Issue 329 September 2018 macformat.com @macformat
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Thankfully, the days of having to shuttle simple information between devices using floppy disks or even USB memory sticks are a thing of the past. Online services like Apple’s iCloud save you a lot of hassle. However, iCloud has many uses, some of which you might’ve missed entirely because they’re tucked away, or maybe you know of a feature but find its behaviour hard to fathom. In this issue you’ll learn: the difference between how your Mac and iOS devices make your files in iCloud Drive available; how to have iCloud’s email server deal with new messages so you truly see the same inbox on all your devices; a way to coordinate family life more easily, and much more. Also in this issue, save yourself even more time and stress by improving the way your Mac, iPhone and iPad work with our pick of 33 essential power apps. Whether your trouble is an unmanageable number of menu bar icons on your Mac, difficulty in assembling an archive of files on iPad to send to someone, Calendar for iPhone just doesn’t cut it, or some other fight with your kit repeatedly brings your productivity to a halt, you can’t afford to miss these gems. Before you get stuck in, make sure you don’t skip the news section, where you’ll get the lowdown on a bump to MacBook Pro specs, announced just as we were sending this issue.
Meet the team
Alan Stonebridge Editor editor@macformat.com
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twitter.com/macformat
Jo Membery Operations Editor With the World Cup and Wimbledon all over, Jo’s wondering how on earth she’s going to get through August without shouting at the telly!
Alex Blake Commissioning Editor Alex has been trying to avoid technology and spend as much time in the sun as possible. Email reminders off and iPhone set to Airplane Mode.
Paul Blachford Art Editor Paul’s trying to decide what new phone he should get – he’s thinking of an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus? Or an ‘S’ model? First World problems, eh Paul?
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september 2018 | MACFORMAT | 3
Issue 329 September 2018 macformat.com
20
iCloud
6
APPLE CORE 6
rumourS & NEWS
The latest updates from Cupertino and beyond
9
demystified Stay connected with Apple’s online service
apps & GAMES
Our top picks of the month for Mac and iOS
10
apple facts
Amazing stats from the world of Apple
12
macformat investigates
GDPR and your privacy rights
16
letters
Have your say on all things Apple related
17
Split View
The team’s views on the latest Apple tech
18
64
Opinion
Apple’s plans for a TV and music subs bundle
APPLE HOME 73
digital domain
Push button control for your home
74
homekit & homepod
Get to grips with Apple’s smart helpers
77
press for action
The best smart buttons on the market
4 | MACFORMAT | september 2018
33 essential power apps
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GENIUS TIPS 58
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Howard Oakley solves all your Mac hardware, software and iOS issues
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iOS software
Swipe away your touchscreen troubles
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We solve your hardware hassles
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APPLE CHOICE
New kit and apps – we’ve got all the latest hardware and software reviews
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Advanced safari tips
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back issues
Head here if you’ve missed an issue
104 photo stream Send us your Apple-related shots
105 Next Month What’s coming in MF330 on 28 August
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macOS MOJAVE & iOS 12
How to try the public beta versions now
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A Synology RT2600ac router
REGULARS
Affinity Photo
Remove distractions and improve composition
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APPLE HOME
Push button control for your home
LOYALTY CARD STORAGE
Keep all your loyalty cards on your iPhone
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TODAY VIEW WIDGETS
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VIP MAIL TREATMENT
Manage your email notifications
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CELL TRICKS IN NUMBERS
Easy data entry tips for your spreadsheets
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MESSAGES ON APPLE WATCH
Stay in touch with people from your wrist
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HOW IT WORKS
Understanding Mac storage options
september 2018 | MACFORMAT | 5
What’s inside 6–8 RUMOUR & NEWS Word on the grapevine about future Apple kit
9 APPS & GAMES
Edited by
Alan stonebridge
Our top picks of the month for Mac and iOS
10 apple facts The facts and figures behind Apple in the UK
12 macformat investigates GDPR and your data privacy rights
16 letters Have your say
17 split view The power of Apple’s new Shortcuts app
18 opinion Apple’s approach to TV
The new MacBook Pro models boast increased processing power, more memory and True Tone technology.
Hot topic!
MacBook Pro updated Now with much-requested 32GB memory Contact us Email your queries to letters@macformat.com Join the conversation at facebook.com/macformat or on Twitter @macformat
here were plenty of people who bemoaned the lack of hardware updates at Apple’s developer conference in June. But that seems to have been partly addressed now with the release of updates to the MacBook Pro line-up. The new models are more evolutionary than revolutionary, focusing mainly on improved performance and feature tweaks. One of the biggest updates is that Touch Bar-
T
6 | MACFORMAT | September 2018
equipped models have eighth-generation (Coffee Lake) Intel Core processors. 15-inch models now come with a six-core i7 processor as standard, up from four cores previously, delivering up to 70% faster performance according to Apple. The i7 can be upgraded to an i9 processor if you need even more power. That’s not the only update that’s intended to make your apps run more smoothly. You can now equip the MacBook Pro with up to
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Apple’s AirPower charger has apparently faced numerous delays.
THE POLL We asked… What’s your main way of playing music?
Local library to device’s speaker
Local library to wireless speaker
11%
28%
11%
Cloud to smart speaker
20%
AirPower expected soon Apple’s wireless charger may finally have a launch date here may not be much longer to wait for AirPower – it could be with us by September. The wireless charging mat from Apple was unveiled back in September 2017, but we’ve had no news since then. According to Bloomberg, the device has been delayed as Apple attempts to solve numerous technical issues. The
complicated circuitry and potential risk of overheating are two of the more prominent problems. Apple says the mat will be able to charge an iPhone, Watch and AirPods at once. That ambitious goal means the development process has taken longer than expected – but Bloomberg’s sources claim a projected September launch.
32GB of memory, but only in the 15-inch models. This helps if you have lots of pro apps open at once, or need to work with very large files such as high-res videos.
its way across from the iMac Pro, where it debuted last year: the T2 chip from Apple’s powerhouse desktop Mac. The T2 houses the Secure Enclave used to keep your Touch ID data safe and sound, as well as supporting Secure Boot and on-the-fly encrypted storage. It also enables Hey Siri to work on the MacBook Pro. Finally, the slimline keyboard in the MacBook Pro has been upgraded to its third generation, which Apple says is improved and quieter than its predecessor. “The latest generation MacBook Pro is the fastest and most powerful notebook we’ve ever made,” said Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller. “Now with eighth-generation six-core processors, up to 32GB of system memory, up to 4TB of superfast SSD storage, new True Tone technology in its Retina display and Touch Bar, the Apple T2 chip for enhanced security and a third-generation quieter keyboard packed into its thin and light aluminium design with all-day battery life, it’s the best notebook for pro users.”
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Feature improvements Not all of the changes are about straight performance improvements. Apple has brought its True Tone display technology to every 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro. This automatically adjusts the colour and intensity of your display so that it matches the ambient light, which results in images appearing more natural. Apple has long been an advocate of superfast storage in its notebooks, and that’s also reflected in this update. You can now equip a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a 4TB SSD, although it’ll set you back a whopping £2,880 or £3,060, depending on which 15-inch model you choose. Another update is one that has made
“The latest… MacBook Pro is the fastest and most powerful notebook we’ve ever made” macformat.com @macformat
Cloud to device’s speaker
30%
Other
Log on and see next issue’s big question! twitter.com/macformat facebook.com/macformat
Alexa voice control arrives on iOS devices > Amazon’s Alexa assistant now has voice control on iOS. The feature has been available on Android since January. Before this announcement, the Alexa app on iPhone could be used to customise Alexacontrolled smart home devices, plus Amazon’s Echo speakers, but not using your voice. The change means you can ask questions, listen to music, operate smart home devices and use Alexa’s Skills system by talking to your iPhone. Asking for weather, sports, calendar and movie data will also bring up visual information on your screen. Still, you won’t be able to set Alexa as your default voice assistant on iOS just yet. For now, you’ll need to open the Alexa app first, rather than simply saying the “Alexa” trigger phrase to start making your requests.
September 2018 | MACFORMAT | 7
apple news roundup iTunes Remote app updated Gets New icon and iPhone X compatibility For the first time since early 2017, the iTunes Remote app for iOS has been updated. It now works with iPhone X’s tall Super Retina display. Additionally, the app’s design has been completely revamped, and it has a new icon too. Finally, Apple’s release notes state that iTunes Remote 4.4 includes some stability and performance improvements as well.
Apple’s 2018 and 2019 plans Reliable analyst predicts a range of interesting updates mong Apple analysts, Ming-Chi Kuo is one of the most reliable, with a good track record of correct predictions. In his latest research note, he makes a number of assertions about what Apple is set to unveil in the next few years. For instance, Kuo predicts that the second half of 2018 will see the release of three new iPhones: a second-generation iPhone X, a larger iPhone X Plus, and a more budgetfriendly 6.1-inch phone. As well as that, 2018 will see the debut of a cheaper MacBook Air, along with Apple Watches with larger displays than the current models, states the analyst.
A
Apple’s audio aspirations
Apple offers keyboard fixes for free
High-end cans and AirPods on the way According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is working on upgrades to AirPods to include water resistance, noise cancellation and greater wireless range – and perhaps even biometric sensors to measure your heart rate. The report also claims that Apple is working on a set of headphones to complement its Beats range as a high-end alternative. It says to expect both products to be released in 2019.
In 2019, Kuo believes that LCD-based iPhones will outsell those with OLED displays. However, he notes that while the new phones will have “marked innovations”, we may have to wait until September or October 2018 to find out more details about them. The research note makes some other observations about Apple. Kuo does not believe the looming US-China trade war will negatively affect the company, and that at the top end of the market Apple’s only competitor is itself. He also believes the company has surpassed its competitors “by a wide margin in terms of innovative user experience and ecosystem development.”
For eligible models of MacBook and MacBook Pro (2015 to 2017) pple is offering free servicing on faulty MacBook keyboards. The offer covers MacBook and MacBook Pro models from 2015 to 2017 that are experiencing issues. Specifically, Apple says you can have a free service if letters repeat unexpectedly or do not appear, or if your keys feel ‘sticky’ or do not respond in a consistent manner. Much has been made in recent months of issues with Apple’s butterfly keyboard
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8 | MACFORMAT | September 2018
design, with critics arguing that it fails more than previous models. A small study from AppleInsider found that when the 2016 MacBook Pro was called in for a warranty repair, the issue was twice as likely to be with the keyboard than on earlier MacBook Pros. That data didn’t reflect the total number of MacBook Pro
warranty repairs, though. If your MacBook or MacBook Pro has experienced issues with its keyboard, you can make an appointment with Apple or an Authorised Service Provider. The repair process may replace a faulty key, or the entire keyboard may need to be swapped out. You have up to four years after purchase to claim your repair.
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Apps & games APPLE CORE
APPLE TV
App of the month
Our top picks of what’s worth watching and playing this month
[iO S A PP]
Mavis – Pro Camera Free
[ MOV I E]
An excellent high-end video app for iOS
£9.99
Let’s face it: Apple’s Camera app is pretty limited when it comes to shooting videos. Unfortunately, a lot of manual control is lost at the expense of ease of use, but Mavis gives back some of that hands-on power. It’s a high-level video app that comes with a wealth of features. You get focus peaking to ensure your subject is sharp, and false colour exposure assistance too. There are also manual
Wonderstruck
tools for colour, exposure, focus, ISO and so on, should you want to get even more hands on. You can shoot using custom frame rates, and in resolutions up to 4K. There are heaps of bit rates to suit your projects, and more audio options than you can shake a stick at. In fact, there are far too many features to list here – it really is head and shoulders above the default app on your iPhone. So if you’ve been longing for a better video camera app, give it a try.
Wonderstruck links the stories of two deaf kids born in different eras – the 1920s and 1970s – as each sets out to find an absent parent.
[Podcast]
Skeptoid FREE
[iOS GAME]
[ M a c App ]
[iTunes store]
Homo Machina
Tweetbot 3
£2.99
£9.99
Lightsleeper Neil & Liam Finn £8.99
Inspired by the scientific drawings of Fritz Kahn, Homo Machina is a puzzle game set inside the human body taking the form of a 1920s factory. It’s surreal and scientific in equal measure as you attempt to keep the body working across the course of a day. Why you need it: It’s unlike any other scientific game. What it’s best for: Making tricky topics approachable.
If you love Twitter, you need Tweetbot. The app has made a name for itself over the years, and it’s plain to see why. It’s got a new interface (complete with dark mode), an upgraded sidebar, a new notifications view, and timeline filters to help keep things organised. Why you need it: Simplify your Twitter usage. What it’s best for: Seeing everything at a glance.
Crowded House frontman Neil Finn’s songwriting knocks us for six with memorable melodies and lyrics. Here he joins forces with talented son Liam, whose I’ll Be Lightning is one of our favourite albums of the 2000s. Why you need it: Neil’s joined Fleetwood Mac, which might keep him busy for a while. What it’s best for: Check out Back to Life: bit.ly/finnbtl.
macformat.com @macformat
Skeptoid is an awardwinning podcast that takes a sceptical look at urban legends and the supernatural. The show on Space X’s Zuma satellite is a highlight.
[T V show ]
Jack Ryan (Season 1) Amazon Author Tom Clancy’s CIA analyst, played by John Krasinski on the small screen, is out to foil a terrorist plot against the US.
September 2018 | MACFORMAT | 9
APPLE CORE Facts & figures
1
Apple uk
IN NUMBERS
We look at the digits behind the domain of the United Kingdom of Apple…
2
60,000
> The first Apple Store in Europe was the
Regent Street store in London. These days, it sees about 60,000 customers pass through its doors each week.
38
> Since opening its first Apple Store in the UK in 2004, Apple has unveiled a further 37 stores here.
3
1,112
> Apple makes use of over 1,000 suppliers in the UK – the most of any country in Europe that it operates in.
4
> Almost 6,500 people are employed
in the UK, with over a third of them – over 2,500 – based in London.
5
291,000 > There’s no doubt that the App Store ecosystem
has benefited more than just Apple, with 291,000 related jobs being created in the UK.
10 | MACFORMAT | september 2018
6
42
> Around 1,400 employees will move to six floors of the iconic Battersea Power Station from 2021. That’s around 40% of the total office space at the site. macformat.com @macformat
APPLE CORE News feature
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investigates
Your data privacy rights With GDPR regulations grabbing headlines, how is the world’s biggest company keeping your data safe? written by
ALEX BLAKE
nless you’ve been living off-grid for the past few months, there’s no way you’ll have missed the fervent news coverage of GDPR. Short for the General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR is the EU’s new law meant to govern the way companies handle your data, and your rights to know what information they hold on you. Transgressors of the new law can be hit with hefty fines – up to 4% of a company’s worldwide annual turnover, or €20 million, whichever is higher – prompting a scramble among companies to get their affairs in order. You’ve almost certainly received emails asking you to resubscribe to email newsletters; these are motivated by GDPR. So how exactly does GDPR affect you? And what is Apple doing to make sure your private info is safe? Let’s take a look.
U
What is GDPR?
GDPR is designed to make it easier for EU citizens to gain access to data that companies hold about them, and to have information removed if they so desire. This is addressed by the so-called ‘right to be forgotten’ provision in GDPR. This lets you request that a company delete any info it holds on
12 | MACFORMAT | September 2018
you, providing there are no ‘legitimate grounds’ for holding it. An example is given by the European Commission (EC) of a child entering data about themselves on a website without fully understanding the consequences, then having to live with those consequences for the rest of their life. In cases like that, the EC says, a right to be forgotten is particularly important. Regarding this right, the EC has specifically said: “This is about protecting the privacy of individuals, not about erasing past events or restricting freedom of the press.” That concept – protecting your privacy first and foremost – is at the heart of GDPR. The whole regulation comprises 99 separate articles, but the most important of those cover a few simple ideas. Companies must have a specific, lawful reason to hold your data; your personal data must be encrypted; you have a right to receive a copy of your data; and you can ask for that data to be deleted, especially if it’s no longer needed. There are other provisions, too. For example, the EC says GDPR will help to strengthen the EU internal market, influence global data protection standards, and ensure that data protection rules are enforced more effectively.
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