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.
If you have a family, odds are you share a house, furniture, car and more. But you might not give as much attention to what you share in your digital lives, even if your digital pictures and purchases are equally valuable. Luckily, Apple Family Sharing makes it easy to share photos, movies, apps and more.
It just takes a little bit of setup to share iCloud’s fantastic Family Sharing feature. Here are the top six benefits of using it.
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 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.
This iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished deal puts one of the most advanced devices Apple has ever built into your hands for just $769.99. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, this like-new iPhone is incredibly durable yet remarkably lightweight — a combination you’ll appreciate every time you pick it up.
Apple utilized the same alloy used in spacecraft to build this killer phone. So, whether you’re commuting, traveling or just juggling a busy day, you’ve got a phone built for the long haul. Grab a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max for just $769.99 before our inventory runs out.
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.
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.
As Apple seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the connected-home market, it works on an ambitious lineup of home security devices that include smart cameras and a facial-recognition doorbell that can unlock doors, according to new report Wednesday.
There’s skepticism about the low-cost MacBook that’s reportedly launching soon because it reportedly will run on an Apple A18 processor — the same one in current iPhones. But this chip is more powerful than you might realize.
I compared the performance of the A18 to Apple’s M-series Mac chips, and I think you’ll be surprised by how well the iPhone processor performed.
Quartiles is a daily word-building game for Apple News+ subscribers. It’s fun, with a clean interface and no ads. If you want to score maximum points each day, you’ll need to know how to play Quartiles and all the tips and tricks you need to succeed.
Here’s how to play Quartiles — keep reading below or watch our instructional video.
One of the better pairs of on-ear headphones you can get is now half off at Amazon — Beats Solo 4. The current $99.95 price doesn’t beat what I paid during Prime Day in July, but my miracle deal was only $2 cheaper! And I have zero regrets.
Seriously, these little cans for less than $100 makes for a great deal anytime.
You can be excused if you don’t know off the top of your head how many external monitors your MacBook supports. The number varies by model, processor version, and even whether the laptop is open or closed. Still, there’s a good chance it’s more than you think.
Now that notebooks with the new M4 family of processors are available, here’s an updated guide to how many external screens you can attach to your MacBook.
Apple may charge an extra $50 for the iPhone 17 Pro. But it could also finally increase the 128GB base storage in favor of a roomier option.
A $50 price bump means the iPhone 17 Pro will cost $1,050 in the U.S. before taxes.
Don’t set your heart on a MacBook Pro with a speedy new Apple M5 processor under the Christmas tree this year. A growing body of evidence indicates the next version of Apple’s premier laptop won’t arrive until 2026.
But the M5 processor should be available before then.
Plugable created the TBT-UDM Thunderbolt 4 dock with Apple users in mind. It offers more than a dozen ports — including dual 4K HDMI — in an aluminum chassis intended to blend into Mac setups.
Just as importantly, it launched Tuesday at a price lower than usual for a Thunderbolt dock.
You might only use the Mac’s built-in Preview app when you need to read a PDF or zoom in on a picture, but there’s much more to the software than meets the eye. It’s a pretty handy image editor for Mac, too.
In this how-to, I’ll go over six features that will let you make the most of Preview, a handy tool that’s an overlooked benefit to using a Mac. I have three tips for working with documents and three for editing pictures.
United Airlines passengers can now watch popular Apple TV+ originals including Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses for free during flights, the airline said Tuesday. The partnership brings full seasons of award-winning Apple TV+ content to United’s 130,000-plus seatback screens and mobile app.
This freaky USB-C charging cable comes with an Apple Watch charging puck right in the middle so you can easily juice up your wearable while powering up your iPhone or MacBook. It’s 3 feet long, braided and can handle up to 65W of juice.
And right now, this two-in-one Apple Watch charging cable is on sale for just $19.99. That’s a 50% discount off the regular price. And if you buy more than one, you save even more!
The Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger for iPad Pro/Air clings to the back of Apple tablets and charges them without taking up the computer’s sole USB-C port.
It could be a real boon for those who wish their iPad included more ports.
Adding high-speed plug-in storage capacity to your computer is so easy it’s something every Mac user should consider. Here are some of the best consumer-oriented external SSDs that are designed for portability. Even better: many of these are on sale.
We did hands-in testing for nearly all of these — look for links to our reviews.
Smart lock manufacturer UltraLoq released its first deadbolt compatible with Apple home key last week, offering iPhone and Apple Watch users a seamless way to unlock their doors with a simple tap. You can buy the UltraLoq Bolt NFC smart deadbolt lock for $199.99 with discounts.
“Our product strategy is rooted in delivering both convenience and security,” said Raj Sundar, Senior Product Director at Xthings, UltraLoq’s parent company. “With Bolt NFC – Works With Apple home key, we’re not just launching our first lock with Apple home key support, we’re answering the call from Apple Home users who expect a fast, secure, and truly native unlocking experience.”
Apple’s upcoming affordable MacBook could launch as early as later this year. And it may only cost $599.
The new entrant to the MacBook lineup will supposedly use an A18 Pro chip, the same one that will power the upcoming iPhone 17.
Apple’s long-delayed next-gen Siri won’t just be smarter. It will use App Intents to let you control iPhone apps with your voice.
However, due to reliability concerns, Apple may limit this feature’s rollout to select third-party apps.
A deal on the Backbone One (USB-C), which ranks among the absolute best clip-on game controllers for iPhone, cuts 40% off the usual cost. It’s also on sale at Amazon, though the deal isn’t quite as good.
Can’t take the family Playstation or Xbox to university? Game on your iPhone instead with this controller.
When we polled Cult of Mac readers on what feature they want most in Apple Watch Series 11, the answer came through loud and clear: Bring back the Blood Oxygen app! None of the rumored upcoming Apple Watch features drew more attention than one that went missing last year over a patent dispute.
Unfortunately, the Blood Oxygen app remains tied up in U.S. courts. Apple needs to work out the problem, and soon. The missing Blood Oxygen app is undoubtedly hurting Apple Watch sales and angering customers. And it’s only going to get worse when the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 launch next month — assuming Apple doesn’t come up with a workaround.