The Apple commentariat was surprised seeing the affordable new iPhone SE (or should I say the iPhone 8s?) launched via a press release this week. We also tracked tech-focused information on the coronavirus pandemic, pushed two fresh wallpaper packs to adorn your devices, released how-tos for learning something new while staying at home, as well as rounded up top new apps, games, books and jailbreak tweaks to check out during lockdown.
Table of contents
Use the links below to jump directly to a section that interests you.
- “Let’s Talk iOS” podcast
- Wallpapers
- News and rumors
- Tips, tricks and tutorials
- Apps, games and updates
- Jailbreak tweaks
Our weekly recap follows right ahead.
Weekly recap: April 13-20, 2020
Welcome to iDownloadBlog’s Editor’s Desk weekly column. In this edition, we’re going to round up everything that was published on our site from April 13-20, 2020.
Let’s Talk iOS: Set your expectations to “awesome”
In episode #339 of iDownloadBlog’s “Let’s Talk iOS” podcast, the guys grill Sebastien about his search for the best TV at the best price. They also go into details about the latest Apple rumors, such as the iPhone 12, HomePod mini and AirTags, talk about Apple and Google teaming up on COVID-19 contact tracing tech and share what they’ve been watching lately.
Be sure to follow your hosts @Sebastien and @melvco. Don’t forget to send a tweet to @LTiOS_fm if you’d like your question answered at the end of next week’s podcast.
Wallpapers: iPhone SE marketing pack
The new iPhone SE arrived unexpectedly this week via a press release. Now, all iOS devices come preloaded with Apple-made marketing wallpapers, and the new handset is no exception. Our pack includes 20+ iPhone SE wallpapers to trick out your iOS devices in the latest swag.
Wallpapers: Today at Apple at Home
To continue offering educational opportunities, Apple last week launched “Today at Apple at Home” for creative sessions without leaving the house. These educational mini videos open with a series of colorful transitions, which we offer as a gradient wallpaper pack.
News and rumors to keep tabs on
Check out new stories that we covered this week.
COVID-19 coronavirus
- Apple responds to US senators over COVID-19 app privacy
- Apple-Google contact tracing app will require verification
- Apple Maps mobility data helping combat virus spread
- Self-isolation boosts Apple TV viewership
- What Tim Cook told employees regarding COVID-19
- Facebook gains Care reaction during COVID-19 crisis
- Apple to offer resources for at-home education
Apple news
- Qubi sees 1.7M downloads in week 1
- HomePod OS is now tvOS, not iOS
- Collector shows off original Apple Watch prototypes
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro available to pre-order
- iPhone SE unveiled with 4.7″ screen, $399 price
- Apple promo video: the new iPhone SE
- Beta 2 of iOS/iPadOS/tvOS 13.4.5, watchOS 6.2.5 drops
- Beta 2 of macOS Catalina 10.15.5 adds Battery Health feature
- Apple now selling AirPods Pro ear tips replacements
- You can now add Radeon Pro W5700X to your Mac Pro
- Apple store in South Korea re-opening April 18
- Analyst expects staggered 5G iPhone launch
- Google working on smart debit card
- Apple veteran Oliver Schusser is now Beats president
- Tim Cook joins California’s Economic Recovery Task Force
- Video: iPhone XS (2018) vs. iPhone Pro (2019)
- Concept: AR features for Apple Card
Subscribe to iDownloadBlog on YouTube
Apple rumors
- Bloomberg: smaller HomePod due this year
- Bloomberg: Apple over-ear headphones coming in 2020
- mini-LED 12.9″ iPad Pro delayed to early 2021
- iPhone 12 may have thinner frame and smaller bezels
iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone SE unveiled with 4.7″ screen, $399 price
- Apple promo video: the new iPhone SE
- Comparison: iPhone SE vs iPhone 8 vs iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone SE technical specifications
- AppleCare+ for iPhone SE costs $79
- iPhone SE may have 3GB RAM, 1,821mAh battery
- iPhone SE has centered Apple logo, no longer says “iPhone”
- Apple ad shows peeling off iPhone SE protective film
Video streaming
- Apple TV Channels adds Eros Now Select
- NBC Peacock streaming service launches
- Apple TV+ launches “Home” and “Here We Are”
- Apple TV+ share first-look video for “Defending Jacob”
Tips and tutorials to learn something new
Learn something new with our tutorials, tips and tricks.
- Using picture-in-picture on macOS Firefox and Chrome
- Adjusting iPad pointer tracking speed
- Making your Mac announce alerts and speak text
- Managing iOS permissions for camera, location and more
- 7 tips for using Firefox on iOS
- Hiding disliked tracks on Spotify
- Connecting Joy-Con controllers to Mac
- Slowing down time-lapse videos on iOS
- Tips for setting up macOS Notification Center Today view
- Keyboard shortcuts for Firefox on Mac
- Keyboard shortcuts for Google Chrome on Mac
Apps, games and updates to unwind
Check out new apps and games, updates and related news.
Software news
- Fortnite: Chapter 2, Season 2 extended into June
- P.T.: Sony’s horror title gets remade with Apple HyperCard
New apps
- Kit: Facebook’s new Apple Watch app for messaging close friends
- SearchLight: Search the web, read articles in text mode
New games
- Apple Arcade:Â “A Fold Apart” and “Beyond Blue” launch
New updates
- IGTV: Discover tab, new features for creators
- NapBot: Dynamic notifications, calendar navigation
- PDF Expert: Now with Safari-like Reading Mode
- YouTube Music: Now with Explore tab
New app roundups
- Project management: Manage simple projects with these apps
- Apps of the week: Best new apps and games this week
- Apple Books: Best free books to read during quarantine
Accessories
You may be interested in these new accessories for Apple devices:
- LifeProof: Eco-friendly cases for iPhone SE and iPhone 11
- Logitech: Keyboard case with trackpad for iPad Air 3, iPad 7
- Satechi:Â Direct-connect AirPods charging dock launches
- Twelve South: Change your MacBook color with ColorKit
- Twelve South: Review of AirSnap Pro case for AirPods Pro
- Apple: Official cases for iPhone SE
- InvisibleShield: Screen protection for iPhone SE
- Gear4: New cases for iPhone SE
- ROUNDUP: Apple Watch Series 5 cases
Jailbreak news and tweaks for pwned devices
The latest in jailbreaking:
We covered the following jailbreak tweaks:
- Ainsworth: iOS pairing interface for all accessories
- Aphrodite: App asset editor for iOS 13
- BetterWidgets: Customization for Today widgets
- CacheClearerX: Clear app cache via Home screen
- Color Switches: Colorize system toggle switches
- DockSpring: Respring iPhone by swiping up on your Dock
- DynaWall: Make your own Dynamic or Live wallpapers
- FlatURL: Safari URL bar embraces minimalism
- Nougat: Android-inspired Notification Center
- Peep: Hide/show iOS status bar on demand
- PowerBar: Useful power and battery widget
- Safari Features: iPad-style tabbed browsing for iPhone
- SleepSaver: Screensavers on your iOS device
- TapMe: Play custom sounds when launching apps
- Veza: Useful Lock screen toggles
- YouTube Music Reborn: Elevate your experience
- YouTube Reborn: Boost your experience
- Waqt: Date display in iOS status bar
- ROUNDUP: Top jailbreak tweets of the week
Your favorites?
What are your favorite picks from this week’s roundup?
Let us know in the commenting section down below!