iPad Air 3

All the ways iPad Air whips Microsoft’s new Surface Go 2

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Microsoft Surface Go 2
The newly-unveiled Microsoft Surface Go 2 has to take on the iPad Air 3.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft on Wednesday bumped up the display size of its mid-range tablet, just as Apple did last year. The newly-announced Surface Go 2 has a 10.5-inch screen, as does the iPad Air 3.

And this Windows tablet has a range of other enhancements to allow it to better compete with its iPadOS rival. But it doesn’t often come out ahead.

New Logitech keyboard case brings trackpad to regular iPads

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Logitech-Combo-Touch-iPad
Logitech Combo Touch is like the Magic Keyboard for regular iPads.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech Combo Touch adds both a keyboard and a trackpad to inexpensive iPad models, because it’s not just Apple’s professional-grade models that can use mice and trackpads. Plus, there’s a flexible kickstand, and the keyboard is removable.

In addition, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, a more basic keyboard case for the 2020 iPad Pro, is also available now on the Apple Store.

Logitech Crayon is a more affordable Apple Pencil alternative [Updated review]

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Save big by getting a Logitech Crayon for your iPad Pro instead of an Apple Pencil 2.
The Logitech Crayon costs less than the Apple Pencil, and it now works with the 2018 iPad Pro and other recent iOS tablets.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPad is a great educational tool, no matter the age of the student. But some children are too young for a keyboard. That’s where the Logitech Crayon comes in. It’s a digital pencil designed for students to write and draw on a variety of iPad and iPad Pro models.

We put this educational accessory to the test.

UAG brings serious protection to new iPad Air and iPad mini

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UAG Metropolis for 10.5-inch iPad Air
The UAG Metropolis iPad case defends this tablet from drops, bumps and blows.
Photo: UAG

The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is line of lightweight but protective folio cases for a range of Apple tablets. As of today, that includes the just-released iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5.

These cases offer MIL-SPEC drop protection and can securely hold an Apple Pencil. They also function as stands, naturally.

No need to wait on keyboard cases for latest iPad Air and iPad mini

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The Brydge 10.5 clip-on keyboard can be used with the new iPad Air.
The Brydge 10.5 clip-on keyboard can be used with the new iPad Air, and there are other options too.
Photo: Brydge

Apple’s newest tablets just started reaching the hands of consumers, but there are already several cases available for the iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5, including keyboard cases in multiple designs. There are options now from Zagg, Brydge and Apple itself.

While not yet available, rugged-case maker OtterBox is designing products for these slates.

Grab the beautiful wallpaper from the new iPad Air

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The new 2019 iPad Air, with its 10.5-inch screen, works with Apple's existing Smart Keyboard.
Like that wallpaper? You can put it on your iPad.
Photo: Apple

Anyone who likes the looks of the sweet wallpaper that comes with the iPad Air 3 doesn’t have to buy a new tablet to get it (Duh).

It’s available to download to your iPad or Mac now. It’s not really shaped right for iPhones.

New Macs! New iPads! New AirPods! We break down this week’s releases, on The CultCast

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CultCast 380 MacBook Pro
Apple spent the whole week releasing new hardware.

This week on The CultCast: Apple just released so much new hardware, they had to do it over 3 full days. We’ll break it all down, and react to all the new gear. Plus, the saga of MoviePass continues with yet another new wild announcement… but is their new unlimited plan too good to be true?

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain..

Why this week’s Apple PR blitz is brilliant [Opinion]

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Updated iMacs, AirPods, and iPads have all debuted this week. What’s next?
Updated iMacs, AirPods, and iPads have all debuted this week. What’s next?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple isn’t following its usual strategy for product launches. Rather than holding a press event during which a collection of devices gets shown off, it spread the news out across multiple days this week.

This bold new approach brought plenty of attention to products that might otherwise have gotten lost in the furor around bigger announcements. And it’s also creating excitement about what’s coming next.

