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News - page 82

Get a speedy new MacBook every 2 years with Upgraded subscription

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The MacBook Upgrade Program from Upgraded.
It's easy to sign up and get started.
Photo: Upgraded

A fresh approach to owning a MacBook is here. With Upgraded’s subscription service, you can enjoy the latest MacBook every two years without the hefty upfront cost.

Starting at just $36.06 per month for a MacBook Air and $52.17 for a MacBook Pro with AppleCare+ included, this service keeps you updated with the newest models seamlessly. Interest rates start at 0% and vary based on your credit score. You can check out all available models at getupgraded.com.

Dark Matter season 2 is possible

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'Dark Matter' is a multiverse mystery on Apple TV+
The writer and one of the stars of "Dark Matter" seem interested in making season 2.
Photo: Apple TV+

Blake Crouch, who wrote the bestselling novel Dark Matter that was adapted into a hit Apple TV+ series, said this week he’s open to the idea of making season 2.

The sci-fi thriller’s season one finale premiered Wednesday.

Free ChatGPT Mac app brings AI to your desktop now [Awesome Apps]

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OpenAI logo on a screen
OpenAI introduces a native ChatGPT app for Mac, and it's free for all users.
Photo: Unsplash
Awesome Apps

OpenAI made the native ChatGPT Mac app available for all users Wednesday. It gives Mac users easy access to the artificial intelligence capabilities of the cutting-edge chatbot, as well as features not available with the web interface.

The free macOS app is “designed to integrate seamlessly into anything you’re doing on your computer,” according to OpenAI.

iPad dominates tablet market as Mac gains on PC

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iPad and Mac sales report - M4 iPad Pro
iPad sales declined overall, but Apple's tablet pretty much owns the market.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Consumer and business computer spending data for 2024’s first quarter shows iPad maintaining dominance in tablet sales, while Mac shipments show significant growth in the PC sector, according to a new report.

And in even better news, the analysts expect to see computer market growth through 2025.

3 good docks for M1 MacBook Air with external displays [Setups]

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dock for MacBook Air
This user sought advice on good docks to connect his MacBook Air to a display.
Photo: [email protected]

There’s a lot to love about M1 MacBooks, but easy connectivity with multiple external displays isn’t on the list. So people often wonder which dock or adapter might suit their need to use one or more external displays with the laptop. Today’s M1 MacBook Air user asked for advice and got it. You can check out the three main recommendations for a good dock for MacBook Air below.

Apple diagnostic tool makes DIY iPhone and Mac repairs easier in Europe

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Apple offers parts and tools needed to fix your own MacBook
Fixing your MacBook is easier if you know what's broken.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair software tool launched on Europe on Wednesday. It lets those who want to fix their own iPhone or Mac identify which parts may need repair.

In addition, Apple announced that MacBook Air models with the M3 processor that launched in March 2024 are now part of the Self Service Repair program.

Trailer shows Land of Women not safe from gun-toting thugs [Out now on Apple TV+]

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Land of women trailer
In one scene, the mom asks for wine because she doesn't want to "die sober."
Photo: Apple TV+

Vineyards in rural Spain might not be far enough away from murderous New York City loan sharks for safety, judging by the Land of Women trailer. The six-episode dramatic-comedy series starring Eva Longoria debuts Wednesday on Apple TV+. And it looks pretty fun.

Update: Apple TV+ released the first two episodes, or “chapters,” of Land of Woman today. Early reviews call it “winning,” a “feel-good drama” and a “palatable comfort-food family portrait.”

Leaked Apple Watch Series 10 renders reveal bigger display

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Apple Watch Series 10 leaked CAD render
Are you ready for a bigger Apple Watch?
Render/Graphics: 91Mobiles/Rajesh Pandey

Supposed CAD renders of the Apple Watch Series 10 leaked online Wednesday, revealing a device with a bigger display than its predecessors. The renders show Apple’s upcoming smartwatch with a 2-inch display.

