Touch ID - page 3

Apple brings True Tone to MacBook Air, faster chips to MacBook Pro

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The late-2018 MacBook Air with Retina display.
They’re now more affordable, too.
Photo: Apple

Apple has updated the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro for the back-to-school season. And they’re now more affordable.

The newest MacBook Air now ships with a True Tone display — just like its more expensive siblings. The newest 13-inch MacBook Pro is powered by faster Intel chips, while the entry-level model now offers a Touch Bar with Touch ID.

New Apple ad says Face ID is safer than Touch ID

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faceid
Face ID is almost too easy to use.
Photo: Apple

Apple tossed some shade at its own product in a new ad that promotes Face ID.

The hilarious new ad shows how much easier it is to use Face ID over Touch ID as a vegged-out guy relaxes in his reclining chair and is too lazy to touch his iPhone XR to see who’s texting him.

Prepare to laugh:

Beta users can now sign into iCloud using Face ID or Touch ID

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The latest Apple betas offer the option of signing in with Face ID or Touch ID.
The latest Apple betas offer the option of signing in with Face ID or Touch ID.
Screenshot: Charlie Sorrel

Users running the latest iOS 13, iPadOS 13 or macOS Catalina betas can now sign into iCloud using either Face ID or Touch ID.

If you’re using these beta versions, visiting iCloud in Safari will present a pop-up asking if you want to log in using biometrics.

Apple has a surprising plan to save iPhone in China

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The 2018 iPhone models aren't going to have an in-display Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
Touch ID could be back, but not as you know it.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could have a surprising trick up its sleeve to save the iPhone in China.

New reports claim the company is working on a smartphone exclusively for the Chinese market. The device is expected to be significantly more affordable and will include an under-display fingerprint scanner in place of Face ID.

Touch ID could make a comeback in 2020 iPhone

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The 2018 iPhone models aren't going to have an in-display Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
Full-screen Touch ID might be a highlight of the 2020 iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While Apple seems to be phasing out fingerprint scanners in favor of facial recognition, sources in the Asian iPhone supply chain reportedly claim that Touch ID will actually be back next year, and better than ever.

The 2020 iPhone will also supposedly be the first with 5G as well as a 3D rear-facing sensor.

macOS 10.15 will bring better integration with Apple Watch

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magic toolbar
Some of Touch ID’s operations on Mac could get replaced by Apple Watch.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch might get some new Mac-related powered when macOS 10.15 is unveiled at WWDC 2019.

Mac users can currently use the Apple Watch to unlock their Mac, but a new report claims Apple is planning to expand authentication beyond that to give Macs without Touch ID some of the same features.

iPad Air vs. Pro vs. mini: Which one’s right for you?

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The complete iPad lineup now includes Apple Pencil support, best-in-class performance, advanced displays and all-day battery life, Apple says.
There's an iPad for everyone.
Photo: Apple

Apple today added two new iPads to its lineup while dropping the 10.5-inch iPad Pro released in 2017. It now offers five different tablets, each of which has its own advantages. So how do you choose the right one?

Which iPad is best for unparalleled performance? Which one offers more bang for your buck? Which is starting to look a little long in the tooth?

Our in-depth comparison shows you exactly how all five of Apple’s current iPads stack up — and helps you decide which one is worth your hard-earned cash.

Insane concept gives iPhone 11 a crazy 360-degree display

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iPhone concept
Is it possible to have too much screen?
Photo: ConceptsiPhone

Do you ever wish that your entire iPhone was just one giant screen? With Apple continuously making displays bigger and bezels tinier, it seems inevitable that the iPhone will boast a display that wraps around the front and back.

The folks at ConceptsiPhone have come out with a wild iPhone 11 concept that envisions what an all-display iPhone would look like. Imagine all the new possibilities created for apps with a 360-degree display. Also, imagine how much Apple would charge to repair it.

This thing looks crazy:

Latest Mojave beta brings Touch ID support to Safari AutoFill

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2018 MacBook Air Touch ID
Apple Watch could be a Touch ID alternative on Mac.
Photo: Apple

Safari AutoFill in macOS Mojave is about to get even more convenient, thanks to Touch ID support.

The first macOS 10.14.4 beta reveals you’ll be able to log into websites simply by scanning your fingerprint. This feature has long been available on iOS, but it will be a first for Mac.

Concept video brings 2019 iPhone rumors to life

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A USB-C port is one of the features rumored to be part of the 2019 iPhone.
A USB-C port is one of the features rumored to be part of the 2019 iPhone.
Screenshot: ConceptsiPhone

An artist has compiled many of the recent 2019 iPhone leaks into a video that might — or might not — portray Apple’s next handset.

It includes features like the smaller notch that’s many people are hoping for, and a much larger camera bump that no one wants.

Watch it now:

Cops can’t force you to unlock phone with face or fingerprint scan

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Face ID iPhone X
Face ID is the start of a new wave of biometric security.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Being forced by police to unlock your smartphone with your face or fingerprint is illegal, a California judge recently ruled.

Previous U.S. judges had ruled that cops could use biometric data to make you unlock your device, but not your passcode. The newest ruling could be a landmark case for protecting the privacy of citizens, although law enforcement officials aren’t terribly excited about it.

2019 iPhone could bring Touch ID, USB-C, smaller notch

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iPhone XS
Qualcomm will still play a big part in iPhone modem supply.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s flagship iPhone for 2019 will come with a number of surprising design changes, according to one analyst.

Fans can expect USB-C connectivity and a smaller notch, as well as the return of Touch ID. Those hoping for “lightning-fast charging” and expandable storage will be disappointed, however.

Even Apple thought combining Touch ID with Face ID was smarter

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iPhone
What do you think of an iPhone with in-screen Touch ID and Face ID? It could have happened.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An Apple patent filing is basically a white paper on the advantages of using dual biometric security systems. This makes it clear the company nearly made a device that offered facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner.

In the end, though, Apple decided to replace Touch ID with Face ID.

Dodgy apps use Touch ID/Face ID to rip off users

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Touch ID on iPhone
Don’t let an app ask for your identity with Touch ID or Face ID unless you know what it’s doing.
Photo: Apple

A pair of fitness applications were found to be tricking users into authorizing financial transactions. They have been removed from the App Store, but stand as examples of something to watch out for.

If third-party software asks for you to identify yourself with Touch ID or Face ID, carefully consider whether there’s a good reason before doing so.

2018 MacBook Air review roundup: A beautifully big improvement

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MacBook Air 2018
The original ultraportable is back with a bang.
Photo: Apple

The long-awaited MacBook Air update sports an all-new design and more powerful internals, but early reviews indicate there’s still room for improvement.

It’s also the most expensive MacBook Air to date. So, should you spend $1,199 on it when it lands in stores this week? Here’s what the first 2018 MacBook Air reviews have to say.

MacBook smackdown: Which laptop is right for you?

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MacBook Air 2018
If you need a new laptop, you won't want to miss this deal.
Photo: Apple

Apple finally dusted off the MacBook Air. The 2018 model sports a brand new design, a gorgeous Retina display, and powerful upgraded internals. All of sudden, Apple’s most affordable notebook is up there with its best.

In fact, the new ultraportable is so good, you would be crazy to buy a 12-inch MacBook right now. So, how does the new MacBook Air stack up against the rest of Apple’s laptop lineup? Which model best suits your needs, and which delivers the best bang for the buck?

Find out right here in our comprehensive MacBook comparison.

New MacBook Air’s T2 chip protects your mic from hackers

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T2 chip
Apple's most secure laptop yet.
Photo: Apple

Tapping into a Mac’s microphone is about to get a lot harder for hackers thanks to Apple’s new T2 chip.

Apple didn’t dedicate much time to its new T2 chip during today’s ‘More in the Making’ keynote, but the company’s newest security guide gives an in-depth look at the chip. Not only is it designed to prevent MacBook Air users from getting malware but it also makes it physically impossible for hackers to access your microphone when you’re most vulnerable.

Retina MacBook Air may be Apple’s most beautiful laptop ever

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MacBook Air
Apple's new Retina MacBook Air is a stunner.
Photo: Apple

Ten years after launching the game-changing MacBook Air, Apple took the wraps off the latest iteration of its ultra-thin, affordable laptop. And, boy, does it look great!

Boasting a considerably smaller bezel, a Retina display, a Touch ID sensor and an overall slimmer design, this is the MacBook many will have been waiting for.

How to download all the data Apple has on you

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Apple continues to put privacy front and center.
Apple continues to put privacy front and center.
Image: Apple

Apple’s refreshed Privacy website is live, giving U.S. users the ability to download all of their data from Apple. The website explains how and why Apple products are “designed to protect your privacy.”

Apple stresses that “your data belongs to you” and insists that it never sells users’ info to advertisers or other organizations.

The website even gives users the ability to delete an Apple account — and all associated data — if desired.

iOS 12 opens new password management possibilities

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A big change in iOS 12 makes password managers like Dashlane even easier to use.
A big change in iOS 12 makes password managers even easier to use.
Photo: Bruno Cervera/Pexels CC

This post is presented by Dashlane.

One of iOS 12’s most powerful features — a newfound compatibility with password management apps — kind of flew under the radar. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a big deal. In fact, this is a huge step forward for password managers like Dashlane, because it makes them far easier to use on iPhones and iPads.

With the recent Facebook hack compromising the personal data of 50 million users, there’s never been a better time to change all your passwords. And if you’re going to use strong, unique and extremely hard-to-remember passwords for every site you visit or web service you use, you’re going to need industrial-strength password management.

How Apple Watch Series 4 will raise the bar for wearables [UPDATED]

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Apple Watch Series 4
Somehow, this official photo of Apple Watch Series 4 leaked out early.
Photo: 9to5Mac

Apple’s biggest keynote of the year is just days away and while the iPhone XS will be the main attraction of the event, Apple Watch Series 4 could steal the show with a bevy of new features.

Rumors about the Apple Watch Series 4 have been heating up leading up to next week’s event. Leaked images of the new wearable have already surfaced online, but there’s still a bit of mystery surrounding the new gadget.

Here’s everything we know about Apple Watch Series 4: