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Apple preps Vision Pro 2 with M4 chip and comfort upgrades

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Vision Pro 2 with M4 chip
The latest Vision Pro headset boosts processing power and improves comfort.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple prepares to launch its first major update to the Vision Pro AR/VR headset as early as this year, featuring a faster M4 processor and a redesigned strap aimed at addressing comfort complaints that have plagued the $3,499 device since its launch, according to a new report.

Up to half off: Prime Day bargains on multi-device MagSafe chargers

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Prime Day MagSafe charger deals
This 3-in-1 MagSafe charging pad from Belkin is 43% off for Prime Day.
Photo: Belkin

There’s still plenty of time left in Amazon Prime Day this week to snag deals on multi-device MagSafe chargers from Belkin and other makers. So if you want, say, Belkin’s MagSafe 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Pad for nearly half off — or other good deals on chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods from various companies — see the Amazon links below. And note that Prime Day prices may fluctuate.

Yamaha studio monitors power MacBook Pro rig’s sound [Setups]

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Yamaha studio monitors
This MacBook Pro setup features great speakers and other audio gear.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured setup sports an M1 Max MacBook Pro still going strong, but the user posted the workstation on social media to show off a newly added Mchose mechanical keyboard — an unfamiliar but solid-looking brand. And I couldn’t help notice the stellar audio gear in the mix, including excellent Yamaha studio monitors for focused sound in the room, plus a surprising array of great headphones and audio interfaces.

Score the best Prime Day deals on Beats headphones and earbuds

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Beats Studio Buds deal
These are very solid noise-canceling earbuds for about $50 after discount.
Photo: Apple

Right now you can get the best Amazon Prime Day Beats audio deals on great headphones and earbuds — some pretty close to their lowest prices ever. For example, a fresh price drop on Beats’ awesome flagship headphones, Beats Studio Pro, gives you a whopping $180 discount. At just $169.95, they’re 51% off and just $10 above their lowest-ever price.

Another great example? You can nab a whopping $80 off the excellent Beats Studio Buds+ at just $89.95 — a 47%-off discount! And you get the new Powerbeats Pro 2 sport earbuds for $198.95, or $80 off.

Why this dark horse candidate could be Apple’s next CEO

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Cartoon of Apple's current executive team with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the foreground.
The most likely person to take over as Apple CEO when Tim Cook steps down is a dark horse candidate.
Photo: Apple/Grok

With the surprise retirement of Apple COO Jeff Williams on Tuesday, all bets are off concerning the next CEO of Apple.

Williams, a 27-year Apple veteran, was widely regarded as the likely next CEO of Apple when Tim Cook eventually steps down.

But with Williams out of the running, Apple senior vice presidents John Ternus or Craig Federighi are now seen as the most probable candidates for the top spot.

But I think it could be someone else entirely — and it’s a pick I haven’t seen anyone else make.

Here’s who I think might be the next CEO of Apple, and why.

5 ways Logitech’s new iPad keyboard case beats Apple’s [Review] ★★★★

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Logitech Flip Folio review★★★★
Logitech Flip Folio stands out with a keyboard that’s not permanently affixed to its case/stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Logitech Flip Folio is a protective keyboard case and stand for iPad Pro and iPad Air models that goes head-to-head against the Apple Magic Keyboard. Having tested both, Logitech’s new offering comes out ahead of Apple’s is some ways, including wider support for screen orientations, and because the keyboard can separate from the case/stand. Plus, a hefty price advantage can’t be overlooked.

Be sure to read the full review for more details.

Grab Prime Day steals on portable speakers from Beats, Bose and others [Updated]

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Prime Day speaker - Beats Pill
Beats Pill portable speaker, recently updated, is one of several on sale for Amazon Prime Day.
Photo: Apple

Portable wireless speakers these days give home audio a run for its money — but you can take them anywhere (or enjoy them on the kitchen counter or in the shower). The likes of Beats Pill and Bluetooth boxes from companies like Bose, JBL and Soundcore keep getting smaller, more waterproof and better sounding. So gear up for summer barbecues and fall hayrides — or just having better audio in the kitchen, for that matter. Check out Prime Day speaker deals on wireless units below.

Mac shipments surge with double-digit growth

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M4 iMac in use
Apple keeps selling more and more Macs each quarter.
Photo: Apple

Mac shipments increased 21.4% in the second quarter of 2025, according to a market research firm. Apple has shown strong growth in shipments every quarter since the launch of multiple M4-powered Mac models began last autumn, and the new chip has helped grow the company’s share of the global market.

Most of the top Windows makers also saw growth last quarter, but none can match Apple’s pace.

Jeff Williams steps down as Apple COO

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Apple COO Jeff Williams
Apple COO Jeff Williams announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Photo: Apple

Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer in charge of the company’s global operations since 2010, will retire later this year. Even before then, though, his position will be filled by Sabih Khan, who currently serves as senior vice president of operations.

Apple described the move as “a long-planned succession” in a press release on Tuesday. The move certainly ends years of speculation that Williams would someday take Tim Cook’s place as Apple CEO.

Apple TV+ renews acclaimed spy series Slow Horses for seventh season

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Slow Horses season 7
Spy drama Slow Horses will see a seventh season on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Even with seasons five and six yet to stream, here comes Slow Horses season 7! Apple TV+ officially greenlit a seventh season of its hit spy drama “Slow Horses” Tuesday. So the adventures of dysfunctional British MI5 intelligence team continue. The announcement comes as the Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series continues to garner critical acclaim and build a devoted fanbase.

Slow Horses has won fans all over the world with its unique mix of self-deprecating British humor and high-octane action,” said Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+. “I’m delighted viewers will have another season to enjoy Gary’s magnificent performance as Jackson Lamb alongside the Slow Horses’ slightly inept spycraft.”

How to autofill passwords, email addresses and more on iPhone

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Instantly Autofill Anywhere
No more futzing around, looking up a password or email to copy and paste.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

AutoFill on iPhone is supposed to help you out when you’re entering a password or typing in your email. When it doesn’t work, it can be incredibly frustrating — especially if you don’t know some complicated password offhand. The phone’s supposed to remember it so you don’t have to!

Sure, you could switch over to the Passwords app — or you can instantly autofill passwords right from the text box. AutoFill works anywhere you can input text, including third-party browsers.

In addition to passwords, you can autofill credit cards, contacts and more. You can even autofill scanned text from documents, signs and more using the camera.

Here’s how it’s done.

AirPods hit all-time low prices in Amazon Prime Day sale

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Score big discounts on AirPods for Amazon Prime Day 2025.
Now's the time to buy the AirPods you always wanted.
Photo: Apple/Cult Of Mac

PrimOn the fence about buying a pair of AirPods for your iPhone or Mac? Amazon Prime Day sales are the best time to buy Apple’s wireless earbuds, with prices dropping to record lows.

Amazon already frequently discounts AirPods. But for its flagship sale event for the year, it dropped them to new lifetime low prices.

Save big on iPad, iPad Pro and iPad Air during Prime Day

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iPad Prime Day
Save big on M4 iPad Pro and M3 iPad Air and more… if you don’t delay.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Good news for anyone in the market for an iPad: Amazon Prime Day brings low prices on every tablet Apple makes. But that’s underselling it — there are amazing deals here!

The budget iPad 11 is down to a rock-bottom price, and so is the iPad mini. And Amazon significantly cut the Price of iPad Pro and iPad Air, too. We’re talking deals as good as 24% off. You can save hundreds of dollars.

Meta poaches one of Apple’s top AI brains

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new AI server chips
Apple's struggles with AI continue.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s AI ambitions take a hit as a key executive leading its AI model efforts departs the company. Meta has successfully managed to poach Ruoming Pang, who managed Apple’s foundation models team.

Meta is forming a new superintelligence team and reportedly offering pay packages of up to $100 million to attract top AI talent.

Apple Watch Prime Day sees all-time lowest prices on all major models

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Apple Watch Series 10 on sale
Score an Apple Watch Series 10 at a big discount.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

This year’s Amazon Prime Day sale may be the best one yet to score a deeply discounted Apple Watch — if supplies last.

Last year, models like the Apple Watch SE and Series 9 hit their lowest ever prices on Prime Day. This year sees all the major Apple Watch models at record lows, including the latest Series 10, the already low-price SE and the refreshed Ultra 2.

However, there’s a strong possibility stock may sell out before the four-day sale ends.

How to use the built-in Translate app on iPhone

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Don’t Leave Without This App
Apple’s Translate app is a great resource for those with wanderlust.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Translate app built into your iPhone is a hidden gem if you’re traveling abroad. It gives you the ability to download languages in advance, so you don’t have to worry about a dodgy cellular connection.

The camera lets you translate text in-line of a restaurant menu or parking meter — it could help you out of a sticky situation. The Translate app’s conversation view makes it easy having a back-and-forth with someone who doesn’t speak your native tongue.

Here’s how to make the most out of the built-in Translate app.

Save 25% on over-the-air DVR that finally lets you cut cable

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Tablo TV deal
A Tablo TV deal saves you 25% on an over-the-air DVR with antenna.
Photo: Nuvyyo/Cult of Mac

You want to cut cable, but can’t imagine giving up recording your favorite programs to watch later? That was me a few years ago, and a Tablo TV tuner was just what I was looking for. This digital video recorder from Nuvyyo captures up to two shows at once off free local airwaves, then streams them to your Apple TV, iPad or iPhone whenever you want.

Even better, you can now get one at 25% below the usual cost.

iPhone 17 leak teases Pro-exclusive design upgrades

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iPhone 17 Pro rumors
Apple might reserve the bigger design changes to the iPhone 17 Pro.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A new leak provides more details about the upcoming iPhone 17 family’s design changes, including possibly UI changes based on the Dynamic Island. While the base model will feature slight design tweaks, the Pro models will adopt a new “horizontal large matrix design.”

The entire lineup will also supposedly use narrow-bezel LIPO flat screens, a technology that enables even thinner bezels than current solutions.

Murderbot still beats almost every streaming series

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Alexander Skarsgård stars in Murderbot on Apple TV+
Alexander Skarsgård plays the eponymous Murderbot in the Apple TV+ series.
Photo: Apple TV+

The sci-fi action comedy Murderbot exploded onto the ratings charts after it reached streaming in May, and continues to be popular even as the season finale approaches. Many weeks after a launch, the series from Apple TV+ still appears on the top 10 lists of a company that tracks ratings.

Plus, Owen Wilson‘s sport comedy Stick also pulls in plenty of viewers.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: What to expect

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Rumors
You don’t have to wait until autumn to find out what the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has to offer.
Photo: Apple

After a very modest refresh last year, rumors indicate the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — set to launch this September alongside the iPhone 17 series — will mark Apple’s most ambitious wearable update yet.

Here’s what we’re expecting in 2025’s major overhaul of Apple’s rugged smartwatch. Keep reading or check out our latest video

This is how Apple torture tests its devices

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It only took roughly 6-foot drops and a bit higher to badly crack iPhone 15 Pro's front and back.
Before they ship, Apple products survive tough durability tests.
Photo: AppleTrack

Despite their sleek designs, Apple products boast impressive durability. And now, for the first time, the company has provided a look into one of its 200 durability labs, where it rigorously torture tests its products.

Apple conducts several types of trials on its devices, including environmental, liquid, drop and vibration stress tests.

Apple’s cheapest laptop ever?!? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 706: Cheapest MacBook ever?
Apple wants a low-end MacBook that's colorful and more affordable than ever.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple reportedly plans to release its cheapest MacBook ever next year. This low-cost laptop might run on an iPhone chip and help Apple convince more people to switch from Windows machines.

Could playful colors — and possibly a plastic case — make this low-end Apple laptop a hit?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple might lean on Anthropic’s Claude or OpenAI’s ChatGPT to power the long-delayed smarter Siri.
  • A new timeline lays out what to expect from the next three years of Apple Vision headsets and smart glasses.
  • In the how-to segment, we discuss our picks for the best Apple Watch faces. We also talk about why you might want to change things up.
  • In the new listener question segment, we explain what to do when you’re low on iCloud storage.
  • And in an all-new Under Review, Leander describes the benefits of three inexpensive aftermarket CarPlay screens.

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, embedded below.

iPhone 17 Pro Max could pack a seriously big battery

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iPhone 17 Pro Max rumors
Hopefully, a larger iPhone 15 Pro Max battery will boost the overall runtime significantly.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max might pack the biggest battery ever in an iPhone. A leaker indicates the phone could sport a 5,000mAh cell.

If accurate, that would be noticeably bigger than the iPhone 16 Pro and rival the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

My go-to Apple Watch Ultra band is a steal at less than $10

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Photo of an Apple Watch Ultra with an army green American flag Apple Watch band attached, hung over a piece of a tree.
Flex your patriotism with this rugged Apple Watch Ultra band with an American flag on it.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

My go-to Apple Watch Ultra band sports an American flag and a Velcro-style fastener that makes it easy to take on and off. And thanks to a sizzlin’ summertime deal on Amazon, you can grab one for less than $10.

The manufacturer’s name is Hehighti. (Never heard of ’em before buying on Amazon.) And the product’s ridiculous full name is “Rugged Nylon Band for Apple Watch Ultra Band 49mm 45mm 44mm 42mm,Soft Sport Loop Adjustable Wristbands Replacement Strap for Apple Watch Band iWatch Ultra Series 9/8/7/SE/6/5/4/3/2/1,USA Flag Army Green.”

But don’t let that Amazon SEO garbage, or the fact that the band’s not made in America, keep you from jumping on this patriotic deal.