Wall Street Journal confirms new iPhone has fingerprint sensor

According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, the rumors are true, Apple is going to introduce a new iPhone tomorrow morning with a fingerprint sensor built into the Home button.

In a last minute scoop, the news outlet says it has confirmed with “people familiar with the matter” that the much talked about feature will indeed be present in at least one of Apple’s new handsets…

The Journal’s Danny Yadron reports:

“Placing a finger on a computer or smartphone has long been proposed as a way to avoid the need for passwords to authenticate users of computers and other devices. People familiar with the matter said last week that Apple will include a fingerprint scanner on the more expensive of two iPhones it is expected to unveil Tuesday at an event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters.”

Analysts and industry insiders have long been calling for this year’s iPhone model, believed to be the iPhone 5S, to house a fingerprint sensor. But up to this point, we’ve seen remarkably little evidence of it. The Journal’s confirmation, however, adds a fair amount of weight to theory. So we wouldn’t bet against the idea.

Apple purchased fingerprint-reader specialist AuthenTec in 2012, and owns all kinds of patents on related tech. Embedding fingerprint sensors into mobile devices isn’t new, but it has thus far proven unsuccessful. Yadron believes that both reliability and ease-of-use will help Apple succeed where others failed.

We’ll find out for sure in less than 12 hours. Apple’s iPhone media event is slated to begin tomorrow morning at 10am PST. We’ll, of course, be covering the keynote live. So be sure to join us!

Top concept image credit Martin Hajek

Some T-Mobile stores receiving Nano SIM cards for iPhone 5

Great news for folks who have managed to get their hands on an unlocked iPhone 5 and are looking to start up T-Mobile service with the handset. Reports are coming in this weekend that some of the carrier’s retail stores have started receiving shipments of iPhone 5-compatible Nano SIM cards…

TmoNews reports:

 ”A bit of a surprise today as T-Mobile stores begin to receive NanoSIM cards used in conjunction with the iPhone 5. Our original expectations had T-Mobile NanoSIM cards arriving sometime in the middle of October, but we’re not one to complain about anything arriving ahead of schedule in the wireless world.”

There’s no word on how widespread availability is, and the site’s tipster says that stores only began receiving the Nano SIM cards yesterday morning. But the fact that they’re shipping is still great news.

Remember, T-Mobile is in the middle of rolling out a major new “bring your own iPhone” marketing campaign, including in-store activation of unlocked iPhones, and iPhoneHSPA+-friendly network upgrades. It’s also started advertising its new line of “truly” unlimited data plans for smartphones.

Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t started selling unlocked versions of its new handset yet. Butwe’ve confirmed that the Verizon model is GSM-ready, and there are several 3rd party vendors selling unlocks as well.

So again, if you have an unlocked iPhone 5, and are looking to switch to T-Mobile, it might be worth checking out your local store. There’s a chance that they may have some Nano SIMs in to get you going.

Consumer Reports gives iPhone 5 a thumbs-up

Consumer Reports is an 80+ year-old American magazine that publishes reviews and opinions on new consumer products and services. It’s physical publication has more than 7 million monthly subscribers and is highly regarded among shoppers.

The magazine has quite a history with Apple, once giving the iPhone 4 a “cannot recommend status,” back in 2010, and then sensationalizing the iPad 3′s overheating issue earlier this year. But as it turns out, it actually really likes the iPhone 5…

From Consumer Reports’ iPhone 5 review:

“The iPhone 5 fulfills its promise as a notable improvement over its fine predecessor, the iPhone 4S, and belongs in the first rank of smart phones…

… By boosting screen size, thinning its profile, and adding 4G LTE access, among other features, his newest iPhone shows every sign of being the most compelling yet.”

But the review wasn’t completely glowing. It pointed out — what else — the new Maps application in iOS 6 as a caveat. CR’s Car team, which reviews all kinds of navigation devices, said the app lacked functionality and suffered from gaps in maps data.

Of course, we already knew that the new Maps app paled in comparison to other GPS applications. Apple’s only been working on it for a few years, at best, and even CR was quick to point out that the service was beta-like, and “likely to improve over time.”

And it doesn’t appear to be bothering consumers at all. Earlier today, Apple announced that it had sold 5 million iPhone 5′s during its opening weekend — a new record for the company.

Everything you need to know about today’s iPhone 5 event

The iPhone 5 is finally here.

After Apple in 2011 unveiled the iPhone 4S — when everyone and his mother expected the iPhone 5 — the wizards of Cupertino introduced a smartphone for everyone. Want something smaller? Check. How about a big screen? Got you covered. Need power? No problem. Although this was the first post-Steve Jobs iPhone rollout, there was enoughtechnology and geekitude on display today that even the Man in Black would have had a tough time fitting in just one more thing.

Most of the rumors about the iPhone were confirmed. The iPhone 5 sports a 4-inch (1136 x 640) display enclosed in an aluminum and glass shell. That larger display is becoming defacto on smartphones. Not to be outdone designwise by Android, Apple pushed suppliers to use an in-cell manufacturing technique that embeds the technology used in an edge-to-edge touchscreen, eliminating the need for a separate layer.

The new iPhone will also offer LTE, a much faster alternative to the 3G transmission technology found in the iPhone 4S. The LTE iPhone will be available from Sprint, Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., Rogers, Telus and Bell in Canada and other carriers through Europe. Even before the iPhone 5 was introduced on the San Francisco stage, talk was of the new handset being a “world phone.” True to form, the next-gen iPhone also supports HSPA+ and DC-HDSPA cellular networks. Apple was supposed to introduce LTE with what became the iPhone 4S but reportedly held off on the feature, fearing the technology would deplete the iPhone’s battery life, giving the device a black eye. That worry appears to be gone, as the iPhone 5 promises 8 hours of LTE or 3G browsing or talk and 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing.

Even if you don’t leave home and prefer Wi-Fi, Apple had something of interest. The new phone includes both the standard 2.4 GHz and the less-crowded 5 GHz version of 80.11n. The upshot: wireless transmissions at 150Mbps.

The iPhone is increasingly becoming known not just as a phone or a mobile app platform, but for terrific photography. To that end, Apple beefed up the iPhone’s hardware and software, most notably providing FaceTime HD, for 1080p images, but also a rear camera that can handle low-light situations and noise-reduction filters for crisper photos. All of this using the same 8MP camera. However, the camera is now capped with a saphire crystal, slimming it down to a quarter of its former size while also providing what Apple claims is 40 percent faster photo capture.

Two more hardware upgrades of note for the iPhone 5: Apple introduced its new 9-pin connector, dubbed “Lightning,” which presumably echoes the “Thunderbolt” I/O accelerator introduced earlier for Macs. Although the new connector will require adapter for new hardware, Apple touted the new connection as more flexible, robust and an advance.

All of these hardware advances could have been done without a souped-up CPU. The iPhone 5 gains the A6, a processor said to be 2 times as fast as the A5 in the iPhone 4S and the new iPad. While more powerful, the A6 is 22 percent smaller.

Apple is expected to begin taking pre-orders for the iPhone 5 on Sept. 14 with units shipping Sept. 21. Pricing is $199 for the 16GB version, $299 for a 32GB model and $399 for the 64GB iPhone 5.

The introduction of the iPhone 5 also meant saying goodbye to the iPhone 3GS. Additionally, Apple made the 8GB iPhone 4S a “free” unit, as well as slashing the price on a $16GB iPhone 4S to just $99. Both price cuts should act to increase crossover purchases from Android owners or feature phone users intrigued by the iPhone, but not wanting to pay $199 for the smartphone and whatever data plan they choose. Speaking of the iPhone 4S, you may want to check how it compares to the iPhone 5.

Surprisingly, there was news from Apple that didn’t revolve around the iPhone. First, the iPod touch received a makeover with a 4-inch screen. The touch is widely viewed as a “gateway drug” used to hook teens and accustom them to the iPhone. After all, the iPod touch is basically an iPhone without the radio chip. Another iPod, the iPod nano, was also updated to a touchscreen. Lastly, Apple also announced new in-ear buds, affectionately known as EarPods.

And there still are Mac owners out there. For them, they received word that iTunes will be updated and redesigned to fit the iOS pattern making its way across all Apple devices. Speaking of iOS, iOS 6 will be available later this month, Apple announced. In the meantime, iOS 6 GM is already available to developers.

What did you think? What Apple announcement most impressed you — and what (if anything) took you by surprise?

Feast your eyes on gorgeous iPhone 5 shots

Apple just wrapped up its media non-event (so much about doubling down on secrecy, Tim Cook!) that saw Cupertino unveil the long-awaited iPhone 5 with a taller four-inch display, the A6 chip, thinner cameras and a bunch of other technological advances, the new iPod lineup and a re-written iTunes.

The company’s web site has been updated with new products and promotional videos and I thought I’d create a nice gallery of Apple’s press shots that show off the iPhone 5 from all angles. Feast your eyes and feel free to comment on the design…

Note that you can click on any of these images to get a nice Retina-friendly high-resolution version.

This is your iPhone 5.

If it wasn’t for the redesigned headset and a fifth row of icons, you would hardly be able to tell it apart from the iPhone 4/4S, heh?

Love the new black & slate color combination!

Of course, you’ll wanna go to apple.com/iphone if you’re hungry for more.

Prior to the announcement, you seemed pretty divided over the controversial two-tone design, with 53 percent upvoting the design and the remaining 47 percent saying it looks hideous.

Care to share your feelings about the iPhone 5 design now that you’ve seen the official press shots?

Watch the iPhone 5 presentation video

Apple’s website is now back online with a number of updates regarding today’s announcements, including the iPhone 5 presentation video that was played during this morning’s event.

So, if you’d like to hear Apple’s executive team go over the company’s latest handset inch-by-inch, make sure to check it out. You can find it here, but we’ll be embedding it here shortly.

iPhone 5 does FaceTime in HD, detects faces

In addition to the 25 percent thinner and improved iSight camera found on the back of the iPhone 5 (and featuring dynamic low light mode, precision lens alignment and sapphire crystal), Apple bumped up the specs of the front-facing FaceTime camera. It now lets you conduct video calls in high-definition, has a backside illuminated sensor and can detect faces when you snap images. Developing…

In conjunction with iOS 6, you can now enjoy crisp video calls on cellular networks (check with your carrier as additional fees or limitations may apply) around the world.

And if your carrier happens to offer speedy LTE technology, your iPhone 5 will take advantage of that while doing FaceTime in HD.

In case you were wondering, HD here refers to 720p, not 1080p like on the back iSight camera.

What do you guys think?

New smaller iPhone 5 Lightning connector confirmed

Apple officially unveiled its new connector called Lightning today at their iPhone press conference, just as the rumors suggested they would.

The new connector can be plugged in either way for ease of use, it’s 80% smaller, and all digital. It’ll no doubt compliment the new smaller form factor of the iPhone 5.The new connector is also said to be more durable, adaptive, and has an improved interface.

First we had Thunderbolt, and now we have Lightning.

But what if you have an older peripheral — which all of us, no doubt, do? Apple has addressed that issue with an adapter that interfaces between the iPhone, and the older 30 pin dock standard.

It’s not the prettiest solution in the world, but it should hold us over in the interim. What do you think?

You can purchase a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter for $29.00, and a 30-pin to Lightning Adapter for $39.00.

WSJ claims iOS 6 can block unwanted calls

As you know, iOS 6 comes with an improved stock Phone app which enables some interesting new call management features. For example, you can choose to reply to an incoming calls with a message or be reminded about it later.

When a call comes in that you can’t answer right away, users can just swipe up to reveal options. Surprisingly, theWall Street Journal claimed yesterday that iOS 6 also,among other things, includes new features that allow people to block unwanted calls…

Jessica Vasceralo, writing for the Journal (emphasis mine):

The next iPhone, which has been referred to internally by the code name N41, has been in the works for more than a year, a person familiar with the matter said.

Apple is expected to tweak the smartphone’s shape with a slightly larger screen and a different shell, and it will work with wireless carriers’ fastest LTE networks and run new mobile software.

That software, iOS 6, includes improvements to voice-activated assistant Siri, a new digital-coupon-and-passes service called Passbook, and new call-blocking features, among several others.

Apple’s iOS 6 page makes no mention of call blocking in a way that could allude this being a brand new feature.

iOS 6 adds new calling features to your iPhone. Now when you decline an incoming call, you can instantly reply with a text message or set a callback reminder. And when things are just too hectic, turn on Do Not Disturb and you won’t be bothered by anyone — except can’t-miss contacts like your boss or your better half.

Because of that, we have some doubts related to the wording of the WSJ article.

Perhaps the author though that “call-blocking features” is a cooler way of putting it?

It’s possible the article refers to a known Do Not Disturb toggle in Settings which lets you mute all incoming notifications.

Another option tucked away under the Notifications section in Settings even allows you to enable a scheduled Do Not Disturb mode that automatically kicks in, say, at midnight and ends at 8am.

Of course, those that jailbreak their devices can easily silence Notification Center alerts using tweaks such as  DoNotDisturb and BannerDisable, or use other tweaks to block unwanted calls.

At any rate, we will solve this and all other mysteries in less than an hour.

Stay tuned for our extensive coverage of Apple’s presser.

iPhone 5 features A6 processor with 2X faster CPU and 2x graphics

As expected, the iPhone 5 will be mated with a new A6 processor featuring 2X faster CPU and 2x graphics, when compared to the A5 processor featured in the iPhone 4S.

On top of the performance increases, the processor 22% smaller for more energy efficiency.

What are some of the real world results? Pages launches over 2X faster and Keynote over 1.5X faster.

iPhone 5 features new and improved camera

Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, is unveiling Apple’s sixth-generation iPhone at a presser at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco and he just took the wraps off the handset’s camera subsystem. As suspected, Apple refined the existing camera unit by making it thinner while adding a bunch of software-based features aimed at further improving the quality of photos, especially in low-light conditions…

Schiller noted the challenges Apple’s engineers faced by making the iPhone’s iSight camera thinner to fit inside its slimmer case.

Making something thinner is the worst thing you can do.

The iSight module on the back remains at eight megapixels.

It now uses sapphire crystal and sports dynamic low-light mode for sharper photos in  the dark, as well as precision lens alignment.

Based on the next-generation ISP on the A6 chip, the iSight module takes advantage of smart filters and spatial noise reduction technology to make your images sharper.

iPhone 5 features A6 processor with 2X faster CPU and 2x graphics

As expected, the iPhone 5 will be mated with a new A6 processor featuring 2X faster CPU and 2x graphics, when compared to the A5 processor featured in the iPhone 4S.

On top of the performance increases, the processor 22% smaller for more energy efficiency.

What are some of the real world results? Pages launches over 2X faster and Keynote over 1.5X faster.

iPhone 5 has built-in LTE and Ultrafast Wireless

Apple’s Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller is now on stage at the iPhone 5 event, and is starting to run down the specifics of the new handset.

Just as we expected, the phone features a 4-inch 1136 x 640 display, is extremely thin and is made of aluminum and glass. Oh, and it also supports LTE…

Schiller just announced that the iPhone 5 will feature a number of wireless technologies. For starters, it will support HSPA+, DC-HDSPA, and yes, LTE. It’s a single chip, single radio, dynamic antenna. There’s now a single chip for voice and data, and a single radio chip.

In the US, LTE will work on Sprint, Verizon and AT&T networks. In Canada, Rogers Telus, and Bell. Apple has also named carriers in Europe and other regions.

New Wi-Fi technology at 2.4GHz and 5GHz on 802.11n. Up to 150 Mbps transfer rate. “With the iPhone 5, the ultrafast wireless doesn’t stop at LTE.”

This is the iPhone 5

Apple’s kicked off its high-profilemedia event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco and. Just as Tim Cook blurbed out some interesting biz stats, he handed it over to worldwide marketing chief Phil Schiller who just announced theiPhone 5, Apple’s sixth-generation iPhone. Developing…

And here it is.

“You’re going to see this in many things you do”, Schiller said. “Two times performance across the board”.

It’s also got a taller Retina display (326 PPI) with a 1136 -by-640 screen resolution and full 16:9 aspect ratio, with iOS 6 using extra canvas for a fifth row if icons.

This is the monumental challenge we had — can you make a phone with more features that is smaller and lighter. Anyone can make a bigger phone.

Here, more images.

All of Apple’s apps have been update to take advantage of the bigger display: Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand.

“Now you see a full five day workweek”, Schiller said, putting up the following slide.

“You see more of your email in mail”, he said. “Your calendar shows more events”.

The phone is powered by the new A6 chip, said to provide a twofold jump in computing performance and graphics.

“Compared to the A5, it’s two times faster”, Schiller said.

Weighing in at 112 grams, the iPhone 5 is 20 percent lighter than its predecessor, the iPhone 4S.

As widely expected, it sports 4G cellular radios for ultra-fast mobile data, also supporting new dual-band WiFi 802.11n on 2.4 and 5GHz bands.

Note: the top image is credited to the AllThingsD blog.