A second screen that’s as portable as your MacBook. Photo: AOC
Adding an additional screen to your setup can result in a huge boost to productivity. And now it’s even easier for those who work on the go, thanks to AOC’s portable USB-C monitor.
This 15.6-inch screen is slim and light enough to take anywhere, and it can be hooked up to your MacBook or MacBook Pro using a single cable.
There are growing reports, tons of complaints, and a new petition claiming the butterfly keyboard in the new MacBook Pro has a critical design flaw that can’t be fixed. This episode we explore the issue with Matthew Taylor, creator of the keyboard recall petition, who tells us what’s going wrong with Apple’s butterfly keyboard, why it can’t be fixed, and why almost 26,000 people are demanding it finally be recalled.
Plus: stick around for a innovative new iPhone gimbal, a very cool throwback iPhone case, and the perfect green screen for your Twitch or Youtube streams in another tech-packed roundtable of our favorite new gadgets.
Our thanks to Udemy for supporting this episode. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just sharpen your skills, Udemy has over 65,000 courses starting at just 11.99.
Visit Ude.my/CULTCAST or download the Udemy app to learn anytime, anywhere.
In this week's Cult of Mac Magazine: Spigen's new iPhone X case is inspired by the original iMac G3, bringing some retro charm to Apple's latest handset. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
In this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine: iPhone case-maker Spigen is launching a set of iPhone X cases inspired by the original see-through iMac G3 and the first-generation iPhone.
With a see-through outer shell, Spigen’s Classic C1 resembles the original iMac. The case commemorates the 20th anniversary of the machine, which Apple launched in 1998. The iMac was the first of a string of hit products following Steve Jobs’ return that turned Apple around.
Replacements for a 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro battery from five years ago are available with no waiting. Photo: Apple
Apple ran short on a very vital part of the Mid 2012 and Early 2013 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display for over a year. But it now reportedly has plenty of batteries for these models in stock once again.
For months, Apple had been forced to waive the fee on battery replacements on these older models because customers were having to wait so long for the part to become available.
The butterfly keyboard used in the MacBook Pro and MacBook has now drawn both a recall petition and a lawsuit. Photo: Apple
A lawsuit filed in federal court claims that the keyboard used in all the MacBook Pros and MacBooks made in the past few years is defective. The plaintiffs request that this be made into a class-action lawsuit, and that Apple be required to replace all the affected keyboards at no cost to users.
The lawsuit also requests punitive damages because, as the plaintiffs claim, Apple continued to build and sell laptops with the “butterfly” keyboard even though the company knew it was defective.
Refurbished iPhones and MacBook Pros get the job done for less. Photos: Apple, JemJem
Refurbished Apple gear carry prices ranging from great to unreal. This week, you can get fantastic deals on refurbished iPhones, MacBooks and iPads. (Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping refurbs.)
Plus, get a deal on the new space gray Apple Magic Keyboard!
A new petition calls for Apple to recall the MacBook butterfly keyboard, which can fail when a speck of dust gets in the wrong place. Photo: Apple
The butterfly keyboard in recent MacBooks draws frequent complaints. And these have now escalated to the point where an online petition is requesting that Apple recall every MacBook Pro released since 2016.
These laptops are super-slim, and so are their keyboards. Reducing the thickness left room for very little key travel, resulting in accusations that even a small speck of dust underneath one of the keys can cause it to stop functioning.
Anyone who bought a 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) in the last year and a half should check if it needs a new battery. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple admits that some MacBook Pro laptops have a problem that causes their batteries to swell up. The company is replacing these free of charge.
This affects only the non-touchbar version of the macOS laptop, and only models with a 13-inch screen. In addition, the device needs to have been produced in a specific timeframe.
Get the best deal around on the best laptop around. Photo: Apple
This week you can find big discounts on the MackBook Pro and a refurbished MacBook Air. Plus, you can save big on refurbished iPhones, discounted iTunes gift cards, and combo charging stands for your Apple gear.
What might Tim Cook announce at this years WWDC keynote? Photo: Apple
What’s next for Apple? We’ll find out in June, when the company hosts devs from around the world at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2018.
Every year, the event gives Cupertino execs a chance to show off Apple’s new software and hardware. It’s a chance for outsiders to get a direct look at what’s in the Apple product pipeline. In the video below, we round up all the latest WWDC 2018 rumors to give you a heads-up about what’s on the horizon.
