| Cult of Mac

Will Apple’s ‘Wonderlust’ event bring lust-worthy iPhones? [The CultCast]

By

WTF? The CultCast episode 610, where we're discussing the Apple
Will the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro colors really look as drab as rumors indicate?
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple’s invite for the September 12 “Wonderlust” event offers potential clues about what to expect. Mostly it makes us wonder: Will Apple ever release an iPhone in a truly bold, lust-worthy color?

The main thing we can agree on is that it looks like the iPhone 15 colors might be more boring than usual.

Also on The CultCast:

  • We’ll miss Apple’s leather cases if the company really does pull the plug.
  • 3D printing with metal could be a game-changer for the manufacturing process. If anyone can do it, Apple can.
  • AirPods might receive the USB-C upgrade they deserve next month.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple tests 3D printing that could revolutionize manufacturing

By

Stainless steel Apple Watches are the test case for a new manufacturing process using 3D printers.
Stainless steel Apple Watches are the test case for a new manufacturing process using 3D printers.
Photo: Apple

Apple is testing a 3D-printer-based manufacturing process for some of its upcoming Apple Watches that could radically change how it manufactures products generally, a new report said Wednesday.

In testing, the company is using 3D printers for the stainless steel chassis of some wearables. It may prove more eco-friendly and economical, cutting down on materials needed.

You, too, can 3D-print a clock based on the iOS Settings icon

By

Lucas Hall's 3D-printed Settings Clock is based on the iOS Settings icon.
Lucas Hall's 3D-printed Settings Clock is based on the iOS Settings icon.
Photo: Lucasjhall@Prusaprinters.org

A new 3D-printed Settings Clock based on the classic iOS icon looks flat-out cool. Lucas Hall designed the small, analog clock, which is driven by an inexpensive clock mechanism — and would look great on any Apple fan’s wall.

As you can see from the image, Hall based his Apple-inspired clock on the iOS Settings icon. And you can have one just like it. You just have to get your 3D printing on.

Print a variety of useful AirTag holders with these free 3D models

By

Print a variety of useful AirTag holders with these free 3D models
Don’t buy when you can 3D print an AirTag holder. Like this bike mount.
Photo: Marshall Farthing

It’s not necessary to buy an accessory to attach an Apple AirTag to your keys, bike or dog’s collar if you own a 3D printer. There are tons of CAD files with options to connect the recently released item tracker to various objects. And all of them are free to use.

Engineering student 3D-prints workstation components [Setups]

By

Vincent Belotti's setup includes 3D-printed elements and Nintendo-inspired decorations.
This setup includes 3D-printed elements and Nintendo-inspired decorations.
Photo: Vincent Belotti

Vincent Belotti, a mechanical engineering student at Farmingdale State College on Long Island, New York, has a colorful setup — and we’re not just talking about his screensaver. He 3D-prints some of the components in it himself, and he can’t get enough decor related to his favorite games.

3D printing as a hobby

As an engineering student, Belotti has made 3D printing into a hobby. He uses his MacBook Pro to model and slice prints that become components to enhance his setup. They include an Apple Watch dock, shown on the right side of his desk in these photos, and 3D figurines on the shelf above his monitor.

iPad Pro’s LiDAR Scanner isn’t accurate enough for 3D printing

By

Esper is a proof-of-concept app to demonstrate the LiDAR scanner in the 2020 iPad Pro
The LiDAR scanner in the latest iPad makes a 3D map of its area, as demonstrated by Esper from Lux Optics.
Photo: Sebastiaan De With/Lux Optics

The 3D scanner built into the 2020 iPad Pro is intended for augmented-reality applications. Tests by the developers of the Halide camera app found that LiDAR built into this new tablet is well-suited for scanning furniture-size objects, but not anything smaller.

Mini Apple 1 replica celebrates the computer that started it all

By

3d printed Smithsonian Apple 1
Looks like it belongs in a museum.
Photo: Matteo Trevisan

The Smithsonian is home to the most famous of the Apple 1 computers. It’s covered in a crude wooden case and Matteo Trevisan wants it.

That’s not happening. But he and another self-described Apple maniac indulged their geeky pleasure by creating a miniature version with a 3D printer and Raspberry Pi computer.

Meet your inner maker with books on 3D printing, CNC routing and more [Deals]

By

Learn how to use 3D printers, CAD software, CNC machines and more with this bundle of a dozen instructional eBooks.
Learn how to use 3D printers, CAD software, CNC machines and more with this bundle of a dozen instructional e-books.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Thanks to technology, anyone can become a designer and manufacturer without leaving the garage or office. 3D printing, CNC machines, CAD — these are the tools of today’s DIY makers.

If that all sounds interesting, but you’re not quite sure what any of it means, this bundle of e-books is for you.