Apple is reportedly planning a new service that will allow businesses to accept payments using an iPhone without the need for extra hardware.

The new feature has been in development since 2020, following Apple's acquisition of Canadian startup Mobeewave for around $100 million, according to a report from Bloomberg. Mobeewave previously developed technology for smartphones to accept payments with a tap of a credit card.

The system is likely to use the iPhone’s near field communications (NFC) chip that it currently uses for Apple Pay. This is seen as a boost for small businesses as currently to accept an order on an iPhone, merchants must use third-party payment terminals that plug into the device or communicate with it via Bluetooth.

The new feature, however, will effectively create a payment terminal inside the device and remove the need for additional hardware. Users will be able to accept payments with a tap of a credit card or another iPhone onto the back of their device.

This could be bad news for payment providers that use the iPhone to facilitate sales, like Block’s Square. If Apple requires merchants to use Apple Pay or its own payment processing system to use the technology, this would shut out other providers.

For now, it’s unclear whether the new payment functionality will be part of Apple Pay, although Bloomberg has reported that the team building the feature have been working with Apple’s payment division since the Mobeewave acquisition.

Apple could potentially start introducing the feature in a software update in the coming months. It’s expected to release its first beta version of iOS 15.4 soon, with a potential final release for consumers in the spring.

IT Pro has contacted Apple and Square for comment.

The technology is yet another example of Apple's attempt to dig further into the small business space. The company recently launched a new package of support services designed to help SMB IT teams manage their employee devices in November last year. The package includes 24/7 phone support for IT managers and end-users, business iCloud storage, device management capabilities, and on-site repairs for businesses of 500 employees or fewer.

Apple today rolled out long-awaited updates to its iPhone and iPad units, along with a surprise announcement - a refreshed iPad mini.

Unveiled in a live streamed event from the company’s California headquarters, the new devices include updated processors, improved camera technology and several design tweaks aimed at making them more portable and more versatile than previous models.

Apple iPhone 13

Like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 series comes in regular and Pro versions, each with smaller and larger formats - the iPhone 13 mini for the standard model, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max at the top end.

The iPhone 13’s 6.1in OLED display (along with the 13 mini’s 5.4in screen) is almost 30% brighter than the iPhone 12, offering a brightness of 800cd/m2 in regular use (up from 625cd/m2), with a peak brightness of 1200cd/m2 in certain situations. It also sports a tougher cover. Users will get to see more of the display too, thanks to a 20% reduction in the size of the notch housing the front sensor array.

The flagship Pro unit comes in regular and ‘Max’ sizes, featuring respective 6.1in and 6.7in displays. A new Super Retina XDR display offers 1000cd/m2 of peak outdoor brightness.

The Pro series also offers an adaptive refresh rate feature called ProMotion. First seen on the iPad Pro, it refreshes up to 120Hz, dynamically adjusting refresh rates based on content and activities. It will change refresh rates to match scrolling speed which, according to the company, saves on battery life.

Under the hood, the range features an upgraded processor; the A15 Bionic is a 5nm process chip like the A14 unit in the iPhone 12. Like the A14, it features six CPU cores, two of which are high-performance units, and a four-core GPU. However, these cores are all faster than their predecessors, as is the chip's 16-core neural processor, which the company says can process 15 trillion operations per second. The processor also includes a larger system cache.

These updated processors will be powered by bigger batteries. According to Apple, the iPhone 13 mini’s battery will last 1.5 hours longer than the previous generation, while the full-sized unit will deliver 2.5 hours more than its predecessor. Similar battery improvements have been promised for the Pro models.

Photography has long been a key focus for Apple, and the iPhone 13 range features a dual-camera system with a larger sensor for better low-light shots. The Pro units, meanwhile, offer an even further upgraded camera package. It includes the same wide-angle, ultrawide and telephoto combination as the iPhone 12, but with enhanced specifications.

The telephoto offers 3x optical zoom, while the ultra-wide lens brings macro photography capabilities to the device for photos from as little as 2cm away. For the first time, all three cameras have night mode for low-light shooting, and all devices include sensor-shift optical image stabilisation for improved clarity.

The Pro series phones also include a new Photographic Styles feature, allowing users to adjust the tone of their photos at a global level, and intelligently apply the adjustments to all shots.

For videographers, all iPhone 13 devices now include Cinematic mode, which features automatic focus racking to dynamically refocus on different parts of the picture. Users can refocus manually, or the system can recognize what the subjects are doing and anticipate focal requirements.

There’s also support for the professional-grade ProRes Video format, adding to the Dolby Vision support introduced in last year’s devices. The A15 Bionic chip includes ProRes hardware acceleration, and combined with the 13 Pro and Pro Max’s ability to shoot in ProRes at up to 4K at 30fps, this is aimed squarely at creating professional-grade video content.

In terms of connectivity, Apple has enhanced the 5G capabilities first included in its iPhone 12, adding more 5G bands for better coverage. The various iPhone 13 models will all support over 200 carriers in 60 countries by the end of the year. There’s also Wi-Fi 6 support, IP68 water and dust resistance, and improved privacy protections via iOS 15.

The iPhone 13 mini starts at $699 (£679) while the full-sized unit costs $799 (£779). The Pro starts at $999 (£949), while the Pro Max starts at $1099 (£1,049). The iPhone 13 and 13 mini now feature a starting storage capacity of 128GB, while the Pro models include a new 1TB on-board storage option.

All the new iPhone models are available for ordering this Friday and will ship on September 24.

Apple iPad and iPad mini

Alongside the new iPhone family, Apple also showed off some updates to its range of tablets, in the form of a refreshed entry-level iPad and a newly-redesigned iPad mini.

The 2021 iPad features an A13 Bionic CPU that’s 20% faster than the last generation, along with an enhanced neural chip and image signal processor for better low-light photographs. Apple also upgraded the front camera on both units to a 12-megapixel unit with a 122-degree field of view. This enabled it to add Centre Stage, a feature that follows the user around the room.

The new iPad mini, meanwhile, has been significantly overhauled. The company claims a 40% jump in CPU performance and an 80% jump in GPU speed thanks to the new model’s A15 Bionic chip, which provides a sorely-needed update from the last version released in 2019.

The display has been upgraded too, with a promise of 500cd/m2 brightness, as well as an anti-reflective coating, DCI-P3 colour gamut and Apple’s True Tone technology. The company also boosted the screen size to 8.3in from its previous 7.9in without changing the unit's dimensions. To do this, it reduced the bezel size and moved its biometric TouchID sensor to the power button, and its appearance is now reminiscent of Apple’s iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

Just like its larger siblings, the mini also gets new connectivity capabilities in the form of a USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G support. There’s also support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and landscape mode stereo speakers.

Both front and back cameras include 12MP sensors; the rear lens includes a wider f/1.8 aperture with a True Tone flash, while the front camera is an ultra-wide lens that supports the Centre Stage feature.

Starting with a 64GB storage capacity that doubles the previous generation, the 10.2in iPad starts at $329 (£319), while the mini starts from $499 (£479), with units shipping next week.

Apple has delayed its controversial image scanning feature following negative feedback.

The company updated its briefing page on the technology, explaining it was delaying the feature based on the response it received from customers and privacy advocates.

"Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers, and others, we have decided to take additional time over the coming months to collect input and make improvements before releasing these critically important child safety features," the company said.

The feature, announced in August, would have allowed Apple to scan photos uploaded to iCloud. The photos would be scanned on user devices and compared against a set of hashes known as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) images.

This database was originally supposed to come from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), but Apple later explained it would only scan images that also appeared in clearing houses across multiple countries.

Apple also said it would only trigger a human review if it found 30 CSAM matches using this method.

The company also announced a second feature that would scan images sent to children in its iMessage app to detect nudes and notify parents.

Both plans provoked concerns from global privacy groups. They were concerned Apple's scanning technology could be used to scan for other kinds of imagery, opening users up to government surveillance. The company vowed not to allow government requests for expanded searches.

This week, the Electronic Frontier Foundation delivered a petition protesting the technology, which was slated to be included in the next version of iOS and initially restricted to US users.

The organization pointed out that the technology breaks the end-to-end encryption functionality Apple has touted in its operating systems.

"Apple’s surveillance plans don’t account for abusive parents, much less authoritarian governments that will push to expand it. Don’t let Apple betray its users," it added.

Apple is working on a new feature that will help your device conserve battery life if you are not paying attention to it, according to Apple Insider,

Current Apple devices already have a feature that sort of handles this, although the current system works more like a countdown since you last interacted with the device. The new system will reportedly focus more on if you are paying attention to certain functions the device is engaging by monitoring peripheral devices and various sensors.

Say you are listening to Apple Music via your AirPods and set the phone on your desk. The newly patented “attention detection service” will use a gaze sensor to detect you are not looking at the screen and shut down the screen to cut battery consumption. However, it will not impact your Apple Music session because it knows you are actively listening via the AirPods.

The device will reportedly use multiple sensors, such as detection and touch detection, to determine which unnecessary functions to shut down.

Other functions could spread to Apple TV 4K, which currently uses a timer to decide when to shut down. With Apple TV 4K, the “attention detection service” could theoretically sense when you’re in the car via Apple CarPlay or in the kitchen getting a snack via the location sensor on your Apple Watch and pause the show you are watching or shut down the device altogether.

According to the report, this feature will be active whether the device is running only on the battery or plugged in. While it may not make sense to shut down functions when a device is not running on battery alone, shutting down unnecessary functions when you leave the device plugged in will conserve energy and reduce heat.

There is no timeline for this new feature’s release, as it was just granted its patent on August 31.

With the next Apple smartphone right around the corner, it makes sense to align the function’s release with the new iPhone 13’s unveiling. The latest iPhone will reportedly have a 120Hz ProMotion screen, so the screen deactivation alone could be instrumental in boosting the device’s battery life.

After complaints about sound issues affecting the devices, Apple has launched a new service program for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro phones.

This marks the first time Apple has set up a service program for the iPhone 12 lineup. The company said impacted devices “may experience sound issues due to a component that might fail on the receiver module.”

Apple added the problem affects “a very small percentage” of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro devices manufactured between October 2020 and April 2021. The program will be available only for devices that do not “emit sound from the receiver when you make or receive calls.”

The iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max aren’t included, and the program will only be available for two years after the unit’s initial retail sale.

According to Apple, either it or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service affected devices free of charge.

Apple has announced this fix ahead of the expected launch of a new iPhone lineup. This new iPhone is expected to retain the iPhone12’s design but gain improved camera features.

The sound issues are the latest in a series of faults with the iPhone 12. In November 2020, Apple announced customers using some “Made for iPhone” hearing devices might experience unexpected sounds, such as loud static, interrupted or intermittent audio, garbled audio. Apple urged affected users to update their phones to iOS 14.2.1 or later.

In the same month, other users noticed their iPhone 12 displays had a greenish tint. According to a post on Apple’s official discussion forum, some users noticed an “ugly glowing” in dark surroundings on any brightness level lower than 90-100%.

According to MacRumors, documents it obtained from Apple suggested it knew about the display problems but advised technicians to tell users to update their phones as a possible fix. Software updates fixed a similar problem on iPhone 11 models.

The smartphone industry is full of ‘Ultra’, ‘Plus’ and ‘Pro’ handsets, so when Apple launched a 5.4in iPhone 12 mini, it felt like a breath of fresh air. In a world where companies make phones that fold out into tablets, Apple surprised us all with a fun miniature.

Essentially, it’s an iPhone 12 that’s been shrunk and to do that Apple has had to make two distinct compromises: a smaller display and a smaller battery. In every other facet, it’s an exact replica that costs around £100 less.

iPhone 12 mini review: Design

For context, the mini is even smaller than the 2020 iPhone SE at just 131.5mm tall and 64.2mm wide. It does have the same 7.4mm thickness as the standard iPhone 12, presumably because of the 5G components it’s had to cram in. There is an argument for leaving 5G out of the mini, making it even smaller and cheaper, but this is probably the smallest a 5G-enabled phone could realistically be.

The overall design is fun and harks back to the iPhone 5c with its spectrum of pretty colours: Blue, Green, Black, White, (Product)Red and the newly released Purple. It’s encircled by useful flat aluminium rails that allow the handset to stand up on its own and the corners are neatly rounded. Unlike the iPhone 11, which seemed to follow other manufacturers with rounded side rails, the iPhone 12 range has a strong identity and a more original look - albeit one that’s rather retro-inspired.

What’s more, Apple claims it’s four times more drop-resistant than the 11 as the screen is made with Corning’s Ceramic Glass. This is a compound of ceramic crystals said to make it tougher and more scratch-resistant than anything that has gone before it.

iPhone 12 mini review: Display

The first of the mini’s two compromises is its display. And by that, we mean that it’s only 5.4in; in every other regard, it’s still of high quality and also supports HDR10. It has an AMOLED display with a 1,080 x 2,340 resolution and a pixel density of 476ppi. The standard 12’s screen is also AMOLED, but it has a higher 2,532 x 1,170 resolution. To the naked eye, there doesn’t seem to be much of a contrast but there is a slight drop in quality that can be picked up with a calibrator.

In our tests, the mini showcased a 94.2% coverage of the sRGB colour space. This was a little less than the standard iPhone 12, but not enough to really suggest one is better than the other. And that same score holds up well compared to other displays, such as Sony’s Xperia 5ii, which scored slightly higher. The mini’s display also packs a massive punch of brightness, peaking at 537cd/m2.

Those scores backed up our impressions of the mini, namely that it’s bright, bold and beautiful. However, as with the standard and the Max Pro iPhones, the mini’s display has one annoying fault: a big moustache of a notch along the top. This is where facial recognition and other sensors are housed. Other manufacturers have managed to integrate them in ways that free the top of the display and it’s perplexing that Apple can’t do the same.

iPhone 12 mini review: Specs and Performance

The mini may be the smallest of the iPhone 12 range, but that doesn’t mean reduced performance. This year’s iPhones have come with the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, developed with a 5nm process which essentially enables more power to run through a smaller space.

Unsurprisingly, the mini is fast. Comparing GeekBench 5 scores, the mini notched up 1,588 for single-threaded performance and 4,141 for multi-threaded. These were almost identical to the standard iPhone 12’s scores of 1,591 and 4,053, respectively. If you need proof that size isn’t everything, it also offered better GeekBench scores than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, which only managed 3,549 for multi-threaded performance.

The mini only comes with 4GB of RAM, which is a bit of a regular quirk of iPhones. The standard 12 also comes with 4GB, as did the iPhone 11. It doesn’t necessarily affect performance and it is common on smaller phones, but it is worth noting that the iPhone X only had 3GB. So this is actually a ‘bonus’ if you’re still rocking that model.

iPhone 12 mini review: Battery life

To create a mini iPhone that still has 5G components, Apple has had to find space somewhere. As such, the mini has a smaller-than-average 2,227mAh power source. The standard iPhone 12 had a slightly bigger 2,815mAh battery and in our looped video test, it lasted 16hrs 12mins. That wasn’t a particularly strong score and the mini, with its smaller battery, lasted almost an hour less at 15hrs 16mins. In comparison, Google’s cheaper Pixel 5 lasted over 22hrs.

Those tests are admittedly intensive, but it does highlight the biggest flaw the mini has. Battery life is limited by the size of the power source and in the case of the mini, possibly made worse by the stronger processor. In real terms, we found the mini needed charging by the early evening and by late afternoon if we used it heavily. This is, unfortunately, the price you pay for the smallest iPhone.

iPhone 12 mini review: Features

Should you opt for a mini iPhone, you’ll get largely the same features as the 12 and 12 Max Pro. That includes 5G, which has finally been embraced by Apple (took’ em long enough). However, that might not be a solid enough reason to upgrade to any of the 12 models, as yet. Until the network providers can fully implement 5G around the country, it isn’t necessarily going to be useful on your phone - particularly if you live in a rural area.

What is useful is iOS 14.5, which can now be installed on the mini. When the handsets were launched in November there was an issue with the facial recognition software struggling to identify users in face masks. The problem was exacerbated with the lack of a fingerprint sensor and, of course, the never-ending need to cover your face. But iOS 14.5 has solved this issue and it does open while masked up - though it does take a second or two longer.

The only other feature-related issue with the mini is thanks to its 5.4in display, which makes it a little awkward to use. The keypad, for instance, is just too compact for the average adult thumb. You can’t help but hit the wrong letters and numbers when you try and type at speed. The experience is even worse when you open up a document or a spreadsheet, where it becomes a complex mess of expanding and scrolling. There are many plus points to the mini, but very few of them are work-related.

However, one of the most intriguing features of the new iPhone range is MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic accessory ecosystem. This includes a wireless charging pad, a wallet that sticks to your handset and a few other innovative ideas. It’s still in its infancy, but definitely worth keeping tabs on as more third-party companies bring their ideas to market.

iPhone 12 mini review: Camera(s)

The mini comes with two rear camera lenses; a 12MP, f/1.6 wide lens and a 12MP, f/2.4 ultrawide one - plus a 12MP f/2.2 selfie cam. These may be the same number and resolution of lenses that the 11 had, but their performance and capabilities will be greater due to that A14 Bionic chipset.

For example, there’s Deep Fusion technology, where machine learning is used to process pixels for clearer images. This has made major improvements to the portrait mode and the night mode. The latter is also aided by a wider aperture which is able to extract more details in low light settings.

These advancements are mainly down to the new chipset and probably enough to overlook the lack of a telephoto lens. It simply means you can’t capture images from miles away on an iPhone and it isn’t necessarily that useful anyway. However, what is available is certainly an improvement on the iPhone 11 and arguably the best camera specs on a phone this small.

iPhone 12 mini review: Verdict

It is hard not to love the iPhone 12 mini; it’s a fun and refreshing break from all those massive phablets that seek to dislocate your thumb joint. However, the poor battery life is an issue - particularly if you’re a heavy user - and the handset is still quite expensive at £699. You can get the Pixel 5 for £100 less, and that’s without mentioning the likes of Oppo or Xiaomi.

The fact that the 12 mini hasn’t been dumbed down and still has that A14 Bionic chipset does make this a pretty special package, though. Many people want smaller smartphones, but not necessarily with less performance or lower specs, and Apple has the perfect answer to that, with its marvellous mini iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12 mini is available for £47 per month with an upfront cost of £29 on the Vodafone network

iPhone 12 mini Specifications

Apple faces silicon production shortages that could affect its ability to ship products as it prepares to produce the next version of its in-house chip design.

Nikkei Asia reported that Apple has been forced to postpone some MacBook and iPad production due to the ongoing component shortage. Sources told the outlet the problems affected the company's ability to mount components on circuit boards just before final assembly. There is also a shortage of displays and display components that’s causing problems on iPad production lines.

This has forced the manufacturer to delay some component orders from the first half of this year to the second, which will likely delay MacBooks and iPads due in the second half of the year, reports said.

MacBook devices arriving later this year will likely feature the company's M2 chip, the latest version of the in-house silicon the company launched last year. That chip could be ready for use as early as July, said reports. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TMSC) will produce it under a 5nm process.

The shortages will be frustrating for Apple, which has been capitalizing on the work-from-home boom with soaring product sales. In its Q2 results announcement this week, Apple reported year-on-year revenues up 54% to $89.58 billion. Revenues for Macs and iPads rose 70.1% and 78.9% to $9.1 billion and $7.8 billion, respectively, over last year.

iPhones, which so far haven't been affected by the semiconductor crunch, saw revenues grow 65.5% to $47.94 billion.

Large tech companies have mostly weathered the supply shortage, although Samsung, which produces significant processor parts, has reported supply chain issues. Smartphone chip giant Qualcomm has also said it’s struggling to cope with demand. Apple's reported issues suggest that the problem is metastasizing to larger companies that have so far been able to stave off supply chain issues with their buying power.

Apple has unveiled four new iPhone models fitted with its A14 Bionic chip, 5G support and tons of other updates.

These four phones included the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. As expected, all four iPhone 12 models share a lot of the same hardware and capabilities, but each model stands out in its own way.

Starting with the iPhone 12, we’ll highlight all the key features and differences between all four new phones.

iPhone 12 key features

The iPhone 12 gets a slew of new hardware and features that far exceed the iPhone 11. These upgrades start with the body and screen and continue to the internal bits.

iPhone 12 body and screen

The iPhone 12 is 11% thinner and 16% lighter than the iPhone 11 it replaces. The body also boasts a unique design that places the outer band flush with the front and rear glass, creating a smooth feel.

Despite a smaller body, it boasts a 6.1in OLED display, which is the same size as the iPhone 11. This Super Retina XDR display boasts a 2,000,000-to-1 contrast reaction, enabling it to deliver deep blacks and distinct color separation. It also offers immersive HDR viewing for HD video, photos and more.

Apple also claims the iPhone 12’s screen is the most durable in the business thanks to its Ceramic Shield coating - a new high-temperature crystallization step that grows nano-ceramic crystals within the glass matrix. Apple says this results in four times the drop performance of the iPhone 11.

Drops aren’t all the iPhone 12 can handle, as it can also handle submersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Plus, it takes coffee and soda spills without issue.

iPhone 12 chip and hardware

Like the new iPad Air introduced earlier this year, the iPhone 12 boasts the latest A14 Bionic chip. This Apple-built chip is the first-ever smartphone chip built on a 5-nanometer process.

Compared to the fastest competing smartphone chip, the A14 Bionic’s CPU and GPU speeds are up to 50% faster. This will translate to faster gaming, more robust computational photography and longer battery life.

The A14 Bionic also boasts a 16-core Neural Engine, an 80% improvement over the iPhone 11, which can complete 11 trillion operations per second. This will push machine learning to a new level with the iPhone 12.

The other big hardware news for the iPhone 12 is its 5G compatible, delivering improved download and upload speeds. Even in densely populated areas, the iPhone 12 can reach wireless speeds of 4 Gbps.

The iPhone 12 also has a smart data mode that switches from 5G to LTE when users don’t need the fastest speeds. Once the iPhone senses the need for faster data, it’ll kick back to 5G. This switching helps reduce battery consumption while also ensuring you get the wireless speeds you need.

iPhone 12 camera

No smartphone unveiling is complete without covering its ability to shoot images and videos like a pro. The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip helps with rapid image processing from its dual-camera system.

The dual rear cameras include the Ultra Wide camera and a new Wide camera with an f/1.6 aperture, the fastest aperture ever on an iPhone. This new Wide camera allows 27% more light, making low-light photos pop, even with the flash turned off.

The iPhone 12’s new Deep Fusion process reduces digital noise in your images from all three cameras, Ultra Wide, Wide and the front-facing TrueDepth camera.

iPhone 12 charging and accessories

The rumors are true. The iPhone 12 will not include a charger in the box. It will, however, have the necessary lightning cable to connect to an aftermarket charger.

Making up for its lack of in-box charger is the new MagSafe system, which uses magnets to ensure a positive connection between the phone and a 15-watt Qi wireless charger. This magnetic system also allows you to quickly connect accessories, including a phone case, credit card pocket or even a third-party in-car mount.

iPhone 12 mini key features

Along with the iPhone 12, Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 12 mini is identical to the iPhone 12 in every way, save for two key details.

First, as its name implies, it’s significantly smaller than the iPhone 12, making it more pocket-friendly. Its compact form also makes it the smallest 5G-capable phone available.

The other key difference is the iPhone 12 mini’s 5.4in screen, which is 0.7in smaller than the iPhone 12’s screen.

iPhone 12 Pro key features

The iPhone 12 Pro also features many of the same hardware and specs as the iPhone 12, but it boasts a few enhancements that make it worthy of the “Pro” tag. Most of these enhancements are in its video- and photo-taking skills.

iPhone 12 Pro body and screen

The iPhone 12 Pro boasts the same outer band and flush-glass design as the iPhone 12, but its surgical-grade stainless steel finish and precision-milled matte-glass back give it a more premium look and feel.

iPhone 12 Pro hardware

The iPhone 12 Pro also gains a LiDAR scanner that measures light distance and uses pixel depth information to deliver precise augmented reality (AR) experiences

iPhone 12 Pro camera

Another key difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro is in its camera.

The iPhone 12 Pro boasts the all-new Apple ProRAW for more creative control in photos. Users can use the iPhone 12 Pro’s native photo-editing app or import these RAW files into nearly any photo-editing software to make precise tweaks.

The iPhone 12 Pro also adds a Telephoto camera with a longer focal length and fixe-times optical zoom for getting shots from a distance.

On the video side, the Pro model features the first-ever end-to-end Dolby Vision experience. It also delivers 4K recording at up to 60 frames per second.

iPhone 12 Pro Max key features

For the most part, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the same as the iPhone 12 Pro, but it gains a 6.7in screen, making it 0.6in larger than the base Pro model.

The Max model’s camera per also gets a camera upgrade, as its Wide camera gets an f/1.6 aperture, a 47% larger sensor with 1.7μm pixels for 87% better low-light performance relative to the base Pro model.

iPhone 12 pricing and availability

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will be available for preorder on October 16 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and they’ll arrive on October 26.

The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max preorders will start November 6 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Deliveries will start November 13.

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini will be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models. The iPhone 12 will start from $799/£799, and the iPhone 12 mini will start from $699/£699.

The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max will be available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB models. The iPhone 12 Pro will start from $999/£999, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max will start from $1,099/£1,099.

If you've spent half a decade developing the iPhone for Europe you know a thing or two about user-friendly tech for the masses. Benoit Machefer, CEO of NHS online pharmacy, Echo, used that experience to help develop and design what has now become one of the most important apps of the COVID-19 crisis in the UK, Lloyd’s Pharmacy’s Echo app. In his keynote, he shares what skills he has been able to transfer and how he has shifted in the move from delivering cutting-edge mobile phones to critical prescriptions, as well as how the business has coped with becoming a more critical service than ever during COVID-19.

Benoit Machefer

CEO, Echo

Benoit Machefer is the CEO of Echo. After starting his career at Apple where he spent 5 years growing the iPhone business in Europe, Benoit joined Echo in summer 2016 in his quest for a new and entrepreneurial challenge. Echo is simplifying Pharmacy, turning the process of getting hold of prescription medicines into a seamless and enjoyable experience. As employee #8, Benoit has been instrumental to Echo's success through several leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2020.

Epic Games is suing Google and Apple over the removal of its popular game Fortnite from their app stores, amid a growing battle around the slice of sales taken by the tech giants.

Google and Apple take a 30% cut of all payments made in games and apps downloaded via their stores. To avoid losing that revenue, Epic Games said it would offer a 20% discount to players who purchase in-game currency directly from Fortnite rather than through the app, prompting Apple and Google to boot the game from their official stores.

Apple said it removed Fortnite because the feature had the "express intent of violating the App Store guidelines," while Google also said the move violates its policies, but added that it would "welcome the opportunity to continue our discussions with Epic," according to a report from Sky News.

In response, Epic filed lawsuits against both companies — and released a video lambasting Apple's decision based on its own classic 1984-themed advertisement. Apple's original ad was released to both promote the forthcoming Macintosh and to criticise IBM's then-current monmopolisation of the desktop PC market. Epic's video turned this theme around on the company, saying Apple has "become what it once railed against" and calling for the platform-holders to "free Fortnite".

"Apple's removal of Fortnite is yet another example of Apple flexing its enormous power in order to impose unreasonable restraints and unlawfully maintain its 100% monopoly over the iOS in-app payment processing market," Epic said in its Apple complaint, according to CNN.

The company similarly said in its complaint against Google that the tech giant was "using its size to do evil upon competitors, innovators, customers, and users in a slew of markets it has grown to monopolize."

Fortnite only arrived on the Apple App Store and Google Play in April, 18 months after offering it for Android as a download outside of the official market. Epic had been slow to allow the game to be downloaded via the stores because of the potential revenue loss, instead offering its own installer. At the time, CEO Tim Sweeney said the 30% cut was "disproportionate to the cost of the services these stores perform." However, Epic said it had to shift to the official store because Google kept showing pop-ups warning that third-party software is dangerous or even malware.

It still remains possible to sideload Fortnite onto Android phones, but not iPhones. Anyone with the game already installed on an iPhone can continue playing for the time being, though updates may eventually break it.

This isn't the first time that Epic and its CEO Tim Sweeney have taken up arms against perceived monopolistic practises within the games industry; he has previously accused Microsoft of trying to build a "walled garden" for PC gaming through its UWP apps, and has been a vocal opponent of the dominance held by Valve's digital distribution service Steam over the sale of games, even going so far as to launch the Epic Store as a competing platform.

Epic also isn't the only digital developer to take issue with paying Apple and Google 30% of mobile revenue. Streaming app Spotify filed an antitrust complaint with the EU about Apple's cut, which the company said forced it to charge iPhone users more if they registered with the service via the App Store. Similar complaints have been filed to the EU against Apple by ebook seller Rakuten, tracking device maker Tile, and messaging app Telegram.

Those complaints have sparked an investigation into Apple's App Store rules, with European Commission executive vice-president Margrethe Vestager saying in June: "It appears that Apple obtained a 'gatekeeper' role when it comes to the distribution of apps and content to users of Apple's popular devices. We need to ensure that Apple's rules do not distort competition in markets where Apple is competing with other app developers, for example with its music streaming service Apple Music or with Apple Books."

In the US, the CEOs of both Apple and Google, alongside fellow big tech leaders Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, have recently been summoned before the House Judiciary Committee's panel on antitrust and monopoly issues. After questioning the CEOs, committee chair David Cicilline concluded that "they have too much power".

Owners of iPhones that Apple admitted to throttling back in 2017 can now start claiming their $25 payout, MacRumors reports.

At the time of "batterygate," Apple admitted it throttled the speed of aging iPhones to help conserve battery. iPhone owners took issue with the slowdown and launched a class-action lawsuit that was settled for up to $500 million earlier in 2020.

The settlement website is now live and places the official settlement amount at between $310 million and $500 million, depending on the number of people who put in claims. Given the payout doesn’t exceed $500 million, each claimant will get around $25 for their troubles.

The settlement covers owners of iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus or SE devices that ran iOS 10.2.1 or later. It also covers iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices that had iOS 11.2 or later. The other qualifier is you purchased the smartphone before Dec. 21, 2017.

You also need to have the qualifying iPhone’s serial number, which will prevent most user’s who sold or destroyed their iPhones from submitting claims.

According to the settlement website, this payout is only valid if Apple pays out $500 million or less. That means it covers only 20 million iPhone 6, 7 and SE owners. Given Apple sold hundreds of millions of iPhones in the U.S. from 2014 through 2017, that $500 million threshold will likely be crossed quickly.

Once the claims reach that threshold, the payout reduces to a prorated amount. So, if 100 million iPhone owners put in valid claims, each would get just $5. Chances are high the final payout will be closer to that $5 mark than $25.

You can claim your settlement until Oct. 6 at Apple’s iPhone settlement page.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple iPhone 12 models won’t include EarPods or a power adapter.

Instead, Kuo claims Apple will release a new 20-watt power adapter with USB-C power delivery for fast charging as an optional accessory for iPhone 12 buyers. Kuo also predicts Apple will end production of its existing 5- and 18-watt power adapters later this year.

Kuo’s prediction is based on increased production costs attributed to 5G support, but nonetheless, the analyst predicts the iPhone 12 pricing will be similar to the current selection of models.

While taking out the earbuds and charger will certainly help Apple cut costs, customers without an extra charger or earphones lying around will be stuck buying them. Apple currently sells its 18-watt adapter and earbuds for $29 each.

Analysts at Barclays also believe Apple will not include a charger or earbuds with upcoming iPhone 12 models. The only thing Barclays foresees Apple including in the box is a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. Barclays analysts say they’ve based their predictions on recent talks with Apple suppliers.

Barclay’s analysts predict more than a lack of charger or earbuds when it comes to the iPhone 12 too. Analysts also believe the mass production of iPhone 12 models is an estimated four to six weeks behind schedule.

Though Apple is still expected to announce the new iPhone lineup this September, analysts for Barclays say some iPhone models may not be available to consumers until October or November.

Apple has removed tens of thousands of unlicensed Chinese apps from its iOS App Store.

China’s government requires all games purchased, or those that offer in-app purchases, to go through a review process to get approval for licensing before publication. Currently, the Chinese iOS App Store has approximately 60,000 games, but only about a third of them have licenses.

Apple had previously allowed games awaiting licenses to go live, but the process is exceptionally slow, resulting in thousands of unlicensed games in the App Store.

Some games that feature violence or other questionable imagery stand little chance of passing China’s review, but they’ve operated successfully under the previous Apple policy.

In February, Apple issued a reminder to Chinese game developers to obtain their licenses by June 30, though it's not known how long it’ll take Apple to remove the games once the deadline passes. The move by Apple comes as it faces two antitrust investigations by the European Union.

Some larger Chinese game developers like NetEase Inc. and Tencent Holding LTD have obtained licenses for their products, but smaller companies lack the resources to speed their games through the typically slow process.

They could switch from their current revenue-generating models to in-app advertising to avoid the regulations, but that could hurt their games’ popularity. Another option is to merge with one of the larger companies, but that means giving up a majority share of their own company. Neither option is terribly desirable.

Imported apps are facing even more scrutiny than Chinese games. For many U.S app makers, China represents the second-most profitable market, so losing it will be a big hit. The teleconferencing app Zoom recently gave in to the Chinese government as well, allowing China to censor certain Zoom users.

China’s government is cracking down on gaming, claiming it is leading to addiction and the propagation of content deemed offensive.

It’s no secret that police brutality is all over the news right now, and tensions are high. One of the most successful ways to combat police brutality in recent years has been to have recorded evidence of the interaction. This sort of accountability is why police body cameras have come into use in recent years.

Now, Apple’s Siri is trying to help the situation by letting users record their traffic stops by saying, “Siri, I’m getting pulled over.”

This shortcut sends the iPhone into “Do not disturb” mode to prevent any calls from coming in, turns down any streaming music, lowers your phone's brightness and initiates a video recording via the front-facing camera. It also alerts someone of your choice where you are and sends the video recording to the phone number or email of your choice.

Users must first install the shortcut to use it. To do this the user should:

1. Download the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
2. Tap the "Gallery" button in the bottom right corner
3. Run one other shortcuts listed
4. Go to settings and scroll down to "Shortcuts" and tap it
5. Switch the "Allow Untrusted Shortcuts" on and enter your iPhone’s passcode
6. Download the "I'm getting pulled over” Shortcut via Safari
7. Tap the "Get Shortcut" button
8. Once the app opens, scroll to the bottom and tap "Add Untrusted Shortcut."
9. Enter the email or phone number to send your location to and a phone or email to receive the video
10. Tap “Done”

First called the “Police” shortcut, the “I’m getting pulled over” shortcut isn’t brand new. It was created in 2018 by Robert Peterson, but in light of current events, it’s been updated and is gaining popularity.

Apple has been awarded a patent for “synthetic group selfies.” Using this technique, you could get a picture together without actually standing next to each other.

The patent was first spotted by the website Patently Apple, which obviously stays on top of such things. It was one of nearly 60 new patents granted to Apple that were just published by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

While this particular invention might be ideal for the era of social distancing, Apple certainly didn’t have that in mind when it first applied for the patent back in mid-2018.

Here’s how synthetic group selfies would work, according to the patent application: Someone using an Apple device could invite other people to take part in a group selfie. Everyone in the group would contribute individual photos of themselves. Apple’s software would merge those pictures into a single group image.

The software could use still photographs, stored video images or live streaming images. The software would process these images to remove parts of their backgrounds. That work could be distributed among multiple devices in the group to reduce the workload on a single device.

Also, everyone in the group image could keep their original selfie and the group selfie. They can also modify and rearrange the group selfie, putting themselves in a different position.

It’s not clear from the patent application whether this group selfie software will eventually be available on iPhones, iPads or both.

It’s also not clear whether “synthetic group selfies” will ever make it to consumer devices. After all, this is just a patent, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will ever develop a finished product.

When Apple unveils iOS 14 later this month, it appears the update will include an intriguing new feature: a translator embedded into the Safari browser.

This will allow iPhone and Apple users to automatically translate webpages without resorting to any third-party services or apps.

This came out in a report from 9to5Mac, which discovered the new feature in an early build of iOS 14 that it obtained. Apple will unveil iOS 14 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off June 22 and will be virtual-only for the first time due to social-distancing measures.

Safari will automatically detect which language each webpage is using so it can translate the content accordingly, according to the report. The translation feature should be available as an option for each website, although users may be able to automatically have everything on the web translated for them as well.

Aside from its built-in translator, iOS 14 may have other new features. For one thing, 9to5mac reports that iPadOS 14 might include full support for Apple Pencil input on websites, allowing users to not only touch and scroll with a stylus but also to draw on and mark up sites.

