Brent Simmons on Apple:

Apple has just provided us all with a reminder. Just like the sixth finger in an AI-rendered hand, Apple’s policies for Distributing apps in the U.S. that provide an external purchase link are startlingly graceless and a jarring, but not surprising, reminder that Apple is not a real person and not worthy of your love. Source: inessential: Corporations Are Not To Be Loved

I do get the point, but if my dedication to Apple in the last 40 years isn’t love, is it “passion” without love?

If Mark Gurman is correct, the rumored sale process for the Apple Vision Pro is rather complex and lengthy. Watching a 20-minute video to learn about a product indicates many things: Apple is nervous, and the product has a novel approach requiring potential customers’ education or training so … read more

Since the Apple Vision Pro will be available starting in early February, I think any new iPad will come in March at the earliest.

Dan Moyen, writing for MacWorld

The Vision Pro is a brand new platform with a brand new interaction method–so its release needs a new approach. Source: Vision Pro is already changing everything we know about Apple | Macworld

I’m glad to see that he agrees with my personal take on this already controversial product launch.

If the 2024 iPad Pro pricing is what the rumors are referring to, ridiculously expensive, not counting the new Magic Keyboard that would be needed to replace mine, this might be the deal breaker for me. I might not upgrade¹ at all and focus on my M2 MacBook Air. This would be sad because I like using the iPad a lot but can’t convince myself to settle for anything not pro. 😑🤷🏻‍♂️

I’ve extensively used Apple TV (the physical device), Apple TV+ and the Apple TV app during the holidays to play music, videos, movies and series. One thing is clear: tvOS 17 is a regression in terms of usability, for me anyway. I especially don’t like the new left sidebar in the TV app. … read more

A great documentary about Tim Cook. Must watch.

LLM on my iPhone? That sounds like a super interesting development. Suddenly, an iPhone with 1TB of storage might seem like a good buying decision, albeit expansive.

I sometimes miss this type of user interface.

Apple Working on Software Fix to Avoid U.S. Apple Watch Import Ban https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/18/apple-watch-import-ban-software-fix/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

Honestly, the blood oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch isn’t very useful because of a lack of precision. I wouldn’t mind having it removed entirely.

There is also a chance that the ‌MagSafe‌ charging for the ‌iPad‌ that we’re hearing about refers to a Mac-like magnetic charger rather than an iPhone-style magnetic charger. Apple is working on a more Mac-like aluminum Magic Keyboard for the 2024 ‌iPad Pro‌ launch, and the new iPads will also use the same M3 chips that are in the MacBook Pro. Source: Next iPad Pro Might Support MagSafe Charging - MacRumors

The next-gen iPad Pro looks more and more enticing by the day. A Mac-like MagSafe connector makes more sense to me. But I have a feeling this thing will be pricey!

Contingent pricing for subscriptions on the App Store — a new feature that helps you attract and retain subscribers — lets you give customers a discounted subscription price as long as they’re actively subscribed to a different subscription.

It’s often better to change something in a position of strength, not weakness. That is a good preemptive move by Apple, IMO.

Apple Pausing Sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in U.S. Due to Patent Dispute https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/18/apple-pausing-series-9-ultra-2-sales-in-us/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

Massive blow. We don’t get to see Apple stopping selling a product often.

That could be a clever tool for developers to attract new customers and subscribers with the following change to the App Store. I’m all for it.

I’m considering replacing/upgrading from an M1 Mac mini to the Mac Studio🤑. Upon looking at Apple’s Mac Studio website, I was surprised that the Mac Studio wasn’t yet updated to the M3 processor yet🤨. For some reason, I thought it was updated with the MacBook Pro this fall. I should have known better. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’ll wait for the next update.

I’m not really fond of this rumoured design.

Today is the day I realize that my M1 Mac mini doesn’t support two external displays. 😒 I wish I had that capability for today’s work I need to do¹.

Apple Releases watchOS 10.2 With Health Data Support for Siri, Swipe to Change Watch Face Option and More https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/11/apple-releases-watchos-10-2/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

Swipe to Change Watch Face option is BACK baby!

iOS 17.2 is now out for everyone! macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS too!

The scale at which Apple releases new software is still mind-blowing for me.

If Apple’s iPhone 16 brings Siri / Gen AI exclusivity, I don’t see that enough for me to consider upgrading. Some tech pundits will probably say that Siri needs much more than an upgraded microphone for a better experience. Photography enhancements are what make me upgrade for the most part.