An analyst predicts increasing demand for the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. Photo: Apple
The number of MacBooks shipping in 2018 will grow by double digits, if a reliable analyst’s prediction proves correct. That would give Apple’s laptops stronger annual growth than iPhone or iPad.
A dual-screen MacBook could look a little bit like this. Illustration: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple engineers are looking into a laptop that uses a touchscreen in place of a keyboard. The second screen would be slightly flexible, allowing keys to depress. It would also be extremely customizable –basically like a giant Touch Bar.
It’s about time we saw that new MacBook Air. Photo: Apple
Apple will deliver a “more affordable” MacBook Air this year, according to one reliable analyst.
The existing MacBook Air lineup remains pricey, despite being incredibly outdated. Apple asks customers to cough up at least $999 for fifth-generation Intel processors and a low-resolution display.
Johny Srouji’s team is in charge of modem development. Photo: Apple
Apple is said to be planning “at least three” new Macs with custom security co-processors for 2018. Two of the machines will be updated MacBooks, while the other will be a desktop, according to a source familiar with the plans.
If you have a MacBook, you need a HyperDrive. Photo: HyperDrive
The HyperDrive 8-in-1 USB-C hub is a MacBook owner’s dream. With all the ports you’ll ever need on the go, plus a built-in Qi charging pad, it’s ideal for connecting all your peripherals and keeping your iPhone topped up at all times.
Intel forms unlikely friendship with AMD. Photo: Intel
Unlikely duo Intel and AMD have delivered a new generation of Core processors with discrete Radeon RX Vega M graphics.
They are the most powerful processors available for notebooks, Intel says, with each unit packing 4GB of memory dedicated to video. There’s a good chance you’ll see them in a future MacBook Pro.
Snatch up these great buys on current Apple gear. Photos: Apple
Act fast and you can score a great deal on a 2017 MacBook Pro or a current-gen iPad! You’ll also find a free Minecraft iPhone game and a very inexpensive embroidered iPhone case in this week’s roundup of the best Apple deals.
These Apple deals mean the gear you want is at the price you need. Photos: Apple
Right now, you can get that massive MacBook Pro with Touch Bar that you’ve always wanted. Plus, a pair of iPads at great prices, and the hottest wireless headphones in the land at the best price yet.
You’ll find them all in this week’s roundup of the best Apple deals.
This case will protect your MacBook from almost anything. Photo: C6SHELL
Who says a MacBook isn’t fit for the battlefield? The C6SHELL case made from real carbon fiber is all you need to keep your beloved notebook protected in a war zone.
It’s strong enough to stop bullets, but light enough to carry anywhere.
The iMac Pro is the most secure Apple desktop ever built, and it’s got a special chip to prove it.
Early review units are starting to trickle out to tech experts and according to iOS and Mac developer Cabel Sasser, the iMac Pro packs a new T2 chip that is basically like a secure enclave for the iMac.
Apple has increased its trade-in values for a bunch of old Mac models. Machines released in 2009 and later could now earn you up to $2,500. That’s a generous $1,000 more than the previous limit.
Chocolate Hub 2 gives you back all the ports you need. Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple doesn’t think you need traditional USB ports and SD card readers anymore, but for the vast majority of MacBook users, that’s false. That’s why every model should ship with the excellent Chocolate Hub 2.
This pocket-sized device gives you back all the connections you frequently rely on, including USB and HDMI. It also has a built-in Qi charging pad for juicing up your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X on the move.
Supercharge your life with the Tim Ferriss Tribe of Mentors Dream Setup giveaway. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The New York Times best-selling author Tim Ferriss is widely regarded as one of today’s leading productivity gurus. His latest book, Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice From the Best in the World, just dropped, and it’s full of great pointers for people looking to make the most out of their time and energy. To mark the book’s release, we’re sharing this giveaway of top-shelf Apple tech.
iMac Pro packs an A10 Fusion processor with 512MB of RAM, according to Apple software. The chip will likely be dedicated to handling things like macOS boot, as well as always-on “Hey Siri.”
We turned up a couple of great deals on MacBooks this week. Plus, there’s an inexpensive iPhone battery case and a storybook app to get you in the holiday spirit!
All in this week’s roundup of the best Apple deals.