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RIP Clips: Apple shuts its free video creation app that nobody used

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RIP Clips: Apple shuts down its social-media-free video app
Apple Clips is gone.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Clips, a free video-creation tool created for the Instagram era, just came to an abrupt end. Not only did Apple cease development of the software, the app can’t even be downloaded anymore.

But odds are you aren‘t too upset, given that Apple likely cancelled the app because it never found a big audience.

You need to change this iPhone security setting ASAP

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Cartoon image of a robber with a black-and-white shirt, holding an iPhone and a cable, used to illustrate an article on iPhone juice jacking
Don’t be a victim of juice jacking. Change this iPhone setting today.
AI image: ChatGPT

Your iPhone is too trusting of new USB accessories. Plug your handset into the wrong public charger at an airport or coffee shop and it might get hacked. Fortunately, there’s a setting you can (and should) change that prevents your iPhone from falling victim to data theft via juice jacking.

Here’s what to do. And don’t worry … it’s easy. I’ll walk you through it.

Base model M5 MacBook Pro could launch months before M5 Pro and M5 Max variants

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M5 MacBook Pro rumors
M5 MacBook Pro release date could come both sooner and later.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Some previous rumors point to an upgraded MacBook Pro with Apple’s M5 processor launching very soon, but other reports say it won’t be out until 2026. Turns out both might be correct.

A leak on Friday indicates the MacBook Pro running the base version M5 chip will debut quite soon. However, the variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max supposedly won‘t launch before 2026.

Apple might launch Health+ with AI doctor, food tracking and more

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AI-generated cartoon of an iPhone in a doctor's uniform with stethoscope, used to illustrate a story about possible Apple Health+ subscription service.
Your iPhone with Health+ could dispense advice to make you healthier.
AI image: ChatGPT

An Apple each day becomes your doctor someday. That’s the rumor anyway: Apple is reportedly prepping a Health+ service for launch in 2026 that will use AI to dispense advice on nutrition, exercise and more.

Whether the service will someday give out medical diagnoses remains a much murkier question.

Improve your iPhone photography with new Belkin Stage PowerGrip

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Belkin Stage PowerGrip in hand
Belkin Stage PowerGrip charges your iPhone while also adding a grip.
Photo: Belkin

The Belkin Stage PowerGrip adds to an iPhone the grip that DSLR camera users are familiar with. Built into the grip is a battery that sends power to the handset via the MagSafe magnetic charging mat integrated into the device.

After being unveiled early this year, the product finally launched on Thursday.

This tiny external SSD plugs into new and old computers [Review] ★★★★

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PNY Duo Link V3 review★★★★
PNY Duo Link V3 is a portable SSD for your new computers and your old ones, too.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The PNY Duo Link V3 external SSD includes both a USB-C and a USB-A connector. That means the flash drive can plug into a recent Mac, iPad or iPhone, but can also go into a smart TV or other accessory that lacks a USB-C port — no adapter needed.

And it’s quick, with data transfers at up to 800MB/s. Capacities go up to 2 terabytes.

I put the affordable SSD through a series of real-world tests. Here’s what I found.

Don’t miss these great deals on portable SSDs for Mac or iPad

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SSD deals
Now is the time to save on that portable SSD you’ve wanted.
Image: Samsung/Cult of Mac

Thanks to generous deals, the portable SSD you’ve been wanting is probably available at well below the usual cost. There are top-quality ones available at low prices — we found deals on portable SSDs from Samsung, Kingston and more. Save up to 33%.

You can easily increase the storage capacity of your Mac, iPad, etc., without over-stressing your credit card.

Save big on 3 travel essentials from Twelve South

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Twelve South deals
Pick up a Twelve South AirFly Pro 2, ButterFly and PlugBug at sweet discounts.
Photo: Twelve South

Twelve South knocked as much as 44% off some of its most popular travel accessories. You can save significantly on the brilliant AirFly Pro 2 wireless audio adapter, the PlugBug wall charger with Find My, and the ButterFly 2–in-1 wireless charger.

But these sales are part of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, so don’t delay. They might not last long.

iPad mini 7 sale trims tiny tablet to its lowest price ever

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iPad mini 7 sale
Don’t pay full price for the iPad mini 7.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

A iPad mini deal knocks a sweet $120 off the cost of the 7th-generation tablet. That’s up to 25% off, the best price we’ve ever seen for the ultra-portable computer. And the sale includes a range of colors and storage capacities.

