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Google finally brings Chrome tab groups to iPhone

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Google finally brings Chrome tab groups to iPhone
The wait for Chrome tab groups on iPhone is over at last.
Photo: Google/Cult of Mac

Tab groups, a feature of Google’s Chrome desktop browser for years, finally made its way to the iPhone and iPad version of the web browser.

The goal is to bring some order to the huge pile of tabs so many people keep open.

This USB-C hub sports a stunning array of 12 ports

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Product photo of the Casa Hub Pro S USB-C hub with 12 ports including 2x HDMI.
Connect all the things with this one affordable USB-C hub.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If your MacBook only comes with two USB-C ports, a multifunctional hub like the Casa Hub Pro S proves incredibly useful. This 12-port USB-C hub — with HDMI, Ethernet and other useful connections — won’t take up much space on your desk. However, it seriously expands how you can use your laptop. And right now, it’s on sale for 17% off.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which should you buy?

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Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Which Apple Watch is right for you? Series 10 goes head to head against Ultra 2.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

The Apple Watch Series 10 packs significant upgrades over its predecessor. However, Apple did not give the same love to the Apple Watch Ultra this year. Instead of a third-gen Ultra, Apple only unveiled a new black titanium finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. That makes an unusual comparison — Apple Watch Series 10 versus Apple Watch Ultra 2 — an intriguing proposition.

The “regular” Apple Watch Series 10 comes closer to its rugged Ultra sibling than ever before. But between the two, which is the right pick for you? Read our Apple Watch Series 10 versus Apple Watch Ultra comparison to find out.

Pro Tip: Hot Corners make it easy to mouse around your Mac

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Who needs multitouch?
If you don’t have a trackpad or Magic Mouse, you can set up Hot Corners to get some of the features back.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Pro tip bug Mac Hot Corners are shortcuts for your mouse. Just throw your mouse cursor to the corner of the screen (the easiest place to hit) to perform quick actions. You can instantly lock the screen, start a screensaver, show the desktop, show all windows and more.

If you use your Mac with a standard two-button PC mouse instead of Apple’s Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse, Hot Corners can replace the multitouch gestures that you miss out on. The Mac’s built-in Hot Corners feature gives you a really quick and easy way to navigate your computer, and I recommend you turn them on and use them.

Ugreen’s new Uno chargers look like cute little robots [Updated: Now on sale]

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Ugreen Uno chargers
This little guy delivers 100 watts of charging power to devices.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen unleashed “fast and fun” robot-themed Uno series chargers for iPhone users, as well as the Revodock Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, the company said at IFA Berlin Friday.

UPDATE: Ugreen let us know Tuesday that they’ve now listed some of the Uno series charging products for sale on Amazon, including a 6-in-1 USB-C hub we didn’t include in the original post. See below.

Best MagSafe cables and chargers for iPhone 16

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These are the best MagSafe cables and chargers for iPhone 16.
MagSafe is the best way to charge your new iPhone.
Photo: Killian Bell/EdHardy/Cult of Mac

There’s no better way to charge your new iPhone 16 than with MagSafe. Pick the right charger and it’s as fast as a cable. And even when it’s a bit slower, it’s certainly the simplest and most convenient option. And, let’s face it, plugging in a cable is nowhere near as satisfying as that snap you hear when slapping a MagSafe accessory onto the back of your iPhone.

If you’ll be experiencing MagSafe for the first time with iPhone 16, it’s time to stock up on cables, charging stations and battery packs. Here are the best available right now.

Apple forced to pay the EU 13 billion euros in back taxes

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MacBook with Euros
Apple must pay the EU 13 billion euros for its Irish tax dodge.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple ran out of appeals after a Tuesday ruling by the European Union’s highest court that the iPhone-maker must pay 13 billion euros ($14.3 billion) in taxes it’s owed since 2016.

It’s the final result of a scheme in which Apple tried to lower its taxes by routing European revenues through Ireland, where it was charged a lower tax rate.

Kick out the jams with this massive JBL party speaker

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Partying with friends by the seaside with the JBL PartyBox Club 120 portable wireless party speaker.
Get a JBL PartyBox Club 120 wireless speaker for just $299.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The JBL PartyBox Club 120 takes entertainment to the next level with powerful sound and dynamic light shows that can transform any setting into a lively dance floor. Whether indoors or outdoors, this JBL party speaker’s robust audio and vibrant visual effects create an immersive atmosphere that keeps the energy high.

And the price doesn’t need to bring down the mood. You can get one of these massive party speakers in brand-new condition for just $299.99.

