iPhone 2025: what to expect next

Issue 408 October 2024

macformat.com @macformat

Give your Mac

superpowers!
Smart ways to use Shortcuts

ULTIMATE APPLE
BUYER’S GUIDE
Pick your perfect Mac

Movies
to go!
Mobile projectors
on test

Final Cut Pro What’s next Master the

for iPad 2.0 for CarPlay? Notes app
In-depth review Apple’s auto plans Must-try tricks
 Whether your loved ones are going back to school
or heading off to university, or you’re just looking to
Meet the team
upgrade before the next round of OS updates, this
month’s lead feature should help. In it, you’ll
discover the best Macs (and iPads) that’ll give you
Jo Membery
the biggest bang for your buck. Plus, we
Operations Editor
recommend some great accessories and some
Jo’s come up with a handy
brilliant ways to save money on your purchase
shortcut that’ll put the bins
– you can find out more starting on p20.
out, walk the dog and do the
While Apple Intelligence promises to bring all
washing up after dinner. It’s
kinds of clever new ways to use your devices later
called ‘What Else Are Kids
this year and next with macOS Sequoia, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, there’s lots
For?’ and it’s great!
you can do to speed up things today – with one of the biggest being
Shortcuts, Apple’s replacement for Automator. In our Shortcuts Cookbook
(p62), you’ll discover all kinds of ways to put Shortcuts to work for you, and Paul Blachford
we’ll even show you how to create your own – from clever ways to speed up Art Editor
your workflow to handy automations for your smart home. When he’s not been busy
We also take a look back at The Apple Products That Time Forgot beavering over the designs
(p70) – from the Flower Power iMac to Rose Gold EarPods – and invite of this month’s pages, Paul
you to cosy up with us on the sofa while we put some of the latest portable been coveting Jony Ive’s
projectors through their paces (p86). It’ll beat trekking to your local multiplex old Product (RED) Mac Pro
for sure. You’ll also find 24 pages of how-tos and Genius tips, plus all the (p72) – a snip at $977,000.
latest news and reviews.
Enjoy the issue!
Ian Osborne
Contributor
Ex-MacFormat staffer
Ian’s been pouring over
Apple’s Mac and iPad
ROB MEAD-GREEN line-up for this month’s
EDITOR Ultimate Buyer’s Guide.
[email protected] Find out more on p20.

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 Issue 408
October 2024
macformat.com

20

IPHONE 2025: WHAT WE

ULTIMATE APPLE
6 KNOW SO FAR
Slim model, SE 4 and more! BUYER’S GUIDE
Pick your perfect Mac
APPLE CORE
6 RUMOUR & NEWS
The latest updates from Cupertino and beyond

9 APPS & GAMES

Our top picks of the month for Mac and iOS

10 CRAVE
The hot new gear we’re lusting after

12 OPINION
On an overdue major upgrade for the iPhone
– will we ever see a foldable model?

14 FACTS & FIGURES

The M3 iMac in numbers, from the
desktop’s sky-high resolution to its
all-time-low screen thickness

SUBSCRIBE
TODAY!
MACFORMAT INVESTIGATES
& SAVE
16 Why aren’t people upgrading
their Apple tech as often?
50%
TURN TO PAGE 34

4 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Issue 408 CONTENTS

38 Restore your old photos

62 APPLE CHOICE
Shortcuts
80
Your complete
guide to Shortcuts
HARDWARE

78 Fiio SP3 BT

APPLE SKILLS 80 Logitech Signature AI Edition

M750 Wireless Mouse
81 Elgato Stream Deck Neo
38 RESTORE YOUR OLD PHOTOS
Remove imperfections, and even add colour 82 Mixx StreamBuds Solo 2
Wireless Earbuds
40 ADD MULTIPLE USERS 83 Philips VoiceTracer
Safely share the magic of your Mac with others Audio Recorder Pen
42 POWER UP THE NOTES APP 84 Edifier D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker
Jot down, organise, add media and more 85 AnkerWork S600 Speakerphone
44 REMOVE UNWANTED APPS
70 86 Group test: Portable projectors
Free up space the easy way by deleting apps
THE
46 SURF SAFER WITH GHOSTERY
Banish ads and speed up slow-loading websites
APPLE
PRODUCTS
48 GET APPLE HELP FAST
Fix issues with help from the Apple Support app THAT TIME
FORGOT
50 GROW YOUR OWN VEG Discover the weird, 86 Group test: Portable
Become a more efficient produce gardener wonderful and what projectors
were they thinking
52 CUSTOMISE CONTROL CENTRE SOFTWARE
Access your favourite features on Apple Watch

54 NEXT-GEN CARPLAY 92 ESET Home Security Ultimate

A look at the features driving the software
93 Riven
94 Final Cut Pro 2 for iPad

GENIUS TIPS 96 App round-up: Six apps to help

you throw a summer party
76
Howard Oakley solves all
56 your Mac hardware, software 98 STORE GUIDE
and iOS and iPadOS issues BACK Get help with picking accessories
ISSUES and apps to go with your Apple kit
Head here if you’ve
missed an issue 105 NEXT MONTH
What’s coming in MF409 on 17 September

106 ONE MORE THING…

The Calculator app finally comes to iPad

Image credits: Apple Inc, xxxxxxx OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 5

THE LATEST NEWS AND RUMOURS

HOT TOPIC!

The iPhone in 2025:

what we know so far
Big changes are coming to the iPhone 17 – plus a new iPhone SE at last!
ith the iPhone 16 range just 120Hz ProMotion screen tech and There’s also talk of a 48MP telephoto
W around the corner, there’s not
long until we see what Apple
always-on displays, as well as 24MP
front-facing cameras. The entry-level
camera lens for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. At
least one iPhone in the range could get a
has been working on for the last year. iPhone 17, meanwhile, might even get mechanical aperture that would improve
But what significant improvements a larger 6.3-inch screen. On the inside, Portrait mode shots. The iPhone 17 Pro
and updates can we expect from the there will be an A19 chip, 8GB of memory is also expected to have a tetraprism
upcoming devices? We’ve scoured the and Wi-Fi 6E. lens, meaning the feature will no longer
rumour mill to find out. This year’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone be limited to the Pro Max device. Great
There are some features that are 16 Pro Max are expected to have larger news for the photographers out there.
anticipated to come to every iPhone 17 displays (6.3 inches and 6.9 inches Interestingly, there could even be
variant. Across the range, we anticipate respectively), and that will almost a new entry on the horizon: a so-called
certainly continue to the iPhone iPhone 17 Slim, which would replace the
17 Pro models. The Pro devices iPhone 17 Plus. However, the iPhone 17
There could even be could also potentially get Slim may have to make significant
under-display Face ID, as well sacrifices for its super-thin design,
a new iPhone 17 Slim as a souped-up A19 Pro chip including just one rear camera, a
and 12GB of memory along lower-quality titanium shell and a high
to replace the 17 Plus with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. $1,299 price tag (which would probably

6 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 It might soon be a little simpler
to replace your iPhone battery.

iPhone 16 to get easier battery replacements

Replacing your iPhone’s battery can That’s a very different system to it. However, Apple would still
be an exercise in frustration – but what exists now. Current iPhones hold recommend that you carry out the
not if a reported change comes to their batteries in place using adhesive work via a repair shop.
the iPhone 16. According to The strips, which can be difficult to work Apple says one reason it uses
Information, Apple is working on a new around. The Information says that adhesive strips is to improve
system that will let you use a small jolt Apple’s new system, though, would waterproofing. But with increasing EU
of electricity to pop out your iPhone’s house the battery in a metal case, scrutiny, Apple clearly feels it needs to
battery, making the whole process which would lift up the battery when swing the pendulum away from
significantly simpler. a small dose of electricity is applied to durability and closer to repairability.

translate to £1,299). That said, it would

also have the latest A19 chip, a Dynamic
Apple products
Island, plus Apple’s own in-house 5G chip.
go vintage
The iPhone SE 4 pple has now classified
There’s one device that should land a
few months before the iPhone 17: the
A the iPhone X, the
original AirPods and the
iPhone SE 4. Leaker Ice Universe has first HomePod as ‘vintage,’
claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that this marking an important change in
device – due out in early 2025, with mass these devices’ life cycles. Apple
production allegedly ramping up in designates products as vintage
October – will pack in an A18 chip. Aside when between five and seven years
from improving the phone’s performance, have passed since it stopped selling
this chip will also be compatible with Apple them. At that point, Apple Stores
Intelligence, bringing one of the hottest The iPhone SE is set for some sizeable changes. and Authorised Service Providers
new iOS features to Apple’s most months before the iPhone 17 is able to will continue to offer repairs for up
affordable iPhone range. restore more of a gulf between itself and to two years, as long as parts
Another report from Ice Universe the iPhone SE. remain available.
suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will finally As well as that, there’s talk that Apple These products are not yet
ditch its wide bezels and the Home button is working on a foldable iPhone that would deemed ‘obsolete,’ which happens
in place of an all-screen design, thereby flip up in a clamshell design. This product when Apple stopped selling them
also incorporating an OLED display. That’s isn’t expected until 2026 at the earliest, more than seven years ago. At that
interesting because it will put the iPhone though, so would be too late for the iPhone point, Apple will not repair them
SE 4 very close in terms of specs to the 17 launch event. Whenever it does arrive, and third-party shops will not be
iPhone 16. The two devices could though, it will herald the largest shake-up able to get genuine parts.
potentially come with an OLED display, the of the iPhone line since the iPhone X.
same chip and a similar overall design. In There’s a lot of information floating
fact, the camera might be one of the only around about the iPhone 17 range, with
major points of difference between them, many of the potential details already out in
with the iPhone SE 4 expected to keep the the open. That said, we can’t be too certain
single-lens camera setup it’s had for a of what we’ll see, as a lot can change
while. That might make for an awkward few between now and September 2025.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 7

 Siri’s new features won’t
arrive until next year,
a new report suggests.

APPLE
NEWS
ROUNDUP
EU TARGETS
APPLE PAY
THIRD-PARTY
ALTERNATIVES
ARE COMING
> Apple is being forced Don’t expect the all-new
to open up the tap-to-
pay system that
underpins Apple Pay
Siri until 2025
A little longer to wait for the voice assistant revamp
to third-party apps.
With the company iri has been lagging behind its rivals testing for developers in January [2025] and
committing to changes
in light of pressure
S for years, so there was great
excitement at Apple’s Worldwide
then debut publicly around the springtime –
part of an iOS 18.4 upgrade that’s already in
from the European Developers Conference (WWDC) in June the works.”
Commission, it means when it was announced that the virtual The delayed features include Siri’s ability
EU users will soon get assistant would be getting a major overhaul, to control features inside apps, as well as
more options to pay finally giving it the shot in the arm it’s long an upgrade that lets it understand what is
for goods using their needed. Yet a new report claims we’ll have to happening on your iPhone screen and act
iPhones, and will also be patient in order to see its new features. based on that information. The absence
be able to switch their According to Bloomberg reporter Mark of those key features will be keenly felt.
default iOS Wallet app. Gurman, none of Siri’s new tools will be Apple typically launches .4 updates in
The changes are legally available when iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia March, and did so for iOS 17.4, iOS 16.4, and
binding and will last for launch later in 2024. Instead, Gurman says more. That suggests we could see the first
the next ten years. that “Siri features are likely to go into beta iOS 18 Siri features around that time in 2025.

APPLE GIVES
VITALS ADVICE Big changes coming to
WEAR YOUR
WATCH TO BED the iPhone 16 range
> One of the headline
Apple’s divisive chip approach might be going
features in watchOS 11 pple’s controversial be outfitted with an A18 Pro
is the new Vitals app
that records your key
A decision to reserve
its best new iPhone
chip that is 15-20% larger
than the A18, giving more
health metrics and chips for certain models space for “graphics and
shows you how you can might be reversed when the AI computing units.”
improve them. If you iPhone 16 range launches The reason for Apple’s
want to get the most later this year. According to changed approach could Updates to the iPhone 16 could be
out of it, however, the Taiwanese outlet CTEE, come down to Apple to support Apple’s new AI system.
Apple insists you need every iPhone 16 model Intelligence. Apple wants to The channel noted the
to wear your Watch (including the Pro and heavily promote its new AI appearance of a brand new
when you sleep. This non-Pro versions) will get system but might struggle to button on the lower-right
is in order to let the a version of the A18 chip. do that if some of its newest side of each handset – this
device take baseline CTEE claims that the iPhone 16 models can’t run could possibly be a dedicated
recordings when non-Pro iPhones will get an the demanding processes camera shutter button – and
you’re not active, upgraded A17 Pro (reworked that Apple Intelligence is a new camera arrangement
which helps it to better with a better “N3E” capable of. on the entry-level models. As
understand if your manufacturing process) Separately, YouTuber well as that, the Pro and Pro
active measurements badged as an A18, while the Unbox Therapy claims to have Max are apparently taller than
are out of the ordinary. iPhone 16 Pro phones will seen iPhone 16 dummy units. their predecessors.

8 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Apps & games APPLE CORE

APP OF THE MONTH

Media
Picks
What you should
be playing and
reading this month

[A L BU M]
[M AC A PP]
LOOM
Carbon Copy Cloner 7 £40.10 Imagine Dragons
£8.99
Back up your Mac better than ever LOOM marks the end
of one Imagine Dragons
Time Machine is great way to for posterity (which is useful if they’re
era and the start of
regularly back up your Mac, but particularly important). You can search
something new, with the
sometimes you just want a little for files across snapshots, limit backup tasks
band’s signature sound
more than what it offers. In cases by network status, back up iOS devices to
weaving in with new
like that, Carbon Copy Cloner is a really solid your Mac, and more.
ideas and elements.
option, and now that it’s updated to version 7, Version 7 brings a huge number of new
it’s even more capable than before. features – many more than we have space to
There’s a new Backup Volume Setup discuss here. If you regularly back up your Mac
Assistant that makes backing up easier and and want a more comprehensive solution than
safer, and you now get more options for Time Machine, the new version of Carbon Copy
permanently keeping certain snapshots Cloner could be just what you need.
[AU DIOB O OK ]
David Baddiel
My Family
£9.99
This touching and funny
memoir from comedian
David Baddiel dissects
his family life, from the
onset of his father’s
dementia to his mother’s
[iO S A PP] [iOS GAME] [M AC GA M E] eccentric sex life.
CapCut – Photo LUNA The Shadow The Star Named EOS
& Video Editor Dust (Mobile) £12.79
FREE(IAPs) £4.99 In The Star Named
CapCut is one of This hand-drawn EOS, you take
the best ways to point-and-click photographs that
edit photos and adventure tells its document life’s precious,
videos on iOS. Now in version story through eye-catching fleeting moments. But you’re [PODCAST]
12, the developer has added cinematics and stirring doing more than just saving Origin Stories
a range of text-based tools, music. You control a boy and significant keepsakes – as you Ever wondered
from transcription-based his companion as they solve recreate memories from days about your favourite
editing to speed up your puzzles in order to explore gone by, you slowly unravel musicians’ early lives?
process to more accurate the meaning of the past, a family mystery that could This podcast takes
auto captioning that makes making for a challenging and upend everything that you special guests back to
video creation a little easier. gorgeously crafted game. thought you knew. their roots, exploring
Why you need it: Helps you Why you need it: It looks and Why you need it: It’s a their home towns and
make your best-ever videos. sounds as good as it plays. poignant puzzler with a twist. rural pastures.

Image credits: Bombich Software Inc,

KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records, Fourth Estate,
CapCut,Lantern Studio, Application Systems
Heidelberg Software GmbH, Silver Lining Studio OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 9
 APPLE CORE Hot new kit

THE GEAR WE’RE LUSTING AFTER

This slick and stylish
soundbar is one for
the audiophiles too.

BlueAnt Soundblade
> $199.99 (£185.85) > From soundblade.com

> This under-monitor soundbar from delivered by a 2.1-channel speaker Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C and Aux inputs
Australia’s BlueAnt would look great arrangement that comprises 2x on board. The only downer? The
under any Mac, but particularly the full-range dual voice coil, dual Soundblade isn’t officially available
latest iMacs, thanks to its slick neodymium magnet drivers and an in the UK yet.
design and the fact that it’s available 80mm subwoofer. All of which makes
in any one of five matching colours: it perfect for watching movies,
Pink, Blue, Green, Charcoal and playing games and listening
White (Yellow, Orange and Purple to your favourite tunes on
iMac owners miss out for now). Apple Music while sitting
Already the winner of a Red Dot at your Mac.
design award, the Soundblade offers Getting everything
up to 120W of peak power output, connected is easy too with

10 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: BlueAnt

 Hot new kit APPLE CORE

HiDock H1
> $388 (£362.16) > From hidock.com

> Sticking with desktop gadgets, the HiDock H1

has a somewhat different take on Mac audio
– it combines an 11-in-1 dock with a ChatGPT-
powered artificial intelligence (AI) recorder.
This means you can easily capture audio from
any input source and have conversations and
meetings automatically transcribed, with the
supplied HiNotes software (available via a free
lifetime subscription) doing the heavy lifting so
you don’t have to.
Connectivity-wise, the H1 comes with 3x USB-C
(one with 118W Power Delivery), 2x USB-A, 2x HDMI,
1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2 and an SD/ The HiDock is designed
microSD card reader. It also has a full-range to streamline both your
speaker built into its base, and a Bluetooth earpiece desk and your admin.
for hands-free calls, plus noise cancellation tech.

We. HEAR Pro Insta360 Flow Pro Belkin BoostCharge

> From £220 > From loewe.tv/uk > From £139 > From insta360.com
Pro Power Bank
> From £49.99 > From belkin.com/uk
> Designed in conjunction with footballer > Combine this smart image stabiliser
Kylian Mbappé, the We. HEAR Pro is a with your selfie stick and you’ll > Even the longest-lasting iPhones need
portable Bluetooth 5.3 speaker that’ll instantly become one of the coolest a little power boost sometimes, and
look and sound great on the pitch – or influencers around. That’s because the that’s where this MagSafe/Qi2 power
anywhere else you happen to be. Flow Pro harnesses the power of Apple’s bank comes in. Available in both 5K and
Available in Denim, Neon and Black, this DockKit with Insta360’s own Deep Track 10K flavours and in six colours (Cyber Lime,
cylindrical speaker has 50W of audio 3.0 artificial intelligence (AI) know-how to Blue, Sand, Black, Pink and Gold), it simply
power, plus it comes with a handy carry track your movements as you record your attaches magnetically to the back of the
strap and a built-in Lithium-Ion battery latest photo or video missive. The £139 iPhone 12 or later. Or you can charge your
that’ll last for up to 24 hours between Standard Bundle includes the Flow Pro, a device using the built-in USB-C port. The
recharges. Its built-in USB-C port means phone clamp, clamp cover, a cable and a integrated kickstand is a nice touch
you can also use it as a power bank for protective pouch, while the £179 All- too – pop it out and you’ll be able to watch
your devices. Loewe also says it’s dust- Purpose Tripod Bundle adds, ahem, an your favourite YouTube videos hands-free.
and water-resistant to IPX6. all-purpose tripod too. Available exclusively at the Apple Store.

Image credits: HiDock, Loewe Technology GmbH, Arashi Vision Inc, Belkin OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 11
 APPLE CORE Opinion

John-Anthony Disotto…
THINKS THE iPHONE 17 COULD BE THE
ONE WORTH WAITING FOR, BUT IT’S A
FOLDABLE iPHONE THAT WE ALL
REALLY WANT TO SEE
e hear it every year: the next iPhone will be the
W one worth waiting for. As we approach September
and the launch of the iPhone 16, rumors surrounding
2025’s iPhone 17 are already picking up with a new ‘Slim’ design
change on the cards. It feels like forever since we got an era-
defining iPhone design change. Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro moved
from stainless steel to a lighter titanium chassis, but you’d be
forgiven if you couldn’t spot the difference between this year’s
device and the iPhone 14 Pro that came before it.
Thinking back over the history of iPhone redesigns, we’ve
been accustomed to real change every two or three years. The
iPhone 3G’s plastic back, iPhone 4’s glass sandwich, iPhone 5’s
taller design and extra row of apps, iPhone 6 Plus’ major size Bar a better camera system, the design differences between
the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14 were negligible.
increase, and the iPhone X’s complete overhaul of the formula…
But since the iPhone 12 launched in 2020, we’ve seen minor the now outdated iPhone SE 3 with its Home
improvements from generation to generation, and if reports button design. It would be the end of the Home
are correct the iPhone 16 won’t be much different. button, but that feels long overdue and any
The iPhone 17 ‘Slim’, however, major upgrades to entry-level models are only
is expected to overhaul Apple’s a good thing for consumers.
It’s about time smartphone design for a Writing about iPhones every day at iMore
significantly thinner chassis, makes me pretty numb to most improvements
the iPhone got an 120Hz ProMotion, new camera and a slimmer chassis or a cheaper 6.1-inch

overhaul to build placement, and a supposed

6.55-inch display according
device doesn’t really get my heart racing. What
would make me jump out of my seat and run to

up excitement to analyst Ross Young.

Any major iPhone redesign
the Apple Store is a foldable iPhone and a new
report from theinformation.com hints that we
intrigues me, and the concept of a could get Apple’s competitor to the Samsung
thinner device has me excited but equally confused. Over the last Galaxy Z Flip line of devices in 2026. I love the
few years, Apple has opted for slightly thicker iPhones to house idea of folding an iPhone into a smaller footprint
more components and larger batteries, returning to the race for the more so than folding one out to make it the size
thinnest smartphone feels counter-intuitive, especially considering of an iPad. That said if any company can make a
thinner devices make for more uncomfortable ergonomics. case for a folding device and have the software to
That said, it’s about time the showcase its prowess, then Apple is surely the
iPhone got an overhaul, and a new one. I’m not sure if a folding iPhone is merely a
‘Slim’ model could be the change to pipedream but I hope there’s some truth to these
the line-up we’ve been waiting for to reports and 2026 will bring a major overhaul to
garner some traction and build up everyone’s favorite smartphone.
iPhone excitement all over again.
Apple isn’t stopping there, ABOUT JOHN-ANTHONY DISOTTO
however, reports of an iPhone SE 4 John-Anthony is the How To Editor at
with the body of the iPhone 14 add iMore.com and previously worked at
to these ‘Slim’ rumors and make for Apple repairing iPhones at the Genius
a very intriguing new entry-level Bar. With words in TechRadar and iPad
A new slimmer design looks
to be on the way, but a folding device. The SE 4 is said to adopt the User Magazine, he prides himself on his
one would be more exciting. 6.1-inch notched display replacing ability to make tech easy to understand.

12 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2023 Image credit: Apple Inc

 ON
SALE
NOW!

DIGITAL ONLINE PRINT

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 APPLE CORE Facts & figures

The M3 iMac in

The key stats and facts behind Apple’s most stylish desktop

> Number of colours

7
available on the current

4.5K
> Resolution of the iMac’s
24GB
> Maximum amount of
2TB
> Maximum amount of
iMac – the cheapest £1,399
model is available in Blue,
Green, Pink and Silver,
Retina display. It also unified memory available internal storage available
while the mid-range £1,599
supports one external on M3 iMacs. Stock models in the iMac. The entry-level
and £1,799 models add
display at 6K/60Hz. come with 8GB though. model, though, only gets 1TB.
three more shades: Yellow,
Orange and Purple.

11.5mm
> Maximum thickness of
2
> Number of Thunderbolt/
M4
> Apple’s next-gen chip
the iMac’s body – making USB 4 ports on the will make the iMac
it incredibly thin given entry-level iMac. Mid- and even more capable. An
the computer components top-tier models get two upgraded model should
it contains. additional USB-C 3 ports. arrive later this year.

