Mobile menu toggle

See the past week’s weather and other stats on your iPhone

By

Is It Actually Getting Hotter?
See yesterday's weather or if it's unusually hot this season.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can see the past week’s weather on your iPhone in the Apple Weather app. It shows all kinds of detailed weather data — not just temperature and rain, but wind, humidity, visibility, pressure and more.

You also can easily see how that info compares to the average weather data to see if this is an unusually heavy winter or a particularly hot summer. Apple Weather even shows you details on the phase of the moon, all in iOS 17.

Here’s how it works.

Why every Mac user should rethink their online privacy strategy

By

An illustration showing two MacBooks back-to-back, with a large lock on the screen of one of them, to indicate a Mac VPN.
You might think your Mac is secure from all threats. But you'd be wrong.
Illustration: Planet Free VPN

By Alex from Planet Free VPN

Long a VPN professional and Apple ecosystem enthusiast, I have seen a marked shift in Mac users’ perspective of online privacy and security. Though macOS is frequently hailed for its built-in protections and user-oriented design, it does not mean Mac users are free from tracking, monitoring or data leaks. The increase in privacy incursions at the network level emphasizes the need for considering your connection to the web, rather than only the device you use.

Tour a space station with new app for Vision Pro

By

The new Haven-1 VR app
You can get the "overview effect," which is what astronauts experience seeing Earth from afar.
Photo: Vast

The new Haven-1 VR app brings the Haven-1 commercial space station directly to Apple Vision Pro headsets, offering users an unprecedented, virtual-reality look inside humanity’s next frontier in space exploration, space technology company Vast said Wednesday.

So users of Vision Pro and other AR/VR headsets can now explore the world’s first commercial space station in VR.

New Thunderbolt 5 dock packs in high-speed ports

By

Plugable Thunderbolt 5 dock
Expand the capabilities of your Thunderbolt 5 Mac with this newly launched dock.
Image: Plugable

Professionals who need 6K monitors, high-speed connectivity, and a plethora of ports can now purchase the Plugable 11-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 docking station at a competitive price.

It uses the latest version of the Thunderbolt standard to provide data transfers at up to 80 Gbps with a boost up to 120 Gbps.

New Samsung Galaxy watch adds health features Apple Watch can’t match — yet

By

New Samsung Galaxy Watch health features
The upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra (current model pictured) and other other models could bring some pretty impressive new health features. Apple should take notice.
Photo: Samsung

Looks like Samsung might push the boundaries of wearable health technology with its upcoming Galaxy Watch, due in July. Its features go beyond what Apple Watch currently offers. Galaxy will include a groundbreaking, needle-free blood analysis tool among other intriguing features, according to a new report.

The new capabilities might offer a prescription of sorts for future Apple Watch upgrades.

Here’s the best way to hide your computer [Setups]

By

under desk mount
The M4 Mac mini is small, but it takes up even less space when it's mounted under the desk.
Photo: [email protected]

The M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini desktop computers are smaller than their predecessors, but they still take up space on desks. That is, unless you come up with a clever way to hide them while keeping them fully functional. In today’s featured setup, which also includes a MacBook Pro under an overarching external display, the user mounts the mini under the desk. And under-desk mount is the best way to hide your computer.

Today in Apple history: John Sculley steps down as Apple CEO

By

Former Apple CEO John Sculley talks at Web Summit 2015 in Dublin, Ireland.
John Sculley ran Apple for a decade.
Photo: Web Summit/Flickr CC

June 18 Today in Apple history June 18, 1993: John Sculley steps down as Apple CEO after a 10-year run. The Apple board asks Sculley to leave after AAPL shares collapse from a high of $4.33 in 1992 to a measly 73 cents.

Sculley hands over the CEO role to Michael Spindler before briefly taking the role of Apple chairman, prior to departing altogether.

Tangle-free magnetic charging cable comes with special spot for an Apple Watch

By

Photo of MagStack Duo magnetic charging cable juicing up an iPhone and an Apple Watch.
Charge Apple devices and more with the magnetic MagStack Duo charging cable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Are you an Apple Watch fanatic who’s tired of hassling with tangled charging cables? The MagStack Duo magnetic charging cable might be the streamlined solution you’ve been looking for.

