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Apple Store targeted in ‘organized criminal enterprise’

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Six people were arrested as a result of the scheme.
Photo: Apple

Apple Stores in Chicago were the target of “an organized criminal enterprise,” resulting in the arrest of six people from New York State, according to a new report, citing Lake County authorities.

The sheriff’s office claims that the suspects made fraudulent purchases from Apple Stores using stolen identities and credit cards.

Ford putting CarPlay, Android Auto into 2017 lineup

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Ford CarPlay
CarPlay is coming to your next Ford.
Photo: Ford

Ford today confirmed plans to put CarPlay and Android Auto into all of its 2017 cars, SUVs, electric vehicles, and light trucks. The platforms will become part of the company’s own Sync 3 system, allowing drivers to connect their iPhone or Android device.

Iris scanner will put the ‘eye’ in iPhone in 2018

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Apple devices will scan the iris of the user's eye
The window to your soul will soon be the key to your iPhone.
Photo: Bill Dickerson/Flickr

In the near future, you won’t even have to touch your iPhone to unlock it.

Smartphone manufacturers are racing to add new iris-scanning technology to devices, and Apple is also reportedly planning to join the battle by bringing the feature to iPhones in 2018.

How to share, compare and compete with watchOS 3’s Activity rings

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Get set to test yourself to the limit with your Apple Watch.
Get set to test yourself to the limit with your Apple Watch.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is getting a ton of new features this fall for fitness freaks, giving wearers the ability to not only track their own fitness better than ever, but also go head-to-head with other Apple Watch-loving friends.

With iOS 10 and watchOS 3, Apple Watch owners can share their Activity rings to view each other’s progress and compete to be fittest person in the clique. Here’s how to get started:

KansasFest is a second-chance childhood for one programmer

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Martin Haye, left, and Ivan Drucker talking Apple II hacking at KansasFest.
Martin Haye, left, and Ivan Drucker talking Apple II hacking at KansasFest.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac 2.0 bugCult of Mac’s David Pierini traveled to KansasFest to meet Apple fans intensely devoted to the Apple II computer line. The machine turns 40 next year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – They say they travel to KansasFest to feel like kids again. Fest attendees stay up all night laughing, arguing and eating pizza. They program and play games on their Apple II machines and call each other nerd or geek.

Bullied and closeted as a boy, Martin Haye describes KansasFest as the childhood he wished he’d had.

“If I had this when I was 13, I would’ve been fine,” says Haye, 48, a programmer for the California Digital Library who lives in Santa Cruz. “I didn’t try to fit in but I was little, I carried a briefcase to school, I was a target. I have a good life now, but this week is the most intense, sustained, predictable happiness I’ve ever had.”

Apple puts Bob Mansfield in driving seat for secret car project

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This is what he looks like when he's driving it.
Photo: Apple

Bob Mansfield has been chosen to head up Apple’s “secret” electric car project three years after stepping down from his executive role, according to a new report.

Mansfield was previously in charge of Mac hardware at Apple and led development of products like the MacBook Air, iMac and iPad.

New photos offer first glimpse at supposed iPad Pro 2

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iPad Pro 2 leak
Something's not quite right about this iPad Pro.
Photo: AppleInsider

If you’re sick of looking at photos of the iPhone 7, perhaps this apparent iPad Pro 2 leak will leave you satiated. The images purportedly give us our first glimpse at Apple’s early prototypes ahead of this fall’s iPad refresh — but can we trust them?

The photos, which were sent into AppleInsider, don’t give too much away. Don’t expect them to spoil Apple’s big press event this September, then. One thing they do tell us is that Apple still hasn’t fixed its big bezel problem.

Apple could confirm major iPhone milestone this week

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money
Apple may announce billionth iPhone sold during tomorrow's earnings call.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Nobody’s expecting big things from Apple’s quarterly earnings call this Tuesday, but it is possible that we’ll hear one incredibly significant metric announced at the event: Apple’s sale of its billionth iPhone.

While it is likely that iPhone sales will continue to decline this quarter — with 40 million likely to be reported as the number for the past three months — the billionth sales mark would serve to underline once again just what an enormous success the iPhone has been for Apple.