14 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

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technology
experts

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An unrivalled mix of news, opinions, reviews and features
All-new design, new homepage, new features and special reports
Backed by over 300 years of editorial experience

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16 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc
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INVESTIGATES

The great
upgrade
Sales are rising at last but why are users
hanging on to their tech for longer?
WRITTEN BY DAVID CROOKES
pple has been enjoying in Apple computer shipments (greater
A healthy growth in than the 29% drop felt by the wider PC
computer sales of late. industry). Apple then temporarily bucked
According to a report by the the trend by growing 10.3% in the second
global intelligence firm IDC, there was a quarter of 2023 against a 13.4% wider PC
20.8% growth in shipments of Macs in the market fall before subsequently falling
second quarter of 2024 compared to the by 23.1% and 18.4% in the following
same period in 2023. In real terms, that periods against wider PC market
equates to 5.7 million machines across the declines of 7.6% and 2.7%.
world (up by a million) and an increased In simple terms, this means 2022 was
market share from 7.5% to 8.8%. But while a decent-ish year (albeit down on 2021 due
good news, all is not quite what it seems. to supply issues), 2023 was a doozy and
To some extent, Mac sales have 2024 looks set to be cause for celebration.
mirrored the general state of the PC But there are many explanations for
industry of late and the overarching story what has unfolded in recent times.
has been one of general decline until this The downturn of yesteryear has, to a
year when first quarter Apple shipments great extent, been due to widespread
were up 14.6%, meaning it has now had weak demand, excess inventory and
Apple launches exciting updates two consecutive growth periods. a worsening macroeconomic climate
to its products each year so why
don’t consumers always bite? In the first quarter of 2023, for that has slowly been easing. Data from
example, IDC reported a 40.5% slump Consumer Intelligence Research Partners

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 17

 APPLE CORE Upgrade slowdown

(CIRP) also suggests that Apple users have silicon refreshes combined with the poor
been hanging on to their devices for longer. economy have unfortunately not boded
well for Mac upgrades.”
Silicon success In other words, Apple’s silicon roll-out
Some 68% of Mac owners questioned by CIRP has been so successful, consumers have tended
this year said their device was more than two to find they already have immense power at their
years old and 56% reported keeping hold of their fingertips, negating any need to upgrade. They
computers for more than three years. Compare snapped up the early Apple silicon machines
that to the 59% and 40% who said the same in for the extra power when working remotely or
2020 and a wider picture begins to emerge. learning at home then realised they wouldn’t
For 2020 was the year Apple introduced need to upgrade quite as frequently as before.
the M1 system-on-a chip designed specifically
The advent of Apple silicon saw
for the Mac. Featuring the world’s fastest CPU significant improvements in Walking on air
core in low-power silicon and a huge increase in performance and efficiency, but There are other potential reasons behind a
performance and efficiency compared to the Intel has also resulted in consumers reluctance to upgrade. Mark Gurman, chief
upgrading less frequently.
Macs, it proved such a big leap forward that it correspondent for Bloomberg, says the current
actually hindered Apple in some respects. MacBook Pro has the same basic form factor as
“The performance and battery life it did in 2021 and that the MacBook Air was
improvements when going from an Intel to an redesigned in 2022. If people can’t tell the
M1 Mac were astounding and M2 furthered difference, aesthetically, between their existing
those gains,” Jitesh Ubrani, IDC’s research device and an upgraded model, they may feel
manager, told MacFormat. “As we got around to less socially pressured to change. Gurman has
the M3, the gains were paler in comparison and also pointed to worsening trade deals and
many Mac users had already upgraded to the inflation – the cost of living crisis is still
new silicon. These diminishing returns between being felt across the world.
So what to make of the recent upturn in
sales? Well, the majority of those buyers may
not actually be Mac owners upgrading to newer
models. Instead, there is evidence many Mac
users have been switching from other desktop
platforms as word spreads regarding the
strength of Apple’s computers. Figures from
another CIRP report showed that 51% of Mac
sales in 2023 came from people switching from
Windows PCs and Chromebooks. If this
continues to be the case, it would explain how
sales are rising despite people evidently hanging
on to their computers. But there are other reasons
why sales have jumped this year…
How long is too long? Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst at
TF International Securities, told MacFormat that
You may own a vintage Mac, When a device is deemed vintage the decision to refresh one particular device has
iPhone or iPad that’s still capable by Apple, it won’t receive updates, likely proven to be the catalyst. “I believe the
of running essential software. You leaving it prone to malware and other main reason for Mac’s growth in the second
may also find you can stream exploits. Moore advises people to quarter of 2024 has been the release of the
services and use web-based apps upgrade before Apple withdraws its new M3 MacBook Air,” he said.
and may decide to stick with what support. “Some old Apple devices Although the new MacBook Air was
you have for a while longer. do not receive any security updates announced in March, most of the units shipped
But be careful. As Jake Moore, which can be vital in stopping threat in the second quarter. “It helped Apple outgrow
global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, actors remotely accessing the device the rest of the market,” Ubrani affirmed.
explains, you need to weigh up the or putting data at risk,” he told “Beyond that, Apple has also made
risks. Newer operating systems MacFormat. “Older devices are also improvements to its chips and notebooks which
come with the latest privacy and more susceptible to having their perhaps haven’t been big drivers but they have
security updates and will protect passcodes cracked so it’s important certainly lowered doubts or hindrances to
your device from vulnerabilities. users decide what is right for them.” growth. A great example of this is dual monitor
support on the recent M3 MacBook Air.”

18 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Samsung

 Upgrade slowdown APPLE CORE

Hanging on to the iPhone

Apple fans are also keeping iPhones is a factor. People also feel less
for longer between upgrades. Data inclined to upgrade because older
from Consumer Intelligence Research iPhones can run the latest OS – when
Partners (CIRP) shows that 71% of iOS 18 arrives, it’ll work on the iPhone
iPhone owners have a device that’s SE (second gen) from 2020 and on
over two years old, up from 63% in 2018’s iPhone XR onwards.
2020. Data for the first quarter of Yet the difference this time is
2024 also shows iPhone 15 devices Apple Intelligence. Only the iPhone 15
made up 68% of iPhone sales in the Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16 models
US – 7% lower than iPhone 14 devices will be powerful enough to run its
in the same period last year. features. Apple aims to ship 90
Dan Ives, senior equity analyst at million iPhone 16 models ths year
Wedbush Securities, estimates that – 10% more when compared to
270 million iPhones have not been the iPhone 15 range in 2023. Ives Recent iOS update compatibility
with older iPhones means that many
upgraded in four years and durability expects a “massive upgrade cycle.” are holding on to their handsets.

Apple silicon has Market expectations are that Apple, in line

been so successful, with the rest of the PC market, should see further
growth in Mac sales. In particular, Dan Ives,
it’s negated any managing director and senior equity analyst at
need to upgrade Wedbush Securities, believes Apple Intelligence
will be a “game changer for Cupertino” (it led
Yet that’s not all. The growth seen this year him to raise Apple’s price target from $250 to
is also a consequence of the decline in sales last $275 in May). “AI technology built into the Apple
year. “There was a low shipment base in the ecosystem adds $30 to $40 per share to the stock
second quarter of 2023 due to inventory in our view,” he wrote on X, but whether we’ll see
clearance,” he added. an immediate impact remains to be seen.
A more normal shipment base this year
would inevitably show growth. There have Intelligence + innovation
been improved sales for older Macs too. Ubrani Apple Intelligence has been delayed in the
highlights Apple’s distribution deal with European Union due to the requirement for
Walmart which saw the M1 MacBook Air listed services to be interoperable across platforms,
for just $699. The price was some $300 dollars and Kuo also says AI won’t actually get people
less than the 2022 M2 version and $400 less than Apple has been heavily reaching for their wallets. “It is currently difficult
courting enterprise users
the M3 MacBook Air, which proved attractive to over the past few years, to quantify, but logically I believe that relying on
cash-conscious consumers. encouraging a switch to Mac. AI alone will not easily drive a dramatic surge in
device upgrades (which is what many are now
hoping for). In addition to AI, significant
hardware innovation must be present at the
same time to more likely drive a noticeable
wave of device replacements.”
The fact that even M1 Macs will handle Apple
Intelligence may prompt many to hang fire, more
so given Kuo says “the lifecycle of M1 devices
should be sustainable for a while, perhaps several
years.” Of course, a drop in support for M1
machines would be significant but, as Ubrani
says, its existence allows Apple to operate in
lower price bands and emerging markets. And
until the power of those earlier chips wane, the
contradiction that is shipment growth and device
retention is likely to continue for some time.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 19

PICK YOUR
PERFECT
If you’re looking for a new Mac for school, work or
university, which should you buy? We take a look
at Apple’s current range, and which is best for you
Written by Ian Osborne

veryone loves a brand-new beast of a Mac? And let’s face it, Macs
Mac. That smell of fresh have style. What colour would you like?
technology as you take it out In this feature, we take a look at the
of the box, the ease at which current range of Macs, and throw in a
you can get it up and running, the few iPads as alternatives to Macs too.
improved performance compared to Starting at the cheap end of the market,
your old Mac. And if the machine you’re we work our way up to the mighty Mac
retiring couldn’t run the latest version Studio behemoth. Which is the best
of the macOS operating system, you’re bargain for you? We help you decide.
likely to find some exciting new features Remember, if you’re buying a Mac
to play with too. for school, college or university, you can
But which Mac should you buy? get a student discount. Go to apple.com/
Would a notebook better suit your needs, uk-edu/store and take a look. Also, if
or do you prefer a desktop? Is your you don’t mind buying last year’s model,
budget better suited to an entry-level you can save money by using the Apple
model, or do you have high-end needs Refurbished Store. Check it out at
that can only be serviced by a powerful apple.com/uk-edu/shop/refurbished.

Be
est Buys
MacFormat MacFormat Mid-tier Mac and iPad models
Bes t Buy Bes t Buy generally offer the best value. On
10-core CPU, 10-core GPU M3 9-core CPU / 10-core GPU M4
16GB memory, 512GB SSD
Mac, aim for a minimum of 16GB of
8GB memory, 512GB storage
£PRICE £PRICE memory, but don’t go mad on storage
Our ‘Best Buys’ will help you choose.

20 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 21
 Whether for work or
play, the MacBook Air
really delivers.

MacBook Air 13-inch

Apple’s most portable notebook
hen the MacBook Air was £999 to £1,499. Four colours are
first released in 2008, available: Silver (a regular aluminium
MacFormat contributor casing), Starlight (adds a hint of yellow),
Matt Bolton said it was ‘overpriced, Space Grey (a beautiful gunmetal colour)
underpowered and definitely the and Midnight (black).
future’. He was right on all three The MacBook Air’s key strengths are
points. 16 years later, we’re in that its portability and battery life. It’s only
future, and the latest MacBook Airs are 1.13cm thick, and weighs just 1.24kg, so
neither overpriced nor underpowered. it’s not going to give you backache even
The current 13-inch MacBook Air if you carry it around all day.
range use the latest Apple silicon M3 And with a battery life of up to 15
chips, except for a couple of models that hours when surfing the web or 18 hours
have the M2. They range in price from of streaming video, you can use it all day
too. This makes it ideal for university The latest MacBook Airs feature a MagSafe
connector for charging.
students who need a (relatively) cheap
notebook which can run for a long time If you like to use your notebook as a
on a single charge. desktop when at home, with an external
keyboard, mouse and display, your
Not just a pretty screen 13-inch MacBook Air is great. The
As is the case with all Apple notebooks, standard M-series system-on-a-chip (as
the Liquid Retina display is awesome. It’s opposed to those suffixed with Pro, Max
a 13.6-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit screen or Ultra) can only handle one external
with IPS technology, offering 2560x1664 display. The newer M3 chips can run
native resolution at 224 pixels per inch. two monitors if you close the lid on the
What that means in real terms is rich MacBook Air, though the M2 models can
colours, great contrast and pin-sharp only service one external screen and the
text reproduction. Characters are notebook’s own display.
The MacBook Air features a full keyboard, smooth and well defined, and you can Whichever model you buy, the
a large trackpad and Touch ID. read it all day without getting tired eyes. MacBook Air’s processor has eight CPU

22 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Your perfect Mac FEATURE

5 Best
MacBook Air
accessories
hich are the best add-ons
and accessories for your
new MacBook Air? There are
some great options out there,
from both Apple and third-party STM Myth
manufacturers. Ask yourself how £49.95 stmgoods.com
you’re going to use your new This quality notebook shoulder
notebook and the goodies you need bag is available for 14in and 16in
MacFormat will soon become apparent. Selected laptops. It’s sturdy and strong, and

Bes t Buy
here are just a few of our favourites comfortable on the shoulder. It’s
– from a stylish laptop bag to a packed with accessory pockets too.
multiport hub. Available in blue, black and grey.
8-core CPU, 10-core GPU M3
16GB memory, 512GB SSD
£1,499

cores, with four of them designed for

power efficiency and four built for high
performance needs. So when you’re Pebble 2 Combo for Mac StayGo USB-C Hub
sending emails, checking Facebook and From £64.99 logitech.com From £59.99 twelvesouth.co.uk
writing essays, the efficiency cores save If you intend to use your notebook The MacBook Air only has two
battery power. When playing a game or as a desktop when home, try this expansion ports. To connect more
editing photos, the performance cores keyboard and mouse set. It’s peripherals – or anything that uses
keep things snappy. The chips also offer comfortable, available in a range of USB-A – you need a hub. This one’s
an eight- or 10-core graphics processor. colours and connects to Mac – and available in black or white, and is
Off the shelf they all have 8GB of unified Apple devices – using Bluetooth. great for both home and travel use.
memory, or 16GB if you buy the most
expensive model. Don’t forget if you buy
online, you can configure your specs to
add more memory if you wish.
While far from underpowered, if you
regularly need your Mac for computer-
aided design, video editing or other
high-need tasks, the 13-inch MacBook Air
might not be the notebook for you. It’s
surprisingly good at playing games,
though. If you like a quick blast when
work is done, it won’t disappoint. 6TB WD My Passport Twelve South BookArc
We recommend you avoid the Ultra for Mac £29.99 twelvesouth.co.uk
MacBook Air models with the M2 £204.99 westerndigital.com To use your MacBook Air as
chip. For £100 more, you can get an If you need lots of storage, this is a desktop replacement with twin
equivalent model with a newer M3 a great portable USB-C hard drive. monitors (M3 chips only), you’ll
processor, which is definitely worth the It’s also available in 2TB, 4TB and need to place in clamshell mode.
extra. If you can afford it, up the storage 5TB, and it works on Macs and This handy stand is ideal for keeping
to at least 512GB too. Windows computers out of the box. it tidy on your desk while closed.

Image credits: Apple Inc, STM Goods, Logitech, Twelve South EU, Western Digital Corp OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 23
 Don’t be fooled by its
size. The modern Mac
mini is a powerhouse.

MacFormat
Bes t Buy
M2 Pro, 10-core CPU, 16-core

Mac mini
GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD
£1,399
Apple’s cheapest desktop computer
eally need a Mac but you don’t the Mac mini between them. It’s powerful don’t have to buy them again. The Mac
have much money – or maybe enough for most tasks, and it has two mini with the regular M2 chip can power
space? Then the Mac mini is USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, an HDMI two displays, and if you buy the top-of-
perfect. Prices start at £649, and all port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, plus the-range model with the M2 Pro chip,
current Mac mini models are powered by either two or four Thunderbolt 4 ports you can use up to three screens.
Apple’s own M2 system-on-a-chip (SoC). depending on the model you choose. And, as per the other Macs,
The Mac mini is just 19.7cm square The Mac mini’s biggest potential remember that if you order in an Apple
and 3.58cm deep, and weighs from drawback is that it’s sold without a Store or online at the Apple website, you
1.18kg. This makes it very transportable. keyboard, mouse or monitor. So you’ll can configure your specs to add more
If you use a Mac in the office and also need to factor in the cost of buying these memory, storage or beef up the M2 Pro
from home, you could set up a screen yourself. Of course, if you already have chip. You can’t do this after you’ve
and a keyboard in both places and carry these items this is an advantage, as you bought it, so think before buying.

Top 5 Mac mini peripherals

SanDisk Desk Apple Magic Apple Magic Philips Creative

Drive SSD Keyboard Mouse or 27E1N1800A Pebble X
From £359.99 From £99 Trackpad 4K UHD £84.99
westerndigital.com apple.com/uk From £79 mouse/ Monitor uk.creative.com
This stylish and Apple’s cheapest £129 trackpad £229.99 philips.co.uk To use your Mac mini
compact desktop version of its wireless apple.com/uk This Philips monitor as a multimedia
drive comes in 4TB keyboard lacks a Apple peripherals offers 4K resolution, machine, external
and 8TB sizes. It’s numerical keypad, aren’t cheap, but and a 27-inch screen. speakers are a must.
great for keeping your but it’s a good size they’re good, and You get wide viewing This neat set can be
large files off your Mac to drop in a bag. For perfect with macOS. angles and very connected through
mini. As it’s a solid- extra money, you can Available in black or smooth action when Bluetooth, USB or
state drive (SSD), it’s add a keypad and/or white, these both offer watching movies or 3.5mm jack and boasts
fast too. Just the thing Touch ID. They’re all gesture control when playing games, all at a 15W RMS audio, plus
for high-needs users. very responsive. using your Mac. very reasonable price. snazzy lighting effects.

24 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Western Digital Corp, Koninklijke Philips NV, Creative Technology Ltd
 With a keyboard case,
you can use your
tablet as a notebook.

MacFormat
Bes t Buy
6-core CPU, 4-core GPU A14
Bionic, 256GB storage
£499

iPad (10th gen)

For when a simple tablet’s all you need
hen a Mac is a little one to match your sense of style. + Cellular model which offers a 5G
outside your price range, The 10th-gen iPad comes in 64GB and connection to the internet. The latter is
or you have a desktop Mac 256GB versions – if your budget allows, handy if you’re regularly out of range of
and would like something cheap to we strongly recommend you get the a wireless network, but it’s not only more
carry around, why not buy an iPad? 256GB model. If you’re using your tablet expensive (with prices starting at £499),
You can share files between your for music and movies as well as school or but you’ll need a SIM and a mobile data
computer and tablet using your iCloud work (which you probably will), it soon account too. For occasional use then,
storage, key applications such as Pages, fills up. Another consideration is whether stick with the Wi-Fi only model and use
Numbers and Keynote are available on to get the Wi-Fi only version or the Wi-Fi your iPhone’s Personal Hotspot instead.
the iPad and if you buy a Bluetooth
keyboard or a keyboard case, you
can use it as a notebook too.
The current version of the regular
iPad is the 10th generation release.
To
op 3 iPad add-ons
Prices are relatively affordable – they
start from £349 for the entry-level
model. They’re available in Silver, Blue,
Pink or Yellow, so there’s bound to be

Apple Magic Apple Pencil Smart Folio

Keyboard (1st Gen) for iPad
Folio £99 apple.com/uk £79 apple.com/uk
£249 apple.com/uk The 1st-gen Apple If you’ve got a
A keyboard case Pencil is Apple’s separate keyboard,
effectively turns original stylus. It how about just a folio
your tablet into charges through the cover instead? You
a notebook. This iPad’s USB-C port can get it in the same
particular version has using the bundled four colours as the
a built-in trackpad and adaptor and is iPad 10th Gen, and the
a 14-key function row. sensitive to pressure cover folds back on
When not in use, it fold and tilt so you can itself to make a useful
The latest iPad features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina ups neatly, while also create great art. Or stand. Just the thing
display and comes in Blue, Pink, Yellow and Silver. protecting your iPad. use it for writing. for watching movies.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 25

 The iconic iMac now
comes with the M3
Apple silicon chip.

iMac
Apple’s amazing all-in-one
computer is a world-beater
he iMac has got the lot. A other such high-needs MacFormat
Bes t Buy
24-inch 4.5K Retina-quality tasks, you might want to
screen, a modern M3 Apple upgrade to at least 16GB of unified
silicon processor, a crystal-clear memory. Before purchase is the only
1080p FaceTime HD camera, a chance you’ll get – you can’t add 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU M3
fantastic six-speaker system with memory after you’ve bought it. 16GB memory, 512GB SSD
force-cancelling woofers and more. You can’t add storage either, but
It looks gorgeous too, whichever of the if you find you’re running out of
£1,999
seven available colours you choose. space, an external drive is always an
Out of the box, three models are option. Other customisation options
available, costing £1,399, £1,599 or include adding a numeric keypad to the a limitation of the regular M-series chips,
£1,799. We recommend spending a little keyboard and swapping the Magic and as there’s no option to upgrade to
more and making a few customisations. Mouse for a Magic Trackpad. an M3 Pro or an M3 Max, the only way
If you regularly use apps for computer- One drawback with the iMac is it can to solve this is by using third-party
aided design (CAD), video editing or only support one external screen. This is accessories to get around the issue.

Your iMac’s top 5 accessories

Twelve South A printer Edifier PlayStation Belkin iPhone

BackPack There are so many S350DB DualSense Mount with
£34.99 different printers on speakers Wireless MagSafe
twelvesouth.co.uk offer we won’t try to £279.99 edifier.com £59.99 £39.95 belkin.com
This handy shelf fits select one for you. The iMac has good playstation.com Using Continuity
to the back of your Decide whether you’re speakers, but if you Gaming on Mac is Camera, you can
iMac or Apple Studio looking for an office want a multimedia better with a decent use your iPhone
Display. It’s great for or photo printer, but experience, try this joypad. This one pairs as a webcam. This
holding a storage bear in mind most 2.1 system. It has a directly with your Mac handy gadget lets you
drive or USB hub, models aren’t great subwoofer, or compatible iPad, position your iPhone
keeping it off your one-trick ponies and supports aptX and iPhone, or Apple TV atop or on the side of
desk. It’s also can do both jobs. Print offers up to 150W RMS via Bluetooth and is your iMac, in just the
reassuringly sturdy through Wi-Fi or USB of power. There’s a compatible with right place for video
and strong. from your iMac. handy remote too. thousands of games. chats or conferencing.

26 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Twelve South EU, HP Development Co LP, Edifier, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Ltd
 The latest MacBook
15-inch also boasts M3
Apple silicon.

MacFormat
Bes t Buy
8-core CPU, 10-core GPU M3
16GB memory, 512GB SSD
£1,699

MacBook Air 15-inch

For when you want a bit more screen, but still need portability
hile you may well like the £200 more than the cheapest 13-inch Air either, so if using a lot of external
portability of the MacBook model, but you do get two extra GPU screens is important to you, you might
Air, you might prefer a cores as well as two inches more screen. want to consider upgrading to the
larger screen. If so, you’ll be glad to Connectivity is the same as the 13-inch MacBook Pro instead.
know there’s a 15-inch option. Despite Air; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless The extra screen space will prove
the extra screen space (and therefore communication, and two Thunderbolt/ most welcome if you regularly use your
larger body), it still weighs just 1.51kg USB 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone port notebook for spreadsheets or photo
and is 1.15cm thin. It has the same and a MagSafe charging socket. It’s editing. It’s great for multimedia too –
battery life as its smaller counterpart, available in the same four colours as movies look great on its Liquid Retina
namely 18 hours video streaming or 15 the 13-inch version too – Silver, Starlight, display, thanks to 500 nits of brightness
hours wireless web surfing. Once more, Space Grey and Midnight. and support for up to one billion colours.
you can use this notebook all day Like other Macs that use ‘regular’ Again, you can add more memory
without recharging. M-series chips; the MacBook Air 15-inch and storage if you wish using the Apple
As you’d expect given its larger can only support one external display, or Store’s customisation options, and like all
display, the 15-inch model costs a little two if you use it in ‘clamshell’ mode (ie Apple notebooks and keyboards, you can
more than the 13-inch. The cheapest of with the lid closed). There’s no option to choose a different language option if you
the 15-inch range costs £1,299. That’s add a Pro or Max chip with the MacBook don’t want a British or US English layout.

Save money – buy refurbished

Tucked away in a corner of the Apple extensively checked and refurbished by
website is Apple’s refurbished store. Apple engineers, and given a one-year
To use it, go to apple.com/uk, scroll to limited warranty. While you’re unlikely
the bottom, look for the column to find the very latest Apple products,
headed ‘Apple Store’ then click the savings on older models can be
‘Certified Refurbished’. substantial – up to 15% in some cases.
Here you’ll find ex-demo, returned Students and recent graduates can
and repaired products across all of also get discounts on brand new Apple
Apple’s product ranges, from Macs to gear through dedicated services such You can save a few quid by buying a refurbished
iPhones to iPads, with each one as UNiDAYS (myunidays.com/GB). Mac from the Apple Store.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 27

 FEATURE Your perfect Mac
MacFormat
Bes t Buy
iPad Air
11-inch display, 8-core CPU,
9-core GPU M2, 8GB memory,
256GB storage
£699
A tablet computer for those
who want a little more
nlike the regular 10th- You can, however,
generation iPad, the iPad Air have your iPad
comes in two sizes. As well as engraved for free if
the 11-inch version (which already has you wish, and of course
half an inch more screen space than the you can supplement
10th-gen iPad) there’s also a 13-inch your purchase by adding
model. You can get an 11-inch iPad Air accessories like an Apple
from £599, or the larger tablet from Pencil (USB-C or Pro). What
£799. Both sizes are available in Space you can’t do is upgrade either
Grey, Blue, Purple and Starlight finishes. its 8GB of memory or the iPad
Whichever screen size you choose, Air’s Apple silicon M2 chip.
your iPad Air is available with 128GB, Weighing in at just 462g, the iPad Air 11-inch
256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage. As Peripheral positives is a super-portable powerful tablet.
always, opt for as much as you can Talking of the M2, the chip inside the
afford as you can’t add more later. iPad Air has an eight-core CPU with Like all modern iPads, the iPad Air
Unlike with Macs, there aren’t many four performance cores and four has no Home button. Instead, there’s a
customisation options available on the efficiency cores, a nine-core GPU Touch ID sensor built into the button on
online Apple Store. You can choose your and a 16-core Neural Engine. Sound the top of the device. Much easier than
storage size and whether you want a familiar? Yes, it really is the same chip using your passcode to open it every
Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + Cellular model, but used in some Macs, giving it plenty of time it’s gone to sleep.
this is true in physical Apple Stores too. power for the things you’ll want to do. Another new innovation for the iPad
– Air included – is the placement of its
front-facing camera on the long edge
of the screen instead of the top. This is
To
op 3 iPad Air add-ons much more convenient for FaceTime
chatting and using other video
conferencing apps.
If you want to use your iPad with
a keyboard case, the iPad Air’s Magic
Keyboard is definitely superior to the
iPad 10th gen’s case. It boasts a floating
cantilever design that lets you attach
your tablet magnetically then adjust it
for the perfect viewing angle, and it has
an excellent trackpad built in. It’s very
USB-C Digital Logitech Logitech Keys- comfortable to type on, and truly brings
AV Multiport Crayon for iPad to-Go Ultra the notebook experience to the tablet.
Adapter £69.95 logitech.com Slim Keyboard If you want to use a stylus with the
£75 apple.com/uk You can use this on £69.95 logitech.com iPad Air, the Apple Pencil Pro is more
This adaptor plugs any iPad released in Apple’s product isn’t advanced than the Apple Pencil (1st gen)
into your iPad Air’s 2018 or later. It’s not the only option for too. You can Squeeze it to bring up a
USB-C port. This lets as capable as the Apple iPad keyboards. This tools palette, a new gyroscope lets you
you connect it to an Pencil, but it’s a lot freestanding model Barrel roll the pencil for precise brush
HDMI screen, while still cheaper. It connects isn’t built into a case, and pencil control, it has haptic feedback
allowing you to charge to the iPad instantly, so if you prefer your to make it clear when a gesture has been
your device. A standard and its rechargeable screen a little higher activated and you can even locate a
USB-A inlet connects lithium-ion battery can than your hands, it’s missing Apple Pencil Pro using Find My.
to storage, a camera run for up to 7hrs on ideal. It sells for a very Overall, the iPad Air strikes a brilliant
and more. a single charge. good price too. balance between price and performance.

28 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Logitech

 MacFormat
Bes t Buy
11-core CPU, 14-core GPU M3 Pro
18GB memory, 512GB SSD
£2,099

The MacBook Pro features a backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor, a Force Touch trackpad and Touch ID.

