iOS 7 Beta 6 Release Date Slated for Next Week, Last Beta in Sept.

The iOS 7 beta 6 release date is reportedly set for next week, paving the way for the final iOS 7 beta or GM in early September on the rumored iPhone 5S launch date.

Apple announced iOS 7 at WWDC in June and is already on the fifth public beta. During the last several months, the iOS 7 beta delivered changes to the design and implementation of various features, but the overall look of iOS 7 remains.

As we look to the iOS 7 beta 6 release, it is likely that Apple will continue to add new features and small changes to the way some iPhone and iPad activities work, but any remaining surprises will likely come with an iOS 7 GM after the rumored iPhone 5S launch event.

The iOS 7 beta 6 release date could land early next week.

A new report from BGR claims the iOS 7 beta 6 release date is set for next week, though there is no specific date called out. Apple released most of the iOS 7 betas on a Monday, though iOS 7 beta 5 came out on a Tuesday. Odds are good that next Monday or Tuesday Apple will offer an iOS 7 beta 6 release around 1 PM eastern.

The iOS 7 GM will reportedly arrive on September 5th to Apple employees and partners and to developers on September 10th. This would likely come after an iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C announcement where Apple could finally show off any secret features. Apple previously kept Siri a secret up until the iPhone 4S launch, and could be holding back an offline dictation feature, slow motion camera support and more. Look for Tim Cook and team to show off a new feature that will show up in the iOS 7 GM or the official iOS 7 release when the new iPhone is announced.

With this schedule in play, the iOS 7 release date should arrive days ahead of an iPhone 5S release. It looks like the iOS 7 release is set for September. Based on previous Apple timing, the iOS 7 release date could land on September 18th, two days before the iPhone 5S arrives in stores.

iOS 7 is a completely new take on the operating system that runs the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, changing the look of the system, adding animations and a new multitasking setup. The Control Center also adds fast access to common settings and apps from any screen on the device.

The iOS 7 update will run on the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini and iPod 5th generation. Some of the devices will not get all of the features that are found on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5. If Apple is preparing an iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 for later this fall, they could also get features that don’t make it to previous iPads.

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iOS 7 Golden Master coming on September 5

The final iOS 7 beta, number 6, is primed to arrive sometime next week (two weeks after beta 5), which puts the Golden Master release of the OS sometime in September, just as previously rumored.

According to sources close to BGR following the sixth beta Apple will release iOS 7 Golden Master to employees and carriers first on September 5 and then to developers on September 10, which is when we're expecting to see the next iPhone hardware announcement.

Although there's still no official confirmation from Apple regarding the rumored September 10 event it's likely that, if proven true, the company would release the GM version of its OS to developers at the same date. This would mean that the company will stick to a tradition is has kept every year since it launched iOS.

Source | Via

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iPhone 5S: Dual-Color, Dual LED Flash Could Capture Better Photos

For a brighter flash with more realistic colors when images are captured in the dark, we’re learning that Apple may use two different colors for the dual LED flash on the iPhone 5S’s camera. Previously we had seen a rear camera housing for the next generation flagship iOS smartphone that suggests Apple would add asecond LED flash bulb from the single LED flash on the iPhone 5. Now, it appears that not only will the second LED flash increase the brightness for photos captured in low light or dark environments, but that Apple may use different colors, one color for each of the LED bulbs, to help users capture better images.

9to5 Mac is reporting that analyst Ming Chi-Kuo is saying that Apple could implement the flash unit so that one bulb would be white in color and the second bulb would be yellow. This would allow for more natural colors when the flash is used.

Indoor lighting is typically more yellow in appearance, and most cameras will compensate for more realistic colors by adjusting the white balance. However, when the flash is activated, everything is thrown off balance again with faces appearing white and the background appearing yellow.

Using two colors for the flash be beneficial as accurate white balance with the use of a flash is hard to achieve, and we’ve seen white balance errors even with a brighter Xenon flash on the Nokia Lumia 928; Xenon has been thought of as superior to LED flash due to the technology’s brighter light to freeze motion as well as rendering colors more accurately.

By combining different color flashes, the iPhone 5S may be able to deliver more realistic colors when the flash is used and the white balance wouldn’t get thrown off.

While it’s still unclear if Apple will in fact use two different color bulbs for the dual LED flash on the iPhone 5S, we do have another seeming confirmation of two LED bulbs for use on the next generation smartphone, rumored to be introduced on September 10. New images of the back panel of the iPhone 5S show an elongated flash opening suggesting that Apple will stack two LED bulbs next the camera lens. The images originate on French publication Nowhere Else.

The new leaked part, showing the upper glass housing the camera lens and flash unit, matches what we had seen reported before. Rather than a circular opening for the single LED flash of the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5S has an elongated pill-shaped opening for two LED flash bulbs, as seen from this and prior leaks.

We’ll have to wait until September to know for sure whether Apple will use the same white LED colors for both flash LEDs or if the iPhone 5S will have a white and yellow LED light pair.

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iPhone 5S to Feature Protruding Sapphire Home Button Housing Fingerprint Sensor

In a new report, it is believed that Apple will slightly alter the design of the iPhone 5S to feature a convex home button on the front panel, rather than the concave home button of previous iPhone models. The convex, or protruding, button will give Apple a bit more space to add a biometric fingerprint scanner, a feature that has been long rumored for the next generation flagship iOS smartphone.

Additionally, rather than the plastic home button part that’s being used on today’s iPhone, the iPhone 5S’s protruding convex home button will be made of sapphire glass, a material that will help the button be more resilient to scratches and cracks should the iPhone fall onto its face. This will help to protect the fingerprint sensor underneath.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Apple is using sapphire glass. The company created the camera lens out of sapphire glass on the iPhone 5. The glass screen and rear glass housing components are still made with strengthened glass, likely Gorilla Glass from Corning.

News of the sapphire glass home button housing originates from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and was reported on AppleInsider.

Apple had acquired biometric security company AuthenTec and the fingerprint chips would likely come from that acquisition. Apple could potentially utilize the new biometric security to make a bigger push into the enterprise segment thanks to enhanced security while at the same time making cloud access–iCloud and iTunes access–more secure and convenient for consumers. Security has been a big focus of the company’s latest iOS 7 operating system, which will debut alongside the iPhone 5S.

The iPhone 5S and the rumored low cost iPhone 5C could debut as early as September 10 according to the latest intelligence obtained by All Things D.

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iOS 7 Beta 5 Download For iPhone 5, 4S, iPad And iPod touch Now Available

After the security breach of Apple’s developer site, things were a bit up in the air with regards to iOS 7 beta. A week later than expected, iOS 7 beta 4 made its entrance after the Cupertinocompany had cleaned up the mess, and now, the fifth beta of the company’s mobile software has arrived. Changes, include the usual array of bug fixes and performance enhancements. We’ve got the full details coming up right after the break!

I cannot think of any piece of software that generates more interest when in beta stage, and with so many visual changes having been made under the guidance of one Jony Ive,  iOS 7 beta has garnered more attention than any of its predecessors. Not all of it has been positive, of course, with many stepping out to criticize the flat shapes and clean lines, but as skeuomorphism in iOS continues to die a very public death, the tide of opinion seems to be gradually swinging in favor of the new look.

Not all of the changes to iOS 7 have been aesthetic, though. So far, we’ve seen plenty of alterations and improvements to general functionality, and many long-standing gripes within the OS have been addressed. The lack of a basic set of toggles for easy management of settings has commonly been quoted by many as the primary reason for wanting a jailbreak so badly, but with that now having been rectified with Control Center, the SBSettings Cydia tweak now seems rather redundant.

