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8 craziest Apple prototypes

8 craziest Apple prototypes

These wild products never saw the light of day.

Lewis Wallace
June 29, 2024

If you love the look of Apple products, wait till you get a gander at some of the wild prototypes that never made it into production.

From a four-way Frankenstein machine — which merged a computer with a desk phone, scanner and fax — to a big-screen Newton tablet (with bezels that look as big as ‘70s lapels), the images in this weekend’s feature story will fuel visions of an alternate history filled with insane Apple products.

Here’s a look at the eight craziest Apple prototypes ever.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Apple Intelligence is the marquee feature arriving on iPhones, Macs and iPads later this year. Why isn’t the AI suite coming to older devices?
There’s a new ChatGPT app for Mac, and it’s free.
Do your AirPods jump from device to device when you don’t want them to? You can stop that behavior.
Amazon Prime Day doesn’t happen for weeks, but you can grab big discounts on Apple products right now.
Don’t miss the Cult of Mac Store’s 22% discount on the three-in-one selfie stick that does it all.
And finally, if you want to take amazing fireworks photos with your iPhone on the Fourth of July, you need these tips.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

The 8 weirdest unreleased Apple products

Apple only shows off its finished products, which makes the company’s unreleased prototypes and early concepts all the more fascinating.

How-tos

How to stop your AirPods from switching between devices

If you’re trying to listen to podcasts or music on your phone, it can be annoying when your AirPods keep switching to other devices.

Files app in iOS and iPadOS 18 has two hidden power features

iOS and iPadOS 18 let users reformat external drives as well as keep a copy of a file on iCloud permanently stored locally.

How to find the iPad Magic Keyboard's hidden backlight

The control for the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad backlight isn't where you might expect. Here's where to look, and how to adjust it.

How to take fabulous fireworks photos with your iPhone

Taking great fireworks photos with your iPhone is easy, especially if you plan ahead. These tips will ensure your fireworks snaps sparkle.

How to turn off those irritating Apple TV sports notifications

Learn how to stop the sporty interruptions while you’re watching your shows and movies.

News

Apple, why can’t older iPhones handle ‘Apple Intelligence’ AI features?

Apple remains somewhat vague about why so few handsets work with Apple Intelligence. It owes iPhone users a concrete explanation.

Plus, more on Apple Intelligence:

Apple could face huge fines for breaking ‘steering’ rules under Europe's DMA

The EC warns Apple it's in breach of the Digital Markets Act's "anti-steering" rules, which allow devs to implement payment alternatives.

Leaked Apple Watch Series 10 renders reveal bigger display

CAD renders of the Apple Watch Series 10 indicate it will bring a bezel-less, 2-inch display. That might be the only big change, though.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Free ChatGPT Mac app brings AI to your desktop now

The new ChatGPT app for Mac users integrates the AI into your daily tasks. It offers features the web version does not.

These iOS 18 features won't arrive until later this year

iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia will launch this fall, but you will must wait until late 2024 or early 2025 to try some delayed features.

Plus, more on iOS 18:

Your iPhone will soon work better with third-party displays and batteries

Apple will soon start calibrating third-party iPhone displays and batteries, enabling True Tone support and battery health services on them.

Deals

Grab 20 early Amazon Prime Day deals on all things Apple

July's Amazon Prime Day is coming, but you can get a jump on it with early Prime Day Apple deals right now!

Plus, more deals on Apple gear:

Save everything with a 1TB external hard drive, now just $60

Cloud storage is great, unless you need access to your files without a Wi-Fi connection. Sometimes you need a 1TB external hard drive.

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac, just $24.97

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Teams Classic.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Reviews and recommendations

Budget flash drive sports USB-C and USB-A connectors [Review] ★★★★☆

UGR Tech’s Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive works with your Mac or iPad (and with older devices, too).

Get the selfie stick that does it all: It’s 22% off right now

SwitchEasy's EasySelfie does triple duty: It's a selfie stick, portable tripod and camera remote, all in one. And it's on sale!

Setups

3 good docks for M1 MacBook Air with external displays

Wish you could connect your M1 MacBook to more external displays? This user seeks a good dock for MacBook Air.

Want to save big bucks on great desktop speakers? Try these.

Adding killer sound to a computer setup doesn't have to drain your wallet. Edifier R1280T powered speakers get the job done on the cheap.

NZXT Relay gaming gear amps up Mac mini rig's sound

The lineup of gaming gear in this Mac mini setup -- speakers, headset, mechanical keyboard -- looks like a great value.