iPhone 14 is moving ahead Concept: Jon Prosser/Ian Zelbo
The iPhone 14 is reportedly already in the test production phase. That puts Apple’s next-gen smartphone on schedule to launch in September, as expected.
But, in a separate report, an industry analyst warns that one version of the 2022 iPhone may be in short supply when it launches.
Half a million for an "old-ass iPhone," as Miani put it? Really? Photo: Luke Miani
Apple iPhone turns 15 years old today. To mark the occasion, YouTuber Luke Miani showed off a handful of iPhone prototypes. They feature pre-release software and somewhat unfamiliar designs.
To give you an idea of how rare these handsets are, two of them are valued at $500,000 apiece.
A MacBook Pro and a 4K LG display anchor Smelker's setup. Photo: Terry Smelker
Graphic designer and illustrator Terry Smelker’s workstation includes many interesting elements, like a specialized drawing tablet and a multimedia controller he uses along with his tricked-out MacBook Pro. But even if you’re not curious about his setup proper, get a load of that Apple gear collection! Fortunately, he provided plenty of photographs.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Apple’s design aesthetic,” he told Cult of Mac. And that started him on his collection of vintage Apple products, which complements the rest of his gear.
It's a selfie stick, but it's also much more. Photo: SwitchEasy
If you’d like to take your selfie game up a notch, you can’t do much better than SwitchEasy’s EasySelfie Selfie Stick. The highly portable devices doubles as a tripod and works with your iPhone or a variety of cameras.
And right now you can get a good deal on EasySelfie in the Cult of Mac Store.
Android makes up most cheap smartphone sales, but anyone able to pay more usually gets an iPhone. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
High-end Android models sell in much smaller numbers than iPhones, according to a market research firm. Apple handsets that cost over $400 outsold all Androids in that price range almost two-to-one.
The data shows that while Androids with cutting-edge features like folding screens and very high-res camaras draw a lot of attention, they don’t attract many buyers. But pricier iPhone models do sell well.
SwitchEasy's charger lets you juice up four devices at once. Photo: SwitchEasy
The more gadgets we buy, the more separate chargers we end up with. If you’re sick of plugging in your stuff all over the place, try a multi-device charger like the SwitchEasy MagPower 4-in-1 Charging Stand.
The compact stand’s ingenious design lets you easily charge four devices at once. You can power up your iPhone or other smartphone, Apple Watch, AirPods and another device all at the same time. Three out of those four gadgets power up wirelessly, too, so you can cut some cords.
And through tonight, you can get 20% off the stand in the Cult of Mac Store. That’s a savings of $17 off the regular price.
Time to walk back that M2 skepticism just a smidge. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Erfon’s warming up to Apple’s new M2 chip. New benchmarks make it sound even more capable than we thought.
Also on The CultCast:
Brace yourself for better narcissism: iPhone 14’s selfie cam is getting a major upgrade.
It sounds like Apple is planning a wild array of new MacBooks and iPads, in some very interesting sizes.
Apple TV shoots and scores! Major League Soccer is coming to the Apple TV app.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.
Get access to the new features and APIs in iOS 16 with the Developer Beta today. Featuring my dog, Indy Anna Jones. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
iOS 16 was announced with some awesome, radical new features: a completely redesigned Lock Screen, a shared Photo Library for families, editing and un-sending iMessages, advanced new features in Maps and more. It’s especially hard this year to wait until September to get your hands on it.
Developers have a busy summer ahead of them, too. I spoke with some developers while at WWDC (no, I’m not done flexing that yet) and afterwards on Twitter. Developers are especially excited about creating Lock Screen widgets for their apps, using the new advanced features of SwiftUI and experimenting with the Live Text API.
But you don’t have to wait to get your hands on the beta. Registered developers can install the iOS 16 developer beta today. According to Apple, the Public Beta will be coming sometime in July. If you pay $99 for a developer account, installing the beta on your device is fast and easy. Here’s how.
Humane's wearable ditches a screen in favor of lasers, which project info out into the world. Here it is showing a thermostat projected on a user's hand. Photo: Humane
The people who invented the iPhone are trying to invent what comes after the iPhone, and it sounds bonkers.
A secretive San Francisco startup called Humane appears to be developing a wearable, screen-less device that uses low-powered lasers to project information out into the wearer’s environment. And there’s not an AR/VR headset in sight.
It's a MacBook that makes an iPhone – even an old one – look hefty. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Surely you already know that the newly redesigned MacBook Air is super thin. But you might not have realized just how very sleek it is. It’s actually slimmer than the original iPhone.
In fact, the macOS laptop is much, much thinner than a lot of other classic and recent Apple devices.
Apple discussed its overhauled Home app and HomeKit at WWDC22. Photo: Apple
Apple rebuilt its Home app from the ground up for iOS 16, ensuring it will make managing HomeKit a breeze and support the upcoming Matter home-automation standard.
But for those who’ve been using an iPad as a hub for HomeKit, the house party’s over as of iOS 16’s release.
eSIMs are about to get even easier to move from one iPhone to another. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
iOS 16 will make it easier to transfer an eSIM between iPhones using Bluetooth.
As spotted by @carsonwaldrop on Twitter, iOS 16 adds an option to import an eSIM from another iPhone in the “Set up eSIM” menu. Apple requires that the other iPhone is nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth turned on, and is running iOS 16 during the process.
The EU will require future iPhones to have a USB-C port. Photo: Tom Pillonel
The Lightning port’s days are numbered. The EU government has settled on a plan that will require all new phones and tablets to have a USB-C port, including iPhone.
But is seems Apple saw the writing on the wall and is already getting ready to switch iPhone from Lightning to USB-C.
It might look a little silly, but Camera Continuity could be a huge win for video calls AND video streaming Photo: Apple
Continuity Camera, a new feature coming in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, will upgrade video calls by bringing the iPhone’s pristine camera to the Mac.
“With Continuity Camera, you can use iPhone as your webcam,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, during Monday’s live-streamed WWDC22 keynote. “It’s powered by the advanced capabilities of the iPhone camera system, letting you do things that were never before possible with a webcam.”
iOS 16 will bring a surprising number of new features. Photo: Apple
Apple showcased many significant new features coming in iOS 16 during its WWDC22 keynote Monday. The main updates include an overhaul of the iPhone Lock Screen, updated notifications management, intelligent sharing and a slew of personalization features.
“iOS 16 offers new intelligence sharing and communication features that are going to enhance so much of what you do with your iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, during the event. “And those come together with an incredible set of new personalization features that will make your experience feel fresh and completely you.”
It's time to discuss our last-minute WWDC22 predictions, hopes and fears. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With WWDC22 coming next week, it’s time for last-minute predictions about what Apple will hit us with. The next-gen versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS are a given. But what about an AR/VR headset or the realityOS it supposedly will run on? A new MacBook Air with an M2 chip?
It’s time to talk turkey about Monday’s big keynote.
Also on The CultCast:
Will we finally get an iPhone with an always-on display this year?
In an all-new Under Review, Juuk’s metal Apple Watch bands — one that looks like Iron Man built it, and one that puts a rainbow on your wrist — blow us away.
Forget talking turkey. Erfon talks chickens in a pre-WWDC fever dream!
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.
Our sponsor: Squarespace
Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.
Don't miss a thing from WWDC22. Photo: Cult of Mac
One of Apple’s biggest events is right around the corner. This year’s Worldwide Developers Conference keynote promises to deliver our first look at the company’s next-generation software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac and more. And it’s all happening on June 6.
Just like past WWDC keynotes, this year’s will be streaming online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. Here’s how.
Apple's Tap to Pay by iPhone feature is coming to Square. Photo: Apple
Square, a digital payments platform, said Thursday it opened an early-access program with support for select sellers to use Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone feature. It will work with the Square Point of Sale app.
The program will roll out across the platform for all sellers later this year, the company said.
iOS 16 could give the iPhone's lock screen much-needed usability boost Photo: the Hacker 34
Apple could introduce major enhancements to the iPhone’s lock screen in iOS 16, with wallpapers that offer widget-like functionality, according to a new report. The OS reportedly will add always-on display support for the iPhone 14 Pro series as well.
Apple is expected to showcase iOS 16 — code-named “Sydney” — during the WWDC22 keynote on June 6.
We're scrutinizing these new purple iPhone 14 Pro renders. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After eyeballing the latest iPhone 14 Pro renders from John Prosser and Ian Zelbo, we’re left with two big impressions. One, that iPhone looks awfully familiar. Two … purple? Really?!?
Also on The CultCast:
Please let the latest cryptic HomePod rumor be true.
Can your eyes handle the even-fancier Studio Display that’s supposedly coming soon? And can your wallet?
This week’s giveaway features a mophie 3-in-1 travel charger that makes us wish we could enter. (Don’t worry. You can, and we’ll try to hid our jealousy.)
Erfon’s got a bit of a crush on Soundcore Frames, the Bluetooth sunglasses you can hear.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.
Our sponsor
CultCloth is the cleaning cloth that gives Apple’s expensive Polishing Cloth a serious run for its money. For a limited time, score a free 8×8 CarryCloth with any order when you use code CULTCAST at checkout.
The cute little GaN charger puts out up to 35W of power. Photo: Shargeek
Whether you’re nostalgic for early Macintoshes or you simply like the cuter things in life, Shargeek has the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for you. You can join the campaign at a low, early-bird price to get the company’s new Retro 35 GaN Charger. It looks just like a toy version of an original Macintosh, complete with a little smile on its screen.
And with 35W of power, it can readily charge up laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Apple's Tap to Pay functionality is fast becoming the easy way to pay. Photo: Apple
Apple’s new contactless feature that lets one iPhone user pay another without additional hardware — known as Tap to Pay — is rolling out to Apple Stores across the U.S. starting Wednesday, according to a new report.
This follows a trial earlier in May at the Apple Park visitor center. The system lets iPhones accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets.
An effective mirror that's always with you. Photo: Casetify
When you want to look good but need to travel light, ditch the compact mirror and slap Casetify’s Mirror case on your iPhone.
Its reflective back will keep you from rushing to the bathroom to ensure your hair is in check, while its shockproof shell protects your iPhone from bumps and scratches. Bag yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.
Brave's browser for iOS adds a Privacy Hub and more. Photo: Brave
Privacy-oriented browser Brave updated its iOS app Wednesday with a new Privacy Hub that summarizes trackers it blocked for a specific website or over a certain period of time, not unlike what Safari’s Privacy Report does.
Apple takes in far more revenue from iPhone sales than any Android-maker. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Everyone knows that Android outsells iPhone, but that’s not the whole picture. Apple takes in a lot more revenue than any rival smartphone-maker. It’s more than double Samsung’s, and no other company gets even that close.
And in the quarter before that, iPhone pulled in more revenue than all its rivals combined.