Author: J.R. Bookwalter

Our Tuesday Morning Report has some good news for Americans in big cities still in search of an iPhone 6: Apple has officially announced a release in China, which should help alleviate the number of devices being purchased here and sent to the mainland for resale at a hefty profit. There’s also news about the next three iOS 8 updates, and Parisians get the first public look at the forthcoming Apple Watch — so don’t waste a moment, dive right in!

Regulatory Hurdles Cleared, iPhone 6 Arrives in China Oct. 17

It should be easier to buy an iPhone 6 next month, now that Apple announced Tuesday that the latest and greatest models will go on sale in China beginning Friday, October 17. At the US launch earlier this month, scores of people hired by Chinese gray marketers lined up to be the first to buy the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, only to wind up handing them off to be shipped back to China for sale at a steep profit — a practice that should be curtailed now that Apple is officially launching the handsets in that country.

Available from all three major carriers across mainland China (China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom), the new iPhone 6 models can be preordered starting Friday, October 10, with reservations for in-store pickup beginning the following week. Chinese iPhone 6 models include support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE and start at a suggested retail price of 5,288 (RMB).

3 Big iOS 8 Updates In the Works, iOS 8.1 Beta Now Available

9to5Mac reported Monday that Apple engineers are already hard at work on the next three versions of iOS 8, with analytics logs revealing that the trio of updates appear to be in development simultaneously, something of a change of pace for Cupertino. The first such update is iOS 8.1, which arrived as a developer beta yesterday, while iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.3 appear timed for release sometime next year.

The report suggests Apple may attempt to unshackle major OS releases from new hardware launches, a practice that could have curtailed recent snafus such as the buggy iOS 8.0.1 update and the delay of HealthKit-compatible apps. The change in development could also be tied to new hardware: iOS 8.1 is widely expected to launch next month alongside the Apple Pay feature currently locked up inside new iPhone 6 models, and the Apple Watch has already been announced for early 2015.

In a separate report late Monday, 9to5Mac also confirmed the presence of an Apple Pay settings page hidden inside the new iOS 8.1 developer beta, but a tipster also claimed there’s a reference to Touch ID on the iPad as well: “Pay with iPad using Touch ID. With Apple Pay, you no longer need to type card numbers and shipping information.” That line of code apparently refers to making purchases online, however — there’s no indication Apple plans to include an NFC chip inside the next generation of iPads.

Paris Fashion Boutique First to Display Apple Watch

MacRumors reported Tuesday that the as-yet-unreleased Apple Watch is making its pubic debut today at a special event held during the Paris Fashion Show. The “one-day-only experience” at fashion boutique Colette features both 38mm and 42mm versions of the smartwatch from all three collections, although customers can only look at the devices for now. Starting at $349, Apple Watch is expected to be released in early 2015, although recent rumors claim Cupertino will be “lucky” to launch the device in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14.

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The debate over the flexibility of Apple’s new iPhone 6 models hasn’t quite died down just yet, with Consumer Reports seemingly hoping to become the last word on the subject. Our Monday Morning Report also takes a look at Microsoft’s first New York flagship store only a stone’s throw from a rival, while AT&T gets generous with Mobile Share Value data for your new iPhone or iPad. Read on for all the details!

Consumer Reports: iPhone 6 Bending Accusations Overblown

The folks at Consumer Reports have a somewhat checkered track record when it comes to Apple products, but following last week’s hysteria claiming the latest iPhone 6 models are too easy to bend, it was only natural that the watchdogs would try to find out for themselves if those claims are true or false.

As it turns out, the iPhone 6 Plus falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, succumbing to bending after having 90 pounds of pressure applied during a “three-point flexural test,” while the case began to separate at 110 pounds. That actually compares favorably to the iPhone 6, which began to deform at only 70 pounds, with the case separating at only 100 pounds, contrary to earlier reports that the larger 5.5-inch model was more susceptible to bending.

To help round out the figures, Consumer Reports also stress tested an HTC One (M8), LG G3, iPhone 5, and Samsung Galaxy Note 3, with the last two taking on a full 150 pounds before the case actually separated — and most of the devices actually kept working, even after having such serious damage applied to them.

Microsoft Confirms Flagship Store Near Apple’s NYC Cube

The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that Microsoft plans to open the company’s first flagship store in Manhattan, and it’s coming to a familiar location only a few blocks from Apple’s iconic glass cube on Fifth Avenue. According to executives, the store at 677 Fifth Avenue — currently occupied by Fendi — has been five years in the making and is best known for housing brands with an international reputation.

