In a virtual meeting with employees on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted that COVID-19 makes for an “uncertain and stressful” time, but he’s optimistic about the future.
Cook hosted Apple-wide meeting that let workers pose questions to Apple’s CEO about the effects COVID-19 is having on the company.
Apple wants users of older iPhone models to know the advantages of a new budget iPhone. Its “iPhone SE — Why Upgrade” page describes the multiple ways this just-announced handset is faster, with a longer battery life, a better camera and other improvements.
More than developers can test iOS 13.4.5 and the iPad equivalent. Starting Thursday, the general public can download a beta version if they’re brave enough to run pre-release software.
Just be aware, these updates are almost entirely about fixing bugs in the iOS and iPadOS versions released March 24, not new features.
The 3D scanner built into the 2020 iPad Pro is intended for augmented-reality applications. Tests by the developers of the Halide camera app found that LiDAR built into this new tablet is well-suited for scanning furniture-size objects, but not anything smaller.
The 2020 iPhone SE costs just $399. That makes it one of the cheapest iOS handsets ever, equaled only by the original model. But to get this price, Apple had to make some compromises. It’s important to be aware of what they are.
Logitech Combo Touch adds both a keyboard and a trackpad to inexpensive iPad models, because it’s not just Apple’s professional-grade models that can use mice and trackpads. Plus, there’s a flexible kickstand, and the keyboard is removable.
In addition, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, a more basic keyboard case for the 2020 iPad Pro, is also available now on the Apple Store.
Getting replacement ear tips for AirPods Pro just got whole lot easier. On Wednesday, these went up for sale on the Apple Store, and can be ordered like any other product.
That’s far easier than getting these used to be.
Apple got approval to release a pair of “totally wireless high-performance earphones” from the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday. But the company didn’t release this product, so exactly what they’ll offer is a mystery.
That said, information buried in the FCC filing shows these will be very similar to last year’s Powerbeats Pro. They might be the successor.
Apple began taking orders for the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro on Wednesday, about a month before the expected launch. This is Apple’s first iPad case with a built-in trackpad, and it sports an eye-catching design that leaves the tablet seemingly floating above the keyboard.
More people are watching Apple TV+ now that they are staying home to avoid the coronavirus, according to a market-analysis firm. Plus, this streaming service has a couple of strong shows that have increased viewership.
A concept artist created an answer for anyone dubious about the usefulness of augmented reality. His video demonstrates how AR could give an Apple Card user their balance and recent transactions with only a glance.
Watch the full concept video now:
A mobility data trends tool based on data from Apple Maps released on Tuesday graphically demonstrates that people around the world are staying home to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Apple introduced the tool to provide insights to health authorities looking for ways to mitigate the spread of this disease.
Sling TV streaming video service is now available during primetime at no charge. New customers can watch every night from 5 pm to midnight for free.
The company hopes this will help American families staying home during the COVID-19 crisis.
Satechi‘s Apple AirPods wireless charging dock plugs straight into a Mac or iPad USB-C port. It’s designed to keep these in-ear headphones powered up anywhere you go. And it offers maximum portability.
Since a system software update released in March, Apple’s HomePod smart speaker reportedly runs a version of tvOS, the operating system for Apple TV. The change might make it simpler to update this device, and support older hardware for longer.
The alternative rock band The Mowgli’s joined the muppets of Apple’s TV’s Helpsters to explain how to correctly use “if” and “then” in a sentence. And not through a boring lecture, but through a song.
Watch a video of them rocking some grammar rules now:
Your Apple Watch could eventually keep an eye on more than your physical health. A future watchOS wearable will reportedly monitor the user’s stress level. This could go all the way to warning the wearer ahead of time that they could be close to a panic attack.
Minix Neo Storage Pro is a 480GB solid-state drive that’s also a USB-C multi-port adapter. Plug it into a MacBook and it expands the storage capacity, while also adding HDMI and USB-A ports. And there’s also an accessible Thunderbolt 3 port.
Scrappers makes taking out the rubbish less a boring chore and more an epic battle. Up to four players control robot garbage collectors as they clean up a grimy city. But watch out for rival teams!
“Creativity Goes On” is a touching new video from Apple that highlights people working from home, learning from home, FaceTiming one another, and more, with Apple products. It’s inspirational at a time when so many are self-isolating during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Apple will “likely” launch a low-cost iPhone 9 as early as next week, according to an analyst report published Friday.
Travel difficulties caused by the coronavirus outbreak may push back the release of the largest iPhone ever until late fall, the analyst said. However, other new iOS devices are still on schedule for September.
HybridDrive offers up to 2 terabytes of additional storage in a small USB-C plugin for MacBook or iPad Pro. This add-on is also a multi-port USB-C hub with HDMI, dual USB-A ports and SD card readers.
Apple updated its COVID-19 screening application for iPhone with information from each U.S. state’s health department to help users know what’s expected in their area.
This fits with the goal of Apple’s app — giving people resources to stay informed on steps they can take to protect their health during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini is an inexpensive and easy-to-install way to get started in home automation. This smart plug lets you control a lamp, fan or other appliance without needing to touch it. Support for Apple’s HomeKit and Amazon Alexa means voice commands, or automated schedules, are all that’s necessary.
I tested a pair of these accessories for a week, and can report on how they perform in daily use.
LG took the wraps off a dozen large-screen TVs on Thursday, all of which support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit so they can be integrated into an iPhone-controlled smart home. Screen sizes for these 2020 TVs range from 49 inches all the way up to 86 inches.