Killian Bell - page 6

iPhone SE 3 matches iPhone 13 in early benchmark tests

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iPhone SE 3 benchmark tests
Small but mighty.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new third-generation iPhone SE, which starts at just $429, is just as impressive as iPhone 13 in early benchmark tests.

That won’t be too surprising to most, given that both handsets feature Apple’s latest A15 Bionic processor and the same 4GB of RAM. But it all but confirms that the chipset isn’t held back at all — despite iPhone SE’s smaller battery.

Apple plans even better ‘Studio Display Pro’ with mini-LED and ProMotion

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Apple Studio Display
But iMac Pro may not make a comeback after all.
Photo: Apple

Apple is developing a more impressive version of its new Studio Display that will boast a mini-LED screen and ProMotion technology, according to one analyst. “Studio Display Pro” is reportedly set to make its debut this June.

There is some bad news for iMac fans, however. The rumored iMac Pro upgrade Apple was said to be planning for 2022 may not come at all now that the new Mac Studio and Studio Display have landed.

Apple’s next Mac mini could be powered by new ‘M2’ and ‘M2 Pro’ chips

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Mac shipments skyrocket as pandemic drags on
The M2 chip will be based on A15 Bionic, sources say.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s next-generation Mac mini will be its first machine to offer new “M2” and “M2 Pro” chips, according to a new report. The new compact desktop, which is said to be codenamed “J473” internally, is expected to launch in 2022.

Sources say Apple originally planned to make Mac mini significantly more powerful by adding its beefy M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets. But those plans were supposedly scrapped in favor of the all-new Mac Studio.

You’ll need to upgrade your iPad Air to use it with Apple Studio Display

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Here's why devices are officially compatible with Studio Display.
Photo: Apple

It requires a lot of bandwidth to drive the super-sharp 5K screen in Apple’s new Studio Display, and some devices just don’t cut it. Those hoping to use one with iPad Air will be disappointed to learn that a big upgrade is necessary.

Studio Display is only compatible with the fifth-generation iPad Air, announced during Apple’s big Peek Performance event on Tuesday. The fourth-generation model, released in October 2020, is left out in the cold — like iPad mini.

2022 MacBook Air refresh could bring all-new design but no ‘M2’ chip

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Drool-worthy M2 MacBook Air concept shows off super slim design
It could look a little like this gorgeous render.
Concept: Front Page Tech /Renders by Ian

Apple is said to be planning a major MacBook Air refresh with an all-new design for 2022. But it may not get an “M2” chipset upgrade, as some rumors have suggested. It could also miss out on a mini-LED display.

Here’s what you can expect, according to one analyst who has proven reliable in the past.

How is Mac Studio with M1 Ultra so darn expensive?!

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Apple blew our minds this week with its all-new and somewhat unexpected Mac Studio. The diminutive desktop, which has the same footprint as Mac mini but is almost three times as tall, is by far Cupertino’s most powerful machine to date when you buy it with the incredible new M1 Ultra chip.

There’s just one problem with that. The impressive M1 Ultra model, which is significantly more powerful than even the fastest Mac Pro, starts at a whopping $3,999 — a considerable jump from the M1 Max model, which starts at $1,999. And I can’t work out how it’s so darn expensive!

Apple ditches the 27-inch iMac (for now)

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Apple iMac 2019
A larger iMac with Apple silicon is expected later this year.
Photo: Apple

After gracing us with its jaw-dropping Mac Studio and 27-inch Studio Display on Tuesday, Apple finally discontinued the aging 27-inch iMac. The machine is no longer available to purchase through official Apple retail channels.

It’s probably not gone for good, however. Cupertino is rumored to be working on a larger iMac model that could appear alongside other new Mac models — including a new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro — later this year.

Apple’s new Mac Studio is a blazing-fast desktop with an M1 Ultra chip

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Apple Mac Studio
Mac Studio is by far Apple's fastest desktop to date.
Photo: Apple

Apple on Tuesday gave us our first glimpse at its brand-new Mac Studio — its first desktop featuring the M1 Ultra chip. It’s bigger than a Mac mini but smaller than a Mac Pro, and it’s the most powerful machine Apple has built to date.

