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News - page 33

Construction accelerates on TSMC chip factories in US

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TSMC Arizona
TSMC reportedly soon begins construction on its third chip foundry in Arizona.
Photo: TSMC/Cult of mac

TSMC, the Taiwanese company that makes all Apple’s processors, reportedly starts building its third chip foundry in Arizona this year. It could be finished in as little as two years, much quicker than the first one.

The company is already using its initial U.S. factory to make chips for Apple, while the second is still under construction.

New xMEMS tweeter promises great sound from next-gen earbuds

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xMEMS Labs Lassen tweeter
In the near future, Lassen tweeters may find their way into various manufacturers' wireless earbuds.
Photo: xMEMS Labs

The new solid-state xMEMS Labs Lassen micro speaker is a silicon micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) tweeter. It eliminates the need for a separate piezo amplifier while delivering premium sound quality in wireless earbuds, xMEMS Labs said Thursday. As the company’s latest tiny speaker, it could play a big role in next-gen buds.

“Lassen is a revolutionary design based on a proven platform,” said Mike Housholder, VP of Marketing & Business Development at xMEMS. “It will bring the benefits of 2-way earbud audio to a broader market by eliminating the extra cost of the piezo amplifier and minimizing the space and power required to deliver a truly immersive TWS sound experience.”

Apple showcases Mac’s role in editing hit series Severance [Video]

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Behind the Mac Editing Severance video
The marching band sequence in the season 2 finale was a particularly complicated editing job.
Photo: Apple TV+

In a fascinating new installment of its “Behind the Mac” series, Apple spotlights the pivotal role Mac computers play in editing acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance. The 11-minute video posted Wednesday on the Apple YouTube channel and in a feature article on apple.com offers unprecedented insight into the creative process behind the thrilling season finale.

Note: Spoilers for season 2 of Severance, which recently concluded with its season finale on Apple TV+, lie below.

Also note: In a surprising little twist, Apple added a faux listing for Lumon Terminal Pro, just like the ones used in Lumon’s Macrodata Refinement Department, to Apple Store with a link to the video as well as Macs for sale. The Severance promos and tie-ins keep coming!

Critics love star-studded comedy series The Studio [Now streaming]

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The Studio with Seth Rogen
Rogen plays a Hollywood studio head, new in the job but already beleaguered.
Photo: Apple TV+

Comedy actor Seth Rogen shoulders a lot with new Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio, as he writes, directs, executive produces and stars in it as an embattled Hollywood studio head, according to two trailers the streamer dropped for the show, now streaming. Will Rogen’s series fare better than the show’s fictional “Continental Studios?” Well, as you can see in the trailers, he has a star-studded cast to work with, including himself, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn and guest star Bryan Cranston.

The 10-episode, half-hour comedy series premieres on Apple TV+ March 26, 2025. Watch the promising trailers below.

Update: We added the official trailer for The Studio under the teaser trailer, below. The new comedy series started streaming Wednesday on Apple TV+. Loaded with stars in guest cameos, the spoof of Hollywood filmmaking gets good reviews. AP News calls it “the defining portrait of modern Hollywood.” Other reviews throw around descriptions like “superb,” “spot-on, star-studded takedown” and “hilarious.” Apple TV+ press tends to stamp every show as “highly anticipated,” but this one actually was, and it sound justified in this case. It sounds like a must-see.

Apple Music Classical goes deep with listening guides

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Apple Music Classical listening guides
New Apple Music Classical learning features include Listening Guide.
Photo: Apple

New Apple Music Classical listening guides launched Tuesday are streaming app’s most significant update since its 2023 debut, Apple said. New updates introduce three innovative features designed to enhance the classical music listening experience: Listening Guides, Personalized Recommendations and Editorial Stations.

“The features in this update are the most significant additions to Apple Music Classical since launch. They each turn a normal listening experience into a wonderful journey that enhances the listener’s experience, catering to curiosity and creating new interactive ways to learn about favorite pieces of music,” said Anjali Malhotra, Global Director of Apple Music Classical.

Prepare to see the future of iOS and macOS at WWDC25 on June 9

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WWDC25: Mark your calendar: June 9-13, 2025
Get ready for your first look at what's next for iOS, macOS and more.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple revealed Tuesday that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off with a keynote on June 9. Apple traditionally uses WWDC to show off the next major upgrades for iOS, macOS and its other operating systems. WWDC25, which will run from June 9 to June 13, will be no different.

“We’re excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We can’t wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate.” 

iPad sunk in river for 5 years helps bust crime ring

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Photo of an iPad recovered from the River Thames in London that served as evidence to convict criminals
Here's the iPad mini, fresh from the River Thames after five years submerged.
Photo: Metropolitan Police Service

An iPad retrieved from the River Thames in London — after sitting underwater and lodged in mud for more than five years — became the crucial piece of evidence that helped police solve a complex international criminal network. The crime ring involved museum heists, luxury robberies and an attempted murder, according to a new report. No big surprise that iPad evidence helps convict criminals — except under these extreme conditions.

The extraordinary case highlights the remarkable resilience of Apple’s iPad technology. It maintained crucial evidence integrity even after years of submersion. The case also demonstrates how digital devices can become key pieces of evidence in solving complex criminal investigations. And that’s even when criminals believe they have successfully disposed of incriminating technology.

Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal takes iPhone videography to the next level

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Photograph shows person using Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal for phone to capture a low shot
You can easily capture dramatic low-angle shots with iPhone using the Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal.
Photo: Hohem

The iSteady M7 gimbal for phones is a super-advanced stabilizer for iPhone that Wired says is “the most advanced and feature-packed smartphone stabilizer.”

Whether you’re creating content for social media, documenting travel adventures or capturing family memories, the Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal elevates your smartphone camera’s capabilities to new heights, delivering cinema-quality results in a portable, user-friendly package.

The iPhone stabilizer combines three-axis stabilization, AI-powered subject tracking, built-in subject lighting and remote control capabilities into a single, compact package.

It’s perfect for all iPhone users, from casual content creators to professional filmmakers. Whether you’re a social media maven, a globetrotting travel vlogger or a casual user who wants to capture better footage, this affordable gimbal for smartphones offers professional-level tools in an accessible format. It’s an all-in-one videography tool that elevates what’s possible with your iPhone camera.

How Apple accidentally made the best AI computer

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2025 Mac Studio
2025 Mac Studio
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is perceived as a laggard in the AI race — despite that, Apple has developed the single best computer for AI research. The new Mac Studio with an M3 Ultra chip, which supports up to 512GB of unified memory, is the easiest and cheapest way to run powerful, cutting-edge LLMs on your own hardware.

The latest DeepSeek v3 model, which sent shockwaves through the AI space for its comparable performance to ChatGPT, can run entirely on a single Mac, Apple AI researchers revealed Monday.

It’s a machine that fits comfortably on your desk, rather than a server farm; it costs the same as a used Honda Civic, not a new Lamborghini.

How did this happen? Most remarkably of all — by sheer coincidence. Here’s why the Apple silicon architecture makes for the best AI hardware, a use case Apple didn’t mean to design it for.

Game on! Ugreen debuts colorful Genshin Impact charger collection.

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Ugreen Genshin Impact charging products
"Genshin Impact" players or anyone who wants less-boring chargers might enjoy this collection.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Apple users who enjoy the popular open-world adventure game Genshin Impact now have a stylish way to keep their devices powered up, Ugreen said Monday. Known for its charging accessories, the company said it partnered with game creators to launch a co-branded collection of four Ugreen Genshen Impact charging products. The company sent them to me. It looks like a fun collection.

5 iOS 18.4 features I am excited about

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It's time to get excited about new features coming soon in iOS 18.4.
It's time to get excited about new features coming soon in iOS 18.4.
Logo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

iOS 18.4 will be one of Apple’s biggest updates to iOS 18 since the operating system’s public release last September. It will pack plenty of changes and improvements, like a Vision Pro app, Apple News+ Food and new emoji.

That all sounds great, but these are the five iOS 18.4 features that I am most excited about.

Apple Watch SE 3’s plastic casing puts its future in ‘serious jeopardy’

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Apple Watch SE 3 rumors
Apple Watch SE 3 rumors
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s third-gen Apple Watch SE may not launch anytime soon, with the device running into “serious jeopardy.” Rumors have indicated Apple will switch to a plastic casing with the next Apple Watch SE refresh.

However, this move might have backfired, with the company’s design and operations team not happy with the outcome.

A tale of two Airs: iPad and MacBook reviews [The CultCast]

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CultCast 691 iPad Air vs MacBook Air
Which new Air is best? D. Griffin Jones puts the latest MacBook Air and iPad Air to the test.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Griffin goes deep on the M3 iPad Air and the M4 MacBook Air, which he recently reviewed from his unique perspective as a Mac mini fanatic. He loved them both, but which one rules the day? And can either of them come close to his desktop dynamo?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Erfon digs into the M3 Ultra benchmarks.
  • There’s a shakeup in Siri land! Can the new boss fix Apple’s virtual assistant and/or deliver Siri’s promised AI upgrade?
  • Surprise, surprise — Apple is working on a new monitor.
  • iOS 19 might turn AirPods into real-time translators, which sounds like a killer feature for travelers.

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 preps future Apple Watch with AI-powered camera

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Apple Watch 10 deals
Are you excited about an Apple Watch with camera?
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly wants to put cameras in future Apple Watch versions. This will enable the wearable to “see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information.”

However, Apple needs a few more generations to turn the Apple Watch with cameras into a reality.

Sennheiser’s new open-back headphones suit gamers and audiophiles

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Sennheiser HD 550 open-back headphones
Sennheiser's latest open-back cans, at $300, are financially within reach for many folks.
Photo: Sennheiser

Sennheiser’s latest offering are the new HD 550 open-back headphones, designed to bridge the gap between audiophile-grade sound quality and gaming performance, the company said Wednesday. For Mac users who demand great audio whether they’re working with Logic Pro, enjoying Apple Music with lossless audio or diving into the latest Apple Arcade titles, these headphones promise to deliver a compelling listening experience.

“Audiophiles looking for featherlight headphones with honest voicing and deep bass extension are in for a treat,” said Sennheiser Audiophile Product Manager Klas Hanselmann. “While the HD 550’s airy detail is obvious, customers will fall in love with its delightfully polite touch — perfect for listening for hours on end.”

Apple turns to unique production method for durable, crease-free folding iPhone

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A folding iPhone might look something like this concept.
A folding iPhone might look something like this concept.
AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

To avoid mistakes made by rivals, Apple reportedly will do everything it can to create a crease-free folding iPhone with a durable hinge. According to a report released Friday, that includes producing the hinges using a liquid metal process.

The innovative handset should arrive in 2026.

Apple TV+ renews fan-favorite Severance for season 3 

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Apple TV+ renews Severance for third season
Adam Scott as Mark S. in "Severance." And it looks like he'll be back -- maybe with those celebratory balloons.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ renewed Severance for a third season Friday, delighting fans of the surreal drama series on the same day its season two finale aired. And Apple CEO Tim Cook and show executive producer and director Ben Stiller had some fun with an X.com post, below.

“What Ben, Dan, Adam and the talented cast and crew behind Severance have brought to the screen is undeniable magic,” said Matt Cherniss, head of Apple TV+ programming. “We’re so proud to be the home for this brilliant series and look forward to audiences experiencing what’s in store for Season 3.”

Carême: Chef. Spy. Lover. And French beyond belief. [Apple TV+ trailer]

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Careme trailer
The series could be a lot of fun, but it might help if you're French or a Francophile.
Photo: Apple TV+

As someone who lived in the French-speaking part of Switzerland for a few years, I’m no stranger to poking fun when I catch a whiff of the sometimes-preposterously self-important and pretentious side of the French persona. And the new Apple TV+ trailer for Carême reeks of it.

While the premise of the streamer’s upcoming French-language series sounds interesting — a rags-to-riches story of the world’s first celebrity chef, who also worked as a spy — the series looks overwhelmingly French.

“Chef. Spy. Lover,” reads the tagline for the historical drama. Apple TV+ calls it “daring” and “provocative.” Ooh la la.

Carême premieres April 30 for those with a taste for that sort of thing.

All part of the plan: Apple TV+ loses $1 billion a year

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Apple TV+ loses money
The losses sound bad, but they're to be expected and represent a drop in the bucket compared to Apple's profits.
Photo: Apple TV+

As Apple TV+’s subscriber base continues to grow and the streamer enjoys lots of attention on Friday’s Severance season 2 finale, a new report Thursday suggests the streaming service remains a financial loser for the iPhone giant — to the tune of $1 billion in losses annually. And yet it should come as no surprise Apple TV+ bleeds money.

A fat billion a year in the red sounds bad, but it’s pretty much in line with the plan for losses of up to $20 billion over a decade for the still-nascent streaming service.

Take your best look yet at the whole iPhone 17 series

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iPhone 17 rumors
Apple can’t keep secrets from tipsters.
Concept image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

We aren’t left wondering what the four models in the upcoming iPhone 17 series will look like — not when a picture of “dummy” units posted Thursday reveals the design of each of them.

These show the rumored move from a camera hump to a camera bar in most of Apple’s upcoming handsets, and the back panel on the two Pro models will employ a new design.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits Mac on the same day as PC and consoles

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Assassin’s Creed Shadows action RPG slashes onto Mac
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” just launched on Mac -- no PC or console needed.
Image: Ubisoft

Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally launched on Thursday, and Mac gamers can play the action-packed, role-playing game from Ubisoft at the same time as players on PCs and consoles. Mac owners won’t face the usual wait of months or years. There’s even a version for iPads with M-series processors in development.

The adventure is set in medieval Japan, and players can choose either a samurai or a shinobi (aka ninja) for very different gaming experiences.

New Siri boss tasked with turning around floundering AI upgrade [Updated]

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Siri management shakeup
The new head of Siri development has one job: make it stink less.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

An Apple reorganization reportedly brings new management to the team struggling to develop an AI-enhanced version of Siri. Apple apparently tapped Mike Rockwell, an exec with one successful Apple product launch already under his belt, to shepherd the promised Siri upgrade.

Clearly, the goal is to accelerate a project that’s been significantly delayed — and has become a major embarrassment for Apple.

YouTube bug delivering blurry videos to iPhone users

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you.tube.logo.4
YouTube videos looking worse? You are not alone.
Photo: YouTube

YouTube videos appearing blurry or excessively buffering on your iPhone? Videos streaming on 144p or 360p resolution despite being on a fast Wi-Fi connection?

You’re not alone in facing these problems. Don’t point fingers at your ISP either — the issue stems from YouTube’s end.