Damn, I want this

I'd buy a super-sized iPad in a New York second.

Author

Leander Kahney
December 16, 2024

Imagine a large iPad about the size of an old tabloid newspaper — an unfolded one. And just like a tabloid newspaper, you’d fold up this super-sized iPad when you were done and tuck it under your arm.

This is what Apple is reportedly working on: A folding iPad with a 20-inch screen that would fold in half to make it portable.

Samsung already sells devices like this, but they all suffer the same big problem: a prominent crease in the screen, an issue Apple is reportedly close to solving.

But there’s a funny wrinkle to this rumor. The device might not even be an iPad.

And, while the giant, folding iPad is reportedly a ways off, a folding iPhone may be coming fairly soon.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Every. Single. Day. I forget something when I leave the house — so this upgrade to AirTags 2 sounds like a very worthy improvement.

  • The minute Apple releases a new beta, I usually install it on all my mission-critical devices, prudence be damned! But perhaps I’ll hold off on the new iOS 18.3 beta. Here’s why you should, too.

  • I haven’t done much Christmas shopping yet and the shipping window is closing. If you’re in the same boat and need some inspiration for last-minute Xmas gifts, check out our idiosyncratic cool tech gifts guide. There are a couple of offbeat ideas in there!

  • After more than a decade of hate for its under-chassis charging port, Apple’s Magic Mouse may finally be getting a design update that moves it — plus some other features that sound kinda weird.

  • The latest rumor about the pricing of the iPhone 17 Air — the upcoming super-slim iPhone — makes sense when you look at the position of the various Air models in Apple’s current lineup of devices.

  • I’ve never heard of an inkless pen that writes on almost anything and is so small it easily attaches to your keychain. I used to carry Space Pens all the time, but got tired of constantly losing them. The ForeverPen looks very intriguing.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Super-size folding iPad won’t have visible screen crease

One of Apple’s design goals for a tablet with a 20-inch folding display is that the screen won’t develop a hideous crease.

Why you might hold off installing first iOS 18.3 beta

The unusual timing of the first betas of iOS 18.3, macOS sequoia 15.3 and iPadOS 18.3 suggests you should take caution if you’re thinking of installing them now.

AirTag 2 might be findable from 3X farther away

A new ultra-wideband chip inside AirTag 2 could make Apple’s tracker tag findable at a much longer range.

Cool technology gifts [Last-minute gift guide]

Looking for cool technology gifts for Xmas? We have a few suggestions for last-minute shoppers.

First folding iPhone could arrive by 2026

Apple's very first foldable phone might arrive sooner than you think.

iPhone 17 Air could deliver premium design at affordable price

Apple's super-slim phone for 2025 might not cost as much as initially rumored. It could be priced lower than the Pro models.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

EDC must-have: Tiny keychain pen will write on practically anything

Tiny yet tough, this inkless forever pen fits on a keychain and writes on almost anything. Save on a ForeverPen EDC multitool.

Apple Magic Mouse could get a modern makeover

With a design dating back to 2009, the input device might soon get a major overhaul.

Affordable new 4K security camera for HomeKit includes color night vision

Updates to Eufy Indoor Cam E30 include high-resolution imagery, advanced pan-and-tilt mobility and color night vision.

App Store reveals most popular apps and games of 2024

Think you're hip to the top apps and games? Take a look at this year’s most downloaded titles.

Affordable AirPods alternative packs touchscreen charging case

The cheapest AirPods cost $129. But affordable AirPods alternatives Twin Sound Ultra earbuds (with touchscreen case) go for just $29.99.

This smartpen automatically digitizes anything you write

Enjoy the timeless feel of writing by hand and all the perks of modern technology with the SyncPen 4 smartpen set.

The MacBook of our dreams, plus our first picks for best of 2024! [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: According to the latest Apple rumors, the 5G OLED MacBooks of our dreams are on the way ... in 2026.

Today in Apple history: Apple signs 'clone Mac' deal

On December 16, 1994, Apple inked a deal with Power Computing, allowing it to make Macintosh-compatible computers. The Mac clones era began!

Realforce R3 mechanical keyboard handles input for MacBook Pro [Setups]

Today's MacBook Pro user skips the laptop's built-in keyboard. Instead, they choose a badass Realforce R3 TKL mechanical keeb.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

If Apple is going to succeed, we’re going to win on innovation. And you can’t win on innovation unless you have a way to communicate to customers.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Would you rather have a folding iPad or a folding iPhone?

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Results from last Friday’s poll: Is the EU right to force Apple to make design changes?

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