MacBook Pro 14-inch

Notebook computing for those who want a little more
he MacBook Pro is the most buying a MacBook Pro. We recommend
powerful of Apple’s notebook boosting this to at least 16GB.
range. They’re not cheap, If you have your eye on the most
starting at £1,699, but you get a lot of expensive M3 14-inch MacBook Pro,
notebook for your notes. take a look at the cheaper M3 Pro model.
All models in the 14-inch MacBook It’s the same price and has 2GB more
Pro range offer some variant on the onboard memory, though its 512GB SSD
Apple silicon M3 processor. The three is half the size. You can boost it to match
cheaper releases, available in Silver or All 14-inch MacBook Pro models have at least two the M3’s 1TB when ordering online for
Space Grey, use regular M3 chips. Two of Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus MagSafe 3, HDMI, an SDXC an extra £200, or take it as-is and buy
the three higher-end models, which offer card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. a portable external solid-state drive
Silver or Space Black finishes, use the If you do a lot of work away from (SSD), assuming you need the extra
M3 Pro chip and the top-end 14-inch home and are out of reach of a charger, storage of course.
MacBook Pro has an M3 Max. This is the 14-inch MacBook Pro won’t let you
important, because as well as offering down. The three M3 configurations offer Needs must
more processor and graphics processor up to 22 hours of battery life, with the A pro-level notebook such as the 14-inch
cores, the M3 Pro and M3 Max can M3 Pro and M3 Max models running MacBook Pro isn’t for everyone. We
drive more external screens than the for up to 18 hours on a single charge. don’t all need the power and speed
standard M3 chip. While the Apple silicon Although heavier and bulkier than the offered by such a high-end machine,
M3 chip can support only one external MacBook Air, they’re still very portable. and many would be just as happy with
monitor, the M3 Pro supports two and All 14-inch models are only 1.55cm the MacBook Air. But if you’re a high-
with the top-of-the-range M3 Max chip, thick, and weigh 1.55kg for the M3 needs user and can afford to spend
you can use up to four. If you’re a design, version, 1.61kg for the M3 Pro and 1.62kg a bit more, it’s an excellent notebook.
video or engineering professional who for the M3 Max. Plenty light enough for It will last you many years too.
likes a lot of screens, this is definitely carrying between lectures, if your Finally, as Macs hold their value
worth bearing in mind. student loan can stretch to it. better than other computers even when
The two cheaper you decide to upgrade, your trusty
14-inch models have only 14-inch MacBook Pro will still be a viable
If you’re a pro who likes 8GB of unified memory, notebook to pass on to a family member

a lot of screens, this is which is a little light given

the high-end tasks for
or sell on eBay. It might cost more than
the average laptop, but the MacBook Pro
worth bearing in mind which you’re likely to be never disappoints.

30 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Your perfect Mac FEATURE

iPad Pro 11-inch

When you want a more powerful Apple tablet
or the last few high-end iPad resolution and 60 frames
releases, Apple has boasted per second (fps) too. The
MacFormat
Bes t Buy
about how it’s ‘the thinnest front-facing camera, which
ever’. The current 11-inch iPad Pro is is on the long side, is great
5.3mm thick, and to be frank, that’s as for video calls and also 9-core CPU, 10-core GPU
thin as it needs to be. Shaving fractions offers Face ID, so you can M4, 8GB memory,
of millimetres off its depth with every unlock your iPad and make 512GB storage
release no longer impresses. online purchases just by £1,199
But the quality of the 11-inch iPad Pro looking at it. So easy.
definitely does. Available in Silver or This particular model of
Space Black, it boasts an impressive iPad is available in capacities of
camera system which includes a LiDAR 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. If you do
scanner. Its rear-facing camera is 12MP, a lot of streaming you might not need
with an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a digital zoom a huge amount of local storage, but The iPad Pro has a very advanced camera system,
up to 5x. It can record video of up to 4K remember, you can’t add more later. and comes in two finishes.

Upgrading online
If you order your Mac online on the Apple website, you can customise it
Whatever Mac you buy, if you order 30-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine silicon M2 Ultra chip with a 24-core
from apple.com/uk you can customise out of the box. On the Apple website, you CPU, 60-core GPU and a 32-core Neural
its configuration to better suit your can boost these specs to a 16-core Engine. On Apple’s website, you can
needs. When you click its Select button CPU and a 40-core GPU. beef up the graphics processor to an
you’re taken to a screen where you can If you need a really powerful Mac, amazing 76 cores, but it will cost you an
add in various customisation options. there’s the Mac Studio. Out of the box, extra £1,000. Now that’s a Mac we’d like
The off-the-shelf stats are selected the most expensive model has an Apple to get our hands on.
by default, but upgrades are offered.
For example, if you’re buying the most
expensive 15-inch MacBook Air, for
an added cost, you can increase the
memory to 24GB, opt for 1TB or even
2TB of storage and choose between a
35W Dual USB-C Port or a 70W USB-C
Power Adapter.
Like all Macs with a keyboard, you
can change the layout from British or
US English to a variety of other options,
such as Spanish, Arabic, French, Italian,
German and more. If you’re buying a Mac
with an external keyboard supplied you
can change the layout of this too.
Some high-end Macs even let you
beef up the processor. The top-of-the-
If you buy your Mac online, you
range 14-inch MacBook Pro, for
can customise its specification.
example, has an Apple silicon M3
Max chip with 14-core CPU,

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 31

 The 16-inch MacBook Pro
boasts a larger screen
and incredible power.

MacFormat
Bes t Buy
12-core CPU, 18-core GPU M3
Pro, 36GB memory, 512GB SSD
£2,999

MacBook Pro 16-inch

The most powerful Mac in Apple’s notebook range
hen it comes to mobile available with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips
Mac computing, there’s no with support for up to two external
better notebook than the displays on M3 Pro and up to four on
16-inch MacBook Pro. The screen is models equipped with M3 Max.
perfect for design work, offering two
extra inches compared to the 14-inch Power advantage
model. It looks amazing too, thanks to The main thing the 16-inch MacBook
its Liquid Retina XDR display, which has Pro has over its cheaper stablemates,
3456x2234 native resolution at 254 though, is computational power. There
pixels per inch. It offers refresh rates are four versions available; two with M3
of up to 120Hz, a 1,000,000:1 contrast Pro chips, and two with M3 Max. The M3 As well as a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, the
MBP 16-inch has a six-speaker sound system.
ratio and 600 nits of brightness. Pro versions both offer a 12-core CPU
The screen’s extra size makes it a and a 18-core GPU, and 512GB of SSD Dynamic Caching optimises fast
little less portable. It’s 35.57cm wide and storage. The cheaper one has 18GB of on-chip memory to dramatically boost
24.81cm deep, but weighs only 2.14kg for unified memory; the more expensive the way the notebook uses its GPU. What
the M3 Pro version and 2.16kg for the M3 model has 36GB. this means in practical terms is pro-level
Max. At 1.68cm thick it won’t stretch a For those with higher needs and apps that demand graphical speed and,
bag’s notebook pocket, as long as it’s tall deeper pockets, the M3 Max 16-inch of course, games, perform better.
and wide enough for a 16-inch laptop. MacBook Pros have 1TB of solid-state Hardware-accelerated mesh shading also
While the 14-inch MacBook Pro only storage. The lower-specced model’s chip gives a significant lift to geometry
has three Thunderbolt 4 ports on models has a 14-Core CPU, 30-Core GPU and processing, so games render visually
equipped with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, 36GB of unified memory, with the complex scenes faster and smoother.
16-inch models get three ports by default flagship model having a 16-Core CPU, The 16-core Neural Engine, which
– chiefly because the 16-inch is only 40-Core GPU and 48GB of memory. And accelerates popular machine learning
you can customise the models, is capable of over 18 trillion
memory to 128GB and the operations per second, and the battery
The M3 Max 16-inch storage to 8TB. It’s the life is up to 22 hours on a single charge.
MacBook Pros have 1TB most powerful chip in any
Apple notebook and there
The 16-inch MacBook Pro will never
let you down, but ask yourself whether
of solid-state storage are other benefits too. you really need that much power…

32 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Your perfect Mac FEATURE

iPad Pro 13-inch

The biggest and best Apple tablet ever
elieve it or not, the 13-inch standard glass covering
iPad Pro is even thinner than the display, for a little
its 11-inch stable mate. At only extra you can opt for MacFormat
5.1 mm thick, it’s the thinnest product
Apple has ever created. Available in
nano-texture glass
(for models with Bes t Buy
10-core CPU, 10-core
Silver or Space Black, the 13-inch iPad over 1TB of storage). GPU M4, 16GB memory,
Pro’s extra screen space, together with First introduced on 1TB storage
the speedy M4 chip, make it ideally the Pro Display XDR,
placed to take advantage of iPadOS’ nano-texture glass
£1,899
multitasking features. If this is something reduces reflections
you do regularly, this is definitely the without the compromises
iPad for you. of a matt display. If you use
Given its size and power, it’s far from your iPad in brightly lit offices,
overpriced at £1,299, though this only it’s worth thinking about.
gets you 256GB of storage. If you need Combining power, portability
more, up to 2TB is available. Look out and performance, the 13-inch
too for a customisation option available iPad Pro is the last word in The 13-inch iPad Pro is Apple’s biggest,
on the Apple Store. Instead of the tablet computing. yet thinnest, tablet yet.

Mac Studio
Great computer, but at what cost?
echnically, the Mac Studio the max on Apple’s website and it will up to five displays. The M2 Ultra is built
isn’t Apple’s highest-end Mac. set you back an incredible £8,999. But from two M2 Max chips, and can support
The Mac Pro is still a thing, but what a Mac it is. up to 22 streams of 8K ProRes 422
these days it’s an enterprise machine video playback. According to Apple,
that costs a fortune. The Mac Studio The king of desktop Macs this is something no other personal
is also far from cheap, costing £2,099 The M2 Max version can handle up to computer can do. You can connect
for the off-the-shelf M2 Max version 10 streams of 8K ProRes video playback. up to eight displays too.
and £4,199 for the M2 Ultra-powered Its 67 billion transistors can manage up With 134 billion transistors capable
version. Buy the more expensive to 15.8 trillion operations per of up to 31.6 trillion operations per
model and customise it to second, and it can support second, this is truly the king of desktop
Macs. And that’s just the off-the-shelf
MacFormat
Bes t Buy
version. If you really want to see what
the best Mac ever looks like, boost
12-core CPU, 30-core the processor, add extra memory
GPU M3 Max, 32GB and max out the storage using the
memory, 512GB SSD
customisation options on the Apple
£2,099 Store website. But then wince when
you see the price…
The Mac Studio looks like a taller
version of the Mac mini, and, like its
aesthetic lookalike, it’s sold without a
The Mac Studio has two USB-C ports and an SD card slot on the front, and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, screen, keyboard, mouse or trackpad,
an Ethernet socket, twin USB-A ports and HDMI around the back. so you’ll need to add these too.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 33

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 NEW
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EDITED BY JO MEMBERY [email protected]

Master Apple
shortcuts
macOS
Cmd is the Command key.
Alt or Opt is the Option key.
Ctrl is the Control key, also
shown as ‘^’ in shortcuts in
the menu bar.
The thick, outlined up
arrow is the Shift key. 38
The thin, left arrow or
outlined pointer with ‘X’
inside is the Delete key, which
deletes to the left. Pressing WHAT’S INSIDE
the Function key (Fn) and the
Delete key deletes to the right.
The thin, right arrow key with 38 RESTORE YOUR OLD PHOTOS
a small vertical line at the end Remove imperfections, and even add colour
is the Tab key, which shifts the
focus between some controls. 40 ADD MULTIPLE USERS
Safely share the magic of your Mac with others

iOS 42 POWER UP THE NOTES APP

A tap is a brief contact Jot down, organise, add media, and more
of (usually) one finger
on your device’s screen. 44 REMOVE UNWANTED APPS 42
To drag is to move a finger Free up space the easy way by deleting apps
across the screen to scroll
or pan around content. 46 SURF SAFER WITH GHOSTERY
Swipe means move one or Banish ads and speed up slow-loading websites
more fingers across an item
48 GET APPLE HELP FAST
or the screen, then let go.
Fix issues with help from the Apple Support app
A flick is like swiping, but it’s
quicker, and is often used to 50 GROW YOUR OWN VEG
scroll content more quickly. Become a more efficient produce gardener
Pinch means move two
fingers together or apart, 52 CUSTOMISE CONTROL CENTRE
usually to zoom in or out. Access your favourite features on Apple Watch
Touch and hold means lightly 54
rest your finger on an item 54 NEXT-GEN CARPLAY
and wait for a reaction. Is Apple’s ambitious plan stuck in the slow lane?

Image credits: Apple Inc, Adobe OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 37

 1
Artificial intelligence
To fix torn edges, we can
use AI to extend existing
features, such as our
subject’s leg (and chair).
4
2 2

3 Wear and tear

Photoshop’s Neural Filters
can replace scratches and
creases with appropriate
details, and smooth out grain.

3
Eye contact
Photoshop’s AI has a huge
database to draw upon to
help make soft-focused
faces look crisp and clear.

4
Add colour
The Neural Filter menu’s
1 Colorize tool can make a dull
mono shot look vibrant and
interesting in a click.

PART 2 OF 2

Restore your old photos

Remove signs of wear and tear, and add colour to monochrome prints
IT WILL TAKE In part one of this feature last This tutorial features a grainy old photo
15 minutes month (#MF407), we explored from an early 20th century family album. The
a variety of hardware and picture suffers from faded tones due to the
YOU WILL LEARN software solutions to rescue passage of time. There are also scuffs from
How to counteract old analogue prints, slides or negatives handling that have scraped off surface details
keystone distortion, and give them a new lease of life as digital and a diagonal crease across the soldier on the
remove grain and format files. Being digitised is the first step right. The lens used to take the original photo
scratches and add to rescuing an old photo as much more work has created a soft focus look, so the faces lack
colour to a mono print needs to be done to restore it to its original definition. Also, because we snapped the
look. Indeed, you can even improve on the original using an iPhone it suffers from
YOU’LL NEED original by adding extra properties such as keystone distortion (where the photo’s vertical
Apple Photos colour and facial detail courtesy of artificial edges converge towards the top of the frame).
(iOS 12 or later), intelligence (AI) tools as we’ll demonstrate.
Adobe Photoshop AI assistance
(macOS 11 or later) Traditionally, we’d use Photo’s Retouch Brush
(or Photoshop’s Clone Stamp tool) to manually
paint over a scratch to replace it with clean
adjacent pixels. However, this is a time-
You can even consuming task. Thanks to Photoshop’s
improve on AI-assisted Neural Filters, we can remove
scratches and creases with ease, as well as
the original by restoring facial detail to soft focus stills and
adding colour making ‘eye contact’ with our ancestors. We
can even add colour to monochrome prints to
and facial give them a new lease of life.
This scratched and creased photo is also distorted thanks
detail to the position of our iPhone. It needs an AI makeover! George Cairns

38 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Adobe

 Enhance digitised pics APPLE SKILLS

HOW TO Remove distortion, damage and grain

1 Counteract distortion
In Photos, tap Edit. Then tap Crop,
followed by the vertical correction icon.
2 Make it mono
To lose the old-fashioned sepia
colour, tap Filters. Some black and white
3 Select edges
You could crop out the photo’s worn
and damaged edges, but there’s a more
Drag the slider until the converging filters (such as Silvertone) can lose creative option thanks to AI. Use the
vertical edges of the photo run parallel shadow and highlight detail. Tap Mono. Polygonal Lasso selection tool to make
with the edges of the screen. Adjust AirDrop the shot to your Mac and open a selection around the edges of the
the Straighten slider if necessary. it in Adobe Photoshop. photo. Choose Select > Inverse.

4 Analyse and fill

Click the Generative Fill button in
the floating toolbar. Leave the text field
5 Reduce grain
Choose Layer > Flatten Image to
combine the AI-created edges with the
6 Improve the detail
To give the soft focus faces more
impact, drag the ‘Enhance face’ slider to
blank, then click Generate. Photoshop’s photo. Choose Filter > Neural Filters. Go the right. This uses AI to add more detail
AI (Adobe Firefly 3) will analyse the to the Restoration section and toggle to eyes and hair so that we can see our
photo’s content and automatically add on Photo Restoration. Drag Photo subject’s expressions more clearly! Click
suitable details to fill the empty spaces. Enhancement right to smooth out grain. the Before/After icon to compare.

7 Remove scratches
To fill in scrapes and scratches,
drag the Scratch Reduction slider to the
8 Add some colour
To help your restored vintage shot
stand out even more, you can quickly
9 Add finishing touches
Click OK to apply the Neural Filter
menu’s AI-enhanced changes. To give
right. Don’t go too far or it will remove add colour using AI. In the Color section, a faded shot more impact go to Image >
fine detail such as buttons. Open the toggle Colorize to on. Tick ‘Auto Color Auto Contrast. This creates a wider tonal
Adjustments options and set Noise image’. Photoshop will add colours to range. Choose Filter > Sharpen to create
Reduction to 13 to remove more grain. skin tones and clothing. a print with more punch.

Image credits: Apple Inc, Adobe OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 39

Add additional users to Mac
Don’t keep the magic of your Mac all to yourself – share it responsibly
IT WILL TAKE Your Mac is a desirable piece add and remove users, determine what they
10 minutes of kit, so it’s inevitable can and can’t do and prevent your Mac from
someone else will want to being misused. You will, in effect, be giving
YOU WILL LEARN use it from time to time – users their own little separate islands (unless
How to add one or be that a family member, friend or guest. you grant full administrative privileges),
more users to your Trouble is, handing over your Mac when it’s protecting your files and settings. In the
Mac, and determine logged into your account is a path to potential case of guests, you’ll also be ensuring all
what they can and danger. Another user could access your files, files created are stored in a temporary folder
can’t do make changes to your settings, download that’s deleted when they log out. What’s more,
apps and much more. once set up, you can move between accounts
YOU’LL NEED But you can avoid all that stress by setting with ease. Let’s check it out.
macOS 14 or later up extra accounts. With macOS, you can easily David Crookes

HOW TO Set up additional users

Genius tip!
You can add more than
one user and create
groups – click Add
Group and indicate who
to include. Groups can
be given the same
access privileges.

1 Add a user
Select the Apple menu and go to System
Settings, then scroll down the sidebar and
2 Define the user
A new user can be an administrator but
that gives them the same privileges as you,
select Users & Groups. This is where you will letting them add others and alter settings.
see a list of users – it should include you. To A standard user can install apps but only
add another named person, click Add User. change their own settings.

40 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Share your Mac APPLE SKILLS

CONTINUED… Set up additional users

Jargon buster
Mac protected by
FileVault via System
Settings > Privacy &
Security? Guests can
access Safari but not
your encrypted drive.
They can’t create files.

3 Restrict to sharing
Users can also be restricted to Sharing
Only – they’ll only be able to access shared files
4 Fill in details
Once you’ve decided on the level of
access, continue filling in the details; add
remotely. You’ll need to go to System Settings > a password for the new user’s account and
General > Sharing after you’ve added the user select Create User. Don’t worry about adding
to determine what can be shared. an account name – one will be auto-generated.

5 Manage user accounts

Manage accounts by selecting the Info
button. If a new user sets up iCloud on the
6 Activate Guest account
Select the Guest User account in the
Users & Groups list to temporarily allow guests
Mac, you can let them reset their Mac account to log into your Mac without using a password.
password. You can upgrade Standard accounts Decide if you want to limit adult websites and
to Admin, reset the password and delete users. allow guests to access shared folders.

Genius tip!
Got a Touch ID
keyboard? Go to Apple
Menu > System Settings
> Touch ID & Password
and set up Touch ID for

7 Choose account info

You can quickly flip between accounts.
First, go to System Settings > Control Centre
8 Switch between accounts
When you need to switch to another
account, click the Fast User Switching option in
each user for even
faster switching.

and decide if you want the Fast User Switching the menu bar or Control Centre and select the
icon, account name or full name to show in the user. So long as the different users are logged
menu bar and/or the Control Centre. in, the Mac will make the required switch.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 41

Power up the Notes app
Make the most of Notes ahead of the macOS Sequoia updates
IT WILL TAKE Apple’s Notes app provides mean we shouldn’t focus on the cool things
20 minutes more than a simple text box for it can do already. It won’t take long for you
jotting down your immediate to figure out how you can best organise
YOU WILL LEARN thoughts or placing content your notes to suit your needs, for instance,
To make use of the you’ve come across. It also allows you to or collaborate with others so that you can
more advanced structure projects, flesh out your ideas using brainstorm and get the most out of a project.
features contained different types of media, create sketches, With powerful note searching, the ability to
in Notes on Mac produce checklists, scan documents and sync import text files into Notes and be alerted
everything to your other devices via iCloud. if someone has made changes to a shared
YOU’LL NEED And even that’s just scratching the surface. note, the app can take pride of place at the
macOS 14 or later, When macOS 15 (Sequoia) arrives, Notes centre of your workflow.
Notes app is going to get even better – but that doesn’t David Crookes

HOW TO Jot things down quickly

1 Use Quick Notes

Quick Notes is one of the app’s most
useful functions. Activate it by pressing
2 Browse and add
If you’re using Safari and you come
across a page you’d like to link to, click
3 Apply some styles
Don’t want Quick Notes to keep
opening the same note? Go to Notes
and holding the Fn or Globe key and Q, the Share button and select ‘Add to Quick > Settings and deselect ‘Always resume
or by moving your cursor to the bottom- Note’. Likewise, you can highlight text to last Quick Note’. To create ‘normal’
right corner of the screen. Then simply on a web page, Ctrl-click and add it notes, go to File > New Note. You can
start writing. as a Quick Note. also add styles, tables and more.

42 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Power up Notes APPLE SKILLS

HOW TO Organise your notes

1 Link with other notes

To link related notes, go to Edit >
Add Link and enter the title of an existing
2 Create a Smart Folder 3 Use other filters
Click ‘Make into Smart Folder’ and
you can use tags (eg #notes) in your
When you add those tags in your
notes, the app will pick up on them and
note. Notes can also be grouped in notes to make finding and organising pop the note into the Smart Folder. Smart
folders – select New Folder for fresh them easier. Click All Selected, Any folders can also be organised by other
ones. Click a folder, create a note and Selected or Any Tags and enter the tags criteria including those containing
it’ll auto save there. you want to be associated with the folder. attachments and checklists.

HOW TO Take note-taking to the next level

1 Add media to notes

Notes are not restricted to text.
Drag photos, videos and PDFs from the
2 Annotate your notes
Annotate PDFs, images and scanned
documents by clicking the downward
3 Collaborate with others
Click the Share button and select
Collaborate. Decide who can access/
desktop, Finder or your Photos library, arrow on an item in your note, selecting make changes to the note and select
or select Edit > Attach file… Click the Markup and using the available tools to a way to share the invite. Edits will be
Media button and you can take photos, draw on the image, crop, rotate and seen by others. Click the people icon
scan documents or add sketches. more. You can also create a signature. to manage the note and hide alerts.

Lock your notes from prying eyes

Some notes are meant to be private
Let’s say you’ve written a note containing financial details or medical
information. You’ll want to keep it private. With Notes, you can do just that. First
of all, you need to create a password (Notes > Settings > Set Password). This can
be your system password or an entirely new one. Next, select a note, click the
Lock button and enter the password. You can click the Lock button again and
select Close All Locked Notes, otherwise they’ll automatically close when exiting
Notes or after a period of inactivity. Note that Quick Notes can’t be locked.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 43

Remove unwanted apps
Free up space the easy way by removing unwanted apps
IT WILL TAKE Over time, most Macs other things you might have made with them.
20 minutes accumulate electronic lint They’ll stay where they are in folders such as
– things that live in dark Documents, Pictures and so on.
YOU WILL LEARN corners gathering digital dust. The fastest way to uninstall many apps is
How to remove apps And some of those things are apps you’ve long to open Launchpad, press and hold on the app
the easy way forgotten about, moved away from or just you want to remove and then click on the ‘X’
don’t need any more. Uninstalling them can icon. But that only works with apps you’ve
YOU’LL NEED free up lots of space on your Mac without also installed via the App Store. Other apps need
macOS 10.14 or later, removing any documents, photos, videos or a bit more effort, and some apps can be a
AppCleaner (optional, real pain to clean up afterwards.
Free, various macOS
options available) Sort unwanted files
Where apps have their own uninstaller in
your Applications folder, use that. But for
others, we’ll show you where they live, how
to get rid of them and how to ensure they
won’t leave unwanted files lying around. We’ll
also discover a great little app that does all
Genius tip! the work for you – for free, saving you not
Apple doesn’t want just a lot of time but money too.
you to uninstall many In many cases, the uninstall process will
of its own apps, so move the app and its components to the Bin,
you’re stuck with Chess, but won’t permanently delete them. That’s an
News, Podcasts and extra safeguard to ensure you don’t delete an
Removing an app won’t cancel any subscriptions
so on whether you associated with it. They’re in the App Store app > app accidentally. When you’re sure it’s okay,
want them or not. [Your Name] > Account Settings. just empty the Bin as normal. Carrie Marshall

44 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Remove unwanted apps APPLE SKILLS

HOW TO Locate and delete unwanted apps

1 See your storage

You can see how much space apps
are taking up on your Mac by going into
2 Find apps to remove
Click on Storage Settings and see
how much space is being taken up by
3 Uninstall the apps
App Store apps will be listed here;
select them and click Delete. For other
System Settings > General > About and different things; if you want to remove apps, go to Macintosh HD > Applications
scrolling down until you see Macintosh docs, messages and so on, you can do or Macintosh HD > [Your Name] >
HD. As you can see, our Mac’s stuffed that. We’re interested in apps, though, Applications depending on whether
despite its big SSD. Let’s get cleaning. so click the ‘i’ icon next to Applications. they’re installed for all accounts or yours.

4 Open Applications
You can find installed apps in the
Applications folder. You can remove apps
5 Open your Library
Many apps also install components
into the Application Support folder of
6 Open the folder
As you can see, it’s busy in
Application Support – and the problem
by dragging them from here to the Bin, your Mac’s Library. Apple doesn’t want with manually uninstalling things is that
but we’d advise against it: uninstalling you to go there, so it hides the Library: it’s not always clear what things relate to
using that method removes the app but to open it, open the Finder’s Go menu, what app. If you’re confident you know
can leave a lot of unwanted files behind. hold Opt and the Library will appear. what’s what, by all means go ahead.

7 Install an uninstaller
Alternatively, sometimes the best
way to uninstall apps is to install another
8 Get cleaning
You can’t accuse AppCleaner of
being too cluttered, but while it’s simple
9 Clean up everything
AppCleaner will now show you what
it’s going to delete – including the things
one. AppCleaner, from freemacsoft.net, it’s effective. Find the app you want to the app has stored in your Library and
saves you having to navigate the Library. uninstall in your Applications folder and elsewhere. You can uncheck anything
You’ll need to give the app permission to then drag it and drop it over the centre you’re unsure about, but most times it’s
change files when you first run it. of the AppCleaner window. fine to just go ahead and click Remove.

Image credits: Apple Inc, FreeMacSoft OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 45

 APPLE SKILLS iOS

Surf more safely

with Ghostery
Ghost those pesky pop-ups and ads
IT WILL TAKE If you like the idea of
20 minutes iCloud+’s browsing privacy
but want a free option,
YOU WILL LEARN there are plenty of good
How to browse with alternatives including Ghostery Private
Ghostery Private Browser for iPhone and iPad. When you
Browser use Ghostery instead of Safari, it enables
you to browse privately, bookmark favourite
YOU’LL NEED sites, remove invasive trackers and block
iOS/iPadOS 12 unwanted ads. It’s very easy to use and very
or later, Ghostery configurable; its Settings enable you to
Private Browser (Free, customise the search engine, default mail
iOS 12 or later) client, theme and how links are handled.
When you use an app such as Ghostery
it’s a vivid illustration of just how noisy the
normal world wide web has become. With
ad-blocking and pop-up blocking enabled
things are much nicer. And if you stick with
Ghostery’s search engine, search results are
much less likely to blast you with ads and
unwanted product recommendations. Best
of all, it makes browsing much smoother and
faster – and on mobile data, can save you
money too. Carrie Marshall

HOW TO Surf online with Ghostery

1 Get the ghost

The first time you run Ghostery, you’ll
get this rather quiet screen. The eight
2 Search for stuff
When you start typing, you’ll see
a list of suggestions. If you don’t want
3 Avoid the ads
As you can see, Ghostery search
results are much less ad-packed than
dots are spaces where you can bookmark to use Ghostery’s search, you can tap Google results; you don’t need to wade
pages as Top Sites, and you’ll see tabs for on one of the alternatives above the through lots of links and product images
Top Sites, Bookmarks and History up top. on-screen keyboard. Let’s get full before getting the links you want. Paid
Let’s use the search in the centre. results by tapping More Search Results. links are clearly labelled as such.

46 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Ghostery GmbH

 Safer surfing APPLE SKILLS

CONTINUED… Surf online with Ghostery

4 Use the tabs

Ghostery enables you to open
multiple tabs for different websites. Tap
5 Get ghostly
Have you spotted the ghost icon in
the lower left of the Tab view? That’s for
6 Surf secretly
Ghost Tabs are useful for things like
shopping for presents; we happily share
the square icon (lower right) to switch to Ghost Tabs, which work like Safari’s our iPhone with family but wouldn’t want
Tab view. Here we have two open tabs; Private Browsing; tabs you open here them to know we’ve been shopping for
we can close them by tapping the ‘X’, or won’t leave a trace on your phone, for them. When using Ghost Tabs the icon
tap them to switch to that tab. others to potentially stumble across. (lower right) has a ghost in its corner.

7 Return to normal
When you’ve done your shopping,
tap on the Tab view again. You can close
8 Change the view
When viewing a website, tap the
Ghost icon (lower centre) to bring up
9 See who’s snooping
When you visit a website, you’ll see
a coloured circle to the left of the address
the current tab by tapping ‘X’, or switch settings. Where available, you’ll see a bar; green means you’re not being spied
to normal browsing by tapping the ghost toggle for Reader Mode, for a clutter-free on. Tap the circle for more information.
icon (lower left). This remembers your design. Tap ‘Aa’ to change settings, and You can also use this pop-up to toggle
Ghost Tab so you can return to it later. the Ghost icon to exit Reader Mode. ad- and pop-up blocking.

10 Explore the alerts

Where a website does use
trackers, Ghostery will colour code the
11 See the spies
Most normal web trackers are for
advertising networks, marketing tracking
12 Get the benefits
If you’re on mobile data, ad
blocking and tracker blocking can save
address bar circle to show what’s being and so on, and you can expect trackers you money; scroll down the Statistical
used. Tap it for more details – here you’ll for social media sharing buttons too. This Report and you can see how much data
see a lot of tracking going on, mostly for can help you decide whether or not to Ghostery didn’t download because it was
ads. Tap Statistical Report to see more. limit ads and tracks on that website. unwanted advertising and related content.

Image credits: Apple Inc, Ghostery GmbH OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 47

 APPLE SKILLS iOS

Get help fast with Apple

The Apple Support app is one of the unspoken heroes on iPhone
IT WILL TAKE There’s a chance you haven’t discovering your most recent Apple Store
10 minutes even heard about the Apple orders, learning about Apple Trade In and
Support app even though it’s resetting your Apple ID password.
YOU WILL LEARN been around for eight years. You can use it to find your nearest Apple
How to get quick and After all, if you have an immediate problem Store, book a Genius appointment and arrange
easy answers to your with your devices, your first port of call is device repairs. It’ll also save you from scouring
questions likely to be a search engine. Yet, if that’s the the web looking for contact details – with a
case, you’re doing things the long way round. couple of taps, you can be in touch with an
YOU’LL NEED Apple Support is a mine of information Apple advisor in rapid time. So let us be your
iOS 16 or later that lets you discover more about your guide as we look through its various features.
devices, learn how to get the most out of You’re sure to be impressed.
them and perform useful tasks such as David Crookes

HOW TO Discover quick solutions

Genius tip!
Tap the Locations tab
for a list of Authorised
Service Providers. See
the devices they cover,
their opening hours and
accessibility details.

1 Ask a question
There are two ways you can resolve issues
with the Apple Support app. Tap Support and
2 Check the results
You’ll see a bunch of recommended
articles related to your query, often giving
you enter a question at the top of the screen step-by-step instructions. In some cases,
(eg, ‘how to create a new album’) or select a you’ll be directed to Settings or a website
device and look through the topics. that lets you carry out the intended task.

48 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Apple Support app APPLE SKILLS

CONTINUED… Discover quick solutions

Jargon buster
Monitor your coverage
– whether your device
is under warranty or
AppleCare – by tapping

3 Get further assistance

If the results don’t help, you can get
support directly from Apple. Tap Message or
4 Get device details
In the Support section, specific devices
linked to your Apple ID are listed. Select one
Check Coverage. You
can check by serial
number too.
Call and you can either engage in a chat using of them and tap Device Details to check the
the Messages app or have someone from model, operating system, serial number and
Apple phone you at a preferred time. any service plan or options you have.

5 Assess your device

Having AppleCare is advantageous if
there’s a physical problem but tap Repairs &
6 Arrange repairs
If you find your device needs a pro
fix, tap Repairs & Physical Damage, identify
Physical Damage and, aside from checking your issue and schedule a repair. You can
iPhone/iPad battery health (Battery Service), choose a location by distance and available
you may find an article that fixes an issue. appointments, and view estimated costs.

Genius tip!
Reservations, calls or
chats made with Apple
Support are logged for
90 days. Tap the
Activity tab to view
them and see more
support options.

7 Organise refunds
Bought content through Apple and want
a refund? Tap your device, select Subscriptions
8 Get iCloud support
You can also use Apple Support to answer
queries about iCloud+ and other Apple services
and Purchases > ‘Request a Refund’ > Get you have. As well as guiding you through key
Started. Choose ‘Request a Refund’ and select iCloud+ features, for instance, you can manage
the apps/services you want a refund for. your storage and reset your password.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 49

 APPLE SKILLS iPadOS

Grow your own veg

Become a more efficient gardener with help from your iPhone or iPad
IT WILL TAKE At this time of year, our morning, and then cooking them for dinner?
A few minutes to thoughts often go to our You can’t get fresher than that.
master the app, longer gardens. Whether you have
to grow your veg! a backyard, an allotment or a Sow the seeds
couple of acres of arable land, you can have And guess what? There’s an app for that.
YOU WILL LEARN fun – and save a few quid – by growing your Several in fact. Here we’re looking at Bento
How to plan your own vegetables. What could be better than Software’s Veggie Garden Planner, a planning
patch and rotate crops, digging up a few spuds, pulling some carrots aid with the allotment or vegetable patch in
and discover which veg and cutting down a cabbage on a Sunday mind. There’s more to planning a veg garden
grow well together and than you might think. Some vegetables get
different crop needs on well when planted next to each other, and
others grow poorly.
YOU’LL NEED Crop rotation should be considered too; if
Veggie Garden you plant vegetables that deplete the soil, it’s
Planner (Free, offers best to use that space for a crop that’s lighter
IAPs; iPadOS 15 or on nutrients the following year, or even leave it
later), access to a fallow for a season. Different plants require
garden, allotment, different levels of attention too.
or vegetable patch In this tutorial, we take a look at the
Veggie Garden Planner app, showing you
how to use it and what it can do for the keen
amateur vegetable gardener. With our help –
The app includes a vegetable patch planner, where you and the app – you’ll soon be tucking into some
can plan where you plant your crops. great home-grown meals. Ian Osborne

50 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, Bento Software

 Grow your own APPLE SKILLS

HOW TO Make your garden grow

Jargon buster
Good Neighbours are
crops that grow well
when planted next to
each other, sharing
space nicely. Conversely,
Bad Neighbours restrict

1 Choose your vegetables

The heart of the app is the Veggie List; tap
the icon on the left of the bottom row to access
2 The neighbours
Scroll up the information screen to see a
list of good and bad neighbours, that is, what
each other’s growth
when close together,
so planting them in
it. Choose a crop from the left-hand sidebar vegetables sit well with the one in question and proximity should be
and you’re given information on when to sow, ones that don’t. Scroll the rows for more, and avoided.
how deep, how much room it needs and more. tap their ‘i’ icons for specific comments.

3 Your list
Tap Add To My List in the top-right corner
of a vegetable screen to add it to the list of
4 Custom varieties
In the window at the foot of the My
Veggies sidebar, tap the ‘+’ icon (top right)
crops you’re considering planting. To see your to add a custom variety of a vegetable you’re
list, tap My Veggies in the toolbar at the planning to grow. You can then add a photo
bottom of the screen for easier access. and info, creating a new listing for the app.

Genius tip
You can try out the
Veggie Garden Planner
app for free, but a £3.49
annual subscription
gives access to more
vegetables and unlocks
the Patch Plan’s full set
of features.

5 Create a calendar
Tap the Tables button at the foot of the
screen for a calendar showing when you
6 Find good neighbours
In the Tables section, tap the Neighbours
tab at the top of the screen. Here you see a
should seed the vegetables on your list, when table showing which of the vegetables in your
to plant them and when they can be harvested. list sit nicely together and which are harmful to
It’s great for planning your gardening year. each other. It’s a useful ready reference tool.

Image credits: Apple Inc, Bento Software OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 51

Customise and use Control
Centre on Apple Watch
Access your favourite features faster with Control Centre
IT WILL TAKE One of the most useful things settings. It can also help you find your iPhone
10 minutes on your Apple Watch may be if you’ve misplaced it. In this tutorial, we’ll
hiding in plain sight. That’s discover how to use Control Centre, how to
YOU WILL LEARN because Apple moved the add more controls to it and how to reorganise
How to get the most Control Centre when it launched watchOS 10, it to suit your personal preference. We’ll also
from Control Centre so it’s easy to forget it’s there: the upwards discover how you can remove most of the
swipe that used to open Control Centre now icons if you don’t need them. We say ‘most’
YOU’LL NEED brings up your widgets because Apple has
watchOS 8 or later instead, and Control decided that some icons
Centre now requires need to remain in Control
you to press the Centre whether you want
side button. them or not. You can’t
delete them, but you can
Fast access move them so they’re
While the Control tucked away out of sight.
Centre has been We’ll also discover one
relocated from watch of the best things about
face to watch button, Control Centre: the extra
Genius tip it’s still very useful, and features you can access
If you’ve enabled while of course it’s a lot by long-pressing the icons.
audible notifications on simpler than Control In these pages, we’ll
your AirPods or Beats Centre on your iPhone be looking at the Control
headphones, using the or iPad it does the same Centre in watchOS 10 but
Silent mode switch on job; it gives you fast versions 8 onwards are
your Watch silences access to commonly One of the most useful Control Centre widgets is very similar.
those too. used features and Ping, which also helps you navigate to your iPhone. Carrie Marshall

52 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Control Centre on Watch APPLE SKILLS

HOW TO Organise Control Centre on Apple Watch

1 Open it up
Control Centre pops up when you
press the side button on your Apple
2 See what’s what
You should see some tiny icons at
the top. Tap them to see these status
3 Press on controls
If you tap and hold the controls,
many have hidden powers. Tap and hold
Watch. It uses similar buttons to the updates telling you that your iPhone is the Wi-Fi icon, for example, and it’ll bring
iPhone’s Control Centre, but there are connected. The indicators will also notify up this screen, which enables you to
fewer options because the Watch doesn’t you of other key things, such as having switch networks, connect to available
have all the features of an iPhone. Silent mode enabled. iPhone hotspots or turn Wi-Fi off.

4 Change the power

If you tap and hold on the battery
percentage, you’ll get a larger version
5 Silence the ringer
If you don’t want to receive audible
notifications for a while, tap and hold the
6 Light it up
This picture isn’t a mistake: it’s what
you get if you press the Torch button and
with a visual indicator of how much life Silent mode toggle; it’s the one that looks swipe left. There are three Torch modes
is left in your battery. If it’s getting low, like a bell. This gives extra options of ‘On to use your screen as illumination: normal
you can toggle Low Power Mode; this for 1 hour’, or on until later that day. You’ll white, flashing white, and the red
changes the icon to yellow. still receive vibrating notifications. illumination shown in this screenshot.

7 Add more controls

If you swipe or scroll to the bottom
of Control Centre, you’ll see the Edit
8 Delete controls
You can also remove some controls
from your Control Centre – although
9 Reorganise controls
While you’re in Edit mode, you can
reorganise the controls as you would on
button. Tap that and you can add extra Apple won’t let you remove the battery, iPhone: drag a control to its new home
controls to your Watch, including AirPlay, Airplane mode or Wi-Fi ones. To remove and the others will move out the way. You
Text Size, Hearing, School Time and a control, simply tap on the little red can hide unwanted, unremovable controls
so on. Tap the ‘+’ sign to add these. circle with a ‘–’ sign in it. by moving them to the very end.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 53

 HOW IT WORKS

Next-gen CarPlay
It promises to change the way you use your car, so what’s the latest?
YOU WILL LEARN pple’s Worldwide Developers reluctance to cede ‘control’ of their cars to a
What next-gen
CarPlay is and when
A Conference in June 2022 was
remarkable for many reasons –
third party. Mercedes has already reversed its
plans to support next-gen CarPlay, while in the
you might be able to from the launch of the Apple silicon M2 US, General Motors (GM) has dropped CarPlay
get your hands on it chip, macOS Ventura, iOS/iPadOS 16 and altogether in favour of its own interface – with
watchOS 8 to something Apple called “the mixed results. Others, such as Elon Musk’s
next generation of CarPlay”. CarPlay, of Tesla, have never supported CarPlay at all.
course, is the name Apple gives to your You can certainly see why some of the
iPhone’s ability to interact with your car, proposed changes are giving car makers
bringing features such as Maps and Apple pause. Here’s what Apple said in its June 2022
Music to its ‘infotainment’ system. The aim of announcement: “CarPlay will be able to
Key fact next-gen CarPlay was to kick things up a gear,
CarPlay was officially bringing even more of your car’s controls
introduced at the
Geneva Motor Show in
under Apple’s wing, while giving you extensive
customisation options – like being able to
CarPlay today
2014, but had existed override your car’s electronic dashboard and The current version of CarPlay is
in several different replace it with one styled in Cupertino. already a huge hit with car buyers,
guises before then. It To enable you to use CarPlay 2.0, Apple of making it quick and easy to bring
first made its debut at course had to get the world’s carmakers on what’s on your iPhone to your car’s
WWDC 2010 as iPod Out board and their initial reaction was infotainment system. Apple’s own apps
and was available in enthusiastic – manufacturers from Audi to – including Maps, Music, Messages,
BMWs and Minis in 2011, Volvo all signed up, but so far only two have Contacts, Phone and Calendar – are all
and as ‘iOS in the Car’ at actually announced concrete plans, with Aston included, as are Podcasts, Audiobooks,
WWDC 2013. Apple says Martin and Porsche confirming theirs in Apple News and more. CarPlay also
more than 800 vehicles December last year, although CarPlay 2.0’s supports a huge-range of third-party
from 77 different still to make its way into their actual cars. apps including Google Maps, Waze,
manufacturers support Apple says announcements from other car Spotify and YouTube Music. And it’s just
the current version of makers will be coming this year, but why has not just available through car makers
CarPlay, including those the rollout been so slow? – aftermarket head units from Alpine,
from Rolls-Royce, Fiat The fault may lay in both the ambition and Pioneer and others offer CarPlay too.
and Lamborghini. scope of Apple’s plans and some car makers’

54 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 From personalising the driving
experience to controlling the
radio, CarPlay promises deeper
integration with the vehicle.

provide content for multiple screens within While all this sounds great in theory,
the vehicle, creating an experience that is there are many reasons why car makers are
unified and consistent. Deeper integration stuck in the CarPlay slow lane. One is that
with the vehicle will allow users to do things cars are increasingly complex, making a
like control the radio or change the climate complete instrument cluster takeover by
directly through CarPlay, and using the CarPlay unlikely. To that end, Apple is said to
vehicle data, CarPlay will seamlessly render be introducing ‘punch-throughs’ in CarPlay,
the speed, fuel level, temperature, and more which will enable car makers to display their
on the instrument cluster. Users will be able own controls for certain functions – onboard
to personalise their driving experience by cameras, for example – within the CarPlay
choosing different gauge cluster designs, and interface. Another is that next-gen CarPlay is
with added support for widgets, users will totally wireless – so your car will need Wi-Fi
have at-a-glance information from Weather and/or Bluetooth for CarPlay to work when
and Music right on their car’s dashboard.” many car makers still rely on wired
Since then Apple has added even more connections to accessories such as iPhones.
options for CarPlay. Code in the iOS 17.4
update included support for eight new apps, Enter Android Automotive Key fact
including Camera (to access and control While CarPlay is incredibly popular with both If your car has a
your car’s onboard cameras); Climate (for car buyers and car makers like Ford, Apple compatible digital car
heating and cooling controls); and Charge also doesn’t have it all its own way. Instead of key you can add it to the
(which will give you updates on your car’s adopting next-gen CarPlay, some car makers Wallet app, then use
battery if you drive an electric car), as well as are already sliding into the passenger seat your iPhone or Apple
options that enable you to change the colour next to Google. Not only does Google have Watch to unlock, lock
and design of the instrument cluster and a Android Auto, which offers similar features and even start your car.
‘Goodbye’ screen that will appear when you to the current version of CarPlay, but it also Depending on the car,
switch off your car. Meanwhile iOS 18 looks has Android Automotive – an entire car you can do this by simply
set to add Accessibility features such as operating system that’s already been having your device with
sound recognition to alert you to nearby car adopted by car makers including Audi, BMW, you; by holding your
horns and sirens. Volkswagen and Volvo that doesn’t need a device next to the car
connected phone to function, and allows handle or key reader;
The iOS 17.4 update included car makers to build their own interfaces or by remotely locking,
on top of it. That could be a deal-breaker unlocking and starting
support for eight new apps for next-gen CarPlay, leaving it on a road it. You can also share
including Camera and Climate to nowhere. Rob Mead-Green your car key with others.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 55

 EXPERT
ADVICE
Our resident genius
solves your Mac and
iOS problems

Contact us
Email your queries and
your questions to
EDITED BY HOWARD OAKLEY [email protected]

Macs have Why can’t I clone Sonoma?

been waiting My MacBook Pro M3 Max runs at the boot snapshot perfectly, and to connect

for AI Q Reduced Security with SIP disabled

so I can play ‘cracked’ games. Why
it to the Data volume. A cloned system faces
other problems: Apple silicon Macs control boot
hile it may now can’t I clone its boot disk? security using LocalPolicy files on their internal
W seem odd, 20
years ago the star
by A N A N O N Y M O U S R E A D E R SSD. As those can’t be cloned, they have to be
created before your Mac can start up from a
of Mac OS X Panther was Boot disks used to be one volume clone, another common point of failure.
Preview, claimed to be “the
fastest PDF viewer on the
A integrating system and user files, but
that changed in Big Sur, and macOS
Your greatest concern should be the high
risk of malware infection. ‘Cracked’ software
planet”, with support for now runs from a sealed snapshot that can’t be is the most common way to spread malicious
the Mac’s new built-in cloned in the same way. software, with hundreds of apps affected. By
faxing. Looking at Preview’s Although Carbon Copy Cloner and disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP)
subsequent slow decline, it’s SuperDuper! still offer to clone the System and running at reduced security you’ve also
hardly likely to make Apple’s volume and its snapshot, it’s no longer reliable, removed your Mac’s primary defences against
list of new features in and should be avoided. Instead, use the full malware. It’s not a question of if your Mac will
macOS Sequoia. macOS installer app, as it’s designed to create be infected, but when.
That’s because Apple is
primarily a hardware vendor,
and those original star
features followed its success
with desktop publishing in
the 1990s, which brought
together new capabilities in
Macs and Apple’s printers.
The next couple of years
will see AI assume that role
of selling Apple silicon
Macs, with their Neural
Engines ready and waiting
to deliver Sequoia’s Writing
Tools and more. While
competitor PCs have only
just started to feature AI
accelerators, every M-series
Mac since 2020 has come
ready-equipped.
Think twice before downgrading your Mac’s security and turning SIP off, as that exposes it to a high risk of malware.

56 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 iOS software GENIUS TIPS

iOS software
Swipe away your touchscreen troubles and
rekindle your love of Apple’s mobile devices

Quick-fire Protect your

questions
How to stop apps
iPhone from theft
from asking to track Should I enable Stolen Device
my location?
> In Settings, tap through
Q Protection on my iPhone?
by N A T H A N G O L D
to Privacy & Security >
Tracking and there turn Introduced in iOS 17.3, this
off ‘Allow Apps to
Request to Track’. This
A feature protects your iPhone in
case it’s stolen by someone who
only works for new knows its passcode, most probably from
requests, though, and watching you enter it. You can only use it
not retrospectively. To if you have two-factor authentication
control existing tracking enabled, the phone has a passcode, uses
settings tap Location either Touch ID or Face ID, Find My iPhone
Services and find the is active, and Location Services is turned
app in the list there to on with Significant Locations enabled.
change its access. You can then turn protection on in Face
ID & Passcode, in Settings.
How to force my If enabled, your iPhone’s behaviour
Calendars to sync changes when away from familiar
with iCloud? locations such as your home or
> Open the Calendar app, workplace. Some actions then require
then tap Calendars at authentication using Face ID or Touch ID.
the foot to view the list. Those include using stored passwords or
There drag the whole passkeys, and autofilling payment
view down until a methods in Safari, although your
spinning progress passcode still works normally for
indicator appears at the purchases using Apple Pay.
top and starts to rotate, Actions that change important
then release. Once that security settings or your Apple ID are
has finished spinning, made even harder when the iPhone is
tap Done at the top away from a familiar location. These
right, and your calendars require Face ID or Touch ID, repeated
should have synced fully. after a security delay of one hour. Among
actions affected are changing your Apple
ID password, signing out, and changing
trusted devices, Face ID, Touch ID or For Stolen Device Protection, you need to enable Significant
passcode. These could catch you out, for Locations, so that it can tell when it’s away from regular places.
instance if you need to change your Apple While it provides robust protection against
ID password before trading in your iPhone, theft, its effects could cause you problems,
where you’d need to disable Stolen Device and need to be weighed up carefully against
Protection in advance, in a familiar location. the risk of someone learning the passcode.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 57

 GENIUS TIPS Mac software

Mac software
Resolving riddles and restrictions with
what you want to run on your Mac
Quick-fire Move your Music library
questions
Is there a free I’m trying to transfer my Music held down, and select that library. You could
firewall like
Little Snitch?
Q library from an old iMac running
macOS 10.15 Catalina to my new
alternatively use Migration Assistant, in the
Utilities folder in Applications, to move just that
> Yes: Lulu from Apple silicon iMac, as the final step in library from the old to the new Mac, or from its
Objective-See at bit.ly/ migration. What’s the best way to do that? backup, or you could copy across the library
mac408lulu is a free by R O Y M I L L I N G T O N from the Music folder in your Home folder over
open source software your network. In each case, on the new iMac
firewall that blocks Before moving your Music library to a you should be able to select the new library
outgoing connections,
such as those made by
A new Mac, ensure it’s well backed-up,
then choose File > Library > Organise
when opening the Music app with the Opt key
held, or in the Files section of Music’s Settings.
malicious software Library, and select ‘Consolidate files’. That With the library open on your new iMac, run
when it tries to phone places copies of all files within your library, another consolidation (File > Library > Organise
home. While it’s even though some files may also remain in Library again). For Music to access Apple Music
straightforward to their original locations. tracks on your new iMac, you need to authorise
install and use, it lacks If your library is already stored on an it in its Accounts menu. Before finishing with
the more advanced external drive, you can connect that to your your old library, you should use that menu on
features of Little Snitch. new Mac, open the Music app with the Opt key your old Mac to deauthorise that Mac.

How to select
non-contiguous
text in Numbers?
> This feature is only
available in recent
versions, and lets you
select two or more
non-adjacent words.
Select the first in the
normal way, then hold
the Cmd key while
selecting additional
words. This only works
within the same section
of text, though, and
can’t select words in
different cells.

After you’ve transferred your Music library to a new Mac, you may need to change its location in Music’s settings.

58 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Mac software GENIUS TIPS

Run old 32-bit apps How to open a Note

straight into a Pages
document?
I use the Flexcolor 4.8.13 app to work > This is now quick and
Q with photo negatives scanned by a
Hasselblad scanner, with macOS
easy: select a note in
Notes, or insert the
Mojave. How can I run that on a modern Mac? pointer into one, click
by B R U C E N U N N Share and at its foot,
select ‘Open in Pages’,
Hasselblad’s Flexcolor software was where it’ll be created as
A last updated in 2011, and although it’s
compatible with old versions of Adobe
a new document.

Photoshop running in 64-bit mode, it’s still a Which apps can

32-bit app itself. The last version of macOS open and convert
capable of running 32-bit software is Mojave, a PICT file?
and that limits its use to older Macs released > This was the standard
before the autumn of 2019, when Mojave was graphics file format
replaced by Catalina, and Hasselblad in Classic Mac OS.
discontinued its scanners. GraphicConverter
In particular, this means that no Apple (App Store) gives a wide
silicon Mac can run any 32-bit Intel software, range of export formats.
even using its Rosetta 2 translation, which Preview can also open
only works for 64-bit Intel code, and can’t be most PICT files and save
used to run macOS either. them to JPEG or PNG.
Although you might be able to run Mojave
on a recent Intel Mac using the free UTM app, Software supporting Hasselblad’s superb film scanners
it’s unlikely to be able to support your scanner, can only run on older Macs under macOS Mojave or earlier.
and performance wouldn’t be good. The best your scanner and its ageing software. In the
answer is a Mac that’s old enough to run longer term, you need to look for more
Mojave, and should still provide full support for modern alternatives to scan your negatives.

Find previous versions in Word

How can I find a previous you’ve enabled that,
Q version of a Word document
that I saved to iCloud, as the
or you can save
them manually if
current version vanished when I moved you prefer to use
to a new MacBook Pro, and isn’t iCloud and don’t
backed up? use OneDrive.
by J A C O W O L M A R A N S The best way
to search for local
Many macOS apps like Pages copies of any
A automatically save previous
versions of their documents
missing document is
to pick a distinctive
to a hidden database on the volume word, perhaps an
where that document is stored. For unusual name of a Some files removed from iCloud Drive may remain accessible for 30 days.
Visit iCloud.com to look for them in those Recently Deleted.
documents saved to iCloud Drive, that’s person or location,
the Data volume containing your Home that’s only likely to appear in that If the document has only recently
folder. You can then access those document, then to use that in Spotlight been removed from iCloud, however,
versions using the Revert To search. That’s usually better done in a you may instead be able to recover
command in the app’s File menu. Finder window, using Find from the File it from iCloud.com. From its front
However, Microsoft Word doesn’t menu. Set that to search This Mac, page, open iCloud Drive and look in
use that feature, and will only save rather than just the current folder, the Recently Deleted items in the
versions to Microsoft OneDrive if to get the fullest coverage. sidebar there.

Image credits: Apple Inc, Hasselblad OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 59

 GENIUS TIPS macOS

macOS
Shine a spotlight on the solutions to
your most irritating Mac problems
Quick-fire
questions
Why can’t my iMac
2019 use iPhone
Mirroring?
> Sequoia’s iPhone
Mirroring is one of its
most attractive features,
but relies on hardware
device attestation to pair
that Mac with the iPhone,
only possible using an
Intel Mac with a T2 chip,
or an Apple silicon Mac.
As the iMac 2019 doesn’t
have the necessary
hardware, it can’t pair.

How long does Apple

support versions Running a Ventura installer in Sonoma usually
of macOS for? isn’t allowed, so you’ll have to run it from a
bootable installer on a USB Flash drive.
> Although it has never
published this, Apple
provides full support for
the current version of
Start up in Sonoma or Ventura
macOS for the full year. I’m about to travel with my MacBook Startup Disk in the General section of System
After that it provides only
security fixes for the
Q Pro running macOS 14 Sonoma, but
want to start it in macOS 13 Ventura
Settings to switch between the two systems.
Before you do anything else, as your Mac has
following two years. to run older software. What’s the best way a T2 chip, start it up in Recovery, locate the
Those aren’t as to do that? Startup Security Utility menu command and
comprehensive as fixes by A L E X W I L D I N G there enable it to start up from external disks,
supplied for the current then restart normally.
macOS, though. Once Options range from downgrading the Download the full Ventura installer app
those three years have
passed, it’s left
A system on its internal storage, to
dual-booting it from both versions.
through the link at bit.ly/mac408macosinstall,
and try running that to install to the freshly
unsupported. Apple’s recommendations for downgrading at formatted SSD. Older installers are usually
beta.apple.com/restore involve reinstalling the blocked in newer macOS, in which case you’ll
original version of macOS that it came with, need to create a bootable installer on a USB
leaving you to upgrade it from that to Ventura. flash drive, following the instructions given at
Dual-booting from two versions of macOS bit.ly/mac408bootinstall, and start up from
installed on its internal storage can cause that to install Ventura on the external SSD.
problems, and would take a lot of disk space. Once that’s complete, you can start your Mac
The simplest and most robust solution is to up in Ventura, configure it and install all the
install Ventura on an external SSD, and use apps and documents you need for your journey.

60 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 macOS GENIUS TIPS

How to uninstall a
system extension?
> System extensions
are replacing kernel
extensions, and are a
great improvement as
they’re far less likely
to result in kernel
panics. They can only
be installed and
removed by the app
that uses them, and it
should have a menu
When a Help or other subsidiary command or control
window opens, it should always be to do that.
brought to the front. If it isn’t, change
the DevMode settings.
How to hide a
folder or file?
Bring Help windows to the front > This isn’t possible in
the Finder unless you
Why doesn’t macOS bring Help DevMode first show all hidden
Q windows to the front when I open
them, instead of hiding them?
If that returns 0, Developer Mode is turned
off. Turn it on again, using the command
items by pressing
Cmd+Shift+[.]. Select
by M A R K B R A Z I L com.apple.helpviewer DevMode -bool true the item’s name, then
If the first command returns 1, you need to prefix it with a period/
This problem may have been made turn it off instead, using stop and press Return.
A more obvious with Stage Manager
in macOS 13 Ventura. The most
com.apple.helpviewer DevMode -bool false
Log out, and log back in again, to ensure the
You’ll be prompted to
confirm you want to
likely cause is a hidden preference setting new setting takes full effect, although it can be hide it. Cmd+Shift+[.]
that you may have changed long ago. applied immediately. You may also find utilities is three keys together:
Open Terminal, and enter the command like MacPilot offer a simple graphic control, Cmd, Shift, and the ‘.’
defaults read com.apple.helpviewer saving you using the command line. (full stop/period key).

APFS or HFS+ for media libraries?

Which file system should I use There are two other important libraries, then it will work best when
Q on external hard drives storing
my media libraries?
considerations: special file types and
backups. APFS supports new types of
backing up from APFS to APFS.
There isn’t a simple rule you can
by M I C H A E L P O L L A C K files like sparse files and clones that apply, nor a perfect answer, but media
Macintosh Extended or HFS+ can’t offer. libraries can work perfectly well on hard
APFS has been designed Those can save plenty of drive space, drives in APFS format.
A primarily for use on SSDs, and
can bring problems when used
and should be taken into
account when making
on hard drives. In particular, file system your decision.
data can become badly fragmented, Although Time
causing extremely poor performance. Machine will still back up
That’s most likely to occur on drives both HFS+ and APFS
where there are lots of changes to files volumes, some users
and folders, and may never be noticed find that trying to back
on those whose contents are more up both formats
static. So, while you certainly wouldn’t together causes serious
want to start up from an APFS hard problems. If you want to
drive, using it for media libraries and use Time Machine to More static volumes should work fine in APFS even on
backups does appear relatively safe. back up your media hard drives, although you can still use HFS+ if you prefer.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 61

 With the Shortcuts app, doing things on your devices becomes
easier and faster – so discover where to find them, make
changes and create your own shortcuts from scratch
Written by David Crookes

The Mac version lacks the

Automation feature of the
iPad and iPhone, but it’s
interface is arguably the
easiest of all to navigate.

62 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

S Use Siri shortcut
hortcuts are intended accustomed – that is, by launching
to make it easier to perform different apps as and when you need
everyday tasks on your Apple them and by delving into the settings to suggestions
devices. Ironic, then, that make changes when required.
many users have taken one look at the But if you use Shortcuts, you can get
Shortcuts app and felt that it looks under the skin of those apps and settings
rather complicated. In some respects it and even bring the two together. You’re
is: shortcuts can be so complex, they are effectively able to cherry-pick useful
almost like mini apps. But you don’t need bits, whether that’s a specific function or
to get bogged down in the finer aspects some personal data, and create powerful
of a shortcut to make use of them. Most task automations that can be used with
are simple to create, and since lots are a tap or a Siri request. Shortcuts can
pre-made everyone can benefit. become part of the Share menu too,
allowing them to be run from other apps.
Why can’t I just stick to One thing is certain, you’re not going
using my apps? to lose anything by taking a look at what
S
iri shortcuts are separate
There’s absolutely nothing wrong in Shortcuts has to offer (the app is free from the Shortcuts app but
using your apps and devices in the and if you can’t find it on your Home they’re useful nonetheless. Siri
manner to which you’ve become Screen, you can download it from the will make shortcut suggestions
App Store). At the very least, you will be based on your routines and glean
able to view and select shortcuts which information from your emails,
Apple has approved to see what’s messages, contact information,
possible – a tap or click is all that’s browser history and app usage.
needed to run them. You can also take Tap a suggestion to run – they’ll
a look at how they’re coded, viewing the show on the Home Screen, Lock
different blocks. Once you’ve taken a Screen or in the Siri Suggestions
Select a pre-made shortcut and take look and gone through our guide, the widget on your iPhone and iPad
a look at its working. You may find
comments which help you to better possibilities will become much clearer. – or select ‘Add Shortcut to Siri’
understand what’s happening. Just take your time and explore. for future use.

You can quickly and easily

run shortcuts from within
the Shortcut app or via other
methods which we’ll explore
over the next six pages.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 63

 FEATURE Shortcuts cookbook

At home
Get comfortable and check out how
Shortcuts can make home-life easier

P
erhaps you’re getting to grips native and third-party apps that support
with Shortcuts while sitting on shortcuts and each have their own set of
your sofa. If so, you may be actions. You can create shortcuts that
wondering if you can create workflows search for Amazon products, post on
that free up even more time to relax – Facebook, open Kindle books, and more.
and the good news is there are many But it’s the Categories tab where
tasks capable of being performed more you’ll spend most of your time. Media
quickly and efficiently using the app. actions can record audio, access the
After all, Shortcuts is nothing if not camera and play media, and Document
versatile. Integrated within iOS, iPadOS actions work with text, files and folders.
and macOS, you can get started in Sharing actions make use of email,
seconds: in the app, tap ‘+’ and select Clipboard, Messages and AirDrop, and
Add Action if you’re using an iPhone or web actions give access to RSS feeds,
iPad or look to the options in the right- GIFs and web addresses. These combine
Imagine arriving home and the lights turn on.
hand sidebar on Mac. You’ll see two tabs: to produce shortcuts that make home With HomeKit-compatible devices and Shortcuts,
Categories and Apps. The latter lists the life less effortful. an automated welcome home is possible.

HOW TO Find and amend an existing shortcut

1 Grab a Shortcut
Discover pre-made shortcuts in the
Gallery. They’re listed within categories
2 Customise the shortcut 3 Make your amends
You can run a shortcut by tapping it
within the Shortcuts app, selecting the
Changes can be made to any blue
text. These are parameters and you can
and can be added to your library or shortcut’s Home Screen icon or asking tap to choose a replacement variable.
customised. Let’s add Microwave Siri (once a shortcut is named, it becomes Want the shortcut to ask for the
Converter, which converts cooking times part of the system so you can just say microwave wattage every time? Select
depending on wattage. Select ‘+’, indicate “Hey Siri, [shortcut name]”). But what if the current inputted number and tap
your oven wattage and select Add the shortcut doesn’t work quite as you’d (iOS/iPadOS) or Ctrl-click (Mac) and
Shortcut. It’ll be stored in the All like? Tap the ‘…’ button on a shortcut select Ask Each Time. Tap the parameter
Shortcuts section. Tap the ‘…’ button (iOS/iPadOS) or double-click (Mac) and and add a prompt. You can add more
(iOS/iPadOS) or double-click (Mac) and you will see the shortcut’s workflow actions via the search bar at the bottom
select Details (‘i’ icon) to add the shortcut which is made up of building blocks called of the screen, and drag and drop actions
to your Home Screen or the Share menu. Actions that link together. to required locations within a workflow.

64 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Shortcuts cookbook FEATURE

Get scripting
If you want even more finite control of actions,
you can dabble in a bit of programming

T
he Categories tab also includes the Dictionary to make use of lists,
an entry called Scripting and work with Base64 to embed files and
while novices are unlikely to calculate expressions.
get to grips with everything it offers You can use variables too –
straight away, over time it’ll take your containers which label and store info
shortcuts to another level. Scripting such as images, dictionary data, a web
actions use your device’s system page or images that can be reused later
features and push you into the realms in the shortcut. Manual variables have
of programming to some degree. no fixed input and they let you use the
You can adjust your device’s screen Set Variable or ‘Add to Variable’ actions
brightness, switch between wallpapers, to hold and work with potentially
control the Torch, set the Low Power changeable values. Magic Variables
Mode and work with the battery status. let you select the output of any action
But you can also set conditions (getting and use it as a variable in a subsequent
Variables are coloured blue and they’re labelled
the shortcut to evaluate actions and action. Special variables can be added to make it easier to understand what’s happening
judge if they’re true or false), use to text fields or parameter settings. in your shortcut.

HOW TO Create a streaming show launcher

1 Use a Scripting action

Say you have a bunch of streaming
shows that you want to watch across
2 Create your list
You will be able to enter keys and
text. Keys are displayed when you run
3 Set the variable
Tap the Key parameter, select a
variable in the bar which appears and tap
different services. If you find each show’s your shortcut; text defines what the key Chosen Item. The action will show two
web address (in Netflix, go to the show’s can do. Insert a show’s name in Key and Chosen Item parameters – tap and clear
page, tap Recommend and select Copy the web address in Text. Once done, the second one. Tap Dictionary and tap
Link) then you could create a shortcut swipe up on the Scripting action menu Select Variable. You’ll be asked to select
which lists those shows, letting you and tap Get Dictionary Value, then tap a Magic Variable so tap the Dictionary
access them with a tap. To do so, select the Value parameter and select All Keys. output beneath your list of shows. Close
‘+’ to create a shortcut, tap Add Action Swipe up again and tap Choose From List. the Scripting action menu, swipe up on
and select Scripting. Select Dictionary This will use the Dictionary Value you just the Action menu and tap Web. Select Get
from the list of options and tap Add New set. Swipe up on the Scripting action URLs From Input then swipe up again and
Item, choosing Text from the menu. menu and tap Get Dictionary Value. tap Open URLs. Run the shortcut.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 65

 FEATURE Shortcuts cookbook

At work
Time is money so don’t
waste either by making
use of shortcuts when
you’re working

S
hortcuts are supposed to If you’re using shortcuts on a Mac, you can
make performing tasks more make them available to you in the Menu Bar
efficient, so it’s rather fitting or within a widget on the desktop.
that they could save you lots of time
and make you more productive when
you’re working. As you look through
the actions available to you in
Explore Shortcuts for Pages,
Shortcuts, you’ll find a bunch of
them relating to Pages, Numbers
Numbers and Keynote
and Keynote which work across iOS,
iPadOS and macOS. They can get you
up and running in seconds, leaving
little room for procrastination.
You can make work life even
more fluid on a Mac if you make your
Shortcut available in the menu bar.
With the shortcut in editing mode, you
only need to click the Details icon (‘i’)
and select Pin In Menu Bar. You can
access multiple shortcuts this way so
if you need access to one file or a
particular template via a shortcut, you
can make both available from the
1 Open a document
Let’s say you have a document that
you regularly access. Rather than launch
2 Launch a set template
You could also create a shortcut
which always creates a Pages doc using
menu bar item. Shortcuts can also be Pages then open the doc, create a a specific template. Use the ‘Create
accessed via a widget on your Mac, shortcut and use the Open Document document from template’ action, click
iPad and iPhone. Depending on which action instead. Click the Pages Document the Template parameter and choose one.
one you chose, you can have as many parameter and select the file you’d like If you don’t select a template, you’ll be
as 16 shortcuts in a widget. to open when the shortcut is run. asked to select one each time.

3 Open presentations
To open a Keynote presentation and
run it in Show Mode, use the action ‘Get
4 Add data in Numbers
If you’re working on a spreadsheet
in Numbers, you can use a shortcut to
5 Add values
Include the action Add Row To Top
Or Bottom Of Table. Ctrl-click Values and
contents of folder’ and change Chosen add a row of data. Set up a spreadsheet then click Select Variable, choosing the
Item to Keynote. Select the Choose From in Numbers and save it. Then launch Provided Inputs. Decide if the details
List action and change Chosen Item to Shortcuts, and use the action ‘Ask for should appear at the top or bottom of the
‘Contents of Folder’. Use the Keynote Input’ to ask questions about each spreadsheet and run the shortcut. Your
action ‘Play Presentation in Show Mode’. spreadsheet field you want to populate. answers will appear on the spreadsheet.

66 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Shortcuts cookbook FEATURE

Work efficiency Be more

organised
Be more productive at work by automating tasks
Arrange Shortcuts
into folders
W
ork-related shortcuts are gatherings and gets a note ready for you.
not restricted to Pages, It’s worth mentioning that workflows eep related shortcuts
Numbers and Keynote. Take you may have created using Automator
K together and you’ll find you
a look in the Gallery and you’ll find (Shortcuts’ effective predecessor on can be even more productive. On
shortcuts such as Break Timer, which Mac) can also be imported into Shortcuts an iPhone/iPad, tap Back or swipe
lets you take a breather while remaining (File > Import) and converted. You may from the left edge of the screen
focused, and Create Meeting Note which need to make some tweaks to get them and tap the Folder icon to create
checks your calendar for upcoming working, though. a new folder. On a Mac, expand
the sidebar, hover over Folder and
click ‘+’. Tap Select and choose
HOW TO Improve your workflow your shortcuts before tapping
Move and the required folder
(iPad/iPhone) or drag and drop
shortcuts into the folder (Mac).

Commit shortcuts
to memory
he easiest way to activate
T a shortcut is to use Siri, but
you will need to remember the
names of each of your shortcuts.
Refrain from creating complex
names and opt for short snappy

1 Convert images
The HEIC image file format saves
space but a shortcut activated via the
2 Sort text alphabetically
With this shortcut, you can arrange
text separated by a comma and space in
ones that easily roll off the tongue.
Since Siri can be used with AirPods
and HomePod, you could also
Share menu can convert them to other alphabetical order. Use ‘Ask for Input’, create shortcuts that can be
formats. Tap Add Action > Media > ‘Get text from Input’ and Split Text activated on these devices.
Convert Image, select a file format and (choose Custom and enter a comma and
tap the action ‘Save to Photo Album’. Tap space). Then Filter Files (sort by Name Create a Wi-Fi QR code
Details and select ‘Show in Share Sheet’. and order by A to Z) and Combine Text. rganisation extends to the
O real world. Run a business
in which people need to hook into
your Wi-Fi? Then turn your Wi-Fi
password into a scannable QR
code. Start with the action Get
Network Details, add a Text action
and enter your Wi-Fi password.
Tap Done, and add a new Text
box. Type WIFI:S, tap Network
Details from the variables, type
‘;T:WPA;P’, select
Text from the

3 Save Clipboard contents 4 Search by image

You can run a Shortcut to save text
copied to the Clipboard as a file. Use the
To search by image, install the
Google Lens app, launch Shortcuts and
variables, type ‘;;’
and select Done.
Search for and
actions Text (enter Clipboard), ‘Set use the actions Take Screenshot and tap Generate
variable’ (Name to Text), ‘Get clipboard’, ‘Search image with Lens’. You’ll also need QR Code, then
‘Set name of’ (Clipboard to Name) and to map this shortcut to the Back Tap search for and tap
Save File. You’ll be prompted to open feature (Accessibility > Touch) or the Quick Look. It’s
a folder to choose where to save it. iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button. ready to run.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 67

 FEATURE Shortcuts cookbook

On the go
Shortcuts can also
transform your commutes
and time spent outdoors

T
here are so many shortcuts you
can use when you’re out and
about. You could try the ‘Walk to
Coffee Shop’ shortcut, for example,
which uses Maps to give you directions
to the nearest outlet. This can be
customised by, say, changing ‘coffee’
to ‘burger’. There’s a Share Location
shortcut, too. Edit the shortcut, tap
Recipients, choose who you want to
invite and run it when you get to where
you’re going. Your recipients will be told
exactly where you are.
Not sure how to get back home? The
Directions Home shortcut will sort that
once you input your address. Need to
meet more friends later but you’re not
going to get there on time? The Running
Personal Automations allow you to create shortcuts based on real-life triggers such as the time of day.
Late shortcut will work out where you’re
supposed to be based on your calendar Run After Confirmation if you’d rather be Bluetooth headphones, and they can be
events before letting your recipients asked first). Go to the Automation tab in tied into events such as joining Wi-Fi,
know what time you’ll arrive. As you can iOS/iPadOS, create a new automation tapping a card in your Wallet, activating
see these shortcuts are making good use and select a trigger such as arrive or Airplane Mode and connecting your
of the Maps and Calendar apps, but you leave. You’ll be asked to refine the trigger, device to a power source. Need a
may want to try shortcuts that utilise the choosing a location and time range, heads-up well before your device
Camera, Reminders or Music apps too. perhaps, then indicate what should reaches 20% battery life? Select the
happen when those circumstances occur. Battery Level automation and you can
Automate! Automate! Automations can also be triggered by create a new threshold before adding
As well as actions, Shortcuts also has external factors like connecting a pair of the Set Low Power Mode action.
automations which can run at certain
times of the day or when you leave or
arrive at a location. Imagine getting
home and the lights automatically
Try these useful automations
turning on. With HomeKit-compatible Automate by sound Person and your iPhone could ring
devices, this is possible (you can select our iPhone can listen for your travel companion when the
Y sounds such as an alarm if you baby becomes upset. Ensure the
enable Sound Recognition in the Automation is set to Run Immediately.
Settings app (Accessibility > Sound
Recognition). You could use this to Use an NFC tag
create a travel baby monitor, placing our iPhone can perform an
your iPhone in their room. Select the
Y action when you tap an NFC
Sound Recognition automation and tag (which you can pick up cheap
tap Choose. online). Create a new Automation and
Select Baby select NFC. Tap Scan and hold your
Crying, tap device next to the tag to connect it
Done, then then tap Next and decide what action
Next. Select you want to be carried out when you
If you want a shortcut to run without notifying you, Phone > Call tap this tag in future.
select Run Immediately; don’t select Notify When Run.

68 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Shortcuts cookbook FEATURE

More options Who can

you trust?
There’s plenty more – even on your Apple Watch
e careful if you’re running
B

A
s you’ve seen, Shortcuts Simply tap the Details icon when shortcuts which you haven’t
is a versatile tool which editing a shortcut and toggle created yourself or aren’t in the
Apple has supported ‘Show on Apple Watch’ (it will Gallery. It’s entirely possible for
over the years. The launch tell you if the shortcut is a malicious actor to tap into your
of iOS 17 introduced an Open not supported). photos or files, or run JavaScript to
Camera action, for instance, You can also select access sensitive data on a web page.
which lets you create a pre-made shortcuts on Earlier this year, it was found an
shortcut that opens the your Watch, or press and attacker could use an Expand URL
Camera app into a specific hold the Watch face, press action to bypass the process
capture mode. Set it to Edit, swipe left and find preventing apps from accessing
Selfie, Portrait, Portrait a shortcut to use as a sensitive information without
Selfie, Photo, Cinematic, complication. Got a Watch permission. This vulnerability was
Slo-Mo, Time-Lapse, Pano Ultra? Shortcuts can be addressed (ensure your devices are
or Video and you’ll be ready assigned to the Action up-to-date) but remain wary of
to grab that perfect shot button. Just launch the installing shortcuts you find online
or take rolling footage Settings app on your Watch without checking the source.
in seconds. Ultra, tap the Action button,
You can’t create shortcuts on
With iOS 17.4, a new a Watch but you can select select Action, tap Shortcut, Protect yourself
Get Physical Activity action pre-made ones and use those tap ‘<’ then Shortcut and ome websites offer
was also added, letting you create on other devices. choose the one you want.
S shortcuts. They can be shared
you make shortcuts which via iMessage and AirDrop too. But
determine your current activity whether Keep updated if they haven’t been created by a
that’s running, cycling, walking or The simplest top tip is to keep your friend, trusted website or expert (eg,
driving. It works across iOS, iPadOS and devices updated. When iOS 18 rolls out, it imore.com, matthewcassinelli.com
watchOS but it is far from the only action looks set to introduce Apple Intelligence and theuntitled.site), perhaps steer
you can use with Apple Watch. In fact, features to the Shortcuts app, maybe clear. Protect yourself further too.
shortcuts let you get much more out going as far as lending a hand when Go to Settings > Shortcuts and
of your wearable. you’re being creative. We also look set decide if you want to receive
to see Shortcuts in the Control Centre shortcuts from your contacts
Watch this and new Books, Reminders and Settings (Private Sharing). Tap Advanced
Many shortcuts created on your iPhone, actions along with Vocal Shortcuts. and you can prevent shortcuts
iPad or Mac can be used on your Watch. We’ll be sure to keep you up to speed. from running scripts, sharing large
amounts of data and deleting stuff.
Remove shortcuts by pressing and
holding and selecting Delete.

