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Friday, 17 April 2020

More Analysts Expect mmWave iPhones to Launch Later Than Sub-6GHz Models

Apple is expected to unveil its first 5G-enabled iPhones in September, but some analysts believe that models with support for ultra-fast mmWave technology will likely launch after sub-6GHz models due to production challenges and the global health crisis.

Apple is believed to be designing its own antenna-in-package or "AiP" module for mmWave iPhones, potentially contributing to the staggered rollout.

"Apart from the epidemic, the power consumption of the AiP module may also affect the launch schedule of the mmWave version," analyst Jeff Pu wrote in a research note with Chinese investor firm GF Securities this week, suggesting that Apple's custom antenna-in-package may be more of a drain on battery life than desired.

Likewise, Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Thomas O'Malley today said "recent data points" suggest that Apple may not be able to ship mmWave iPhones this year. This lines up with information shared by Susquehanna analyst Mehdi Hosseini, who previously said that mmWave iPhones could launch as late as January 2021.

Prior to the global health crisis, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple was still on track to release both sub-6GHz and sub-6GHz-plus-mmWave iPhone models simultaneously in the second half of 2020, with shipments beginning in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter. Kuo has not indicated whether those plans have since changed.

Kuo said iPhone models with mmWave would be available in five markets, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom, adding that Apple may disable 5G functionality in countries that do not offer 5G service or have a shallow 5G penetration rate to reduce production costs.

As a refresher, mmWave is a set of 5G frequencies that promise ultra-fast speeds at short distances, making it best suited for dense urban areas. By comparison, sub-6GHz 5G is generally slower than mmWave, but the signals travel further, better serving suburban and rural areas.

Related Roundup: iPhone 12

Tags: Barclays, Jeff Pu, 5G iPhone

This article, "More Analysts Expect mmWave iPhones to Launch Later Than Sub-6GHz Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Arcade Gets Two New Games: 'Beyond Blue' and 'A Fold Apart'

Apple Arcade has received two new games today on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, including deep sea adventure "Beyond Blue" by E-Line Media and the emotional puzzle game "A Fold Apart" by Lightning Rod Games.

Beyond Blue, which is also available on the Mac:

Beyond Blue takes you into the near future, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of our ocean through the eyes of Mirai, a deep sea explorer and scientist. You and your newly-formed research team will use groundbreaking technologies to see, hear, and interact with the ocean in a more meaningful way than has ever been attempted. The game features an evocative narrative, exploration of an untouched world, and adventure that challenges the player to make high-stakes decisions during the crew's expedition.

A Fold Apart:

After career choices force them along separate paths, a Teacher and Architect vow to make their long-distance relationship work at any cost. Experience both sides of their story as the couple navigates the complexities of (mis)communication and the emotional ups and downs that separation brings. By flipping, folding, and unfolding the paper puzzles in their handcrafted worlds, you can help the couple overcome the emotional barriers of their relationship — but will love endure...?

Both games are available on the App Store with an Apple Arcade subscription. The service provides iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac users with access to over 100 games with no in-app purchases or ads for $4.99 per month.

Tag: Apple Arcade

This article, "Apple Arcade Gets Two New Games: 'Beyond Blue' and 'A Fold Apart'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Samsung Redesigned Its TV Boxes to be Easily Converted Into Cat Houses and Entertainment Centers

Taking a cue from anyone under 10 years old who can come up with endless imaginative uses for an empty cardboard box, Samsung is now making it easy for anyone to recycle or upcycle its TV packaging into other useful household items like magazine racks and fancy cat houses.

