple reportedly received “26 reports of battery overheating, one report of smoke inhalation and five incidents of minor burns, along with 17 reports of minor damage to personal property in close vicinity.”

    The FAA is now working with major airlines in the US to enforce safety guidelines for affected MacBook Pro units by ensuring that passengers don’t take them on flights.

  • Google Pixel owners can claim up to $500 over defective mic

    Google Pixel owners can claim up to $500 over defective mic

    Google finally settled a class-action lawsuit for regarding defective mic found in first-gen Pixel phones. A lawsuit filed against Google alleged that the company chose to ignore the problem. Following the class action lawsuit, Google decided to settle the defective Pixel lawsuit for $7.25 million. Google denied allegations that it chose to ignore the problem, but still agreed to pay over $7 million to settle the lawsuit. Now, owners of defective first-gen Pixel handsets can file a claim via the new Pixel settlement website.

    Owners can get up to $500 if they purchased multiple defective Pixel devices. Besides, everyone that bought the first-gen Pixel before the cut off date can claim $20, even if the device has no defects.

    The company has also detailed four payment tiers for customers:

    “FIRST, MONEY WILL BE SET ASIDE TO PAY UP TO $20 TO EACH PERSON WHO DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT OR WHO CANNOT PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW THAT THEY EXPERIENCED IT. SECOND, PEOPLE WHO PAID AN INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT PIXEL WILL BE REFUNDED THE AMOUNT OF THE DEDUCTIBLE. THIRD, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON MORE THAN ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $500 EACH. FOURTH, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $350 EACH, UNLESS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY LEFT TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS, IN WHICH CASE THE REST OF THE FUND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THEM ON A PRO-RATA BASIS.”

    The Pixel settlement site also states that Pixel 1 owners are eligible for compensation if they bought a new Pixel or Pixel XL manufactured before January 4, 2017. It’s also important to note that you need to be a US citizen and must have purchased the handset before January 4, 2017. Besides, you’ll no longer qualify if Google has already replaced your original phone.

    “If you are in the United States and bought, other than for resale, a new Pixel or Pixel XL smartphone manufactured before January 4, 2017, and did not receive a replacement Pixel manufactured after January 3, 2017, or refurbished after June 5, 2017,’ explained Google.

    To get the full amount, you’ll need to prove you bought the Pixel 1 before January 4, 2017 and could not get a replacement. Besides, it appears that almost every Pixel owner is eligible for at least a $20 payment.

  • Play Store gives developers the ability to tag apps to improve discovery

    Play Store gives developers the ability to tag apps to improve discovery

    Users would like to find apps quickly, and so do developer who’d want their apps or games easily found. However, it can be a daunting task for developers to get their application discovered among millions of apps on the Play Store. Now, in an attempt to boost their app’s ranking in search, Google will allow PlayStore developers to tag their applications with keywords to help discovery.

    According to a report by 9to5Google, the ability to add tags on the Play Store arrived a few weeks ago. The feature gives Play Store the ability to compare a particular app with others and then decide where to place it.

    Developers can choose up to 5 tags out of Google’s predetermined list of 150 tags, which can be found at the top of the tags section. Besides, developers can only change tags if they make noticeable changes to the app’s content or functionality.

    For instance, a multiplayer racing game with classic cars is likely to have the tags Racing or Car Racing because that’s what the game is all about. Hence, the game should not have tags like Dirt Racing or Truck Racing because these tags do not reflect what the game’s true genre.

    To access Tags, just bring up the Google Play console, then select Store Presence> Store Listing> Categorization> Manage Tags.

    The ability to add tags with keywords will definitely improve application discoverability for developers. That said, we hope developers do not abuse the new system in an attempt to boost their app’s ranking on the Play Store.

  • SNES controller for Switch spotted in FCC filing

    SNES controller for Switch spotted in FCC filing

    It appears Nintendo may be following up the wireless NES Controller with a wireless Super Nintendo Controller for the Nintendo Switch. Now, this also suggests the company might bring back classic SNES titles to its Nintendo Online virtual gaming library. The information comes via an FCC filing, which shows a sketch of what appears to be the rear of a Super Nintendo style wireless controller.

    Just a few days ago it seems Nintendo filed an FCC application for a wireless gaming accessory. The back of the diagram resembles a SNES controller. Besides, the sketch also shows a model number with HAC code that Nintendo uses on Switch accessories. Now, this implies it is definitely a wireless controller, much like the NES wireless controller.