These steel Lightning cables are the Terminator of iPhone chargers [Deals]

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Titan's steel-sheathed Lightning cables are tough and convenient.
Titan's steel-sheathed Lightning cables are tough and convenient.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Lightning cables we use to charge and back up our mobile devices are like lifelines, but they’re also prone to fraying and breaking. That’s why Titan has made their line of steel-sheathed MFi-Certified cables like tanks. They’re reliable and tough and pretty cool looking, too.

iPhone 7 might not go by the name you’re expecting

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iPhone 7 camera lens
Is Apple's next iPhone going to be called the iPhone 6SE?
Photo: TechTastic

A new rumor coming out of China suggests that September’s next-gen iPhone won’t be called the iPhone 7 as expected, but rather the iPhone 6SE — continuing the naming scheme Apple introduced for its 4-inch iPhone SE earlier this year.

A separate report, meanwhile, suggests that it’s likely to debut on Friday, September 16. That’s just two months’ away…

Apple opening an app development center in India

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Apple supplier is increasing its ability to build masses of iPhones in India
Apple is continuing its Indian drive.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple plans to open a new high-end app development center in Bengaluru, India, according to a new report, citing people familiar with the company’s plans.

The report claims that Apple has already come to terms concerning a 40,000 square foot office space, spread across two floors. It is likely that this space will house around 300 people, and will open in early 2017.

Trulia, KLOCKI, and other awesome apps of the week

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If you're appy and you know it, check our list!
'Appy weekend all!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you’re looking to unwind this fine Sunday by sampling the latest App Store delectables for your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Apple TV, look no further: Cult of Mac has your back!

Whether you’re on the hunt for a great mashup between two classic card games, a real estate app optimized for your Apple TV, or more, we’ve got what you’re searching for.

Check out our picks below. You won’t be disappointed.

Lil Wayne edition Beats by Dr. Dre and more [Week’s Newest Deals]

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Keep your phone in sight, within reach, and out of hand while driving.
Keep your phone in sight, within reach, and out of hand while driving.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Hard to believe we’re well into the second half of the year, and just like the first half we’re bringing you new deals on gear and gadgets every week. This time around we’ve got a sleek car mount for your phone, a set of premium Dr. Dre’s Beats Pro, a massive bundle of design assets and a powerful tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. They’re all going for massive discounts, including the option to name your price. Take a look:

KansasFest solder session proves there’s fun in melting metal

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Rachele Lane watches her husband, John, try his hand at soldering at KansasFest.
Rachele Lane watches her husband, John, try his hand at soldering at KansasFest.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac 2.0 bugCult of Mac’s David Pierini is at KansasFest this week to write about the community of people who celebrate the foundational Apple II computer.

KANSAS CITY, Mo – If you’re going to carry a torch for the Apple II computer, you better know how to control its heat and melt a little solder.

The Apple II will turn 40 next year. Many of these seminal machines will light up like new thanks to a community of people who have to be their own Genius Bar. So KansasFest is not just about love, but the labor of keeping that love alive.

Learn essential skills, protect yourself from snoops and more [Week’s Best Deals]

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Learn project management, one of the most lucrative skills in today's job market.
Learn project management, one of the most lucrative skills in today's job market.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Another week, another bunch of great new deals. We’ve gathered some of the very best, from training in lucrative skills like project management and Swift development, to a tool for working from any computer remotely and super secure virtual private network access. It’s all discounted by no less than 50 percent, take a look:

How to get fit with Pokémon Go

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Catching them call could help get you in shape
Catching them all can help get you in shape
Photo: Graham Bower / Cult of Mac

Unless you’ve been snoozing like a Snorlax, you can’t have escaped the phenomenon that is Pokémon Go. The smash hit instantly revolutionized mobile gaming (and rejuvenated Nintendo’s fortunes), and it’s also helping Pokéfans around the world get in shape.

You see, Pokémon Go is more than just a game: It is actually a fitness app in disguise. And with the help of these top tips from a Pokémon Master, you can ensure you are maximizing your fitness gains while you pocket the best Pokémon at the same time.

Should Apple streamline its product lineup? [Friday Night Fights]

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streamlining Apple product lineup
Do you find it difficult to choose Apple products?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s product portfolio has expanded quickly since Tim Cook replaced Steve Jobs as CEO, what with the launch of larger iPhones, Apple Watch and the 12-inch Retina MacBook. But are things getting out of hand?

