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David Snow - page 10

Apple Design Awards: Try the best apps and games of 2025

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Apple Design Awards winning apps and games
Take some time to check out this year's Apple Design Awards winners -- the best apps and games.
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed the winners of its prestigious 2025 Apple Design Awards Tuesday, celebrating 12 exceptional apps and games that showcase the very best of what’s possible on Apple devices. And the celebration of Apple Design Awards-winning apps and games will carry on at WWDC25, Apple said.

“Developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating apps and games that are not only beautifully designed but also deeply impactful,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re excited to celebrate this incredible group of winners and finalists at WWDC and spotlight the innovation and craftsmanship they bring to each experience.”

Get a refurbished M2 iPad Air at a discount straight from Apple

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get Apple refurbished M2 iPad Air models
If you don't want to shell out for a new M3 iPad Air, consider a refurbished M2 iPad Air.
Photo: Apple

Apple quietly expanded its refurbished product lineup in the United States this week, adding 11-inch and 13-inch M2 iPad Air models to its Certified Refurbished store for the first time. Now you can take your pick of Apple refurbished iPad Air 2 models at discounts of around 15% off.

Apple previously made these refurbished iPad Air models available in the United Kingdom. But this marks the first opportunity for U.S. customers to purchase these previous-generation iPad Air models at a significant discount directly from Apple.

Apple TV+ takes swing at Sunday Night Baseball streaming rights

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Friday Night Baseball and Sunday 2
Winning bids might result in Sunday Night Baseball on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple TV+ steps up as a front-running candidate to acquire Major League Baseball’s Sunday night games and other premium content currently held by ESPN, according to a new report. This means Apple TV+ might acquire Sunday Night Baseball streaming rights.

That potentially expands the streaming service’s baseball offerings significantly beyond its existing Friday night package, even as it pushes for more sports content across the board.

2 iPhone 17 models may lack ProMotion features in their 120Hz displays

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iPhone 17 and 17 Air may lack ProMotion display features
The debate continues over whether all four iPhone 17 models will get ProMotion display, or if two of them will just be 120Hz.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will probably receive significant display upgrades, but recent leaks suggest the improvements may not be as comprehensive as initially hoped. While multiple sources have indicated the non-Pro models will finally get high refresh rate screens, a conflicting report now questions whether these will include Apple’s full ProMotion technology.

In other words, base iPhone 17 and super-thin iPhone 17 Air may lack what makes ProMotion what it is.

MacBook Pro covers for aging Mac mini in picture-perfect rig [Setups]

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LG ultra-wide display
Cool wallpaper on that LG ultra-wide display, eh? There's also an old Mac mini hiding in this pic.
Photo: [email protected]

Some computer setups showed off on social media aren’t packed with the latest and greatest tech gear — they just look great. Today’s featured setup is a fine example. It packs two still-going-strong older Macs — a MacBook Pro from 2021 and a Mac mini from all the way back in 2012 — driving an LG ultra-wide display. But the subtle lighting and tasteful decor, including great use of plants, go a long way in this one.

Here’s the agenda for WWDC25, Apple’s big dev event [New moniker: ‘Sleek Peek’]

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WWDC25 schedule
WWDC25 kicks off at Apple Park and (mostly) online June 9.
Photo: Apple

WWDC25, this year’s edition of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, will take place June 9 to 13, offering Apple enthusiasts and developers a comprehensive look at upcoming software innovations in the latest iOS, macOS and other platforms, the company said recently. The WWDC25 schedule, updated this week with the new moniker “Sleek Peek,” offers developers and users alike plenty of excitement.

The mostly online annual tech showcase promises groundbreaking updates across Apple’s ecosystem while also welcoming over 1,000 developers and students to a special in-person celebration at Apple Park.

Updates: Apple Developer’s WWDC25 web page added the name “Sleek Peek” for developer conference proceedings. Lots of new user interface design elements to take a look at, for one thing, as suggested in our looks ahead to what we expect will be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. Updates are also expected for tvOS 26, watchOS 26 and visionOS 26. Apple also set up the YouTube livestream page, so you can sign up for alerts, like when the Keynote starts.

iPad saves world-renowned pianist’s career

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iPad saves classical pianist's career
Carrying an iPad onstage eased that crippling stage fright.
Photo: George Beckker@Pexels

Classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein has performed on stages around the globe, from solo recitals to collaborations with prestigious orchestras. Famed composer Philip Glass even wrote a concerto specifically for her to perform. But stage fright nearly ended it all — until iPad saved her career, according to a new interview.

We’re used to iPhone saving lives and what-not, so it’s cool to see Apple’s tablet get some credit.

Apple appeals EU interoperability rules, citing privacy risks

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Apple compliance with DMA
The EU's Digital Markets Act causes plenty of headaches for Apple.
Photo: European Commission

Apple officially filed an appeal against the European Union’s Digital Markets Act interoperability requirements Friday. That’s no big surprise, and neither is the reason why. Apple argues the regulations pose significant privacy and security risks to iPhone users, while also stifling innovation.

Apple submitted its challenge to the EU’s General Court in Luxembourg, targeting the commission’s March decision that requires Apple to make iOS more compatible with rival products, including smartwatches, headphones and VR headsets.

Apple picks ‘macOS Tahoe’ for this year’s major interface redesign

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Apple names macOS 26 after Lake Tahoe.
Apple names macOS 26 after Lake Tahoe.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple reportedly chose “Tahoe” as the name for the upcoming macOS version, according to a new report. This marks the third significant redesign of the Mac operating system since the company began using California-themed naming conventions in 2013.

The name macOS Tahoe, inspired by the iconic Lake Tahoe resort area, signals Apple’s commitment to delivering another major visual overhaul to its desktop platform.

BuhoCleaner jacks up Mac performance (up to 70% off promo)

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Photo of a MacBook on a table, with BuhoCleaner running on the screen
When your Mac shows signs of sluggish performance, BuhoCleaner can speed it up.
Photo: Dr.Buho

Is your Mac’s performance getting a little sluggish? If your machine takes more time to do things than it used to — and that darned spinning beach ball keeps showing up — it’s time for some digital spring cleaning. What’s an effective, intuitive and affordable tool for the job? BuhoCleaner, a Mac maintenance app from Dr.Buho.

BuhoCleaner is available in both free and paid versions. With coupon code CTM25BC05 you can get up to a 70% exclusive discount.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Dr.Buho.

I tested it on my M4 Pro MacBook Pro and noticed a significant performance boost after just a few simple scans. The machine became noticeably more responsive when opening apps and files.

Danny Boyle shoots 28 Years Later sequel on 20 iPhones at once

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28 Years Later shot on 20 iPhones at once
That's quite an iPhone camera rig tracking that infected dude.
Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Danny Boyle will soon bring the infected back to the big screen in ways that would make any iPhone cinematographer jealous. The acclaimed director behind the original 28 Days Later returns for the long-awaited sequel 28 Years Later. And he uses cutting-edge iPhone technology alongside traditional filmmaking techniques to create what he calls a “poor man’s bullet time” effect (a la The Matrix movies), according to a new report.

Clean workstation boasts killer mechanical keyboard [Setups]

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full size mechanical keyboard
Compact keyboards are so popular now that seeing a full-sized one -- or even a nearly full-size, tenkeyless layout like this one -- is almost a rarity.
Photo: [email protected]

More than ever these days, computer setups flaunted on social media tend to show off compact keyboards with as low as 60% layouts. So it’s almost a surprise to come across today’s featured MacBook Pro setup, which relies on a tenkeyless keyboard. It’s almost, but not quite, full sized. And the excellent Keychron mechanical keeb is customizable, too.

With Severance season 3 coming, plans for 2 spinoffs emerge

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Severance season 3
Severance season three, currently on the writers' room drawing board, will enter production with two spinoff shows in early stages of development.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed series Severance will expand beyond its upcoming third season, possibly including two spinoffs and merchandise, according to recent revelations from director Ben Stiller and star Adam Scott in a new interview. That news alongside Severance season 3 progress should delight fans of the dystopian workplace drama as much as any “overtime contingency” could.

Bono documentary doubles as first full-length video for Vision Pro [Now streaming]

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Bono Stories of Surrender documentary
Apple TV+ viewers and Vision Pro users can watch the Bono documentary starting May 30.
Photo: Apple TV+

The new documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender premieres Friday, May 30, on Apple TV+. And it simultaneously debuts as the first feature-length Immersive Video on the Vision Pro headset. In that format, it offers an 8K Spatial Audio experience that places viewers directly onstage with the U2 frontman in a 180-degree video environment. You can watch the trailer below.

The film offers viewers a bold and lyrical visual exploration of Bono’s acclaimed one-man show, providing unprecedented access to his personal journey as a musician, activist and family man, Apple TV+ said. The Vision Pro version’s title will be Bono: Stories of Surrender (Immersive).

Update 2: Bono: Stories of Surrender begins streaming Friday on Apple TV+. Whereas one review calls it “a heartfelt portrait of the U2 star,” another refers to its “rock star pomposity” and a third splits the difference: “A punch-to-the-guts stage show once you get past the Bono-ness of it all.”

Update 1: Apple TV+ posted a trailer for the Bono documentary film on YouTube Wednesday, available to watch below. For U2 and Bono fans, it’s sure to impart all the feels, as Bono jokes with the audience and tells stories about his upbringing and time with the band.

UPDF 2.0: The next-level AI-powered PDF editor for Mac, iPad and iPhone

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Marketing image for UPDF 2.0,
UPDF just got better, with AI-powered tools that make working with PDFs easier than ever.
Image: Superace

PDF files are everywhere online. Working with them shouldn’t be a headache. But common pain points include difficulties editing documents, trouble handling large file sizes, compatibility problems across platforms, security worries over data leaks, ineffective search capabilities, and poor annotation and collaboration tools. Plus, many users also balk at Adobe Acrobat’s expensive subscription fees. These frustrations highlight the need for a robust solution — and UPDF 2.0 emerges as the perfect answer.

After launching in 2022, the UPDF brand quickly won over 3 million users worldwide. Thursday’s launch of UPDF 2.0 takes PDF editing to the next level with enhanced AI capabilities, streamlined workflows and powerful new features. They make document management effortless across all your Apple devices.

Developers’ App Store earnings double in past 5 years

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App Store sales growth
US devs saw $406 billion in App Store sales and billings in 2024.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s App Store ecosystem reached a milestone in 2024, facilitating $406 billion in developer billings and sales in the United States alone, according to a new study Apple commissioned. And over the past 5 years, App Store sales growth means U.S. developers’ earnings more than doubled, the iPhone giant said.

“For more than 15 years, the App Store has created incredible opportunity for app developers, entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release Thursday. “That includes the many U.S. developers who are innovating, building their businesses and finding exceptional success on the App Store.

“We’ll continue to invest in powerful tools, technology, and resources to help developers in the U.S. and around the world take their apps to new heights and create transformative experiences for users,” he added.

Apple might switch all OS version numbers to years

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Apple may switch all OS version numbers to years
So your OS names are going to seem to leap forward to 26 soon.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple might make a major change to the naming convention for all its operating systems this year, switching all OS version numbers to years, according to a new report. The switch, which Apple reportedly will roll out at WWDC25 on June 9, would bring consistency across all its operating systems for the first time.

New Satechi Find My accessories include eyeglasses case, wallet tracker

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Satechi expands FindAll accessories
Four new accessories, including eyeglasses case and wallet tracker, bring the FindAll lineup to five items.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi expanded its FindAll lineup Wednesday, adding four new trackable accessories that seamlessly integrate with Apple’s Find My network. The new items — an eyeglasses case, a wallet tracker, a luggage tag and a keychain — join Satechi’s passport holder.

M4 Mac mini takes over for ‘semi-retired’ M1 MacBook Pro [Setups]

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Mac mini computer
This setup's M4 Mac mini handles most of the work, as the M1 MacBook Pro is "semi-retired" (but still going strong).
Photo: [email protected]

Apple silicon computers have serious staying power. Setups left and right feature M1 machines, released in late 2020, including today’s featured setup. The user said their M4 Mac mini pretty much took over for their M1 MacBook Pro in the workstation. So they reserve their “semi-retired” laptop for outdoor use, though it’s still running strong after more than five years of constant use.

Logic Pro’s big beat-making upgrades: Enhanced Stem Splitter, new Flashback Capture

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Logic Pro updates
New beat-making and production updates enhance Apple's Logic Pro software.
Photo: Apple

Powerful new Logic Pro updates for Mac and iPad will transform how musicians create beats and produce electronic music, Apple said Wednesday. The updates bring enhanced audio processing capabilities, innovative recording recovery features and fresh sound libraries.

Loud and proud in the update mix are the improved AI-driven Stem Splitter, which can make multiple audio tracks from one recording, and the new Flashback Capture, for those times you make great sounds but forget to hit “record.”

Qualcomm study shows its modems outperform Apple’s C1 chip

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Qualcomm modem study
A new study funded by Qualcomm shows its modem chips topping C1 in real-world, New York City conditions.
Photo: Apple

A new Qualcomm study suggests the company’s modems outperform Apple’s first in-house modem chip, the C1 — particularly in challenging urban network conditions.

The research from Cellular Insights, funded by Qualcomm, tested the iPhone 16e — Apple’s first device to feature the company’s homegrown C1 modem — against Android smartphones powered by Qualcomm chips on T-Mobile’s 5G network in New York City.

App Store blocks over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024

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App Store blocks fraud
Apple said it blocks $9 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past five years.
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed its App Store prevented more than $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024 alone, contributing to over $9 billion in blocked fraudulent activity across the past five years. But as the App Store blocks fraud, the figures highlight the tech giant’s ongoing battle against increasingly sophisticated bad actors attempting to exploit users and developers on its platform.

The massive fraud prevention effort protects the App Store’s 813 million weekly visitors across 175 regions worldwide. Since its 2008 launch, Apple’s marketplace has grown into one of the world’s most trusted digital storefronts, Apple said. But maintaining that reputation requires constant vigilance against evolving threats ranging from data theft apps to payment scams.

Apple temporarily boosts iPhone trade-in values

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Apple raises iPhone trade in values
Now's the time to trade in your old iPhone at Apple. Maybe get a nice iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16e?
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

iPhone trade-in values get a boost from now through June 18 when you turn over your old iPhone online or in an Apple Store, the Cupertino tech giant said Friday. The monetary increases are modest, but hey, every dollar counts. So now, or anytime Apple raises iPhone trade-in values, is the time to refresh your handset with a shiny new one from the iPhone 16 lineup.

Cool dual-display rig unleashes fearsome dinos on Hawaii [Setups]

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4K LG monitors
The M3 Max MacBook Pro hangs off the right-hand edge of the desk in a clamp-on tray.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s M2 Max MacBook Pro setup with dual 4K LG monitors is enviable and well-situated. I say that not just because the compact workstation is cool, but because it’s in Hawaii with a dramatic view.

And the cool dinosaur wallpaper on the two 32-inch LG UltraFine 4K displays got a plenty of love from commenters, as did the Michael Scott (The Office) poster of him quoting hockey great Wayne Gretzky (“You miss 100% of the shot you don’t take.”)

What to expect in iOS 19: Rumors point to design overhaul

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What to expect in iOS 19
It amounts to a big update.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Rumors swirling ahead of WWDC25 give us a decent idea about what to expect in iOS 19. The new operating system, which Apple will showcase when its annual developer conference kicks off June 9, shapes up as one of the more significant iPhone software updates lately.

The iOS 19 overhaul promises to transform how users interact with their devices through big design changes, enhanced AI capabilities and improved cross-platform integration.