How to rename your Apple devices so you can tell them apart
You can change the name of your Apple devices, whether you have an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac or AirPods. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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An inside look at General Motors’ massive gamble in ditching CarPlay
A little over a year ago, General Motors made what may well turn out to be one of its biggest gambles in many years: dropping support for CarPlay for all future EVs. To most of us, the decision seemed insane, likely to result in a huge number of lost sales – but a new report suggests that the company felt it had little choice … more…

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Apple TV+ drops MLS Season Pass price for remainder of the season
As the 2024 Major League Soccer championship heads toward its summer midpoint, Apple TV+ is discounting its season pass by 25%.Apple's MLS Season Pass has been discountedWhen the new season pass was first offered for sale in January 2024, it cost $99. Now three months in to the season, Apple has dropped the season pass price to $69 — or $59 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers.MLS on Apple TV+ is also available for a monthly fee. However, the price for that is unchanged at $14.99 for new users, or $12.99 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Copyleaks Study Finds Explosive Growth of AI Content on the Web
Since ChatGPT arrived on the net in 2022, AI-generated content has soared more than 8,000%, according to a study released Tuesday by Copyleaks. The study, which covers a period from 2013 to March 2024, found a surge of 8,362% in AI content on the internet from November 2022, when ChatGPT-3.5 was released, to March 2024. […] The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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A new iPad Pro is coming to take the tablet crown (and your money)
Macworld The iPad, remember that? It’s been a minute since Apple unveiled a new tablet–about 807,690 minutes, to be a bit more precise–but all indications point to brand new models being rolled out as part of an Apple keynote next week, on May 7. A lot has happened in the intervening time. Apple released iPadOS 17, the Apple Vision Pro was announced and shipped, and the M2 processors have given way to the M3–with the promise of more soon. Throughout all of that, the iPad Pro and 10th-generation iPad have remained static and unchanging—and the iPad Air and iPad mini lines date back even further, to March 2022 and September 2021 respectively. So what do we expect from some brand-new iPads? Can Apple move the needle significantly, or is the iPad hardware still so far out ahead of its software that we’ll end up with a lot more horsepower but without too much to use it on? Get the OLED out The biggest improvement is likely to come in the form of new display technology for the iPad Pro line, which is expected to adopt organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) for all its models. That’s a big difference from the previous two generations, which used different screens for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models: the smaller used typical LCD technology, but the big model’s Liquid Retina XDR used the more advanced mini LED, which provides much finer control over backlighting, thus improving the deepness of blacks and the max brightness (up to 1600 nits when viewing HDR content, as opposed to 600 nits for LCD displays). An OLED display will prove even more significant there. The company has long used OLED tech in its smartphones, starting with the iPhone X, and it’s also been in the Apple Watch since its debut. Because each individual pixel provides its own backlighting and can be turned off, this allows for even deeper blacks. Given the iPad’s use as a popular device for video playback, this stands to make your TV shows and movies look even better. Of course, that will come with a hefty price tag. OLED displays still command a significant premium over traditional LCD and mini LED displays, so don’t be surprised if the new iPad Pros go up a hundred dollars or more over the current prices. And here’s hoping that Apple finally springs for that last tenth of an inch on the larger model’s display, simplifying all of our lives by offering 11-inch and 13-inch models. No anxiety about performance Rumors this past week have suggested that the new iPad Pro might skip right past the M3 and go to an M4 processor. I don’t find myself particularly convinced, given that Apple hasn’t even finished rolling out its M3 Macs yet, but some devices have missed processor generations before (the iMac sat out the M2, for example). Still, what isn’t up for dispute is that Apple will bring even more performance to the iPad line with a speed boost between around 20 and 40 percent, depending on what chips it ends up using. While that certainly might feel like a nice improvement for those using their iPads for heavy lifting like video and audio editing, it’s unlikely to make a big difference for those using the tablets as content-consuming devices; the OLED displays will make far more of a difference for your streaming shows. Whether the chip in the new iPad Pro is an M3 or M4, the more impressive upgrade will be an OLED display. Whether the chip in the new iPad Pro is an M3 or M4, the more impressive upgrade will be an OLED display.Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Whether the chip in the new iPad Pro is an M3 or M4, the more impressive upgrade will be an OLED display.Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Those M4 rumors also suggest that the new iPad Pro might be positioned as a powerhouse for generative AI because it’s all generative AI nowadays. What that means is anyone’s guess: Apple’s chips have long built in a Neural Engine accelerator specifically designed for machine learning tasks, but given that the company has even pushed the latest MacBook Air as “the world’s best consumer laptop for AI“, there’s little doubt that Apple will at least market the new iPad Pro as such, even if there’s no substantial changes to its silicon designs. Don’t forget to accessorize Of course, with every new iPad comes new accessories, and this time doesn’t seem like any exception. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has already tipped a new Apple Pencil with haptic feedback (making it potentially the fourth Apple Pencil the company sells), and there’ve been indications that Apple will revamp its Magic Keyboard for the iPad as well. The latter seems a near certainty, especially since the iPad Pro appears poised for a design refresh after six years. If the speculation proves true, it’ll shave almost a millimeter off its thickness, which is pretty considerable for a device that already measures in at a svelte 5.9mm and 6.4mm for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models respectively. A redesigned keyboard could also fix some shortcomings with the previous model, such as adding function keys and maybe even providing a larger trackpad—but to do so, Apple would likely have to toss its cantilevered design for something more reminiscent of a traditional laptop clamshell. On the Pencil side, the big question will be whether or not a new design will still offer not only magnetic attachment but also magnetic charging. That’s because the expectation is Apple will finally move the iPad Pro’s front-facing camera to the long edge, à la the tenth-generation iPad, which does not support magnetic charging. Having to plug in the Pencil via USB-C feels like too much of a regression for the Pro models, and it seems likely Apple will find a way to deal with the challenge, whether it means clipping the Pencil to the short edge or squeezing the charging hardware in around the camera somehow. A new Apple Pencil seems to be coming on May 7. A new Apple Pencil seems to be coming on May 7.Foundry A new Apple Pencil seems to be coming on May 7.Foundry Foundry All in, though, replacing your entire iPad Pro setup will be on the pricey side, likely more than a comparable MacBook Air. But for those who appreciate the versatility of Apple’s tablet and wonder “What’s a computer?”, these updates have been a long time coming and can’t arrive a moment too soon. iPad

