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.
The new Logitech MX Master 4 wireless mouse upgrades what many consider to be the best productivity mouse on the market, the popular Logitech MX Master 3/3S. At $119.99, the latest iteration introduces haptic feedback and an innovative Actions Ring overlay designed to streamline workflows for creative professionals, developers and power users across the Mac ecosystem.
Apple’s Foundation Models framework lets developers of apps like SmartGym, Stoic and VLLO create new intelligence features. They can do it by tapping into the on-device large language model at the core of Apple Intelligence. Photo: Apple
Apple released its Foundation Models framework to developers with iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. It enables third-party apps to tap into the same on-device large language model that powers Apple Intelligence, the iPhone giant said Monday.
“We’re excited to see developers around the world already bringing privacy-protected intelligence features into their apps,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “The in-app experiences they’re creating are expansive and creative, showing just how much opportunity the Foundation Models framework opens up.”
Thanks to the leaked schematics, competitors can find out a lot about iPhone 16e, right, without reverse engineering. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The Federal Communications Commission appeared to inadvertently expose detailed electrical schematics for Apple’s iPhone 16e, despite the company’s explicit request to keep the documents confidential. The leak, discovered Monday, looks like a breach of the regulatory agency’s confidentiality protocols and could potentially benefit Apple’s competitors.
Bad Bunny, Apple Music's 2022 Artist of the Year, will perform at Super Bowl LX. Photo: Apple Music
Three-time Grammy Award winner Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. The game will air on NBC, bringing the Puerto Rican superstar to one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny said in a press released issued by the NFL on Sunday. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”
The game will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026.
With fast Qi2.2 (25W) wireless charging, faster wired charging and an informative display, this is our top choice. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Ever been stranded with a dead iPhone in a crucial moment? Finding the best power banks for Apple devices can be the difference between staying connected and watching your screen go black. Thankfully, the market is loaded with great portable power banks that can keep your iPhone and other Apple devices powered up on the go. We rounded up the top 10 power banks for Apple users, including two of the fastest Qi2.2 models available so far.
Four iPhone 17 Pro handsets will capture all sorts of action. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple’s latest smartphone will step into the major leagues Friday night when the iPhone 17 Pro helps capture live footage during a professional sports broadcast for the first time. The Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, streaming on Apple TV+ as part of Friday Night Baseball, will feature live game footage shot on four iPhone 17 Pro devices, according to MLB.com
And by the way, the game — part of the two teams’ final series of the regular season — has big playoff implications. Apple TV+ subscribers can watch it at no extra cost.
The EU's Digital Markets Act causes plenty of headaches for Apple. Photo: European Commission
The European Union pushed back Thursday after Apple said the Digital Markets Act — antitrust legislation aimed at broadening competition among tech companies — is backfiring on consumers and forcing Apple to delay key features for European users.
In a detailed statement submitted during the EU’s review process, Apple claimed the DMA is achieving the opposite of its stated goals. Apple’s statement, issued Wednesday, was the company’s strongest criticism of the law to date, and EU leaders did not care for it. But European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said the lawmakers were “not surprised” by Apple’s stance.
“Apple has simply contested every little bit of the DMA since its entry into application,” said Regnier in a Politico article, adding that Apple has snubbed EU efforts to have positive talks on the matter. “This undermines the company’s narrative of wanting to be fully cooperative with the Commission.”
In addition to the European Commission, some users took issue with Apple’s statement slamming the DMA.
Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots star in the new Apple Original romantic drama "All of You." Photo: Apple TV+
What would happen if gruff ex-footballer Roy Kent from Ted Lasso underwent years of anger-management and sensitivity training? Well, if he managed not to go ballistic and end up in prison, he might look like Brett Goldstein’s new character in the romantic drama All of You. Apple TV+ dropped a new trailer for the Apple Original Film recently (watch below). And it does, indeed, appear to star a touchy-feely Roy Kent-ish guy, along with Imogen Poots.
Reviews so far are positive, if you like romance. The elements of sci-fi and humor may not be as prominent as I’d hoped. Tom’s Guide called the movie “one of the most pleasant surprises of 2025” and adds “it’ll leave you a sobbing mess.” The New York Times said “This weepy romance succeeds through the undeniable chemistry between Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots.” And Deadline likened it to another “romdram” on Apple TV+, director Christos Nikou’s Fingernails (2023) with Riz Ahmed and Jess Buckley.
