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Best cases you can buy today for iPhone 15

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These are the best cases you can buy for iPhone 15 right now.
From as little as $14.99.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Got an iPhone 15 or 15 Pro on preorder? It’s time to start thinking about protection. No matter how badly you want to show off your handset’s pretty paint job or its tough titanium chassis, you’re going to regret not covering it up if you drop it onto a hard surface and break it within a week. But don’t worry — there are already a bunch of excellent case options to choose from.

Whether you want a sleek fit that complements iPhone 15’s slim design, extreme impact-resistance for the most damaging drops, or luxurious leather that only gets better with age, there’s an iPhone 15 case right up your alley.

We rounded up the best options you can buy right now, with prices starting from a mere $14.99.

This discount eSIM makes international data easy and affordable

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Ditch roaming charges on your iPhone with aloSIM, now only $21.97.
This $22 eSIM comes with $50 of data credits to keep your iPhone connected abroad.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you travel to another country, you definitely want to leave roaming charges behind. They can prove shockingly expensive, and sometimes the data you get doesn’t quite cut it.

Fortunately, you can get more reliable international data with the aloSIM eSIM. Through September 24, you can get it for life for only $21.97, and your purchase even comes with $50 of data credits.

WhatsApp native iPad app takes a big step toward launch

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WhatsApp logo
WhatsApp's native iPad app could arrive soon.
Image: WhatsApp

Meta’s regular updates have made WhatsApp a better iMessage competitor. But the lack of an iPad app has always been the Achilles heel of the messaging service.

This could soon change as WhatsApp’s long-rumored iPad app is finally available, at least in beta.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15: Which one should you buy?

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iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 comparison
Should you spend the $200 extra and get the iPhone 15 Pro this year?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

This year’s iPhone 15 lineup packs some big upgrades, including 48MP cameras, USB-C connectors and faster chips on both models, and a titanium frame on the Pro. But between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15, which one should you pick?

The two iPhones might appear nearly the same at first glance, but as per usual, the Pro benefits from high-end features. It is also $200 more expensive. So, should you buy the iPhone 15 Pro over the regular iPhone 15? Find out in this comparison.

Soundcore’s new pint-size Bluetooth speakers pack a hi-res punch

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The new Soundcore Motion 300 is small enough to strap to a backpack for a hike.
The new Soundcore Motion 300 is small enough to strap to a backpack for a hike.
Photo: Soundcore

Summer’s ending, but the new Soundcore Motion 300 and Motion 100 portable high-fidelity Bluetooth speakers can still give you stereo sound for outdoor activities this fall and winter, the company said Wednesday.

The $80 Motion 300, available October 9, is a 30-watt speaker with Wireless Hi-Res Certification and 13 hours of playtime. The similar $60 Motion 100, which lacks the 300’s SmartTune EQ, will ship in November, Soundcore said.

Learn new languages for life with forever access to Babbel

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Get lifetime access to Babbel for only$169.97 to learn new languages for life.
Take up a new language with this $169.97 lifetime subscription to Babbel.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Just about any professional can benefit from knowing a second or third language, as multilingual workers can earn more. And with digital tech connecting industries and collaborators across time zones and international borders, it’s worth considering what languages would be most helpful to add to your arsenal.

Looking for a tried-and-true solution for learning a new language? Check out this Babbel lifetime subscription, which is on sale for just $169.97 (regularly $599) through September 24.

Mac sits at the top of the chart for consumer satisfaction

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24-inch iMac
Mac users are very satisfied with their iMac.
Photo: Apple

Mac users are very satisfied with their computer. Even more so than last year, according to a survey of users of all types of desktops, laptops and tablets.

Apple computers beat Windows PCs from most rivals in user satisfaction. In fact, there’s only one company that can rival Apple.

iPhone 15 Pro/Max review roundup: In high demand for a reason

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One of the best Pro model upgrades in years, some reviewers said.
One of the best Pro model upgrades in years, some reviewers said.
Photo: Apple

High demand for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is well-deserved, according to the first reviews, thanks to the new models’ lightweight titanium frames, immersive screens, beefed-up cameras and numerous incremental improvements,

Several reviewers noted how smartphone changes are always incremental nowadays. But the upgrades to the iPhone 15 Pro models seem like some of Apple’s best in years.

Build an army of cute ‘robots’ to conquer charging needs [Review] ★★★★☆

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The adorable little charging bots come in 30W and 65W versions and black or purple colors.★★★★☆
The adorable little charging bots come in 30W and 65W versions and black or purple colors.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you like cute, Ugreen’s got you covered. Its new Ugreen Nexode RG fast chargers are adorable little “robots” that can charge iPhones, iPads and more. “RG” stands for “Robot GaN,” meaning they’re gallium nitride (GaN) chargers.

And they really only look like robots. They’re not going to walk your dog or rise up and destroy humanity or anything. Probably.

The company sent me a trio of the little cuties to check out. You could get several for different electrical outlets, and when they’re not plugged in, they could stand guard over your computer setup.

First iPhone 15/Plus reviews: Pro features get more affordable

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iPhone 15 in hand
iPhone 15 includes the Dynamic Island and other features that were formerly for Pro only.
Screenshot: Apple

Initial reviews of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus praise the addition of the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, saying they make the new handsets feel like a significant upgrade for users of older models. They also applaud the switch to USB-C and the new ultra-wideband chip.

The two iOS 17 devices reach store shelves this Friday.

Here’s what Thread networking can do for iPhone 15 Pro

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iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the first smartphones to include Thread mesh networking. But why?
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the first smartphones to include Thread mesh networking. But why?
Photo: Apple

Thread wireless mesh networking is strongly associated with the Matter smart-home automation standard, so some people found it surprising Apple would include Thread radio technology in iPhone 15 Pro models in addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.

A new report surfaced theories about what Apple’s up to and what future impacts it might have.

Grab Microsoft Office for Mac or Windows for just $29.97

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Improve your digital output — MS Office is only $34.97 for Mac and Windows users.
Get Microsoft Office for life at one low price with this limited-time deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Being productive in 2023 means having the tools required to create digital content. Microsoft Office provides the most popular and accessible programs for writing, organizing, presenting and communicating. And despite Apple’s best efforts, MS Office continues to dominate the field.

Want lifetime access to this top-rated productivity software? For a limited time, you can get Microsoft Office for Mac or Windows on sale for just $29.97.

Now you can upgrade your iCloud+ storage to a whopping 12TB

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iCloud+ Storage Capacity
You can store 6X as much with an iCloud+ subscription than was possible before.
Image: Apple

The maximum capacity of an Apple iCloud+ account just expanded from 2 terabytes to 12 terabytes. There’s also a new 6TB option. Either one is a heap of storage for Mac, iPad and iPhone user to hold images, videos and other files.

The storage plans also come with useful bonus features, many of which are focused on privacy.

These iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won’t arrive till later this year

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The first iOS 17 public build will miss out on these features.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, but without these features.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple finally released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to the public, but you won’t get to enjoy all the new features and enhancements immediately.

Certain features will be released in a future point release of the OS. Below is a look at all such iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features that won’t be available at launch.

tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K

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With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”

“Users can make calls directly from Apple TV 4K, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV 4K,” Apple noted. “FaceTime on Apple TV 4K takes advantage of Continuity Camera support to wirelessly connect to iPhone or iPad, and leverages the devices’ cameras and microphones to bring participants together on the TV.”

Don’t miss the best new features in iPadOS 17

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iPadOS 17 Home Screen
Interactive widgets are one of the highlights of iPadOS 17.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple just released iPadOS 17 to the public. There’s a lot to like, including a new customizable Lock screen, interactive widgets, a Health app, significant Stage Manager improvements and much more.

Here’s everything you can expect from loading the new version on your iPad.

Bring new life to an old Intel-based iMac or Mac mini [Setups]

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Commenters offered good advice on speeding up this Intel-based iMac setup.
Commenters offered good advice on speeding up this Intel-based iMac setup.
Photo: [email protected]

If you have an aging Intel-based iMac or Mac mini that’s slowing down like an old codger, today’s featured iMac setup shows a relatively simple way to revitalize your machine and keep using it.

All you need is an external solid state drive (SSD) and the knowledge, below, to make it your computer’s replacement startup disk.

Protect iPhone 15’s screen with tough new UltraGlass 2

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iPhone 15 models have tough screens, but you can never be too careful.
iPhone 15 models have tough screens, but you can never be too careful.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin’s new ScreenForce UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protectors for iPhone 15 models are made of its strongest and most durable glass yet, the company said Thursday.

You can pick up the protectors at either Belkin.com or Apple.com. And when they arrive by the end of the month in Apple Store locations, you can take advantage of a free precision fitting service.

This 6-in-1 charging cable costs just $16.97

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This 6-in-1 charging cable is only $21.99.
Make all the connections you want with this 5-foot multipurpose cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Staying charged means staying productive. To keep all your precious Apple devices humming, consider picking up a versatile charging cable that can juice up just about anything you throw at it.

The InCharge X Max 100W six-in-one charging cable is now only $16.97 (regularly $39). You can also get a two-pack for only $31.97 (regularly $78).

The 50 best iOS 17 features you should try after you update

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iOS 17 preview
iOS 17 is packed with features.
Photo: Apple

What’s new in iOS 17? This is a big year for iPhone and iPad. You should definitely check out the biggest new features — Contact Posters and Standby — first. But there are dozens of other great features for you to learn, explore and take advantage of, too.

iOS 17 is out now. I have all the 50 best tweaks and changes organized in this overview.