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iOS 16 will make transferring an eSIM between iPhones easier

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Apple watch
eSIMs are about to get even easier to move from one iPhone to another.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iOS 16 will make it easier to transfer an eSIM between iPhones using Bluetooth.

As spotted by @carsonwaldrop on Twitter, iOS 16 adds an option to import an eSIM from another iPhone in the “Set up eSIM” menu. Apple requires that the other iPhone is nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth turned on, and is running iOS 16 during the process.

Carry Mac Studio and accessories in style with WaterField’s latest case

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WaterField Designs' new travel bag for Mac Studio and accessories will get your gear there in style.
WaterField Designs' new travel bag for Mac Studio and accessories will get your gear there in style.
Photo: WaterField Designs

WaterField Designs unveiled its new Mac Studio Travel Bag Wednesday, giving you a protective and stylish carry case for the Mac Studio plus a keyboard, mouse, hard drive and other accessories.

Designed to help you take Apple’s powerful new desktop computer from place to place, the bag keeps your computer setup organized and protected, the company said.

iOS 16’s RoomPlan captures 3D floor plans in seconds

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RoomPlan lets you create 3D floor plan using your iPhone's LiDAR scanner
RoomPlan puts the LiDAR Scanner on iPhones and iPads to good use.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

A new framework dubbed RoomPlan will allow apps to quickly create 3D floor plans of rooms using the LiDAR Scanner in recent iPhones and iPads.

The Swift API will allow real estate and e-commerce apps to scan and create a room’s floor plan. This can then be used for remodeling and interior design changes. Despite its wow factor, Apple did not talk about the RoomPlan API onstage during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote.

Apple strikes unusual deal for Formula One racing film starring Brad Pitt

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Brad Pitt stars as a retired race car driver who gets back in the Formula One game.
Brad Pitt stars as a retired race car driver who gets back in the Formula One game.
Photo: Glen Wheeler/Unsplash

Apple Original Films outraced other studios to win a deal for the rights to a Formula One racing film starring Brad Pitt. Notably, the resulting agreement takes a new road to theatrical and streaming distribution.

And Pitt’s not the only big name here. Joseph Kosinski directs and Jerry Bruckheimer produces the as-yet-untitled movie.

Unlock more ways to stream content with 90% off this lightweight VPN

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This smart tool makes a world of difference for streaming.
Getflix can boost how much content you can stream.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When all you want to do is browse and stream TV and movies, a full virtual private network can feel like overkill. Similarly, connecting to your VPN just to look at Facebook or shop on Amazon seems overwhelming.

If you need a simplified smart DNS and VPN, consider Getflix. It unlocks worldwide content such as streaming services with basically no setup. Plus, a lifetime subscription is on sale for just $49 (regularly $540) for a limited time.

Super-clean rig boasts stereo HomePods and brilliant 5K display [Setups][Updated]

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When people talk about a
When people talk about a "clean" setup, this is pretty much what they mean.
Photo: [email protected]

We see plenty of paired HomePod minis in our travels online among computer setups, but not many stereo twosomes of the OG HomePods, the big ones Apple discontinued that may one day return in some form.

So today’s featured M1 MacBook Air setup is not only super-clean, it rocks that killer sound system and boasts a pricey 5K monitor that rivals Apple’s Studio Display.

And it’s the first setup we’ve come across where someone hates on the wildly popular Logitech MX Master 3 wireless mouse.

Belkin’s new ANC earbuds with Find My support challenge AirPods Pro

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Belkin SoundForm Immerse noise cancelling earbuds
SoundForm Immerse earbuds are Belkin’s top-of-the-line audio solution.
Photo: Belkin

The just-launched Belkin SoundForm Immerse Bluetooth earbuds offer more than just great sound. They have active noise cancellation, and also work with Apple’s Find My network so they can be located with an iPhone.

They offer many of the same features as Apple’s AirPods Pro but at a lower cost.

M2 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Pro: Is the Pro worth the extra $100?

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2022 MacBook Air with M2 processor
Should you buy the M2 MacBook Air over the new Pro model?
Photo: Apple

Both of Apple’s latest laptops —  the M2 MacBook Air and the M2 MacBook Pro — run on the same powerful new chip. With only a $100 difference between the two, what exactly sets them apart? Does the new MacBook Pro live up to its “pro” name, or is the Air the better buy?

Here’s a look at the differences between the two new Mac laptops unveiled during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote.

