Consumers looking to buy the iPhone 6S Plus on its September 25 launch date may have trouble finding one.
At the launch event on September 9, Apple unveiled its next-generation iPhones -- the iPhone 6S and the iPhones 6S Plus. Demand has been heavy for the new phones, especially the 6S Plus, according to Apple, leading to long wait times for those who've preordered. But another factor may limit availability of the new large-screened iPhone.
The iPhone 6S Plus's backlight module, which supplies light to the screen, is allegedly suffering production issues, according to a Monday investors note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, which was picked up by AppleInsider. Kuo apparently didn't specify the exact nature of the problem but said the slowdown in production rests with Apple supplier Minebea, which has been manufacturing the backlight modules.
Assuming Kuo's information is accurate, and the analyst is usually on the money, the production slowdown could put a dent in iPhones 6S Plus sales. Buyers who started preordering the new 5.5-inch-screened phone on Saturday are already facing ship times of up to four weeks, compared with a ship date of September 25 for the 4.7-inch-screened iPhone 6S. That delay could dissuade new buyers looking to preorder from opting for the 6S Plus, perhaps leading them to choose the 6S or picking a rival phone if they want a large display. Even further, supply of the iPhone 6S is expected to be limited on the September 25 launch date, again potentially pushing smartphone buyers to consider other options, both Apple and non-Apple.
Apple has reportedly moved more of the production of the module to another supplier called Radiant, with whom Apple has worked in the past to build the backlight modules for the iPad Mini. Kuo said he thinks Radiant may be "more skilled" at making the modules, AppleInsider said.
"We believe Minebea's (JP) backlight module production issues in supplying iPhone 6S Plus (6S Plus) isone of the main factors in the model's supply shortage," Kuo said, according to MacRumors. "To tackle this issue, we believe Apple (US) has been increasingly transferring high-ASP 6S Plus backlight module orders to Radiant, boosting its sales momentum."
Apple is expected to have somewhere between 1.5 million to 2 million iPhone 6s Plus units for sale on launch date, according to Kuo.
On Monday, Apple announced that preorders for the two phones were "very strong around the world," and online demand for the 6S Plus was "exceptionally strong," said Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller. Based on the number of preorders, Muller added that Apple is "on pace" to surpass last year's initial sales when it moved 10 million units of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus during their first weekend of availability (including more than 4 million preorders during the first 24 hours).
But this year's launch weekend numbers are likely to get a boost from China, which was not part of last year's initial launch. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in an investors note on Monday that China is likely to account for around 2 million in iPhone sales during the opening weekend. Overall, Munster predicts Apple will sell 12 million to 13 million iPhone 6S and 6S Plus handsets the first weekend.
The new phones offer one major enhancement over their predecessors, namely the new 3D Touch, which allows the phone to respond differently based on how much pressure you apply. Otherwise, most of the changes entail improvements to the processor, body, camera and several other components.
Beyond China, New Zealand is the only other addition to the list of countries that will be first to get the new iPhones. The other regions are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK and the US.
These days study into artificial intelligence research is no longer the preserve of universities - the big technology firms are also keen to get involved.
Google, Facebook and others are busy opening AI labs and poaching some of the most talented university professors to head them up.
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Prof Yann LeCun is a hugely influential force in the field of Deep Learning and is now director of AI research at Facebook.
He spoke to the BBC about what the social network is doing with the technology and why he thinks Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking are wrong in their predictions about AI destroying humanity and here are his thoughts.
What is artificial intelligence?
It is the ability of a machine to do things that we deem intelligent behaviour for people or animals. Increasingly it has become the ability for machines to learn by themselves and improve their own performance.
We hear a lot about machines learning but are they really thinking?
The machines that we have at the moment are very primitive in a way. Some of them, to some extent, emulate the basic principles of how the brain works - they are not at all a carbon copy of brain circuits but they have a little bit of the same flavour.
They are very small by biological standards. The biggest neural networks that we simulate have in the order of a few million simulated neurons and a few billion synapses - which are the connections between neurons - and that would put them on par with very small animals, so nothing like what we would think as humans.
In that sense they are not thinking and we are still very far from building machines that can reason, plan, remember properly, have common sense and know how the world works.
