Apple Announces That WWDC 2022 Will Be Online-Only from June 6 - 10

Apple has announced that WWDC will be an online-only event again this year, running from June 6-10, 2022, but with a limited in-person event for developers and students. The company also opened submissions for the Swift Student Challenge from now through April 25. In a press rele … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

Automation April: 10 Shortcuts for Apple Translate, Live Text, Finder Images, Pixelmator Pro, and More

Shortcuts I’ve prepared for Automation April. It’s Week 1 of Automation April, and as I announced last week, alongside the several initiatives we’ve prepared for this month-long automation event, I’ve been working on 30 shortcuts to share with everyone for free on MacStories this … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

Last Week, on Club MacStories: Automation April, MacStories Unplugged, a Developer Interview, a Reader Setup

Because Club MacStories now encompasses more than just newsletters, we’ve created a guide to the past week’s happenings along with a look at what’s coming up next: Automation April Last Friday marked the launch of Automation April, a month-long celebration of automation on Apple’ … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

Enter Your Shortcuts in the Automation April Shortcuts Contest

We’re very excited to announce the inaugural Automation April Shortcuts Contest. When Federico and I hatched the idea for the contest last fall, it quickly became the centerpiece of Automation April. As Shortcuts tinkerers ourselves, we know that the best way to learn automation … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People; Try for Free! [Sponsor]

Kolide is a SaaS app that sends employees important, timely, and relevant security recommendations concerning their Mac, Windows, and Linux devices, right inside Slack. Kolide is perfect for organizations that want to move beyond a traditional lock-down model and move to one wher … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

MacStories Unwind: PS Remote Play and Xbox All-Access

[audio_player src=”https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/0de98bba-5e4d-4879-94dc-8c76a3a88322/episodes/2942f798-d8c9-4d4c-9267-973d2bd5c64b/audio/117972b3-d5e5-4748-aa27-0ce4f2afd14f/default_tc.mp3” mime_type=”audio/mpeg” total_duration=”00:26:11” caption=”“] [subscribe_to_unwind] Thi … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

Introducing Automation April: A Month-Long Community Event About Automation, Featuring Shortcuts, Interviews, Discord Workshops, and a Shortcut Contest

Welcome to Automation April. Over the past decade, MacStories has become the hub for all kinds of user automation. Starting with URL schemes, then Workflow, and eventually Shortcuts, we’ve created hundreds of shortcuts for MacStories readers and Club members and published stories … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

CARROT Weather 5.6 Adds Locations Lists, New Layout Sections, and More

CARROT Weather 5.6 is out today with a handful of excellent new features that pick up where previous updates have left off, with more ways to customize the app and make it your own. My favorite new feature is Locations Lists. From CARROT Weather’s Locations tab, you can search fo … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 1 year ago

Paper’s 10th Anniversary

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since the drawing app Paper was released on the iPad. Andy Allen, a co-founder of FiftyThree, the company that released the app in 2012, marked the anniversary with a post on Andy Works that recounts the app’s origin story during the e … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

AppStories, Episode 267 – State of the Platforms, with Apple’s Vivek Bhardwaj

This week on AppStories, we had the pleasure to interview Apple’s Vivek Bhardwaj about Universal Control, Shortcuts, Live Text, and more. [subscribe_to_appstories] On AppStories+, Federico and John discuss the irony that the Studio Display contains the hardware of a base-model iP … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Last Week, on Club MacStories: The 8th Installment of Federico’s Obsidian Series, John’s Studio Setup, and an Afterparty Town Hall

Because Club MacStories now encompasses more than just newsletters, we’ve created a guide to the past week’s happenings along with a look at what’s coming up next: AV Club Town Hall: The Afterparty AV Club is a monthly event held in the Club MacStories+ Discord community. Club me … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple TV+’s CODA Wins Best Picture at the Oscars

Last night was a big night at the Oscars for Apple. In just the second year that Apple TV+ has been eligible for an Oscar, the streaming service’s film CODA won the award for Best Picture. CODA was also honored with the award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and CODA star Tony Kotsur … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

