Hot Pants and the iPhone 11

By Morgan Watkins, 13 September, 2019

Before there was an iPod or an iPhone, and even before Microsoft had Windows 95, there was the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. In those early years, I was a regular attendee at the WWDC. I was extremely fortunate to make great connections with many Apple employees and other Macintosh developers. I also established very close ties with the event organizers. Instead of sitting in one of the thousands of tightly packed stackable chairs in the main hall, where I would never see the slide shows, the WWDC team kindly offered me a backstage comfy chair, monitor and sound system. I was accidentally treated like a VIP for years. In that private setting, I got to meet much of Apple's leadership and all of the keynote speakers.

One year, during a short recess between presentations, I quickly tapped my way to the men's room for a brief break. I then promptly returned to the backstage area, and scurried around the heavy curtains. A security guard blocked my entrance.

"You can't come back here," she commanded.

"It's OK. I have a reserved seat."

She didn't budge. "I'm sorry sir, but this is a secured area."

"My name is Morgan Watkins," I said with ebbing confidence. "Please check with the conference coordinators and they'll clear me."

At this, her whole attitude changed. "I'm sorry Mr. Watkins. We were expecting you. Just a moment, there is someone sitting in your seat."

She approached the fellow who had taken my chair. "Sir, you are sitting in Mr. Watkins' seat. You are going to have to move."

"You don't understand," replied the polite gentleman. "My name is Bill Gates."

The guard was unimpressed. "I'm sorry sir. I don't care who you are. You'll have to move."

I had no idea what I should do. Now, I could have said, "Oh Mr. Gates, I'm so terribly sorry. I didn't realize it was you. Please keep my chair, as a gift." I could have fallen flat on the floor and declared myself unworthy. Or, I could have shown a little dignity and gone back to the men's room and taken a seat there.

But, I didn't move. No words escaped my lips. After all, what were the protocols for relocating a billionaire? Was it wise? Without comment, Bill Gates graciously stood up and I heard someone flip open a metal folding chair. Bill Gates then reseated himself behind where I had been sitting.

When I quietly reclaimed my comfy chair, I experienced something completely unexpected. The seat was warm, very warm. My first thought was that it must have been his wallet burning a hole in his pocket. Amazing. Physics in action. Who'd have thought?

Although my wallet is considerably thinner than those of most corporate executives, it is still prone to overheating. I believe that unused cash is a fire hazard. It should be put to work. I protect myself from sudden conflagration by purchasing toys. I'm just being careful. For years, my favorite goodies have been iPhones, headphones and Bluetooth keyboards. Although I am not one of those who will buy a new iPhone every year, I start daydreaming about future models as soon as my AppleCare policy runs out.

My current device is the iPhone 8. I did not consider the iPhone X models even though they launched at the same time. I liked the iPhone 8 for its price, size and Touch ID. I still like it. Even so, I have been fascinated by the new iPhone X models with their lack of a Home button, uninterrupted glass and Face ID. I recently began to ponder an upgrade to the new iPhone 11.

Unfortunately, as we approached the 2019 launch of new iPhones, every prognosticator of tech futures seemed to believe that 2020, not 2019, was going to be the really big and super-duper iPhone year. 2019 started to sound like the year of the "Ho Hum." Tell me it isn't so. Each article I opened suggested that 2020 would introduce the first 5G iPhone. And, purported insiders predicted both Face ID and Touch ID would work in tandem in the 2020 offerings. I would be very interested in a new iPhone for those features alone. Was this the best year to make a change?

However, I still wanted the iPhone 11 to tempt me. The geek inside was so hungry. I had heard about possible new ways of tracking personal belongings on an iPhone 11 with new electronic Apple tags in conjunction with the new U1 location chip, but that novel idea was not addressed in the Apple presentation. I had also heard that the 2019 iPhone 11 might introduce reverse wireless charging that could resuscitate drained AirPods and an Apple Watch, by laying the weakened accessories on the back of the iPhone 11, as the noble device sacrificed its own power for the greater good. I might even use that feature once in a while. So, was this announced on September 10? Nope. To be fair, I did hear about the extraordinary new displays, some great visual arcade games and the nearly supernatural cameras, but I am a happy blind guy and don't care much about those extras.

