Apple brings 'last compatible version' apps to older iOS devices

Although Apple is keen on its customers moving to new devices every year or two, it's extending a helping hand to those who have decided to stay behind.First discovered by a Reddit user on Monday, Apple is now giving folks who own older iOS devices the opportunity to download outdated app versions to ensure a particular program can run on their product. Previously, those who were running older iOS versions were asked to update to a new version to get their hands on a particular app.According to an image posted on Reddit, when folks with older versions of iOS try to download a newer app now, they'll be shown a pop-up message suggesting that they download an older version of the app. The feature appears to analyze the iOS version they're running and ask them to download "the last compatible version."Apple's compatibility offer comes as the company prepares to launch iOS 7 on Wednesday. That software version comes with hundreds of improvements, including a new design.(Via Engadget)

Apple branches out with new campus in Santa Clara

As delays have hampered the construction of Apple's proposed upcoming spaceship-like headquarters, the tech giant has begun construction on a two-building campus in nearby Santa Clara, Calif., to house its overflow of employees, according to the Oakland Tribune. Apple agreed to lease the Santa Clara site, which is close to its current Cupertino headquarters, and plans to move in by 2014. Now under construction, this office will be nearly 296,000 square feet, take up two six-story buildings, and accommodate at least 1,200 employees. Apple has been making moves to find extra space to fit employees around Silicon Valley, leasing office space well outside of its Cupertino headquarters, which can hold about 2,800 employees. The company has some 12,000 employees in the area, which led the company to pitch plans to the city of Cupertino last year to build a new headquarters that can fit up to 14,200 people. This new headquarters is designed to be a gigantic circular building, which somewhat resembles the Pentagon and is slated to be completed by mid-2016. Originally, Apple hoped to move into its new digs in 2015, but the city of Cupertino hasn't yet completed its environmental impact survey, so construction has been pushed back until next year.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.