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Easily edit photos like a pro with this AI-powered app

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Photo editor
This AI-powered Mac app makes editing images a snap.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work. The apps we use daily can do everything from customizing smarter workflows to predicting the phrases we write. They can suggest an appropriate contact and auto-scheduling meetings based on conversations with co-workers.

In fact, more and more laborious processes are getting a boost from AI — and photo editing is no exception. Movavi Picverse Photo Editor for Mac & Windows allows you to edit professional-quality photos using AI, with features like auto-enhance, background removal, restoration and more. And you can get a lifetime license at a big discount.

No, Apple isn’t working on a vaccine passport app for the World Health Organization

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covid.19.coronavirus.graphic2
Report was erroneously made by European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Apple is not developing a coronavirus vaccine passport with Google, despite European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s assertion that such an app is in the works.

On Thursday, von der Leyen told reporters Apple and Google were developing a potentially travel-boosting solution for the World Health Organization. However, “a person familiar with Apple’s position” says the EC boss is mistaken.

Not so fast: Apple car relationship with Kia may be revving up again

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Kia
Apple's partner on the Apple Car project could be Kia. Again.
Photo: Nils Bogdanovs/Unsplash CC

The will-they-won’t-they drama involving Apple and Kia’s possible team-up to build an Apple car is on again.

Shares in the automaker rose by up to 8.1% Friday, after rumors abounded that there is still a chance that they will work with Apple on an electric vehicle. Even if it turns out to be a slightly different vehicle to the one some are expecting.

A superstar opens up in Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry [Apple TV+ review]

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Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry
She's young, she's human, get used to it.
Photo: Apple TV+

With Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, the young pop star gets a showcase and a bio-doc, which means she’s gotten so hugely popular that people demanded to know more about her.

The good news is, Eilish is a humble and interesting subject. The bad news: Being a depressed teenager with high-tension demands placed upon you isn’t the easiest thing in the world.

Eye-catching iPhone Pro concept adds smart connector, drops Lightning port

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Eye-catching iPhone Pro concept adds smart connector, drops Lightning port
This suggested iPhone Pro doesn’t use the Lightning connector. Nor does it have a model number.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa

A concept artist proposes an iPhone Pro without a Lightning port. Instead, he envisions a new dock port on the back of the handset where clip-on accessories could attach.

A beautifully made video shows off the concept iPhone as though it were real. Watch it now.

Apple products get double the space in Target stores

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Target trolleys in store
Shopping for Apple gear in some Target stores across the U.S. will soon be an easier process.
Photo: Mike Mozart/Flickr CC

Many Target stores will become better places to buy Macs, iPhones and other Apple products. In a deal announced Thursday, there’ll be twice as much space dedicated to the devices in these locations, and Target employees will get additional training on using them.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents USB hubs from damaging MacBooks

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macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 was released Thursday, February 25.
A MacBook Pro or MacBook Air might be damaged by a USB-C hub. Get macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple on Thursday released a critical macOS update that might save your MacBook from being damaged by a misbehaving USB-C hub or dock. The problem is severe enough that macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 was rushed out solely to fix this problem.

This new version might not be available for all users, as it affects only certain models.

Apple plans podcasts, training and exercise sessions for Women’s History Month

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Apple plans podcasts, training and exercise sessions for Women’s History Month
For Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Apple will call attention to female voices that drive culture and change.
Image: Apple

Apple will highlight the contributions of women to society in many ways during Women’s History Month, including suggesting relevant outstanding books, podcasts and apps. It also plans virtual Today at Apple sessions led by female creators.

Plus, there’ll be an International Women’s Day Apple Watch Activity Challenge for March 8, and there’ll be other ways of observing this day.

Mac to the future: Apple’s new designs embrace the past like never before

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The rainbow Apple logo on the back of a modern iMac.
Apple's going back to the past.
Photo: ColorWare

Something weird is brewing in Apple land. The company, which for years wasn’t big on embracing its past, has gone retro.

While the innovations — ranging from the first 5G iPhones to the exciting new Macs powered by Apple’s proprietary processors — keep coming, Cupertino is reportedly revisiting some of its past designs for its next generation of products.

And you know what? I like it.

Want an M1 MacBook Pro? Sell your old model for fast upgrade cash

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abstract-MacBook
It's easier than you think.
Photo: Dmitry Chernyshov

It’s a great time to pick up a new M1 MacBook Pro, with retailers like Amazon now slashing up to $100 off brand-new models, and Apple itself offering bigger discounts on refurbished units. And Cult of Mac can help make yours even more affordable.

We pay great prices for used Apple computers (and other Apple devices) — and we make the whole process quick and simple. We also cough up real cash that you can spend anywhere you like.

