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Your repaired iPhone 12 will return in more eco-friendly packaging

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iPhone 12 mini
Don't be surprised if your repaired iPhone 12 comes in a brown box
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple will start shipping repaired iPhone 12 units in environment-friendly packaging starting this week. Made from bleach-free paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, the new brown box will replace the white boxes used so far.

Apple promises to eliminate the use of plastic in its packaging by 2025.

Budget iPad could finally dump Lightning and adopt USB-C

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New budget iPad 9 gets better video chat, doubles storage
The iPad 9 could be the last Apple tablet with a Lightning port, as its successor might use USB-C instead.
Photo: Apple

The budget iPad will reportedly be the next Apple device to dump the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. The tenth tablet in this series might also have a larger screen, a faster processor and optional 5G.

The upcoming device is expected to debut this fall.

Keychron goes big(ger) with latest custom mechanical keyboard

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Keychron's new Q5 is nearly full sized and completely customizable.
Keychron's new Q5 is nearly full sized and completely customizable.
Photo: Keychron

Following launches of other interesting mechanical keyboards in its customizable Q series, Keychron recently made the Q5 available.

The “almost full-size,” 96% layout custom mechanical Mac keyboard features an aluminum build, RGB backlighting, Gateron G Pro switches and more.

Apple TV will stream all Major League Soccer games for 10 years

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All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please. Watch free soccer on Apple TV.
All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please.
Photo: Apple

Cupertino unveiled a major new sports deal Tuesday, saying Apple TV will be the exclusive streaming destination for all Major League Soccer (MLS) games for 10 years, starting with the 2023 season.

Unlike Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+, watching many soccer games will require a separate subscription to an MLS streaming service, available exclusively through the Apple TV app. But some of the biggest matches will air on Apple TV+, as well.

14.1-inch iPad might lack typical ‘pro’ features

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iPad Air 5
The 14.1-inch iPad might have more in common with the iPad Air 5 than iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

Surprising details leaked out about the rumored 14.1-inch iPad. Aside from its large size, the display might not include top-tier features offered by other iPad Pro models, like a very fast refresh rate.

These might be an attempt by Apple to control the price of the extra-large tablet.

Secretive startup full of Apple talent aims to change your life through wearables

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Humane's wearable ditches a screen in favor of lasers, which project info out into the world. Here it is showing a thermostat projected on a user's hand.
Humane's wearable ditches a screen in favor of lasers, which project info out into the world. Here it is showing a thermostat projected on a user's hand.
Photo: Humane

The people who invented the iPhone are trying to invent what comes after the iPhone, and it sounds bonkers.

A secretive San Francisco startup called Humane appears to be developing a wearable, screen-less device that uses low-powered lasers to project information out into the wearer’s environment. And there’s not an AR/VR headset in sight.

This easy-to-use video editor for Mac is 36% off

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On macOS, Wondershare Filmora offers auto reframing, touch bar support and more.
Filmora offers many advanced features to make editing your videos easy.
Photo: Wondershare

It might look glamorous, but actually making videos is challenging. Once you get past the writing and the filming, you still have to get through the editing.

Usually, video editing proves incredibly time-consuming and tedious. But Wondershare Filmora is a quick, simple video editor that makes content creation a breeze. And perpetual licenses for Filmora are on sale for $69.99 (regularly $109) for a limited time.

Germany investigates unfair advantages in Apple’s anti-tracking system

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Facebook vs. iPhone App Tracking Transparency
There's more to App Tracking Transparency than meets the eye.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The German government is looking into whether Apple’s App Tracking Transparency system is designed to give Apple an unfair advantage in advertising.

The Bundeskartellamt doesn’t object to the iPhone-maker blocking tracking. But the agency points out that ATT doesn’t block Apple’s own advertising tracking system.

Apple plans several Stage Manager improvements in upcoming iPadOS 16 betas

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iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16
Stage Manager is going to get better in upcoming iPadOS 16 betas
Screenshot: Apple

Stage Manager is undoubtedly one of the key new features in iPadOS 16. However, its M1 iPad exclusivity has irked a lot of users despite Apple explaining the technical reason behind this.

Craig Federighi, SVP of Apple’s software development efforts, has shared more insight into Stage Manager limitations.

Save 25% off this simple PDF editor that professionals love

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This PDF Editor is simple and easy to use.
This easy-to-use PDF editor might be your new favorite app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The PDF is one of the most popular file formats in the world. Yet somehow, a good PDF editor is still hard to find.

Wondershare PDFelement Professional is a simple PDF editor loaded with features. It caters to everyday users as well as professionals who need advanced tools. And you can get a perpetual license on sale for $119 (regularly $159) for a limited time.

Hands-on: All iPads get these great new iPadOS 16 features

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Hands-on: All iPads get these great new iPadOS 16 features
Improved Files and Mail apps are just a couple of the great new iPadOS 16 features coming to non-M1 iPads.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s more to iPadOS 16 than floating app windows. The Files app gets some significant improvements in the upcoming upgrade. There’s a Weather app and great new features in the Mail and Messages apps. Plus, you can hand off a FaceTime call between your Apple computers.

These enhancements are available to every iPad that supports iPadOS 16, which is currently in developer beta. So don’t think there’s nothing coming this fall for tablets without an Apple M1 processor. That’s just not true.

