Ed Hardy

Plunging iPad shipments show Apple needs new models

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iPad Pro in Apple Store
iPads released years ago are not enough to keep up Apple's tablet shipments.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPad shipments declined 8.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of the 2024, according to a market research firm. The drop can be partially chalked up to the complete lack of new models for the last 18 months.

But it demonstrates Apple’s dominance of the global tablet market that it’s still on top despite a hefty decline during winter quarter.

Why every Apple fan should get excited about ‘Let Loose’ event

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Why every Apple fan should get excited about ‘Let Loose’ event
Apple's product launch event might be about more than iPad.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Gorgeous new iPad Pro and iPad Air models are expected to be the highlights of Apple’s May 7 “Let Loose” product event. Tablet accessories are on the agenda, too.

But there could also be big news for those who don’t use an iPad. Apple might surprise us with the M4 processor, a first glimpse at upcoming AI features, and maybe even a Mac Studio upgrade. Plus more.

Apple believes in ‘transformative power and promise of AI’

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An iPhone with the words
Tim Cook is betting big on AI.
Photo: Andrea De Santis/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

CEO Tim Cook is very enthusiastic about the artificial intelligence features coming to iPhone, Mac and iPad. On Thursday, he spoke glowingly about Apple’s unique advantages in this area, and talked about the “transformative power and promise of AI.”

iOS 18, macOS 15 and iPadOS 18 are all expected to include new AI features when they launch this autumn.

From slump to pump: How Apple will get back to winning

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An Apple Store with the phrase
The future looks bright if you're wearing Tim Cook's shades.
Photo: Keming Tan/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Apple saw its revenue drop 4% year over year in the first quarter, the company reported Thursday. But revenue and earnings dropped less than analysts had expected, setting off a surge in the share price.

In a conference call with investors and analysts after the financial results had been announced, CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri talked about this being the quarter of the “challenging compare,” were upbeat about iPhone sales in China, bragged about the M3 MacBook Air, and fended off questions about the company’s AI plans.

Apple exempts freeware from controversial Core Technology Fee

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iPhone 15 with Euros
Freeware won't be destroyed by Apple's Core Technology Fee.
Image: Cult of Mac/Carlos Pernalete Tua

Apple responded to protests about the Core Technology Fee it charges European developers every time one of their applications is installed. It removed the requirement for apps that generate “no revenue whatsoever.”

Currently, the CTF is only charged in the EU, but it has the potential to expand globally so prudent developers should pay attention to any changes no matter where they live.

Use your iPhone to find and change passwords that hackers stole

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Use your iPhone to find and fix website passwords that hackers have stolen
If hackers steal the passwords you use to log into websites, your Apple device can warn you and help you change them.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

It’s World Password Day, and that’s a good opportunity to do something you’ve probably been procrastinating about: Replace your website passwords that hackers stole because of some company’s lax security. Fortunately, your Apple devices make it easy to find out which of your passwords leaked so you can change them.

Fix a potentially serious problem now, before something bad happens..

Apple cuts cost of 2024 MLS Season Pass by 30%

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2024 MLS Season Pass
Enjoy the rest of the MLS season at a sweet discount, starting now.
Photo: MLS

Soccer fans can watch the rest of the MLS season for $69. That’s $30 less than what Apple typically charges for an MLS Season Pass.

Subscribers can stream every match plus analysis and exclusive content. No Apple device required.

Stop using these stupid, stupid passwords immediately

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Stop using these stupid, stupid passwords immediately
"Another fool who used '123456.' Time to harvest some credit card numbers."
Photo: Nikita Belokhonov/Pexels

Some people simply can’t stop using stupid, weak passwords. An analysis of the phrases used to secure various accounts in 2023 finds that “123456” was used 4.5 million times, making it the most popular. And the rest of the top 10 are all easily guessed, too.

It’s World Password Day, a good opportunity to change the horribly weak ones you’re using now. Especially as Apple makes it easy

Expect dismal iPhone sales but hints of AI in Apple quarterly results

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Wall Street thinks Apple is just limping along
Wall Street thinks Apple is about to announce weak results, but AI could bring a turnaround.
Photo: Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

The first three months of 2024 were probably not good ones for Apple. When the company reveals the financial results from its March quarter on Thursday, analysts predict a 5% annual drop in revenue will be one of the announcements.

But part of the reason for weak sales is customers anticipating AI-powered iPhones and Macs later this year. CEO Tim Cook almost certainly will drop hints about what’s coming in a conference call also scheduled for Thursday.

Epic animated adventure WondLa coming to Apple TV+ this summer

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Epic animated adventure 'WondLa' on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ promises epic adventure with WondLa.
Image: Skydance Animation/Apple TV+

The first installment of the animated adventure trilogy WondLa will premiere on Apple TV+ in June. It’s the most ambitious children’s show the streamer has launched.

The series is adapted from a New York Times bestselling book series by Skydance Animation, and has a star-studded voice cast.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage sneaks onto iPhone in June

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'Assassin’s Creed Mirage' sneaks onto iPhone
The console-quality game Assassin’s Creed Mirage is coming to iPhone and iPad in only a few weeks.
Image: Ubisoft

The long wait for the port of Assassin’s Creed Mirage playable on iPhone 15 Pro models and top-tier iPads ends in early June.

This is the latest example of AAA, console-quality games being brought to Apple devices to demonstrate their gaming capabilities.

iPad lets Ukraine fly Soviet-era planes into combat

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Ukraine pilots use iPads to take Soviet-era planes into combat
iPad goes into combat in Ukraine fighter jets.
Photo: Ukraine Air Force

Ukraine’s Air Force needs to launch modern U.S.-made missiles from Soviet-era fighter jets in combat. The surprise solution to the disconnect? iPad.

Apple tablets reportedly give the vintage aircraft the ability to control a variety of weapons systems supplied by Western countries after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Take an early look at larger, 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Take an early look at larger, 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the largest Apple handset ever.
Leaked image: Sonny Dickson

Apple reportedly will increase the screen size in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Two tipsters recently revealed mockups of the 6.9-inch version alongside the smaller models in the iPhone 16 series.

If the rumor of a larger iPhone 16 Pro Max proves true, it’ll be among the more significant changes to the iPhone design in years.

EU labeling iPad a ‘gatekeeper’ will bring major changes to iPadOS

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iPad Gatekeeper in EU under the DMA
iPad has been designated a gatekeeper by the EU, and Apple has to open those gates.
Image: Cult of Mac

The iPad joined the European Union’s list of “gatekeeper” platforms Monday. The designation requires Apple to make the same sorts of sweeping changes to iPadOS that the company already made to iPhone, including allowing sideloading of applications.

Apple has six months to implement the modifications.

Affordable Beats Solo Buds, Beats Solo 4 headphones might launch April 30

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Beats Solo Buds, Beats Solo 4 leak
Lower cost Beats earbuds and headphone are supposedly on the way.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly mere days away from launching Beats Solo Buds truly wireless earbuds. And Beats Solo 4 over-the-ears headphones will also premiere on Tuesday, April 30, according to an unconfirmed report.

Both will supposedly cost significantly less than similar AirPods models, though without all the same features.

Argylle spy flick keeps pulling in viewers

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Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa are among the many stars of Argylle, now streaming on Apple TV+.
Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa are among the many stars of Argylle, now streaming on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

The action-comedy romance film Argylle stayed near the top of streaming popularity charts for a second week. The Apple TV+ spy-vs-spy thriller is chock full of celebrities.

Plus, the dark, gritty series Sugar drew big audiences on Apple’s streaming service last week, too. It features Colin Farrell as a private investigator solving a mystery.

New net neutrality rules should end mobile video throttling

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New net neutrality rules should end mobile video throttling
Your wireless carrier won't be able to throttle streaming video for much longer.
Image: Fox/Cult of Mac

There’s a good chance watching video on your iPhone is about to get better. Net neutrality rules passed by the FCC this week reportedly forbid U.S. wireless carriers from lowering the quality of streaming video to throttle the amount of data its consumes.

So if you watch Apple TV+, Netflix, etc. on your iPhone, your carrier is no longer allowed to reduce the video quality.

How to check iPad battery health

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iPad Battery Health How To
Knowing your iPad battery health helps you decide when it's time for a new tablet.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Checking the health and maximum capacity of the battery in your beloved iPad isn’t as easy as it should be, but we can walk you through the process.

Finding out how worn out the tablet’s battery is can help you decide if it’s time for a new model.

TSMC cutting-edge 2nm chip production might come too late for 2025 iPhone

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TSMC looks ahead to super-speedy 2nm processors
2nm processors made by TSMC will be faster while using less power than today's 3nm iPhone and Mac chips. But there's bad news.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Although Apple’s chip-maker TSMC will start making processors with a 2nm process in 2025, production could begin too late for next year’s iPhone.

Still, TSMC says 1.6nm chips will go into production in 2026.

What new features to expect in Apple Pencil 3 [Updated]

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What new features to expect in Apple Pencil 3
It's not challenging to guess that Apple Pencil 3 is on the agenda for the May 7 Apple event.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Pencil 3 is apparently right around the corner, and leaks indicate the next iPad stylus will offer several features not in the previous one. That includes a new “squeeze” gesture, haptic feedback and Find My support.

Plus, it might also work as a Vision Pro stylus.

Apple Watch Series 9 hits official Apple refurbs store at satisfying discounts

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Apple Watch Series 9 refurbished
A refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 is as good as new but costs much less.
Image: Cult of Mac

Savvy shoppers can now buy Apple Watch Series 9 from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store. It’s a no-risk way to pick up the wearable at up to $110 below the usual price.

These are primarily devices that consumers bought then returned so supplies and selection are somewhat limited.