1TB flash drive connects via USB-C and USB-A to save you time and hassle
If your device's hard drive is full, or you want to transfer files quickly, this 1TB USB-C flash drive (with USB-A option) comes in handy. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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If China invades Taiwan, TSMC can wreck Apple's chip production line remotely
As saber-rattling about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan grows, two Apple suppliers have confirmed that they can scuttle chip production lines from outside the country, should the need arise.TSMC's headquarters in Hsinchu, TaiwanTensions between Taiwan and China have continued to grow, with no signs of stopping anytime soon. With China insisting Taiwan is its territory and its government unwilling to rule out military action, there are fears that China could try to take control of the country by force.In March, a U.S. admiral testified that China would be able to invade Taiwan by 2027, due to its military growth. With the U.S. Congress approving a $8 billion aid package in April to improve Taiwan's defenses, the Biden administration has also sought out assurances from the private sector. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Hands on with the new Sonos Ace headphones
On Tuesday, Sonos announced the Sonos Ace headphones — its first product in the category. We got an early look, and here are our first impressions.Sonos Ace headphones and boxThere's something exciting about when a major player enters a new and adjacent market space. Yes, Sonos is historically an audio company but for the past two decades, they've never made a set of headphones.We only got to spend a few minutes with the headphones so far at a media-only preview event, but they left quite an impression on us. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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‘Microsoft’s MacBook Air’ is more like a MacBook Pro
Two new laptops announced yesterday are being touted as “Microsoft’s MacBook Air,” with the company claiming that they offer similar performance to the M3 MacBook Air, with even greater battery life. But commentators have been quick to point out that this isn’t a like-for-like comparison. A key feature of the MacBook Air is it achieves its impressive performance without the need for cooling fans, so a fairer comparison would be with the MacBook Pro … more…

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Sonos officially unveils Ace, their highly anticipated headphones and answer to AirPods Max
Sonos has officially announced the Sonos Ace headphones, marking their first foray into the over-ear headphone market. Best known for its wireless home speaker solutions and ecosystem, particularly with Apple products, Sonos aims to bring the same value, quality, and ease of use to their new premium Ace headphones. Sonos customers have long wondered when the company would create its own headset, and it is finally here. We were fortunate enough to get an exclusive first look at these new headphones, and they did not disappoint. Here is everything you need to know! more…

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All the AI features headed for iPhone, Mac and iPad
Stay ahead with the AI developments coming to iOS and macOS. Find out how Apple is incorporating AI technology into its operating systems. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Socialist Republic of Vietnam ‘encourages’ Apple supplier Foxconn to cut power use by 30%
Officials of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have called on Apple supplier Foxconn to voluntarily reduce power use by 30%… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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A classic iPhone color is looking more likely than ever to return this year
Macworld At least once a year (and frequently twice) Apple shakes up the colors of its iPhone range. This is the subject of surprisingly feverish speculation: Is yellow going to face the axe in 2024? Will white make the cut? What’s the fate of green? The latest word, in fact, is that white is in and yellow is out, at least on the standard iPhone models. On the Pro and Pro Max for 2024, meanwhile, we’re believed to be getting a new “rose” finish. This is all according to Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputable analyst with a long history of decently accurate predictions. In Apple land, rose generally means a pinkish gold. It was highly popular back in the days of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7, but has been scarce since then. 2H24 iPhone 16系列機殼顏色預測iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max：黑色、白色 (或銀色)、灰色 (應該是原色鈦金屬)、玫瑰iPhone 16 & 16 Plus：黑色、綠色、粉紅、藍色、白色 Apple可能對顏色會有不同的稱呼 (如先前稱呼白色為星光色)。此外，即便顏色名稱與既有機種相同，但看起來可能會不一樣。 –…— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 19, 2024 The rest of the colors will stay largely the same, although Kuo warns that some finishes will keep the same name but look slightly different, while others will look the same but get a new name. That leaves us with the following changes, with the new or discontinued colors in bold: iPhone 16 (predicted): black, green, pink, blue, white iPhone 15: black, green, pink, blue, yellow iPhone 16 Pro (predicted): black, white/silver, gray/Natural Titanium, rose iPhone 15 Pro: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium The iPhone 15’s color palette is notably very pale, so the inclusion of white could mean that Apple will be injecting brighter shades into the iPhone 16. Furthermore, the iPhone 16 Pro’s rumored color options suggest Apple will be moving away from highlighting the use of titanium. While his accuracy is generally strong, Kuo is quite a cautious analyst: he rarely sticks his neck out with radical, eye-catching predictions. And these claims have been proposed before. The theory that rose would replace Blue Titanium was first spotted on Chinese social media back in March, while white’s comeback was being discussed in April. In other words, Kuo’s post is best regarded as corroboration rather than new speculation. For all the latest news and rumors about this fall’s announcements, check our regularly updated iPhone 16 superguide. iPhone

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Vietnam again asks iPhone maker Foxconn to reduce electricity use
Manufacturers including iPhone maker Foxconn have been asked by Vietnamese officials to voluntarily cut their power usage by 30%.Vietnam at nightVietnam's government made a similar request of Foxconn and others in June 2023, at a point when drought in the country was reducing hydroelectric power generation. It was also a point when firms such as Foxconn were expanding their facilities as part of Apple suppliers' move away from China. That expansion has continued, and so has the strain on Vietnam's infrastructure.According to Reuters, the demand for power led to power outages in 2023, and now to this official request for a usage reduction. Unspecified sources reportedly said that multiple manufacturers have been asked to reduce power use, though only Foxconn has been named. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple chipmaker TSMC makes contingency plans against Chinese invasion of Taiwan in 2027
The prospect of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is a nightmare scenario that keeps western intelligence agencies awake at night, and there are growing concerns that this could happen in 2027. With the US legally obliged to defend Taiwan, the potential consequences could be catastrophic, placing two of the world’s biggest superpowers at war. But among the less extreme scenarios that have been modelled, one of them is what happens if China gets its hands on TSMC’s chipmaking capabilities … more…

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Website Impersonation Scams Surge, Solutions Fall Short: Study
A study released Tuesday by digital risk protection solutions company Memcyco found that nearly three-quarters of businesses have deployed a digital impersonation protection solution to avert online scams, but 6% of those organizations are satisfied that it protects them and their customers. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Folding iPhone may repair display scratches & dents by itself
In researching types of displays that can be folded or bent, Apple is continuing to work on technology so iPhone displays themselves could "heal" the inevitable wear and tear.Foldable iPhones could have displays that heal creases or dents themselvesApple has been working on a foldable iPhone for at least nine years, and it's also investigated ones where the screen can be rolled up. In each case, the issue is of making these screens work — and not be damaged by the folding or rolling.Now a newly-granted patent suggests a way of both minimizing damage, and of doing something about it when it happens. "Electronic Devices With Flexible Display Cover Layers," proposes mixing rigid and flexible areas for a display, and then also utilizing what Apple calls "self-healing." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 16 Pro rumored to get hugely better ultra-wide sensor & optical zoom
Rumors of major camera changes to the iPhone 16 Pro lineup continue, with a leaker insisting there will be an ultra-wide sensor update and one for the telephoto's zoom.Rear cameras of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro MaxApple regularly makes updates to the camera system on the iPhone, with the Tetraprism lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max getting a lot of attention. Rumors claim more are on the way, and a Tuesday leaker post seems to agree.The post from leaker "Baby Sauce" on Weibo refers to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The first of the two claims is that there will be an upgrade of the ultra-wide angle camera to 48-megapixels. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple fights $2B antitrust fine over Spotify complaint, challenging EU in court
Apple said back in March that it would appeal the $2B antitrust fine levied against it by the EU in respect of a complaint made by Spotify, and it is now reported to have filed its lawsuit. It’s the latest example of the iPhone maker taking an aggressive stance against competition law on both sides of the Atlantic … more…

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Apple North Carolina campus efforts continue to move at a glacial pace
Local utilities are ready to go on the site of Apple's future North Carolina campus, but the company appears to not be particularly motivated to get the project done any time soon.The campus will be near Raleigh, North CarolinaThe campus was rumored as early as 2018, but announced in April 2021. Since then, there has been a trickle of Apple investment into the project, instead of the expected major and quick leaps.And, there still does not appear to be a great deal of urgency on Apple's part to get it done. A new report cites local utility giants standing by, but ultimately waiting on Apple to move. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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12 incredibly useful ways to repurpose your old Mac mini
Macworld When it comes time to get a new Mac, you have three options: Trade in your old Mac, sell it, or hold onto it. Macs tend to maintain a good amount of value but some Macs are more in demand than others. MacBooks are relatively hot sellers, but on the other hand, there seems to be a glut of used Mac minis for sale. With inexpensive Macs like the Mac mini, it’s probably not worth the hassle of selling it and Apple isn’t going to give you very much for a trade-in. So, why not keep that old Mac mini? There are many sensible uses for it, even if it’s past its prime. If you have an old Mac mini that has been replaced by a newer model, here are a few ideas on how you can put it to good use. As an emergency Mac Apple devices are very reliable, but stuff happens–a Mac can fall off a desk and we’ve all heard about someone who spilled a beverage onto a computer. So, while your primary Mac is at the shop recovering from that mishap, an old Mac mini can be a savior and be of service. If you use Time Machine for data backups, you can even use Migration Assistant to quickly bring the replacement device up to date. Currently best price: Mac Mini M2 For old software There are instances where a user relies on software that is no longer available or is no longer supported by the developer. Perhaps you’re in a situation where a custom-made app will never be upgraded. Or maybe you have software that won’t work with Apple’s emulator that allows M-series Macs to run software developed for Intel processors. You can use that old Mac mini for these instances. Keep older versions of software and discontinued apps on it so you can open those old files and archives. Be sure to turn off auto updates on it so you don’t unintentionally install a new version of the app–the updates often replace the older apps. As a test machine If you have a setup with a lot of devices connected–printers, audio interfaces, cameras, scanners, etc–a macOS update can sometimes (but not usually) cause problems. Especially if the device is older and the manufacturer isn’t updating the drivers anymore. You can save yourself a lot of trouble if you set up the old Mac mini as a computer for checking software update compatibility. When an update happens, you can install it on the Mac mini and then test your device compatibility. This way, you can spot problems without affecting your workflow on your main Mac. You can also do this with the apps on the Mac; install the updated version on the Mac mini and see if it works with your files without any hitches. One thing to keep in mind is that the Mac mini may stop being compatible with the latest version of macOS. A Mac can usually run the latest major version of macOS for 5 to 7 years until Apple cuts it off. (A major version is a whole-point revision. For example, macOS 13 to 14.) As a digital video recorder The Mac mini is a great device to record TV programs on a scheduled basis. The Geniatech EyeTV U6 can be plugged into a USB-A port to receive an aerial TV signal and the bundled EyeTV 3 software provides a channel guide and can perform recording functions. However, the most recent version of macOS that the EyeTV3 software is compatible with is macOS 10.14 Mojave, so your Mac mini needs to run this older macOS. You may be able to find other apps that can help you use your old Mac mini as a TV. EyeTV U6 TV receiver for Mac. EyeTV U6 TV receiver for Mac.Geniatech EyeTV U6 TV receiver for Mac.Geniatech Geniatech As a remote Mac Maybe you like the idea of your older Mac mini as a second computer but you don’t like the idea of setting up another display, keyboard, and mouse for it. That takes up a lot of desk space. However, you can use your setup on your primary Mac to remotely control the Mac mini. You do need to connect a display, and input devices to the Mac mini to set this up, and the Mac mini needs to be on your network. Once the setup is done, you can disconnect the display and input devices. Here’s what you do on the Mac mini (these steps are with macOS 13 Monterey. They should be similar on other versions of macOS) Open System Preferences/Settings. In the Search box, type “Screen Sharing” and press Return. Click Screen Sharing in the search results to open the setting. Flip the switch on for Screen Sharing. You can find further settings if you click the “i” icon; you can set a password, limit which users can have access, and more. You may have to enter your user password to confirm the settings. Close the window. To access the Mac mini remotely from your primary Mac, go to the Finder and click Go > Network. Click on your Mac mini and then click the Screen Share button. You’ll need to enter the user account name and password for the Mac mini, but once that’s done, you’ll see the Mac mini’s screen. Also, you can use a third-party remote access app such as TeamViewer, LogMeIn and AnyDesk, which offer access via the internet. If you want to control the computer from a PC, you can use the Mac version of Microsoft Remote Desktop. As a work-only Mac Depending on your use case, it might be a good idea to have a Mac dedicated to work and another for personal use. If you work for a company, hopefully they provide a work computer to use. But if they don’t and your employer wants to install software that you need to use or platform management apps, a separate Mac dedicated to work makes even more sense. If you have your own business, a separate work Mac can prevent your professional data from mingling with your personal data. As a DVD/Blu-ray player Do you still have an old DVD collection but no longer have a functioning DVD player? An old Mac mini is also a good solution. Mac minis released before 2010 have a built-in drive, and if you have a model without a drive, an external USB one can be bought at an affordable price. Connect the Mac to your TV via HDMI, and the sound and audio will then come through the TV. A mouse is needed for operation. Don’t worry about the fact that there’s no longer a DVD player app that comes with the Mac. As soon as you insert a DVD, the app opens automatically. To play Blu-ray discs, you need to get a Blu-ray drive. Also, the Mac doesn’t have software to play Blu-ray discs, so you need third-party software. Unfortunately, a lot of Blu-ray apps have had less than stellar reviews on the web, and a lot of them are old and not updated. Look for a trial or demo so you can try the app first before spending your money. A couple of Blu-ray apps include Macgo Blu-ray Player for Mac and Aiseesoft Mac Blu-ray Player. Currently best price: Mac Mini M2 Pro Use the old Mac mini as a media center Even though this idea has gone out of fashion in the age of Netflix and Apple TV+, using the Mac mini as a media center can be very useful. The mini would be dedicated to playing videos, photos, and music files and is connected to the TV via HDMI. Instead of using a mouse and keyboard, you can control this Mac using a mouse or a special remote control or an app on your iPhone. Software such as Plex also offers more and more streaming functions Software such as Plex also offers more and more streaming functions IDG Software such as Plex also offers more and more streaming functions IDG IDG Another approach is to use an app such as Kodi or Plex, which are optimized for remote control operation. This solution is interesting if you want to manage large quantities of video or audio files. As a caching server Content caching is an interesting function for a Mac Mini server. For software updates and iCloud synchronization, each of your devices has to download the required data individually from the network, even if it is always the same system update or software update. All these downloads can be managed via a single computer on the network–a caching server. Using such a machine would save bandwidth. This function is of course particularly interesting for schools and companies with a poor internet connection, but can also be useful for households with a large number of Macs and iOS devices. To activate the function go into System Preferences/Settings and do a search for “Content Caching.” Flip the switch to turn it on. In the Content Chacing System Setting in macOS Sonoma, users can adjust the size of the cache. In the Content Chacing System Setting in macOS Sonoma, users can adjust the size of the cache.Foundry In the Content Chacing System Setting in macOS Sonoma, users can adjust the size of the cache.Foundry Foundry As a Time Machine/backup server If the Mac mini has sufficient storage space, you can also convert it into a Time Machine Server. Backups of one or more Macs are then no longer made to a USB-connected storage medium, but to this computer via the network. We have a separate article with details on how to set up networked Time Machine backups. As a virtual Windows machine An old Mac mini with an Intel processor can be used as a Windows computer. Apple offers a very easy-to-use solution for installation on pre-2018 Mac minis with Boot Camp, which allows you to boot into Windows or macOS at startup. You can only install Windows 10, not the current Windows 11. You can still use Windows 10 until October 2025, when updates will be subject to a charge. With the M-Series Mac mini, however, you must use virtual machine software to run Windows. Get the details on how to install Windows on Mac hardware. As a Linux machine The simplest way to run Linux on an old Mac mini is through virtualization software. With a little more effort, you can install Linux directly on the old Mac mini, replacing macOS altogether. Learn how to install Linux on an old Mac. From the 2018 model onwards, however, you must remember to allow booting from external media. This “Secure Boot” protection function can only be deactivated via a special help system. As a file server In a small company or your home network, an old Mac mini can fulfill the role of a file server for shared data. If you have stuff you want to share with others in your business or home, you can put the files on the server for easy access. To turn on file sharing, go to System Preferences/Settings and search for “File Sharing.” Turn it on, and then you can click on the “i” icon for more options. You can create shared folders when the shared files are stored, and set user permissions. You can even set users to get full access to the Mac mini drive if you wish. Foundry Foundry Foundry System is too old? Many old Mac minis are no longer officially compatible with macOS Sonoma If your Mac mini is using an older version of macOS, keep in mind that it could be a security risk at some point because Apple will no longer provide security updates after a OS has been replaced. macOS 10.15 Catalina and macOS 12 Monterey should still offer relatively good compatibility with newer Macs, including network functions and iCloud. Here is a partial list of older Mac minis and the latest version of macOS they support 2011 Mac mini: macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra 2012 Mac mini: macOS 10.15.7 Catalina 2014 Mac mini: macOS 12 Monterey 2018 Mac mini: macOS 14 Sonoma You can also install a newer system on these devices using the special tool OpenCore Legacy Patcher. This involves creating a special installation medium that also supports older models. Sonoma should still work with acceptable performance, especially on the Mac Mini 2012 and 2014 models. Donate that old Mac mini There is of course one last alternative to recycling: you can donate it. That still makes more sense than leaving it standing around uselessly. Every major city probably has a recycling center, and there’s likely a community program near you that could use that old Mac mini. It can be pout to good use instead of heading for the scrap heap. This article originally appeared on Macwelt and was translated by Roman Loyola. Mac, Mac Mini

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Apple takes EU to court over $2 billion Apple Music fine
Apple has filed a lawsuit with Europe's General Court over the EU's decision to fine it for Apple Music's alleged unfair competition practices against Spotify.Spotify's App Store icon (left), Apple Music (right)In March 2024, the European Union fined Apple $1.8 billion for what it called a violation of antitrust rules. Specifically, it said that Apple was preventing users from being told of "alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple eco system."However, the accusation ignored how Spotify holds more than twice the market share of Apple Music despite this alleged preventing users knowing about it. Now according to Bloomberg, Apple has taken its case to the EU General Court in Luxembourg. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iFixit posts teardown of M4 iPad Pro, Apple Pencil Pro, discusses components and assembly
If you’re looking to get to the components of the new Apple Pencil Pro, it’ll take time, patience, and an ultrasonic cutter. Apple’s new M4-based iPad Pro, on the other hand, got quite a bit easier to repair. Per a new video teardown posted by the cool cats at iFixit, the Apple Pencil Pro required […] Source

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Taking the next steps
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Chris King about her new book, . more…

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Apple releases iOS 17.5.1, iPadOS 17.5.1 updates, addresses reappearing photo bug
First comes the major update, then the follow-up bug fixes via the minor updates to smooth things out. Apple on Monday released both its iOS 17.5.1 and iPadOS 17.5.1 patches for its mobile operating systems. Per the release notes, the updates offer the following fixes and changes while largely focusing on the reappearing images/Photos bug: […] Source

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