Apple announces May 7 special event, hints at possible next-gen Apple Pencil
There may be some cool stuff en route for Apple’s special event on May 7, which was announced on Tuesday. The company may have also dropped some interesting hints into the invitation, including a pencil icon that could indicate a next-gen Apple Pencil within the works. In a post on X, Apple CEO Cook shared […] Source

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Congo demands that Apple prove iPhone doesn't use conflict materials
The Democratic Republic of Congo has told Apple it believes the iPhone maker's supply chain is using materials linked to militia groups.Apple has been asked to verify that it doesn't use "conflict minerals" in the iPhoneApple and at least most Big Tech manufacturers have long been accused of sourcing tin, tungsten, and tantalum — the 3T materials — from regions where that means funding violent groups. In 2020, Apple revealed that it had stopped using 18 smelters and refiners for flouting the rules over these conflict materials.Then in 2022, it ceased working with a further 12 suppliers over the issue. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Congo accuses Apple of using illegal conflict minerals in its supply chain
The Democratic Republic of Congo is accusing Apple of using illegally exploited minerals sourced in the eastern regions, involving violence, child labor and other human rights violations. This allegation disagrees with Apple’s published Conflict Minerals Report, that states it found no connection between its smelters and refiner partners, and the armed groups of the DRC, as of December 31, 2023. more…

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Apple begins selling refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 units
If you’re hoping to save some money on an Apple Watch Series 9, you’re going to like this. Apple on Wednesday began selling certified refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 models in the U.S. for the first time since the device was released in September. The refurbished units are discounted by approximately 15 percent compared to […] Source

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Downgrading iCloud+ storage? Be sure to retrieve your files properly
Macworld Apple’s fees for iCloud+ storage tiers are a sore point among enough people that I’ve seen the question come up repeatedly: How can I be sure I have a local copy of all my files if I want to reduce my iCloud+ storage payment or stop paying for iCloud storage at all? (Apple includes a meager 5GB of storage for all iCloud accounts; iCloud+ starts at $0.99 monthly for 50GB of storage.) Time Machine isn’t the answer, nor are any volume-cloning or archive tools, local or internet-based. File and media stored only in iCloud, with a placeholder for them in macOS, cannot be backed up except by forcing downloads to a Mac across three places: Photos, Music, and iCloud Drive. (I dream of a future in which Apple would offer an option to force a monthly local backup of iCloud-only files.) I recently wrote “How to migrate away from iCloud+,” a short guide to finding alternatives to iCloud+ services and storage. But you may want to keep using iCloud or downgrade to a lower-tier iCloud+ plan for the basics and be sure you aren’t locking away or losing files that aren’t on your Mac and are stored in iCloud. Here’s how. 1. iCloud Photos Switch to “Download Originals to this Mac” to ensure a local copy of all media. Foundry The big issue for most people is media synced via iCloud Photos. If you have a large Photos library, you may have enabled optimization in Photos > Settings > iCloud. With Optimize Mac Storage chosen, macOS automatically purges locally stored images and videos that have been uploaded to iCloud if local storage is needed. You can’t be sure what’s stored locally or not, as there’s no criterion you can use with a smart folder to create a set of “iCloud only” images. The only way to be sure that you have a local copy of everything is to change from Optimize Mac Storage to “Download Originals to this Mac” in the Photos iCloud setting. It may take a while for your Mac to retrieve all media that it didn’t have locally cached. Apple doesn’t provide a tool that shows how much local storage you would need to hold your Photos Library, so you need to figure out ahead of time if you have enough room on your startup volume. If you believe you don’t, consider moving your Photos Library to an external drive with plenty of storage before disabling optimization. This article from 2021, “How to move your Mac’s Photos library to an SSD for better performance,” remains accurate (though Preferences has become Settings in menus). 2. Music A smart album in Music lets you create a list of all files you need to download.Foundry You may not even know you are syncing music files from your Music Library with iCloud. Go to Music > Settings > General to see if Sync Library is turned on. If so, you’re syncing–but some files may be on your Mac synced from other devices. You can also intentionally or accidentally delete the local copy of music files to free up space, but still be able to stream the files from your iCloud Music Library—it’s seamless as long as you have an Internet connection. To be sure that 100 percent of the music files you’ve purchased, ripped, or created are on the Mac on which you’re working, you need to follow a sequence: Choose File > New > New Smart Playlist. For the “Match for the following” criteria, select “Location,” “is not,” “on this computer.” (Or you could pick “is” and “iCloud.”) Name the playlist descriptively in the sidebar, like “Only in iCloud.” Select the playlist in the sidebar and then choose Edit > Select All (Command-A). Choose Song > Download or right-click/Control-click the selection and choose Download. When the downloads are complete, that smart album will be empty. This forces a download of all music files that aren’t locally stored. Note that there are a lot of fine points around iCloud Music Library substituting files depending on whether you have an iTunes Match subscription, an Apple Music subscription, or both. Some files won’t sync, too, if they’re below a minimum encoding quality, above a certain size (200MB), or you’ve exceeded 100,000 files. Apple has a short FAQ about what syncs. If you lack enough storage for all your music files, you can also move your Music Library to an external drive. However, the process is much less straightforward than with Photos. Apple offers some help in a support document. 3. iCloud Drive Disable Optimize Mac Storage to have all your iCloud Drive files downloaded to your Mac. The popover for Documents in the storage allocation bar shows an approximate number, though it includes items not counted towards your iCloud Drive total, too.Foundry iCloud Drive is a window to all your available storage at iCloud for most apps (not Music and Photos). It’s typical to have an optimized storage set for iCloud Drive in   > System Settings > Account Name > iCloud. Fortunately, simply disabling Optimize Mac Storage will start downloading iCloud-only files. You can’t move iCloud Drive to another volume, so you will have to ensure you have enough storage on your startup volume. That is, at least, easy to find. In the Finder, click iCloud Drive in any Finder window’s sidebar or choose Go > iCloud Drive. Choose File > Get Info (Command-I) to see the totals for the iCloud Drive “folder” (it’s not exactly a folder). It may take a moment for macOS to update the number. The Size label shows both the total storage for iCloud Drive files at iCloud.com and the amount locally downloaded (in parentheses as, for example, “14.68 GB on disk”). The Finder provides a more accurate total for the storage required for your iCloud Drive files on your startup volume. The Finder provides a more accurate total for the storage required for your iCloud Drive files on your startup volume.Foundry The Finder provides a more accurate total for the storage required for your iCloud Drive files on your startup volume.Foundry Foundry You can use the circular progress icon next to iCloud Drive in a Finder window sidebar to know when the process is finished. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Dave. Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. iCloud, MacOS

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Why the iPad has no calculator
Macworld With news that iPadOS 18 might bring a calculator to the iPad we’ll refresh our memories as to why the iPad doesn’t have a calculator right now, and what the alternatives are if you want to do some math and it’s the only device you have handy. Ever since the iPad first arrived, there’s been a curious omission in the apps that come preinstalled by Apple. Whereas the iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch and even the iPod touch feature a calculator as standard, there’s never been one on the iPad. Why is that? Of all the platforms, it’s probably the one most suited to the task, especially if it was one of the scientific variety with all the additional capabilities. We’re not ones to leave a stone unturned, so we set out to find why the iPad comes calculator-free. The Steve Jobs story In preparing this article, we reached out to Apple to see if there was an official reason why it withholds the calculator app from the iPad. At the time of writing, we hadn’t had a response, so we couldn’t ask if it was something to do with an Apple executive standing at a crossroads at midnight, playing on a prototype iPad until a shadowy figure arrived, promising to make it the king of all tablets, but at a terrible cost – that of the calculator app. Maybe this theory is why no one at Apple wanted to talk to us? Or is it something forbidden? Who knows? There is another theory, though, as reported by Luke Dormehl of Cult of Mac back in 2016: This story, that came from someone who was working at Apple at the time, says that in the run up to the launch of the original iPad release, Steve Jobs called Scott Forstall (who was leading the software development for the tablet) into his office. Jobs then asked where the new calculator app designed specifically for the iPad was. To which Forstall replied that there wasn’t one. They were planning on using the iPhone version instead. Jobs, who was known for his incredible attention to detail, wasn’t happy with this, as the app looked awful in his eyes. He subsequently pulled the app, much to Forstall’s chagrin, and it simply fell to the bottom of the pile of things that needed to be done for every update or upgrade to iOS and then iPadOS ever since. It’s entirely possible that this tale could be apocryphal, as it’s a little hard to believe that no one at Apple could rustle up a decent calculator app over the past decade, but the continued absence of said program does give some weight to the idea. We prefer the crossroads version, but maybe that’s just the fatalistic romantics in us, plus we suspect Craig Federighi may have made a similar exchange to ensure the magnificence of his luscious mane. How to use the Calculator on the iPad Whatever the reason why Apple doesn’t include its Calculator app on the iPad the really peculiar thing is that the Calculator is actually there, it’s just hidden from view. How can you access the Calculator on the iPad? Just ask Siri. We asked Siri on the iPad “What’s 10 x 12” and it gave us the answer 120. The big surprise, as you can see from the image below: It got that answer from the Calculator! You can therefore just use Siri to make simple calculations on your iPad. For example, ask: Hey Siri, what’s 10% of 100 Hey Siri, what’s 15-7 Hey Siri, what’s 28.96 divided by 5 Other more complicated questions may be routed via Wolfram Alpha. For example when we asked Siri for the square root of 16 the answer came from Wolfram. So the Calculator app on the iPad is useful for simple calculations, but it’s not going to give you all the answers. What are the best options for more complicated calculations. We’ll discuss that next. Best calculator apps for iPad If you don’t want to wait for Apple’s own mythical calculator app to arrive on the iPad, there is still a huge selection of decent alternatives available on the App Store. One of our favorites is the cheap and cheerful Calcbot 2, which does standard and scientific calculations, plus unit conversions. The free version includes adverts, but you can get rid of them for around $2/£2. Other options include PCalc, Calculator HD++, Calculator HD Pro Lite and a wealth of similarly powerful apps. There may be no Apple Calculator app for the iPad, but thankfully you’re not short of offerings in this department from other developers. iOS, iPad

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Enjoy ambient lighting and wireless charging with this all-in-one device, now only $40
Macworld It’s pretty universal at this point to keep a smartphone charger by your bed, usually so you can charge your phone while it rests on your nightstand. It’s also pretty standard to have a lamp on that same nightstand. Miraculously, 3PExperts put two and two together and combined these nightstand staples into one sleek package.  Meet the 15W Nightlight Wireless Charging Pad, which offers easy ambient lighting and an easy charging solution for only $39.99 (reg. $99). This versatile device blends well into almost any bedroom or home decor, and is compatible with all wireless chargeable devices including your iPhone, earbuds, and more. You’ll just need to ensure that whatever device you own supports wireless charging. As for the nightlight, this gadget offers gentle illumination and promotes relaxation with its three brightness levels. With its highly practical and multi-purpose design, you can promote a clutter-free bedside table and streamline your home. Grab the 15W Nightlight Wireless Charging Pad, now just $39.99, for a limited time.   15W Nightlight Wireless Charging Pad Only $39.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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Macworld Podcast: Apple to ‘Let Loose’ on May 7; touch-sensitive iPhone 16 buttons; is FineWoven finished? and more
Macworld Apple announces a May 7 event. Is FineWoven done for? Is there a big change in store for the Calculator app? We talk about the latest rumors and news bits in this episode of the Macworld Podcast! This is episode 881 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola. Listen to episode 881 on Apple Podcasts Listen to episode 881 on Spotify Get info  Click on the links below for more information on what was discussed on the show.  Surprise! Apple announces ‘Let Loose’ event on May 7  Apple kills off troubled FineWoven line, report claims  The iPhone 16 might switch to touch-sensitive buttons after all  Surprising report claims the iPhone 17 Plus will have a smaller screen  One of macOS 15’s big new features might be a superpowered Calculator  AirPlay hotel support is finally available–for only a handful of rooms  Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcast—or leave us a review!—right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworld’s podcast page or our home on MegaPhone. Apple Inc, iPad, iPhone

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New iPhone activations hit a six-year low in the US
iPhone activations in the US declined to 33% in Q1 2024, a new low for the Cupertino company in over six years. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple Reportedly Developing Its Own Custom Silicon For AI Servers
Hartley Charlton reports via MacRumors: Apple is said to be developing its own AI server processor using TSMC's 3nm process, targeting mass production by the second half of 2025. According to a post by the Weibo user known as "Phone Chip Expert," Apple has ambitious plans to design its own artificial intelligence server processor. The user, who claims to have 25 years of experience in the integrated circuit industry, including work on Intel's Pentium processors, suggests this processor will be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm node. Apple's purported move toward developing a specialist AI server processor is reflective of the company's ongoing strategy to vertically integrate its supply chain. By designing its own server chips, Apple can tailor hardware specifically to its software needs, potentially leading to more powerful and efficient technologies. Apple could use its own AI processors to enhance the performance of its data centers and future AI tools that rely on the cloud. While Apple is rumored to be prioritizing on-device processing for many of its upcoming AI tools, it is inevitable that some operations will have to occur in the cloud. By the time the custom processor could be integrated into operational servers in late 2025, Apple's new AI strategy should be well underway. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Threads testing new option to let users automatically archive old posts
Meta has been experimenting with a lot of new features for Threads, its microblogging platform. Now Instagram boss Adam Mosseri revealed on Wednesday that the platform has started testing an option that will let users automatically hide old posts from Threads after a certain period of time. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: April 24, 2024 – Vision Pro shipments, Apple TV and sports
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Roborock: Get a special deal on the S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vac & S8 Max Ultra with free gifts for a limited time. more…

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Apple bids farewell to Frank Casanova after pivotal 36-year tenure
After nearly four decades at Apple, Frank Casanova, the Senior Director of Product Marketing who recently spearheaded the launch of the Vision Pro headset, has retired.Over his extensive career, Casanova contributed significantly to the company, including his crucial role in expanding the iPhone's carrier network, ultimately shaping how consumers interact with Apple's products worldwide.Casanova's journey with Apple began in the late '80s, and since then, he has been a pivotal figure in the company's evolution. His early work included marketing Apple's foundational products, according to a Wednesday report by Bloomberg. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Watch X likely to feature a major redesign
A next-generation Apple Watch, suspected to be the long-rumored Apple Watch X (ten) will use a new resin coated copper (RCC) motherboard… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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The best of NAB 2024 from an Apple user’s perspective [Video]
NAB, a camera and production-focused trade show, is one of the events I look forward to annually – this year was no different. NAB 2024 was chock full of new hardware and software releases that will affect large productions with pro cameras all the way down to small at-home productions with an iPhone serving as an A-cam. In this hands-on video, I traverse the showroom floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center in search of some of the best of NAB 2024 from an Apple user’s perspective. I cover some exciting new updates to the amazing LumaFusion mobile video editing app, an exciting newcomer in Prismatic that promises to enhance production workflows, an update to the Blackmagic Camera app, Promise’s upcoming Thunderbolt 5 RAID enclosure, the Atomos Ninja Phone, and lots of new iPhone and iPad-centric hardware as well. Watch our hands-on, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more videos. more…

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Vision Pro marketing chief retires after 36 years at Apple
Apple is losing another important director as a new report from Bloomberg has just revealed that Frank Casanova, currently senior director and head of product marketing for Apple Vision Pro, is retiring after working at the company for 36 years. more…

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This iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma feature makes AutoFill even more convenient
Over the years, Apple has drastically improved its AutoFill feature for autofilling passwords, addresses, credit card information, and more. With iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, Apple has made another significant enhancement: the ability to use AutoFill anywhere in the operating systems. more…

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Apple co-founder Steve Jobs spent ‘hour after hour’ on product design
Steve Jobs dedicated “hour after hour” to the minutiae of product design at Apple, driven by a belief of God being in the details,… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 18 release date: When to expect the betas and public launch
We’re not far from the first official look at iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 on June 10. Whether you’d like to test out the new OS as soon as the dev beta is available or you’ll wait for the public beta or public launch, follow along for when to expect the iOS 18 release date. more…

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Spotify second iOS app update attempt in EU fails to pass App Store review
A update to Spotify's app in the App Store is on hold, after the streaming service failed to follow rules allowing links to external sites for purchases.Spotify's app in the EUApple has already made a number of changes to its App Store rules, primarily to comply with EU legislation like the Digital Markets Act. While Apple has laid out new rules developers must follow to perform specific actions, not all apps have gone down the correct route.An App Review email sent to Spotify and viewed by AppleInsider states that version 8.9.33 of Spotify's app was halted from publication to the App Store. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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