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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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'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.
Do you remember when you first heard the name iPhone? Photo: Sam Mills/Cult of Mac
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?
Cyber Acoustics' new USB speaker bar mounts right on your display. Photo: Cyber Acoustics
Cyber Acoustics launched its new USB speaker bar with an integrated monitor mount on Tuesday. Perched on your display, it offers well-projected audio while helping to keep your desktop clutter-free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This bundle delivers a virtual private network, ultimate PlayStation gaming and enough educational offerings to make your head explode. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
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.
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.
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'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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.