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One app is all Apple needs to make iPad damn near perfect

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Bring Xcode to iPad!
iPad can handle Xcode. Developers want it. It's time for Apple to deliver.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A recent poll of Cult of Mac readers found very broad support for iPadOS, but a small group remains deeply dissatisfied with the iPad’s software. And while Apple certainly can’t make everyone happy, it could significantly shrink the number of complaints by adding one app. One very long-overdue app.

It’s time for Apple to finally do what developers have wanted for so many years: Bring Xcode to iPad.

Apple Store app might soon get an AI shopping assistant

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A logo of Apple's App Store used in a story about the company working on a new AI powered shopping assistant.
Apple App Store app could soon feature an AI shopping assistant to help guide your next purchase.
Photo: Apple

Shopping for a new iPhone or Mac will apparently soon come with built-in AI help. Apple is working on a new shopping assistant for the Apple Store app that will use artificial intelligence to answer questions and guide purchases.

The question now is, are shoppers ready for that?

This $40 resume tool tailors any job application in minutes

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Photo of a person using DashResume ATF-friendly resume maker on a laptop at a cafe
Beat ATS with DashResume and land the right job for you.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Built for job hunters looking to land a new position fast, DashResume can blast out ATS-friendly resumes, optimize applications for specific positions, and create unlimited cover letters.

This time-saving tool can give you a leg up on the competition, at a time when you need all the advantages you can get. Even better, this affordable resume maker gives you all those job-seeking tools for a one-time payment of just $39.99 (regularly $139).

iOS 27’s new paste shortcut kills the copy-and-paste menu for good

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iOS 27 keyboard's paste option
The iOS 27 paste shortcut appears right above the keyboard the moment you copy something.
Image: Apple

Copy something, and the iOS 27 paste shortcut now pops up right above your keyboard, ready in a single tap.

The new shortcut shows a live preview of your clipboard, meaning you’ll always know exactly what you’re about to paste, whether it’s text, a link, or a photo.

WhatsApp supercharges its iPad and CarPlay apps

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WhatsApp-new-features
You can now sign up for a WhatsApp account from your iPad.
Photo: WhatsApp

After years of delay, Meta launched a native WhatsApp app for iPad in 2025. A year later, it is adding the ability to sign up for a new WhatsApp account right from the iPad.

WhatsApp will also deliver a superior CarPlay experience, allowing you to hear and respond to messages, see your call history and more.

Apple fixes Hide My Email vulnerability that exposed real addresses for a year

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An AI-generated image of an iPhone using the Hide My Email feature used in a story about Apple fixing a security exploit.
Apple finally fixes the Hide My Email flaw that allowed others to see the real email address behind an alias.
AI image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple finally fixed the Hide My Email vulnerability that allowed outsiders to unmask a user’s real address behind an alias. The patch went live on July 3, closing a loophole that Apple knew about for more than a year.

The fix landed only after the bug became public — and a class-action lawsuit followed close behind. But the bigger question is: Why did it take outside pressure to get Apple to fix it?

Claude Code iOS Simulator lets you watch AI build apps in real time

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An AI-generated image showing Claude running on a laptop with an iPhone connected in a story about Claude Code Desktop Simulator.
The Claude Code iOS Simulator lets you watch the AI work on your app in real time.
AI image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

Anthropic’s AI-powered coding assistant Claude Code just got a lot more visual for iPhone developers. The new Claude Code iOS Simulator streams your app’s screen live while talking to it, as Claude does the heavy lifting for you.

Available as a public beta for Claude Code Desktop on macOS, it requires Apple’s free coding suite Xcode to work. But you can tap through the simulator anytime while Claude keeps working.

Apple Upgrade leasing program could lock iPhone over late payments

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A photo of the iPhone used in a story about Apple said to be working on a new upgrade leasing program.
The Apple Upgrade leasing program could let you pay for an iPhone like a subscription, but there’s a catch.
Photo: Apple

Apple apparently wants you to stop buying iPhones outright, with the rumored Apple Upgrade leasing program the clearest sign of that shift. But code hidden in the iOS 27 beta hints at what happens if you fall behind on an Apple Upgrade payment — and it isn’t pretty.

According to information that leaked Tuesday, Apple Upgrade will enable consumers to pay monthly for an iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch. To go with that, Apple appears to be working on a system that could restrict a financed iPhone if payments lapse.

Today in Apple history: Mac OS 8 becomes an instant smash hit

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An image of a PowerPC Mac running Mac OS 8, with multiple Macs surrounding it, used to illustrate a story about the operating system's launch
Mac OS 8 gave Apple a much-needed revenue boost.
Image: All About Apple Museum/Modified by Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

July 22: Today in Apple history: Mac OS 8 becomes an instant smash hit July 22, 1997: Apple launches Mac OS 8, its next-gen operating system for Macintosh computers. The OS introduces a new three-dimensional look and makes surfing the internet easier than ever.

The first major operating system refresh for Macs since System 7’s release in 1991, it gets great reviews and is destined to become a big hit with users. However, it arrives at a very challenging time for Apple.

This $80 financial literacy bundle gives you lifetime access to 150+ money lessons

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Illustration of a woman in a business clothing using a computer to access Prosper financial literacy course.
Learn to manage your money with this comprehensive financial literacy course.
Illustration: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

If your financial education is lacking, you can turn things around with the Prosper Financial Success System. This comprehensive financial literacy bundle provides lifetime access to financial courses (with more than 150 lessons and counting), plus AI-powered coaching and weekly sessions with a veteran investor.

And right now, you can snag a lifetime pass to Prosper for just $79.99 instead of $499 — talk about smart investments!

Here’s when Apple will launch iOS 26.6 [It’s out!]

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iOS 26.6 release date: Mark your calendars
iOS 26.6 is less than a week away. Here's when to expect it.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

UPDATE: The wait is over. Apple released iOS 26.6 on July 27, exactly when expected.   


Apple seeded the iOS 26.6 Release Candidate to beta testers Monday, signaling that iPhone users should circle July 27 on their calendars. That’s the day beta testing is most likely to end with the full release of the operating system update.

Monday also brought the macOS Tahoe 26.6 Release Candidate, as well as equivalents for iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and more. So we also expect the release of these OS updates on July 27.

Apple Upgrade subscription service could change how you buy Macs and iPhones

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Lease a MacBook from Apple Upgrade, rather than buying one
Would you be interested in getting a Mac like a subscription through Apple Upgrade?
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly preparing a major shake-up in the way customers buy its products. The company plans to launch Apple Upgrade, a subscription-style leasing program that lets customers upgrade to newer devices more easily while lowering monthly payments, next week, according to an unconfirmed report.

It’ll apparently be similar to the long-running iPhone Upgrade Program — which is reportedly getting canceled — but with a much broader range of products covered. There’ll be other differences as well.

iPhone price hike looms as TSMC increases chip costs

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Image of an iPhone with $100 bills on the screen, used to illustrate a story about TSMC's price hikes on processors
An iPhone price increase could hit customers in 2027. Here's why.
Image: Cult of Mac

Your next iPhone could cost more, and it won’t be because of rising RAM costs or a fancier camera. TSMC reportedly plans to increase its processor prices by up to 10% starting in 2027, and Apple would have no option but to pay.

This could drive up the amount consumers shell out for a range of Apple devices, not just iPhones. Pricier chips for MacBooks, iPads and more would drive up production costs.

Today in Apple history: iBook ushers in a Wi-Fi revolution

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Photo of an Apple iBook laptop in the blueberry color.
The "clamshell" iBook represented a major step forward for Apple.
Photo: Apple

July 21: Today in Apple history: Apple unseats Nokia as top smartphone vendor July 21, 1999: The iBook, Apple’s colorful clamshell laptop that’s a hybrid of the iMac and the PowerBook, arrives and launches a Wi-Fi revolution.

Apple’s new AirPort networking card is the key component that delivers cable-free internet access to the masses for the first time.

