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iPhone reviews

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on iPhone reviews:

iPhone 17 Pro is a powerhouse without functional compromise [Review]

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An iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange, on a desk surrounded by objects with orange accents
The iPhone 17 Pro finally brings some chromatic excitement, and extremely pro features to the lineup.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

For the first time ever, Apple released a Pro iPhone where “pro” means professional, not premium. The wafer-thin iPhone Air swiped the coveted premium device seat this year, but the iPhone 17 Pro still sits at the head of the table.

With its upgraded pro features and a new, no-nonsense design, the iPhone 17 Pro delivers the goods for people who need maximum power.

This superslim folding stand could be just what your iPhone needs [Review] ★★★★

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Twelve South Curve Nano: Travel iPhone stand★★★★
The Twelve South Curve Nano can be your iPhone stand wherever you need one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Twelve South Curve Nano is an iPhone stand designed to go with you anywhere. It’s slim and lightweight when folded, but flips open to support your handset when you’re watching video, making a video call and more.

I tried it out with my iPhone 16 Plus, both at home and on the go. Here’s what I found.

3-in-1 charger keeps all your gear going for a very low price [Review] ★★★★

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Lululook Ultra-Nano Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Charger review★★★★
A new travel charger from Lululook works well and is very affordable.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A couple of things immediately catch the eye about the Ultra-Nano Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Charger. One, you can make it into a convenient stand or lay it out flat when charging your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. And the second? Wow, this thing is a deal.

I tried it out with all my Apple devices. There are a lot of features to like here, but also a quirk in the design that Apple Watch wearers need to know about.

PowerBug merges iPhone MagSafe travel stand with wall charger [Review] ★★★★

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PowerBug review★★★★
Don’t be fooled by the simple design — PowerBug is two useful accessories in one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Twelve South PowerBug is a new palm-size accessory that does two useful jobs. It’s both an iPhone stand and a plug-in wall charger. It uses MagSafe magnets to hold onto the handset, whether you’re using it to watch video or to juice up the iPhone’s battery.

It works wirelessly, plus there’s a USB-C port for powering a second device.

PowerBug just launched today, but I got some hands-on testing time before the debut. Here’s what I found.

4 ways AirNotch Pro Find My-compatible tracker tag beats AirTag [Review] ★★★★

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AirNotch Pro review★★★★
AirNotch Pro tracker tag outperforms Apple’s AirTag in several important ways.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Those needing to keep track of something living a tough life should consider the Rolling Square AirNotch Pro. It does the same thing as an Apple AirTag, but beats Apple’s tracker tag with sheer volume and a few other tricks, too.

It’s rugged, and connects to Apple’s Find My network so no additional app is needed to locate the tag with an iPhone.

I tested AirNotch Pro for months. Here’s what I found.

Ingenious RollerMouse Red wrist rest changes mousing. But is it worth $394? [Review] ★★★★

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Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review★★★★
It's a cool and highly functional device, but it might cost too much for most people. For those suffering pain from mousing, though, it could be well worth it.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Would you spend $394 on a mouse? This Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review might raise eyebrows, considering the device’s unusual design and premium price tag. The centralized pointing device with roll bar, scroll bar and three unfamiliar buttons in a wrist rest sits in front of your keyboard rather than beside it, challenging typical notions of computer navigation. But for those who need help with pain from repetitive strain injury (RSI), it could make a world of difference.

This portable monitor proves that a smaller screen can be better [Review] ★★★★

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KYY 14” Portable Monitor★★★★
The KYY 14” Portable Monitor pairs well with a 14-inch MacBook or a 13-inch iPad.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The KYY 14” Portable Monitor challenges the idea that bigger is always better. It’s much smaller than the external display I usually travel with — and that’s exactly why I love it.

As a bonus, it’s very affordable, especially with an Amazon Prime Day deal.

5 ways Logitech’s new iPad keyboard case beats Apple’s [Review] ★★★★

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Logitech Flip Folio review★★★★
Logitech Flip Folio stands out with a keyboard that’s not permanently affixed to its case/stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Logitech Flip Folio is a protective keyboard case and stand for iPad Pro and iPad Air models that goes head-to-head against the Apple Magic Keyboard. Having tested both, Logitech’s new offering comes out ahead of Apple’s is some ways, including wider support for screen orientations, and because the keyboard can separate from the case/stand. Plus, a hefty price advantage can’t be overlooked.

Be sure to read the full review for more details.

This SanDisk SSD clings to iPhone to record terabytes of high-res video [Review] ★★★★

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SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review★★★★
Expand your iPhone Pro/Pro Max storage capacity with this SanDisk SSD.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

SanDisk designed its Creator Phone SSD specifically for people recording large amounts of 4K ProRes video with a recent iPhone Pro/Pro Max model. The MagSafe drive magnetically attaches to the back of the handset so it’s out of the way during filming.

It holds up to 2TB of data without making the handset difficult to film with. And transferring data to a Mac for editing is a snap.

I tested the SSD with my iPhone and it worked very well. But the cable is bulkier than it should be.

Elevate your iPad with this lightweight origami case/stand [Review] ★★★★

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Moft Dynamic Folio★★★★
The Moft Dynamic Folio case/stand can lift your iPad closer to eye level.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPad cases that fold into stands are old news, but the Moft Dynamic Folio takes that idea and builds on it. The front flap can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet at a range of angles, in both landscape and portrait orientations. A highlight is one that lifts the iPad up about 3 inches so it’s easier to see.

Plus, the case/stand is lightweight and very easy to attach and remove. There are versions for all recent Apple tablets.

I tested the flexible iPad accessory for several weeks. Here’s what I found out.

Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard feels (and sounds) rock solid [Review] ★★★★☆

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Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard review★★★★☆
The little storm cloud at lower right is a cute touch on the Rainy 75.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Among keyboard enthusiasts, the Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard recently gained a deserved reputation as a rock-solid budget-to-mid-priced option. The 75% layout keeb for Mac or Windows combines premium materials, customizable features and impressive performance in a package that punches above its price point. This hands-on Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard review will cover the bases to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

iPadOS 26 hands-on: The iPad upgrade pros wished for

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iPadOS 26 multitasking features
New multitasking features are the highlight of iPadOS 26.
Screenshot: Apple

Those who want their iPad to function more like a Mac got their wish: iPadOS 26 includes multitasking features very similar to the ones in macOS. This year’s iPad upgrade also borrows plenty of other things from Apple’s desktop OS.

I loaded the initial iPadOS 26 beta on my iPad Pro. Here’s what it’s like to use it … and why pro users should be excited while non-pro users shouldn’t worry.

Test your connections with this tiny USB multimeter [Review] ★★★★

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StarTech.com USB-C Power Tester★★★★
Find out why your iPad isn’t charging with this mini multimeter.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

With the StarTech.com USB-C Power Tester, you can easily look for charging problems in your setup. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure your devices are getting all the power they’re supposed to.

I tested the inexpensive little multimeter out. Here’s what I found.

Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds challenge AirPods Pro 2 at half the price [Review] ★★★★★

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Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds review★★★★★
Soundcore Liberty 5 noise-canceling earbuds sit in their wireless charging case.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

After four solid generations before them, Soundcore Liberty 5 wireless noise-canceling earbuds are compact audio powerhouses. My Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds review finds they challenge premium noise-canceling earbuds like AirPods Pro 2 for about half the price. In fact, Liberty 5’s price ($130) went down from Liberty 4’s starting price by $20.

While Apple, Sony and Bose dominate the high-end market, Soundcore steadily refined their Liberty series to deliver impressive sound quality without the premium price tag. During my testing, the earbuds demonstrated remarkable performance in a variety of ways, along with a limitation or two.

Easily identify the birds you hear with Merlin Bird ID [Awesome Apps]

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Merlin Bird ID
Start a new hobby with Merlin Bird ID.
Image: Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

Spring is here, and the air is full of birdsong. The Merlin Bird ID app tells you what type of birds you’re hearing … plus it’s quick, easy and free.

With this software from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on your iPhone, you can learn about all the birds around you — you might be surprised how many of them there are. And if you get interested, you’ll soon be able to identify them without the app.

Backbone Pro makes the best iPhone game controller way, way better [Review] ★★★★★

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Backbone Pro★★★★★
There’s no better way to improve mobile gaming than with Backbone Pro.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Backbone Pro game controller that launched Tuesday wraps around your iPhone and connects via USB-C, but it can also connect to your Mac or iPad via cable or Bluetooth. Plus, it adds remappable rear buttons to the standard mix of sticks, triggers, D-pad and more.

Backbone already makes the best iPhone game controller, and my hands-on experience with this new premium version found that it takes mobile gaming to a whole new level.

Your wait for an amazingly affordable iPhone game controller ends now [Review] ★★★★★

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GameSir X5 Lite★★★★★
The GameSir X5 Lite is fun and a great value.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The GameSir X5 Lite is the game controller for those who’ve hoped for a truly affordable way to add physical buttons and sticks to their iPhone. It costs a fraction of the price of its chief rival.

But don’t call it cheap. The accessory includes Hall Effect sticks plus a full set of the buttons and triggers needed for cloud gaming or on-device apps.

I enjoyed my time testing the GameSir X5 Lite — read the full review to find out why.

Save with Ugreen’s solid AirTag alternative plus wallet tracker [Review] ★★★★

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Ugreen Smart Finder Tracker review★★★★
Ugreen's pair of trackers are effective and affordable.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Ever misplaced your wallet or keys right when you’re rushing out the door? This Ugreen Smart Finder tracker review might help solve that universal frustration on the cheap. Whether you’re considering the standard Smart Finder or its wallet-sized counterpart, both promise to keep your valuables just a tap away through Apple’s Find My network.

These Bluetooth trackers pack some interesting features that set them apart from typical item finders — specifically their compact design, reliable tracking capabilities and low prices.

Sigma BF is an Apple-esque camera for the pure joy of photography [Review] ★★★★☆

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The Sigma BF, a simple aluminum full frame camera, sitting on a pine table★★★★☆
It’s a stunning camera.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Sigma BF is a beautifully designed camera unlike any other. While testing it for this review, I found the full-frame camera to be as easy to pick up as a point-and-shoot. It’s a pleasure to use — a love letter to minimalism, precision and the pure joy of old-school photography.

With an aluminum unibody worthy of Jony Ive and a stripped-down interface that favors elegance over excess, this full-frame mirrorless marvel feels less like gear and more like art itself.

What it lacks in cutting-edge features, this gorgeous $1,999 camera more than makes up for with soul. And for Apple lovers, photo fans and design purists, that might be all that matters.

Keep reading for my in-depth Sigma BF review (and/or watch my video version).

3D holographic display will make your eyes pop [Review] ★★★★☆

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Looking Glass Go★★★★☆
Don’t be fooled; Looking Glass Go is like no other digital picture frame.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Your iPhone takes beautiful bokeh images, and these look truly astonishing on Looking Glass Go, a display that turns your pictures into 3D holograms. Children, pets, whatever you send to the screen seems to be floating in the frame. No headset or special glasses are necessary.

As cool as the 6-inch photo frame is — and it’s very cool — my time with the product turned up limitations you should consider before purchase.

EarFun OpenJump earbuds: Your budget-friendly fitness pal [Review] ★★★★

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EarFun OpenJump earbuds review★★★★
EarFun OpenJump wireless earbuds hook on comfortably and securely.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Are you into exercise and looking for wireless earbuds that’ll take your workout punishment but not break the bank? Look no further than EarFun OpenJump Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds. They aren’t fancy, but the lightweight, hook-on earbuds deliver comfort, security and solid audio without a premium price tag.

Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds, available now for preorder at a substantial discount, stand out in a crowded market.

mophie charger/battery combo packs everything needed to power iPhone or Mac [Review] ★★★★☆

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mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra review★★★★☆
With the mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra in your bag, you’re always ready to charge your iPhone anywhere you go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra plugs directly into a wall, and built-in cables let it plug straight into your iPhone or Mac. But it’s no simple wall adapter — it’s also a 10,000mAh power bank.

I put the all-in-one device to the test. It’s a bit of a brick, but delivers when it counts.

Try these sobriety apps to win Dry January [Updated]

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Try Dry sober app screenshots
Your choice of sober apps can help you drink moderately or stay dry for the whole month and beyond.
Photo: Try Dry
Awesome Apps

If you’re considering taking part in Dry January, check out these sober apps to help you quit alcohol for the month — and maybe longer. Dry January is a monthlong challenge to abstain from alcohol for the first 30 days of the year. Popular in the United Kingdom and growing worldwide, it’s a great way to reset after the boozy holiday season, giving people a chance to focus on health and well-being.

A lot of people get guidance and support using Dry January apps, aka apps to drink less alcohol, which can also help cut back drinking anytime during the year.

iPhone case with built-in screen offers easy personalization [Review] ★★★★

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Tizag Digital Canvas iPhone Case review★★★★
Put any picture you want on the Tizag Digital Canvas iPhone Case.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Tizag Digital Canvas iPhone Case makes cases with single pictures obsolete. It includes a screen you can update with new images whenever you want, and so offers almost endless personalization.

It won’t drain your phone’s battery, but the case does protect your device when you’re on the go.

I tested the case, and I really like it, despite some screen limitations.

Boldly designed ‘subwoofer’ earbuds boast 3 drivers but mixed performance [Review] ★★★

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Between 3ANC earbuds★★★
Status Audio's Between 3ANC wireless earbuds features three drivers per bud and a distinctive look.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Over about a week of testing for this Status Audio Between 3ANC earbuds review, I found the distinctive buds to be a product of intriguing contrasts — ambitious in some areas while falling short in others.  Currently priced at $179 (recently reduced from $199 and $249 before that), the earbuds try to compete with industry leaders like AirPods Pro 2 through a unique triple-driver design and striking looks. In fact, these earbuds even claim in ads to have a “subwoofer” for the low end. But while Between 3ANC buds boast good sound, I found overall performance results somewhat mixed.