But what they can do is recognise objects and images with what seems to be superhuman performance at times and they can do a decent job at translating text from one language to another or recognising speech. So in that sense they do things that humans would consider an intelligent task.
If you look around your office today, chances are you’ll be able to see who’s a Microsoft fan. The software giant has set ears a-perkin’ with the announcement that it would be debuting new hardware on Oct. 6 at a New York event. We don’t exactly know what that hardware is, and Microsoft hasn’t offered any hints, but the rumor going around is that it could be a Surface Pro 4, as well as new Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones.
Although Microsoft doesn’t have quite the same pedigree as other manufacturers when it comes to its hardware, it has in recent years put out some very well received technology. The Surface line has been particularly praised, especially the Surface 3 and 3 Pro, so the announcement of the fourth-generation convertible tablet would be very welcome by fans.
We don’t know much about this rumored tech as of yet, but should it be announced, it seems likely that it would come packing the same sort of hardware we’ve seen from other laptop and tablet makers as of late. Intel’s new Skylake CPUs would no doubt feature, as well as DDR4 memory and likely support for new USB 3.1 and possibly type-C standards.
The Lumia smartphones that Microsoft is also thought likely to unveil at the October event are a little more well known. Currently codenamed Talkman and Cityman (Lumia 950 and 950 XL respectively), they’re expected to support Continuum, which would allow people to connect their device via a dock to a desktop, making it possible to run smartphone apps on their PC, as per Liliputing.
Hardware wise, the standard 950 is expected to come equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 808 processor, with a 5.2-inch display and a 3,000mAh battery. In comparison, the XL is speculated as using the slightly more beefy Snapdragon 810 processor, as well as coming equipped with a larger 5.7-
inch display and featuring a 10 percent bump in battery capacity, giving it 3,300mAh.
Despite the difference in size, both displays are expected to offer a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and will pack 3GB of RAM, while offering 32GB of storage space.
Windows 10 customers have petitioned Microsoft to provide more information about the new OS's updates using the company's own online feature request forum.
The late-August posting has collected almost 1,800 votes as of Monday. Although that was enough to make the petition among the hottest on the "Windows User Voice" site, it was a relatively small number compared to other longer-standing demands, including a request to add tabs to File Explorer that has accumulated over 35,000 votes.
"To many a sys admin, the current communication levels in the knowledge base articles that document the contents of the cumulative Windows 10 updates are not complete enough and we cannot determine if a released update has fixed a bug that we noted," wrote Susan Bradley, who kicked off the petition Aug. 25.
Bradley, a computer network and security consultant, is well known in Windows circles for her expertise on Microsoft's patching processes. She writes for the Windows Secrets newsletter and is active on thePatchMangement.org mailing list, which targets business IT administrators.
Bradley argued that without details of what an update contains, customers are forced to rely on the patch grapevine, which in turn delays deployment. "Having timely and actionable information from the vendor is key to getting patches installed quickly," she wrote. "Can we get coherent KB articles for Windows 10 updates and not rambling lists of files that were changed?"KB, for "knowledge base," is the library of supporting documents that describes bug fixes and code changes for Microsoft's updates.Bradley's User Voice request followedweeks of complaintsabout the information wasteland ofWindows 10's update documentation. Both before and after the July 29 launch of the operating system, many of 10's updates contained only the terse boilerplate, "This update includes improvements to enhance the functionality of Windows 10."Compared to the documentation for Windows 8.1, Windows 7 and Vista updates, 10's KB commentary has resembled a politician's "No comment." Last month, for example, Microsoft issuedKB3078667for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2, in which it described a bug's symptoms with the 38 words of, "This issue occurs if an application displays various status windows for a long time. DWM leaks memory that is associated with these status windows. Eventually, the application cannot update warning or error status messages in the status windows."While that was no novel, it wasMoby Dickcompared toKB3081454, a September update for Windows 10, which used 12 words to say, "This update makes improvements to ease the upgrade experience to Windows 10."
Others have made different arguments than Bradley about why they need more information. They want more warning of changes, don't care for the whole less-not-more-information-and-control kick that Microsoft's on, and say they need specifics in case an update goes south and they have to roll back the modifications.
