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News - page 12

New portable monitor offers high quality at an affordable price

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Espresso Lite 15 portable monitor with MacBook
The Espresso Lite 15 portable monitor looks great, and pairs well with your MacBook.
Photo: Espresso Displays

The Espresso Lite 15 portable monitor promises high-quality design, vibrant color options, great panel performance and exceptional value.

Beyond the screen, Espresso Displays sets itself apart with Stand+, an ergonomic stand that can hold the LCD above user’s laptop.

Satechi CubeDock combines Thunderbolt 5 connectivity with up to 8TB SSD expansion

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Satechi CubeDock Thunderbolt 5 dock
Satechi CubeDock Thunderbolt 5 dock looks like a Mac mini.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi’s new CubeDock is a Thunderbolt 5 dock with a compact, cube-shaped design that looks like a Mac mini. Unveiled this week at the massive CES 2026 electronics convention in Las Vegas, the dock comes with a versatile port selection and an internal NVMe SSD slot to expand your Mac’s storage.

Super-slim MagSafe power banks take the stage at CES 2026

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BMX SolidSafe Air: Slim iPhone power bank
The BMX SolidSafe Air is the world’s slimmest semi-solid-state iPhone power bank.
Photo: BMX

External iPhone batteries don’t have to be cumbersome — several very slim power banks debuted at CES 2026. Clip one of these to the back of your handset, and you’ll add hours of use without adding too much bulk.

Sleek new models from BMX, ESR and Baseus went on display at the giant trade show going on this week in Las Vegas.

Got your iPhone? This new smart lock lets you in, hands-free.

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Aqara Smart Lock U400
If you have your iPhone or Apple Watch with Home Key enabled, just walk up to the door and U400 unlocks.
Photo: Aqara

The new Aqara Smart Lock U400 deadbolt uses ultra-wideband technology to unlock your door automatically as you approach, the company said at CES 2026 on Tuesday. No tapping or fumbling with your phone required. It makes Home Key use via iPhone or Apple Watch even more convenient.

“We are excited to be among the first manufacturers to deliver UWB technology in home locks to consumers,” said Cathy You, Aqara’s senior vice president of global business and strategy. “With the U400 lock, we’re redefining how consumers engage with their access control systems, providing instant, automated access without compromising privacy.”

Edifier brings versatile audio to modern multi-device setups

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new Edifier speakers at CES
The Edifier M90 active speaker serves audio needs for desktop, TV and gaming uses.
Photo: Edifier

Edifier introduced a new lineup of speakers at CES 2026 designed specifically for users who need seamless audio across multiple devices and environments, the China-based audio manufacturer said Tuesday. 

The collection addresses a growing need among consumers who work, stream, game, and entertain from the same space, often switching between desktop computers, TVs, gaming consoles and mobile devices throughout the day, the company said.

Samsung teases the foldable iPhone’s key feature

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Foldable iPhone's crease-free display
This could be the foldable iPhone's crease-free display.
AI Image: Google Gemini

The first foldable iPhone may feature a crease-free inner folding screen. And Samsung has quietly given a first real look at the foldable’s display at CES 2026.

At the event, the company showcased a folding OLED panel with no visible creases — one that closely aligns with the display technology rumored for Apple’s long-awaited foldable.

Apple quietly boosts Wi-Fi speeds on newer Macs and iPads

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AI image of a MacBook and an iPad, along with the Wi-Fi icon, used to illustrate a story on the speed boost in macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26.
Wi-Fi on your Mac or iPad just got faster.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple silently gave some Macs and iPads a Wi-Fi speed boost with macOS Tahoe 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The update enables 160MHz channel bandwidth support on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, eliminating a restriction that tamped down the maximum possible speeds.

The additional bandwidth should let your recent Mac or iPad benefit from higher throughput.

New aftermarket CarPlay receiver brings Spatial Audio to older vehicles

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Pioneer Sphera receiver with spatial audio
With this receiver, you can bring the magic of Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio to almost any car through CarPlay.
Photo: Pioneer Electronics

Pioneer Electronics’ new Sphera device is the first aftermarket in-dash receiver that supports Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio playback through Apple CarPlay, the company said Monday at CES 2026. The device makes immersive audio technology accessible to drivers whose vehicles lack factory-installed Atmos systems.

“For over 80 years, Pioneer has achieved many technological ‘firsts’ — from the world’s first car CD player to the first aftermarket CarPlay integration,” said Chris Ono, the company’s CEO and chairman. “Sphera is the next bold chapter in that legacy. We developed a product that brings the rich, detailed sound of Dolby Atmos that moves the soul, to a solution that can be installed in many vehicles on the road today.”

Anker’s new chargers are smarter, faster and cooler than ever

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Photo of woman using iMac and Anker chargers, including new models released at CES 2026.
Anker's new chargers are designed to excel with Apple products.
Photo: Anker

Anker just added four new models to its charging lineup, with features that make them smarter and faster than ever.

Standouts include a tiny 45W charger with a smart display that can identify your iPhone model for a “tailored charging solution” and a 13-in-1 docking station with a 6-port hub that pops out so you can take it on the road.

Unleash 8TB: Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD hits 6,000 MBps

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Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD
OWC just launched an 8TB variant of its rugged external SSD with Thunderbolt 5.
Photo: Other World Computing

OWC launched an 8TB version of its Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD on Monday. Previously, the rugged portable SSD topped out at 4TB. Thanks to Thunderbolt 5, the external solid-state drive can move files at up to 6,000 MBps, making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.

After doubling the capacity, this is the first 8TB drive with Thunderbolt 5 support.

Govee’s new smart lights track moods and adapt to conditions

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Govee HomeKit-compatibile smart lighting
Govee Floor Lamp 3 supports Matter and HomeKit.
Photo: Govee

Smart light maker Govee used CES 2026 as a platform Monday to introduce three adaptive, customizable flagship products that work in Apple smart homes. The company’s “Lighting the Future” showcase featured Govee Floor Lamp 3, Govee Ceiling Light Ultra and Govee Sky Ceiling Light, all of which are Matter-compliant and Apple Home compatible. 

The company also said it formed a new partnership with Samsung SmartThings for ecosystem integration. 

Find My comes to Moft MagSafe wallet stands for iPhone

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Moft trackable wallet stand
Moft launched its Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet.
Photo: Moft

Moft, known for its origami-inspired tech accessories, unveiled a lineup of Apple Find My-compatible MagSafe iPhone wallets — including one that works as a stand and another that’s more like a tripod — plus a new iPad folio case at CES 2026 in Las Vegas Monday.

The announcements mark a significant expansion of the company’s product ecosystem with enhanced tracking capabilities and integrated device protection.

Belkin launches powerful new chargers, power banks and hubs at CES 2026

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Belkin launches powerful new chargers, power banks and hubs at CES 2026
Belkin used CES 2026 to show off new high-speed power banks, chargers and a wireless HDMI adapter.
Image: Belkin

Belkin used the giant CES 2026 trade show going on this week in Las Vegas to unveil a wide range of new accessories for iPhone, Mac and iPad. There are high-speed power banks and desktop chargers that support MagSafe, a wireless HDMI adapter and more.

These all hit shelves in the early months of the year.

Why Apple Watch users stick with fitness goals longer than most

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Apple-Fitness-Plus-hero_big.jpg.large_2x (2)
Apple Fitness+ introduced new ways to stay active and motivated to kick off 2026, including a new lineup of workout programs, Artist Spotlight workouts and new guests in Time to Walk.
Photo: Apple

New research from the Apple Heart and Movement Study reveals that Apple Watch wearers tend to buck the trend of abandoned fitness goals, Apple said Friday.

Data shows Apple Watch users consistently maintain elevated exercise levels well past the notorious “Quitter’s Day” in mid-January. To build on that in 2026, Apple now offers more ways to keep Apple Watch users motivated so they can nail their New Year’s fitness resolutions.

Why 2026 is gonna be a banger for Apple [Cult of Mac podcast No. 1]

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Image of a crystal ball with a translucent Apple logo, plus the words Cult of Mac podcast No. 1, used to illustrate a show notes post about Apple's new products coming in 2026.
Next year's going to be one for the ages.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: Apple’s got a fantastic year ahead of it, with a genuinely prodigious pipeline of new products coming in 2026. From a folding iPhone and a low-cost MacBook to entirely new product categories, get ready for 12 months of exciting new Apple hardware.

In our first show under the new Cult of Mac branding, and our final podcast of 2025, we discuss all the great stuff that Apple fans have to look forward to in 2026.

