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iPad Air 5 review roundup: Apple’s ‘go-to’ tablet gets even better

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iPad Air 5 review roundup: Apple’s ‘go-to’ tablet gets even better
Hands-on use shows the iPad Air 5 can handle demanding graphics apps.
Photo: Apple

The iPad Air 5 reaches customers on Friday, and the first reviews describe it as a moderately improved version of the already excellent fourth-generation model.

They give us our first hands-on impressions of the tablet with an M1 processor and support for Center Stage.

Lucky shopper receives Mac Studio days early

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Lucky shopper receives Mac Studio days early
Turns out not everyone has to wait until Friday to receive a Mac Studio.
Photo: Simon/Mac4Ever

The Mac Studio is scheduled to start reaching customers on March 18. But a fortunate Frenchman got his Tuesday, three days early!

Seems a store in France missed the note from Apple about not shipping until later in the week.

Brilliant MagSafe power bank cuts cables with two-way charging [Review]

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OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe review
With double the MagSafe, this power bank from OtterBox both sends and receives power wirelessly.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe doubles down on wireless charging. It clings magnetically to your iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. And it can do both at the same time. There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000 mAh of capacity.

I tested the MagSafe accessory with my iPhone 13, and I’m pleased with how well it works.

Apple Car team was ‘dissolved’ but vehicle still coming in 2025

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Making a car could produce a massive windfall for Apple.
An Apple autonomous vehicle could still be on the road in just a few years, despite a reorg of the development team.
Photo: Possessed Photography/Unsplash CC

The group at Apple developing a self-driving electric car has been “dissolved for some time,” according to a reliable source of insider information. But the project supposedly hasn’t been canceled — it’s undergoing a reorganization.

This is likely a reflection of the many difficulties Apple has run into with this very complex project.

iOS 15.4 offers iPhone users Face ID with a mask

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macOS Monterey 12.3 brings Apple’s Universal Control, iOS 15.4 offers Face ID with a mask
iOS 15.4 is out, making unlocking your iPhone with a mask on much easier.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 15.4 debuted on Monday, allowing users to unlock their iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask. It also includes other new features.

And Apple released macOS Monterey 12.3, too. Plus, watchOS 8.5 and tvOS 15.4 went to the public as well.

macOS Monterey 12.3 brings Apple’s long-awaited Universal Control to Mac and iPad

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Universal Control is part of macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15.
Apple promised Universal Control in June 2021 and finally delivered.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple released macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 on Monday. These give Mac and iPad users access to the long-delayed Universal Control.

Plus, iOS 15.4 also went to the public. And watchOS 8.5 and tvOS 15.4 too.

iPad Air 5 is every bit as fast as iPad Pro

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iPad Air and iPad Pro
iPad Pro does not have better performance than iPad Air 5.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Early benchmark scores for the soon-to-be-released iPad Air 5 show the tablet has approximately the same performance as the iPad Pro models that cost much more.

That’s not a surprise considering the new Air has the same M1 processor as the Pro.

This powerful Wi-Fi 6 router is amazingly affordable [Review]

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Rock Space AX1800 WiFi 6 Router review
The Rock Space AX1800 WiFi 6 Router is quite capable despite a bargain price.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of the wireless networking standard we all love. It’s so much better than its predecessor you should think about upgrading your router just to get it. Especially because the change won‘t be as expensive as you might expect because the Rock Space AX1800 WiFi 6 Router is just $80.

At that price, I was a bit suspicious that the device. But I’m a believer. I used this Wi-Fi access point in my home office for nearly two weeks and have no complaints.

27-inch iMac could be stuck in limbo

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The 2020 iMac could like a bit like this.
The 27-inch iMac Pro is/is not about to launch.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The 27-inch iMac is gone from Apple’s lineup. And it’s not clear when it’s coming back. Or if it will return at all.

One new leak claims that Apple has dropped plans to make a larger iMac. Another says development goes on, but the all-in-one desktop won‘t be out for a long time.

