The Google Search experience is getting better on your iPhone. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
Google is bringing Circle to Search, one of its best search features, from Android to iPhone. Like on Android, you can now circle on your iPhone’s screen to search for the on-screen content.
The feature is coming to Google Chrome and the Google app through Lens integration.
The Apple C1 chip is the company’s first in-house cellular modem. Image: Apple
The new Apple C1 modem that powers the cellular connectivity of the iPhone 16e is the company’s first cellular modem designed in-house.
The C1 offers “fast and reliable connectivity, and it’s the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, in a launch video released Wednesday. Thanks to its efficiency — and an optimized internal design that allows for a bigger battery — the iPhone 16e offers an “unprecedented level of battery life in a 6.1 inch iPhone,” she added.
The Apple C1 integrates 4G, 5G, satellite and GPS radios in one chip. The C1 represents a brand-new direction for Apple silicon, alongside the company’s processors and other wireless chips. Recent Ookla speed tests suggest that the C1 modem holds its own against the Qualcomm chip in the iPhone 16, as detailed in this comparison.
The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE with a larger screen, better cameras, Apple Intelligence… and a higher price. Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple’s budget iPhone SE morphed into the new iPhone 16e Wednesday, bringing a thorough redesign with a larger screen, longer battery life, a more robust camera, and a processor that can handle Apple Intelligence tasks. It’s a whole new “budget” iPhone, and it comes at a 40% price increase over the iPhone SE 3, at $599.
This is iPhone 16e with our latest-generation Apple silicon, breakthrough battery life, an incredible high-resolution, two-in-one camera system, and the powerful features of iOS 18, all in a durable and beautiful design,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a video about the new entry-level iPhone. However, unlike the standard model, the 16e lacks some premium features like theiPhone 16 Dynamic Island, which enhances user experience with interactive notifications and multitasking improvements.
“iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 family as its most affordable member,” he added. “And it has Apple Intelligence, our powerful personal intelligence system with features that help you save time, quickly get more things done, and express yourself in new ways.”
Score a huge discount on this 15-month Norton 360 Premium subscription. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Norton 360 is a comprehensive “antivirus plus” tool that offers multiple layers of protection for your devices and personal information, all in one package. It’s more than just an antivirus. Norton 360 guards against a variety of online threats like malware, ransomware and hackers. And it offers other tools to keep you and your data safe and sound.
As effective as it is, you don’t need to be a tech pro to use Norton 360. Plus, the whole family can take advantage. Right now, you can snag a 15-month subscription covering up to 10 devices for just $32.99.
Now it can push up to 240 watts of charging power and transfer data at up toe 10Gbps. Photo: Nomad
Nomad’s popular ChargeKey USB-C cable accessory, which can live on your keychain and help with gadget charging on the go, now handles up to 240 watts and delivers faster data transfer speeds, the company said Tuesday. So it can fast-charge all of your Apple gear, including MacBooks.
All of your photos and files are in the cloud anyway — with iCloud.com, you can access them from any computer. Image: Matthew Bowden/Wikimedia Commons, D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can use the iCloud website to access all of your online Apple services from any computer, tablet or phone. This includes Find My, Mail, Photos, Invites, Files, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Notes, Calendar and Reminders. It’s really convenient if you need to find a lost device, print a file or download a picture from a different computer you’re not signed into.
The iCloud website provides easy access to all of Apple’s cloud services — and it’s even customizable for those who use it often. Let me show you how it works.
Whether watching videos or creating amazing art, find the perfect iPad at a sale price. Image: Cult of Mac
Stop procrastinating on the new iPad, iPad Pro or iPad Air you’ve been wanting. You can buy one now and save up to $200 with the iPad sales currently available.
Apple’s tablets are great whether you only want something to watch video on or are looking for a light-duty notebook. And a wide variety of models are now on sale at up to 17% off!
★★★★☆
Dio Node: Big sound in a small package. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Dio Node speakers connect to your Wi-Fi network and let you easily stream music, podcasts and more from your iPhone or Mac. Thanks to support for AirPlay, virtually any audio on the device can stream to one or more of these speakers.
I put an array of Node speakers to the test in my house. They invite an immediate comparison to HomePod mini, given the features and price, so I put them up against Apple’s smart speaker, too.
The 30th season of Major League Soccer sees new features and new ways to watch on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. Photo: Apple
Major League Soccer kicks off its milestone 30th season this Saturday, expanding its digital presence and viewer accessibility through its partnership with Apple TV. MLS Season Pass viewers can expect Vision Pro support, a new Android app a big interview with living soccer legend Lionel Messi, a new documentary series and more.
“With new ways to watch, expansive programming, and incredible exclusive content, this will be Major League Soccer’s biggest season yet,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports and Beats. “We’re excited to bring fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.”
Is this the iPhone 17 Air? Screenshot: Jon Prosser
Months before its rumored release, a YouTube video gives us a possible first look at the iPhone 17 Air. The super-slim iPhone seemingly will feature flat sides with rounded corners and a horizontal camera island at the top with a single lens. With its new design and camera setup, recording on iPhone could see significant improvements, making the iPhone 17 lineup a game-changer in mobile videography.
The iPhone 17 Air renders come from FPT, run by a famous iPhone leaker with a mixed track record, Jon Prosser.
Spend only $99.99 for a lifetime of more affordable airline tickets. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
As airfares rise, finding discounted flights seems like an impossible task. But not with Dollar Flight Club. This service does all the searching for you so you can concentrate on the important things, like finding the perfect restaurant or exotic Apple Store to hit when you arrive at your dream destination.
Apple’s digital Dvorak keyboard brings the alternative layout to iPhone. Image: Michael Bunsen/Wikimedia Commons and D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The Dvorak keyboard layout offers a different way of arranging the 26 letters of the alphabet. Dvorak puts all the most common letters right on the center row for increased typing speed. It also balances the most common letters across all 10 fingers to reduce strain. Physical Dvorak keyboards have been available for computers forever, but finally, you can get it on your iPhone and iPad.
Match wits with The CultCast hosts in our traditional predictions game. Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tim Cook’s cryptic tease about “the newest member of the [Apple] family” fuels speculation about what new products the company will announce. Let the predictions begin! While Apple’s future continues to spark debate, it’s interesting to look back at past predictions—such as when CNN speculated about Apple’s downfall. Ever wondered how much is CNN worth? Check out this historical perspective on Apple’s supposed decline.
We made our predictions live on the podcast. You can play along in our predictions game.
Also on The CultCast:
The new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds offer cool features — and come in hot colors.
Erfon defends his decisions re: his recent MacBook Pro and iPad Pro purchases.
Apple’s venture into robotics sounds pretty serious. What might the first products look like?
And finally, the first folding iPhone might arrive next year. The latest rumor gives us hope.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
You don’t have to wait for an official announcement to learn about the iPad 11. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The latest iPad 11 rumors indicate Apple’s next-gen budget tablet will look quite familiar but benefit from internal upgrades. The wait for a new budget tablet from Apple now stretches well over two years, but the iPad 11 is finally drawing near.
Here’s what to look forward to from the affordable tablet expected to launch by spring.
Will Apple Intelligence make Vision Pro more useful? Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
A major visionOS update in April will add Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro. It will reportedly also introduce an updated guest mode and a new spatial content app.
Apple will roll out these features with visionOS 2.4 in April. The beta will drop as early as the week beginning February 16th.
Apple demoed how AI is giving Siri a hefty upgrade at WWDC24. Screenshot: Apple
Apple might push back the launch of a new AI-powered version of Siri after running into unexpected problems during development.
Rather than releasing the upgraded voice assistant in April, Apple might delay the smarter Siri several months or more. Some reports suggest that Apple is adjusting its broader AI strategy, which could also impact other anticipated releases, such as spring loading Mac updates. Read more about the latest developments here.
In the meantime, users looking for a Siri picture of how the AI assistant is evolving can check out the latest updates on its development here.
Stream your favorites virtually anywhere with this portable projector. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
With an Xgody Gimbal 5 mini projector, you can turn your living room into a movie theater. The tiny gadget projects at 720p, so you can beam your favorite movies and TV shows on a wall at a giant size.
Netflix and Apple TV cooperating?! No. Image: Netflix, Apple
Netflix content started showing up for the first time in the Apple TV application. Until now, the streaming behemoth refused to cooperate with Apple’s app that displays content from a variety of services.
Netflix’s new integration with Apple TV appears to be still rolling out, so it’s not yet available to all users.
Update: A Netflix spokesperson now says integration between the streaming service and the Apple TV was just a mistake.
At 54% off the regular price, you really need more portable power in your life. Photo: Bluetti
Whether you worry about the power going out or you just want to turn that camping trip in a glamping trip, portable power like you can get with the Bluetti AC180 Portable Power Station sure comes in handy. And right now it’s a staggering 54% off at Amazon, along with several variations on it with added solar panel options at big discounts. Solar panels let you run it completely off-grid indefinitely because you’re keeping it charged from the power of the sun. See the deals below.
Discover ‘the world’s most dangerous secret’ in The Gorge on Apple TV+ in 2025. Graphic: Apple TV+
The gorge is the door to Hell.” That’s all we learn about it from the trailer for the Apple TV+ thriller of the same name coming in February. Two agents tasked with protecting the world from whatever’s hidden in the depths are strictly forbidden to go in — but you know they’re going in. For those eager to see how the film is being received, you can check outThe Gorge reviews for early impressions.
The upcoming film stars Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver.
Update:The Gorge premiered on Apple TV+ on Friday, so it’s ready to watch for Valentine’s Day.
Find sweetheart deals on genuine Microsoft software in the CdkeySales Valentine's Day Sale. Plus, add promo code CULT to get extra savings. Image: CdkeySales
Love is in the air on Valentine’s Day, and so are many-splendored savings on Microsoft productivity software products in the CdkeySales.com Valentine’s Day Sale. In fact, you could save so much money, you’ll have much more to spend on your date! So cuddle up to these amazing deals on Windows 11 Pro and other Microsoft products, which slashes prices by up to 91%. Update your PC the quick and easy way, while Windows 11 CD keys are on sale, and then spend your savings on something for your sweetie.
You also can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro key for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. And remember, always enter promo code CULT at checkout for maximum savings.
You can see this user works with an iPad. But where's the Mac mini? Photo: [email protected]
It’s a fun game for a Friday: Find the Mac mini in today’s featured setup photo, above. Or maybe it’s not so fun, because you’re doomed to failure. It’s not visible because the user mounted it on the back of his 5K Samsung ViewFinity S9 external monitor (which just happens to look just like its ultimate foe, Apple’s 5K Studio Display).
“It’s interesting to see how minimalist every Mac user seems to go with their setups,” noted a commenter. So our user quipped, “Apple store energy, hehe.”
Your iPhone and SD or microSD cards can be friends. Image: Cult of Mac
While your iPhone doesn’t have a built-in microSD card reader, adding a plug-in memory card reader is easy. And it requires no additional software. The same goes for iPads.
★★★★☆
Mark S. (Adam Scott) and Mr. Milchick, mano y mano. Milchick vows to get tough with the MDR team. Photo: Apple TV+
In our Severance season 2 episode 5 recap, the maddeningly mysterious show delivers a somber and tense episode called “Trojan’s Horse.” It picks up the pieces after last week’s not-so-shocking revelation that Helena Eagan had been masquerading as innie Helly R., and Irving B. paid with his innie life to reveal it.
Last week’s episode 4 brought us into a wintry wilderness for the world’s weirdest team-building glamping trip. It turned a spotlight on Irving B. for the first time, but it also showed his likely demise as an innie as he took an uncharacteristically bold stand in the woods. Now he gets a Lumon-style funeral.