Designed to simplify your charging setup, this tangle-free USB-C cable wraps around its built-in Apple Watch charging puck and holds itself magnetically in a sleek form that works just as well on your nightstand as it does in your travel bag.

It’s wrapped in durable nylon braiding that gives it a premium feel. And you can get a MagStack Duo charging cable for only $34.99 (regularly $39.99).

iOS 26 features you’ll miss on older iPhones

By

iPhone 12 running iOS 26.
Older iPhones will get iOS 26 but with some key features missing.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 introduce a host of new features in addition to the Liquid Glass design makeover that will bring glossy, translucent harmony to Apple’s software ecosystem this fall. However, not all of those advanced features will make it to every compatible device when Apple releases its next-gen operating systems.

If you own an old iPhone or Intel-based Mac, you will miss out on several improvements. Here’s a look at what won’t make the cut.

Slim NVMe SSD enclosure pairs perfectly with M4 Mac mini

By

Satechi USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure
The Satechi USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure expands Mac mini.
Image: Satechi

Adding a high-speed SSD to the Mac mini M4 just got easier with the Satechi USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure. It can hold up to 8TB drives and transfer data at up to 5 GB per second.

The accessory hit store shelves Tuesday and comes with a 17% launch discount.

iPhone parts go into custom cameras for F1 racing scenes

By

Scene from
Special cameras mounted on Formula One cars capture intense racing action in F1: The Movie.
Photo: Apple TV+

When director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda set out to film the upcoming Apple Original film F1: The Movie, they faced a unique challenge. How could they capture authentic point-of-view racing footage from inside Formula One cars without compromising the vehicles’ precise engineering specifications? The solution required Apple to build something that never existed before — a custom camera module using iPhone components that could withstand the extreme conditions of professional racing, according to new report. And so were born custom iPhone cameras in F1.

Today in Apple history: iPhone OS 3 brings copy/paste to iPhone

By

Photo of an iPhone running iPhone OS 3
iPhone OS 3 turned Apple's smartphone into a much more capable device.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

friday_17 June 17, 2009: Apple releases iPhone OS 3, the third iteration of its mobile operating system (and the last before a name change). It adds Cut, Copy and Paste functionality, among the most requested features since the original iPhone shipped in 2007.

“iPhone 3.0 has more than 100 new features for our customers,” says Scott Forstall, Apple’s senior vice president of iPhone software, as he demos the new operating system in front of developers. “Let me walk you through just a few, starting with Cut, Copy and Paste. So, we’ve been working really hard to design an easy-to-use, straightforward user interface for Cut, Copy and Paste on our large touchscreen display, and we think we’ve nailed it.”

iPhone OS 3 also brings a host of other new features, including MMS, a landscape keyboard, support for audiobooks and iTunes video, and Spotlight search, which users can access by swiping left on the iPhone’s Home Screen. And the Find My iPhone app comes along for the ride.

Elevate your iPad with this lightweight origami case/stand [Review] ★★★★

By

Moft Dynamic Folio★★★★
The Moft Dynamic Folio case/stand can lift your iPad closer to eye level.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPad cases that fold into stands are old news, but the Moft Dynamic Folio takes that idea and builds on it. The front flap can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet at a range of angles, in both landscape and portrait orientations. A highlight is one that lifts the iPad up about 3 inches so it’s easier to see.

Plus, the case/stand is lightweight and very easy to attach and remove. There are versions for all recent Apple tablets.

I tested the flexible iPad accessory for several weeks. Here’s what I found out.

These comfy, noise-canceling Sony earbuds are more than 50% off

By

Photo of a man talking to somebody thru his Sony LinkBuds Fit earbuds.
Grab a pair of Sony LinkBuds Fit earbuds at a deep discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Sony’s LinkBuds Fit earbuds are designed with comfort in mind. Their lightweight build and ergonomic design make them suitable for extended wear, whether you’re commuting, working out or just relaxing at home. Plus, silicone wingtips help secure the earbuds in place, ensuring they stay put during runs or other workouts.

Priced at just $89.99 (regularly $199.99), these refurbished LinkBuds Fit noise-canceling earbuds provide an affordable alternative to AirPods Pro, without compromising on essential audio features.

Spigen’s new Apple Watch charger clones classic iMac G3

By

Spigen Apple Watch Classic C1 Charger Stand
The Apple Watch charger, though not included, is easy to install in the little iMac G3 replica.
Photo: Spigen

The new Spigen Apple Watch Classic C1 Charger Stand comes in the form of a miniature iMac G3, complete with a selection of familiar translucent colors, the accessory maker said Monday.

So the Apple Watch charging stand, the latest addition to Spigen’s popular C1 series based on iMac G3 design cues, pays homage to one of Apple’s most iconic computers. It services as a functional charger as well as a conversation piece.

Why Apple’s slow AI rollout isn’t a crisis

By

Slow Apple AI
Apple slow adoption of AI isn’t a crisis.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Despite all the criticism, mockery and predictions of doom, the fact that Apple is lagging the pack in artificial intelligence isn’t a catastrophe. The AI boom has barely started, and average consumers remain doubtful about the technology.

More importantly, an Apple executive points out that the company doesn’t need to develop its own cutting-edge AI to benefit from the research done by other companies.

Upgrade your Mac mini with 7 more ports and storage but no extra clutter

By

Macally MminiDock
Add more ports and storage capacity to your M4 Mac mini with the Macally MminiDock.
Image: Macally

Macally designed the new MminiDock with the M4 Mac mini in mind. It sits under the tiny desktop, increasing the selection of available ports with front-facing USB-A, plus 4K HDMI, an audio jack and more without increasing the computer’s footprint. And there’s an SSD enclosure inside for 8TB of additional capacity.

The accessory launched Monday and comes with a 20% off launch coupon.

Apple’s Back to School sale brings free AirPods with Mac or iPad

By

Apple 2025 Back to School Promo
Apple's 2025 Back to School promo will get you a free AirPods.
Screenshot: Apple Store

Apple’s yearly Back to School sale is now live in the United States, India and other countries. As part of the deal, eligible students and teachers can get Macs and iPads on education pricing, along with an accessory worth up to $179.

Unlike the last few years, Apple will not bundle a gift card with your purchase. Instead, it will bundle a free accessory, ranging from the Magic Keyboard to AirPods 4 with ANC.

Unlike iPhone, the iPad remains ‘a beast to repair’

By

iPad repair: “A beast”
iPad repair is doable, but it’s far, far from easy.
Image: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple now offers tools and parts to repair your own iPad, but the instructions provided by Apple show that working on one of its tablets is not for the faint of heart.

Just removing the screen from an iPad Pro is a 32-step process that requires special tools to detach the glue, tape and screws holding everything together.

Powerful Mac Studio drives epic ultra-wide display [Setups]

By

Mac Studio display
The user liked their dual 27-inch monitors, but likes the ultra-wide even better, comparing it to having three screens.
Photo: [email protected]

I’m currently enjoying a pair of 27-inch 5K resolution touchscreen monitors, but many people prefer to go with one ultra-wide display — especially a big, curved one. Today’s featured setup uses a Mac Studio to drive a 49-inch, curved Samsung gaming monitor. The user loves it, but said it took some getting used to. They graduated to it from two 27-inch 4K displays, actually, very similar to what I used until recently.

Today in Apple history: iPhone 4 preorders set an impressive record

By

Steve obs
The iPhone 4 sold 1.7 million units in its first weekend on sale.
Photo: Matthew Yohe/Wikipedia CC

June 16: Today in Apple history: Apple receives record preorders for iPhone 4 June 16, 2010: Apple reports a massive surge of interest in its latest smartphone, with iPhone 4 preorders racking up 600,000 sales on their first day.

The company calls the number “far higher” than expected. At the time, it’s the most iPhone preorders Apple has ever taken in a single day. AT&T suffers server problems thanks to the demand — with 10 times the usual traffic on its website. It’s proof positive that Apple is onto a winner!

Hidden iOS 26 features Apple didn’t talk about at WWDC25

By

iOS 26 hidden features
There are plenty of smaller, hidden improvements in iOS 26.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

Apple focused heavily on the new Liquid Glass design language during the iOS 26 unveiling last week. But there’s more to the operating system than the glossy new look that’s coming to all the company’s operating systems.

While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the  WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.