The award for completing the Earth Day challenge looks like this. Photo: Apple
Apple will bring two limited-edition Activity challenges to Apple Watch this month, giving users a reason to get moving in the final stretch of April, the iPhone giant said. The occasions are Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, and International Dance Day on Wednesday, April 29.
This affordable projector works for movies, audio and even karaoke. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Most portable projectors sound great on paper — until you actually use them. A dim image, tinny audio, and too many cables can ruin your movie night. This Ion Audio portable HD projector fixes some of that — and at just $67.99 (regularly $84.99), it’s more about convenience than perfection.
If you’re looking for an easy way to throw a movie on the wall from your MacBook or iPhone, this is one of the simpler setups around.
Simple steps can give your older iPhone better performance. AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Stop me if this sounds familiar: Your old iPhone just doesn’t have the same pep it used to and you’re desperate to speed it up. Ignore the nasty iPhone conspiracy theory — the real reason for the slowdown is rooted in battery chemistry, diminishing amounts of available memory, and the evolving demands of modern iOS apps.
Fortunately, you can take steps to improve the speed of your older iPhone. Here’s what to do.
You save 70% when you get MacMagic: Lifetime Upgrades License now! Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
MacMagic is the Swiss Army knife of Mac utilities: It can perform scores of optimization tasks, from clearing gigabytes of storage to batch processing hundreds of files.
Prices for lots of Samsung and Microsoft gear just took a jump. Ouch! AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Rising costs across the global tech supply chain are forcing some of Apple’s biggest competitors — most notably Microsoft and Samsung — to increase prices on smartphones, tablets and notebooks, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape for consumer electronics.
Apple has not increased prices. It’s actually recently moved the opposite direction by introducing the most affordable MacBook ever.
Apple is allegedly upbeat about demand for the iPhone Ultra, its first foldable. AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly ramping up its supply of a critical component for the foldable iPhone, even as the broader market for foldable smartphones shows signs of slowing.
According to a supply chain report published Tuesday, the company increased its orders of foldable display panels by roughly 20%, a move that signals growing confidence in the long-rumored device.
April 14, 1986: The “low-cost” Macintosh 512Ke brings hardware upgrades — and a bit of confusion — to the low end of the Mac lineup.
The Mac 512Ke is an “enhanced” (hence the “e”) model of the Mac 512K. The upgrade addresses complaints that the original Mac lacked enough memory. The 512Ke adds a double-density 800KB floppy drive and a 128KB ROM to the Mac 512K formula.
You can keep your AirPods in with this one. Photo: HiDock
A new AI voice recorder promises to solve one of the most persistent frustrations for professionals who live on calls — capturing both sides of a conversation via Bluetooth even when you wear headphones, and without requring bots, subscriptions or complicated setup. It’s the new HiDock P1 AI Voice Recorder.
The Plugable USBC-10IN1E could be the powerful hub your MacBook needs. Photo: Plugable
Plugable Technologies on Tuesday launched the USBC-10IN1E, a new 10-in-1 USB-C hub aimed at delivering docking station-level performance in a compact design. The company says the device stands out in a crowded market by combining high-wattage charging, advanced display support and faster networking in a single accessory.
Despite the advanced features, the new product is quite affordable — which is not surprising for Plugable.
★★★★☆
With Clutch Pro, you can have a slim power bank while avoiding wireless charging. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Clutch Pro is for anyone who wants a very slim power bank that magnetically attaches to their iPhone, but who doesn’t like wireless charging. This tiny 5,000mAh external battery includes a USB-C connector on a cable for easy charging.
I tested it with my iPhone 17 and my iPad too. Here’s why I like it.
As Amazon acquires Globalstar, the Amazon Leo network will meet Apple's satellite needs. Photo: Amazon
Apple secured a new agreement with Amazon ensuring the satellite features millions of iPhone and Apple Watch users depend on — including Emergency SOS — continue to work, even as the company that currently powers them is set to be acquired, the companies said Tuesday.
“This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, so they can stay safe and connected while off the grid,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, in an Amazon press release Tuesday.
Pay just 49% for the 5-yr Premium Plan of ChatOn AI Assistant when you get it now! Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
With the ChatOn all-in-one AI assistant, you can access multiple top AI models, image-creation tools and real-time search, all in one app — and all for one low price.
Get rid of all those distracting icons. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The macOS Tahoe menu bar icons are one of the more universally panned changes in Apple’s redesigned Mac operating system. They clutter the interface, making it hard to find what you’re actually looking for. And on top of that, different apps use different icons for different actions — it’s not remotely consistent.
You don’t need to live your life this way, though. Developer and hacker Steve Troughton-Smith figured out a quick way to disable the icons. You need to crack open the Mac’s Terminal app, but luckily, you can paste a single command in to bid (most of) the icons adieu.
You don't need an in-person course to master the latest topics in AI security. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The 2026 AI Security & Cybersecurity Expert Bundle delivers 88 hours of training that covers AI, ethical hacking and real-world defense skills.
This six-course bundle doesn’t assume you’re already a seasoned security engineer (or talk down to those who are). Instead, it builds practical, real-world skills that matter, whether you’re breaking into the field or leveling up inside it. And you get the entire 2026 AI Security & Cybersecurity Expert Bundle for just $19.97 (MSRP $120).
Apple's silicone cases feel silky smooth and come in a variety of vibrant colors. Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac
Apple’s iPhone cases provide stylish protection, and a new deal cuts $9.01 off the price of various Silicone, Clear and TechWoven models for iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
As you might expect, the company’s cases fit its smartphones perfectly. This sale applies to cases for various models in multiple colors and sizes. And if you happen to own an iPhone Air, you can currently save a whopping 54% on a bumper case.
According to a 2005 rumor, Apple planned to launch a 15-inch tablet. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
April 13, 2005: The tech world gets excited when a sketchy rumor suggests Apple is building a tablet computer.
The Chinese-language report claims Quanta will build a 15-inch touchscreen tablet PC with a detachable keyboard. Apple will supposedly ship the device in the first quarter of 2006. Things don’t turn out quite like that, but the rumor offers the first hint about Apple’s secret iPad project.
Gussy up those old image files the easy way. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
You can convert any bitmap image — think logos, clip art and scanned sketches — into clean, scalable vector graphics with Super Vectorizer Pro. It’s great for rescuing old artwork from the digital trash heap so it can be used for modern pursuits.
A folding iPhone concept shows open and closed versions of the new handset. AI image: ChatGPT/Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
If you’ve ever looked at a foldable phone and winced at the visible crease down the middle of the screen, you’ll want to know what Apple has reportedly been working on as its first foldable iPhone approaches.
The industry’s approach to eliminating that unsightly fold line has fundamentally changed — and materials in development go well beyond clever hinge engineering, according to a new report. It’s how Apple’s fast-approaching folding iPhone will crack the crease problem.
Apple smart glasses may come in multiple designs. AI image: ChatGPT
Apple’s sleek, simple smart glasses without a display, internally dubbed “N50”, reportedly will launch in 2027. The company is testing four designs for the wearable, in multiple finishes.
The smart glasses supposedly will integrate tightly with the iPhone and Siri to offer an experience like no other.
Ron Wayne today and when he co-founded Apple in 1976. Photo: Ron Wayne
April 12, 1976: Apple’s third co-founder, a former Atari colleague of Steve Wozniak’s named Ron Wayne, cashes in his Apple shares for just $800.
Wayne, who owns a 10% stake in the company, throws in the towel after worrying that he doesn’t have the time or energy to properly invest in Apple. He later receives an extra $1,500 check to seal the deal. When he cashes it, he loses out on an investment that could have been worth billions.
“I was 40 and these kids were in their 20s,” Wayne told Cult of Mac decades later, referring to Apple co-founders Wozniak and Steve Jobs. “They were whirlwinds — it was like having a tiger by the tail. If I had stayed with Apple, I probably would have wound up the richest man in the cemetery.”
Whether you're a total beginner or an accomplished piano player, this app can teach you a thing or two. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
You can turn your iPhone, iPad or Mac into a piano teacher with Flowkey’s interactive lessons, real-time feedback and song-first approach to learning.
Flowkey is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’ve never touched a keyboard or you already know your way around one. And it costs just $69.99 for three years. A flesh-and-blood piano teacher might charge that much for a single lesson!
AirPods Pro 3 are always brilliant, and now they are more affordable. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
A fresh AirPods Pro 3 deal drops Apple’s excellent noise-canceling earbuds back to a record-low price of just $199.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. That’s a substantial $50 discount.
We’ve seen this deal come and go in recent weeks, and it’s back on now for who knows how long. If you want Apple’s best earbuds at the best price, jump on this deal before it disappears again.
AirPods Pro 3 bring new features, including Live Translation, a heart rate monitor, revved-up audio quality and redesigned ear tips for better active noise cancellation. Plus, like the previous model, they can even function as clinical-grade hearing aids.
Make no mistake: These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy for your iPhone, Mac and other Apple gear. Nothing can match how seamlessly AirPods integrate with Apple devices.
The way Apple will source chips for the MacBook Neo 2 means it's getting a RAM boost. AI image: Apple/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Anyone still dissatisfied with the amount of RAM in the MacBook Neo should be pleased to learn that the second-generation version of Apple’s hit entry-level notebook will almost certainly boast 50% more RAM.
And that’s not a guess. Apple is already making the processor/RAM combos to go into the notebook, even though the release is not expected for almost another year.
To understand why, you need to know where Apple gets the chips for this popular computer. And once you know that, you’ll realize why we can confidently say the 2027 MacBook Neo will include 12GB of RAM.