What if I did purchase an iPhone 11 without some really compelling new technologies? Granted, it would be faster than my current iPhone, but I really do covet some of the items on the 2020 wish list. I would likely spend the year kicking myself knowing that by buying now, I would not be buying then. It takes time for my wallet to heat up sufficiently. Ugh. However, if I wait and my expectations are not met next year, my wallet will surely set my back pocket ablaze.

Fortunately, during the September 10 announcement, Apple said that they would continue to sell the iPhone 8. Good. What they continue to sell, they will continue to support. And, my old iPhone 8 has been doing a great job.

Maybe I can survive with my current iPhone for one more year. With the support of my family and friends, with an intervention or two, I think I can wait. Maybe. Hopefully. One day at a time. That's the ticket.

Time to put my wallet in the freezer. I'll just buy the next iPhone with cold cash.

Closing Thoughts

The conversation detailed above was real, and comes from notes I created minutes after it happened. No names were changed to protect the innocent.

During the early years at WWDC, I enjoyed watching history unfold -- witnessing the evolution of the relatively new Macintosh computers, as well as the slowly retiring Apple IIs. I was there when Agnes and Victoria, two early Apple voices, began to speak. Access became more important. Talk2Me, my own very simple verbal interface for the Mac, was made possible because people at Apple cared. They still do.

I have written 22 other blogs for AppleVis, including "Say What? : Hearing Aids, iPhones and My Apple Watch," "Off My Chest: Confessions Of An Apple Watch Lover" and "Down To Earth: My First Hundred Days With AirPods."

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and comments below.

Options

Comments

By Michael Feir on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

My iPHONE7 was just starting to show battery performance issues but is still reasonably useable. As I'm in the final stages of writing a guide for owners of iOS devices, I thought I'd bplay it safe and get all my data transferred smoothly onto a 10R prior to the big iOS13 release. I'm quite happy with my 10R and don't expect that to change as these new 11s roll out. How good a camera does a blind man really need? Also, past a certain point, my everyday activities don't require anything like maximum processor power.

We have a sharp couple of changes coming over the next couple of years. First, we have this 5G transition. Additionally, we have the rumoured drastic iPHONE re-design and reinclusion of touch ID. I would rather wait until after the kinks have been worked out of these major changes. The 10R seemed a safe move since it was the second crack at Face ID and no home button. I also certainly noticed the A12 chip speed improvement. My wife got her 10R nearly a year ago so I also had her pleasant experience telling me that this was a good enough jump for now. I could avoid the mad scramble and begin using my digital home and work environment for the next few years that much sooner.

I must confesss to being quite curious about the new audio surround feature talked about very briefly in the keynote. I have difficulty imagining it would be anywhere near as good as what you get through AirPods, but I'm an eternally curious geek. I'm less convinced that the third generation neural learning processor will drastically improve life over the second gen chip in my 10R. I suppose anything's possible though. Frankly, you always reach a point where you need to make a jump and be happy with where you land for a while.

Basically, the 10R lets me get a good taste of the major transitions to date as well as iOS13 and a good few versions beyond that. For me, keeping up with iOS is the major concern. I'll be able to hopefully finish this guide I've been pounding away at for three years before this one ends. If major iOS changes happen after that, I should be in a good position to write updated sections presuming there's any interest. I also have the storage and computing power I'll need to pursue either of my post-guide goals. Writing a short story collection or developing an RPG. The 10R has turned out to be a good solid smartphone deserving of its popularity. I do look forward to hearing how people like their newer phones once they get out into the world and are running iOS13. I'll definitely keep an ear on Applevis over the next while. That's for sure.

By Holger Fiallo on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Now we know why microsoft did not do well accessibility. Thanks Morgan for making Bill mad of all blind people. He probably punish us because of you. Nice job. Regarding iPhone. Nothing new and great. I was listening to apple insider podcast and they were discussing iPhone. Someone made a comment from someone. How many people do use the camera and video? If you ask 100 people about using the camera and videos to take great photos you probably will get 10. The iPhone did not impress me and I have been using iPhone since I got 4, 4s, 5, 6, 6s, 7 and Xs. I agree that iPhone 12 will have more features that people will pay for it. Eventually the iPhone will keep focusing more in cameras, videos, virtual reality that sighted people can use and we so call blind community(is there such animal). will be left behind.

By Betsy on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

I enjoyed this. Thank you!

By Justin on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hi,
As someone who went from touchID with the iPhone 6S plus, going back to the 4s originally in 2011, I can safely say the transition from touchID to FaceID is really smooth. Sure there were the major kinks of not being able to "see" the device, but as with everything apple, Voiceover will tell us what it needs us to do. Anyway, I've loved my iPhone 10 for like a year and a half or so, and will be waiting to upgrade next year to the new 12, or whatever it's called. If it's the pro, I'll be going with that, due to the smaller 5.8 inch screen. I'm not one for getting the budget iPhone model as it's larger than the just pro, not max. You get it! Morgan, thanks, as always for writing another great article and will look forward to see what you come up with next!

By Khushi on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

hello, thank you for this one.
I truely love your posts x.

By Roxann Pollard on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hello Morgan. As soon as I seen the title of the article, I just knew it had to be from my favorite blogger. What a treat it is to read your stories and consider your points of view.

What an amusing story of your chance meeting with Mr. Gates. Who would have guessed that an everyday person would meet someone like that.

As for myself, I purchased the iPhone XS and really like it. If money wasn't an issue, I still wouldn't upgrade this year to the 11 because I don't see anything significant enough to warrant another investment. As for the new Adolby Atmos features, I sure there will probably be some small improvements, but due to the small form factor of the iPhones dual speakers, I just don't see this feature really making that much of a difference. Being a confessed audiophile, though, I certainly hope that I'm proven wrong. After all, it's all about sound for those of us reading this blog and, if Apple can do anything else to improve sound, I'm all for it.

Looking forward to your next blog. Be blessed.

By Holger Fiallo on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

The only way it works with speakers or homepod. Do not be surprise that apple will release a new homepod for the iPhone.

By BlackCat on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hello Morgan
This post is indeed a good treat. I have an iPhone 8+ and I start using iPhones in 2014, this 8+ is my favorite phone. I have it now for just over an year and don't want to upgrade next year. Hope Apple will still make updates available for the 8 and 8+ at least until 2022?

Michael,

I must confess that your purchase of the iPhone XR was a great choice. I would also like going buttonless, but just wasn't sure that the iPhone 11 was as big a leap as I had hoped. Getting the advantage of the new operating environment, along with increased performance, was a great reason to buy the iPhone XR.

Good to hear that you are using your iPhone XR to help in writing your guide. I wish you well with that effort. I have only co-authored one full length book and I know that it is a terrific amount of work. Good luck! I look forward to hearing of your success.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Great to hear from you.

Morgan

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Holger Fiallo

Holger,

What a delight to hear from you. And, you made both my wife and me laugh. I'm rather hopeful that Bill Gates quickly forgot the seat relocation. I was so embarrassed by the incident that I never said a word to him. Instead of turning in my chair and introducing myself, I pulled out my PowerBook 170 and quickly took notes of all the dialogue and what had happened. I like collecting stories and I knew this one would be fun to document. Of course, my screen was turned off, so the gentleman did not see what I was typing.

I always enjoy it when you add to the comments section of my blogs. It is great hearing from you.

Morgan

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Trenton Matthews

Trenton,

Thanks for the reference to the excellent article about the new audio being supported. I thought the information was very interesting. Thanks for taking the time to share it.

Morgan

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Betsy

Betsy,

I truly appreciate your taking the time to send your kind message. These stories are really fun to write, but once they are posted, a writer really has no idea how well it might be received without feedback. It is much like walking onto a stage, delivering a speech and not hearing or seeing the audience. Feedback is always appreciated. So, Betsy, your thoughtful note made my day.