Master data analysis with one of these top-rated Microsoft Excel courses

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Master excel
Adding this skill to your resume will help you climb the career ladder.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re contemplating a career transition or looking for ways to make yourself more competitive in your current role, you’ve probably noticed this trend in the past few years: More and more employers are looking for applicants who are proficient in working with data. In fact, nearly 70% of business leaders in the United States prefer job applicants with data skills as of 2021.

One way you can meet that demand and open up more career opportunities for yourself is to master Microsoft Excel. And any of these four courses is the perfect way to start your journey toward becoming a master of data manipulation and analysis.

Apple’s VP of environment joins New Jersey Council on the Green Economy

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Apple VP Lisa Jackson showcases Apple's environmental efforts during the Gather Round event.
Lisa Jackson has led many of Apple's green initiatives.
Photo: Apple

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, will join the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy, the state said Wednesday.

The council will focus on “expanding the green economy and building a diverse workforce” while supporting clean energy initiatives and anti-climate change goals.

Half of smartphones bought in Japan in 2020 were iPhones

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iPhone 12 Pro Shiny sides
The iPhone 12 was a big hit in Japan, too.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple carved out a massive 52.6% of the smartphone market in Japan in the last quarter of 2020. That’s according to the latest figures released by International Data Corporation (IDC), highlighting just how far ahead of the competition Apple is.

In the fourth quarter of the year, Apple reportedly shipped more than 6 million units to Japan, increasing 13.8% year-over-year. The next closest rival, Sharp, shipped only 1.4 million phones for a 12.4% share. Samsung, Apple’s biggest competitor worldwide, managed only 781,000 units for 6.8% of the market.

Save with this prepaid, 6-month talk, text and data plan

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phone plan
This discounted bundle includes unlimited talk and text.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As much as you might love your iPhone, getting locked into a cellular contract can prove annoying and expensive. If you’re looking for a way to save money without sacrificing on connectivity, check out this prepaid talk, text and data plan from Tello.

Tello, a highly rated provider with a 4.6/5 star rating from TrustPilot after 7,000 reviews, offers affordable wireless phone plans without locking you into a contract (or tacking on additional fees).

Apple starts selling refurbished M1 MacBooks at big discounts

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MacBook Air M1 2020
A refurbished MacBook Air could be your key to a fresh computer without breaking your budget.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple began selling refurbished M1 MacBooks at well below their original prices. As they’re as much as $500 below the regular price, these are outstanding options for anyone who wants a laptop with Apple’s speedy M-series processor but don’t have the cash for a new one.

There’s a wide range of used MacBook Air and MacBook Pro units currently in stock at the online Apple Store.

iOS engineer loves his triple-5K display, except when he doesn’t [Setups]

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Christian Roman's setup is built for beautiful video and audio: 5K screens, massive subwoofer, pro lighting.
Christian Roman built his setup for beautiful video and audio: three 5K screens, speakers with a massive subwoofer and pro lighting.
Photo: Christian Roman

iOS software engineer Christian Roman has a “love-hate relationship” with his impressive triple 5K display setup.

“It’s fantastic when it works,” he told Cult of Mac. “It’s a nightmare when macOS suddenly decides to stop working with triple screens.”

Fry’s Electronics is dead, and the Apple store helped kill it

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The Fry's Electronics in Burbank, California, had a retro alien invasion theme.
The alien invasion theme of the Fry's in Burbank, California, looks sadly appropriate now.
Photo: Theron Trowbridge/Flickr CC

Fry’s Electronics, a brick-and-mortar retailer and Silicon Valley institution since the mid-1980s, has shut its doors. And, while it might be hyperbolic to say Apple killed the quirky electronics superstore, Cupertino certainly hammered a nail or three in Fry’s coffin.

The chain — which stocked a sprawling selection of TVs, stereos and other electronics alongside computer components, DVDs, groceries and less-savory items — became a go-to for geeks as personal computers took off.

But even with crazy themed stores that made it the “Walt Disney World of electronics stores,” Fry’s couldn’t compete in the sleek new retail world Apple created.

Foxconn electric vehicle teamup makes it better fit for producing Apple Car

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Foxconn electric vehicle teamup with Fisker makes it a better fit for producing the Apple Car.
Fisker turned to Foxconn to product an electric vehicle. Apple might someday do the same.
Photo: Fisker

A deal between Foxconn and Fisker might eventually lead to Apple having its self-driving car produced by the same company that assembles iPhones.

Electric vehicle-maker Fisker agreed on Wednesday to team up with Foxconn to develop a “breakthrough electric vehicle.” Foxconn will manufacture the car.