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Today in Apple history: Original iMac arrives to save Apple

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On this day in 1998, the world says
On this day in 1998, the world said "hello" to the computer that would save Apple.
Photo: Apple

August 15: Today in Apple history: iMac G3 arrives to save Apple August 15, 1998: The original iMac — Apple’s brightly colored, translucent Macintosh relaunch — goes on sale to a rabid audience. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs‘ first major new product since returning to Cupertino, the internet-ready iMac G3 line will cement his legacy as a forward-thinking tech visionary.

The all-in-one computer also introduces the world to the design talents of Jony Ive — and pretty much saves Apple in the process.

Just another day at the office, eh?

Mini keyboard saves you from typing on cramped iPhone screen [Review] ★★★★☆

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Winmaxle Mobdel B1 with iPhone 16 Plus★★★★☆
The Winmaxle Mobdel B1 adds a physical keyboard to your iPhone, and it's easier to type on than a virtual keyboard.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Winmaxle Mobdel B1 can be a physical keyboard for typing on your iPhone, harking back to the days of the BlackBerry. And because it’s also a motion-sensitive mouse, you can use it with your iPad, too. Either way, it’s a handy little gizmo.

I found multiple uses for the wireless keyboard while I was testing it. But I also ran into a limitation that made it not as useful with my iPad as I hoped.

Shrink files fast with this easy-to-use image compressor

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Photo of desktop monitor showing image content in the BabyPNG image compressor software
Battle bloated file sizes without compromising image quality.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

BabyPNG is an image compressor that lets you shrink file sizes without degrading the quality of your images. This tool expertly handles JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, TIFF and SVG formats with batch compression (up to 50 images per day), with support for modern browsers across macOS, iOS and iPadOS.

It’s perfect for creators and online publishers who want leaner files, faster loading and smoother scrolling for their sites. And right now, the BabyPNG Solo Plan — once priced at a jaw-dropping $300 — is on sale for only $19.99. That one-time payment lands you lifelong access to this easy-to-use image compressor.

Screenfest: Top 15 multidisplay computer setups

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best multi monitor setup
Here are some of the greatest multi-display setup workstations out there, plus some of the gear they rely on.
Photo: [email protected]

A big trend in recent years in Cult of Mac‘s setups coverage has been ever-increasing displays — either bigger ones, more of them or both. Sometimes it seems like an arms race to create the most NASA-Mission-Control wall of screens ever. But sometimes it’s not about size, but variety and convenience, including portable monitors and device screens. Take a look at our best-multi-monitor-setup workstations below, along with top displays and other gear that makes them tick.

Peanuts summer musical brings big-time talent [Now streaming!]

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Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical special
Catch the new “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical" starting Friday, August 15, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Streaming Friday (or really Thursday night, per typical Apple TV+ practice), Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical — the first Peanuts musical in more than three decades — sees Charlie Brown and the gang trying to save their beloved summer camp from going bust. And the music part is no joke here, featuring songs from singer-songwriter Ben Folds and other award-winning composers. Watch the recent trailer below.

Reviews so far seem quite positive. The New York Times talked about the show’s “new direction,” depicting Charlie Brown’s triumph while celebrating Charles M. Schulz’s legacy 25 years after his death and 75 years after the birth of his iconic comic strip. Nerds that Geek calls the musical numbers “a real treat.” The San Francisco Chronicle said it “charms with heart and songs” and “hits the right notes.”

Save even more on a lifetime of Babbel language learning

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This is your last chance to grab a lifetime of award-winning language learning with this Babbel language app deal.
Grab lifetime access to the world’s most popular language learning app for less than $130 for a limited time.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you want to get the most out of your travels, spruce up your resume or simply expand your skills, learning a new language is an excellent way to level up. One of the easiest methods for doing that — and for fitting learning seamlessly into your schedule — is with a convenient language app such as Babbel. And you can get it for less with this limited-time Babbel language app deal.

For a limited time, you can secure lifetime access to Babbel for just $159 (regularly $599) with code LEARN from Cult of Mac Deals.

iOS 18.6.1, watchOS 11.6.1 fix major Apple Watch headache

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iOS 18.6.1
iOS 18.6.1 helps fix a major headache for many U.S. Apple Watch users.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple released new system software for iPhone and Apple Watch on Thursday to return blood oxygen sensing to all Apple Watch users, removing a limitation that irritated many in the United States. Americans missing the feature can install iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 now.

There’s also an iPadOS 18.6.1 update, but there are no fresh updates to macOS, tvOS or visionOS.

6 reasons to set up Apple’s Family Sharing ASAP

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iCloud Family Sharing
Share your services, locations, photos and more over iCloud.
Photo: Denis Lyamuya/Wikimedia Commons/Apple

If you have a family, odds are you share a house, furniture, car and more. But you might not give as much attention to what you share in your digital lives, even if your digital pictures and purchases are equally valuable. Luckily, Apple Family Sharing makes it easy to share photos, movies, apps and more.

It just takes a little bit of setup to share iCloud’s fantastic Family Sharing feature. Here are the top six benefits of using it.

Today in Apple history: Tide turns against Apple in war with Microsoft

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Mac vs. PC
A judge's decision proves very damaging to Apple.
Image: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

August 14: Today in Apple history: Tide turns against Apple in war with Microsoft August 14, 1991: As Apple and Microsoft head to court to battle each other, the tide begins to turn against Cupertino and its claims that Windows unlawfully copies the look and feel of Mac OS. A judge’s ruling calls into question the basic tenet of Apple’s copyright lawsuit against Microsoft over Windows 2.03.

The case concerns whether key elements of Apple’s operating system are original enough for copyright protection. The decision turns out to be a major blow against Apple — and the start of the company’s 1990s decline.

Blood Oxygen testing returns to Apple Watch in the US

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Apple Watch blood oxygen
Good news for U.S. Apple Watch users!
Graphic: ChatGPT/Apple/Cult of Mac

A redesigned blood oxygen measurement capability will arrive Thursday for Apple Watch models that lost access to the feature due to a patent dispute.

Apple found a workaround that involves the Apple Watch testing the user’s blood oxygenation level, then displaying the reading on a paired iPhone.

Update: Apple released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 with the promised workaround.

Apple’s ‘Pixar Lamp’ robot could feature a human-like Siri

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Apple desktop robot
Control the lamp naturally, using gestures in the air.
Photo: Apple

Apple plans an ambitious return to artificial intelligence hardware with a slate of new devices, headlined by a tabletop robot designed to serve as an interactive AI companion, according to a new report. Cult of Mac reported on the “Pixar Lamp” robot and its physical motions before, but new information indicates a new version of Siri could make it surprisingly human-like in its interactions with people.

Get killer features for less with a like-new iPhone 15 Pro Max

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Product shot of iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished with natural titanium finish
Save a bundle on this premium refurb iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished deal puts one of the most advanced devices Apple has ever built into your hands for just $769.99. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, this like-new iPhone is incredibly durable yet remarkably lightweight — a combination you’ll appreciate every time you pick it up.

Apple utilized the same alloy used in spacecraft to build this killer phone. So, whether you’re commuting, traveling or just juggling a busy day, you’ve got a phone built for the long haul. Grab a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max for just $769.99 before our inventory runs out.

iPhone 17 Air, M5 MacBook Air to use Apple-made wireless chips

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iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air will be the second iPhone to use Apple's custom modem.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly expand the use of custom chips in its future devices. This will start with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air using its in-house modem.

The M5 MacBook Air will allegedly then follow, using a new in-house wireless chip, likely combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality into one.

Faster chip will bring Apple Intelligence to next-gen iPad

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2025 iPad 11 with Apple A16
iPad is getting a speed boost.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The 2026 version of the budget iPad will be able to use Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 processor, according to information leaking out of Apple. And the next Apple TV 4K refresh could feature Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The company is working on an iPad mini update with an A19 Pro chip, too.

Internal code accidentally shared by Apple revealed key details about these upcoming devices and their processor upgrades.

Score 20TB of cloud storage for life

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Photo of person accessing Internxt cloud storage on an iPhone.
Get 20TB of cloud storage for life with this hugely discounted subscription!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This sale drops the price of a massive 20TB of Internxt cloud storage to less than $500 — for life! Just pay once, and you’ll never need to worry about juggling files between devices.

It’s a simple solution to a modern problem, without the usual monthly fee. Jump on this deal now to secure a 20TB lifetime subscription, which usually costs $4,900, for just $499.99.

Apple preps slew of new home security products

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Apple home-security devices
New Apple home security devices like a face-recognizing doorbell cam would complete with other HomeKit-friendly products from comanies like Aqara.
Photo:

As Apple seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the connected-home market, it works on an ambitious lineup of home security devices that include smart cameras and a facial-recognition doorbell that can unlock doors, according to new report Wednesday.

