Lightning - page 2

Modified Lightning cables let hackers remotely hack Apple devices

By

Lightning cables that plug into USB-C ports charge your iPhone more quickly.
Hacked cables were shown off at a recent hacking conference.
Photo: Apple

Everyone knows about the risks of phishing email, dodgy downloaded software, and accessing sensitive data while using public Wi-Fi. But how about third-party Lightning cables?

According to a new report, these are a risk as well — with security experts noting that it’s possible for malicious Lightning cables to grant access to your Mac to a remote attacker.

Every USB device I’ve plugged into an iOS 13 iPad so far

By

Pile of usb junk
Now you can plug in almost everything, including the kitchen sink
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The USB port on your iPad has gotten a massive update in iOS 13/iPadOS. You can now plug in pretty much everything except a printer, and have it Just Work™. We already know this from Apple’s own PR and WWDC announcements. But what exactly does work when you plug it in? I decided to try it. I took my old test iPad (a 1st-generation iPad Pro) on a tour around various friends’ homes, and plugged stuff in. Here’s what happened.

iOS 13 could make upgrading from an old iPhone much faster

By

iOS-13-wired-data-transfer
Yes, that’s two iPhones connected via a cable.
Photo: Apple

You may soon be able to transfer photos, videos, contacts, and more from an old iPhone to a new one using a cable.

The latest iOS 13 beta hints at the ability to connect two iOS devices for wired data transfer. The move could significantly speed up the upgrade process, which currently relies on wireless connectivity.

But it’s not exactly clear how you’ll be able to marry two iPhones with a cable.

Apple might kill the Lightning port with speedier waveguides

By

Apple waveguides patent
An iPhone receiving data via a waveguide wouldn’t need an external port.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is looking for better options for transmitting data than wires or wireless connections. One possibility mixes the two: sending high-speed data down waveguides.

The result would something capable of transferring data much more quickly than a wire and without requiring a port on the iPhone.

Target recalls 90,000 Lightning cables that cause burns

By

Target Lightning recall
Stop using these cables immediately.
Photo: Target

Target is recalling around 90,000 Lightning cables over concerns they could cause fires or electric shocks.

The “heyday” branded cables, which feature a nylon braided cable and metal connectors, “can become electrically charged,” according to a recall notice.

Target has so far received 14 reports of the cables “smoking, sparking or igniting.”

2019 iPhone lineup may finally come with 18W charger

By

18W charger
Apple currently charges $29 to buy the 18W charger separately.
Photo: Apple

Freshly leaked details about the 2019 iPhone lineup claim customers can expect faster-charging capabilities right out of the box.

While Apple added faster-charging powers to the iPhone since the iPhone 8, it’s been giving customers the same 5W charger that has been used for years. That is finally set to change this year though as Apple is reportedly planning to include an 18W charger in the box with new 2019 iPhones.

5-in-1 cable gives you one dongle to rule them all

By

High Five
High Five packs all the ports you need.
Photo: Vonmählen

The dark days of dongle hell might finally be over thanks to a brilliant new accessory that packs five different ports in one cable.

Vonmählen, a smartphone accessory maker based in Germany, revealed its new creation called the High Five. The company claims it’s the first ever 5-in-1 cable that’s so small it fits on your keychain. Best of all, it’s super cheap too.

2019 iPhone could retain Lightning port, gain hi-res selfie cam

By

A major topic of debate about the iPhone XI is camera lens placement.
Allegedly, these 2019 iPhone rear cameras could be getting an upgrade.
Photo: OnLeaks/CompareRaja

One rumored change to the 2019 iPhone might not happen: a generally reliable source indicates that Apple’s next handset will hold onto its Lightning connector.

And the same source says the iPhone XI will have very high-resolution front- and rear-facing cameras.

USB-C for iPad Pro: Everything you need to know

By

Lightning could have done this, with a dongle anyway.
Lightning could have done this, with a dongle anyway.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Despite its drawbacks, USB-C is the future of the iPad. But just what is USB-C? Well, it’s a connector, but not all USB-C connectors are the same. And in fact, not even everything that looks like a USB-C connector is a USB-C connector.

Confused? I was. Today we’ll find out what USB-C is, why it looks just like Thunderbolt, and what hubs you might want to buy.

The new iPad Pro might be too pro for you [Review]

By

The new 2018 iPad Pro is a lust object you probably don’t need.
The new 2018 iPad Pro is a lust object you probably don’t need.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Every 2018 iPad Pro review I’ve read seems to be written by someone who doesn’t use the iPad like a pro. Most of the reviewers focus on using Apple’s new tablet they way most people do: reading the internet, doing some mail and watching lots of video.

Which is a shame, because there’s a lot to like in this iPad for “power” users, aka folks whose everyday carry is an iPad. People like me. The iPad has been my most-used device for years. I do everything on it. (Everything, ironically, except writing articles — but that’s because my ancient 27-inch iMac still works fine, and I like to use a trackpad for editing text.)

Rather than reviewing the iPad Pro from the point of view of a “normal,” I’m going to talk about this gorgeous new device like someone who uses an iPad for work every day.

Why USB-C on the iPad would be a terrible idea [Opinion]

By

There’s no way I’m sticking that In my iPad’s hole.
There’s no way I’m sticking that In my iPad’s hole.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

At this point, it seems that everyone is agreed that the next iPad will replace the excellent Lightning connector with an inferior USB-C connector. But I’m not so sure. Not only is the “evidence” for this huge change sketchy and speculative at best, but USB-C would bring almost no benefit to anyone — not users, and not Apple.