Best wishes,

Morgan

By ming on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

my I Phone 7 is working quite well too! it is the same thought of me...

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Justin

Justin,

After having had this blog posted, I find myself tempted to move to, perhaps, the iPhone XR. And, with the current hiccups in iOS 13, I would want to adopt a new phone before 13 becomes the default. Yikes! Big decision, little time. However, if I did upgrade, I would almost certainly have a bunch of fresh stories to share.

Thanks for your kind words about my blog. I enjoy writing, but feedback and comments are always helpful.

Justin, again thanks for your note and your observations about your own iPhone.

Take care,

Morgan

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Khushi

Khushi,

Thanks for sharing your comment. I always enjoy hearing from folks.

I'm glad you enjoy my posts. I am already pondering what I might write next. The great thing about the Apple ecosphere is that there is always so much going on.

Best regards,

Morgan

By Chris on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hi Morgan,

This is a great article as always. Regarding the new iPhones, I'd recommend holding off until next year. I'm still rocking a 6s and it's working great! The newer models haven't impressed me in the last several years. The iPhone 8 will receive at least a couple more iOS updates, so it's still viable. Hopefully we'll get USB C and other "useful" features in 2020. Apple hasn't truly innovated on the hardware side in quite a while.

By Clare Page on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hi! I enjoyed this blog post, and I must say, Morgan, that I totally understand your reasons for not wanting to upgrade to an iPhone 11, given the promises of a lot of good-sounding changes in 2020, especially as your iPhone 8 still has life in it,. I'm in a different position, my iPhone 6 is showing its age, especially with unreliable battery life, so I'm now debating whether to jump straight to an iPhone 11 or get an 8 to use for a few years, by which time Touch ID is expected to return on newer models. But now to my question, inspired by an earlier comment on this thread, which anybody can answer. Chris's comment, just above this one, includes the hope that iPhones will have USBC next year, but I want to know, as something of a technical ignoramus, what is so special about USBC? I know Macs have USBC ports, but Windows computers don't. Do people want USBC purely because they want to easily plug their iPhones into their Macs, or does it have other qualities I don't know about? Thanks in advance for an answer to this question.

By ming on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

maybe 2020 is a good year for Iphone. and I prefur Touch ID as well.

By That Blind Canuck on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hey Morgan, absolutely loved the article and I was pleased to hear that, whether you're a multi-billionaire and ex-CEO of Microsoft, or just a regular "Jo", our wallets all burn equally.

I too am facing a similar conundrum as I currently have the 8 Plus and am intrigued with the 11. Although my 8 Plus still has 94% battery health, I will probably pull the trigger and get the 11.

When I first got an iPhone, it was the 4S, and although I was tempted when the 5S came out with Touch ID, I was glad when I held off and got the 6 Plus instead. Now the reason for my happiness is, even though I wasn't one of the first ones to get an iPhone with the first generation Touch ID, Touch ID itself did improve much significantly from the iPhone 5S to the 6/6 Plus, and even more from my 6 Plus to the 8 Plus I currently use.

I was also tempted to get the iPhone 10/X instead of the 8 Plus, but I decided to hold off, just as I did for Touch ID, as the iPhone 10/X's Face ID was also a first generation technology.

Although with the rumoured iPhone 12 having both Face ID and an in-screen Touch ID, it will still just be a first generation version, and I prefer waiting for the second/third generation of this tech, as I find that by then, most of the kinks will be worked out and the technology itself will have matured.

With that thought, that would mean I would most likely wait until 2021 or 2022 before I would choose to upgrade, and like you, I think my wallet would burst with so much explosive energy that I fear that I myself, and up to a 5 block radius would vaporize. So in an attempt to prevent the demise of myself and anyone surrounding me at that critical point, I thought I would get the iPhone 11, since Face ID has matured significantly since its first appearance on the iPhone 10/X.

