X-rays reveal the differences between high-quality Thunderbolt and USB-C cables versus cheaper options. Photo: Lumafield
Thunderbolt cables cost far more than standard USB-C ones, and a series of X-ray scans of various options reveals why. The virtual teardown shows that the Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) Pro cable has far more features than one might expect for such a simple accessory. Cheaper ones are as bare-bones as could be expected.
More evidence points to fast-charging having little detrimental effect on iPhone battery health. Photo: SwitchEasy
Users have long suspected fast-charging hastens iPhone battery drain more than low-power charging, but a new experiment supports Apple’s claim that it doesn’t. At least, not much.
Apple's item tracker is a hit, and a new version is on the way. Photo: Mark Chan/Unsplash
It seems the wait for Apple’s second-generation tracker tag will be longer than previously thought. A trusted Apple tipster predicted Wednesday that AirTag 2 won’t be out until 2025.
That’s somewhat surprising considering the original model has been very successful.
The magnetically attached polycarbonate cases come in five colors. You can also get black or silver aluminum. Photo: Drop
Drop rolled out its new CSTM80 line of customizable mechanical keyboards starting with a tenkeyless model, the company said Tuesday.
“CSTM” in the name hints at how much you can modify them — in addition to easily swapping out keycaps and switches, you can change the magnetically attached case for a different look.
That desktop wallpaper is distracting, to say the least. Photo: [email protected]
A problem users face with home computer setups is how to separate work from personal use. Today’s setup brings work and personal laptops to the mix — both M1 Max MacBook Pros, coincidentally — along with three displays, including a massive OLED smart TV.
And as is often the case on social media, solid advice sounded loud and clear above the noise.
Never heard of pickleball? Don't worry, Apple has tips for you. Photo: Apple
As the nascent sport of pickleball becomes more popular worldwide, new Apple research shows both it and its older sibling, tennis, pack big health benefits.
The Apple Heart and Movement Study tracked Apple Watch data from thousands of users to get the results.
Vision Pro developer lab is a great way to test your visionOS app. Photo: Apple
Apple is expanding the Vision Pro developer labs to additional regions. This will allow more developers to try out the mixed-reality headset ahead of its launch in early 2024.
The Cupertino giant is opening new Vision Pro developer labs in New York, US, and Sydney, Australia.
mophie's latest is both a power bank and a portable stand for your iPhone. Photo: mophie/Zagg
The mophie snap+ juice pack mini with stand is more than a MagSafe-compatible power bank. Its built-in kickstand means it can also prop up your iPhone while it’s charging for FaceTime calls or watching videos.
It’s the latest addition to a sizable collection of chargers and stands from mophie.
iOS 17.1 is about a week away. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple gave developers access to the release candidates of iOS 17.1 and macOS 14.1 on Tuesday. This is the last round of testing before introducing them to the public.
Release candidates for iPadOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1 and tvOS 17.1 also went out.
You can slip one of these right in your pocket. They're not much thicker than your iPhone. Photo: Nomad
Sure, gallium nitride (GaN) technology keeps making powerful device chargers smaller, but Apple accessories maker Nomad looks to be pushing the envelope further with its remarkably slim new USB-C adapters.
The 35W and 65W chargers could be perfect for grabbing some juice for devices like iPhone 15 and MacBook Air while you’re out and about.
You iPhone and AirPods can have some Hallowe'en fun, too. Photo: Casetify
Hallowe’en is right around the corner, and to celebrate Casetify launched a collection of iPhone cases
featuring Disney villains. And there are accessories for AirPods and Apple Watch, too.
More of a Rick and Morty fan? Casetify has an array of iPhone, MacBook, etc. options for you, too.
You're on camera via thermostat screen, complete with vertical field of view and smart sensing. Photo: Ecobee
The new Smart Doorbell Camera that Ecobee rolled out Tuesday offers an “industry leading” vertical field of view and a “first of its kind” live video stream beamed to a thermostat screen, the company said.
For any smart home powered by HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, the camera offer clear vision day or night, radar-sensing tech for accurate detection and a battery-free enclosure that allows reliable usage in extreme temperatures, Ecobee said.
"Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas" debuts November 22. Photo: Apple TV+
English actress Hannah Waddingham won an Emmy Award playing AFC Richmond soccer club owner Rebecca Welton on Apple TV+ hit comedy Ted Lasso. But now she’s changing into a glittery gold dress and leading a holiday music special, the streamer said Tuesday, dropping a fabulous photo.
Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas debuts November 22 on Apple TV+.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad is the lowest-cost stylus made by Apple. Photo: Apple
Apple just took the wraps off a lower-price version of its iPad stylus. The new Apple Pencil uses a USB-C port for charging so it’s a better fit for use with the budget iPad.
“Apple Pencil has revolutionized note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple VP of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”
The new version is $50 less than Apple Pencil 2, the premium model. But it lacks some of the features of the top-of-the-line version.
Apple has made some big upgrades in the two years since iPhone 13 Pro's release. Photo: Apple
The iPhone 15 Pro packs significant upgrades over its immediate predecessor, like a titanium body, a brighter display, a faster processor and better cameras. But are these changes enough to warrant an upgrade from your 2-year-old iPhone 13 Pro? Find out in this comparison.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max Bill of Materials is higher than for previous models. Photo: iFixit
The cost of the components that go into the iPhone 15 Pro Max is up significantly when compared to its predecessor, according to an analysis of the various parts that make up Apple’s latest smartphone.
The change helps justify the jump in price for this model.
Just a few years ago I worked on a laptop on whatever messy desk I found. Now I have dual-monitor M1 MacBook Pro setup with a standing desk and a proper office chair. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
I moved to a new home over the weekend, and in it I’ve already built a new workstation. What better time to revamp things? Actually, it’s more like another stage in my computer setup’s herky-jerky evolution.
I went from just a PC laptop a few years ago to various iterations of a MacBook Pro workstation to my new rig, featuring dual monitors, a standing desk and a proper office chair for the first time in ages.
With LivePod, you'll never have to open Apple Music to know what song is coming. Photo: LivePod
Wish you didn’t have to open the Apple Music app to see what song will play next? The new iOS app LivePod turns your Apple Music Up Next queue into a Live Activity on your Lock Screen. And with newer iPhones, it shows up in the Dynamic Island.
Tiffany Haddish led an ensemble cast in "The Afterparty," which won't be coming back to Apple TV+. Photo: Chris Miller
The Apple TV+ series The Afterparty has reportedly been cancelled after two seasons. The genre-mixing comedy starring Tiffany Haddish won’t get a third season.
Fans can still hope the show will move to another streaming service, though.
Apple Card is great for card holders -- not so much for Goldman Sachs. Photo: Apple
Being the bank backing the Apple Card isn’t going well for Goldman Sachs, and it’s proposed a change that’s it thinks would make the job easier: stop billing every customer at the beginning of the month.
But some bank executives say the whole deal with Apple is untenable. “We should have never done this f—ing thing,” a Goldman partner is quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.
The next iPhone you buy from Apple's store could be running the latest iOS release. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple has developed a new way to wirelessly update iPhones in its retail stores without opening their boxes. This will ensure all iPhones sold are running the latest iOS release.
Apple could roll out the technology to its retail stores before the end of the year.
New iPads with faster chips could arrive soon. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple could announce new iPads as soon as Tuesday, according to a new report. The company could unveil a new entry-level iPad, an updated iPad Air and the iPad mini 7.
All refreshed iPads purportedly will sport a minor spec bump but few other changes.