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MacBook Pro getting speed increase this fall

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Apple preps subscription service for iPhone, Mac and more
Apple is about to take the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021 and put in even faster processors.
Photo: Apple

Updated versions of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro will go onto production during the last months of 2022, according to a prominent Apple analyst. These will have faster processors.

Another reliable source said essentially the same, making it likely that Apple is about refresh its top-tier notebooks.

Next iPad might offer better video calls

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Next iPad might offer better video calls
It's possible iPad 10 will have its front camera moved to the right edge.
Concept: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple may be making one of the most-requested iPad changes. In Apple’s upcoming budget tablet, the front-facing camera is reportedly moving from a short edge of the display to a long edge, which would put it near the top of the tablet in landscape mode.

Just about anyone who makes FaceTime calls on an iPad can see the advantage.

Dell’s fancy new webcam isn’t as pricey as the last one

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The new Dell Pro Webcam features a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone.
The new Dell Pro Webcam features a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone.
Photo: Dell

Dell rolled out its new Dell Pro Webcam over the weekend, offering a less-expensive alternative to the UltraSharp 4K webcam it brought to market last year.

The new one shares some high-end features but also lets go of some others to get the price down.

‘Look, ma, no Mac mini’ (but yes, crazy keyboard and backward trackpad) [Setups]

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The Mac mini is mounted behind the monitor. And, yeah, the Magic Trackpad in the middle of the split keyboard is backwards on purpose.
The Mac mini is mounted behind the monitor. And, yeah, the Magic Trackpad in the middle of the split keyboard is backwards on purpose.
Photo: [email protected]

Sometimes you see one thing that seems quietly radical about a computer setup, only to find out it’s full of even weirder tweaks.

Today’s featured setup is a good example. It hides a Mac mini behind a display. But in front of the display, a wildly split mechanical keyboard surrounds a Magic Trackpad turned backward — on purpose!

Want to support national parks? Use Apple Pay this week.

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The Southwest Conservation Corps’s Leaders of Color crew provides a supportive space for aspiring BIPOC conservationists to break into the field.
The Southwest Conservation Corps’s Leaders of Color crew provides a supportive space for aspiring BIPOC conservationists to break into the field.
Photo: National Park Foundation/Jeremy Wade Shockley

Apple pledged Monday to donate $10 to the National Park Foundation (NPF) for many Apple Pay purchases. If you buy via Apple Pay on apple.com, in the Apple Store app or at a U.S. Apple Store through August 28, you’re helping national parks.

Cupertino said it’s a way to celebrate 106 years of the U.S. National Park Service. And you can also enjoy special content and collections on Apple Maps, Apple Podcasts and more.

Apple starts offering parts and tools needed to repair your own MacBook

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Apple offers parts and tools needed to fix your own MacBook
Those who want to repair their own MacBook can get the parts and tools through Apple's Self Service Repair program.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s Self Service Repair program is about to expand to recent MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. This will give those who want to fix their macOS notebook access to repair manuals and genuine Apple parts and tools.

The program began offering the info, parts and tools needed to fix recent iPhone models in spring 2022.

Get this top-rated screenshot markup app while it’s on sale

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Grab this screenshot markup app while it's marked down.
Markup Hero makes screenshots easier to annotate.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Let’s face it: The Mac’s built-in Markup tool for screenshots is anything but heroic. If you want something a bit beefier and easier to use, try Markup Hero.

This screenshot and annotation tool will make it easier to capture what’s on your computer screen and mark it up for sharing with friends, tech support geeks or what have you. And for a limited time, you can get three-year and five-year Superhero Plans on sale for $59 (regularly $144) and $79 (regularly $240) respectively.

Apple Maps could start showing ads in 2023

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3D maps are launching in more cities.
Ads are coming to Apple Maps.
Photo: Apple

Apple will reportedly start showing ads inside Apple Maps on iPhone starting next year. The company is looking to generate more revenue from its ad business in the coming years.

Apple currently displays ads inside the App Store and certain apps like Apple News and Stocks.

Apple already finished first iOS 16 public release

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Apple makes a multitude of changes with iOS 16.
The first iOS 16 public release is ready to ship.
Photo: Apple

Apple is getting ready to ship iOS 16 in September and has reportedly finished the development of the first public release. Apart from iOS 16, the Cupertino giant will also seed watchOS 9 to the public next month.

iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura will reportedly arrive a month later in October.

What to expect from HomePod 2

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HomePod in China
If you're in the market for a smart speaker, here's what you need to know about the HomePod 2.
Photo: Apple

A replacement for the original, full-size HomePod is reportedly in development. The smart speaker is expected to provide better audio performance than the current HomePod mini.

And it might debut as early as fall 2022.

Why the Apple M2 Pro processor will be even better than expected [Updated]

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Apple might get cutting-edge 3nm processors in 2022
Apple will reportedly be one of the first companies in the world able to offer processors made with a 3nm process.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Multiple sources say the Apple’s upcoming M2 Pro chip will be made with an enhanced manufacturing process that wasn’t yet available for the recently released M2. That will make Apple’s next processor more efficient than the one in the new MacBook Air.

Even better, the M2 Pro could launch in updated MacBook Pro models before the end of 2022.

An awesome app to simplify your day or secure your data [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week
With over a billion apps in the app store, we’ve found a few that we think you should know about.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

There really are apps for everything at this point. Whether you’re a coffee snob aiming to simplify your brewing experience, or simply looking for a tool to ease the frustration of your digital life, there is an app here for you. If you have other awesome apps to suggest for future installments, email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Charge up your iPhone quickly with a Speedy Mag wireless battery pack

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Maximize your iPhone uptime with the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger.
Keep your iPhone's tank full with an affordable, MagSafe-compatible battery pack.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Apple fans are no stranger to the company’s high prices. For example, if you’re looking for a portable power bank to charge your iPhone while on the go, Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack will set you back $99. On the other hand, the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger helps keep your iPhone up and running for the low sale price of just $48.99.

The affordable battery pack also comes in several colors, so you’re not relegated to the white zone.

What to expect from Apple’s September event [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Tim Cook can't wait to tell you how excited he is about the new Apple gear at the Apple event on September 7!
Tim Cook can't wait to tell you how excited he is about the new Apple gear!
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Looks like we have a date for the next big Apple event: Mark your calendars for September 7! We’re expecting iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8 — which both sound awfully familiar — and hoping for something surprising.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Kim Kardashian’s “neutral colors” for Beats Fit Pro actually look pretty enticing. Who woulda guessed?
  • An Apple stock update from Erfon might leave you jealous if you sold in a panic.
  • Let’s drag Mark Zuckerberg for his pathetic metaverse avatar. Everyone else is!

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 livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: Squarespace

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

Madden NFL 23 Mobile tackles iPhone and iPad

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'Madden NFL 23 Mobile' tackles iPhone and iPad
The great John Madden himself is the face of Madden NFL 23 Mobile.
Photo: Electronic Arts

Grab your iPhone or iPad to play Madden NFL 23 Mobile, which has just been updated for the new football season.

This is the ninth season of the mobile game from Electronic Arts. It not only put players on the field in the biggest games of the season, it also has a General Manager mode to let players build a team.

Get to grips with CompTIA certification with this $52 super-bundle

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Get ready for key CompTIA exams with this 15-course super bundle.
Prep for IT certifications with this $52 exam-prep bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Ready for your big break in an IT career? With the Complete 2022 CompTIA Certification Course Super Bundle, you can learn all about the core components of the tech industry.

You’ll get the lowdown on IT infrastructure, database use, software development and cybersecurity with this complete study guide. Plus, the courses will prep you for the Computing Technology Industry Association’s crucial certification exams. Master these concepts, ace the exam(s), and get ahead in the IT industry.

This in-depth course is currently available for $51.99 — a massive discount off the regular price of $4,425.

Blast off in Jetpack Joyride 2 on Apple Arcade

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Blast off in 'Jetpack Joyride 2' on Apple Arcade
Jetpack Joyride 2 is just as action packed as the original, but with better graphics.
Photo: Halfbrick Studios

A classic action game gets fresh update in Jetpack Joyride 2. There are new weapons and equipment, and tougher enemies, too.

Fans of the original can strap on a jetpack and fly through a version with plenty of new features, on Apple Arcade starting today. And it’s now for Mac, too!

Get a beginner-friendly intro to Adobe Creative Cloud for just $25

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Learn how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, & Premiere Pro for only $25.
You can score extra savings on this Adobe CC e-training bundle, but only until Aug 24.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you work in a creative industry — or aspire to one day — then you need to be familiar with the same software titles that the pros use. Ready to develop your skills? Now’s a perfect time to invest in your education.

You can get nearly 100 hours of expert-led Adobe Creative Cloud training for just $24.99 during our Back to Education Event, which runs until August 24. Plus, during this event, 50 cents of each bundle sold will be donated to a school or charity you can vote on. (We’ll send you an email to vote for the organization you feel is most deserving of your contribution.)

Be careful using browser built into TikTok

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Be careful using browser built onto TikTok
Be careful you're not revealing more to TikTok than you mean to.
Photo: TikTok

The web browser built into the TikTok iPhone app can monitor your keystrokes. A developer who researched the software called it “the equivalent of installing a keylogger,” and warns that it can potentially grab passwords and credit card info.

A similar warning went out recently about the browsers built into Facebook and Instagram.

Hospital staffers make grim choices in Five Days at Memorial [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Five Days at Memorial recap Apple TV+: Things get increasingly grim inside a New Orleans hospital hit by Hurricane Katrina.★★★★
Five Days at Memorial recap Apple TV+: Things get increasingly grim inside a New Orleans hospital hit by Hurricane Katrina.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ medical drama Five Days at Memorial, about the terrible misfortune of the staff of an abandoned hospital during Hurricane Katrina, hits the fourth day of disaster this week.

The power is still off, and the A/C is a distant memory. Helicopters are coming to evacuate, but the elevator to the roof is broken. Things are going to get worse before they get better. The gripping drama stays madly compelling and deeply tragic.

Did the FDA just green-light Apple’s next wearable?

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A product design Apple would be proud of - Signia Active Pro hearing aids.
A product design Apple would be proud of -- Signia Active Pro hearing aids.
Photo: Signia

Apple’s next big thing might not be a car or an AR headset. Thanks to a rule change announced this week by the Food and Drug Administration, Cupertino could soon add hearing aids to its product lineup. The potential market is huge, and Apple stands uniquely positioned to disrupt the status quo.

The new rules allow companies like Apple to sell hearing aids over the counter and online, so buyers can set them up in the comfort of their own homes. Previously, if you wanted to buy hearing aids, your only option was to make an appointment for a hearing test and fitting at a specialist store.

This small change looks set to have a big impact. FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf told CNN he expects the ruling “will unleash the power of American industry to improve the technology.” And there’s one company in particular that has all the know-how to do just that — Apple.

Console gamers can get the party going with BenQ’s new 4LED projector

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Into social gaming? This little number should help.
Into social gaming? This little number should help.
Photo: BenQ

BenQ unveiled its new TH690ST short-throw 4LED projector Friday, calling it “the world’s first 4LED video party projector with preset game modes for bringing big entertainment to any gathering.”

You connect it to any gaming console or other video source with an HDMI cable to get the party started. Oh, and don’t forget to have a wall to project on.

Surface explains everything, and we really wish it hadn’t [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

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Surface recap Apple TV+: Sophie (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) isn't who, or what, we thought after all.★★☆☆☆
Sophie (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) isn't who, or what, we thought after all. Bummer.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ mystery Surface, about a woman suffering from amnesia at the center of a dark web of mystery, finally tells the truth about who mystery woman Sophie really is.

Turns out she was the brains behind the operation, bringing herself and her husband from nothing to a beautiful house, a six-figure income, and more problems than they know how to handle.

So just how did she and James go from a young power couple lying their way to the top to a couple of criminals looking at the barrel end of jail sentences?

Bomb the boardroom with this badass metal Apple Watch band [Review]

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Casetify-Link-Bracelet-Apple_Watch
Available in black, silver, and gold.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

You can enjoy the classic link look on your Apple Watch with the stylish and sophisticated Casetify Link Bracelet. It not only looks great, but it’s robust and comfortable all day long. It also comes in three stylish color options.

Here’s why it’s one of my favorite bands after six months of wear.