Apr 9, 2022

Apple TV+ is turning into a hitmaker

Ted Lasso wasn’t a fluke.

Apple TV+ scored its first big hit with that screwball sports comedy, but now it’s got not one but three simultaneous winners on its hands:

Severance, a weird, sci-fi-tinged thriller that just wrapped its mind-wiping first season (and got renewed for a second one).
CODA, the charming, Oscar-winning film about a teen girl who is the only hearing member of a deaf family.
And now Slow Horses, the spy series starring a flatulent Gary Oldman that premiered April 1.

All three of them ranked in the top 10 across streaming services last week. It’s been a slow start, but after a couple of years, Apple TV+ is finally a serious streaming contender.

– Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. Also this week: We’ve got a date for WWDC22 (hear our predictions for Apple’s big event in our podcast). Plus, iWork adds major new features, more juicy Apple rumors spill, and Ukrainians use Find My to watch Russian troop movements in real time.

News and opinion

These 3 hits prove Apple TV+ is a serious streaming contender

CODA, Severance and Slow Horses all showed up in this week’s top 10 most-watched movies and TV shows. Each is from Apple TV+, and they show the streaming service has become a strong competitor against Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. Perhaps this will silence any lingering doubts about Apple’s foray into film and TV.

WWDC22 starts June 6, will be ‘online-only’ (with a twist)

The 2022 iteration of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference will showcase the latest innovations in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS.

Plus: WWDC22 predictions and those disappointing M1 Ultra speed tests [The CultCast]

Ukrainians use ‘Find My’ to track Russian troops who stole devices

After invading soldiers steal Apple gear from Ukrainian civilians, the devices’ owners can watch Russian troop movements in real time.

Plus: Putin opposition app returns to App Store in Russia

Apple realizes no one wants small phones, increases iPhone 13 orders

Both iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini suffered “dismal” sales, and Apple already cut orders for its revised iPhone SE due to weaker-than-expected demand.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

iWork 12 adds features to better compete with Microsoft Office

The just-released Pages 12.0, Numbers 12.0 and Keynote 12.0 offer a variety of new features, including much finer control over font sizes in the iPad and iPhone versions. (There’s new stuff for Mac owners, too.)

Apple just can’t resist BS like its $129 Thunderbolt cable

The Apple Tax is real. Apple really does overcharge for some of its products. Nowhere is that clearer than with Apple’s 1.8-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable that costs double what it should. But you don’t have to pay the tax.

iPhone saves snowboarder after plunge into icy crevasse at 10,000 feet

Here’s a word to the wise: Always carry your charged iPhone, and don’t ski or snowboard “off-piste” in the Alps at 10,000 feet by yourself. Tim Blakey got the first part right, just barely, and that’s why he’s alive today.

How-tos

How to watch 'Friday Night Baseball' on Apple TV+ for free

New Apple TV+ show Friday Night Baseball doesn’t require a subscription (at least for now). It presents two marquee games a week, along with live pre- and postgame coverage. Here’s how to watch it.

How to take screenshots on Mac

The Mac offers a lot of options for taking screenshots and recording screen captures without installing any third-party apps. Here’s how to get ‘er done the right way.

Deals

EasySelfie is a stick and tripod for iPhone that does it all — save 33%

EasySelfie from SwitchEasy is an iPhone selfie stick and tripod in one that could greatly improve your on-the-go photography game. Sale ends today!

Record your wildest adventures with the ‘world’s smallest action cam’

When you’re doing something worth recording, a big, distracting camera is a great way to ruin the moment. The Insta360 Go 2 action cam won’t slow you down.

Plus, more gadgets from Cult of Mac Deals:

Host professional websites for life at one low price with PixelHost

Everyone needs a professional website, but not everyone has the time or coding prowess to create their own from scratch. The answer? Grab a lifetime subscription to PixelHost WordPress Hosting for just $59.

Cut the repetition and learn something new with this Mac app bundle

The Mac Productivity App Bundle & Lifetime Access to StackSkills gives you tools and courses that can change how much you get done in a day. And for a limited time, it’s on sale for $49 (regularly $1,511).

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Reviews

'Severance' season finale goes out with a bang [Apple TV+ recap]

This week’s episode makes excellent use of every second of its pulse-pounding airtime. The perfectly curated frames give way to woozy chaos as Lumon Industries workers Irving, Mark and Helly experience the outside world for the “first” time.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

Credit card-size item tracker supports Apple’s brilliant ‘Find My’ network [Review]

Think of the Chipolo Card Spot as a very flat AirTag. Put either device into something valuable and you’ll be able to locate it with your iPhone, whether it’s lost in your home or out in the world. But the Card Spot is slim enough to go into your wallet.

Colorful Cordura bands for Apple Watch are tough but comfortable

If you need an Apple Watch band that’s tough enough for anything you might throw at it, BluShark’s Cordura bands are a terrific choice. They’re immensely durable, and surprisingly comfortable (thanks to a soft leather backing).

Laut Huex case with MagSafe keeps iPhone protected and looking good

With its silky-smooth rubber coating and advanced impact technology, Laut’s brilliant Huex case is all you need to keep your iPhone 13 safe and scratchless.

Setups

New iPad Air dresses up festive ‘pink’ MacBook Air workstation

The owner of this setup seems over the moon about the new addition to her workstation, which is centered by an M1 MacBook Air and an LG display.

New Mac Studio pairs with imposing 5K display in pristine rig

Some workstations are cleaned up for the arrival of a major new addition and made ready for the one photo where they’ll look their Sunday best. That’s likely the case with this setup, with its dark-stained woods and its lights just so. After all, it just got a brand new Mac Studio.

Which monitor gets the boot when the new Studio Display shows up?

This great-looking setup already boasts dual displays. What will happen when one of Apple’s brand-new monitors enters the mix?

Did you enjoy this issue?

Cult of Mac

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

Tweet