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What really happens when you duplicate a file on iOS?

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ios apfs clones storage file providers
Hidden storage.
Photo: Josh Coleman/Unsplash

How much space do duplicate files take up on your iPad? In theory, they use no extra storage. Thanks to the design of the Apple File System (APFS) used on iOS and macOS, duplicating a file doesn’t actually create a copy. It just creates a reference that points to the original file on the disk.

But what about File Providers, and iCloud, and all that stuff? I decided to take a deep dive and find out if you can really make a zillion copies of a file with no penalty. The results were, to say the least, confusing.

Faster Apple TV hardware might turbocharge Apple Arcade

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apple tv upgrade
Apple TV does more than just stream video. It will also be tied into Apple Arcade.
Photo: Apple

The first new Apple TV set-top box in two years is reportedly coming soon. The updated tvOS player supposedly will be powered by the same chip that’s in the iPhone XS series, potentially making it a better way to play Apple Arcade games than its predecessors.

All the gear and podcasting pro tips I use to make The CultCast

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I've spent seven years testing podcasting gear. Here are my current favorites, including the RodeCaster Pro. Plus, get some bonus podcasting tips.
I've spent seven years testing podcasting gear. Here are my current favorites (plus some bonus podcasting pro tips).
Photo: Erfon Elijah

Hello, my name is Erfon Elijah, and for the last seven years, I’ve hosted The CultCast, America’s favorite Apple podcast™. In that time I’ve tried a whole lot of podcasting gear, all in an effort to sound better and make the show easier to produce.

Now, I’m offering you the fruit of all that hands-on experience — the end result of years of podcasting hardware testing and tinkering. Good audio gear doesn’t come cheap, but I think I’ve found a great mix of value and quality in the products I use. If you utilize these podcasting hardware recommendations and podcasting tips, you won’t break the bank. And your podcast will sound as majestic as mine!

Files app makes iPad more Mac-like in iOS 13 [Video]

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Files app on iPad in iOS 13
File sharing was pulled from iCloud Drive during beta testing.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple has slowly been turning up the dial on what iOS can do, trying to make it more and more “computer” like. With iOS 13, one of the points of frustration with computing on iOS – and especially on iPad – is finally being addressed thanks to changes in the Files app.

With iOS 13, the Files app is taking a huge leap toward the Mac model of file management. There’s a whole bunch of smaller changes, as well as some big upgrades that make it really compelling.

Apple could deliver iPhone SE refresh we didn’t ask for in 2020

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iPhone SE
Two new iPhone SE models for 2020?
Photo: Sam Mills/Cult of Mac

It seems Apple hasn’t given up on the iPhone SE just yet. A new report claims an upgraded model is in the works — but you’ll have to wait until next spring to get your hands on it.

And it won’t be the iPhone SE upgrade you were hoping for.

With new MX Master 3 and MX Keys, Logitech doubles down on productivity

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Meet MX Keys and MX Master 3, Logitech's new dynamic desktop duo.
Meet MX Keys and MX Master 3, Logitech's new dynamic desktop duo.
Photo: Logitech

A great mouse just got even better (and it brought a friend). Logitech’s new MX Master 3 mouse raises the bar on speed, thanks to a new electromagnetic scroll wheel that the company says can breeze through 1,000 lines in a second.

Meanwhile, the high-end mouse maintains the precision tracking, aggressively comfortable design and endless customization options that make it ideal for power users. And, it gains a new desktop productivity partner — MX Keys, a deluxe keyboard with sweet backlighting and other advanced options.

iCloud folder sharing disappears from iOS 13

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This is how iCloud Drive works.
This is how iCloud Drive works.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

One of the handiest features in iOS 13 appears to have been pushed back to at least iOS 13.2. iCloud Folder Sharing, which would have let many people ditch Dropbox entirely, has disappeared from the current iOS 13 betas. And that’s not all. Also gone is the ability to pin a file to save it offline. What’s going on?

Make the most of mouse buttons in iOS 13

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iPad mouse mappings
The iPad is fantastic with a multi-button mouse.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

For some of you, one of the main reasons to jump on iOS 13 right away is mouse support. You can connect any Bluetooth or USB mouse to your iPad, and use it pretty much like you’d use a mouse on the Mac.

You can even use a multi-button mouse. And guess what? You can assign all of those buttons to mouse functions. I’ve been using a mouse with my iPad on and off throughout the beta period. During that time, I’ve come up with a shortlist of the most useful mouse button features in iPadOS 13.

Apple has no plans to scrap iMessage apps and games

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iMessage-App-Store
Don't freak out.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple has no intention of scrapping iMessage games — despite some of the rumors you might be reading online this week.

Stories surrounding the supposed move started trending on Twitter, causing some fans to freak about the feature’s removal. But at no point has Apple stated that it will close the iMessage App Store.

Catch the best of our Labor Day gear and gadgets [Deals]

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Labor Day Site Main
Score massively discounted wireless chargers, cloud storage, and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

One way to make your extra long Labor Day weekend even better is to bring some great new tools and toys into your life. We’ve got massive deals on sleek wireless charging, terabytes of cloud storage, Excel education and more. Each is discounted by well over half off, and if you use the coupon code SAVE15TODAY at checkout you save an extra 15%.

Two brilliant Mac features that will never come to iPad

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Mac desktop
A nice big desktop makes everything easier.
Photo: Michael Soledad on Unsplash

Recently, I’ve been using my old Mac more and more, even thought I’ve long preferred using an iPad for both work (writing) and play (making music, and all the other dumb stuff you do on a computer when you’re goofing off).

And It’s gotten me thinking. Why do I prefer the Mac for some tasks? And I mean, strongly prefer. I’m so used to using both iOS and macOS that it’s not a questions of familiarity. Nor is it that I’m trying to squeeze the Mac way of doing things into the iPad, and vice versa — a common problem for new switchers.

