Apple

The tech giant has begun developing prototype screens for internal testing, Bloomberg first reported, though there are allegedly no real plans to launch a foldable iPhone yet.

Currently, apps are automatically given a tracking code unless users of iPhones and other Apple devices go to the extra trouble of changing their privacy controls on their own.

Although Apple publicly confirmed the launch of its next iPhone would be delayed, updates to the iPad and Apple Watch may be right around the corner.

LOS ANGELES -- Apple customers who purchased certain older iPhone models can now collect about $25 per phone, according to the settlement of a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of slowing down older devices.According to SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com, a website set up for customers to file their claims, the settlement applies to customers who purchased an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus and/or the SE before Dec. 21, 2017 and experienced performance and battery-life issues.“Under the proposed settlement, Apple shall pay a minimum of $310,000,000 and a maximum of $500,000,000,” read a notice on the claims website. “Apple will provide a cash payment of approximately $25 per eligible device, provided that Apple will not pay more than $500 million in aggregate to the Settlement Class Members.”The website was developed for affected customers looking to file their claims or review their other options, including excluding themselves from the lawsuit to retain the ability to sue Apple individually.Users must submit a claim online or through the mail by Oct. 6 to be eligible for a payout.Earlier this year, Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million as part of the settlement agreement for the “Batterygate” scandal that has prevailed for years.The tech giant admitted in 2017 that it used software updates to slow down older iPhones, and offered an official apology and reduced prices for battery replacement programs.

NEW YORK -- Apple's upgraded iPhone 12 models may come without two familiar accessories: a charger and earphones.For the first time, the company's upcoming models, typically revealed every September, will be sold without wired headphones or a power adapter in an effort to offset any cost increases with the upgraded model, according to Nikkei Asian Review.The report matches a research note by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo obtained by MacRumors.Apple is expected to roll out as many as four different iPhone 12 models this year, including its first version that will be able to work on the next generation of ultrafast wireless networks known as 5G.Currently, the company's iPhones come with EarPods with Lightning Connector.

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Proper hand-washing is pivotal in preventing the spread of germs, a point that’s become particularly highlighted amid the global coronavirus pandemic, and Apple wants to help with a gentle nudge of its wearable tech.A 2018 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that most people don’t wash their hands correctly, including failing to wash for the necessary 20 seconds.Considering this fact, Apple announced a new feature on the Apple Watch which automatically detects hand-washing and initiates a 20-second countdown timer.The watch can pick up signs that the wearer is at a sink, based on motion sensors and the sound of water, according to the Washington Post.If the person finishes early, they’ll be prompted to keep washing.The new feature is part of WatchOS 7, a software update for Apple Watch users coming in the fall.

SAN RAMON, Calif. — Apple is closing 11 stores in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina that it had reopening just a few weeks ago.The decision announced Friday arrives amid rising infections in some states, particularly those that began loosening restrictions requiring most people to stay home and most stores to shut down this spring.There were 286.7 new cases per 100,000 people in Arizona over the past two weeks, which ranks first in the country for new cases per capita.

NEW YORK --Apple is watching the looters who have pillaged its stores during the protests.Thieves who made off with iPhones from Apple stores quickly learned that the gadgets were loaded with special security software.