O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: iPhone SE

  • Apple’s device activation servers facing heavy traffic following holiday gift exchange

    Apple’s device activation servers facing heavy traffic following holiday gift exchange

    If you snagged a new Apple device such as an iPhone or an iPad for Christmas and are having a difficult time activating it, there’s a good reason for it: Apple’s activation servers are being bombarded given the new activity.

    Although the Apple System Status page shows that everything is fine, it’s not difficult to find on Twitter or Reddit people complaining that they can’t activate their new iPhone or sign in to iMessage/FaceTime because it’s taking forever.

    The same thing happened last year, as many users had a difficult time setting up a new device via iCloud:

    We are experiencing a high capacity at this time which is impacting your ability to set up iCloud, please try back in a couple of hours.

    This year, fewer users complained about issues activating a new iPhone.

    Twitter user Willian Max, for example, described that he bought a new iPhone 12 and iCloud was taking forever not only to back up the older phone but to transfer the data for the new device.

    Over on Reddit, the following guide was posted for activating an iPhone:

    1. Restart your iPhone.
    2. If you’re using a cellular-data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
    3. If you get an error message on your iPhone that says the activation server is temporarily unavailable or cannot be reached when trying to activate, wait a few minutes, then repeat the previous steps.

    Another workaround is to use your Mac or Windows PC to back up and set up the device.

    If you’ve experienced issues setting up a new Apple device, please let us know what’s happened on your end and what you did to fix it.

    Via 9to5Mac, Apple, @willianmax, and Reddit

  • Rumor: Third-gen iPhone SE thought to be entering trial production stage, could see launch in early 2022

    Rumor: Third-gen iPhone SE thought to be entering trial production stage, could see launch in early 2022

    Trial production of the third-generation iPhone SE is rumored to be underway in the near future as Apple’s suppliers and supply chain prepare to mass produce the updated handset ahead of an early 2022 launch.

    According to MyDrivers, trial production, a stage in the supply chain ahead of when the device is mass produced, is set to start soon. The new ‌iPhone SE‌ is reportedly on track to be released in the first quarter of 2022, towards the end of March.

    The third-gen iPhone SE is expected to retain the same design, complete with a physical Home button that includes Touch ID. The screen size is set to remain unchanged at 4.7-inches but will feature a faster A15 chip and improved camera capabilities. 

    The current iPhone SE model retails for $399, and Apple is expected to retain this price point for the upcoming model.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and MyDrivers

  • Apple releases iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2 updates

    Apple releases iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2 updates

    Apple on Monday released iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2. The updates, which can be located, downloaded, and installed by navigating to Settings > Software Update, offer assorted new features and fixes.

    Amongst the new features in iPadOS and iOS 15.2 are the Apple Music Voice Plan, App Privacy Report, and the Digital Legacy program.

    The Apple Music Voice Plan retails for $4.99 per month, is available across all Siri-enabled devices and offers access to all 90 million songs in the Apple Music library, playlists, personalized mixes and genres stations, as well as Apple Music Radio. Siri can also be used for full playback controls. A free three-month trial is also available.

    The new App Privacy Report feature helps users find out when apps access data including camera, location, and microphone.

    In iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2, each user can assign five people as Legacy Contacts. These people are able to access the user’s iCloud data and personal information when they die, without needing to know their password.

    If you’ve had a chance to try iOS 15.2 or iPadOS 15.2 and have any feedback to offer, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer

  • Rumor: Apple to release third-generation, 5G-capable iPhone SE in first quarter of 2022

    Rumor: Apple to release third-generation, 5G-capable iPhone SE in first quarter of 2022

    Apple may have a third-generation, 5G-capable iPhone SE en route for the first quarter of 2022.

    According to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce, if Apple’s current trends continue, the device could be released by the end of next March.

    Per TrendForce

    In terms of product development, Apple is staying with the plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models under a new series in 2H22. The third-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a major instrument in helping Apple establish a presence in the market segment for mid-range 5G smartphones. Its production volume for 2022 is forecasted to reach 25-30 million units.

    Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously claimed that the new iPhone SE will feature a similar design as the current model, which is based on the iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID home button, and thicker bezels. Kuo said key upgrades to the device would include 5G support and a faster processor — reportedly an A15 chip.

    There have also been rumors that Apple is working on a larger version of the iPhone SE, albeit this device is not expected until 2023 or later.

    The original iPhone SE was released in March 2016 and discontinued in September 2018. The second-generation iPhone SE launched in April 2020 and continues to be sold, with pricing set at $399 for 64GB of storage and $449 for 128GB of storage.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and TrendForce

  • Apple unveils Black Friday – Cyber Monday shopping event, offers $50 to $200 gift cards with eligible purchases

    Apple unveils Black Friday – Cyber Monday shopping event, offers $50 to $200 gift cards with eligible purchases

    Apple on Monday unveiled its Black Friday – Cyber Monday shopping event for 2021. Similar to previous years, the company will be giving away gift cards with eligible purchases of iPhones, AirPods, and Mac and iPad models.

    The offer runs from Friday, November 26, through Monday, November 29.

    While Apple isn’t offering any deals on its latest-generation iPhone 13 units, customers purchasing a new iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini or iPhone SE can get a $50 gift card. A $50 gift card is also available with purchases of Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 3 or an Apple TV box.

    A $100 Apple Gift Card is available with the purchase of an iPad Pro, or a MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro or Mac mini. The iMac 27-inch comes with a $200 gift card, perhaps as additional compensation for buying the last of Apple’s Intel Mac offerings.

    Customers snagging 2nd-generation or 3rd-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max qualify for up to a $75 gift card, and it’s shout that the $75 gift card will only be offered on the most expensive AirPods Max purchase. Beats Studio 3, Solo 4 and other models also qualify for a $50 gift card.

    Finally, remember that the gift card can only be applied to your next purchase with Apple, and can’t be immediately used as a direct discount on your product purchase.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac