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Tag: iPhone XS

  • Apple reportedly prepping a cheaper iPhone for the Chinese market

    Apple reportedly prepping a cheaper iPhone for the Chinese market

    Apple is expected to announce its 2019 iPhone-lineup in September. And just like last year, the Cupertino giant is said to announce three iPhone models this year as well. These will be direct successors to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. That said, a new report has emerged which indicates that Apple could add a cheaper iPhone model to the lineup.

    However, this particular affordable model will lack features such as FaceID, given that facial recognition is one of the more expensive parts of a handset. Instead, this model could mark the return of Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor. That said, the cited source also suggests that Apple is working on two options for the Touch ID. One of them being the addition of TouchID on the back of iPhone, just like you’d find on Android devices. The other being placing the fingerprint reader under the screen.

    Cheap iPhone Only for China

    The report further adds that this more affordable iPhone model would be specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Now, this essentially means that this particular model with TouchID and no FaceID won’t be available anywhere else.

    The reason being that Apple wants to handle the increasing popularity of cheaper handsets in China to compete against likes of Huawei, Xiaomi, and more. In markets like China and India, cheap Android alternatives keep popping up every day featuring bezel-less screens, more RAM and storage, and cameras with multiple lenses. Hence, in order to tackle the popularity of cheap Android alternatives, Apple needs to develop budget iPhone models for these markets.

    That said, we’d take this infirmation with a pinch of salt as Apple has traditionally never compromised on features to bolster iPhone popularity and demand. Only time will tell whether this report turns out to be accurate.

    As per earlier reports, Apple is widely expected to introduce three iPhone models this year as well. These are said to be the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XIR. Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.

  • Apple launches smart battery cases for its 2018 iPhone range

    Apple launches smart battery cases for its 2018 iPhone range

    Apple today launched new smart battery cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Priced at $129, these new smart battery cases are designed to offer extra battery life to iPhone users. They feature a similar design compared to battery cases offered for the iPhone 7, sporting a bump in the back which houses the battery pack.

    Available in Black and White color options, each battery case offers different battery life depending upon the iPhone model. For instance, the iPhone XS battery case is rated to deliver up to 33 hours of talk time, up to 25 hours of video playback, and 21 hours of internet use.

    On the other hand, the iPhone XS Max smart battery case, when paired with the iPhone XS Max churns out 37 hours of talk time, 25 hours of video playback, and up to 20 hours of internet use. Finally, the smart battery case for the iPhone XR offers up to 39 hours of talk time, up to 27 hours of video playback, and up to 22 hours of internet use.

    iPhone XR smart battery case

     Compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers

    Besides, these new smart battery cases support Qi-wireless charging unlike the battery case for the iPhone 7. They also support Lighting accessories such as EarPods and Lighting Connector. Besides, these new smart battery cases display battery status on the iPhone’s lock screen and in the Notification Center giving users an idea about their handset’s battery.

  • iPhone XS Max allegedly catches fire in the US

    iPhone XS Max allegedly catches fire in the US

    A man from the United States claims his iPhone XS Max caught fire while kept in the back of his pocket. Josh Hillard from Ohio says the smartphone felt hot and then started emitting smoke. At the time of the incident, he was with his colleague in the break room when the phone caught fire out if the blue. He then quickly ran out to take his pants off, and another colleauge had to use a fire extinguisher to put out the flame.

    “Left no other option, I had to exit the room since there was a female in the break room with me and remove my pants. I ran to the boardroom where I got my shoes and pants off as fast as possible. A VP of our company put the fire out with a fire extinguisher because he heard me yelling,” said Hillard.

    Following the alleged incident, he went to the Apple Store to narrate the whole debacle and find out what kind of compensation would he receive. However, the victim was only offered a new phone, despite him asking further compensation for his burnt clothes and slight skin burns. Not satisfied by the response, Josh then tried to get in touch with Apple Care over the phone, but to no avail.

    Victim says replacement iPhone XS Max isn’t enough

    Hillard further added that he always showed faith in Apple as a brand, but now he seems to have lost his trust in the company as he isn’t satisfied by Apple Care’s. He is now seeking legal action in order to get more compensation.

     

    Smartphones on fire remind us of incidents such as the Galaxy Note 7 debacle. That said, these types of incidents happen rarely as most handsets go though rigorous testing and safety measures. However, we do come across such news once in a while, so readers are advised to make use of authorized accesories and batteries with their smartphones to negate the possibilty of these incidents happening.

  • Apple slashes production orders for iPhone XS and iPhone XR

    Apple slashes production orders for iPhone XS and iPhone XR

    In addition to cutting back production of the iPhone XR, Apple has reportedly decided to reduce production orders for its newly launched iPhone XS range as well. Reports indicate that production models for the iPhone XR have been massively reduced, by up to 30 percent. Although, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have not witnessed such reduced production orders, according to reports.

    Apple’s decison to cut down production orders comes as a result of lower than anticipated demand for new iPhone models, as well as overall shrinking of the smartphone-market. Reports further cite that weak demand in China is another reason for cutting down production of newly launched iPhone range.

    Apple’s stock reduced by 5 percent earlier this month, as the company was unable to forecast iPhone demand for the holiday season. Another reason for falling Wall Street numbers is that Apple told investors that it would no longer reveal iPhone unit sales, which has probably made them apprehensive.

    Besides, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also suggests that Apple will see an year-over-year decline in iPhone shipments during the first quarter of 2019.

    Well, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of prodution cuts for iPhone units. Last year, similar reports of the iPhone X popped up at this time of the year. Apple was overly optimistic about the debut of iPhone X, though reportedly decided to slash its production by 20 million units. However, it surpassed everyone’s expectations and turned out to be the most popular smartphone in the world.