A new YouTube video offers a glimpse at major design changes reportedly coming to iOS 19, with visionOS-inspired user interface elements and rounder “squircle” app icons.
Released Monday by Front Page Tech, the video shows re-created renders of the iPhone operating system based on information provided by an unnamed source within Apple.
Both the CalDigit TS5 and TS5 Plus offer more than a dozen ports. Photo: CalDigit
The newly announced CalDigit TS5 Plus is for very elaborate setups. The sort of professional-grade setups that can make use of 20 ports, including a pair of Thunderbolt 5 ports, five more USB-C ports, 140W charging, a 10Gb Ethernet port and plenty more.
Those who can struggle by with a mere 15 ports might choose the smaller CalDigit TS5 instead.
The British government can’t keep the wraps on its attempt to spy on iCloud users globally. Image: Apple/Cult of mac
A U.K. court on Monday confirmed Apple’s legal challenge of a secret government order to provide a backdoor into encrypted iCloud data. The U.K. government wanted its demand — which would compromise the encryption for iCloud users anywhere in the world — to remain hush-hush.
News of the government order (and Apple’s appeal) previously leaked out. And Apple already disabled its Advanced Data Protection encryption in Britain to comply. However, both the U.K. government’s demand and the legal battle it provoked were supposed to be secret. The ruling by the U.K.’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal drags the whole thing out into the open.
Find and delete copies of your photos on your iPhone. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You could have dozens of copies of the same images in your Photos library, taking up space on your phone and in your iCloud account. Luckily, Apple offers an easy-to-use little tool that lets you find duplicate photos and delete the copies, all right from the Photos app.
These types of duplicate images can accumulate more quickly than you might expect. They arise if you make a copy of a photo to edit, if you screenshot a photo to bump it to the top of your Camera Roll, or if you and your partner both upload the same picture to your Shared iCloud Photo Library. In fact, I found hundreds of duplicates in my own carefully curated library.
It’s a surprisingly sophisticated feature that took Apple engineers a fair amount of smarts to cook up (more on that later). Here’s how to use Apple’s duplicate image remover and get rid of all those unnecessary files. Keep reading or watch our video instructions.
This user's Blue Yeti mic on a nice boom arm plus a Behringer audio interface get the job done. Photo: [email protected]
Sometimes a computer setup showed off on social media demonstrates just how easy and affordable it can be to add a nice set of audio gear for podcasting, streaming, Zoom meetings and more. Today’s M4 iMac workstation sets a good example. It not only includes AirPods Max, Apple’s premium over-ear headphones. It also features one of the most popular USB microphones mounted on a boom arm, plus a capable audio interface. And it’s all pretty much plug and play, so the user can start broadcasting or recording in minutes.
This was the beginning of the end for System 7. Photo: Apple
April 7, 1997: Apple’s System 7 operating system receives its last update with the shipment of Mac OS 7.6.1.
The update brings a few bug fixes and support for Apple’s new PCI Power Macs and the PowerBook 3400. Most importantly, it marks the end of the System 7 era, which dawned way back in 1991.
Apple rushed enough inventory into the United States that price hikes seem unlikely… for now. Photo: Cult of Mac
President Donald Trump’s tariffs started going into effect on April 5, and Apple reportedly brought as many products into the United States as possible just before the deadline. That includes five planes full of iPhones and other products coming in from India.
New taxes on imports are expected to push up prices for electronics, including ones from Apple. But with a considerable stockpile, it might be months before Apple is forced into a price increase.
Transform your photos into eye-catching collages with this easy-to-use app. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Pic Stitch is a versatile collage app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. With this easy-to-use software, you can take advantage of a robust menu of editing tools, and hundreds of layouts, to customize your photo collage before you can share it to social media — without ever leaving the app.
And instead of paying the normal price of $149, you can get a lifetime subscription to Pic Stitch Pro for $39.99. That means you won’t wind up paying monthly fees for a collage-making app that will give you years of utility.
Severance takes over Bell Works in New Jersey for an ORTBO Activation and panel discussion. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ brought Lumon Industries to life Saturday in a surprise, star-studded event — and it confirmed renewal of Severance for season three in the process.
The streamer surprised thousands of the show’s fans with a Lumon-style Outdoor Retreat Team-Building Occurrence, aka ORTBO. It featured a panel discussion moderated by Stephen Colbert at the surreal workplace thriller’s primary location, Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey.
April 6, 1939: John Sculley is born in New York City. He will grow up to be hailed as a business and marketing genius, eventually overseeing Apple’s transformation into the most profitable personal computer company in the world.
After a remarkable stint as president of Pepsi-Cola, Sculley will take over as Apple’s third CEO in 1983. He will run Apple for a 10-year period, guiding the creation of the revolutionary Newton MessagePad.
During Sculley’s decade at the helm, Apple will sell more personal computers than any other company. But most people still remember him for his role in kicking Apple co-founder Steve Jobs out of Cupertino.
The iPhone 17 Pro's design changes may or may not impress you. Concept image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro lineup might not ship with as many design changes as rumors initially suggested. Instead, a new report says the iPhone 17 Pro could look much like the iPhone 16 Pro.
Despite this, Apple reportedly will introduce the biggest design changes to the iPhone lineup this year since the iPhone 12 in 2020.
Seth Rogen co-created, writes and stars in "The Studio" on Apple TV+ Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ comedy The Studio brings a biting perspective to the entertainment industry, pulling back the curtain on Hollywood’s most absurd realities. The series, starring Seth Rogen, takes viewers deep into the chaotic world of a legacy movie studio struggling to survive in modern-day Hollywood, which is decidedly different from classic Tinseltown. So this The Studio review says green-light this one for your watchlist.
Unlike showbiz satires before it, The Studio focuses tightly on the clash between artistic vision and evolving corporate demands in a streaming-media world. And where else are you going to see Martin Scorsese weep and Ron Howard go ballistic? See three reasons to watch it below.
Despite what my hairline would imply, Craig Federighi is not family. Just friend. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can quickly tag photos on your iPhone with the names of your friends, family members and pets so you can easily find pictures of them later on. The Photos app will detect pictures of people automatically — you just need to give them a name. I’ll show you how to fine-tune the results as well.
I’ll show you how to find this long-standing feature in the new Photos app and make the most of it. Keep reading or watch our video guide.
Use your AirPods to hear the plane's in-flight movies with this inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Even in 2025, most in-flight entertainment systems don’t offer Bluetooth connections. But with this affordable Bluetooth adapter, you can pop in your AirPods and enjoy your choice of the airline’s featured movies, TV shows and music in a glorious state of noise-cancellation-induced bliss.
That’s way better than packing an additional pair of wired headphones or using (or even purchasing) a crappy pair of earbuds on the plane. That’s why this Eve II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver is such a useful device for travelers. Perfect for any upcoming air travel, it’s on sale now for only $42.97 (regularly $59) with free shipping.
What if an Apple Pencil was a paintbrush instead? AI concept: ChatGPT
Apple engineers exploring ways to improve the Apple Pencil got a patent for a stylus tip that can change its shape or stiffness. The goal might be to make a paintbrush for an iPad so digital painting feels more like the real thing.
It’s a concept the company has looked into for years.
Windows users can now enjoy the immersive listening Apple users have loved since 2021. Photo: Apple
In a major enhancement to Apple Music for Windows PCs, Apple rolled out support for Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio. This long-awaited feature brings the immersive audio experience that Apple users have enjoyed since 2021 to the Windows platform for the first time.
The Dell 4K display is new to this MacBook Pro setup. Photo: [email protected]
This setup is simple but effective. The MacBook Pro workstation user added a Dell display that brings the setup to a whole new level, with a spacious screen sporting 4K resolution visuals.
Vision Pro Guest mode is how you can share your Vision Pro with someone else. Because if you own one of Apple’s new AR/VR headsets, everyone you know is inevitably going to want to try it on. That’s where Vision Pro Guest Mode comes in.
With the release of visionOS 2.4 and iOS 18.4, setting up Guest Mode is much easier than before. The old way still works — but to make sharing your headset more seamless, you should follow the instructions below. There’s a little bit of setup, but then it should be smooth sailing.
This is how to set up a guest user on Vision Pro. Keep reading or watch our video.
You never need to pay full price for Microsoft Windows. These are you top ways to save. Image: CdkeySales
When building a new PC or upgrading your current system, the cost of Windows can be a significant part of your budget — but a Windows 11 Pro key can help. While Microsoft officially sells Windows 11 Home for $139 and Windows 11 Pro for $199, there are several legitimate ways to obtain Windows for less. And in fact, you might even be able to get one for free.
Here’s how to save money on Microsoft software without compromising on functionality, including shopping with our favorite third-party discount seller, CdkeySales.com, which often offers Windows 11 CD keys on sale.
With the possibility of big price hikes looming, those looking to upgrade might want to act fast. Photo: Apple
President Donald Trump’s newly announced 54% tariff on Chinese imports sent shock waves through the tech industry, with Apple potentially facing billions in additional costs. This raises an urgent question for consumers: Should you rush to buy that new iPhone or MacBook before prices skyrocket?
You might want to accelerate the timing of that upgrade you had in the back of your mind. But those who aren’t desperate to upgrade might benefit from playing the waiting game. See the ins and outs below.
Apple and Microsoft had a long and storied history together. Photo: Fulvio Obregon
April 4, 1975: Microsoft is founded by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The software company destined to become a tech behemoth — and a major Apple frenemy.
A few years later, Microsoft will break through to the mainstream with Excel and Word, becoming a key developer of Macintosh software. Then comes the Windows operating system, looking suspiciously Apple-like. After Windows arrives, Microsoft and Apple will embark upon a long-running feud.
The new Apple Manufacturing Academy will train small- and medium-sized businesses from across the country. Photo: Apple
Expanding its commitment to American manufacturing, Apple plans to establish the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit in summer 2025. It comes in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), the school said Thursday. And offering in-person and virtual training, it will work with small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide.
“The Apple Manufacturing Academy will train businesses across America to implement smart manufacturing techniques that are creating opportunity and shaping the future of technology,” said Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations.
“Apple is proud to work with suppliers in all 50 states — and starting this summer, we’re excited to work with Michigan State University to expand American manufacturing leadership and help even more companies innovate and grow,” he added.
The Apple TV+ subscriber base is growing… but the same holds true for all the other streaming video services. Image: Cult of Mac
Apple TV+ controlled 8% of the U.S. streaming market in the first quarter of the year, according to market analysts. That’s the same share it had a year ago, showing Apple’s recent difficulties outcompeting its rivals.
One might think that three months of new episodes of the mega hit Severance would have pushed up the Apple TV+ share of the market, but it got only a small bump over the previous quarter.
Still, that doesn’t mean the number of subscribers to Apple’s video service isn’t growing. While its share of the market is fairly static, the size of the whole streaming market keeps increasing.
"RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic+" lets you make wild rides. Photo: Atari/Apple
Apple Arcade subscribers got a treat April 3 as the gaming service adds six fun new titles to its growing catalog of more than 200 ad-free games. So look out for some updated icons: RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic+, Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE and Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve.
Update: The fresh games are now ready to play on Apple Arcade.