Apple has a solution for the hassle of unlocking an iPhone while wearing a face mask. iOS 14.5 beta 1, which was seeded to beta testers in the general public on Thursday, enables users to unlock their iPhone when their Apple Watch is nearby.
Plus, there are other new features. And this wasn’t the only fresh beta introduced. The first pre-release versions of iPadOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 are also available for the public and developers to begin testing.
Do you look at the Apple Watch and think, “I wish it did less, but cost a whole lot more?”
If so, you might be in the market for the Swiss Alp Watch “Final Upgrade.” The mechanical watch created by H. Moser & Cie bears an uncanny resemblance to Apple’s wearable, albeit with far fewer features — and a $30,800 price tag.
An Apple Watch user in the UK recently had their life potentially saved after they used their Apple wearable to call for help after getting stranded in a flooded river.
The cyclist, from Rotherwas, Hereford, was swept off their bike during a flood, and swept downstream for a mile. Eventually, they were able to grab onto a tree branch, and use their Apple Watch to dial 999, the UK equivalent of 911.
Want an affordable Apple Watch that has (almost) everything? Check out Woot’s deal on refurbished stainless steel Series 4 units, which pack an edge-to-edge display, built-in ECG, and more for under $235.
This sale is good for today only, so enjoy it while you can!
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Time to Walk, a new Apple Watch feature for Fitness+ subscribers, promises interesting and encouraging audio stories to liven up walking for exercise.
This year’s Apple Watch upgrade will reportedly add another potentially transformative medical feature: a blood sugar sensor.
That’s according to a new report from ET News, which says both Apple and Samsung will bake the feature into their respective smartwatches — the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 — later in 2021.
If you plan to go traveling with your Apple Watch as soon as it’s safe to do so, you’ll want to take with you the handy Monowear Monochest. This book-like accessory securely carries your spare bands, and doubles as a stand that keeps your Apple Watch protected while it’s charging.
The Monochest is compatible with all generations of Apple Watch, and we think it’s a must-have for frequent travelers. What’s more, you can get yours today at 20% off the usual price.
From CES product unveilings to juicy rumors, this week suffered zero shortage of new for Apple fans. You’ll find the cream of the crop in this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. As always, it’s free — and it’s ready for consumption on your iOS device of choice.
I don’t want to slow you down on your way to the week’s top news stories. But if you use Safari (and you really should), don’t miss our new series of how-tos on getting the most out of Apple’s web browser. Those Safari Pro Tips are in the mag as well.
Or you can get it all, plus our reviews of the new Apple TV+ seasons of Servant and Dickinson, in your browser at the links below.
Smartwatches such as Apple Watch could detect COVID-19 infections a week before the wearer feels sick or would test positive for the novel coronavirus, two medical studies suggest.
Since such devices can identify subtle changes in heart rate that might indicate an early infection, they could spot asymptomatic individuals, who make up a sizable proportion of COVID-19 cases.
If you don’t want your Apple Watch to look just like everyone else’s, pair it with a unique band unlike any other. Choose a Wood Mark strap from the Cult of Mac Store — made almost entirely out of wood — and enjoy 25% off the usual price for a limited time.
They’re wonderfully comfortable, long-lasting, and kind on the environment. This discount ends later today, so enjoy it while you can!
The Cult of Mac Store’s big January sale is almost over, but there’s still a bit of time to enjoy generous discounts on some of our hottest Apple Watch accessories. Shop now to save on gorgeous bands and bracelets from Goldenerre, and a stylish aluminum charging stand from HEDock.
It’s not too late to save 10% on Goldenerre bands for Apple Watch in the Cult of Mac Store’s big New Year sale. Bag yours today to give your Apple Watch a glamorous makeover that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
Whether it’s heart health or exercise routines, there are plenty of biometrics Apple Watch can keep tabs on. But could it also be used to monitor cognitive performance and possible decline?
That’s the basis of a new, multi-year observational research study announced Monday. A collaboration between Apple and neuroscience company Biogen, the aim is to assess the role the Apple wearable and the iPhone could play in measuring cognitive health.
Bagged a new Apple Watch over the holidays? Upgrade your look with up to 20% off superb bands and bracelets from Juuk and Rilee & Lo.
There are a range of leather and metal options to choose from, with prices starting at just $16 in the Cult of Mac Store’s big January sale. These discounts end tonight, so enjoy them before they’re gone!
Worried that snapping your MagSafe charger onto iPhone 12 will one day damage its glass? Elago’s awesome new Charging Tray solves that problem by being the ultimate MagSafe accessory.
Made entirely from soft and sturdy silicone, the Charging Tray holds your MagSafe charger to give iPhone 12 a place to rest while it’s being topped up. The Charging Tray Duo also makes space for Apple Watch.
Bag yours today from just $29.
You might someday be able to recharge an iPhone just by putting it down on your laptop. MacBook wireless charging an idea with obvious advantages … but real drawbacks, too.
It’s definitely something Apple has been looking into. On Tuesday, the company received a patent for a scheme to build wireless chargers into notebooks, tablets and handsets so they could charge each other (or an Apple Watch).
New Year, new you? Maybe not. But how about a new look for your Apple Watch instead? The Cult of Mac Store today kicked off its big New Year sale, saving you up to 72% on bands, stands, and other brilliant accessories. Take advantage before the discounts disappear!
Apple broke new ground in 2020, and will build on that in many ways in 2021. It should be a really significant year for Mac. And iPad and Apple Watch are expected to get important new features as well.
Plus, this could be the year a product Apple has been quietly developing finally breaks out.
Apple Fitness+ makes it easier than ever to get in shape. So you should have no problem smashing your New Year’s resolution. Right?
Wrong. The sad fact is, despite the best of intentions, most New Year’s resolutions fail. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I know from personal experience as someone who went from a middle-aged slob to the proud owner of six-pack abs for the first time in my life. Now I’m a qualified personal trainer and I write about fitness for Cult of Mac.
So what’s the secret? Why do some resolutions succeed where others fail? Here are my top five tips for how you can use Apple Fitness+ to get in shape in 2021 and stay that way.
By this point, the honeycomb app grid that debuted with the original Apple Watch must have fueled millions of frustrated app hunts.
That swirling sea of apps certainly looked innovative and magical during Apple’s demo in 2014. Apple called the unique interface “fluid and vital,” but in practice, the honeycomb grid often makes it difficult to find the particular app you want.
Luckily, Apple gave you another option. These days, there’s no need to suffer through the search for the app you want. You can easily switch to an alphabetical list view that makes it much easier to find Apple Watch apps.
A Twitter user by the name of @AppleDemoYT has posted images online they claim to be an early Apple Watch prototype, built as part of the pre-production process before Apple introduced the device in 2015.
Such prototypes are very rare, with Apple preferring not to show images that shed light on how it develops products. Somehow this one made it out in one piece — provided it’s legitimate, of course.
Got your new Apple Watch up and running? It’s time to start exploring all the amazing watchOS apps available to you. We’ve rounded up five of our favorites that we think every Apple Watch owner should be using.
Thanks to a wonderfully simple quick-release clasp, Monowear’s new Deployant Reserve band for Apple Watch is ideal for anyone who despises traditional buckles. It’s made from genuine leather that’s wonderfully soft, and like all Monowear products, it’s also nicely priced.
Here’s our full review.
A decent all-in-one charging hub that can top-up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously doesn’t have to break the bank. Elago’s is insanely practical, virtually unbreakable, and a steal at just $30.
It’s ideal not only for desks and bedside tables, but also those who frequently travel. It supports all iPhone and Apple Watch models, and it’s available in a number of smart and subtle color options.
Watch Strap Co’s impressive lineup of high-end Apple Watch bands is now available from the Cult of Mac Store. There are great nylon, leather, and stainless steel options to choose from — all brilliantly made and available in a range of color options.
We couldn’t be more delighted to have added them to our collection, and we think you’ll love them just as much as we do.