Older iPhones will get iOS 26 but with some key features missing. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 introduce a host of new features in addition to the Liquid Glass design makeover that will bring glossy, translucent harmony to Apple’s software ecosystem this fall. However, not all of those advanced features will make it to every compatible device when Apple releases its next-gen operating systems.
If you own an old iPhone or Intel-based Mac, you will miss out on several improvements. Here’s a look at what won’t make the cut.
The Satechi USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure expands Mac mini. Image: Satechi
Adding a high-speed SSD to the Mac mini M4 just got easier with the Satechi USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure. It can hold up to 8TB drives and transfer data at up to 5 GB per second.
The accessory hit store shelves Tuesday and comes with a 17% launch discount.
Adobe Firefly generative AI tool hits iPhone and Android. Image: Adobe
The newly released AI-powered Adobe Firefly mobile app allows users to generate images and videos using text prompts on their iPhone or Android. They can also edit images with the new tool.
The application includes access to a range of AI models, including the most popular ones.
Special cameras mounted on Formula One cars capture intense racing action in F1: The Movie. Photo: Apple TV+
When director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda set out to film the upcoming Apple Original film F1: The Movie, they faced a unique challenge. How could they capture authentic point-of-view racing footage from inside Formula One cars without compromising the vehicles’ precise engineering specifications? The solution required Apple to build something that never existed before — a custom camera module using iPhone components that could withstand the extreme conditions of professional racing, according to new report. And so were born custom iPhone cameras in F1.
iPhone OS 3 turned Apple's smartphone into a much more capable device. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
June 17, 2009: Apple releases iPhone OS 3, the third iteration of its mobile operating system (and the last before a name change). It adds Cut, Copy and Paste functionality, among the most requested features since the original iPhone shipped in 2007.
“iPhone 3.0 has more than 100 new features for our customers,” says Scott Forstall, Apple’s senior vice president of iPhone software, as he demos the new operating system in front of developers. “Let me walk you through just a few, starting with Cut, Copy and Paste. So, we’ve been working really hard to design an easy-to-use, straightforward user interface for Cut, Copy and Paste on our large touchscreen display, and we think we’ve nailed it.”
iPhone OS 3 also brings a host of other new features, including MMS, a landscape keyboard, support for audiobooks and iTunes video, and Spotlight search, which users can access by swiping left on the iPhone’s Home Screen. And the Find My iPhone app comes along for the ride.
★★★★☆
The Moft Dynamic Folio case/stand can lift your iPad closer to eye level. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
iPad cases that fold into stands are old news, but the Moft Dynamic Folio takes that idea and builds on it. The front flap can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet at a range of angles, in both landscape and portrait orientations. A highlight is one that lifts the iPad up about 3 inches so it’s easier to see.
Plus, the case/stand is lightweight and very easy to attach and remove. There are versions for all recent Apple tablets.
I tested the flexible iPad accessory for several weeks. Here’s what I found out.
Grab a pair of Sony LinkBuds Fit earbuds at a deep discount. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Sony’s LinkBuds Fit earbuds are designed with comfort in mind. Their lightweight build and ergonomic design make them suitable for extended wear, whether you’re commuting, working out or just relaxing at home. Plus, silicone wingtips help secure the earbuds in place, ensuring they stay put during runs or other workouts.
Priced at just $89.99 (regularly $199.99), these refurbished LinkBuds Fit noise-canceling earbuds provide an affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, without compromising on essential audio features.
The Apple Watch charger, though not included, is easy to install in the little iMac G3 replica. Photo: Spigen
The new Spigen Apple Watch Classic C1 Charger Stand comes in the form of a miniature iMac G3, complete with a selection of familiar translucent colors, the accessory maker said Monday.
So the Apple Watch charging stand, the latest addition to Spigen’s popular C1 series based on iMac G3 design cues, pays homage to one of Apple’s most iconic computers. It services as a functional charger as well as a conversation piece.
Apple slow adoption of AI isn’t a crisis. Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Despite all the criticism, mockery and predictions of doom, the fact that Apple is lagging the pack in artificial intelligence isn’t a catastrophe. The AI boom has barely started, and average consumers remain doubtful about the technology.
More importantly, an Apple executive points out that the company doesn’t need to develop its own cutting-edge AI to benefit from the research done by other companies.
Add more ports and storage capacity to your M4 Mac mini with the Macally MminiDock. Image: Macally
Macally designed the new MminiDock with the M4 Mac mini in mind. It sits under the tiny desktop, increasing the selection of available ports with front-facing USB-A, plus 4K HDMI, an audio jack and more without increasing the computer’s footprint. And there’s an SSD enclosure inside for 8TB of additional capacity.
The accessory launched Monday and comes with a 20% off launch coupon.
Apple's 2025 Back to School promo will get you a free AirPods. Screenshot: Apple Store
Apple’s yearly Back to School sale is now live in the United States, India and other countries. As part of the deal, eligible students and teachers can get Macs and iPads on education pricing, along with an accessory worth up to $179.
Unlike the last few years, Apple will not bundle a gift card with your purchase. Instead, it will bundle a free accessory, ranging from the Magic Keyboard to AirPods 4 with ANC.
iPad repair is doable, but it’s far, far from easy. Image: Gemini/Cult of Mac
Apple now offers tools and parts to repair your own iPad, but the instructions provided by Apple show that working on one of its tablets is not for the faint of heart.
Just removing the screen from an iPad Pro is a 32-step process that requires special tools to detach the glue, tape and screws holding everything together.
The user liked their dual 27-inch monitors, but likes the ultra-wide even better, comparing it to having three screens. Photo: [email protected]
I’m currently enjoying a pair of 27-inch 5K resolution touchscreen monitors, but many people prefer to go with one ultra-wide display — especially a big, curved one. Today’s featured setup uses a Mac Studio to drive a 49-inch, curved Samsung gaming monitor. The user loves it, but said it took some getting used to. They graduated to it from two 27-inch 4K displays, actually, very similar to what I used until recently.
June 16, 2010: Apple reports a massive surge of interest in its latest smartphone, with iPhone 4 preorders racking up 600,000 sales on their first day.
The company calls the number “far higher” than expected. At the time, it’s the most iPhone preorders Apple has ever taken in a single day. AT&T suffers server problems thanks to the demand — with 10 times the usual traffic on its website. It’s proof positive that Apple is onto a winner!
There are plenty of smaller, hidden improvements in iOS 26. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac
Apple focused heavily on the new Liquid Glass design language during the iOS 26 unveiling last week. But there’s more to the operating system than the glossy new look that’s coming to all the company’s operating systems.
While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.
The AirPods Pro 3 release date is apparently still months down the road. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Two reliable analysts recently predicted that the AirPods Pro 3 release date won’t come before the end of 2025.
Apple is reportedly loading the next generation of its high-end wireless earbuds up with new features, and that’s apparently taking some extra time. All the way to 2026.
This robust desktop charger meets many charging needs. Photo: Ugreen
Ugreen launched what it calls the world’s most powerful gallium nitride (GaN) charger Monday — the Ugreen Nexode 500W 6-Port GaN Desktop Fast Charger. It promises to change how Apple users and other tech users power their devices.
At 500 watts, the $249.99 charger delivers unprecedented charging capacity through five USB-C ports and one USB-A port. That could eliminate the need for multiple adapters cluttering your workspace.
Leaking pre-release images could land you behind bars. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
June 15, 2011: Three people get sentenced to prison in China for leaking information about the iPad 2 prior to its release.
The Foxconn R&D employees receive sentences ranging from one year to 18 months. They also must pay fines between $4,500 and $23,000. If you ever wonder why more Apple products don’t leak prior to release, this might help explain why!
Jon Hamm and Alexander Skarsgård both have hits on Apple TV+! Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ crime drama Your Friends & Neighbors has held onto a large audience for two months now, appearing yet again on a weekly list of the top 10 most popular series, according to a company that tracks ratings. The show stars Jon Hamm as a very unusual thief.
Plus, the Apple TV+ sci-fi action comedy series Murderbot settled into steady popularity.
Pick up this quality iPhone SE at a steep discount. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
If you’re itching to add a reliable iPhone to your pile of Apple gear — but without dropping flagship-level cash — this deal on an iPhone SE (a refurbished second-gen model) might make your week.
Right now, you can get your hands on a Grade-A refurbished second-gen iPhone SE with 64GB of storage, unlocked and in near-mint condition for just $124.99. Even better? Shipping is free, and the phone is ready to roll with any major carrier.
I’ve spent the week hands-on with iOS 26, living with its stunning new design and incredible features. I really love the direction iOS is going — even if there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out before its September release.
Liquid Glass, the flashy new user interface, is gorgeous. Loads of people will love the new Lock Screen and Home Screen features, like Spatial Scenes and clear icons. A few other features may need some tweaking, however, like the new Camera app and Phone app.
Should you install it yourself? God no, it’s a buggy mess. You should definitely not install it on your daily driver. But should you be excited to get it in September, after Apple irons out the kinks? Absolutely. Keep reading or watch our video for a hands-on look at the joys (and annoyances) of iOS 26.
A vividly animated Apple ad showcases Paul McCartney's "Dance Tonight." Photo: Apple
June 14, 2007: Paul McCartney sings his new song “Dance Tonight” in an iPod + iTunes ad, the latest in a series of Apple spots starring music industry legends.
The new animated ad signifies a thawing of the icy relationship between Apple and McCartney, whose original band The Beatles has been locked in a legal battle with Cupertino for decades.