Apple today announced that it has closed all of its corporate offices, stores, and contact centers in mainland China through February 9 due to the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, out of an abundance of caution.
Our thoughts are with the people most immediately affected by the Coronavirus and with those working around the clock to study and contain it. Out of an abundance of caution and based on the latest advice from leading health experts, we're closing all our corporate offices, stores and contact centers in mainland China through February 9. Apple's online store in China remains open. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and we look forward to reopening our stores as soon as possible.
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency. More information about the virus and how to protect yourself is available on its website.
A wide selection of refurbished iPad Air and iPad mini 5 models are available, including configurations with Wi-Fi or LTE, 64GB or 256GB storage, and Space Gray, Gold, or Silver finishes. Prices are discounted by around 15 percent compared to the equivalent brand new models on Apple.com.
Apple says certified refurbished iPad models are thoroughly inspected, tested, cleaned, and repackaged in a new white box, with all accessories and documentation included. Every refurbished iPad receives a new battery and a new outer shell, making them virtually indistinguishable from brand new iPads.
Every refurbished iPad is covered by Apple's standard one-year warranty effective on the date the tablet is delivered. The coverage can be extended to two years from the refurbished purchase date with AppleCare+, which costs $69 or $3.49 per month for the latest iPad Air and iPad mini in the United States.
While certified refurbished iPads represent a decent opportunity for savings straight from Apple, better deals are often available from resellers like Amazon and Best Buy. Be sure to monitor our Apple Deals roundup.
The final week of January began with the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the original iPad, followed by well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasting several new Apple products that he expects to launch in the first half of 2020. Other top stories included leaked images of Powerbeats4 earphones, SIM-free iPhones becoming eligible for interest-free financing with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and more.
Apple Said to Launch AirTags, New iPads and Macs, Small Wireless Charging Mat, High-End Headphones, and More in the First Half of 2020
Apple plans to release several new products in the first half of 2020, including Ultra Wideband item tracking "AirTags," high-end wireless headphones, a small wireless charging mat, a lower-cost 4.7-inch iPhone, refreshed iPad Pro models, and refreshed MacBook Pro and/or MacBook Air models, according to the latest forecast from well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
iOS 13.3.1 Released, Includes Images of Upcoming Powerbeats4 Earphones
Apple released iOS 13.3.1 this week with a toggle for enabling or disabling the U1 Ultra Wideband chip in iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models. However, there's more to the update than meets the eye.
Apple has also released macOS Catalina 10.15.3, watchOS 6.1.2, tvOS 13.3.1, and a software update for the HomePod.
iOS 14 Rumored to Support Same iPhones as iOS 13
iOS 14 will be compatible with any iPhone that can run iOS 13, according to French website iPhoneSoft.fr. On the other hand, the report claims iPadOS 14 will drop support for a few older iPad models, including the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4.
Monday marked the 10th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the iPad at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. It was one of the last major products that he unveiled before his death in 2011.
"iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price," said Steve. "iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before."
25 Must-Know macOS Tips for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Mac Users
There are dozens if not hundreds of macOS shortcuts and tricks to streamline your workflows and make it easier to use your Mac, but many of these shortcuts are easily overlooked or forgotten.
SIM-Free iPhones Now Qualify for 24-Month Interest-Free Financing With Apple Card
SIM-free iPhone models now qualify for Apple Card Monthly Installments, which allows customers to purchase an iPhone with the Apple Card and pay for it over two years with no interest or fees in the United States. Previously, the installment plan was limited to carrier-activated iPhones.
Apple already offered interest-free iPhone financing through its iPhone Upgrade Program, but the Apple Card plan has a few advantages, including managing payments in the Wallet app and no late fees. iPhone purchases via Apple Card Monthly Installments also qualify for 3% Daily Cash.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
