Apple brings out new second-gen betas, including Web Distribution for iOS 17.5
Apple has shifted onto the second round of developer betas, with the latest iteration of iOS 17.5 including Apple's Web Distribution system.iOS 17Developers taking part in Apple's beta program can acquire the new builds via any Apple Developer Center or more directly by updating their iPhone or iPad already running the betas, doing so through the Settings app. Public beta versions generally arrive a short time after the developer versions, and public participants can sign up through the Apple Beta Software Program website.The second betas for iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5 arrive after the first versions, which surfaced on April 2. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Second developer beta of visionOS 1.2 has arrived
Owners of the Apple Vision Pro can now test out the second developer build of the visionOS 1.2 operating system.visionOSThe second build of visionOS 1.2 surfaces after the first one, which arrived on April 2. The new build is build number 21O5565d, replacing the first beta, build number 21O5555e.It is still unclear exactly what Apple has changed in the new beta cycle, but release notes mention changes were made to fix an issue with FaceTime call synchronization and notification interruption issues for some apps. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Nab Apple Watch SE 2 for up to $60 off on Amazon
If you're on the hunt for a deal on Apple Watch, you can't do much better than Amazon's current Apple Watch SE 2 bargains. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How iOS Web Distribution works in the EU in iOS 17.5
The new iOS 17.5 beta introduces app sideloading from websites in the EU and Apple has announced both what eligible developers have to do, and what users can expect to see.Apple is allowing EU developers to skip the App Store and offer sideloading from their websitesAs previously expected, the new beta release of iOS 17.5, adds the facility for sideloading apps from a website. Apple had previously resisted allowing this Web Distribution, but was pressured into it by the EU and its Digital Markets Act.Apple has now issued new support articles for developers on what is required for eligibility, and how the sideloading should work for users. The company stresses that it will check apps for basic security and safety. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 17.5 beta 2 coming today with new Web Distribution sideloading feature in the EU
Last month, Apple announced a new Web Distribution offering for developers in the European Union. With today’s launch of iOS 17.5 beta 2, that feature is now available. Web Distribution gives developers in the EU the ability to offer their apps for download directly from their website. Here’s how it works. more…

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Apple releases second betas for iOS 17.5, macOS 14.5, and more
The iOS 17.5 beta train continues today with the second developer release. Apple is also testing macOS Sonoma 14.5, visionOS 1.1, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod 17.5. more…

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Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac [April]
USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really expanded over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it also offers the more affordable Studio Display. But there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Here are the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400-$1,600 range. Update 4/16/24: Samsung’s 5K ViewFinity S9 Thunderbolt monitor is currently for a limited time (normally $1,599). Find more about this monitor below. more…

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Goodbye Leather Apple ad raises questions about FineWoven iPhone cases
A new video from Apple highlights the company's move away from leather iPhone cases. But the replacement has problems. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple TV+ series ‘Silo’ Season 2 is in the can
Silo is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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9to5Mac Daily: April 16, 2024 – New iPad Pro evidence, on-device AI rumors
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 Kolide by 1Password: The device trust solution that ensures that if a device isn’t secure, it can’t access your apps. Close the Zero Trust access gap for Okta. Watch the demo. more…

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Best pencil or stylus for iPad, iPad Air, Pro and mini
Macworld The iPad is a capable device for both art and productivity, but it becomes a stronger proposition in both areas if you have a good stylus to hand. Whether you’re sketching a new building design, taking notes during a work meeting or designing graphics, a stylus is a game-changer. But with so many to choose from in just about every shape and size, which is the best for your needs? Everyone has heard of the Apple Pencil, but there are plenty of great alternatives that cost a fraction of the price.  Here are the best iPad styluses available right now. Updated November 27 to add Adonit Note+ 2 and the Apple Pencil USB-C Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – Best overall Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Best Buy$129 at Apple$129.99 at Adorama The Apple Pencil is an obvious choice, what isn’t quite so obvious is which Apple Pencil you should choose. There are two Apple Pencils. The Apple Pencil 1st generation is still on sale despite launching in 2015 and there is an Apple Pencil 2nd generation, which launched in 2018. The first generation Apple Pencil, which features later in this round-up, works with the current 9th and 10th generation iPads as well as a number of older iPad models. The second generation Apple Pencil, works with the 12.9in iPad Pro (3rd gen up), 11in iPad Pro (1st gen up), iPad Air (4th gen up) and iPad mini (6th gen). When we reviewed the Apple Pencil 2nd gen back in 2018 we gave it 5 stars. It’s shorter than the original and Apple has given the 2nd gen Pencil a flat edge you can tap to trigger app-specific functions. This actually makes Apple’s stylus easier to hold and it stops it rolling off your desk. The 2nd gen Pencil is also magnetically attachable to the iPad, which also helps with the rolling. Another major change is that the 2018 Pencil has no Lightning connector for charging, instead, it charges wirelessly when connected to the iPad, which is much neater. The 2nd gen Pencil is matt white rather than the glossy white of the original (which could be a bit dazzling). You can also tell the two apart because the original had a metallic ring next to the charging cap. Both the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils are equally responsive and pressure-sensitive. You can tilt the stylus to create different textures, making it a great tool for handwriting, sketching, note-taking and illustration. Read our full Apple Pencil (2nd generation) review Zagg Pro Stylus 2 Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: $56.99 at Amazon$79.99 at ZAGG mophie$80 at Zagg We loved the original Zagg Pro Stylus so we were happy to hear that there was a new model. The Pro Stylus 2 is a good alternative to the Apple Pencil with many of the same features including wireless charging, a replaceable tip and attaching magnetically to the iPad Air and iPad Pro. One advantage is that unlike the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil the Zag Pro Stylus 2 can be used with any iPad since 2018. The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is comfortable to hold, has a matt coating, and comes in a selection of colors. There are two tips: a replaceable stylus tip and a capacitive rubber tip which can be used for scrolling and also functions as the power button. To save power, the Pro Stylus 2 switches off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity. The battery should last for around 6.5 hours. We tested with a number of creative apps and found the experience akin to the Apple Pencil 2, however, it didn’t work well with Adobe Photoshop due to significant delays. If you are using Photoshop then stick with the Pencil 2. Read our full Zagg Pro Stylus 2 review Adonit Note+ 2 Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: $69.99 at Adonit The Adonit Note+ 2 is a slimline stylus that features an impressive amount of versatility. Housed in an aluminum body that weighs only 14g, it’s comfortable to hold and use for longer writing or sketching sessions. On the body there are two buttons, one is for the standard power and pairing features, but once connected to Bluetooth they can both be programmed in a variety of supported apps to execute commands. So, you might set one for Undo and the other for Redo which enables you to quickly fix mistakes in your note or illustration without having to access menus. In the box you’ll find three different replacement tips – soft, medium and hard – allowing users to tailor the physical experience to their personal preferences. The Note+ 2 supports palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, so long as the app you’re using does too (the list of compatible apps covers pretty much all the big hitters for notes and art). Adonit has also built-in an angle detection technology which means you can have thicker or thinner pen-strokes by simply tilting the stylus. Writing and drawing with the Note+ 2 is smooth and reliable, with the slim profile nestling into the hand. There’s a flat side opposite the buttons which provides a steady grip and is also home to magnets that mean you can attach the stylus to the edge of your iPad when you’re taking a break. Battery life tops out at eight hours, which takes one hour of charging through the USB-C port to achieve. But, if you run out of juice while in the midst of a creative frenzy, five minutes of charging will keep you going for another hour. Apple Pencil (1st generation) – Best for older iPads Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Best Buy$99 at Adorama$99 at Apple The second generation Apple Pencil features earlier this round-up, but we still recommend the first generation Apple Pencil, which is still on sale. The older Apple Pencil works with the current 9th and 10th generation iPads as well as a number of older iPad models including the 6th generation iPad and later, the iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen) and the original iPad Pro (1st and 2nd gen). If those are the iPads you have that this is the Apple Pencil for you. Unsure: check which iPads work with which Apple Pencil. We compare the two generations of Apple Pencil in Apple Pencil (2018) vs Apple Pencil (2015). One benefit