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Today in Apple history: The App Store hits 200 million downloads

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App Store
The App Store racked up 200 million downloads in less than five months.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

October 22: Today in Apple history: The App Store hits 200 million downloads October 22, 2008: During a conference call, Apple CEO Steve Jobs reveals that a user downloaded the 200 millionth app from the App Store that very day.

The news comes less than five months after the launch of the App Store, and only a month after Apple surpassed 100 million app downloads.

This brilliant Bluetooth travel keyboard/stand works with any iPad [Review] ★★★★

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Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand★★★★
The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand works with any current or future iPad.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is an ideal option for those who need to add a travel keyboard to their iPad and don’t want to limit the accessory to only one tablet. Or want to add a portable keyboard to their iPad without giving up the case they like.

It can switch between computers with a simple push of a button. Plus, it’s not limited to tablets.

I’ve tested the multi-device input device with my iPad and iPhone, and came away quite pleased.

Apple dramatically cuts production of iPhone Air due to weak demand

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iPhone Air rear sitting on a speckled gray carpet.
iPhone Air sales figure are as slim as its profile.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Low demand for the super-slim iPhone Air in markets outside China led Apple to drastically cut its production orders, according to a new report. But the company is increasing assembly for other iPhone 17 models due to high demand.

The report comes after the iPhone Air sold out within minutes of preorders opening in China last week. After the initial buzz faded, demand appears to have dropped off

ChatGPT Atlas browser puts AI right where you need it, but can you trust it?

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Image of icon for OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas browser
The new ChatGPT Atlas app for Mac puts AI right in your web browser.
Image: OpenAI

OpenAI released its ChatGPT Atlas browser for Mac on Tuesday, making it easy to use the AI chatbot wherever you go online. When using the free browser to visit a website, you can tap into ChatGPT’s knowledge to provide more information about whatever’s on the page.

For example, after searching for a top Airbnb listing in a certain locale, you could ask ChatGPT for best hikes in the area or tell the chatbot to assemble an itinerary for a three-day trip — right within the browser. An agent mode, available to paid ChatGPT users, can go even further.

However, while OpenAI says it built in safeguards to mitigate the dangers of allowing an AI to act for you on logged-in websites, the company admits that using agent mode carries risks. And there’s still the common AI problem of hallucinations.

Protect all your devices from hackers, trackers and other online creeps

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Screenshots showing Surfshark VPN on Mac and iPhone.
Get three years of Surfshark VPN service for just $68.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Surfshark VPN keeps you safe anywhere you go online, on an unlimited number of devices. This virtual private network can help you avoid hackers, trackers and regional restrictions.

Operating securely on the web is essential in the modern world. And right now, you can get a three-year subscription to Surfshark VPN for just $67.20 with code SAVE20. That’s a massive discount off the regular price of $430.

Even Apple realizes a $3,000 foldable iPad is sheer lunacy

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Foldable iPad prototype
A foldable iPad could be more portable than a MacBook with a much larger screen.
AI prototype: ChatGPT

Apple’s effort to push its tablet lineup to the cutting edge has reportedly run into multiple snags. The company continues to work on an 18-inch, all-screen folding iPad, but the proposed $3,000 price is enough to give anyone pause … even Apple.

And that’s not the only roadblock Apple’s engineers supposedly slammed into. The sad result? The long-rumored device might not arrive for years.

First reviews call M5 MacBook Pro a beast — but M4 owners can skip this upgrade

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M5 MacBook Pro reviews see modest but meaningful upgrades
Reviewers find the incremental update impressive for performance upgrades, but not necessary for M4 or M4 Pro users.
Photo: Apple

The first reviews for Apple’s new M5 MacBook Pro just landed, and the consensus among tech reviewers is clear: The incremental update improves an already excellent laptop. The 14-inch machine’s design remains unchanged from last year’s M4 model. However, improvements to processing power, storage speed and AI capabilities make it a compelling option for those upgrading from older machines. Still, current M4 MacBook Pro owners have little reason to feel envious.

Across M5 MacBook Pro reviews from The Verge, Wired, Tom’s Guide and Engadget, the laptop earns praise for its performance while raising questions about who should actually buy it.

Deal drops Apple Pencil Pro back to its lowest price

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A close-up photo of a person's hand using an Apple Pencil Pro to write on an iPad, used to illustrate a post on an Apple Pencil Pro deal.
This Apple Pencil Pro deal means you, too, could be making amazing art on your iPad.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Pencil Pro is the best iPad stylus on the market, and a new deal knocks 23% off the regular cost. For a limited time, you can get an Apple Pencil Pro from Amazon for $99. That’s 23% off.

