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Look through visionOS App Store when considering Apple AR headset

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Look through visionOS App Store when considering Apple AR headset
You no longer have to own Vision Pro to see what's on the visionOS App Store.
Screenshot:

Apple made the visionOS App Store available for anyone to look through. The change will give anyone thinking about buying the Vision Pro AR headset a preview at what software is available.

Previously, the list of available app was only viewable by those who already owned the cutting-edge computer that launched in the United States in February.

EarFun’s first over-ear headphones claim hi-res sound, 80-hour playback

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EarFun Wave Pro headphones on laptop user
Paying $80 for hi-res over-ear ANC headphones with 80-hour battery life seems like a steal. But for a short time you can pay just $56.
Photo: EarFun

Known for high-quality earbuds that don’t break the bank, EarFun released a set of over-ear cans Monday for the first time — Earfun Wave Pro Hi-Res ANC Wireless Headphones.

Introduced at CES 2024, the new noise-canceling EarFun Wave Pro cans claim high-resolution audio, hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and a stalwart 80 hours of playback. And all that comes at a cost of just $80. Actually, even less for early-bird buyers. If you’re considering Apple Mac headphones as an alternative, you might want to explore this review of EarFun Wave Life headphones to compare features.

Promote mindfulness and creativity with Groodles art therapy app

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Use art therapy from Groodles to promote relaxation and emotional expression, now $39.99.
Add art therapy to your emotional health regimen with Groodles, on sale for less than $40 for life.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Art therapy can be a powerful tool for your emotional well-being, yet it can be difficult to find accessible tools to use it to its maximum potential. Groodles changes that by putting an art therapy app on your iPhone or iPad.

Named one of AppAdvice’s top apps of January 2024, Groodles is designed for all ages and to be as accessible as possible. Children and adults alike can benefit from Groodles and its promotion of art therapy for self-expression and stress relief. Right now, lifetime access costs just $39.99 (regularly $149).

iOS 18’s generative AI features might use Google Gemini

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iOS 18 with Gemini logo
Google could power many of iOS 18's AI features.
Concept logo/Graphics: Kevin Kall/Google

Apple could use Google Gemini to power the generative AI features reportedly coming this year in iOS 18. Apple and Google are reportedly in “active negotiations” about the possibility, but have not yet finalized a deal. If it happens, it would be the first time in years that the two tech giants have collaborated so closely.

Apple also held talks with OpenAI and considered using ChatGPT, according to Bloomberg’s report.

Smartwatch curious? Try this affordable Apple Watch alternative for fitness fans.

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You're just in time to get this Apple Watch alternative for its early Black Friday Price.
You can get the MagPro activity-tracking smartwatch for less than $40.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If even the $249 price of the entry-level Apple Watch SE is too high to make you try a smartwatch, take a look at the MagPro instead. This activity-tracking smartwatch packs a lot of fun features into a sleek, modern design.

Purchase the MagPro Smartwatch with a gray, black, tan or teal band for $39.99. No code is needed, but stock is limited. Once we run out, it’s gone for good!

Get ready for ‘the biggest AirPods launch to date’

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Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates
With ANC, AirPods 4 might be a significant jump up from its predecessor.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple suppliers are reportedly preparing for “the biggest AirPods launch to date.” The company is supposedly planning to produce between 20 million and 25 million units of AirPods 4, a significant jump from previous models, according to recent news airpods.

Apple could launch the AirPods 4 in two flavors later this year: one with ANC and another without. Alongside updated internals, the new earbuds purportedly will sport a sleeker new design.

7 reasons to become James Bond and battle Spectre in Cypher 007 stealth adventure game

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'Cypher 007' hits Apple Arcade later in September
Cypher 007 is more about sneaking past your enemies than shooting them.
Image: Tilting Point LLC/Apple Arcade

Blofeld, the criminal mastermind and head of Spectre, is once again scheming to defeat James Bond in Cypher 007 from Tilting Point LLC.