That way when the iPhone 12S or 13 is announced in 2 to 3 years, the in-screen Touch ID will have certainly improved since its initial rumoured announcement next year.

The nice thing about your story too, at least while you were out to the men's room, Bill Gate was nice enough to keep your seat warm for you.

Thanks again for the hilarious story and look forward to the next one.

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Roxann Pollard

Roxann,

I was hoping I'd hear from you! I must admit that I am always really pleased when I see that you have written.

I'm tickled that you mentioned the title of this blog. Sometimes, I feel like titles I've chosen are too esoteric and that I may lose some readers who zip right by them. When I thought of my old Bill Gates story, which I have been waiting for more than 25 years to share, I thought I might have a catchy title built in.

It was fun crossing paths with Bill Gates, but we never spoke. I felt awkward about his having to change chairs. However, being backstage at the WWDC for many years meant that I met a lot of other really interesting people such as Douglas Adams, author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." He was a very tall man with a very warm handshake. Charming, kind and soft spoken.

Thanks for sharing your views of Face ID. My problem is that I simply enjoy new toys and really want to adopt it, but my mind is quite happy with fingerprint identification, so far.

Hope all goes well for you in Mt. Pleasant.

Cheers,

Morgan

p.s. Confession time: I wrote most of my above response last night. Things have changed. I have just purchased the iPhone XR. With the comments I received here and those of others who have reached out since this article was published, I decided to get last year's popular model for a very nice price. As I do not take photos, I knew that two or more cameras on the back would be a waste. To be blunt, one camera is a waste for me. I decided that at the reduced price, I will consider the iPhone XR as a transition phone, with hopes that the features I most desire will be out next year.

Dear BlackCat,

Thanks for writing. Since Apple will continue to sell the iPhone 8 this year, I imagine you will get the extended operating system support you desire. It's just my uneducated guess, but it seems likely.

Have a great week,

Morgan

By jcdjmac (not verified) on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hello their,
What an excellent read. this has been the best post I've ever come across. for me, I still have the iPhone 7, even though I'm not interested in upgrading my device at al in the future, I will hold on to my iPhone 7, as it still supports iOS 13. also, my mother just got an iPhone 7+, it's bigger brother, so she will also get the update as well. all in all, amazing read.

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by ming

Dear Ming,

I'm really happy that you continue to get good use out of your iPhone 7. Apple's move to a non-mechanical Home button was such a cool change.

Thanks for sending me a note. I truly appreciate it.

Morgan

By mslion on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hi all,
Really liked this story! It is interesting to read all the different takes on upgrading or not. I myself am probably going to upgrade but I had some questions regarding this because I come from an Iphone 6s. I had some issues with doing the new geasture for the homebutton on a phone with a screen protector. Has this happened to anyone before and is there a way to fix that? Also what is a good case for the new Iphones? I like it to be thin but with my currently silicone case I notice that it is a bit difficult to push the buttons because they are unter the silicone.
Any tips? Am really exited to get a new phone!

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Chris

Chris,

Thanks for such a kind note.

Well, I'm afraid that I went out and purchased the discounted iPhone XR. I liked the price and the fact that it was almost as powerful as the iPhone 11 without the new cameras. With luck, we will see the really exciting technology updates next year and my iPhone XR may turn into a really nice transition phone.

Great to hear from you,

Morgan

Clare,

Well, after having heard feedback from this forum and from others who know what I've been thinking, I finally decided to get the iPhone XR as a bit of a much less expensive phone that should get me to the next significant iteration. I can hope. I am now typing this to you using my Apple Magic Bluetooth keyboard and my new iPhone XR. So far, so good.

Your question about USB C is quite understandable. I suspect that part of the logic behind a change like this has to do with "standards." When a company adopts industry standards, it means that more accessories such as external batteries and microphones can be connected to multiple devices, including iPhones. It's nice when we don't always have to look for peripherals that are built only for Apple stuff. Generally, standards can also help push consumer prices lower.
Also, standards often help push the technical evolution of cool things. Good stuff.

