Lots of iPhone activations show that Apple handsets were the most popular to gave and receive this Christmas. Photo: Apple
Nine of the top ten handsets activated on Christmas Day in the U.S. were iPhones, according to a market-analysis firm. Only a single Android slipped onto the list… and in last place.
But it’s not Apple’s newest that dominated holiday sales. Older, more affordable models were the top sellers.
The Liquid Silicone is super-slim. The Protective Armor is ultra-rugged. Photo: Elago
Elago’s brilliant cases are now available for the entire iPhone 12 lineup. There are four different styles to choose from, from the super-slim Liquid Silicone to the ultra-rugged Protective Armor.
And the best bit? They’re all nicely priced at just $18.
Lens Technology, a Chinese company that makes glass for the iPhone, has allegedly made use of Uighur Muslim forced labor, according to a Tuesday report in The Washington Post.
Documents about the use of alleged forced labor were discovered by the Tech Transparency Project. The research organization detailed how “thousands of Uighur workers from the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang were sent to work for Lens Technology.”
Never lose your AirPods again with Air Fob. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
What would you do without your AirPods? They’re perfect for everything from tuning into your favorite learning app or wearing during a sweaty workout. Unfortunately, they can fall out during almost any activity, whether you’re moving around too much while taking a class, or even while you’re in transit from your doorstep to the side street.
Luckily, there’s Air Fob — an AirPods tracker that both protects your precious earbuds from damage and helps you locate them in case they slip out.
Apple had a gold-plated holiday season. Photo: Apple
It’s been a great, record-busting year for mobile apps — and, unsurprisingly, that translated to a strong Christmas as well.
According to app analytics platform Sensor Tower, customers spent a total of $407.6 million across both the iOS App Store and Google Play over Christmas. This represents a massive 34.5% increase from the $303 million spent this time last year.
Of that, the App Store represented 68.4% of all spending — or $278.6 million in total.
The Apple Watch has come a long way since its early days. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
A Twitter user by the name of @AppleDemoYT has posted images online they claim to be an early Apple Watch prototype, built as part of the pre-production process before Apple introduced the device in 2015.
Such prototypes are very rare, with Apple preferring not to show images that shed light on how it develops products. Somehow this one made it out in one piece — provided it’s legitimate, of course.
Mariah's Christmas special was supposedly a big hit for Apple. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple might make a Mariah Carey Christmas special a regular part of the Apple TV+ holiday slate. A new report suggests Apple and the superstar songstress are already in talks about a 2021 follow-up to the surprisingly popular Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.
Netflix could spend an estimated $19.03 billion on video content in 2021, data presented by investment bank Bankr suggests.
That would be an increase of 10% from the estimated $17.3 billion it spent this year. It’s also a massive ramp-up from the $2.4 billion Netflix spent in 2013 when it started moving into original productions with shows like House of Cards.
The Aukey Omnia Mix3 Charger is smaller than Apple’s MacBook one, but boasts 3x as many ports. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Aukey Omnia Mix3 90W 3-Port PD Charger can juice up your MacBook Pro at nearly full speed. Or it can power your iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch all at the same time.
Since Apple stopped bundling chargers with its iPhones, but they do come with a Lightning to USB-C cable, now is a good time to consider a multi-port USB-C solution like this one.
I put the Aukey wall charger to the test powering up my devices. Read on to see how well it did.
What are you waiting for? Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
How low can they go?!? Once again, Woot is offering the lowest price we’ve ever seen for brand-new AirPods Pro. You can pick up a set of these noise-canceling Apple earbuds for just $189.99.
Woot’s AirPods Pro sale goes for just three days or until they sell out. And, while you’re there, you might as well look at all the open-box iPhones and other electronics that Woot is selling at extremely low prices.
This convenient app condenses books and fosters personal development Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
If you’re smart, you’re always looking for ways to sharpen your cognition and improve your brain’s processing power. After all, being able to consume more information and digest it quickly means you can be more efficient and productive.
With this app, you can consume full books in just minutes. And, for a limited time, you can save an extra 20% on already-discounted subscription prices when you use coupon code HOLIDAY20 at checkout.
Caviar saw the complaints about the AirPods Max’s $550 price and said “Hold my beer.” Photo: Caviar
The $550 price tag for Apple’s AirPods Max raised no few eyebrows, but the Russian luxury brand Caviar blows that out of the water. It just launched a version of these over-the-ear headphones that is 200x more expensive.
A driverless vehicle from Apple might not hit the roads for close to a decade. Graphic: hatzfeld/Pixabay CC/Cult of Mac
A respected Apple analyst and prognosticator threw cold water on recent reports about a future Apple Car arriving in the next few years. Ming-Chi Kuo says it’s possible a self-driving vehicle from Apple could land in 2025, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the launch doesn’t happen before 2028.
Your new Mac deserves these amazing apps. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
If you were lucky enough to bag a new Mac for the holidays, you’re probably on the hunt for some awesome new apps to use on it. We’ve rounded up five of the best that we think every Mac owner should be using.
These apps will let you play any video, keep a close eye on precious storage space, extract important data from your iPhone and iPad backups, and more!
Get a "forever" sub to the best streaming service for documentaries. Image: CuriosityStream
There are plenty of streaming options out there and, while you might have beefed up your home theater setup for action flicks and your favorite feel-good shows, after a certain point, you’re probably longing for content that’s a little more educational. The CuriosityStream HD Plan: Lifetime Subscription gives you access to thousands of the world’s best documentaries on the award-winning streaming and on-demand viewing service.
Apps! On your wrist! Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Got your new Apple Watch up and running? It’s time to start exploring all the amazing watchOS apps available to you. We’ve rounded up five of our favorites that we think every Apple Watch owner should be using.
The ChronoWatch will help with workouts of all kinds to get your 2021 off to a great start. Photo: ChronoWatch
Getting a smartwatch is a smart decision, but it can also be a costly one.
With luxury models like Apple Watch Series 6 running hundreds of dollars, it might make more sense to invest in a high-tech watch that’s on sale for the holidays, like the ChronoWatch Multi-Function Smart Watch. You can snag this impressively intelligent device for just $31.99 with the 20% off code HOLIDAY20.
Totallee's clear cases for the iPhone 12 series preserve the device's beauty while they protect it. Photo: Totallee
This iPhone case post is presented by Totallee.
With iPhone prices rising to heights that make the devices more of a serious investment with each new model, those lucky enough to find themselves the proud owner of a new device had better protect it. That means putting it in a case. Some people hate that because it bulks up and obscures their sleek and beautiful new smartphone.
But your new case doesn’t have to look like it’s as protective as blast barriers and barbed wire. You could try the case that is almost like no case at all — the Totallee clear case for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. The thin, flexible, transparent case is for anyone who wants to protect their brand-new iPhone while retaining its aesthetic.
Find out how to set up and outfit your new iPhone, iPad, Mac and more. Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
If you found some new Apple gear under the tree or in your mailbox, this week’s how-tos are for you. We’ll show you how to set up your new iPhone, Apple Watch, etc., and also recommend some hot apps you should download immediately to maximize your fun and productivity.
Get those tips, plus the week’s to Apple news and opinions, in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. It’s our gift to you! Or, like every week, you can get the headlines in your browser below.
But have you considered changing your workspace to make sure it’s optimized to help you be efficient and comfortable at the same time? An easy addition might be swapping your traditional desk for this EC1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk.
An AirPods Pro accessory pack is just one of the best gifts you can give after Christmas. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
We’ve all been there before: Last-minute gift shopping can be pretty stressful. If you’ve gotten yourself in that same sad boat (again) and are still trying to figure out the perfect presents for your friends and family, check out these stocking-stuffer-sized gifts. They range from an ultra-durable charging cable to the best accessories for your AirPods.
And, in the Christmas spirit, you can save an extra 15% off with code MERRY15.
Five awesome apps you shouldn't be without. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Got a new iPhone or iPad for the holidays? Make the most of it by getting your hands on some of the best, most useful iOS apps. We’ve rounded up five of our favorites that we think every iPhone and iPad owner should be using.
Yes, Virginia, you can play golf indoors. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
We all need a way to wind down after a long day (or a way to spend a weekend when the weather’s bad). And if you’ve already run through your book list and taken a few meditation classes, nothing really beats a round of golf.