I’m a fan of RPGs so I loaded the action game on my iPhone. It’s also playable on a range of other Apple devices.

Soundcore adds better noise-masking, longer battery life to sleep earbuds

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soundcore sleep A20 earbuds
You, too, can be well-rested with Soundcore's upgraded sleep earbuds.
Photo: Soundcore

Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds with improved noise-masking, longer battery life and soft ear tips are coming to help you sleep through all the racket, parent company Anker said Friday — aka World Sleep Day.

You can sign up now for Super Early Bird pricing at $60 off in the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the Sleep A20 earbuds, which launches April 16.

This might be the coolest AirPods case money can buy [Review]

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Elago-W3-AirPods-case
It looks like a tiny Macintosh!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

AirPods won’t win any awards for their durability. Their shiny plastic case picks up scratches faster than a hip-hop DJ’s latest vinyl. So you should protect them with a decent case. And for Apple fans, nothing can beat this AirPods that case looks like a Mac.

AirPods cases don’t come much cooler than those from Elago. This one is like carrying a tiny little Macintosh with you wherever you go. And prices start at just $11.99.

Update: Elago’s awesome W3 case, which makes your AirPods look like a tiny Macintosh, is now available for the latest (third-generation) AirPods and AirPods Pro. Read on for our full review.

Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million

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Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million
Tim Cook didn't give investors the truth about iPhone demand in China in 2018 and it's costing the company.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly settled a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of hiding news of declining iPhone demand in China. It concerns comments made by CEO Tim Cook during an investor call back in 2018.

The iPhone-maker allegedly will pay out a $490 million settlement, according to a preliminary settlement filed Friday with the U.S. District Court in Oakland, California.

Powerful speakers flank smart TV display [Setups]

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IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
You can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.
Photo: IK Multimedia

High-quality speakers in MacBooks and Studio Displays and the like are all well and good. But if you want great sound in your computer setup, you’re better off with studio monitor speakers like those in today’s MacBook Pro setup. They’re IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers.

The powered pair of studio monitor speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece. And right now they’re 25% off at $300 each. Find them in the gear list below if you want to level up your setup’s sound.

Apple Pencil (2nd gen) gets a sweet 11% discount

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Apple Pencil 2 in Hand
Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is a handy iPad accessory to have.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

If you take notes or draw on your iPad, consider investing in an Apple Pencil. It will greatly enhance your note-taking and doodling experience. To know more about the latest deals and why the Apple Pencil 2 is a must-have accessory, check out this detailed breakdown.

While the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is expensive at $129, Amazon is discounting it by 11% to $115. This makes the useful iPad stylus a bit more affordable.

Folding iPhone could be 2 years away

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Folding iPhone is here! Too bad there's only one.
This one-off folding iPhone mod could be a glimpse of the future.
Photo: KJMX

Apple may have decided that 2026 is the right year to launch a folding iPhone.

Cupertino has been tinkering with prototype handsets with foldable displays for a long time. An analyst predicted Thursday that the company will finally have something to offer in a couple of years.

Camp in style with this pop-up car cabin

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Camp in style this Labor Day with a $309.97 pop-up car cabin.
Turn your car into an outdoor gazebo with this $309.97 pop-up tent.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

What’s keeping you from traveling? A little time in a new setting can change your whole outlook — and a unique piece of travel gear makes that possibility a lot easier. It’s called Carsule, and it’s a pop-up car cabin that gives you a cool place to chill anywhere you go.

It’s not quite as crazy-luxurious as the Apple car we’ll never get. But if your current ride has a trunk that swings up, Carsule can transform it into a shady nook that lets you work, read or relax in comfort anywhere you go.

OLED iPad Air might be on hold until 2028

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.

However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.

AI designed this insane $326,700 iPhone case

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An AI-designed iPhone case by Labodét with crocodile and alligator leather, diamonds and gold detailing.
This stunning iPhone case can be yours for only 300,000 euros. We dare you.
Photo: Labodét

A new iPhone case designed by an AI that apparently doesn’t grasp the value of the dollar will set you back a cool $326,700. The “uber-exclusive” case for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, from French luxury accessories company Labodét, is made of “genuine alligator and exclusive Himalayan crocodile leathers.”

Obviously, it comes festooned in diamonds and features 18K gold detailing. Dust off your titanium Apple Card and hit the link below to snap one up!

Apple acquires fundamental AI smarts by buying DarwinAI

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Another AI acquisition for Apple: Illustration accompanying a story about the company buying Canadian AI startup DarwinAI.
Can Apple buy its way to AI dominance?
Image: Steve Johnson/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computer more efficient.

Apple promised that it’ll have big AI-related announcements later this year, and the acquisition will help the company build the necessary software.

Wild Black Panther caper inspires Apple TV+ series The Big Cigar

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Huey P. Newton in The Big Cigar on Apple TV+. first look
Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, played by André Holland, fled from the FBi to Cuba.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ unveiled a first look Thursday at The Big Cigar, an upcoming limited drama series starring André Holland as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. The show traces his wild escape from the FBI to Cuba.

The Big Cigar debuts on May 17 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14. “It’s all true,” Apple TV+ said. “Mostly.”

Watch soccer for free on Apple TV app March 16 and 17

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All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please. Watch free soccer on Apple TV.
All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please.
Photo: Apple

This weekend, March 16 and 17, everyone can watch all Major League Soccer matches for free on the Apple TV app. So that’s not just the typical one or two free games.

In other words, you won’t need MLS Season Pass to watch Lionel Messi do his thing with Inter Miami CF against D.C. United — or any of the other 13 matches.

This is the kind of promotion designed to get you hooked so you subscribe to MLS Season Pass, in this second year of 10 in the deal between MLS and Apple.

Google beefs up Chrome browser security for Mac and iOS devices

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Google Safe Browsing update in Chrome for macOS and iOS
These security updates come to macOS and iOS users first and to Android users later in the month.
Photo: Google

Privacy-preserving URL protection and beefed-up password protection are coming to Google Safe Browsing for the popular Chrome browser for macOS and iOS, Google said Thursday. The Chrome security update comes to Macs, iPhones and iPads first. Android devices will see them later in March.

Apple’s most powerful laptop gets $250 off

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Best-selling Macs - MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
M3 Max MacBooks are rarely on discount.
Photo: Apple

Want a laptop that can easily handle your demanding video editing or data processing workflow? The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max should be your top choice.

Find the laptop’s $3,499 price tag steep? Amazon is knocking $250 off the M3 Max MacBook Pro, making it a little more affordable.

Apple Sports iPhone app updated for March Madness

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New Apple Sports app
The new Apple Sports app for iPhone got an update for basketball and baseball fans.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The new Apple Sports iPhone app just received its first big update. It’s now ready for basketball’s March Madness and baseball’s Opening Day.

The free sports app that debuted in February gives fans access to real-time scores, stats and more for their favorite teams across a wide range of sports leagues.

Gain privacy and unblock restricted content with the Unlocator VPN

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The Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS can keep your digital activity private and help you avoid geo-blocking for only $24.
This Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS package can keep your digital activity private and help you avoid geo-blocking.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you are concerned about online privacy and security, you have options to secure your digital experience. If you also want to avoid geo-blocking while enjoying fast internet speeds, we’ve got a great combo for you. Together, these two services from Unlocator will help you stay safe online while getting around geographic restrictions.

Pick up the Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS duo while it’s on sale for just $29.99. You can use it on up to five devices, and the services work on multiple platforms.

Apple Vision Pro could soon launch outside the US

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Vision Pro sitting on a desk
Apple's $3,500 headset might launch in nine new countries.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro is only available in the US right now. But this could change soon, with the company purportedly preparing to launch the headset in nine new countries.

As a part of the AR headset’s international expansion, Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard will gain support for 12 new languages.