Source: Stephen Warwick/iMore
As we transition from April into May (yes it's May already), it's been a bumper week of news for Apple. Straight from the horse's mouth, we had Apple's Q2 earnings call, the first official indication of performance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also saw a first look at the Beta for iOS 13.5, which contains provisions for Apple's new contact tracing technology, created in partnership with Google. Tim Cook even announced that Apple Stores in Austria and Australia will reopen next week! Fresh from the rumor mill, we also got a sneak peek at the prices for Apple's upcoming iPhone 12!
iPhone 12
Source: EverythingApplePro
After enduring plenty of questions about the price of the iPhone 12, Jon Prosser just decided to go ahead and tell us. Turns out, the cheapest iPhone 12 might cost just $649, with the most expensive one starting at $1,099. All of these phones are rumored to feature 5G and an updated design featuring square edges.
iPhone 12 prices leak — and they're cheaper than you think
iOS 13.5
Source: Guilherme Rambo
The first beta of iOS 13.5 was released earlier this week, and the headlines are all pandemic-related. Firstly, Apple is going to make it easier to unlock your phone if you're wearing a mask, skipping straight past Face ID, and going to your passcode instead. The beta also includes a first look at Apple and Google's contact tracing solution.
- iOS 13.5 will skip Face ID if your iPhone sees you are wearing a mask
- Apple has added "COVID-19 Exposure Notifications" in the iOS 13.5 beta
Apple stores are starting to reopen
Source: Stephen Warwick/iMore
A rumor earlier this week stated that store employees had been told that Apple expects to begin reopening stores in May. Sure enough, just a couple of days later Tim Cook told us that Apple's stores in Australia and Austria would reopen as soon as next week!
Tim Cook says Apple Stores in Austria and Australia will reopen next week
Q2 earnings
Source: Apple
Much to everyone's surprise, despite closing all of its retail stores amidst the pandemic, Apple still managed to record growth of 1% year on year in its Q2 earnings call. Headlines include record-setting services revenue and earnings of $58.3 billion.
- Apple Q2 2020: Revenue up slightly over last year at $58.3 billion
- Apple Earnings Call Transcripts: Apple CEO Tim Cook on the company's 2020 Q2 earnings
Apple Card payment deferral
Source: iMore
Worried about paying your Apple Card bill? Worry not, Apple has extended its Customer Assistance Program, meaning users can defer their Apple Card payments through May if you're having difficulty making payments.
Apple extends Apple Card payment deferral through May
Congressman presses Tim Cook over Xinjiang forced labor reports
Congressman Ken Buck has written to Apple CEO Tim Cook following reports that Apple suppliers may be connected to forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China.
Breaking: Apple fires ads exec García Martínez following employee backlash
One of Apple's recent hires is the author of "Chaos Monkeys," and some employees aren't too happy about that.
GameSir is launching two new controllers, aimed at mobile gamers
GameSir is reintroducing the X2 Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller and launching the F7 Claw Tablet Game Controller.
How will you attach your AirTag to the item you wish to track?
Apple's AirTag doesn't have any hooks or adhesive for attaching to your precious items. Luckily there are plenty of accessories for that purpose, both from Apple and third parties.