Mobile menu toggle

Killian Bell - page 7

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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.

Tim Cook tells employees Apple will match donations to help Ukraine

By

Tim Cook delivers the goods at Apple's iPhone 11 event.
"This moment calls for unity, it calls for courage," Cook said.
Photo: Apple

After Apple on Tuesday confirmed that it ceased product sales in Russia, CEO Tim Cook sent out an email to all employees that promises to match donations made to help Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion at a rate of 2:1.

“With each new image of families fleeing their homes and brave citizens fighting for their lives, we see how important it is for people around the world to come together to advance the cause of peace,” the email read.

This M1 Mac mini is just as speedy as the real thing — but 78% smaller!

By

Smaller M1 Mac mini custom build
Looks like an Apple TV, but packs all the power of an M1 Mac mini.
Photo: Quinn Nelson/Snazzy Labs

Apple could make the Mac mini, its smallest desktop, even smaller if it really wanted to. One YouTuber proved that by taking the machine’s internals and packing them into a custom shell that’s 78% more compact than the original.

It’s just as fast as an unadulterated M1 Mac mini, but looks more like an Apple TV (in size, at least) than a powerful desktop. And it has MagSafe charging!

‘You’ll just have to wait.’ Siri won’t spill a date for Apple’s big spring event.

By

Siri Apple spring event 2022
Siri's lips are sealed.
Image: Aaron Zollo

We’re still yet to see an official invite for Apple’s big spring event, which all but rules out the rumored March 8 date. So, when is it likely to happen? Don’t bother asking Siri. As usual, the digital assistant proves less than helpful.

“You can’t hurry news” is the response you get when asking what will be announced at the next Apple event. “No, you’ll just have to wait.”

Devs come together to fight Apple’s ‘anti-competitive’ browser restrictions

By

iPadOS 15 review
It's about time!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

A group of software engineers have joined forces to form the Open Web Advocacy (OWA), which will fight Apple’s “anti-competitive” web browser restrictions on iPhone and iPad.

The OWA says that Apple’s tight controls, which prevent third-party browsers from using their own engines on iOS, has stalled innovation for the past 10 years and “prevented web apps from taking off on mobile.”

Pro tip: Turn your Wi-Fi password into a QR code for easy sharing

By

How to turn your Wi-Fi password into a QR code
Forget entering lengthy Wi-Fi passwords.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Pro-tip-4

Don’t you just hate having to give visitors your long and complicated Wi-Fi password? Instead, make connecting to your network quick and easy by turning your password into a QR code that can be scanned in an instant. But if you prefer a built-in iOS method, you should also know how to share WiFi on iPhone, which allows quick and secure sharing without the need for QR codes. Learn more here.

We’ll show you how.

Microsoft OneDrive is now optimized for Apple M1 chips

By

Microsoft OneDrive now optimized for Apple M1
Faster, more efficient, and not broken under macOS 12.3.
Image: Microsoft/Cult of Mac

Microsoft on Monday rolled out a major OneDrive update that adds full Apple M1 support for the first time. Version 22.022 now runs natively on Apple silicon chipsets, which should mean improved performance and efficiency.

The update also eliminates a kernel extensions issue, which broke both OneDrive and Dropbox, that macOS 12.3 beta testers recently ran into.

Apple Watch Series 8 could bring ‘major’ activity tracking upgrades

By

Do you know how Apple Watch counts your swim strokes?
But no new health sensors.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

This year will be “the biggest in the history of Apple Watch since the original model,” according to a new report. Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to come in three new versions that will bring “major updates to activity tracking.”

Apple could also (finally!) retire Apple Watch Series 3, which has looked painfully outdated for some time now, later this year.

New iPhone 13 cases leak ahead of Apple’s rumored spring event

By

iPhone 13 cases leak
Apple usually refreshes its accessory lineup in the spring.
Photo: Majin Bu

Apple looks set to introduce new color options for its official iPhone 13 cases in the coming weeks. A leaked photo reveals an alleged “spring collection” for the Silicone Case with MagSafe, which includes new yellow, pink, and green shades.

The image comes just a week before Apple is expected to host its spring event, which is rumored to bring big refreshes for iPhone SE, iPad and Mac.

Instagram dashes hopes of a native iPad app

By

Instagram not coming to iPad
Instagram isn't coming to iPad any time soon.
Image: Instagram/Cult of Mac

More than 12 years after the iPad made its debut, it still doesn’t have a native Instagram app. And it doesn’t look like it’s going to get one any time soon. Instagram head Adam Mosseri believes that not enough people want it.

“It’s still just not a big enough group of people to be a priority,” Mosseri said Sunday in response to a tweet from Marques Brownlee (MKBHD).

Apple News expands local coverage to two cities in Canada

By

Apple News local coverage
Montreal and Toronto are the first Canadian cities to see support.
Image: Apple

Apple News’ local coverage feature this week expanded its reach to Canada. Users in Montreal and Toronto can now enjoy local news from a number of different sources, including CTV News and Toronto Star.

Local coverage was first added to Apple News in July 2020, but growth has been slow since then. Although it has made its way to additional U.S. cities since it debuted, this is the first time the feature has landed in another country.

10 tough cases that keep your iPhone in top condition

By

10 tough cases for iPhone
Ensure your iPhone always looks brand-new.
Photos: OtterBox, Casetify, LifeProof, SwitchEasy, Elago

If you want your iPhone to always look brand-new — even after you’ve dropped it over and over again — you’ll need a rugged case that offers plenty of impact protection. And there are loads of tough iPhone cases to choose from.

We rounded up 10, starting at just $7.99, that are all built to be robust bodyguards for your iPhone.

MacPaw vows user support will continue as war breaks out in Ukraine

By

MacPaw Ukraine
MacPaw says "nothing is going to change" for users.
Image: MacPaw

Our friends at MacPaw in Kyiv, Ukraine, are today facing the horrifying reality of a Russian invasion. But they want to assure users of their software — including CleanMy Mac X and Setapp — that support will continue.

An emergency plan is in place to ensure that there are no disruptions to MacPaw’s operations, development or customer assistance. “We’ve been enjoying working for you all these years and appreciate all the trust you’ve put into our company,” said CEO Oleksandr Kosovan in a blog post Thursday. “We won’t disappoint your expectations.”

Apex Legends for iPhone and iPad expands its reach ahead of full rollout

By

Apex Legends Mobile for iPhone and iPad
There's still no release date for a proper launch.
Photo: EA

Apex Legends Mobile, the smartphone and tablet version of the popular battle royale game, expands its reach to 10 new countries next week ahead of an official global rollout.

The game has been in testing since EA and Respawn launched a closed beta almost a year ago. It still doesn’t have a release date, but Respawn says it will share more details “coming out of the limited regional launch.”

Facebook is still whining about Apple’s ‘harmful’ privacy features

By

By running anti-Apple ads in major newspapers, Facebook's taking its battle with Apple to the next level.
Facebook is expected to lose $10 billion to Apple's changes this year alone.
Photo: Thought Catalog/Unsplash CC

Facebook parent company Meta is still bemoaning App Tracking Transparency, the “harmful” feature Apple introduced last year in iOS 14.5 to bolster the privacy of iPhone and iPad users.

The change is “making it harder and more expensive” for businesses to reach their customers, Meta said as advertisers reportedly slash their spending on Facebook and Instagram and turn to rivals like Amazon and Google instead.

Intel leak reveals plans for more efficient chipsets to take on Apple silicon

By

M1 Max chip
Intel is targeting today's M1 chips, but it's not ready to compete yet.
Photo: Apple

Intel is planning to build more efficient mobile chipsets that will better compete with Apple silicon, according to a leaked internal roadmap.

The document outlines plans to take on the 14-inch MacBook Pro specifically with upcoming Arrow Lake processors that are scheduled to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. There just one (rather large) problem with that plan.

Foldable stand makes MacBook more comfortable to use anywhere

By

Foldable Lift Stand for MacBook
Super-sturdy and ready to go with you everywhere.
Photo: Wiplabs

You don’t have to settle for an uncomfortable work setup when you’re away from the office. Wiplabs’ new Lift Stand elevates your MacBook so that it’s easier to use, and folds down so you can easily transport it anywhere.

It’s made from sturdy anodized aluminum so there’s no need to worry about it getting broken in your bag. And it’s adjustable, so you’re all but guaranteed a great viewing angle anywhere. Get your Lift Stand today for under $40.

EU chief says Apple would rather pay fines than face App Store regulation

By

App Store
Apple motion for a delay has been denied.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The European Union’s head of digital policy believes Apple would rather continue to pay fines than accept new App Store regulation.

Cupertino is currently fighting new rules in the Netherlands that say dating app developers should be allowed to use third-party payment systems. EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager called Apple’s behavior an example of how “gatekeepers” try to circumvent the rules.

Apple thanks police after ‘terrifying’ hostage situation at Amsterdam store

By

Apple Leidseplein store in Amsterdam
Apple Leidseplein, where a gunman demanded $226 in ransom money on Tuesday.
Photo: Apple

Apple thanked police in Amsterdam on Wednesday for their “exceptional work” after a “terrifying” hostage situation unfolded at a local Apple store.

An armed man in a balaclava stormed Apple Leidseplein on Tuesday, and a bystander was taken and held at gunpoint. After several hours, police stopped the gunman by hitting him with a car as he tried to flee.

iOS 15.4 beta 4 adds new anti-stalking features for AirTag

By

SwitchEasy Skin for AirTag
Apple wants to crack down on stalking without ruining AirTag's functionality.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Apple’s newest iOS 15.4 beta adds new anti-stalking features for AirTag that were first announced earlier this month.

The fourth beta release, which rolled out to registered developers on Tuesday, includes a new AirTag setup warning that states it is illegal to use the device to track people without their consent in many regions.