| Cult of Mac

Handy USB-C extension cable boasts built-in power meter

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Handy USB-C extension cable boasts built-in power meter
Stop guessing about how much power is going to your devices.
Photo: Plugable

You’ll always know how much current is flowing to your devices with the just-launched Plugable USB Type-C Extension Cable with Power Meter. A small display shows how many watts are being transferred by the affordable cable.

Plugable also introduced on Tuesday a tiny 30W USB-C GaN charger plus a 32W wall charger that includes USB-C, USB-A and AC power ports.

Apple might release Thunderbolt cable for iPhone 15 Pro

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New evidence points to high-speed Thunderbolt connector in iPhone 15
The USB-C port in the iPhone 15 series could be blazing fast.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Good news for those hoping iPhone 15 Pro will support very high-speed data transfers: Images supposedly showing a Thunderbolt cable specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max just leaked out. This offers yet another indication that Apple’s next handsets will be able to move data at up to 40Gbps.

Whether the iPhone Thunderbolt cable will be released is open to question — it’s almost completely redundant.

Boring white iPhone cables could become a thing of the past

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A mockup of a blue braided cable.
The iPhone 15 USB-C cables might look something like this.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iPhones traditionally come with white USB cables, but an unconfirmed report says they are about to become a lot more colorful. They’ll supposedly be matched to the hue of the handset.

And the quality of the cables will allegedly be improved, too.

Get up to 86% off Apple accessories while you can

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Here's your chance to stock up on Apple accessories at super-cheap prices.
Here's your chance to stock up on Apple accessories at super-cheap prices.
Photo: Woot!

Amazon bargain site Woot! is selling a slew of Apple’s accessories at steep discounts through May 1. Sale items include Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases, an iPhone wallet, AirTag cases, and chargers and cables.

The discounts range from 21% off to an astounding 86% off (by Woot’s calculations), so don’t miss this one.

Get up to 86% off a wide array of Apple accessories

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Want an iPhone 13 Pro Max Leather Case with MagSafe? That's 75% off.
Want an iPhone 13 Pro Max Leather Case with MagSafe? That's 75% off.
Photo: Apple

Amazon bargain website Woot! is back with an another Apple sale. You can get up to a stunning 86% off many of the company’s popular accessories.

You can bag bargains on Apple iPhone cases and sleeves, AirTag leather loops and keychains, a MagSafe charger, adapters, cables and more — 25 items in all.

Charge Apple devices from almost any power source with this 5-in-1 multiport cable [Review] ★★★★☆

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Charge your Apple devices from almost any power source with this 6-in-1 multiport cable★★★★☆
Never find yourself without an iPhone charger if you add inCharge X to your keychain.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

It’s happened to all of us. Your iPhone battery is on empty and there are plenty of chargers around but no Lightning cable. The same thing can happen with a iPad and even a Mac. The inCharge X from Rolling Square is just what you need. It’s tiny enough for you to take it everywhere, but adaptable enough to enable almost any type of Apple device to get power from almost any charger.

Rolling Square also makes inCharge X Max, which is just as flexible but with a 5-foot cable built in.

I tested both. Here’s why I think they’re brilliant.

Take MagSafe to the max with a 10-foot magnetic iPhone charging cable

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This wireless iPhone charging cable is taller than you.
Don't settle for a MagSafe cable that keeps you on a short leash.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Tired of being tied down by a short charging cable that’s barely long enough to use your phone with? Love wireless charging but hate needing to set your phone down to charge every time the battery gets low?

You can wirelessly charge at a distance with this 10-foot magnetic wireless USB-C charging cable from ZeroLemon. And it’s now on sale for just $20.99 (regularly $24).

Why $159 isn’t a totally crazy price for Apple’s 3-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable

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Apple’s 3-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable
Apple now offers almost 10-feet of high-speed Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Photo: Apple

A 3-meter version of the Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 cable can now be ordered. The extra-long cable connects Macs to peripherals at up to 40Gbps and 100W of power.

It’s $159, or two or three times the cost of a high-quality 2-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable from rival companies. Trouble is, the 3-meter cable doesn’t have any direct competition.

New Air Travel Backpack lets you strap on a tech-heavy carry-on

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Strap on this carry-on with all your tech for your next flight.
Strap on this carry-on with all your tech for your next flight.
Photo: WaterField Designs

Although you never know when Covid-19 lockdowns may keep you on the ground, WaterField Designs’ new Air Travel Backpack may make you want to take flight asap. Use it to pack up a couple of laptops, cables and accessories — and maybe a change of clothes or two — and go.