Mobile menu toggle

Level up to a genuine ostrich leather Apple Watch band

By

Ostrich leather is a whole new animal.
Ostrich leather is a whole new animal.
Photo: BluShark

Everyone knows leather Apple Watch bands are a timeless class-act, long-popular for a variety of reasons. But which kind of leather matters, too. One type might be quite durable but stiff, needing breaking in. Another type might be incredibly soft and supple from the get-go.

One option for the latter type would be ostrich leather. And while it’s always a premium choice, the Cult of Mac Store has a beautiful band for a surprisingly affordable price.

Apple TV+ trailer shows Bad Sisters trying to get away with murder

By

Bad Sisters focuses on a very unusual family
Eve Hewson, Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle and Sarah Greene in Bad Sisters, coming soon to Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

The Garvey sisters vowed to always take care of each other, which leads them toward murdering their abusive brother-in-law. Their scheme plays out in Bad Sisters, a creation of Irish actress, writer and producer Sharon Horgan, who is known for her darkly funny shows.

The comedy/thriller series debuts on Apple TV+ in August, and a trailer debuted Wednesday.

Bluetti jacks up the portable power with new flagship solar station

By

The Bluetti AC500 delivers power however you need it, thanks to 16 versatile output ports.
The AC500 delivers power however you need it, thanks to 16 versatile output ports.
Image: Bluetti

This post is brought to you by Bluetti.

Do you dream of achieving power independence? Whether that means living off the grid or just keeping your home lit when the power goes out, Bluetti’s got a new, top-of-the-line solar power station for you.

Just last year the company put out its modular AC300 solar station and B300 battery module combo. Now it’s back with a worthy successor — the even more powerful AC500 and B300S combo.

Macs with ProMotion displays get Firefox performance boost

By

2021 MacBook Pro models should see a performance boost with the newest Firefox browser update.
2021 MacBook Pro models should see a performance boost with the newest Firefox browser update.
Photo: Mozilla

The newest update of the Firefox browser includes a performance boost for computers with displays running at a 120Hz refresh rate or higher. That’s good news for anyone with a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro model from 2021, which have ProMotion displays.

Those MacBook models feature Liquid Retina XDR displays with ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates ranging from 24Hz to 120Hz.

Floating iPad and MacBook are ready for close-ups in well-lit workstation [Setups]

By

Who is this person, a movie star? A TV reporter? Nope, he's in sales.
Who is this person, a movie star? A TV reporter? Nope, he's in sales.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured setup looks, at a glance, like it sports dual mounted laptops. But one’s an iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard and one’s a MacBook Pro, floating on either side of a 32-inch external Samsung display. Universal Control lets the user work across the screens.

His only problem seems to be that silver Magic Trackpad sticking out like a sore thumb in darker surroundings. Naturally, social media came to the rescue with possible fixes.

Regulatory scrutiny starts before Apple Pay Later even launches

By

A major regulator points at Apple Pay Later to express concern over Big Tech entering the short-term loan business.
A major regulator points at Apple Pay Later to express concern over Big Tech entering the short-term loan business.
Photo: Apple

When Apple said in July at WWDC22 it would launch Apple Pay Later with iOS 16, it effectively said it would enter the short-term loan business, known for “buy now, pay later” plans.

So it’s no big surprise that the Cupertino tech giant — accustomed to regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and abroad — is now facing it from financial industry regulators.

But what’s somewhat surprising is that regulators are making noise about a host of concerns even before Apple Pay Later comes out.

Keep iPhone and Apple Watch charged on the go with folding wireless charger

By

Could this folding iOS-compatible charger be the travel companion you're been looking for.
Get this wireless magnetic charger for your favorite Apple devices.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re packing a charger for the road, you probably don’t want it to take up too much space, much less carry more than one for your iPhone and Apple Watch. That’s where this Two-in-One Folding Wireless Magnetic Charger comes in handy.

This iPhone, Apple Watch and Qi-compatible charger can power two devices at once, and it folds into a compact square. It looks almost exactly like Apple’s MagSafe Duo charger, which retails for $129.

But you don’t need to pay that much. For a limited time, you can get this wireless folding charger for $69.99 (regularly $114).

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Get a year of Sam’s Club plus a free $10 e-gift card for less than $25

By

Shop until you drop with this $24.88 membership to Sam's Club.
Stock up with a Sam's Club membership for only $24.88.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Sometimes you’re only up for one trip. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change if you need to grab groceries, a new shirt for work and your prescription meds. But, with a Sam’s Club membership, you can fit all that and more into one trip. You could even grab a new microwave while you’re at it.

For a limited time, you can get a one-year membership for Sam’s Club plus a $10 e-gift card for only $24.88 (regularly $55).

Save up to 33% on Olpr’s real leather accessories for AirTag

By

Olpr AirTag accessories
AirTag's missing piece.
Photo: Olpr

Olpr’s awesome AirTag accessories are all beautifully made from genuine leather. The company sells a bag charm, a luggage tag and a keyring, all of which come with a side helping of class. And you can bag yours at up to 33% off the usual price in the Cult of Mac Store for a limited time.

During the sale, prices start at just $25 for these luxe AirTag accessories that let you securely attach one of Apple’s trackers to your precious belongings.

OtterBox’s new MagSafe charger juices up iPhone and Apple Watch

By

It's a full MagSafe charger with 15W of power for your iPhone.
It's a full MagSafe charger with 15W of power for your iPhone.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox rolled out its new iPhone and Apple Watch charger Tuesday — the 2-in-1 Charging Station with MagSafe. Not just “MagSafe-compatible,” it offers your iPhone a full 15W charge and your Apple Watch a 5W charge.

And if you want to charge your AirPods case instead of your iPhone, you can.

The sleek wireless charging stand, featuring a white-and-silver combo colorway called “Future,” is sold by both OtterBox and Apple.

Why Apple never shipped M1 Mac Pro when it was ready

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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.