iPhone triumphs over local rivals on record Chinese shopping day

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iPhone sales are finally rebounding in China
Tim Cook looking happy in China. As he very much should be!
Photo: Tim Cook/Weibo

The iPhone outsold Chinese rivals on Alibaba platforms during China’s Singles Day on November 11. Singles’ Day is a holiday in which people not in a relationship buy themselves gifts.

Alibaba, the e-commerce giant that is the equivalent of China’s Amazon, sold a record $30.8 billion in gross merchandise during the day. Apple’s position as number one mobile brand is therefore pretty darn impressive!

Broadway ditches heavy production books for iPads

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ProductionPro
A look at the ProductionPro app in use.
Photo: ProductionPro

Broadway producers are ditching the heavy, 10-pound production books they currently use for shows in favor of iPads. These books contain details — swapped out for each new production — about script and choreography changes in Broadway musicals.

Instead of these heavy books, producers on Pretty Woman: The Musical, Kinky Boots and other shows are increasingly relying on the considerably lighter iPad — complete with the app ProductionPro and an Apple Pencil for scribbling notes.

Apple’s new iPad Pro keyboard case is slim but pricey [Review]

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The Smart Keyboard Folio turns the iPad into a laptop, but there are better options.
The Smart Keyboard Folio turns the 2018 iPad Pro into a notebook.
Photo: Andrea Nepori

Anyone planning to use a 2018 iPad Pro for business probably needs an add-on keyboard. Apple’s own offering in this category is the Smart Keyboard Folio, which wraps tightly around this new tablet, both protecting it and providing the text input method so many of us depend on.

Because it’s made by Apple, nearly everyone who buys an iPad Pro considers getting this accessory, but the price will give you reason to pause.

We put one through extensive testing to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Score more than 30 productivity tools for your Mac [Deals]

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Instantly add more than 30 top shelf utilities to your Mac for about 10 bucks a year.
Instantly add more than 30 top shelf utilities to your Mac for about 10 bucks a year.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It pays to stock up on utilities for Mac, whether to record desktop video, clean up drives, or boost productivity. Unfortunately top shelf Mac tools also come with a cost. So this bundle of more than 30 Mac utilities for $10 a year is a can’t-miss opportunity.

We finally know all the 2018 iPad Pro specs

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2018 iPad Pro Smart Keyboard
Processor speed and RAM complete the list of 2018 iPad Pro specs.
Photo: Apple

The last specifications of the new iPad Pro models just recently came to light. Apple unveiled this model at the end of last month but there are some very important  technical details this company never reveals about iOS devices: processor speed and RAM. It’s up to the public to find them out.

On top of that, a technical glitch in a popular benchmarking app kept the exact speed of the tablet unknown to most even after it was in customer hands. But no more.

Is the new iPad Pro too ‘pro’ for you? [Cult of Mac Magazine]

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Cult of Mac Magazine: It's not *all* about the new iPad Pro this week. (Mostly, though.)
It's not all about the new iPad Pro this week. (Mostly, though.)
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

It looks stunning. Its A12X Bionic chip packs a wallop. And the addition of a USB-C port brings strange new powers. However, the new iPad Pro also costs a pretty penny. Do you really need all that gorgeous horsepower?

We pick apart the 2018 iPad Pro from several angles in the latest issue of our free weekly e-magazine. And then we show you how to set up this stunning new tablet and use it properly. Grab your free subscription to Cult of Mac Magazine from iTunes now, and get ready to soak it up on your iOS device.

Or read on for this week’s top Apple news, reviews and how-tos — and a chance to win an iPhone XS Max!

Your Apple Watch doesn’t need to live on your wrist: Bucardo’s Apple Watch charm necklaces

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Wear your Apple Watch in a unique way with the brand-new Silver Arrow Charm Necklace by Bucardo.
Wear your Apple Watch in a unique way with the brand-new Silver Arrow Charm Necklace by Bucardo.
Photo: Kristal Chan/Cult of Mac

Need a little extra flare in your Apple Watch game? Bucardo’s Apple Watch charm necklaces transform your Apple Watch into a beautiful accessory, and we took it for a little spin in our unboxing video!

Fashion meets functionality — in wearing these stunning, stainless steel charm necklaces, the Apple Watch is still clearly visible, incorporating itself into the necklace itself. It’s a unique and aesthetically appealing way to showcase and use your special timepiece, and it’s available in our Cult of Mac Watch store.

Snag awesome Apple accessories for a fraction the price [Deals]

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Get on top of your holiday shopping with some of the best deals on awesome Apple accessories.
Get on top of your holiday shopping with some of the best deals on awesome Apple accessories.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want to enhance the goodness you get from your Apple devices? So do we, so we’ve rounded up four of the best deals on Apple accessories in the Cult of Mac Deals, just in time for the holidays. There’s a USB-connected microscope camera, a visual-first planner, an ultra-strong charging cable, and more. Read on for details:

Go nude with this crystal-clear iPhone case and tempered-glass screen protector

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Just Mobile's TENC case and Xkin screen protector are perfect for Apple fanatics who love showcasing the iPhone X lineup design and craftsmanship.
Just Mobile's TENC case and Xkin screen protector are perfect for Apple fanatics who love showcasing the iPhone X lineup design and craftsmanship.
Photo: Courtesy of Just Mobile

There’s nothing worse than bulking up your beautiful, sleek iPhone with awkward, beefy cases. But it’s all in the name of protection right?

I decided to test out two of Just Mobile’s incredibly slim and discreet iPhone accessories – both available in our Cult of Mac Watch store.

Try these powerful 2018 iPad Pro keyboard tricks

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The iPad loves a nice bit of keyboard action.
The iPad loves a nice bit of keyboard action.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Did you know that the Smart Keyboard Folio you just bought for your new iPad Pro can do a lot more than just type letters and words into your apps? Just like the Mac, the iPad can use keyboard shortcuts to make life a lot easier. In fact, the iPad shares many keyboard shortcuts with the Mac, so once you’re through with this list, you should try out your favorites.

And don’t worry if you don’t have a Smart Keyboard. These shortcuts work with any connected keyboard, be it Smart, Bluetooth, or USB. In fact, most keyboards actually do more for the iPad than Apple’s own.

Apple tech saves you from ever putting headphones on backward

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Apple headphone patent
Apple headphones, as seen in this conceptual illustration, look a lot like the HomePod.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Apple removed the headphone jack. Soon, it may take away something else – the L and R on the headphones.

Microphones in the ear cups would detect which ear is which and send each ear the proper signals, according to an application for headphone technology filed by Apple with the United States Patient and Trademark Office.

This would make the headphones reversible.

Apple promises to donate to California fire relief efforts

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forest fire
Winds are making California's wildfires impossible to contain.
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr CC

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed this morning that his company will donate to help relief efforts related to fires ravaging Northern and Southern California.

The town of Paradise, California, in NorCal was pretty much burned to the ground yesterday after the Camp Fire roared across Butte County, about 90 miles north of Sacramento. Fires are continuing to gain momentum, which could make the damage even more colossal than officials previously thought.

Amazon gets green light to sell more Apple products

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iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
You'll be able to scoop an iPhone from Amazon real soon.
Photo: Apple

Amazon shoppers are about to see a whole lot more Apple products on the retailer’s online storefront.

Apple and Amazon have reportedly inked a deal that allows Amazon to sell Apple’s newest iPhones and other products. The deal gives Apple a huge new sales channel but there’s one product Amazon doesn’t want to sell for Apple.

Paris Apple Store on Champs-Élysées will be très fabuleux

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The Champs-Élysées location doesn't get away with the giant glass doors found on other recent flagship Apple Stores.
The Champs-Élysées location doesn't get away with the giant glass doors found on other recent flagship Apple Stores.
Photo: Apple

Paris’ new flagship Apple Store finally got an official opening day: the retail location on the iconic Champs-Élysées will open its doors next Sunday.

In addition to offering iPhones, Mac, and more to the public, this building will serve as Apple headquarters in France.

Blind surfer shows how iPhone’s VoiceOver feature is a game-changer

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Scott Leason
Blind veteran Scott Laeson paddling out to surf.
Photo: Apple

Apple gave fans a heartwarming glimpse at how the iPhone and Apple Watch have helped a blind veteran gain more independence on his path to becoming a competition-winning surfer.

In a new post on its website, Apple shared a story about longboard surfer Scott Leason. After his time serving as a signalman in the U.S. Navy, Leason lost both of his eyes to a robber’s bullet in 1993. Getting used to his new life without sight took getting used to, but when Leason got his first iPhone in 2012, it was a gamechanger.

Steve Jobs stood in the lunch line like a regular Joe

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Steve Jobs
Be careful in the cafeteria line. You never know when your boss is behind you.
Photo: Apple

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was known to be incredibly demanding. But one retired Apple executive said when it came to standing in line in the company cafeteria, Jobs waited his turn like everyone else.

This would not be a surprising revelation about most people, but Jobs’ mercurial nature is the stuff of legend. The late Apple exec’s moods and commands have been the source material for books and movies. His character is even sung about on the opera stage.

Got a new iPad? It’s time to sell your old one

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The new iPad makes the old one seem huge and ugly.
Make back some of the money you just dropped on a new iPad Pro.
Photo: Andrea Nepori

Your hard-earned savings are probably looking a little beaten after the arrival of the amazing new iPad Pro lineup. But making back some of the cash you’ve just coughed up can be quicker and easier than you think.

Start by selling your old iPad to Cult of Mac. It’s fast and simple and we typically pay more than anyone else!

Apple Watch makes more holiday wish lists than iPad or MacBook

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new Apple customers
Is an Apple Watch on your wish list? You're not alone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

More people are hoping for an Apple Watch than an iPad or MacBook this holiday season, a sign of the growing popularity of this wearable.

That said, plenty of people want this company’s tablets and notebooks too. And a shiny new iPhone is the item Apple fans are wishing for the most . 

Stock up on travel-ready gear and gadgets [Deals]

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Stock up on travel ready gear, from portable chargers to refurbished iPads and more.
Stock up on travel ready gear, from portable chargers to refurbished iPads and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re a snowbird escaping the winter weather or just traveling for work, we’ve got some of the best deals on gear to bring on your next trip. There’s an affordable set of noise canceling headphones, an A/C ready power pack, even refurbished iPads, and lots more. Everything in this roundup is discounted significantly, so read on for more details:

Apple’s Face ID supplier has been acquired for $3.2 billion

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VCSEL
The company that made Face ID possible has been snapped up.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Finisar, supplier of the laser scanners used to enable Face ID in Apple’s latest iOS devices, has been acquired for a reported $3.2 billion.

II-VI Incorporated, a leading producer of optoelectronic systems, announced its purchase on Friday. It expects to close the deal, which is expected to generate $2.5 billion in annual revenue, in mid-2019 following regulatory approval.