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iPhone 13 review roundup: Stellar displays, cracking cameras, outstanding battery life

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Apple California Streaming event: iPhone 13 comes in an array of five colors.
But should you upgrade?
Photo: Apple

If you still can’t decide whether you want to upgrade to iPhone 13 or 13 Pro, perhaps some early feedback from reviewers will help. Unsurprisingly, they all have good things to say about Apple’s newest handsets, which pack big camera upgrades, better battery life, even faster A15 Bionic chips, and wonderfully smooth ProMotion displays (if you buy a Pro model).

But most agree that the changes don’t break new ground for iPhone, so you might be happy to stick with what you already have. But are the 2021 iPhones really “the most incremental update ever,” as The New York Times writes? Here’s our iPhone 13 review roundup.

Make your iPhone work like new with this top-rated smart cleaner, now less than $40 for life 

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This top-rated iPhone storage cleaner will make your device run like new.
This iOS storage cleaner loved by millions of users will make your iPhone run faster than ever.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The only thing worse than getting the “Storage Full” notification on your iPhone or Mac is witnessing your device slow down and become unusable as a result. Thankfully, you can avoid both of those situations forever with Smart Cleaner for iOS.

And, for a limited time, a lifetime subscription to this lifesaving app is on sale for just $39.99. That’s a huge 73% discount off the regular price of $149, and a priceless addition to your digital arsenal.

No way back from iOS 14.8 as Apple stops signing earlier firmware

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Apple stops signing iOS 14.7.1
You're stuck with iOS 14.8 or iOS 15.
Image: Cult of Mac

It’s no longer possible to downgrade to iOS or iPadOS 14.7.1 if you’ve already updated your iPhone or iPad to a newer version of Apple’s firmware.

Cupertino stopped signing the update, first rolled out in July, after releasing iOS and iPadOS 15 to everyone on Monday. The move prevents users from reverting to the earlier build, but it won’t affect devices still running iOS 14.7.1.

Easily attach iPhone to Xbox controller with OtterBox MagSafe clip [Review]

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OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe review
The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe offers better gaming with the convenience of magnets.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe uses magnets to connect your iPhone to your Xbox controller. It’s quick but secure. And you can easily rotate between landscape and portrait orientation.

I played a bunch of different games over the weekend using this accessory. Here’s why I like it.

Protect your data with the world’s fastest VPN for 80% off

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Stream content securely with this premium VPN for 80% off.
This premier VPN offers military-grade encryption at an affordable price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are plenty of threats to your data and privacy lingering on the internet these days. Using a reliable, top-rated security solution like this HotSpot Shield VPN Premium Subscription can protect your personal information from hackers and spyware alike.

The array of security solutions is vast, but HotSpot is an easy pick, especially if you love to stream content or torrent.

iPhone 13 demand pushes wait times out weeks

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iPhone 13 demand pushes wait times out weeks
If you want an iPhone 13 anytime soon, procrastination on ordering isn’t such a good idea.
Photo: Apple

If you want an iPhone 13 in the next few weeks, you’d probably better order it soon. And for some variations, it’s already too late to have it delivered before October.

And an analyst says the wait times indicate that Apple’s latest is selling better than its predecessor.

Have your pick of iPhone 13 cases with Elago’s new lineup

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The MagSafe Silicone Case is just one of many cases Elago offers for iPhone 13.
The MagSafe Silicone Case is just one of many cases Elago offers for iPhone 13.
Photo: Elago

If you’re the proud owner of a new iPhone 13 series smartphone — whether you have it in hand or just set for delivery — don’t forget to protect it. Elago’s new lineup of iPhone 13 cases include past favorite designs and innovative new styles.

You can grab Elago’s new iPhone 13 cases in the Cult of Mac Store — via the direct link under each item below — or at Elago or Amazon.

There’s plenty to enjoy in iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8 [Updated]

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There’s plenty to enjoy in iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8
iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch just got a heap of new features.
Photo: Apple

If you’ve been eagerly waiting for iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8 since June, then rejoice! Everyone can finally install them. iPad gets plenty of new features, while iPhone and Apple Watch get a handful of nice improvements.

Here are the cool enhancements you can look forward to, whether you jump on the updates Monday or decide to wait.

Evidence grows for ‘hole punch’ camera in iPhone 14

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Replacing iPhone notch with holepunch camera makes no damn sense
Two generally reliable sources now say the iPhone 14 will have a hole punch camera.
Artists concept: Cult of Mac

A trusted analyst has backed up a recent leak that the iPhone 14 will replace the screen notch with a hole punch camera. And there are other significant changes reportedly coming in the 2022 model.

But TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo pushed back his prediction for when some much-anticipated features will reach the iPhone.

Curved 40-inch HD display is too much monitor for some [Setups]

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Not bad for something stashed in the corner of your kid's room.
Not bad for something stashed in the corner of your kid's room.
Photo: [email protected]

In the ongoing discussion about whether a gargantuan ultra-wide monitor beats dual monitors or vice versa, some people still chime in favoring one modest display to either of the above choices. Of course, these days, “modest” can mean in excess of 30 inches, plus a lot of bells and whistles.

Ted Lasso scoops historical Emmy win for outstanding comedy

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Ted Lasso Emmy win
Another win for Ted Lasso.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV+ on Sunday became the first streaming service to pick up an Emmy Award in a program category, thanks to lovable football-cum-soccer coach Ted Lasso.

The series scooped prizes for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in A Comedy Series.

Has your iPhone 13 shipped yet? Here’s how to track it the right way

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How to track iPhone 13 preorders
Don't ask Apple. Ask UPS.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple has already begun shipping iPhone 13 and 13 Pro preorders ahead of their official debut on Friday, September 24. However, it takes Cupertino a long time to send out shipping notifications.

If you’re tracking your iPhone 13’s preorder status through the Apple website or Apple Store app, chances are you’re still seeing a “preparing to ship” notice. But in actual fact, it’s likely your new handset has already begun its journey to you. Here’s how to find out if your new handset is on the move.

Apple gives us a guided tour of iPhone 13 and 13 Pro ahead of launch

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iPhone 13 guided tour video
A closer look at what's coming.
Photo: Apple

Itching to get your hands on iPhone 13 and 13 Pro? There’s no way to make your preorder arrive earlier, unfortunately. But it is possible to take a deeper look at what you have to look forward to with Apple’s new guided tour video.

The seven-minute feature, uploaded to YouTube over the weekend, highlights the differences between each of the four iPhone 13 variants, and provides a look at new features like Cinematic mode, ProMotion, and lots more.

Apple delays Find My network support for AirPods until ‘later this fall’

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Locating AirPods with Find My
It's not the only iOS 15 feature we'll have to wait longer for.
Photo: Apple

It seems Find My network support for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max won’t roll out with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 as originally planned. Apple says the feature, which can make lost headphones easier to find, will be available “later this fall.”

Once the Find My network is enabled for the high-end headphones, another iPhone, iPad or Mac owner in the vicinity of the lost item can can passively update your gear’s general location. The Find My network functionality makes the feature far my powerful by tapping the millions of Apple devices in use around the world.

Get 25% off a triple-screen laptop display and a lifetime of award-winning VPN protection 

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Turn your laptop into a triple screen display from anywhere, and get lifetime access to this award-winning VPN.
This portable gadget will turn your laptop into a triple-screen display. And you can grab it with a lifetime VPN for 25% off.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’ve made the shift to working from home or you simply want to maximize your desk setup, being able to turn your laptop into a triple-screen display — and having best-in-class VPN protection — is the ultimate way to do it.

You can get your hands on both of those today with the VPN Unlimited Lifetime Subscription + Mobile Pixels Trio Bundle. It’s on sale with 25% off today for just $519 (regular price $699).

For $50, you can learn 2 languages and get some awesome earbuds

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Learn a language and listen to some tunes.
With this bundle, you can immerse yourself in a new language (or two) for maximum learning.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you want to learn a language and listen to quality instruction with equally high-quality audio, then the Lifetime Language Learning Bundle is the place to start. On sale for $50, this bundle gives you the chance to learn two new languages using uTalk, and it comes with some great wireless earbuds from xFyro.

Free up space on your Mac with BuhoCleaner

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If your Mac's running low on storage, you can quickly turn things around with BuhoCleaner.

Photo: BuhoCleaner

This Mac software post is brought to you by BuhoCleaner.

Macs have always been known for their stability and ease of use. But even the most perfect operating system can collect a few cobwebs or start to feel slow after years of use. BuhoCleaner for Mac is designed to clear out the junk and get your Mac back in fighting shape in just a few clicks.