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When to expect the iPhone 16 release

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When to expect the iPhone 16 release date
It's almost here!
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 16 is almost here — the release date is less than 3.5 short weeks away. We know the day Apple will announce the new models, which means we can make a solid estimate of the iPhone 16 launch date.

Even better, long-held Apple habits point to the same release date.

Apple plans for new CFO to replace Luca Maestri

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new Apple CFO
Luca Maestri transitions from the Apple CFO role on January 1, 2025.
Photo: Apple

Luca Maestri, Apple’s chief financial officer (CFO) since 2014, will transition to head of Corporate Services on January 1, 2025, the iPhone giant said Monday. Kevan Parekh, Apple’s vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis, will assume the role of CFO.

“Luca has been an extraordinary partner in managing Apple for the long term. He has been instrumental in improving and driving the company’s financial performance, engaging with shareholders, and instilling financial discipline across every part of Apple,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “We’re fortunate that we will continue to benefit from the leadership and insight that have been the hallmark of his tenure at the company.”

Prep for iPhone 16 event with beautiful ‘It’s Glowtime’ wallpapers

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Prep for iPhone 16 event with beautiful 'It's Glowtime' wallpapers
Easily make the "It's Glowtime" image into the wallpaper for your iPhone, Mac and iPad.
Image: Basic Apple Guy

The invitation to Apple’s September 9 “It’s Glowtime” event includes a gorgeous glowing Apple logo, and you can easily make this the wallpaper on your iPhone, Mac or iPad.

There’s no better way to show how excited you are about the iPhone 16, which is expected to debut at the event. Or maybe you’re anticipating new Apple Watch models or AirPods 4.

Hear that? Sounds like Labor Day blowout deals on Sonos audio!

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Labor Day deals on Sonos audio gear
The Sonos Move 2 portable smart speaker sits among the many sales items.
Photo: Sonos

Labor Day comes up on Monday, September 2, but some sales on tech gear kick off as much as a week before that. Take Sonos, for example. You can find a range of great deals on headphones, speakers, soundbars and bundles of different products. Most of the bargains are at both Sonos and Amazon. Go to Sonos to see the whole sale on one page and grab the bundles. Follow links to either Amazon or Sonos below for various Labor Day deals on Sonos audio gear.

Another mammoth display stalks the world of workstations [Setups]

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Dell UltraSharp monitor
This big Dell UltraSharp 4K display rivals many smart TVs, and it's 16 inches larger than the commonplace 27-inch monitors out there.
Photo: Dell

We’ve seen a trend for some time of people using massive smart TVs as external computer displays because they want something even bigger than most purpose-built monitors. But regular monitors are catching up. We’ve seen a few 49-inch curved gaming displays out there, of course, and today’s MacBook Pro setup uses a giant 43-inch Dell flat panel with 4K resolution.

6 mind-blowing Continuity features every Apple user should know

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It all works together
Your Apple devices can work together in more ways than you may expect.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Nothing illustrates the power of Apple’s ecosystem like the Continuity features that help your Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch work seamlessly together. Thanks to Continuity, your iPhone can serve as your Mac’s webcam. You can start an email on one device and instantly pick it up on another. You can use the same keyboard and mouse with a Mac and iPad, copy and paste across devices and more.

These features flex the power of Apple’s hardware and software — and they would never be possible on a PC. Unfortunately, that means a lot of people don’t learn about these features because they don’t expect so much from their computers.

In this post (and the accompanying video), I will show you some of the time-saving, annoyance-busting Continuity features you can enjoy when you go all-in on the Apple ecosystem.

Entry-level M4 Macs might ship with double the RAM

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Apple M4 processor
Entry-level M4 Macs could pack twice the RAM of their M3 counterparts.
Image: Apple

Apple is reportedly testing multiple M4-powered Macs for launch later this year. More importantly, a new report says all the Macs ship with 16GB or 32GB of system memory.

This signals that Apple might finally bid farewell to the paltry 8GB RAM for Mac base models.

