Full details on the new iMac Pro still haven’t be unveiled by Apple even though it showed the machine off at WWDC 2017, but according to a new report, Apple’s desktop beast may pack a surprising server-grade processor from Intel to make it unbelievably fast.
Why everyone loves the HomePod, this week on The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: Early reviews for the new iPad Pro and HomePod show Apple’s done it again. Plus: Someone in the Apple supply chain just accidentally leaked some of iPhone 8’s marquee features; speed tests show a big CPU boost in the new MacBook Pro; Apple finally offers us iCloud Storage sharing; our favorite unannounced iOS 11 features; and we’ll tell you what we like (and don’t) about the apps and gadgets we’re currently testing in an all-new Under Review.
Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. It’s simple to accept Apple Pay and sell your wares with your very own Squarespace.com website. Enter offer code “CultCast” at checkout to get 10 percent off any hosting plan.
Microsoft beats Apple to fingerprint-scanning wireless keyboard
Microsoft has beaten Apple to delivering a wireless keyboard with biometric security.
Its new Modern Keyboard is built out of aluminum to be slim and strong and features a hidden fingerprint scanner that makes login passwords a thing of the past. It’s also compatible with your Mac.
Missed WWDC? You can catch up now on YouTube
If you missed Apple’s big WWDC keynote last week, you can catch up now on YouTube.
The entire event runs for just under two hours and 20 minutes, but the beauty of watching it later means you can skip forward to the most exciting announcements.
Today in Apple history: 13-inch MacBook Pro makes power more portable
June 8, 2009: Apple promotes its 13-inch MacBook to join the MacBook Pro family, adding a speed bump, new FireWire 800 port, the first SD card slot on a MacBook, improved LED-backlit screen, and backlit keyboard across all models.
Coming the year after Apple radically upgraded its MacBooks with a new aluminum unibody design, the update is more about evolution than revolution. But it still makes for a pretty darn great laptop!
Week’s best Apple deals: It’s not too early to save on the new iPad Pros
It’s been less than 48 hours since we heard all the exciting news from Tim Cook & Co. during the big WWDC 2017 keynote, and we’re already seeing the first deals on preorders of the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro.
Not to be outdone, Apple itself is providing some impressive discounts on refurbished MacBooks and iMacs. You’ll find those surprising discounts and more in this week’s best Apple deals.
Apple ditches its most affordable 13-inch MacBook Pro
Apple’s most affordable 13-inch MacBook Pro has been discontinued.
The 2015 model has held onto its place on the Apple online store as a more affordable alternative to more recent MacBook Pros, but you’ll have to buy one of the company’s latest notebooks if you want to stick with a 13-inch display.
Our reactions to one of the most action-packed WWDCs ever, this week on The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: In one of the most exciting and action-packed keynotes in years, Apple updates just about everything. Catch our reactions, plus our picks for best in show!
Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. It’s simple to accept Apple Pay and sell your wares with your very own Squarespace.com website. Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10 percent off any hosting plan.
Hardware, software and surprises: Key takeaways from Apple’s WWDC 2017 keynote
If you felt worried about Apple’s supposed lack of innovation, today’s action-packed WWDC keynote should have allayed your fears. Apple execs sprinted through a 2.5-hour technology showcase filled with hardware updates, serious software upgrades and even a whole new product category.
The whirlwind presentation showed the end result of a busy company with almost unimaginable assets. Far more than a sleepy kickoff to an annual developers confab, today’s stunning presentation showed the magical output of an innovation machine firing on all cylinders.
Anyone who pegged Tim Cook as asleep at the wheel better think again. Here are the key takeaways from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2017 keynote.
Apple teases ‘seriously badass’ iMac Pro and other new Macs at WWDC
Developers got treated to a new lineup of Macs today at WWDC 2017, including a sneak peek at a “seriously badass” iMac Pro coming later this year.
Apple updated both the iMac and MacBook Pro product lines with a bunch of new internal features. The new models bring brighter displays and more powerful CPUs that will make the Mac a VR gaming-machine — and they’re shipping today.
Liveblog: Apple unveils new software lineup at WWDC 2017
Apple’s 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference is set to kick off in just a few short hours, and rumors indicate we could be in for the iPhone-maker’s most action-packed keynote in years.
Not only is Apple expected to unveil iOS 11, macOS 10.13, tvOS 11 and watchOS 4, but today’s event could also showcase some fresh new hardware. Cult of Mac will be here to liveblog all the festivities with up-to-the-minute analysis on all the new software, hardware and more.
Tim Cook and company take the stage today at 10 a.m. Pacific in San Jose, California, but we’ll be kicking off the fun a little early. Come join the action!
Everything we expect to see at WWDC 2017
WWDC is almost upon us. Ahead of Monday’s keynote event we’re running down everything we’re expecting for the annual developers extravaganza. You can watch the keynote live, and follow coverage here at Cult of Mac.
From software to hardware, here’s what we are predicting for next week:
Twelve South’s BookArc stand now matches your Space Gray MacBook
Twelve South’s popular BookArc stand is now available in Space Gray, making it the ideal desktop companion for your new MacBook. It costs exactly the same as the original silver model, and it’s compatible with almost every Apple notebook.
Apple registers new Macs, iPads, Magic Keyboard ahead of WWDC
Apple has registered a bunch of new products with the Eurasian Economic Commission ahead of WWDC next week.
Its filings hint at the imminent arrival of new Macs, iPads, and a refreshed Magic Keyboard.
Mac lover’s funny video throws serious shade at Apple
Roberto Hoyos has a message for Apple that is made in fun but is deadly serious and is said – well, sung – on behalf of many frustrated Mac users.
The founder and CEO of Throwboy, the maker of emoji pillows and other plush toys inspired by digital culture, has made a music video that parodies Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, but warns Apple that Mac users will soon turn to PCs if they don’t get a major update on iMacs and MacBook Pros soon.
MacBook Pro shipping estimates hint at WWDC refresh
Need a new MacBook Pro? Don’t head out just yet.
Shipping times for the 15-inch model have slipped on the Apple online store, strengthening rumors that a refresh will happen during WWDC on June 5.
Apple’s WWDC 2017 keynote will be live streamed
Didn’t get one of the rare tickets to Apple’s 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference? Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to watch most of the action from your couch at home.
Apple confirmed today that it’s big keynote on June 5 will be available to view via live streaming. Fans can tune in by watching the event on Apple TV, or through Safari on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. You can even watch from a PC with Microsoft Edge on Windows 10.
Screens 4 for macOS brings new look, file transfers and more
Screens, arguably the finest and most attractive VNC client for Mac and iOS, is now even greater.
Its version 4 update for macOS brings a more polished user interface, the ability to transfer files between your devices, Touch Bar support for the new MacBook Pro, and more.
New MacBook Pro gives Apple a Q1 sales bump
Despite a slow global market, Apple’s notebook sales experienced year-over-year growth last quarter, according to a new report that reveals the new MacBook Pro provided the company with a considerable bump in sales.
Notebook shipments were up 6.1% worldwide for the first quarter of 2017 with total shipments hitting 37.81 million units. That’s great news for manufacturers, but TrendForces’ latest findings show that a cool down period could be on the way.
Apple no longer repairing 2011 MacBook Pros with faulty GPUs
Apple is no longer repairing 2011 MacBook Pro units under its “Video Issues” repair program.
Launched in February 2015, the program addressed faulty graphics processing units in a “small percentage” of 15- and 17-inch notebooks manufactured in 2011.
Apple may reveal three new MacBooks at WWDC
Apple fans craving more powerful MacBooks may get their wish next month at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
The company is allegedly planning to unveil a new lineup of MacBooks, according to a report that claims the new machines will pack Intel’s new Kaby Lake processor to bring more speed than ever.
These monochromatic Mac setups will grab you by the eyes [iSetups]
For a Mac setup to stand out, it doesn’t need a ton of color. Take the picture above from Cult of Mac reader Powi Hart, for example. Everything in there is either white, black or silver — and it looks fantastic.
In fact, these white-and-black-themed Apple setups have got to be some of my favorites so far. Check out this week’s three iSetups submissions in the video below. iSetups is our new show that highlights the best Apple-centric setups submitted by our viewers. (You’ll also get plenty of tips and tricks for how you can improve your own setup.)
The ultimate MacBook charger, smallest 4G phone and more [Crowdfund Roundup]
With only a single USB-C port to work with, it’s difficult to connect anything other than a charger to your MacBook. That’s why you should treat yourself to PowerUp, a charger with three traditional USB ports built-in that lets you connect all the devices you need.
It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have the world’s smallest 4G smartphone, a smart water bottle that will help you stay hydrated, and more!
Trouble in China, iPhone slump and other Apple earnings surprises
Apple’s Q2 earnings report for 2017 just barely beat Wall Street’s expectations when the numbers were revealed this afternoon, but there are plenty of reasons to still be optimistic about AAPL.
During the company’s call with investors today, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri discussed some of the struggles the company experienced last quarter, from slumping iPhone sales to economic headwinds in China.
Here are the biggest takeaways:
Liveblog: Just how good (or bad) was Apple’s Q2?
Apple is set to reveal its second quarterly earnings report of 2017 this afternoon. And according to analysts, the numbers won’t be nearly as impressive as last quarter’s record-shattering results.
Tim Cook and Apple CFO Luca Maestri will run through all the numbers with investors today at 2 p.m. Pacific. As usual, Cult of Mac will be liveblogging the action with all the analysis and snark we can muster.
Come join the fun: