January 6, 1998: Just months after taking over a company on the verge of bankruptcy, Steve Jobs shocks attendees at San Francisco’s Macworld Expo by revealing that Apple is profitable again. An Apple comeback is on the way!
Referring to the company’s strategy since he took over as interim CEO in September 1997, the recently returned Apple co-founder says, “It’s all come together for us.”
Little did most of us know exactly how astonishing Apple’s rebound would be.
The new Aqara Smart Lock U400 deadbolt uses ultra-wideband technology to unlock your door automatically as you approach, the company said at CES 2026 on Tuesday. No tapping or fumbling with your phone required. It makes Home Key use via iPhone or Apple Watch even more convenient.
“We are excited to be among the first manufacturers to deliver UWB technology in home locks to consumers,” said Cathy You, Aqara’s senior vice president of global business and strategy. “With the U400 lock, we’re redefining how consumers engage with their access control systems, providing instant, automated access without compromising privacy.”
The first foldable iPhone may feature a crease-free inner folding screen. And Samsung has quietly given a first real look at the foldable’s display at CES 2026.
At the event, the company showcased a folding OLED panel with no visible creases — one that closely aligns with the display technology rumored for Apple’s long-awaited foldable.
Apple silently gave some Macs and iPads a Wi-Fi speed boost with macOS Tahoe 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The update enables 160MHz channel bandwidth support on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, eliminating a restriction that tamped down the maximum possible speeds.
The additional bandwidth should let your recent Mac or iPad benefit from higher throughput.
Pioneer Electronics’ new Sphera device is the first aftermarket in-dash receiver that supports Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio playback through Apple CarPlay, the company said Monday at CES 2026. The device makes immersive audio technology accessible to drivers whose vehicles lack factory-installed Atmos systems.
“For over 80 years, Pioneer has achieved many technological ‘firsts’ — from the world’s first car CD player to the first aftermarket CarPlay integration,” said Chris Ono, the company’s CEO and chairman. “Sphera is the next bold chapter in that legacy. We developed a product that brings the rich, detailed sound of Dolby Atmos that moves the soul, to a solution that can be installed in many vehicles on the road today.”
The Twelve South Valet combines a wireless charger with a Nappa leather-lined tray to hold your keys, glasses, wallet and more. It’s stylish and practical, powering up your iPhone or AirPods while keeping your essentials organized.
Of course, it comes in a range of color options.
Anker just added four new models to its charging lineup, with features that make them smarter and faster than ever.
Standouts include a tiny 45W charger with a smart display that can identify your iPhone model for a “tailored charging solution” and a 13-in-1 docking station with a 6-port hub that pops out so you can take it on the road.
This SleepEez deal knocks HyperGear’s mini noise-blocking sleep earbuds down to less than $20. These tiny, super-affordable earbuds block out distractions and lull you into deep, uninterrupted sleep. Plus, they are ultra-slim, lightweight and comfortable enough for side sleepers.
They shield your ears from snoring and other undesirable sounds that can keep you awake. And right now, you can grab a pair for just $19.97 (regularly $34.99). Your well-rested future self will thank you.
OWC launched an 8TB version of its Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD on Monday. Previously, the rugged portable SSD topped out at 4TB. Thanks to Thunderbolt 5, the external solid-state drive can move files at up to 6,000 MBps, making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.
After doubling the capacity, this is the first 8TB drive with Thunderbolt 5 support.
Smart light maker Govee used CES 2026 as a platform Monday to introduce three adaptive, customizable flagship products that work in Apple smart homes. The company’s “Lighting the Future” showcase featured Govee Floor Lamp 3, Govee Ceiling Light Ultra and Govee Sky Ceiling Light, all of which are Matter-compliant and Apple Home compatible.
The company also said it formed a new partnership with Samsung SmartThings for ecosystem integration.
January 5, 1999: Apple introduces a revised Power Mac G3 minitower, nicknamed the “Blue and White G3” or “Smurf Tower” to distinguish it from the earlier beige model.
The first new Power Mac since the original iMac shipped, the pro-level machine borrows the same transparent color scheme. Unfortunately, it doesn’t hang around too long.
Apple Pencil Pro is the best iPad stylus on the market, and a new deal knocks 28% off the regular cost. For a limited time, you can get an Apple Pencil Pro from Amazon for $92.97. That cost has never been lower.
If you just got a new M5 iPad Pro during the holidays, this is the stylus you want to go with it. Put them together, and you’ll be creating beautiful art in no time.
There’s also a deal on the Apple Pencil (USB-C), the iPad stylus that’s useful for non-artists.
Moft, known for its origami-inspired tech accessories, unveiled a lineup of Apple Find My-compatible MagSafe iPhone wallets — including one that works as a stand and another that’s more like a tripod — plus a new iPad folio case at CES 2026 in Las Vegas Monday.
The announcements mark a significant expansion of the company’s product ecosystem with enhanced tracking capabilities and integrated device protection.
Belkin used the giant CES 2026 trade show going on this week in Las Vegas to unveil a wide range of new accessories for iPhone, Mac and iPad. There are high-speed power banks and desktop chargers that support MagSafe, a wireless HDMI adapter and more.
These all hit shelves in the early months of the year.
January 4, 1995: Apple signs a deal with third-party Mac accessory-maker Radius, allowing the company to build Macintosh clones that run on Mac OS.
Radius is the second company to license the Macintosh operating system. (Power Computing did the same thing a month earlier.) However, Radius will become the first licensee to bring a clone to market when its System 100 ships in March 1995.
January 3, 1977: Apple Computer Co. is officially incorporated, with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak listed as co-founders. The Apple incorporation leaves out third founder Ron Wayne — who initially invested in the company — because he sold back his stake in Apple for $800.
The funding and expertise needed to turn Apple into a corporation is provided by a man named Mike Markkula, who becomes an important figure in the company’s history.
Using an aging iPad? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting your first tablet. Great news! Updated models with significantly more horsepower will hit store shelves soon.
Here’s what to expect from iPad in 2026.
You can turn your iPhone into a smart display on your nightstand, at your desk or in the kitchen using StandBy mode. It’s an attractive way to put your iPhone to work as a small information board or digital clock when you’re not actively using it.
Of course, it works best if you own a phone with an always-on display. However, it works with any iPhone with MagSafe running iOS 17 or later. Best of all, StandBy remembers different preferences for different rooms, so you can set it up as a bedside clock in the bedroom, a digital photo frame in the living room, or a music controller in the kitchen.
Here’s everything you can do with StandBy on your iPhone.
New research from the Apple Heart and Movement Study reveals that Apple Watch wearers tend to buck the trend of abandoned fitness goals, Apple said Friday.
Data shows Apple Watch users consistently maintain elevated exercise levels well past the notorious “Quitter’s Day” in mid-January. To build on that in 2026, Apple now offers more ways to keep Apple Watch users motivated so they can nail their New Year’s fitness resolutions.
This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: Apple’s got a fantastic year ahead of it, with a genuinely prodigious pipeline of new products coming in 2026. From a folding iPhone and a low-cost MacBook to entirely new product categories, get ready for 12 months of exciting new Apple hardware.
In our first show under the new Cult of Mac branding, and our final podcast of 2025, we discuss all the great stuff that Apple fans have to look forward to in 2026.
Also on the Cult of Mac podcast:
Listen to this week’s episode of Cult of Mac in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
January 2, 1979: Entrepreneurs Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston incorporate their company Software Arts to publish a program called VisiCalc. The first spreadsheet software for the Apple II, VisiCalc ultimately becomes personal computing’s first “killer app.”
The software, which sells for $100, helps transform personal computers from “cool to have” toys into “must have” business accessories.
Reps & Sets 26 is a brand-new strength training app designed exclusively for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. It was developed by a long-time Cult of Mac contributor: me, Graham Bower.
Reps & Sets 26 isn’t just another generic cross-platform fitness app. I made it Apple-exclusive, to take full advantage of the latest OS 26 technologies like CloudKit, SwiftUI and HealthKit, to deliver a truly native experience. And right now, it’s a free download. Perfect timing for your New Year’s resolutions. Get Reps & Sets 26 now, and get ripped in 2026.
It’s the new year! I have three apps that’ll help your New Year resolutions, to make sure you don’t break your streak within the very first week.
Whether you’re trying to exercise more, work more efficiently or change your daily habits, these three apps will help you make a better 2026. Apple Fitness+ is a truly excellent service that serves up slick, highly produced videos that will help you work out. Toggl Track can help you stay focused at work, with running timers you can tag with projects and native calendar integration. And Goal Streak Calendar can help you achieve something new or break a nasty old habit, with daily reminders and streaks.
Check out our list to see how you can transform your 2026 with just three apps.
AnyTrans is a one-stop content manager for iOS devices. The Mac app makes it easy to transfer any kind of data — music, photos, texts, whatever — among all your Apple gear.
And for a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription to AnyTrans for just $19.97 with code SYNC10 (regularly $79.99).
January 1, 1983: Apple launches the Apple IIe, the third model in the Apple II series — and the last before the Macintosh will arrive a year later.
It proves a big seller, and proof positive of the Apple II brand’s sustained value.