Mobile menu toggle

News - page 81

Handsome desk shelf brings calm to chaos [Setups]

By

Fenge monitor stand setup
The white Fenge monitor stand, or desk shelf, is one of the coolest choices we've seen lately.
Photo: [email protected]

Monitor stands, aka monitor risers or desk shelves, are often unsung heroes of computer setups. Even just a single shelf can add so much in terms of organization and ergonomics. In today’s colorful and artistic Mac mini workstation, the Fenge monitor riser is crucial. Without it, the desktop would devolve into chaos. 

Hollywood Con Queen trailer lays out scammer’s lusts

By

Hollywood Con Queen trailer
The documentary's trailer does, indeed, make it look like a shocking scam.
Photo: Apple TV+

A juicy and lurid new documentary crime series is coming to Apple TV+ soon with Hollywood Con Queen, judging by the fast-paced trailer the streamer dropped for it Thursday. It “explores the shocking story behind one of Hollywood’s biggest scams.”

The three-part docuseries premieres May 8 on Apple TV+.

TSMC cutting-edge 2nm chip production might come too late for 2025 iPhone

By

TSMC looks ahead to super-speedy 2nm processors
2nm processors made by TSMC will be faster while using less power than today's 3nm iPhone and Mac chips. But there's bad news.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Although Apple’s chip-maker TSMC will start making processors with a 2nm process in 2025, production could begin too late for next year’s iPhone.

Still, TSMC says 1.6nm chips will go into production in 2026.

Manage iPhone and iPad from Mac with revamped iMazing 3

By

iMazing 3 app redesign
This is a major overhaul of the app, which lets you manage functions and content on iPhone and iPad.
Photo: DigiDNA

The new iMazing 3 app redesign brings a fresh user interface and Vision Pro connectivity support to the software, developer DigiDNA said Wednesday. The widely used software helps you manage iPhone, iPad and iPod content and functionality from a Mac.

“In the eight year since we released iMazing 2, regular updates have improved functionality and expanded device and OS support,” said DigiDNA CEO Jerome Bedat.

“To achieve our vision for iMazing 3, we had to redevelop our approach, with a modern user interface and new codebase that will allow us to deliver features in the future that no one else can offer,” he added.

What new features to expect in Apple Pencil 3 [Updated]

By

What new features to expect in Apple Pencil 3
It's not challenging to guess that Apple Pencil 3 is on the agenda for the May 7 Apple event.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Pencil 3 is apparently right around the corner, and leaks indicate the next iPad stylus will offer several features not in the previous one. That includes a new “squeeze” gesture, haptic feedback and Find My support.

Plus, it might also work as a Vision Pro stylus.

WhatsApp for iPhone gains passkey support

By

WhatsApp logo
Passkey support finally comes to WhatsApp for iPhone.
Image: WhatsApp

WhatsApp is making it easier to log into your account on your iPhone with passkey support. The feature will allow you to verify your identity through Face ID, Touch ID, or device PIN.

Once you have set up a passkey for your WhatsApp account, you can set up the app on a new iPhone through biometric authentication, skipping the SMS code entirely.

New iPhone activations hit a six-year low in the US

By

iPhone 15. New iPhones will get Presto iOS updates.
iPhone sales tanked in the US, but that doesn't mean buyers are switching to Android.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple saw iPhone activations decline to 33% of new smartphone activations in the US in Q1 2024, the lowest number in the country since 2017, according to a market-research firm. In the year-ago quarter, iPhones accounted for 40% of new smartphone activations in the US. In just 12 months, the company has seen its share fall by 7%.

The decline doesn’t necessarily stem from a lack of interest in Apple’s products — iPhone’s share of the installed smartphone base has actually increased. Partly it’s because iOS handsets last so long.

Apple Watch Series 9 hits official Apple refurbs store at satisfying discounts

By

Apple Watch Series 9 refurbished
A refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 is as good as new but costs much less.
Image: Cult of Mac

Savvy shoppers can now buy Apple Watch Series 9 from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store. It’s a no-risk way to pick up the wearable at up to $110 below the usual price.

These are primarily devices that consumers bought then returned so supplies and selection are somewhat limited.

Say goodbye to hopes for mini-LED iPad Air [Updated]

By

12.9-inch iPad Air with mini-LED display won't happen
The upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will use a standard screen, not a mini-LED one.
Nope: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The analyst who predicted last week that the first 12.9-inch iPad Air would include a mini-LED display has now walked it back.

The upcoming super-size version of the tablet will instead apparently use a standard type of screen.

Artist loves his iPad Pro stand for good reason [Setups]

By

Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand
This M1 Mac mini setup features a lot to look at, but don't miss that cool iPad Pro stand on the right.
Photo: [email protected]

Sometimes what stands out in a computer setup isn’t a major piece, like a computer or display, but a cool accessory. Today’s colorful M1 Mac mini workstation with dual displays and loads of artwork features a cool accessory one could easily miss — a Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand.

Small businesses get special Today at Apple sessions

By

Made for Business Today at Apple sessions
The new sessions feature business owners teaching other business owners how to make the most of Apple products and services.
Photo: Apple

A special Today at Apple series by and for small-business owners is coming in May to select Apple Stores, the iPhone giant said Wednesday. New “Made for Business” sessions will offer small business owners and entrepreneurs free opportunities to learn how Apple products and services can support them.

“At Apple, we know small businesses are the backbone of local communities, which is why we are constantly innovating to help at every stage of their growth,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.

“Our retail stores provide only-at-Apple experiences such as community and education sessions, free Today at Apple programming, and ongoing support from in-store experts who help small businesses find the perfect technology to supercharge their work,” she added.

Calculator app for iPad might finally launch in iPadOS 18

By

iPad calculator app
Finally. Finally.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In a long overdue move, Apple will reportedly integrate a Calculator application into the iPad operating system. The change — which is somehow both minor and monumental — will supposedly come when iPadOS 18 launched this autumn.

In the mean time, there are already several calculators hidden in the iPad.

Apple cuts Vision Pro shipments as demand slows

By

Vision Pro and battery sitting on pine table
The Vision Pro and its connected battery.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple lowered production targets as Vision Pro demand drops for the mixed-reality headset in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That suggests lower-than-expected demand among consumers as Apple plans to roll out the headset to new countries.

The company now plans to manufacture only 400,000 to 450,000 units this year, significantly lower than the initially anticipated 700,000 to 800,000 units.

Nomad’s new Sport Band and iPhone case glow even brighter in the dark

By

Nomad Glow accessories
You will see this guy and his Nomad Glow accessories coming, even in the dark.
Photo: Nomad

Apple accessories maker Nomad turned up the wattage Tuesday on its second-generation glow-in-the-dark Sport Band for Apple Watch. And it also unveiled its first-ever Glow Sport Case for iPhone 15 Pro models. They both glow in the dark — even more so than the first Glow Sport Band.

New Trying season 4 trailer shows comedy cast ‘older not wiser’

By

Trying season 4 trailer
The season 4 trailer for comedy "Trying" is out. The kids are getting older.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ heralded the birth of a new season of popular family comedy Trying with a season 4 trailer Tuesday. It charmingly shows everyone getting older as the London family faces life’s little problems, including those adopted kids. After all, six years have passed in the story since season three’s action. They’re “older not wiser,” according to the show’s tagline.

The trailer is not exactly uncontrollably laughing-out-loud funny. But, like the show, its moments of wry humor will draw smiles and a chuckle or two. The fourth season debuts May 22 on Apple TV+.

Surprise! Apple sets May 7 event to launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air

By

Surprise! Apple sets May 7 event to launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air
Apple's next product launch event will be May 7. iPads are finally coming!
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple just invited the world to a May 7 product-launch event with the theme “Let Loose.” As an Apple Pencil is prominently included in the invitation’s image, there’s no doubt that two much-rumored new iPad models are on the agenda.

What is surprising is that there’ll be an event to announce the products, not simply a press release.

Apple FineWoven accessories: Not quite dead yet?

By

FineWoven Apple Watch bands
FineWoven accessories like Apple Watch bands may not be gone yet, but it seems they will go soon.
Photo: Apple

The same leaker who pronounced Apple’s FineWoven material dead Sunday said Tuesday the leather replacement will live one more “season” in new colors. Apple uses the textile in iPhone cases and wallets, Apple Watch bands and some AirTag accessories like keychains.

Presumably, Apple will find a way to replace the heavily criticized material soon, and probably without returning to leather goods, as the leaker implied in their original post on X.

Analysts see hopeful signs even as iPhone sales slide in China

By

iPhone sales in China
iPhone sales in China slumped, but momentum could shift in Apple's favor.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In the first quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China slid 19.1% compared to Q1 2023. And that’s mainly due to competitor Huawei taking a bigger bite in the premium segment, according to new research. And yet analysts indicated possible signs of recovery for Apple, too.

New cases come out ahead of 12.9-inch iPad Air

By

ESR cases for 12.9-inch iPad Air - Rebound Hybrid Case 360
Rebound Hybrid Case 360 features a shock-resistant clear back and lets you mount Pad Air in landscape or portrait orientations.
Photo: ESR

Rumors say a new 12.9-inch iPad Air will come out soon. And ESR is banking on it early with the release of its new range of cases for the expected tablet — the first time Apple would offer that size outside of its iPad Pro lineup. If you’re looking for a durable and functional esr ipad case, check out ESR’s latest iPad accessories.

KEF speakers drive MacBook Pro outfit’s crystal-clear sound [Setups]

By

KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers
The setup's M3 Pro MacBook Pro has six speakers. But who cares when there are also KEF speakers.
Photo: KEF

A more than capable M3 Pro MacBook Pro powers today’s computer setup, but its six-speaker sound system won’t be needed. That’s because the medical student who own the rig has the good taste to include fantastic KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers.

He’ll just have to keep the powerful speakers’ volume in check to avoid having to see an ear doctor.

Why iPhone 16 might dump physical buttons for capacitive ones

By

Closeup of iPhone 15’s new Action button.
No more traditional buttons like these. iPhone 16 could use capacitive ones instead.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The upcoming iPhone 16 series will have no traditional buttons at all, according to information leaking out of the company that will supply the capacitive buttons that will supposedly replace them.

If true, the change would make the iOS devices more durable and waterproof.

Apple might have stopped making FineWoven accessories

By

The Apple FineWoven case is the best official Apple case for iPhone 15.
Time to say goodbye to Apple's FineWoven iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands?
Photo: Apple

Apple reportedly ceased the production of its FineWoven iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. Announced alongside the iPhone 15 series in September 2023, the woven material replaced leather in Apple’s accessories lineup.

However, users criticized the FineWoven material for its poor durability and in-hand feel. Its shortcomings became especially evident after a few weeks of use.

iOS 18 AI features could run entirely on-device

By

iOS 18 concept video
Apple could run iOS 18's AI features on-device on the iPhone.
Concept: Kevin Kall

Apple’s large language model that will power iOS 18’s AI features could run entirely locally. This would prioritize user privacy and offer faster response times.

However, running AI features on-device will have downsides, as they might not be as powerful as on some Android phones.

Mac mini might skip Apple M3 processor

By

Mac mini might skip Apple M3 processor in favor of M4
With no M3 version on the way, iMac mini M2 will stay around until the M4 chip arrives.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

There will never be a version of the Mac mini with the Apple M3 processor, according to a reliable tipster. Instead, the inexpensive desktop will wait for the next-generation chip.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that the wait supposedly won’t be terribly long.