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Last chance: Slash up to 65% off MagPower charging stands for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods

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SwitchEasy MagPower charging stand with an iPhone in StandBy mode.
The new StandBy mode in iOS 17 really shines with a MagPower charging stand.
Photo: SwitchEasy

This is your last chance to slash up to 65% off these multidevice charging stands from SwitchEasy. The sale ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on August 9.

If you own an iPhone, you need a MagSafe charging stand. They’re incredibly convenient, and they work great with StandBy, which instantly turns your iPhone into a smart display.

SwitchEasy offers two great wireless magnetic charging stands in the Cult of Mac Store — a powerful 4-in-1 and a compact 2-in-1 — and both feature a night light. And they’ve got something else in common. They’re both on sale at up to 65% off in our SwitchEasy Sale.

Act fast for great deals on iPad Pro, M3 MacBook Pro and more

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MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
You have your choice of big deals on MacBook Pro with M3, M3 Pro or M3 Max chips.
Photo: Apple

Some great deals on Apple gear only last for a day, like Woot’s nice discounts on 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) and Beats Solo3 headphones. Others may last longer, but for an unknown amount of time, like the price war we’ve been tracking between Amazon and Best Buy. Loads of M3 MacBook Pro models are on sale. See some sample below.

Here’s how to go way past ‘adequate’ with workstation audio [Setups]

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Yamaha HS7 speakers
Yamaha HS7 speakers on stands blow out this setup's sound.
Photo: [email protected]

What would the computer setup that has everything — in fact, two of many things — be missing? Well, in the case of today’s dual MacBook Pro workstation, it’s not excellent audio gear. Not only does it double up on high-end laptops, Studio Displays, Trackpads and more. It also mounts powerful Yamaha HS7 speakers and an AKG condenser microphone to help provide a fabulous soundtrack.

Headed back to school? Get Windows 11 Pro for $23 and Office 2019 Pro Plus for $47.

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CdkeySales Back to School Sale continues
Head to CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software (and use code CULT to save an additional 30%).
Photo: CdkeySales.com

The big CdkeySales Back to School Sale continues, so don’t miss it. You and your family can bag major bargains on crucial Microsoft productivity software before classes start. So go ahead and nab surprisingly low prices on 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 Windows 11 Pro for only $22.71.

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!

Elevate your iPad with this cover/stand combo [Review] ★★★★

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Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 review★★★★
Mageasy Lift case/stand brings your iPad up to nearly eye level.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Mageasy Lift Standing & Folding Folio iPad Case folds into a stand that raises your tablet screen up closer to eye level. It’s a trick that really helps it stand out from the competition (see what I did there?).

It can also be folded into other shapes to provide a range of viewing angles. And when on the go, the case wraps completely around the iPad to protect it.

I tested the Lift with my 2024 iPad Pro.

Matt Damon’s Boston heist goes wicked wrong in The Instigators [Now on Apple TV+]

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The Instigators trailer on Apple TV+
Sure, it's got Boston big-shots Damon and Affleck, but you won't believe the supporting cast on this thing.
Photo: Apple TV+

Desperate dad Matt Damon and ex-con Casey Affleck join forces for the heist of a lifetime in Boston, and guess what — it goes horribly wrong. With high-speed car chases, multiple explosions and Boston accents flying all over the place from a smart-alecky veteran cast, the new trailer for Apple Original Film The Instigators stormed computer screens Thursday in entertaining fashion.

The Instigators debuts in select theaters on August 2 before streaming on Apple TV+ August 9, but you can watch the first trailer now.

UPDATE: With its week in select theaters now past, star-studded Apple Original Film The Instigators starts streaming Friday on Apple TV+. Reviews of the caper-gone-awry flick find a lot to like, particularly in the chemistry between Boston-bred leads Matt Damon, one of the film’s producers, and Corey Affleck, one of its writers. Doug Liman (Swingers, Go, The Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) directs.

Land your dream job with this all-inclusive AI suite

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A laptop with Canyon AI job search tools running on it.
Canyon's pro level includes all kinds of tools to help you find, and secure, meaningful employment.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deal

You’ve just stumbled upon your dream job listing online. The only problem? The application deadline is tomorrow, and your resume is looking a bit outdated. You could rush through editing all your application materials yourself, or you could save time (and effort) with Canyon’s AI job search tools.

This all-in-one job-hunting companion is your no-stress go-to for completing every stage of the job search, from crafting your resume to filling out applications and rocking the interview. Budgets can get tight when you’re searching for a job, but don’t worry. You can get a lifetime subscription to Canyon’s Pro level for just $69.99.

