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Read this before installing the iOS 16.1 beta if you plan to get an iPhone 14 ASAP

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iOS 16.1
You might want to avoid the iOS 16.1 beta for a bit.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded iOS 16.1 to developers on Wednesday and could give the general public access on Thursday. But you should think twice about installing it if you intend to get an iPhone 14 as soon as it’s released.

It’s likely the new handset will launch running an earlier version of iOS, which might cause you difficulties.

Apple Watch Series 8 review roundup: Best smartwatch gets a tick better

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Apple Watch 8 is great. But it's not necessarily great enough to upgrade, given its minimal improvements.
Apple Watch 8 is great. But it's not necessarily great enough to upgrade, given its minimal improvements.
Photo: Apple

The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra garners most of the oohs and aahs, and the Apple Watch SE takes the cake as Cupertino’s best-selling wearable, but gosh darn it, people like the Apple Watch Series 8, too. And by people, I mean reviewers.

Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 8 started coming in Thursday morning. They tend to emphasize that it remains the best smartwatch you can buy, even though its upgrades over the Series 7 seem minimal.

Get this Apple Watch alternative for the best price you’ll find on the web

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Upgrade your watch with this top-rated Apple Watch alternative.
This top-rated Apple Watch alternative is on sale today for less than $55.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If last week’s Apple Watch Series 8 announcement left you reeling from sticker shock, you might want to reconsider what features you actually need from your smartwatch. For example, this GTS 2 by Amazfit offers plenty of smartwatch features — without the Apple tax.

Usually $99, it’s currently on sale for just $49.99. That’s the best price you can find anywhere online.

Earn cash back on groceries, gas and more with 50% off a year of Sam’s Club Plus

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Enjoy consistent savings on household items with a reduced membership fee to Sam's Club
Make shopping for groceries and gear easier with this discounted deal on a Sam's Club Plus membership.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Grocery shopping can be quite a hassle. From overpriced items and unavailable products to underwhelming customer service and time-consuming trips, there are plenty of reasons people avoid making such trips until their cupboards are bare or they’re tired of ordering out.

A Sam’s Club Plus membership simplifies that process. It sets users up for major savings, access to a vast, varied inventory and benefits such as members-only pricing on premium products. An annual membership usually costs $100, but you can subscribe for only half that price for a limited time.

Everyone ‘running away from something’ in wild Apple TV+ Shantaram trailer

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Feeling hunted and reckless? Welcome to 1980s Bombay.
Feeling hunted and reckless? Welcome to 1980s Bombay.
Photo: Shantaram

Looking for romance, adventure and more than a little life-threatening danger? That’s easy, just head to Bombay in the 1980s. Apple TV+ offered first-look images and an action-packed trailer Wednesday for the upcoming series Shantaram. It ticks all those boxes.

The 12-episode first season starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) debuts October 14. Watch the trailer below.

iPhone 14 review roundup: Deja vu all over again

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iPhone 14
iPhone 14 could be a good upgrade for those coming from iPhone 11 or older.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews of the new iPhone 14 are rolling in. The consensus? It’s a capable iPhone — basically an iPhone 13 with minimal improvements (and nowhere near as cool as the feature-rich iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max).

So it’s not quite worth an upgrade from an iPhone 13, or maybe even the fairly similar iPhone 12. Only people holding iPhone 11 and older have something to get excited about.

But for some who want the big screen of the iPhone 14 Plus — not yet in the hands of reviewers — an upgrade from a recent handset may be worth it.

M1 Mac mini marshals 3 dazzling displays [Setups]

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Using Running two ultra-wide displays and a portable monitor with an M1 Mac mini isn't very difficult.
Using Running two ultra-wide displays and a portable monitor with an M1 Mac mini isn't very difficult.
Photo: [email protected]

We’ve covered many computer setup with multiple displays, even as many as six. But we don’t come across many purpose-built portable displays, perhaps because iPads often serve that purpose.

But today’s featured gaming setup uses an M1 Mac mini to drive two LG UltraWide monitors and a 15.6-inch Full HD portable screen, claiming no lag or latency. If you’re searching for the best monitor for Mac mini, check out this guide on top display options.

The secret? Well, as is often the case, it’s in the hub.

Launch your dream website quickly for $89 with lifetime access to PixelHost

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Build the WordPress site of your dreams with PixelHost.
Get WordPress sites up quickly and easily with PixelHost.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

While operating systems may change, your website should always be running and easy to upgrade. With a WordPress hosting service like PixelHost, you’ll get the tools you need to build, launch and run WordPress sites for any purpose, whether you’re running a blog, promoting a small business or highlighting a podcast.

You can get a lifetime PixelHost Managed Plan on sale for $89 (regularly $1,800) for a limited time.

Powerful new Ugreen Nexode Charger juices 3 devices fast

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Ugreen's new charger can pump 140W of power to up to three devices.
Ugreen's new charger can pump 140W of power to up to three devices.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen rolled out its new Nexode 140W Charger Tuesday, saying it “can charge as fast as any charger currently on the market, while also being able to fast charge three devices at once.”

The compact charger has three ports to charge MacBooks, iPads, iPhones and other devices. I plan to review it soon.

Is this the toughest iPhone 14 case?

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The new Casetify Bounce Case features fortified corners and more.
The new Casetify Bounce Case features fortified corners and more.
Photo: Casetify

Casetify made a bold claim when it released its Bounce Case for the iPhone 14 series on September 7, along with its upgraded Impact and Ultra Impact series cases.

It said the Bounce is “the world’s most protective case for the mass market.”

“Tested to withstand over 156 drops on all angles and falls from up to 21.3 feet, the 6x Military Grade Standard Bounce Case is the most protective of its kind,” the company added.

This hybrid Apple Watch band makes leather fit for everything

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Mifa-Hybrid-Sport-Apple-Watch
Get yours for just $25!
Photo: Mifa

Mifa’s brilliant Hybrid Sport band for Apple Watch lets you enjoy the look and feel of vintage leather without the drawbacks.

A silicone backing means it’s ideal for both formal functions and the toughest workouts. It’s sweat-resistant, incredibly comfortable, and amazingly affordable. It also comes in a wide range of color options (including green and camouflage, which you don’t see all that often).

Keep hands and pockets free with new iPhone 14 holster cases

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The Zip iPhone Holster is the more compact of the two holsters.
The Zip iPhone Holster is the more compact of the two holsters.
Photo: WaterField Designs

WaterField Designs introduced two American-made cases for iPhone 14 and other handsets that you probably won’t see everywhere else: the Zip iPhone Holster and the Finn iPhone Holster Wallet.

“The two fully-enclosed iPhone14 holsters ideally suit contractors, field technicians, or anyone looking to free up hands and pants pockets with a more comfortable, secure way to carry their iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 and wallet contents,” the San Francisco-based company said.

Why iPhone 14 Plus is delayed until October

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Why iPhone 14 Plus is delayed until October
No one can get their hands on the iPhone 14 until October. Here's why.
Photo: Apple

Three of the new iPhone 14 series models first reach customers on September 16, but not the iPhone 14 Plus. That’s on hold for three extra weeks.

Apple didn’t explain the delay, but an analyst has the likely reason why: Cupertino can’t get enough of a critical component.

New Sonos mini subwoofer pairs via AirPlay with sound bars and speakers

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The new Sonos Sub Mini is designed to punch up bass while blending in.
The new Sonos Sub Mini is designed to punch up bass while blending in.
Photo: Sonos

Audio powerhouse Sonos launched the long-awaited Sub Mini on Tuesday. The small, cylindrical wireless subwoofer is designed to add low end to home theaters in smaller rooms.

It’s compatible with the company’s range of products, including its AirPlay-enabled sound bars and speakers. The affordable subwoofer goes up for sale on October 6 for $429. You can preorder it now.

Apple TV+ bags 9 Emmys including another best-comedy win for Ted Lasso

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“Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+ took home four wins at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, including back-to-back wins for Outstanding Comedy Series for both its first and second seasons.
“Ted Lasso” took home four Emmys, including back-to-back wins for Outstanding Comedy Series for its first and second seasons.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ took home nine Emmys at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards Monday night, including Outstanding Comedy Series for Ted Lasso for the second year running.

