iOS 9

Apple confirms massive iOS leak but says it’s not so bad

By

iphone
This leak is bad news for iPhone users.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple confirmed this morning that the leaked iOS source code that hit the web yesterday is indeed authentic.

The iPhone-maker ordered GitHub to pull the iBoot source code from its servers. Security researchers remain worried that the leak could help hackers compromise iPhones and iPads, but Apple says there’s nothing to worry about.

No, Apple is not slowing down your iPhone to force upgrades

By

5 tips to fix an unresponsive iPhone screen
Is your iPhone slower with iOS 11? It's all in your head.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Every major iOS update slows down older devices to force users to upgrade. At least that’s what recent reports have suggested.

The truth is, Apple is doing no such thing. Benchmark data proves that iPhone performance drops over time are just a myth. The 4-year-old iPhone 5s is about as fast with iOS 11 today as it was with iOS 7 when it made its debut in 2013.

The evolution of iOS: From iPhone OS to iOS 11

By

Original iPhone running iOS 1
A lot has change since 2007.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iPhone turns 10 The operating system that powers the iPhone has undergone radical changes since Apple launched the device 10 years ago.

As part of Cult of Mac’s collaboration with Wired UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, we took a look at the evolution of iOS, from a simple touchscreen operating system lacking key features into a true computing behemoth with more tools than any one user could possibly need.

iOS 11 wish list: Features we’d love to see

By

iPhone 7
Here's what to expect from the next version of iOS
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

With WWDC 2017 right around the corner, it’s that time of the year when Apple can fix all the annoyances of iOS 10 and unveil something truly revolutionary for the next generation of iPhones and iPads.

Apple is expected to show off all the major features of iOS 11 at the WWDC in a couple of weeks. Surprisingly, the rumor mill has been quiet on what to expect, but that hasn’t stopped a flurry of speculation. We’ve got some ideas of our own too that we really want to see come to iOS 11.

This is what we want in Apple’s next big update:

iPad Pro 2 mockup brings trackpad to Smart Keyboard

By

Does the iPad Pro need a trackpad?
Does the iPad Pro need a trackpad?
Photo: David Chapman

Apple could unveil a new iPad Pro 2 as soon as next Monday during its WWDC 2017 keynote. And if it does, we hope the company adds some new productivity features, like this Smart Keyboard with a trackpad.

In a new mockup that imagines what the new Smart Keyboard could look like, designer David Chapman shows why it would be a great idea.

Take another look:

Nearly 80% of all iOS devices now run iOS 10

By

iPhone 7
iOS 10 brought a ton of new features to iPhone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

It’s only been five months since Apple unleashed iOS 10 on the world, but the new mobile operating system is already installed on nearly 4 out of 5 iOS devices.

Apple revealed its latest App Store stats today that show iOS 10’s install base has grown to account for 79% of all mobile Apple devices, making it one of Apple’s fastest adopted releases ever.

The FBI needs help unlocking another terrorist’s iPhone

By

iPhone 7 Home button
iPhone's security has the FBI stumped.
Photo: Ste Smith

The FBI and Apple could be on a collision course for another legal showdown over a dead terrorist’s locked iPhone.

Apple refused to comply with the FBI’s demands to unlock the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone eight months ago. That led to a very public legal battle over privacy and security. Now the FBI needs help again after obtaining the iPhone of a terrorist that stabbed 10 people in a Minnesota mall.

Time to get ahead of the iOS 10 development frenzy [Deals]

By

ios
iOS 10 is coming, developers. Now's your chance to get ahead of the pack and master its many new features.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iOS 10 is coming, and as with anything worthy of a base number it’s bringing a host of foundational changes. Messages is getting enhanced with a bevy of new features, Siri can now work with apps from the App Store, the Home app brings the Internet of Things one step closer to reality. Photos, texting, shopping, navigating, basically everything is being revamped or reinvented, meaning developers have their work cut out for them. This bundle of lessons is one way to make sure you’re ahead of the game and ready when iOS 10 drops, nearly 200 hours of training for just $29.

