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Last chance! Score major deals on Apple accessories in our Memorial Day Sale

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They're loyal and true, but sometimes they get lost. AirTag to the rescue.
They're loyal and true, but sometimes they get lost. AirTag to the rescue via a Nine Twenty Eight collar.
Photo: Nine Twenty Eight.

The massive Memorial Day Sale is still going on in the Cult of Mac Store, running through the end of the day on Monday, May 29. You can get up to 30% off great accessories for Apple products from half a dozen leading brands: Elago, Rilee & Lo, SwitchEasy, Mifa, Laut, Bucardo and Nine Twenty Eight.

See some sale highlights below and check out the whole sale on hundreds of items before it’s too late!

Last chance to get great deals on gifts for Mom

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Mifa's Sparkle Band is the picture of elegance. Or, mom might like a classic leather band or a tactical strap.
Mifa's Sparkle Band is the picture of elegance. Or, mom might like a classic leather band or a tactical strap.
Photo: Mifa

You’re not the first person to show up late to the party for Mother’s Day, forgetting to fork over a gift on her special day. So, a day later, it’s a good thing you can still choose from a huge selection of great Apple accessories on sale.

You can pick up a variety of items for 15% to 25% off in the Cult of Mac Store’s Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection through Monday. See a selection of highlights below.

Make mom’s day with Apple’s new gift guide

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What's good enough for mom? An iPad? An Apple Watch? Both?
What's good enough for mom? An iPad? An Apple Watch? Maybe both.
Photo: Marek [email protected]

Apple has shared its annual Mother’s Day gift guide to help you celebrate your mom on May 14 in the United States and many other countries. Dozens of gift ideas, from AirTags to iPhones to various accessories, cover a range of prices from $15 to about $1,000.

And you can “make it mom’s” with free engraving of emojis and messages on a range of gifts, too.

AirPods with USB-C go into production

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Ken Pillonel modded an AirPods Pro charging case and now offers a 3D-printed replacement case.
This concept shows an AirPods case with USB-C, something that should be available soon.
Photo: Ken Pillonel

AirPods charging cases with a USB-C port in place of the Lightning one are already being produced, according to a tipster.

These will be ready when, or possibly even before, the introduction on an iPhone that uses USB-C for data/charging.

Leaked Beats Studio Buds+ come in delightfully ’90s transparent casing

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Transparent plastic is a new look for Beats.
Transparent plastic is a new look for Beats.
Photo: Amazon/Beats

Before Apple subsidiary Beats could get the word out, a listing appeared briefly on Amazon.com Tuesday showing upgraded Beats Studio Buds+ coming out May 18.

They take the same shape as existing Beats Studio Buds, but they feature a cool new transparent design option, upgraded performance and a slightly higher price of $169.95.

Updated OnePlus Nord earbuds add noise cancellation at low price

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Now with ANC and improved sound quality, OnePlus Nord Buds 2 cost $59 and come in white or gray colors.
Now with ANC and improved sound quality, OnePlus Nord Buds 2 cost $59 and come in white or gray colors.
Photo: OnePlus

Another week, another set of active-noise-cancelling (ANC) wireless earbuds. The latest buds vying to take a piece of the AirPods pie are the updated OnePlus Nord Buds 2. They add ANC and improved sound quality over their super-affordable predecessor.

Nord Buds made a splash with good sound quality at a bargain-basement price of $39 when they came out. Now Nord Buds 2 piles on more features and boosts quality at a still-low $59 price point.

Easter Sale: Make AirPods even better with these accessories

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Elkson's case will keep your AirPods Pro safe and comes with a handy keychain ring.
Elkson's case will keep your AirPods Pro safe and comes with a handy keychain ring.
Photo: Elkson

No matter which AirPods you have, the Cult of Mac Easter Sale has something for you. Check out the selection of cool cases and stands in the Easter Savings collection.

See some highlights below, where the links go straight to the products. And if you think this sale is probably only for AirPods Pro, AirPods 3 and AirPods Max, guess again. Here’s six cases for AirPods 1 and 2, for example — all 25% off.

AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C case could launch as early as this spring

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Ken Pillonel modded an AirPods Pro charging case and now offers a 3D-printed replacement case.
AirPods Pro 2 will supposedly get on the USB-C bandwagon soon.
Photo: Ken Pillonel

The mystery AirPods referenced in iOS 16.4 are a new version of AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C case, according to a reliable Apple tipster. And the product could be out in the next few months.