If you have your eye on a new M5 iPad Pro, this is the stylus you want to go with it. Put them together, and you’ll be creating beautiful art in no time.   

There’s also a deal on the Apple Pencil (USB-C), the iPad stylus that’s useful for non-artists.

M5 iPad Pro reviews roundup: Closer to Mac than ever

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M5 iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
The Apple M5 chip boosts the performance of the 2025 iPad Pro, but not as much as iPadOS 26 does.
Image: Apple

Many early reviews of the 2025 iPad Pro with Apple’s new M5 processor share a general theme. The new chip makes the device faster, and paired with the major redesign of iPadOS 26, the tablet might just rival a MacBook.

Read on for M5 iPad Pro reviewers’ comments.

Today in Apple history: PowerBook 100 makes laptops mainstream

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The entry-level PowerBook 100 fueled a laptop revolution.
The entry-level PowerBook 100 fueled a laptop revolution.
Photo: Danamania/Wikipedia CC

October 21: Today in Apple history: Apple launches PowerBook 100 series, one of the most important laptops in Apple history October 21, 1991: Apple launches its PowerBook 100 series Macs. The lightweight laptops quickly become one of the most important tech gadgets of all time.

These devices will almost single-handedly turn notebook computers into mainstream technology. Apple’s subsequent success in this category — whether it’s the current MacBooks or even the rise of mobile devices like the iPhone — owes a huge debt to the PowerBook 100 series.

How to get an M5 MacBook Pro for just $52.17 a month

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Photo of a laptop with the Upgraded's monthly payments plan for financing a MacBook, with an image on-screen that says
Subscribing to the latest, greatest MacBook has never been so easy.
Image: Upgraded

The new MacBook Pro M5 is here, and it might be Apple’s most powerful laptop ever.

But with prices starting at $1,599, getting the device you want can feel like a serious investment.

That’s where Upgraded comes in. It’s a new way to get the tech you need without paying thousands upfront. Instead, you pay monthly with the option to upgrade every two years.

With Upgraded, you can get the new M5 MacBook Pro starting at just $52.17 per month and as low as 0% APR. Get the M5 MacBook Pro from $52.17 per month.

Safety tip: Make your iPhone alert you to breaking glass, smoke alarms and other dangers

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Stay Alert: Sound and Name Recognition
This feature could save you in a pinch.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

If you have trouble hearing, you might miss the sound of a knock on the door, a barking dog, or even worse — a smoke detector. Or, you might miss someone calling your name when they’re trying to get your attention. It’s less serious, but much more annoying. With Sound Recognition, you can get a prominent alarm and a buzz on your Apple Watch or iPhone when your phone hears the sounds you choose.

When Sound Recognition is enabled, your iPhone will continuously listen for dangerous sounds. It could, literally, be a lifesaving feature for you or a loved one. And Name Recognition lets you train your phone on how to recognize your name. 

Here’s how to use these important safety and productivity features.

Play 1,500 retro games and charge your phone with this hybrid gadget

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Person playing on a PowerBoy retro game console that doubles as power bank
You can play games on this iPhone charger.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With the PowerBoy 2-in-1 retro game console and power bank, you can play more than 1,500 classic games and charge your phone anywhere. It delivers all the classic fun of your favorite childhood games, along with the functionality of a 5,000mAh portable charger.

And right now you can get this for just $79.99 (MSRP $129).

5 best Sennheiser earbuds for iPhone users

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Best Sennheiser earbuds for iPhone
When it comes to the best Sennheiser earbuds for iPhone, users are spoiled for choice.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Pairing your iPhone with the right earbuds shouldn’t be a compromise. While Apple’s ecosystem makes AirPods the obvious choice, Sennheiser’s German-engineered earbuds deliver superior sound quality that transforms how you experience music, podcasts and calls. We ranked the five best Sennheiser earbuds for iPhone users, with picks for various price points and uses.

From flagship audiophile options to budget-conscious picks, here’s everything you need to know about finding your perfect Sennheiser earbuds for iPhone.

Apple and NBCUniversal bundle Apple TV and Peacock at a discount [Now available]

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Apple TV and Peacock bundle
Soon one bundle will give you a discount on content from both Apple TV and Peacock.
Photo: Apple

Update: As of Monday, you can sign up for the new Apple TV and Peacock bundle through the Apple TV app, by itself or as a discounted addition to an Apple One bundle. You can also sign up through NBCUniversal’s Peacock app or website.

