Today in Apple history: It’s time for Apple Watch

By

Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the first major new product launch of the post-Steve Jobs era.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

April 24: Today in Apple history: Original Apple Watch launch date April 24, 2015: The original Apple Watch launch means consumers, who endured a seven-month wait after the device’s unveiling at a keynote the previous September, can finally strap an Apple wearable onto their wrists.

Apple CEO Tim Cook describes the smartwatch as the “next chapter in Apple history.”  Behind the scenes, however, the first Apple Watch launch is a moment long in the making.

This solar flashlight doubles as a power bank (and looks flamin’ hot!)

By

This solar-powered flashlight doubles as a power bank and lights up the night with faux fireplace.
No, this flashlight isn't powered by a raging fire!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You might already own a flashlight, but how many tricks does it know? Is it solar-powered? Can it serve as a power bank for your devices? Does it offer a fireplace simulator?  Yeah, we didn’t think so. Well, this solar flashlight can do all three.

And it’s all wrapped into one portable (and very affordable) gadget. That’s right, this multi-use flashlight costs just $39.99. Compared to its regular price of $62.99, that’s a 36% discount.

Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which earbuds are better?

By

AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro comparison
Which earbuds work better with your iPhone?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

If you want new wireless earbuds for your iPhone, the second-generation AirPods Pro are likely your top choice. But Apple offers another pair of earbuds you might consider: Beats Fit Pro. In this Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 buying guide, we’ll compare the features of these two premium noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.

Do these earbuds provide the same features and sound quality as Apple’s flagship earbuds? Find out in this comparison.

Calculator app for iPad might finally launch in iPadOS 18

By

iPad calculator app
Finally. Finally.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In a long overdue move, Apple will reportedly integrate a Calculator application into the iPad operating system. The change — which is somehow both minor and monumental — will supposedly come when iPadOS 18 launched this autumn.

In the mean time, there are already several calculators hidden in the iPad.

Apple cuts Vision Pro shipments as demand slows

By

Vision Pro and battery sitting on pine table
The Vision Pro and its connected battery.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple lowered production targets as Vision Pro demand drops for the mixed-reality headset in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That suggests lower-than-expected demand among consumers as Apple plans to roll out the headset to new countries.

The company now plans to manufacture only 400,000 to 450,000 units this year, significantly lower than the initially anticipated 700,000 to 800,000 units.

Nomad’s new Sport Band and iPhone case glow even brighter in the dark

By

Nomad Glow accessories
You will see this guy and his Nomad Glow accessories coming, even in the dark.
Photo: Nomad

Apple accessories maker Nomad turned up the wattage Tuesday on its second-generation glow-in-the-dark Sport Band for Apple Watch. And it also unveiled its first-ever Glow Sport Case for iPhone 15 Pro models. They both glow in the dark — even more so than the first Glow Sport Band.

New mophie case adds hours to iPhone battery life [Review] ★★★★

By

mophie juice pack for iPhone 15 review★★★★
mophie juice pack is two useful iPhone 15 accessories in one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The new mophie juice pack for iPhone 15 combines a protective case with a power bank. Simply put your handset in the case to greatly extend your battery life and add 6 feet of drop protection.

I did real-world testing on the version specifically for the iPhone 15. (mophie also sells juice packs for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but not iPhone 15 Plus.)

New Trying season 4 trailer shows comedy cast ‘older not wiser’

By

Trying season 4 trailer
The season 4 trailer for comedy "Trying" is out. The kids are getting older.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ heralded the birth of a new season of popular family comedy Trying with a season 4 trailer Tuesday. It charmingly shows everyone getting older as the London family faces life’s little problems, including those adopted kids. After all, six years have passed in the story since season three’s action. They’re “older not wiser,” according to the show’s tagline.

The trailer is not exactly uncontrollably laughing-out-loud funny. But, like the show, its moments of wry humor will draw smiles and a chuckle or two. The fourth season debuts May 22 on Apple TV+.

Today in Apple history: App Store hits 1 billion downloads

By

App Store
What was the first app you ever downloaded?
Photo: Apple

April 23: Today in Apple history: App Store hits 1 billion downloads April 23, 2009: Less than a year after opening its virtual doors, the App Store reaches 1 billion downloads.