Some iPhone 14 models might miss out on Apple’s new A16 processor

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Every iPhone 14 model will have a ProMotion display and 6GB of RAM
Apple might limit its new A16 processor to only iPhone 14 Pro models.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The basic iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will launch this fall with the same A15 processor as the 2021 models, according to a reliable tipster. Supposedly, only the pricier iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will sport a new A16 chip.

If true, it’ll be a move Apple has never used before.

Batter up! Friday Night Baseball starts April 8 on Apple TV+

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Apple TV+ scores Friday night baseball
Apple TV+ will stream Friday night baseball games as soon as these are available again.
Photo: Apple

In the wake of MLB team owners and players patching up their differences, Apple TV+ announced Friday that it’ll be streaming some of the first baseball games of the 2022 season. And every week thereafter until the playoffs.

Beginning April 8, Friday Night Baseball on Apple’s streaming service will be a weekly doubleheader with live pre- and postgame shows.And it won‘t require a subscription. At least not at first.

Severance on Apple TV+ hits No. 1 most-streamed series

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‘Severance’ on Apple TV+ hits #1 most streamed series
In Severance, you have to learn to expect the unexpected.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has a big hit on its hands with Severance. The weird workplace drama tops Reelgood’s list of the most-streamed series of the week.

The show debuted in February and the fifth episode premiered Friday. The first four were enough to push the series to the top of the chart.

Discover the wonders of Monument Valley 2+ on Apple Arcade

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Discover the wonders of ‘Monument Valley 2+‘ on Apple Arcade
Monument Valley 2+ is the latest App Store Great added to Apple Arcade
Photo: Ustwo Games/Cult of Mac

Monument Valley 2+ made the jump onto Apple Arcade Friday. Gameplay involves “a journey through magical architecture, discovering illusionary pathways and delightful puzzles as you learn the secrets of the Sacred Geometry,” according to the developer, Ustwo Games.

The puzzle adventure is “an immersive, addictive experience,” according to the Cult of Mac review.

Putin threatens companies like Apple that quit Russia

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Putin threatens to nationalize assets left in Russia by companies like Apple
Any Apple computers left in Russia could become the property of the Russian government.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Russia is considering nationalizing the assets of companies like Apple that pulled out of the country in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, reportedly endorsed the plan on Thursday. The Mac-maker is just one of hundreds of companies that could be affected, but it’s a prominent one.

It’s not known how much inventory Apple left behind after it pulled out of Russia on March 1.

Apple stops trying to kill USB-A, HDMI and SD

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Apple gives up trying to kill USB-A, HDMI and SD
Even Apple’s newest Mac Studio desktop has USB-A and HDMI. And there’s an SD card reader on the front.
Photo: Apple

For years, Apple seemingly worked to finish off the old USB-A and HDMI formats, as well as the SD card reader. It quit building them into most of its products, replacing them all with smaller USB-C ports. But that campaign appears to have stopped… at least for now.

You need look no farther than the newly announced Mac Studio for proof. It has USB-A, HDMI and an SD card reader.

It’s a sign that Apple is in a tough spot. There are good reasons to kill all of these. And an overwhelming reason to keep them. Let’s discuss.

Wait times for Mac Studio stretch into April

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Colleen Novielli, the Mac product line manager, details the new Mac Studio.
The Mac Studio was recently unveiled and wait times are already into April. And into May in some cases.
Photo: Apple

The launch date for the Mac Studio is March 18, but preorders placed today won’t arrive until well after that. The wait for the version with the M1 Ultra processor is six weeks or more.

Just because the new desktop is already backordered doesn’t automatically mean there’s huge demand. But it’s not a bad sign, either.

Why M1 Ultra adds 2 pounds of heavy metal to Mac Studio

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Why M1 Ultra adds 2 pounds of heavy metal to the Mac Studio
Mac Studio with M1 Ultra weighs a third more than with an M1 Max. He’s why.
Photo: Apple

Configure the new Mac Studio with a super-fast M1 Ultra processor and the weight goes up a full 2 pounds. Weight doesn’t matter for a desktop, but people have been curious what about where all the extra comes from.

Apple has an answer. And it all comes down to heat and heavy metal.

