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Logitech MX Keys Mini vs. Apple Magic Keyboard: Which to choose?

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Logitech MX Keys Mini vs Apple Magic Keyboard
See which of these highly productive keeb suits you best.
Photo: chatGPT/Cult of Mac

It’s the ultimate battle of the small Mac keyboards: Logitech MX Keys Mini vs. Apple Magic Keyboard. Choosing between these two premium compact keyboards is tough, and the decisions you make can significantly impact your daily typing experience and productivity.

They’ve both become top contenders for professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. And while they’re similar, they’re not the same.

Find out which is better for you in our head-to-head comparison. 

8 best Sony headphones for iPhone users

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Best Sony headphones for iPhone
Choose the best Sony headphones to use with iPhone.
AI image: Grok

Finding the perfect Sony headphones for iPhone might seem challenging when Apple pushes its own audio ecosystem so heavily. This comprehensive guide examines each model’s features, pros, cons and pricing to help you find the perfect match for your specific needs and budget. Let’s dive into what makes these Sony headphones exceptional companions for your iPhone.

With this smart clipboard manager, your Mac remembers everything you copy

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Mac screenshot showing CopyMagic smart clipboard manager
Get CopyMagic and never lose anything you ever copied onto your Mac's clipboard!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Do you use a Mac clipboard manager? If the answer’s no, you’re missing out.

If you’re anything like most Mac power users, you’re constantly copying bits of text, links and code snippets across apps all day long. But the built-in Mac clipboard? It’s always been a bit of a goldfish — copy something, and the last thing you grabbed disappears forever. And while macOS 26 Tahoe added a clipboard management feature, it’s rudimentary at best.

Not so with CopyMagic, a smart clipboard manager for Mac that boasts advanced features. This offline, privacy-first tool transforms your clipboard into a lightning-fast, searchable archive you’ll actually want to use. And right now, you can snag a lifetime subscription to CopyMagic for just $29.99.

Live Translation with AirPods: A hands-on test

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Two people, one wearing AirPods, smiling at each other, with an image of AirPods in the middle
AirPods can now connect you to talk to people who speak other languages.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

I put AirPods’ new Live Translation feature to the test and came away impressed with the results. 

I tested the feature with the help of Niléane, a native French speaker and fellow tech blogger. While we hit a few stumbling blocks in our conversation, we were able to have a perfectly good chat for a solid 10 minutes.

I cut it down to a seven-minute video, where you can see it for yourself. Keep reading for my full thoughts and analysis of the fantastic new feature. 

What to expect at Apple‘s October product-launch event

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Apple October event rumors
Apple CEO Tim Cook could soon be taking to the stage with more product announcements.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple isn’t done lunching new products this year, even though the iPhone 17 family and Apple Watch Series 11 reached customers in September.  There are so many new products coming out of Cupertino this fall that rumors point to an Apple October event.

For some Apple fans, the best is yet to come: the Apple M5 processor, a new iPad Pro and (hopefully) the next MacBook Pro. And there could be more.

Sora rockets to No. 1 on App Store: What Apple users love about OpenAI’s new AI video app

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Sora app
The Sora app uses AI to generate fun, very realistic videos from user prompts.
Screenshot: OpenAI

OpenAI introduced the Sora iPhone app Tuesday, and by Friday, it had already hit the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Top Free Apps list. The secret of the new AI video app’s appeal? It’s a lot of fun, letting users create hilarious short videos with a simple text description.

Watch some of the hilarious (and amazing) videos people have already created, there go make your own.

Halo Collar 5 is simply the best GPS dog tracker [Review] ★★★★★

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Halo Collar 5 review★★★★★
Stop worrying about losing your furry friend — get Halo Collar 5.
Photo: Halo

You won’t find a better way to track your dog than the new Halo Collar 5. It uses GPS to accurately locate your pup anywhere on Earth and can show you the location on your iPhone (or Android). Plus, it offers two days of battery life.

As a bonus feature, you can set up a “fence” so the collar warns your pet to stay in its yard. And you can place virtual fences anywhere you go.

I did real-world testing of the GPS dog tracker and came away very impressed.

This great-looking 4K portable monitor is pleasantly affordable [Review] ★★★★

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QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor review★★★★
The QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor looks beautiful showing video… just not perfect.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor shows that there’s no reason to get a 1080P screen for travel when a 4K one is so affordable. The 15.6-inch screen can make you more productive on business trips, or let you enjoy movies and games on a high-resolution display. All without straining your budget.

