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2021 iPhone might signal the end for Lightning port

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At least one iPhone will lose Lightning in 2021, according to one report
At least one iPhone will lose Lightning in 2021, according to one report
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple will begin to phase out Lightning connectivity on iPhones beginning with a 2021 flagship that will “provide the completely wireless experience,” analyst Ming-Chi Kuo told investors today.

Kuo also said there will be five new iPhones in 2020, four of which will feature OLED screens.

Facebook censors Power Mac G4 for being too darn sexy

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Power-Mac-G4-censored
"Overtly sexual" images ahead.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is responsible for some of the most attractive computers ever made. So attractive, in fact, that Facebook’s algorithms seem to be censoring some models for being too darn sexy.

One Power Mac G4 owner recently listed their machine for sale on the social network. But the perfectly innocent post was taken down for including “overtly sexual content.”

Scan and match any color with this pocket-size sensor [Deals]

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Nix Mini 2
This pocket-sized sensor instantly matches any surface color to a vast library of digital and paint codes.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We live in a world of colors, and for anyone who works in digital media it offers endless sources of reference and inspiration. Unfortunately, capturing real-world color is tough, even if you’ve got a great eye and an encyclopedic knowledge of digital color codes. But this portable color sensor makes it easy: Just point it at the source color for a perfect match.

Apple and Qualcomm making 5G iPhone ‘as fast as we can’

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Qualcomm headquarters
Qualcomm has a big role to play in the 5G iPhone.
Photo: Qualcomm

Qualcomm’s president isn’t allowed to say when the 5G iPhone will be released, but Cristiano Amon got as close as he could today by stating that his company and Apple will release one “as fast as we can.”

The 5G modem in this much-anticipated handset will be made by Qualcomm.

Apple Activation Lock: Security feature or recycling roadblock?

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Activation Lock on iPad and iPhone
Activation Lock is apparently a surprisingly controversial security feature.
Photo: Apple

An editorial by an iFixit employee condemns Activation Lock, a security feature of iPhones and recent Macs because it makes these computers hard to recycle.

But Walt Mossberg, well-known journalist formerly of the Wall Street Journal, calls the editorial “outrageous.”

Hacker revives dead devices with iPhone and Apple Watch

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Mac keyboard and mouse running an iPhone
Tap through your iPhone, 1980s-style, with a vintage Mac keyboard.
Photo: Niles Mitchell/YouTube

The living can communicate with the dead — and Niles Mitchell regularly holds seances on YouTube to prove it.

Mitchell is a true medium, putting contemporary technology like the iPhone or Apple Watch in touch with obsolete hardware. He connects the two worlds and gets devices, old and new, to work together in ways likely never imagined by their creators.

Apple News now sends daily email newsletters nobody asked for

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Apple News+ in Australia
Another email you didn't want.
Photo: Apple

No, you didn’t ask for it, but you might soon start receiving a daily Apple News newsletter by email.

“Good Morning” features top news, analysis and features pulled from various sources around the web. You could find all this inside Apple News yourself, at your own convenience, but Apple negates the need to do that by forcing it down your throat.

And good luck trying to unsubscribe.

iPhone 11 uses your location even after you block access

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Analyst complains iPhone’s average selling price is slipping
iPhone 11 keeps tabs on your whereabouts.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

iPhone 11 units are using location services even after access has been blocked by the user, a new report reveals.

Security researchers have discovered that Apple’s latest handsets intermittently seek location information regardless of the user’s privacy settings. Apple says it is “expected behavior.”

Apple’s fix for 13-inch MacBook Pro units that keep shutting down

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13-inch MacBook Pro from 2019
It's about time!
Photo: Apple

Apple has offered a fix for 13-inch MacBook Pro units launched in 2019 that unexpectedly turn themselves off.

It’s a pretty lengthy solution, but it should eliminate the issue on affected notebooks. Those who cannot rid themselves of the random shutdowns are advised to contact Apple Support.

Save $11 on Zens Dual+Watch, the best all-in-one wireless charger

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Zens-Wirecutter
Dual+Watch tops up iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one.
Photo: Zens

Looking for the best wireless charger money can buy this holiday? Pick up the brilliant Zens Dual+Watch. It charges iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously — and it looks terrific.

