iPhone 6 release date uncertainty damages

Time for Apple to innovative further – We’ve owned every iPhone generation since the first, but it has become apparent that the market has changed and Apple has not. Users want diversity in screen size and a growing number of people want the smartphone to become their tablet and phone, aka phablet.

Apple needs to launch an iPhone 6 with a bigger screen size and even better if they had a couple of display options. This is needed to compete with the new smartphone market that Apple has failed to adapt to so far.

Tim Cook confirmed no new products until the end of 2013 – over the past couple of weeks it became clear that the iPhone 6 would not see a release date until the end of the year, which would most likely be in the same release window as last year. Tim Cook confirmed this with a comment that explained fans have some big “surprises” to expect from Apple starting at the end of 2013.

In a nutshell Tim Cook confirmed the release of the next iPhone would not come sooner than fall 2013, or even in 2014 although we think this would be too damaging for Apple as some people might jump ship by then.

Apple iPhone 6 release date uncertainty damages – it is true that some users will wait for the upgrade to the iPhone 6, and our readers have confirmed this to us and also explained this would be unfortunate as they wanted to have the new iPhone in 2013. These same users still hang on to the idea that current rumors are a myth and Apple will launch a big screen iPhone 6 sooner rather than later.

You don’t need to look far to see thousands of people moving away from Apple thanks to the lack of “a larger screen”, one of our readers explained “I’ve made the jump and have ordered HTC One to upgrade from my iPhone 4. So yes, Apple’s too late with a bigger display”.

Do you want to see Apple launch a bigger screen iPhone 6 this year, and how long will you wait for a release date to arrive? You might want to also read about the iPhone 6 release date oddities we’ve seen so far, although it is worth noting a recent survey did show that loyalty to Apple has been driving iPhone marketshare gains vs. Android.

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iOS 6 review

The definitive guide to Apple's iOS 6 software features for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

iOS 6 is a software update divided against itself. Apple claims over 200 new user-facing features, which is the same if not more than previous versions of iOS. Many of these are good and solid, reducing the friction and increasing the functionality of iOS, and delightfully so. But a lot of it them are also about Apple and the future of their platform.

In that regard, iOS 6 is nowhere near as audacious as iOS 2, which brought the App Store, or iOS 5, which cut the iTunes cord, took us to the iCloud, and brought Siri along for the ride. It doesn't remove user and developer pain points the way iOS 3 did with cut/copy/paste or iOS 4 did with multitasking. iOS 6 is more of a soft-reset and a way to set the stage for iterations to come. It strips Google almost completely out of iOS and introduces an all-new Maps app and increased Siri intermediation. It introduces Passbook, which isn't a digital wallet, but does provide a single repository for tickets and balances, and starts to make mobile transactions convenient and comfortable. It abstracts and outsources sharing with new Facebook and enhanced Twitter integration, so Apple no longer has to worry about creating awkward new networks of their own. And it increases support for China, which has become a hugely important market for Apple.

But if iOS 6 is about Apple and the future, what does that mean for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users today? Is there still enough here, individually and in sum, to make it a compelling and competitive update?

Let's find out...

iOS 6 in 6 minutes

If you don't have time to read all the words below, but you still want to see all the highlights -- Maps, Siri extensions, Passbook, Guided Access, Shared Photo Streams, and more -- then here's everything you need to know about iOS 6 in just 6 minutes.

iOS 6 preamble

Before we get to the good stuff, and break down all the features of iOS 6 from iCloud and Lock screen, and app by app in the order in which they appear on the iPhone 5 Home screen, there's some house keeping to get out of the way first.

Previously on iOS...

iOS 6 is the latest in a series of iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad updates going back to the original iPhone OS released in June of 2007. Rather than cover previously released features again, you can find full reviews for earlier versions here:

• iOS 5.1 for iPhone and iPad
• iOS 5 for iPhone and iPad
• iOS 4.3 for iPhone, iPad
• iOS 4.2 for iPhone | iOS 4.2 for iPad
• iOS 4.1 for iPhone
• iOS 4 for iPhone
• iOS 3.2 for iPad
• iOS 3.1 for iPhone
• iOS 3.0 for iPhone
• iPhone 2.2 for iPhone
• iPhone 2.1 for iPhone
• iPhone 2.0 for iPhone

How to update to iOS 6

iOS 6 is available as an over-the-air (OTA) update right on your iOS device, or as a tethered update over USB Dock cable via iTunes on the desktop. OTA is typically faster as it updates in place. iTunes, however, allows for a clean install if you worry about a bad backup restore causing battery life or other issues.

iOS 6 compatibility

iOS 6 is compatible with the following iOS devices. Not all features are available for all devices, especially older devices, but they'll all be able to run iOS 6 apps (binary compatible) which is a huge advantage going forward.

• iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS
• iPad 3, iPad 2
• iPod touch 5, iPod touch 4

iOS 6 feature availability

Not all iOS 6 features are available in all countries or regions. For example, standard maps are available in 177 countries as of this writing, while Siri movie showtimes are only available in 3. Some features will be added to additional regions in October, while it's likely data availability and partnership deals will mean longer waits for many others. Apple provides the following feature-by-feature, region-by-region availability breakdown

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Apple’s iPhone Continues To Show Strong Growth In The U.S., Samsung And Android Adoption Slow

Apple’s trajectory in the U.S. smartphone market over the past little while has been an upwards one, with the company gaining more and more iPhone subscribers every month. During the three-month period covering November 2012 to February 2013, Apple added 8.9 million new iPhone subscribers according to comScore, while Android as a platform in total added only 2.9 million. That means Apple’s share of the total smartphone subscriber base in the U.S. grew to 38.9 percent from 35 percent, while Android’s dropped from 53.7 to 51.7 percent.

ComScore’s figures also show that in terms of smartphone manufacturers, Apple also continues to lead the pack. Its share among OEMs rose 3.9 percentage points during the three month period, while Samsung gained only 1 percent percentage point, rising from 20.3 percent of the U.S. market to 21.3 percent. That means Apple and the iPhone continue to enjoy almost double the smartphone manufacturer share of its next closest rival.

The loser in this case wasn’t either Apple or Samsung, however, both of whom gained subscribers and share, but BlackBerry, which as a platform shed 1.7 million subscribers in the U.S. between November and February. These numbers predate the launch of BB10, however, so we’ll have to watch to see if that helps BlackBerry stem the tide of users leaving.

Of course, both Google and Samsung stand to reap the benefits of upcoming device launches, which could help swing the pendulum back in their favor over the coming months. Samsung is on the verge of debuting its next-generation flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4, with pre-orders beginning in just a couple of weeks. The HTC One is also coming to the U.S. market in mid-April, which could give Android as a platform additional firepower in terms of competing with iOS and the iPhone.

Apple’s success to date has been based on the strong performance of the iPhone 5 since launch, and that device seems to continue to be an attractive choice for U.S. subscribers. There still doesn’t appear to be much in the way of a true race for a third platform, however, with Microsoft and BlackBerry either actively losing share or seeing only insignificant gains. The market is now at a crucial juncture in terms of product releases, but the fight looks likely to continue to remain a two-party affair for the foreseeable future.

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Refurbished 27-inch Apple iMacs Selling for Up to $400 Off Retail

If you've been waiting to score a deal on an Apple iMac system, now is your chance, provided you're not opposed to buying a refurbished model. Apple just filled its store with a handful of refurbished iMac models that are marked down anywhere from 15 percent to 20 percent, which translates into savings of up to $400 off the normal selling price.

All three discounted models are 27-inch iMac systems. The biggest savings is for an Intel Core i5 3.1GHz quad-core system that's listed at $1,599, or $400 off its normal selling price. That system comes with 4GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive, 8X DVD burner, and AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics. It also has a FaceTime HD webcam, two Thunderbolt ports, a FireWire 800 port, four USB 2.0 ports, SDXC card slot, 802.11n Wi-Fi, stereo speakers, and a few other odds and ends.

The other two reduced systems sell for $1,529 (2.9GHz, 8GB memory, GeForce GTX 660M, 1TB HDD) and $1,699 (3.2GHz, 8GB memory, GeForce GTX 675MX, 1TB HDD). Refurbished systems come with a wireless keyboard, mouse, power cord, and documentation.

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Apple may see single-digit shipment growth for MacBooks in 2013

Apple MacBook shipments may only see single-digit growth in 2013, as related upstream component suppliers still have not yet seen any major increases in orders, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

The orders may increase slightly after Apple releases its new MacBook products at the end of the second quarter.

Apple was confident about its 13-inch MacBook Pro performance for 2013, but the device's actual sales turn out to be weaker than expected, leaving the company still digesting its inventories in the first quarter.

The sources pointed out that Apple's MacBook Pros have strong attraction to consumers, but the devices' high prices are instead pushing consumers away. In addition, shipment delays last year due to weak panel yield rates also impacted shipment performance. However, Apple claimed its Mac series' weak sales are due to the iPad.

Apple shipped 13.03 million MacBooks in 2012, up 7.98% on year.

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iPhone 5S Prototype Pictured

There has been a lot of talking about Apple's next-generation smartphone. Last month, there were rumours that iPhone 5S is already in mass production and that it will run on the same assembly line as iPhone due to similar design.

However, thanks to GSM Arena we have first pictures of the alleged iPhone 5S. Looking at the pictures, the new iPhone is everything but similar to the old one. The pictures match Apple's patent almost perfectly, which shows the use of curved glass and flexible displays.

As there is no official confirmation, and the images could be easily photoshopped or digitally rendered altogether, take this with several pinches of salt. Stay tuned for further information.

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Apple to begin production of new iPad in July-August: Report

There have been news reports in the past which suggested that Apple will be outing its next generation iPad in April 2013. However, in a new report DigiTimes claims that Apple will be commencing production of its fifth generation iPad in July or August. The website claims to have got this bit of information from its sources in the Taiwan-based supply chain.

The fifth generation iPad is expected to come with a 9.7-inch screen and is expected to be thinner and lighter than its predecessor. LG Display and Sharp are reportedly engaged in producing the display of the fifth generation iPad while touch panels are being made by TPK.

As per the rumours, the next generation iPad will have thin bezels, much like the iPad mini. There have been plenty of speculations being made in regards to the launch of the next generation of iPad. Some reports point to an October release, while some recent reports suggested an April release.

Apple had introduced the fourth generation iPad along with iPad mini at a special event in San Jose, California on October 23 2012. Apple surprised many by launching the 128GB version of the fourth generation iPad in February 2013.

The grapevine also suggests that Apple is gearing up to launch an iPad mini with Retina display. Alleged pictures of this iPad mini with Retina display were also shared online in February 2012. As per past reports Apple is cutting shipments of iPad mini in the second quarter of 2013. According to this report, the cutback may be as high as 20 percent in April and the shipments may continue to decrease gradually throughout the quarter to bring total shipments to as low as 10 million units during the quarter.

The reason for these cut backs was cited as Apple’s efforts in adjusting its reserves for the next-generation iPad mini, which is likely to be released in the third quarter.

From gadgets.ndtv.com

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Apple’s iPhone Continues To Show Strong Growth In The U.S., Samsung And Android Adoption Slow

Apple’s trajectory in the U.S. smartphone market over the past little while has been an upwards one, with the company gaining more and more iPhone subscribers every month. During the three-month period covering November 2012 to February 2013, Apple added 8.9 million new iPhone subscribers according to comScore, while Android as a platform in total added only 2.9 million. That means Apple’s share of the total smartphone subscriber base in the U.S. grew to 38.9 percent from 35 percent, while Android’s dropped from 53.7 to 51.7 percent.

ComScore’s figures also show that in terms of smartphone manufacturers, Apple also continues to lead the pack. Its share among OEMs rose 3.9 percentage points during the three month period, while Samsung gained only 1 percent percentage point, rising from 20.3 percent of the U.S. market to 21.3 percent. That means Apple and the iPhone continue to enjoy almost double the smartphone manufacturer share of its next closest rival.

The loser in this case wasn’t either Apple or Samsung, however, both of whom gained subscribers and share, but BlackBerry, which as a platform shed 1.7 million subscribers in the U.S. between November and February. These numbers predate the launch of BB10, however, so we’ll have to watch to see if that helps BlackBerry stem the tide of users leaving.

Of course, both Google and Samsung stand to reap the benefits of upcoming device launches, which could help swing the pendulum back in their favor over the coming months. Samsung is on the verge of debuting its next-generation flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4, with pre-orders beginning in just a couple of weeks. The HTC One is also coming to the U.S. market in mid-April, which could give Android as a platform additional firepower in terms of competing with iOS and the iPhone.

Apple’s success to date has been based on the strong performance of the iPhone 5 since launch, and that device seems to continue to be an attractive choice for U.S. subscribers. There still doesn’t appear to be much in the way of a true race for a third platform, however, with Microsoft and BlackBerry either actively losing share or seeing only insignificant gains. The market is now at a crucial juncture in terms of product releases, but the fight looks likely to continue to remain a two-party affair for the foreseeable future.

Read More