Watch Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ event in just 90 seconds

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90 Seconds.
Watch the event in just 90 seconds.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple It's Glowtime Event:At Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, fourth-generation AirPods and more. It was a big event — and some people complained about the length.

If you don’t have an hour and forty minutes to spare, here it is in just 90 seconds.

All the gorgeous San Francisco locations in Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ event

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San Francisco's Coit Tower, which featured in Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event.
The beautiful city of San Francisco shone as the backdrop to Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event.
Photo: Apple

While getting blitzed by an avalanche of mind-numbing specs during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, I kept marveling at how good San Francisco looked. The beautiful City by the Bay provided the backdrop to Monday’s event, with many of the presenters standing in front of gorgeous San Francisco landmarks.

San Francisco is my hometown (I’ve lived here nearly 30 years now), and it’s been getting beat up by stories about urban decay in recent years. But it’s still one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and it looked great during Apple’s live stream. Here’s a quick rundown of all the eye-popping SF locations.

Apple makes its MagSafe charger as fast as a cable

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Apple MagSafe 25W charging puck with iPhone 16
A new MagSafe charging puck from Apple is much faster than its predecessor.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:Apple improved MagSafe wireless charging in the new iPhone 16 models by increasing the maximum charging capacity. It’s a considerable jump: the handsets can charge up to 66% faster.

Wireless charging is now as fast as plugging in a cable…with the right equipment.

Check out new iPhone 16 cases from Apple (and … Beats?!?)

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Beats iPhone 16 cases
Hey, look at that: Now Beats is making iPhone 16 cases!
Photo: Beats

Apple It's Glowtime Event:You know what else comes along whenever Cupertino busts out a new set of handsets like the new iPhone 16 lineup? New iPhone cases and accessories. The company trotted some out at its “It’s Glowtime” event Monday, and in a surprise move, so did its audio subsidiary Beats.

But neither appeared to include a replacement material for the much-maligned FineWoven leather alternative that came out with iPhone 15 cases. Apple’s new cases are clear and silicone models. Beats’ cases feature a hard polycarbonate back and flexible sides.

Read more about Apple and Beats cases below, and don’t miss our roundup of the best third-party iPhone 16 cases available now.

Get 2TB of cloud storage on the cheap: Save $359 on a lifetime subscription to FolderFort

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FolderFort 2TB lifetime cloud storage deal
Why pay monthly fees for cloud storage?
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you need to clear off an old hard drive or back up your phone, a free 5GB cloud storage plan won’t go very far. If you want a reliable place to keep all of your files with guaranteed 99.99% uptime across platforms — and a low one-time rather than expensive monthly fees — try FolderFort.

FolderFort is a secure cloud storage option that currently offers a 2TB lifetime subscription for $139.99. That’s a little expensive initially, but you only pay once. Plus, it’s a 72% discount off the normal price of $499.

What we did not get at Apple’s September event

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What we did NOT get at Apple's September event
We're still waiting for some much-anticipated Apple products.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple It's Glowtime Event:Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event wrapped up Monday with several upcoming products not even having been mentioned, much less launched. Some of these were not expected to debut, like new Macs and iPads, but others were supposed to be on the agenda, like a new Apple Watch SE.

Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.

iPhone 16 Camera Control makes getting the shot a click away

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Camera Control Button iPhone 16 Pro
The Camera Control button on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro gives you instant access to your camera AND camera settings
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event: The new Camera Control on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models provides instantaneous camera access and other advanced features. With it, you can launch the Camera app, zoom in and out of your shot, initiate an AI-powered visual search and more — all with a simple tap, click or slide on the new capacitive button.

Apple changes up AirPods Max colors, swaps in USB-C

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Photo of refreshed AirPods Max headphones, which come in five new colors
AirPods Max come in five new colors: starlight, orange, purple, blue and midnight.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event: Apple breezed through a few long-overdue updates to the AirPods Max during Monday’s “It’s Glowtime” event. The minor updates include new colors for Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, tweaks to their active noise cancellation feature and the removal of the Lightning port in favor of USB-C.

Apple introduces new Visual Intelligence lookup for iPhone 16

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iPhone 16 using Visual Intelligence
iPhone 16 using Visual Intelligence.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:Visual Intelligence is a new Apple Intelligence feature that lets you get information on things around you, add events to your calendar from a poster, look up products and more. The iPhone 16 lineup’s new Camera Control feature, makes this powerful functionality instantly available at the press of a button.

