T-Mobile commits to no-fooling unlimited 4G and 5G wireless data with Magenta Max. Graphic: Cult of Mac
T-Mobile’s new 5G plan isn’t limited by data caps or throttling. Its Magenta Max offers unlimited 4G and 5G data to smartphone users. And it includes high-definition video streaming and Netflix on Us.
The plan seeks to stand out from rivals that promise unlimited data but slow down data transfers under certain conditions.
The next iOS version will make it more difficult for hackers to break into iPhones. Security researchers digging around in Apple’s beta code for iOS 14.5 found that the company began encrypting pointer authentication codes, which will make zero-click attacks far tougher to pull off.
Apple Silicon Macs aren't safe from malware. Photo: Apple
The first wave of malware written specifically for Apple Silicon Macs is starting to appear. And Apple’s already playing Whac-A-Mole to try and stop it.
The malware in question, called “Silver Sparrow,” is reportedly a malicious package that can exploit a vulnerability in the macOS Installer JavaScript API as a way to execute dodgy commands. While it remains unclear how big of a threat Silver Sparrow poses, Apple nonetheless took steps to stop its spread.
This setup includes 3D-printed elements and Nintendo-inspired decorations. Photo: Vincent Belotti
Vincent Belotti, a mechanical engineering student at Farmingdale State College on Long Island, New York, has a colorful setup — and we’re not just talking about his screensaver. He 3D-prints some of the components in it himself, and he can’t get enough decor related to his favorite games.
3D printing as a hobby
As an engineering student, Belotti has made 3D printing into a hobby. He uses his MacBook Pro to model and slice prints that become components to enhance his setup. They include an Apple Watch dock, shown on the right side of his desk in these photos, and 3D figurines on the shelf above his monitor.
New rules come into effect in May. Photo: WhatsApp/Cult of Mac
Users who don’t get on board with WhatsApp’s terms and conditions will be unable to send or receive messages after May 15. While calls and notifications will continue to work for a short while, this will supposedly only be for a period of a “few weeks.”
WhatsApp first announced the changing privacy policies in January. The changed policy notes that, “As part of the Facebook family of companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, this family of companies.”
Get a lifetime of virtual piano lessons that adapt to your skill level and musical style. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
From Siri interactions to cars with autopilot, there’s no end to what artificial intelligence powers these days. Simply put, AI is a computer system (or machine) that can perform tasks or solve problems that ordinarily require human intelligence — as opposed to simple programming, where humans input the end result into a machine.
The success of the iPhone 12 once again made Apple’s the world’s top smartphone maker in terms of sales, research firm Gartner says.
Provided the firm’s figures are accurate, this will be the first time in half a decade that Apple ranked No. 1. It means 5G-enabled iPhones fought off stiff competition from its longtime frenemy.
Bag yours today before the deal ends. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Verizon is now offering the 2020 iPhone SE for free when you purchase it online and take out a new line. That’s a staggering saving of $399 — and you’ll get another $20 off line activation, which usually costs $40.
Apple didn't just offer money to produce COVID-19 test kits. It lent engineers and product designers, too. Photo: Apple
Apple assisted nasal swab-maker Copan Diagnostics in shipping 15 million COVID-19 test kits to hospitals in California, Texas and elsewhere, the company said Monday.
Apple awarded $10 million from its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to support Copan in May 2020. Cupertino also sent engineers and product designers to help Copan overhaul its manufacturing processes. Thanks to the Apple boost, production supposedly increased by nearly 4,000%. Copan also opened a new facility and hired 250 employees.
Coming soon to a pair of ears near you? Photo: 52audio
A leaked image posted online over the weekend shows off what may by the third iteration of Apple’s AirPods earbuds (fourth if you count the over-the-ear AirPods Max).
The pictures, which were shared by the Chinese-language website 52audio, depict next-gen regular AirPods with smaller stems and silicone tips, alongside a new LED charging indicator on the front of the charging case.
A new folding iPhone concept merges an iOS handset with an iPad. Screenshot: Alexandrov's Studio/ConceptsiPhone
A concept artist brought to beautiful life the folding iPhone they hope Apple is creating. The device starts with a standard iOS handset design but then opens into an iPad.
The Apple 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is this week. Here’s how you can take part. Graphic: Cult of Mac
Apple’s annual shareholders meeting won’t take place on the Apple Park campus this year as it ordinarily would. With the COVID-19 pandemic dragging on, it’ll be a virtual-only event in 2021. This is likely to increase participation in the February 23 meeting. And if you own AAPL shares, you can attend.
A digital microscope gives you an amazing view of tiny things. Photo: Veho
If you love building things — especially if you’re assembling something with a lot of small, delicate parts (i.e., a computer or a drone) — you might want to get a closer look at whatever it is you’re working with. And whether you’re using your weekends to tinker around by yourself or as a bonding activity with your child, this Veho DX Discovery USB Digital Microscope with Stand is the perfect tool to use.
Don’t anticipate two-way inductive charging in the iPhone 13. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Don’t expect the 2021 iPhone to be able to charge AirPods or Apple Watch. A reliable tipster says Apple doesn’t intend to build reverse wireless charging into future handsets. Not anytime soon, at least.
Your iPhone knows more about how you walk than you do. Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
There’s an interesting new feature in iOS 14 that you might never have noticed. It’s called Mobility Metrics, and it tracks several things that offer insight into your overall fitness, coordination and health. Find out where to look for these metrics, and what to make of them, in our in-depth Mobility Metrics how-to.
Also in this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine, we’ve got several hot rumors about upcoming Apple gear (and a possible March 16 event), plus loads of Apple TV+ reviews and first looks at upcoming shows. Download it now to enjoy on your iOS device.
P.S. If you’re a fan of Apple lore, don’t miss our exclusive interview with Del Yocam, the company’s first COO and a mentor to Steve Jobs. He’s got some interesting stories to tell.
Don't miss this great buy on Beats noise-canceling headphones. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Beats headphones set the standard for listening before Apple bought the company six years ago. Since then, Cupertino’s $3 billion acquisition has resulted in a slew of new products with Apple’s proprietary tech integrated into the Beats lineup for a seamless audio experience.
That means Beats fans know what to expect when using their headphones with Apple devices: smooth performance, excellent sound quality and thoughtful design. These Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones are no exception. That’s why they earned 4.7/5 stars on Amazon out of 5,520 reviews. And now Cult of Mac Deals can offer these headphones at a massive 46% discount.
Apple has more than 20 fresh series and films premiering in coming months. Screenshot: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is prepping at least 21 new shows, movies and additional seasons of current series for release throughout 2021, and possibly beyond. A new sizzle reel gives a glimpse of all of them in two exciting minutes.
Watch it now to get a glimpse of the dramas, comedies, sci-fi and action series Apple hopes will entice audiences in 2021.
And there may have been some surprise announcements.
Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key star in Schmigadoon!, premiering summer 2021 on Apple TV+ Screencap : Apple TV+
Apple TV+ revealed Friday that Schmigadoon! will sing and dance its way onto the streaming service this summer. The comedy is a parody of iconic musicals, and is executive produced by Lorne Michaels of Saturday Night Live fame.
On this week’s episode of Apple TV+’s millennial melodrama Dickinson, Austin’s drowning, Emily’s flailing, Mrs. Dickinson’s catering two tea parties, and John Brown’s raiding Harper’s Ferry. And that’s just in the first few minutes.
The future hangs in the balance. And with only two episodes left in the show’s second season, every action and word counts. The show only wastes some of them.
Mythic Quest season 2 continues the offbeat hilarity of this office comedy with a gaming twist. Photo: Apple TV+
Every good game deserves an expansion pack. Just like Apple TV+’s game-themed Mythic Quest deserves a season 2. New episodes of the twisted comedy premiere in May as the game developers struggle to create an expansion pack for their hit Raven’s Banquet.
Apple released a trailer of the upcoming season on Friday to prepare viewers for the crazy. Watch it now.
Rose Bryne stars in Physical, a new dramedy premiering summer 2021 on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ will premiere a drama based on the classic book The Mosquito Coast this April. The first trailer for the series dropped Friday, and it looks like an adventure. (At least that’s what the lead character keeps telling us.)
In addition, Apple’s streaming service also revealed that ’80s comedy/drama Physical will debut this summer.
Battle zombies in Survival Z, a new game a bit darker than the usual on Apple Arcade. Photo: Ember Entertainment
Blast through waves of zombies in Survival Z, an action game that launched Friday on Apple Arcade. You’ll be facing different types of shambling undead and must destroy them with an array of weapons and traps.
Pick up a brand-new and genuine Apple Smart Cover for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro for just $10.99 today on Woot. This is the lowest price we’ve seen so far on this model, but it’s good for today only. Enjoy it while you can!
Alice, played by Ayelet Zurer, finally gains the upper hand this week. Photo: Apple TV+
Losing Alice starts to wind down its look at the perverse triangle formed by a screenwriter, a director and their star in the Apple TV+ psychothriller’s penultimate episode.
The time has come for Alice to direct David and Sophie in their big, erotic close-up. Can they find the chemistry needed to sell it before the wheels come off the machine and Sophie is found out?
The MagSafe connector made a return with last year's iPhone refresh. GIF: Apple
Apple reintroduced its MagSafe branding for the magnetic charging and clip-on accessories system for the iPhone 12. But it’s hoping to introduce the best accessory yet with 2021’s iPhone refresh: a magnetically attached battery back.
This will reportedly wirelessly charge handsets on the go, extending the time you can use your iPhone between charges. Unfortunately, Apple is apparently having a few teething problems with it — and these could prove fatal.