Mobile menu toggle

News - page 27

What to expect from the 20th anniversary iPhone

By

20th anniversary iPhone concept
The twentieth anniversary iPhone might use a design that breaks away from today’s models.
AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a new model that introduces some of the most significant design changes to the handset since the iPhone X. That includes saying goodbye to the Dynamic Island.

The upcoming model should break the iPhone design out of the rut it’s been in for too many years.

iPadOS 19 wish list: 5 features we’re hoping for

By

M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard to illustrate an article on iPadOS 19 features wish list
iPadOS 19 must allow the iPad to live up to its full potential.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Rumors point to iPadOS 19 blurring the line between the iPad and Mac. With Apple reportedly focusing on “productivity, multitasking and app window management,” we put together a very specific iPadOS 19 wish list for features that could unlock the full potential of Apple’s tablets.

With WWDC25 just around the corner, here’s what we want to see in iPadOS 19.

Apple Music’s Sound Therapy enhances songs to help you focus, relax and sleep

By

Apple Music Sound Therapy
Sound Therapy takes familiar music and ups its therapeutic value.
Photo: Apple

In partnership with Universal Music Group, Apple Music on Tuesday launched Sound Therapy, a collection of specially enhanced tracks designed to help listeners achieve wellness through better focus, deeper relaxation and improved sleep.

It combines the power of your favorite music with cognitive science to improve daily well-being, the companies said in a press release.

“Given Apple’s leadership at the intersection of health and technology, the launch of Sound Therapy represents an important validation of our innovative, science-led Sollos initiative,” said Michael Nash, UMG’s executive vice president and chief digital officer. “We look forward to working closely with the team at Apple to expand the ways that music can be harnessed to improve the wellness benefits for its users.”

Add a whopping 5 monitors to any Mac with this new dock

By

Plugable UD-7400PD
The Plugable UD-7400PD means your Mac can have five additional screens.
Photo: Plugable

If your job or your dream setup requires connecting five external monitors to your Mac, you need Plugable’s UD-7400PD. It supports up to four 4K displays and one 8K display… even on MacBooks that are supposed to be limited to one external screen. No rival dock can match that.

As a bonus, the dock adds USB-A ports, an Ethernet port and more.

New ultra-thin micro-speaker could reshape smartwatch experience

By

xMEMS Labs Sycamore-W micro speaker
The new speaker is incredibly thin, taking up less space in devices like smartwatches.
Photo: xMEMS Labs

A tiny new silicon micro-speaker could transform future wearables — like Apple Watch and other smartwatches — by dramatically reducing thickness while improving audio quality, xMEMS Labs said Tuesday. It unveiled Sycamore-W, an ultra-thin micro speaker engineered for wrist-worn devices. It could make more room in devices as new features like AI interactions become more prevalent.

“Sycamore-W redefines audio for smart watches, combining compact design with robust performance to meet the demands of next-generation wearables,” said Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development. “As the wrist becomes a key interface for ears-free, hands-free AI interactions, Sycamore-W empowers manufacturers to deliver premium audio in smaller, lighter more durable devices.”

2 reasons why demand for iPads is very strong

By

iPad 11 colors
The launch of the iPad 11 helped buoy tablet shipments in Q1.
Photo: Apple

iPad shipments shot up 14% year over year during the first three months of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. That marks the fourth quarter in a row with an increase in iPad demand.

Replacing tablets bought years ago during the pandemic is only one of the reasons for the continuing strong growth.

Apple unveils major accessibility upgrades coming soon

By

Apple unveils major accessibility upgrades
Magnifier for Mac is on the way.
Photo: Apple

A comprehensive suite of new Apple accessibility upgrades relying on Apple silicon and machine learning to enhance usability across products and services will launch later this year, the iPhone giant said Tuesday.

The innovations aim to make Apple devices more usable for people with various disabilities. Those include visual impairments, hearing loss, mobility challenges and cognitive differences.

“At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

macOS 16 to clamp down on clipboard snooping by Mac apps

By

macOS 16 clipboard
macOS 16 will change how your Mac's pasteboard works.
Photo: ChatGPT

Apple informed developers of a major pasteboard change coming with macOS 16. It will alert users when apps read the pasteboard without direct user interaction.

The move will ensure apps cannot silently read the pasteboard in the background without you knowing about it.

Samsung’s ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge takes aim at upcoming iPhone 17 Air

By

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge side view
The Galaxy S25 Edge is seriously thin, but the iPhone 17 Air might be thinner.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung jumps on the super-slim phone bandwagon ahead of Apple with the Galaxy S25 Edge, arriving months before its rival’s release. It’s the company’s slimmest Galaxy phone yet, with a waistline of 5.8mm.

Despite its slim profile, the phone packs high-end flagship internals. The Galaxy S25 Edge will take on the iPhone 17 Air when Apple’s slim model launches in fall 2025.

Apple turns to AI to extend iPhone battery life

By

iPhone AI battery
Apple is reportedly looking to increase iPhone battery life the smart way.
Image: Cult of Mac

Rather than building a bigger battery into the iPhone 17 to extend battery life, Apple reportedly plans to use a smarter power source to achieve the desired result. The company reported is creating an AI system for iOS 19 to “analyze how a person uses their device and make adjustments to conserve energy,” according to a report published Monday.

It could be one of many AI-powered features in the version of the iPhone’s operating system expected to launch this autumn.

macOS Sequoia 15.5 brings only a few tweaks

By

macOS Sequoia 15.5
macOS Sequoia 15.5 is really more of a patch.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Mac users can now install macOS Sequoia 15.5… but there’s really no hurry. This new version is especially light on new features.

It seems clear that much of Apple’s attention is on upcoming AI features, macOS 16, and other enhancements coming later in the year.

Everything new in iOS 18.5

By

iOS 18.5
iOS 18.5 is high, but somewhat light on changes.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

After over a month of beta testing, iOS 18.5 is now available for all compatible iPhones. Unlike previous point iOS 18 releases, the new build does not pack any significant new features.

The update mainly includes minor changes, but older iPhones will receive one major new feature. Keep reading to know about everything new in iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5.

Lower Trump tariffs could still force iPhone 17 price increases

By

iPhone 17 could cost more than its predecessors.
iPhone 17 could cost more than its predecessors.
Graphics: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Tariffs might force Apple to increase the prices of the iPhone 17 lineup. The company reportedly will highlight the new designs and features of this year’s models to justify the price increase.

Without raising prices, Apple can’t offset the increased tariffs on Chinese-imported products sold in the United States.

iOS 19 might take the pain out of hotel Wi-Fi logins

By

iOS 19 render logo
This will be a nice tweak.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

A new feature in iOS 19 reportedly will sync public Wi-Fi login and captive portal details across your Apple devices.

iPhones already sync Wi-Fi network details across all devices connected to the same Apple ID. However, with public networks, a captive portal introduces additional steps. While small, the feature should make logging into hotel Wi-Fi networks more convenient.

Epic submits Fortnite to US App Store [Updated]

By

Epic submits Fortnite to US App Store
“Fortnite” could soon return to the U.S. App Store.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Epic Games recently promised to resubmit the hugely popular game Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, and it carried through with the promise Friday. It’s now up to Apple whether the application will be approved.

The move came after a U.S. judge blasted Apple for willfully violating the court’s 2021 order, and ordered Apple to comply with earlier App Store changes effective immediately. These are changes that Epic fought for, and relate to Apple policies that got Fortnite banned in the first place.

My, that’s a loud lamp you have, Sonos [Update: Ikea partnership ends]

By

The lamp is playing NPR again.
The lamp is playing NPR again.
Photo: Sonos

Sonos and Ikea loved to make speakers that look like other things. They launched the Symfonisk table lamp speaker, bookshelf speakers and a picture frame, among other products. But now the Sonos-Ikea partnership ends, according to reports.

The Symfonisk line of speakers, which also includes a bookshelf speaker that can hold books and a picture frame speaker that looks like wall art, is designed to blend in with your home decor.

Update: Sonos and Ikea just ended their lengthy partnership on the popular Symfonisk speakers, which included a table lamp and a picture frame, according to various reports.

“Over the past eight years, we’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Ikea and are proud of what we’ve achieved,” Sonos told The Verge. “Although our work together has largely wound down and we won’t be releasing new products as partners, we’ll continue to support every existing Symfonisk product so customers can keep enjoying great sound in their homes for many years to come.”

Samsung buys legendary audio brands, cranking up battle with Apple

By

Samsung purchases legendary audio brands
Did Samsung just stack the odds in a war with Apple for audio supremacy?
Photo: Pixlr AI

In a big move reshaping the premium audio landscape, Samsung subsidiary Harman International acquired Masimo Corporation’s Sound United consumer audio business for $350 million in cash, the companies said this week — including some of the industry’s most storied brands.

The deal brings renowned audio brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz and Polk Audio under Samsung’s expanding audio empire — potentially creating new challenges for Apple in both the consumer audio, automotive and smart home markets.

And the seller happens to be Apple legal rival Masimo, whose lawsuit against the iPhone giant put a stop to blood oxygen sensing in Apple Watch. Ouch.

Apple looks into smart glasses

By

Apple Smart Glasses concept
Apple smart glasses will probably be more stylish than this concept.
AI Concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple could get into a new product category: smart glasses. A report surfaced on Thursday indicating that Apple is working on a chip to power glasses with built-in AI and cameras that could launch in the next couple of years.

With the company’s Visual Intelligence AI tool, a pair of smart glasses could identify objects for the wearer, get info on businesses, and explain to the user what it is they’re looking at.

Server chips in development will power Apple Intelligence

By

new AI server chips
Incredibly powerful new chips are on the way to help with Apple Intelligence.
Photo: Apple

Among various chips Apple currently develops for products like smart glasses and Macs, new AI server chips will help power the Apple Intelligence platform, according to a report Thursday. And the new, immensely powerful AI server chips will be the first of their kind for Apple.

These Swift Student Challenge winners hope to change the world through code

By

meet Swift Student Challenge winners
From left, Marina Lee, Taiki Hamamoto, Luciana Ortiz Nolasco and Nahom Worku are four of this year’s Swift Student Challenge winners.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s annual Swift Student Challenge coding competition showcases young talent whose apps never cease to inspire. This year is no different, as Apple profiles four coders working to preserve cultural heritage, improve disaster preparedness, connect astronomy enthusiasts and expand educational access. Meet Swift Student Challenge winners and their inspiring coding projects below.

These four are part of a group of 50 winners who will attend WWDC25 in person at Apple Park in Cupertino for a three-day program.

“We’re always inspired by the talent and perspective young developers bring to the Swift Student Challenge,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “This year’s winners show exceptional skill in transforming meaningful ideas into app playgrounds that are innovative, impactful, and thoughtfully built — and we’re excited to support their journey as they continue building apps that will help shape the future.”

Netflix CEO gets cameo on The Studio despite Apple’s objection

By

Netlix CEO cameo on The Studio
In episode 8 of "The Studio," Seth Rogen's studio-head character attends the Golden Globe awards, where Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos lets him in on a little secret about how to get stars to thank you in their acceptance speeches.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ subscribers get an inside look at Hollywood’s streaming wars through Seth Rogen’s hit comedy series The Studio — complete with a surprising guest appearance Wednesday night from rival streaming executive Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. Apple tried to prevent the Netflix CEO cameo with a Tim Cook substitution, according to a new report Wednesday.

iPad users get their own Google Gemini app

By

Google Gemini iPad
Accessing Google Gemini on iPad just got easier.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iPad users no longer have to depend on an iPhone application to access Google’s Gemini AI-powered chatbot. Software designed specifically for iPad users launched Wednesday.

This comes after Google recently introduced home screen widgets to give iPhone and iPad users easier access to Gemini.

Apple considers building AI search into Safari

By

AI MacBook
Safari searches could soon go to an AI, not a traditional search engine.
Image: Cult of Mac

Before too much longer, doing a search in the Safari web browser might bring up AI-powered results rather than the standard Google search engine, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services.

Cue points out that this is Apple following a trend, as the company sees Safari users increasingly turning to AIs in place of traditional search engines.

Apple TV+ greenlights The Studio season 2 and brings back more comedies

By

The Studio
Apple didn’t wait until the end of “The Studio” season one to commit to season two.
Photo: Apple TV+

Seth Rogen’s hit Hollywood comedy The Studio will return to Apple TV+ for season 2. After the success of the freshman season, Apple TV+ committed Tuesday to making more episodes about the hapless executives of Continental Studios.

Beyond that, it’s a good week for fans of Apple TV+ comedies. The streaming service also announced that the fourth season of Acapulco premieres in July, and the fifth season of Trying is going into production.

Write like Steve Jobs: What Apple’s co-founder taught me about storytelling

By

Photo of Apple II and Mac computers sitting in a store window, with a photo of Steve Jobs
Great computers aren't the only thing Steve Jobs left us with.
Photo: Derek Xing/Pexels

By Alison Thobe

I remember the moment when I realized that storytelling wasn’t just a tool — it was the core way people communicate with the world. It’s how we connect, inspire and change it for the better.

It was a day when I sat at my Apple laptop, browsing through the essay writing service in search of inspiration and writing ideas for my new piece. A spark ignited me: What if I learned to write the way Apple co-founder Steve Jobs did to communicate his messages and inspire his audience?

This question has guided my writing journey ever since.