Thanks so much for writing, Clare. Great to hear from you.

Morgan

By Ishkabibble on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hi,

I loved the article; a very informative and entertaining read for sure. I have an iPhone 8, which I do not intend to retire until at least 2020 (5g sounds very tempting.)

To clear up any confusion, USBC is a better port for power and data transfer, as well as durability. It can transfer more power to enable faster charging, and can transfer data faster, as well as being reversible, which is a Godsend, considering the more fragile and finnicky MicroUSB ports I have to deal with on a daily basis are not. Also, as Morgan mentioned, USBC is increasingly being adopted as an industry standard, and is used in many other Apple product lines.

Great post. Love your writing as always.

Sincerely,
Maddy

By Roxann Pollard on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hello mslion. I transitioned from the iPhone 6S, with the mechanical home button, to the iPhone XS, with no home button. I really didn't want to lose that button, but I have found that, with a small learning curve, I have transitioned just fine. I use a glass Zagg screen protector. I haven't noticed any problems in activating the new gestures to go to the home screen, the control center, or the notifications center.

Regarding cases, I also want a very slimline case. I chose a speck case this time. The case is shiny feeling on the back, with the word Speck engraved vertically down the back side. It has a little cilocone flexible area located at the top, on both sides, where the volume and power buttons are. The buttons on the case itself are cillocone but do not slip off the edges of the phone buttons. They feel nice and firm when pressed against the phone buttons. The case has just enough of a bezel edge that, if you should lay your phone down face first, the glass screen protector will not touch the surface. I looked at other similar cases, but the Speck case had just a smallest amount more of the bezel edge that will protect the phone, even with the thicker glass Zagg screehn protecter installed. I got the case at Walmart. Hope this helps

By Trenton Matthews on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Although USBC is indeed the standard now, I will indeed miss lightning once it disappears entirely after a few years time. Yes folks, I am one of those who likes it over USBC for some reason, considering I have an IPad Mini 5th gen in gold, and getting an IPhone 11 next year in purple.

You would think I would like USBC with my Galaxy S10E in Pink. But when it comes to using/propping up a phone or tablet with USBC connected to something while it is charging vs lightning, ports that use USBC tend to have their cords slip out easier than with cords that use lightning ones.
#EndOfRant

Howdy wBlinken223,

Thanks for your thoroughly enjoyable message. I do appreciate your writing.

As noted in a few earlier comments, my wallet screamed for mercy after this blog was published-- poor thing -- and I picked up the discounted iPhone XR. So far, I am very comfortable with the Face ID and really like this phone. I also like the increased battery life. I am especially thrilled that I did not pay for the plethora of cameras that mean almost nothing to me in the iPhone 11 models. I'm just a bit surprised that I capitulated so quickly. Oh well. I do love my toys!

Keep me posted on what you decide to get and how it works for you.

Best wishes,

Morgan

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by jcdjmac (not verified)

Dear jcdjmac,

Your letter was extraordinarily kind. Your note left me smiling. Thank you.

I'm glad the iPhone 7 is still serving you so well. I still remember when I saw my first iPhone 7. The same person who first sold me on the utility of hearing aids, showed me how accessible and useful the iPhone 7 was when it first came out. Actually, that very same woman told me how accessible the original Apple Watch was and she was one of the two blind iPhone users who first talked me into buying the iPhone 4. When she tells me about technology, I listen.

I'm glad you enjoyed the blog. I'm already pondering what I might write next.

Best regards,

Morgan

Hi,
Yes this makes me feel a bit better about the new design. Regarding the case: Are the buttons alos easy to depress? I feel that it is difficult to press the buttons through my current cilicone case. Could you give me the exacte name please? I live outside the US and therefore cannot buy it at wallmart smiley.

With kind regards,
Mslion

By KE7ZUM on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

I would if I could get the 11. The cameras will be grate for aira and ocr and the battery life will be excellent. In fact if I could I would upgrade every year and pay the 600 outright, but I can't Need to get a real job first lol! I could care less about the sound, it works. What I woudl like to see is stereo audio recording. Apple prides themselves on audio, why not stereo recording using the hardware mics. After all my samsung and moto z2 force could do it.

