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Pro Tip: Set up persistent notifications so you don’t miss important alerts

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Don’t let important stuff slip by
Take control of your notifications.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Pro tip bugYou can set notifications from specific apps to stick to the top of your iPhone screen. With persistent notifications in iOS, when your phone is unlocked and an important alert comes in, it will stay visible at the top of the screen until you act upon it. It’s an easy way to make sure you don’t miss (or forget about) critical notifications on your iPhone.

This proves super-handy for things like medication reminders. It also works wonders if you’re the sort of person that ignores notifications once they disappear from your iPhone screen. I’ll show you how to make your notifications sticky.

Super-loud AirNotch Pro tracker works with Apple’s Find My network

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Rolling Square AirNotch Pro and AirCard Pro
Rolling Square AirNotch Pro and AirCard Pro tracker tags are louder than AirTag.
Photo: Rolling Square

Rolling Square’s new AirNotch Pro keyring tracker uses a robust, water-resistant design. It’s louder than Apple’s AirTag, and even glows in the dark. Plus it connects to Apple’s Find My network.

The accessory-maker also unveiled AirCard Pro, a slim version for wallets and passports, on Monday.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max review roundup: A bit bigger, a bit better

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iPhone 16 Pro colors
From left, black, natural, white and the all-new desert titanium are your iPhone 16 Pro model color choices.
Photo: Apple

With iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max on order for pickup or delivery starting Friday, early reviews of the premium handsets are rolling in. Our iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max review roundup finds a lot to like in the biggest upgrades — mainly increased screen size and the cameras’ beefed up functionality.

But with Apple Intelligence still to come to test the awesome new A18 Pro chip, upgrades seem largely iterative, leaving much of the attention focused on the big jumps iPhone 16 and Plus took this year.

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review roundup: Updates worthy of an upgrade

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iPhone 16 review roundup
Early reviews say iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are worthy upgrades from older models.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus say the base handsets close the gap between them and the Pro models. With the new Action and Camera Control buttons, the powerful new A18 chip, camera improvements and the promise of upcoming Apple Intelligence functionality, users with older models have plenty of reason to upgrade from older models (especially iPhone Series 14 and older). Read our iPhone 16 review roundup to find out more.

Elevate your setup with a Casa Hub Stand Ultra with USB-C, HDMI and more

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Product photo of the Casa Hub Stand Ultra laptop and tablet stand with USB-C hub.
Make your work more comfortable with the Casa Hub Stand Ultra for laptops or iPads.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Say goodbye to awkward angles and neck strain with the Casa Hub Stand Ultra. This laptop stand with a built-in USB-C hub and magnetic iPhone dock is your ultimate ergonomic upgrade. Whether you’re working from home or enjoying some Netflix on your laptop, this stand offers the perfect height adjustment to keep you comfortable and/or productive for hours.

It works with laptops and iPads. And right now, you can get the Casa Hub Stand Ultra for just $139.99 (regularly $159).

Hall effect magnetic keyboards: The next big thing for Mac gamers?

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NuPhy Field75 HE Keyboard
The NuPhy Field75 HE Keyboard packs Hall effect magnetic switches under those key caps.
Photo: NuPhy

As a Mac user, you’re no stranger to cutting-edge technology, like the hottest new mechanical keyboards. But have you heard about Hall effect keyboards, which are gaining popularity, especially among gamers? Let’s dive into why people turn to these specialized magnetic mechanical keyboards and what they could mean for your Mac gaming setup. They’re not actually new, but more of them have hit the market lately. And a lot of people think they offer big advantages.

Encrypted RCS texting between iPhone and Android coming soon

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iPhone and iMessage get RCS in iOS 18
RCS messaging between iPhone and Android is currently missing E2EE.
Image: Apple

With RCS support, iOS 18 brings a huge upgrade to the cross-device Android and iPhone messaging experience. It enables users of both devices to share high-quality media and enjoy features like read receipts and typing indicators.

However, RCS chats between Android and iPhone lack end-to-end encryption (E2EE). The GSM Association, which developed the RCS standard, is working to fix this security gap.

Don’t install iPadOS 18 on your M4 iPad Pro

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iPadOS 18 bug
A installation bug supposedly bricked some M4 iPad Pro units while upgrading to iPadOS 18.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple temporarily stopped allowing access to the iPadOS 18 upgrade for the M3 iPad Pro. A bug apparently bricked some tablets during the installation process for the new version.

The problem only affects the iPad Pro M4. And if you already made it through the update process, there seems nothing to worry about.

Macs make people happier than any PC

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2023 iMac M3
People love their Macs.
Photo: Apple

When it comers to satisfaction, Apple sits at the top of the heap among computer makers. It beats HP, Samsung and others, according to the latest survey from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

And satisfaction with tablets improved to the point they’re essentially on par with desktops and laptops.

Time’s up: After 1 season, Apple TV+ cancels Time Bandits

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Apple TV+ cancels Time Bandits
A combination of economic factors put an end to this gang of time-traveling thieves' hijinx.
Photo: Apple TV+

Despite positive reviews, bankable star Lisa Kudrow as a main character and much-loved source material, Apple TV+ opted to pull the plug on its fantasy adventure series Time Bandits after just one season, according to a new report.

Based on Terry Gilliam’s cult classic 1981 film (but rendered in more family-friendly fashion), the show’s 10-episode first season — now streaming on Apple TV+ — will have to stand alone.

Kensington Thunderbolt 5 dock speeds through 15,000 MBps data transfers

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The Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station offers cutting-edge features to creative professionals.
The Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station offers cutting-edge features to creative professionals.
Photo: Kensington

The Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station is the first Thunderbolt 5 dock to get Intel certified. It boasts 11 ports and delivers data transfer speeds up to 120 Gbps (15,000 MBps).

The dock is intended for professionals and content creators.

Apple Watch 10 review roundup: More refined than revamped

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Apple Watch 10 review roundup
That glossy Jet Black color is new to the Apple Watch 10 aluminum cases this year.
Photo: Apple

As Apple Watch celebrates its 10th anniversary, Series 10 has arrived with a suite of refinements rather than revolutionary changes, our Apple Watch 10 review roundup found. And that’s despite the fact that a redesign took place to make the wearable larger yet slimmer. Let’s dive into what reviewers say this latest iteration brings to the table, including a larger display, faster charging and sleep apnea detection.

This portable display also acts as USB-C hub

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Plugable 15.6” USB-C Portable Display
Plugable's new external display can be your on-the-go USB-C hub, too.
Photo: Plugable

The Plugable 15.6” USB-C Portable Display connects to MacBook or iPad to add more screen space and a hub: it includes a pair of high-speed USB-C ports.

It’s intended for those who need to get loads of work done while on the go, whether from a hotel room or a coffee shop.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro comparison: Worth the upgrade?

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iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro comparison
Don't ditch your iPhone 15 Pro for the iPhone 16 Pro unless you want these specific features.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple’s best iPhone ever. But how does it compare to the company’s previous best iPhone: the iPhone 15 Pro? Our iPhone 16 Pro versus iPhone 15 Pro comparison puts the two models head-to-head.

Apple’s newest iPhone packs a bigger display, a faster chip and other nice-to-have upgrades. Do these changes add up to make the iPhone 16 Pro a compelling upgrade over the iPhone 15 Pro?

Apple Sports app brings scores to your iPhone Lock Screen

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Apple Sports app brings scores to your iPhone Lock Screen
Apple Sports app now supports Live Activities to make following games easier.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Sports 2.0 launched Monday, adding support for Live Activities so real-time game updates appear on the iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens.

The free app also takes over displaying scores in the iPhone Dynamic Island.

Apple Watch SE 3 now expected in 2025

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Apple Watch SE 3 rumors
Take heart: Apple Watch SE 3 is still on the way.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The wait for Apple Watch SE 3 goes on, though a new version of the low-cost wearable supposedly won’t be out this year.

The next model is still expected to move to a plastic casing, and offer better performance, too.

iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 arrive

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iOS 18 release date.
iOS 18 is almost here.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia Monday. After Apple showcased these operating systems in June at WWDC24, it revealed the release date for iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia’s first stable build at the “It’s Glowtime” event.

They are available now for download on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac.

Cool dark MacBook Pro rig pairs HomePod minis [Setups]

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HomePod mini stands
Those black-looking orbs are actually paired HomePod mini smart speakers on stands. Blame the mood lighting.
Photo: [email protected]

What’s better than a HomePod? Well, two HomePods, obviously — especially if they’re paired for true stereo sound. Today’s MacBook Pro and Xbox setup, under-lit for a dark and moody vibe, includes AirPods Pro 2 but gets its robust in-room audio from a set of paired HomePod minis placed on HomePod mini stands near the back corners of the desk.

AirPods 4 review roundup: ANC really works without ear tips

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Apple AirPods 4 in use
AirPods 4 are available with active noise cancellation, even without ear tips.
Screenshot: Apple/Cult of Mac

The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are in to answer the question, how well does active noise cancellation work without foam ear tips? The consensus: pretty well.

Early reviewers of the new wireless earbuds also had plenty to say about fit, sound quality and more.

Apple TV+ bags 10 Emmys, including first for Slow Horses

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Apple TV+ wins 10 Primetime Emmy Awards
"Slow Horses" creator and executive producer Will Smith won a Primetime Emmy for the show's writing.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ scored 10 wins at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, including the first for darkly comedic espionage thriller Slow Horses, plus a second for The Morning Show star Billy Crudup as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

In all, five Apple TV+ shows and one commercial won Primetime Emmys, on top of the eight wins that five shows garnered recently in the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Primetime-winning shows included Palm Royale, Lessons in Chemistry, Masters of the Air and Girls State.

Discover how to write AI prompts for ChatGPT and Midjourney

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An image of a hand and the word
Learn to write AI prompts that generate the results you want.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It takes a lot of trial and error (emphasis on error) get AI to produce the results you’re looking for. Learn how to use AI tools with the 2024 AI Super Skills Bundle. This collection of eight courses brims with lectures and tips showing you how to use popular AI tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E and Midjourney.

Usually, this AI training bundle costs $152. But you can get it on sale for just $29.99.

Everything new in visionOS 2

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visionOS 2 bento box
visionOS 2 packs small new features that will have a big impact on daily usage.
Image: Apple

visionOS 2 adds a whole bunch of fantastic new quality-of-life features to Apple’s premium mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. New hand gestures make it easy to bring up the Home View or Control Center, Spatial Photos are a great way to look at your pictures and the new virtual environments are a visual treat.

visionOS 2 is a fantastic update you should install right away — and it’s out right now. Find it in Settings > General > Software Update.

After you update, here’s the list of things you can check out.