Also, reports indicate this operating system update will support older phones, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE, which date from 2015 and 2016, respectively. Apparently, iOS 14 will run on every device that’s currently running iOS 13.

Finally, reports also indicate that iOS 14 will allow users to sample specific parts of third-party apps without having to install them first. This feature would allow users to experience a sampling of an app’s functionality by scanning a QR Code.

This feature, referenced internally as the “Clips” API, will work with a device’s QR Code reader to allow a user to scan a code linked to an app and interact with that app through a window that appears on their screen.

Apple’s launch of iOS 14 comes on the heels of serious iOS 13.5 bugs.

That update boasts a number of new features, including those targeting coronavirus-related iPhone issues. However, it also contains several serious bugs affecting iPad and iPhone users. In addition to high battery drain, iPadOS can cause boot loops on the iPad Pro, while media playback of the MP4/MPEG-4 container format doesn’t work for iPads or iPhones.

Apple released iOS 13.5.1 as an update, but it doesn’t address either problem. As of now, there is no timeline for a fix.

Apple has been tracking iPhones that have been stolen during the ongoing protests across the US.

The company hasn't officially confirmed this, but social media posts, including an image that’s being widely shared on Twitter and Reddit, confirms that Apple has been tracking the location of the pilfered devices.

The photo shows an iPhone with a message on its display that reads, “This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted.”

The warning asks for the phone to be returned to an Apple Store on Walnut Street in downtown Philadelphia.

That’s one of the Apple Stores that was looted over the past week. During recent protests following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, looters have taken advantage of the civil unrest to break into Apple Stores in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C.

With no official word from Apple on the matter, it’s not clear if authorities are actually being alerted to the phones’ whereabouts.

However, we do know that Apple has the technology to remotely track a phone’s location. The company's "Find My app", for example helps users to locate lost or stolen devices.

The recent looting of a number of Apple Stores comes as the company was preparing to reopen more than 100 retail stores across the US.

The stores had been closed for an extended period of time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

When the iPhone 11 debuted in September 2019, an ITPro review called it “a high-octane crowd pleaser that offers something for everyone.”

We praised its performance, design and price tag: “The iPhone 11 is a powerful and appealing successor to the XR, fitted with a stronger processor and better camera arrangement… with the added bonus of a long-lasting battery.”

No wonder the iPhone 11 has become the most popular smartphone in the world, the international research firm Omdia just announced.

Apple shipped a whopping 19.5 million iPhone 11s from January through March 2020, according to Omdia’s Smartphone Model Market Tracker Q1’20 report.

The iPhone 11 replaced the iPhone XR as Apple’s flagship phone, but it’s outpacing the XR’s sales so far. The evidence? Despite the coronavirus’ harmful impact on consumer demand, the number of iPhone 11 shipments in the first quarter of 2020 was nearly 6 million higher than iPhone XR shipments during the same quarter of 2019.

The main reasons? The phone’s camera and price tag. The iPhone 11 costs $50 less than the XR even, and its dual-lens setup is an upgrade over the XR’s single lens.

“For more than five years — even amid shifting conditions in the wireless market and the global economy — one thing has remained consistent in the smartphone business: Apple has taken either the first or second rank in Omdia’s global model shipment ranking,” said Jusy Hong, Omdia’s director of smartphone research.

“Apple’s success is the result of its strategy to offer relatively few models,” Hong added. “This has allowed the company to focus its efforts on a small number of products that appeal to a broad selection of consumers and sell in extremely high volumes.”

Samsung’s Galaxy A51 was the world’s second-most popular smartphone in the first quarter of 2020 — a distant second — with 6.8 million units shipped. Samsung stayed in second place again this year by successfully replacing last year’s No. 2 model, the Galaxy J4 Plus.

However, the most striking performance in the first part of 2020 came from the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi. Its Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphones reached the third and fourth positions with shipments of 6.6 million and 6.1 million phones, respectively. It’s the first time that Xiaomi models ranked third and fourth in shipments in the first quarter.

Omdia is a research firm that came out of the merger of Informa Tech’s research division and the acquired IHS Markit technology research portfolio.

Apple has officially released iOS 13.5. The update boasts two new features that are a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. Changes made to Face ID will make it easier for mask-wearing iPhone users to unlock their devices. Apple has also updated devices to provide support for the first phase of Apple and Google’s exposure notification system.

In previous iOS versions, there was no way to unlock an iPhone while wearing a protective mask. Users noted that Apple’s Face ID feature simply wouldn’t work. Instead, users were being forced to wait until their device would let them enter a passcode to unlock their iPhone.

ith iOS 13.5, though, a mask-wearing iPhone user can swipe up from the bottom of the device’s screen to enter the passcode screen and unlock their phone. Though users won’t be able to use Face ID to its fullest while donning a mask, the update will help.

Also included in Apple’s iOS 13.5 update is support for Apple and Google’s exposure notification API. iPhone users will be able to use apps designed to send notifications if a person has been in contact with someone who later tested positive for the coronavirus. While iPhone users must have specific apps installed to receive such notifications, the two companies plan to build this functionality directly into future operating systems so users will receive notifications of exposure whether they have an exposure notification app installed or not.

Not quite as exciting, but the iOS 13.5 update also aims to address recent issues with FaceTime. By changing FaceTime’s settings, users can now turn off the speaking feature, effectively stopping the tile of the person speaking from getting larger. Instead, users can now opt for a simple grid style view.

Apple has long reserved the month of September for the launch of the latest iPhone. In light of the current pandemic, though, it seems this year’s iPhone unveiling may be different. According to Jon Prosser, a reliable insider at the tech giant, Apple is considering postponing the iPhone 12 launch until October due to the pandemic.

Though the unveiling is likely postponed, Prosser notes we could see an October launch event that would allow for more reporters and analysts to attend the event in person.

Based on Prosser’s knowledge, a 5.4- and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 will be revealed at the October event. The 5.4-inch model will be available with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage space, and the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro will offer 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB storage options.

When it comes to pricing, Prosser has said the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 will start from $649. The 6.1-inch iPhone 12, on the other hand, is expected to ring in at about $749.

The report also claimed both devices will support 5G connectivity. Prosser added they will also come with a dual-rear-camera setup too. The only difference between the two models will be the 6.1-inch model’s OLED display.

A postponed iPhone launch isn’t the only iPhone 12 related rumor making waves. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is also reconsidering whether it will include wired EarPods with the iPhone 12. Kuo suggests that such a move would drive sales of Apple’s second-generation AirPods. Kuo also expects Apple to offer steep discounts on the wireless headphones for Christmas.

US law enforcement officials have accused Apple of stalling an investigation into a Saudi aviation student who killed three people at a Florida Naval base last year.

Second Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, a member of the Saudi air force, had been communicating with al Qaeda operatives for years. The discovery was made using information recovered from his two iPhone devices.

Officials have since accused Apple of stalling the probe by refusing to unlock the shooter’s devices.

Ultimately, the FBI had to bypass Apple’s security features to access the information on the gunman’s phones. The information uncovered on the devices led to a counterterrorism operation against Abdullah al-Maliki, an associate of Alshamrani, Attorney General William Barr said. Unfortunately, Apple was of little help during the FBI’s investigations.

“We received effectively no help from Apple," FBI director Christopher Wray stated during a news conference, adding that the struggle to unlock the encrypted devices caused months-long delays and jeopardized public safety.

Apple, on the other hand, disagrees with Barr and the FBI’s assessment.

“The false claims made about our company are an excuse to weaken encryption and other security measures that protect millions of users and our national security,” Apple shared in a statement provided to The Wall Street Journal.

“It is because we take our responsibility to national security so seriously that we do not believe in the creation of a backdoor—one which will make every device vulnerable to bad actors who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers.”

Despite its condemnations of the company, the Justice Department is no closer to convincing Apple to provide backdoor access to its tech. At this time, Barr and Wray have also declined to comment on how they unlocked the devices.

It's finally happened; the unshakeable, unstoppable juggernaut that is Apple has finally hit a stumbling block. The company has been forced to scale back its revenue estimates for Q1 2019, marking the first time in over a decade that the company has posted a year-on-year decline in revenues.

The revised figure of $84 billion is still hardly chump change, of course, but it has still sent shockwaves through the tech industry as a company that has seemed untouchable for years shows an unexpected sign of weakness; after becoming the world's first trillion-dollar company back in August, the company has lost around a third of its value, with a recent share slump pushing its valuation to 'just' $680 billion.

Apple has pinned this decline on wobbling global economies, with an economic slowdown in China cited as a particular cause. The poor sales performance of recent iPhone models has also been mooted by commentators as a potential reason, although as Apple no longer breaks out the sales figures for its smartphones, there's no way to know for sure.

If the iPhone X and its ilk are underperforming (and I suspect they are), then Apple shouldn't be blaming economic conditions - it should be blaming itself. Apple has backed itself into a corner with a series of price increases that have taken the iPhone from a luxury device to an outlandish extravagance.

The iPhone 4S, which was released back in 2011, started at just 500 - a price which now virtually qualifies as budget by Apple's standards. By the time the iPhone 6s launched four years later, the cost had risen to just 540 for the starter model. Now, to own the new iPhone Xs, consumers are asked to shell out a whopping 1,000 for the entry-level configuration. Even the iPhone Xr - supposedly the new 'affordable' iPhone option - costs 750. A far cry indeed from the 360 price of the iPhone SE.

For context, the average monthly rent in the UK is 906. Apple is asking consumers to spend more than a month's rent on their latest iPhone. Not only is that outrageously arrogant, it shows a spectacular level of contempt for its customers. I don't care how special Apple thinks its device is; no phone is worth more than having a roof over your head.

In fact, Apple's whole attitude has been growing steadily more anti-consumer over the past few years, like its clampdown on third-party device repairs, forcing users to shell out for expensive replacement parts. The fact that people continue to use their iPhones long after they've been broken, cracked and damaged should be a damning indictment of Apple's extortionate repair fees.

To make matters worse, Apple has provided precious little improvements to justify these price increases. It's true that the iPhone Xs is objectively better than the iPhone 7 in every measurable way - but is it really worth an additional 350? The answer, evidently, is no, and it's no surprise when rival manufacturers are offering experiences that can match the iPhone for less than half the price.

Technically, the iPhone Xs is an incredible achievement, far surpassing almost everything else on the market - but Apple has forgotten that, for most users, this is way beyond their needs. It's progress, yes, but it's progress for its own sake, rather than meaningful additions that actually improve the user experience.

It's probably true that Apple's drop in revenue is partially down to declining economic conditions, but from where I'm sitting, a larger part of it is the fact that the iPhone just isn't the slam-dunk product that it used to be. Competitors are nipping at its heels at best, or outright lapping it at worst.

Apple isn't going away any time soon - its sales are still incredible by any metric - but we may have seen the end of 'peak iPhone'. If Apple wants to remain in the game, it'll need to seriously pull its finger out and either lower its prices or start giving customers a real reason to fork over their cash.

Forget its new features, its camera and its performance. Forget that this is the best phone Apple has ever produced. First, let's cover the topic everyone wants to talk about: the price. Buy the iPhone Xs or Xs Max and you'll be loved by the Apple accountants and directly contributing to its stupendous profit, because by every objective measure it's overpriced.

Even by modern standards, the cheapest version of the iPhone Xs Max is uncomfortably expensive: 1,099 for the model that comes with 64GB of storage and that price rises to 1,249 and 1,449 for the 256GB and 512GB models.

The easiest way to think about the Apple iPhone Xs Max is to conjure a picture of the iPhone X in your mind - and then add a centimetre or so. If you're upgrading from an iPhone 8 Plus, it's roughly the same size but with a bigger, front-filling screen.

To be precise, the iPhone Xs (pronounced "ten-s") Max has a 6.5in display when measured from corner to corner. It measures 77 x 7.7 x 158mm, weighs 208g, runs iOS 12 and features improvements to the construction of the phone, the cameras, the waterproofing and performance. It's the biggest and fastest iPhone yet.

Too big? Then you can choose the 5.8in iPhone Xs for 999, or wait for the 749 iPhone XR (due on sale in late October) with its more basic screen and camera.

Apple iPhone Xs Max: Design

Don't expect much difference in design compared to the iPhone X. The iPhone Xs Max comes in a new, slightly refined gold colour that's best described as foundation-beige, and it has a stainless-steel, gold-coloured chrome band running around the outside. We quite like the new colour; it's pretty and stylish but in an understated way. More Chanel than Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The volume buttons and do-not-disturb switch are still located on the left edge of the phone and the power button on the right. And there's still no 3.5mm headphone jack - Apple says the space saved by removing it is far too valuable to go back - and it's flanked with a couple of rows of perforations hiding one of the phone's two stereo speakers. The other speaker sits behind the phone's earpiece.

At the rear, the phone's slightly protruding dual-camera module perches in the top-left corner, with the quad-LED True Tone flash flanked by the twin lenses of the 12-megapixel camera. On the front, the screen fills most of the front panel, with a broad notch eating into the top of the screen. It's a shame Apple couldn't find a way around this rather inelegant solution, but it seems we're stuck with it for now.

A handful of the design changes won't be immediately obvious, even on careful inspection. For instance, Apple says the chemical composition of the glass is improved and is currently the "most durable glass in the industry". Apple doesn't say - beyond the fact that it works with Corning to produce it - what type of glass this is, but anything that makes a phone more scratch- and breakage-resistant is good news.

Apple is more specific about the phone's dust- and water-resistance rating, which improves from IP67 to IP68 this year. The phone should now survive immersion to a maximum depth of 2m in fresh water for up to 30 minutes, which is 1m deeper than last year. More than this, Apple is now comfortable enough with the waterproofing to state that it will also shrug off a dousing in coffee, tea or "soda".

You're also getting better speakers than on the iPhone X, with noticeably more volume and a wider soundstage; nice for the odd occasion when you've forgotten your headphones or don't have access to a Bluetooth speaker. For the first time in an iPhone, there's also dual-SIM capability thanks to the fact that you can add an eSIM to the phone's regular, physical nano-SIM card. And, for the first time, the phone has four microphones for positional stereo audio recording.

Apple iPhone Xs Max: Display

There are plenty of new features to get your teeth stuck into, then, but the screen is not one of them - aside from its bigger size of course. We can see why. After all, this is only the second year Apple has used OLED technology in its smartphones and it's tough to improve when the quality of its first effort was so good.

So, to the numbers: the iPhone Xs Max's 6.5in screen has a resolution of 1,242 x 2,688 and a pixel density of 458ppi. It peaks at 628cd/m2, far brighter than the iPhone X, which could reach only 502cd/m2. That's about the only significant improvement, though.

There's still support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, so movies and TV shows supporting those standards look spectacular. Colour reproduction is excellent, with superb colour accuracy and sRGB colour coverage at 92.6%. Plus you still get Apple's wonderful True Tone screen tech, which monitors the colour temperature of the ambient light and adjusts the screen's white point to match, thus making it less of a chore for your eyes to readjust when you pull them away from the screen for a moment or two.

Apple iPhone Xs Max: Specs and performance

So far it's been a case of "nothing to see here" with the iPhone Xs Max (if you ignore the extra size and price). When it comes to performance, however, that's absolutely not the case. That's because the A12 Bionic processor powering the phone is the first smartphone chip to go on sale that's built with a 7nm manufacturing process.

This means Apple has squeezed more transistors into the same space as its previous chip. That typically leads to faster speeds and more efficient running. The latter is the most interesting thing here, and contributes to significantly better battery life on the Xs Max than the X.

Having said that, there's nothing outlandish about the stamina of the iPhone Xs Max. In our video-rundown tests, conducted with the screen set to 170cd/m2, it beat the iPhone 8 Plus, but not by much, and lasted about the same length of time as the Huawei P20 Pro.

Speed-wise, there are no surprises. The Apple iPhone Xs Max is a beast of a phone, faster than any other smartphone you can buy. The quad-core GPU, octa-core "neural engine" and 7nm, six-core A12 chip all work together to deliver a phone that feels instantaneously responsive and that beats all comers in the benchmarks, too.

The one disappointment, perhaps, is that game playback is limited to 60fps due to the 60Hz refresh rate of the display. Despite much excitement at the mention of "120Hz" during the Apple press event, it turns out it was referring to the performance of the touchscreen rather than the refresh rate of the pixels on the screen. The Razer Phone remains the only smartphone with a 120Hz display.

Apple iPhone Xs Max: Camera

It's a similarly impressive story with the cameras. The sensor for the main camera at the rear now has larger pixels (up from 1.22um to 1.4um here), which enhances its abilities in low and poor light - and video - with the software having to work less hard to produce cleaner, sharper images.

The rest of the camera hardware looks the same as last year. The resolution of both rear cameras is 12-megapixels, the apertures are f/1.8 on the main camera and f/2.4 on the 2x telephoto camera and the equivalent focal lengths remain at 28mm and 52mm. There's still optical image stabilisation and phase-detect autofocus on both rear cameras and, at the front, the True Depth camera remains a 7-megapixel, f/2.2 unit with an equivalent focal length of 32mm.

Most of the headline improvements come courtesy of software and the A12 Bionic's beefed-up image signal processor (ISP), with Apple giving its computational photography engine a boost. The main improvement here is "Smart HDR". This doubles the number of frames captured from four to eight (four underexposed, four overexposed) when you hit the shutter button, knitting them together to produce a photo with better balance between areas of shadow and light.

There's also greater dynamic range in video capture, video stabilisation has been added to the front camera for the first time and, in Portrait Mode, it's now possible to adjust the intensity of the bokeh effect. Once you've captured your portrait photo, just hit Edit and you'll be presented with a dial you can drag to increase or decrease the blur.

How does this translate to quality in the real world? For stills, there is an improvement over the iPhone X, not only in low light, but across the board. Images look sharper, have less noise and more contrast, and the camera captures more subtle details than the X can. We're also pleased to see the iPhone Xs Max's photographs look more neutral, too, more natural than the photographs from the iPhone X.

It can't compete with the sheer detail the Huawei P20 Pro's 40-megapixel sensor, nor can it beat that phone's 3x and 5x zoom for capturing close-up detail, but its portrait mode is superior.

And it romps away for video quality. It's capable of capturing stabilised 4K footage at 60fps with greater dynamic range, smoothness and noticeably better detail than the iPhone X, but we were particularly impressed with how smoothly the Xs Max's camera adapts from bright to dark scenes.

As ever, Apple's stabilisation is incredible, too, and in combination with the improved quality, the results are simply stunning. It's no overstatement to say this is the best video camera on a smartphone and a long way in front of the rest. In fact, taken in combination with excellent but not-quite-class-leading stills quality, the iPhone Xs Max's camera is, on balance, the best all-round camera in the market.

Apple iPhone Xs Max: Verdict

This is the fastest and biggest iPhone ever. The cameras are excellent, particularly for video, and the battery life is great. Again, it's not best in class, but it's the best battery life in an iPhone for a long, long while.

Indeed, of the iPhone XR, iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max, this is the model I'd choose. That's mainly because of the size of the screen. We're now used to using a phone with a 6in+ screen and don't want to go back. It's also a brilliant device to watch Netflix on, with support for HDR10 and exceptionally high peak brightness.

Is it worth the money? That's 100% down to you. There are plenty of other smartphones that are better in some respects than the iPhone Xs Max and cheaper. Just look at the Galaxy Note 9. There are smartphones that have better cameras, longer battery life, more interesting design and more innovative features.

But buying a smartphone is about more than just facts and figures. The iPhone Xs Max may be the most expensive mainstream phone money can buy, and we don't think it justifies its price. However, it's the best phone Apple has ever made and a device you'll still love to look at months after you've paid the initial bill.

Verdict

The new iPhone is, without question, the best phone Apple has ever produced. It’s got an astonishing camera, an improved battery and a gorgeous screen - but whether you think it’s worth the extortionate price is up to you.

Six-core Apple A12 Bionic processor

4GB RAM

Mali-G72 MP18 graphics

6.5in AMOLED screen, 1,242 x 2,688 resolution

64GB storage

IP68 rating

12MP/12MP rear camera

7MP front camera

802.11ac Wi-Fi

Bluetooth 5

NFC

Lightning connector

3,174mAh battery

iOS 12

77.4 x 7.7 x 157.5mm (WDH)

208g

1yr warranty

Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone, the iPhone X, was announced on 12 September at the Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple Park, the tech giant's new San Francisco headquarters.

It brings a whole range of new features to Apple's flagship device a decade after Jobs launched the original, multi-touch iPhone.

iPhone X latest news

21/09/18: iPhone Xs and Xs Max available to buy in the UK

Apple's successors to the iPhone X, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, are available to buy today from Apple stores across the UK and on Apple website.

While the iPhone X brought in a dramatic departure for the design of previous generations of iPhones, with the removal of the somewhat iconic home button and the adoption of an edge-to-edge OLED display, the iPhone Xs is but an incremental upgrade on its predecessor.

It offers refinements to the iPhone X, as well as more powerful innards in the form of Apple's custom-designed A12 Bionic chipset. While the larger iPhone Xs Max sports a 6.5-inch display, for people who want more screen real estate over the 5.8-inch display found in the iPhone Xs and iPhone X.

Apple has also stuck to its model of premium pricing over rival Android flagship phones.While the iPhone Xs starts at 999, the same price as the iPhone X, people after a hefty 512GB of onboard storage will need to be prepared to spend 1,349 for the privilege. A 256GB version of the iPhone Xs is available for 1,149.

Pricing for the iPhone Xs Max is also rather high, with the 64GB model priced at 1,099. That price jumps up to 1,249 for the 256GB version, and hits a high of 1,449 for the 512GB model, which is the most expensive iPhone to date.

The advent of the iPhone Xs means Apple has stopped selling the iPhone X, though people after more affordable iPhones can still opt for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7, with starting prices set at 599 and 449 respectively.

Apple fans after an iPhone with an edge-to-edge but baulk at the high price of the iPhone Xs can wait for the iPhone XR, a 'budget' take on Cupertino's flagship phone.

Pre-orders for the iPhone XR start on 19 October for a starting price of 749, with the handset shipping a week later on 26 October.

10/9/2018: iPhone Xs Max and Apple Watch bundle could top 2,000 mark

Apple's successor to the iPhone X could come at a truly wallet-emptying price especially when bought as a bundle with other accessories such as a next-generation Apple Watch and Cupertino's AirPods wireless headphones.

According to sources familiar with Apple's pricing plan, such a high-end, large display iPhone and Apple Watch bundle could cost 2,000, reported German language Apple-following site Macerkopf.

While such pricing should be taken with a pinch of salt, given it would make the next flagship iPhone the most expensive model to date, Ben Woods, chief of research at CCS Insight, said such an expensive bundle is a distinct possibility.

"It seems highly likely that Apple could smash through the 2,000 threshold with its latest products. If, as widely rumoured, Apple reveals a large screen variant of the iPhone X, it will likely come at a premium to the existing model which had already smashed the 1000 threshold. With the top of the line model with a big memory configuration, an updated cellular-enabled Apple Watch and some AirPods the bundle could easily reach 2,000," Woods said in a statement sent to IT Pro.

"Reaching this milestone merely underlines what a great job Apple is doing at delivering high value products to consumers and reiterates our view that the smartphone is the single most important piece of technology is most consumers' lives"

"With consumers holding onto their smartphones for longer than ever it seems they are happy to pay a premium to get the best iPhone available. If paired with other accessories such as the Apple Watch and AirPods it won't be surprising if they crash through the psychologically important 2,000 threshold."

We will have to wait until 12 September to find out if this rumour bears fruit as that's when Apple is slated to reveal new iPhones and products.

10/9/2018: Smaller, budget iPhone to be called 'Xc'

The smaller version of Apple's next range of iPhone models is set to be named the iPhone Xc, according to a Chinese website.

The iconic phone maker will announce three new devices at its 'Gather Round' event on the 12th of September and according to Macotakra (via 9to5Mac), the 6.1in model will have the 'C' label.

This would represent a familiar naming policy from Apple, similar to the iPhone 5c which was the budget version of the 5s and came in a range of colours, despite wide reports that the larger variation of the new iPhone X would be dubbed 'Max' rather than plus.

This could potentially be a complete fabrication, but it is reported that this 'entry-level' iPhone will be cheaper, smaller, built with an LCD screen and will offer a wider range of colours.

Further proof of the colours came from iPhone 'leaker' Ben Geskin on Twitter, who posted a series of photos of coloured iPhone models, claimed to be prototypes.

Geskin is said to have a good track record for iPhone leaks and his photos suggest the new device will come in red, white and blue, and potentially gold and rose gold.

Last month 9to5Mac also claimed the new iPhone XS will come in a gold option and will be called the 'Xs Max' which suggests a change of branding by Apple, which usually uses the 'Plus' moniker for the larger model.

All three models, plus a new Apple watch are set to be unveiled on Wednesday at an event at the Cupertino campus, where there is also rumours of a new Macbook and show be released a week later, f Apple follows its usual patterns.

6/9/2018: Larger iPhone to be called the 'Xs MAX'

Apple will call the larger version of its next iPhone the 'Xs Max', ditching the Plus branding for the first time since 2014.

Starting with the Phone 6, Apple has released two sizes of the same model each year, dubbing the larger handset 'Plus', but that is changing with the iPhone Xs, according to a report by 9to5Mac.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the iPhone, the company changed its naming patterns with last year's iPhone 'X' which replaced the standard number and it seems the moniker for sizes will also be rebranded.

In addition to the name change and larger size, the iPhone Xs Max is expected to offer an even bigger battery than the smaller Xs. Both phones will also reportedly see an internal spec boost over the current iPhone X, with a new A12 processor and 4GB of RAM.

The iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and a third mid-sized LCD handset are set to be unveiled at an event on 12 September at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino.

The third device will have the same facial recognition sensor as the iPhone X but will be much lower in price thanks to a few cost-saving measures, including a less expensive LCD screen.

The name of this third device has not been leaked but is rumoured to be dubbed the Xc with the 'c' standing for colour.

Earlier this month reports also suggested that the next generation of iPhone would be called XS and also posted pictures of the new handsets which is rumoured to come in a gold option.

4/9/2018: iPhone X holds 68% of its value after a year

With the new iPhone XS being released sometime this month for a reported 1,000, there will be plenty of Apple fans selling their current handsets to raise cash.

Those with last year's model, the iPhone X, will be delighted to know that it still keeps a high value for resellers. A 256Gb iPhone X can earn resellers up to 680, which is around 68% of its original value, according to MusicMagpie and can fund over half of the amount of the next model, reportedly worth 1,000.

"It's well known that Apple devices hold more value than any other phone brand," said Liam Howley, marketing director at MusicMagpie. "What's interesting to see is that its latest devices such as the X and 8 have held onto their values more than any other previous Apple model.

"The fact that the specs for these phones are at the higher end and the features included make these handsets more desirable within the resale market. Based on the trends we have seen across various iPhone models, we anticipate the iPhone X Plus is likely to hold on to its value even more than the anticipated OLED and SE models."

For context, the iPhone 6 and 7 both only held onto an average of 40% of their value after a year and the 256GB iPhone 8 Plus is worth 549 second-hand, which is 57% of its original value.

Recently Apple was lauded as the world's first trillion dollar company and a large part of that is its iPhone pricing which has gone up, despite sales going down.

The figures look even more impressive when compared to the latest Samsung models, the S9+ lost nearly 50% of its value in just five months, whilst handsets from OnePlus and Google such as the 5T and Google Pixel 2 have lost 85% and 80% respectively.

31/08/2018: New iPhone dubbed 'XS' and set to come in gold

Apple has announced it will host a special event on the 12 September at its Cupertino campus where it's widely expected to unveil the new iPhone models.

The company is expected to release three new models that are similar in design to last years iPhone X. That's according to 9to5Mac, which claims to have photos of two of the new phones.

9to5Mac said the photographs are not mockups and represented Apple's products, but have not said how or where it has obtained them from. It's believed that Apple will release an 'S' range of phones where the designs match the previous year's model and the new 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch iPhones will both be called "iPhone XS".

The new models will also come in a gold option, a colour Apple heavily featured on its event invitations. The company had previously filed documents at the US Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for a gold version of its iPhone X which came in silver and grey options last year.

Apple is known for releasing its new phone models in the second week of September, as well as updating other product lines such as the Apple Watch. The series 4 Watch, which has also been reported by 9to5Mac, is said to have a larger, edge-to-edge display with reduced bezels.

The new iPhones will likely be available to the public at the end of September, a couple of weeks after they're unveiled.

28/08/2018: Next range of iPhones will be 'S' models

Apple's next model of iPhone, set to be released in September, will have a similar design to last year's iPhone X, according to Bloomberg.

Apple is allegedly planning an 'S' year, where it updates the previous year's phone model rather than releasing wholly new designs.

The world's most valuable company is planning three new models and a wider range of prices, features and sizes. However, like last year's iPhone X and the iPhone 6, there will not be much tampering with the design.

Apple generally follows a pattern: a year after a wholly new design is unveiled, it releases an "S" model. This is a designation that the company gives to phones that keep the design from the previous year but feature internal upgrades.

The three new ranges of iPhone will have a high-end option dubbed D33, which will have a 6.5-inch OLED display, making it the largest iPhone to date. There will be an updated version of the 5.8 inches iPhone X with faster processing speeds, this has been dubbed D32.

Notably, Apple is also allegedly planning a low-end device to replace the iPhone 8, codenamed N84. It will have the same design as the iPhone X, but will house a larger 6.1 inch LCD screen. Much like the iPhone 5c, the device will come in a range of colours, and rather than the stainless steel casing of the iPhone X, will have aluminium edges.

All three devices are predicted to have the gesture-based control system Apple introduced last year that replaced the home button. They will also feature Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system for unlocking the device.

19/08/2018: A video has leaked reportedly showcasing three new iPhones set to launch next month.

Two successors to the iPhone X have already been well-rumoured, but it looks as though the third device to launch in September could be the iPhone 9, albeit with a bigger screen than 2017's iPhone X.

The video, released by YouTuber and iPhone tipster DetroitBORG, reveals that all three models are likely to scrap TouchID for FaceID - a significant step for Apple. The designs are pretty consistent across all three, although they look to have a thinner bezel than last year's launch.

The iPhone X successors will see a slight jump in features, including Apple's A12 chip. They'll keep the same edge-to-edge display, with the iPhone X keeping the same 5.8in design, and a new, larger iPhone X Plus jumping up to a 6.5in display.

The lower-end iPhone 9's display may be larger than the standard iPhone X's at 6.1in, but it'll use an LCD panel rather than OLED. Apple has seemingly only packed in a single lens camera and there's also a bit of a design reversal, with an aluminium rather than stainless steel finish.

Although we haven't heard much about an iPhone 9 launching (rather rumours suggest it'll be a budget iPhone X), the features of this leaked device would seemingly fit in line with an upgrade to the iPhone 8 rather than providing an alternative in feature set to last year's iPhone X.

07/08/2018: Although there's been no official announcement of what Apple has planned for the next generation iPhone range, a new software update may have just leaked some tantalising details on what the company is working on.

Hidden code unearthed from inside the latest beta version of iOS 12 suggests that Apple is gearing up to release a much larger version of the iPhone X.

Guilherme Rambo, an iOS developer, shared images he'd found while digging through the code showing an icon called "payment glyph". The images appear to point to a significantly larger 'Plus' model of the iPhone X, alongside what's likely to be an updated version of the regular sized iPhone X.

It supports previous rumours that the company would be releasing an updated iPhone X, as well as an updated regular sized iPhone at its September event this year. The naming scheme is once again likely to cause confusion, as it's unclear if this regular iPhone will be the '9' or something different entirely.

The images also appear to show a strangely shaped iPad, which is more square than anything that's previously been released. It's possible that the picture is simply an indication that the software can be adjusted to fit different sized devices.

It's unclear whether including these images is a deliberate move by Apple, as Rambo used the exact same method to leak images of the iPhone X last year.

The iOS 12 beta, which is currently available to developers, will release alongside whatever iPhone and iPad devices Apple eventually launches at the end of next month.

31/07/2018: iPhone X Plus and 6.1in models revealed in leaked pics

Pictures of what are reportedly the iPhone X and iPhone X Plus have leaked online courtesy of notable leakster Benjamin Geskin who posted the photos of what appear to be demo devices on Twitter.

The pictures were picked up by US technology site BGR, which has speculated what they mean and whether they're actually likely to be the real deal. It's also taken a deeper look at some of the features likely to be packed into the next iPhone X iterations.

The devices in question are apparently the iPhone X Plus and the new, 6.1in iPhone X, the latter sporting an LCD rather than OLED display. Although the display isn't switched on in the photos, so it can't be identified what difference an LCD display will have, one variant between the two is the iPhone X Plus' camera.

In the pictures, it's clear to see this s the same as the original iPhone X's set up, with seemingly only two lenses, despite rumours suggesting it would pack in three. The iPhone X 6.1's camera only has a single lens, although this isn't surprising, considering the latter is likely to be a lower-cost device.

Other differences between the two are a slightly varied design - the iPhone X Plus features a stainless steel bezel, while the iPhone X 6.1 reverts to aluminium. The bezels are also different sizes, with the iPhone X's more svelte.

The iPhone X Plus is shown in silver and the 6.1in model in space grey, although it's expected more colourways will launch with these updates in September, including a gold version.

26/07/2018: One of Apple's new iPhones faces delays

One of Apple's next-generation iPhones may be in short supply or possibly even delayed at launch, because components are in short supply.

Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty revealed she expects the device to either launch with restricted supplies or late because the LCD panel is in short supply. The reason, she said, is because it's suffering from a "backlight leakage", sending Apple back to the drawing board to redevelop the design pretty close to the device's launch date.

"We expect Apple to report an in-line June quarter and provide a slightly weaker than consensus September quarter outlook due to a possible October launch of the 6.1in LCD iPhone," Huberty wrote in a research note.

"We currently see no delay in the ramp of Apple's upcoming flagship 5.8in or 6.5in OLED iPhones, however suspected issues with LED backlight leakage have caused a one month delay in mass production of the 6.1in LCD iPhone, although this is down from a six-week delay baked into the original production forecast, according to suppliers."

However, the delay is not as severe as the analyst first thought and it's quite possible the release date will only be pushed back a month at most, as it was with the iPhone X that was shipped in November after its September announcement.

Apple is also expected to launch what's been touted as the iPhone X Plus and an updated standard iPhone X in September and although the budget device might also be revealed, it won't actually be available on the market until later.

25/07/2018: Leaked videos show Apple's internal fix process for iPhone X

A collection of videos showing Apple's internal fixing process for various features of the iPhone X have been revealed online.

The clips showed how Apple mends features such as replacing the battery, fixing camera components, the microphone, speaker and display if the flagship device accidentally gets smashed.

According to Motherboard, the videos are legitimate, although Apple hasn't acknowledged them as accurately representing the actual process the company uses to fix broken devices. It is likely they're used to train employees though, as they do feature Apple's branding and copyright notice.

Apple is unlikely to approve of these videos going up in the public domain as it prefers to fix things itself rather than allow others to do it. In fact, any warranty is voided if users try to fix their own handsets or they're taken to an unofficial repair outlet. Until 2017, even having the screen replaced by a third party could void the warranty.

The footage was taken down but has been re-uploaded by another user.

Videos like these seemingly official training videos mirror those produced by teardown websites like iFixit, although it's not recommended for iPhone X users to use them a guide for repairing their own devices because attempting to do so without official tools could well result in a very useless brick rather than a very expensive smartphone.

24/07/2018: iPhone X is Apple's most valuable handset at resale

Despite posing a major threat to your wallet, the iPhone X actually retains its value far better than any Apple mobile device released to date.

High demand for the premium Apple handset has seen the models re-sell for an average of 85% of the original price, according to a report by the liquidation firm B-Stock - 999 and 1,149 for the 64GB and 256GB models respectively.

The study, seen by 9to5Mac, also suggests bulk purchasers are paying around 75% of the retail price - with the single biggest factor being high domestic demand in the US, even eight months after the iPhone X was first released.

This should be a big relief for users hoping to trade in last year's model for a princely cash rebate ahead of the release of the yet-to-be-announced second generation iPhone X - which is, according to predictions, expected to be priced far more reasonably than the first iteration.

Analyst and Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo predicted in June that the price of the next-generation iPhone X will be reduced by $300 in order to expand the device's appeal to a wider range of people. But this conflicted with UBS analysts, who forecast earlier this year that the phone could cost consumers and business users even more.

Meanwhile, reports from Apple rumour mill Macotakara back in May suggested that according to a "reliable source supplier", the new premium handset would boast a 6.5in display, against the iPhone X's current 5.5in screen.

