Wait Until June Before Upgrading Your Mac

If you've got a Mac and are thinking about upgrading to a new model now, just wait a bit longer. Apple teased their next Worldwide Developers Conference for June 7, 2021. "WWDC21 will offer unique insight into the future of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS" according to Apple. So just hang on to see what new models wield the powerful M1 chip (which is currently only on the Macbook Air, Macbook Pro 13", and Mac mini) as well as a possible physical redesign. If speculation comes true, these new devices will be worth waiting for.

Can I Repair My Apple Watch Screen?

Apple Watch Series 6

Episode 1787

Matt from San Pedro, CA

Matt is going to have to pay $264 to repair his Apple Watch screen. Is there a third-party option? Leo says that Apple makes it very difficult for third-party repair, and it sounds like Apple is planning to replace the watch for that price. Often, it's cheaper or easier to replace an Apple product than replace it. But iFixit has a  page for fixing it. Check out the iFixit Screen Page.

Router Manufacturers Delayed A Year Due to Chip Shortage

Computer Chip

Episode 1787

An ongoing chip shortage is causing many industries to fall behind in manufacturing. From cars to computers. The latest is router manufacturers, which are over a year delayed. What is the problem? It's multi-faceted. Covid is part of it. High Demand is another. There's a shortage of silicon right now. But it's also that container ship that was stuck in the Suez. But it's also an exclusive deal that Apple has made with some chip manufacturers which bought up all their stock. And even then, Mac and iPad production has been delayed. Additionally, there have been fires at several factories.

What Do I Do With a New iPhone I Don't Need?

iPhone 12

Episode 1784

Diane from Norco, CA

Diane recently discovered that someone used her credit card to buy an iPhone 12, and it was shipped to her, not the person who made the fraudulent charge. She has disputed the charge, but Apple doesn't seem to want the phone back. Being that she's not an Apple person, what does she do with it? Leo says you can use it, but there may be someone in the family if you don't want it. Leo guesses that she can always sell it on eBay. Apple doesn't tie it to you until it's activated. You could try activating it first.

New Study Indicates Smartphone Privacy Concerns

iPhone SE

Episode 1783

A new study indicates that both Apple and Google phones share data with companies every four minutes, causing potential privacy concerns. According to the Irish study, Google phones dial home more often than iOS devices. However, Leo takes it with a grain of salt, as the study doesn't break down what the data really is. Location? Activity? And what else is new about smartphones? That's how they work. So Leo says that the headline is more "scare quotes," and the payoff really isn't.

Facebook to Launch Smart Watch, Waging War With Apple


Episode 1771

.Facebook has announced that it is developing a smartwatch for launch in 2022, and they are also in a cold war with Apple over advertising. The watch will enable users to post messages to the social media website and will target users with ads that Apple prevents over privacy concerns. According to recent news stories, an upcoming iOS and iPadOS feature will require apps and data companies such as Facebook to ask for users' permission before tracking them across other sites and websites. In response, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly told staff that Facebook needs to 'inflict pain' on Apple.

Is the Apple Car Real?

Apple Car Real?

Episode 1769

Reports are that Hyundai's KIA Motors has signed a manufacturing partnership with Apple for $3.6 billion. Does this mean that the Apple car is real?  Leo says it sure looks that way. The cars may be built in Georgia, which Leo says is a good move to have more cars being made in the USA. The rumor is that we'll see an electric Apple Car in 2024/25, and there are plans for 100,000 cars a year.

Use Apple's Family Sharing With Up to 5 Others Members

If you want to let a family member use some of your favorite apps, media content, and iCloud storage, use Apple Family Sharing. It lets you share stuff with up to five family members, from music to TV+ movies. This is also useful for letting family members use your device without letting them know your individual Apple ID. As an adult (the organizer), just invite the others to join, then select which services can be shared. The other members still see their own personal content and recommendations personalized for their Apple IDs.

Should I Get an M1 Mac or Wait for the Mac Pro?

M1 Apple Chip

Episode 1765

Mike from IRC Chat

Mike wants to know when the M1 MacPro will come out. Leo says that the latest rumor is that a new M1 Mac Pro won't arrive until 2022, giving pros plenty of time to consider whether to move from Intel to the M1 platform. Leo hears that the M1 Mac Pro will be smaller, maybe even half the size since it runs faster and cooler. Should Mike go with an M1 iMac? Leo says not until Spring.