Low-cost MacBook with A18 performance might surprise everyone

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Low-cost MacBook performance
The rumored low-cost MacBook with an A18 chip could offer performance suited to students.
Concept: Google Gemini

There’s skepticism about the low-cost MacBook that’s reportedly launching soon because it reportedly will run on an Apple A18 processor — the same one in current iPhones. But this chip is more powerful than you might realize.

I compared the performance of the A18 to Apple’s M-series Mac chips, and I think you’ll be surprised by how well the iPhone processor performed.

How to play Quartiles, the daily word-building game in Apple News+

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iPhone screenshot show the Apple News+ game
Note: Spoilers in this article for the Tuesday, May 14, 2024, game of Quartiles.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Quartiles is a daily word-building game for Apple News+ subscribers. It’s fun, with a clean interface and no ads. If you want to score maximum points each day, you’ll need to know how to play Quartiles and all the tips and tricks you need to succeed.

Here’s how to play Quartiles — keep reading below or watch our instructional video.

Save $100 on my fave on-ear headphones: Beats Solo 4

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Beats Solo 4 headphones
Beats Solo 4 come in four colors, including slate blue.
Photo: Beats

One of the better pairs of on-ear headphones you can get is now half off at Amazon — Beats Solo 4. The current $99.95 price doesn’t beat what I paid during Prime Day in July, but my miracle deal was only $2 cheaper! And I have zero regrets.

Seriously, these little cans for less than $100 makes for a great deal anytime.

Today in Apple history: Power Mac G4 gets a mirrored redesign

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Product shot of the Power Mac G4 Mirrored Drive Doors model.
This was the ultimate Mac power setup in 2002.
Photo: Apple

August 13: Today in Apple history: Power Mac G4 gets a Mirrored Drive Doors redesign August 13, 2002: Apple unveils the final face-lift for its Power Mac G4, the Mirrored Drive Doors model.

The distinctive-looking computer borrows visually from the previous QuickSilver G4, released a year earlier. However, it adds a different front panel, with a mirrorlike finish for the media drive doors. It’s the last visual redesign of Apple’s Power Mac G4.

How many external monitors each MacBook Pro or MacBook Air supports

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MacBook external monitor guide
Don’t know how many external monitors your MacBook supports? We have the answer.
Image: Google ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

You can be excused if you don’t know off the top of your head how many external monitors your MacBook supports. The number varies by model, processor version, and even whether the laptop is open or closed. Still, there’s a good chance it’s more than you think.

Now that notebooks with the new M4 family of processors are available, here’s an updated guide to how many external screens you can attach to your MacBook.

iPhone 17 Pro may break Apple’s long-standing $999 streak

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iPhone 17 and 17 Air may lack ProMotion display features
The debate continues over whether all four iPhone 17 models will get ProMotion display, or if two of them will just be 120Hz.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple may charge an extra $50 for the iPhone 17 Pro. But it could also finally increase the 128GB base storage in favor of a roomier option.

A $50 price bump means the iPhone 17 Pro will cost $1,050 in the U.S. before taxes.

Price drop: This AI-powered app takes notes for you, then summarizes them

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Man working in front of a computer using AI note taker app My Noes AI
Get a lifetime of unlimited transcriptions and summaries for one low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you ever endured a long lecture or an hours-long all-hands meeting, you know this to be true: There’s no way you can jot down every single word your professor or colleague utters. Rather than scramble and stress about missing certain parts of a presentation, you could add an AI note taker like My Notes AI to your productivity tool kit.

This AI-powered note transcription and summarization app works with your iPhone, iPad and Mac to help you catch every single word. Think of it as your very own personal assistant! You can snag a lifetime subscription to My Notes AI for just $29.97 (regularly $299) with code TAKE10. That’s the best price you’ll find online.

Why we shouldn’t expect the M5 MacBook Pro until 2026

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M5 MacBook Pro rumors
The latest M5 MacBook Pro rumor says the updated macOS notebook won’t be out until next year.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Don’t set your heart on a MacBook Pro with a speedy new Apple M5 processor under the Christmas tree this year. A growing body of evidence indicates the next version of Apple’s premier laptop won’t arrive until 2026.

But the M5 processor should be available before then.

iPad mini 7 sale saves you $100

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iPad mini 7 sale
Don’t pay full price for the iPad mini 7.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

A new iPad mini deal knocks a sweet $100 off the cost of the 7th-generation tablet. That’s up to 20% off, even though it’s only been on the market a few months. And the sale includes a range of colors and storage capacities.

Many people prefer this smallest of Apple tablets. It’s lighter and more portable than other models, but still offers the full iPad experience.