Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
The Brydge 12.9 Max+ turns your iPad Pro into a clamshell laptop. Photo: Brydge
The Brydge 12.9 Max+ is a magnetic clip-on keyboard for the largest iPad Pro models. It includes a sizable trackpad, and a design that mimics a clamshell laptop.
It uses some of the features of the popular Apple Magic Keyboard, but goes in a different direction.
Buyers of the 2021 iPad Pro will have keyboards and cases to choose from when the tablet launches, including the Logitech Combo Touch. Photo: Logitech
For all its many improvements, the basic design of the 2021 iPad Pro changed hardly at all. That’s good news for anyone in the market for a case or keyboard for Apple’s new tablet, as it means there’s a wide variety available.
But a change in the thickness of the 12.9-inch version mans that many existing products aren‘t compatible. That said, there are already options from Logitech, Brydge, Otterbox and Apple itself that are confirmed to work with the new computer. And likely more that’ll still fit.
Up to five family members can soon share an Apple Card. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple Card holding parents can soon give their teenagers access to the credit card. Adults can share a card and teens can be allowed limited usage thanks to the upcoming Apple Card Family feature.
The wait for iOS 14.5 is almost over — it’ll be out before the end of April. The same goes for iPadOS 14.5. Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple revealed on Tuesday that iOS 14.5 and the iPad equivalent will reach customers iPhones and tablets some time “next week.” These include a rush of new features, like unlocking an iPhone with an Apple Watch. And a controversial change that make it harder for apps to track users for ads.
To help make the launches possible, developers were given access to the release candidates for these upcoming operating system versions on Tuesday. They can both look for bugs and test their own applications with the new OS versions.
Man, that was one powerful presentation. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
It’s 4/20 and Apple’s big iMac and iPad Pro launch event was a total trip. The new Mac desktop comes in a rainbow of colors, and the M1 processor in the latest tablet will blow you away. And there’s AirTag too, at long last.
Grab some snacks and get ready to find out what the new products mean for Apple users and for the company’s future.
The 2021 iPad Pro offers can be configured with a whopping 16GB of RAM. Yes, 16GB. Photo: Apple
The just-announced 2021 iPad Pro packs at least 8GB of RAM and can be configured with 16GB. The days when Apple’s tablets got an anemic amount of RAM are over.
There’s so much, Apple stopped hiding the amount. It now proudly announces how much RAM is in its latest professional-grade tablets.
2021 iPad Pro makes huge strides forward in its processor, screen, port, storage and RAM. Photo: Apple
The 2021 iPad Pro is built around an Apple M1 processor that brings a tremendous speed boost. And the USB-C has been upgraded with Thunderbolt, leading to faster connections to external drives. Plus, there’s a version with 5G.
But the latest top-tier iPadOS tablet more than fast — it looks great too. The 12.9-inch version includes a mini-LED display that both improves the look and uses less power.
Apple might unveil on Tuesday a 2021 iMac that looks just like this concept design. Screenshot: Amdix/ConceptsiPhone
A 2021 iMac is supposedly among the highlights of Apple “Spring Loaded” event on Tuesday. Concept artists have dreamed up proposals for what the upcoming all-in-one desktop might look like.
These vary as to details but are likely to please anyone tired of the very large screen bezels that have marked previous iMac models… and is looking forward to a speedy M-series processor.
Take a look at some of the eye-opening concepts before the big reveal on Tuesday.
The GoDonut handset and tablet stand has a clever design. It’s also about as rugged as one could hope for. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
GoDonut is a tough, portable stand that’s compatible with a wide range of handsets and small tablets. It can be used in landscape or portrait, and offers multiple viewing angle. Plus, it’s colorful and fun.
I tested GoDonut with iPhone and iPad. And other devices, too. Here’s why I like it. And why I don’t.
iPad and iPhone users will soon begin testing Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing them to play 100+ console-quality games. Photo: Microsoft
Lucky beta testers will get first access to Xbox Cloud Gaming this week. This allows subscribers to play 100+ console-quality games on an iPad or iPhone.
Parler is expected to be back on the App Store after changing moderation policies. Photo: Cult of Mac
The controversial social-networking service Parler will soon reappear in the App Store. Apple reportedly un-banned the service Monday after it promised to start moderating content.
Then service was banned from the iOS and Android software stores after it was used to plan the attack on the U.S. Capital in January.
Siri beats Prosser, Gurman, etc. to become the most accurate source of Apple leaks. Image: Apple
Last week, Siri leaked the date and time of the upcoming Apple event. And this wasn’t the first time Apple’s own virtual assistant told the world about an upcoming event before the official announcement.
So step back Jon Prosser. Stand aside Mark Gurman. Siri is now the most accurate Apple leaker.
With Google Stadia, your iPad can run console-quality games. Photo: Cult of Mac
Google Stadia could be the answer for anyone who wants to play console-quality games on an iPad. There are many big-name titles to choose from, and players can use off-the-shelf game controllers. This is cloud gaming — everything is played online so the service doesn’t take up space on your iPad.
I spent quite a bit of time playing Stadia games on an Apple tablet. Here’s why I recommend it.
The 2021 iMac could dump the huge screen bezels of the current version. And move to Apple Silicon. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Trusted tipster Mark Gurman says the 2021 iMac all-in-one desktop might be the next to get the M1 processor. The announcement could be only a few days away.
And that’s only the beginning. There’s plenty more evidence that an upgraded iMac will launch at Apple’s April 20 event.
Combine the Elago Charging Tray with an Apple MagSafe puck for an organized desk or nightstand. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Slip an Apple MagSafe puck into the Elago Charging Tray to create an iPhone 12 charger with a built-in tray. The combination quickly powers up your handset while also helping to organize your desk or nightstand.
The accessory has been beside my bed for several weeks. Here’s why I like it.
Two scientists study humpback whale communication in Fathom, exclusively on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ landed the rights to Fathom, a documentary about the quest to unravel the mystery of why humpback whales sing. And maybe even how we can communicate with them.
It’ll premiere on Apple’s streaming service this summer.
A new Time to Walk episode featuring Jane Fonda lands just in time for Earth Day. Photo: Apple
Apple Fitness+ added screen legend Jane Fonda to the Time to Walk feature for Earth Day. She discusses her life as well as the fight against climate change.
Time to Walk promises interesting and encouraging audio stories to liven up walking for exercise. It’s part of Apple Fitness+, a $9.99-a-month subscription workout service built around Apple Watch.
Apple Fitness+ is adding several new workout categories on April 19. Photo: Apple
Apple Fitness+ will introduce new workouts geared specifically toward pregnant women and older adults next week, the company said Thursday. There will also be new Yoga, High Intensity Interval Training and Strength workouts for beginners coming soon to Apple’s subscription fitness service.
Skydance Animation produced Blush about a stranded astronaut meeting an ethereal visitor. Coming soon to Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple and Skydance Animation teamed up to create Blush, a short film about a stranded astronaut. It’s written and directed by Joe Mateo, whose credits include Big Hero 6 and Prep & Landing.
The upcoming film is the first in a multiyear partnership to create animated movies and shows for Apple TV+.
Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac lets you have the best of both words: macOS and Windows. Photo: Parallels
Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac debuted Wednesday, bringing full native support for computers with Apple Silicon. It allows users to run Windows 10 ARM Insider Preview and its applications on Macs with an Apple M1 processor.
Running a virtual version of Windows 10 on Apple Silicon is up to 30% faster than in an Intel-based Mac, according to Parallels. And it uses 2.5x less power.
The Apple logo looks like this because it’s a spring. Get it? Spring loaded. Now forget about it. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
It’s temping to look for hints about what Apple is going to announce during its April 20 event somehow hidden in the invite sent out Tuesday. But that’s surely an utter waste of time.
Apple TV+ will release Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues, giving an in-depth look at the musician’s life and legacy. Photo: Apple
Apple’s streaming service green lit Black & Blues: The Colorful Ballad of Louis Armstrong. The documentary film promises a “definitive” look at the musician’s life and legacy built on the filmmakers’ access to never-before-seen materials.
It’ll be the latest production of Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries, along with Apple Original Films.
Bring the logo from the just-announced Apple April event to your own home with the magic of augmented reality. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Hidden in Tuesday’s invite to the Apple April event is an augmented reality easter egg. It’s part of the company’s ongoing move to draw more attention to AR.
The graphic for the event invite is the Apple logo made out of a swirling line. iPhone and iPad users can transfer that design to the real 3D world, and put it in motion.