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.
Apple’s new 2021 iPad mini is available with 5G cellular connectivity — just like the newest iPad Pro. But unlike its larger siblings, the sleek and slender iPad mini misses out on faster mmWave technology in the U.S.
Turn your old iPhone into upgrade cash. Photo: Jack Sem CC
Apple’s new iPhone 13 and 13 Pro will be available to preorder this Friday, and just like their predecessors, they’re not cheap. But there is a quick and easy way you can make your upgrade more affordable.
Sell your old iPhone (and other Apple devices) to Cult of Mac today and we’ll send you a fat stack of cash that you can put toward the newest model. We also have a promo code that will get you an extra $20.
Keep your shiny iPhone 13 looking good. Photo: Elago
iPhone 13 and 13 Pro aren’t compatible with cases made for the iPhone 12 series. So, if you’re preordering a new model Friday, you’ll need new accessories to go with it. Get yours from the Cult of Mac Store.
We’ve just added a bunch of new iPhone 13 cases and accessories from big brands like Elago and SwitchEasy — with more to come from Casetify, Mujjo, and many others. Find out what’s new and order yours today!
iPhone 13 Pro is worth the extra $200. Image: Cult of Mac
If you’re planning to upgrade to iPhone 13 this year, you should probably spend the extra cash on iPhone 13 Pro. This year’s refresh widens the gap between the different iPhone models on offer — and makes going Pro an even better decision than in previous generations.
It’s not just new camera tricks and a nicer design you get for your money, like with iPhone 12 Pro last year. With iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, you’ll also enjoy a smoother-than-butter ProMotion display, and an even more powerful A15 Bionic processor.
Nintendo finally got around to delivering the one Switch upgrade every user wanted: The ability to pair AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones. And you don’t need to buy a brand-new console to gain this capability.
Wow, a bigger screen! What else you got? Photo: Apple
Apple Watch Series 7 is not the upgrade most of us expected to see from Tuesday’s Apple event. The new model doesn’t sport the big design refresh multiple sources said was coming. It doesn’t even pack a new chip.
Is this the upgrade Apple wanted to deliver this year? Or is it a last-minute substitution that Cupertino had to settle on because the refresh it really wanted to deliver just wasn’t ready to roll out?
Based on the evidence, we’re going to say it’s the latter.
Those planning to buy an iPhone 13 Pro for its ProRes video recording feature should be aware that the new codec only works in 1080p on 128GB models. You’ll need at least 256GB of storage to use it in 4K.
iPhone 13 is faster and more improved in so many ways. Photo: Apple
The wait for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max is over. At an event in California on Tuesday, Apple unveiled its newest flagships with faster ProMotion displays that can reach 120Hz, an even faster A15 Bionic chipset, and big camera improvements for both photos and videos.
This year’s refresh also adds a 1TB storage option for iPhone 13 Pro models and finally shrinks the notch above their screen. You can preorder yours starting Friday, September 17 before the new iPhone lineup makes its official debut one week later on September 24.
Apple today surprised us with a brand-new 2021 iPad mini — its best compact tablet to date. It sports a gorgeous new design inspired by iPad Pro, an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, and a blazing-fast A15 Bionic chip with 5G connectivity. It’s the only compact tablet worth your hard-earned cash.
Microsoft has dashed hopes that Windows 11 might one day be available on Apple Silicon machines. The company says running its newest operating system on an M1 Mac is “not a supported scenario.”
The statement comes after Parallels Desktop 17 users ran into hardware compatibility errors when running Windows 11 on newer Apple devices.
Benjamin Franklin once wrote that nothing in this world is a certainty, “except death and taxes.” If he were alive today, he might add “and the Apple Store going down before a big keynote” to that list.
“Be right back” reads the message that greets visitors who attempt to purchase anything through Apple’s website this morning. When it returns, we expect a whole bunch of new additions, including iPhone 13.
Will we get more than anticipated from today's Apple keynote? Photo: Apple
The ninth-generation iPad could make its debut during Apple’s big iPhone 13 event later today, according to one tipster. The new device is expected to come with a slightly larger display and a faster Apple chip, as well as a revamped design that’s similar to that of the iPad Air and iPad Pro.
That's a lot of Benjamins. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Epic Games on Monday confirmed it has paid the $6 million it owed to Apple in royalties just days after it was ordered by the court. The fee covers Apple’s cut for in-game revenues collected between August 2020 and October 2020 when Epic allowed Fortnite players on iPhone and iPad to make direct purchases.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney also said that the company has asked Apple to restore its developer account.
See iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7 and AirPods 3 as soon as Apple unveils them. Photo: Apple
Apple will host one of its biggest events of the year on Tuesday. “California streaming” is expected to bring our very first (official) look at iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, brand-new AirPods, and maybe more.
Just like recent Apple keynotes, this one will be streamed online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. We’ll show you how.
Epic has expressed its dissatisfaction with the outcome in recent days, and has now confirmed it has filed a notice of appeal against the decision. It seems the company has no plans to bring Fortnite back to iOS just yet.
Making the 5G rollout as easy as possible. Photo: Mike Carney CC
The U.K. could get a major 5G coverage boost from bus shelters, street lamps, CCTV poles, and traffic signals. The government is exploring novel ways to integrate 5G radio equipment in existing street furniture in an effort to “make it simpler and quicker for mobile companies” to expand the reach of 5G.
Nice try, Epic Games. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Epic Games has asked Apple to reinstate its developer account so that it can bring Fortnite back to iPhone and iPad in Korea, where a new bill could allow it to offer its own payment system alongside Apple’s for in-app purchases.
But unfortunately for Fortnite fans, Apple isn’t having any of it. Cupertino said in a statement to Cult of Mac that it will only allow Epic to return to the App Store when it agrees “to play by the same rules as everyone else.”
Update: A U.S. judge made her ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit on Friday, and is requiring Apple to allow developers like Epic Games to set up their own direct-payment systems. This could bring Fortnite back to the App Store.
Apple Watch Series 7 will make its debut later this month after issues in its production were resolved, according to a new report published by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and seen by Cult of Mac.
The new device will introduce the “most significant change in the design of the Apple Watch ever.” Availability could be limited initially, but mass production is expected to begin in late September.
Apple could soon be on the receiving end of another class-action lawsuit, with lawyers currently investigating the company over reports that its new M1 MacBook models are vulnerable to screen cracks during normal usage.
A growing number of users complain in online forums that their MacBook displays suffered what the attorneys call “dramatic cracks,” despite not being mishandled. Many say they spent upward of $600 on repairs.
There are five "healthy" reactions to choose from. Photo: Twitter
Twitter is giving a small number of users the ability to add Facebook-like emoji reactions to tweets as part of a new feature test.
In addition to being able to “like” a tweet, those taking part can react with the tears of joy, thinking face, clapping hands, love heart, and crying face emojis shown in the image above. Twitter says the test may be expanded to more users later.
Home Secretary Priti Patel, who this week announced the Safety Tech Challenge Fund, called on “Big Tech” to take responsibility for public safety and find ways to monitor online platforms protected by encryption.
Bluetooth Low Energy and cross-platform support. Photo: Apple/Microsoft
Microsoft is testing new firmware for Xbox Controllers that makes using them with iPhone and iPad even better. The update adds Bluetooth Low Energy support, and allows you to pair both an Xbox console and iOS device so that switching between the two is easier than ever before.
What the front of iPhone 14 might look like. Photo: Jon Prosser/Ian Zelbo
It’s probably best not to get too excited for under-display Face ID in next year’s iPhone 14. Despite Wednesday’s big leak hinting at the upgrade for 2022, one analyst warns the technology is still very much a work in progress.
In recent years, manufacturers have been working to put front-facing cameras behind their smartphone displays in an effort to eliminate notches and holes. And the results, perhaps unsurprisingly, have been a mixed bag.
'iPhone 14' could be made from titanium. Concept: Front Page Tech/RendersbyIan
Apple’s next-generation iPhone 13 refresh is already old news. Just one week before Cupertino’s big event, a leaker is already spilling details on next year’s even bigger “iPhone 14” upgrade, which is expected to come with no notch and a titanium design.