Mobile menu toggle

Start your cybersecurity career with this $40 CompTIA superbundle

By

Take steps towards a cybersecurity career with this CompTIA bundle, now under $40.
These courses will help you prep for the CompTIA certifications you need for an IT career.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As cybercrime becomes more prevalent, so do employment opportunities for people with the skills to battle hackers, phishers and other online baddies. The Complete 2023 CompTIA Course Super Bundle offers 13 courses that can help you earn the certifications you need to tap into this increasingly lucrative career path.

Ahead of Black Friday, you can gain lifetime access to these cybersecurity-focused courses from iducate for only $39.97 (regularly $195). Don’t delay — that’s the best price online!

Get Microsoft Office for Mac for just $49.99

By

An iMac with a screensaver that says
Microsoft Office is the go-to software suite for millions around the world. Get a lifetime license for just $49.99.
Photo: Carl Heyerdahl/Unsplash License

Owning a copy of Microsoft Office is simply essential in today’s remote and hybrid working world. Set yourself up to work from home or anywhere with a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac, on sale now for just $49.99 (list price $249.99).

For PC fans, the Windows version of MS Office is available — but the deal’s not quite as sweet.

Samsung T5 EVO portable SSD offers a whopping 8 terabytes of storage

By

Samsung T5 EVO SSD in use
There's room for years of images and videos on the new Samsung T5 EVO solid state drive.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung just launched the T5 EVO, a consumer-oriented solid state drive that provides up to 8 terabytes of storage, the most currently available in a portable SSD.

And the lower-capacity versions cost less than the equivalent Samsung T9 pro-grade drives that also hit store shelves recently.

Top apps and games: Apple names 37 App Store Award finalists

By

App Store Award finalists for iPhone apps
If you're looking for reliably good apps and games, this is a fine place to start. These are the apps for iPhone finalists (AllTrails, Duolingo and Flighty).
Photo: App Store

Apple’s App Store named its apps and games of the year for different devices/services plus other App Store Award finalists Tuesday. All told, it recognized 37 apps and games whose developers “are delivering exceptional experiences and making a profound cultural impact.”

And in a matter of weeks, we’ll find out who the winners are, the company said.

Save tunes you hear on TikTok straight to Apple Music

By

TikTok Add to Music App
If you come across a cool tune, you can add it to your library with a click.
Photo: TikTok

Even if you only hear a snippet of a tune on TikTok, now you can add the whole song directly to Apple Music or another music-streaming service.

TikTok’s new Add to Music App launched Tuesday in the United States and the United Kingdom. It works with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and other music streamers.

Store and charge Apple gear with the super-cool BentoStack

By

You can use the BentoStack to neatly store you Apple accessories (and charge them).
You can use the BentoStack to neatly store you Apple accessories (and charge them).
Photo: Function101

Ever order a bento box from a Japanese restaurant, with sushi and other foods in separate little compartments? The Function101 BentoStack Charge 8000 is like that  — except it holds Apple accessories you want to store at your desk or tote around. Plus, it charges them.

The BentoStack comes with four useful compartments that you can use as trays. And it features a rechargeable power bank.

Apple Pencil 2 drops to its best price in this pre-Black Friday deal

By

It's not the first time Apple Pencil 2 has been this cheap, but you may never see a lower price.
This is the Apple Pencil 2 deal ahead of Black Friday that you should not miss.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

You can get the incredibly useful Apple Pencil 2 for its lowest price ahead of Black Friday. Amazon is taking $40 off the iPad accessory, dropping its price to $89.

The Apple Pencil 2 works with iPad Air, iPad mini 6, and iPad Pro to make note-taking and drawing a breeze.

Grab this Nintendo Switch docking station for just $19

By

Take advantage of limited-time savings on this Nintendo Switch docking station, now only $19.
Pick up a portable Nintendo Switch docking station for only $18.99 before Black Friday!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You may think you’re getting the most out of your Nintendo Switch, but don’t be so certain. There’s an instant upgrade that will bring expanded portability and power to all your Nintendo Switch gaming.

For a limited time, you can pick up a Nintendo Switch-compatible mini docking station for just $18.99 (regularly $24). Take advantage of this deal for a personal gaming upgrade, or pass it along as a present!

iPhone Tap to Pay expands to France

By

Tap to Pay on iPhone empowers businesses to securely accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets by using an iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS app.
Tap to Pay enables businesses to use an iPhone to securely accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets.
Photo: Apple

French iPhone users now have access to Tap to Pay, which enables businesses to accept contactless payments from credit cards directly on their iOS handset – no additional hardware required.

The service has been gradually roiling out around the world since it launched in 2022.

Coming ‘ultrasonic’ revolution could change wireless earbuds forever

By

xMEMS Cypress
The Cypress ultrasonic speaker promises a leap in digital sound quality.
Photo: xMEMS

xMEMS Labs is bringing what it calls breakthrough technology to the wireless earbuds market late next year after a CES 2024 debut — the Cypress ultrasonic speaker. It turns ultrasonic waves we normally can’t even hear into full-frequency, hi-res audio with remarkable detail, the California-based semiconductor company said Tuesday.

The solid-state microspeaker, which will find its way into various companies’ earbuds and headphones — hello, AirPods? — generates low-frequency sound pressure for a full bass response, according to xMEMS Labs.

That makes the ultrasonic speaker a true replacement for legacy speaker technology that has only been refined, not replaced, since your great-grandparents rocked the Victrola.

Secure a lifetime of affordable travel with this Dollar Flight Club Premium twofer

By

Spend less on airfare with a huge savings on a 2-pack of Dollar Flight Club Premium, now under $760.
Travel the world for less with a two-pack deal on Dollar Flight Club Premium, now only $59.97.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Don’t wait for Black Friday deals to start planning your next vacation. Pick up a two-pack of Dollar Flight Club Premium for only $59.97 (regularly $1,104) through November 16 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. The service helps you find cheap flights so you can afford to fly where you want, when you want, without maxing out your credit cards.

You could travel for less this holiday and beyond!

Coyote vs. Acme animated film might land on Apple TV+

By

This is supposedly a screenshot from
Apple TV+ might be the savior for Coyote vs. Acme.
Screenshot: Warner Bros.

Apple is reportedly on the list of streaming services with the option to acquire Coyote vs. Acme, a film Warner Bros. made but recently decided to not release.

It’s a story of Wile E. Coyote attempting to catch the Road Runner from the classic cartoons. John Cena stars in the film.

Beautiful workstation serves up double the fun with dual everything [Setups]

By

Want a highly functional and symmetrical setup? Get two of most things.
Want a highly functional and symmetrical setup? Get two of most things.
Photo: [email protected]

A New York City-based magazine editor showed off a beautiful computer setup that serves up twice the fun because it boasts two of everything. Well, not everything.

But it doubles up on a lot of the main gear — two M3 MacBooks Pro, two Studio Displays, two sets of Philips Hue smart lights, a pair of Yamaha speakers on stands and, believe it or not, two Magic Trackpads and a Magic Mouse.

Read more about the setup’s whys and wherefores below, and check out that gear list of links at the bottom of the article.

M3 vs. M3 Pro MacBook Pro comparison: Should you go Pro?

By

M3 vs. M3 Pro MacBook Pro comparison
Should you save your money and get the M3 MacBook Pro instead of M3 Pro?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

The base model in the new 2023 MacBook Pro lineup comes with Apple’s standard M3 chip. This model, which replaces the discontinued 13-inch MacBook Pro, costs $400 less than the next model up, which runs on an M3 Pro chip.

The two laptops look almost identical. The big question is, will the entry-level M3 MacBook Pro suit your needs? Or should you spend the extra $400 and get the one with the M3 Pro chip? Find out in this comparison.

Sideloading iPhone apps could arrive in the EU next year

By

App Store
Europeans will soon be able to make an end run around the App Store by sideloading iPhone applications.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The good news is that iPhone could finally allow users to install applications directly starting in 2024, according to a reliable source. The bad news is that being able to go without the App Store will only be an option in Europe.

To be clear, sideloading is required by EU law so it’s definitely happening. The timing isn’t clear, though.

12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024

By

iPad Air and iPad Pro
A 12.9-inch iPad Air could join the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2024.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could overhaul its tablet lineup in 2024, delivering the first 12.9-inch iPad Air and upgrading iPad Pro models to OLED displays and the company’s fast new M3 chip.

The upgrades could help boost iPad shipments to between 52 million and 54 million units in 2024, up from about 50 million in 2023.

AirPods uncomfortable? Try these open-ear headphones for just $25.

By

Score better audio for only $25 with these open-ear bone conduction headphones.
Enjoy a comfortable listening experience that some people prefer to traditional earbuds.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you don’t like jamming AirPods or other earbuds into your ears, you should consider bone-conduction headphones. They offer clear audio and a comfortable listening experience that some people prefer to regular earbuds.

Want to find out for yourself? Ahead of Black Friday, we’ve got Open-Ear Conduction Stereo Wireless Headphones on sale for only $24.97 (regularly $79). These alternative headphones could significantly improve your or a loved one’s audio experience.

Play ’80s synths, surf with a solid VPN, test hard drive for video and find great Italian food [Awesome Apps]

By

iPhone ad in the style of vintage Works Progress Administration artwork
This week's awesome apps include a retro synthesizer, a solid VPN, a quick test for hard drives and a guide to Italian eateries.
Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

In this week’s Awesome Apps roundup, we have a synthesizer app that brings back the sound of the ’80s, a solid VPN for safely surfing the Web, an app for testing external drives for recording high-res video, and a guide to the best eateries in Italy.

These are the only two M3 MacBook Pros you should buy [The CultCast]

By

The CultCast episode 620. These are the only two M3 MacBook Pros you should buy.
Not every M3 MacBook Pro is created equal.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Erfon breaks down the specs/performance of Apple’s recently released MacBook Pro lineup, and he’s convinced there are only two models any sane person would buy. Listen to found out which models make the grade!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple reportedly slammed the breaks on the development of next year’s iPhone and Mac operating systems to concentrate on busting bugs. But was the pause really that big of a deal?
  • Elgato made a simple, smart change to its USB-C cables — and every manufacturer should follow suit.
  • An intriguing rumor indicates Apple might have a battery breakthrough in the works.

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.

For All Mankind season 4 launches with painful look back [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

By

For All Mankind season 4★★★
Graying XO Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman) pilots a craft with a Soviet colleague in "For All Mankind" season 4.
Photo: Apple TV+

Alternative-history space-race drama series For All Mankind returned to Apple TV+ Friday with a season 4 opener that handled two tough jobs pretty well — painfully looking back at past tragedies and peering ahead with trepidation to probable new ones. After all, space is dangerous and so are people.

In an episode called “Glasnost,” set 8 years after the end of season 3, For All Mankind sets its sites on asteroid wealth and a joint mission led by the United States and Russia to get it. And it doesn’t take long for people to start dying up there.

This $35 power bank charges iPhone, Apple Watch and more [Sale extended!]

By

Put power in the stocking this holiday season with this $35 Apple-compatible wireless charger.
Gift an Apple lover the Multi-Device Wireless Charger for only $35.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

An extremely portable power bank that charges iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time? We’re interested before you even tell us the price. But tell us that price is just $34.97 for a limited time, and we’re all the way in … ASAP!

This heavily discounted multidevice wireless charger is small enough to slip into your pocket or purse. Plus, it would make a great gift for anybody who uses an iPhone, an Apple Watch or any Qi-compatible device.

Through November 16, you can get one — or a dozen — for a massive 70% off the usual price of $119.99!

Be the ‘King of Digital’ with cool new synth app [Awesome Apps]

By

AudioKit King of Digital synth app
Retro-obsessed audio mavens: Don't miss this one.
Photo: AudioKit
Awesome Apps

If you love the synth sounds of the ’80s, we have something for you. AudioKit Pro launched a brand-new hybrid synthesizer app for iPhone and iPad Wednesday for those who love the sounds of the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s.

And while the developer said the synth app usually costs $19.99, right now you can get it for $3.99. And by the way, it’s currently rated #1 in Music on the App Store.

Even more reasons Humane’s Ai Pin is a total bust

By

On-screen text says
Why Humane's introductory video for the Ai Pin begins with co-founder Imran Chaudhri shuffling a series of boxes stacked like a snowman I do not understand. And that is just the first five seconds of the dreadful presentation.
Photo: Humane

In a tedious and awkward 10-minute video released Thursday, buzzy startup Humane gave a more thorough introduction of its Ai Pin. The video all but confirms my feelings that we are seeing the next hilarious Silicon Valley failure play out in real time.

Since co-founder Imran Chaudhri’s TED Talk earlier this year, where we got a vague introduction to the supposed iPhone-killer’s features, there remained a slim chance — one in a hundred — that the then-unnamed device wasn’t a total waste.

Any ounce of doubt has been washed away as this new video doubles down on the Ai Pin’s flaws and walks back its only positives. In fact, the introductory video clearly demonstrates why the device will fail: The AI gave completely wrong answers and provided no way to check their accuracy. It’s absolutely untrustworthy. This highlights the broader concerns surrounding Humane AI and its ability to provide reliable and accurate assistance.

Expand your rig with a portable 4K touchscreen monitor

By

Extend your workspace with this portable and touchscreen 15.6-inch 4K monitor, now only $249.97.
This portable 4K touchscreen monitor costs less than $250 in our pre-Black Friday sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re combing through spreadsheets or cooking up some code, extending your desktop can really accelerate your workflow and even reduce eye strain. Luckily for Cult of Mac readers, we’re offering a pre-Black Friday discount on a portable touchscreen monitor you can take anywhere.

Meet the Desklab monitor, which boasts a sleek display with touchscreen abilities. Until November 16, it’s on sale for only $249.97 (regularly $375)!

How Apple made the space black MacBook Pro

By

Late-2023 MacBook Pro with M3
The new M3 MacBook Pro is almost the same as its predecessor from inside.
Photo: Apple

From the outside, the new M3 MacBook Pros look the same as their predecessors — except for that gorgeous new space black finish.

How did Apple create this exotic new finish? And what’s changed inside its new laptops, aside from the powerful new M3 chips? The iFixit team posted a detailed teardown Friday that answers all your questions.