Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 owners will miss out on Apple’s big watchOS 7 upgrade this fall. The new release, which brings sleep tracking and watch face sharing, is compatible with Series 3 devices or later.
watchOS 7 introduces new complications and watch face sharing Photo: Apple
Apple revealed Monday what it has up its sleeve for Apple Watch when watcOS 7 debuts this fall. Thanks to rumors and leaked betas over the past few months, we already expected many of the Apple Watch features showcased during the WWDC 2020 keynote, like watch face sharing and sleep tracking.
Still, Apple still unleashed some surprises, including a redesigned and renamed Activity app. There’s even an automatic handwashing-detection feature that could help people keep COVID-19 and other nasties at bay.
Apple’s first ARM-powered Mac is a beefy Mac mini featuring an A12Z Bionic processor — the same chip found in the 2020 iPad Pro — and 16GB of RAM. But don’t get too excited. This one is just for developers.
It's official: The next version of macOS will be called "Big Sur." Photo: Apple
The next Mac operating system, called macOS Big Sur, will bring the biggest design overhaul in nearly two decades, Apple said Monday. In addition to the massive visual upgrades, MacOS Big Sur will usher in huge changes to the Messages, Maps and the Safari web browser.
Apple unveiled the massive changes coming to macOS on Monday during the company’s keynote kicking off this year’s online-only Worldwide Developers Conference.
“This year, we’re taking the macOS experience you love even further,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior VP of software engineering, as he launched into a deep dive into changes coming soon to Mac.
Yesterday's Apple keynote was one of the best in years. And not just because it had great products announced. Screenshot: Apple
In a dramatic shift, Apple is giving up Intel chips. Instead, future Macs will run Apple silicon — processors engineered by Apple based on ARM designs.
While Apple revealed a general timeline for the transition at its developers conference on Monday, and unveiled software developers will need to get their applications ready, the first ARM Macs are still months away.
Faster access to your cameras on Apple TV. Photo: Apple
HomeKit is getting a number of huge improvements alongside iOS and tvOS 14 this fall, including support for facial recognition and activity zones for cameras. It will also be easier to access your camera feeds, thanks to new shortcuts.
Home screen widgets for (almost) everyone. Photo: Apple
Wondering whether your iPhone will be compatible with iOS 14 this fall? You’re in luck as long as you’re using an iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, or later. Every handset compatible with iOS 13 is getting another upgrade this year.
iOS 14 gives iPhone and iPad users the power to choose their default web browser and email app for the first time when it lands this fall. That means you’ll no longer be forced into Safari and Mail when tapping links.
TvOS 14 brings some impressive new features to Apple TV. Photo: Apple
Apple showed off improvements coming to Apple TV during the WWDC keynote Monday, as execs detailed changes coming in tvOS 14.
The biggest tweak in the next-gen Apple TV operating system is platform-wide picture-in-picture. This means that users can continue playing Apple TV games or using fitness apps while also screening a movie, watching live sports or keeping tabs on the news.
AirPods Pro are about to get even more pro Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
AirPods got some impressive-sounding (no pun intended) features announced at WWDC, including an upcoming “Spatial Audio” feature that will provide better 3D sound for its AirPods Pro wireless earpods.
The feature will use motion tracking to replicate a surround sound, movie theater-style listening experience, making it sound like the audio you’re listening to is coming from around the wearer. It will work by using the device’s in-built accelerometer to track the motion of users’ heads. It will then remap the sound field constantly as your head moves around.
You can share keys with Messages, too. Photo: Apple
Apple’s car-focused tech got a nifty update at WWDC, letting users start their cars with their iPhone. Announced Monday, Apple’s new CarKey digital car keys feature will allow you to unlock and start select vehicles using NFC technology.
Emily Schubert, Apple’s Engineering Manager for Car Experience showed off the feature, which promises to revolutionize the way you start your vehicle for the 21st century.
iOS 14 makes iPhone better than ever. Photo: Apple
Apple just gave the world its very first glimpse at iOS 14 for iPhone. Available this fall, the massive update brings a plethora of new features, including long-awaited Home screen widgets, picture-in-picture support, a new App Library, and more.
Could AirPods 3 look just like AirPods Pro? Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Apple will introduce its third-generation AirPods buds featuring the same design as AirPods Pro during the first half of 2021, according to one reliable analyst.
The new wireless headphones could help drive a 28% increase in AirPods shipments next year. Apple’s rumored decision not to include free EarPods with iPhone 12 this fall could also contribute to the boost.
iOS 14 won’t be called iPhone OS and the new macOS will be called “Big Sur,” according to Apple tipster L0vetodream.
In a series of tweets early Monday, the Apple leaker shared a number of “predictions” that may spill details of the virtual-only Worldwide Developers Conference keynote Apple will Monday.
Upgrade your AirPods with earhooks, magnetic strap, protective case a charging dock. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
AirPods are a great companion to any iOS device. They sound great, pair easily, and last a good long time. But we all know they can tend to slip from our ears. And we also know they aren’t cheap, so the idea of dropping them can be nerve-wracking.
The upside to an online-only WWDC 2020 is that Apple is making its big keynote more accessible than ever this year. No matter where you are or what device you’re using, you should be able to tune in live.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific today. Here are your options for watching the stream. (Update: If you missed the WWDC keynote, or simply want to watch it again, you can see it in the YouTube embed below.)
Thousands of apps could get the boot in China next month. Photo: Apple
Apple is set to begin a deep clean of the App Store in China, removing “thousands” of games that don’t have the proper government approvals, a report by Bloomberg claims.
Developers and publishers have reportedly been told that they will need to secure licenses to continue selling their games starting next month. While regulators have been promising such a crackdown since 2016, they have been slow to push through rules. As a result, unlicensed games were still being published in the interim.
Tim Cook's interview aired the day before WWDC. Photo: CBS
Tim Cook talked taxes, WWDC secrets, and how the iPhone can play a small, but important role in changing the world for the better in an interview aired over the weekend on CBS Sunday Morning.
“I’m full of secrets and it’s hard not to overflow right now,” Cook said. “But I’ve been trained well.” On other topics, however, he was a lot more open.
Microsoft went through its own antitrust case in the early 2000s. Photo: Microsoft
Microsoft’s president Brad Smith has seemingly joined the number of voices criticizing Apple for taking a 30% cut of app revenue.
The Microsoft executive said that the policy is far more anti-competitive than the complaints that led to the Microsoft antitrust case of the early 2000s. The antitrust case against Microsoft helped reshape the tech landscape 20 years ago.
The replacement for the 13-inch MacBook supposedly will be one of the first ARM-based Macs. Photo: Apple
The first Macs running ARM-based processors designed by Apple could be out as early as the fourth quarter of 2020, according to trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This will supposedly bring significant performance gains.
We’ll possibly know for sure tomorrow, as Apple will supposedly reveal its plans to move macOS to its A-series processors at WWDC 2020.
Apple might not use WWDC 2020 to unveil the new iMac, AirTags, etc. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Rumors point to Apple using Monday’s keynote for its annual developers conference to unveil a new iMac, a new HomePod and the debut of AirTags. But on Sunday, a reliable leaker said that these WWDC 2020 plans have been “scrapped.”
That said, the company supposedly still plans to unveil a long-term plan to switch Macs from Intel processors to ones Apple designs itself.
Update June 22: Confirmed. The keynote for this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference was all about software, and there was no new hardware.
The Aukey CB-C70 looks great, and it does multiple jobs — It’s both a wireless charger and a multiport USB-C adapter. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The trouble with wireless phone chargers is that they take up valuable room on your desk even when they’re not being used. But the Aukey CB-C70 is also a multiport USB-C hub, so it packs plenty of functionality into a small package.
I thoroughly tested this accessory in my home office. Here’s how it stood up to daily use.
Give dad the perfect gift this weekend. Photo: Nyloon
The Cult of Mac Store’s brilliant Father’s Day sale is almost over, but there’s still time to enjoy 20% off all accessories from Monowear and Nyloon. There’s a huge collection of brilliant Apple Watch bands to choose from, with prices starting at just $24.99. Order yours before the discounts disappear!