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.
Apple Watch Series 10 could be able to detect a serious sleep problem. Image: concept_central/Cult of Mac
In addition to design changes, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 adds the ability to detect sleep apnea, according to a reliable source. And its heart sensor could be getting an upgrade.
But a legal problem will apparently keep blood oxygen sensing off the new wearable.
The iPhone 16 lineup will steal the spotlight, but Apple has much more in store. Image: Cult of Mac
The most important day of Apple’s year comes Monday, September 9. But there’s no reason for you to spend the weekend wondering what’s on the agenda for the “It’s Glowtime” event — we can spill the beans now: iPhone 16, AirPods 4, Apple Watch Series 10 and more.
We also already know what’s not coming at the September event, like MacBooks. Read on for all the details.
You don't need to carry a cable with this new iPhone power bank from Belkin. Photo: Belkin
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K w/ Integrated Cable lets users charge their iPhone or other device without needing to worry about a separate USB-C cable. And it can juice up two devices at once.
Those who need more power can turn to Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K.
Satechi packed a lot of ports into its latest adapter. Photo: Satechi
The Satechi 7-in-1 USB-C Slim Multi-Port Adapter unveiled Friday lets travelers connect a wide range of accessories to their computer, including Ethernet, HDMI, USB-A and more. Two additional versions offer fewer ports at lower prices.
Satechi also introduced a passport cover that’s findable with Apple’s Find My technology.
Are you ready for some seriously retro football? Photo: Apple Arcade
Football season starts Thursday, and basketball season is only a few weeks away. Get in the game now with NFL Retro Bowl ’25, and NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition launches in a few weeks.
Both are part of Apple Arcade, Apple’s gaming service.
Belkin offers multiple new iPhone wireless chargers. Photo: Belkin
Belkin launched a line of wireless travel chargers on Thursday. The new BoostCharge models come in range of designs to appeal to a variety of customers.
These all use the Qi2 charging standard so they work with iPhone and (hopefully) future Androids.
Bluetooth 6.0 puts a focus on tracker tags. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group laid out details on Bluetooth 6.0 on Tuesday. The standout feature in the upcoming short-range wireless standard is dubbed “true distance awareness,” which should make tracker tags like Apple AirTag easier to find.
However, there’s no mention in the specifications of the change many are hoping for: faster connections.
Get a sneak peek at Apple's upcoming flagship smartphones. Photo: Don Kaveen/Unsplash License
With the iPhone 16 release date almost certainly mere days away at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” September 9 event, rumors have already revealed quite a few details about the design, colors and more. There have been leaks about all four handsets in the iPhone 16 series, to the point where we already know most of what’s coming in the 2024 lineup.
Here’s what to expect: larger screens, better cameras, additional buttons and more.
Apple could close the door on LCD iPhones with the SE 4. Photo: Cult of Mac
Fresh evidence points to iPhone SE 4 including an OLED display. If true, this would make it the first in Apple’s line of budget handsets to use this improved type of screen, while every other iPhone gave up traditional LCDs years ago.
The next iPhone SE model is supposedly on the docket for 2025.
Turn your iPhone into a retro handheld game console with GameBaby. Image: Bitmo Lab
GameBaby from Bitmo Lab is both an iPhone case and a game controller. The innovative design allows users to play retro games on their phone with real buttons.
A slimmer Apple Watch Series 10 could be one of the wearables revealed September 9. Image: concept_central/Cult of Mac
Both Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE 3 could be among the many products on the agenda for Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9. The situation with Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a bit more murky, however.
And speaking of murky, we don’t know whether any of these will offer blood oxygen monitoring in units sold in the United States.
The budget iPad might get a version of the brilliant iPad Magic Keyboard. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
iPad users can look forward to a less expensive version of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, according to information leaking out of Apple. The goal is apparently a variant more appealing to buyers of entry-level tablets.
AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 are on their way out. Here comes the fourth generation of Apple wireless earbuds. Image: Cult of Mac
AirPods 4 could launch in just a few days to replace two models of wireless earbuds now in Apple’s lineup. Rumors indicate the new version will borrow a feature from the Pro models: Active Noise Cancellation.
And AirPods Max 2 could be in for a revamp next Monday, too. Probably not so for AirPods Pro 3, though.
K-Pop Idols docuseries streams globally on Apple TV+. Image: Apple TV+
An Apple TV+ documentary brings a whole lot of gritty reality to dreams of becoming a Korean pop star. K-Pop Idols features interviews with young singers that reveal the enormous amount of effort needed to make their performances look effortless.
The trailer for the series includes one of its young stars saying, “I thought being a K-pop idol was going to be all great and beautiful, but that’s not the reality.”
UPDATE: The new docuseries premiered on Apple TV+ on Friday. All six episodes are ready to stream now.
★★★★☆
ProtoArc XK01 offers all this but folds for easy stowing. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The ProtoArc XK01 Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard is ready to make your business trips more productive. It’s full size, with a numpad and function keys, too. But it folds down to fit easily in a briefcase.
It’s available solo, or with a travel mouse, or as the centerpiece of a bundle with the mouse plus a USB-C hub and multi-port wall charger.
I fully tested the folding keyboard with my 13-inch iPad Pro, plus the other components, too.
Apple doesn't sell many Mac minis. But the small desktop computer appeals to a big, important group of buyers. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Guess what percentage of Mac buyers choose the Mac mini. Whatever your estimate is, the real number is probably lower. Much lower.
Despite selling so very few of them, it seems likely Apple keeps making and updating the tiny macOS desktop because many of them go to young buyers just starting on a lifetime of buying Apple products.
Napoleon: The Director’s Cut takes a longer look at history's greatest general. Photo: Apple TV+
Before Napoleon hit theaters in late 2023, director Ridley Scott promised a longer, more complete cut would follow on Apple TV+. The streaming service fulfilled that promise on Thursday.
The original lasts 2 hours and 38 minutes, while Napoleon: The Director’s Cut brings nearly an hour more of Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous French emperor and conqueror of much of Europe.
Three models of increasing capabilities make up the new mophie powerstation plus line. Photo: Zagg/mophie
The new mophie powerstation plus ultra plugs directly into a wall, and built-in cables let it plug straight into your iPhone or Mac. But it’s no simple wall adapter — it’s also a 10,000mAh power bank.
mophie also introduced on Tuesday two more models in the 2024 powerstation plus line with a variety of features.
ButterFly SE makes the innovative travel charger more affordable. Photo: Twelve South
Twelve South’s new ButterFly SE powers up iPhone and Apple Watch like the original version, but at a lower price. The Qi2 charger version of the tiny travel changer is also more colorful.
The iPhone 16 is almost here — the release date is less than 3.5 short weeks away. We know the day Apple will announce the new models, which means we can make a solid estimate of the iPhone 16 launch date.
Even better, long-held Apple habits point to the same release date.
Easily make the "It's Glowtime" image into the wallpaper for your iPhone, Mac and iPad. Image: Basic Apple Guy
The invitation to Apple’s September 9 “It’s Glowtime” event includes a gorgeous glowing Apple logo, and you can easily make this the wallpaper on your iPhone, Mac or iPad.
There’s no better way to show how excited you are about the iPhone 16, which is expected to debut at the event. Or maybe you’re anticipating new Apple Watch models or AirPods 4.
Apple's next event will be September 9, not the day after. Image: Apple
Apple sent out invitations Monday for a press event on September 9. The unveiling of the iPhone 16 series should be the highlight of the “It’s Glowtime” event.
But that’s not all. Get ready for AirPods 4, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE 3 at Apple’s September event.