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Nearly all iPhones run iOS 16 but only half of iPads have updated

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Apple makes a multitude of changes with iOS 16.
iPhone users have adopted iOS 16 in large numbers.
Photo: Apple

According to official data from Apple, 81% of all iPhones released in the past four years are running some version of iOS 16. That’s a vastly higher percentage than Android users have installed the latest OS update from Google.

But iPad users upgrade at a far lower rate than iPhone users. Only 53% of Apple tablets released in the last four years have iPadOS 16.

T-Mobile gives customers free MLS Season Pass via Apple TV app

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If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber and a T-Mobile customer, this deal saves you $79 ($99 for people not already signed up for Apple TV+).
If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber and a T-Mobile customer, this deal saves you $79 ($99 for people not already signed up for Apple TV+).
Photo: Apple

Cellular carrier T-Mobile said Tuesday it’s offering MLS Season Pass for free to every customer this soccer season. The pass is available by subscription via the Apple TV app on millions of devices, with many matches available on Apple TV+.

So if you’re a T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile customer, MLS Season Pass — the only way to watch all of the league’s live soccer matches this season — comes free when you sign up for it. See details below.

Tetris trailer portrays Cold War-era struggle to bring classic game to the world

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In Tetris, Nikita Efremov (left) plays the long, straight block while Taron Egerton stars as the square block. (Kidding!)
Photo: Apple TV+

The Tetris movie isn’t about falling blocks. Instead, the Apple TV+ film is a thriller about how the hugely popular game was brought out of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The trailer clearly shows the struggle an entrepreneur goes through to convince a deeply suspicious communist regime to allow Tetris out of the country.

Apple keeps plugging away on a folding iPhone

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Apple is still plugging away on a folding iPhone
This patent filing is irrefutable proof that Apple is still exploring a folding iPhone.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

We can be sure Apple isn’t ignoring the folding phone market, even though the company is showing no direct signs of making an iPhone Fold. There’s plenty of indirect evidence, including patent filings that show handsets with foldable screens.

Apple received a new patent approval that shows it’s still thinking about a folding iPhone.

Edifier’s new high-end headphones bring top quality at low price [Review] ★★★★

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The headphones' folding design helps them fit nicely in the high-quality carrying case.★★★★
The headphones' folding design helps them fit nicely in the high-quality carrying case.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Edifier has produced quality speakers, headphones and earbuds at affordable prices for more than 25 years. And once again I’m impressed with the value it offers, this time regarding the recently released, high-end Edifier WH950NB Wireless Noise Cancellation Over-Ear Headphones.

You can find fancier, better-sounding cans for considerably more money. But at $180, this set punches well above its weight, competing with $250 to $350 contenders.

Edifier sent me a pair to try out. I’ll get into the pluses and minuses below.

Looking for a new laptop? Score this refurbished MacBook Air for $355.

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Looking for a new laptop? Score this refurbished MacBook Air for $355.
This MacBook Air is like new and comes with all the Apple features you love for just $355.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Buying a laptop is an investment, and with tech inflation where it’s at, it can be a pretty pricey one. If you’re in the market for an upgrade, buying new isn’t your only option. You can score high-quality refurbished gear that is far more budget-friendly than buying new ones.

Apple is known for its top-notch devices, from the iPhone to the iPad, and now you can grab the cult-classic MacBook Air at a lower price. This refurbished Apple laptop is on sale for only $355, but this special discount ends on February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Apple VR/AR headset likely will launch at WWDC23

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Apple VR/AR headset concept by Adriano Orbarissa
In a few months, we might finally know what Apple AR/VR headset actually looks like.
Concept: Adriano Orbarissa/Freelancer.com

Earlier reports that Apple’s VR/AR headset will launch this spring were apparently overly optimistic — the latest leak points to a debut at the company’s annual developers conference in June.

If so, it’s likely to overshadow the new iOS and macOS versions also coming at WWDC23. But that probably would have happened even if the device had been unveiled months earlier, as it’ll include a new operating system for third-party developers to write applications for.

Save on green fees and grub with this golfer’s dream deal

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Perfect your golf swing in 2023 with help from this discounted course access across America, and enjoy a meal too.
Spend less on rounds of golf for the next year and score a free dinner with this deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Aside from an inconsistent swing, the rising cost of course fees might be golfers’ most common complaint. But instead of paying full price on each trip to the green, golfers can save at thousands of golf courses across the United States — and enjoy a free meal (or two) — with this bundle.

Right now, you can get a Player’s Pass golf membership and a $50 Restaurant.com gift card for only $49.

Apple’s chipmaker pours $3.5 billion into Arizona plant

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TSMC chip wafer
TSMC is investing heavily in an Arizona plant that will make chips for Apple and other companies.
Photo: TSMC

TSMC is going large with its Arizona plant. The Taiwanese company that makes processors for almost every type of Apple device committed itself to putting $3.5 billion into its U.S. subsidiary. And that’s only part of the eventual cost.

Apple has already promised to use chips made at the plant.

Don’t forget to update the software on your MagSafe cable

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Official product photo of the renowned USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m)
Official product photo of the renowned USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m)
Photo: Apple

Apple issued an important software update recently — and we’re not talking for iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch. It’s 2023, so it’s for something way more esoteric: a power cable.

Yes, the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable comes with a tiny computer inside of it that needs software updates, for some inscrutable reason.

iPhone modem-maker gets ready for faster 5G Advanced in 2024

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iPhone modem maker gets ready for faster 5G Advanced in 2024
The Qualcomm X75 modem will almost certainly appear in a future iPhone and add support for 5G Advanced.
Image: Qualcomm

Qualcomm, the chipmaker that supplies the 5G modems in all iPhones, on Wednesday unveiled the X75, its next-generation modem that will be the first to support 5G Advanced. This emerging cellular-wireless standard will give a speed boost to cellular-wireless networks and make mobile VR/AR more practical.

The X75 probably will be used in the iPhone 16 when it launches in 2024.

New iOS gaming controller sports Lightning and USB-C connectors

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With a USB-C connector in addition to a Lightning connector, the controller easily works with both iPads and iPhones.
With a USB-C connector in addition to a Lightning connector, the controller easily works with both iPads and iPhones.
Photo: RiotPwr

Saying Wednesday that it created a “future-proof cloud gaming controller,” RiotPwr released a new iOS gaming controller with both Lightning and USB-C connectors.

“The RiotPWR RP1950 controller [is] the solution for the USB-C cloud gaming crisis for iOS users,” the company added.

3 Macs and KVM switch keep remote worker out of trouble [Setups]

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Three Macs and a KVM switch with a big external monitor can be the perfect solution.
Three Macs and a KVM switch with a big external monitor can be the perfect solution.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured computer setup employs three separate Macs — MacBook Pro, M1 MacBook Air and M1 Mac mini — connecting two of them to a big external monitor using a KVM docking station.

KVM switches are handy when you don’t want to switch cables from different computers using the same monitor and input devices. But there’s another reason the user, Greg Coit, chose the method.

Test indoor air quality with new Ikea monitor

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The monitor's launch comes in April and its HomeKit and Matter compatibility are expected via a pending Dirigera hub update.
The monitor's launch comes in April and its HomeKit and Matter compatibility are expected via a pending Dirigera hub update.
Photo: Ikea

Ikea unveiled its new indoor air-quality monitor Tuesday. With a name that sounds like a Swedish jet fighter — Vindstryka — it’s designed to help you combat pollutants in your home or office. And it will be HomeKit- and Matter-compatible through the Ikea Dirigera hub after the company updates it.

The Swedish home furnishings giant set an April launch date for the monitor but hasn’t added a price tag yet.

Extrapolations trailer looks ahead to a grim future

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'Extrapolations' trailer looks ahead to a grim future
Extrapolations will put a human face on climate change.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s star-studded limited series Extrapolations is set in a near future where the chaotic effects of climate change have become embedded into everyone’s everyday lives.

The trailer for the series gives a dark look at what the end of the century could look like.

Avoid outrageous data roaming charges for life with this international eSIM

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Avoid excessive data roaming charges for life with this top-rated eSIM and get $50 of credit for only $25.
Grab a lifetime eSIM so you can use your iPhone without fear of excessive fees on every trip.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Traveling internationally is a great way to immerse yourself in other cultures, cross off bucket-list items, and even learn a new language. However, dealing with data-roaming charges while exploring a new country can be a huge inconvenience.

You can avoid excessive roaming fees with the aloSIM. This lifetime eSIM credit is on sale now for $25. And with this deal, you can also get $50 of eSIM credit for your next trip.

Only loyal Apple customers can use Apple Pay Later

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iPhone using Apple Pay Later
Apple Pay Later: For the rest rich of us.
Image: Apple

In order to be approved for Apple Pay Later, the company’s own buy now, pay later service, individuals will need to be loyal Apple customers. The service has strict hoops you need to jump through: Apple will check your spending at Apple Stores, purchases and subscriptions on the App Store, Apple Cash payments, Apple Pay history and more.

Even if you work for Apple, you may only be approved for a $1,000 loan. The feature continues to undergo internal testing after being delayed since September, according to Bloomberg.

Rumored 15-inch MacBook Air could use M2 chip

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2022 MacBook Air with M2 processor
Apple's M2 chip might make its way into the 15.5-inch Air.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s rumored 15.5-inch MacBook Air could use the 5nm M2 chip. The same SoC powers the 2022 MacBook Air and the new Mac mini.

The Cupertino company has never released a MacBook Air with a display size larger than 13.6 inches.

Save hundreds on plane tickets with this premium deal-finding service

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Save big on flights with this handy travel solution approved by the NYT, now starting at just $29.99.
See more of the world with a service that finds highly discounted flights, now only $29.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Forget about spending hours scouring the internet for good flight prices. You can fly cheap without the legwork, thanks to a premium subscription to Matt’s Flights, a service that finds incredible flight deals for travelers everywhere.

Right now, you can snag one-year ($29.99), two-year ($49.99) or lifetime ($89.99) subscriptions to this money-saving travel hack. Whether you’re one of many who want to travel more, already have a trip you’re planning to take, or simply just want to relax on a well-earned and economical vacation, Matt’s Flights is sure to become your ultimate travel buddy.

Ends tonight: Score 20% off Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases, organizers and more

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The Function 101 BentoStack organizer is a bento box for your Apple accessories.
The Function 101 BentoStack organizer is a bento box for your Apple accessories.
Photo: Function 101

“Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet,” goes an old Valentine’s Day saying. And what’s sweeter than saving a few bucks? (Not that your sweetheart has to know about that part when you give them a gift).

The Cult of Mac Store’s Valentine’s Day Sweet Savings sale goes through 11:59 p.m. PST on February 14. You can get 20% off an array of Apple accessories, including organizers, cable blocks and more from Function 101 and stylish stretch-link stainless steel Apple Watch bands and stacking bracelets from Rilee & Lo.

And you can score even bigger savings on iPhone cases and more from other brands.

New Geekbench 6 tests devices’ performance at cutting-edge tasks

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Primate Labs Geekbench 6
One of the best benchmarking applications has been updated for AR and AI tasks.
Photo: Primate Labs/Cult of Mac

Primate Labs introduced Geekbench 6 on Tuesday, the first significant update in years to a premier cross-platform benchmarking application.

The new version adds tests to check the performance of Macs, iPhones, iPads, Androids and PCs as they carry out new, cutting-edge tasks.

Snatch up these bargains on iMacs, MacBooks and iPads while they last

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You can get various versions of the 24-inch iMac, among other gear.
You can get various versions of the 24-inch iMac, among other gear.
Photo: Apple

Amazon-owned discount site Woot! is offering a slew of deals on iMacs, MacBooks and iPads through Thursday.

Some M1 laptops are already sold out, but a lot of gear remains, so jump on this if you’re in the market for Apple hardware. It’s the sort of sale that may make people wish they’d waited to buy instead of going all-in at launch.