Apple’s updated Mail app adds email scheduling, undo-send and reminders

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Apple's bringing some much-wanted features to it native email client.
Apple's bringing some much-wanted features to it native email client.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Alongside a slew of software updates announced at WWDC22, Apple said its Mail app will let you schedule email delivery and undo sends, among other changes that bring the client closer in functionality to some of its leading competitors.

That’s handy for shooting off emails at ideal times and for clawing back those notes you realize you shouldn’t have sent (you know, because you forgot the attachment, not necessarily because you said something awful).

Apple makes a play for gamers with Metal 3 and more game controller support

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Apple makes a play for gamers with Metal 3 and more game controller support
Craig Federighi, Apple software chief, made a pitch for more Mac and iPad gaming at WWDC22.
Screenshot: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Mac is not the preferred platform for most gamers, but Metal 3 in macOS Ventura shows Apple hasn’t given up. And iPadOS 16 is getting support for a wider range of game controllers.

These are just a couple of gaming features Apple is bringing to Mac and iPad.

Recap WWDC22’s biggest hits via Sketchnotes

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WWDC22 sketchnote
WWDC22_sketchnote
Photo: Andy McNally
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

The WWDC22 keynote contained a blizzard of features and exciting announcements. As in past years, I ended up with two pages of drawings in my notebook. I sketched out the biggest new features coming to iOS 16, macOS Ventura and watchOS 9. And then there’s the new CarPlay, Maps, Apple Pay, Messages, the new M2 chip, MacBook Air and more.

For a quick visual recap of the highlights of Monday’s WWDC22 keynote, check out my two pages of sketchnotes below.

This clever AirTag case looks like a floppy disk

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Floppy disks are making a comeback! (As AirTag cases).
Floppy disks are making a comeback! (As AirTag cases).
Photo: Elago

Everything old is new again, eventually. Music from the 1990s. Fashion from the 1980s. Facial hair from the 1970s. And now floppy disks, an important storage medium from the closing decades of the last century.

They’ve returned in the form of an Apple accessory from Elago — namely, a particularly clever case for an AirTag tracking device.

It’s retro-cool. It keeps your AirTag safe and secure. And best of all, the Elago Floppy Disk Case for AirTag is only $12.99 in the Cult of Mac Store.

iOS 16 beta reveals clue about unknown HomePod model

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Could the clue refer to a new version of the discontinued HomePod?
Could the clue refer to a new version of the discontinued HomePod?
Photo: Apple

Folks noticed Monday that the new iOS 16 beta for developers contains a tantalizing clue about an unknown, unreleased HomePod.

Could it be a new version of the discontinued large HomePod Apple dropped in favor of the better-selling HomePod mini?

EU mandate will bring USB-C to iPhone and iPad

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Robotics engineer Tom Pillonel modded his iPhone with USB-C and sold it for $86,000 on eBay.
The EU will require future iPhones to have a USB-C port.
Photo: Tom Pillonel

The Lightning port’s days are numbered. The EU government has settled on a plan that will require all new phones and tablets to have a USB-C port, including iPhone.

But is seems Apple saw the writing on the wall and is already getting ready to switch iPhone from Lightning to USB-C.

In iOS 16, Focus filters give you finer control over iPhone distractions

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Focus filters can set more boundaries within apps, cutting down on distractions.
Focus filters can set more boundaries within apps, cutting down on distractions.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple showcased an impressive lineup of improvements to Focus modes at WWDC22 Monday. They include Focus-linked custom Lock Screens, set-up suggestions, new filters and more.

The upgrades should provide users with customized ways to cut down on distractions more effectively, especially now that Focus can provide a new level of control by setting boundaries within apps.

These 12 apps won the Apple Design Awards at WWDC22

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The 2022 Apple Design Awards recognize outstanding apps and games in six categories.
The 2022 Apple Design Awards recognize outstanding apps and games in six categories.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Following the WWDC 2022 opening keynote Monday, Apple honored exceptional apps and games via the 2022 Apple Design Awards. In the ceremony, the company selected iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS app nominees that “demonstrated outstanding technical achievement” and more.

In this year’s awards, selection pared down a field of 36 nominated finalists to the 12 winners. Three apps and three games competed in each of the six categories: inclusivity, delight and fun, interaction, social impact, visuals and graphics, and innovation.

Check out the winners below.