The same report mooted that Apple's next handset may introduce horizontal Face ID unlocking, and will be packaged with iOS 12.

20/07/2018: Apple wants its new iPhone X range to be fast charging, but there's a problem

According to an analyst, Apple is determined to keep up with Android device manufacturers by integrating faster charging into its next-generation iPhone X via an 8W charger.

Jun Zhang of Rosenblatt Securities thinks the company will upgrade from 5V 2A to 9V 2A and 5V 3A charging components in all versions of upcoming iPhones to keep customers happy and attempt to compete with Android mid-range and premium devices which offer faster charging times. He also commented it would "support more applications" although Zhang didn't go into more detail about these.

But this comes with a catch. New iPhones will use a USB-C charging port rather than the proprietary Lightning charger iPhones use at the moment, but as is usually the case with Apple, it's got itself in a spot of trouble trying to meet predicted demand.

According to Mac Otakara, the company is once again experiencing component shortages and production delays, so the chargers accompanying the next-generation devices won't be available in-store and will only come in the box until Apple can up its supplies. After demand has waned, it'll be able to focus on producing standalone chargers for customers to buy off the shelf.

Although customers of the new iPhone may not be able to pick up a spare charger on launch day, Apple's move to USB-C means that the new devices will be compatible with a wide range of chargers from other manufacturers (albeit sans fast-charging capability).

19/07/2018: Samsung mocks iPhone X speeds in Galaxy S9 advert

Samsung has had a cheeky pop at the iPhone X as part of its Samsung Galaxy S9 advertising campaign. The advert, called 'Ingenious: Speed', follows a customer into an Apple Store, where she is approached by what is obviously an Apple employee.

When she questions how fast the iPhone X is, she's told it's "faster than the iPhone 8". However, when that same employee is faced with the statement that the iPhone X isn't as fast as the Galaxy S9, he responds with a rather non-committal "hmmmmmmmm", and can't think of a reply.

Samsung explains it gained the data about the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9's download speeds from Ookla's Speedtest Intelligence Data report, which was carried out between February and April this year. The report tested 4G LTE speeds on some of the top devices and came to the conclusion that the Samsung Galaxy S9 did produce more favourable results than the iPhone X.

However, what must be taken into account is that download speeds are dependent on numerous factors, including time of day, the concentration of devices running on the same network in the same area and a provider's data speeds. Samsung also didn't compare any other features of the devices. Although data speeds are important with mobile devices increasingly being used for on-the-fly web searches, media streaming and gaming, there are also many other factors that should be considered.

Our sister site, Know Your Mobile pitted the two devices against each other and found them to be on pretty equal footing when considering all the features.

06/07/2018: Intel will not be chipping in with 2020 iPhones

Apple has notified Intel that it will not use the chipmaker's 5G modems in future iPhone models, according to a report from Calcalist.

It was reported that Intel has halted production of the 5G modem, code-named "Sunny Peak" as Apple was expected to be the key mobile customer for the modem with the 2020 iPhone range.

Intel issued an official comment on Calcalist's report: "Intel's 5G customer engagements and roadmap have not changed for 2018 through 2020. We remain committed to our 5G plans and projects," the company said.

The chip in question is for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and according to the report Apple's decision not to use Intel's component was a result of "many factors".

Intel's are said to be looking to further improve Sunny Peak to get the component into Apple's 2022 mobile devices. The company intends to redirect the team that worked on Sunny Peak to other efforts, in an attempt to boost Intel's 5G programs.

As for Apple, this is not the first story of the company looking beyond Intel chips as it was reported in Bloomberg that the Cupertino company is mulling over plans to manufacture its own processors. The iPhone maker is supposedly developing a project, codenamed Kalamata, that would be part of a bigger strategy of making Macs, iPhones and iPads work better together.

At the moment, Apple makes the main processor for its iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs, based on ARM chip technology. Using its own chips in Macs would let Apple decide on release dates for its new models rather than relying on Intel. The 12-inch MacBook could be the first to use Apple's own chips.

29/06/2018: Apple 'sources second supplier' for new iPhone X screens

Apple has apparently managed to source a second supplier of its edge-to-edge iPhone X screens, taking some of the pressure off Samsung, which supplied the panels for the original iPhone X. The move will also allow Apple to reduce the price of the iPhone X, which, it believes, was a key barrier to adoption.

LG's display division, LG Display Co. will supply additional screens to Apple's production lines, allowing the tech giant to ramp up production of the device. It would also pave the way for Apple to negotiate with Samsung, potentially getting a better price for the screens.

"Securing a second supplier for OLED screens is crucial for Apple as it will allow the company to reduce its reliance on Samsung, which is currently the sole supplier," Jerry Kang, a senior principal analyst at IHS Markit told Bloomberg. "At the same time, it will help accelerate a broad adoption of OLED screens. More suppliers means more volume, and in turn, lower pricing."

LG's screens are most likely to be used in one of the new versions of the iPhone X, which may launch later this year, Bloomberg's anonymous source said.

Renowned Apple tipster and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has once again offered his take on the three versions of the iPhone tipped to launch in the next round of iPhone-flavoured announcements. These predictions include that a 5.8-inch iPhone X, a 6.1-inch budget model and a 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus will all be released. The largest of the three may feature a triple-lens camera, Kuo said.

The cheapest in the range will feature an LCD screen rather than OLED, without the 3D Touch capabilities and it will have just a single camera on the back. Kuo reckons this cheaper iPhone may retail for between $600 and $700.

All three devices should be announced in September, but the budget iPhone may arrive on the market a little later than the iPhone X plus and updated standard iPhone X.

19/06/2018: Casemaker leaks the sizes of Apple's new iPhone range

Olixar, the reliable source of iPhone leaks that also makes cases for the devices, has backtracked on a recent claim it made about Apple's forthcoming iPhone X releases.

Having repeatedly claimed that Apple's follow-up to its most expensive iPhone would see it produce a 'mini iPhone X', Olixar now believes the opposite will prove to be the case.

Apple will unveil its largest ever range of iPhones in September, Olixar said and is putting its money where its mouth is, building its new line of cases for the devices before Apple has even confirmed the measurements of its 2018 lineup.

If Olixar is correct, we'll see a 5.8in iPhone X, alongside a budget 6.1in iPhone X and a larger 6.5in iPhone X Plus.

Reported by Forbes, the publication said the news matches recently leaked specs it obtained around the new devices, which suggest the iPhone X will be 5.65in x 2.79in, while the budget iPhone X will measure 5.79in x 2.81in and the Plus 6.18in x 3.03in.

Whatever happens, we'll almost certainly find out at Apple's yet-to-be-announced September event, when historically it has revealed its new smartphones to the world.

11/06/2018: Analyst and Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo has been presenting his latest predictions about the next-generation iPhone X, saying Apple will reduce the price of the next version by $300, alongside reductions for the other two devices it plans to launch in September.

Apparently, Apple has made this move to make the devices more attractive to a wider range of people. Kuo said it thinks there's been a negative attitude towards the higher pricing structure released with the $999 iPhone X and has no other option than to reduce prices.

"We forecast that Apple will adopt a more aggressive price policy for the following reasons: (1) concern over the negative impact of a higher price in a mature smartphone market on selling momentum, (2) improved cost structure, which is mainly attributed to assembly yield improvements of end product & 3D sensing and cost reduction of components, and (3) increasing users of Face ID benefiting the promotion of the Apple service and ecosystem," Kuo's note read, written on behalf of his new analyst firm TF International Securities.

He thinks the larger iPhone X Plus will cost between $900-$1,000, the second-generation OLED iPhone X will launch for $800-$900 and the new, lower-cost 6.1in LCD iPhone will set back customers between $600-$700.

08/05/2018: Rumours that Apple may be planning to launch a larger-screened iPhone X Plus with a bigger display than the current iPhone 8 Plus have been strengthened by new reports from Apple rumour blog Macotakara.

The report (in Japanese) said that a "reliable supplier source" told it the new large iPhone will boast a 6.5in display, bigger than the current 5.5in display of the iPhone 8 Plus thanks in part to the smaller bezels the iPhone X now has after ditching the home button and most of the top of the phone where the front camera is.

But this new iPhone X Plus will be thicker, measuring 0.2mm thicker, due to a bigger rear camera. This may mean no more camera bump, but an overall larger device that's similar in size to the 8 Plus.

The news echoes similar reports from Bloomberg last month, indicating that this particular rumour may have some substance to it.

The report also claims that iOS 12, the next version of Apple's mobile operating system, will support horizontal Face ID unlocking, according to 9to5Mac. Currently, users of the new iPhone have to hold the phone vertically to unlock the device.

However, we are unlikely to see a new iPhone X Plus any time before September, when Apple typically releases the year's new iPhone.

Whether or not it is to be believed, the report also lends weight to rumours that low-end iPhones will continue to use LCD technology rather than OLED.

10/04/2018: Apple has released a red version of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus as its annual contribution to raising money to help combat AIDS. Every year, Apple releases a (Product) Red version of one of its handsets, with proceeds going to a foundation to fight the illness in sub-Saharan Africa.

The handsets are cased in a bright red colour, with a black bezel. Although Apple opted not to create a red version of its iPhone X flagship, it did instead release a new leather folio case, tanned and finished in Europe, with all proceeds going to the foundation.

"This special edition (Product) Red iPhone features a stunning red and black colour combination and also offers customers the opportunity to make an impact in fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of product marketing.

The (Product) Red iPhone 8 will cost $699 and $849 (699 or 849) for the 64GB and 256GB models, while the larger iPhone 8 Plus will cost $949 (949). The iPhone X case will cost $99 (70).

Last year, Apple released a (Product) Red version of the iPhone 7, which was withdrawn from sale when the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were released.

09/04/2018: Apple is working on an iPhone X Plus, due to be released later this year, a recent report suggests.

The flagship will feature a 6.5in OLED screen, that's most likely to feature a display panel manufactured by LG rather than Samsung, a source familiar with the situation told Bloomberg.

The publication said that Apple will launch the larger iPhone X alongside a 5.8in version of the flagship and a budget model as an upgrade to the iPhone SE. All three new iPhones will have the same edge-to-edge display as the original iPhone X and FaceID.

Apple needs to produce a larger-screened device to keep up with its competitors, including Samsung and Huawei that are both turning towards larger devices to bridge the gap between the smartphone and the tablet.

Bloomberg also revealed details of a futuristic smartphone in development by Apple, mentioning touchless controls and a curved screen, although that device isn't likely to appear for at least a few years - if ever.

To operate the device, the user would simply need to hover their finger above the controls, using gestures to trigger different actions. It will also be able to sense how close a hand is to the screen, triggering different features according to its proximity.

21/03/2018: Cowen has become the latest analyst firm to release its Q1 iPhone X production predictions, saying that actually, 53 million units were produced in the first quarter of 2018, which isn't too far away from previous estimates that 52.5 million were produced.

Cowen and Company's predictions are significantly greater than those for JP Morgan and KGI Securities, which both think 20 million were produced. However, they are more in line with Citi's analysts, which think 51 million iPhone X units were manufactured in the first quarter of 2018.

Like most analyst houses, however, all four expect production to slow significantly in Q2, with Cowen and Company predicting only nine million will be made during the next three months. This is a reduction of between four million and seven million units from previous estimates.

As or this year's product line-up, Cowen and Company has added its voice to the common expectation that Apple will launch at least three new iPhones this year, including two OLED display iPhones measuring 5.8in and 6.5in, as well as a 6in model with an LCD screen. The analyst house believes Apple will shift between 100 and 120 million units of the 5.8in and 6.5in models and between 75 and 85 million of the 6in version.

08/03/2018: Analysts have provided probably the most disappointing iPhone X sales forecasts yet, with Citi saying it thinks Apple will ship just 14 million devices in the first quarter of 2018, down from its original prediction of 27 million.

If it proves to be true, it means total iPhone shipments for the first two quarters of 2018 will be affected. Citi thinks Apple will only ship 51 million devices in the first quarter of 2018, versus its prediction of 61 million, while in the second quarter, it has reduced its estimates from 48 million down to 40 million.

"We reduce our 1Q18E and 2Q18E iPhone build forecast mainly due to sluggish iPhone X demand. For 1Q18E, we now forecast overall iPhone shipment of 51m vs. 61m previously," a Citi analyst note seen by Business Insider read.

"We reduce 1Q18E iPhone X shipment to 14m from 27m. For 2Q18E, we trim total iPhone shipment to 40m from 48m previously as we revise down iPhone X shipment to 7m. Overall, we now model 1H18E total iPhone build of 92m vs. 85m in 1H17E, up 7% [year on year]."

Citi blamed bad sales on the device's lack of innovation and high price point, the publication reported, echoing some of fellow analyst firm Piper Jaffray's revelations earlier in the week (see below).

Both investment analysts explained consumers are more likely to buy the cheaper iPhone 8 than the iPhone X because the new features alone aren't enough to convince people to stump up $1,000.

07/03/2018: Consumers are being put off buying the iPhone X because the screen size is too small and they're too expensive according to a new report.

Michael Olson, an analyst at investment bank Piper Jaffray, surveyed 1,500 people about why they didn't buy an iPhone X when it was released and although the majority (44%) said they didn't upgrade because their current device works just fine, 31% commented the iPhone's high price point put them off, while 8% said they wanted a bigger screen than the iPhone X's 5.8in display. 17% said they didn't by the flagship for another reason, although most didn't disclose what that was.

Olson said these problems are due to be addressed with Apple's next launches, scheduled to land towards the end of this year, which are expected to include a larger iPhone X (rumoured to be called the "X Plus"), an updated 5.8in device (the iPhone Xs) and a lower-cost iteration (possibly the iPhone X Lite).

"The takeaway from our survey is that a larger screen and lower priced option would address the concerns of ~40% of iPhone owners that have not upgraded," Olson said, as reported by Barrons. "Despite investor uncertainty around iPhone X, we recommend owning AAPL [shares] on the potential for a 'super-long' cycle driven by a wider array of 'X-gen' devices."

28/02/2018: Apple may launch the super-sized iPhone X Plus as early as this year, according to Bloomberg, possibly in response to missed iPhone X sales expectations.

Citing "people familiar with the matter", Bloomberg didn't explain just how big the iPhone X Plus' screen will be, only that it would be larger than the 5.8in iPhone X. The site did, however, claim the screen resolution would be 1,243 x 2688, which is comparable to the existing model, adding that it would also use OLED technology.

Bloomberg's sources also said the device has already been through production tests with Apple suppliers, but the company is now finessing its design and features.

iPhone commentator Gene Munster, who often predicts Apple's upcoming devices before they're formally announced told the site. "This is a big deal. When you have a measurable upgrade in screen size, people go to update their phone in droves. We saw that with the iPhone 6, and we think this is setting up to be a similar step up in growth."

The Phone X Plus is rumoured to launch alongside the second iteration of the iPhone X, plus a more budget version of the handset, which would still include an edge-to-edge display and FaceID.

Although Apple doesn't reveal how many iPhone units it ships, it's pretty clear the iPhone X hasn't sold as readily as the company hoped, with it cutting back on parts orders to address waning interest in the handset. Predictions suggest it only shipped 77.3 million iPhones in the final quarter of 2017, which was way below analyst predictions of 80.2 million units.

26/02/2018: Apple is preparing to launch a "Plus" version of the iPhone X, according to images leaked online.

Two pictures appeared on Chinese forum MacX over the weekend that claimed to show the screen and digitiser for an updated and larger version of the iPhone X - rumoured to be called the iPhone X Plus.

The pictures in the original post have now been deleted, but not before MacRumors managed to grab a copy of them.

While the pictures have been removed from the original post, the text remains. It claims the components are from a "trial run" of production at an LG factory in Vietnam for an upcoming phone.

As one forum member pointed out, production taking place in Vietnam would be a big change for Apple's iPhone supply chain, as the company has typically had its device components both made and assembled into a finished device in China.

MacRumors points out some small details from the pictures that could indicate they are the real deal. These include the part number printed on the flex cable attached to the bottom of the screen, which has a part number "similar to the format typically used by Apple".

Of course, there's no way to verify these photos, but they do bolster rumours that Apple will launch three devices in mid-September: a second generation iPhone X, an iPhone X Plus and a 6.1in device that uses a similar screen design and technology to the iPhone X.

19/02/2018: Apple has slashed the production of its flagship smartphone, the iPhone X, due to flagging sales, which has caused the main OLED panel client Samsung to go hunting for new customers.

After ramping up production capacity in the lead up to the iPhone X's release, Samsung is reportedly now left with excess production capacity.

And according to an official at an electronics trading company in Tokyo, Samsung is suffering from the lack of other smartphone makers incorporating OLED panels, as they have been slow to make the transition due to the added expense over more traditional liquid crystal displays, according to Nikkei Asian Review.

Chinese OLED panel makers are expanding production capacity, which is heating up the price competition even more.

"Samsung is increasingly selling OLED panels to outside clients," the official said.

Production of the iPhone X, whose sales have been lacklustre, is expected to drop by half in the first three months of this year from the initial estimate of over 40 million units, analyst firms have estimated.

Samsung's OLED smartphone panels are priced at more than $100 per unit, including touch sensors. While they can offer much better colour reproduction in higher resolutions while using less energy, their price is nearly twice that of LCDs, which are used in most smartphones, such as the iPhone 8, which are also supplied by Samsung.

The high cost of the OLED is also reportedly why the iPhone X is priced so high when compared to its counterparts, at almost 1,000.

07/02/2018: iPhone X and iPhone 8 range won't suffer battery slowdowns

The iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus won't suffer from the battery slowdowns affecting older models of Apple's device, the tech giant has said.

Responding to questions from US senator John Thune about whether it plans to throttle the batteries of newer iPhone models after doing so to older versions, Apple said this won't be necessary.

A letter sent last week from Apple's VP of public policy, Cynthia Hogan, seen by Business Insider, said the iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus all have better performance management systems that mean the CPU-slowdown feature isn't required.

Apple is under scrutiny from Congress amid consumer anger over the revelation it has purposefully throttled older iPhones' batteries through software updates released in January 2017.

Congress wants to know if Apple was doing so to force customers to upgrade to newer iPhones, but the company has insisted it's doing so to help older models cope with the demands of running new software, which had apparently caused unexpected shutdowns.

The letter also revealed Apple is exploring the possibility of reimbursing customers who paid the full price of $79 (79 in the UK) for a replacement battery, which Apple later reduced to $29 (29 in the UK).

05/02/2018: Apple customers have complained of a software glitch that has frozen the phone display on their 999 iPhone X and left them unable to respond to calls.

Complaints on Apple's official support forum from iPhone X users claim that their phones would ring for "six to eight seconds", but that blank screens would prevent them from answering.

Posts also explained that they would either have to wait for many seconds for the device to respond, or reboot their phones entirely.

An Apple spokesperson said the company was "looking into these reports", and the company has separately advised users that they should restart their phones if the error occurs.

However, a customer on the forum dismissed this as a temporary solution that would only last for "15 or more calls."

It's the latest in a series of setbacks for the company, despite last week posting the largest quarterly profit of all time.

They were subject to heavy criticism from the US Department of Justice after it was suspected that the company was seeking to move users of old iPhones to the latest ones by stifling the performance of the older phones with decaying batteries.

Apple responded by insisting this was designed to counter the power outage issue suffered by the older phones.

In recent months Apple has also been forced to patch the 'text-bomb' glitch on iPhones, as well as the iOS 11.1-autocorrect bug.

02/02/2018: Apple hits record profits as it beats Samsung phone sales

Apple has overtaken Samsung in the smartphone stakes, thanks to the sales of its iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X, which hit the shelves in the fourth quarter of 2017.

While Apple's phone sales fell behind the Korean tech giant for the first three quarters of 2017, analyst house IDC's quarterly report on the current smartphone market share showed that Apple elbowed Samsung into second place as it shifted 77.3 million iPhones in the last quarter of 2017, ahead of Samsung's 74.1 million sales.

It helped Apple to its highest-ever quarterly profits of 14 billion, higher than the 12.9 billion in recorded in 2015.

"We're thrilled to report the biggest quarter in Apple's history, with broad-based growth that included the highest revenue ever from a new iPhone lineup. iPhone X surpassed our expectations and has been our top-selling iPhone every week since it shipped in November," touted Apple's CEO Tim Cook.

"We've also achieved a significant milestone with our active installed base of devices reaching 1.3 billion in January. That's an increase of 30% in just two years, which is a testament to the popularity of our products and the loyalty and satisfaction of our customers."

However, despite the slight lead over Samsung, Apple's overall sales of iPhones dropped by 1% for the whole of 2017 compared to the year before. That's mainly due to the iPhone X, which didn't exactly fly off shelves as expected.

Sales of the 999 iPhone have reportedly missed Apple's own estimates with it looking to halve the production orders it has from its suppliers for the flagship handset.

This would suggest that Apple may need to carefully consider the design and feature set of its next iPhone to ensure that they remain popular handsets after the initial flurry of launch sales.

Click here for more news

UK release date

The iPhone X was released on 3 November, over a month after the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, which were unveiled alongside it. Pre-orders sold out in record time, but it's now available to buy online and in shops.

Price

Even for Apple the iPhone X costs a pretty penny. At 999 for the 64GB model, the iPhone X is the most expensive smartphone Apple - or probably most major smartphone vendors - has ever produced.

Specs and hardware

A new six-core A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture (up from last year's four-core A10) powers most of the iPhone X's capabilities. It has 30 percent faster graphics than the A10, and runs 70 percent faster, according to Apple.

When it comes to storage, the iPhone X comes in only two sizes - 64GB and 256GB.

Display

The iPhone X's 5.8in screen is Apple's first to cover the entire front of the phone, which has a glass front OLED multi-touch display on the front, and a glass back as well - pretty sleek, but also pretty breakable, though it is toughened glass.

Its Super Retina HD display helps the Face ID feature (more on which below), while it boasts a 2436x1125-pixel resolution at 458 ppi. The screen includes 3D Touch, which allows you to execute different commands by pressing the screen with varying degrees of pressure.

Crucially, this edge-to-edge display leaves no room for the home button, meaning Touch ID is no more.

Battery

Apple reckons the iPhone X lasts up to two hours longer than the iPhone 7, which itself lasted an impressive 13 hours in our review.

Camera

The iPhone X's 12MP camera is the same - on the surface - as the iPhone 7's, but boasts a lot more in terms of its software capabilities. Both larger and faster, this camera can measure depth with the TrueDepth sensor - key to the X's Face ID feature. There's also two of them, one front-facing and one rear-facing, both of course using optical image stabilisation.

Digital zoom on the lenses offers 10x zoom on photos and 6x for videos. The front-facing camera also offers a Portait Lighting feature using the 3D TrueDepth sensor.

It's faster than ever before, too, recording 4K video at 60fps and slo-mo videos in 1080p at 240fps.

Features

Face ID

The A11 chip's integrated neural engine powers the iPhone X's Face ID feature, which replaces Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor of yore.

This facial recognition capability has been trained on one billion photos (and on rubber masks to distinguish between real and fake faces) to be able to recognise a user quickly and easily. Apple claims this means Face ID is so secure the chances of it being fooled are one in one million, compared to Touch ID's one in 50,000.

Animoji/AR

In a lighthearted move, Apple has made use of the camera's augmented reality technology to map your facial movements to various animals emoji,

The iPhone X will also support 'animoji' - animated emojis that uses AR technology to map your face and transpose your movements to certain Emoji, creating stickers and animated voice messages Naturally, the company has also partnered with Snapchat to optimise masks and filters for the iPhone X's new AR capabilities.

Wireless charging

This feature isn't exclusive to the iPhone X, but Apple's AirPower pad allows you to charge your iPhone 8, X or Apple Watch 3 without the tangly mess of attaching a cable.

Colours

The iPhone X is available in Silver and Space Gray on launch.

Previous news

30/01/18: Apple will cut its iPhone X production by half from this month, telling manufacturers and parts suppliers demand had been lower than anticipated and only 20 million units were needed, rather than the 40 million it predicted it would need in November.

The company said it had experienced slower than usual sales over the Christmas period than it expected. Could be the higher price point to blame? Were people satisfied just to upgrade to the iPhone 8? Quite possibly, although Apple doesn't like to give away too much when it comes to sales figures.

Nikkei Asian Review even speculated this lack of demand could have a knock-on effect on Apple rolling out its OLED screens, as seen on the iPhone X to other models. When the iPhone X was first released, it was no secret Apple struggled to get the parts together it needed for the iPhone X, which meant it was chasing its tail when the device first launched.

"The production cuts for the X will have a domino effect on manufacturers that supply high-performance components for the handset, with the combined impact expected to run into billions of dollars for the January-March quarter alone," the website commented.

Apple is expected to keep its iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus production line going, churning out 30 million units to meet demand.

22/01/2018: iPhone X and iPhone 8 models account for 61% of iPhone sales

Apple's new iPhone models - the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X - accounted for 61% of Apple smartphone sales in the fourth quarter of 2017, although this is still significantly lower than 2016's launch models, CIRP (via 9to5Mac) has revealed.

However, the effect this had on revenues is negligible because the iPhone X comes at such a higher price than the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. However, it was those older models of the iPhone that sold better over the Christmas period specifically, the study said.

The consumer study said that between October and December 2017, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus accounted for around 25% of total iPhone sales in the period, while six percent of iPhone purchases were for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

The staggered on-sale dates also confused things somewhat, because the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were on sale earlier than the iPhone X. Previous iPhone launches resulted in the new devices coming out on the same date, making easier to gauge the success of the launches.

As a comparison, 72% of iPhone sales in the same period of 2016 were for the newest iteration of the device (the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus).

22/01/2018: iPhone X sales will fall 'significantly' this quarter

Sales of Apple's new iPhone X smartphone will be significantly lower for the quarter than previous estimates, a new report predicts, thanks largely due to longer replacement cycles in some of its largest markets.

The report by KGI Securities estimates that Apple will ship 18 million units during the current quarter, way down on previous predictions of between 20 million and 30 million sales.

It's also thought that the iPhone X will reach its 'end-of-life' by mid-2018 as the company prepares to release a newer generation that uses cheaper components, including a 6.1in LCD screen, according to the report, seen by 9to5Mac.

The revision comes just weeks after Apple reportedly slashed its sales prediction from 50 million to 30 million after demand for the high-end phone waned since its launch. The downturn in sales has been blamed on a longer refresh cycle, as large numbers of Chinese customers are holding onto their existing devices instead of upgrading to the iPhone X, the most expensive smartphone Apple has ever released.

It's also thought that the iPhone X's 'notch' at the top of the screen, a design that has proved unpopular with many users, has turned a large number of Chinese customers away, despite it facilitating many advanced features such as Face ID.

Provided the iPhone X reaches end-of-life by the middle of the year, the report suggests Apple will have sold 62 million units by that point, significantly lower than previous forecasts of 80 million. However, thanks to healthier demand for some of Apple's older smartphones - such as the iPhone SE, which is expected to see a five percent bump year-on-year - the company is unlikely to take a huge hit on overall growth.

What's more, Apple's upcoming releases are likely to fuel a spike in sales as many customers currently waiting to upgrade will be looking forward to a cheaper version of the iPhone X.

03/01/2018: Apple 'may slash iPhone X 2018 sales predictions'

Apple may be forced to reduce its Q1 2018 sales forecast for the iPhone X from 50 million down to 30 million as demand for the flagship phone wanes, it is claimed.

The report comes from the Taiwan Economic Daily News (via Bloomberg), which apparently got the intel from Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn). The company has now stopped recruiting workers to assemble the device.

"We maintain that 2017 fourth-quarter iPhone X volumes were at 30 to 35 million and we are very sceptical that volumes will increase in the first quarter of 2018," CLSA analyst Nicholas Baratte told investors. "This does not reconcile with the expectation of pent-up demand or push-out to the first quarter of 2018 in our opinion: consumers who wanted to get an iPhone X in December 2017 already have it."

Although there were supply issues when the iPhone X was first made available, Apple quickly ramped up production to ensure it could meet early adopter demand. But the report claims that interest in 2018 will wane, meaning Hon Hai has had to halt the recruitment of workers.

However, releasing a lower-cost version of the iPhone X, with some of its headline features, could well help Apple's figures bounce back, Canalys analyst Jia Mo suggested.

"The market will still hold high expectations for Apple's 2018 products if Apple introduces more devices with iPhone X's key features to cover a wider price range," Mo told the publication.

18/12/2017: Under-glass fingerprint scanner could make Face ID obsolete

Synaptics has revealed details of its under-glass fingerprint sensor, that could well make facial recognition technology like Face ID something of the past.

It has been suggested that Apple opted to implement Face ID because it was finding it too difficult to add the Touch ID fingerprint sensor under the full glass panel of the iPhone X. However, it could have used Synaptics' technology that solves this challenge.

The Clear ID FS9500 can scan a fingerprint through glass with just one tap from the finger, meaning manufacturers can integrate an invisible sensor into their displays. It works even if the finger is wet, dry or cold, while the glass covering will ensure the screen remains unscratched and protected against water.

The company claims its technology is twice as fast as using face scanning and, because it's integrated with SentryPoint technology, it's a completely secure solution.

"Consumers prefer fingerprint authentication on the front of the phone, and with the industry quickly shifting to bezel-free OLED infinity displays, the natural placement of the fingerprint sensor is in the display itself," said Kevin Barber, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Division, Synaptics.

"Synaptics' Clear ID fingerprint sensors are faster, more convenient, and more secure than alternative biometrics, and this optical technology represents a major innovation shift and opportunity for the smartphone market."

The company added that the technology will begin to be incorporated into smartphone models as early as next year.

Image courtesy of Synaptics

15/12/2017: The iPhone X's adoption rate blasts past the iPhone 8's

More people have bought the iPhone X than the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus according to data from analytics providers Mixpanel, despite the former being the more expensive of the three.

The iPhone X has been adopted by 4.67 percent of all iPhone users, while the iPhone 8 Plus is the second favourite of the three with 3.59 percent and the iPhone 8 is being used by 2.78 percent of people.

Another interesting trend shown by Business Insider is that the iPhone's adoption curve is much steeper than that of its cheaper counterparts. It took less than two weeks for the iPhone X to take over market share of the iPhone 8 and a week later, it pretty much matched the iPhone 8 Plus.

However, older iPhones are still the most popular, although it would seem those analyst predictions were right and people were waiting for the release of the flagship before upgrading, with market share of pre-iPhone 7 devices dropping considerably straight after the iPhone X's launch.

Apple no longer publicises the sales figures for new iPhone launches, leaving analysts to rely on other data sources when loooking at a device's success. In this case, the data comes from people interacting with apps that have been built using Mixpanel's analytics tools. While it's not a perfect tally of total device sales, it does give an indication of how the iPhone X has been recieved.

14/12/2017: Apple hands $390m to the firm that made Face ID possible

Apple has awarded the manufacturer of one of its FaceID components a $390 million (290 million) cash injection to help the development of its vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).

Finisar, the company behind the identification technology, plus its Animoji and Portrait mode selfies, will spend the investment on research and development and a new manufacturing plant located in Texas. It also means the company can recruit an additional 500 staff in highly-skilled positions including engineers, technicians and maintenance teams.

Every single one of the VCSELs Apple puts in its iPhone X TrueDepth camera and Airpods (Finisar's VCSELs are also used for proximity detection in the earphones) will be manufactured in Texas next year when the production plant is ready at the end of the month.

An assembly tool on the Finisar manufacturing floor

"VCSELs power some of the most sophisticated technology we've ever developed and we're thrilled to partner with Finisar over the next several years to push the boundaries of VCSEL technology and the applications they enable," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer.

"Technology is only as good as the people behind it, and Finisar is a company with a long history of putting its employees first and supporting the community it's a part of. We're extremely proud that our involvement will help transform another American community into a manufacturing powerhouse."

The investment is part of a $1 billion ($740 million) fund that Apple has put forward to encourage innovation and highly skilled jobs within US companies.

Image courtesy of Apple

12/12/2017: Can Apple deliver an iPhone X(mas)?

Apple says it can deliver its flagship device, the iPhone X, before Christmas, with its website offering an estimated delivery time of between 14 and 18 December if you order it today.

On the other hand, if you want to pick it up in store, you can do so immediately, as long as the store has the devices in stock.

Mobile phone network EE, however, claims it can dispatch the device within a day, though only the person who purchases the iPhone X can receive the delivery.

O2 says that if you order by midnight it can provide free next working day delivery.

Three offers an estimated one day delivery to your house, and the same estimate for in-store collection.

If you order before 4pm from Monday to Friday on Tesco Mobile, it says you'll get the flagship device the next working day. If you order at the weekend you'll get it within two working days.

Giffgaff offers free next day delivery on orders before 10pm, so if you leave it a bit late in the day it may be best to go with this option.

Lastly, you need to order by 9pm with the Carphone Warehouse in order to get it delivered the next day.

08/12/2017: Will the next iPhone be even bigger than the iPhone X?

Apple could launch three iPhones in 2018, including one with a larger OLED display according to Nikkei. The other could feature a smaller OLED display, while the third will stick with an LCD screen.

The source said it's spoken to someone "privy" to the company's plans, who said the OLED devices will come in 6.3in and 5.8in versions, although the report said the handset length would be these measurements, rather than specifically stating they're the screen sizes.

The LCD device will reportedly measure 6.1in and will feature a metal back, going back to iPhone designs of old. It'll also be available in a variety of colours, presumably to attract a wider range of customers. Nikkei has speculated that Casetek is the most likely supplier to produce the iPhone's rear plates because it already makes similar parts for the iPad.

If Apple does bring back the metal back, it means customers could kiss goodbye to features including wireless charging, which was the main reason the manufacturer switched to glass backs on the iPhone 8 and iPhone X this year.

A 6.3in and even a 6.1in iPhone will be significantly larger than the current iPhone flagship - the iPhone X - with its 5.8in screen, suggesting Apple is planning on upping the iPhone's footprint even more beyond the current maximum.

05/12/2017: Apple 'breaks iPhone X Face ID' with iOS update

Apple's attempt to fix a bug that caused iPhone X devices to crash when clocks hit 12.15am on Saturday morning has caused problems of its own, breaking the device's Face ID security feature.

After installing the iOS 11.2 update, some users reported they were unable to access Face ID at all, with the message "Face ID is not available," or "unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone."

However, not all users have been affected by the update and some users said they were able to just turn their iPhone off and then on again to fix the problem, 9to5Mac reported.

The iOS 11.2 update sought to fix the crashing issue, which affected iOS's homescreen management application Springboard. Apple hasn't revealed why the clocks hitting 12.15am caused devices to crash, but Apple analyst Rene Ritchie wrote on Twitter that it may have been a conflict with users changing the date on their device to try and prevent Springboard crashing their devices.

"If you changed your #iPhoneX date to avoid the springboard crash, then updated to iOS 11.2, #FaceID won't like the bad date and you'll need to reboot to make it happy again. (Also: remember to set your date/time back to auto ASAP.)," he said.

The iPhone X wasn't supposed to be updated until later this month, but Apple was forced to push it out early because the crashing issue was so severe. iOS 11.2 also adds support for faster 7.5W wireless charging and Control Center changes.

22/11/2017: Student interns 'worked illegal hours' on iPhone X production line

Foxconn has been employing students illegally to work illegal overtime on assembling the iPhone X, it's been alleged.

Students at Foxconn, Apple's main Asian supplier, told the Financial Times they worked 11 hour days assembling the flagship device in Zhengzhou in China. This is considered as illegal overtime for student interns in China.

There were six students in total who spoke to the publication, saying they were sent along with a group of 3,000 students from Zhengzhou Urban Rail Transit School in September to work at Foxconn's facility.

The students are aged from 17 to 19 and say they were told they had to work for three months at the factory to obtain "work experience" needed to graduate.

An 18-year-old student preparing to be a train attendant who gave her name as Yang told the FT: "We are being forced by our school to work here." She added: "The work has nothing to do with our studies."

Yang, who did not want to disclose her first name for fear of punishment, said she had assembled up to 1,200 iPhone X cameras a day.

A spokesperson for Apple told IT Pro: "Apple is dedicated to ensuring everyone in our supply chain is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We know our work is never done and we'll continue to do all we can to make a positive impact and protect workers in our supply chain.

"During the course of a recent audit, we discovered instances of student interns working overtime at a supplier facility in China. We've confirmed the students worked voluntarily, were compensated and provided benefits, but they should not have been allowed to work overtime. At this facility, student intern programs are short-term and account for a very small percentage of the workforce. When we found that some students were allowed to work overtime, we took prompt action. A team of specialists are on site at the facility working with the management on systems to ensure the appropriate standards are adhered to."

Foxconn told the FT that "all work was voluntary and compensated appropriately, [but] the interns did work overtime in violation of our policy", which prohibits student interns working more than 40 hours a week.

IT Pro has contacted Foxconn for comment.

There were reports that Apple was struggling to have the iPhone X ready for its scheduled launch date of 3 November due to the technology behind FaceID. Initial iPhone X shipments, to the Netherlands and UAE, were also much lower than previous iPhone shipments and some sites pointed to the device's camera as the reason for slow production times.

14/11/2017: Masked man tricks iPhone X's Face ID

Security researchers have managed to fool the iPhone X's Face ID using a specially-developed mask that bypasses the device's advanced facial recognition engine.

The outer 'skin' of the mask was handcrafted by researchers at Bkav, before being laid upon a 3D printed frame.

Other facial features, such as the mask's eyes, are merely printed images. In total, the mask cost around $150 to make, although the materials used to make the frame weren't included in that cost because it was printed from the company's own designs.

The dummy face was made in just five days, with Bkav starting developing the concept on 5 November and completing its experiments on 10 November, posting a video to show the iPhone X unlocking when the face mask is presented.

Bkav insists there wasn't any jiggery-pokery involved - the iPhone X used in the experiment was trained using a real person's face and was seemingly unlocked on the first try, although Bkav didn't reveal how many times it had tried to unlock the phone before perfecting the mask.

When Engadget approached Apple for comment about how secure Face ID really is, it pointed the website to its Face ID whitepaper, which explains in detail how the technology works and just how secure it has been proven to be.

Despite the experiment proving that Face ID isn't as secure as Apple would have you believe, it's not a huge risk for regular iPhone owners. It's unlikely anyone will go to the lengths of these researchers to break into an iPhone.

07/11/2017: At $999, the iPhone X is one of the most expensive smartphones on the market, but a teardown analysis of the device suggests it costs just $357.50 to produce.

The list of parts identified in a strip down of the device suggests Apple is enjoying a gross margin of 64% on its newest flagship smartphone, which means the iPhone X is more profitable per device than the iPhone 8, at a gross margin of 59%.

Apple has reported strong demand for the iPhone X following its official release last Friday, and it boasts some premium features to justify its high price tag. The teardown of the device, reported by Reuters referencing sources at TechInsights, found that its 5.8in edge-to-edge display cost around $65 to produce, compared to the iPhone 8's $36 screen, which follows the company's traditional design.

It also uses much pricier materials for the body, including a stainless steel chassis that costs an estimated $36 per device to manufacture, over the $21.50 the company pays for the iPhone 8.

These teardowns only source the cost of its raw components and omit other costs incurred by Apple, such as research and development and infrastructure expenses, so the real profit per phone is likely to be much lower than the 64% margin.

Apple has thrown a huge amount of research into its newest flagship, particularly when it comes to integrating features such as Face ID, considered to have been a source of delays.

However, research, advertising, and supply costs are a fact of any smartphone launch, and according to TechInsights' costing analyst, Al Cowsky, the figures show Apple is using its dominant position to charge a premium.

"Apple can be different here because they are the 800-pound gorilla," said Cowsky, speaking to Reuters.

03/11/2017: Apple reported a fourth-quarter revenue of $52.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12%, with international sales accounting for 62% of the quarter's revenue.

The Cupertino company's shares surged by four percent after it posted its results, while the launch of the much anticipated iPhone X, which goes on sale today with long queues reported outside Apple stores in the UK, has helped Apple's share price skyrocket.

iPhone revenue is up 16% year-on-year at $28.85 billion and Mac revenue is up 28% too at $7,170 billion. Apple's services, which include Apple Pay and Apple Care, are up 17% at $8,501 billion.

"We're happy to report a very strong finish to a great fiscal 2017, with record fourth quarter revenue, year-over-year growth for all our product categories, and our best quarter ever for services," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO.

"With fantastic new products including iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, Apple Watch Series 3, and Apple TV 4K joining our product lineup, we're looking forward to a great holiday season, and with the launch of iPhone X getting underway right now, we couldn't be more excited as we begin to deliver our vision for the future with this stunning device."

Revenue in China was up 12% year-on-year at $9,801 billion while it increased 20% in Europe measuring $13,009 billion.

"Apple's year-over-year revenue growth rate accelerated for the fourth consecutive quarter and drove EPS growth of 24% in the September quarter," said Luca Maestri, Apple's CFO. "We also generated strong operating cash flow of $15.7 billion and returned $11 billion to investors through our capital return program."

In an investor call, the BBC reports that Cook said the iPhone X puts Apple ahead of the competition when it comes to new augmented reality or AR technologies. Cook believes the technologies will "change everything" using the example of shoppers seeing how furniture looks in their houses before buying the product.

"I view AR as profound, not today... but what it will be, what it can be," Cook said. "I think it's profound and I think Apple is in a really unique position to lead in this area."

It emerged the iPhone X raised privacy concerns yesterday (see below) over some apps' access to Face ID data.

Matthew Rice, Scotland Director at Open Rights Group, said to IT Pro: "This isn't your run of the mill personal data. This is biometric data. People treat images of their faces differently to anything that would previously have been shared with app developers.

"The General Data Protection Regulation recognises this, and requires biometric data to be treated as sensitive personal data. Apple and App Developer's using its camera need to recognise this and take measures to show the public that they treat this seriously.

"At the moment, Apple's policy talks a good game but with GDPR we're going to need to see an effort to meet user's expectation of privacy. When it comes to images of their face, those expectations are heightened."

02/11/2017: Apple's iPhone X may face privacy issues if its technology is used to develop entertainment apps, according to experts.

The privacy and security measures Apple promised in September do not seem to extend to apps that use the technology for entertainment purposes, such as those which let you use your face to mimic a character's action on the screen.

The data in question can be stored on the app developer's servers, and includes information from the camera used in Face ID, which provides data about a user's face and expressions, according to Reuters.

While the data available to developers cannot unlock a phone, it appears that when building apps it can be shared with developers.

Apple allows app developers to take some facial data off the device but only if they agree to seek customer permission and not to sell the data on to third parties, according to a contract seen by Reuters.

The contract states that app makers need to obtain "clear and conspicuous consent" from users before collecting or storing face data. This can only be done for a legitimate feature of an app too.

Privacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Democracy and Technology told the publication that they're worried about how Apple can enforce its privacy rules if the data is stored on a developer's servers, but Apple said its privacy enforcement measures, such as threatening to remove developers from the App Store or auditing apps, are effective.

Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union, said to Reuters: "The privacy issues around of the use of very sophisticated facial recognition technology for unlocking the phone have been overblown. The real privacy issues have to do with the access by third-party developers."

Apple does not allow developers to use the data for advertising or marketing or for selling it to analytics firms that might use it in this way. The developer agreement also bans the creation of user profiles.

IT Pro has contacted Apple for comment.

30/10/2017: Apple has reportedly fired one of its engineers after his daughter posted an iPhone X hands-on video to YouTube last week.

The engineer's daughter, Brooke Amelia Peterson, published the video on YouTube last week, though it has since been taken down, according to 9to5Mac.

Peterson visited her father at Apple's campus and joined him for lunch in Caff Macs, 9to5Mac said, where he had an iPhone X.

Peterson filmed less than a minute of hands-on time with the device as part of a longer video, showing the shortcut buttons for torch and camera in the Cover Sheet and also a "Welcome to the iPhone X" banner which has tips for getting started.

She also showed the device's camera, the calendar app, a use of Animoji and the design of the device.

A notes app was shown on the device which appeared to contain code names of unreleased Apple products too, according to The Verge.

Since then, Peterson has made another video explaining how her iPhone X video went viral and how she visited her father about a month ago at Apple's headquarters. She explained she made a video about the new device as her father showed her his phone.

She said: "It [the video] suddenly went viral and I have no idea how my video got so much attention considering how many other iPhone X videos there are out there from other YouTubers."

Peterson said that Apple asked her to take it down, which she did, and that her father takes full responsibility for letting her film the device. She added that Apple "let him go" and that she isn't mad at Apple since they "had to do what they had to do".

"My dad takes absolutely full responsibility for the one rule that he broke and it was an innocent thing and to be honest I think Apple is going to do a much better job from here on out in addressing the rules and making sure everyone is aware of the rules," she said.

Apple iPhone X preorders started on Friday and an Apple spokeswoman told Reuters: "We can see from the initial response, customer demand is off the charts.

"We're working hard to get this revolutionary new product into the hands of every customer who wants one, as quickly as possible."

There has been concern among analysts about the production of the phone and whether enough devices will be produced on time. Preorders for the device sold out within mere minutes on Friday (see below).

27/10/2017: Demand for Apple's upcoming iPhone X has exceeded initial supply within mere minutes after the pre-orders for Cupertino's latest smartphone went live.

Despite the 999 starting cost of the iPhone X, there appears to be a very healthy appetite for the handset, potentially to the detriment of the iPhone 8, which has not been selling as well as previous iPhones.

Within 10 minutes of the iPhone X pre-orders going live on 27 October, the Financial Times reported Apple enthusiasts were told they would need to wait for up to four weeks before they would receive their handset, which indicated the initial supply of flagship iPhones had been exhausted.

The Face ID and edge-to-edge OLED display of the iPhone X are likely to blame for the limited supply, as the new iPhone, which marks a solid departure for the handset design Apple has been touting for the past four years, is more difficult to manufacture than its predecessors.

Analysis suggests that the supply to demand balance for the iPhone X will meet equilibrium around March, some four months after the phone's November launch.

"We believe the iPhone X will reach global supply-demand equilibrium sometime in the March quarter, or 3-4 months after launch. Typically it takes 2-3 months for a new iPhone to reach global supply-demand equilibrium," said Gene Munster, Apple analyst at Loup Ventures.

26/10/2017: Apple has denied Bloomberg's report that Face ID in the new iPhone X will be less accurate due to production difficulties.

The publication reported yesterday that Apple told manufacturers to make the iPhone X's face recognition technology less accurate in order to produce enough devices, however, Apple has denied this.

A spokesman for Apple told IT Pro: "Bloomberg's claim that Apple has reduced the accuracy spec for Face ID is completely false and we expect Face ID to be the new gold standard for facial authentication."

He added: "Face ID is a powerful and secure authentication system that's incredibly easy and intuitive to use. The quality and accuracy of Face ID haven't changed. It continues to be one in a million probability of a random person unlocking your iPhone with Face ID."

Bloomberg had reported Apple was struggling to produce a fragile component (a 3D sensor) used in Face ID, which it said was why the device was being released six weeks after the iPhone 8.

The source added that Apple relaxed some of its specifications for Face ID in order to reduce the time needed to test the sensor, although it was said to be unclear how it would affect the technology's performance.

The iPhone X, Apple's new flagship phone, is scheduled to open for preorders this Friday, 27 November, and will ship the week after, with a starting price of 999.

25/10/2017: Apple's complex iPhone X design and an "aggressive schedule" are reportedly leaving it fighting an uphill battle to have the iPhone X ready for its scheduled launch date on 3 November.

Apple told manufacturers to make the face recognition technology less accurate in order to produce enough devices, according to Bloomberg.

The publication also wrote that Foxconn pulled as many as 200 workers off the iPhone X production line about a month ago, when Apple was struggling to gather enough components for the device - in particular the 3D sensor used in Face ID to unlock the iPhone X.

Apple did not give suppliers extra time to make and assemble the device, however, which is why the iPhone X is being released six weeks after the iPhone 8. "It's an aggressive design," said the source, "and it's a very aggressive schedule."

The 3D sensor's dot projector uses a laser to help create 30,000 points of infrared light that it projects onto the user's face in order to map the image. But the laser and lens of the project are extremely fragile, slowing production. Furthermore, Apple reportedly lost one of its laser suppliers, Finisar Corp, because it did not meet Apple's specification on time.

The 3D sensor shortage is expected to end in early 2018. The Bloomberg source said that Apple has relaxed some of the specifications for Face ID, to take less time to test completed modules, although it's not clear how this will affect the technology's performance.

For Apple's comment on this story, see the story above.

The iPhone X is set to open for pre-orders this Friday and is then due to be available from 3 November.

24/10/2017: A new survey has found that demand for the iPhone X may not reach the exceptional figures as previously thought.

The survey comes from brokerage Bernstein, which conducted a survey of 1,112 iPhone owners in the US, UK and China, revealing that a quarter of survey respondents plan to buy the new device, as reported by Reuters.

"The excitement surrounding the iPhone X appears to be magnitudes higher than actual purchase intent - 48 per cent of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they were 'excited for the iPhone X,'" Bernstein said.

The iPhone X is scheduled to open for preorders this Friday 27 October and will begin shipping from 3 November.

Despite this, a majority of iPhone users will upgrade to an Apple device in the future.

"Consumer loyalty to iPhone remains remarkably strong, despite persistent complaints about high prices and worries about declining innovation, with only three per cent of respondents stating that their next phone would *not* be an iPhone," Bernstein said.

Analysts at KeyBanc Capital Markets revealed that demand was down for the iPhone 8. AT&T found the number of people wanting to upgrade their older iPhone to the iPhone 8 was down by 900,000 year-on-year.

Furthermore, Apple was hit by a lawsuit last week which claimed that the company's 'Animoji' feature infringes on an existing trademark (see below). The lawsuit states that Apple was aware of an app using the Animoji name and even tried to purchase the trademark before the iPhone X launched.

20/10/2017: Apple has reportedly been hit with a lawsuit that claims the company's 'Animoji' feature infringes on an existing trademark.

The headline feature was placed centre stage when Apple revealed the iPhone X last month, which adds 3D animated characters that act like emojis. However, according to a lawsuit filed on Thursday, the name 'Animoji' already exists as a trademark, originally registered with the US patent office in 2015.

The filing was made by lawyers acting on behalf of Enrique Bonansea, a US citizen living in Japan and owner of e-commerce and technology consultancy firm Emonster k.k., according to The Recorder.

It appears the dispute is not just over a name, as Bonansea currently has a messaging app on the iOS App Store that uses the Animoji name, which, according to the lawsuit, Apple was aware of and even tried to purchase the trademark ahead of the iPhone X launch.

"This is a textbook case of willful, deliberate trademark infringement," the lawsuit reads. "With full awareness of Plaintiffs' ANIMOJI mark, Apple decided to take the name and pretend to the world that 'Animoji' was original to Apple.

"Apple knew that plaintiffs have used the ANIMOJI mark to brand a messaging product available for download on Apple's own App Store. Indeed, Apple offered to buy plaintiffs' mark but was rebuffed. Instead of using the creativity on which Apple developed its worldwide reputation, Apple simply plucked the name from a developer on its own App Store."

It also claims that Apple attempted to purchase the trademark through a number of "front" companies earlier this year, but that Bonansea rejected each offer. Failing to secure the trademark, on 11 September, one day before the iPhone X reveal, Apple moved to try and cancel the trademark, according to the lawsuit.

Bonansea hoped to release an updated version of his app this year but rushed to submit a new iteration in an attempt to prevent the public associating the trademark any further with Apple, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges this rush to market has caused "irreparable injury" to Bonansea's product and is seeking damages, as well as an injunction to stop Apple from using the Animoji name.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

18/10/2017: The iPhone X will be very hard to find initially if reports that the first batch of shipments amounts to just 46,500 units are to be believed.

The first shipments of the iPhone X have left Foxconn's Zhengzhou and Shanghai factories and are now winging their way to retailers in the Netherlands and United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Chinese news website Xinhuanet.com (via Digitimes). Neither site revealed why those two markets are the first to get their devices, but they're obviously key sales zones for the manufacturer, which is pinning hopes on the iPhone X to boost its sales for the year.

Although Apple isn't due to start taking pre-orders until next week (27 October) and it won't be available in buyers' hands until 3 November, retailers are prepping for the launch ahead of time so they're ready to start sending them out as soon as pre-orders start coming in.

However, the 46,500 number is much lower than previous iPhone shipments, according to Chinese site Commercial Times, and some sites report that the complexity of the X's TrueDepth camera, which enables its Face ID feature, is slowing production times.

While Foxconn will make 400,000 of the iPhone X a week, compared to 100,000, which was the original order, this still isn't enough to meet market demand, Commercial Times said.

13/10/2017: The iPhone X's Face ID feature will do more than just unlock your phone it will also hide notifications from unfamiliar faces.

The lock screen on Apple's next flagship smartphone will only show the content of notifications if Face ID recognises the face as the owner of the phone, according to Phone Arena. If someone else picks up the phone, the lock screen will not display the actual content of the notification, just the notification's source. It's a handy feature that could prove incredibly useful for maintaining a user's security and privacy.

This feature will also be available on iOS 11 although it will work a bit differently since earlier iPhones lack the hardware to power Face ID. Those running Apple's latest OS on earlier iPhone models will be able to go into settings and enable notifications with content only when the device is unlocked, much like the setting Android devices have used for a while now.

As reported by Mac Rumors, the technology used for Face ID is already being shipped to Apple, suggesting that this feature will be ready for the IPhone X when its released in early November.

29/09/2017: Apple has released a video explaining how its FaceID identification platform will work, revealing it uses neural networks to resist spoofing attempts. However, it would seem even Apple can't explain exactly how the technology works, according to the BBC.

Because it's been designed to prevent people that are not the owner from breaking into the phone, its behaviour "can be observed but the underlying process remains opaque," the BBC explained.

Although it will be able to tell the difference between its rightful owner trying to unlock the device and someone wearing a mask that closely resembles them, it will never be able to reveal how it came to the conclusion the disguised individual wasn't the person who set up Face ID.

"The developers of these kinds of systems have some level of insight into what is happening but can't really create a narrative answer for why, in a specific case, a specific action is selected," Rob Wortham, an artificial intelligence researcher at the University of Bath told the broadcaster.

"With neural networks there's nothing in there to hang on to - even if you can inspect what's going on inside the black box, you are none the wiser after doing so. There's no machinery to enable you to trace what decisions led to the outputs."

However, Apple does explain very roughly how it identifies the facial features of the face trying to unlock the device, shining 30,000 invisible infrared dots on it in a randomised way (which will vary from device to device). The information is then turned into an encrypted mathematical formulation and then compared to the data gleaned from the owner's face, which is stored in a secure compartment of the iPhone.

It's this final part that uses Apple-developed neural networks that cannot be hacked or changed, or in fact, explained by Apple.

Facial recognition has come under quite a lot of scrutiny in the past, with people claiming it's not as secure as fingerprint recognition, for example. However, Apple launching the video so far ahead of the iPhone X's launch date will hopefully go some way to allay those worries.

25/09/2017: The iPhone 8 launched on Friday and it seems sales may be a bit lacklustre compared to previous iPhone sales on launch weekend as people wait for the iPhone X to become available later in the year.

Instead of massive queues for the latest iPhone to land, Apple Store staff were instead left a little disappointed by demand for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, which were both available to pre-order from September 15th. The Metro explained the queues outside Apple stores around the country were shorter than they had been for any other device launch in recent years.

This is because the new flagship, the higher-specced iPhone X, won't come out until November, although some analysts have anticipated that may need to be pushed back because some of the parts to make the edge-to-edge display are in short supply.

Apple is yet to comment on sales of the iPhone 8 on its launch weekend and as is the case in the past, it's unlikely to reveal how many devices have shipped until much later down the line. Even then, we don't expect them to be particularly accurate.

20/09/2017: Almost half of iPhone users won't make payments using Face ID, a report by Juniper Research has revealed. The research firm explained 74% of iPhone owners would prefer to use their fingerprint to authenticate transactions, while 64% are more likely to opt for voice recognition methods.

The reason for this could be that iPhone users are more accustomed to using their fingerprint to verify their identity rather than having to look at their phone's screen. Although voice recognition isn't available natively on the iPhone for use with Apple Pay, it is supported by some third party apps.

Juniper Research questioned 500 smartphone users in the UK and the same number in the US about their attitude towards making contactless payments. Although the number of people using contactless technologies to buy things rose by 12% in the UK, 32% of non-contactless payment users are concerned about the security of technology, perhaps slowing down adoption in the future.

Only 26% of those not currently using contactless payments think they might start using Apple Pay and other contactless services such as Samsung Pay and Apple Pay in future.

"Transaction security is a key barrier for mobile financial services adoption," remarked research author James Moar. "Addressing these concerns will bring many consumers to the point where they will consider using such services."

15/09/2017: If you were hoping to share an iPhone X between family members or colleagues, it seems only one person will be able to unlock it using FaceID, which could certainly cause a family/employment rift.

A number of sources asked Apple about the technology at the launch on Wednesday and whether it will support multiple faces. However, the company explained it will only support one face when the device launches toward the end of the year.

Although this makes sense if you're using your phone for business and you need to keep information secured against unauthorised use, it could cause problems if someone else needs to access your device, obviously with your permission.

Apple's previous security feature, TouchID, supported a number of fingerprints, allowing the user to scan up to five digits to unlock the device (because you may use the phone in different positions according to what you're doing on the device), but as you only have one face, it does make sense for only one face to be recognised.

For those who wish to share access to their iPhone X with others, they can add a backup passcode and shared users can just use that instead.

14/09/2017: When Apple launched the iPhone X's Face ID feature on stage earlier this week, the facial recognition feature appeared to malfunction - but Apple says it's not so.

Executive Craig Federighi ran into some trouble when attempting to demonstrate how easily and efficiently the new Face ID works on Tuesday. While trying to unlock the phone on stage, the device refused to recognise his face, prompting him to enter the passcode.

Apple has since claimed that this glitch came from a large number of its own employees trying to use the phone backstage, which led to the phone trying to authenticate each person handling the device.

Since none of these people were Craig Federighi, the phone locked up and required a passcode for entry.

"People were handling the device for stage demo ahead of time," an Apple spokesperson told Yahoo (via the Guardian - the quote isn't currently on Yahoo's story), "and didn't realise Face ID was trying to authenticate their face.

"After failing a number of times, because they weren't Craig, the iPhone did what it was designed to do, which was to require his passcode. Face ID worked as it was designed to."

However, while Federighi successfully demoed Face ID with a backup phone, the failure might still create concern for those planning on purchasing the iPhone X, due to the likelihood of accidental lockouts this suggests.

12/09/2017: Apple has finally taken the wraps off the new iPhone X, confirming details that have been widely rumoured for months.

The biggest change is the new edge-to-edge OLED Super Retina Display. Measuring 5.8in, with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 and a pixel density of 458ppi, the display is the first OLED panel the company has ever used. As with the iPhone 8, the display features TrueTone and HDR technology.

Like the iPhone 8, it has a glass back, which allows it to also take advantage of wireless charging. The two front and rear glass panels are banded with stainless steel, and the iPhone X will be available in space grey and silver.

As the screen now takes up the entire surface area of the phone, the home button has been completely eliminated and with it, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Instead, the iPhone X is unlocked with facial recognition, which Apple is dubbing 'Face ID'. The iPhone X uses machine learning to recognise your face, and Apple claims that it will work even in the dark.

Any apps that currently work with Touch ID will work with Face ID, including Apple Pay and third-party software.

The iPhone X will also support 'animoji' - animated emojis that uses AR technology to map your face and transpose your movements to certain Emoji, creating stickers and animated voice messages Naturally, the company has also partnered with Snapchat to optimise masks and filters for the iPhone X's new AR capabilities.

The iPhone X uses the same camera technology as the iPhone 8 Plus - a dual-camera setup with a telephoto and wide-angle lens. The main improvements are the addition of dual OIS for both cameras and quad-LED True Tone flash, but the software features of the iPhone 8 are also supported, including the new portrait lighting mode, which is also available on the front-facing camera.

Hardware-wise, the iPhone X also uses the A11 Bionic chip, and promises 2 hours longer battery life than the iPhone 7.

As predicted, the iPhone X is the most expensive iPhone ever, retailing for $999. It will be available for pre-order starting October 27, available in stores on November 3.

It looks as though Apple could launch the iPhone SE 2 in June if filings at the Eurasian Economic Commission database turn out to be legitimate.

French news source Consomac uncovered that a new device that will run iOS 11 is on the horizon. 9to5Mac rationalises that it's probably not going to be an iPhone 11 so soon after the launch of the iPhone X and iPhone 8, it probably isn't another version of the iPhone X and it's unlikely the previously rumoured 6.1in and OLED models will be pushed forward to the summer.

It could possibly be an interim update of the iPhone X with some internal tweaks, although there's little more than speculation (and a little bit of hope) to support this claim.

The previous iPhone SE was announced way back in March 2016, so two years later, it's definitely time for the low-cost device to experience an overhaul and to address the gap in the budget market for those who can't afford the iPhone X or even iPhone 8.

So, what can we expect to see from the iPhone SE 2? The device will need to be low-cost, like its predecessor. The chassis will probably be the same aluminium model as its sibling, but its processor may be upgraded - potentially to Apple's SoC A10. We'd expect the screen to stay around the 4in mark rather than getting any larger and we may see a few minor other upgrades.

Although the predicted launch is June, Apple isn't one for announcing new iPhones at its annual developer conference. Therefore, we think the company will most probably offer a much smaller-scale announcement for this year's WWDC rather than the big fanfare usually surrounding iPhone launches.

In terms of pricing, the previous iPhone SE is still available from 349 - substantially less than the company's flagships or even its mid-range devices. This will probably increase slightly to account for general inflation, but we wouldn't imagine it to cost much more than 400.

Apple is reportedly no longer satisfied using off-the-shelf OLED tech in its iPhones, iPads and smartwatches, and is in the process of developing its own MicroLED panels.

The tech giant has been making significant investments in developing the technology at a secret manufacturing facility in Cupertino, where the company is headquartered, anonymous sources told Bloomberg yesterday.

MicroLED is an emerging flat-panel technology that offers multiple benefits over OLED and traditional LCD technology. Of particular interest to Apple is likely the fact that MicroLED uses much less energy, which could improve battery life and also enable the development of thinner devices. They also offer better contrast, higher colour saturation and lower latency.

However, it's also much more difficult to manufacture and hasn't yet been produced at commercial scale anywhere, although Samsung hopes to bring a MicroLED TV it showcased at CES to market this year.

These challenges led to Apple almost killing its own development project a year ago, according to Bloomberg's sources, but in the end it decided to continue working on the technology. This determination has apparently paid off and the company's MicroLED efforts are now reportedly at "an advanced stage".

The likelihood of the iPhone 9 or any upcoming new Apple Watches having MicroLED screens is fairly low, however. The technology is still in a developmental stage and it could be some years before Apple commercialises it, whereas the iPhone 9 is expected to enter the market in autumn this year at the company's annual Special Event.

Samsung currently produces OLED screens for Apple's iPhone X flagship, but was expected to take a hit from subdued demand for the device, which led Apple to cut the number of units it planned to build. This left Samsung with excess capacity after ramping up production in readiness for the iPhone X's release.

Citing "people, who requested anonymity to discuss internal planning", Bloomberg said Apple

IT Pro contacted Apple regarding the claims, but hadn't received a response at the time of publication.

Dozens of lawsuits alleging that Apple intentionally slowed down older iPhone batteries to get customers to upgrade to newer models will likely be consolidated into one big court case, a US judicial panel has said.

The battery performance-related complaints filed against Apple will be heard at once during a hearing scheduled for 29 March in Atlanta, Georgia, the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation said, a commonplace decision for cases spanning multiple states.

Apple was accused of intentionally slowing down the performance of older iPhone handsets back in January, with people suggesting the Cupertino firm did it so users will be more likely to upgrade to the latest model out of sheer frustration.

Apple faces 59 putative class actions across 16 district courts in the US. The total includes 30 before Judge Edward J. Davila in the Northern District of California, which, according tocourt documents obtained by MacRumors, states the lawsuits will likely be centralised given their overlapping claims.

Apple has denied the accusations, saying it did slow down the batteries but only to make them able to run newer software. It has since cut the costs of replacement batteries for affected users and created a patch to prevent battery throttling on iOS.

The accusations arrived via research conducted by benchmark firm GeekBench, who looked into the theory after a Reddit thread suggested iPhone performance reduces as battery life drains.

The conclusion of the research was that while battery life is expected to dwindle the more a device is used due to increased recharging cycles, it shouldn't really affect performance.

So Geekbench took it upon itself to benchmark the performance of iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 devices running on different versions of iOS to see how the kernel density changes as the operating system is updated.

The firm discovered that the iPhone 6's score for iOS 10.2.0 didn't change in performance - but when it studied the iPhone 6 running iOS 10.2.1, the phone's performance peaked at the average performance score and several others peaked around some of the lower scores. It reported that there was even more of a disparity when the iPhone 6 was tested on the later version of iOS 11.2.0.

01/02/2018:Apple responds to US probes into battery slowdowns

Apple has again said it would neverintentionally "degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades," in response to theJustice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission's investigations into the firm's practices.

The company said it would roll out a software update that offers users more information about how their iPhone performance is affected as their devices age.

"We know that iPhones have become an important part of the daily lives of our customers and our intention was to improve the customer experience," the company said in a statement.

It has already offered discounted battery upgrades for iPhones that were suffering from performance problems, while promising to introduce a software feature in devices that shows battery health and recommends when a user should replace the battery in their device.

"These actions were taken to further assist our customers and help extend the life of their iPhones," Apple's statement said. "In addition, users will be able to see if the power management feature is being used to prevent unexpected shutdowns, and turn it off if they so choose. These features will be included in a developer release next month and a user release this spring."

Apple then went on to apologise again to those affected by the controversy.

"Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love. Making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that," Apple said."We have received questions from some government agencies and we are responding to them."

18/01/2018:Tim Cook: Users can turn off iPhone battery throttling in next iOS patch

Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed that a future iOS update will allow users to switch off the battery throttling feature introduced to prevent system failures on older hardware, although he warned that this would increase the likelihood of unexpected crashes.

Speaking out on the battery issue, Cook added that the feature will become optional in next month's iOS developer build, with a public release scheduled shortly afterwards.

He added that Apple had the "purest" intentions when it came to limiting the power output of older batteries, although he admitted the company could have been more transparent with its customers.

"Our actions were all in service of the user, I can't stress that enough our actions were always the purest," said Cook, speaking to ABC News. "We've listened to the feedback very carefully and what we're doing now is... we're going to give people the visibility of the health of their battery, so it's very, very transparent."

He added that the company will tell users when it's reducing iPhone performance in order to reduce crashes, but that this can be toggled off.

"If you don't want it, you can turn it off," added Cook. "We don't recommend it, because we think people's iPhones are really important to them and you never can tell when something is so urgent."

In December Apple was accused of deliberately slowing down older iPhones after benchmark tests revealed a noticeable degradation in performance, with many believing the company was trying to pressure customers into buying newer models.

Apple later publicly addressed the accusations, admitting that a feature introduced in iOS 10.2.1 was indeed reducing the power output of older batteries, although this was done in order to protect devices from unexpected crashes as the hardware aged, it said.

The company later issued an apology for the debacle, but Cook remains adamant that customers were told about the feature when it first released.

"When we did put it out, we did say what it was, but I don't think a lot of people were paying attention," said Cook, speaking to ABC News. "Maybe we should have been clearer as well. We deeply apologise for anyone who thinks we had some other motivation."

Apple has faced criticisms from customers, regulators and government officials over its handling of the issue. US Senator and chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, John Thune, has probed Apple's complaint procedures and questioned whether the company will offer rebates to its customers, while eight lawsuits have also been filed in three US states.

French consumer watchdog DGCCRF has also launched an investigation into allegations the company operated a policy of planned obsolescence with its iPhones, something that if found to be true would carry a multi-billion dollar fine under French law.

On top of the battery issue, Apple has also faced criticisms over a string of software bugs recently discovered on iOS and MacOS High Sierra, and a number of botched patchesthat fixed one issue only to create another.

The latest bug has been described as a "Text Bomb", a crashing fault that can be triggered when a user sends a text message containing a specific link to a line of code, even if the user did not clink the link.

Apple has yet to comment on this latest problem.

10/01/2018:Now US Senate questions Apple over iPhone battery slowdowns

Apple is now facing questions from the US Senate over its recent admission that it deliberately throttled the power output of batteries in older iPhones, adding to legal pressures from lawsuits and an investigation by the French government.

Senator John Thune, chair of the Senate commerce committee, yesterday questioned the company's practices and its handling of the slowdown issue, in a letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook, seen by the Wall Street Journal.

The company has come under fire from customers, regulators and governments over the revelation that it deliberately reduced the power output of batteries in older phones, which resulted in lower CPU performance.

While some accused Apple of using planned obsolescence of older devices in order to spur customers to buy newer models, in December Apple said that the power management feature helps reduce the strain on older hardware ill-equipped to deal with the demands of modern software.

"We have never, and would never, do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades," an Apple spokesperson said at the time.

In a copy of the letter, seen by the WSJ, Thune asked how Apple has managed the complaints it has received from customers, and asked whether the company has considered offering full refunds to those customers who paid the full battery replacement cost before the reduced scheme came into effect.

"Apple's proposed solutions have prompted additional criticism from some customers, particularly its decision not to provide free replacement batteries," said Thune, imposing a deadline for answers by 23 January.

Apple announced it would offer customers an out-of-warranty subsidised battery replacement for $29, down from $79 (25, down from 79 in the UK), however, those who had already purchased a new battery earlier in the year, possibly as a result of Apple's throttling practice, do not qualify for the scheme.

Customers have also reported having to wait up to a week to schedule appointments at their local Apple Store, while others said that a supply shortage has meant the company has struggled to honour commitments to provide replacements.

French consumer watchdog DGCCRF, which is part of the government's finance ministry, yesterday said it was investigating whether the company deliberately deceived customers and operated "planned obsolescence" practices, which under French law carries a fine of up to 5% of annual sales.

With the majority of Apple iPhone customers currently using older phones from the iPhone 6, 6s and 7 ranges, even a small percentage of customers deciding to replace their batteries instead of upgrading could significantly impact sales of new models, said Barclay's analyst Mark Moskowitz earlier this week.

The company also faces eight lawsuits brought by customers, filed in courts in New York, Illinois and California.

09/01/2018:France investigates whether Apple slowed batteries to boost upgrades

A French prosecution team is reportedly investigating Apple's practices following consumer organisations' allegations of planned obsolescence of its iPhone products.

French consumer watchdog DGCCRF, which is part of the economy ministry, launched the preliminary investigation last Friday with the aim of discovering whether the US technology giant deliberately deceived its customers in order to sell more hardware, according to judicial sources speaking to Reuters.

Reports emerged in December that Apple was deliberately throttling batteries in older iPhones following the addition of a new power management feature in the iOS 10.2.1 update. Benchmark tests revealed this resulted in poorer performance from a device's processor, but Apple hadn't made it clear to users that the feature would reduce their phones' power output, nor did it explain why the feature was added.

Apple was initially suspected of doing this in an effort to push customers towards buying newer smartphones, but Apple later claimed it was to reduce the strain on older hardware that was unable to cope with demands from modern software.

The tech giant has since issued a rare apology for its handling of the battery issue, adding that it would never intentionally shorten the battery life of any Apple product.

France's investigation will seek to clarify whether Apple deliberately manipulated older products to spur demand on its newest range of smartphones, something that carries a fine of 5% of annual sales if a company is found guilty. In Apple's case, that would be a fine close to $15 billion given its most recent quarterly report.

IT Pro has contacted Apple for comment on the investigation.

Apple has been hit by multiple legal challenges following the company's acknowledgement of the battery issue, including a complaint by French consumer group HOP, which works to fight against planned obsolescence of products, and a number of lawsuits in the US that claim the company defrauded its customers.

The company has since launched a replacement scheme that allows users to apply for new batteries for devices outside of their warranties. It also reduced the price of the replacement from 79 to 25 in December, although it's strictly on a one-per-iPhone basis.

However, the fine print in the agreement says that if a user has had a replacement battery in the past year, the current hardware has to fail a diagnostic test in order to qualify for the replacement.

02/01/2018:Apple's $29 iPhone battery replacements are now available

Apple has said it will make its replacement batteries immediately available for iPhone customers, in an attempt to get in front of severe backlash over its throttling practices in older hardware.

Users with an iPhone 6 or a newer model are now able to purchase a new battery for their devices at a reduced price of $29, according to a letter to customers on 28th December. Apple's out-of-warranty battery replacement programme, which normally costs customers $79, will run worldwide at the reduced rate until December 2018.

Apple had previously said the new batteries wouldn't be available until late January, but development has proceeded far quicker than anticipated, according to a statement to TechCrunch.

"We expected to need more time to be ready, but we are happy to offer our customers the lower pricing right away," the statement read. "Initial supplies of some replacement batteries may be limited."

Apple was hit with a wave of public backlash after it was claimed the batteries on older iPhone models were being throttled in order to drive customers to upgrade to newer smartphones.

