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Kuo: 5G iPhone delayed until October; iPhone SE Plus pushed back until late 2021

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iPhone 12 with LiDAR scanner
The 5G iPhone allegedly won‘t be out quite as soon as many might hope.
Photo: svetapple.sk

The first iPhone with 5G reportedly won’t debut alongside the other new iOS handsets early this autumn. Trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple will begin producing a pair of 4G handsets in September, but won’t start making the 5G model until October.

Kuo also says an iPhone SE Plus with a larger screen than the current one might come out far later than he originally thought.

Apple bets big on 5G iPhone lineup despite demand concerns

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iphone-12-pro
An artist's take on 'iPhone 12' with 5G.
Photo: The Hacker 34

Apple is asking suppliers to “crank out” components for its upcoming 5G iPhone lineup, despite some fears that it could launch to weak demand as a result of COVID-19, a Tuesday report claims.

The company is said to have confirmed plans to make around 213 million iPhone units in the 12 months through March 2021 — an increase of 4% over the same period last year.

Some suppliers are concerned that initial orders could end up being “significantly lower.”

Become a Google apps wizard with a mastery of scripts [Deals]

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Take your business's online integration to a whole new level with 56 hours of lessons in Google scripts, apps, projects and tips -- source code included.
Take your business's online integration to a whole new level with 56 hours of lessons in Google scripts, apps and projects -- source code included.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Google apps like Docs, Spreadsheets and Calendar are super-convenient services. But with the Google Apps Scripts platform, you can string them together so that they become the basis of powerful custom applications. This bundle of courses will teach you how to do it.

Apple restrictions block France’s contact-tracing iPhone app

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Brace yourself for beautiful pictures. iPhone XS and XS Max pack the best cameras yet.
Apple's new platform just won't cut it.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

France is calling on Apple to loosen its Bluetooth restrictions on iPhone that are said to be holding back a government contact-tracing app designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Apple currently prevents iOS apps from using Bluetooth connectivity in the background under certain circumstances. Its policy blocks France from moving forward with its app, a Tuesday report reveals.

5G Mini LED iPad Pro may have been pushed back to early 2021

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Adonit Note+ review
You may be waiting a bit longer for the next iPad Pro.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s first 5G-compatible cellular 12.9-inch iPad Pro has reportedly been pushed back from late 2020 to the first quarter of 2021, an Economic Daily News report published Tuesday claims.

As with most hardware delays right now, the issue is the coronavirus pandemic. While China is getting back up and running, it has seemingly impacted production enough to delay Apple’s next-gen iPad Pro later this year.

Apple rolls out App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, more in 20+ new countries

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International App Store
Apple's focusing on growing its services business more than ever.
Photo: Apple

Apple announced Tuesday that it is launching a whole host of its services in dozens more countries around the world.

Starting today, the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Podcasts, and iCloud are available in 20 additional countries. Apple Music, meanwhile, has picked up an additional 52 (!) international markets.

2020 iPad Pro floats like a hummingbird in new Apple video

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Apple mixes up a Muhammad Ali quote in ad for Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
The Apple Magic Keyboard makes the iPad Pro seem to float, much to the amazement of a passing hummingbird
Screenshot: Apple

The latest video from Apple shows off the best trick of the Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: it apparently makes the tablet float. A passing hummingbird stops by to see how the magic happens.

Watch it now:

AirPods Pro update might not happen till 2021

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Ear tip fit test airpods pro
There might be no new AirPods Pro until next year.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Sources in Apple’s supply chain reportedly indicate that that the next AirPods Pro won‘t be out until later this year, or perhaps 2021. This contradicts other reports that the company could introduce new wireless earbuds as early as next month.

How to share Mac screen without iMessage

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a screen
Unlike the Mac, this screen is difficult to share.
Photo: JD X/Unsplash

Are you the tech-support person for your family and friends? Are you the go-to nerd for fixing up iPhones, Macs and maybe even TVs 1? These days, you can’t just pay a visit to your parents to sort things out, so you’ll have to do it remotely. And if you’re all using Macs, that means screen sharing. You can do this very easily via iMessage — it’s as simple as starting a FaceTime call.

But what if your friend/parent/sibling in need doesn’t use iMessage? Don’t worry — all you need is their Apple ID.

Magic Keyboard heavier than iPad Pro; hands-on videos provide first look

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iPad-Pro-Magic-Keyboard
A 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is heavier than a MacBook Air.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s amazing new Magic Keyboard might be a must-have accessory for some iPad Pro owners, but it comes with one big tradeoff. The combined weight of both devices makes the package heavier than a MacBook Air.

That’s something you’ll want to bear in mind if you use an iPad Pro for its portability. If it doesn’t put you off, however, you’ll want to check out the early hands-on videos that show the Magic Keyboard in action.

Apple could be developing its own game controller for iOS, Apple TV

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Fortnite on iPad with SteelSeries Nimbus
Coming this year or next?
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is developing its own game controller for Apple TV and iOS devices that will launch this year or next, according to claims from one tipster, published on Monday. It is said to be part of a big push to improve Apple Arcade.

The information comes from the same source who accurately predicted Apple’s plans for the 2020 iPad Pro refresh and the second-generation iPhone SE.

Easily control Abode’s DIY security system with iPhone and HomeKit [Review]

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Abode Iota review
Abode Iota includes a camera, motion sensor and supports HomeKit home automation.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Abode Iota is a do-it-yourself security system that’s one of the very few with support for Apple’s HomeKit home-automation platform. That means it’s a breeze to control from your iPhone. It includes a camera, motion detector and windows/door sensor. Additional sensors can be added.

I installed the Iota Starter Kit and have extensively tested it. Read on to see whether it’s the right solution to secure your home or business.

Apple AirPower replacement might come in large and small sizes

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AirPower
Apple might be prepping a smaller wireless charger to go with the rumored multi-device version.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple will release a single-device wireless charging pad in addition to the larger, multi-device mat rumored to be much like the doomed AirPower, according to an unconfirmed report Sunday.

The latest rumors come a year after Apple canceled the AirPower wireless charger the company announced in 2017 without ever releasing it.

Use your newfound downtime to get skilled in Microsoft Office [Deals]

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The All-In-One Microsoft Office Professional Suite Certification Prep Bundle
Whether you're a beginner or a skilled user, you'll get an in-depth education in the full range of tools in the Microsoft Office Suite.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re working from home or at the office, Microsoft Office Suite is probably part of the picture. Excel, Word, Outlook and the rest of the software package prove fundamental to the modern workplace. So if you find yourself with some extra time, these lessons mean you can gain some super-marketable skills.

It’s time to get certified!

The new iPhone SE: Fast, fun, cheap and perfect [Cult of Mac Magazine 345]

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2020 iPhone SE: Fast, fun, cheap and perfect
Apple threads the needle with its new budget iPhone.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

With screaming-fast internals, key flagship-level features and a budget price tag, the new iPhone SE ticks all the boxes in these uncertain times. Apple cut a few smart corners to make the magic happen.

Read all about the 2020 iPhone SE in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Grab yours today and get to reading. (Alternatively, hit the links below for the week’s top Apple news, reviews and how-tos.)

5 post-apocalyptic novels you probably haven’t read yet [What We’re Into]

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Five amazing post-apocalyptic novels for your reading pleasure.
Five amazing post-apocalyptic novels for your reading pleasure.
Photo: Kimberly Farmer/Unsplash CC

What We're Into bug If you’re looking for some situation-appropriate fiction to read during the COVID-19 lockdown, then what could be better than a good old post-apocalyptic novel?

Some people will want to avoid all mention of pandemics and other worldwide disasters. But if your idea of catharsis comes through mental inoculation, then you should check out this list. I’ve read a ton of dystopian fiction over the years, and below are some of my favorites. A few are from recent years, and one is a bona fide classic, but all of them are great.

Get the perfect lighting and angles for your quarantine streams [Deals]

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U-Stream Main
Boost your streaming video game with these discounted gear bundles.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Being unexpectedly stuck at home can mean you’ve suddenly got time to start streaming your thoughts and creative endeavors. But if you want people to watch your videos, you’ve got to cover the basics — good camera angles and quality lighting.

These two DIY bundles include studio lights, camera grips and more so you can stream video like a pro.

Apple Music chief takes over Beats headphones

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Apple Beats PowerBeats in red
There’s a new boss of Beats, an Apple product line of top-tier headphones, some aimed at runners.
Photo: Apple

The head of Apple Music is apparently assuming an additional role. Oliver Schusser is reportedly going to take charge of the company’s Beats line of high-end headphones, while also remaining at the helm of Apple’s music-streaming service.

Apple also took the opportunity to refute a recent unconfirmed report that it’s phasing out Beats.

Chris Evans is a tour guide to the dark ride that is Defending Jacob

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Chris Evan plays the lead character in “Defending Jacob.”
Defending Jacob star Chris Evans talks about portraying every parent’s nightmare.
Photo: Apple

Chris Evans’s first big role after playing Captain America is a district attorney whose 14-year-old son is accused of murder in Defending Jacob on Apple TV+. He and other cast members talk about their characters from this upcoming show in a “First Look”video released Friday.

Watch it now:

Toggle ‘shopping mode’ on your iPhone for touch-free, mask-friendly grocery buying

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Make safe grocery acquisition a little easier with Drafts' shopping mode.
Make safe grocery acquisition a little easier with Drafts' shopping mode.
Photo: David Clarke/Unsplash

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably become hyper-aware of how much you touch everything. Your face, your iPhone, the AirPods you never clean, the filthy handle on your apartment building’s front door, etc. If you’re using your iPhone’s Reminders app to manage your iPhone shopping list, you’re likely finding yourself constantly tapping the screen and relying on Face ID to wake it up during trips to the store.

Clearly that’s useless if you’re being responsible and wearing a mask in the supermarket. Today we’ll see how to quickly toggle a “shopping mode” in the Drafts app, which will keep your iPhone awake while you dash down the aisles.

ACLU wants COVID-19 tracking program loaded with privacy safeguards

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contact-tracing
Privacy groups want to make sure contact tracing technology keeps your data safe.
Photo: MIT Lincoln Lab

The American Civil Liberties Union said Friday it is cautiously encouraged by a commitment to privacy by Apple and Google as they develop Bluetooth-based contact-tracing technology to track the spread of COVID-19.

But the civil liberties group says the two tech giants must resolve “certain important privacy-related questions” key to winning trust from a public growing wary about who sees their data.

New Radeon Pro W5700X GPU is Mac Pro’s most affordable yet

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Mac-Pro-W5700X
Order yours today for $1,000.
Photo: Apple

Those looking to improve the graphics performance of their 2019 Mac Pro can now pick up the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module from the Apple Online Store.

For exactly $1,000, the new GPU offers up to 9.4 teraflops of compute performance and 16GB of GDDR6 memory. It uses AMD’s latest RDNA architecture, and it’s now the most affordable GPU module Apple sells.

2020 iPhone SE availability already slips to next month

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iphone.se.image.1
You’ll have to wait a bit if you didn’t already order the 2020 iPhone SE.
Photo: Apple

Apple began taking pre-orders for the second-generation iPhone SE on Friday, and in the U.S. already ran out out of its stock for release on launch day.

Orders placed placed earlier today will arrive on April 24. But the official Apple Store website indicates that orders for the new $399 iPhone placed now won’t arrive until May.