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David Snow - page 5

How iPhone satellite SOS helped save skiers in deadly avalanche

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iPhone satellite SOS helped save skiers
The avalanche proved devastating, but Emergency SOS via satellite helped ensure rescue for suvivors.
Photo: Apple

Six survivors of a deadly backcountry avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California this week communicated with emergency responders through an iPhone’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature to help ensure their rescue, according to reports. It helped safeguard their lives, though nine others were killed in the tragedy. 

MLS kicks off 2026 season on Apple TV with new features and World Cup spotlight

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MLS kicks off 2026 season on Apple TV
Opening weekend matches are all free to Apple TV subscribers.
Photo: Apple

Major League Soccer’s 31st season gets underway Saturday, with all 30 clubs taking the pitch for MLS is Back weekend. And Apple TV subscribers will have a front-row seat to all of it, with all 13 matches available and no blackouts across more than 100 countries and regions, Apple said.

“All eyes are on North America this year as the MLS season kicks off this week and the World Cup approaches,” said Thomas Müller, Vancouver Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder and 2014 FIFA World Cup champion. I’m excited to begin my first full season in MLS, help the team build on what we started, and give fans everywhere the chance to follow our journey on Apple TV.”

Apple may let you experience F1 like never before (Apple’s surprise on March 4)

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Immersive F1 racing on Vision Pro
Apple is really getting into Formula 1 racing.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s March 4 media event could be hiding a surprise for Formula 1 racing fans — and Vision Pro owners in particular. A widely read Apple commenter suggests the “Apple Experience” could show off immersive F1 racing on the Vision Pro headset.

Apple revives Apple Music Connect (but fans can’t join)

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Apple revives Apple Music Connect
The new Apple Music Connect is for music industry people, not fans.
Photo: Apple

Apple just quietly relaunched Apple Music Connect, repurposing the name of its long-defunct social platform into something entirely different. Now it’s a centralized hub designed for record labels, music distributors and industry partners rather than fans.

Apple adds video experience to Apple Podcasts

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podcasts
HLS technology brings video podcasts that let users switch between watching and listening, move to a horizontal full display or download videos for offline viewing.
Photo: Apple

A major update to Apple Podcasts will introduce full video podcast support this spring using the company’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, the iPhone giant said Monday.

The update promises a seamless experience for both viewers and podcast creators, with new tools for monetization and content distribution that Apple said will set a new standard for the medium.

“By bringing a category-leading video experience to Apple Podcasts, we’re putting creators in full control of their content and how they build their businesses, while making it easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts,” said Eddy Cue, Apple SVP of Services.

Top 10 MacBook Air setups

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top 10 MacBook Air setups
A sleek MacBook Air powers this sleek triple-display rig.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple’s MacBook Air continues to prove itself as the ultimate portable powerhouse for creative professionals, students and everyday users alike. Whether you’re team M2 or M3 — or you upgraded to the latest M4 chip — these sleek laptops punch well above their weight class when it comes to driving impressive workstation setups. Our collection of the top 10 MacBook Air setups proves that point. 

YouTube finally arrives on Vision Pro (was it worth the wait?)

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YouTube finally arrives on Vision Pro
Vision Pro headset owners can finally watch YouTube content on an official app from Google.
Photo: App Store

After two long years of waiting, Apple Vision Pro owners can finally watch YouTube the way it was meant to be experienced on a spatial computing headset. Google launched its official YouTube app for visionOS on Thursday, ending one of the most conspicuous app absences on Apple’s $3,499 mixed-reality device.

How smarter Apple Intelligence could empower Apple Home

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Apple Intelligence could empower Apple Home
Improvements in Apple Intelligence could soon have it anticipating your home-automation needs.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple’s smart-home platform has long trailed competitors like Amazon Alexa and Google Home in automation capabilities and intelligent features. But with further development of Apple Intelligence — the company’s suite of AI-powered tools — that gap may finally close, and Apple Intelligence truly could empower Apple Home.

