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Ed Hardy - page 4

You’ll never need a USB-C cable with this brilliant 200W power bank [Review] ★★★★★

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ReelCharge ReelPro 200W Power Bank review★★★★★
The ReelCharge ReelPro 200W is one of the best power banks I've tested.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The ReelCharge ReelPro 200W Power Bank holds 27,000 mAh and can pump out up to 200W. But perhaps its standout feature is an integrated USB-C cable that acts as a carrying handle.

The accessory also includes a status screen so you always know how much power is flowing, plus it includes USB-C and USB-A ports.

I put the external battery through weeks of testing, including taking it on a beach vacation. Here’s how it stood up.

EU won’t force Apple to redesign AirPods

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No AirPods redesign is a lifesaver for Apple's tiny earbuds
Future AirPods get to keep the trademark slim design.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s AirPods appear to have dodged a costly redesign after the European Commission carved out new exemptions to its upcoming replaceable battery rules for portable electronics.

The requirement could have also required changes to the design of the Apple Watch.

Colorful Lego iMac G3 moves closer to becoming reality

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Lego iMac G3 advances in race to become an official set
Hope remains alive that a fan-designed iMac G3 will become an official Lego Ideas set.
Photo: The Lego Group

The colorful Lego iMac G3 for nostalgic Apple fans just cleared another important milestone on its long journey from fan concept to store shelves.

A Lego version of Apple’s iconic iMac G3 desktop has been working its way through the approval process for almost a year, and the Lego company confirmed on Tuesday that the possibility remains very much alive.

New ProDock vertical MacBook docking stations add ports while saving desk space

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Brydge ProDock docking stations take MacBooks in a different direction
The Brydge ProDock Trio features vertical MacBook docking for workspace optimization.
Image: Brydge

Brydge added three new models to its ProDock line of vertical MacBook docking stations on Tuesday. These bring fresh features, including Thunderbolt 5 support, to products that let users slide their Mac into a vertical cradle that takes a minimal amount of space.

Each of the three new models is intended for a different kind of user, with a range of features to match.

Strong iPhone 17 demand keeps Apple climbing in global smartphone market

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Apple gains ground worldwide as iPhone 17 demand stays strong
Robust demand means iPhone 17 remains the world's top-shipping smartphone.
Photo: Rubaitul Azad/Pexels

Apple continued to gain ground in the global smartphone market during the second quarter of 2026, according to new data from a market-analysis firm. The iPhone posted another quarter of year-over-year growth, increasing total shipments by 3% while boosting Apple’s global market share to a quarterly record.

The iPhone 17 series continues to experience strong sales, according to the analysts. One main reason for the success might seem surprising, coming from Cupertino: small price tags! Apple maintained iPhone prices while rivals increased theirs due to sharply rising memory costs.

How Apple could fix a major Mac Studio memory problem

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Pros should pin their hopes on Apple M5 Ultra and M7 Ultraz
The Mac Studio comes with a serious memory limitation. The M5 Ultra and M7 Ultra could be the solution.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The Mac Studio, Apple’s top-of-the-line desktop, delivers extraordinary CPU and GPU performance in a surprisingly compact enclosure — but many users simply cannot add as much RAM as they need.

However, change is apparently on the way. Apple is reportedly developing an M5 Ultra chip that supports more unified memory than the current version. And the subsequent M7 Ultra chip will be even better — it will supposedly handle as much as three times more RAM. That’s a dramatic leap beyond the best of today’s Macs.

Apple preps pair of redesigned Apple Pencils for iPad

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Apple Pencil rumors: new models on the way
A new leak says iPad users can look forward to fresh Apple Pencil models.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly working on two new styli models for launch alongside next year’s iPad Pro refresh. Both the Apple Pencil Pro and the entry-level Apple Pencil with USB-C are back on the drawing board, according to a reliable source of insider information.

One major reason for the redesign could be upcoming European Union rules that will require consumer electronics to use more easily replaceable batteries.

Apple sues OpenAI, alleging trade secret theft in blockbuster Big Tech battle

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Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing trade secrets to build AI devices
"See you in court" is the message Apple just gave OpenAI.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of mac

Apple sued OpenAI in federal court on Friday, accusing the ChatGPT maker of orchestrating a broad campaign to obtain Apple’s confidential hardware technology by hiring its former employees.

It relates to an effort by OpenAI to develop its own devices with AI built in — products that might someday replace the iPhone and other smartphones.

OpenAI hasn’t been subtle about its plans to compete with Apple hardware, especially after it began working closely with Jony Ive, Apple’s former design chief.

Why iPhone 18 Pro Max might cost up to $300 more

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iPhone 18 Pro Max price could jump as Apple's costs soar
The rising cost of memory chips is something Apple can't simply absorb.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The cost of the components needed to produce the iPhone 18 Pro Max will rise up to 80%, according to a new cost analysis by a market research firm. The sharp increase results from the global shortage in memory chips that’s been in headlines so often recently.

A huge jump in Apple’s bill of materials raises questions about how much of these additional costs Apple will pass on to buyers. It potentially could push up the cost of the iPhone 18 Pro Max by as much as $300.

Apple TV rakes in Emmy nominations — Widow’s Bay scores 19 and Pluribus lands 18

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Apple TV Emmy nominations: A huge haul thanks to Widow's Bay and Pluribus
Apple TV made a big Emmy splash, with Widow's Bay and Pluribus leading the way.
Graphic: Apple TV/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple TV delivered one of the biggest stories of Wednesday morning’s 2026 Emmy nominations, with freshman hits Widow’s Bay and Pluribus emerging as two of the most-honored series of the year.

The streamer’s total? A whopping 87 Emmy nominations, up from its previous high of 81 last year.

The new horror-comedy Widow’s Bay earned an impressive 19 Primetime Emmy nominations, while Vince Gilligan’s sci-fi drama Pluribus picked up 18. Those totals put both Apple TV originals among the most-nominated shows across all television, trailing only HBO Max’s The Pitt (25 nominations) and Hacks (24).

Fender and Teufel teamed up to make this awesome Bluetooth speaker [Review] ★★★★★

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Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2 review★★★★★
The Rockster Go 2 couldn't exist without contributions from both Fender and Teufel.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2 portable Bluetooth speaker looks as good as it sounds. Which isn’t surprising considering it’s a collaboration of two iconic brands.

Two aluminum full-range drivers and one passive bass radiator pump out great stereo sound. Plus, the speaker is waterproof and comes with a carrying strap so it’s ready to go where you go.

I listened to the Rockster Go 2 at home and on a beach vacation. Here’s how it performed . Spoiler alert: I love it.

3 reasons why the iPhone 18 won’t launch this fall

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Why the iPhone 18 release date won't come this fall.
Expect September to bring the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, but not the standard iPhone 18. Here's why.
Image: Apple/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple could make dramatic changes to its iPhone release strategy. The major shift: the iPhone 18 release date has reportedly been pushed back to 2027.

There will still be plenty to announce in September, including three new high-end handsets. But the mid-range and entry-level versions — including the iPhone 18 — will stay under wraps for months afterward.

Apple extends Broadcom partnership despite in-house chip push [Updated]

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Apple's Broadcom deal reveals long-term chip strategy
There'll be Broadcom chips in Apple devices for the foreseeable future.
Photo: Broadcom/Cult of Mac

Apple locked in one of its most important chip suppliers for years to come.

Broadcom revealed in a securities filing that it has extended its longstanding technology partnership with Apple through 2031. The companies signed new multi-year agreements under which Broadcom will develop and supply custom chips for use in future generations of Apple products.

The deal is valued at over $30 billion, will lead to the production of more than 15 billion U.S.-made chips.

“Apple and Broadcom have a long history together, and this new phase of our partnership further accelerates our commitment to American manufacturing and innovation,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statement.

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

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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

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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]

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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] ★★★★

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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.