Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million

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Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million
Tim Cook didn't give investors the truth about iPhone demand in China in 2018 and it's costing the company.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly settled a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of hiding news of declining iPhone demand in China. It concerns comments made by CEO Tim Cook during an investor call back in 2018.

The iPhone-maker allegedly will pay out a $490 million settlement, according to a preliminary settlement filed Friday with the U.S. District Court in Oakland, California.

Powerful speakers flank smart TV display [Setups]

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IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
You can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.
Photo: IK Multimedia

High-quality speakers in MacBooks and Studio Displays and the like are all well and good. But if you want great sound in your computer setup, you’re better off with studio monitor speakers like those in today’s MacBook Pro setup. They’re IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers.

The powered pair of studio monitor speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece. And right now they’re 25% off at $300 each. Find them in the gear list below if you want to level up your setup’s sound.

Apple Pencil (2nd gen) gets a sweet 11% discount

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Apple Pencil 2 in Hand
Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is a handy iPad accessory to have.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

If you take notes or draw on your iPad, consider investing in an Apple Pencil. It will greatly enhance your experience your note-taking and doodling experience.

While the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is expensive at $129, Amazon is discounting it by 11% to $115. This makes the useful iPad stylus a bit more affordable.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Folding iPhone could be 2 years away

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Folding iPhone is here! Too bad there's only one.
This one-off folding iPhone mod could be a glimpse of the future.
Photo: KJMX

Apple may have decided that 2026 is the right year to launch a folding iPhone.

Cupertino has been tinkering with prototype handsets with foldable displays for a long time. An analyst predicted Thursday that the company will finally have something to offer in a couple of years.

Camp in style with this pop-up car cabin

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Camp in style this Labor Day with a $309.97 pop-up car cabin.
Turn your car into an outdoor gazebo with this $309.97 pop-up tent.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

What’s keeping you from traveling? A little time in a new setting can change your whole outlook — and a unique piece of travel gear makes that possibility a lot easier. It’s called Carsule, and it’s a pop-up car cabin that gives you a cool place to chill anywhere you go.

It’s not quite as crazy-luxurious as the Apple car we’ll never get. But if your current ride has a trunk that swings up, Carsule can transform it into a shady nook that lets you work, read or relax in comfort anywhere you go.

OLED iPad Air might be on hold until 2028

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.

However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.

Get a 4K drone with dual cameras for less than $70

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This 4K camera drone with dual cameras is now under $70 before Black Friday.
Get a beginner-friendly drone at a great price with this limited-time deal on a 4K drone with dual cameras and obstacle-avoidance tech.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Talk to drone enthusiasts, and you’ll hear enough technical jargon to make an actual pilot’s head spin. And while it’s true that drone technology has come a long way in the last 10 years, let’s not forget that these things are just plain fun to fly. Anyone can fly — and capture stunning aerial images — with this beginner drone with 4K cameras.

If you or a loved one ever wanted to experience drone flying firsthand, this 4K beauty with dual cameras, obstacle avoidance and other beginner-friendly features is a perfect starting point. And it’s only $69.97 (regularly $119) for a limited time!

AI designed this insane $326,700 iPhone case

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An AI-designed iPhone case by Labodét with crocodile and alligator leather, diamonds and gold detailing.
This stunning iPhone case can be yours for only 300,000 euros. We dare you.
Photo: Labodét

A new iPhone case designed by an AI that apparently doesn’t grasp the value of the dollar will set you back a cool $326,700. The “uber-exclusive” case for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, from French luxury accessories company Labodét, is made of “genuine alligator and exclusive Himalayan crocodile leathers.”

Obviously, it comes festooned in diamonds and features 18K gold detailing. Dust off your titanium Apple Card and hit the link below to snap one up!

Apple acquires fundamental AI smarts by buying DarwinAI

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Another AI acquisition for Apple: Illustration accompanying a story about the company buying Canadian AI startup DarwinAI.
Can Apple buy its way to AI dominance?
Image: Steve Johnson/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computer more efficient.

Apple promised that it’ll have big AI-related announcements later this year, and the acquisition will help the company build the necessary software.

Wild Black Panther caper inspires Apple TV+ series The Big Cigar

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Huey P. Newton in The Big Cigar on Apple TV+. first look
Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, played by André Holland, fled from the FBi to Cuba.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ unveiled a first look Thursday at The Big Cigar, an upcoming limited drama series starring André Holland as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. The show traces his wild escape from the FBI to Cuba.

The Big Cigar debuts on May 17 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14. “It’s all true,” Apple TV+ said. “Mostly.”

Today in Apple history: Power Mac 7100 lands Apple in hot water with Carl Sagan

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Power Macintosh 7100/80 sitting on a desk.
The Macintosh 7100 was not Carl Sagan's favorite computer.
Photo: Matt Gibson/Flickr CC

March 14: Today in Apple history: Power Mac 7100 lands Apple in hot water with Carl Sagan March 14, 1994: Apple introduces the Power Macintosh 7100, a midrange Mac that will become memorable for two reasons.

The first is that it is among the first Macs to use new PowerPC processors. The second is that it results in Apple getting taken to court by astronomer Carl Sagan — not once but twice.

Watch soccer for free on Apple TV app March 16 and 17

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All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please. Watch free soccer on Apple TV.
All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please.
Photo: Apple

This weekend, March 16 and 17, everyone can watch all Major League Soccer matches for free on the Apple TV app. So that’s not just the typical one or two free games.

In other words, you won’t need MLS Season Pass to watch Lionel Messi do his thing with Inter Miami CF against D.C. United — or any of the other 13 matches.

This is the kind of promotion designed to get you hooked so you subscribe to MLS Season Pass, in this second year of 10 in the deal between MLS and Apple.

Google beefs up Chrome browser security for Mac and iOS devices

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Google Safe Browsing update in Chrome for macOS and iOS
These security updates come to macOS and iOS users first and to Android users later in the month.
Photo: Google

Privacy-preserving URL protection and beefed-up password protection are coming to Google Safe Browsing for the popular Chrome browser for macOS and iOS, Google said Thursday. The Chrome security update comes to Macs, iPhones and iPads first. Android devices will see them later in March.

Apple’s most powerful laptop gets $250 off

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Best-selling Macs - MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
M3 Max MacBooks are rarely on discount.
Photo: Apple

Want a laptop that can easily handle your demanding video editing or data processing workflow? The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max should be your top choice.

Find the laptop’s $3,499 price tag steep? Amazon is knocking $250 off the M3 Max MacBook Pro, making it a little more affordable.

Apple Sports iPhone app updated for March Madness

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New Apple Sports app
The new Apple Sports app for iPhone got an update for basketball and baseball fans.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The new Apple Sports iPhone app just received its first big update. It’s now ready for basketball’s March Madness and baseball’s Opening Day.

The free sports app that debuted in February gives fans access to real-time scores, stats and more for their favorite teams across a wide range of sports leagues.

Gain privacy and unblock restricted content with the Unlocator VPN

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The Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS can keep your digital activity private and help you avoid geo-blocking for only $24.
This Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS package can keep your digital activity private and help you avoid geo-blocking.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you are concerned about online privacy and security, you have options to secure your digital experience. If you also want to avoid geo-blocking while enjoying fast internet speeds, we’ve got a great combo for you. Together, these two services from Unlocator will help you stay safe online while getting around geographic restrictions.

Pick up the Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS duo while it’s on sale for just $29.99. You can use it on up to five devices, and the services work on multiple platforms.

Apple Vision Pro could soon launch outside the US

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Vision Pro sitting on a desk
Apple's $3,500 headset might launch in nine new countries.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro is only available in the US right now. But this could change soon, with the company purportedly preparing to launch the headset in nine new countries.

As a part of the AR headset’s international expansion, Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard will gain support for 12 new languages.

$26 smart scale measures 11 different health metrics

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Get smart about your weight journey with this high-tech $33 scale.
See your BMI, muscle mass and much more with this affordable smart scale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Let’s face it. For those trying to lose weight, stepping on the bathroom scale can be the last thing we want to do. We assign too much emotional weight to that single number, when it only tells part of the story. A smart scale can help put things into perspective.

The Roomie Sophie is a smart scale that uses pinpoint sensors to measure various factors related to your overall health. For a limited time, you can grab this innovative scale for only $25.97 (regularly $79).

Franklin trailer shows founding father’s perilous mission to save America

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'Franklin' trailer shows founding father’s perilous mission to France
Michael Douglas will play a suave, sexy Benjamin Franklin in new Apple TV+ biopic.

A Benjamin Franklin docudrama coming soon to Apple TV+ will have the founding father taking on the dangerous task of convincing the king of France to financially support the American Revolution.

Legendary actor Michael Douglas has the title role of Franklin, a limited series premiering in April.

Ultrathin portable power bank keeps MacBooks going

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Baseus Blade 2 thin laptop charger
The Blade 2 is super-thin for portability.
Photo: Baseus

Baseus’ new Blade 2 Ultra-Thin 65W Laptop Power Bank provides enough portable power to keep MacBooks and other devices going. It also adds some interesting advanced features designed to make it even more useful.

The 65-watt, 12,000mAh power bank, released Monday, includes a charge information display and offers intelligent app control. Plus, it can charge two devices at once.

Bonus: For a limited time, the super-slender power bank is available at 30% off with promo code 30OFFBLADE, which drops the Blade 2 price to just $69.99.

Vision Pro ‘superpowers’ surgical team in spine operation

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Apple Vision Pro headset overlaid atop photo of two surgeons.
Vision Pro is an exciting new tool in the surgery theater.
Image: Apple and Olga Guryanova/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Vision Pro demonstrated its healthcare chops recently, assisting a surgical team operating on a patient’s spine in the U.K., reports indicated. It marked the first Vision pro surgery in Europe and one of the first worldwide, undoubtedly.

Because a nurse assisting the surgeons wore the device, they could efficiently help prepare for and track the procedure.

Can you handle a display this massive? [Setups]

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Big OLED smart TV display setup with MacBook Pro
When it comes to OLED smart TVs as computer displays, how big is too big?
Photo: Katert@Reddit.com

Is bigger always better? Nope. And the debate rages on over how big an OLED smart TV display should be to best-suit a computer setup. Would you go large at over 50 inches, or stick to, say, 42 inches or smaller?

Today’s MacBook Pro setup raised the issue again, surfacing some sensible advice. And the smart TV in question is on sale!

Owen Wilson heads to Apple TV+ in Ted Lasso-ish sports comedy

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Owen Wilson heads to Apple TV+ in 'Ted Lasso'-ish sports comedy
Owen Wilson tees up in an upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series about golfers.
Photo: Markus Spiske/Pixels

The list of comedies on Apple TV+ will expand with the addition of one starring Owen Wilson as a washed-up golf pro stepping up to coach a teen in the sport.

The series — which does not yet bear a name — seems to have a lot in common with Ted Lasso, another sports-themed comedy that was an enormous success for Apple TV+.

Today in Apple history: CNN predicts doom for Apple

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Apple is worth more than the entire US energy sector combined
Apple's finances weren't in the best of shape.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

March 13: Today in Apple history: CNN predicts doom for Apple March 13, 1997: With Apple preparing to cut thousands of jobs, CNN reports that “the coffin door is closing” on Cupertino. Apple is doomed! Doomed!

Knowing what happened in the years following, we guess this could technically be considered “fake news.”

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just $69.99

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A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac is just $70.
Enjoy lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for only $70.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Stuck using an older version of Microsoft Office? This offer gets you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac for just $69.99 (regularly $219).

With this one-time payment, you can bid farewell to Microsoft 365’s pesky recurring subscription fees. You’ll never need to pay again for Microsoft’s widely used software for work and school.