‘Old gamer’ goes with M1 Pro MacBook and Steam Deck [Setups]

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Two computers live here: a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook and a Steam Deck for gaming.
Two computers live here: a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook and a Steam Deck for gaming.
Photo: [email protected]

Everybody knows Macs don’t set the gaming world on fire, though Apple silicon has made some inroads. So while plenty of Mac users enjoy Apple Arcade and use Apple hardware to play games, many turn to other means. We’ve seen plenty a hybrid Mac – PC computer setups out there.

But today’s featured setup takes another course to gaming satisfaction. It’s owner, who describes himself as an “old gamer,” divides his time between work via an M1 MacBook Pro and gaming on a Valve Steam Deck.

New Wi-Fi smart plug for HomeKit keeps tabs on energy use

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A four-pack for $50 is a good deal for something that won't block other outlets, works with HomeKit and monitors energy.
A four-pack for $50 is a good deal for something that won't block other outlets, works with HomeKit and monitors energy.
Photo: TP-Link

A smart plug that takes up just a little space on your electrical outlet is great. But it’s even better when it lets you monitor your energy use. Such is the case with TP-Link’s new HomeKit-enabled Kasa Smart Wifi Plug Slim.

And at about $12.50 per plug in a four-pack, it’s a good deal on Amazon, too. It’s the only smart plug priced that low that works with HomeKit and monitors energy usage.

Browse safer and faster with Control D

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This simple tool can protect your family online.
Customize your family browsing with this simple tool.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Usually, if you want to expand how you use the internet and protect your family online, you need a virtual private network. But those can be complicated to use — and expensive to boot.

Alternatively, Control D packs many of the control and safety features of a VPN into a much simpler solution. For a limited time, you can get a two-year subscription to this unique service for just $30 (regularly $48).

Bluetti fires up huge Father’s Day deals on off-grid power gear

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Bluetti offers great deals on off-grid power products for Father's Day.
Bluetti offers great deals on off-grid power products for Father's Day.
Photo: Bluetti

This post on portable power stations is brought to you by Bluetti.

The best dad in the world — your dad, that is — deserves the best off-grid power gear on his special day, doesn’t he? For Father’s Day, give him the power of independence with the ultimate out-there experience. And for that, he needs portable power.

For the occasion, Bluetti is offering massive markdowns for all (and VIP exclusives for existing customers) across plenty of solar generators. The sale runs from June 12 at 7 p.m. PDT to June 22 at 7 p.m. PDT.

3 great apps to make your life a little bit easier [Awesome Apps]

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Planta, Plex, and Pretzel app icons
Awesome apps to try All starting with letter P This haiku ends here
Image: Ian Fuchs

Another week has passed, and even more of you have come through with your app recommendations and suggestions! This week, a bit of a grab bag of new apps, new features, and new discoveries. From a shopping app to simplify your life to an excellent replacement to Apple’s infuriating TV app, we’ve got some awesome apps for you. And as always, if you have an awesome app to share, email your suggestion or tweet them to me!

Connect iPhone to wired speakers via AirPlay with this digital amp [Review] ★★★★☆

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Arylic A50+ Wireless Multiroom Stereo Amplifier review★★★★☆
The Arylic A50+ is a solid way to connect your passive speakers to your Apple devices. No wires needed.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Arylic A50+ Wireless Multiroom Stereo Amplifier lets you wirelessly send music to wired speakers from computers and phones. It uses Apple’s AirPlay, which has multiple advantages over Bluetooth, though it offers that too. And DLNA, Spotify Connect and more.

It pumps out 50W*2 with 4Ω passive speakers at 24V, with Sub Out for powered subwoofers.

I tested the capabilities of this digital stereo amp with the help of a friend who’s a bit of an audiophile. Here’s what we found out.

WWDC22 recap: Apple revelations make our heads spin [The CultCast]

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WWDC22 recap: There was much info to get through at WWDC22, no wonder Apple software chief Craig Federighi was running like the wind.
There was so much info to plow through at WWDC22, no wonder Apple software chief Craig Federighi was running like the wind.
Image: Cult of Mac
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 16 … iPadOS 16 … macOS Ventura … watchOS 9…. We’re racing as fast as we can through all Apple’s WWDC22 keynote revelations, but we’re gonna need a longer show. It’s our WWDC22 recap!

Also on The CultCast:

  • How about that super-skinny new MacBook Air?
  • And the blazing-fast new M2 chip that powers it?
  • Next-gen CarPlay looks like a total cockpit takeover.
  • What happened to Apple’s AR/VR headset?!?

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.

Get the full Sam’s Club experience with a discounted Plus membership

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This premium Sam's Club Plus membership delivers all the bells and whistles.
This premium Sam's Club Plus membership delivers all the bells and whistles.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you like bulk shopping, Sam’s Club is a steal. With a membership you can get access to warehouse deals on everything from groceries and home decor to clothes, jewelry and Apple gear. But did you know you can save even more with a Sam’s Club Plus membership?

To sweeten the deal a little, for a limited time you can get a Sam’s Club Plus Membership for 50% off! At only $50 (regularly $100), this yearlong Sam’s Club membership is just the start of the savings you’ll see.