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News - page 16

Touch ID could come to Apple Watch

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Apple Watch 10 review
Do you want Touch ID on the Apple Watch?
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Apple wants to bring Touch ID to the Apple Watch. Leaked internal code indicates the company is exploring bringing biometric authentication to its smartwatch.

The idea is likely still in internal evaluation, with no clarity on if or when Apple will move forward with it.

Why Google’s Pixelsnap system in Pixel 10 benefits iPhone users

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Pixelsnap for iPhone
Your next iPhone accessory could be from Google’s Pixelsnap line.
Image: Google/Cult of Mac

The newly announced Google Pixel 10 includes Pixelsnap, a system that lets wireless chargers and other accessories cling magnetically to the back of the phone. If that sounds familiar, that’s because Pixelsnap is another name for Apple’s MagSafe system for iPhones.

But this is not yet another example of Google stealing a good idea from Apple. Instead, Apple helped make MagSafe into the Qi2 standard so other companies would build it into their handsets. And that’s what Google did, though it felt the need to rebrand Qi2 as Pixelsnap. Whatever the name, the more handsets with Qi2, the more iPhone users benefit.

Install these iPhone, Mac and iPad security patches right now

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iOS 18.6.2 needs to be installed now
iOS 18.6.2 needs to be installed now. The same goes for macOS 15.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 18.6.2, macOS Sequoia 15.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2 on Wednesday, warning that the updates close security vulnerabilities already exploited by hackers.

While the patches include no new features, they are nevertheless highly recommended for iPhone, Mac and iPad users.

New iPhone ad will tug at your heartstrings

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New iPhone Action mode ad will tug at your heartstrings
For those with Parkinson’s, simply recording video can be challenging. Action Mode can help.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

There’s an unexpected benefit to Action mode in the iPhone camera. A feature intended for taking exciting video also benefits those who can’t hold the camera still because of Parkinson’s.

A video Apple released Tuesday demonstrates the benefits, and a follow-up video explains how those with hand tremors can take advantage of Action mode.

Apple’s new TechWoven iPhone cases might suck less than FineWoven [Updated]

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FineWoven replacement for iPhone 17 cases
Apple's new synthetic fabric iPhone cases will take the name "TechWoven," apparently.
Photo: Majin Bu

Apple will replace its much-maligned (and quickly abandoned) FineWoven material for iPhone cases with a new synthetic fabric for the iPhone 17 lineup, according to a new leak Tuesday. And on Wednesday a new name — “TechWoven” — and images of Apple packaging came to light. The new MagSafe cases might feature a cross-body strap and lanyard support, too

The new material appears to be Apple’s next attempt to create a leather alternative for iPhone cases, following the company’s 2023 decision to eliminate leather products from its lineup for environmental reasons. The resulting FineWoven came under heavy fire from users for poor durability and its tendency to show wear quickly.

The leaker Majin Bu followed up on his Tuesday post with a post Wednesday indicating the name “TechWoven” and showing images of Apple product boxes for the MagSafe cases.. See below.

Why you should install the iPadOS 26 beta on your iPad today

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Why you should install the iPadOS 26 beta on your iPad today
iPadOS 26 includes huge changes. Don’t wait to try them!
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPadOS 26 brings the most profound changes to the iPad ever, making the tablet far more Mac-like. And you can go ahead and install the massive upgrade, even though it’s still in beta testing.

I’ve thoroughly tested the most recent beta version, and I find it quite stable. It’s not perfect, but if you don’t need your tablet in life-or-death situations, you could dive in and try the revamped iPad multitasking system, Liquid Glass and other enhancements.

Montana becomes 11th state to allow driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet

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Montana digital driver’s license
Get your Montana digital driver’s license today!
Image: Montana Motor Vehicle Division

Montana became the eleventh U.S. state or territory to support digital driver’s licenses and IDs stored in the Wallet app on iPhone or Apple Watch on Tuesday.

The major advantage is speeding up the process of moving through security checkpoints at airports, though there are other uses, too.

New 8TB Thunderbolt 5 SSD transfers data at a blazing 48GBps

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OWC Express 1M2 80G
OWC Express 1M2 80G holds up to 8TB, or put in your own NVMe M.2 SSD.
Photo: OWC

Professionals who need an SSD with terabytes of storage and crazy-fast data transfers have a new option: the OWC Express 1M2 80G. The drive offers up to 8TB of capacity, and because it uses Thunderbolt 5, the SSD offers 48GBps real-world data transfers.

It’s available in a range of storage capacities, or users can insert their own NVMe M.2 SSD.

UK abandons demand for secret backdoor into US iPhone accounts

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Apple Privacy
The U.K. won’t try to violate your privacy.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The United Kingdom government gave up its demand for a backdoor into encrypted Apple iCloud accounts.

Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, announced the change late Monday. The DNI had been fighting the attempt to violate the privacy of Americans since word of the U.K.’s plan first came to light.

iOS 26 beta 7: All the new features and changes

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iOS 26 Beta 7
The latest iOS 27 beta is light on changes.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

Apple continues testing iOS 26, releasing the seventh beta build to developers on August 18, Monday. This is the third consecutive beta from the company in three weeks.

Unlike the last few beta builds, iOS 26 beta 7 doesn’t pack any major changes. Check out everything new in the build below.

The Dink comedy puts pickleball in play on Apple TV+

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Mary Steenburgen and Jake Johnson star in
Mary Steenburgen and Jake Johnson star in The Dink, a comedy that revolves around the sometimes-reviled sport of pickleball.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple Original Films said Monday it acquired The Dink, a new comedy movie starring Jake Johnson as a faded tennis player who embraces the sport that shall not be named: pickleball.

Josh Greenbaum (Will & Harper and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) will direct a promising cast led by Johnson (New Girl and Minx), along with Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Chloe Fineman.

Comedy legend (and Severance executive producer) Ben Stiller will make an on-screen appearance. As will actual tennis stars Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.

iPhone 17e could ditch notch for Dynamic Island

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iPhone 17e ditches the notch
iPhone 16e's successor could feature Dynamic Island in place of a notch.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s budget iPhone might get a significant visual overhaul in 2026, with the iPhone 17e ditching the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island, according to a new leak.

That would finally bring the modern Dynamic Island experience, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro, to price-conscious consumers. However, the leaker didn’t clarify whether we can count on Apple adding MagSafe to the new budget phone, a key feature left out of the iPhone 16e.

Why DoCast is the ultimate iPhone and iPad screen mirroring app

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The DoCast app makes it easy to mirror your iPhone or iPad to Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and more.
The DoCast app makes it easy to mirror your iPhone or iPad to Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and more.
Photo: Electronic Team

If you want to mirror iPhone to TV, Apple’s built-in AirPlay is a great option. But what if your TV doesn’t support AirPlay?

Enter the DoCast screen mirroring app for iOS, a comprehensive screen mirroring app that supports Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and DLNA-enabled TVs. It bridges the gap between your iPhone or iPad to stream high-quality video, music or pictures to almost any smart TV.

iPhone 17 Air rumors: Everything to expect from Apple’s ultra-thin handset

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iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup
We know a lot about the likely iPhone 17 Air features.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple will shake up its iPhone lineup this September with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a dramatically thinner device that could replace the Plus model entirely. Based on numerous reports and leaks we’ve included in this iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup, this new phone promises to be Apple’s most significant design departure in years.

Foldable iPhone might push iPhone 18 launch to 2027

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Image of an iPhone with white screen on pink background, with the words,
Apple might shake up the traditional iPhone release schedule next year.
Image: Matteo Vella/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple might shake up the iPhone release schedule in a big way next year, delaying the iPhone 18 release date until the first quarter of 2027, according to a new report.

Why the big switch?  To make room for next year’s standout device: the first folding iPhone.

Last chance: Lock in early bird price on brilliant bionic office chair

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Computer renders of the LiberNovo Omni massaging office chair.
The Omni's innovative, flexible backrest provides support for natural motions.
Photo: LiberNovo

With only seven days remaining, the LiberNovo Omni Kickstarter campaign is closing in on the finish line, and it’s already a record-breaker.

With over 8,000 supporters pledging more than $7 million, the Omni has become the highest-funded ergonomic chair in Kickstarter history.

The campaign officially ends August 23, 2025, at 8:51 am Pacific. When it does, the up to 31% early-bird discount will disappear, along with free U.S. shipping, no customs fees and stretch goal rewards. Heard enough? Reserve yours now on Kickstarter.

For Mac users who spend hours perfecting videos in Final Cut Pro, coding the next breakthrough app or designing stunning interfaces, the right workspace setup is everything. But while you’ve invested in the best displays, keyboards and other ergonomic gear, you may overlook one crucial element: a highly adaptable massage office chair that supports you through those marathon creative sessions. And from what we’ve seen, that chair should be the new LiberNovo Omni with its innovative Bionic Flexfit Backrest, available now at a discount on Kickstarter.

Its advanced features work together to keep you comfortable and relaxed through long days of computer work.

Chief of War still commands strong viewership

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Jason Momoa in Chief of War on Apple TV+
Jason Momoa in Chief of War, a hit drama series on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Viewers keep rallying behind the action-packed historical drama series Chief of War starring Jason Momoa. High ratings put it among the most popular series on streaming for a second week, according to two different ratings trackers.

And that’s not the only hit this week for  Apple TV+. The second season of the comedy Platonic earns good ratings, too.

iPhone 17 Pro rumors: The complete rundown

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iPhone 17 Pro rumor roundup
Here's what the rumors say about the iPhone 17 Pro.
Photo: ChatGPT

In less than a month, the iPhone 17 Pro rumors will pay off — or not — when Apple takes the wraps off its iPhone 17 models. While the entire lineup will get a big revamp this year, the iPhone 17 Pro should still be the star of the show.

Leaks and rumors already revealed quite a lot about the iPhone 17 Pro, giving us a solid idea of what’s in store. Here’s a quick refresher of what to expect.

Peanuts summer musical brings big-time talent [Now streaming!]

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Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical special
Catch the new “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical" starting Friday, August 15, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Streaming Friday (or really Thursday night, per typical Apple TV+ practice), Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical — the first Peanuts musical in more than three decades — sees Charlie Brown and the gang trying to save their beloved summer camp from going bust. And the music part is no joke here, featuring songs from singer-songwriter Ben Folds and other award-winning composers. Watch the recent trailer below.

Reviews so far seem quite positive. The New York Times talked about the show’s “new direction,” depicting Charlie Brown’s triumph while celebrating Charles M. Schulz’s legacy 25 years after his death and 75 years after the birth of his iconic comic strip. Nerds that Geek calls the musical numbers “a real treat.” The San Francisco Chronicle said it “charms with heart and songs” and “hits the right notes.”

iOS 18.6.1, watchOS 11.6.1 fix major Apple Watch headache

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iOS 18.6.1
iOS 18.6.1 helps fix a major headache for many U.S. Apple Watch users.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple released new system software for iPhone and Apple Watch on Thursday to return blood oxygen sensing to all Apple Watch users, removing a limitation that irritated many in the United States. Americans missing the feature can install iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 now.

There’s also an iPadOS 18.6.1 update, but there are no fresh updates to macOS, tvOS or visionOS.

Blood Oxygen testing returns to Apple Watch in the US

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Apple Watch blood oxygen
Good news for U.S. Apple Watch users!
Graphic: ChatGPT/Apple/Cult of Mac

A redesigned blood oxygen measurement capability will arrive Thursday for Apple Watch models that lost access to the feature due to a patent dispute.

Apple found a workaround that involves the Apple Watch testing the user’s blood oxygenation level, then displaying the reading on a paired iPhone.

Update: Apple released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 with the promised workaround.

Apple’s ‘Pixar Lamp’ robot could feature a human-like Siri

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Apple desktop robot
Control the lamp naturally, using gestures in the air.
Photo: Apple

Apple plans an ambitious return to artificial intelligence hardware with a slate of new devices, headlined by a tabletop robot designed to serve as an interactive AI companion, according to a new report. Cult of Mac reported on the “Pixar Lamp” robot and its physical motions before, but new information indicates a new version of Siri could make it surprisingly human-like in its interactions with people.

iPhone 17 Air, M5 MacBook Air to use Apple-made wireless chips

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iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air will be the second iPhone to use Apple's custom modem.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly expand the use of custom chips in its future devices. This will start with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air using its in-house modem.

The M5 MacBook Air will allegedly then follow, using a new in-house wireless chip, likely combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality into one.

Faster chip will bring Apple Intelligence to next-gen iPad

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2025 iPad 11 with Apple A16
iPad is getting a speed boost.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The 2026 version of the budget iPad will be able to use Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 processor, according to information leaking out of Apple. And the next Apple TV 4K refresh could feature Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The company is working on an iPad mini update with an A19 Pro chip, too.

Internal code accidentally shared by Apple revealed key details about these upcoming devices and their processor upgrades.