MenuBar Stats: Advanced System Monitoring [Sponsor]

MenuBar Stats is a suite of 9 menu bar modules for monitoring your Mac that has been developed over the course of 9 years of listening carefully to customer feedback. The app tracks your Mac’s: Battery Bluetooth devices CPU GPU Storage Memory Network connection And, with a helper … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

MacStories Unwind: The Valve Steam Deck, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Dune

[audio_player src=”https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/0de98bba-5e4d-4879-94dc-8c76a3a88322/episodes/6c809680-f719-4814-88d1-0ad68b4e6fb7/audio/395d6fcc-ebe2-45be-ab53-415398d23ce3/default_tc.mp3” mime_type=”audio/mpeg” total_duration=”00:28:41” caption=”“] [subscribe_to_unwind] Thi … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Overcast Redesign Enhances Podcast Navigation with an Emphasis on Playlists and Recent Episodes

I’ve used a lot of different podcast apps over the years, but the one I return to most often and have used the most is Overcast by Marco Arment. The app’s customizability, Smart Speed and Voice Boost audio enhancement technologies, and Shortcuts support are unrivaled among podcas … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Alto’s Adventure: Spirit of the Mountain Released on Apple Arcade

Alto’s Adventure has long been one of my favorite iOS games. Originally released in 2015, the game has been updated over the years with features like zen mode and released on multiple platforms. Today, a remastered version known as Alto’s Adventure: Spirit of the Mountain is avai … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple Expands Analytics and Other Features Available to Podcasters

Source: Apple. Today, in a post on the Apple Podcasts for Creators webpage, Apple announced an expansion of the podcast analytics it offers, which podcasters can sign up to use at Apple Podcasts Connect. Apple is adding a new metric called Followers, the term Apple uses to descri … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

AppStories, Episode 266 – iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Updates In-Depth

This week on AppStories, we dig into the details of the iOS and iPadOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3 updates that were released by Apple last week. [subscribe_to_appstories] On AppStories+, a look at the first Mac Studio and Studio Display reviews. We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers wit … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Last Week, on Club MacStories: Calliope 1.2.0, the M1’s New Computing Baseline, and an Upcoming A.V. Club Town Hall

Because Club MacStories now encompasses more than just newsletters, we’ve created a guide to the past week’s happenings along with a look at what’s coming up next: MacStories Weekly: Issue 312 Calliope 1.2.0 is out with under-the-hood changes to the Club sign-in system. The M1 ra … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

ComicTrack: A Beautifully-Designed, Flexible Way to Organize Your Comic Book Reading

ComicTrack is a new app from Joe Kimberlin for tracking and organizing the comic books you’ve read, are currently reading, and want to read. The idea is similar to his excellent videogame tracking app, GameTrack, but applied to comics. I’ve been using ComicTrack for a couple of w … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Collections: A Powerful Database with iCloud Sync [Sponsor]

Collections Database is the premier personal database app for organizing anything and everything on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The app features more than 20 field types, linkable sub-databases, reusable lists, and a robust customization system. It’s a powerful and flexible solut … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

MacStories Unwind: Federico’s Surprise

[audio_player src=”https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/0de98bba-5e4d-4879-94dc-8c76a3a88322/episodes/c2399e50-9390-43f1-b7f9-7caa70b37ba0/audio/d38eeb21-2cf0-4f1f-9f89-bde54c187cba/default_tc.mp3” mime_type=”audio/mpeg” total_duration=”00:25:45” caption=”“] [subscribe_to_unwind] Thi … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Mac Studio and Studio Display Review Roundup

The reviews are out for the Mac Studio and Studio Display and a lot has been written about both. I’ve pulled some of the most interesting tidbits from the reviews, but if you’re considering buying a Mac Studio or Studio Display, be sure to read all of these reviews because they o … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

