Tag Archives: Apple iPad Pro

Apple MFI plan to limit speed, power on USB-C leaked!

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Apple may be planning to limit data transfer and charging speed on USB-C ports used in its devices, by introducing MFI certification!

 

Earlier : Apple Forced To Adopt USB-C Port!

Apple has been hesitant about moving to the superior USB-C port for years, limiting it to Mac computers and iPad tablets.

The 12-inch MacBook was the first Mac computer to get USB-C in 2015, while the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets made the switch from Lighting to USB-C in 2018. However, Apple stubbornly refused to migrate its iPhones to USB-C.

The choice to stick with their proprietary Lightning port was taken out of their hands on October 4, 2022, when the European Parliament voted decisively to adopt the USB-C (USB Type C) port as the new standard for all portable devices.

By the end of 2024, all portable devices sold in the EU must come with a USB-C charging port. This directive is more or less directed at Apple, which is the only brand that continues to use its own proprietary Lighting connector.

Read more : EU Orders All Brands To Use USB-C, Including Apple!

 

Apple MFI plan to limit speed, power on USB-C leaked!

Now that the EU is firmly forcing everyone to use USB-C, Apple will start using the USB Type C port in its upcoming iPhone 15 models.

However, Apple apparently isn’t going to give up its lucrative side gig of selling its users MFI (Made for iPhone) cables and accessories at exorbitant prices.

According to ShrimpApplePro, who accurately leaked on the iPhone 14, Apple will introduce MFI for its USB-C cables and accessories.

And even worse – cables that lack MFI certification will have their data and charging speeds limited.

Yeah usb-c with MFI is happening

Foxconn already in mass production accessories like EarPods and cables

Cables w no MFI will be software limited in data and charging speed

MFI-certified cables have a small authenticator chip to verify that they are “certified” to work with Apple devices. If you use cables that lack this authenticator chip, you will get the “This accessory is not supported” warning on your Apple device.

Apple gets paid for every authenticator chip, so MFI cables and accessories are priced at a premium, even if they work just as well as non-MFI cables and accessories.

Apple is already expected to limit the iPhone 15 base model, and iPhone 15 Plus, to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps (60 MB/s), while Pro models will get the much higher transfer rates of 20 Gbps (USB-C 3.2) or even 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3).

People may not bat an eye at Apple limiting data transfer speeds to differentiate their Pro models from the non-Pro models, but limiting battery recharging speeds for non-MFI cables should ruffle some feathers. After all, there is technically no good reason why Apple cannot allow their devices to benefit from faster charging using non-MFI cables.

Naturally, Apple benefits financially from introducing MFI for USB-C. It will force Apple users to pay the notorious “Apple tax” on top of the “Apple premium” they paid for their Apple devices.

Imagine if Apple introduces MFI for USB-C and phases that in for future Mac computers and iPad tablets, as well as the upcoming iPhone 15 smartphones. Even those who have been happily using regular, non-MFI USB-C cables will have to switch them to MFI cables, and for what?

There is really no discernible benefit for Apple users to use MFI-certified cables over regular USB-C cables. It’s not like they will give your Apple devices magical powers. If there is any reduction in transfer rate or charging speed, it will only happen because Apple intentionally chose to make it so.

Of course, this leak may turn out to be true, and Apple may not be quite so evil as to foist the MFI tax on its loyal users. But I fear that Apple believes its users are more loyal than discerning, and will yet again, quietly pay for MFI cables just because Apple said so.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Apple Education Discount Now Requires UNiDAYS Verification!

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The little loophole is now closed – Apple education discount now requires UNiDAYS verification!

Here is what you need to know…

 

Apple Education Discount : Formerly Based On Trust + Audit

For many years now, savvy parents and techies have counted on the Apple education discount to get some financial relief on Mac computers and iPad tablets.

Ostensibly limited to teachers and staff of educational facilities, as well as college and university students, the Apple education discount programme was based on trust.

