The Spotify update we’ve been waiting for since the launch of iOS 13 has landed. The latest version of the app finally adds Siri support, so you can ask the virtual assistant to play artists, tracks, and more.
AirPods supplier confident of booming business through 2021 Photo: Charlie Sorrel
A new iOS 13.2 beta, out today for registered developers, spilled details about Apple’s next-generation AirPods with noise cancellation for the first time.
An image of the new Apple earbuds reveals a revamped design with soft tips. The beta also references different listening modes.
Does anyone actually think these look good? Photo: Microsoft
When Apple unveiled the AirPods in 2016, the first thing I thought was how dorky they looked with that long stem and no wires.
Fast-forward three years, and you know what looks dorky? Wearing wired earbuds like a dang peasant!
I only mention this to show that I am obviously not the best at predicting what kind of gadgets will look too nerdy to go mainstream. But when Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Earbuds today, it’s a pretty safe bet to say they’re so ugly not even nerds will love them.
The AirPods have a longer stem so they can receive even, err, less sound. Photo: Asos
Would you buy a pair of AirPods knockoffs that don’t actually play any sound? It sounds crazy (and, frankly, it is), but that’s exactly what one company is selling; cashing in on the fashionable status of Apple’s wireless earbuds.
Fashion e-tailer Asos is selling the $12 “faux headphone earpiece in silver tone” as a piece of jewellery. Because it’s 2019 and this is what people do.
Wait a second, those aren't Echo Buds! Screenshot: John Paczkowski/Bloomberg
Here’s a top tip: If your job involves promoting hardware that is not made by Apple, do not use an Apple device in public.
It sounds easy, right? As it turns out, it’s pretty darn difficult. And it’s a problem suffered by many, many people who are likely way above your pay grade. The latest example? Amazon exec Dave Limp, who yesterday gave an interview promoting Amazon’s new wireless Echo Buds. While wearing Apple’s AirPods, of course.
The Easter egg features Apple’s ultra popular AirPods being used as notes in a piece of sheet music. The music represented is from Apple’s iconic “Here’s to the Crazy Ones” ad campaign, which ran shortly after Steve Jobs’ return in the late 1990s.
Look how friendly these people are. Just look. Photo: Apple
In iOS 13, you can share songs and watch movies with a friend, with each of you using your own AirPods. The new feature is called Audio Sharing, and it lets you instantly — and temporarily — pair a second set of AirPods to your iPhone or iPad. It’s like the olde schoole method of using a headphone splitter to plug two sets of headphones into one jack socket, only way more expensive and fancy.
Ullu's new case comes in a range of pretty colors. Photo: Ullu
Keep your beloved AirPods safe and secure with Ullu’s gorgeous new case. It’s made from fine Italian leather and hand-colored for a unique finish. And it’s unbelievably affordable!
Apple couldn’t deliver AirPower for reasons we’re still not completely sure of, but others have been able to pull off the seemingly impossible. One of those is Xvida with its terrific do-it-all wireless charging pad.
The Triple Power Magnetic Wireless Charger tops up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. And it’s available to order today at a surprinsingly sweet price.
Huawei’s newest AirPods clones have beaten Apple to active noise cancellation (ANC).
The new feature is rumored to be on its way to next-generation AirPods in 2020. But if you can’t wait, the latest FreeBuds have you covered — and they beat AirPods in other areas, too.
Apple Watch is one of many products that will be hit. Photo: Apple
A bunch of Apple products will be hit by new levies on Sunday after being entered into the Federal Register today.
Apple Watch, AirPods, iMac and more will be taxed 15% when entering the U.S. from China. It will be the first time Apple has been affected by the ongoing trade war.
Don't even think about losing them. Screenshot: Pablo Cimadevila
Because Apple devices aren’t already pricey or luxurious-looking enough, there’s no shortage of jewelers lining up to daub them with bling for the way-too-much-money-with-nothing-to-spend-it-on set.
But it’s not every day that we actually get to see these transformations in action. Fortunately, skilled YouTube jeweler Pablo Cimadevila has stepped into the breach with a new video. It shows how he took regular AirPods and turned them into 18K gold versions. Check it out:
Your AirPods case doesn’t have to stay plain white. Screenshot: Apple
Apple Korea created a video to demonstrate some unusual ways to fancy up AirPods charging cases. Many people decorate their Mac and iPhone, and pick a stylish Apple Watch band too. Why leave this AirPods accessory plain white?
iOS 13.1 beta 1 brings back almost every cool feature dropped from previous betas. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Surprisingly, iOS 13.1 is already in beta. It looks like Apple’s release strategy this year is to freeze the current beta version of iOS 13.0 in order to get it ready for the new iPhones expected on September 10. Meanwhile, Apple continues to test the next version, adding back some features removed during the beta period — Shortcuts automations, for example.
So, what other new (or revived) features will you find in iOS 13.1 beta 1?
AirPods aren't good enough to get Consumer Reports' official recommendation. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple’s AirPods are some of the top-selling earphones of all time. But according to Consumer Reports, they have a problem: “They just don’t sound great.”
In a series of tests, the consumer testing group pits the second-gen AirPods against Samsung’s Galaxy Buds. And, spoiler alert, their conclusions don’t come down in Cupertino’s favor.
Bento Stack is a must-have for any traveler. Photo: Wiplabs
Carrying essential accessories with you wherever you go can be a nightmare. Your wires can get tangled, your AirPods can get lost, and your Apple Pencil can end up in more than one piece. That’s why you need the Bento Stack.
This compact, multi-compartment storage solution keeps more than 10 must-have accessories neatly organized when you’re on the road. It’s a must-have if you’re a frequent traveler.
Apple could finally bring noise cancellation to AirPods. Photo: Ste Smith/ Cult of Mac
A more affordable version of the struggling HomePod smart speaker will debut next year, according to a generally reliable source. Apple is also reportedly going to introduce AirPods with noise cancellation in 2020.
Both are products that consumers have been asking for.
Apple will have to pay import taxes on AirPods starting next month. Photo: Cult of Mac
Not all Apple devices will escape the taxes being levied next month on goods imported from China. The Trump Administration decided to delay tariffs on iPhone, iPad and Mac, but other popular products will still get slapped with a 10% import tax, including Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod
AirPods are tiny, but they’re big business. Photo: Apple
Apple’s wireless earbuds are selling better than most people realize. The company is on track to sell 50 million pairs by the end of this year, according to an industry analyst.
That’s up from 35 million in 2018. The product only debuted in 2016.
B&H Photo’s big discount on the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display is now even bigger. This super-speedy model is now down $700 for a limited time — and it’s just one of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup.
You can also bag an unlocked iPhone for under $205, an Amazon Echo Show for under $60, and the Netgear Orbi whole home Wi-Fi mesh system for under $200. Plus, you can save $17.50 on the stunning Twelve South HiRise stand for MacBook.
Wearables are big business for Apple. Photo: Apple
Apple’s wearables division, including Apple Watch and AirPods, is now bigger than the company’s iPad business.
That’s a pretty astonishing statistic, and shows just how Apple continues to shift. Just a decade ago, Apple’s wearables division didn’t exist. Meanwhile, the iPad was the fastest-selling new product in Apple’s history.
European Commission could get even tougher on tech in 2020 Image: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple unleashed its best-ever Q3 earnings report today, and traders subsequently sent the company’s stock soaring in after-hours trading.
Thanks to record-breaking revenue from its services business and strong growth from wearables, Apple is heading into its most important period of the year ready to cash in. Investors had plenty of questions for CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri during today’s call. And the duo revealed some key tidbits we actually weren’t expecting.