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.
A growing number of developers report persistent CloudKit connectivity issues that break iCloud syncing inside their apps.
It seems the problem has been ongoing since at least November. Many developers say they reported the situation to Apple but have yet to see improvements — or even a response in some cases.
The latest WhatsApp update on iPhone brings a number of neat improvements for those who have updated to iOS 15. The app is now fully compatible with Focus mode, while contact photos now appear in notifications.
WhatsApp has also made it possible to pause and resume while recording voice messages. The version 22.2.75 is now available to all, though it could be a few weeks before the improvements are rolled out to everyone.
Apple's "evasion" of the rules is "gross," according to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. Photo: Josh Davidson/Cult of Mac
Apple will be fined up to €50 million (approx. $57 million) by Dutch regulators for its rather pathetic attempt at allowing third-party payments for apps and subscriptions in the Netherlands.
Although Cupertino took half-hearted steps to comply with new legislation, it ensured that it was incredibly difficult for developers to implement third-party payment systems. It also demanded fees for payments it wasn’t processing.
A growing number of iPhone 13 owners are reporting a mysterious issue that causes their displays to turn pink. The problem seems to be arising after a device restart — sometimes after the iPhone has frozen.
According to Apple, the problem is a software bug rather than a hardware issue. However, some users have been experiencing it since iPhone 13 made its debut.
Keep kids' voices out of your remote meetings. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Remote meetings on FaceTime are a lot calmer in iOS and iPadOS 15, thanks to a feature called voice isolation that blocks out background noise. Even better, the feature works in other video-calling applications, including Zoom and Google Duo.
Making it more difficult for others to get into your account. Image: WABetaInfo
WhatsApp is preparing to greatly increase the security of its desktop and web apps by adding two-step verification during the sign-in process.
Users will be prompted to create a six-digit PIN as an additional layer of protection for their account. They will then enter this when registering their phone number with WhatsApp again — like when signing in on other devices.
Apple is preparing to launch the “widest array” of new products in its history, according to a new report. This fall is expected to bring new iPhone models, a more affordable MacBook Pro, and big refreshes for iMac and Mac Pro.
That’s in addition to a “revamped” MacBook Air, new AirPods Pro, and lots more. Apple is also said to be preparing an iPhone SE refresh for this spring.
Now just $153.11 — down from $199.99 — for a limited time. Photo: Apple
Beats Fit Pro headphones, which made their debut last November, pack spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, the Apple H1 chip for quick and easy pairing, and active noise cancellation. Get yours at their lowest price to date.
The black models are currently available from Amazon for just $153.11 for a limited time. That’s $46.88 off the usual price.
Also works with Linux and Chrome OS. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
iOS and iPadOS 15 let you enjoy FaceTime calls with Android and Windows users for the first time. But to get a call started, you — or someone else with an Apple device — first need to send out an invite.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to do that on iPhone and iPad.
Just like Apple's, but less than half the price. Photo: Laut
Give your Apple Watch a suave and sophisticated makeover with this stunning Steel Loop band from Laut. It’s made entirely from high-grade stainless steel and available in a number of cracking color options.
It’s also wonderfully affordable at under $34 after a 15% discount.
Apple this week dropped a pair of new ads for iPhone 13, highlighting its newest handset’s brilliant battery life and durability.
One of the one-minute clips shows iPhone 13 being used to film a boy during a day-long bike ride. The other shows the device being used as a toy, hammer, baseball bat and more by an energetic toddler.
The watchOS 8.4 release candidate that rolled out to beta testers on Thursday eliminates an Apple Watch charging bug that first surfaced around a month ago.
The issue, which mostly affected Apple Watch Series 7, prevented devices from charging when using third-party accessories from a wide range of brands. But with the latest watchOS 8.4 update installed, everything is back to normal.
A new way to sort and find all your notes. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey allow you to use tags inside the Notes app to keep everything organized. They can help you quickly separate notes for different projects, and they make it easier to find things later.
Here’s how to use tags in Notes on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Get the gorgeous Modern Leather band for under $39. Photo: Mifa
It’s your last chance to save on a range of stellar accessories for Apple Watch, AirPods and more. Everything from Elkson and Mifa is currently discounted by 15% in the Cult of Mac Store, but the sale ends later today.
