Safari in iOS 15 moves the Address Bar and adds Tab Groups. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The most controversial change in iOS 15 — moving Safari’s Address Bar to the bottom of the screen — doesn’t deserve the deluge of criticism some users are heaping upon it.
I tried out the latest iOS 15 beta to check out that feature, plus the new Tab Groups and other changes coming to Safari. Here’s what I like and what I don’t.
Apple original series Stillwater won a Peabody Award. Photo: Apple
Apple TV+ original animated series Stillwater won a Peabody Award today for excellence in storytelling, and for work that encourages empathy. Actor Goldie Hawn, who has worked extensively with kids on various forms of programming, presented the award in a video.
Running phone apps on a desktop or notebook. Now where have I heard of that before? Photo: Microsoft
Windows 11 borrows a page from Apple’s playbook and can run applications created for smartphones. In the case of Microsoft’s just-announced operating system update, users will be able to install Android apps from Amazon’s software store.
Do more with your MacBook charger. Photo: Twelve South
Twelve South’s brilliant PlugBug Duo makes your MacBook charger even more useful by adding two USB ports that you can use to charge your iPhone, iPad and other accessories on the go.
If you’re gearing up for summer travels with your MacBook, get yours today from the Cult of Mac Store for just $39.99.
More inspirational stories to get you pumped. Photo: Apple
Apple is debuting new episodes of its Time to Walk stories for Apple Fitness+. The new episodes, featuring Randall Park, Michaela Jaé “MJ” Rodriguez, Stephen Fry, Anthony Joshua, and others, will arrive starting June 28.
On the same day Apple will also introduce an Artist Spotlight series, boasting workouts with workouts set to playlists from individual artists — like Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Lady Gaga.
Foundation on Apple TV+ will be a mix of Star Wars and Game of Thrones. Photo: Apple/Skydance Television
The wait for the Apple TV+ adaptation of Foundation is almost over. The same goes for The Problem With Jon Stewart. Apple’s streaming service announced the premiere dates for these shows and more, all coming this fall.
The free Apple TV+ trial offered when the service debuted runs out at the end of June, and the iPhone-maker is trying to build excitement for upcoming series by announcing their debut dates.
A report published Thursday by Digitimes noted that these are two of the big changes expected for this year’s iPhone refresh. Other than this, the iPhone 13 (or whatever Apple opts to call it) will reportedly “see few changes.” Fortunately, from the sound of things that might include pricing.
Apple's antitrust woes look set to continue. Photo: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels CC
A House committee approved antitrust legislation Thursday that threatens many big tech companies — Apple included. In a 24 to 20 vote early this morning, the committee approved the American Choice and Innovation Online Act.
The bill, which still needs to pass the full House, seeks to stop big platforms from advantaging their own products or services over those made by others. That could affect Apple, which not only owns and operates the App Store distribution platform, but also makes products that compete with some of the apps distributed through said store.
Apple is currently fending off App Store complaints around the world. Photo: James Yarema/Unsplash CC
A case brought by France’s finance ministry against Apple will have its day in court September 17. The case involves allegedly abusive contractual terms imposed by Apple for developers selling software in the App Store.
It’s a similar scenario to the complaint made by Fortnite makers Epic Games, regarding the control Apple has over developers on iOS. The lawsuit follows a three-year probe carried out by the DGCCRF consumer fraud watchdog. It’s also just the latest of many complaints made about the App Store around the world.
Apple this week launched its App Store search advertising business in mainland China, five years after it arrived in the United States. Called Apple Search Ads, the targeted ads feature works similar to Google ads by letting developers bid to get advertising space for certain keywords.
Debuting Apple Search Ads in one of Apple’s biggest markets comes at the same time that Apple is cracking down on targeted advertising from other companies. Features like iOS 14’s App Transparency Tracker lets users opt out of personalized tracking from other companies. But while they’re struggling, Apple’s seemingly making the move to expand its own ad empire.
Strange Planet uses aliens to poke fun at all of us. Photo: Nathan Pyle
Dan Harmon will reportedly turn Nathan Pyle’s humorous Strange Planet webcomic into an Apple TV+ animated series. This will combine a comic that’s already become a series of best-selling graphic novels with the creator/writer of Rick and Morty.
Convert your iPad Air 4 into a detachable laptop with Logitech Combo Touch. Photo: Logitech
Logitech’s Combo Touch keyboard case just launched for iPad Air 4. It includes a detachable keyboard and trackpad, as well as a protective case with kickstand. And Bluetooth is unnecessary.
There are versions for other iPad models out already. And there is a new color option for these.
Dickson's dummies show small changes to four possible iPhone 13 models. Photo: Sonny Dickson
Leaker Sonny Dickson showed off iPhone 13 dummies Wednesday of four possible models that could be released this fall, in addition to case renders and video of a case, included below.
They all suggest a handful of tweaks to iPhone 12 that may be forthcoming in the new models.
The third-gen iPhone SE could be Apple most affordable 5G handset. Photo: Apple
An iPhone SE updated with 5G is less than a year away, according to a trusted Apple analyst. Because of its lower price, the model could put high-speed cellular wireless connectivity in the hands of far more people.
In 2022, every iPhone will allegedly be either 6.1 inches or 6.7 inches. Photo: Apple
Apple will release two 6.7-inch iPhone models in 2022, according to a reliable analyst. There’ll be a high-end “Pro” model in this size, but the second will reportedly have a lower price.
The iPhone Max will supposedly replace the 5.4-inch iPhone mini in Apple’s product lineup. That model reportedly isn’t selling well, and it seems Apple is going to the opposite extreme in screen size for its successor.
Adobe's new Substance 3D Collection packs lots of creative capabilities. Photo: Adobe
Today Adobe released its new Adobe Substance 3D Collection, a suite of interoperable tools and assets that support 3D creativity. It addresses a near-future the company pictures where 3D work’s not just for blockbuster movies and games anymore, but for anyone.
The updated apps now sit in one integrated subscription package, intended as a do-it-all capture-and-create place for 3D art, sampling and virtual photography. The tools can enhance video games, e-commerce and marketing projects, and even virtual reality content.
There's a trick to running dual external monitors with an M1 MacBook, but it's not very tricky. Photo: ImajiiMac@Reddit
One of the downsides you hear about the M1 MacBook Air and the M1 MacBook Pro is that they officially (natively) support just one external display in addition to the laptop’s screen, not dual external monitors.
Well, that may be true in the user manual. But Redditor ImajiiMac is among those discovering that “official” ain’t everything.
Rose Bryne stars in Physical, a new dark comedy that debuted this month on Apple TV+. Screenshot: Apple
A new Apple TV+ video gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of new perm- and leotard-filled dark comedy Physical. The retro series follows the 1980s transformation of a timid housewife into an aerobics influencer extraordinaire.
The four-and-a-half-minute “making of” video features input from Physical stars Rose Byrne, Rory Scovel, Della Saba and Dierdre Friel, along with series showrunner Annie Weisman. It includes discussions of the show’s themes, including central character Sheila Rubin’s eating disorder.
Apple says proposed antitrust regulation would endanger consumer privacy. Photo: Apple
Apple thinks five pieces of antitrust reform legislation could undermine innovation and competition in tech, as well as creating a “race to the bottom” for security and privacy. Apple laid out its concerns in a letter sent ahead of Wednesday’s meeting of the House Judiciary Committee to discuss the proposed laws.
The letter — sent to chairmen Jerrold Nadler and David Cicilline, and ranking members Jim Jordan and Ken Buck — lays out Apple’s arguments for why the government needs to reconsider the five bills.
The Elago MS Charging Hub Duo Watch is now available in the Cult of Mac Store. Photo: Elago
San Diego-based accessories manufacturer Elago has added two useful, multiple-device charging hubs to the Cult of Mac Store: MS Charging Hub Duo Watch and MS Magsafe Charging Hub Trio 1.
Stick to the App Store, Apple says. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s none too keen on sideloading, the process of allowing apps to be installed on iPhones and iPads from outside of the App Store. While some critics take issue with this as an example of Cupertino’s uncompromising monopolistic tendencies, Apple — unsurprisingly — has a different take.
In an interview with Fast Company, timed to coincide with publication of a white paper on the subject, Apple’s head of user privacy, Erik Neuenschwander, explains the company’s take.
Thirty years speeds by, too fast for the naked eye. Photo: Minecraft
It’s somehow been 30 years since Sega’s rapid blue hedgehog mascot, Sonic, first speeded his way onto the Genesis and into video game history on June 23, 1991.
To celebrate the occasion, Minecraft has released an official DLC pack that lets you play through recreations of some of Sonic’s most iconic levels from the original Sonic the Hedgehog inside, well, Minecraft. It even includes blocky rings to collect.
If you’re a fan of Sega’s iconic spiky mammal, it looks like it’s well worth checking out. This 3D endless runner is all yours for 1,340 coins — or, approximately, $8 in real world terms. Check out the trailer below.
Tim Cook reportedly got in touch with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in addition to other members of Congress, to voice his worries about possible antitrust legislation, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
The Democrats are currently circulating drafts of antitrust bills that could affect the likes of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google. If passed, these bills could impact Apple’s ability to own and operate its own App Store marketplace in the way it currently does.
Many Angelenos on the hunt for Apple gear will recognize the historic theater's restored clocktower and sign. But the interior will blow them away. Photo: Apple
Apple previewed its newest retail location at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. The company announced the store’s Thursday opening in conjunction with the launch of the Today at Apple Creative Studios global mentorship initiative for young creatives.
And wow, the new store looks like a real beauty. Apple called it “one of its most significant restoration projects to date.” That’s saying something. Just look at Rome. Or Bangkok. Or even the long-established Grand Central Station store in New York.