If you want the absolute best fast charger for your new iPhone, check out Anker, one of the top makers of phone accessories.

Anker makes an array of chargers for iPhone, including some of the fastest on the market. You never know when you have half an hour (or less!) to charge your phone. You can prepare yourself for that — get a fast charger. All modern iPhones support charging at high speeds, whether it’s plugged in, on a MagSafe stand or a Qi2 charger.

Don’t know the difference, or what your phone supports? Read our guide below.

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Guide to iPhone fast charging with Anker chargers

As Apple crams crazy new camera features or AI features into the latest iPhones, people always ask for the same thing: more battery life and faster charging.

Any model made since 2019 (iPhone 11 and later) can add up to 50% of its battery life in 35 minutes or less — provided you’ve got the right charger and cable. If you’re all-in on the world of MagSafe, you can still get super-high 25W charging speeds, five times more powerful than the little USB brick Apple used to put in the box. If you’ve got a mixed household of iPhone and Android, you can also charge using Qi2.2 at the same speeds. 

But good ol’ wired charging still offers the fastest speeds. 

Anker makes excellent products for every preference. 

Table of contents: Anker fast chargers

1. 40W wired charging: Best for iPhone 17 series
2. 20W wired fast charging: Fine for iPhone Air, iPhone 16 and older models
3. MagSafe fast charging: Best for StandBy
4. Qi fast charging: Best for Android compatibility
5. More Anker product recommendations

Anker 40W wired charging: Best for iPhone 17 series

Comes with 6-foot cable

Anker Nano 45W USB-C Fast Charger

$25.99

This tiny travel charger puts out 45W of power, the fastest charging speeds available for the iPhone 17. It’ll also juice up your MacBook Air, iPad, Nintendo Switch 2 and other USB-C devices. Includes matching six foot cable.

Pros:

• High-power charging for iPhone 17
• Also charges MacBook Air, iPad and more
• Foldable compact design
• Black and white colors

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/28/2026 11:14 pm GMT

The latest iPhone 17, 17 Pro and Pro Max headsets support the fastest wired charging ever, with double the power. Plugging in via a USB-C cable, they support 40W wired charging, power previously only available in a MacBook or iPad. These devices can reclaim up to 50% of their battery power in 20 minutes.

This requires a 40W power adapter. Anker’s compact 45W charger will do the trick. Still compact and tiny, with foldable outlet plugs, you can get the fastest charging speeds possible. It’s also beefy enough to top up your MacBook Air, iPad, Nintendo Switch 2 and other devices — so it’s perfect for keeping in your bag.

The included matching six foot cable is long enough to reach from an outlet up to a desk or nightstand. 

Anker 20W wired charging: Fine for iPhone Air, iPhone 16 and older models

Pack of 2

Anker 20W USB-C Charger with Foldable Plug

$14.99

This compact and high-power travel charger offers the very fastest wired speeds for the iPhone Air, iPhone 16 and older. Get two for one great price.

Pros:

• Fast wired charging
• Foldable plug
• Compact travel size

Cons:

• Cable not included

Buy from Amazon

05/28/2026 11:14 pm GMT

The new iPhone Air and all older models going back to the iPhone 11 lineup only support 20W charging. On smaller phones, this nets you up to 50% battery in 30 minutes (or 35 minutes on Plus and Pro Max phones).

This requires at least a 20W power adapter. Anker sells these in a two-pack, so you can keep one at home and one in your travel bag for one low price. 

Anker MagSafe fast charger: Best for StandBy

MagSafe is Apple’s system of magnetically attaching accessories and chargers. You don’t need to worry about lining up your iPhone just right. Simply snap the phone on a MagSafe charger, and it starts charging. It’s super-fast and easy. You can have a MagSafe charging stand on your bedside, or even attach a MagSafe battery pack for full-power charging on an all-day excursion. 

On most of the iPhone 17 and 16 lineup, MagSafe charging hits a peak of 25W when using a 30W adapter or higher. Most other models, from the iPhone 15 lineup back to iPhone 12, max out at 15W peak power with a 20W adapter. 

Minimalist MagSafe mount

Anker MagGo MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger Stand

$35.99

This MagSafe stand charges your phone — and looks great doing it. The minimalistic design very much looks like Apple’s own style. It blends in nicely in a modern office or living room. Comes in either black or white.

Pros:

• Simple, elegant design
• Support StandBy on iPhone
• 15W MagSafe-compatible charging

Cons:

• Power adapter not included

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/30/2026 09:17 am GMT

As such, a majority of MagSafe charging stands only hit the standard 15W power output, not the 25W possible on the latest phones. 

However, the main use case for MagSafe is to keep your phone on there passively. You place the iPhone on the charger while you’re working at your desk, or overnight on your bedside table — maximum speed is usually not a priority. Anker’s MagSafe chargers are still a top pick. 

Anker Qi fast charger: Best for Android compatibility and multiple devices

Qi is the cross-platform wireless charging standard between Android, iOS and other hardware products. The original Qi charging standard doesn’t have any integrated magnets, like MagSafe, and didn’t support fast charging. 

Qi2 was adapted from MagSafe, and as such, is interchangeable with its wireless chargers and batteries. Qi2.2 raises the charging limit from 15W to 25W, and has seen wider adoption — most notably, the latest Google Pixel phones. 

Super fast wireless charging

Anker Prime 3-in-1 25W Charging Station

$149.99

Top up all the devices in your life with this fast and high-power charger. Simultaneously use the MagSafe-compatible Qi2 charging puck for your phone, Apple Watch charger and Qi charger for your AirPods (or another phone). Get powerful 25W charging speeds with the convenience of MagSafe.

Pros:

• High-power 25W Qi2 charging
• Charge three at once
• iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods
• Qi2 Android devices
• Included cable and power adapter

Cons:

• Higher price than other 3-in-1 chargers

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/28/2026 08:14 am GMT

Most third-party stands and accessories were made for 15W charging, but there are a few 25W options. This Anker stand has three in one: a Qi2 stand for your phone, an Apple Watch charging puck and a regular Qi mat for your AirPods (or a second phone).

Top up all your devices using just one cable and plug — and it comes with one in the box!

More Anker product recommendations

• Anker’s Nano Power Bank is the iPhone battery pack Apple should have made
• New Anker Thunderbolt 5 dock brings blazing-fast connectivity
• Beastly 300W power bank leads new Anker Prime charger lineup

In an increasingly digital world, scanners remain crucial tools for digitizing hard-copy documents, receipts, photos and more. For Mac users, whether at home or on the go, finding the best scanners for Mac can really boost your productivity.

Choosing the best scanner for Mac depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you need a portable scanner for use anywhere, a high-speed scanner for tons of documents or a versatile scanner for various document types like receipts and ID cards, there’s one out there for you.

These days, most scanners are compatible with Mac and Windows, as are all of our choices below. This guide focuses on helping you find the best scanner for your Mac, considering factors like resolution, speed, cost and additional features.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Best scanners for Mac for home use and on the go

Table of contents: Best scanners for Mac

• What to look for in a scanner for Mac
• Top Pick: Fujitsu/Ricoh ScanSnap iX1600
• Best document scanners for Mac
• Best specialized document scanners for Mac (book/magazine; receipt/invoice)
• Best photo scanners for Mac
• Best portable scanners for Mac
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about scanners for Mac

What to look for in a scanner for Mac

Before we dive into the list of the best scanners for Mac for use at home or on the go, let’s discuss key factors to consider when buying a scanner.

• Resolution and color fidelity: The higher a scanner’s resolution, the better the image quality. That’s especially important in color scanning and photo scanning. Pixel density of 300ppi might be good for office documents, but if you want high-quality color reproduction and photo scanning that captures every detail, you might go for 600ppi or higher.
• PPI and DPI: PPI refers to digital resolution in pixels per inch. DPI stands for dots per inch in printed images. They are essentially interchangeable. A higher number means higher image quality.
• Need a flatbed scanner? Flatbed scanners often feature high-resolution performance and can handle different types of documents in various sizes, including photos, books and even 3D objects. But flatbed scanners tend to cost more.
• Scanning speed: If you scan a high volume of documents regularly, consider a scanner with a high pages-per-minute (ppm) rate, such as 40ppm or higher.
• Connectivity options: Most scanners support USB connectivity. However, some high-end models also feature Wi-Fi connectivity, making it possible to use them with iPads and iPhones.
• Duplex scanning: Duplex, or double-sized, scanning is common in scanners today. They can scan both sides of a document simultaneously, which can save time and paper.
• Price: Portable scanners are generally more affordable and are suitable for individual use, while high-end models with advanced features are more expensive. It depends on what you’re scanning and the quality of reproduction you need.
• Warranty: Ensure the scanner comes with a warranty. This is especially important for portable scanners, which are prone to wear and tear.

Top Pick: Fujitsu/Ricoh ScanSnap iX1600

The Fujitsu/Ricoh ScanSnap iX1600 tops is the one scanner to rule them all. It’s a highly versatile scanner that can capture almost anything, making it perfect for home-office use.

It’s a duplex scanner, offering speed and convenience by scanning both sides of a document simultaneously. It also has a touch screen panel and Wi-Fi compatibility.

The iX1600 is lightweight and compact. The scanner can handle various types of documents, everything from A3-sized documents to receipts, ID cards, business cards and photos.

One of its standout features is the 4.3-inch color touch panel, which provides easy control of all functions. It offers 30 customization options, from Scan to Folder to Scan to E-mail, with a single touch.

The iX1600’s speed sets it apart from many other scanners — it can scan around 40ppm, making it a workhorse in the office. One of the biggest complaints about scanners is slow speed: not the iX1600. It also supports different document sizes, including A3 documents, envelopes and photos, thanks to its Manual Scan Mode.

You can buy the ScanSnap iX1600 on Amazon or B&H Photo for $399.99.

Where to buy: Amazon or B&H Photo

Best document scanners for Mac

1. HP ScanJet Pro 3600 f1 flatbed scanner

Here’s your splurge pick. Though this guide is aimed mainly at home and mobile users, we included this enterprise-worthy flatbed scanner for all-around use. It will give you picture-perfect scans of documents, photographs, ID cards and more with up to 1200dpi resolution.

And HP says you can scan 3,000 pages a day with it, if your scanning needs are high.

The scanner features duplex scanning at 30ppm from a robust 60-page auto document feeder. And with USB functionality, it’s easy to set up and start scanning. The scanner’s HP ScanPro software works with most document-management software, too.

Though top-quality flatbed scanners can cost $2,500, this one goes for $599.

Where to buy: Amazon

2. Fujitsu/Ricoh fi-800R Ultra-Compact Document Scanner

This one’s also a splurge pick, though in the small-but-mighty department. This is a heavy-duty yet amazingly compact scanner designed for high-volume batch scanning up to a blazing-fast 40ppm.

The scanner features ultrasonic sensors to detect double-feeds and prevent lost pages. It features automatic skew correction and document separation.

And it handles virtually all documents, including envelopes, passports and IDs, all without a carrier sheet. It’ll scan one sheet in 3.5 seconds at 300dpi.

With its remarkable features, you pay more. This one costs about $650.

Where to buy: Amazon or B&H Photo

3. Brother ADS-3300 Desktop Scanner

This compact, wireless document scanner is great for home offices, with its high-volume paper feeder, duplex scanning and fast speed at an affordable price.

You can load up to 60 sheets of paper into the automatic document feeder for single- and dual-sided scanning at up to 45ppm with 300dpi resolution.

Its robust software bundle works well with macOS. The touchscreen on the front of the scanner is pretty big at 2.8 inches.

You can pick up Brother’s machine for $339.99.

Where to buy: Amazon or B&H Photo

4. Epson WorkForce ES-500W Wireless Duplex Document Scanner

This compact wireless scanner covers the basics in solid fashion. It can handle up to 35ppm at 300dpi loading from a 50-page auto feeder, scanning single- or double-sided.

One of its distinguishing features is that you can scan to smartphones, tablets, computers and online cloud storage accounts from your desktop, smartphone or tablet using the Epson Smart Panel mobile app right from the scanner panel. It works with most document-management software.

This Epson WorkForce scanner goes for a relatively affordable $319.99.

Where to buy: Amazon or B&H Photo

Best specialized document scanners for Mac (book/magazine; receipt/invoice)

1. CZUR ET24 Pro overhead scanner

An overhead scanner like the CZUR ET24 Pro elevates its cameras so you scan bigger items, like books, magazines and even objects. The 320ppi device takes flat-looking images of curved pages.

It even comes with a foot petal (or desktop button) to help you turn pages, plus built-in auto-focus and business-card archiving. You can place items up to 16.5in x 11.7in on the platform.

And here’s a cool use: A Visual Presenter mode transmits video via HDMI port from the CZUR’s cameras straight to a monitor, smart TV or livestream for sharing scanned materials.

Note that this scanner does not offer wireless connectivity, networking, support for handheld-device support or a battery for unplugged use.

This specialized scanner goes for about $650.

Where to buy: Amazon

2. Epson RapidReceipt RR-600W scanner

This excellent all-around document scanner puts its special super-power right in the name: RapidReceipt. If you run a small business and you’re always dealing with receipts and invoices, this one could be a crucial tool for you.

The device comes with ScanSmart Accounting Edition software that learns to identify recurring information like vendor names and monthly expenses. It saves data to fields in a database, and exports to services or places like TurboTax, QuickBooks or Excel-compatible CSV files.

The scanner also boasts a 100-page feeder for single or duplex scanning. It supports USB and Wi-Fi. And it features a 4.3 inch touch screen so you can make easy selections. Its 600ppi is good, but it also supports maximum optical resolution at 1200ppi.

Of course, it’s not cheap at a price around $500.

Where to buy: Amazon or Best Buy

Best photo scanners for Mac

1. Canon ImageFORMULA R40 scanner

The Canon ImageFORMULA R40, a good all-around scanner for documents, photos, receipts and more, is known for OCR accuracy. So it does a nicer-than-average job with photos. But if you’re a serious photographer, don’t miss the two items below in this photo-scanner section.

The R40 is a high-speed machine, scanning up to 40ppm, and it includes a large touchscreen display. It’s durable and can handle documents of sizes up to 8.5in × 72in, along with ID cards and receipts. It includes an automatic feeding mode that enables you to scan all documents into a single file without interruptions. It scans a single page in 5.5 seconds.

You can grab the Canon ImageFORMULA 40 for $259.00. And if you want more, you can get it in the Canon ImageFORMULA DR-C240 (for about $475).

Where to buy: Amazon or B&H Photo

2. Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner

This flatbed color image scanner offers 6400dpi resolution and can scan slides, negatives and medium format panoramic films, as well as regular documents. So if you need to do basic scanning but also high-quality photo scanning, this one could be for you.

Its high resolution and excellent color fidelity make it a top choice for photo scanning. It’s great for converting 35mm and medium-format film slides and prints high-quality digital files. And its max resolution of 6400 x 9600 dpi lets you enlarge scans up to 17 in x 22in.

The scanner comes with software for editing and restoring old photos. By the way, another good choice if you’re looking for speedy snapshot scanning is the Epson FastFoto FF-680W (though pricier at $529). Or, if you’re on a budget but want a flatbed scanner, the Epson Perfection V39 II could be a good choice at about $110.

The price for this one? $349.99.

Where to buy: B&H Photo or Best Buy

3. Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE scanner

Here’s one for pro photographers. Designed specifically for scanning negatives and slides up to a very high 7200dpi, OpticFilm 8200i SE features a bulk film holder for high-volume scanning of 35mm negatives and slides.

A built-in infrared channel can detect dust and scratches on the surface of the original negatives and slides. It is highly useful for defect removal without retouching the images.

Photographers can nab this film scanner for $399.00.

Where to buy: Amazon or B&H Photo

Best portable scanners for Mac

1. Fujitsu/Ricoh ScanSnap iX100 scanner

This is one of the most popular and highly rated wireless portable scanners. It’s compact, scans at a high-quality 600dpi, can scan directly to cloud services, and has great bundled software for Mac. It can handle various documents, including pages, receipts, business cards or photos.

On battery power, it will scan a color A4 document at 300 dpi in 5.2 seconds. It will scan a total of 260 documents on a full charge.

What’s the price for all this? About $200.

Where to buy: B&H Photo or Amazon

2. Epson WorkForce ES-55R scanner

The Epson WorkForce ES-55R is a portable scanner with excellent performance. It’s small, fast and USB-powered, making it ideal for on-the-go scanning. You can wirelessly scan to your smartphone, tablet or computer plus online cloud storage accounts.

It does duplex scanning and can handle items like receipts, business cards and plastic ID cards.

This portable scanner offers exceptional resolution (1200dpi) and speed (25ppm) for its size. It includes special financial software that extracts data from bills and receipts for easy tracking and reporting.

You can grab it for $299.99 $229.99.

Where to buy: Amazon

3. Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner

Our budget pick in compact mobile scanners is Brother’s DS-64o. It’s a compact mobile color scanner with speeds up to 16ppm with 300dpi resolution. It scans in color at the same speed it scans in black and white.

It connects via USB, so you don’t need a power outlet for it to work. Just plug it into your laptop. It scans to different destinations, including cloud services, and works seamlessly with macOS, Windows and Linux.

And it’s only a foot long and 1.5 pounds.

At about $120 (currently marked down from $149.99), it’s a good choice if you don’t have a ton of dough to spend.

Where to buy: Amazon

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about scanners for Mac

Q: What is the best flatbed scanner for Mac?

A: There are many great choices. For example, the Epson WorkForce ES series scanners are great and affordable flatbed scanners compatible with Mac. They tend to offer excellent resolution and speed, making them ideal for various scanning needs.

Q: Can you connect a scanner to a Mac?

A: Yes, you can connect a scanner to a Mac using either a USB cable or Wi-Fi, depending on the scanner’s features.

Q: What scanners are compatible with macOS Monterey?

A: Most modern scanners, such as the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 and the Canon ImageFORMULA R40, are compatible with macOS Monterey.

Q: Do Canon scanners work with Mac?

A: Yes, Canon scanners usually work with Mac. However, it’s best to check the specific model’s compatibility before purchasing.

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are perfectly fine untangling cords every night before bed—and the rest of us, who just want to drop the phone and walk away, knowing it’s charging.

If you’re in that second group, the Apple MagSafe Charger (1st Gen) is about to become your new best friend. And for a limited time, you can score a verified new, open-box model for just $27.99 (down from $39.99). That’s a solid 30 percent off Apple convenience, and frankly, it’s the kind of deal your nightstand’s been waiting for.

Originally released in 2020 alongside the iPhone 12 lineup, it introduced a modern spin on wireless charging. Thanks to built-in magnets, it snaps into place with just the right amount of pull—strong enough to hold on while you scroll in bed, but easy enough to lift off when you’re ready to move. The 15W fast-charging speed makes sure you don’t spend all day tethered to an outlet.

Unlike traditional wireless chargers that require you to perfectly align your phone or risk waking up to a 2 percent battery, this one locks into the ideal charging spot every single time.

Of course, it’s not just for iPhones. If you’ve got AirPods with a wireless charging case, you’re covered. It also works with newer Qi2 devices, making it future-ready.

The included 1-meter USB-C cable provides plenty of flexibility, whether you’re charging at your desk, on the couch or from that oddly positioned outlet behind your bed. For optimal performance, Apple recommends pairing it with a 20W USB-C Power Adapter (not included). However, if you already have one from your iPad or MacBook, you’re good to go.

And no, you’re not getting someone’s old charger that fell behind a dresser. These are essentially new units that were returned to the store, maybe opened, but never used. The packaging might look a little less than perfect, but the charger inside has been inspected, verified and reboxed so it’s ready to plug and play.

The MagSafe Charger is one of those underrated Apple accessories that elevate your everyday routine.

Get this new, open-box Apple MagSafe Charger (1st Gen) while it’s just $27.99 (down from $39.99).

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.

Apple may silently have discontinued the HomePod mini. The mini smart speaker is out of stock across several retailers in the US. 

Apple’s own store lists the speaker for next-day delivery or pickup across most pin codes, though. 

HomePod mini 2 to debut soon?

