Mobile menu toggle

How to get Apple TV’s stunning new screen savers on your Mac

By

Get Apple TV's screen savers on your Mac
The Aerial app is completely free to use.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s new tvOS 15.2 update adds a bunch of stunning screen savers to Apple TV, including three from Scotland’s picturesque Isle of Skye and Loch Moidart, and another six from Iceland. And you can enjoy them all on Mac.

Thanks to a simple app built by developer John Coates, all tvOS wallpapers can be installed on macOS. We’ll show you how.

This app lets you create user-friendly layouts for apps and websites

By

Make a better webspace with Zen Wireframe.
Zen Wireframe is like building blocks, but for web and software design.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A lot of the work in web design is just figuring out where to put everything. You have the information, the visuals, the links, and everything else, but actually arranging it all in a pleasing way can take so much longer than creating the content itself.

Zen Wireframe Pro generates blueprints of websites, apps and more in an instant. And right now, you can get a lifetime subscription on sale for just $65 (regularly $1,080).

How to reset a locked iPhone or iPad without a computer in iOS 15.2

By

Reset locked iPhone or iPad without a computer
A Mac or PC is no longer required.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

iOS and iPadOS 15.2, which made its official public debut on Monday, makes it easier than ever to reset a locked iPhone or iPad.

You no longer need a Mac or PC to get into a device after forgetting your passcode — so long as you remember your Apple ID and password. Here are the steps you need to follow to perform a reset successfully.

Apple deletes all mentions of controversial CSAM plan from its website [Update]

By

Apple CSAM photo scanning
What's going on with CSAM scanning?
Photo: Apple

UPDATE 12/16: Apple has told The Verge that its CSAM photo-scanning plan is still on hold, and that plans to roll it out later haven’t changed.

Apple has quietly removed all references to its controversial plan to scan iCloud Photos libraries for child sexual abuse material from its website. Back in August, Cupertino announced its intention to trawl through users’ pictures to detect CSAM material.

However, after encountering significant criticism from experts, rights groups and even its own employees, Apple shelved the feature. The company said in September that it had “decided to take additional time” to collect input and make improvements to the feature. But it’s now unclear whether it will go ahead with CSAM photo scanning at all.

Get gorgeous new Aerials screen savers in tvOS 15.2

By

Get gorgeous new screen savers in tvOS 15.2
New Screen Savers are a highlight of tvOS 15.2.
Screenshot: Apple

The latest Apple TV update adds new Aerials screen savers that will mesmerize you with rugged scenery. tvOS 15.2 also includes a fresh user interface for Memories in the Photos app, support for the new Apple Music Voice Plan and other cool new features.

If you’re using Apple’s streaming device, you don’t want to miss this update.

This 5-in-1 modular charging station is the perfect gift for any Apple fan

By

Give the gift of a full battery this holiday season.
This five-way charger takes up very little room on your desk or nightstand.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You shouldn’t need separate charging cables for each of your devices. The Omnia Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is one of the first wireless charging stations that works for five devices at the same time. It’s on sale now for $99.95 (regular price: $120), but you can save even more — get an additional 20% off with code GREEN20.

Kensington’s powerful StudioDock stand/hub expands to 2021 iPad Pro

By

The Kensington StudioDock was named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree.
2021 iPad Pro 12.9 owners now have a version of the amazing Kensington StudioDock.
Photo: Kensington

The Kensington StudioDock is now compatible with the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 thanks to a new version of the docking station that launched Tuesday. The desktop stand adds numerous ports to the tablet, and wireless chargers too.

There were already models for the 2020 and earlier versions of Apple’s largest tablet, as well as the 11-inch ones.

Nomad makes its Base Station Hub MagSafe-compatible

By

Nomad's updated Base Station wireless charger for up to four devices is now MagSafe-compatible.
Nomad's updated Base Station wireless charger for up to four devices is now MagSafe-compatible.
Photo: Nomad

Earlier this year, accessories maven Nomad made its popular Base Station Mini wireless charger — suitable for juicing up one iPhone — MagSafe-comptible. Now it has added magnets to another popular product, the Nomad Base Station Hub, which can top off up to four devices at once.

Face masks go back on at Apple Stores across U.S.