“As our first flagship store, it will serve as the centerpiece of our Microsoft Stores experience,” said David Porter, corporate vice president for Microsoft retail stores. “This is a goal we’ve had since day one — we were only waiting for the right location. And now we have it.”

Porter claims the company plans to make the location “much more than just a Microsoft Store” without elaborating on what that might include beyond “experiential space” to engage with customers. Stores along this trendy stretch of Upper Fifth Avenue are said to fetch rent on average of $2,749 per square foot.

AT&T Doubling Mobile Share Value Plan Data Through Oct. 31

AT&T announced Sunday a new promotion that promises to double the amount of data handed out to larger capacity Mobile Share Value plan customers — but they’ll have to sign up before October 31 in order to take advantage of the deal. Available to new and existing subscribers with 15GB and higher plans, the limited-time offer effectively doubles the base data for the same price, while still including the same domestic unlimited talk and text and unlimited international messaging.

For example, a $130-per-month plan which typically includes 15GB of shared data will now come with 30GB, all the way up to 100GB for the $375-per-month 50GB plan. Although customers are required to sign up for the deal by October 31, the more spacious data plan amounts will continue long after the promotional period ends.

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(Image courtesy of Consumer Reports)

Between bending phones, iOS 8.0.1, and the Bash security flaw on OS X, Apple seems to be taking it on the chin from nearly every front — but that isn’t stopping Cupertino from keeping its eye on the prize, with the iPhone 6 going on sale today as scheduled in 22 more locales. Our Friday Morning Report also looks at iOS 8.0.2 and a new home automation solution from Loxone, so let’s dive right in…

Apple Releases iOS 8.0.2, Offers Apology to 40K Affected Users

Well, that was quick: Apple wasted no time releasing iOS 8.0.2 on Thursday evening, just a day after the previous iOS 8.0.1 update wreaked havoc on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models, causing them to lose cellular connectivity and Touch ID.

“iOS 8.0.2 is now available for users, it fixes an issue that affected iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who downloaded iOS 8.0.1, and includes improvements and bug fixes originally in iOS 8.0.1,” Apple told TechCrunch in a statement. “We apologize for inconveniencing the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who were impacted by the bug in iOS 8.0.1.”

According to CNBC Tech’s Twitter feed, Apple claims “less than 40,000” iPhone 6 devices were affected by the iOS 8.0.1 snafu, which was yanked shortly after being first released on Wednesday.

iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus Now Available in 22 More Countries

Apple is just barely keeping up with demand for the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models in the US, but that isn’t stopping Cupertino from blazing a trail forward. Tthe new smartphone models went on sale around midnight local time in a long list of other countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

Right out of the gate, a report from MacRumors noted shipping estimates of five to seven days for “all colors, carriers, and capacities,” which isn’t much of a surprise given Apple’s announcement touting 10 million iPhone 6 models shipped last weekend in the United States, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, and Singapore.

Loxone Miniserver Go Offers Complete Smart Home Solution

Loxone announced Friday the availability of Miniserver Go, a consumer-installable version of the company’s wireless home automation solution which acts as a central hub for iPhone, iPad, or Android apps to control thermostats, lamps, appliances, or other devices. Similar to Apple’s HomeKit, Miniserver Go converts “dumb” devices into intelligent ones, using Loxone Air’s Smart Socket Air, RGBW Dimmer Air, and Multi I/O Extension hardware. The USB-powered Miniserver Go is now available from the Loxone website for $329.

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Judging from Apple’s own App Store data, an awful lot of folks have upgraded to iOS 8 in the first five days! We’ve got all the details on that number, along with a look at the latest pair of Fallon/Timerlake iPhone 6 commercials, and news of an Adobe-Aviary mashup that looks promising for mobile shutterbugs.

Apple Developer Website Touts 46{813a954d5e225a1509f22204ece89c855080ce25555f20805f61bed63cbfde3b} Adoption Rate for iOS 8

Wednesday will mark one week since the arrival of iOS 8, and judging from a pie chart casually posted to Apple’s online Developer portal, nearly half of all iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads are already running the latest and greatest mobile operating system out of Cupertino.

According to Apple, the exact figure is 46 percent — quite an impressive number, considering iOS 8 was only released to the public on September 17, and the App Store data is already two days old, measured on September 21. iOS 7 still takes the lead with 49 percent, while a mere five percent of devices are still running an unspecified “earlier” version of the OS — presumably models that have been jailbroken or are unable to install the later versions.

Apple Posts Two New iPhone 6 Commercials

On the heels of yesterday’s announcement of 10 million iPhone 6 units sold during the first weekend, Apple is turning up the marketing heat with a pair of new television commercials (embedded below) — not that they need any help getting consumers to line up around the block to buy the devices right now.

The new 30-second spots are done in the same style as “Duo” and “Health,” the pair of commercials Apple premiered during the keynote two weeks ago. Featuring the voices of Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and performer Justin Timberlake, “Huge” finds the duo bantering back and forth about whether the new features or the size of the hardware are more important, while “Cameras” puts the emphasis on the new time-lapse mode and image-stabilization features.

Adobe Acquires Mobile Photo Editing Service Aviary

Although the built-in iOS Photos app now includes powerful tools for editing images, for years such tasks have fallen to popular third-party solutions like Aviary, which offers a rich API capable of empowering other apps, such as the cloud-based Picturelife. But that may only scratch the surface of what is possible now that Adobe announced the acquisition of Aviary on Monday, and appears to have some ambitious plans to help power a new mobile-centric Creative SDK.

According to Adobe, the purchase of Aviary will help accelerate third-party APIs, allowing developers to browse files stored in Creative Cloud, extract elements from PSD files, access cloud-based image-editing services, and much more. A separate blog post offering insight on the deal promises “a whole set of updates and new apps” that will be launched at the company’s annual Adobe MAX conference in Los Angeles on October 6, with even more great things to come in the months ahead.

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They came, they saw, they purchased! At this writing, Apple hasn’t yet posted sales figures for the iPhone 6 launch weekend, but judging from the long lines, we’re guessing they’ll have plenty to brag about in addition to the four million preorders racked up more than a week ago. Today’s Morning Report kicks off with a look at new LTE enhancements from Verizon, out-of-warranty repair costs for the latest handsets, and how Windows users have an edge over Mac (for now).

Verizon iPhone 6 Users Can Finally Use Voice & Data at Same Time

Verizon Wireless promised HD Voice and video calling on its 4G LTE network last week, and the carrier has now delivered for owners of compatible handsets. According to MacRumors, that includes the latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models, thanks to Verizon’s Advanced Calling service, which takes advantage of the Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) feature Apple executive Phil Schiller gushed over during the keynote two weeks ago.

VoLTE not only offers a wider pipe with higher resolution for voice calls, but also allows Verizon Wireless customers to hold a conversation at the same they’re accessing a data connection — a convenience AT&T subscribers have enjoyed all along. Verizon customers will need to activate the free Advanced Calling 1.0 feature from the carrier’s website first, then make sure Voice & Data are selected under Settings > Cellular > Enable LTE.

In addition to the new iPhone 6 models, Verizon’s Advanced Calling features also work with two recent Android models, the LG G2 and the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Apple Posts Out-of-Warranty iPhone 6 Repair Costs

Did you pick up AppleCare+ when you purchased that new iPhone 6? If not, you may reconsider after seeing Apple’s updated US repair options, which were posted Friday to the support section of the company’s website. Although all iPhones include a one-year limited warranty, that doesn’t cover accidental damage, which the $99 AppleCare+ will cover for two incidents for a $79 service fee each time.

Without AppleCare+, out-of-warranty repairs will cost a flat $329 for iPhone 6 Plus, with the iPhone 6 only $30 less; the previous two generations (iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5) cost $269, with iPhone 4s at $199 and all older models (including the original 2007 model) at $149. All repairs are also charged a $6.95 shipping fee above and beyond these costs.

Thankfully, the more common screen damage and battery repairs are more affordable at $109 for iPhone 6, and $129 for iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or iPhone 5. Likewise, all iPhone models can have a battery serviced out-of-warranty for only $79.

Apple Serves Up iCloud Drive for Windows Before Mac

Hey, no fair! ArsTechnica is reporting that Apple updated iCloud for Windows along with iOS 8 last week, and the new version arrived with one feature that most Mac owners can’t yet enjoy: iCloud Drive support. Although not as full-featured as what OS X Yosemite will bring next month, iCloud for Windows does indeed allow access to iCloud Drive folders and files via Windows Explorer — basic functionality which the current OS X Mavericks cannot do.

