Mobile menu toggle

How to use Quick Website Search in Safari for iOS

By

This gentleman staring into a light represents the illumination of search.
This gentleman staring into a light represents the illumination of search.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Safari for iOS has a great feature: Quick Website Search. This lets you search the contents of a single website, using that site’s own built-in search. The clever part is that you don’t have to visit the site and tap into its search bar. Once Safari learns how to search that site, you can search it right from Safari’s own search bar.

Even brilliant Pixel 3 ads won’t get iPhone users to switch

By

Pixel 3 ads
Google wants you to laugh as you watch its Pixel 3 ads on YouTube. It also wants you to switch phones.
Screenshot: Google/YouTube

Google and Samsung have smartphones many critics say are as good or better than the latest iPhones.

But making a device to rival Apple’s isn’t the hard part. Getting iPhone users to switch is.

Google acknowledges this in a series of video ads launched this week to convince brand loyalists to switch to its newest and well-reviewed flagship, the Pixel 3.

Pokémon Go player-vs.-player battles teased again

By

A major missing feature from Pokémon GO will be added soon.
A major missing feature from Pokémon Go will be added soon.
Photo: Niantic

Every version of Pokémon is about players using pocket monsters to battle other trainers. Well, every version except Pokémon Go, which conspicuously lacks the capability to let you go head-to-head with another player.

Game developer Niantic promised this feature would arrive before the end of the year. The company suggested today that the wait is almost over.

AirPods could someday replace your Apple Watch

By

airpods
Ear-worn devices like these AirPods could become the most-used type of wearable.
Photo: Ste Smith/ Cult of Mac

Smart watches are currently the most popular form of wearable, but ear-worn devices are expected to replace them in the coming years. The changeover will take place as AirPods and similar products gain additional features that people now get from Apple Watch and iPhone.

In less than five years, so-called “hearables” could outsell every other type of  wearable by a wide margin.

Apple Watch gets extended return policy for heart health features

By

Apple Watch ECG
Not impressed by the ECG? You’ll have more time to return your Watch.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch buyers will be granted an extended return period if they decide to return their wearable for reasons related to upcoming heart health features.

Apple usually gives shoppers 14 days to return a purchase, but an internal document reveals that some will have up to 45 days to return a Watch — as long as it’s for the right reasons.

The Elder Scrolls: Blades gets pushed back to early 2019

By

Bethesda
This game will look spectacular ... once it finally arrives.
Photo: Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks’ The Elder Scrolls: Blades may look stunning — but you’re going to have to wait a bit longer to play the highly anticipated iOS game.

According to a new tweet sent out by the game’s developers, the free-to-play RPG set in the Elder Scrolls universe has been pushed back to 2019. Originally, Bethesda planned to release it this fall.

Why an Apple Camera would be unstoppable, this week on The CultCast

By

CultCast 364 MacBook Pro
An Apple camera with Smart HDR would revolutionize photography.
Photo: Apple

This week on The CultCast: We tell you how iPhone’s Smart HDR takes pics better than cameras costing thousands, and how a proper Apple Camera would be positively unstoppable. Plus: The Supreme Court may force Apple to allow competing app stores; proposed tariffs on the iPhone could send prices sky-high; and Apple says the XR is one of the best-selling iPhones ever.

Our thanks to LinkedIn for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.

Apple quietly introduces new iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands

By

Apple’s new silicone cases for iPhone XS
Apple’s new silicone cases for iPhone XS and XS Max.
Photo: Apple

Apple has quietly added some new iPhone XS cases and Apple Watch bands to its Online Store.

Its silicone cases and sport bands now come in hibiscus, mellow yellow, and pacific green. Apple has also added the celestial teal, olive flak, and smokey mauve Nike Sport bands that were made available through nike.com earlier this month.

Apple Music coming to Echo smart speakers next month

By

Echo Dot
You'll soon be able to play Apple Music on your Amazon speaker.
Photo: Amazon

In an early Christmas present to Apple fans with an Amazon Echo, Apple Music is coming to Amazon’s line of smart speakers next month. Apple Music will be available as an option on Echo devices starting December 17.

“Music is one of the most popular features on Alexa,” said Dave Limp, senior vice president of Amazon Devices. “We’re thrilled to bring Apple Music – one of the most popular music services in the U.S. – to Echo customers this holiday.”

Apple’s troubled Melbourne flagship store has been pushed back a year

By

Oz new store
The original, now abandoned design for Melbourne's flagship Apple Store.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s proposed flagship Apple Store in Melbourne, Australia’s Federation Square has been pushed back at least a year. Work was originally scheduled to start in early 2019. However, now it won’t begin until 2020 — with the eventual opening taking place in 2021.

If it even happens at all, that is.

Target’s Apple Pay freeze-out may be thawing

By

Target trolleys in store
One Target store is reportedly now accepting Apple Pay.
Photo: Mike Mozart/Flickr CC

The days of Apple Pay not being accepted at Target could be coming to an end. According to a number of users on Twitter, the Target store in San Francisco is currently accepting Apple Pay purchases.

While this has yet to be rolled out to Target’s other 1,821 stores, this suggests the company may be changing its stance on Apple’s mobile payment service.

Apple kicks hundreds more apps out of China’s App store

By

The Chinese market is very important to Apple.
The Chinese market is very important to Apple.
Photo: Apple

Apple continues to remove third-party applications from the Chinese version of the App Store for violating its terms of service. It reportedly removed 718 apps this week.

This isn’t the first time there’s been a purge from this software store. But this time none of the applications were breaking Chinese law, just Apple’s own rules.

Get your inexpensive iPhone battery replacement while you can

By

iPhone batteries
Battery brand no longer complicates an iPhone repair job.
Photo: iFixIt

If you weren’t tempted by an iPhone XR or XS, and you’ve decided to hold onto your older handset for another year, you should really consider getting the battery replaced. This will add years of usefulness. 

Even better, Apple is offering a special deal that makes it just $29. But this low price is available only for one more months.

How to learn to draw with the iPad Pro

By

The new Apple Pencil is much nicer than the old one.
Drawing skills let you create in any medium.
Photo: Andrea Nepori

Today’s how-to is a little different. I won’t be recommending special apps for learning how to draw, or even AR apps that help you trace pictures onto real paper. Instead, I’m going to give you a few tips that will help you draw what you see in front of you, whether you’re using a pencil and paper, brush and canvas, or iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

But first, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that you already know how to draw — you just need to learn how to look. The bad news is that the only way to improve is to practice. A lot. There’s no shortcut. You just have to do a lot of drawing. And if you’re spending long hours sketching on your iPad, having a reliable round charger can keep your device powered up effortlessly—check out this deal on the INIU Leopard 100W GaN Wall Charger.

Apple’s Product(RED) contributes over $200 million to fight AIDS

By

Buying the PRODUCT(RED) version of the iPhone XR contributes to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Buying the PRODUCT(RED) version of the iPhone XR contributes to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Photo: Apple

iPhones, cases and other products in Apple’s Product(RED) line are more than just colorful; they’ve so far been responsible for $200 million going to pay for HIV/AIDS counseling, testing and medication.

Apple partnered with (RED) 11 years ago, with purchases of select products contributing to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

It only costs $5 to game Apple’s Podcast charts

By

podcast
Making a "chart-topping" podcast isn't that hard.
Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

Scoring a top spot on Apple’s podcast charts is a lot easier — and a lot cheaper — than most listeners probably realize.

Many podcast fans use Apple’s charts on iTunes and its iOS app to find new shows and gauge what’s popular right now. However, an intriguing new report reveals that some shows are paying for a place at the top and its shockingly inexpensive to game the charts.

Are Mac users jealous of the iPad Pro? [Opinion]

By

Is the 2018 iPad Pro or a MacBook a better option for you?
Is the 2018 iPad Pro or a MacBook a better option for you?
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Anyone who thinks you can’t get “real work” done on an iPad is nuts. Likewise, anyone who claims Apple’s tablet is not a real computer sounds like somebody arguing that the 1984 Mac wasn’t a real computer because it didn’t have a text-based command-line interface.

The iPad vs. Mac debate certainly isn’t new.  Only the devices have changed.

I think that the folks making these arguments are jealous of the iPad Pro, or scared that it will become more important to Apple than their Macs. They want to use it instead of their Mac, but at the same time they’re unwilling to change anything about how they work. Instead, they want the iPad to be a touchscreen Mac with a detachable keyboard.

Elvis is in the building for hilarious Apple FaceTime ad

By

Don’t miss Apple’s hilarious Elvis-themed Group Facetime ad.
Don’t miss Apple’s wacky Elvis-themed Group Facetime ad.
Screencap: Apple

Apple gives us the gift we really want: more Elvis. Specifically, a collection of Elvis impersonators scattered around the world using Group FaceTime to share their love of the King of Rock and Roll.

This iPhone ad highlights the best new feature in iOS 12.1, the ability to make FaceTime video calls to multiple people simultaneously.

Watch it now:

This unique subscription plan gives you 4 top-rated apps for the price of one [Deals]

By

Secure your Mac four ways from Sunday with this top-shelf monthly subscription bundle.
Secure your Mac four ways from Sunday with this top-shelf monthly subscription bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There is no shortage of hazards and hassles in the digital day-to-day. From forgotten passwords and identity theft to malware, viruses and plain old inadequate storage, you’ll want pro tools to help keep things sane.

This bundle offers protection against all of the above and then some. With a single subscription, you get access to a powerful VPN, malware protection and more. Usually, this bundle costs more than $32 a month, but right now you can sign up for just $9.99 a month. As an added bonus for Cult of Mac readers, you can get the first month free with promo code “FreeMonth.”

Instagram uses AI to make app accessible to visually impaired users

By

Instagram fact checking
Instagram will use fact-checking teams to identify false information.
Photo: Instagram

Instagram will be more accessible to the visually impaired thanks to new changes the photo-sharing platform launched today.

“With more than 285 million people in the world who have visual impairments, we know there are many people who could benefit from a more accessible Instagram,” the company wrote on its Info Center page announcing two new tools.

Sixth-gen iPad now available through Apple’s refurb store

By

iPad2
This iPad was aimed at students.
Photo: Apple

Looking for a new iPad for the holidays, but not quite ready to splash out on Apple’s high end iPad Pro models? No problem: Apple’s refurb store just picked up the sixth-gen 9.7-inch iPad, with prices starting at $279 for a 32GB model.

The sixth-gen iPad was announced on March 27, 2018, during Apple’s education-focused event in Chicago. It retails for $329 new.