Mobile menu toggle

Apple gives Senate antitrust testimony a hard pass

By

Tim Cook answers questions about App Store business practices during the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee hearing.
Tim Cook answers questions about App Store business practices at a Congressional hearing in 2020.
Photo: C-SPAN

A Senate subcommittee wants to ask Google and Apple antitrust-related questions about their software stores, but the iPhone-maker reportedly turned down a request to testify.

Apple told Senators it could not do so because of ongoing litigation. That’s probably a reference to the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit currently in the pre-trial phase.

For All Mankind fires off a damp squib of a cliffhanger [Apple TV+ review]

By

For All Mankind review: Things are not going well, either on Earth or in space.
Things are not going well, either on Earth or in space.
Photo: Apple TV+

In this week’s episode, Apple TV+’s alternate-history space show For All Mankind finally gets to the big, violent “what if?” it’s been building to all season. Is it too late to make any of the fireworks they’ve seen saving go off in spectacular enough fashion to save a dreary second season?

The answer … will not shock you.

Last chance! Enter to win a lux leather iPhone case from Mujjo [Cult of Mac giveaway]

By

Mujjo iPhone case giveaway: Mujjo cases are some of the finest leather cases to ever cradle an iPhone.
These are some of the finest leather cases to ever cradle an iPhone.
Photo: Mujjo

This week, Cult of Mac is giving away two snazzy iPhone 12 cases from our friends at Mujjo. You get a chance to win either a leather wallet case or a slim profile case in your choice of color.

Mujjo’s leather cases are among the best iPhone cases we’ve reviewed here at Cult of Mac.

If your iPhone needs a spring makeover, be sure to enter this giveaway.

Soft, premium silicone keeps iPhone 12 protected for under $22 [Review]

By

Elago MagSafe Silicone case for iPhone 12
Almost as good as Apple's, but a darn sight cheaper!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple will charge you a heck of a lot for a piece of silicone you can slap on the back of your iPhone. And you can get silicone cases almost just as good for a fraction of the price. Elago’s premium MagSafe Silicone case for iPhone 12 is just $21.99 — and it’s absolutely terrific.

Its hybrid design makes for a robust but slim skin that superbly fits your iPhone, and protects it from scratches and scrapes. It’s available in a number of pretty color options, and it’s well worth your cash.

Lockdown savings buys coder’s minimal workstation [Setups]

By

With lockdown savings and a little thrift you can put together a solid setup.
With lockdown savings and a little thrift you can put together a solid setup.
Photo: franklinrockz@Reddit

Redditor franklinrockz makes no bones about the minimalist setup he bought with lockdown savings for online classes, calling it “pretty basic” and “nothing fancy.” But it gets the job done and looks good doing it.

A testament to that are the three dozen comments his post had by day two online. Lots of folks liked what franklinrockz did with the workstation and wanted to know about its components.

Apple takes its free music video channel to UK and Canada

By

Apple Music TV
Now available outside the United States.
Photo: Apple

Apple Music TV, the 24-hour streaming music video channel that serves as Apple’s version of classic MTV, is now available outside the United States.

Apple launched the free music video channel stateside last October. Jump forward six months, and it can now be viewed by people in Canada and the United Kingdom. While that represents only a small fraction of the places Apple does business in, it suggests that the company is keen to roll out this service further afield.

iPhone 13 may boast Apple’s buttery-smooth, ProMotion screen tech

By

This concept image shows how the iPhone 13 notch might shrink.
120Hz refresh rate could be on its way to this year's iPhone refresh.
Artists concept: Cult of Mac

Apple’s ProMotion technology, which delivers buttery-smooth scrolling and motion content on some iPads, may come to the iPhone this year.

According to a report from Digitimes, the next-gen iPhone will adopt LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) backplane technology that could enable 120Hz screen refresh rates. The current iPhones have a refresh rate of just 60Hz.

This magnetic power bank wirelessly charges your iPhone for less than $40

By

powerbank
Charge your iPhone anywhere with this reliable wireless power bank.
Photo: BackPack

On average, Americans view their smartphones up to 52 times a day, whether we’re scrolling on Instagram, working a side gig or texting a friend.

The more we use our phones, the more we need to charge them. And if you want to keep your iPhone battery full on the go, you’ll need a reliable charger that can easily fit in your backpack or purse. That’s where the BackPack Magnetic 5,000mAh Power Bank comes in. Made with extra-strength magnets, this power bank locks safely to the back of your phone.

6 out of the top 10 smartphones sold in January were iPhones

By

iPhone 12 review
Breaking news: iPhones are big sellers for Apple.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPhone models made up a massive 6 out of 10 of the top-selling smartphones in January 2021, according to a report from Counterpoint Research.

The report suggests that the top-selling handset was the regular iPhone 12, followed in short succession by the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro.

Insider emails reveal why Apple never made iMessage for Android

By

Court filings show why Apple didn't port iMessage to Android.
The green bubble mystery is solved!
Photo: Alexander Shatov/Unsplash CC

Now we know why Apple never brought iMessage to Android, despite the fact that doing so could have made it a ubiquitous messaging app like WhatsApp.

In a court filing for the company’s ongoing legal battle with Fortnite-maker Epic Games, internal emails showcase exactly why Apple execs made the decision they did. And, yes, it’s probably for the reason you guessed!

PSA: For All Mankind nears season 2 finale on Apple TV+

By

For All Mankind
Season two is nearing its completion.
Photo: Apple TV+

It’s a relatively quiet Friday for Apple TV+, with just one single episode of a new show on Apple’s streaming television service. Fortunately, that show is the entertaining space-age alternative history For All Mankind, now approaching the end of its second season.

Episode 8 of 10 is titled “And Here’s to You.” The preview reads: “Gordo returns to space. Molly faces an unsettling new reality. Aleida confronts her first major hurdle at work.” If you’ve not yet tuned in, this may be your chance, with just a couple of weeks to go until the finale.

Tiny AirPods washing machine looks cute as can be

By

Cardlax EarBuds Washer is not an April Fool’s Day joke.
The Cardlax EarBuds Washer is an honest-to-god real product. You might even want one.
Photo: Cardlax Team

Cleaning AirPods is kind of a disgusting job, but Cardlax has a solution. It’s an itty-bitty washing machine to clean the crud off your earbuds in a couple of minutes.

Before you ask, April Fools’ Day was last week. This is a real thing.

iTest puts pretend Samsung Galaxy on your iPhone

By

iTest puts pretend Samsung Galaxy on your iPhone
WHOA!
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Samsung reached out to iPhone users with iTest — a web app that simulates a Galaxy smartphone on an iOS device. The device maker says it’s hoping some people “might find the grass a shade greener.”

The iTest app isn’t a simple static image — it offers samples of some commonly-used Android applications, including phone calls and texts with marketing messages.

Apple helps Chipolo One Spot item tracker become a top AirTags rival

By

Chipolo One Spot launches June 2021. Price is unknown.
The Chipolo One Spot boasts an advantage over every other Bluetooth item tracker.
Photo: Chipolo

The upcoming Chipolo One Spot could rise to be a top Bluetooth item tracker. And if that happens, it’ll be with Apple’s help. The product will be one of the very first accessible through Apple’s Find My network, which means iPhone, Mac and iPad users can locate it without having to install any software from Chipolo.

The same is true of AirTags, Apple’s own much-rumored item tracker expected to be released soon.

Apple says Epic’s legal challenge is all about reviving interest in Fortnite

By

Epic Games mocked Apple with a ‘1984’ parody.
Epic has been battling with Apple since last summer.
Screenshot: Epic Games

Epic Games’ lawsuit against Apple is less about App Store rules and more about reviving “flagging interest in Fortnite,” according to a court document filed Thursday by Cupertino’s lawyers.

In a court filing with the US District Court on Thursday, Apple argues that Epic just wants “to free-ride on Apple’s innovation” by being allowed in the App Store without having to pay Apple a cut of earnings.

Peter Thiel says US should put ‘pressure’ on Apple over its links with China

By

Peter Thiel
A-list venture capitalist Peter Thiel thinks Apple relies on China too much.
Photo: Dan Taylor/Wikipedia CC

Venture capitalist, early Facebook investor and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel criticized Apple for being too close to China.

At a virtual event held Tuesday by California nonprofit Richard Nixon Foundation, Thiel said the United States should put a “lot of pressure” on Apple because of its links to the Asian country.

3-in-1 aluminum stand charges iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods

By

desk stand
Declutter your desk or nightstand with a multipurpose charger for all your Apple devices.
Photo: Trio

There are plenty of things to love about having different devices for different needs. Your iPhone keeps you connected. Your Apple Watch helps you achieve your fitness goals. And your AirPods keep you focused while you work.

The problem with having so many devices is that it means just as many cables or charging pads to keep them fully juiced. If you want to avoid the mess of cable clutter on your desk or nightstand, but still have all your favorite devices conveniently nearby, try this inexpensive Trio 3-in-1 Aluminum Desktop Charging Stand.

Alleged dummy images suggest no big redesign for iPad mini or iPad Pro

By

Apple wallpapers from the 2020 iPad Pro
What to expect from this year's iPad refreshes.
Photo: ispazio

Dummy mockups of the next-gen iPad Pro and iPad mini suggest that they could look very similar to their predecessors. According to the images, the next-gen iPad mini boasts the same design as the iPad mini 5, released in 2019, although it may be slightly thicker.

Meanwhile, the next-gen iPad Pro resembles the last generation model, with a possible slightly less protruding camera bump on the larger 12.9-inch model.

Global chip shortage could make iPad and MacBook hard to find

By

MacBook Air M1 2020
MacBooks may get a bit more elusive later in 2021.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

MacBooks and iPads could face severe delays later this year due to a global chip shortage. While Apple has done its best to insulate itself, the company is “not immune” from the “unprecedented supply crunch,” Nikkei Asia reports.

The lack of key computer components initially stemmed from factories shuttered at the start of last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, boosted demand resulting from “changing habits fueled by the pandemic” appear to have compounded the problem.

Crazy concepts merge Apple products with popular car models

By

Apple Car: Hyundai Ioniq Electric x Apple Mouse
It’s a car. It’s a mouse. It’s a mashup of a car and a mouse. But it’s probably not the Apple Car.
Concept: LeaseFetcher

It’s an open secret that an Apple Car is on the drawing board, but no one has a clue what it’ll look like. A new collection of concept designs doesn’t make serious suggestions but takes the idea for a fun spin. The designs combine popular car models with Apple products

Take a look at what they dreamed up.

Aukey’s magnetic iPhone 12 charger costs half what Apple’s does [Review]

By

Aukey Aircore 15W review
Aukey Aircore 15W uses Apple’s MagSafe system to clip to an iPhone 12 series model and power it up.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Say goodbye to plugging in Lightning cables with the Aukey Aircore 15W. Touch this wireless charger to the back of an iPhone 12 and it’ll cling there, juicing up the battery.

I tested this low-cost accessory in real-world conditions. Here how it handled.

Give your drab Home app a spiffy remodel with HomePaper

By

HomePaper for HomeKit lets you customize the Home app.
HomePaper lets you quickly give the boring Home app a fresh coat of paint.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

New app HomePaper for HomeKit lets you quickly customize the look of Apple’s notoriously bland-looking Home app — with zero hassles.

With the app, you simply select a photo from your iPhone or iPad camera or take a new one. Then you can quickly adjust the color(s) and make your own customized wallpaper for the Home app. There’s no fussing around with a complicated image editor or painstaking resizing required.

Here’s how to use HomePaper, which runs on iPhone and iPad, to give your Home app the remodel it deserves.

Build your data science and web development skills with this training bundle

By

computer science
This educational bundle will definitely expand your IT and data science skill set.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Looking to forge a new career in the information technology field? You can take a step in the right direction by working on your data science and web development skills with this bundle of computer science training classes on sale for a great price.

In The 2021 Complete Computer Science Training Bundle, you’ll get nine different courses and more than 200 hours of instruction as you work with Python, Linux and more. You’ll get close to 1,500 individual lessons. And with lifetime access, you can take them or review them at your convenience.