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Ed Hardy - page 4

iOS 27 will be a critical update — will your iPhone support it?

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AI-generated image of a woman holding an iPhone with iOS 27 on the screen
If you're not looking forward to iOS 27, you should be
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

iOS 26 is the most controversial iPhone update in many years. That includes dislike of the Liquid Glass design, but there are also plenty of reports of performance problems. That makes iOS 27 such an important update — Apple needs to fix bugs and maybe even find a way to deal with those unsatisfied with the new look of the operating system.

Early reports indicate Apple made fixing iOS 26 problems a focus of the next major update. But which models get iOS 27? And who gets left out in the cold? Here’s what we know now.

Bring back the glow: MacBooks lost their soul when the Apple logo went dark

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AI-generated image of a person using a laptop on a wooden table with a glowing Apple logo on the back
The glowing Apple logo was such an iconic look. Bring it back!
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

With Apple reportedly redesigning the MacBook Pro, it’s time to bring back the beloved glowing Apple logo on the back of the laptop.

Not only is it an iconic look, reviving a signature feature from the MacBooks of old would make a statement that Apple has returned to making laptops as good as the ones made back in the days when you could easily recognize a MacBook from across the room by its glowing Apple logo.

Tim Cook hints that new AI-enabled products are on the way — what to expect

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Apple Tim Cook in AI-enabled smart glasses
We might see Tim Cook wearing Apple's AI-powered smart glasses later this year.
Product concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple CEO Tim Cook said he’s excited about the “new categories of products and services that are enabled through AI” during a meeting with company employees Thursday.

He didn’t go into specifics, but some of the new AI-powered devices reportedly on drawing boards at Apple headquarters have already leaked out. Here’s what’s coming.

Longest-lasting smartphone? Two iPhones lead the pack in battery life.

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AI-generated image of man holding cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, the smartphone with best battery life
The iPhone 17 Pro Max just keeps going and going and going.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

When it comes to the best smartphone battery life, nothing beats the iPhone 17 Pro Max. That’s the judgement of a comparison of 35 smartphones from a range of companies. But the Apple model that comes in second might surprise you.

Not a single Samsung model showed up on the Top 10 list, but OnePlus did fairly well.

Big screen, no cable: Belkin’s wireless HDMI adapter cuts the cord [Review] ★★★★☆

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Belkin ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter review★★★★☆
The Belkin ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter is so much less clutter than a cable, but does the same job.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Stop connecting your Mac to TVs with a cumbersome cable. The Belkin ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter saves you from needing to stretch a wire across your living room, classroom or conference room.

All it takes is plugging one component into the USB-C port on your Mac, iPad or iPhone and the other component into the HDMI port on any TV. Now you’re ready to watch a movie.

I put the new accessory to the test, including its promise of plug-and-play connectivity. Here’s how it performed.

Here’s when Apple will launch iOS 26.3 [UPDATED]

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Photo of iPhone with iOS 26.3 update screen
iOS 26.3 is mere days away.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

UPDATE: iOS 26.3 is out now! And on exactly the day Cult of Mac predicted. (Read our news article: iOS 26.3 brings these 3 changes to your iPhone.)


Apple seeded the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to beta testers on Wednesday, which means anyone eager to get their hands on it should mark February 11 on their calendar.

The macOS Tahoe 26.3 Release Candidate also just went out, which should please Mac users. It means a MacBook Pro with faster processor options can soon hit the market.

iPad is truly the king of the tablet scene

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iPad shipments Q4 2025: King of the hill
iPad rules the global tablet market.
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

iPad shipments worldwide shot up a whopping 16.5% in the last quarter of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. Apple set a new record — it shipped more tablets in Q4 than in any previous quarter.

Not only does iPad outsell every other competitor, but Apple’s tablet also beat its top four rivals’ combined shipments last quarter.

Apple Sports app tees off with golf coverage

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Apple Sports app tees off with golf coverage
Fore! Track your favorite golfers in Apple Sports.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The free Apple Sports app just added golf to its growing list of supported sports.

Golfers can get live scores on their iPhone for all official PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, including the majors. And the fun starts this weekend with the PGA’s WM Phoenix Open.

Apple just killed the myth of iPhone forced obsolescence

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iPhone 5s showing iOS 12.5.8 update
The latest software update for a 12-year-old iPhone.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

A conspiracy theory argues that Apple does everything it can to force people to buy new iPhones. That’s Grade A certified bullplop, and I can prove it. How? Apple recently released iOS updates for every single iPhone going back to 2013.

