David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
Items with just the Pluribus show title look the most boring, but not by much. Photos: Sony Pictures
Not every Apple TV show gets merchandise like T-shirts and hats, but Vince Gilligan’s oddly original sci-fi head-scratcher Pluribus — the most-watched Apple TV show ever — just did. Too bad the merch is on the lame side.
One of the most weirdly refreshing sci-fi dramas in recent history deserves better than what Sony Pictures is peddling.
Seth Rogen's big night at the Golden Globes went a little better than the episode of The Studio that centered on the awards show. Photo: Apple TV
Apple TV celebrated a successful night at the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, taking home three awards Sunday for its hit Hollywood-spoof comedy The Studio and its sci-fi phenom Pluribus. But some of the streamer’s other hit shows came up short in the awards ceremony.
Shown here with a charger, the PreEvnt Isaac device measures breath and can be worn on a necklace. Photo: PreEvnt
Apple has spent years and millions of dollars trying to crack one of wearable technology’s biggest health challenges: noninvasive blood glucose monitoring for Apple Watch. Now, a promising new gadget at CES 2026 — the PreEvnt Isaac Non-Invasive Glucose Monitor — might offer a roadmap for how this long-awaited feature could finally arrive.
It doesn't achieve quite the visual effect of Pro Display XDR, but it outdoes it in other ways. Photo: Dell
The new Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor unveiled Wednesday at CES 2026 is the world’s first 52-inch ultrawide curved 6K monitor, the company said. The display targets the same professional market that Apple serves with its 6K Pro Display XDR. But it takes a dramatically different approach with its expansive screen size and built-in connectivity hub.
You can adjust these for an open-ear fit to hear your surroundings, or lock them for more-immersive sound with active noise cancellation. Photo: Soundcore
The innovative new Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds mark a significant advancement in open-ear audio technology, the company said at CES 2026 Tuesday. The earbuds bridge the gap between situational awareness and immersive listening by offering both open-ear comfort and active noise cancellation in a single device — a first in the industry.
You can physically adjust the buds to be in the ear canal or just outside it. The buds sense the settings and adjust output accordingly.
If you have your iPhone or Apple Watch with Home Key enabled, just walk up to the door and U400 unlocks. Photo: Aqara
The new Aqara Smart Lock U400 deadbolt uses ultra-wideband technology to unlock your door automatically as you approach, the company said at CES 2026 on Tuesday. No tapping or fumbling with your phone required. It makes Home Key use via iPhone or Apple Watch even more convenient.
“We are excited to be among the first manufacturers to deliver UWB technology in home locks to consumers,” said Cathy You, Aqara’s senior vice president of global business and strategy. “With the U400 lock, we’re redefining how consumers engage with their access control systems, providing instant, automated access without compromising privacy.”
With this receiver, you can bring the magic of Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio to almost any car through CarPlay. Photo: Pioneer Electronics
Pioneer Electronics’ new Sphera device is the first aftermarket in-dash receiver that supports Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio playback through Apple CarPlay, the company said Monday at CES 2026. The device makes immersive audio technology accessible to drivers whose vehicles lack factory-installed Atmos systems.
“For over 80 years, Pioneer has achieved many technological ‘firsts’ — from the world’s first car CD player to the first aftermarket CarPlay integration,” said Chris Ono, the company’s CEO and chairman. “Sphera is the next bold chapter in that legacy. We developed a product that brings the rich, detailed sound of Dolby Atmos that moves the soul, to a solution that can be installed in many vehicles on the road today.”
Govee Floor Lamp 3 supports Matter and HomeKit. Photo: Govee
Smart light maker Govee used CES 2026 as a platform Monday to introduce three adaptive, customizable flagship products that work in Apple smart homes. The company’s “Lighting the Future” showcase featured Govee Floor Lamp 3, Govee Ceiling Light Ultra and Govee Sky Ceiling Light, all of which are Matter-compliant and Apple Home compatible.
The company also said it formed a new partnership with Samsung SmartThings for ecosystem integration.
Moft launched its Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet. Photo: Moft
Moft, known for its origami-inspired tech accessories, unveiled a lineup of Apple Find My-compatible MagSafe iPhone wallets — including one that works as a stand and another that’s more like a tripod — plus a new iPad folio case at CES 2026 in Las Vegas Monday.
The announcements mark a significant expansion of the company’s product ecosystem with enhanced tracking capabilities and integrated device protection.
Apple Fitness+ introduced new ways to stay active and motivated to kick off 2026, including a new lineup of workout programs, Artist Spotlight workouts and new guests in Time to Walk. Photo: Apple
New research from the Apple Heart and Movement Study reveals that Apple Watch wearers tend to buck the trend of abandoned fitness goals, Apple said Friday.
Data shows Apple Watch users consistently maintain elevated exercise levels well past the notorious “Quitter’s Day” in mid-January. To build on that in 2026, Apple now offers more ways to keep Apple Watch users motivated so they can nail their New Year’s fitness resolutions.
Apple TV has plenty in store for 2026. AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac
Apple TV is poised for a banner year in 2026, with an impressive slate of new original series, highly anticipated spinoffs and beloved returning favorites. From cyberpunk epics to gripping thrillers, the Apple TV 2026 lineup helps cement the streamer’s reputation as a powerhouse for quality programming.
Here’s your complete guide to the most highly anticipated shows coming to Apple TV next year.
Here's a look at a monster Samsung gaming display. Photo: Samsung
Apple and Samsung are hard-charging competitors in many areas, like smartphones, but Apple fans love some of Samsung’s wares — especially its excellent displays for use in Mac computer setups. And Samsung monitor deals abound right now.
The big year-end sale Samsung just launched includes a bunch of great options — including $800 off a brilliant and massive 57-inch curved OLED display and a whopping $1,400 off a 55-inch model.
★★★★☆
This ultrawide display has Mac-friendly look, feel and functionality. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
After testing the Alogic Edge 40-inch Ultrawide 5K2K monitor with my M4 Pro MacBook Pro, I can confidently say the display represents one of the most compelling alternatives to Apple’s own monitors for productivity-focused users. The expansive high-res screen real estate and the sleek design are beautiful — and at a pretty reasonable price point of $1,349 (marked down 10% from $1,499).
A Critter Carol is a delightful holiday treat from Apple. Photo: Apple
Apple delivered some of its most memorable advertising campaigns in 2025, blending storytelling, humor and technical innovation. From emotional tributes to playful satire, the tech giant demonstrated why it remains a marketing powerhouse.
Here are the best Apple ads of 2025, which really helped define Cupertino’s creative year.
Another year, another incredible collection of Apple workstations in Cult of Mac‘s Setups section that make us rethink our own desk situations. From devices powered by the powerful M4 chip family to innovative display solutions and clever space-saving tricks, the top 10 Apple setups of 2025 brought us some truly remarkable gear and uses for it.
We combed through hundreds of featured workstations on Cult of Mac to bring you the cream of the crop — setups that excel in raw computing power, aesthetic beauty, functional innovation or that perfect combination of all three.
Best Apple TV shows of 2025 AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac
Apple TV delivered another stellar year of television in 2025, cementing its reputation as a home for premium storytelling across genres. From stellar sci-fi to sharp Hollywood satire, here are 13 standout series that defined the best of the streaming service’s 2025 lineup of new and returning shows.
You should binge them because they’re great. And what better time to do so than during holiday downtime?
Remembering prominent figures associated with Apple who passed away in 2025. AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac
As 2025 draws to a close, the Apple community mourns the loss of four remarkable individuals whose contributions shaped the company’s history and the broader technology landscape.
From revolutionary software engineering to visionary leadership and marketing genius, these pioneers left indelible marks that continue to influence how millions interact with technology today.
They're not all in the junkyard or recycled just yet, but they're headed that way. AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac
In 2025, Apple moved several well-loved gadgets to its dreaded obsolete list — including the original and popular iPhone SE — meaning hardware service is no longer available. Also chopped were the Apple Watch Series 1, second-generation iPad Pro (12.9-inch), and Apple Watch Series 4 Nike and Hermès models.
There’s often a fuss when Apple makes products obsolete, stemming from frustration with planned obsolescence. A lack of parts makes these older devices unrepairable, forcing upgrades and creating e-waste. Here’s the list of products Apple killed in 2025, and the ones heading to the chopping block in 2026.
You can find plenty of weird and wonderful gifts for Apple fans. AI image: Grok
Whether you’re shopping for an Apple aficionado who still treasures their original iPod or the productivity ninja who lives and breathes the latest iOS updates, finding the perfect geeky gift can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. Fear not! We gather some of the most ingenious, innovative and downright cool gadgets that’ll make any Apple user’s heart skip a beat.
From retro-inspired accessories that pay homage to Apple’s legendary design heritage to cutting-edge smart home integrations that would make even Tim Cook jealous, these gifts bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation. Each selection celebrates the unique blend of form, function, and pure geek appeal that defines the Apple ecosystem. And return to this post, because we’ll keep adding to it.
This holiday season, you can get video-enhancement app VideoProc Converter AI at its lowest price ever. Image: Digiarty
Whether you’re creating engaging social media content, restoring precious home movies or producing professional presentations, video quality matters. For Mac users seeking an all-in-one solution that combines cutting-edge AI technology with practical everyday tools, Digiarty’s VideoProc Converter AI is a standout choice for making videos look as good as possible.
And during the VideoProc 2025 Christmas Super Sale, you can save big on a lifetime license to this powerful video editor — plus snag free gifts and unlimited upgrades.
Apple’s App Store will introduce additional ad placements in search results beginning in 2026, Apple said Wednesday. The move represents a significant shift in how users will encounter sponsored content while browsing for new applications. And the iPhone giant took pains to explain why it’s making the move.
Find great ways to maximize AirPods Pro 3 through new or simply improved features. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Your AirPods Pro 3 aren’t just another pair of wireless earbuds — they’re your gateway to more productive workdays, more immersive entertainment experiences and even refined fitness tracking without Apple Watch.
Whether you’re crushing deadlines from your home office, unwinding with your favorite playlist, or going for a run, you can maximize AirPods Pro 3 through features that transform how you interact with audio throughout your day.
Sonos, a top name in quality audio, gives you a shot at in-time gift shipping on Sonos holiday deals at up to 25% off regular prices — similiar price tags to recent Black Friday bargains.
And Sonos often marks items with likely delivery dates, so you can get an idea if it’ll arrive on time, as in before Christmas.
The Shazam app's new feature is called Popular Segments. Photo: Apple
Music-recognition service Shazam now features Popular Segments, a data-driven feature that reveals exactly which part of a song resonates most with listeners all over the world, according to an Apple website update Thursday.
You can get an Aqara Smart Lock U100 for 37% off and use it with iPhone or Apple Watch. And that's just the start of the home automation savings in Aqara's holiday sale. Photo: Aqara
With the holiday season in full swing and gift-giving deadlines approaching, Aqara has a fantastic sale with huge discounts on a bunch of the company’s smart home devices. These devices work with Apple HomeKit and the Home app, so you can easily integrate them into your existing setup (or start a whole new thing).
It’s the perfect time for last-minute shoppers looking to spruce up their living spaces before the holidays or surprise tech-savvy friends with a cool gift.
The sale runs through December 22 and offers savings of up to 48% on everything from smart locks to security cameras. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to upgrade your smart home for less.