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iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 updates fix serious security problems in older handsets and tablets

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Updates is here for your iPhone bugs
iOS 15.7.4 takes care of a long list of security bugs.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Egor Kamelev/Pexels

Apple introduced iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4 for older devices on Monday, closing significant security holes in a range of frequently used applications. Anyone still running iOS 15.x should install the new version.

Cupertino also released iOS 16.4 and the iPad equivalent on Monday. The updates for its older operating systems are further proof that Apple doesn’t abandon them.

Learn Excel the fun way with this $10 online boot camp

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Become an Excel guru in under 15 hours for $10.
Teach yourself Excel from scratch with this fun $10 course.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you think of Excel, you think spreadsheets — and let’s face it, that’s not a word that excites anyone. That’s a shame, though. Because these days, Microsoft Excel helps many Fortune 500 CFOs chart a course to success and lets tech companies build cutting-edge AI algorithms. You can even use it to create games.

Needless to say, learning Excel can be an asset on your resume, no matter what position you’re going for. And now there’s a quick and painless way to get yourself up to speed: The Complete Microsoft Excel Course.

macOS Ventura 13.3 and iPadOS 16.4 usher in new emoji and other improvements

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First public betas for iOS 16, macOS Ventura arrive
Apple released OS updates for its various computers today, including Mac and iPad.
Photo: Apple

The wait is over for macOS Ventura 13.3 and iPadOS 16.4, which Apple released Monday. While not major upgrades, they do bring new emoji, a better way for devs to work with betas, and other changes (including security updates).

Apple also released iOS 16.4, as well as watchOS 9.4 and tvOS 16.4, today.

15 new features in iOS 16.4 you should try right away

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iOS 16.4 release candidate
After you upgrade your iPhone, try these new features in iOS 16.4.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 16.4 on Monday, bringing significant changes and new features to its iPhone operating system.

Once you install iOS 16.4, the biggest point release of iOS 16 so far, check out these 15 features to try right away — including the new “high five emoji” combo.

Get up to 46% off iMacs and MacBooks this week

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You can get a good deal on a 2021 24-inch 4.5K iMac, plus other iMacs and MacBooks.
You can get a good deal on a 2021 24-inch 4.5K iMac, plus other iMacs and MacBooks.
Photo: Apple

Amazon bargain site Woot! is pushing M1 Macs at low prices through April 3. You can get up to 46% off some machines, which include MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac from 2020 and 2021, plus a handful of Intel-powered Macs.

Get 15% off when you pair magnetic iPad case with stand

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The sturdy magnetic stand is a perfect iPad companion.
The sturdy magnetic stand is a perfect iPad companion.
Photo: Elago

If you have an iPad, you should protect it with a case and put the device on a stand for perfect, hands-free use, whether you’re typing away on a keyboard, drawing with Pencil or just watching a video. And right now you get Elago’s Magnetic Folio case and the company’s magnetic stand for 15% off when you buy them both.

You can find Elago Magnetic Folio cases for all models plus the Magnetic Stand for iPads in the Cult of Mac Store.

Major workstation makeover covers all bases [Setups]

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The nearly maxed-out M1 MacBook Pro is on a shelf out of frame.
The nearly maxed-out M1 MacBook Pro is on a shelf out of frame.
Photo: [email protected]

We often see big upgrades to setups we’ve covered here in the past. But they’re not usually comprehensive, where everything from the daily-driver Mac to the input devices to the audio gear gets made over (and in some cases greatly expanded).

Let’s just say today’s featured MacBook Pro setup looked a lot different 2 years ago. It’s more evidence that a setup is never, ever “done.”

Tim Cook touts ‘symbiotic’ relationship between Apple and China

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Tim Cook speaks with university students in Naples, Italy, after accepting an honorary Master's degree.
Apple CEO Tim Cook was a prominent attendee at the China Development Forum.
Photo: Federico II online canale 1

Apple CEO Tim Cook was one of the few executives from U.S. companies to attend the China Development Forum in Beijing over the weekend as tensions between the two countries continue.

In a speech, Cook spoke about the “symbiotic kind of relationship” that Apple and China have.

You can’t go wrong with AirBox Go while traveling [Review] ★★★★

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A product shot of Momax AirBox Go, a portable MagSafe power bank for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, on a an orangish-red microfiber cloth.★★★★
Momax AirBox Go is a portable MagSafe power bank for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The beauty of a portable power bank becomes apparent when it gets you out of jams as your gadgets run out of power without an electrical outlet in sight. And if the bank can juice up a few devices at once, all the better. That’s what makes the Momax AirBox Go so great.

Momax recently sent me the three-in-one portable MagSafe charger to test. I took it on a weekend trip and found it performed well, keeping my iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro going.

Add 2 external displays and zippy charging with new 9-in-1 dock

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Get two big external displays going with your M1 MacBook.
Get two big external displays going with your M1 MacBook.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen’s latest multiport docking station — sporting nine ports for most workstation connectivity needs — is helpful in several ways, including if you want to extend an M1 MacBook’s external-display capacity from one to two.

The device also offers 100 watts fast charging plus fast file transfer via USB-A and USB-C ports.

BenQ’s 3 sharp new 4K monitors swivel on Ergo arms

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The PD2706UA is the newest of the three 4K monitors that come with the Ergo Arm.
The PD2706UA is the newest of the three 4K monitors that come with the Ergo Arm.
Photo: BenQ

BenQ recently added its 27-inch PD2706UA Design Monitor for home productivity to its lineup of screens that ship with the Ergo Arm. It follows the 27-inch PD2705UA and the 32-inch PD3205UA, both aimed more specifically at designers for their color accuracy.

All three displays offer customizable ergonomic design with plenty of options for movement on the Ergo Arm.

Back up your photos for life with 10TB of cloud storage for just $100

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Get 10TB cloud backup for all devices for $99.99.
This lifetime subscription gives you plenty of cloud backup for all your devices.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you first unbox your new iPhone, it feels like the world is your oyster. Then, one day the low-storage warnings start coming. It’s the same thing with computers and tablets, but there’s something you can do about this dreadful state of affairs.

Instead of deciding which photos and videos you love the least, you can get a 10TB lifetime backup plan from Degoo for only $99.99. That way you can store everything and avoid those hard decisions.

iPhone 15 could go eSIM-only in more countries

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Apple video explains how to activate an iPhone 14 eSIM
iPhone 15 could force you to ditch the physical SIM card for good.
Graphic: Apple

Apple removed the SIM card tray from the iPhone 14 units sold in the US. With the iPhone 15, the company seemingly plans to ditch the SIM slot on the iPhone in even more countries.

A new report indicates the iPhone 15 could launch with only eSIM support in France.

6 reasons you should play Sneaky Sasquatch

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'Sneaky Sasquatch' on Apple Arcade
Sneaky Sasquatch is a standout hit for Apple's gaming service. You really should try it.
Image: Rac7 Games/Apple Arcade

Sneaky Sasquatch is a delightful game on Apple Arcade. It lets players live the life of a Sasquatch doing regular, everyday things this mysterious forest dweller does: sneak around campgrounds stealing picnic baskets, play golf, ski, learn to drive. That sort of thing.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, here are six reason why it’s worth playing.

iOS 17 might be more exciting than expected

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iPhone 14 is the first Apple handset to ditch the physical SIM card tray altogether.
iOS 17 is coming with a lot more features than initially rumored.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
WWDC23

Apple’s upcoming iOS 17 update will be bigger than initially planned. The company reportedly changed its strategy during the development process to add some “nice to have” features to the iPhone operating system.

Learn what you want, when you want, with a lifetime of StackSkills Unlimited (now only $50)

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Boost your knowledge in a variety of areas with StackSkills Unlimited, now only $50.
Get lifetime access to more than 1,000 courses with StackSkills Unlimited, now $50.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you want to master a new hobby or boost your resume with a new skill, a heavily discounted lifetime membership to StackSkills Unlimited is your ticket to perpetual learning. This unique educational opportunity gives you instant access to more than 1,000 courses in a wide variety of topics, from coding and finance to poker and guitar.

During our Spring Digital Blowout, you can get a lifetime subscription to StackSkills Unlimited for just $49.97 (regularly $1,495). But you’ll have to act fast, as this deal only lasts through April 3.

Latest iPhone 15 rumors sound like a mixed bag [The CultCast]

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iPhone 15? The CultCast show notes page.
Just how different will iPhone 15 be?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iPhone rumors are flying, and some of them sound fantastic! But then there’s the one about a potentially troublesome mute button…

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple TV+ gets ready to invade theaters in a big way.
  • Celebrity portraits created by Midjourney V5 look shockingly realistic. Erfon’s been trying his hand at AI-generated art, too, and he’s loving this new technology.
  • We’re giving away a selfie stick with superpowers.

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.

Our sponsors: Mylio and ExpressVPN

  • Mylio: It’s the easy way to manage all your photos on all your devices. Try it at Mylio.com/cultcast.
  • ExpressVPN: Get fast, global protection for every device you own. Try it at Expressvpn.com/cultcast.

Ted Lasso season 3 brings surge of viewers to Apple TV+

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Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso is back, and viewership is as strong as his optimism.
Photo: Apple TV+

Fans weren’t bothered by an extra-long wait for Ted Lasso‘s third season. The season premiere brought a tidal wave of viewers, pushing Apple TV+ back to near the top of the ratings charts.

And Shrinking, another Apple TV+ comedy, is finishing its freshman season with strong viewership.

Upgrade your WordPress site with this ChatGPT plugin

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Upgrade your WordPress site with this $40 ChatGPT plugin.
Give your WordPress site a boost with this ChatGPT plugin, now just $39.97.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

ChatGPT keeps making headlines for its ability to quickly generate effective writing and even write iPhone apps, but how can it benefit you and your website?

This lifetime license for the ChatGPT WordPress plugin answers that question, and it’s now on sale as part of our Spring Blowout for only $39.97. You’ll have to hurry, though, since this best-of-web pricing only lasts through April 13.

Liaison’s spy-versus-spy story gets extra-twisty this week [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Eva Green in ★★★
Things get ugly this week on Liaison.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ spy thriller Liaison hits a few snags this week on its way to justice and catharsis. A mostly great episode finds Alison, Gabriel, Dumas and Sophie Saint Roche making deals with unlikely allies on their mad scramble to prevent a private war against the whole of Europe.

Didier is desperate, Sabine is growing hopeless, Alison’s father is in critical condition, and Dumas grows a conscience. There’s blood in the water in this episode, entitled “Family Album.” Who will make it out alive?

Dear Edward gets its predictably boring happy ending at last [Apple TV+ recap] ★☆☆☆☆

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Colin O’Brien and Taylor Schilling in ★☆☆☆☆
Yay, dear little Edward's smiling at last.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ series Dear Edward brings its tedious first season to a close this week. Edward winds up lost in the big city, sending his adoptive mom Lacey into hysterics. Plus, Dee Dee’s feeling very unappreciated, Shay and Edward get a second chance, Steve and Amanda have a choice to make, and there’s a party on the horizon.

The Dear Edward season finale, entitled “Shelter,” is a whiff of an ending to a whiff of a season. This show, supposedly about grief in the wake of a catastrophic plane crash, turns out to be largely about nothing at all.

Get 2GB of data every month for life with this Instabridge eSIM deal

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Instabridge can give you up to 2GB of storage every month, now only $149.
Enjoy global internet access in over 190 countries with Instabridge, now $149.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With a subscription to Instabridge, you can enjoy 2GB of fast, reliable cellular data per month for the rest of your days. This deal comes without roaming fees, and gets you fast 5G coverage at a fraction of the normal price.

Best of all, a lifetime subscription to Instabridge is on sale during our Spring Digital Blowout Sale for only $149 (regularly $1,000). That’s the best price you’ll find on the web.

Everyone wants a rocket ride on Hello Tomorrow! [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Billy Crudup in ★★★★☆
Salesman/serial liar Jack Billings (played by Billy Crudup) finally finds a situation he can't talk his way out of, this week on Hello Tomorrow!
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewHello Tomorrow! returns for more Space Age shenanigans — and a brutal comeuppance for one of Earth’s biggest liars. The Apple TV+ show about a guy selling bunk timeshares on the moon finally hits the pause button on momentum to allow a devastating realization to sink in.

Salesman/con artist Jack Billings may be more doomed than he thinks, even as he succeeds beyond his wildest dreams. Shirley and Joey have had enough, Myrtle gets the sign she’s been searching for, Herb makes good, and Jack has to save an old hero in this stellar episode, entitled “The Gargon Mothership.”