The iPhone 17 could have the same size screen as the iPhone 16 Pro. Image: Cult of Mac
The standard iPhone 17 model will almost certainly include a larger screen. That’s been rumored before, and a very reliable source for display-related insider information said Thursday that the display is getting a boost above the 6.1-inch screen in the current iPhone 16, moving up to 6.3 inches.
The same source also gave exact display sizes for the other three models in the iPhone 17 series.
Run Windows XP, Mac OS 9, Windows 11, Super Mario Bros. and more on your Mac. Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Collecting old video game consoles and vintage computers is a fun hobby, but keeping all that hardware working can quickly become an expensive, never-ending task — not to mention all the space you need just to store the gear. You might instead (wisely) opt to play your favorite games and software using emulators for your Mac.
In this guide to Mac emulation, I’ll walk you through the best apps you can use to accomplish the two most common scenarios: playing old video games, and taking Classic Mac OS for a test drive on a modern Mac. Plus, I’ll wrap up with the easiest way to virtualize modern operating systems like Windows and Linux on your Mac. (This handy virtualization software also works for old and obscure computer operating systems.)
Best of all, each of these Mac emulation methods is free and open source.
UPDF just got better, with AI-powered tools that make working with PDFs easier than ever. Image: Superace
PDF files are everywhere online. Working with them shouldn’t be a headache. But common pain points include difficulties editing documents, trouble handling large file sizes, compatibility problems across platforms, security worries over data leaks, ineffective search capabilities, and poor annotation and collaboration tools. Plus, many users also balk at Adobe Acrobat’s expensive subscription fees. These frustrations highlight the need for a robust solution — and UPDF 2.0 emerges as the perfect answer.
After launching in 2022, the UPDF brand quickly won over 3 million users worldwide. Thursday’s launch of UPDF 2.0 takes PDF editing to the next level with enhanced AI capabilities, streamlined workflows and powerful new features. They make document management effortless across all your Apple devices.
US devs saw $406 billion in App Store sales and billings in 2024. Photo: Apple
Apple’s App Store ecosystem reached a milestone in 2024, facilitating $406 billion in developer billings and sales in the United States alone, according to a new study Apple commissioned. And over the past 5 years, App Store sales growth means U.S. developers’ earnings more than doubled, the iPhone giant said.
“For more than 15 years, the App Store has created incredible opportunity for app developers, entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release Thursday. “That includes the many U.S. developers who are innovating, building their businesses and finding exceptional success on the App Store.
“We’ll continue to invest in powerful tools, technology, and resources to help developers in the U.S. and around the world take their apps to new heights and create transformative experiences for users,” he added.
Apple Vision Air could be the iPhone replacement. Eventually. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple makes the bestselling phone, smartwatch and wireless headphones, and is fantastically profitable as a result. But if it can’t develop the Next Big Thing, it could easily be out of business in 10 years. But there’s no cause for concern — Apple is already working on the product that’ll replace the iPhone: smart glasses.
Even better, Apple is taking two approaches for developing smart glasses, which should go a long way toward ensuring that it makes the definitive version of the must-have computer of the 2030s.
Get an unlocked iPhone 12 at a fraction of its original price. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Who’s still paying full price for an iPhone? Not us. Especially when you can score a fully unlocked iPhone 12 refurbished model for just $229.99 — a fraction of the $799 you’d spend for an iPhone 16.
Wondering how we’re able to practically give away these iPhones? They’re refurbished devices. But that doesn’t mean they’re janky hand-me-downs like you’d get when your mom upgrades her old cellphone. Like Apple’s refurbished line, these are restored to near-mint condition for the best experience … and massive savings.
Would you accept a thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max for better battery life? Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 17 Air should become Apple’s lightest and thinnest iPhone yet later this year. In contrast, the company will seemingly take the opposite direction with its Pro Max model, making it thicker and heavier.
A hands-on video of an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy unit reveals what could be its final, noticeably thicker design.
So your OS names are going to seem to leap forward to 26 soon. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
Apple might make a major change to the naming convention for all its operating systems this year, switching all OS version numbers to years, according to a new report. The switch, which Apple reportedly will roll out at WWDC25 on June 9, would bring consistency across all its operating systems for the first time.
More people around the world buy the iPhone 16 than any other model. Photo: Apple
The iPhone 16 is the bestselling smartphone in the world, according to a market research firm. In fact, the global list of the top five bestselling handsets in the first quarter of 2025 includes four iPhones and one Samsung model in the bottom slot.
According to the analysts, the iPhone 16 base model outsold either of the Pro variants in Q1.
Four new accessories, including eyeglasses case and wallet tracker, bring the FindAll lineup to five items. Photo: Satechi
Satechi expanded its FindAll lineup Wednesday, adding four new trackable accessories that seamlessly integrate with Apple’s Find My network. The new items — an eyeglasses case, a wallet tracker, a luggage tag and a keychain — join Satechi’s passport holder.
This setup's M4 Mac mini handles most of the work, as the M1 MacBook Pro is "semi-retired" (but still going strong). Photo: [email protected]
Apple silicon computers have serious staying power. Setups left and right feature M1 machines, released in late 2020, including today’s featured setup. The user said their M4 Mac mini pretty much took over for their M1 MacBook Pro in the workstation. So they reserve their “semi-retired” laptop for outdoor use, though it’s still running strong after more than five years of constant use.