The streaming service won four Emmys for Ted Lasso and others for Carpool Karaoke: The Series, SeveranceSchmigadoon! and Home Before Dark.

Tap into a deep and diverse pool of photography talent with Scopio stock photos

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Give your work a global feel with 99% off Scopio.
Get unique and diverse stock photos for your work with Scopio.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The new features and tools built into the iPhone may make high-end photography more accessible to the average user. And yet, finding high-quality image assets for your marketing materials will remain challenging. The Scopio stock photo service puts talent from around the world at your fingertips.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to Scopio — with hundreds of thousands of royalty-free stock images — for just $29

Enter to win a shiny new elago iPhone 14 case of your choice [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Pick your color with the new elago iPhone 14 Silicone Cases.
Pick your color with a new iPhone 14 silicone case from elago.
Photo: elago

This week’s giveaway is to ensure your glossy new iPhone 14 is protected the best way possible. elago, one of our favorite Apple accessory-makers, just launched its new iPhone 14 cases, and we are giving three lucky readers a chance get their hands on one of them.

The best bit is, if you win, the case choice is yours.

Keep your devices ready to go with 57% off this MagSafe-compatible charger

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Charge your iPhone wirelessly and securely with this MagSafe-compatible charger.
Lay down and power up with 57% off this Qi-compatible wireless charger.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As the Apple ecosystem expands, owning MagSafe-compatible chargers will be vital to staying connected and keeping your batteries full. This magnetic wireless charger is ideal for charging at your desk or on the go, and it’s much cheaper than Apple’s version.

This MagSafe-compatible charger is now on sale for just $16.99 (regularly $39).

iOS 16 does not kill older iPhone performance or battery life

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iPhone 8 Wireless Charging
Don't listen to the doomsayers – tests show iOS 16 makes iPhone 8 run faster.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Benchmark tests show that models as old as iPhone 8 run nearly as fast on the just-released iOS 16 as they did on iOS 15. Some devices even see a performance increase after the upgrade, while others see very moderate slips.

These tests refute the mistaken claims that iOS updates turn older iPhones into slugs. And some Apple handsets even get a considerable increase in battery life from iOS 16.

Show off iPhone 14 with Totallee’s super-thin cases

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Totallee's clear cases really show off the handset, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Totallee's clear cases really show off the handset, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Photo: Totallee

Looking to protect your iPhone 14 without adding any bulk? Right after Apple unveiled the new iPhone 14 series handsets, Totallee offered its new collection of ultra-thin cases, including transparent options that verge on invisibility.

At just 0.02-inches thick, Totallee’s new cases are truly thin. They’re about as close as you can get to not having a case while still adding protection.

Go luxe with Mujjo’s new leather iPhone 14 cases

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Mujjo's new cases feature Ecco leather and machined metal buttons.
Mujjo's new cases feature Ecco leather and machined metal buttons.
Photo: Mujjo

New iPhone 14 owners have a luxe choice of case in Mujjo’s new lineup of leather cases, with wallet or not. The company rolled them out the same day Apple released the iPhone 14 series.

Mujjo said all the new cases include “machined metal buttons to optimize responsiveness.”

Lightning must die: It’s time for Apple to kill its darling

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USB-C Lightning
Lightning was great but its time has passed. USB-C is now a better option.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Today is the 10th anniversary of the Lightning connector. It was once the best option but has since outlived its usefulness. This obsolete port needs to go.

Apple knows what the replacement needs to be. It should stop dragging its feet and make the change.

Oddly square LG DualUp display spotted in wild with Mac Studio [Setups]

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It's hard to look at anything but that weird, square display.
It's hard to look at anything but that weird, square display.
Photo: [email protected]

Displays aren’t just going up from 4K to 5K and beyond, they’re also taking new forms. Today’s featured setup is the first we’ve seen with the recently released LG DualUp monitor in real-world use. It features an unusual 16:18 aspect ratio. Here it’s paired with an older LG display and a Mac Studio.

And this setup also includes Steve Jobs. Play some “Where’s Steve?” (not Waldo) and see if you can spot him.