Why you should install the iOS 18 beta on your iPhone today

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Why you should install the iOS 18 beta on your iPhone today
The latest iOS 18 beta is remarkably stable. Why wait?
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Ed Hardy//Cult of Mac

You’ve wanted to try iOS 18 since Apple showed it off in June but held off for fear of massive bugs. But the current iOS 18 beta is nearly the final one — and it’s really quite stable. Put it on your iPhone now and jump ahead of friends and co-workers by about a month.

And there are great new features to try, including a fully customizable Home Screen, an improved Control Center, a new Passwords app, and more.

Here’s one deal music lovers don’t want to miss

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Product photo of the Gemini Sound TT-1200 belt-drive USB turntable.
Upgrade your vinyl experience with the Gemini Sound TT-1200 belt-drive turntable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you appreciate the warm, rich sound of vinyl, you know that the right turntable can make all the difference. For those who love digging into their record collections or spinning tracks for an audience, finding a turntable that marries classic appeal with modern technology is key. The Gemini Sound TT-1200 USB turntable is a standout choice that combines timeless design with up-to-date technology, and it’s on sale for $159.99 (regularly $199).

iPhone 16 cameras, colors and more [The CultCast]

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Rumor: iPhone 16 Pro in bronze - The CultCast episode 661
iPhone 16 Pro might finally brings the bronze payoff Erfon's been dreaming of for years.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest batch of iPhone 16 rumors give us more insight into the probable camera upgrades — and color combos — coming to the lineup.

Also on The CultCast:

  • A fake Apple event invite (which apparently nailed the date) whipped the internet into a frenzy. Find out how a 14-year-old Italian hoaxer fooled the internet.
  • Want to give your iPhone a blackout? Have we got a four-character key combo for you!
  • In a new Under Review segment, Griffin raves about a Vision Pro accessory that makes the device far more usable — and won’t ruin your hairdo!

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.

6 features I want to see in iPhone 16

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iPhone 16 wish list: Features I want to see
Honorable mention: I also hope the rumor of a bronze color proves true.
Photo: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Despite Apple’s reputation for innovation, the company does not always adopt the latest cutting-edge smartphone technology. This year, I hope the company adds these six features in iPhone 16 — all of which you can find in Android phones.

Here’s my iPhone 16 wish list.

Sources confirm September 10 for iPhone 16 event [Update: Wrong again!]

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Apple CEO Tim Cook with a cartoon speech balloon that says,
Mark your calendars!
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

In an interesting turn of events, sources familiar with Apple’s plans reportedly confirmed the iPhone 16 event date as September 10, according to a new report. That date happens to match a recent hoax report that circulated online, adding an unexpected twist to Apple’s biggest product launch of the year, with the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch 10 and more expected.

Update: On August 26, Apple confirmed that the event will take place on Monday, September 9. The official invite bears the catchprase, “It’s Glowtime.”

Once-dominant Apple Podcasts loses ground to 2 big competitors

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Apple Podcasts search page
More people are finding and enjoying podcasts on YouTube and Spotify these days.
Photo: Apple

In a significant shift in the podcasting landscape, YouTube has emerged as the leading platform for podcast consumption in the United States, surpassing long-time market leader Apple Podcasts and streaming giant Spotify, which is now in second place, according to recent studies. Meanwhile, former leader Apple Podcast loses market share, falling to third place. And that marks a turning point in how Americans access and consume podcast content.

Try MacBook Pro user’s perfect iPad Pro placement [Setups]

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iPad Pro stand
Commenters on the post noticed the intriguing placement of the iPad Pro.
Photo: [email protected]

Not everyone keeps an iPad in their computer setup, especially when it’s not their main computer. But today’s M2 Pro MacBook Pro user does. And as commenters on his post noted, he may have found the perfect placement for his iPad Pro stand. He seems to get his laptop and tablet mounts working in perfect unison, within view and also within easy reach.

CdkeySales Back to School Sale: Hurry and get 88% off Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

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deep discount on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Head to CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software (and use code CULT to save an additional 30%).
Photo: CdkeySales

The CdkeySales Back to School Sale rolls on, so you and your family can still find big discounts on Microsoft software and get to know your new software before classes begin. It’s your chance to score surprisingly low prices on productivity software like Windows and Microsoft Office. That includes Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — and a free upgrade comes with it! Or you can cut straight to the chase and get a deep discount on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at $22.71. That’s an astounding 88% off Microsoft’s price, as shown in the image below.

You will find remarkably low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com now and throughout the year. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys. And don’t forget: When you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11!

What is JPEG XL and why iPhone users should care

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JPEG XL: iPhone's new photo format explained
JPEG XL might become a powerful new option for iPhone photography.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly added support for JPEG XL to the iPhone Camera app in iOS 18. That’s left many iPhone users wondering, what the heck is JPEG XL?

It’s intended to be the replacement for the classic JPEG image format with new features for use on the web. And apparently, iPhone users soon can take pictures in this format, not simply view them.

Turn your pillow into a Bluetooth speaker that only you can hear

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Woman sleeping with Sleeper Speaker placed under the pillow.
Get the Sleeper bone-conduction pillow speaker for better sleep.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Tired of your “sleep headphones” making you toss and turn all night? What an ironic name for things designed to help you relax. If that’s you, try the Sleeper Bluetooth pillow speaker instead. It uses bone-conduction technology to send sound waves through your favorite pillow.

Say goodbye to trying to sleep with earbuds jammed in your ears or some other similarly annoying contraptions. Get a Sleeper pillow speaker for $39.99 (regularly $49.99) and start listening to your nighttime music, podcasts or sleep sounds the comfortable way.

iPhone will soon let EU users replace default phone and messaging apps

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iOS 18 default apps section in Settings for EU users
A new default apps section is coming to Settings with iOS 18 ... but only in the EU.
Image: Apple

European iPhone and iPad users will be able to kick Apple’s Phone and Messages apps to the curb if they wish. The same goes for an array of other applications that iOS currently makes the default options.

These join a long list of other changes being forced on Apple by the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

Bowers & Wilkins aims for stellar sound with 2 new sets of noise-canceling earbuds

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new Bowers & Wilkins earbuds
The sleek and stylish Pi8 earbuds are Bowers & Wilkins' most advanced set yet.
Photo: Bowers & Wilkins

The new Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 wireless, active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds aim to redefine the premium earbud market with upgraded features, impeccable design and stellar sound quality, the venerable brand said Wednesday. The new buds come from the same team behind the company’s acclaimed Px7 S2e and Px8 headphones.

“I’m thrilled that the Bowers & Wilkins team has once again been able to raise the bar for premium design, performance and quality in the headphone category,” said Giles Pocock, vice president of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins, founded way back in 1966. “Our new Pi6 and Pi8 earbuds are truly special — I’m certain they will be just as successful as our Px7 S2e and Px8 headphones have been.”

6 hidden tips and tricks for AirPods

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6 Secret AirPods Features
Master your AirPods with these six tricks you’d have to really dig to find.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

AirPods are the wireless earbuds that ordinary Bluetooth headphones want to be when they grow up. They’re seamlessly integrated with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. They’re deceptively simple — but if you want to get more out of them, you need to dig through Settings. These AirPods tips will show you where to look to unlock maximum functionality.

I did some spelunking and found six super-handy hidden features you might not know about.

All iPhone 16 models could score new Capture button plus camera improvements

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A close-up of a person using an iPhone to take a photograph of a plate of food (rice and pork chop).
The iPhone camera just keeps getting better.
Photo: Randy Tarampi/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

A multifunction button specifically to control the Camera app will be included in all four iPhone 16 version, not only the Pro models, according to an unconfirmed report published Thursday.

The same source details a range of improvements to the cameras built into these iOS handsets expected to launch in September.

Why buy Apple Watch SE when you can score killer deals on Series 6, 7 and 8?

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refurbished apple watches
If you're on a budget and new to Apple Watch or upgrading from a really old one, Series 6 is a keeper.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch SE and SE2 are great, affordable smart watches. But with the killer deals on grade A refurbished Apple Watches like Series 6,7 and 8 that Amazon bargain site Woot! offers this week, why not go for a wearable with more features than the budget models?

Act fast, though — the deals, which also include Apple Watch SE plus Series 4 and 5 — and and appealing variety of choices of models and colors — end Tuesday, August 27, at 10 p.m. Pacific.