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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.

All the ways Mophie’s iPhone battery pack beats Apple’s [Review]

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Mophie Juice Pack Access review
The Mophie Juice Pack Access helps the most recent iPhone models spend longer away from electrical sockets.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Mophie Juice Pack Access is designed to extend the already long battery lives of the 2018 iPhone models. And charging can be done wirelessly, so the handset’s Lightning port is always available.

We put this new battery pack to the test. And we also compare it to the features of Apple’s similar Smart Battery Case.

Armor your iPhone with an edge-to-edge, tempered-glass screen protector

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Xkin's glossy, black border that mimics and blends right into the iPhone X bezels.
Edge-to-edge protection for your iPhone's screen.
Photo: Just Mobile

A few weeks ago, I dropped my iPhone down a flight of stairs. What else is new? It’s a ridiculous story that no one wants to hear, and yet all of you have probably experienced something similar. However, as I rushed down those precarious steps to retrieve my undoubtedly shattered iPhone, I was completely surprised.

Not because I didn’t think my Xkin screen protector would hold up against the 10-foot drop but because I had completely forgotten it was even on my screen in the first place! Not until I saw zero damage did I remember I installed the Xkin 3D Tempered Glass onto my iPhone months ago.

I completely forgot it was even there. How? Just Mobile’s rounded, full-coverage design runs edge to edge, including the iPhone’s curved screen. Xkin might as well be invisible.

Predictions for Apple’s big ‘show time’ event [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 288]

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Get ready for the big event. Apple's
Get ready for the big event.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Brace yourself for an Apple event like no other. In a little over a week, Cupertino execs — and probably a passel of Hollywood stars — will give us our first peek at Apple’s (not so) secret video-streaming service. As the company pushes its growing slate of services, Apple likely will put new hardware on the back burner.

Find out what to expect at Apple’s “It’s show time” event. Then treat yourself to the rest of the week’s best Apple news, how-tos and reviews. It’s all wrapped up for free in the latest edition of the easy-readin’ Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Download it now. Or get all the posts in the roundup of links below.

Plus: Don’t miss the big St. Patrick’s Day sale in the Cult of Mac Watch Store.

Score a second phone number, sweatproof earbuds and more [Deals]

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Check out the 4 best deals in the Cult of Mac Store this week.
Check out the 4 best deals in the Cult of Mac Store this week.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As spring approaches, we’re stocking up on discounted gear, gadgets and more. This week, we’ve got deals on a burner phone number, lessons in social media marketing, a music subscription that fosters focus, and a set of workout-ready earbuds.

Most of these hot deals are discounted by 70 percent or more!

Jury says Apple owes Qualcomm for stealing patents

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Qualcomm patents
A jury sided with Qualcomm over claims Apple stole patents for the iPhone.
Photo: Qualcomm

A jury ruled today Apple owes chip maker Qualcomm $31 million for violating three patents for tech used in some models of the iPhone.

The ruling came after a two week trial in San Diego on a lawsuit filed by Qualcomm in 2017. Apple is likely to appeal.