Apple's iOS 12 update is causing sporadic issues with iPhone charging

Multiple reports are suggesting that iOS 12 may have a bug, causing periodic and random issues with devices not charging when plugged in to a power source, or placed on a wireless charging pad without user interaction.
At Apple's discussion board, there are currently 108 users commenting on a potential problem with either the iPhone XS or iOS 12. The fault occurs when the user connects a Lightning cable to the charge port using a common wall charger, or place the device on a Qi charging pad.

Most of the time, the iPhone functions as expected, and immediately begins charging the phone.

However, on occasion, users plugging the phone will neither get a charge symbol, nor the noise that the device plays when it begins charging. Some users were able to get the phone to begin to charge by plugging it in, waiting between 10 and 15 seconds, and waking the phone —but not necessarily unlocking it.

"If i haven't interacted with the phone for some time, it becomes unresponsive to a charger being plugged in," said one user. "But if I unplug then lift it and start using it, it will recognize the charger."

UnboxTherapy tested a variety of iPhone XS units in studio and found they could repeat the problem. They tested nine separate iPhone XS and XS Max phones and were able to demonstrate the issue a handful of times. However, AppleInsider has not yet gotten the issue to manifest with an iPhone XS Max, iPhone X, or iPhone 8 Plus running iOS 12 connected to USB-A to Lightning or USB-C to Lightning plugged into either a computer, a wall adapter, or any one of a variety of Qi charging pads.

However, an iPhone 7 and 12.9-inch first-generation iPad Pro have both manifested the problem once each during some testing on Saturday evening.

The issue may be related to USB restricted mode, a feature that Apple developed to help secure data on the phone against devices that try and download a phone's data for law enforcement or nefarious purposes. USB restricted mode shouldn't be interfering with a simple wall charger, but the interaction that users are noticing, lifting the phone in order to get it to charge after it's been left idle, seems related to the need to unlock a device to get it to connect to a peripheral through Lightning.

The issue may also be manifesting elsewhere. Belkin's has confirmed that its original PowerHouse and Valet charging docks are incompatible with the iPhone XS family. Users attempting to use those devices are finding that the iPhone simply will not charge when placed on the device. Belkin has noted on the product page that the devices aren't compatible with the iPhone XS family, or the forthcoming iPhone XR —but has not elaborated as to why.

How to download iOS 12 on your iPhone right now

After detailing all that iOS 12 has to offer in early June, Apple is ready to release the final version of its new software. iOS 12 officially launches Sept. 17, at which point compatible iOS devices will be notified of the available update. The new update includes features like Memoji, Siri shortcuts and better notifications. But if you can't wait to play with the new features, there's a way to install it now.

Does your iPhone or iPad support iOS 12? (Probably) 

Rick Broida detailed which devices support iOS 12, but the cheat sheet for compatibility is if your device runs iOS 11, it will run iOS 12.

How to download iOS 12

Technically, you'll be downloading the beta version of iOS 12 that Apple released earlier this summer. At this point -- just a few days before the final release -- the beta version is actually the "Gold Master" build. Meaning, it is effectively the same software that will be released on Monday, Sept. 17.
To sign up for the public beta, you will need to visit beta.apple.com on your iOS device, and log in with your iCloud account. Select the iOS tab, then follow the instructions.
You will need to install a provisioning profile, restart your device, and then go to Settings > General > Software update to complete the process.

But first, back up your device

Before you even think about installing iOS 12, especially while it's in beta, do your future self a favor and create a backup right now. Don't rely on iCloud, but preferably use iTunes on a computer. Using iCloud could result in iOS 12 overriding the iOS 11 backup, which won't be helpful in case things go wrong.
With your iOS device connected to iTunes, select "Backup to this computer" and check the box to create an encrypted backup. Set a password, and let iTunes do its thing.
Creating an encrypted backup saves all of your account and app passwords. If you should need to restore your iOS device, you can use this backup and not have to enter passwords.

iPad 2018 release - Apple could bring radical changes to this year's tablet

APPLE's iPad 2018 could bring a host of new changes that radically alter how the tablet performs and functions if a new report is to be believed.

