Developers no longer need approval to increase iPhone subscription prices. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Pay attention to renewal notices for App Store subscriptions because these are the only notification you’ll receive that the cost is going up. Developers are now allowed to increase iPhone app subscription prices without users having to opt in.
There are limits on how much the fees can go up, though.
The new Sonos Sub Mini subwoofer will pair with the new Ray and other soundbars. Photo: Render@TheVerge
A new report said Sonos will soon release an affordable subwoofer called “Sub Mini” to pair wirelessly with its soundbar lineup. That will include the new, nicely priced Sonos Ray.
There's something slightly familiar about the iPhone 14 design... Concept render: souta
It’s understandable if you’re feeling slightly underwhelmed by the upcoming iPhone 14. Leaks, combined with artist renders, give us an early glimpse of the iOS handset coming this autumn. And if they’re accurate, this year’s iPhone lineup will look nearly identical to its predecessors going back years.
That’s because Apple uses a three-year cycle in iPhone designs these days. That’s not laziness – there’s a solid reason for the choice.
Advertisers pay to know your online behavior and location. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Google leads the way among ad tech companies sharing your online behavior and location with advertisers. It happens an average of 747 times a day in the United States and 376 times a day in Europe. That’s according to a new report from a civil liberties group.
Google and others use a process known as real-time bidding to help advertisers target you by behavior and location.
The group behind the report called such sharing “the biggest data breach” in the world.
Door Detection can find and verbally describe a door to an iPhone or iPad user. Screenshot: Apple
Apple’s Door Detection uses advancements in hardware, software, and machine learning to help people who are blind or low vision use their iPhone and iPad to navigate the last few feet to their destination.
This is one of several innovative software features unveiled Tuesday with new ways for users with disabilities. These include Live Captions, Apple Watch Mirroring and more.
Apple could use a color electronic paper display panel for a foldable device's cover display. Photo: ConceptsiPhone
Apple is testing electronic paper display tech from Chinese company E Ink for use as the cover screen on future foldable devices, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Color EPD panels could be ideal for foldables with a secondary screen, as they are more energy efficient than traditional OLED panels.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max mock-up is at left, with a slightly bigger camera assembly. Photo: Unbox Therapy
As excitement builds for the iPhone 14 launch expected in about four months, many of the usual suspects are finding ways to stoke it. Case in point, the YouTuber behind Unbox Therapy posted a video Monday in which he “unboxed” what he implied is a CAD design mock-up of an iPhone 14 Pro Max created by iPhone case makers in Japan with access to Apple schematics.
The replica device looks just like an iPhone 13 Pro Max in the video. But a closer look and some measurements revealed numerous subtle differences, many of which track with analysts’ predictions for the new handset.
The webcam pops up and keeps you centered in the frame, a la Center Stage. Photo: HP
A new report said HP plans to release a 1440p USB-C monitor with a built-in webcam that pops up and features tracking much like Apple’s Center Stage used in iPad models.
The display should serve professionals who want decent pixel density but don’t need the top-shelf visuals a graphics professional might.
Creators and listeners both can benefit from Apple Podcasts' new features. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple offered several new features for its Podcasts app Monday. They include downloaded episode controls, annual subscription plans, partnerships with third-party hosting platforms and more.
There’s something for both podcast creators as well as listeners in the updates, with some changes available in imminent OS updates and others slated to become available in the fall, Cupertino said.
If you have an Apple computer, no matter the shape or size, there's a good chance it just got a software update. Photo: Szabo Viktor/Unsplash License
Apple released software upgrades for all its computers Monday. After finishing weeks of beta testing, macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6 and tvOS 15.5 are available for anyone to download.
Many of them include an update to the Podcasts application to keep it from taking up too much storage space. And the webcam in the recently released Apple Studio Display will work better after a firmware update.
Now is the right time to buy an iPad Air 5 Photo: Apple
An Amazon seller has discounted the 2022 10.9-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi connectivity to its lowest-ever price of $554.87, a sweet $44.13 discount from its retail price of $599.
The discount is only available on the pink shade of the iPad, with other colors discounted by anywhere between $30 and $40.
This is someone's dream setup. Is it yours? Photo: [email protected]
You look at enough computer setups online and you realize people are never really done with them. There’s always something to add. It could be some gear got held up by shipping delays, or the setup’s owner got a sudden urge to try another type of input device or some other gadget. And people often take ages to tame the cable clutter.
So you rarely see people claiming a setup’s done for good. Or it’s the best it can be. Or it’s the proverbial “dream setup.”
But sometimes they say that. Today’s setup got called a “dream setup” by its proud owner. Would you agree?
iPhone's Tap to Pay feature will make accepting payments a breeze Photo: Apple
Apple has started testing its new “Tap to Pay” iPhone feature in the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino.
Tap to Pay allows small businesses and merchants the ability to accept payments using only their iPhones. The feature makes it possible to receive payments using Apple Pay, credit/debit cards, and other compatible digital wallets.
USB-C could finally be the standard charging port across all Apple devices Photo: Ken Pillonel
Beyond iPhones, Apple is looking to switch to USB-C on all its other products with a Lightning connector like the AirPods, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and more.
A reputable Apple analyst thinks the Cupertino company will make the transition in the “foreseeable future.”
All is not going as expected in the Land of Luck. Photo: Apple TV+
The Apple TV+ teaser trailer for the upcoming animated film Luck explains how luck really works: it’s controlled by magical creatures. The star-studded film by Skydance Animation will be about the unluckiest person in the world visiting the Land of Luck.
Watch the trailer to see more – and learn more about luck.
Apple TV+ laid out a summer lineup of kids and family series. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ listed its new lineup of shows and specials for kids and families set to air this summer, including new series like Duck & Goose and Best Foot Forward plus Peanuts specials and new episodes of fan-favorite shows.
The new summer lineup of kids shows will kick off in July with the first series, Duck & Goose.
You can watch a trailer all about the summer’s content and how to watch it below with Jack McBrayer from Hello Jack! The Kindness Show.
Now is a great time to buy the 14-inch MacBook Pro Photo: Apple
Amazon has the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip and 1TB storage discounted to just $2,249 — down from its retail price of $2,499.
On the listing page, Amazon is offering a $50 discount, with the additional $200 off being applied checkout. Do note the offer is only available on the silver shade for now.
Apple is testing a USB-C iPhone, finally. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple is testing an iPhone with a USB-C ports and planning to launch a USB-C adapter that can be used with devices with Lightning connectors, according to a new report.
The news comes on the heels of an analyst’s prediction on Wednesday that the switch to USB-C in Apple’s handsets will come with iPhone 15 in 2023.
A new Apple TV streamer will launch in the second half of 2022, according to a trusted analyst. And there’s a hint in the prediction that the device will cost less than its predecessors.
A cheaper version of Apple’s set-top box could help it grab a higher share of the set-top box market. And it could certainly use the boost.
Gear4's braided Apple Watch bands cost half as much as Apple's Solo Loop. Photo: Gear4
Gear4, an accessories brand owned by Zagg, just added two nylon Apple Watch bands to its lineup. One is a braided nylon band priced at half the cost of Apple’s popular Solo Loop. The other is a two-tone sport band with Velcro. Both are made with recycled materials.
Hard to say if the quality meets Apple’s, but the prices certainly beat Apple’s.
The clear Limited77 MagSafe-compatible iPhone 13 case features solid drop protection. Photo: Limited77
“Drop it, we dare you,” says Limited77 of its Clear Magnetic iPhone Case Series 13. Now that’s confidence. The slim, clear case can protect and showcase your iPhone 13 at the same time.
Not only does the case feature solid drop protection, its coating eliminates bacteria. We all know how dirty handsets can be because we touch them constantly. And in addition to those features, the case is MagSafe compatible, so it won’t interfere with charging your iPhone 13 wirelessly.
But even counting all those features, the best thing about the case might be its price right now. You can get 20% off the regular price in the Cult of Mac Store, a savings of $7.
With the dock it sits on, that Mac Studio is even more formidable. Photo: [email protected]
A cool aspect of both Mac minis and the newer Mac Studio are the platform-like USB-C hubs festooned with ports and added storage capacity that third parties have designed for them to sit on. Satechi was quick out of the gate with one for the mini, but there are other such cleverly designed, space-saving hubs on the market. And many of them also fit the Studio.
Today’s featured setup boasts a powerful new Mac Studio perched on a Qwiizlab hub as it drives an LG UltraWide display, among other gear.