Mac Studio vs Mac Pro: A new champion. Photo: Cult of mac
Comparing Mac Studio vs Mac Pro shows the benefits from Apple’s ever-improving processors. Mac Studio just got a major chip upgrade, and can now be configured with an M3 Ultra. The last new Mac Pro version came in 2023, and it’s therefore stuck with an M2 Ultra.
Read on to see how much of a difference that makes. (Spoiler alert: It a big difference.)
JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7 both get JBL Pro Sound AI Sound Boost and other upgrades. Photo: JBL
New JBL Bluetooth audio options — updates on the popular JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 portable speakers — bring artificial intelligence-enhanced sound quality and battery life for on-the-go users, the audio giant said last week.
“We’re immersing ourselves in the heart of cultural moments,” said Carsten Olesen, president of Consumer Audio at Harman, which owns JBL. “The introduction of AI Sound Boost highlights our dedication to delivering dynamic solutions that shape the soundtrack of consumers’ lives.”
Running a home is easier if everybody knows what they're expected to do. Photo: Cult of Mac
If you’re constantly reminding someone to do their share of the housework, this digital calendar and chore chart can help. Whether it’s your roommate, spouse or kids, it’s frustrating when others slack off.
With this HD touchscreen, there’s no need to send a passive-aggressive text to your roommate or partner ever again. It clearly displays everyone’s designated chores — or your entire family’s schedule — on its 15.6-inch HD display. Grab this TikTok-approved gadget while it’s on sale for less than $250.
★★★★☆
The mid-range tablet is better than ever. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The M3 iPad Air can do it all, as I found while testing Apple’s midrange tablet for this review. At its core, the thin, lightweight device proves perfect for living room reading, watching and browsing. Add the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, and you can get some serious work done. It’s fast, powerful and remarkably capable.
I never previously owned my own personal iPad. I’ve used Windows PCs and Macs since 2002, switching to the Mac full-time in 2012. Between my Mac mini and Vision Pro, I haven’t felt the need for an iPad in my life.
Nonetheless, for this M3 iPad Air review, I went all-in, using the tablet with a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil for as much of my work as I could to see if I was missing out. Here’s what I discovered — keep reading or watch our video review.
India will soon make another major Apple product. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple will soon manufacture AirPods in India for export purposes. The move comes amidst the company’s push to grow its manufacturing presence in the country.
Apple already makes iPhones in India to meet local demand and export to other markets.
The iPad 3's Retina display was one gorgeous screen. Photo: Apple
March 16, 2012: Apple introduces the third-generation iPad, its first tablet to come with a Retina display. Marketed as simply “the new iPad,” it’s widely known as the “iPad 3.”
“The new iPad redefines the category Apple created less than two years ago, delivering the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in a press release. “The new iPad now has the highest resolution display ever seen on a mobile device with 3.1 million pixels, delivering razor sharp text and unbelievable detail in photos and videos.”
Boasting that beautiful screen and Apple’s then-swanky A5X chip with a quad-core graphics processor, the third-gen iPad quickly becomes a big success. Disappointingly for customers, it will only hang around until October 2012. That’s the shortest lifespan of any iOS product in history, at just seven months.
Get the huge discount on this Adobe Creative Suite learning bundle! Photo: Cult of Mac
Some apps prove pretty easy to learn, but Adobe Photoshop practically requires a course to get the hang of its powerful photo-editing features. Coincidentally, that class exists — and it’s not just for Photoshop.
If you want to master Adobe apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom and Premiere Pro, check out the 2025 All-in-One Adobe Creative Suite Bundle. This 10-course training bundle shows you how to use Adobe’s industry-standard design apps. And it’s on sale. Instead of paying $200 for lifetime access, now it costs only $29.99.
Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura star as old friends who screw up royally in Dope Thief. Photo: Apple TV+
The latest addition to Apple TV+’s impressive lineup, Dope Thief brings a fresh perspective to the crime drama genre. Based on Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel of the same name, this gripping series follows two friends who pose as DEA agents to rob Philadelphia drug dealers. But the scheme spirals into chaos when they unknowingly target a major narcotics operation. With its first two episodes now streaming, and six more to go, here are 3 reasons to watch Dope Thief. The compelling show deserves your attention (so far).
Watch your favorites anywhere with this heavily-discounted portable projector! Photo: Cult of Mac
Want the movie theater experience without the massive size and expense of a giant TV? Consider a portable projector. You could enjoy a cinematic experience at home with Xgody’s Gimbal N6, a space-saving and ultra-portable 1080p projector.
March 15, 2004: The iTunes Music Store hits a musical milestone, having sold an astonishing 50 million songs in less than a year. The achievement cements Apple’s place at the center of the rapidly changing music business — at least for the moment.
“Crossing 50 million songs is a major milestone for iTunes and the emerging digital music era,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs says in a statement. “With over 50 million songs already downloaded and an additional 2.5 million songs being downloaded every week, it’s increasingly difficult to imagine others ever catching up with iTunes.”
★★★★★
Thin, light and powerful as ever. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The 2025 MacBook Air with Apple’s M4 processor comes as close as you can get to a perfect computer for just about everyone. As I found during testing for this review, Apple crammed tons of power into a svelte, lightweight design. And this combination has never been more affordable.
This latest MacBook Air might look familiar on the outside. But when you get to work, you’ll quickly discover that the M4 is a totally different beast. M3 to M4 is the biggest leap in performance since Apple’s original switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon.
I put the latest MacBook Air through its paces for this hands-on review — read what I learned below or watch our video.
Get great value by snagging this proven Apple MacBook Air for only a fraction of the price. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Joining the Apple ecosystem can cost a pretty penny, but not when you opt for a refurbished MacBook Air. Buying a barely used Apple laptop offers a more affordable way to join the family.
An Apple executive admits that delaying the AI-enhanced Siri is an embarrassment. AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
The head of the team developing the promised AI-enhanced Siri had to admit the recent decision to significantly delay the release gave Apple’s reputation a major black eye, according to a report published Friday.
Robby Walker, Apple’s senior director of Siri and information intelligence, reportedly called the delay “ugly” during a recent all-hands meeting with his team. He gave an update on how close Apple is to having the technology ready, but couldn’t promise when it will ship. At present, the “smarter” Siri reportedly still fails to work correctly a significant percentage of the time.
Here's the ultra-wide Samsung 1440p monitor used with Mac Mini. Photo: [email protected]
Apple’s 27-inch 5K Studio Display continues to impress users — aside from its steep price tag. Lots of folks look for affordable alternatives. Today’s Mac mini user owns a Studio Display, but he wanted to try an ultra-wide Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED display. Well, guess what. He keeps going back to the Studio Display. See below for all the reasons why.
Ridley Scott's crime drama series Dope Thief debuts March 14 on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple
Two lifelong friends have a good thing going, posing as DEA agents and ripping off small-time drug dealers in Philadelphia — until they shake down the wrong house, according to the Dope Thief trailer Apple TV+ dropped recently. Then they and everyone they care about are marked for death.
Clocking in at nearly three minutes, the trailer looks gritty and great, though maybe a little too relentless with the violence. If you’re a fan of intense crime dramas with high stakes, Dope Thief brings the heat. And if you’re looking for something equally thrilling, check out thisdope snow crime series review on Cult of Mac. The new eight-episode crime series from Academy Award nominee Ridley Scott debuts Friday, March 14, on Apple TV+.
Update: The first two episode of Dope Thief started streaming Friday. Ridley Scott directs the first one. Reviews so far seems good-to-stellar. Esquire called it TV’s “next great crime thriller.” And surprisingly, a review in The Guardian said it’s like Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets Breaking Bad. In other words, not just grit, but humor.
Subscribing to the latest, greatest MacBook has never been so easy. Image: Upgraded
Let’s face it — a new MacBook is expensive. MacBook upgrade program Upgraded offers a smarter way to stay up to date. Instead of paying the full price upfront, you spread the cost over 36 months, with the option to upgrade after 24 payments. Plus, you don’t need to worry about selling your old device on a site like Facebook Marketplace.
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Pricing starts at $33.28 per month for MacBook Air or $52.17 per month for MacBook Pro, with AppleCare+ included and interest rates as low as 0%. Check out all available models at getupgraded.com.
The coach himself signed on to return, but what will be the focus? Recent rumors say it will be on AFC Richmond's women's squad. Photo: Apple TV+
In a move that will delight fans worldwide, Apple TV+ officially ordered a fourth season of its Emmy-winning soccer-comedy sensation Ted Lasso, according to a new report Friday. The announcement comes after more than a year of speculation following the third season’s conclusion in May 2023. It appears to hinge on a pivotal confirmation: Jason Sudeikis returns for Ted Lasso season 4. He signed on to reprise his role as the beloved, optimistic, heavily mustachioed and highly unlikely Premier League soccer coach.
“Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+. “Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show.”
More power output from a smaller charger -- and with a smaller price tag! Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The Iniu Leopard 100W GaN charger is a compact charging solution designed to keep all your devices powered up efficiently. Whether you’re at home, at work or on the go, this sleek, ultra-portable charger delivers blazing-fast power without the usual bulk.
Traditional laptop chargers are big, slow and inconvenient. But the Iniu Leopard uses GaN (gallium nitride) technology to deliver 100W of power in a device that’s 35% smaller than Apple’s 96W charger. Plus, it comes with three ports. (Apple’s charger only offers one.) That means you can charge your MacBook, iPhone and iPad simultaneously — without sacrificing speed or efficiency.
Even better, you can grab this 100W GaN charger for just $42.99 with free shipping. Did we mention Apple charges $79 for its charger?
★★★★☆
The 2025 iPad 11 is a lot of computer for a small amount of money. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Don’t underestimate the basic iPad. As I learned while testing the iPad 11 for this review, the newly updated tablet with an Apple A16 processor is an almost shockingly good computer when one considers it costs only $349.
I put Apple’s latest low-cost tablet to the test and came away reminded that one doesn’t need an iPad Pro to be productive. Or have fun.
★★★☆☆
At Lumon Industries, even breakfast is unsettlingly weird and creepy. Photo: Apple TV+
In our Severance season 2 episode 9 recap of “The After Hours,” we find a bit of a letdown instead of the hoped-for hot rush to next week’s finale. Innie Dylan, having fallen for his outie’s wife, gets crushed emotionally and quits Lumon. Burt takes Irving for a ride — and seemingly permanent exile. Innie Helly gets Irving’s map to the mysterious Exports Hall, only to be interrupted by Jame Eagan. And Mark and Devon team with a former foe — former Lumon Industries loyalist Harmony Cobel — to enact a plan against the company. But we still don’t know the plan, with all the bickering going on.
It’s not like it’s a bad episode. It’s just kinda bad for a great show like Severance. It feels like everything is coming apart rather than coming to an explosive boil. Perhaps that’s the groundwork needed for a dramatic finale. We’ll see.
Last week’s episode gave us Lumon and Cobel backstories. Cobel returned to her dying hometown, site of a long-shuttered Lumon ether factory, and came away with proof she invented the Severance procedure. The return to Lumon and the other characters didn’t please me as much as I expected it would.
The Macintosh 7100 was not Carl Sagan's favorite computer. Photo: Matt Gibson/Flickr CC
March 14, 1994: Apple introduces the Power Macintosh 7100, a midrange Mac that will become memorable for two reasons.
The first is that it is among the first Macs to use new PowerPC processors. The second is that it results in Apple getting taken to court by astronomer Carl Sagan — not once but twice.
RCS messaging on iPhone will get safer later this year. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/CultofMac
Apple will improve the RCS messaging experience by adding cross-platform encryption support. The company’s announcement comes as the GSM Association unveiled the latest RCS standard.
The new standard brings end-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol.
Your AirPods could gain another handy new feature with iOS 19. Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly will add a live translation feature to AirPods in iOS 19 that will enable real-time conversations between people who speak different languages.
The feature will come alongside Apple “bolstering the translation technology in iOS 19.” With this advancement, Apple is set to compete with other ai translation earbuds, bringing seamless multilingual communication to AirPods. Learn more about the update here.
An elegant streaming service for a more civilized age. Image: Public domain/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple Music Classical is a new app for iPhone specifically designed as a great experience for browsing and listening to instrumental music. Its catalog of 5 million tracks has been carefully curated and tagged by composer, work, movement, instrument, orchestra, artist and more.
Why does there need to be a separate app for classical music? Apple says it succinctly on its support page: classical music “has longer and more detailed titles, multiple artists for each work, and hundreds of recordings of well-known pieces.” This app “is designed to support the complex data structure of classical music.”
This is how to discover, find, add and listen to music in Apple Music Classical.