ProMotion

iPhone 14 Pro models could feature an always-on display

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iPhone 14 Pro models may get an always-on display, finally.
iPhone 14 Pro models may get an always-on display, finally.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 Pro models could feature always-on displays because of the handsets’ ProMotion technology, which allows for variable refresh rates, a well-known analyst said Tuesday.

Essentially, an inactive iPhone 14 Pro handset may be able to drop all the down to a 1Hz refresh rate, similar to recent Apple Watch models.

Incoming: New features in iOS 15.4, new gear at Apple’s March event [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Face ID might play nice with masks in the near future. Better late than never!
Face ID might play nice with masks in the near future. Better late than never!
Photo: Julio Lopez/Unsplash license; Image: Killian Bell, Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 15.4 packs a punch with some fun and useful new features. It’s still just a beta, but it will give us lots of new emoji for our critical, high-level communications when it goes live. Plus, the beta includes a convenient new way to unlock your iPhone while wearing a face mask — just in time for the end of the pandemic! 🤞

Also on The CultCast:

  • An Apple event in March looks quite likely.
  • Mini-LED iMac Pro might be delayed.
  • An Apple car patent sheds light on an advanced sunroof.
  • How to download Wordle, just in case The New York Times screws up the popular game.
  • Donkey talk!

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below (down by the headlines and donkey links).

iOS 15.4 allows third-party apps to use 120Hz ProMotion on iPhone 13 Pro

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The iPhone 13 Pro is as powerful as it is beautiful.
iPhone apps are smoother than ever under iOS 15.4.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new iOS 15.4 beta eliminates a bug that prevents third-party apps from using iPhone 13 Pro’s super-smooth ProMotion feature.

Until now, apps not made by Apple have been restricted to a 60Hz refresh rate on the company’s newest flagship smartphone. But after installing iOS 15.4, they’re just as silky as apps running on iPad Pro.

Smoother ProMotion scrolling moves closer with macOS 12.2 release candidate

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Smoother ProMotion scrolling moves closer with macOS 12.2 release candidate
The macOS 12.2 release candidate means a full release is almost here.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The macOS Monterey 12.2 release candidate went to developers on Thursday. This makes a full launch only a few days away.

Apple has yet to give an official list of changes in the upcoming version, but beta testers indicate it will offer smoother scrolling on MacBooks with ProMotion displays and a rewritten Apple Music app.

Apple also seeded to developers iOS 15.3 RC, iPadOS 15.3 RC, watchOS 8.4 RC and tvOS 15.3 RC on Thursday.

iPhone 14 non-Pro models might not get ProMotion displays after all

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iPhone 13 Pro models get Apple's ProMotion display technology.
iPhone 13 Pro models have Apple's ProMotion display technology. But the two “standard” iPhone 14 models apparently won’t.
Photo: Apple

A reliable source shot down an earlier leak about the the two “standard’ iPhone 14 models including 120Hz ProMotion screens. This would have brought them closer in line with Apple’s Pro handsets that already have the feature.

This is an example of the challenges of making predictions about a handset that is still many months away.

Every iPhone 14 model might pack a ProMotion display and 6GB of RAM

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Every iPhone 14 model will have a ProMotion display and 6GB of RAM
The standard iPhone 14 is expected to look much like the iPhone 13.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The displays in the two “standard” iPhone 14 versions will be upgraded to 120Hz ProMotion, according to a prediction by an industry analyst. And they supposedly will come with 50% more RAM.

There’ve been plenty of rumors about the iPhone 14 Pro models, so those interested in the two standard ones should be pleased to get some leaked details.

Apple begins testing macOS 12.2 with smoother ProMotion scrolling

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Apple begins testing macOS 12.2 with smoother ProMotion performance
macOS Monterey 12.2 beta 1 is out with some welcome improvements.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple began testing macOS Monterey 12.2 beta 1 on Thursday, just days after the release of macOS 12.1. An official list of what’s coming in the new version hasn’t yet been revealed by the Mac-maker, but tests with beta 1 have turned up a few changes. The much-anticipated Universal Control isn’t one of them, though.

This pre-release version seeded to developers was not accompanied by any iOS, iPadOS or watchOS betas on Thursday.

iPad mini could get 120Hz ProMotion display, fixing ‘jelly scroll’

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iPad mini on table
But don't get your hopes up.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

A future iPad mini refresh could bring 120Hz ProMotion technology to Apple’s smallest tablet, according to a new report.

The upgrade could fix the “jelly scrolling” effect that his been exhibited by many 2021 iPad mini units — upsetting a lot of early adopters — which use the same 60Hz refresh rate as iPad Air and the 10.2-inch entry-level iPad.

27-inch iMac could get big refresh with 120Hz mini-LED display in early 2022

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2020 iMac: The new iMac looks just like the old one (only faster).
It's about time the larger iMac switched to Apple silicon.
Photo: Apple

Apple didn’t deliver the 27-inch iMac refresh many fans were hoping for during its big “Unleashed” event on Monday, but according to one analyst, it will arrive in early 2022 — complete with a mini-LED display and ProMotion technology.

The next-generation all-in-one is also expected to finally ditch its Intel processors for new Apple silicon chips that bring huge performance gains.

iPhone 13 review roundup: Stellar displays, cracking cameras, outstanding battery life

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Apple California Streaming event: iPhone 13 comes in an array of five colors.
But should you upgrade?
Photo: Apple

If you still can’t decide whether you want to upgrade to iPhone 13 or 13 Pro, perhaps some early feedback from reviewers will help. Unsurprisingly, they all have good things to say about Apple’s newest handsets, which pack big camera upgrades, better battery life, even faster A15 Bionic chips, and wonderfully smooth ProMotion displays (if you buy a Pro model).