    Past trends suggest that the launch of retro-inspired hardware for Switch also implies the arrival of old-school Super Nintendo games. To recall, Nintendo released wireless NES Controllers for the Switch in September, along with games via Nintendo Online offered to subscribers for free. The recent FCC filing pretty much confirms that Nintendo plans to release something in the near future.

    If it comes to games outside of SNES, this controller looks great. While the NES controller technically works with everything, it only has two buttons that limit it quite a bit. On the other hand, the controller shown in the FCC application uses a D-Pad, so hopefully, Nintendo releases this controller shortly. That said, more importantly, we hope to see Super Nintendo games reasonably soon.

    What are your views about this new wireless controller from Nintendo? Do let us know in the comments below.

  • Apple likely to tweak namimg scheme for next iPhones

    Apple likely to tweak namimg scheme for next iPhones

    Just like last year, Apple is widely expected to launch three iPhone models in 2019. With only a few weeks left before the official unveiling, leaks about the iPhone 11 are pouring thick and fast. The latest leak via Twitter suggests that Apple plans to change the naming scheme for its 2019 iPhone lineup slightly.

    Multiple sources point to the fact that Apple will incorporate a triple-lens camera setup for this year’s flagship iPhone model. Now, the latest leak via Twitter suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone model for 2019 might have the word ‘Pro’ in its name, as opposed to the ‘Max’ moniker.

    This suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone for 2019 might be called the iPhone 11 Pro, or simply the iPhone Pro. Whether this could be a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen. That said, incorporating the Pro moniker for the flagship iPhone makes more sense, as it clearly suggests the device offers top-of-the-line features to help distinguish it from other models in the iPhone lineup.

    As already mentioned, Apple plans to launch three iPhone models in 2019. These include the successor to the iPhone XR with a 6.1-inch LCD screen, along with two OLED models with 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch displays. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries.

    New iPhones coming in September

    The flagship iPhone 11 Pro or Max is expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is likely to get an upgrade, while one of the rear lenses is expected to boast a 14-megapixel sensor.

    Meanwhile, leaks indicate that the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR. Also, analysts at Citi Research have indicated that Apple Pencil support might arrive with the iPhone 11.

    As far as the release goes, leaks suggest that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone range on September 11, while shipping is likely to commence on September 20.

  • Ninja alleges Twitch for suggesting porn on his old channel

    Ninja alleges Twitch for suggesting porn on his old channel

    Popular streamer Tyler Blevins aka Ninja has called out on Twitch for promoting porn on his dormant channel. Polygon reports that streamer Daniel KEEMSTAR Keem was the first to notice pornographic material recommended on Ninja’s old channel on Twitch.

    “Over the last couple of days, there have been some things going on that we’ve let slide, they were kind of annoying, little jabs, we felt like but it didn’t matter, we want to stay professional,” Ninja said.

    Ninja further alleges that Twitch hasn’t done the same to anyone else who has gone offline, but just him. He also added that this could damage his brand and reputation that he’s built over the years.

    “I’ve been streaming for eight years, to build my brand, to build that channel, 14.5 million followers, and they were still using that channel to promote other streamers,” he added.

    This fiasco could likely be a result of Ninja deciding to leave Twitch for Microsoft’s Mixer. Ninja grew a massive fan following on Twitch, however, on August 1, he made a surprise announcement that he would exclusively stream for Microsoft’s Mixer service. By the looks of it, Twitch didn’t take it well as Ninja decided to stream solely on a rival platform. He was consistently one of the biggest streamers on Twitch, and his decision to leave was a significant blow for the platform.

    Twitch has now reportedly reverted Ninja’s dormant page to a regular offline screen, along with chat, where users are lashing out for apparent reasons.

  • Huawei announces Harmony OS after US ban

    Huawei announces Harmony OS after US ban

    Huawei has finally announced Harmony OS, the official Android replacement following its ban in the United States. The new OS is supposed to run on all of Huawei’s consumer gadgets and smartphones. The move comes following a trade war between the US and China.

    To recall, the United States government blacklisted Huawei in mid-May. Back then, the President of the United States signed an executive order in which the Chinese brand was banned to do any business with American firms. This restricted Huawei to use American products like Android and Windows, which means that its new consumer gadgets would have remained without an operating system to run them.

    The main issue with Huawei has been about its close ties with the Chinese government. Now, this triggered fears in the US that its equipment could be used to spy on other nations and companies, which banned companies from using Huawei networking equipment in 2012. Following this, Huawei was added to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List in May after an executive order from President Donald Trump, effectively banning Huawei from United States communications networks.

    Huawei then started working on an internal operating system to replace Android on its own devices. Sources indicate that Huawei has been working on the new Harmony OS for quite sometime now, and recent developments forced Huawei to accelerate its development. The Chinese brand finally announced the OS during the Huawei developers conference.

