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Court battle between display makers could bring U.S. iPhone import ban

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iPhone 16 Pro Max display
The iPhone’s OLED display is at the center of a court battle.
Photo: RepairsUniverse

Multiple iPhone models might be blocked from import into the United States. The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that one of the companies that makes displays for iOS handsets infringes on the patents of another, and products that use the infringing displays face an import ban.

President Donald Trump has the option to veto the ban, however.

New report confirms all iPhone Series 17 color options

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report confirms all iPhone Series 17 color options
An X.com user displays the colors using Pantone selections. On the left is iPhone 17; top right is iPhone 17 Air and bottom right shows the Pro colors.
Photo: X.com@pyrobinkx

Apple’s complete — and surprisingly broad — iPhone 17 color palette got confirmation through internal Apple documents, according to a new report. Expanding on recent leaks, the new information reveals the most diverse selection in years across all four models expected to launch in September.

The confirmation comes as Apple prepares to refresh its entire smartphone lineup with new features including the A19 chip, 12GB of RAM for Pro models, and the introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air to replace the iPhone 16 Plus.

Clever phone lanyard is also a USB-C charging cable

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Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable
This lanyard can also charge your iPhone.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable makes carrying around an iPhone easy, and charging it, too. That’s because it’s both a lanyard and a USB-C charging cable in one accessory.

In addition, the accessory maker also just launched the Satechi OntheGo 67W Slim Wall Charger to power up an iPhone or MacBook when and where needed.

Score one of my top AirPods Pro 2 alternatives for sweet 20% off

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Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds outside closed case
White is one of four color options. The others are blue, black and pink.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

As a Cult of Mac review writer and a proud owner of Apple’s top-notch AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, I often compare other wireless noise-canceling earbuds to them. AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat, but some third-party alternatives that cost less come pretty close — like Soundcore Liberty 5. Right now you can get the Anker subsidiary’s flagship buds on sale for $129 $104, markedly less than this week’s Amazon discount on AirPods Pro 2, $249 $169.

Cutting-edge hinge could prevent screen creases on folding iPhone

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Folding iPhone Rumors
Apple is working hard to prevent the folding iPhone from being marred by a screen crease.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Part of the innovative technology going into the upcoming folding iPhone is supposedly an internal hinge that will play an important role in ensuring that the flexible display won’t be marred by an unsightly crease.

An analyst who’s a respected source of Apple information reported Tuesday that the component will begin shipping to Apple at the beginning of 2026.

Apple TV+’s Severance and The Studio dominate Emmy nominations

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Severance tops Emmy nominations
Severance leads all shows in Emmy nominations this year -- 27.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ secured a commanding position in the 2025 Emmy nominations announced Tuesday, with two of its flagship series earning the most nominations in their respective categories. The streaming service’s dystopian workplace drama Severance topped all shows with 27 nominations. And Hollywood satire The Studio led comedy series with 23 nominations, breaking Ted Lasso‘s record for a first-year comedy series.

Notably, Apple TV+’s hit spy thriller Slow Horses and comedy Shrinking also drew top nominations.

Today in Apple history: Apple debuts its thinnest-ever iPod touch

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ipod-touch
The sixth-gen iPod touch packed big improvements into its incredibly slender case.
Photo: Apple

July 15: Today in Apple history: Apple debuts sixth-gen iPod touch, its thinnest ever July 15, 2015: Apple introduces the sixth-gen iPod touch, attempting to prove that there’s still a place for the humble music player in the crazy, crazy world of iPhones and Apple Watches.

Apple calls the device “the best iPod touch yet” in a press release, and touts “a new lineup of colors for all iPod models, including space gray, silver, gold, pink and blue.”

Actually, base iPhone 17 may not stick with last year’s chip [Updated]

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iPhone 17 rumors
iPhone 17 could pack the same internals as iPhone 16.
Image: Cult of Mac

An analyst said back in May that Apple may reuse the iPhone 16‘s A18 chip on the base iPhone 17 model this year and could ship both it and iPhone 17 Air with 8GB of RAM. But now he’s changed his tune.

All other members of the iPhone 17 family will reportedly use a newer A19 chip and sport 50% more RAM.

Update: As noted in the post below, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu predicted in May that the base iPhone 17 would stick with iPhone 16’s A18 chip. But now he cites in a note seen by outlets like 9to5Mac that supply chain reporting indicates the base model will use the A19 chip expected in the Pro models. And only the base iPhone 17 may offer just 8GB of RAM, while the Air and Pro models will start at 12GB.

Ingenious RollerMouse Red wrist rest changes mousing. But is it worth $394? [Review] ★★★★

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Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review★★★★
It's a cool and highly functional device, but it might cost too much for most people. For those suffering pain from mousing, though, it could be well worth it.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Would you spend $394 on a mouse? This Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review might raise eyebrows, considering the device’s unusual design and premium price tag. The centralized pointing device with roll bar, scroll bar and three unfamiliar buttons in a wrist rest sits in front of your keyboard rather than beside it, challenging typical notions of computer navigation. But for those who need help with pain from repetitive strain injury (RSI), it could make a world of difference.

Apple commits $500 million to American-made rare earth magnets

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MP Materials makes rare earth magnets in Fort Worth, Texas.
MP Materials makes rare earth magnets in Fort Worth, Texas.
Photo: MP Materials

Apple announced a new commitment Tuesday to buy $500 million worth of American-made rare earth magnets from Texas-based MP Materials. The raw material will go into iPhones, MacBooks and more.

In addition, the two companies are working together to build a cutting-edge rare earth recycling line in California.

Today in Apple history: Revolutionary MP3 file format gets its name

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iPod
The MP3 made the iPod possible.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

July 14: Today in Apple history: Revolutionary MP3 format gets its name July 14, 1995: The MP3 file format receives its official name as the new .bit file extension gets changed to .mp3. The technology allows the compression of a standard CD .wav file to one-tenth its original size, courtesy of some smart algorithms. The format will revolutionize the music industry — and put Apple on the road to world dominance with the iPod.

The MP3 enables easy sharing of music tracks online and makes music more portable than ever. Within a few years, Apple’s iPod will become the world’s best-known MP3 player, quickly capitalizing on the new format.

New HDMI adapters overcome Apple silicon Mac external display limits

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OWC HDMI adapters
OWC's new Quad HDMI adapter makes running multiple 4K external displays a breeze.
Photo: OWC

Two new HDMI adapters from Other World Computing (OWC) solve the external display limitations that have frustrated Apple Silicon Mac users since the M1 chip’s introduction, the company said Monday. The new OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Adapter and redesigned OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Adapter offer Mac owners a way to connect multiple external monitors without juggling multiple dongles.

“Whether you’re working with spreadsheets, streaming data, editing video or just need more screen real estate to stay productive, we believe your gear shouldn’t hold you back,” said Larry O’Connor, OWC’s founder and CEO. “With our new Quad and enhanced Dual HDMI adapters, we’re giving users the power to easily expand their visual workspace, without the complexity or cost of juggling multiple adapters or sacrificing performance.”

Prime Day is over but great deals on portable SSDs are not

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SSD deals
Now is the time to save on that portable SSD you’ve wanted.
Image: Samsung/Cult of Mac

The portable SSD you’ve been wanting is probably available at well below the usual cost. There are top-quality ones available at way below their list prices — we found deals on portable SSDs from Samsung, Kingston and more. Save up to 48%!

Even if you didn’t do your shopping during Amazon Prime Day last week,  you can still easily increase the storage capacity of your Mac, iPad, etc. without over-stressing your credit card.

iPhone 17 Pro may sport 5 colors, including cool new copper-orange

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iPhone 17 Pro colors
The orange and dark blue options look racier than the usual Pro hues.
Photo: X.com@SonnyDickson

After last week’s iPhone 17 color revelations, fresh component leaks suggest Apple might introduce its boldest iPhone Pro color yet, come September. This time, camera lens covers reveal a potential brand-new copper-orange finish that would mark a significant departure from the company’s traditional Pro palette. The other possible colors are black, gray, silver and a dark blue that harkens back to iPhone 15 Pro’s most striking hue.

LG 5K monitor pairs beautifully with Studio Display [Setups]

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LG 5K display for mac
The LG 5K display and the Studio Display work beautifully together, the user said.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple’s beautiful, high-resolution Studio Display is notoriously expensive, starting at about $1,600 — so dual Studio Display computer setups are pretty rare. I also see Studios Displays paired with other options for external displays, as in today’s great-looking Mac Studio setup. And it turns out there are reasons beyond identical resolution to choose the LG 5K UltraFine display the users selected and loves.

And another cool item in the setup hides behind the displays. Bower & Wilkins’ aged-yet-still-awesome MM1 computer speakers make a rare appearance.

Apple has big plans for the iPhone’s Dynamic Island

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That pill-shaped hole where the notch used to be? Apple calls it the Dynamic Island.
Rather than hiding the iPhone Dynamic Island, Apple is reportedly going all-in on it.
Photo: Apple

Apple came up with a “significant evolution” for the Dynamic Island that’s part of the display in most iPhone models, according to a noted tipster. Rather than phasing out the dynamic interface, rumors indicate Apple will lean into the feature.

It’s something to look forward to in the iPhone 17 and beyond.

Today in Apple history: Nike+iPod Sport Kit puts fitness tracking in your pocket

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The Nike+iPod Sports Kit was a nifty innovation.
The Nike+iPod Sport Kit was a nifty innovation.
Photo: Apple

July 13: Today in Apple history: Nike+iPod Sport Kit brings fitness tracking to your pocket July 13, 2006: Apple releases its first activity tracker, the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, which combines Cupertino’s popular music player with a smart pedometer.

The product marks Apple’s first step toward the kind of mobile health-tracking initiatives it will pursue in the following decade — most notably through its iOS Health app and the Apple Watch.

iPhone 17e rumors: Apple’s next budget handset

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iPhone 17e rumors
iPhone 17e rumors point to a change in strategy for Apple’s budget handsets.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple already has the iPhone 17e on its drawing board, according to rumors. Surveys indicate the company has a new strategy that’ll bring much more frequent updates to its most affordable iOS handsets.

Here’s when to expect the replacement for the iPhone 16e, and what hardware changes are coming.

Taron Egerton’s crime drama Smoke burns up the ratings charts

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Smoke season 1 on Apple TV+
Smoke stars Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett.
Image: Apple TV+

Smoke is getting into plenty of people’s eyes. The new true-crime drama on Apple TV+ that stars Taron Egerton made it into the top 10 most popular streaming series, according to two companies that track ratings.

Plus, the Apple TV+ sci-fi action comedy series Murderbot stayed strong in the run-up to its season finale, and the sports comedy Stick still draws a large audience, too.

Today in Apple history: ‘Antennagate’ scandal hits its peak

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Steve Jobs stands onstage with the word
"Antennagate" caused big problems for Apple.
Photo: Apple

July 12: Today in Apple history: Antennagate scandal hits its peak July 12, 2010: The iPhone 4 suffers a major blow when respected trade publication Consumer Reports says it can’t, in good faith, recommend the new Apple smartphone. The reason the magazine refuses to give its vaunted “recommended” label to the previously top-ranked device in its devastating iPhone 4 review? A little Apple scandal called “Antennagate.”

2013 Mac Pro enters Apple’s vintage hall of fame

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The 2013 trash can Mac Pro is now marked as vintage.
Two years from now, the trash can Mac Pro will become "obsolete."
Photo: Apple

The iconic 2013 “trash can” Mac Pro took its first step towards official retirement, as Apple added it to its vintage product list.

Apple also added several iPads launched in 2018 and the 2019 13-inch MacBook Air to its vintage products list.

Expect to see these 9 colors in iPhone Series 17 models

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9 colors in iPhone Series 17 models
These camera ring protector rings always match the iPhone colors.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 should offer a fresh take on color options, with new leaks suggesting five colors for the base iPhone 17 and four for the iPhone 17 Air model. The latest information comes from leaked images of third-party camera lens protector rings. They’re designed to match Apple’s official iPhone color offerings.