While Apple hasn’t officially announced AI-driven Home automations, the groundwork is clearly being laid for a future where your smart home anticipates your needs rather than simply responding to commands.

Apple nabs full rights to Severance, eyes franchise expansion

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Severance franchise expansion
Not only is season three on the way, but now there could be up to five seasons and multiple spinoff series.
Photo: Apple TV

Apple has taken full ownership of its hit workplace drama series Severance, acquiring all intellectual property and rights from production studio Fifth Season in a deal valued at just under $70 million, according to a new report. That makes additional seasons of the fan-favorite show — and spinoff series — more likely. 

You may not need AppleCare+ in 2026 (unless you own these models)

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Who needs AppleCare+
AppleCare+ is well worth it -- sometimes.
Photo: Apple

AppleCare+ has become almost synonymous with Apple device ownership. But as the extended warranty program enters 2026 with new pricing and features, it’s worth asking: Do you really need it?

A recent social media discussion among iPhone users, paired with insights from Apple’s coverage options, reveals that the answer depends heavily on which devices you own and how you use them.

Why your Apple smart home might quit February 10 — and how to stop it [Updated]

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Apple warns users to update Home app
February 10 is the deadline to update to the new Apple Home architecture -- or face possible consequences.
Photo: Apple

Update: Today, February 10, is the deadline to update the Apple Home app to avoid hassles. Read on for more information about what to do and why. 

After previous warnings, Apple issued a final email this week to customers using its Home app: Upgrade to the latest architecture by February 10 or risk losing control of your smart home devices. Well, that doesn’t sound good.

10 great Valentine’s Day gift picks from Apple

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AI-generated image of best Valentine's Day gifts from Apple
Your sweetheart should be very happy with any of these picks.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

“Love is a many-splendored thing,” goes the old saying — like a multifaceted, intricately cut diamond. Fortunately, your valentine probably doesn’t expect a diamond for a gift on February 14 (hopefully, for the sake of your wallet). But you can still spend loads of cash on Apple’s picks for Valentine’s Day gifts. We selected a bunch below. 

The Studio and Mr. Scorsese directors win big

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The Studio and Mr. Scorsese win Directors Guild Awards
Apple snagged wins in the Comedy, Documentary and Commercial categories at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV continued its awards season momentum at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards Sunday night, taking home wins for breakout comedy series The Studio, acclaimed documentary series Mr. Scorsese and commercial “I’m Not Remarkable.”

Maximum fun: Top 10 multi-Mac setups

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M2 Ultra Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR
So ... crippled by envy much? This one has a high-end M2 Ultra Mac Pro, a Mac Studio, a Pro Display XDR and two Studio Displays.
Photo: [email protected]

For Apple enthusiasts, one Mac is great — but two or more? That’s when things get seriously interesting. Years of Cult of Mac Setups coverage has showcased hundreds of impressive workstations. But these top 10 multi-Mac setups stand out as particularly fascinating examples of how power users leverage Apple’s ecosystem to its fullest potential.

From new M4-powered machines paired with vintage “trash can” Mac Pros to dual MacBook configurations seamlessly integrated with desktop Macs, these workstations demonstrate that having multiple Macs isn’t just about redundancy. It’s about optimizing workflow, separating concerns and yes, indulging in a bit of Apple-fandom excess.

The button problem Apple fans can’t ignore

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Why delete buttons vary across iOS
Why does Apple vary delete buttons so much?
Image: [email protected]

Apple built a reputation for meticulous design consistency, but a growing number of users keep noticing cracks in that polished facade. A recent social media discussion highlights how longtime Apple fans wonder why delete buttons vary so much across iOS apps. 

“Steve Jobs would be absolutely livid about the state of Apple UIs today,” wrote one irate user about the steadily less-consistent state of the iOS user interface. 

Apple shifts AI health coach plans to new focus

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An AI-genearted cartoon image of an iPhone dressed as a doctor and wearing a stethoscope, with a large red general prohibition sign superimposed over it
Instead of an AI health coach, Apple plans to focus on adding features to the Health app.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple pulled back on its ambitious plans for an AI-powered virtual health coach service, shifting focus to integrating planned features gradually into its existing Health app, according to a new report.

