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Apple’s finally getting smart about iPad Pro RAM

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There’s more 2021 iPad Pro RAM than in any previous Apple tablet.
The 2021 iPad Pro offers can be configured with a whopping 16GB of RAM. Yes, 16GB.
Photo: Apple

The just-announced 2021 iPad Pro packs at least 8GB of RAM and can be configured with 16GB. The days when Apple’s tablets got an anemic amount of RAM are over.

There’s so much, Apple stopped hiding the amount. It now proudly announces how much RAM is in its latest professional-grade tablets.

2021 iPad Pro boasts M1 processor, beautiful mini-LED display

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2021 iPad Pro still comes in a 12.9- and 11-inch versions.
2021 iPad Pro makes huge strides forward in its processor, screen, port, storage and RAM.
Photo: Apple

The 2021 iPad Pro is built around an Apple M1 processor that brings a tremendous speed boost.  And the USB-C has been upgraded with Thunderbolt, leading to faster connections to external drives. Plus, there’s a version with 5G.

But the latest top-tier iPadOS tablet more than fast — it looks great too. The 12.9-inch version includes a mini-LED display that both improves the look and uses less power.

Apple TV 4K gets speedy A12 chip and sweet new Siri Remote

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Apple's new Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote
Apple TV's sixth-gen version is here. As is a new remote.
Photo: Apple

Apple took the wraps off the new sixth-generation Apple TV 4K on Tuesday. The upgraded set-top box boasts Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which should bring a welcome performance boost. But perhaps more importantly, Apple redesigned the controversial Siri Remote.

The upgraded remote packs a new clickpad control system, a touch-sensitive ring that makes it easy to jog video backward and forward, and dedicated power and mute buttons.

M1 iMac is faster, thinner and more incredible than ever

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New M1 iMac
The new iMac goes on sale on April 30 in 7 new color options.
Photo: Apple

The world’s most popular all-in-one now runs on Apple Silicon. The all-new and beautifully colorful iMac, unveiled today at Apple’s Spring Loaded event, packs a blazing-fast M1 chip into an aluminum form factor that’s just 11.5mm thick.

The new 24-inch machine delivers significantly faster performance and more powerful graphics, but consumes less power than ever before. It’s also available with Touch ID — a first for a desktop Mac — and it goes on sale on April 30.

Apple Podcasts app will get a major redesign with iOS 14.5

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Podcasts
Apple Podcast has some changes coming.
Photo: Apple

Apple announced some changes to its Apple Podcasts app at Tuesday’s Spring Loaded event. While not quite the dedicated Podcasts+ subscription service some were expecting, the update will allow individual creators to easily disseminate paid podcasts. From the sound of things, it’s a bit like an App Store for podcasts.

Apple describes Apple Podcasts Subscriptions as a “global marketplace for listeners to discover premium subscriptions offered by their favorite creators,” alongside offering millions of free shows.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini now comes in purple

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purple iphone 12
The iPhone 12 and 12 mini now come in purple.
Photo: Apple

In a surprise move, Apple just introduced a brand-new color for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini — purple.

The new color spiced up Apple’s “Spring Loaded” special event Tuesday. It’s an unusual move for Apple, which rarely introduces new colors or finishes mid-cycle.

Apple AirTag tracking tags will help you find all the things

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Apple AirTag finally jumped from rumor to reality.
Apple jumped into the item-tracker business with AirTag. Attach one to something you don’t want to lose.
Photo: Apple

Apple just took the wraps off AirTag, a small tracker that users can attach to items for easy location at a later date.

Tile and other companies already offer rivals products. But Apple’s trackers offer technology that makes finding lost items easier and more accurate.

Multicolored iMacs? Tim Cook tweets out photo of Apple’s rainbow stage

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Rainbow stage
Party time at Apple.
Photo: Tim Cook/Apple

You know it’s a special day at Apple when the company whips out its rainbow stage. Designed by Apple’s industrial design team, back when Jony Ive was in charge, the rainbow stage — adorned in Apple’s classic logo colors — made its debut in May 2019. That year, it was used for a concert by Lady Gaga for Apple employees.