It was later discovered that iOS 10.2.1, released in February 2017, contained a feature that capped the power output of older, less capable batteries in an effort to prevent unexpected failures. The justification was that the older hardware was unable to support some of the features introduced in later iOS updates, however, the company was blasted for its lack of transparency.

While the rollout is ahead of schedule, Apple has made it clear initial supplies will be limited, so customers will need to act fast if they want to get their new batteries. Unfortunately, those customers who applied for a battery replacement before the announcement will not qualify for the $50 reduction.

Customers can begin the battery replacement process by contacting Apple directly through their customer service portals, or by visiting an Apple Store.

22/12/2017:Apple hit with legal action over iPhone performance slow-down

Apple is facing legal action following revelations that it does indeed slow down older phones to keep the devices alive for longer.

The tech giant was yesterday hit by a class action lawsuit, led by Stefan Bogdanovich and Dakota Speas, which cites "Breach of implied contract" and "Trepassto chattel" as the two complaints.

"As a result of Defendant's wrongful actions, Plaintiffs and Class Members had their phone slowed down, and thereby it interfered with Plaintiffs' and Class Members' use or possession of their iPhones, Plaintiffs and Class Members have otherwise suffered damages," the suit claims.

It is expected that other class action lawsuits are likely to follow on from this initial filing.

Earlier this week, Apple confirmed it slows down older iPhones that have lithium-ion batteries in order to prolong their life.

"Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices," the tech giant said in a statement seen byThe Verge.

"Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components.

"Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. We've now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future."

Replacing an old battery with a new one is assumed to return the phone to its former speed, as Reddit user krazydavid highlighted the difference in results after the battery was replaced in his iPhone 6 Plus. For his old battery, the Geekbench tests resulted in an 838 single-core and 1390 multi-core score. With the new battery, these scores shot to 1499 and 2579 respectively.

Furthermore, in a post from 2015 on Statista, Felix Richter found that worldwide Google searches for the term "iPhone slow" peaked when a new iPhone was released.

Image source: Statista

20/12/2017:iPhone battery problems? Apple accused of slowing down older iPhones

Apple has been accused of deliberately slowing down older iPhones, essentially forcing users to upgrade their handset.

So claims research, carried out by Geekbench, off the back of a Reddit thread that suggested iPhone performance reduces as battery life dwindles.

Although it's expected that battery life tends to dwindle as a device gets older, due to the increased volume of recharging cycles, associated performance shouldn't grind to a halt too.

Geekbench has benchmarked the performance of iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 devices running on different versions of iOS to see how the kernel density changes as the operating system is updated. It discovered that the iPhone 6's score for iOS 10.2.0 appears 'unimodal' (ie., doesn't change) in performance, but when it studied the iPhone 6 running iOS 10.2.1, the performance peaked around the average score and several other peaks around some of the lower scores. It reported that there was even more of a disparity when the iPhone 6 was tested on iOS 11.2.0.

For the iPhone 7, scores were pretty much identical across iOS 10.2.0, iOS 10.2.1, and iOS 11.1.2. However, when using iOS 11.2.0, the graph showed more peaks again, suggesting the performance is impacted the older the device becomes.

"First, it appears the problem is widespread, and will only get worse as phones (and their batteries) continue to age," Geekbench explained. "Second, the problem is due, in part, to a change in iOS. The difference between 10.2.0 and 10.2.1 is too abrupt to be just a function of battery condition."

Apple apparently rolled out an update to devices that limits the performance when battery life starts to dwindle, according to the Geekbench, because iPhone 6 devices, in particular, were shutting down unexpectedly even when the user had taken advantage of its battery replacement programme.

"Because degraded batteries last much less and end up with a lower voltage Apple's solution was to scale down CPU performance, it doesn't solve anything and is a bad experience but it's better than having your device shutdown at 40% when you need it the most," one Reddit user said.

Apple has admitted it implemented such an update to prevent devices shutting down unexpectedly, but didn't say whether this impacts the performance of the devices.

The two-month delay between the reveal of the Apple iPhone X and its availability in shops may have been intended to build anticipation for the new flagship device, but it also gave the Twittering classes plenty of time to form and share their opinions, before ever seeing the product in the flesh.

I've been particularly struck by some of the negative responses online. Of course, there are always grumblers on social media, ready to snipe at everything Apple does, just as there's invariably an equally dedicated contingent singing its praises. It's not surprising that a high-profile new gadget such as the iPhone X would encounter a certain backlash.

What is unusual is that this time around, the anti-Apple crowd have some decent points. For starters, there's the price tag. Your standard iPhone traditionally comes in at around 700, and that's generally been considered pretty steep. But even if you opt for a brand-new iPhone 8 Plus and pimp it out with the maximum 256GB of storage, that's still cheaper than the entry-level iPhone X.

Then there's the tricky question of what you get for all that money. Fundamentally, the iPhone X is still an iPhone: it does the same things, and runs the same apps and games, as any other model. There's no exclusive VIP App Store for iPhone X users or at least, if there is, it's an impressively well-kept secret.

At the same time, the X departs from the established iPhone formula in several ways. One key change is the vanishing of the Home button. That single physical control has been central to the iPhone and iPad experience since day one, and it's difficult to imagine how iOS can remain so intuitively usable without it.

Ditching the Home button also means goodbye to Touch ID. Its replacement, Face ID, is certainly more futuristic, but it threatens to be less convenient, as you'll have to physically hold the phone up to your face to unlock it. Moreover, there are concerns that it might be less secure, if it means that a hostile agent can unlock your phone simply by waving it in front of your grimacing fizzog.

What we're left with is a device that's easily brushed aside as a mere vanity product. It's a fun, modish concept to be sure even an iconic one but not something a smart consumer would actually buy. The spirit of the G4 Cube lives on.Is all this an unfair representation of Apple's offering? Perhaps. But, if so, then Apple has only itself to blame. By allowing a two-month gap between the reveal of the iPhone X and its eventual arrival, it created an information vacuum in which in the absence of any actual hands-on reportage theories and opinions have taken on the status of received wisdom.

Indeed, the way the iPhone X has been positioned seems almost calculated to deter would-be upgraders. The 999 price isn't just aspirational psychologically, it crosses a line. It's in a completely different league to any other iPhone or Android rival, and not in a good way.

Then there's the branding. The iPhone X may have been unveiled mere minutes after the iPhone 8, but the name clearly implies that it is, notionally, several generations ahead. If Apple had stuck to its established upgrade cycle, and iterated through the iPhone 7s, 8, 8s and so forth, we wouldn't have got to the iPhone 10 until 2022. The new iPhone, therefore, breaks continuity, and that sense is reinforced by the nonstandard Roman numeral. It's not even 10 it's X for exceptional.

Tim Cook has thus given would-be upgraders a stark choice. On the one hand, we have the iPhone 8: the world's most successful smartphone, now updated with new features for the same price. On the other we have... something that does the same job, but in a new, and different, and much more expensive way. You don't have to be a rabid anti-Apple troll to see the problem.

Yet, I'm here to tell you to ignore the naysayers. Of course, there are always going to be questions about an untried new device. How well does iOS really work with an all-gesture interface? Is Face ID as clunky as some have feared? But those are points that can be quickly cleared up by a proper hands-on review, of the sort that are at last beginning to emerge. That is itself a good reason to ignore early opinions.

And while the 999 price tag certainly isn't cheap, there's really nothing magical or significant about big round numbers. I'm old enough to remember the tabloids screaming blue murder when upmarket bars in central London started charging 2 for a pint. Nowadays, I'm lucky if I get change back from a fiver, and yet somehow the world keeps on turning. Inflation, fluctuating exchange rates and changing incomes make the real value of a grand a shifting, subjective thing.

If you're still struggling to justify splashing out on the newest and shiniest smartphone in years, remember that there's nothing shameful or unusual in paying for something that gives you pleasure beyond the merely functional. Deep down, most of us know that we could get our work done on a Nokia 3310 and a 200 Chromebook. If you're using an iPhone at all or, really, any sort of high-end technology then that itself is proof that you're willing to shell out for technology with a particular look and feel. We're just quibbling about where you draw the line.

2017 was an odd year for smartphones. Samsung's early release of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus set the bar for smartphone design, and despite the excellent devices that launched shortly afterward, all eyes were on Apple to deliver something as good, if not better. The problem was that Apple released not one, but two devices.

Given that the iPhone X became the most expensive smartphone on the market, and essentially priced itself out of the range of any rivals, it fell to the iPhone 8 to compete against Samsung's Galaxy S8. It was a risky move, particularly as the iPhone X and S8 are, at least on the surface, very similar devices, and you can't help but dismiss the iPhone 8 as a rehash of its predecessor.

With that said, we've pitted the two larger models in the series against each other to find out whether the iPhone 8 Plus is truly a match for the Galaxy S8 Plus.

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Design

Let's face it - when it comes to looks, it's a one-sided contest. Given that Samsung was the first to perfect an edge-to-edge display in a smartphone, it has created a new blueprint for not only its own future devices, but for those rivals looking to replicate its look. In that respect, side by side, the S8 and iPhone 8 look like smartphones from two entirely different eras, despite the fact they're both pitched at near identical price points.

In our review of the Galaxy S8, we described it as a "marvel" of smartphone design and, in our eyes, it remains one of the finest looking mobiles ever made. Samsung has stripped away the side bezels, leaving only a sliver of a black bar along the top and bottom of the device. Samsung has even folded its 'Edge' labeling into its standard design, ditching a premium option that felt like needless expense on previous models. As a result, the curved edges give the phone an extra lick of luxury.

What's more, a software-based navigation bar has replaced the physical home button and capacitive shortcuts that were a mainstay of the series since the first Galaxy S, and it works wonderfully.

The traditional design of the iPhone 8 looks almost archaic next to the S8. Not only that, you'd be hard-pressed to find any physical differences between it and the iPhone 7 Plus, as the camera, buttons, and sim card tray are all in the same place. The iPhone 8's camera also still sticks out some way from the rear of the phone, something that Samsung was criticised for with the S6 and S7 and has since corrected with the S8.

What is new is the reintroduction of the glass-backed construction of previous iPhones. It now has slightly curved edges so that it feels a little more comfortable in the hand, and the plastic antenna no longer wraps over the top of the phone. Other than that, it's still very much the tried and tested look, although it's noticeably heavier than both its predecessor and the Galaxy S8.

That's perhaps the iPhone's biggest problem. Despite being a product of years of refinement that's excellent in its own right, it suffers from a lack of creativity and is eclipsed by not only the iPhone Xbut many of its rivals. It's almost certainly going to be the last of the classic iPhones.

Verdict: Galaxy S8 Plus

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Screen

Moving on from aesthetics, one of the iPhone 8's main strengths is its display. The Plus model uses a 5.5in, 1,080 x 1,920 resolution LCD screen that boasts some serious supporting tech. Given that the iPhone 8 uses the same screen as the iPhone 7, it's unsurprising that it scored almost identical results in our benchmark testing.

With max brightness at 553cd/m2, a contrast ratio of 1,350:1, and perfect colour production, it's a superb screen and every bit the Apple quality you'd expect. You also get some nifty features, including True Tone, which uses sensors to adjust colour temperatures based on ambient light, resulting in far more natural looking pictures than had previously been possible.

Unfortunately for Apple, the S8 excels not only in terms of smartphone design, but also in the underpinning technology. Unlike its rival, the S8 uses an AMOLED screen with a 1,440 x 2,960 resolution and an 18.5:9 ratio thanks to a slightly taller frame. The result is that the screen 'pops' so much more on the S8 than the iPhone - colours are more vibrant, blacks are deeper, and whites are brighter. In fact, its 912cd/m2 peak brightness is almost double that of the iPhone 8 Plus' LCD screen.

The only negative is that the use of an unusual screen ratio doesn't play too well with some apps that are hard-coded to use the 16:9 standard. Unless you're using an app that's able to adjust to the new size, such as YouTube, you'll have to put up with annoying black bars until the software is updated.

Verdict: Galaxy S8 Plus

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Performance

Despite a lack of creativity on the outside, the iPhone 8 Plus is practically revolutionary on the inside. It's powered by the monstrous hexa-core A11 Bionic chip that's also the backbone of the iPhone X, boasting a serious performance upgrade over the iPhone 7's A10.

In fact, it's the fastest chip we've ever benchmarked in a mobile device, blowing the S8 and other Android smartphones out of the water. It produced more than double the single core performance score, and did equally well on multi-core tasks.

As a comparison, the iPhone 8's stellar chip was essentially twice as powerful as the Galaxy S8 Plus' Exynos 8895 processor. Even in multicore performance, something that Android chips have typically dominated, the A11 processor was able to smash its main rival and every other device recently tested, more than doubling the score of the iPhone 7.

While in reality the Exynos chip powering the S8 is perfectly capable of handling almost everything you can throw at it, the iPhone 8 is the more powerful device, and is perhaps more capable of handling future, power-hungry tools like advanced AI features.

The problem is that all that power is only available in relatively short bursts. The Galaxy S8 Plus set the bar with a 20hrs and 30mins battery life during our benchmark tests, while the iPhone 8 Plus clocked in only 13hrs and 56mins. In fact, the iPhone 8 is outmatched by many Android-based rivals in this regard, including the excellent OnePlus 5T. That extra six hours gives the S8 a clear edge, as it's long enough to ensure that you won't always be checking your battery meter and fretting about being close to a charge point.

Local storage has become less of a sticking point as more users shift their data into the cloud or remotely access office networks, but for those that still require lots of space, you'll be pleased to know that both phones offer decent storage tiers, with the iPhone 8 shipping in either 64GB or a whopping 256GB. The S8 Plus features 64GB of internal storage, although you're also able to expand on that with a microSD card up to 256GB. There is a 128GB model available in South Korea, and there's talk it will arrive in the west at some stage, but it's hardly worth waiting for.

There's no denying that the iPhone 8 Plus is a powerful device, but unfortunately, it's handicapped by a pretty woeful battery life. The question is whether that's worth it.

Verdict: iPhone 8 Plus

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Operating system

Perhaps the biggest sticking point for many customers is their loyalty to a particular operating system. While the topic creates tribalism and those firmly set on iOS are unlikely to switch over to Android, it's worth considering how useful the operating system will be for a business user.

The iPhone 8 Plus shipped with iOS 11 by default, and can be upgraded to iOS 11.2, Apple's most recent iteration at the time of writing. One of the platform's biggest selling points is its robust security, widely known for being one of the more difficult operating systems to hack. Apple operates strict controls over the iOS ecosystem, so there's comparatively little chance a buggy or malicious application is going to find its way to the App Store.

That's not to say that Android isn't secure. With the Galaxy S8 Plus' Android Oreo, Google has made strides to clamp down on malicious apps, including restricting programs to asking for specific permissions when they are needed, such as access to a camera, rather than asking users for blanket permission up front. Unfortunately, given the fragmented nature of Android, and the many different smartphones running the OS, not all devices are upgraded to the latest versions at the same time, and with some devices, an upgrade may arrive months after the software was launched.

At one time Apple boasted the biggest and best app store, but that's changed in recent years and it's now rare to find a new application that's platform specific. There's also very little difference between application versions running on iOS and those on Android, especially productivity suites such as Office 365.

Both OS user interfaces have been so well refined that it's difficult to say one is any easier to use over the other, although they both have unique quirks. For example, Android has, for some time, allowed users to use two applications running simultaneously side by side, something that is still restricted to iPads and Macs.

We have put together a comparison of the key differences between the operating systems, which can be found here.

Verdict: No clear winner

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Price

It's worth noting that given the Galaxy S8 Plus has been out since April 2017, the phone has seen a slight price cut, whereas the iPhone 8 Plus will cost you the same as did it at launch.

The 64GB version of the iPhone 8 Plus is currently available from the Apple Store at 665, excluding VAT, while the 256GB model is 790.

Samsung's S8 Plus, with its 64GB storage, is now available at 607 excluding VAT.

That stark difference in prices serves to magnify the problems facing the iPhone 8. With the Galaxy S8, not only are you getting functionality that rivals the iPhone, it's packaged in a next-generation design using far better screen hardware.

Verdict: Galaxy S8 Plus

Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: Verdict

In many ways the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is better compared to the iPhone X, given they are both flagship products and follow similar design philosophies. However, given the prices of Apple's new smartphones, the iPhone 8 Plus is in direct competition with the S8 Plus, which is unfortunate.

The S8 Plus is simply a greater leap forward in smartphone design, and aside from an incredibly powerful processor, the iPhone 8 is outmatched in almost every way. Worst of all, it's now more expensive than the S8 Plus, meaning only die-hard Apple fans will come down on the side of the iPhone.

It's difficult to tell just yet whether Apple's decision to offer a 'budget' alternative to the iPhone X to compete against the Galaxy S8 was a death sentence for the smartphone, but what we can say is that with Samsung's device you get far more for your money.

Specifications

Following the release of this year's iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, some people have been looking to upgrade to an older Apple device. This doesn't mean they're not excited about Face ID, but while the iPhoneX costs upwards of 1,000, you can usually find older models for less money.

If you're looking for an Apple device that won't cost the earth, the iPhone 6s Plus is well worth considering. Although it's two years old, it's still a very capable and well-designed phone, and it's perfectly able to keep pace with newer, more modern rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S8.

We tested the 5.5in iPhone 6s Plus. In this review, almost everything you read will apply to the smaller 4.7in iPhone 6s with only a few exceptions. The iPhone 6s has a lower capacity battery and a lower resolution screen which is smaller and easier to hold. Furthermore, the device also lacks optical image stabilisation in its camera.

Design

Now that the smartphone market has gravitated towards larger devices, the 5.5in iPhone 6s Plus no longer looks quite as gigantic as it did when it first launched. That doesn't make it a small phone though; although the screen size is matched by a lot of devices, the 6s Plus has much larger bezels than most other phones, which gives it a much larger footprint.

Like all Apple's s-class iPhone, the 6s Plus is visually near-identical to the iPhone 6 Plus, with a rounded aluminium chassis and smooth, clean lines. It's fronted with an Ion-X glass panel, rather than the more common Gorilla Glass, and is available in silver, gold, rose gold and Space Grey.

It's an attractive phone - if not particularly eye-catching - and hasn't aged particularly in the two years since its launch. As with most of Apple's iPhones, it's still a looker.

Display

The 6s Plus' 5.5in screen features a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, meaning it looks sharper than its smaller stablemate. While we prefer the higher-resolution displays seen on rival devices from Samsung and other manufacturers, a 1080p display is perfectly sufficient and we've got no complaints with it.

On top of that, the display's actual quality is excellent. With a blazing maximum brightness of 584cd/m2 and covering 91.3% of the sRGB colour gamut, the screen is still superb. It's not quite as good as the Galaxy S8's AMOLED panel, but contrast is great and colours are rich and accurate.

Performance and battery life

Despite having 'only' dual-core processors, the iPhone 6 Plus (and indeed the 5s and, to a certain extent, even the aging iPhone 5) has never had any trouble running the very latest, most demanding apps. The 1.4GHz A8 processor from last year has been replaced with a 1.8GHz A9 processor, and RAM has been boosted too from 1GB to 2GB.

Although there were negligible improvements in JavaScript rendering performance, it was around twice as fast as the 6 Plus's A8 in running our 3D graphics benchmark (which relies on OpenGL rather than Metal) and around 50% faster than its predecessor when running multithreaded apps that make use of both cores.

Despite its age, the 6s Plus can still very much keep up with the current crop of flagships. It's dwarfed by newer iPhones in the performance stakes, but compared to the Galaxy S8 and other Android devices, it's more or less matching them.

Battery life is serviceable, without being particularly impressive. The 6s Plus clocked in at 14hrs 58mins in our battery tests, which is more than three and a half hours more than the regular 6s. However, Android flagships like the S8 Plus can comfortably rack up more than 20 hours, so it's not exactly setting any records.

Camera

The camera is a critical feature of any smartphone and while the 6s Plus's camera has improved over the camera included in the iPhone 6 Plus, it's not in the ways you'd expect.

The jump from an eight-megapixel sensor to a 12-megapixel sensor allows for a greater level of detail in photos. Most impressively of all, Apple has managed to do this without dramatically increasing the amount of noise present especially in low light photos. There still is some noise present of course, but it's far less noticeable compared to photos taken on smartphones that cram more megapixels onto small sensors.

Dynamic range and contrast have improved after a slight dip in the move from the iPhone 5s to the iPhone 6, but the benefits this brings to low light photos are modest at best. Optical image stabilisation remains exclusive to the Plus and it's very welcome in giving low light image quality a small but noticeable boost over the bereft iPhone 6s. The changes to still image quality may be modest, but that's only because iPhone cameras are already so well rounded.

Still image quality of the 6s Plus' 12 megapixel rear camera may only be a mild improvement over the rear camera on the 6 Plus, but it's a different story when it comes to video. 1080p video can now be shot at 60fps instead of 30fps for smoother motion and action, although it can also make videos look quite artificial.

Alternatively, you can record video in 4K. This might seem like an extravagance given that the 6s Plus doesn't have a 4K screen and most people don't own 4K TVs or monitors. But the extra resolution not only future proofs your footage but gives you extra creative flexibility too, such as zooming in or panning. Bear in mind that you can't record slow-motion video at 4K resolution.

Interestingly, while iMovie for iOS can edit 4K video its desktop counterpart on the Mac cannot. If you want to edit 4K video on your Mac, and you will for more complex projects given the limited editing tools available in iMovie on iPhone, then you'll need to buy Final Cut Pro or another professional video editing program.

In any case, video quality was generally very good especially as the 6s Plus can optically stabilise video. The original 6 Plus could only optically stabilise stills. Oddly, the 6s Plus uses digital rather than optical stabilisation for smoothing out otherwise juddery timelapse footage. It doesn't work as well as Instagram's very similar Hyperlapse app, but it's definitely better than nothing and useful in a pinch.

If you don't groan in despair at the very mention of selfies, then you'll be overjoyed to hear that that the 1.2 megapixel front camera has been upgraded to a five-megapixel camera. Along with far more detail, the screen can also act as a flash to make low-light selfies look better.

3D Touch

One of the biggest changes the 6s Plus makes from the iPhone 6 Plus is its pressure sensitive screen. Apple calls this 3D Touch and it's an evolved version of the Force Touch pressure sensitive technology first introduced inthe Apple Watchandthe 12in Retina MacBook.

It's tempting to dismiss 3D Touch as yet another flashy screen gimmick in the mould of the curved screens onthe Samsung Galaxy S6 Edgeor the LG G Flex 2. But we found 3D Touch to be surprising useful. Depending on how hard you press the screen, different options appear.

For example, pressing hard on an app icon on the home screen summons a shortcut menu. The Phone app's shortcut menu shows our top three Favourite contacts as well as the option to create a new contact. The Apple Maps menu shows options such as getting directions home and sending your location to a contact. It's effectively the iOS equivalent of the contextual right-click menu on a Mac or PC.

Another major 3D Touch feature is what Apple calls 'Peek' and 'Pop'. Pressing hard on an item in a list, say an email in Apple Mail's inbox or a note in Apple Notes, shows you a preview of that item. You can then either swipe left or right to quickly act on that item, such as swiping left on an email to mark it as read or swipe right to delete it. Or you can swipe up for a menu of more options.

Alternatively, press a little harder and the item opens in full. 'Peek' and 'Pop' also work in some other contexts, such as previewing URLs in emails.Our favourite 3D Touch feature is one that hasn't been trumpeted by Apple though. Pressing down hard on the keyboard turns it into a touchpad for quickly moving the text insertion caret in text fields.

We're already big fans of 3D Touch and it's much more useful than its equivalent on MacBooks, Force Touch.It may sound like a bit of a faff to activate, but 3D Touch is genuinely useful. Force Touch is much like keyboard shortcuts on a desktop or laptop they're an alternate, quicker way of doing things that you can ignore if you want or until you're ready to integrate them into the way you work.

Verdict

Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 6s Plus is a great smartphone both its own right as well as compared to its immediate predecessor and the competition. It may be getting on a bit, but the 6s Plus is still an excellent option for those that want a big-screen iPhone without shelling out for the latest model. Its battery life isn't quite as good as some of its rivals, but it's still more than speedy enough to cope with everyday use, and the camera is still excellent.

To cap it all off, successive price drops have made the 6s Plus a downright bargain for Apple fans; a starting price of 549 makes it by far the cheapest plus-sized iPhone that the company sells. If you're looking to upgrade to an older model but you're not quite ready to make the jump to the iPhone 8, the iPhone 6s Plus may just scratch your itch.

Verdict

If you're planning to upgrade from an older iPhone but want to avoid splashing the cash on a brand new iPhone 8, the iPhone 6s Plus is a solid option that still has good performance and an excellent camera at a much more wallet-friendly price.

OS: iOS 11 (preloaded)

Display: 5.5in, 1080 x 1920 (401ppi)

Processor: 1.8GHz Apple A9 dual-core 64-bit + M9 co-processor

RAM: 2GB

Biometrics: Touch ID fingerprint sensor

Storage: 32/128GB (Apple no longer sells the 16/32GB version)

Camera: 12-megapixel with autofocus, flash, five-megapixel front-facing

Connectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, 4G, GPS/GLONASS

Ports: Lightning connector

Dimensions: 158 x 78 x 7.3 mm (WxDxH)

Battery: 2750mAh

Weight: 192g

Qualcomm wants the iPhone X banned in the US because Apple apparently infringed the chip maker's patents, including some relating to improving bandwidth in devices, saving power and enhancing photos from the rear-facing camera.

The company also said Apple copied some elements of the Palm OS, which Qualcomm obtained the rights to in 2014, when it bought many of Palm's patents.

"All of these Palm inventions - owned by Qualcomm - have vastly improved the functionality of mobile devices and the user experience, and all of them are widely found in Apple products without license or permission," Qualcomm said in its filing.

The announcement comes shortly after Apple threw yet more fuel onto the Qualcomm/Apple fire, alleging the chipmaker had infringed its own patents, specifically relating to how its processors manage power on devices. However, Qualcomm insists that it did not issue this fresh appeal after Apple filed its lawsuit, saying it was always on the cards.

"You can't react that quickly to file lawsuits," Rosenburg told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "We were in the process of filing three new district court cases in San Diego today, and one new ITC case in Washington, D.C. Those involve a group of 16 patents that are additional to the ones we have already sued them on, and five of those 16 are ones we are suing them on in the ITC seeking an exclusion order."

Qualcomm has also asked the ITC to consider banning AT&T and T-Mobile's branded iPhone 7s too, which use Intel's chips alongside many of Qualcomm's technologies, according to the company, suggesting this fight is also about competition rather than just clear-cut patent infringement.

"Apple can import iPhones (regardless of who supplies the modems) that do not infringe the patents asserted in this action, but Apple has no inherent right to infringe Qualcomm's [non-standards essential patents] through the sale of its iPhones," Qualcomm said in its filing. "Preventing such infringement, and thereby rewarding innovation, is the very purpose for which the patent system was designed."

Qualcomm's most recent court filing against Apple happened less than a month ago when the chipmaker claimed Apple was giving rival processor company Intel information about its chips.

Apple's 'budget' iPhone SE has been around since 2016, meaning it has missed the yearly refresh the Cupertino company gives its smartphones.As such, the iPhone SE is due an update, with it looking likely that 2018 will see the debut of the iPhone SE 2.

Apple naturally keeps tight-lipped about all of its products so we are not likely to hear anything official about the next iPhone SE until at least Spring 2018.But there are plenty of rumours about the specification, feature and potential release date of the iPhone SE 2, which we have rounded up for your reading pleasure.

iPhone SE 2 latest news

24/11/2017: Apple will release the follow-up tothe iPhone SEin the first half of 2018, according to a Taiwanese news website.

AlthoughEconomic Daily Newshasn't revealed any details about the next-generation budet iPhone SE, except that it's likely to be manufacturedby Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron at its factory in Bengaluru, India, the iPhone SE 2 is likely to take onboard some of the new features launched alongsidethe iPhone 8.

However, Indian websiteTekz24has previously revealed the low-end handset will run on Apple's A10 Fusion chip, boasting 2GB of RAM and available with 32GB and 128GB storage.

Other rumoured features include a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and a beefier battery with a capacity of 1,700 mAh. It's likely to keep the same form factor though, with a 4-inch display rather than the larger 5.5-inch screen seen on the iPhone 8.

The design is likely to undergo a bit of an overhaul though, if the most recent iDevices are anything to go by. It's unlikely we'll see an edge-to-edge display like the more premiumiPhone X, but it could launch onto the market with a sleeker overall feel.

This is the second rumoured we've heard regarding the follow up to the iPhone SE, with another news source - Focus Taiwan also suggesting the device will launch at the beginning of next year. This would also seemingly coincide with the anniversary of the original iPhone SE's launch, which was unveiled on the 26 March 2016.

The iPhone SE is due an update, as Apple hasn't refreshed the range greatly since it was launched two years ago. It has boosted storage to 64GB and 128GB though, so maybe we'll see a wider variety of storage options launching with the iPhone SE 2.

Price

The iPhone SE launched with a 379 price tag for the 16GB version, while the larger 64GB model hit 429.

We would expect the iPhone SE 2 to be of a similar price, possibly a little more expensive due to currency inflation, but not likely to be more than 50 higher than its predecessor.

Given the demands put on storage, we would not be surprised to see Apple drop the 16GB model and adopt 32GB as the entry-level or simply only offer a 64GB handset.

Specs and hardware

Apple needs to make the next iPhone SE standout from its predecessor and embrace a solid dose of modern design. This could see it adopt an all-screen design similar to the iPhone X, though we hazard a guess and say it will not have the fancy sensor leaden screen notch that houses the iPhone X's Face ID technology.

An all-glass design could make an appearance, but it is just as likely the iPhone SE 2 will have an aluminium rear machined to Apple's usual high-standards.

Beneath the chassis, Apple is likely to put either its A10 chip found in the iPhone 7, thereby using up any surplus slices of silicon and keeping the handset's price down.

Or it could put its A11 Bionic chipset into the iPhone SE 2 in a bit to make another handset that has plenty of power to run advanced augmented reality apps, something Apple has been looking to push lately with the iPhone 8, iPhone X and its ARKit development tools.

RAM will probably sit between 2GB to 4GB, while as mentioned on-board storage will likely come in 32GB and 64GB guises.

Display

The display is likely to be where the iPhone SE 2 stands out. Various signs point towards it measuring in at 4.2-inches rather than 4-inches, but we would be surprised to see that get stretched to around 4.7-inches if Apple embraces a bezel-less display.

At that size, the iPhone SE 2 will probably sport a 1920 x 1080 resolution Retina display, which KGI Securities analyst and all-round Apple guru Ming-chi Kuo predicts will be be of LCD-TFT construction rather than feature a more expensive OLED screen.

That being said, there a good chance the iPhone SE 2 will still have a home button to incorporate Apple's Touch ID fingerprint scanner, and given the home buttons iconic status, Apple may not be ready to leave it behind as it has done with the iPhone X. Rather precision engineering will see Apple slim the bezels and dimensions of the iPhone SE 2 to incorporate a larger display without sacrificing other beloved features.

Battery

If Apple increased the display size of the iPhone SE 2, the it will likely increase the battery size as well.

The original iPhone SE had a battery with a 1,640mAh capacity and that is expected to rise to 1,700mAh, though Apple could push the battery capacity a little bit further.It is likely there will be enough electrical juice on tap to keep the iPhone SE 2 going for a good day's worth of solid use.

Camera

The iPhone SE has a 12MP rear-camera and a 5MP front-facing camera, and its successor will reportedly have the same configuration.

However, Apple has been improving the cameras in its iPhones, so we can expect to see proper upgrades and possibly a dual rear-camera array, similar to that of the iPhone 8 Plus, after all Android phones for the same price now sport such camera setup.

Even if not much is improved on the hardware side, we would expect Apple to have given its software a nip and tuck to delver better smartphone photo results over the capabilities of the iPhone SE.

Features

As it is the entry-level version of the iPhone family, the iPhone SE 2 is not likely to be flush with features.

Face ID will almost certainly not make an appearance, but it would not be beyond the realms of imagination for the handset to have wireless charging like the iPhone 8.

AR-centric features are also a strong possibility, if Apple puts an A11 Bionic chipset into the new iPhone SE, likely working in tandem with the handset's cameras and potentially larger display.

Colours

In the unlikely case that the iPhone SE 2 has an all-glass design, then it will likely ape the Silver and Space Gray colours of the iPhone X.

If is has a more traditional aluminium construction, then the iPhone SE 2 will probably have the same colours of its predecessor; Space Grey, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold.

No doubt more details and snippet of information will crop up as we enter 2018, but until then there is still plenty to mull over on what exactly the iPhone SE 2 will look like and when it will make its debut.

The iPhone 7 was the bestselling smartphone in the UK during the third quarter of 2017, with the company taking 34.4% of the total smartphone market share in the period.

Samsung also performed well, taking 34% of the smartphone share, while Huawei snatched 13% and Alcatel 4% of sales according to Counterpoint's research into the bestselling smartphones in Q3.

However, Counterpoint's research also revealed the phone market as a whole remained pretty flat, mostly down to feature phone sales reducing by 8% year on year.

"The Apple iPhone 7 was the bestselling smartphone and contributed to 15% of the total smartphones sold in Q3 2017," research director Peter Richardson, said. "Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus were second and third. Samsung also has a strong range across all price bands and it, together with Huawei, provided a strong volume platform that was resilient to attack from most other brands."

He added that although Apple launched a new generation of devices at the end of the quarter, which would usually see a slow-down of a manufacturer's growth, premium device sales continued to grow. This meant Apple was able to dominate the market, contributing the highest market share of all manufacturers.

"The UK is one of the strongest markets for Apple globally and this is reflected in the premium segment's share of the market overall," Richardson said.

Samsung also performed better than some of the more lower-end manufacturers, taking almost a third of the premium smartphone market, confirming it's pretty much a two-horse race at the more expensive end of the mobile pricing scale.

Apple has officially launched the newest generation of iPhone: the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

Unveiled at the inaugural event at the Steve Jobs Theatre in the company's new Apple Park campus, the new phones bring a wealth of upgrades, including new AR capabilities, wireless charging and more.

Apple iPhone 8 specs

Latest news

10/11/2017: Canalys has released its latest smartphone market results, for Q3 2017, with two iPhone models talking the top spots which versions of the device are doing so well may surprise you, though.

Despite Apple having launched two new devices the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September, it's the iPhone 7 that takes the top spot, with 13 million units shipped worldwide, followed by 2015's iPhone 6s at 7.9 million units.

"Shipments of older devices, such as the iPhone 6s and SE, saw an uptick in Q3," said analyst Ben Stanton. "The iPhone 7 also shipped strongly after its price cut in September. Apple grew strongly in Q3, but it was these older, cheaper models that propped up total iPhone shipments."

There are some caveats here, though. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were only released at the end of the quarter, whereas previous models had the whole three month period to rack up some sales. Nevertheless, they still underperformed in terms of first quarter sales compared to the the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, which hit 14 million in Q3 2016 compared to 11.8 million for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.It's also notable, however, that for the first time the larger version of the device the iPhone 8 Plus has outsold the standard-size version in a single quarter (6.3 million units vs 5.4 million units).

Perhaps more significantly, Apple threw a spanner in the works by announcing the flagship iPhone X at the same time as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, but it didn't ship until November. Monitoring slow iPhone 8 pre-orders and sales, several analysts had previously suggested consumers could have been holding out for the ultra-high-end X.

"Apple is clearly making a portfolio play here. With the launch of the iPhone X, it now has five tiers of iPhone and delivers iOS at more price bands than ever before. This is a new strategy for Apple. It is aggressively defending its market share, but it will not compromise its rigid margin structure to do so," said Stanton.

09/11/2017: Corephotonics has launched a legal campaign against Apple, saying the iPhone manufacturer has infringed a patent relating to the iPhone 8 Plus' camera technology, according to Reuters.

The Israeli company says Apple infringed a patent it holds for a dual lens camera incorporated into a smartphone.

Boss David Mendlovic claimed Corephotonics approached Apple about a partnership on its cameras, and although the iPhone manufacturer was impressed by the technology, it didn't want to license it.

Mendlovic told Reuters that Apple advised Corephotonics it would be able to infringe its patents with little consequence.

"Apple's lead negotiator expressed contempt for Corephotonics' patents, telling Dr. Mendlovic and others that even if Apple infringed, it would take years and millions of dollars in litigation before Apple might have to pay something," Corephotonics' complaint stated.

Corephotonics has raised a significant amount of money from investors to inject into the development of its technology, including investment from Samsung Ventures, iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, Magma VC, Amiti Ventures, Horizon Ventures, SanDisk, CK Telecom and chipmaker MediaTek.

