Apple Card hasn’t been profitable for the bank that backs the credit card. Photo: Apple
Goldman Sachs reportedly wants out of a partnership with Apple that has the bank backing the Apple Card and other financial services. It’s not hard to guess why: recent filings from the bank indicate it has lost at least $1 billion on the deal.
It’s supposedly looking to hand the business off to another megabank.
★★★★☆
Like the players it follows, Swagger just keeps scoring. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ sports drama Swagger finds Jace preparing for a big birthday this week. He’s dealing with obstacles he sees — and bracing to be blindsided by some he can’t.
An estranged dad, an old adversary, a new teammate and coach Ike (who’s looking to Jace to secure his future) all conspire to keep the young basketball star from his A game. But for Jace, there’s always a way through. And this week’s excellent episode, entitled “18,” is a potent reminder of that.
Shipping is free on the EcoFlow Delta Power Station, now the lowest price ever during our version of Prime Day. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Going camping doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of the comforts of everyday life into the great outdoors. If you want to stay connected on your iPhone or host a cozy MacBook movie night in your tent, make sure you can keep everything charged with a reliable portable power station.
The EcoFlow Delta can power small electronics and midsize appliances, and you can get it now at its lowest price ever. During our version of Prime Day, the EcoFlow Delta portable power station costs just $798.99. That’s $600 off the usual price of $1,399. Plus, with this deal, you also get free shipping.
However, this big price drop only lasts until July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!
★★★☆☆
This week's episode of The Crowded Room finally focuses on criminologist Rya (played by Amanda Seyfried). Photo: Apple TV+
Criminologist Rya Goodwin takes center stage in this week’s episode of Apple TV+ drama The Crowded Room. She discovers that the way around the many dead-ends in her life is to crack the case of Danny Sullivan, the man who opened fire in a crowded Manhattan street, and the many personalities living in his head who drove him to murder and mayhem.
Entitled “Rya,” it’s an above-average outing of this oft-frustrating show.
Casetify's Bounce Vision lineup of accessories for Vision Pro will feature a range of colors and textures. Photo: Casetify
We know not to expect Vision Pro to go on sale until early next year, yet accessories for the AR/VR headset unveiled at WWDC23 are starting to show up already.
Phone case maker Casetify previewed a lineup called Bounce Vision Friday.
A powerful new MacBook Pro and two Studio Displays make the most of this attractive setup. Photo: [email protected]
A top question folks have when they put together a computers setup is, “how simply can I connect everything?” How little hardware and how few cables can I get away with?
Today’s featured M2 Max MacBook Pro setup makes things easy by driving two beautiful Studio Displays with one cable via one of the best docks on the market. And don’t miss the great-yet-affordable speakers and cool podcasting gear, either.
Apple doesn’t make MacBooks this small any more. Photo: Apple
The original 12-inch MacBook released in 2015 has been added to Apple’s list of “obsolete” machines. Despite what the word implies, this doesn’t mean the notebook just became useless. But it will now be much harder to get one of these laptops serviced.
Apple labels products as obsolete seven years after it stops selling them.
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Photo: CdkeySales.com
Did you get your “spring cleaning” done before spring turned to summer? You might as well include updating your Microsoft productivity software in this tally. You need to do that to keep it working well and safe from the latest security threats. Luckily, you can score the latest versions of Windows, Microsoft Office and other great software at incredibly low prices.
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The best way to score such deals is through software activation keys. Check out the selection at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com if you’re ready to stop paying full price. You’ll find low prices on Windows, Office and more.
To grab the most savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s super-low prices on software keys. Plus, when you buy Windows 10, you can get a free upgrade to Windows 11!
★★★★☆
Slap the Anker 620 MagGo Phone Grip on any metal surface and it becomes a mount for your MagSafe iPhone. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Anker’s recently released 620 MagGo Phone Grip is one of those simple products that just does what it says it does. It’s not any sort of big, fancy deal. It’s just good. And what it does so well is help you mount, carry or prop up your MagSafe iPhone in lots of convenient places.
The small grip, which looks sort of like an oversized pretend wristwatch, is a good get for $20, too. The company sent me one to try out.
Ready for more alien attacks? Apple TV+ sci-fi series "Invasion" returns with season 2 on August 23. Photo: Apple
Providing a first-look image (above), Apple TV+ said Friday its expansive sci-fi series Invasion will return for season 2 before the end of the summer.
Aliens resume battling humans on August 23. Are you ready?
The total value of all AAPL shares passed the $3 trillion mark. Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple is once again worth a whopping $3 trillion. Hitting this market capitalization milestone reflects what an amazing 2023 the company is having, considering its market cap dropped below $2 trillion at the beginning of the year.
The company previously surpassed the triple-trillion mark 18 months ago.
Save on this top-rated portable Apple Watch charger ahead of Prime Day. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
If you’ve ever been left with a low Apple Watch battery or had to carry the dedicated charger on your commute or travels, you know the one downside of your trusty smartwatch is keeping it charged. But with this portable Apple Watch charger, you’ll always have the power you need, no matter where you are.
Usually $49.95, you can grab it on sale for just $14.97 during our version of Prime Day — no coupon needed. Oh, and you’ll even score free shipping on it, too. You’ll have to act fast, though. This incredible deal only lasts until July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!
The Targus UV-C LED Disinfection Light sanitizes your desktop. Photo: Targus
Laptop case maker Targus rolled out its UV-C LED Disinfection Light for sale Friday. The CES Innovation Awards Honoree is a no-touch way to reduce pathogens on desktop devices.
Its UV-C Light technology breaks down DNA of microorganisms crawling all over your keyboard and other gadgets.
★★★★☆
Sheriff Juliette (played by Rebecca Ferguson) heads for a showdown with the powers that be in the Silo season one finale. Photo: Apple TV+
In the Silo season finale, Juliette has been found out and has only minutes to prove her innocence — and the government’s guilt — before she’s caught and punished. Of course, nothing is ever that easy in the hit Apple TV+ sci-fi series.
Bernard and Sims panic at the idea of losing their grip on the seat of power. And the people Juliette knows and loves worry for her safety. The episode, entitled “Outside,” asks the question: Can you fight city hall miles underground?
Brydge Max+ is solid competition for the Apple Magic Keyboard case. And it’s not being discontinued. Photo: Brydge
The company that made the Brydge line of innovative iPad keyboards collapsed earlier this year, but a deal announced Thursday will return its products to the market.
Uinta Products is a new company with many former Brydge employees — and the rights to make Brydge-branded products.
Don't wait for Prime Day to get a pair of translation earbuds for less than $100. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Traveling is exciting, but if you don’t speak the local language, it can be hard to connect with others, find the best local spots or simply ask for directions. Translation apps are an option, but they’re not the best one. You could wait for Prime Day to find a fancy smart translator, or you could pick one up during an earlier sale right here.
During our version of Prime Day, you can get a pair of Mymanu Clik S Translation Earbuds on sale for only $89.97, no coupon needed. But hurry, since this incredible deal only lasts through July 14!
★★★★☆
Belkin’s affordable USB-C hub offers four high-speed ports and can charge your devices, too. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Belkin Connect 4-Port USB-C Hub seems like a simple product, but it’s something we’ve had to wait years to finally get. It’s a simple, inexpensive hub that turns one USB-C port into four that can provide high-speed data transfers while also powering a MacBook or iPad.
I put the device to the test in my home office. I lives up to just about all my expectations. Here’s why.
Other desk mats simply aren't as qualified as this one for certain jobs. Photo: Function101
In this week’s giveaway, two lucky winners will bag themselves a magnetic Desk Mat Pro with two Cable Block XL cable managers from Function101. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to tidy up their desk and ensure wires are secure and easily accessible.
This superb Function101 Desk Mat Pro bundle comes in four colors: black, gray, navy and purple. This desktop-organization bundle retails for $60, and you could win one with your free entry below. However, you also can grab this bundle for the sale price of $48 in the Cult of Mac Store right now.
The phone bot talks to telemarketers so humans don't have to. Photo: Mart [email protected]
People don’t answer the phone as much they used to, especially because they can usually see who’s calling. But if you have a history of hating telemarketers’ tenacious harassment, now you can get some payback.
A new report points out you can hire a phone bot that uses artificial intelligence and voice cloning to keep those unwanted callers tied up until they give up and hang up.
Fans of The Morning Show will be able to enjoy season 3 in fall 2023. Photo: Apple TV+
The wait for a new season of The Morning Show is nearly over. On Thursday, Apple TV+ promised that season 3 of the popular and award-winning drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon will premiere in September.
The highlight of the new season will be the arrival of Jon Hamm in the cast.
Creatives can work their magic right on Clarity Pro Touch's interactive touchscreen. Photo: Alogic
Alogic’s new Clarity Pro and Clarity Pro Touch 4K UHD Display Monitors build on the success of the company’s Clarity 4K UHD Display Monitor. Both 27-inch monitors feature an 8MP auto-retractable webcam, an eight-port USB-C hub and built-in speakers. And the Clarity Pro Touch adds a touchscreen, bringing a whole new dimension of usability.
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“We have added best features to Clarity Pro and Pro Touch, making them the ultimate tools for graphic designers, animators, photographers, videographers, scientists, research professionals and more, offering them spectacular displays that help their work shine, contributing to their overall productivity,” said Ritesh Kumar, Alogic’s co-founder and sales director.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock offers seven USB ports, four video ports and more. Photo: Satechi
Connect the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock to a Mac to get access to no less than 16 ports. There’s a plethora of video ports, high-speed USB ports, card readers, Ethernet and more.
The dock launched Thursday, and is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
★★★★☆
The Moft Snap Float Folio can be folded into a stand that holds an iPad screen 4 inches above your desk. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
iPad cases that act as stands to prop up the tablet’s screen are old news. But the Moft Snap Float Folio takes the concept to a new level… literally. It can be folded to raise the iPad up to 3.8 inches so it’s easier to see. If that’s not enough, the case/stand also folds into multiple other configurations to allow the iPad to be used in different ways.
The product first launched in 2022, then recently updated it with stronger magnets for a better hold on the tablet. It’s also a bit more robust.
I wrapped my iPad Pro in the Moft’s new-and-improved case to see how easy it is to use, and how stable when used as a stand. I came away impressed.
★★★★☆
Sylvia (played by Rose Byrne, left) and Will (Seth Rogen) head to San Diego this week on a business trip. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ comedy Platonic takes a trip to San Diego this week, as Sylvia’s husband Charlie gets paranoid and Will gets a lesson in corporate culture that he didn’t ask for.
In this very good episode of the show — about married Sylvia and divorced Will, who return to the best-friend slot in each other’s lives after an awkward absence — Charlie looks into every little thing, wondering if the pair are more than just friends. Will comes to Sylvia’s rescue at the expense of his friends and business partners, and Sylvia must be honest about the next phase of her life.
Beats Studio Pro may look a lot like Beats Studio3, but come packed with much-needed upgrades. Photo: Beats
Apple will release the new Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones July 19, according to the same anonymous source who correctly predicted the recent release of Beats Studio Buds+.
The new cans are expected to have high-end features a la AirPods Max, like Beats’ latest active noise cancellation (ANC), and to come in four colors.