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It’s official — Google Gemini will power Siri’s major AI overhaul

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It’s official — Google Gemini will power Siri’s major AI overhaul
No longer just a rumor, Google Gemini will be at the heart of Apple's AI-infused Siri.
Image: Apple/Google/Cult of Mac

Google’s Gemini AI is set to power the long-promised overhaul of Apple’s Siri voice assistant, turning months of speculation into confirmation after Apple made the partnership official in a statement released Monday.

Apple worked for years on its own large language models to provide Siri with a much-needed intelligence boost. But in the end, Cupertino had to outsource the AI technology to Google, another tech giant with which it both competes and cooperates.

Apple streaming services break records

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Apple Services: Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV and more
A variety of Apple services did remarkably well in 2025.
Image: Apple

Apple Music and Apple TV just had their biggest month ever. That strong streaming performance added to a banner year for the collection of products that go under the heading of Apple services.

“2025 was a record-breaking year for Apple Services, marked by remarkable growth, global expansion, and continuous innovation,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, in a press release Monday.

3 big upgrades might make iPhone 17e a below-budget badass

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AI image of possible design of iPhone 17e used to illustrate a story about rumored upgrades coming to the Apple smartphone
Rumors indicate the iPhone 17e will look very much like the iPhone 17.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

A new iPhone 17e could be right around the corner, and rumors suggest Apple’s next budget model will be a sizable jump over last year’s. Expect it to dump the old screen notch as well as boast other enhancements that bring Apple’s budget handset closer to the more premium options.

In short, those looking for a bargain on a new iPhone should keep their eye out for the 17e.

Beyond the pickle: 9 new emoji coming to iPhone in 2026

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Beyond the pickle: 9 emojis coming to iPhone in 2026
When you can enough to send a pickle emoji.
Image: Emojipedia

You can soon express your true feelings by sending someone a pickle. A pickle emoji, anyway. It’s one of nine proposed new emoji that will likely come to iPhone in late 2026.

It’ll be joined by a squinting face, a new butterfly, a lighthouse and more.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs unveils the iPhone

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Photo of Steve Jobs holding an iPhone in front of an Apple logo during the first iPhone demo on January 9, 2007.
Steve Jobs introduces the smartphone that changed smartphones.
Photo: Apple

January 9 Today in Apple history January 9, 2007: Apple CEO Steve Jobs gives the world its first look at the iPhone onstage during the Macworld conference in San Francisco. The initial reaction to that first iPhone demo is mixed. But Jobs is confident that Apple has created a product that people want — even if they don’t know it yet.

The palm-size device combines an iPod, a phone and a PDA. The iPhone unveiling excites many Apple fans but critics remain skeptical.

iPhone 4 is back: Why Gen Z embraces Apple’s retro classic

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AI image of a person holding an iPhone 4, used to illustrate a story about why Gen Z embraces Apple's retro classic handset.
Surprise! iPhone 4 is popular again, this time with Gen Z.
AI image: Gemini/Cult of Mac

If you see someone using an iPhone 4, don’t think you’re hallucinating. Members of Gen Z have dusted off the 15-year-old handset and put it back into action.

It’s part of a trend toward retro tech, so it might be time to pull your old gadgets out of storage to see if you can turn them into cash. Or maybe starting using the devices yourself, now that they are cool again.

iOS 26 still struggles to gain traction with iPhone users [Updated]

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iOS 26 still struggles to gain traction with iPhone users
It seems the typical iPhone user response to iOS 26 is, "Nope."
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

UPDATE: This article was based on incorrect data from StatCounter resulting from a change on policy by Apple.  The web analytics firm fixed the problem and now reports that iOS 26 adoption is just below average: about 53%. This article is kept only for archival purposes.

Only a tiny percentage of iPhone users have installed iOS 26, according to data from a web analytics service. The adoption rate is far less than previous iOS versions at this same point months after their releases.

The data only reveals how few iPhone users run Apple’s latest operating system upgrade, not why they’ve chosen to avoid it. But the most likely candidate is the new Liquid Glass look of the update.

Chase takes over Apple Card — here’s what it means for you

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Chase takes over Apple Card — here's what it means for you
The bank that issues Apple Card will soon change, but little will change for users of the card.
AI image: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Goldman Sachs is out as the bank behind the Apple Card. Apple announced Wednesday that Chase will become the new issuer of the credit card.

The tech giant and the bank promise that features — including up to 3% unlimited Daily Cash back on purchases — will not change, even though Goldman Sachs will no longer issue the Apple Card.

This is the most innovative iPhone game controller in years

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GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron: the most innovative iPhone game controller in years
It took the talents of two companies to create an iPhone game controller this innovative.
Graphic: GameSir/Hyperkin

The GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron is the world’s first fully modular mobile game controller. A variety of buttons and sticks in removable modules can be swapped in and out from either side. Plus, the device telescopes to fit around your iPhone, iPad or Android.

It offers innovation that stands out in the market for side-mounted controllers.

Lego iMac G3 clears key hurdle, moves closer to release

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Lego iMac G3
The Lego iMac G3 could someday sit on your shelf.
Photo: Lego

A proposed Lego set for Apple’s iconic iMac G3 desktop earned enough votes from the public to take the next step toward becoming a real Lego product. 

The set pays tribute to the original iMac desktop, complete with translucent Bondi Blue elements and even its famously controversial mouse.

Apple lays important groundwork for stronger iPhone security

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AI image of a knight holding a shield with an Apple logo, protecting a person using a MacBook on some sort of war-ravaged hellscape. Used to illustrate a story on Apple tesing updates to stronger iPhone Background Security Improvements.
Background Security Improvements deliver behind-the-scenes software patches to shield iPhone users from hackers.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple ran the first test of its new Background Security Improvements feature on Tuesday. Registered developers can access the initial security patch, though it does nothing aside from test the new system.

The eventual goal is enable Apple to distribute security patches separated from software updates.

Innovative ByteSize iPhone SSD boasts fingerprint security, Find My tracking

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Innovative ByteSize iPhone SSD boasts fingerprint security, Find My tracking
Add terabytes of secure, high-speed storage to your iPhone for recording ProRes video.
Photo: BMX

A ByteSize SSD from BMX is small enough to fit snugly along the bottom of a iPhone with USB-C, adding up to 2TB of storage. The Ultra and Pro variants offer fast enough connections for recording high-res, high-frame rate ProRes video.

But what really sets the premium variant of the new portable SSDs apart from rivals is support for Apple FindMy tracking system. Plus, multiple models also include fingerprint biometric security.

New portable monitor offers high quality at an affordable price

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Espresso Lite 15 portable monitor with MacBook
The Espresso Lite 15 portable monitor looks great, and pairs well with your MacBook.
Photo: Espresso Displays

The Espresso Lite 15 portable monitor promises high-quality design, vibrant color options, great panel performance and exceptional value.

Beyond the screen, Espresso Displays sets itself apart with Stand+, an ergonomic stand that can hold the LCD above user’s laptop.

Super-slim MagSafe power banks take the stage at CES 2026

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BMX SolidSafe Air: Slim iPhone power bank
The BMX SolidSafe Air is the world’s slimmest semi-solid-state iPhone power bank.
Photo: BMX

External iPhone batteries don’t have to be cumbersome — several very slim power banks debuted at CES 2026. Clip one of these to the back of your handset, and you’ll add hours of use without adding too much bulk.

Sleek new models from BMX, ESR and Baseus went on display at the giant trade show going on this week in Las Vegas.

Twelve South’s Valet keeps your iPhone and AirPods organized and charged

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Twelve South Valet
Perhaps what your bedside needs is a Valet.
Photo: Twelve South

The Twelve South Valet combines a wireless charger with a Nappa leather-lined tray to hold your keys, glasses, wallet and more. It’s stylish and practical, powering up your iPhone or AirPods while keeping your essentials organized.

Of course, it comes in a range of color options.

Unleash 8TB: Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD hits 6,000 MBps

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Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD
OWC just launched an 8TB variant of its rugged external SSD with Thunderbolt 5.
Photo: Other World Computing

OWC launched an 8TB version of its Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD on Monday. Previously, the rugged portable SSD topped out at 4TB. Thanks to Thunderbolt 5, the external solid-state drive can move files at up to 6,000 MBps, making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.

After doubling the capacity, this is the first 8TB drive with Thunderbolt 5 support.

Apple Pencil Pro hits new record low: Save on the best iPad stylus

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A close-up photo of a person's hand using an Apple Pencil Pro to write on an iPad, used to illustrate a post on an Apple Pencil Pro deal.
This Apple Pencil Pro deal means you, too, could be making amazing art on your iPad.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Pencil Pro is the best iPad stylus on the market, and a new deal knocks 28% off the regular cost. For a limited time, you can get an Apple Pencil Pro from Amazon for $92.97.  That cost has never been lower.  

If you just got a new M5 iPad Pro during the holidays, this is the stylus you want to go with it. Put them together, and you’ll be creating beautiful art in no time.   

There’s also a deal on the Apple Pencil (USB-C), the iPad stylus that’s useful for non-artists.

Belkin launches powerful new chargers, power banks and hubs at CES 2026

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Belkin launches powerful new chargers, power banks and hubs at CES 2026
Belkin used CES 2026 to show off new high-speed power banks, chargers and a wireless HDMI adapter.
Image: Belkin

Belkin used the giant CES 2026 trade show going on this week in Las Vegas to unveil a wide range of new accessories for iPhone, Mac and iPad. There are high-speed power banks and desktop chargers that support MagSafe, a wireless HDMI adapter and more.

These all hit shelves in the early months of the year.

Decorating your iPhone with tiny stickers is 2026’s hot new trend

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Decorating your iPhone with tiny stickers is 2026's hot new trend
Think of your iPhone's camera plateau as a blank canvas ready to be personalized.
Screenshot: SK telecom

There’s a fun way to personalize your iPhone 17 Pro: tiny stickers around the camera. Social media is blowing up with pictures from people showing off how cool their handset looks with the new decorations.

The trend may have started in Korea, where it’s part of ponku — personalizing phones, cases, laptops, etc., with stickers. A recent iPhone 17 Pro ad made by a Korean wireless carrier certainly added fuel to the fire.

Why 2026 will bring the best MacBooks ever

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2026 MacBook with a touchscreen
Rumors predict 2026 will bring the first MacBook with a touchscreen.
Image: ChatGPT

Apple will improve the MacBook line in multiple ways during 2026. We’re not talking the usual “chip and ship” updates — major changes are on the way. Really, there’s never been a better time to be in the market for a macOS laptop.

We can look forward to a complete redesign, possibly including a touchscreen. Plus, the most affordable MacBook ever is also reportedly coming next year.

7-port magnetic mini hub makes your iPhone way more useful [Review] ★★★★

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Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter review★★★★
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter helps creators and travelers do what they need with their iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Your iPhone is a powerful computer held back by its single port. Connect the Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter, and you can connect to a wide range of accessories — external monitors, SSDs and more — all without adding too much bulk. It really builds upon the phone’s capabilities.

I’m not saying it’ll turn your iPhone into a mini MacBook, but if you’re toting a laptop on trips simply to watch TV shows or give a presentation on a large screen, this hub is for you.

Plus, it stands out by connecting to the MagSafe magnets built into your iPhone, so the accessory conveniently clings to the back of your device.

I tested it out with my iPhone 17 to see what the multiport adapter has to offer. Here’s what I found.

Folding iPhone: What to expect in 2026

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AI-generated image of a folding iPhone: What to expect in 2026
2026 could be the year Apple reinvents the iPhone — again.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The first folding iPhone is expected to break iOS out of its years-long rut, and new rumors give us the most complete picture yet of a handset supposedly set to launch in 2026.

These come from a formerly prolific source of often reliable Apple leaks.

Track Santa live on your Apple device: The ultimate 2025 guide for Mac, iPhone and iPad

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Santa Tracker: How to track Santa on your iPhone in 2025
Santa is watching. And so is NORAD.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is making his annual journey around the world. With the help of the NORAD Santa Tracker on your Mac or iPhone, you can see exactly where he is at any moment, and even follow Jolly Old Saint Nick’s route in real time.

Here’s how to track Kris Kringle’s progress as he delivers gifts across the globe.

This one feature justifies buying an iPhone 17

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iPhone 17 Center Stage selfie camera justifies a purchase
The iPhone 17 Center Stage selfie camera improves your video calling experience significantly.
Image: ChatGPT

If you’re strongly tempted by an iPhone 17, but haven’t yet found a reason to make the jump, then you must not realize how amazing the phone’s new Center Stage selfie camera is. It’s my favorite feature of Apple’s latest smartphones because it makes video calls so much easier on me, and smoother for the people I talk to.

Even better: The base model iPhone 17 gets this great feature, not just the Pro variants.