Why iPad Air 5 is a better choice than 11-inch iPad Pro

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Why iPad Air 5 is a better choice than 11-inch iPad Pro
These two tablets are almost identical in most important ways. But one costs $200 more.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple M1 processor inside the newly announced iPad Air 5 makes the tablet as powerful as the similarly sized iPad Pro. Given the price difference, the new Air is a better option for most people.

The iPad Pro has advantages. And it’s still the right device for some folks. But think hard before putting down an extra $200 that might be unnecessary. Here’s why the iPad Air 5, which Apple unveiled during Tuesday’s Peek Performance event, comes out ahead in many ways.

Recharge your Apple Pencil 2 in this convenient case [Review]

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TechMatte Apple Pencil Gen 2 Charging Carrying Case review
With TechMatte’s charging case, your Apple Pencil.is ready to use wherever you go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The TechMatte Apple Pencil Gen 2 Charging Carrying Case juices up the iPad’s official stylus when it’s not attached to the tablet. It’s a secure place to carry the Apple Pencil around, and keep it topped off when you’re on the go.

I tested this charging accessory to be sure it lives up to its promises.

iPhone dominates 2021’s top-selling phones

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iPhone 12 review
Globally, more iPhone 12 units sold in 2021 than any other model.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

No less than seven of the ten best-selling phones in 2021 were made by Apple. What’s more, all of the top five models were iPhones.

The iPhone 12 topped the list by a significant margin.

Here are the Macs we didn’t get at Apple’s spring event, but still might

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Here are the Macs we didn’t get at Apple’s spring event
The MacBooks, iMacs and Mac mini that were rumored for the “Peek Performance” event didn’t appear.
Photo: Apple

When CEO Tim Cook left the stage at the end of Apple’s “Peek Performance” event, he took the hopes of many MacBook and iMac users with him. Because there was just one Mac introduced Tuesday, the Mac Studio.

But some of the computers not announced are still expected to launch. Just not now.  Here are the Macs we didn’t get, and which ones to look for from Apple in the coming months.

Apple’s Universal Control and Face ID with a mask are almost here

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Apple’s Universal Control and Face ID with a mask are almost here
Apple seeded to developers release candidates for all of its operating systems.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded to developers the release candidates of macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 on Tuesday. That’s the final step before introducing them to the public, which will finally give Mac and iPad users access to the long-delayed Universal Control.

The iOS 15.4 Release Candidate also went to developers, so iPhone users will soon be able to unlock their iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask. Plus, the watchOS 8.5 RC and tvOS 15.4 RC were seeded as well.

Apple TV+ scores Friday night Major League Baseball games [Updated]

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Apple TV+ scores Friday night baseball
Apple TV+ will stream Friday night baseball games as soon as these are available again.
Photo: Apple

Apple and Major League Baseball announced “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly doubleheader with live pre- and postgame shows on Apple TV+. This is the first live sports available on the streaming service. And it won‘t require a subscription. At least not at first.

Of course, at this point there is no baseball. The MLB and players union are fighting over money, and the 2022 season is in jeopardy.

iPad Air 5 goes super-fast with M1 processor

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iPad Air 5 goes super fast with M1 processor
The iPad Air gets a major speed boost with a Mac-quality processor.
Screenshot: Apple

The iPad Air 5 is one of the highlights of Apple’s March product event. While not a redesign, the new midrange tablet offers a faster processor, Center Stage support and other improvements.

“With the breakthrough M1 chip, Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, and ultra-fast 5G, iPad Air is now more powerful, more capable, and simply more fun than ever,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s head of marketing.

What to expect at Apple’s March 8 event: New iPhone, iPad and Mac [Updated]

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Peek Performance: What to expect from Apple March 8 event
It's almost Apple time.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Spring 2022 will bring an array of new Apple products, if the rumor mill proves correct, and we’ll get our first look Tuesday. Numerous leaks point to an improved 5G iPhone SE and iPad Air coming soon. And a new Mac (or multiple Macs) might show up, too. Maybe even a new M2 processor as the lineup completes the transition to Apple silicon.

All of this could be unveiled on March 8, when Apple holds its “Peek Performance” event. Or that could be just the first of multiple Apple spring events.