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(PRODUCT)RED is getting our hopes up for a red iPhone 15
A photo from (PRODUCT)RED on social media is teasing us all about a vibrant red iPhone 15, but there is no detail beyond a cryptic reference to donuts.(PRODUCT)RED has teased what might be a mid-cycle update to the iPhone 15The (PRODUCT)RED posting on Twitter shows the red iPhone, being held over a selection of donuts. It's certainly not an iPhone 15 Pro, or any Pro model. It is definitely not an iPhone 15 Plus, but beyond what can be visually determined, there is no information.It could, of course, be the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 14. That would be mean, though. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Tomorrow’s AAPL Q2 earnings likely to be $5B down
AAPL Q2 earnings are set to be announced tomorrow, and the company had already warned that we should expect a year-on-year revenue drop of around $5B. Analysts expect the same thing, and the outlook for Q3 isn’t expected to be any better, so investors will be listening carefully to any more clues Apple gives about what to expect further ahead … more…

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Everything coming from Apple in May 2024 including new iPads (finally!)
Macworld After months of false starts, it looks like we’re finally going to get new iPads in May! There hasn’t been a new iPad released since 2022, and iPad sales are suffering for it, but the new models coming in May could actually bring some significant new changes and maybe even a surprise or two. It’s really odd for Apple to release new hardware in May, much less hold an event for it, but that’s exactly what’s happening on May 7 with the “Let Loose” event. That will make a pretty exciting lead-up to WWDC, which begins on June 10. New iPads! Finally! On May 7, Apple is holding an event with the tagline “Let Loose.” Given that one of the promotional images is an Apple logo with a hand holding an Apple Pencil, and the flood of rumors and leaks over the last few months, this is finally the release of some new iPads. Here’s what we expect: iPad Pro: New 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models that are a bit thinner and feature a new OLED display. It should have the front-facing camera on the long edge, so it’s properly positioned when the iPad is in landscape orientation. A new tip suggests that Apple might skip the M3 processor altogether and introduce the M4 in this iPad, much earlier than we expected! iPad Air: The new iPad Air won’t have an OLED display or an M3 or M4 processor. Instead, it’s supposed to get a bump up to the M2. Rumors say the existing 11-inch model is going to be joined by a 12.9-inch one. Beyond the larger size and a step up in processing power, it should also get a landscape-oriented front camera. Apple Pencil: That’s right, Apple might release yet another new Apple Pencil to go along with the new iPads. The thinner iPad Pro and landscape-oriented cameras may necessitate a new third-generation design. The new Pencil may have a “squeeze” gesture along with haptic feedback. Apple already sells no less than three products all named “Apple Pencil” with different capabilities and compatibility, to the extent that there’s a chart on Apple’s website to help you understand what’s different about them. We assume this new model will replace at least one of the current Pencils and maybe two of them. Other accessories: The thinner iPad Pros may necessitate new Magic Keyboards, which rumors say will have a few design tweaks. There’s no telling what other products Apple might introduce at the event–new AirPods are expected this year, and we’ve heard of a new HomePod (perhaps one with a “dock” for the iPad?) for some time. Apps and software updates We’re currently deep into testing a new round of iOS and macOS betas that do little more than add more compliance with EU regulations and make a minor tweak to Find My’s anti-stalking feature for item trackers. We expect it will be released before the new iPads are available, as they will probably need iPadOS 17.5 to support the new hardware and accessories. iOS 17.5: This release enables app downloads directly from websites in the EU (with a heap of caveats), and updates the anti-stalking measures in Find My to work with third-party trackers and not just AirTags. iPadOS 17.5: The chief improvement in iPadOS 17.5 is probably going to be support for the new iPads and their accessories. macOS 14.5: We haven’t seen any new features in the macOS 14.5 beta, just some bug fixes. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content. Acapulco (season 3): In season three of Acapulco, it’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build. May 1 Dark Matter: A series based on the novel Dark Matter; an alternate-universe thriller about a man who is abducted, drugged, and wakes up in a reality in which he made different choices in the past. May 8 Hollywood Con Queen: A three-part documentary based on the reporting of investigative journalist Scott Johnson and his book, “Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.” It tells the story of a woman who pretended to be a Hollywood elite in order to lure young women to Indonesia where they are then scammed and exploited. May 8 The Big Cigar: A six-episode limited series that tells the story of how Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton relied on his best friend Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,” to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI. May 17 Trying (season 4): In the exciting fourth season, we fast-forward six years, discovering that Nikki and Jason are experienced adopters having built a lovely little nuclear family, enriched by an extraordinary support network. May 22 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Dicey Dungeons+: This deckbuilding roguelike was one of the best indie games of 2019, now on Apple Arcade. May 2 Summer Pop!+: A colorful match-3 type puzzler. May 2 A Slight Chance of Sawblades+: Move left, right, and jump to dodge sawblades and chase the high score. May 2 iPad

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Samsung has the smartphone sales top spot, but not because of AI or Apple weakness
Samsung has taken the lead in smartphones sales in the first quarter of 2024 as it has for the last few years, but it's not really about AI nor Apple iPhone weakness.iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThere's new smartphone sales data for the quarter with Samsung at the top of the heap, gathered and released by the channel monitors at Canalys. The good news for the entire market is that worldwide smartphone sales grew 10% year-over-year mostly because of emerging market expansion, hitting over 296 million units on the quarter.The story is more complex than that, though. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Deadly Massachusetts Apple Store crash caused by faulty AI, says defense
The trial over the Massachusetts Apple Store crash is well underway, and the defense is claiming that bad AI was the culprit, not the driver.Source: AP Photo/Steven SenneDriver Bradley Rein drove the car into the Apple Derby Street store in November 2022 at about 60 miles per hour, with the vehicle only stopping when it hit the back wall. The incident killed one person and injured 22.Rein originally claimed it was an accident. That story has now changed. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple confirms presence of an iOS bug wherein alarms don’t play sounds, says a fix is in development
Apple has apparently begun working on addressing a bug wherein the iOS operating system doesn’t properly play alarm sounds as scheduled. Following a number of user complaints, the company has confirmed it’s aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Apple confirmed the problem to the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern on Tuesday […] Source

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Microsoft Visual Studio can help you code like a pro for only $40
Macworld Whether you’re a budding coder or a developer with years of development under your belt, you can always benefit from tools that make programming more seamless. The best solution? Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022. For a limited time, lifetime access to Microsoft’s top-rated programming tool is only $39.97 (reg. $499). It could help you and your coding team write more accurate code and streamline large development projects. From novices to seasoned developers, Visual Studio Professional features a cohesive package for writing, editing, and debugging code so the development process goes more smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re building cross-platform mobile and desktop apps with .NET MAUI, creating responsive web UIs in C# with Blazor, or debugging and testing .NET and C++ apps in Linux, Visual Studio Pro puts all those features together and help streamline every step of the development process. Use IntelliCode to get coding suggestions, whether that’s for a block or a line. With LiveShare, it’s easy for various coders to work together, speeding up the production cycle so everyone’s code stays consistent and works in sync. Enhance your coding experience with lifetime access to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows, now just $39.97 for a limited time.   Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows Only $39.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Security and productivity in the age of AI
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 Steve Won from 1Password about their annual report: Security and productivity in the age of AI more…

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Assassin’s Creed Mirage announced for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and higher-end iPad Pro and iPad Air units
If you’re hankering for Assassin’s Creed Mirage on your mobile Apple device, it’s en route. Game giant Ubisoft on Tuesday announced that Assassin’s Creed Mirage will launch in the App Store on June 6 and be available for the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and select iPad Air and iPad Pro models […] Source

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NordPass review: The VPN experts can now look after your passwords
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsEasy to set up and useGood security featuresDecent free tierConsPassword import from Keychain only via a MacBest features are on paid tierOur VerdictNordPass is a solid and easy to use password manager with plenty of useful features. Price When ReviewedFree 30-day trial; From $1.49 per month, $71.76 a year (currently $35.76 for two year) Best Prices Today: NordPass Retailer Price NordPass (annually) $71.76 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket You may be familiar with the NordVPN brand, as it’s one of the most popular VPNs around and features at the top of our best VPN chart. But, that’s not the only string to the company’s bow, as a little while back it introduced a password manager called NordPass. So, does the expertise in one field translate to another? Here’s how NordPass shapes up. Software & Features Autofill login details Import passwords from other password managers Store passwords, passkeys, documents and account details NordPass may well be one of the newest password managers around, but it already feels like a mature product, with all the features you’d expect in a modern service.  Once installed, you can import your existing passwords from Chrome or Firefox browsers or output a CSV file from your previous password manager and import this to NordPass (there are helpful instructions to help you do this). After that, you should be good to go.  Importing existing passwords from iCloud Keychain is less simplistic but it can be done, albeit only via a Mac. To import a CSV file to NordPass click on Settings > Import Items and choose Safari. You can then upload the CSV file from iCloud Keychain. There is also a NordPass Safari extension that you need to install if you prefer to use Safari. To add this extension to Safari click on Safari in the menu bar, choose Settings, and then open Extensions and enable the extension. You may then need to pair the extension with a 4-digit code that will be supplied. NordPass supports biometrics, so once you’ve created your master password you will only have to enter it occasionally as a security measure, and all other times you can use Touch ID or Face ID to access your passwords. As you’d expect, NordPass can autofill your login details on sites or apps, plus you can also store your address and credit card details so all of these will automatically populate text fields when you’re checking out, saving lots of time.  The interface is on par with other password managers, in that you have the main Home page where you can see your passwords, plus links to other features you can set up, such as entering the data for the form-filling features mentioned above.  Along to bottom of the screen you have tabs for various areas of the app. There’s the Browse page, where you can quickly look at, enter or edit passwords, passkeys, secure notes, credit cards, and personal details, as well as organizing them into folders.  Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly The next option is Tools, where you’ll find the password generator. With this you can easily create long complicated passwords that are difficult to crack. There are also options to include or omit capital letters, digits or symbols, depending on what the app or site requires.  To check on the current security level of your passwords there’s a Password Health area that lets you know if any are particularly weak or overused.  For Premium subscribers, there’s also Email Masking, which can generate temporary emails addresses for when you’re signing up to online services that you don’t expect to use for long. It’s basically the same as the Hide My Email service Apple includes with iCloud+.  You can also avail yourself of the Data Breach Scanner on the Premium tier, which will warn you if any of your passwords have appeared in leaks or security breaches reported online.   Finally, Premium members can securely share passwords with others (they don’t have to be NordPass members) via links created in the app.  NordPass is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Linux, plus there is the secure Web Vault that means you can access the information from any browser. Extensions are available on Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, Firefox and Brave.  Security & Encryption XChaCha20 encryption Data Breach Monitoring  Multi-Factor Authentication To protect your data, NordPass utilizes XChaCha20 encryption, which is arguably even tougher to crack than the AES-256 variant used by most password managers.  NordPass uses a zero-knowledge architecture, which means your data is encrypted and decrypted locally on your device, so NordPass never has access to your master password or Login details. This is a pretty standard technique and one you’ll find on most other password managers. The reason being, that even if the NordPass servers are cracked, this won’t expose your data as the encryption/decryption key required on your device.  Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly As mentioned above, NordPass will monitor Premium accounts to look for any reports of data breaches, so you can change your account details before they become compromised.  Multi-factor authorization is also available, allowing you to set up further levels of security to prevent hackers. This can be via a One Time Password (OTP) being sent to your device, authenticator apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator, plus a USB authenticator if you’re on a Mac or PC.  Price & Availability There is a free tier available on NordPass, which also has a 30-day trial of the Premium features. Then, if you want, you can stay free or pay $20.28/£19.08 p/a for a single Premium account. Should you want the Family package, which gives you six Premium accounts, then that will set you back $35.88/£35.88 p/a. The free tier is quite good, in that it allows for unlimited passwords and passkeys, supports the autofill feature, Multifactor authorization, secure notes and the password generator. If you’re only using one device, then it’s probably most of what you need. You can sync the passwords between devices, but only one can be logged in at a time, so bear that in mind.  Moving up to the Premium tier opens up the ability to be signed in on multiple devices, while also unlocking secure sharing, Email Masking, and the Data Breach Scanner. These are useful tools, and as the overall asking price is quite reasonable, they look like good value to us.  Should you buy NordPass? NordPass is a solid and easy-to-use password manager that actually has a pretty decent free tier if you’re not switching between devices too often. Support for biometrics, passkeys and multifactor authentication make it secure, while the wide range of apps and extensions means it should work on all your device. It’s reasonably priced too. Good work Nord!  iOS, iPad, iPhone, Mac, MacOS, Password Managers