Apple launched the HomePod mini on November 16, 2020. As its fifth anniversary approaches, the company appears to have quietly discontinued it while preparing for its successor.

Some rumors suggested the HomePod mini 2 could go official alongside the iPhone 17 series at Apple’s “Awe Dropping event. While that didn’t happen, the rumor mill believes the speaker could drop this year itself — ahead of the important holiday shopping season.

MacRumors spotted B&H listing the HomePod mini as “No longer available.” While this could have been an error on B&H’s part, other retailers like Adorama, Target and Walmart also have limited or no stocks.

This indicates that a HomePod mini 2 refresh might just be around the corner. It may even go official as soon as this week. 

HomePod mini 2 could fail to impress without smarter Siri

The rumor mill hasn’t revealed much about the HomePod mini 2. But it’s safe to assume it will come with audio upgrades. Apple may even equip the speaker with its in-house N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Thread support.

A faster chip is also a given, especially since the current HomePod mini uses an ancient S5 SoC from 2019.

Don’t expect the HomePod mini 2 to bring a radically smarter experience, though. That will only arrive with iOS 26.4 and the new AI-powered Siri that should arrive in Q1 or early Q2 next year.

It will be odd for Apple to launch the HomePod mini 2 without smarter Siri out of the box since it forms an integral part of the experience. 

Despite all the upgrades, the HomePod mini 2 should retain the same $99 price as the current model.

Sure, you can use the built-in Photos app to edit pictures on your iPhone, but an AI photo editor can open up a world of advanced possibilities. Apple’s stock photo-editing tools have come a long way in recent years, but they still make it hard to get the picture you originally thought you would get.

Luminar Mobile, an AI photo editor for iPhone, iPad or Vision Pro, is somehow both simple and feature-rich. With it, you can easily realize your visions. And you can get a lifetime subscription for just $19.99 per device (MSRP $47.99).

No Apple Intelligence? Now it doesn’t matter.

With Skylum’s Luminar Mobile, even people with an iPhone or iPad that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence can utilize AI-powered photo editing features right on their device. Sure, all that visual wizardry won’t happen right in the Photos app. But with Luminar Mobile, you’re honestly getting way more than Apple offers — with future updates included.

Take a look at the impressive tools in Luminar Mobile, the only AI photo editor you need on your Apple device:

SkyAI: Give your photos the perfect backdrop

Think back to that shot you thought would be great. You know, the one with the sky that ended up turning out dull instead of vibrant and dramatic. With this AI photo editor, you can replace that boring backdrop with a sunset or dramatic clouds in just a tap, rather than fussing with Photos’ lackluster lighting and saturation tools.

EnhanceAI: Instant pro-level edits

OK, maybe the sky isn’t the problem with your sad shot — it’s everything else. Luminar Mobile’s EnhanceAI feature can work its magic to improve color, tone and clarity, giving your photos a polished, professional feel. You’ll get much better results than with Photos’ automatic feature, which awkwardly just brightens things up.

SkinAI and BodyAI: Great portraits every time

Are you in that picture, and you want a little touch-up? We get it. Try SkinAI to smooth skin or remove blemishes. If you really want to make some changes, there’s an AI-powered photo editing tool called BodyAI. It lets you reshape midsections realistically. (Just don’t go too crazy.)

Other handy features you’ll love in this AI photo editor

Luminar Mobile isn’t just about AI tricks. It’s an app you can visit anytime you need to edit pictures on your iPhone. It’s great when you randomly need to:

• Fine-tune colors and tones.
• Sharpen and enhance key features.
• Crop to create the perfect frame.
• Erase or remove unwanted objects.

Save on AI photo editor Luminar Mobile

Get this powerful yet easy-to-use AI photo editor for iOS, iPadOS or VisionOS for $19.99. That’s a 58% discount off the usual price of a lifetime subscription to Luminar Mobile.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly. We originally published this post on AI photo editor Luminar Mobile on August 13, 2025. We updated the info.

The Mophie Juice Pack wraps your iPhone in a protective case that’s also a battery that adds hours of use. On Monday, it launched versions specifically for iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone Air.

Mophie did more than make the battery cases closely fit Apple’s latest. The updated versions deliver longer battery life, stronger protection, better ergonomics and more.

Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17: Battery and case in one

Mophie Juice Pack adds hours of extra life to your phone without the hassle of cables, external packs or juggling accessories while you’re on the move. Because the power bank is built right into the case, you get charging that’s always available throughout the day.

Wrap-around cases must be form-fitted to the handset, and that’s what Mophie’s new models do. There are variants for the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Note that there is not one for the base model iPhone 17.

The built-in power bank adds up to 60% to the battery life of the handset, depending on the model. That’s especially important for the iPhone Air.

In addition, the battery case completely surrounds the handset to help shield it from everyday drops and bumps. Raised edges help guard against scratched or cracked screens. There’s an integrated lanyard loop port, too.

The Juice Pack takes up the handset’s USB-C port, but offers its own. With the newest models, this includes passthrough USB-C audio.

“Mophie’s mission has always been to give users freedom from the wall outlet,” said Ekshita Kumar, vice president of strategy and growth for Mophie. “With the iPhone 17 Juice Pack lineup, we’re pushing that even further — delivering more power, smarter design, and better protection, all in a more sustainable product.”

Price and availability

Mophie Juice Pack variants for iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max launched Monday, November 10. It costs $99.95, no matter the variant.

Battery and case in one!

Mophie Juice Pack battery case for iPhone 17 Pro Max

$79.99

Get up to more power for your iPhone with the Mophie Juice Pack’s rechargeable battery, so you can text, stream, and navigate without worrying about running out of charge.  It’s also a pocket-friendly charging case that guards against drops, scratches and screen damage.

Pros:

• Protective case that adds hours of use to an iPhone
• Less hassle than an external battery

Buy from Amazon

05/25/2026 03:15 pm GMT

Those with an iPhone 16 should not feel left out. There are also Juice Pack versions for Apple’s 2024 handsets, too.

The second-generation iPhone Air won’t launch next fall, according to an unconfirmed report published Monday. The super-slim new smartphone is apparently such a dud with customers that Apple put the follow-up on hold.

Reports that the iPhone Air hasn’t found an audience have circulated almost since the handset premiered in September.

iPhone Air struggles to find an audience

The iPhone Air launched as part of the iPhone 17 series. Analysts quickly reported that the base-model iPhone 17 was an immediate hit, and iPhone revenue set a new record the quarter the series launched, and the current quarter is predicted to be a gangbuster.

But the iPhone Air is a standout… and not in a good way. Analysts’ talk of weak demand has dogged the device. And Monday brought a serious blow.

“Apple is delaying the release of next year’s version of the iPhone Air, its thinnest smartphone, after the first model sold below expectations,” reported The Information.

Cupertino had been planning to introduce an iPhone Air 2 in fall 2026. It still might put an updated version out in spring 2027, according to the report. But, in the mean time, it has “already sharply scaled back production of the first version.”

Simply not enough iPhone

Many potential buyers feel the iPhone Air doesn’t offer enough for its price. Reviews point out that while its ultra-slim design is visually appealing, key compromises — such as only a single rear camera, weaker battery life compared with other models, and lower-end audio/speaker performance — make it less compelling.

Another strike against it is price. At $999, it costs as much as more capable models, but the feature set is closer to a mid-tier device. It’s clear a slim chassis isn’t enough to overcome that perception.

Another challenge is that Apple makes four other compelling iOS handsets, and a new folding version is expected in autumn 2026. The Air didn’t stand out enough.

Still, the follow-up might be more enticing to buyers. It’ll offer more battery capacity than the original, according to The Information, while actually getting lighter. A separate report pointed to an additional camera.

But at this point, the fate of the iPhone Air 2 is, well, up in the air.

The Mac isn’t carrying its weight. In fact, it’s Apple’s lowest-selling product line, sitting behind even the Apple Watch. And despite macOS being a standout platform, it lags far behind Windows where it matters: worldwide adoption.

Apple needs a fresh angle, and the rumored budget MacBook might be the first real chance to rewrite the Mac’s trajectory.

Mac is Apple’s weakest product category

The Mac used to define Apple. Today, it’s a distant also-ran. The iPhone is Apple’s biggest offering by a wide margin, with about 230 million units sold in 2024. Next is AirPods, with about 66 million of these wireless earbuds going out last year. Roughly 57 million iPads sold in 2024, followed by around 40 million Apple Watches.

Well after all of those comes the Mac, with approximately 23 million units heading to customers last year.

The situation is somewhat different when revenue gets factored in — Mac jumps up to second place. But low unit sales make it clear that Mac isn’t performing nearly as well as it could.

A comparison with Windows PC sales makes that weakness even more obvious. At approximately 23 million units sold in 2024, Mac made up only about 9% of the global personal computing market (by shipments) in 2024.

That low figure might be acceptable if it were part of a strong growth thread, but it’s not. True, Mac sales have increased slightly. A decade ago, macOS made up 7% or 8% of the market, and a decade before that, the figure stood at about 5%. But even the launch of Macs powered by Apple’s powerful M-series processors in 2020 has been insufficient to move the needle much.

iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods are all winning their respective product categories (or close to it). Mac isn’t even close. Change is required.

Apple needs a budget MacBook

Apple computers do as well or better than their Windows rivals in the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index. It’s clear macOS itself isn’t flawed. But Apple’s product strategy for selling the Mac to consumers needs a serious fix.

The majority of computers (laptops and desktops) going to average consumers for everyday use — education and standard home office tasks — are priced at less than $1,000.

The only Mac in this product category is the Mac mini at $599. The problem with that is, notebooks outsell desktops by two to one, and about 90% of all Macs sold are MacBooks. But there’s no budget macOS notebook. The most affordable is the MacBook Air, which starts at $999.

Historically, Apple concentrated on the premium price segment. And in one sense, that’s worked. There are millions of happy MacBook users, and Apple has raked in lots of cash. But there are plenty more potential customers who simply cannot afford a macOS notebook. They are losing out, and so is Apple.

Rumored low-cost MacBook will mark new approach for Apple

That’s about to change. Hopefully. Apple is working on its first low-cost MacBook, according to Bloomberg. The new Mac, code-named J700, is reportedly in testing and early production, with the goal of launching in the first half of 2026.

To keep costs down, the computer will supposedly use an Apple A-series chip — the same type currently going into iPhones. Don’t scoff, as that chip will make it more powerful than high-end Macs sold a few years ago. That’s fast enough for the budget MacBook to “browse the web, work on documents or conduct light media editing,” reports Bloomberg — exactly what consumers need for home use. It’ll have an LCD screen around 13 inches in size and sell for about $600.

The affordable offering will undoubtedly bring in a rush of fresh customers. Anyone currently forced to buy a Windows laptop because they need something cheap can soon get a MacBook instead.

While there’s no exact figure, it’s safe to assume that millions of iPhone users rely on Windows PCs rather than Macs. iPhone holds roughly 60% of the U.S. smartphone market, and Windows still dominates the PC world, so statistically, an iPhone user is far more likely to own a Windows laptop than a Mac. That’s a massive pool of potential customers for a lower-cost MacBook.

Schools and businesses will be interested, as well.

One computer won’t rocket Mac sales into the stratosphere. But it’s going to give Apple a sizable bump in the global market for PCs. The Mac-maker sat perpetually behind HP, Lenovo and Dell while mostly offering computers priced above what most consumers were willing to pay. A competitively priced notebook will change that. And follow-up budget MacBook models will surely keep the momentum going for years to come.

November 10, 1983: Microsoft tells the world about an upcoming product called Windows that will bring the graphical user interface to IBM PCs. Although Microsoft’s announcement about the new operating system comes shortly before Apple launches the Mac, Windows 1.0 won’t actually ship until November 1985, earning it an early reputation as “vaporware.”

At the time, Apple doesn’t view Windows as much of a threat. That doesn’t take long to change, however.

Windows brings the GUI to PCs

When Microsoft first revealed its plans for Windows, Apple had just introduced the GUI to the general public with its ill-fated Lisa computer. The Lisa’s operating system, like Windows, drew inspiration from pioneering work carried out a decade earlier at Xerox PARC.

“The main ‘copying’ that went on relative to Steve [Jobs] and me is that we both benefited from the work that Xerox PARC did in creating graphical interface,” Bill Gates admitted during a Reddit AMA session in 2017. “It wasn’t just them but they did the best work…. We didn’t violate any [intellectual property] rights Xerox had but their work showed the way that led to the Mac and Windows.”

Windows 1.0: Not great compared to Apple’s Lisa computer

Compared to the Lisa, however, Windows 1.0 looked incredibly limited. Microsoft’s software engineers based it on the same concepts of pull-down menus, mouse support and tiled windows. However, they failed to pull it off.

Windows did do one thing that grabbed people’s attention, though. It appealed to customers with its low price of just $99.

By the time Windows 1.0 launched, Microsoft was best known as a developer of Mac software. After Apple co-founder Steve Jobs left the company in 1985, Microsoft used its position as the maker of Word and Excel to strong-arm Apple CEO John Sculley into signing a deal granting Microsoft “non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, nontransferable license to use [parts of the Mac technology] in present and future software programs” for its then-fledgling Windows.

Apple-Microsoft battle intensifies after release of Windows 2

Not seeing the potential of Windows 1.0, Sculley agreed to the deal. It wasn’t until version 2 of Windows, which looked suspiciously similar to Mac OS, that Apple sued Microsoft for copyright infringement. Microsoft then went from strength to strength, as PC sales went through the roof during the following decade. At the same time, Apple faltered.

The long-running Microsoft-Apple legal battles ultimately got resolved in August 1997, when Cupertino agreed to drop all lawsuits against its rival. By that point, the anemic Windows 1.0 was a distant memory. Microsoft was nearing the height of its post-Windows 95 power. And Apple was ready to start climbing back to the top of the tech industry.

Were you a computer user in the early days of Windows? Leave your comments below.

AirPods 4 are already Apple’s most reasonably priced wireless earbuds, and a new deal knocks a whomping 34% off the cost. That makes them just $84.99 — an amazing price! Or there’s the version that adds active noice cancellation, which are currently 16% off.

Whether you need to replace an aging set of earbuds or get your first, now could be a great time to buy.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

AirPods deal: Way better wireless earbuds than before

Most affordable AirPods

AirPods 4

$99.00

Apple redesigned AirPods 4 for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. It features the Apple-designed H2 chip with Voice Isolation that improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions.

This version does not include active noise cancellation, but Apple does offer AirPods 4 with ANC for a slightly higher price.

Pros:

• Most affordable AirPods
• Excellent sound quality
• USB-C wireless charging case

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation

Buy from Amazon

05/24/2026 11:17 am GMT

AirPods have become practically ubiquitous. Anytime I’m out in public, I see people wearing them. I’m not surprised — there are no better earbuds for iPhone. Audio quality is excellent.

The price used to be high, but the most affordable version of AirPods 4 came in at only $129 … and that’s before this deal. The earbuds received a minor redesign that makes them more comfortable, with a more secure fit. The latest version also offers personalized Spatial Audio. Plus, the charging case moved to USB-C for easier charging. (No more Lightning.)

Those who want more can choose a variant of AirPods 4 with many professional-grade features. That includes active noise cancellation as well as Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness. They’re closer competition for the AirPods Pro models than their predecessor, although active noise cancellation isn’t as effective without silicone eartips, as discussed in the Cult of Mac review. The extra features bump the price up … but a discount drops the cost back down.

The AirPods advantage

Apple’s earbuds aren’t the cheapest wireless earbuds, but they offer a premium experience with iPhone, Mac and iPad. For instance, they seamlessly switch their connection to whatever device you’re currently using, an advantage of the Apple ecosystem.

Buyers should be careful of budget earbuds. Cheap ones sound, well, cheap. High-quality speakers tiny enough to fit inside an ear aren’t a dime a dozen. And long battery life is rare in discount products.

AirPods deal means you don’t pay full price

The basic AirPods 4 are regularly $129 (as noted), but this deal saves you a whopping 34%. That’s $44 below the regular cost!

Most affordable AirPods

AirPods 4

$99.00

Apple redesigned AirPods 4 for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. It features the Apple-designed H2 chip with Voice Isolation that improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions.

This version does not include active noise cancellation, but Apple does offer AirPods 4 with ANC for a slightly higher price.

Pros:

• Most affordable AirPods
• Excellent sound quality
• USB-C wireless charging case

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation

Buy from Amazon

05/24/2026 11:17 am GMT

The usual cost for AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is $179, but Amazon knocked $29 off the cost, making them just $149.99.

Best if you don't like silicone eartips

AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation

4.0

$148.99

Apple's trend-setting earbuds add noise cancellation to the mix. They don't use silicone tips, so some noise seeps in, but features like Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode and Personalized Spatial Audio make them a winner.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Apple's H2 chip enables advanced features
• USB-C wireless charging case

Cons:

• Noise cancellation isn't as good as AirPods Pro

Read our hands-on review: AirPods 4 deliver better sound and ‘ANC Lite’

Buy from Amazon

05/24/2026 11:17 am GMT

Apple reportedly plans to expand the iPhone‘s satellite connectivity capabilities beyond emergency calling and texting. It is working on a framework to enable third-party apps to use satellite connectivity.

Additionally, the company plans to bring satellite connectivity to Apple Maps to enable navigation in areas without cellular coverage.

More apps could use your iPhone’s satellite connectivity feature

Satellite-powered Emergency SOS connectivity debuted on the iPhone 14 in 2022. Initially, Apple limited the feature to emergency calling in areas with no Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. But since then, the company has added satellite connectivity to the Messages app and a Roadside Assistance feature. And this year, it expanded satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported Sunday that Apple has more satellite-related features under development.

In his latest Power On newsletter, he said Apple will allow certain types of third-party apps to use satellite connectivity. The company is reportedly developing the necessary APIs to make this possible.

In addition to adding satellite connectivity to Apple Maps, the company reportedly plans to expand options in other apps as well.

Right now, Apple’s Messages app only allows sending basic text messages via satellite. However, the company wants to change this and allow users to send photos as well.

Another planned major usability upgrade: the ability to use satellite connectivity without a clear view of the sky. Currently, iPhones need open skies to establish a strong satellite link. Apple wants to remove this limitation and make satellite connectivity work reliably even in challenging conditions.

“The company aims to let users stay connected while their iPhone is in a pocket, car or even indoors — eliminating the need to physically point the device toward the sky,” Gurman wrote. He said the industry calls this approach “natural usage.”

To further improve the satellite experience, Apple reportedly will add 5G NTN support to 2026 iPhones. This would enable network towers to use satellites to bolster connectivity.

Apple’s current satellite partner is a big bottleneck in these upgrade plans

Apple has big plans to improve satellite connectivity on iPhones. But this will require a major upgrade from Globalstar, the company Apple partnered with to offer satellite connectivity on its devices.

Apple will supposedly finance some of these infrastructure upgrades.

However, as Gurman wrote, Globalstar is looking to put itself up for sale. Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which owns satellite provider Starlink, could be a potentially interested party. A sale could accelerate the rollout of new features.

Apple Watch SE is already the most affordable wearable Apple makes, and a deal knocks up to 32% off the second-generation of this budget smartwatch. Some case-and-band combos of the 40mm model just dropped to $159.99! For an Apple Watch! And the larger 44mm version is 29% off at $189.99.

An Apple Watch can help motivate you to exercise and track your progress, or just make it easier to read incoming texts. If you don’t have a smartwatch, now is a great time to buy.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Why you want an Apple Watch

Recently, a friend wanted her first smartwatch and asked me which she should choose. The answer was undoubtedly Apple Watch SE 2. There’s no reason to put down $400 or more on a product category she’d never used before and didn’t yet know whether she’d get much benefit from.

Still, I wasn’t surprised that she loves it. Even the most basic of Apple’s wrist computers comes packed with features. At the top of the list is activity tracking, including detailed metrics for various workouts. Plus, there are health monitoring features such as heart rate notifications and fall detection.

Not just for exercise tracking

Beyond health and fitness, the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) provides convenient access to notifications, calls and messages directly on your wrist, allowing you to stay connected without constantly reaching for your iPhone. It also supports Apple Pay for quick and secure contactless payments.