Also on the Cult of Mac podcast:

  • We kick off with a thorough explanation of what’s up with the new podcast name, the direction we plan to take the show in 2026, and what Erfon is up to with The CultCast. We also apologize for any confusion about the changes (and, as always, we wish Erfon the best).
  • We wrap the show with Griffin’s dead Apple products draft, in which we each select discontinued hardware that’s ready for a comeback.

Listen to this week’s episode of Cult of Mac in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

New fitness app Reps & Sets 26 gets serious about strength training

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Screenshots showing Reps & Sets 26 strength training app on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Reps & Sets works on iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.

Reps & Sets 26 is a brand-new strength training app designed exclusively for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. It was developed by a long-time Cult of Mac contributor: me, Graham Bower.

Reps & Sets 26 isn’t just another generic cross-platform fitness app. I made it Apple-exclusive, to take full advantage of the latest OS 26 technologies like CloudKit, SwiftUI and HealthKit, to deliver a truly native experience. And right now, it’s a free download. Perfect timing for your New Year’s resolutions. Get Reps & Sets 26 now, and get ripped in 2026.

Decorating your iPhone with tiny stickers is 2026’s hot new trend

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Decorating your iPhone with tiny stickers is 2026's hot new trend
Think of your iPhone's camera plateau as a blank canvas ready to be personalized.
Screenshot: SK telecom

There’s a fun way to personalize your iPhone 17 Pro: tiny stickers around the camera. Social media is blowing up with pictures from people showing off how cool their handset looks with the new decorations.

The trend may have started in Korea, where it’s part of ponku — personalizing phones, cases, laptops, etc., with stickers. A recent iPhone 17 Pro ad made by a Korean wireless carrier certainly added fuel to the fire.

Why 2026 will bring the best MacBooks ever

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2026 MacBook with a touchscreen
Rumors predict 2026 will bring the first MacBook with a touchscreen.
Image: ChatGPT

Apple will improve the MacBook line in multiple ways during 2026. We’re not talking the usual “chip and ship” updates — major changes are on the way. Really, there’s never been a better time to be in the market for a macOS laptop.

We can look forward to a complete redesign, possibly including a touchscreen. Plus, the most affordable MacBook ever is also reportedly coming next year.

Apple TV 2026: Your guide to the most anticipated new and returning shows

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Highly anticipated Apple TV shows
Apple TV has plenty in store for 2026.
AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac

Apple TV is poised for a banner year in 2026, with an impressive slate of new original series, highly anticipated spinoffs and beloved returning favorites. From cyberpunk epics to gripping thrillers, the Apple TV 2026 lineup helps cement the streamer’s reputation as a powerhouse for quality programming.

Here’s your complete guide to the most highly anticipated shows coming to Apple TV next year.

15 new products to expect from Apple in 2026

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Apple products due to launch in 2026
Apple has a busy 2026 in store. Which of these new and upgraded products can we expect?
AI image Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

With more than a dozen new Apple products in the pipeline, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy and important year for the company. Among a plethora of high-profile device launches, we should see the first folding iPhone next year

If all the rumors prove true, Apple’s 2026 product road map looks bold, exciting and ambitious. Check out all the new products Apple likely will launch in 2026.

Folding iPhone: What to expect in 2026

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AI-generated image of a folding iPhone: What to expect in 2026
2026 could be the year Apple reinvents the iPhone — again.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The first folding iPhone is expected to break iOS out of its years-long rut, and new rumors give us the most complete picture yet of a handset supposedly set to launch in 2026.

These come from a formerly prolific source of often reliable Apple leaks.

Remembering Apple pioneers: In memoriam 2025

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Apple in memoriam 2025
Remembering prominent figures associated with Apple who passed away in 2025.
AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac

As 2025 draws to a close, the Apple community mourns the loss of four remarkable individuals whose contributions shaped the company’s history and the broader technology landscape.

From revolutionary software engineering to visionary leadership and marketing genius, these pioneers left indelible marks that continue to influence how millions interact with technology today.

iOS 26.3 will give third-party earbuds a taste of Apple’s pairing magic

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iOS 26.3 will bring AirPods-like pairing to non-Apple earbuds
Thank the EU's DMA for this change.
AI Image: Google Gemini

Apple is opening up its walled garden further with iOS 26.3. As part of the update, it will allow third-party Bluetooth earbuds to pair with an iPhone just as seamlessly as AirPods.

It will also enable third-party smartwatches and wearables to receive and mirror notifications from the iPhone.