A new profile examines how Apple CEO Tim Cook, with "cautious, collaborative and tactical" leadership, honed the Cupertino tech giant into the world's largest company.Credit: AppleAfter the death of Steve Jobs in 2011, both Wall Street and Silicon Valley worried about Apple's future. But, nine years later, Apple's revenue and profits have more than doubled and the company's market valuation is higher than the GDP of Canada, Russia or Spain.

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In addition to all the new features of iOS 14, the update also includes CarPlay wallpapers for for the first time. We have previously shared the new iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 wallpapers here on 9to5Mac, and now you can also download the CarPlay versions.

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A whole $12. Don’t spend it all in one place.

∞ Read this on The Loop

There’s nothing damning here against Apple.

∞ Read this on The Loop

President Trump’s ban on Chinese apps, in particular WeChat, is going to affect Apple, writes Michael Kan.

Forty-five days from now, the White House can begin punishing US companies and individuals for making “transactions” that are related to WeChat. That means Apple will likely need to pull the product from the iOS app store.

“For Apple, it would be all iPhone sales in China will go to zero because no one in China will buy a WeChatless phone,” tweeted podcaster Carl Zha.

As I understand it, WeChat is THE most popular app in China. It’s what Facebook aspires to be with Messenger. It’s used for everything like messaging, mobile payments, a hub for businesses, etc. Like Mr. Kan notes, it won’t affect Google because apps can be sideloaded on Android. But the App Store is the single repository of iOS apps.

Tags: China,...

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Remember AirPower? Yeah, me either. But anyways, Satechi is out recently with its new Trio Wireless Charging Pad, a 3-in-1 power solution for your Apple gear. Its sleek design arrives with dedicated spots to power up your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, seemingly fulfilling promises Apple never did. The latest Tested with 9to5Toys explores this all-in-one charging solution and whether its $120 price tag is worth it. Head below for more.

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A U.S. government contractor called Anomaly Six used its SDK embedded in over 500 apps to track people. Which apps have this SDK is unknown (via WSJ).

Anomaly Six SDK

App makers sometimes let other companies embed an SDK into their apps. It collects data from people which is then sold, and the app maker gets a cut of the revenue. But users have no way of knowing what SDKs are inside an app, like the one created by Anomaly Six.

In the data drawn from apps, each cellphone is typically represented by an alphanumeric identifier that isn’t linked to the name of the cellphone’s owner. But the movement patterns of a phone over time can allow analysts to deduce its ownership—for example, where the phone is located during the evenings and overnight is likely where the phone-owner lives.

It’s a small...

Flash storage cannot be removed from the logic board in the new 27-inch iMac. According to technical documents seen by MacRumors, in the 4TB and 8TB configurations the flash storage expansion board is attached to a connector on the logic board. However, the expansion board and connectors are not present in the 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.

Logic Board and Flash Storage Attached For Encryption Purposes in New iMac

Elsewhere, the documents says that the flash storage and logic board are paired for hardware and encryption purposes. Consequently, data is lost if the logic board is replaced. Customers should back up regularly.

[One New iMac is Fabulous. The Other, Not so Much]

Apple’s Phil Schiller stepped down from his senior vice president role and is now an Apple Fellow—Dave and I discuss how important he was to the company over the years. We also look at the new iMac, the astronaut landing and how Disney+ is being unfair to its customers.

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“Game of Thrones: Tale of Crows” launched on Apple Arcade Friday. It goes beyond the TV series to explore the 8,000 year history of the Night’s Watch in its vigil on top of the Wall. Players will etch their own tales into the annals of Lord Commanders and their sworn brothers over centuries as they shore up stocks, defenses, and recruits at Castle Black as well as send ranging parties out to navigate the wild North, riding into the lands beyond the Wall unsure of what awaits them.

Tags: Apple Arcade, Games

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed Executive Orders banning transactions with Chinese companies Tencent and ByteDance, who are behind WeChat and TikTok. The legislation come into effect in 45 days.

TikTok and WeChat Hit by New Executive Orders

Clearly, this is a major step up of tensions between the U.S. and China which started with Huawei a few years ago and has now engulfed consumer apps,” Wedbush analyst Dan Ives told Reuters. Meanwhile, TikTok described itself as “shocked” by the administration’s move. It said it will take action to “ensure that the rule of law is not discarded.”

[TikTok and Microsoft. Deal or no Deal?]...

Apple is to make a contribution to relief efforts in Beirut, following the devastating blast in the Lebanese city this week.  CEO Tim Cook made the announcement on Twitter on Friday.

Apple Donating to Relief Organizations in Beiruit

“Apple is donating to relief organizations that are helping with immediate needs and long-term support in Beirut,” Mr. Cook tweeted.

Apple is donating to relief organizations that are helping with immediate needs and long-term support in Beirut. We grieve with the people of Lebanon, our employees and all those affected by the tragedy.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 7, 2020

At the time of this writing, the company had not confirmed how much the contribution would amount to, nor what form the donation it would take.

To support virtual learning programs in the fall, Apple and T-mobile are teaming up to provide up to one million discounted iPads for California's neediest students and families.Education tools on an iPad. (Source: Apple)Alongside its own regular Back to School promotions, Apple is teaming up with T-Mobile to help the California Department of Education (CDE). With most schools expected to stay closed for the start of the new academic year, the aim is to provide computing devices to facilitate distance learning for as many people as possible.

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Today’s best deals include iPad deals from $400, plus Apple’s new iMacs are discounted, and you can save big on CarPlay receivers. Hit the jump for all of our top picks in today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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The post Friday deals: iPads from $400, latest iMacs up to $150 off, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

While a 27-inch iMac with 4GB or 8GB of flash storage has that storage in a slot, the entire line does not support user storage upgrades.iMac internal storage may be fixed at purchase The latest update to the 27-inch iMac included the T2 chip, which handles encryption and security on the computer. Because the SSD is fixed to the logic board for hardware encryption, changing the logic board will erase all data on the drive, and changing the drive is impossible for the same reason.

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Apple and T-Mobile are partnering with the California Department of Education to give up to one million iPads to students in need.

Students in Need

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic an estimated 97% of students in California will be learning remotely this school year. The State Superintendent and his Closing the Digital Divide Task Force have been collaborating with others to get kids the internet connections and devices they need. Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Markets, Apps, and Services:

At Apple, we believe technology has the power to transform the learning experience for students at all levels. We are proud the State of California has chosen iPad to facilitate remote learning, and during these challenging times we look forward to working with administrators and school districts across the state to help make learning more accessible for their students.

The cellular...

Apple is to support both the "immediate needs" and "long-term support" of relief organizations in Beirut, following the explosion that claimed at least 137 lives.Tim CookApple CEO Tim Cook has announced via a tweet that the company is to donate to help with the relief efforts in Lebanon. He doesn't specify amounts, but implies that it's more than a one-off donation.

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Facebook hit out at Apple’s App Store policies as it launched its Facebook Gaming app on iOS. While the app is predominantly focussed on watching streamers play, an intended featuring offering mini-games had to be removed before it was allowed onto Apple’s platform.

Facebook Gaming – But no Games

Facebook, it’s fair to say, is not happy. COO Sheryl Sandberg told The Verge:

Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the standalone Facebook Gaming app — meaning iOS users have an inferior experience to those using Android. We’re staying focused on building communities for the more than 380 million people who play games on Facebook every month — whether Apple allows it in a standalone app or not.

The Facebook Gaming app had been rejected from the App Store...

Apple Watch Fall Detection has been credited with saving a number of lives, thanks to its ability to automatically call emergency services if it detects you falling and you don’t confirm that you’re ok.

But the feature could get even more sophisticated in future, with the ability to send comprehensive data to emergency services so they can get a sense of your condition before the ambulance arrives …

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Apple refreshed the iMac lineup, Phil Schiller is now an Apple Fellow while Greg Joswiak is promoted to marketing SVP, Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok, all this week, on the AppleInsider Podcast.The new 27-inch iMac was updated this week with Intel's 10th generation processors, all SSD storage options up to 8TB, up to 128GB RAM, True-Tone display and even a $500 upgrade for Nano Textured glass. Be sure to check out our comparison article between the iMac Pro base model and a matching $4999 upgraded 27-inch iMac.Apple announced that Phil Schiller has moved into the role of Apple Fellow, while Greg Joswiak has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing. Schiller will retain oversight of the...

Don’t you hate it when you need to charge a bunch of different devices? You might need a Lightning charging cable for your iPhone or iPad, a USB-C cable for your iPad Pro, and a micro-USB cable for a drone or camera. The 3-in-1 Supercord has interchangeable connectors that snap on, allowing you to to charge all three types of devices with one cable. It’s on sale for just $19.99 this week in the AWT Deals Shop.

Get rid of the need to carry three different cables for your different devices with Supercord. With interchangeable Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors, you can charge almost anything. Android or Apple, power it up! Supercord is made from a soft and flexible material, this strain...

In a note to clients — as noted by MacRumors — analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that one of Apple’s camera lens suppliers for the “non-Pro” iPhone 12 is having quality issues. However, other suppliers are expected to be step up to the plate, so that there’ll be no delay in the product launch schedule (probably late October).

Kuo writes: We estimate that the low-end 7P wide-angle lens, CCM, and final assembly mass production of the 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch aluminum frame iPhone will be in mid-to-late August, mid-to-late September, and early October, respectively. We believe that in the uncertain timetable for [Genius] to solve the quality problem of film cracking, Apple will give priority to purchasing Largan’s low-end 1/2.6” 7P wide-angle lens at least in the initial supply stage to ensure that the two aluminum-framed ‌iPhone 12‌ can be as scheduled.

Speaking of the next get smartphone, ...

A Facebook iOS gaming app has been forced to launch without access to any games, thanks to an App Store policy which bans streaming gaming services.

Facebook Gaming on Android allows users to play games, as well as watch the gameplay of popular streamers – but iOS users cannot play games …

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The post Facebook iOS gaming app launches with no games; condemns Apple policy appeared first on 9to5Mac.

The Trump administration’s crackdown on Chinese apps was further escalated yesterday with an executive order banning transactions with Tencent and TikTok owner ByteDance. That hasn’t gone down well, as TikTok threatens a legal challenge to the order, saying that it is unlawful.

The company said it was ‘shocked’ by the order, which shows ‘no adherence to the law’ …

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Apple announced iMac updates earlier this week. Should you buy an iMac when Apple silicon is on the horizon? There’s also a major change in Apple leadership that we’ll talk about on this episode of the Macworld Podcast.

This is episode 708 with Jason Cross and Roman Loyola.

Listen to episode 708

To read this article in full, please click here

The social media giant says that it has been forced to release an "inferior" version of its Facebook Gaming app in order for Apple to accept it onto the App Store.The App Store and FacebookFollowing Microsoft's similar criticism, Facebook says that Apple has forced it to launch a new games app — without any games. The Facebook Gaming app is currently being rolled out on the App Store after around six months of the social media company trying to persuade Apple to allow the same features found on the Android version.

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Apple added Activation Lock several years ago to its iPhones as a theft deterrent, partly at the request of users and partly because law enforcement insisted it would reduce the incentive for grab-and-run theft. The idea was that even if an iPhone were stolen and wiped, the device would refuse to allow a new installation without the Apple ID and password for the account that originally registered it being available to unlock it.

Activation Lock is turned on by enabling Find My in Settings > account name > iCloud. Disabling Find My requires the same Apple ID login that turned it on. It’s now also available on an iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and any Mac with the T2 security chip that enables Touch ID and other features. On a Mac, use the iCloud preference pane in macoS 10.14 Mojave and earlier and the Apple ID preference...

We at iLounge have a special deal on the Marangoni Electromagnetic Light, which allows you to illuminate your space using an innovative switch.

Marangoni Electromagnetic Light

If traditional switch lamps are too mainstream, consider the Marangoni Light. It’s an innovative, cool and stylish indirect lamp that gets activated as soon as you put the two magnets close to each other. To shut it off, simply move on away.

Choose from a variety of designs, such as bold red, modern white, wood and black. The LED bulbs inside can adjust from 3K to 6K temperature via dimmable touch buttons depending on your lighting needs. A 1,500 mAh battery keeps the lamp working, with options to plug it to a wall socket.

It’s functional, looks great on any surface and makes for an excellent conversation starter. The Marangoni Electromagnetic Light normally costs $90, while we at iLounge are giving it away for just $79.95. You get 11% off with our deal.

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Give your iMac a boost in the style department and your back and eyes an upgrade when you buy the Twelve South HiRise Pro. Today, it’s discounted at just $129.99, down $40 from its original price of $170.

You’ll know the HiRise Pro is the perfect accessory for your iMac the moment you lay your eyes on the luxury aluminum stand. Featuring a reversible aluminum and walnut front plate and a padded leather top, the stand works on all iMac models and monitors as well.

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Apple is celebrating the Apple Store’s 10th year by hiding a pleasant Easter Egg surprise inside the app.

The Apple Store app turns 10 today, and Apple has decided to mark the occasion with a balloon surprise. Users can activate the hidden Easter Egg by opening the app, tapping on the search field and entering ’10 years’.

Two balloons will show up on the screen as part of the result. These ’10th anniversary’ balloons will bounce around and float on your screen. It’s also similar to the effect in the Messages app in that you can control them to a degree. Users can drag them around or pop it using their fingers.

The Apple Store app was launched way back in 2010 in order to provide a convenient buying experience for Apple customers. Apple has hidden Easter Eggs for the app before- in 2017, the Cupertino-based company had a ‘Let it Snow’ feature to ring in the holidays.

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Since Steve and I can’t cover everything, we’ll frequently offer a wrap-up of news items you should check out. First up:  OWC has rolled out the new OWC Rover Pro – a toolless, patent-pending “made in the USA” design that allows users to add wheels to the 2019 Mac Pro in under two minutes. 

° Apple has shared two new videos on its YouTube channel in its ongoing "Shot on iPhone" series. From writer/director Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash) they involve “making vertical cinema.”

° This September, Microsoft's Xbox-based game streaming service is scheduled to launch. However, the service won't be available on Apple's iPhone and iPad — and that's due to Apple's App Store policies,...

With macOS 11 Big Sur, Apple takes the opportunity to refresh the Mac’s user interface. The changes aren’t dramatic—don’t worry, you’ll be able to use your Mac like usual. The changes give the Mac a more modern look, and also have led to  speculation that Apple is getting ready for the next phase of user input, like maybe a Mac touchscreen.

If you are wondering what Big Sur looks like before installing it, we have a peek right here. You can prepare yourself before you dive in.

More space

Once you start up your Mac and log in, the Finder looks pretty much the same. The changes are subtle. For example, the menu bar icons are spread out, with each icon having a little more space. It makes it easier to spot the icon you want.

To read this article in full, please click here

If you’ve been hankering to use Apple’s macOS Big Sur, iOS 14, or iPadOS 14 betas, but wanted to ensure that it was a little further along, you’re going to like this.

Apple on Thursday launched the macOS Big Sur, iOS 14, and iPadOS public betas. The betas had previously only been available for developers.

Users can sign up for the betas via the link below, and the upcoming operating system features an extensive redesign as well as a similar look to the design language for iOS.

Other new features include:

• Safari: Customizable start page, Privacy Report, extensions in the Mac App Store.
• Messages: Pinned conversations, inline replies for groups, group photos, mentions, new Memoji, faster search.
• Apple Maps: Guides, electric vehicle routing, indoor maps, cycling directions.

If you’ve had a chance to play with the macOS Big Sur Public beta and have any feedback to offer, please let us know about your experience in the...

The new MacBook Pro comes with two or four external ports, depending on the model you pick. And the new MacBook Air has a pair of ports. But those ports are only of one type: Thunderbolt 3, which is compatible with USB-C.

But you probably have devices that use USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or something else. How do you connect these devices? With an adapter.

If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, make sure you set aside a considerable amount of cash for the adapters you need. Apple doesn’t include any in the box, except for a power adapter.

Your best bet is to get a combination dock, like the Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter ($60 on Amazon). It connects via USB-C, and includes a USB-C pass-through port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port with 4K (30Hz) support. With this, you don’t have to...

TikTok has issued a statement on the White House’s plan to ban its popular app, saying it was “shocked” by the executive order and that it will respond in court, if necessary. The order, issued yesterday by President Trump, means that TikTok could di...

Cloud gaming is back for another go-round, however Apple’s mobile platforms are sitting this round out. While OnLive was able to deliver streamed gaming to iPads years ago, Stadia and GeForce Now have yet to make an iOS debut, and Microsoft ended sup...

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that will block any transactions between U.S. companies and TikTok parent firm ByteDance starting Sept. 20.Credit: Kon KarampelasThe order, which follows weeks of threats to ban the popular video app from the U.S., will essentially force ByteDance to divest from TikTok or stop operating in the country.

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Hour after Apple explained why Microsoft's xCloud wouldn't be coming to iOS, Microsoft shot back and accused the company of "consistently treating gaming apps differently."Credit: MicrosoftOn Wednesday, Microsoft ended its xCloud TestFlight program on iOS and said that the service would not be arriving on iPhone and iPad. In a statement on Thursday, Apple explained that it bars apps which rely on cloud streaming, per its App Store guidelines.

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Google’s Stadia platform has helped start a new form of gaming, streaming from the cloud. In the past year, Stadia, Microsoft xCloud, and Nvidia’s GeForce Now have made a big splash, but they still aren’t available on iOS. Why? Apple has confirmed it won’t allow services like Google Stadia on its platform.

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Cadillac has been making automobiles for well over a century but on Thursday evening the carmaker unveiled its first vehicle produced that lacks an internal combustion engine. Say hello to the Lyriq.While many folks associate still Cadillac with its...

Facebook has removed several networks of accounts that were spreading misinformation in the US ahead of the 2020 presidential election. One of the troll farms, which was based in Romania, posed as a group of African Americans who said they supported...

Longtime Mac users will remember that the Mac used to “chime” when you powered it up. Apple removed the chime in 2016, but with macOS 10.15 Catalina, users could reinstate the chime through a command in the Terminal.

The chime is back by default in macOS 11 Big Sur. In the short video clip below, you can hear what the chime sounds like on my (beat-up) 2014 MacBook Pro running the Big Sur beta.

To read this article in full, please click here

Apple released a new ‘Shot on iPhone’ video on Wednesday in which Oscar winner Damien Chazelle took famous cinematic styles and flipped them on their side. The nine-minute clip covered everything from action movies to silent films, spy movies to westerns, and showed them in vertical, as if being watched on a phone. It does rather give a new perspective on things.

Shot on iPhone Turns Cinema Vertical

The film was shot on an iPhone 11 Pro. Called ‘The Stun Double, it also featured a soundtrack by Grammy Award. winner Lorne Balfe.

A second video released at the same time showed how Mr. Chazelle went about shooting the clip.

That second video shared revealed the tricks for using a wide-angle lens, guidance on composing shots for the vertical screen. There were also insights from Academy Award winner DP Linus Sandgren, BAFTA-winning production designer Shane Valentino, and top costume designer April Napier...

Vader Immortal is a pretty great way to get your VR Star Wars fix. If you’ve wanted to give it a shot but don’t have a PC VR rig handy, it’ll soon be available on a new platform. the PlayStation VR version of Vader Immortal will be out on August 25th...

TikTok is no longer just for your phone: the company is launching an app for Fire TV called “More on TikTok.”The app is still somewhat of an experiment for the company, and will feature a mix of popular videos and interviews with popular creators acc...

Apple has now specified why Microsoft's xCloud won't be coming to iOS, by pointing out that streaming game services are explicitly prohibited according to App Store policies.On August 5, Microsoft ended the iOS xCloud test flight program, announcing that the service would not be coming to the iPhone and iPad. Instead, the service will launch as an Android exclusive.However, this is hardly surprising news. AppleInsider reported on the limitation of such services in March of this year.

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Yesterday, Apple officially announced new iMacs coming down the pipeline, and today we’re seeing our first discounts. Authorized retailer Expercom is offering notable savings on the latest iMacs when you apply promo code 9to5toys at checkout. That will take nearly $150 off the latest iMacs from Apple. Minimal shipping fees apply on select models. Hit the jump for a full breakdown of pricing.

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Amazon's long-awaited Big Summer Sale is here, and while we still have to wait for Prime Day 2020, shoppers can save up to 75% off back-to-school supplies, tech accessories and more.Amazon's Big Summer SaleFrom wireless Qi chargers to Twelve South cases for your iPad Pro, there are a variety of tech accessories on sale at Amazon in addition to household staples like disposable face masks and cooking gadgets.

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