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Introducing Tim Cook: The Genius Who Took Apple to the Next Level

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Tim Cook book cover
Learn all about Apple's current CEO.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Tim Cook is seriously underrated. Seven years after taking over as CEO from Steve Jobs, the narrative that he’s riding his predecessor’s coattails needs to change. It’s just not true.

Cook is his own man, transforming Apple in his own way. See Monday’s Apple credit card and subscription News+ app as examples, which are centered on customer privacy, a big Tim Cook mandate.

The company today is a better corporate citizen than it was in the past. And as a business, it’s firing on all cylinders. Cook is doing almost everything right. Some pundits are beginning to argue he’s Apple’s best CEO yet.

Apple’s new apps clearly reflect Tim Cook’s values [Opinion]

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Apple services
Part of the whole customer experience business model.
Photo: Apple

Watching Monday morning’s “It’s show time” keynote, I was struck by how much Tim Cook is stamping his values on what Apple is doing.

While writing a book about Cook last year, I accidentally stumbled on six values he has been championing at Apple:

  • Accessibility
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Inclusion and diversity
  • Privacy
  • Supplier responsibility

These are the things Cook has been pushing internally since taking over from Steve Jobs in 2011. These are the priorities of his leadership, reflecting the things he wants to get done and the internal values that guide what Apple employees do and how they do it.

Monday’s keynote was a chance to witness these values in action, to see the kinds of products and services his priorities are helping to create.

All the services Apple unveiled at its ‘show time’ event

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Apple services
Today's keynote didn't feature any new hardware.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s services business is about to kick things into overdrive in 2019. During the company’s “It’s show time” event at Apple Park this morning the company unveil a slew of new services that cover everything from news to credit cards.

There was something for everyone to get excited about at today’s event that packed more celebrity power than any Apple event ever. Tim Cook finally gave us a look at the original TV shows Apple has been brewing up for years, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding Apple’s new services.

Everyone from Netflix to big banks were put on notice today with Apple’s new services lineup. Only one of the new services are launching today, but there’s still a lot to look forward too.

Apple takes on Netflix with its own original TV service

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CEO Tim Cook before a picture of actors, directors, and producers of Apple TV+ original shows.
CEO Tim Cook before a picture of actors, directors, and producers of Apple TV+ original shows.
Photo: Apple

Hundreds of TV shows are available through dozens of streaming services, and Apple has just added itself to the mix with a stable of original programs. But rather than increasing the complexity, Apple is hoping to simplify everything by becoming a one-stop-shop for multiple offerings, including HBO, Showtime and more.

This service is called, logically enough, Apple TV+

Apple Arcade brings exclusive new games to iOS and Mac

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Arcade 1
Apple Arcade could be a game changer. Literally.
Photo: Apple

Apple has unveiled Apple Arcade, a new subscription game which will allow iOS and Mac gamers to access a plethora of games in an “all-you-can-eat” subscription service.

“We want to make gaming even better,” said Tim Cook. Based on what Apple showed today, they may well have succeeded.

Apple News+ brings you all the magazines for $10 a month

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Apple News+ trial
Some aren't happy with Apple's tactics.
Photo: Apple

You can now find your favorite magazines inside Apple News.

A new subscription provides access to a wealth of periodicals from the likes of Vogue, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker. It also features content from The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times.

You can read as many as you like, as much as you like, for just $9.99 a month.

Got AirPower envy? Power up with these charging alternatives

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Our watch store guide to the best chargers while you wait for your beloved AirPower to eventually maybe (one day???) arrive.
Our watch store guide to the best chargers while Apple's MIA AirPower eventually, maybe (one day???) arrives.
Photo: ZENS

With new Apple products released almost everyday last week, the anticipation for AirPower’s long-awaited launch has reached an all-time high. However, will Apple actually deliver this time around? Rumors a-plenty have teased us for long enough.

Save your heartache and pining and opt for tons of great chargers with our speedy Watch Store guide. Your perfect match is just a click away.

Make sure you stick around for the very end of our list. We saved the best of last.

Even Apple’s partners don’t know what its streaming TV service will cost

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AirPlay 2
You’ll be able to subscribe to HBO through the Apple TV service but HBO doesn’t know what it’ll cost.
Photo: Apple

If you’re curious about the cost of the Apple TV service set to debut on Monday, you’re in good company: apparently, the media companies that will provide much of the content are almost equally in the dark. 

Still, they think they might know something about Apple’s plans, and it’s good news for users of iPhone, iPad or Mac.

How to use iOS Spotlight like a launchbar for your iPad

By

Let these shortcuts take care of your morning routine, so you can focus more on important things, like breakfast.
Let these shortcuts take care of your morning routine, so you can focus more on important things, like breakfast.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Every morning, after I park my iPad in its desk stand, I start writing the same way: I play the same music playlist; I start the Focus app, which reminds me to take breaks; and I create a new Ulysses sheet to start typing in. And I do all of these almost without touching the screen.

You’d be surprised at how much you can do on the iPad with just the keyboard. Today we’re going to see some cool examples, plus a bonus Good Morning shortcut.

New Macs! New iPads! New AirPods! We break down this week’s releases, on The CultCast

By

CultCast 380 MacBook Pro
Apple spent the whole week releasing new hardware.

This week on The CultCast: Apple just released so much new hardware, they had to do it over 3 full days. We’ll break it all down, and react to all the new gear. Plus, the saga of MoviePass continues with yet another new wild announcement… but is their new unlimited plan too good to be true?

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain..

OtterBox folio case protects the iPad Pro while showing it off [Review]

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OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 review
OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 has a clear back so your iPad Pro can be seen.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 has everything you’d expect from a folio case designed for Apple’s latest iPad Pro, but it also includes a feature that might surprise you: the back is clear, allowing you to show off your 2018 iPad Pro while still protecting it.

We used this slim case for several weeks, so read on to learn how it did in out testing.

How Apple’s TV service can stand out in a crowded market

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The Apple TV app is expected to be the hub of this company’s streaming video service.
The Apple TV app is expected to be the hub of this company’s streaming video service.
Photo: Apple

Apple is undoubtedly going to throw its hat into the streaming TV markets during a big press event on Monday, where its service will have to compete against dozens of rivals, some household names.

Although the announcement is still a few days away, we already know quite a bit about how Apple will try to make its offering stand out.

How to delete all your tweets with Cardigan

By

Tweet tweet, delete delete!
Tweet tweet, delete delete!
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Want to delete your tweets? Maybe you don’t like keeping all those years-old opinions hanging around. Or maybe you just don’t like Twitter having so much info on you, all in one place. Or maybe you’re just sick of Twitter and want out, but not without nuking it from orbit before you go.

The trouble is, it takes an age to manually delete all your tweets. Unless you want to drive yourself crazy, you’ll need to use a third-party tool to do it.

While authorizing a third-party service to use your Twitter account might seem a bit scary, if you’re deleting everything anyway, who cares?

I picked Cardigan for this how-to, as it seems like the nicest of the tweet deleters. Here’s how to use it.

Are AirPods 2 worth the price of an upgrade?

By

AirPods 2. AirPods S, more like.
The second-gen AirPods are like an "S" upgrade.
Photo: Apple

Will you buy Apple’s new AirPods? They look fantastic. They offer longer battery life, quicker connections, “Hey Siri” support, and there’s even an optional wireless charging case. But are all those extras enough to make you upgrade if you already own first-gen AirPods?

AirSnap gives new AirPods the tough protection they deserve

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A gorgeous leather case armors your new AirPods 2 against theft, damage, and debris.
A gorgeous leather case armors your new AirPods against theft, damage and debris.
Photo: Twelve South

Yesterday, Apple launched the long-awaited second-gen AirPods, and its online stores are already having trouble keeping the updated wireless headphones in stock. You’ll likely be waiting a little longer while Apple races to keep up with orders. With impressive new features like the Wireless Charging Case, H1 chip, “Hey Siri” support and up to 50 percent more talk time, you’ll also be needing durable protection to keep these new accessories pristine and safe.

Enter AirSnap, the perfect way to keep your brand-new (and pricey) AirPods safe from damage, debris and theft. Snag this ultra-stylish and compact leather travel case while you wait for your new AirPods to ship.

Why this week’s Apple PR blitz is brilliant [Opinion]

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Updated iMacs, AirPods, and iPads have all debuted this week. What’s next?
Updated iMacs, AirPods, and iPads have all debuted this week. What’s next?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple isn’t following its usual strategy for product launches. Rather than holding a press event during which a collection of devices gets shown off, it spread the news out across multiple days this week.

