Skip to main content

Apps

6,235 'Apps' stories April 2010 - March 2014
See All Stories

Learn about the latest news for iOS, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps

Apps for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS power our modern world. 9to5Mac will update you on the latest news, review, and updates for all types of apps. “There’s an App for that”.

The term came became part of our vocabulary when Steve Jobs announced The App Store as part of the iPhone 2.0 software update in 2008.

Over the years, the term has become as common as kleenex for describing applications on all of our devices. Apple’s platforms have apps for just about anything from finance, banking, sports, social media, podcasting, music, and more. We have a guide for helping you discover the best ones as well. Apps are now on everything from our TV, to our smartphones, on our laptops, and all the way down to our wrists.

As new ones are released or existing ones have major updates, the team here at 9to5Mac will bring you the latest news and reviews. If you want to follow along with video footage, be sure to follow 9to5Mac on YouTube. Scroll down below our latest updates on all things relating to applications on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

Apple updates Trailers app with push notifications, better Rotten Tomatoes integration, and more

Avatar for Mike Beasley Mar 25 2014 - 2:40 pm PT
3 Comments
Site default logo image

Apple has updated its iTunes Movie Trailers app with several new features and upgrades. The biggest new feature is the ability to get push notifications when movies marked as favorites hit theaters or iTunes. The in-app movie reviews have also been tweaked. Where previously you could only see a movies overall Rotten Tomatoes rating, you can now read full reviews right from within the app.

A few smaller features are also included in the update. You can now share links to movie trailers via AirDrop to other iOS devices, and a few bugs have been squashed. You can grab the app for free on the iTunes App Store. The full change log is below:


Expand
Expanding
Close

Facebook releases ‘Tweaks’ tool to help devs iterate on their apps faster

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Mar 25 2014 - 11:49 am PT
1 Comment

Facebook has today open-sourced its rapid prototyping tool ‘Tweaks’, a framework that helps application developers quickly iterate on their projects and test out different possibilities for their iOS apps.

The best way to improve an app is to use it every day. Even when ideas can be tested out in advance — for example, with Origami — it can still take some time with the app to see how it works in practice.

Occasionally, it’s perfect the first try. Sometimes, the idea doesn’t work at all. But often, it just needs a few minor adjustments. That last case is where Tweaks fits in. Tweaks makes those small adjustments easy: with no code changes and no computer, you can try out different options and decide which works best.

Tweaks makes it really simple for developers to adjust parameters and properties in their application and then test them out in realtime. This is particularly useful for rapid user interface development, which often consists of merely tweaking parameters (like colors or durations) than any involved work.  Normally, developers have to recompile application binaries in order to change animation curves, durations or other parameters. This is relatively slow and inefficient.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Apple seeds Safari 7.0.3 and 6.1.3 Seed 2 to developers

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 25 2014 - 11:28 am PT
0 Comments

After seeding the first beta of the next versions of Safari for OS X a week ago, Apple has just seeded another pre-release version of Safari 7.0.3 and Safari 6.1.3 (Seed 2) to developers.

Apple provides the following focus areas for devs in the release notes:

Please focus testing on the following areas:

• General website compatibility

• Safari Push Notifications

• Login AutoFill

• Credit Card AutoFill (OS X Mavericks only) • Extension Compatibility

Safari 7.0.3 will arrive for Mavericks users while the 6.1.3 release is the latest for Mountain Lion users. The updates require the following:

Safari 6.1.3 for OS X Lion requires OS X 10.7.5 with Security Update 2013-002. Safari 6.1.3 for OS X Mountain Lion requires OS X 10.8.5. Safari 7.0.3 for OS X Mavericks requires OS X 10.9.2 and is also included in OS X 10.9.3.

Earlier this month Apple pushed updates for iTunes 11.1.6 and OS X 10.9.3 betas to developers. When released to the public, the new iTunes version will restore the ability to sync contacts and calendars to an iOS device, while OS X is expected to introduce the ability to output at 4k resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate on the latest MacBook Pro models.

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Air $430, WD portable HDDs 1TB $59/2TB $99, Spotify Premium 50% off for students, more

Avatar for Mar 25 2014 - 10:08 am PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed,Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

  • Save an additional 20% on already reduced Incase iPhone, iPad, and Mac accessories
  • Home Deals: Dyson DC35 Multi Floor Stick Vacuum $210 (Reg. $300), Alera Complete Wire Shelving Unit $60, more

Apple iPad Air 16GB WiFi (space gray or silver) $430 shipped (Reg. $499)

Western Digital My Passport USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drives: 1TB $59 (Reg. $85), 2TB $99 (Reg. $150)

Spotify cuts 50% off Premium subscriptions for US students, now just $5 per month

Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

Site default logo image

Flexibits teases iPad version of popular ‘Fantastical’ calendar app

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 25 2014 - 9:59 am PT
9 Comments

Flexibits, makers of the popular Fantastical calendar apps for Mac and iPhone, today teased an upcoming iPad version of the app on its website.

