Several new Apple devices hit store shelves today. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
You can now purchase Apple’s 2025 MacBook Air refresh with a faster M4 chip from your nearest retail store. The upgraded Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips also hits retail stores today.
Additionally, the M3 iPad Air and iPad A16 are also up for sale starting today, March 12.
We don't recommend banging your head while wearing a Vision Pro. Image: Apple
Apple’s new immersive concert video Metallica will give Vision Pro owners a unique experience of one of the band’s pulse-pounding shows. Filmed during the band’s M72 World Tour, it captures three Metallica songs in ultra-high-resolution, 180-degree video and Spatial Audio.
In a press release Tuesday, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich described the immersive video as a revolutionary twist on the standard concert film.
“Game-changing is putting it lightly,” Ulrich said. “Seeing our concert like that, along with the energy of the Mexico City fans — it’s very immersive, and it’s super-fun. We’ve always been interested in pushing the boundaries, and Metallica on Apple Vision Pro is exactly that.”
macOS 16 could look more like visionOS. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple intends to massively transform the user interfaces for the iPhone, Mac and iPad later this year, according to a reliable source who says iOS 19, macOS 16 and iPadOS 19 could bring the most significant changes in years.
How will those changes affect the familiar look and feel of Apple’s devices? A software developer speculates that a pair of recently released Apple apps offer a sneak peek at the design overhaul reportedly coming in iOS 19 and macOS 16.
iOS 18.3.2 is out for iPhone, along with macOS 15.3.2, iPadOS 18.3.2 and visionOS 2.3.2. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple introduced on Tuesday four patches for a range of devices to deal with bugs. iOS 18.3.2, macOS 15.3.2, iPadOS 18.3.2 and visionOS 2.3.2 are all ready to download.
In addition to a bug fix related to streaming content, the patches also include a fix for a potentially serious security issue.
This mobile security camera plays with your pets. Photo: Enabot
Enabot Ebo Air 2 Companion Robot brings enhanced features that make it an appealing addition to your home, the company said Tuesday. Launching with a price tag of $199 (minus 15% off launch discount), this compact mobile robot builds upon its predecessors with significant improvements in camera quality, interactive capabilities and personalization options.
The iPad 2 took a leap forward in every way except pricing. Photo: Apple
March 11, 2011: How do you follow up your biggest product debut ever? That’s the question Apple needs to answer as the iPad 2 launch date arrives.
Apple’s second-generation tablet boasts a faster dual-core A5 processor inside a lighter build. It’s also the first iPad to feature VGA front-facing and 720p rear-facing cameras. This milestone marks a significant moment inApple history, demonstrating the company’s continuous innovation in the tablet.
2025 Mac Studio: Probably more power than you really need. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Early reviews of the 2025 Mac Studio tout the speed boost that comes with the Apple M3 Ultra processor, and the M4 Max version is certainly no slouch. And, as reviewers point out, the new chips build on previous versions that offered an impressive set of features packed into a relatively small casing. For those interested in the latest developments in AI-powered performance, check out the latest Apple AI news.
If you’re interested in Apple’s latest laptops, the MacBook Air M3 is now available for purchase.
Considering the new desktop? This is just what you need to know:
Reviewers agree M4 MacBook Air's small upgrades and price reduction make it a compelling buy. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
New M4 MacBook Air reviews find it’s one of Apple’s most compelling laptop updates in recent memory — not because of revolutionary changes, but due to thoughtful refinements and a surprising price reduction. Here’s what reviewers said Tuesday about the new M4 MacBook Air.
The Apple Watch Series 10 failed to boost Apple's smartwatch sales. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Despite the launch of the redesigned Apple Watch Series 10, Apple’s wearable sales declined by a whopping 19% in 2024. The overall smartwatch shipments also fell by 7% in the year.
Although sales declined, Apple remained the top player in the smartwatch market in 2024, beating Samsung and Xiaomi.
The European Commission could take a softer stance against Apple's DMA breach. Photo: European Commission
The European Commission will reportedly slap Apple and Meta with “modest fines” for breaching the DMA (Digital Markets Act).
The act became a law in EU countries in May 2023, forcing Apple to open its devices to third-party app stores and be more open to competition. This ongoing regulatory pressure raises questions about Apple’s global operations, including where are iPhones made.
"The King's Music Room" playlist premieres March 10. Photo: Apple Music
In a literally royal musical celebration, Apple said King Charles III hosts a special radio show and playlist on Apple Music 1 titled “The King’s Music Room.” It commemorates Commonwealth Day, March 10. See King Charles’ playlist and watch his introductory video, below. This is the first time a reigning monarch has guest hosted on Apple Music, by the way.
“Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others,” King Charles said. “It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places.”
“But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration,” he added. “In other words, it brings us joy.”
Update: Check out the King’s list of songs, added below.
Get this AI-based presentation tool at a hugely discounted price. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Creating effective bar charts, line graphs and other presentation visuals takes skill — unless you use artificial intelligence to handle the heavy lifting. Columns AI takes your data and automatically generates all the imagery you need to spice up your presentations and reports.
In retrospect, Apple's Newton MessagePad survey seems like stealth iPhone research. Photo: Moparx
March 10, 2004: Apple sends out a survey to select Apple customers, claiming that it is considering relaunching the Newton MessagePad.
