During its October press event, Apple compared the size of last year's 12.9-inch iPad Pro to the new, more portable model. Photo: Apple
Since the first iPad was unveiled back in 2010, each successive model has looked nearly that same as all its predecessors, with most changes coming from faster processors and more storage.
Not any more. The iPad Pro just revealed includes several dramatic improvements, any one of which would be a game changer.
Don’t miss our comprehensive comparison of this tablet with the 2017 version.
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.
A USB-C port appears on this image advertising a case for the 2018 iPad Pro, which is expected to be announced tomorrow. Photo: Olixar
Olixar is best known for two things: one, regularly showing its cases wrapped around unreleased Apple products, and two, having its predictions turn out to be correct.
That’s why it’s a big deal that this company posted images on its site of an iPad Pro with a USB-C port.
There’s no way I’m sticking that In my iPad’s hole. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
At this point, it seems that everyone is agreed that the next iPad will replace the excellent Lightning connector with an inferior USB-C connector. But I’m not so sure. Not only is the “evidence” for this huge change sketchy and speculative at best, but USB-C would bring almost no benefit to anyone — not users, and not Apple.
The iPhone XR isn't the only new Apple product launched today. Photo: Apple
Apple is now selling a USB-C charger for Apple Watch. The 0.3-meter Magnetic Apple Watch Charger is identical in price and design to the USB-A version that’s been available for a while, but adopts the USB-C standard.
Apple introduced its Lightning connectors in 2012. Photo: Apple
On paper, it sounds kind of surprising, but the reports claiming that Apple will include a USB-C port instead of its proprietary Lightning are certainly racking up.
Recently, notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that this would be the case. Now a new report citing multiple accessory makers at the Global Sources Mobile Electronics Trade Fair in Hong Kong reported that they have heard much the same thing.
USB-C battery packs, chargers, hard drives, cables and hubs will future-proof newer Macs. Photo: Anker
USB Type C — it’s no longer a novelty but an emerging connectivity standard for Apple products. As a newer, more powerful variation of the same USB we all know and love (well, kinda), USB-C features higher power and faster data transfer than its predecessors via a smaller connector.
While older USB Type A and B were a great gift for Mac users — few mourned the passing of ADB and SCSI — USB is often finicky. Just plugging in an old-school USB cable can prove challenging, since you must position the connector just so for it to slide smoothly into the port. That often means several tries to achieve the proper angle and orientation.
Those obstacles disappear with USB-C because, in addition to its smaller size, it is designed to be reversible — with no up or down orientation, just like a Lightning cable — and the cables can have the same type of connector on both ends.
Here's what to expect from the 2018 iPad Pro. Photo: Álvaro Pabesio
It is looking increasingly likely that Apple will deliver a new iPad Pro lineup before the end of 2018. A new report, citing a number of sources familiar with the company’s plans, reveals some things we can look forward to.
Here’s what to expect from the next-generation iPad Pro’s display, Face ID, Apple Pencil, and more.
Both the 2018 iPad Pro tablets have apparently undergone the most radical redesign yet. Photo: MySmartPrice
Apple’s first beta for iOS 12.1 is starting to be a fountain of leaks regarding the new iPad Pros set to come out this fall.
After revealing yesterday that new iPads are on the way, it appears that iOS 12.1 beta 1 has also confirmed the long-cited rumor that the new iPads will come with a USB-C port.
These type of iPhone cables are about to become way more common. Photo: Apple
Third-party hardware manufacturers have finally been given the green light from Apple to start making USB-C to Lightning cables.
The new Made For iPhone (MFi) certification should open the door for a bunch of faster-charging solutions to come out for iPhone owners, but according to the report out of Asia, the new cables will be a little bit more expensive.
What’s on your wish list for a future iPhone? Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
What do you want from Apple’s next iPhone? A faster processor? A better camera? A truly edge-to-edge screen without the controversial notch?
All of these things would make for nice improvements, but they’re not what most fans are asking for from their next iPhone. Better battery life is actually what tops the wish list in a survey of 1,665 Americans.
The iMac finally gets a touchscreen. Photo: Antonio De Rosa
Apple’s iMac lineup hasn’t seen any major design changes in years, but a clever new concept imagines some simple ways that Apple could bring some big innovations to its all-in-one PC. And we’re totally in love.