How Apple might toughen up iPhone Fold display

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Polyimide film from Kolon Industries
Polyimide film (PI) is tougher than the usual polyethylene terephthalate film (PET).
Photo: Kolon Industries

Apple currently weighs the option of using a more durable display protection solution for its first foldable iPhone, according to a new report. The tougher film would offer better scratch resistance than what Samsung currently uses in its Galaxy Z Fold and other devices.

Back up whole-home power with new Anker Solix hybrid system

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Anker Solix E10 power system
With the E10, you can run your whole home on backup power when necessary.
Photo: Anker Solix

Anker Solix adds an ambitious new entry to the residential energy storage market with the Solix E10 whole-home backup system, the company said Wednesday. Anker’s direct challenge to established players like Tesla’s Powerwall, the new system offers homeowners multiple ways to maintain power during outages while potentially reducing energy costs.

New Logitech Lightspeed gaming headset brings big sound at small price

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Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset
Logitech's new Lightspeed Bluetooth headset is a good value at 80 bucks.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech’s latest gaming headset aims to deliver premium audio performance without the premium price tag, the company said Tuesday. The G325 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset enters a competitive gaming audio market at just $79.99, positioning itself as an affordable alternative to higher-priced options — while maintaining Logitech G series quality.

Build empires with Sid Meier’s Civilization VII on Apple Arcade [Updated]

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Sid Meier's Civilization VII on Apple Arcade
Ready to build empires? Now you can on Apple Arcade.
Photo: Apple

Update: Apple Arcade subscribers can now get access to one of gaming’s most legendary franchises — Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition, arriving on the service Thursday. It’s a first for Apple Arcade, though it joins some other civ- and sim- game options on the App Store.

And other new titles join it at the same time on Apple Arcade: the Retrocade collection of classic arcade games, the whimsical adventure Felicity’s Door and the I Love Hue Too+ puzzle game.

Save 51% on high-end Beats Studio Pro headphones

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Beats Studio Pro deal
Beats Studio Pro are the first wireless headphones from Apple or Beats to offer lossless audio via USB-C cable.
Photo: Apple

The excellent Beats Studio Pro noise-canceling headphones from Apple subsidiary Beats by Dre list for $349, but right now you can grab a nice deal for just $169.95 (51% 0ff).

And if you want to save even more, you can buy open-box Beats Studio Pro headphones for just $144.99 from Cult of Mac Deals.

Ahoy: CarPlay could come to personal watercraft

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CarPlay could come to personal watercraft
At some point, Sea-Doo's 10.25 display could sport CarPlay.
Photo: Sea-Doo

Oddly enough, Apple CarPlay could make its way to the water in the coming years. Sea-Doo confirms it’s look at the technology for future high-end personal watercraft models akin to Jet Skis, according to a new report.

Apple Xcode unleashes AI agents for fast and easy app creation

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Xcode add AI coding agents
Xcode 26.3 unlocks agentic coding. That lets developers harness agents like Anthropic’s Claude Agent and OpenAI’s Codex directly in Xcode.
Photo: Apple

The new Xcode 26.3 release candidate introduces support for agentic coding, Apple said Wednesday. It allows developers to work with AI coding agents like Anthropic’s Claude Agent and OpenAI’s Codex directly within the development environment.

“Agentic coding supercharges productivity and creativity, streamlining the development workflow so developers can focus on innovation,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations.

Even vibe-coding beginners will have an easier time of it because Xcode can now build apps pretty much by itself, some devs say.

Apple TV unveils hot 2026 lineup of series, movies and live sports

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Apple TV 2026 programming lineup
Apple TV packs a full slate for 2026.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV showcased its ambitious 2026 slate Wednesday at an exclusive press event, revealing a packed calendar of new and returning series, original films and expanded live sports coverage including Formula 1 racing, Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball.

The streamer plans to release new originals every week in 2026, headlined by the highly anticipated fourth season of Ted Lasso this summer. Watch trailers below.