Spotify, Epic Games call Apple’s latest EU App Store changes ‘confusing’

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Apple App Store NOT
Spotify and Epic Games CEO are not happy with Apple's latest App Store changes.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Spotify and Epic Games have criticized Apple for its latest App Store fee and external linking changes in the EU. They claim Apple has again disregarded the “fundamental requirements” of the Digital Markets Act.

On August 8, 2024, Apple announced new EU App Store policies to comply with the Digital Markets Act. This follows the European Commission’s June ruling that Apple violated the act’s steering rules.

A one-time payment of less than $80 gets you 20TB of cloud storage for life

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Pay less than $100 for 20TB of secure cloud storage for life.
Score 20TB of Prism Drive's secure and full-featured cloud storage with this limited-time deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you do any kind of work online, you’ve probably already discovered what casual home internet users are starting to learn: Reliable cloud storage is a necessity, not a luxury. Unfortunately, many of the most secure providers charge luxury prices for their top-tier plans, but not with this 20TB cloud storage deal.

Cult of Mac readers can now get 20TB of lifetime cloud storage through Prism Drive for only $79.97 (regularly $1,494).

Apple alters App Store linking rules and fee structure in EU

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Apple compliance with DMA
The EU's Digital Markets Act causes plenty of headaches for Apple.
Photo: European Commission

Apple is making changes to its App Store policies in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. It’s essentially easing linking rules for developers, so they can send customers elsewhere than the App Store for purchases. And it’s attaching new fees for sales that result from the links.

Here comes the incredible shrinking Mac mini

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Mac mini vs Apple TV size comparison
The Mac mini (on left) could be as small as an Apple TV (on right).
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is going to shrink the next Mac mini when it adds an M4 processor, according to an often-reliable source of insider information. The desktop could be the size of an Apple TV.

So, Mac micro?

Apple TV+ plans sequel before Clooney and Pitts’ Wolfs even comes out

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Apple plans Wolfs sequel
With Clooney and Pitt headlining, it seems Apple smells a mega-hit.
Photo: Apple Original Films

Apple Original Films gave writer, director and producer Jon Watts the nod to write a sequel to action-comedy film Wolfs, with Academy Award winners George Clooney and Brad Pitt — even before the first installment comes out. Wolfs premieres at the 81st Venice International Film Festival ahead of its limited theatrical release on September 20. Then it debuts on Apple TV+ on Friday, September 27. Hey, when Apple plans a Wolfs sequel even before the original proves popular, you know it expects a hit.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ super-yacht crashes into another one

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Laurene Powell Jobs super-yacht crashed
High winds caused the two mega-yachts to collide.
Photo: X.com, @RicardoBSalinas

Laurene Powell Jobs’ super-yacht recently crashed into another billionaire’s even bigger yacht off Naples, Italy, according to a report. Steve Jobs originally commissioned the $140 million Venus, collaborating on its design. High winds pushed the boats at anchor into each other.

Damage is estimated to be costly, given the yachts’ combined value of $265 million. For the merely wealthy or well-adjacent, that’s like paying through the nose to get a scratch fixed on your Bentley.

Chargeasap Zeus 280W: A GaN charger for all your needs [Review] ★★★★☆

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Chargeasap Zeus 280W charger★★★★☆
This GaN charger has all the power you'll ever need
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

You can find plenty of multiport GaN chargers to help charge your Apple devices on the go. But things get a bit complicated if you want a power brick that can fast charge multiple MacBooks at once. Chargeasap solved this problem with its Zeus 280W power adapter, which the company calls the “world’s first and smallest 280W charger.”

So, what makes the Zeus 280W special? For starters, it can fast charge two 16-inch MacBook Pros at once, a feat that only a few other power bricks can match. Our review will help you decide if this 280W powerhouse is worth buying instead of other GaN chargers.

iPad Air with OLED screen might launch in 2026 after all

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air that replaces the traditional LCD with an OLED might be only a couple of years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An iPad Air with an OLED display rather than the current LCD seems a safe bet considering the number of leaks indicating one is in development. But sources can’t agree on when — the latest report says 2026.

That said, Apple already has an OLED tablet for those who want one now.

Charge your iPhone, AirPods and iPad with one $24 charging stand

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Product shot of MyCharge True Universal 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand for iPhone
This three-way charger cuts cable clutter.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A separate charger for every one of your devices is impractical, especially if the supply of available electrical outlets doesn’t meet the high demand. You shouldn’t need a power strip just to charge your iPhone, AirPods and iPad. If you want to charge three devices with one cable and cut down on desk clutter, try the MyCharge True Universal 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand.

This three-in-one charger can power iPhones, AirPods and anything that can charge off a 20W USB-C port. Get this charging stand while it’s on sale for $23.99.

New iPhone, Mac and iPad patches fix a nasty bug

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iOS 17.6.1 fixes a problem with Apple's Advanced Data Protection.
iOS 17.6.1 fixes a problem with Apple's Advanced Data Protection.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 17.6.1, iPadOS 17.6.1 and macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 on Wednesday. These are patches to fix a problem with Advanced Data Protection, a collection of tools to keep data and communications safe in the cloud.

While there are no new features, the updates are nevertheless important.

New lineup of Anker Prime chargers brings the power

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Anker Prime chargers
Anker has a whole new powerful lineup of Prime chargers.
Photo: Anker

Anker’s new Prime charger lineup includes high-end docking stations, power banks, wall chargers and more to support all charging scenarios.

“With the future of work evolving, we wanted the Anker Prime lineup to evolve with it,” said Shaun Xiong, general manager of Anker Charging, in a press release Wednesday. “When we first introduced the Anker Prime line of charging devices, we wanted to provide high-quality, multi-port charging devices. These new desktop charging stations this year take that experience to the next level with highly flexible designs that are more durable, provide additional functionality, and use durable materials for wfh people and at-home use.”

Samsung’s tiny flash drives double in capacity

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Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive now offers up to 512GB of storage capacity
This Samsung USB-C flash drive is small but offers outsized storage capacity.
Photo: Samsung

The itty-bitty Samsung USB Type-C Flash Drive is now available with up to 512GB of storage capacity — twice as much as before. And the company’s miniature USB-A version also doubled in capacity.

Plus, the 256GB versions are on sale at some nice discounts.

Disney+ price jumps 15%; password sharing crackdown imminent [Updated]

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Disney+ logo
The price for watching Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and more goes up soon.
Photo: The Walt Disney Company

The cost of streaming Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ goes up this autumn. The three streaming video services are ready to watch on Mac, iPad, iPhone or Apple TV. It’ll just cost a bit more in a few months.

The new prices could be important to those currently getting these services free or cheaply by sharing passwords. Disney CEO Bob Iger warned that a crackdown on the practice starts soon.

Here’s the argument for stacked Studio Displays [Setups]

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stacked Studio Display setup
Stacking Studio Displays might seem odd to many folks, but this user loves it.
Photo: [email protected]

We’ve seen quite a few instances of stacked external displays in setups, but today’s M2 MacBook Pro rig might be the first time we’ve seen Studio Displays mounted that way. With all the questions commenters asked about the workstation, the user ended up laying out quite a few points about why it works great.

macOS Sequoia removes handy shortcut to bypass Gatekeeper security

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macOS Sequoia features
macOS Sequoia further tightens the grip on non-notarized Mac apps.
Photo: Apple

Apple will make bypassing Gatekeeper’s runtime protection harder in macOS Sequoia by doing away with a handy shortcut that allows Mac users to avoid security restrictions for software that doesn’t come from the App Store.

The company announced this change Tuesday following the release of macOS Sequoia public beta 3.

How to turn your iPhone into a smart display with StandBy

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The Smart Display You Already Own
Turn your iPhone into a smart display on your desk.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

StandBy mode is a headline iOS 17 feature that turns your iPhone into a smart display on your nightstand, at your desk or in the kitchen. It’s an attractive way to put your phone to work as a small information board or digital clock when you’re not using it.

Of course, it works best if you have a phone with an always-on display like the iPhone 14 or 15 Pro. However, it works on any iPhone with MagSafe running iOS 17. Best of all, StandBy remembers different preferences for different rooms, so you can set it up as a bedside clock in the bedroom, a digital photo frame in the living room, or a music controller in the kitchen. Here’s everything you can do with StandBy on your iPhone.

NFL Retro Bowl ’25 plus 2 more titles rush Apple Arcade

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New Apple Arcade games in September - NFL Retro Bowl '25
Are you ready for some seriously retro football?
Photo: Apple Arcade

Apple is set to bolster Apple Arcade gaming with three exciting new titles in September. NFL Retro Bowl ’25 headlines the additions. It’s an exclusive collaboration between the National Football League and the creators of the popular App Store game Retro Bowl.