If true, these will be a significant step in transitioning the iPhone ecosystem away from Lightning and to USB-C.

iOS 16.4 RC references unreleased AirPods, Beats Studio Buds+

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AirPods 3 with Funko
Is Apple silently working on an AirPods refresh?
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple’s RC build of iOS 16.4 references an unreleased AirPods with the model number A3048. There’s also mention of a new AirPods charging case carrying the model number A2968.

In addition, Apple seems to be working on a new pair of Beats Studio Buds, dubbed the Buds+.

New Anker MagGo fast-charges iPhone plus AirPods and Apple Watch

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The Anker 737 MagGo MagSafe charger comes with a USB-C adapter and cable.
The Anker 737 MagGo MagSafe charger comes with a USB-C adapter and cable.
Photo: Anker

Anker rolled out its latest 15W MagSafe charging stand Tuesday, introducing the 3-in-1 Anker 737 MagGo Charger. It adopts a triangular shape, juicing up iPhones at a full 15W and AirPods and Apple Watch at 5W apiece.

This follows the company’s first 3-in-1 MagSafe fast-charging stand, the Anker Cube, released in October 2022.

Foxconn will finally make AirPods for Apple

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Foxconn building
Apple's biggest contract manufacturer could finally assemble AirPods for it.
Photo: Puddingworld, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Foxconn will soon start making AirPods for Apple. For this, the Taiwanese company will spend upwards of $200 million to build a factory in India.

Foxconn has never assembled AirPods for Apple despite being its biggest contract manufacturer. This will change once its new factory in India is ready.

Keep your AirPods 3 safe in this rugged carabiner case cover from SwitchEasy [Review] ★★★★

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SwitchEasy Odyssey Rugged Utility Protective AirPod 3 Case review★★★★
Protect your AirPods 3 charging case with this rugged case cover from SwitchEasy.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The SwitchEasy Odyssey Rugged Utility Protective Case shields your AirPods 3 from scratches and helps prevent accidental loss. Surprisingly, it does not interfere with wireless charging.

I’ve carried the case cover on multiple vacations. It stood up to the real world very well. And the product is currently on sale at 20% off.

Apple’s excellent AirPods 2 drop to an amazing $99

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AirPods 2 pairing with iPhone
It is hard to beat the value the AirPods 2 provide at its discounted price.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple’s excellent AirPods 2 earbuds are available for $99 on Amazon. That’s a massive 35% discount from their $159 MSRP.

While not perfect, it is hard to beat the value the AirPods 2 provide at their discounted price.

AirPods Max 2 and HomePod mini 2 won’t arrive anytime soon

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AirPods Max even look pretty on the inside.
What improvements do you want to see in the AirPods Max 2?
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

The next AiPods Max refresh, low-cost AirPods, and the HomePod mini 2 could enter into mass production in H2 2024. These products could go on sale between the end of 2024 and the first half of 2025.

Apple is unlikely to announce new audio products for the remainder of 2023 or H1 2024.

AirPods Lite could add key new feature: Affordability

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AirPods Lite could add key new feature: Affordability
Can't afford AirPods? AirPods Lite might be just what you're hoping for.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is working on AirPods Lite, a cheaper version of its wireless earbuds, according to an industry analyst.

This would appeal to those who find even the lowest-cost AirPods out of their reach. And would help buoy interest in Apple’s product when sales are expected to slow in 2023.

Top 5 affordable ANC earbuds of 2022

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Soundcore A40 wireless ANC earbuds sound great, but their noise cancellation is epic.
Soundcore A40 wireless ANC earbuds sound great, but their noise cancellation is epic.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

I’ve reviewed quite a few active noise-canceling wireless earbuds for Cult of Mac, including the magnificent new second-gen AirPods Pro. And while the high quality and excellent features of Apple’s updated ANC buds make them a favorite as well as a benchmark, there are great alternative earbuds that do a nice job for a much lower cost.

What follows isn’t a “top 5 in the world” list, which would be an assortment of mostly super-pricey earbuds. It’s my favorite earbuds among those I’ve reviewed in the past year or so, mostly focused on high-value products, considering the quality you get for the cost.

$20 or less: Apple stocking stuffers that won’t drain your wallet

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Cult of Mac Store stocking stuffers for Apple fans
Great gifts at terrific prices.
Image: Amy Shamblen/Unsplash Licence/Cult of Mac

Looking for some sweet holiday gifts that won’t break the bank? The Cult of Mac Store has a massive collection of affordable stocking stuffers, sure to put a smile on the face of any Apple fan, for less than $20 each.

