Apple slashing prices for the older-generation iPhones after the launch of the new ones, the iPhone 5C and the iPhone 5S are seeing a further price drop in India. iPhone 5s 16GB variant is now priced at Rs. 44,500 while the maximum retail price of the 32GB variant is now Rs. 49,500.

It is not clear at the moment if Apple plans on introducing a buyback scheme for the iPhone 5S. But judging by the past, Apple could introduce a minimum of Rs 8,000 buyback offer on both the variants, which effectively brings the prices of both the smartphones down to Rs 36,500 and Rs 41,500 respectively. In comparison, the iPhone 5S is already retailing for Rs 38,000 on a few Indian e-commerce sites, but that isn’t the official price.

Flipkart has listed the Gold variant of the iPhone 5S 16GB for Rs 36,890.

Apple has announced that it will replace the battery on a select number of iPhone 5, free of charge. It said that some iPhone 5 handsets were experiencing shorter battery life or needed to be charged more frequently.

Apple released a statement -

“Very small percentage” of units “may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently.”

According to Apple, a small number of iPhone 5 sold between September 2012 and January 2013 are experiencing battery problems, where the users may experience reduced battery life, causing them to charge more frequently.

The program doesn’t affect the general warranty for your iPhone 5, but Apple will offer replacement batteries up through two years after you purchased the iPhone or March 1, 2015, whichever comes later.

Apple will look to announce the iPhone 6 on Monday, September 15th ahead of a launch on Thursday, September 25.

Apple could launch both 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone Air on the same day. The production delay due to battery performance and display technology of iPhone Air.

Reports also claimed that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 – 32GB variant will cost CNY 5,288 (approximately Rs. 50,800), while the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 – 16GB variant will be priced at CNY 5,998 (approximately Rs. 57,600). This would also imply the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 – 32GB variant is cheaper than the current 4-inch iPhone 5s – 16GB variant, which costs CNY 5,300.

Apart from larger display, the iPhone 6 is coming with a thinner profile, a faster A8 processor, and other new features such as complete redesign relocated sleep/wake button. The camera of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 is also said to have an optical image stabilization system, while the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone will use a new lens module.

Apple’s new update iOS 7.1.2 compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices is available for download immediately and it brings with it several new bug fixes and other enhancements.

Features of new update are -

• Improves iBeacon connectivity and stability
• Fixes a bug with data transfer for some third-party accessories, including bar code scanners
• Corrects an issue with data protection class of Mail attachments

iBeacon is Apple’s trademark for an indoor proximity technology which is, according to the company, “a new class of low-powered, low-cost transmitters that can notify nearby iOS 7 devices of their presence.” Apple has also released OS X 10.9.4 with various bug fixes and security enhancements. The build number is 11D257 and it comes in at approximately 30 MB over-the-air on the iPad and 32 MB on the iPhone. The update is approximately 1.4GB for a complete download via iTunes.

Install iOS 7.1 update via iTunes -

1. Click on iTunes in the menu bar and then click on “Check for updates.”
2. Connect your iOS device to your computer using an USB cable.
3. Click on your device in iTunes and then click the “Check for Update” or “Update”.
4. iTunes will prompt you to download and install the update.

Apple’s next generation iPad Air, iPhone and iPad mini has leaked online. The photos shows Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the upcoming iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

All the upcoming devices iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 models are coming with an embedded circular home button.

The reports suggests that this new feature will be a part of iOS 8, it may be integrated into all Apple’s new products including the new iPads, iPhone 6, and even the iWatch.

Features of the Touch ID Scanner are -

• Fingerprint recognition is used for unlocking the device.
• Approve purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store, and the iBooks Store.
• 360-degree readability that allows users to enter fingerprints in portrait, landscape, or any other position.
• Supports multiple fingerprints.
• Home button is made from sapphire and is scratch resistant.

Statement said -

“Apple’s Touch ID module should see shipments soar 233% in 2014. We believe every new iOS device launched this year will be equipped with Touch ID, including 4.7″ and 5.5″ new iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2 with Retina display. Considering shipments of new products and iPhone 5S sales last longer than in 2013, we forecast unit sales of the fingerprint sensor module to grow 233% to 120mn for 2014.”

iPhone 6 is expected to be launched on September 19th. The device will reportedly will come with a barometer sensor to measure temperature, altitude and air pressure. While the iPad Air launched in October and the iPad mini with Retina Display appeared in October.