Mobile menu toggle

News - page 648

iPhone SE returns — grab one before they disappear

By

iPhone SE
Two new iPhone SE models for 2020?
Photo: Sam Mills/Cult of Mac

The iPhone SE is making a rare appearance on Apple’s clearance page. This discontinued model was already inexpensive, and it’s available now for $100 or $150 less than the usual price, depending on the model.

But don’t dither; it’s likely to sell out again quickly.

Control devices with a wave of your hand using this sci-fi ring

By

Litho
Litho is an input device for the real world.
Photo: Litho

Ever wish you could control your smart home devices without reaching for your iPhone? A new finger-worn controller is trying to make that a reality and it could be a total gamechanger for ARKit apps.

Litho, a small controller you wear on two fingers, gives wearers the ability to control iPhone connected devices by pointing, swiping and taping. It also doubles as a controller for AR apps so you don’t have to keep tapping on the screen.

Prepare to be amazed:

Media mogul says Apple is foolish to challenge might of Netflix

By

Barry Diller
Barry Diller doesn't see the competition catching up to Netflix.
Photo: J.D. Lasica/Wikimedia CC

Apple can try to compete with Netflix for video streaming subscribers, but Barry Diller says Apple and others are “fools” to chase Netflix.

Diller, a studio executive turned tech entrepreneur, does not see any company gaining the number of subscribers as Netflix, which began building a base by sending DVDs of choice movies by mail.

Fortnite goes high plain driftin’ with the new Driftboard

By

Fortnite 2
The day has finally arrived.
Photo: Epic

Bored of traveling around on foot in Fortnite? There’s some good news: Epic has finally introduced the new, eagerly awaited Drifboard” into the game. It allows players to catch some air and pull a few tricks while they’re going about their running and gunning business.

The Driftboard allows you zoom past your fellow players and competitors with impressive speed. You can even loot and revive allies without having to set foot off the board. Check it out in action below.

Don’t expect a major redesign for this year’s iPad mini 5

By

iPad mini
The new iPad mini could just just like the old one.
Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

The iPad mini hasn’t gotten a sequel since 2015. However, if you’re expecting this year’s rumored refresh to be a massive leap forward, you might want to think again.

At least that’s the take based on an alleged CAD render seen by noted leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka @OnLeaks. While he did not share the image, he suggests the supposed leak indicates the next-gen iPad mini will not see any major external design changes. iPad mini lovers — brace yourself for a simple spec bump.

Today in Apple history: Mac creator complains about Steve Jobs

By

Jobs
Young Steve Jobs wasn't exactly easy to work with!
Photo: Esther Dyson/Flickr CC

February 19 Today in Apple history: Mac creator Jef Raskin complains about Steve Jobs February 19, 1981: Jef Raskin, creator of the Macintosh project, sends a memo to Apple CEO Mike Scott, listing his many complaints about working with Steve Jobs.

He claims that Jobs, who joined the Mac team the previous month, is tardy, shows bad judgment, interrupts people, doesn’t listen and is a bad manager.

Huawei spies reportedly tried to get their hands on Apple secrets

By

Chinese company Huawei wants the media buzz that would come with releasing the world's first foldable phone.
Report claims that Huawei tried to get information from Apple suppliers.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr CC

Huawei may have overtaken Apple in terms of overall smartphone sales, but it apparently believes it’s still got a lot to learn from the Cupertino giant.

According to a new report, Huawei tried to glean information about future Apple products from supply chain sources. This information included details about the Apple Watch’s heart rate-tracking tech and MacBook Pro connector cables.

Apple hits pause on some projects to ‘reassess priorities’

By

Apple adds 5 new vice presidents to its executive lineup
Times are a-changin'.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple is currently undergoing an executive team shakeup, a new report from the Wall Street Journal claims. As a result of the reorganization and personnel changes, several projects have had the pause button hit.

This is reportedly so that managers can “reassess priorities.” While no specific projects are named, some workers are supposedly “rattled” by the changes.

Apple Pay launches in Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic

By

Apple in talks to bring Apple Pay to Israel
Apple Pay continues its rollout around the world.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple Pay has rolled out in Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic, marking its 33rd and 34th markets.

In Saudi Arabia, Apple Pay is supported by the Saudi Payments Network (MADA), Alinma Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, Bank Aljazira, the National Commercial Bank, and Riyad Bank.

In the Czech Republic, it is supported by Air Bank, Ceska sporitelna, MONETA Money Bank and Twisto.

Gorgeous MacBook Pro concept borrows iPhone’s best features

By

A proposed MacBook Pro concept boasts an edge-edge-screen, Face ID and other features from the iPhone.
A proposed MacBook Pro concept boasts an edge-edge-screen, Face ID and other features from the iPhone.
Photo: Viktor Kádár

Take the MacBook Pro and stir in some of the best features of the iPhone and you’d get a small notebook with a big screen, facial recognition and a processor made by Apple.

Watch a video of this proposed uber-sleek device:

Apple ‘fixes’ Group FaceTime bug by hobbling the app

By

2018 iPad Pro Animoji
Apple took the easy way of removing a problem in FaceTime: it yanked out the affected feature.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s hasty fix for the serious Group FaceTime bug that was discovered last month apparently just disables the feature in this video-chatting software that was causing the problem.

We’ve reached out to Apple to see if they’re in the process of restoring full functionality.

General-purpose computers are terrible for creativity [Opinion]

By

Computers are great for lots of things, but not everything.
Computers are great for lots of things, but not everything.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Computers — the iPad, the Mac and anything else where a screen is the main form of interaction — are creativity killers. They distract, frustrate and get in the way of the flow that is essential to any creative work.

That’s not to say they don’t play an important part in art, music, photography or writing. It’s just that a lot of the time, there are much better tools for the job — and they’re getting more popular all the time.

Gold-plated iPhones are a pricey way to observe Presidents Day

By

Presidents Day iPhones
Happy Presidents Day. That will be $5,000.
Screenshot: Caviar

Luxury tech jeweler Caviar can help proud Americans – at least the rich ones – celebrate Presidents Day with a line of gold-plated iPhones celebrating four of our more recognized commanders in chief.

Inspired by Mount Rushmore, Caviar designers created relief mugs of presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.

Apple teams with nonprofit to help underrepresented groups enter tech industry

By

Dream Corps
Apple wants to teach the world to code.
Photo: Apple

Apple is partnering with Dream Corps to help men and women from “underrepresented backgrounds [to] find success in the tech sector.”

The Oakland, California-based nonprofit is behind the initiative #YesWeCode. This project aims to increase opportunities in tech companies. With Apple’s support, it’s now got a tech giant in its corner.

Apple’s TV offering may struggle due to revenue-split demands

By

apple tvPIC
Apple's TV service could cost $15 per month.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Jefferies analyst Tim O’Shea foresees big challenges ahead for Apple’s planned video subscription service.

In a note to clients, O’Shea suggests that Apple will struggle to get studios and networks on board for its plans. He also thinks Apple’s original content may run into problems compared to Netflix’s most established offerings.

Apple hires smart lock CEO to help make its smart home dreams a reality

By

HomeKit
Apple's HomeKit platform could get a big boost in 2019.
Photo: Texas Instruments

Apple has secured the expertise of Sam Jadallah, former CEO of smart lock company Otto, to head up its smart home initiatives.

Combined with Apple’s recent acquisition of voice-enabled tech company Pullstring, it’s a sure sign that Apple wants to up its game in home automation.

Apple fan rediscovers working Apple IIe in parents’ attic

By

Apple IIe pic
What was your first family computer?
Photo: John Pfaff/Twitter

An Apple news website is inevitably going to look forward to the future. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take a second to appreciate Apple past.

Over the weekend, a New York law professor and author warmed geeky hearts on Twitter after discovering his old family Apple IIe — in working order. In an excited flurry of tweets, John Pfaff shared screenshots of some iconic Apple II programs. And even got a tweet from Neuromancer author (and Mac fan) William Gibson for good measure.

Here’s what Apple’s (apparently) got in store for 2019

By

The iPhone XS Max is 25 percent larger than any previous iOS handset. So how is it as an iPad mini replacement?
From new iPhones and major Macs to a refreshed iPod touch, this could be a great year for Apple hardware!
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

2018 was a great year for Apple devices, but 2019 could be even better, if a new report is to be believed. Issued over the weekend by noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, his research note runs down some of his hardware expectations for the coming year.

From redesigned MacBooks to Apple’s best-ever desktop display, this could be a year to remember. Heck, there’s even a new iPod in the cards, according to Kuo!

AirPods 2 in a new color could soon launch alongside AirPower

By

AirPods 2 might look something like this artist’s concept.
AirPods 2 might look something like this artist’s concept.
Photo: Caviar/Cult of Mac

The design of Apple’s AirPods is about to get a tweak, according to a new unconfirmed report coming out of Asia. Expect a fresh choice of color and a coating that will make these earbuds harder to drop.

This refresh is reportedly tied to the release of the AirPower wireless charger which is expected to launch at the same time.

Art of the commute: Dina Alfasi’s iPhone pix are a trip [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 284]

By

Dina Alfasi’s stealthy snaps of her fellow commuters are a trip.
Dina Alfasi's award-winning iPhone pix are a trip.
Photo: Dina Alfasi; cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Photographer Dina Alfasi’s stealthy snaps capture commuters in all their intimate glory. She tells us what informs her award-winning art in the latest issue of Cult of Mac Magazine.

Plus, get the latest on Apple’s upcoming TV shows and subscriptions services, plus how-tos that will help you make the most of your Apple gear. Grab your free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Or hit the links below to get the latest news, reviews and how-tos from our website.

Apple’s latest acquisition could give Siri a crucial boost

By

Apple
The company that made Barbie a conversationalist has been bought by Apple.
Photo: ToyTalk

Apple’s latest acquisition could give Siri a better chance at competing against Amazon’s popular voice-power assistant, Alexa.

Pullstring, a San Francisco-based startup that specializes in helping developers design, prototype and deploy voice apps has reportedly been purchased by Apple. The company’s platform helps create voice apps for Alexa and Google Assistant, and will likely help Apple make more tools for Siri.

Depth Control starts feud in funny new Apple ad

By

D5CF3129-981A-4C9B-B1D5-FE1123C0DAE1
“Did you just bokeh my child?!”
Photo: Apple

Depth Control is one of the best features on the new iPhones, but Apple shows that you might want to be careful about who you choose to use it on.

Apple just drop a hilarious new ad highlighting the new the feature that lets you adjust the amount of blur in a Portrait Mode photo. The funny 30-second ad shows two moms who start beefing with each other when one of them notices their child has been bokeh’d.

Get ready to giggle:

Ranking every iPhone by 4G data speeds

By

iPhone XS
Gigabit LTE on the iPhone XS is screamin fast.
Photo: Apple

Holding onto your old iPhone could be causing you to lose out on some serious 4G LTE speed gains made by carriers over the last few years.

A new study on the average iPhone 4G download and upload speeds in the United States found that iPhone 6 owners and earlier see seeds that are nearly 10Mbps slower than the latest iPhone models.

iPhone photographer turns lengthy commutes into works of art

By

Dina Alfasi
Israeli photographer Dina Alfasi finds beauty in her work commute.
Photo: Dina Alfasi

Dina Alfasi is like most commuters. As soon as she finds a seat on the train or bus, she pulls out her iPhone.

Alfasi may look like she is catching up with emails, streaming music or reading the news. Instead, Alfasi is making a discreet photograph of the person across from her.