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New iPhone hacking tool puts hundreds of millions of devices at risk

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DarkSword iPhone hacking tool
Don't let hackers take over your iPhone.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

A sophisticated hacking technique called DarkSword, capable of silently taking over iPhones the moment a user visits an infected website, has been discovered in active use — and Apple users running older software are squarely in the crosshairs, according to a new report Wednesday. 

If you haven’t updated to the latest iOS for your device, do so now.

Here’s when Apple will launch iOS 26.4

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iOS 26.4 release date: Next week
Apple took an important step toward the iOS 26.4 release date.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple on Wednesday seeded the iOS 26.4 Release Candidate to beta testers, signaling that eager iPhone users should circle March 25 on their calendars. The new version brings in fresh emoji, a tweak to Liquid Glass and other changes.

The macOS Tahoe 26.4 Release Candidate has also been released, as have equivalents for iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and more.

How to take stunning selfies with the Apple Watch Camera Remote

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The Camera Remote app with raise your selfie game
The Camera Remote app will take your selfies to a whole new level.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Everyone knows Apple Watch is an excellent health and fitness companion. But did you know it’s also handy for taking selfies? That’s thanks to Apple Watch’s best-kept secret: the Camera Remote app.

This indispensable Apple Watch app lets you use your iPhone’s best camera to take selfies. Using the app will elevate your selfie game, enabling you to take more flattering shots — with better compositions, more interesting poses and much, much more.

I use it all the time to take photos for Cult of Mac, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. So here’s my definitive guide to taking better selfies with Apple Watch.

Why rent cloud storage? Own 2TB for life for just $76.

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Product photo of the FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription.
Make the smart investment today with FileJump’s 2TB lifetime subscription for $89 and enjoy secure, hassle-free storage for life.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We all know subscription fees multiply like rascally rabbits. Wouldn’t it be nice to have cloud storage that doesn’t add to the misery? FileJump offers a refreshing alternative. Why rent your cloud storage month after month when you can score 2TB of cloud space for just $75.65 for life with code MARCH15?

No more recurring payments or surprise fees. Just a one-time investment for a lifetime of secure, accessible cloud storage.

Demanding spatial apps can now stream directly to Vision Pro

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Vision Pro 2 with M4 chip
The latest Vision Pro headset boosts processing power and improves comfort.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Nvidia’s RTX graphics cards — the kind already sitting inside many Windows PCs and workstations — can now stream high-fidelity, immersive content directly to an Apple Vision Pro headset via Nvidia CloudXR. It’s a collaboration the two companies announced Tuesday at Nvidia’s GTC conference in San Jose.

Apple releases first Background Security Improvements patch for iPhone and Mac

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iOS 26.3.1 (a) first Background Security Improvements patch
iOS 26.3.1 (a) is Apple's first ever Background Security Improvements patch for iPhone.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple updated iOS, macOS and iPadOS with a Background Security Improvements patch on Tuesday, the first time the company has used its new system for securing user devices. This patch fixes a flaw in WebKit that could have allowed malicious websites to access data from other websites.

Background Security Improvements are installed without requiring the iPhone, Mac or iPad user to do anything — or even be aware of the update.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs gets hitched

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Steve_Jobs_2007
Steve Jobs and Laurene Powell-Jobs remained married for the rest of the Apple co-founder's life.
Photo: Ben Stanfield/Flickr CC

March 18: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs marries Laurene Powell March 18, 1991: Steve Jobs marries 27-year-old Laurene Powell less than two years after a chance meeting.

The couple’s friends and family attend the wedding, which takes place at Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park in central California.

AirPods Pro 3 drop back to all-time low price

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AirPods Pro 3 and their charging case on a silver aluminum background
AirPods Pro 3 are always brilliant, and now they are more affordable.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

A fresh AirPods Pro 3 deal drops Apple’s excellent noise-canceling earbuds to a record-low price of just $199.99 at Amazon. That’s a $50 discount off the recently upgraded earbuds.

AirPods Pro 3 bring new features, including Live Translation, a heart rate monitor, revved-up audio quality and redesigned ear tips for better active noise cancellation. Plus, like the previous model, they can even function as clinical-grade hearing aids.

Make no mistake: These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy for your iPhone, Mac and other Apple gear. Nothing can match how seamlessly AirPods integrate with Apple devices.

iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16: Newer isn’t always better

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iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16
Sometimes, picking a winner is not easy.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

Apple’s budget-oriented iPhone 17e packs a faster processor and more base storage — at a lower price — than the iPhone 16. But despite launching more than a year earlier, the iPhone 16 still holds an edge in several important aspects.

Here’s how the two affordable iPhones compare — and which one you should buy.

Upgrading MacBook Neo to 1TB of storage takes serious skill

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MacBook Neo SSD is a NAND chip soldered to the motherboard
The MacBook Neo's SSD is a NAND chip soldered to the motherboard.
Screenshot: DirectorFeng

A MacBook Neo can be upgraded to 1TB of storage, but the DIY project isn’t for amateurs. A video demonstrating the process shows that it takes skills, experience and the right equipment.

Still, it’s interesting to watch. Especially as it also shows how easy it is to disassemble the MacBook Neo.

First Matter-certified camera hub could serve as Apple Home HQ

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Aqara Camera Hub G350
Aqara said this is the first Matter-certified camera.
Photo: Aqara

Smart home accessory maker Aqara unveiled two new security cameras Tuesday — the Camera Hub G350 and the Doorbell Camera G400. Both are designed to work well in Apple Home setups, among others. The bigger story is the G350, which marks a significant milestone: Aqara’s first Matter-certified camera, billed as the first Matter-certified camera hub for multi-platform homes.

