Mobile menu toggle

Vince Gilligan’s darkly comical new Apple TV drama Pluribus streams Friday

By

Pluribus season 1
Pluribus debuts November 7 on Apple TV.
Photo: Apple TV

How would it feel to be the last unhappy person on Earth, and the world’s resources are trained on making you happy? You can get progressively bigger tastes of such a world through trailers, below — or you can start tuning in Friday when Apple TV streams Pluribus, from Breaking Bad and X-Files creator Vince Gilligan,

As I said when the official trailer dropped, for my money, the rampant happiness the world’s population apparently feels — aside from the story’s main character — is actually some sort of contagion with dire consequences. And she has immunity. 

Reviews so far are positive. The Guardian calls the “audacity” of the “intrepid” and “blackly comic” show “incredible,” while also revealing a cause of the worldwide happiness that jibes with my theory above. Variety says Rhea Seehorn is “magnificent” on the show. The BBC describes it as “George Orwell meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” And lots of reviews invoke Gilligan’s X-Files while some prefer references to The Twilight Zone

Apple TV went to crazy lengths to create its new visual branding

By

Apple TV's colorful new logo
Apple TV has a colorful new logo to go with its simplified name. And that's just the start of the rebranding campaign.
Image: Apple

Apple used a giant glass Apple TV logo, colorfully lit and filmed in a studio, to create the new visual branding that will run before the streaming service’s shows.

The translucent logo seems to flip like the pages of a book, with colors changing all the while, in the mesmerizing video snippets.

“Many might assume the visual effects were made digitally, but in fact, it was all done practically using glass and captured in-camera,” Ad Age reported Wednesday.

A short behind-the-scenes video shows the extraordinary lengths the streamer and its storied ad agency went to create the striking visuals.

Deal knocks $20 off Apple Watch Ultra 3

By

Marketing image of Apple Watch Ultra 3 used to illustrate a deal on the wearable
This is your first chance to save big on Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Photo: Apple

The latest sale on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 cuts the price of the rugged smartwatch to just $779.99

Apple unveiled the Ultra 3, which retails for $799, last September during its Awe Dropping event. It’s a high-end wearable aimed at extreme athletes (and people who just like its rugged looks and long battery life).

How to reset your iPhone before trading in or selling

By

Factory Reset iPhone
It’s easy to factory reset your iPhone.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You’ll want to reset your iPhone if you’re trading it in, selling it or passing it down to another family member. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.

If you don’t fully reset the phone, it’ll still be locked to your Apple Account — and the phone will be effectively useless to anyone who tries to use it.

Follow along to make sure you reset your iPhone the right way.

Today in Apple history: iTunes sales hit astonishing new heights

By

iPod silhouette ad, part of the marketing campaign that boosted iTunes Music Store sales
iTunes coming to Windows proved a smart move for Apple.
Photo: Apple

November 6: Today in Apple history: After porting iTunes to Windows, iTunes sales hit 1.5 million downloads in one week November 6, 2003: After porting iTunes to Windows, Apple sets a new record for digital music sales: a massive 1.5 million downloads in one week.

Bringing the iTunes Music Store to PC users opens up a new, lucrative market for Apple. The record-breaking sales clock in at five times more than the 300,000 downloads that peer-to-peer file-sharing service Napster achieved in its debut week (remember it?). And 1.5 million is more than double the 600,000 iTunes downloads per week Apple reported selling to Mac users prior to the Windows release.

How to turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26.1 if you hate it

By

Turn off Liquid Glass
You can easily deactivate Liquid Glass in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe if you really can’t tolerate it.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Liquid Glass in iOS 26 brings dramatic change to the look of the iPhone user interface, so it’s no surprise that some people hate it. If it’s just not for you, the option to turn off Liquid Glass was added in iOS 26.1. And it’s easy.

The same setting is available in macOS Tahoe 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, so you can turn off Liquid Glass on all your devices. Here’s how:

This unrestricted AI generator lets you create NSFW images

By

AI-generated images produced by NSFW AI image generator Imagiyo
Secure a lifetime subscription to the Imagiyo AI image generator for just $29 and make any kind of images you want.
Image: Cult of Mac Deals

AI image generator Imagiyo lets you create all kinds of images — even NSFW ones. That’s how unbounded this new AI tool is.