    Just like Android, Huawei’s new Harmony OS uses micro-kernel, implying that kernel is developed using only the necessary drivers. This would allow Huawei to deploy the OS swiftly on multiple devices. The Chinese brand also added that Harmony OS is faster than Android because the connections between the phone’s hardware and several parts of the OS is made through a single layer. Besides, the company also plans to make Harmony an open-source OS in the near future, which would allow developers to create apps easily for this OS.

  • iPhone sales drop by 15 percent in third quarter: Report

    iPhone sales drop by 15 percent in third quarter: Report

    iPhone sales have seen a decline in the second quarter of 2019, according to research provided by IHS Markit. The study further notes that shipments will continue to drop, primarily due to high prices.

    Apple sold 35.3 million iPhones in the last quarter, down by 15 percent year-over-year and 19 percent quarter-over-quarter. The company was able to sell 43.8 million units in Q1 2019, while shipments reached 41.3 million units in the second quarter of 2018.

    “Apple continues to face challenges in terms of unit shipments—a trend that is unlikely to be fixed soon. Apple shipped 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter, down 14.6 percent from 41.3 million units one year ago” explained IHS Markit

    Samsung retained the top spot, which sold 75.1 million units in Q2 2019, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago. Huawei remained the runner up despite the challenges imposed by the US government ban.

    The Chinese brand sold 58.7 million units in the second quarter of this year, which is a 1 percent drop from the previous quarter. That said, it’s still an 8 percent increase from the 54.2 million units it shipped in the Q2 2018.

    According to IHS Markit, one of the main reasons for iPhones sales going down is the price.

    “Apple continues to be more aggressive with its promotional activities, but still faces two key challenges: super-premium pricing for its latest models and insufficient price elasticity in its older models to drive significant additional shipments of two-to-three-year-old devices,” IHS Markit further explains in a statement obtained by 9to5mac.

    Apple is widely expected to introduce three new iPhones next month, while sales of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range is expected to begin by the end of September.

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ with new S Pen are finally official

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ with new S Pen are finally official

    Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy Note 10 range during its Unpacked event which was streamed live on YouTube. As expected, Samsung has launched two variants of the handset called the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+. This makes it the first time that any Galaxy Note model is offered in two screen sizes. The new Galaxy Note 10 series is a fusion of modern design with edge-to-edge displays, high-end innards and top-end productivity tools.

    “From the very beginning, the Galaxy Note has stood for the best-of-the-best technologies and features. The Galaxy Note10 re-imagines this promise for the modern Note fan who uses their smartphone to take their productivity and creativity to the next level, and who effortlessly flows between ideas and endeavors at a moment’s notice,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYA_XAMfRfo#action=share

    One of the highlights of the new Galaxy Note rage is the new edge to edge Cinematic Infinity AMOLED display which supports HDR10+ and Dynamic Tone Mapping. Besides, it comes with an upgraded Bluetooth low-energy enabled S Pen which supports gestures. The standard Galaxy Note 10 comes with a 6.3-inch display, while the Note 10+ gets a 6.8-inch screen.

    The new Galaxy Note 10 series also supports Samsung DeX for PC and Mac which transforms your smartphone into a full-fledged Android PC. Both handsets run the latest Android 9.0 (Pie) OS right out-of-the-gates.

    In the photography department, both Galaxy Note 10 models come with a 10MP front-facing camera. On the back, both feature a 16MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide-angle cam, and 12MP telephoto shooter. However, the top-end Galaxy Note 10+ also comes with a ‘DepthVision’ sensor on the back. It allows users to take 3D scans of objects which can be turned into animated GIFs. Users can even send the scan to a 3D printer to make copies of it.

    Under the hood, the Note 10 and Note 10+ get powered by a 7nm 64-bit octa-core processor. However, the speed and model may vary based on the market. For instance, Note 10 models in the US are likely to come with Exynos processors, while markets in Asia will get the Snapdragon chipset.

    Elsewhere, 12GB of RAM comes as standard in the Galaxy Note 10+. However, buyers get to choose between 256GB or 512GB of built-in storage. The standard Galaxy Note 10 will come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. However, the 5G version of the Galaxy Note 10 will come with 12GB of RAM. Yes, both Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ will also come in 5G variants.

    As expected, the Galaxy Note 10+ gets fuelled by a larger 4300mAh battery compared to the 3500mAh battery found on the Galaxy Note 10. Both Note 10 models also come with super-fast charging capabilities. Samsung claims it allows users to charge the devices in only 30 minutes using the 45W wired charging adapters. Besides, users can also wirelessly charge them with any Qi-enabled wireless charger.