The Mac Touch concept created by Antonio De Rosa would transform the iMac into a powerful creation PC by adding a revolving and adjustable touchscreen. Video and photo editing, drawing, or even just surfing the internet would feel more magical on this iMac. It even brings back the hockey puck mouse with a new twist.
What if your iPhone and iPad had a standard USB port instead of a Lightning one? Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Apple has its Lightning connector and everyone else has USB. But EU regulators are considering whether they need to force a common standard for phone chargers.
The idea is to cut down on the 51,000 tons of old chargers and cables thrown away each year.
This card reader will make you forgive Apple for taking away the SD card slot on the MacBook Pro. Photo: Satechi
Some frustrated creatives believe Apple is abandoning them and will point to the removal of the SD card slot on the MacBook Pro as one example. A new high-speed card reader by Satechi could ease that anxiety.
The brushed aluminum Type-C Micro/SD reader will be especially valuable to photographers and videographers routinely pausing their workflow to transfer large, high-resolution files. This reader is equipped with UHS-II, which carries a transfer rate of 312 MB/s.
Choose your iPhone fast charger carefully. Photo: Chongdiantou
Apple finally brought fast charging to the iPhone last fall, but with this year’s refresh, one big change could ruin it.
Recent reports have claimed Apple will ship 18W fast charging adapters with all 2018 devices, which would be terrific — but if yours breaks or disappears, don’t think about replacing it with a cheaper model from another manufacturer.
The images claim to show a prototype version of the 18-watt power adapter, which is expected to ship with Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup later this year. Apple likely will include the USB-C charger with new iPads as well.
Keeping enough cables around to keep your iPhone and Android-toting friends charged up can be a big tangled pain, but there’s now one cable to rule them all.
inCharge debuted its new tiny charging cable today. Not only does it pack a Lightning connector that also works with Micro-USB ports, but you can also clip on a USB-C port too, making it the most versatile charging cord we’ve ever seen.
New regulations could force Apple to ditch Lightning cables in Europe. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
This year’s iPhone lineup will come without a Lightning connector, according to a sketchy new report out of Asia.
Apple is expected to use an alternate method of charging and syncing that will please a lot of iPhone users. However, it could mean that all your existing iPhone accessories will no longer be compatible.
A USB-C Lightning cable has several uses, including faster charges for recent iPhone and iPad models. Photo: Apple
The price of a USB-C Lightning cable dropped 24 percent. That’s good news to almost every iPhone and iPad user.
This cable really should be bundled with Apple’s phone and tablet. It offers faster charging, and is required for connectivity with the latest macOS devices.
This magnetic breakaway USB-C cable adds a critical layer of protection against accidental trips over the power cord. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
One of the most valuable additions to the MacBook was the MagSafe connector. Held to the computer by a small magnetic ring, it prevented an inevitable step on the power cable from bringing the computer to the floor. But with USB-C taking over as a charging option, the old risks of flying devices is back.
MFi-approved adapters are on the way. Photo: Apple
Apple has given third-party accessory-makers the go-ahead to manufacture their own 3.5mm-to-Lightning cables. It is also approving the use of USB-C connectors under its MFi accessories program, which now sports cleaner, more modern logos.
If you have a MacBook, you need a HyperDrive. Photo: HyperDrive
The HyperDrive 8-in-1 USB-C hub is a MacBook owner’s dream. With all the ports you’ll ever need on the go, plus a built-in Qi charging pad, it’s ideal for connecting all your peripherals and keeping your iPhone topped up at all times.
The Type-C 75W Multiport Travel Charger is a handy accessory for business travels. Photo: Satechi
Satechi is doing its part to ease our move to USB-C. The consumer electronics company’s latest device is a 75-watt USB Type-C travel charger smaller than a deck of cards.
The space gray charger, which made an appearance at this week’s CES in Las Vegas, can charge up to four devices at once. It packs four charging ports: one USB-C, two USB-A and one Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0.
What the next iPad might look like. Photo: Martin Hajek
With 2018 about to begin, why rehash everything that already happened, just to fill up some space while we take time out for Christmas? Let’s go with a different year-end cliche? Yes, it’s a wish list for Apple products in 2018.
Some of these will almost certainly come to pass, while others perhaps will not. One is probably doomed before you even read about it here. Let’s take a look at what Apple products I hope will part me from my money in the coming year.