WaterMinder 5.1 Delivers a Ground-Up Redesign of Its Apple Watch App and More

Today, there are a lot of apps that track hydration, but for me, the standard-bearer for the category has always been and remains WaterMinder by Funn Media. The app has evolved a lot since we first covered it in 2016, but what hasn’t changed is its emphasis on fast data entry, a … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

iPad Air 2022 Review: Refined Balance

The new iPad Air. The last time I wrote about the iPad Air in October 2020, I explained how its fourth-generation model intrigued me again. A year and a half later, here I am, once again fascinated by the iPad Air, captivated by its hybrid nature caught between a base model iPad … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

AppStories, Episode 264 – Apple Event Impressions: The New iPad Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display

This week on AppStories, we cover our first impressions of the iPad Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display, including Federico’s thoughts on where the Air fits into the iPad lineup and John’s take on what to keep in mind when customizing a Mac Studio. [subscribe_to_appstories] On Ap … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Tripsy 2.10 Adds Web-Based Itineraries and Expanded Travel Email Forwarding

Tripsy is my favorite travel app because it’s not just about getting from Point A to Point B. To me, the app defines the difference between trips and travel. Lots of apps can track travel information about your flights or show you where your hotel is on a map. Tripsy can do those … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

macOS 12.3: The Magic of Universal Control and More

macOS 12.3 Monterey has arrived, delivering Universal Control, the long-awaited feature that allows users to transition between Macs and iPads with a single set of input devices. Federico is covering the feature from the perspective of iPadOS 15.4, so I’ll focus on the Mac. In ad … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

iOS and iPadOS 15.4: Hands-On with Universal Control, Face ID with a Mask, and More

Today, Apple released iOS and iPadOS 15.4. The fourth major updates to iOS and iPadOS 15, originally released in September 2021, offer a long list of miscellaneous improvements and feature tweaks (which I will detail later in the story) as well as two major additions for iPad and … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Last Week, on Club MacStories: A Special Apple Event Town Hall, ShareMenu 2.0, a Typefully Shortcut, and a Home Office with a View

Because Club MacStories now encompasses more than just newsletters, we’ve created guide to the past week’s happenings along with a look at what’s coming up next: Town Hall: Apple’s Peek Performance Event Last week, Federico, John, and Alex were joined by MacStories Discord modera … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Textastic: Code Editor and SFTP Client for iPad and iPhone [Sponsor]

Textastic is the most comprehensive and versatile text and code editor available for iPad and iPhone. This starts with syntax highlighting support for more than 80 programming and markup languages: Textastic handles highlighting for C, C++, Swift, Objective-C, Rust, Go, Java, HTM … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

MacStories Unwind: A.P. Bio and House by Shout Out Louds

[audio_player src=”https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/0de98bba-5e4d-4879-94dc-8c76a3a88322/episodes/bb27c15d-8053-4569-a6b1-6a47e8dc413f/audio/c6dfe558-d335-447a-bd5f-59b59554fac2/default_tc.mp3” mime_type=”audio/mpeg” total_duration=”00:15:56” caption=”“] [subscribe_to_unwind] Thi … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Logger Is the Missing Console for Shortcuts Power Users

Logger for Shortcuts. Indie developer Alex Hay has long pushed the boundaries of what third-party developers can build with the SiriKit framework and Shortcuts integrations on Apple platforms. In late 2019, his Toolbox Pro app redefined what it means to complement Apple’s Shortcu … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

The Shift in Apple’s Hardware Strategy

John Porter writing for The Verge puts a finger on a strategic shift that has slowly been emerging at Apple for a while. Summoning the era of butterfly keyboards and the Mac Pro’s infamous thermal corner, Porter says: There was a time not long ago when it seemed like Apple spent … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Jason Snell on the Implications of Apple’s Major League Baseball Deal

If you came away from yesterday’s Apple event with the impression that TV+ will be airing two Major League Baseball games every Friday, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, there’s a lot more to the story than meets the eye, as Jason Snell explains at Six Colors. In addition to a two- … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Mac Studio, M1 Ultra, and Apple Studio Display: The MacStories Overview

Yesterday during their Peek Performance keynote event, Apple unveiled the Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display. The former is an all-new computer joining the Mac lineup, with specs that are blowing away Apple’s previous offerings due to the introduction of a new top-of-the-line M- … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple’s ‘Peek Performance’ Event: All The Small Things

