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Apple Watch Series 5 runs on same CPU as Series 4

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Apple-Watch-5
Apple Watch 5 is always ready with the time.
Photo: Apple

The insides of the Apple Watch Series 5 aren’t all that different from last year’s Series 4.

Other than the new always-on display, the only other internal changes Apple promoted were the new compass and increased storage. The latest build of Xcode reveals that those are basically the only changes, as the Series 5 uses the same CPU and GPU found in Apple Watch Series 4.

Don’t miss this juicy Just Mobile deal on iPhone 11 essentials

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Just-Mobile-iPhone-11-deal
The brilliant TENC Air case is 40% off!
Photo: Just Mobile

You’ve just spent a small fortune on a brand new iPhone. The last thing you want to do is break it right away. Get all-around protection with a juicy deal on this brilliant Just Mobile duo.

Pick up the new Tenc Air case for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Max and get an Xkin tempered glass screen protector for half the usual price. Then forget worrying about scuffs and scratches!

How to stop your kids from wasting their lives on Apple Arcade

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screen time apple arcade
Say Sayonara to arguments with your kids.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

New subscription gaming service Apple Arcade is here1, and it looks like an incredible deal. For just $5 per month, everyone in your family gets unlimited access to dozens of exclusive games (with a free month-long trial to check it out). Even better for parents, there are no in-app purchases in Apple Arcade, so your kids won’t be begging you to buy more coins or whatever every five minutes.

However, they can still spend way too much time on games when they should be out playing with kilometer-zero, organic wooden toys, or pretending that old washing machine delivery box is a panic room. Thankfully, Apple’s own Screen Time feature already works with Apple Arcade, so you can restrict access to any and all games.

iPhone 11 review roundup: Great cameras make for great upgrade

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Iphone11
It's all about the cameras.
Photo: Apple

The very first iPhone 11 reviews are out, which means it’s time to find out whether that $699+ you just spent on an upgrade was worth it. And you probably won’t be surprised to hear the results.

Apple’s most affordable iPhone this year, just like its predecessor, is a hit with critics. It is getting heaps of praise for its improved cameras, even longer battery life, and bolstered performance.

There are a few complaints, however. Find out what reviewers think of the iPhone 11 right here.

iPhone 11 Pro review roundup: Big battery, camera, display upgrades

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matte
The question is: Do you really need all those pro features?
Photo: Apple

There’s no question about it: The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max are two of the best iPhones Apple ever built — and arguably the best handsets in the world right now.

That’s according to the first reviews for the devices, whose embargoes lifted this morning. All agree on the new iPhones’ excellent camera, amazing battery life, and beautiful display. But is it that much better than the regular iPhone 11? That’s where folks in our iPhone 11 Pro review roundup disagree.

Satechi makes one of Apple’s favorite USB-C multiport adapters [Review]

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Satechi Aluminum USB-C Multiport Pro Adapter review
Add plugs for many types of accessories to your Mac or iPad Pro with this Satechi adapter.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple Store has just two USB-C hubs with multiple types of ports, and one of them is made by Satechi. This offers USB-A and HDMI ports, as well as dual memory card readers, but so do many other accessories. What makes the Aluminum USB-C Multiport Pro Adapter so good that Apple picked it from all the other USB-C hubs on the market?

Read our review to find out.

Apple Arcade launches early to glowing reviews

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Apple Arcade preview
Apple is inviting iOS 13 beta testers to try Apple Arcade too.
Photo: Apple

The wait for Apple’s all-you-can-play gaming service is over for some people beta testing iOS 13. The Apple Arcade launch isn’t supposed to come until Thursday. However, many people running betas of the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system already started playing.

How to use iOS 13’s new High-Key Mono Portrait Lighting effect

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High-Key Light Mono before after
You can shoot studio portraits anywhere.
Photo: Apple

Whenever I open up the For You tab in the Photos app, every single “effect suggestion” is Brighten this Portrait Photo with Studio Lighting. Every single one. I’m not even exaggerating. And I’m never interested, because Studio Lighting, along with all the other Portrait Lighting effects, is junk. Now, though, with iOS 13’s new High-Key Light Mono effect, there’s at least one Portrait Lighting effect worth using.

Here’s why High-Key Mono looks great — and how to use it.

Belkin gives wireless charging an innovative boost [Review]

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Belkin Boost Up Charge Wireless Charging Stand review
Belkin Boost Up Charge can wirelessly power your iPhone while it’s playing a movie.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Wireless charging stands hold your iPhone up so you can easily see the display while the handset is getting power. Belkin has a model that improves on the whole concept: it can charge your device when it’s propped up in either portrait or landscape mode.

Apple liked the design enough to add it to the Apple Store. See what we think in our review.

The wild tech buried in iPhone 11 Pro, and why an October Apple hardware is likely, on The CultCast

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CultCast 405
Another Apple hardware event may be heading our way...

This week on The CultCast: Everything you need to know about iPhone 11 and 11 Pro! We dive deep into the coolest features buried in Apple’s newest iPhones. Plus: Our reactions to everything announced at the iPhone 11 event.

And it’s all but confirmed: We’ll tell you why there’s almost definitely an October hardware event coming our way, and what gadgets Apple will likely unveil during its next big keynote.

Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters … head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.

Best Apple Watch chargers and charging stands for any model

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best-apple-watch-charging-stands
This brilliant stand from Elago is one of many on our list.
Photo: Elago

Have a brand-new Apple Watch on the way? You’ll want some sweet accessories to go with it. A stellar charging stand that keeps your pricey wearable out of the way while you’re not wearing it is a must.

Here are some of the finest money can buy today. Whether you want high-end materials that look good anywhere, or stands that charge all your Apple devices at once, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our best charging stands roundup for the newest Apple Watch lineup.

iPhone 11 corrects the biggest mistake of the Jony Ive era

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JerryRigEverything
Is this the end of too-thin Apple products?
Photo: JerryRigEverything/YouTube

The iPhone 11 Pro Max promises up to five hours more battery life than the iPhone XS Max that precedes it. That’s around a 33% increase1. This battery boost could come down to a more efficient OLED screen, a bigger or better battery, a more efficient processor, or — most likely — a combination of these factors.

But whatever the reason, this marks the first time iPhone battery life jumped so much in one generation. Usually, the iPhone sacrifices any excess battery life to get thinner or lighter. And yet the iPhones 11 Pro come in heavier and a hair thicker than their iPhone XS predecessors. What’s going on? Has Jony Ive’s reign finally ended?

Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Series 3: Which one should you buy?

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Apple-Watch-5-vs-3
Our comprehensive comparison will help you choose your next Apple Watch.
Photo: Apple

The new Apple Watch Series 5 finally arrived this week, and it is by far the best smartwatch money can buy today. But it also costs $200 more than Apple Watch Series 3.

Is the latest model really worth the extra money? And should you consider upgrading if you already have a Series 3 or Series 4 device? Find out right here before parting with your cash.

Our comprehensive Apple Watch comparison will help you choose the right device for you.

Lower iPhone 11 price shows Apple got the message [Opinion]

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iPhone 11 colors
The iPhone 11 will bring a serious boost in sales because it’s what people asked for.
Photo: Apple

You spoke and Apple listened. There was widespread criticism that last year’s iPhones were too expensive, and so the just-announced iPhone 11 is a better device for less money.

Even as the target of negative comments, the iPhone XR was the world’s best-selling smartphone for many months. The cheaper replacement is going see even stronger sales because the iPhone 11 is certainly a better value.

Why Apple Watch Series 5 is a welcome surprise

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Apple Watch Series 5 adds an always-on display. Just what I always wanted.
Always-on display. Just what I always wanted
Photo: Apple

I wasn’t expecting much from the Apple Watch Series 5 refresh. The rumor mill only predicted new ceramic and titanium finishes, plus maybe sleep tracking. That was all for this year.

But it turns out Apple had three big surprises hidden up its sleeves — new features that look set to make Apple Watch Series 5 the best smartwatch money can buy.

iPhone 11 vs. Pro vs. Pro Max: Which one should you buy?

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iPhone-11-vs-11-Pro
There's still hope for two-way wireless charging.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest iPhone lineup features its first ever “Pro” smartphones, plus a more affordable entry-level model that’s a big upgrade over iPhone XR. iPhone 8 is also sticking around for now.

That’s four different handsets to choose from when you visit the Apple Store. So, which one is right for you? Our comprehensive comparison will help you decide.

U1-based Apple Tag could be the biggest thing since Apple Watch

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apple tag
Tiles, which are nothing like the Apple Tag at all.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

What happened to the Apple Tag? Rumors pointed toward an imminent launch for Apple’s tracking-tile competitor, and what better place to announce it than along with new iPhones? But the iPhone 11 event came and went without the Tag.

Will we still see an Apple Tag this fall? I hope so, because it could be Cupertino’s most important product since the Apple Watch.

Apple TV+’s $5 pricing lays the smackdown on Netflix and Disney [Opinion]

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Apple TV+
Apple fires a $4.99 shot across the bow of rival streaming companies.
Photo: Apple

It’s rare that the take-home message from an Apple keynote is, “Wow, that’s far more affordable than I expected.” But that’s exactly the reaction Apple prompted when it revealed the $5-a-month price tag for its new Apple TV+ streaming service.

In one fell swoop, Apple just threw down the gauntlet to its streaming rivals. Your move, Netflix!

Rumor mill fail: Apple delivers legit surprises at iPhone 11 event

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Tim Cook delivers the goods at Apple's iPhone 11 event.
Tim Cook has been outspoken about user privacy.
Photo: Apple

In an age when almost every detail of an Apple keynote leaks ahead of time, Tim Cook managed to pull some genuine surprises from the hat Tuesday. Taking the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple HQ, Cook and Co. announced at least three big things we weren’t expecting at all.

This in itself is a surprise. Even though Cook pledged that Apple is “doubling down” on secrecy, most of the big details about new Apple products typically trickle out ahead of time. Most of the main features of the 2019 iPhones already leaked. Every Apple blog and YouTube channel under the sun has been playing with detailed iPhone mockups and models for weeks.

Still, Cook’s surprise trifecta did not consist of insignificant things. All three were fairly big and meaty announcements — and there wasn’t a peep about them ahead of time. Here’s what took us by surprise during the “By Innovation Only” event.

iPhone 11 Pro camera proves irresistible to meme-makers

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That big, beautiful iPhone 11 camera bump makes quite an impression.
That big, beautiful camera bump makes quite an impression.
Photo: Apple

The new three-camera array on the back of the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max really got Twitter cooking.

It didn’t take long after today’s “By Innovation Only” event for internet jokers to hit us with their best stovetop memes. But the laughs don’t stop there. Apple fans and haters alike saw everything from electric razors to Pokémon characters in the new iPhone design. Check out some of the best cheap shots taken at Apple’s iconic new design.

MIA at Apple event: Tracking tags, reverse charging and more

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AirPods 2 pairing with iPhone
Sadly, your AirPods can’t charge off your iPhone 11.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple’s press event today included the iPhone 11 series as well as updated iPad and Apple Watch versions. However, some rumored devices, features and accessories failed to materialize.

Most notably, the company didn’t announce a line of item-tracking tags, and the latest iPhones can’t wirelessly charge other devices. And there are other predictions that didn’t come true.

iPhone 11 Pro’s stunning cameras deliver ‘computational photography mad science’

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iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max
iOS 13.2 will make switching frame rates and resolution for your video shooting much easier.
Photo: Apple

Apple promises a big performance bump from the square bump housing the multiple cameras on the new iPhone 11 line. But will it be enough to generate a wave of upgrades among users who consider the camera the most important feature?

Given Apple’s artfully crafted presentation, showcasing beautiful work from pro shooters and filmmakers who used prototype iPhones, the response among holdouts could prove seismic.