It doesn’t matter if you’re designing for a business, crafting unique artwork, or just exploring the creative potential of AI, this powerful tool puts complete control at your fingertips. No subscriptions, no watermarks, no limits — just a simple, intuitive platform that transforms text prompts into stunning, high-quality visuals.

Right now, you can get lifetime access to Imagiyo for just $29 (down from $345). With this deal, the AI generator will let you create up to 250 images per month (including NSFW ones), in any resolution you choose. Unlike other AI image generators that lock features behind expensive monthly plans, this deal allows you to create professional-quality artwork (including for commercial use) without recurring fees.

Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem

By

iPhone Air wide-angle camera
This mockup shows what the dual-camera system might look like.
Photo: Digital Chat Station via Weibo

Apple might address one of the biggest criticisms of its ultra-thin iPhone Air by adding a second camera to the next-generation model, according to a new leak Thursday from a reliable source with knowledge of the company’s supply chain. Unfortunately, it looks like the new addition to the iPhone Air will be a wide-angle camera, not the popular telephoto found in iPhone Pro models.

However, if the dual-camera system materializes, it would make the iPhone Air a more compelling option for users seeking an ultra-thin device without sacrificing essential photography features.

Google Chrome AI Mode shortcut finally lands on iPhone

By

AI Mode in Google Chrome
AI Mode in Google Chrome will change the way you search.
Graphics: Google/Rajesh Pandey

Google Chrome is getting a dedicated AI Mode button on iOS and Android. AI Mode is an AI-powered search solution from Google; think of it like the company’s take on ChatGPT.

Google rolled out AI Mode in Chrome for Windows and Mac earlier this year. 

Google Maps gets a Gemini boost for smarter navigation

By

Gemini comes to Google Maps.
Gemini comes to Google Maps.
Photo: Google

Google will integrate AI into Google Maps to make navigation even better. With Gemini integration in Google Maps, you’ll gain access to a smart co-passenger on your phone that can help you reach your destination easily.

Thanks to Gemini’s AI prowess, Google Maps can now proactively notify you of traffic disruptions. Or help find a fuel stop — all hands-free and through a natural conversation.

Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix

By

Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix
At the heart of the new Siri will be Google AI. But it’s not as bad as you might think.
Graphic: Apple/Google

The brains behind the upcoming AI-enhanced version of Siri will reportedly be provided by Google, not Apple’s own tech. For a hefty price.

Google’s software will supposedly run on Apple servers, so user data isn’t being handed over to Google.

How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future

By

CarPlay's future
Nice CarPlay updates in iOS 26 aside, the system's future faces big challenges.
Photo: Apple

For millions of iPhone users, Apple’s CarPlay marries basic transportation with a satisfying technology experience for navigation, entertainment and more.

But an expert’s new report points to troubling reasons why CarPlay’s days may be numbered, thanks to a growing automotive industry profit motive. Yes, of course, it’s all about money. 

Apple quietly added this awesome feature in iOS 26.1

By

The best iOS 26.1 feature you probably haven’t noticed yet
Apple made a simple change in iOS 26.1 that you’ll probably love.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

My favorite change in iOS 26.1 has nothing to do with Liquid Glass, though cosmetic tweaks to the glossy user interface have drawn the most attention in the latest OS update. To me, the biggest improvement is the option to disable the Lock Screen swipe to open the iPhone’s Camera app.

I frequently pull out my iPhone to find the Camera app has been running in my pocket, draining the battery. It’s that damn Lock Screen swipe at fault. If this happens to you, too, here’s how to disable it in iOS 26.1.

Today in Apple history: Fortune names Steve Jobs ‘CEO of the decade’

By

Steve
Steve Jobs was rounding out a brilliant 10 years at Apple.
Photo: Stanford University

November 5: Today in Apple history: Fortune magazine names Steve Jobs CEO of the decade November 5, 2009: Fortune magazine names Steve Jobs “CEO of the decade.” The accolade comes just four months after Jobs returned to Apple after undergoing a liver transplant.

The business publication credits Jobs with transforming multiple industries, as well as continuing Apple’s meteoric rise. These achievements seem particularly noteworthy considering the tough economic conditions of the 2008 financial crash.

Sleek Nomad Stand One chargers for iPhone and more just got a lot faster

By

Nomad Stand One Qi2.2 chargers
The Nomad Stand One Max is a 3-in-1, powering up Apple Watch in addition to iPhone and AirPods.
Photo: Nomad

Nomad launched updated versions of its Stand One and Stand One Max wireless chargers Tuesday, bringing support for the new Qi2.2 standard. It enables 25W fast charging for compatible iPhones. The upgrade matches the charging speeds of Apple’s latest MagSafe chargers and represents a significant improvement over the 15W charging supported by previous Qi2 models.

Get a first-gen Apple Pencil for just $45 (half off!)

By

Close-up photo of a person's hand holding a refurbished Apple Pencil above an iPad
Save 54% on this refurbed of Apple Pencil.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This grade-A refurbished first-gen Apple Pencil comes with a USB-C adapter and costs just $44.99. It gives iPad owners powerful drawing, writing and productivity features, without the full retail cost of the latest models.

Check compatibility below to see if this stylus will work with your iPad. If it does, get ready to save!

5 Apple products I wish I never bought

By

Image of red Apple logo that's melting
Most times, Apple nails it. But not always.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Apple makes some of the best tech products in the world — beautifully designed, powerful and reliable. But even the best stumble sometimes.

Over the years, I’ve used plenty of Apple devices that looked great on paper but turned out to be frustrating in practice. Here are the ones that made me question Apple’s “it just works” mantra.

Jawohl! Full Live Translation with AirPods coming to EU.

By

Live Translation with AirPods
Live Translation with AirPods breaks the language barrier.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s nifty new feature that lets AirPods translate speech in real time will reportedly become available to EU residents while they’re in Europe next month.

That will put an end to an odd situation: Currently, non-Europeans can use the AirPods Live Translation feature while in Europe, and EU residents can use it when traveling outside the European Union but not within the EU.

Save up to 32% on Apple’s official iPhone 17 cases

By

Photo of a cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro in an orange Apple silicone case, sitting on a bathroom sink.
Apple's silicone cases feel silky smooth and come in a variety of vibrant colors.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Getting an iPhone case has never been more important with the new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models seemingly quite susceptible to scratches. Fortunately, deals save you up to 26% on the full range of official Apple cases for the new models: bumper case, silicone case and clear case (just not TechWoven).

An iPhone case is always a good idea, especially with these deals. But don’t delay — the savings are available for a limited time.

Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’

By

Apple developing low-cost laptop
A new budget MacBook might not look much different from this M1 MacBook Air. And the new Mac's iPhone processor may outperform the M1 chip.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Apple is working on its first low-cost laptop, a strategic departure from its traditional premium approach that could shake up the education and entry-level PC markets, according to a new report. And some responses on social media suggest the PC industry is, indeed, “freaking out” over it.

WhatsApp finally brings messages, voice notes and calls to Apple Watch

By

Whatsapp for Apple Watch
A dedicated WhatsApp for Apple Watch is finally here.
Photo: Meta

A decade after Apple Watch launched, WhatsApp finally launched a dedicated app for the smartwatch Tuesday — ending years of frustration for users who could only respond to notifications from their wrist. The messaging service brings full chat functionality to your wrist with support for messages, voice notes and calls, Meta said. 

Today in Apple history: Apple sets up shop inside CompUSA stores

By

Desiring more control over how Macs got sold, Apple turned to CompUSA.
Desiring more control over how Macs got sold, Apple turned to CompUSA.
Photo: Coolcaesar/Wikipedia CC

November 4: Today in Apple history: Apple CompUSA November 4, 1997: Apple unveils its plan to open small “store within a store” areas inside CompUSA outlets around the United States. Apple-trained employees will staff these mini-stores and sing the praises of the Mac and other Apple products.

The move gives Cupertino more control over the way its products are displayed and demoed to consumers. While ultimately disappointing, Apple’s CompUSA experiment paves the way for the flagship Apple Stores that will launch four years later and become the world’s most profitable retail outlets.

Your MacBook needs the ‘world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive’

By

SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive: In use
You can carry your MacBook around without removing the SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive.
Photo: SanDisk

The SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive packs up to a terabyte of storage, but is tiny enough that you can leave it plugged into your MacBook. SanDisk touts it as “the world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive.”

Outgrown the storage capacity of your older MacBook? This drive could be just the boost you’re looking for.

The mini SSD can even be used with an iPhone, as well as an iPad.