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Apple could be developing its own game controller for iOS, Apple TV

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Fortnite on iPad with SteelSeries Nimbus
Coming this year or next?
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is developing its own game controller for Apple TV and iOS devices that will launch this year or next, according to claims from one tipster, published on Monday. It is said to be part of a big push to improve Apple Arcade.

The information comes from the same source who accurately predicted Apple’s plans for the 2020 iPad Pro refresh and the second-generation iPhone SE.

Latest macOS beta brings fab new tool for boosting battery life

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macOS Catalina is here. But proceed from Mojave with caution.
Portable Macs get the most attention in the new Catalina beta.
Photo: Apple

Apple seeded the second beta of macOS Catalina 10.15.5 to developers this morning, bringing with it a major change to the way MacBooks charge.

Several tech sites got an explainer from Apple on how the new Battery Health Management feature works. The tool is coming to every MacBook with a Thunderbolt 3 port — and it could be a godsend to your battery.

Save on 2020 Mac mini, MacBook Pro, Sims 4 and more [Deals & Steals]

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DS-Mar-31-20
And save $140 on Beats Solo3 wireless headphones.
Photos: Apple, EA

Need a new MacBook Pro? You won’t want to miss Woot’s brilliant deal on 13-inch models, refurbished by Apple, which are now available for as little as $679.99. Or pick up the brand-new 2020 Mac mini from $699 — $100 off its usual price tag.

That’s just some of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup that will help you tackle self-isolation and working from home during the COVID-19 crisis. Other highlights include:

Find all these discounts and more in today’s Deals & Steals roundup.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

First ARM Mac expected this year ahead of major MacBook redesign

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13-inch MacBook Pro from 2019
It's about time!
Photo: Apple

Apple could deliver its first Macs powered by ARM chips before the end of 2020. Reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Thursday said he expects the machines to begin shipping during the fourth quarter, or in early 2021 at the latest.

The transition will come ahead of a major MacBook redesign next year.

Bag HomePod for under $200, MacBook Air for $749 [Deals & Steals]

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DS-Mar-2-20
And get Apple's official Clear Case for iPhone 11 at 18% less.
Photos: Apple, Twelve South

Apple’s brilliant HomePod speaker is back to its lowest price yet. Best Buy is matching its big Black Friday discount by slashing $100 off the usual price for a limited time only.

That’s just one of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup. Other highlights include:

Find all these and more in today’s Deals & Steals roundup.

More details emerge on Apple’s ARM Mac and AirTags — catch the discussion on The CultCast!

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CultCast 429
Apple's AirTags may be far more powerful than we thought...

This week on The CultCast: Apple’s first ARM-based Mac is headed our way — we’ll tell you what we know. Plus, Apple’s new AirTags tracking tiles will be unlike anything we’ve seen, and way more powerful than we thought. We discuss! And stay tuned — we’ll tell you the weird rule Apple makes big movies follow if they want to put iPhones or Macs on the silver screen.

Out thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast, and use offer code CultCast at checkout for 10% off your first purchase.

Apple’s first Mac with a custom chip expected in early 2021

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MacBook Pro review
It's about time!
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple’s first Mac with a custom processor is expected to make its debut in the first half of 2021, according to one reliable analyst.

Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities reports it will be a 5-nanometer chipset — like the upcoming A14 SoC that will power the next iPhone and iPad Pro. Apple is said to be increasing its orders after the coronavirus outbreak.

MacBooks may be in short supply after March

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The MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, and a better display.
The coronavirus outbreak means it isn’t a good time to procrastinate on a MacBook purchase.
Photo: Apple

Now might be the best time to buy that MacBook you’ve been considering. Factory shutdowns in China because of the coronavirus outbreak will reportedly lead to shortages of components needed to make laptops.

Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 10X OS is ‘very smooth’ on a MacBook

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Windows-10X-MacBook
And it's still in preview for now.
Photo: @imbushuo

Microsoft is working hard on a new version of Windows that promises to be faster, more efficient, and more secure. Windows 10X is available only in preview form for now, and it already runs surprisingly well on a MacBook.

One developer installed an early version of the software on an Apple machine, and it is proving to be “very smooth” so far.

MacBook vs. iPad: Which one is right for you?

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Ableton on Mac and iPad.
iPad vs. MacBook: Which platform is better for your needs?
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Looking for a portable Apple computer? You have two choices — a MacBook or an iPad. Both excel at different things. The iPad is super-portable, silent and cool. The Mac is more flexible, offers more connections, and can run much more complex software.

It may be that you already know whether you need a Mac or an iPad. If you use apps that only run on the Mac, or if you need to hook up a lot of extra hardware, then a Mac is your only option. But if you desire the ultimate in portability, or you want to use a touchscreen or an awesome Apple Pencil stylus, you need an iPad.

If you’re on the fence, wondering which portable Apple computer best fits your needs, this article will help you decide. The MacBook vs. iPad battle is on …

Neil Young slams MacBook Pro’s ‘Fisher-Price’ audio quality

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MacBook-Pro-music
It's just "garbage."
Photo: Marc-Olivier Paquin/Unsplash

Neil Young believes there’s a big problem with making music on a MacBook Pro. In a recent interview, the acclaimed singer-songwriter slammed the “Fisher-Price” audio quality you get with Apple’s newest notebooks.

Young also revealed that Steve Jobs knew about his concerns, but felt that MacBook audio was good enough for consumers.

iPad smart cover could get backlit scissor-switch keys in 2020

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iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard
Scissor-switch keyboards might be coming to the iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s smart keyboard cover for the iPad could get a major design upgrade in 2020.

Digitimes reported today that Apple may release an updated keyboard for the tablets featuring the new scissor-switch design that resolved Apple’s keyboard woes on the last few generations of MacBook Pros.

Why it’s a great time to upgrade your aging MacBook

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Apple devices
Don’t let your old Mac drag you down. Cult of Mac can help you upgrade on the cheap.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Whether you need ample power or exceptional portability, it’s a great time to bag a new MacBook, with discounts of up to $300 on the latest Apple notebooks. And Cult of Mac can help make yours even more affordable.

Sell your old machine to us and we’ll give you a great price. We will also cough up real cash, so you can spend it wherever you like.

Mystery MacBook spilled in new filing ahead of release

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13-inch MacBook Pro from 2019
It's about time!
Photo: Apple

Apple has filed for approval of a new MacBook ahead of the laptop’s official debut. A listing in the Eurasian Economic Commission database reveals a model number of “A2289.” Its description confirms the device is a portable Mac.

Is this the new 13-inch MacBook Pro we’ve been waiting for?

Why I returned my amazing 16-inch MacBook Pro

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MacBook Pro review
Why did I return this beautiful beast?
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

At the end of November last year, I took delivery of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro. Around a month later, thanks to Apple’s generous holiday return policy, I returned it. You can read my first impressions, but they mostly remain the same after a month of use. In short, it’s a fantastic MacBook. But in my conclusion, I wrote this:

But really, this Mac is fantastic. My Cult of Mac colleagues tease me that I buy Apple gear, and then immediately send it back. This new MacBook is staying with me.

So, what went wrong?

Which buttons should Apple bring back next?

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Buttons. Who doesn't love them? What buttons should Apple add to its products going forward?
Buttons. Who doesn't love them?
Photo: Diomari/Unsplash CC

It may have nothing to do with Jony Ive leaving the company, but Apple has been adding buttons back to its devices. It’s a slow start, but hopefully it’s the beginning of a trend. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro added an Escape key, and a separate power button (you can press the Touch ID button). Plus, the recently introduced iPhone 11 battery case added a dedicated camera button.

After what seems like decades of removing useful hardware features, is Apple finally seeing the error of its ways? And, if so, what buttons would we like to see next? Let’s take a look at the current lay of the land.

Want a new Mac Pro? Sell your old machine for upgrade cash!

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The Mac Pro is being
Turn your dusty old Mac into a fat stack of cash.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s all-new Mac Pro is finally ready to order … and it ain’t cheap. But Cult of Mac can help make yours more affordable by offering you a sweet stack of upgrade cash.

Sell your old Mac to us before you upgrade and we’ll give you a great price. We will also make the whole process quick and simple — and we’ll cough up real cash you can spend anywhere you like.

Wonderful gifts for any Mac fan [Gift Guide 2019]

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Mac-Gift-Guide-2019
Shopping for a Mac fan? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re buying for an Apple fan who loves their Mac, there are loads of awesome gifts you should consider. We’ve rounded up the best to make your holiday shopping a little easier.

Gift-Guide-2019-bugWe’ve picked out the best headphones, mice, keyboards, and more so that you don’t have to spend hours hunting down the perfect purchase. And many of them are on sale today for Cyber Monday.

Now all you have to do is break out your wallet.

Class-action lawsuit against Apple’s butterfly keyboard moves forward

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The third-generation
The butterfly keyboard was one of Apple's biggest mistakes.
Photo: iFixit

Apple finally moved on from its disastrous MacBook butterfly keyboard, but the class-action lawsuit related to them is moving forward.

A U.S. federal judge rejected Apple’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit today. That sets up the company for a big legal showdown with customers trying to prove Apple knew about serious problems with the keyboard — but kept selling it anyway.

Save 20% or more on all Twelve South products for Black Friday

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Twelve-South-Black-Friday-collage
Cases, charging stands, and more.
Photos: Twelve South

Black Friday has arrived at the Cult of Mac Store, with 20% or more off all Twelve South products for a limited time.

You’ll find gorgeous cases for AirPods and iPhone, elegant stands for Apple Watch, and handy charging accessories on sale now. Prices start at just $27.99.

See what’s on offer today and start picking up some discounted gifts for the holidays.

Apple kicks reviews off online store

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holidaygiftguide
You won't find any reviews here.
Photo: Apple

Just before the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing Apple has decided to make it harder to see reviews of the products it sells online.

The Ratings and Reviews section of Apple’s online store was recently removed from all product pages with no word on why the change was made.

Want a 16-inch MacBook Pro? Sell your old model for the best price!

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MacBook-Pro-display
Selling your old MacBook is easier than you think.
Photo: Tianyi Ma/Unsplash

Apple’s long-awaited 16-inch MacBook Pro is on sale now, and it’s (almost) everything we hoped it would be. If you’re lusting after one, Cult of Mac’s buyback program can help make it more affordable.

We pay great prices for used MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro units — and we make the whole process quick and simple. We also cough up real cash, so you can spend it anywhere you like.