With many Apple employees currently working from home, a concert after today’s event seems unlikely. Nonetheless, Tim Cook — who tweeted out a picture of the rainbow stage — is clearly in a party mood.

Bag an unlocked iPhone X refurb for under $310 today only

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iphone x
Stock is limited — bag yours before they're all gone!
Photo: Apple

Need a new iPhone to enjoy the best of iOS 14? Check out Woot’s latest deal on “grade A” iPhone X refurbs. You can bag yours, fully unlocked for use on any carrier, for under $310 today only.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Puppy swallows AirPods in charging case — and they still work

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Golden retrievers are sweet but not always the sharpest tool in the shed.
PSA: AirPods aren't there for eating.
Photo: Helena Lopes/Pexels CC

A pair of swallowed AirPods, still inside their charging case, were successfully extracted from a puppy — without damage to either dog or hearables.

UK-based owner Rachel Hick, from Hull, rushed her golden retriever Jimmy to the vets after it swallowed the wireless earbuds and charging case on Easter Sunday.

This 4-in-1 charger is perfect for all your Apple gear

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charging station
This charging station will power up all your favorite Apple gear.
Photo: Omnia

While Mother’s Day is known for brunches and flowers, there are a million ways to say “I love you” to Mom, and this 4-in-1 wireless charger is something every modern-day mom is secretly wishing for.

What better way to show Mom you care than to power her favorite devices through her special day? For a limited time, you can score an Omnia Q4 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $47.96 with code WELOVEMOM. That’s a full 20% off the regular price of $69.

Apple’s losing the battle over podcasts. Here’s how it could emerge victorious.

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Apple Podcasts could get a premium tier.
Can Apple turn its Podcasts franchise around?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Is Apple finally getting serious about podcasting? With a premium podcast service reportedly in the works, and several exclusive shows already online, it looks like Apple might be ready to defend its turf when it comes to the increasingly popular medium.

It’s about time. The company that was so strongly identified with podcasts from the start is rapidly losing its dominance as competitors come on strong. Here’s how Apple could regain its podcasting edge.

How to watch Apple’s big Spring Loaded event almost anywhere

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Apple Spring Loaded event how to
Find out what Apple has in store for us in the coming months.
Image: Apple

Update: Now that Apple’s Spring Loaded event is history, you can watch (or rewatch) it at the YouTube link below.

Apple’s next big event is just hours away, and it promises to be a big one for fans of iPad, AirPods and more. It will be an online-only affair, like other recent Apple events, and you’ll be able to watch it live almost anywhere.

Find out how before the “Spring Loaded” event begins in just a few hours.

Be right back: Apple Online Store down ahead of Spring Loaded event

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Be right back 1
Apple's Online Store is currently down. Purposely so.
Photo: Apple

Update: The Apple Online Store is down as well now. Expect it to go back up following the conclusion of today’s Apple event.

The Apple Online Store sitemap page is down ahead of today’s “Spring Loaded” event.

Usually, Apple takes the entire Apple Online Store down ahead of its special events. Today that doesn’t appear to have happened. (Although this could change as the day progresses.)

Nonetheless, this highlights that Apple is expecting to make some changes to the products on offer — likely including a new iPad Pro, iMac, and possible other products like Apple’s location-tracking AirTags. There may also be more information about Apple’s rumored Podcasts+ service.

Tantalizing 2021 iMac concepts get us ready for the real thing

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Tantalizing 2021 iMac concepts get us ready for the real thing
Apple might unveil on Tuesday a 2021 iMac that looks just like this concept design.
Screenshot: Amdix/ConceptsiPhone

A 2021 iMac is supposedly among the highlights of Apple “Spring Loaded” event on Tuesday. Concept artists have dreamed up proposals for what the upcoming all-in-one desktop might look like.

These vary as to details but are likely to please anyone tired of the very large screen bezels that have marked previous iMac models… and is looking forward to a speedy M-series processor.

Take a look at some of the eye-opening concepts before the big reveal on Tuesday.

Rugged and colorful GoDonut securely props up handsets and tablets [Review]

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GoDonut review
The GoDonut handset and tablet stand has a clever design. It’s also about as rugged as one could hope for.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

GoDonut is a tough, portable stand that’s compatible with a wide range of handsets and small tablets. It can be used in landscape or portrait, and offers multiple viewing angle. Plus, it’s colorful and fun.

I tested GoDonut with iPhone and iPad. And other devices, too. Here’s why I like it. And why I don’t.

Game on! Microsoft starts Xbox Cloud for iPhone and iPad public testing

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Xbox Cloud Gaming for iPad and iPhone
iPad and iPhone users will soon begin testing Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing them to play 100+ console-quality games.
Photo: Microsoft

Lucky beta testers will get first access to Xbox Cloud Gaming this week. This allows subscribers to play 100+ console-quality games on an iPad or iPhone.

Apple put restrictive rules on cloud-gaming services wanting to appear in the App Store. Microsoft’s solution was to create a web app for its service.

Apple lets Parler return to the App Store after promises of moderation

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Apple lets Parlor return to the App Store after promises of moderation
Parler is expected to be back on the App Store after changing moderation policies.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The controversial social-networking service Parler will soon reappear in the App Store. Apple reportedly un-banned the service Monday after it promised to start moderating content.

Then service was banned from the iOS and Android software stores after it was used to plan the attack on the U.S. Capital in January.

Adobe co-founder Chuck Geschke passes away at 81

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Chuck
Truly a pioneer in computing history.
Photo: Carnegie Mellon

Adobe co-founder Charles “Chuck” Geschke passed away Friday at the age of 81, Adobe has confirmed. During his career, Geschke oversaw Adobe’s operations as it released game-changing innovations include Photoshop, along with ubiquitous file formats such as PDF.

Adobe’s history has long been entwined with Apple — including a $2.5 million investment from Apple in 1985 that led to the creation of a PostScript controller for the Apple LaserWriter.

Mood-lit musician isn’t grooving to M1 Mac mini’s sound [Setups]

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It's amazing what some light strips and display wallpaper can do for ambiance.
It's amazing what some light strips and display wallpaper can do for ambiance.
Photo: skylar_schutz@Reddit

Redditor skylar_schutz makes music on keyboard and guitar, but their Mac mini M1’s sound quality doesn’t do it for them. That’s not a huge shock. Many mini owners, past and present — if they’re even close to identifying as audiophiles — use AirPlay 2, Bluetooth or USB-wired speakers with their setups.

“The sound coming out from the M1 mac mini is just so-so … wouldn’t recommend it if you aim to enjoy listening to music from it, more so if you intend to do music production,” skylar_schutz wrote in reply to a question.

Convert your iPhone into an easier-to-use camera with a Pictar Smart Grip

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smart grip
Don't let fumbling around with on-screen controls ruin your next snapshot.
Photo: Pictar

The latest iPhone models have cameras that far exceed most users’ photography skills. Even some professional photographers build portfolios exclusively using their trusty smartphones. Ever wonder how you can replicate their results and take your iPhone photography to the next level?

You’re not alone: That’s exactly why the team at Pictar developed the Pictar Smart Grip, a powerful smartphone camera grip that gives users control like never before. Available for a limited time at just $73.99, the Pictar Smart Grip is a convenient camera tool that will have you smiling in photos all summer long.

Premium Podcasts+ service could debut at Tuesday’s Apple event

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Apple Podcasts could get a premium tier.
Would you shell out for Podcasts+?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could debut a premium podcast service at Tuesday’s “Spring Loaded” event, according to Recode reporter Peter Kafka.

“Pretty sure Apple is prepping its own podcast plan – a paid subscription service – on Tuesday,” Kafka tweeted Sunday.

No additional details are known about the possible podcast initiative, which presumably would join paid subscription services Apple News+, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and Apple Fitness+. The possibility of a paid podcasting service from Apple was rumored earlier this year.