Dear Holger,

You wrote, "To be or not to be..." and asked if I was going with the iPhone 11.

So, with Hamlet on my mind...

Well "not to be" and not 5C,
Not 11 nor 11 P.

Although I thought I would keep my 8,
I discovered that I could not wait.

My wife and I jumped in the car,
And I went and bought the iPhone XR.

Your Shakespeare reference inspired me,
And now I'll wait for Apple's 5G.

OK, OK. I'll stick with blogging...

Take care,

Morgan

Hello mslion,

I saw the response that Roxann Pollard sent you and I thought her feedback was excellent. Her message seems to address everything you asked.

Even so, I'll share what I have done with my iPhones since the 4S. I love folio cases. They open up like hardback books. That is, the iPhone is seated in an enclosure that holds the phone by the side edges. There is a leather back that extends to the left and folds over the face of the phone. It looks a lot like a very thin, leather bound, book. The reason I like folio cases so much is that it keeps me from accidentally touching the screen and it means that no one else can see the screen when I am listening to a book. Although I do leave the operating system screen curtain turned on, I just like the privacy and the decreased likelihood of misdialing someone. To interact with the phone, you simply lift the cover and flip it behind the phone if you like. I find it convenient and easy. Incidentally, when I bought my iPhone XR, I immediately zipped over to Best Buy and purchased the "Platinum Genuine Leather Folio Wallet." Besides holding the iPhone, the case can also hold my ID, some business cards, and the few dollars left over after having bought this new iPhone..

However, for what you were asking, Roxann presented a great case for her case. I should add that I saw your second note where you said that you did not have a WalMart where you live. Although I have never used a Spec case, and therefore I have no expertise what would work best for you, I did find Spec cases available for the iPhone 11 models on Amazon.

Thanks for writing,

Morgan

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Ishkabibble

Dear Maddy,

Thanks for adding more detail about USB-C. As I use my iPhone as my primary computer, I have had little experience with USB-C. I must admit that I hate to think of how many cables I will need to replace if the iPhone and other Apple peripherals move from Lightning to USB-C. Transitions to new technologies do seem to come with a price tag. Gee, what a surprise!

I very much appreciate your note. Thanks for writing.

Morgan

By Roxann Pollard on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

I am actually headed to Walmart soon. I will get the info on the Speck case and post it ASAP.

By sockhopsinger on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hi Morgan:

As I was getting caught up on Applevis posts this morning, I found myself wondering, "when's Morgan gonna publish a new blog post?" Lo and behold, my wish was granted. I realize this was posted some time ago, but I just got back from playing blindfold hide and seek with a bunch of sighted individuals amongst the geyser pools at Yellowstone. Okay, so maybe that last sentence was just for a laugh, but I wasn't following posts when I was at Yellowstone.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw something out there for those who cringe every time it becomes necessary or desirous to upgrade their Apple swag and technological lifeline devices. Hah. For the past couple of years, I have been on the Apple upgrade program for new phones. I realize that this may seem rather pointless, but I find it works out so much better than going through a carrier like AT&T, Verizon or Sprint to finance the little glass box thingy. The biggest factor for me is that the basic Apple Care is included with each upgrade of the iPhone. However, my other favorite feature is that going through Apple means that I am not locked into a contract with one particular carrier and can switch to another whenever I like. Also in favor of going through Apple is that when I upgrade each year, Apple generally gives enough money when I trade in my previous phone model that I do not have to pay anything out of pocket. True it's just one more monthly payment that I have to make, but I would rather give my phone money directly to Apple than pay it to a carrier.

This is just something to ponder for those who have the option of using the Apple upgrade program that I wanted to point out. Actually, it was just an excuse to write a really long, rambling post and hopefully give people something to think about as well as hopefully a chuckle or two.

Take care.

