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iPhone 17 picks up the pace with 50% faster wired charging

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iPhone 17 Pro colors
Your iPhone 17, 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max will spend less time on the charger.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s iPhone 17 family supports significantly faster wired charging speeds. They can top up to 50% in just 20 minutes — 10 minutes faster than previous iPhones.

However, the speed improvements only apply to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The iPhone Air only supports 20W charging speeds.

iPhone 14 and 15 users get another year of free satellite access

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Satellite messaging
Apple still isn’t charging for a life-saving iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 feature.
Image: Apple

iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners will get another year of free satellite connectivity. The company did not announce this extension on stage but mentioned it in the footnote of the iPhone 17 Pro press release.

This is the second extension for iPhone 14 since its launch in September 2023.

Center Stage camera turns iPhone 17 into super selfie machine

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Photo of people taking group selfie using iPhone 17's Center Stage camera
Taking group selfies is easier than ever with the iPhone 17 lineup.
Photo: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event: The new Center Stage front camera in the iPhone 17 lineup uses advanced hardware and AI magic to rid us of a thoroughly modern annoyance: having to flip your grip to capture a landscape selfie.

“We are thrilled to introduce our phenomenal new Center Stage front camera,” said iPhone product manager Megan Nash during Tuesday’s Awe Dropping event. “It gives you more pixels, more flexible ways to frame your shot, and incredible stabilization.”

The hardware secret that unlocks this new age of selfie supremacy? A square sensor that’s bigger than ever — almost twice the size of the iPhone’s previous front camera. It’s coming soon to a bar near you in the super-slim iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max, all of which Apple unveiled Tuesday.

Watch Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ keynote in 90 seconds

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90 Seconds.
Watch the event in just 2.1% of the time.
Image: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event: During Tuesday’s Awe Dropping event, Apple announced AirPods Pro 3, refreshed every model of Apple Watch and unveiled four all-new iPhones, including the first iPhone Air. It’s an impressive set of products in a pretty quick event.

But if you want to watch an even faster event, you can get the gist in 90 seconds with our Awe Dropping event video recap.

Price drop: Get Visio, one of Microsoft’s best Windows apps, at a steep discount

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man looking at diagrams with laptop and calculator on the table while using Microsoft Visio 2024
Microsoft Visio 2024 is an easy way to create data-driven diagrams that inform and persuade.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Raw data isn’t appealing to everyone. Being able to transform intricate data into digestible visuals is a really useful skill across industries, but it’s also tough to learn. Good thing you don’t have to make your data visuals from scratch. Microsoft Visio 2024 is an easy-to-use tool for transforming all that complex data into professional-quality diagrams that anyone can understand.

Right now, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2024 for just $59.97 (regularly $579).

iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe take penultimate step toward release

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iOS 26 release candidate
The iOS 26 release candidate is available for anyone to test.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Apple on Tuesday seeded to developers and the public the release candidates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. This is usually the final step before new versions launch — which should happen next week.

The release candidates for iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 also went out on Tuesday.

Blood pressure alerts will also come to older Apple Watches

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Apple watch showing a Possible Hypertension alert.
Like some other Apple Watch health features, hypertension monitoring will run in the background.
Photo: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event: Apple’s innovative new high blood pressure alerts will not be exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. The feature is coming to several older models, giving millions of Apple Watch owners access to potentially lifesaving hypertension alerts.

Apple Watch Series 11 adds hypertension alerts and 24-hour battery life

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Will your wrist be rocking a Series 11 this fall?
Will your wrist be rocking a Series 11 this fall?

Apple Awe Dropping Event: Apple Watch Series 11 finally brings long-rumored hypertension notifications, along with other new features that make it a great incremental upgrade. Chief among them are 24-hour battery life, speedier 5G connectivity for cellular models, and a more scratch-resistant screen.

“Today, we’re making the best watch in the world even better,” said Stan Ng, Apple’s VP of Apple Watch and health marketing, as he introduced Apple Watch Series 11 during Tuesday’s Awe Dropping product launch. “It’s our thinnest and most comfortable watch, and it’s even more durable.”

The new features look promising, but those hoping for a redesign will be disappointed. Series 11 rocks the same curves as its predecessors.

iPhone 17 boasts larger, ProMotion screen and Center Stage selfie camera

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iPhone 17 launch
iPhone 17 includes a larger screen and a much better selfie cam.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Awe Dropping Event:The wait for the iPhone 17 is over. Although it’s Apple’s new base-model handset, the latest version includes features previously preserved for pricier models, including a larger, always-on ProMotion (120Hz) screen. Plus, the front-facing camera got Center Stage and a resolution boost.

“iPhone 17 is a big upgrade with powerful features that make iPhone even more useful in your day-to-day life, from the bigger and brighter ProMotion display with 3x better scratch resistance, to all-day battery life with faster charging, the A19 chip for powerful performance, a fantastic 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, and the innovative Center Stage front camera — our best front camera yet,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “iPhone 17 is a fantastic choice for customers looking for the latest features and the confidence in knowing their iPhone is built to last.”

iPhone 17 Pro debuts bold new design that’s engineered for performance

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iPhone 17 Pro bento box
iPhone 17 Pro features a striking new design.
Photo: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event:After months of rumors and leaks, Apple’s newest flagship iPhones are finally here. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max arrive with major design overhauls and powerful internal upgrades.

“iPhone 17 Pro is by far the most advanced iPhone ever, featuring a striking new design and powerful new capabilities,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the Awe Dropping event.

Super-slim iPhone Air brings radical new design

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iPhone Air balanced on a finger
The ultra-thin iPhone Air.
Photo: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event:
Apple shook up its iPhone lineup with the Awe Dropping event’s iPhone Air introduction. The dramatically thinner device, which drops the “17” series number in its name, replaces the Plus model. The super-slim new handset is Apple’s biggest iPhone design departure in years, packing Pro features and remarkably long battery life into a slight-yet-powerful handset.

“We are thrilled to introduce the impossibly thin iPhone Air at 5.6 millimeters,” said John Ternus, Apple senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “It’s the thinnest iPhone we’ve ever made, and it’s also exceptionally light. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever held before, and it’s packed with our most advanced features.”

Apple Watch SE 3 adds plenty of pro features

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Apple Watch SE 3 launch
The Apple Watch SE 3 offers many features not available in its predecessor, but at the same price.
Graphic: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event:The Apple Watch SE 3 boasts a lengthy list of features new to Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, including an always-on display, temperature sensor, 5G and more. But the price didn’t go up.

“Apple Watch SE offers a great way for users to start their Apple Watch journey, delivering outstanding health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features at an incredible value,” said Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing. “With even more health features, an Always-On display, and fast charging, we’re excited to see the ways Apple Watch SE 3 supports more people around the world to live a healthier and more active life.”

This is when iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe arrive

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iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 naming scheme
Liquid Glass is coming to your iPhone, iPad and Mac next week.
Image: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event: Following months of beta testing since WWDC25, Apple is finally ready to release iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe to the public. These operating systems finally have a release date.

The updates will start rolling out as early as September 15, just a week after Apple’s Awe Dropping event.

Apple unveils TechWoven and other iPhone cases and accessories

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iPhone Air cross-body strap
Wear it around your shoulder.
Photo: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event:
Apple’s new line of TechWoven, silicone and clear polycarbonate cases for iPhone 17 series models, showcased at the Awe Dropping even Tuesday, mark a significant departure from the company’s previous materials and design approach.

In addition to the silicon and clear polycarbonate cases with lanyard support for the new Crossbody Strap, the new TechWoven cases feature a synthetic fabric designed to replace the widely criticized FineWoven cases that Apple quickly abandoned after their problematic launch in 2023. Plus plenty of third-party cases are already available.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings bigger screen, better battery and new health tricks

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Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with a new collection of bands.
Photo: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at its Awe Dropping event Tuesday, showcasing a bigger display, a faster chip and satellite connectivity.

“Apple Watch Ultra is our most advanced Apple Watch, designed to take users from sports and adventure to the rest of their life, and help them stay active, healthy, connected, and safe, wherever they are,” said Eugene Kim, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch hardware engineering.

AirPods Pro 3 add heart rate monitoring, live translation and audio upgrades

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AirPods Pro 3 featured image
AirPods Pro 3 are available for preorder today and launch September 19.
Image: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event: Apple gave a hearty update to its highest-end wireless earbuds, launching AirPods Pro 3. The new buds improve noise cancellation, battery life and add heart rate monitoring and live translation.

“With breakthrough audio performance and entirely new capabilities, I think AirPods Pro are truly incredible,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “These are my favorite AirPods ever,” said Kate Bergeron, Apple’s vice president of hardware engineering.

This announcement comes at Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event. The new third-generation AirPods Pro cost $249 and will be available starting September 19. Preorders will open today.

Today in Apple history: After liver transplant, Steve Jobs makes heartfelt return at Apple event

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Photo of Steve Jobs on stage at Apple event on September 9, 2009.
September 9, 2009, marked the start of Steve Jobs' final run at Apple.
Photo: Apple

September 9: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs returns to Apple following liver transplant September 9, 2009: Apple CEO Steve Jobs makes his public return to the company after successful liver-transplant surgery.

Appearing onstage at Apple’s fall event, Jobs receives a standing ovation that lasts almost a minute. He then opens the keynote on an unusually personal note by discussing his health.

“I wouldn’t be here without such generosity,” Jobs tells the audience, referring to the organ donor whose liver he received. “I hope all of us can be as generous and elect to become organ donors.”

Before revealing Apple’s new iPad nano line, Jobs says, “I’m vertical, I’m back at Apple, and I’m loving every day of it.”

Apple TV+’s Severance and The Studio nab record 15 Creative Arts Emmy Awards

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Apple TV+ wins 15 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
The Studio with Seth Rogen cleaned up at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Apple TV+ dominated the first night of the 77th Creative Arts Emmy Awards over the weekend, securing a record-breaking 15 wins led by breakout performances from comedy The Studio and psychological drama Severance. Overall, the streamer’s staggering 81 nominations covered 14 original titles.

Set up a website for one low price, with no recurring fees

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Screenshot shows PawnHoster website hosting dashboard
Get everything you need to launch and host a website for one low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Many website hosting options look affordable up front, then hit you with steep monthly fees, confusing interfaces and/or unreliable uptime. That’s where PawnHoster sets itself apart.

For a one-time payment of $49.99, you get lifetime access to web hosting that’s as fast as it is simple to manage. Built on NVMe SSD servers with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, this affordable web hosting service delivers the speed your users expect — without any surprise charges.

Today in Apple history: iTunes Music Store hits 10 million downloads

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Avril Lavigne's
Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" becomes the 10 millionth iTunes song download.
Photo: Avril Lavigne

August 8: Today in Apple history: iTunes Store hits 10 million music downloads September 8, 2003: Apple reveals that the iTunes Music Store recently sold its 10 millionth song download. The tune in question? Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.”

Come to think of it, “You fall and you crawl and you break and you take what you get and you turn it into [success]” describes Apple pretty well in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

How to watch Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ September iPhone event

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Awe Dropping
The iPhone 17 event is on Tuesday, September 9.
Image: Arne Müseler/Wikimedia Commons/Apple

How can you watch Apple’s iPhone event? You can stream the keynote on YouTube, on the apple.com website or on your smart TV. It starts at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, September 9.

At the September event, Apple unveils new iPhones, Apple Watches and other accessories. The iPhone 17 series will be the highlight — with the iPhone 17 Air being a standout new model. Rumors point to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 getting a faster processor, satellite messaging and (possibly) blood pressure monitoring. Some of these features might make it to the Apple Watch Series 11. A couple of other new devices might put in an appearance at Apple’s September event, too. We’ve heard rumors of AirPods Pro 3, an updated Apple TV 4K and AirTag 2.

Here’s how you can watch it all live, whether you’re watching at home or secretly at work.

7 Apple products that launch this week

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Apple September event: Awe Dropping
The new iPhones and Apple Watches are almost here.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple’s biggest day of the year is almost here! September 9 brings the Awe Dropping event that’ll be jam-packed with product launches. We’re definitely expecting multiple redesigned iPhones and upgraded Apple Watches, plus there could be a few more products on the agenda.

Here’s the full list of Apple products rumored to be coming on Tuesday.

eSIM-only iPhone 17 models may ship with bigger batteries

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iPhone 17 and 17 Air may lack ProMotion display features
iPhone 17 seems set to deliver significantly longer runtime.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The alleged battery capacity of the iPhone 17 lineup has surfaced online. It points to Apple using significantly bigger batteries on its upcoming iPhone.

And for the first time since adding eSIM support with the 2017 iPhone X, Apple may equip the eSIM-only models with a larger battery.

AirPods Pro 3 might arrive this year without a rumored upgrade

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AirPods Pro in an open case ... an early Black Friday deal drops price
Will the AirPods Pro 3 debut alongside the iPhone 17 on September 9?
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

A new rumor suggests AirPods Pro 3 will debut this year, but won’t bring any breakthrough hardware upgrades. The rumored IR-equipped cameras, which supposedly will enable air gestures for interacting with the earbuds, might not arrive until 2026.

Apple could unveil its new flagship AirPods Pro 3 earbuds at Tuesday’s Awe Dropping event.

However, the earbuds won’t pack any breakthrough hardware upgrades, including IR-equipped cameras for air gesture support. That feature supposedly must wait until 2026.