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Apple’s foldable iPhone still years away

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Learn valuable coding skills by building working apps in iOS 11.
The iPhone that can unfold into an iPad might be farther away than we'd hoped.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The next dramatic shift in smartphone design is expected to be folding displays. An industry source in Asia says that Apple is developing a foldable iPhone but it won’t be out before 2020 and possibly even later.

This means Samsung could beat Apple to the punch. The foldable Galaxy X is rumored for release in the first half of 2019.

Apple Music now boasts more subscribers than Spotify in the U.S.

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Apple Music gift card
You won’t believe how cheap Apple Music is in India.
Photo: Apple

Apple Music now boasts more paying subscribers that Spotify in the United States.

Both services have more than 20 million subscribers, but Apple Music is finally “a hair ahead” after creeping up on Spotify for months, according to a new report. Apple’s service is expected to widen the gap in the coming months as it continues to enjoy a faster growth rate than its biggest rival.

Apple fuels World Cup fever with new ‘Shot on iPhone’ vids

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A Shot on iPhone video features Buddhist monks playing football.
One of three new "Shot on iPhone" videos is The 'Wa' of Soccer with Buddhist monks considering the meaning of the great game.
Screencap: Apple

It hasn’t escaped Apple’s attention that the FIFA World Cup is going on. As part of the celebration, it’s released a trio of “Shot on iPhone” videos of people playing football/soccer on three continents.

This long-running campaign demonstrates the capabilities of iPhone cameras.

Microsoft may be building a ‘Movies & TV’ app for Android and iOS

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Watching a movie on iPad
Microsoft hopes it will boost Microsoft Store downloads.
Photo: Apple

Microsoft is developing a “Movies & TV” app for Android and iOS in an effort to boost downloads from the Microsoft Store, according to a new report.

Customers can enjoy content purchased from Microsoft only on Windows platforms for now. The company hopes that by supporting new platforms, it will encourage more people to use its store over competitors like iTunes.

New Macs are finally incoming. We’ll tell you what we know on The CultCast

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Are you ready for Apple to make Macs
Are you ready for Apple to make Macs "pro" again?
Photo: Cult of Mac

This week on The CultCast: Finally — new evidence shows that a Mac refresh is right around the corner. Plus: MacBook Pro is about to get the feature we’ve all been wanting; Apple is rebuilding its Maps app from the ground up, and it looks magnificent; Apple’s new Seattle flagship store is stunning; and we pitch a wood-wrapped iPhone case, waterproof camping lights, and a great new reading app 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 website. Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first hosting plan or domain.

Zagg Slim Book is my favorite keyboard case for iPad Pro [Review]

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ZAGG Slim Book for iPad Pro
I’ve tried a lot of iPad Pro keyboards, but nothing beats the ZAGG Slim Book.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is officially my primary computing device.

For the past five months, I’ve used it for everything from browsing the web and watching YouTube videos at night, to researching and writing stories for Cult of Mac during the day. I can’t remember the last time I turned on my PC — it’s been a long time.

I wouldn’t have been able to use the iPad Pro for all of this without a great physical keyboard. I’ve tried a bunch of them. And for the past two months or so, I’ve been using Zagg’s excellent Slim Book.

Here’s why it’s my favorite keyboard case for iPad.

Real wood bands turn Apple Watch into something extraordinary

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wood
Want to seamlessly transition between camping and weekdays at the office? Check out Wood Mark's wooden Apple Watch bands inspired by our outdoor adventures!
Photo: Wood Mark Watches

Nature is truly present in the Teton Wood Apple Watch band in Zebrawood by Wood Mark Watches. The wood for this special band comes from a species of tree found and sourced in Central Africa. Known for its richly veined, zebra-like stripes and pale golden yellow wood, zebrawood is a beautifully exotic material.

Read on to learn a bit more about these unique bands for Apple Watch, and the many surprising benefits of wearing wood. Wood Mark’s entire lineup of wood bands is now available in Cult of Mac’s Watch Store.