Apple crowns its 12 favorite apps of 2016

By

Safari iOS 11
Download these apps pronto.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

To top off its monstrous opening day of WWDC 2016, Apple revealed the winners of its 2016 Apple Design Awards. The 10 developer apps and 2 student selections showcase the cutting edge of iOS technology by pushing their genres to new levels.

Games were the big winners last year, but this year Apple has highlighted everything from audio creation tools to a beautiful writing app.

And the winners are …

iOS 10 won’t be compatible with all iOS 9 devices

By

otherfeatures
You might need a new iPhone to get iOS 10.
Photo: Apple

Tim Cook called iOS 10 “the mother of all releases” during today’s keynote in San Francisco, but Apple doesn’t plan to share iOS 10’s greatness with all the devices that are currently running iOS 9.

Apple made iOS 9 supported on more devices than ever last year by pushing it to all iPhones and iPads running iOS 8. This year though it appears that some users will be left out of the update, including iPhone 4s owners.

Here’s which devices will be compatible with iOS 10:

5 of Apple’s best-paying jobs–and how you score one

By

Apple Position Image

With over $223 billion in revenue and 115,000 employees, Apple is unquestionably a tech giant. And given its financial success, competitive wages, and sheer brand power, it’s no wonder that it’s the dream workplace of many seeking to work in tech.

Interested in landing a job at this Cupertino-based company? Read on: we’ve crafted a list of some of Apple’s highest paid positions and their job requirements, as well as several resources designed to get your foot into the door.

Prepare to break into the booming business of iOS coding [Deals]

By

iOS Coding

iOS is a wide open field for developers, and building apps is one of the most lucrative skills you can have. This bundle of more than 100 hours of top-level lessons from Bitfountain give you those skills. It’s a soup-to-nuts set of comprehensive lessons that make a perfect introduction for the beginner, and will hone the skills of even seasoned coders. Right now you can sign up for just $40 at Cult of Mac Deals.

iOS 9 security update means more passcode unlocks

By

There has to be a safer solution.
It's not just in your head.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

If you’ve found yourself entering your passcode more frequently since you updated to iOS 9 — even though you have Touch ID enabled — it’s thanks to Apple’s latest security measures.

In an update to its Security Guide, published this month, the company confirms that iOS 9 will make you enter your passcode if you haven’t used your iPhone or iPad in at least eight hours.

iOS 9 adoption hits 84 percent, weeks before iOS 10 arrives

By

iOS 9 is good, but iOS 10 needs to be spectacular.
More than 8 out of 10 users are now running iOS 9.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

With WWDC (and, presumably, iOS 10’s debut) weeks away, Apple has revealed that 84 percent of possible users are now upgraded to iOS 9, currently the latest version of its mobile OS.

For those keeping track at home, not only is that an extra 4 percent increase from the numbers announced at Apple’s iPhone SE launch event in March, but it also puts Android’s fragmented adoption figures to shame.

9.7-inch iPad Pro is no laptop replacement, but it’s a terrific tablet [Reviews]

By

iPad Pro 3
iPad Pro is even better at 9.7 inches.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple really, really wants you to replace your laptop with an iPad — especially if that laptop is powered by Windows. But before that switch can even be considered, the iPad needs to do everything your laptop can and more. That’s where iPad Pro comes in.

With its new A9X chip, it’s the most powerful iPad to date. It does everything your old iPad did, but it does it better. It’s compatible with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, and now it’s available in a smaller form factor with a 9.7-inch display.

This new model is easier to carry around all day, but it packs almost exactly the same punch as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro — and the same stellar speakers. It has also adopted the incredible 12-megapixel iSight camera from iPhone 6s, with the dual-tone LED flash.

It’s everything you want in a tablet — and more.

TrackR’s new app can find lost iOS devices even without GPS

By

The iPhone 6s is selling like hotcakes.
We found your lost iPhone...
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Finding your iPad or iPhone is about to get a whole lot easier, even under the worst circumstances, thanks to a new app from TrackR that can locate your lost iOS devices regardless of whether or not its connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

The new free app called TrackR tablet, runs on both iPhone and iPad, and simplifies the way you find lost iDevices. There’s no sign in process to get into the app. Just open it up and ring your lost iPhone.

iOS 9.3 bug turns links into iPhone crash bombs

By

Safari is constantly crashing for some iOS 9.3 users.
Safari is constantly crashing for some iOS 9.3 users.
Photo: Apple

Update: Apple has released iOS 9.3.1 to fix the iPhone web links problem.

If you have an iPhone running iOS 9.3, whatever you do, do not install the Booking.com app.

iPhone users are reporting that an iOS 9.3 bug, possibly related to the Booking.com app, causes some apps to freeze and crash when tapping on links — and it’s not entirely clear what’s causing it.

Learning to code for mobile means getting your hands dirty [Deals]

By

This bundle of video lessons will get you fluent in key tools and techniques for iOS 9 development.
This bundle of video lessons will get you fluent in key tools and techniques for iOS 9 development.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

So you want to code for iOS 9. If you’re serious about it, you’ll have to be ready to dig in with both hands, to get a grip on the concepts, techniques and languages of mobile development. That’s exactly what this in-depth course offers in covering development for iOS 9 and Swift 2. With 77 video lectures walking you through actual coding, and clocking in at over 15 hours, this is an ideal opportunity to get your coding chops together, for just $19.99.

Apple debuts eco-friendly iOS wallpapers to promote its recycling mission

By

apple_recycle_2
One of Apple's funky new iOS 9 wallpapers.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

To help promote Apple’s ongoing Renew program — which encourages users to recycle their old Apple devices — Cupertino today released three new iOS 9 wallpapers to promote its mission.

Designed by graphic artist Anthony Burrill, the wallpapers are entitled “Nature in Balance,” “Nature in Harmony,” and “Nature in Us,” and are available to download in sizes customized for iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPhone.

U.S. government cancels iPhone hearing with Apple

By

Tim Cook
Apple's hearing vs the FBI just got cancelled.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

The Department of Justice is putting its battle against Apple on hold.

In a new court filing published today, the U.S. government has asked a federal court to vacate the hearing set for Tuesday between Apple and the FBI on whether the company can be legally compelled to write software that would assist the FBI in hacking the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone.

So did the feds finally see the error of their ways when it comes to weakenening iOS security? Not quite. But the government says it may have found a way to hack terrorist Syed Farook’s iPhone 5c without Apple’s assistance.

Researchers find gaping hole in Apple’s iMessage encryption

By

Federal judge shoots down down group iMessage lawsuit.
iMessage contains a critical encryption flaw.
Photo: Apple

Encryption researchers at John Hopkins University have found a serious flaw in the encryption of Apple’s iMessage platform that shatters the FBI’s stance that encryption on devices like the iPhone is unhackable.

The group of researchers discovered a bug that would allow attackers to decrypt pictures and video sent over iMessage. The flaw wouldn’t help the FBI in its investigation of the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone, but it shows just how hard it is to get air-tight encryption right, even for a company with as much talent and resources as Apple.

iOS 9 adoption grinds to a halt at 77 percent

By

iOS 9 is good, but iOS 10 needs to be spectacular.
iOS 9 may not hit the heights of its predecessors.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

iOS 9 adoption has ground to a halt, remaining static at 77 percent, according to Apple’s latest developer figures.

This is the exact same percentage of iOS 9 users as last time Apple published its adoption figures, on February 8 — and just 1 percent growth from this time last month. Meanwhile, 17 percent of users are running iOS 8, and 6 percent are still using an early version of Apple’s mobile OS.

iPad Pro can update accessories’ firmware via Smart Connector

By

Logitech's Create case turns iPad Pro into workhorse.
Logitech's Create iPad Pro keyboard receives its first firmware update in a most unusual manner.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

A Twitter user has shared surprising details of the first firmware update for Logitech’s Create iPad Pro keyboard, which he was prompted to install after grabbing the iOS 9.3 beta 2 seed.

The Logitech update appears to fix a nagging keyboard lag experienced by some users, but that’s not even the coolest part: It looks like the iOS beta pushed the firmware update to the Logitech Create through the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector.