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Take control of your cord management with this 4-in-1 Apple charger

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This 4-in-1 Apple charger powers up all your devices.
Stop dealing with tangled cords with this 4-in-1 Apple charger.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You shouldn’t need to carry around a separate bag for chargers or learn complex cord management just because you have more than one device that you use every day. Instead, you can consolidate all of your chargers into one without sacrificing charging speed.

The 4-in-1 Multi-Port and Apple Watch Charger can charge four of your devices at once, is a comfortable length without opening itself up to tangles, and is on sale for $18.

Apple blocks Epic’s request to bring Fortnite back to iPhone and iPad [Updated]

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Fortnite iOS 14
Nice try, Epic Games.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Epic Games has asked Apple to reinstate its developer account so that it can bring Fortnite back to iPhone and iPad in Korea, where a new bill could allow it to offer its own payment system alongside Apple’s for in-app purchases.

But unfortunately for Fortnite fans, Apple isn’t having any of it. Cupertino said in a statement to Cult of Mac that it will only allow Epic to return to the App Store when it agrees “to play by the same rules as everyone else.”

Update: A U.S. judge made her ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit on Friday, and is requiring Apple to allow  developers like Epic Games to set up their own direct-payment systems. This could bring Fortnite back to the App Store.

Apple Watch 7 will ship this month with ‘dramatic change in design’

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Apple Watch Series 7 concept
Apple Watch Series 7 could look a little something like this.
Photo: Jon Prosser/RendersbyIan

Apple Watch Series 7 will make its debut later this month after issues in its production were resolved, according to a new report published by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and seen by Cult of Mac.

The new device will introduce the “most significant change in the design of the Apple Watch ever.” Availability could be limited initially, but mass production is expected to begin in late September.

See here, Apple: Leave cameras out of your smart glasses

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See here, Apple: Leave cameras out of your smartglasses
Apple smartglasses can’t make the same mistake as the ones just released by Facebook and Ray-Ban.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Ray-Ban

Facebook and Ray-Ban teamed up on a pair of smart glasses. It’s essentially a camera you wear on your face, making it a perfect example of what not to do with this type of product. They turn the wearer into a walking, talking privacy violation.

Apple is designing its own smart glasses. These better not have a camera or they’re dead on arrival.

Apple Watch software chief tapped to drive Apple Car project

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Apple executive Kevin Lynch
Apple has tapped Apple Watch software chief Kevin Lynch to run the Apple Car project.
Photo: Apple

On the heels of Apple VP Doug Field’s departure as chief of the Apple Car project for a role at Ford, Cupertino has named longtime Apple Watch software head Kevin Lynch its new exec in charge of Project Titan. That’s the code name for the company’s self-driving electric car effort.

How to factory-reset your Apple Watch-for-sale

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If you're getting rid of an old Apple Watch for any reason (Series 7!), you should factory reset it.
If you're getting rid of an old Apple Watch for any reason (Series 7!), you should factory reset it.
Photo: Nomad

Unless you just emerged from a cave or a doomsday bunker, you probably know everyone expects Apple to announce new products releases next week — most likely including the Apple Watch 7.

If you’re considering selling, trading, giving away or returning your Apple Watch for that or any reason, we’ll show you how to factory reset it first.

Apple TV+ scores a hit with See Season 2

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Apple TV+ scores a hit with ‘See’ Season 2
Jason Momoa is one of the reasons the second season of See is doing well.
Photo: Apple TV+

The second season of See is off to a strong start. The fantasy drama starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista recently returned to Apple TV+, and there clearly a lot of anticipation built up. Viewership is reportedly up 30%.

Enough people are tuning in to give See the strongest sophomore season of any drama on Apple’s streaming service.