Most of those reasons fly in the face of reality for consumers running Windows 10 Home because they cannot defer most updates or even uninstall them once they're on the device.
But those running or managing other editions, including Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise, have options consumers don't, primarily patch management systems like WSUS (Windows Server Update Services), that provide more flexibility and can defer specific updates for months before Microsoft shuts off the security patch spigot.
Comments appended to Bradley's petition were overwhelmingly supportive, with many appealing to Microsoft's business sense.
"Adequate information is a requirement not simply for troubleshooting, but for convincing clientele that upgrading to [Windows] 10 is the best step," asserted someone identified only as "Dogtamer" on User Voice. "Sans proper documentation, it's a difficult proposition to convince many clients."
"The lack of patching information is probably the number one reason keeping us from moving to Windows 10," added Jonathan Link.
"Any conscientious admin should know what will be installed prior to initiating the change. Microsoft is on thin ice here," contended someone pegged simply as "opa."
"I can't believe that it's come to this, I really can't," said "rseller" on the thread. "We're actually put in the position of begging for information from knowledge base articles!"
Microsoft has hinted it may disclose more information about its Windows 10 updates. "We've heard that feedback from enterprise customers so we're actively working on how we provide them with information about what's changing and what new capabilities and new value they're getting," said Jim Alkove of the Windows group in a press-only briefing around the time Bradley posted the petition.
Alkove did not provide a timetable and limited the company's information largess to enterprise customers. It's unclear whether the latter meant that only those running Windows 10 Enterprise would get additional information, or whether the policy, if enacted, would include devices powered by Windows 10 Pro, which is available to consumers as well as businesses.
Microsoft is still cranking out detailed descriptions in its security "bulletins," the documents that accompany the monthly updates known as "Patch Tuesday." However, that is probably due more to the fact that the bulletins also apply to older editions, whose users are accustomed to more, not less, information, than any concession to Windows 10.
Apple's newly announced iPhone Upgrade Program offers customers the opportunity to upgrade their smartphone each year by paying a monthly installment. In this column, I'll look at whether the plan is worth it.
Apple's plan mimics similar deals offered by the four major wireless operators, which are ditching two-year service contracts with heavily subsidized devices. Instead they're offering plans that require customers to pay full price for a phone in exchange for lower service fees. T-Mobile started the no-contract trend two years ago and Verizon is the latest to follow suit.
Installment plans help blunt the sticker shock of a new smartphone. And the upgrade plans help drive more iPhone sales.
Apple's new plan could be a boon for the company, which will not only move more inventory, but will also get a steady stream of older devices it can resell.
The new financing program will be available only at Apple retail locations. Customers won't be able to sign up for it online. Devices bought through the program will be unlocked, but they must be activated on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon, the company said during the announcement.
Dear Maggie,
I'm sure you're getting lots of questions about the new iPhone Upgrade program. Could explain how it works? Also, how does it compare to the installment plans the carriers have? I'm a T-Mobile customer, so I don't have the option of a contract plan. Should I be considering this plan?
Thanks, Ike
Dear Ike,
You're right, I've gotten tons of emails asking how Apple's program works and stacks up against carrier plans. To help answer all these questions, I put together an FAQ.
Do customers have to return their old iPhone when upgrading to the next model?The pricing is on top of the monthly fee you'll pay for wireless service from your carrier.
Apple's program is essentially an installment plan combined with an early upgrade program. It spreads payments for the new phone over 24 months. Customers can upgrade free after 12 payments. To upgrade, they must trade in their existing iPhone; then the clock resets on the monthly payments for the new device.
If customers choose not to upgrade, they can continue paying off the device. After 24 months, they'll own the phone and can keep it, sell it, give it to a family member or use it as a backup device.
If customers want a new phone after making 24 payments, they can keep their paid-off phone and sign up for a new device, assuming Apple continues the program.
The plan offers 'unlocked' iPhones. What are they and why would I want one?
An unlocked smartphone doesn't have software installed from a specific wireless operator to prevent it from being used on a rival's network. iPhones sold for and by major carriers include a software lock. (Verizon is the big exception. All its 4G LTE devices come unlocked.) AT&T and Sprint will generally unlock devices once they're paid for.
T-Mobile announced Thursday a network service guarantee that lets unsatisfied customers request that their smartphone be unlocked so it can be used on a competitor's network, even if the device isn't paid off.
Unlocked phones let customers avoid contracts and switch carriers if they're unhappy with service. They also let customers swap SIM cards so the device can be used with a local service provider when traveling abroad. This can save big bucks on service charges while out of the country.
In the past, unlocked iPhones didn't work on all US carriers. Will the unlocked version sold through this program work?
In years gone by, Apple built multiple versions of the iPhone that included technology compatible with particular wireless operators. Unlocked versions of the phone were often tailored more for the European market, which uses a network technology called GSM to deliver voice service. AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S. use GSM, while Verizon and Sprint use a technology called CDMA to deliver voice service. Because of this difference, unlocked iPhones sold by Apple often didn't support the CDMA technology needed to operate on Verizon and Sprint.
Apple says the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus sold through this program will come unlocked and will work on any of the four major US carriers' networks.
How does pricing for Apple's new plan compare to similar plans from the carriers?
Look at the chart below and you'll see that Apple's program is likely to be pricier than most of the other offers.
One thing to note is that included in the monthly fee is a subscription to Apple Care+, Apple's insurance and extended warranty program. The retail cost of this service is $129. If you look at the total price of a new 16GB iPhone 6S under the Apple program, it's roughly $129 more than the full retail price of the device, which is $650.
Each of the four major carriers in the US offers installment and/or early upgrade programs for new iPhones. And each of those is likely to be at least slightly less expensive than Apple's plan. But remember that these plans don't include insurance or an extended warranty. Customers wanting those features must pay extra, and the per month and total cost could be pricier than Apple's offer.
For iPhone fans who plan to keep their devices longer, T-Mobile's Jump On Demand offers a great value. The plan, available only in retail stores, charges a monthly fee and lets customers upgrade up to three times a year.Based on current pricing, Sprint offers the best value for customers who'd like to upgrade to a new iPhone every year, through a leasing program called iPhone Forever. Right now Sprint is offering a promotion that lets customers lease a new iPhone for $15 a month with the option to upgrade anytime they want. In order to get this price, customers have to turn in a functioning smartphone. Without a device to trade-in, the price is $22 a month to lease a new iPhone 6S.
Following Apple's announcement, T-Mobile sweetened its deal by dropping the monthly lease price for a new 16GB iPhone 6S to $20 a month. But the real value of the T-Mobile offer over all the other plans is that it lets customers pay $164 at the end of the lease period to own the phone. This, coupled with the newly reduced monthly fee, brings the total cost of a new iPhone under T-Mobile's Jump plan to $524, a savings of $126 over the full retail price of the phone.
I know Apple Care+ is included in the monthly fee under Apple's program. What benefit does it provide over the standard warranty?
Apple iPhones come with a limited one-year warranty, which covers manufacturer defects, as well as 90 days of support. AppleCare+, which now costs $129, extends the basic warranty to two years. It also adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
The bottom line: What should I do?
Apple's upgrade program is attractive only for people looking to upgrade to the latest iPhone every year.
Even then, Sprint and T-Mobile each offer less expensive options, especially with the promotions they're currently running.
If you'd rather use AT&T or Verizon as your service provider, and you'd like to upgrade your iPhone each year, the Apple upgrade program is appealing. It's priced slightly lower than AT&T's Next program, which also allows the option to upgrade once a year, and it includes the Apple Care+ warranty and insurance. For Verizon subscribers, it's the only option if you want to upgrade without paying the full price for a new device every year.
If you plan to keep your device for at least two years and you don't really need or want to spend extra money on the Apple Care+ service, then almost any offer from one of the wireless carriers will likely cost you less over a 24-month period than Apple's plan.
I hope this advice was helpful, and good luck!
Ask Maggie is an advice column that answers readers' wireless and broadband questions. If you have a question, I'd love to hear from you. Please send me an e-mail at maggie dot reardon at cbs dot com. And please put "Ask Maggie" in the subject header. You can also follow me on Facebook on my Ask Maggie page.