You’ll find cases, screen protectors, bands, stands and more from our most popular vendors. And every product has been used and approved by us, so you can be confident you’re spending your hard-earned cash on great products.

AirPods dominate global smart headphones market

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Everything we’re expecting from AirPods Pro 2
AirPods Pro 2 helped give Apple a huge share of the smart headphones market in Q3 2022.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

If it seems like almost everyone you see wearing wireless earbuds is using AirPods, you’re not far off. Apple owns a whopping 31% of the world market – three times the market share of its closest competitor.

And the company’s lead is growing, with shipments growing strongly year-over-year, according to a market research firm.

Last chance to save 40% on SwitchEasy Apple accessories

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More discounts added!
More discounts added!
Photo: Adel Neal/ Cult of Mac

Following Black Friday, the Cult of Mac Store added massive discounts over the weekend for Cyber Monday. So not only can you get a whopping 40% off SwitchEasy iPhone 12 series cases and accessories, you can get 30% a whole lineup of other great SwitchEasy gear.

See below for more details on all the great deals on many brands you can still get in the Cult of Mac Store. But if you like what you see, don’t hesitate. This deal ends at 11:59 p.m. PDT on Friday, December 2.

Make AirPods sound like new with Belkin cleaning kit

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Make AirPods sound like new with Belkin cleaning kit
Get that yucky earwax out of your AirPods with this cleaning kit.
Photo: Belkin

Your old AirPods aren’t what they used to be. The speakers can get gummed up, degrading the audio performance. But the Belkin Cleaning Kit for AirPods can take care of the problem.

This might save you the cost of buying a new pair of Apple earbuds.

Choose the best AirPods for holiday giving

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AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way.
AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way.
Photo: Apple

Which AirPods should you buy as gifts for family and friends this holiday season (or just for your greedy self)? It all comes down to which features you want and how much you want to spend.

Earbuds are a tough gift item because how they sound and how they fit is super-subjective. Everybody’s different.

But our guide will help you decide among the four Apple AirPods models on sale in December 2022: AirPods (2nd gen), AirPods (3rd gen), AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and AirPods Max.

These Black Friday deals on Apple gear are still going strong [Updated]

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Best Black Friday deals on MacBooks, AirPods, and iPads
These are the best Black Friday Apple deals you need to check out.
Photo: Rajesh

Black Friday 2022 is now one for the record books, but you can still take advantage of hefty discounts on Apple products.

So, if you have been looking to buy a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods or other Apple products for a while, take advantage of the best Black Friday deals on Apple gear right now. Just bear in mind that these deals can be slippery as an eel. If you see one you like, jump on it ASAP, because there’s no guarantee it will last.

Ugreen 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is perfect for the nightstand [Review] ★★★★☆

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Charge three devices at once.★★★★☆
Ugreen's MFi-certified charger tops off three devices at once.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

There’s something especially convenient about having a multi-device charging station on your nightstand. Or you could place at the edge of your desk or on a table by the front door. It’s a place you can charge your iPhone, AirPods charging case and Apple Watch all at once if need be.

Ugreen sent me its version to test out, the 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station. It’s a good charger for most people — especially because it’s MFi-certified for MagSafe. That means you get a full 15 watts for MagSafe iPhones and 5W apiece for an AirPods charging case and Apple Watch.

But the device isn’t without minor drawbacks.

Save a sweet $15 on the recently launched AirPods Pro 2

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AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way.
AirPods Pro 2 is available with a nice discount on Amazon.
Photo: Apple

Looking to gift your loved ones the second-generation AirPods Pro this holiday season? Amazon is taking a sweet 6% off the latest AirPods Pro, bringing their price down to $234.

You can get Apple’s latest wireless earbuds by next week in most states in the US, ahead of Black Friday and Thanksgiving.

Scary-good deals for Halloween: 15% off all Elago accessories

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Elago's R1 strap is perfect for your new AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Elago's R1 strap is perfect for your new AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Photo: Elago

Halloween is the time for kooky costumes, candy-induced belly aches and frighteningly good deals on Apple accessories in Cult of Mac‘s Super Sweet Deals sale. You can get anything made by Elago for 15% off this week.

Just head to the Cult of Mac Store to take 15% off all Elago accessories. That’s 162 products that go along with pretty much everything Apple. See some highlights below.