As is typical of Apple launches, iPhone 7 shipping updates aren’t too reliable. Here’s how to check your status and ensure that you receive your package by pre-signing for delivery.
News
iPhone 7 Upgrade Program gets more Inventory, Apple Stores Lose Out
iPhone Upgrade Program members who felt jilted last Friday when pre-orders began and they couldn’t score a new iPhone 7 may have a chance to get in on this week’s launch day action. Apple made more inventory available for Upgrade Program members, but that may be at the expense of walk-in buyers.
Single Sign-on Missing from tvOS 10 Update
When Apple released tvOS 10 on Tuesday along side iOS 10 and watchOS 3, our fourth generation Apple TVs got some cool new features like a dark mode interface and more powerful Siri search support. What we aren’t getting is single sign-on support—a feature promised earlier this year at Apple’s annual developer conference.
Apple's Swift Playgrounds for iPad Hits the App Store
Apple released Swift Playgrounds for iPad along side iOS 10 on Tuesday, giving us the tablet-based developer learning tool first shown off earlier this year at the company’s Worldwide Developer Conference. The app teaches coding skills without needing any prior experience.
Pandora Inks Deals with Sony and Universal as it Prepares to Take on Apple and Spotify
Apple Music is about to get a new, yet familiar, competitor. Pandora today announced that it has secured licensing agreements with two major music labels, positioning the company to soon enter the on-demand music streaming industry currently dominated by Apple and Spotify.
Apple Releases iOS 10 and watchOS 3
As expected, Apple today released the latest versions of its mobile operating systems. iOS 10 is now available for the iPhone 5 and newer, iPad mini and newer, iPad (4th generation) and newer, and the 6th generation iPod touch, while watchOS 3 is ready to go for all Apple Watch owners.
Apple Releases iTunes 12.5.1 with New Look & macOS Sierra Support
On September 13th, Apple released iTunes 12.5.1. It works in El Capitan but has some new features that make it macOS Sierra ready and provide support for iOS 10. Most notable is a fresher, cleaner look which addresses some of the early criticism regarding the complexity and busy look of iTunes 12.
ESPN Shows iPhone 7 Plus Photo Quality with US Open Tennis Shots
Apple put the iPhone 7 Plus in the hands of pro photographers ahead of its big reveal last week, and now we get to see even more shots because ESPN has snapping pics with one at the US Open Tennis Championships. Landon Nordeman used an iPhone 7 Plus in lieu of his DSLR setup, and the shots he got were pretty amazing.
Apple Watch Series 2 Preorders Slip to 3 Weeks and Longer
It took hours instead of minutes, but delivery dates for most Apple Watch Series 2 models have slipped out to about three weeks. The Series 2 Sport aluminum and stainless steel models are listed as shipping by the end of September, while the ceramic Edition model is 5-6 weeks out.
Apple isn't Announcing iPhone 7 Preorder Sales Numbers
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus deliveries were showing several week delays only minutes after preorders launched, but don’t count on seeing how many sold come Monday because Apple isn’t sharing the numbers. The company said the numbers don’t reflect actual demand and don’t hold any value for investors.
Belkin Lightning Adapter Solves iPhone 7 Listen While Charging Problem
The combo charger and headphone jack adapter you want for your just ordered iPhone 7 is coming from Belkin instead of Apple. The accessory maker is showing off the Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter on its website—and even though it isn’t shipping yet, it’ll still probably arrive before your Jet Black iPhone 7.
Delivery Times for iPhone 7 Plus Jet Black Slip to November
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus went on pre-order Friday morning, and delivery times for iPhone 7 Jet Black slipped to November within 20 minutes. All other colors on iPhone 7 Plus range from 6-8 business days to 2-3 weeks. Many iPhone 7 models are still available for delivery on the 16th.
Here's Where to Preorder Your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
Set your alarm because iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus preorders start at 12:01AM pacific time Friday morning—which means Thursday night is going to run really late for a lot of people. You can place your preorder on Apple’s website, in the Apple Store app, or through your cell service provider.
Apple's iPhone 7 Headphone Adapter Costs $9
Apple is including a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter with the iPhone 7, but what happens when you lose yours? Apple is happy to sell you another, and it’ll cost you US$9.
Apple Drops Prices, Bumps Storage on iPad Line
The iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 were in the spotlight Wednesday morning, Apple quietly lowered the prices on the iPad lineup while bumping up storage. The 16GB storage option is gone and a 256GB option is available, just like the iPhone 7.
iOS 10, watchOS 3 Available Sept 13
iOS 10 and watchOS 3 are finally getting the nod of approval from Apple and will move from beta status to official releases on September 13th. The free upgrade will come three days before the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 ship on September 16th.
macOS Sierra Coming September 20
Apple’s big focus today is the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2, but that doesn’t mean the Mac didn’t get any love—or more precisely, macOS Sierra. Apple quietly updated the Sierra website on Wednesday to say the replacement for Mac OS X El Capitan will ship on September 20th.
Apple goes Wireless with AirPods
Apple embraced wireless earbuds on Wednesday with the introduction of its AirPods earbuds. AirPods are designed to connect to the iPhone and Apple Watch over Bluetooth, and let you quickly switch between which device where they’re streaming audio.
iPhone 7 Coming Sept 16 with New Processors, Amazing Cameras
Apple unveiled the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus during its “See you on the 7th” media event Wednesday morning. The new models replace the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus as Apple’s top of the line iPhones with faster processors and improved cameras.
Apple Intros Waterproof Apple Watch Series 2 with GPS
Apple’s September 7th media event was about more than just the iPhone 7 because we also got our first look at Apple Watch 2. This is the first refresh of Apple’s smartwatch since it shipped almost 18 months ago and adds new features like a built-in “swim-proof” waterproofing, and a GPS.
Pokémon GO Coming to Apple Watch
Pokémon GO is coming to the Apple Watch later this month, fixing a glaring omission in the game when it first launched on the iPhone. The Apple Watch version gives you notifications your wrist, lets you track in-game activities, and ties in with fitness tracking, too.
Apple Leaks iPhone 7 Features on Twitter
Apple hasn’t officially announced the iPhone 7 yet at its “See you on the 7th” media event, but that didn’t stop the company from revealing some of its features on Twitter. The company’s Twitter feed is highlighting features like waterproofness, new cameras, stereo speakers, and longer battery life.
TMO "See you on the 7th" Live Coverage
Apple’s “See you on the 7th” event is set to start at 10AM pacific time today, and The Mac Observer will be on location at the Bill Graham Civic Center in San Francisco to cover the day’s big announcements. CEO Tim Cook and other company executives are expected to take the stage to show off the successor to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and possibly the Apple Watch 2.
Apple Store Offline Ahead of iPhone 7 Launch Event
Apple’s online store went offline Wednesday morning ahead of the company’s “See you on the 7th” special media event. The Apple Store app now says “We’ve got something special in store for you,” which most likely is the iPhone 7.