iPad - page 21

Get an early taste of iOS 15 and macOS Monterey with new wallpapers

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macOS Monterey new wallpaper
There's only one for macOS, but it's a stunner.
Photo: Apple

We’re all itching to get our hands on Apple’s newest software updates. But due to many, many bugs, it’s a bad idea to install the developer betas right now. There is another way to freshen up your devices today.

The new wallpapers from iOS and iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey are available to download today, so you can already start using them on your iPhone, iPad and Mac in glorious high-resolution.

tvOS 15 lets you sign into apps using Face ID or Touch ID on iPhone

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tvOS 15 lets you sign in with iPhone and iPad
No need to struggle with the Siri Remote.
Image: Apple

Signing into Apple TV apps will soon be easier than ever, thanks to the ability to use Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad with tvOS 15.

The new “Sign in with Apple Device” feature will negate the need to enter usernames and passwords with Apple TV’s Siri Remote, significantly speeding up the sign in process. But there is a small catch.

iOS and iPadOS 15 prioritize 5G over Wi-Fi for better connectivity

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save battery life when using 5G on iPhone 12
Giving you the best possible download and upload speeds.
Photo: Apple

If you’re lucky enough to get strong and speedy 5G coverage where you live, you’ll be pleased that it gets prioritized over Wi-Fi in iOS and iPadOS 15 when your usual network is slow.

The new feature expands your 5G capabilities on iPhone 12 and M1 iPad Pro and could make certain tasks — like downloading high-resolution movies and music or uploading data to iCloud — significantly faster.

iOS 15 gives you temporary iCloud storage boost for device upgrades

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iCloud
All the storage you need, free of charge.
Photo: Apple

Apple is making iPhone and iPad upgrades easier by giving users a temporary boost in iCloud storage free of charge.

The change, which comes with iOS and iPadOS 15 this fall, will allow you to backup the entire contents of your device and transfer it all to a new one — even if you’re using the free 5GB storage plan.

Siri will work offline and come to third-party devices this year

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Apple’s AI-driven voice-controlled digital assistant Siri
Siri is finally expanding its reach.
Photo: Apple

Siri will soon be able to handle many of your questions and requests offline. When Apple’s next-generation software updates roll out this fall, on-device speech recognition will negate the need for a data connection.

Apple is also opening Siri up to third parties, paving the way for its virtual assistant to be integrated into all manner of smart devices in the future.

iPadOS 15 brings Home screen revamp, more powerful multitasking

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iPadOS 15
iPadOS gets widgets you can place anywhere — just like iPhone.
Photo: Apple

Apple today gave iPad owners their first peek at iPadOS 15 with a revamped Home screen and more powerful multitasking. The update also introduces bolstered privacy controls and some welcome changes to notifications.

iPadOS 15 makes its public debut this fall alongside iOS 15 and other software updates for Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Developers can get their hands on the very first betas later today.

iPadOS 15 will revamp iPad’s clunky multitasking system

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iPadOS 15 will revamp app multitasking system
The current iPadOS multitasking system is useful but limited. Improvements are expected in iPadOS 15.
Photo: Apple

The iPad software upgrade expected to be unveiled Monday will improve the way users work with multiple on-screen applications, according to a last-minute report from a reliable source. iPadOS 15 also will include widget improvements and other changes.

How to hide likes and view counts on Facebook and Instagram

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How to hide likes and views on Facebook and Instagram
Not interested in likes? Get rid of them.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Facebook and Instagram have added the ability to hide likes and view counts — a feature that’s been in the works for a while. You can block counts on your own posts and well as on those from others.

We’ll show you how to enable the setting inside Facebook and Instagram for iPhone and iPad.

Save $40 on Anker’s excellent 5-in-1 USB-C hub and charger

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Anker 5-in-1 USB-C hub and charger
Now at its lowest price to date.
Photo: Anker

Pick up Anker’s awesome 5-in-1 USB-C hub and charger on Amazon today and get a generous $40 off the usual price.

