Apple CEO Tim Cook has been working from home during the COVID-19 crisis. He addressed Apple employees in a virtual town hall today. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
In a virtual meeting with employees on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted that COVID-19 makes for an “uncertain and stressful” time, but he’s optimistic about the future.
Cook hosted Apple-wide meeting that let workers pose questions to Apple’s CEO about the effects COVID-19 is having on the company.
Apple’s “iPhone SE — Why Upgrade” page extols the advantages of the A13 processor. Screenshot: Apple
Apple wants users of older iPhone models to know the advantages of a new budget iPhone. Its “iPhone SE — Why Upgrade” page describes the multiple ways this just-announced handset is faster, with a longer battery life, a better camera and other improvements.
iPhone 12 Pro will likely come in a new midnight blue color option. Photo: Technizo Concept
Now that the super-cheap 2020 iPhone SE is finally out Apple fans can turn all their anticipations to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro launch this fall.
There has been no shortage of video concept videos imagining what Apple’s first 5G handset will look like, but the latest mockup created by Technizo Concept might be the most accurate depiction of the iPhone 12 Pro we’ve seen yet.
There's no need to stare at a screen just to listen to YouTube music. Photo: Szabo Viktor/Unsplash
Unlike streaming music, which often keeps playing when you switch away from the app or webpage, YouTube playback stops as soon as you leave mobile Safari. This means that using YouTube as a music player is out of the question. Or is it? Can you make YouTube play just the audio, even when you’re not showing the video? You can, and it’s really, really simple.
iPadOS and iOS 13.4.5 are all about killing bugs. The public can now beta test this upcoming version. Photo: Cult of Mac/Pexels CC
More than developers can test iOS 13.4.5 and the iPad equivalent. Starting Thursday, the general public can download a beta version if they’re brave enough to run pre-release software.
Just be aware, these updates are almost entirely about fixing bugs in the iOS and iPadOS versions released March 24, not new features.
Lots of lens options without the heavy lifting. Photo: ShiftCam
ShiftCam is in its third year of making innovative iPhone cases with a cluster of lenses that shift over Apple’s native glass. To look at a ShiftCam case is probably not much different than having a staring contest with a spider.
Maybe you can’t stand the thought of staring into the many eyes of a spider. With the ShiftCam case, especially it’s new MultiLens case for the iPhone 11 series, you won’t want to look away.
Portable Macs get the most attention in the new Catalina beta. Photo: Apple
Apple seeded the second beta of macOS Catalina 10.15.5 to developers this morning, bringing with it a major change to the way MacBooks charge.
Several tech sites got an explainer from Apple on how the new Battery Health Management feature works. The tool is coming to every MacBook with a Thunderbolt 3 port — and it could be a godsend to your battery.
A screen doesn't have to separate you from your Photoshop toolbar. Photo: 3dDecors
Once you learn the task behind each symbol, the toolbar in Adobe Photoshop becomes a natural extension of a photographer’s creativity. Stylistic flourishes are just clicks away.
Now, the toolbar can be physically at your fingertips.
A designer from Ukraine has transformed the iconic on-screen toolbar into an actual keypad he sells on Etsy.
Tap a switch to use your Mac's trackpad and keyboard with your iPad. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Apple’s new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro — the one with the built-in trackpad — looks amazing. But it costs $350. That’s very pricey for a keyboard. Plus, it’s a keyboard that will only be useful for as long as it can attach to your iPad Pro. That means it might not fit your next tablet if Apple tweaks the iPad Pro design.
Compare that to a USB or Bluetooth keyboard, which will remain compatible with every computer that gets made in the foreseeable future. Toady we’ll see how to share your Mac’s keyboard and mouse or trackpad with your iPad. We’ll also learn how to instantly switch between the two, both with USB and Bluetooth.
No, it’s not as portable as the new Magic Keyboard case, but it’s less messy on your desk. And you will likely have a better keyboard, and a better trackpad.
The LiDAR scanner in the latest iPad makes a 3D map of its area, as demonstrated by Esper from Lux Optics. Photo: Sebastiaan De With/Lux Optics
The 3D scanner built into the 2020 iPad Pro is intended for augmented-reality applications. Tests by the developers of the Halide camera app found that LiDAR built into this new tablet is well-suited for scanning furniture-size objects, but not anything smaller.
Juicy Realm, the action-packed dual-stick shooter that has proven popular on PC and console, is on its way to iOS. You can preorder the game through the App Store today (and enjoy a preorder discount) ahead of its debut on May 4.
This week we talk iPhone SE 2, HomePod and the AirPower charger, resurrected! Photo: @YSR50
This week on The CultCast: iPhone SE 2 is finally here, and the amount of tech packed into this $400 phone is truly remarkable. We’ll tell you everything you need to know. Plus, a new report outlines Apple’s plans for iPhone 12 with 5G, a new mini (and possibly portable) HomePod, and the AirPower mat, resurrected!
Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Stuck in quarantine? Apple Watch can help you stay active. Photo: Sune Holt
Even people who never realized Apple Watch’s awesome motivational power are standing up and testifying: The device helps get your butt up off the couch during the coronavirus quarantine.
“It’s fantastic that a gadget was the thing I needed to get myself in shape again,” said Sune Holt, an Apple Watch wearer from Denmark. “In November, I feared I wasted my money. Now it’s the best investment in a lifetime.”
Apple was apparently slow to commit to keep the paychecks coming. Photo: Fränz Bous/Flickr CC
Apple’s shuttle bus drivers continue to be paid despite not working during the coronavirus pandemic as the company’s employees switch to telecommuting.
That’s great news that the drivers’ paychecks keep coming. However, a representative of the Teamsters union says Apple didn’t exactly jump at the opportunity to keep the money flowing.
This will be Apple's next-gen iPad Pro. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 12 may be proceeding as scheduled, but not every Apple product in development is proceeding in a timely manner. According to a new research note from Hong Kong analyst Jeff Pu, sent Thursday, the forthcoming Mini LED iPad could be pushed back to early 2021.
A previous rumor suggested it would arrive later this year. Pu doesn’t give any explanation for the delay in his note, which was seen by Cult of Mac. However, it could relate to the continued disruption in Apple’s supply chain, which is only now starting to get back on track following the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in China.
Update today to take advantage of Family Pairing. Photo: TikTok
TikTok on Thursday rolled out its new Family Pairing feature that gives parents greater control over kids’ accounts in the U.S. It’s now possible to set screen time limits, disable direct messaging, and more.
Learn the tools, techniques, and concepts you need to make a quality podcast from anywhere. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Even before the pandemic, podcasting showed that great content can come from anywhere, even your living room. So if you’re twiddling your thumbs, use them to press record and get your thoughts out to the world. This massive bundle of lessons will show you how to do it right.
Apple's store in Seoul currently doesn't look quite this busy. Photo: Apple
Apple is reopening its retail store in South Korea, making it the first Apple Store outside Greater China to reopen following the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The store, Apple’s first and only in South Korea, opened in 2018. It is located in the upmarket Gangnam district, in the city of Seoul. Along with every Apple Store outside China, it closed on March 13 as part of Apple’s COVID-19 response. It will reopen its doors on April 18, a little over a month after closing.
Apple will deliver its new over-ear headphones, with interchangeable ear pads and other parts, “later this year,” claims a Thursday report from Bloomberg.
The company is said to be working on at least two variations of the product, including one “premium version” and another focused on fitness with a lighter design. Like AirPods Pro, they will be wireless with active noise-cancellation.
Amazon has shuttered all six of its distribution centers in France, delaying orders from being delivered in the country.
The decision came one day after a French court ruled that Amazon has not done enough in the country to protect its workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The complaint was originally brought by a French workers’ union.
Apple announced its new handsets yesterday. Photo: Apple
Apple’s technical specification webpage spills many of the details about the new iPhone SE, announced Wednesday. But there are some details that Apple hasn’t shared — with two of them being the RAM and battery capacity for its new device.
Thanks to a listing on China Telecom’s website, however, we may have some answers.
There's no going back... iOS 13.4.1 has changed things. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Apple has stopped signing iOS 13.4 following the release of iOS 13.4.1 last week. This means that, if you’ve upgraded to the latest version of iOS, it’s no longer possible to downgrade again.
iOS 13.4.1 most significant improvement was patching a problem with FaceTime that broke compatibility with older iPhones and iPads. News of the bug came to light shortly after the release of iOS and iPadOS 13.4 on March 24. Thanks to the upgrade, that is no longer a problem.
The 2020 iPhone SE isn’t stripped to the bone, but Apple cut some corners to get its low price. Photo: Apple
The 2020 iPhone SE costs just $399. That makes it one of the cheapest iOS handsets ever, equaled only by the original model. But to get this price, Apple had to make some compromises. It’s important to be aware of what they are.
Logitech Combo Touch is like the Magic Keyboard for regular iPads. Photo: Logitech
Logitech Combo Touch adds both a keyboard and a trackpad to inexpensive iPad models, because it’s not just Apple’s professional-grade models that can use mice and trackpads. Plus, there’s a flexible kickstand, and the keyboard is removable.
In addition, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, a more basic keyboard case for the 2020 iPad Pro, is also available now on the Apple Store.
The 2020 iPhone SE seems perfect for the times. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Talk about good timing. Apple unleashed its new budget-priced iPhone SE successor Wednesday, smack in the middle of a worldwide health crisis that’s wreaking havoc on health care, economies and behavioral norms.
With flagship-level specs packed into a familiar design — and priced at just $399 — the 2020 iPhone SE is the perfect iPhone for the current pandemic. It delivers tons of features we can all use during this rotten time, with a price tag that’s totally appropriate.