A new streaming bundle will combine content from Apple TV and Peacock into a single subscription available starting Monday (October 20), the iPhone giant said Thursday. The partnership marks the first collaboration of its kind between the two entertainment companies. It offers customers access to both platforms’ content libraries at a discounted rate.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this all-inclusive bundle of incredible programming and to bring Apple TV’s beloved shows and movies to more viewers in more places,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple TV, Apple Music, Sports and Beats. “From acclaimed originals to can’t-miss live sports, the Apple TV and Peacock Bundle unites the best of entertainment in a simple and seamless experience.”

Today in Apple history: iMac goes big with 27-inch display and unibody design

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The 2009 unibody iMac proved a watershed design for Jony Ive and Apple.
Unibody aluminum iMac design FTW!
Photo: Apple

October 20: Today in Apple history: iMac goes big with 27-inch display October 20, 2009: Apple goes big with its iMac redesign, introducing the first 27-inch all-in-one Mac. The sleek, sophisticated aluminum unibody design looks so good that the iMac will remain virtually unchanged for years.

As with the first Macintosh with a built-in CD-ROM drive, the iMac’s 27-inch display represents a sea change for tech. The big, beautiful screen signals that larger displays need no longer remain the domain of pampered professionals.

Soccer fans! Apple TV subscribers can catch MLS Cup Playoffs action for free.

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2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
Apple TV subscribers can watch the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, which begin this week.
Photo: MLS

You don’t need an MLS Season Pass to watch the Major League Soccer playoffs this year. The games in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are available to anyone with a subscription to the Apple TV streaming service.

This includes Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF kicking off a best-of-three series against Nashville SC this Friday.

How to watch the Charlie Brown Halloween special for free [Too late]

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Promotional image for Charlie Brown Halloween special,
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is always streaming on the Apple TV service.
Photo: Apple

Update: Sorry, the free weekend to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown if you don’t subscribe to Apple TV has passed. But look below for when the Peanuts Thanksgiving and Christmas specials stream for free and add them to your calendar.

Families with a tradition of watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown can enjoy the classic Peanuts Halloween special on Apple TV for free this weekend. And you can watch it online, not only with an Apple TV set-top box, Mac, iPad or iPhone.

Ugreen MagFlow Qi2.2 charger tops up iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch fast [Review] ★★★★☆

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Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger review★★★★☆
When not unfolded for use like this, the charger folds flat.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In the evolving landscape of wireless charging, Ugreen has positioned itself at the forefront with the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger — one of the first products to receive official Qi2.2 certification from the Wireless Power Consortium. With that boost from 15 watts (Qi2) to 25W (Qi2.2) for late-model iPhones, it’s great — but not without some minor problems.

Split View is still in iPadOS 26 — here’s how to use it

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Split View is still in iPadOS 26
Installing iPadOS 26 doesn’t mean losing Split View from your iPad!
Graphic: Apple

Apple kept Split View side-by-side multitasking in iPadOS 26 — despite what you might have read online. And setting it up is as easy as a couple of flicks of your finger.

Here’s how to keep using Split View on your iPad. Apple even made a video that demonstrates what to do.

Today in Apple history: The forgotten first Mac with an internal CD-ROM

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Why did the Mac IIvx fail to take the world by storm?
Why did the Mac IIvx fail to take the world by storm?
Photo: Apple

October 19: Today in Apple history: Mac IIvx, the forgotten first Mac with an internal CD-ROM, launches October 19, 1992: Apple launches the Mac IIvx, the first Macintosh computer to ship with a metal case and, more importantly, an internal CD-ROM drive.

The last of the Macintosh II series, the Mac IIvx experiences one of the more notorious price adjustments in Apple history. Within five months of shipping, Apple slashes the computer’s launch price of $2,949 to $1,899. That’s one way to reward early adopters!

When to expect more M5 MacBooks and Mac desktops

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M5 Mac release dates
An M5 MacBook Air, Mac mini and Mac Studio are all on the way.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The Apple M5 chip jumped from rumor to reality Wednesday with the launch of MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models running the new cutting-edge processor. But so far, there’s been no official mention of an M5 Mac mini, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Studio or M5 iMac.

Here’s when the next generations of these Macs are rumored to reach customers, along with the probable launch dates of the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the MacBook Pro.