| Cult of Mac

Read Epic Games’ reasonable idea for opening up the App Store

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Read Epic Games' reasonable idea for opening up the App Store
The CEO of Epic Games had an idea for making the App Store more open. It’s likely to find some support.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Epic Games suggested a change to the iPhone App Store that, if Apple had followed it, might have prevented the lawsuit that landed the two tech giants in court this week.

The game developer recommended that Apple continue to police third-party software, looking for malware, privacy violations, etc. But once the iPhone-maker signed off on an app, it would be up to the developer how the software got distributed.

5 things you might not have noticed about the 2021 iPad Pro

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5 things you might not have noticed about the 2021 iPad Pro
Even beyond the better screen and processor, there’s a lot to like about the 2021 iPad Pro. But not every change is good.
Photo: Apple

There are some changes in the 2021 iPad Pro that shouldn’t be overlooked, even as most of the attention has gone to the speedy M1 processor and gorgeous mini-LED display. Some of the differences are good, but not all.

Here are five things you shouldn’t miss about Apple’s new top-tier tablet.

Apple TV 4K gets speedy A12 chip and sweet new Siri Remote

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Apple's new Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote
Apple TV's sixth-gen version is here. As is a new remote.
Photo: Apple

Apple took the wraps off the new sixth-generation Apple TV 4K on Tuesday. The upgraded set-top box boasts Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which should bring a welcome performance boost. But perhaps more importantly, Apple redesigned the controversial Siri Remote.

The upgraded remote packs a new clickpad control system, a touch-sensitive ring that makes it easy to jog video backward and forward, and dedicated power and mute buttons.

Mini-LED iPad Pro is on the way this month, but good luck getting it right away

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2020 iPad Pro with Apple Smart Keyboard Folio.
The next iPad Pro will get a fancy new screen. Not that you'll necessarily be able to see it right away.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple continues to run into production challenges with its next-gen iPad Pro, but they won’t stop the tablet from debuting later this month, reports Bloomberg.

If you plan to get one, you might want to brace yourself for a wait, though. The next iPad Pro — notably, the larger, 12.9-inch model — could prove tough to get your hands on in the early days.

Tiny AirPods washing machine looks cute as can be

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Cardlax EarBuds Washer is not an April Fool’s Day joke.
The Cardlax EarBuds Washer is an honest-to-god real product. You might even want one.
Photo: Cardlax Team

Cleaning AirPods is kind of a disgusting job, but Cardlax has a solution. It’s an itty-bitty washing machine to clean the crud off your earbuds in a couple of minutes.

Before you ask, April Fools’ Day was last week. This is a real thing.

Location-tracking AirTags could cost just $39

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AirTags are allegedly being released next month because AirPods Studio won’t be.
After more than a year of rumors, AirTags might soon see the light of day.
Concept: Jon Prosser

Apple’s location-tracking AirTags could retail for $39, and measure a diminutive 32mm x 32mm x 6mm, making them smaller than the rival Tile Pro item trackers.

Apple leaker Max Weinbach shared the information in a new video from EverythingApplePro. The video notes that the information comes from a “retail source,” and that, while the price is “an estimate,” it is likely that AirTags will retail for approximately this figure.

Interestingly, there’s no mention in the video of a rumored two sizes of AirTags. This is something that Apple leaker l0vetodream suggested last year. That earlier report also suggested that the AirTags keychain will be sold separately.

Apple will release its first mini-LED MacBook Air in 2022

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2020 MacBook Air
MacBook Air could get a fancy new display next year.
Photo: Apple

Apple will introduce its first MacBook Air with mini-LED display panel in 2022, TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims in a new research note to clients published Thursday.

Kuo previously reported that the next-gen displays will be introduced to the high-end MacBook Pro this year. They are also rumored to be part of the next 12.9-inch iPad Pro, debuting in April. Kuo’s latest report, seen by Cult of Mac, suggests that they will also be introduced to Apple’s entry-level laptops, too.

Apple’s AR headset will pack 15 camera modules, advanced biometrics

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Hololens
Microsoft's HoloLens are currently the mixed reality glasses to beat.
Photo: Microsoft

Apple’s mixed reality/augmented reality headset will come with 15 camera modules, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo, who has a strong track record when it comes to reporting on Apple rumors, also suggests that it will feature “innovative biometrics,” along with the ability to detect the environment the user is positioned in at the time.