The special price is timed to be part of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days but is also available from rival retailer Best Buy. 

How Backbone enhances mobile gaming for iPhone users

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Photo of a person using a Backbone gaming controller to enhance mobile gaming on iPhone
A Backbone game controller makes iPhone gaming much more like using a console.
Image: Gemini

Nothing makes playing advanced games on an iPhone better than a Backbone game controller. Clip one to your phone, and it basically turns the handset into a mobile gaming console, ready to play wherever you go.

There are many top-quality first-person shooters and RPGs available for iPhone. Don’t waste your time playing these great games with just a touchscreen. Get a Backbone One or a Backbone Pro controller and snap it onto your iPhone. You’ll be glad you did.

The Underdogs learn about Mac security in funny new Apple film

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The Underdogs in BSOD video
A new video shows the hapless Underdogs discovering the advantages of Mac security.
Screenshot: Apple

The Underdogs are back in BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)! The fictitious team of nerdy Apple users once again star in a video demonstrating how Macs and iPhones get real work done. This time, the focus is on Mac security.

Watch the shortfilm now and have fun while learning about what your Apple gear can do for you.

OpenAI struggles to create its iPhone killer

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OpenAI companion AI
The AI companion from OpenAI might look something like this concept.
AI concept: ChatGPT

OpenAI’s efforts to create and sell an “AI companion” device reportedly have serious obstacles to overcome. These are existential, including how the company can find enough computing resources to enable the artificial intelligence devices to function.

That’s good news for Apple, as there have been predictions that products designed specifically for AI might someday take the place of the iPhone and other smartphones.

What to expect at Apple‘s October product-launch event

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Apple October event rumors
Apple CEO Tim Cook could soon be taking to the stage with more product announcements.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple isn’t done lunching new products this year, even though the iPhone 17 family and Apple Watch Series 11 reached customers in September.  There are so many new products coming out of Cupertino this fall that rumors point to an Apple October event.

For some Apple fans, the best is yet to come: the Apple M5 processor, a new iPad Pro and (hopefully) the next MacBook Pro. And there could be more.

The best damn e-scooter I’ve ever ridden drops to its lowest price yet

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Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter in use
Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter is packed with features, many of which are accessible through your iPhone.
Photo: Navee

I’m having so much fun riding the Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter. It’s powerful enough to be exhilarating, while also being a practical way to get around. Honestly, I haven’t been as stoked about a product since I got the first iPad.

That’s why I’m happy to say that Navee is having a special promo deal that knocks $190 off the e-scooter. You can get that price from Amazon or when you buy it straight from the manufacturer. It’s down to $759.99 —that’s 20% off.  Now is a great time to buy!

Sora rockets to No. 1 on App Store: What Apple users love about OpenAI’s new AI video app

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Sora app
The Sora app uses AI to generate fun, very realistic videos from user prompts.
Screenshot: OpenAI

OpenAI introduced the Sora iPhone app Tuesday, and by Friday, it had already hit the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Top Free Apps list. The secret of the new AI video app’s appeal? It’s a lot of fun, letting users create hilarious short videos with a simple text description.

Watch some of the hilarious (and amazing) videos people have already created, there go make your own.

Halo Collar 5 is simply the best GPS dog tracker [Review] ★★★★★

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Halo Collar 5 review★★★★★
Stop worrying about losing your furry friend — get Halo Collar 5.
Photo: Halo

You won’t find a better way to track your dog than the new Halo Collar 5. It uses GPS to accurately locate your pup anywhere on Earth and can show you the location on your iPhone (or Android). Plus, it offers two days of battery life.

As a bonus feature, you can set up a “fence” so the collar warns your pet to stay in its yard. And you can place virtual fences anywhere you go.

I did real-world testing of the GPS dog tracker and came away very impressed.

This great-looking 4K portable monitor is pleasantly affordable [Review] ★★★★

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QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor review★★★★
The QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor looks beautiful showing video… just not perfect.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor shows that there’s no reason to get a 1080P screen for travel when a 4K one is so affordable. The 15.6-inch screen can make you more productive on business trips, or let you enjoy movies and games on a high-resolution display. All without straining your budget.

