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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.

Apple sees strong demand for iPhone 15 Pro Max

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The Pro lineup color choices.
Apple is seeing strong demand for the iPhone 15 Pro Max this year.
Photo: Apple

Initial orders for the iPhone 15 Pro Max show “robust” demand, outpacing last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, according to TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Demand for the regular iPhone 15 looks similar to 2022’s models, the analyst said.

Foundation season 2 is a huge hit for Apple TV+

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'Foundation' Season 2
Foundation on Apple TV+ is one of the most popular shows on any streaming service.
Image: Apple TV+

Season two of the sci-fi epic Foundation draws enough viewers to propel the Apple TV+ series to near the top of the popularity charts for three weeks in a row. It continues to outperform nearly everything on any streaming service.

And it’s not only viewers who like the show — the current season enjoys a 100% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes.

Get a MacBook Air with Intel inside for just $369.99

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This Intel MacBook Air is only $369.99 for a limited time.
Snag a budget on-the-go Mac with this deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re a remote worker, student or seasoned professional who travels to and fro constantly, you need a laptop that can come with. This refurbished Intel MacBook Air is totally portable — and priced to move!

With this deal, you can score this refurbished MacBook Air for only $369.99. How’s it so affordable, you ask? For starters, it’s a model that came out before Apple silicon was a thing. Plus, it’s a refurb … but don’t sweat it. It comes with a Grade B rating, meaning it might have light scratches or scuffs on the exterior, but performance won’t be impacted.

Whose ‘Wonderlust’ predictions came true? [The CultCast]

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Wonderlust event hits and misses - The CultCast episode 612
What we got right -- and wrong -- about Apple's big "Wonderlust" event.
Image: Cult of Mac

Wonderlust 2023This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We dissect all the biggest reveals from Apple’s “Wonderlust” event, which brought us new iPhones, Apple Watches and more. And we stare unafraid at the results of our Wonderlust predictions. We have a winner!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Yes, we got new iCloud+ storage plans. And Erfon’s still complaining?!?
  • The new iPhone colors are … 🤷
  • The iPhone’s USB-C enables some cool new stuff.

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 time will Apple release iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10 on September 18?

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iPhone with iOS 17 logo
iOS 17's first stable build is finally ready for public release.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple is finally ready to release iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10 to the public. The stable build of these OSs will drop Monday for all compatible iPhones and iPads.

But exactly when will the iOS 17 update show up on your iPhone? After all, you might want to be the first in your group to install the new operating system and take advantage of new features like Standby. Find out the iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10’s release time in your area in our list below.

Fantastic Foundation season 2 finale promises hope for the future [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Jared Harris in ★★★★★
What's next for Hari Seldon and the Second Foundation?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review Apple TV+’s epic science fiction series Foundation concludes its second season this week and it goes out on a remarkable high note.

Who knows what the future holds for the Second Foundation? But I’ve greatly enjoyed this season. The hours I’ve spent getting sucked into this excellent sci-fi show were well worth the investment.

Slow down and relax with Japanese Rural Life Adventure

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'Japanese Rural Life Adventure' on Apple Arcade
Japanese Rural Life Adventure uses a gorgeous and carefully crafted pixel art style.
Image: Game Start/Apple Arcade

Fans of cozy life simulation games will enjoy Japanese Rural Life Adventure. It’s about living your best (digital) life, with plenty of the traditional culture of Japan mixed in.

The app debuted Friday on the Apple Arcade subscription gaming service.

Charge 3 Apple devices quickly and safely with this $25 cable

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Charge your Apple devices quickly and safely with this $25 3-in-1 cable.
With two Lightning connectors and one Apple Watch puck, this three-way cable is great for Apple fans. Just don't expect it to work with iPhone 15!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Yes, Apple pulled the plug on the Lightning cable when the iPhone 15 switched to USB-C. But plenty of existing gear still uses the proprietary cable that charged the last decade of Apple devices.

If you still need Lightning in your life, don’t miss this deal on a three-in-one cable that comes with two Lightning connectors and one Apple Watch charging puck. It costs just $24.99 (regularly $34), and it lets you charge three Apple devices at once. Plus, you can save even more with a two-pack!

Unlock a lifetime of learning with more than 4,000 online courses

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Secure a lifetime of e-learning courses for just $119.99.
This Skill Success lifetime membership is on sale for only $119.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you want to boost your professional skills or branch out by mastering something a little less serious, Skill Success makes learning simple and fun.

Loaded with thousands of expert-driven online courses, Skill Success is your lifelong pass to personal enrichment. And for a limited time, you can get a Skill Success lifetime membership for only $119.99 (regularly $540).

iPhone 15 USB-C port doesn’t hide any nasty secrets

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A mockup of a blue braided cable.
The iPhone 15 doesn't care if you use an Apple USB-C cable or one made by some other company.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple didn’t tinker with the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 series to disadvantage standard cables. Instead, the port handles charging and data transfers like any other USB-C port.

This throws cold water on suspicions that the new iPhones would require special MFi cables to get the maximum data or charging rates.

Tim Cook’s favorite iPhone 15 Pro color is …

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Apple's CEO went for Natural Titanium, but all the colors caught his eye.
Apple's CEO went for Natural Titanium, but all the colors caught his eye.
Photo: @[email protected]

Lots of folks agonize over choosing a new iPhone color when fresh handsets like the 15 series come out — even Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Or so he said in a brief interview sometime around  iPhone 15’s release Tuesday. But in explaining his choice of Natural Titanium, he managed to praise every available color equally, and even in exactly the same way.

Try the cheap way to get an Apple display [Setups]

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You won't believe how little the user paid for those monitors.
You won't believe how little the user paid for those monitors.
Photo: [email protected]

The No. 1 complaint about Apple displays? They’re too expensive. People love them, but not everyone will pony up the cash to grab a $1,600 Studio Display or, heaven help us, a $5,000 Studio Display XDR.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup provides a much-cheaper alternative that might work for some people. It uses a pair of old-but-beautiful Cinema Displays that cost a grand total of $74.

Elegant new 3-in-1 MagSafe charging stand is perfect for Standby Mode

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The premium charger is perfect for your nightstand, with an iPhone in Standby Mode like a classic alarm clock.
The premium charger is perfect for your nightstand, with an iPhone in Standby Mode like a classic alarm clock.
Photo: Twelve South

With the iPhone 15 series and new Apple Watches now out, the accessories floodgates are open. One of the first products through is an updated Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe charging stand. And it’s made for MagSafe and ideal for iOS 17’s Standby Mode.

So you can turn your iPhone into a classic bedside alarm clock or smart display with various widgets. And you can charge it alongside Apple Watch and AirPods.

Get up to 90% off Windows ($14) and Office ($20) at SCDkey.com

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

Even with classes back in session at schools everywhere, it’s not too late to get ready with new versions of Microsoft’s crucial software, Windows and Office. You can score great low prices on them in the back-to-school sale at SCDKey.com.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by SCDKey.com.
Check out the selection at software activation keys provider SCDKey.com. To get the most back-to-school savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low, low prices on software keys. And you get a free upgrade to Windows 11 when you buy Windows 10.

Tilting iPhone platform sets 100W multidevice GaN charger apart [Review] ★★★★☆

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This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).★★★★☆
This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Need a compact and potent MagSafe charging station to replace a slow 3-in-1? Coming out just after iPhone 15’s release, Ugreen’s unusual new Nexode 100W GaN Charging Station could fit the bill, charging up to four devices at once.

Rolled out Thursday, the speedy charger takes up a small space by putting a MagSafe platform for iPhone that tilts up on top and USB-C and USB-A ports in the squat body. The company sent me one to try.

Costco’s famous savings start the instant you jump on this deal

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Sweet deal! Save on a Costco membership.
Costco savings seem even sweeter with this deal.
Photo: JJBers/Flickr CC/Modified by Cult of Mac

Shopping on a budget isn’t easy, especially when you have to run from store to store to get all your errands done. That’s a waste of gas and a waste of time! Cut down on trips without limiting your selection by shopping at Costco instead.

With a Costco membership, you’ll save on high-quality items, from groceries to Apple gear. And now, you can get a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership plus a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card* for just $60.

iPhone 15 Pro demand overwhelms Apple [Updated]

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The Pro lineup color choices.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are already in short supply.
Photo: Apple

Anyone who even slightly delayed ordering the new iPhone 15 Pro models when they went on sale Friday morning faces a lengthy wait for their devices to be delivered. The delays extend into November for some handsets and configurations.

In addition, problems marred the preorder process via the online Apple Store, possibly due to high demand for the new titanium Pro phones.

Apple confirms iPhone 12 software update in France to reduce RF radiation

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iPhone 12 review
iPhone 12's high radiation level is not a cause for concern.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple will roll out a software update for the iPhone 12 in France to meet the required radio-frequency radiation levels. The company had to stop selling the iPhone 12 in the region due to RF radiation concerns.

A French regulatory body will test and approve the update. After that, Apple can resume iPhone 12 sales in the country.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro preorders go live [Updated]

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The iPhone 15 Pro models feature a strong and lightweight new titanium design.
Time to place your iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro preorder.
Photo: Apple

Apple began accepting preorders for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series early Friday morning. The company showcased the devices earlier this week during its “Wonderlust” event.

Unlike last year, when Apple staggered the iPhone release dates, the entire iPhone 15 lineup will begin shipping a week from now on September 22.