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This Apple Pencil alternative costs just $29.99

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Photo of a Tinymoose Pencil Pro Plus stylus pen for iPad next to an iPad
This iPad stylus costs much less than even the most affordable Apple Pencil.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Apple Pencil is popular, but it’s not the only precision stylus pen for iPad. The Tinymoose Pencil Pro Plus is a high-quality, aluminum stylus that works with all iPad models from 2018 and later that support magnetic wireless charging.

If you own one of those recent models of the iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad mini, and you want a compatible stylus for less, grab one of these while it’s on sale for only $29.99 (regularly $39.95).

Scratchgate 2? Quickly marred iPhone 17 Pro handsets irk users in China.

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iPhone 17 scratches
A deep blue iPhone 17 Pro models shows scratches in the store after just a few hours on sale.
Photo: @verdeselvans, X.com

In a flashback to past launch day problems, Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup faces an unexpected setback as users across China report iPhone 17 Pro scratches on the device’s redesigned glass-and-aluminum back, according to a new report.

Social media platforms have been flooded with images showing scuffs and scratches appearing on display models after just hours of store exposure.

See pro photographer’s dramatic high-altitude iPhone 17 Pro pics

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Austin Mann iPhone 17 Pro camera system review
Austin Mann delivered his iPhone 17 Pro camera system review from Italy's Dolomite Mountains.
Photo: Austin Mann

Professional photographer Austin Mann dropped another edition of his annual iPhone Pro camera reviews Wednesday. He took his new iPhone 17 Pro up into northern Italy’s Dolomite Mountains during a biking, cycling and paragliding trip. Stunning photography resulted.

“At Apple’s keynote last week, I was most interested in the new 48-megapixel 4x telephoto lens, the 8x telephoto lens, Center Stage selfie mode, 4K ProRes Log at 120FPS and the new Photographic Style, Bright,” he wrote. “As always, Apple’s presentation is full of flashy new tech, but I always have one question: How will this new tech make our pictures and videos better?”

Find his in-depth video and a link to his full review with many more photos below.

Super-solid Uplift Standing Desk V3 makes all the difference [Review] ★★★★★

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Uplift Standing Desk V3 review★★★★★
Uplift Standing Desk V3 makes the most of my M4 Pro MacBook Pro and dual-display computer setup.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

With my history of back trouble, I relied on standing desks and kneeling chairs way back when you hardly ever saw such things in offices. But since then standing desks have become essential in the modern workspace, offering flexibility and health benefits for anyone who spends long hours at a computer. This Uplift Standing Desk V3 review looks at the latest in Uplift’s well-regarded line of adjustable workstations, released Wednesday. 

In a nutshell, if you can afford it, this thing rocks. And the base version is actually pretty affordable. It’ll lift up any Mac setup in more ways than one. 

Today in Apple history: iPhone 6 is bigger and better than ever

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iPhone
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were massive upgrades for Apple.
Photo: Jim Merithew

September 19: Today in Apple history: iPhone 6 is bigger and better than ever September 19, 2014: The iPhone undergoes its biggest upgrade — both figuratively and literally — since the original, with the release date of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus handsets. The iPhone 6 design brings a new 4.7-inch form factor, while the iPhone 6 Plus expands to a massive 5.5 inches.

The previous-generation iPhone 5 measured only slightly taller than its 3.5-inch predecessors. But with the iPhone 6, Apple abandons the small smartphone form factor to take on big-screen Android “phablets.”

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2: Should you upgrade?

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 comparison
Don't ditch your Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the Ultra 3.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. the Ultra 2, and you will see that the new model looks quite similar to its predecessor. You’ll need to squint to notice the Ultra 3’s slightly larger display. And most other changes are internal, like faster charging, longer battery life and satellite connectivity.

Otherwise, this is basically the same rugged smartwatch that Apple launched two years ago. So, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2, should you consider upgrading to the Ultra 3? Or should you save your money instead?

Big crowds queue up at Apple stores around the world as iPhone 17 lineup goes on sale

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Customer clicking a selfie using the iPhone Air at Apple Syndey store.
An excited customer clicking selfie on the iPhone Air at Apple's Sydney Store.
Photo: Apple

Crowds thronged to Apple stores around the globe Friday to pick up the newest iPhones — the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air — on launch day. Apple CEO Tim Cook himself threw open the doors of Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City on Friday morning.

Alongside the exciting new iPhone lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and AirPods Pro 3 also arrived at Apple retail stores and authorized outlets on Friday

Apple may have slipped the iPhone Air’s battery into its MagSafe pack

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iPhone Air MagSafe Battery
The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is very slim, just like the Air itself.
Photo: Apple

Alongside the iPhone Air, Apple launched a battery pack specifically for the phone. And interestingly, the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery uses the same capacity battery as the device it supports.

The folks over at iFixit tore down the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery and discovered its unusual shape. Based on preliminary evidence, they concluded Apple might be using the exact same battery inside the iPhone Air.

How Apple Watch hypertension sensing works

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How Apple Watch Hypertension sensing works
New Apple Watch Hypertension Notifications use existing sensors.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

A major new health feature for recent Apple Watch models can alert users to possible hypertension (aka high blood pressure) by analyzing patterns in their heart data over time. Apple offered a document earlier this week explaining how the Hypertension Notifications feature works using existing sensors.

Available with watchOS 26, the feature works on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.

Today in Apple history: iOS 7’s major redesign divides fans

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screenshots compare the iOS 7 Home Screen to the iOS 6 Home Screen
Here's how iOS 7 (right) compared to iOS 6.
Images: Apple

September 18: Today in Apple history: iOS 7 major redesign divides fans September 18, 2013: iOS 7 launches with a radical redesign that divides the tech world. The biggest overhaul Apple’s mobile operating system has seen in years, iOS 7 ditches the skeuomorphic objects, dials and textures of previous iterations.

Instead, it boasts stark patches of white space, simpler icons and more abstract controls for settings. The Jony Ive era of software design is truly underway.

How to use AirPods as an iPhone camera control

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AirPods camera control
Your AirPods can act as a camera control to take group shots with you in them.
Image: Apple/Belle Co/Pexels

AirPods have a new trick that lets them work as a camera remote. Simply pressing the earbuds’ stem can control your iPhone’s Camera app and snap a picture. This proves helpful when you want to set your iPhone to take a large group photo with you in it.

However, the feature is off by default. You need to activate it. Here’s what to do.

Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses debut with a display and Neural Band magic

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Meta Ray Ban Display Glasses
Step into the future with Meta’s latest smart glasses.
Photo: Meta

Following the success of its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Meta has launched its Ray-Ban Display glasses. This is a step up from its previous efforts, as the smart glasses feature a built-in display in the right lens.

The glasses come with a Neural Band that recognizes your hand movements and helps you navigate through the glasses’ UI.

Early reviews rave about Apple’s biggest iPhone upgrades in years

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Demand for AI features helps drive robust iPhone 17 sales
This year's iPhone lineup includes the iPhone 17 Pro, the super-slim iPhone Air and the "regular" iPhone 17.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews of the iPhone 17 lineup say the 2025 models bring Apple’s most significant generational upgrade in years, despite some caveats here and there.

The series spans four models, each targeting different user priorities, from the newly capable base model to the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the two powerhouse Pro variants.

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 comparison: Is going Pro worth it?

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iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 comparison
The iPhone 17 is almost as good as its Pro sibling.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Two closely matched heavyweights square off this year in Apple’s iPhone lineup: the iPhone 17 vs. the iPhone 17 Pro. On paper, the gap between the two has never been narrower. But look closer, and you’ll find a few key differences that could sway your buying decision.

The iPhone 17 Pro has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it the ultimate choice for power users. But is it worth the extra $300? Find out in this iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro. comparison.

Apple Watch Series 11 reviews: Nice battery boost but not much more [Updated]

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Apple Watch 11 reviews roundup
Extended battery life is the biggest upgrade over Apple Watch 10.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 11 seem to agree that while it looks just like its predecessor, this incremental update delivers meaningful improvements in some areas.

The biggest upgrade: longer battery life. But those with an Apple Watch Series 9 or 10 can skip this round unless you really want the six-hour battery boost. Check out review notes and review videos below.

Aiarty’s AI-powered video enhancement saves hours. Get a launch deal!

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Aiarty Video Enhancer launch deal
Get a great launch discount on software that helps you improve all sorts of video.
Photo: Digiarty

Tired of blurry, grainy or low-resolution videos? Whether you’re dealing with low-light night footage, fast-action clips, old camera recordings, drone shots or AI-generated content, Aiarty Video Enhancer brings them to life. It delivers sharp, true 4K videos with natural details right on your Mac or Windows PC.

And better yet, the launch deal going on now will save you a bundle on the software.

Today in Apple history: Apple stock smashes through $700 barrier

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bull Wall Street
Like a bull in an ... Apple Store?
Photo: Sam Valadi/Flickr CC

September 17: Today in Apple history: Apple stock smashes through $700 a share September 17, 2012: On the back of record iPhone 5 preorders of 2 million in 24 hours, Apple’s stock price hits a new all-time high. For the first time in history, AAPL breaks the $700 mark in after-hours trading. Passing the milestone cements Cupertino’s place as the world’s most valuable publicly traded company.

