Mobile menu toggle

Ed Hardy

Why next-gen iPad Pro could skip Apple’s M6 chip, go straight to M7

By

Why the 2027 iPad Pro might skip to the M7
There might never be an M6 iPad Pro.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Newly leaked timing of Apple’s next iPad Pro refresh suggests that the premium tablet may jump straight to the M7 processor and skip the M6 generation altogether.

Note that this is a combination of rumor and speculation. A leak on Wednesday only says that the next iPad Pro is a year away with “faster chips.” But going with the M7 processor makes sense, given the timing annd Apple’s previous practices.

Redesigned M7 MacBook Pro could be out amazingly soon

By

Expect a new Design for the entry-level M7 MacBook Pro
Apple could have a revamped entry-level M7 MacBook Pro on the market quicker than most people thought.
Photo: Apple/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

A year from today, people across the world will be using a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro powered by an unannounced M7 processor, according to an unconfirmed report on Wednesday.

This new model will supposedly launch in the first half of 2027, and it’ll apparently be out surprisingly soon after the current basic MacBook Pro gets the M6 chip.

Forget the price hike, save 20% with M5 iPad Pro deal [UPDATED]

By

M5 iPad Pro in use
Get the recently released M5 iPad Pro at a sweet discount off the usual cost.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The M5 iPad Pro is the most powerful Apple tablet ever, with the same chip in the latest MacBook Air. And you can save $300 off the cost of the 13-inch variant, or save $250 on the 11-inch version. That drops the cost for both below what they were before last week’s price hike.

UPDATE: The deal on the 11-inch variant ended, but not the sale on the 13-inch one. But don’t wait — it could end any time.

iPad Pro is a very capable computer for creatives and digital nomads, thanks to the M5 processor. And don’t overlook the gorgeous OLED display and Mac-like operation thanks to iPadOS 26.

TP-Link Roam 7: Don’t leave home without this reliable travel router [Review] ★★★★

By

TP-Link Roam 7 review★★★★
The TP-Link Roam 7 is ready to go on your next holiday, like it went to the beach with me.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The TP-Link Roam 7 is small enough to be easily portable, but nevertheless provides speedy and reliable wireless connections to all your gear, no matter where you go.

I tested the travel router with Wi-Fi 7 on a recent beach trip. Here’s how it stands up to real-world use.

New iPhone and Mac updates offer dozens of security fixes

By

iOS 26.5.2 is packed with security patches.
There are just so, so many security patches in iOS 26.5.2.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 26.5.2, macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 and iPadOS 26.5.2 on Monday with no additional features but lots of security fixes. There are no fewer than 29 of them listed in Apple’s documentation.

Clearly, even though they lack fun new features, you should install these updates ASAP.

Why Apple silicon Macs aren’t immune to RAM price hikes

By

Image of an Apple M-series processor, used to illustrate a story on Mac price hikes result from rising memory costs
Every Mac's Apple silicon processor includes RAM and storage outsourced from memory chipmakers.
Photo: iFixit

Can’t understand why the rising cost of memory chips forces a hike in Mac prices? Apple silicon processors include Unified Memory, so Apple has no need to buy RAM chips, right?

No, that is not how it works. Mac processors include RAM that Apple must purchase from outside suppliers.

Still confused? Here’s what’s going on.

Why first touchscreen MacBook won’t use Apple M6 Pro or M6 Max chips

By

Touchscreen MacBook Ultra won't pack Apple M6 processors
There's apparently a very good reason why the touchscreen MacBook Ultra won't pack high-end Apple M6 processors.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The touchscreen MacBook rumored for the fall won’t launch with Apple’s high-end M6 processors, according to a reliable source. The notebook — possibly dubbed the MacBook Ultra — will reportedly use the same M5 chips in the current MacBook Pro variants.

This surprise move will apparently be part of the shakeup in Apple’s processor plans that made news earlier this week. The M6 chips that might have gone into the MacBook Ultra have supposedly been nixed.

What does Siri AI mean for your old HomePod?

By

Why HomePod and HomePod mini miss out on Siri AI
Will the conversational Siri AI come to your current HomePod?
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Siri AI, Apple’s next-generation version of its voice assistant, might push everyone’s HomePods toward obsolescence. Technology is moving on, apparently leaving these smart speakers behind.

Still, the devices aren’t about to become rubbish. They’ll just miss out on some of the new Apple Intelligence features. Here’s what’s going on.

Expect to pay a whole lot more for a next-gen iPhone

By

Analyst predicts iPhone price increases are coming
An analyst predicts the iPhone 18 Pro Max will cost much more than previously expected.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple hiked prices on Mac, iPad and more on Thursday, but not handsets — all iPhone models still cost what they did before. But an analyst warns that we should expect the iPhone models coming in the fall to cost significantly more than the current ones. That’s especially true for the iPhone Ultra.

Even so, the analyst anticipates strong iPhone sales this fall. Here’s why.

Apple price hikes on Mac and iPad make Amazon Prime Day deals even better

By

Apple price increases versus Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day takes some of the sting out of Apple price increases.
AI image: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple substantially increased prices on Macs and iPads on Thursday, but those hikes haven’t affected the Amazon Prime Day deals. So if you might buy a Mac anytime soon, you really need to consider shopping on Amazon now.

Wait and you could end up paying a lot more later.

Stylish 25W iPhone power bank comes with a display and clip-on cable [Review] ★★★★★

By

Iniu SnapGo Air 10000mAh review★★★★★
The Iniu SnapGo Air iPhone power bank includes some sweet bonus features, including a status screen.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Iniu SnapGo Air 10000mAh power bank stands out in an increasingly crowded market with an array of premium features. The MagSafe accessory sports a built-in status display, plus a clip-on USB-C cable that also acts as a strap. And it can transfer up to 25W of wireless power to an iPhone or up to 45W to other computers via a USB-C.

And it looks good while doing it.

I tested the SnapGo Air with my iPhone and iPad. Here’s what I learned.

AirPods Max 2 hit crazy new low price

By

AirPods Max 2 deal: Don't delay!
AirPods Max 2 only debuted this spring, but that doesn't mean you must pay full price.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s AirPods Max 2 headphones just dropped to their best price yet. You can snag a pair of the premium headphones for just $399 in all five colors available. That’s a crazy 27% discount off the $549 retail price.

Did the iPhone help cause America’s baby bust?

By

iPhone may play a role in U.S. birthrate decline
Seems people might prefer their iPhones to parenthood.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

For years, economists blamed declining birth rates in the United States on rising housing costs, student debt, expensive childcare and delayed marriage. Now a study points to a surprising additional factor: the iPhone.

Researchers examining the long-running decline in U.S. fertility rates found evidence that smartphones may have contributed significantly to the drop in births since 2007, the same year Apple launched the original iPhone.

Get the best deal you can on a portable SSD

By

SSD deals
Portable SSD prices are way up, but we still found some deals.
Image: Samsung/Kingston/Cult of Mac

Need a portable SSD to add terabytes of capacity to your Mac or iPad? Prepare yourself for sticker shock — prices have taken quite a jump. Blame it on the severe global shortage of memory.

But you don’t have to pay more than necessary for that portable SSD. We can point you toward a few deals. Save up to 34%.

New Logitech travel mouse folds to be oh so portable [Review] ★★★★☆

By

Logitech Mobi Fold review★★★★☆
The Logitech Mobi Fold folding travel mouse can make you productive wherever you go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Logitech Mobi Fold is an ultra-portable wireless mouse designed for people who work on the go. It folds to fit easily in a pocket or bag, then unfolds into a full-size mouse when it’s time to work.

I just returned from a beach vacation where I put the Mobi Fold through hours of real-world testing. Here’s what it’s like to use.

AirPods Pro firmware update fixes bugs — here’s how to get it now

By

How to update AirPods
There’s new firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Get it today.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple released new firmware for AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 on Tuesday. The new version, 8B41, offers bug fixes for Apple’s high-end earbuds.

Last year, Apple finally explained exactly how to update your AirPods firmware. The process can happen automatically, in the background, but there is a way to speed things up. It’s a good idea to manually check that you’re running the latest version, which brings bug fixes and sometimes great new features.

Read on for more details, and to find all current AirPods firmware versions along with instructions for getting the AirPods update as quickly as possible.

You’ll never misplace this slim Moft iPhone wallet stand [Review] ★★★★

By

Moft Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet review★★★★
The Moft Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet beats most rivals thanks to Apple's Find My support.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Moft managed to pack an amazing number of features into the Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet, an iPhone accessory that’s a mere quarter of an inch thick. It’s a wallet that clings magnetically to your handset that also acts as a convenient travel stand. Even better, you can track its location from your phone with Apple’s Find My app.

Want more? Moft also offers the Trackable Tripod Wallet, a premium version that’s a bit thicker but acts as an elevated stand and selfie stick with a Camera shutter button.

