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The best RPG on Apple Arcade gets a sequel

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Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea
Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea looks brilliant.
Image: Cornfox & Brothers

Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea hits Apple Arcade in March. It’s the sequel to Knights of the Lost Realm, the absolute best role-playing game on Apple’s subscription gaming service.

Seriously, it’s worth it for RPG fans to subscribe the Apple Arcade for a couple of months just to play these two.

Today in Apple history: Mac Color Classic ditches monochrome

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Photograph of a Macintosh Color Classic with split keyboard and mouse, sitting on a hardwood floor
The Macintosh Color Classic was the Mac the world had been waiting for.
Photo: Chung Chu/Flickr CC

February 10: Today in Apple history: Macintosh Color Classic ditches monochrome February 10, 1993: Apple launches the Macintosh Color Classic, the company’s first compact Mac with a color screen.

As the first all-in-one Mac with an integrated color display, and the last U.S. Mac to offer the original model’s compact form factor, this model represents a landmark in the evolution of the Macintosh. A Color Classic unit also happens to become the 10 millionth Macintosh that Apple ships.

Charge AirPods to 100% every time with this hidden setting

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Charge AirPods to 100 percent
It’s like you get an extra 20 percent for free!
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can charge your AirPods to 100% and get more battery life out of them by switching off the default setting, which limits them to 80%. The charge limit can help preserve your AirPods’ battery to extend their useful life. But that comes at the expense of more frequent charging every day. And if you find yourself in a situation where you need that extra battery life, this tip lets you unlock it — for one day or forever.

If you want to squeeze as much battery life out of your AirPods as possible, and you don’t mind upgrading every few years, here’s how to change the setting. Keep reading or watch our quick video.

Bought a guitar, learned 3 chords, then stopped? Try this.

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AI-generated comic book image of a guy playing a Les Paul guitar, used to illustrate a deal on Fret Zealot guitar lessons
Speed your way to six-string mastery with Fret Zealot guitar lessons. (Works with four strings, too!)
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac Deals

Learn guitar the modern way with Fret Zealot. Its structured courses, visual guidance, hundreds of songs and thousands of lessons work for anyone from rank beginners to advanced players looking to level up their fretboard game.

And you gain access to all of it with a one-year Fret Zealot All Access Pass for $99.99.

Why your Apple smart home might quit February 10 — and how to stop it [Updated]

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Apple warns users to update Home app
February 10 is the deadline to update to the new Apple Home architecture -- or face possible consequences.
Photo: Apple

Update: Today, February 10, is the deadline to update the Apple Home app to avoid hassles. Read on for more information about what to do and why. 

After previous warnings, Apple issued a final email this week to customers using its Home app: Upgrade to the latest architecture by February 10 or risk losing control of your smart home devices. Well, that doesn’t sound good.

How OpenClaw turns your Mac into an action-based AI agent

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AI-generated image of a MacBook running OpenClaw, which turns a Mac into an AI assistant.
Letting an AI agent handle the busywork.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Clawdbot. Moltbot. OpenClaw. The rapid rebranding might confuse you, but behind that name is a genuinely useful tool. OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI agent that you can run on your own Mac or PC.

More importantly, it can carry out actions on your behalf, like reading and modifying files, running shell commands, and even installing new tools. Think of OpenClaw as an AI agent running on your Mac that can act as your always-on digital butler.

Price drop: Get top results from dozens of popular AIs, all for one low price

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ChatPlayground AI promotional image with text
Access multiple AI apps with a lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI.
Image: Cult of Mac Deals

ChatPlayground AI gives you easy access to more than 40 of the top AI models across 25 apps, all in one place — and all for one low price. It includes big names like ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity and Gemini, and it lets you send one prompt to multiple AIs simultaneously.

That means you can compare results to find the right AI tool for the job at hand, without jumping from one AI app to another. If you’re a heavy AI user, it will save you time as well as money. Normally $619, a lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited plan is on sale now for only $74.97 with code SAVE4.

AI in Xcode, folds in iPhones [Cult of Mac podcast No. 6]

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AI-generated image of a robot looking at code, with the words
Apple's making it easier for anyone to crank out code.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

On the latest episode of the Cult of Mac podcast: Apple makes a pretty bold move by adding third-party AI coding tools to Xcode. This will make it easier for professional developers to deal with drudge work.