And thanks to this Apple Watch SE deal, you get all the benefits without breaking the bank.

Note: The deal boxes shown on this page may not show the latest deal price, but you will see them if when you click through.

Apple Watch SE deal makes it an even better bargain

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is always a bargain. Its starting price of $249 launched the wearable at $30 below the original version. And thanks to a sale going on now, so you don’t even have to pay that much.

Amazon cut the price of the version with a 40mm to just $159.99. You can choose the wearable in either the midnight or starlight casing colors at that price, and the deal isn’t available for every Watch band option available on Amazon.

Cheaper than ever

Apple Watch SE (2nd-gen, 40mm, Starlight)

$249.99

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is an amazing value, with features to help you keep motivated and active, stay connected, and track your health with enhanced workout metrics. Plus, stay safe with Fall Detection and Crash Detection.

Pros:

• Good budget smartwatch
• Includes all basic Apple Watch health features

Cons:

• Missing advanced health sensors like sleep apnea

Buy from Amazon

05/30/2026 08:17 am GMT

Those who want a larger screen can get a deal on the second-gen Apple Watch SE with a 44mm screen. It ordinarily sells for $279, but an Amazon sale lowers that to $189.99. You can get it for that price in either a midnight or starlight case and multiple band options.

Larger size

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, 44mm, Midnight)

$191.99

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is an amazing value, with features to help you keep motivated and active, stay connected, and track your health with enhanced workout metrics. Plus, stay safe with Fall Detection and Crash Detection.

Pros:

• Good budget smartwatch
• Includes all basic Apple Watch health features

Cons:

• Missing advanced health sensors like sleep apnea

Buy from Amazon

05/30/2026 02:16 am GMT

Get yourself a fast and modern smartwatch with a budget-friendly price.

When Apple needs to install a security patch onto an iPhone, iPad or Mac, it now does so without requiring the user to do anything — or even be aware of the update. The new Background Security Improvements feature delivers “additional security protections between software updates,” according to Apple.

It’s a feature of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1, but users have the option to deactivate it.

Background Security Improvements protect your Mac, iPhone and iPad

Hackers would love to steal the credit card numbers and other financial information stored on your computer. Fortunately, Apple is very good at keeping them out. But that requires Mac, iPhone and iPad users to install software updates — that’s how security holes get closed.

Too many users don’t update their devices. Either they don’t want to learn to use the new features in fresh OS updates, or they believe the ridiculous conspiracy theories that Apple uses these updates to deliberately muck up and slow down older devices so users are forced to buy new ones.

Apple’s answer to the problem is Background Security Improvements for iOS, iPadOS and macOS. The new feature “delivers lightweight security releases for components such as the Safari browser, WebKit framework stack, and other system libraries that benefit from smaller, ongoing security patches between software updates,” Apple says.

These are installed automatically in the background … hence the name.

“As many iPhones are often running out-of-date iOS versions, automatically installing security patches should help address this issue by placing less responsibility on the user,” said Adam Boynton, senior security strategy manager at computer-management company Jamf.

You can deactivate the security feature

By default, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1 are set to automatically install Background Security Improvements. However, users have the option to deactivate them. Just understand that by doing so, you make your computer more open to hackers.

To disable the security feature on iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and look for Background Security Improvements. Tap on it, then toggle off Automatically Install.

On Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Privacy & Security.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple reportedly plans to pay a cool $1 billion a year to use Google Gemini to make Siri smarter. How do we feel about that? Honestly, anything that fixes Siri sooner rather than later would be a big win.

Anybody creeped out about iPhones and Macs with Google inside should rest easy, though. Apple plans to keep everything safe and secure. And Cupertino’s still scrambling to get its own AI up to speed.

Also on The CultCast:

• Apple plans to build a low-priced laptop that will bring Macs to the masses. We discuss why that has PC makers quaking in their boots.
• The iPhone Air is reportedly a bust. One big reason is that people love their iPhone cameras — and the Air skimped out on that. The next iPhone Air model might add a second lens, but really fix the problem?
• Some automakers plan to pull the plug on CarPlay. We’re already plotting our revolt!
• Griffin runs down the top five features in iOS 26.1 that you should try immediately, including one important toggle that will keep your iPhone from photographing the luxurious insides of your pocket.
• And finally, we wrap up with a new game — Apple Mad Libs!

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

The CultCast No. 724: Google Gemini + Siri = AI love

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This week’s top Apple news

On the show this week: Your host, Cult of Mac Publisher and Editor in Chief Leander Kahney (@lkahney), Cult of Mac managing editor Lewis Wallace (@lewiswallace) and Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones (@dgriffinjones).

Here are the headlines we’re talking about on this week’s show:

• Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’
• Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix
• Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem
• How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future
• 5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss
• Apple quietly added this awesome feature in iOS 26.1

If you’re still living with a clunky, dial-twisting home thermostat, it’s time for an upgrade to a smart model like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. It learns how you like your home to feel, then takes over the temperature changes for you, delivering a delightful mix of comfort and savings.

Even better, this refurbished third-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat costs just $99.99, making it one of the easiest and smartest home upgrades you can make.

In fact, this deal drops the price below Amazon’s current discount on the same model.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat deal

Here at Cult of Mac, we naturally tend to favor smart home hardware that works with Apple’s Home app. Unfortunately, this Google Nest Learning Thermostat won’t do that.

If that’s important to you, you should consider an Ecobee smart thermostat, which works with Apple’s HomeKit platform, or even the fourth-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which added Matter support so it plays nice with Apple’s smart home ecosystem.

However, both those options cost considerably more than this heavily discounted model. And, if we’re being completely honest, Google makes some very nice smart home gear. (RIP, Nest Protect. We loved you.)

How does a smart thermostat work?

If you’ve never used a smart thermostat, it’s simple to get started. Just adjust the temperature the way you normally would for about a week, and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat will figure out your routine.

It knows when you’re up, asleep or out — and automatically tweaks heating and cooling to avoid wasting power when nobody is around. Translation: It keeps things cozy at all the right times, while lowering your heating and/or cooling bills.

Plus, you can change the temperature from anywhere with the highly rated Google Home app. It’s easy to tweak the temp, whether you’re on the couch, at the office or halfway to the airport and suddenly wondering if you left the A/C blasting.

This smart home accessory also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Finally, the phrase, “Hey turn the heat up a bit” does something useful.

The thermostat features a bright modern display that looks good on your wall instead of like a dingy artifact from the ’90s. It gives you energy-saving tips and shows a Leaf icon when you’re making choices your wallet will appreciate. And since this is a grade-A refurbished unit, it shows up looking close to new without the full-price guilt.

Save on a third-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Your thermostat has one job and it could definitely be doing it better. If you want a more comfortable home and a smarter energy setup with minimal effort, this great deal makes for a no-brainer upgrade.

Get a refurbished third-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat for just $99.99 for a limited time.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.

AirPods Pro 3’s redesigned ear tips are an unexpected hit-or-miss change. The new foam-infused tips radically change how the earbuds feel when worn.

Apple knows the ear tips are not one-size-fits-all, so the company includes five sizes of ear tips in the AirPods Pro 3 box. You can easily switch them out to find the best size for your ears.

Using the wrong size can cause problems. The earbuds can slip out if they’re too small or irritate your ears if they’re too big. They might even cause high-pitched feedback if you engage active noise cancellation with the wrong size ear tips (especially when flying).

If you don’t like how your new AirPods Pro 3 feel in the ear, don’t be hasty and return them. You should try out different ear tips first. Here are some tips to make sure you achieve the best results.

AirPods Pro 3 ear tips: How to find the right size

AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium earbuds. They fit an incredible amount of technology into a super-tiny space. They feature spatial audio for immersive surround sound. Conversation awareness detects when people are talking to you, so it pauses media while boosting their voice. And, of course, the sound quality is top-notch, with far more bass than you would think possible. In contrast to the regular AirPods, AirPods Pro have ear tips that sit inside your ear.

The latest models were redesigned with foam inserts in the tips to increase the noise cancellation capabilities, but this has been a controversial change, with some users disliking how they feel.

Table of contents: How to find the right size AirPods Pro 3 ear tips

• Five sizes in the box
• Not your father’s AirPods
• Trying out different sizes
• A bad feedback loop
• Take an ear fit test, if you want
• Some third-party options

Five sizes in the box

AirPods Pro 3 come with five different sizes of ear tips: XXS, XS, S, M and L. (That’s short for extra-extra-small through large.) The medium tips come installed on the AirPods. You will find the others in a cardboard tray at the bottom of the box.

Switching out the ear tips is quite easy. You just pull on the tips and they’ll pop off. It takes a little more force than you might expect, but don’t worry.  The other tips snap on really easily.

Not your father’s AirPods

If you’ve used AirPods Pro 2, which come with four sizes of thin silicone ear tips, don’t assume that you’ll need the same tip size for your AirPods Pro 3. The foam that Apple added inside the AirPods Pro 3 tips makes them firmer, so you should probably start with a size lower than before. (I think this is why Apple added the XXS size.)

Personally, I assumed from the generic Bluetooth in-ear buds I used before that I had somewhat large ears. But those didn’t have foam in the tips, so they had much more give to them. That led me to use a larger size.

Trying out different sizes of AirPods Pro 3 ear tips

It took me a while to find AirPods Pro 3 ear tips that felt comfortable. I started with one medium and one large, as my right ear is a little bigger than my left. But regretted it, as an earache set in pretty quickly. To reduce that, I went down to small and medium ear tips, and then to small in both ears. (For posterity, I confirmed that extra small was indeed far too small.)

After a couple of weeks, either the ear tips shrank a bit or my ears became stretched out, as the right AirPod Pro began slipping in my ear. I went back up a size, bringing me to small and medium.

Another couple of weeks later, I think I can go up another size, as they’re both starting to slip again.

A bad feedback loop

Why spend so much time trying to find the right size ear tips for your AirPods Pro 3? Using the wrong size might result in unexpected consequences.

AirPods Pro usually work great for flights, as the ANC can tune out that airplane hum and let audio play at a reasonable volume. But if your AirPods Pro 3 ear tips don’t make a proper seal, an irritating feedback loop can occur. Just like holding a microphone in front of a speaker, some users report hearing a high-pitched whine when wearing AirPods Pro 3 on a plane.

Pro tip: Bring your extra AirPods Pro 3 ear tips with you next time you fly, so if you encounter this problem, you can do a rapid-fire test.

Take an ear fit test, if you want

There’s a feature in the AirPods settings that might help you verify a good fit. With your AirPods Pro 3 connected to your iPhone, open Settings > AirPods. Scroll down and tap Test Acoustic Seal. Your iPhone will play music through the AirPods and let you know if any sound is leaking out. If so, it’ll recommend you find a different tip.

I’m not sure how useful this is — it’ll tell you if the AirPods you’ve got on are too small, but surely that would be obvious to you if they’re not sitting correctly. And the trend seems to be toward the new tips being too firm, not too loose, so the acoustic seal shouldn’t be a problem.

From my testing, the best thing is to live with each size of ear tips for a while. You’ll quickly discover which ones are best for you. Don’t assume that both of your ears are the same size — try adjusting one at a time.

Some third-party options for AirPods Pro 3 ear tips

If none of Apple’s options satisfy, don’t worry. AirPods Pro 3 are backward-compatible with other ear tips, meaning you have plenty of third-party options — even for this brand-new product. We have a roundup of three favorites:

• Delidigi Silicone Earbuds ($12.99): The double-flange design of these soft silicone tips helps with a stable fit and has no trouble fitting in AirPods Pro 3’s closed charging case. Comes with two pairs in three sizes. (Amazon)
• CharJenPro Memory Foam Ear Tips ($25.99): These tips are made of memory foam with a silicone shield for protection. The foam can expand and contract to keep a good seal in the ear canal. Pro tip: Press the tips gently before inserting, and they’ll expand to fit. Comes with three sizes. (Amazon)
• Azla SednaEarfit Xelastec ($24): Made of a thermoplastic elastomer, these soft ear tips adjust to body heat to gently fit different ear shapes. They look cool in contrast with the white AirPods, being dark but transparent. They fit a little looser than Apple’s. Comes with two pairs in the size you choose. (Amazon)

November 8, 1984: After initial Mac sales prove disappointing, Apple CEO John Sculley dreams up the “Test Drive a Macintosh” marketing campaign to encourage people to give the revolutionary new computer a chance.

The promotional strategy advises people to drop into their local retailer and “borrow” a Macintosh for 24 hours. The idea is that, by the time potential customers need to return the Mac, they will have built up a bond with it — and realized they can’t live without one of Apple’s computers.

While 200,000 would-be customers take advantage of the offer, Apple dealers absolutely hate it.

Goodbye, 1984: Apple’s ‘Test Drive a Macintosh’ promo

Sculley dreamed up the Test Drive a Macintosh campaign to help skeptical users wrap their heads around Apple’s revolutionary new machine, which launched at the beginning of the year. Many of them had never seen a graphical user interface, used a mouse or worked with non-IBM computers.

Several memorable TV commercials accompanied the Test Drive a Macintosh campaign. One showed what appeared to be the outline of a high-end sports car obscured by a dust cover.

“It’s powerful,” purred the narrator with fetishistic admiration, as the camera took in all the curves and smooth edges hidden underneath the sheet. “It’s responsive. It handles beautifully. And it’ll blow the doors off anything else in its class.”

At that point, the cover gets whisked away — and the big reveal is that the narrator isn’t talking about a sleek Ferrari or Mercedes. Instead, we see a mouse connected to a Mac.

The campaign was pure Sculley: more optimistic and less bleak than Apple’s memorable “1984 dystopian future” Mac ad. Instead, it featured a fun, high-concept hook.

Apple pitches the computer as status symbol

At his previous job as president of PepsiCo, Sculley concocted the legendary Pepsi Challenge campaign, which asked customers to take part in a fun experiment — a blind taste test of Pepsi versus Coca-Cola. The Test Drive a Macintosh stunt offered more of the same, giving potential buyers a chance to put the computer through its paces just like when test-driving a car.

“Automobiles were bought for emotional reasons as much as any practical reason,” Sculley told me when I was writing my book The Apple Revolution. Apple wanted to tap into this “emotional reason.”

After all, cars were Americana. They were status symbols. They made your life easier and more comfortable.

“The idea of test-driving a car itself is not a controversial idea,” former Apple marketing manager Mike Murray told me. “It’s very acceptable behavior, whether you might buy the car or not. A person can go into a dealership, whether it’s for a Ferrari or a Ford, and say they’d like to test-drive a particular car. The salesperson would say, ‘Sure, let’s go,’ and you’d hop into the car and go for a ride.

“If we hadn’t used that phrase and instead had created a campaign called ‘Take a Mac Home for a Night,’ no one would have done it,” Murray continued. “It wouldn’t have made any sense at all for somebody to go into a computer store and say, ‘I want to take that computer home for a night.’ There would be no emotional memories or persuasion or feelings. We had to draw on past cognitive experiences, and the test drive of a car was the obvious metaphor.”

Test Drive a Macintosh campaign launches with $2.5 million ad blitz

To launch the campaign, Apple shelled out upward of $2.5 million for all 40 pages of advertising in the November 1984 election edition of Newsweek magazine. The final page was a fold-out ad announcing the offer.

“It’s unclear whether Apple has an advertising insert in Newsweek or whether Newsweek has an insert in an Apple brochure,” Sculley quipped in a November 8 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mixed reviews for Sculley’s Test Drive a Macintosh stunt

In the end, the campaign met with mixed reviews. Around 200,000 customers took advantage of the computer test-drive offer. I’ve spoken with Apple fans who got their first taste of the Mac by plunking down a credit card and taking one home for 24 hours — only to fall in love and never buy a computer made by another company again.

On the other end of the spectrum, computer dealers hated the campaign. Macs were already in short supply. And loaning them out meant lots of paperwork for no guaranteed sale. It also ensured that Macs might not actually be available in stores when real customers came along to buy one.

In addition, many testers returned the Macs in slightly worse condition than when loaned. The damage, while typically not bad enough to charge the shopper, still could be noticeable.

Apple never again ran a test-drive campaign. Still, it’s hard to write off this strategy as a total failure — even if it didn’t spur a Mac sales bump.

Do you remember the Test Drive a Macintosh campaign? When did you first try a Mac? Leave your comments below.

Your iPhone can record 3D spatial video and photos, effectively future-proofing the images you capture. And the results are stunning.

The stereoscopic 3D video and photos captured with the iPhone can be viewed on an Apple Vision Pro headset as an immersive way to relive memories.

Here’s how it works.

How to record 3D spatial video on iPhone

Watching spatial video on an Apple Vision Pro is one of the headset’s most magical experiences. 

Those who have watched personal videos they’ve recorded using the headset offer glowing reviews of spatial video. It “almost brought me to tears,” wrote Raymond Wong at Inverse, adding that “to see them replayed with a sense of presence really tugged at my heartstrings.”

But you don’t need a pricey Vision Pro to record spatial videos and photos. You just need an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16 or later (although it doesn’t work on iPhone 16e). The regular and ultrawide cameras on these models are positioned side by side, which is necessary for capturing two camera angles of the same scene — so-called “stereoscopic” video. Other iPhones have these cameras arranged diagonally, which wouldn’t work as well.

Table of contents: How to record 3D spatial video on iPhone

1. Open the Camera app and select Spatial Mode
2. Switch between Spatial Photos and Spatial Videos
3. Hold the phone horizontally
4. Record 3D video
5. Beware: Spatial video can eat up storage
6. Rewatch spatial video on all your devices

1. Open the Camera app and select Spatial Mode

To get started capturing spatial video on your iPhone, open the Camera app. (This only works with Apple’s Camera app, not with Snapchat, TikTok or any others.) Swipe left on the Video/Photo picker to select Spatial mode.

2. Switch between Spatial Photos and Spatial Videos

In Spatial Mode, you can take 3D pictures or record 3D videos. Tap the Spatial Mode Toggle (with the icon of a photo or video camera) in the corner to switch between photo and video.

In Photo mode, the capture button will be white. In Video mode, the capture button will be red. 

3. Hold your iPhone horizontally

If you aren’t already, you’ll be prompted to hold your phone horizontally. Again, with how the two cameras are arranged, the left-right orientation mimics how humans see 3D images.

You also need to be in a very bright room. Otherwise, you’ll see a warning message, “More light recommended.”

4. Record 3D Video

Ready to start capturing a spatial video on your iPhone? Just hit the red Record button to start recording. Press it again to stop recording when you’re done, just as you would with any other video. Apple offers a few tips for making the best spatial videos:

• Hold the camera steady and level.
• Keep the subjects and the focus around 3 to 8 feet from the camera for the best depth effect.
• Make sure the room has even, bright lighting. Your phone will have a hard time processing the effect in low light or scenes with a lot of harsh shadows.

These are good tips for any kind of filming, too. 

5. Note: 3D spatial video can eat up storage

Spatial video is captured at 1080p at 30fps, and one minute of 3D video will chew up about 130MB of storage. This is twice the amount of storage space as a regular video, which is understandable since it’s recording two videos in one. However, a minute of 1080p spatial video is still less than a minute of 4K video, and much less than 4K video at 60fps.

Nonetheless, if you plan to record a lot of spatial video, you’re likely going to want to hook your iPhone up to an external USB drive. Newer iPhones make it easy with their USB-C ports.

However, make sure whatever drive or SSD you use is fast enough. Luckily, there’s a free iPhone app from OWC that tests external drives or SSDs to see if they are fast enough for video recording.

In addition, spatial video will sync to all your devices if you have iCloud Photos turned on, so keep an eye on your iCloud storage.

6. Rewatch on all your devices

At $3,499, the Vision Pro headset is rather expensive, but you can still watch spatial videos as ordinary, 2D videos on all your devices. You can watch them on an iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple TV. And you can share them with an Android phone or Windows computer. Finally, you can edit them in iMovie, Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere — just like any other video.

In the future, when you play back your spatial videos or look at your spatial photos on a Vision Pro headset (or maybe even a Meta Quest), you’ll be able to relive those moments in full 3D.

So record in 3D now, and your precious memories might one day bring a tear to your eye.

