Mobile menu toggle

This Sandisk SSD is so tiny it can live on your MacBook [Review] ★★★★

By •

SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive★★★★
Add a terabyte of storage to your older MacBook with this affordable SSD.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Sandisk gives its new Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive the crown as “the world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive.” It’s undeniably very, very small — so tiny that you can leave it plugged into your MacBook. That means it can semi-permanently boost the storage capacity of your older notebook — and at quite a good price.

I tested the miniature external SSD with a variety of Apple devices, including my iPhone. Here’s how it stood up to real-world use.

When will your state let you add your ID to Apple Wallet?

By •

Graphic showing a Georgia digital ID over a map of the United States
13 states or territories, including Georgia, are fully on board.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

When will you be able to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on your iPhone? In the United States, it varies by where you live. It’s not up to Apple: Each state and territory maintains a completely independent registry of drivers and identification cards, so each one must independently pass legislation and implement digital IDs.

If you live in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico or West Virginia, you can do it today. (Our guide will show you how to add your driver’s license to Apple Wallet.) Otherwise, check our map and lists below to see how likely your state is to let you add your ID to Apple Wallet, and when it might happen.

How to quickly queue songs on Apple Music (and clear the queue)

By •

Play This One Next
Your phone can DJ for you.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can queue songs in Apple Music so the tracks you want to hear play automatically, one after another. You don’t need to wait for the song to end and manually play the next one. And if you want to start over, you can quickly clear the queue as well. 

Plus, you can let friends add songs to the queue from their own phones — even if they don’t have an Apple Music subscription. Watch our video or keep reading below.

Your secret weapon for 4K Mac screen recordings

By •

Screen showing video editing on a Mac with AWZ Screen Recorder for Mac
Save 62% on a lifetime subscription to AWZ Screen Recorder for Mac.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve ever tried recording your Mac’s screen and ended up juggling multiple apps — one for video, another for audio and a third just to trim the thing — you’ll instantly get why AWZ Screen Recorder for Mac is such a big deal. It lets you record anything on your screen in crisp 4K, edit it instantly, and share it anywhere.

It’s the rare screen-capture tool that actually groks what creators, gamers and professionals need: clarity, control and zero friction. And right now, you can grab lifetime access to AWZ Screen Recorder for just $29.99 (MSRP $79.90).

I ditched Finder on my Mac for this app, and I’m not going back

By •

Image of a MacBook Pro with the logo of Bloom, a Finder replacement for Mac, on its screen
When it comes to file management on Mac, Bloom blows Finder away.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Bloom is a Finder replacement that will completely change how you work with files on your Mac. 

With a refined interface that makes it feel like a native Mac app, it offers advanced features like a customizable multi-pane layout and enhanced file operations. After using Bloom for several weeks, I’m hooked. It speeds up basic tasks and makes file management on my Mac much easier.

Here’s everything this productivity-boosting Finder replacement can do.

LibrePods finally brings real AirPods support to Android

By •

AirPods and Android together
AirPods finally work well with Android, thanks to LibrePods.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

A new open-source app called LibrePods aims to make the AirPods experience on Android nearly as good as on an iPhone.

Currently, Androids do not officially support AirPods. You can technically pair Apple’s earbuds with Android phones, but you won’t be able to access most of coolest features. 

Coupon code: Customize your Mac to the max with MacPilot

By •

Personalize your Mac with a MacPilot lifetime license.
Optimize and supercharge your Mac with MacPilot.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want to customize your Mac? MacPilot shows you how to tap into macOS’s Unix underpinnings to deliver under-the-hood tweaks and customizations that will make your Mac life simpler.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to MacPilot for just $27.97 with code UPDATE (regularly $99).

Illinois drivers can add their digital license to iPhone

By •

Illinois drivers can add a digital license to iPhone
An Illinois digital drivers license is a benefit to travelers.
Image: Illinois Secretary of State/Cult of Mac

Illinois motorists can securely add a digital driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, which enables them to present their ID using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The option was announced Tuesday and becomes available on Wednesday.

That makes the Prairie State the fourteenth U.S. state or territory to support Apple’s digital ID program.

New iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 betas show testing is nearly over [Updated]

By •

iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here
iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here!
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple continues to quickly push ahead with development of its next round of operating system updates. The result: the third betas of iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 reached developers on Monday, and the public on Tuesday. The same goes for iPadOS 26.2 beta 3, watchOS 26.2 beta 3, tvOS 26.2 beta 3 and visionOS 26.2 beta 3.

Expect the full versions to be ready in only a few weeks.

Get a 3-in-1 charging station with cozy halo light for just $45

By •

Product photo of the Clingomatic Qi2.
Get the Clingomatic Qi2 3-in-1 Charging Station on sale for $44.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Clingomatic Qi2 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with Halo Light offers a simple solution for charging your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all in one place. It’s designed to fit seamlessly on a nightstand, desk or side table, bringing a touch of modern elegance to your space. And right now, it’s on sale for just $44.99 (regularly $119.95).

Apple Watch breakthrough saves 400 metric tons of titanium a year — here’s how it works

By •

Photo of a 3D-printed Apple Watch Ultra 3, created using a breakthrough production process that Apple says saves 400 metric tons of titanium a year
Apple can now 3D print millions of identical Apple Watch enclosures to exact design standards using high-quality recycled metal.
Photo: Apple

Apple has achieved what many thought impossible: manufacturing millions of Apple Watch cases using 3D-printing technology with 100% recycled titanium — while cutting raw material usage in half. The breakthrough marks a significant milestone in both sustainable manufacturing and production efficiency, with the company estimating the process will save more than 400 metric tons of raw titanium this year alone.

“It wasn’t just an idea — it was an idea that wanted to become a reality,” said Kate Bergeron, Apple’s vice president of product design, in a press release Tuesday. “Once we asked the question, we immediately started testing it. We had to prove, with continuous prototyping, process optimization, and a tremendous amount of data gathering, that this technology was capable of meeting the high standard of quality we demand.”

Today in Apple history: Apple introduces its biggest iMac G4 yet

By •

Photo of Apple's 20-inch iMac G4 on a desk with keyboard and speakers
Apple's 20-inch iMac G4 in all its glory.
Photo: Wikipedia CC

November 18: Today in Apple history: Apple introduces 20-inch iMac G4, the biggest iMac yet November 18, 2003: Apple debuts a new iMac G4 sporting a 20-inch screen, the company’s biggest flat-panel all-in-one computer ever.

The introduction makes an already superb Mac even better. Somehow, though, the additional screen real estate makes the new Mac weigh twice as much as the 17-inch model.

Top 10 high-end Apple setups you wish you could afford

By •

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 years I’ve showcased cool Apple-centric computer setups for Cult of Mac. I never seem to get tired of drooling over the sweetest of the bunch. Sometimes that’s about the most awesome possible computers and monitors — Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, anyone? — and sometimes it’s about a whole package, including fabulous audio gear and more. I selected a bunch of drool-worthy setups with stratospheric price tags for you below. 

iPhone 17’s N1 chip delivers major Wi-Fi speed boost

By •

Apple N1
Apple's N1 chip really makes a big difference in Wi-Fi speeds.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 17’s new N1 wireless chip brings a significant boost in Wi-Fi speeds. Tests conducted by Ookla show the newer iPhone models pulling faster speeds over Wi-Fi than their predecessors.

Based on the test data, the iPhone 17 pulled 40% faster Wi-Fi speeds than the iPhone 16.

6 hidden Apple One perks you might not know about but should

By •

Cartoon image of a man and woman sitting on a couch with MacBooks on their laps and a city skyline in the window behind them.
Sure, Apple One bundles save you money, but lesser-known perks make them even better.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Apple One makes life easier (and cheaper) by bundling multiple Apple services together — and hidden perks make everything even better. The initial draw is that you gain access to services like Apple TV, iCloud and Apple Music at a reduced price. But there’s more to each of these services than meets the eye.

There are several lesser-known features you might not know about. Some enhance your day-to-day experience, while others will help you save even more money.

Sorry, Siri: iPhone side button will soon trigger other voice assistants

By •

An image of an iPhone 17 with a magnifying glass and a microphone overlaid, used to illustrate a story about triggering a new voice assistant other than Siri by using the side button.
Open a third-party voice assistant instead of Siri.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple will soon allow iPhone users in Japan to use the side button to trigger a third-party voice assistant they might prefer to Siri. It is laying the groundwork for this change in iOS 26.2, which is currently in beta testing.

The company posted a detailed post on its developer blog providing insight into this change.

