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.
iPhone 16 might let you shoot slow-mo videos in 4K resolution. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro can reportedly shoot slow-motion 120fps videos in 4K resolution. The higher frame rate will also come in handy when capturing a lot of motion.
The report also confirms that Apple will upgrade the Ultra Wide camera on the Pro iPhones to a 48MP sensor.
Cases allegedly showing the iPhone 16 started showing up on Amazon. Photo: Temdan
Apple could use A18 and A18 Pro chips on its upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. TSMC will fabricate both SOCs for the Cupertino company on its latest 3nm (N3B) node, delivering better efficiency and performance.
Since the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple has used a year-old A-series chip on its non-Pro iPhones. However, due to Apple Intelligence, the company will seemingly tweak its strategy this year.
Gemini-powered search comes to Google Photos. Photo/Graphics: Google/Rajesh Pandey
Google is rolling out AI-powered contextual search in Google Photos, its cloud-based photo backup solution. The feature aims to supercharge the search experience in Google Photos using AI.
Google’s Gemini AI models power the new ‘Ask Photos’ search in Google Photos.
Apple's own iPhone 16 cases might handle the Capture button in a surprising way. Photo: Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
A leaked photo supposedly shows Apple’s silicone cases for the iPhone 16 lineup without a cutout for the rumored capacitive Capture button. Instead, they sport an “integrated design,” which seemingly will not affect the new capacitive button’s functionality.
Microsoft wants Apple to relax more App Store rules for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple relaxed the App Store rules earlier this year, paving the way for cloud gaming apps on the iPhone. However, Microsoft and Nvidia have not yet listed their cloud gaming services on the App Store. The former argues that Apple’s rules are still too restrictive for this.
Microsoft’s main issue revolves around the 30% commission that Apple wants for IAPs. It says the fee is “neither economically sustainable nor justifiable.”
iOS 18 will make your AirPods even better. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
Like iPhones, Apple regularly updates AirPods with new features. iOS 18 will continue that trend by introducing several enhancements for Apple’s earbuds. They include interacting with Siri using head gestures, lowering audio latency while gaming, and more.
Read on to see what new AirPods features iOS 18 will bring to further improve the best earbuds for Apple fans.
M4 Mac mini might not sport any USB-A ports. Photo: Apple
Apple could go all-in on USB-C with its upcoming M4 Mac mini. As a part of the machine’s major design revamp, the company might ditch USB-A ports for good.
The Cupertino company should unveil the M4 Mac mini later this year.
There are so many hidden features in iOS 18 to try out! Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
iOS 18 is packed full of great features Cult of Mac has covered at length — but the upcoming iPhone software update packs many more tiny features and small improvements that Apple did not mention or talk about. If you know to look out for these features, they’ll make the everyday interactions with your phone faster and easier.
Here’s a roundup of 18 little changes and useful features in iOS 18. Keep reading or watch our video.
There's gold in them there iPhones! Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
A new render shows the iPhone 16 Pro in a gold titanium finish. Rumors suggest the new color option will replace the blue titanium shade in Apple’s 2024 iPhone Pro lineup.
The mockup also shows a cutout in the iPhone 16 Pro’s case near the Power button, supposedly for the new Capture button.
Controlling the volume of Spotify Connect devices from your iPhone is getting difficult. Photo: Cult of Mac
Spotify users can no longer control the volume of Spotify Connect devices using their iPhone’s volume button. Instead, they must use the workaround: an in-app volume slider.
The company is making this change because Apple discontinued the technology behind this feature.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max might pack some key upgrades over its other siblings. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
Apple will seemingly continue offering enhanced specs on its Pro Max iPhone to differentiate it from other models. As a part of the strategy, the company might only equip the iPhone 17 Pro Max with 12GB RAM in 2025.
Additionally, the phone will feature an upgraded cooling system. This system will use a combination of a vapor chamber and graphite sheets for better thermal efficiency.
Apple Music to YouTube Music playlist gets easier. Photo/Graphics: Apple/YouTube/Rajesh Pandey
In a surprising move, Apple is making it easier to transfer your playlists from Apple Music to YouTube Music. This is the first time the Cupertino company is offering a tool like this for Apple Music users.
If you are an Apple Music subscriber, the tool makes transferring your playlists to YouTube Music easy.
Wait for iPhone 17 if you want an iPhone with 12GB RAM. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s 2025 iPhones could sport as much as 12GB RAM for more on-device AI features. A new leak from China claims Apple will equip the iPhone 17 with 12GB RAM.
The job cut affects the Apple Books team the most. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly laid off 100 employees from its services division Tuesday due to a change in priorities. The biggest job cuts hit the team that worked on the Apple Books app and the Apple Bookstore. This marks the company’s fourth round of layoffs this year.
Entry-level M4 Macs could pack twice the RAM of their M3 counterparts. Image: Apple
Apple is reportedly testing multiple M4-powered Macs for launch later this year. More importantly, a new report says all the Macs ship with 16GB or 32GB of system memory.
This signals that Apple might finally bid farewell to the paltry 8GB RAM for Mac base models.
Honorable mention: I also hope the rumor of a bronze color proves true. Photo: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Despite Apple’s reputation for innovation, the company does not always adopt the latest cutting-edge smartphone technology. This year, I hope the company adds these six features in iPhone 16 — all of which you can find in Android phones.
macOS Sequoia might land on the same day as iOS 18. Photo: Apple
The macOS Sequoia release date could arrive alongside iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 next month. Apple typically releases a major new iOS and iPadOS update in September alongside new iPhones. And while the next version of the Mac operating system usually follows in October or November, that could change this year.
Your wait for a foldable-screen MacBook just got way longer. Concept: Astro HQ
Apple has supposedly hit a major setback and significantly delayed the mass production of its MacBook with a super-size, folding screen. The company has run into technical issues with the display and other mechanicals.
Apparently, these problems will force Apple to delay mass production until as late as the end of 2027 or 2028.
The App Store team at Apple will undergo major changes. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Matt Fischer, the vice president in charge of the App Store since 2010, will leave Apple in October of this year. His departure will follow a major reorganization that splits the App Store team in two as Apple seeks to avoid further regulatory scrutiny.
One part of the team will oversee Apple’s App Store, while the other will manage third-party app marketplaces.
★★★★☆
The Acefast 218W charging station is a great accessory for your desk. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
If your family owns several devices, it is important to own a good charging solution to ensure you can quickly and simultaneously top up everything. I typically relied on power bricks — despite them not being the best for the job. But then I switched to the Acefast Z4 218W power station, a sleek-looking, four-in-one charging station that pumps out plenty of power.
Read my Acefast Z4 218W power station review to learn why this capable accessory deserves a spot on your desk, thanks to an ideal mix of style and substance.
Apple is now giving you more time to renew AppleCare+ coverage. Photo: Apple
Apple is now giving customers an additional 15 days to renew AppleCare+ coverage for their Apple devices after the plan initially expires. The company silently increased the timeframe from 30 days to 45 days.
However, the change only applies to selected EU countries, the US, the UK, and select other markets.
iPhone 16 Pro could carry the "Made in India" tag and a lower price tag. Graphic: Rajesh
Apple will reportedly manufacture the iPhone 16 Pro within weeks of its global launch at its manufacturing facilities in India. This will give the company’s manufacturing efforts a major push in the country.
So far, the Cupertino giant has only manufactured non-Pro iPhones in India.
Sign up for Apple Card and get up to $300 Bonus Daily Cash. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple’s latest promo will get new Apple Card users up to $300 in bonus Daily Cash. The company never before gave new Apple Card users such a high welcome bonus.
Apple is running this offer for select U.S. customers. To be eligible for the cashback, you must sign up for the card through the promo link.
Until now, new users had to pay a yearly subscription fee of €1.50 with VAT. This allowed Riley Testut to cover the Core Technology Fee (CTE), which Apple charges from third-party EU app stores.
Sonos’ new mobile app is so bad that the company is reportedly considering bringing back its old S2 app. The company released its revamped mobile app in May this year, just a few weeks before the Sonos Ace launched.
Since then, Sonos users have criticized the app for missing basic features.