More camera and photo tips

• Photographic Styles built into your iPhone’s camera can give your pictures a radically different aesthetic.
• The new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 lineup opens the Camera app, takes pictures and adjusts camera settings on the fly. It offers a quick shortcut to using one of the most popular and important iPhone features.
• Take 48-megapixel photos that capture eagle-eye details at incredibly high resolution, shooting in Apple’s ProRAW format, on an iPhone 14 Pro and later Pro models.
• Three tips to take better pictures and upgrade your photography skills.
• Photograph fireworks with these special tips and achieve great results. Just pointing and shooting with no prior planning can lead to blurry, unexciting fireworks photos.

We originally published this post on how to record 3D Spatial Video on iPhone on December 22, 2023. We updated the information on November 7, 2025.

Apple’s 2026 iPhone 18 lineup appears set to receive a significant camera upgrade, with all models including the first foldable iPhone expected to feature 24-megapixel front-facing cameras, according to a new report. The rumor of a better selfie camera came up with the iPhone 17 lineup, too, but didn’t materialize.

iPhone 18 lineup 24MP selfie camera: A gradual progression in selfie camera quality

The rumored 24MP upgrade would represent a notable step forward from the 18MP front cameras introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup. Interestingly, multiple sources previously predicted that iPhone 17 models would feature 24MP selfie cameras, but that upgrade never materialized. Now a JPMorgan equity report says the same for the next iPhone series, according to a detailed specs list covering several iPhone series that analyst Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) posted on X.com.

The increase to 24MP would affect the entire flagship range, including the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Users could expect sharper selfies, more detailed images and improved portrait mode accuracy across these devices.

Apple’s iPhone 17 models currently feature a Center Stage front camera, which includes the first square camera sensor ever used in an iPhone. This square sensor design provides a wider field of view and captures more detail, allowing users to take portrait or landscape selfies while holding their phone vertically.

JP Morgan believes the iPhone Air 2 is very much planned

JP Morgan and most bank analysts are VERY good at getting information like this from supply chain https://t.co/JoZfrhG1tr pic.twitter.com/5YHLHQL5jF

— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) November 5, 2025

Foldable iPhone gets special treatment

Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will reportedly feature an industry-first 24MP under-screen camera integrated into the device’s inner display, representing a significant technological advancement.

But not all iPhone models will receive the camera upgrade, however. Both the second-generation iPhone 17e and third-generation iPhone 18e will reportedly continue using 12MP front-facing cameras, maintaining the resolution found on older iPhone models.

Staggered release schedule planned

Starting in 2026, Apple reportedly plans to split its iPhone lineup between fall and spring launches. The second-generation iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone will launch in the second half of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e won’t arrive until spring 2027.

You’re happily listening to music on your AirPods when the audio suddenly gets yanked away by a Bluetooth speaker. Don’t get frustrated. Make a quick tweak to the settings on your iPhone running iOS 26.1, and it’ll never happen again.

Here’s what to do.

Great new feature in iOS 26.1 helps your AirPods and Bluetooth speaker get along

It’s irritating if the song or podcast you’re listening to on your AirPods abruptly stops playing in them and instead starts blasting out of a wireless speaker. But there’s a good reason: Apple set up rules for your iPhone’s audio handling.

iPhones follow a “most recently active” audio-route logic. When a new Bluetooth audio device powers on or signals that it’s available, iOS treats it as the freshest output option. The iPhone thinks “the user probably wants to use this,” and starts sending audio to it, even if you’re actively using your AirPods.

In many situations, this makes sense. But not always. Sometimes other people turn on a Bluetooth speaker nearby so they can use it, and — surprise! — your iPhone switches to it.

Or perhaps you just got in a car. Most modern car systems are set to automatically connect and take over audio when the driver turns on the ignition. The car just assumes that’s what everyone wants. But that might not be the case if you’re the passenger.

How to access the new ‘Keep Audio with Headphones’ setting in iOS 26.1

Apple understands your frustration, and iOS 26.1 brings a fix. Toggle a single switch, and your iPhone will keep streaming to your AirPods, no matter what Bluetooth speakers come along.

To get started, open the Settings app on the iPhone. Tap General, then scroll down to AirPlay & Continuity. Tap on it.

You will find a new option there: Keep Audio with Headphones. It’s off by default. Toggle it on.

As Apple says in Settings, flip this switch because you want this behavior: “When using AirPods or other wireless headphones, keep audio with headphones when other devices like speakers or cars connect to iPhone.”

And there, you’re finished. Or maybe you now want to make the same change on your iPad. Whichever, happy listening.

Anyone can build and code their own smartwatch with Clockstar 2.0. This hands-on STEM kit combines learning, creativity and wearable tech for anyone who loves to tinker.

If you’re always on the lookout for a tech gift that’s actually original — and not just another pair of earbuds — this one’s for you. The Clockstar 2.0 DIY Smartwatch Kit isn’t just a gadget; it’s an experience. On sale for just $84.99 (MSRP $99), it invites the lucky person unwrapping it to build, code and wear a smartwatch that actually works.

Assemble your own smartwatch with the Clockstar 2.0 DIY Smartwatch Kit

Created by CircuitMess, the folks who make all kinds of clever DIY tech kits, Clockstar 2.0 turns hands-on learning into something you can literally strap to your wrist.

The kit includes all the essentials of modern wearable tech like the Apple Watch — gyroscope, accelerometer, Bluetooth module and a full-color display. It also comes with step-by-step instructions that make the process approachable, even for beginners.

The result? A fully functional smartwatch complete with a clock, alarm, stopwatch and even the ability to code your own games or custom watch faces.

Learn about electronics and coding with this goal-oriented project

The DIY smartwatch is powered by CircuitBlocks, a visual, block-based programming environment designed to make coding intuitive and fun. Think of it as the bridge between playful experimentation and genuine STEM education.

Assembling Clockstar 2.0 will impart real electronics and programming skills, without the need for an engineering degree or endless YouTube tutorials.

What makes Clockstar 2.0 especially appealing is that it feels right at home in a world of smart accessories. The project doesn’t just teach you how to code. It shows you how the devices you already rely on are built and programmed. And because it’s compatible with both iOS and Android, you can sync, play and show off your creation no matter what ecosystem you’re in.

Save on the Clockstar 2.0 DIY Smartwatch Kit

Whether it’s for a tech-loving teen, an engineer in training, or an adult who loves a good project, this kit delivers creativity and curiosity in equal measure. It’s fun, it’s educational, and it’s something you’ll actually use when you’re done.

Get the Clockstar 2.0 DIY Smartwatch Kit for $84.99 (MSRP $99).

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.

November 7, 1997: Apple releases the Newton MessagePad 2100, the last and best iteration of the company’s early line of handheld devices.

Among its improvements over previous generations, the MessagePad 2100 packs expanded memory, enhanced speed and upgraded communications software. Nevertheless, the Newton’s fate is sealed. Apple CEO Steve Jobs, freshly returned to the company, will scrap the product line within months.

MessagePad 2100 and the sad death of the Newton

As I wrote when marking the 1993 launch of the original MessagePad, I think the Newton product line remains the most underrated in Apple’s history. The company’s first attempt at a true standalone mobile device (unlike, say, the Macintosh Portable or the PowerBook, which were shrunk-down Macs), the MessagePad gave users a PDA complete with stylus and advanced handwriting recognition.

Unfortunately, it suffered from bad early word of mouth. The device came at a time when Apple found itself mired in the financial doldrums. Plus, the MessagePad lacked the necessary applications to make it a “must have” gadget. Most crucially, this mobile device simply arrived too early. The MessagePad would have benefited enormously from internet connectivity.

MessagePad 2100 specs

With that said, the MessagePad 2100 stands out as the best MessagePad ever released. It boasted a 162-MHz StrongArm 110 processor, 8MB of mask ROM and 8MB of RAM (4MB of DRAM and 4MB of flash RAM).

While primitive by today’s standards, its 16-level grayscale, backlit LCD display — offering a 480-by-320 resolution with 100 dpi — was very good for its time.

The Newton’s use of artificial intelligence also greatly improved by the time the MessagePad 2100 came around. It did things like show contextual awareness of what a person was writing. The device’s oft-criticized handwriting-recognition feature also worked better than ever by this point.

Newton Inc.’s only product

As one last note of trivia, the MessagePad 2100 became the only Newton released by Newton Inc., an Apple spinoff company. (Jobs quickly jettisoned it after he returned, too.)

Did you own a Newton MessagePad 2100? Leave your comments below.

Apple updated its device trade-in values Thursday, marking a significant shift in what consumers can expect when exchanging older devices for credit toward new purchases. The changes affect iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches, with the majority of products seeing reduced valuations compared to previous rates.

Check out the new rates below. Luckily, many of the decreases are minimal. 

Apple decreases trade-in values across its product lines

Apple briefly boosted trade-in values a few months ago, but now they’re declining. Reductions in trade-in values tend to reflect the natural depreciation of electronic devices and changing market conditions for used Apple products.

The latest adjustments come as Apple continues to refine its trade-in program. The company allows customers to exchange eligible devices either through the Apple website or at physical Apple Store locations. The credit received can be applied toward new Apple product purchases or placed on an Apple gift card for future use.

Alternatively, you could turn to the Cult of Mac Buyback Program to trade-in your old gear for cash. 

iPhone values drop significantly for older models

The iPhone category experienced the most substantial changes, with some models seeing reductions of up to $160 in maximum trade-in value. The iPhone 15 Pro Max saw its trade-in value drop from $630 to $470, while the iPhone 15 Pro decreased from $500 to $400. Current-generation devices were not spared either, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max declining from $700 to $670.

iPad values show mixed results

The iPad category presented a mixed picture, with the iPad Air being one of the few products to gain value, increasing from $400 to $415. However, other iPad models saw decreases, with the standard iPad dropping from $190 to $175 and the iPad mini falling from $275 to $255. The iPad Pro maintained its $695 maximum value.

 

Mac trade-in values decline, 12-inch MacBook discontinued

The Mac lineup saw modest decreases across most models, with Apple discontinuing trade-ins for the 12-inch MacBook entirely. The Mac Studio experienced the largest reduction, dropping from $1,140 to $1,030, while the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air saw smaller $10 decreases each.

One notable anomaly in the data is the Mac Pro, which shows a dramatic increase from $550 to $2,520. Industry observers suggest this may be an error on Apple’s part that could be corrected soon.

*Mac Pro value increase might be an error

Apple Watch adjustments remain minimal

Apple Watch trade-in values saw the smallest changes overall, with most models decreasing by just $5 to $15. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 maintained its $335 value, while the Apple Watch Series 10 dropped from $175 to $160.

 

What the changes mean for consumers

Customers considering trading in their Apple devices should act sooner rather than later, as values tend to decrease over time, particularly as newer models are released.

Apple continues to accept trade-ins through its website and retail stores, with the credit applicable toward any new Apple product purchase. The company also updated its trade-in values for select Android smartphones, though specific details on those adjustments were not immediately available.

For consumers looking to maximize the value of their old devices, comparing Apple’s trade-in program with third-party resellers and marketplace platforms could yield better returns. That’s particularly likely for higher-end devices that have retained their value well.

After spending quality time with the Treblab HD-360 Pro, I’ve come to appreciate what this Bluetooth speaker represents: excellent audio that’s good enough for home use but just happens to be wireless for portability — unlike Apple’s excellent-but-limited HomePod 2.

In a market saturated with speakers that promise much but deliver mediocrity, HD-360 Pro stands out by focusing on what matters most — genuine audio quality backed by serious hardware. And at roughly half the price of great home speakers like HomePod 2 but with the option of portability, it’s worth considering, depending on what you want in a speaker. 

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Treblab HD-360 Pro speaker review

Powerful sound on the go

Treblab HD-360 Pro wireless speaker

$128.18

For home or outdoor use, Treblab's high-tech Bluetooth speaker features 360 surround sound and a 90-watt, five-driver system with subwoofer and eight bass radiators. Pair it with a second one for true stereo sound.

Pros:

• 360-degree sound with big bass
• 22-hour battery-powered portability
• Universal Bluetooth compatibility
• IPX4 water resistance
• USB-C charging

Cons:

• Heavy, with no carrying handle
• Touch controls can be unresponsive
• No smart assistant or app control
• Glass top panel vulnerable to damage

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Treblab

05/28/2026 02:14 am GMT

This is a hands-on review of Treblab HD-360 Pro wireless portable speaker, not strictly a comparison of it to the excellent HomePod 2 wired smart speaker. That would be a bit too much of an apples-and-oranges thing. But some comparisons are hard to resist because they’re similar in several ways. So while it might seem odd to compare the portable Treblab to the decidedly not portable HomePod, it’s not crazy.

To name a few examples of similarities, the speakers take almost the same size and shape, offer high-quality Spatial Audio, and can be paired with another speaker for true stereo sound. So they’re both good for home use. But Treblab’s speaker features the option of portability and outdoor use. After that, most of the differences focus on compatibility that is narrow (HomePod) versus broad (Treblab), price that is low (Treblab) versus high (HomePod) and a few feature differences. Take your pick of what matters to you.

Table of contents: Treblab HD-360 Pro speaker review

• Design and build quality
• The portability advantage
• Audio performance
• Sound quality compared to premium home speakers
• Connectivity and features
• Ecosystem lock-in dilemma
• Practical use cases
• Value proposition
• Limitations
• Final verdict

Design and build quality

HD-360 Pro has a wide cylindrical shape, with the lower two-thirds comprising a metal shell with four vertically oblong cut-outs that showcase the bass radiators. Featuring a premium aluminum body, this speaker immediately communicates durability and thoughtful construction.

The upper third of the speaker is wrapped in a mesh fabric and complemented with a touch display at the top. While the glass control panel is aesthetically pleasing with subtle Treblab branding, I found the touch-based controls can be annoying to use, sometimes requiring multiple taps to respond from sleep mode.

At 5.72 pounds, HD-360 Pro has substantial heft. The lack of a handle ensures a cleaner aesthetic but makes the speaker particularly challenging to carry with one hand. I found myself gripping it by the radiator cutouts when moving it around, which works but isn’t ideal. The speaker’s dimensions are H 5.79 x W 5.79 x D 7.68 inches, making it compact enough for most spaces without sacrificing audio performance.

The portability advantage

Here’s where HD-360 Pro fundamentally differs from HomePod 2 and other premium home speakers, and it’s a distinction worth emphasizing: genuine portability.

HomePod and HomePod mini lack built-in batteries and need a constant power supply plugged into an outlet to work. While you can purchase third-party battery bases for the HomePod mini, these are aftermarket solutions that add bulk and expense.

In contrast, HD-360 Pro features a built-in 12000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing up to 22 hours of continuous play. During my testing, I consistently achieved over 16 hours of playback at moderate volumes — more than enough for a full day outdoors, a backyard party or a weekend camping trip.

The portability advantage is transformative. I’ve taken HD-360 Pro to my balcony for morning coffee and could bring it to my condo complex’s pool, if it didn’t just close for the season (and if I were that guy, forcing others to listen to his music). The speaker goes anywhere with needing outlets or extension cords. The IPX4 waterproof durability allows the speaker to withstand splashes and light rain, making it suitable for outdoor use that would be impossible with a HomePod.

HD-360 Pro also supports continuous playback while charging for uninterrupted sound wherever you go, offering flexibility home speakers can’t match. But all of that said, HD-360 Pro isn’t the most portable speaker, by any means. At its size, shape and weight, it really needs a handle. 

Audio performance

HD-360 Pro’s specifications read impressively on paper: 90W peak audio with 5 drivers and 8 bass radiators for 360-degree surround sound. But specs mean nothing without execution, and this is where Treblab delivers.

The 360-degree orientation of the drivers along with the radiators leads to a booming sound that belies its size. The soundstage is genuinely immersive, filling rooms evenly without the directional sweet spots that plague conventional speakers. Whether you’re sitting directly in front or off to the side, the audio quality remains consistent.

The sound is clean and balanced — at least when the Balanced and 3D modes are on. I found myself gravitating toward the 3D mode most often. When the 3D mode is turned on, the expanded soundstage effect is subtle, but when turned off, the audio feels a little claustrophobic.

It is a bit bass-heavy, but not so much that it bleeds into the rest of the frequencies. The bass radiators deliver impressive low-end punch without overwhelming the mids and highs. I appreciated the depth without muddiness in bass-heavy tunes. The bass mode exists for those who want extra emphasis, though I found it unnecessary for most genres.

Sound quality compared to premium home speakers

HomePod 2 is undeniably an excellent speaker. And it sounds better than ever with a high-excursion woofer at the top and five tweeters at the bottom. Reviews consistently praise its amazing bass response and phenomenally good sound when paired with Apple Music.

However, HomePod 2 isn’t always stellar. It can sound bass-heavy at times, with piano on the thin side, somewhat nasally vocals and poorly defined or unfocused strings — all possible consequences of a 360-degree sound dispersion design.

HD-360 Pro handles mid-range frequencies and vocals with excellent clarity. While HomePod 2 excels in computational audio and room adaptation technology, HD-360 Pro’s straightforward driver configuration produces a more consistent, predictable sound profile that many listeners may prefer.

Both speakers support stereo pairing. HD-360 Pro allows pairing two speakers for stereo sound with intuitive touch controls. And with a pair of HomePods, you can enjoy true stereo sound providing clear and detailed audio separation.

However, purchasing two HomePods costs up to about $600, while two HD-360 Pros run around $300 — a significant savings.

Connectivity and features

HD-360 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0 and delivers on the promise of fast pairing and dependable connection. Within its 33-foot range, the connection holds steady through walls, across rooms, and even outdoors where interference can easily become an issue. I experienced no noticeable lag during video playback, which is crucial for streaming content.

NFC pairing is included, making initial setup even quicker by placing your NFC-enabled phone on top of the speaker for a few seconds.

HD-360 Pro charges via USB-C with fast recharge capabilities within 2 hours. Having USB-C is a major convenience in 2025, allowing me to use the same cable that charges my phone and laptop.

Ecosystem lock-in dilemma

Here’s where the portability advantage extends beyond just having a battery: universal compatibility. HomePod 2 is heavily geared towards music in the Apple ecosystem. It connects via Wi-Fi and Apple’s AirPlay 2, with no Bluetooth, aux-in or other way to get audio into it. Android devices are left in the cold with the HomePod.

HD-360 Pro works with any Bluetooth-enabled device — iPhones, Android phones, tablets, Windows laptops and more. This flexibility makes it genuinely portable not just physically, but across your entire device ecosystem. There’s no vendor lock-in, no requirement for specific apps and no ecosystem prerequisites.

Practical use cases

• For outdoor enthusiasts: HD-360 Pro’s 22-hour battery life and IPX4 waterproof rating make it ideal for camping trips, beach days or backyard barbecues. HomePod simply cannot accompany you on these adventures.
• For multi-room audio at home: While both speakers support multi-room functionality, HD-360 better suits home and garden use than outdoor adventures away from home due to its weight. However, its portability means you can easily relocate it as needed without rewiring or finding new outlets.
• For home theater: HomePod 2 works really well with Apple TV 4K and supports Dolby Atmos, offering an impressively detailed, room-filling immersive sound system. HD-360 Pro cannot match this tight Apple ecosystem integration, though it works fine as a standard Bluetooth speaker for TV audio.
• For mixed-device households: If your household uses both Android and iOS devices, or if guests frequently connect their devices to your speaker, HD-360 Pro’s universal Bluetooth compatibility is invaluable.

Value proposition

At approximately $149.99 (though often discounted to $127 or so), HD-360 Pro costs roughly half the $299 list price of HomePod 2.

For that roughly $150 price difference, you’re sacrificing Siri integration, Apple ecosystem features and computational room adaptation. What you gain is genuine portability with 22-hour battery life, universal device compatibility, IPX4 water resistance and sound quality that’s comparable, and even superior in some frequencies, to some ears.

HD-360 Pro delivers serious performance for listeners who demand more than just loud sound. If you prioritize pure audio quality and flexibility over smart home integration, the value proposition is compelling.

