You no longer need to be a developer to try Apple’s biggest software updates of 2018.
Public testers can now get their hands on the first public beta builds of iOS 12 and tvOS 12 that bring tons of UI changes and feature improvements to the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
Apple dropped a big batch of new beta software on developers this morning, including new builds for macOS Mojave, tvOS 12 and watchOS 12.
The new betas come just two weeks after Apple unveiled its new software at WWDC 2018, bringing a bunch of changes to the Mac, Apple TV and Apple Watch.
Developers received a fresh batch of beta software from Apple this morning, only it wasn’t the iOS 12 beta 2 that everyone was hoping for.
iOS 11.4.1 beta 3 was released to developers this morning, alongside a new beta for tvOS 11.4.1. Both builds bring a bunch of bug fixes to iPhone, iPad and Apple TV as Apple gets ready to move onto iOS 12 and tvOS 12.
Steam Link could finally be about to make its debut on iOS.
After Apple updated its App Store guidelines for remote desktop clients, Steam Link for iOS has been updated to prevent players from making purchases on iPhone and iPad. The change almost certainly means that the app is being readied for an imminent App Store release.
Apple TV is about to get a lot more friendly when it comes to inputting passwords and PINs.
Entering passwords on Apple TV has been one of the biggest pain-points on its entire existence. But starting with tvOS 12, Apple is giving its box the ability to prompt all nearby iPhones to enter a password, even if you’ve never connected to that Apple TV.
Here’s how it works:
Apple’s original TV content team is revving on all cylinders this week after ordering a second TV series this week.
Gregory David Robert’s novel “Shantaram” will be developed into an original drama series by Apple. The iPhone-maker reportedly had to beat out a number of competitive bidders on the project which has been kicking around Hollywood for a few years.
Apple has tapped J.J. Abrams to executive produce its latest straight-to-series order for the half-hour dramedy show called Little Voices.
Abrams’ and Apple have reportedly discussed working together on a number of his projects in the past. This is the first Apple has been able to ink a deal with J.J., but considering his close ties to Jony Ive, we’re surprised it took this long.
Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to include new rules for remote desktop clients.
Apps can no longer display a “store-like interface” that allows users to “browse, select, or purchase software” they don’t already own, but they can allow transactions if they are processed by a host device.
The change comes just a few weeks after Steam Link for iOS was rejected by Apple because it allowed purchasing inside PC games. It’s not yet clear whether the new rules pave the way for Steam Link’s approval.
Apple TV introduced a better picture in 2017 with 4K HDR. In 2018, tvOS 12 will add cinematic sound to match.
Apple announced today that tvOS 12 will support the Dolby Atmos soundbar for an audio format that gives movie sound a kind of 3-D effect. The addition of Dolby Atmos makes Apple TV the only streaming device that supports both Dolby Vision and Atmos.
The first major Apple keynote of 2018 is just hours away, and it’s going to be a doozy. Apple is expected to give us our first look at iOS 12 and macOS 10.14, plus new software for Apple TV, Apple Watch and Apple Music. Some new hardware might also be in the cards as well, but we’ll have to wait until Tim Cook takes the stage to find out.
The WWDC 2018 keynote is set to kick off at 10 a.m. Pacific and we’ll be at the event and live-blogging all the festivities. Come on in and enjoy the fun with us!
Getting ready for today’s WWDC 2018 Keynote? Of course you are. You probably already stocked up on popcorn, or those filthy Haribo candies, and have a fresh bag of coffee beans ready to grind (or a crate of the manchild’s alternative, Club Mate).
All you need now is a live stream of the show. Let’s see how to watch the WWDC 2018 Keynote on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even PC.
Apple pushed two other software updates for Apple TV and Apple Watch owners this morning to go with the big new iOS 11.4 release that came out today.
tvOS 11.4 and watchOS 4.3.1 don’t contain nearly as many exciting new features as iOS 11.4, but if you like playing music from your Apple TV you should definitely grab the update ASAP.
Apple vice president Phil Schiller has offered clarification on Steam Link’s App Store ban in an email to disgruntled iOS users.
Valve’s hotly-anticipated app violates a number of guidelines, including those around in-app purchases, as suspected. Schiller insists, however, that Apple will work with Valve in an effort to resolve the problems and bring Steam Link to the App Store.
Apple has decided that it won’t allow iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV owners to play PC games through Steam Link.
Valve’s new app, which is now available in beta on Android, has been banned from the App Store because of “business conflicts.” Apple has also turned down Valve’s appeals.
It’s yet another example of Apple customers being hurt by its often farcical App Store rules. What makes this ban even more ridiculous is that there are so many apps similar to Steam Link already available in the App Store.
Didn’t get manage to grab a ticket to WWDC 2018?
Don’t worry. Apple will still give you a front row seat to the keynote on June 4th.
Former President Barak Obama and his wife Michelle Obama are coming to Netflix.
The duo inked a deal to produce content for the streaming service this week after reportedly being courted by Apple and Amazon earlier this year. Netflix announced the multi-year agreement today which could lead to films, scripted series, unscripted series documentaries and more.
DirecTV Now subscribers are being rewarded with a free Apple TV 4K when prepaying for three months of service. You’ll need to cough up just $105 to take advantage of the deal. That’s $75 less than you would have to pay for a new Apple TV in stores.
The Cult of Mac buyback program just got bigger and better than ever: Now we pay cash for your used Apple accessories, including Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard and AirPods.
Although we are huge fans of all three of these accessories, we won’t judge you if you decide to unload them. And we promise to make it as easy as possible if you’ve decided it’s time to sell used Apple accessories.
You no longer need an Apple Music subscription to enjoy Carpool Karaoke.
Apple has made the first season of its original show available for free through the Apple TV app. There are 19 episodes in total, and you can watch them on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
You can now play your PC game library anywhere around your home without being weighed down by a chunky gaming laptop. The official Steam Link app lets you enjoy your favorite Steam games on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
You’ll be able to play with a Steam Controller, MFi controller, or a range of other gamepads supported by Steam.
In today’s edition of Deals & Steals, we’ve discovered a great deal on a new iMac and much more, as part of Best Buy’s 24 hour Flash Sale. You can also get your hands on the HomePod for a nice discount!
Elsewhere, save big on a bonanza of PC gaming parts and a mounted phone charger.
Note: On some of these deals, Cult of Mac might earn a small commission through an affiliate link. However, we pick our daily Deals & Steals strictly on their potential value to our readers.
Most of these deals are good for a limited time only, so act fast before the prices change!
Today we’re going to learn how to record a movie that’s playing on your Apple TV direct to your Mac, with no wires required, no weird hacks, and not even any third-party software. The tools are all built into every Mac that ships. To record a movie off the “screen” of your Apple TV, you’re going to use Apple’s QuickTime app, and one of its lesser-known but super-powerful features.
Developers received a new batch of beta updates this morning, including the second beta build of iOS 11.4.
The new build brings a number of new features to the iPhone and iPad, including some that were pulled from iOS 11.3, like AirPlay 2 and Messages on iCloud. Apple has added a number of bug fixes and performance improvements in the new builds as it preps it for a public release.
The first beta of iOS 11.4 brings back some big features Apple tested in previous betas, but then subsequently removed.
Check out our video below to see iOS 11.4 in action. We run through what’s new and what you can expect if you give the beta a whirl.
Apple seems to have run into its first bit of (unintentional) drama with its upcoming original series starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
The show, based around the happenings at a morning TV show, was signed by Apple to a massive two-series, 20-episode deal last November. Industry trade magazine Variety describes it as Apple’s “first major swing in the premium drama arena.” However, creator and showrunner Jay Carson has now departed the series as the result of so-called “creative differences.”