ldstephens

Let me tell you something: I love my iPad Pro. It's a fantastic tool for reading, research, and even writing. But here's the deal: the lack of a decent clipboard manager makes me want to tear my fucking hair out.

Every. Single. Day. I'm copying and pasting things. Snippets from articles, research notes, half-written sentences. And yet, on the iPad Pro, it's an exercise in frustration. The measly one-item clipboard is a joke.

Sure, there are those workaround tactics that I wrote about the other day, but let's call a spade a spade – they're just that, work-arounds. I get pissed when I start a task that demands copying and pasting; it's at that moment I reluctantly shift to my Mac. A move that shouldn't be necessary yet becomes an unavoidable ritual due to the iPad Pro's clipboard limitations.

Why should I be compelled to switch devices mid-stream just to manage a fundamental function like copy-pasting? This iPad Pro issue really bothers me, even though I enjoy using it. It deserves better, and it's high time Apple addressed this glaring shortcoming. Fix it please, Apple.

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Bill Toulas, Bleeping Computer

An Android remote access trojan (RAT) known as VajraSpy was found in 12 malicious applications, six of which were available on Google Play from April 1, 2021, through September 10, 2023. The malicious apps, which have now been removed from Google Play but remain available on third-party app stores, are disguised as messaging or news apps.

Apple has fought against third-party app stores on iOS for several reason and the above is an example of exactly why.

Apple argues that allowing apps from outside the App Store would compromise iPhone security and user privacy. They point to potential malware risks and the difficulty of regulating third-party stores. Apple values tightly controlling the iOS ecosystem to ensure a consistent and curated user experience.

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Tiff White

Overcast, though I am really finding I am done with the majority of Apple and tech focused podcasts. Been listening to this stuff for over 10 years now. Need a breather.

I've unsubscribed from a few Apple-centric podcasts recently for the same reason. Some of the tech release timelines and Apple event recaps feel redundant across these shows, and I only need to hear them once. Similarly, I've been considering trimming similar content from my RSS feed subscriptions.

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Mark Gurman

Apple’s next MacBook Airs and iPads get closer to release. Back in December, I reported that Apple had pretty extensive plans for March: There will be several new iPads, alongside the next batch of Macs with M3 chips. More specifically, you should expect the biggest revamp ever for the iPad Pro, a refreshed iPad Air, a larger iPad Air, and 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs with M3 processors. The latest: I’m told these machines are likely to come out around the end of March — and that the new iPad Pros and 13-inch MacBook Air are already deep in production overseas.

Looks like I may be indulging in some Apple upgrades in March. At the top of my list is an M3 MacBook Air to replace my trusty M1. And if Apple unveils a new M3 iPad Mini, well, that's a no-brainer too. I recently wrote about how seamlessly my iPad Mini and MacBook Air work together, and the extra screen real estate of a 15” Air is tempting. I rarely travel in which case, my 11” M2 iPad Pro will go with me instead of the more bulky 15” MacBook Air.

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The battle lines in the iOS App Store and Payments controversy are often drawn between some developers but not all, upset by Apple's fees and restrictions, and the tech giant itself. But what about the users, the silent majority in the Apple ecosystem? Their voices missing from the conversation.

Here's a different perspective: a user's point of view on the App Store and its walled garden.

Sebastian de With, on Threads:

This is apparently incomprehensible to some people on this website, but to many people it’s actually a good and beneficial feature that Apple doesn’t let you install software on your iPhone from anywhere else.

Greg Morris

I, as a user, have absolutely no desire to install another App Store on my device, nor buy my apps from anywhere else. It is a terrible experience on desktop to need several stores to just play a few games, and will only make things worse.

Sebastian de With and Greg Morris, both quoted above, highlight an important point: for many users, the App Store's curated experience is a feature. The convenience of a single platform, the guarantee of security and quality control, and the ease of managing subscriptions are all valuable aspects that outweigh the potential benefits of alternative app stores. The prospect of navigating multiple stores, vetting apps for security risks, and dealing with fragmented user experiences is a deterrent for many myself included.

While I don't take issue with alternative payment systems outside the App Store, I would never use one. The ease of managing my subscriptions and seeking refunds, coupled with a sense of trust in Apple's handling of sensitive information, makes it my choice.

Here's a gem from my 56 years of business experience: for those grumbling developers, here's a groundbreaking idea — choice! Just as in the business world, where dissatisfaction leads to seeking alternatives, developers have the power to choose whether to continue developing for iOS or explore other platforms. It's Apple's playground and they get to set the rules! So stop fucking bellyaching.

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It's been a busy week in the Apple universe, with major software updates, landmark anniversaries, and even a few controversies brewing. Buckle up, friends, as we dive into the biggest headlines that dominated Apple news this week:

• Apple Releases iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 With Stolen Device Protection, Collaborative Apple Music Playlists and More Apple released iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, the third major updates to the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating system updates that initially came out...

• iOS 17.3 – Stolen Device Protection explained – why you should upgrade now – Video iOS 17.3 feature walkthrough including Stolen Device Protection, Apple Music Collaborative Playlists, Emoji Reactions, and more.

• Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.3 With Collaborative Apple Music Playlists Apple released macOS Sonoma 14.3, the third major update to the macOS Sonoma operating system that came out last September. macOS Sonoma 14.3...

• Apple Releases watchOS 10.3 With New Watch Face Apple today released watchOS 10.3, the third major update to the watchOS 10 operating system that was released in September. watchOS 10.3 comes over...

• iOS 17.3 Features: What's New in iOS 17.3 Apple released iOS 17.3, a major update to the iOS operating system that adds Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists,...

• The Mac turns 40 — and keeps on moving 40 years after Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the original Macintosh, the Mac product line is in a strange place.

• Here’s everything you should read about the Mac’s 40th birthday This week marks the 40th birthday for the Mac, and there’s a lot of reading out there for Mac fans looking...

• Research Reveals How iPhone Push Notifications Leak User Data Security researcher Tommy Mysk has demonstrated that iPhone push notifications are being used by popular apps to covertly send data about the user...

• Apple changes App Store rules in the EU, and the world watches More than a year ago, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman broke the story that Apple was actively preparing to allow alternative app stores on iOS in Europe, among other changes, as a result of the EU...

• Here Are All the iPhone Changes Coming to EU Users by March 6 Apple on Thursday seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 software updates to developers, and the betas revealed a panoply of...

• Here’s the new Apple tax every developer is going to hate Apple has a new fee structure in the European Union for apps that want to escape the App Store. But the 50 cent fee can add up quickly and become a costly tax.

• This is How Notarization Will Work for iOS Apps Distributed Through Alternative App Stores Apps that are distributed through alternative app stores in EU countries will need to submit to a notarization process that's similar to the...

• iPad users will miss out on third-party app stores, browser engines, and more

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Forget the Pro, the iPad Mini has finally won me over. After years of failed attempts to make iPads my go-to device, this little powerhouse has redefined how I use the iPad.

It's become my most used device, effortlessly handling tasks I used to rely on my iPhone and even my MacBook for. From watching videos to jotting down notes with Apple Pencil to researching blog posts on the couch, and my RSS reader the Mini's perfect size makes it my constant companion.

Yes, I still grab my M1 MacBook Air when it's time to write and do more complex tasks. It's still my work-horse but the iPad has found a place in my life with the Mini.

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I prefer organizing my day sorted by lists in Apple's Reminders. While the app provides alternatives like sorting by due date, creation date, priority, and title, the list-based sorting feature is noticeably missing. In this post, I'll share the workaround I've crafted to view my Today tasks sorted by lists until Apple (hopefully) introduces this feature in a future update.

Creating a Group:

To get started, I create a new Group in Reminders and give it the name “Today's ToDo List” or any title that suits my preference.

Smart Lists for Each List:

Within the “Today's ToDo List” group, I set up a smart list for each of my existing lists. This involves creating a new smart list and filtering tasks based on the specific list criteria.

Accessing Today's ToDo List:

When I want to see my tasks sorted by lists, I simply click or tap on the “Today's ToDo List” group. This action opens up a comprehensive view of all my tasks for the day, neatly organized by lists.

Now, managing my daily tasks is organized in a way that I can quickly identify and prioritize tasks based on their respective lists. Give this method a try to streamline your daily task management in Reminders.

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Hey friends, knowing how to turn off your iPhone is an important skill. Whether you're dealing with unresponsiveness or simply want to power down, here are 4 foolproof methods to shut down your device.

1. Hardware Button Shutdown:

   • For iPhone X and newer models, press and hold the Side button along with either volume button.
   • Slide your finger across the on-screen slider to power off.
   • iPhone with a Home button (e.g., iPhone 8 or SE) users can press and hold the Side button to access the shutdown menu.

2. Force Shutdown for Unresponsive iPhones:

   • When faced with a frozen iPhone, press volume up, then volume down.
   • Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
   • This method is effective for resolving various iPhone issues.

3. Settings App Shutdown:

   • Navigate to Settings > General > Shut Down.
   • An alternative for scenarios where hardware buttons are inaccessible or malfunctioning.

4. Siri-Powered Shutdown:

   • With iOS 15 or higher, instruct Siri to “shut down my iPhone” or “turn off my iPhone.”
   • Confirm the action, either verbally or by tapping the Power Off button in the Siri interface.

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While iPadOS offers an API for apps to access the clipboard, it's limited to when apps are in the foreground. This poses a challenge for clipboard manager apps like Copy 'Em, as they miss the latest copied item when inactive.

To address this limitation, I have two effective workarounds:

1. Stage Manager: By placing your clipboard manager app in a stage, you ensure it remains active. For instance, during research, I keep Copy 'Em in a stage with Safari. Everything I copy in Safari within that stage is automatically saved to Copy 'Em. When transitioning to the writing stage, I move Copy 'Em, to my writing stage ensuring access to all the copied content during research.

2. Universal Clipboard: This feature allows seamless copying and pasting of content (text, images, files) across your iPad, iPhone, and Mac. For my workflow, I keep Copy 'Em running on my iPad Mini alongside my iPad Pro. Anything copied on my iPad Pro is saved in Copy 'Em on the iPad Mini, enabling easy access for pasting on the iPad Pro.

These workarounds enhance the clipboard experience, ensuring accessibility across your different workflows.

Published first to ldstephens.net – January 18, 2024

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