That's a sharp-looking set of cans in the warm stone color. Photo: Bowers & Wilkins
The new Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 flagship wireless headphones are the best cans the British audio company has ever produced, it said Wednesday. Available now for an eye-watering $799, the premium over-ear headphones feature significant design improvements and enhanced audio capabilities that should make would-be AirPods Max buyers look twice.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the Px8 S2, the best headphone we have ever created. When we introduced the Px8 in 2022, it redefined what was possible in wireless headphone performance. The Px8 S2 sets the benchmark once again, recalibrating expectations for sound quality, design and craftsmanship,” said Giles Pocock, VP of Brand Marketing at B&W.
“It’s the ultimate expression of our mission: to bring listeners even closer to the artist’s performance — and of course, the beautiful design and finish only adds to that real pride of ownership,” he added.
Jessica Chastain stars in The Savant on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has indefinitely postponed the release of thriller series The Savant, which stars Jessica Chastain as a character who infiltrates hate groups online to head off violent acts.
“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to postpone The Savant,” an Apple TV+ rep told Deadline on Tuesday. “We appreciate your understanding and look forward to releasing the series at a future date.”
The streamer originally planned to release the eight-part limited series this Friday. The Apple TV+ app currently lists The Savant as “coming at a later date.”
Jessica Chastain reacts to Apple delaying The Savant release
Update: On Wednesday, Chastain reacted to The Savant’s delayed release on X. Citing a string of politically motivated violent acts that have occurred in recent years, she said she wasn’t happy with Apple’s decision to delay the release of The Savant.
A choice of NFL logos is just the tip of the iceberg. Photo: Screen Skinz
A new screen protector company offers iPhone users something they’ve never had before — the ability to showcase personalized artwork directly on their device’s Screen Skinz screen protector while maintaining full functionality during use. Thanks to tech magic, the artwork only shows when the handset’s screen is locked.
“Screen Skinz lets users proudly highlight their favorite team or character with the confidence that a premium tempered glass screen protector has them covered,” said RaShaun Brown, co-founder of Screen Skinz. “With Screen Skinz, your phone has protection when you need it and personality when you want it.”
Watch the exciting trailer for Slow Horses season 5. Photo: Apple TV+
A big hit for Apple TV+, the darkly comedic spy thriller Slow Horses returned Wednesday with the first episode of its fifth season. Once again it’s off to a fast start, making London look like a bloody shooting gallery. And it appears the season will echo contemporary themes of nationalistic fervor and immigration backlash.
How will Slough House section chief Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his beleaguered team of B-team spies react, especially when one of their number may be compromised?
The world's largest trees -- California’s coastal redwoods -- absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide. Photo: Apple
Through a major investment, Apple will protect and restore California’s coastal redwood forests, the iPhone giant said Tuesday. To do so, it partners with The Conservation Fund to ensure the long-term sustainability of the iconic trees.
“Forests are one of the most powerful technologies we have for removing carbon from the atmosphere,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “Our global investments in nature are leveraging that technology while supporting communities, stimulating local economies and enhancing biodiversity in ecosystems around the world.”
Bright and beautiful displays might get even better in the 20th anniversary iPhone, thanks to new Samsung OLED displays. Photo: Apple
Apple plans to adopt Samsung’s cutting-edge OLED display technology for its 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027, marking a significant leap forward in screen brightness, thinness and power efficiency, according to a new report Tuesday.
The move would see Apple implement Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) technology for the first time in a traditional smartphone, following Samsung’s lead.
At standing height Uplift Standing Desk V3 remains rock solid. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
What’s the biggest upgrade a computer setup can undergo other than a new computer, external display(s) or a massive audio boost? It’s the very platform the setup sits on — usually a desk. In my case, it’s an Uplift Standing Desk V3, which I reviewed recently (five stars, btw).
It’s a huge upgrade aesthetically and functionally. And it changes how I mount and use my gear, too.
You can watch Tour De Force from CANAL+ and MotoGP for free on the Apple TV app for Apple Vision Pro. Photo: Apple
Apple expanded its Apple Immersive Video catalog Monday with a slate of new films from major global publishers, broadcasters and brands, marking a major milestone for the Vision Pro platform.
The new content comes from partners including Audi, the BBC, CANAL+, CNN, HYBE, MotoGP and Red Bull. Releases are planned over the coming months.
