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Swiss banks accused of colluding to hurt Apple Pay

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Apple in talks to bring Apple Pay to Israel
Apple Pay arrived in Switzerland in 2016.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Switzerland is opening up an investigation into whether major banks colluded to fight off the threat of mobile payments services such as Apple Pay.

The banks, which include Credit Suisse and Switzerland’s top bank UBS, supposedly wanted to boost the Swiss mobile payment service TWINT. As a result, they are alleged to have blocked their credit cards from working with Apple Pay and the rival Samsung Pay service.

iPhone XR suppliers say they expect a slowdown next year

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Nearly every configuration of the Apple's latest handset is still available hours into launch day. What does this say about iPhone XR sales?
Does this story feed into the idea that iPhone XR sales are weak?
Photo: Apple

Sources with knowledge of two of the touch module suppliers for the iPhone XR say the companies expect to see a slowdown in shipments in the first quarter of 2019.

The two companies are TPK Holding and General Interface Solution (GIS), both of whom have worked with Apple for several years. It feeds into concerns that the iPhone XR is experiencing weaker-than-expected sales. Things might not be quite what they seem, however.

2018 iPad Pro – A week with Apple’s computer for everywhere [Review]

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IPad Pro and Mac Pro
Apple’s on their hardware “A” game with the new iPad Pro
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The new iPad Pro is arguably the most powerful, most familiar, most versatile, and most fun computer you can get today. Yes, you read that correctly. I said computer.

For the past week, I’ve been testing out Apple’s latest 12.9” iPad Pro. I’ve used it around the house, and at work, in the kitchen, and in bed, at the coffee shop and on the couch – and it’s been great. I actually look forward to using it, and it has replaced both my MacBook and my iPhone for a lot of my most common situations.

Grab the new iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS ‘bug fix’ betas

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The third beta of iOS 12.1.1 is available to anyone who wants it.
iOS 12.1.1 beta 3 is available to anyone who wants to download it.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The public just got their hands on the third beta of iOS 12.1.1, which developers were able to access to this morning. This doesn’t bring new features, but makes some tweaks.

Developers can also download macOS 10.12.2 beta 3, tvOS 12.1.1 beta 3, and watchOS 5.2.1 beta 2.

‘Shot on iPhone XR’ campaign showcases spectacular images

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The iPhone XR camera takes some awesome pictures.
The iPhone XR camera takes some awesome pictures.
Photo: Austin Mann

The iPhone XR camera isn’t as advanced as the one in Apple’s pricier XS series, but you’d be hard pressed to see the difference in some stunning images Apple is showing off today.

These pictures were contributed to the “Shot on iPhone” campaign that highlights what these phones can do.

Apple inks movie deal with Oscar-winning indie studio

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mid90s cast
The cast of A24's latest movie, mid90s
Photo: A24

One of the hottest indie movie studios in Hollywood is joining forces with Apple to make a series of movies.

A24, the studio behind the Oscar-winning film Moonlight, has inked a multi-year deal to produce a slate of films, in what is the first major movie deal for Apple.

How to import photos into 2018 iPad Pro

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iPad photo import
Importing is dead easy.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

You’ve been able to import photos into an iPad ever since the first iPad launched. You had to buy a Camera Connection Kit to do it, which at the time consisted of two 30-pin Dock connectors, one with a USB-A port for hooking up cameras and CF readers, the other with an SD card slot. Since then, imports have gotten faster, and better. And the biggest difference with the 2018 iPad Pro is that now you can use any old USB-C card reader or hub to do the importing. Let’s see how it works.

10 reasons I chose iPhone XR over iPhone XS Max

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The CultCast host Erfon Elijah loves the iPhone XR.
The CultCast host Erfon Elijah loves the iPhone XR.
Photo: Erfon Elijah/Cult of Mac

The iPhone XS and XS Max are undeniably the most gorgeous phones ever created. But when it comes time to actually shell out your own hard-earned cash for an iPhone in the year 2018, there’s one clear winner: the iPhone XR.

Even though it doesn’t have the same amazing OLED display as the iPhone XS Max, there’s a lot to love about the iPhone XR. And we’re not just talking about the price tag. The CultCast host Erfon Elijah breaks down why you should consider going all-in on the colorful iPhone XR.

Here’s a labeling system for all those white Apple cords. You’re welcome. [Review]

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Make no mistake. This cord has been tagged with a Buoy Tag.
Make no mistake. This cord has been tagged.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Buoy Tags, in a nutshell, are labels for cables. Apparently, some of us could use them.

I didn’t know this until my little box of Buoy Tags arrived. But once I saw the little clip-on tags, I could see how they might solve a common problem in households with multiple devices, or in communal offices where everyone plugs into power strips.

Apple is poaching engineers in Qualcomm’s backyard

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

One of Apple’s oldest wireless chip suppliers is now facing a huge threat of having employees poached by the iPhone-maker.

For the first time ever, Apple has started advertising engineering jobs in Qualcomm’s backyard, San Diego, California. The move comes as the two companies have been feuding for two years regarding royalty payments and Apple’s hiring spree could deepen the riff.

Apple makes iPhone XR available unlocked

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CHoose an unlocked iPhone XR if you’re giving it as a gift.
CHoose an unlocked iPhone XR if you’re giving it as a gift.
Photo: Apple

It’s no longer necessary to specify a wireless provider when you purchase an iPhone XR.

Apple has begun offering its latest handset unlocked, so that it can be easily swapped to any carrier.

Why this is the perfect time to buy Apple stock

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iMac Pro
When a company has good long-term prospects, the time to buy shares is when others are getting out.
Photo: Apple/Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

It hasn’t been a great month to own shares of Apple. But if you’ve been considering getting in, one analyst says now is the time to buy.

Shares of the iPhone-maker have dropped 17 percent in less than two weeks. But this an overreaction to bad news from parts suppliers.

Who needs Apple Pencil when any old stylus will do? [Opinion]

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Apple Pencil vs dumb stylus: This old Wacom Bamboo is more than enough
This old Wacom Bamboo stylus is more than enough "pencil" for many people.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

I’ve owned an Apple Pencil since I bought the first iPad Pro a few years ago. There’s nothing to touch it when it comes to drawing and painting on the iPad, but I found I didn’t ever use it for that. I mark up PDFs, make selections when editing photos, and sketch the odd diagram.

This time around, I’m saving my $130 by not buying the Apple Pencil mkII. Why? I don’t need it. Instead, I’m using the cheap, dumb stylus I found in my jam jar of pens and pencils. Let me tell you why.

Level up your Apple Watch game with these striking saffiano leather bands

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Casetify's saffiano leather printed bands pack a punch in style and durability.
Casetify's saffiano leather printed bands pack a punch in design and durability.
Photo: Casetify

If you love Apple Watch Series 4’s streamlined body but crave some color and vibrancy to up the fashion ante, look no further than these saffiano leather Apple Watch bands from Casetify.

The Cult of Mac Watch Store partnered with Casetify — big believers in self-expression through tech accessories — for a while now. But this season the company smashed the refresh button and completely revamped its brand and its Apple Watch band designs. Now, dreamers, playmakers and game-changers can fulfill their style needs with Casetify’s artful Apple Watch bands.

Tim Cook wins ‘Courage Against Hate’ award

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There are lots of things that make Apple so great, Cook says.
Tim Cook has been outspoken about making Apple a 'force for good' in the world.
Photo: Apple

The Anti-Defamation League is awarding Tim Cook with its first ever “Courage Against Hate” award for his work championing causes of unity, diversity, and social progress.

Cook will receive the award in a December 3 ceremony in New York City, as part of ADL’s annual “Never Is Now Summit.” Along with receiving the award, Cook will also deliver the keynote address.

AirPods aren’t the only way to enjoy wireless audio [Deals]

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AirTaps Bluetooth earbuds are an economic alternative to Apple's AirPods.
These Bluetooth earbuds are an economic alternative to Apple's AirPods.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Cupertino managed to make AirPods synonymous with wireless earbuds, at least among Apple users. But the truth is, AirPods aren’t the only – and certainly aren’t the most affordable – option for wireless personal audio. In fact, you can get just as much enjoyment for a fraction of the price.

Apple Champs-Élysées is a stunning blend of old and new

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Apple Store Paris 1
Apple's new Parisian flagship store is a knockout.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s Champs-Élysées retail store opens this Sunday, and from the look of some pictures Apple has released, it may be the most spectacular Apple Store yet.

The store eschews the glass and modernism of the company’s newly built stores for vintage grandeur, mixed with a few high tech flourishes. It is housed in a Haussmann-era apartment building, dating back to the 1800s. Check out some images of the new retail space below.

Health insurance company lets customers walk off the cost of an Apple Watch

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Apple Watch Series 3
You'll have to commit to daily activity to get the most out of the deal, however.
Photo: Apple

Insurance company UnitedHealthcare is offering customers the chance to pick up a free Apple Watch Series 3 in exchange for walking 10,000 steps per day. While this does sound quite intriguing to apple users, personally I don’t think it will be of any use to the people who love watches for their simplicity and style statement which can be found on this Hotrate website.

The offer is open to people on the company’s “Motion” program, which hands out rewards in exchange for customers committing to daily exercise. Customers can choose any Apple Watch model up to last year’s Series 3 model, asking only that they pay taxes and shipping for the device.

Trick reveals all 102 hidden magnets in the 2018 iPad Pro

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iPad Pro 2018 one week review
Magnets are one of the neatest features in the new iPad Pro -- even though you can't see them.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

One of the neatest features of the new 2018-era iPad Pro is something you can’t even see from outside. That’s the fact that it’s studded with 102 small magnets, which allow you to attach the Apple Pencil, stick it to the Smart Keyboard Folio, or even adhere it to your fridge door if you’re feeling brave.

But just how are the magnets distributed inside Apple’s next-gen tablet? Using some special magnet paper, tech vlogger Marques Brownlee found out.

How Facebook Messenger ‘unsend’ feature works

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And you thought all those Facebook messages were secret. Sucker!
You can unsend a message, but you can’t make people unsee it.
Photo: kropekk_pl/Pixabay CC

There was a lot of confusion after Facebook revealed last week that users would soon be able to unsend comments made in Messenger. With this feature starting to roll out, the details of how it will work have come to light.

Turns out it’s not a magic wand that will let you take back what you just said to your now ex-girlfriend.

Waze adds podcast controls to brighten up your commute

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The Waze Audio Player puts podcast controls right next to your driving directions.
The Waze Audio Player puts podcast controls right next to your driving directions.
Photo: Waze

Long trips and podcasts go well together, and Google’s Waze navigation software just added support for controlling some popular streaming audio services from right within the app.

The goal of the new Waze Audio Player feature is making it less dangerous to adjust what you’re listening to while driving.

Apple extends return policy for holiday shoppers

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Apple gifts bought now can be returned in January.
Apple gifts bought now can be returned in January.
Photo: Apple

For the next month, you have a lot longer to return items purchased from the online Apple Store.  This is intended to allow shoppers to buy holiday gifts now and not have to worry about returns until January.

Holiday shoppers should also be aware that Apple offers free two-day delivery on items bought through its website.  Returns are always free.

New iPad Pro doubles as display for new Mac mini

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Processed with VSCO with 4 preset
This might be our dream computer.
Photo: Luna Display

Having a hard time deciding between whether to buy the new Mac mini or the new iPad Pro?

Why not get both and merge them into one workstation?

Luma Display revealed that its iPad app can be used with the new iPad Pro to turn it into a display for the new Mac mini. The end result is a workstation that gives you the best of both worlds for iOS and macOS.

Check out this brilliant setup:

Mac mini bags carry Apple’s tiny PC with style

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Mac Mini
Two new cases dedicated to Apple's new Mac Mini.
Photo: WaterField Designs

The new Mac mini, which serves up desktop power in a portable package, deserves its own dedicated carrying case. WaterField Designs now offers two worthy Mac mini bags worthy of the pint-size powerhouse.

The San Francisco maker of tech cases sells a fitted Mac mini sleeve as well as a larger travel case with room for a keyboard, cords and other accessories.