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.
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.
Ensure your AirPods are the real deal. Image: Cult of Mac
Fake AirPods are a bigger problem than you might think. With so many legit-looking AirPods clones floating around, it can prove difficult to spot counterfeit earbuds.
However, you can take several steps to see if the AirPods you are contemplating buying — or that you already bought — are genuine Apple products.
iOS 18 is another beta closer to release. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
Since WWDC24, Apple has released five developer beta builds of iOS 18 every two weeks. The company has now switched to a weekly beta release cycle. iOS 18 beta 6 is here, packing some minor changes as Apple focuses on squashing all the bugs.
You can find all the new features and minor enhancements in iOS 18 beta 6 below.
Apple Intelligence should remain free for use until 2027. Screenshot: Apple
Apple does not plan to charge for Apple Intelligence in the next three years. Apparently, the company wants to add more advanced AI features before charging for it.
The Cupertino giant did not talk about eventually charging for Apple Intelligence during its unveiling at WWDC24 earlier this year.
Spotify and Epic Games CEO are not happy with Apple's latest App Store changes. Photo: Cult of Mac
Spotify and Epic Games have criticized Apple for its latest App Store fee and external linking changes in the EU. They claim Apple has again disregarded the “fundamental requirements” of the Digital Markets Act.
★★★★☆
This GaN charger has all the power you'll ever need Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
You can find plenty of multiport GaN chargers to help charge your Apple devices on the go. But things get a bit complicated if you want a power brick that can fast charge multiple MacBooks at once. Chargeasap solved this problem with its Zeus 280W power adapter, which the company calls the “world’s first and smallest 280W charger.”
So, what makes the Zeus 280W special? For starters, it can fast charge two 16-inch MacBook Pros at once, a feat that only a few other power bricks can match. Our review will help you decide if this 280W powerhouse is worth buying instead of other GaN chargers.
macOS Sequoia further tightens the grip on non-notarized Mac apps. Photo: Apple
Apple will make bypassing Gatekeeper’s runtime protection harder in macOS Sequoia by doing away with a handy shortcut that allows Mac users to avoid security restrictions for software that doesn’t come from the App Store.
The company announced this change Tuesday following the release of macOS Sequoia public beta 3.
MacBook Pros might be the first to get the M4 upgrade. Photo: Apple
Apple will reportedly launch M4-powered MacBooks and iMacs later this year. But the company will wait until 2025 to refresh its entire Mac lineup with its latest M-series chip.
The MacBook Air and other high-end desktop Macs will reportedly get their M4 upgrade next year.
Get ready for a selfie camera upgrade in the iPhone 17 series. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple could use 24MP front cameras across its iPhone 17 lineup in 2025. This will even include the rumored new “iPhone 17 Slim,” which supposedly will stand out with its sleek and slim design.
As per a new analyst report, the new selfie camera might use a six-element plastic lens.
iPhone shipments might grow by as much as 20% in India this year. Photo: Apple
Apple could have another bump year in India, with its revenue reaching nearly $10 billion. iPhones will account for most of this, with projected sales of around $8.2 billion.
Revenue from non-iPhone devices should also set a new record this year.
Apple wants to clear the regulatory hurdles to bring Apple Intelligence to China and the EU. Screenshot: Apple
Apple is working with regulators to bring Apple Intelligence to China and the EU. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook revealed this in response to an investor’s question during the company’s Q3 earnings call.
Cook said the company aims to “move as fast we can” to bring Apple Intelligence features to everyone.
iPhone 16 Pro Max could get a true black finish. Photo: Sonny Dickson
Just a day after the alleged iPhone 16 color options leaked, we now have our first glimpse of the potential iPhone 16 Pro Max colors. Apple apparently will offer its upcoming Pro iPhones in at least three shades: white, black and titanium.
Unlike in the past, it appears the company will finally adopt a deep black shade for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, giving it a stealthy look.
Here's your first look at the iPhone 16's possible color options. Photo: Sonny Dickson
Alleged iPhone 16 dummy units showing off the rear panel’s design and color options leaked in all their glory Tuesday. The picture suggests Apple will return to an iPhone 12-like vertical camera setup on its upcoming non-pro iPhones.
They also show the iPhone 16 in five colors, including pink and mint green shades.
You can now drive dual external displays with the M3 MacBook Pro. Photo: Apple
Apple has finally added dual external display support to the M3 MacBook Pro, nine months after its release. The latest macOS Sonoma 14.6 update enables this feature.
After the update, M3 MacBook Pro users can run two external displays simultaneously, albeit with the lid closed.
'Made in India' iPhone 16 Pro units could soon be a reality. Photo: Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
Apple will reportedly start assembling iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max units in India later this year. So far, the company has only assembled non-Pro iPhones in the country.
This move would be a big step in Apple’s increased manufacturing presence in India. It would also help further diversify the company’s supply chain away from China.