M2 MacBooks support only 1 external monitor, but there might be workarounds

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2022 MacBook Air with M2 processor
The new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro can handle just one external display.
Photo: Apple

Anyone with an eye on the newly announced MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro should be aware that they have a limitation: each supports only a single external monitor. It seems that’s all the Apple M2 processor can handle.

But the same is true for MacBooks with the original M1 chip, and workarounds were developed for these devices that will likely work with the M2 models.

Protect your browsing habits for life with this decentralized VPN hardware

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This hardware VPN does it all.
This VPN can travel with you wherever you go.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you primarily use the internet for casual browsing or work remotely full-time, you have data that needs protection. Unfortunately, even your simple browsing data is worth something to companies and trackers. And without the proper equipment, there’s not much you can do to protect yourself.

The Deeper Connect Pico can block those nosey third parties from observing and stealing your data. And for a limited time, this hardware VPN is on sale for $248.

iOS 16 will improve the iPhone 13 camera

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Apple makes a multitude of changes with iOS 16.
You'll be able to record more realistic looking Cinematic videos from iPhone 13 in iOS 16.
Photo: Apple

iOS 16 will improve photos and videos shot with iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro via computational photography tweaks.

The software update will add foreground blur in Portrait photos and improve videos shot in Cinematic mode. However, these enhancements will be exclusive to Apple’s 2021 iPhone lineup due to hardware limitations.

Apple’s AR/VR headset could debut at January media event

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Apple VR/AR headset takes big step toward production
Lockdown in China has affected the development of Apple's AR/VR headset
Concept: Martin Hajek/Computer Bild

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks Apple’s AR/VR headset won’t ship until the second quarter of 2023 due to delays caused by COVID-19 lockdowns in China.

Apple made no mention of its long-rumored AR headset, or the realityOS platform upon which it reportedly will operate, during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote — as predicted by Kuo himself. However, the company could announce the headset at a special media event next January, according to the analyst.

These big surprises blew our minds at WWDC22

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Apple's team of software wizards unleashed a torrent of welcome surprises in the WWDC22 keynote.
Apple's team of software wizards unleashed a torrent of welcome surprises in the WWDC22 keynote.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Credit to Apple: The company managed to sneak some real surprises past the leakers and tipsters. Several reveals during Monday’s Worldwide Developers Conference keynote came as a shock to everyone. There’s a new MacBook no one was expecting, a way to use an iPhone as a Mac webcam, a huge revamp to CarPlay and more.

Also surprising were some things that didn’t show show up during the live-streamed event.

Here’s everything unexpected that managed to sneak into the WWDC22 keynote.

iOS 16 will make iPhone dictation far less cumbersome

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iOS 16 will make dictation far less cumbersome
Entering text into an iPhone just by saying it gets easier with iOS 16.
Screenshot: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

The iPhone’s Dictation feature that lets you enter text just by speaking gets even simpler in the upcoming iOS 16 by combining voice and text input.

And it won’t even be necessary to enter punctuation. The phone will handle that on its own.

Apple’s new biometric Passkeys may kill passwords for good

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Apple's new Passkey system on a MacBook
Apple's Passkeys promise to kill passwords forever.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

If passwords are the bane of your life, Apple’s got some good news. The company just introduced Passkeys, a new biometric system that can’t be phished, stolen or compromised.

“We’ve helped create a next-generation credential that’s more secure, easier to use and aims to replace passwords for good,” said Darin Adler, VP internet Technologies, during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote.

Massive Home app makeover brings Matter support and more

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The Home app has been rebuilt from the ground up, Apple said at WWDC22.
The Home app has been rebuilt from the ground up, Apple said at WWDC22.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Among the many new products and features Apple showcased at WWDC22 came news of a revamped Home app for the HomeKit smart-home platform.

Arriving with iOS 16 later this year, the app is rebuilt from the ground up. Apple said it will be more efficient and reliable, especially for homes with many accessories. And it will support the new Matter smart-home technology standard.

Continuity Camera brings iPhone optics to macOS

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Craig using Camera Continuity on macOS
It might look a little silly, but Camera Continuity could be a huge win for video calls AND video streaming
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Continuity Camera, a new feature coming in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, will upgrade video calls by bringing the iPhone’s pristine camera to the Mac.

“With Continuity Camera, you can use iPhone as your webcam,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, during Monday’s live-streamed WWDC22 keynote. “It’s powered by the advanced capabilities of the iPhone camera system, letting you do things that were never before possible with a webcam.”