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Why Apple never shipped M1 Mac Pro when it was ready

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Mac shipments skyrocket as pandemic drags on
'M2 Extreme' Mac Pro could launch later this year.
Photo: Apple

Apple reportedly had an M1-powered Mac Pro ready to ship months ago but decided against launching it. Instead, the company decided to unveil an M2 Extreme-powered version later this year.

The Cupertino giant is seemingly also not working on redesigning the Mac mini anytime soon.

SpyBuster app keeps iPhone data out of Russia’s hands

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The app helps you weed out iOS apps that may be transmitting data to Russia or Belarus.
The app helps you weed out iOS apps that may be transmitting data to Russia or Belarus.
Photo: MacPaw

The new SpyBuster iOS app scans your iPhone for other apps that may be surreptitiously sending your data to Russia or Belarus.

The privacy-oriented app comes from Ukraine-based developer MacPaw, which released a version of SpyBuster for macOS in the spring of 2021, not long after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Take a peek at the brand-new Apple Brompton Road store in London

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Apple Brompton Road, Apple’s newest store in London, opens Thursday, July 28, in the city’s bustling Knightsbridge neighborhood.
Apple Brompton Road, Apple’s newest store in London, opens Thursday, July 28, in the city’s bustling Knightsbridge neighborhood.
Photo: Apple

Apple previewed its newest retail outlet in the U.K. Tuesday, Apple Brompton Road in London’s Knightsbridge neighborhood. The store, set to open Thursday afternoon local time, claims a few “firsts.”

They include the first mirrored ceiling in an Apple Store, the first dedicated pick-up area in a U.K. Apple Store and the first time Apple has used a certain type of sustainable flooring.

Located a stone’s throw from Hyde Park and featuring design inspired by local flora, the store also boasts a brand-new augmented reality (AR) experience about William Blake.

VistaCreate makes beautiful graphic design easy

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This free, easy-to-use graphic design software lets you quickly create eye-catching images for social media and more.
This free, easy-to-use graphic design software lets you quickly create eye-catching images for social media and more.
Image: VistaCreate

This post is brought to you by VistaCreate.

Graphic design software VistaCreate offers an array of tools that can help anyone create effective images for their business or project — design skills optional.

To do that, the easy-to-use graphic design software offers a huge array of templates, free access to a massive library of images and videos, and handy tools, like a new background remover that helps open up your image options.

Even better, the free version of VistaCreate is feature-rich on its own. But if you want even more, you can try the Pro version for a few dollars a month.

What to expect from Apple’s quarterly earnings report

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Some analysts think Apple will beat earnings expectations, but others are doubtful.
Some analysts think Apple will beat earnings expectations, but others are doubtful.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s next quarterly earnings report and call with analysts take place on Thursday. (It’s Q3 for Apple’s fiscal year despite being Q2 on your calendar.) And the company has already warned it may take an up to $8 billion revenue hit for several reasons.

As usual, after the fiscal results come out and the stock market closes for the day, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri will talk with financial analysts on a public call about the results and future expectations.

Make the switch to this compact 3-in-1 Nintendo Switch-compatible docking station

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Your Nintendo Switch could feel like new with this 3-in-1 dock hub.
Give your Nintendo Switch an upgrade with this compact docking station.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

After its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch became a massive hit, beloved by gamers everywhere. There have been few updates to the popular console since then, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own revisions.

With this Nintendo Switch-compatible docking station, you can ditch the clunky original Switch Dock for an upgrade that’s as sleek and portable as the console itself. For a limited time, you can get a 3-in-1 Nintendo Switch Docking Station for $19.99 (regularly $24).

Apple and Koss avoid trial by settling AirPods-related patent dispute

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Apple and Koss settled the dispute just two days ahead of the trial.
Apple and Koss settled the dispute just two days ahead of the trial.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Court documents submitted Saturday indicate Apple settled a patent-infringement lawsuit related to AirPods with audio manufacturer Koss.

The company had accused the maker of AirPods and Beats earbuds and headphones of infringing on Koss wireless headphone technology patents.

Keep cool and breathe easy with this 8-in-1 cooling air purifier

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Clear the air with this air 8-in-1 air purifier.
Take a breath of fresh air indoors with this cooling air purifier.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Have you ever felt like you only experience allergies when you’re home? That may be because the air in your home is not as clean as you thought. But there’s an easy solution!

The Hydroice is an 8-in-1 device that packs a powerful air filter into a compact, home-cooling package. And for a limited time, it’s on sale for only $44.99 (regularly $49).

Apple TV+ Mythic Quest season 3 trailer promises epic office follies

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Rob McElhenney and Charlotte Nicdao in “Mythic Quest” season three, premiering fall 2022 on Apple TV+.
Rob McElhenney and Charlotte Nicdao in “Mythic Quest” season three, premiering fall 2022 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Fans of the office comedy Mythic Quest on Apple TV+ will be relieved to hear the show’s coming back for season 3. That news was confirmed and a teaser trailer was unveiled Saturday at a special panel about the show at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

The show’s cast and creators confirmed that the series will return this fall. And they rolled a first-look teaser for the third season that suggests it’ll be just as funny as the first two seasons. Have a look and a laugh at it, below.

Phone 14 Pro models could come with 6GB of faster RAM

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This is Ian Zelda's render of a purple iPhone 14.
This is Ian Zelda's render of a purple iPhone 14. The Pro and Pro Max models may also sport faster memory.
Image: Ian Zelbo

While all iPhone 14 series handsets are expected to sport 6GB or RAM, an increase over the current standard, iPhone 14 Pro and ‌iPhone 14 Pro‌ Max will also come with a newer and faster type of memory, according to a new report.

Freshen up your look with a pastel Apple Watch band

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Brighten up your wrist with a pastel Apple Watch band.
Brighten up your wrist with a pastel Apple Watch band.
Photo: Laut

Delicate pastel hues aren’t just for Easter eggs and watercolor paintings. When applied to your Apple Watch as a band, a pastel color can seriously brighten up your wrist and freshen up your whole look.

If you’ve had enough of the basic blacks and browns, you can get the Laut Huex Pastels Apple Watch Band for just $30 in the Cult of Mac Store.

‘Time machine’ app takes you inside Apple Store history

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Sure, time travel exists. But in this case, you can only go to four places.
Sure, time travel exists. But in this case, you can only go to four places.
Photo: Michael Steeber

If you missed some of the biggest Apple Store openings ever, don’t worry. Now there’s an app for that. The Apple Store Time Machine app transports you to opening day at four iconic locations with a surprising amount of detail.

Michael Steeber created the interactive app to take you back to opening day in four places (and times): Tysons Corner (McLean, Va.), Stanford Shopping Center (Palo Alto, Calif.), Fifth Avenue (New York, NY) and Infinite Loop (Cupertino).

Anker pushes GaN envelope with 6 new fast chargers

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Anker launched a new range of advanced GaN chargers Monday.
Anker launched a new range of advanced GaN chargers Monday.
Photo: Anker

Anker Innovations said Monday at a special event that new partnerships have birthed a new lineup of Gallium Nitride (GaN) fast chargers for use at home and on-the-go.

The six new compact, efficient GaNPrime chargers range in power output from 150W down to 65W and cover a lot of possible uses. The range includes wall chargers, a power bank and a power strip.

“GaNPrime represents a new era in charging,” said Steven Yang, CEO of Anker Innovations. “In addition
to delivering a faster and safer charging experience, our new GaNPrime chargers offer significant savings in energy consumption, reinforcing Anker’s commitment to a more sustainable future.”

Apple spends $1.3 billion to fight homelessness

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Apple is working with affordable housing organizations to build new homes and provide housing stability for individuals and families in communities across California.
Apple is working with affordable housing organizations to build new homes and provide housing stability for individuals and families in communities across California.
Photo: Apple

Apple spent $1.3 billion recently to help remedy the California housing crisis, the company said Monday, following up on its pledge three years ago to spend $2.5 billion on an array of projects.

The Cupertino tech giant highlighted its new Veterans Square unit in Pittsburg, California, among other developments.

Nice MacBook Pro, but it’s all about that cool hybrid-model canine [Setups]

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The M1 MacBook Pro and Samsung ultra-wide display form the setup's core, but the canine unit at right is a crucial feature, too.
The M1 MacBook Pro and Samsung ultra-wide display form the setup's core, but the canine unit at right is a crucial feature, too.
Photo: [email protected]

People love posting impressive photographs and descriptions of their computer setups online. And other people love either drooling over them or mercilessly criticizing them.

But no matter what technology appears — lets say a new-ish M1 MacBook Pro, a 4K wide-screen display, an excellent 4K webcam, rock-solid input devices and a reliable standing desk, as in today’s featured setup — it’s all forgotten if there’s a pet in the picture.

Keep your Apple gear (and other necessities) powered in a pinch with this solar generator

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Stay connected in a disaster with this solar generator.
Grab this solar generator to keep your devices running during a blackout.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When the power goes out, your level of preparation makes all the difference between minor inconvenience or total disaster. The Generark Solar Generator kit is a portable, solar-powered generator that could help make your next blackout into nothing more than a reason to break out your favorite candles.

For a limited time, the Generark Solar Generator is on sale for $1,499 (regularly $1,597).

Apple will offer hefty discounts on iPhone 13, iPhone 12 and AirPods in China

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6.1-inch iPhone 13 review
Apple will discounts its selected products in China for a limited time.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In a rare move, Apple will run a four-day promotion in China and offer hefty discounts of up to RMB 600 ($90). The discount will be applicable for iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE and AirPods.

The promotion will run from July 29 through August 1.

Apps to make you more creative and productive [Awesome Apps of the week]

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Awesome Apps of the week text in front of face down iPhone 12
With roughly 2 millions apps available in the App Store, sometimes all you need is something to tell you what’s good.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

While we anxiously await a flurry of new and updated apps coming for iOS 16, a few great new apps and updates have hit the scene recently.

From being more productive to being more creative, this week’s Awesome Apps are sure to help you feel accomplished. And if you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Gravity-defying can cooler won’t let your drink tip over

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Is the Toadfish non-tipping can cooler the Yeti slayer?
Try out this can koozie to keep your drinks cool and safe.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Your drink might be perfectly chilled, but if it tips over, what’s the point? The Non-Tipping Can Cooler can keep your canned beverage cool and secure on virtually any flat surface.

It looks like magic — and basically invalidates the existence of cup holders. For a limited time, it costs only $17.99 (regularly $24).

Just how fast can Apple upgrade the MacBook Pro? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: With Apple cranking out new chips for its Mac lineup, it gets harder to decide when to upgrade.
With Apple cranking out new chips for its Mac lineup, it gets harder to decide when to upgrade.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: It looks like MacBook Pros with more-powerful M2 series chips will come sooner rather than later. Is Apple going to make this an annual thing? And if so, how will Erfon (and other Mac fans) cope? So many decisions …

Also on The CultCast:

  • What exactly is Apple up to with its U1 chips and iOS 16? Sounds intriguing.
  • Amazon Prime Air delivers with drones, and a robotaxi might not be far behind.
  • The DeLorean might make an 88-mph comeback.

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.

Save on after-school classes that teach your kids math, art, magic and more

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Keep your kid's brain running with afterschool courses they'll actually enjoy.
These fun and challenging courses for kids could be the right move for your little prodigy.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You know your children can do more, but do they? Prodigy Afterschool Masterclasses could help your little ones fulfill their potential.

These online after-school classes for kids are on sale for a limited time in two packages. The Afterschool package costs $99 (regularly $660), and the Premium Package goes for $198 (regularly $1,320).

It’s time to come clean on Black Bird [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Black Bird recap: Cleanup duty leads to compelling revelations.★★★★☆
Cleanup duty leads to compelling revelations.
Photo: Apple TV+

Black Bird, the Apple TV+ drama about a bad guy sent to ferret out a worse guy in the rottenest jail in America, takes a turn for the confessional this week. Probable serial killer Larry Hall and police informer Jimmy Keene tell each other some truths and some lies as they clean up the mess after a prison riot.

Larry starts to see the hidden side of Jimmy. And Jimmy starts to recognize the worst parts of himself — the ones that remind him of Larry. Black Bird’s been in a good place for two and a half episodes, and this latest one finds the show indulging in its strengths for an extended conversation between the two leads.

Enter to win a 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station and 200W GaN charger bundle [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Ugreen 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station giveaway: Declutter your space, while charging all devices simultaneously.
Declutter your space, while charging three devices simultaneously.
Photo: Ugreen

Anyone with multiple devices knows the chore of tangled wires. Maybe it’s time to change that. This week we are teaming up with Ugreen to give two lucky winners a shot at winning a sleek 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station, retailing at $159.99, plus a six-port Nexode 200W USB-C Desktop Charger priced at $199.99.

Enter below for your chance to win one of these powerful bundles.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this Mac app gives you 5 million

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Test out this Mac app that can replace words with images.
Try out this Mac app that gives you a library of 5 million simple images for projects and wordless communication.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As much technology as we have, it’s still hard to land in a foreign country and ask someone where the bathroom is. From ancient Sumerian to Google Translate, language has been used to connect civilizations. And for that whole time, a universal means of communication could have been really helpful.

The Noun Project is working to create a global visual language composed of simple, easily understandable icons. And right now, you can gain access to its entire library of 5 million icons at a reduced price. Purchase five years of unlimited access to the Noun Project library for $79.99 (regularly $199).