Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
Here's what to expect from the 2018 iPad Pro. Photo: Álvaro Pabesio
It is looking increasingly likely that Apple will deliver a new iPad Pro lineup before the end of 2018. A new report, citing a number of sources familiar with the company’s plans, reveals some things we can look forward to.
Here’s what to expect from the next-generation iPad Pro’s display, Face ID, Apple Pencil, and more.
Project xCloud won't require powerful hardware. Photo: Microsoft
Microsoft plans to start streaming high-end games to your iPhone, iPad, and other devices.
Its new service, dubbed “Project XCloud,” will remove the need for dedicated games consoles and pricey PCs — but you’ll have to wait until next year just to trial it.
Portal is Facebook's answer to the Echo Show. Photo: Facebook
Do you trust Facebook to put a camera and microphone in your living room? If not, you’ll want to avoid Portal, its new smart displays focused on video chat.
Portal and Portal Plus make it easy to keep in touch with friends and family when you can’t see them face-to-face in real life. They can also play music, stream video, and do anything Amazon Alexa can do.
I knew it couldn't last, but we had a great time together. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
For the first time in 11 years, I did not get Apple’s latest iPhone delivered to my door on launch day. I’ve been using an iPhone X since last November and I was still happy with it; I certainly didn’t see the need to drop another $999 on what seemed like a slightly better device.
But then I got the chance to use an iPhone XS Max.
I had the handset for just over a week, and I loved every second I spent with it. I was wrong to not upgrade this year, and it killed me to return the device to its rightful owner.
Are you enjoying iOS 12 yet? Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Almost half of all iPhone and iPad users have already upgraded to iOS 12, according to new data.
It’s an impressive adoption rate for a major upgrade that’s only been officially available for just over two weeks. Its speedy uptake can likely be attributed to its new features and significant performance improvements — especially for older devices.
Please be working on an official Game Boy emulator, Nintendo! Photo: Nintendo
Nintendo could be developing a whole new way to enjoy its mobile games on the go.
The Japanese company has patented a case that could turn your iPhone into a classic Game Boy. It features physical controls but would not require a battery or Bluetooth connection.
Did the chips really make it into Apple's data centers? Photo: Pexels
Update: Apple and Amazon both issued lengthy statements Thursday concerning the Chinese spy chip allegations. We updated this post to include those statements.
Apple denies that Chinese spy chips infiltrated its iCloud server hardware after claims that motherboards used by Apple, Amazon and dozens of other tech companies contained microchips used for surveillance purposes.
Cupertino insists the story is “wrong and misinformed.” Apple also says Chinese spying had nothing to do with the company’s decision to cut ties with a supplier.
Rescue your purchases from an old Epic account. Photo: Epic Games
Epic Games is giving Fortnite players a new tool that will allow them to merge multiple accounts.
The merge will combine all item purchases, V-Bucks, game stats, and Save the World campaign access. It’s perfect for those who were forced to set up a second Epic account to play Fortnite on the Nintendo Switch, or because they were locked out of their original.
Apple is way ahead of the competition in value. Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple has topped Interbrand’s annual list of the Best Global Brands for the sixth consecutive year.
The iPhone-maker, which has seen its brand value increase 16 percent this year, ranked highly in consistency, engagement, and differentiation. It is followed by Google, while Amazon has quickly climbed into third place after its brand value increased an impressive 56 percent.
Is Apple's new monitor finally on its way? Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Buying an LG display from Apple is becoming more and more difficult. Availability of the UltraFine 5K model is shrinking at Apple Stores around the world. It could indicate that Apple’s new desktop display is finally on the way.
Don't waste all your data on tweets. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
The official Twitter app for iPhone and iPad can now help you cut down on your data usage.
Its new data saver feature takes steps to reduce the amount of data required to load tweets in your timeline. It’s also a blessing for those who like to avoid auto-playing videos.
Don't get frozen out by Fortnite's new Chiller trap. Photo: Epic Games
This week’s Fortnite update is now available across all platforms, including iOS.
Version 6.0.1 isn’t quite as exciting as last week’s big season six launch, but it does bring some new content to enjoy. Players can take advantage of the Chiller trap in Battle Royale and there are more options to play around with in Playground mode.
Let Siri do the hard work for you. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
The Apple Store app has been updated to support Siri Shortcuts. It provides shoppers with an “even faster way” to preorder the iPhone XR later this month, Apple says. Here’s what you need to do to get everything set up before October 19.
This game is being played in a web browser! Photo: Google
Google is making it possible to play high-end games on even the cheapest computers.
Project Stream is a new service that will bring the most demanding PC titles to Chrome this week, starting with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. You’ll need a speedy internet connection, but expensive processors and graphics cards aren’t required.
Sending money from your iPhone is about to get a lot easier in Europe. Photo: Apple
Apple Pay Cash could be ready to make its debut in Europe.
Screens invited users to set up Apple’s peer-to-peer payments service have started popping up on devices on the other side of the Atlantic this week. Apple has also started publishing Apple Pay Cash support pages in European countries.
Opera Touch is easy to use with one hand. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
The fast and simple mobile browser from Opera is now available on iOS.
Opera Touch was built with gesture-based devices like the iPhone X and iPhone XS in mind, and it’s optimized for one-handed use on larger screens. It boasts a number of useful features, including Flow, which lets you share content with Opera on your desktop.
Save a small fortune on prepaid iPhones at Best Buy. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Best Buy is running another big Apple Shopping Event, with impressive discounts on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It’s just one of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup. We also have Apple-certified Lightning cables at a bargain price, and $20 off a great USB-C hub for MacBook.
Plus, you can save $60 on the Astro A20 gaming headset for Mac, and there’s still time to save $55 on the Belkin Valet charging stand for Apple Watch at B&H Photo.
Do you see it yet? Screenshot: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
YouTube’s handy picture-in-picture mode has started making its way to desktop. The new “miniplayer” function lets you watch while you browse on Mac and PC. Here’s how to activate it.
Don’t comply and you may lose access. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Spotify’s family plan makes it cheaper for multiple users to enjoy its premium music streaming service. But don’t try sharing it with friends.
Spotify is now asking family plan subscribers to prove they are indeed family by confirming they all live at the same address. “If you don’t confirm, you may lose access to the plan,” it warns.
Get ready for this week's Battle Royale challenges. Photo: Epic Games
Fortnite season six kicked off on Thursday with massive changes, including new areas to explore across the Battle Royale map, new items, and more than 100 new rewards.
To earn those rewards faster, you’ll want to complete the weekly challenges and grab as many Battle Stars as you can. A total of 50 are available. Here’s how you can claim them.
Enjoy glorious HDR on iPhone XS. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
The official YouTube app for iOS has been updated to display HDR videos on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
HDR content was already available on last year’s iPhone X, but an update was required to enable it on Apple’s latest devices. Sadly, there is still no option to watch videos in 4K.
Those in the U.S. will be able to get their hands on the feature before the end of 2018, but for those in other countries, the wait could be a lot longer. If you live in the U.K., you may even have to wait “years,” one report warns.
Many businesses choose to spend more on Apple smartphones and computers because they’re supposed to be safer than more affordable alternatives running Android or Windows. But they’re not completely bulletproof.
Researchers have discovered a worrying flaw in one Apple service that allows hackers to steal business passwords from macOS and iOS devices.
Visit the new haunted castle in Fortnite season 6. Photo: Epic Games
It’s time to gear up for Fortnite season six.
The mammoth update, available today across all platforms, brings new areas to explore, new consumables that make you invisible to your enemies, and pets that you carry with you wherever you go. It also removes a number of popular items from the game to make room for others.