Hey, Apple ... don't be evil! 👿

October 24, 2020

As Apple faces increasing scrutiny from governments around the world, the company should take a lesson from Google (and learn from the search giant's mistakes).

We think Apple really needs to implement its own "don't be evil" policy -- and stick with it.

Also, with the new iPhone 12 and 12 Pro arriving this week, it's time to take a look at reviewers' first impressions (and revisit best practices for setting up a new iPhone).

News and opinion

Apple must avoid following a path blazed by Google. Years ago, the search giant touted its "don't be evil" policy. But somewhere along the line, Google lost track of that — and ended up getting sued by the Justice Department. Unfortunately, Apple faces similar governmental scrutiny.

In the first reviews, the new devices’ marquee feature — 5G wireless connectivity — largely goes unnoticed. Still, almost everybody loves the new design.

Plus, more on this week's new gear:

What lesson can we learn from Quibi’s glitzy, high-profile (and totally doomed) launch?

What’s old is apparently new. With Apple Music TV, the new streaming channel that plays music videos 24 hours a day, Cupertino created a 21st-century version of MTV -- that looks a lot like the 1980s.

This year, the streaming service will serve up the classic Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole gang. (Plus, new Peanuts specials are in the works.)

How-tos

While you might find yourself on familiar ground as you set up your iPhone 12, there are still plenty of little things you should do before you fire up your new phone for the first time (or shortly thereafter).

Setting up a new iPhone is easy, but there are a few tricks that make the process even smoother. Here's our guide.

Apple now has its very own music channel that streams music videos, 24 hours a day. You can watch it on any Apple device (as long as you live in the U.S.), and it's absolutely free.

If you're running a beta and you just bought an iPhone 12, you should check this out.

The latest iPhones bring big improvements — but they’re not cheap. Sell your old iPhone (and other Apple devices) to Cult of Mac today and we’ll send you a fat check.

Deals

Our mobile devices were supposed to make life easier. But as time goes on, it gets harder to keep track of all our tunes, videos and other data. Part of the challenge has always been using iTunes (or its successors). Luckily, this tool offers an intuitive alternative.

Plus, more software deals:

Upgrading your Apple Watch with amazing bands and accessories doesn’t have to break the bank.

Looking to boost the security factor at home or at the office? There’s no such thing as too safe, so this feature-rich security camera pulls out all the stops.

Reviews

The film, which reunites Bill Murray with director Sofia Coppola, is an extremely winning arthouse comedy that tackles midlife and marriage crises (and even tacks on a road trip). It's charmingly cynical, and it's now streaming on Apple TV+.

Most wireless chargers look like boring black blocks of plastic that seem out of place in a nicely decorated room. But the Laut Base wireless charger is different.

Just in time for election day, America’s real president makes a stump speech that’s part biography and part self-mythologizing letter to an equally mythic version of the state he calls home. Here's why you should watch the new music documentary now on Apple TV+.

The brilliant Quattro bumper case, which keeps your shiny new Apple Watch looking brand-new, is now available in green for the first time.