Apple has finally released the iOS9 and you’re probably excited to upgrade your OS right away. But before you do so, here are some things you should know first so you won’t have to delete any of your favorite apps, images, or videos.
Installing the iOS9 update will require 1.3GB — or even more space if you haven’t upgraded your Apple device for some time. During the iOS8 update last year, some users reported needing 5.7GB of free space to download the software.
This can be a big problem if your iPhone only has an internal storage of 8GB or 16GB. To go around this issue, the answer is simple: iTunes.
Download the update through iTunes in your computer and transfer the software to your device. Thus, you won’t need to delete any data from your device to make space for the download. Do it through the computer, not over the air.
Steps:
1. Back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your computer and iCloud.
2. Select “Check for Update” to install iOS9.
3. Don’t click “Restore iPhone” to avoid deleting any data.
And that’s how you upgrade to iOS9 seamlessly! Of course, you may avoid having to plug your device into a computer if your iPhone has more internal storage than a simple 16GB. With all the apps and data going through your device nowadays, the bigger the storage the better.
To learn more about the changes made on the iOS9, we recommend this review by Mashable.com.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Just when we thought that Apple would forever be against phablets, here they are now with their second generation of plus-sized phones. The iPhone 6s Plus is making waves in the world of mobile technology after Apple’s big event, but how does it compare next to the newest Android phablet, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. Let’s take a look.
The iPhone 6s Plus still looks the same as the iPhone 6 Plus, except it will come with the new rose gold option. And it promises to be the most durable of all iPhones as it is made from stronger aluminum. No more “bendgate” for sure.
The Galaxy Note 5 has moved away from the fake leather design that the Note 4 has, and instead looks much classier with a glass and metal case. The Note 5’s S Pen is also very useful for many who choose to use it. Just be careful not to put the S Pen in the wrong way or it can seriously damage your phone.
The iPhone 6s Plus retains its 5.5-inch display as its predecessor, with 1920×1080 pixel resolution and 401 ppi. It also boasts of the 3D Force Touch technology, which detects not only taps, but also presses and long presses.
If you receive a text message, just press on the message and it will pop out in a preview window. When you let go, it will hide. This means you don’t need to bother with closing and re-opening tabs for small tasks, and you can just use the touch gestures to see a preview.
The Note 5 display is steps ahead with its 5.7-inch AMOLED display with 2560×1440 pixel resolution at 551 ppi. It’s so far one of the best displays you can find in a mobile device.
The iPhone 6s Plus will run with the new 64-bit A9 processor with an M9 motion co-processor. Apple does not provide a lot of details but the RAM may have been upgraded to 2GB. The 6s Plus will come in 16, 64, and 128GB storage options.
The Note 5 is run by Samsung’s Exynos 7420 processor plus a blazing 4GB of RAM. Definitely one of the fastest phones you can find out there today. Internal storage comes in 32GB and 64GB.
From 8MP, the iPhone 6s Plus now comes with 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization. The front camera is now at 5MP, with the display now acting as a flash. Video-recording is available at 4K and the camera turns photos into short videos.
When it comes to megapixels, the Note 5 takes the cake with a 16MP rear camera with LED flash, image stabilization, and impressive low-light performance. The front-facing camera is also at 5MP, just like 6s Plus.
Even though the iPhone 6s Plus battery may be a little smaller than its predecessor, the iOS 9’s power management may still make it more efficient. Besides, Apple should not be releasing a newer phone with worse battery life, right?
The Note 5’s 3,000 mAh battery is smaller than the one in the Note 4, and unfortunately, does not last as long as its predecessor. But Samsung compensated for this shortcoming as the Note 5 supports fast charging and also fast wireless charging.
iPhone 6s Plus or Galaxy Note 5?
It always comes down to your preference between iOS and Android. But if you are still on the fence, here’s some tips. If you’re looking for a powerful phone with astounding horsepower and more personalization options, you can go for the Note 5.
But when it comes to looking elegant and taking better photographs, you might want to choose the iPhone 6s Plus. The iPhone’s camera specs may not look good on paper but Apple works its own magic with its camera sensor, which delivers better photos.
Have you made your decision? Or will you be buying another phone model instead? Don’t forget that iCare Repair buys old iPhones and smartphones, so if you need extra cash for your new phone, visit any of our locations near you. If you would rather buy an older iPhone or Galaxy phone, we also sell pre-owned devices. Whatever you choose, we hope you’ll love your new phone!