Fantastical 2 for iPad is “coming soon,” and the company is taking sign ups for those interested in learning more, but it hasn’t yet revealed any other details on the app. The company did confirm in the tweet below that the iPad version would be a separate download and not introduced as a new universal app for both iPhone & iPad. The iPhone version of Fantastical 2 sells for $4.99 on the App Store.

We’ve reviewed previous version of the app and are big fans, so we’ll definitely be bringing you a full review of the app when it officially launches. Until then, check out our latest review of Fantastical 2 for iPhone.

You can sign up to learn more about the app on the Flexibits website here.

[tweet https://twitter.com/flexibits/status/448506098526334977]

Site default logo image

Roku iPhone app gets redesign w/ new search feature & more

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 24 2014 - 12:33 pm PT
4 Comments

The companion iPhone app for Roku hardware was updated today with a complete visual overhaul that gives the app a brand new look on top of a few new features. In addition to the redesign pictured above, the updated Roku app will also now let you access Roku’s search feature to search for content across apps by movie, show, actor, or director right from an iPhone. 

Version 3.0 of the Roku app also includes a number of other fixes and enhancements, but the overall navigation of the app remains the same. The new search feature for now is only supported “on US-based Roku players firmware 5.4 or later” and on all hardware except the Roku 2450x or 2500x. Roku says “Roku Search feature on mobile is not yet available. It will be debuting on the Roku Streaming Stick and will be available to other players over time.” Its blog post is here.

The Roku app for iPhone is available on the App Store now.

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Up to 65% off Samsung memory cards, 128GB iPad 4 WiFi+LTE $600, Canon refurbs 20% off, more

Avatar for Mar 24 2014 - 10:17 am PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed,Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

 


Amazon Gold Box: Up to 65% off select Samsung microSD and UHS SD memory cards

Apple iPad 128GB 4th gen w/ Retina display, LTE + Smart Cover: $600 shipped

Canon Refurbished Store: Take an additional 20% off select DSLR cameras, lenses, printers more


Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

Google’s new Photowall app turns your Chromecast-connected TV into an interactive photo frame

Avatar for Zac Hall Mar 24 2014 - 6:46 am PT
9 Comments
Site default logo image

Adding to the capabilities of the Chromecast HDMI streaming stick, Google is out with a new app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users called Photowall that lets you turn your Chromecast-connected TV into a live, interactive photo frame.

Google’s Photowall app allows you alone or a group of Photowall users to beam not just one photo, but an entire collage of images to your TV through your Chromecast. The app includes the ability to doodle or annotate images before beaming to your big display as well.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: 2 Nest Protect alarms $200 ($60 off), Seagate 4TB internal HD $150, Jawbone Big Jambox $214, more

Avatar for Mar 21 2014 - 9:57 am PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed,Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

Incase Mac Accessories: 70% off and higher today and tomorrow only


Daily Deals: Beats by Dre Tour $59, JBL Lightning speaker dock $40, Otterbox Armor Series $25, more

Games/Apps: Xbox One Titanfall bundle $450 (Reg. $500), Earth Defense Force 2025 $40, Osmos $1, iOS freebies, more


Other great deals from today:


More great deals still alive:

New products/info:

Warriors become first NBA team to rollout iBeacons, push seat upgrade offers to nosebleeds

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 21 2014 - 7:35 am PT
1 Comment
Site default logo image

MLB is already using them with plans to roll out at all stadiums, and now Bloomberg reports that the Golden State Warriors have become the first NBA team to take advantage of Apple’s iBeacon bluetooth technology. Just as the MLB, retailers, and other events have used the beacons to send context sensitive notifications and offers to customers and fans in proximity, the Warriors will do the same and in the process offer fans in cheap seats the chance to upgrade:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Jimmy Fallon and Billy Joel create doo-wop magic with an iPad

Avatar for Mar 21 2014 - 6:06 am PT
6 Comments

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU-eAzNp5Hw]
Update (3/24 10:45am): For a limited time, Loopy HD has been discounted to $3.99 (50% off).

Jimmy Fallon’s MacBook may have mysteriously lost its illuminated Apple logo but it seems his love for Apple products hasn’t wavered.

Last night he teamed up with one of America’s biggest rock legends, Billy Joel, to create a doo-wop song using an iPad Air connected to two Bluetooth microphones. The duo utilized the iOS app, Loopy, to create a continuous background loop of their singing as a foundation for the song.

‘Placed’ app brings context-aware app launching via iBeacons into the home

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 21 2014 - 5:59 am PT
7 Comments
Site default logo image

If you’ve been reading up on some of the organizations and companies working on iBeacon technology, most have used Apple’s Bluetooth LE standard to beam notifications and context-aware data to users that come in contact with iBeacon hardware in retail and event environments. They are already rolling out at retailers and being used in event spaces, but now a new app called “Placed” aims to bring iBeacons into the home (via TechCrunch).
Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Tweetbot for Mac updated with larger in-line image previews, bug fixes

Avatar for Mike Beasley Mar 20 2014 - 7:23 pm PT
2 Comments

Tweetbot for Mac, the desktop counter to the incredibly popular iOS Twitter client, was updated to version 1.5 today. The new update brings a few bug fixes and a big visual change that was first introduced in the most recent update to the iPhone version. This change brings large image previews to the feed, much like those found in the official Twitter for iPhone app.

For those who don’t like the new look, there’s a setting in the app’s preferences to get the smaller previews back or disable image previews completely. The smaller previews have also been tweaked to be a bit bigger and no longer have a border. Other issues addressed by the update include bugs with context menus, tweet detail layouts, and swipe gestures.

Tweetbot for Mac 1.5 is available on the Mac App Store. It’s a free update for existing users and a $19.99 purchase for new users. The full change log is below:

What’s New in Version 1.5

– Large image thumbnail option (as well as an option for no thumbnail) in the display settings.
– Refreshed design of image thumbnails
– Three finger left/right swipes in your timeline function if trackpad settings are configured that way.
– Fixed the issue where some context menus had the first option highlighted by default
– Fixed layout issues when viewing tweet details

Site default logo image

Blogging service Medium launches its iPhone app, focuses on reading rather than writing

Avatar for Mike Beasley Mar 20 2014 - 5:04 pm PT
2 Comments

Medium, the blogging service designed for (you guessed it) medium-length entries, has released its first iPhone app. Unlike most blogging apps, however, the Medium app does not have any writing tools. Instead, the app’s sole purpose is to provide a platform for reading the writings of other users. The app also allows you to bookmark and share your favorite posts and get personalized recommendations based on your Twitter account. You can grab the Medium app for free on the App Store.

Site default logo image

Apple seeds new betas of iTunes 11.1.6 and Mavericks 10.9.3 to developers

Avatar for Mike Beasley Mar 20 2014 - 3:35 pm PT
1 Comment

Following this week’s release of iTunes 11.1.6 and OS X 10.9.3 betas to AppleCare employees, Apple has pushed the updates live to developers as well. The iTunes update restores the ability to sync contacts and calendars to an iOS device, which had been removed in favor of iCloud in previous versions of iTunes.

The OS X update (with the build number 13D21) includes the ability to output at 4k resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate on the latest MacBook Pro models. The build number on this update is two builds newer than the version that was pushed to employees earlier this week.

Other than these changes and a few bug fixes, there aren’t any major changes in either build.

Site default logo image

GarageBand for Mac brings back MP3 exporting, adds new Drummers & more

Avatar for Zac Hall Mar 20 2014 - 10:58 am PT
7 Comments

Apple released an updated version of GarageBand for Mac today bringing back MP3 exporting and adding 3 new Drummers to the instrument recording software. MP3 exporting, which you would think is a standard feature for the software, was removed from the app in version 10. The update also features improvements to the software accessibility features and bug fixes.

What’s New in Version 10.0.2

• Improves stability and addresses a number of minor issues
• Adds the option to export songs as an MP3
• Contains multiple enhancements to Accessibility
• Includes 3 new Drummers and drum kits from the rock, songwriter, and R&B genres*

*Part of the one-time in-app purchase that includes the complete set of GarageBand sounds, loops, and drummers, as well as access to the GarageBand Lesson Store.

The last version of GarageBand (10.0.1) was released last November while Apple first released GarageBand 10 last October.

GarageBand 10.0.2 is available now on the Mac App Store.

Starbucks releases iOS 7-friendly iPhone app with a few new tricks

Avatar for Zac Hall Mar 20 2014 - 10:13 am PT
17 Comments
Site default logo image

We’ve already seen Starbucks show off a new way to pay and tip your barista in the long-awaited update to its iPhone app it previously announced, and today it is finally available and features a brand new design for iOS 7 when buying your latte.

Previously, the Starbucks app featured a number of various tabs on the bottom navigation bar, but the updated version has been dramatically simplified to focus on three main sections under the headers Pay, Stores, and Gift.

Reward member profiles, messages, and Pick of the Week content is now featured in a clean view with the app’s new tip feature as well.

The update also comes with a new icon to represent the refreshed design of the app.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Logitech UE Boom BT speaker $129, Staples gift card 15% off, Macworld subscription $8, more

Avatar for Mar 20 2014 - 10:07 am PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed,Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Logitech UE Boom shockproof/water-resistant Bluetooth speaker $129 shipped (Reg. $200)

Staples $100 Gift Card for $85 shipped (15% savings)

1 year magazine subs: Macworld w/ digital $8 shipped (Reg. $84), Rolling Stone $5 shipped (Reg. $102), Pop Mechanics, Motor Trend, more


Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

New products/info:

iTunes Connect issue halting new app and update submissions for developers (U: Apple says fixed)

Avatar for Zac Hall Mar 20 2014 - 7:00 am PT
7 Comments
Site default logo image

After just over a month since the last similar episode, several developers from around the world have reported a critical issue with iTunes Connect that is preventing new app and software update deployment to the App Store. Apple has noted the disruption on its developer system status page with a brief message: “Some users are experiencing a problem with [iTunes Connect].” The system status page lists the service disruption as occurring around 8 PM EST yesterday, but developers first began reporting problems with app and update submissions much earlier on Wednesday. The system status page does not report issues with any other developer services, and all consumer services report no issues. Apple does not provide a timeline for when it expects the disruption to be resolved nor does it offer the cause of the disruption.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

Burger King will soon let you pay with your iPhone in its 7000 U.S. locations

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 19 2014 - 12:30 pm PT
8 Comments

Following announcements from other fast-food chains planning to roll out mobile payment and ordering systems this year, Bloomberg reports that Burger King will be the latest to let customers make purchases using a smartphone app.

The program will be introduced next month and should be in all of Burger King’s more than 7,000 U.S. locations in “a few months,” Bryson Thornton, a spokesman for the company, said in an e-mailed statement. The option to order food and drinks ahead of time for later in-store pickup may be added, he said.

McDonalds, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts and others are all currently testing or already beginning to roll out similar apps in markets around the US, while other chains like Starbucks have long offered similar payment options through its app. The apps will also provide coupons and other promotions to customers, and I’m sure it won’t be long before fast food franchises get on the iBeacon bandwagon.

Burger King is also apparently weighing the idea of allowing customers to order ahead of time for pickup at a later time.

Site default logo image

Unreal Engine 4 arrives w/ new $19/month (+ 5% royalty) subscription model

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 19 2014 - 10:41 am PT
0 Comments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD5cRnrMqWw]

Epic Games is announcing the release of its new Unreal Engine 4 engine today and in the process introducing a new pricing scheme and support for OS X out of the gate. The engine that powers many of our favorite games across platforms will now be available to developers as a subscription that will see devs pay $19 a month plus a 5 percent royalty on gross product revenue (that’s before Apple takes its 30% cut for the App Store, for example.) That will give devs access to the all Unreal Engine 4 features and tools, full C++ source code available on GitHub, as well as the usual documentation and upcoming updates.

This first release of Unreal Engine 4 is just the beginning. In the C++ code, you can see many new initiatives underway, for example to support Oculus VR, Linux, Valve’s Steamworks and Steam Box efforts, and deployment of games to web browsers via HTML5.  It’s all right there, in plain view, on day one of many years of exciting and open development ahead!

Epic hopes that the new model will make it easier for anyone, especially the many smaller mobile game developers that might not yet be using the platform, to ship a product using Unreal Engine. That being said, Epic will negotiate custom terms for some developers, for example, “reducing or eliminating the royalty in exchange for an upfront license fee.” Epic used to charge a $99 license fee plus 25% of revenue after the first $50,000 any particular game brought in.

Epic warns that Mac OS X support in UE 4 still “hasn’t undergone serious developer testing yet” and that iOS deployment is only available on Mac so far.

You can get more info and sign up for UE4 here.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2rM-l-vdQ]

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS6q1H23njM]

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Logitech UE Boombox $120, Apple TV $80, Retina MacBook Pro $200 off, discounted Amazon Prime, more

Avatar for Mar 19 2014 - 10:10 am PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed,Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

  • Apple MacBook Pro ME866LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop with Retina Display and Intel Core i5 2.60GHz 8GB Memory $1600 (Reg. $1800)
  • Reminder: You only have a few hours left to save $20 on your first year of Amazon Prime
  • iPad Bluetooth Keyboards: Anker Ultra-Slim Aluminum for mini $20, Logitech Ultrathin for iPad 2/3 $30

Bluetooth Speakers:

Apple TV 3rd gen. 1080p streaming media player $80 shipped (Reg. $99)

GameStop 15% off games/accessories: MGS V: Ground Zeroes $25.50, Watch Dogs $51, PS Plus 1 yr. $42.50, more

Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

New products/info: