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OLED iPad Air might be on hold until 2028

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.

However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.

No OLED iPad Air until 2028

With OLED (short for organic light-emitting diode) displays, each pixel glows on its own. The result is a bright, even image with strong contrast. This type of screen looks so good, it’s already used for iPhone and Apple Watch. And numerous leaks point to an OLED iPad Pro launching in March or perhaps April.

But don’t hold you breath for the screen tech to appear in Apple’s mid-range line of tablets. “We expect the iPad Air to change to OLED in 2028,” said Kang Min-soo, a senior analyst with Omdia, according to the Korean-language site The Elec (machine translation).

Or maybe sooner?

That said, it’s possible the improved screen tech will become part of the Air product line much sooner. In late 2023, a separate report also coming out of Asia predicted an OLED iPad Air would launch in 2026.

An iPad mini with OLED will also allegedly debut at the same time.

The wait is about OLED cost

As noted, OLEDs are bright, with excellent contrast. And the panels don’t require backlights — pixels glow on their own. That will supposedly allow the 2024 iPad Pro to be 22% thinner than the current model.

For all the improvements, there’s a significant drawback: OLED panels cost more than traditional LEDs. That’s expected to push up the price of the next iPad Pro, though perhaps not as much as had been feared.

The iPad Air line sits between the Pro and “standard” iPad models. Including a high-end screen that pushes the price up too high would mean that Apple has two premium tablets and no mid-range one. So perhaps it makes sense for a four year wait before OLED comes to the Air.




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AirPods case that looks like Mac is the coolest ever [Review]

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AirPods won’t win any awards for their durability. Their shiny plastic case picks up scratches faster than a hip-hop DJ’s latest vinyl. So you should protect them with a decent case. And for Apple fans, nothing can beat this AirPods that case looks like a Mac.

AirPods cases don’t come much cooler than those from Elago. This one is like carrying a tiny little Macintosh with you wherever you go. And prices start at just $11.99.

Update: Elago’s awesome W3 case, which makes your AirPods look like a tiny Macintosh, is now available for the latest (third-generation) AirPods and AirPods Pro. Read on for our full review.

Elago W3 AirPods case looks like a tiny Mac

You’ve probably heard of Elago before. The company became famous for making cute Apple Watch stands that look like classic Macs and iPods. They’re ideal for any Apple fan, and they’re super-affordable.

The W3 AirPods case follows the same path. It looks just like an original Macintosh from 1984. In our opinion, it’s a must-have. But then we’re clearly biased!

Carry your AirPods inside a tiny Mac

The W3 is made entirely from high-grade silicone. It’s flexible and impact-resistant, and thick enough to ensure that your AirPods won’t suffer when you drop them onto a hard surface.

It’s not so thick that it will interfere with charging, though. The W3 is fully compatible with Apple’s Wireless Charging Case, and even lets the AirPods’ charging indicator shine through.

Elago-W3-AirPods-case-2
An ideal gift for any Apple fan.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The W3 isn’t sticky like cheaper silicone accessories, so it won’t pick up every bit of lint it comes into contact with. But you will find yourself dusting it off every now and then.

The good thing about silicone is that it’s completely waterproof. So you can run the W3 under the faucet whenever it gets too dirty, and it ends up looking as good as new. (Just remember to remove your AirPods first.)

The W3 AirPods case looks terrific

Elago-W3-AirPods-case-3
Plenty of protection to keep your AirPods safe.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Of course, the biggest reason to buy the W3 is its design. It looks terrific. And like other Elago accessories, the attention to detail is outstanding, from its tiny floppy drive to the “hello” message on its screen.

A recess on its back ensures you can open the W3 with ease — without having to remove its top section every time. It also has a cutout in its base for access to your AirPods’ Lightning connector.

The W3 slides easily onto your AirPods case and is just as simple to remove. In fact, my only complaint about the case is that the top sometimes comes off a little too easily.

It’s not so loose that it will fall off of its own accord. But if you’re not too careful, it is susceptible to coming off when you pull your AirPods out of a tight pocket, which you’ll need to bear in mind.

W3 is a no-brainer at less than $16

Despite this little niggle, the W3 is a great AirPods case. And it might just be the coolest case money can buy — especially for long-time Apple fans who fondly remember the original Macintosh.

Starting at just $11.99, the AW3 is now available for original AirPods, third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro. You can order yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.

Elago provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. Read our reviews policy for more information, and check out more of our in-depth reviews. We originally published this review on October 25, 2019, but updated it with additional information.



