Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 23 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 12.9-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
Mac users are very satisfied with their iMac. Photo: Apple
Mac users are very satisfied with their computer. Even more so than last year, according to a survey of users of all types of desktops, laptops and tablets.
Apple computers beat Windows PCs from most rivals in user satisfaction. In fact, there’s only one company that can rival Apple.
Here’s how to be sure you have the latest HomePod software update. Or stop your smart speaker from updating. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Your HomePod is a lot more than a simple speaker — it’s a whole computer. And like any computer it has an operating system that needs occasional updates. Here’s how to make sure your Apple smart speaker has the software version released on Monday.
Version 17.0 is a major update with additional AirPlay functionality, new call controls and more.
If you depend on automatic updates, it’s possible your smart speaker hasn’t yet installed the update. Here’s how to do so manually.
iPhone 15 includes the Dynamic Island and other features that were formerly for Pro only. Screenshot: Apple
Initial reviews of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus praise the addition of the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, saying they make the new handsets feel like a significant upgrade for users of older models. They also applaud the switch to USB-C and the new ultra-wideband chip.
The two iOS 17 devices reach store shelves this Friday.
You can store 6X as much with an iCloud+ subscription than was possible before. Image: Apple
The maximum capacity of an Apple iCloud+ account just expanded from 2 terabytes to 12 terabytes. There’s also a new 6TB option. Either one is a heap of storage for Mac, iPad and iPhone user to hold images, videos and other files.
The storage plans also come with useful bonus features, many of which are focused on privacy.
The new version of AirPods Pro 2 leaves Lightning behind in favor is USB-C. Photo: Apple
The new AirPods Pro 2 version that comes with a USB-C case was only unveiled last week, and is not yet launched, but you can already save $50 off the cost. That’s quick work.
Plus, Apple’s new top-of-the-line wireless earbuds bring some additional features besides the port change, including additional dust resistance.
Interactive widgets are one of the highlights of iPadOS 17. Screenshot: Apple
Apple just released iPadOS 17 to the public. There’s a lot to like, including a new customizable Lock screen, interactive widgets, a Health app, significant Stage Manager improvements and much more.
Here’s everything you can expect from loading the new version on your iPad.
Foundation on Apple TV+ is one of the most popular shows on any streaming service. Image: Apple TV+
Season two of the sci-fi epic Foundation draws enough viewers to propel the Apple TV+ series to near the top of the popularity charts for three weeks in a row. It continues to outperform nearly everything on any streaming service.
And it’s not only viewers who like the show — the current season enjoys a 100% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure uses a gorgeous and carefully crafted pixel art style. Image: Game Start/Apple Arcade
Fans of cozy life simulation games will enjoy Japanese Rural Life Adventure. It’s about living your best (digital) life, with plenty of the traditional culture of Japan mixed in.
The app debuted Friday on the Apple Arcade subscription gaming service.
The iPhone 15 doesn't care if you use an Apple USB-C cable or one made by some other company. Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple didn’t tinker with the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 series to disadvantage standard cables. Instead, the port handles charging and data transfers like any other USB-C port.
This throws cold water on suspicions that the new iPhones would require special MFi cables to get the maximum data or charging rates.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are already in short supply. Photo: Apple
Anyone who even slightly delayed ordering the new iPhone 15 Pro models when they went on sale Friday morning faces a lengthy wait for their devices to be delivered. The delays extend into November for some handsets and configurations.
In addition, problems marred the preorder process via the online Apple Store, possibly due to high demand for the new titanium Pro phones.