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Last chance: Get 30% off all SwitchEasy iPad cases

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SwitchEasy's origami case for iPad provides multiple positions.
SwitchEasy's origami case for iPad provides multiple positions.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Attention iPad owners: This is your last day to slash 30% off a fantastic variety of iPad cases in the Cult of Mac Store.

SwitchEasy’s sleek and protective cases cover any iPad you might own. See key highlights below and check out the SwitchEasy Flash Sale, which ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on July 13.

Setapp gives you more than 240 Mac apps for just $84.99 per year

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No more searching for apps with this subscription that gives you 240+ for $84.99.
Gain access to more than 240 great Mac apps, with no ads or in-apps purchases.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Instead of searching for new Mac apps, why not spring for a subscription that gives you instant access to more than 240 of them? Setapp is a collection of more than 240 apps for basic tasks like finances, creativity and more.

Normally, a one-year subscription would cost $119. But right now, you can get it for just $84.99.

Debugged iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response patches are ready for installation

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Apple releases debugged iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response patches
The Rapid Security Response patches that Apple released then withdrew have been fixed and re-released.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Apple’s on again/off again Rapid Security Response patches for iOS 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1 are once again available. These have been cleared of the bugs that caused Apple to withdraw them after the initial release.

The updated RSR patches are critical because they close a security hole that has been exploited by hackers.

How to install the new iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response [Update]

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Apple releases debugged iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response patches
The Rapid Security Response patches that Apple released then withdrew have been fixed and re-released.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Apple launched in mid July a trio of Rapid Security Responses to fix urgent security problems in iOS 16.5.1, macOS Ventura 13.4.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1. It was then forced to withdraw them, but they have since been debugged and re-released.

These are the latest entries in a relatively new system created to quickly fix security holes without requiring a full OS update.

macOS Sonoma brings iCloud Passwords to Google Chrome and other browsers

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macOS Keychain
Apple still won't cough up a reward.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is bringing iCloud’s password manager to third-party web browsers with macOS Sonoma. So far, you could only access passwords saved in iCloud from Safari on your Mac.

This will no longer be the case once macOS Sonoma lands later this year. The move will make iCloud Keychain a more compelling alternative to popular third-party password managers.

Top 5 Prime Day deals Cult of Mac readers snatched up

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A group of happy Amazon Prime Day customers celebrating their savings on Apple gear
Prime Day savings make even affordable gear that much more enticing.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

You people apparently love your trackers. The Momax Tracking Tag — an affordable AirTag alternative that uses Apple’s Find My network — topped the list of items purchased by Cult of Mac readers during Amazon’s Prime Day event this week. And AirTags themselves didn’t come in far behind.

What else proved popular with our readers? Here’s the list — and some of these deals are still available!

Platonic season finale takes path of least persistence [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen in ★★★
Sylvia (played by Rose Byrne) and Will (Seth Rogen) comes to grips with their friendship in the Platonic season finale.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ comedy Platonic closes its hilarious first season this week with a sentimental look at the way two people have to understand the limits of their relationship.

Sylvia and her husband Charlie find a new home that seems to signal the end of their recent troubles. But will there be a place for Will in this new version of their life? The answer probably won’t shock you, but it’s basically moving anyway.

Super bundle: Get Microsoft Office, Windows 11 Pro and 1TB cloud storage for just $79.97

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You won't find this lifetime of Microsoft Office, Windows 11 Pro and 1TB cloud storage on Amazon, but it's only $80 right here.
Here's how to get Microsoft Office, Windows 11 Pro and a 1TB cloud storage for life for $80 without using Amazon.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Upgrading your computer can be costly, even if you’re just using an emulator app to throw Windows onto your MacBook. Those OS keys usually don’t come cheap, but there’s actually a way to get Windows 11 Pro and more for a one-time payment.

Deal Days is Cult of Mac Deals’ version of Prime Day, and it’s an exclusive chance to get Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft Office 2021 and 1TB of cloud storage — all for just $79.97. This deal only runs through July 14.

Think twice before installing iOS 17 public beta

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iOS 17: Out of Focus
iOS 17 hasn’t quite come into focus yet.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple just gave the general public access to the latest iOS 17 beta, but before you put it on your iPhone, the Cult of Mac staff has some warnings. We’ve used the betas for weeks, and while it’s gone well for some people, it’s been a dumpster fire for others.

Public betas for macOS Sonoma and iPadOS 17 are also available, and we also have comments for anyone thinking of putting those on their Mac or iPad.

A workout battle begins in Apple TV+’s Physical season 3

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‘Physical’ Season 3 on Apple TV+
The third and final season of Physical will premiere globally on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

The third season of the Apple TV+ dark comedy Physical will feature a psychological battle between Rose Byrne‘s Sheila and a new rival for premier fitness entrepreneur status played by Zooey Deschanel. The first trailer for the upcoming season gives a first look at their struggle.

In addition, Apple’s streaming service revealed Wednesday that the series will return in early August -0- and that this will be the final season of Physical.

Juuk Qrono: The best metal band I’ve used with Apple Watch [Review]

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Juuk Qrono review: This lightweight aluminum Apple Watch band is machined to perfection.
This lightweight aluminum Apple Watch band is machined to perfection.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Juuk’s Qrono band for Apple Watch offers everything you could want from a metal bracelet without the nasty drawbacks. It looks terrific but won’t weigh you down. And, like all Juuk bands, it’s built to last.

Here’s why the Qrono is the only metal band I’ll wear with my Apple Watch.

Ted Lasso, Shrinking and Bad Sisters earn Emmy nominations for Apple TV+

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Ted Lasso scores a record 21 nods as the most Emmy Award-nominated comedy for the third year in a row.
You don’t win an Emmy if you don’t believe.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV+ earned dozens of 2023 Emmy nominations, with the Ted Lasso juggernaut racking up no fewer than 21 on its own.

Also gaining recognition for TV’s highest honor are comedies Shrinking and Bad Sisters, jailhouse drama Black Bird, musical spoof Schmigadoon! and current-affairs series The Problem With Jon Stewart. Plus more.

The terrorists start to get nervous this week on Hijack [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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Sam (played by Idris Elba in ★★★☆☆
Sam (played by Idris Elba) cooks up a new plan this week on Hijack. The terrorists probably should be fretting.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewHigh-flying Apple TV+ thriller Hijack deals with a new threat this week even as the last one is still being mopped up in the airplane’s aisles.

As Sam finds himself in bondage, he devises a clever new avenue of contacting the ground and gaining the upper hand without seeming to. There’s panic in Bucharest, Marsha gets a message, and the hijackers are getting jumpy on a perfectly decent installment of the new hit series.

Porsche’s new app integration drives CarPlay forward

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There goes the latest Porsche Cayenne with the new CarPlay app integration.
There goes the latest Porsche Cayenne with the new CarPlay app integration.
Photo: Porsche

Porsche just became the first carmaker to give drivers personalized control over vehicle functions from an app within CarPlay, accessible via new digital controls on the dashboard (and on iPhone).

With the My Porsche app showing up in CarPlay to control features like audio, climate and lighting in the latest Cayenne SUV, the integration may give a sense of what CarPlay could be like soon in other cars.

Can using a huge smart TV as a display harm you? [Setups]

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That 55-inch OLED smart TV may be far enough away because the desk is 40 inches deep and the user said he tends to lean back a bit.
That 55-inch OLED smart TV may be far enough away because the desk is 40 inches deep and the user said he tends to lean back a bit.
Photo: [email protected]

Increasingly, gamers and other users replace traditional computer monitors with large smart TVs or ultra-wide monitors that eclipse screens like Apple’s 27-inch Studio Display and 32-inch Pro Display XDR in size. Today’s featured M2 Max Studio Display setup sports a 55-inch Samsung 8K OLED smart TV, for example.

Everybody loves plenty of screen real estate, but ergonomically speaking, is it healthy? Today’s setup represents the debate, offering pros and cons.

More Momax Prime Day deals: Save on GaN travel adapter, magnetic charger with stand and more

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Momax's universal travel adapter is small enough to fit in almost any bag.
Momax's universal travel adapter is small enough to fit in almost any bag.
Photo: Momax

Momax jumped on the Amazon Prime Day bandwagon this year in a big way. The company’s offering a bunch of great deals on a slew of specialty accessories for all your Apple gear. Sale items include a compact GaN travel adapter you can use in 150 countries, a magnetic portable charger with a stand and a bunch of other great products.

See some highlights below and get ready to save even more with coupon code CULTOFMAC10.

Luna Display peer-to-peer connections make iPads even better Mac monitors

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Luna Display peer-to-peer connections make iPads even better Mac monitors
Luna Display 5.3 lets an iPad act as a Mac monitor over a direct wireless connections for faster performance.
Photo: Astropad

Luna Display’s ability to turn an iPad into a high-performance second screen for a Mac got an upgrade with peer-to-peer networking, reducing the latency between the two computers.

In addition, a software update for the video adapter from Astropad now supports making one Mac acts as another’s external monitor via a USB connection.

Pop the cork on 15 bottles of red, white and/or rosé for less than $7 a bottle

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Pop the cork on 15 bottles of red, white or rosé for less than $10 a bottle.
Save on this wine deal during this Prime Day alternative sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch, hitting the beach or firing up the grill, wine and summer just go together. Wine and a budget, however, often don’t pair so well. If you want wine that’s easy on the wallet and playful on the palate, check out this one-time shipment of 15 bottles of red, white or mixed wines from Swirl.

These wine shipments are on sale for 73% off during our Deal Days Sale, which ends July 14.

This Afterparty is officially over [Apple TV+ review] ★☆☆☆☆

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Episode 1. Zach Woods, John Cho, Zoë Chao, Paul Walter Hauser, Ken Jeong, Poppy Liu and Vivian Wu in ★☆☆☆☆
Nothing livens up a wedding like discovering a groom's corpse. Unfortunately, season two of The Afterparty is also DOA.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review Apple TV+ comedy The Afterparty returns for a second infuriating season Wednesday. Not even the presence of some of our best actors (Paul Walter Hauser, Mary Holland and John Cho among them) can focus the writing and direction of this show to the point where its gimmick makes sense or its performances seem calibrated to the design of the show.

Unfortunately, this genre-hopping misfire was spent before it was reloaded.

Master Microsoft Excel the easy way with this training bundle

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Master all Excel has to offer with this training bundle.
Make Excel your best work buddy with this $29 training bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re on Mac or Windows, you probably find yourself using Excel every day at work. The 2023 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle teaches you how to make Excel your productivity powerhouse.

Note: If you don’t yet own Excel, you can get it (and the rest of Microsoft Office for Mac) for just $29.97 for a limited time.

Get started watching Foundation with gorgeous first episode free on YouTube

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Explosion-packed Foundation trailer will get fans excited for Apple TV+ series
The Apple TV+ adaptation of “Foundation” is intellectual but delivers action, too.
Photo: Apple TV+

Anyone curious about the big-budget sci-fi epic Foundation can now take in the very first episode … no subscription to Apple TV+ required. It’s free to watch on YouTube.

Die-hard fans know season 2 is about to start, and if you don’t have time for a rewatch of last season, Apple made a quick recap video. Plus it released a clip from the next episode.

The Super Models docuseries about ’90s fashion icons hits Apple TV+ in September

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‘The Supermodels’ documentary series is headed for Apple TV+.
Many people can still name all four of women who’ll be the stars of The Supermodels.
Photo: Apple

A documentary series looking back at the careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington premieres on Apple TV+ in September. The Super Models will explore how these four disrupted the ’90s fashion scene.

In addition to announcing the premiere date, Apple’s video streaming service also released a brief teaser trailer Monday.