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Your next iPad could come from Vietnam

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iPad Air 5
COVID-19 lockdowns in China force Apple to diversify iPad production.
Photo: Apple

The lockdown in Shanghai and nearby regions, and China’s strict zero-COVID policy, have forced Apple to move some iPad production out of the country and to Vietnam for the first time.

The company already expects to take an $8 billion revenue hit in the ongoing quarter due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Chinese lockdowns.

Apple Watch dominates growing smartwatch market

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Apple Watch sales increasingly dominate globally.
Apple Watch sales increasingly dominate globally.
Photo: Apple

Global sales of smartwatches grew 13% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to last year, with Apple Watch gobbling the largest slice of the pie by far, new research indicates.

Apple’s wearable led in 2021, but new numbers show its lead continues to grow.

Apple’s AR/VR headset could use ultrasonic sound waves to simulate a breeze in mixed reality

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Oculus Quest
Apple's first headset could be around the same size as Oculus Quest.
Photo: Oculus

Apple could use ultrasonic sound waves to deliver haptic feedback to wearers of its upcoming AR/VR headset when they interact with virtual objects.

Most consumer AR/VR headsets do not provide haptic feedback like that, but some high-end ones feature a basic vibration motor that does not give the desired effect. However, Apple’s new patent filings suggest it wants to solve this issue on its AR/VR headset by using ultrasonic sound waves.

Apple Design Awards finalists unveiled ahead of WWDC22

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The Apple Design Awards recognize apps in six categories.
The Apple Design Awards recognize apps in six categories.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

With its Worldwide Developers Conference coming up, Apple revealed the finalists Tuesday for this year’s Apple Design Awards.

The Apple Design Awards, to be bestowed at WWDC22 next week, showcase apps with outstanding design, innovation, ingenuity and technical achievement, the company said.

Working Apple-1 signed by Woz could fetch $485,000

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Wozniak autographed the Apple-1's CPU in Dubai in 2021.
Wozniak autographed the Apple-1's CPU in Dubai in 2021.
Photo: The APPL Collection

A restored Apple-1 in good working order might see a winning bid of $485,000 in an upcoming auction. That’s not just because the antique computer is nearly all original and actually works. It’s also because Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak signed it.

Safari becomes second browser to surpass 1 billion users

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Safari now has more than 1 billion users.
Safari now has more than 1 billion users.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple’s Safari web browser recently topped 1 billion users, a new study indicates, making it the second browser to do so. Even so, it still lags well behind Google Chrome in popularity.

“1,006,232,879 internet users (19.16% of all internet users) now use the Safari browser, making it the second browser with over a billion users,” the Atlas VPN report said.

Gamevice turns iPads into handheld gaming consoles

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This could be the device to take your iPad gaming to the next level.
This could be the device to take your iPad gaming to the next level.
Photo: Gamevice

Gamevice introduced a new gaming controller Tuesday that it designed for iPad, in addition to a version for iOS already on the market.

The device, called Gamevice for iPad, fits around your tablet‌, making it work like a handheld gaming console.

Prehistoric Planet is a brontosaurus-size hit for Apple TV+

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Dreadnoughtus in 'Prehistoric Planet' on Apple TV+
Dreadnoughtus shown in Prehistoric Planet, now streaming on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple’s five-episode dinosaur documentary Prehistoric Planet pulled in plenty of viewers. Amazing archosaurs recreated with cutting-edge CGI effects helped the series hit number five on a list of most-watched TV shows on all the streaming services in the United States.

And Severance continues to draw a big audience almost two months after the season finale on Apple TV+.

Analyst says Apple’s AR headset and realityOS will be a no-show at WWDC22

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Apple's new AR/VR headset and its realityOS may or may not debut at WWDC22.
Don't expect Apple's AR/VR headset to show up at WWDC22
Photo: RendersbyIan
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple is unlikely to showcase its long-rumored AR/MR headset — or even demo the realityOS that powers it — at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

His mood-dampening remarks follow lots of buzz in recent weeks that indicated Apple finally would take the wraps off the secret project at WWDC22.

The reason? There’s still a lot of time before the headset enters mass production. And Apple doesn’t want its competitors to steal its ideas and rush a copycat to market, Kuo said.

Last chance! This might be your perfect Apple Watch band for a ‘tactical’ look.

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Mifa's Apple Watch band might have people thinking you work for NASA.
Mifa's Apple Watch band might have people thinking you work for NASA.
Photo: Mifa

Tired of searching for a utility band for everyday wear to match your space gray Apple Watch? Maybe something with a bit of a “tactical” look to it? Want to look like you’re going on patrol when you’re just headed to the flower shop? Well, stand down, because your mission may be accomplished.

It doesn’t matter if your Apple Watch is made of aluminum or stainless steel, Mifa’s rugged Nylon Sports Leather Apple Watch Band can be a great complement to it.

And it’s 20% off in the Cult of Mac Store through the end of May. That’s a savings of $5.

M1 Max MacBook and Xbox share killer ultra-wide display [Setups]

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An Xbox in the under-desk drawer handles the gaming chores.
An Xbox in the under-desk drawer handles the gaming chores.
Photo: [email protected]

If you’re one of the many, many people waiting longer and longer periods for your Mac thanks to supply-chain delays, we apologize in advance. We don’t mean to rub your face in your misfortune.

But when we find a great computer setup featuring an exciting new 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro splitting time with an Xbox on a 40-inch, curved ultra-wide display, we’ve just got to talk about it.

Will realityOS for AR/VR headsets make its debut at WWDC22?

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Apple's new AR/VR headset and its realityOS may or may not debut at WWDC22.
More details emerge about Apple’s upcoming headset.
Photo: RendersbyIan
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

On Sunday, when people noticed “realityOS” trademarks set for international filing on June 8, mad speculation flew that at least the software platform for Apple’s planned AR/VR headsets could be rolled out at WWDC22, which gets underway June 6.

And while it’s tantalizing speculation with other supporting evidence, there is reason for doubt, too. Especially since a reputable analyst threw cold water on the idea on Tuesday, contradicting others.

iOS 16 could make your iPhone’s lock screen more useful

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These iPhones and iPads won't get iOS 16
iOS 16 could give the iPhone's lock screen much-needed usability boost
Photo: the Hacker 34
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

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.

Is this purple iPhone 14 Pro the real deal? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: We're scrutinizing these new purple iPhone 14 Pro renders.
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.

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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.

Apple allegedly intimidates retail workers into canceling union vote

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Apple Store employees in Atlanta and New York work to unionize for higher pay
Apple Cumberland Mall will not become the first Apple store with a union.
Photo: Apple

Employees of an Apple store in Atlanta won’t be voting to form a union after all. They withdrew their request with the National Labor Relations Board, and said Apple had carried out “a systematic, sophisticated campaign to intimidate them.”

It remains unknown how this will affect employees trying to unionize at an Apple retail store in New York

Last chance to save! Protect your Apple gear with tough SwitchEasy cases

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SwitchEasy's Odyssey lanyard cases for iPhone make it super-easy to keep the handset handy and safe.
SwitchEasy's Odyssey lanyard cases for iPhone make it super-easy to keep the handset handy and safe.
Photo: SwitchEasy

SwitchEasy’s rugged Odyssey line of Apple cases is known for being protective, stylish and convenient. You can safeguard your iPhone 13 or 12 Series handset, your Apple Watch and your AirPods 3. Some clip on for added carrying options.

And best of all, the SwitchEasy flash sale on Odyssey cases goes through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 30, in the Cult of Mac Store. You can get 20% off — see the deals below.

Evidence of iPad floating app windows shows up in Apple WebKit

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Floating app windows could be coming to iPad. Finally.
The odds of floating app windows appearing with iPadOS 16 just went up.
Illustration: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s a new reason to think iPadOS 16 might include support for resizable floating app windows. A developer found evidence that this hoped-for feature is being added to Apple’s browser engine for iPad and iPhone.

If true, confirmation isn’t far away. Apple is expected to unveil iPadOS 16 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June.

Why you’re waiting 10 weeks for a new MacBook Pro or Mac Studio

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MacBook assembly restarts after COVID-19 lockdown: There's a light at the end of tunnel of long MacBook Pro wait times.
You can blame COVID-19 for the lengthy wait for new Macs.
Photo illustration: Cult of Mac

Wait times for some Macs now stretch into August. Apple manufacturer Quanta Computer simply can’t assemble enough units to meet demand, as its workers revolt at lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns.

The delays caused by the lockdowns, enforced by the Chinese government in an attempt to control the spread of the highly transmissible disease, are not just irritating to customers, though. Apple predicts the problem will mean an $8 billion hit to its revenue.

Best Buy’s Memorial Day Sale offers massive discounts on iPad Air, Apple Watch and MacBook Air

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Apple Watch and MacBook
Don't miss these amazing Memorial Day deals on Apple products from Best Buy.
Photo: Naipo.de/Unsplash

Best Buy’s Memorial Day sale is live, and you can save hundreds of dollars on the Apple Watch Series 7, iPad Air 4 and M1 MacBook Air.

The retailer is selling the iPad Air 4 with a whopping $150 discount, MacBook Air with a $100 discount, and up to $70 off on select Apple Watch models.

iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 chip might not beat A15 by much

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iPhone 14 might have to settle for less advanced 4nm chip
The A16 is expected to be the heart of the iPhone 14 Pro models.
Graphic: Apple/Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The A16 processor going in this fall’s iPhone 14 Pro models will be made with a 5nm process, according to a tipster. That’s the same process used for years, not a better one, and it means the upcoming iPhones won’t get as big a speed boost as expected.

Still, the A16 is rumored to get improved processor cores and other enhancements.

Full-on ‘Dark Mode’ brings creativity into focus [Setups]

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The setup proper in
The setup proper in "Dark Mode." Atmospheric, eh? It's a space dedicated to creativity, but it also helps with focus.
Photo: Chris Denbow

Photographer and writer Chris Denbow puts an interesting twist on his computer setup. He credits its “Dark Mode” — which is obvious in the photographs of the desk and the room, but extends to the machines and the software he uses — for boosting his focus and creativity. He said the dark theme gives him a “space dedicated to creativity.”

“Introducing ‘Dark Mode,’ a minimal, monochromatic home office/workspace that helps eliminate distractions, [and] allows focus and productivity,” Denbow told Cult of Mac.

This camera solves a major problem with drone photography

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The Insta360 Sphere camera works with two DJI Mavic drones, keeping them out of the shot.
The Insta360 Sphere camera works with two DJI Mavic drones, keeping them out of the shot.
Photo: Insta360

An issue amateur drone pilots face taking photos or shooting footage is that the drone itself often shows up in the shot. Then, if they want to make that aerial photography perfect, they — or someone they pay — has to edit the drone out afterwards.

Insta360 said Tuesday it solved that problem with it’s new Sphere, a 360-degree camera specially designed to keep the drone “invisible.”

Affordable new Xbox streaming device could mean trouble for Apple TV

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Pretty soon Xbox gaming and media streaming may not require a console.
Pretty soon Xbox gaming and media streaming may not require a console.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft confirmed Friday it’s developing a low-cost streaming device that would allow users to play Xbox games and stream media without needing a full console. That could directly compete with Apple TV.

Meanwhile, Apple’s product — sometimes criticized as overpriced — may see a less-expensive iteration later this year, according to analysts.