A New Green Hornet Movie Is on the Way

Jason Momoa discusses his Dune role. Rosario Dawson wants in on Star Trek in a very specific role. The Disney+ Moon Knight show is set to enter production later this year. Plus, another new look at Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, behind the scenes on Agents of SHIELD’s final Agent Carter crossover, and Quibi keeps on…

Shop the Best iPhone SE Pre-Order Deals From T-Mobile, Walmart, and More

Apple on Wednesday announced the new second-generation iPhone SE, which includes a 4.7-inch display, A13 Bionic chip, Touch ID home button, and up to 256GB of storage. This new device adopts the name of the previous 2016 iPhone SE, but updates it with a design similar to the iPhone 8 and improved internals.

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Pre-orders for the smartphone went up this morning across numerous retailers online. In terms of pricing, the 64GB iPhone SE costs $399, the 128GB model costs $449, and the 256GB model costs $549. The newest iPhone also comes in three colors: White, Black, and (Product) Red.

Now that the iPhone SE is up for pre-order, some cellular carriers are offering bargains and discounts related to upgrading to the new iPhone, switching carriers, and more. In this post, we've accumulated all of the best deals you'll find online for pre-ordering a new iPhone SE, also including retailers like Walmart and Best Buy.

AT&T

AT&T is offering the 64GB iPhone SE for $5/month when signing up for a new line on a qualifying installment plan with a 30-month agreement. You can also opt for the 128GB model for $10/month, or the 256GB model for $15/month. There's a $30 activation fee for this offer as well.

Verizon

Verizon doesn't offer direct monthly discounts on the price of the iPhone SE, but it will waive your activation fee of the device if you order in its My Verizon app or online.

T-Mobile

In one of the best bargains, T-Mobile is offering the iPhone SE for free with an eligible trade-in and new line activation. Specifically, you'll need to activate a new qualifying voice line, buy the 64GB iPhone SE on a monthly payment plan, and trade in an eligible device in good condition.

Eligible devices include the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, 7, and 7 Plus; these will provide enough trade-in value to get you the new iPhone SE at no extra cost. You can also trade in the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to get $300 off the iPhone SE.

After this, T-Mobile will apply the balance of the promotion by crediting your bill every month over 24 months. As with promotions at other carriers, this offer can be used for all three colors of the iPhone SE, including White, Black, and (Product) Red.

Sprint

Sprint is giving customers who switch from another carrier and purchase the iPhone SE a $100 prepaid Mastercard card. You'll need to lease the iPhone SE and port your number to Sprint from another carrier.

The company is also offering the iPhone SE for $5/month after $11.67/month is applied as credit over 18 months. This sale requires a new line of service.

Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity Mobile provides a $200 discount on a new and eligible iPhone, including the iPhone SE. To get this, you'll need to port in your number from another carrier within 30 days of purchasing the iPhone SE and sign up for a 24 month Xfinity Mobile device payment plan agreement.

As with all other cellular carrier discounts, this $200 offer will be applied to your account on a monthly basis over 24 months.

Walmart

Walmart is providing shoppers a $200 discount on the iPhone SE when purchased on an installment plan.

Best Buy

At Best Buy, you can get a $50 gift card when you purchase and activate the new iPhone SE on a qualified cellular plan. While this isn't a straight cash discount on the price of the monthly cost of the smartphone, any Best Buy shoppers should see a benefit to the gift card promotion.

Shoppers should note that this promo is only compatible with qualified cellular carrier plans, and will not work on unlocked devices. Monthly prices vary depending on storage capacity and carrier, but you can expect prices to start around $13.34/month for 30 months for 64GB and increase from there.

Additionally, Best Buy offers a specific discount if you choose to go with Sprint activation. You can get the 64GB iPhone SE for $299.99, down from $399.99 when purchasing and activating on a new line, or for $369.99 if you're upgrading on an existing account. If you're upgrading, you can also save $50 on monthly installments from Sprint through Best Buy.

Of course, with all of these options, you'll get Best Buy's $50 gift card as well.

More Deals

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

Related Roundups: iPhone SE 2020, Apple Deals

Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Buy Now)

This article, "Shop the Best iPhone SE Pre-Order Deals From T-Mobile, Walmart, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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