By Roxann Pollard on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

The iPhone case that I am now using, purchased from Walmart, is the Speck Products GemShell iPhone XS Case. I can purchase the same case on Amazon.com, for about $20.00 USD. Hopefully this is enough data so that you can get this really nice case. I like it so much, because it is very slimline. I use the running buddy iPhone pouch on my waistband, and this slips in very nicely. The running buddy iPhone case has an inner pocket, separate from the phone, where you can slip in cash, credit cards, hair ties, keys, dog pick up bags, hand wipes in packages, etc. etc. and yes, all of that stuff is in my pouch. Despite putting all of those things in the running buddy pouch, it is still extremely slimgline, which I also really appreciate. It fixes to your waistband with magnets. There are no hard plastic clips to deal with. In case you didn't know it, I really like the running buddy pouch, as well, also purchased on Amazon.com . LOL. Anyway, I hope you can get the spec case.

By mslion on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Thankyou very much! Yes I should be able to get this case because I saw all the spec cases here in webstores but just did not know which one you have specifically and I do not know the differences so rather trust another user smiley.

Howdy KE7ZUM,

Thanks for your note. I completely understand your desire for the latest and greatest from Apple. Even though the iPhone 11 is not built for 5G connectivity, it is a sweet machine.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on stereo audio input, too.

Take care,

Morgan

Dear sockhopsinger,

It is really good to hear from you! And, congrats on your trip to Yellowstone. I've been there twice and really love it.

I appreciate your sharing how the Apple Upgrade program has worked for you. I would probably have to spend at least five minutes to talk myself into doing the same thing. How fun!

Today, I am testing the release version of iOS 13 on my iPhone 8. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth text editing keystrokes are not working in my favorite editor under the new operating system so I dare not upgrade my new iPhone XR. Hopefully, 13.1 will let me enjoy all the really cool new accessibility features.

Thank you for writing. It is always good to hear from you. Welcome home!

Morgan

Dear Roxann,

Thanks for helping out mslion with both the Spec case and the Running Buddy Pouch. My wife loved your post and was especially interested in the Running Buddy Pouch as well.

Again, thanks for always writing, and thanks for your help.

See you soon in another comment field.

Best wishes,

Morgan

By Roxann Pollard on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Hey Morgan, as much as I love my leather handbags, to be perfectly honest, I hardly take my handbag with me. Instead, I opt for my Running Buddy pouch. I just hope that the end of the world scenario never occurs or I'm going to be one mad woman, without all the goodies in my gbag. I use a Leader dog and I find that just the Running Buddy is the best option. I can carry the absolute essentials and have my hands completely free for dog handling and of course shopping. I only carry a handbag that I can use cross body, but I still reach for the Buddy pouch, despite the fact that the cross body option really works well. I hope your lovely wife can indulge in the Runnyng Buddy pouch soon. LOL.

By J.P. on Sunday, September 22, 2019 - 02:45

Funny post. Mr. Gates needs a few humbling moments. Just like the rest of us. LOL!
I’ve had my 11 since Friday. While not equipped with 5G, best phone I’ve had so far. Speaker is phenomenal. FaceID is much improved for me. Less failure on first attempt.
One of the most promising thing is the camera. While I’m not much into taking pictures... I do believe the camera will vastly improve on OCR, and that’s a huge need for all of us.

By Morgan Watkins on Sunday, December 22, 2019 - 02:45

In reply to by Ahmed

Howdy Ahmed,

Going from an iPhone 7 to an iPhone 11 must have been a wonderful upgrade.

Shortly after this article was published, I did buy an iPhone XR. I do not miss the Home button clicking and am very used to the new gestures. I also set up a four finger swipe down to work as an alternative Home button, which has been great.

Although I do not miss the Home button as a mechanism to go back to the Home screen, I do miss the quickness and dependability of the Touch ID. Face ID works much of the time, but I do end up punching in my passcode many times a day when my face does not get me through the software gates. I still hope that a future iPhone allows both Face ID and Touch ID.

Thanks for your comment.

Happy Holidays,

Morgan