Jun 5, 2021

What to expect at WWDC 2021 🎟️

Are you ready for the Worldwide Developers Conference? Apple’s biggest keynote of the year happens Monday, and it will give us our annual look at Cupertino’s road map for the future.

In the run-up to WWDC, Apple did a pretty good job of keeping its software secrets under wraps, but our top story will give you an idea about what to expect.

We’ve also got some fresh rumors about upcoming Apple hardware, along with a passel of how-tos to help you get the most out of all your gear.

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. If you want something good to watch this weekend, flip on Apple TV+ for a couple of hot picks. The new Stephen King miniseries Lisey’s Story just landed on Apple’s streaming service. And The Mosquito Coast just wrapped its first explosive season, so you can binge the whole thing while you wait for WWDC.

News and opinion

iPadOS 15 to MacBooks: Everything we’re looking forward to at WWDC 2021

June 7 will be the single most important day of 2021 for Apple. It’s the start of the annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company will unveil fresh operating system updates for iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and more. Here’s what to expect from Monday’s kickoff keynote.

Plus: How to watch the WWDC keynote

iPad mini is set for big redesign, while MagSafe heads to iPad Pro

Apple is reportedly planning some exciting new additions for its tablets.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Keyboard app’s meteoric rise shows the power of TikTok

A simple copy-and-paste app called Paste Keyboard shot to the top of the App Store charts this week after languishing in obscurity for years. The app hitched a ride on TikTok’s massive success — and then dethroned it as the most popular app in the United States.

Does being gay make Tim Cook a better CEO?

Since coming out eight years ago, Apple’s CEO led the company through the most successful period in its history. Far from a disadvantage, could being gay actually be an instrumental part of his success?

Why interactive widgets might be the best improvement in iOS 15

It’s high time iPhone Home screen widgets grew up. They were one of the best additions to iOS last year, but they are still too limited. Fortunately, iOS 15 reportedly will make widgets much more interactive.

How-tos

Activate iPad’s hidden floating keyboard to use Slide-to-Type

Make replying to messages on iPad even quicker by activating its hidden floating keyboard with Slide-to-Type support. It’s baked right into iPadOS, so no third-party apps or hacks are required. We’ll show you how to access it.

How to get the latest AirTag firmware update

Updating the software on the tiny tracker is both easy and hard — you don’t have to jump through hoops, but neither do you have much control. Here’s what you need to do.

How to disable Night mode in iPhone’s Camera app

Want to capture a low-light photo without using the Night mode feature on newer iPhone models? It’s easy to turn off right inside the Camera app.

How to let a guest control your HomeKit devices

If you’re going away this summer and leaving your house in someone else’s hands, you might want to give them the “keys” to your smart home.

How to opt out of Amazon’s mass wireless sharing plans

Amazon plans to combine every Echo speaker and Ring security camera in the United States into a shared “mesh network.“ You don’t have to participate.

Deals

This toolkit of award-winning apps featuring Parallels Pro will supercharge your Mac

The All-Star Mac Bundle Featuring Parallels Pro includes five great apps that cover a wide range of functions, from productivity to contact management, cybersecurity to PDF navigation. And the headline app lets you run Windows apps on your Mac. Get it for just $35 with off with code ALLSTARMAC.

Get access to more than 200 quality Mac apps for just $69 with Setapp

If you’re always looking for new apps to boost your creativity and improve your workflow, check out Setapp. This service helps boost Mac and iPhone productivity via a curated collection of more than 210 apps that cover nearly every need.

Win a stylish stretch-link Apple Watch band set from Rilee & Lo [Cult of Mac giveaway]

This week, we are giving away three great-looking stretch-link Apple Watch bands from our friends at Rilee & Lo. Enter for your shot at winning!

Securely stream your favorite shows with this VPN

This three-year sub to Surfshark will help protect your personal information from hackers and data breaches alike — whether you’re streaming your favorite shows at home or working from a hotel room.

Reviews

'Lisey’s Story' looks like a Stephen King adaptation done right [Apple TV+ review]

Apple TV+ is officially in the Stephen King business, a step every streaming service must eventually take. New miniseries Lisey’s Story, based on King’s novel of the same name, just so happens to boast an astonishing pedigree.

Casetify Mirror case helps you look good on the go

Its reflective back will keep you from rushing to the bathroom to ensure your hair is in check, while its shockproof shell protects your iPhone from bumps and scratches.

'The Mosquito Coast' season finale will leave you desperate for more [Apple TV+ review]

The bold potboiler about a family on the run from the law wraps up its impressive first season this week with the end of the road — a few roads actually — in sight. The gripping finale will leave you breathlessly waiting for the show’s second season.

SwitchEasy Skin keeps AirTag secure and protected

Made from sturdy silicone, the Skin is nontoxic and environmentally friendly. It shows off both sides of your AirTag while allowing you to easily attach it to backpacks, purses, suitcases and more.

Did you enjoy this issue?

Cult of Mac

Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac.

Tweet