After showcasing previously announced Apple Intelligence features, Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, introduced Visual Intelligence during Monday’s “It’s Glowtime” event.

“We wanted to give you the ability to instantly learn about everything you see,” said Federighi.

Visual Intelligence will be available on all iPhone 16 models.

Apple Watch Series 10 gets major upgrade, catches up with Ultra

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apple-watch-series-10-reveal
The new jet black polished aluminum Apple Watch Series 10 looks perfect for Darth Vader cosplay.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:

The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest Apple Watch yet. With a bigger screen, longer battery life, improved water resistance, and a titanium finish upgrade, it’s now a serious alternative to Apple Watch Ultra. But despite all these sporty new features, Apple Watch Series 10 looks more refined than ever, with an elegant new polished aluminum look. 

“It’s the thinnest Apple Watch ever, with our largest and most advanced display in a sleek, lightweight, all-metal case that comes in gorgeous new finishes of aluminum and polished titanium,” said Apple COO Jeff Williams during Monday’s taped “It’s Glowtime” event. “The design of Series 10 is truly a milestone of watchmaking.”

AirPods Pro can soon double as hearing aids

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AirPods Pro can soon double as hearing aids
Your AirPods Pro can help with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:AirPods Pro 2 will soon go beyond providing music and podcasts as the wireless earbuds become genuine medical-grade hearing aids.

“We’re adding this groundbreaking capability to help more than 1 billion people living with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Vice President of Health at Apple.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in black titanium, plus new Hermès model

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the new Black Titanium finish.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the new Black Titanium finish is available at its lowest ever price for Black Friday.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in a new black titanium finish — apparently the only change to the popular sports-focused smartwatch at the “It’s Glowtime” event. Dubbed “satin black,” the new finish joins the existing Ultra 2 with a natural titanium finish.

In addition, Apple showed a fancy Milanese Loop watch band to complement the satin black watch, plus a new Hermès model.

Bigger iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max beef up cameras and AI processing power

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iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Apple said iPhone 16 Pro models are the most advanced iPhones ever made (which it says every year, naturally).
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:The new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max handsets boast size increases, thinner bezels for larger screens, a leap in battery life and new features, including impressive camera and audio upgrades. And on top of that, the new A18 Pro chip brings enough raw processing power to handle resource-intensive Apple Intelligence functions, Apple said Monday at the “It’s Glowtime” event.

“iPhone 16 Pro has a stunning new design with innovations inside and out. It starts with a big improvement to the gorgeous pro displays,” said Greg “Joz” Joswiak, Apple senior VP of Worldwide Marketing. “They’re even larger at 6.3 inches on iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches an iPhone 16 Pro Max for the largest iPhone display ever, helping you see more and do more. These are by far our best iPhone displays ever.”

And they’re the best iPhones ever, which Apple CEO Tim Cook was sure to mention, as he always does.

iPhone 16 brings refined design, snazzy new colors and A18 chip

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iPhone 16 from the rear
iPhone 16 features an iPhone X-like design.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event: Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus on Monday. The new iPhones feature an iPhone X-like rear camera design and upgraded internals for Apple Intelligence support.

“iPhone 16 celebrates color in an unparalleled way. We evolved the process of developing our unique and durable color back glass to create new rich colors,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of iPhone marketing, during the “It’s Glowtime” event.

Apple refreshes AirPods with two new fourth-generation models

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AirPods 4
AirPods 4 are more advanced, and borrow much from AirPods 4.
Image: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:New fourth-generation AirPods are the latest models of Apple’s popular wireless earbuds. Two new AirPods 4 models bring advanced new features to the lower end of Apple’s lineup.

Both models of AirPods 4 feature personalized spatial audio for music and gaming. The charging case also moves to USB-C for easier charging, while delivering over 30 hours of battery life. The higher-end models add active noise cancellation, with Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness.

You can preorder both new models today, with deliveries on September 20. The entry-level AirPods start at $129, with the higher-end models priced at $179.

These new iPhone 16 cases could replace disastrous FineWoven

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Apple replaces FineWoven iPhone cases
This pristine version of a FineWoven case doesn't show any of the scratches and stains users complained about.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event: A prominent leaker with a fair-to-midding record for accuracy claims Apple will ditch its much-maligned FineWoven iPhone cases. Instead, the company will release a new alternative that appears to look like leather  — perhaps a vegan or faux variety — at the “It’s Glowtime” event Monday.

If Apple replaces FineWoven iPhone cases with something else, other accessories like Apple Watch bands likely will follow.