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.
Apple may follow a yearly release cycle for its foldable iPhone. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple supposedly will switch to a two-pronged iPhone release strategy due to intense competition, especially in China. The move will give more media attention to newer models, like the upcoming iPhone Air and foldable iPhone.
In a note Monday, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple will launch its second-gen foldable and the “iPhone 19 Slim” with a bigger display in H2 2027.
iPhone 18 release timeframe could have one big change. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Apple might rejig its iPhone release cycle in a big way in 2026, releasing high-end models in the fall and less-expensive models in the spring. If the rumor proves true, Apple would change things up to make room in its lineup for the first foldable iPhone.
The iPhone 17 Air's thin design will come with a battery life compromise. Photo: Cult of Mac/Jon Prosser
Apple might rely on one of its old accessories to compensate for the iPhone 17 Air’s short battery life. The company reportedly will launch an iPhone 17 Air Smart Battery Case to extend the device’s runtime.
In Apple’s internal testing, the iPhone 17 Air reportedly does not last as long as other members of the iPhone 17 family. Given its focus on an ultra-slim design, this comes as no surprise.
Apple will use Anthropic's expertise for its vibe-coding platform. Graphics: Anthropic/Apple
Apple is using Anthropic’s AI models to build a “vibe-coding” software platform for programming. However, it may limit this platform for internal use, never releasing it publicly.
The Cupertino giant will partner with the young AI startup on this project.
Spotify is putting the heat on Apple. Photo: Cult of Mac
Spotify submitted a major app update to the App Store with several significant changes Thursday. The company moved quickly to capitalize on a judge’s Wednesday ruling that requires Apple to allow external payment links in apps effective immediately.
Update: Apple quickly approved Spotify’s update. The company formally changed its App Store rules Thursday to bring them into “compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps.”
Apple plans to challenge the ruling, which forces major changes on the company’s handling of the App Store.
During a conference call with Wall Street analysts Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company strongly disagrees with the judge’s ruling. “We’ve complied with the court’s order, and we’re going to appeal,” he said.
iOS 19 could finally bring deeper Gemini integration to iPhones. Photo: Concept logo: Kevin Kall/Google
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, hopes to strike a deal with Apple to bring Gemini to iPhones by the middle of this year. The CEO revealed this during his testimony in an antitrust trial against Google.
Pichai discussed the possibility of bringing Gemini to iPhones with Apple CEO Tim Cook last year.
Judge's ruling will force Apple to make big changes to the App Store. Photo: Brett Jordan
In a major blow to Cupertino, a judge ruled Wednesday that Apple “willfully chose not to comply” with a 2021 injunction that required the company to let developers include in-app links directing users to third-party payment options on the web.
“Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated,” said U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the ruling.
She also found clear evidence that an Apple executive lied under oath in his court testimony, and asked U.S. attorneys to investigate whether Apple’s vice president of finance should be charged with criminal contempt of court.
Meta AI's dedicated iPhone app now available on the App Store. Photo: FB Blog
You can now access Meta AI through a dedicated iPhone app, bringing the Llama AI assistant right to your fingertips. Until now, you could only access Meta AI through WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Meta calls the app a first step toward creating a “more personal AI experience.”
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The Satechi Stand & Hub for the M4 Mac mini is a sleek and practical accessory. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac
The M4 Mac mini stands out as one of the best value-for-money Macs in Apple’s lineup. But it’s not perfect, with the lack of an SD card slot and USB-A ports being two major annoyances. Satechi’s Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure aims to address these flaws while offering a way to expand storage on the cheap.
That’s a bold pitch. So, does the accessory deliver? Here’s what I found.
No anti-reflective upgrade for this year's iPhone. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 17 Pro will reportedly miss out on a key display upgrade. Apple seems set to skip the planned anti-reflective coating on its next Pro iPhones.
Apple offers a similar nano-texture coating as an optional upgrade on the MacBook Pro lineup.
See which Apple Watch makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Confused about which Apple Watch to buy? With Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE currently vying for your wallet’s attention, it all depends on what you want out of a smartwatch — and how much you’re willing to pay.
This buying guide breaks down what each Apple Watch does best, helping you match your needs (and budget) with the right device, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer or simply looking for a reliable, everyday smartwatch.
Made in India iPhones could become common in the United States next year. Photo: Cult of Mac
In a major supply chain shift, Apple plans to move the production of all iPhones sold in the United States to India by the end of 2026. This move should allow the company to avoid the extra tariffs the U.S. government imposed on China amid escalating trade tensions.
iPhone 16e inadvertently ate into the sales of its Pro sibling. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 16e already seems to be a winner for Apple. US sales data analyzed by CIRP show the new budget iPhone accounting for 7% of sales in Q1 2025.
This is with the device only launching at the end of February. So, it spent just one month on sale during the entire quarter.
If money permits, OpenAI would buy Chrome from Google. Photo/Graphics: OpenAI/Google/CultOfMac
If the U.S. federal judge orders Google to sell Chrome, OpenAI would be willing to buy it. Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, revealed this during his testimony in the ongoing Google antitrust trial.
When asked if OpenAI would buy Chrome, he replied, “Yes, we would, and so would many other parties.”
Surprise surprise! U.S. iPhone users are willing to pay for Apple Intelligence. Photo: Apple
Despite all the criticism and negative publicity, more U.S. iPhone users are willing to pay for Apple Intelligence than before. A survey conducted by Morgan Stanley found “stronger-than-expected Apple Intelligence engagement.”
The survey results also suggest that more than 80% of U.S. iPhone users tried Apple Intelligence in the last six months.
Improve your Mac experience with these accessories. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Apple makes the best desktop PCs and laptops. But I cannot say the same for its accessories. While I have been using Macs for more than a decade, I rely on these five Mac accessories made by third parties to enhance my experience.
The list ranges from a wireless keyboard to an ergonomic mouse to headphones that will amaze you with their noise cancellation. Read about my five favorite Mac accessories below.
iPhones and Macs will eventually be slapped with reciprocal tariffs. AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
After the U.S. government seemed to exempt iPhones, Macs and other electronics from hefty tariffs Friday, a clarification issued Sunday by President Donald Trump revealed that’s not the case.
Trump said on Truth Social that his administration did not announce a tariff exemption Friday. Instead, the “existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs” will still apply to electronics — with higher tariffs possibly coming soon.
Will iPadOS 19 allow the iPad to live up to its potential? Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The next big iPadOS overhaul will make the OS more like macOS. That’s what a new report claims, indicating Apple will focus on “productivity, multitasking and app window management.”
All these changes will make iPadOS behave closer to macOS than iOS.
Pick wisely between the M3 Ultra and M4 Max Mac Studio. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
The Mac Studio reigns supreme as Apple’s most powerful desktop computer to date. However, when it comes to pitting the M3 Ultra Mac Studio vs. the M4 Max Mac Studio, which should you spring for?
The M3 Ultra processor packs up to a 32-core CPU and 80-core GPU. That’s a staggering amount of horsepower. However, the M4 Max uses a new CPU architecture, offering faster single-core performance.
So, which powerhouse Apple computer will suit your workflow better: Mac Studio with M3 Ultra or M4 Max? It depends on several factors.
Run DeepSeek or Meta's Llama locally on your Mac! Graphics: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Apple Intelligence are powerful, but they all share one major drawback — they need constant access to the internet to work. If you value privacy and want better performance, running a large language model like DeepSeek, Google’s Gemma or Meta’s Llama locally on your Mac is a great alternative.
Think it sounds complicated? It’s easier than you think. With the right tools, you can run DeepSeek or any other popular LLM locally on your Mac with minimal effort.
Broke your iPhone 16e already? You can now order replacement parts directly from Apple. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple now sells iPhone 16e repair parts for DIYers and enthusiasts. You can purchase replacement parts through Apple’s online Self Service Repair Store in the US and Europe.
The spare parts go on sale within 1.5 months of the iPhone 16e hitting retail stores.