Why we love the new iPad Pro

May 22, 2021

If you loved the old iPad Pro, you're really gonna love the new one.

Cult of Mac writer (and veteran iPad user) Ed Hardy lays out all the ways Apple turned its pro tablet up to 11 this year. Heck, maybe even all the way up to 12.9.

From iPad Pro to iMac to Apple TV 4K, it seems like all Apple's new gear delivered the goods this week. And the new Spatial Audio coming soon to Apple Music sounds absolutely awesome, at least in theory. (The fact that lossless audio won't play on AirPods ... not so much.)

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. If you haven't seen the video of how AssistiveTouch will work on Apple Watch, take a minute to do it. It's a wild new way that Apple's wearable will work for people with certain disabilities.

There’s so much to love about the 2021 iPad Pro. There’s a better screen, a faster processor and many other enhancements. As a long-term iPad user, I put the Apple’s latest to the test.

News and opinion

Apple’s debut M1 iMac is a winner, according to the first wave of reviews that arrived Tuesday. The first iMac redesign since 2012 earns praise for its ultra-thin looks, its gorgeous 4.5K display and its M1-powered performance.

Apple software updates will make its devices far easier to use for people with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities. The features include AssistiveTouch for Apple Watch, which offers astonishing new ways for people with limited mobility to control the smartwatch without tapping its screen.

Looks like the next-gen Apple Watch could get a big, but subtle, makeover. Check out the renders!

Plus, more Apple rumors:

If you had a new MacBook Air with an M1 chip and 16GB of unified memory, how much would you have to do at once to bring up the spinning beach ball of death? Redditor Typical_Andrew had a run at that.

Plus, more Setups:

For venture capitalists making digital connections, it's all about trust.

There’s hope for AirPods users unhappy that the new Apple Music lossless option won’t work on their wireless headphones.

Plus, more on Apple Music audio:

How-tos

Apple will roll out lossless audio and Dolby Atmos support on Apple Music next month, and the upgrades will come at no additional cost to subscribers. But they do have one rather significant caveat. High-resolution lossless tracks can’t be enjoyed on AirPods — not even the $549 AirPods Max. So what can you enjoy them on?

AirTag’s diminutive size and lack of ability to attach to anything out of the box means that it’s ironically easy to lose. Locating one that goes missing shouldn’t be too difficult, but if yours is proving hard to find, you might want to put it into Lost Mode.

Reachability remains alive and well in iOS 14 — even if you have an iPhone without a Home button. The feature, which makes even the largest iPhone models easier to operate with one hand, is super-simple to use with just a quick flick of the thumb.

Deals

Having one station to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods ensures you can kick off your day with topped-off batteries.

Olpr’s awesome new AirTag accessories, all beautifully made from genuine leather, just hit the Cult of Mac Store. And you can bag yours at up to 33% off the usual price for a limited time only.

When you have too many cables on your desk or bedside table, you need a good cable-management strategy. Elago’s system uses cleverly placed magnets to keep things tidy.

This week, we are giving away two tiny but mighty USB-C hubs from Vava worth $75 each. The Vava hub turns your MacBook’s two puny USB-C ports into five powerful ports, allowing you to connect two 5K external monitors to your MacBook Pro or Air.

Reviews

The Logitech Combo Touch combines an iPad Pro case with a kickstand and removable keyboard. It sets itself apart from the crowd with a large trackpad and by using the Smart Connector rather than Bluetooth.

Apple TV+ tried to buy itself a Ken Burns-style documentary about the potent cultural impact of rock and soul. Unfortunately, the eight-episode series will put you to sleep.

Plus, more Apple TV+ reviews:

This wireless game controller works with iPhone and iPad but also PC, Android and Switch. And it's great!