Why it’s time for Apple to pull the plug on Lightning cables [Opinion]

By

iPhone Lightning connector
The Lightning port is a relic of the past, and it belongs with SCSI ports and buggy whips.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

On Tuesday, Apple is almost certainly going to unveil the first iPad with a USB-C port. This could easily mark the beginning of the end for the Lightning connector across all iOS devices.

USB is a welcome addition to the iPad, but Apple should take a more radical step for the iPhone line. Instead of exchanging the Lightning connector for another data/power port, maybe these handsets shouldn’t have one at all.

Evidence mounts that iPad Pro will ditch Lightning for USB-C

By

ipad pro 2
Apple introduced its Lightning connectors in 2012.
Photo: Apple

On paper, it sounds kind of surprising, but the reports claiming that Apple will include a USB-C port instead of its proprietary Lightning are certainly racking up.

Recently, notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that this would be the case. Now a new report citing multiple accessory makers at the Global Sources Mobile Electronics Trade Fair in Hong Kong reported that they have heard much the same thing.

Big 2018 iPad Pro details spilled in new leak

By

2018 iPad Pro concept art
Here's what to expect from the 2018 iPad Pro.
Photo: Álvaro Pabesio

It is looking increasingly likely that Apple will deliver a new iPad Pro lineup before the end of 2018. A new report, citing a number of sources familiar with the company’s plans, reveals some things we can look forward to.

Here’s what to expect from the next-generation iPad Pro’s display, Face ID, Apple Pencil, and more.

Say good-bye to the Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter

By

The next iPhone's dock will be only a fraction of the current size.
The switch from Apple's 30-pin connector to Lightning was expensive for a lot of people.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Back in the distant mists of 2012, everyone needed an adapter to plug their collection of 30-pin charging cables into Apple’s new Lightning port. Fast forward to today and this once crucial accessory is no longer necessary. To the point where it’s been dropped from the online Apple Store.

iOS 12.1 beta appears to confirm USB-C on new iPads

By

Both the 2018 iPad Pro tablets have undergone the most significant redesign yet.
Both the 2018 iPad Pro tablets have apparently undergone the most radical redesign yet.
Photo: MySmartPrice

Apple’s first beta for iOS 12.1 is starting to be a fountain of leaks regarding the new iPad Pros set to come out this fall.

After revealing yesterday that new iPads are on the way, it appears that iOS 12.1 beta 1 has also confirmed the long-cited rumor that the new iPads will come with a USB-C port.

Why USB-C to Lightning cables will be popular in 2019

By

USB-C to Lightning
These type of iPhone cables are about to become way more common.
Photo: Apple

Third-party hardware manufacturers have finally been given the green light from Apple to start making USB-C to Lightning cables.

The new Made For iPhone (MFi) certification should open the door for a bunch of faster-charging solutions to come out for iPhone owners, but according to the report out of Asia, the new cables will be a little bit more expensive.

You’ll be surprised by what fans really want from the next iPhone

By

iphone
What’s on your wish list for a future iPhone?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

What do you want from Apple’s next iPhone? A faster processor? A better camera? A truly edge-to-edge screen without the controversial notch?

All of these things would make for nice improvements, but they’re not what most fans are asking for from their next iPhone. Better battery life is actually what tops the wish list in a survey of 1,665 Americans.

Square finally updates its card reader for Lightning era

By

Square
Square just got a Lightning update.
Photo: Square

Square, the payments company that makes it easy for small businesses to accept credit card payments wherever you go, is finally catching up with the times today by updating its tiny card reader.

Starting today, customers can now get a Square Card reader that connects via Lightning port instead of the traditional 3.5mm audio jack that Apple is trying to hard to kill.

iPhone could scrap free Lightning-to-headphone jack adapter in 2018

By

iPhone 7 dongle
You might have to pay for another one of these.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s decision to do away with the iPhone’s headphone jack in 2016 still causes some fans great pain. The free Lightning-to-headphone jack adapter found inside every iPhone box helps by ensuring you can still use your favorite cans with the latest models — but not for long.

Apple will stop bundling the adapter with its next-generation iPhone lineup later this year, according to a new report. If you don’t already have one, you’ll have to pay to obtain one.

Apple could ruin iPhone’s fast charging feature this year

By

iPhone 18W fast charger
Choose your iPhone fast charger carefully.
Photo: Chongdiantou

Apple finally brought fast charging to the iPhone last fall, but with this year’s refresh, one big change could ruin it.

Recent reports have claimed Apple will ship 18W fast charging adapters with all 2018 devices, which would be terrific — but if yours breaks or disappears, don’t think about replacing it with a cheaper model from another manufacturer.

Hackers and cops hate Apple’s iOS 11.4.1 update

By

iPhone hacking is more difficulty with iOS 11.4.1
iPhone hacking is more difficulty if a new "USB Accessories" setting in iOS 11.4.1 is left off.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The iOS version debuting today partially deactivates the Lightning port after an iPhone hasn’t been used for an hour. This makes iPhone hacking more difficult, for both criminals and law enforcement.

Previously, this feature was available in iOS betas. iOS 11.4.1 is the first time it’s been in a public version.