Tag: iPhone

Whether you purchased an iPhone SE or need to free up cash for monthly expenses (or even a Mother’s Day gift), your used Apple electronics can be traded in for top dollar. Find out where to secure the best cash bonus alongside competitive trade-in values when you sell your used iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch.

Apple trade-in deals

Popular buyback retailers like Decluttr, BuyBackWorld and Gazelle are all offering AppleInsider readers exclusive trade-in bonuses on Apple hardware. In the case of Decluttr, users can net an additional 10% on phone trades specifically with promo code INSIDER10. Or grab a 6% bonus on other trades with code INSIDER6.

The providers above offer a variety of payment methods to choose from, such as check or direct deposit, so you aren’t limited in how you can use the money. However, if you’re looking to upgrade your Apple device and want to take advantage of deals when buying a new gadget, B&H Photo has partnered with Phobio to issue B&H gift cards for Apple trade-ins.

Here’s a rundown of the trade-in offers:

iPhone trade in deals

The iPhone trade in values below include bonus cash savings available exclusively to AppleInsider readers. For even more models, including third-party phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20, be sure to visit the respective buyback provider’s site to enter your particular make, model and condition.

iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to $809 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to $740 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to $631 at Gazelle

iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro: Up to $778 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone 11 Pro: Up to $670 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone 11 Pro: Up to $620 at Gazelle

iPhone 11

iPhone XS Max

• iPhone XS Max: Up to $540 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone XS Max: Up to $506 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone XS Max: Up to $413 at Gazelle
• iPhone XS Max: Up to $395 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

iPhone XS

• iPhone XS: Up to $485 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone XS: Up to $411 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone XS: Up to $350 at Gazelle
• iPhone XS: Up to $350 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

iPhone XR

• iPhone XR: Up to $420 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone XR: Up to $380 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone XR: Up to $344 at Gazelle
• iPhone XR: Up to $295 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

iPhone X

iPhone 8 Plus

• iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $305 at BuyBackWorld with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $270 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $188 at Gazelle
• iPhone 8 Plus: Up to $180 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

iPhone 8

• iPhone 8: Up to $235 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone 8: Up to $198 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone 8: Up to $160 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider
• iPhone 8: Up to $156 at Gazelle

iPhone 7 Plus

• iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $250 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $184 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $135 at Gazelle
• iPhone 7 Plus: Up to $120 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

iPhone 7

• iPhone 7: Up to $155 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER10
• iPhone 7: Up to $125 at Decluttr with code INSIDER10
• iPhone 7: Up to $115 at Gazelle
• iPhone 7: Up to $100 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

Find dozens more smartphone models at Decluttr, BuyBackWorld, Gazelle and MyPhones Unlimited.

iPad trade in values

Along with iPhones, iPads qualify for a 6% cash bonus at Declutter with promo code INSIDER6, or a $20 bonus at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider.

Apple iPad trade-ins valued at $200 or more also qualify for a $20 bonus at Gazelle and BuyBackWorld (the latter requires promo code APPLEINSIDER20).

10.2-inch iPad (7th Generation)

• 2019 iPad: Up to $272 at BuyBackWorld with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20
• 2019 iPad: Up to $174 at Gazelle
• 2019 iPad: Up to $170 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

9.7-inch iPad (6th Generation)

• 2018 iPad: Up to $185 at Decluttr with code INSIDER6
• 2018 iPad: Up to $155 at BuyBackWorld with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20
• 2018 iPad: Up to $135 at Gazelle
• 2018 iPad: Up to $130 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider

10.5-inch iPad Pro

• 10.5″ iPad Pro: Up to $329 at Decluttr with code INSIDER6
• 10.5″ iPad Pro: Up to $315 at BuyBackWorld with coupon code APPLEINSIDER20
• 10.5″ iPad Pro: Up to $270 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider
• 10.5″ iPad Pro: Up to $252 at Gazelle

12.9-inch iPad Pro

• 12.9″ iPad Pro: Up to $756 at Decluttr with promo code INSIDER6
• 12.9″ iPad Pro: Up to $730 at BuyBackWorld with code APPLEINSIDER20
• 12.9″ iPad Pro: Up to $520 at MyPhones Unlimited with code appleinsider
• 12.9″ iPad Pro: Up to $518 at Gazelle

Find many more iPad models at Decluttr, BuyBackWorld, Gazelle and MyPhones Unlimited.

Mac, Apple Watch trade-in bonuses & more

Cell phones and tablets aren’t the only electroncis you can sell for cash. If you have an Apple Watch Series 5, for instance, selling your Series 1, 2, 3 or 4 Apple Watch has never been easier. Simply lock in a price today and mail in your used device using the pre-paid shipping label from the buyback provider of your choice.

Gift cards, Magic keyboards, and even LEGO bricks can all be traded in easily. Simply lock in a quote, ship the goods for free and get paid in cash at these top providers:

Additional Apple deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive savings on hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus discounts on AppleCare, Office 365 and more. These offers are as follows:

Interested in additional Apple hardware? See if there is a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com.

With a new iPhone SE occupying Apple’s entry-level price tier, the question of which budget-friendly iPhone to buy has gotten a bit harder. We’re here to help.

The second-generation iPhone SE packs a lot of device into a $399 price tag, but it’s still missing some of the key flagship features users have come to expect from modern Apple handsets.

Though it still retains some years-old design elements, like a Home button and significant bezels, the new iPhone SE offers some extremely competitive specifications for the price, especially when compared to the other cheaper device in Apple’s lineup.

Let’s take a closer look at how the iPhone SE, iPhone XR and iPhone 11 stack up.

	iPhone SE (second-generation)	iPhone XR	iPhone 11
Price	$399	$449	$699
Dimensions (inches)	5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29	5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33	5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33
Weight (ounces)	5.22	5.84	5.84
Processor	A13 Bionic	A12 Bionic	A13 Bionic
RAM	3GB	3GB	4GB
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Display type	4.7-inch Retina HD	6.1-inch Liquid Retina	6.1-inch Liquid Retina
Resolution	1,334 x 750 at 326ppi	1,792 x 828 at 326ppi	1,792 x 828 at 326ppi
True Tone	Yes	Yes	Yes
Biometrics	TouchID	Face ID	Face ID
Connectivity	Gigabit-class LTE Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 6	Gigabit-class LTE Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 5	Gigabit-class LTE Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 6
Rear Cameras	Single-lens 12MP Wide camera	Single-lens 12MP Wide camera	Dual-lens 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide Cameras Night Mode Bright True Tone Flash
Front Cameras	7MP FaceTime HD Camera	7MP TrueDepth Camera	12MP TrueDepth Camera
Battery Size	Video playback up to 13 hours	Video playback up to 17 hours	Video playback up to 17 hours
Colors	Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED	Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Coral, (PRODUCT)RED	Purple, Yellow, Green, Black, White and (PRODUCT)RED

Basic overview of the iPhone SE, iPhone XR and iPhone 11

The iPhone SE may seem like the biggest outlier here, but it has similarities to both the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE, depending on the exact specification.

For example, the overall footprint of the iPhone XR and the iPhone 11 are very similar, with virtually no differences in dimensions or weight. The iPhone SE has a vastly different form factor than current iPhones, with a 4.7-inch display, relatively large bezels and a Home button.

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Both the iPhone SE and the iPhone 11 pack an A13 Bionic chipset, meaning that their performance is going to outpace the older and slower A12 Bionic in the iPhone XR. It’s a similar story for connectivity, with the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 featuring support for Wi-Fi 6. The trio do feature the same Bluetooth specification and 4G LTE support, however.

When it comes to cameras, the iPhone SE and iPhone XR are fairly evenly stacked, with a similar single-lens rear camera. The iPhone 11 has the best camera setup with a dual-lens system that includes an ultra-wide-angle lens and next-generation Smart HDR.

The TrueDepth Camera in the edge-to-edge iPhones offers some competitive advantages and access to features like Face ID.

None of the displays here are OLED-based. While the two edge-to-edge displays use Apple’s Liquid Retina LCD technology, they all have the same pixel density. The only difference is the iPhone SE’s resolution, which is lower due mainly to its smaller screen.

The biometrics are different, of course, with the new iPhone SE retaining a Home button and Touch ID. All three devices sport dual-SIM capabilities thanks to Apple’s embedded eSIM, as well as support for Qi wireless charging.

Which of the trio you should buy

As mentioned earlier, the iPhone SE has quite a few flagship-like features hidden underneath its older iPhone form factor. It’s going to be an extremely attractive choice for the price, compared to both mid-range iPhones as well as Android devices.

It could also act as a good stepping stone to a modern iPhone for users who have held onto their old devices for some time. It’s a familiar form factor, despite having some of the latest updates inside of it. Fans of the 4.7-inch, or those avoiding the newer designs, may want to give it a hard look.

The iPhone XR occupies a slot somewhere in the middle, though it actually has the slowest processor and several other features that lag about a year behind its 2020 stablemates.

While it’s going to offer a similar experience to the iPhone 11, its hardware and internals are slightly older. It’s probably best for users who want the cheapest way to get Face ID and an edge-to-edge display.

Apple’s iPhone 11 is representative of the company’s current flagship. It’s essentially the whole package, with the best cameras, and is the best phone out of the bunch —but at a cost premium.

Even though it’s missing a few features compared to the iPhone 11 Pro models. It is, of course, the most expensive. And a $700 price isn’t exactly friendly to every budget.

 

By Amber Neely
Monday, April 20, 2020, 01:06 pm PT (04:06 pm ET)

ABC and FremantleMedia are bringing American Idol back to TV with a new twist —the contestants will film themselves at home using the latest iPhones.

American Idol, like many other shows, was shut down when the ongoing pandemic forced social distancing. The audience-centric, live show had initially planned to delay the show until social distancing restrictions had been lifted, but found that the idea didn’t feel right. That’s when the show decided to get creative.

American Idol show-runner Trish Kinane, who is also the president of Entertainment Programming for FremantleMedia, had to come up with a clever solution to working around lockdown restrictions.

Kinane and a team of nearly 45 people have been figuring out how to host the show remotely. The solution involves sending contestants lighting equipment, wardrobe, and the latest iPhone —presumably an iPhone 11 Pro Max. The contestants will be required to film themselves.

The American Idol band has been recording tracks remotely to provide to the Idols. Producers have checked on contestants’ Internet, and each contestant has scouted out a remote filming location.

“These are kids who are really used to iPhone technology, they are really familiar with it and use it every day. In the end, we decided rather than send them some complicated camera that you really need a camera operator to use, we would go with the the technology that they’re familiar with,” Kinane told Deadline.

“These top of the range iPhones are amazing. It wouldn’t surprise me if we were using iPhones in the studio in the future,” she added.

ABC’s Senior Vice President said that ABC was now working with Apple to continue the show.

“We are blessed to live in a day and age where we have technology, even if this had happened five years ago, I don’t know if it would be possible,” he said. “There is a real can-do spirit here that is exciting and exhausting, it’s been fun to figure it out.”

The judges, which includes Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, will also be filming remotely. Ryan Seacrest, the show’s host, will act as an anchor point for the show.

Seacrest had been given an “American Idol” desk as a present after the show had come to an end on Fox and will be using it to host the show from his home.

“We need a home base to come back to. You don’t want it to be chaotic. Ryan is home base, everything goes through him for the live shows,” Kinane said. “Ryan is going to behind an American Idol desk to host the show. It’s been packed up for three and a half years but now its moment has come.”

Whether you’re planning to pick up a new iPhone SE or are gifting one to someone else, it’s a smart idea to pick up a case designed for the iPhone SE 2 to protect your new device. Here are some of our top picks.

Don’t risk breaking your new iPhone SE — make sure you have a new case that will arrive before your phone does! This list includes some of our perennial favorite brands and includes everything from thin-form to military-certified cases.

BodyGuardz

SlideVue

This is an impact-resistant TPU case boasting BodyGuardz’ Unequal impact gel, capable of protecting your iPhone from moderate drops. It features a silicone finger loop that doubles as a kickstand for holding your phone in the best position to watch videos Available in clear with pink or mint accents, or transparent gray with black accents, BodyGuardz’ SlideVue normally costs $29.95, but is marked down to $23.96.

Harmony

Inspired by women’s sunglasses, this stylish ombre case is designed to make your new iPhone stand out from the crowd. It features metallic button accents, a soft TPU body, and a raised bezel to protect your screen from scratches, scuffs, and bumps. This case also features Unequal technology, designed to absorb and dissipate impact from moderate drops. Available in pink, purple, mint, gray, and a cyan-to-purple ombre, the Harmony case normally costs $39.95, but it’s currently on sale for $31.96 .

Ace Pro

A low-profile TPU case with a clear design to show off your iPhone’s design without drawing attention to itself, the Ace Pro is perfect for minimalists who appreciate the sleek design of their device. Unequal technology absorbs and dissipates impact from moderate drops. It comes in three colors: Gray/Black, Clear/Pink, and Clear/White, and is priced at $19.95 on sale for $15.96.

ESR

Air Armor

Combining both a sleek design with military-grade drop protection, Air Armor is a perfect case for those who want to show off the design of their new iPhone as well as protect it from bumps and drops. It features air-guard corners on a flexible frame, making it easy to swap the case when you need a change. Available in clear and black, the Air Armor starts at $9.99.

Metal Kickstand Case

This is a soft TPU case that features reinforced drop protection for moderate drops, and a clear design that lets the design of your iPhone take center stage. It also comes with a metal kickstand that allows you to angle your phone perfectly in both horizontal and vertical orientations, great for watching videos or making a FaceTime call. Available in clear and on sale for $13.99 at Amazon.

Essential Zero

The perfect case for those who don’t want additional bulk, the 1.1 millimeter-thick, clear Essential Zero case is so slim you might forget it’s even there at all. The flexible polymer case offers light drop and bump protection, and the slightly raised bezels help prevent scratches to your camera and your screen. Available for $8.99 from Amazon.

Spigen

Slim Armor CS

Great for the minimalist that wants to leave their bag behind, the Slim Armor CS is capable of holding two cards behind the slide-away compartment on the back. Dual-layers and air cushion technology offer moderate drop protection. Available in Rose Gold, Black, Gunmetal, White, Red, and Blush Gold with prices starting at $15.99

Ultra Hybrid

Boasting Air Cushion Technology and Clear Hybrid Drop Protection, the Ultra Hybrid is designed to balance a slim form-factor with a tough exterior that can keep your phone safe from moderate drops. Raised bezels keep your phone screen and camera lenses scratch-free, and the clear design flaunts your iPhone SE’s design. Available in clear with black, pink, red, or rose crystal accents for $13.99.

Moment

iPhone Wallet Case

If you’re looking to add a touch of style to your new iPhone SE, this may be the case for you. Natural Horween leather and canvas combine to make an elegant statement, and the added benefit of being able to carry three cards lets you leave your wallet at home. This case also allows you to easily twist-and-lock Moment lenses to your iPhone, giving you an upgraded mobile photography experience. This case is available in natural leather and black leather, and will cost you $23.99.

Gear4

Oxford Eco

A durable, folio-style case made with recycled plastic from water bottles and can hold two credit cards comfortably inside. The slim design features a combination of thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, and D3O to keep your iPhone SE scratch and dent free. Available in black, the Oxford Eco retails for $49.99, but AppleInsider readers can save an additional 20% at ZAGG with coupon code INSIDER20, bringing the price down to $39.99

Crystal Place

A stylish, sleek, extra tough case that features an antimicrobial surface that kills 99.9% of surface bacteria and a tough exterior that offers 13-foot drop protection. It’s also wireless charging compatible, meaning no fussing with removing your case at the end of the day. You can snag one in clear or iridescent from ZAGG for $31.99 with promo code INSIDER20.

Wembly Palette

This case offers 8-foot drop protection, a fingerprint-resistant finish, and is wireless charging compatible. The slim design doesn’t add much additional bulk to your phone, and the anti-microbial coating kills 99.9% of surface bacteria. Available in smoke, cobalt blue, red, mint, and lilac, the Wembly Palette will run you $23.99 with 20% off coupon code INSIDER20.

 

By Mikey Campbell
Thursday, March 19, 2020, 06:54 pm PT (09:54 pm ET)

Though Apple’s supply partners in China are still grappling with fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak that left factories in the region shuttered for weeks, the tech giant’s important iPhone release cycle has yet to see significant disruption from the ongoing crisis, according to a report on Thursday.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports Apple’s next-generation “iPhone 12” lineup, which is expected to include a 5G model, is on track to debut this fall.

Apple and its suppliers are on schedule in part because the company typically announces and releases new flagship iPhones in September. Mass production is slated for May, which means hardware assemblers like Foxconn are — barring a flareup — granted fairly wide berth to produce and stockpile units for a start to sales.

A significant portion of Apple’s supply chain was negatively impacted by the novel coronavirus, with plants and offices closing over the Chinese New Year holiday on government mandate.

Foxconn, responsible for a bulk of Apple manufacturing, shut down operations in early February and initially planned to resume production on Feb. 10. That outlook proved optimistic, as the contract manufacturer later forecast a return to 50% capacity in mid-February. In early March, Foxconn said it plans to achieve normal operating status by the end of March.

As noted in today’s report, assembly is but one cog in Apple’s complex manufacturing machine. A person who works in the iPhone maker’s supply chain claims the operation is not moving at “normal speed” due to low component supplies. It will take at least a month before parts integral to device assembly are readily available, the report said. Whether that includes components for future iPhones was not made clear.

While current products, like the new iPad Pro are in short supply, the COVID-19 situation has so far not prevented Apple from moving ahead with plans for its next-generation handset. For example, Apple was able to build test versions of the new devices during factory closures in February, the report said.

Still, with a truly worldwide supply chain, Apple’s plans for a fall launch might be snarled by mandated quarantines. Apple partners in Malaysia, specifically chip and circuit board producers Murata Manufacturing Co., Renesas Electronics Corp. and Ibiden Co., recently stopped production as the government called for a two-week lockdown. Micron, Texas Instruments and On Semiconductor also have facilities in the country.

Apple also relies on key component producers in Germany, Italy, South Korea, the U.S. and the UK.

In addition to component sourcing, Apple needs to send engineers to Chinese factories to facilitate final product testing and resolve outstanding issues prior to mass assembly.

 

By Mikey Campbell
Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 09:05 pm PT (12:05 am ET)

A report on Wednesday reaffirms numerous claims that Apple will this fall debut an iPhone model featuring an integrated rear-facing VCSEL laser system, good for depth measurements that power advanced augmented reality applications.

Citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans, Fast Company reports the tech giant has tapped San Jose-based Lumentum to supply the lasers that will sit at the heart of the “world-facing” 3D depth sensor. Apple currently relies on Lumentum for the lasers in TrueDepth, the front-facing camera system which powers Face ID, Animoji and other features on iPhone and iPad.

Unlike TrueDepth, the forthcoming system is expected to calculate depth with time of flight (ToF) technology.

TrueDepth, introduced with iPhone X in 2017, deduces depth by using an infrared VCSEL transmitter and specialized receiver alongside a traditional color RGB camera module to measure deviations in structured light — a pattern of dots — projected across a user’s face. The system rumored for 2020 generates a depth map by calculating the time it takes laser light pulses to bounce off a target.

Compared to TrueDepth, ToF systems are generally viewed as more accurate and viable over longer distances. The latter consideration is important for a system designed to measure a user’s world.

As with previous reports, Fast Company believes a rear-facing 3D system will give way to more effective photography effects, specifically Portrait and Portrait Lighting modes that separate a subject from its background. AR apps could also benefit from a highly accurate depth array.

Samsung handsets including the Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra, as well as other Android smartphones, currently integrate ToF camera solutions to bolster photography features and AR apps like Samsung’s Quick Measure.

Fast Company has a fairly strong track record of accurately predicting Apple product launches, but has consistently missed the mark with its ToF forecasts. The publication first claimed Apple would integrate a rear-facing 3D camera in 2017, saying the technology would debut in what would eventually be marketed as iPhone X.

According to today’s report, “at least one” iPhone will get the 3D camera system this year.

Last July, noted TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple to integrate rear-facing ToF sensors in both of this year’s “iPhone 12” flagships.

 

By Wesley Hilliard
Sunday, March 01, 2020, 05:52 am PT (08:52 am ET)

The LG Innotek factory that supplies iPhone camera modules has closed in Gumi, South Korea after the first case of coronavirus was discovered in the workforce, delivering yet another blow to the Apple supply chain.

As the coronavirus continues its global spread, more news of industry closings and event cancellations arrive each day. Sunday morning’s closures include an LG Innotek and Samsung Electronics plant responsible for mobile device manufacture.

LG Innotek specifically affects Apple, as it is responsible for supplying the camera module for assorted models of the iPhone 11. The unannounced “iPhone 12” may also rely on LG Innotek, which does not bode well for its early production.

Reuters reports that the factory intends to re-open on Tuesday after the infected employee’s floor can be properly disinfected. There are conflicting reports about this in South Korea, however, and AppleInsider is attempting to get clarity from LG on the matter.

The 2019 coronavirus has become a global problem, and we are only just seeing the results of its spread. Apple has backup production facilities in India and Japan, but it is only a matter of time before the backups are affected if the virus continues its spread.

The industry is feeling the effects of the virus as conferences are being cancelled, and stores and buildings being shut down.

Tim Cook is on record saying that the coronavirus is not a long term concern, as he is confident it will be contained. Apple is supplying relief to victims of the virus, and has even started sending care packages to Chinese employees.

 

By AppleInsider Staff
Thursday, February 27, 2020, 08:26 pm PT (11:26 pm ET)

Pop diva Lady Gaga is set to release a new single titled “Stupid Love” on Friday, and in a tweet revealed the song’s accompanying music video was shot using Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro.

Gaga referenced Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign in a tweet teasing the upcoming release of “Stupid Love” to her more than 80 million followers on Thursday. The song and video debut on Friday at midnight.

Along with still shots from the video and what appears to be the single’s cover art, Gaga offered a sample of “Stupid Love” in two roughly minute-long clips that were concurrently published to her official YouTube channel. The entire production, which appears to take place on an alien planet, was captured using Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro, according to a short description.

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With “Stupid Love,” Gaga marks a return to the spotlight after a nearly three-year hiatus. Her last single, “The Cure,” was released in April 2017. In the interim, Gaga starred in and penned tracks for the film “A Star is Born” and inked a two-year concert residency at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

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Gaga is not the first major act to rely on iPhone for music video duties. In October, Selena Gomez used iPhone 11 to film a moody black-and-white accompaniment to “Lose You to Love Me,” a long-awaited follow-up to 2015’s Revival.

Prior to Gomez, Apple partnered with FKA Twigs, Florence and the Machine, and Kamali Washington to produce the “Shot on iPhone On Tour” series, which featured live concert footage captured on iPhone XS.

 

By Christine McKee
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 09:08 pm PT (12:08 am ET)

Apple iPhone users looking to make the switch to 5G can now pre-order Samsung Galaxy S20 devices with aggressive iPhone trade-in values and even free gift offers.

Samsung launches S20 5G phones

With Apple’s rumored 5G iPhone launching in September, users wanting to experience 5G regardless of operating system (subject to carrier availability) can pre-order Samsung’s new Galaxy S20 devices, including the S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra 5G, at leading retailers. Further incentivizing iOS users to make the switch to Android, Samsung is offering shoppers up to $200 in Samsung credit in addition to trade-in deals of up to $700.

Here at AppleInsider, we’ll be testing the new 5G S20 smartphones, putting them through the paces against Apple’s current iPhone offerings. But for those looking to get their hands on an S20 asap, here are the best deals on the new 5G phones.

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra 5G pre-orders

• B&H: Get up to $200 in Samsung credit. Plus, free 2-day shipping within the contiguous U.S. and a sales tax refund in qualifying states with the Payboo Card.
• Amazon: Free Galaxy Buds and Wireless Charger Duo Pad with Galaxy S20 5G devices.
• Samsung: Get up to $200 Samsung credit when you pre-order select Galaxy S20 models. Plus, get up to $700 in trade-in value on iPhones.
• Best Buy: Save up to $850 on the new Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, S20+ 5G or S20 Ultra 5G with pre-order, qualified activation and trade-in. Plus, get up to a $200 Samsung credit.

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Additional Apple deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive savings on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus discounts on AppleCare, peripherals and more. These deals are as follows:

Interested in additional Apple hardware? See if there is a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com.

Reports have emerged in the last 24 hours with contradictory sources all claiming to have the inside track on the details surrounding the antenna technology expected in the 5G “iPhone 12” —with one claiming that Apple will do most of the work itself.

Multiple sources are chiming in on the antenna material, design, and supplier for components for the 5G “iPhone 12.” One report claims that Apple is working with Qualcomm on a custom design for the antenna, and a second written by Ming-Chi Kuo claims that things are not quite as set, with some disarray behind-the-scenes in who is going to supply crucial power amplifying (PA) components in the antenna array.

Early on Friday, Kuo wrote a note to investors discussing the situation. In the note, seen by AppleInsider, Kuo said that the power amplifier situation incorporated in the antenna is still fluid.

Kuo originally believed that Broadcom and Avago would be responsible for design, with Win Semi providing production of the iPhone 5G PA circuitry associated with an antenna system. However, Kuo revised that, saying on Friday morning that Qorvo and Skyworks will replace Broadcom as the iPhone 5G PA’s suppliers, while Broadcom will only focus on the suppling the mid to high band PA integrated with one of the many potential models expected in the fall of 2020.

A report on Friday afternoon suggested that things were a bit further along than determining who would supply the power amplifiers and how it would be delivered. Fast Company citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter believes that Apple “balked” at Qualcomm’s QTM 525 set mmWave antenna module design —which includes power amplifiers and Qualcomm’s X55 modem —because it would not work with Apple’s planned design of the device.

The late Friday report suggests that Apple could be working on its own “phased array” antenna, different from the QTM 525. That seems unlikely, however, given Apple’s deal for 5G with Qualcomm that it signed in 2019 that provides Apple the technology and licensing spanning the antenna to the modem, and everything in between.

Fast Company further suggests that there is “bad blood” at some level between Apple and Qualcomm. The source cited in the report say that Apple feels as an institution that is is “getting screwed on royalties” despite the deal, and are trying to minimize Qualcomm parts in the “iPhone 12.”

Further complicating and confusing the matter, Kuo claims that the 5G iPhone 12 was planned for a “2×2 uplink” design. It isn’t clear exactly what Kuo is talking about here. Antenna architecture varies a bit with both the sub-6Ghz network and mmWave associated with 5G architecture, versus terminology and technology intended for the existing 4G network.

Both reports agree on one point —the internal and external designs are not yet fixed. Kuo says that “the order allocation of iPhone 5G PA is not yet confirmed.” Fast Company says something similar, claiming that it could revert back to Qualcomm’s entire package at some point later in the design process.

Apple and 5G antenna design

The first reports of Apple working on a team dedicated to producing its own 5G modem started to emerge in February 2019. At the time, job listings for the department, said to be under Johny Srouji, included one role seeking a cellular systems architect in San Diego, which is rumored to be where Apple is planning to build its new chip.

At this point, Apple and Qualcomm had yet to start the legal battle over cellular technology licensing over the so-called “no license, no chips” provisos mandated by Qualcomm. It came to a head in April 2019, when Apple and Qualcomm announced a deal that ended the legal actions against each other. In the fallout of that deal, Intel exited the 5G modem business for smartphones.

Apple purchased Intel’s modem business in July 2019. As part of the deal, it got Intel’s cellular patent portfolio, said to include 6,000 patent assets associated with 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular standards, and 1,700 assets about wireless implementation technologies. A second portfolio also included covered just 500 patents with a “broad applicability” across both the semiconductor and electronics industries.

In October 2019, it was reported that Apple had set a 2022 deadline to develop an in-house cellular modem for use in iPhone and iPad. This would incorporate not just the antenna, but the modem chip as well —very similar to what Qualcomm is rumored to possibly provide in the QTM 525 assembly.

It isn’t yet clear what Apple has succeeded in developing. However, should the 2022 deadline be accurate, it is likely too early for Apple to have developed anything usable for a 5G modem and antenna suite for the “iPhone 12.”

Details surrounding the forthcoming “iPhone 12”

Beyond 5G support, the 2020 “iPhone 12” is expected to get 3D depth sensing capabilities using the rear camera. It is also suggested Apple could bring back Touch ID by taking advantage of acoustic fingerprinting to turn the entire display into a fingerprint reader, something that has been featured in a few patent applications by the company.

Furthermore, the “iPhone 12” is predicted to have at least four discrete models, including 5.4-inch OLED with rear dual-cam, 6.1-inch OLED with rear dual-cam, 6.1-inch OLED with rear triple-cam plus time-of-flight sensors, and 6.7- inch OLED with rear triple-cam+ToF. Adding to the assortment of iPhones predicted for 2020, Kuo expects Apple to launch the 4.7-inch LCD “iPhone SE 2” in March 2020, with a form-factor similar to that of the iPhone 8.