No need to change any settings. GIF: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
You don’t need to be using a Disney face to get your Apple Watch to tell you the time. Using a simple tap gesture, you can have the time read to you while using any watch face. Find out how in this Apple Watch pro tip.
Can you handle some hot, hot beta action? Image: The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: AirPods with new sensors could be on the horizon, and that would fit perfectly with Apple’s always-on approach to health. Find out why we can’t wait for in-ear health trackers. Or for Apple to revamp the musty Messages app for Mac.
Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
The Apple TV+ crime drama comes to a powerful conclusion. Photo: Apple TV+
Breakout Apple TV+ series Defending Jacob comes to a gutsy and strong conclusion by leaving its characters, and its audience, in the lurch. This is the smartest decision the show’s creators could have made.
The limited series’ ending, which premieres Friday, shifts everything we’ve seen so far into an entirely new light. It likely will haunt you for some time to come.
Spoiler alert: Details about “After,” the final episode of Defending Jacob, follow.
Central Park is here to do exactly what focus groups say you want it to. Image: Apple TV+
Despite an impressive pedigree and a marketable cast, new Apple TV+ show Central Park seems primed to annoy as many people as it will please.
You must put up with an awful lot of very trendy singing and songwriting, and an overly precious approach to character and plotting, to get to the meager delights within.
Apple’s newest MacBook Air is $49 more affordable if you buy yours on Amazon right now. Or you can save even more by opting for a renewed previous-generation MacBook Air, which is now available for less than $850.
Renewed stock doesn’t last long, so bag yours before they’re gone.
Fall detection on Apple Watch can be a real life-saver for those who are unsteady on their feet, but it isn’t enabled by default (unless you’re 55 or over). Here’s how to activate it on Apple Watch Series 4 or later.
Amazon is helping us all say entertained during COVID-19 lockdowns with generous savings on its own Fire TV devices. You can pick up a Fire TV Stick for as little as $29.99, and Fire Edition TV sets from just $139.99.
All Fire TV devices now support Apple TV+ — as well as a host of other streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+. These are limited-time savings, so enjoy them before they disappear.
A new wallpaper is like a new phone ... kind of. Photo: Youssef Sarhan
Tired of seeing the same old Home screen on iPhone and iPad? You don’t really want to move around all your apps because then you’ll have to get used to finding them again. Instead, treat yourself to a fancy new wallpaper.
Go claim yours before they're all gone! Photo: Apple
Woot is offering some of the biggest discounts we’ve ever seen on the 2018 iPad Pro today only. You can bag your refurbished 12.9-inch model for as little as $729.99 with 64GB of storage, or $839.99 with 256GB of storage.
Widgets might be coming to iPhone, and they’re demonstrated in this iOS 14 concept.
iOS 14 will supposedly include Home screen widgets, and a concept artist dreamed up a design. His short video is sure to excite anyone who’s ready for their iPhone’s main screen to become more dynamic and informative.
Drop caps can make almost any document look better. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Create documents that grab a reader’s attention by taking advantage of the newly-added drop cap tool in Pages for Mac and iOS. It’s easy to use and offers a whole bunch of customizations options.
Minix Neo Storage Pro combines an SSD, USB-A and HDMI in a clip-on package. Photo: Minix
Apple doesn’t make it easy to upgrade your MacBook. But the Minix Neo Storage Pro does. Clip this to your laptop to add 480GB of storage capacity. Even better, the multiport adapter also includes an HDMI port and a USB-A port for connecting legacy accessories. And there’s a Thunderbolt 3 port, too.
I’ve been testing the Neo Storage Pro for weeks. Here’s how well it works in regular use.
Apple’s newest macOS update makes it easier than ever to check MacBook battery health, and to prolong its lifespan. In this pro tip, we’ll show you where to find the new battery health features, and how to check the status of yours.
With a long reach, LED lights, magnet and hook, this 8mm borescope is useful for quick and easy inspections, recovering lost keys and more. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Trying to fix a clogged sink? Doing work on your car? Looking for a valve behind your stove? This wireless borescope camera offers an easy way to get a look at your hardest-to-see problems.
Quick! They won't last long. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Woot’s insane deals on iPhone refurbs keep on coming, and today’s might just be its best yet. With prices starting at a mere $39.99, there’s never been a better time to pick up a backup — or treat your kid to their first phone.
The only downside to this sale is that it’s good for one day only, and stock is selling quickly. Act fast or miss out!
A new Battery Health Management feature should extend the time before you think about replacing your MacBook Air. Photo: iFixit
Beta testing is over, and Apple released macOS Catalina 10.15.5 to the general public today. It includes a new Battery Health Management feature intended to reduce wear and extend the useful life of MacBook batteries.
Apple said Tuesday it intends to open its retail locations in 21 U.S. states. But some stores will reportedly only offer curbside service, with customers not allowed to go in. The dates these Apple Stores would reopen were not announced.
Virtually all of Apple’s storefronts have been closed since March to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Apple looks to be gearing up to port iPad’s built-in Messages app over to Mac. The move could immediately fix Messages’ biggest problems on Mac, including its glaring lack of features.
The desktop version of the app still does not support iMessage apps, Apple Pay, message effects and other key features. Evidence of the move has been uncovered in leaked iOS 14 code, indicating it could be executed this fall when Apple drops its next major macOS update.
Free up gigabytes of storage space. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Are mysterious “iOS Files” taking up gigabytes of precious storage space on your Mac? You may not need them anymore, so we’ve put together a handy how-to guide on removing them with ease.
Here’s how to free up a lot of storage in no time at all.
Bag yours for under $180 before this discount disappears. Photo: Apple
Apple’s newest wireless headphones have returned to some of their lowest prices yet, thanks to big discounts from Amazon. You can save up to $50 on AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and more for a limited time only.
You can also pick up second-generation AirPods for as little as $129, and there are big savings to enjoy on Beats headphones, too.
Big discounts on Apple Watch Series 5 are back at Amazon. You’ll find up to $100 off some of the most affordable configurations, with a 44mm model with GPS now available for as little as $329 — down from $429.
GPS + cellular options are also available from $399 — down from $499. All are brand-new units that are ready to ship right away, but these discounts won’t last long. Enjoy them today before they disappear.
Log push-ups effortlessly with iPhone and Apple Watch Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac
The push-up is one of the world’s most hated exercises. In the movies, Marine Corps drill instructors shout: “Drop down and give me 40” as a punishment.
But the push-up doesn’t deserve its bad reputation. It’s actually a versatile, effective and enjoyable exercise. Better still, you can do it anywhere, anytime, without any special equipment. Which makes it an indispensable part of any quarantine home workout routine.
Here’s how your iPhone and Apple Watch can help you give your push-ups a push in the right direction.
Remember: Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise activity. Don’t exercise if you feel any discomfort, nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath.