Mobile menu toggle

News - page 104

Finally, Apple car coming in 2028

By

Interior of a Tesla car with text
With the Apple car project facing drastic cutbacks in the ambition department, insiders reported it might be a "Tesla 'me-too product.'"
Photo: Roberto Nickson/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple still plans to put a car on the road, but the release date for the Apple car is sometime in 2028, according to a new report.

Designers had to slam the brakes on hopes for full self-driving capabilities. The electric vehicle allegedly will offer some driver-assistance capabilities but these will fall far short of full autonomy. Still, with the downgraded feature set, the product has a better chance of hitting its deadline than before.

watchOS 10.3 update is safe; doesn’t delete Apple Watch Blood Oxygen app

By

Apple Watch Series 7 running watchOS 10.3 has a fully functional Blood Oxygen app.
Seeing is believing: This Apple Watch Series 7 running watchOS 10.3 has a fully functional Blood Oxygen app.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Some Apple Watch owners might be hesitant about installing the just-released watchOS 10.3 update over concerns that it’ll remove the controversial Blood Oxygen application. But there’s no reason for concern — it does not.

We tested multiple devices to be extra sure.

Why iPhone 15 Pro Max is better than Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

By

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra
The iPhone 15 Pro Max beats the Galaxy S24 Ultra in several key aspects.
Image: Apple/Samsung

Samsung’s 2024 flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, is here to take on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. On paper, Samsung’s newest Galaxy packs superior hardware to the iPhone. But in a true smartphone smackdown — iPhone 15 Pro Max versus Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — which one would win?

It turns out that a phone is more than just its specs sheet. Below are five reasons why the iPhone 15 Pro Max is better than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Magnetic cable management system clears clutter for less than $14

By

Elago cable management system
Keep chargers under control.
Photo: Elago

When you have too many cables cluttering up your desk or bedside table, you need a good cable-management system. Elago’s uses cleverly placed magnets to keep things tidy, and it costs just $13.99.

A single device holds up to three cables, which can be easily removed and reattached should you ever need to move them. Order yours today in black or white from the Cult of Mac Store.

Adding Spatial Audio earns musicians more money

By

Apple Spatial Audio technology
Spatial Audio puts users in the middle of their music.
Image: Apple

Apple Music reportedly will pay artists 10% more for tracks that use Spatial Audio, which offers a surround sound-like experience without requiring additional speakers.

Theoretically, more music that offers Spatial Audio should persuade more consumers to buy Apple products that support the feature.

Constellation trailer explodes with horror from space

By

Contellation on Apple TV+
The psychological space-thriller premieres on Apple TV+ February 21.
Photo: Apple TV+

After a disastrous mission, an astronaut returns to Earth to find parts of her life missing, and it appears a horrifying conspiracy may be to blame, according to the trailer Apple TV+ dropped Monday for the upcoming eight-part space-thriller series Constellation.

The streamer describes the series, which stars Noomi Rapace and Jonathan Banks, as an “action-packed space adventure,” but the trailer feels more like horror. Good thing Apple also calls it a “conspiracy-based psychological thriller.” It premieres February 21.

What to try first in iOS 17.3

By

iOS 17.3
iOS 17.3 introduces a major new security feature for iPhones.
Image: Cult of Mac

iOS 17.3, the third major release of iOS 17, arrived Monday. It packs several new features, one of which is Stolen Device Protection. It also brings the much-delayed Apple Music playlist collaboration.

Once you install iOS 17.3 on your iPhone, check out the new features you must try below.

Nightshade app ‘poisons’ AI models copying your art [Awesome Apps]

By

Nightshade app
Researchers at the University of Chicago have given artists a tool to fight AI models imitating their artwork.
Photo: University of Chicago
Awesome Apps

Artists have every reason to fear artificial intelligence (AI) models that might train on their artwork online without permission, essentially imitating it and potentially diluting its value.

A new free app called Nightshade — yeah, after the poisonous plant — is here to mess with AI models to deter trainers from doing that.