“We need to determine why the Apple Newton was not a commercial success and whether there is an interest in re-launching a new version of the Newton,” Apple’s survey says. “Your comments will help understand why the Newton failed and if there is interest in re-launching a new, improved Newton.”
In hindsight, it seems pretty clear that this apparent “interest” in launching another personal data assistant was a way of doing some undercover market research for the still-in-development iPhone.
Each type of headphone has plenty to recommend it. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Ever wondered how closed-back and open-back headphones differ? Is one or the other better for your uses in your computer setup and elsewhere? What the heck is “impedance?” I recently experimented with both open- and closed-back cans in my evolving setup. I’ve laid out all the considerations and key differences for you below. And you can find my gear in the links list at the bottom of this article.
The first M3 iPad Air reviews are in, and it looks good. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Early reviews of the upcoming M3 iPad Air note the ho-hum nature of Apple’s update: The midrange tablet gets a speed boost thanks to a new chip and nothing else. Still, the device gets lots of compliments from reviewers.
The consensus remains that the iPad Air continues to be a worthy option for those who want more than the budget iPad but aren’t willing to pay for all the additional features of an iPad Pro.
Nevermind that rabbit's third ear. Tim Cook is a product magician! AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: There’s plenty to talk about after an absolutely magical barrage of new Apple products unveiled this week. We discuss the highlights (and lowlights) of all the new Macs and iPads.
Also on The CultCast:
What’s in the latest iOS 18.4 and visionOS 2.4 betas? Griffin gives us an overview of new features.
Erfon struggles with yet another Apple buying decision.
Griffin gives the iPhone 16e a surprise rave review.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast 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.
Short of a Nirvana MIDI file playing in the background, you can't get more 1990s than this! Image: Andrea Grell/Ste Smith
March 9, 1996: Apple confirms that it will shut down its eWorld online service at the end of the month.
Part messaging service, part news aggregator — and all with Apple’s customary premium prices — the short-lived eWorld proved ahead of its time. Apple tells disappointed eWorld subscribers they can switch to America Online instead.
Apple’s smart home device might look just a little bit like this. Concept: Vivint/Apple/Cult of Mac
The launch of a device that will be the centerpiece of Apple’s next foray into smart home technology reportedly got put on hold. The delay in the launch of the wall-mounted iPad-like computer is a result of Apple’s problems finishing work on an AI-enhanced version of the Siri voice assistant, according to a reliable source.
This guide will tell you if it’s worth an upgrade. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it worth it to buy the new Mac Studio with an M3 Ultra or M4 Max? Apple’s latest desktop Macs are the most powerful ever — and that’s not hyperbole. And updates to the Mac Studio don’t come by too often.
If you have an old pro Mac with an Intel chip, it’s a no-brainer. It’s definitely time to move on — no matter which model you have. However, if you’re already on a Mac Studio, you may not need to update quite yet.
More than just a system update, Mac OS 8 was a nasty surprise for clone-makers. Photo illustration: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
March 8, 1997: Apple renames the forthcoming Mac OS 7.7 update, calling it “Mac OS 8.” It’s more than just a name change, though: It’s a sneaky sucker punch that ultimately knocks out Mac clones.
Unfortunately for Mac users, the updated operating system does not deliver the total top-to-bottom rewrite promised by Apple’s Project Copland. However, the renaming strategy turns out to be a brilliant (if underhanded) way of getting Apple out of terrible licensing deals.
This guide will tell you if it’s worth an upgrade. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it worth it to buy the latest iPad 11 with an A16 chip? Apple’s latest budget tablet comes with a big boost in performance at an even lower price — and now with double the internal storage. It’s an absolutely fantastic starter tablet, and a genuine bargain.
If you have an old iPad with a Home Button, now is a great time to upgrade. Especially if you have an 8th-generation model or older. Although it doesn’t have Apple Intelligence, the iPad 11 is still a great buy.
Is it worthwhile to upgrade from a newer iPad? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.
This guide will tell you if it’s worth an upgrade. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it worth it to buy the iPhone 16e? Apple’s latest entry-level iPhone brings a nice balance of modern features and capabilities at a reasonable price. It’s also possibly the nicest-looking iPhone in the current lineup.
If you’re still on an iPhone SE, now is a great time to upgrade. You’ll be getting a modern device with Face ID, Apple Intelligence, 5G, USB-C and more — in a handsome and lightweight design.
This guide will tell you if it’s worth an upgrade. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it worth it to buy the M3 iPad Air? The new tablet is a stellar upgrade to a fine line of iPads. The M3 chip brings even more power to the mid-range offering.
If you have an older iPad Air with a Home Button, it’s time to upgrade to the new class of iPad. It can be a laptop replacement, with an attachable keyboard and trackpad, and desktop-style multitasking. For those considering a high-performance alternative, check out thisM3 iPad Pro review to compare features. Add the new Apple Pencil and it becomes an advanced drawing tablet.
This guide will tell you if it’s worth an upgrade. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it worth it to buy the M4 MacBook Air? This machine has got to be the best value in all computing right now. The latest model brings a big boost in performance, and comes in a stunning new sky blue color — at an even-lower price. The new MacBook Air is one of Apple’s best laptops ever.
If you’re still using the Intel MacBook Air you bought in early 2020 during COVID-19, now is the golden time for you to upgrade. You’ll be getting a fantastically powerful laptop that can handle it all.