Now that Apple is set to unveil its latest iPhones, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, now is the perfect time to sell your old iPhone. You’ll be able to get the best possible price for your smartphone, and you can use that cash to offset the cost of buying the new iPhone.
According to rumors, the next generation iPhones will be released on September 18. So while you still have time, better cash in your old phone.
How much is an old-generation iPhone worth?
Based on the prices gathered on eBay and analyzed by NextWorth (a gadget trade-in site), resale values will start falling by about 10 percent in September and October. As many iPhone users prefer to have the latest Apple device, they start selling their handsets as they wait to purchase the new iPhone. The market now becomes infiltrated with a huge supply of older iPhones. As we have learned in economics, when the supply goes up, the prices go down.
By the end of the year, the value of your phone can lose as much as 30 percent of a phone’s secondary market price, according to CNN Money. Nextworth has seen this trend happen consistently for the past four years every time Apple releases the latest iPhone.
Where can you sell your old iPhone?
You’ll want to shop for prices first before you sell your iPhone. Here at iCare Repair, our prices are real-time and are based on the prices of our online competitors. So you can be sure that you’re always given a fair value for your iPhone, no matter the condition.
An AT&T iPhone 6 with 128GB can be sold to us for as much as $293 (as of the time of publication of this article). If you wait until the end of the year, you may only be able to sell it for as low as $205.
A T-Mobile iPhone 6 Plus with 128GB can fetch you up to $315, but by December, it may only be worth $220. Of course, your iPhone’s value will depend a lot on its condition, storage capacity, whether or not it is unlocked, and if it is under a contract.
Before selling your iPhone, make sure to back up your memory and do a factory reset of your phone. You don’t want the next person to be able to get ahold of your personal data. Here’s our Lansing manager, Nando, who will explain the proper steps you should take before selling your iPhone.
On the flipside, now is also the best time to upgrade your iPhone to a later model because of the large supply of iPhones in the market. iCare Repair offers pre-owned iPhones at our several locations, so give us a call and ask for the model you want.
If you have jailbroken your iOS device, then you may be one of the at least 225,000 jailbroken users whose Apple IDs and passwords were stolen by the KeyRaider malware. According to the report released by security specialists Palo Alto Networks, this may be the “largest known Apple account theft caused by malware”.
See also: One Simple Text Can Hack 950 Million Android Devices
How KeyRaider steals information
If your device was not modified, then you should breathe a sigh of relief. The malware targets only hacked or jailbroken iOS devices using the Cydia repository to steal your account information. Cydia is an app store for jailbroken iPhones, and it allows users to download paid apps and in-app purchases for free.
Palo Alto Networks’ Claud Xiao explains, “the malware hooks system processes through MobileSubstrate, and steals Apple account usernames, passwords and device GUID by intercepting iTunes traffic on the device.” The stolen data is then uploaded to the malware’s server. The attackers use the stolen account credentials to download apps from the App Store without paying.
And it doesn’t stop there. KeyRaider also steals Apple push notification service certificates and private keys, which then prevents the infected device from being unlocked by the passcode or the iCloud service. Some users found their iPhones and iPads being held in ransom because of this malware attack.
Why jailbreaking is dangerous
So if you’re thinking about jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad, this is a reminder that it’s NOT a good idea especially when you are not aware of the tweaks you’re installing.
Jailbreaking is the same as hacking into the device because the user is going around the built-in security protections, making it vulnerable to malware attacks like this. KeyRaider is not the first of its kind; there was also the “Unflod” that intercepted encrypted traffic to steal passwords. The malware AppBuyer not only stole account information but also purchased apps from the App Store without the user’s permission.
How safe are you from KeyRaider
The bulk of the malware attacks are in China but it expands to up to 18 countries including the United States. China is the biggest victim because the malware was distributed through Chinese Cydia repositories, and many pre-jailbroken iPhones are being sold to customers.
The 225,000 users affected is only a very small percentage to Apple’s 885 million iTunes accounts (as of 2014). However, this in eyeopener to curious minds about the potential dangers of jailbreaking your device.
If you’re having software issues on your iPhone or iPad, visit our iPhone Repair and iPad Repair list of services.
