Starting today, Apple Maps users in the Netherlands can access cycling route data on iPhone and Apple Watch. Dutch culture is known for being especially bike-friendly, so bringing this navigation feature to users is notable.
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Zac Hall is 9to5Mac Editor-at-Large with a focus on technology news, product reviews, and analysis. Zac previously served as 9to5Mac Editor-in-Chief, hosted over 400 weekly episodes of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and has been a member of the 9to5Mac family since 2013. Zac has over a decade of experience in technology journalism, including as a tech columnist for the Clarion-Ledger newspaper, part of the USA Today network.
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MidiWrist Unleashed is the first standalone MIDI controller for Apple Watch
Geert Bevin is adding a new tool to his collection of music utility apps for Apple devices. MidiWrist Unleashed “turns your Apple Watch into a standalone MIDI controller that directly connects to any advertised Bluetooth LE MIDI device,” and it’s completely independent from the iPhone.
Expand Expanding CloseEvery M-series Apple silicon chip and device
M-series Apple silicon chips tout impressive performance but unpredictable release cadence. That makes it hard to keep up with which chips are in which devices. Apple currently has three generations of M-series chips, up to four variations of each generation, and three product categories that use M-series chips. Here’s the data to make sense of it all.
Expand Expanding CloseApple not making major AI news at upcoming product event, WWDC still expected venue [Updated]
Update: It turns out Tim Cook was misunderstood in the CNBC story. The full quote in context does not imply an AI software announcement at next week’s hardware event, although Apple does infuse its silicon with AI readiness. Here’s the full quote in context:
”Looking ahead, we’re getting ready for an exciting product announcement next week that we think our customers will love. And next month, we have our Worldwide Developers Conference, which has generated enormous enthusiasm from our developers. We can’t wait to reveal what we have in store. ”
Additionally, with a pause inserted to explain what happened:
“And we’re getting into a period of time here where we’re extremely excited like I’m in the edge of my seat literally because next week, we’ve got a product event that we’re excited about. And then just a few weeks thereafter, we’ve got the developers Worldwide Developers Conference coming up and we’ve got some big plans to announce in in both of these events. [pause] From an AI point of view…”
Apple is still expected to unveil its AI software innovations in June during its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Expand Expanding CloseApple announces Q2 2024 earnings, slightly beating expectations with $90.75 billion revenue
Apple has disclosed its fiscal year 2024 Q2 earnings results. The company reports $90.75 billion in revenue during the three-month period, dropping 4.31% year over year. Analysts expected revenue around $90.33 billion. Apple netted $23.64 billion in profit, 2.15% decline.
Apple reported revenue of $94.8 billion for the same quarter a year ago. Apple argues that last year’s results included around $5 billion in revenue from “pent-up demand from the constraints” of Covid-19 factory shutdowns.
Other numbers from Apple’s quarterly results:
Expand Expanding CloseTwelveSouth’s adjustable iPad mount is secretly a versatile iPhone accessory
TwelveSouth recently sent me their latest HoverBar Duo product to test with FaceTime on Apple TV 4K. HoverBar Duo is primarily marketed as an adjustable iPad mount for using the tablet hands-free. However, the arrival of FaceTime for Apple TV 4K makes HoverBar Duo a versatile solution for positioning your iPhone camera just right. Before trying it with FaceTime on Apple TV 4K, the TwelveSouth HoverBar Duo has proved useful with the iPhone in lots of other ways.
Expand Expanding CloseSwitch to iPhone 15? You’ll need this cable for CarPlay
Apple changed the charging port from Lightning to USB-C with the iPhone 15. A USB-C charging cable comes in the box, but upgraders may need to purchase a separate cable to continue using CarPlay.
Expand Expanding CloseShould a 32-inch 4K Mac display really be a non-starter?
Mac display aficionados know that pixel count must scale with screen size to maintain Apple’s standard for “Retina” resolution.
That’s why the 24-inch iMac is 4.5K, the 27-inch Studio Display is 5K, and the 32-inch Pro Display XDR is 6K. These resolutions and display sizes each amount to 218 pixels per inch. The result is a balance of sharpness and screen real estate for the price of $1499, $1599, and $4999, respectively.
The pursuit of pixels per inch is also why the Mac community endured the LG UltraFine 5K monitor for so long, and why Samsung’s more featured version of the Studio Display gets our attention.
With that being said, is a larger display with less resolution always a compromise? I’ve been reviewing a BenQ DesignVue Design Monitor for several weeks, and this 4K 32-inch setup has solved a real problem for me.
Expand Expanding CloseAnthropic brings Claude AI to the iPhone and iPad
If you’ve been keeping up with generative AI and large language models on iPhone, then you may be aware that Anthropic’s Claude AI was notably absent from iOS.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has been updating ChatGPT on iPhone for a while now, and Google’s Gemini exists in its iOS app. Starting today, however, Claude for iPhone is joining the party.
Expand Expanding CloseI upgraded my Honda Civic head unit to a 9-inch wireless CarPlay display for under $500
The stock head unit with wired CarPlay in my 2017 Honda Civic EX recently gave up the ghost. The most affordable solution was a greatly upgraded aftermarket head unit from a brand called JOYING. It’s a 9-inch display with wireless CarPlay, a volume knob, and a design made for 10th-gen Honda Civics. It retails well below $500 and is worth every penny.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta adds a few more Apple Vision Pro features to Quest
Meta continues to pick low hanging fruit features from Apple Vision Pro for its Quest headsets. The company is also expanding support for playing back videos shot on iPhone in Quest OS.
Expand Expanding CloseApple releases fourth dev and public betas for iOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, and more
The weekly iOS 17.5 beta train continues today with the fourth developer release. Apple is also testing macOS Sonoma 14.5, visionOS 1.2, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod 17.5. Public betas are also incoming on the same day.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s where you can use your iPhone as your digital driver’s license or ID so far
Apple announced plans to turn the iPhone into your driver’s license all the way back in 2021. Plane tickets, movie passes, and credit cards were already digital. Now it was time to digitize government-issued identification cards.
So far, very few U.S. states actually let you add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet. However, there are more states without Wallet support where your iPhone can still become your driver’s license.
Expand Expanding CloseBest Apple Watch to buy for kids
Apple Watch for kids is something parents are embracing more and more. The New York Times once reported that Apple Watch adoption is happening among children as young as five. Parents are finding the Apple Watch more appropriate for kids wanting smartphones.
The Apple Watch gives kids a way to stay in touch with parents, share location, and build responsibility without the full cost and complexity of a smartphone. Wondering if it may be time to consider adding more connectivity without the commitment of a smartphone? Read this first…
Expand Expanding CloseApple releases third beta for iOS 17.5 and more [U: Public betas join]
Update: Apple has released public beta versions of yesterday’s updates.
The iOS 17.5 beta train continues today with the third developer release. Apple is also testing macOS Sonoma 14.5, visionOS 1.2, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod 17.5.
Expand Expanding CloseDolphiniOS explains why GameCube and Wii emulator won’t be in the App Store
Apple recently changed its policy to allow game emulators on the App Store. Delta, one of the essential emulation apps, skyrocketed to the top of the App Store overnight. Another popular emulator called DolphiniOS, however, is still facing a policy road block.
Expand Expanding CloseApple pulls WhatsApp and Threads from App Store in China [U: Signal and Telegram]
Update: Both Signal and Telegram have been removed at China’s insistence as well. Apple statement in story.
Apple has removed two Meta apps from the App Store in China at the request of the Chinese government. Both WhatsApp and Threads have been made unavailable in the App Store, preventing new installs for the messaging and social apps.
Expand Expanding CloseWant to do more with AirPods Pro 2? Try these 5 features
Apple delivered a solid update to its best wireless earbuds with the launch of AirPods Pro 2. Apple has since turned it up to 11 with five more features added to gen-two AirPods Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can finally play checkers on Apple Vision Pro
Game Room is one of the best experiences on Apple Vision Pro, especially with newly introduced spatial Personas. The latest update to the Apple Arcade game introduces one of the most popular classics: checkers.
Expand Expanding CloseApple Watch fall detection helps rescue cyclist after crash during downpour
Apple Watch is a must-have accessory for every cyclist. That’s become time and again it has proven critical for helping cyclists after a crash. Eric Zollinger from New York is the latest Apple Watch wearer to know firsthand.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta working on travel mode for using Quest headsets during flights after Vision Pro launches with feature
Today I learned two things. First, apparently Meta Quest headsets don’t work on planes? I guess Apple knew to prioritize that feature for Vision Pro. And second, support is reportedly on the way. Add this to the list of ways competition from Vision Pro is making Meta Quest 3 a better product.
Expand Expanding Close12.9-inch iPad Air will use same display technology as current larger iPad Pro
Ross Young of DSCC has great news for potential 12.9-inch iPad Air buyers. According to Young, the newly introduced larger iPad Air will use the same display technology as the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseiOS 18: What I want from Siri + AI
Apple will reveal its AI cards on June 10 at WWDC, and Siri is surely going to be a key component. Generally, people want Siri to get good. You can’t just replace Siri intelligence with generative AI, however, but the two technologies make a powerful combination. What I want to see from an AI-infused Siri is actually simple.
Expand Expanding CloseBest smart scales with iPhone sync for Apple’s Health app
Whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds and track your weight for other purposes, smart scales that sync data to the iPhone can be a fun and useful way to keep an eye your status.
If you want to easily collect your weight and other measurement data in the Health app on iPhone and iPad (new with iPadOS 17), the trick is to find a scale that works with HealthKit.
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