charger

No, Apple didn’t change the iPhone connector to make money

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iPhone 15 and USB-C cable with money falling in the background
It's not about money this time.
Photo: Apple/Public Domain

No, Apple didn’t change the Lightning connector on the iPhone 15 to make more money selling you new cables and dongles. It’s a common conspiracy theory that Apple switches the connector all the time for lining their pockets, but it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.

First of all, Apple changes the connector very rarely; this is only the second occurrence in 16 years. Secondly, Apple is actually giving up money to make the switch happen. Not that there’s much money to be made selling Lightning cables, anyway. And all that aside, it’s out of Apple’s hands — USB-C is European Union law.

Here’s how the new, smaller iPhone box measures up to its predecessor

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Does anyone really need another iPhone charger?
Here's what removing the iPhone charger means for the box size.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

This year’s iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will be the first new iPhones not to come with EarPods or a charger in the box.

During Apple’s October keynote it said that removing these components lets it reduce carbon emissions from shipping by packing way more boxes onto shipping pallets. Now, thanks to a comparison posted by Apple analyst Neil Cybart, we have an idea what that means in terms of the overall box footprint.

Pick the perfect charger now on sale for all your devices [Deals]

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Memorial Day - Charging Deals
Take your pick of four of the best deals on the best charging solutions in the Cult of Mac Store.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We know what devices we want and need, but not until we have them do we realize our charging situation is lacking. So just in time for Memorial Day, we’ve rounded up four great charging solutions that can address anyone’s needs.

Pick up a full kit of MFi-certified charging gear for $25 [Deals]

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MFi Certified Sleek Canvas Complete Charging Collection
This kit includes wall chargers, portable battery, and a reinforced Lightning cable so you'll never have to worry about losing juice.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Staying charged on the go takes a lot of effort, and a lot of gear. From backup batteries to adapters to cables that won’t break after just a few uses, that can all add up. Luckily, this kit includes everything you’ll need to reliably juice up your phone or tablet, so you can travel without worrying about your next charge.

Best Apple Watch chargers and charging stands for any model

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best-apple-watch-charging-stands
This brilliant stand from Elago is one of many on our list.
Photo: Elago

Have a brand-new Apple Watch on the way? You’ll want some sweet accessories to go with it. A stellar charging stand that keeps your pricey wearable out of the way while you’re not wearing it is a must.

Here are some of the finest money can buy today. Whether you want high-end materials that look good anywhere, or stands that charge all your Apple devices at once, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our best charging stands roundup for the newest Apple Watch lineup.

The week’s best deals include language apps, portable wireless chargers and more [Deals]

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Charging, video editing, and language learning round out this week's top deals.
Charging, video editing, and language learning round out this week's top deals.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Another week, another round of great deals on gear and gadgets. This round’s goodies include a premium language learning app, a portable charging hub, a wireless charging stand and a high-end video editor (at a super-low price).

Most of these tech deals are discounted by more than half!

AirPower could finally arrive in late March

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AirPower image Australia
Hurry up already, AirPower!
Photo: Apple

The lengthy wait for AirPower is almost over — but not yet.

A new report, citing industry sources, claims Apple’s new charging pad will arrive in late March. If the information is accurate, that means the long-awaited launch is right around the corner.

Will we see it during Apple’s March 25 event?

Best gifts for Apple Watch fans [Gift Guide 2018]

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Don’t leave your holiday shopping until the last minute. With Cult of Mac’s handy gift guides, you can find the perfect presents and get them all early for a stress-free December.

Gift guide 2018 bugOur guides are filled with fantastic gadgets and accessories that Apple fans will love. We’ve handpicked only the best — things we’ve used, reviewed, and would recommend — so that you can be sure your money is being well spent.

This guide focuses on the Apple Watch owners in your life, and it features something to suit every budget.

Stock up on travel-ready gear and gadgets [Deals]

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Stock up on travel ready gear, from portable chargers to refurbished iPads and more.
Stock up on travel ready gear, from portable chargers to refurbished iPads and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re a snowbird escaping the winter weather or just traveling for work, we’ve got some of the best deals on gear to bring on your next trip. There’s an affordable set of noise canceling headphones, an A/C ready power pack, even refurbished iPads, and lots more. Everything in this roundup is discounted significantly, so read on for more details:

This gorgeous photo frame is also a wireless charger

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Twelve South PowerPic
A wireless charging stand that never looks out of place.
Photo: Twelve South

Wireless chargers are great, but almost all of them are ugly and boring. That’s why Twelve South invented the PowerPic, an attractive photo frame that charges your iPhone — and any other Qi-compatible device — when you place it inside.

iPhone XS user guide suggests AirPower isn’t quite dead yet

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AirPower
Is AirPod finally ready to make its big debut?
Photo: Apple

With no mention of it during the iPhone XS keynote, and little sign of it on Apple’s website, it was beginning to look like AirPower had been wiped entirely from Apple’s plans. But it seems the wireless charger isn’t quite dead yet.

AirPower is mentioned in the iPhone XS user guide, early adopters have noticed today. A reference in the latest iOS 12.1 beta also provides hope for the device.

Apple could ruin iPhone’s fast charging feature this year

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iPhone 18W fast charger
Choose your iPhone fast charger carefully.
Photo: Chongdiantou

Apple finally brought fast charging to the iPhone last fall, but with this year’s refresh, one big change could ruin it.

Recent reports have claimed Apple will ship 18W fast charging adapters with all 2018 devices, which would be terrific — but if yours breaks or disappears, don’t think about replacing it with a cheaper model from another manufacturer.

Apple’s new fast charger could be exclusively for 2018 iPhones

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iPhone 18W fast charger
Choose your iPhone fast charger carefully.
Photo: Chongdiantou

Apple is expected to ship faster charging adapters with this year’s iPhone lineup to take advantage of newer technology that allows for increased charging speeds. But you won’t be able to get one unless you buy a brand new iPhone.

According to a new report, the charger will be shipped exclusively with Apple’s next-generation handsets and won’t be available separately.

AirPower to arrive in September after design problems are solved

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AirPower
Will we finally get a release date for AirPower?
Photo: Apple

Apple will finally deliver its AirPower charger in September after solving “a series of technical hurdles,” according to a new report.

Overheating is one problem company engineers have had to contend with. Another is AirPower’s complex circuitry, which is necessary to allow compatible devices to be placed anywhere on the mat for charging.

Up your mobile audio, photo and charging game [Deals]

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This roundup of gear and gadgets includes awesome audio, video, and charging goodies.

Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Feel like spicing up the digital dimensions of your life? If so, today is your lucky day. That’s because we’ve rounded up massive deals on top shelf accessories, from Bluetooth speakers and headphones, to an awesome digital camera and portable power pack. It’s all discounted by nearly half off or more. Plus, you can get an additional 15 percent off when you use the coupon code “SAVE15” at checkout. Read on for more details:

Wirelessly diagnose your car, and more [Deals]

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collage-2017-07-16
iPhone cables, mounts, chargers, and a wireless diagnosis tool. These are the auto accessories you're looking for.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve got a car, you’ve got a hundred ways to integrate your mobile devices with it. We’ve gathered some great deals on essential tech to take on the road with you. Below you’ll find a futuristic phone mount, a 3-port USB hub, a metal-braided Lightning cable, and a tool for wirelessly checking on your car’s health. Everything Is discounted by 25 percent or more, read on for more details:

Invincible iPhone cases, unlosable backup batteries, and more [Week’s Best Deals]

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collage-2017-06-20
Get great new gear for mobile devices, digital photography, and Mac productivity.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Summer’s finally here! Along with the warm weather has come bunch of hot new deals in the Cult of Mac Store. This round, we’ve got a bundle of top shelf Mac apps that you can name your price for. There’s also a universal mount and grip for any mobile camera, and an iPhone case that can survive almost any fall. We’ve even got a powerful backup battery that you’ll never lose thanks to a built-in Bluetooth tracker.

The ultimate MacBook charger, smallest 4G phone and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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All the ports you need.
All the ports you need.
Photo: PowerUp

Crowdfund Roundup bugWith only a single USB-C port to work with, it’s difficult to connect anything other than a charger to your MacBook. That’s why you should treat yourself to PowerUp, a charger with three traditional USB ports built-in that lets you connect all the devices you need.

It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have the world’s smallest 4G smartphone, a smart water bottle that will help you stay hydrated, and more!