This bold new approach brought plenty of attention to products that might otherwise have gotten lost in the furor around bigger announcements. And it’s also creating excitement about what’s coming next.

SliQ wireless AirPods charging case will save you money, drive you mad [Review]

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You can have wireless AirPods charging right now, if you must, with SliQ silicone AirPods case.
You can have wireless AirPods charging right now, if you must.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Dying to charge your AirPods wirelessly but hesitant to plunk down $79 for Apple’s new wireless charging case? If so, you might consider dropping $25 on a SliQ silicone cover for your AirPods case.

It’s a relatively inexpensive way to add Qi wireless charging capability to your AirPods right now. But a variety of drawbacks should make you think twice.

New AirPods deliver hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ and better battery life

By

2019 AirPods
The new Wireless Charging Case is also available.
Photo: Apple

The wait for new AirPods is finally over.

Apple’s newest wireless buds are here with a brand new H1 chip that allows for hands-free “Hey Siri.” They also promise better battery life in between charges, and even faster connectivity.

An optional Wireless Charging Case is also available, but it’s not cheap.

The new iPad Air is Pro enough for most people [Opinion]

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In some ways, the iPad Air is better than the Pro.
In some ways, the iPad Air is better than the Pro.
Photo: Apple

The new iPad Air is a monster. It’s practically as powerful as the top-of-the-range iPad Pro, but costs around $300 less. You lose a few features — the magnetic Apple Pencil 2, ProMotion, etc. — but for most people that probably doesn’t matter.

In fact, the new iPad Air is so good that it’s probably good enough for most people. And for some folks — professional musicians, for example, or people who hate headphone dongles — it’s even better.

Please, Apple, sort out your product naming nightmare [Opinion]

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Jumbled letters
Apple's new iPads underline its problem with product naming.
Photo: Lucille Pine/Flickr CC

As thrilling as new Apple devices are, this week’s surprise hardware updates really screwed the pooch on one important front: product naming.

The “new” iPad Air and iPad mini join a lineup of tablets with a variety of features and price points that will boggle the minds of even the most ardent Apple fanatics.

How did Apple’s naming strategy go so far off the rails? For the sake of the average customer, Cupertino’s once-brilliant branding needs to kick into gear. Because right now, the toxic hellstew of Apple product names is utterly confusing.

Travel light and look good doing it with Italian leather iPhone wallet cases

By

Wally takes style and functionality to the next level.
Wally takes style and functionality to the next level.
Photo: Kristal Chan/Cult of Mac

You’re grabbing a drink with friends or heading out to the bars for a night of fun, and the last thing you want is to worry about your cards and cash all night. Plus, there’s nothing worse than having your phone, keys and wallet jingling and jumbling around your pockets while you’re trying to bust a move on the dance floor (yikes).

Whether you’re bar hopping or just needing to travel light and worry-free, carry your valuables safely and compactly with Ullu’s premium leather Wallet Cases for iPhone.

Three attached pockets allow you to carry credit cards, cash and ID with ease. Choose from nine gorgeous Italian leather options. These cases are practical and powerful, well worthy of your stunning iPhone.

Faster iMac delivers Intel’s latest chips and Vega graphics

By

Apple iMac 2019
The modern iMac is a stunner... and last on our list.
Photo: Apple

The standard iMac is faster than ever thanks to a surprise refresh that delivers Intel’s ninth-generation processors and powerful Vega graphics.

Apple says its refreshed all-in-one offers a “dramatic increase” in both compute and graphics performance, making this “the world’s best desktop.” You can order yours today from the Apple Online Store.

iPad Air vs. Pro vs. mini: Which one’s right for you?

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The complete iPad lineup now includes Apple Pencil support, best-in-class performance, advanced displays and all-day battery life, Apple says.
There's an iPad for everyone.
Photo: Apple

Apple today added two new iPads to its lineup while dropping the 10.5-inch iPad Pro released in 2017. It now offers five different tablets, each of which has its own advantages. So how do you choose the right one?

Which iPad is best for unparalleled performance? Which one offers more bang for your buck? Which is starting to look a little long in the tooth?

Our in-depth comparison shows you exactly how all five of Apple’s current iPads stack up — and helps you decide which one is worth your hard-earned cash.