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Why you should expect a new M-series Mac chip every year

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Expect a new M-series Mac chip every year
New M-series processors should start arriving like clockwork.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A recent report that the Apple M4 Mac processor will launch this fall — only a year after the debut of the M3 — met with some surprise and skepticism. But it shouldn’t have — Apple’s goal to refresh the chip line every year is ambitious but achievable.

Just because Intel can’t bring out new generations of its processors annually doesn’t mean Apple and TSMC can’t.

WhatsApp rolls out Chat Filters to help you tame your inbox

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Chat Filters in WhatsApp
Chat Filters will make managing your WhatsApp inbox a lot easier.
Photo: WhatsApp

WhatsApp is rolling out Chat Filters to make it easier to follow up on unread conversations. These filters allow you to swiftly go through your inbox based on unread messages or group conversations.

As WhatsApp has grown in popularity, so has the number of people and brands reaching out to you on the service. This means you’re more likely to miss out on an important message, which Chat Filters can help avoid.

Modern MacBook Pro drives vintage displays [Setups]

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Modern MacBook and vintage displays setup
In the old version of the setup, the vintage displays were far apart.
Photo: [email protected]

Multi-display computer setups with asymmetrical placements — aka, screens oriented in landscape and portrait orientations — are so popular that even vintage Apple displays are getting in the action. Today’s featured rig uses a modern MacBook and vintage displays. A M1 Pro MacBook Pro from 2021 drives a Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display from many years earlier.

Apple eyes Indonesia as new manufacturing base

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Apple manufacturing in Indonesia could happen, CEO Tim Cook implied
Apple manufacturing in Indonesia could happen, CEO Tim Cook implied.
Photo: Fortune Global Forum/Flickr CC

Apple CEO Tim Cook told the president of Indonesia Wednesday the company will “look at” manufacturing in the country, according to reports.

Such a move would make for another expansion of Apple’s push to diversify manufacturing sites outside of China, as it has done in Vietnam and India.

These $90 earbuds can translate dozens of languages

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A woman with a shaved head wears Mymanu Clik S translation earbuds.
Speak the local language wherever you go with these translation earbuds.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re planning an international vacation this year, and don’t know the local language(s), you might want to pack a translator. The Mymanu Clik S translation earbuds make it easy to talk to new people you meet in their language.

They look and work like ordinary high-quality wireless earbuds, but they double as instant translators for 37 languages. And right now, you can get a pair of these translation earbuds for only $89.97 (regularly $157).

World of Warcraft is always ready for Mac gamers

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Warcraft coming to mobile
The Mac is a great platform for playing World of Warcraft.
Photo: Blizzard

World of Warcraft looks and performs very well on Mac. It’s a standout option for gamers frustrated that few other big-name games come to macOS.

Blizzard’s perennially popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game offers constantly evolving content so you won’t get bored. And you don’t need a PC to play.

First NES emulator for iPhone approved by Apple but pulled by developer

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'Bimmy - NES Emulator' was approved by Apple but pulled by developer
Bimmy - NES Emulator for iPhone came and went very quickly.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Bimmy, a NES emulator for the iPhone, joined App Store on Tuesday. It was the first retro game emulator approved by Apple and proof that the company really has removed restrictions on this type of software.

However, the developer himself quickly removed the app “out of fear.” That said, more are likely to follow, including Game Boy emulators.

Slow Horses author brings new thriller to Apple TV+

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Down Cemetary Road on Apple TV+
Emma Thompson, left, and Ruth Wilson will star in Down Cemetery Road.
Photo: Apple TV+

Fans of darkly comedic spy thriller series Slow Horses rejoice! Another of Mick Herron’s acerbic novels, Down Cemetery Road, is coming to Apple TV+. The show will star Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, the streaming service said Tuesday.

“‘Down Cemetery Road’ has all the hallmarks of Mick Herron’s funny and acerbic writing, and I’m delighted we will be bringing it to life for Apple TV+ with such a stellar cast,” said Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+. “Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson will make it an unmissable companion piece for ‘Slow Horses’ on our service.”

Leaks suggest Bose SoundLink Max speaker about to launch

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Bose SoundLink Max
A little bigger than Bose SoundLink Flex, the new speaker may have a handle on top.
Photo: Tanguay/Bose

Bose could be about to launch SoundLink Max, a bigger and brawnier version of the popular and portable SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, according to a leak and an FCC filing.

That will put another HomePod competitor on the market, and it may be a worthy one with quality sound plus portability.

Nab Apple Watch SE 2 for up to $60 off on Amazon

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Apple Watch SE 2 bargains
Apple Watch SE2 may be inexpensive compared to higher models, but it's plenty of smartwatch for most people.
Photo: Apple

Amazon just offered 40mm Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) for $189.00. Not far from an all-time low, that’s $60 off the regular price of $249.00. And you can get a similar Apple Watch SE 2 bargains on other versions of the wearable, too.

Goodbye Leather Apple ad raises questions about FineWoven iPhone cases

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'Goodbye Leather' Apple ad raises questions about FineWoven iPhone cases
There are no more leather iPhone cases from Apple. No leather Watch bands, either.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple highlights its decision to discontinue leather iPhone cases and Watch bands in a new video released Tuesday. The company instead went with a new material it calls “FineWoven.” Trouble is, months after Apple made the change, FineWoven continues to elicit strong complaints.

Silo star drops major hints about sci-fi hit’s future on Apple TV+

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Rebecca Ferguson in
Rebecca Ferguson sells the sci-fi in Silo.
Photo: Apple TV+

Rebecca Ferguson, star of hit sci-fi series Silo on Apple TV+, just laid out the show’s possible future in an interview. So Silo continues on Apple TV+, and perhaps not just the second season we already knew about. That’s good news for the show’s many fans wondering what’s next, after that acclaimed first season.

Not only is season 2 filming finally complete after delays. There are reasons to hope third and fourth seasons are coming, too.

Inkless pocket printer can print out photos, notes and more for less than $70

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The PoooliPrint inkless pocket printer
You don't need ink to print with this $70 pocket printer.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The PoooliPrint is a pocket printer that doesn’t require ink to print out images, notes, checklists and other items. It connects to iPhones and Android devices via Bluetooth, and quickly spits out thermal prints at the tap of a touchscreen.

Now, it’s on sale for only $69.99 (regularly $159.90) for a limited time.

Make music like a pro with the best audio interfaces for Mac

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Best audio interface for Mac - Universal Audio Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad
Our top pick for best audio interface for Mac is Universal Audio's Apollo Twin X Quad.
Photo: Universal Audio

An audio interface serves as a bridge between your Mac and external audio sources like microphones and musical instruments. The hardware is essential for great sound reproduction, whether you’re a professional producer or a beginner. So finding the best audio interface for your Mac can significantly enhance your recording and mixing experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore top audio interfaces available for Mac, including several affordable options. We’ll discuss their features, performance, compatibility and price points to help you make an informed decision.

Grab a great deal on M1 iMac while you can

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deals on m1 imacs
Yellow is just one of several fun color choices.
Photo: Apple

Amazon budget website Woot! is a terrific resource for great deals on used, refurbished and new Apple gear. This week you can get a choice of deals on M1 iMacs. They’re “new,” as in apparently nobody bought them in the past few years. And they’re going for low prices you won’t see many, if any, other places.

The sale, which also includes a few other items, goes through Wednesday at 10 p.m. PT.

Apple TV+ brings huge Hollywood scam to the screen

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A still from Apple TV+ miniseries
Journalist Scott Johnson investigates the "Con Queen" for The Hollywood Reporter.
Photo: Apple TV+

An upcoming three-part Apple TV+ documentary series entitled Hollywood Con Queen explores the story of an international con artist impersonating some of Hollywood’s most powerful women. The streaming service provided a “first look” image, above, plus details about the miniseries Monday.

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith created the three-part series. It’s based on investigative journalism by Scott Johnson in The Hollywood Reporter. You can watch Hollywood Con Queen on Apple TV+ starting May 8.

Snag a refurbished iPad Pro for just $160

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Make Labor Day more productive with this $160 refurbished iPad Pro.
This refurb iPad Pro could be perfect for kids, a smart home display or consuming your favorite content.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want an iPad at a rock-bottom price? You can get a refurbished 9.7-inch iPad Pro for just $159.97 — but only through April 21 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

This pro tablet from 2016 might be on Apple’s vintage list, but it’s still quite capable for certain tasks. Plus, it comes with some handy accessories. And at this price — less than half the retail price of the current regular iPad — it’s still a deal!

First iPhone Game Boy emulator quickly disappears from App Store

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Game Boy
iPhone users have to keep waiting for the Game Boy emulator of their dreams.
Photo: Caleb Oquendo/Pexels

A Game Boy emulator appeared in the iPhone App Store over the weekend. This might be proof that Apple really has removed restrictions blocking retro game emulators.

Trouble is, the iGBA app has already been kicked out of the software store. But it was a very dodgy app that allegedly ripped off the work of another developer. So its removal may have nothing to do with recent changes in Apple policy.

Big curved Dell 4K display serves MacBook duo [Setups]

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Dell 4K curved monitor
This 40-inch Dell 4K curved monitor makes a great external display.
Photo: [email protected]

A Dell curved 4K monitor — especially a big 40-incher — can make an excellent external display, if today’s featured MacBook Air and MacBook Pro setup is any indication. The user put the dramatic display together with a 27-inch 4K monitor after trying two other configurations. 

iPhone shipments take a surprise nosedive

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The iPhone 15 Pro line comes in four finishes: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium and natural titanium.
A surge in iPhone shipments in 2023 seems to have lead to a decline in demand in early 2024.
Photo: Apple

After a stellar 2023, iPhone shipments dropped 9.6% year over year in the first quarter of 2024, according to a market-research firm.

Archrival Samsung also saw a decline in smartphone shipments, but not as large as Apple’s. On the other hand, two Chinese phone-makers saw extremely strong growth last quarter.

Apple could finally fix iPhone’s longstanding camera flare problem

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iPhone 14 Pro's camera module
Could Apple finally solve the flaring issue on iPhone photos and videos?
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple could finally eliminate lens flare, a longtime problem with the iPhone camera, with a new lens coating technology on the iPhone 16 Pro.

It’s common for lens flares to show up in photos or videos taken with an iPhone’s camera, but Apple has made little improvement in this area over generations.

Apple video explains how to move from Android to iPhone

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Apple video explains how to move from Android to iPhone
The Apple Support video Move from Android to iPhone helps users switch.
Graphic: Apple

Apple wants the process of moving from Android to iPhone to go as smoothly as possible, of course. To make the switch simpler, it created a Move to iOS application.

A recent video from Apple Support explains how to use the Android app.