Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 26 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still owns), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That's because he's a "tablet first" type of guy. Rather than use a MacBook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don't try to tell him that everyone must use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
With iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4, applications will have to ask if they can track you. Graphic: Apple
Apple seeded to developers the release candidates for iOS 14.4 and the iPad equivalent on Thursday. It’s probably the last step before a public release. Among other changes, these new versions will apparently give iPhone and iPad users the option to block third-party applications from tracking them.
Devs can also install watchOS 7.3 RC and tvOS 14.4 RC, which became available Thursday too. But macOS Big Sur 11.2 is still on Beta 2.
“Mr. President, we have some lovely parting gifts for you.” Screenshot: White House
It’s good to be the president. People just give you things, like the first 2019 Mac Pro assembled in Austin, Texas. Tim Cook gave this pricy computer to Trump, probably after the president toured the factory.
This wouldn't be better. Photo illustration: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
A reliable source says Apple is considering stripping the Lightning port from future iPhone models and replacing it with … nothing. Hopefully, it’s not too late to stop this terrible, terrible idea.
A portless iPhone is possible. And there are even a few advantages. But the significant drawbacks make the idea something that should be dropped like a burning bag of poo.
Is the number 13 too unlucky to be in an iPhone name? Photo: Cult of Mac
The followup to the iPhone 12 might not be called the iPhone 13. Instead, a reliable source says it will such a minor update it’ll be dubbed iPhone 12s.
And triskaidekaphobia could cause Apple to skip straight to the iPhone 14.
The 2021 iPad mini could be about to get a lot less mini. Photo: Pigtou/xleaks7
Apple’s smallest tablet is allegedly about to get the redesign so many people have hoped for. The screen bezels in the 2021 iPad mini will shrink significantly, supposedly allowing the display to increase to over 9 inches and become nearly edge-to-edge.
The computer will also reportedly get in-screen Touch ID and a hole-punch camera.
The Satechi Aluminum Desktop Stand securely holds a variety of tablets, in portrait or landscape orientations. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The redesigned Satechi Aluminum Desktop Stand transforms your iPad into a desktop computer. And it looks great doing so, holding the tablet so it seems to float over your keyboard.
I added the accessory to my office. Here’s how it works in real life.
ParcSlope props up either a MacBook or an iPad, making them easier to work on. Photo: Twelve South
Some stands are designed for laptops, others for tablets. The ParcSlope from Twelve South is both. The desktop accessory, announced Tuesday, elevates the back edge of either a MacBook or iPad, allowing the user to either type more easily or draw on the touchscreen.
An AirPods Max Teardown wouldn’t be complete without an X-ray of Apple’s new over-the-ears headphones. Photo: iFixit
iFixit took a deep dive into AirPods Max, fully disassembling Apple’s over-the-ear headphones. What they found in the teardown was a startling number of different types of screws. But also a craftsmanship that helps justify the hefty price tag.
The basic design of 2021 iPad Pro will supposedly be much like its predecessor, but with some interesting enhancements. Render: xleaks7/Pigtou
Apple will build even more magnets into the 2021 iPad Pro, according to a tipster. The same source also rendered images supposedly based on CAD drawings of the upcoming 12.9- and 11-inch versions.
Other changes rumored for Apple’s next top-tier tablet include an improved screen and optional 5G.
Touch ID could be back, but not as you know it. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
A fingerprint scanner might once again be part of Apple’s iPhone line, according to a reliable source. Touch ID might appear in 2021 alongside Face ID, not in place of it.
Also, Apple reportedly has a folding screen in the prototype stage.
Your free Apple TV+ trial just got even sweeter. Photo: Apple
Apple just added up to five months to current Apple TV+ free trials. If your free access to the streaming video service was about to expire, it’s instead been extended until the end of June.
And Apple is giving monthly rebates to those who paid for an annual subscription.
Everything on Apple Podcasts now is free. That could change if the company creates Podcasts+. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly considering a for-pay podcast subscription service. It would join other Apple services offering premium content, like Apple TV+ and News+.
The news sent shares of rival Spotify down over 7% on Friday.
The 2021 iMac could dump the huge screen bezels of the current version. And move to Apple Silicon. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The iMac is about to get the dramatic redesign so many people have been hoping for, according to a highly reliable source. Smaller bezels and an M-series processor are highlights.
Apple is also reportedly planning a significant redesign of the Mac Pro desktop.
The 2022 iPhone could sport an advanced cooling system. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
A powerful processor and 5G wireless networking will force Apple to build a cooling system into the 2022 iPhone, according to an analyst and trusted Apple prognosticator.
But the system Apple is reportedly investigating won’t be ready in time for the iPhone 13, expected this autumn.
Don’t let the small size of the Aukey Omnia Mix fool you. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Aukey Omnia Mix wall charger offers a USB-C port that can handle anything from an iPhone to a MacBook. It’s palm-size but the 65W portable power adapter also includes a USB-A port for other electronics, like an Apple Watch.
My real-world testing included using the affordable charger with multiple Apple devices. Here’s how it stood up.
Tom Holland plays a drug-addicted bank robber in ‘Cherry’ on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple
Apple premiered the first trailer for Cherry, a drama starring Tom Holland, on Thursday. Although best known for playing Spider-Man, Holland’s upcoming film is far grittier, telling the story of an Iraq war veteran with PTSD who spirals into drug addiction and bank robbery.
The movie is coming to theaters in February and Apple TV+ in the spring.
The Scosche MagicMount MSC holds the Apple MagSafe charger in your car. Photo: Scosche
Take your Apple MagSafe on the go with the Scosche MagicMount MSC. Designed for in-car use, this mount comes in versions that attach to air vents, cup holders or windows.
The company also used CES 2021 to unveil fresh PowerVolt USB-C car and wall chargers.
Ridley Scott will reportedly direct an epic starring Joaquin Phoenix as French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Kitbag will be produced by Apple and shown on Apple TV+.
An easy trick opens a hidden tab in Apple’s Find My app. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
There’s no reason to be skeptical about Apple’s plans for AirTags. Any iPhone, iPad or Mac user can see evidence that Apple is about to add support for item trackers to the Find Me application.
The Anker Magnetic Wireless Power Bank attaches to an iPhone 12 when needed, but is easily removable. Photo: Anker
Anker’s latest external battery uses magnets to attach itself to an iPhone 12 for wireless charging. It enables the handset to juice up while it’s being used on the move.
The accessory maker also unveiled at CES 2021 a 3-in-1 wireless charger with an removable 10,000 mAh battery.
Plugable’s USB-C adapter offers plenty of ports. All of which can be used at the same time. Photo: Plugable
Plugable freely admits its new 7-in-1 USB-C hub for Mac or iPad is entering a crowded market. But the accessory maker promises its new USBC-7IN1E multiport adapter stands out from cheap competitors with better hardware.
The Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand looks great on a night stand. Photo: Satechi
Satechi on Tuesday took the wraps off an aluminum stand that makes use of the magnets Apple built into the iPhone 12. It elevates the handset while charging it, making the screen easier to see. The stand also includes an AirPods charger.