With other key changes, such as the expansion of the folder system first introduced with iOS 4, iOS 7 promises a better all-round experience to all. With these new betas bringing their own new features at every stop, we cannot wait to see iOS 7 released in all its glory, presumably alongside the next iPhone.

So, if you’re a registered developer and want to get started with iOS 7 beta 5, you can do so the usual way; and if you haven’t yet tried out iOS 7 but would like to see what all the fuss is about, you can check out our how-to tutorial by following this link on how to download iOS 7 beta and install on iPhone 5, 4S, 4, iPod touch and iPad.

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iOS 7 Beta 5 Release Predictions Arrive

The iOS 7 beta 5 release date could take place on August 12th according to a new prediction that assumes Apple is shifting back to the two-week beta time frame as the company prepares for a possible September iOS 7 release date to the public.

Apple is currently testing the iOS 7 update internally and externally to developers and users that use an end-around to get into the iOS 7 beta for $8. The iOS 7 beta allows users to try the new version and test for bugs and app computability.

A Developer Center hack delayed the iOS 7 beta 4 release by a week, but now that the developer portal is mostly online, Apple could be back to their initial 2 week iOS 7 beta release schedule.

Read: What’s New in iOS 7 Beta 4

The iOS 7 beta 5 release could arrive on August 12th.

As we shift into the later iOS 7 beta releases the final version of Apple’s next iPhone and iPad software begins to take shape with small tweaks to the design and dramatically improved performance for the new iOS 7 animations and elements.

Apple publicly promised an iOS 7 release date for this Fall, and leaks indicate that Apple is on track for an iOS 7 update in September after two more betas and a Gold Master, which is essentially a final beta where no major changes are expected.

The IOS 7 beta 4 includes a piece of code that hints at an iPhone 5S with a fingerprint reader built-in to the home button, and future IOS 7 betas could include more hints at new iPhone 5S features and other un-announced iOS 7 features.

The iOS 7 beta 5 could bring offline dictation, something Apple employees are reportedly testing on an internal build, or it could make a surprise appearance at an iPhone 5S launch event.

The new iOS 7 beta 5 release could come on August 12th according to a prediction fromiPhoneHacks, which tracks the iOS 7 beta progress and iOS 7 beta expiration dates. The publication does not cite a source with inside information, focusing on the two-week release pattern. Apple did not stick to specific iOS beta release schedule in 2012, so the iOS 7 beta 5 release may come faster or slower than the two-week time period.

That said, it makes sense that Apple is planning to release two more betas and a Gold Master before the possible September release. If all of this lines up the rest of the iOS 7 beta schedule could look like this.

• iOS 7 beta 5 release – August 12th
• iOS 7 beta 6 release – August 26
• iOS 7 GM Release – September 9th

This time-table fits the prediction of an iPhone 5S release date before the end of September. If Apple is planning to meet financial goals with an iPhone 5S release inside Q4 2013 the iPhone 5S release would need to arrive by September 20th. This would put the possible iOS 7 release to the general public on September 18th. This would allow almost two weeks of iOS 7 Gold Master testing ahead of the release.

Apple is reportedly planning a new iPhone called the iPhone 5S for a September release with the same looks and 4-inch screen as the iPhone 5, but with a better camera, faster processor and possible a fingerprint reader.

The iOS 7 update will arrive this fall for the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini and iPod touch 5th generation, though not all devices will receive the same features.

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iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 5: What Buyers Need to Know Right Now

With fall on the way, smartphone buyers are likely becoming increasingly conflicted about which phone to pick up thanks to a healthy dose of rumored devices which included theNexus 5, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and iPhone 5S. Those leaning towards an iPhone are likely debating between the rumored iPhone and the iPhone 5 and thanks to rumors, there are some important details that consumers need to know about their match up right now.

During the first half of last year, rumors of an iPhone 5 were rampant with the company rumored to be introducing a revamped, redesigned iPhone to replace the iPhone 4S. Initial rumors had pointed to a redesigned iPhone 5 in the fall and that’s exactly what occurred. Just ahead of its September launch, Apple issued invites for an event in the early part of the month. That event wound up being the launch pad for the current iPhone model, the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5 went on sale just a few weeks later, thought thanks to demand, the device was nearly impossible to find for the first few weeks of its existence. The demand was due in part to the iPhone 5′s upgrades which included 4G LTE data speeds, a new larger 4-inch display and a redesign that replaced the plastic and glass with glass and metal and slimmed the device down to a mere 7.1mm.

To this day, the iPhone 5 remains one of the best smartphone options on the market and one that all smart shoppers should be taking a look at.

The iPhone 5′s reign will come to an end at some point though and it’s looking like that reign will be toppled by a new iPhone dubbed the iPhone 5S which is expected to make its debut later on this year. Unlike some companies, Apple typically keeps its older smartphones around with cheap price tags, meaning, the iPhone 5 still has a lot of life left in it.

As we approach its launch date, consumers are likely wondering how it stacks up against the iPhone 5S. And while we can’t be sure, there is enough out there to make some comparisons.

Here is what prospective iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S buyers need to know right now.

iPhone 5S Launch Approaching Fast

The iPhone 5S launch date is approaching fast.

Rumors about the iPhone 5S launch have been swirling in recent weeks as we approach the start of fall, set to begin in late September. While Apple has yet to issue any invites to a media event and with insiders shooting down specific launch dates, it’s still not entirely clear when Apple is planning to announce the iPhone 5S.

However, September at this point seems to be the most likely candidate. Rumors all point to a September launch and iOS 7 release rumors also are pointing to September. It’s possible that all of this information is off base but it’s looking increasingly likely that September is going to contain the iPhone 5S launch date.

What this means is that prospective iPhone 5 buyers may want to put their money down and wait a few weeks to see what develops. At this point, it’s clear that things are moving forward and a launch is imminent. And buyers would be foolish to pay full price for the iPhone 5 right now with a replacement on the way and an iPhone 5 price drop coming in the near future.

iPhone 5 Price Drop

Recently, a rumor emerged indicating that Apple will be dropping the iPhone 5 from its lineup once the iPhone 5S arrives, a move that would apparently be aimed at bolstering iPhone 5S sales.

As we’ve pointed out, there are tons of holes in this rumor and it’s unlikely to happen. Instead, Apple will more than likely drop the iPhone 5 price down to $99 on-contract, same as it did with the iPhone 4S before it, and offer the iPhone 5S at $199.99 on-contact. This will obviously make the iPhone 5 way more attractive than it is right now especially because it’s a smartphone that will receive iOS updates for years to come.

Don’t expect the iPhone 5 to disappear from shelves.

Even if Apple does drop the iPhone 5 from its lineup, retailers will still have plenty of stock left and we should see them drop their prices regardless of what Apple does.

So if the iPhone 5 is looking like a must-have device, it’s wise to wait just a few more weeks before making that purchase.

Fingerprint Reader Appears Likely

Thanks to the iOS 7 beta 4, we now know that there is a very good chance that we could see the iPhone 5S arrive with a fingerprint reader, something that has been rumored for months.

A fingerprint reader has been rumored to be at least one of the iPhone 5S’ unique features and one of its major selling points over the iPhone 5. However, rumors have been back and forth about whether or not Apple will be able to get the parts sourced ahead of the iPhone 5S’ launch. Well, iOS 7 itself seems to have nearly confirmed the fingerprint reader for arrival and prospective buyers need to start preparing for this to be one of the device’s heralded features.

An iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor seems likely.

The code found in iOS 7 beta 4 did not reveal much but it does point to a built-in fingerprint reader in the home button which would bring added security to a device that is a big target for thieves.

This figures to be one of the big upgrades on the iPhone 5S though it remains to be seen if Apple can make it something that buyers will want to buy into.

