Mobile menu toggle

Apple explains what happens when games leave Apple Arcade

By

Don't miss out on 15 games leaving Apple Arcade soon.
Hurry up and finish that Apple Arcade game exiting the program.
Photo: Apple

A new support document from Apple explains what happens when games exit Apple Arcade — and how long you can play them after they disappear from the subscription service.

The support page went live after Apple added a “Leaving Arcade Soon” section to the App Store highlighting 15 games due to exit the program.

Let your iPhone ride shotgun with 63% off this telescoping car mount

By

Take your iPhone for a ride with this telescopic car mount.
Turn your iPhone into a head-up display with this versatile car mount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Using your iPhone to navigate while driving is convenient, except it can be annoying when you don’t have anywhere safe to keep it. Of course, you could throw it in a cup holder, but then you can only listen to directions. Plus, you would be out a cup holder.

The Phone Vine Plus Vehicle Phone Mount gives you a secure place to keep your iPhone while driving. This unique car mount will definitely make navigation easier while you drive. And, for a limited time, it’s only $17.99 (regularly $48).

Chic stripes enhance a Saffiano leather Apple Watch band

By

Made from vegan Saffiano leather, the band features chic stripes.
Made from vegan Saffiano leather, the band features chic stripes.
Photo: Casetify

Some people buy vertically striped shirts in order to look slimmer. But on an Apple Watch band, stripes generally just make it look different from every other strap out there.

Casetify calls its Saffiano leather Apple Watch bands with such decoration “Chic Stripes,” and it looks like a pretty accurate description. Buy one of these affordable bands and you might look a little more chic.

So check out the pair of elegant choices in the Cult of Mac Store’s Casetify Chic Stripes collection.

iOS 15.6 and macOS Monterey 12.5 arrive to fix bugs

By

iOS 15.6 and macOS Monterey 12.5 are here to fix bugs
What might be the last update to macOS Monterey is out.
Photo: Pixabay/Pexels

Beta testing on iOS 15.6 and macOS Monterey 12.5 is over, and these updates are now available for anyone to install. They bring a number of small tweaks to iPhone and Mac.

Don’t confuse these with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, which are major upgrades coming this fall.

Apple also released the full versions of iPadOS 15.6, watchOS 8.7 and tvOS 15.6 on Wednesday.

Modder shows how to 3D-print new AirPods case (and add USB-C)

By

Ken Pillonel put a USB-C port in an AirPods charging case.
Ken Pillonel put a USB-C port in an AirPods charging case.
Photo: Ken Pillonel

The guy who brought us the world’s first USB-C iPhone (and sold it for $86,001 on eBay) is now training his soldering pen on the AirPods charging case.

Engineering and robotics student Ken Pillonel put out a new video addressing AirPods’ repairability problem — they’re made to be replaced, not repaired. He demonstrated how he 3D-printed a new case and swapped the Lightning port for USB-C.

Super-clean MacBook Air rig shrugs off all distractions [Setups]

By

Solid cable management helps keep this MacBook Air setup clean.
Solid cable management helps keep this MacBook Air setup clean.
Photo: [email protected]

Some of the best computer setups look a little boring at a glance. But that’s just because they include only essential gear and they keep it well lit and free of cable (and other) clutter.

Today’s featured M1 MacBook Air setup is a good example. And that’s not to say it’s plain or overly simple. You can see that in  the well-thought-out gear list below, which features 19 items.

New stacked dual-screen display promises to jack up productivity

By

It's two stacked, adjustable 24-inch screens.
It's two stacked, adjustable 24-inch screens.
Photo: Mobile Pixels

Mobile Pixels started a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign Wednesday for Geminos, its new stacked, dual-screen desktop monitor intended to enhance workstations.

This follows last month’s launch of the LG DualUp, a 28-inch screen with a 16:18 aspect ratio, somewhat like two stacked screens in one.

The products aren’t quite the same, but could this be the start of a trend toward tall, oddly shaped monitors?

Get all the free stock video, graphics and sound you need with Videvo

By

You can get thousands of audio, video and graphics assets of Videvo.
You can get thousands of graphics, video and audio assets at Videvo.
Photo: Videvo

This post is brought to you by Videvo.

If you’re working on a business or personal project and you want to make it better by adding video, graphics, music or sound effects — without spending a fortune — you should consider Videvo.

The website offers more than 500,000 stock video clips, motion graphics, video templates, music tracks and sound effects — all at your fingertips, and much of it completely free.

Apple builds tech that acts as ‘intelligent guardian’ for user health

By

Apple builds tech that acts as 'intelligent guardian' for user health
Apple shared a new report that shows the ways its products help people be healthier.
Image: Apple

Apple laid out its far-reaching goals for the health and wellness tech built into iPhone and Apple Watch in a report issued Wednesday. It details how Apple intends to develop technology to support personal health, medical research, and patient care.

“We believe passionately that technology can play a role in improving health outcomes,” said Apple’s chief operating officer, Jeff Williams, in a statement. 

New vertical MacBook docking station from Brydge includes 11 ports, Thunderbolt 4

By

New vertical Macbook docking station from Brydge adds 11 ports and Thunderbolt 4
The Brydge ProDock combines the easy connection of a vertical dock with the expansion capabilities of a multiport hub.
Photo: Brydge

The Brydge ProDock is a newly announced vertical stand for recent MacBooks. It holds the notebook vertically, off the desk, and adds 11 ports. That includes three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports.

As a bonus, the stand’s base includes an MagSafe wireless charging mat to power up an iPhone.

Get all the Mac productivity apps you need in one bundle — for life

By

Get more out of life with Lunatask's productivity-boosting features.
Get more out of life with Lunatask's productivity-boosting features.
Photo: cottonbro/Pexels License

Productivity apps can definitely help you stay on top of the dizzying array of tasks in the modern world. But when you use a different app for every endeavor, you end up wasting precious time.

All-in-one productivity app Lunatask bundles a to-do list, a notebook, a habit tracker, a Pomodoro timer and a journaling app into one neat hub to keep you focused. And for a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription for only $49 (regularly $180).

Power up with ESR’s new line of speedy MagSafe-compatible chargers

By

ESR launched three new MagSafe-compatible chargers Tuesday.
ESR launched three new MagSafe-compatible chargers Tuesday.
Photo: ESR

Need quicker and more convenient charging for your Apple gadgets? Accessory maker ESR launched its CryoBoost line of MagSafe-compatible accessories Tuesday.

The new CryoBoost lineup includes a 3-in-1 charger, a 2-in-1 charger and car charger. They all increase charging speeds by circulating air over the charging coil and your iPhone, the company said.

Home automation gets smarter for Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini owners

By

HomePod mini is one of the devices that can be a Thread 1.3.0 border router.
HomePod mini is one of the devices that can be a Thread 1.3.0 border router.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

A major Thread networking standard update Tuesday brings the Matter home automation technology standard a step closer for those who already own certain devices. Namely, gear that can act as a border router in the smart home — like Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.

Thread 1.3.0 lets Thread devices work with any other Thread border router. That’s big because Thread will be Matter’s main wireless protocol, along with Wi-Fi.

Apple will pay $50 million to settle ‘butterfly’ keyboard class-action lawsuit

By

MacBook butterfly keyboard
You might be in for some money if you had problems with a MacBook butterfly keyboard.
Photo: Apple

Apple agreed to a preliminary settlement Monday for a class-action lawsuit that claimed the company knew the MacBook’s “butterfly” keyboard was defective but kept selling it. Apple admits no wrongdoing but agreed to pay up to $50 million, most of which will go to customers who had to replace the faulty keyboards.

This is good news for people in seven U.S. states who experienced problems with their MacBook butterfly keyboard.

Woman with deadly, hidden tumor saved by Apple Watch

By

Apple Watch keeps saving people's lives.
Apple Watch keeps saving people's lives.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

In recent years Apple Watch has shown itself to be a lifesaver, either by calling for help when a person’s incapacitated or by offering health readings that lead a person to see a doctor.

In the latter category it just happened again. A woman in Maine didn’t believe what the wearable was telling her at first. But going to the ER led to open-heart surgery that saved her from a probable fatal stroke.

3 quick video ads tout Apple Pay security advantages

By

3 quick video ads tout Apple Pay security advantages
Apple points out the security weaknesses of physical credit cards.
Screenshot: Apple

The iPhone’s wireless payment system is more secure than credit cards, and Apple wants to make sure everyone knows it. That’s why the company created three short video ads to show off the advantages of Apple Pay.

Watch them now to learn more about the contactless payment system built into certain Apple devices.

Strauss & Wagner wired earbuds sound right on the money [Review] ★★★★☆

By

It's nice that they come with a carrying pouch, but it's great that they have solid sound and a good fit.★★★★☆
It's nice that they come with a carrying pouch, but it's great that they have solid sound and a good fit.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In the ongoing mania for wireless earbuds and headphones, it’s easy to forget that their older wired siblings still have distinct advantages — namely, great sound for less money.

With no need to worry about analog-to-digital conversion and compression for Bluetooth, wired-gear manufacturers can focus on audio quality at a good price.

New York City-based Strauss & Wagner sent me a pair of its EM205 wired earbuds to try out, and they didn’t disappoint. You can find cheaper wired earbuds with good sound, but you can’t really go wrong with these for $39.95. They feature excellent balance and clarity with a comfortable fit and good build quality.

This active band for Apple Watch makes you forget you’re wearing it

By

Laut's active band could be your perfect Apple Watch workout companion.
Laut's active band could be your perfect Apple Watch workout companion.
Photo: Laut

Apple Watch makes for a great activity and health tracker, whether you’re just going for a stroll or sweating serious bullets at the gym. But you don’t necessarily want a heavy steel band or a fine leather strap with that, though, do you? You want something designed for exercise. Something light and flexible.

That something is the Laut Active Apple Watch Band. It’s so smooth and light you may forget you’re wearing it, except when its vibrant color catches your eye.

Save and store YouTube videos and more with Offcloud download manager

By

Put a copy of the internet on your MacBook with Offcloud.
Download a copy of anything online right to your MacBook with this app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Use the internet for long enough, and you’ll notice it’s loaded up with locked doors. You can watch this particular video, but you can’t download it. You can download something else, but you can’t share it. Or maybe you can share something, but you’re only allowed one file at a time (and it can’t be too big).

Restrictions like that are a drag. But you can unlock the internet with Offcloud. This cloud-based download manager lets you save, share and do much more with content that you could barely access before. For a limited time, a lifetime subscription to Offcloud is on sale for $39.99 (regularly $699).

Phishing scams Mac users should look out for

By

Macs may be pretty secure, but Mac users can still fall victim to lots of scams.
Macs may be pretty secure, but Mac users can still fall victim to lots of scams.
Photo: Pixels/Mikhail Nilov

Apple’s macOS is more secure than other operating systems like Windows. But an increasing number of phishing and malware attacks now target Mac users.

And, no matter how secure macOS is, it does not make Mac users immune from the danger of phishing. The success of such attacks often depends on the vigilance of the user.

Class-action lawsuit claims Apple Pay blocks competition

By

The lawsuit alleges that Apple Pay blocks the competition from tap-to-pay.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple Pay blocks the competition from tap-to-pay.
Photo: Apple

Apple violates U.S. antitrust law by making sure Apple Pay is the only e-wallet way to tap to pay via an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, a new class-action lawsuit filed Monday alleges.

The complaint says Apple profits illegally to the tune of $1 billion a year or more by blocking competitors like Google Pay and Samsung Pay from offering tap-to-pay transactions on Apple devices.

Get a lifetime of feature-packed web hosting for just $49

By

Let your website grow with you using a lifetime web host that cares.
Host your website for life on a service that will help it grow.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Finding a good host for your website is one of the best things you can do for yourself. The right host can give you tools to expand and manage your site while keeping your content and data safe from third parties. The wrong host can leave you vulnerable, frustrated and without the tools to grow your website or even take care of it.

DoRoyal Eternal Kingdom is a reliable lifetime web hosting service that gives its users a massive menu of toys to play with. And for a limited time, it’s only $49 (regularly $300).

Apple tightens its belt a bit as recession fears grow

By

Apple tightens its belt a bit as recession fears grow
Apple could be soon counting its pennies.
Photo: Jeff Weese/Pexels

Apple is preparing for a recession by slowing its growth in hiring and spending in 2023, according to information leaking from the company.

But the changes supposedly won’t affect every division of the iPhone-maker. And the company still plans to release many new products in 2023.