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How to arrange an external screen in iPadOS

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iPad display arrangement: How to
iPadOS lets you place your external iPad display wherever you like.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

High-end and midrange iPads can make full use of an external display. Anyone who uses a second screen for their iPad needs to know how to tell iPadOS where the external display is positioned: left, right or above the tablet. However, it’s not that simple to find the setting that lets you adjust your iPad display arrangement.

Apple buried the necessary setting. Here’s how to find it.

M4 vs. M3 MacBook Pro comparison: What’s different?

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M3 vs. M4 MacBook Pro comparison
How's the M4 MacBook Pro family different from its M3 predecessors?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple gave its MacBook Pro lineup an M4-focused refresh last week. From the outside, the new laptops might look the same as their M3 predecessors, but that’s not the case.

Look closely, and you’ll notice the M4 MacBook Pros come with subtle yet important upgrades. Read below to learn everything that’s changed between the M4 and M3 MacBook Pro family.

Get AI-powered PDF editing and storage for life at a major discount

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Man using his computer with AI PDF editor Afirstsoft PDF.
With no recurring costs, Afirstsoft PDF’s lifetime subscription puts premium AI tools at your disposal for as long as you need them.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

For anyone who works with PDFs regularly, AI-powered PDF editor Afirstsoft PDF might be the secret weapon you need. This tool brings AI right into your PDF management, and you can score lifetime access at a one-time price.

If you’re tired of digging through pages of dense content just to find the info you need, Afirstsoft PDF can save you serious time. Get lifetime access for just $49.99 (regularly $179).

Your iPhone could soon show how long it takes to charge

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ESR Qi2 3-in-1 charging station showing iPhone and AirPods on charge
iPhones currently do not display how long they will take to charge.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

iOS 18.2 could introduce a new feature that would tell how long your iPhone will take to charge. As of now, iPhones only show the battery percentage while charging and little else.

Almost all Android phones show the remaining time for a full charge on the lock screen when topping up their battery wired or wirelessly.

Tiny game controller offers outsize iPhone retro gaming fun [Review] ★★★☆☆

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CRKD Atom iPhone game controller review★★★☆☆
CRKD Atom is a tiny but usable game controller… for the right type of game.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The CRKD Atom looks small enough to be a game controller for a doll, but it’s designed to clip on your keychain for gameplay wherever you go. It’s a way to have some fun with your iPhone when you find yourself with some unexpected time to kill.

I played with it, and while the complete lack of sticks greatly limits the controller, it’s possible to have fun with retro games.

Nab more than 100 great Apple deals in this early holiday sale

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Apple holiday deals
Maybe lays hands on an M3 Max MacBook Pro for the holidays.
Photo: Apple

Doesn’t it seem like the B&H Photo Holiday Head Start sale gets going earlier every year? Just kidding, never heard of it — but it looks tempting all the same. Sorting by brand, we saw that you can scroll down the page to see miles of Apple holiday deals, bagging more than 100 great bargains on pretty much the whole range of products, from MacBooks to AirTags.

Always drink clean, tasty water with the Viomi V8 filter system

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Viomi Vortex 8 water purifier
This high-capacity water filtration system ensures you always have clean, tasty H2O.
Photo: Viomi

There’s nothing more crucial to healthy living than clean water. One of the best ways to ensure you have it at home is to use a robust, high-capacity water filtration system like the Viomi Vortex 8 reverse osmosis water purifier. And not only will your water be clean with the Viomi V8 — it will be tasty and extra-healthy because it’s mineral-enhanced.

In a launch day special on Kickstarter, you can get the Viomi V8 for just $299 ($349 with extra filter). That’s 42% off an advanced water-purification system that will produce four years of clean water, so you can stop wasting money on bottled water.

Follow live election results on your iPhone or iPad Lock Screen [Updated]

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Photo of American flag to illustrate story on live election results on iPhone and iPad.
Apple News makes it easy to stay on top of the latest election results.
Photo: Meadow Marie/Unsplash License

Update: With the U.S. election now over, this feature has been disabled.

As Americans head to the polls Tuesday for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Apple makes it easier than ever for iOS users to stay informed with real-time results. The Apple News app’s Live Activities feature displayed election results right on an iPhone or iPad’s Lock Screen and Home Screen.

You can set it up with just one tap in Apple News on each device. But watch out: Doing so could ensure you’ll obsessively look at your devices thousands of times in the next couple days as results come in.

Super-slim espresso Display 15 offers luxury on a budget

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espresso Display 15 with with Stand+
espresso Display 15 with with Stand+
Photo: espresso Displays

The espresso Display 15, an ultra-thin 15-inch monitor, launched Tuesday. It boasts an aerospace aluminum casing, not the usual plastic, but a lower price than previous high-end portable displays from this company. It gets power and data from a MacBook or iPad via a single USB-C connection.

It’s paired with Stand+, an ergonomic stand with a surprising trick.

Learning a second language? This app lets you talk to native speakers.

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Woman using her phone with discount HelloTalk VIP app installed
Get a HelloTalk VIP lifetime subscription for just $119.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s hard to jump into a conversation in a second language, even if you’ve been practicing on your own. Without someone to talk to, it’s hard to know if you’re getting things just right. This HelloTalk VIP discount changes that by giving you direct access to native speakers of other languages, making language learning practical, social and genuinely enjoyable.

This isn’t just another language app — it’s a chance to explore more than 150 languages through real conversations with millions of users worldwide. And right now, a lifetime subscription is 40% off.

Apple’s next iPad Air could get a 90Hz display

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Apple's next iPad Air might get a 90Hz display.
An iPad Air with 90Hz display? Yes, please!
Photo: Apple

Apple is allegedly working on a 90Hz display for the next-gen iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and the Studio Display. All these devices currently sport a 60Hz panel.

The 90Hz screen will apparently debut on the M3 iPad Air before making its way to other devices. Apple’s focus on display technology aligns with its iterative improvements in the iPhone lineup, including models like the iPhone 3 SE, which aimed to balance affordability with performance.

The 90Hz screen will apparently debut on the M3 iPad Air before making its way to other devices.

How to find your lost iPhone with Apple Watch

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Can You Hear Me Now?
There are several ways you can quickly find a misplaced iPhone with another Apple device.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Everyone misplaces their iPhone.* You’re walking around, you set down your iPhone, you do some chores, you get ready to go. Where is it? If you own an Apple Watch, it really is the fastest way to find your lost iPhone.

It’s totally easy to ping your iPhone from your Apple Watch. At the push of a button, you can make your iPhone ring, even if it’s on silent. And, while you might know about the basic feature that lets you ping your iPhone, the Apple Watch also offers advanced options for tracking down your missing device.

Bonus: Even if you don’t own an Apple Watch, anyone in your Family Sharing group can ring your iPhone even louder with the Find My app. And if you don’t have a family, you can use any other device signed into your Apple account.

Developer with dual Mac minis goes from 4 displays to 1 weirdly cool one [Setups]

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LG DualUp monitor
This developer runs a pair of Mac minis, but the setup's real conversation starter is that LG DualUp monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

In the world of high-resolution external displays, the LG DualUp monitor holds a special place. It’s a bit weird. The square-ish 28-inch display has an 18:16 aspect ratio, similar to two stacked displays. A developer swears by it because he no longer has to turn his head constantly, like he did when he used four 24-inch displays. And the monitor isn’t the only odd bit in his computer setup. He also uses two Mac mini desktop computers. He explains why below.

New iPads bring only modest increase to Apple tablet shipments

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iPad Air M2 with Apple Pencil Pro
iPad Air helped buoy Apple tablet shipments in Q3 2024.
Image: Apple

iPad shipments grew only slightly last quarter, according to a market research firm, despite the release of new high-end and mid-range tablets in the spring. The lack of a new entry-level tablet from Apple significantly affected the shipment total.

Still, Apple itself showed a larger year-over-year bump in revenue during the third quarter of 2024 from this class of computer.

Pricey new charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods tempts with good looks [Review] ★★★★☆

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Journey Nova charger portrait★★★★☆
So that's a ... charger?
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In a world of look-alike 3-in-1 chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, the new Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station stands out. Like its distinctive looks or not, seeing it without any devices charging might make you wonder what the hell it is — an abstract sculpture, or maybe a prop from the original Star Trek? But for many it could be the sleek charger that subtly fits in with modern decor — if they’re willing to pay the hefty asking price ($139.99).

M4 Macs: So much to love [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 671: M4 Pro and M4 Max chips from the new M4 Macs.
You can almost feel the power of the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After a whirlwind week of M4 Mac releases, we weigh up the pros (tons) and cons (very few). Mostly it’s a lovefest as we talk about the new M4 Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pros.

Also on The CultCast:

  • What’s up with Apple putting the new Mac mini power button on the bottom? (Luckily, the internet has some “fixes.”)
  • Apple surprised us by upgrading the RAM on M2 and M3 MacBook Airs — without raising the prices!
  • We wrap up with a discussion of what new Apple gear we ordered after this week’s Mac-o-rama.

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.

Should you upgrade to the 2024 MacBook Pro with M4?

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Should You Upgrade to the New M4 MacBook Pro?
Is it time for a new MacBook Pro?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is the new M4 MacBook Pro worth it? The latest models come with impressive power and unbelievable battery life. Even if you bought the M1 model, the new version may be a huge boost in performance.

Is it worthwhile to upgrade? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.

Should you upgrade to the 2024 iMac with M4?

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Should You Upgrade to the New M4 iMac?
Is it time for a new iMac?
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is the new M4 iMac worth it? Should you upgrade and buy one? The latest models come with a big boost in performance and brighter, refreshing colors. It’s a solid upgrade if you’re still on an older model.

Of course, depending on your preferences, Apple may no longer make an iMac for you. You might want to consider the new Mac mini with a Studio Display.

Is it worthwhile to upgrade? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.