Anyone can go to the Apple Education page, and order a Mac computer or iPad tablet with (usually) a 10% discount. Apple doesn’t even ask you to prove your qualification for the education discount.

Instead, Apple performs random audits. If you cannot prove that you are an educator, or a college/university student, then they have the right to charge your credit card for the education discount you (illegally) received earlier.

 

Apple Education Discount Now Requires UNiDAYS Verification!

Sadly, it appears that Apple is moving away from the trust system, and is requiring verification through UNiDAYS in certain countries.

  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Italy
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Malaysia : Started on 15 December 2021
  • United Kingdom

Unlike the earlier Apple education discount programme, UNiDAYS verification greatly limits those who qualify for discounted Apple Mac computers and iPad tablets :

  • Students who are 16 years and above
  • Must be currently enrolled in the Sixth Form, a college or a university
  • Must have a personal institution email address (.edu email, for example), or a credit card-style student ID, issued by the school / college / university

The Good

Signing up for UNiDAYS has some advantages. It gives you access to discount programmes for other companies.

And students who sign up for UNiDAYS will get a free Apple Music student subscription in certain countries, which may even include Apple TV+ access!

The Bad

Parents cannot sign up and purchase for their children. Each student must sign up for their own UNiDAYS account.

If UNiDAYS cannot automatically verify your student credentials, it has a manual process but that could mean several days of delay to verify your account.

The Ugly

The UNiDAYS verification process blocks parents of younger students from getting the education discount.

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are forced to purchase tablets and laptops for their children’s online classes. While not entirely legit, the Apple education discount has helped many parents alleviate the high cost of providing each child with a tablet or computer.

While this verification process will help Apple cut down on fraud, I wish they would take the opportunity to open up the education discount programme to younger students.

That would really be a win-win situation – parents get a small but much appreciated discount, and Apple gets a head start on developing the next-generation of Apple users.

Until then, parents of younger children can “work around” this limitation, by asking a college / university student to help them make the purchase.

 

Countries Where Apple Education Discount Do Not Require UNiDAYS!

This switch to UNiDAYS verification for the Apple Education Discount programme appears to be a gradual process.

For now, these countries still do not require UNiDAYS verification :

  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Singapore
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • United States

So parents of younger children in those countries can still get the Apple Education discount, without jumping through the UNiDAYS hoop.

Pro Tip : When purchasing any Mac computer or iPad with the Apple Education discount, make sure you grab all the accessories you need at the same time, to get the discount as well.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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The 12/12 Machines Sale – What Deals Can You Expect?

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KUALA LUMPUR, 11 DECEMBER 2017 – Machines Sdn Bhd (Machines) today announced that it will be holding the first 12/12 Machines sale – its first ever sale held completely on its online store. We share with you the Apple devices and products that will be offered at great discounts starting tomorrow!

 

The 12/12 Machines Sale

For 12 days, from 12 December 2017 until 24 December 2017, Machines will be offering great savings on the Apple Watch (priced from RM999), iPad Pro (priced from RM1,599), MacBook Air (priced from RM2,999), MacBook (priced from RM3,999), Macbook Pro (priced from RM6,999), and other items with discounts of up to 80% off retail prices.

“As the countdown to Christmas nears, we want to give our customers an opportunity to find the perfect gift for their loved ones – or for themselves,” said Andrew Cheng, Director of Machines. “We chose to hold the sale online to give our customers the best deals without having to brave the holiday crowds”.

All purchases from the Machines online store come with free delivery to customers in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Customers have the option of home delivery or can opt to collect their purchases from selected Machines stores. Payment can be made via online transfer or locally issued credit cards (terms and conditions apply)

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All products are in their original packaging and come with a one (1) year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase. In addition, smartwatches purchased during the sale are also eligible for the Machines Protection Plan – a two-year extended warranty that protects products against accidental damage.

While the sale prices will only be applicable starting from 12 December 2017, customers are currently able to browse the available products on the Machines online store.

When you are ready to purchase, visit https://machines.com.my/collections/1212.