Peer-to-peer file sharing app Bump becomes the 1 billionth app to be downloaded. As a result of his purchase, 13-year-old Connor Mulcahey of Weston, Connecticut, wins a “1 Billion App Countdown” promotion.

He takes home an assortment of Apple products valued at more than $13,000, including a $10,000 iTunes gift card, a 32GB iPod touch, a Time Capsule and a 17-inch MacBook Pro.

Love Sonos speakers and soundbars? Here’s your chance to save big.

By

Sonos Beam soundbar - Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars
Sonos first-gen Beam soundbar at 25% off is one of the deals you can grab.
Photo: Sonos

A lot of folks love Apple audio products like HomePod speakers and AirPods earbuds. But another cherished audio brand is running a promotion right now you don’t want to miss. That would be 25% off Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars, plus a couple of other primo deals. See the details below.

After all, we know Apple’s refurbs are good, so why not Sonos?

Surprise! Apple sets May 7 event to launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air

By

Surprise! Apple sets May 7 event to launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air
Apple's next product launch event will be May 7. iPads are finally coming!
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple just invited the world to a May 7 product-launch event with the theme “Let Loose.” As an Apple Pencil is prominently included in the invitation’s image, there’s no doubt that two much-rumored new iPad models are on the agenda.

What is surprising is that there’ll be an event to announce the products, not simply a press release.

Apple FineWoven accessories: Not quite dead yet?

By

FineWoven Apple Watch bands
FineWoven accessories like Apple Watch bands may not be gone yet, but it seems they will go soon.
Photo: Apple

The same leaker who pronounced Apple’s FineWoven material dead Sunday said Tuesday the leather replacement will live one more “season” in new colors. Apple uses the textile in iPhone cases and wallets, Apple Watch bands and some AirTag accessories like keychains.

Presumably, Apple will find a way to replace the heavily criticized material soon, and probably without returning to leather goods, as the leaker implied in their original post on X.

This advanced jump starter can also charge your iPhone, AirPods and more

By

Get a jump on emergency prep with this $69.99 portable jump starter.
Charge your car and your phone with this $69.99 jump starter.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether it’s in your phone or in your car, a dead battery is a problem. Luckily, it’s one you can solve. The Type S is a 12V jump starter and power bank you can use to charge your mobile or jump-start a car battery.

And during this sale, it costs a lot less than calling a tow truck. Normally, the Type S goes for $119. But for a limited time, you can get one for just $69.99.

Analysts see hopeful signs even as iPhone sales slide in China

By

iPhone sales in China
iPhone sales in China slumped, but momentum could shift in Apple's favor.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In the first quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China slid 19.1% compared to Q1 2023. And that’s mainly due to competitor Huawei taking a bigger bite in the premium segment, according to new research. And yet analysts indicated possible signs of recovery for Apple, too.

How to use Delta, the iPhone game emulator

By

Nintendo Games On Your iPhone
A dream years in the making has come true: you can play Pokémon and Mario and all the classics on your iPhone.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

If you want a game emulator on iPhone, the Delta app is now available on the App Store to play games for Nintendo DS, GameBoy, GameBoy Advance, NES, SNES and N64.

That means you can play classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Zelda, Castlevania, and many, many more.

Download it for free on the App Store or from AltStore PAL in the EU. Playing classic Nintendo games on iPhone has never been easier. You don’t need to jailbreak, sideload through a computer or compile the emulator from source code anymore. And it’s legal-ish.

Here’s how to use Delta. Keep reading below or watch our latest video.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just $90

By

A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac is just $70.
Enjoy lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for only $70.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Stuck using an older version of Microsoft Office? This offer gets you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac for just $89.99 (regularly $219).

With just a low one-time payment, you can bid farewell to Microsoft 365’s pesky recurring subscription fees. You’ll never need to pay again for Microsoft’s widely used software for work and school.

New cases come out ahead of 12.9-inch iPad Air

By

ESR cases for 12.9-inch iPad Air - Rebound Hybrid Case 360
Rebound Hybrid Case 360 features a shock-resistant clear back and lets you mount Pad Air in landscape or portrait orientations.
Photo: ESR

Rumors say a new 12.9-inch iPad Air will come out soon. And ESR is banking on it early with the release of its new range of cases for the expected tablet — the first time Apple would offer that size outside of its iPad Pro lineup.

KEF speakers drive MacBook Pro outfit’s crystal-clear sound [Setups]

By

KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers
The setup's M3 Pro MacBook Pro has six speakers. But who cares when there are also KEF speakers.
Photo: KEF

A more than capable M3 Pro MacBook Pro powers today’s computer setup, but its six-speaker sound system won’t be needed. That’s because the medical student who own the rig has the good taste to include fantastic KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers.

He’ll just have to keep the powerful speakers’ volume in check to avoid having to see an ear doctor.

Today in Apple history: Apple teams with Volkswagen for iBeetle car

By

The first Apple car, a collaboration with VW known as the iBeetle, rolls onto the scene.
The first Apple car, a collaboration with VW known as the iBeetle, rolls onto the scene.
Photo: Volkswagen

April 22: Today in Apple history: Apple teams with VW for the iBeetle. It's the first Apple car! April 22, 2013: The world gets its first Apple car. Well, kind of. In reality, the iBeetle is a collaboration with German automaker Volkswagen that offers a car “stylistically linked” to Apple.

This means Apple-inspired colors, a built-in docking station for your iPhone, and a special app that lets you control the car’s features.

Why iPhone 16 might dump physical buttons for capacitive ones

By

Closeup of iPhone 15’s new Action button.
No more traditional buttons like these. iPhone 16 could use capacitive ones instead.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The upcoming iPhone 16 series will have no traditional buttons at all, according to information leaking out of the company that will supply the capacitive buttons that will supposedly replace them.

If true, the change would make the iOS devices more durable and waterproof.

Undelete and recover lost photos from an SD card

By

RECOVER and repair lost photos & videos with Stellar Photo Recovery Premium. Special Offer, Save $10 at $59.99. Get it now, no coupon code required!
Stellar Photo Recovery for Mac is available at $10 off.
Image: Stellar

Recover and undelete lost photos from an SD card with Stellar Photo Recovery Premium, a versatile tool that can rescue your work from corrupt files and formatting.

The worst nightmare of every content creator is getting back to your Mac, plugging in your SD card, only to find all your work from a photo shoot is missing.

Stellar Photo Recovery can save the heartache. This tool for Mac and PC can restore photos and videos that have been deleted or corrupted from all kinds of storage media and all major cameras.

It’s available from Stellar’s website with a free trial. The Premium version typically costs $69.99, but Cult of Mac readers get an extra $10 discount.

Apple might have stopped making FineWoven accessories

By

The Apple FineWoven case is the best official Apple case for iPhone 15.
Time to say goodbye to Apple's FineWoven iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands?
Photo: Apple

Apple reportedly ceased the production of its FineWoven iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. Announced alongside the iPhone 15 series in September 2023, the woven material replaced leather in Apple’s accessories lineup.

However, users criticized the FineWoven material for its poor durability and in-hand feel. Its shortcomings became especially evident after a few weeks of use.

This no-code website builder costs just $80

By

This $90 website builder doesn't require a single line of code.
Skip coding and start creating with this sale-priced site builder.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Ready to take control of your personal branding and make yourself a desirable candidate for jobs and other opportunities by building a jaw-dropping website? You can do it with the Mobirise No-Code Website Builder MegaPack Bundle.

This easy-to-use platform lets you whip up excellent websites with no coding experience. And it’s on sale now for just $79.97.

Today in Apple history: Rumors fly that Canon might buy Apple

By

Apple is worth more than the entire US energy sector combined
Apple was up for sale in the 1990s.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

April 21: Today in Apple history: Rumors fly that Canon might buy Apple April 21, 1995: Rumors swirl that Canon (yes, the Japanese camera company!) might take over Apple in either a partial or complete acquisition.

Speculation grows about a possible deal after Apple reveals its latest earnings, which show big improvement but still fall far short of Wall Street’s expectations.