Make no mistake. This cord has been tagged. Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac
Buoy Tags, in a nutshell, are labels for cables. Apparently, some of us could use them.
I didn’t know this until my little box of Buoy Tags arrived. But once I saw the little clip-on tags, I could see how they might solve a common problem in households with multiple devices, or in communal offices where everyone plugs into power strips.
This old Wacom Bamboo stylus is more than enough "pencil" for many people. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
I’ve owned an Apple Pencil since I bought the first iPad Pro a few years ago. There’s nothing to touch it when it comes to drawing and painting on the iPad, but I found I didn’t ever use it for that. I mark up PDFs, make selections when editing photos, and sketch the odd diagram.
This time around, I’m saving my $130 by not buying the Apple Pencil mkII. Why? I don’t need it. Instead, I’m using the cheap, dumb stylus I found in my jam jar of pens and pencils. Let me tell you why.
Casetify's saffiano leather printed bands pack a punch in design and durability. Photo: Casetify
If you love Apple Watch Series 4’s streamlined body but crave some color and vibrancy to up the fashion ante, look no further than these saffiano leather Apple Watch bands from Casetify.
The Cult of Mac Watch Store partnered with Casetify — big believers in self-expression through tech accessories — for a while now. But this season the company smashed the refresh button and completely revamped its brand and its Apple Watch band designs. Now, dreamers, playmakers and game-changers can fulfill their style needs with Casetify’s artful Apple Watch bands.
Magnets are one of the neatest features in the new iPad Pro -- even though you can't see them. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
One of the neatest features of the new 2018-era iPad Pro is something you can’t even see from outside. That’s the fact that it’s studded with 102 small magnets, which allow you to attach the Apple Pencil, stick it to the Smart Keyboard Folio, or even adhere it to your fridge door if you’re feeling brave.
But just how are the magnets distributed inside Apple’s next-gen tablet? Using some special magnet paper, tech vlogger Marques Brownlee found out.
Built from the same steel alloy as the Apple Watch, Wiplabs' Link Apple Watch Bracelet is the perfect companion for your new Apple Watch. Photo: Wiplabs
Link is Wiplabs’ beautiful Apple Watch link bracelet crafted from 316L stainless steel alloy with a custom butterfly closure.
It’s the best way to enhance your Apple Watch at a reasonable cost. We filmed an unboxing video to give you a hands-on glimpse at this handsome accessory, which is available now at the Cult of Mac Watch Store.
This is a simple tip, but until I worked it out it was driving me crazy. In landscape orientation, the iPad Files app’s sidebar is always present, making it easy to get to any favorite folder, location or label, pretty much instantly.
In portrait, though, the sidebar disappears. However, there are two easy ways to make it come back, neither of which involves tapping the back arrow until you arrive at the root level of iCloud Drive.
The new iPad Pro is Apple’s best ever portable computer. Photo: Andrea Nepori
Since I got an new 2018 iPad Pro on launch day last week, I’ve used it exclusively. I haven’t touched my aging, decrepit Mac all week. I’ve used the iPad for work, and for play, so I’ve given it a pretty good workout. The short review is: It’s fantastic, and better in almost every way.
The long review? There are still plenty of annoyances.
Futurists claim the iPad has already eliminated the need for a Mac. Realists say nah. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Since the new iPad Pro’s launch, debate about the powerful devices has become increasingly polarized into two opposing camps: futurists and realists.
The futurists argue that the iPad is the future computing. Apple’s tablet has eliminated the need for laptops, they say, and anyone who claims they can’t manage their workflows on iOS is living in the past (and should just get with the program).
The realists, on the other hand, retort that while the iPad may be cool, it remains limited by iOS in a lot of very important ways. Those limitations mean it is currently impossible to use the iPad as a primary workstation for pros.
The iPhone XS is a serious camera, so give it the attention it deserves. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Were you ever in the middle of trying to get that perfect photo, framing it just-so, and tweaking the exposure and focus for the perfect shot, when your mother called to remind you of your own child’s birthday? It could totally happen. And for pro photographers using the iPhone as their preferred camera (which is a great idea, BTW), the risk of interruptions is even greater.
That’s why noted iPhone photographer Austin Mann came up with a great way to shut up your iPhone while you’re busy shooting. It’s called Shoot Mode, and it’s yet another example of how useful Siri Shortcuts can be — even in tiny doses.
The Smart Folio Cover also eliminates the camera bump. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
If you buy a new iPad on launch day, and you want a cover or case, you’ll probably have to buy one from Apple. The first-party covers are great, but the prices are absurd. After using a Smart Cover on my old 1st-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro for a few years, I swore to myself that I’d wait it out this time, until good third-party cases went on sale, instead of wasting cash on a Smart Folio Cover.
But, after just a couple of hours with the new iPad Pro, I realized there was no way to carry it in my bag without a case. So I put it back in its box, walked to the Apple Store, and gave Apple another 120 euros (or $136 at current exchange rates). Was it worth it?
A one-piece diamond ring looks spectacular. But it'll sure as heck cost you! Photo: Sotheby's
Want to show your Apple-loving significant other that you really care about them? If so — and you happen to have $150,000-$250,000 at your disposal — you might want to participate in a new Sotheby’s auction for a diamond ring designed by none other than Sir Jony Ive and BFF Marc Newson.
The one-of-a-kind ring was designed to raise money for (RED), a charity that raises money to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa. Over the years, Apple has raised millions of dollars for the charity — and Ive has had the chance to design one-off objects such as minimalist desks in the process.
iFixit has finally gotten around to tearing apart the 2018 iPad Pro.
Unsurprisingly, it has discovered lots of big improvements under the hood of Apple’s latest tablet, and more chips than you can shake a stick at. Plus, there’s good news and bad news for DIY repairers.
The Smart Keyboard Folio turns the 2018 iPad Pro into a notebook. Photo: Andrea Nepori
Anyone planning to use a 2018 iPad Pro for business probably needs an add-on keyboard. Apple’s own offering in this category is the Smart Keyboard Folio, which wraps tightly around this new tablet, both protecting it and providing the text input method so many of us depend on.
Because it’s made by Apple, nearly everyone who buys an iPad Pro considers getting this accessory, but the price will give you reason to pause.
We put one through extensive testing to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Wear your Apple Watch in a unique way with the brand-new Silver Arrow Charm Necklace by Bucardo. Photo: Kristal Chan/Cult of Mac
Need a little extra flare in your Apple Watch game? Bucardo’s Apple Watch charm necklaces transform your Apple Watch into a beautiful accessory, and we took it for a little spin in our unboxing video!
Fashion meets functionality — in wearing these stunning, stainless steel charm necklaces, the Apple Watch is still clearly visible, incorporating itself into the necklace itself. It’s a unique and aesthetically appealing way to showcase and use your special timepiece, and it’s available in our Cult of Mac Watch store.
Just Mobile's TENC case and Xkin screen protector are perfect for Apple fanatics who love showcasing the iPhone X lineup design and craftsmanship. Photo: Courtesy of Just Mobile
There’s nothing worse than bulking up your beautiful, sleek iPhone with awkward, beefy cases. But it’s all in the name of protection right?
I decided to test out two of Just Mobile’s incredibly slim and discreet iPhone accessories – both available in our Cult of Mac Watch store.
The iPad loves a nice bit of keyboard action. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Did you know that the Smart Keyboard Folio you just bought for your new iPad Pro can do a lot more than just type letters and words into your apps? Just like the Mac, the iPad can use keyboard shortcuts to make life a lot easier. In fact, the iPad shares many keyboard shortcuts with the Mac, so once you’re through with this list, you should try out your favorites.
And don’t worry if you don’t have a Smart Keyboard. These shortcuts work with any connected keyboard, be it Smart, Bluetooth, or USB. In fact, most keyboards actually do more for the iPad than Apple’s own.
Your new iPad pro has some neat tricks up its sleeves. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
How’s that new iPad Pro? I love mine, apart from the short USB-C cable that won’t stretch to my desk while I’m working. You’ve probably been scouring the web for tips and trick to get more out of your new beast. Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve been doing the same, and gathered all the 2018 iPad Pro tips together here, in one place.
Is the 2018 iPad Pro or a MacBook a better option for you? Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
The dividing line between MacBook and iPad Pro gets narrower every year. The new iPad Pro models added a USB-C port, further reducing the differences. This is a good opportunity to consider which is the right choice for your next computer.
There’s a tremendous amount of overlap in what tablets and notebooks do. But each is better than the other at some things. For many people, a MacBook is still the best option. But for others, an iPad Pro is a better way to go. Read on for suggestions on how to decide.
The new iPad Pro, Smart Keyboard Folio, and 2nd Generation Apple Pencil are finally here! Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
It’s finally here – Apple’s most drastic change to iPad since it was introduced in 2010. The brand new iPad Pro with slimmer bezels, a gesture-based UI, blazing fast processors, and a downright gorgeous design. It’s the first Apple product in a long time that I’m truly excited to get my hands on.
Don’t try this at home. Or at the office. Or anywhere, really. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
The new 2018 iPad Pro has a lot of magnets inside. There are around 90 of them on the back of it alone, just to stick it to the Smart Keyboard Folio or the ridiculously priced new Smart Folio cover, according to tests done by Pocket Lint. But those magnets are also great for sticking the iPad Pro to a refrigerator door like a giant fridge magnet.
Rugged and subtly glossy Italian leather expertly crafted into an exceptional watch band worthy of your Series 4. Photo: Strapa
We’re back with another Strapa leather Apple Watch band unboxing video! We just can’t keep our hands off Strapa’s luxury bands.
This time around, we’re hands-on with the Primus, available in the Cult of Mac Watch store. True to its name, this strap is seriously a prime example of top-grade artisan craftsmanship and design.
The new 2018 iPad Pro is a lust object you probably don’t need. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Every 2018 iPad Pro review I’ve read seems to be written by someone who doesn’t use the iPad like a pro. Most of the reviewers focus on using Apple’s new tablet they way most people do: reading the internet, doing some mail and watching lots of video.
Which is a shame, because there’s a lot to like in this iPad for “power” users, aka folks whose everyday carry is an iPad. People like me. The iPad has been my most-used device for years. I do everything on it. (Everything, ironically, except writing articles — but that’s because my ancient 27-inch iMac still works fine, and I like to use a trackpad for editing text.)
Rather than reviewing the iPad Pro from the point of view of a “normal,” I’m going to talk about this gorgeous new device like someone who uses an iPad for work every day.
The awesome new 2018 iPad Pro deserves some awesome accessories. Photo: Andrea Nepori
You’ve got your new iPad Pro, and it’s all set up. Now, you might want to start tricking it out with accessories. The bad news is that most of your old accessories won’t work. The good news is that some of them will, and the rest can be replaced, or hooked up with dongles. Let’s check out the best accessories for the new 2018 iPad Pro.