Limitations

• Touch controls: The touch panel sometimes requires multiple taps before responding from a sleep state, which can be frustrating.
• Weight without handle: At 5.72 pounds without a built-in handle, the speaker is challenging to carry with one hand. That makes it less portable than lighter Bluetooth speakers.
• No smart assistant: Unlike HomePod’s Siri integration, HD-360 Pro offers basic speakerphone functionality but no voice assistant. It’s not a smart speaker replacement.
• Limited water resistance: IPX4 allows use around water but doesn’t have protection against submergence. Don’t drop this in the pool.

Treblab HD-360 Pro speaker review: Final verdict

HD-360 Pro is not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a speaker built for people who actually care about sound and want depth, not just volume.

If you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, use Apple Music exclusively, and want smart home integration with Siri, HomePod 2 remains the better choice — assuming you don’t need to use your speaker anywhere beyond arm’s reach of an outlet.

However, if you value true portability, universal compatibility and excellent sound quality at half the price, Treblab HD-360 Pro is a winner.

HD-360 Pro succeeds by refusing to compromise on what matters most: delivering outstanding audio in a genuinely portable package that works with any device you own. That’s not just a feature advantage over speakers like HomePod 2. It’s a fundamentally different philosophy of what a wireless speaker should be.

Powerful sound on the go

Treblab HD-360 Pro wireless speaker

$128.18

For home or outdoor use, Treblab's high-tech Bluetooth speaker features 360 surround sound and a 90-watt, five-driver system with subwoofer and eight bass radiators. Pair it with a second one for true stereo sound.

Pros:

• 360-degree sound with big bass
• 22-hour battery-powered portability
• Universal Bluetooth compatibility
• IPX4 water resistance
• USB-C charging

Cons:

• Heavy, with no carrying handle
• Touch controls can be unresponsive
• No smart assistant or app control
• Glass top panel vulnerable to damage

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Treblab

05/28/2026 02:14 am GMT

Best smart speaker for Apple fans

HomePod (2nd generation)

$279 $299

The powerhouse smart speaker features Apple‑engineered audio technology and advanced software to project high‑fidelity sound throughout the room. It adapts to what it's playing, and where it's placed, to surround you with immersive audio.

Pros:

• Excellent audio, especially in stereo pairs
• Great with Apple ecosystem

Cons:

• More expensive than the competition

Buy from B&H

Buy from Best Buy

★★★★☆

Treblab provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items. 

The HomePod operating system occasionally needs updating, because the device is a lot more than a simple speaker — it’s a computer. Here’s how to make sure your Apple smart speaker has the software version released Monday. The new HomePod Software version 26.1 is a simple bug-fix update, but it’s still worth installing. Who wants bugs? 

If you depend on automatic updates, it’s possible your smart speaker hasn’t yet installed the update. Here’s how to do so manually.

HomePod software updates: A bit of background

Apple offers macOS, iOS and several other platforms. You might think the operating system for HomePod would have a similar name. Internally, Apple employees call it audioOS, but the company never uses that name publicly. For everyone else, it’s simply “HomePod Software.”

It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specially modified for the smart speaker. This makes sense — both focus on multimedia playback, support Siri, and don’t need to worry about cellular-wireless connections.

New HomePod Software versions come out when Apple updates the Apple TV software. And the version numbers are generally in lockstep. With tvOS 26.1 out now, it’s also time for a HomePod update.

What is new in HomePod Software 26.1

To be current, your Apple smart speaker should be on HomePod Software Version 26.1. This is true whether you own an original HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The previous version, 26.0.1, came out in September.

Apple’s release notes describe the changes, such as they are:

“This update includes performance and stability improvements.”

How to update your HomePod’s software

You have the option to wait for the HomePod to automatically update itself. However, Apple delays a surprisingly long time to start pushing new versions out to users. You can be sure your device has the latest version in just a few steps.

1. Open the Home application on your iPhone
2. Tap on the button for the Home tab in the lower left corner of the screen.
3. Tap the menu button in the upper right corner of the screen, then select Home Settings from the resulting pop-up window.
4. Scroll down to Software Update and tap on it.

To see if your device automatically updated, tap on Updated Recently and you’ll see a description of the last version released.

But if you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Update Available message instead. There’ll be an Update All button next to this. Press it to see what the new version is and start the installation process.

If you know there’s a new version out but the Home app doesn’t show it, you need to reboot your HomePod. Do this the old-fashioned way: unplug it then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for the reboot, then look again for the update.

You can set it to happen automatically

By default, your smart speaker is set to automatically install the latest HomePod Software. If you don’t want to tinker with updating your HomePod’s software, you never need to think about it again.

Just be aware that automatic updates don’t start immediately. Based on personal experience, it can take a a week or more after the software release before your device gets the update. If you’re someone who likes to be sure you’re running the latest software on all your devices, you can always go in and request an immediate update by following the steps above. The best time to check is right after every tvOS update gets released.

How to turn off automatic updates

Or there’s the exact opposite scenario. If you are happy with your HomePod now and don’t want to take the chance that a bad software update will muck it up, you can turn off automatic updates. It’s easy.

1. Open the Home application on your iPhone
2. Tap on the button for the Home tab in the lower left corner of the screen.
3. Tap the menu button in the upper right corner of the screen, then select Home Settings from the resulting pop-up window.
4. Scroll down to Software Update and tap on it
5. In the Automatic Updates section of the screen, toggle off the switch next to HomePod.

You might also consider doing this for other accessories updated from the Home app.

Just don’t forget you did this. By toggling off automatic updates, you’ll never receive another one until you manually request it. You might shut yourself off from useful features coming in the future.

We originally published this article in February 2022. We update it periodically with new information about the latest HomePod software updates.

How would it feel to be the last unhappy person on Earth, and the world’s resources are trained on making you happy? You can get progressively bigger tastes of such a world through trailers, below — or you can start tuning in Friday when Apple TV streams Pluribus, from Breaking Bad and X-Files creator Vince Gilligan,

As I said when the official trailer dropped, for my money, the rampant happiness the world’s population apparently feels — aside from the story’s main character — is actually some sort of contagion with dire consequences. And she has immunity. 

Reviews so far are positive. The Guardian calls the “audacity” of the “intrepid” and “blackly comic” show “incredible,” while also revealing a cause of the worldwide happiness that jibes with my theory above. Variety says Rhea Seehorn is “magnificent” on the show. The BBC describes it as “George Orwell meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” And lots of reviews invoke Gilligan’s X-Files while some prefer references to The Twilight Zone. 

New full trailer for Pluribus season 1 brings you deeper into its weird world

October 22, 2025: Watch the first full trailer for Pluribus below and enjoy a few laughs amid the overall creepy feeling. The last line made me LOL. 

Pluribus season 1: Unsettling new teaser trailer is LOL funny

October 10, 2025: I consider it a very good sign when a one-minute trailer for a new show makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, even as I laugh out loud. And that’s exactly what I got from Apple TV+’s new teaser trailer for Pluribus, the upcoming sci-fi show from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan.

Just get a load of this tagline for what looks like both a comedy and a drama: “The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.”

The first teaser trailer for Pluribus amounted to little more than a visual joke. You can watch it below. The second one, however, brings us into the story a little more, giving a strong sense that we’re in for something weird — and possibly wonderfully weird.

In it, the main character Carol (played by Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn) takes a call from the White House. She is extremely uncomfortable. It seems the president (or whoever that breezy, blow-dried guy is) leads a burgeoning national effort to cure the unhappiness she alone suffers from. As she says when the president asks if she has any questions, “I guess to start with, what … the … f –”

Catch an odd glimpse of Breaking Bad creator’s new sci-fi, Pluribus

July 26, 2025: It’s hard to tell from the weird little teaser trailer Apple TV+ dropped Friday, but subscribers may get their next must-watch series when Pluribus — the highly anticipated sci-fi drama from Breaking Bad creator Gilligan — debuts on the streaming platform November 7.

The nine-episode series stars Emmy-nominated actress Rhea Seehorn, best known for her critically acclaimed role as Kim Wexler in Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul.

Pluribus presents an intriguing high-concept storyline where “the most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness,” according to Apple TV+. This genre-bending, sci-fi-meets-drama approach represents another creative departure for Gilligan. He consistently pushed boundaries throughout his career, from The X-Files to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

The series has already been renewed for a second season before its premiere, demonstrating Apple TV+’s confidence in the project. This early renewal follows Apple’s strategy of backing prestige content from proven creators, similar to their approach with other original series.

Brief but intriguing look

And all this despite a teaser trailer about 20 seconds in length that tells us almost nothing about the show. In it we see a bored-looking woman in an empty, dark workplace licking the bottom of each donut before putting them back in a box. The camera pans from her down to a hand-written sign that says “Help yourself!” with a smiley face. And that’s it, aside from the somewhat ominous music.

The accompanying dark and red-hued photograph is a bit more helpful. It shows a fraught-looking Seehorn on the phone.

And make what you will of the show title, as well. “Pluribus” is Latin for “many” or “more.” It’s well-known in the U.S. motto “E pluribus unum” (“out of many, one”) that appears on the country’s seal and coins.

Star-studded cast and creative team

Seehorn leads the show’s cast alongside Karolina Wydra (Sneaky Pete) and Carlos Manuel Vesga (The Hijacking of Flight 601). Guest stars include Miriam Shor (American Fiction) and Samba Schutte (Our Flag Means Death), adding depth to the supporting roster.

Behind the camera, Emmy winner Gilligan serves as executive producer alongside WGA Award winner Gordon Smith, with additional executive producers Alison Tatlock, Diane Mercer, Allyce Ozarski and Jeff Frost. Sony Pictures Television produces the series.

Watch the teaser trailer for Pluribus

Watch sci-fi on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ will release the first two episodes of Pluribus on Friday, November 7, 2025, followed by new episodes every Friday through December 26. In the meantime, the streamer offers plenty of other sci-fi to watch. Get Apple TV+ by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.

After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 580 wins and 2,787 award nominations and counting,” the service said.

More than 200 exclusive movies and TV shows call Apple TV+ home (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso). The service also offers documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.

This post published on July 26, 2025, and republished with updates on October 10, October 22 and November 7, 2025. 

Apple used a giant glass Apple TV logo, colorfully lit and filmed in a studio, to create the new visual branding that will run before the streaming service’s shows.

The translucent logo seems to flip like the pages of a book, with colors changing all the while, in the mesmerizing video snippets.

“Many might assume the visual effects were made digitally, but in fact, it was all done practically using glass and captured in-camera,” Ad Age reported Wednesday.

A short behind-the-scenes video shows the extraordinary lengths the streamer and its storied ad agency went to create the striking visuals.

A new Apple TV logo and branding do away with the ‘+’

At a time when filmmakers often favor CGI to old-school practical effects, and AI can generate elaborate images and videos based on a few words, Apple’s decision to produce the new Apple TV branding using practical effects is earning the company plaudits from creative types.

“Apple recorded the new Apple TV logo with real glass materials,” wrote designer-turned-developer Michal Malewicz on X Thursday. “No CGI. No AI. This is how it should be done.”

A behind-the-scenes video offers a glimpse of how the advertising artists created the mesmerizing effect:

Made by hand. pic.twitter.com/3coAaxbfaJ

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) November 7, 2025

Apple worked with longtime partner TBWA\Media Arts Lab on the Apple TV rebranding. The advertising agency’s previous work with Apple includes some of the most iconic tech marketing of all time, from the 1984 Mac ad to the “Think different” campaign.

For this project, the team created three versions of the new Apple TV logo — a five-second one for Apple TV shows, a one-second “sting” for trailers, and a 12-second clip that will play before Apple Original movies, according to Ad Age.

Apple TV has a new audio logo, too

The new visual branding is the latest in a string of revelations as Apple TV overhauls its marketing materials after simplifying its name.

The rebranding of subscription service Apple TV+ to just plain “Apple TV” began quietly last month. A press release announcing the streaming debut of F1: The Movie mentioned the name change and a switch to a “vibrant new identity.”

Then a cryptic post from Apple TV on X arrived Monday, revealing new audio branding and saying, “This is just the beginning.”

That post identified Finneas as the musician behind the new audio logos. Finneas called the audio snippets “mnemonics” — he produced three, of varying lengths, to coincide with the video versions — in an interview with Variety.

He said the idea was to create a memorable and timeless audio logo that would become instantly recognizable over time.

“The things that I think of as real classic mnemonics are NBC — you can hear that in your head — or HBO has its static,” he said.

This is just the beginning.

Music composed by FINNEAS. pic.twitter.com/DV8d2eK0B3

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) November 3, 2025

The company also updated the Apple TV app icon in iOS 26.1, released Monday, replacing the old monochrome look with a much more colorful one.

What are your thoughts on the new Apple TV logo.

Do you like? pic.twitter.com/Ll7o2cxosB

— Jay’s Tech  (@jaydenstech) October 22, 2025

Soon, Apple TV subscribers will see and hear the new visual and audio branding every time they watch something.

“The new identity will ripple across Apple TV’s ecosystem in the coming months, from app interfaces to marketing campaigns,” wrote Ad Age. “It’s the first phase of a broader Apple TV brand refresh that promises to lean into cinematic design while maintaining the minimalist DNA that’s long defined Apple’s visual world.”

The first big sale on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 slashes the price of the rugged smartwatch to just $699.99. 

Apple unveiled the Ultra 3, which retails for $799, last September during its Awe Dropping event. This deal marks the lowest price we’ve seen yet on Apple’s high-end wearable aimed at extreme athletes (and people who just like its rugged looks and long battery life).

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 deal: Advanced features and amazing battery life

More connected than ever

Apple Watch Ultra 3

$779.00

The latest version of Apple's rugged smartwatch adds faster 5G cellular connectivity as well as Emergency SOS via satellite.

Pros:

• Longest battery life of any Apple Watch (up to 42 hours, up to 72 hours in Low Power mode).
• Slightly bigger screen than Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Cons:

• Same (admittedly rugged) design as previous models.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/26/2026 09:14 pm GMT

The Apple Watch Ultra in this deal features a huge amount of functionality. Apple Watch Ultra 3 boosts battery life to 42 hours with normal use. It’s got the biggest, brightest display yet. And it comes loaded with all the features of watchOS 26 (like hypertension alerts and a redesigned Workout app). 

It also offers faster charging and satellite communications.

If you want to know how it compares to the previous model, read our comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2: Should you upgrade?

The ultimate Apple Watch

“Apple Watch Ultra is our most advanced Apple Watch, designed to take users from sports and adventure to the rest of their life, and help them stay active, healthy, connected, and safe, wherever they are,” said Eugene Kim, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch hardware engineering, when unveiling the device in September.

The beefier design of the Apple Watch Ultra line gives it a look more in line with high-end timepieces or dive watches for scuba divers. (It works for that, too, as the Oceanic+ app turns Apple Watch Ultra into a dive computer.)

It’s an amazing smartwatch with a rough-and-tumble attitude that’s great for anyone, not just endurance athletes. Once you get used to the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s extended battery life, it’s hard to go back to the regular Apple Watch’s measly 24 hours or less of service without charging.

Save $100 on an Apple Watch Ultra 3 with this deal

Don’t shell out $800 for an Apple Watch Ultra 3 when this deal drops the price to just $699.99. That’s a 12% discount off the pricey smartwatch.

You can currently grab the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in either black titanium or natural titanium with the rugged Ocean band. Prices vary on other bands.

More connected than ever

Apple Watch Ultra 3

$779.00

The latest version of Apple's rugged smartwatch adds faster 5G cellular connectivity as well as Emergency SOS via satellite.

Pros:

• Longest battery life of any Apple Watch (up to 42 hours, up to 72 hours in Low Power mode).
• Slightly bigger screen than Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Cons:

• Same (admittedly rugged) design as previous models.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/26/2026 09:14 pm GMT

You’ll want to reset your iPhone if you’re trading it in, selling it or passing it down to another family member. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.

If you don’t fully reset the phone, it’ll still be locked to your Apple Account — and the phone will be effectively useless to anyone who tries to use it.

Follow along to make sure you reset your iPhone the right way.

How to reset iPhone before trading it in, selling it or passing it down

You can’t just delete your apps, messages and photos to give your phone to someone else. Your iPhone is tied to your Apple Account, which authorizes purchases on the App Store and syncs data in iCloud. It’s also activation-locked on Find My, which tracks your phone in case it’s lost or stolen. 

Luckily, there’s an easy setting that factory resets your iPhone. It deletes everything, reinstalls its software from scratch, and removes the device from your account. Here’s where to find it. 

Table of contents: How to reset your iPhone

1. Check to make sure you have an iCloud backup
2. Factory reset your iPhone
3. Now you’re ready to sell, trade in or give away your iPhone

1. Check to make sure you have an iCloud backup

First, make sure you have a recent backup of your device. Check this in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Right under the button that says Back Up Now, you should see small text that says, “Last successful backup.” If you have it set up properly, it’ll probably say it last backed up overnight.

If not, you need to make a backup. To do so, tap Back Up Now.

If you don’t back up over iCloud, you can back up your phone by plugging it into a Mac or PC.

2. Factory reset your iPhone

After you have a backup and after you’ve moved to your new iPhone, you should erase the old one.

If you haven’t transferred your phone yet, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (at the bottom) and tap Get Started. This will help you transfer your eSIM from your old iPhone to your new one, which can save you a long, annoying call with the tech support of your cell carrier. 

If you’re ready to reset your old phone, tap Erase All Content and Settings. Tap Continue.

You’ll be asked to enter your Apple Account and passcode to remove the iPhone from Find My. If you don’t remember your Apple Account password, these instructions from Apple Support can help you.

Next, your iPhone will take a few minutes to sign out of everything and reset.

If your phone reboots to an animated screen that says “Hello,” you’re all done! Turn off the phone, give it a good wiping down and pass it along.

Now you’re ready to sell, trade in or give away your iPhone

After you go through those steps, you can sell your iPhone to a stranger, trade it in to Apple or another retailer, or give it away to a friend or family member.

If you want an easy way to sell your phone, consider Cult of Mac’s buyback program. We buy all kinds of used Apple gear, from iPhones to AirPods. Get your quote now.

We originally published this post on how to reset an iPhone on September 22, 2023. We updated the information on November 6, 2025.

Pebblebee Clip 5 marks a new generation of the Bluetooth tracker tag that’s now louder and brighter. That should help it compete with Apple’s AirTag, as both use the same Find My network.

There’s also an updated wallet-friendly version of the tracker, Pebblebee Card 5.

Pebblebee Clip 5: Louder, brighter and thinner

Bluetooth tracker tags make it easy to keep track of everyday items by creating a simple, low-power link between your phone and your belongings. They can alert you when you leave something behind, help you locate misplaced items on a map, and even guide you with sound or lights when you’re close.

The Pebblebee Clip 5 that launched Thursday brings a louder buzzer and brighter LEDs to the line of trackers. It’s thinner but more durable than its predecessor. It is water-resistant and runs up to twelve months on a rechargeable battery.

The tag capitalizes on limitations in Apple’s rival AirTag. That tracker doesn’t have LEDs and uses removable batteries instead of a rechargeable one. It also lacks a built-in loop.

Both Clip 5 and AirTag use Bluetooth to connect with the Find My application on the user’s iPhone. All you need to locate the tracker is to open the app, and you’ll see the device on a map. If it’s nearby, press a button to set off an audible and visible alarm on the remote device.

“After five generations of Clip & Card and more than a decade of making item finders in every form factor, we’ve learned what people truly want,” said Daniel Daoura, Founder and CEO of Pebblebee. “Our goal for this launch was to ensure our products continue to be engineered for trust and, going forward, designed to shine.”

The standard model comes in a graphite color, but Pebblebee just started Evercolor, a limited edition color program that drops two fresh shades every twelve weeks. The first two are Emerald Storm and Amethyst Purple.

Plus there’s Card 5, a slimmer tracker for wallets, with wireless charging and up to eighteen months of battery life per charge.

Pebblebee Clip 5 and Card 5 are $34.99 each.

Buy it from: Pebblebee

The previous Clip Universal version is still on Amazon for $22.99. Don’t confuse its for the new model.

November 6, 2003: After porting iTunes to Windows, Apple sets a new record for digital music sales: a massive 1.5 million downloads in one week.

Bringing the iTunes Music Store to PC users opens up a new, lucrative market for Apple. The record-breaking sales clock in at five times more than the 300,000 downloads that peer-to-peer file-sharing service Napster achieved in its debut week (remember it?). And 1.5 million is more than double the 600,000 iTunes downloads per week Apple reported selling to Mac users prior to the Windows release.

Bringing iTunes to Windows boosts digital music sales

The iTunes Music Store arrived on Windows on October 16, 2003. That was a full six months after it launched on Mac. One reason for the delay? Apple CEO Steve Jobs was reluctant to end the exclusivity of iTunes.

He told his lieutenants at the time — Phil Schiller, Jon Rubinstein, Jeff Robbin and Tony Fadell — that both iTunes and the iPod music player boosted Mac sales.

The other execs countered this argument by pointing out that declining Mac sales could never outweigh the gain from increased iPod sales. They eventually convinced Jobs.

“The iTunes Music Store has revolutionized the way people legally buy music online, and now it’s available to tens of millions more music lovers with iTunes for Windows,” Jobs said in a press release at the launch.  “While our competitors haven’t even come close to matching our first generation, we’re already releasing the second generation of the iTunes Music Store for Mac and Windows.”

As a result of this clash of ideas, the first week of iTunes on Windows likely proved a bit tense for Apple’s top brass. In the end, however, it marked a major milestone in the continued success of iTunes.

“The unbeatable combination of iPod and iTunes offers music lovers a seamless experience for buying, managing and listening to their digital music collections anywhere,” said Jobs in a press release marking the 1.5 million downloads milestone.

Later on, Jobs joked about giving Windows users access to such a beautiful Mac app. He famously called it like “giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.”

Major growth for iTunes

In 2003, Apple’s music service was growing at an astonishing rate. By March 2004, iTunes hit 50 million downloads. And by August of that year, the iTunes Music Store catalog reached 1 million songs in the United States, a first for an online music service. It also racked up more than 100 million song downloads by that time.

Do you remember the first song you ever downloaded on iTunes? Let us know in the comments below.

Liquid Glass in iOS 26 brings dramatic change to the look of the iPhone user interface, so it’s no surprise that some people hate it. If it’s just not for you, the option to turn off Liquid Glass was added in iOS 26.1. And it’s easy.

The same setting is available in macOS Tahoe 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, so you can turn off Liquid Glass on all your devices. Here’s how:

Liquid Glass: beautiful but controversial

Liquid Glass is a translucent and fluid new interface. Many elements of the UI go semi-transparent, while text remains readable. Clever effects make it seem like users are looking through glass at objects shown on the screen behind the Dock, Control Center and pop-up windows.

While Liquid Glass has plenty of fans, it’s a dramatic change, and one that enhances to the appearance of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe without improving the functionality. And those without perfect vision might struggle with it. There’s less contrast between text in pop-up windows and the background.

For those who don’t like the look, or find the new system hard to use, it’s easy to turn off Liquid Glass. Here I explain how to do so in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1.

How to turn off Liquid Glass

With the latest OS updates, Apple offer a simple switch to turn off Liquid Glass.

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, then scroll down so you can tap on Display & Brightness. Now tap on Liquid Glass.

That opens a screen that lets you choose from Clear or Tinted. Choose the second option to nerf Liquid Glass. As Apple says, “Clear is more transparent, revealing the content beneath. Tinted increases opacity and adds more contrast.”

Full disclosure: making this change won’t walk your iPhone back to the look of iOS 18. Backgrounds in pop-up windows are much less clear, but they aren’t completely opaque.  

On your Mac, the process to turn off Liquid Glass is nearly identical. Open System Settings, then click on Appearance. You’ll see the option to choose between Clear or Tinted.

If you dumped Liquid Glass just because you don’t like the look, consider revisiting this decision in a few months. It really is beautiful. It only takes a few seconds to toggle it back on — try it again later and see if you change your mind.

Other ways you can undo iOS 26

Liquid Glass isn’t the only controversial change in iOS 26 that you can walk back. Apple redesigned the Phone application for making calls. If you’re not a fan, read our guide on how to bring back the old version of the Phone app.

And the toolbar in the Safari web browser shrank. You can get a larger version by going to Settings > Apps > Safari. Then, in the Tabs section, switch from Compact to Bottom or Top.

AI image generator Imagiyo lets you create all kinds of images — even NSFW ones. That’s how unbounded this new AI tool is.

It doesn’t matter if you’re designing for a business, crafting unique artwork, or just exploring the creative potential of AI, this powerful tool puts complete control at your fingertips. No subscriptions, no watermarks, no limits — just a simple, intuitive platform that transforms text prompts into stunning, high-quality visuals.

Right now, you can get lifetime access to Imagiyo for just $29 (down from $345). With this deal, the AI generator will let you create up to 250 images per month (including NSFW ones), in any resolution you choose. Unlike other AI image generators that lock features behind expensive monthly plans, this deal allows you to create professional-quality artwork (including for commercial use) without recurring fees.

Imagiyo AI image generator lets you create all sorts of images (even NSFW)

Some other AI tools (looking at you, Image Playground) place severe restrictions on the types of images you can create. Not so with Imagiyo. It’s designed for creatives, marketers and content producers who need on-demand visuals without hassles or limitations.

Whether you need a hyper-realistic photo, a hand-drawn illustration or a futuristic concept piece, this AI image generator adapts to your needs. You can adjust the pixel size, refine the level of detail and generate exactly what you need, when you need it. If your want to use an NSFW prompt, this AI generator won’t refuse.

“NSFW content generation is allowed on ModelsLab Stable Diffusion AI model, but we request the users to set the privacy to ‘PRIVATE’ of such content,” says Imagiyo on its website.

Easy to use, and great for business, social media and more

It’s not all about breaking boundaries, though. Business owners can use Imagiyo to create custom branding materials, advertisements and website assets without hiring a designer. Social media managers can generate scroll-stopping graphics in seconds. Writers and storytellers can bring their ideas to life with AI-generated character art and landscapes.

Imagiyo’s clean and intuitive interface ensures that anyone — whether experienced with AI tools or completely new to them — can generate images effortlessly. There’s no learning curve, no complicated setup, just a straightforward platform that easily delivers professional results.

The possibilities are endless, making this an essential tool for anyone who creates digital content.

Save on Imagiyo, an AI image generator that lets you create NSFW images

This lifetime subscription deal won’t last forever. And with AI tools evolving rapidly, now is the perfect time to lock in a permanent creative solution without worrying about future price hikes or feature restrictions.

Nail down a lifetime subscription to Imagiyo today for just $29 (regularly $345) and start generating unique, high-quality images in seconds.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly. We originally published this post on NSFW AI generator Imagiyo on March 27, 2025.

Apple might address one of the biggest criticisms of its ultra-thin iPhone Air by adding a second camera to the next-generation model, according to a new leak Thursday from a reliable source with knowledge of the company’s supply chain. Unfortunately, it looks like the new addition to the iPhone Air will be a wide-angle camera, not the popular telephoto found in iPhone Pro models.

However, if the dual-camera system materializes, it would make the iPhone Air a more compelling option for users seeking an ultra-thin device without sacrificing essential photography features.

iPhone Air wide-angle camera could come in next generation

The super-slender iPhone Air drew a lot of attention when it launched in September due to its irresistibly sleek design. But sales haven’t lived up to the hype.

In one possible improvement, Apple is “considering adding a new camera lens” to what Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station refers to as the iPhone 18 Air.

The upgraded model would pair a 48MP main camera with a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, the leaker said in a Weibo post, noting that “a telephoto lens would be even better,” though current plans apparently don’t include one. Certainly, many users would love to see a telephoto lens, and many would prefer it to a wide-angle lens.

Design and display features remain unchanged

According to the leak, the second-generation iPhone Air will retain the core design elements that define the current model. The new device will probably keep the 6.5-inch high-refresh rate display and Face ID system. And it would also retain the distinctive horizontal “runway” camera plateau that houses multiple technologies to maximize battery space in the device’s ultra-thin chassis.

The post indicates the device is “currently in a normal iteration phase.” That suggests development is proceeding on schedule for a potential 2026 release alongside other iPhone 18 models.

Single camera remains a sticking point

The iPhone Air’s single rear camera helps make the device ultra-portable, but obviously limited its photographic capabilities compared to Pro models. For many users, particularly those who regularly use ultra-wide or telephoto lenses, the single-camera setup has been a dealbreaker despite the appealing form factor.

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that the first-generation iPhone Air hasn’t performed as well as expected in markets outside China. That could explain why Apple is reconsidering the camera configuration for the second generation.

Track record suggests credibility iPhone Air wide-angle camera leak

Digital Chat Station has established a respectable track record for Apple leaks. For example, the leaker accurately predicted camera sensor details for the iPhone 15 lineup and display panel designs for the iPhone 12 well ahead of the devices’ unveilings.

However, as with all early-stage development leaks, Apple’s final plans could change before launch.

Google Chrome is getting a dedicated AI Mode button on iOS and Android. AI Mode is an AI-powered search solution from Google; think of it like the company’s take on ChatGPT.

Google rolled out AI Mode in Chrome for Windows and Mac earlier this year. 

Chrome for iOS gets a smarter AI search shortcut

With AI Mode, Google provides an AI-powered response. This ensures you don’t have to go through several websites to find the information you’re looking for. You can even ask follow-up questions to get more insights into the topic.

AI Mode builds on AI Overviews, which already appear at the top of most Google Search results. 

So far, you could only access AI Mode in Chrome on PC. Google is now changing that by adding a dedicated AI Mode button to Chrome’s new tab page on iOS and Android. Powered by Gemini, AI Mode search will help you get answers to complex queries faster.

The new AI Mode button in Chrome will start appearing for Android and iOS users in the US from today. Google will also expand AI Mode to 160 new countries and add support for more languages, including Hindi, Korean, and Portuguese. 

AI Mode is Google’s ChatGPT alternative

AI Mode in Search features a chat-style interface where you can ask questions and easily follow up for more details. Think of Search’s AI Mode as Google’s take on ChatGPT. Instead of manually browsing the web to find answers to your queries, AI Mode in Google Search will use Gemini to synthesize the results. 

Google will integrate AI into Google Maps to make navigation even better. With Gemini integration in Google Maps, you’ll gain access to a smart co-passenger on your phone that can help you reach your destination easily.

Thanks to Gemini’s AI prowess, Google Maps can now proactively notify you of traffic disruptions. Or help find a fuel stop — all hands-free and through a natural conversation.

Gemini in Google Maps makes multi-step tasks faster

Google is deeply integrating Gemini into Google Maps to make multi-step tasks faster and easier. When driving, if you see an accident or flooding on the road, you can simply tell Google that you “see an accident” or “flooding,” and it will automatically report the disruption. 

Even better, you can ask Gemini with Google Maps open to finalize a place for dinner and add the relevant entry to your calendar.

Google explains this feature with the following example: “Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What’s parking like there?” Followed by, “OK, let’s go there.” You can even ask, “Oh, by the way, can you also add a calendar event for soccer practice tomorrow for 5 p.m.?”

Gemini-powered navigation experience in Google Maps will roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

Google previously rolled out a handy Gemini-powered feature in Maps that can scan your screenshots and extract location details.

Landmark-assisted navigation directions

Using Gemini, Google Maps will ditch the vague “turn right in 500 feet” instructions with something more useful. It will use traffic lights, stop signs and landmarks like gas stations and buildings as reference. So, expect to hear more useful instructions like “turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant.”

Google Maps achieves this by enabling Gemini to analyze Street View images and detailed information of about 250 million places. 

Landmark-based navigation in Google Maps is rolling out now on iOS and Android in the US.

Another useful upgrade coming to Google Maps with Gemini integration: proactive traffic alerts. Instead of finding yourself stuck in a terrible jam, Google Maps will automatically give you a heads up about road disruptions ahead.

Google is also bringing Gemini-powered Lens integration to Maps. Tap the camera icon in the Google Maps search bar and point it to a restaurant or bakery. You can then ask Gemini for more information about the place or the popular dishes available, etc.

Lens-powered Gemini integration in Google Maps starts rolling out later this month in the US on Android and iOS. 

If you value intuitive design and smart learning tools, the Qlango language learning app might be your new favorite way to tackle a foreign language. This gamified app offers lifetime access to a whopping 71 languages for just $31.97 (regularly $119.99).

Yup, with just a one-time payment, a world of international vocabulary is available at your fingertips.

The Qlango app is your key to effortless language learning

The Qlango language learning app runs smoothly across your devices, whether you’re tapping away during a lunch break or sneaking in a quick lesson on your daily commute to the office. The interface is clean, fast and easy to use — exactly the kind of experience you’d expect from a well-built app that plays nicely within a premium tech ecosystem.

And it’s more than just flashcards. Qlango blends multiple learning modes like sentence construction, matching games, dictation and full-language Q&A sessions to seriously immerse you in the language you want to learn. It’s designed to keep your brain engaged, using spaced repetition to make sure the Spanish pronoun or Japanese verb sticks. That way, you’re not relearning the same five words every week.

More than 70 languages supported, and you can learn them all

You can mix and match any of the 71 supported languages (see the full list). And you can even choose the language you’re learning from. That means if you’re bilingual or learning multiple languages at once (power move), you’re not stuck starting from English every time.

It’s also flexible enough to fit into your routine. With the Qlango language learning app, you can pick your pace, level of difficulty, and how you want to learn. There’s no pressure to perform, no overly rigid structure. Just steady progress, built around how you actually use your iPhone and other devices day to day (as well as your preferred learning routine).

It works in iOS, Android and any modern web browser.

Save with this deal on the Qlango language learning app

There’s no need to overpay for language-learning subscriptions or clunky, outdated programs. Whether you’re planning a trip, expanding your professional toolkit, or just want to impress people at your next dinner party, Qlango makes picking up a new language feel like a casual flex instead of a chore.

Grab your Qlango lifetime subscription for 70-plus languages for just $31.97 (regularly $119.99).

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly. We originally published this post on the Qlango language learning app on June 20, 2025. We updated the pricing.

The brains behind the upcoming AI-enhanced version of Siri will reportedly be provided by Google, not Apple’s own tech. For a hefty price.

Google’s software will supposedly run on Apple servers, so user data isn’t being handed over to Google.

Apple forced to turn to Google for AI-enhanced Siri

In 2024, Apple promised “the start of a new era for Siri” thanks to a sizable infusion of artificial intelligence. The company laid out a glowing future for the voice assistant, but early this year was forced to admit that the technology wasn’t ready to launch on schedule.

Apple set a new deadline of spring 2026, but even after giving itself another year, it’s reportedly had no choice but to turn to its frenemy, Google. The development process supposedly isn’t going quickly enough to meet the self-imposed deadline to get the much-hyped new version of the Siri voice assistant to customers.

“Apple Inc. is planning to use a 1.2 trillion parameter artificial intelligence model developed by Alphabet Inc.’s Google to help power its long-promised overhaul of the Siri voice assistant,” Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

This is a possibility Apple has been investigating for months. With the spring 2026 deadline looming, a deal has now allegedly been signed.  

Siri user data will be kept private, away from Google

Apple emphasizes that its implementation of artificial intelligence protects user privacy. That supposedly won’t change with the new Siri, even with an AI model developed by Google providing some of the underlying technology.

“The model will run on Apple’s own Private Cloud Compute servers, ensuring that user data remains walled off from Google’s infrastructure,” reports Bloomberg.

That’s important because Google’s business is gathering user data and selling it to advertisers. If Siri integrated with the standard version of Gemini, every Siri query could be used by Google to track users.

Likely because it’s not getting access to user data, Google is charging a hefty price for its tech: about $1 billion a year. Of course, that can simply be subtracted from the approximately $20 billion Google pays each year to stay Safari’s default search engine.

A temporary arrangement

Apple reportedly has not given up on developing its own artificial intelligence technology.

“Apple still doesn’t want to use Gemini as a long-term solution,” said Bloomberg. “Despite the company bleeding AI talent — including the head of its models team — management intends to keep developing new AI technology and hopes to eventually replace Gemini with an in-house solution.”

Even in the mean time, some Siri functions will be handled by Apple’s own AI. 

But Google’s is supposedly well ahead in artificial intelligence. Compare the 1.2 trillion parameter AI model it’s licensing to Apple to the 150 billion parameter model currently used by Apple Intelligence.

The new AI-empowered Siri will allegedly launch as part of iOS 26.4. For reference, Apple is currently beta testing iOS 26.2.

For millions of iPhone users, Apple’s CarPlay marries basic transportation with a satisfying technology experience for navigation, entertainment and more.

But an expert’s new report points to troubling reasons why CarPlay’s days may be numbered, thanks to a growing automotive industry profit motive. Yes, of course, it’s all about money. 

How the battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future

CarPlay, which Apple recently updated in iOS 26, transforms driving from a frustrating tech nightmare into something seamless. Since its debut in 2014, CarPlay has become one of Apple’s most beloved features, as it projects your familiar iPhone interface onto your car’s screen, enabling hands-free calls, navigation (with Apple Maps or competing apps) and streaming audio without needing to rely on a car’s clunky built-in system. 

But the golden age of CarPlay may be ending. In a troubling sign for Apple enthusiasts, General Motors recently announced that new vehicles from the automotive giant will no longer support CarPlay or Android Auto.

As Patrick George, editor-in-chief of InsideEVs, wrote in The Atlantic, this isn’t just GM making an odd choice to kill a popular feature. It signals a fundamental shift in how automakers view the relationship between your car and your phone.

The money behind the decision

Why would GM eliminate a feature that about one-third of car buyers consider a requirement for their next vehicle? The answer is straightforward: revenue.

George explained that by cutting out Apple as a middleman, GM creates opportunities to charge for services that CarPlay currently provides for free. GM’s replacement system requires its own data plan — starting at $10 per month — to access the full software suite.

While the company promises eight years of free service for new buyers of electric vehicles, the long-term strategy is clear. Your car’s features will become another subscription on your credit card statement.

“It’s a turf war, and the car is real estate,” as George put it. In other words, automakers realized they can profit from in-car technology beyond the initial sale — whether through subscription fees for features like hands-free cruise control, apps that control your car remotely, or selling data your navigation system collects about your driving habits.

What you’ll lose

GM’s replacement software is admittedly impressive, according to George. It features apps like Spotify and HBO Max, plus Google’s Gemini voice assistant. But it’s not CarPlay. Popular services like Apple Podcasts and Apple Music are missing. More fundamentally, you’ll need to learn an entirely new system rather than using the iPhone interface you already know.

The broader picture should concern Apple fans, too. While overall vehicle satisfaction improved in 2024, infotainment systems remain one of the lowest-scoring categories industry-wide, with satisfaction averaging 805 points. While that’s lower than the 840 points achieved by CarPlay users, automakers seem hell-bent on bringing it up with much-improved systems of their own.

GM isn’t alone in this battle. Tesla and Rivian have never offered CarPlay, betting on their proprietary systems.

Meanwhile, other manufacturers are locking previously standard features behind paywalls. Toyota now charges subscriptions for navigation tools that CarPlay provides free, for instance, and some newer vehicles require subscriptions of up to $200 annually for remote start, a feature that used to work with a simple key fob button press.

CarPlay’s counteroffensive

Apple isn’t surrendering without a fight. It developed CarPlay Ultra, a next-generation system that extends across multiple vehicle displays and controls more car functions — including climate control through Siri. Aston Martin already made CarPlay Ultra available in new U.S. and Canadian models, with Hyundai, Kia and Genesis expected to follow. Other automakers, like Ford, have hesitated due to how invasive the system is. And BMW flatly rejected it. 

Yet some automakers recognize CarPlay’s value. Toyota’s EVs share battery range information with Apple Maps, enabling intelligent charging stop recommendations during road trips. But this cooperative approach represents exactly what concerns automakers. If Apple controls more vehicle functions, car companies risk becoming mere “makers of rolling shells for tech companies,” as George described it.

What Apple users should know about the future of CarPlay

Research shows that only 28% of U.S. consumers would switch to native systems if smartphone integration were unavailable. That shows the challenge automakers face in winning over drivers. Yet the financial incentives driving this shift seem too significant to ignore.