By

iOS 13.5 makes signing into your iPhone wearing a mask.faster.
You’ll once again be required to wear a mack in Apple Stores, no matter who you are.
Photo: cottonbro/Pexels

A growing number of Covid 19 cases has reportedly forced Apple to reinstate the face mask mandate at all its U.S. retail locations.

The Mac-maker had begun relaxing the mask requirement in the fall when cases were dropping. But Apple has now reversed course because of a surge.

Today in Apple history: Apple buys ‘iPhone’ web domain

By

Loads of people love the iPhone SE's smaller form factor.
Do you remember when you first heard the name iPhone?
Photo: Sam Mills/Cult of Mac

December 14: Today in Apple history: Apple buys 'iPhone' web domain iphone.org December 14, 1999: Apple acquires the domain name www.iphone.org, prompting years of speculation that Cupertino is considering building a cellphone. While the news generates interest, some take it as a warning sign.

Apple only recently abandoned the kind of non-computer projects like games consoles, PDAs and digital cameras that proved to be dead ends earlier in the decade. An Apple phone could never be a thing, right?

Photoshop for iPad gets useful new tools

By

Photoshop for iPad enhanced with smudge and sponge tools
Adobe improves Photoshop for iPad with smudge and sponge tools.
Photo: Adobe

Adobe added the smudge and sponge tools to Photoshop for iPad on Tuesday. These are just the latest improvements to the tablet edition of this image-editing application. They’re part of a long-term strategy the software developer has used since the touchscreen-enhanced version of Photoshop launched in 2019.

How to set up Digital Legacy contacts to pass on iPhone data after you die

By

How to set a legacy contact on iPhone or iPad
The images and files you have on iCloud don’t have to be locked away forever if you pass away.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Thanks to a new feature in iOS 15.2, you can designate legacy contacts so your loved ones can gain access to data on your iPhone or iPad after your death without your passcode.  The Digital Legacy feature means your personal images, files and other data don’t need to remain locked away after your untimely demise.

It’s easy to specify a Digital Legacy contact. And, like writing a will, it’s a smart move almost everyone should make sooner rather than later. Here’s how.

Labor Department investigates whistleblower complaint against Apple

By

Groups oppose Apple photo scanning
Ashley Gjovik is one of a number of employees speaking out against Apple.
Photo: Benjamin Balázs

The Department of Labor is investigating Apple over claims the company repeatedly retaliated against employees who raised concerns about alleged mistreatment.

Ashley Gjovik, a former Apple engineering manager who spoke out about what she deems an unsafe and hostile work environment, confirmed that she filed a whistleblower complaint in an effort to seek justice and protect other Apple employees. And in a letter sent to Gjovik, the Labor Department confirmed it launched a formal investigation.

SpotCam Pano 2 AI security camera offers free, continuous cloud recording

By

The SpotCam Pano 2 AI security camera offers full-time continuous cloud recording -- forever.
The SpotCam Pano 2 AI security camera offers full-time continuous cloud recording -- forever.
Photo: SpotCam

SpotCam recently unveiled its new SpotCam Pano 2, a smart, 5-megapixel cloud security AI camera with free, full-time, continuous cloud recording to make sure you always have your footage. The company, founded in Taiwan in 2013, said it’s the only camera brand to offer that.

UK says Apple, Google have ‘vice-like grip’ on smartphones and millions are losing out

By

Sell your old iPhone today
Yet another regulator isn't pleased.
Photo: Aaron Yoo

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says Apple and Google have unfairly “developed a vice-like grip” on how we use our smartphones and that “millions of people” are losing out.

In addition to dominating the smartphone market, Apple and Google also “set all the rules,” the CMA said in a report published Tuesday. The two companies are accused of limiting innovation and choice, and driving up smartphone prices.

Get a VPN, 12 months of PlayStation Plus and more for only $79

By

This epic deal gives you gaming, security & education.
This bundle delivers a virtual private network, ultimate PlayStation gaming and enough educational offerings to make your head explode.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you want to secure your online experience, game your woes away, or learn a valuable new skill in 2022, this PlayStation Plus, VPN Unlimited, StackSkills Super Bundle gives you access to it all.

After all, life is all about balance. And this bundle gives you the best of each world, neatly packaged in one epic deal.

WhatsApp now hides your ‘last seen’ status from unknown numbers

By

WhatsApp group notifications
Suck it, stalkers.
Photo: WhatsApp

WhatsApp is stepping up your privacy by automatically hiding your “last seen” status from unknown numbers. The move automatically prevents other people from seeing when you were last active until you add them as a contact.

WhatsApp says the change doesn’t affect your privacy settings for friends, family, and businesses you have saved or interacted with in the past.

iPhone 14 Pro could pack 48-megapixel camera and 8GB of RAM

By

This iPhone 13 case is only about as thick as a business card.
For 8K video recording and improvement augmented reality.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Camera updates could again be a big reason to upgrade to the newest iPhone lineup next year, with Apple expected to pack new 48-megapixel sensors — by far its biggest to date — into iPhone 14 Pro.

The sensors would enable 8K video recording on iPhone for the first time, as well as provide greater augmented reality experiences. iPhone 14 Pro will also pack up to 8GB of RAM, according to one analyst.

This app is the best way to stream to Apple TV and Chromecast

By

Play your favorite media effortlessly with this app.
Stream your favorite media to Chromecast or Apple TV.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

These days, there’s almost too much content waiting to be enjoyed. If you find yourself endlessly switching between your favorite apps to catch up on all the movies, shows, music and other media, this Airflow Video Streaming: Lifetime Subscription can help you save some precious time.

Airflow is a unique streaming app for Mac and Windows. It allows you to send just about any video file to your Apple TV, Chromecast and AirPlay 2-enabled televisions in full 4K HDR, without affecting video quality or consuming a whole bunch of data. And it’s on sale for 20% off during our Green Monday sale.

Adobe bundles easy-to-use photo and video tools in Creative Cloud Express

By

Adobe's new Creative Cloud Express app aims to make content creation easier for all.
Adobe's new Creative Cloud Express app aims to make content creation easier for all.
Photo: Adobe

With its launch Monday of the Creative Cloud Express mobile and web app, Adobe bundles tools from its Creative Cloud Suite and Acrobat PDF into a simple platform amateurs can use to create a variety of projects. The app means to make it simple to make social media posts, promotional posters, invitations, videos and more.

Apple TV+ scores 11 prestigious Golden Globe nominations

By

Emilia Jones won a Gotham Award for her role as Ruby in the Apple TV+ film CODA.
“Coda” is one of the Apple TV+ films or series garnering Golden Globe nominations.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ received almost a dozen Golden Globe nominations on Monday. That includes the film CODA, which is up for best drama. And the The Morning Show was nominated for best drama series while Ted Lasso got a nom for best comedy series.

Plus, Jennifer Aniston and Denzel Washingon were nominated by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for their roles on Apple TV+ shows. And there are plenty more.

Apple’s Tracker Detect app helps Android users spot AirTag spies

By

Apple Tracker Detect for Android
Worried AirTags are spying on you? Find them with Tracker Detect.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple on Monday rolled out a brand-new Android app that allows users to identify unexpected AirTags nearby. Tracker Detect can also recognize other Find My-compatible devices from third-party companies.

The app also makes it possible for those who do not own an iPhone or iPad to scan a tracker they have discovered and learn more about it — or disable it so that it can no longer report their location.

Mac gets SharePlay in macOS 12.1 but Universal Control delayed again

By

Mac gets SharePlay in macOS 12.1 but Universal Control still missing
Easily watch videos with friends thanks to SharePlay in macOS 12.1.
Photo: Apple

macOS 12.1, the first major update to Monterey, went out Monday. The major new feature is SharePlay, but there are some other enhancements. But it does not include the much-anticipated Universal Control.

It comes on the same day as the release of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2 and watchOS 8.3.

iOS 15.2 brings new privacy features, Apple Music Voice Plan

By

Apple tests Legacy Contacts to allow loved ones access your data after you pass on
Legacy Contacts are among the features debuting in iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iPhone users can now upgrade to iOS 15.2. The update adds a cheaper Apple Music option, plus there’s a new App Privacy Report, and parents will be alerted if their children send or receive nudes.

iPadOS 15.2 is also available with these same updates. And there’s overlap with the just-released watchOS 8.3 and macOS Monterey 12.1.