Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 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 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
The EC is not convinced that Apple has changed App Store rules enough to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Photo: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels CC
The European Commission opened a noncompliance investigation Monday into whether Apple is fully following the rules that went into effect with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. If not, Apple faces potentially heavy fines.
The Mac-maker isn’t being singled out. The EC also opened similar investigations into Alphabet/Google and Meta/Facebook.
A look back at the original Macintosh puts the Vision Pro AR headset in perspective Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple launched Vision Pro on the 40th anniversary of the Macintosh. That’s surely not a coincidence — both are ground-breaking computers that show where the company is headed for the coming decades.
Anyone highly critical of Vision Pro because it appeals only to a niche audience and is very expensive needs to remember that those exact same criticisms were leveled at the original Macintosh in 1984. If the current problems really are proof the AR headset is inescapably doomed — as some have argued — then there never would have been a second-generation Macintosh.
I was around when both computers launched. That gives me perspective on what Apple’s past can tell us about the company’s future.
"Manhunt" found plenty of men and women to watch it. Photo: Apple TV+
Manhunt, the Apple TV+ historical true-crime drama about the search for the assassin of Abraham Lincoln, immediately shot to near the top of the popularity charts of two different ratings services.
And other series and films from Apple are also performing well with audiences.
This item sold for a value that may set a new record for a business card with signature. Photo: RR Auction/Cult of Mac
Steve Jobs’ business card bearing the signature of the Apple cofounder himself sold at auction for an amazing value: over $180,000. This is supposedly the most ever paid for a signed business card.
A collection of other Apple memorabilia brought in big bucks at the same auction, a sign of the popularity of rare items from the iPhone-maker.
A vulnerability in M series processors could lead to unauthorized access of encrypted data. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Security researchers have found a serious exploit in all Apple M-series processors. The hard-wired flaw could potentially could be used by hackers to get user credit card information or read encrypted messages.
The flaw exposes precious encryption keys, and it’s baked into the hardware — so it can’t easily be patched without a performance penalty. Here’s what you need to know.
There's a patch waiting for your iPhone's operating system. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
iPhone users can now install iOS 17.4.1, a “bug fix” update on the major upgrade released early this month. iPadOS 17.4.1 is also available for tablet users.
And Vision Pro got its own patch, but there are no updates out Thursday for Mac or Apple Watch.
The Justice Department and 16 state attorneys general filed an antitrust suit against Apple. Public domain photo: Open Grid Scheduler/Grid Engine/Modified by Cult of Mac
The Department of Justice and 16 state attorneys general filed an blockbuster antitrust lawsuit Thursday aimed at forcing Apple to open up many aspects of its ecosystem, from the App Store to Apple Watch.
The 88-page civil suit, which accuses Apple of wielding monopoly-like power, could bring truly sweeping changes to iPhone, Mac and other Apple computers.
An OLED screen should make the 2024 iPad Pro the best-looking ever ... when it finally arrives. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly still working on the version of iPadOS needed for the first iPad Pro with a OLED screen. The software development process might delay the launch until well into April.
Previous leaks previously pointed at a March debut, and that’s still possible. But those eager for Apple’s next premium tablet should also be prepared to wait as much as another month.
And apparently the launch date won’t be March 26, despite a recent rumor.
This might be the iPad Pro that Apple announces soon. Screenshot: Volodyk Design
All the people eagerly waiting for the 2024 iPad Pro — which is expected in the coming weeks — can console themselves with a concept video depicting the upcoming tablet in all its magnificence.
Updating AirTag firmware is easy. But it requires patience. Photo: Cult of Mac
A firmware update out for AirTag has begun gradually rolling out. You’ll probably want it, but it turns out that updating the software for Apple’s item tracker is both easy and hard. You don’t have to jump through hoops, but neither do you have much control.
Have more fun gaming with the updated Backbone One iPhone game controller. Photo: Backbone
Backbone updated the Lightning version of its popular game controller for iPhone with new magnetic adapters, a reshaped D-pad, and more. The goal of the second generation Backbone One is “better, faster, and longer gaming,” according to the company.
It now matches the updated USB-C version that Backbone introduced in autumn 2023.
In clamshell mode, 2024 MacBook Air can connect to a pair of external displays. Photo: Apple
The recently launched MacBook Air with the Apple M3 processor performance slows down significantly if pushed too hard when in clamshell mode (with the lid closed). Thermal throttling is the culprit.
That said, the problem mostly shows up when using Apple’s consumer-grade notebook for tasks it’s not designed to handle.
Belkin just launched one of the first multi-device charging stands with Qi2. Photo: Belkin
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand with Qi2 offers 15W charging for iPhone and other Qi2-enabled handsets, fast charging for Apple Watch, and optimal charging for AirPods, too.
This third version of Belkin’s charging stand launched Tuesday.
You no longer have to own Vision Pro to see what's on the visionOS App Store. Screenshot:
Apple made the visionOS App Store available for anyone to look through. The change will give anyone thinking about buying the Vision Pro AR headset a preview at what software is available.
Previously, the list of available app was only viewable by those who already owned the cutting-edge computer that launched in the United States in February.
Apple Watch Series 10 might, at long last, get blood pressure monitoring. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
A new report says Apple is on track to build into Apple Watch Series 10 a feature that been a bit of a holy grail for the wearable: blood pressure monitoring.
But the feature reportedly will be limited at first, and require new hardware.
With ANC, AirPods 4 might be a significant jump up from its predecessor. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple suppliers are reportedly preparing for “the biggest AirPods launch to date.” The company is supposedly planning to produce between 20 million and 25 million units of AirPods 4, a significant jump from previous models, according to recent news airpods.
Apple could launch the AirPods 4 in two flavors later this year: one with ANC and another without. Alongside updated internals, the new earbuds purportedly will sport a sleeker new design.
Tim Cook didn't give investors the truth about iPhone demand in China in 2018 and it's costing the company. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly settled a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of hiding news of declining iPhone demand in China. It concerns comments made by CEO Tim Cook during an investor call back in 2018.
The iPhone-maker allegedly will pay out a $490 million settlement, according to a preliminary settlement filed Friday with the U.S. District Court in Oakland, California.
This one-off folding iPhone mod could be a glimpse of the future. Photo: KJMX
Apple may have decided that 2026 is the right year to launch a folding iPhone.
Cupertino has been tinkering with prototype handsets with foldable displays for a long time. An analyst predicted Thursday that the company will finally have something to offer in a couple of years.
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.
However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.
Can Apple buy its way to AI dominance? Image: Steve Johnson/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computer more efficient.
Apple promised that it’ll have big AI-related announcements later this year, and the acquisition will help the company build the necessary software.
The new Apple Sports app for iPhone got an update for basketball and baseball fans. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
The new Apple Sports iPhone app just received its first big update. It’s now ready for basketball’s March Madness and baseball’s Opening Day.
The free sports app that debuted in February gives fans access to real-time scores, stats and more for their favorite teams across a wide range of sports leagues.
Owen Wilson tees up in an upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series about golfers. Photo: Markus Spiske/Pixels
The list of comedies on Apple TV+ will expand with the addition of one starring Owen Wilson as a washed-up golf pro stepping up to coach a teen in the sport.
The series — which does not yet bear a name — seems to have a lot in common with Ted Lasso, another sports-themed comedy that was an enormous success for Apple TV+.
This unusual but gorgeous iPhone 15 Pro mod borrows design elements from the Apple Vision Pro headset. Photo: Caviar
iPhone 15 Pro Max Vision is a version of Apple’s premier handset modified so it matches the look of the Vision Pro AR headset. It’s from Dubai-based Caviar, and is actually a beautiful option for someone who uses both devices.
But buyers will need deep pockets. The modification adds tremendously to the cost of the iPhone.
And you have to see Caviar’s crazy mod that turns a Samsung S24 Ultra into a Tesla Cybertruck. Both creations are part of Caviar’s Future collection, designed to reflect “the most prominent futuristic hits,” according to the company.