Apple iPhone 4S now free on-contract in wake of iPhone 5c reveal

Apple iPhone 4S now free oncontract in wake of iPhone 5C reveal

Just yesterday, the venerable iPhone 4S sat as Apple's mid-tier smartphone, but now it's moving into a new role as the company's go-to option for budget seekers: an 8GB iPhone 4S is now free on-contract. The news follows this morning's introduction of the iPhone 5c ($99), which brings a dash of color to Apple's mid-range and replaces the iPhone 5. A similar discount is also in effect for the unlocked iPhone 4S, which now sells for $450 outright for the new 8GB model. Alongside the price drop, the continuation of the iPhone 4S brings a reprieve for Apple's legacy 30-pin dock connector, which is an important consideration for compatibility-minded folks. Naturally, you won't find all the latest goodies -- or even LTE -- in this 2-year old smartphone, but living behind the curve sure is easier on the wallet.

Check out all the coverage at our iPhone 'Special Event' 2013 event hub!

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Samsung edges past Apple in US smartphone satisfaction study, but reverse is true in Korea

Samsung Galaxy S III and iPhone 4S

What a difference a year makes. Apple topped American Customer Satisfaction Index's smartphone rankings back in 2012, but Samsung has taken the lead in 2013 by a slim margin. Owners responding to ACSI's national survey gave an 84-point score to both the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, putting the two Samsung phones just past the 82-point iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. Researchers haven't explained the changing attitudes, although they add that the Galaxy S 4 and other newer phones didn't ship in time to count. It's at least clear that the American sentiment doesn't extend worldwide -- ACSI notes that South Koreans ranked the iPhone 5 higher than the Galaxy S III despite Samsung's home turf advantage. Apple also maintains the lead in ACSI's device-independent scores at 81 points to 76, although Samsung is quickly catching up. It's safe to say that neither smartphone maker can afford to relax.

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Via: Forbes

Source: ACSI

Walmart permanently drops iPhone 4S price to $39, iPhone 5 to $129

Walmart permanently drops iPhone 4S price to $39, iPhone 5 to $129

While brief sales on iPhones are relatively common, it's rare to see permanent price drops outside of a hardware refresh cycle. Walmart is willing to give those cuts a shot, however. Visit the company's stores from this point onward and you can pick up the 16GB iPhone 4S in its AT&T, Sprint or Verizon forms at $39 on contract, instead of $90. The 16GB iPhone 5 for those same networks is dropping to $129 from its usual $190; sorry, T-Mobile fans, you're out of the loop for now. It's not hard to understand Walmart's sudden generosity -- when the iPhone range is nearing its annual upgrade, the lower prices should keep current units moving.

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Via: Mashable

Source: Walmart (1), (2)

AT&T issues Wireless Emergency Alerts update to iPhone 4S, 5

DNP AT&T issues Wireless Emergency Alerts update to iPhone 4S, 5AT&T has begun rolling out Wireless Emergency Alerts updates for iPhone 4S and 5, so you won't be the last folks to know if the entire northern hemisphere is about to be covered in ice à la Day After Tomorrow. You'll receive a notification from the carrier when your update is ready, but only if you're using iOS 6.1 or higher. Once installed, AMBER and Emergency alerts are automatically sent to your phone unless you switch them off via Settings. However, should you be tired of Obama, just know that there's no way to switch off Presidential alerts. WEA messages are always free of charge, so you don't have to worry about going over your texting limit when notified that you need to get the hell out of dodge.

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Source: AT&T

Otterbox iPhone 4 / 4S Defender case with iON Intelligence launching April 18th for $130 (video)

Otterbox iPhone 4 / 4S Defender case with iON Intelligence launching April 18th for $130 (video)

It was at CES that we were first introduced to Otterbox's Defender case with iON Intelligence, which promises to keep phones alive in two ways: by shielding them from physical abuse, and by serving up extra juice whenever they're thirsty. Otterbox has now told us the new case is nearly ready to bounce off hit the streets, and will be launching on April 18th for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The case combines the familiar hard shell, rubbery sleeve and screen protector for laughing off falls, with a 1,450mAh battery -- that's a sliver bigger than the 4 / 4S built-ins -- to effectively double capacity. LEDs on the case let you know how much extra juice is left, and the companion iON Intelligence app automatically redirects power when it's needed, and monitors usage to predict how long 'til your next charge. The iPhone 4 / 4S model will be available from Otterbox's online den for $129.95, and others are in the works for "other top iOS and Android devices." Check out the promo videos below for a full product walkthrough.

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Apple Brazil makes substantial price cuts on iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

Apple Brazil cuts prices on iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

It might not have the trademark, but that hasn't stopped Apple shaving the cost of its entry-level iPhone 4 and 4S' to something closer to its price tag in North America. The 16GB iPhone 4S is now R$1,699 ($840), down from R$1,999, while the 8GB flavor of the iPhone 4 now rings in at R$1,099 ($544), reduced from R$1,499. According to O Globo, if you're willing to pay upfront in full (and by phone) you can even snatch an extra 10 percent off both. Otherwise, Brazilians will need to visit the online store to lay claim to the heavily-discounted handsets.

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Via: Mac Rumors, O Globo (Portuguese)

Source: Apple Store (Brazil)

iPhone 5 coming to T-Mobile April 12th, 4S and 4 available in ‘select markets’

T-Mobile to carry iPhone 5

Remember when T-Mobile announced that it would begin carrying Apple products sometime this year? It looks like today's the day we finally get more information. As we've been expecting, the fourth-largest carrier is now ready to officially offer the iPhone after years of inviting customers to bring an unlocked model onto its network. (Update: see our hands-on here!) The iPhone 5 will be available in retail stores and online starting April 12th, but you'll be able to pre-order one beginning April 5th. Additionally, the iPhone 4S and 4 will be coming to "select markets," though we haven't seen details on which markets or when they'll be offered.

What about pricing? You can grab the iPhone 5 for $100 down and pay the rest in $20 monthly installments for the next two years; the 4S will be $70 down (with the same $20 installments) and the 4 will be $15 down with $15 monthly payments. No doubt, this move will make its forthcoming LTE launch even more enticing, but that's not all: T-Mobile CEO John Legere stated on stage that his company's version of the iPhone 5 will support AWS HSPA+ in addition to LTE. HD Voice is also offered on this particular model.

We also learned that despite the network's use of the "UnCarrier" brand, its version of the iPhone 5 will be locked to T-Mobile until the phone is completely paid off.

Stay updated on T-Mobile's announcements with our liveblog!

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Source: T-Mobile

iOS 6.1.1 rolling out for the iPhone 4S

iOS 611 rolling out, hitting 4S first

Well, iOS 6.1 is still pretty young, but 6.1.1 is already hitting the airwaves. At least for some iPhone 4S owners that is. We've been able to confirm availability of the upgrade on multiple 4S handsets, but have not seen it yet on an iPod touch or any other iPhone model. The notification screen does specifically call out the update as fixing issues relating to "cellular performance and reliability" on the iPhone 4S, so it's quite likely the update will be for that device only. While better signal reliability would be a welcome upgrade, the bug we've heard the most complaints about is the seriously diminished battery life under 6.1. Unfortunately the pseudo-changelog that appears alongside the update make no mention of improved longevity. Other tweaks rumored to be landing with this version, including better Maps support in Japan, will have to wait for a future release like 6.2.

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Source: @viticci (Twitter), Apple Support

Samsung Galaxy S III dethrones iPhone 4S as smartphone sales champ for Q3 2012

Samsung Galaxy S III preview: hands-on with the next Android superphone

The Galaxy S III has overtaken Apple's iPhone 4S for the first time ever to become the top selling smartphone for Q3 2012, according to Strategy Analytics. Samsung claimed the pole position by shipping 18 million copies of its flagship handset during the quarter, compared to Cupertino's 16.2 million iPhone 4S units. Of course, serendipity is also likely at play, as the iPhone 5 hit shelves towards the end of that period, likely cannibalizing 4S sales -- in fact, the market research firm thinks Apple's new top handset will likely trump Samsung in Q4. That means the Korean giant may have to step up its game, or it'll just be keeping the top spot warm for its arch-competitor. Check the PR after fold for more info.

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Samsung Galaxy S III dethrones iPhone 4S as smartphone sales champ for Q3 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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