iPhone users around the world warned they are specific target of spyware

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Spyware warning
Mercenary spyware is being used against iPhones.
Photo: Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

Mercenary spyware is being used to target specific iPhone users in almost 100 countries. Apple reportedly sent warnings to these people on Wednesday.

This is different from general warnings that all computer users need to be careful about malware. The individuals warned Wednesday are being targeted — probably for political reasons.

Track heart rate and body temp with Sennheiser’s new sport earbuds

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Sennheiser-Momentum-Sport-earbuds-olive
With these you can keep track of your heart rate and temperature while exercising (or anytime).
Photo: Sennheiser

Sennheiser Momentum Sport wireless earbuds that track heart rate and body temperature finally started shipping this week after their big reveal in January at CES 2024.

Heart rate and body temperature sensors were expected in AirPods Pro (2nd generation), launched in September 2022, but didn’t end up in the product (yet).

Use your iPhone to scan and fax documents with this multipurpose scanning app

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Turn your iPhone into a scanner and fax with $140 off SwiftScan VIP.
Save $140 on SwiftScan VIP and turn your iPhone into a scanner.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

While the world is increasingly going digital, paper documents are still in use and need to be incorporated into your workflow. The SwiftScan VIP app bridges the gap between paper and digital by turning your iPhone into a convenient scanning and faxing multitool. And right now, it’s on sale at the best price you’ll find online.

How to quickly queue songs on Apple Music (and clear the queue)

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Play This One Next
Your phone can DJ for you.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can queue songs in Apple Music so that the tracks you want to hear play automatically, one after another. You don’t need to wait for the song to end and manually play the next one. 

I also have a pro tip for clearing the queue if you want to start over, because Apple Music doesn’t have an easy “clear” button on the iPhone. 

Plus, you can let friends add songs to the queue from their own phones — even if they don’t have an Apple Music subscription. Watch our video or keep reading below.

Apple provides temporary solution for Apple Watch ghost touch issues

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deep discount on Apple Watch 9
Apple Watch ghost touch issues are more widespread than initially believed.
Photo: D. Griffith Jones/Cult of Mac

Experiencing “ghost touch” problems on your Apple Watch, where the device responds to finger taps that never happened? You are not alone. Although the bug was initially limited to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, it appears to affect some older models, too.

Apple informed its service providers not to replace Apple Watch models plagued by the ghost touch bug. Instead, it has provided a temporary solution while the company works on a permanent software fix.

This 6-in-1 multiple charging cable can charge practically anything

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InCharge X Max multiple charging cable.
Upgrade your charging game with 43% off the inCharge X Max.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

iPhone, iPad, MacBook, AirPods … the more Apple gear we collect, the more important is it to have a multiple-charging cable. The inCharge X Max — a six-in-one cable with Lightning, USB-C and more — cuts down on the clutter in your bag with its compact design and multiple connections.

As the Cult of Mac review of the inCharge X says, these cables are “adaptable enough to enable almost any type of Apple device to get power from almost any charger.” And now you can get a two-pack of these multi-tip cables at a new low price: just $31.99 for two with code ENJOY20.

iOS 17.5 brings Apple’s new Quartiles word game

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Quartiles word game
This screenshot shows the new Quartiles word game in iOS 17.5 beta.
Photo: Gadget Hacks/Apple

iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5 and macOS 14.5 Sonoma, all currently in beta testing, feature a new word game called Quartiles, according to a new report. The game joins Apple News’ pair of daily crossword puzzles.

More iPhones are made in India than you might think

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More iPhones are made in India than you might think
China isn't the only country where iPhone is assembled.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Everyone knows iPhone is made in China, right? Well, yes and no. A new report indicates that as many as 14% of Apple handsets are actually produced in India.

It’s part of Apple’s plan to diversify where its products are assembled to reduce its dependence on China.

Here’s your one shot at lowest-ever price on Apple Watch 9

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Apple Watch 9 (Product) Red
It's a great deal, but you only have one option when it comes to size and color.
Photo: Apple

The good news is Apple Watch Series 9 just hit what we think is its lowest-ever price on Amazon. The bad news, depending on your preference, is you can only get it at the sale price in one size and one color: 41mm, (Product) Red with matching M/L band. But if you like that one option, this limited-time Apple Watch 9 lowest price deal can be yours for the remarkably low price of $399.00 $295.20.

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

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs loses control of the Mac

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Mac 128k Beauty Shot
Steve Jobs was distraught at being removed as general manager of the Mac division.
Photo: iFixit

April 10: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs loses control of the Mac April 10, 1985: During a fateful meeting, Apple CEO John Sculley threatens to resign unless the company’s board of directors removes Steve Jobs as executive VP and general manager of the Macintosh division.

This triggers a series of events that will ultimately result in Jobs’ exit. The marathon board meeting — which continued for several hours the next day — results in Jobs losing his operating role within the company, but being allowed to stay on as chairman. Things don’t exactly play out like that.

Dual-display rig boasts speedy M3 and M2 MacBooks [Setups]

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M3 Max MacBook Pro setup
With an M2 MacBook Air and an M3 Max MacBook Pro from work, this setup is highly productive.
Photo: chrisonhismac@Reddit.com

Who doesn’t love a good MacBook? Or maybe two MacBooks, like in today’s setup. The guy has his own M2 MacBook Air, a formidable machine. But he’s lucky enough to add to it an absolutely screaming M3 Max MacBook Pro courtesy of his employer. Nice perk, that.

He can also thank work for his second 4K display. But it doesn’t top his own.

New Matter-enabled motion and light sensor works with HomeKit

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Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 with box
Motion and light sensing are independent of each other with the P2 sensor.
Photo: Aqara

The new Thread- and Matter-enabled Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 came out Tuesday for use with HomeKit and other smart-home platforms, the company said.

“In the rapidly expanding global market for Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, Aqara has achieved remarkable success, distributing over 100,000 units last year,” noted Cathy You, Aqara’s senior VP of Global Business and Strategy.

“The launch of the Motion and Light Sensor P2, which combines our renowned sensor technology with the latest in connectivity protocols and standards, encapsulates our forward-thinking approach and our commitment to delivering smart home solutions that are ready for tomorrow’s advancement,” she added.

TSMC on track toward 2nm and 1.4nm processors for Apple devices

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TSMC looks ahead to super-speedy 2nm processors
2nm processors made by TSMC will be faster while using less power than today's 3nm iPhone and Mac chips.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Progress is reportedly going well at Apple’s chipmaker TSMC on development of the 2nm and later 1.4nm processors to power the 2025 through 2027 Mac and iPhone models.

Getting these chips into production is a critical part of keeping Apple at the forefront of technology.

Double your airtime with two 4K drones for less than $166

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The Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro 4K and Blade K are both included in this 4K camera drone bundle.
Capture amazing aerial footage with this two-drone bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Current drone technology is remarkable, and it’s revolutionizing everything from military and humanitarian operations to online sales and even Apple Maps. But unlike groceries, cutting-edge drones for everyday users just keep getting more affordable. And this 4K camera drone bundle is the perfect example.

For a limited time, you can get the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro 4K and Blade K for one low payment of just $165.99.

How to change the size and color of the Mac pointer

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Any Color You Like
The Mac cursor doesn't have to be boring black-and-white.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Mac pointer (also called the cursor) is black with a white outline by default, but you can change the pointer color if you want to make it more prominent. Plus, you can even change the Mac pointer size. 

You might lose track of the small cursor if you have low vision — or just a really big monitor. Making the pointer larger can make it easier to see. 

Changing the pointer color to, for instance, bright red can make it easier to see, too. You can choose any color, like light purple or green, to fit the aesthetic of your setup. (This is especially cool if you have a matching colorful iMac.)

Here’s how to change your Mac pointer size and color.

iPadOS 17.5 beta confirms next-gen iPad Pro’s OLED display

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OLED iPad mockup
The OLED iPad Pro should ship with slimmer bezels.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple’s new iPad Pro could launch in early May with updated internals and a refreshed design. All rumors surrounding Apple’s next premium tablet indicate it will feature OLED displays.

The first iPadOS 17.5 beta seems to confirm this, as it contains four new display firmware for unreleased iPad models.

Pick your next winner with this easy-to-use stock screener

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Pick smarter stocks with this $119.99 investment screener.
Get expert analytics for your stock portfolio with this $119.99 tool.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Dealing with an investment portfolio can be scary. What factors should you look for in a promising stock? When is the right time to sell? These are all questions that require research, but a stock-screening service like Tykr can make those sorts of decisions easy.

It’s a great tool that cuts through the math to deliver straightforward advice for today’s investors. And it’s not just for times when the market is flying high: Savvy investors can make money even when the market is down or going sideways.

If you want in on that action, jump on this chance to get a lifetime subscription to Tykr for just $96 with code ENJOY20.

These CT scans show Vision Pro’s glorious guts like nothing else

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Lumafield CT scan Vision Pro
An internals-only scan gives you a sense of how much Apple artfully packs into Vision Pro.
Photo: Lumafield

Want to see exactly what advanced engineering lies inside a Vision Pro AR/VR headset compared to Meta Vision Quest headsets? Lumafield dropped a fascinating video and a series of CT-scan images Tuesday to show you.

Lumafield pointed out it’s aim is not to present a head-to-head comparison or product review, but to reveal the companies’ “divergent design philosophies” through the headsets’ hardware engineering.

Apple’s Ferret-UI helps AI use your iPhone

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Ferret-UI
Ferret-UI might help AI systems like Siri understand and work with mobile-device screens.
Photo: Pexels-Tracy Le Blanc

Apple’s new Ferret-UI multimodal large language model could help artificial intelligence systems better understand mobile screens like the one on your iPhone, according to a research paper released Tuesday.

Among those potentially benefitting from this? Perhaps the much-maligned Siri voice assistant will do more for you on mobile devices. And maybe visually impaired users and developers who need to do user interface testing will benefit, too.

Apple showcases what Vision Pro can do for business

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Vision Pro business apps - Microsoft 365
Multitasking is easy between Microsoft 365 productivity apps using life-size windows.
Photo: Apple

Vision Pro and spatial computing can help businesses find new ways to customize workspaces, collaborate on 3D designs, deliver specialized employee training and guide remote fieldwork, Apple said Tuesday, citing visionOS apps.

“There’s tremendous opportunity for businesses to reimagine what’s possible using Apple Vision Pro at work,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of worldwide developer relations and enterprise marketing, in a statement.

Today in Apple history: Apple sells its 100 millionth iPod

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iPod
The iPod was Apple's most successful product yet.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

April 9: Today in Apple history: 100 millionth iPod sold April 9, 2007: Apple sells its 100 millionth iPod. Coming five-and-a-half years after the portable music player went on sale, the landmark event confirms the iPod as Apple’s most popular product of all time.

Until the iPhone arrives a couple months later, that is!

Android’s Find My clone launches along with Apple-compatible tracker tags

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Google Android Find My Device
Google demonstrated its innovation by copying Apple's Find My.
Photo: Google

Google thinks Apple’s Find My network is so clever it “borrowed” the idea. After announcing the system last year, Android’s Find My Device network is ready to locate misplaced handsets, tablets and tracking tags.

Aside from an opportunity to mock Google for its “innovation,” the new system is relevant to iPhone users because Rolling Square unveiled a pair of tags that support both Google’s and Apple’s system.

Optimize your job search with Resso Professional’s suite of AI tools

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Use AI jobs search tool Resso Professional to get a better job.
Save $460 off Resso Professional and enhance your job search with AI.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When looking for a job, you need all the support you can get. Resso sets you up with a suite of AI-powered job search tools to help you get the interview — and then land the job.

For a limited time, you can get a Resso Professional lifetime subscription for just $79.99.

15-inch MacBook Air vs. Dell XPS 15: Which laptop should you buy?

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Dell XPS 15 vs. 15-inch MacBook Air comparison
It's the battle of the 15-inch laptops.
Photo/Graphics: Dell/Apple/Rajesh

If you are in the market for a slim laptop, there are few options better than the 15-inch MacBook Air. But if you look beyond Apple’s ecosystem, there’s the Dell XPS 15. It packs a slim and lightweight design and offers more value for money than the MacBook. So, which 15-inch laptop wins the MacBook Air vs. Dell XPS 15 smackdown?

Find out in this buying guide, which compares the two laptops on their designs, displays, performance, ports, battery lives and prices.