Hey Siri, play may favorite podcast. Photo: Johannes Eret
Siri Shortcuts are proving to be one of the most useful new additions in iOS 12. If you’re a fan of Cult of Mac‘s weekly podcast, The CultCast, we’ve got the perfect shortcut that’ll ensure you never miss an episode.
Among the new features in Office 2019 for Mac is Focus Mode in Word. Photo: Microsoft
Microsoft Office for Mac just got its first major update in years.Previews of the 2019 edition have been appearing for months, but the wait for the full version is over.
It brings loads of new features to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The long wait for Waze on Apple's CarPlay in-dash system is over. Photo: Waze
For too many years, the only navigation application for CarPlay users was Apple Maps. But iOS 12 changed that. Last week, CarPlay users got access to Google Maps. And now the rival Waze is an option.
This means that all three of the most popular turn-by-turn smartphone navigation titles can be used with Apple’s in-dash system.
Apple wins benchmark and real-world comparisons of the performance of the iPhone XS Max and the Galaxy Note 9. Screenshot: SuperSaf TV
Both Samsung and Apple offer really large smartphones fo those who want to carry a miniature tablet around with them everywhere. Anyone trying to decide between the iPhone XS Max and the Galaxy Note 9 should consider which one offers better performance.
In several head-to-head tests, the iPhone solidly beats its Android-based rival. That’s in both benchmarks and real-world use.
The iPhone XS display is an absolute stunner. Photo: Apple
Apple knocked it out of the park with the new OLED display on the iPhone XS Max.
Reviews have been glowing about the huge new screen ever since it came out last week and now one of the most objective testers in the business has rated it as the best smartphone display ever made.
It took the LEGO brick master Spencer R two years to build his replica Apple Park. Flickr screenshot: Fabrizio Constantini/Spencer R
As architecture to behold, the Apple Park “spaceship” campus has received the ultimate validation — as a Lego model.
The iconic ring, the circular Steve Jobs Theater, the fitness center, and even the plant life have been faithfully re-created at approximately 1/650th scale by a brick master who goes by Spencer R.
The iPhone XS Max is Apple's best selling model by a wide margin. Photo: Apple
When it comes to iPhones, it appears bigger is much better. The iPhone XS series debuted on Friday, and a respected analyst reports the larger of the two is selling far, far better than its smaller sibling.
The analyst also reports that the new Apple Watch Series 4 is selling better than he expected.
If you’re under 65, fall detection isn’t enabled. Photo: Apple
Don’t just assume your new Apple Watch Series 4 will be there to help you when you drunkenly fall into a neighbor’s flowerbed on your way home from the bar. If you’re under 65, fall detection is disabled by default.
Here’s how to enable it to ensure your emergency contact knows when you’re in trouble.
Pandora is about to become part of Sirius XM. Photo: Pandora
Two of the biggest companies in the music business are teaming up to try to better take on Spotify and Apple Music.
Sirius XM revealed today that it plans to acquire the music streaming service Pandora in a $3.5 billion all-stock deal. The merger is far from a done deal though and according to a report, Pandora will have the opportunity to find a better deal from another company.
Shortcuts app from iOS 12 Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The smartphone has become a useful tool in shining a light on police abuse and overreach. Now, there’s a Siri shortcut that quickly readies your iPhone to record your experience with police during a traffic stop.
The shortcut was created by Reddit user Robert Petersen of Florence, Arizona, who suggests having users place their iPhone in a dash mount while driving.
Steve Jobs famously adopted a “paint the back of the fence” approach when it came to design, making sure that the parts of his computers people didn’t see were every bit as attractive as those they did.
While it might strike some as obsessive levels of perfectionism, it also showcases the fact that Apple really does sweat the little details when it comes to its products. Well, it took a few years, but that same mentality has finally arrived on the Apple Watch — as a new teardown reveals.
Apple acquisition meant that Shazam turned a profit in 2018 Photo: Apple
Apple has confirmed its acquisition of Shazam is now complete, nine months after it was first announced.
The company’s first move will be to rid the music service, which is used more than 20 million times every single day, of pesky ads that most users have to endure. Later on, Apple promises more great ways to discover and enjoy music.
The redesigned Salesforce app will bring exclusive features to iOS next year. Photo: Apple
Apple has entered into a new partnership with Salesforce to deliver new iOS apps focused on business.
Salesforce is redesigning its app and adding exclusive new features as part of the deal, while Apple has vowed to provide tools and resources to help millions of Salesforce developers create their own native apps for iOS.
The new iPhones are Apple's priciest ever. Photo: Apple
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Apple doesn’t go out of its way to pass savings on to to customers.
According to a new report, despite the cost of NAND flash memory halving in price over the past year, Apple hasn’t reduced the cost of its iPhones accordingly. In fact, Apple charges the same 78 cents-per-gif that it did in 2017 — meaning that the iPhone is even more profitable.
This week we look at iOS 12-ready apps Halide and Sorted 3, and then listen to podcasts with Ferrite and Overcast. You’ll also find apps for scuba divers, obituaries and making the most of your local music scene.
Apple's proposed U.K. campus will be located in the iconic Battersea Power Station. Photo: Alberto Pascual/Wikipedia CC
Apple is making contingency plans in the event that its proposed giant U.K. campus in London’s iconic Battersea Power Station is delayed.
According to a new report, Apple is coming up with backup options “just in case” it is impossible to realize the creation of the new campus by December 2020, as planned.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max boast the strongest glass ever used in a smartphone, Apple says. But is it strong enough?
New tests reveal that although Apple’s devices may be tougher than their predecessors, they’re still not unbreakable. Drop one on a sidewalk and it will almost certainly result in a pricey repair bill.
The Apple Watch Power Bank by Zens is a handy little battery pack for your timepiece. Photo: Zens
If you’ve managed to order Apple Watch Series 4 last night, you’re going to need something to fire up your stunning new band.
From pocket-sized, portable chargers to sleek, modernist stands and cases, we’ve got your Series 4 charging needs covered. Some even double as iPhone chargers, or can charge several Apple devices simultaneously.
Check out Cult of Mac’s reviewed and recommended lineup of the best charging stands for Apple Watch Series 4.
According to a new report, Apple is aiming for shows with broad appeal, which translates as no “gratuitous sex, profanity or violence.” While this rule won’t be an absolute, it does mean that only a small number of Apple TV shows will receive a TV-MA rating.
Hold two iPhones in Ullu's Dual Case made of full-grain or hand-colored leather. Photo: Ullu
In shopping for a stunning case to outfit your new iPhone XS or XS Max, you might spot an accessory that hints at an even richer lifestyle — one that holds two iPhones.
People with two phones, one for personal and the other assigned by a boss for work, is not that unusual. But, elites in the Middle East, where Apple has about 60 percent of the smartphone market, tend to carry two iPhones by choice.
For those of us who own more than one iPhone, with a penchant for carrying them both around, the Dual Case is worth a look. For the rest of us, check out Ullu’s great lineup of iPhone cases for the XS and XS Max.
A brand-new iPhone deserves a brand-new case. See Nomad's debut of three new cases for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Photo: Nomad
What’s good for Apple Watch Series 4 is good for the new iPhones XS, XS Max and XR. We’re talking about Nomad’s much-loved leather, Apple-inspired accessories including Apple Watch straps and rugged iPhone cases.
From folios to wallet to protective cases built from the best materials and finest leather sourced from the Horween Leather Co. in Chicago. These well-built cases will protect that gorgeous new iPhone in minimalist style.
Check out Nomad’s just-released lineup of strong and sturdy cases for Apple’s newest iPhones.
There's a right way to set up your iPhone. These tips will help. Image: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
In this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine: If you’re one of the smiling Apple fans who picked up an iPhone XS or XS Max today, use these tips to ensure you get everything up and running optimally.
Just got a new iPhone XS but are confused about where to find all of its amazing new features?
Apple just put out a new video that gives an in-depth look at all the fun new stuff you can do with the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Depth Control, Dual SIM, Memojis and much more are all covered in the quick video. It should help you master your new device.
Bag yours before they're all gone. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Today Apple finally released the iPhone XS, XS Max and Apple Watch Series 4. Now, in true Cult of Mac YouTube tradition, we’ve gotten our hands on it and made an unboxing video.
You can see the full unboxing in all of its golden glory, the box design, its contents and a quick hands-on with the iPhone XS.
This is one of the prettiest docks we've ever seen. Photo: Belkin
iPhone XS and Apple Watch Series 4 owners looking for the perfect chargers to both of their new devices just got a lot of love from Belkin with a dock that works on both iPhones and Apple Watch.
Belkin introduced its new BoostUp wireless charging dock for iPhone + Apple Watch today that not only keeps your new tech juiced up, but it’s also so pretty you won’t be ashamed to have it on full display in your house.