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Folding iPhone could be 2 years away

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Folding iPhone is here! Too bad there's only one.
This one-off folding iPhone mod could be a glimpse of the future.
Photo: KJMX

Apple may have decided that 2026 is the right year to launch a folding iPhone.

Cupertino has been tinkering with prototype handsets with foldable displays for a long time. An analyst predicted Thursday that the company will finally have something to offer in a couple of years.

No Folding iPhone before 2026

Samsung is already hard at work on its sixth-generation Galaxy Fold, though foldable handsets are still a niche product. The market-analysis firm IDC says only about 18.1 million devices in the category shipped globally in 2023. Apple is nevertheless exploring the possibility, and has been since 2018.

But its efforts won’t see a tangible product for years to come. “Apple is predicted to release a 7-8 inch foldable iPhone in 2026,” said Kang Min-soo, a senior analyst with Omdia, according to the Korean-language site The Elec (machine translation).

Apple is aware of your concerns

It’s not hard to find critics of current foldable devices. The products are thick, expensive and the flexible screens develop creases over time.

“Foldables were a hard sell in 2023, as many vendors struggled to move significant inventory,” said Anthony Scarsella, an IDC analyst. “The market has not fully embraced the form factor. High prices and longevity remain a challenge to both consumers and vendors.”

This has not escaped Apple’s attention. Details of folding iPhone prototypes that leaked out recently show the company is striving to make a device as slim as current iOS handsets. And it wants a foldable screen without a visible crease.

Despite the 2026 prediction, there’ll be no folding iPhone until it meets the company’s design goals, according to information leaking out of Apple.

Work on a MacBook with a 20-inch folding screen is also going on in Cupertino, according to an earlier report.



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Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490M

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Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million
Tim Cook didn’t give investors the truth about iPhone demand in China in 2018 and it’s costing the company.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly settled a class action lawsuit that accused the company of hiding news of declining iPhone demand in China. It concerns comments made by CEO Tim Cook during an investor call back in 2018.

The iPhone-maker is allegedly paying a $490 million settlement.

Apple pays up after misleading comments about iPhone demand in China

When a CEO stretches the truth about the company they run, they face consequences. In a prominent example, tweets Elon Musk made in 2018 about taking EV-maker Tesla private resulted in a $40 million fine and a requirement that he resign as Tesla chairman. Now it’s Tim Cook’s turn.

When speaking to investors in November 2018, Cook said that iPhone demand was declining in some counties but that China was not one of them. Two months later, Cook penned an open letter to investors warning that Apple revenue wouldn’t meet expectations because of declining iPhone demand in China. A class action lawsuit accused the CEO of deliberately deceiving investors.

Apple and the plaintiffs have reached a preliminary settlement, according to Reuters. Apple agreed to pay $490 million but admit no wrongdoing. The money will be available to investors who bought AAPL shares after Cook’s November 2018 comment but before the January 2019 open letter.

The settlement has not yet been approved. That’s up to U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.



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iTunes tops 50 million song downloads: Today in Apple history

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itunes
That’s worth a quick dance!
Photo: Apple

March 15: Today in Apple history: iTunes tops 50 million songs downloaded March 15, 2004: The iTunes Music Store hits a musical milestone, having sold an astonishing 50 million songs in less than a year. The achievement cements Apple’s place at the center of the rapidly changing music business — at least for the moment.

“Crossing 50 million songs is a major milestone for iTunes and the emerging digital music era,” Steve Jobs says in a statement. “With over 50 million songs already downloaded and an additional 2.5 million songs being downloaded every week, it’s increasingly difficult to imagine others ever catching up with iTunes.”

iTunes takes the music business by storm

While the 2004 numbers proved undoubtedly impressive, today Apple has sold billions of songs through iTunes. The company long ago stopped announcing the new landmark sales levels it hit. In other words, Apple was just getting started.

At the time, Jobs (for once) downplayed the speed at which iTunes was taking over the music industry. However, he was being totally accurate about how far ahead of the rest of the competition Apple was. Just a few months later, Apple smashed through the 100-million-song barrier.

Within five years of opening its virtual doors on April 28, 2003, Apple became the biggest music vendor (not just online) in the United States. It grew to the largest worldwide by February 2010.

Apple squanders its early lead?

Ultimately, it took the surge of streaming services like Spotify for Apple to lose its position as the clear marketplace leader. As of 2024, Spotify leads the pack in terms of paid subscribers with more than 236 million paid subscribers. Apple Music has an estimated 101 million users, with no free version available.  Music downloads, by comparison, are pretty much dead.

Still, iTunes sales milestones like the one celebrated today are always fun to look back on. They remind us of how much further Apple had to climb at the time.

Do you remember what your first iTunes song download was? Leave your memories and assorted recollections below.



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iLoud MTM speakers power MacBook Pro setup’s sound

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IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
You can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.
Photo: IK Multimedia

High-quality speakers in MacBooks and Studio Displays and the like are all well and good. But if you want great sound in your computer setup, you’re better off with studio monitor speakers like those in today’s MacBook Pro setup. They’re IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers.

The powered pair of studio monitor speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece. And right now they’re 25% off at $300 each. Find them in the gear list below if you want to level up your setup’s sound.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers power setup’s sound

Redditor Katert (“Kat”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “My endgame setup.” They run a 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro open on the desk as a secondary display, though they said they might go to clamshell (closed) mode. And the laptop drives a large 42-inch LG C2 Series OLED smart TV.

So on Wednesday we focused on the big smart TV used as a display. And on Friday we cover the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM powered speakers sitting on stands on either side of the display.

iLoud MTM speakers by feature

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
A pair of iLoud MTM powered speakers are no slouch on quality audio.
Photo: [email protected]

And these iLoud speakers are suitable for computer use or as bookshelf speakers. But they’re of sufficient quality for use in a music studio, as well — even without a subwoofer. That’s because they carry deep bass sound all by themselves, according to the company.

So here’s how IK Multimedia lists the studio monitors’ impressive features:

  • Designed as the ideal studio speakers, as well as desktop speakers or bookshelf speaker, iLoud MTM offers incredibly clear linear phase sound and deep, extended bass down to 40 Hz without a subwoofer.
  • Built-in self-calibration via included ARC mic lets iLoud MTM adjust to any placement, for balanced sound on a music studio desk, studio equipment, even as desk speakers or gaming speakers for PC.
  • Linear phase sound reduces ear fatigue for music production and mixing. Point-source performance delivers audiophile sound at any distance making these ideal desktop studio audio monitors
  • Deep bass down to 40Hz lets iLoud MTM rival any big speaker, large studio monitors or computer speakers for desktop with powered subwoofer or pc speakers for desktop with subwoofer.
  • Compact and easy to mount, these studio monitor speakers offer Atmos bass management and mount to mic stands or mounts for immersive audio that surpasses any PC sound bar or surround sound rig.

Shop these items now:

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
In addition to setting them horizontally, you can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.

Audio:

Computer:

Display:

Input devices:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.




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Apple Pencil (2nd gen) gets a sweet 11% discount

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Apple Pencil 2 in Hand
Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is a handy iPad accessory to have.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

If you take notes or draw on your iPad, consider investing in an Apple Pencil. It will greatly enhance your experience your note-taking and doodling experience.

While the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is expensive at $129, Amazon is discounting it by 11% to $115. This makes the useful iPad stylus a bit more affordable.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Apple Pencil 2 makes doodling and note-taking easy

Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is a must-have if you want to paint, sketch, doodle, or mark up documents on your iPad. Thanks to its low latency and pressure sensitivity, you can easily let your creativity flow while working on your next creation. This also makes taking handwritten notes on your iPad easy.

Charging the Apple Pencil is also easy. The stylus magnetically snaps to the side of your iPad, which is how it tops up its battery.

Apple Pencil 2 works with the following iPad models:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
  • iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
  • iPad mini (6th generation)

On the 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro, you also enjoy Apple Pencil hover. Just hold the stylus up to 12mm above the display, and the tablet will react to it.

Buy the Apple Pencil with an 11% discount

While not the lowest, you can still save a sweet $14 on the Apple Pencil (2nd gen). Considering the accessory is rarely discounted, this is a good deal.

If you are not willing to spend that much, Amazon has dropped the price of the Apple Pencil (1st gen) to $79 from $99. It misses out on some of the features of the 2nd gen model, but if you want a stylus for basic use, the 1st gen model should suffice.

If you get the stylus, make sure to change these Apple Pencil settings on your iPad. In case you run into problems with the stylus, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix some common Apple Pencil irritations. And don’t forget to shop for Apple Pencil accessories in the Cult of Mac Store.

Buy from: Amazon



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Pop-up car cabin Carsule lets you camp in style, anywhere

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Camp in style this Labor Day with a $309.97 pop-up car cabin.
Turn your car into an outdoor gazebo with this $309.97 pop-up tent.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

What’s keeping you from traveling? A little time in a new setting can change your whole outlook — and a unique piece of travel gear makes that possibility a lot easier. It’s called Carsule, and it’s a pop-up car cabin that gives you a cool place to chill anywhere you go.

It’s not quite as crazy-luxurious as the Apple car we’ll never get. But if your current ride has a trunk that swings up, Carsule can transform it into a shady nook that lets you work, read or relax in comfort anywhere you go.

Carsule: A pop-up car cabin that sets up in minutes

So what exactly is the Carsule? When folded up, it’s a flat, flexible disc you can easily store in your trunk. Take it out of the storage bag and it quickly unfolds into a square tent of roughly two square meters.

Then simply attach a few guide rods and secure some straps and magnets that attach the Carsule to your car’s tailgate. The tailgate adds roof support, and you’ve got a shaded space that can become your workspace, breakfast nook or hangout room, anywhere you need it.

The Carsule’s polyester fabric keeps out the rain and blocks UV rays. And the ties that help secure the pop-up car cabin’s roof double as hanging points for small fans or lights.

The Carsule also comes with thick felt flooring, so you can kick off your shoes even in rough terrain. You can kick back behind the mosquito netting or take the sides down and fully enjoy the breeze. It’s a whole new way to beat airfare woes and satisfy your desire for travel in a whole new way.

Save on the ultimate car tent

For a limited time, the Carsule pop-up cabin for your car is priced at $309.97. That’s nearly $70 off the regular price.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackCommerce, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackCommerce directly.



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Watch free soccer on Apple TV app

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All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please. Watch free soccer on Apple TV.
All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please.
Photo: Apple

This weekend, March 16 and 17, everyone can watch all Major League Soccer matches for free on the Apple TV app. So that’s not just the typical one or two free games.

In other words, you won’t need MLS Season Pass to watch Lionel Messi do his thing with Inter Miami CF against D.C. United — or any of the other 13 matches.

This is the kind of promotion designed to get you hooked so you subscribe to MLS Season Pass, in this second year of 10 in the deal between MLS and Apple.

All MLS matches are free to watch on Apple TV app March 16 and 17

Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17, are special this year. And we’re not talking about St. Patrick’s Day taking up a whole weekend. We’re talking about watching every MLS soccer match for free (green beer optional).

So this weekend’s slate includes 14 scheduled matches in English and Spanish, plus the usual extra coverage. That includes the MLS 360 whip-round show covering all the action (available in English and Spanish).

And as you may know, usually you’d need MLS Season Pass to watch every match without blackouts or restrictions by area. It’s available for $99 per season, or $79 for anyone who already subscribes to the Apple TV+ streaming service.

In addition to all the matches, MLS Season Pass includes much more content. You can enjoy analysis and events like the Leagues Cup, MLS All-Star and Audi MLS Cup Playoff games. Get MLS Season Pass here.

So how do you watch free soccer on Apple TV? Get it on platforms like Apple devices or other places you stream content. Those could include an Amazon Fire Stick, Roku devices, a Comcast Xfinity set-top box, or gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. And you can always watch it in a web browser at tv.apple.com.



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Apple acquires fundamental AI smarts by buying DarwinAI

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Another AI acquisition for Apple: Illustration accompanying a story about the company buying Canadian AI startup DarwinAI.
Can Apple buy its way to AI dominance?
Image: Steve Johnson/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computer more efficient.

Apple promised that it’ll have big AI-related announcements later this year, and the acquisition will help the company build the necessary software.

Apple’s DarwinAI is likely about efficient AI systems

2024 will bring a big AI push from the iPhone-maker. “I think there’s a huge opportunity for Apple with GenAI and AI,” CEO Tim Cook said in February. “We’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”

And acquiring DarwinAI is a part of that, according to a report in Bloomberg on Thursday.

DarwinAI developed an AI-based system for visual quality inspection. Its software could check that items met quality requirements by looking at them. But that might not be why Apple bought the company.

The startup also created Generative Synthesis, a method to analyze an existing AI system developed by training and make a new system that does the same task but more efficiently. And the new system explains to developers/users why it does what it does — something many AI systems can not do.

As Apple is undoubtedly planning to run AI from an iPhone, it’ll need systems that are as efficient as possible.

Another result of the DarwinAI acquisition is additional AI expertise. “Dozens of DarwinAI’s employees have joined Apple’s artificial intelligence division,” reports Bloomberg. And Alexander Wong, who was the company’s chief scientist, became an Apple director.

The deal seems to have become effective at the end of 2023 — that’s when darwinai.com disappeared off the web.

We’ll almost certainly learn more about Apple’s big push into AI at WWDC 2024 in June. Early leaks already indicate that iOS 18 will include new generative AI features, and iPhone 16 will sport a processor designed to run artificial intelligence software more quickly.



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