Apple Watch: App submissions now open

Apple throws open doors to developers ahead of launch.

Apple has started accepting submissions for Apple Watch apps, a little more than three weeks before the device is due to go on sale.

The Cupertino company has updated its website with guidelines for developers who have used its WatchKit tools to create apps for the smartwatch. It means that third-party apps are likely to start appearing in the App Store within days. http://adf.ly/1MxZ1W

Last week, a number of high profile companies’ Apple Watch apps were given the green light and placed in the App Store ahead of schedule.

Evernote, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times were placed in the store early, with a view to allowing reviewers and those trying out the watch in store to access non–Apple software on the device. http://adf.ly/1MxZ1W

The Apple Watch will be on display in stores from April 10th, before going on sale two weeks later.

Word is that punters will not be able to walk in and buy the watch. Instead, it’s thought potential customers will either need to make a prior appointment or buy online.

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iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus set to be joined by new smaller model

iPhone 6C looks set to replace current iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C models.

Apple will release a new 4–inch iPhone later this year to sit alongside the already rumoured iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus models.

The smaller phone, dubbed the iPhone 6C by supply chain sources, will rock the same 4–inch screen as the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, but looks set to replace those older editions, which were first revealed in 2013.

Interestingly, the insiders say that the iPhone 6C will feature Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint scanning tech, which is missing from the entry level iPhone 5C.

The device is set to use Apple’s A8 chipset, while the higher end iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus will come packing a newer A9 version.

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Apple officially launches smartphone trade–in programme

Swap your old Samsung, BlackBerry and Nokia devices for store credit.

Apple has officially launched a smartphone trade–in programme, weeks after stories emerged about the company’s plans.

The new service lets would-be Apple device owners exchange a series of top–end rival smartphones, either for store credit to go towards a new iPhone, or for cash via a bank transfer.

Handsets Apple receives will be recycled in an eco–friendly manner, something that services such as Envirofone already offer. The programme is open both online and in Apple's high street shops throughout the UK.

We played around with Apple’s site and were offered £108 in store credit for a good condition Sony Xperia Z3 Compact.

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