Don’t be concerned if you haven’t heard of QQH before. I hadn’t, so I went into this review with a skeptical eye. I tested the 4K portable monitor for weeks with my iPad Pro, and it also supports MacBook and even my iPhone. Here’s why I’m pleased with it.

Especially as there’s a deal that knocks 29% off the cost of the QQH Z12-4.

These 6 apps will change how you use your Mac

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Photo of an M4 MacBook Air sitting on a desk with lights glinting off it, used to illustrate a guide to best Mac utilities.
I can't use my Mac without these utilities.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The best Mac utilities can make a great computer even better. From smarter window management to easier automation and cleaner navigation, a few well-chosen tools can dramatically improve your workflow.

I’m a longtime Mac user, and I can’t do my job without these six essential Mac utilities. In this guide, I’ll show you how they can make everyday tasks faster and simpler.

Anker’s Nano Power Bank is the iPhone battery pack Apple should have made [Review] ★★★★★

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Photo showing Anker Nano Power Bank on back of iPhone 16 Pro in bright yellow silicone case★★★★★
Anker's slender new power bank can give your iPhone the battery boost it needs.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

With the Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim), thin is definitely in. Measuring just 0.34 inches deep, the Qi2 power bank attaches magnetically to MagSafe iPhones and delivers enough juice to get you through a frantic afternoon on the go.

At just 5,000 mAh, it won’t take modern iPhone batteries all the way to 100%. But it will power up a dead iPhone from zero to 20% in a little over 20 minutes. And it does so while attached comfortably to the phone, without the excessive heat generated by some competing power banks.

How to scan QR codes on iPhone: 3 easy ways to get the info you need

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Image of an iPhone with a QR code and the words
Scan QR codes faster with these tips.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can scan a QR code directly from your iPhone — you don’t need to download a third-party app to get the information you need. Apple even gives you three ways to do it. You can scan a QR code using your iPhone’s camera, using a shortcut in Control Center, or directly from an image in your Photos library

As QR codes become increasingly prevalent, it’s good to know these methods. If you’re in a restaurant and you want to open the digital menu or join the Wi-Fi network, you don’t want to fiddle with installing a third-party app.

To learn three ways you can scan a QR code using your iPhone, keep reading or watch our short video.

Mind behind Slow Horses brings thriller Down Cemetery Road [Apple TV+ trailer]

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Down Cemetery Road season 1
Watch the new trailer below.
Photo: Apple TV+

With Slow Horses season 5 now streaming, Apple TV+ cues up another crime thriller, Down Cemetery Road, in collaboration with novelist Mick Herron —  and now you can watch its first trailer, below. Set to stream October 29, the new series stars Academy Award winner Emma Thompson and Golden Globe winner Ruth Wilson. It’s based on Herron’s “Zöe Boehm” book series.

Make your iPhone filter out those damn spam texts

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How to block spam text messages
Your iPhone can save you from text message spam. You just have to ask it to.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

iOS 26 includes an anti-spam feature that can protect you from getting bombarded with text message spam on your iPhone. You just have to activate it.

It’s easy. Here’s what to do to save yourself from the hassle and potential cost of spam texts.

Apple Watch SE 3 is all the smartwatch you need [Review] ★★★★★

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Apple Watch SE 3 review★★★★★
The Apple Watch SE 3 can probably save you $150.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch SE 3 is a huge upgrade, packing an always-on display, a new processor, fast charging, gesture support and many more improvements. It’s so good that it presents a problem for Apple Watch buyers: is there a reason to pay more to get a Series 11?

After a week with the SE 3, I’m blown away at how much I got for $249. Here’s why.

Why AirPods Pro 3 are my new favorite headphones [Review] ★★★★★

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AirPods Pro 3 and their charging case on a silver aluminum background★★★★★
They look familiar at first glance.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

In testing the latest AirPods Pro 3 for this review, I found Apple’s high-end earbuds deliver remarkable audio quality and practically unbelievable active noise cancellation. Add to that a heart rate monitor that’s on par with the Apple Watch’s sensor, and Apple has made the best earbuds around even better.

The biggest upgrade is the AirPods Pro 3’s new foam-infused ear tips. They help increase the earbuds’ noise cancellation to uncanny levels. Plus, somehow, the audio quality sounds punchier than ever. I get better sound out of Apple’s tiny earbuds than from some over-ear headphones.

Here’s how the AirPods Pro 3 stack up to their predecessors.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air: Which one’s right for you?

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iPhone 17 vs. iPhone Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro
Which 2025 iPhone is the right pick for you?
Photo: Apple/CultOfMac

Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup is its boldest — and most confusing — yet. It offers three distinct models designed to cater to very different kinds of users. From the slim and stylish iPhone Air to the all-out powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro, with the well-balanced iPhone 17 in between, there’s something here for everyone.

But with overlapping features, similar pricing and Apple blurring the lines between Pro and non-Pro models, choosing the right iPhone isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. 

If you touch an iPhone Air, you’ll want to buy it immediately [Review] ★★★★

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iPhone Air floating in front of a fake palm tree in a beige room★★★★
Light as air.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The iPhone Air is what the people say they’ve been asking for: something new. This is the first iPhone in a long time that will truly shock you when you take it out of the box and hold it in your hand.

That means cutting a few things you’ve come to expect from the iPhone: the second speaker, the second (and third) rear cameras … but also, the thickness and weight. And the more time I spent with the iPhone Air, the more I appreciated what was still there: the super-bright and big display, the improved front camera and, most surprisingly, the battery life.

Here’s my experience switching from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone Air. It’s a path I think you might enjoy taking, too. Keep reading or watch our video review.

Screen and camera upgrades make iPhone 17 Apple’s best base model ever [Review] ★★★★★

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iPhone 17 review★★★★★
The base model iPhone 17 is so good you might forgo the Pro version.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple put an always-on screen in the iPhone 17 and improved the display’s refresh rate to 120 Hz. Plus, the selfie cam got a brilliant new feature. There are plenty of other enhancements too — including double the storage capacity! — which all combine to make Apple’s new base-model iPhone a welcome upgrade for those ready to move up from an aging device.

This is the first time I’ve regularly used a basic iOS model in almost a decade. I’m impressed with what Apple offers for $799. It’s really made me question the need for a Pro model. Here’s why.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2: Should you upgrade?

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 comparison
Don't ditch your Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the Ultra 3.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. the Ultra 2, and you will see that the new model looks quite similar to its predecessor. You’ll need to squint to notice the Ultra 3’s slightly larger display. And most other changes are internal, like faster charging, longer battery life and satellite connectivity.

Otherwise, this is basically the same rugged smartwatch that Apple launched two years ago. So, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2, should you consider upgrading to the Ultra 3? Or should you save your money instead?

How to use AirPods as an iPhone camera control

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AirPods camera control
Your AirPods can act as a camera control to take group shots with you in them.
Image: Apple/Belle Co/Pexels

AirPods have a new trick that lets them work as a camera remote. Simply pressing the earbuds’ stem can control your iPhone’s Camera app and snap a picture. This proves helpful when you want to set your iPhone to take a large group photo with you in it.

However, the feature is off by default. You need to activate it. Here’s what to do.

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 comparison: Is going Pro worth it?

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iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 comparison
The iPhone 17 is almost as good as its Pro sibling.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Two closely matched heavyweights square off this year in Apple’s iPhone lineup: the iPhone 17 vs. the iPhone 17 Pro. On paper, the gap between the two has never been narrower. But look closer, and you’ll find a few key differences that could sway your buying decision.

The iPhone 17 Pro has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it the ultimate choice for power users. But is it worth the extra $300? Find out in this iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro. comparison.

How to turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26 if you hate it

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Turn off Liquid Glass
You can easily deactivate Liquid Glass in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe if you really can’t tolerate it.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of Mac

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 exists. And it’s easy.

The same setting is available in macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, so you can turn off Liquid Glass on all your devices. Here’s how:

Take 4TB of super-fast USB4 storage anywhere with LaCie Rugged SSD4 [Review] ★★★★★

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LaCie Rugged SSD4 review★★★★★
The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is rugged, fast and holds up 4TB.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The just-launched LaCie Rugged SSD4 from Seagate is for “creators working beyond the four walls of a studio.” It’s designed to stand up to punishment while offering terabytes of storage and USB4 data transfer speeds. That’s fast enough for iPhone Pro users to record ProRes 4K video.

I put the SSD through real-world testing. Here’s how it came out.

How to make your photos 3D in iOS 26

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Make the Coolest Wallpaper
Not just of an old dog — a 3D old dog!
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

In iOS 26, the awesome new Spatial Scenes feature lets you convert an ordinary 2D photo to a 3D scene that moves in your hand. It doesn’t have to be a recent picture or one taken with a special camera, either. You can try out Apple’s new 3D effect on any decent photo, even if it’s from 20 years ago.

You can play with Spatial Scenes in the Photos app, converting images and seeing how the effect works. But the best part is that you can set one as your iPhone’s Lock Screen wallpaper, and see it every time you unlock your phone. It even works with the excellent Photo Shuffle feature, so you’ll keep getting new ones to gawk at.

Check out the GIFs below that show how Spatial Scenes work, or watch our hands-on demo video.