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The latest Apple news, opinion and analysis posts from Cult of Mac writers.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on News:

New iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 betas show testing is nearly complete

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iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here
iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here!
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple continues to quickly push ahead with development of its next round of operating system updates. The result: the third betas of iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 reached developers on Monday. The same goes for iPadOS 26.2 beta 3, watchOS 26.2 beta 3, tvOS 26.2 beta 3 and visionOS 26.2 beta 3.

Expect the full versions to be ready in only a few weeks.

M5 vs. M4: Apple’s latest silicon breakthrough explained [Updated]

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M5 vs M4 chip comparison
Here are the key differences between Apple's latest chip and its predecessor.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

With Apple’s M5 chip appearing in more devices, it’s time for an M5 vs. M4 chip smackdown. Apple unveiled its new M5 chip in October, marking a significant leap forward in on-device artificial intelligence performance over its predecessor. So let’s compare the M5 chip to the M4 chip. 

While maintaining the same core architecture as the M4 chip, the M5 delivers dramatic improvements in AI processing, graphics capabilities and memory bandwidth that position it as Apple’s most AI-focused silicon to date. But it enough to temp would-be upgraders?

10 surprising benefits of Apple Watch Series 11

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benefits of Apple Watch Series 11
Think it mainly tells time and tracks your fitness? You might be surprised.
Photo: Apple

While many people know the new Apple Watch Series 11 tracks your steps, heart rate and possible high blood pressure, the latest iteration also offers unexpected advantages that go beyond basic fitness monitoring. We put together 10 surprising benefits of Apple Watch Series 11 for you below.

Whether you’re a longtime Apple Watch user or considering your first purchase, these surprising benefits might just change how you think about what a smartwatch can do.

Apple may shake up iPhone launch cycle in 2026

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iPhone Air 2 rumors
Apple never intended to update the iPhone Air annually.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Contrary to a recent rumor, Apple didn’t delay the launch of the iPhone Air 2 to 2027 — that was seemingly the company’s plan all along.

A new report adds more info about the road map for the super-slim device, as well as shedding more light on Apple’s plans to spread out iPhone launches starting in 2026 to give its marketing team some breathing room.

Apple throws Mac Pro under the bus … again

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No M5 Ultra upgrade for Mac Pro.
Apple wants to push the Mac Studio instead of the Mac Pro.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple reportedly has “largely written off the Mac Pro” and does not plan to significantly upgrade its expandable desktop computer in 2026.

Instead, the company seems focused on the Mac Studio, a smaller desktop machine without expansion slots.

Don’t miss our explanation on why Apple killing the Mac Pro makes sense.

Apple preps for a post–Tim Cook era

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Photo of Apple CEO Tim Cook during 2025 iPhone product launch event, used to illustrate story about his possible retirement and Apple's search for its next CEO.
Will Tim Cook retire as Apple's CEO next year?
Photo: Apple

Apple’s board of directors is reportedly amping up the search for a new CEO to replace Tim Cook, possibly as early as January 2026. The board recently “intensified preparations for Cook to hand over the reins,” according to a Saturday report from the Financial Times, which says the announcement of a new Apple CEO could come alongside the company’s post-holiday earnings report.

The story cited “several people familiar with discussions inside the tech group.”

iPhone Pocket takes us by total surprise! [The CultCast]

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The CultCast logo with an two people wearing iPhone Pockets.
Who had iPhone Pocket on their 2025 Apple bingo card?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Nobody saw this coming! The iPhone Pocket is a bizarre Apple product, and the press release announcing its precious existence is one of the most pretentious we’ve ever seen.

Still, it might be big in Asia!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple’s new Digital ID is based on your passport and paves the way for the wallet-free (and possibly surveillance-intensive) future. We discuss the pros and cons.
  • Sounds like Tesla is finally buckling and plans to give iPhone users what they want. Victory!
  • Griffin shows off a cool new three-way charger that’s fantastic for travel (although he likes it at home, too).
  • And finally, we discuss Pluribus, the great new Apple TV show from Breaking Bad mastermind Vince Gilligan. Two episodes in and we’re hooked!

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.

How Apple silicon triggered a Mac renaissance

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The Mac lineup on top of an image of a silicon fabrication die.
Apple silicon has taken the Mac to the next level.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Not too long ago, the Mac was in a truly bad place — and then Apple silicon came along and radically reinvented the computer. With Apple’s destiny entirely within its own hands, rather than hamstrung by Intel processors, we’ve seen what Cupertino is capable of: delivering absolute computing magic on a regular, annual cycle, across its entire lineup.

With the first three Apple silicon Macs turning 5 on November 17, it’s worth reflecting on how the past half-decade has radically reinvented the Mac.

Apple’s most controversial product in years is a huge hit

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Apple's most controversial product in years is a huge hit
iPhone Pocket: Gone in a flash.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

If you didn’t get up before dawn on Friday, you sadly missed your chance to buy an iPhone Pocket, an accessory that divides Apple fans. It’s been relentlessly mocked online — but sold out immediately on launch day.

Love it or hate it, it’s hard to argue with results like that.

New Apple rules keep apps from sending data to third-party AI

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Apple App Review Guidelines on AI
Apple is making sure apps don't just send your data to third-party AI services.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple rolled out updated App Review Guidelines Thursday that require developers to explicitly disclose when they’re sharing your personal information with third-party artificial intelligence services — and get your permission first.

Apple TV scores: MLS matches now included at no extra cost

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Apple TV scores: MLS matches now included at no extra cost
Every Apple TV subscriber can now watch the entire 2026 MLS season.
Photo: Apple/MLS

Watching Major League Soccer just got cheaper and easier. Starting in 2026, anyone with a subscription to Apple TV can enjoy every regular-season MLS match.

“We’re thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world next season on Apple TV,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, in a press release Thursday. “Every match, all in one place, alongside incredible Apple Originals — it’s a win for fans everywhere.”

This 7-port magnetic mini hub upgrades your iPhone’s productivity

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Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter helps creators and travelers do what they need with their iPhone.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is the USB-C hub your iPhone has been looking for. It magnetically attaches to the back of the handset and adds a collection of ports useful to anyone pushing their iPhone to the limit. That includes HDMI, USB-A, Ethernet and more. 

“The OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter combines power and portability in a sleek design so you can bring your desk anywhere without compromise,” said Brock Guclu, Satechi’s co-founder and president.

Privacy advocates are terrified by the dark potential of Apple Digital ID

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Privacy advocates are terrified by the potential of Apple Digital ID
Apple’s new Digital ID sparks fears of a government surveillance future.
Graphic: Apple/Noelle Otto

Apple’s new Digital ID can be very convenient for travelers, and also convenient for a repressive government intent on tracking its citizens’ every move. That’s the warning privacy advocates have for the ID system for iPhone and Apple Watch that Apple unveiled Wednesday.

Their concern is that a phone-based system can potentially be used to track everyone all the time.

Tesla finally plans to add CarPlay to its EVs

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Tesla plans to add CarPlay
Model Y and other Tesla electric cars will get CarPlay.
Photo: Tesla

In a major reversal, Tesla is developing support for Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles. That marks the end of years of resistance to one of the most requested features by potential customers, according to a new report Thursday. 

Monster from the deep wreaks havoc in Monarch season 2 teaser

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Monarch Season 2: Kong stars in Apple TV series upcoming episodes \.
Kong grabs the spotlight in teaser trailer for Apple TV’s Monarch season 2
Photo: Apple TV

The giant monster action of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters returns with season two in February 2026, Apple TV announced Thursday. The series is set in the MonsterVerse that includes Godzilla and other kaiju, with Kong taking a starring role in the teaser trailer that just premiered.

Watch the new video now for an early look at the other giant monsters that’ll be tearing up the scenery — and some of the actors — in season two.

The most surprising tweaks in iOS 26.2 beta 2 you need to know

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iPhone screenshot showing iOS 26.2 beta 2 download option
iOS 26.2 beta 2 packs a surprising number of changes.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple’s latest iOS 26.2 beta 2 may look like a minor update on the surface, but it hides a handful of clever changes. It builds on the changes found in iOS 26.2 beta 1 to deliver an even better experience. 

Below are all the changes and tweaks iOS 26.2 beta 2 brings to your iPhone.

macOS 26.2 Tahoe introduces Edge Light for better video calls

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Edge Light in macOS Tahoe
macOS Tahoe’s next update will put an end to bad video-call lighting
Photo: Apple

macOS 26.2 beta 2 adds a new Edge Light feature to improve the look of your video calls. As the name indicates, it will add a white light to the edges of your Mac’s display while you’re on a video call.

It’s like a built-in ring light that should improve your appearance when hopping on FaceTime to chat with friends or colleagues. 

Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID

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Apple just created a new Digital ID for passport holders
Digital ID joins Apple Wallet. It’s a passport-based ID on iPhone and Watch.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple launched Digital ID, a new option to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from a U.S. passport. The information can be presented to TSA when traveling, saving on the hassle of pulling out a physical passport. And it’s available nationwide, not just in select states.

“With the launch of Digital ID, we’re excited to expand the ways users can store and present their identity — all with the security and privacy built into iPhone and Apple Watch,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

Season 2 of Apple TV comedy Palm Royale brings new murder mystery [Now streaming!]

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Palm Royale season 2
Kristen Wiig stars in Palm Royale on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple

Fans of Saturday Night Live alum Kristen Wiig and the rest of the star-studded cast of Apple TV comedy Palm Royale have reason to rejoice — season 2 streams Wednesday. And according to reviews, it brings a new murder mystery and a darker tone to the comedy. 

You not only get Wiig, you get legend Carol Burnett, pop icon Ricky Martin and veteran actors Bruce and Laura Dern — among others! Newsweek calls the new season “darker, funnier and deeper.” People.com notes Burnett’s character crafts a typically “wicked plan” in the first episode. Comic Book Resources even claims the show is Apple TV’s best comedy. 

5 cool things you can do with Samsung SmartThings and Siri

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Samsung SmartThings and Siri
You can do quite a lot with SamSung SmartThings and Siri.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you’re an Apple user who’s been eyeing Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, you might be wondering how well it plays with Siri and your other Apple devices. The good news? SmartThings has robust HomeKit support, meaning you can control a wide range of smart home devices using Siri voice commands, the Home app and Apple’s automation features. Here are five impressive ways to integrate SmartThings into your Apple-powered smart home.

You won’t believe what Apple just added to Vision Pro gaming

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Apple now directly sells Sony's PSVR2 controllers for the Vision Pro.
Apple now directly sells Sony's PSVR2 controllers for the Vision Pro.
Photo: Apple/Sony/CultOfMac

Apple just started selling PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers on its website, offering Vision Pro gamers a route to a whole new level of interaction. The accessories, which Sony does not sell separately, should arrive in Apple Stores on November 17.

The PSV R2 Sense controllers wrap around each hand and feature a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and built-in buttons, triggers and analog sticks for enhanced VR gaming. Adding them to your Vision Pro setup should take gaming to a whole new level.

Apple’s $230 iPhone Pocket: Because your pants aren’t pretentious enough

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Photo of a brown iPhone Pocket worn crossbody-style by a model.
It's a new way to carry your iPhone! If you need that. Which you don’t.
Photo: Apple

At any normal price, the new iPhone Pocket is silly. At $230, it’s silly and pretentious. Apple charges a hefty fee for an unholy union between a scarf and a sock.

It’s easy to mock, and the internet did plenty of that Tuesday after Apple took the wraps off its latest iPhone accessory. But the iPhone Pocket drew immediate fans, as well. In fact, Vogue said the fashion-forward iPhone sack “could just be the season’s must-have accessory.”

Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone

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Marketing photo of Apple's iPhone Pocket accessory in purple
The iPhone Pocket is Apple's craziest accessory since the iPod Sock.
Photo: Apple

Apple teamed up with the Japanese design firm behind Steve Jobs’ famous black turtlenecks to create a new iPhone accessory: the iPhone Pocket.

Inspired by “a piece of cloth” and produced in collaboration with Issey Miyake, it features a seamless, singular 3D-knitted construction.

“This clever extra pocket exemplifies those ideas and is a natural accompaniment to our products,” said Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice president of industrial design, in a press release Tuesday.

Apple might retire HomePod mini soon

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HomePod mini discontinued?
HomePod mini 2 around the corner?
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Apple might have silently discontinued the original HomePod mini. The tiny smart speaker is out of stock across several U.S. retailers, fueling speculation that a new model might be coming soon.