Cupertino reportedly selects Apple car parts suppliers

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That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Apple Car. The Apple Car is way down the highway. But Apple has the pedal to the metal.
The Apple Car is way down the highway. But Apple has the pedal to the metal.
Photo illustration: Cult of Mac/Wikipedia CC

Apple resumed development of its autonomous electric vehicle on its own after failing to secure a major automotive partner, according to a new report. Cupertino supposedly is in touch with global auto parts manufacturers, indicating selection of a supplier(s) could be imminent.

Pocket-size USB hub adds 4 useful ports to iPad or Mac [Review]

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Twelve South StayGo mini review
Tremendously expand the usefulness of your iPad with this tiny USB-C hub.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Plug the Twelve South StayGo mini into the USB-C port on an iPad Pro or Air and you’ll add a USB-A port, HDMI and a headset jack. All without sacrificing the USB-C port. And it can be used with a Mac thanks to a handy cable.

I put this matchbook-size adapter through its paces. Here’s how it stood up to my testing.

Lawyers prepare class-action lawsuit over M1 MacBook screen cracks

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M1 MacBook screen cracks lead to lawsuit. Look out, Cupertino.
Look out, Cupertino.
Photo: Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr CC

Apple could soon be on the receiving end of another class-action lawsuit, with lawyers currently investigating the company over reports that its new M1 MacBook models are vulnerable to screen cracks during normal usage.

A growing number of users complain in online forums that their MacBook displays suffered what the attorneys call “dramatic cracks,” despite not being mishandled. Many say they spent upward of $600 on repairs.

Twitter tests Facebook-like emoji reactions for tweets

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Twitter emoji reactions
There are five "healthy" reactions to choose from.
Photo: Twitter

Twitter is giving a small number of users the ability to add Facebook-like emoji reactions to tweets as part of a new feature test.

In addition to being able to “like” a tweet, those taking part can react with the tears of joy, thinking face, clapping hands, love heart, and crying face emojis shown in the image above. Twitter says the test may be expanded to more users later.

Taking great pictures is a snap with this 11-piece photography bundle

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Take your shot with this 11-piece phone camera accessory bundle.
You aper-sure better check out this great deal on camera accessories.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Smartphone cameras have improved so much that everyone functionally has the potential to be a good photographer. You carry the most essential tool around in your pocket, but there are a few attachments every photographer needs, whether they’re using an old analog camera, a thousand-dollar DSLR or a smartphone.

This 11-in-1 Smartphone Photography Accessory Bundle gives you all the equipment you need to take professional-grade photos with your smartphone. For a few days only, you can get this 11-piece setup for $22 in red, blue, gold, silver or black.

UK backs Apple’s CSAM plans, offers rewards for new safety measures

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UK backs Apple CSAM plan
Home Secretary Priti Patel wants tech firms to step up and be responsible for child safety.
Photo: Number 10 CC

The U.K. government has backed Apple’s plan to scan user photos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and is offering rewards of up to £85,000 ($117,600) to other technology firms who can develop new tools to keep children safe.

Home Secretary Priti Patel, who this week announced the Safety Tech Challenge Fund, called on “Big Tech” to take responsibility for public safety and find ways to monitor online platforms protected by encryption.

Microsoft makes using Xbox Controllers on iOS even better

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Xbox Controller with iPad
Bluetooth Low Energy and cross-platform support.
Photo: Apple/Microsoft

Microsoft is testing new firmware for Xbox Controllers that makes using them with iPhone and iPad even better. The update adds Bluetooth Low Energy support, and allows you to pair both an Xbox console and iOS device so that switching between the two is easier than ever before.

iPhone 14: Under-display Face ID still a work in progress, may be delayed

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iPhone 14 without notch
What the front of iPhone 14 might look like.
Photo: Jon Prosser/Ian Zelbo

It’s probably best not to get too excited for under-display Face ID in next year’s iPhone 14. Despite Wednesday’s big leak hinting at the upgrade for 2022, one analyst warns the technology is still very much a work in progress.

