Apple Updates iTunes 12 Beta With Minor Design Improvements

Apple has updated iTunes 12 Beta today with minor design improvements for a more consistent look and feel throughout Yosemite.

The new build is 12.0.0.97 while the first release was 12.0.0.81. Apple has not released a change log with this new build (it simply posted the old one under Software Update), but so far we've noticed smaller fonts, a smaller status bar/toolbar with more of a focus on content, and many bug fixes.

Apple also released Yosemite Public Beta 2 today. You can get the updates by select Software Update from the Apple menu at the top left of the screen.

iCloud Services Are Down for Some Users [Update]

iCloud Services are down for some users, according to user reports and Apple's System Status page.

The status page lists trouble with Back to My Mac, Documents in the Cloud, Find My Friends, Find My iPhone, iCloud Account & Sign In, iCloud Backup, iCloud Bookmarks & Tabs, iCloud Calendar, iCloud Contacts, iCloud Keychain, iCloud Mail, iCloud Notes, iCloud Reminders, iCloud Storage Upgrades, iCloud Web Apps, iMovie Theater, iWork for iCloud Beta, and Photos.

Apple indicates that the problems started around 1:45pm.

Update: Apple is now claiming all iCloud services are now restored

Apple Job Postings Hint at Future VoLTE Support in iPhones

Two new job postings on Apple's website suggest the company is working towards support Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) into its iPhones. VoLTE will allow carriers to route calls over the LTE networks instead of the current circuit switching method. Routing calls over LTE gives faster connection times, and much higher voice quality. Some carriers, such as AT&T, are even branding VoLTE as HD Voice.

First spotted by Lightreading, Apple is looking for a Cellular System Protocol Engineer and Senior Baseband Audio Engineer, with both jobs listings asking for experience with VoLTE.

3+ years of hands-on experience with wireless technologies (WCDMA, CDMA, LTE, VoLTE, IMS), systems architecture, protocols, and standards is desired.

Major US Carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have all announced their VoLTE rollout plans.

Current iPhones do not support VoLTE, however chipsets in the iPhone 5s/5c/5 could support VoLTE if Apple were to release a software update to enable it. Previous reports hinted that iOS 8 would enable VoLTE for those iPhone models, but that has currently not been the case. Apple could always add features in the GM release, such as VoLTE, or even enable it when it launches the iPhone 6.

Leaked Photos Reveal Purported Rear Shell for the Larger 5.5-Inch iPhone 6

Newly leaked photos posted by evasi0njailbreak purportedly reveal the rear shell of the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6. The shell is pictured next to the smaller shell of the 4.7-inch model.

As stated by the original source who provided these images from "deep within Apple’s supply chain in China," the component is very limited and could simply be intended for testing purposes.

While we can't confirm the validity of the source, the rear shell's screw holes do line up with a previous logic board leak.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6 on September 9th; however, it's not clear if both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models will be launched at the same. Some reports have the 5.5-inch version launching in December.

Leaked Schematic Reveals Apple May Release 128GB iPhone 6

A newly leaked schematic reveals that Apple may release a 128GB iPhone 6. Also, it appears that the 32GB model may get dropped.

GeekBar posted the schematic to Weibo alongside a table which showed part numbers for the phone's various memory options. While 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB sizes are on the list, 32GB is missing.

According to the chart, the 16GB memory will be supplied by Toshiba and Hynix, the 64GB memory will be supplied by Hynix, Toshiba, and SanDisk, while the larger 128 GB units will come from Toshiba alone. Although the 32GB memory is missing from the list, it doesn't necessarily mean that Apple has dropped this option. However, its absence is notable.

Back in June, a report claimed that a 128GB iPhone 6 would indeed be launching, however it would be limited to the 5.5-inch model.

Apple Scrambles to Produce Enough iPhone 6 Displays Following Backlight Redesign

Apple suppliers are scrambling to produce enough displays for the iPhone 6 after a key component in the display had to be redesigned, according to Reuters. It's unclear if the issue will delay the launch or constrain supplies available to consumers.

Two supply chain sources said display panel production suffered a setback after the backlight that helps illuminate the screen had to be revised, putting screen assembly on hold for part of June and July. One said Apple, aiming for the thinnest phone possible, initially wanted to cut back to a single layer of backlight film, instead of the standard two layers, for the 4.7-inch screen, which went into mass production ahead of the 5.5-inch version.

Apparently, the initial design was not bright enough and the backlight had to be redesigned to fit in the extra layer. The output issue has been resolved and suppliers are reportedly working 'flat-out' to make up for the lost time. Japan Display, Sharp, and LG Display are all supplying screens for the next generation iPhone.