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Learn about the world you’re driving through with this iOS app, now $39.99
Macworld Next time you’re on the road, pull up Autio if you want to learn about the world as it passes you by. Autio is a unique travel companion that tells you about the places you’re driving through. This location-based story app is like your own personal narrator teaching you about the history, geography, and local sights all around you.  These beautifully edited audio stories play while you’re driving and have automatic and seamless transitions so you don’t get distracted. There are already over 23,000 stories in the Autio library, but more are being added all the time. You might even recognize some of the voices.  Many of these audio stories are narrated by celebrities. Kevin Costner might tell you about the geographical formations on your left or get restaurant recommendations from John Lithgow. Phil Jackson could be the voice in your ear telling you about the original settlers of your hometown while you’re out buying groceries. You can even listen in offline mode. Just download relevant stories ahead of time.  Take your learning on the road and get an: Autio Unlimited Plan: 3-Year Subscription for $39.99. Autio Unlimited Plan: 5-Year Subscription for $69.99. Autio Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription for $199.99.   Autio Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription – $199.99 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.  Accessories

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iOS 17.5 will simplify submitting your iPhone for repair
A new 'Repair State' mode in iOS 17.5 will allow you to submit your iPhone for repair without turning off Find My and Activation Lock. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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MLS Season Pass drops price for remainder of 2024 season
As about a third of the 2024 Major League Soccer season has now concluded, Apple is dropping the price of the MLS Season Pass package in kind. The season subscription is now sold for $69, down 30% compared to its $99 price at the start of the season. For Apple TV+ subscribers, the pass is now just $59. more…

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How to delete iCloud messages on Mac & iPhone
Efficiently managing and deleting messages from iCloud is crucial for freeing up storage space on your iPhone and Mac. Here's how to delete messages from iCloud.How to delete messages from iCloudYou can easily retrieve and manage your messages using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Deleting messages from iCloud ensures the security of your data.Deleting a message from iCloud permanently removes the message from the cloud storage, providing an extra layer of protection for your personal and sensitive information. Regularly deleting messages from iCloud can safeguard your privacy and prevent unauthorized access to your conversations. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New Beats Solo Buds already sound like a better deal than AirPods 2
Apple on Tuesday launched the new family of Beats Solo wireless headphones. While the Beats Solo 4 are available for pre-order from today, the company also announced new Beats Solo Buds wireless earbuds. With a price range of $79 and 18 hours of battery life, Beats Solo Buds already sound like a better deal than the old . more…

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