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Jump-start your new year with fresh Apple Fitness+ activities

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Apple Fitness+ workouts
New workouts count down to the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
Photo: Apple

Apple Fitness+ brings fresh ways for users to stay active and mindful in the new year with new activities starting January 8, Apple said Thursday.

You can try a new sound meditation theme, a workout program with golfer Rose Zhang, an Artist Spotlight series tied to the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, Time to Walk episodes available on Apple Podcasts for the first time and more.

Speidel stainless steel Apple Watch bands are built to last

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Stainless steel bands are durable and stylish.
Stainless steel bands are durable and stylish.
Photo: Speidel

Stainless steel Apple Watch bands are where high-tech meets durability, style and comfort. And Speidel makes some exceptional examples, including its Stainless Steel Linked Watchband for Apple Watch.

Believe it or not, right now you can get that tough and stylish band for less than $40 in the Cult of Mac Store.

Killers of the Flower Moon hits Apple TV+ on January 12

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Killers of the Flower Moon on Apple TV+
Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone star in "Killers of the Flower Moon," coming soon to Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

The wait to stream Killers of the Flower Moon on Apple TV+ is almost over. Martin Scorsese’s historical crime drama debuts on Apple’s streaming service on Friday, January 12.

The epic proved is popular with both critics and audiences when it premiered in theaters around the world in October.

Why and how to limit iPhone 15 to 80% maximum charge

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40 80 rule on iPhone
To preserve the battery in your iPhone as long as possible, follow the 40-80 rule.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPhone 15 has a charging trick many users might not be aware of: It can automatically stop charging when the battery level hits 80%. This makes it much easier to follow the “40-80 rule,” which helps increase the long-term useful life of the battery.

Here’s more on how it works, whether you should follow the rule, and how to flip on the setting on your iPhone.

iPhone 17’s front camera could get a big upgrade

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iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review: Pro features for less
A higher-resolution front camera might finally come to the iPhone in 2025.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could give the iPhone’s front camera a significant upgrade in 2025. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 17 will ship with a 24MP TrueDepth camera and a 6P lens.

The higher-resolution sensor “will significantly improve the image quality” and capture more detailed and sharper selfies. While Apple’s plans for this year remain uncertain, many are speculating about the iPhone 16 concept, which could hint at the direction of these camera upgrades. Learn more about what’s expected for the iPhone 17 here.

Smart GPS Tracker helps you locate lost valuables

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Keep all your devices safe in 2024 with this Smart GPS Tracker, just $21.99 now.
Track everything you care about with this Smart GPS Tracker. It's cheaper than AirTag and also works with Androids.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

How much would it cost you to lose your keys, luggage or bag right now? At a minimum, it’s a huge inconvenience. And at worst, it could set you back hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Using a smart GPS tracker means you can always keep track of your valuables.

Right now, this one is on sale for just $21.99 — $9 off the regular price of $31. But you’ll have to move quickly, as it’s all part of our epic New Year’s savings event, meaning you only have until January 7, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific, to get this rate.

How to disable new Facebook ‘Link History’ user tracking system

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Facebook link history in iPhone app
Link History in the Facebook iPhone app can be useful if you don't mind Meta tracking you.
Image: Meta/Cult of Mac

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Meta came up with a new way to track its users. Facebook Link History stores a list of websites and webpages that users have gone to from their Facebook feed. The information is used to target advertising.

Fortunately, you can turn off the tracking feature. Here’s how.

iPhone Pro models see continued sales growth as smartphone market flags

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iPhone 15 Pro Max
You're not the only one who wants an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.
Photo: Apple

While smartphone sales have seen declines recently in general, premium handsets like iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max should see 6% sales growth to hit a new record for 2023, according to a new report Wednesday.

Apple dominates the premium market, but Huawei and Samsung have made inroads, especially because of foldable handsets — a market segment Cupertino hasn’t entered yet.

Dual 5K displays and giant DIY desk distinguish this rig [Setups]

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MacBook Pro setup
Cleaned, reorganized and beautifully underlit, this MacBook Pro and Studio Display rig is ready for work in the new year.
Photo: [email protected]

People often compare LG’s UltraFine 5K display to Apple’s Studio Display because they’re directly comparable, with the same size and resolution. But rarely do you find the two in the same setup. That makes today’s dual MacBook Pro and dual 5K display setup something of a rarity.

That, along with the rarely seen Wacom drawing tablet and the truly massive DIY desk, fashioned from a kitchen countertop and mechanized legs.

