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News - page 540

Swift code usage more than doubles with iOS 13

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Swift-iOS
Swift usage is on the rise again.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s own programming language is slowly taking over its mobile operating systems. iOS 13 contains more than twice as much Swift as iOS 12, according to research from Alexandre Colucci.

A huge number of Apple’s own apps and features now contain Swift binaries. A total of 141 have been uncovered in Apple’s most recent iOS 13.1 release.

Apple webpage hints that macOS Catalina will ship next week

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macOS Catalina release date
Fans have had to wait a bit longer this year for their macOS update.
Photo: Apple

Apple hasn’t told us when we can expect the public release of macOS Catalina, but a clue on one of Apple’s regional websites suggests that it could very well be next week.

On Apple’s Danish website, it notes that Apple Arcade will launch on the Mac App Store on October 4. Given that Apple Arcade requires macOS Catalina to work, it suggests that this might be when Apple’s next-gen macOS will debut.

Proposed iPad Pro docking station packs keyboard, trackpad, ports into one

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DoBox Pro with iPad Pro
The DoBox Pro adds features to an iPad Pro that aren‘t even available in MacBook Pros.
Photo: DoBox

DoBox is looking for funding for a desktop docking station that gives the 2018 iPad Pro an array of additional features. A keyboard and trackpad are the most obvious, but there’s also a built-in hub with HDMI and other ports.

On top of all that, the proposed DoBox Pro will have a slot capable of adding up 2TB of additional storage. If you’re searching for a reliable mac docking station that enhances your device’s connectivity, you might want to explore this 6-port hub from Zagg.

Deja vu: Galaxy Fold reviewer reports screen problem after just one day

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Apple invents a unique, no-crease folding iPhone screen
Is it time to give up on the Galaxy Fold?
Photo: Samsung

Samsung might be facing another Galaxy Fold display fiasco less than 24 hours before the device is set to launch in the U.S.

After canceling the Fold’s original April 26 launch date, Samsung spent months redesigning certain parts of the display to be more durable. According to at least one reviewer of the device though, it appears that Galaxy Fold display could still be very fragile.

Official For All Mankind trailer gives biggest glimpse of spacey plot

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For All Mankind
Imagine a world where the global space race never ended.
Photo: Apple

The final trailer of For All Mankind gives us our clearest look yet at the plot of the alternate-history space-race TV show.

Apple TV+ is set to debut on November 1 with For All Mankind as one of its premiere shows. Previous trailers gave us a glimpse of the bad-guy Russians landing on the moon first — and the feminist angle with female astronaut candidates. Those two plot lines converge in the new trailer, which touched down on YouTube this morning. The new spot reveals President Richard Nixon’s decision to one-up the Russians by putting a woman on the moon first.

Watch the full thing here:

Apple patches security bug on Macs, plus older iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches

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iPhone 6s colors
If you’re still rocking an iPhone 6S, Apple has an iOS update for you.
Photo: Apple

Apple introduced iOS 12.4.2 to fix a security bug that was found by Google Project Zero. After Tuesday’s launch of iOS 13.1, now seems an odd time to be updating last year’s version, but this patch is for iPhones and iPads made in 2014 and before that can’t upgrade to the new version.

In addition, the company released watchOS 5.3.2 for early Apple Watch models. Plus there’s a fresh security update for macOS Mojave 10.14.6. All take care of the same bug.

2020 could bring Apple’s largest iPhone screen ever

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Latest iPhone was 1 out of every 10 smartphones sold in US last quarter
iOS is designed to hide the screen cutout as much as possible. This might not be necessary next year.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Significant design changes in next year’s top-tier iPhone might push the display size up to 6.7 inches, if an unconfirmed report from a reliable source is correct. This model will also supposedly have no need of a screen cutout — also known as the notch.

10.2-inch iPad hits Apple Store shelves

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ipad
The quickest way to get the new 10.2-inch iPad is to go to an Apple retail store today.
Photo: Apple

The latest iPad just made its appearance in Apple retail locations. Those eager to get their hands on the first 10.2-inch budget tablet with iPadOS can hurry to the nearest store to pick one up now.

This is currently a quicker option than ordering the seventh-generation iPad for home shipment.

1 in 5 iOS devices are already using iOS 13

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iOS 13 adoption
iOS 13 is off to a cracking start!
Photo: Mixpanel

One in five compatible devices are already running iOS 13, data from analytics company Mixpanel suggests.

According to the company’s data, as of this morning 20.27% of users are running iOS 13. Meanwhile, 74.66% are using iOS 12, and the remaining 5.08% are running some earlier version of iOS. That still leaves a long way to go — but it’s a fantastic start.

RIP Adam Rosen: Remembering one of the most passionate Mac fans ever

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Vintage Mac Museum
Rosen would turn down 80 percent of what was offered to him because he only wanted the important models. He also couldn't let his collection outgrow another living space.
Photo: Adam Rosen

Adam Rosen was happiest standing over an old Mac computer, all pulled apart with wires sticking out and components scattered across his kitchen table.

Rosen knew this part of him might never land him a wife. Who could appreciate a home where each room was a gallery of old working Apple computers?

This private Vintage Mac Museum lost its devoted docent on Aug. 31 when Rosen, 53, died from pancreatic cancer.

Mario Kart Tour Gold Pass shows what a bargain Apple Arcade is

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Mario Kart Tour is a massive money spinner for Nintendo
Gold Pass costs the same as a subscription to Apple's 100+ gaming service.
Photo: Nintendo

Mario Kart Tour went live this week — and despite being, technically, free to download its in-app purchases make it pretty pricey. Certainly compared to Apple Arcade.

Eagle-eyed gamers quickly noted that Mario Kart‘s so-called Gold Pass subscription will set you back $4.99 per month. That’s the same price that Apple is charging for its entire 100+ game subscription service!

Apple is named the U.K.’s best tech employer

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Apple is the U.K.'s top tech employer.
Apple employs some 6,500 people in the U.K.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s home town might be Cupertino, but Apple is a truly global company, circa 2019. (And it has been for years, too.) The latest evidence of this is a ranking of the top tech companies to work for in the U.K. Apple came in at number one on the list.

Apple employs some 6,500 people in the U.K. In capital city London alone it employs 2,500 people. Overall, Apple has around 132,000 full-time employees worldwide.

Amazon exec promoting new Echo Buds wears AirPods during TV interview

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Amazon exec wears AirPods during an interview.
Wait a second, those aren't Echo Buds!
Screenshot: John Paczkowski/Bloomberg

Here’s a top tip: If your job involves promoting hardware that is not made by Apple, do not use an Apple device in public.

It sounds easy, right? As it turns out, it’s pretty darn difficult. And it’s a problem suffered by many, many people who are likely way above your pay grade. The latest example? Amazon exec Dave Limp, who yesterday gave an interview promoting Amazon’s new wireless Echo Buds. While wearing Apple’s AirPods, of course.

Struggling iPhone display-maker suffers another big blow

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iPhone XR
Apple won't give up on JDI.
Photo: Apple

An effort to save struggling LCD manufacturer Japan Display (JDI) has reportedly been scrapped.

The firm leading the bailout with a ¥63 billion ($557 million) investment this week pulled out of a potential deal, according to people familiar with the matter.

The future of JDI now looks uncertain — but strong demand for iPhone 11 is helping its bottom line.

Some Mario Kart Tour unlocks are incredibly rare

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Mario Kart Tour has the second best debut month ever on mobile
Mario Kart Tour has the second best debut month ever on mobile
Photo: Nintendo

Mario Kart Tour comes with a bunch of hidden karts and characters that you’ll need to unlock as you play. But your chances of bagging the ones you really want are incredibly slim.

Nintendo has revealed the drop rates for a whole bunch of potential new items. And you’ll be sad to hear the majority have a 1% or lower appearance rate.

Facebook is the latest tech giant to face antitrust probe

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Facebook owns 4 of the top 10 apps of the past decade
Google was targeted earlier this month as well.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly preparing an antitrust investigation into Facebook. This comes the same month that U.S. attorneys general revealed plans to probe Google for antitrust violations.

No Facebook investigation has been announced yet. But a “person familiar with the matter” says that is going to happen. This would be the fourth recent antitrust probe of Facebook — and the latest example of the growing pushback against tech giants.

Apple is helping to restore grasslands in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills

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Apple has partnered with Conservation International to fund restoration in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills.
Apple has partnered with Conservation International to fund conservation.
Photo: Ninara/Flickr CC

As part of its environmental efforts, Apple recently made a donation to nonprofit Conservation International. Apple’s money will help restore degraded grasslands in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya.

“By restoring tens of thousands of hectares in the Chyulu Hills, we can remove carbon from the air, protect a critical wildlife corridor for elephants, and support the livelihoods of the Maasai people,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP of environmental, social, and policy initiatives.

4 reasons I’m disappointed with the iPhone 11 [Opinion]

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iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are excellent, but there’s still room for improvement.
Photo: Apple

There’s a lot to like in the new iPhone 11 series, but there are reasons to be disappointed, too. Some features that should be a part of any handset released in 2019 are missing, and a few rumored improvements didn’t appear.

Here are four ways the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models fell short of the mark.

iPhone 11 warns you if repair shops install fake Apple display

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iPhonedisplaywarning
Seeing this warning could be bad news.
Photo: Apple

Apple added a new feature in iOS 13.1 that alerts iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max owners when a repair shop has installed a non-genuine display on their device.

In a support document detailing the new warning feature, Apple explains why you should only seek support from technicians who have completed training from Apple and use genuine Apple parts. Of course, Apple parts can be more expensive than knock-off displays, but using the cheap stuff could cause issues with multi-touch, display brightness and colors.

Soundcore takes 6 shots at AirPods with new earbuds lineup

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The Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro brings high-end audio, thanks to a coaxial driver setup.
The Liberty 2 Pro brings high-end audio, thanks to a coaxial driver setup.
Photo: Soundcore

Soundcore wants to “democratize premium audio” with its new Bluetooth earbuds. The new wireless headphones continue the company’s pursuit of delivering quality products at affordable price points.

“It’s a value proposition for us,” said Soundcore rep Adam Weissman in a demo at the Cult of Mac offices in San Francisco. He showed off two lines of headphones — one for regular audio fans and one for fitness fiends. All the new models deliver features similar to AirPods, but at price points far below Apple’s smash-hit product.

Amazon aims for Apple with 15 surprising new products

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EchoStudio
Amazon fired shots at the HomePod, AirPods, CarPlay and more today.
Photo: Amazon

Amazon is ready to push Alexa into every single corner of your life with a new wave of Echo products unveiled this morning.

Armed with 15 new products, Amazon is ready to challenge Apple like never before. The company even introduced some bold new products, like new smart glasses and a smart ring — wearables that give you 24/7 access to Alexa wherever you go. While Apple’s iPhone 11 keynote featured zero mentions of Siri, Amazon’s yearly product keynote put Alexa’s might on full display.

The problem with Apple Arcade? It’s just not that special [Opinion]

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Apple-Arcade
Can Arcade ever become the service Apple promised?
Photo: Apple

Apple Arcade’s slate of more than 100 games for $4.99 a month looks like one of the best deals in gaming at first glance. But Apple’s new game subscription service fails to live up to the expectations of many iPhone and iPad owners.

That’s not because the games are bad. Or because there are hidden fees we weren’t expecting. It’s because Cupertino billed Apple Arcade as something special … and it just isn’t.