Apple today rolled out its second iOS 11.3 beta ahead of a public launch this spring. The update is available to download now for registered developers, alongside a second beta of tvOS 11.3.
Apple is cutting back on the purchasing of corporate bonds as it prepares to bring home overseas cash. Changes to tax laws in the United States mean Apple no longer needs to hold so much money in foreign countries. Alphabet and Oracle are also cutting back.
Apple’s quest to build the perfect sounding speaker could also give a huge boost to audio quality on future iPhones, iPads and Macs.
To promote the launch of its new HomePod speaker, Apple gave journalists a behind-the-scenes look inside the custom audio lab it built to fine-tune every aspect of HomePod’s sound. Not only did Apple one of the best audio teams in the world, but it also gave them tools no company in the world can match.
In the first reviews for Apple’s new HomePod speaker, everyone totally raves about the smart speaker’s pristine sound quality. Siri, on the other hand, doesn’t sound so brilliant. Many critics argue that Siri sucks compared to other voice assistants, highlighting its struggles with accuracy and responsiveness.
Apple seeded a few review units to major outlets ahead of this Friday’s HomePod launch. The embargo lifted this morning, and the early reviews reveal a few surprising tidbits about the HomePod.
Here’s what people are saying:
Apple appears to have sent ad spend and install reports to the wrong app developers. A number of people have reported the mistake on social media, but it’s not clear exactly how many developers are affected.
Music journalist Alex Gale is the new head of editorial for Apple Music, according to a new report. Gale, who has previously worked for the likes of Billboard, XXL and Vibe, will be responsible for all written content on Apple’s music platforms.
Battery life on the iPhone X got you down? Consider downgrading to an iPhone X knock-off fresh out of China.
The Chinese company Oukitel unveiled its newest iPhone copycat this week that comes with a lot of the same features for a fraction of the cost, including a vertically stacked dual-lens camera and face unlocking.
The iPhone X’s biggest competition of 2018 is nearly here and unfortunately for Samsung, the unveiling won’t be much of a surprise.
Photos of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9 leaked online today revealing some of the new features Samsung has copied from Apple, along with some new colors the iPhone can’t match.
Check it out:
Tablet sales are still on the rise worldwide and based on a new report from the International Data Corporation, Apple’s iPad is one of the biggest reasons why.
The IDC published its latest analysis of the tablet market today and according to the firm’s analysts, the detachable tablet market grew 10.3% this past holiday season compared to the year before and Apple was one of the only companies to see much growth.
Ullu offers a taste of the accessibly exotic with its line of handcrafted leather bands for Apple Watch. The Apple-centric accessories brand offers luxurious bands in stingray and ostrich, as well as its signature Italian leather bands.
Peruse the collection of colorful, artisan-made bands in our Watch Store, and step up your style for spring. Ullu’s Stingray bands for Apple Watch are on sale for $99 (regularly priced at $249). Order now in time for Valentine’s Day!
Apple’s new HomePod is flying off shelves with shipping times already slipping, but some Apple fans are already dreaming up what the next generation HomePod will look like.
Concept designer Martin Hajek published a beautiful new set of renders that imagine what HomePod might look like if Apple expands the product category to include larger and smaller versions of the HomePod just like with the iPhone. One of the mockups even brings back the iPod’s iconic click wheel.
Take a look:
Apple Music is on track to overtake Spotify as the biggest music streaming service in the United States. Apple’s service has been growing twice as fast, according to industry sources. If it maintains its current pace it will topple Spotify this summer.
Apple could deliver its first new devices of 2018 next month. A new report claims the company is gearing up to launch a new iPhone, iPad and MacBook in March. We’ll have to wait longer for an Apple Watch Series 4, however.
HomePod shipping estimates have finally started slipping just days before the speaker makes its big debut. New customers in the U.K. will now have to wait until February 13 for delivery, but Apple retail stores will be selling HomePod this Friday.
Apple has teamed up with Cisco and others to offer a new cyber risk management solution for businesses.
The package combines the most secure technology from Apple and Cisco with cyber insurance from Allianz and cyber resilience evaluation services from Aon. It is designed to help organizations better protect themselves from today’s cyber risks.
This year’s iPhone lineup will rely exclusively on Intel modems, according to one reliable analyst. Apple previously bought modems from Qualcomm, but it seems Cupertino is shunning the chipmaker in light of a series of recent lawsuits.
Apple is investigating another iPhone X bug that’s causing users to miss incoming calls.
Some report that their device refuses to wake when a call is received, leaving them unable to answer it. It appears the problem surfaced in December but Apple has only just acknowledged the complaints.
With Valentine’s Day just a little over a week away, finding a unique gift for your favorite female tech-lover just got a bit easier. Gift her with a beautifully made Apple Watch band designed for women by women.
Bezel’s & Bytes transforms Apple Watch into jewelry with its decidedly-female collection of metal-accented bands that’ll go seamlessly from work to a night out.
Bezels & Bytes bands include beautiful packaging, making the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for those female tech-lovers out there. Take a look in our Watch Store.
A fun retro game that’s packed to the gunwales with zombie blasting action is just one of our selections for this week’s “Awesome Apps of the Week.”
In addition, we’ve got a neat update to GarageBand, a trippily brilliant door-tilting puzzle game, and YouTube’s premium skinny TV bundle finally come to Apple TV. Check out our picks below.
Apparently, we can forget about big new features for iOS 12, as Apple is reportedly focused on “addressing performance and quality issues” in 2018. But, this is great news! Cult of Mac Magazine shows you five things that should rise to the top of Cupertino’s fix-it list.
In this week’s issue, you’ll find that story and more. Graham Bower explains why it sucks when fitness apps don’t share your workout data with Apple, while Apple confirms HomePod’s supported audio sources. And, discover how to make Mac’s Launchpad useful again. Get your free subscription to Cult of Mac Magazine from iTunes. Or read on for this week’s top stories.
Apple’s refurbished store is stocking up on new products heading into February.
Right after Apple added refurbished iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus units to its store this morning the company also added the latest generation Apple TV, giving customers an option to get it at a discount.
Sweet deals on HomeKit-compatible LED light bulbs and an iMac make it easy to gussy up your home or office. Plus, we found a great buy on a refurbished iPhone SE, and an aluminum charger that will store and juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all in one place!
HomePod orders are now “preparing for shipment” one week after Apple kicked off sales. Customers who have already claimed their device are seeing their credit cards charged ahead of the speaker’s February 9 launch.
As promised, YouTube’s $35-per-month YouTube TV service has landed on Apple TV.
The premium package, which offers a skinny bundle of 40+ live TV channels, has previously only been available on Apple TV if users ran it via AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad. Today marks the first time there has been a native Apple TV app.
Apple Watch owners who complete February’s Activity challenge will be rewarded with exclusive iMessage stickers. The event, which runs from February 8 to February 14, celebrates American Heart Month.