Amazingly, the new record is $270 a share higher than at the start of the year. Apple stock rose 65% in just nine months.

Apple TV+ greenlights The Morning Show season 5 [Season 4 now streaming!]

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The Morning Show season 4
The Morning Show season 4 stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon
Photo: Apple TV+

Award-winning Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show returned Wednesday with season 4, drawing fans back into the chaotic, backbiting world of the title national morning news program and its troubled network in a changing media landscape. And he show will return for a fifth season, the streamer said Tuesday.

The Morning Show has been a standout from the very start, debuting as one of the flagship series on Apple TV+,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see it not only entertain but also resonate with audiences worldwide.

“Thanks to the outstanding cast and creative team, The Morning Show continues to deliver addictively entertaining and provocative stories that we’ve all come to love,” he added. “We’re excited for viewers to experience the next chapter of this Emmy Award-winning drama.”

This double-duty power bank fits on your keychain (and costs just $20)

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Photo illustration of a of Fob Charge keychain power bank charging up an iPhone and an Apple Watch
Get this tiny power bank for iPhone and Apple Watch while it costs just $20.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The remarkably tiny Charge Fob keychain power bank can charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously. It’s one of the smallest portable chargers we’ve seen, and it’s perfect for those “oh crap” moments when one of your Apple devices runs out of juice unexpectedly.

Measuring just under 4 inches long and 2 inches wide, you can slip this little guy in your pocket, purse or travel bag and have some extra iPhone or Apple Watch juice to get through the day. Plus, at just $19.99, this gadget is an absolute steal (regularly $59.95).

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs leaves and rejoins Apple

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Steve Jobs before and after, with maybe a little judgement about water sales.
Two significant days in Jobs' career took place on this day.
Photo: Fulvio Obregon

September 16: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs leaves and rejoins Apple September 16, 1985 and 1997: Twice on this day, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs makes significant moves with regard to his career at the company. In 1985, he leaves Apple after a failed boardroom coup. Then, a little more than a decade later, he officially returns to Apple as its new interim CEO.

In terms of the emotions associated with those historic occasions, it’s hard to think of two more polarizing days in Jobs’ life.

Apple Sports app adds widgets and expands to 8 new countries

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Apple Sports app widgets
Apple Sports helps you stay on top of the action with customizable widgets.
Photo: Apple

Apple Sports app stepped up its game in two ways Tuesday, Apple said — with an update bringing customizable widgets to iPhone, iPad and Mac users, and an expansion to eight new countries in Europe.

And the timing should work well for many sports fans. The enhancements arrive just as NFL and college football kicks into high gear stateside and soccer season rolls on in Europe, site of the expansion. 

iPhone slowdown after installing iOS 26 is temporary

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iOS 26 slowdown
iOS 26 might temporarily slow down your iPhone because the installation process takes longer than your think.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of Mac

iPhone users who just installed iOS 26 might notice a reduction in their battery life, or that their phone is heating up. The devices might even be running a bit slower. A new Apple support document explains that this is temporary as the iOS update process continues in the background.

Take 4TB of super-fast USB4 storage anywhere with LaCie Rugged SSD4 [Review] ★★★★★

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LaCie Rugged SSD4 review★★★★★
The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is rugged, fast and holds up 4TB.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The just-launched LaCie Rugged SSD4 from Seagate is for “creators working beyond the four walls of a studio.” It’s designed to stand up to punishment while offering terabytes of storage and USB4 data transfer speeds. That’s fast enough for iPhone Pro users to record ProRes 4K video.

I put the SSD through real-world testing. Here’s how it came out.

How to make your photos 3D in iOS 26

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Make the Coolest Wallpaper
Not just of an old dog — a 3D old dog!
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

In iOS 26, the awesome new Spatial Scenes feature lets you convert an ordinary 2D photo to a 3D scene that moves in your hand. It doesn’t have to be a recent picture or one taken with a special camera, either. You can try out Apple’s new 3D effect on any decent photo, even if it’s from 20 years ago.

You can play with Spatial Scenes in the Photos app, converting images and seeing how the effect works. But the best part is that you can set one as your iPhone’s Lock Screen wallpaper, and see it every time you unlock your phone. It even works with the excellent Photo Shuffle feature, so you’ll keep getting new ones to gawk at.

Check out the GIFs below that show how Spatial Scenes work, or watch our hands-on demo video.