Don’t be concerned if you haven’t heard of QQH before. I hadn’t, so I went into this review with a skeptical eye. I tested the 4K portable monitor for weeks with my iPad Pro, and it also supports MacBook and even my iPhone. Here’s why I’m pleased with it.

Especially as there’s a deal that knocks 29% off the cost of the QQH Z12-4.

The Peanuts gang will have a home at Apple until 2030

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Peanuts Specials
Fans can enjoy classic and new Peanuts specials and series on Apple TV+.
Image: Apple TV+

Apple will stay the exclusive streaming home for all things Peanuts for another five years, Apple TV+ said Wednesday. Apple TV+ ubscribers will be able to enjoy the classic holiday specials starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang through 2030, as well as new original series and specials.

The streamer also revealed when the beloved Peanuts Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials will become available for anyone to watch for free in 2025.

Get a deal on a Belkin power bank/wall charger I use daily

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Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K deal
Save on a 2-in-1 iPhone wall charger that’s also a power bank.
Photo: Belkin/Cult of Mac

Few of the products I review end up in my gear bag, but one that made the cut is the Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K. What I love about it is that when I have this accessory with me, I know I can recharge my iPhone, whether I have access to a wall socket or not. That’s because it’s both an external battery and a wall charger in one. It’s even reasonably portable.

Even better, a deal knocks 15% off the price.

Early unboxing video leaks M5 iPad Pro (and blistering benchmarks)

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M5 iPad Pro unboxing
The M5 iPad Pro apparently stars in an unboxing video weeks before its launch.
Screenshot: Wylsacom

We can stop wondering about the details of the M5 iPad Pro — a YouTuber apparently got hold of Apple’s next tablet and revealed nearly everything about it. That includes running benchmark tests on the unreleased processor and finding a huge jump in graphics performance.

His time with the tablet — assuming this is a legitimate leak — shows that Apple must consider the previous M4 iPad Pro to be an excellent device because all that changed seems to be the newer, faster M5 processor.

Digital driver’s license access grows, with North Dakota joining 10 other states

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North Dakota drivers license
Put your North Dakota driver’s license on your iPhone today.
Image: North Dakota DOT

North Dakota became the latest state to let residents add a digital version of their driver’s license to their iPhone and Apple Watch. After recent additions, a total of 12 states or territories now support digital IDs.

Currently, digital IDs are most useful for travelers, as they’re widely accepted at Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints.

Why Apple should bring back the iPod

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AI image of a person holding a hypothetical new iPod, with AirPods in their ears.
Everything old could be new again.
Image: ChatGPT

Bring back the iPod! Apple should start manufacturing its dedicated music player again. With iPhones increasingly banned from schools, a simple entertainment device could fill the gap.

That said, creating a new iPod for the streaming era would not be as simple as bringing previous models back to life.

Apple goes on nasty bug hunt with fresh iOS and macOS updates

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iOS 26.0.1
iOS 26.0.1 includes multiple bug fixes for iPhone 17 users.
Image: Cult of Mac

iOS 26.0.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.0.1 launched on Monday, bringing a range of bug fixes to the major operating system upgrades introduced earlier this month. That includes taking care of multiple issues in the new iPhone 17 series — some quite serious. 

In addition, iPadOS 26.0.1, watchOS 26.0.2, tvOS 26.0.1 and visionOS 26.0.1 all went to users on Monday.

Make your iPhone filter out those damn spam texts

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How to block spam text messages
Your iPhone can save you from text message spam. You just have to ask it to.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

iOS 26 includes an anti-spam feature that can protect you from getting bombarded with text message spam on your iPhone. You just have to activate it.

It’s easy. Here’s what to do to save yourself from the hassle and potential cost of spam texts.

Seth Rogen’s comedy The Studio gets an Emmy-powered comeback

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The Studio season 1 cast
The Studio mocks movie studio executives… like these.
Photo: Apple TV+

The Studio relentlessly mocks Hollywood and the film industry. It stayed popular during its first season, but that wrapped up months ago. This didn’t stop plenty of viewers from tuning back in after the show garnered an amazing 13 Emmy awards earlier this month to once again make it one of the most popular series on streaming, according to a company that track ratings.