Apple’s new iPhone Air surprised repair experts by proving ultra-thin doesn’t have to mean harder to fix. Despite measuring just 5.6mm thick — making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever — the device earned a solid 7 out of 10 repairability score from iFixit in its iPhone Air teardown, matching the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro.
And the teardown reveals how they made it so thin in the first place.
A deep blue iPhone 17 Pro models shows scratches in the store after just a few hours on sale. Photo: @verdeselvans, X.com
In a flashback to past launch day problems, Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup faces an unexpected setback as users across China report iPhone 17 Pro scratches on the device’s redesigned glass-and-aluminum back, according to a new report.
Social media platforms have been flooded with images showing scuffs and scratches appearing on display models after just hours of store exposure.
Austin Mann delivered his iPhone 17 Pro camera system review from Italy's Dolomite Mountains. Photo: Austin Mann
Professional photographer Austin Mann dropped another edition of his annual iPhone Pro camera reviews Wednesday. He took his new iPhone 17 Pro up into northern Italy’s Dolomite Mountains during a biking, cycling and paragliding trip. Stunning photography resulted.
“At Apple’s keynote last week, I was most interested in the new 48-megapixel 4x telephoto lens, the 8x telephoto lens, Center Stage selfie mode, 4K ProRes Log at 120FPS and the new Photographic Style, Bright,” he wrote. “As always, Apple’s presentation is full of flashy new tech, but I always have one question: How will this new tech make our pictures and videos better?”
Find his in-depth video and a link to his full review with many more photos below.
★★★★★
Uplift Standing Desk V3 makes the most of my M4 Pro MacBook Pro and dual-display computer setup. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
With my history of back trouble, I relied on standing desks and kneeling chairs way back when you hardly ever saw such things in offices. But since then standing desks have become essential in the modern workspace, offering flexibility and health benefits for anyone who spends long hours at a computer. This Uplift Standing Desk V3 review looks at the latest in Uplift’s well-regarded line of adjustable workstations, released Wednesday.
In a nutshell, if you can afford it, this thing rocks. And the base version is actually pretty affordable. It’ll lift up any Mac setup in more ways than one.
New Apple Watch Hypertension Notifications use existing sensors. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
A major new health feature for recent Apple Watch models can alert users to possible hypertension (aka high blood pressure) by analyzing patterns in their heart data over time. Apple offered a document earlier this week explaining how the Hypertension Notifications feature works using existing sensors.
Available with watchOS 26, the feature works on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.
This year's iPhone lineup includes the iPhone 17 Pro, the super-slim iPhone Air and the "regular" iPhone 17. Photo: Apple
Early reviews of the iPhone 17 lineup say the 2025 models bring Apple’s most significant generational upgrade in years, despite some caveats here and there.
The series spans four models, each targeting different user priorities, from the newly capable base model to the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the two powerhouse Pro variants.
Extended battery life is the biggest upgrade over Apple Watch 10. Photo: Apple
Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 11 seem to agree that while it looks just like its predecessor, this incremental update delivers meaningful improvements in some areas.
The biggest upgrade: longer battery life. But those with an Apple Watch Series 9 or 10 can skip this round unless you really want the six-hour battery boost. Check out review notes and review videos below.
Get a great launch discount on software that helps you improve all sorts of video. Photo: Digiarty
Tired of blurry, grainy or low-resolution videos? Whether you’re dealing with low-light night footage, fast-action clips, old camera recordings, drone shots or AI-generated content, Aiarty Video Enhancer brings them to life. It delivers sharp, true 4K videos with natural details right on your Mac or Windows PC.
And better yet, the launch deal going on now will save you a bundle on the software.
The Morning Show season 4 stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon Photo: Apple TV+
Award-winning Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show returned Wednesday with season 4, drawing fans back into the chaotic, backbiting world of the title national morning news program and its troubled network in a changing media landscape. And he show will return for a fifth season, the streamer said Tuesday.
“The Morning Show has been a standout from the very start, debuting as one of the flagship series on Apple TV+,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see it not only entertain but also resonate with audiences worldwide.
“Thanks to the outstanding cast and creative team, The Morning Show continues to deliver addictively entertaining and provocative stories that we’ve all come to love,” he added. “We’re excited for viewers to experience the next chapter of this Emmy Award-winning drama.”