I put both accessories through real-world testing, and one of them found a permanent place in my pocket.

Mophie fixes flaws in wireless charging with new StealthCharge system

By

Mophie StealthCharge wireless chargers run cooler and faster
The Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charge Stand works faster because of StealthCharge tech.
Photo: Mophie

Mophie makes loads of wireless chargers, so it’s as aware as anyone of the flaws in the technology. That’s why it developed StealthCharge, its improvement to Qi2.2 that lets wireless chargers run more quickly because they stay cooler.

The tech is built into two new desktop chargers plus a travel one. Apple likes these enough that all three are available from the Apple Store, as well as directly from Mophie.

Shocker! Image Playground in iOS 27 is actually useful.

By

Image Playground in iOS 27 preview
With iOS 27, we'll have to stop thinking of Image Playground as rubbish.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Forget what you know about Apple’s Image Playground — the app is no longer terrible. There’s a new version on the way, and it finally fulfills the promise Apple made two years ago.

Later this year, your iPhone is getting an AI tool that’s truly capable of generating images based on your descriptions. And the software can avoid many of the usual problems that cause some people to reject artificial intelligence tools.

Apple clears the clutter out of the App Store

By

App Store
Apple is ready to dump copycat applications from the App Store.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Finding useful software in the App Store is about to get easier. Apple is apparently preparing to remove what it describes as “opportunistic” apps that provide little value to iPhone and iPad users.

It already had a policy of not approving applications that are “indistinguishable from what’s already widely available.” This week, it quietly warned developers that it will start removing low-value software that doesn’t attract attention from users.

3 ways the new Brydge Max iPad keyboard case beats Apple’s Magic Keyboard [Review] ★★★★

By

Brydge Max 13.0 review★★★★
The Brydge Max 13.0 might be the best iPad keyboard case on the market.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The recently launched Brydge Max is a premium iPad keyboard case that takes on Apple’s Magic Keyboard head-to-head. Like its rival, the accessory uses a cantilever design to hold the tablet up so that it is seemingly floating over the keyboard, but Brydge’s product offers much wider viewing angles plus a gorgeous aluminum exterior.

I’m reviewing the version for 13-inch iPad models, and there’s another for 11-inch models. No matter the size, the case includes a backlit keyboard plus a trackpad.

Here are all the ways the brilliant Brydge Max 13.0 comes out ahead of the Apple Magic Keyboard, and a couple of ways it doesn’t.

Apple’s new AI-powered Extend and Reframe image tools are the real deal

By

Apple's new AI-powered Extend and Reframe image tools show real promise
Apple's new AI-powered Extend and Reframe image tools show real promise.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Reframe and Extend tools Apple added to the Photos app in iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 are excellent examples of how AI can be used to improve our lives. With these AI-powered editing options, a picture that’s almost amazing can be noticeably improved.

Plus, they don’t have the drawbacks of artificial intelligence that make so many people uncomfortable.

What it means for watchOS to drop support for your Apple Watch

By

Your older Apple Watch isn't suddenly obsolete because it can't install watchOS 27
Your Apple Watch Ultra isn't suddenly obsolete because it can't install watchOS 27.
Photo: Apple

When Apple unveiled watchOS 27 at WWDC26 on Monday, it also revealed that the new version drops support for several Apple Watch models. That leaves many users wondering what this means for their wearable — did it just become rubbish?

Here’s what’s really going on, and why you should be able to keep using the device for years to come.

How Apple improved the performance and stability of iPhone, Mac and more

By

iPhone, Mac and iPad got so many performance improvements
The list of improvements in iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate and iPadOS 27 is enormous.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple WWDC26:Before Apple even started talking about new features, it devoted a significant chunk of Monday’s WWDC26 keynote to talking up improvements to performance and stability coming to all its operating systems this fall, including macOS 27, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27.

It’s surely welcome news to Apple users that their devices with run faster, with fewer bugs. And that’s includes a significant performance improvement especially for older iPhone models.

iPadOS 27 gets faster and more useful with powerful new AI features

By

iPadOS 27 features: Performance boost plus new AI capabilities
A standout feature of iPadOS 27 is a new standalone Siri AI chatbot.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple WWDC26: iPad users got their first look at iPadOS 27 on Monday, with Apple using the keynote address of WWDC26 to tout improvements to stability and performance before taking a deep dive into new AI-related features.

There are a great many enhancements for tablet users. Here are the standouts.