The interest rate earned by Apple Card Savings accounts just slipped again. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The interest rate earned by cash stored in Apple Card Savings accounts dropped on Wednesday, continuing a series of such reductions begun in 2024 when the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate. Money in these accounts now earns 3.65% in annual interest.
Over the past two years, Apple and Goldman Sachs boosted and lowered in the rate multiple times. And the current rate is still well above what’s earned by typical savings accounts.
New beat-making and production updates enhance Apple's Logic Pro software. Photo: Apple
Powerful new Logic Pro updates for Mac and iPad will transform how musicians create beats and produce electronic music, Apple said Wednesday. The updates bring enhanced audio processing capabilities, innovative recording recovery features and fresh sound libraries.
Loud and proud in the update mix are the improved AI-driven Stem Splitter, which can make multiple audio tracks from one recording, and the new Flashback Capture, for those times you make great sounds but forget to hit “record.”
Get a capable Apple tablet at a very affordable price. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
This refurbished iPad Air is a good fit for work, school or just relaxing with your favorite show. It’s also on sale for only $169.99.
If you want a lightweight device for streaming, reading, video calls and work, an iPad is hard to beat. And while the newest models tend to come with a steep price tag, older generations offer an affordable alternative.
Raycast transforms how you get things done on a Mac. Photo: Raycast/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Anyone who’s used a Mac for years understands the value of Spotlight search, as it can quickly help you search through your Mac, email, apps, and system settings. But if you want to take things to the next level, check out Raycast — a powerful Spotlight alternative that goes beyond simple search.
From setting reminders and tracking flights to running Terminal commands and finding files, Raycast is built for speed and efficiency. It really is a Swiss Army knife for your Mac. Here’s how I use it to supercharge my productivity on the Mac.
iOS 19 might address a big flaw with eSIM transfers. Illustration: ChatGPT
Apple could make moving eSIMs from iPhone to Android easier with iOS 19. Evidence found in the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 suggests that Apple and Google are working closely to achieve this.
Currently, it’s not possible to directly move an eSIM from an iPhone to Android.
An application highlighting games on iPhone and Mac is on the way. Photo: Gemini/Cult of mac
A new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV, according to an unconfirmed report from Tuesday.
It’ll replace the current Game Center, track users’ in-game achievements, give players a way to communicate with other gamers, and more.
A new study funded by Qualcomm shows its modem chips topping C1 in real-world, New York City conditions. Photo: Apple
A new Qualcomm study suggests the company’s modems outperform Apple’s first in-house modem chip, the C1 — particularly in challenging urban network conditions.
The research from Cellular Insights, funded by Qualcomm, tested the iPhone 16e — Apple’s first device to feature the company’s homegrown C1 modem — against Android smartphones powered by Qualcomm chips on T-Mobile’s 5G network in New York City.
Today, your home internet might come from satellites and Apple, except the company changed its mind. Photo: Globalstar
Your iPhone and home internet service could come beamed from satellites in orbit in a service provided by Apple — but no. The company reportedly spent millions investigating the idea before dropping it.
Instead, recent iPhones have limited access to satellite connectivity, and even that brought Apple into conflict with Elon Musk and Starlink.
★★★★☆
The Zagg 6-port Media Hub features an iPad stand, useful ports plus media controls. Photo: Zagg
The Zagg 6-port Media Hub includes a flip-up iPad stand, an HDMI port, a USB-A port and more, with the standout feature being an easily accessible set of media controls. And all this fits into the same space on your desktop as a more conventional tablet stand.
I used the iPad hub/stand in my home for weeks, and it does its job well. That said, a design quirk might limit its appeal.
WhatsApp for iPad is finally here. Screenshot: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
After years of waiting, WhatsApp finally landed on the iPad on Tuesday. You can now use Meta’s popular messaging service on your iPad alongside other devices.
Like on the Mac, WhatsApp’s iPad app won’t let you register with a new number. It functions solely as a companion device linked to a primary phone.
Apple said it blocks $9 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past five years. Photo: Apple
Apple revealed its App Store prevented more than $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024 alone, contributing to over $9 billion in blocked fraudulent activity across the past five years. But as the App Store blocks fraud, the figures highlight the tech giant’s ongoing battle against increasingly sophisticated bad actors attempting to exploit users and developers on its platform.
The massive fraud prevention effort protects the App Store’s 813 million weekly visitors across 175 regions worldwide. Since its 2008 launch, Apple’s marketplace has grown into one of the world’s most trusted digital storefronts, Apple said. But maintaining that reputation requires constant vigilance against evolving threats ranging from data theft apps to payment scams.
Do you want an iPhone with a 200MP main camera? Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple might finally catch up to Samsung and use a 200MP primary camera on future iPhones. A new rumor hints that the company is experimenting with a 200MP main camera sensor.
Current iPhone models ship with a 48MP primary shooter, while the Pro models also use a 48MP ultrawide.
iPadOS 19 rumors indicate it’ll bring iPad closer to the Mac. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Rumors point to iPadOS 19 bringing the biggest improvements to iPad in years. The news is especially good for those who want their tablet to act more like a Mac.
With WWDC25 and the unveiling of iPadOS 19 mere weeks away, here’s what we already know about it.