Hone your Hollywood knowledge with Movie Crosswords

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Movie Crosswords game on iPad (screenshot)
You can play Movie Crosswords on your iPhone or your iPad.
Image: Digiluna Games

There’s nothing like a good crossword puzzle or word-search game to stimulate the brain. But a lot of themed crossword puzzles offer just a few clues and sometimes an image related to the subject. Not so with Digiluna Games’ Movie Crosswords game.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Digiluna.
The clues in all of the easy-to-play crossword and word-search puzzles relate to the cinematic theme, making them unique — and a great way to boost your Hollywood knowledge.

Live streaming app XSplit will make you look and sound better

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Streamers: Don't wait til 2024 for $140 off this recording app.
Take $140 off the studio that lets streamers broadcast, record and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re a streamer, your clips should be all about showing fans the fun you’re having. However, that’s hard to do when you’re fiddling with tools, watching your sound levels, etc. That’s why live streaming software XSplit Broadcaster enjoys a growing following among the streaming community on Twitch and elsewhere.

Now, new users can get a lifetime subscription to XSplit for less than $60. That’s a 70% discount off the normal price of $200. Note: This app works on Windows only.

Why a Wi-Fi 7 router should be on your 2024 shopping list

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Wi-Fi 7
You'll be sorry if you buy a wireless router without Wi-Fi 7.
Photo: Wi-Fi Alliance/Cult of Mac

Anyone shopping for a wireless router should get one that supports Wi-Fi 7. This new version will finally go mainstream this year, and you don’t want to miss out. Getting a Wi-Fi 7 router now makes sense if you want to have the fastest and most reliable internet connection possible, now and in the forseeable future.

Unlike most of its predecessors, the primary goal for Wi-Fi 7 isn’t more speed. Instead, it’s more about reliability. That said, a speed improvement is expected.

Here’s what we have to look forward to.

This Apple Watch Ultra case expands your color options

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This Apple Watch Ultra case expands your color options
Elkson Quattro Max shields the Apple Watch Ultra from scratches and tones down the orange color.
Photo: Elkson

Apple Watch Ultra is amazingly powerful, but many people aren’t thrilled that the design uses orange as an accent color. But put the wearable in the Elkson Quattro Max Bumper Case and much of the orange is hidden. And the case now comes in five color options.

Plus, it’s about more than a pretty color. The case adds a layer of extra protection for Apple Watch Ultra and its display.

AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C hits lowest price ever

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AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Right now you can get 24% off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C on Amazon.
Photo: Apple

Happy New Year — and it will no doubt be happier if you can nab AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case, which has returned to its lowest price yet. Maybe that’ll even motivate you to exercise more, if by chance you set certain New Year’s resolutions along those lines and could use the help of Apple’s top earbuds.

Amazon is selling the updated noise-canceling earbuds for $189, down from $249. That’s the best price we’ve seen. And you can find discounts on other Apple earbuds, too.

Apple TV+ greenlights season 5 of popular spy thriller Slow Horses

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"Slow Horses" on Apple TV+ will air a fifth season.
Photo: Apple

The darkly comedic spy thriller series Slow Horses has three seasons ready to binge-watch on Apple TV+ — season 3’s finale aired last week — plus season 4 on the way and now a fifth season planned for production, the streaming service said Tuesday.

The critically acclaimed hit show starring Gary Oldman might as well keep rolling, as there are more novels in Mick Herron’s Slough House book series to base new six-episode seasons on.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters episode 8 drops down a giant hole … literally [Apple TV+ recap]

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'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' episode 8 -- Cate Randa
The Randa family needs to learn to stay away from the titan tunnels.
Screenshot: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewMonarch: Legacy of Monsters episode 8 reveals why Lee Shaw is traveling around the world blowing stuff up, and also hits us with a big surprise. Then it drops some central characters down a huge hole.

Read our review/recap for Godzilla-size spoilers about the latest episode, plus some speculation about the show’s future.

Best and worst of 2023: The CultCast’s year-end wrap

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Best and worst of 2023: The CultCast episode 627 year-end wrap.
Let's go out with a bang, shall we?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Since Apple and the rest of the civilized world is taking a holiday break, we’re spending the majority of the show on our final picks for the best and worst of 2023.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The U.S. ban on the import and sales of Apple Watch takes another weird twist.
  • Former Apple design chief Jony Ive lures another former colleague away from Cupertino. This time, the goal is to build AI hardware for OpenAI.
  • Amazon Prime Video’s plan to add commercials is a major bummer.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

What to expect from Apple Watch in 2024: Series X

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What to watch for in 2024: The tenth anniversary of Apple Watch.
What to watch for in 2024: The 10th anniversary of Apple Watch.
Photo illustration: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

2024 looks like a big year for Apple Watch. The world’s most popular wearable could get the biggest redesign in its 10-year history in the form of a device potentially called “Apple Watch Series X” or simply “Apple Watch X.”