Illinois wants new legislation against Apple and Google. Image: Apple
Illinois is the latest U.S. state to file a bill that could force Apple and Google to accept third-party payment systems inside apps.
The “Freedom to Subscribe Directly Act,” supported by Hey app developer Basecamp, wants to prohibit both companies from requiring developers to use the App Store and Google Play to sell software and subscriptions.
But Spotify is still way out in front. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
With a 15% share of the market, Apple Music is now the second-biggest music streaming service in the world, according to the latest data. It remains significantly bigger than rivals like YouTube Music and Deezer. Over the years, Apple has consistently evolved its music offerings, with features like apple.music replay allowing users to revisit their favorite songs and discover their listening trends.
However, Apple Music will have to fight to stay ahead of Amazon Music, while catching up with Spotify will be an incredibly difficult task.
It's time to update if you haven't already. Image: Apple
iOS and iPadOS 15 fix a pretty serious security flaw that allowed third-party applications to access Apple ID information and recent search terms.
Apple this week confirmed the fix in an update to its security content guide for iOS 15. It does not look like the issue has been eliminated in iOS 14, which is no longer receiving standalone security updates.
It's iOS 15 or it's nothing now. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple has confirmed that giving users the option to skip iOS 15 updates and stick with iOS 14 was always intended to be temporary.
Its clarification comes after it last week stopped delivering security updates to those who have chosen not to update their devices since iOS 15 made its debut last September. iOS 15.2.1 is now the only upgrade option.
It's significantly more affordable than Apple's. Photo: SwitchEasy
Is your Apple Watch beginning to look a little drab and boring? Give it a brightly colored makeover with SwitchEasy’s tasty Candy band, made from a soft, braided nylon that’s just as comfortable as it is attractive.
Despite its brilliant built quality, it’s also significantly more affordable than Apple’s own braided bands for Apple Watch — especially when you can get it for 15% less.
Dish soap will do the trick. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
If you have to spend $19 on Apple’s fancy Polishing Cloth, you should know how to properly look after it so that it doesn’t get ruined. You can’t just throw it in the washing machine with your mucky laundry when it starts to get dirty.
Fortunately, Apple has now provided official instructions on keeping the Polishing Cloth clean. Here’s what you need to know.
Apple will this month begin manufacturing display panels for the next-generation iPhone SE ahead of its launch in late April or early May, according to a new report.
The new entry-level handset is expected to bring 5G connectivity to the iPhone SE series for the first time — as well as the same A15 Bionic chip found inside Apple’s latest flagships. But don’t expect a new design.
We have disappointing news for anyone currently thinking about swapping their Android smartphone for an iPhone. Apple just cut its trade-in prices for a bunch of popular handsets from Google and Samsung.
The reductions are pretty significant in most cases. A Galaxy S21+ 5G, previously worth up to $435 according to Apple, now fetches $325 max. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, previously valued at up to $545, will now get you only $405 at most.
Apple cut the trade-in values of some Mac and iPad models, too. Luckily, you have other options for recovering more cash from your old gear.
But we don't yet know when we'll get it. Screenshot: Cult of Mac
Apple has prepared a fix for a Safari 15 bug that allows websites to view your browsing habits and Google account details. And, because it’s a bug in WebKit — Apple’s browser engine used by Safari and third-party apps in the App Store — it affects virtually all iOS and iPadOS browsers, including Chrome and Brave.
Unfortunately, Apple’s patch won’t be available until the company rolls out new macOS, iOS and iPadOS updates. There’s currently no word on when that might be. Apple is in the process of beta testing new software updates, but it may be too late for the fix to be implemented into those before they are made available to all.
Worried about wearing your new Apple Watch Series 7 in case it picks up scuffs and scratches? Protect it with the excellent Quattro Pro bumper case with band from Elkson.
Made from an ultra-durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the Quattro Pro puts a protective layer around your device that keeps its sides and screen safe at all times. And it’s now available in new colors.
Get yours from the Cult of Mac Store today for just $16.14 after a 15% discount.
Let others know when your notifications are disabled. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
It’s possible to share your Focus status with select contacts in iOS and iPadOS 15, so that friends and family members don’t think you’re just ignoring their calls and texts.
Here’s how you pick and choose who sees that your notifications are disabled while you’re busy.