    The Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ come in a choice of three different color options. These include Aura Glow, Aura White, and Aura Black. The Galaxy Note 10 will be available for purchase starting August 23rd.

  • Apple reportedly working on a foldable iPhone

    Apple reportedly working on a foldable iPhone

    UBS has claimed in an investor note that Apple is reportedly working on folding devices. The report indicates that a folding iPhone is already in the works, but Apple might initially launch a folding iPad. Additionally, the report notes that a folding device from Apple is more likely to release in 2021, but it could also arrive early in 2020.

    According to UBS, Samsung dominates intellectual property filings for folding display and device technologies. However, Apple has been continuously working on the technology for folding display. UBS added that Apple might launch a folding device as early as next year, though 2021 seems more likely for now. Furthermore, UBS suggests that Apple’s first folding device will more likely be an iPad than the iPhone.

    The report, however, notes that pricing would be a significant hurdle which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Customers are willing to shell out a little extra for folding devices, but not the outrageous $2000 price tag of the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

    “The survey indicates greater willingness to pay a premium ($600) and generally higher interest among Apple buyers for foldable products. This suggests that the industry will need to work to reduce costs for foldable mobile devices further to take off as a products category,” said UBS.

    UBS also indicates that the concept of a folding phone held a much higher appeal for more than a third of customers. That said, Apple will likely adopt a different approach than Samsung. The Korean brand didn’t have the start they might’ve have hoped for with the launch of the Galaxy Fold.

    The device was earlier set for a release in April; however, the launch was pushed back due to screen issues found by reviewers. Samsung now claims it has fixed such problems and announced the handset would go on sale in September.

  • LG teases a new smartphone with multiple displays for IFA

    LG teases a new smartphone with multiple displays for IFA

    LG has shown off a new video teaser for a multi-screen smartphone slated for an unveiling during IFA berlin next month. The teaser reveals a smartphone that can not only fold out to double its display, but also has a translucent display or what may be called as a tertiary display.

    While LG has already indicated that it has no plans to launch a foldable smartphone with a flexible OLED panel like the Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X. But that doesn’t imply it isn’t interested in the idea of a phone with at least a secondary display.

    For instance, the LG V50 5G has a secondary display though it’s not as large as the main display. That said, that could all change with its next dual display smartphone.

    The company just teased a new video for a smartphone set to be unveiled at IFA Berlin next month. It appears to be a smartphone that adopts the same approach as the LG V50, with a dual-screen accessory case or something on the lines of ZTE Axom M. That said, we won’t rule out the possibility that we might see something entirely different from LG.

    If we look at the video teaser closely, LG could be working on smartphone that has a transparent or translucent OLED screen that folds out and then can be used as a secondary display. In the teaser video, there appears to be a transparent display layered over the primary display which folds out before it’s activated.

    We can expect more details about LG’s upcoming multi-screen phone before its official unveiling on September 6 in Berlin. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • iPhone 11 could hit store shelves on September 20

    iPhone 11 could hit store shelves on September 20

    We already know that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone lineup in September. Apple is widely expected to unveil three new iPhone models this year. That said, details about an exact release date remain a mystery. Unlike Samsung, Apple is rather good at keeping details about its future products a closely guarded secret. That said, it appears president of a Japanese carrier might have accidentally revealed the date when the next iPhone range could go on sale.

    During an investor meeting earlier this week, Softbank president Ken Miyauchi tipped that the iPhone 11 could go on sale on September 20.

    Telecom authorities in Japan recently announced new regulations for carriers. The new rules no longer allow them to offer separate data and device plans. While trying to explain how they will tackle these new regulations which go live on October 1, Miyauchi dropped a hint that the iPhone 11 could start shipping on September 20.

    “Honestly, I am wondering what should I do for 10 days. No, I shouldn’t say that. Anyway, I don’t know when the new iPhone will be released. However, almost after 10 days, it will be unbundled,” said Miyauchi.

    iPhone 11 to start shipping on September 20 does make a lot of sense. Key sources indicate that Apple is expected to host an event on September 10, while pre-orders are likely to begin next Friday on September 13. Apple typically starts shipping new iPhones a week after their official unveiling; therefore, the first customers who pre-ordered the handset will likely get it by September 20.

    Apple is widely expected to announce three new iPhones in September. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XR. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is expected to be upgraded to a 10-megapixel sensor, while the rear ones are expected to have 14-megapixel sensors.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR. Besides, analysts at Citi Research have also indicated that Apple Pencil support might finally arrive with the iPhone 11.