That’s excellent news, because 2023 was not a great year for Apple Watch. Sure, we got a fresh new look with watchOS 10. But on the hardware side, the updates to Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 seem pretty minor. And then there’s the looming U.S. ban on Apple Watch imports and exports due to a patent dispute.

So, what should we expect from the Apple Watch 2024 lineup?

Keep randos from rifling through your luggage with this TSA-approved fingerprint lock

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This TOKK™ Fingerprint TSA Approved Lock is now only $44.99 for a limited time.
Flights, the gym, the office ... keep your bags safe wherever you take them with a Tokk fingerprint lock.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re traveling, going to work, heading to school or dropping off your gear at the gym, it can be incredibly beneficial to keep a lock on your bag or luggage. Now, you can give the classic lock a digital upgrade with the Tokk TSA-approved fingerprint lock.

It makes accessing your phone, wallet, clothes and other goods easy, while keeping them ultra-secure from potential thefts. Even better, it’s now on sale for only $44.99 (regularly $59).

Everything Apple is working on in 2024 [Video]

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Collage of iPhones, Apple Watch, iPad, Macs and AirPods
Apple is going to have a big 2024.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

2024 is going to be a big year for Apple products. The iPhone is due for a second year in a row of big changes. And the entire iPad lineup is getting refreshed. The rest of the Macs are being updated to M3 chips. The Apple Watch Series X may receive a radical design. And fourth-gen AirPods will bring pro noise cancellation features to the cheaper buds.

We have a new video that summarizes everything we know about Apple’s top products coming next year.

Learn the cybersecurity skills you need to succeed with these ethical hacking courses

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Save $100 on this ethical hacking bundle to strengthen cybersecurity knowledge.
Boost your cybersecurity career with this ethical hacking bundle, which costs less than $30.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With the cybersecurity sector constantly evolving and expanding, a robust job market sprang up around it. And this ethical hacking course bundle can teach you the skills you need to claim your spot in this increasingly lucrative IT sector.

Gain a greater understanding of the techniques and trends that are changing cybersecurity efforts with discounted lifetime access to The 2023 Complete Ethical Hacking Certification Bundle. Normally sold for $130, this comprehensive 10-course package costs only $29.97 through January 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Nab year-end iPhone accessories deals up to 80% off at Best Buy [Update: Sale over]

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Insignia's 3-in-1 MagSafe charger
Insignia's 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is on sale, along with plenty of iPhone accessories from Apple and others.
Photo: Best Buy

Here’s your last chance of the year to grab certain outstanding deals on iPhone accessories from Best Buy before 2024 comes along, including one item for an astounding 80% off the regular price.

Jump on the links below to nab bargains on iPhone cases, screen protectors, wallets and chargers. Keep in mind the examples below are just a sampling of all that’s on offer. Sales lasts through December 31.

Russian ghost haunts season 4’s ‘Legacy’ episode of For All Mankind ★★★★☆

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For All Mankind season 4 episode 7 Sergei★★★★☆
Sergei ducks deep cover to seek out Margo with Aleida's reluctant help.
Photo: Apple

Hopefully you were already onboard with For All Mankind‘s sometimes brazenly credulity-stretching alternative reality. The first woman president comes out as gay. Homegrown terrorists blow up NASA HQ. Agency director Margo Madison defects to the Soviet Union and then goes to work in its space agency, only to end up partnering with NASA.

If so, then you won’t mind if a Russian ghost comes back to mess with us now, too.

OK, he’s not a ghost. He’s Sergei, the Russian scientist who seemed to fall in love with Margo and got strangled in front of her to get her to give up U.S. space secrets. And as forces now align to mine the Goldilocks asteroid near Mars, he breaks cover on Earth to seek her out — and maybe not just for more romance.

What Apple can do to bring a Mac gaming renaissance

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Myst on Mac
Apple, please do what it takes to make "Mac gamer" no longer an oxymoron.
Photo: Apple

The Apple A3 series processors make the latest Macs into powerful gaming machines. And macOS Sonoma includes tools to make porting PC games to Mac much easier. As a gamer myself, these are very welcome moves.

But right now, Apple is taking a “build it and they will come” attitude. History shows there’s an important step needed to turn Mac into a serious competition for PC and gaming consoles: CEO Tim Cook and Co. need to put their money where their mouths are and financially encourage top game developers to bring their products to macOS.

That might even include buying one or more game developers.