It’s so good, in fact, that the Dual+Watch was just named the best wireless charger of 2019 by Wirecutter. And you can save $11 on yours today by ordering it from the Cult of Mac Store.

2020 iPhone could be the first with in-screen Touch ID

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2020 iPhone 12 concept has a 99% screen to body ratio.
The 2020 iPhone 12 might not have a Notch because Touch ID will be embedded in its display.
Screenshot: Pallav Raj/ConceptsiPhone

Next year’s iPhone could be the first with an under-screen fingerprint scanner. Apple is reportedly meeting next week with a supplier for the components necessary to build Touch ID into the display of the 2020 iOS model.

How to log interval workouts with Apple Watch

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Use segments to log your rest intervals doing HIIT workouts
Use segments to log your rest intervals doing HIIT workouts
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Interval training has become very popular these days, thanks to high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. Proponents of this type of exercise say it delivers many of the benefits of a much longer workout in a short, sharp burst.

The great thing about intervals is that you can do them with pretty much any type of exercise, including running, swimming and cycling. Interval training is also ideal for indoor workouts, like the cardio machines at your local gym. Or you can get creative and mix things up with a jump rope or weights.

Want to give it a go? If so, Apple Watch is the perfect workout companion for interval training.

These alternatives to Ring’s smart video doorbell won’t break the bank [Deals]

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Remo Doorbell
Make home security easy with one of Remo's user-friendly doorbells.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The holidays are in full swing, and as many of us gear up to travel and see loved ones, burglars are getting ready to break into homes while their owners are away. So if you haven’t already taken the necessary steps to protect your living space, now’s the time to do it. These RemoBell® doorbell cameras give you an extra pair of eyes on your pad while you’re away, and they’re all on sale.

First Apple Music Awards celebrates the best of 2019

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Apple and Genius team up to bring Verified episodes on Apple Music
Apple and Genius team up to bring Verified episodes on Apple Music
Photo: Apple

Cupertino will celebrate the first Apple Music Awards with a special performance by Billie Eilish this week at the Steve Jobs Theater inside Apple Park.

Eilish takes the top honor as Global Artist of the Year, while Breakthrough Artist of the Year goes to Lizzo. Song of the Year goes to Lil Nas X for genre-blurring viral sensation “Old Town Road.”

You’ll be able to watch Eilish’s performance live at 6:30 p.m. PST on December 4.

Wonderful gifts for any Mac fan [Gift Guide 2019]

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Mac-Gift-Guide-2019
Shopping for a Mac fan? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re buying for an Apple fan who loves their Mac, there are loads of awesome gifts you should consider. We’ve rounded up the best to make your holiday shopping a little easier.

Gift-Guide-2019-bugWe’ve picked out the best headphones, mice, keyboards, and more so that you don’t have to spend hours hunting down the perfect purchase. And many of them are on sale today for Cyber Monday.

Now all you have to do is break out your wallet.

Get in on 10 Cyber Monday steals that won’t be here tomorrow [Deals]

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10-Ft. MFi-Certified Braided Lightning Cable Packs
Grab a Lightning cable for the home, office, and car.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

While Black Friday is practically a worldwide holiday, Cyber Monday is still more for the serious bargain shoppers. While all the big box stores and major retailers have their post-Thanksgiving offers to make, the major Cyber Monday steals usually come from off the beaten path.

To that end, we’ve compiled 10 of the best Cyber Monday deals on some fantastic holiday sale items. But just like the holiday weekend, these offers will all start disappearing in literally hours…so get in on the savings now while you still can.

Save a ton on great accessories in our huge Cyber Monday sale

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CoM-Store-Sale
Don't miss our massive Cyber Monday discounts.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The Cult of Mac Store’s massive Cyber Monday sale is on now, with big discounts to be had on some of our biggest brands.

You’ll find sweet Apple Watch and iPhone accessories at up to 77% off the usual price. We’ve got brilliant bands, gorgeous charging stands, handy battery banks, and lots more.

