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iOS 16 does not kill older iPhone performance or battery life

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iPhone 8 Wireless Charging
Don't listen to the doomsayers – tests show iOS 16 makes iPhone 8 run faster.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Benchmark tests show that models as old as iPhone 8 run nearly as fast on the just-released iOS 16 as they did on iOS 15. Some devices even see a performance increase after the upgrade, while others see very moderate slips.

These tests refute the mistaken claims that iOS updates turn older iPhones into slugs. And some Apple handsets even get a considerable increase in battery life from iOS 16.

Show off iPhone 14 with Totallee’s super-thin cases

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Totallee's clear cases really show off the handset, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Totallee's clear cases really show off the handset, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Photo: Totallee

Looking to protect your iPhone 14 without adding any bulk? Right after Apple unveiled the new iPhone 14 series handsets, Totallee offered its new collection of ultra-thin cases, including transparent options that verge on invisibility.

At just 0.02-inches thick, Totallee’s new cases are truly thin. They’re about as close as you can get to not having a case while still adding protection.

Go luxe with Mujjo’s new leather iPhone 14 cases

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Mujjo's new cases feature Ecco leather and machined metal buttons.
Mujjo's new cases feature Ecco leather and machined metal buttons.
Photo: Mujjo

New iPhone 14 owners have a luxe choice of case in Mujjo’s new lineup of leather cases, with wallet or not. The company rolled them out the same day Apple released the iPhone 14 series.

Mujjo said all the new cases include “machined metal buttons to optimize responsiveness.”

Browse the web like a ninja with AdGuard VPN

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Tired of sacrificing speed for security or vice versa? Try Adguard VPN.
Tired of sacrificing speed for security or vice versa? Try AdGuard VPN.
Photo: Adguard VPN

This post on virtual private networks is brought to you by AdGuard VPN.

When people think about choosing a virtual private network to help ensure their online work and play is as safe as possible, they often consider speed, security and price — as they should. But there’s much more to the story.

A service like AdGuard VPN offers not only speed, security and affordability, but many other assets. For one, it’s not a cookie-cutter VPN. AdGuard developed its own unique VPN protocol with distinct advantages.

Learn more about some of AdGuard VPN’s best features and benefits below.

iOS 15.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 arrive to fix security problems

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iOS 15.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 arrive to fix security problems
If you're not installing iOS 16, at least upgrade to iOS 15.7.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPhone users can now install iOS 15.7, which fixes almost a dozen security problems. Apple recommends the update to all users. That said, the update launched at the same time as iOS 16 – but there are good reason for the simultaneous updates.

Plus, macOS Monterey 12.6 is out with its own set of security-related bug fixes. And iPadOS 15.7 deals with the same sort of problems.

Lightning must die: It’s time for Apple to kill its darling

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USB-C Lightning
Lightning was great but its time has passed. USB-C is now a better option.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Today is the 10th anniversary of the Lightning connector. It was once the best option but has since outlived its usefulness. This obsolete port needs to go.

Apple knows what the replacement needs to be. It should stop dragging its feet and make the change.

Oddly square LG DualUp display spotted in wild with Mac Studio [Setups]

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It's hard to look at anything but that weird, square display.
It's hard to look at anything but that weird, square display.
Photo: [email protected]

Displays aren’t just going up from 4K to 5K and beyond, they’re also taking new forms. Today’s featured setup is the first we’ve seen with the recently released LG DualUp monitor in real-world use. It features an unusual 16:18 aspect ratio. Here it’s paired with an older LG display and a Mac Studio.

And this setup also includes Steve Jobs. Play some “Where’s Steve?” (not Waldo) and see if you can spot him.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro get modest battery bumps

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6.1-inch iPhone 14 and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus
Expect the iPhone 14 Pro Max, all other iPhone 14 models feature bigger batteries.
Photo: Apple

Alleged battery capacities of the iPhone 14 series leaked Sunday, seemingly confirming that Apple is using bigger batteries on all models except for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The Cupertino giant does not officially detail the capacities of iPhone batteries. Various Federal Communications Commission and regulatory filings usually reveal this data.

iPhone 14 Pro provides greater location accuracy

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Here’s how much RAM the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are packing
Your iPhone 14 Pro should be able to better track your location.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max support dual-frequency GPS for greater location accuracy. This is the first time Apple has added this feature to its products.

Dual-frequency GPS is not a new technology. Select Android phones launched as far back as 2018 have had it, though it has not exactly gone mainstream yet.

Get functional buttons back with $5 off this Apple TV-compatible remote

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Navigate Apple TV like never before with this affordable button remote.
Don't miss this deal on an Apple TV remote that packs convenience and compatibility.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Many Apple devices work splendidly right out of the box. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true for the Apple TV’s Siri Remote, which has a notoriously finicky learning curve, even after the company updated the controller for the Apple TV 4K.

Thankfully, as with all Apple devices, third-party accessories can help you get the most out of your streaming experience. For example, you can purchase this Function101 Button Remote for only $24.95 with code BUTTON5 for a limited time.

Why we’re Ultra excited about iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island [The CultCast]

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Far Out event discussion Apple podcast The CultCast: Apple Watch Ultra and the Dynamic Island stole the show at the Far Out event.
Apple Watch Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island steal the show at Apple's Far Out event.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We can’t figure out which is more exciting, the brawny new Apple Watch Ultra or the brainy new Dynamic Island. Will the rugged new smartwatch prove too big for Erfon’s skinny wrists? Or does its bold size and styling elevate it to “big enough” status?

Also on The CultCast:

  • iPhone 14 Pro is a no-brainer, thanks to a killer camera and the aforementioned Dynamic Island.
  • The “normie” iPhone 14 looks … pretty normal.
  • What is up with Apple’s iPhone color palette? Can we please get something a little edgier?!?

Brace yourself for our breathless reactions to Apple’s Far Out event — which was actually pretty far out!

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 live stream, 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.

Blend education and entertainment with this eye-opening streaming service

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Save $71 off this documentary streaming app launched by Discover Communications' founder.
Discover cutting-edge documentaries spanning genres with Curiosity Stream.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AHave your TV-watching habits grown stale? Stop settling for rewatches or ad-plagued streaming platforms and start exploring the world (and universe) around you without even leaving the couch. Curiosity Stream is your ticket to expanded possibilities that can keep you both entertained and enlightened.

This streaming service is packed with thousands of documentaries you can watch on-demand, and a lifetime subscription costs just $179 for a limited time (regularly $250).

Another murder scheme goes wrong in all the right ways on Bad Sisters [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Bad Sisters recap Apple TV+: A paintball murder plot? What could go wrong?★★★★☆
A paintball murder plot? What could go wrong?
Photo: Apple TV+

It’s Bibi Garvey’s time to shine this week on Bad Sisters, Apple TV+’s dark, depraved and hilarious comedy. She deals with the insurance investigators and hatches a new plan to kill the Garvey sisters’ brutish brother-in-law John Paul. But is she the crack shot she remembers?

Bibi and Eva both must overcome personal trauma to make it to their next appointment with death, while Grace starts to crumble as nothing in her life goes even remotely well. This week’s fine episode flirts with hitting risky subtextual bull’s-eyes.

Take better iPhone pictures with this digital photography bundle

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Becoming a skilled digital photographer is a snap with this bundle.
This digital photography course is the picture-perfect way to elevate your photos.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It turns out that digital photography is more than just pointing a camera and pressing a button. Photography is one of those skills that seems simple, but it’s a lot harder once you get into it. So if you want to take better pictures with your iPhone (or your iPad — who are we to judge?), give this Digital Photography Insiders Course a try.

It’s on sale for just $60 (regularly $299) for a limited time. Dive into the courses in this bundle, and you’ll soon be snapping pro-level pictures of beautiful landscapes, gorgeous portraits and more.

Can I use my iPhone 13 case with my new iPhone 14?

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With the same screen sizes, it might seem like an iPhone 13 case will fit an iPhone 14. But don't count on it.
With the same screen sizes, it might seem like an iPhone 13 case will fit an iPhone 14. But don't count on it.
Photo: Apple

Maybe you’re planning on a new iPhone 14 and wondering if you can still use your iPhone 13 case with it. Unfortunately, for most models the answer is a hard “no,” thanks to a bunch of subtle differences.

But you might get away with it on one model. For everyone else, buy a new case or try going without one (go ahead, put that Ceramic Shield to the test).

Horizon Chase 2 retro racer zooms onto Apple Arcade

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'Horizon Chase 2' retro racer zooms onto Apple Arcade
Dodge your rivals in a new retro racer for Apple computers.
Photo: Aquiris Games

Race around the world in a custom car in Horizon Chase 2, the latest addition to Apple Arcade. The retro racer offers beautiful visuals and online multiplayer for all game modes.

The title is available to download now for Apple computers big and small.

Five Days at Memorial grapples with Hurricane Katrina’s horrible aftermath [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Five Days at Memorial recap Apple TV+: For Dr. Bryant King (played by Cornelius Smith Jr.), the horror is inescapable.★★★★☆
For Dr. Bryant King (played by Cornelius Smith Jr.), the horror is inescapable.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ drama Five Days at Memorial, about the terrifying conditions inside a hospital after Hurricane Katrina, furthers its investigation into the actions taken by medical professionals in the wake of the disaster.

Investigators Rider and Schafer finally get inside Memorial Medical Center to survey the horrors waiting for them. And beleaguered doctor Anna Pou strengthens her defenses in preparation for a landslide. Bryant and Kristy get to tell their sides of the story, and the cuffs finally come out.

It’s a very fine episode of this miniseries as the show winds down.

AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro: Is it worth upgrading?

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Apple said AirPods Pro 2 double the noise cancellation, among other enhancements.
Apple said AirPods Pro 2 double the noise cancellation, among other enhancements.
Photo: Apple

Should AirPods Pro owners upgrade to AirPods Pro 2?

The new set boasts a host of upgrades that could easily be worth it for many people — especially because the price hasn’t increased — and may even tempt owners of the relatively new and well-reviewed AirPods (3rd generation).

Explosive revelations set See on a course for war [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

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See recap Apple TV+: Oh, Kofun, what have you done?★★☆☆☆
Oh, Kofun, what have you done?
Photo: Apple TV+

This week’s See finds everyone taking stock of their miserable situations before the inevitable next course of action. The Apple TV+ dystopian sci-fi epic about a world where most people lost their sight generations ago is getting ready for war.

Sibeth is missing, Baba is back, Maghra finally sees the light, Tamacti Jun is at his wit’s end, and Kofun steps up.

For Central Park, the third time’s definitely not a charm [Apple TV+ review] ★☆☆☆☆

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Central Park season 3 review Apple TV+: Here we go again ...★☆☆☆☆
Here we go again ...
Image: Apple TV+

Central Park returns to Apple TV+ on Friday with more singing, dancing, rapid-fire jokes that aren’t funny and plots that go nowhere.

The third season of the cartoon from Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard, star Josh Gad and writer Nora Smith does the usual spinning in extravagant circles without gaining any momentum. And unfortunately, the songs don’t forward the plot, such as it is.

iPhone 14 Pro wait times already stretch into October

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iPhone 14 Pro wait times already stretch into October
The wait for iPhone 14 Pro is now over a month.
Photo: Apple

If you procrastinated on ordering one of the new iPhone 14 Pro models, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a lengthy wait for it to be delivered.

But Apple still has plenty of stock of the “standard” 6.1-inch iPhone 14 ready for delivery on launch day. The same is true for the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus.