The release candidates for iOS 16.6 and macOS Ventura 13.5 were seeded to developers on Tuesday. These are the final betas of minor bug updates without significant new features, but nevertheless they will be worth installing when the final versions are released, almost certainly within a week.
The same is true for iPadOS 16.6 RC, watchOS 9.6 RC and tvOS 16.6 RC.
iPhone pulled in its highest-ever Q2 share of the global smartphone market, according to an analysis firm. Apple’s total shipments were down, just not down as much as shipments of Androids from rival handset-makers.
The good news for Apple is that consumers around the world are more interested in premium smartphones than ever before.
Apple will put batteries that could last up to 10% longer in the upcoming iPhone 15 series, according to an unconfirmed report. These will be stacked batteries rather than wound ones.
iOS handsets already offer lengthy times between recharges, but surely no one will complain about extending that.
Apple is hoping to take its lawsuit with Epic Games all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and on Monday received permission to hold off on making a significant change to the App Store ordered by lower courts until there’s a final decision by the high court.
This means the Mac-maker won’t have to change its App Store policy that prevents developers from sending customers to their websites to pay for apps or services… yet.
There’s no better day to check into the state of emoji than World Emoji Day, celebrated every year on July 17. There’s a new most popular one this year, though the top five stayed consistent. And the top 20 also boasts a new entry you should be aware of.
It’s wise to know the meaning of the most popular so you’re not confused when someone sends you a 🗿. At the same time, it’s interesting to explore what’s the least used emoji and why certain emojis never seem to gain traction in digital conversations.
An original iPhone from 2007 just sold for what’s apparently a record-breaking amount. At over $190,000, it’s more than 3X the previous top price, actually. But the latest device to sell at auction has a quirk that made it even rarer than usual.
The eye-opening price shows the market for factory-sealed 2007 iPhone units is hot.
The next generation of Apple silicon is right around the corner, and the upcoming M3 processor is supposedly going into multiple new Macs before the end of 2023.
Here is what we know about the iMac and the two MacBooks we have to look forward to this autumn.
When you want to work or watch a movie without distractions, turn on Do Not Disturb on your iPhone. A new Apple video shows how to activate this mode. To learn more, visit this detailed guide.
The activation process is simple enough that this Apple Support video mostly serves as a reminder that Do Not Disturb is available.
Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard will be best thing to happen to Mac gaming in decades. The selection of titles available for Mac (and iPad) will shoot up dramatically because Microsoft has committed to allowing its popular games available on rival cloud gaming services.
Mac gaming has limped along since the 1990s. This deal will be a huge turnaround — if it makes it over all the regulatory hurdles.
Apple will reportedly use a cutting-edge production method to make some of the components for the 2023 Apple Watch Ultra: 3D printing.
And if the experiment goes well, the tech could be used in other Apple devices.
Fishing is a sport that requires patience. Ridiculous Fishing EX is a game that requires guns, chainsaws and toasters. Players go on a heroic quest for gills and glory in this action title.
The newly revamped game exploded onto Apple Arcade on Friday.
The list of new emoji up for approval includes a phoenix, a breaking chain, a lime, a person nodding or shaking their head, plus a handful more.
These are being proposed to the Unicode Consortium in September, but are very unlikely to appear on iPhone and other computers before 2024.
Although Amazon’s Prime Day is over, you have not missed your chance to save money on iPad, MacBook or AirPods. These Apple products are still on sale with enticing discounts.
But don’t wait — these deals could disappear at any time.
Suppose you could change the channel on your TV by moving a sofa cushion? Or adjust the volume with a plate of nachos? That’s the simple but somewhat ridiculous idea behind a patent Apple applied for.
While silly, it would mean we’d never need to worry about losing the TV remote.
Apple’s on again/off again Rapid Security Response patches for iOS 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1 are once again available. These have been cleared of the bugs that caused Apple to withdraw them after the initial release.
The updated RSR patches are critical because they close a security hole that has been exploited by hackers.
Apple launched in mid July a trio of Rapid Security Responses to fix urgent security problems in iOS 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1. It was then forced to withdraw them, but they have since been debugged and re-released.
These are the latest entries in a relatively new system created to quickly fix security holes without requiring a full OS update.
Apple just gave the general public access to the latest iOS 17 beta, but before you put it on your iPhone, the Cult of Mac staff has some warnings. We’ve used the betas for weeks, and while it’s gone well for some people, it’s been a dumpster fire for others.
Public betas for macOS Sonoma and iPadOS 17 are also available, and we also have comments for anyone thinking of putting those on their Mac or iPad.
The third season of the Apple TV+ dark comedy Physical will feature a psychological battle between Rose Byrne‘s Sheila and a new rival for premier fitness entrepreneur status played by Zooey Deschanel. The first trailer for the upcoming season gives a first look at their struggle.
In addition, Apple’s streaming service revealed Wednesday that the series will return in early August -0- and that this will be the final season of Physical.
Apple TV+ earned dozens of 2023 Emmy nominations, with the Ted Lasso juggernaut racking up no fewer than 21 on its own.
Also gaining recognition for TV’s highest honor are comedies Shrinking and Bad Sisters, jailhouse drama Black Bird, musical spoof Schmigadoon! and current-affairs series The Problem With Jon Stewart. Plus more.
Luna Display’s ability to turn an iPad into a high-performance second screen for a Mac got an upgrade with peer-to-peer networking, reducing the latency between the two computers.
In addition, a software update for the video adapter from Astropad now supports making one Mac acts as another’s external monitor via a USB connection.
Anyone curious about the big-budget sci-fi epic Foundation can now take in the very first episode … no subscription to Apple TV+ required. It’s free to watch on YouTube.
Die-hard fans know season 2 is about to start, and if you don’t have time for a rewatch of last season, Apple made a quick recap video. Plus it released a clip from the next episode.
A documentary series looking back at the careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington premieres on Apple TV+ in September. The Super Models will explore how these four disrupted the ’90s fashion scene.
In addition to announcing the premiere date, Apple’s video streaming service also released a brief teaser trailer Monday.
The SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case folds into three different styles of iPad stand, giving you a range of options for typing, reading and browsing.
I tested this clever folio case with my own iPad. There’s plenty to like here. (Update: The case is currently on sale at 30% off in the Cult of Mac Store.)
Apple is once again the lone bright spot in the global PC industry. Mac shipments grew by double digits year over year while makers of Windows machines all saw their shipments decline, according to a market research firm.
Mac’s return to growth in Q2 must be a relief to CEO Tim Cook as Q1 shipments were down dramatically.
★★★★☆
The 2023 version of the mophie powerstation packs in 10,000 mAh and a trio of USB ports to charge your Apple or Android devices. It can keep an iPhone 14 going for a weekend, or give a boost to a MacBook or iPad.
I put the external battery to through testing to see how well it stands up to real-world use.