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Rajesh Pandey - page 16

iPadOS 19 wish list: 5 features we’re hoping for

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M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard to illustrate an article on iPadOS 19 features wish list
iPadOS 19 must allow the iPad to live up to its full potential.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Rumors point to iPadOS 19 blurring the line between the iPad and Mac. With Apple reportedly focusing on “productivity, multitasking and app window management,” we put together a very specific iPadOS 19 wish list for features that could unlock the full potential of Apple’s tablets.

With WWDC25 just around the corner, here’s what we want to see in iPadOS 19.

macOS 16 to clamp down on clipboard snooping by Mac apps

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macOS 16 clipboard
macOS 16 will change how your Mac's pasteboard works.
Photo: ChatGPT

Apple informed developers of a major pasteboard change coming with macOS 16. It will alert users when apps read the pasteboard without direct user interaction.

The move will ensure apps cannot silently read the pasteboard in the background without you knowing about it.

Samsung’s ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge takes aim at upcoming iPhone 17 Air

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge side view
The Galaxy S25 Edge is seriously thin, but the iPhone 17 Air might be thinner.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung jumps on the super-slim phone bandwagon ahead of Apple with the Galaxy S25 Edge, arriving months before its rival’s release. It’s the company’s slimmest Galaxy phone yet, with a waistline of 5.8mm.

Despite its slim profile, the phone packs high-end flagship internals. The Galaxy S25 Edge will take on the iPhone 17 Air when Apple’s slim model launches in fall 2025.

Everything new in iOS 18.5

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iOS 18.5
iOS 18.5 is high, but somewhat light on changes.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

After over a month of beta testing, iOS 18.5 is now available for all compatible iPhones. Unlike previous point iOS 18 releases, the new build does not pack any significant new features.

The update mainly includes minor changes, but older iPhones will receive one major new feature. Keep reading to know about everything new in iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5.

Lower Trump tariffs could still force iPhone 17 price increases

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iPhone 17 could cost more than its predecessors.
iPhone 17 could cost more than its predecessors.
Graphics: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Tariffs might force Apple to increase the prices of the iPhone 17 lineup. The company reportedly will highlight the new designs and features of this year’s models to justify the price increase.

Without raising prices, Apple can’t offset the increased tariffs on Chinese-imported products sold in the United States.

iOS 19 might take the pain out of hotel Wi-Fi logins

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iOS 19 render logo
This will be a nice tweak.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

A new feature in iOS 19 reportedly will sync public Wi-Fi login and captive portal details across your Apple devices.

iPhones already sync Wi-Fi network details across all devices connected to the same Apple ID. However, with public networks, a captive portal introduces additional steps. While small, the feature should make logging into hotel Wi-Fi networks more convenient.

Epic submits Fortnite to US App Store [Updated]

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Epic submits Fortnite to US App Store
“Fortnite” could soon return to the U.S. App Store.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Epic Games recently promised to resubmit the hugely popular game Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, and it carried through with the promise Friday. It’s now up to Apple whether the application will be approved.

The move came after a U.S. judge blasted Apple for willfully violating the court’s 2021 order, and ordered Apple to comply with earlier App Store changes effective immediately. These are changes that Epic fought for, and relate to Apple policies that got Fortnite banned in the first place.

How to upgrade your Mac’s storage the smart (and cheap) way

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Image of a Mac mini with the words
Here are all the ways you can boost your Mac's storage.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple charges a ton for storage upgrades on Macs. Worse, you cannot extend the built-in storage after buying the Mac. Thankfully, smarter solutions exist, as long as you don’t mind plugging an external disk into your Mac.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to expand your Mac’s storage, along with ideal solutions based on particular needs.

Refurbished iPhone 15 series lands in the U.S. with big discounts

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iPhone 15 Pro Max
Buy refurbished iPhone 15 from Apple to save up to 15%.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

You can now buy a refurbished iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro directly from Apple with big discounts. Depending on the model, you can save as much as 15%.

Apple began selling refurbished iPhone 15 models in Europe earlier this year. It is now expanding their availability to the U.S. and Canada.

Here’s how Epic plans to relist Fortnite on the App Store despite its ban

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Fortnite iOS 14
Epic Games will use its EU account to list Fortnite on the US App Store.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple banned Epic Games’ developer account in 2020. Yet, the latter’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, confirmed last week that Fortnite will return to the U.S. App Store after a judge blasted Apple for not complying with the court’s order.

Wondering how? Sweeney revealed the secret, saying Epic Games will use their EU account.

My iPhone 17 Air wish list: 5 features Apple shouldn’t skip

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iPhone 17 Air render
Slim isn’t enough for the iPhone 17 Air.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple seems set to give the iPhone lineup its biggest refresh in years with a new, slender model. Possibly called the iPhone 17 Air, the rumored model reportedly will focus on slimness, like other “Air” devices in Apple’s lineup.

In my opinion, a thinner body alone won’t be enough to make it a hit. If Apple truly wants the iPhone 17 Air to stand out, it needs more than just sleek looks. Here’s what I hope to see.

Apple to launch larger iPhone 18 Air and foldable sequel in 2027

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A folding iPhone might look something like this concept.
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.

Apple might shake up iPhone launch cycle in 2026

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iPhone 18 rumors
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.

Apple preps battery case for its sleekest iPhone yet

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iPhone 17 Air rumors
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 teams up with Anthropic for AI coding

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Anthropic and Xcode logo
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 takes advantage of new App Store payment rules [Updated]

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Spotify logo on iPhone
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.

Google Gemini might land on iPhones this year

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Gemini logo with concept iOS 19 logo
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 blasts Apple for willfully defying order on App Store payments

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Photo of an iPhone with the App Store app on the screen
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 lands on iPhone with a dedicated app

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Meta AI iPhone app
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.”

Satechi Stand & Hub for M4 Mac mini: Sleek and super-useful [Review] ★★★★

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Satechi M4 Mac mini hub and stand★★★★
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.

iPhone 17 Pro might miss out on major display upgrade

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Will iPhone SE owners buy iPhone 16e
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.

Which Apple Watch should you buy?

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Photo of Apple watch to illustrate Apple Watch buying guide
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.

Apple plans to make all US iPhones in India

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More iPhones are made in India than you might think
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 shines while Pro sales take a hit

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iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16e laying side by side, showing the difference in rear camera size.
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.

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI ready to buy Chrome from Google

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OpenAI willing to buy Chrome
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.”