Articles about Apple

For some people, transparent elements are a key component of any UI. Apple clearly thinks so, having introduced a new transparent menu bar in Big Sur.

But transparency is not to everyone's taste, and if you're not a fan of the new design language, you will be pleased to hear that there is a way to disable transparent menus in Big Sur.

Continue reading →

It is November 12 and macOS 11 Big Sur is officially released today -- yes, sir, indeed. Why does the date matter? Well, I suppose it doesn't in the grand scheme of things, but still, it is rather surprising that Apple didn't release it yesterday, when the date was 11/11. Boy, that was missed opportunity, eh? Oh well.

But yeah, if you are a Mac owner, you can finally install the latest version of the macOS operating system. This is most notable for being the first version of macOS that will run on Apple's new M1-powered Mac computers. And yes, Big Sur on these new Macs can run both iOS and iPadOS apps too.

Continue reading →

It has been a number of months since Apple first unveiled macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) with the promise that this major operating system upgrade was coming "later this year".

At yesterday's "One More Thing" event at which the company revealed details of its new M1-powered Mac Mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, we also finally learned the release date for Big Sur. And the good news is that there's not long to wait -- macOS 11 is available to download from tomorrow, November 12.

Continue reading →

ARM is the future of computing -- there's a reason Microsoft keeps trying to switch Windows to the new architecture. Unfortunately, Windows on ARM has not been a success, as consumers have largely rejected Microsoft's attempts. I have a Surface RT tablet that I keep in a drawer which serves as a constant reminder of what could have been.

Apple is in the midst of this switch with Mac, but it looks to have a huge success on its hands. Why? Because the iPhone-maker developed its own chips rather than just work with partners. More importantly, Apple has a very precise plan on transitioning, and consumers seem to be on board.

Continue reading →

Apple is hosting a new hardware event today using "One More Thing" as its tagline. The Coronavirus pandemic means that -- like events earlier in the year -- this one is pre-recorded and has no audience… but what can we expect to see launched in Cupertino, California?

We are all but certain that this event will be the one at which Apple unveils new models of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro powered by its own custom silicon. But to find out everything about the company's switch to ARM, you'll have to tune in.

Continue reading →

We know that Microsoft is planning to give Windows 10 a makeover in the future, but it’s unlikely that the software giant will really go to town on the design, with the focus of its UI revamp -- codenamed Sun Valley -- being more on tweaking things and expanding on the Fluent Design language currently in use.

While some people are more than happy with how Windows 10 looks, it’s pretty bland when compared to macOS. But what if Apple and Microsoft joined forces to produce a Windows/macOS hybrid?

Continue reading →

Apple has launched a new service program for AirPods Pro after identifying a series of sound issues with the earphones.

The service program means that people experiencing problems with crackling or static are eligible for free replacements. The program also covers issues with Active Noise Cancellation, which could mean that bass is too low or background noise is louder than it should be.

Continue reading →

Another Apple Event has come and gone, and this time, the iPhone 12 lineup was the star of the show. Those smartphones look great, and are even semi-affordable, starting at just $699. While I would like to see Apple start the pricing about $100 less, who can blame the company for charging what it does -- people will undoubtedly buy them like mad regardless.

The new iPhone 12 devices were not the only new products announced, however. Apple also showed off a new smart speaker called HomePod mini. As the name implies, it is a smaller (3.3 inches tall, 3.9 inches wide) version of the existing HomePod, and it is more affordable too. Sadly, Siri is still rather dumb, and the spherical design is quite ugly. The device looks like a cheap candle or something. Meh, Apple could have done much better -- the still-breathing Jony Ive must be rolling in his figurative grave.

Continue reading →

A month ago, Apple held its usual hardware event, taking the wraps off Watch Series 6, and new versions of iPad and iPad Air. What was missing was the one thing everyone wanted to see -- iPhone 12.

Delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Apple today finally reveals not one, but four iPhone 12 models -- the iPhone 12, mini, Pro, and Pro Max -- offering something for everyone, and supporting 5G.

Continue reading →

iOS 14 introduced a lot of useful new features to the iPhone and iPad. You’ll know about the main ones, but there’s a handy new way to quickly perform everyday tasks which you might not know about.

You can get your iPhone to open the App Switcher or Control Center, go to the Home or Lock screen, take a screenshot, mute your phone, open the Notification Center, control the volume, wake Siri, and more, just by drumming on the back of your device. You will need to spend a little time setting this up first.

Continue reading →

The Apple iPad has now been a part of our lives for 10 years -- can you believe it? The revolutionary tablet changed the world, making it much easier to surf the web and consume media from the comfort of your couch or bed -- you no longer had to boot up your PC for everything. Over time, the iPad became an excellent work machine too, thanks to accessories like keyboard cases and the excellent Apple Pencil. In 2020, the iPad can truly replace a laptop -- for some consumers at least.

Earlier today, Apple announced updates to its two non-Pro tablets -- the iPad and iPad Air. While the 10.2-inch 8th generation standard iPad only gets incremental spec bumps, the 4th gen Air gets an all-new design with a bigger screen.

Continue reading →

Earlier today, two new Apple Watch wearables were released, and understandably, some people are very excited for them. Me? I am not a big fan. Apple Watch has terrible battery life and the interface is clunky. Call me crazy, but I much prefer a smartwatch with longer battery life and a lower price tag.

What did excite me from today's Apple's Event isn't even hardware at all. The star of the show, in my humble opinion, is Apple One -- a bundle of subscription services that costs less than buying them individually. In other words, people already subscribing to Apple services have the potential to save a considerable amount of money every month.

Continue reading →

Apple is hosting its big new hardware event today and has kicked things off by revealing the sixth generation of Apple Watch, as well as a more affordable SE variant and some new services.

The focus, as it has been in more recent generations, is on health once again, and the Apple Watch Series 6’s big new addition is the ability to measure your blood oxygen levels from your wrist using red and infrared light. This takes just 15 seconds and can even record background levels while you sleep.

Continue reading →

There are many power banks on the market these days, and for the most part, they are all very similar. These devices are essentially big batteries with USB ports designed to charge up your smartphone multiple times when on the go. When you can't find an outlet, these power banks can be a godsend, but also, they can be a critical tool during a power outage. If you live in an area that gets hit by hurricanes and/or tropical storms, you should absolutely own at least one of them -- a few if you have a family.

Today, Satechi unveils a new such product that is very Apple-focused. Called "Quatro Wireless Power Bank," it has a dedicated Apple Watch charger, Qi wireless charging (perfect for compatible AirPods), and both a USB-A and USB-C port. Not only is it designed with Apple devices in mind, but its overall aesthetics seem inspired by the iPhone-maker too. It features a matte black design, but the outer rim is surrounded by a beautiful shiny metal. It weighs 0.58 lbs and its dimensions are 6.4 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches.

Continue reading →

As of September 1st, all publicly trusted TLS certificates must have a lifespan of 398 days or less -- roughly half the previous life.

According to security experts from Venafi, a provider of machine identity management, this latest change is an indication that machine identity lifetimes will continue to shrink.

Continue reading →