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CdkeySales Black Friday Sale: Find huge savings on Windows 11 Pro

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Black Friday Microsoft sale
Find big savings on genuine Microsoft software in the CdkeySales Black Friday Sale on Windows and Office. Just head to CdkeySales.com using these links. And don’t forget to enter promo code CULT to get extra savings.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

Now’s your chance to get the biggest discounts you’ve ever seen on Microsoft software like Windows 11 Pro. The CdkeySales Black Friday Sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! And as the latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025, you can update your PC now the quick and easy way rather than waiting. Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during CdkeySales’ Black Friday Sale.

During the sale, you can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.

Bag Black Friday bargains on Ugreen charging and storage gear

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Ugreen Black Friday
You can grab this cute 2-in-1 charger bot for 30% off.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The Black Friday sales period in late November can be a great time to stock up on practical items, whether they’re gifts or just items for yourself. Take chargers, power banks, USB-C hubs and data storage solutions, for example. Everybody can use them, and Ugreen Black Friday deals abound on Amazon for such items. Markdowns range from 15% to 35% off. Check out a selection of sale items below.

The MacBook Air I love is on sale for Cyber Monday [Updated] ★★★★★

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Keyboard and screen of 13-inch MacBook Air.★★★★★
The 13-inch MacBook Air may be the prefect laptop.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple’s 13-inch M2 MacBook Air in Midnight is just $749 for Cyber Monday. I recently bought this machine myself, and I’m head-over-heels in love with it. It’s the best laptop I’ve had for years, and if you’re looking for a lightweight, everyday Mac, I highly recommend it.

Belkin recalls fast-charging Apple Watch power bank over fire risk

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Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K in use
Stop using the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch immediatley.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin is recalling its BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K due to a potential fire hazard. It is one of the few power banks on the market that can wirelessly fast charge an Apple Watch.

The company will issue a full refund to affected customers, though they must fill out a recall form first.

Try not to start crying during Apple’s Christmas ad for AirPods

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Screenshot of Apple's Heartstrings AirPods hearing aids ad.
Apple's new seasonal ad will bring a tear to your eye.
Photo: Apple

You’d better get the tissues ready before watching Apple’s new seasonal holiday ad, appropriately titled “Heartstrings.”

I know I got a little misty.

The ad depicts a moving father-and-daughter moment on Christmas morning to showcase the new hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2.

Watch the ad below.

TikTok can’t get enough of Samsung’s The Frame TV, and now it’s 25% off

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Product photo of the Samsung The Frame smart TV.
Grab this open-box 2024 model of Samsung's hit smart TV.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Instagram and TikTok are obsessed with the latest innovation in TVs — Samsung’s The Frame TV. If you’re wondering why, it’s because this smart TV does more than stream Netflix. This stealthy Samsung TV doubles as an art gallery, transforming from a blank black box into your home version of The Met or MoMA.

Rather than pay more than $1,000 to enjoy this experience at home, you can save 25% on the internet’s favorite TV. A 43-inch, open-box model of the Samsung Frame TV is now available for only $749.99 (regularly $999) while inventory lasts. It’s available in other sizes as well, and Cult of Mac readers can take an extra $100 off the 55-inch model with code THEFRAME.

3 reasons to watch Steve McQueen’s WWII epic Blitz on Apple TV+

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A still showing Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan in the
Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan star in Steve McQueen's Blitz.
Photo: Apple TV+

Ready for a cinematic experience that transports you to the heart of London during one of its darkest hours? Consider director Steve McQueen’s Blitz, a surprisingly moving period piece now streaming on Apple TV+. As you’ll see in our Blitz review, if you’ve got holiday downtime to spare, this makes a good diversion.

The gripping film offers a powerful glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit during World War II’s London Blitz. It was a relentless bombing campaign associated with Germany’s aggressive “blitzkrieg” strategy. Here are three reasons why you should watch Steve McQueen’s Blitz.

My favorite iPad is down to its lowest price this Black Friday

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Apple Magic Keyboard for M4 iPad Pro
Every M4 iPad Pro buyer should at least consider getting the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s no better tablet to buy than an iPad. Apple overhauled the iPad Pro lineup this year with a slimmer new design, brighter displays, and a faster M4 chip.

I upgraded to the 11-inch iPad Pro from the M1 version earlier this year and could not be happier. This Black Friday, you should buy one, too, especially since the tablet is available with a big $150 discount.

Black Friday low-price alert: Get $99 off iPad mini 7

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iPad mini 7 sale
For Black Friday, you can get some models of the fabulous iPad mini 7 at their lowest prices.
Photo: Apple

If you want a full iPad experience in a super-portable design that’s comfortable to hold and use anywhere, iPad mini is the answer. And for Black Friday, Amazon just posted a combination of discount and coupon savings equalling $99.01 off the base tablet in all four colors — blue, purple, space gray and starlight. And you can also save on models with more storage. Needless to say, iPad mini 7 makes a stellar gift for a special someone.

Holiday-shop with Apple Pay to help fight AIDS

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Apple Pay donations
Along with the seasonal Apple Pay campaign, Product (Red) collection purchases donate to the cause anytime.
Photo: Apple

Apple said it will once again run its annual charitable giving campaign coinciding with World AIDS Day on December 1. And that gives holiday shoppers an opportunity to easily contribute to global health efforts while making their seasonal purchases. In addition, purchases from Apple’s Product (Red) collection contribute to the cause anytime.

Why Apple won’t make a TV

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Why Apple won’t make a television set
We’re never going to see an Apple-branded TV.
AI image: Imagen 3/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly considering making a television set, but don’t get your hopes up. There are simply too many reasons why Apple won’t make a TV. Like so many things, it all comes down to profits (and the lack thereof).

You need look no further than Apple’s set-top box and monitors to see why an Apple-branded television isn’t going to happen.

Apple TV+’s Drops of God wins best-drama International Emmy

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Drops of God wins international best drama award
The show's first season scored a perfect 100% Fresh critical rating on Rottentomatoes.com.
Photo: Apple TV+

In a big win for Apple TV+, the French-American-Japanese series Drops of God captured the prestigious International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series at a ceremony Monday night in New York, according to reports late Monday and Tuesday.

The win strengthens Apple TV+’s growing reputation for delivering compelling international content and marks another successful adaptation of popular manga for the streaming platform. Fans will be excited to know that Drops of God Season 2 is set to return, promising even more gripping storytelling.

Use Apple Music Sing to throw your own karaoke party

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Now you can sing along!
Apple Music now has a karaoke feature for singing along.
Image: Ronyyz/Wikimedia Commons, D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple Music has a karaoke mode for people who love to sing along as they listen. Apple Music Sing lets you turn down the lyrics so you can karaoke to your favorite hits with just one tap.

In fact, I’m using it right now to listen to some of my favorite music without the lyrics distracting me from reading and writing. Let me show you how it works!

5 iPhone tips for international travelers

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A person using an iPhone.
Use these iPhone travel tips every time you hit the road or the skies.
Photo: Unsplash

When traveling internationally with your iPhone, staying connected and avoiding unexpected surprises can be a bit of a balancing act. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar streets, keeping in touch with family, or ensuring you don’t get hit with outrageous roaming fees, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how you can improve your iPhone use while traveling internationally.

Silicone replacement for frayed iPhone cables costs just $13

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Product photo of the Flexi Pro silicone cable for iPhone, iPad and more.
Get a charging cable that's longer, softer and more durable than Apple's.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

On the hunt for a replacement cable for your iPhone or iPad? The Flexi Pro is a sturdy USB-A to USB-C silicone cable that comes in two lengths: 6 feet or 10 feet. And right now, the 6-footer is on sale for just $12.99 (regularly $19.99). Or you can get the 10-footer for just $2 more.

How to share your AirTag location with an airline to find lost luggage

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Find lost luggage by sharing your AirTag location with your airline
Now you can temporarily share the location of your lost bag with your airline.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple added Share Item Location to the Find My app to let AirTag users securely share with an airline the exact position of a tracking tag attached to lost luggage.

Here’s how to use the new feature to show an airline employee that your bag is actually just outside Concourse C in the Atlanta airport, not in Denver where they think it is. They can even see the exact position of the luggage.

iPhone 17 Pro could feature major design changes

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iPhone 17 Pro concept image
2025 iPhone 17 series could comer with a redesign.
Image: Apple Hub/X

 Apple could make big design changes to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max next year. One such change would be the surprising decision to ditch the Pro models’ titanium edges for aluminum.

A new report also suggests the Pro models will switch to an aluminum camera bump, replacing the current 3D glass design. If you’re curious about when will iPhone 17 be released, early reports indicate Apple’s design choices will make this generation stand out.

iPhone 17 Air’s slim design could prioritize thinness over features

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iPhone 17 Air concept image
iPhone 17 Air could be insanely thin.
Image: Apple Hub/X

 Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air could be even thinner than initially rumored. A new report on Monday details many of the slim iPhone’s features, revealing several design compromises Apple would make for thinness.

This includes ditching the SIM slot and switching to eSIM, even in units sold outside the US.

How to use Water Lock on Apple Watch [Pro Tip]

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Person swimming underwater wearing Apple Watch
Apple Watch makes for a good fitness tracker underwater.
Photo: Apple

Pro tip bug If your Apple Watch feels like it’s not responding to your taps, it could be in Water Lock mode. It’s easy to forget to turn off Water Lock Mode after you go for a swim or a shower.

There’s also a bit of confusion about how Apple Watch’s Water Lock feature works. Read on to see how to (and how not to) use it.

Best apps and games: Apple picks 45 App Store Award finalists

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Best apps and games: Apple picks 45 App Store Award finalists
Apple salutes “amazing apps that users love” with the finalists for the App Store Awards.
Image: Apple

Apple named the finalists Monday for its annual App Store Awards. These awards honor “exceptional user experience, design, and innovation,” according to the Mac-maker. App awards come in a range of categories, like iPhone App of the Year, Mac Game of the Year, and many more.

The nominations aren’t just kudos for developers — they’re a great way for users to find high-quality software.

Cool peripherals up M4 Mac mini’s game even more [Setups]

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gaming peripherals setup
You can see the user's HyperX microphone and Corsair gaming mouse in this photo.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s M4 Mac mini user was once devoted to MacBook Pro. And he still owns two of the laptops, for work and personal use, but he recently added a new M4 Pro Mac mini, and he absolutely loves it. He’s into gaming, so he added cool gaming peripherals like a mechanical keyboard and microphone from HyperX and a light-and-speedy mouse from Corsair. Check them out, along with all the rest of the setup’s gear, below.

Turn selfies into glamour shots with this AI headshot generator

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Product photo of the InstaGlam.ai app, an AI headshot generator, on a laptop.
Put your best face forward with this easy-to-use AI headshot generator.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s tough to take a professional-looking headshot, whether for a job application or your LinkedIn profile. But an AI headshot generator can definitely make you shine. InstaGlam.ai taps artificial intelligence to create the glamorous headshots you don’t have the time or expertise to produce, and all it needs are a few selfies.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to InstaGlam.ai for just $39.99 (regularly $97).

Apple reportedly delays key iOS 19 features until spring 2026

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iOS 19 render logo
iOS 19 might not launch with all big features initially.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly will delay many of iOS 19’s bigger features until spring 2026. They will arrive eventually as part of iOS 19.4 instead of becoming available when the iPhone’s new operating system first drops in September 2025.

Apparently, the delay will affect “a larger-than-usual number of features.”