Neil Hughes at AppleInsider

Latest Articles from Neil Hughes

The frontrunners for next Apple CEO: Speculating on Tim Cook's successor

3 days ago

The frontrunners for next Apple CEO: Speculating on Tim Cook's successor

It should come as no real surprise that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook says he'll "probably" leave the company within the next 10 years, given that the man is 60. But, it does raise the question of who is in line to replace him — AppleInsider ranks the current best options.

By Neil Hughes | 3 days ago

What would make a new 2021 iPad Pro truly 'Pro'?

3 days ago

What would make a new 2021 iPad Pro truly 'Pro'?

With new iPad Pros rumored to be unveiled soon, and "iPadOS 15" expected to follow closely behind at WWDC 2021, AppleInsider offers a wishlist of what substantial hardware and software refreshes might bring for pro users.

By Neil Hughes | 3 days ago

In defense of Apple's iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe

6 days ago

In defense of Apple's iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe

As a thin wallet fan, the idea of ditching my wallet entirely has been appealing for some time. While I don't yet live in that wallet-less utopia, Apple's frequently maligned iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe is great, despite what you may have heard from critics.

By Neil Hughes | 6 days ago

Return of the Mac: How Apple Silicon will herald a new era at WWDC 2021

1 week ago

Return of the Mac: How Apple Silicon will herald a new era at WWDC 2021

The stage is set for the next year to be the most impressive in the history of Apple's storied line of Macintosh computers, all starting with a grand virtual celebration of the future of the Mac at the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference.

By Neil Hughes | 1 week ago

If you can't convert a file into a PDF, maybe you shouldn't be writing laws about technology

1 week ago

If you can't convert a file into a PDF, maybe you shouldn't be writing laws about technology

Not everyone can be trusted with the almighty power of a sudo command in the Terminal. Yet, politicians who know nothing about the inner workings of computers, software, or the internet at large have declared themselves super users, proposing dangerously misinformed policies and laws that could have disastrous effects.

By Neil Hughes | 1 week ago

Intel to consumers: 'Go PC!' - Intel to Apple: 'Good God do we need your business!'

2 weeks ago

Intel to consumers: 'Go PC!' - Intel to Apple: 'Good God do we need your business!'

While Intel attempts to convince consumers that its processors are superior to the design of Apple Silicon, the chipmaker is also jockeying to build Apple's custom processors, leaving the company's CEO talking out of both sides of his mouth.

By Neil Hughes | 2 weeks ago

The case for Apple TV -- why Apple's 'hobby' isn't as dead as critics think

2 weeks ago

The case for Apple TV -- why Apple's 'hobby' isn't as dead as critics think

There is no doubt that the Apple TV hardware is in dire need of an update — but Apple is still well-positioned to grow its presence in the living room. Here are a few different approaches that Apple could take with a next-generation Apple TV set-top box.

By Neil Hughes | 2 weeks ago

Intel takes aim at Apple, instead shoots itself in the dongle

3 weeks ago

Intel takes aim at Apple, instead shoots itself in the dongle

It's clear that the ad wizards behind Intel's new "Go PC" campaign thought they were clever in hiring "Get a Mac" actor Justin Long to extol the virtues of Intel-based Windows PCs. If only they had thought of also giving him something clever to say.

By Neil Hughes | 3 weeks ago

Apple Fitness+ review: A physical & mental health godsend during the pandemic winter

3 weeks ago

Apple Fitness+ review: A physical & mental health godsend during the pandemic winter

Following recommended social distancing and quarantining guidelines for the last year has been a challenge for everyone, made even more difficult during a historically snowy winter. The launch of Apple Fitness+ turned out to be perfect timing for someone cooped up in a small apartment for most of the season.

By Neil Hughes | 3 weeks ago

Apple nailed the transition to M1 Apple Silicon. Why are so many Mac developers blowing it?

3 weeks ago

Apple nailed the transition to M1 Apple Silicon. Why are so many Mac developers blowing it?

Apple's transition away from Intel processors to Apple Silicon for the Mac has, so far, been a stellar success, earning rave reviews even from the harshest of critics and skeptics. And yet some major Mac software makers have dropped the ball. What's going on?

By Neil Hughes | 3 weeks ago

Apple's original HomePod was overpriced, and that doesn't bode well for AirPods Max

3 weeks ago

Apple's original HomePod was overpriced, and that doesn't bode well for AirPods Max

Audiophiles connected to the Apple ecosystem loved the original $350 HomePod for its best-in-class sound, but casual consumers passed on the pricey speaker, ultimately leading Apple to discontinue the hardware. That's probably a bad sign for the $550 AirPods Max — here's why.

By Neil Hughes | 3 weeks ago

iPhone XS review: There's nothing excessive about Apple's latest and greatest smartphone

2 years ago

iPhone XS review: There's nothing excessive about Apple's latest and greatest smartphone

Apple's new iPhone XS is a modest step up from last year's iPhone X, but remains a major technological leap forward for anyone who hasn't yet made the jump to the edge-to-edge design with Face ID. As with the debut of the iPhone X, if you can stomach the sticker shock, the iPhone XS is a premium, polished, near-perfect handset that showcases Apple's marriage of hardware and software at its most sublime.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

Hands on: Brydge 12.9 Series II keyboard for Apple's iPad Pro aims for MacBook-style feel with ridiculous battery life

2 years ago

Hands on: Brydge 12.9 Series II keyboard for Apple's iPad Pro aims for MacBook-style feel with ridiculous battery life

iPad users who want their tablet to feel and function like a MacBook have a brand new option in town with the release of the Brydge Mk II. With Bluetooth 4.1 and iOS battery management technology, this premium keyboard boasts whopping battery life of up to one year on a single charge.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

Hands on: Mophie's Powerstation Plus XL stands out from the battery pack with built-in Lightning in, Lightning out & wireless charging

2 years ago

Hands on: Mophie's Powerstation Plus XL stands out from the battery pack with built-in Lightning in, Lightning out & wireless charging

If you're a power-hungry iOS user who's all-in on Apple's mobile ecosystem, the new Mophie Powerstation Plus XL may very well prove itself to be a must-have accessory, as its integrated Lightning male plug and female recharging port make it a truly unique mobile battery for iPhone and iPad users.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

2018 13-inch MacBook Pro review: Apple's lofty promises are finally realized

2 years ago

2018 13-inch MacBook Pro review: Apple's lofty promises are finally realized

The true realization of Apple's ultra-thin, ultra-powerful professional-grade notebook has finally arrived, elevated to greatness by the maturation of USB-C, the fixing of a flawed keyboard, and the polish of an increasingly versatile macOS platform.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

How the FCC's repeal of net neutrality could affect Apple

2 years ago

How the FCC's repeal of net neutrality could affect Apple

The Federal Communications Commission's roll-back of net neutrality rules take effect on June 11, re-igniting a firestorm of debate and speculation over the future of the internet in the U.S. But Apple, who supports net neutrality, finds itself in a unique position in the discussion: It is one of the few companies that has actually been affected by the kind of restrictive internet provider practices that net neutrality aimed to prevent.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

103

First look: Oculus Go, Facebook's standalone, iPhone-compatible VR headset

2 years ago

First look: Oculus Go, Facebook's standalone, iPhone-compatible VR headset

Facebook on Tuesday issued a surprise by announcing the immediate launch of its new Oculus Go standalone VR headset, which also boasts iPhone connectivity. AppleInsider got its hands on one of the first units, and offers a closer look.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

First look: Master & Dynamic Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable with DAC, mic

2 years ago

First look: Master & Dynamic Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable with DAC, mic

Premium headphone maker Master & Dynamic began offering an in-house way for its customers to plug its gear into Apple's latest iPhones without the need for a Lightning-to-headphone adapter. AppleInsider got its hands on the new cable and offers a first look at the accessory.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

Going all-in on USB-C with Apple's ecosystem? That's impossible -- for now

2 years ago

Going all-in on USB-C with Apple's ecosystem? That's impossible -- for now

I'm finally ready to fully embrace the smaller, reversible, more powerful USB-C port featured on Apple's recent MacBooks. But in preparing for a full switch to the versatile port, I have hit a number of roadblocks. No matter how badly I want to completely ditch USB-A, it turns out I just can't.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

Apple Watch a hit on the mountain: 25% of Slopes app skiers and riders start tracking via wrist

3 years ago

Apple Watch a hit on the mountain: 25% of Slopes app skiers and riders start tracking via wrist

While third-party apps for Apple Watch remain something of a mixed bag, at least one developer has found a very popular use case for their watchOS app: Consumed by Code's skiing and snowboarding app Slopes sees one-quarter of its users start recording rides down the mountain via Apple Watch.

By Neil Hughes | 3 years ago

Apple HomePod preorders outpaced all other smartspeakers, except Amazon Echo Dot

3 years ago

Apple HomePod preorders outpaced all other smartspeakers, except Amazon Echo Dot

Priced at $349, the Apple HomePod saw more pent-up demand at launch than virtually all of its competition, save for one budget-priced smartspeaker: Amazon's $50-and-under Echo Dot.

By Neil Hughes | 3 years ago

Leaked memo suggests Nokia's health business is unhealthy

3 years ago

Leaked memo suggests Nokia's health business is unhealthy

Less than two years after Nokia bought health and fitness gear maker Withings for $192 million, the major investment appears to be problematic for the Finnish company, as a new memo suggests its health business may not last much longer.

By Neil Hughes | 3 years ago

'An incredible money-making machine:' Apple's iPhone captures record 51% of global smartphone revenues

3 years ago

'An incredible money-making machine:' Apple's iPhone captures record 51% of global smartphone revenues

For the first time ever, Apple's iPhone captured more than half of all global smartphone revenues in a single quarter, outperforming the rest of the industry on the strength of the premium-priced iPhone X.

By Neil Hughes | 3 years ago

Apple Watch, AirPods & HomePod, Apple's 'other products,' predicted to rake in $22B in revenue by 2019

3 years ago

Apple Watch, AirPods & HomePod, Apple's 'other products,' predicted to rake in $22B in revenue by 2019

Fueled by a trio of new product categories, Apple's all-encompassing "other products" are poised to become the company's fastest growing segment, further fueled by the recent launch of HomePod.

By Neil Hughes | 3 years ago

How to limit HomePod access so family and friends can't send texts, create reminders, or hijack your music

3 years ago

How to limit HomePod access so family and friends can't send texts, create reminders, or hijack your music

There are two different ways to lock your HomePod from outside access — restricting access to AirPlay only, disabling messages, reminders and notes. AppleInsider shows you how to access and control both of these.

By Neil Hughes | 3 years ago

Neil Hughes

Latest Articles from Neil Hughes

Latest comparisons

Latest Videos

Latest tips

Latest Reviews