No RAM chips from YMTC will be used in iPhone 14. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple has reportedly given up its plan to use RAM chips made by Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. in the iPhone 14 series. It apparently ran into too much resistance from U.S. politicians, including suggestions the chips would somehow be used to surveil Americans.
To be clear, the chips would not have been used in iPhones sold outside of China.
Apple Music now supports Spatial Audio on select Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Photo: Apple
Apple is partnering with Mercedes-Benz to bring Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support to select Mercedes vehicles. The feature will be immediately available to Apple Music subscribers with compatible cars.
Apple Music has been available on Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system since 2021.
Fresh versions of the iPad Pro and basic iPad are on the way soon. Photo: Apple
October is likely to be a good month for iPad fans with new models expected any day now. That includes a faster version of the iPad Pro and a redesigned budget iPad, according to leaks.
But don’t expect them to appear at a glitzy event. Apple is apparently going to launch these on the downlow.
A HomePod that's also an iPad cradle might look something like this concept. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly plans to release an iPad cradle with a built-in speaker. The device will function as a HomePod smart speaker, and when a tablet is placed in it will become a smart home hub with a touchscreen.
The company also allegedly continues work on a single device that will perform the same task.
The Gardens Between+ is one of four classic games recently added to Apple Arcade. Photo: Voxel Agents
Apple Arcade subscribers can now enjoy The Gardens Between+, which challenges player to solve puzzles by manipulating time. It’s a classic title joining Apple’s game service.
In recent weeks, Gris+, Gin Rummy Classic+ and Spider Solitaire: Card Game+ also joined Apple Arcade.
Showcasing some of the best, coolest, most interesting new apps and app updates. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
I rely on my devices for everything. Whether it’s my recipe book, my alarm clock, to help me get work done, or entertain me during my downtime, my devices are a critical piece of life. Having apps that help me in those situations (or just make them a little more fun) is key.
This week, an app that makes short work of dealing with obscure files, a way to manage your favorite color collections, and a delightful game to enjoy. As usual, if you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!
The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case is so tight-fitting it's hard to see unless you look closely. Photo: Satechi
The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case covers the top, bottom and sides of the 2021 MacBook Pro models to protect them from scratches. It fits the notebook like a glove to add minimal bulk.
To celebrate the launch, the sleek hardcase is available now at 20% off the regular cost.
Write or draw like it's real paper with this iPad screen protector. Photo: SwitchEasy
If you’re like me, you love your iPad for its many uses and its portability. And an Apple Pencil is fun to use for both writing and drawing on the tablet. But wouldn’t it be more rewarding if it felt more like writing and drawing on real paper?
This may be why I still use an old-school notebook for most of my notes and doodles. But now the SwitchEasy PaperLike iPad Screen Protectors offers an inexpensive way to make the iPad screen feel more like paper when you use Pencil.
And better yet, you can get the screen protector at 20% off in the Cult of Mac Store from October 14 through October 21. That’s a savings of $6.
Never be without the charging cable you need with the Mophie Powerstation Plus. Photo: Zagg
The latest model in the Mophie Powerstation Plus line of external batteries includes two integrated charging cables —Lightning and USB-C. This simplifies charging an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
The 10,000 mAh power bank can extend the battery life of these devices by hours.
Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly. Photo: Roku
Roku is best-known for its streaming media devices. But it’s branching out with a whole-home strategy that will see a range of smart-home gadgets, including security cameras, lights and plugs, go on sale next week at Walmart, the company said.
But a report indicates the company isn’t saying yet whether its new gadgets will work with the new Matter smart-home connectivity standard supported by Apple and other companies. It’s designed to let devices from different makers work together on systems like Apple’s HomeKit and others.
Roku’s lack of clarity is a bit odd, given that it’s among the companies supporting Matter, and that might give some would-be purchasers pause.
This moody shot doesn't show the folding MagSafe stand well, but you can see it in the images below. Photo: [email protected]
Once in a while a computer setup comes along that shows off its owner’s invention. Sometimes it’s something perfectly utilitarian and sometimes it’s something weird and wonderful (examples below).
In today’s featured MacBook Pro and Intel NUC PC setup, we find a nifty folding MagSafe charging stand just about to go on the market.
The eye is the window to your soul, and the key to your Apple AR/VR headset. Photo: Skitterphoto/Pexels CC/Cult of Mac
Apple’s much-rumored AR/VR header won’t use Face ID or Touch ID. Instead, the mixed-reality device will reportedly scan the iris of the wearer’s eye to identify them.
Apple plans to appeal the decision. Photo: Josh Davidson/Cult of Mac
A Brazilian court fined Apple a second time for not bundling chargers with the iPhones it sells in the country. The court imposed a fine of 100 million reals ($19 million).
The Brazilian association of borrowers, consumers and taxpayers filed the lawsuit in the Sao Paulo state court.
Apple TV+ will release Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues, giving an in-depth look at the musician’s life and legacy. Photo: Apple
Louis Armstrong is one of the most important jazz musicians ever, as both a trumpet player and a singer. Apple TV+ promises to introduce a definitive documentary of his life based on never-before-heard home recordings and personal conversations.
Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues premieres worldwide at the end of October.
You'll soon be able to get Netflix at a lower cost by watching commercials. Photo: Netflix/Cult of Mac
The price of Netflix dropped like a rock for those willing to watch commercials. The streaming service announced Thursday that its new ad-supported subscription plan is only $6.99 a month – 30% to 55% below the current cost.
The new option will debut in November 2022. It’ll then be a cheaper option for enjoying a large library of shows and movies on a Mac, iPad or Apple TV.
The updated Eve Light Switch includes Thread, and Matter support is promised. Photo: Eve
The third-generation of Eve Light Switch adds support for Thread and will be updated with Matter, keeping it on the cutting edge of smarthome tech. The smartswitch continues to support Apple HomeKit.
It can be used as either a single-pole or 3-way switch.
A new Savings account for Apple Card holders includes a Savings dashboard to track progress. Image: Apple
The money Apple Card users get as a cash-back reward can go automatically into a savings account from Goldman Sachs, the same bank that backs the credit card.
The desk mat's charging panel is a convenient place to top off your smartphone and earbuds charging case. Photo: Journey
You may not consider the humble desk mat a necessity in your computer setup. But what if you could charge your smartphone and earbuds charging case just by placing them on your desk? You can with the new Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat. Accessories maker Journey unveiled it Thursday.
“This charging mat is our all-in-one solution to keeping your desk clutter-free while simultaneously charging your devices. We promise that it will soon become your favorite desk companion,” the company said.
Windows users get get a touch of sweet iCloud Photos goodness Screenshot: Microsoft
Microsoft and Apple are cooperating to enable the Windows 11 Photos app to access photos and videos from iCloud. In addition, the Apple Music and the Apple TV applications are also coming to Windows.
iOS 16.1 will soon bring features Apple announced months ago. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple announced a plethora of iOS 16 features at WWDC22. But not all of them made their way into the first public release of the OS in September. Some of them will arrive later this year or even in early 2023.
Check out this list of iOS 16 features that we are still waiting for.
Save big on Apple's Studio Display by buying refurbished. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Seven months after its launch, Apple has started selling refurbished Studio Display units through its Certified Refurbished Store in the U.S. The company announced the standalone monitor in March this year.
Apple’s Refurbished Store provides a great way to save money on Apple products. Prices for refurbished units are usually around 10-15 percent lower than MSRP.
SwitchEasy's aluminum alloy case protects Apple Watch and looks good doing it. Photo: SwitchEasy
If you spend a few hundred bucks or more on an Apple Watch, you may want to protect it. People put their iPhones in cases all the time, so why not Apple’s wearable?
Good thing SwitchEasy makes a pair of aluminum cases that are protective yet subtle, saving your smartwatch from bumps, scrapes and drops.
And through October 13, you can get 20% off the cases in the Cult of Mac Store.
These is all just one iPad case/stand. The Moft Snap Float Folio can be folded into many different configurations. Photo: Moft
The new Moft Snap Float Folio raises the bar on iPad cases that also function as stands. Literally. It can be folded to lift the the iPad screen up to 3.6 inches.
If that’s not enough, the case/strand also folds into five other configurations to allow the iPad to be used in different ways.
After a bit of confusion, Lufthansa says it won't ban AirTags from checked baggage. Photo: Daniel Romero/Unsplash License
German airline Lufthansa is not banning Apple’s AirTags and similar tracking tags from checked luggage, the company said Wednesday.
“The German Aviation Authorities (Luftfahrtbundesamt) confirmed today, that they share our risk assessment, that tracking devices with very low battery and transmission power in checked luggage do not pose a safety risk,” a Lufthansa representative told Cult of Mac in an email Wednesday. “With that, these devices are allowed on Lufthansa flights.”
You might see this message soon on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Although Apple TV+ is one of the few streaming services without commercials, the company is reportedly talking to media agencies about adding adverts to its shows.
If true, Apple is likely considering a cheaper ad-supported tier for TV+, not forcing all subscribers to watch commercials.