of the older Apple Pencil, assuming it works with your iPad, is that it is cheaper than the second-generation version at $99/£109 rather than $129/£139. The original Apple Pencil is almost entirely white, with just a metallic band at the non-writing end by the charging cap. This cap conceals a Lightning port for charging and syncing. When you want to charge the Pencil you can just plug it into the iPad’s Lightning port or use an adapter if your iPad has a USB-C port (as is the case with the iPad 10th gen). There is a downside to charging this way: you can’t use the Pencil while it is charging and it looks pretty ridiculous. Here’s how to check the Apple Pencil’s battery percentage. The Pencil feels pretty good in the hand, with a nice weight to it. The Apple Pencil and compatible iPads have sensors that can detect the pressure you’re using and the angle you’re holding the stylus at, making it effortless to create lines of different thicknesses. In the Pencil’s tip there are two tilt sensors which the iPad’s display will keep track of to work out the exact orientation and angle of your hands as you draw. For example, you can use the side of the Pencil’s tip for realistic shading like you would with a real pencil lead. The Apple Pencil knows to ignore the wrist and palm You get a spare tip in the box, but it’s identical to the one that comes attached to the Pencil. Read our full Apple Pencil (1st generation) review Apple Pencil (USB-C) Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: $66.95 at B&H$69 at Amazon$69.99 at Adorama The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is a slightly confusing entry to Apple’s range of Pencils. It isn’t as good as the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil from 2018 and doesn’t even have all of the same features of the 1st-gen Apple Pencil from 2016. It includes some of the same features as the prior models (including low latency and tilt sensitivity) but is also missing pressure sensitivity and wireless charging – in fact, it is the only model with a port for charging. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for storage, like the 2nd-gen model. It is also shorter than both the 1st-gen and 2nd-gen models (6.10 inches vs 6.92 inches and 6.53 inches). You can’t engrave it. It isn’t compatible with the entry-level iPad. But, at $20/£20 less than the 1st-gen Pencil and $50 less than the 2nd-gen model, it’s cheaper than both. Adonit Star Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Adonit$49.99 at Amazon If you want something that feels more like a real pen, a fountain pen at that, then the Adonit Star will be a breath of fresh air. The classic design is reminiscent of a Mont Blanc, but without some of the bulk and most of the price. Popping off the cap reveals a fountain-pen style nib, replete with the ink feed on the back, but on closer inspection, you’ll see that the metal cuts off early, with a black rubber 1mm fine tip being what will actually touch the screen. As you might expect, the Star is very much intended for those who want to make notes and generally just write on their iPad. It doesn’t have pressure sensitivity, so you can’t have thicker or thinner strokes depending on how hard you press, which would rule it out for most artists. That’s fine though, there’s the Apple Pencil for that. Instead, you get a balanced and very comfortable writing experience, aided in no small measure by Adonit’s excellent palm cancellation feature. Pairing is simply a matter of pressing the small button on the Star, then when the blue light comes on you should be good to go. If it starts flashing red, this means it is time for a recharge, so unscrew the bottom of the pen and there’s a USB-C port. The Star takes around an hour to charge and will then work happily for around 10 hours or so. Adonit has come up with something genuinely unique in the Star. Classy looking, nice to write with, and it will definitely get some looks when you pull it out in a meeting to make notes. If there’s such a thing as a Stylus connoisseur, then you can bet that the Adonit Star would be a prizes part of their collection.  Logitech Crayon Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: $58.99 at Best Buy$69.95 at Apple$69.99 at Adorama While the Logitech Crayon was originally framed as an education tool, the cheap Apple Pencil alternative is now available to anybody that wants it.  In many ways, the Crayon functions in the same way as the Apple Pencil, complete with easy pairing, reliable palm rejection and tilt support, but there’s one big omission: there’s no pressure sensitivity available here. That’s likely to be a dealbreaker for graphic designers, but if you’re only looking to use a stylus for note-taking, you’re unlikely to notice a difference in performance. You’ve also got a seven-hour battery life on offer, which should be more than enough for the majority of consumers, and it’s charged up via a hidden Lightning port. That’s not quite as premium as the wireless charging from the second-gen Apple Pencil, but it’s certainly better than the original Apple Pencil. It’s compatible with the iPad (6-10th gen), iPad mini (5-6th gen), 11in iPad Pro (1-4th gen), 12.9in iPad Pro (3-6th Gen), iPad Air (3-5th gen). Bargains Depot B&D 2-in-1 Stylus Price When Reviewed: $6.99 Best Prices Today: $6.99 at Amazon The B&D Stylus is a bargain at under a tenner. It’s made fully of aluminum and comes with twenty extra rubber tips in two different sizes so you can adjust the accuracy of lines. It’s dual tipped too, so you can use a different size on either end. There is no need for Bluetooth or charging with this stylus. The B&D Stylus is compatible with all iPads, iPhones, and other touchscreen devices. Meko Capacitive Stylus Pen Price When Reviewed: $13.95 Best Prices Today: $12.95 at Amazon The Meko stylus can be used for note-taking, drawing, writing, and basic selection and navigation – and like the B&D option, it is also made of aluminum without any plastic parts. It uses a disc tip like a few other options in this list. For an affordable price, you get two Meko styli, two fibre tips, and four replacement disc tips. For more advice about accessories for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks. Accessories, iPad, Tablet Accessories

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Future Apple Vision Pro could help the user get life-saving medical advice
Apple is developing technology for wearable devices like Apple Vision Pro that measure and monitor biometric data and location to provide tailored and potentially lifesaving advice.Apple wearables could provide medication reminders and guidance. An Apple patent, "Method and device for health monitoring," describes a system for monitoring a user's biometric data to display suggestions and guidance in a mixed-reality (MR) system. The implementation of the technology suggests future wearables from Apple that would be worn full-time, like the much-rumored Apple Glasses.This technology will not only provide individualized suggestions, but just as the Apple Watch has saved people who have fallen or are suffering cardiac events, this technology would monitor activity and location to provide real-time health guidance. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 headlines today’s best deals at $575, 24-inch iMac $800, M2 Mac mini $499, more
A chance to score Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $575 headlines today’s best deals. Complete with Blood Oxygen tracking tech, today’s all-time low comes joined by some desktop Mac deals. Apple’s latest M2 Mac mini now starts from $499 and is joined by an even better discount on the 24-inch M1 iMac at just $800. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break. more…

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Silo star drops major hints about sci-fi hit’s future on Apple TV+
Not only is season 2 finally complete after delays, Rebecca Ferguson confirmed. "Silo" continues on Apple TV+ with possible third and fourth seasons. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple highlights device recycling, iPhone trade-in, and the removal of leather for Earth Day
Building up to Earth Day, Apple is highlighting it's wide device recycling program, how to trade in old iPhones, and how it has eliminated the use of leather in it's products.Image Credit: AppleApple has refreshed its trade-in page ahead of Earth Day, prompting users to rummage through their tech stash for things that can be traded in or recycled."This Earth Day, let's put your used device to good use. You can trade it in and get credit toward your next purchase," Apple's trade-in page reads. "Or if it's not eligible, we'll recycle it for free." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple wants to make grooved keys to stop nasty finger oil transfer to MacBook Pro screens
Apple is researching a novel way to keep MacBook Pro displays clean — by changing the structure of keys on the keyboard.Every key would have a groove or gully around it to collect dirt and keep it off the top of the keysApple has previously issued support documents about keeping displays clean, and it's also tried very many times to make a new keyboard. Some attempts have been less successful than others.But now in a newly-granted patent called "Keycap particle evacuation structure," Apple is looking to see if a clean keyboard means a clean screen. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple ad touts eliminating leather in accessories, but is FineWoven next to go?
Apple stopped offering leather cases and watch bands last fall as part of its environmental efforts. The idea is that pushing leather specifically at Apple’s scale is a net negative for the planet. Ahead of Earth Day this weekend, Apple is marketing the move with a short clip. more…

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BANG!CASE is the ‘world’s first’ iPhone 15 case to add a second customizable Action Button
We have featured a near countless number of iPhone cases around here over the years, but today it’s time to take a look at “the world’s first action-button phone case.” Apple introduced the new haptic Action Button on its latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max handsets, and now the folks at Bitmo Lab – a brand that originates from collaborations with sspai and JSAUX – are ready to debut the new BANG!CASE. Alongside the see-through case back, onboard LED lighting, and magnetic charging, the case also sports an Action Button (or BANG!Button as the brand puts it) you can customize to trigger any number of things with single, double, and long press clicks. Now available with early bird pricing, be sure to head below for more details.  more…

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Apple Original Films lands ‘Bread & Roses’ documentary, premieres June 21st on Apple TV+
Apple Original Films has landed the global rights to new feature documentary “Bread & Roses” that explores the resistance of a group… The post Apple Original Films lands ‘Bread & Roses’ documentary, premieres June 21st on Apple TV+ appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Rode's MagSafe Phone Cage and new mount will give a boost to your iPhone videography
Rode has launched a pair of iPhone accessories to improve smartphone videography, with the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount designed to help mobile content creators.Rode Phone CageLaunched during NAB 2024, Rode's newest videography tools are aimed at turning an iPhone into a filmmaking device. To do that, Rode has come up with ways to handle the iPhone as if it's a camera, with two new accessories.The Phone Cage is a smartphone mounting system that consists of a ring grip with a central MagSafe-compatible mounting disk, holding the iPhone in the middle of the rig. Able to be used as an ergonomic grip for filmmaking, the Phone Cage is both rugged and lightweight, thanks to its aluminum construction. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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