Mobile menu toggle

Enter to win a home gym featuring a Peloton Bike+, and put your Apple Watch to work

By

Bring the gym to your house by entering to win this Peloton giveaway
Bring the gym to your house by entering to win this Peloton giveaway.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

By the time New Year’s Day rolls around, you will probably already have made a few resolutions about improving your fitness and health. Instead of trying to will yourself out of bed and go to the gym, why not skip a few steps and bring the gym to your house? Our Win the Complete Home Gym Giveaway Featuring Peloton & Donate to Charity is an amazing opportunity to score premium workout equipment worthy of any elite gym — and donate to a good cause while you’re at it!

Apple boots 94,000 games from China App Store in 2020

By

AllOfUS says Apple helps censorship in China
The challenges of doing business in China.
Photo: AllOfUs

Apple removed approximately 94,000 games from the App Store in China during 2020, The Wall Street Journal reports. This is a significantly larger number than last year’s tally of 25,000 games removed.

The escalation comes as China works harder to clamp down on illegal content on mobile platforms. The WSJ says the larger number illustrates Apple’s “vulnerability to state pressure” on its business.

Some Facebook employees question social network’s anti-Apple campaign

By

Facebook logo
Facebook says it's standing up for small businesses.
Photo: Brett Jordan/Unsplash

Facebook argues that it is standing up for small businesses by challenging Apple on its pro-privacy measures. However, it appears that not all Facebook employees are buying the company line.

According to internal message board comments and audio obtained by BuzzFeed News, some Facebook employees think their employer is being a tad disingenuous with its public statements about working on behalf of mom-and-pop businesses.

Apple starts shipping out special iPhones to security researchers

By

Apple Security program
Apple launched the new program in July.
Photo: Apple

Apple has started shipping out special iPhones to help security researchers discover weaknesses in iOS. Apple announced its new Apple Security Research Device Program in July. However, they have only started rolling out the phones now.

Under the program terms, researchers get these special iPhones for a period of one year. They may extend the loan period. These iPhones are far less locked-down than regular iPhones. That makes it easier to find flaws that could help improve iOS security.

Apple turned down offer to buy Tesla on the cheap

By

The Tesla Model 3 is the company’s sedan
When Tesla was struggling to launch the Model 3, the CEO investigated selling the company to Apple.
Photo: Tesla

Apple could have bought electric automaker Tesla at a bargain price, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. But Apple’s chief executive wasn’t interested.

Musk revealed this historic bombshell Tuesday, alongside his comments on a recent report about Apple’s plans for a self-driving vehicle.

Molekule air purifiers literally destroy pollutants, and they’re on sale now

By

Molekule's advanced air purifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Molekule's air purifiers come in a variety of sizes to handle different rooms.
Photo: Molekule

This air purifier post is presented by Molekule.

If there was ever a year that cried out for clearing the air, it’s 2020. Many a pundit has called these 12 months “challenging” in many ways. This holiday season, with so many people spending most of their time at home, why not give yourself and others the gift of literally cleaned air? You can do that with a technologically advanced — and Apple HomeKit-compatible — Molekule air purifier, such as the Air Mini+. They’re on sale through Dec. 31.

Back up your most precious moments with 4 amazing deals on cloud storage plans

By

Take your pick at four of the best storage and backup plans out there
Take your pick: We've got lifetime subs to four of the finest cloud storage and backup plans out there.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Smartphone and computer storage gets cheaper, faster and more reliable every year, but there still never seems to be enough. Our phones are filled to the brim with 4K videos, photos and apps.

If your smartphone or hard drive is packed full of important documents and family memories you just can’t let go of, cloud storage is a great option. These four cloud storage plans are all available at drastically reduced prices right now — and they’re all lifetime subscriptions, too.

Future iPads could get big boost from M-series Mac processor

By

An iPad with an M-series chip could happen in 2022..
iPads could be so much faster running Apple M-series Mac processors.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple could be preparing to dramatically improve the performance of its iPads. The company reportedly will start building its tablets with the same M-series chips that go into the company’s laptops and desktops.

These will be produced by Apple’s chip maker TSMC, which is moving ahead with developing 3nm processors. Its first production units will reportedly be M-series chips for Macs. And these processors will also allegedly be used in future iPad models.

Connect AirPods to almost anything with AirFly Pro [Review]

By

Twelve South AirFly Pro with AirPods Pro
Twelve South AirFly Pro is the perfect companion for AirPods Pro.
Photo: Twelve South

AirFly Pro can wirelessly connect your AirPods to a plane’s entertainment system. Or the machines at your gym. If it has a 3.5 mm audio jack, this Bluetooth adapter lets it communicate with your AirPods. Even two pairs at once.

And the same easily pocketable gizmo can connect your iPhone to a car stereo’s AUX port to play music off your iPhone.

I tested both these features — find out how well they work in this AirFly Pro review.

MGM, the studio behind James Bond, goes up for sale. Will Apple bite?

By

Does Apple TV+ have James Bond film 'No Time to Die' in its sights?
Does Apple TV+ have James Bond in its sights?
Photo: MGM Studios

MGM, the movie studio that owns the James Bond franchise, is supposedly up for sale — and The Wall Street Journal says some “big technology companies [are] logical buyers.”

Apple has previously been reported as expressing interest in acquiring the James Bond movies, and has held talks about purchasing MGM.

Mortal Kombat gets new Brutalities on iOS in time for the holidays

By

Mortal Kombat
Same Kombat. Smaller screen.
Photo: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

‘Tis the season to be jolly — or, it seems, to take your mortal enemies, tear their still-beating hearts from their chests, and then freeze said organ in your hand, all while laughing evilly. Or something similarly twisted.

That’s an around-about way of saying that Mortal Kombat for iOS has received an update. If you’re looking for a bit of gory fighting action to distract you from the impending holidays, it’s well worth checking out. Although why you’d have any built-up stress that needs excising after 2020 is beyond me…

Protect your iPhone 12 with this transparent case

By

Get crystal-clear protection for your iPhone 12.
Get crystal-clear protection for your iPhone 12.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s probably no better feeling than receiving and setting up a brand new iPhone, whether you’re transferring over all your old data or looking up the best new apps to download and experience. On the flip side of that, there’s probably nothing more worrisome than dropping your brand-new phone for the first time.

If you recently bought a new iPhone 12, protect your investment with this Crystal iPhone 12 Transparent Case. Not only will it protect your phone from drops and spills, it also won’t interfere with the device’s beautiful, sleek lines.

Epic and Samsung join forces to taunt Apple

By

Epic Games mocked Apple with a ‘1984’ parody.
Epic continues to take shots at Apple. Now it's got a partner.
Screenshot: Epic Games

Fortnite maker Epic Games continues to take shots at Apple — teaming with Samsung to send a gift bag to online influencers containing a “Free Fortnite” custom jacket with Apple-inspired logo, some suspiciously Apple-looking packaging, and a Galaxy Tab S7.

The note inside reads:

How to customize a game controller for iPhone or iPad

By

How to customize a game controller for iPhone or iPad
Reconfiguring the buttons on an PS4 or Xbox game controller connected to an iPad or iPhone is easy. Here’s how.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Serious gaming on your iPad or iPhone gets better with an external Xbox or PlayStation controller instead of a touchscreen. And Apple recently improved the experience even more by allowing you to reconfigure the buttons on your game controller.

Here’s how to customize what those all-important buttons do.

Innovative batteries might power Apple Car by 2024

By

An Apple Car looks increasingly likely.
An Apple Car for your family might be ready in 2024.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly prepping an an autonomous vehicle that’s aimed at the consumer market. Leaked information indicates Apple is going to make a car and sell it to the public, not just develop self-driving technology to license to other companies.

Apple Car production supposedly will begin in 2024 using cutting-edge battery technology.

Facebook to Bauhaus: 2020’s best tech books

By

Best books
Here are some more books to join your already creaking bookshelves.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Looking for a great book to bury yourself in as we escape the closing days of a pretty terrible year? Whether you’re looking for one for yourself or a gift for a fellow tech lover, 2020 had no shortage of great titles.

Here are our choices for the best tech books of 2020.

VIPkeysale.com offers Cult of Mac readers 16% off software keys

By

Cult of Mac readers get 16% off at VIPkeysale.com for the holidays.
Cult of Mac readers get 16% off at VIPkeysale.com for the holidays.
Photo: MediaMZ

This software key post is presented by VIPkeysale.com.

It’s that time of year again. What time is that? Winter holiday time. Time to stay inside at home — whether from the cold or because of COVID-19 — and bask in the warm glow of your device screens. That’s especially fun and easy when VIPkeysale.com offers you (and all Cult of Mac readers) 16% off gaming and other software product keys.

And if you’re giving gifts this holiday season, sales like this one might just give you some extra reason for holiday cheer. Just remember to check out with your purchase on the website using the coupon code VIPMAC.

This blue-light-blocking screen shields and protects your eyes (and your phone!)

By

this screen protector effectively blocks up to 90% of harmful blue light emissions
This accessory is a win-win for your iPhone and your peepers.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s that time of year where you’re probably thinking of what well-intentioned resolutions you can make for the upcoming new year. Some might be a little easier to do than others — for example, meditating a few minutes every day — and some might be a little more challenging (like learning how to code). But if there’s one easy thing you can do to boost your wellness for the future, it’s using this handy Ocushield Anti-Blue Light Screen Protector for iPhone. Trust us, your eyes (and, if you tend to drop your phone a lot, your device, too) will thank us for it.

Electronic Frontier Foundation springs to Apple’s defense in Facebook spat

By

During the WWDC 2020 keynote, Apple doubled down on its commitment to privacy.
During the WWDC 2020 keynote, Apple doubled down on its commitment to privacy.
Photo: Apple

Digital rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation called Facebook’s anti-Apple attack ads “a laughable [attempt] … to distract [users] from its poor track record of anticompetitive behavior and privacy issues” in an article published Friday.

Facebook lashed out at Apple last week with two full-page newspaper ads. The campaign targeted Apple’s new App Tracking Transparency feature, which fills users in on which apps are tracking them. Facebook claims the change will hurt small businesses by making it tougher for them to use targeted ads.

Apple closes all 53 stores in California as coronavirus cases spike

By

Stonestown Apple Store iPhone
Stores like San Francisco's Apple Stonestown are closed due the pandemic.
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed over the weekend that it is once again shuttering some of its stores as COVID-19 cases continue to climb. All 53 Apple Stores in the company’s home state of California, alongside those in Mexico, Brazil and London will shut their doors temporarily.

Apple has not announced when they will reopen. In the United Kingdom, nonessential stores in Greater London are closed until at least December 30, when guidance will be reviewed.

Apple puts iPhone manufacturer on probation following labor violations

By

iPhone sales are showing signs of life in India
Wistron was the first iPhone manufacturer to start building handsets in India.
Photo: Apple

Apple has temporarily stopped working with Wistron, the iPhone supplier that this month had riots break out at its Indian factory due to alleged mistreatment of employees.

In a statement, Apple said that it has put the manufacturer on probation. It will not receive new Apple business until it has carried out corrective actions.

Mophie clip-on power bank charges your iPhone on the go [Review]

By

Mophie Juice Pack Connect review
The Mophie Juice Pack Connect is bulky, but the clip-on battery is easily removable.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Attach the Mophie Juice Pack Connect to your iPhone to significantly increase the battery life. And replace it with a ring holder/stand when you want a slim handset again.

I put this clip-on battery system to the test. Here’s how it stood up.

These new apps will bring you some holiday cheer [Awesome Apps of the Week]

By

We could all use a little Christmas cheer right about now, couldn't we?
We could all use a little Christmas cheer right about now, couldn't we?
Image: Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

So far, 2020 has been a total Grinch. Find a little fun with these new and recently updated apps, which will guide you to Christmas light shows, plunge you into Marvel superhero brawls and even boost your darts game.

Plus, Canadian CBD connoisseurs can gain access to all the latest info on what’s available and where. And iPhone 12 Pro/Max owners can see in the dark.