See what’s on offer today and pick up some great holiday gifts at terrific prices.

Last chance: Save up to $50 on Twelve South’s stunning HiRise stands

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HiRise Duet is the first dual charging stand that powers up Apple Watch in Nightstand mode.
Don't miss these sweet savings!
Photo: Twelve South

The Cult of Mac Store’s mega deal on Twelve South’s stunning HiRise stands ends today. Take advantage of it now to save up to $50 before it’s too late.

Both the HiRise Wireless for iPhone and the HiRise Duet for iPhone and Apple Watch are included in the sale. They’re some of the finest stands money can buy, and they make for terrific holiday gifts.

Get the best Cyber Monday deals on Apple gear [Deals & Steals]

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CoM-Cyber-Monday-blog
There's still time to save big!
Image: Cult of Mac

Black Friday might be over now, but Cyber Monday has only just started, which means there’s still time to save big! There are some terrific deals to be had on the hottest Apple devices and awesome accessories.

Our special Deals & Steals roundup will help you seek out the biggest discounts. Whether you’re shopping for iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, or a brand-new Mac, we’ve got you covered.

Today’s highlights include:

Find all these deals and more in our roundup below.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

This 13 Mac app bundle featuring Parallels Desktop is on sale today [Deals]

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The 2020 Limited Edition Mac Bundle Ft. Parallels Desktop
Turn your Mac into a productivity powerhouse with 13 award-winning apps for productivity, drive maintenance, privacy and tons more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The best way to get the most out of your Mac is to put the right apps on it. From productivity to creativity, maintenance and beyond, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better collection of apps than in this massive bundle. It features Parallels Desktop, which lets you run your Mac and Windows apps on the same machine. The bundle is also massively discounted, so you can upgrade your Mac without downgrading your bank account.

Check off your Cyber Monday shopping list early [Deals]

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Cyber Monday Main
Get an early start to all of the Cyber Monday sales going on now!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Holidays are great, but they can also be a nightmare, especially when it comes to shopping for gifts. Life’s too short to spend in line at the mall, so we’ve rounded up some of our best Cyber Monday deals early this year. From secondary phone lines to portable wireless charging, gaming chairs, camera stabilizers and way more, there’s something here for everyone on your gift list.

RAVpower travel router also connects iPhones to hard drives and SD cards [Review]

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RAVpower FileHub Travel Router is also a hub.
RAVpower FileHub Travel Router does far more than its name indicates.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Life on the road can be a hassle, even with an iPhone, but there’s a lot the RAVpower FileHub Travel Router can do to make it easier. It’s a battery, a hub with a USB port and SD card reader, and (naturally) a travel router.

I road tested every feature of this accessory. Read on to see if it deserves a place in your travel kit.

Thinking different: Inside the new Cult of Mac book [Cult of Mac Magazine 325]

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Peek inside the new book Cult of Mac, 2nd Edition.
Peek inside the new book Cult of Mac, 2nd Edition.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

When tasked with designing The Cult of Mac, 2nd Edition, Derek Yee asked himself why there weren’t any books about Macs that looked like MacBooks. Then he cooked up a grand design that pays homage to awesome Apple products.

The new book, by Leander Kahney and David Pierini, is a follow-up to the original. It’s filled with all-new stories and photos of the Apple fans who never stop thinking different. (And it’s available now for preorder from Amazon.)

Get a sneak peek inside the book, along with the rest of the week’s top Apple news, reviews and how-tos, in your free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine.

Black Friday is over, but its spirit lives on in these 10 stellar deals [Deals]

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Black Friday Jamstik
Get these deals still with Black Friday prices, don't miss out.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As Cyber Monday and the rest of the holiday shopping season prove each year, the need for bargains reigns eternal. So even though the consumer frenzy of Black Friday 2019 may be part of history, you can still enjoy the spoils of the day with 10 great holiday gift ideas that remain available at ridiculously low Black Friday pricing.

But there are no guarantees on how long these prices will remain, so get in on these offers pronto — or watch them magically disappear. Don’t forget to use the promo codes at checkout for additional savings!