Apple's new iPad is expected to be announced later this year; the company has announced a hardware event for September 12 that is presumed to showcase the future of its iPhone and Apple Watch line.
It is also likely its AirPower accessory will be displayed at its Cupertino campus on the same day.
But with the company predicted to showcase three new iPhone models, it is likely the tech giant will wait until later in the year to show off the next generation of its lauded tablet line.
It has been rumoured Apple will launch a direct successor to the iPhone X in addition to a larger 6.5-inch iPhone that will also carry an all-screen design on Wednesday.
Lastly the tech giant has also been said to be planning an unveiling of a cheaper iPhone model that will forgo some premium features to help lower costs.
And with Apple also presumed to hold another hardware event in October based around its Mac line of computers, then would seem to a good time to also show off new iPads.
The 2018 version of the tablet has been widely rumoured to take from the iPhone X by radically reducing bezels, introducing Face ID as a method of unlocking the device and removing the headphone jack.
And now a new report from Bloomberg has echoed such speculation by insisting the home button will be removed in favour of futuristic face unlocking.
The publication cited from "people familiar with the plans" and declared Apple's latest batch of iPad Pros will come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch variants.
The report insisted the device will feature "slimmer bezels" and will enforce gesture navigations to compensate for the lack of a home button.
Most notably the sources declared the iPad mini will not be treated to an upgrade.
The smaller tablet from Apple last saw an upgrade in 2015.
iPad mini currently touts an A8 processor, 7.89-inch display and has a Touch ID sensor.
Apple's Pencil accessory is not compatible with the miniature device.
In comparison the iPad Pro currently comes in a 12.9 and 10.5-inch model and touts an A10X Fusion chip.
Unfortunately the Bloomberg report did not mention potential pricing for the new range of tablets.
While the iPhone X introduced a futuristic design it came at a cost with the cheapest version costing £999.
The current 10.5-inch iPad Pro starts at £619 for the Wi-Fi only model.
However, the tablet can cost as much as £1,099 for 512GB of storage and cellular connectivity.
Meanwhile the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £769 for the 64GB storage variant but goes up to £1,249 for customers that want 512GB of storage and a network connection.
Apple fans will not have to wait long to see if the latest report surrounding the new iPads is true - the tech giant is presumed to unveil its plans for the tablet line before the end of the year.

New iPhone launch guide – Apple September 12 event could reveal new iPad, Apple Watch and MacBook

We've rounded up all the rumours and predictions to reveal the shiny new gadgets Apple could announce at its September 12 event
THE ANNUAL Apple event for the iPhone launch has been confirmed – and it's taking place at its California HQ on September 12.
California's biggest tech giant is expected to show off three new iPhone models at Apple Park's Steve Jobs Theatre, and we've got all the details.
Here's all the shiny new loot we expect to be unveiled in just a few days.

Three new iPhones

Apple is almost certainly going to unveil a trio of new iPhones that retain the iPhone X's notch.
They'll include:

• iPhone XS – a straight iPhone X successor (possible price: £899), with the same 5.8-inch OLED display, Apple's new A12 bionic processor, and its updated iOS 12 mobile software.
• iPhone XS (plus) – the biggest iPhone ever (£999), with a 6.5-inch OLED screen on a body tipped as the same size as as last year's iPhone 8 Plus, which was only able to pack in a 5.5-inch display. Experts say Apple will ditch the "Plus" moniker, meaning both high-end blowers will be dubbed iPhone XS – just to confuse us all.
• iPhone 9 – a more budget device (£599) with a 6.1-inch screen that uses a cheaper LCD display and could be available in seven different colours. It's unclear what this handset will be called.

All three phones will pack the Apple A12 Bionic chip, which will likely be nippier than the A11 found on the 2017 iPhones (itself 25 percent faster than its predecessor, the A10).
We're also expecting performance gains from iOS 12, the next major version of Apple's iPhone software.
Apple has boosted performance and app loading times with the update, so your next iPhone should feel much faster to use.
It seems like Apple is sticking with the popular (but expensive) OLED screens for at least two of this year's iPhone models – compared to just one in 2018.
OLED screens can display a wider range of colours, and have improved contrast (so brighter whites and darker blacks).
They're expensive to make, inevitably driving the cost of your phone up.
In terms of Apple's release strategy, the two OLED models are predicted to hit stores on September 21.
Supply chain hiccups mean the budget LCD iPhone could be delayed until October.