Why the latest iPads don’t support Apple Pencil 2

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The newest iPad mini supports the first-gen Apple Pencil, not the newer version of this stylus.
A must-have for iPad owners.
Photo: Apple

The number of tablets that can use the Apple Pencil expanded with the debut of the iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5. Curiously, these support the original version of this pressure-sensitive stylus, not the newer one that launched in the fall.

But it turns out there are several good reasons for this move.

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.

How to watch the Apple event on March 21

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ipad-pro

Monday, March 21, will be a big day for Apple, with possible reveals of a budget 4-inch iPhone SE, a 9.7-inch iPad Pro and maybe even some new Apple Watch bands ahead of the second iteration of Apple’s wrist computer.

Want to watch the Apple event live? Here’s how you do it on any of your Apple devices (and even a PC).

Note: Monday’s Apple event starts at 10 a.m. Pacific. Cult of Mac’s liveblog will start serving up color commentary an hour before that, so don’t be late!

Apple’s big event, iPhone 7 leaks and rumors, malware and more

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What's coming down the pike?
What's coming down the pike?
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s set to bring the noise at an exciting new keynote event March 21, full of iPad Air 3 and iPhone SE news, and we’re sure you’re ready to hear it.

While you wait for Apple’s big event, though, we’ve gathered together all the things we think you need to know about the upcoming Apple-fest and put them into this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine.

Enjoy the noise, and check out this week’s top stories.

Should we be excited for next week’s Apple keynote? [Friday Night Fights]

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Our resident Apple fanboy can't wait!
Our resident Apple fanboy can't wait!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Tim Cook will take to the stage to host another Apple keynote on Monday, but who cares?

Friday-Night-Fights-bug-2It seems only a small percentage of Apple fans are interested in a 4-inch iPhone, and although the rumored iPad upgrade will be a big one, interest in tablets is falling like Jennifer Lawrence at big events. So that leaves… Apple Watch straps? Please!

Without a major unveiling, is Monday’s keynote really worth getting excited for? Or will it be another disappointment, with interest quickly turning to Eddy Cue’s colorful shirts and Craig Federighi’s impeccable hair instead?

Join us in this week’s Friday Night Fight between Cult of Android and Cult of Mac as we battle it out over those very questions!

Alleged iPad Air 3 case shows off quad speakers and Smart Connector

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Alleged-iPad-Air-3-case2
This case may offer some big clues about Apple's next tablet.
Photo: Steve Hemmerstoffer

If you’ve been lusting over the feature set of Apple’s iPad Pro, but would rather stick to the 9.7-inch form factor of the smaller-size iPad Air, today could be your lucky day.

That’s because new photos of an alleged iPad Air 3 case (complete with dummy device) appear to show that Apple’s next tablet will be a scaled-down version of the iPad Pro — complete with the same quad speaker setup as its big brother, along with the triple dot Smart Connector that the iPad Pro uses to connect to its Smart Keyboard attachment.

iPad Air 3 will pack the same powerful processor as iPad Pro

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2017 12.9-inch iPad Pro
The iPad Pro's best features are coming to iPad Air 3.
Photo: Leander Kahney / Cult of Mac

Apple isn’t skimping on processing power when it comes to the iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se that are expected to be revealed next month.

Even though the new 4-inch iPhone is being aimed as a mid-range smartphone, Apple reportedly plans to include the same A9 processor found in the iPhone 6s, while the iPad Air 3 will pack the A9X processor found in the iPad Pro.

iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se likely to go on sale March 18th

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Don't call it the '5se'.
The iPhone 5se won't be available for pre-order.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Once Apple finally unveils its new iPad and 4-inch iPhone, it won’t take long before Apple fans are able to get their fingers all over the two new iOS devices.

Both the iPhone 5se and iPad Air 3 will be available the same week they are introduced to the public, according to a new report that claims Apple Stores will have the new devices in stock by March 18th, but there won’t be any pre-orders.

Apple’s rumored March event: Catch our hardware expectations on The CultCast

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New Apple hardware in March?  Party time!
New Apple hardware in March? Party time!
Photo: Kickboxer, Lionsgate

This week: New hardware, incoming! We’ll tell you our hardware expectations for Apple’s rumored March 2016 event, and there’s a lot to discuss. Plus: Why the next iPad Air could be the best one yet; iPhone 7 may have far fewer features than expected; and, is Apple making a move into virtual reality?

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. It’s simple to build a website that looks beautiful on any device that visits at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10 percent off.

Apple Watch may get an ‘S’ upgrade in March

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Apple Watch
Get your Apple Watch ready for your new iPhone.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

The iPhone might not be the only device getting an incremental upgrade at Apple’s next keynote, which is rumored to take place March 15.

In a note to investors this morning, Apple analyst Gene Munster claims Apple Watch may get a slight hardware upgrade this spring that will include a better processor, improved battery life and other new internal components.

Apple plans March 15 event for iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se unveiling

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iPad Air 3 will pick up some tricks from the iPad Pro.
iPad Air 3 will pick up some tricks from the iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

The grand unveiling of Apple’s newest iPad and iPhone is reportedly just over a month away.

Although the iPhone-maker usually waits until fall to reveal its latest and greatest iOS devices, a new report claims Apple has set its sights on March 15 as the date for its first big keynote of 2016.

Schematic reveals iPad Air 3 will be slightly thicker than iPad Air 2

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iPad Air 3 will be the smartest iPad yet.
iPad Air 3 will be the smartest iPad yet.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

The iPad Air 3 is poised to be the biggest upgrade the iPad lineup has ever seen, but all those new features might come with a price of extra thickness.

An alleged schematic of the iPad Air 3 has been leaked that shows the upcoming device’s exact dimensions. The schematic also appears to confirm that the iPad Air 3 will use the Smart Connector found on the iPad Pro.

Check it out:

iPad Air 3 case on Alibaba hints at Smart Connector

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If this picture is accurate, the iPad Air 3 could come with a Smart Connector.
If this picture is accurate, the iPad Air 3 could come with a Smart Connector.
Photo: Shenzhen Hong Technology Co./Alibaba

It’s a product with some holes in it and it’s the holes that could be of interest to Apple fans excited about the upcoming iPad Air 3.

A photo allegedly showing an Air 3 case has cutouts for a Smart Connector and four speakers. The Japanese Apple blog Macotakara raised the possibility of a beefed up iPad after seeing a case available for pre-order on Alibaba.

Is Apple prepping a pro version of the iPhone 7 Plus? Catch the discussion on The CultCast

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Apple is reportedly testing dual-lens cameras from three different companies.
Apple is reportedly testing dual-lens cameras from three different companies.
Photo: Computerbild.de

This week on The CultCast: A souped-up iPad Air 3 coming in March; “iPhone 5se” would be a terrible name for a 4-inch iPhone; the iPhone 7 Plus PLUS is for those who demand only the best mobile camera; and why Apple is pumping the brakes on their electric car.

Our thanks for supporting this episode goes to FreshBooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster. Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast.

Apple gear leaks, rumors, how-tos, reviews and more

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Rumors, leaks, gear, and so much more.
Rumors, leaks, gear, and so much more.
Cover Design: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

There are so many new leaks and rumors about upcoming Apple gear, we’re awash in joyful speculation. There’s the new iPhone 7 just for photographers, new iPad Air 3 details, and some hidden iPad Pro firmware features, just for starters.

Add to that some fine new how-tos, some great app roundups and a look at Apple’s biggest financial quarter yet, and you’ve got a fantastic digital magazine ready for downloading right now.

Here are the top stories from this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine.

iPad Air 3 may bring even sharper 4K display

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iPad Air 2
The iPad Air 3 could almost double the resolution of its predecessor.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

The iPad Air 3 may boast a 4K display, as well as up to 4GB of RAM and improved battery life.

Given that the current iPad Air has a resolution of 2048 x 1536, a 4K display would come close to doubling its predecessor’s image quality.