Apple hasn't yet responded to the company's claims.

18/10/2017:Apple is shifting more iPhone 7s than iPhone 8s, analysts atKeyBanc Capital Markets have revealed in a report published by Reuters, saying people are holding back from buying the new iPhone as they await the release of the iPhone X.

The company explained that although there had been some interest to buy the iPhone 8, demand was down compared to previous iterations of the flagship. This was supported by AT&T's figures, which revealed the number of people wanting to upgrade their older iPhone to the iPhone 8 was down by 900,000 year-on-year.

"Many respondents indicated that a meaningful portion of customers are buying iPhone 7 in lieu of the new iPhone 8, given the lack of significant enhancements in the new phone," KeyBanc analyst John Vinh said.

Qualitative research by the company, which included talking to Apple Store staff about the device's reception, explained the majority of customers deterred from buying an iPhone 8 wanted to buy an iPhone X instead, which isn't due to arrive until next month.

However, price cuts to the iPhone 7 are proving attractive to iPhone users that don't necessarily want to spend a lot of money on their next device, but want to stick to the iPhone.

"While carriers continue to offer promotions for the new iPhone 8, they have been much more modest compared to the iPhone 7 launch last year," Vinh added.

10/10/2017:Apple has confirmed it is investigating an issue causing some iPhone 8 Plus batteries to swell up when the device gets hot.

So far, there have been eight reported cases of the problem occurring - in Taiwan, Japan, China, Canada, Greece and Hong Kong, althoughIT Prounderstands that fault is restricted to just a small number of devices, and is not considered a safety issue.

However, it's likely to cause cosmetic and operational problems if you do happen to experience issues, according to the reports. The swelling battery has been seen to cause the casing of the device to come apart, which, even if it's not dangerous, does mean the device stops working.

"'Battery bloated' happens quite often - most people have seen or held a device that was at one point ruined by a gassing battery,"Sam Jaffe, from analysts Cairn Energy Research Advisors,wrote in a blog post."It almost always happens, however, in a very old battery that has already served its useful lifetime and probably should have been discarded already.

"For a gassing event to happen inside a brand-new battery that has only experienced one or two charge/discharge cycles, the evidence points to a fundamental flaw in battery design or phone design."

Apple will now need to work out whether it's a problem with batteries provided by a particular manufacturer, or whether it's an issue with the device's build.

05/10/2017: Yet more reports of the iPhone 8 cracking open when charging have started to appear around the world.

According to MacRumors, Anthony Wu, from Toronto, Canada, was forced to return a device he bought the previous day after the display had popped open. The report theorised that the problem may be down to a defective battery that swelled up.

The report also mentioned that a similar incident happened to an iPhone 8 Plus in Greece. The phone was left charging overnight only for the user to discover a similar problem with the display popping out of the main case. The user had only used official Apple power adapter and Lightning to USB cable.

These reports follow initial claims of the new Apple flagship phone cracking open while charging that emerged in Taiwan back in September

An Apple spokesman told MacRumors the company was aware of the problem and was looking into the issue.

02/10/2017: The FCC's chariman has called for Apple to switch on the iPhone 8's FM radio antenna, to ensure people are still able to communicate following power outages, like those experienced in the US in recent weeks.

However, Apple claims its latest iPhone 7 and 8 models have replaced the FM chip with modern technology, and is therefore unable to switch it on.

Although Ajit Pai said he's repeatedly called upon the entire telecommunications industry to turn on the chips that are integrated into most smartphones, few have done so. He's now using the argument of safety grounds to get some kind of blanket regulations approved.

"When wireless networks go down during a natural disaster, smartphones with activated FM chips can allow Americans to get vital access to life-saving information. I applaud those companies that have done the right thing by activating the FM chips in their phones."

However, he added that it's disappointing Apple hasn't taken the same action, clearly unaware that its latest models no longer use the chip.

"Apple is the one major phone manufacturer that has resisted doing so," he said in the statement. "But I hope the company will reconsider its position, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. That's why I am asking Apple to activate the FM chips that are in its iPhones.

"It is time for Apple to step up to the plate and put the safety of the American people first. As the Sun Sentinel of South Florida put it, 'Do the right thing, Mr. Cook. Flip the switch. Lives depend on it.'"

Apple responded to Pai's call for the feature to be turned on when MacRumours approached the company.

"Apple cares deeply about the safety of our users, especially during times of crisis and that's why we have engineered modern safety solutions into our products," it said. "Users can dial emergency services and access Medical ID card information directly from the Lock Screen, and we enable government emergency notifications, ranging from Weather Advisories to AMBER alerts.

"iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them nor do they have antennas designed to support FM signals, so it is not possible to enable FM reception in these products."

Click here for more iPhone 8 news

UK release date and price

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are available in shops and online now, starting at 699 and 799 respectively.

Specs and hardware

The iPhone 8 has been fitted with a new A11 Bionic chip, the successor to Apple's monster A10X Fusion processor. Apple claims the new processor will mean the smartphone is 25% more efficient than last year's model, offering up to 70% higher performance for multi-tasking. The processor will once again have GPU cores built in, only this time offering a 30% increase in graphical performance.

For the first time, Apple has ditched the 32GB storage option, with the iPhone 8 instead starting off at 64GB, with a more expensive 128GB option also available.

Display

Battery

As suspected, Apple was finally able to bring wireless charging to this year's smartphones, bowing to the Qi charging standard used by main rival Samsung and a number of third-party manufacturers. This means the iPhone 8 will be compatible with charging accessories made by companies other than Apple, such as Belkin or Morphie. Unfortunately, its output has remained unchanged, with Apple benchmarks reporting up to 13 hours of battery life for the iPhone 8, the same figure given for the iPhone 7.

Design

Apple has returned to its roots with the iPhone 8, using a glass backing for the first time since the iPhone 4. The front and rear panels are supposedly the most hard-wearing glass ever used in a smartphone and are banded by aerospace-grade aluminium. The phone itself will be available in space grey, silver and gold.

Pictures courtesy of Victoria Woollaston/Alphr

Click next for more iPhone 8 news

More iPhone 8 news

29/09/2017: Reports surfacing from Taiwan suggest that an iPhone 8 has overheated and expanded during while being left on charge, a fault that is worryingly reminiscent of the battery flaw that plagued Samsung's infamous Galaxy Note 7.

Chinese site tech ifengreports that a woman from Taiwan claimed the screen on her recently purchased iPhone 8 lifted away from the body of the phone while charging, which was later discovered to have been caused by an expanding battery.

The woman, only referred to as Wu, allegedly pulled the plug on the phone minutes after leaving it to charge, over fears it might catch fire.

Pictures taken of the iPhone 8 Plus in question show a noticeable gap between the front screen panel and the sides of the phone, caused by the battery pushing the phone apart as it heated up.

A handful of Apple customers have reported almost identical problems with their new devices, including one user who alleged his iPhone 8 arrived with its screen detached from its body.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Apple used Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) to supply the batteries for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus smartphones, the same company used by Samsung when developing the Note 7.

However the exact details of the incident remain unclear, and this could be an isolated case rather than an indication of a manufacturing flaw. Millions of these smartphones have been sold since its release last week, and only a handful of issues have been reported.

Apple said that it is currently investigating the issue, in an email to IT Pro.

Picture courtesy of tech ifeng

27/09/2017:A number of iPhone 8 owners are having problems with the handset's earpiece when they make calls, what is described as "crackling" sound which affects the audio.

Users have been onMacRumors forums, Reddit and Apple's support forum, as reported by The Verge, experiencing the issue.

Apple told the publication that it has encountered a "small number" of devices with this issue. A spokesperson said: "We are aware of the issue which is affecting customers in a small number of cases.

"Our team is at work on a fix, which will be included in an upcoming software release."

IT Pro has contacted Apple for comment.

Last week, the Apple Watch LTE was found to have problems making phone calls and using cellular data when it didn't have an iPhone nearby. Apple admitted it had connectivity problems when it was in the presence of open wifi networks. The tech giant is aiming to include a fix for the problem in a future software update.

iPhone 8 sales seemed a bit lacklustre following its launch on Friday and this may be because consumers are waiting for its older sibling to launch in November. Apple is set to launch its new flagship device, the iPhone X, with prices starting at 999. The new device comes with Face ID, a new way of unlocking your phone using your face instead of your finger. It will only recognise one face, however, which means only one person will be able to use the device at a time.

26/09/2017:It could be a very wise decision to buy a case for your shiny new iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, because it would seem the device is extremely expensive to repair if the glass back plate is damaged.

Although Apple has said the glass covering the screen and the back of the device is the "most durable glass ever in a smartphone, iFixit has revealed the back glass panel is covering a metal plate with a hole in it where the charging coil sits.

Because it's attached with so much glue, removing the back plate and then replacing it with another could take a lot of work and so will inevitably cost more than simply replacing the display.

This is supported by Apple's excess when a user requests repair. Although the screen is subject to a 25 fee every time it has to be fixed (up to twice a year under the AppleCare+ policy), the back comes under "other damage", which is subject to an upfront cost of 79 per incident.

If the rear is badly damaged, Apple will class this as "mass destruction" and won't even replace the part at all under its warranty, but will charge a whopping 356.44 according to Apple Insider.

Costs for replacing the iPhone 8 Plus' back are reportedly even higher.

22/09/2017: Apple's new iPhone is finally available for consumers to buy after pre-orders opened last week.

The device is priced at 699 for 64GB and 849 for the 256GB version. Two years of Apple Care+ costs 129 for the smartphone.

Insurance company InMyBag guarantees to repair or replace up to 5000 worth of gadgets in as little as four hours and always within 24 hours. Pricing is set out in different tiers, for example for up to 1000 of gadgets you will pay under 11.99 a month and for up to 2000 it will cost under 20.99 a month. For a 64GB or 256GB iPhone 8 it will cost consumers 11.77 a month for this service.

There have also been less people queuing at Apple stores worldwide for the launch of its new handsets, withReuters reporting there were fewer than 30 people lining up before the shop opened today in Sydney.

Yesterday, it emerged pre-orders for the phone were lower than previous years which caused Apple shares to fall from $158.73 to $154.48.

A number of fans have said they will hold out for the iPhone X's launch on 3 November, with pre-orders scheduled for 27 October. The iPhone X will have an AMOLED display, an M11 coprocessor with a "Neural Engine", dual 12MP rear-facing cameras and a front facing camera and sensor array as well. It will cost 999 for the 64GB version and 1149 for the 256GB version.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is scheduled to launch today as well. This week, a number of reviewers had problems using the LTE function on the device when it was not near its iPhone. An Apple spokesperson said the company was developing a fix for the issues which it would release in a future software update.

21/09/2017:Apple shares have fallen following news that iPhone 8 pre-orders have been lower than earlier models of the device.

Rosenblatt Securities analyst Jun Zhang said pre-order numbers for the iPhone 8 fell below the numbers attained by the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6, as reported by Bloomberg.

Zhang also said demand for the device is even lower in China than before. He said buyers ordered 3.5 million iPhone 7 orders on the Chinese website JD but only ordered 1.5 million iPhone 8 devices this year.

On Tuesday, Apple stock was at $158.73 before falling to $154.48 the following day.

Zhang said: "We understand this does not reflect the iPhone 8 cycle as a whole since the iPhone X has not yet officially launched, but we are concerned." He added that iPhone 8 production may need to be reduced and the rate of production of the iPhone X may not be able to meet the demand for the new device.

The iPhone 8 will be available from tomorrow and will cost 699 for the 64GB version or 849 for 256GB. A number of fans said they would hold out and wait for the iPhone X which will be available from 3 November, with pre-orders opening up on 27 October. It will be priced at 999 and is expected to sell out quickly.

Additionally, Apple is experiencing problems with theApple Watch Series 3 LTE version as it turns out it has problems making calls and using cellular data when an iPhone is not present. The device seems to be joining open wifi networks which prevent the watch from using its cellular capabilities. Apple has said it is planning to release a fix in an upcoming software release.

15/09/2017: Pre-orders have officially opened for the iPhone 8, allowing eager customers to put their money down early.

The device doesn't arrive in stores for another week, hitting retail locations on 22 September, but many fans have opted to skip long launch day queues and potential stock shortages by buying online instead.

Pre-orders of Apple's newest iPhone generally sell out, particularly the larger 'Plus' variant. But while there have been some reports of the 256GB iPhone 8 Plus being listed as sold out, these stock problems appear to be resolved, and the Apple web store is showing full availability for pre-orders of all iPhone 8 and 8 Plus units.

However, rather than pre-ordering the iPhone 8, many fans have stated that they will be holding out for the iPhone X. The company's new flagship isn't available to pre-order for over a month, with fans having to wait until 27 October to get their orders in. The device will arrive in Apple stores on 3 November.

With fans excited at the prospect of an edge-to-edge OLED display and facial recognition, the iPhone X is expected to sell out quickly, even with a price point of almost 1,000.

One of the biggest features being introduced by the iPhone 8 is wireless charging. Although wireless charging has been a feature of Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S8 for a number of years, Apple's adoption of the technology is likely to spur a boom in the number of locations that offer support for wireless charging.

Starbucks has announced that it will be adding iPhone-compatible wireless charging points to selected stores. Some of the coffee chain's locations feature Powermat wireless chargers, and SlashGear's Chris Davies reported that the company behind them is planning on updating them to support the Qi wireless charging standard used by the new iPhone.

12/09/2017: Apple has officially unveiled the new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

As many rumours predicted, the company has gone back to the design seen on the iPhone 4, with glass on both the front and back surfaces. Apple claims it's the toughest glass ever used on a smartphone. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7in retina HD TrueTone display, with a 5.5in display for the 8 Plus.

The device uses Apple's brand new A11 Bionic chip, the successor to the A10X. Apple claims that the new chip is25% faster for single-threaded operations than the old A10 processor, and 70% faster for multitasking. Apple is particularly touting the benefits of the new chip for AR tasks, which are a big focus of the new iPhone - particularly for gaming.

The iPhone 8 also has an improved image processor, promising multiband noise reduction, better low-light performance. It has a new12MP camera sensor, letting in 83% more light than previously, as well as a new colour filter.

The iPhone 8 Plus' dual camera configuration also has new sensors - a wide-angle f/1.8 lens, and a telephoto f/2.8. Videos have been improved - there's new optimisation for high-definition shooting and even slower slow-motion filming at 240fps.

As expected, wireless charging has also been introduced, using the popular Qi open standard - meaning the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be compatible with existing wireless charging devices and accessories.

The iPhone 8 starts at $699, with 64GB and 128GB configurations available. The iPhone 8 Plus will start at $799, with the same configurations available. The new devices will be available for preorder September 15.

Qualcomm is suing Apple for allegedly failing to adhere to the terms and conditions it has set out for using its chips in iOS devices, saying the iPhone maker has used the information it provided to help rival Intel.

The chipmaker filed its lawsuit against the tech giant last week in San Diego, saying Apple breached the contract between the two companies,Bloomberghas reported.

It's the latest filing in an ongoing battle between the two companies over licensing fees that Apple purportedly hasn't paid Qualcomm, despite the smartphone, tablet and computer manufacturer using its chips as an integral part of some of its devices.

The company's chips are present in a large number of iPhones to help them connect to networks, but recently, Apple has started using Intel in some models of its iPhone to carry out the same job, including the iPhone 7.

Now Qualcomm has accused Apple of allowing Intel access to its software secrets, after Apple reportedly requested information from Qualcomm and included an Intel engineer in on the query. Apparently, this isn't the first time Apple has asked for a competitor to try and access Qualcomm's confidential information. The Cupertino-based company apparently asked another engineer for information aboutdata download technology.

Apple has previously accused Qualcomm of charging too much for the use of its patented technology, although the chipmaker retaliated by saying that Apple is lying to regulators to get out of paying the full fees.

There are rumours Apple could completely drop Qualcomm chips from its devices now the company has reportedly stopped providing some of the software needed for the tech manufacturer to test its devices, a source toldReuterslast week.

The chipmaker said this wasn't the case though. "We are committed to supporting Apple's new devices consistent with our support of all others in the industry," Qualcomm said in a statement.

09/08/2017:The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has started an investigation into Apple products to see whether they infringe on Qualcomm patents.

The investigation, based on a Qualcomm complaint filed on 7 July 7, will seek to determine whether certain mobile electronic devices, such as the iPhone 7, and components in the devices including baseband processor modems, infringe on Qualcomm patents - something Apple has denied.

Qualcomm has asked the commission to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order on any Apple products found to infringe on its patents.

"The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain mobile electronic devices and radio frequency and processing components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant" said the USITC. It has identified Apple as the respondent in the investigation.

Now, the case will be assigned to one of the trade commission's administrative law judges, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The judge will then determine whether Apple is violating section 337 and the decision is subject to review by the commission.

The USITC is going to make a final determination as soon as it can, and after 45 days will set a target date for completing the investigation.

It added: "USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the US Trade Representative within that 60-day period."

Don Rosenberg, executive VP and general counsel of Qualcomm, said: "Qualcomm is pleased with the ITC's decision to investigate Apple's unfair trade practices and the unauthorized importation of products using Qualcomm's patents."

He added: "We look forward to the ITC's expeditious investigation of Apple's ongoing infringement of our intellectual property and the accelerated relief that the Commission can provide."

Qualcomm has also sued for patent infringement in Germany in a lawsuit which commenced on 17 July, seeking "damages and injunctive relief for iPhones imported or sold in Germany".

The chip maker launched a complaint with the USITC in July to prevent Apple from selling some of its iPhones in the US, as it claims the tech giant has infringed six of its patents. It wants to bar the import of some iPhones and Apple products that use Intel wireless processors as it claims the devices using these chips are using Qualcomm inventions without its permission.

Intel hit back at Qualcomm, saying the firm was simply trying to maintain its monopoly of mobile chips in the US, and that the exclusion order would severely damage competitive conditions in the US.

IT Pro has contacted Apple for comment.

24/07/2017: Intel accuses Qualcomm of creating chip "monopoly"

Intel has hit back at Qualcomm for attempting to get Apple products running Intel processors banned in the US.

Qualcomm had demanded the ban at the start of July, claiming these products infringed its patents, but Intel has responded by accusing Qualcomm of trying to "maintain its modern monopoly".

In a letterto the International Trade Commission (ITC), Intel saidthat Qualcomm's aim is not to exclude supposedly infringing products from the US but to "exclude Intel modems from the United States, while giving free passage to allegedly infringing Apple products that incorporate a Qualcomm modem".

Intel also claims that Qualcomm is trying to use its complaint to "maintain its modern monopoly and perpetuate its broader and anticompetitive scheme".

The chipmaker added that an exclusion order on Apple products being sold in the US would "severely damage competitive conditions in the United States economy by reinforcing Qualcomm's hold on the premium LTE modern merchant market".

Intel claimed an exclusion order would fence it out of the LTE market and would send a message to other manufacturers about the risks of defying Qualcomm.

Apple and Qualcomm are locked in dispute over patents, with Qualcomm believing that some Intel-running iPhones infringe on its own patents, and therefore these products should be banned.The patents in question relate to chips prolonging battery life, as well as a method for handling video streams.

An Apple spokesperson previously toldIT Pro:"Qualcomm's illegal business practices are harming Apple and the entire industry. They supply us with a single connectivity component, but for years have been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products - effectively taxing Apple's innovation."

Apple sued Qualcomm for $1 billion in January this year, claiming it had been overcharged for some patents.

Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Samsung took Apple's side in the latest dispute last week.The groupstated that Qualcomm's practices are anti-competitive and harmful to consumers. It declared that "Qualcomm is trying to use the ITC as a tool to maintain their anti-competitive practices in the face of lawsuits from Apple and the FTC".

However, Intel isn't innocent of attempts to monopolise the chip market.It was fined 1 billion by the EUin 2009 for allegedly offering kickbacks to computer manufacturers to encourage them to use its own chips instead of rival AMD's, and to delay launches of products featuring AMD chips.

Qualcomm has been on Intel's radar ever since announcing that along with Microsoft it will release the first ARM-based Windows PCs later this year. Intel has been a heavyweight for 40 years in this market and in a blog post explicitly warned that in the beginning of its microprocessor business it "needed to enforce its patent rights against various companies", mentioning AMD, Cyrix, and Chips and Technologies.

It underlined how "some companies may try to emulate Intel's proprietary x86 ISA without Intel's authorization" and that it doesn't welcome unlawful infringement of its patents.

07/07/2017:Qualcomm demands ban on iPhones, claiming patent infringement

Chipmaker Qualcomm has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in a bid to prevent Apple selling some iPhones in the US, claiming that the company has infringed six of its patents.

Qualcomm wants the ITC to investigate Apple and bar the import of particular iPhones and other products into the US to stop it from using Qualcomm's technology. It also wants to ban iPhones that use cellular baseband processors, and is seeking a cease and desist order to bar further sales of Apple products that have already been imported to the US.

The Snapdragon maker is only looking to block imports of iPhones that use wireless processors made by rival Intel, which would leave its own chip sales unaffected. According to theFinancial Times, Intel first began supplying these processors to Apple in the iPhone 7 last September. Qualcomm claims that the devices using Intel chips are allegedly using a number of Qualcomm inventions without its permission.

The patents in question relate to prolonging battery life, as well as a method for handling video streams.

Dan Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm, said: "Qualcomm's inventions are at the heart of every iPhone and extend well beyond modem technologies or cellular standards."

He added: "The patents we are asserting represent six important technologies, out of a portfolio of thousands, and each is vital to iPhone functions. Apple continues to use Qualcomm's technology while refusing to pay for it. These lawsuits seek to stop Apple's infringement of six of our patented technologies."

Qualcomm also filed a complaint against Apple in the US District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging that Apple infringes the same six patents in the complaint filed in the ITC. It seeks damages and injunctive relief.

The company expects the ITC investigation to commence in August and for the case to be tried next year. Despite this, the ITC could take around 18 months to conduct an investigation and make a ruling so restrictions on iPhone sales won't potentially happen until the release of Apple's 2018 iPhone model, presumably the iPhone 9.

An Apple spokesperson told IT Pro:"Qualcomm's illegal business practices are harming Apple and the entire industry. They supply us with a single connectivity component, but for years have been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products - effectively taxing Apple's innovation."

The spokesperson added: "We believe deeply in the value of intellectual property but we shouldn't have to pay them for technology breakthroughs they have nothing to do with. We've always been willing to pay a fair rate for standard technology used in our products and since they've refused to negotiate reasonable terms we're asking the courts for help."

Reported circulated last month thatApple was falling back on inferior Intel hardwareto meet supply demands for the iPhone 8.

Apple was allegedly looking to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm by increasing the percentage of baseband modems supplied by Intel this year. This echoed its policy for the iPhone 7, which saw Intel receive an outsourced proportion of 30%. This created a problem for Apple as the Intel chips offer inferior performance to Qualcomm's.

Qualcomm sued Applein April, claiming that it deliberately did not use these chips to their full potential in the iPhone 7 so they would not perform any better than those made by Intel. There is a consensus that the iPhone maker would shift back to Qualcomm hardware for its next phone, but this may not be the case considering their feud.

11/04/2017:Qualcomm has countersued Apple, claiming the tech giant deliberately failed to use Qualcomm's iPhone 7 modem chips to their full potential so they would not perform any better than ones made by Intel.

The lawsuit comes after several from Apple served on Qualcomm earlier this year.

Qualcomm listed several complaints in adocument,including claims that Apple breached agreements and mischaracterised agreements and negotiations with Qualcomm; interfered with Qualcomm's long-standing agreements with Qualcomm licensees that manufacture iPhones and iPads; encouraged regulatory attacks on Qualcomm's business in various jurisdictions around the world by misrepresenting facts and making false statements.

Qualcomm also alleged that Apple chose not to utilise the full performance of Qualcomm's modem chips in its iPhone 7, misrepresented the performance disparity between iPhones using Qualcomm modems and those using competitor-supplied modems, and threatened Qualcomm to prevent it from making any public comparisons about the superior performance of the Qualcomm-powered iPhones.

"Apple could not have built the incredible iPhone franchise that has made it the most profitable company in the world, capturing over 90% of smartphone profits, without relying upon Qualcomm's fundamental cellular technologies. Now, after a decade of historic growth, Apple refuses to acknowledge the well established and continuing value of those technologies," said Qualcomm executive VPand general counsel Don Rosenberg.

He added that Apple had "launched a global attack on Qualcomm and is attempting to use its enormous market power to coerce unfair and unreasonable license terms from Qualcomm.

"We intend to vigorously defend our business model, and pursue our right to protect and receive fair value for our technological contributions to the industry."

Apple had reportedly throttled Qualcomm chips in a bid to keep a uniform experience across the iPhone range.

Qualcomm said it is seeking, among other things, "damages from Apple for reneging on its promises in several agreements and to enjoin Apple from further interference with Qualcomm's agreements with the companies that manufacture iPhones and iPads for Apple".

The Qualcomm lawsuit comes after Apple filed its own lawsuit in January in the US demanding $1 billion from Qualcomm, arguing that it had been overcharged on the use of Qualcomm's patents, with Qualcomm allegedly charging for patents on technologies it had nothing to do with. Apple also filed lawsuits against the firm in the UK and China.

App intelligence company Sensor Tower thinks iPhone users in the US will spend around $88 a year on apps and services by 2020, an 86% increase over 2016.

The company's research looks at the growing amount of money people are spending on downloading apps and games on the smartphone platform. It found that downloads are rising at a rapid rate as people value the extra content and functionality that paid-for apps and in-app purchases provide.

The company said the amount spent on apps by the end of next year should be around $77 per iPhone owner, increasing by $10 per person until 2020. At present, it stands at an average of $63 per person, per year.

Sensor Tower thinks the majority of sales will originate from games rather than apps, although entertainment and music will also contribute to the rising revenues. It credits the likes of Netflix and US service HBO Now for the rise in popularity of paid apps, although the company thinks entertainment will overtake music as the second most popular app category later this year.

The company used the data it holds on App Store revenue from 1st January 2012 up to 31st December to calculate how much it thinks people will spend on apps in the future. Some of its predicted forecasts also take into account the number of active iPhones in circulation and how this is set to grow over the next few years.

It added that figures represent consumer spend before Apple's platform fee of 30%, and don't include taxes or revenue generated from subscriptions or first-party apps and services, such as Apple Music.

You typically have to wait a year for the latest Apple iPhone to be surpassed, yet at its most recent launch event, this took just ten minutes.

Fresh off the back of unveiling the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, Apple launched its flagship iPhone X -- a high-end model that completely redesigns how the iPhone looks and works, leaving the iPhone 8 range looking almost second-rate.

It's not though, and both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have a number of improvements that elevate them above their predecessors without the eye-watering price of the iPhone X. In this hands on, we reveal our first impressions of the larger of the two phones -- the 5.5in iPhone 8 Plus.

iPhone 8 Plus review: Key specifications and release date

iPhone 8 Plus review: Design, key features, and first impressions

The iPhone 8 Plus comes with design improvements, a more powerful processor inspired by the human brain, wireless charging and improved cameras, all designed to tempt you into upgrading, or even switching from Android.

Its 12-megapixel rear-facing camera, for example, features a faster and larger sensor which Apple claims "delivers advanced pixel processing" and "faster autofocus in low light. The rear of the iPhone 8 is now made from reinforced glass, signaling a significant move away from the metal design of the iPhone 7 range, while giving a nod to the original iPhone from 2007. Beneath this glass panel is a wireless charging panel for the first time meaning the iPhone 8 Plus can be charged on any Qi standard charging plate. Apple joined the Wireless Power Consortium in February, at which point rumours of the iPhone 8 featuring wireless capabilities began to circulate. Apple, of course, already offers a wireless charging option with the Apple Watch, although that is powered by MagSafe technology rather than Qi.

Not only did Apple confirm the wireless charging rumours, it also took a step further by unveiling its own charging mat, the Apple AirPower. It's not due to be released until 2018, and the price is unknown, but the AirPower will allow three devices to charge at the same time using inductive and resonance charging.

A brief glimpse at the AirPower showed an iPhone 8, the Apple Watch 3 and AirPods charging at the same time. This revealed that the Apple Watch 3 is moving away from MagSafe (RIP the MagSafe dock) and suggests a new AirPods case is coming, as the current one doesn't support wireless charging.

Its 5.5in display uses so-called True Tone technology to make the screen blend in more with its surroundings, giving it a more natural appearance, and the iPhone 8 Plus - like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X - runs on Apple's neural networks, powered by its new A11 Bionic chip. The iPhone 8 Plus has also been "custom tuned" for the augmented reality features built into iOS 11.

Before getting an iPhone 7 Plus, I never thought I liked larger screens. Having spent a year with it, I now can't use smaller models so the iPhone 8 Plus remains a familiar-sized handset. The larger form factor, compared to the iPhone 8, and the glass back make the phone feel extremely high-end, and the screen's size highlights the improvements that have been made to this display (namely the addition of True Tone and the Retina Display) much more than on the smaller iPhone 8. This larger display additionally helps showcase the ARKit features more effectively.

Beyond the screen, the Portrait Mode introduced on the iPhone 7 Plus now comes with Portrait Lighting on the iPhone 8 Plus. You can mimic the kind of lighting effects created in professional studios, as well as stage lighting, and the results are seriously impressive.

"Portrait Lighting is based on extensive research into the art and science of portraiture and core photographic lighting principles," Apple explains, and it uses the dual cameras as well as an image signal processor to recognise the scene, create a so-called depth map and separate the subject from the background. Machine learning is then used to create "facial landmarks and add lighting over contours of the face" in real time.

iPhone 8 Plus review: Early verdict

Like-for-like, the iPhone 8 Plus offers enough improvements to warrant an upgrade from the iPhone 7 Plus. An upgrade is especially warranted if you have the smaller iPhone 7 or previous iPhone models.

The new glass design on the iPhone 8 range is a genuine delight, and its AR capabilities really do need to be seen to be believed. Having wireless charging is now a significant selling point for the iPhone 8 Plus, as well as the iPhone 8, and the more powerful, AI-based A11 Bionic chip feels like it's worth the investment. It's also cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 -- 799 vs the Note 8's 869.

That said, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 does come with expandable storage and has an edge-to-edge display akin to the iPhone X. Google's introduction of ARCore will see more Android devices taking advantage of augmented reality, and it already features wireless charging.

If you're looking to stick with iOS, or make the move to it, the iPhone 8 Plus is our favourite in terms of features and (relative) value for money from the three phones announced at Apple's September event. It's still an incredibly expensive handset, but on the right pay-monthly package, it could prove a worthwhile treat.

Image source: Victoria Woollaston

Refresh this page every 10 minutes to get our latest blog updates!

Apple's special event is extra special this year - it marks 10 years since the launch of the first iPhone back in 2007.

Accordingly, buildup for the event has been more frenzied than ever before, with rumours exploding left, right and centre about the devices Apple is expected to launch in Cupertino tonight.

Chief among these it is 10th anniversary iPhone, the iPhone 8 - or, as it's more likely to be named, the iPhone X.

We'll go into more depth on the new iPhone and more below, but first, let's discuss how you can watch the Apple 12 September Special Event livestream.

Apple 12 September Special Event live blog

19:47:Charge your $999 iPhone X with AirPower

Phil Schiller introduces AirPower, Apple's own wireless charging pad that you can use to charge the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 and the Apple Watch 3.

He also announces the pricing for the iPhone X - and it's a pretty penny. At $999 for the 64GB (and it also comes in 256GB) it appears to confirm the rumours that it'll cost around $1,000.

Another accurate rumour appears to be that Apple has experienced some serious supply chain issues with the iPhone X - it's not available for pre-order until 27 October, available from 3 November.

By the looks of it, the X is the ultimate status symbol, and it's priced accordingly.

19:25: Apple brings Face ID to the iPhone X

Apple introduces the iPhone X, which - yep - has Face ID. As we predicted, Face ID appears in the iPhone X (pronounced 'ten'), relying on the X's A11 Bionuc neural engine to recognise your face. "Face ID learns your face, even if you change your hairstyle, put on glasses, or wear a hat," says Phil Schiller.

It works in day or night, with Apple having trained neural networks on one billion images to make sure Face ID will recognise you, and only you.

Apple's so keen to convince us of Face ID's security that it says that while Touch ID was secure enough that just one in 50,000 people could break into your phone, Face ID is more like one in 1 million.

19:14: Apple brings wireless charging to the iPhone 8

This is the big one - Apple's Phillip Schiller confirms that wireless charging is coming to the iPhone 8. You'll be able to buy some wireless charging accessories, like Belkin's, straight from Apple.

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will come in 64Gb and 256GB, and will be available to pre-order from 15 September, and available from 22 September.

Incidentally, iOS 11 is coming out on 19 September.

18:55: The iPhone 8 brings AR to its powerful 12MP camera

No device has changed the world more than the iPhone, where the hardware "virtually disappears", reckons Tim Cook. "The first iPhone forever changed how we interact with technology by introducing multi-touch," he points out, calling it "magical". It certainly was transformative, as we touch on in our look at the iPhone's 10th anniversary.

Can the iPhone 8 be as innovative and iconic?

Well, the iPhone 8 and 8+ will boast glass fronts and backs, Apple boasts.

Cameras

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will boast 12-megapixel camera, while the 8 Plus will have dual cameras, one f/1.8, the other f/2.8.

Meanwhile the iPhone 8 will boast an A11 bionic chip - something Apple says is the most powerful smartphone chip ever.

Augmented reality

The iPhone 8 even lets you take augmented reality pictures, Apple says. The A11 chip means you can play games that introduce CGI into the real world through the iPhone camera. One cool app lets you look at the star constellations by viewing the sky through your iPhone.

18:47: Apple TV gets a 4K HDR makeover

Apple TV is better than ever, now, with a 4K HDR model coming out. Boasting an A10X Fusion chip, it's twice as fast as the last Apple TV and graphics are four times faster.

Live sports are coming to Apple TV too, says Eddy Cue, senior vice-president. Live news is coming to the TV app as well, and Cue really pitches TV to iPhone and iPad owners to play videos and show pictures on.

New games are coming to Apple TV too, of course - one of those is a lovely-looking game of flying over clouds by ThatGameCompany.

The point is to show off how the A10X Fusion chip can support such beautiful graphics, making Apple TV a pretty decent contender as a sociable, lightweight games console.

Apple TV will cost $179 and you can order it from 15 September, shipping one week later.

18:37:Apple Watch 3 gets new Gold Aluminium band

Williams adds it has 18 hours battery life, and the cellular model will cost $399, compared to a Series 3 without cellular connectivity, which costs $329.

You can also get a Gold Aluminium colour band, in addition to the existing colours, and a set of new SportyLoop flexible bands.

18:19: Apple Watch 3 is the first up for discussion today. Tim Cook starts by telling us Apple Watch is the most popular watch in the world, and that it grew over 50% last year with a customer satisfaction rate of 97%.

18:28:The Apple Watch 3 is coming, Cook confirms, inviting Jeff Williams, COO, on stage to talk about it more.

Williams runs us through WatchOS 4 updates, which will be available from 19 September, before introducing the Apple Watch 3 with a surfing video.

"Cellular in Series 3 makes Series 3 the ultimate expression of Apple Watch," Williams boasts. He says you can take calls on your Watch using the same number as your iPhone

You'll be able to stream 40 million songs with the Watch Series 3, adds Williams, saying you'll have access to Apple radio stations and ask Siri to find specific tracks.

Siri can talk on the Watch 3, which runs 70% faster than the Series 2, according to Williams. Adding cellular was a challenge, though, says Williams, who worried that it could look like a "house arrest bracelet" with all the extra kit inside.

Instead, Apple used an electronic SIM to cut down on its size, bearing in mind it also contains an altimeter now as well. Astoundingly though, the casing is the same size as the Series 2.

18:08: And we're live, watching the Apple Special Event keynote!

CEO Tim Cook is on stage at the Steve Jobs Theater in the company's new campus, saying: "It's only fitting that Steve should open his theatre," after we heard from Jobs himself in a voice over.

"He believed [our surroundings] should inspire talented people to do their best work," continues Cook, revealing that Jobs had started working on the idea for Apple Park more than a decade ago. "Steve's vision and passion live on here at Apple Park and everywhere at Apple," Cook adds.

How to watch Apple's livestream

Apple is hosting its annual device extravaganza in its new spaceship-shaped headquarters, named Apple Campus, at 1 Infinite Loop. The keynote will take place at the Steve Jobs Theater, aptly so considering the late CEO's role in developing the iPhone.

If you have a MacBook, iPhone or iPad, you can head straight here https://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2017/ to watch the keynote live from 6pm BST (or 10am PDT, which is local time).

To watch Apple's livestream, your Apple device will need to run Safara on iOS 9.0 or later, or macOS v.10.11 or later.

Alternatively, and for the first time, Apple's relations with arch-rival Microsoft have thawed sufficiently for Apple to allow Windows 10-running PCs to stream the keynote, too.

People with a second or third-generation Apple TV with tvOS 6.2 or later, or those with a fourth-generation Apple TV, can watch it that way as well.

Alternatively, if staring at grey-haired white men for hours at a time isn't your thing, we'll happily do it for you, and report the highlights right here on this page via our live blog. Starting at 6pm sharp, we'll take you through all the major announcements from the show, and run you through all the devices, their specs and key features, and when they're coming out.

Just refresh the page periodically to get our latest updates.

Live tweets

You can also follow us at @ITPro on Twitter to check out everything as it happens live.

Read on for what we think is likely to be announced tonight.

Rumour: Apple will release the iPhone 8/iPhone X

Likelihood: 99%

The most credible rumour is the release of the iPhone 8.

Thanks to a huge leak of iOS 11's Golden Master code over the weekend, we know an awful lot about Apple's new iPhone before it's even launched.

An Apple employee allegedly spilled the code to several news sites, despite Apple's recent crackdown on leaks. For a start, it means we can say the iPhone 8 will actually be called the iPhone X - apparently standing for 'expensive' (actually for 'exclusive') - and that it will almost certainly include Face ID - a facial recognition technology.

It may lose Touch ID, its fingerprint scanner, which Apple has apparently had trouble integrating with its new OLED screen.

Losing the home button is also likely, but this is nowhere near as popular a feature as wireless charging - which our own snapshot Twitter poll found 90% of recipients would prefer.

The iPhone 8 is expected to include a host of new features, including 3D facial recognition, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) capabilities, and a software-based home button.

You can find more comprehensive coverage of what to expect from the iPhone 8 on our dedicated hub.

Rumour: iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will also launch

Likelihood: 85%

While not as strong as the rumour of the iPhone X, it wouldn't be a surprise for Apple to update last year's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. This is particularly likely if a) the iPhone 8 is a giant leap forward compared to the iPhone 7 and b) it's expensive as has been rumoured (in the region of 900).

On the other hand, it would mean Apple releasing three iPhones at the same time. Including the iPhone SE, that would bring the total number of iPhones on the market to four. However, rumours suggest Apple will drop the 's' branding and instead of bringing out a 7s and 7s Plus, the new models will become an 8 and 8 Plus.

Rumour: A new or updated iPhone SE

Likelihood: 70%

It's been over a year since the release of the iPhone SE Apple's 4in smartphone brought in to replace the dinky iPhone 5s and that's a long time in tech.

Although the SE isn't a top-of-the-range product and was never marketed as such, it could still do with an upgrade.

That being said, the company kept the launch of the original SE separate from those of the flagship iPhone 6s (September 2015) and the iPhone 7 (September 2016), possibly because it didn't want to muddy the waters of the annual iPhone spectacle by launching a 'budget' phone at the same time.

Consequently, we may have to wait until 2018 for a new SE.

Rumour: Apple Watch 3 revealed

Likelihood: 90%

It's been a year since the launch of the Apple Watch 2, which was launched alongside the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. If the company is following an annual release cycle, which it seems to be, then we can expect the launch of the Apple Watch 3 alongside the iPhone 8.

Brazilian tech site iHelp BR(translated by IT Pro), first reported that some Apple developers had noticed "references to some new types of exercise for the Apple Watch - for example, skiing".

The site claimed to have confirmed this by looking in the "internal archives and codes of iOS 11".

"We found a range of icons that are used by the Apple Watch's Exercise app that don't appear in any of the current versions of the watch, even the most recent version of the Apple Watch," it said. "Therefore, we suspect that they will be exclusive to the new generation of Apple Watch, which must be announced soon."

Other rumoured new features include an LTE/4G upgrade, increased battery life and a camera.

Rumour: New Macbooks, iMacs and iPads

Likelihood: 1%

With a swathe of new iMacs, Macbooks and iPads released at WWDC 2017 in June, including an update to the MacBook Air, 12 September is too early for a hardware refresh on these lines.

Rumour: The Apple Car

Likelihood: 0%

It's always a rumour, but it's not going to happen. Not this year, anyway.

When Steve Jobs, standing on stage at the 2007 Macworld conference in San Francisco, famously proclaimed "Apple is going to reinvent the phone", no one could have guessed the impact his following announcement would have. Apple had gathered the best minds the company could muster, a team of 1,000 engineers, to work in secret on a three-year long mission known internally as 'Project Purple 2'. The culmination of this work would finally be released to the world on 29 June 2007 as the iPhone, setting a standard in mobile design that would remain relatively unchanged for almost a decade.

Project Purple 2

The smartphone market was by no means small in 2007. The likes of Nokia and Motorola were battling it out in the consumer space where calling and texting were still the primary use of mobiles, while Blackberry, Ericsson and Microsoft were attracting business customers to their PDA designs. Rather than compete directly with either, Apple decided to carve out its own space, to offer something that was entirely different.

While not the first mobile device built with a touchscreen (an honour held by the Ericsson R380), the iPhone was the first to eschew a stylus, a physical keyboard, or a navigation panel -mainstays of design until that point. With advanced computing capabilities at the touch of a finger, it redefined our interaction with mobile devices, pioneering a range of features that we would consider industry standards today: multi-touch gestures like 'pinch zooming, predictive typing, glass screens, and gyroscopes for display alignment.

"Considering that in 2002 the Nokia 3510 was the first phone to bring internet services to the mass market, the iPhone disrupted all previous expectations consumers had of what a mobile phone could and should do," says Dale Lovell, CDO and MD at ADYOULIKE. "Since then it has continued to revolutionise mobile technology by creating entirely new products, services and even entire industries, that we couldn't envision just ten years ago."

The phone was powered by a 32-bit ARM-based Samsung processor clocked at 620 MHz, used a fairly beefy 128MB of RAM, and featured a 3.5in screen at a resolution of 320x480 - the only sign of traditional input was a square shaped home button at the bottom. It also came with 4GB or 8GB of storage and a bunch of sensors that meant brightness would be automatically adjusted and the screen would turn off when used for a call. In other words, it was a powerhouse that offered something entirely different to what had come before.

Refining innovation

Yet the 'Jesus Phone', as it was dubbed by some media outlets at the time, was handicapped by a lack of 3G network connectivity, then the fastest connection available. It also lacked video recording, third-party apps, and GPS. Despite the revolutionary design, Apple managed to sell just over 6 million iPhones during its first year, significantly behind the 15 million Nokia achieved with the 6500 Slide or 3110 Classic. The initial concept was there, but it had yet to be the disruptive force that Jobs had envisaged.

The iPhone also had its critics, and while some made claims about longevity and impact that would ultimately prove to be embarrassingly inaccurate, Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer perhaps put it best when he said: "You can get a Motorola Q for $99. Apple will have the most expensive phone, by far, in the marketplace. There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share."

While he would ultimately be proved wrong, Ballmer did hit on the fact that the market at the time wasn't ready for such an expensive device, regardless of how revolutionary it was. Apple recognised this, and with the launch of the iPhone 3G, cut the contract price from $499 to $199. Alongside the addition of 3G connectivity, this helped the iPhone 3G leapfrog to the number one best seller spot in 2008.

Although today's iPhone, currently the iPhone 7, stands in stark contrast to Apple's original model, with the latest graphical and processing chips and a resolution that dwarfs its predecessors, the fundamental design philosophy has remained unchanged over the last 10 years. It's still entirely screen-centric and every new iteration has made it easier and more enjoyable to use a touchscreen as the primary input. Its iconic design has turned it into one of the most recognised electronic devices on the planet, with over 1 billion iPhones sold to date.

The legacy

Technical specs and design choices aside, one of the iPhone's greatest legacies is the way it changed how we viewed mobile phones. It was a catalyst of a slow market transformation that would take the mobile device into the same bracket as a luxury watch or high-end television. Today, a person's smartphone is often their most expensive accessory and for better or worse, you have the iPhone to thank for that.

Of course the value that people attribute to smartphones today is not just the result of clever marketing; the iPhone started the technological revolution that is the mobile app. Apple announced support for third-party applications alongside the reveal of the iPhone 3G, and with the launch of the App Store a month later, developers were able to sell their work directly to customers - a first for a mobile platform. Initially offering 500 applications, this soon ballooned to 50,000 by the following year - today there are over 2.2 million.

"The technology is constantly changing. Across the globe the rise of Smartphones is not just changing consumer habits, but changing lives - access to information and communication has never been easier, or so fast," adds ADYOULIKE's Lovell. "Smartphones are now essential parts of all our lives - helping us plan everything from work meetings to dinner choices; dating to taxi services, to everything else in between."

Applications are where the real functionality of a smartphone lies. The first thing we do with new smartphones today is download WhatsApp, Facebook, our favourite travel and weather apps... things we use on a daily basis that have become fundamental to our mobile experience. When Apple made it possible for companies to build and market apps directly to customers, it suddenly opened the door to possibilities never before considered on a mobile device - who would've thought back then that we would end up paying for goods with a tap of our smartphones. It's precisely the lack of app support on Blackberry and Windows mobiles that has meant they've struggled to remain relevant.

The year of the compromise

While subsequent generations of iPhone have refined the original idea, Apple has been criticised for its lack of innovation in recent years. Processors get faster, graphics chip can pump out more pixels, and devices get thinner and lighter, but fundamentally the overall feel has remained the same. Apple reinvented the mobile phone in 2007, and has done comparatively very little in the time since to shake up the market - the iPhone 5 was considered "boring" by some commentators at the time. The most dramatic visual change over the years has been 2017's theme of edge-to-edge displays, removing the last vestige of a physical navigational button. Yet the first example of this came from market leader Samsung, leaving Apple playing catchup and knocking the wind from its sails ahead of its next launch.

For Apple to gain ground over the next few years, it will need to address the issues around component supply. Currently Apple is heavily reliant on Samsung's screen technology and rumour has it that because of demand from rival firms this year, as well as Samsung's own S8 range, it has struggled to source enough OLED screens for its next iPhone. It has also found itself in a legal squabble with Qualcomm, manufacturer of the fastest LTE modem chip on the market, which some speculate will mean a shortfall in hardware that will have to be made up with lower performing Intel modems. It appears the company is making far too many compromises to be the innovative driving force it wants to be.

There's also the issue of Android. Having made a market debut in 2008, it would take a couple of years before the operating system would see market success. The likes of HTC and Google's own Nexus range were its earliest champions, but by 2010 we had the first glimpse of Samsung's flagship Galaxy S range - the Galaxy S8, released this year, is widely considered the finest example of smartphone design. The sheer number of capable devices running Android means that if you don't like a particular handset you can switch to another company and get the same OS experience. If you like iOS, but hate the iPhone design, you're out of luck.

Whereas at one time the iPhone was considered the best smartphone experience available, the market has become saturated with genuine alternatives. Apple is no longer the same disruptive force it was once. Later iPhone versions have been symptomatic of a move to the tried and tested approach, and fans are once again looking for that exciting plunge into the unknown. Whether any new iPhone can provide that remains to be seen.

Main image credit: Blake Patterson. Photo reused under Creative Commons license.

After years of farming the production of its first-party Nexus handsets out to manufacturers like HTC and LG, Google has finally decided to take on Apple head-to-head, creating the Google Pixel to take on the iPhone 7.

As these two premium flagships duke it out, will Google finally be able to topple Apple from its throne as the king of the smartphones, or will the iPhone be victorious once again?

Design

There's not many phones these days that wow us with an impressively unique visual design, and while the iPhone 7 and Pixel are both attractive and well-built devices, there's nothing wildly eye-catching about either of them.

With that being said, however, the Pixel does at least look slightly different to the parade of identikit aluminium unibodies commonly sported by flagship smartphones. Google's device features a glass section covering part of its rear, which makes it stand out a little. It's also got a rather chunky bevel around the edge, which makes a pleasing change to the boring rounded chassis seen on most devices.

The iPhone 7, by contrast, looks pretty much identical to the iPhone 6s (and therefore the iPhone 6), so it's not winning any prizes for its unique or individual look. It's design that has remained popular, but it's hardly very fresh or exciting.

Going by the numbers, the two phones are all but identical - the Pixel is ever-so-slightly thicker and heavier than the iPhone 7, but it's by a negligible amount. In terms of design and visual appearance, we'd say the Pixel is the more attractive and well-built of the two, although there's not much between them.

Apple hasn't made many major changes to the iPhone's exterior design for a few years now, so it's no surprise to see other manufacturers catching up. We will give the iPhone points for a front-mounted fingerprint reader, however - we think it's a little more convenient than the rear-mounted alternative.

Display

On paper, the Pixel's screen should beat the iPhone 7 into a cocked hat - at 5in it's slightly larger than the iPhone's 4.7in display, with a higher resolution and pixel density. It also uses an AMOLED panel, which means richer, more vibrant and more accurate colours.

However, it doesn't make nearly as much difference as you'd expect in reality. Truth be told, the two are pretty much tied in this regard as well; although the 441ppi pixel density of Google's phone technically means sharper images than the iPhone's 326ppi, it's hard to discern much of a difference with screens this size.

The iPhone does have a higher brightness level on its side, making it easier to read in direct sunlight, but otherwise, the two devices are virtually neck-and-neck when it comes to visuals.

Specs and performance

Despite slipping behind the competition in other areas, performance is something at which the iPhone has always shined, and it's a streak that Apple has continued with the iPhone 7. The iPhone's A10 Fusion processor propelled it to an excellent score in our Geekbench 4 benchmarks, racking up single and multi-core scores of 5652 and 3489, respectively.

Sadly, the Pixel's Snapdragon 821 processor didn't quite match up, achieving scores of just 4101 for multi-core tasks and 1539 for single-core operations. That's hardly a bad score, however, and both the Pixel and the iPhone feel blazingly fast in day-to-day use. In fact, they're both so capable that we'd say most users are unlikely to notice any speed difference at all between them.

Battery

Battery life is possibly one of the most important elements of any smartphone - after all, it doesn't matter how good your phone is if you can't go a full day without it dying. Thankfully, the Google Pixel has you well covered on this front. In our battery tests, it managed to last a whole 16hrs 23mins, which is a very creditable result indeed.

It handily outstripped the iPhone 7, which just limped over the 13-hour mark by two minutes. While this is still a very good result, that extra three hours and twenty minutes is nothing to be sniffed at. In fact, the Pixel will likely serve you even better in day-to-day use, as many of Android's clever battery-saving features (such as Doze Mode) aren't applicable to our tests.

The Pixel also features fast-charging, with Google promising seven hours worth of battery life from just 15 minutes on charge. As an added bonus, it uses USB-C rather than a proprietary charging standard. It's a minor annoyance that Apple still clings to its Lightning port; we still wish that the company would move to a universal standard.

Software and features

Google's flagship device, like the Nexus range before it, is designed to showcase the best features of the Android operating system. First and foremost of these is the Google Assistant, the company's answer to the likes of Siri and Alexa. The Google Assistant is built into every element of the device, and uses the same core AI as Google Home. Generally speaking, she's more useful than Siri, as she's got the full power of Google's cloud behind her and has more integrations with third-party products and services.

One excellent feature that the Pixel offers is unlimited free photo and video storage via Google Photos - at full resolution. Google Photos already offers unlimited storage, but at a slightly compressed resolution, so the ability take as many snaps as you want with no loss in quality and no storage worries will be good news for photo buffs.

Sadly, as Google takes two steps forward, it also takes one step back with the absence of waterproofing. Full waterproofing has long been one of Android's main advantages over the iPhone, but Google has sadly not included it on the Pixel, opting instead to make it merely 'splash-proof'. This is a particularly unfortunate misstep given that the iPhone 7 has finally added proper IP67 waterproofing to its list of features.

The iPhone also has better software. Although Android has made some significant improvements and no longer trails quite as far behind iOS as it used to, the fact remains that Apple's operating system simply outclasses Google's in its functionality, attractiveness and ease of use.

We would be remiss, however, not to mention the iPhone 7's missing headphone jack. While we don't think it's a hugely big deal, given that we've been using wireless headphones for ages anyway, it may prove to be a dealbreaker for some.

Camera

Cameras are often a key differentiator for the iPhone, but this time around, Google is putting up some seriously strong competition. The Pixel's camera is truly staggering, with superior low-light performance, better HDR for difficult lighting conditions and improved EIS in video recordings. While the iPhone 7 still has an excellent camera, the Google Pixel is just that little bit better.

Verdict

If it seems like the two phones are pretty much equal, that's because they essentially are. While the iPhone 7 is quite a bit faster than the Google Pixel on paper, both are more than fast enough to keep up with even the most demanding of users. The same is true of the screen - although the Pixel's specs would lead you to believe it's a superior display, in practise the actual difference is minimal.

In other areas, however, the Pixel absolutely shines. Its additional battery life, extra features and absolutely breathtaking camera give it a slight edge that allows it to pull out in front of the iPhone 7. It's a close call, but Google has managed to do the seemingly impossible, and build a phone that beats Apple at its own game.

Verdict

Although the iPhone 7 and the Google Pixel are almost neck-and-neck in most areas, a better battery life and an amazing camera are enough to seal a win for the Pixel.

Rumours suggest that the iPhone 8 will herald some significant changes when it arrives in September, as Apple prepares to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the iPhone.

The biggest of these will likely be the inclusion of an all-glass display and a revamped home button, as well as beefier hardware and larger base storage.

We're also expecting this year's flagship to be the most expensive smartphone ever made by Apple, likely to exceed the $1,000 mark.

Picture above is of 2016's iPhone 7

Release date

Apple has always stuck to a September release for its new smartphone flagships, however analyst reports suggest development has been held up by slower deliveries of custom made components. While November is still a reasonable release window, it is possible the device could be delayed into 2018.

Click through to find out how much the iPhone 8 could cost.

Price

Given that some models of the iPhone 7 Plus can cost up to 920, it is no surprise that some within the industry are expecting a $1,000+ price point for the iPhone 8. Rumours have suggested that Apple are planning to raise the average prices of the new iPhone range, which would make it the most expensive smartphone Apple has ever made.

However this has been disputed by recent suggestions that the iPhone 8 could retail around 560, with the 64GB version between 685 and 725. This would bring the device more in line with Samsung's Galaxy S8, currently priced at 689.

Rumours also point to three different configurations for the next flagship phone, two of which feature a cheaper to produce LCD screen over the costly OLED variant. This will almost certainly have an effect on final prices.

Click through to find out about the rumoured specs and hardware.

Specs & hardware

It's highly likely that the iPhone 8 will launch with iOS 11, but as iOS 10 has only been out a few months, its unclear what features a brand new OS would include.

Apple used a quad-core A10 processor in the iPhone 7 range and the company may stick with a quad-core A11 for its next phone. Samsung's activities will not go unnoticed however, as rumours suggest they are planning for an Exynos octa-core chip built using 10nm technology. If true, Apple is unlikely to let itself be out-gunned.

While the iPhone 7 was limited to just 2GB RAM, employees at supplier Foxconn recently confirmed the iPhone 8 will ship with 3GB of RAM.

Apple may also be about to phase out the 32GB storage option for this generation, according to a recent report by TrendForce, in favour of 64GB and 256GB configurations.

Reports have also suggested the company is working on its own graphics chips for the iPhone 8, set to end its long-standing partnership with British chipmaker Imagination Technologies within the next two years.

Click through to find out more about the display.

Display

One of the first rumours to circulate about the iPhone 8 was the inclusion of an all-glass OLED display. What is uncertain is whether this screen will be curved, as one report from the Wall Street Journal claimed it would be, only to be contradicted by the research report by TrendForce citing poor production yield and failed drop test results.

What we can say is that this model will be its premium version, and it is very likely that two other models will hit the market at the same time offering cheaper LCD screens. On the face of things, this could be seen as a move by Apple to offer greater variety and pricing options for its customers, although what is more probable is that Apple is suffering from a severe supply shortage of OLED screens.

Foxconn employees also confirmed that the iPhone 8 will somewhere between the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in terms of size, although the new design will shave off some inches by removing the top and bottom bezels, and will feature a larger screen than the iPhone 7 Plus as a result.

A number of scanners are set to feature with the new display, including a built in finger print scanner and a new iris scanner for facial recognition. It is rumoured that the fingerprint scanner will be moved from the front home button, which is now gone, to the back just below the Apple logo.

Click through to the next page to find out more about the battery, UAC and colours.

Battery

Apple may finally add support for wireless charging with the iPhone 8, following news that Foxconn is researching the technology for Apple devices.

Employees at Foxconn recently confirmed that the iPhone 8 would keep the Lightning connector rather than the reported USB C, as well as feature wireless charging.

'Ultimate Accessory Connector' (UAC)

A new connector type is rumoured to be making its way to iPhone 8 accessories. The UAC, which will feature on all accessories and devices made through Apple's 'Made-for-iPhone' programme, and promises to be an eight-pin connection that is smaller and thinner than USB-C and Lightning.

Colours

A Chinese supplier recently revealed that the new range of iPhones will feature the same colours as the current models, including Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold, according to a report by Macotakara. Although simply an uncorroborated report at this stage, the typically reliable source also pointed to a replacement to the current Space Grey option, potentially with a Deep Blue, Space Black, or a Deep Red.

Read about the latest iPhone 8 news on the next page.

More iPhone 8 news

Latest news

16/06/2017: One of Apple's iPhone 8 assemblers has confirmed the device will be fully waterproof and have wireless charging, but the addition of such features may delay production because it needs to be properly tested.

"Assembly process for the previous generations of [iPhones] have not changed much, though new features like waterproof and wireless charging now require some different testing, and waterproof function will alter the assembly process a bit," Taiwanese company Wistron's chief executive Robert Hwang told Nikkei Asia.

Apple uses three main companies to assemble the iPhone: Hon Hai Precision Industry (aka Foxconn), Pegatron and Wistron, although the latter is the smallest of the three. Hwang told Nikkei Asia he thinks Wistron will be responsible for producing more iPhones this year than it previously has and the production of the iPhone could mean it's profitable for the first time ever in India one of its major markets.

The cost of iPhone production is likely to increase, but Wistron is using more automation in its production line to make sure it can still be profitable, Hwang said.

14/06/2017: New shots of what claim to be the iPhone 8 have leaked, showing off the device's rear-mounted vertical camera and full-screen, edge-to-edge display frontage.

Although there's little detail in the back chassis picture, one of the more noticeable omissions is the fingerprint reader that was apparently going to star on the back panel, below the Apple logo. Newer rumours (read below) said this could actually be part of the 'virtual' home button that would be integrated into the display.

The pictures claim to have originated from a Reddit user's "friend in the industry", who obtained the device from the "Chinese manufacturers" although as the images appeared on Reddit with little other information, it's likely they could be fakes.

One extra nugget of information the leakster revealed in this collection of pictures on Reddit was that the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus, which will likely be unveiled alongside the iPhone 8 in September, could include wireless charging, which is a previously unheard rumour.

Meanwhile, analyst Gene Munster of Loup Ventures has predicted the arrival of the iPhone 8 could revive recent lacklustre iPhone sales even if it's delayed until October, according to AppleInsider.

12/06/2017: Leaked promotional shots of what could be an iPhone 8 case have been leaked online, showing off the device's edge-to-edge screen and vertical camera lens on the back of the flagship, which would allow for 3D images to be captured.

Through the transparent case, we can also see a virtual home button embedded in the iPhone 8's display. However, there doesn't seem to be the oft-rumoured fingerprint reader on the back below the Apple logo that usually stars in the centre of the hardware.

However, if the home button is embedded into the front panel as suggested by the pictures leaked by Slashleaks, it could double up as a TouchID fingerprint reader, as previous rumours have suggested.

Separate iPhone 8 rumours that surfaced last week suggested that the iPhone 8 (which could be renamed iPhone X) would use facial detection and a retina scanner on the front facing cameras to confirm identity. Although they had seen some next-generation iPhones with a fingerprint scanner under the glass on the front panel, their performance and yield rates weren't good enough. A Reddit post revealed some of the features and was reportedly written by three employees of the iPhone 8's manufacturing centre run by Foxconn.

In these latest photo leaks, some of the vital aspects are a little hard to judge. For example, we can't really get an idea of the size of the device because it isn't pictured next to any other version of the iPhone or anything that will give us perspective. It's also hard to see what the sides will be like because the iPhone 8 is pictured with the case on, and although it's a transparent shell, it covers a lot of the iPhone's chassis giving an odd illusion and obscuring the hardware.

09/06/2017: The iPhone 8 will be delayed by up to two months, RBC Capital Markets has claimed in a note to investors, leading the firm to slash iPhone sale predictions by 2.5 million units for the first quarter it's on sale.

The investment bank thinks the delay is down to availability of the iPhone 8's new OLED display panels, which the company in struggling to get hold off in the high volumes it needs, the analyst firm explained to CNBC.

"Multiple supply chain data points continue to point towards a delayed OLED production ramp, with likely shift by ~1-2 months for volume OLED production," RBC said. "Hence, while we still think [Apple] launches all three models simultaneously in September, the OLED model will see limited availability or delayed availability till mid October/November timeframe."

This sentiment has been shared by other analyst firms too, including Cowen and Company, KGI and Drexel Hamilton, which all think the iPhone 8 will be delayed due to component shortages.

However, Apple fans aren't likely to be left completely deviceless - RBC Capital reckons the iPhone manufacturer will release two other phones the iPhone 7s and the iPhone 7s Plus that should satisfy those not looking to buy the top-end model.

05/06/2017: Employees at Foxconn, the Taiwanese manufacturer used as a supplier for a host of Apple products, revealed a treasure trove of iPhone 8 details on Reddit over the weekend.

Three employees at the company answered questions in an 'Ask me Anything' session, shedding light on some of the iPhone 8 leaks we have seen over the past few months.

According to the group, collectively using the name FoxconnInsider, Apple's next flagship device, which they repeatedly refer to as the 'iPhone X', will closely follow the design leaked by iDrop News. This features an edge-to-edge screen with dramatically reduced bezels, sat within a steel frame and an all-glass covering.

iPhone 8/iPhone X will most likely resemble the middle phone: courtesy of iDropnews

They also report that initial rumours and images of a rear-facing finger print scanner were incorrect, and that an original design featuring a fingerprint scanner embedded underneath the front facing glass remains the best solution.

The insiders have suggested that Apple has faced significant issues with its fingerprint scanner, particularly when placed beneath the glass, and development on the smartphone has been delayed as a result. It is currently unclear exactly what this will translate to at release, but we're unlikely to see any major upgrades in this area.

The AMA also confirmed that facial recognition technology and a retina scanner would feature in the iPhone's front-facing camera.

Apple will also continue to use a Lightning port rather than the USB C featured in a number of news reports, and will feature wireless charging capabilities. The iPhone X will also come with 3GB of RAM, although details on storage remain unknown.

Surprisingly, the employees also revealed that a refreshed iPhone 7 would appear alongside the iPhone X. The iPhone 7s will have some significant differences, including an all-aluminium body instead of the glass chassis on the iPhone X, and it will lack the wireless charging capabilities.

02/06/2017: As Apple's bitter legal battle with Qualcomm rages on, a new report suggests that the company is falling back on inferior Intel hardware to meet its supply demands for the iPhone 8.

According to a report by Digitimes, Apple will cut down its reliance on Qualcomm by increasing the percentage of baseband modems supplied by Intel this year. The report suggests that as much as 50% of 2017's iPhone 8 modems could be manufactured by Intel, potentially rising to 70% in 2018.

This echoes the company's policy over the iPhone 7, which saw Intel receive an increased outsource proportion of 30%. At the time this created a problem for Apple, as the Intel chips had inferior performance outputs compared to Qualcomm's, leading to a consensus that proportions would shift back in favour of the more powerful hardware for the iPhone 8.

However, the bitter legal fued between the two companies, which sees Apple attempting to sue Qualcomm over what it claims are exorbitant royalty fees, appears to have sunk that notion.

Intel's modems are cheaper to produce for Apple, but yield a poorer performance as a result. This means that there could be a disparity in the iPhone 8 models, in which half receive chips that have less power efficiency, weaker signal strength, and slower network speeds.

Ultimately this is a deal of convenience for Apple, the terms of which may yet change if the lawsuit ends amicably. Yet to get the best out of its next flagship device, Apple may be forced to swallow a bitter and unfavourable settlement.

The iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 are two models which many people look at when they want to upgrade their phone. Here we compare them both, looking at their features and specifications to help you decide whether Apple or Android is best for you.

Display

iPhone 7: 4.7in, 3D Touch, 1334x750 pixel resolutions, wide colour gamut

Samsung Galaxy S7: 5.1in, 2560x1440 pixel resolution, AMOLED

Apple has opted for 3D touch in the display again and raised the brightness by 25%. There are more rumours that the iPhone 8 display will be OLED which is why the iPhone 7 has the same IPS LCD Retina screen.

Samsung has gone with a Super AMOLED display for the Galaxy S7, which promises deeper blacks and is meant to be more power efficient. Although the S7 has a wider colour gamut than the iPhone 6s, this difference is a lot smaller when compared to the iPhone 7.

Design

The iPhone 7 mostly follows the same stylign as its two predecessors. There are two notable differences: the antenna bands have been moved back to the upper and lower edges in order to make them more discreet. Also the colours Black and Jet Black have replaced Space Gray as a colour option.

The Home key has been upgraded from a physical button to a touch-sensitive one which includes haptic feedback. Of course, it still utilises the Touch ID fingerpring scanner.

An additional benefit is that the iPhone 7 is somewhat waterproof but not completely. It is IP67 water and dust proof, but this is only up to 30 minutes submerged in water.

The S7 also looks like its predecessor thanks to the glass overlaid on top of a coloured backing with a metal trim. Despite this, the back is a little different, with curves either side to make it more comfortable in your hand. It is also IP67 water and dust resistant, unlike the S6.

Camera

The iPhone 7 has a 7MP front-facing camera with wide-angle lens, 12MP rear-facing camera with optical image stabilisation, f1.8 aperture, new 6-element lens, new image signal processor, quad-LED flash with flicker sensor, and 4K video recording. The iPhone 7 Plus goes a stage further with a dual-camera setup, one with a wide-angle lens and one with a telephoto lens.

The Galaxy S7 has a 12MP camera at the rear but an f1.7 aperture compared to the iPhone 7's f1.8. The front-facing camera is 5MP, so 2MP less powerrful than the iPhone 7's. The phone is also capable of capturing 2160p at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps with dual Video and HDR.

Connectivity

The iPhone 7 has infamously ditched the headphone jack in a way that only Apple can describe as "courageous", instead using the Lightning port for its EarPods, though it also ships an adaptor so your wired 3.5mm headphones can fit into the port. This means you can't use wired headphones and charge up at the same time. This seems to be a move to encourage the use of Bluetooth headphones, with Apple releasing its own AirPods (below) for exactly that purpose.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 still has the headphone jack, but has stuck with the micro-USB 2 port instead of moving onto a USB Type-C connector.

Both smartphones have Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11ac and NFC. However, on the iPhone 7, NFC is only supported for Apple Pay, whereas the S7's NFC can be used for other things such as quickly connecting to Bluetooth speakers. Mobile tap payments by Samsung Pay aren't yet supported in the UK, but Google Pay is now rolling out.

Performance and battery life

The iPhone 7 uses a quad-core Apple's A10 Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture, and an embedded M10 motion coprocessor. The A10 chip uses about a fifth the amount of battery life compared to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus' A9 processor, if Apple is to be believed, while offering a 40% increase in CPU and GPU performance.

Meanwhile, the S7 uses a Samsung Exynos 8890 chip is an eight-core processor, but only half of the cores ever run at any given time. Four cores running at 2.6GHz take on the most strenuous tasks, while four slower cores running at 1.6GHz take over the less demanding work, and thus save battery life too.

The S7 has a huge battery rated at 3000mAh, while the iPhone 7 battery is rated at 1,960mAh. The S7's large battery and dual quad-core design helped it last just under 18 hours in our video playback test compared to the iPhone 6s's score of 11 hours and 18 minutes.

Storage, price and colour options

iPhone 7: 32GB (599), 128GB (699), and 256GB (799) in Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Black and Jet Black

Galaxy S7: 32GB (529) in Black, Gold, White, Silver and Pink Gold

While the iPhone 7 is available in different storage options, the Samsung Galaxy S7 has a base 32GB of storage and extra storage can be added using a Micro SD card. This means that a 200GB of storage can be easily added to the phone. The iPhone 7 finally sees the end of the 16GB base model, which left very little room for storing anything.

Rumours had been flying about a sequel to the iPhone SE ever since Apple released the original device in 2016 to serve as an intermediary between the classic iPhone 5 and the iPhone 6s.

Apple put an end to the speculation last month when it released the second-generation iPhone SE, resembling the 2017 iPhone 8 rather than iPhone 5's compact chassis. Beyond seemingly impressive internals, the biggest surprise was its mid-range price tag.

With the iPhone 8 still a viable handset, however, how does Apple's latest device compare against its cut-price predecessor?

Display

The 4.7in display fitted into the iPhone SE is identical to that fitted into both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. The size of the screen, as well as the underlying technology powering the display, is unchanged between these models.

Users won't see any improvements on the display fitted into the 2017 handset, or its predecessor for that matter, but these devices certainly boasted displays that were vibrant and bright for their time, said to reach 625cd/m2.

We should note, while it doesn't stack up against the razor-sharp OLED display fitted into the iPhone 11 Pro, which peaks at a staggering 1,200cd/m2 maximum brightness, it's a perfectly competent panel and comparable to a string of mid-tier Android rivals.

Design

With the hardware fitted into the 2nd-gen iPhone SE based in the iPhone 8's chassis, the dimensions and weight are unchanged on the 2017 device.

The stylish handset features the same slimline metallic chassis of the iPhone 8 with rounded edges. This is a significant departure from the square edges of the original iPhone SE, which was housed in the iPhone 5's chassis.

As with the iPhone 8, the 2020 iPhone SE features a lightning port and no 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as a built-in microphone and stereo-speaker at the base of the device.

The Home button, fitted with a Touch ID sensor, also returns for the first time since the iPhone 8's release three years ago, while the volume buttons, ring/silent trigger and side button are unchanged.

Camera

The rear cameras fitted into both the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE are incredibly similar at face value, and both are fitted with a 12MP lens with f/1.8 aperture with 5x digital zoom as well as a host of features. The same is true for the front-facing camera fitted into both devices.

The iPhone SE, however, includes a number of additional features, essentially the tools featured in the Xs, XR and 11 series. These include a Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control, as well as six lighting effects enabled by its upgraded processor. The iPhone SE also includes Smart HDR, as opposed to the iPhone 8's Auto HDR, which allows a software-based 'neural engine' to generate the best photograph by using context.

While shooting video presents a largely identical experience, with both devices allowing up to 4K shooting at 60fps and 3x digital zoom, there are a handful of additional tweaks, including QuickTake video and stereo recording.

Connectivity

While the iPhone SE, as with the iPhone 8, features just a single lightning port in terms of hardware connectivity, the biggest changes are in terms of networking.

The most significant improvement is the iPhone SE's compatibility with high-speed Wi-Fi 6 as well as gigabit-class LTE, meaning the device is ready to be swept up in the wave of the possibility that Wi-Fi 6 represents. The Fira de Barcelona, host to Mobile World Congress (MWC), for example, has fitted Wi-Fi 6 into some of its conference halls in order to turn the grounds into a 'smart venue' with Wi-Fi roaming and frictionless sign-in.

Performance and battery life

The iPhone SE is fitted with the same blistering mobile CPU fitted into the power-packed iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. This is in addition to a quad-core Apple GPU and 3GB RAM.

While one would expect this device to match up to the breakneck scores registered in our performance testing, the inclusion of 3GB RAM versus 4GB fitted into the latest edge-to-edge iPhones probably means the 2nd-gen SE won't be able to make the most of the A13 Bionic chip. Nevertheless, Apple has forged a reputation for building outstanding mobile CPUs, normally a generation ahead of the latest processors fitted into Android devices, so the iPhone SE is sure to leave you far from disappointed.

Apple claims the iPhone SE's battery can as long as the iPhone 8's battery, approximately 13 hours with video playback, although we can't be sure to stand by this claim until we're able to fully examine the device.

Retail options

The most staggering part of the iPhone SE's launch its lower-than-expected price tag, a strategic decision by Apple to capture a share of the mid-tier market. It's even priced lower than the iPhone 8 today, identical in most ways and inferior in others, although this device can no longer be purchased directly from the manufacturer.

