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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.

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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Apple postpones 'HomePad' amid Siri delays
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.
AI image: 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.

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! 

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 recently 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.

Apple Watch Series 11 Black Friday deals — get ’em while they’re hot!

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Apple Watch Series 11 Black Friday deals — get 'em while they're hot!
There's never been a better deal on Apple Watch Series 11.
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Black Friday has arrived early, and the savings on Apple Watch Series 11 are making headlines. The much-talked-about smartwatch is seeing its deepest discounts to date, with GPS models now starting at $339 — $60 off list price — and cellular versions dipping below $440.

Series 11 just launched in September, so it’s amazing you can already get 15% off the price.

This $30 TV sound bar lights up parties, too [Review] ★★★★☆

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iLive Portable Bluetooth Multimedia Sound Bar/Speaker review★★★★☆
The iLive Portable Bluetooth Multimedia Sound Bar/Speaker helps out an old TV, or perks up your parties.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iLive Portable Bluetooth Multimedia Sound Bar/Speaker is ready to bring quality sound back to an old TV. Or connect it to your iPhone to add a soundtrack to your life. It’s portable and offers a multicolor light show when being used at a party.

Connect via Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio jack, and there are more options, too.

The speaker is only $30, and you’re probably reading this review to see if it’s terrible. Have no fear, I tested it out and you can expect decent quality sound, as long as you manage your expectations.

Apple’s Prehistoric Planet docuseries replaces dinosaurs with saber-toothed tigers [Now streaming!]

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Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age Season 1: saber-toothed tiger
A saber-toothed tiger in Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age, now on Apple TV.
Photo: Apple TV+

Liven up your Thanksgiving week with woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers. The next chapter in the Apple TV award-winning natural history series Prehistoric Planet leaves dinosaurs behind in favor of megafauna that lived during the last ice age, when glaciers covered much of the Earth’s surface.

The streaming service premiered Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age on Wednesday.

New Black Friday deal makes AirPods 4 shockingly cheap — almost 50% off!

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Black Friday 2025 deal cuts AirPods price by almost 50%
Black Friday 2025 deal cuts AirPods price to the lowest ever!
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Black Friday 2025 delivers some of the steepest discounts yet on Apple’s latest AirPods 4, giving shoppers a chance to grab the wireless earbuds for well below their regular prices. A deal knocks a stunning 47% off the cost, making them just $69 — an amazing price! Or there’s the version that adds active noise cancellation, which is currently 44% off, dropping it below $100 for the first time ever.

These deals make Apple’s earbuds one of this year’s standout tech bargains.

Black Friday 2025 brings big savings on iPhones — if you know where to look

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Black Friday 2025 brings big savings on iPhones — if you know where to look
We help you find the Black Friday iPhone deals you want.
Image: Cult of Mac

As Black Friday 2025 rolls in, Apple fans and deal hunters are looking to save some cash on iPhone. We’re here to help by pointing you to savings on a variety of models.

And speaking of helping, we can also explain why you’re struggling to find big discounts on the iPhone 17 series.