Why Apple can’t give an exact AirPods Max 2 release date

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Why Apple doesn't know AirPods Max 2 release date
Who knows the AirPods Max 2 release date? Not even Apple.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

When Apple unveiled AirPods Max 2 on Monday, the company was unable to specify a release date, simply telling customers its new high-end headphones will launch “early next month.” It’s very unusual for Apple to not reveal when its own product will reach customers. But it turns out the headphones are waiting for Apple software that’s still in development.

Here’s what’s going on.

Beats, Nike and LeBron James team up for Powerbeats Pro 2 special edition

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Powerbeats Pro 2 – Nike Special Edition
They're the same earbuds, but Nike brings a whole lot of sporty style.
Photo: Beats

Two of the world’s most recognizable lifestyle and sports brands — Beats and Nike — joined forces for the first time with the launch of Powerbeats Pro 2 – Nike Special Edition, the companies said Tuesday.

It’s their first hardware collaboration. And it’s the first time Beats has shared brand real estate on a product like this. And what’s more, the promotional campaign stars basketball legend LeBron James alongside pro golfer Tom Kim and cast of comedic foils.

“This isn’t just a new colorway; it’s a collision of two brands that define performance, culture, and sports — the attributes of today’s athlete,”  said Chris Thorne, CMO of Beats. “By placing the Swoosh on our hardware for the first time, we’re honoring the shared DNA of Beats and Nike — and celebrating ambassadors like LeBron James who embody both. It’s a tribute to the grit, style and sound that push people to their limits.”

Today in Apple history: Microsoft gets sued for ripping off Mac OS

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Windows used a number of elements of the Mac UI
Windows 2.0 borrowed several elements from the Mac user interface.
Photo illustration: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

March 17: Today in Apple history: Apple sues Microsoft for ripping off Mac OS March 17, 1988: Apple sues Microsoft for allegedly stealing 189 different elements of its Macintosh operating system to create Windows 2.0.

The incident, which causes a deep rift between Apple and one of its top developers, paves the way for an epic battle between the two companies that will rage for years.

Apple retires a legendary iPhone

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iPhone 5 is now obsolete
No more repair support for iPhone 5.
AI image: ChatGPT

Apple’s first iPhone with the Lightning port, the iPhone 5, is now obsolete. The phone launched over a decade ago, in 2012.

Back then, the iPhone 5 stood out for its revamped design and larger 4-inch display.

Protect all your devices from hackers, trackers and other online creeps

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Screenshots showing Surfshark VPN on Mac and iPhone.
Get three years of Surfshark VPN service for just $68.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Surfshark VPN keeps you safe anywhere you go online, on an unlimited number of devices. This virtual private network can help you avoid hackers, trackers and regional restrictions.

Operating securely on the web is essential in the modern world. And right now, you can get a three-year subscription to Surfshark VPN for just $67.20 with code VPN20. That’s a massive discount off the regular price of $430.

New iPhone game controller brings Hall effect precision

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Serafim S3 Universal Mobile Game Controller
Get your iPhone game on!
Photo: Serafim

The new Serafim S3 Universal Mobile Game Controller is an Apple MFi-certified accessory that aims to bring console-level gaming to iPhone users with Hall effect magnet-based joysticks and more, the company said Monday. Priced at $89.99, S3 is available now on Amazon and the Serafim website.

Get lifetime AI investing advice for 85% off

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Photo of a person using AI investing app Sterling Stock Picker
Maximize your stock portfolio with this AI investing app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Without an AI investing app, trading in today’s unpredictable market can feel like throwing darts blindfolded. (Pro tip: Don’t try that unless you’re Mike Tyson.) One day, stocks are up; the next, they’re crashing. Not to mention, every so-called expert has a different opinion.

Sterling Stock Picker changes the game. This AI-driven platform taps OpenAI to take the guesswork out of investing, using advanced technology to guide you toward smarter financial decisions.

Whether you’re looking for long-term growth, dividend stocks or high-risk/high-reward opportunities, this AI investing app helps you navigate the stock market with clarity. And speaking of good investments, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker for just $55.20 with code SAVE20. That’s a massive 85% off the original price of $486.

Today in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display

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The iPad 3 Retina display was one gorgeous screen.
The iPad 3's Retina display was one gorgeous screen.
Photo: Apple

March 16: Today in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display March 16, 2012: Apple introduces the third-generation iPad, its first tablet to come with a Retina display. Marketed as simply “the new iPad,” it’s widely known as the “iPad 3.”

“The new iPad redefines the category Apple created less than two years ago, delivering the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology,” says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in a press release. “The new iPad now has the highest resolution display ever seen on a mobile device with 3.1 million pixels, delivering razor sharp text and unbelievable detail in photos and videos.”

Boasting that beautiful screen and Apple’s then-swanky A5X chip with a quad-core graphics processor, the third-gen iPad quickly becomes a big success. Disappointingly for customers, it will only hang around until October 2012. That’s the shortest lifespan of any iOS product in history, at just seven months.

F1: The Movie takes home Apple TV’s only Oscar

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F1: The Movie takes home Oscar
Damson Idris, left, and Brad Pitt star in the Oscar-winning blockbuster F1: The Movie.
Photo: Apple TV

Apple TV’s blockbuster racing drama, F1: The Movie, capped a record-breaking run with Academy Award gold Sunday night. The hit popcorn flick, which stars Brad Pitt, won the Oscar for best sound.