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Amazon Prime Video will soon show ads to subscribers who don’t pay extra

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Amazon Prime Video
You'll soon have to shell out more money for Amazon Prime Video unless you want to watch ads.
Image: Amazon

Add Amazon Prime Video to the list of streaming services that charge extra for advertising-free viewing. Commercials will start appearing on the service in 2024.

The change leaves Apple TV+ as one of the few video streaming services that doesn’t include adverts.

Yes, you can buy an iPhone 15 Pro Max today without a preorder [Updated]

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Apple store logo
Head to an Apple Store and you might be able to pick up an iPhone 15 Pro Max today.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

UPDATE Sept. 23: A day after the debut on the iPhone 15 series, it’s very unlikely Apple retail stores have any remaining stock ready for walk-up purchase.

Order an iPhone 15 Pro Max online and you could wait until mid-November to get it, or you can pick one up today from an Apple retail store, no preorder necessary.

But don’t dawdle — it’s first come, first serve.

Best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15

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These are the best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15.
You can never have too many cables.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

One of the best things about iPhone 15 is arguably its USB-C port, which makes connectivity a whole lot simpler. It means you can finally charge your iPhone with the same cables and chargers you might use for other devices, like iPad Pro, MacBook Air, Nintendo Switch and lots more.

If you don’t own any of those and you need to stock up on USB-C accessories, fear not. We rounded up the best USB-C cables and chargers you can buy right now for iPhone 15.

iPhone 14 Pro trounces trashed iPhone 15 Pro in first drop test

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Yes, that's a brand-new iPhone 15 Pro after many drops, including a 40-footer.
Yes, that's a brand-new iPhone 15 Pro after many drops, including a 40-footer.
Photo: AppleTrack

In what is most likely the first drop test of the new titanium iPhone 15 Pro, a reviewer flew to Sydney, Australia, and pitted the handset in a series of drops against the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro.

It wasn’t pretty. In fact, after doing OK in a few little drops, how the iPhone 15 Pro fared in bigger drops was shocking — even disturbing. The older iPhone won, to say the least.

All you need to turn a MacBook into a workstation [Setups]

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Not only does it tell time, this setup and its short list of peripherals and accessories turn a laptop into much more.
Not only does it tell time, this setup and its short list of peripherals and accessories turn a laptop into much more.
Photo: [email protected]

These days, MacBook laptops are more than powerful enough to handle most users’ computing needs. So if you don’t need an even brawnier desktop Mac, why not build your laptop into a full workstation with a few peripherals and accessories?

Today’s setup gets by with a 3-year-old MacBook Pro hooked up to a CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock and a nice LG 4K display, plus Logitech input devices and a few other items. It’s a complete workstation whether or not the user ever takes the MacBook Pro to go.

Warning: Update iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data

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If you got a new iPhone 15 series phone, install iOS 17.0.2 right away.
If you got a new iPhone 15 series phone, install iOS 17.0.2 right away.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple advised iPhone 15 buyers Friday that they need to install the latest software update, iOS 17.0.2, before transferring data during the device setup process. The update fixes a problem that could prevent the data transfer and freeze up the new iPhone.

How to reset your iPhone before trading in or selling

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Erase Your Everything First
Erase everything before you pass off your iPhone.
Image: Ahmadkurdi44/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

How do you reset an iPhone if you’re trading it in, selling it or passing it down to another family member? There’s a right way and a wrong way. If you don’t fully reset the phone, it’ll still be locked to your Apple ID — and the phone will be effectively useless to anyone who tries to use it.

Follow along to make sure you reset your iPhone the right way.

Scuffles and massive lines as iPhone 15 goes on sale worldwide

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iPhone 15 launch day photo from Apple Sydney Store
Apple's newest iPhones are on sale now!
Photo: Apple

A disorderly scuffle broke out at a Dubai mall Friday as shoppers rushed to get the iPhone 15, as stores around the world saw massive lines for the new handsets.

Footage on TikTok shows a big crowd scuffling at Mall of the Emirates to be first in line for the new iPhone. Security guards struggle to hold back the rowdy crowd and several people fall. Other videos show the crowd jostling each other as they scramble to be first inside.

Elsewhere around the world, first-day crowds were more orderly as thousands of people lined up to get the new iPhones.

Folding travel charger tops off iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at once

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Fold up and travel with this magnetic charging station for your Apple devices, now only $75.97.
Get $33 off this folding magnetic charging station that travels anywhere.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re not properly equipped, keeping all your Apple gear charged can be a real challenge when traveling. The Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station packs away in your bag while offering three different charging spots for all your essential Apple gear.

It can fill up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods batteries simultaneously. And now through September 24, it’s on sale for only $75.97.

How to leave the iOS 17 beta program

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How to leave the iOS 17 beta program
If you're done with iOS 17 betas, you can easily set your iPhone to ignore them.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

With iOS 17 now available to all, you no longer need to be enrolled in Apple’s beta program to get your hands on it. There are good reasons why you might not want to run prerelease software on your iPhone any more.

Here’s how to pull your iPhone out. It’s easy and only takes a minute. Maybe less

Apple releases security updates for iOS, iPadOS and watchOS alongside final macOS Sonoma beta

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The new software updates effect Macs as well as security updates for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
The new software updates effect Macs as well as security updates for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Photo: Twelve South

Apple issued emergency software updates Thursday for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch that patch security vulnerabilities the company says may have been actively exploited. Among other things, the release notes for iOS 17.0.1, iPadOS 17.0.1 and watchOS 10.0.1 indicate the updates fix a problem that could allow a malicious app to bypass signature validation.

The updates, which Apple recommends all users download as soon as possible, come just days after the company pushed its latest operating systems live. However, if you plan to pick up an iPhone 15 tomorrow, you might want to hold off. If you update your current phone to iOS 17.0.1, you would need to update your new iPhone as well before setting it up from a backup.

Skip the Ultra 2 and get the Apple Watch Ultra for $100 off

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Apple Watch Ultra review roundup: For extremophiles
Skip the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and get the original Ultra instead.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not pack significant upgrades over the first-gen model. And that’s a good enough reason to check out the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals or consider buying the original Apple Watch Ultra at its lowest-ever price.

With a massive $100 off, you can get the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra for $700.

First iPhone 15 Pro teardown showcases repairable innards

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Once the glass was pried off, it was time to start messing around with iPhone 15 Pro's guts.
Once the glass was pried off, it was time to start messing around with iPhone 15 Pro's guts.
Photo: PBKreviews

The first YouTube video showing a complete teardown and reassembly of the new iPhone 15 Pro highlights its cool components, like the compact A17 Pro chip and the three highly capable cameras.

And it also scores the handset reasonably well on repairability, something Apple has markedly improved in recent years.

CdkeySales back-to-school sale: With 90% discount you can get Windows 10/11 for $13!

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Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

With classes underway in most schools, it’s time to load new versions of Microsoft’s crucial productivity software — Windows and Office. You can grab them at super-low prices in the back-to-school sale at CdkeySales.com.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
You’ll be amazed at the array of deals at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. To get the most back-to-school savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on software keys. Even better, when you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.

How much (actual) crap would you go through to get back a lost Apple Watch?

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This is not the outhouse in question, but you get the idea.
This is not the outhouse in question, but you get the idea.
Photo: Photo by Максим Косяков@Pexels.com

Like many people, you probably love your Apple Watch. But would you lower yourself down through a toilet into the business end of an outhouse to get it back? That’s what a Michigan woman did.

The good news is she found the watch. The bad news is she got stuck in the crap and had to be rescued.

Why an Apple-made 5G iPhone modem remains only a dream

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An Apple 5G modem might look like this
Apple has poured billions into making its own 5G chip, and so far has nothing to show for it. Here's why.
Artists concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s five-year effort to make a 5G modem for the iPhone has so far accomplished little besides spending billions of dollars, according to a new report. The reasons for the failure are myriad but mostly come down to executives underestimating the complexity of the project.

That’s left iPhone-maker dependent on Qualcomm for modems, a company Apple has a very rocky relationship with.

Burn through books with these inspiring 15-minute text and audio summaries

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Spend your next flight learning with Headway's inspiring book summaries, now only $59.97.
Get today's bestsellers summarized for easy travel reading or listening, now less than $60 for life.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Libraries are full of inspiration, but the internet? It’s mostly full of distractions. Unfortunately, one is a lot more convenient than the other. Luckily, there’s now an app that can help you carve out time for a little brain food, and it’s now priced down just in time to save you from mindless scrolling over those long holiday flights.

Until September 24, you can get Headway Premium for only $59.97 with no coupon required. With this lifetime subscription, you can learn something new every time you go on your iPhone. Or finally take that deep dive into a topic you’ve been interested in for ages.

Best screen protectors for iPhone 15

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Best iPhone 15 screen protectors
These are the best screen protectors you can buy right now for iPhone 15.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re getting a new iPhone, the very first thing you should do right out of the box is slap a screen protector on it. Even though Apple calls the iPhone 15 lineup’s Ceramic Shield glass screens the toughest ever, they can and will shatter when dropped.

Plus, no matter how much you baby your new smartphone, it’s going to rub up against dirt and debris in your pocket or while rolling around in your bag. That can lead to unsightly scratches.

Keep your iPhone 15‘s screen in superb shape with a quality screen protector. Here are the best options you can buy right now.

1Password takes a step away from passwords by adding passkey support

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1Password now supports passkeys
View and manage passkeys in 1Password.
Photo: 1Password

The popular password-management application 1Password added support for passkeys on Wednesday. The feature is now available on desktop and mobile versions of the software.

The intent of passkeys is to use biometric systems to free users from the hassles of remembering passwords for websites and apps.

Never pay full price for airfare again

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Save on fall travel and beyond with this $70 Dollar Flight Club subscription.
Join Dollar Flight Club for under $70 and save on airfare for life.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Travelers looking to take to the skies this fall and winter will want to be conscious of their budgeting because airline costs have gone through the roof. To help ease the costs of holiday trips and other necessary ventures out into the world, consider Dollar Flight Club.

Now through September 24, you can get a DFC Premium Plus+ lifetime subscription for only $69.97 (regularly $1690). With this platform, you can take your cheapest vacation or family visit yet.

Making the endlessly inventive Snoopy watch face for Apple Watch

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Lift your arm to look at your Apple Watch, and you'll see a face like this turn into an animation. And there are tons of them.
Lift your arm to look at your Apple Watch, and you'll see a face like this turn into an animation. And there are tons of them.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you love Charlie Brown’s dog Snoopy, as generations of Peanuts fans and product marketers do, you better get the new Snoopy Apple Watch face now available in watchOS 10.

After all, a ton of work went into making its endlessly inventive animations, according to a new report.

Ultra 2 reviews: Small upgrades strengthen ‘ultimate’ Apple Watch

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted with modest but welcome upgrades.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted with modest but welcome upgrades.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2 reviews are out, and they’re positive. Modest upgrades like a brighter display, double-tap gesturing and a faster processor might not make current Ultra owners shell out for the new one, but it’s highly recommended to anyone else who wants the best rugged smartwatch. For more details on the Ultra’s features, click here to explore.

Conspiracy looms in first look at spy thriller Slow Horses season 3

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As Jackson Lamb, Gary Oldman is never looking his best.
As rumpled spy Jackson Lamb, Gary Oldman never looks his best.
Photo: Apple

Jackson Lamb and his team of misfit MI5 agents return soon for season three of espionage thriller Slow Horses. Apple TV+ offered a first look Wednesday with some photos and plot tidbits about the trouble they will get into.

The award-winning show debuts December 1 with the first two episodes of the new season. As a big fan of the show and the books it’s based on, I can’t wait.

Early Apple Watch Series 9 review roundup: New chip brings new tricks

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Apple Watch Series 9 on Wrist
Just because the outer design of Apple Watch Series 9 hasn't changed doesn't mean there aren't new features.
Screenshot: Apple

Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 9 praise its new processor that gives the wearable a nifty Double Tap gesture and improves Siri, too. The brighter display also draws kudos from reviewers.

The 2023 version can be preordered now, and starts reaching customers on Friday.

Two powerhouse MacBooks drive dual Studio Displays [Setups]

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Not everyone can say they have two late model MacBooks Pro and two Studio Displays, but the employer helped out in this case.
Not everyone can say they have two late model MacBooks Pro and two Studio Displays, but the employer helped out in this case.
Photo: [email protected]

Not many folks get to flaunt two late-model, powerhouse MacBook Pro laptops along with two Studio Displays in their computer setup — but it certainly becomes more likely when an employer contributes gear. Today’s featured setup comes from an art director in just that situation.

His Apple-all-the-way setup won much praise, but some commenters on social media had fits over a backward-facing MacBook Pro — and provided a fix for the flagrant flub.