Macs shipments haven't dropped, despite the end of the pandemic. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple shipped 7.2 million Macs in the third quarter of 2023, according to a market analysis firm. That’s a whopping 23% decrease from the previous year, but Q3 2022 was one of the best quarters Apple has ever had for a bad reason.
Ignoring last year’s unusual quarter, Mac shipments are holding steady despite the end of the pandemic. Windows PC makers certainly can’t say that.
This 15-inch MacBook Air deal is the one you should not miss. Photo: Apple
Amazon is starting its Prime Big Deal Days early by discounting the 15-inch MacBook Air to its lowest price. Apple wants $1,299 for the entry-level 15-inch Air, but Amazon currently drops the price to just $1,049.
That’s a whopping $250 off the machine’s MSRP, making the world’s slimmest 15-inch laptop an even better offering.
Are we really going to see new MacBooks before the year ends? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest MacBook rumor sounds enticing, but will it come true? It’s time to speculate. Meanwhile, the real fire talk is all about that big, toasty iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple’s iOS 17 update fixes the overheating problem. (Frankly, “Thermalgate” seems about as overblown as “Printgate.”)
Also on The CultCast:
Did Apple screw up the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button? We debate our fearless leader Leander Kahney’s controversial stance on the subject.
Apple’s got a secret plan to own its microLED display chain.
If you don’t like macOS Sonoma’s brilliant one-click desktop reveal, we’ll tell you how to turn it off. (We’ll try not to think less of you if you do.)
On the 12th anniversary of Steve Jobs’ death, we ponder the state of Apple’s leadership and vision.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast 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.
Apple makes a lot of Macs, but they still leave some stones unturned. Photo: Apple
The transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon changed every Mac for the better … almost. But there are a few niches in the lineup that have yet to be filled.
While Apple’s computers are best-in-class, there are a few categories the company does not currently compete in. These are the top seven Macs that Apple doesn’t make.
macOS Sonoma brings widgets to the Mac desktop, but maybe you don't want to see them every time you click. Photo: Apple
Upgraded to macOS Sonoma? You probably noticed by now that clicking on your Mac’s desktop automatically hides all open windows, with the focus moving to your widgets and desktop shortcuts.
This is the new “Click wallpaper to reveal desktop” feature in the new Mac operating system. If you find this functionality annoying, here’s how to turn it off. That way, you can safely click your Mac’s desktop again.
The 2023 Mac Studio can handle your demanding workloads with ease. Photo: Apple
You can now pick up 2023 Mac Studio models from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store. This is a great way to get a new-like Mac Studio with up to 15% discount.
Apple unveiled the 2023 Mac Studio in June, so the machines have quickly hit its refurbished store.
Energiza Pro gives you full control over your battery health. Image: appgineers
How can you best save your MacBook battery life for many years of use? Your laptop’s battery is the most likely component to wear out, and one of the biggest problems is keeping it plugged in all the time. Apple offers some built-in controls, but they’re pretty basic and inflexible. Energiza Pro, on the other hand, gives you far more options, extending your MacBook’s battery life for years to come.
It’s the smart battery manager you need to keep your MacBook alive for longer.
The next major macOS release is here. Dubbed macOS Sonoma, the update packs several usability changes that will help further boost your productivity.
“macOS Sonoma is now available as a free software update, bringing a rich set of new features to the Mac that make work and play even more powerful,” Apple said in a press release Tuesday. “With macOS Sonoma, desktop widgets unlock a new way to personalize the Mac and get more done, while stunning new screen savers, big updates to video conferencing and Safari, along with optimized gaming make the Mac experience better than ever.”
Apple typically drops major new macOS builds in October. But this time, it is releasing macOS Sonoma in September, possibly because it is a relatively minor update.
iOS 17 gives Apple Podcasts users a refreshed player and queue, episode art, search filters and the ability to connect subscriptions to top apps. Photo: Apple
Now you can listen to more than 100 new podcasts from various apps and services in Apple Podcasts, the company said Tuesday.
“Subscribers to Apple Music, Apple News+ and participating apps like Calm and Lingokids can connect their subscriptions to access new shows and more,” Apple noted.
The 2023 MacBook Pro is very sleek, whether it's the 16-inch or 14-inch variant. Photo: Apple
You can get Apple’s most powerful MacBook Pro with M2 Max chip for up to $250 off. Amazon has discounted the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Max to $3,249 from $3,499.
If the 16-inch model is too big, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same Max chip is available for $200 less.
macOS Sonoma packs small but important upgrades. Photo: Apple
macOS Sonoma is ready for its public release. The new Mac operating system will drop on Tuesday, just over a week after iOS 17, watchOS 10 and iPadOS 17 launched.
If you can’t wait to try out the next major macOS build, you might want to know its exact release time on September 26 so you can update your Mac as soon as possible. If that’s the case, find the exact macOS Sonoma release time in your area below.
Mac users are very satisfied with their iMac. Photo: Apple
Mac users are very satisfied with their computer. Even more so than last year, according to a survey of users of all types of desktops, laptops and tablets.
Apple computers beat Windows PCs from most rivals in user satisfaction. In fact, there’s only one company that can rival Apple.
Snag a budget on-the-go Mac with this deal. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Whether you’re a remote worker, student or seasoned professional who travels to and fro constantly, you need a laptop that can come with. This refurbished Intel MacBook Air is totally portable — and priced to move!
With this deal, you can score this refurbished MacBook Air for only $369.99. How’s it so affordable, you ask? For starters, it’s a model that came out before Apple silicon was a thing. Plus, it’s a refurb … but don’t sweat it. It comes with a Grade B rating, meaning it might have light scratches or scuffs on the exterior, but performance won’t be impacted.
We can help you pay for your next Apple Watch. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
The entire iPhone 15 lineup goes up for preorder from Apple’s online store tomorrow morning. They might be pricey — in fact, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most expensive iPhone yet — but there’s an easy way you can earn some quick cash to help you pay for them.
Our buyback program makes it incredibly easy to turn your old iPhone, Apple Watch and other gear into real cash. And we typically pay more than any other service. What’s more, you can get a quote now and hold onto your device until your upgrade arrives. Click here to learn more.
Find out how much you could save on your next upgrade today.
A 15-inch MacBook Air is even better at a lower cost. Screenshot: Apple
The 15-inch MacBook Air only just launched in June, and shoppers can already pick up a refurbished unit from Apple itself. Buying refurbs from Apple is a popular way to save on used computers that can be relied on.
The newest macOS notebook is lightweight, boasts a long battery life and comes with a speedy M2 processor. Even better, a refurb is about 15% off the regular cost.
Who will rack up the most correct predictions? We'll know Tuesday! Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re putting our million-dollar reputations on the line with predictions for Apple’s upcoming “Wonderlust” event. Who will come out on top when the truth is revealed on September 12? (See Griffin’s scorecard for our picks.)
Also on The CultCast:
A last-minute leak gives us a solid look at the camera systems on the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro might get an upgrade that makes it even more MacBook-like.
And speaking of MacBooks, will Apple really release a cut-rate laptop to compete with Chromebooks? A MacBook SE sounds plausible …
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast 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.
An internal Apple memo outlined four possible ways to combat the increasingly dominant Windows operating system. Photo: Maurizio Zanetti/Flickr CC
August 30, 1990: A 112-page confidential Apple memo lays out what the company must do to make the Macintosh division a marketplace contender.
The internal memo comes from Dan Eilers, Apple’s vice president of strategy and corporate development. He boldly says Apple must consider four strategies: licensing Mac OS, licensing both the Mac’s operating system and hardware, creating a spinoff brand for the Macintosh, or starting a totally new company to combat the growing threat of Microsoft’s Windows.
If you want a laptop that's portable and extremely affordable, this vintage MacBook Air can do the trick. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Whether you want a personal machine on the go or need a backup for when your Mac is in the shop, a MacBook Air is an ideal choice. This refurbished MacBook Air gives you plenty of space and power for most tasks, and it’s on sale for just $255.97.
Students have better options for textbooks than this. Photo: cottonbro studio/Pexels
Adobe wants to help students accustomed to old-fashioned paper textbooks get over the transition to PDF textbooks. The company points out that its free reader for the digital format does a lot more than display text and images, and many of these features are ideal for students.
The software developer highlighted five of the benefits of the free Mac application for those going to class with a PDF textbook.
An iPhone cable hasn't caused this much commotion since Lightning arrived on the scene more than a decade ago. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re hearing all kinds of rumors about the USB-C cable(s) that will come with iPhone 15 models. Will they be colorful? Braided? Fast? Slow? We’ve got some leaks and some informed speculation — and probably just enough cable to hang ourselves with.
Erfon’s out this week, but we’ve got a special guest you won’t want to miss!
Also on The CultCast:
The Vision Pro gasp heard ’round the world!
Why you might want to wash the nasty stuff off your Apple Watch band.
Leander’s new e-book Unsung Apple Hero showcases the innovative work of Bas Ording, the Apple designer who worked closely with Steve Jobs to create the look and feel of the iPhone and more.
Griffin walks us through some useful Apple apps hiding on your Mac. (Hello again, Stickies!)
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast 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.
From left to right: The 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 24-inch iMac, the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Photo: Apple
If you’ve shelled out hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new computer, you’ll want the best monitor for your Mac to go along with it. There are many different kinds to choose from.
Macs and MacBooks play nicely with Retina displays, which have twice the pixel density and four times the resolution. But they can also be quite pricey — while there are new third-party options that are half the price of Apple’s, the cheapest is still around $800. You can choose from standard 27-inch displays, ultrawide panels with acres of screen space, or even small monitors ideal for a crowded dorm room desk.
Here’s a display buying guide to help you find an appropriate monitor to go with your Mac.
Bask in the warm glow of antique Macs actually being used. Photo: [email protected]
At Cult of Mac we love vintage Apple gear, of course. But to avoid confusion with what Apple means when it says “vintage,” perhaps we should say “retro” or even “antique.” You know, the old stuff people like to collect and put in computer museums.
Today’s featured setup sports both old and new. An M1 MacBook Air is the main computer, but it’s used as a desktop machine, sans built-in monitor. And right next to it are a working Macintosh SE/30 and an iMac G3.