In Settings > Shortcuts > Advanced, you can

New shortcuts can inspire new ideas and help to make even more tasks easier, quicker and more efficient. decide which permissions to grant.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 69

70 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024
Written by Carrie Marshall
he journey from the scrappy
Apple of the 1970s to the
world-conquering trillion-
dollar titan of today has been
a long one, and Apple hasn’t
always travelled that road in a straight
line. Nestled among Apple’s many
blockbuster products, you’ll also find
many products that didn’t quite catch in
the same way as the iPhone. Some were
years ahead of their time, some were
ideas that Apple simply decided not to
explore further, and some really should
have been left in the meeting room.
As we’ll discover, Apple has also
made some very beautiful versions of its
best-known products in order to raise
funds for the charity Product (RED) –
products that have sold for more than
most people spend on a house.
Over the next few pages we’re going
to look at the times Apple followed its
motto of ‘Think Different’ – sometimes a
little different, sometimes very different,
and sometimes a bit too different. These
are the deepest of deep cuts, the
products Apple tends to keep locked
away in its vaults, the weird and the
wonderful. Come with us as we discover
Apple products made of gold, strange
hybrids of different devices, possibly the
ugliest Mac ever made and six pairs of
rather funky-looking socks…

OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 71

 FEATURE Retro Apple Kit
2

1 2 3 4
iMac G3 Flower Power / Product (RED) Apple Watch Apple Pippin
Blue Dalmatian (2001) Mac Pro (2013) Edition (2015) (1995-1997)
These were only on sale for This is one of several When Apple launched the Apple made a games console
a few months, but the one-off designs that Apple Watch, it wanted to years before anyone had
Flower Power and Blue legendary Apple design be noticed by the high-end even imagined the Xbox. The
Dalmatian Macs are among chief Jonathan Ive made to watch wearing community. idea came from Bandai, who
the most memorable Macs raise funds for the Product The Apple Watch Edition was wanted a Mac dedicated to
of the late 90s and early (RED) charity. And if you designed to show that Apple gaming, and it was based on
00s – possibly because they thought the normal Mac Pro was a serious watchmaker the Mac Classic II. Apple
were so divisive. Then again, was pricey, then make sure for the money’s-no-object thought it could turn out to be
even the original Bondi Blue you’re sitting down for this crowd, and it came in 18K a game changer, a device that
iMac attracted derision one: this Mac Pro sold at gold with an equally golden would replace multiple
when it first launched, and auction for a little bit more price tag of £13,500. The household devices and deliver
that turned out to be the than its already frightening response was lukewarm the internet too, but the
most important Mac since $40,000 list price. The because, of course, tech Pippin was eclipsed by the
the Apple II. These somewhat winning bidder paid a products, and especially SEGA Saturn and a little box
‘wackier’ models might not whopping $977,000! While first-gen tech products, have from Sony called the
have been the biggest sellers we’re all for charity Macs it’s a limited lifespan. Apple PlayStation. Steve Jobs
for the company but they a shame that this was a discontinued it the following canned the Pippin on his
represent the Steve Jobs-era one-off, as the Mac Pro really year, stopped software return to Apple in 1997.
Apple at its most creative does look great in this colour. updates in 2018 and officially
and playful. made it obsolete in 2023.

72 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc

 Retro Apple Kit FEATURE
7

5 things you
didn’t know
Apple still made
USB SuperDrive (£79)
When Apple got rid of optical
drives in its mobile and later its
desktop Macs, it offered the
SuperDrive as a solution, and
it’s still on sale today. It’s
compatible with current Macs
6 via a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

5 EarPods with 3.5mm

plug (£19)
Apple ditched the headphone
jack long ago, and today’s wired
earbuds are available with
either USB-C for current
iPhones and Macs or Lightning
for older ones. But a 3.5mm
version is still being made for
older and non-Apple hardware.

30-Pin to USB cable

(£19)
The 30-pin connector was
canned back in 2012, but if
you’ve got an old iPod kicking
around it still needs to connect
to your computer and to a
charger. It’s slow by today’s
5 6 7
standards because it’s USB 2.0,
AirPort Express (2004) iPod U2 Special iPod HiFi but it’s nice to know you can
Apple doesn’t get the credit Edition (2004-6) (2006-2007) still get one if you need one.
it deserves for turning Wi-Fi Apple doesn’t really do Part of Apple’s iPod era of
into a mass market branded products any more, making pretty much every 12W USB power adaptor
technology: its AirPort but for a brief period in the conceivable kind of iPod (£19)
cards and AirPort Express heyday of the iPod it accessory from speakers We suspect Apple just has
Wi-Fi access points took released special editions, to socks, the iPod HiFi these lying around in a
the tech and made it such as its multiple was Apple’s first go at warehouse, but if you fear the
effortless, and AirPort was U2-branded iPods. The first what would later become power of Apple’s USB-C
introduced in typical style U2 iPod was a 20GB 4th-gen the HomePod. It was an adapters this one’s suitable for
as “one more thing” by model with a distinctive red Apple-made speaker that the same old iPods as the
Steve Jobs in 1999. The scroll wheel; the third version, delivered high-quality 30-pin connector.
AirPort Express was the most based on the 5th-gen iPod, sound. Unlike most iPod
consumer-friendly version of swapped the standard docks of the time the iPod MagSafe to MagSafe 2
Apple’s wireless hardware chrome back for black metal, HiFi was seriously big, Converter (£10)
and could stream audio from and the fourth and final seriously loud and seriously This is available from multiple
iTunes and send it to a version came out in 2006. pricey: its $349/£249 price retailers and does exactly what
connected audio device. All four editions are now tag was greeted with you expect: it turns original
Apple stopped developing commanding big prices on silence when it was mid-2000s MagSafe charger
wireless routers in 2018. the collectors’ market. announced to journalists, connectors into the thinner
and it was gone from the second-gen from the 2010s.
Apple Store a year later.

Image credits: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 73

 FEATURE Retro Apple Kit
3

1 2 3 4
OS X Lion Thumb Drive Apple QuickTake Pro Speakers (2001) Rose Gold
(2011) (1994-1997) We loved these little orbs: EarPods (2013)
When OS X Lion was The QuickTake was one of Apple’s Pro speakers We mentioned earlier that
released in 2011, Apple was the very first consumer resembled the ones that Apple design chief Jonathan
already moving away from digital cameras and Apple were made for the Power Ive had created several
optical discs – and that made three different Mac G4 Cube the previous one-off Product (RED)
meant there was an issue models between 1994 and year and were designed to designs to raise awareness
for anyone who wanted Lion 1997. Time ranked the accompany the Power Mac of and money for Bono's
but didn’t have a suitably original as one of the 100 G4 ‘Digital Audio’ version. charity, and this is arguably
speedy internet connection greatest gadgets of all time, They featured audio the most beautiful: a pair of
to download the OS. This and it delivered a then- technology from Harman- EarPods in 18K Rose Gold,
was Apple’s solution: a tiny amazing resolution of 640 x Kardon and delivered which is gold blended with
$69 flash drive you could use 480 pixels with a built-in flash surprisingly meaty sound copper, silver and zinc to
instead of the $29.99 OS X but no zoom controls: the from their relatively small deliver that unmistakeable
download. While the flash lens had a fixed focal length drivers, but the black rubber colour. Once again these were
drive was more convenient equivalent to a 50mm lens on used in some of the earliest auctioned, and their list price
there was an important a 35mm camera. In today’s ones didn’t last very long and was a hefty $25,000. They
caveat: you needed to make money, its $749 price would eventually fell apart, went for slightly more: the
sure you didn’t lose it, be close to £1,200. requiring replacement. final bid was for $461,000.
because you needed it for
any reinstalls.

74 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc

 Retro Apple Kit FEATURE

5 6 7 8
Power Macintosh G4 Battery Charger iPod Socks Apple Studio Display
Cube (2000-2001) (2010-2016) (2004-2012) (1998-2004)
This distinctive Mac is If you were to ask which Described with tongue Apple’s Studio Displays
known as one of the most Apple product is the dullest, firmly in cheek by Steve were highly visible around
innovative and most flawed we’d suggest this one. The Jobs as “a revolutionary the new millennium because
Macs of all time. It’s Apple Battery Charger is new product”, the they looked like no other
absolutely gorgeous – it exactly what it sounds like, protective socks designed monitors. The displays were
looked like it had travelled a charger for AA batteries. to keep the iPod cushioned CRT and LCD panels with
from a more exciting It was marketed towards and cosy came in a pack of non-widescreen aspect
future – but it was also buyers of the Apple Magic six colours and cost $29. ratios. They were priced fairly
ruinously expensive and Mouse, Magic Trackpad and The going rate for a genuine aggressively, especially for
suffered from cosmetic Apple Wireless Keyboard, all unopened pack is now around the LCD models: panel prices
problems with that clear of which used traditional £60. Apple helpfully provided were finally starting to come
case. It was canned after batteries: the move to instructions: “Just slide your down and Apple’s 15-inch LCD
selling just 150,000 units and internal rechargeables was iPod into the sock to keep it was a competitive $1,999. Of
is considered one of Apple’s still some years away. safe and warm. Slide it out to all the models, we liked the
rare Steve Jobs-era flops, but Annoyingly the charger could dock or change playlists. It’s blue and white one best: it
its influence is apparent in only charge two batteries at as easy as… putting on a pair made monitors fun!
modern Macs such as the a time, but some Apple of socks.”
Mac Studio. keyboards needed three…

Image credits: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 75

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 BUYING
ADVICE
Our authoritative reviews
help you make more
informed choices

Contact us

Email your queries and

your questions to
EDITED BY ROB MEAD-GREEN [email protected]

Our ratings
Our reviews are totally
80
independent; we’re not
affiliated with Apple or
anyone else, nor are we
influenced by advertisers.

81

A truly exceptional product. HARDWARE

Award given solely at the
discretion of the editor.
78 Fiio SP3 BT
80 Logitech Signature AI Edition
M750 Wireless Mouse
81 Elgato Stream Deck Neo
82 Mixx StreamBuds Solo 2
The best example of its Wireless Earbuds
kind when pitted against
83 Philips VoiceTracer
comparable products.
Audio Recorder Pen 86
84 Edifier D32 Tabletop
A brilliant thing Wireless Speaker
85 AnkerWork S600 Speakerphone
Strongly recommended 86 Group test: Portable projectors

SOFTWARE
Worth considering
92 ESET Home Security Ultimate

Notable flaws
93 Riven
94 Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.0
94
96 App round-up: Six apps to help
A waste of your money
you throw a summer party

Image credits: Logitech, Elgato, Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 77

 APPLE CHOICE Hardware

Fiio SP3 BT
Fiio adds Bluetooth and digital features to its classy desktop speakers
£319 FROM fiio.com FEATURES 80W stereo speakers, 3.5in carbon fibre woofer, RCA, 3.5mm,
USB-C, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC, Hi-res wireless certified, aptX HD/Adaptive/Low Latency

The 80W e really liked Fiio’s SP3 speakers Also tucked around the back of the right-

output provides W when we reviewed them last year

(#MF398), as they provided
hand speaker, you’ll find controls for volume
and bass, as well as the RCA (phono) and
enough power excellent sound quality in a classy, compact
design that was right at home on a desktop
3.5mm audio connectors that were available on
the original SP3. However, the SP3 BT now adds
to fill a living alongside a Mac. The SP3 did have one USB-C, and optical and coaxial inputs for digital
room with weakness, though, as its somewhat old-school
approach focused entirely on wired and
audio, with support for high-res audio formats
up to 32-bit/96kHz, allowing it to handle the
sound even at analogue audio connections, with no Bluetooth, highest-quality audio formats that are available
50% volume USB or any other form of digital audio input
available. But, as the name suggests, the new
on Apple Music and other streaming services.

SP3 BT brings things right up to date, adding Compact clarity

Bluetooth for wireless audio, along with a The Bluetooth support is pretty comprehensive
number of other digital features as well. too, including the AAC codec for Apple devices,
Available in black or white, the compact as well as aptX Adaptive and aptX HD for
speakers stand 163mm high, 120mm wide and Android. It also includes aptX LL (Low Latency)
132mm deep, so they’ll fit easily on to your desk for playing games or watching video. And, for
or – now that they have Bluetooth – on a nearby the gamers out there, there are even glowing
bookshelf. They’re very solidly built, with a lights built into the base of each speaker, with
sturdy aluminium casing that houses a separate a variety of effects that can be controlled via
woofer and tweeter for each speaker, with a a switch on the back.
total output of 80W for both speakers together. Of course, it’s sound quality that really
The SP3 BT does require a mains power supply, matters, and the SP3 doesn’t disappoint. The
but the power cable that connects the two 80W output provides enough power to fill a
speakers is 2.5m long, so you’ve got plenty of living room with sound even at just 50% of
room to move them around while setting them maximum volume. The SP3 BT is also able to
up. There’s also a switch on the back of the bring precision and clarity to the dense wall
right-hand speaker that allows you to switch the of sound on The Big Sky by Kate Bush.
‘left’ and ‘right’ audio channels if you want to. Compact speakers such as this often suffer
from weak bass, but the SP3 BT lands the
catchy bass riff with a satisfyingly firm slap.
The avalanche of drums piles up all around,
VERDICT but the SP3 BT also manages to find room
These compact for delicate details, such as the shimmering
stereo speakers tambourine floating in the background. It
provide excellent handles vocals well too, with a rich, warm tone
sound, classy design, on the chanted chorus while Kate’s soaring
and versatile analogue lead vocal heads off into the sunset –
and digital inputs. “walking out in the big sky”.
If all you’re looking for is a basic Bluetooth
★★
★★★★ speaker for use at home, then the multiple
inputs of the SP3 BT might be overkill. But
Hi-res audio support if you want a powerful and compact set of
Bluetooth with desktop speakers that provides Bluetooth for
AAC and aptX your mobile devices and high-res wired inputs
No Wi-Fi or AirPlay Along with Bluetooth, the updated SP3 BT3 now includes for your Mac then the SP3 BT is hard to beat.
Controls at the back USB-C, coax and optical connectors for high-res audio. Cliff Joseph

78 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Fiio

 Fiio SP3 BT APPLE CHOICE

The sturdy aluminium cabinets

house a separate woofer and
tweeter for each speaker.

Image credit: Fiio OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 79

 APPLE CHOICE Hardware

Logitech Signature
AI Edition M750
Integrate ChatGPT into your workflow
£54.99 FROM logitech.com
FEATURES Bluetooth, USB-A for dongle, Logi Bolt USB Receiver

ogitech’s Signature AI
One button will
open ChatGPT L Edition M750 wireless
mouse is a compact
and lightweight mouse. It’s
and a second powered by a single (included)
will activate AA battery, which should
last up to 20 months when
dictation on connected over Bluetooth or up
your device to 24 months if using the bundled
The smart scroll wheel is
able to detect finger speed for
Logi Bolt USB receiver. This can be precise scrolling or fast zooming.
stored in the base of the mouse, but is
USB-A format, slightly inconvenient if you rephrased or summarised using different tones
own a Mac that only has USB-C ports. – playful, professional and so on. The new text
The mouse has six buttons including a can then be placed into a document. You can
smart scroll wheel which is able to detect your also create emails from the window.
finger speed for either precise scrolling or fast It’s a bit limited compared to using ChatGPT
zooming down pages. You can customise and directly but it’s quicker and doesn’t disrupt
remap the buttons’ functions using the Logi your workflow. The shortcut removes several
Options+ application (a free download). The steps from the process of modifying text using
mouse can remember several devices which artificial intelligence (AI), which is really the
is helpful and means less re-pairing if you bottom line here. It’s worth knowing that since
move between devices regularly. the mouse is just a trigger – the app itself runs
on your Mac – other Logitech mice and
Quick chat keyboards can trigger it if you map the
The ‘AI’ part of the name comes shortcut in the Logi software. So if the
in when you use the pre-assigned idea appeals, and you already own a
button shortcuts. One button will compatible Logitech mouse, you
open ChatGPT and a second will may not need to buy a new one.
activate dictation on your device, The Signature AI Edition M750
both handy tools that mean not is a good mouse in its own right
having to open separate windows. and sensibly priced, with great
The blue button on the top is battery life, functionality and
VERDICT preset to open the AI Prompt customisability via the Logi
A good, ergonomic Builder. This is a small app you Options+ app. The AI shortcut
mouse with excellent install that provides direct – which triggers software – is nice
customisation options access to ChatGPT with a even if it’s also available on other
via the Logi app. special interface. Logi mice, and may well improve
Select some text using your workflow. We’d also expect
★★
★★★★ the mouse, in a document to see the app’s functionality
Excellent battery life or web page, and activate the extend and improve with time;
Easy customisation Prompt Builder with the mouse apparently there’s already
ChatGPT integration button. The text is placed into the The buttons can be extensively support planned for other AI
USB-A dongle new window and you can have it customised in the Logi Options app. services. Hollin Jones

80 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Logitech

 Hardware APPLE CHOICE

Elgato Stream
Deck Neo
Your Mac’s new control panel
£99.99 FROM elgato.com FEATURES Eight LCD buttons,
two touch-sensitive controls, time/date display, non-detachable
braided USB-C cable; 207g

lgato’s Stream Deck range

The LCD
buttons look E comprises desktop control
panels for streamers and gamers.
The line has now expanded with the Stream
fantastic, with Deck Neo, which is meant to be a bit friendlier Tuning the Stream Deck
text and icons to non-gamers for whom acronyms like FPS
Neo to your needs is very
simple with Elgato’s app.
(first-person shooter) and GG (good game)
rendered with are utterly meaningless. functionality, or instead opt for pre-made sets
pleasing The Neo swaps the Stream Deck’s black of tools wrapped up as a single profile. There
colourway for an all-white appearance, while are downloads for specific apps and games and
crispness also cutting the button count from 15 to eight. more general ‘productivity’ or ‘smart home’
Below the buttons lie a helpful time/date sets for broader usage. It’s a great place to
display and two touch-sensitive buttons for start if you’re not sure how to set up your Neo.
scrolling between pages of controls. We like Once you’ve got plug-ins and profiles in
the white design, while the LCD buttons look place, adjusting them is easy. The Stream Deck
fantastic, with text and icons rendered with app lets you drag and drop button actions into
pleasing crispness. place and they instantly show up. You can
You’ll need to download Elgato’s Stream replace icons with GIFs, add buttons that
Deck app for macOS. This is the nerve centre update in real time (such as mic status), and
from which you customise your Neo. Here, you craft multi-action shortcuts. It also works with
can set up profiles, change the appearance of third-party apps like BetterTouchTool for even
icons, create your own buttons, and more. greater customisation.
Note that the Neo also works with iPads,
although app developers need to use Elgato’s Extra functionality
SDK to enable this compatibility. The Stream Deck MK.2 costs £150, while the
A big part of tailoring the Neo is Elgato’s Neo cuts that down to £100. You can see
extensive marketplace of plug-ins, profiles, where things aren’t as premium as we’d like,
icons and more, many of which are free. You though. The plastic body doesn’t feel cheap,
can download individual buttons that add extra but it doesn’t scream ‘premium’ either. The
VERDICT buttons themselves, meanwhile, are something
The Stream Deck of a concern – they’re wobbly and make an
Neo is a handy way audible clunking sound when you press them.
to control your Mac We’re not keen on the non-removable USB-C
with a few quick cable either, and we also found that several
button presses. plug-ins from the official marketplace didn’t
work, even some made by Elgato itself.
★★
★★★★ For all the extra functionality it brings,
Extensive plugin though, the Stream Deck Neo is a worthy
marketplace purchase. The sheer breadth of its
Easy to adjust customisation options means there is
Looks great The Stream Deck Neo has eight customisable keys that almost certainly a way it can fit into your
Flimsy buttons help you automate tasks and manage your apps. life and boost your workflow. Alex Blake

Image credit: Elgato OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 81

 APPLE CHOICE Hardware

Mixx StreamBuds Solo 2

Wireless Earbuds
Budget-conscious wireless earbuds
£25 FROM mixx-audio.com REQUIRES Bluetooth. USB-A or USB-C

ixx Audio makes a range of

They’d be fine
for listening to M affordable wireless earbuds with
even the priciest model costing
less than £70, a far cry from what many
an audiobook, manufacturers charge. The StreamBuds Solo
talk radio or 2 are even more affordable, one of several sets
that cost just £25. At these prices one should
indeed for use temper one’s expectations but cheap can be
as a headset cheerful, so is that the case here?
Coming in any of four colours,
there’s an unusual design choice in
making the case semi-open, with a soft
magnetic flap folding down to hold the
earbuds in place. You get a very short
USB-A to USB-C cable for charging the
case and it will hold 13 hours of charge
plus 4.5 hours in the earbuds for a total
of around 17.5 hours. The total time is
respectable, though under five hours in the
earbuds is on the brief side, especially as
there’s no noise cancelling demanding power.
A 15-minute quick charge will give you up to
two hours playback. The charging case has an unusual flap design to hold the
Pairing is simple enough – just open the buds in place.
case to activate pairing mode, but there’s no music on them at all. There’s also no weather
multipoint so it’s one connection at a time. The sealing and the lack of tips means they’re
earbuds are touch sensitive for play and pause likely to fall out during exercise.
as well as invoking Siri or Google Assistant but This isn’t to say they don’t have a use case
there’s no companion app for these lower – as long as you discount music listening. So for
priced earbuds, so you don’t get access to EQ example they’d be fine for listening to an
VERDICT or any other settings. There are integrated audiobook, talk radio or for use as a headset
Pocket money mics for calls and basic voice commands. for making and receiving calls, which they do
price, but a lot of pretty well. Something where you don’t need
compromises make Sounds like trouble much of a wide frequency response or a ton
these earbuds a niche At this point, the compromises of the budget of volume, both of which these fall down on.
buy for the money- design can’t be ignored. These are not good- £25 is incredibly cheap and, at this price,
conscious only. sounding earbuds. For a start, there are no ear you know you’re not going to get a premium
tips so the external world is very audible. experience – the company doesn’t disclose
★★
★★★★ Worse, their output mostly falls in the mid and codecs or frequency range. There are many
Affordable upper frequencies with very little bass, and competing buds around the £75-£100 mark
Very harsh mid range these become harsh once the volume is that are a much better choice for music and
Bass distorts easily pushed beyond a moderate level. That bass, don’t have half the compromises found here.
No tips; no weather weak as it is, also distorts badly at higher The StreamBuds Solo 2 are OK for voice, but
sealing levels. It’s just not pleasurable to listen to be aware of their limitations. Hollin Jones

82 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Mixx Audio

 Hardware APPLE CHOICE

Philips VoiceTracer
Audio Recorder Pen
Capture discreet recordings and convert speech-to-text
£69.99 FROM dictation.philips.com FEATURES USB-C, 32GB memory, mono microphone, 16kHz sample rate; 24g

It works very ote-taking or minuting is an The recordings sound decent enough

well – it’s quick N unavoidable part of many peoples’

working day and seems like
though clearly it’s for voice recording, not any
kind of music. The clever stuff happens when
to complete something that technology should be able you look into the other part of your purchase,
to help with. Recording conversations is easy which is access to the Sembly speech-to-text
and easy to enough, since all our smartphones, placed on cloud transcription software. Running in a web
download the a desk, can do it. But it’s a technique that browser, this takes the files you upload and
draws attention to itself and can just leave converts them to text, with support for
transcribed you with a slightly tinny MP3. The Philips identifying different voices and speakers and
files VoiceTracer is a pen – a regular pen, not any for 35 languages in addition to English.
kind of special touch-sensitive one – that It works very well – it’s quick to complete
incorporates a 360° microphone that can and easy to download the transcribed files.
be activated with a simple flip of a switch. Like other such AI-powered services we have
You can record just leaving the pen on a used, the technology is excellent and makes
table or when writing with it, and it comes with few if any mistakes – spoken conversations
six spare ink cartridges. Internally there’s 32GB have a very different pattern to written work,
of flash storage and the end pops off to reveal but the results are accurate. This technology
a USB-C port, with a USB-A adaptor also isn’t free, however, and while your pen comes
supplied for older devices. Plug this into your with up to one hour of transcription per month
Mac, PC or iPad and it mounts as a drive, also plus a voucher for 15 extra hours, beyond that
charging the pen as it goes, offering up to eight you’ll have to pay, with prices starting at $10
hours of recording on a two hour charge. (about £9) per month for 900 minutes of
VERDICT Recording is in mono WAV format at a sample upload. Of course the audio files are just audio
An elegant and rate of 16kHz, 512kbps bit rate for a total of files and you can use another similar online
discreet hardware and 129 hours of recording. service to convert them should you wish.
software solution for This pen is really about convenience. You
transcribing voices. could record on your iPhone, AirDrop the files
to a Mac and upload them. Here, the pen is
★★
★★★★ certainly less intrusive, plus you can write with
Impressive it and the recording results are better than
recording quality those from a phone. It’s also discreet and not
Long battery life obvious that you are making a recording. It’s
Transcription arguably not an essential product for most
software is effective people but definitely streamlines your workflow
You’ll use your cloud if you regularly need to take notes or record
allowance quickly The pen uses USB to connect, share files and charge itself. meetings or conversations. Hollin Jones

Image credit: Speech Processing Solutions OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 83

 APPLE CHOICE Hardware

The D32’s retro look

hides a wealth of
cutting-edge features.

Edifier D32 Tabletop

Wireless Speaker
A stylish and versatile home speaker
£199.99 FROM edifier.com FEATURES 60W output, Hi-Res Audio/Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified,
3.5mm and USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, USB, and AUX inputs, supports AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 is difier makes a range of wireless lossless playback. There’s Bluetooth 5.3 with

supported so E audio devices with the D32 sitting

somewhere between its hi-fi and
support for SBC and AAC codecs while some
Android users also get the higher quality LDAC.
you can take portable ranges. Compact but well-built, it
powers off the mains and also has a
AirPlay 2 is supported so you can take
advantage of Apple Lossless (ALAC), and the
advantage of rechargeable internal battery that can provide speaker can create its own Wi-Fi network for
Apple Lossless up to 11 hours of playback. Despite its portability,
there’s no weather sealing so you’ll want to
AirPlay even when you’re away from your
regular router. Apple Home is supported too.
keep it indoors or at least away from moisture.
The design is pleasingly retro and there’s Rich and room-filling
a choice of two colours, with a row of buttons The frequency response of 52Hz-40kHz is
on the front for playback, power and input decent, and it’s also capable of operating at
selection. These are mostly also available via up to 24-bit/96kHz sample rate over a wired
the Edifier app which also lets you manage connection, though simple streaming from
updates and provides a six-band equaliser (EQ) your iPhone will use lower rates. Multipoint
together with presets. We didn’t find it Bluetooth is also supported for switching
necessary to use this much, just reining in a bit between two devices.
of mid-range at higher volumes, but the choice The D32 kicks out a pleasing, rich and
VERDICT is there should you want to tweak the sound. room-filling sound and it’s adept with many
A solid and sensibly- Around the back are two bass ports different genres. There’s no voice assistant –
priced speaker with which help the speaker achieve solid low-end it’s not a smart speaker – but has plenty of
plenty of connectivity reproduction for its size, and internally there digital and analogue input options so you will
options on offer. are two one-inch tweeters with 15W of power be able to connect all your gear. It’s a shame
and a 4-inch combo driver with 30W for the USB-C port can’t charge your phone but
★★
★★★★ everything else. You’re not getting true stereo the internal battery means you’re not tied to
Wired and here – the dual tweeters don’t count – but in a wall socket, even though the lack of weather
wireless inputs such a compact unit it’s not that noticeable. sealing is something to keep in mind. Overall
11hr internal battery Also on the rear, you’ll find 3.5mm and though, a great-sounding speaker that won’t
Solid, clear playback USB-C ports, with cables included in the box, break the bank and sonically can hold its own
Not stereo meaning you can connect wired devices for against pricier models. Hollin Jones

84 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Edifier

 Hardware APPLE CHOICE

AnkerWork S600
Speakerphone
AI-powered voice isolation for video conferencing
£179.99 FROM uk.ankerwork.com FEATURES 360° sound, Qi 2 15W wireless charger,
70° adjustable phone stand, 48kHz four-mic array, voice recognition, AI noise cancelling
(privacy protection with local processing)

any people now work from home at

There’s a
dedicated chip M least some of the time, but without
a little tech help, online meetings
can sometimes go less than perfectly.
for noise AnkerWork’s latest speakerphone accessory
isolation that brings a few different features to that
particular party. Compact and portable, it
can learn the contains a battery that holds up to 16 hours of
frequencies of charge and an adjustable Qi2 MagSafe phone
charger that will charge compatible phones
your voice at up to 15W and others at 7.5W. If you have
a phone that’s not MagSafe compatible,
magnetic cases will work here too.
It pairs to your smartphone over Bluetooth,
and also to your Mac over USB-C, with one port
provided for data and another for power. In
either mode it assumes the role of detecting
your voice and playing the sound from your
device, with the associated echo-cancelling
working just as well as it does on Mac. The
speaker has four microphones spaced around
its circumference meaning it can pick up 360°
of people speaking, but will turn some mics off The speaker integrates a QI2-certified wireless charging
stand for your phone.
when it only detects a single person speaking.
content though, especially when using it as a
Conversation starter stand for your phone. It’s a shame there’s no
There’s a dedicated chip for noise isolation – it headphone output as you won’t always want
can learn the frequencies of your voice and the other side of your conversation audible to
block out other background sounds from air those around you. The AnkerWork app for iOS
conditioning, chatter and the like. There’s even and Android lets you choose basic settings as
a button on the side to train it, speeding up the well as managing your voice print.
learning process and the system is pre-trained The S600 offers noticeably better voice
VERDICT to recognise thousands of common sounds. It’s pickup and audio playback than a smartphone,
A solid, portable very effective and even if the isolation gives and has better voice isolation than your Mac.
conferencing speaker your voice a very slightly processed character, It’s also very portable with a decent battery
with great voice it’s worth the trade-off. The voice print is life and the ability to fast charge compatible
isolation. stored locally so the data is secure and phones, with a bundled charger and USB
although recent iOS devices and AirPods Pro cables. It’s arguably a touch expensive given
★★
★★★★ do have a voice isolation mode, we found this that most of its features are to an extent
Clever voice printing one to be more effective. already available on Apple kit, albeit not in a
Great noise cancelling The 5W speaker does well with voices single package. If you need to video conference
A bit pricey though the claim that you’d want to listen to frequently or in less than ideal environments,
No headphone output music is a bit of a stretch. It’s fine for watching it’s definitely worth a look. Hollin Jones

Image credit: Fantasia Trading LLC OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 85

 APPLE CHOICE Group test

t a r eal home
you wa n
W hen
rie nce , w hich
pe
cinema eoxu buy?
should y

Group
test
Reviewed by
IAN OSBORNE
ON TEST…
> Acer AOPEN PV12a
> Asus ZenBeam L2
> BenQ GV31
> Epson EB-E20
> Optoma ML1080ST
> Phillips Screeneo UL5 Smart

86 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Cxxxx xxx

 rojectors have clear
P advantages over even
the best large-screen
TVs. When paired with a fold-away
screen, you can get a huge picture
for a lot less than you’d pay for a
similarly sized television, and when
you’re done watching the movie,
football match or whatever, you
can fold down the screen and put
the projector away. And if it’s a
portable model like these, you can
take it around to a friend’s house
and watch with them too.
Naturally there are also some
disadvantages. You need a dark
room in which to use a projector.
In this respect, it’s just like the
cinema. The image you get might
not be as sharp as a television,
and the bulb has a limited life
expectancy (though it’s usually
pretty decent these days; a few
years at least). They can be noisy
too, especially if you’ve let the
vents clog up with dust. Keep an
eye on this if you’re thinking of
getting a projector. They’re not
great for gaming either.
In this group test, we bear all
this in mind as we take a look at
half a dozen projector models
from six of the world’s leading
manufacturers.

How we tested
First of all, we made sure the
room was dark enough to test
the projectors, but not totally dark,
as we wanted to see how they
would perform in average, not
ideal, conditions. We assessed
how easy they are to set up and
use, and how far away from the
screen they have to be to get
a decent-sized picture.
The iPhone app TestCard
ProHD 4K proved helpful, offering
tools and test cards to help
calibrate our projectors and get
the most from them. Naturally,
we’ve looked at their respective
feature sets too.

Image credit: Cxxxx xxx OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 87

 APPLE CHOICE Group test

Things to
consider…
Ease of use
1 OK, this is an obvious one, but if
your projector is awkward to set up and
challenging to use, you won’t get it out
and use it as often.

Brightness
2 After wiping the lens, closing the
curtains and turning the lights off, how
bright did the projector’s image look on
the screen? We used the same screen
for all the projectors, so no one gets
an advantage.

Audio
3 How did they sound? Did we get
solid audio, or a tinny mess? Should we
use external speakers instead of the
projector’s in-built drivers?

Features
4 What built-in features do the
speakers have? What built-in streaming
apps are there? How easy is it to hook
up your Mac or Apple mobile device 1
to the projector?

Acer AOPEN PV12a Asus ZenBeam L2

£399.99 FROM acer.com £699 FROM asus.com

The Acer AOPEN HDMI adapter (not supplied), Despite these The ZenBeam L2 is easy
1 PV12a almost fits in but the smart features 2 projectors all being to set up and use. Auto-focus
the palm of your hand. It has promised by the manual sold as ‘portable’, the Asus works well, the remote is
a built-in kickstand to raise the proved elusive, perhaps ZenBeam L2 is one of only responsive and it’s easy to
direction of the projection, or because of the ropey hand two that comes with a carry get the projector into position,
you can screw it to a tripod controller. Brightness and case. The projector features especially if you use a tripod.
using a standard mount built sharpness were passable but an Android 12 TV box with a The picture is sharp and clear,
into the base. In the box is a unspectacular. The speaker preloaded Netflix app, and and the internal speakers
USB-A Wi-Fi dongle, which you was tinny, but you can it responds to Google Home are better than many of the
plug into the device to give it connect a Bluetooth or cabled voice commands too. Built-in others here. The contrast
wireless properties. When it’s audio device to use instead. support for Chromecast lets could be a little stronger and
in place it can’t be removed, This is the cheapest projector you share content from your there’s a little bit of ghosting
which begs the question, why on test; sometimes it’s best Apple device, and you can set when things move quickly, but
didn’t they just put a chip in to spend more to get more. a screen size from 40-120 overall, it’s a great projector.
the unit? The instructions are inches, depending on how
minimal; there’s a QR code VERDICT far away the projector is VERDICT
but this is for a pretty terrible Convenient size from the screen. Great picture
PDF manual. Inexpensive Other notable features Easy to use
Getting a picture from Poor remote/instructions include a 3.5-hour battery, Feature rich
an Apple device was easy Only adequate quality a kickstand, a tripod mount One or two minor niggles
enough using a USB-C-to- ★★★★★ and auto-focus. ★★★★★

88 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024

 Portable projectors APPLE CHOICE

3 4

BenQ GV31 Epson EB-E20

£499 FROM benq.eu £448.30 FROM epson.co.uk

The BenQ GV31 is aren’t everything. How does This is a quality enjoyed by some of the other
3 bulkier than some of it perform in operation? Very 4 projector that’s ideal projectors. There are no
the other projectors, though well, actually. The picture is for small office and semi-pro streaming apps, for example,
its discrete stand gives beyond reproach, with strong use. The 3LCD technology and nor can you Chromecast
much more control over the colours, deep contrast and no gives a very bright, sharp or AirPlay your content to the
angle at which the screen is smudging or flickering even picture, even in sub-optimal projector. This doesn’t stop
projected. Again there’s an when the action speeds up conditions such as a room you watching movies on it, of
Android TV box included for to the max. The speakers are that’s not fully dark. It has a course; just buy an adaptor
streaming and casting, and it excellent, offering real depth good range of connectivity and plug your Mac or iOS/
offers autofocus and keystone and clarity. This is one of the options, including HDMI, iPadOS device into the HDMI
correction, that is, if your few projectors we’d enjoy USB-B, RSS232C and two port. The projector was very
projected image is wider using without external audio. VGA ports as well as noisy when we first plugged it
at the top or the bottom, it It’s extremely easy to set up composite video. You can in, but thankfully, it quietened
automatically brings it back and use too. even connect a display so the down with use.
to the rectangular. If you want presenter gets their own view
a carry bag, you have to buy VERDICT of the presentation as it’s VERDICT
it separately. Easy to set up and use being shown to the audience. Stellar brightness
Given the very impressive Fantastic picture Being designed for Great for presentations
tech specs the price seems Strong audio professional use, the Epson Lacks smart features
very reasonable indeed, but A little bulky? EB-E20 doesn’t boast the Can be noisy
as we all know, statistics ★★★★★ home entertainment features ★★★★★

OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 89

 APPLE CHOICE Group test

5 6

Optoma ML1080ST Phillips Screeneo UL5

£999 FROM optomaeurope.com £1,094 FROM ul5.screeneo.com

This is the other If you download Optoma’s This is the most loud. Probably as loud as you
5 projector that comes Creative Cast app, you can 6 expensive model in need them for household use,
with a carry bag. Autofocus wirelessly share your screen our test, but you get a lot but they won’t fill a hall.
and auto-keystone correction with the projector through of projector for your money. Connect it to your home
keep your image sharp and AirPlay or Chromecast. This It’s sold as an ‘ultra short- network and the Screeneo
correctly proportioned, and is great for presentations and throw laser projector’. And, UL5 offers both Chromecast
360° projection means you photos, but casting streaming indeed, you can fill a huge and AirPlay streaming. It also
can install the projector in apps this way often proved screen with the projector has in-built apps for TV and
whatever position you like patchy. Best use the HDMI located almost underneath it. media sources such as Pluto
and keep the picture the right or USB-C inputs for those. The picture is great. Maybe TV, YouTube and Netflix.
way up. Its short-throw lens Overall, this is a similar not quite as crisp and solid as At the time of writing, UK
can project a 100-inch image projector to the Epson, but the BenQ GV31, but there’s on-demand apps such as BBC
from just over a metre away. at twice the price. Full marks very little in it. It’s bright iPlayer and ITVX are missing,
It proved very impressive in for the short throw, though. enough to tolerate rooms with but they should get added.
our tests, as did the overall light pollution, but definitely
picture quality. With a cabled VERDICT looks best with the lights off VERDICT
connection, it was sharp, Excellent throw distance and the curtains shut. Stellar throw ratio
accurate and fluid. It’s very Light and portable Like the BenQ, the Great picture quality
bright too, and can easily No smart apps Screeneo UL5 has stereo Very versatile
cope with a room that’s Patchy casting speakers and decent audio, A little expensive
only semi-dark. ★★★★★ though they’re not all that ★★★★★

90 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024

THE WINNER

BenQ GV31
Top quality audio and visuals
he best two After much thought and sharp, rectangular picture is best of all the projectors
T projectors are
clear, but to which
deliberation, we’ve gone for
the BenQ due to its slightly
simplicity itself. As a smart TV
it has a better selection of
tested, with crisp, clear
stereo audio and a deep,
do we give the Best on Test superior picture, better sound apps (though to be fair, the penetrating bass. It’s loud
award? The BenQ GV31, with and the fact that it’s half the Philips is brand new and its enough to use for a party
its crystal clear picture and price of the Philips model. It’s app range will grow), and it too. If you need a projector
awesome sound, or the refreshingly easy to set up supports Chromecast and with a very short throw get
Phillips Screeneo UL5 Smart, too. With autofocus and casting from iOS devices via the Phillips Screeneo UL5
with its feature list and keystone correction buttons an app on the projector. The Smart. Otherwise, the
amazing throw distance? on the remote, getting a sound quality is by far the BenQ GV31 is best.

How
do they
compare?

> Specs Acer AOPEN PV12a Asus ZenBeam L2 BenQ GV31 Epson EB-E20 Optoma ML1080ST Phillips Screeneo
UL5 Smart
Website acer.com asus.com benq.eu epson.co.uk optomaeurope.com ul5.screeneo.com
Price £399.99 £699 £499 £448.30 £999 £1,094
Resolution 480p (854 x 480) 1080p native, 4K 1080P XGA 1080p 1080p
Contrast ratio 5000:1 400:1 100,000:1 15,000:1 3,000,000:1 1800:1
Aspect ratio 16:9 (Native), 4:3 4:3, 16:9, Auto 16:9 4:3, 16:9, 16:10 4:3,16:9 (native) 16:9, 4:3
Throw ratio 1.3 1.2:1 1.2 1.44-1.95:1 0.78:1 0.23:1
Brightness 700 lumens (LED), 150 960 LED lumens, 300 ANSI lumens 3,400 lumens 1,200 lumens 550 ANSI Lumens
lumens (Standard) 400 ANSI lumens
Internal Yes, 5 hours Yes, up to 3.5 hours Yes, about 3 hours No No, can use No, can use external
battery external battery battery
Speakers One, 2W One, 10W Two, 4W, Woofer, 8W One, 5W One, 3W Two, 3W
Connectivity 1x HDMI, 1x USB-A 1x HDMI, 1x Micro 2x HDMI, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 2x VGA, 1x RS-232C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C, 2x 1x HDMI, 2x USB-C, 1x
Ports audio out HDMI-internal, 2x 1x USB-A, audio out 1x composite video, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C out, USB-A
USB-C, 1x USB-A, audio in, 1x audio out, 1x audio out
audio out monitor out, USB-B (2.0)
Dimensions 3.63 x 11.5 x 11.5 cm 13.2 x 17.2 x 13.2 cm 13.1 x 20.3 x 19.1 cm 30.9 x 28.2 x 8.7 cm 15.7 x 13.5 x 6.8 cm 9.4 x 8.7 x 20.6 cm
Weight 0.440 kg 1.57kg 1.7kg 2.7kg 1kg 1.05kg
> Overall ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Note: The final verdict scores reflect the overall opinion of a product and are not necessarily an average of the criteria listed in the table.

OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 91

 At its heart is ESET’s first
class anti-malware protection.

ESET Home
Security Ultimate
Security and anti-malware in an all-in-one package
Essential £34.99/year; Ultimate (as tested) £114.98/year FROM eset.com/uk NEEDS macOS 11 or later; iOS 11 or later

nstead of paying out for individual ESET’s malware protection is versatile and
Its capable
malware I subscriptions for malware
protection, a VPN service,
highly configurable, although few of us might
need to tweak its extensive controls. Its checks
password manager, and a software firewall, have no discernible effect on performance, and
protection you might be looking for a different apart from one previous disagreement with a
engine is approach. Assembled around its thoroughly macOS update, fixed quickly by ESET, the
capable anti-malware engine that we reviewed anti-malware engine seems first-class.
versatile and a year ago (#MF408), ESET Home Security’s
highly aims to offer all-in-one protection. Add in Android
The ESET Password Manager comes at As ESET Cyber Security uses endpoint
configurable the added cost of a Premium subscription security, it could broaden its scope to include
(£44.99), and is a browser extension rather checks on the security protection provided by
than a full app, so looks unlikely to match macOS, in particular Apple’s anti-malware
Sequoia’s new bundled app unless you need scanner XProtect Remediator. ESET doesn’t
to integrate with Windows or Android. ESET’s though take advantage of this, and can’t even
unlimited VPN has excellent geographical tell you whether those scans are taking place,
VERDICT coverage, is easy to use, and works well. let alone whether it’s removed malware before
Limited features on However, that only comes with the Ultimate ESET had a chance to do so.
macOS and iOS make subscription covering up to five devices An Ultimate subscription comes into its
it expensive unless running Windows 11, macOS, Android or iOS. own when there’s a Windows 11 PC or Android
you include Windows Each of these is a separate installation, and device among its five supported systems. The
or Android devices. in the case of the core Cyber Security app it’s former gets a software firewall, metadata
a fussy affair, as it’s handled simultaneously cleanup for privacy, additional data encryption,
★★
★★★★ by both ESET’s website and the local macOS parental control, a network inspector and more,
Early detection Installer app, which interrupts to satisfy the none of which are offered for macOS, and iOS
of malware demands of macOS security. This isn’t helped has to make do with the password manager
Low use of by instructions that haven’t been updated for and VPN, without malware protection.
system resources changes brought in System Settings. After While ESET is heading in the right direction,
Limited features you’ve ploughed through, ESET installs its at present its macOS and iOS features aren’t
on macOS endpoint security and network System extensive enough to justify their expense.
Fussy installation Extensions, and is good to go. Howard Oakley

92 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Apple Inc, ESET spol sro
 Riven’s enigmatic world
is beautifully crafted.

Riven
A classic game lovingly updated
£34.99 FROM cyan.com NEEDS macOS 14.5 or later

eteran Mac gamers might have fond While the original Riven saw you move
The lack of
hand-holding V memories of 1997’s Riven, a
hair-pullingly tricky puzzler from
through a range of still set-pieces, the new
edition is a fully rendered 3D world that you
legendary studio Cyan. Well, the good news is can traverse as you please. That’s an
means the – for fans and newcomers alike – the game has improvement, letting you attempt the puzzles
glory is all just been freshly updated with retooled in different orders – successfully or not – or just
mechanics and upgraded graphics. If you love take in the world and its stunningly arresting
yours when puzzles and want to be tested to your logical vistas. The only drawback is the slow
you (finally) limits, it’s worth every penny. movement – you can hold Shift to speed up,
Riven focuses on the father-and-son duo of but there’s no way to make this the default.
find an answer Gehn and Atrus. Gehn harnessed ancient
technology to forge the world of Riven through Sound and vision
his writing, hoping to become the overlord of The original Riven used live-action video
all existence. Yet his handiwork led to the segments, but the 2024 update has replaced
world’s disintegration; Atrus, resentful at what these with 3D animations that are fairly
his father did, escapes, leaving Gehn trapped – average in quality. We understand full-motion
until you come along… video has gone out of fashion in modern
VERDICT Riven offers almost nothing in the way of games, but the replacement animations are
Riven is a masterful overt hints, and you instead find solutions not the step up they should be.
remake that elevates through note reading, keen observation and The audio, though, is a masterclass. The
the puzzle genre. crazed experimentation. That makes its sound design is incredibly well-crafted, with
challenges very demanding, and you’ll spend superb attention to detail. From rattling maglev
★★
★★★★ much of your time feeling a little lost, staring panels to the booming resonance of a
Fiendishly blankly ahead as you turn the problem over collapsing bridge, Riven’s soundscape is
tough puzzles and over in your brain. wonderful throughout. It’s coupled with an
Improved graphics That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. eerie soundtrack that heightens the mystery,
Masterful audio The lack of hand-holding means the glory is and is even more enjoyable with headphones.
Mysterious all yours when you (finally) find an answer, If you like puzzlers, you’ll love Riven,
world-building and puzzle lovers will have a field day. However, whether you’ve played the original or not. It’s
Open-world gameplay don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching tough, but the rewarding gameplay and
So-so 3D animations for the walkthrough. world-building are second to none. Alex Blake

Image credit: Cyan Worlds OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 93

 APPLE CHOICE Software

Final Cut Pro for iPad

Version 2.0 of Apple’s flagship video editor gets Live Multicam support
£4.99/month or £49.99/year FROM apple.com/uk NEEDS iPadOS 17.4 or later

pple released Final Cut Pro for iPad

Up to four
cameras are A in 2023, alongside Logic Pro for
iPad, in a concerted effort to bring
its desktop ‘pro’ apps for video and music
supported so creation to the platform and bolster its
you could film claims that an iPad really can replace a Mac.
The system requirements for Final Cut Pro 2.0
four different are higher thanks to its intensive graphics
subjects or demands, so you’ll need an Apple silicon
M-series iPad, though that includes the newer
several angles Air as well as the Pro models.
of the same While there are not many changes Extensive export formats and resolutions are supported
compared to Version 1.0 of the software, the for various different use cases.
subject changes in this release are significant. Since which feel natural. It’s also well suited to the
you pay to use the app on a rolling basis either Apple Pencil which can help you work faster
monthly or yearly, the question of upgrading is and be more precise with your interactions.
a no-brainer – you’ll get the new stuff as part of You can work with multiple streams of
your subscription. The question is whether you high-resolution footage, using all manner of
take the plunge in the first place rather than top-level editing tools, titling, colour grading
opting for a competitor like LumaFusion. and transitions. The M-series chips power
The work that Apple did in reimagining some really cool stuff like auto-isolation of
Final Cut for the touch interface remains subjects and background removal, voice
impressive. It’s well thought-out and intuitive, isolation, animation and more. A big new
managing a wealth of editing tools and feature is the ability to work with projects from
features using various gestures, press-and- external drives via the iPad’s Thunderbolt /
holds and drag-and-drop techniques, all of USB-C port. This removes the restriction of

APP TIPS

Make the most of Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.0

Fast Cut automation Live Multicam Scene Removal Mask

Final Cut Pro has numerous time-saving By adding up to four iPhones or iPads Apple silicon enables Final Cut Pro to
features powered by artificial intelligence each running the new Final Cut Camera identify a person in a scene and isolate
(AI) including Fast Cut automation. This app, you can now record multiple angles them, masking out their background.
can crop, trim and edit footage for you, at once, and focus, zoom and tweak each Unlike green screening and rotoscoping
vastly speeding up your workflow, while one from Final Cut Pro and record their which take a lot of time, the process
leaving you to make refinements yourself. streams centrally, for editing later. here is instant.

94 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.0 APPLE CHOICE

your internal storage – grab a 2TB SSD and directly into your project with full resolution The touch-based interface
store all your footage and project files on it. files being transferred in the background later. makes it quick and easy to
work with footage from a
With high-res projects quickly taking up lots of Up to four cameras are supported so you range of sources.
space, this also allows you to more easily share could film four different subjects or several
huge projects by just handing over a drive, and angles of the same subject – typically this could
moving to a Mac to carry on working on them. be two angles each of two people in an
Another major addition is Live Multicam interview setup. As you’d expect, the newer
support. There’s a new Final Cut Camera app and higher-end the device, the better the
for iPhone and iPad which is free and can be footage, so footage on iPhone Pro Max models
used by anyone for on-device recording, but will look better than older phones, but
also connects to Final Cut Pro on the iPad. With generally the results are very good.
the remote cameras able to be controlled from Final Cut Pro 2 remains an excellent tool
the main iPad, their focus, exposure, zoom and for working with and exporting pro-quality
more under your command, they stream video video projects. LumaFusion is cheaper – VERDICT
significantly so because it doesn’t use a A remarkably
subscription model – and a very capable powerful way to
app, even though it’s less slick than Final Cut. edit and produce
But Apple’s system is a joy to use, powering pro-level video
through complex tasks with ease. And though projects on iPad.
Live Multicam is limited to using iOS devices
at the moment, it’s still useful for greater ★★★★
★★
flexibility while maintaining compact, mobile Slick and smooth
setups. The subscription model irks a little but interface
with many developers including Apple pushing Live Multicam
software as a service more and more, it seems support is welcome
like it’s here to stay. A one-month free trial will Lets you work from
The free Final Cut Camera app for iPhone and iPad can be let you decide whether to go all-in, and it’s external drives
remotely controlled from a central iPad. more than likely that you will. Hollin Jones Subscription model

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 95

 6 apps…
For a super
summer party
Let the good times roll in the glorious sunshine

Hey Grill Hey Best Mixel – Cocktail Apple Music

BBQ Recipes Recipes £10.99/month FROM music.apple.com
NEEDS iOS 10 or later
Free (offers IAPs) FROM heygrillhey. Free (offers IAPs) FROM mixelcocktails.
com NEEDS iOS 13 or later com NEEDS iOS 13.4 or later
No summer party is complete
A perfectly cooked barbecue The best accompaniment to a without a playlist of sunny
meal is the centrepiece to any party meal? A showstopping tracks to get everyone in the
great summer party, and this cocktail, of course. Whether mood. Our pick here is Apple Music: with
app is the ideal companion. It’s chock- you’re a seasoned mixologist or a fresh- 100 million songs and thousands of
full of delicious recipes for your BBQ or faced newbie, Mixel can help you blend curated playlists to pick from, you can
smoker, from grilled meats and veggie the perfect drink for any occasion. It lets feel confident there’s something right
salsas to sticky sauces and flavourful you search for cocktails and filter the for the moment in the app’s library.
rubs. And it’s not just about the recipes results by flavour, rating and ingredients You also get spatial audio with Dolby
– Hey Grill Hey is bursting with tips, you already own, so you’ll always find Atmos, exclusive interviews and live
inspiration and ideas, plus it’ll rustle up a tasty mix. It’ll then take you through performances, dozens of radio stations
a shopping list so you know exactly what the process of crafting your delicious hosted by big names in the music
you need to buy before getting started. refreshment step by step. industry, and a whole lot more on top.

96 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credits: Hey Grill, Hey, Cool Font LLC, Apple Inc
 Throw a party! APPLE CHOICE

he onset of summer means goes off without a hitch. We’ve rounded

T better weather, longer days
and plenty of time for parties
up six apps that are ideally suited to the
task at hand, whether you need recipe
and social gatherings. Event planning of ideas for barbecues and cocktails, or fun
this kind can be stressful, but it doesn’t activities to keep everyone entertained.
have to be that way. With the help of a Put these apps to good use and enjoy
few handy apps, you can ensure it all the party spirit. Alex Blake

Pocket Party CARROT Weather: Splitwise

Games Alerts & Radar Free (offers IAPs) FROM splitwise.com
NEEDS iOS 15 or later
Free (offers IAPs) FROM pocketparty. Free (offers IAPs) FROM meetcarrot.
app NEEDS iOS 13.5 or later com NEEDS iOS 15 or later
Organising social gatherings
Whether you’re meeting with When you host a party, it’s can be tricky when money is
friends or hosting a kids’ bash, imperative to know you won’t involved. Who bought what,
games can be a great way to get rained on. After all, there’s how much does everyone owe, and who
liven up the party. With Pocket Party nothing worse than soggy burgers and a should they pay it to? These questions
Games, you get 100 activities to choose rained-off barbecue. To make sure you can knock the fun out of a gathering, but
from, ensuring there’s something for can make the most of the blue skies, Splitwise handles issues like this and
everyone, no matter age or ability. Each use CARROT Weather. It blends super- makes them a cinch to solve. Just enter
game comes with video instructions so accurate weather forecasts with a everything that’s been bought, who
you can pick it up quickly. Better yet, hilariously biting personality that ranges bought it and how much they paid, then
most games can be played without from professional to the profanity-fuelled the app does the rest, allowing you to
props, making them ideal for impromptu ‘overkill’ setting. You’ve never seen settle up knowing everyone is getting
gatherings and spontaneous requests. a weather app like this. what they’re owed.

Image credits: LongView Labs Ltd, Grailr LLC, Splitwise Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 97
Your guide to the best Apple hardware and third-party accessories

iMac From
£1,399
EXPECTED
OCT 2024
UPDATED
OCT 2023
In October 2023, Apple updated its
only iMac – the 24in model, so that it now
benefits from Apple’s M3 chip. You can now
choose between an 8-core CPU/8-core GPU
at the entry-level, or an 8-core CPU/10-core
GPU on the mid-range and top-tier versions.
You still get a 4.5K (4480x2520) Retina
display, and all models come with 8GB of
memory as standard, but this is now
upgradeable to 24GB throughout. The solid-
state drive (SSD) storage ranges from 256GB
on entry-level and mid-range versions to
512GB on the top tier, although you can add
up to 1TB on the entry-level and up to 2TB on
mid-range and top-tier models.
The entry level version is available in Blue,
Green, Pink and Silver, but the mid- and top-
tier models are also available in Yellow,
Orange and Purple. Each M3 iMac also comes
with a 1080p FaceTime camera, and a six-
speaker sound system with support for spatial
audio. You’ll also find two Thunderbolt/USB 4
ports on each model, with mid-range and top-
tier options offering two additional USB 3
(USB-C) ports. Rather surprisingly – and
pleasingly – the starting price remains
unchanged at £1,399.

iMac 24in £1,399 iMac 24in £1,599 iMac 24in £1,799

(Entry level) (Mid-range) (Ultimate)
Display: 23.5in 4.5K Retina (4480x2520) with True Tone Display: 23.5in 4.5K Retina (4480x2520) with True Tone Display: 23.5in 4.5K Retina (4480x2520) with True Tone
Chip: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, Chip: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, Chip: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores,
4 efficiency cores), 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 4 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 4 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 24GB) Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 24GB) Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 16GB)
Storage: 256GB (upgradeable to 512GB or 1TB) Storage: 256GB (upgradeable to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB) Storage: 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB or 2TB)
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 1x Gb Ethernet (option) Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 2x USB 3, 1x Gb Ethernet Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 2x USB 3, 1x Gb Ethernet

Apple Magic Apple Magic

Mouse Trackpad
From £79 From £129
Design quirks aside This Multi Touch glass
Apple Magic Keyboard with (we’re looking at you, trackpad is a thing of
Touch ID and Numeric Keypad Lightning Port), the Magic beauty, giving you lots
From £179 Mouse is a great pointing of control over macOS
This extended keyboard is a great upgrade device, thanks to its Multi and it’s rechargeable
option for any Mac and comes with Touch ID for Touch support. The black too. The black version
faster Mac logins. The black version costs £199. version costs £99. costs £149.

98 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024

 Apple kit STORE GUIDE

EXPECTED
OCT 2024
UPDATED
JAN 2023

Mac mini From

£649

Apple’s most affordable desktop

may not come with a mouse, a
EXPECTED
trackpad or keyboard, but it’s also
MAR 2025 great value starting at even less
UPDATED
MAR 2024 than the last model at £649.
Despite the reduction in price, the
Mac mini now boasts Apple’s M2 chip,

MacBook Air From

£1,099
boasting an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
and 16-core Neural Engine. The 8GB
of memory can now be boosted up
Apple’s most affordable laptop was The 15in MacBook Air is the thinnest to 24GB, while SSD storage options
given an upgrade in March 2024, with 15in laptop available – 40% thinner than range from 256GB all the way up to
both the 13-inch and 15-inch models comparable PC laptops; it’s just 11.5mm 2TB. There is now also an M2 Pro
now sporting Apple silicon M3 chips, thin and weighs 1.51kg. The 13in Air is version with a 10-core CPU/16-core
although an M2-equipped version of 11.3mm thin and weighs 1.24kg. The GPU (configurable to 12-core CPU/19-
the 13-inch remains available. Liquid Retina display in the 15in MacBook core GPU), with 16 to 32GB memory
The laptop boasts a silent, fanless Air has a resolution of 2880x1864 pixels, and 512GB to 8TB SSD storage.
design, a six-speaker sound system while the 13in has 2560x1664. Both Entry-level and mid-range M2 Mac
(the 13in has four speakers) and spatial support up to one billion colours. mini models continue to come with
audio. The 13in M3 features an 8-core Both M3 MacBook Air models come two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, but
CPU, offering 1.6x faster performance with 1080p FaceTime HD cameras, the M2 Pro model has now has four.
than the M1, along with either an 8- or MagSafe 3, two Thunderbolt/USB 4
a 10-core GPU, giving it a 5.8% boost ports and a headphone jack and
in graphics performance. The M3 also Bluetooth 5.3, and they now support Mac mini £649
benefits from 100GB/sec memory Wi-Fi 6E. You also get up to 18 hours (Entry level)
bandwidth. Both M3 MacBook Air models of battery life when viewing video or Chip: Apple M2, 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4
efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
come with 8GB of memory as standard, 15 when web surfing. Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 24GB)
configurable to 16 or 24GB, and both can Prices for the 13in model start at Storage: 256GB (upgradeable to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB)
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.0,
be configured with up to 2TB of storage. £1,099, while the 15in starts at £1,299. 3.5mm headphone jack, Gb Ethernet (10Gb Ethernet option)

MacBook Air 13in £1,099 MacBook Air 15in £1,699 Mac mini £1,399
(Entry level) (Ultimate) (Ultimate)
Display: 13.6in Liquid Retina with True Tone Display: 15.3in Liquid Retina with True Tone Chip: Apple M2 Pro with 10-core CPU (4 performance cores,
Chip: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, Chip: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores), 16-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
4 efficiency cores), 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 4 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 16GB)
Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 24GB) Memory: 16GB (upgradeable to 24GB) Storage: 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB or 2TB)
Storage: 256GB (upgradeable to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB) Storage: 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB or 2TB) Ports: 4x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.0,
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 3.5mm headphone jack Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 3.5mm headphone jack 3.5mm headphone jack, Gb Ethernet (10Gb Ethernet option)

TV 4K Apple HomePod/ Watch

From £149 HomePod mini Series 9,
Apple’s third-gen £99/£299 Ultra 2, SE
little black box with Apple’s Siri-powered From £219
A15 Bionic chip now speakers sound great, The SE and
adds HDR10+ to the you can link two for Series 9 are water resistant to
mix. Prices now start at just stereo sound, and use them 50m, but the titanium Ultra 2 is water resistant to
£149 (Wi-Fi only); the standard version now as smart home hubs. The mini comes in five 100m. The Series 9 and the Ultra 2 now run on an
comes with 64GB of storage, while paying £20 colours; the 2nd-gen Midnight/White HomePod S9 SiP and boast an Always-On Retina display, and
extra gets you 128GB, Ethernet and Thread. (£299), offers higher spec and spatial audio. all three offer Emergency SOS and Crash Detection.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 99

 STORE GUIDE Apple kit
EXPECTED
OCT 2024
UPDATED
OCT 2023

MacBook Pro
From £1,349

October 2023 saw the introduction

of the M3 chip family to the MacBook
Pro. The new 14-inch M3 model is
available with an 8-core CPU/10-core
GPU. But if you step up to the M3 Pro
option, you can opt for either an 11-core
CPU/14-core GPU or a 12-core CPU/
18-core GPU, or the M3 Max which
has a 14-core CPU/30-core GPU.
The 16in options start with the M3 Pro either a 14-core CPU/30-core GPU or storage can be upgraded to a max of
chip with a 12-core CPU/18-core GPU and 16-core CPU/40-core GPU. The unified 8TB on M3 Max models. The 14in M3 and
either 18GB or 36GB of unified memory. memory can be upgraded to a max of 16in M3 Pro and M3 Max models now
Or you can opt for the M3 Max chip with 128GB on the M3 Max models, while SSD offer up to 22 hours of battery life.

MacBook Pro 14in £1,699 MacBook Pro 16in £2,599 MacBook Pro 16in £4,099
(Entry level) (Mid-range) (Ultimate)
Display: 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (3024x1964) with True Tone Display: 16.2in Liquid Retina XDR (3456x2234) with True Tone Display: 16.2in Liquid Retina XDR (3456x2234) and True Tone
Chip: Apple M3 with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, Chip: Apple M3 Pro with 12-core CPU (6 performance cores, Chip: Apple M3 Max with 16-core CPU (12 performance cores,
4 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 6 efficiency cores), 18-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 4 efficiency cores), 40-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 8GB (upgradeable to 24GB) Memory: 18GB (upgradeable to 36GB) Memory: 48GB (upgradeable to 128GB)
Storage: 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB, 2TB) Storage: 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB) Storage: 1TB (upgradeable to 2TB, 4TB or 8TB)
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, HDMI port, SDXC card slot Ports: 3x Thunderbolt/USB 4, HDMI port, SDXC card slot Ports: 3x Thunderbolt/USB 4, HDMI port, SDXC card slot

Mac Studio From

£2,099
EXPECTED
JUNE 2025
UPDATED
JUNE 2023

The Mac Studio finally received a

long-hoped-for update in June 2023
with the latest model sporting Apple
silicon M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips.
The Mac Studio is up to six times faster
than the most powerful Intel-based
27-inch iMac and up to three times faster
than the M1 Ultra Studio that preceded it.
The Studio’s aluminium body is very
The Mac Studio is Apple’s most powerful
desktop Mac to date – it’s pricy though. Studio Display
From £1,499
compact for a desktop Mac, measuring unified memory (upgradeable to 192GB).
197x197x95mm, but it’s what’s inside that Storage options on both scale up to 8TB. Launched alongside the original
counts. The M2 Max chip has a 12-core The Mac Studio M2 Max starts at Mac Studio in March 2022, the
CPU, a 30-core GPU (upgradeable to £2,099, and the M2 Ultra starts at Studio Display is a great addition
38-core), and 32GB of memory £4,199, so these machines are not for to any Mac setup.
(configurable to 96GB). The M2 Ultra everyone. But both offer an incredible Powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic
comes with a 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU array of connectivity options and and running iOS, it features a
(upgradeable to 76-core), and 64GB of support for the more pro user. 27-inch Retina display with 5K
resolution (5120x2880 pixels)
and True Tone, a 12MP Ultra Wide
Mac Studio £2,099 Mac Studio £4,199 camera with Centre Stage, and
(Entry level) (Ultimate) a six-speaker sound system with
Chip: M2 Max with 12-core CPU (8 performance cores, Chip: M2 Ultra with 24-core CPU (16 performance cores, support for spatial audio. A range
4 efficiency cores), 30-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 8 efficiency cores), 60-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine
Memory: 32GB (upgradeable to 96GB) Memory: 64GB (upgradeable to 192GB) of stand options are available, and
Storage: 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB) Storage: 1TB (upgradeable to 2TB, 4TB, 8TB)
Ports: 4x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.0, Ports: 4x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.0,
you can choose nano-texture glass
3.5mm headphone jack, 10Gb Ethernet, SDXC card slot 3.5mm headphone jack, 10Gb Ethernet, SDXC card slot for £250 more.

100 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024

 Apple kit STORE GUIDE
EXPECTED
OCT 2024
UPDATED
OCT 2022

EXPECTED
MAY 2025
UPDATED
MAY 2024

EXPECTED
MAY 2025
UPDATED
MAY 2024

iPad/mini iPad Air From

£599 iPad Pro From
£999
iPad (10th gen) From £349
iPad mini From £499 In May 2024, Apple announced Alongside the new iPad Air in
a redesigned 11-inch and all-new May, Apple showed off its newly
Apple’s entry-level iPad got a 13-inch iPad Air. Inside, you’ll now designed ‘thinpossible’ iPad Pro
welcome price drop in May 2024, find an Apple silicon M2 chip. Storage 11in and 13in. The iPad Pro models
with prices now starting at £349. options now range from 128GB or 1TB, have now jumped to M4 Apple silicon
Its specs remain the same, though, and there’s Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. to provide incredible performance
with the iPad (10th gen) sporting a The two new models support the and powerful AI capabilities.
10.9in display, powered by an A14 newly released Apple Pencil Pro, and Despite the Ultra Retina XDR
Bionic chip. Plus you get an Ultra Wide can be teamed with Apple’s Magic display boasting new Tandem OLED
12MP front and 12MP back camera. Keyboard for powerhouse productivity tech, the new iPad Pro is über thin,
The iPad also comes with a USB-C on the go. As before, augmented with the 13-inch model measuring
port and is available in four colours. reality fans will love the LiDAR- just 5.1mm thick! (There’s also a
The iPad mini is a neat little tablet, equipped 12MP Wide camera and nano-texture glass option on the 1TB
with an 8.3in Liquid Retina display. Centre Stage. The Liquid Retina and 2TB models.) The front camera
The cheapest £499 model has 64GB display resolution remains at is now a Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide
of storage (a 256GB model is also 2360x1640 on the 11in, but the 13in on the iPad’s longest side. Plus, the
available for £649) and comes with boasts a resolution of 2732x2048. Pro supports the new Apple Pencil
a 12MP Wide camera, Apple Pencil Prices start at a respectable £599 Pro, and revamped Magic Keyboard.
support and USB-C charging. for the 11in and £799 for the 13in.

iPad iPad mini iPad Air iPad Pro

Display: 10.9in Display: 8.3in Display: 11in or 13in Display: 11in or 13in
Chip: A14 Bionic Chip: A15 Bionic Chip: Apple M2 Chip: Apple M4
Storage: 64GB, 256GB Storage: 64GB, 256GB Storage: 128GB, 256, 512GB, 1TB Storage: 256GB-2TB
Ports: USB-C Ports: USB-C Ports: USB-C Ports: Thunderbolt 4
Unlocking: Touch ID Unlocking: Touch ID Unlocking: Touch ID Unlocking: Face ID

Apple Smart Folio Apple Pencil/Apple Pencil Pro Apple Magic

From £69 From £79 Keyboard
Available in a range of stylish colours, these There are now four variations of From £299
wrap-around magnetic cases will keep your iPad, Pencil. The 1st- and 2nd-gen models are Team your iPad with
iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro looking good for still available; Apple released a USB-C one of these and you’ll
years, and they double as handy stands. version in November 2023, and in May feel like you’re using a
2024, Apple unveiled the Apple Pencil touchscreen Mac. The
Pro (£129), which contains a barrel new iPad Pro version
sensor that can feel a user’s squeeze even has a trackpad
and a gyroscope for incredible control. with haptic feedback.

Image credit: Apple Inc OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 101

 EXPECTED
SEPT 2024
STORE GUIDE Apple kit UPDATED
SEPT 2023

EXPECTED
MAR 2025
UPDATED
MAR 2022

EXPECTED
SEPT 2024
UPDATED
SEPT 2023

iPhone SE iPhone 15/ iPhone 15

From £429
Plus Pro/Pro Max
Apple’s most affordable iPhone iPhone 15 From £799 iPhone 15 Pro From £999
is now even better value, thanks iPhone 15 Plus From £899 iPhone 15 Pro Max From £1,199
to a September price reduction of
£20. As with the iPhone 14 range, In September, Apple launched its The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
the SE works on an A15 Bionic iPhone 15 range. The base model boast a lightweight titanium shell
chip. The iPhone SE offers plenty of retains its 6.1in screen, and the Plus with a textured matt glass back.
the things people love about iPhone, stays at 6.7in, while both handsets There’s now a new fast Action button
including iOS’s phenomenal ease of are still of an aluminium build. on the side of the handset that acts
use. There’s only a single 12MP Wide Both models now benefit from the as a handy physical shortcut.
main camera and no Night mode, but Dynamic Island, while the dual-camera The quad-pixel sensor on the
you do get True Tone, a Photonic system has been improved with a Main camera provides 48MP, 12MP
engine, and 4K recording. 48MP Main camera and a 12MP Ultra Ultra Wide, 12 MP Telephoto with up
Battery life is decent too with the Wide, plus a Photonic Engine for low- to 5x optical zoom on the Pro Max.
iPhone SE lasting for up to 15 hours light images and Smart HDR 5. The The 15 Pro and Pro Max are powered
between recharges (with Qi wireless iPhone 15 lasts for up to 20 hours by a graphics-friendly A17 Pro chip.
charging onboard too). The main when playing video playback; the Plus Video playback times remain at up to
thing the iPhone SE misses out on up to 26. And the best news? The 15 23 hours for the Pro, while the Pro
is Face ID unlocking, making do with and 15 Plus are each £50 cheaper than Max can keep going for 29.
Touch ID on the Home button instead. the 14 and 14 Plus before them.

iPhone SE iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max

Display: 4.7in Display: 6.1in Display: 6.7in Display: 6.1in Display: 6.7in
Chip: A15 Bionic Chip: A16 Bionic Chip: A16 Bionic Chip: A17 Pro Chip: A17 Pro
Storage: 64GB-256GB Storage: 128GB-512GB Storage: 128GB-512GB Storage: 128GB-1TB Storage: 256GB-1TB
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi
Unlocking: Touch ID Unlocking: Face ID Unlocking: Face ID Unlocking: Face ID Unlocking: Face ID

Apple Vision Pro Apple AirPods Max/

£3,499 AirPods Pro/AirPods
Marking the start of what £499/£229/From £169
Apple hopes is a new era of The AirPods Max are super comfy
spatial computing, the Vision and boast Transparency Mode and ANC.
Pro is now available in the UK. The second-gen AirPods Pro add in
Equipped with a custom 23 million has spatial audio onboard too. Adaptive Audio. The third-gen AirPods are
pixel microOLED display, the twin Driving the whole thing are Apple available with either a Lightning (£169)
lenses inside the Vision Pro boasts silicon M2 and R1 chips, upon which or MagSafe (£179) charging case. All three
better than 4K resolution and it sit its own dedicated visionOS. come with personalised spatial audio.

102 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

 Third-party kit STORE GUIDE

BEST BUYS… BEST BUYS…

Third-party iPhone,
iPad & Watch apps
VIDEO EDITOR (iOS/iPADOS)
LumaFusion 3
£29.99 luma-touch.com
EXTERNAL DISPLAY BLUETOOTH SPEAKER NAS DRIVE A powerful and reasonably priced
Marshall Middleton Asustor Lockerstor 2 video-editing suite. Existing users
Philips 27B1U7903 can upgrade for free.
£1,099, philips.co.uk £269.99, Gen2 AS6702T ★★★★★ MF372
An excellent monitor that marshallheadphones.com £469, asustor.com
satisfies on every level. It’s Meaty, beaty, big and Excellent and versatile NOTE-TAKING (iOS/iPADOS)
expensive, but you do get a bouncy, the Middleton mid-range network Notability
lot of quality for your money. knows how to rock. storage. £8.99 notability.com
★★★★★ MF392 ★★★★★ MF391 ★★★★★ MF390
Notability is a superb note-taking
app with lots of flexibility. It’s ideal
OUR TOP 3 OUR TOP 3 OUR TOP 3
for a variety of projects.
MESH NETWORK DEVICES PORTABLE SSDS SUPERFAST CHARGERS
★★★★★ MF360
ASUS ZenWiFi XT9 Crucial X8 Satechi 200W
> £459.99 > MF386 > £211.99 > MF388 USB-C 6-Port PD GaN
> asus.com/uk > uk.crucial.com £159.99 > MF392 SCANNING/OCR (iOS/iPADOS)
> satechi.net
GeniusScan+
Linksys Atlas 6 SanDisk Extreme Anker 737 Charger
> £179.99 > MF386 > £99.99, > MF388 GaNPrime 120W £8.99 grizzlylabs.com
> linksys.com/gb > westerndigital.com £84.99 > MF392 Fast, flexible and useful scanning
> anker.com/uk
with good optical character
Devolo Magic 2 OWC Envoy Pro SX Ugreen Nexode recognition (OCR).
WiFi next > £285 > MF388 200W USB-C Desktop
> £174.99 > MF386 > owc.com £199.99 > MF394 ★★★★★ MF368
>devolo.co.uk > uk.ugreen.com
PAGE LAYOUT (iPADOS)
Affinity Publisher 2
BEST BUYS… Third-party Mac apps £17.99 affinity.serif.com
Serif’s page layout app finally arrives on
iPad and it’s great – even if the interface
takes some getting used to.
★★★★★ MF391

PHOTO EDITOR (iPADOS)

Capture One
£4.49/month captureone.com
PHOTO EDITOR PRODUCTIVITY TIMER WRITING APPS
A comprehensive photo editor offering
Luminar AI Vitamin-R 4.14 Scrivener powerful Raw conversion and desktop-
quality editing tools on the iPad.
£9.99/month skylum.com €27.95 (about £30) £49.99 ★★★★★ MF384
If you want to improve publicspace.net literatureandlatte.com
your photos without Break your working day A genuinely outstanding RSS READER (iOS)
spending too much, this up into short bursts of app that has almost Reeder 5
is the app for you. distraction-free activity. everything you could ever £4.99 reederapp.com
★★★★★ MF361 ★★★★★ MF384 need. ★★★★★ MF385
Version 5 brings minor, but welcome
improvements to an already great
OUR TOP 3 OUR TOP 3 OUR TOP 3 RSS news-reader app.
VIDEO EDITORS NOTE TAKING APPS EMAIL ★★★★★ MF361
Wondershare Filmora Agenda. Spark
> £17.49/month > MF387 > Free (IAPs)> MF389 > Free > MF375 GAME (iOS/iPADOS)
> wondershare.com > agenda.com > sparkmailapp.com
Overboard!
HitFilm (Creator) Bear Edison Mail £5.99 inklestudios.com
> £7.99/month> MF387 > Free (IAPs) > MF389 > Free (IAPs) > MF375
> fxhome.com > bear.app > mail.edison.tech A gem. A small, but perfectly formed
and entertaining game about a ship-
Lightworks Create Simplenote Airmail Pro
> £7.99/month> MF387 > Free (IAPs) > MF389 > £5.99/month > MF375 based murder mystery.
> lwks.com > simplenote.com > airmailapp.com ★★★★★ MF372

Image credits: Koninklijke Philips NV, Marshall Amplification PLC, Asustor Inc, ASUSTeK Computer Inc, Linksys Holdings Inc, devolo AG,
Micron Technology, Inc, Western Digital Corporation, Other World Computing Inc, Satechi, Fantasia Trading LLC, Ugreen Ltd, Skylum,
publicspace.net, Literature & Latte Ltd, Wondershare, Artlist UK Ltd, LWKS.com, Momenta BV, ShinyFrog, Automattic Inc, Spark Mail Ltd,
Edison Software, Bloop, Luma Touch LLC, Ginger Labs, The Grizzly Labs, Serif (Europe) Ltd, Capture One, Silvio Rizzi, inkle Ltd OCTOBER 2024 | MACFORMAT | 103
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N E X T M O N T H

Your iOS 18 superguide

> Discover all the great features in your next free upgrade
PLUS: iMovie masterclass – shoot your own blockbuster
ALSO INSIDE…
>The coolest kit for your home office – from desks to accessories ISSUE 409
>Use SharePlay and enjoy Apple TV content together ON SALE
>Cook delicious dinners and optimise your exercise!
… and much more!
17 SEP
Contents subject to change 2024

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 GOODBYE Until next issue…

One more thing

The Calculator app
With iPadOS 18, the iPad is finally getting its own Calculator app.
But why the wait? Graham Barlow thinks something doesn’t add up

Math Notes is a welcome addition to the next iPadOS update, but it’s a mystery why it’s taken Apple so long to include it.

here’s a real sense that we’re in gotten around” to releasing a “great” calculator
T the quiet before the storm… Apple
Intelligence is coming this autumn as part
app for the iPad, but that “day may come”.

of macOS Sequoia, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, and right Count on me

now it’s hard to think about anything else. This is Well, that day is finally here, and while I admit that
the biggest update to Apple’s operating systems I Math Notes – the ability to write mathematical
can remember. expressions into the iPadOS 18 Calculator app with
With AI integrated directly into Siri I think I’m your Apple Pencil – is a neat new feature, I don’t
going to be more productive with my Apple devices think it was worth holding off Calculator’s release
than ever before, and I’m looking forward to getting until 2024. Why it’s taken Apple until now to sort
a lot more use out of Siri. From what we’ve already this out remains a mystery, but it’s not the first time
seen at WWDC 2024, Apple Intelligence looks Apple has put the iPad in the corner. There wasn’t
fantastic, particularly its ability to rewrite emails, even an official weather app for the iPad, which
find photos and create emojis for any occasion. I’m launched in 2010, until iPadOS 16 in 2022. It’s
hoping that there will be even more uses for AI almost like Apple has been deliberately holding
than the ones we currently know about, we’ll the iPad back on the software front in case it starts
just have to wait and see. to hurt sales of its premium device, the iPhone.
But, let’s not forget the really big news to do Of course, you don’t have to wait until iPadOS
with the launch of iPadOS 18 – the iPad is finally 18 arrives to start doing sums, you can install a
getting its own Calculator app! For some reason third-party calculator app from the App Store.
iPad users have been denied their own built-in Uno Calculator, for example, is a perfectly
calculator app until now. Back in 2020, Craig decent calculator which will act as the perfect NEXT ISSUE ON SALE

Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software stopgap until iPadOS 18 arrives and the iPad 17 SEPT
Engineering, claimed that Apple simply “hadn’t can finally achieve app parity with the iPhone.

106 | MACFORMAT | OCTOBER 2024 Image credit: Apple Inc

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