Powerbeats3 are in desperate need of an update. Photo: Apple
Apple’s newest iOS 13.3 update is out, spilling yet more secrets about upcoming products. New code reveals upgraded Powerbeats4 headphones could be on the way with “Hey Siri” support.
A welcome change may be coming to MacBook Pro and iPad... Photo: @YSR50
This week on The CultCast: Apple is readying a new display technology that could bring a huge change for MacBook Pro and iPad; our favorite Black Friday hauls; and it’s time for our favorite Gear of the Year! Plus our favorite movies, TV shows, and all the other stuff we loved most in 2019. It’s a party and you’re invited.
Our thanks to NETGEAR for supporting this episode. The Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/bestwifi.
Shopping for a Mac fan? Start here! Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
If you’re buying for an Apple fan who loves their Mac, there are loads of awesome gifts you should consider. We’ve rounded up the best to make your holiday shopping a little easier.
We’ve picked out the best headphones, mice, keyboards, and more so that you don’t have to spend hours hunting down the perfect purchase. And many of them are on sale today for Cyber Monday.
Shopping for an Apple Watch fan? Start here! Image: Killian Bell
It couldn’t be easier to buy holiday gifts for loved ones who own an Apple Watch. There are so many wonderful accessories out there for the best-selling smartwatch on the planet.
And Cult of Mac can help you find the best. Our Apple Watch gift guide includes our favorite bands, charging stands, wireless headphones, and more. Any many of them are now on sale for Black Friday.
Now you have no excuse to leave your holiday shopping until the last minute.
AirPods have been a bigger hit than maybe even Apple expected. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Apple suppliers frequently benefit when Cupertino has a mega-sized hit — and that’s exactly what has happened with the makers of the AirPods. Supplier Luxshare Precision Industry, which manufactures the AirPods for Apple, has seen its stock price triple this year.
In the process it has outperformed every other major stock traded in the Asia-Pacific region. And it’s only going to rely more on the AirPods going forward.
Shopping for an iPad fan? Start here! Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Black Friday is upon us, which means it’s a great time to start your holiday shopping. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to buy — Cult of Mac is here to help you choose the best gifts for the iPad lover in your life.
You’ll find the best headphones, speakers, game controllers, and keyboards in our iPad gift guide for 2019. And there’s something to suit every budget.
So, when you’ve finished scoffing down that turkey, check out the roundup below.
Don't know what to buy? Let Cult of Mac help. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
With so many iPhone accessories available today, it’s hard to know where to start when buying holiday gifts for the iPhone lover in your life. But Cult of Mac can help.
We’ve rounded up some of the best accessories out there for iPhone owners. We’ve got great cases, superb headphones, gorgeous charging stands, and more.
Prices start at just $25, and many of the products are currently on sale for Black Friday. Snap them up while they’re cheap!
Even Apple didn't expect the AirPods Pro to be the hit they've been. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly doubling production of the AirPods Pro from 1 million to 2 million units per month. That suggests that even Apple is surprised by how big a hit they have proven.
The new AirPods Pro are shaping up to be one of the most asked for items on peoples’ Christmas lists this season, there’s just one small problem: shipping times on Apple.com are showing units won’t arrive until after Santa Claus comes to town.
The AirPods have been a massive hit for Apple. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple’s AirPods continue to be a massive smash hit for the company. According to a new report, AirPods shipments are expected to double in 2019, compared to 2018. In all, Apple could sell a massive 60 million units this year.
Perhaps some extra time will let Microsoft rethink the design of the Surface Earbuds. Photo: Microsoft
Making a serious rival to AirPods is harder than Microsoft thought. It just pushed back the release of Surface Earbuds until well past the holiday shopping season.
AirPods Pro might sell out before Christmas or Hanukkah. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
AirPods are shaping up to be one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. And while it might seem like there’s still plenty of time to pick up a pair before Christmas or Hanukkah, there’s less time than you think.
AirPods are the gift teens want most this holiday season. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Anyone at a loss for what to get a hard-to-buy-for teenager need look no further than the Apple Store. Specifically, AirPods. That’s a conclusion of a survey done by a market-research firm.
Surprisingly, this same firm sees slowing interest in Fortnite.
ColorWare can make a set of AirPods Pro uniquely yours. Photo: ColorWare
Apple sells AirPods Pro in any color you want, as long as it’s white. But ColorWare brings some style to these in-ear headphones. The company offers 64 color options, and shoppers can decorate each AirPod differently.
A massive improvement over the original. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Consumer Reports has issued its verdict on Apple’s AirPods Pro — and it’s a positive one. The nonprofit consumer-testing publication praised the AirPods Pro as sounding “really good.” It also lavished praise on the sound-cancelling tech and the earbuds’ transparency mode.
However, it still thinks you could do better with Samsung’s Galaxy Buds.
Caviar went with a minimalist mod on this one. Photo: Caviar
Tired of looking like a dang peasant with your old AirPods?
The crazy luxury Apple-modders at Caviar have the perfect upgrade ready for you with their new AirPods Pro Gold Edition. After making some pretty wild mods to the original AirPods, including a $20,000 diamond version, Caviar’s latest masterpiece actually looks pretty classy, if you like that Saudi prince type look. And with a price tag of nearly $68K, you’d have to be a Saudi prince to afford them.
Tap the AirPods Pro battery case to show the charge status LED. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
The AirPods Pro come in a Qi-enabled wireless charging case, which means you can just drop it onto a charging mat, grab them a while later, and everything is topped up and ready to go. But the LED indicator on the case blinks off soon after you start charging. What’s up? How do you find out if your AirPods are full yet?
Retro, snakeskin and camo are just a few of the Slickwraps Skins available for AirPods Pro. Photo: Slickwraps
Although AirPods Pro still come only in white, users can add color with Slickwraps Skins. These are thin layers of vinyl that decorate not just the in-ear headphones but also the case, and there are dozens of options.
Apple's size of the wearables market keeps growing. Photo: Elago
Ensure your AirPods always have a safe place to stay with the brilliant Wrist Fit Adapter for Apple Watch. It slides onto almost any band and carries your beloved buds wherever you go.
Which is better? Feature-packed, or sleek and simple? Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Apple’s AirPods are brilliant. They’re incredibly convenient, sleek and offer pretty good sound. They also add a layer of functionality you don’t get with many other Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. And I’m not even talking about the new AirPods Pro.
So, now that Apple expanded the AirPods line to include both the standard AirPods, and the pricier (although more feature-packed) AirPods Pro, choosing the right option might not seem so clear. How do you choose the AirPods that are best for your life?
Yep. AirPods just got better. Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
With AirPods Pro, Apple makes us oddly happy about shelling out for an upgrade. In fact, the new high-end wireless earbuds feel like a steal at $250. You might even say they’re fandabbydosey. (Our fearless leader Leander did. In fact, he can’t stop raving about AirPods Pro.)
Immerse yourself in our reviews and early impressions of one the most exciting Apple products in recent memory in this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine. We also packed the issue full of how-tos for AirPods Pro and other Apple products. Plus, you’ll get the latest Apple news (including the lowdown on the just-launched Apple TV+ streaming service).
Apple's new AirPods Pro earbuds are a super-great update to the original. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Hot dang, Apple’s still got it. The new AirPods Pro are fantastic.
They’re truly great headphones, and every major new feature improves on the old AirPods in big and significant ways.
The sound is fantastic — a big upgrade.
Their active noise cancellation is as good as Bose and Sony headphones (and maybe even better). Finally, you can use AirPods on airplanes.
Transparency mode is weird magic.
Best of all are the new Force Sensor touch controls, which take a minute to get used to but are way better than tapping. They’re my favorite new feature, and I burst out laughing with delight when I got the hang of it.
We buy original and second-generation AirPods and make the whole process quick and easy. We also cough up real cash, so you can spend it anywhere you like.
Breaking news: Apple's pretty great when it comes to marketing. Photo: Apple
Question: How do you get billboards for a new product up as quickly as possible after launch, without spoiling Apple’s perfectly orchestrated unveiling? Answer: You put up the billboard, then add the product afterward.
If that sounds like way too much effort, we’re guessing you won’t be hearing back from Apple about your marketing job application anytime soon.
This week on The CultCast: AirPod Pros! You want them, we got them. We’ll tell you what’s new, what’s good, what’s not, and how they compare to the regular AirPods. We’ve got lots to say…. Plus: The first Apple TV+ reviews are trickling in, and, well … they’re not great.
Our thanks to Belkin for supporting this episode. Belkin cables are built to last and supported with a five-year warranty. If you’re tired of broken, burned-out cables, switch to Belkin, and save 30% off your order with code CultCast at checkout.