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Apple’s newest iPads are just as fast as the latest iPhones

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The complete iPad lineup now includes Apple Pencil support, best-in-class performance, advanced displays and all-day battery life, Apple says.
Apple's new iPads are a much-needed upgrade.
Photo: Apple

The first Geekbench report on Apple’s new iPads suggests that at least one of the new tablets has a benchmark score of 4,806 and multi-core performance of 11,607. Those numbers put it roughly on a par with Apple’s iPhone XS Max.

Although it lags (understandably) behind the pricier and more power iPad Pro, it’s certainly promising news.

No turning back as Apple stops signing iOS 12.1.3

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Stop the madness
It's all about iOS 12.1.4 these days!
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple has stopped signing iOS 12.1.3 after the release of iOS 12.1.4. That means that it’s no longer possible to downgrade again from the latest version of iOS if you’ve already upgraded.

To be fair, you’re not missing very much!

Netflix confirms it won’t be part of Apple’s TV streaming service

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75% of Netflix users have no plans to jump ship to Apple TV+ (right away)
75% of Netflix users have no plans to jump ship to Apple TV+ (right away)
Photo: Stock Catalog/Flickr CC

Apple won’t officially unveil its streaming video service until next week but Netflix CEO Reed Hastings confirmed that his company will not be part of it.

The new video streaming service will offer subscriptions to other streaming services along with original TV shows from Apple. Everything will be combined into one “easy-to-use” app. However, Netflix doesn’t really see teaming up with Apple for subscribers as an advantage.

Folding iPhone concept video mixes rumors and dreams

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The folding iPhone in this concept video is just what many are hoping for.
The folding iPhone in this concept video is just what many are hoping for.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa

Apple is at least exploring the possibility of making a folding iPhone, and artists have been playing around with designs as well.

Today we have a concept video showing a flexible iOS model that also includes some of the features that are expected to be in this fall’s iPhone XI.

Watch it now:

iPad Air vs. Pro vs. mini: Which one’s right for you?

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The complete iPad lineup now includes Apple Pencil support, best-in-class performance, advanced displays and all-day battery life, Apple says.
There's an iPad for everyone.
Photo: Apple

Apple today added two new iPads to its lineup while dropping the 10.5-inch iPad Pro released in 2017. It now offers five different tablets, each of which has its own advantages. So how do you choose the right one?

Which iPad is best for unparalleled performance? Which one offers more bang for your buck? Which is starting to look a little long in the tooth?

Our in-depth comparison shows you exactly how all five of Apple’s current iPads stack up — and helps you decide which one is worth your hard-earned cash.

3 pieces of hot Apple hardware we’re still waiting for

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iPod touch 1
There’s strong evidence that an iPod touch is coming, even if it wasn’t announced today.
Photo: Apple

Apple surprised everyone by launching two iPad models this morning. But there’s has been plenty of evidence that the company is about to release three more products that haven’t yet seen the light of day.

This includes an updated iPod touch, improved AirPods and the AirPower charging mat.

Update (March 20): Apple introduced the much-anticipated AirPods 2 with “Hey Siri” and better battery life. There’s still no sign of AirPower.

How to iMessage a photo with just one tap

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Just one tap.
Just one tap.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

I got sick of having to tap a zillion buttons just to iMessage a photo to somebody, so I made a shortcut that lets me tap an icon on my Home screen, and sends my latest photo automatically to a preselected friend.

That’s it. You tap it, and the shortcut grabs the last photo you shot, and sends it. If that sounds like something you want, check it out.

Leather Smart Cover makes a comeback with new iPads

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Here’s the Smart Cover for the latest iPad models in papaya.
Here’s the Smart Cover for the latest iPad models in papaya.
Photo: Apple

Apple just took the wraps off fresh accessories for the tablets it unveiled this morning. There are cases in a variety of colors for both the new iPad Air and iPad mini. 

There’s also a leather cover for the 10.5-inch iPad Air. And this model can use a Smart Keyboard designed for an earlier Apple tablet.

iPhone XS Max finally loses in speed test

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PhoneBuff
It's a battle of two titans.
Photo: PhoneBuff

The iPhone XS Max absolutely crushed every competing smartphone in real-world speed tests since it came out, but it looks like its reign may be over.

In a new speed test pitting the iPhone XS Max against the Galaxy S10+, Apple’s flagship device finally loses its speed test crown. Apple’s best phones haven’t lost to Samsung’s flagship devices since the Note 5 came out. The iPhone XS Max actually beat the S10+ on the first lap but couldn’t keep up on the second.

Watch the Galaxy S10+ come from behind to win:

iOS 12.2 inches closer to launch with sixth beta

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iOS12
iOS 12.2 is bringing a bunch of new features to iPhone and iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple is back with an all-new iOS 12.2 beta for developers, just one week after the iPhone-maker released iOS 12.2 beta 5 into the wild.

iOS 12.2 beta 6 could be the last beta build Apple puts out before making it available to the public. The new beta build packs a ton of bug fixes and performance improvements for iPad and iPhone to go with some UI changes and new features Apple added in previous builds.

10.5-inch iPad Pro killed off by new iPad Air

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iPad-Pro
Grab yours before it’s too late!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro has been removed from the Apple Online Store following the introduction of the new iPad Air.

Apple’s newest slate combines the same 10.5-inch screen with its fastest A12 Bionic processor, making the old iPad Pro redundant. You will still be able to buy the device from third-parties for now, however — and at a discounted rate.

Moby’s latest album is an exclusive to top iOS meditation app

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Moby
For those days when you want to take your lounge chair into the local park.
Photo: Calm

Music exclusives are nothing unusual when it comes to streaming music services, such as Tidal and Apple Music. But electronic music legend Moby has thought different with his approach to releasing his latest album.

Fans wanting to get hold of Moby’s “Long Ambients 2” can do so only by downloading the Calm meditation app.

Get Corel’s pro digital art Mac app at a massive discount [Deals]

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This pro Mac app from Corel includes all the tools you need for creating digital masterpieces.
This pro Mac app from Corel includes all the tools you need for creating digital masterpieces.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Creating great digital art requires great tools, and a few graphic design apps. Unfortunately that also means spending a ton of money. So this deal on one of the best industry-standard Mac apps is a can’t-miss opportunity.

Corel Painter 2019 usually costs about $430, but right now you can get it for a full 41 percent discount.

Massive study proves Apple Watch could save your life

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heart
Apple Watch will keep tabs on your heart rhythm.
Photo: Apple

Stanford scientists have declared that the Apple Watch is capable of safely identifying the heart rate irregularities known as atrial fibrillation. This is a big step in the Apple Watch being taken seriously as a medical device. A-fib is the leading cause of stroke and hospitalization in the United States,

The research was based on a virtual study involving upward of 400,000 participants. The work was funded by Apple.

Angela Ahrendts was the ‘Renaissance that never quite was’

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Ahrendts
Apple's ex-retail chief Angela Ahrendts with Will.i.am at the Apple Watch unveiling in 2014.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

It’s not 100 percent clear whether former retail boss Angela Ahrendts left Apple voluntarily or was pushed out. However, a new report suggests that she didn’t quite live up to the hype.

“Angela Ahrendts was supposed to be the Renaissance that never quite was,” a former Apple store manager says. “We were getting conflicting direction on a semi-regular basis and a lot of new initiatives on what seemed like a weekly basis. Nothing seemed to quite stick.”

It gives a slightly chaotic sense of the time spent at Apple by Ahrendts — who was among the company’s top earning employees.

5 Apple original shows finish filming ahead of March 25 event

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Apple TV Siri Remote
But they won't be ready for streaming for a while.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Five of Apple’s original TV shows have now finished filming, according to a new report. They have entered post-production ahead of the company’s March 25 event, but they’re not expected to be available until the fall.

Apple is said to be working on around six other shows that are still in production. The company is also developing lots more original content that is planned to debut in 2020.

Another Apple supplier struggles with declining iPhone sales

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iPhone sales
Largan Precision wants to find non-Apple partners to buy its wares.
Photo: Apple

Another major Apple supplier is reportedly searching for new ways of diversifying its business at a time of slumping iPhone sales.

According to a new report, camera lens maker Largan Precision is targeting “non-Apple” customers to buy its products. It is particularly focused on Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi.

AirPower incoming? Apple Online Store mysteriously goes down

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Apple Store down
What's happening?
Photo: Apple

The Apple Online Store has mysteriously gone down this morning, leading fans to wonder whether AirPower and new iPads are on the way.

Apple has an event planned for March 25, but it is thought that will focus on services rather than hardware. It is certainly plausible that refreshed devices will be added to the store this morning without much fanfare.