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Apple’s stunning Pro Display XDR hits new low after $500 discount

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Apple Pro Display XDR
Get both the standard and nano-texture glass models for less.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s stunning Pro Display XDR is now slightly more affordable after B&H Photo slashed $500 off the usual price. The discount applies to the standard glass model, which features a 32-inch 6K display.

Those who want the same display with nano-texture glass should order from Amazon, which is offering the same $500 discount on that model. These are by far the biggest discounts we’ve seen so far.

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iPhone shipments remain stable while rivals sink in submerged economy

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iPhone light tunnel image
iPhone shipments remain steady. That's all anyone can hope for right now!
Photo: Youssef Sarhan/Unsplash CC

You know that badass cliché where one person staggers out of a room, slightly worse for wear, only to utter the words, “You should see the other guy”?

That’s pretty much the role Apple plays when it comes to second-quarter smartphone shipments, as reported by research firm Gartner. While Apple’s 0.4% dip year-over-year means iPhone sales remain flat, that’s certainly a whole lot better than the overall 20.4% decline across the industry.

Why Bill Gates says he was ‘so jealous’ of Steve Jobs

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Microsoft should have been Apple's biggest mobile challenger, Bill Gates says.
Gates says that, unlike Jobs, he wouldn't have been able to turn Apple around in the late 90s.
Photo: Statsministerens kontor/Flickr CC

The companies they helped found might have been sworn enemies at times, but Steve Jobs and Bill Gates didn’t hate one another. In fact, as the former Microsoft boss admitted on a recent podcast, he was actually jealous of Steve Jobs.

Appearing on the Armchair Expert podcast, Gates told actor and podcast host Dax Shepard that Jobs was a “wizard” when it came to motivating people. “I was a minor wizard so I couldn’t fall under his spells,” Gates said. “But I could see him casting the spells, and then I would look at people and see them mesmerized … I was so jealous.”

New leak confirms some of the most exciting iPhone 12 specs

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iPhone 12 models
If a new leak is correct, many of the iPhone 12 images circulating for months are correct.
Photo: JinStore/Twitter

New images and video of a prototype iPhone 12 Pro Max allegedly fell into the hands of frequent Apple leaker Jon Prosser. This allows him to reveal that Apple’s next handset will have thinner bezels — but the notch isn’t shrinking.

He also served up details Tuesday on the upcoming iPhone’s camera that add weight to numerous earlier leaks. That includes a higher video recording rate, a Lidar sensor and more.

Level Touch smart lock turns your fingertip into a key

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The new Level Touch smart lock opens with a touch -- and other ways, too.
The new Level Touch smart lock opens with a touch -- and other ways, too.
Photo: Level Home

Level Home’s second HomeKit-compatible smart lock lets you use your fingertip as a key. But you won’t even really need that finger tap to open your door. The new lock, called the Level Touch, offers a variety of entry methods — including fully automatic (triggered by your smartphone’s Bluetooth connection when you arrive home).

“With Level Touch, keys are optional,” the company said in a press release Tuesday unveiling the new device. “You can enter and exit in any way that is most convenient for you, with the touch of a finger, using your voice or even an included programmable keycard. All of this while maintaining the highest level of residential security of any smart lock to date.”

How to use the redesigned iPhone Magnifier in iOS 14

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The iPhone Magnifier is easier to find in iOS 14.
The iPhone Magnifier gets a big upgrade in iOS 14.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

A handy digital magnifying glass to replace reading glasses has been buried in the iPhone for many years. With iOS 14, it becomes a lot easier to find. And there are some fantastic new features.

Here’s how to use the Magnifier on iPhone. And iPad, too.

Quick turnaround for latest iOS 14 beta likely means no more new features

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iOS 14 beta 2 adds a Files widget.
A Files Home screen widget appeared in iOS 14 beta 2. It’s unlikely any more new features like this will be forthcoming before the full release.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded the sixth beta of iOS 14 to developers Tuesday, along with the iPad equivalent. That’s a week since the last betas were introduced — and the quick turnaround is a strong sign that Apple won’t add any more surprise features before the full release of these operating systems this autumn.

Plugable ‌USB-C hub‌‌ ‌connects 7 accessories, won‘t strain your wallet

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Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub works with MacBook or iPad Pro
The Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub easily connects an HDMI monitor to a MacBook, and much more.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable decided to stand out in the crowded market for USB-C multiport adapters with a low-price offering. On Tuesday, it unveiled a 7-in-1 Hub that comes in at a significantly lower cost than many of its rivals.

Even so, it can connect to multiple legacy USB-A accessories, a external monitor and removable memory cards.

Apple said to be developing ‘less ambitious’ AirPower charger

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AirPower
Arriving in 2020?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple is planning a “less ambitious” wireless charging gadget that will fill the gap left by AirPower’s cancellation, according to a new report.

Cupertino’s original plans for a wireless charger included the ability to charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. It’s unclear if its replacement will support more than just iPhone and AirPods.

Keira Knightley will star in The Essex Serpent for Apple TV+

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Keira Knightley
Pirates of the Caribbean and Imitation Game star Keira Knightley was due to star in the show.
Photo: Tony Shek/Wikipedia CC

Keira Knightley will head up a TV adaptation of Sarah Perry’s 2016 novel The Essex Serpent for Apple TV+.

The novel, which is a period piece set in 1893, tells the story of a widow, Cora Seagrave, who moves from London to a small village in Essex after her marriage to an abusive husband comes to an end. There, she becomes interested in a local legend about a creature called the Essex Serpent.

Groove for 35 hours straight with futuristic Bluetooth earbuds

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EarFun
These earbuds have it all: crystal clear audio and calls, easy touch controls, in-ear detection and 35 hours of playtime with the included charging case.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Bluetooth earbuds are great for listening to tunes and shows on the move. Unfortunately, their tiny form factor means tiny batteries, so if you’re on the move for more than a few hours, you’ll have to be judicious with your content consumption. Not so with these sleek earbuds that also manage to pack in over a day of playtime.

Apple Online Store will open in India next month

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Foxconn moving additional iPhone production to India as coronavirus disrupts work
Apple is working hard to boost its customer base in India.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple will open its first Apple Online Store for the India market next month, according to a new report by Bloomberg.

The online store will reportedly be up and running for the Dussehra through Diwali holiday season, which kicks off October 25 and runs through November 14. It comes as Apple is upping its focus on the India market.

Tim Cook donates $5 million of his Apple fortune to charity

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Tim Cook goes to Washington
Tim Cook has said he will give his entire fortune away to charity.
Screenshot: Apple

Tim Cook, a freshly minted billionaire thanks to Apple’s continued powerhouse performance, last week gifted more than $5 million worth of Apple shares to charity.

According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, Cook donated 10,715 shares on Friday. At close of play Friday, Apple was trading at $497.48. This week it has passed $500.

Apple supplier preps factory that could make 2-nm chips for 2024 iPhone

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iPhone11
Forget the current iPhone. TSMC is already planning for the 2024 update.
Photo: Apple

Apple A-series chip manufacturer TSMC has obtained land upon which it plans to build a 2-nanometer fabrication plant, the company’s senior vice president for operations revealed.

In a report published Tuesday, YP Chin said the next-next gen chip fab facility will be located in Hsinchu, a city in northern Taiwan. While there’s no confirmation on when the 2-nm chips will debut, if past patterns are anything to go by, it’s likely they will debut with the 2024 iPhone.

Judge protects Unreal Engine during Epic Games’ battle with Apple [Updated]

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In the legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, which one is Thanos?
In the legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, which one is Thanos?
Image: Whelsko/Flickr CC

In an order issued Monday night, a U.S. district judge blocked Apple from revoking Epic Games’ developer accounts as the legal battle between the two companies moves toward trial.

The move protects Unreal Engine, Epic’s software suite that is widely used by other game developers, from becoming collateral damage in the high-profile legal battle.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 solidly beats iPhone 11 in drop test

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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs. Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max drop test
A new material gave Samsung’s latest handset an advantage over last year’s iPhone in a drop test.
Photo: PhoneBuff

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra survived a series of drop tests better than the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max. And that’s exactly what’s to be expected.

The Note 20 only just started reaching customer’s hands, giving it access to the latest, toughest version of Gorilla Glass. The iPhone 11 debuted almost a year ago, and is about to be replaced.

Live-action Mulan will be available to buy through Apple’s TV app

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Mulan poster
Mulan is Disney's latest live action remake.
Photo: Disney

Upcoming live-action Disney movie Mulan will be available to purchase through Apple’s TV app, Variety reports.

A remake of the 1998 animated movie, the 2020 Mulan will cost $29.99 to purchase on third-party platforms — Apple’s included — starting September 4. If that’s the only Disney content you’re interested in seeing right now, that’s actually cheaper than watching it via Disney+.

Apple won’t have to boot WeChat out of its China App Store

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WeChat logo
WeChat is threatened by Trump's executive order.
Photo: WeChat

Apple won’t be forced to boot messaging app WeChat out of the App Store in China, Bloomberg claims in a weekend report.

According to the publication, the Trump administration is “privately seeking to reassure” American companies like Apple that they can still do business with WeChat in China. Two weeks ago, Trump ordered a U.S. ban on WeChat, although the details were not clarified.

New Singapore store may be Apple’s most spectacular retail venue yet

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Apple Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Apple's third Singapore store sits on the water of Marina Bay.
Photo: Apple

Possibly the most spectacular Apple Store yet is set to open in Singapore, Apple’s third retail store in the country.

Apple Marina Bay Sands has a look like no Apple Store before it. It resembles a geodesic dome or giant lantern sitting on a body of water in the iconic Marina Bay, a luxury venue which first opened its doors in 2010.