But most agree that the changes don’t break new ground for iPhone, so you might be happy to stick with what you already have. But are the 2021 iPhones really “the most incremental update ever,” as The New York Times writes? Here’s our iPhone 13 review roundup.

Why you should go Pro with iPhone 13

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Drake iPhone 13 Pro meme
iPhone 13 Pro is worth the extra $200.
Image: Cult of Mac

If you’re planning to upgrade to iPhone 13 this year, you should probably spend the extra cash on iPhone 13 Pro. This year’s refresh widens the gap between the different iPhone models on offer — and makes going Pro an even better decision than in previous generations.

It’s not just new camera tricks and a nicer design you get for your money, like with iPhone 12 Pro last year. With iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, you’ll also enjoy a smoother-than-butter ProMotion display, and an even more powerful A15 Bionic processor.

iPhone 13 could bring ProMotion display, camera upgrades, smaller notch

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Dickson's dummies show small changes to four possible iPhone 13 models.
More than just an incremental upgrade.
Photo: Sonny Dickson

This year’s iPhone refresh could be a lot more exciting than the incremental upgrades we’ve seen in previous years. A new report claims Apple’s next-generation smartphone lineup — which could be called iPhone 13 — will bring faster ProMotion displays, pro camera upgrades, and a smaller notch.

iPhone 13 may boast Apple’s buttery-smooth, ProMotion screen tech

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This concept image shows how the iPhone 13 notch might shrink.
120Hz refresh rate could be on its way to this year's iPhone refresh.
Artists concept: Cult of Mac

Apple’s ProMotion technology, which delivers buttery-smooth scrolling and motion content on some iPads, may come to the iPhone this year.

According to a report from Digitimes, the next-gen iPhone will adopt LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) backplane technology that could enable 120Hz screen refresh rates. The current iPhones have a refresh rate of just 60Hz.

All the things we didn’t get at Apple’s ‘Hi, Speed’ event

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Hi, Speed event image with wishlist in background
Apple's "Hi, Speed" event offered up some nice updates to the iPhone 12 and HomePod, but left some boxes on the wishlist unchecked.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

It happens before every Apple event. The rumor mill, tech blogs (hello), and iPhone-obsessed nerds pin every hope, dream and desire on the next version of Apple’s devices.

More often than not, those desires are dashed, pushing those wants off to another event. While Apple’s iPhone 12 event showed the steps the company is taking toward iterating on its most popular device, there were also some things left on the wish list.

Galaxy S20 vs. iPhone 11: 5 features Apple should steal in 2020

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Galaxy-S20-lineup
The Galaxy S20 lineup looks impressive.
Photo: Samsung

The wait for Samsung’s impressive newest smartphone lineup is almost over. The Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra go on sale next month, with prices starting at $999.

You probably won’t be ditching your iPhone to get one if you’re a big fan of iOS, but you might be a little jealous of those who are. Samsung’s new devices offer a number of awesome new features iPhone users can only dream of for now.

Here are five that Apple should steal in 2020.

Newest iPhone 12 rumor hints at 4 new models, including ’12 mini’

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iPhone-12-concept
An iPhone 12 for everyone?
Photo: LetsGoDigital

The newest iPhone 12 rumor claims Apple will introduce four brand-new handsets this fall, including a compact “iPhone 12 mini.”

The smallest model could be different to the rumored iPhone SE 2, but not much bigger in size. It is expected to pack Apple’s latest technology — just like its larger siblings — inside the same design.

2020 iPhone will boast Apple’s fastest, best-looking display yet

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Apple supplier will start building crucial iPhone component in India
New iPhone will borrow tech which debuted with the 2017 iPad Pro.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The 2020 iPhone will reportedly take a page out of the iPad Pro’s playbook, adopting a 120Hz display that will allow for more fluid scrolling, greater responsiveness and smoother motion content.

Apple introduced the 120Hz ProMotion iPad Pro back in 2017. It now seems that the same technology could find its way to the iPhone, doubling the display refresh rate from its current 60Hz.

Apple tests out new OLED suppliers for future iPhone refresh

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iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
BOE Technology could join Apple's supply chain next year.
Photo: Apple

Apple is said to be “aggressively testing” OLED screens from other suppliers ahead of a 2020 iPhone refresh.

Cupertino reportedly wants to diversify its supply chain next year. It currently relies heavily on Samsung for OLED panels, with LG Display making only small contributions for the iPhone XS lineup.

2020 iPhone could get blazing-fast display upgrade

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iPhone XS gaming
The first iPhone with ProMotion?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The 2020 iPhone lineup could bring a huge display upgrade that will put it on par with iPad Pro in terms of refresh rate.

One leaker says Apple is “considering” 120Hz panels for next year’s handsets. It would be the first time its ProMotion technology has graced an OLED screen since its debut in 2017.

Apple Music offers 6-month free trial to students

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Apple Music gift card
You won’t believe how cheap Apple Music is for students.
Photo: Apple

Apple is trying to woo new students gearing up for the school year with a new offer that gives them six free months of service before they have to pay a dime.

The offer popped up on Apple’s educational site just after the company revealed its back-to-school promotion of free Beats headphones with qualifying purchases.

Apple brings True Tone to MacBook Air, faster chips to MacBook Pro

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The late-2018 MacBook Air with Retina display.
They’re now more affordable, too.
Photo: Apple

Apple has updated the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro for the back-to-school season. And they’re now more affordable.

The newest MacBook Air now ships with a True Tone display — just like its more expensive siblings. The newest 13-inch MacBook Pro is powered by faster Intel chips, while the entry-level model now offers a Touch Bar with Touch ID.