Despite the bigger screen, the Apple Watch Series 10 will seemingly be smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline star in psycho-thriller on Apple TV+

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psycho-thriller Disclaimer on Apple TV+
Looks like things are about to go south for the big-time author played by Cate Blanchett.
Photo: Apple TV+

Looks like Cate Blanchett might get a vile taste of her own medicine at the hands of Kevin Kline in upcoming psychological thriller Disclaimer, according to a “first look” at the limited series Apple TV+ put out Tuesday. That could be dawning horror on the Oscar winner’s face in the new image, above.

Notably, Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity, Roma) created and directed the show. Based on a bestselling novel, Disclaimer premieres on Apple TV+ October 11.

Apple, why can’t older iPhones handle ‘Apple Intelligence’ AI features?

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Apple Intelligence was announced by Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering
When Apple Intelligence was unveiled at WWDC24, Craig Federighi didn't answer a burning question.
Photo: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be able to run Apple Intelligence features, but no other current phone can handle the upcoming AI-powered features. Apple’s reasons for the limitation seem somewhat vague, at least so far. They don’t fully explain why a 2-year-old iPhone chip isn’t up to the job but a 4-year-old Mac chip is.

As it stands, some people harbor suspicions that it’s an attempt to force iPhone users to upgrade to the latest models this fall. And some iPhone 15 owners are angry that their relatively new devices won’t be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence.

Cult of Mac asked Apple to explain the decision but we didn’t hear back. So, I’ll do what Apple hasn’t: Go through a range of hardware features and explore what role they might play in keeping Apple AI off so many iPhones.

Apple and Meta reportedly discussed AI partnership for Apple Intelligence [Updated]

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Meta AI logo with iOS 18 logo
After talks broke down, it looks like Meta's AI won't come to iOS 18.
Photo/Graphics: Meta, Apple, Rajesh Pandey/CultofMac

In a move bound to raise eyebrows, Apple and Meta Platforms reportedly discussed integrating Meta’s generative AI model into Apple Intelligence. Besides Meta, AI startups Perplexity and Anthropic also reportedly talked with Apple about integrating their offerings into Apple Intelligence.

Update: The initial report of a possible partnership to bring Meta’s Llama large language model to Apple Intelligence made it sound like talks were ongoing. However, a new story published Monday said Apple rejected Meta’s LLM “months ago.”

Apple wants to cut number of iPhone assembly workers by half

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Apple wants to cut number of iPhone assembly workers by half
The number of people assembling iPhone could drop 50%.
Photo: Foxconn/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly told the companies that assemble the iPhone to replace up to 50% of their employees with automation.

It’s an ongoing effort, and one that supposedly began after riots at a Foxconn plant several years ago over stringent Covid restrictions.

NZXT Relay gaming gear amps up Mac mini rig’s sound [Setups]

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NZXT peripherals and accessories
Most of the gear here is from NZXT. So let's look into that.
Photo: [email protected]

Not being huge PC gamers, we aren’t particularly familiar with NZXT, a company based in Los Angeles that makes high-performance gaming PCs and the gear that goes with them. So when we saw today’s M1 Mac mini setup looking like a giant ad for NZXT, we thought we’d give it a look. The user loves his NZXT Relay lineup of gear, including powerful speakers and a wired headset with a surprisingly functional stand.

Apple could face huge fines for breaking ‘steering’ rules under Europe’s DMA

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The European Commission's draft law could force companies to detect, remove and report CSAM.
The European Union's DMA is proving to be an enormous challenge for Apple.
Photo: European Commission

The European Commission said Monday that it made a preliminary decision that Apple breached the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Apple’s rules “prevent [iPhone] app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content,” according to the EC.

The commission also said it started an investigation into whether Apple’s new Core Technology Fee complies with the DMA. If Apple doesn’t change its policies, the EC could levy extremely heavy fines.

These iOS 18 features won’t arrive until later this year

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Some iOS 18 features won't be ready for launch.
Some iOS 18 features won't be ready at launch.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

iOS 18 will bring lots of useful features, big and small. But when the new iPhone operating system launches later this fall, you won’t get to enjoy all its new additions on day one. Many headlining features won’t arrive until later in the year or early 2025. But which iOS 18 features will be delayed?