It also makes it simpler for beginners to write their own apps. With AI in Xcode, anyone with a good idea can make their coding dream come true. And this raises all kinds of questions …

Also on the Cult of Mac podcast:

  • A new leak offers more info on the upcoming foldable iPhone. And another new leak indicates Apple might make a different style of folding phone, too. Do we really need such things?
  • Apple updates some ancient iPhones, pretty much laying waste to the Cupertino conspiracy theory about forced obsolescence.
  • And finally, Griffin shows an iPhone tip that could prove lifesaving for some — and definitely will prove useful for many.

Listen to this week’s episode of the Cult of Mac podcast 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 live stream, embedded below.

iOS 27 will be a critical update — will your iPhone support it?

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AI-generated image of a woman holding an iPhone with iOS 27 on the screen
If you're not looking forward to iOS 27, you should be
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

iOS 26 is the most controversial iPhone update in many years. That includes dislike of the Liquid Glass design, but there are also plenty of reports of performance problems. That makes iOS 27 such an important update — Apple needs to fix bugs and maybe even find a way to deal with those unsatisfied with the new look of the operating system.

Early reports indicate Apple made fixing iOS 26 problems a focus of the next major update. But which models get iOS 27? And who gets left out in the cold? Here’s what we know now.

Price cut: Get Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac or PC for less than $100

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Woman using her laptop with one of Microsoft Office 2024 apps installed.
Save on essential Microsoft software for Mac or PC.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Not a fan of monthly fees for software like Microsoft 365? This deal lands you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 for Mac or PC.

It comes with all the Microsoft programs you know and love. And it’s on sale for a limited time. So instead of paying $249.99, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 for $99.97.

10 great Valentine’s Day gift picks from Apple

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AI-generated image of best Valentine's Day gifts from Apple
Your sweetheart should be very happy with any of these picks.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

“Love is a many-splendored thing,” goes the old saying — like a multifaceted, intricately cut diamond. Fortunately, your valentine probably doesn’t expect a diamond for a gift on February 14 (hopefully, for the sake of your wallet). But you can still spend loads of cash on Apple’s picks for Valentine’s Day gifts. We selected a bunch below. 

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs’ NeXT quits making computers

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Photo of the NeXT Cube computer manufactured by NeXT Inc.
The NeXT Computer was great but it didn't sell.
Photo: Rama & Musée Bolo/Wikipedia CC

February 9: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs' NeXT quits making computers February 9, 1993: NeXT Inc., the company Steve Jobs founded after being pushed out of Apple, quits making computers. The company changes its name to NeXT Software and focuses its efforts entirely on producing code for other platforms.

In a mass layoff, 330 of NeXT’s 500 employees lose their jobs in an event known internally as “Black Tuesday.” Cruelly, many people hear of their fate on the radio.

Apple Creator Studio vs. Adobe Creative Cloud: Which creative suite should you choose?

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Apple Creator Studio vs. Adobe Creative Cloud
Which is the better creative suite?
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple Creator Studio and Adobe Creative Cloud take very different approaches to creative software. One focuses on deep hardware integration and streamlined workflows, while the other prioritizes breadth, flexibility and industry-standard tools.

Both of these subscription app bundles promise powerful creative capabilities. However, which one actually makes more sense depends on your requirements, capabilities and workflow.

Our guide to Apple Creator Studio versus Adobe Creative Cloud will help you decide which bundle is right for you.

The Studio and Mr. Scorsese directors win big

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The Studio and Mr. Scorsese win Directors Guild Awards
Apple snagged wins in the Comedy, Documentary and Commercial categories at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV continued its awards season momentum at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards Sunday night, taking home wins for breakout comedy series The Studio, acclaimed documentary series Mr. Scorsese and commercial “I’m Not Remarkable.”

Maximum fun: Top 10 multi-Mac setups

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M2 Ultra Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR
So ... crippled by envy much? This one has a high-end M2 Ultra Mac Pro, a Mac Studio, a Pro Display XDR and two Studio Displays.
Photo: [email protected]

For Apple enthusiasts, one Mac is great — but two or more? That’s when things get seriously interesting. Years of Cult of Mac Setups coverage has showcased hundreds of impressive workstations. But these top 10 multi-Mac setups stand out as particularly fascinating examples of how power users leverage Apple’s ecosystem to its fullest potential.

From new M4-powered machines paired with vintage “trash can” Mac Pros to dual MacBook configurations seamlessly integrated with desktop Macs, these workstations demonstrate that having multiple Macs isn’t just about redundancy. It’s about optimizing workflow, separating concerns and yes, indulging in a bit of Apple-fandom excess.

M5 Pro MacBook Pro release date just became clearer

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M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro are almost here.
Just a few more weeks to go...
AI Image: ChatGPT

Reports of Apple launching new M5 Pro-powered MacBook Pros have been circulating for a while now. With shipments of the M4 Pro/Max models delayed by a few weeks, all signs point to an imminent launch.

But exactly when will Apple make its move? Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has now offered a more concrete timeline.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs flips out over iPad tweet

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The first-gen iPad in all its glory.
Steve Jobs did not like losing control of the iPad narrative.
Photo: Apple

February 8: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs flips out over iPad tweet February 8, 2010: Apple CEO Steve Jobs reportedly flips out over a tweet sent from an iPad by an editor at The Wall Street Journal.

The reason? Apple showed the iPad to top staffers at the news outlet months ahead of its official release. While Jobs already unveiled the device to the public a couple of weeks before, the suggestion that people outside Apple gained early access to the tablet apparently upset him.

The iPad tweet quickly disappears.

Bring back the glow: MacBooks lost their soul when the Apple logo went dark

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AI-generated image of a person using a laptop on a wooden table with a glowing Apple logo on the back
The glowing Apple logo was such an iconic look. Bring it back!
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

With Apple reportedly redesigning the MacBook Pro, it’s time to bring back the beloved glowing Apple logo on the back of the laptop.

Not only is it an iconic look, reviving a signature feature from the MacBooks of old would make a statement that Apple has returned to making laptops as good as the ones made back in the days when you could easily recognize a MacBook from across the room by its glowing Apple logo.

Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard is hot-swappable, customizable and on sale for $80

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Photo of Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard on a desk.
Grab this Keychron K8 wireless mechanical keyboard at a big discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Keychron K8 is a customizable, no-nonsense mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches, wireless flexibility and a premium build.

It’s wildly customizable, so you can make it work (and look) the way you want it to. Plus, it’s on sale now from Cult of Mac Deals for just $79.99 (MSRP $109.99).

Today in Apple history: Steve Wozniak survives a plane crash

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The Woz tells it like it is.
A plane crash marked the beginning of a leave of absence for Woz.
Photo: Universal Pictures

February 7: Today in Apple history: Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak survives a plane crash February 7, 1981: Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is involved in a serious plane crash in California, resulting in his first lengthy leave of absence from the company.

At the time, Wozniak is flying a turbocharged, single-engine, six-seat Beechcraft Bonanza A36TC. In the plane with Woz is his fiancé, Candi Clark, her brother and her brother’s girlfriend. Fortunately, nobody dies in the crash, although Woz suffers minor head injuries.

Every Apple Music icon explained: Your complete guide to mastering the app

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Apple Music Buttons
It's not really obvious what these buttons do.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

All the tiny signs, symbols and icons on the Apple Music app’s Now Playing screen lack labels — and it’s not obvious at all what they do. Do you know what tapping the infinity symbol does? How about the two wavy lines? 

This quick guide runs through all the Apple Music buttons and controls, so you can get acclimated to its interface. Keep reading or watch our short video.

Closeout deal: Get 4 AirTags for just $16 apiece

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AirTag deal
Keep track off all your stuff with an AirTag or four... at 34% off!
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple AirTag deal alert! Now that second-gen AirTags are here, the original model is on close-out. A four-pack of these essential Bluetooth trackers now costs a whopping 35% less than the list price on Amazon right now.

That means you can currently pick up an AirTags four-pack for $64, or $35.99 off. That’s $16 apiece — not the usual $29.

The button problem Apple fans can’t ignore

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Why delete buttons vary across iOS
Why does Apple vary delete buttons so much?
Image: [email protected]

Apple built a reputation for meticulous design consistency, but a growing number of users keep noticing cracks in that polished facade. A recent social media discussion highlights how longtime Apple fans wonder why delete buttons vary so much across iOS apps. 

“Steve Jobs would be absolutely livid about the state of Apple UIs today,” wrote one irate user about the steadily less-consistent state of the iOS user interface. 

Today in Apple history: Steve Wozniak leaves Apple

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A lack of respect for the Apple II leads to Steve Wozniak's departure from the company he founded.
A lack of respect for the Apple II leads to Steve Wozniak's departure from the company he founded.
Photo: Anirudh Koul/Flickr CC

February 6: Today in Apple history: Steve Wozniak leaves Apple February 6, 1985: Frustrated by Apple’s shifting priorities, co-founder Steve Wozniak leaves the company to pursue outside interests.

His departure — which comes the same year that Steve Jobs leaves Apple to form NeXT — represents yet another big change for the company. The move mostly stems from Woz’s dissatisfaction with how management treated the Apple II division. However, his desire to start a new company also plays a role.