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Logitech CREATE Keyboard Case For iPad Pro 9.7 Introduced

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11 August 2016 — Today Logitech announced the Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

The CREATE Keyboard Case is a toolkit that gives you everything you need to make the most of your iPad Pro; a protective case, backlit keyboard, and integrated holder for the Apple pencil all in one lightweight package. Whether you are posting an update, watching a video, or drawing a sketch, CREATE empowers you to unleash your creativity and productivity wherever you go.

Designed to work exclusively with Apple’s new Smart Connector, the CREATE Keyboard Case automatically powers on and pairs with your iPad Pro when placed in the typing position – no Bluetooth pairing needed. And because the backlit keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro, you never have to think about charging your keyboard again.

A special row of dedicated iOS shortcuts puts the commands at your fingertips, without ever taking them off the keyboard. You can get to the home screen, search your iPad Pro and the web, adjust brightness, and control audio or video playback with one tap. And an integrated holder keeps your Apple Pencil within easy reach at all times so it is there when you need it.

With careful attention to color, materials and finish, the CREATE Keyboard Case design gives you all-around protection in a beautiful form. Custom-sculpted curves provide structural integrity to help protect your iPad Pro on the inside, while on the outside the tightly woven premium fabric resists bumps, scratches and spills.

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CREATE Keyboard Case Price & Availability

The CREATE Keyboard Case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is available beginning the end of August from MCL Bhd and Blue Logic Enterprise Sdn Bhd for a suggested retail price of RM 599 / ~US$ 149, inclusive of GST.

 

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Logitech CREATE & Focus Cases Designed With Apple

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Jan. 15, 2016 — Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) unveiled its first accessories designed in collaboration with Apple to perfectly complement the aesthetics and features of the new iPad Pro™ and iPad Mini 4: the Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector and the Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case for iPad Mini 4. The Logitech CREATE Keyboard Case is the first third-party keyboard on the market to leverage Apple’s new Smart Connector™, eliminating the need to power on, connect or charge the keyboard.

“The iPad Pro coupled with iOS 9 opens new ways to create, work and play on the tablet,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager of Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. “With this in mind, we worked closely with Apple to design the Logitech CREATE and Logitech Focus to unleash even more possibilities. This has resulted in two functional yet beautiful cases, and the best iPad keyboards we’ve ever created. From compatibility with the Apple Smart Connector to the color and finish of the keyboard, every detail was meticulously crafted to perfectly complement the iPad Pro and the iPad Mini 4.”

The Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector

Logitech CREATE offers thin and light front and back protection, and the tightly-woven premium fabric resists accidental bumps, scratches and spills. The Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case is designed to work exclusively with Apple’s new Smart Connector for seamless communication between the iPad Pro and the keyboard.

Through leveraging the Smart Connector, the Logitech CREATE keyboard automatically powers on and securely connects with the iPad Pro when placed in the typing position – no Bluetooth® pairing needed. And because the keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro, you never have to think about charging your keyboard again.

The Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case is built for productivity. The keyboard features full-size 19 mm keys, adjustable backlighting and an intuitive layout, helping you take full advantage of the iPad Pro’s expansive workspace and new iOS® 9 features. The iOS shortcut keys also put the power of your favorite apps at your fingertips – you can activate search and media controls without ever leaving the keyboard.

The case provides two viewing angles, so you can make the most of the iPad Pro’s big, beautiful screen whether you’re posting an update, watching videos, or using the Apple Pencil to take notes. The Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case is available for a suggested retail price of MYR 699 (~US$163) inclusive of GST.

 

The Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case for iPad Mini 4

The Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case offers full protection for the iPad Mini 4 and also serves as a stand with multiple viewing angles. The case enables users to adjust the iPad into any angle within a 50-degree range.

The Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case for iPad Mini 4 is available for a suggested retail price of MYR 199 (~US$46) inclusive of GST.

 

Availability

The Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case and the Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case for iPad Mini 4 are available in a variety of colors including black, red or blue.

 

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