Rajesh has been writing about consumer technology for over a decade, with a strong focus on iPhones, Macs and Apple’s ecosystem. He enjoys digging into Apple software updates, hardware changes, and discovering new Mac apps that make work faster and more enjoyable.
You can reach out to him at mail[at]rajeshpandey.me.
A wild rumor says Apple's working on a cheaper new MacBook. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple could launch a MacBook next year that’s even more affordable than the current $999 13-inch MacBook Air. The new budget laptop supposedly will use an A18 Pro chip and come in several colors.
The company hopes to boost MacBook shipments to return to the COVID-19 peak of around 25 million next year with this move.
You might want to stop using your Anker power bank. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Anker, a renowned accessory maker, has initiated a global “voluntary recall” of its six power banks. While the company says there’s no fire risk, it’s issuing the recall out of an “abundance of caution.”
If your Anker power bank is part of the recall, you’ll receive a replacement or a gift card after the company verifies your claim.
Rumors indicate the iPhone 17 will bring big upgrades. These have me all excited. Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
From a long-overdue cooling upgrade to a redesigned camera island, rumors indicate the iPhone 17 lineup will deliver meaningful changes. Here are five rumored iPhone 17 features that have me genuinely excited for Apple’s next devices.
The DMA has again forced Apple to make sweeping changes to the App Store. Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac
To avoid further penalties under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Apple has announced sweeping changes to its App Store guidelines for the EU.
However, it’s not happy with the EU’s additional demands and plans to appeal against this.
Your iPhone and Mac will work even better with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac
With every new iOS and macOS release, Apple deepens the integration between its mobile and desktop operating systems. iOS 26 is no different, building on the iPhone Mirroring feature introduced in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.
Check out all the new cross-device features and integrations that iOS 26 and macOS 26 (aka Tahoe) bring.
Vivo's latest foldable packs impressive Apple integration. Photo: Vivo China
Apple’s walled garden approach means you can’t use the Apple Watch with a smartphone other than the iPhone. But with its latest Android foldable, Vivo claims full support for the Apple Watch.
The Vivo X Fold 5 even promises deep iPhone and Mac integration, apparently mirroring your calls, messages, and notifications.
A lawsuit forced OpenAI to take down public details related to its acquisition of Jony Ive's company io. Photo: OpenAI
OpenAI and Jony Ive’s io have removed all public details about the latter’s acquisition. The much-hyped video announcing the acquisition is also no longer live on YouTube. Contrary to rumors, this is not due to the deal between the two companies falling apart.
The issue stems from a trademark dispute over the name “io” used by Ive’s firm.
iOS 26 will supercharge your AirPods experience. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
iOS 26 will not just make your iPhone better. It will also add several new features to AirPods, improving the already excellent experience of using Apple’s super-popular earbuds.
The changes will further deepen the AirPods integration with the iPhone. Find out all the ways iOS 26 will improve your AirPods experience.
Will Apple acquire Perplexity? Photo: Apple/Perplexity
Apple reportedly held internal discussions to acquire AI startup Perplexity AI. The latter is an AI-powered search engine. It uses a large language model (LLM) to process the answers and presents them in an easier-to-understand format.
The discussions inside Apple are seemingly at an early level, and it may not even officially provide an offer to the young startup.
Older iPhones will get iOS 26 but with some key features missing. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 introduce a host of new features in addition to the Liquid Glass design makeover that will bring glossy, translucent harmony to Apple’s software ecosystem this fall. However, not all of those advanced features will make it to every compatible device when Apple releases its next-gen operating systems.
If you own an old iPhone or Intel-based Mac, you will miss out on several improvements. Here’s a look at what won’t make the cut.
Apple's 2025 Back to School promo will get you a free AirPods. Screenshot: Apple Store
Apple’s yearly Back to School sale is now live in the United States, India and other countries. As part of the deal, eligible students and teachers can get Macs and iPads on education pricing, along with an accessory worth up to $179.
Unlike the last few years, Apple will not bundle a gift card with your purchase. Instead, it will bundle a free accessory, ranging from the Magic Keyboard to AirPods 4 with ANC.
There are plenty of smaller, hidden improvements in iOS 26. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac
Apple focused heavily on the new Liquid Glass design language during the iOS 26 unveiling last week. But there’s more to the operating system than the glossy new look that’s coming to all the company’s operating systems.
While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.
Your M2 Mac mini might need a repair. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple has issued a No Power Issue service program affecting a “very small percentage” of M2 Mac minis. The affected units may unexpectedly fail to power on without warning.
The issue only appears to affect the 2023 M2 Mac mini and no other generation.
1Password's new app unlock presets promise a seamless experience. Photo: 1Password
1Password is testing a new unlock system on Mac, aiming to reduce the need for constant reauthentication. The app introduces three preset modes — Convenient, Balanced and Strict — giving users control over how frequently they unlock the app based on their security preferences.
The changes are currently only available on 1Password’s beta channel for Mac.
Will Apple launch the AirPods Pro 3 this year? Photo: Apple
iOS 26 developer beta hints at Apple launching the AirPods Pro 3 sooner rather than later. The first beta of the OS contains references to the upcoming wireless earbuds.
Conflicting reports surround the AirPods Pro 3 launch. Some point to a fall 2025 release, while others suggest the earbuds might not arrive until 2026.
iOS 26 will finally tell you how long your iPhone will take for a full charge. Screenshot: Rajesh PandeyCult Of Mac
iOS 26 introduces a small but useful feature for iPhone users: the ability to view the estimated time remaining for a full charge. This information appears directly on the Lock Screen while your device is charging, giving you a quick glance at how long you need to wait.
You can get an even more detailed breakdown in the Battery sub-menu in the Settings app.
iOS 26 tweaks the swipe-back gesture Screenshot: Rajesh PandeyCult Of Mac
Apple may finally solve a major navigation issue on iPhones with iOS 26. It tweaks the swipe-to-go-back gesture to trigger from anywhere, not just the edge.
In iOS 18, going back requires swiping from the left edge of the screen. The problem? Reaching that corner with your thumb can be tough, especially on larger Pro Max models.
iOS 26 introduces a new Adaptive Power mode for a longer iPhone battery life. Photo: Apple
iOS 26 adds a new Adaptive Power Mode to newer iPhones to extend their battery life under heavy load. It will achieve this by lowering the display brightness and making other under-the-hood changes.
Additionally, iOS 26 revamps the Battery Usage menu, providing more details about power consumption from various apps.
Apple's newest operating systems drop support for some older devices. Photo: Apple
Apple kicked off WWDC25 Monday by showing off iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26. The company’s latest operating systems debut a new unified Liquid Glass visual design and pack several other improvements. Not every iPhone, iPad, or Mac will make the cut this year, though.
Find out the full list of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs eligible for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 below.
The Phone app gets smarter and powerful in iOS 26. Photo: Apple
Apple reinvents the act of making, taking and dodging phone calls with the updated Phone app in iOS 26, thanks to a bold new design and the addition of several cutting-edge features. They include Call Screening and Hold Assist, enabling you to screen unwanted calls before answering them.
“This year, we’re giving you the option to choose a new, unified layout that brings your favorites, recents and voicemails,” said Darin Adler, Apple’s vice president of internet technologies, during Monday’s WWDC25 keynote video. “So, your most used features are right at your fingertips without having to switch views.”