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Make your video streams look stellar with FineCam Pro

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Take multi-cam footage from any device with FineCam Pro, now only $49.99.
Give your videos a professional gloss with this $49.99 software.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you’re video conferencing, well-shot presentations can be a powerful way to sway new clients and impress employers. And despite what you might think, you don’t need a studio full of expensive gear to knock people’s socks off. FineCam Pro is virtual camera software for recording video and video conferencing.

Cult of Mac readers can score lifetime access to FineCam Pro, which works on Mac, iOS, Windows and Android, for only $49.99 (regularly $84) for a limited time.

Apple pushes out final versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and macOS [Updated]

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iOS 17 Coming Soon
Its final form is here. Its release is a little later.
Image: Ed Hardy/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Shortly after today’s announcements, Apple pushed out the release candidates for iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10. These operating systems will all be available on Monday, September 18.

macOS Sonoma has a later release date of September 26 and did not receive a release candidate today. Update: The macOS Sonoma release candidate is now out.

There are two important PSAs for developers: The release candidate of Xcode 15 does not support the visionOS SDK. App submissions for the new operating systems are now open, though.

iPhone 15 adds Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, dumps Lightning port

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iPhone 15 colors
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus come in a range of pastels, plus basic black.
Screenshot: Apple
Wonderlust 2023

The just-launched iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include the Dynamic Island previously reserved for Pro models. And they’re enhanced with another previously Pro feature: a 48 megapixel camera.

What they don’t have is a Lighting port or screen notch. These have been replaced with better options.

“iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus represent a huge leap forward with exciting camera innovations that inspire creativity, the intuitive Dynamic Island, and features like Roadside Assistance via satellite that make a real difference in users’ lives,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.

The handsets were unveiled Tuesday at Apple’s Wonderlust event, along with two iPhone 15 Pro models andnew Apple Watch iterations.

Apple updates AirPods Pro 2 and EarPods with USB-C

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AirPods Pro with USB-C port and charging cable
Updated AirPods Pro 2 look the same, but feature a new connector on the bottom.
Photo: Apple
Wonderlust 2023

At Apple’s “Wonderlust” event today, the company released an updated version of AirPods Pro 2 and EarPods with USB-C connectors. The earbuds themselves are largely unchanged from before, but the AirPods Pro 2 charging case and wired EarPods have switched from the once-inescapable Lightning port to the universal USB-C standard. Minor improvements to the former include dust resistance and lossless audio when paired with Vision Pro.

The new earbuds were announced alongside iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, which also come with a USB-C port. Both pairs of buds are available to order today at the same price as before and will be available on September 22.

Apple Watch Series 9 gets big power boost and new double tap gesture

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The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a new pink color.
The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a new pink color.
Photo: Apple
Wonderlust 2023

Apple Watch Series 9 brings a faster S9 chip that the company says will boost performance, make Siri more usable, and enable an entirely new “double tap” gesture.

The new Apple Watch, introduced Tuesday during Apple’s “Wonderlust” event alongside the second-gen Apple Watch Ultra, also adds Apple’s updated Ultra Wideband chip, which the company says will make the smartwatch work better with Apple’s Find My network, among other things.

“Apple Watch Series 9 has been redesigned on the inside with the all-new S9 chip, giving it a big boost in performance and capabilities,” said Deidre Caldbeck, director of Apple Watch product marketing. “It’s our most powerful Watch chip yet.”

Aside from the impressive internal updates, the 2023 Apple Watch lineup looks much the same as last year’s models.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here with a brighter display, faster S9 SiP

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Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 looks the same, but packs some big upgrades.
Photo: Apple

Wonderlust bug

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here. And it builds on the original model in all the right ways.

Announced today during Apple’s “Wonderlust” event, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 packs a faster S9 chip, a newer Ultra Wideband chip and longer battery life.

Limited-time price drop: Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $29.97

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Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available during a limited-time price drop, $29.97 (reg. $199).
Snag a Windows 11 Pro activation key you can use on up to three devices for only $29.97 (regular price: $199).
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Hey PC fans — when was the last time you updated your computer’s operating system? There’s no point in waiting any longer. We’ve got a limited-time price drop on one of the best-reviewed OSs out there. Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro on sale for only $29.97 (regularly $199).

