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Rajesh Pandey - page 3

Apple blames old MagSafe risers for iPhone 17 scratches

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iPhone 17 scratches
A deep blue iPhone 17 Pro models shows scratches in the store after just a few hours on sale.
Photo: @verdeselvans, X.com

Apple officially addressed the iPhone 17‘s Scratchgate issue. It says the problem isn’t due to the new glass-and-aluminum design, blaming worn-out MagSafe risers and chargers in retail displays instead.

iPhone 17’s Scratchgate controversy surfaced just days after it went on sale, sparking widespread concern among early buyers.

Intel seeks Apple investment to fuel revival

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Intel wants Apple's money
Intel wants Apple's money
Photo: Intel/Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

After locking in a $5 billion investment from Nvidia and another $2 billion from SoftBank, Intel reportedly wants Apple as its next major backer.

Apple was once a long-time customer of Intel. However, it eventually shifted to its own in-house chips after Intel failed to innovate quickly enough.

iFixit breaks down the iPhone 17 Pro’s Scratchgate problem

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Close-up photo of iphone 17 Pro in cosmic orange, while in the shade
Use a case if you don't want your iPhone 17 Pro's camera plateau scratched up.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

In its iPhone 17 teardown, the iFixit team provides a detailed explanation of why the iPhone 17 Pro scratches so easily. They brought in a materials scientist to get to the heart of what’s causing Scratchgate — and explain how Apple might have avoided the problem.

WhatsApp makes cross-language chatting easier than ever

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Translation feature in WhatsApp
WhatsApp can now help you break the language barrier.
Photo: WhatsApp blog

Taking a cue from the iPhone’s Messages app, Meta is adding message translations to WhatsApp. With this feature, you can directly translate chats in a conversation into a familiar language.

At launch, the translate tool will support over 19 languages on the iPhone. 

Here’s the first sale on Apple Watch Series 11

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Marketing image of Apple Watches with the words
Apple Watch Series 11 comes in a range of colors and combos, but not everything's on sale ... yet.
Image: Cult of Mac

A hot-off-the-presses deal on Apple Watch Series 11 drops at least one version of the new smartwatch to $389. That’s a $10 discount off Apple’s MSRP.

Currently, we’re seeing this discount only on the jet black 42 mm version with a black Sport Band. However, these things can change rapidly. Other models could be discounted as well — or the sale could end abruptly. (The first discount on AirPods Pro 3 disappeared pretty quickly.)

So, if you want to get the latest Apple Watch at the lowest possible price, you should jump on this Series 11 deal.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air: Which one’s right for you?

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iPhone 17 vs. iPhone Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro
Which 2025 iPhone is the right pick for you?
Photo: Apple/CultOfMac

Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup is its boldest — and most confusing — yet. It offers three distinct models designed to cater to very different kinds of users. From the slim and stylish iPhone Air to the all-out powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro, with the well-balanced iPhone 17 in between, there’s something here for everyone.

But with overlapping features, similar pricing and Apple blurring the lines between Pro and non-Pro models, choosing the right iPhone isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. 

Apple closes the door on downgrading iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18

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iOS 26 to iOS 18 downgrade
Your iPhone is now stuck on iOS 26.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

A week after the release of iOS 26, Apple has stopped signing iOS 18.6.2. So, you can no longer downgrade your iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18.

This move is standard practice for Apple. It usually stops signing older iOS builds shortly after a major update goes public.

First AirPods Pro 3 deal cuts price of best earbuds for Apple fans

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Photo of AirPods Pro 3 with the words
You can already save on Apple's best earbuds.
Image: Cult of Mac

An early AirPods Pro 3 deal cuts the price of Apple’s excellent noise-canceling earbuds to just $239. That’s a $10 discount off the upgraded earbuds, which bring new features including a heart rate monitor, revved-up audio quality and redesigned ear tips for better active noise cancellation. Plus, like the previous model, they can even function as clinical-grade hearing aids.

Make no mistake: These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy for your iPhone, Mac and other Apple gear. Nothing can match how seamlessly AirPods integrate with Apple devices. And this deal offers an early discount off the AirPods Pro 3 list price of $249.

Apple sticks with Qualcomm for iPhone 17 modem

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Close-up photo of iPhone 17 Pro in cosmic orange
This might just be the last time Apple is using Qualcomm modem on its flagship iPhones.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

An iPhone 17 Pro Max teardown confirms Apple sticking with Qualcomm’s modem for its flagship iPhones this year. The company did not specifically confirm using Qualcomm’s baseband on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models while unveiling them.

This is unlike the iPhone Air, which uses Apple’s second-gen C1X modem.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2: Should you upgrade?

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 comparison
Don't ditch your Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the Ultra 3.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. the Ultra 2, and you will see that the new model looks quite similar to its predecessor. You’ll need to squint to notice the Ultra 3’s slightly larger display. And most other changes are internal, like faster charging, longer battery life and satellite connectivity.

Otherwise, this is basically the same rugged smartwatch that Apple launched two years ago. So, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2, should you consider upgrading to the Ultra 3? Or should you save your money instead?

Big crowds queue up at Apple stores around the world as iPhone 17 lineup goes on sale

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Customer clicking a selfie using the iPhone Air at Apple Syndey store.
An excited customer clicking selfie on the iPhone Air at Apple's Sydney Store.
Photo: Apple

Crowds thronged to Apple stores around the globe Friday to pick up the newest iPhones — the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air — on launch day. Apple CEO Tim Cook himself threw open the doors of Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City on Friday morning.

Alongside the exciting new iPhone lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and AirPods Pro 3 also arrived at Apple retail stores and authorized outlets on Friday

Apple may have slipped the iPhone Air’s battery into its MagSafe pack

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iPhone Air MagSafe Battery
The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is very slim, just like the Air itself.
Photo: Apple

Alongside the iPhone Air, Apple launched a battery pack specifically for the phone. And interestingly, the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery uses the same capacity battery as the device it supports.

The folks over at iFixit tore down the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery and discovered its unusual shape. Based on preliminary evidence, they concluded Apple might be using the exact same battery inside the iPhone Air.

Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses debut with a display and Neural Band magic

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Meta Ray Ban Display Glasses
Step into the future with Meta’s latest smart glasses.
Photo: Meta

Following the success of its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Meta has launched its Ray-Ban Display glasses. This is a step up from its previous efforts, as the smart glasses feature a built-in display in the right lens.

The glasses come with a Neural Band that recognizes your hand movements and helps you navigate through the glasses’ UI.

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 comparison: Is going Pro worth it?

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iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 comparison
The iPhone 17 is almost as good as its Pro sibling.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Two closely matched heavyweights square off this year in Apple’s iPhone lineup: the iPhone 17 vs. the iPhone 17 Pro. On paper, the gap between the two has never been narrower. But look closer, and you’ll find a few key differences that could sway your buying decision.

The iPhone 17 Pro has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it the ultimate choice for power users. But is it worth the extra $300? Find out in this iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro. comparison.

First OLED MacBook Pro could add touchscreen support

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Keyboard and screen of 13-inch MacBook Air.
Are you excited about MacBook Pro finally getting touchscreen support?
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple’s next-gen OLED MacBook Pro supposedly will feature a touchscreen panel, further blurring the line between iPads and MacBooks.

TF International Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo thinks the new OLED MacBook Pro will enter mass production in late 2026.

iPhone 17 and iPhone Air come with smarter battery life out of the box

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iOS 26 hero image
iPhone 17 and Air use Adaptive Power automatically to extend battery life.
Image: Apple

iOS 26 introduces a new Adaptive Power mode to extend your iPhone’s battery under load. And Apple’s newest iPhones — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air — will ship with this feature enabled by default. 

On older iPhones, you must manually enable Adaptive Power to boost their runtime.

iPhone 17 Pro Max preorders soar while iPhone Air struggles to gain traction

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iPhone 17 Pro colors
Everyone wants the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Photo: Apple

Weekend preorder demand for the iPhone 17 family outpaced last year’s iPhone 16, says TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. As per Apple’s production estimates, the analyst says the Pro Max model remains the undisputed demand leader.

The strong iPhone 17 preorder should help boost Apple’s Q3 2025 results.

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro comparison: Worth the upgrade?

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iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro comparison
Apple's Pro iPhone makes a huge leap in just one year.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

It’s time for a pro showdown, pitting the iPhone 17 Pro vs. the iPhone 16 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro brings the biggest leap to iPhones we’ve seen in years, shaking up a lineup that’s often felt too familiar. If you own an iPhone 16 Pro, that raises a pressing question: Is the upgrade worth it? After all, Apple finally seems to be delivering the kind of changes fans have been asking for.

There’s better battery life, an improved camera and even more Pro features. So, time to ditch the iPhone 16 Pro for the iPhone 17 Pro? Find out in our comparison.

What time will Apple release iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and watchOS 26 on September 15 in your time zone?

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iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 release time
iOS 26 is finally ready for public release.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple is finally ready to release iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe to the public. After initially showcasing these operating systems at WWDC25 this spring, the company will release the first stable build on September 15.

So when will iOS 26 actually land on your compatible iPhone? With all the new features packed in, you’ll want to be first in line to grab the update. Here’s when iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe go live in your region.

eSIM approval problem delays iPhone Air launch in China

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iPhone Air
Your wait for iPhone Air in China just got longer.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s super-slim iPhone Air will not launch in China on September 19. The company also did not start accepting preorders for the device today in the country. 

The issue stems from the iPhone Air only supporting eSIM — it lacks a physical SIM slot. So, the company needs additional regulatory approval for the phone’s launch in China.

iPhone Air, iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro preorders now open [Updated]

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iPhone Air, iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro preorders are now open!
Preorder your iPhone Air or iPhone 17 today!
Photo: Apple/Rajesh PandeyCultOfMac

Apple is now accepting preorders for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The devices will hit store shelves next Friday, on September 19 — the same day preorders get delivered.

Update: An hour after the pre-orders started, demand for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is already starting to exceed supply. An order placed now in the U.S. for most configurations of this top-of-line model won’t ship until late September, and others won’t arrive before October.        

Apple is already taking preorders for the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. All three will be available at retail starting September 19.

FDA approves Apple Watch hypertension alerts

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Apple watch showing a Possible Hypertension alert.
FDA gives Apple Watch's hypertension notification the necessary clearance.
Photo: Apple

Ahead of the watchOS 26 release on September 15, Apple has secured FDA clearance for the hypertension notifications feature. The approval came through late Thursday night.

Hypertension notifications will be available in over 150 countries at launch, including the US, the UK, Europe and others.

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air: Does power beat design?

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iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air comparison
iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air — the answer might not be that obvious.
Image: Cult of Mac

iPhone fans face a bit of a conundrum this year: iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air. The super-slim iPhone Air shakes up Apple’s phone lineup considerably, with a cutting-edge new design that makes even dedicated iPhone Pro users question their commitment to the highest-end model.

The iPhone Air sits between the iPhone Pro and the base iPhone 17, taking the place of the retired iPhone Plus. So, how does the iPhone Air fare against the iPhone 17 Pro? Should you ditch the Pro and go Air this year?

Apple drops USB-C cable from AirPods Pro 3 packaging

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AirPods Pro 3 bento box
You get everything with the AirPods Pro 3 except a charging cable.
Image: Apple

Apple no longer bundles a USB-C charging cable with the AirPods Pro 3. Since the earbuds include a USB-C port and support wireless charging, you are unlikely to rue its absence.

This marks another accessory Apple has dropped after the power brick.

iPhone 17 picks up the pace with 50% faster wired charging

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iPhone 17 Pro colors
Your iPhone 17, 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max will spend less time on the charger.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s iPhone 17 family supports significantly faster wired charging speeds. They can top up to 50% in just 20 minutes — 10 minutes faster than previous iPhones.

However, the speed improvements only apply to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The iPhone Air only supports 20W charging speeds.