Today, Apple covered a lot of ground quickly, and as usual, more details have emerged in the aftermath of the event. We’ve been combing apple.com, Twitter, and other sources to learn more about its new services, iPhones, iPads, Mac Studio, and Studio Display, which we’ve collecte … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple’s New iPad Air Adds the M1 Chip, Center Stage Support, and 5G Connectivity

Today’s Peek Performance Apple event included a new iPad Air that replaces the model that was released in the fall of 2020 and features an M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and an Ultra Wide front-facing camera. The new Air comes in five colors: Space Gray, Starlight, pink, purple, and b … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple’s ‘Peek Performance’ Event: By the Numbers

As usual, Apple sprinkled facts, figures, and statistics throughout its presentation today. Here are highlights of some of those metrics from the event that was held online from Apple Park in Cupertino, California. iPhone SE 5G connectivity 64, 128, and 256GB storage capacities 4 … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple Unveils the Latest Iteration of iPhone SE with an A15 Bionic Chip and 5G

Today, Apple updated its budget-model iPhone SE with a new A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, better battery life, and other modern iPhone features. As with the previous model, the new SE comes in three colors: Midnight, Starlight, and (Product)RED. With the new A15 Bionic chip, A … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Replay Apple’s Peek Performance Keynote and Other Videos

If you didn’t follow the livestream or announcements as they unfolded today, you can replay it on Apple’s Events site and catch the product videos on Apple’s YouTube channel. The keynote video can be streamed here and on the Apple TV using the TV app. A high-quality version will … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple’s ‘Peek Performance’ Event – Apple Announces Availability of Green iPhones, iPhone SE, iPad Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display

Apple announced the following pre-order and availability dates for the products announced today: iPhone 13 and 13 mini in Green and the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in Alpine Green Pre-Order: Friday, March 11thAvailability: Friday, March 18thLocations: Australia, Canada, China, Fran … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

AppStories, Episode 263 – Beyond Doom Scrolling: Getting More Out of Twitter

This week on AppStories, Federico and John talk about how to get more out of Twitter while avoiding doom scrolling, through a combination of advanced Twitter features, third-party apps, and Shortcuts. [subscribe_to_appstories] On AppStories+, Federico and John talk about the upco … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Last Week, on Club MacStories: Symlinks for Windows and macOS, File Organization Tips, Batch-Converting Saved Timers, and an Upcoming ‘Peek Performance’ Town Hall

Because Club MacStories now encompasses more than just newsletters, we’ve created a guide to the past week’s happenings along with a look at what’s coming up next: Monthly Log: February 2022 Federico shared how he’s using symbolic links to sync his Dolphin emulator saves across W … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Nintendo Switch Online 2.0 Gets a Redesign and Adds a Few New Features

Since it debuted, Nintendo Switch Online’s utility has been primarily limited to initiating voice chats and other online features in the Switch games that support them. That’s still the core of version 2.0, but the app has been redesigned and adds a couple of nice new features. T … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Take Your Business Out Of The Dark With Daylite [Sponsor]

For small businesses, it can be difficult to stay on top of clients, leads, and projects that are evolving every day. Here’s how Daylite can help supercharge your team to shine brighter, handle more clients, close more deals, and execute more projects. Designed for Mac, iPhone, a … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

MacStories Unwind: Elden Ring and Kimi

[audio_player src=”https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/0de98bba-5e4d-4879-94dc-8c76a3a88322/episodes/b7aeae5f-44eb-4bd9-ba4b-6cdbe5bb2225/audio/6e6a12d5-0431-4632-a149-307442a36f1e/default_tc.mp3” mime_type=”audio/mpeg” total_duration=”00:24:01” caption=”“] [subscribe_to_unwind] Thi … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago

Apple Announces March 8th Online Event

As tweeted by Federico, Apple has announced an online media event for March 8th, 2022 at 10:00 am Pacific: https://twitter.com/viticci/status/1499067678211948552 Based on the latest speculation and rumors, Apple is expected to introduce a revision of the iPhone SE and iPad Air. O … | Continue reading


@macstories.net | 2 years ago