If you still own a 12-year-old iPhone 5s, it just got an upgrade to iOS 12.5.8, so you can continue to use it for years to come. So tell us again how Apple hates old iPhones?

First OLED MacBook might launch sooner than we hoped

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AI-generated image of a woman sitting at a desk with Apple’s first OLED MacBook, which might launch in 2026 (and might include a touchscreen)
We apparently won't be waiting until 2027 for an OLED MacBook Pro.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

There’s good news Tuesday for those excited about the first MacBook Pro with an OLED display: A new report pegs the laptop’s launch for this fall. Some previous leaks indicated the device might not reach customers until next year.

Beyond the OLED screen — which should make the display noticeably better-looking — the 2026 MacBook Pro is rumored to feature a significant redesign, including a touchscreen.

Why we’re still waiting for new high-end M5 MacBook Pros — blame macOS [Updated]

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AI-generated image of a person typing on a MacBook with
A MacBook Pro upgraded with M5 Pro and M5 Max is not coming any day now. There'll be a wait.
AI image: Apple/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

There’s tremendous anticipation for a MacBook Pro upgraded with faster M5 Pro or M5 Max processors, but the laptop did not launch this week, despite eager speculation that it would. And we need to be patient because we’re likely to continue waiting well into February and maybe beyond. A critical feature apparently isn’t ready yet: macOS Tahoe 26.3.

Steve Jobs-signed Apple check No. 1 sells for simply insane amount

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Steve Jobs–signed Apple check No. 1 sells for simply insane amount
You probably won't believe how much a collector paid for a check signed by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
AI composite image: RR Auction/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

How much would you pay for a check signed by both Apple co-founders, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak? Factor in that it is Apple check No. 1. Got a figure in mind? Now double it. Your guess is probably still less than a collector paid for that item in a recent auction.
It went for a stonking $2.4 million — believed to be the highest price ever paid for a signed check at public auction.

Apple CEO commits to ‘personal and private’ AI for users

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Apple CEO commits to 'personal and private' AI for users
Apple's CEO is "very happy with the collaboration with Google" on AI.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday about the collaboration with Google that will upgrade the Siri voice assistant with the Gemini AI. He emphasized that the new Siri will “maintain our industry-leading privacy standards.”
Cook also said the company will continue to develop its own artificial intelligence models, even as it’s using Google’s.

iPhone demand hits new heights as Apple rakes in record revenue

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iPhone demand hits new heights as Apple delivers record revenues
Apple blew past Wall Street predictions on revenue and EPS last quarter.
AI image: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple broke all kinds of revenue records during the critical holiday quarter, the company said Thursday, including setting an all-time quarterly high of $143.8 billion. The shockingly good revenues led to sky-high earnings per share that blew past Wall Street’s lofty expectations. And Apple gave the iPhone much of the credit.
“Apple is proud to report a remarkable, record-breaking quarter, with revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16 percent from a year ago and well above our expectations,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a press release. “iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment, and Services also achieved an all-time revenue record, up 14 percent from a year ago.”

Apple acquires Q.ai in $2 billion bet on next-gen AI ‘silent speech’

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Apple acquires Q.ai in $2 billion bet on next-gen AI 'silent speech'
Q.ai technology could make Siri much easier to talk to.
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple just paid $2 billion for Q.ai, an AI company with technology that could dramatically enhance the Siri voice assistant. It’s a stealth-mode Israeli artificial intelligence startup that develops advanced technologies to improve human/computer communication beyond basic speech recognition.
It’s the second largest acquisition in Apple history.

Study reveals iPhone that topped global sales in 2025 (and it’s not the Pro)

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iPhone 16 topped global sales in 2025
And the winner is... iPhone 16!!
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Seven out of the ten bestselling smartphones in 2025 were iPhones, reports a market research firm, including all of the top four. But it’s not a Pro model that was the No. 1 seller, nor was it the cheapest. It was the base iPhone 16.
Those strong sales powered iPhone to the top of the global market overall. Apple outsold all rival smartphone makers last year, according to a separate report.

Why Apple’s AirTag 2 is way better than the original [Review] ★★★★

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Apple AirTag 2 review★★★★
The new AirTag 2 improves on the original in almost every way.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple just launched the long-awaited new version of its AirTag. The upgraded tracking tag is easier to find, with much longer range when using either a Bluetooth or Ultra Wideband connection from your iPhone. It also includes a louder, shriller speaker.
I put the improvements in the AirTag (2nd generation) through real-world testing for this hands-on review.

Mcon launches its long-awaited controller for iPhone gamers

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OhSnap Mcon game controller earns accolades, whopping $1.2 million in crowdfunding
OhSnap Mcon iPhone game controller is simply packed with innovation.
Screenshot: OhSnap

The OhSnap Mcon mobile gaming controller magnetically attaches to an iPhone to add joysticks, buttons, triggers and a D-pad. It’s very portable and uses an innovative design that includes flip-out grips for more comfortable play.
OhSnap unveiled the Mcon a year ago, and it finally reached customers on Tuesday.

Wall Street braces for a blowout quarter from Apple

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An AI-generated image of a bronze bull dressed in a three-piece suit and holding a cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro on a city street, used to illustrate an article about Apple being on the verge of a record-smashing earnings report
Apple's performance during the holiday quarter should make Wall Street smile.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Get set for Apple to report boffo results from its latest financial quarter on Thursday. Wall Street expects Apple’s earnings report to reflect a record-breaking holiday season, with analysts anticipating significant growth driven by strong iPhone 17 demand.
Revenue may be up as much 11% year over year. Apple hasn’t seen revenue growth that strong since 2022. This should lead to truly stellar earnings per share.

Third iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 betas finally go out for testing

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Developers get first look at iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3
Apple forges ahead (slowly) with beta testing iOS 26.3, macOS 26.3 and more.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple made the third betas of iOS 26.3 and macOS 26.3 available to developers on Monday. This comes two weeks after the second round, double the usual time between new versions. 
The same goes for iPadOS 26.3 beta 3, watchOS 26.3 beta 3, tvOS 26.3 beta 3 and visionOS 26.3 beta 3.

Latest iPhone and Apple Watch updates are all about the new AirTag

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Update your iPhone with iOS 26.2.1
iOS 26.2.1 is only one of the operating system upgrades Apple just released.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

There’s a fresh round of system software updates for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch on Monday. Apple released iOS 26.2.1, iPadOS 26.2.1 and watchOS 26.2.1 to support AirTag 2, a tracker tag also introduced on Monday.
Note that Mac users didn’t get an equivalent macOS 26.2.1 update — likely because Macs and AirTags aren’t truly intended to be used together.

AirTag 2 launches with longer range and louder speaker

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AirTag 2 launches with expanded range and louder speaker
AirTag 2 improves on Apple's original tracker tag in multiple ways.
Photo: Apple

Apple launched the second-generation AirTag on Monday, upgrading the tracking tag with a new Ultra Wideband chip and improved Bluetooth connectivity so it can be located from much farther away. Apple also built in a louder speaker.

Like its predecessor, you can use AirTag 2 to find lost items — and get reminders if you inadvertently leave items behind.

iOS 26 adoption rate isn’t as lousy as suspected, but it’s still not great

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iOS 26 adoption is higher than thought earlier.
iOS 26 adoption isn't as bad as reported earlier. Not that it's great.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple’s attempt to keep online advertisers from tracking Safari users had the unintended effect of completely throwing off reporting on iOS 26 adoption.
Rather than only a small percentage of iPhone users installing some version of Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 26 adoption is only a bit below average.

Apple’s mysterious LA ‘experience’ for creators: M5 MacBook Pros incoming?

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Apple's mysterious LA 'experience' for creators: M5 MacBook Pros incoming?
The "Apple Experience" happening January 27 to 29 could include MacBook Pro upgrades.
Image: Apple/Petr Mara/Cult of Mac

After Apple invited a select group of content creators to an “Apple Experience” in Los Angeles, speculation arose Friday that the company will use the event to launch an upgraded MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
Appel scheduled its mysterious event for January 27 through January 29 — exactly the time many expect the refreshed Mac laptop to arrive.

Say hello to the combo iPad/iPhone stylus of your dreams [Review] ★★★★

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Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra review★★★★
This affordable iPad stylus has a trick no Apple Pencil can match.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Stop feeling frustrated that Apple Pencil works with iPad but not iPhone. The Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra supports Apple tablets and handsets.
Beyond iPhone support, the stylus offers iPad users palm rejection, zero lag, Scribble support, magnetic attachment to the tablet and more.
I tested the affordable accessory with both iPad and iPhone — here are the results.