Is Apple spying on your private files? Betteridge’s Law prevails once again. Photo: mikemacmarketing/Wikimedia Commons
Claims that Apple is phoning home to analyze every image on your Mac have been proven false. Jeffrey Paul, security researcher and consultant, claimed early last week that his Mac was sending small bits of data to Apple every time he clicked on an image on his computer.
After Paul’s claims caused a bit of a stir, researchers got to the bottom of what was actually happening. Not only did they conclude the network activity was innocent — it was caused by a bug that’s already been patched in the latest macOS update.
Our reviewer wanted less talking and more surfing in season 1. Maybe season 2 will deliver. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ brought back surfing competition documentary Make or Break for a second season that starts February 17. The trailer pumps up the surfers’ desperation to win the coveted World Surf League Championship title.
“Season 2 … I guess we weren’t that bad,” one surfer chuckled. Sure, the show is back, but in the trailer it looks like some of the surfers could be done for good if they don’t do better.
The Sakana chef knife is the multi-tool your kitchen needs. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Upgrading our Apple products is something we do regularly, but how often do you upgrade your kitchen knives? If you can’t remember the last time you gave your cooking tools an overhaul, it may be time to find a new, high-quality tool that can do it all.
With this Japanese chef’s knife, you can put a multi-use tool in your rack for all your slicing and dicing. And it’s now on sale for just $79.99 (a 73% discount).
Wi-Fi 6E could be finally coming to 2023 iPhones. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac/Pixabay/Pexels
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 could feature faster Wi-Fi 6E support for faster data transmission speeds. The company’s 2023 Mac mini and MacBook Pro feature the latest Wi-Fi standard.
Wi-Fi 6E adoption is still in a nascent stage in the smartphone world, with very few high-end devices supporting it.
Believe it or not, Apple will give you actual money for that iPhone 7 stuck in a drawer. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple dropped its trade-in values for many older iPhone models. The decrease is as much as $80 for some.
Even so, used iPhones retain for value for a long more time, and can be worth hundreds of dollars off the price of a new model. Or just trade them in for an Apple gift card.
Keep the lights on anywhere with this solar generator bundle. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
If there is one thing every person should have in their emergency arsenal, it’s a solar generator. With this HomePower One bundle — which includes a solar generator, a backup battery and two panels — you can ensure your home and devices will stay running no matter the situation.
Plus, it’s great for taking on camping trips and other outings. It’s on sale now for $1,299.99.
Eva the Owlet is part of a wave of fresh children's programming headed for Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has a trio of new children’s shows coming this spring. There’s Eva the Owlet and Frog and Toad, plus Jane, inspired by the work of primatologist Jane Goodall.
And that’s not all. Apple’s streaming service already has many shows for children, and several of these will get new seasons soon. Apple is also bringing back A Charlie Brown Valentine in February.
This concept might be very close to the VR/AR headset that Apple unveils later in 2023. Concept: Ahmed Chenni/Freelancer.com
Those eager for their first glimpse at Apple’s VR/AR headset should check out a concept design that might well be our best look yet at a product supposedly coming later this year.
It’s heavily based on leaked info about the upcoming virtual reality/augmented reality device — possibly called the “Reality Pro” — but with style added.
Here's how to take advantage of the temperature and humidity sensors in HomePod 2 and HomePod mini. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
HomePod 2 and (surprise!) HomePod mini both include temperature and humidity sensors. These can be used by Apple’s Home app to control HomeKit accessories. Or just tell you how hot or cold it is in your living room.
Here’s how to use the sensors in Apple’s large and small smart speakers.
An Intel Mac mini sits atop Satechi hubs to the left of the LG 4K display. An eGPU with a potent graphics card stands to the right. Photo: Hal Howell
Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Hal Howell recently shipped his computer setup to Cult of Mac for inspection, so to speak. He emailed photos and words, anyway.
He runs an Intel Mac mini with an outboard engine of sorts on it for extra graphics processing power, plus Satechi USB-C hubs with extra ballast (er, storage).
Check out the full manifest of the Navy man’s gear below.
Protect your devices and data with the Deeper Connect Pico, now 40% off. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
When it comes to cybersecurity, most VPN services can feel like a protection racket. You’re basically shelling out a monthly fee to get safe passage navigating open Wi-Fi. But savvy online citizens should know there’s another option. Decentralized VPN can now be set up through hardware like this nifty, lightweight DPN adapter from Deeper Connect.
There are two distinct advantages to making the switch. First, you’ll have a portable DPN that can work on multiple devices globally. Second, you’ll only have to pay once to secure your online data and internet. And right now, you can save $100 on this handy hardware.
Apple's new HomeKit architecture could relaunch soon. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple has not given up on updating the underlying architecture for its Home app. After initially pulling the upgrade, the company is working on version 2 and could release it soon.
M1 Mac mini is better than the M2 Mac mini in this department. Graphics: Rajesh/Apple
Apple’s new entry-level M2 Mac mini and 2023 MacBook Pros ship with significantly slower SSDs than their predecessors. This could negatively impact read/write-intensive workflows.
The slowdown is because Apple uses a single flash chip solution on the 2023 models. For comparison, the M1 Mac mini and 2021 MacBook Pros used two flash chips.
Score better deals on groceries, tech and more with this discounted Sam's Club membership. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Everything’s more expensive these days, from luxury items to standard foods like eggs. If you’re tired of paying full price for everything, a Sam’s Club membership can be your ticket to savings on absolutely everything.
Right now, you can get a one-year Sam’s Club membership for just $24.99 — a 50% discount. It can be your key to finding incredible deals on the things you need thanks, to the power of wholesale.
Here's your chance to get a cosmetically imperfect iPhone 13 or other handset on the cheap. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The discount site Woot! is at it again with its great-deals-on-a-deadline thing. On Tuesday we noticed it’s offering cheap prices on a range of refurbished iPhone and Apple Watches that might show moderate wear, like minor scratches and dents.
Thing is, the sale ends Tuesday at midnight CT/10 p.m. PT. That’s just hours away.
"Emancipation" will not be the second Apple TV+ film to win a Best Picture Oscar. Graphic: Apple TV+
The Apple TV+ Christmas special The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse earned an Oscar nomination Tuesday in the Animated Short Film category. And Brian Tyree Henry picked up a best supporting actor nom for his role in Causeway, the indie film starring Jennifer Lawrence as a wounded Afghanistan vet returning to her hometown.
However, Apple’s streaming service will not be earning back-to-back Best Picture Oscars. It’s big Oscar bait release — Emancipation, the Civil War-era movie starring Will Smith as a slave fighting for his freedom — was completely shut out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Actor Nick Muhammed -- aka Nate on "Ted Lasso" -- makes learning about iPhone privacy features fun. Photo: Apple
Marking Data Privacy Day on Tuesday, Apple introduced new educational resources meant to help users take better control of their data, including a whimsical short film starring one of Ted Lasso‘s popular cast members.
The video, a new Today at Apple Session and Cupertino’s added statements on its ongoing security efforts come amid ever-rising cyberattacks and about a month after the company released Advanced Data Protection.
Save your money and get the M1 Max MacBook Pro instead of the M2 model. Photo: Apple
Apple’s 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring its M2 Pro/Max chips are blazing fast. But if you don’t need all that power, you can save up to $500 by opting for the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Amazon is selling the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips at a steep $500 discount.
Keep all your files and content secure with Koofr cloud storage. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
There’s a lot of competition among cloud storage providers, which isn’t surprising considering how necessary the cloud has become. Even if you’re working on something with the storage capacity of a souped-up MacBook Pro, you’re going to need a more spacious home for your data sooner or later.
Any plan can give you enough space — if you shell out enough cash. What sets Koofr’s cloud solution apart from the competition is its ability to make your data both easily accessible and secure. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription to Koofr cloud storage for just $129.97 with code KOOFR.
Should you upgrade to the new MacBook Pro, Mac mini or HomePod? Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The new Mac mini and the high-end MacBook Pro are the first Macs to receive Apple’s powerful new M2 Pro and Max chips. But should you upgrade to the new MacBook Pro (or Mac mini) or not?
That depends on what Mac you already have. Our charts and video will walk you through the decision-making process if you’re considering buying a new Mac. (Bonus: We also break down the pros and cons of the new HomePod versus the original and the HomePod mini.)
WhatsApp's native Apple silicon app is one step closer to release. Image: WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s beta Apple Silicon Mac app is now available for download to the public through its website. The company has been beta testing its native Mac app through TestFlight for the last few months.
The new app provides a notably better user experience than the existing app of the messaging service. And since it is a native app, it performs much better as well.