In recent years, manufacturers have been working to put front-facing cameras behind their smartphone displays in an effort to eliminate notches and holes. And the results, perhaps unsurprisingly, have been a mixed bag.

iPhone 14 leak could trigger full wrath of Cupertino

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iPhone 14 concept skips the screen notch and camera hump.
Is this really what the 2022 iPhone will look like?
Image: Front Page Tech/RendersbyIan

Jon Prosser’s iPhone 14 leak is every Apple fan’s dream — and Tim Cook’s biggest nightmare.

The audacious revelation, dropped Wednesday morning via Prosser’s YouTube channel, Front Page Tech, showcased what next year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max might look like.

The exclusive iPhone 14 renders look so sweet that they might give pause to anyone contemplating buying an iPhone 13 later this month. That’s the nightmare part of this equation — and likely the part that makes Prosser nervous. Angry Apple executives might unleash all the company’s massive legal resources to stop him. And maybe even exact revenge.

Check out these awesome gadgets on sale for an extended Labor Day weekend

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These rad gadgets are on sale right now for Labor Day!
As part of our extended Labor Day Sale, we're offering seven of our best gadgets at even steeper discounts.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

One of the best and worst parts of the internet is that everything is on it. If you want to find a cool gadget, you basically have to already know exactly what you want, otherwise you won’t be able to find it. That’s why this extended Labor Day Sale on cool home, work and play gadgets is the perfect place to look if you want something new and fun in your life, but also don’t want to spend too much.

Check out these great gadgets on sale for the next few days only.

Twitter wants you to join ‘Communities’ for shared interests

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Twitter's new Communities feature will let you tweet at people who share your interests.
Twitter's new Communities feature will help you tweet at people who share your interests.
Photo: Twitter

Twitter is testing a new feature called “Communities” via an invitation-only roll-out on iOS and the web, with Android to follow at some unspecified point. It will help users find and join groups with shared interests and direct tweets to them.

Romp with 3 new kids’ shows on Apple TV+ this fall

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Apple TV+ show Wolfboy and the Everything Factory premieres on September 24.
Apple TV+ show Wolfboy and the Everything Factory premieres on September 24.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ plans to air three new shows for kids and families in the coming weeks. One is set to debut later in September, while two others premiere in October.

We’ll have to see if any of them can match the critical success of Apple TV+’s award-winning kids’ show Stillwater.

How to see iPhone 14 in amazing augmented reality

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How to see iPhone 14 in augmented reality
Here’s what the iPhone 14 might look like. You can easily see it in more detail with the magic of augmented reality.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPhone 13 is still a week away but a major leak on Wednesday revealed many of the details of the iOS handset that’ll replace it in 2022. That includes renders of the iPhone 14 that you can check out in amazing augmented reality.

With AR, you can bring a virtual 3D version the device into your home or office and see it from every side. This might be the best way to see the coming end of the camera bump. And to wonder if Apple will really replace the screen notch with a “hole punch” camera.

Here’s how to see an AR mockup of iPhone 14.

Hackintosh makes due in lieu of Apple Silicon Mac [Setups]

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A Hackintosh forms the core of this three-display setup.
A hackintosh forms the core of this three-display setup.
Photo: [email protected]

If you’re out there pimping your computer setup on a Mac social media list, but you don’t have a Mac, what do you do? Well, you could flex your Hackintosh laptop and surround it with some Apple gear to make things look good.

Redditor GrandeNJR took that route with his recent post, “Not a real Mac (Hackintosh), but do my other Apple products make up for it?” Or at least he appeared to take that route.

Spoiler alert: Here’s a sneak peek at next year’s ‘iPhone 14’

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iPhone 14 leak
'iPhone 14' could be made from titanium.
Concept: Front Page Tech/RendersbyIan

Apple’s next-generation iPhone 13 refresh is already old news. Just one week before Cupertino’s big event, a leaker is already spilling details on next year’s even bigger “iPhone 14” upgrade, which is expected to come with no notch and a titanium design.

Here’s what you can expect.