The aloSIM eSIM is on sale for half off, only $25

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The aloSIM eSIM is on sale for half off, only $25.
Get a $50 worth of aloSIM eSIM credit for $24.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

To keep your travel budget down, it’s worth taking advantage of great deals on essential services, like discounts on international data.

Right now, you can get an aloSIM eSIM plan for only $24.99 (regularly $50) and score $50 of data credit with your purchase.

What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 [Updated]

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What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
We already know quite a bit about What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9. And Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple will unveil the next generation of Apple Watch on Tuesday at its Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait to find out what the new wearables will offer: Many of the details have leaked out already.

Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the next Apple Watch SE.

What to expect from the iPhone 15 series: USB-C, titanium and more [Updated]

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What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 series is only a days away, but you don't have to wait for the details.
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple will launch the iPhone 15 on September 12 at the Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait — leaks have revealed plenty of details already. This year’s models will allegedly be faster in multiple ways, plus there’ll be design changes, including USB-C and the Dynamic Island for everyone.

Here’s everything we’re expected from Apple’s new-for-2023 iPhone lineup.

Apple ‘Wonderlust’ event predictions and last-minute leaks! [The CultCast]

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Apple Wonderlust event predictions on The CultCast episode 611.
Who will rack up the most correct predictions? We'll know Tuesday!
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re putting our million-dollar reputations on the line with predictions for Apple’s upcoming “Wonderlust” event. Who will come out on top when the truth is revealed on September 12? (See Griffin’s scorecard for our picks.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • A last-minute leak gives us a solid look at the camera systems on the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
  • The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro might get an upgrade that makes it even more MacBook-like.
  • And speaking of MacBooks, will Apple really release a cut-rate laptop to compete with Chromebooks? A MacBook SE sounds plausible …

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.

Limited time: Get Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for just $54.97

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This Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro duo is only $54.97 for a limited time.
Score this productivity bundle with Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for just $54.97.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This deal’s for PC owners who want to save on Microsoft Office and Windows 11. For a limited time, you can save on the pro versions of Microsoft’s top-rated productivity suite and latest operating system.

Grab the all-inclusive Microsoft bundle featuring lifetime access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro for only $54.97 (regularly $418).

5 best iMessage, FaceTime and phone features in iOS 17

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Live Voicemail & More Best Features
Live Voicemail, FaceTime video messages, Check-In and others are some of the best iOS 17 features.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

iOS 17 brings with it a lot of new features to the apps you use to communicate every day: iMessage, FaceTime — and last and certainly least — Phone. If you’re trying to call someone and have a missed connection, you have many more options for leaving them a message to pick up later. Changes to iMessage bring small but impactful improvements to stickers, threaded replies and sharing your ETA.

iOS 17 is out now. If you bought a new iPhone 15, you’ve got it already. Otherwise, head over to Settings > General > Software Update to get it. Upgrading may take about 20 minutes after downloading, so make sure you don’t start it at a bad time.

What to expect at the Apple ‘Wonderlust’ event on September 12

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Apple clearly hopes we'll love the iPhone and Apple Watch coming at its September event.
There should be plenty to love at Apple's September 12 event.
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple’s biggest event of the year is only a few days away. On September 12, Tim Cook and Co. will reveal at least six new Apple products and possibly more.

The event is titled “Wonderlust” — Apple clearly hopes the new iPhone 15 series and fresh Apple Watch models will fill us with an uncontrollable desire to buy.

Can’t wait to find out what’s coming? We don’t blame you. Here’s everything that leaks already revealed about the handsets and wearables on Tuesday’s agenda.

Add wireless CarPlay to almost any car for just $105

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This $105 HUD can connect to almost any car.
Connect this Heads Up Display to almost any car for $105.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want an easy way to add CarPlay to your car? Cars old and new can get an upgrade with this 9-inch car display that supports both Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto.

Enhance your ride without replacing your car’s head unit with this touchscreen car display for just $104.99. That’s 63% off the regular price, making this simple solution one of the cheapest ways to add CarPlay to any vehicle. However, this deal’s only available for a limited time.

Epic battles lift Foundation to new highs [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Lee Pace and Laura Birn in ★★★★★
Terminus had better watch out for Brother Day (played by Lee Pace, left) and Demerzel (Laura Birn).

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ science fiction show Foundation reaches the penultimate episode of a very fine second season this week

Brother Day demands answers from the people of Terminus, who disappoint him with their conviction. Gaal and Salvor plot a daring escape from the Mentalics. And a great big dogfight in space precedes the showstopping image of the season.

Keep everything powered up with this 4-way charger for less than $26

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Stay powered up with this 30W, 4-way charger for less than $26.
This four-way charger can power up a household full of Apple devices simultaneously.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Charging your devices shouldn’t be a big deal, and it didn’t used to be. You had one iPhone, and all you needed was one cable. But when you add iPads, Apple Watches and AirPods for an entire household, things get messy.

That’s when you need a power hub, and they don’t come any more well-designed — or more affordable — than this 4-in-1 30W Charging Station. Now, you can grab this multipurpose power hub for only $25.99 (regularly $49).

Install these updates ASAP to protect your iPhone and Mac from hackers

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iOS update blocks Pegasus spyware from iPhones
Install iOS 16.6.1 on your iPhone to protect it from the Pegasus spyware.
Photo: Андрей Сидоренко/Pixabay/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 16.6.1, macOS 13.5.2, iPadOS 16.6.1 and watchOS 9.6.2 on Thursday to address a potentially serious security vulnerability. All the updates fix security flaws, including one that may already have been exploited by hackers to deliver the infamous Pegasus spyware.

So don’t delay — update your devices with these patches soon.

Enter to win a carbon fiber case and band for Apple Watch [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Lightweight carbon fiber Apple Watch Ultra band and case by Lululook.
The two prizes in this week's package are made of lightweight carbon fiber for all day, everyday comfort.
Photo: Lululook

In this week’s giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band and an Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case, both from Lululook.

This prize package, worth $150, will protect your Apple Watch or Apple Watch Ultra to the max.

With this 3-way charger, a leather case is just the beginning

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This 3-in-1 charger is on sale for $99.99 and can streamline your charging experience.
This leather-wrapped three-in-one charger is on sale for just $99.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This sleek 3-in-1 wireless charger is covered in genuine black leather and can charge iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time.

It looks luxurious, but you can get it at an affordable price. It’s on sale for only $99.99 (regularly $149), and it can upgrade your current charging game in several ways.

Learn to write killer ChatGPT prompts

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Learn how to make the most of ChatGPT with this $30 prompts guide.
This ChatGPT prompts guide gives you the knowledge you need to take advantage of the latest AI sensation.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

ChatGPT can save you tons of time — if you know how to write effective ChatGPT prompts. Without some know-how, you can actually waste time with the AI chatbot.

To harness ChatGPT to boost your business, work and other efforts, you need a lifetime subscription to the Ultimate ChatGPT Prompts Guide. It’s your key to using ChatGPT for maximum productivity — and it’s currently on sale for only $29.99 (regularly $119).

EU Digital Markets Act will open iPhone to sideloading of apps

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European Union
The European Union takes another step toward tough regulations on tech giants like Apple.
Photo: Freestocks.org

Now that iOS and the App Store have been labeled “gatekeepers” by the European Commission, the EU’s Digital Markets Act requires Apple to allow users to install applications directly onto iPhones. And sideloading is just one of the sweeping changes resulting from the DMA. Users apparently will be able to replace Siri with one of its rivals, for example. Other services, like iMessage, might require modification later.

One thing’s clear: The iPhone won’t be the same after the Digital Markets Act goes into effect in spring 2024.

Forget old-fashioned turntables — this mini record player spins itself

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Get $10 off the mini-record player that spins itself anywhere.
Take $10 off this 4-inch record player that makes vinyl fun and portable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Anybody who ever owned a record collection knows those slender discs aren’t just a bygone way to deliver sound. They’re a way to connect tangibly with your music and supply an earthy sound you just can’t replicate with Apple Music and other streaming services.

The problem? Few people have the space (or the funds) for a quality record player anymore. The solution? The RokBlok 2.0, a portable record player that lets you enjoy your favorite vinyl anywhere, anytime. Right now, you can get this innovative record-playing gadget for only $89.99 (regularly $99).