Time to get excited!

It’s time to get excited about next week’s “Let Loose” Apple event.

The online-only event promises long-awaited and worthy iPad updates, but there could be a surprise in store. Why? A couple of reasons:

It’s being held at an unusual time: 7 a.m. Pacific. Most Apple events happen at 10 a.m., but this one seems timed for audiences on the East Coast and in Europe and Asia. Maybe Apple should have been doing this all along, but the change makes you wonder.
Apple’s been promoting the event like mad on social media — more than previous events, it seems.

Does Tim Cook have something special to announce? We’ll see next Tuesday.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Apple’s latest quarterly earnings weren’t as bad as Wall Street had predicted, and Tim Cook used an analyst call to hype Apple’s plans for AI.
As usual, CdkeySales offers crazy-cheap prices on Microsoft software. Its May Sale has Windows 11 Pro for just $23 and Office 365 for $21.
Time’s running out to snag a great deal on this sci-fi iPhone stand that includes a portable power pack, which means you always have a battery ready to go.
Apple’s new ad for Find My featuring Boba Fett is pretty amusing.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Why every Apple fan should get excited about ‘Let Loose’ event

Gorgeous tablets are expected at Apple's May 7 "Let Loose" product event, but there could also be big news for those who don't use an iPad.

www.cultofmac.com/855247/apple-loose-event-ipad-pro-air-pencil-3-rumors

Apple believes in the 'transformative power and promise of AI'

Get insights into Apple's commitment to artificial intelligence from CEO Tim Cook. Learn about the unique advantages of AI on iPhone, Mac and iPad.

www.cultofmac.com/855214/apple-ai-tim-cook-transformative-power-and-promise

From slump to pump: How Apple will get back to winning

Apple saw total revenue drop 4% year over year at the start of 2024. But there's good news about Mac, China and Vision Pro. Plus hints of AI.

www.cultofmac.com/855188/apple-q1-2024-quarterly-results-revenue-drop-ai

Plunging iPad shipments show Apple needs new models

The absence of new models affects sales — and Apple's market position.

www.cultofmac.com/855284/ipad-shipments-q1-2024-idc

^{A message from CdkeySales}

CdkeySales May Sale: Get Windows 10 Pro for $17 and 11 Pro for $23

The CdkeySales May Sale is in full swing with great big bargains on Microsoft productivity software like Windows and Office.

www.cultofmac.com/854700/cdkeysales-may-sale

New Apple ad promises iPhone 15 can find your Mandalorian friends

"This is the Way," says Apple with its new "Find Your Friends" ad. The new video reunites Mandalorians at a raucous "Star Wars" convention.

www.cultofmac.com/855256/apple-find-your-friends-ad-mandalorian

Apple exempts freeware from controversial Core Technology Fee

Apple gives in to protests about the Core Technology Fee it charges European developers.

www.cultofmac.com/855180/apple-exempts-freeware-from-controversial-core-technology-fee

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Store}

iPhone charger with built-in battery pack looks totally sci-fi

This unique MagSafe charging stand ensures you always have an iPhone battery pack juiced up and ready to go.

www.cultofmac.com/812490/magsafe-battery-pack-stand

Get 500GB of cloud storage for life, only $120

Move your files to 500GB of Amaryllo Cloud storage. You can get 500GB for life with a one-time payment of only $119.99 (regularly $249).

www.cultofmac.com/854770/500gb-amaryllo-cloud-storage

Today in Apple history: Mac's first 100 days prove a roaring success

On May 3, 1984, Apple marked the all-important first 100 days after the Mac launch. Early signs indicated the Macintosh would become a hit.

www.cultofmac.com/479113/today-apple-history-first-100-days-mac-roaring-success

Killer dock keeps MacBook Pro and PC in play [Setups]

In today's setup, a YouTuber connects laptops and peripherals through a formidable Orico 15-1 Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Docking Station.

www.cultofmac.com/855186/orico-thunderbolt-3-dock-setup

Tweetz o’ the day

— # (#)

One more thing ...

❝

I don't think much about my time of life. I just get up in the morning and it's a new day. Somebody told me when I was 17 to live each day as if it were my last, and that one day I'd be right. I am at a stage where I don't have to do things just to get by. But then I've always been that way because I've never really cared about money that much. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel the same way now as I felt when I was 17.

— Steve Jobs, 1998.

Today’s poll

What iPad improvements do you want to see most?

Results from yesterday’s poll: How disciplined is your passwords strategy?

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