Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
Don’t pay full price for an Apple Magic Keyboard. Image: Cult of Mac
This Apple Magic Keyboard deal means you there’s no reason to use an old-fashioned wired keyboard with your Mac. Not when you can get an Apple Magic Keyboard on sale for 20% off, and say goodbye to cables.
Or maybe you’re using a third-party keyboard you don’t like. Perhaps your Apple keyboard is close to wearing out. Whatever the reason, get a new one at a welcome discount.
There’s no reason to wait to find out all about the iPhone SE 4. Image: Majin Bu/CCult of Mac
The iPhone SE 4 could launch this week, bringing a significant redesign to Apple’s budget handset. It’ll reportedly mean the end of features that were iPhone hallmarks for many years, like the Home button. Plus, it’ll support Cupertino’s new collection of AI-powered features. Stay updated with the latest iOS news and what this means for iPhone SE owners by checking out this article.
Read on to learn everything that already leaked out describing the revamped fourth-generation SE.
Apple's operating systems give you the option to encrypt much of the data stored on iCloud. Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple offers end-to-end encryption for many more types of iCloud data than it once did. Advanced Data Protection encrypts iCloud Photos, Notes, iCloud Backup and more. But you have to activate the feature to take advantage of the data protection. It is easy … once you find the switch buried in Settings.
We can save you some time. Here’s how and why you should activate it.
Grab your (virtual) clubs and play PGA Tour Pro Golf . Photo: Apple Arcade
It’s never too cold to play golf on your Mac or iPhone, and PGA Tour Pro Golf features iconic locations like Pebble Beach Golf Links and Harbour Town Golf Links.
The UK wants to be able to spy on your iCloud files. Image: Cult of Mac
The government of the United Kingdom reportedly wants a backdoor into Apple accounts so it can spy on any iPhone or Mac user anywhere. It allegedly ordered Apple to allow it to access everything from any iCloud account globally, breaking the encryption protection on the files.
Leica Lux Grip makes iPhone photography easier to handle. Photo: Leica
Attach the Leica Lux Grip to your iPhone to add a shutter release. Plus, the magnetic accessory adds other buttons and a dial that can be customized. And a grip, naturally.
All this is a design intended to recreate the feel of using a classic Leica camera.
This iPad knows things. Terrible things. Photo: Zugo
Do you harbor terrible secrets that must never get out? Zugu’s new In Case of Death Case for iPad Pro is for you. It’s always ready to automatically brick the tablet if you stop a bullet or get crushed in an “accident.”
Whether you’re a covert agent for British intelligence or just know things about the homeowners association that must never be revealed, Zugu Case has your back.
Max out your Mac mini with this hub. Photo: Satechi
The wait for the Satechi Mac mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure isn’t as long as expected. The accessory — which adds front-facing ports and more storage — can be ordered now, though quantities are limited.
It seems a nice addition for Apple’s tiny new desktop. It even makes pressing the computer’s hidden power button easier.
Apple M5 is ready to replace the M4. Photo: Cult of Mac
The Apple M5 processor is reportedly now in mass production in Korea, ready to improve the performance of Macs and iPads later this year.
With production already taking place, it’s possible the M5 will launch as an Apple product in the middle of the year, and not wait until autumn. As Apple continues to integrate AI capabilities into its chips, many users are looking for insights onhow to use Apple AI to enhance their workflows.
Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch charges your wearable and your Mac at once. Photo: Nomad
When you need to juice up your iPhone and Apple Watch, a single cable isn’t going to do you much good… unless it’s the latest innovation from Nomad. The new Universal Cable for Apple Watch charges the wearable while also sending current to another USB-C device, like a MacBook or iPad.
The PNY PRO Elite V3 might be the affordable external storage you’re looking for. Photo: PNY
A new mobile SSD called the PNY Pro Elite V3 holds terabytes of data and can transfer that data at up to 1,000MB/s. But perhaps its standout feature is price: the 2TB variant comes in at just $145.
PNY also just introduced two other speedy USB-C drives that top out at 256GB — but cost less than $25.
“A new app that brings people together for life’s special moments,” according to Apple. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple is taking on Evites. On Tuesday, the company unveiled Apple Invites, an app that lets users share invitations and RSVP to events via iCloud+. Invited guests can add to a shared photo album and even contribute to the music playlist.
“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of worldwide product marketing for Apps and iCloud, in a press release. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”
An OLED MacBook probably isn’t worth waiting for. Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple is undoubtedly working to upgrade the LCD in its MacBook Pro line with a beautiful OLED display. Rumors differ on exactly what that’ll happen though, and the wait stretches out years.
As someone who already uses another Apple computer with a large OLED, I have to say there’s no reason for Apple to hurry. MacBook Pro users really should not feel impatient.
Shoppers bought heaps of iPhone Pro models in 2024. Photo: Apple
If you paid $900 for your iPhone, then you paid less than the global average, according to a new analysts’ report. That’s because the average selling price for iOS devices grew 25% over the last four years, even as the number of handsets Apple sold also increased.
There’s been a trend for several years of greater demand for Apple’s more expensive iPhone Pro models, and that’s driving up ASP. Apple continues to push innovation, including features like Adaptive Audio AirPods, which were recently highlighted in this Spike Jonze short film.
AirPods Pro 2 are — hands down — the best earbuds for iPhone users. They offer high-quality audio while also seamlessly switching between Apple devices as needed. And AirPods sales from multiple retailers mean you can pick up a pair at a sweet 32% off.
And there are more sweet discounts, including AirPods 4 at up to 22% off, and AirPods Max at up to 13% off.
MLB star Shohei Ohtani wears the upcoming Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds during batting practice. You can wear them soon. Photo: Beats
After months of teasing glimpses of Powerbeats Pro 2, the fitness-oriented wireless earbuds will launch next week, if a report from a generally reliable source proves accurate. The updated earbuds reportedly will mark a significant milestone for Apple — its first earbuds with built-in heart-rate monitoring. If you’re planning to use these earbuds with an Android device, you might find this guide on how to pair Powerbeats Pro to Android helpful.
This comes as Apple continues to expand its ecosystem, including new developments likeBeats Fit Pro 2 that enhance user experience across devices.
The CalDigit Element 5 Hub won’t crowd your desk but offers multiple Thunderbolt 5 ports. Photo: CalDigit
The CalDigit Element 5 Hub includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports. That puts it ahead of all directly competing hubs, as these include only three ports with the latest super-fast networking standard.
And that’s not all. CalDigit’s latest includes nine ports in total, and offers up to 90W of power.
Some of Apple's impressive numbers are so large, it's hard to wrap your head around them. AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
We went through Apple CEO Tim Cook’s earnings call with investors on Thursday, and found some genuine surprises during the discussion of the financial results of the holiday 2024 quarter. We also turned up impressive figures showing just how well the company is doing.
Financial details don’t have to be boring. Here are the high points from the call as quickly and as interesting as we can make them.
Apple squeaks past Wall Street estimates by delivering "all-time records for total company revenue and EPS." AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
Wall Street analysts set an ambitious goal for Apple to beat by predicting the iPhone maker’s revenue had increased 4% during the critical holiday shopping season. No problem — Apple met or exceeded those expectations.
“Today Apple is reporting our best quarter ever, with revenue of $124.3 billion, up 4 percent from a year ago,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We were thrilled to bring customers our best-ever lineup of products and services during the holiday season.” Meanwhile,Apple Watch news has been making headlines, highlighting significant shifts in market trends.
Analysts expect big things when Apple announces its earnings Thursday. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Financial analysts predict Apple revenue increased 4% during the all-important 2024 holiday quarter versus the same period of the previous year. Wall Street also expects a jump in Apple’s earnings per share. We’ll find out whether the iPhone maker met these expectations when Apple reveals its Q1 2025 financial results after the U.S. markets close Thursday afternoon.
The MLS season starts soon, and that means Messi is back! Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
T-Mobile customers don’t have to pay to enjoy the 2025 soccer season. They get an MLS Apple TV subscription with their wireless service at no extra cost.
The soccer season kicks off on February 22, so don’t waste time if you plan to switch carriers to take advantage of the deal. Check out what’s new in thefirst look at iPhone 17 Air’s alleged design.
Xfinity customers get better FaceTime calls. Image: Apple
Comcast just launched ultra-low-lag connectivity for Xfinity customers, improving video calls using FaceTime on a variety of Apple devices. The faster service is also available in other interactive applications.
“Xfinity Internet latency will be dramatically reduced to faster than the blink of an eye,” the company promised Wednesday.
Mac is no longer left out of the Genmoji fun thanks to macOS Sequoia 15.3. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
macOS Sequoia 15.3 left beta testing on Monday, and is now ready for any compatible Mac to install. The major new feature is the ability to create Genmoji: custom emoji that can be used in Messages and other apps.
Apple also introduced iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3 and more.
This might be our best look yet at the iPhone SE 4. Screenshot: Majin Bu
The iPhone SE 4 is right around the corner, and a new video supposedly showing off the low-cost handset reveals what it’ll look like from every angle.
If this leaked video turns out to be accurate, then the recent rumor that the display in Apple’s next budget handset will sport a Dynamic Island isn’t correct. And that’s just one of many details shown.