Author: Sam Kohl

  • Recent YouTube app update enables native picture-in-picture video (update: rolling out)

    Recent YouTube app update enables native picture-in-picture video (update: rolling out)

    The news: A recent update to the YouTube app enables picture-in-picture (PiP) video on iPhone following more than a year after Apple introduced the option on iOS 14.

    • PiP video will be available for all users, not just premium subscribers, according to MacRumors
    • The feature was enabled/disabled on-and-off over the course of months and is now rolling out to all users

    Our take: I was shocked to see this on my on iPhone this morning when swiping out of the YouTube app while a video was playing. As you could imagine, this is awesome, and finally leverages the iOS 14 PiP released in September 2020.

  • Apple launches paid Podcasts Subscriptions and channels after delays

    Apple launches paid Podcasts Subscriptions and channels after delays

    The news: Apple now allows you to pay for exclusive podcast content inside of the Podcasts app and follow channels from your favorite creators.

    • “Apple today announced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, the global marketplace for premium podcast subscriptions, is now available. Starting today, listeners in more than 170 countries and regions can purchase subscriptions for individual shows and groups of shows through channels, making it easy to support their favorite creators, enjoy new content, and unlock additional benefits such as ad-free listening and early access, directly on Apple Podcasts.”
    • The feature was initially announced in April at the Spring Forward event

    Our take: This is a great option for podcast creators looking for an additional revenue stream, subject of course to Apple’s 70/30 split.

  • Some M1 iMac owners are receiving units with crooked displays

    Some M1 iMac owners are receiving units with crooked displays

    The news: A number of iMac owners have been praising the new desktop…but a few have noticed a strange issue where the monitor isn’t as level as it should be.

    • As noted first by YouTuber iPhonedo, his brand new M1 iMac was not mounted properly onto its stand and sits slightly crooked
    • Other users have also reported the issue, but it doesn’t appear to be widespread

    Our take: This is…wack. Obviously, the thumbnail below is a bit exaggerated, but as can be seen in the header image: yeah, that iMac is crooked. I hope Apple will be replacing these defective units as this is pretty obviously bad.

  • Apple releases 3 new silicone iPhone cases in Summer colors

    Apple releases 3 new silicone iPhone cases in Summer colors

    The news: Apple just released a trio of new cases in fresh Summer colors for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.

    • “Sunflower,” “Cloud Blue,” and “Electric Orange,” are yellow, light blue and deep orange silicone cases with MagSafe built-in
    • The cases are available for order now and begin delivering on Wednesday, June 16

    Our take: As someone who has gone caseless for the first time in years with my iPhone 12 Pro, these still aren’t enough to get me to throw something on my phone. But Sunflower is hot.

  • Apple Watch SE 2 likely coming in 2022

    Apple Watch SE 2 likely coming in 2022

    The rumor: Apple is not planning to update the Apple Watch SE until next year, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate, via Bloomberg).

    Our take: I don’t know of a case where Apple has updated a SE product year-over-year yet, so don’t look for a new SE watch until 2022.

  • Apple Watch Series 8: new ‘explorer’ edition, body temperature sensor, coming in 2022

    Apple Watch Series 8: new ‘explorer’ edition, body temperature sensor, coming in 2022

    The rumor: Apple is planning to introduce a major new health sensor in the 2022 Apple Watch, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate, via Bloomberg).

    • A new “explorer” or “adventure” edition of the Apple Watch that is more rugged and resilient was initially planned for this year but may have been pushed back until 2022
    • There’s also a body temperature sensor in the works, which would be invaluable during a time like the COVID-19 pandemic, and should be included on the Apple Watch Series 8
    • Non-invasive glucose monitoring, which would be a medical breakthrough, “is unlikely to be ready for commercial launch for several more years”

    Our take: I’ve been asking Apple for a body temperature sensor for years now (way before the pandemic was here), and I’m ecstatic to hear that it’s finally coming. I think a launch this year would be timely though, as we likely (hopefully) won’t be thinking about COVID-19 in September 2022.

  • Apple Watch Series 7 to be slightly thicker and faster; better display

    Apple Watch Series 7 to be slightly thicker and faster; better display

    The rumor: The Apple Watch Series 7 will include moderate upgrades over last year’s model, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate, via Bloomberg).

    • “For this year’s model, Apple has tested thinner display borders and a new lamination technique that brings the display closer to the front cover” Gurman says
    • Apple Watch Series 7 may also include upgraded ultra-wideband functionality, a faster processor and better wireless connectivity
    • Apple will likely unveil the new Apple Watch at an event sometime this Fall

    Our take: I’m curious to see how much closer Apple can get the display to the front glass of the watch because looking at mine now…it already seems as close as it can get (and it looks great). Interesting to note that Gurman doesn’t mention a full redesign, however, as other sources have suggested.

  • Beats Studio Buds releasing in 3 colors on June 25 for $149

    Beats Studio Buds releasing in 3 colors on June 25 for $149

    The news: Apple just announced their latest pair of Beats headphones: Beats Studio Buds, a stemless pair of truly wireless earbuds.

    • Active noise cancellation (ANC) alongside transparency mode come standard on these new headphones, with a some Beats-exclusive silicon powering the buds
    • They’re also IPX4-rated sweat and water resistant and amiable in black, red and white
    • Apple promises 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with the case enabling 24 hours of total battery life
    • Beats Studio Buds are available to order now on Apple.com and ship on June 25 for $149

    Our take: These look great, and the price is crazy here…keep in mind the cheapest AirPods start at $159. Most fascinating bit of info here is the lack of an Apple chip inside, apparently it’s some custom Beats silicon enabling a lot of H1 chip-like features. With AirPods 3 still nowhere in sight, it will be hard to pass these stemless, more innovative-looking buds up.

  • Many Apple Stores to drop mask requirement this week

    Many Apple Stores to drop mask requirement this week

    The rumor: Apple will no longer require vaccinated customers to wear masks in some stores as soon as later this week, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate, via Bloomberg).

    • Select Apple Stores in the United States will no longer require visitors to wear a mask if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but the policy could vary from place to place
    • Employees will still be required to mask, regardless of immunization status, however

    Our take: With the most recent CDC guidance, I was surprised when I was asked to put on a mask earlier last week at my local Apple Store in St. Louis. Glad to see the requirement will be dropped for those of us who have been vaccinated!

  • Beats Studio Buds may launch on July 21

    Beats Studio Buds may launch on July 21

    The rumor: Apple’s first pair of stemless earbuds are launching next month, according to Jon Prosser (73.6% accurate, via FrontPageTech).

    Our take: Every piece of evidence was suggesting an imminent launch, and even Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate) has said BSB are coming in July… Pretty excited to try these out.

  • Redesigned iPad mini first look shows larger screen, USB-C & more

    Redesigned iPad mini first look shows larger screen, USB-C & more

    The leak: A slew of new renders depicting the upcoming, redesigned iPad mini have been shared by Jon Prosser (73.6% accurate, via FrontPageTech.com) and designer Ian Zelbo.

    • The new design essentially looks look a mini iPad Pro, with slimmer bezels and an all-screen design with dimensions of 206.3x 137.8 x 6.1mm
    • Due to the removal of the home button, it seems Touch ID will be relocated into the power button
    • Upgraded speakers described as “crazy nice” will also debut on the new tablet
    • And believe it or not…USB-C may be replacing the Lightning port
    • A smaller version of the Apple Pencil could also ship alongside the new iPad mini

    Our take: This looks phenomenal, and it’s what iPad mini users have been asking for, for years. I don’t think it’s the right tablet for me, but this will certainly become the best small tablet on the market overnight.