Windows users shouldn’t start feeling too superior, however: The report states iCloud for Windows can’t use iCloud Keychain to sync passwords or Notes, or offer any sort of Find My iPhone support. In addition to iCloud Drive, the update does retain existing support for syncing iCloud bookmarks, calendars, contacts, reminders, and Photo Stream.

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(Image courtesy of MacRumors)

With patent lawsuits flying back and forth between Apple and Samsung, it was probably only a matter of time until Cupertino reduced its reliance on components from the Korean manufacturer — and that day seems to have arrived with the iPhone 6.

Chipworks has spent the day poring over components extracted from the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and has discovered that Apple’s new smaller, more powerful A8 processor has actually been fabricated by someone other than Samsung.

While the Korean electronics giant (and frequent Apple patent foe) has indeed manufactured previous-generation chips including the A7 found inside last year’s iPhone 5s, rumors earlier this year leading up to the launch of the iPhone 6 suggested that may no longer be the case.

According to Chipworks, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) was responsible for the 20-nanometer A8 processor, which is physically smaller than the previous 28-nanometer chips, which requires less power despite actually running faster than the A7.

Apple reportedly partnered with TSMC in an effort to put some distance between the iPhone maker and longtime component supplier Samsung, although future iOS devices are expected to aim for even smaller 14-nanometer chips, suggesting Cupertino may rely upon both TSMC and Samsung in the future.

During last week’s media event, Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller claimed the A8 processor inside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus would offer a 25 percent boost in CPU performance, as well as a 50 percent increase in graphics performance when compared to the iPhone 5s.

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(Image courtesy of Chipworks)

As you may have heard, the first iPhone 6 purchased from a retail store in Perth, Australia tumbled right out of its owner’s hands this morning — but judging from the sheer number of drop tests being performed on Apple’s latest smartphone, it’s all good.

PhoneBuff became the first to purchase the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on Friday morning with the intention of dropping them on the concrete to test their durability, and posted the video evidence on YouTube earlier this morning.

In what has become an annual ritual, bloggers raced to be the first to buy the hottest iPhone only to torture it without mercy. As shown in a five-minute YouTube video, PhoneBuff’s stunt ended with a cracked display when dropped on the concrete face-down, but the damage was minimal otherwise.

The folks at Android Authority became the second website to perform a drop test, and aside from a few scuffs, both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus came out largely unscathed — and more importantly, free of any damage to the screen.

Check out both drop test videos embedded above and below, but be forewarned: This definitely falls under the “do not try this at home” category, and may result in readers clutching their iPhone just a little tighter than they did previously.

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(Image courtesy of Android Authority)

Earthquakes aside, Californians will have one less thing to worry about next year now that a new smartphone anti-theft bill has been signed into law. We’ve got all the details on that as well as an update to the iTunes Festival London lineup in today’s Morning Report.

iTunes Festival Lineup Expands with Mary J. Blige, Tony Bennett

With the month of September now less than a week away, Apple continues to fill in the remaining holes in the iTunes Festival London lineup, which kicks off September 1 and continues for 30 nights. According to The Loop, the free music event will now get underway with a performance by deadmau5, who will be followed by returning legend Tony Bennet on September 6 and Mary J. Blige on September 25.

Although the lineup has been mostly filled out with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Placebo, Ben Howard, Nicola Benedetti, Nick Gardner, Nick Mulvey, Rae Morris, Lisa Hannigan, Little Dragon, James Bay, Hozier, Wolf Alice, Miloš, Alison Balsom, and Foy Vance, Apple is leaving us in the dark as to who will wrap up the festival on September 30… so there should be “one more thing” yet to come soon.

In the meantime, the iTunes Festival Apple TV channel has started popping up on the radar as we all wait for the month of August to wind to a close.

All Smartphones Sold in California Will Require Kill Switch Next Year

MacRumors reported Monday that California governor Jerry Brown has taken a big step forward to stomp out smartphone theft, by signing into law a bill requiring all devices sold in the state after July 2015 to include built-in “kill switches,” such as Apple’s Activation Lock already included in recent iPhone models.

“This epidemic has impacted millions across the nation and millions more around the globe, but today we turn the page,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “Seldom can a public safety crisis be addressed by a technological solution, but today wireless consumers everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief. Soon, stealing a smartphone won’t be worth the trouble, and these violent street crimes will be a thing of the past. The devices we use every day will no longer make us targets for violent criminals.”

First launched in February, the SB-962 Smartphones bill requires that manufacturers include a method to make a device inoperable should it fall into the wrong hands, with the additional caveat that such technology must extend to a complete wipe or reset, as well as any attempts to downgrade to an older operating system. The whole process must also be reversible, should the handset wind up being returned to its rightful owner.

Introduced with iOS 7, Apple’s Activation Lock likely already satisfies the fine print of California’s new law, which will likely put pressure on rivals including Samsung and Microsoft to follow suit with their own solutions. Although a similar law is already on the books in Minnesota, a federal mandate known as The Smartphone Theft Prevention Act could take the initiative nationwide in the near future.

Microsoft Launches Fire Sale on Last Year’s Surface 2 Tablet

PCWorld reported Monday that retail and online Microsoft Stores have launched a new promotion that slashes a cool hundred bucks off the price of a Surface 2, Redmond’s Windows RT 8.1-powered rival for the iPad. (You know, the one that won’t run full Windows apps.)

Between now and September 27, frugal shoppers can pick up a 32GB model for a mere $349, with 64GB offered for $449, or a 64GB model with AT&T 4G LTE for only $579. Probably not a good enough deal to sway potential iPad buyers, but it might just be cheap enough for those wanting to see what life is like on the other side of the fence.

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It was a relatively quiet weekend on the Apple front, although we’ve managed to round up all the news that’s fit to print in today’s Morning Report, including a look at what could be the latest design for Apple’s USB power adapter, a peek at a schematic for the M8 processor, and details on how Apple plans to sell Beats Music to iTunes customers. Click on to read the details!

Apple’s USB Power Adapter Spotted with New Design

MacRumors reported Saturday that Apple’s current USB power adapter appears to be getting a fresh new look, judging from an image leaked to Weibo (above). In addition to a less-square design with rounded corners, the adapter features dimples on each side that make it easier to hold and inset the adapter into an AC power outlet.

But exactly how “fresh” is the new design? According to a MacRumors forum poster, the exact same design is currently used on Apple’s power adapters in Australia, although with entirely different prongs — the United States and other countries use Type A prongs, which are clearly pictured here. The natural assumption is the new design will be arriving here with the iPhone 6, presumably the next Apple product to use such an adapter.

Schematic Offers Clues to Apple’s Next-Gen M8 Processor

AppleInsider today reported that a schematic published on Weibo appears to offer a first look at what Apple may have in store for this year’s M8 system-on-a-chip, including an updated motion coprocessor codenamed “Phosphorus,” which allegedly will work hand-in-hand with Cupertino’s new iOS 8-based Health app.

According to GeekBar, Phosphorus could be used to “collect and interpret new health-related data for the next-generation iPhone,” including “heart rate, calories burned, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and more.” Like the current generation M7 found in the iPhone 5s, the M8 motion coprocessor will also stealthily track a user’s activity similar to pedometers such as Fitbit, capable of communicating data to compatible apps, including Apple’s own Health solution expected to arrive next month with iOS 8.

Apple Begins Peddling Beats Music to iTunes Customers via Email

In case you haven’t heard, Apple picked up a little company called Beats Electronics this summer, and has already integrated its subscription-based streaming music service Beats Music into the “Apps by Apple” section on the App Store. According to 9to5Mac, the next step appears to be indoctrinating iTunes customers into the fold, courtesy of an email that introduces them to the wonders of Beats.

“Get Beats Music, now part of the Apple family,” the email reads below the headline, “The right music, right now.” The promotional email shows how Beats Music offers “Tune Your Taste” and “Just For You” features, encouraging iTunes customers to download the free app from the App Store and give it a spin.

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(Image courtesy of MacRumors and Weibo)

Could it be? Will the next iPhone finally include NFC (near-field communication) features? That’s the latest rumor based on a leaked photo of the device’s internal components. Plus, we’ve got the details on the newly updated MacBook Pro with Retina display, a report on AppleCare+, and news on Facebook Messenger in Tuesday’s Morning Report.

MacBook Pro with Retina Display Receives Rumored Refresh

Right on cue, the Apple Online Store has been updated overnight Monday with refreshed MacBook Pro with Retina Display models, exactly as rumored over the weekend. The 13-inch and 15-inch notebook models now feature slightly faster versions of Intel’s Haswell processors, with the former now featuring 8GB RAM with the base model and the latter getting a bump to 16GB across the board.

Apple is also making it more enticing to buy a MacBook Pro with Retina Display, now that the highest end 15-inch model is $100 cheaper than it was yesterday, dropping to $2499. The 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro also dropped by $100, bringing it down to a new record low of $1099, although without a spec bump of any kind.

As usual, build-to-order options are also available, with new choices including a 3.0GHz dual-core i7 processor for the 13-inch model and a 2.8GHz quad-core i7 processor for the 15-inch model. Apple has also bumped the potential flash storage for both display sizes up to 1TB.

This modest refresh may have to appease MacBook Pro with Retina Display lovers, given that Intel’s next-generation Broadwell processors may not be notebook-ready until sometime in mid-2015.

iPhone 6 Logic Board Components Allegedly Reveal NFC Chip

The iPhone 6 leaks just keep on coming, with the latest revealing bare logic boards from both of the rumored 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models. According to MacRumors, each of the components are larger than the one found in the current iPhone 5s, and are once again rumored to include support for near-field communication (NFC) at long last, which could line up nicely against rumors of a new mobile wallet service Apple may be planning to launch this fall.

Facebook Now Enforcing Switch to Standalone Messenger App

TechCrunch reported Monday that Facebook will start pushing smartphone chat users onto its free Messenger app starting later this week, a move the social network already started enforcing in Europe earlier this year. “Our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences,” Facebook said in a statement. Curiously, Facebook users on mobile web, feature phones, Windows Phone, Facebook Paper, or desktop computers won’t have to endure such a change — at least for now.

AppleCare+ Expands in Mexico and Sweden

Good news for iOS device owners in Mexico and Sweden. MacRumors today reported Apple has expanded AppleCare+ service in those countries to include iPhones and iPads. The extended warranty service, priced at 1,599 pesos in Mexico and 799 kronor in Sweden, must be purchased separately for each device and includes coverage for accidental damage. 

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Are you a grandfathered unlimited data user on Verizon Wireless? If so, you may soon find your favorite carrier slowing your roll on data consumption. GigaOM reported Friday that Verizon plans to throttle LTE speeds for heavy data users effective October 1, an effort to target the top five percent of users consuming 4.7GB or more each month. The new policy will only affect customers who haven’t renewed their contract within the last two years, with customers being notified of the change next week. Speaking of changes, read on to find out how Verizon customers will be able to use their early upgrade program at an Apple store later this year…

Apple Pulling Out Checkbook for Swell, BookLamp Acquisitions

Cupertino’s in an acquisition mood again, with TechCrunch reporting Friday that Apple has confirmed a buyout of BookLamp, an Idaho-based analytics service billed as the “Pandora of books.” A source claims the deal was “higher than $10 million, and lower than $15 million,” although the new owner wouldn’t say more than the obligatory “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”

The buying spree continued over the weekend, with Re/code reporting Sunday that Apple is also apparently close to purchasing Swell, a news and podcast app with a simplistic user interface aimed at commuters. Coincidentally billed as “Pandora for talk radio,” the deal is said to be worth about $30 million, and will see the Swell app shut down later this week and presumably close up shop on the planned Android version.

Minor Retina MacBook Pro Refresh Expected Tomorrow

MacRumors today reported that Apple may be poised to release a minor spec bump for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display models on Tuesday, July 29. Over the weekend, in-store signage from an Apple retail store in China revealed at least the 15-inch model will be updated across the board with Haswell processors clocked at 200 MHz faster than the current models, with the low-end base model bumped from 8GB to 16GB RAM. Tuesday is historically when Apple chooses to release new Mac products, so keep your eyes peeled tomorrow morning if you’re in the market for a new MacBook Pro.

Apple Retail Expanding into Carrier Early Upgrade Programs

9to5Mac reported Sunday that Apple retail stores will soon allow customers to purchase iPhones using the early upgrade plans of U.S. carriers. AT&T Next, Verizon Edge, and T-Mobile Jump are all expected to kick off as part of a pilot program in late August, presumably ahead of the iPhone 6 coming this fall. Employee training for the program is expected to take place between August 10 and August 28, but is not yet expected to support Sprint’s own variation, known as OneUp.

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If you love Facebook, you now have extra incentive to stay within those gated walls: On Tuesday, the social network announced the launch of Save on Facebook, a new option that delivers a built-in “read later” style service for saving links, places, and even movie, TV, or music pages for quick, easy access from mobile or web. Save on Facebook is rolling out to iOS, Android, and web “over the next few days,” so keep an eye out for it as you’re perusing this edition of the Mac|Life Morning Report!

Apple to Manufacture Upwards of 80M iPhone 6 Models This Year

Rumors about Apple planning to assemble a record number of iPhone 6 units aren’t exactly new, but when The Wall Street Journal reports it as fact, we tend to sit up and take notice. On Tuesday, the hallowed news outlet indeed appeared to confirm recent scuttlebutt that Apple is “preparing for its largest initial production run of iPhones,” with suppliers lined up to manufacture “between 70 million and 80 million units combined” between now and December 30.

Needless to say, that head-splitting number includes both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models which have been rumored for some time. For comparison, last year’s launch of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c were said to produce initial orders in the 50 to 60 million range, so clearly Apple executives are anticipating an even more insatiable demand from consumers when the iPhone 6 launches this fall.

Apple Debuts New MacBook Air Commercial, “Stickers”

At the recent unveil of Surface Pro 3, Microsoft made a big deal out of how much people love the MacBook Air — and now Apple has apparently decided to jump on their own bandwagon with a new television commercial celebrating its slimmest notebook computer.

Entitled “Stickers,” the spot celebrates “all the many ways people love the MacBook Air” by decorating them with decals ranging from iconic characters such as Peanuts, Pac-Man, Wonder Woman, Catwoman, and Mickey Mouse to more traditional markings like sunglasses, hats, and headphones — including the familiar Beats logo, which is now part of the Apple family.

Featuring music from artist and producer Hudson Mohawke, “Stickers” ends with the tagline, “The notebook people love,” and with good reason — MacBook Air is also the least expensive notebook, starting at a mere $899.

You Can Already Preorder an iPhone 6 in China

Who cares if Apple has yet to even confirm the existence of an iPhone 6? A separate report from The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday claims China’s Alibaba online marketplace Taobao is already littered with “dozens of sellers” already accepting preorders for the unannounced device, requiring deposits of as little as $80 or as much as $1288 to save a virtual spot in line. We wouldn’t be breaking those credit cards out of the ice quite yet, however…

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Welcome to the first installment of the MacLife.com Morning Report, where we’ll round up the latest and greatest news for your consumption each weekday as the sun rises. We’re kicking things off with a trio of Apple stories, including iTunes Festival’s return to merry old England this fall…

8th Annual iTunes Festival Coming to U.K. in September

Apple today announced that the annual iTunes Festival will once again be hopping across the pond this September for the eighth time in a row, taking over the legendary Roundhouse in the United Kingdom for an entire month.

“The iTunes Festival in London is back with another stunning line-up of world class performers and tremendous new acts,” remarked Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “These live shows capture the heart and soul of iTunes and we love bringing them to our customers in the Roundhouse, as well as to the millions of people watching all over the world for free.”

Featuring more than 60 acts, the event is entirely free, with tickets offered for U.K. residents by entering ballots on iTunes, or through a variety of media promotions from partners such as Global Radio and the London Evening Standard; music fans elsewhere in the world will also have a chance to win through local competitions.

For those unable to score tickets, iTunes Festival will once again be beamed live on demand to iOS devices, Apple TV, or computers with iTunes installed. This year’s lineup includes Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams, Beck, Sam Smith, Kylie, David Guetta, 5 Seconds of Summer, Calvin Harris, Blondie, Chrissie Hynde, Kasabian, Robert Plant, Kiesza, and Jungle, with others likely to be added in the coming weeks.

Intel Delays Affecting Rumored 12-Inch MacBook with Retina

MacRumors reported Friday that ongoing delays with Intel’s next Broadwell chips may have a ripple effect on the launch of Apple’s next MacBook as well. According to Taiwan’s Economic Daily News (via Google Translate), an “insufficient supply” of the 14-nanometer chips may force the Cupertino company to delay a rumored 12-inch version of the MacBook Pro with Retina Display to early or mid-2015, instead of a plum launch date this fall. Earlier rumors claim the notebook will feature a “redesigned ultrathin chassis” and “revamped trackpad design” that ditches the mechanical button, along with “quieter operation” from a “no-fan assembly.”

Apple Brings Two-Step Verification to 48 More Countries

Are you keeping your Apple ID safe with two-step verification? If not, Apple has given you one less excuse for not doing so by updating the list of countries where the optional security measure is now available. That list recently expanded by 48 more countries for a total of 59, affording users an additional layer of security by requiring authorization from a trusted device whenever your Apple ID is used to make a purchase on a new piece of hardware, get support from Apple, or sign in to My Apple ID to manage an account. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the support document and see if your country was recently added, then follow the instructions to activate two-step verification.

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Last week’s iOS 7.1.2 update introduced improvements for iBeacon, third-party accessories, and mail attachments, but apparently some international users are finding the patch also messed up their calendars.

The Times of India reported Monday that Apple has apparently already acknowledged a Calendar bug in the freshly released iOS 7.1.2, which will reportedly be “fixed with the next update.”

Thankfully, the bug is of the harmless variety, but certainly annoying to users who depend on a holiday calendar. One such afflicted user from Lithuania discovered the update showed him holidays from Mexico, Hong Kong, and Canada instead of his native homeland, but that the country-based list “keeps changing from time to time.”

Apparently, switching the home country from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to something like the United States, United Kingdom, or even Russia then displays the correct list of holidays, as shown in a YouTube video demonstrating the issue on an iPad.

There’s no word on when Apple will serve up a fix for the problem, but presumably iOS 7.1.2 will not be the final word on iOS 7 before iOS 8 arrives this fall.

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(Image courtesy of Dribble.com)

Now here’s an unfortunate case of being the wrong brand at the wrong time: The CEO of ISIS Mobile Wallet announced Monday that the company is planning to rebrand as a result of the conflict taking place in Iraq. As you may recall, a militant group called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has also been frequently referenced by the acronym ISIS, and the mobile wallet service is apparently uncomfortable with such an association. No word on what the new brand will be as yet, but while you’re guessing, have a look back at our recap of the last 24 hours!

Target Now Offering $100 Gift Card with iPad Purchases

If you’ve been holding off on the purchase of an iPad Air or iPad mini with Retina Display and happen to be a frequent Target shopper, this is apparently your week. The bullseye retailer is currently offering a $100 Target GiftCard with the purchase of either iPad model, which makes Apple’s tablet just about the cheapest we’ve ever seen. While you’re there, pick up some iTunes Gift Cards, which are also 10 percent off for a limited time, and if you need some accessories such as cases, cables, or chargers for that new iPad, Target also has you covered there with a 15 percent discount.

British Science Students Launch iPhone Into Space

Yahoo News (via Sky News) is reporting that U.K. science students from the Giles Academy in Boston, Lincolnshire spent two years planning and raising funds to put an iPhone into space, courtesy of a helium balloon — and they’ve got the video to prove it. Coupled with a GPS tracker and a small flight computer capable of tracking altitude, the unspecified iPhone model recorded the entire journey on video in just over two and a half hours as the balloon ascended 18 miles above the Earth. Amazingly, the bundle returned by way of a parachute after the balloon popped from the thin atmosphere, landing 40 miles away in Norfolk.

Samsung’s “Next Big Thing”? Apparently Lower Profit Margins

The New York Times reported Monday that Apple rival Samsung Electronics is anticipating a 24 percent year-over-year decline in revenue, missing analysts’ expectations of roughly eight trillion won for a profit of 7.2 trillion won (US$7.1 billion) for the latest quarter. While that’s nothing to sneeze at, Samsung executives are apparently spooked by the numbers, judging from a statement blaming the dip on “the overall smartphone market as well as increased competition in China” and some European markets. Also to blame: A heavier marketing spend on promotions for the Korean manufacturer’s flagship handset, the Galaxy 5S. Could Apple be next?

Skype 5.2 for iPhone Resurrects Voice Messaging Support

Microsoft-owned Skype announced Monday the release of Skype 5.2 for iPhone, an update that will come as a big sigh of relief for users who prefer to dabble in voice messaging, a feature newly returned to the redesigned app. Skype users can also now view contact profiles by simply tapping on a contact and selecting their profile from the menu, a trick that also works during one-to-one conversations as well. Last but not least, Skype 5.2 for iPhone delivers a new “add participants” option to introduce other users to an existing conversation, because, you know, the more, the merrier, right?

Prepaid LTE Service Rumored to Arrive on Verizon July 17

DroidLife is reporting that Verizon Wireless may finally be answering the prayers of prepaid users next week by opening the gates to its gigantic 4G LTE network at long last. According to an unnamed source, as of Thursday, July 17, Verizon’s ALLSET prepaid plans will deliver unlimited talk and text along with 500MB of data for $45, and for the first time ever, those bits and bytes will be of the LTE flavor. Coupled with a rumored promotion of 500MB of free data for signing up for auto-pay, that LTE bucket of data could jump to 4GB for only $20 per month more. It’s unknown if prepaid 4G LTE data will be throttled or bring an increase in price, but the details should become clearer next Thursday.

Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter