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Cheaper Lightning-to-USB-C cables launching sooner than expected

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Lightning cables that plug into USB-C ports charge your iPhone more quickly.
Lightning cables that plug into USB-C ports charge your iPhone more quickly.
Photo: Apple

You could be able to get your hands on less expensive, but still MFi certified, Lightning-to-USB-C cables more quickly than first thought. Apple is allowing third-party manufacturers to produce these, and shipments could start in just a few months.

These cables allow iPhones and older iPads to charge far more quickly than Lightning-to-USB-A ones.

Kevin Durant TV show gets ordered to series by Apple

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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is branching into TV.
Photo: NBA

The early-life of NBA superstar Kevin Durant is set to become the focus of Apple’s latest TV show project.

Apple reportedly ordered Durant’s “Swagger” TV show to series this week, adding the sports-based drama to its growing roster of TV shows as the company prepares to launch its original content package next year.

Samsung busted using fake photos to demo a smartphone camera (again)

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Samsung uses this DSLR mage to demonstrate the Galaxy A8 Star’s camera.
Samsung uses this DSLR mage to demonstrate the Galaxy A8 Star’s camera.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung uses an image taken by a professional photographer to show off the capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star. That wouldn’t be a problem except the picture was taken with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, not the phone Samsung is pretending it came from.

If that wasn’t bad enough, it’s not the first time something like this has happened.

Biometric AirPods might fit better than ever

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AirPods wall display is on show in New York.
AirPods wall display is on show in New York.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Left and right ear versions of AirPods could soon be a relic of the past, based on one of Apple’s most recent patents that envisions a one-size-fits-all version of earbuds.

Apple’s completely redesigned AirPods aren’t expected to arrive until 2020, but if they use some of the tech proposed in the recently disclosed filing, they could be the smartest earbuds we’ve ever seen.

Improved TinType app gives selfies old-timey feel

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TinType app
The TinType app makes use of the TrueDepth technology for a more authentic shallow depth of field.
Photo: Hipstamatic

Instant gratification, the kind you get from a selfie, used to come on a thin sheet of iron.

A tintype photo was novel and relatively immediate in the late 19th century. Have your picture made then wait while the photographer developed the image. After a few minutes, you had a photo to share.

Users of the TinType app by Hipstamatic have been bringing that distinctive and, at times, haunting aesthetic to portraits and selfies since 2012.

iPhone production could head to Vietnam to avoid U.S. trade tariffs

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iPhone XS box gold
Bag yours before they're all gone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iPhone assembly partner Foxconn is considering the possibility of opening a new facility in Vietnam in an effort to avoid U.S. trade tariffs.

The factory would focus specifically on iPhone production, according to a new report. Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vu Tien Loc says talks with Foxconn are underway.

Steve Jobs’ autograph could cost you $50,000

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Steve Jobs autograph
That signature lower-case-letter-style of signing.
Photo: Nate D Sanders/Paul Fraser Collectibles

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had little time or interest in signing autographs for fans.

But if you are in possession of the rare exception, you have a signature considered the most valuable, according to a guide that tracks the values of the most sought-after autographs.

HSBC analyst says iPhone growth is ‘broadly over’

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Queue in Singapore
Fans lining up to get their hands on a new iPhone.
Photo: Apple

HSBC analyst Erwan Rambourg thinks that Apple’s hardware growth is “broadly over for now,” as iPhone sales stall.

Rambourg is the latest analyst to downgrade Apple’s price target. However, he doesn’t think investors should sell up just yet. “[It’s] too late to sell, too early to buy,” the analyst advised.

Deezer lets you discover your next favorite song using Siri

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Deezer 2
Siri will let you discover new music, via Deezer.
Photo: Deezer

Streaming music company Deezer wants to make it easier for users to play the music they want — by adding support for Siri Shortcuts. This means that you can now access your jam (as the kids say) by asking Deezer to “Play my favorite tracks.”

That puts 53 million tracks — including new releases, albums and curated playlists — at your fingertips at the tip of your tongue. And Deezer thinks it has the added secret sauce to make this extra special, too.

Enter to win 6 indestructible iPhone XS Max cases [Instagram Giveaway]

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Worth a whopping $200-plus, this bulletproof bundle could be yours for free in our iPhone XS Max cases giveaway.
Worth a whopping $200-plus, this bulletproof bundle could be yours for free.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

You know what time it is! ‘Tis the season of giving (aka treating yo’self).

To keep our promise of gifting tons of top-notch iPhone cases, we’re kicking off December with another Instagram giveaway.

The iPhone XS and XR case giveaways were a smash hit. Now, it’s finally time for the iPhone XS Max case bundle. Cult of Mac hand-picked six wicked cases from UAG, Just Mobile, Encased and Caudabe. Plus we’re throwing in a super-tough 3D tempered-glass screen protector.

Apple hopes big discounts will boost slowing iPhone sales

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Apple
Apple is changing up its sales strategy.
Photo: Apple

Apple is resorting to very un-Apple marketing strategies to try and bolster sales of this year’s new iPhones, a report claims.

These strategies include discount promotions via “generous” device buyback terms. The company is even moving marketing staff from other projects to try and come up with ways to move the iPhone XR and XS off the shelves. This could be proof positive that the new iPhones haven’t been selling as expected.

Microsoft’s new Surface Go ad blasts iPad as a child’s toy

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Surface Go ad 2018
Don’t give an iPad, apparently.
Photo: Microsoft

Think twice about buying your little ones an iPad for Christmas. Once they reach a certain age, Apple’s tablet just isn’t good enough, according to a new Microsoft holiday ad.

The hilarious 30-second clip features a young girl singing about all the reasons why the Surface Go is a better option. It suggests the iPad is a toy — not a “real computer” that’s fit for work.

Apple highlights the apps and games which ‘shaped entertainment’ this year

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Apple removes 17 malware apps which secretly clicked on ads
Apple also covers movies, music, and more.
Photo: Apple

Apple has released its year-end lists for the best apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Apple’s selections — which it claims “shaped entertainment and culture around the world this year” — are all available to buy via Apple’s platforms.

Here are some of the selections that made the cut.

Tim Cook promises Apple ‘won’t give a platform to violent conspiracy theorists’

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Tim Cook opening remarks WWDC 2017
Tim Cook said “I worry less about computers that think like people and more about people that think like computers.”
Photo: Apple

During his acceptance speech for the Anti-Defamation League’s first ever “Courage Against Hate” award today, Apple CEO Tim Cook made it clear that his company won’t shy away from taking moral positions. 

“We only have one message for those who seek to push hate, division or violence: You have no place on our platforms,” Cook said.

Rupert Grint will get terrified in M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple TV series

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This is what Rupert Grint does best, and he’s bringing that talent to Apple TV.
This is what Rupert Grint does best, and he’s bringing that talent to Apple TV.
Photo: Warner Bros.

One of Rupert Grint’s jobs playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies was looking terrified whenever appropriate. That might be the reason he’s been hired to be in the TV series M. Night Shyamalan is helping create for Apple.

This, like all the programs being filmed for Apple, will reportedly be free to watch on any Mac, iPad, iPhone, etc.

Apple store adds 10% discount for vets and military

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app store
Apple is lowering prices for the military.
Photo: Apple

Buying a new iPhone XS just got a lot more affordable for anyone that has served is or is currently surviving in the U.S. Military.

Apple revealed today that it has launched a new website that gives a 10% discount to vets and active military members that the company says is an expression of its gratitude for service.

iPhone falls ‘flat’ as Chinese smartphones dominate sales

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iPhone data privacy
Data privacy comes with the price.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The iPhone turned in a “flat” third quarter while Chinese brands Huawei and Xiaomi droves sales in their home country to grow their shares of the global smartphone market.

The smartphone market grew by 1.4 percent to reach 389 units. Take Huawei and Xiaomi out of the equation, and global sales would have declined by 5.2 percent, according to the research firm Gartner, Inc.

Dodgy apps use Touch ID/Face ID to rip off users

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Touch ID on iPhone
Don’t let an app ask for your identity with Touch ID or Face ID unless you know what it’s doing.
Photo: Apple

A pair of fitness applications were found to be tricking users into authorizing financial transactions. They have been removed from the App Store, but stand as examples of something to watch out for.

If third-party software asks for you to identify yourself with Touch ID or Face ID, carefully consider whether there’s a good reason before doing so.

Tumblr bans all porn after getting removed from App Store

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Tumblr
Porn is getting the boot from Tumblr.
Photo: Tumblr

Tumblr made the shocking announcement today that it is kicking all forms of pornography off its platform and Apple’s strict rules could be to blame.

Starting on December 17, Tumblr will no longer allow porn on its site. Tumblr says the change has come after several months of serious thought on who it wants to be, but its recent ban from the App Store is probably the biggest reason why.

Why HomePod’s ‘Hey Siri’ will blow you away

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Siri speaker
The HomePod's ability to hear at full volume is one of the most impressive feats.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple pulled back the curtain on some of the most complicated features of its HomePod smart speaker this morning with a new blog post that details the machine learning tech that goes into its ‘Hey Siri’ detection.

One of the biggest challenges with making a smart speaker is not only figuring out what to listen for but also what sounds to discard in the process. Apple’s engineers have come up with a number of interesting methods to make Siri work even when you’re blasting tunes our of the HomePod’s speakers.

Hear the Grammy nominations first on Apple Music

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Apple Music will reveal Grammy nominations before the Academy does.
Apple Music will reveal Grammy nominations before the Academy does.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Recording Academy is trying something unusual with this year’s Grammy Awards: nominations for some of the categories will be announced via Apple Music.

If you’re very eager to find out which artists are  up for Grammies this year, you can get up early Friday morning and tune in via your iPhone, Mac, or iPad.

Lower price is most popular Apple Watch feature

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Series 3 price
The 40mm Series 4 Apple Watch compared to the 42mm Series 3 Apple Watch.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple continues to put more of its smartwatches on the wrists of customers thanks largely these days to a reduced price on its Series 3 model.

Apple sold more than 4 million Apple Watches in the third quarter, a 54 percent increase in year-over-year growth.

Epic sends out icy teaser for Fortnite season 7

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Fortnite season 7
Wrap up warm because it’s going to be a cold one.
Photo: Epic Games

Fortnite’s seventh season is just a few days away and fans are ready for another round of big changes to Battle Royale.

We’re all hoping for a snowy map makeover for the holidays, and Epic Games has all but confirmed we’ll get it with its first season seven teaser.

Samsung slips up with another tweet from iPhone

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Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Oops! They did it again!
Photo: Samsung

Samsung has been caught tweeting from an iPhone … again.

The South Korean company used an Apple device to publish a message promoting the Galaxy Note 9’s edge-to-edge display. The monumental gaffe led to the temporary but complete deactivation of the Samsung Mobile Nigeria account.

Apple’s first 5G iPhone won’t arrive until at least 2020

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iPhone 5G
Apple's in no rush to be the first 5G smartphone maker to market.
Photo illustration: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anyone hoping for a 5G iPhone in 2019 is going to be sorely disappointed, a new report claims. That’s because Apple is supposedly holding off plans to launch a handset on the ultra-fast 5G network until 2020 at the earliest.

That likely means that rivals like Samsung will be able to win more customers, short term, by rushing to beat Apple to the punch. However, for anyone who has followed Apple for a while, this move is no surprise.