Note: Wood Mark does not ship internationally!

iPhone app subscription fees doubled in a year

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Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Photo: Microsoft

We’re all accustomed to paying a simple, one-time fee for our iOS apps. But developers are increasingly turning to subscriptions. In fact, there were billions paid in app subscription fees in the past year.

Apple reported today that revenue from subscriptions is up 95 percent over last year.

Hacker hacks iPhone hacking company’s secret hacks

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iphone
They say turnabout is fair play, but iPhone users are caught in the middle when iOS hacking tools are stolen.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Israel’s NSO Group makes a business of hacking iPhones and Android devices.  In a reversal of roles, it was hacked by one of its own employees and valuable intellectual property was stolen.

While its tempting to lean back an enjoy this company’s discomfiture, the stolen property was NSO’s phone hacking tools, which were then offered on the dark web.

Tinder Loops show videos before you swipe left

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Tinder Loops are videos people can swipe left or swipe right on.
Tinder Loops are videos people can swipe left or swipe right on.
Photo: Tinder

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how about a video? The dating service Tinder now lets you upload a very short video along with pictures. The idea is these Tinder Loops will better reflect your personality.

Sorry Android, tut this feature is only available for iOS devices.

Get in on the new Oilist 2.0 beta right now

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Oilist 2 can pop out some startling results.
Oilist 2 can pop out some startling results.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

You may remember Oilist, a iOS app that takes your photos and turns them into paintings. This isn’t your usual lame-o filters app, either. Oilist actually makes images that really do look like they’ve been painted — with brushwork, paint texture, and more.

And now, the developer is working on version 2.0 of this great app, and he wants you to help.

iPhone 8 is officially the world’s hottest phone

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iphone 8
After being overshadowed by the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus, the iPhone 8 is now outselling every other smartphone.
Photo: Apple

For the first time ever, the iPhone 8 is the world’s best-selling smartphone. It beat out the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the iPhone X to take that spot.

Apple has three of the top ten most popular devices, something no other company can boast.

Rowing with Apple Watch is like two workouts in one. Time to grab an oar.

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Join the crew with Apple Watch
Join the crew with Apple Watch
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

If running and swimming with Apple Watch don’t rock your boat, you should give rowing a try. It combines all the benefits of cardio and strength training, and you get to do it in a boat. OK, well you’re probably more likely to use a rowing machine at your local gym, but it’s still pretty cool.

The stats that Apple Watch’s built-in Workout app provides for rowers are very limited, so you might want to consider third-party alternatives. Plus, it takes some practice to develop a good rowing technique. But it’s totally worth the effort. Not only will rowing help build a ripped physique. Without this essential skill, you might one day find yourself up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

Netflix just got more expensive as new Ultra plan goes live

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Netflix on a MacBook
You now have to pay more for the best Netflix package.
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

The Netflix Ultra plan we feared was coming is now live in several countries.

Subscribers will have to pay more to enjoy HDR content on compatible TVs, and to stream movies and TV shows on four devices simultaneously. The Premium plan that previously offered these things has been watered-down, as has the Standard plan.

Apple paves the way for new iPads and Macs to arrive in Europe

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2018 iPad Pro concept art
Not today!
Photo: Álvaro Pabesio

Apple has this week registered new iPads and Macs with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC).

The filings hint that a big refresh could be just around the corner. Recent reports have promised that Apple is preparing a slew of new devices for a late 2018 launch alongside the next-generation iPhone lineup.

Get certified in Google Analytics in two days [Deals]

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This condensed course will give you a certification in Google Analytics in as little as 2 days.
This condensed course will give you a certification in Google Analytics in as little as 2 days.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Getting a gig that deals with data means working with Google Analytics. It’s a suite of tools that offers insights into engagement with ads, sites, apps, email, and more. So if you’re working with data, you’ll want to check out these Google Analytics lessons.

2018 iPhone lineup to come in gorgeous new color options

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iPhone X
The 2018 iPhone lineup could be prettier than ever.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Apple will offer the 2018 iPhone lineup in a range of stunning new color options, according to one reliable analyst.

Grey, blue, red, and orange will be some of the shades available when the new devices go on sale this fall. The largest of the three, dubbed iPhone XI Plus in some reports, will be offered in gold.

Scientists answer the question, are iPhone apps spying on us?

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James Bond
James Bond is a spy, but what about your iPhone? People want to know.
Photo: Eon Pictures

Ever been discussing some product to your friends and then had an ad for it appear on your iPhone the next day? It’s happened enough that people want to know “Is my phone listening to me all the time?”

A group of computer scientists decided to test this phobia, which they dubbed panoptispy: the fear that everyone is being spied on.

Intel puts new 5G modem on hold after Apple snub

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iPhone X home screen
iOS 14's Home screen could be very different.
Photo: Apple

Editor’s Note: The original source of this information has retracted it. While Apple has apparently decided to not use Sunny Peak chips, they do not included 5G support. This means Intel could still produce 5G modems for Apple.


Intel has reportedly halted development of its new 5G mobile modem after Apple decided not to place orders for future iPhones.

Intel had hoped to secure a partnership with Apple to supply “Sunny Peak” chips for its 2020 iPhone lineup, but according to internal communications and “people familiar with the matter,” Apple has decided to shop elsewhere.

WhoSampled is like Shazam for samples and cover versions

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WhoSampled digs into the DNA of your music.
WhoSampled digs into the DNA of your music.
Photo: WhoSampled

WhoSampled is an iOS (and Android) app that tells you whose samples were used in the music you’re currently listening to. Just like Shazam, you hold it up to a playing tune, and WhoSampled identifies the track. But then it also gives you a breakdown of all the other songs that were sampled to make that track, and can even list cover versions.

New concept art shows 6.1-inch iPhone in all its glory

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2018 iPhone compared to 2017 iPhone X
The 6.1-inch model in Apple's 2018 iPhone lineup is noticeably larger than 2017's iPhone X.
Photo: Jonas Dähnert

There have now been enough rumors and apparent leaks that there’s little room for doubt that Apple plans an iPhone with an 6.1-inch screen for this fall. Artists have been busy turning the unconfirmed details into images.

The latest compares this upcoming model with the iPhone X. The two look similar, except for the larger display on the 2018 iPhone.

Killer tech to keep you cool and collected this summer [Deals]

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Ring in the 4th of July with these deals on remote air conditioning control, VPN protection, and more.
Ring in the 4th of July with these deals on remote air conditioning control, VPN protection, and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

July 4th is just around the corner, but summer is in full swing. So we’ve rounded up some of the coolest gear and apps in the Cult of Mac Store. Below you’ll find massive deals on a remote A/C controller, 3 terabytes of cloud backup, and a powerful VPN for safe online browsing. Read on for more details:

Samsung shows Apple what the 2018 iPad Pro should look like

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Apple should follow the lead of the Samsung Galaxy S4.
The 2018 iPad Pro models should follow Samsung's lead by significantly cutting the size of some screen bezels.
Photo: AndroidHeadlines

A leaked image of an upcoming Android tablet from Samsung should catch the attention of Apple. It leaves off its large top and bottom screen bezels, something many potential iPad Pro buyers have been hoping for.

To accomplish its design change, the rumored Galaxy Tab S4 includes no home button. That’s also likely to be on Apple’s agenda.

Google admits third-party developers can read your emails

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Google-Chrome
Real human developers can read your Gmail messages. But only if you let them.
Photo: Google

Privacy is a hot-button issue in 2018, and the latest target is Google after it was revealed that developers of third-party apps can read your Gmail messages. 

The thing is, you gave the application permission to do that. You just don’t remember. Or weren’t paying attention.