The 128GB model of the second-generation SE, for instance, retails at £391 exc VAT, which is about the same as the Oppo Reno 2 - a fantastic mid-range Android smartphone.

With the iPhone SE, however, buyers will receive the same CPU fitted into the iPhone 11, in the shell of the gorgeous iPhone 8. The only difference is that Apple has ditched its space grey, silver and rose gold finishes in favour of traditional black and white, and the iconic red coating.

Verdict

While many may have been tempted to take advantage of the iPhone SE's release to snap up a cut-price iPhone 8, we'd recommend avoiding that at all costs. Not only is the second-gen iPhone SE fitted with latest Apple CPU, but also features a broader array of photography and video options, as well as Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.

While the iPhone 8 is certainly packed with sufficiently powerful specs and is reasonably priced three years following its launch, if you're looking for a mid-budget iPhone that doesn't necessarily include an edge-to-edge display, the 2020 iPhone SE is a no-brainer.

As spotted by MacRumours, Apple recently updated its repair and replacement costs for AirPods on its iPhone Service Pricing page.

While the firm doesn't seem to be offering AppleCare+ for AirPods, it is instead providing a standard one-year warranty that's available on all Apple products. The good news is that if the AirPods need service during that one year period, all work will be covered for free.

However, the bad news is that if you were to lose or damage one of the AirPods or the charging case, Apple will charge $69 for a replacement, regardless of whether or not the wireless earphones are still under warranty. The same fee applies for out-of-warranty service repairs. As for AirPods that lose battery capacity, repair is free during the one-year warranty period or $49 out of warranty.

14/12/16: Apple AirPods will ship next week

A 'limited number' of Apple AirPods will be sent out on Monday (19 December), Apple has revealed.

The news should bring some cheer to iPhone 7 users, who have been waiting a long time.

Despite the Store listing only displaying 'Coming Soon' up until yesterday, Apple has now updated the AirPods listing, saying they are available from 159.

However, although when they first arrived for pre-order on the Apple website delivery was specified as from Monday (19 December), they are now showing as a dispatch time of up to four weeks.

The company wouldn't say who would get first dibs on the limited quantities ready to ship, but first-come-first-served would seem like the sensible order of delivery. There's sure to be some disappointed customers who missed the order deadline for delivery next week.

"Apple today announced AirPods are available to order online now from Apple.com and will start delivering to customers and arriving at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers next week," the company's US press team said in a statement.

Although up until yesterday, AirPods were labelled as 'coming soon' on the Apple Store website, a report in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claimed that the device would not launch until after Christmas because Apple had discovered a design flaw.

"Apple must ensure that both earpieces receive audio at the same time to avoid distortion," a person familiar with the matter told the WSJ, although the source did say Apple is working fast to "resolve what happens when a user loses one of the earpieces or the battery dies".

12/12/2016: Apple AirPods 'may not arrive until 2017'

Apple AirPods, the wireless headphones presented alongside the new iPhone 7 and originally meant to be released in October, could only become available next year, according to reports.

Apple ditched the traditional headphone jack on the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, instead pushing wireless headphones for Apple's flagship smartphone.

The Wall Street Journal reported that reasons for the delay could include issues with the engineering of the AirPods, which might make them harder to perfect.

A person familiar with the development of the AirPods told the publication that the delay could be caused by Apple's attempt to develop a new technology for wireless headphones.

While most wireless headphones work with the phone transmitting a Bluetooth signal to one earpiece, and that earpiece transmitting it to the other, Apple would be trying to engineer a system through which each AirPod earbud receives the signal directly from the phone.

This might result in the signal being out of sync or arriving differently on the two earpieces. The WSJ reports that Apple is trying to find a way in which to ensure the audio arrives at the same time to both headphones.

In a statement reported by the Express, Apple said: "The early response to AirPods has been incredible. We don't believe in shipping a product before it's ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers."

The exact release date of Apple's AirPods is still unclear, but once they become available they should cost 159.

Updating iPhones and Android devices to the latest versions of their operating systems can cause battery life to fall by as much as three hours, according to consumer product researcherWhich?.

After updating a two-year-old iPhone 6 from iOS 8 to iOS 10, the battery drained 38 minutes faster than before,Which?said, putting overall battery life at 664 minutes. A Google Nexus 6 lost around three hours of continuous web browsing after updating from Android 6.0 Marshmallow to 7.0 Nougat.

It'ss not just battery life, as some software updates can take up considerably more hard drive space on some devices, the review found. Users with a MicrosoftSurface Pro 3 tabletwill lose almost 30GB of storage space if upgrading to Windows 10, enough for an entire photo album, according toWhich?.

Similarly, storage capacity on the Galaxy Tab S2 dropped from 24.03GB to 20.98GB after updating from Android 5.0 to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Infographic courtesy of Which?

"Our latest research shows that, while upgrades are meant to boost the performance of our phones and tablets, the opposite can actually prove to be true," said Richard Headland, magazine editor atWhich?.

"Given how much we rely on mobile devices, companies should do more to tell us about the possible downsides of updates, as well as the benefits."

Although updates are recommended by companies to improve security or stability,Which?claimed that providers should be more transparent when it comes to effects on device performance.

"They should also explore ways of allowing their customers to revert to the previous software if they don't like the new version, and are willing to forgo any new security features it may offer," saidWhich?in a statement.

IT Prohas approached Samsung, Apple for comment, but has yet to receive a reply.

In September the consumer watchdog published new research after receiving "hundreds" of complaints about Microsoft'sWindows 10update. Of 2,500 users surveyed, 12% ended up reverting back to previous versions, in some cases losing emails and files or complete hardware failure.

Apple has launched two new MacBook Pros, a 13in and 15in, which are on sale in the UK now. The big new feature is the touchbar, which has replaced the function buttons, but battery life and graphics capabilities have also been increased, as has memory capacity.

Here we round up everything you need to know about the new MacBook Pro 2016.

MacBook Pro 2016 at a glance

• New MacBook Pro is on sale in the UK now
• Three options, 13in MacBook Pro, 13in MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and 15in MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
• Intel core i7 processor on 15in version, core i5 on 13in
• 15in MacBook Pro has up to 2TB storage, 13in MacBook Pro has up to 1TB storage
• 13in Touch Bar MacBook Pro UK price from 1,749
• 15in Touch Bar MacBook Pro UK price from 2,349

Apple MacBook Pro 2016 news

07/11/2016: Apple released its new MacBook Pro earlier this month, with some changes in its basic design and the introduction of a USB-C port.

The company faced criticisms due to this latter new feature, particularly due to the need for most users to buy adapters and carry them around, as the new port is not yet widely used.

While the previous MacBook Pro had a variety of ports, such as USB type-A, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 2 ports as well as an SD card slot, the new model only offers users the USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, meaning that users will have to buy adapters to use existing peripherals.

This has led to an outcry from disgruntled users and has forced Apple to drop the price of USB-C adapters, to stem the flow of criticisms and encourage customers to purchase the new MacBook Pro.

The prices of adapters have been dropped by up to half price, while third-party peripherals such as the 4K and 5K LG screens introduced last month, have seen a 25% drop, while SanDisk's SD card reader has seen a 40% price cut.

The new ports are not the only complaint relative to the new MacBook, which some users claimed is underpowered and has too little RAM (16GB).

Apple said in a statement: "We recognise that many users, especially pros, rely on legacy connectors to get work done today and they face a transition. We want to help them move to the latest technology and peripherals, as well as accelerate the growth of this new ecosystem. Through the end of the year, we are reducing prices on all USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals we sell, as well as the prices on Apple's USB-C adapters and cables."

The new MacBook Pro was launched at an Apple event called "Hello Again", which took place on Thursday 27 October.

31/10/2016: The classic Mac startup chime, which has been a feature of both dasktop and laptop Apple Macs for over 30 years, has been removed on the new MacBook Pros.

The chime is an indicator to the user that the computer has finished its initial hardware and software diagnostic tests successfully and is starting up. However, website Pingie first noted that it is missing from the latest MacBook Pros.

But, where one feature dies a new one is born. In this case, the MacBook Pros will start up upon opening the device's lid, whether or not it's connected to a power source. It will also start up when it's connected to a power adaptor either if the lid's open or if it's connected to an external display.

All three MacBook Pros 13in, 13in with Touch Bar and 15in with Touch Bar are available to buy immediately from 1,449.

Apple Hello Again: Live Blog

19:25: Out now!

Cook finishes up by saying that the MacBook Pro is out now!

Apple's releasing three models; a 13in Pro with no Touch Bar, and a 13in and 15in with the Touch Bar.

The non-Touch Bar model is available from Saturday, and the other two ship in three to four weeks, according to Apple's UK site.

Here's the UK pricing: 13in MacBook Pro (without Touch Bar) 1,449; 13in MacBook Pro 1,749; 15in MacBook Pro 2,349

And with that, the event is over. Thanks for following our live blog!

19:16: 10 hours battery life

Both the MacBook Pro 13in and 15in models have up to 10 hours of battery life, according to Phil Schiller. It's also 6.8 million times faster than the original Pro, he points out - it can do a year of the 25-year-old golden oldie's computing in less than five seconds.

18:52: 67% brighter MacBook Pro

The new MacBook Pro is 67% brighter and offers 67% higher contrast ratio than its predecessor, while offering 25% more colours.

Its SSD storage is 50% faster, and holds up to 2TB.

18:40: Apple scraps function keys for OLED Touch Bar

It adapts to the software you're using, for instance, letting you straighten photos, or offering a search bar when you land on a website.

It also comes up with typing suggestions:

18:40: New MacBook Pro

Here it is:

It comes in two models - 13in and 15in, and boasts a ForceTouch trackpad that's two times larger than previous generations.

18:30: MacBook 25th anniversary

This week amrks the 25th anniversary of Apple's first notebook - the Power Book.

Wanna have a look? Oh go on then...

18:28: Search Mac files with Siri

On MacOS Sierra, you can search for files with Siri, Cook reminds us.

18:23: Siri voice commands

Siri on Apple TV is getting better, too: it can understand questions like 'what other football games are on?' and will know what show to bring up if you say 'let's watch the Louisville game'.

18:16: Apple TV

"The future of TV is apps," says Cook, boasting Apple now has 8,000 TV apps.

But even more important is, Cook wants it to be the one place to discover TV shows and watch anything.

To do that, it's announcing a new app caled 'TV' (er, Tim, I think that one's been taken).

In TV's Watch Now, ou can browse by category - TV shows, movies, and more. It looks like Apple wants TV to be the new Netflix.

It lets you download iTunes movies or head to the Store for more content.

18:11: Apple Watch Nike Plus

Cook says the Nike version of the Watch 2 comes out tomorrow, which is great for sporty types (I wouldn't know).

18:05: Updates

Tim Cook starts out by detailing some new updates, beginning with the iPhone.

He says the "customer response has been very strong" to the iPhone 7 - important, considering Apple just experienced its first decline in 15 years.

Memories

A new feature on the iPhone 7 will pull out new photos everyday from your collection to remind you of cool memories, says Cook.

iOS 10

Cook says 60% of iPhone users are now on iOS 10, as compared to 1% of Android users on Nougat...

18:04: And here's Tim Cook! He says he spots "a few iPhones out there" in the audience.

17.57: After an accidental leak, Apple rather gave the game away yesterday when it posted images of its new MacBook Pro, all but confirming it will feature an OLED bar above the keyboard that replaces its normal function keys.

It's also very likely to feature Touch ID and will replace the USB port with a USB Type-C.

But we're about to find out a lot more... stay tuned!

Apple seems to have accidentally leaked pictures of its newest Macbook Pro, confirming that the laptop update will be announced later today.

The images were released on MacRumours and appear to have been inadvertently added to a page about Apple's latest operating system.

The pictures show the new Macbook Pro's keyboard, with an additional panel that seemingly replaces the physical function keys on a standard keyboard.

It would also include a fingerprint sensor - presumably so people can log into the computer without a username and password - and a touchpad that suggests it would use gestures or sweeps as is the case with the touchpad rather than keys to carry out actions such as lightening the screen, turning the volume up and down or controlling music with iTunes.

Although there's some speculation that Apple may have released the pictures on purpose to promote its new line on Macbook Pros, one analyst doubts this is the case with the Macbook Pro.

"The leaks are massively damaging as these companies want to have their 'wow moments' when products are unveiled, and an explosion of media coverage, rather than a more tepid response because the details are known in advance," said Ben Wood from CCS Insight told the BBC.

"But it seems to have become virtually impossible for any large company to keep new tech products under wraps."

24/10/2016: Hello Again: iMac won't launch at Apple Event

Apple' is expected to present its new series of Macbooks at an event on Thursday, 27 October.

Ming-Chi Kuo, of KGI Securities analyst, predicts that at Thursday's "Hello Again" event, Apple will introduce its new MacBook series, but not the new iMac, according to MacRumors.

Kuo's report suggested Apple will present a redesigned MacBook Pro and a 13-inch MacBook, which could be a MacBook Air.

He also believes Apple will place Intel's Skylake processor on Apple's MacBook Pro, as well as an oxide panel that ensures better display quality and energy efficiency.

The new MacBook series should also come with substantial changes in design, including an OLED touch bar, Touch ID sensor and the substitution of a traditional USB port with a USB-C port. According to the analyst, Apple could include a Type-C and MagSafe-like adapter.

Although Thursday could be the time at which Apple releases new MacBook models, iMacs might not be included in the event.

Although Apple is developing iMacs and Cinema Display, their shipping schedule is not imminent, hence Kuo is uncertain whether these products will be introduced this week.

The analyst believes interested users might have to wait until the first half of 2017 for these devices to be announced.

20/10/2016: Apple sends out invites for possible MacBook Pro launch

Apple's colourful invite to the upcoming Cupertino event on 27 October, sent out to press on Wednesday, may suggest something more significant than it first appears.

The word "Hello" has become a significant call sign for Apple since the release of the original Apple II in 1977. The 'hello' program was a feature on Apple DOS 3.1, which would automatically launch on boot and allow for program selection if the disk contained more than one title.

Fast forward to 1984, the cursive "Hello" featured in marketing materials, painted across the black and white screen of the Macintosh 128k. It was not until the release of the iMac that saw the use of 'Hello, (again)' featured once more in marketing campaigns, evoking nostalgia of the original Macintosh.

Importantly, Apple, who is particularly savvy when it comes to marketing, has used the word 'Hello' during significant shifts of company focus. With the recent press invite, users are once again expecting something big at the event in Cupertino.

Rumours are suggesting we will get to see the new MacBook Pro, but it may feature some significant changes, including a shift to USB-C and the scrapping of physical function keys above the keyboard in favour of an OLED touch bar.

Whatever Apple has planned, it is certainly creating some excitment.

19/10/16: Apple may launch a new MacBook Pro at a Cupertino event on 27 October, according to Recode, but another model pegged for release further in the future might not feature a USB port.

The new laptop to be unveiled later this month is rumoured to include an OLED touch bar above its keyboard, replacing the existing physical keys there.

It will be thinner and lighter, with Touch ID support to unlock the laptop with a fingerprint, according to 9To5Mac.

It may also swap traditional USB ports for USB Type-C ports. This is a smaller USB plug that could make the new MacBook thinner and easier to carry.

The OLED bar's functions could change according to what the user is currently using the laptop for, hence making the next MacBook Pro even more user friendly.

These drastic changes would come in the same year in which the company introduced the EarPods, headphones that work with the iPhone 7 by connecting through the Lightning port, removing the traditional headphone jack.

Apple might present a new MacBook Air and iPad Pro at the same event, and if so, it would come one day after an event at which Microsoft is expected to be introducing updated versions of its Surface Book and Surface Pro 4.

With Apple's Special Event taking place later today, we asked ourselves exactly what the tech giant will reveal in a few hours' time.

Because it's fun to speculate, too, we also wondered what Apple might have up its sleeve to surprise people with tonight, as well.

Read on for our verdict on the major launches tonight, as well as the stuff we'd love to see.

Jane McCallion, features editor

What I expect Apple to launch:

A new flagship iPhone is a no brainer for Wednesday's Special Event and, given the past two years' launches, I think we can expect to see an iPhone 7 Plus as well as an iPhone 7.

Another Apple Watch is also more-or-less a given. I do believe there could be up to five variants - Apple has to do something new to make the launch worthwhile.

Could there be anything unexpected? Maybe, but there have been no leaks about anything else, so we may have to be content with the iPhone 7 being the "one more thing".

What I want Apple to launch:

I would like to see Apple launch something really innovative that will break new ground. I don't really know what this could be, but that's kind of the point of seeing something unexpected!

For purely selfish reasons, I'd like to see a new Apple Watch launch as well. My current fitness tracker has seen better days and I quite fancy a smartwatch, so a price drop in the original Apple Watch would suit me down to the ground.

For the record, I don't think we're going to see an Apple Car this year. Maybe one day, but not yet.

iPhone 7 image courtesy of Marek Weidlich

Rene Millman, freelance journalist

What I expect Apple to launch:

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are pretty much a given for today'sevent. Someone at Apple has let slip on this one with an update on itswebsite showing iPhone 7 compatible earphones. It is all but confirmedthat the headphone jack is going and this is no bad thing; wirelessearphones are getting better and the Lightning port can do doubleduty without any problems. However, Apple needs to announce more than justa new flagship device to keep interest in the company alive.

What I want Apple to launch:

I hope that Apple Watch will get a refresh, with better batterylife and 3D Touch to replace Force Touch. I'd like to see better Siriintegration on the Watch so I wouldn't have to pull out my phone sofrequently. It would be great if it had a bigger screen too, but Ithink I'm in a very small minority on that issue.

Adam Shepherd, staff writer

What I expect Apple to launch:

The fact that Apple is ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack is now one of the worst-kept secrets in tech. However, the fact that it's axing the regular port almost certainly means that the iPhone 7 will come with a brand-new set of Bluetooth earphones in the box.

This is actually a fairly interesting prospect, as it will be the first major shake-up to Apple's ubiquitous accessory in years. The new AirPods' are also likely to be quite impressive, given that Apple now owns one of the most well-known audio peripheral companies in the world.

What I want Apple to launch:

The concept of a truly connected smart home is now coming tantalisingly close to being a reality, but what would really seal the deal is for Apple to release a standalone smart home hub, similar to the Amazon Echo.

The infrastructure is already in place most available smart home products have some form of Siri and/or HomeKit integration. All Apple would need to do is centralise that control into a single appliance, with always-on voice control and access to all Siri's regular functionality.

Apple Car concept courtesy ofJean-Patrick Lee-Pat-Yuen

Paul Franklin, IT Pro, Cloud Pro, and Channel Pro publisher

What I expect Apple to launch:

Beyond the highly anticipated iPhone 7 and subsequent iterations, there are almost certainly updates for the Apple Watch and the iOS software upgrades powering the devices.

Given the comparative novelty of the Watch there are undoubtedly improvements in functionality to come. It also feels like there's plenty more to say about iOS 10. How can it help Apple's drive into the enterprise, for example?

Similarly, perhaps Apple will touch on their vision to drive artificial intelligence given their recent acquisitions this summer.

What I want Apple to launch:

In terms of what I'd like to see from Apple well continuing on the theme of artificial intelligence, and a fairly large competitor of theirs making big strides in this field, I'd like them to announce an Apple Car I can buy for Christmas! Beyond that, and only because I'm in the market for one right now, is a decent TV. Not just a viewing platform, but a fresh TV kit itself.

Joe Curtis, deputy editor

What I expect Apple to launch:

Apple has already accidentally confirmed that it's releasing the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus tonight. Beyond that, it's highly likely that the Apple Watch 2 will make an appearance. With its own GPS and a longer battery life, this is the device they should have waited to release, instead of rushing to produce the first Watch. It will be much better than its predecessor, chiefly because it won't be tied to the iPhone.

What I want Apple to launch:

I'd be most excited to see some real breakthroughs with Siri, Apple's voice assistant. Currently it lags behind the likes of Microsoft's Cortana in terms of functionality and usefulness, and with the growing importance of bots, voice assistants will soon rule how we communicate with our devices and by extension the wider world.

Apple's rumoured push into building an Apple Car won't come off for years, but its focus on providing software for smart cars might lead to some interesting innovations in Siri that I'd hope might become available sooner rather than later.

Apple has announced a 4in iPhone, dubbed the iPhone SE.

Fans have been waiting for Apple to bring out a new 4in smartphone to match the form-factor of previous fan favourites such as the iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 models for around a year and a half.

The company upped the size of its handsets with the release of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, leaving many smaller-handed customers frustrated with the larger screen sizes.

It seems that Apple has listened to its users, however, and customers can now upgrade to a brand new, smaller iPhone.

iPhone SE: at a glance

• Apple announces 4in iPhone at special event on 21 March
• New model dubbed 'iPhone SE', standing for Special Edition
• Powered by latest A9 and M9 processors
• Features 12MP camera, 4K video recording, and always-on Siri
• Starting price of 359, with 16GB and 64GB storage tiers
• On sale in stores and online now

iPhone SE: Latest news

03/08/2016:The iPhone SE is saving Apple while sales of its flagship iPhone device fall, with executives saying the device is attracting new customers.

During a third quarter earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said: "Our initial sales data tells us the the iPhone SE is popular in both developed and emerging markets. The percentage of iPhone SE sales going to customers who are new to iPhone is greater than we've seen in the first weeks of availability for other iPhones launched in the last several years.

"We had a very successful global launch of iPhone SE and demand outstripped supply throughout the quarter," he continued. "We brought on additional capacity and we are able to achieve supply [and] demand balance as we enter the September quarter."

The device, a throwback to Apple's four-inch smartphones before the iPhone 6 increased their size, appears to be an important phone for bringing people into Apple's iOS ecosystem.

28/04/2016: Demand for the iPhone SE has been "very strong", and is exceeding Apple's expectations, the company's chief executive Tim Cook said in its second quarter earning call this week.

The four-inch iPhone which is composed of parts from iPhone 5s, 6 and 6s has been in short supply since its release last month, according to Apple.

Some reports claimed early sales had been lacklustre. Apple is still yet to give any official figures, but it currently lists the delivery time for new iPhone SEs at two to three weeks, indicating that the company isn't yet meeting demand for its slim handset.

"We're working hard to get the iPhone SE into the hands of every customer who wants one, as quickly as possible," said Cook during the call.

The iPhone SE is Apple's cheapest model in its iPhone line, costing 359 for the 16GB version.

Though demand may be high for its latest smartphone model, Apple reported its first ever decline in iPhone sales this quarter, and its forecast for the third quarter of 2016 is that that trend will persist.

27/04/2016:Despite posting disappointing revenues from its iPhone segment as a whole for the second quarter of 2016, Apple has claimed the iPhone SE is bucking the trend.

CEO Tim Cook said during an earnings call that demand for the device is "very strong" and higher than the company had expected.

Cook claimed that the SE puts Apple in a better position to attract new customers as it offers powerful internal specs at an affordable price, adding that the device is struggling to keep up with demand.

"We're thrilled with the response that we've seen on [the iPhone SE]. It is clear that there is a demand there even much beyond what we thought. That is really why we have the constraint that we have," said Cook.

12/04/2016: The iPhone SE may have a number of hardware issues as users complain of Bluetooth audio problems.

According to a report by MacRumours, not only are early adopters of the device reporting problems with the phone when paired to a vehicle or wireless headset, but there are also issues with GPS voice navigation.

Users reportdistorted, staticky, or inaudible phone calls when using an iPhone SE over Bluetooth. The Bluetooth problem affects all iPhone SE models running iOS 9.3 or 9.3.1,the publication said. Identical issues have been found with a number of car manufacturers too.

At present, it remains unknown whether the issue stems from hardware or software faults. Basic troubleshooting by users has yieldedno successful resolution of the issues encountered.

05/04/2016: The iPhone SE costs Apple just $160 (113) to manufacture, a report has revealed.

Consumer analyst firm IHS took apart Apple's new mid-tier smartphone and estimated the material and manufacturing cost of the device (see below), which retails starting from $399 (359) for the 16GB version.

The phone is comprised of an assortment of parts from previous models of the phone, including the iPhone 5s's casing, the same secondary camera and LTE reception as the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6s's A9 processor.

Commenting on its breakdown, Andrew Rassweiler, senior director of cost benchmarking services at HIS, said: "Despite its physical resemblance to the iPhone 5s, the resulting product is far superior. In fact, the only significant trade-offs a consumer would make with the iPhone SE against the iPhone 6s is smaller size and lower screen resolution."

Despite this lower manufacturing cost, HS has estimated that Apple makes approximately $89 in incremental profit for each iPhone SE 64GB sold when compared with the iPhone SE 16GB.

31/03/2016:The iPhone SE goes on sale in the UK and worldwide today. Those who pre-ordered on 24 March will start to have their devices delivered to them in the morning (indeed, a number of people in Japan and New Zealand have already been posting pictures of theirs) and, once shops open, those who didn't will be able to stroll in and buy one in person (but expect crowds!). For more information on pricing, click here.

The first teardown of the iPhone SE has also appeared, courtesy ofChipworks. The website didn't find very much in the way of new technology, with most of it having come from the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, except a Texas Instruments 338S00170 power management IC, Skyworks SKY77611 power amplifier module, Toshiba THGBX5G7D2KLDXG NAND flash, APCOS D5255 antenna switch module and AAC Technologies 0DALM1 microphone.

30/03/2016: More pre-orders of the iPhone SE are being made by current Android phone users than iPhone owners, according to research carried out by Slice Intelligence.

"Only 35 per cent of iPhone SE buyers purchased an iPhone online in the past two years, and 16 per cent of them were previously Android users. By comparison, 49 per cent of iPhone 6s buyers upgraded from a previous iPhone, and 10 per cent replaced an Android device they bought online within the past two years," the report said.

Slice has suggested this could help grow its "maturing" (read "plateauing") iPhone customer base.

The research firm does also acknowledge, though, that this is very early data, so things could change once it arrives in shops tomorrow.

21/03/2016:Apple has launched a brand new 4in iPhone - the iPhone SE.

The long-awaited device was unveiled today, alongside new straps for the Apple Watch and a new 9.7in iPad Pro, at the company's Cupertino headquarters.

Bearing strong similarities to the iPhone 5s in terms of design, the main improvements arrive in the form of internal upgrades.

The iPhone SE is fitted with Apple's latest A9 and M9 mobile processors, and the company is claiming that the new model equals the performance of the iPhone 6s - one of the most powerful phones we've ever tested.

It's got the iPhone 6s' excellent 12MP iSight camera too, which brings TrueTone flash and 4K video recording.

The new model also sports a longer battery life, and 300 per cent greater GPU performance than the iPhone 5s, along with adding features like support for Apple Pay and always-on 'Hey Siri' functionality.

The device will be available to order from 24 March, and will arrive in stores on 31 March. Prices start from 359 for the 16GB model, rising to 439 for the 64GB model.

There's no middle ground this time; the company has abandoned the 32GB option completely.

21/03/2016:More than a third of iPhone users are still using a 4-inch device, according to research from data analytics company MixPanel.

The stats reveal that 36.67 per cent of active Apple devices are made up of 4-inch models of the iPhone, reports 9to5Mac, including the iPhone 5s (18.85 per cent), the iPhone 5c (4.98 per cent), the iPhone 5 (7.84 per cent), the iPhone 4S (3.86 per cent) and the iPhone 4 (1.51 per cent).

This bodes well for the rumoured release of Apple's smaller, cheaper iPhone SE, which marks a return from the company to the 4-inch size.

9to5Mac's own audience survey gleaned similar results, with 35.32 per cent of respondents saying they plan to upgrade to the new iPhone SE, 11.06 per cent from a larger iPhone.

Additionally, 12.25 per cent of 15,000 readers said they would upgrade as long as the 4-inch phone's specs were upgraded to match phones such as the iPhone 6 and 6s.

21/03/2016: Apple is expected to announce a smaller, cheaper iPhone at its press conference today, and analysts predict it could curb the recent decline in phone sales for the Cupertino company.

Expected to front a four-inch screen and be named iPhone SE, Apple's new phone will represent its second bid to court the mid-tier markets with a cheaper device.

Analysts have suggested that this new phone may give the pioneering tech company a much-needed boost in its bid for growth in the emerging markets of Indian, the Middle East, and Africa, Reuters reports.

"The iPhone SE provides a new incentive to upgrade for iPhone holdouts who don't want a large-screen phone," analyst Bob O'Donnell of TECHnalysis Research told Reuters.

He added that a less expensive iPhone may appeal to emerging markets customers, but is not a dependable hit, as it may still be pricier than competitors running Google's Android system, and many in larger screens are already taking off in emerging markets.

The return to a more compact four-inch screen comes after Apple's move towards larger screen sizes with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in 2014.

Ahead of Apple's announcement, technology research firm IDC has said it expects an uptick in sales of devices running Android this year, which it believes with account for almost 83 per cent of smartphones sold worldwide. It foresees iPhone sales falling slightly, making up 15 per cent of new sales.

Apple's previous attempt to gain ground in the mid-tier smartphone market was with the iPhone 5c in 2013. Sporting colourful plastic bodies, rather than the chic metal of its cousin, this model did not take off in emerging markets.

As is typical of the company, Apple has remained shtoom on any details about its coming conference. But you can find out what to expect from the conference here.

IT Pro will be the covering the event live today when it begins at 5pm GMT.

10/03/2016:The release date of the iPhone 5se could be imminent, according to IT Pro sources.

People familiar with the situation have told IT Pro that large enterprises are struggling to source bulk orders of the iPhone 5s from carriers including Vodafone.

SMBs making low-volume orders are apparently not affected, nor are individuals seeking to make single in-store purchases.

However, one source, who asked for his identity to remain secret, told IT Pro that the likely reason for the supply chain hold-up is that the iPhone 5se will launch within the next few weeks.

It is thought the iPhone 5se will replace the iPhone 5s when it is launched, with the rumoured debut of the device coming alongside the rumoured iPad Air 3 either next Tuesday, 15 March, or next Friday 18 March.

A separate source who wished to remain anonymous, but who has vast experience in bulk ordering devices for enterprise employees, confirmed to IT Pro thatsuch supply chain difficulties are a reliable indicator of the imminent launch of a new iPhone.

Vodafone and Apple both declined to comment.

iPhone SE:release date

The rumours were true - Apple's long-awaited 4in iPhone refresh came as part of a special event hosted at the company's Infinite Loop campus on 21 March.

Customers can order the device from 24 March, and the device will be available in-store from 31 March.

As expected,the iPhone 7didn't make an appearance. The new flagship iPhone is expected to debut in September.

Instead, the event centred around a smaller, 'Special Edition' iPhone. This new model will effectively act as a replacement to the iPhone 5s, which was previously the only 4in device left in the company's portfolio.

This was heavily predicted beforehand; the biggest clue, as IT Pro exclusively reported, is that bulk shipments of the iPhone 5s were faced with difficulties in the run-up to the event, with one explanation given as suppliers potentially running down stock ahead of the SE's launch.

iPhone SE: name

Previous rumours suggested the new phone would be dubbed the iPhone 5se, leaving the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus as a separate flagship line.

However, it now transpires that the company has foregone its existing brand hierarchy altogether, and simply christened it the 'iPhone SE'.

This brand will presumably exist separately from the existing release cadence of the iPhone range, updating every couple of years rather than annually.

iPhone SE: specs and features

Naturally, the iPhone SE's most notable feature is its 4in form-factor. However, that doesn't mean Apple's going to scrimp on quality, and the device is up to Apple's usual high standard.

As such, it includes the company's latest A9 and M9 processors. It touts the same performance as the iPhone 6s, and double the performance of the iPhone 5s, rising to 3 times as much in the case of GPU performance.

In terms of other features, the SE has NFC capabilities for Apple Pay, a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and an always-on Siri voice assistant. It will be available with 16GB and 64GB of storage, ditching the 32GB allocation altogether.

It also packsin the 12MP camera from the iPhone 6s, which is one of the best smartphone cameras we've seen yet, and includes 4K recording capability.

iPhone SE: price

The iPhone SE costs 359 for the entry-level 16GB model. If you want the beefier 64GB version, you can expect to shell out 439.

There is no price variation by colour.

Plummeting iPhone sales saw Apple's revenue and profit fall for the second successive quarter, but its stock price still jumped after the company beat Wall Street's dismal expectations.

Apple raked in revenue of $42.4 billion (32.34 billion) in the three months ending June, a 15 per cent fall on the same period last year,and recorded a $7.8 billion (5.95 billion)profit, a 27 per cent drop on its record $10.7 billion profit last year.

That quarter last year saw iPhone sales grow 35 per cent, but this quarter they dropped 15 per cent to 40.4 million units, though the numbers still managed to exceed analyst expectations of 39.9 million units, as they posited that the iPhone had reached a point of saturation - or 'peak iPhone'.

These better-than-expected results have largely been attributed to the iPhone SE, launched in March, with CEO Tim Cook noting on an investor call that "demand outstripped supply throughout the quarter".

He said: "Our initial sales data tells us that the iPhone SE is popular in both developed and emerging markets, and the percentage of iPhone SE sales going to customers who are new to iPhone is greater than we've seen in the first weeks of availability for other iPhones launched in the last several years."

Hardware sales slumped in other areas too, however, with Mac and iPad sales declining by 0.5 million and 0.9 million respectively.But iPad revenue was actually up for the first time in ten consecutive quarters, however, due to the introduction of the more expensive iPad Pro range, which pushed the segment's revenue up seven per cent.

CFO Luca Mastri said: "Corporate buyers report a 94 per cent satisfaction rate for iPad and a purchase intent of 71 per cent for the September quarter." Cook similarly pointed to surveys indicating that around half of iPad Pro purchases are intended to be used for business.

Services were also a high point, with its 19 per cent uptick representing the single biggest revenue increase in the company's portfolio. Itpulled in $6 billion in revenue for the June quarter and now makes up 11 per cent of the company's total revenues, with Cook predicting that it will be "the size of a Fortune 100 company next year".

Mastri boasted that the number of customers using the iTunes store and the average amount spent per customer had both reached record levels this quarter.

China struggles

One of the company's major revenue dips came from Greater China (which includes Hong Kong and Taiwan), where sales fell 33 per cent. This is despite a large amount of investment by Apple in appealing to Chinese consumers, including partnering with popular Chinese apps and services like WeChat and Didi Chuxing.

The company is also facing strong competition from increasingly sophisticated home-grown rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi. Cook was quick to allay fears, however, pointing out that the Chinese yuan has depreciated seven per cent against the dollar relative to August 2015.

He also highlighted Apple's exceptionally strong growth in the region last year, which led to a 112 per cent revenue increase. China continues to account for over 20 per cent of the company's overall revenue, though Apple is fighting a ruling that could ban it from selling iPhone 6 and 6 Plus phones there.

Cook also mentioned that India is currently one of the company's fastest-growing markets, with iPhone sales up by over 50 per cent year-on-year. This could be Apple's next major growth area, as the country's smartphone market is still almost universally dominated by cheaper Android handsets. Apple also experienced double-digit growth in other emerging market, including Brazil and Russia.

Apple is fighting a ruling that could potentially see its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus banned in China.

The Chinese intellectual property office ruled that Apple and its Chinese distributor and retailer, Zhongfu Telecom, infringed the patent of Baili Electronics, which is suing Apple over the exterior design of its 100C smartphone, Forbes reports.

In the ruling, the Chinese intellectual property office stated: "Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have minor differences from Baili's 100C. The differences are so tiny that the average customer could not notice. So, this case falls into the patent rights protection category."

Apple has reportedly appealed against the ruling in the Beijing Intellectual Property Court.

IT Pro has contacted Apple for comment on the situation, but at the time of writing had not received a reply.

The prospect of a ban in China comes as smartphone sales in western countries have reached saturation point, and sales of iPhones have seen a decline for the first time.

Apple has placed a lot of attention on China in the last six months in an attempt to woo the nation's consumers, and expand its market.

It has invested $1 billion in Uber's Chinese equivalent, Didi Chuxing, and integrated popular Chinese social networking services, such as WeChat and Weibo. Apple CEO Tim Cook also visited Beijing in May to meet with Chinese start-ups, and praised the government's policies on fostering innovation.

The company has also made special adaptations to its own suite of apps and services for the Chinese market, including adding Chinese instruments to GarageBand earlier this year, and, during their WWDC press briefing, announcing that the iOS 10 keyboard will have native support for Chinese characters.

Even as the Cupertino company has attempted to navigate the country's strict stance on western business, it has already faced troubles. In April, the China authorities blocked Apple's iBooks and iTunes Movies stores as part of a ruling preventing citizens from accessing overseas media.