Apple

2022-01-31 13:40:19 Apple now allows unlisted apps on the App Store

Making an app unlisted means that it won't show up "in any App Store categories, recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings," according to Apple. The only way to get to the app is with that link—or through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.

Unlisted apps are ideal for “limited audiences,” such as guests at a special event, members of an organization, research study participants, or a specific group of employees. To make an app unlisted and obtain a link, developers will first need to submit a request to Apple.

For more details and for links to the forms and steps in the process, visit Apple's developer documentation on the topic. Open / Comment

2022-01-30 20:43:01 Apple Seeds First Beta of watchOS 8.5 to Developers

Apple seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 8.5 beta to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming just a day after the release of watchOS 8.4.

To install ‌‌‌watchOS 8‌‌‌.5, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once installed, ‌‌‌watchOS 8.4‌‌‌ can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update.

To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it needs to be in range of the ‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌. Open / Comment

2022-01-30 10:40:05 Apple adds 37 new emoji in iOS 15.4 beta

The iOS 15.4 developer beta has support for Emoji 14, which includes 37 new emoji like melting face, heart hands, beans, and more.

Apple released the first iOS 15.4 developer beta on Thursday with a multitude of new features. Along with mask support for Face ID, Apple has added new emoji.

There are 37 new emoji types with 75 skin tone additions. This adds up to a total of 112 new characters.

New emoji for Emoji 14 include melting face, face with open eyes and hand over mouth, dotted line face, heart hands, troll, beans, and bubbles. A full list of new characters in the Emoji 14 standard can be found on Emojipedia.

The emoji will be available on all Apple devices once the new releases exit their beta period later this year. Open / Comment

2022-01-29 18:39:01 Apple Working on 'Cosmetic Scan' Trade-In Tool for iPhone

Apple is developing a new trade-in tool that will be used to scan the iPhone for cosmetic damage, likely with the aim of generating a more accurate trade-in estimate.

It may allow an ‌iPhone‌ user to take an image scan of their trade-in device to get a close look at scratches, dings, and other cosmetic damage, with the results sent to Apple.

New feature could be released when the iOS 15.4 update is released to the public. Open / Comment

2022-01-29 12:36:01 Apple’s latest iPadOS and macOS betas finally add Universal Control

Apple’s newest developer betas for iPadOS and macOS Monterey include Universal Control, indicating the long-awaited feature might finally be released sometime in the near future. Universal Control, which Apple announced at WWDC 2021 in June, is an impressive-looking feature that lets you use a Mac’s keyboard and mouse with an iPad just by placing the iPad next to the computer.

The company also released the first iOS 15.4 beta on Thursday, and it lets you use Face ID while wearing a mask and adds new emoji. Open / Comment

2022-01-28 18:33:01 Apple makes easy escape from supply crisis, but others may have to wait

Companies from electric automaker Tesla Inc to wafer fabrication equipment supplier Lam Research have warned again that supply chain issues, which crippled several industries, would continue to limit production this year.

Semiconductor companies tend to give priority to bigger players such as Apple, for its massive buying power, huge demand for its products, and the company's ability to place custom orders for components used in its products. And Apple's high-end chips are costly, an attraction for the chip makers.

This essentially means Apple has an advantage and can procure components relatively faster than rivals.

Supply issues are going to remain a concern for the industry, but Apple may be the exception to the rule. Open / Comment

2022-01-28 14:19:14 Apple Posts Record Quarterly Results Despite Parts Shortages

Shares rose more than 4% after markets closed Thursday in New York, following Apple’s report that October-to-December revenue hit $123.9 billion and profit reached $34.6 billion, both company records that exceeded Wall Street expectations.

Year-over-year iPhone sales rose 9% to $71.6 billion during the fiscal first quarter that ran through December, the company said. Analysts project iPhone revenue will rise less than 1% this fiscal year compared with the preceding year, when sales rose 39% and helped fuel Apple’s greatest year ever.

In total, fiscal first-quarter revenue rose 11% to a record $123.9 billion, beating analysts expectations for $119 billion. Sales of Macs exceeded expectations by rising 25%, while iPad revenue declined 14%, missing projections for a 2.89% fall.

The company’s market valuation briefly surpassed $3 trillion. Open / Comment

2022-01-27 19:18:59 How to Make a FaceTime Call on Apple Watch

1. Open the Phone app on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap Contacts.
3. Tap the contact your want to call.
4. Tap the phone icon.
5. Tap FaceTime Audio.

You can also use Siri to place a ‌FaceTime‌ call on your Apple Watch. Simply press and hold the Digital Crown, raise your wrist to your mouth, and say "‌FaceTime‌ [contact's name]." Open / Comment

2022-01-27 12:15:58 Apple releases App Store Connect API update to developers

Following the launch of the new App Store Connect experience earlier this month, Apple on Tuesday updated its App Store Connect API with new features. The new version is now available for developers and brings features such as more flexibility, custom workflows, and more.

With the update, developers can create and submit in-app events and even custom product pages using the API. All the new features introduced with the new App Store Connect experience, which includes sending multiple items in a single submission and changing app details without having to submit a new app version, are also part of the new API.

App Store Connect API lets app developers automate tasks across developer tools, such as App Store Connect, Xcode, and Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles.

More details about the App Store Connect API update can be found on the Apple Developer website. Open / Comment

2022-01-26 18:13:58 Share your best iPhone macro photos for Apple’s Shot on iPhone Challenge

Apple invites iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users to capture the little things, in a big way, with a macro photography Shot on iPhone Challenge. The challenge starts today and runs through February 16, 2022. Winners will be announced in April.

The winning photos will be celebrated in a gallery on Apple Newsroom, apple.com, Apple Instagram (@apple), and other official Apple accounts. They may also appear in digital campaigns, Apple Store locations, billboards, or in a public photo exhibition.

To participate, share your best macro photos taken on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max on Instagram and Twitter, using the hashtags #ShotoniPhone and #iPhonemacrochallenge to participate in the challenge.

You must be 18 years of age or older to participate, and this challenge is not open to Apple employees or their immediate families. Open / Comment