No regrets on move from monster PC to M3 MacBook Pro [Setups]

By

M3 Max MacBook Pro setup
The M3 Max MacBook Pro in clamshell mode offers plenty of power in a small, mobile footprint.
Photo: [email protected]

If you have a powerful custom desktop PC, why would you switch to a MacBook Pro? We’ve seen plenty of setups that opt to include both, but today’s setup made the swap and its user feels zero regrets.

The Mac laptop is just that powerful, and the option for mobile use proved irresistible.

Siri Remote case holds an AirTag so you can’t lose your clicker

By

Pair your Siri Remote with an AirTag
Before your Siri Remote goes missing, make sure you can track it.
Photo: Elago

Forever losing your Siri Remote for Apple TV? You should probably do something about that — like wrapping yours in one of these protective silicone cases from Elago that also can house an AirTag.

Priced at less $15, the R5 case keeps your sleek and slender remote in tip-top condition, and allows it to be easily tracked when it inevitably goes missing. It also makes your 2020/2021 Apple TV remote more comfortable to hold onto.

Bag yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.

More Vision Pro headsets sold on launch weekend than you might expect

By

Apple Vision Pro applications
Apple wants Vision Pro to be for work as well as play.
Photo: Apple

Apple quickly ran through its launch-day inventory of Vision Pro headsets Friday, but customers continued to place preorders for units to be delivered later. The weekend total could have reached 180,000 units, according to a report from a trusted analyst.

Wait times for the device to be delivered now stretch out to March, but questions remain about long-term demand.

Why I’m going ‘nearly nude’ with my iPhone 15 Pro Max

By

iPhone 15 Pro Max with no case, held aloft defiantly
iPhone case? I don't need no stinkin' case.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

After several months with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I’m stripping off its case and going “nearly nude.”

Yes, there’s a chance I’ll drop it and incur a hefty repair bill. (If so, AppleCare+ will ease the sting.) But the unbridled joy of the naked iPhone in my hand — and the lurid thrill of leering at its sleek natural titanium finish — make it worth the risk.

Leak reveals alleged 12.9-inch iPad Air design

By

iPad Air 6
An iPad Air with a bigger display could arrive in Q1 2024.
Photo: Apple

Rumors indicate Apple is working on a 12.9-inch iPad Air due to launch later this year. A new leak shows off alleged design renders of the upcoming tablet.

The CAD renders show that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will resemble its 10.9-inch sibling. However, it apparently will feature a redesigned rear camera module.

Google admits Chrome Incognito mode does almost nothing

By

The Google Chrome logo with the caption:
Google is finally having to make it clear that Chrome's Incognito mode does almost nothing.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The description of Chrome’s Incognito mode will soon be changed to make it clear that Google tracks people who use the web browser. It also will warn users that websites can gather data about them as well.

This means the only people blocked from knowing your browsing history when using Incognito mode are family/friends who use the same computer.

Will Apple Vision Pro be a hit? [The CultCast]

By

Apple Vision Pro demo The CultCast episode 630
Will Vision Pro leave us all saying, "Whuuuuut?!?" in amazement? We're about to find out.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple Vision Pro preorder week brings interesting new details about the mixed-reality headset. Will it be a sellout success? An amazing entertainment device? A $3,499 pain in the neck?

Maybe all of the above! We go over the last-minute pros and cons.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple Watch drops a key health feature, but the patent fight’s not over yet.
  • Cupertino’s compliance with “anti-steering” mandates won’t please anybody, especially developers like Epic Games.
  • Got an old iPhone gathering dust somewhere? We’ve got some DIY projects for you.

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 live stream, embedded below.

Apple offers to open iPhone tap-to-pay to other payment systems in the EU

By

Apple Pay Tap-to-Pay
Those in the EU may soon be making "tap and go" payments with something besides Apple Pay.
Photo: Apple

The days of the iPhone’s NFC capabilities being limited to just Apple Pay are coming to an end. Apple is open to allowing rivals to use the iPhone wireless tap-to-pay system. But only in the European Union.

The change is the result of antitrust charges brought by the EU.

New video makes Vision Pro look fun, conveniently skips the work part

By

Screenshot of Apple's 'guided tour' of Vision Pro.
Apple's guided tour makes Vision Pro look amazing, but suspiciously skips over any serious work.
Photo: Apple

Check out Apple’s new video for the Vision Pro: It’ll definitely give you FOMO. Labeled a “guided tour,” the 10-minute video shows a newbie user testing the AR/VR headset for the first time.

You’ll see lots of moments where the newbie gasps with Steve Jobs’ famous childlike wonder. But while Vision Pro looks amazing for consuming media, the video suspiciously skips over work you might do with Apple’s new spatial computer. It’s mentioned, but briefly: Here’s your workspace, now let’s watch Godzilla!

Apple Vision Pro with max storage and accessories costs $6,257

By

Apple Vision Pro with max storage and accessories costs $6,257
$3,499 is only the starting price for Apple Vision Pro.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

There were gasps when Apple first revealed that the Vision Pro headset costs $3,499, but shoppers who load the spatial-computing device up with additional storage and Apple’s recommended add-ons pay almost twice as much.

But to put that price in perspective, an earlier ground-breaking Apple product — one that changed computers forever — cost even more than that when it launched decades ago.

Making Apple Vision Pro video will mesmerize you

By

The Making Apple Vision Pro title card
You won't see a more fascinating 1-minute, 21-second video today!
Image: Apple

Even if you have zero interest in buying a $3,499 mixed-reality headset, you should stop right now and watch the new Making Apple Vision Pro video. It’s an absolutely mesmerizing video that shows the elaborate manufacturing process for Apple’s upcoming “spatial computing” device.

It takes just over a minute to watch, and it’s truly stunning!

Apple Vision Pro weight doesn’t sound like a neck-breaker

By

How much does Apple Vision Pro weigh? The mystery has been solved. Stock image of a scale.
The mystery has been solved.
Photo: Graphic Node/Unsplash License

How much does Apple Vision Pro weigh? That was one of the great mysteries about the $3,499 mixed-reality headset before Apple published the Vision Pro technical specifications Friday.

The answer? Between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces. That’s 1.325 to 1.431 pounds, or 600 to 650 grams. (The “weight varies depending on Light Seal and head band configuration,” Apple says.)

‘Small’ MacBook Pro rig punches well above its weight [Setups]

By

MacBook Pro setup
Despite appearances, there's really a lot going on here.
Photo: [email protected]

Isn’t it great when someone on social media humbly displays a well put-together and complete computer setup that makes yours look like random debris? Well, at least it’s a good learning opportunity. And today’s MacBook Pro setup is an exceptional example, as it doesn’t look like “all that” — even though it is.

At a glance you might not guess that it packs about two dozen components, and the user is happy to explain how he uses most of them.

Last chance to win a colorful and durable Pitaka iPhone 15 case [Cult of Mac giveaway]

By

Pitaka's new Moonrise case for iPhone 15 is a cool blue spin on the company's Sunset Moment case, which sold out last year.
Pitaka's new Moonrise case for iPhone 15 is a cool blue spin on the company's Sunset Moment case, which sold out last year.
Photo: Pitaka

Cult of Mac joined forces with Pitaka again for another unmissable giveaway. Four fortunate winners will receive one of two iPhone cases: either a gorgeous orange-and brown Sunset case — inspired by Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation novel On the Road, and previously sold out — or a blue-tinged variant called the Moonrise case. (That one’s color scheme pays tribute to “the ‘blue hour’ between sunset and moonrise,” according to Pitaka.)

Each case retails for $69.99, and winners will receive one or the other at random. Don’t miss your shot at landing one of these sought-after iPhone cases!

Charging stand turns Apple Watch into tiny retro computer

By

There's no denying Elago's W9 Stand for Apple Watch is pretty cute.
There's no denying Elago's W9 Stand for Apple Watch is pretty cute.
Photo: Elago

Apple Watch is a serious tool, but that doesn’t mean all its accessories need to be straight-faced. Elago excels at making lighthearted and charming retro-style accessories for Apple products, and its W9 Stand for Apple Watch is no different. It makes your wearable look like an old-school Mac.

Compatible with all Apple Watch series, from Ultra down through the smaller sizes, the W9 stand is available now in the Cult of Mac Store.