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and CarPlay matters to you, research carefully. While more than 800 vehicle models currently support CarPlay in the United States, that number may not grow as expected. GM continues offering CarPlay in 34 of its 40 models — primarily its higher-volume, gas-powered vehicles — but the direction is clear.

The uncomfortable truth is that the glory days of seamless, free smartphone integration in your car might be numbered. As George concludes, prepare for a future where your vehicle’s technology expenses become another recurring charge, sitting right alongside your Netflix and Apple Music subscriptions.

For now, if CarPlay is non-negotiable for you, make sure it’s a confirmed feature before you sign that car purchase agreement. Or consider buying an aftermarket rig to add CarPlay to your car.

My favorite change in iOS 26.1 has nothing to do with Liquid Glass, though cosmetic tweaks to the glossy user interface have drawn the most attention in the latest OS update. To me, the biggest improvement is the option to disable the Lock Screen swipe to open the iPhone’s Camera app.

I frequently pull out my iPhone to find the Camera app has been running in my pocket, draining the battery. It’s that damn Lock Screen swipe at fault. If this happens to you, too, here’s how to disable it in iOS 26.1.

The best iOS 26.1 feature you probably haven’t noticed yet

iOS 26.1 launched this week, and a new setting for Liquid Glass was the centerpiece. It doesn’t fully disable Apple’s translucent and fluid new iPhone UI, but it makes parts of it more opaque. However, it turns out most people like Liquid Glass, so this setting won’t get used as often as some might think.

iOS 26.1 does include a change that benefits a broad swath of iPhone users, though: the ability to turn off the swipe gesture on the Lock Screen to open the Camera app.

Admittedly, this gesture seems like it should be a good idea. Many of us frequently use our iPhones as cameras, and making that feature very accessible seems logical. The problem is, the swipe gesture makes the iPhone’s camera too accessible. It’s easy to accidentally swipe to open the Camera app while sliding your handset into your pocket.

Surely everyone has pulled their iPhone out of their pocket to discover that it’s active and running the Camera app. And it’s possible the app has been running for a long time. It should time out and let the iPhone go to sleep, but the device’s touchscreen can sense your hands through fabric, so just touching your pants can keep the app running on and on.

It will even take pictures or video of the inside of your pocket. Not great.

The real issue here is battery drain. iPhones last a long time on a single charge, but finding out the device wasted a bunch of power while in a pocket is frustrating. Not only is the screen on for no good reason, the camera is active as well. 

To make the problem even more irritating, the swipe to open Camera gesture isn’t really needed. By default, there’s a button on the Lock Screen to open the Camera application. And people with recent iPhones can utilize the Camera Control to launch the camera.

But in iOS 26.1, Apple finally, finally lets us disable the gesture at the heart of this problem.

How to disable the Lock Screen swipe that opens the Camera in iOS 26.1

Fortunately, disabling this Lock Screen swipe gesture is simple after you update to iOS 26.1. You only need to know where to look.

To find it, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then scroll down to Camera. Tap on it.

Scroll way down to near the bottom of the Camera settings to find Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. It’s set to active by default. Tap the toggle next to it to disable the gesture.

And you’re done. (Now go do this on your iPad, too.)

More options are better

I’m quite sure some of you regularly use the swipe gesture on the iPhone Lock Screen to open the Camera app, and have no intention of disabling it. That’s great. Carry on.

This iOS 26.1 change is the best kind: Apple didn’t remove the swipe gesture. The company just gave users the option to choose for themselves whether to use it. The same goes for the new option to greatly tone down Liquid Glass.

When it comes to the Apple devices we know and love, more options are better.

November 5, 2009: Fortune magazine names Steve Jobs “CEO of the decade.” The accolade comes just four months after Jobs returned to Apple after undergoing a liver transplant.

The business publication credits Jobs with transforming multiple industries, as well as continuing Apple’s meteoric rise. These achievements seem particularly noteworthy considering the tough economic conditions of the 2008 financial crash.

Steve Jobs is ‘CEO of the decade’ after turning Apple around

It was clear Steve Jobs would be a remarkable force for Apple after he made the ailing company profitable again within months of his return in 1997. After a decade at Apple’s helm, the amazing, sustained success of Jobs as CEO became truly evident.

Within just a few years under Jobs, the company introduced the original iMac, which reconfirmed Macintosh computers as the coolest machines on the market. The launches of the iPod and the iTunes Music Store transformed the nascent digital music industry — and set up Apple as a key player.

Jobs also reinvented Apple’s operating system with the UNIX-based Mac OS X. Plus, he presided over the launch of the iPhone and the App Store, major products that set Apple on a course for domination of the technology world.

At Pixar, the company he ran alongside Apple, Jobs also achieved great things. (In fact, the movie studio’s success made Jobs a billionaire.)

Although Fortune didn’t know it at the time, Jobs was preparing to launch his final great product, the iPad. That groundbreaking tablet was as pure a distillation of Jobs’ vision for computing as he ever created.

Steve Jobs: The end of an era

More poignantly, Jobs received Fortune’s “CEO of the decade” award at a time when the tech world was beginning to reconcile itself to the fact that he might not be around much longer to lead Apple.

Rumors about his poor health surfaced in the summer of 2008, when Jobs appeared at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference looking shockingly gaunt. Apple claimed he simply suffered from a “common bug,” and later changed this to a “hormone imbalance.” By late 2009, however, Jobs admitted in an internal memo that his “health-related issues are more complex than … originally thought.”

Like many of the plaudits Jobs received at this time, the “CEO of the decade” title therefore felt bittersweet. Adding to the effect, Fortune published various photos of Jobs throughout the years, and ran down a list of his career highlights.

The award celebrated Jobs’ enormous success. But it also served as an acknowledgment that Apple was coming toward the end of an era. A decade and a half later, Apple still rules the tech roost, with Jobs’ right-hand man Tim Cook at the helm as CEO.

Nomad launched updated versions of its Stand One and Stand One Max wireless chargers Tuesday, bringing support for the new Qi2.2 standard. It enables 25W fast charging for compatible iPhones. The upgrade matches the charging speeds of Apple’s latest MagSafe chargers and represents a significant improvement over the 15W charging supported by previous Qi2 models.

Nomad Stand One Qi2.2 chargers launched

Along with iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands and other accessories, Nomad makes the sleek and popular device chargers Stand One (2-in-1) and Stand One Max (3-in-1), both now brought up to the speedy Qi2.2 charging standard. Both chargers feature Nomad’s premium construction with solid metal blocks and glass tops, finished with a full rubberized base pad for a sturdy grip. And their approximately 20-degree charging angle works well across various settings, from bedside tables to office desks, Nomad said. 

2-in-1 Stand One charges iPhone and AirPods

So the fourth-generation Stand One, priced at $119, features Nomad’s signature design combining CNC-machined aluminum with glass. At 575 grams (1.2 pounds), the charger provides a stable base that stays firmly in place. The new model adds a second wireless charging pad tucked behind the angled phone support. That lets users charge AirPods or other Qi-compatible wireless earbuds at 5W while simultaneously fast-charging an iPhone at 25W.

Both iPhone charging orientations are supported — portrait and landscape — with landscape mode enabling StandBy functionality. The charger includes a 2-meter braided USB-C cable. But users need to supply their own 40W or higher USB-C power adapter.

3-in-1 Stand One Max powers up iPhone, Airpods and Apple Watch

The Stand One Max, priced at $159, builds on the Stand One’s features by adding an Apple Watch fast charger. This creates a complete three-in-one charging solution for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.

Weighing 875 grams, the Stand One Max continues the design improvements introduced in the third generation. It relocated the Apple Watch charger to the base. The change resolved previous limitations that prevented simultaneous horizontal iPhone charging and Apple Watch charging.

The wireless earbud charging pad sits in an indent behind the vertically-mounted Apple Watch charger, supporting 5W charging for most Qi-compatible cases.

Design and availability

Fast iPhone charging

Nomad Stand One

The fourth generation of Nomad's popular stand one remains sleek -- but adds 25W Qi2.2 charging for compatible iPhones, plus Airpods charging.

Pros:

• Sleek design and premium build quality
• Fast Qi2.2 iPhone charging (25W)
• Firm-gripping base
• Also charges AirPods

Cons:

• No Apple Watch charging

Buy from Nomad

According to Nomad’s FAQ, the company excludes power adapters to reduce waste, noting that many customers already own compatible chargers. Both stands require a 40W+ adapter. 

Both models are available now through Nomad’s website in silver or carbide color options. The chargers work with iPhone 16 and 17 series devices that support the Qi2.2 standard’s faster charging rates.

3-in-1 with fast iPhone charging

Nomad Stand One Max

Nomad's sleek fourth-generation 3-in-1 charging stand not only juices up compatible iPhones at 25W, it also powers up AirPods and Apple Watch.

Pros:

• Sleek design and premium build quality
• Fast Qi2.2 iPhone charging (25W)
• Firm-gripping base
• Also charges AirPods and Apple Watch

Cons:

• Somewhat pricey

Buy from Nomad

 

 

This grade-A refurbished first-gen Apple Pencil comes with a USB-C adapter and costs just $44.99. It gives iPad owners powerful drawing, writing and productivity features, without the full retail cost of the latest models.

Check compatibility below to see if this stylus will work with your iPad. If it does, get ready to save!

Refurbished Apple Pencil deal (first-gen model with USB-C adapter)

Your iPad is pretty cool out of the box, but with an Apple Pencil, it becomes a whole different level of cool. Suddenly, you’re sketching characters, brainstorming ideas or jotting notes with speed and style.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to grab one without paying the full Apple tax, this is it. This refurbished Apple Pencil (1st Gen) with USB-C to Pencil Adapter costs just $44.99 and it seamlessly integrates into any creative workflow.

This slim little iPad accessory provides pixel-perfect precision, ensuring strokes land exactly where your brain intended them to. Pressure and tilt sensitivity allow you to shade, add detail or switch line weights on the fly, making doodling feel more like real drawing and writing feel like pen to paper.

Whether you’re marking up documents at work, writing notes in class or sketching during a very important meeting that definitely could’ve been an email, an Apple Pencil keeps everything smooth, fluid and natural. And because this refurbished Apple Pencil includes the USB-C to Pencil adapter, you can charge up anytime inspiration strikes.

Is it compatible with my iPad?

Apple has released multiple versions of the Apple Pencil over the years: the original Apple Pencil, the second-gen Apple Pencil, the high-end Apple Pencil Pro and a budget model called the Apple Pencil (USB-C). Even the cheapest model retails for $79, and Apple still charges $99 for the first-gen model in this deal.

They all pack slightly different features and work with various iPad models, which can make picking one confusing. But they all cost more — and in some cases much more — than the Apple Pencil in this deal.

This Apple Pencil works with a wide range of iPads, including recent base-model iPads, iPad mini and iPad Air, so there’s a great chance it pairs with the one you already own. According to Apple’s compatibility list, it works with:

• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation)
• iPad (A16)*
• iPad (10th generation)*
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch

Save with this refurbished Apple Pencil deal

This first-gen Apple Pencil arrives grade-A refurbished, which means it’s in near-mint condition: the same look, feel and precision of a new Apple Pencil, but at a much friendlier price.

Boost your creativity, productivity and everything in between with this refurbished 1st-generation Apple Pencil and score it now for just $44.99 while supplies last.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.

Apple makes some of the best tech products in the world — beautifully designed, powerful and reliable. But even the best stumble sometimes.

Over the years, I’ve used plenty of Apple devices that looked great on paper but turned out to be frustrating in practice. Here are the ones that made me question Apple’s “it just works” mantra.

These are the worst Apple products I’ve ever used

Apple’s reputation for quality and attention to detail is well-earned. There’s a reason several of the best devices I have used over the years come from Apple. But no company is perfect. Over the years, Apple has released several products that felt rushed or poorly thought out.

Some were buggy and ahead of their time, while others simply made compromises that didn’t make sense. None of them stood the test of time, aging worse than expected within just a few months or years.

1) 2019 MacBook Pro: Hot, loud and out of breath

Apple went all out with the 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2019. It equipped the machine with a beefier cooling system, a Magic Keyboard and faster Intel CPUs. While the machine looked impressive on paper, it aged poorly.

I got the 2019 MacBook Pro soon after its launch in late November. Initially, the machine impressed me with its performance and battery life. But as my workload ramped up, the honeymoon phase ended quickly. Like other Intel Macs before it, the laptop struggled under heavy loads. (Thank goodness the M-series Apple silicon processors came along to fix that.)

When rendering videos or exporting large files, the laptop would get scorching hot, with fans roaring to keep up. Thermal throttling became a regular annoyance, and the performance boost I expected from a “Pro” machine was lacking. More frustratingly, the weak integrated Intel GPU could not drive the laptop’s Retina display smoothly. And that led to a small delay between pressing a key and seeing the text appear on screen.

For someone who writes thousands of words daily for a living, this proved infuriating. It constantly made me feel like I was using a low-end laptop. The experience was nowhere close to using a high-end Apple device. 

Reliability also seemed like an problem with the machine, with Apple replacing the laptop twice for me within a span of 2 to 2.5 years. In both cases, the motherboard developed problems, leading to graphical glitches. I can only assume this happened because I used the laptop extensively for video editing back then. 

Of all the Apple products I’ve owned and used, I kept the 2019 MacBook Pro for the shortest time. I sold it within 2.5 years, upgrading to the M1 Pro MacBook Pro. 

Ironically, that switch turned out to be one of the best tech decisions I ever made. The M1 Pro has been everything the Intel MacBook promised to be but never was — powerful, efficient, whisper-quiet and genuinely “Pro.”

2) Siri and Apple Intelligence: Still dumb after all these years

Siri and Apple Intelligence are not products but services, making them outliers on this list. Both these services are among the worst in their respective segments.

Apple was the first to market with a digital voice assistant with Siri, unveiling it way back in October 2011. Now, some 14 years later, Siri remains in pretty much the same state. It never works reliably, and it continues to fumble on basic commands, even something as simple as calling my dad.

It’s the same with Apple Intelligence. It debuted with iOS 18.1 in October 2024. More than a year later, it remains in the same sorry state. The long delays surrounding the promised AI-powered Siri don’t help.

Even Apple knows how far behind it is in the AI race. No wonder it has considered using third-party AI models from Anthropic or Google to power Siri and future versions of Apple Intelligence.

3) HomePod: Sounds great, does little else

The original HomePod is simultaneously the worst and best Apple product I’ve ever used. It’s a terrible — probably the worst — smart speaker I’ve ever used. Its amazing sound quality is the only saving grace.

Even so many years after launch, Siri on the HomePod fails to understand and execute my commands reliably. On numerous occasions, I’ve asked Siri to play a specific song, and it would end up doing something else altogether. 

The upcoming AI-powered Siri might fix this — assuming the speaker gets access to it and Apple’s voice assistant actually lives up to the hype. That’s a lot of ifs, especially for a product that has been around for more than six years.

If anything, the HomePod experience has convinced me never to buy another Apple smart speaker.

4) iPad (3rd generation): Too many pixels, not enough power

Apple’s third iPad launched in March 2012 and stood out for its Retina display. It was the first tablet back then to feature such a high-resolution LCD panel. When I first got the third-gen iPad, I was stunned by its display clarity. But soon, the honeymoon period wore off, and its shortcomings started to surface.

The A5X chip inside simply wasn’t powerful enough to drive all those pixels efficiently, resulting in sluggish performance and frequent overheating. The tablet also became heavier and thicker to accommodate a larger battery, which still couldn’t deliver great battery life under load.

Coming from the original iPad, the device felt like a downgrade in almost every sense except for the display. 

Even Apple knew the third-gen iPad wasn’t up to par. The company discontinued it just six months after launch, replacing it with the faster, sleeker and far more capable iPad 4.

5) 2016 MacBook Pro: When form killed function

The 2016 MacBook Pro marked a major design shift, debuting a sleek and futuristic design. But in the process, Apple traded functionality for form, ditching all useful ports like HDMI and the SD card slot. It even eliminated MagSafe. 

While Apple’s move to USB-C was a bold one, it arrived a few years too early. If anything, buying the 2016 MacBook Pro forced me to adopt the USB-C life.

Then there was the Touch Bar. On paper, it seemed like a useful addition, replacing the function keys with a small, adaptable touchscreen. In reality, it was slow, buggy and rarely useful beyond adjusting brightness or volume.

The poor reliability of the infamous butterfly keyboard only added insult to injury. A single speck of dust could render keys unusable. I had to get the keyboard on my unit replaced three times within a span of three years. 

Apple might never publicly admit it, but it knows it messed up big-time with the 2016 to 2019 MacBook Pro lineup. No wonder that when the Apple silicon transition began in 2020, it quietly ditched all the problematic elements — the unreliable butterfly keyboard, the buggy Touch Bar and the frustrating all-USB-C port setup — effectively admitting defeat without saying a word.

A day after releasing iOS 26.1 to the public, Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26.2 to developers on Tuesday. The next major point update to iOS 26 packs several big changes and expands the availability of some features to the European Union. 

Below is everything new in iOS 26.2 beta 1.

iOS 26.2 beta 1: What’s new and changed

After iOS 26 brought the sweeping Liquid Glass user interface overhaul in September, subsequent updates to the new iPhone operating system added tools to customize the glossy, translucent look. Some people love the shiny new look of Liquid Glass, but others find it makes words on the screen difficult to read. Or they just think it looks tacky.

iOS 26.1 and the first iOS 26.2 beta make it possible for users to find their Liquid Glass happy zone.

And, aside from new Liquid Glass customization options, iOS 26.2 beta 1 packs several other minor but useful changes aimed at improving the overall usability of the iPhone operating system.

Changes in Sleep Score

iOS 26.2 beta 1 tweaks how the Sleep Score is calculated on the Apple Watch and Health app. The feature debuted as part of watchOS 26 in September. 

The company is increasing the threshold for each sleep level. It also renamed the “Excellent” Sleep Score to “Very High” to fall in line with other labels. 

The new Sleep Score ratings in watchOS 26.2 and iOS 26.2 are as follows:

• Very low: 0 to 40 points
• Low: 41 to 60 points
• OK: 61 to 80 points
• High: 81 to 95 points
• Very high: 96 to 100 points

AirPods Live Translation expands to the EU

With iOS 26.2, Apple will roll out Live Translation for compatible AirPods models to the European Union. The feature allows AirPods to provide a real-time translation of what the other person is saying in your preferred language.

Live Translation debuted with iOS 26 and works on AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC. It supports Chinese, English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish languages.

Design tweak for Apple News app

Apple made a minor but useful design change to the Apple News app in iOS 26.2. It now displays important categories like Sports, Puzzles, Politics, Business and Food at the top for quick and easy access to relevant topics. 

Trigger alarms for Reminders

iOS 26.2 will make the Reminders app better by allowing you to add alarms or timers as triggers for a reminder. You switch on the Urgent toggle when creating a reminder to use the new feature. 

Any such reminder notification will get a higher notification priority and can even bypass Focus modes to grab your attention.

Enhanced Emergency Alerts

iOS 26.2 beta 1 adds a new Enhanced Alerts section. Located under Settings > Notifications, it will provide more detailed alerts for earthquakes and other imminent threats. There’s also an Improve Alert Delivery toggle, which uses your location to improve the timeliness and reliability of safety alerts.

Liquid Glass Lock Screen slider

Building on the Liquid Glass customization option introduced in iOS 26.1, Apple added a Liquid Glass slider for the iPhone’s Lock Screen in iOS 26.2 beta 1.  

The slider is available for all the Lock Screen font options. You can drag the slider to the right to make the font more tinted to improve readability. Alternatively, you can give the clock an even more glassy look. Compared to the system-wide Liquid Glass toggle in iOS 26.1, which only offers Clear and Tinted options, the new slider provides greater flexibility.

Longer AirDrop duration

While not live, the first iOS 26.2 beta reportedly contains references to a new AirDrop feature for sharing files with other iPhone users. It will supposedly allow you to send a PIN to another contact. This will enable AirDrop sharing with them for the next 30 days — up from the current limit of 10 minutes. 