Little Chance for Redesign

We’re likely only weeks away from an iPhone 5S launch and there are still no credible rumors that suggest that Apple will be incorporating a massive design change with the iPhone 5S. Instead, they all point to Apple using the same aluminum design that is both slim and lightweight.

This isn’t surprising as Apple tends to keep designs around for two years before issuing a redesign. So those expecting the iPhone 5S to differ from the iPhone 5 from a design standpoint need to start tempering those expectations as the devices will more than likely look identical when they appear on shelves together later this year.

Don’t Expect a Larger Display

Rumors have suggested that Apple might boost the iPhone 5S display up to 4.3-inches but as we’ve pointed out, that seems very unlikely. Instead, Apple will likely keep the size of the iPhone the same, meaning 4-inches.

Don’t expect any major changes to the design or display size.

There is however talk of improvements to the display that don’t have to do with size or resolution. While the iPhone 5S is said to have a Retina Display, there are also rumors that the device could have a Sharp IGZO display, something that could help increase battery life. This certainly remains a possibility.

A this point though, buyers should expect an iPhone 5S display that offers similar resolution at a similar size. Those looking for something different, something bigger, will likely have to wait until next year.

iPhone 5S Shortages

Buyers will want to decide on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5 or something else as early as possible.

Those preparing for the iPhone 5S should know that while the iPhone 5 will most likely be readily available, there is a good chance that the iPhone 5S will be in short supply come fall.

For one, new iPhone models almost always fall victim to stock shortages thanks to high demand. However, in the case of the iPhone 5S, recent rumors indicate that the device’s fingerprint reader could cause heavy shortages after its released. What this means is that buyers will likely need to quickly decide between the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5 once the new iPhone launches.

Apple typically offers an iPhone pre-order shortly after launch so unless buyers want to wait for several weeks or months before getting the iPhone 5S, a quick decision, probably ahead of launch, is going to be the wise choice.

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What’s New in iOS 7 Beta 4

Apple delivered the iOS 7 beta 4 release today and it is a big update, delivering a collection of new features that could make it into the final version that arrives this fall.

The IOS 7 beta 4 download is available for the iPhone, iPad, iPad mini and iPod touch as on over the air update and as a download in the Apple Developer Center.

Apple is beta testing iOS 7 for a fall release, allowing developers to test the new operating system for bugs, for how easy the new version of iOS is to use and to prepare their apps for iOS 7 this fall. The $99 Apple Developer Program offers early access to this, but there are also users paying $8 to get iOS 7 now without developing for Apple.

It appears that the iOS 7 beta 4 focuses on several new iOS 7 features and tweaks to the way IOS 7 looks and allows users to control it. Below are 10 of the new iOS 7 beta 4 features that stand out.

Slide in Notification Center

The iOS 7 Notification Center now lets users slide to the left or right to switch between the new Today, All and Missed categories in iOS 7. This is much more intuitive than tapping at the top and easier to use. This likely means Apple is not planning to let users swipe to clear notifications like Android does.

New Lock Screen

The iOS 7 lock screen features an arrow for slide to unlock, clearing up confusion created by the original lock screen which showed arrows pointing up or down for the Control Center and Notification Center. The new lock screen replaces those with a single flat bar at the top and bottom of the screen.

The new lock screen in iOS 7 beta 4.

New Call Screen

The iOS 7 incoming call screen features a new look with clearer buttons to answer or decline a call as well as new designs for buttons to set a reminder or send a message and cancel the call.

New call screen in the iOS 7 beta 4.

New Search

Searching on the iPhone is different including Spotlight, Notes and in other locations. The cancel button clears the last search which is handy as iOS 7 did not clear the previous search immediately. This allows users to clear everything without hitting a small ‘x’ in the search field or holding backspace.

Revamped spotlight search on iOS 7 beta 4.

New Camera App

The iPhone camera app gets a facelift in the iOS 7 beta 4. The HDR setting is now on the edge of the screen instead of right above the shutter where turning it on or off could easily change focus.

New filters screen in IOS 7 beta 4.

The iOS 7 camera app looks new with a better HDR button placement.

The focus identifier is now yellow, instead of white. Users will also see a new listing for iOS 7 camera filters including names.

New Airplay Settings

Overall AirPlay remains the same as it was in earlier versions of iOS 7, but the iOS 7 AirPlay menu includes new icons for Airplay speakers.  Users still access AirPlay through the Control Center.

New Airplay icons in iOS 7 beta 4.

Ask Siri Questions

In iOS 7 beta 4 Siri gains a new feature that many users will appreciate. Siri can now answer questions beyond what the weather is like. Users can now ask Siri how much gas is, questions about calories, dates, famous people and other items and get answers on-screen and read back without the need to go to a web browser. Asking similar questions on iOS 6 pushes the user to Safari.

Ask Siri questions, like how much is gas, in the iOS 7 beta.

Upload Notifications

The iOS 7 beta 4 introduces notifications for uploads finishing. The new notification is in the Notification Center Settings with a generic iOS 7 icon. This is likely something app developers can tap into or a built-in notification for using Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo and Twitter integration.

New upload notification in the iOS 7 beta 4.

Shuffle All

A small, but important feature is the return of Shuffle All songs in the latest iOS 7 beta. Tapping this will shuffle a user’s full iTunes library with one tap. Users that have a well-curated library will enjoy this one-tap mix.

Shuffle all in the iOS 7 beta.

iOS 7 beta 4 is the latest version of Apple’s new operating system which should arrive this fall. Leaks point to several more iOS 7 betas before the official release arrives for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners and on the new iPhone.

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iOS 7 Release Said to Be On Track for September

The iOS 7 beta 4 release is imminent and it appears that it will be one of several more iOS 7 betas as the iOS 7 release has been pegged for September, the same month that’s rumored to contain the iPhone 5S launch date.

At WWDC, Apple announced that the iOS 7 update would be released sometime this fall, meaning the earliest it would launch would be sometime during the month of September. In the meantime, the company has been releasing iOS 7 betas in order to test the software and ensure a smooth delivery to the millions of iOS owners.

The iOS 7 release has been pegged for September.

Today, the highly anticipated iOS 7 beta 4 is said to be arriving for owners of the iPhone and iPad after a bit of a wait. That is still unconfirmed, but at the moment, it appears likely.

What’s also appearing likely is an iOS 7 release in September. BGR reports that the iOS 7 Gold Master release is on track for September with Apple planning two more beta releases after iOS 7 beta 4. If this is true, it could mean that we’ll see not only iOS 7 released in September but the new iPhone 5S as well. Rumors have pointed to an iPhone 5S release in late September which could mean that we see iOS 7 and the iPhone 5S make their first appearance together in early-to-mid September.

Exact timing for the upcoming betas and iOS 7 Gold Master are unknown and those dates will likely not come into view until much later on in the process.

Despite the numerous bugs and the recent hacking of Apple’s Developer site, it appears that Apple is on track for an iOS 7 release not only this fall but during the month of September. All iPhone 5S rumors have settled in on September and given that Apple always launches a new iPhone with a new piece of iOS software, it makes sense that iOS 7 rumors are pegging it for arrival during that month.

iOS 7 will also be rolling out to older iOS devices including the iPhone 5, iPod touch fifth-gen, iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2 and iPad mini. All updates will not be created equal as the software will be limited on some of Apple’s older devices including the iPad mini.

The iPhone 5S is expected to bring at least one unique feature. Rumors suggest that Apple will be introducing a fingerprint sensor on board the iPhone 5S and it could be that the software is related to that in some way. Like all pre-launch Apple rumors though, nothing is set in stone.

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