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These 9 apps could completely change how you use your Mac

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These 9 apps add so much more for your Mac to do.
These 9 apps can completely overhaul your Mac.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Your Mac might be able to do a lot more than what you’re using it for. You might already be browsing and working, but it can do so much more if you have apps that put your hardware to use. The Complete Utility Pro Lifetime Mac Bundle is a nine-app deal full of useful Mac apps for work and fun games. And right now, it costs only $49.

Updated 13-inch MacBook Pro gets M2 chip

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The updated 13-inch MacBook Pro keeps its compact form factor but gains capabilities with the M2 chip.
The updated 13-inch MacBook Pro keeps its compact form factor but gains capabilities with the M2 chip.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

While the new MacBook Air dominated speculation about Apple hardware launches leading up to WWDC22, another powerful M2 machine slipped in a side door at the event. Against expectations, Apple rolled out the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro with the powerful new chipset.

“We’re so excited to bring our new M2 chip to the world’s two most popular laptops — the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The 13-inch MacBook Pro [features] incredible performance, ProRes acceleration, up to 24GB of memory, and up to 20 hours of battery life — making our most portable pro notebook even better.”

watchOS 9 brings massive upgrade to Workout app and other health improvements

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Runners get some much-needed love in watchOS 9
Runners get some much-needed love in watchOS 9.
Photo: Apple

WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac XApple revealed what it has up its sleeve for Apple Watch during its WWDC22 keynote Monday. watchOS 9 includes some fun new watch faces and various other minor additions. But the Workout app really stole the show with a host of welcome new features.

Apple is taking on fitness specialists like Garmin with prosumer experiences such as Heart Rate Zone training, Running Form Metrics, Custom Workouts and Kickboard Detection for swimmers. Could this newfound interest in elite fitness suggest a rugged Explorer Edition Apple Watch will debut in the fall?

Which devices will run Apple’s next-gen software — and which won’t

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WWDC22: The Mac's Spotlight search will get more powerful in macOS Ventura.
New features coming in macOS Ventura, watchOS 9 and iOS and iPadOS 16 sound great. But lots of existing Apple devices won't run the updates.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

In a jam-packed opening keynote of WWDC22, Apple announced iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9 and macOS Ventura. However, Apple’s next-gen operating systems are not coming to all of its devices. The company is dropping support for many older iPhones, iPads and Macs this time around.

Read below to find out whether your Apple device is getting the next big software update later this year or not.

iMessage gets competitive new features in iOS 16

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iMessage conversation, with an edited message notated by a label
In iOS 16, you'll be able to edit your iMessages to ensure you don't accidentally call your boss Babe... again.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple’s Messages app is getting great new features in iOS 16 that will give users greater control over the way they communicate with friends, family and co-workers.

iMessage is already arguably one of the biggest chat services, thanks to its deep integration with iPhone and the rest of the Apple ecosystem. The new features, including the ability to tweak or delete messages that have already been sent, should make it even more competitive — and potentially less embarrassing.

iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16

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iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16
iPadOS 16 brings some of the most-requested iPad features, including floating app windows and full external display support.
Screenshot: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

The wraps came off iPadOS 16 during the keynote for WWDC22 on Monday, and Apple fulfilled the requests of many iPad power users by adding support for resizable, floating app windows. And there’s also full support for external displays. There are many other changes as well.

“Our vision for iPadOS is to create a distinct experience that’s built on the best of iOS with powerful capabilities from macOS, combined with features that are uniquely iPad,” said Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering. “All of this comes together to deliver our most versatile release this year in iPadOS 16.”

macOS Ventura will supercharge Macs with innovative features

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macOS Ventura is packed with features.
macOS Ventura is packed with features.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple announced macOS Ventura at WWDC22, focusing on better window management, enhanced system apps, new Continuity features, smarter Spotlight, better gaming performance and more.

The first developer beta of macOS Ventura is already out for developers, with the public beta set to start next month.

Say hello to Apple’s next-gen M2 chip

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Meet the chip powering Apple's new MacBook Air.
Meet the chip powering Apple's new MacBook Air.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple unveiled the next-generation of Apple silicon during the WWDC22 keynote Monday. This new M2 chip, which is launching in a redesigned MacBook Air and as an under-the-hood addition to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, offers even more power and efficiency than the previous-generation M1 processor.

“Today we begin our second generation of Apple silicon designed specifically for the Mac,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s SVP of hardware technologies, during the live-streamed keynote.

The new M2 chip “goes beyond the remarkable features of M1,” he said. “Unlike others in the industry who significantly increase power to gain performance, our approach is different. We continue to have a relentless focus on power-efficient performance. In other words, maximizing performance while minimizing power consumption.”

Meet the svelte new M2 MacBook Air

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WWCC22: The new M2 MacBook Air comes in four colors.
The new M2 MacBook Air comes in four colors.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple confirmed persistent rumors heading into WWDC22 that it would use the developers conference to showcase the upcoming 2022 MacBook Air powered by the M2 chip.

Departing from the current Air’s “wedge-shaped design,” the new version of the world’s best-selling laptop is now “strikingly thin from every angle,” the company said. It has 20% less volume than its predecessor.

Check out all the new features in iOS 16

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WWDC22: iOS 16 will bring a surprising number of new features.
iOS 16 will bring a surprising number of new features.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple showcased many significant new features coming in iOS 16 during its WWDC22 keynote Monday. The main updates include an overhaul of the iPhone Lock Screen, updated notifications management, intelligent sharing and a slew of personalization features.

“iOS 16 offers new intelligence sharing and communication features that are going to enhance so much of what you do with your iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, during the event. “And those come together with an incredible set of new personalization features that will make your experience feel fresh and completely you.”

It’s game day: On the ground at Apple Park [WWDC22 live blog]

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Apple is hosting a limited event at Apple Park for WWDC22.
Apple is hosting a limited event at Apple Park for WWDC22.
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons; Image: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

CUPERTINO, California — Apple is rolling out the red carpet for those lucky enough to attend its special day for developers at Apple Park on Monday. I am one of a handful of developers who will get to watch the WWDC22 keynote and Platforms State of the Union videos today “alongside Apple engineers and experts” here.

Jon Favreau creating virtual dinosaurs for upcoming Apple AR/VR headset

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Jon Favreau creating virtual dinosaurs for upcoming Apple AR/VR headset
Dinosaurs in augmented reality would look awesome.
Concept: Cult of Mac/Ian Zelbo

Imagine standing in your backyard and looking up at a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex. That’s the possibility raised by a report that Apple asked producer Jon Favreau to turn his Prehistoric Planet docuseries into augmented reality or virtual reality. The project is supposedly for the AR/VR headset Apple will launch soon.

Apple also reportedly recruited other film and TV directors to create content, too.

Bypass web restrictions and download almost anything with this app

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Unlock the internet with this app.
Offcloud lets you download almost anything.
Photo: Cult of Mac deals

You probably won’t notice it right away, but a lot of the internet is locked behind invisible walls. You might not be able to access every streaming site or download specific file types. For example, you can visit YouTube, but you can’t treat it like a video library you can download and export from.

Fortunately, Offcloud unlocks the internet, giving you more sites you can visit and more things you can do. And for a limited time, a lifetime subscription costs just $39.99 (regularly $699).

Why Mela is top chef of recipe apps [Awesome Apps]

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Mela is the perfect culinary sidekick.
Mela is the perfect culinary sidekick.
Photo: cottonbro/Pexels

Forget your whisk, chef’s knife or food-mixer. Apple’s iPhone should be your go-to device when it comes to preparing delicious meals in the kitchen. While it’s incredibly handy having Siri nearby to set multiple cooking timers, our iPhones, iPads and Macs can also double as digital recipe-books. And when it comes to recipe apps, trust me: The best out there is Mela.

Why we won’t see the M2 MacBook Pro at WWDC22 [Updated]

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MacBook Pro Black Friday deals
Don't expect the M2 MacBook Pro to arrive anytime soon
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple reportedly wanted to announce the M2-powered MacBook Pro alongside the MacBook Air at WWDC22, but that’s not going to happen due to factory shutdowns in China.

Update: Rumors and predictions don’t always turn out to be correct. Turns out Mark Gurman’s prediction was overly pessimistic and Apple actually did unveil the M2 MacBook Pro at WWDC22.

Mac mini with Apple M2 processor appears on retailer website

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Apple M1 Mac mini
A Mac mini with a faster M2 chip could be right around the corner.
Photo: Apple

An unannounced Mac mini is now listed on the B&H website, though without full product details. The desktop’s most eye-catching feature is an Apple M2 processor, which also has not yet been announced.

In addition, the retailer lists a “Mac mini Tower” running an M1 Pro. Both products are labeled as “New Item – Coming Soon.”

Unlock your iPhone without a passcode via a handy Mac app

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Forgotten passwords can't keep you out of your iPhone anymore.
This app can recover your lost iPhone password.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Many folks forget their passwords, and odds are it’ll happen to you, too. However, you shouldn’t have to suffer through an overly complicated password-reset process or ship your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch back to the manufacturer whenever that happens.

MobiUnlock offers an easy way back into your locked iOS device. And a lifetime subscription to this frustration-busting Mac app is on sale for $39.95 (regularly $69) for a limited time.

A great new game, camera controls and a better budget app [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week with iPhone in middle of desk
Whether you're interested in a fun iPhone game, a better way to budget, or want to master your camera controls, this week's Awesome Apps has something for you.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The last time we published an Awesome Apps of the Week roundup, I asked for you (or your friends) to email me or tweet at me with new apps (or app updates) worth checking out. And, as evidenced here, some of you came through. Also, it seems like there have actually been some cool/interesting new apps coming out lately. Thanks to the combination of those two things, we’re back with a great camera app, a super-fun new game, and an app that’s helping me budget better!

Talking turkey about WWDC22 keynote predictions [The CultCast]

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The CultCast 547: It's time to discuss our last-minute WWDC22 predictions, hopes and fears.
It's time to discuss our last-minute WWDC22 predictions, hopes and fears.
Image: Cult of Mac
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With WWDC22 coming next week, it’s time for last-minute predictions about what Apple will hit us with. The next-gen versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS are a given. But what about an AR/VR headset or the realityOS it supposedly will run on? A new MacBook Air with an M2 chip?

It’s time to talk turkey about Monday’s big keynote.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Will we finally get an iPhone with an always-on display this year?
  • In an all-new Under Review, Juuk’s metal Apple Watch bands — one that looks like Iron Man built it, and one that puts a rainbow on your wrist — blow us away.
  • Forget talking turkey. Erfon talks chickens in a pre-WWDC fever dream!

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.

Fight fatigue, sleep better and truly relax with this smart wearable

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The Apollo wearable can lead to better sleep, focus, relaxation and overall wellbeing.
The Apollo wearable can lead to better sleep, focus, relaxation and overall wellbeing.
Photo: Apollo Neuroscience

If you spend all day generating content or code on your Mac, you probably know what burnout feels like. Considering how much work is conducted around the clock through computers and the internet nowadays, it’s no wonder that a staggering 41% of the global workforce is considering quitting their jobs.

To avoid succumbing to a level of exhaustion that can push you willingly into unemployment, you need to secure a sustainable routine and a healthy strategy for unwinding after long stints in front of the screen. One fantastic, relatively new tool that can help is the Apollo wearable. This high-tech wristband uses touch therapy to promote relaxation, deeper sleep and better performance.

How to watch Apple’s big WWDC22 keynote [Updated]

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How to watch Apple’s big WWDC22 keynote
Don't miss a thing from WWDC22.
Photo: Cult of Mac
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

One of Apple’s biggest events is right around the corner. This year’s Worldwide Developers Conference keynote promises to deliver our first look at the company’s next-generation software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac and more. And it’s all happening on June 6.

Just like past WWDC keynotes, this year’s will be streaming online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. Here’s how.

Update: The WWDC22 keynote is behind us, but if you want to get caught up you can watch the whole presentation on YouTube. Or check Cult of Mac‘s in-depth coverage.