It's not challenging to guess that Apple Pencil 3 is on the agenda for the May 7 Apple event. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple Pencil 3 is apparently right around the corner, and leaks indicate the next iPad stylus will offer several features not in the previous one. That includes a new “squeeze” gesture, haptic feedback and Find My support.
Passkey support finally comes to WhatsApp for iPhone. Image: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is making it easier to log into your account on your iPhone with passkey support. The feature will allow you to verify your identity through Face ID, Touch ID, or device PIN.
Once you have set up a passkey for your WhatsApp account, you can set up the app on a new iPhone through biometric authentication, skipping the SMS code entirely.
iPhone sales tanked in the US, but that doesn't mean buyers are switching to Android. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple saw iPhone activations decline to 33% of new smartphone activations in the US in Q1 2024, the lowest number in the country since 2017, according to a market-research firm. In the year-ago quarter, iPhones accounted for 40% of new smartphone activations in the US. In just 12 months, the company has seen its share fall by 7%.
The decline doesn’t necessarily stem from a lack of interest in Apple’s products — iPhone’s share of the installed smartphone base has actually increased. Partly it’s because iOS handsets last so long.
A refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 is as good as new but costs much less. Image: Cult of Mac
Savvy shoppers can now buy Apple Watch Series 9 from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store. It’s a no-risk way to pick up the wearable at up to $110 below the usual price.
These are primarily devices that consumers bought then returned so supplies and selection are somewhat limited.
A couple of 2021 iMacs are in the mix of sale items. Photo: Apple
Two concurrent Apple sales at Amazon bargain site Woot! run for the next week or so — one on iMacs and Accessories and one for a selection of Apple Accessories. It’s a good chance to stock up on big and small stuff alike.
“An Apple a Day… is really expensive!” the site quips. Both sales run through May 1 at 10 p.m. PT.
This M1 Mac mini setup features a lot to look at, but don't miss that cool iPad Pro stand on the right. Photo: [email protected]
Sometimes what stands out in a computer setup isn’t a major piece, like a computer or display, but a cool accessory. Today’s colorful M1 Mac mini workstation with dual displays and loads of artwork features a cool accessory one could easily miss — a Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand.
Not all AI writing tools are equal. Photo: Sergey Zolkin/Unsplash License
Getting past AI detectors isn’t easy. They’ve been trained and designed to spot the signs of AI content, making it harder than ever for users to avoid AI-related penalties. Fortunately, an undetectable AI writer can help.
As the name implies, an undetectable AI writing tool is designed to make AI content undetectable by AI detection tools. That means you can use these writers to transform AI-made text and bypass AI detection consistently.
But which undetectable AI tool to use? This guide is here to help you with that. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of 10 leading AI-to-human text converters that’ll help you get a perfect human score on AI detectors like Originality and GPTZero.
The new sessions feature business owners teaching other business owners how to make the most of Apple products and services. Photo: Apple
A special Today at Apple series by and for small-business owners is coming in May to select Apple Stores, the iPhone giant said Wednesday. New “Made for Business” sessions will offer small business owners and entrepreneurs free opportunities to learn how Apple products and services can support them.
“At Apple, we know small businesses are the backbone of local communities, which is why we are constantly innovating to help at every stage of their growth,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.
“Our retail stores provide only-at-Apple experiences such as community and education sessions, free Today at Apple programming, and ongoing support from in-store experts who help small businesses find the perfect technology to supercharge their work,” she added.
No, this flashlight isn't powered by a raging fire! Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
You might already own a flashlight, but how many tricks does it know? Is it solar-powered? Can it serve as a power bank for your devices? Does it offer a fireplace simulator? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Well, this solar flashlight can do all three.
And it’s all wrapped into one portable (and very affordable) gadget. That’s right, this multi-use flashlight costs just $39.99. Compared to its regular price of $62.99, that’s a 36% discount.
Which earbuds work better with your iPhone? Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh
If you want new wireless earbuds for your iPhone, Apple’s own AirPods Pro 2 are likely your top choice. But Apple offers another pair of earbuds you might consider: Beats Fit Pro. In this Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 buying guide, we’ll compare the features of these two premium noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.
Do the Beats earbuds provide the same features and sound quality as Apple’s flagship earbuds? Find out in this comparison.
In a long overdue move, Apple will reportedly integrate a Calculator application into the iPad operating system. The change — which is somehow both minor and monumental — will supposedly come when iPadOS 18 launched this autumn.
In the mean time, there are already several calculators hidden in the iPad.
The Vision Pro and its connected battery. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple lowered production targets as Vision Pro demand drops for the mixed-reality headset in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That suggests lower-than-expected demand among consumers as Apple plans to roll out the headset to new countries.
The company now plans to manufacture only 400,000 to 450,000 units this year, significantly lower than the initially anticipated 700,000 to 800,000 units.
You will see this guy and his Nomad Glow accessories coming, even in the dark. Photo: Nomad
Apple accessories maker Nomad turned up the wattage Tuesday on its second-generation glow-in-the-dark Sport Band for Apple Watch. And it also unveiled its first-ever Glow Sport Case for iPhone 15 Pro models. They both glow in the dark — even more so than the first Glow Sport Band.
★★★★☆
mophie juice pack is two useful iPhone 15 accessories in one. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The new mophie juice pack for iPhone 15 combines a protective case with a power bank. Simply put your handset in the case to greatly extend your battery life and add 6 feet of drop protection.
I did real-world testing on the version specifically for the iPhone 15. (mophie also sells juice packs for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but not iPhone 15 Plus.)
The season 4 trailer for comedy "Trying" is out. The kids are getting older. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ heralded the birth of a new season of popular family comedy Trying with a season 4 trailer Tuesday. It charmingly shows everyone getting older as the London family faces life’s little problems, including those adopted kids. After all, six years have passed in the story since season three’s action. They’re “older not wiser,” according to the show’s tagline.
The trailer is not exactly uncontrollably laughing-out-loud funny. But, like the show, its moments of wry humor will draw smiles and a chuckle or two. The fourth season debuts May 22 on Apple TV+.
Sonos first-gen Beam soundbar at 25% off is one of the deals you can grab. Photo: Sonos
A lot of folks love Apple audio products like HomePod speakers and AirPods earbuds. But another cherished audio brand is running a promotion right now you don’t want to miss. That would be 25% off Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars, plus a couple of other primo deals. See the details below.
After all, we know Apple’s refurbs are good, so why not Sonos?
Apple's next product launch event will be May 7. iPads are finally coming! Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple just invited the world to a May 7 product-launch event with the theme “Let Loose.” As an Apple Pencil is prominently included in the invitation’s image, there’s no doubt that two much-rumored new iPad models are on the agenda.
What is surprising is that there’ll be an event to announce the products, not simply a press release.
FineWoven accessories like Apple Watch bands may not be gone yet, but it seems they will go soon. Photo: Apple
The same leaker who pronounced Apple’s FineWoven material dead Sunday said Tuesday the leather replacement will live one more “season” in new colors. Apple uses the textile in iPhone cases and wallets, Apple Watch bands and some AirTag accessories like keychains.
Presumably, Apple will find a way to replace the heavily criticized material soon, and probably without returning to leather goods, as the leaker implied in their original post on X.
Charge your car and your phone with this $69.99 jump starter. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Whether it’s in your phone or in your car, a dead battery is a problem. Luckily, it’s one you can solve. The Type S is a 12V jump starter and power bank you can use to charge your mobile or jump-start a car battery.
And during this sale, it costs a lot less than calling a tow truck. Normally, the Type S goes for $119. But for a limited time, you can get one for just $69.99.
iPhone sales in China slumped, but momentum could shift in Apple's favor. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
In the first quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China slid 19.1% compared to Q1 2023. And that’s mainly due to competitor Huawei taking a bigger bite in the premium segment, according to new research. And yet analysts indicated possible signs of recovery for Apple, too.
A dream years in the making has come true: you can play Pokémon and Mario and all the classics on your iPhone. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you want a game emulator on iPhone, the Delta app is now available on the App Store to play games for Nintendo DS, GameBoy, GameBoy Advance, NES, SNES and N64.
That means you can play classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Zelda, Castlevania, and many, many more.
Download it for free on the App Store or from AltStore PAL in the EU. Playing classic Nintendo games on iPhone has never been easier. You don’t need to jailbreak, sideload through a computer or compile the emulator from source code anymore. And it’s legal-ish.
The deal, possibly worth $1 billion, would be another big soccer move for the iPhone giant. Photo: Mxmystro/Flickr
Apple may be close to signing a deal with FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, to secure worldwide rights to air a monthlong World Cup-style tournament in the United States next summer, according to a new report.
Rebound Hybrid Case 360 features a shock-resistant clear back and lets you mount Pad Air in landscape or portrait orientations. Photo: ESR
Rumors say a new 12.9-inch iPad Air will come out soon. And ESR is banking on it early with the release of its new range of cases for the expected tablet — the first time Apple would offer that size outside of its iPad Pro lineup. If you’re looking for a durable and functional esr ipad case, check out ESR’s latest iPad accessories.
The setup's M3 Pro MacBook Pro has six speakers. But who cares when there are also KEF speakers. Photo: KEF
A more than capable M3 Pro MacBook Pro powers today’s computer setup, but its six-speaker sound system won’t be needed. That’s because the medical student who own the rig has the good taste to include fantastic KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers.
He’ll just have to keep the powerful speakers’ volume in check to avoid having to see an ear doctor.