Friday Night Fights bug Some fans might argue Apple has too much on its plate, and that other products — particularly its software — are suffering as a result. Others might argue that Apple needs everything in its current lineup — and more! — to keep up with the competition.

So, who’s right? Join us in this week’s Friday Night Fight as we exchange insults and virtual blows over whether Apple desperately needs to streamline its product lineup.

This guy makes badly aged Apple computers sparkle again

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retrobrite
Javier Rivera takes the yellow out of vintage computers at KansasFest.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac 2.0 bugCult of Mac’s David Pierini is at KansasFest this week to write about the community of people who celebrate the foundational Apple II computer.

KANSAS CITY, Mo – Love is a chemical reaction and Javier Rivera has the formula to make love feel brand-new. He just mixes salon-strength peroxide, some arrowroot and OxiClean laundry booster.

At KansasFest, an annual gathering of loyal Apple II lovers, festgoers bring their yellowed computers to Rivera, whose special mix can remove the yellow staining on the computer’s plastic pieces and make them look like they just came off the assembly line.

How to use macOS Sierra’s ‘Picture in Picture’ feature

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Picture in Picture macOS Sierra
One of macOS Sierra's most longed-for features, surely?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

While I’m watching a YouTube instructional video or keeping half an eye on a TED Talk while answering emails, the ability to keep a small video window open on my screen while I switch between apps is something I’ve wanted for ages.

That’s exactly the purpose of the new Picture in Picture (PiP) feature found on macOS Sierra. So long as it’s been implemented by web developers, the feature works with video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo — and more are sure to be added over time.

Here’s how to use it when running the new operating system, which is currently in public beta and will be released this fall.

iPhone 7 might be much more exciting than we thought

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iPhone 7 clone
You'll probably want to upgrade to iPhone 7.
Photo: BeSound

The iPhone 7 might look two years old when it goes on sale this September, but it will be much more exciting than you anticipated, according to the latest claims from Deutsche Bank analysts.

Apple’s 4.7-inch model is expected to get an upgraded camera with optical image stabilization, a Force Touch home button, “professional-class waterproofing,” and more.

Prep yourself for one of Apple’s highest-paying jobs [Deals]

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Get certified in Project Management, one of the top paying skills at companies like Apple.
Get certified in Project Management, one of the top paying skills at companies like Apple.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

‘Project manager’ might not sound sexy, but at many companies it’s one of the hottest jobs you can get. In fact, it’s one of the top paying positions at Apple, #13 on a list compiled by Business Insider. Project managers understand an array of well-developed methods to keep the proverbial plates spinning, and those methods are at the heart of this PM certification training, on sale right now for just $69 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Apple recruiting for its first Taiwan retail store

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Apple West Lake
Apple's gorgeous retail store in Hangzhou, China.
Photo: Apple

Apple has started recruiting employees for its debut Apple Store in Taiwan, which is set to be located in the country’s capital city of Taipei.

While Apple has long since worked with Taiwanese manufacturers like TMSC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), this will be the first Apple retail outlet to open in Taiwan. We doubt it’ll be the last, though!

You’ll need a flight to Rio to get Olympics Apple Watch straps

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Apple Watch
You'll need to rack up the air miles if you want this custom strap!
Photo: Trayvon Bromell/Twitter

Apple is set to start selling new Apple Watch bands to coincide with the Olympic Games — although you’ll have to travel to Brazil to get your hand (well, wrist) on them.

The nylon straps take the form of national flags for all 14 major competitors. They will be going on sale in August, but only from the the VillageMall Apple Store in Barra da Tijuca, and presumably just for the duration of the Olympics.

Check out all 14 of the straps below.

Apple I charity auction could top $1 million

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This Apple 1 board is one of a kind.
This Apple 1 board is one of a kind.
Photo: CharityBuzz

An incredibly rare and unique Apple I computer is set to hit the auction block next week, and it could break the record for the most money ever paid for one of Jobs and Woz’s first computers.

CharityBuzz revealed today that it will auction off an original Apple 1, with 10 percent of the proceeds going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Because the circuit board on the item up for auction is rare even among the 60 or so surviving Apple 1 computers left in existence, it could pull in more than $1 million.