The PowerPort hub keeps your iPad, MacBook and more topped up while allowing you to connect up to four USB devices and a 4K monitor over HDMI. It’s now at its lowest-ever price for a limited time only.

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iPad mini set for big redesign, while MagSafe makes its way to iPad Pro

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There’s more 2021 iPad Pro RAM than in any previous Apple tablet.
Apple wants to keep its iPad line hot coming out of the pandemic.
Photo: Apple

Apple is planning some exciting new additions for its iPad line. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to bring wireless charging to the iPad Pro, along with the first iPad mini redesign in six years.

The wireless charging iPad will supposedly debut in 2022. The redesigned iPad mini — complete with narrower bezels and possible removed Home button — will meanwhile arrive later this year.

How to allow a guest to control your HomeKit devices

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Add a guest to the Home app
The safe and easy way to share HomeKit control.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

If you’re going away this summer and leaving your home in the hands of someone else, you might want to give them control of your HomeKit devices. And it’s really easy to do that inside the Home app.

Here’s how to invite anyone with an iPhone, iPad or Mac to control your smart home gadgets as a guest.

Save up to 32% on Amazon charging accessories and USB-C hubs

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Save on Amazon accessories and hubs
Prices start at just $6.31!
Photo: Amazon

Keep your iPhone, iPad, Mac and more topped up and connected with generous discounts on Amazon Basics charging cables and USB-C hubs.

Prices start at just $6.31 for a three-foot fast charging cable, while a 30W USB-C charger with GaN technology can be yours for $17.29. Amazon’s 3-in-1 USB-C hub is down to just $25.49.

The discounts are good for a limited time only, so enjoy them while you can.

Steve Jobs considered supersizing the original MacBook Air

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Cheap refurbished MacBook Air
A 15-inch MacBook Air was on the cards for Apple in 2008. It never shipped.
Photo: Markus Spiske temporausch.com from Pexels

As CEOs of Apple, both Tim Cook and his predecessor Steve Jobs pride or, in Jobs’ case, prided themselves on the ability to say “no” to ideas. For obvious reasons, most of the time the world never gets to hear what those shot-down ideas actually were.

However, emails disclosed as part of the discovery for the Epic vs. Apple trial, now adjourned, shows one of the ideas that was talked about internally — but ultimately abandoned. That ideas was for a 15-inch MacBook Air, discussed as far back as 2007, the year before Apple debuted its ultra-thin notebook.

Incredible close-ups show off iPad Pro’s surprisingly great camera

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2021 iPad Pro is better than any iPhone at closeup pictures.
Some astounding closeup images should make you stop laughing at iPad photography.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Professional photog/developer Sebastiaan de With accidentally discovered that the rear-facing camera in the 2021 iPad Pro can focus on objects very close to the lens. This allows the tablet to capture close-up images not possible with an iPhone.

Cult of Mac did a bit of experimenting and confirmed the results.

How to share your Apple Card with others and add a co-owner

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How to share Apple Card
Give others the ability to use your Apple Card.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Card now gives users the ability to add a co-owner from their Family Sharing group. Co-owners share the same credit line and have the ability to add the card to Apple Pay, view their own spending activity, and more.

It’s also possible to share Apple Card with other members of your family (aged 13 years or older) and give them their own spending limit. Here’s how to start sharing yours on iPhone and iPad.

Zagg Pro Keys offers quality iPad keyboard case at affordable price [Review]

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Zagg Pro Keys review: Quality iPad keyboard case at affordable price
Turn your iPad into a laptop — one that can survive a 6-foot fall — with the Zagg Pro Keys.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Zagg Pro Keys wraps a range of iPad models in a very protective case, and includes a removable keyboard that makes the tablet even more productive. It’s a full-featured accessory that comes at a relatively low cost.

I used the Pro Keys with my work/personal iPad for several days. Here’s what I found out.