No, my preference comes down to two small yet fundamental differences between the iPad and the Mac. These two features are present on the Mac, and will probably never make it to the iPad. What are they?

How to radically customize your Mac’s display

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Mac customize display
Tweak your Mac's display with macOS' amazing accessibility options.
Photo: Wesson Wang/Unsplash

Just like iOS, the Mac has some great features hidden inside the accessibility section of the System Preferences (aka. Settings) app. Today we’re going to see how to tweak the Mac’s display to make it easier to use, for anyone. You can adjust the colours, make page elements easier to see, and even turn everything B&W. Let’s see what’s what.

Apple’s first AR headset spilled by iOS 13

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Apple Glasses
You can expect big things next year.
Concept: Taeyeon Kim

Apple is still developing its own augmented reality headset, according to code discovered in iOS 13.

Internal builds of the software include a “STARTester” app for switching in and out of a headset mode, according to a new report. It offers two modes, including “worn” and “held.”

Researchers also uncovered a text file that describes a “StarBoard” system for stereo AR apps.

What to expect from the 2019 iPad Pro refresh

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what-to-expect-2019-ipad-pro
There's a lot to look forward to.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple’s massive fall event is right around the corner. It should bring a slew of new devices, possibly including a refreshed iPad Pro. But no matter when the next-gen Apple pro tablet arrives, it’s shaping up to be a nice upgrade over the current model.

Faster chips and significantly improved camera performance are just a couple of the things we have to look forward to. Here’s everything we expect from the 2019 iPad Pro upgrade.

Your cracked Apple Watch might be eligible for a free repair

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Cracked-Apple-Watch
Sadly, you won't be covered if your Apple Watch looks like this.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

You may be eligible for a free repair if you have an Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3 with a cracked display.

Apple has confirmed that cracks may be formed along the rounded edge of an Apple Watch display “under very rare circumstances.” Eligible units will be fixed at no cost to the user.

Save big on luxurious leather accessories from Ullu

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Ullu-Pocket-Wallet-1
Treat yourself with 20% off everything.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

Lap up luxurious leather accessories from Ullu with a big discount from the Cult of Mac Watch Store.

You can save 20% on premium iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. We’ve got a range of splendid styles and color options to choose from — and they’re all discounted until September 5.

Dig into our site-wide Labor Day sale [Deals]

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Labor Day Sale Main
This Labor Day Weekend we've got great deals on Apple gear, VPN protection, digital marketing lessons and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This Labor Day weekend, treat yourself to some of the best gear, tools, lessons and more in the Cult of Mac Store. From keyboards and mice to VPN protection, robot vacuum cleaners and more, everything is discounted by half off or more. Additionally, using the coupon code SAVE15TODAY at checkout gets you an extra 15% off.

Get 20% off brilliant Just Mobile accessories this weekend

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The HoverDock for Apple Watch is perfect for Nightstand mode.
The prettiest Apple Watch dock money can buy?
Photo: Just Mobile

The Cult of Mac Watch Store’s big Labor Day sale continues today with 20% off all products from Just Mobile.

We’ve got iPhone cases and screen protectors, Apple Watch charging stands, wireless charging pads, and more — all discounted until September 4. Bag yours before we sell out!

Save on essential AirPods accessories from Twelve South

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A gorgeous leather case armors your new AirPods 2 against theft, damage, and debris.
AirSnap keeps your AirPods protected at all times.
Photo: Twelve South

Pick up two essential AirPods accessories from Twelve South this Labor Day weekend and save big with the Cult of Mac Watch Store.

You’ll save $9 when you buy both the AirSnap case and AirFly wireless adapter together. You can also enjoy a rare 20% off the rest of the Twelve South lineup until September 4.

Why we want an all-screen iPhone SE [Cult of Mac Magazine 312]

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The case for an iPhone SE with an iPhone XS screen, in this week's issue of Cult of Mac Magazine 312.
We really, really want this.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple really should make a small device with an iPhone X-style screen. Here’s why we want an all-screen iPhone SE.

You’ll find that and more Apple news, reviews and how-tos in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Download it now for iOS, or get the links below to read the stories in your browser.

Level up your charging game this Labor Day weekend [Deals]

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Labor Day Sale Charging and Power
We've rounded up some of the best deals on charging solutions ahead of your Labor Day travels.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

to goLabor Day means hitting the road for an extra long vacation weekend. That means extra opportunity for running out of power at the worst possible moment. So we’ve gathered some of the best deals to upgrade your charging game. From wireless wall chargers to portable batteries, to clutter-cutting power hubs, there’s something here for everybody. Even better, you can save an extra 15% when you use the code SAVE15POWER at checkout.

A bunch of Apple products will be hit with trade tariffs this Sunday

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Apple Watch Series 4
Apple Watch is one of many products that will be hit.
Photo: Apple

A bunch of Apple products will be hit by new levies on Sunday after being entered into the Federal Register today.

Apple Watch, AirPods, iMac and more will be taxed 15% when entering the U.S. from China. It will be the first time Apple has been affected by the ongoing trade war.

6 power-user tricks for Mac Spotlight

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Spotlight is good for much more than just finding files.
Spotlight is good for much more than just finding files.
Photo: Pixabay/Pexels CC

Spotlight for Mac. Isn’t it that little magnifying glass icon in the menubar, the one that you click when you’ve given up trying to find that document you swear is somewhere on your Mac? Well yes, it is. But if you know these Mac Spotlight tips, it can be so much more than that.

You can use it to find a document, even if you can only remember a snippet of text from inside that document. But you can also use it to do math, launch apps, open folders, and even check the weather. These Mac Spotlight tricks will let you get the most out of this underutilized feature.