Its M1 Ultra chip makes Mac Studio twice as fast as a high-end MacBook Pro, with a 20-core CPU, 64-core GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory. And it’s still amazingly efficient.

Vintage leather band gives Apple Watch a beautifully rustic look

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BluShark vintage leather for Apple Watch
Get yours today to bag free shipping!
Photo: BluShark

If you would like your Apple Watch to look a little less like a piece of highly polished tech, check out BluShark’s new vintage leather band.

Made from ethically sourced ostrich and crocodile leathers, it gives your smartwatch a wonderfully rustic look — and it’s super-comfortable. It’s also surprisingly affordable at under $35, and if you order yours from the Cult of Mac Store today (March 8), you can also enjoy free shipping inside the U.S.

iPhone SE 3 upgrades could include MagSafe and Ceramic Shield glass

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iPhone SE
And it could still start at just $399.
Image: Apple

The third-generation iPhone SE, which could make its first appearance at the big Peek Performance event later today, may be the first entry-level Apple handset with MagSafe support and a Ceramic Shield display.

That’s according to the most recent rumor, which also claims iPhone SE 3 will offer improved battery life and a better camera for the same $399.

M1 iPad Air could feature 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM as standard

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iPad Air 4
And it could land later today!
Photo: Apple

Recent rumors indicate Apple’s fifth-generation iPad Air — which could be unveiled today during the company’s Peek Performance event — will match iPad Pro in performance. And they weren’t kidding, according to the latest leak.

In addition to a speedy M1 processor, the new midrange slate is expected to feature 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM as standard. That’s twice as much room for apps, games, music and movies than the most recent model offers.

BRB: Apple Store goes down ahead of Peek Performance event

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Apple Store down iPhone 13
New products on the way!
Image: Apple

With just hours to go until Apple kicks off its big Peek Performance event, the Apple Store has predictably closed its virtual doors.

“Be right back” reads the message that greets visitors who attempt to purchase anything through the company’s website this morning. When it returns, we expect a whole bunch of new additions, including an iPhone SE with 5G.

How to watch Apple’s big ‘Peek Performance’ event

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Watch Apple's Peek Performance event
Don't miss Apple's newest announcements.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

We’re just a day away from Apple’s big “Peek Performance” event, which is expected to bring upgraded iPhone, iPad and Mac models. Cupertino could also have other sweet surprises up its sleeve — like a new desktop display.

Whatever the case may be, you won’t want to miss it if you’re an Apple fan. And you don’t have to! Here’s how to stream the enter March 8 event live.

Nintendo revamps Switch Online app to make it a little more useful

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Switch Online app update 2.0.0
You can now see which of your friends are online.
Image: Nintendo

Nintendo on Sunday rolled out a somewhat significant update to its Switch Online app that makes it a lot less rubbish than it was before. The version 2.0.0 release brings a refreshed design and the ability to see which friends are online.

Switch Online, which is required if you want to use voice chat inside some Nintendo Switch games, is still nowhere near as useful as its counterparts for PlayStation and Xbox. But it is at least better than it was.

Apple could keep us waiting until 2023 for new Mac Pro and iMac Pro

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Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR orders start Tuesday
Apple's high-end desktops won't come this year, one analyst says.
Image: Apple

Apple has a whole bunch of exciting Mac upgrades planned for 2022, according to recent rumors. But if it’s a new Mac Pro or iMac Pro powered by Apple silicon you’re after, you could be waiting until next year.

One analyst, who has proven reliable in the past, doesn’t expect to see refreshes to Apple’s high-end desktops until 2023. But he does believe a more powerful Mac mini and a new 27-inch Apple display are coming this year.

Step into spring with colorful Apple Watch bands from Nyloon

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Nyloon-Apple-Watch-4
Stylish and comfortable — perfect for spring.
Photo: Nyloon

Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about switching up your wardrobe. Don’t leave your Apple Watch behind; give it a colorful refresh with a brilliant band from Nyloon.

They’re all made from nylon so they’re incredibly durable and ideal for outdoor activities. They’re also comfortable even on the warmest days — and nicely priced at just $40 or less.

Samsung vows to fix app throttling with software updates

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Samsung Galaxy app throttling
But Samsung denies throttling regular apps.
Photo: Đức Trịnh/Unsplash

Samsung on Friday promised smartphone owners that it will release software updates that gives them more control over app throttling.

It comes after the South Korean firm was this week caught reducing performance for more than 10,000 apps and games on most of its smartphones. However, the company denies that it messed with “non-gaming” apps.

iPhone SE 3 to pack 5G, A15 chip, up to 256GB storage

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iphone.se.image.1
Yes, it will look just like the last iPhone SE.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE will pack 5G connectivity, a super-speedy A15 chipset and up to 256GB of storage, according to last-minute predictions from an analyst who proved reliable in the past.

Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities also provided details on the handset’s predicted design and color options in a rare Twitter post.

Disney+ considers more affordable, ad-supported subscription for US

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Disney+ considers ad-supported plan
Disney's rivals already offer more affordable plan options.
Image: Disney/Cult of Mac

Disney+ is said to be exploring a more affordable subscription plan that will be supported by advertisements for viewers in the United States.

Its current $7.99 per month (or $79.99 per year) price tag makes the service more affordable than Netflix but more expensive than Apple TV+, while rivals like Discovery+ and Paramount+ already offer ad-supported plans from $4.99.

Dropbox update finally brings Apple silicon support

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Dropbox tests native Apple M1 app
A smoother, more efficient Dropbox experience.
Image: Dropbox/Cult of Mac

Dropbox this week rolled out the first stable update that optimizes its app for Apple silicon chips. The version 143.4.4161 release should be significantly snappier and more efficient on M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max machines.

The update, which should also fix a kernel extensions issue that prevents Dropbox from working properly under macOS 12.3, comes hot on the heels of a similar release for Dropbox competitor Microsoft OneDrive.

Samsung takes heat for throttling more than 10,000 apps on its phones

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Samsung caught throttling apps
Fans really aren't happy.
Photo: Anh Nhat/Unsplash

Samsung is this week facing backlash from fans after it emerged that the South Korean company is throttling more than 10,000 apps on almost all its phones. It is believed a feature that cannot be disabled is to blame.

The “performance limits” have been in place for years, some reports claim. However, Samsung carefully avoids throttling popular benchmarking apps so that its devices still achieve impressive scores.

In-person ‘Today at Apple’ events resume after 2-year COVID-19 stop

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Today at Apple resumes after COVID-19 stop
Today at Apple is back with Lady Gaga.
Photo: Apple

Apple today confirmed that it will resume in-person “Today at Apple” events in the United States. Beginning March 7, customers will be able to visit their local Apple Store to “explore the art of remixing with GarageBand” — and Lady Gaga.

The events were stopped two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also forced most Apple stores to close. “We can’t wait to welcome more of our communities back to our stores,” said Apple retail chief Deirdre O’Brien.

Samsung will make OLED displays for new iPad models coming in 2024

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iPad Black Friday deals
Apple reportedly cancelled plans for an OLED iPad this year.
Photo: Apple

Samsung has begun developing “tandem” OLED panels for new iPad models that are scheduled to be released in 2024, according to a new report.

Sources say that after Apple has begun transitioning to OLED displays for iPad — which was supposedly scheduled to begin this year before the move was shelved — it will follow with new OLED MacBook and iMac models.

Apple now fixes Face ID faults without replacing your entire iPhone

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Michael Cohen Face ID
A more affordable, environmentally friendly option.
Photo: Apple

A Face ID fail isn’t going to get you a new iPhone anymore. Apple has begun distributing the components that its own in-store technicians and authorized service providers need to fix Face ID faults without replacing an entire device.

The cost of the repair depends on the service provider, location, and iPhone model, according to one report. And it is only available for iPhone XS or later, with iPhone X — the first to ship with Face ID — left out in the cold.