Stylish stand uses StealthCharge to quickly juice up 4 devices at once [Review] ★★★★★

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Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charge Stand review★★★★★
The Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charge Stand fast charges an iPhone, and juices up three other devices, too.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The highlight of the Mophie 4-in-1 Wireless Charge Stand is StealthCharge, Mophie’s own improvement to Qi2.2 that lets iPhone wireless chargers run more quickly because they stay cooler.

The stand can also charge an Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time. Plus, it sports an integrated, 60W retractable USB-C cable for powering other devices.

I put this multi-device charger to the test in my home office. Here’s why I’ll keep using it.

iPhone 20 Pro Max display could stretch to a massive size

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An AI-generated image of what the bezel-less 20th anniversary would look like.
The iPhone 20 Pro Max display could grow to nearly 7 inches if this new leak holds up.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

A new leak claims Apple is testing a nearly 7-inch panel that could become the iPhone 20 Pro Max display. If it makes it to production, this would become the largest screen Apple ever put on a phone.

The huge panel would arrive as part of Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone lineup next year. Apple hasn’t increased its flagship screen size since 2024, but this could be a real sign that the company is once again planning to do so.

New ClickLock malware locks your Mac until you hand over your password

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How ClickLock malware tricks you into pasting a command
ClickLock malware locks your Mac’s screen until you type in your password.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The nasty new ClickLock malware won’t take no for an answer. It locks up your entire Mac screen and keeps it that way until you type in the password.

The malware already hit victims across 33 countries, and it’s not stopping. Once it gets your password, it targets your Keychain, saved logins and crypto wallets, then plants a backdoor that sticks around for good.

Free Volvo update adds Apple Music to your car’s dashboard

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Apple Music integration comes to Volvo cars.
Apple Music integration comes to Volvo cars.
AI image: ChatGPT

A new over-the-air update to compatible Volvo cars brings Apple Music integration to the car’s infotainment system. Volvo says more than 2 million cars will benefit from this integration.

As part of the update, new and returning Apple Music subscribers will get up to three months of Apple Music for free.

How to ping your lost Apple Watch from your iPhone

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Ping Apple Watch from iPhone: “Where Did It Go?”
It's not easy to find in a pile of miscellaneous clutter.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can ping a lost Apple Watch from your iPhone, giving you an easy way to find your misplaced wearable.

If you take your Apple Watch off at the end of the day, forgetting to throw it on the charger, you might not remember where you left it the following morning. Luckily, you can find a lost Apple Watch from your iPhone. Here’s how it works.

Why Jony Ive is missing from Apple’s OpenAI lawsuit

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An AI-generated image that shows a silhouette of former Apple design chief Jony Ive in a courtroom
It's no accident that that Jony Ive’s name never appears in Apple’s OpenAI lawsuit.
AI illustration: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Apple’s trade-secret lawsuit against OpenAI names two former employees and Jony Ive’s startup but scrupulously avoids mentioning the former Apple design chief by name.

This isn’t a legal oversight. It comes down to a complicated mix of factors, including Ive’s closeness with Laurene Powell Jobs and the lousy optics of Apple targeting its most famous designer.

Apple’s Genius Bar Live Notes tool is an AI that’s always taking dictation

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A picture showing the Genius Bar in an Apple Store.
Apple’s Genius Bar Live Notes tool transcribes repair conversations with AI.
Photo: Wikipedia

Apple is testing Genius Bar Live Notes, an AI-powered tool that listens to customer conversations at the repair counter. It turns conversation into transcripts and is already running in a handful of stores.

The system is meant to save employees the hassle of scribbling notes mid-repair. But it makes some Genius Bar staff members nervous.

Today in Apple history: World’s first third-party iPhone app arrives

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A photo of an iPhone with the words,
An intrepid hacker gets the iPhone to say "hello." While the message is simple, the meaning is profound.
Image: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

July 20: Today in Apple history: World's first third-party iPhone app arrives July 20, 2007: Just a month after the original iPhone goes on sale, a hacker compiles the first third-party app and launches it for the new platform. The Hello World app serves more as a proof of concept than a serious tool. However, it clearly demonstrates that third-party apps will become a cornerstone of the new iPhone economy.

It’s a shame Apple doesn’t get the memo.