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Ed Hardy

Today in Apple history: iMac Pro packs potent all-in-one punch

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iMac Pro launched in 2017
The iMac Pro made quite splash in 2017, and there are occasional calls to bring it back.
Photo: Apple

December 14: Today in Apple history: Apple buys 'iPhone' web domain iphone.org December 14, 2017: The much-anticipated iMac Pro finally reaches customers many months after Apple’s announced the product. With a built-in 27-inch, 5K display and an Intel Xeon processor, the high-end desktop combines the features of an iMac and a Mac Pro.

It is beautiful and far more powerful than earlier iMacs, but is destined to stay in Apple’s product lineup only a relatively short time.

How to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas for free this weekend (no Apple TV needed)

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How to watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ for free
A Charlie Brown Christmas is free to watch on Apple TV later this month.
Photo: Apple TV

The Christmas season is starting, and there’s good news for fans of the Peanuts holiday specials. Apple made the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas available for everyone to stream free this weekend, whether they’re an Apple TV subscriber or not.

That gives everyone the opportunity to watch Linus teach his friends what Christmas is all about.

iPadOS 26.2 delivers major Split View improvement — here’s how to use it

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iPadOS 26.2 delivers major Split View improvement — here’s how to use it
Rejoice, iPad fans! Apple restored the best feature of Split View in iPadOS 26.2.
Screenshot: Apple

iPad users once again gain access to classic Split View multitasking in iPadOS 26.2. It’s back to being the best way to use two applications side-by-side on your iPad.

Apple nerfed Split View in iPadOS 26, but the latest OS update walks that mistake back — it’s as good as it’s ever been. Here’s how to use the revised version.

When to expect iOS 26.2 release in your time zone [It’s out now!]

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When to expect iOS 26.2 release in your time zone
iOS 26.2 is out!
Image: Cult of Mac

The wait for iOS 26.2 is over! Apple’s latest update to the iPhone operating system includes a useful change to AirDrop file sharing, a prominent tweak to Liquid Glass and more. We expected it all week, and it’s finally out.

The update is joined by macOS Tahoe 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2 and visionOS 26.2, all at the same time.

Brad Pitt’s record-breaking F1 movie now streaming free on Apple TV

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F1: The Movie stars Brad Pitt
Drivers, fire up your Apple TV. F1 is finally here.
Photo: Apple Original Films

After earning more than $629 million at the global box office this summer, the racing flick F1: The Movie finally zoomed from theaters to living rooms, reaching the Apple TV streaming service on Friday.

The film blends blazing-fast cars on the racetrack with clashing personalities off the track. Brad Pitt stars as an aging racer trying to prove he still has what it takes to be a Formula One driver, with the action playing out at 230 mph.

Apple’s iOS 26 push draws cheers from some, frustration from others

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Apple’s iOS 26 push draws cheers from some, frustration from others
iPhone users are divided on iOS 26 and Liquid Glass. But general opinion might not be what you think.
Image: ChatGPT

Apple has begun actively encouraging iPhone users to move from iOS 18 to iOS 26, and social media is filling up with people complaining about Liquid Glass, with the occasional compliment for the new look.

Trying to find out what most people really think about the new version, Cult of Mac polled its readers, and their answers might surprise you.

Apple pushes new AirPods Pro firmware update with bug fixes and improvements

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How to update AirPods
There’s new firmware for multiple AirPods Pro models. Get it today.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple released new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 on Thursday that offers bug fixes for a major recent firmware upgrade. Version 8B28 and 8B30 merely tweak the wireless earbuds, but every AirPods update is worth installing.

Apple recently 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 find all current AirPods firmware versions, along with instructions for getting the AirPods update as quickly as possible.

All the ways Apple will improve AirTag 2

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All the ways Apple will improve AirTag 2
The improvments in AirTag 2 should be internal, and not visible from the outside,
Photo: Apple

AirTag 2 will reportedly include features clearly intended to win over new converts to Apple’s tracking tag. A leak on Thursday of details about the second-generation model reveals that the product will be easier to find in several ways, and easier to set up, too.

The new AirTag is now expected to launch in 2026.

Why you’ll want Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart home hub

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Why you'll want Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart home hub
The Apple HomePad smart home hub might look something like this concept image.
AI image: Google Gemini

As new details on Apple’s smart home hub leak out, the device is shaping up to be something that’ll attract plenty of customers.  On Thursday, it was revealed that the device will have a front-facing camera with Center Stage, making it ideal for making FaceTime calls.

Previous reports indicate that it’s designed to be the centerpiece of a smart home, not only controlling smart accessories but also displaying shared calendars and answering questions, thanks to the improved version of Siri now in development.

This could be a flagship product in a fresh push by Apple into smart home technology.

ProMotion and HDR could finally make Studio Display a true pro tool for creators

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Apple Studio Display in use
Apple Studio Display 2 might build considerably on the current model.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac/ChatGPT

Apple Studio Display 2 is shaping up to be a major upgrade over the original. Code found Wednesday in iOS points to the upcoming high-end monitor getting a ProMotion screen, HDR and a much newer processor.

The new leak builds on earlier reports that the next-gen Studio Display will drop its traditional LCD in favor of a mini-LED panel.

Unlock M5 power for less: Ultimate iPad Pro hits lowest price ever

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iPad Pro M5: Graphics performance
Get the recently released M5 iPad Pro at a nice discount off the usual cost.
Photo: Apple

The M5 iPad Pro is the most powerful Apple tablet ever, with a chip many Mac models don’t have yet. It just launched in October but a deal means shoppers can already buy it at a discount. Amazon knocked $100 off the cost of both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions — that puts it back to its lowest price since the release. 

It’s gift-buying season, and you know who the new iPad Pro would make a great gift for? You. It’s 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.

Tiny, fingerprint-secured SSD keeps your data locked tight but instantly accessible [Review] ★★★★

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Adam Elements iKlips S review★★★★
Easily secure your privacy with the iKlips S.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

No one but you can access the files stored on the iKlips S, a tiny SSD from Adam Elements. Simply tap your finger on the drive to unlock it. The biometric security system is similar to Apple’s Touch ID and keeps everything on the SSD private. No passwords are necessary.

File transfers are quick, and the drive uses USB-C, so it works with a broad array of computers, including Mac, iPad and iPhone.

I put the iKlips S through testing for this review and came away quite satisfied with its performance. Just be aware, though, that you’re paying a premium for the extra security. We can get you a 30% discount, though!

Apple’s big Fitness+ expansion makes it stronger than ever

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Apple Fitness+ expands in two big ways
Millions more people can get in shape with Apple Fitness+.
Graphic: Apple

Apple is adding new language options for Fitness+, its subscription workout service. Hundreds of workouts and meditations will be digitally dubbed into Spanish and other languages. In addition, Fitness+ is expanding to 28 new markets around the world.

The expansion should broaden the appeal of a service voice that reportedly hasn’t found many customers so far.

You can still grab AirPods 4 with ANC for just $99.99

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AirPods deal
Discover incredible AirPods deals. Upgrade your audio experience today!
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have dropped to near their Black Friday low at just $99.99. Amazon’s stock of entry-level AirPods 4 (without ANC) seems depleted, because those earbuds shot up to cost more than their more sophisticated siblings!

With the “regular” AirPods 4 AWOL from holiday sales, you should jump on this deal on AirPods 4 with ANC if you want to gift a pair of Apple’s affordable earbuds.

Designers sound positively giddy about Apple’s new UI chief

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Fellow designers are giddy about Steve Lemay, Apple's new UI chief.
Praise for Steve Lemay pours in from current and former members of Apple's UI design team.
Photo: LinkedIn/Cult of Mac

The best people to ask about Steve Lemay, the new head of user interface design at Apple, are the people who’ve worked with him.

Spoiler alert: They seem absolutely thrilled. The word “excited” keeps coming up in their comments on the change in leadership.

Here’s what the people in a position to really know Lemay have to say about him.

Acclaimed Red Dead Redemption finally gallops onto iPhone

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Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption is a highly acclaimed adventure game now on iPhone and iPad.
Image: Rockstar Games

Classic console game Red Dead Redemption, as well as companion title Undead Nightmare, are now free to play on iPhone and iPad for Netflix subscribers.

Released in 2010 and widely regarded as one of the best video games of all time, Red Dead Redemption mixes Western themes, gunfighter gameplay and a vast open world that players can walk (or gallop) through.

It’s also one of the most emotionally resonant and artistically accomplished titles to ever come out of Rockstar Games. If you own an iPhone or iPad, and subscribe to Netflix, playing Red Dead Redemption should fill up your weekend! 

Score big deals on Apple’s M3 iPad Air — while they last!

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M3 iPad Air deal
$100 off is quite a good deal.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but not the savings. A deal that knocks $100 off the cost of a new M3 iPad Air lowers the mid-range tablet to a very affordable price: 17% off. It makes a great gift for the tablet user in your life, or maybe you need one to get through the school year.

For shopping flexibility, you can snag a deal on either the newest 13-inch iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Air variant, both at $100 off.

What to expect from iOS 26.2 when it launches next week

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What to expect from iOS 26.2
iOS 26.2 is only a week away!
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple on Wednesday seeded the iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 release candidates to developers and public testers, a move that typically signals the software is just about ready. The final versions are expected to arrive next week.

There is a useful change to AirDrop file sharing, improvements to Sleep Score for Apple Watch wearers, a prominent tweak to Liquid Glass and more.

Release candidates for iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2 and visionOS 26.2 also went out on Wednesday.

Tiny snap-on iPhone game controller is always ready to play [Review] ★★★★

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Abxylute M4 review: Tiny iPhone game controller★★★★
Your iPhone is always ready to have fun with the Abxylute M4 game controller.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Abxylute M4 game controller is genuinely pocket-size, but clip it to your iPhone and you’ll have all the buttons and sticks you want to play retro and modern games.

It clings to your iPhone’s MagSafe connector, plus it includes a stand for detached gaming.

I enjoyed testing out the pint-size game controller with my iPhone 17, as long as I accepted the reasons for its necessary limitations. The affordable price helped a lot, too.

The real reason Apple turned to Intel chips again

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The real reason Apple turned to Intel chips again
Apple and Intel are patching things up. Here's why.
Image: ChatGPT

Your next Mac might run on an Intel processor, which is a gigantic surprise, considering Apple dropped the chipmaker years ago in favor of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

But there’s a standout reason why Apple needs Intel — and it might not be what you think.

Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence

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Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence
Apple found an expert with extensive AI experience to put in charge of some of its AI efforts.
AI image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

John Giannandrea, the man responsible for making Apple Intelligence what it is today, is out. It’s an expected change, as senior management reportedly didn’t think Giannandrea could provide the leadership needed to develop critical AI products.

Amar Subramanya, who Apple poached from Microsoft, will replace Giannandrea. Prior to his short stint at Microsoft, Subramanya spent many years at Google — most recently as head of engineering for the Gemini AI chatbot.

Cyber Monday deal drops iPad mini to record-low price

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Cyber Monday 2025 iPad mini deal
The latest iPad mini 7 with A17 Pro has never been more affordable. Never.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The iPad mini 7 is a standout in this year’s Cyber Monday sales, with the steepest price cut the compact tablet has ever seen. You can get the powerful yet ultra-portable iPad at an amazing 30% off, dropping the cost way, way down to $349.

Whether you want a travel-friendly device, a sleek tablet for reading and note-taking, or a capable companion for school or work, this iPad mini Cyber Monday deal is one of the most compelling tablet bargains of 2025.

Cyber Monday alert: Deals slash prices on portable SSDs from Sandisk, Samsung and Kingston

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Portable SSD Black Friday deals
Upgrade your MacBook storage with a deal on a portable SSD this Cyber Monday.
Image: Google Gemini

Cyber Monday has arrived, and with it come amazing deals on portable SSDs. If you’ve been constantly running out of space on your laptop, desktop or tablet, this is your moment.

There are deals from top brands: Sandisk, Samsung and Kingston that shouldn’t be missed.

Live now: Best Cyber Monday 2025 iPad deals — iPad 11, M3 iPad Air, M5 iPad Pro

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Best Black Friday iPad deals 2025 — mega price drop alert!
Save an amazing 25% on a new Apple tablet. Do not miss these Cyber Monday iPad sales.
Image: Cult of Mac

Cyber Monday is officially here, and for iPad fans, the deals are looking good. Lots of iPads are on sale for their lowest-ever prices. Whether you’re hunting for a dependable workhorse, a powerful all-rounder, or a pro-level device, the iPad deals hitting the market shouldn’t be ignored.

The budget-friendly iPad is now 21% off, making it a steal for students, casual users, or families. Meanwhile, the sleek M3 iPad Air is discounted by an amazing 25%, bringing high-performance efficiency at an even more tempting price. And for creative pros, the brand-new M5 iPad Pro is also seeing an early discount — a rare opportunity to grab cutting-edge power and graphics capabilities without paying full retail.

macOS Finder needs a name that reflects what it actually does

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macOS Finder needs a name that reflects what it actually does
The days when it made sense for the Mac's file manager to be called "Finder" are long gone.
Image: Cult of Mac

iPhone has the Files app. Windows has File Explorer. macOS has … Finder? The Mac’s file manager got that odd name decades ago, and it made sense back then. Today, it’s an anachronism. It’s time to rename the macOS Finder to something less silly.

I’m not suggesting Apple remove the Mac’s file manager. There is a far better name for it, though.