Apple loses major iPhone Air designer to AI startup

By •

iPhone Air floating in front of a fake palm tree in a beige room
It's the same designer who starred in the iPhone Air's design video.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Abidur Chowdhury, the industrial designer who helped shape the iPhone Air, reportedly left Apple for an unnamed AI startup.

“His exit made waves internally, given his rising profile within the design team,” according to a Bloomberg report.

Astonishing deal slashes price on latest MacBook Air to new low

By •

Photo of person playing a game on an M3 MacBook Air while wearing AirPods Max headphones, used to illustrate a post on MacBook Air deal options.
Get a sleek and speedy MacBook Air while its on sale!
Photo: Apple

The M4 MacBook Air is the best mobile computer for most people, and a sweet new deal drops both the 13-inch and 15-inch models to new lifetime low prices. You can snag the 13-incher for just $749 or the 15-incher for just $949.

Both deals slash $250 off — a wickedly good price for a beautiful and powerful Apple laptop.

Use OpenAI to find hot stocks to invest in

By •

Photo of a person using AI investing app Sterling Stock Picker
Maximize your stock portfolio with this AI investing app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Without an AI investing app, trading in today’s unpredictable market can feel like throwing darts blindfolded. (Pro tip: Don’t try that unless you’re Mike Tyson.) One day, stocks are up; the next, they’re crashing. Not to mention, every so-called expert has a different opinion.

Sterling Stock Picker changes the game. This AI-driven platform taps OpenAI to take the guesswork out of investing, using advanced technology to guide you toward smarter financial decisions.

Whether you’re looking for long-term growth, dividend stocks or high-risk/high-reward opportunities, this AI investing app helps you navigate the stock market with clarity. And speaking of good investments, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker for just $55.20 with code STOCKS20. That’s a massive, limited-time discount off the original price of $486.

Today in Apple history: First M1 Macs usher in the wonderful world of Apple silicon

By •

The M1 MacBook Air, M1 MacBook Pro and M1 Mac mini.
The first three M1 Macs: the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini.
Image: Apple

November 17: Today in Apple history: M1 Macs usher in the wonderful world of Apple silicon

November 17, 2020: Apple releases the first three Macs powered by the company’s new M1 chip. The Apple silicon processor sparks a renaissance at Apple, with the excellent new computers surprising nearly everyone with their bold mix of power and efficiency.

The switch to Apple silicon could not have come soon enough for Apple. The era of Intel-powered Macs began promisingly enough, but went out with a long whimper. The stark contrast in Apple’s commitment to the platform, and the unbelievable value the new Mac models offered, made the Apple silicon era a golden age for the Mac.

M5 vs. M4: Apple’s latest silicon breakthrough explained [Updated]

By •

M5 vs M4 chip comparison
Here are the key differences between Apple's latest chip and its predecessor.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

With Apple’s M5 chip appearing in more devices, it’s time for an M5 vs. M4 chip smackdown. Apple unveiled its new M5 chip in October, marking a significant leap forward in on-device artificial intelligence performance over its predecessor. So let’s compare the M5 chip to the M4 chip. 

While maintaining the same core architecture as the M4 chip, the M5 delivers dramatic improvements in AI processing, graphics capabilities and memory bandwidth that position it as Apple’s most AI-focused silicon to date. But it enough to temp would-be upgraders?

10 surprising benefits of Apple Watch Series 11

By •

benefits of Apple Watch Series 11
Think it mainly tells time and tracks your fitness? You might be surprised.
Photo: Apple

While many people know the new Apple Watch Series 11 tracks your steps, heart rate and possible high blood pressure, the latest iteration also offers unexpected advantages that go beyond basic fitness monitoring. We put together 10 surprising benefits of Apple Watch Series 11 for you below.

Whether you’re a longtime Apple Watch user or considering your first purchase, these surprising benefits might just change how you think about what a smartwatch can do.

Apple may shake up iPhone launch cycle in 2026

By •

iPhone Air 2 rumors
Apple never intended to update the iPhone Air annually.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Contrary to a recent rumor, Apple didn’t delay the launch of the iPhone Air 2 to 2027 — that was seemingly the company’s plan all along.

A new report adds more info about the road map for the super-slim device, as well as shedding more light on Apple’s plans to spread out iPhone launches starting in 2026 to give its marketing team some breathing room.