Apple Watch Series 4

Another dead cert for September 12 is the new Apple Watch 4.
Apple's current smartwatch was unveiled the same time last year (it was released on September 22) and the same could hold true for the new model.
Rumours suggest a 15 percent larger screen, bigger battery, maybe an official sleep tracking app, and EKG tech.
EKGs (or ECGs or electrocardiograms) boast more in-depth information than the standard heart rate monitor on the Apple Watch 3, by using electricity currents to gauge your heart's behaviour.
Meanwhile, Apple could achieve that bigger display by trimming down on the bezels (the Apple Watch 3 has some noticeable borders that could be jettisoned on its successor).
That of course means more information squeezed onto the digital face. And all of this with barely a change to the size.
Apple's smartwatches have historically come in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, and two types, GPS and GPS + cellular - expect the same this time round.
Lastly, there's watchOS 5 with improved health-tracking perks, a new walkie-talkie feature, and a Podcast app.
Aside from the larger display, the biggest design departure could be the introduction of solid-state buttons that sense touch instead of clicking or moving up and down.
More excitingly: does that circle on the invite indicate a new model with a round face? There's not long till we find out.

New iPad Pro

Apple already released a cheaper iPad this year for students and teachers. But it could be saving its big gun for the main event.
Judging by the stunning renders we've seen, the new iPad Pro will pack an edge-to-edge display, ditching the home button, and giving you more screen without much (if any) increase in overall size.
Clues from inside the iOS 12 code also point toward FaceID: the tech found on the iPhone X that unlocks the phone by scanning your face.
That also likely means Animoji and Memoji – Apple's cute emoji avatars that mimic your facial movements in messages and (soon) group video calls.
With no mention of pricing and models, our best bet is to examine past trends.
The 2017 iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 10.5-inch starting at £619 and 12.9-inch starting at £769 with more dosh tacked on for extra like added storage (up to 512GB) and Wi-Fi plus cellular connectivity.
Ultimately, that means that the top of the range 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 512GB storage and Wi-Fi and cellular costs a whopping £1,249.
Whether or not we'll see a price hike like we did with the iPhone X remains to be seen.

Apple HomePod Mini

The bronze circle on the Apple invite has some guessing a new cylindrical smart speaker is on the way – though it could just be a nod to the disc-shaped Apple Park campus.
Both Apple's chief tech rivals boast a range of AI-powered audio gadgets – Amazon's Echo range currently spans five products in the UK and Google boasts three gizmos (the Google Home, Google Home Mini, and Google Home Max).
A HomePod Mini would naturally be the next smart speaker from Apple, offering a cheaper alternative to the £319 original.
If the rumours turn out to be true, it will pack Apple's love-it-or-hate-it digital assistant Siri under the hood.
And, if you believe the reports coming out of China, it will be a Beats branded gadget.
It will obviously be smaller than its bigger sibling, but it could borrow its cylindrical design with fabric mesh exterior (only with more colour options, if we're lucky).
That would ultimately mean a reduction in audio quality – the original HomePod was praised for its stellar sound, but cost-reduction will inevitably impact its defining feature.
Finally, will it break free of Apple's ecosystem to give us access to Spotify alongside Apple Music? Don't get your hopes up.

Everything else Apple could unveil

• iPhone SE 2 – this follow-up to Apple's dinky 2016 iPhone SE with a 4-inch screen is rumoured to pack more display and even FaceID.
• AirPower – announced around a year ago, Apple's wireless charging pad should work with both its new iPhones and 2017 models, the Apple Watch 3, Apple Watch 4, and AirPods.
• New Macs and MacBooks – Apple released a new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro in July, but we could still see a new MacBook Air with Retina Display, new iMacs and a new Mac Mini on September 12.
• AirPods – rumours suggest a higher-end pair of Apple's wirless earbuds are in the works with noise-cancellation, water resistance and wireless charging.
• Beats over-ear headphones – rumblings of wireless headphones with Beats branding emerged in February, with no word since then.
• Streaming service – Apple has been pouring millions into high-profile shows and music documentaries which are all expected to live inside its own Netflix rival.