Enhanced Podcasts app

The first iOS 26.2 beta adds three new features to the Podcasts app. Firstly, it can now automatically create chapters, enabling you to jump to a relevant section easily. Second, you can see and follow other podcasts mentioned in an episode right from the transcript and player itself. 

Lastly, all links shared in a podcast will now be visible on the episode page.

Noticed any other changes in iOS 26.2 beta 1? Drop a comment and let us know!

The M3 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio is among the most powerful Macs you can currently buy. Despite featuring faster cores, Apple indirectly confirmed it will not launch an M4 Ultra chip. 

This won’t be the case with the M5, as the company reportedly plans to launch an M5 Ultra-powered Mac Studio in 2026.

M5 Ultra Mac Studio coming next year

Apple unveiled the M5-powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro in mid-October. It features the world’s fastest CPU core, beating even the high-end M1 Ultra chip from a few years ago in benchmarks.

Based on Apple’s typical release timeline, the more powerful Pro and Max variants of the M5 chip should debut early next year. They will debut on the MacBook Pro lineup and feature more CPU and GPU cores to deliver even better performance.

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reiterates in his latest report that the M5 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio is on track for a 2026 launch. It will supposedly feature 32 or more CPU cores and 80+ GPU cores.

The M3 Ultra is 1.8x faster than the M1 Ultra. The M5 Ultra, with its newer CPU architecture and other underlying changes, shall deliver an even bigger performance leap.

With the M3 Max delivering 800GB/s of memory bandwidth, the M5 Ultra will likely breach the 1TB/s mark. It should also be configurable with up to 768GB of system memory and 16TB of space.

Will UltraFusion make a comeback on M5 Ultra?

Apple’s current Ultra chips fuse two Max SoCs using UltraFusion. The tech allows them to talk to each other at ultra-low latency and with a bandwidth of over 2.5TB/s. 

The absence of UltraFusion in the M4 Max is also why Apple never released an M4 Ultra chip. 

Alongside the M5 Ultra, Apple will also launch an M5 Max-powered variant of the machine.

Want to customize your Mac? MacPilot shows you how to tap into macOS’s Unix underpinnings to deliver under-the-hood tweaks and customizations that will make your Mac life simpler.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to MacPilot for just $27.97 with code UPDATE (regularly $99).

MacPilot: Customize your Mac, front to back

The MacPilot tools are built on the Unix that underlies every modern version of macOS. Apple introduced the Unix-based Mac OS X operating system at the turn of the millennium. And down at the kernel, macOS remains a Unix system. That said, Apple made numerous changes over the years — not least because not everyone wants to monkey around with a command line.

That’s where MacPilot comes in.

Building off of Unix, MacPilot offers more than 1,200 options for you to customize your Mac precisely to your liking. In addition, it takes what could be intimidating about Unix and presents it in the Mac interface, so you won’t need to tap commands into Terminal.

MacPilot lets you operate your Mac more like a Unix machine. You can run common Unix scripts or reveal hidden files, for example. The options range from cosmetic changes like turning off animations and changing how your Mac’s Dock is organized to serving up access to your Mac’s statistics to ensure it’s running at top efficiency.

This tool for customizing your Mac proves so helpful that it earned 4 out of 5 on MacUpdate. And Tech Journey called MacPilot a “Swiss Army knife” for day-to-day Mac maintenance and customization.

Save on a MacPilot lifetime license and commence tweaking

Everyone is different, and we all use our Macs for different things. This lifetime MacPilot license lets you easily customize your Mac your way for $27.97 with code UPDATE. That’s a massive discount off the regular price of $99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly. We originally published this post on MacPilot, an excellent tool for customizing your Mac, on October 20, 2022. We updated the pricing info.

Apple’s nifty new feature that lets AirPods translate speech in real time will reportedly become available to EU residents while they’re in Europe next month.

That will put an end to an odd situation: Currently, non-Europeans can use the AirPods Live Translation feature while in Europe, and EU residents can use it when traveling outside the European Union but not within the EU.

EU residents can soon use Live Translation with AirPods

Live Translation with AirPods is a signature feature of the new AirPods Pro 3 (and also works with some earlier Apple earbuds). It enables the user to hear a real-time translation of spoken communication.

However, Europeans are currently blocked from using the translation feature at home. A note on Apple’s website says, “Live Translation with AirPods is not available for EU residents whose device is in the EU and whose Apple Account country or region is also in the EU.”

Fortunately, the limitation looks temporary. On Tuesday, German-language news site Macerkopf wrote, “Apple has officially confirmed a few moments ago that Live Translation with AirPods will come to the EU and thus to Germany next month,” according to a machine translation.

Why the EU-only delay

Apple delayed making the feature available in the European Union due to the region’s Digital Markets Act, sweeping legislation intended to put curbs on Big Tech.

“Apple once again confirms that Live Translation with AirPods for users in the EU has been delayed due to the significant additional development effort required to meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act,” reports Macerkopf.

This situation mostly concerns Europeans. As the iPhone maker notes, “Apple Intelligence users based in other regions can continue to use Live Translation with AirPods anywhere they travel.”

Still, the change means that an American traveling to the European Union will soon be able to speak English to an EU resident, and the resident can use their AirPods and iPhone as a translator.

iOS 26.1 arrived on Monday, but Apple always keeps pushing ahead. As a result, iOS 26.2 beta 1 reached developers Tuesday.

The same goes for iPadOS 26.2 beta 1, watchOS 26.2 beta 1, tvOS 26.2 beta 1 and visionOS 26.2 beta 1. However, macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta 1 did not arrive with the rest.

iOS 26.2 beta 1 treads on the heels of iOS 26.1

Apple is very forward-thinking. Even before a new operating system ships, development begins on its successor. That’s why iOS 26.1 can launch on Monday, and then iOS 26.2 beta 1 can show up the next day.

iOS 26.1 is packed with features for iPhone users, as well as loads of bug fixes. Read our guide to all the changes in iOS 26.1. In addition, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1 and visionOS 26.1 also went out Monday with tweaks and bug fixes galore. And iPad users have an extra reason to celebrate: the return of Slide Over.

Then, the very next day, Apple seeded the next round of betas to developers, giving them their first look at the next OS updates for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and more.

What to expect in iOS 26.2, etc.

iOS 26.2 beta 1 is so new there’s been no time yet to see what has changed. Apple doesn’t make it as easy as it should to identify modifications and enhancements.  Some years, Cupertino lays out a roadmap of features coming to its devices in OS upgrades. This is not one of those years. No juicy details have leaked out yet, either.

“I’m not expecting major new features in that initial seed,” is all Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman could say about it, and he has some of the best sources inside Apple.

Which doesn’t mean Apple isn’t busy. It’s very hard at work finishing up work on the AI-enhanced version of Siri that is still scheduled to launch in spring 2026.

Also, the upcoming iOS version needs to be ready for the iPhone 17e when it arrives. And that’s true for macOS Tahoe 26.2 and the M5 MacBook Air as well. Further ahead, future MacBook variants with the Apple M5 Pro and Max processors are supposed to debut with macOS 26.3.

Just for developers

iOS 26.2 beta 1, iPadOS 26.2 beta 1, watchOS 26.2 beta 1, tvOS 26.2 beta 1 and visionOS 26.2 beta 1 can be downloaded starting Tuesday by registered members of Apple’s developer program. The next round of betas isn’t expected for two weeks.

Non-developers in the Apple Beta Software Program have to wait before they can test these prerelease versions. Based on Apple’s previous habits, the wait will also be two weeks.

Getting an iPhone case has never been more important with the new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models seemingly quite susceptible to scratches. Fortunately, deals save you up to 26% on the full range of official Apple cases for the new models: bumper case, silicone case and clear case (just not TechWoven).

An iPhone case is always a good idea, especially with these deals. But don’t delay — the savings are available for a limited time.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

How to deal with iPhone 17 and ‘scratchgate’

The new iPhone 17 series is getting rave reviews. But there’s seemingly a fly in the soup — some of the models seem unusually prone to getting scratched, especially the ones with darker colored finishes.

The typical response on social media is “Put your iPhone in a case!” That’s always good advice. And Amazon makes it easier by knocking unto 26% off all the just-launched cases for the full iPhone 17 series.

Apple iPhone 17 case deals

Apple iPhone Air Bumper Case

Apple brought its classic Bumper case back just for the iPhone 17 Air. It offers protection for the slim handset with the minimal amount of extra bulk. Most of the case is clear to show off the handset’s color, but the sides and edges get extra protection. Amazon knocked 26% off the price.

Click the link below to get the case in any of the range of colors: black, tan, light blue and light gray.

It's back, baby!

Apple iPhone Air Bumper case (black)

$17.99

Designed exclusively for the new iPhone Air, this is a throwback to the iPhone 4's bumper case. It protects the super-slim phone's edges while showcasing its back glass.

Pros:

• Lets you see what color your iPhone Air is.
• Fits like a glove.

Cons:

• Limited number of colors (black, light gray, tan, light blue).
• Doesn't protect iPhone Air's glass back.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/30/2026 02:16 am GMT

Apple Clear Case

Users of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (and the base-model iPhone 17, too) who are concerned about scratches can turn to an Apple Clear Case. This blend of clear polycarbonate and flexible materials protects the valuable handset without bulking it up. And it really is clear to allow the world to see the color of your iPhone.

You can save between 18% and 22%, depending on the model. Tap the link below to see the full range of options. 

See-through

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe

$39.99

Thin, light and grippy, this case is made of "optically clear polycarbonate and flexible materials." Plus, Apple says "all materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time," a common problem with low-quality clear cases.

Pros:

• Scratch-resistant coating on both sides.
• Sapphire crystal coupled to a conductive layer plays nice with Camera Control.
• Built-in magnets for optimal MagSafe functionality.

Cons:

• More expensive than some similar-looking competitors.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/24/2026 02:15 pm GMT

Apple Silicone Case

The Apple Silicone Case is a great way to change the color of your iPhone 17 series model while also adding a layer of protection. If you got a “safe” color for the handset and now regret you didn’t get something bolder, just put on a case. Or match the color of your iPhone if you prefer. Click on the link below and then choose your color.

The deal drops the price by as much as 32%, depending on the model. 

Silky smooth!

Apple iPhone 17 Silicone Case with MagSafe (neon yellow)

$39.99

Apple's silicone cases feel great in the hand and provide decent protection. Plus, they hold up well and come in some fantastic colors.

Pros:

• Thin design doesn't make your iPhone feel chunky.
• Silicone material is smooth and pleasing to the touch.
• Great selection of colors.

Cons:

• Can get gouged up if you're not careful.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/24/2026 02:15 pm GMT

Apple TechWoven Case: Sold out

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are the debut of TechWoven, Apple’s new case material made from 100% recycled polyester. “Multiple colored yarns are woven together on a Jacquard loom creating a dimensional texture with a rich depth of color,” says Apple. “The sides of the case are coated with a lightly textured TPU for better grip.” Cases come in a range of colors — when they are available. Which isn’t now. TechWoven cases are backordered and definitely not available at a discount.  

Apple's rugged option

Apple iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe (green)

$49.99

Made from 100% recycled polyester, the pebbled back of Apple's new TechWoven cases feels grippy and durable. "Multiple colored yarns are woven together on a Jacquard loom creating a dimensional texture with a rich depth of color," Apple says. The sides are made of lightly textured TPU, with anodized aluminum buttons.

Pros:

• TechWoven material feels like it will last a lifetime and provide solid protection.
• Aluminum buttons "provide precise and responsive feedback."
• Comes in five colors (blue, purple, sienna, green and black).

Cons:

• A bit less streamlined than Apple's other cases.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/30/2026 02:17 am GMT

More iPhone 17 series cases to choose from!

To be clear, there are plenty of other iPhone 17 series cases to choose from. Third-party accessory makers offer a very wide variety by using other designs and materials. You can find plenty more possibilities in the Cult of Mac round-up of iPhone 17 cases.

Apple is working on its first low-cost laptop, a strategic departure from its traditional premium approach that could shake up the education and entry-level PC markets, according to a new report. And some responses on social media suggest the PC industry is, indeed, “freaking out” over it.

Apple develops a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and PC laptops

The new Mac, code-named J700, is currently in testing and early production, with the goal of launching in the first half of next year, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported Tuesday. Apple plans to price it well under $1,000 by using cost-saving components while maintaining the design quality and ecosystem integration Mac users expect.

Delivering an Apple design at a budget price could shake up things in laptop land, as noted by Ben Bajarin, CEO and principal analyst at Creative Strategies. After all, Windows PCs dominate the budget laptop space.

“The share of Windows in MSRP <$800 is 100%,” Bajarin wrote Tuesday on X in response to the Bloomberg report. “This is why the entire PC ecosystem is freaking out over what’s coming from Apple next year.”

A new approach to affordable computing

Apple’s budget laptop will target students, businesses and casual users “primarily browse the web, work on documents or conduct light media editing,” according to Bloomberg‘s anonymous sources. It’s also aimed at iPad customers who might prefer a traditional laptop form factor with an integrated keyboard.

To keep costs down, Apple is making some notable hardware choices. The device will feature an iPhone processor rather than a Mac-specific chip, marking the first time Apple has used a smartphone processor in a Mac. However, internal testing shows this chip can outperform the M1 processor used in recent MacBooks.

The laptop will also use a lower-end LCD display that’s slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch screen on the MacBook Air, making it the smallest display on any current Mac.

Taking on Chromebooks and Windows PCs

The move positions Apple to directly compete with Chromebooks, which dominate the education market at price points as low as a few hundred dollars, and entry-level Windows laptops. Apple currently holds just 9% of the global PC market, ranking fourth behind Lenovo, HP and Dell.

For schools, the new Mac would offer an alternative to Apple’s current entry-level option: an iPad paired with the Magic Keyboard Folio, which costs around $600 combined. The laptop would fall in a similar price range but provide better battery life and the full capabilities of macOS.

Part of a broader Mac refresh

The budget laptop is just one piece of Apple’s extensive Mac roadmap for the coming years. The company has completed work on an M5 MacBook Air for early 2026, along with M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros. New Mac mini and Mac Studio models are also planned, as well as a redesigned MacBook Pro with an M6 chip and OLED touchscreen for late 2026 or early 2027.

Apple’s Mac business has been performing strongly, growing 13% to $8.73 billion last quarter — the fastest growth rate among the company’s hardware categories.

A decade after Apple Watch launched, WhatsApp finally launched a dedicated app for the smartwatch Tuesday — ending years of frustration for users who could only respond to notifications from their wrist. The messaging service brings full chat functionality to your wrist with support for messages, voice notes and calls, Meta said. 

At long last, here’s the Whatsapp Apple Watch messaging app

The new WhatsApp for Apple Watch app transforms how users interact with the world’s most popular messaging platform, known for its end-to-end encryption, Meta said in a blog post Tuesday. With over a billion daily active users globally and more than 100 million monthly users in the United States alone, the absence of a proper Apple Watch app had been a notable gap in WhatsApp’s ecosystem. Now, after news broke Friday of testing in progress, it’s finally here. 

What you can do with WhatsApp on Apple Watch

The new app brings comprehensive functionality that goes far beyond the limited notification responses previously available. Users can now read entire conversations directly on their watch, including long messages that previously required pulling out an iPhone.

Key features include the ability to write and send new messages using voice dictation or the watch’s input methods. You can also record and send voice messages and send emoji reactions. In addition, the app can displays call notifications. That lets users see who’s calling without checking their phone.

Media viewing has been enhanced as well. That will make clearer images and stickers visible on the watch’s display. Users can also access more of their chat history directly on screen when browsing conversations.

Privacy and compatibility

WhatsApp emphasized that all messages and calls remain protected with end-to-end encryption, maintaining the same privacy standards users expect from the platform.

The app works with any Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10 or above. The watch must be paired with an iPhone.

Whatsapp for Apple Watch: Better late than never

The launch marks a significant catch-up moment for WhatsApp. It already offers a dedicated app for WearOS devices, of course. And the company acknowledged this is just the beginning, promising continued improvements based on user feedback.

For the millions of WhatsApp users limited to basic notification responses on their Apple Watches, the new app represents a major upgrade in functionality and convenience. It brings the full messaging experience to their wrists.

November 4, 1997: Apple unveils its plan to open small “store within a store” areas inside CompUSA outlets around the United States. Apple-trained employees will staff these mini-stores and sing the praises of the Mac and other Apple products.

The move gives Cupertino more control over the way its products are displayed and demoed to consumers. While ultimately disappointing, Apple’s CompUSA experiment paves the way for the flagship Apple Stores that will launch four years later and become the world’s most profitable retail outlets.

CompUSA deal comes amid hard times for Apple

Cupertino’s deal with CompUSA, the computer superstore that eventually closed its doors in 2013, came shortly after Steve Jobs‘ return to Apple to act as interim CEO in September 1997. The Apple faithful loved Jobs’ return to the company, but a great amount of skepticism remained.

Apple’s iconic original iMac, the machine that started to turn around the company’s fortunes, wouldn’t be released until the following August. In fact, all Apple really had to show for itself at this point was its new “Think Different” advertising campaign, which was conspicuously short on actual products.

Mac sales continued to sink, with Apple’s market share diminishing in the previous 18 months. Apple had just finished a horrible quarter, with a massive loss of $161 million.

The news about the CompUSA deal therefore shocked some analysts. “I can’t imagine any reason for CompUSA to do this unless they were increasing their square-foot profit,” said Lewis Alton, an analyst with L.H. Alton & Co. in San Francisco.

CompUSA believed in Apple

In reality, CompUSA saw some evidence that business was about to turn around for Apple.

“We want to be an active Apple advocate,” said Hal Compton, CompUSA’s president. “We think that because of their loyal customer following, where Apple business has been soft and declining, we are starting to see that turn around and pick up. They have great products and we can help Apple gain market share.”

Obviously, Compton’s belief proved correct in the long term. And, in the short term, there was indeed evidence that Apple was starting its turnaround.

Even ignoring secret projects that Compton wouldn’t have known about (the iMac G3’s success was bolstered by the arrival of the similar stled iBook laptop), Apple still commanded user loyalty. In particular, the company had been buoyed by the recent launch of Mac OS 8. The update sold an enormous 1.2 million copies in its first two weeks, making it the most successful sales performance for an Apple software product at the time.

Apple’s obsession with retail stores

Although Apple took a hit due to the arrival of clone Macs — a misguided initiative that Jobs quickly killed — the quality of the company’s products was never the problem.

Three distinct things hurt Apple at retail: badly displayed merchandise, a lack of shelf space, and shop assistants who didn’t know what they were talking about.

Apple struck the CompUSA deal to start changing all that. The Apple “stores within stores” popped up at 40 locations in time for Christmas 1997. The rest of CompUSA’s superstores received the same treatment shortly thereafter.

Still, it would be a mistake to think that Jobs loved the CompUSA Apple stores. He preferred high-end retail outlets that focused on big-ticket items rather than bulk selling of products.

It’s also no surprise to hear that Jobs borrowed the store-within-a-store concept from the fashion industry. Clothing designers often occupy space within larger retail outlets, and exert much greater control over their product’s presentation. The approach was relatively new in consumer electronics at the time, though.

Designing CompUSA Apple mini-stores

To create a visual distinction from the rest of the CompUSA store, Jobs hired the same architectural firm that he employed to design his Stevenote town hall events. This provided an architectural unity that made the place where you bought your Apple products look like an Apple product itself.

Sadly, like much of what Apple did in the 1990s, the CompUSA Apple stores proved disappointing. Taking over 15% of each CompUSA store sounded like the dream solution Apple had been waiting for. In reality, the mini-stores suffered from disappointing foot traffic. The fact that they often languished near the back of the CompUSA outlets did not help. Apple simply needed more control.

What’s clear, however, is that — looking back at it today — the CompUSA mini-stores were, essentially, early prototypes of what would later morph into Apple Stores. And by 2012, Apple Stores shot to the top of the list of America’s most profitable retail outlets. The company continues to build its remarkable retail stores around the world.

Do you remember the CompUSA Apple mini-stores? Leave your comments below.