News round-up: Apple selling refurbished iPhone XS, XS Max models (and more)

Since Steve and I can’t cover everything, we’ll frequently offer a wrap-up news items you should check out.

Apple has begun selling certified refurbished iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models. 

Speaking of iPhones, Japanese blog Mac Otakara says the “iPhone 12” will look like a slimmer, taller iPhone 11.

According to Reuters, Apple ditched plans to let iPhone users fully encrypt backups of their devices in the company’s iCloud service after the FBI complained that the move would harm investigations.

The Trump administration wants Apple to create a backdoor into the iPhone. However, District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. has spent millions trying to find other ways in, per Fast Company.

Speaking of President Trump, he and his frenemy, Apple CEO Tim Cook, will eat breakfast together on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Speaking of politics, Roll Call says at least eight senators have broken the rules of decorum by wearing Apple Watches during the start of the Trump impeachment trial. They’re not supposed to use phones or other electronic devices in the Judicial Chamber during the procedure.

Bloomberg says that Apple manufacturing partner, Pegatron, plans to se up production in Vietnam.

Apple CEO Tim Cook says augmented reality (AR) is “the next big thing” and that technology has a very important role to play in healthcare. 

French President Emmanuel Macron says he had a “great discussion” with U.S. President Donald Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs on companies such as Apple, according to Reuters.

MacVoices has a even more reports from the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Check ’em all out at www.macvoices.com.