Do you have an old smartphone or tablet lying around the house? Do you want to install your very own DIY security camera? You can put your old mobile device into use without spending a lot of money. Just download a free app into your smartphone or tablet, and voila! You can repurpose your spare device into a security camera that can remotely alert you if it detects any movement.
Both Android and Apple devices have monitoring apps that you can use for this purpose. Let’s talk about popular apps for each.
Security Camera App for Android Phones and Tablets
If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, download the Salient Eye available free from Google Play. With a low energy profile, the app can run for up to 10 hours and it will remain active even if the display is off. If your device has a battery problem, get a battery replacement or keep the device plugged in.
When Salient Eye detects movement, it will alert you via email or text. You’ll get to see photos of the intruder as the app uploads them to a free cloud storage account. Plus, it also creates a loud alarm to hopefully scare off the intruder. A password must be entered to shut off the alarm.
It’s best if your device is connected to Wi-Fi to receive immediate notifications of an intruder. But even without Wi-Fi, Salient Eye can still capture images and trigger the alarm. You also have an option not to receive notifications if you just want to use the app as a motion-activated alarm.
In cases when you are expecting someone to enter your house, you can turn the alarm off and just receive images of what the person is doing without alerting them. The app also has a paid feature that allows you to turn it on and off from a distance. Note that Salient Eye only shows image captures and not videos.
Security Camera App for iPhones, iPods, and iPads
If you have a spare iPhone, iPod, or iPad, you can download the free Manything app from the Apple Store. It works just like Salient Eye, where it triggers an alarm when it detects movement. But unlike Salient Eye, Manything can capture audio and video, and stream it live to your Apple device. It stores up to 12 hours of video in a free cloud account.
Besides using it for home security, you can also monitor your children or keep tabs on your pets with Manything. Just don’t forget to enable and connect it to Wi-Fi to record and store up to four hours of video footage. If you want to save more hours of footage, the app offers different paid options and you can get as much as 30 days of footage.
Repurposing an Old Device
Rather than letting your old smartphone or tablet collect dust, turning them into a security camera gives them new life and gives you added security at the same time. If the device is too old or broken to be repurposed, you also have the option to have it recycled at iCare Phone Repair. We buy old devices in any condition and we will properly dispose of them. It’s good for the environment and also on your wallet! Visit any of our locations or get an instant quote online.
If you’ve had your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus fixed at a repair shop, then you are at risk of getting the Error 53 that can cause your iPhone to become an expensive paperweight. Error 53 is a problem that you can run into if you had your Touch ID sensor (or other iPhone hardware) replaced by a repair shop that’s not authorized by Apple. When you update iOS, the device locks down and shows the Error 53 message. The iPhone virtually becomes unusable. The only way to prevent it is to NEVER update the iOS but this is not a very plausible option in the long run.
What is Error 53?
According to Apple, Error 53 is an iOS 9 security feature to keep private data secure. So when the home button assembly has been tampered with or replaced, Error 53 occurs. For the iPhone 5s, the home button can be replaced at the cost of losing the finger scanner’s functionality, but it can still function without running into Error 53. But it’s not the same case for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
The iPhone 6’s finger scanner may be faulty but it can still function just fine — until the iOS is updated. A warning prior to the update would have been great but Apple doesn’t give out that favor. Even a hard reset won’t be a solution for the Error 53. The iPhone simply becomes worthless.
Which devices are affected?
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are definitely affected, as well as iPads with Touch ID. The iPhone 5s is not affected even though it has Touch ID, but it is not clear yet if the 6s and 6s Plus are vulnerable too because they use a different cable design than other models.
What is Error 53 for?
Locking down the entire device with the Error 53 is Apple’s way of preventing a malicious Touch ID sensor to be installed on the device, which could potentially allow unauthorized access to your fingerprint data in the iPhone’s Secure Enclave.
Fingerprint data is encrypted and protected with a key available only to the Secure Enclave. Fingerprint data is used only by the Secure Enclave to verify that your fingerprint matches the enrolled fingerprint data. The Secure Enclave is walled off from the rest of the chip and the rest of iOS. Therefore, iOS and other apps never access your fingerprint data, it’s never stored on Apple servers, and it’s never backed up to iCloud or anywhere else. Only Touch ID uses it.
Is there a way to avoid Error 53?
Have you ever had your Apple device with Touch ID repaired by anyone other than the Apple Store? If yes, then your device is now vulnerable to Error 53. To avoid it, your only solution is to NEVER update your iOS. If you need repair on your device, bring it to an Apple Store because only they have hardware capable of re-establishing an authentic connection between the Touch ID and the iPhone’s Secure Enclave.
Is there a fix for the Error 53?
You can but it’s not easy. Reinstall your original home button and any other parts that were replaced if you still have them. The genuine parts are a must-have, or else, it’s time to buy a new iPhone.
Apple suggests bringing over your device with Error 53 to the Apple Store, but don’t expect a lot of great help. If your device is still under warranty and there are no signs of damage, then you can have it exchanged. But if it’s not covered by warranty, the warranty is voided, or the device is suspected to have been tampered with, then your only recourse is to buy a new iPhone.
How are people reacting to Error 53?
Seattle-based law firm PCVA said it believed Apple is in violation of various consumer protection laws in the US, and offers to represent affected iPhone users for free. According to them, users are being forced to use Apple’s more expensive repair services, than third-party repair shops. Users are being limited from finding other methods to fix their devices.
Think of it this way: let’s say you bought a car, and had your alternator replaced by a local mechanic. Under Apple’s strategy, your car would no longer start because you didn’t bring it to an official dealership. They intentionally disable your car because you tried to fix it yourself. That is wrong.
In response, Apple has maintained the necessity of having a strict security measure to avoid a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used. Apple is encouraging users who encounter Error 53 to contact Apple Support.
The real losers…
It’s not just about the money spent to purchase the Apple device, but also the photos, documents, and apps that cannot be recovered because of Error 53. As a third-party repair shop, we also get the brunt of customers’ complaints when their devices get bricked (or nonfunctional) because of an error that is really out of our hands. This can be their security feature but this also gives them the responsibility of warning customers beforehand.
Hopefully, Apple is already working on this issue and find a better alternative than Error 53 to handle the tampering of the Touch ID system. In the meantime, if you’ve done something with your Touch ID or had a screen replaced, don’t update iOS. Better to be on an old version than be left with a bricked device!
BAY CITY, Mich. – Sep 12, 2016 — iCare Repair delivers same-day repair of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The Michigan-based tech repair company specializes in repairing cracked screens, water damage, camera issues, and other software and hardware problems. Its newest corporate store, iCare Repair Bay City, opened August 22 at 3760 Wilder Road, making it the 11th iCare store since the company’s inception in 2012.
Daniel Peabody, iCare’s founder, responded “iCare Repair is really excited that we are coming to the Tri-Cities! We are now open in Saginaw and Bay City and will soon be open in Midland. We are quickly approaching our four year anniversary and very excited to announce that we will have our 13th location opened by the end of this year. We are also excited to announce that our franchise program is already seeing great success. Our franchisees are excited and are opening up multiple locations. iCare Repair is becoming a trusted household name in electronic repair. That’s easy to understand with our bend over backwards customer service.”
iCare Repair’s newest corporate store is located in Bay City. It is located near the Bay City Mall in a convenient location to provide residents of the community quality service at an affordable price.
“We noticed there were not repair shops in the tri-city area. We had individuals contact us from the area to inquire about repairs. It was a great opportunity for us to secure the phone and tablet repair market of Saginaw and Bay City,” said Regional Manager Brandon Mistry.
iCare Repair of Bay City is located at 3760 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on our repair services and price quotes, call (989) 327-1966 or send a message on its Facebook page.
You can also follow this link to learn more about iCare Repair: icarerepair.com. If you’re interested in opening an iCare store in your area, request more information about franchising.
SAGINAW, Mich. – Sep 6, 2016 — iCare Repair delivers same-day repair of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The Michigan-based tech repair company specializes in repairing cracked screens, water damage, camera issues, and other software and hardware problems. Its newest corporate store, iCare Repair Fashion Square Mall, opened July 30 at 4787 Fashion Square Mall, Suite 410, making it the 10th iCare store since the company’s inception in 2012.
Daniel Peabody, iCare’s founder, responded “iCare Repair is really excited that we are coming to the Tri-Cities! We are now open in Saginaw and Bay City and will soon be open in Midland. We are quickly approaching our four year anniversary and very excited to announce that we will have our 13th location opened by the end of this year. We are also excited to announce that our franchise program is already seeing great success. Our franchisees are excited and are opening up multiple locations. iCare Repair is becoming a trusted household name in electronic repair. That’s easy to understand with our bend over backwards customer service.”
iCare Repair’s newest corporate store is located in Saginaw in Fashion Square Mall. It is located near Saginaw Valley State University to provide students and residents of the community quality service at an affordable prices.
“We noticed there were not repair shops in the tri-city area. We had individuals contact us from the area to inquire about repairs. It was a great opportunity for us to secure the phone and tablet repair market of Saginaw and Bay City,” said Regional Manager Brandon Mistry.
iCare Repair of Saginaw is located at 4787 Fashion Square Mall, Suite 410, Saginaw, MI 48604. For more information on our repair services and price quotes, call (989) 327-1966 or send a message on its Facebook page.
You can also follow this link to learn more about iCare Repair: icarerepair.com. If you’re interested in opening an iCare store in your area, request more information about franchising.
OKEMOS, Mich., July 6, 2016 – iCare Repair opened in Mount Pleasant near the Central Michigan University campus on Tuesday, July 5 at 2304 South Mission Street. The fast-growing mobile device repair company provides effective, same-day repair service of smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, and laptops. From broken screens and water damage to camera issues and defective batteries, iCare Repair can fix most technical problems at its 12 stores in Michigan and Washington.
iCare Repair Mount Pleasant is owned and operated by Jim and Patty Barnard. Besides being a franchise owner, Jim is an insurance agent and the former CFO of a manufacturing company. He was awarded the NFIB Small Business Person of the Year in Michigan in 2004. His wife, Patty, is a Civil Department Assistant at an AE consulting firm in Lansing. They are looking forward to applying their sales, marketing, and business skills and experience in an entrepreneurial setting.
“We want to be the number one source for tech repair services in the Mount Pleasant community,” Jim said. “Our goal is to serve the college students and young and old mobile device owners with great service at affordable prices.”
iCare Repair was founded in 2012 by Dan Peabody, who came up with the idea from a friendly challenge from his best friend and franchise owner, Dustin Colthorp. Understanding the importance of mobile devices in our personal and professional lives, Dan built the company with a strong customer service principle combined with a professional and technical skillset.
“We believe in a ‘bend over backwards’ customer service, and this has helped us grow this fast and successfully in just four years,” said founder of iCare Repair, Dan Peabody. “With our continued growth in Michigan and expansion into Mount Pleasant, we hope to become the household name in mobile device repair in the state and beyond.”
With iCare Repair’s fast turnaround time and top-quality replacement parts, customers are always assured that their mobile devices will be returned to them in great condition. Smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, and laptops are its specialties, but they have the ability to fix any electronic device. Repairs come with a lifetime warranty on the parts and workmanship. iCare Repair expects to have 20 stores in Michigan and the surrounding states by the end of 2017.
iCare Repair Mount Pleasant is located at 2304 South Mission Street and can be reached at: (989) 317-8591. For more information and price inquiries, visit iCareRepair.com.
About iCare Repair Founded in 2012, iCare Repair provides fast and effective repairs of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, and laptops. Cracked screens, water damage, battery issues, camera issues, and many other problems can be repaired by iCare Repair’s team of certified technicians at its 12 locations in Michigan and Washington. For more information and franchising opportunities, visit iCareRepair.com.
Water-damaged smartphones are very popular repairs that we have been doing this summer. Some customers dropped their phone into the lake, some left it in their jeans’ pocket and got washed in the washing machine, and for the unfortunate ones, their phone fell into the toilet.
It is frustrating but the good news is you may not need to buy a new phone just yet. By following a few simple steps, you may be able to restore your phone after water damage. But if you don’t have the necessary tools to take apart your phone (or unsure how to put it back together), then it’s best to leave the job to a smartphone technician.
You’ve probably seen a lot of tutorials telling you to stuff your phone in a bag of dry rice and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. This is not a smart way to dry your phone because rice is not very absorbent, and your phone’s headphone jack and charge port may end up with grains of rice!
The key is not to wait too long if you want to save your phone in working condition. Check out the 4 steps in our infographic below for a higher success rate of saving your phone and its data. (Note: If you can’t do Step 2 because you don’t have the tools or the know-how to open up your phone, bring it to any of our locations immediately to minimize any water damage.)