Here’s a roundup of iOS 18 features that won’t arrive on launch day. Note: Many of these delayed features also will come to iPads and Macs in iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. For the purposes of this article, we will talk in terms of iOS 18 only.

Apple’s cheaper Vision headset might require a tethered iPhone or Mac

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Vision Pro 2 in 2027?
Don't expect the Vision Pro 2 to launch anytime soon.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly wants to launch a cheaper AR/VR Vision headset, codenamed N107, as soon as late 2025. While the company set this plan even before the Vision Pro‘s launch, it might fail to meet the deadline.

The company’s engineers are struggling to reduce costs without affecting the headset’s key features.

Will Apple’s vision for a cheaper headset pay off? [The CultCast]

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Photo of person wearing Apple Vision Pro with dollar signs in her eyes. Plus, The CultCast logo, episode 652.
Will a stripped-down Vision headset, with a radically cheaper price tag, put a ding in the universe?
Photo: Apple

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple seems dead-set on producing a much more affordable version of the Vision Pro. The current $3,499 price tag is definitely a dealbreaker. But will a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset take off? We discuss the pros and cons — and a possible solution!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple’s former obsession with making its products thin and light might make a comeback. Maybe even with Apple Watch Series 10 later this year.
  • We might not have too much longer to wait for MacBook Pros powered by M4 chips.
  • Griffin the risk-taker gives us his hands-on impressions of iOS 18, including 11 “hidden” features that Apple didn’t even mention during the WWDC24 keynote.
  • And finally, the MoviePass saga gets a proper retelling, in the form of an HBO documentary.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Spotify introduces a cheaper Basic streaming plan

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Spotify logo on iPhone
Spotify has launched a cheaper Basic streaming tier.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Following a price hike in the US earlier this month, Spotify has unveiled a cheaper streaming music plan for its users. The new “Basic” streaming tier costs $10.99/month, $1 cheaper than the Premium plan.

Spotify charged the same price for its Premium plan before increasing it in early June. That was the company’s second price hike in less than a year.

Europe won’t get Apple Intelligence AI features in spat with EU

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Europe won't get Apple Intelligence AI features in spat with EU
Sorry EU, no Apple Intelligence for you!
Image: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Apple revealed Friday that it will not introduce in the European Union the artificial intelligence features for iPhone, Mac and iPad it recently announced. The company blamed the EU’s Digital Markets Act for the decision.

Several other new features of the upcoming macOS Sequoia, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will also not debut in the EU.

When will iOS 18 public beta launch?

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iOS 18 public beta release date
You will have to wait for a few weeks for iOS 18 public beta.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple dropped the first iOS 18 developer beta right after the opening keynote of WWDC24. While the build packs several changes, many headline features are missing, and it is also buggy. But what about the iOS 18 public beta, which should bring even more features and offer better stability? When will it arrive?

The timing should be similar for the upcoming iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia public betas, too.

Top up iPhone fast on the road with new Satechi Qi2 car charger

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qi2-wireless-car-charger-car-chargers-satechi-191405.png
Satechi's new Qi2 wireless car charger will top your iPhone or Android device with speed.
Photo: Satechi

The new Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger will replenish your iPhone or Android handset battery fast on the road, the well-known tech accessories company said Thursday. That’s because the compact, space-gray Qi2 charger packs a full 15 watts of charging power, MagSafe-style, rather than the routine 7.5 many older chargers bring.

So if you have an iPhone 12 series handset or newer, or a Qi2-enabled Android phone, it can get a nice extra energy boost in the car.

1Password adds recovery codes support for seamless account recovery

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1Password gains support for recovery codes.
You now have another way to reclaim access to your 1Password account.
Image: 1Password

1Password — a popular password manager for iPhone, Mac and other platforms — added support for recovery codes Thursday. This will make it easier to recover your account when you can’t remember your password.

Recovery codes also will help you get into your 1Password vault if you lose access to your Secret Key.