Mobile menu toggle

Top stories - page 66

Leaked screen panels for iPhone 15 show the end of the notch

By

Leaked screen panels for iPhone 15 show the end of the notch
Ding dong, the notch is dead.
Screenshot: Bilibili, Douyin

The iPhone notch is about to disappear. A video allegedly featuring the screen panels for the upcoming iPhone 15 series leaked out showing the cutout that’s been a prominent part of Apple handsets since 2017 will soon be a thing of the past.

The new plan: Dynamic Island for everyone.

Get a lifetime of cloud storage at half the normal price

By

With three varieties of cloud storage options, you can say goodbye to low storage notifications.
Manage your data storage needs with this deal on these cloud solution packages, now half off.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

From iPhones to Macs, we stay busy on our devices daily, downloading apps, exchanging information, performing tasks and storing bundles of data along the way. All those efforts can add up in a hurry and eventually leave you looking for a reliable cloud storage solution.

Amaryllo Cloud can instantly resolve that irksome scramble for more storage and eliminate the need for monthly fees. For a limited time, you can get double the storage plan from Amaryllo for half the price.

iMessage vs. WhatsApp: Why Apple can’t win the global messaging war

By

iMessage vs. WhatsApp comparison
iMessage has its advantages, but WhatsApp is a better communication tool.
Graphics: Rajesh/WhatsApp/Apple

Apple heavily pushes iMessage as the best messaging app on iPhone. However, WhatsApp reigns as the world’s most popular messaging service, with more than 2 billion daily users.

What makes WhatsApp so popular? Should you ditch iMessage and switch to WhatsApp for a superior chatting experience? Find out in this comparison.

iOS 16.4’s best new features and an iPhone security hack you need ASAP [The CultCast]

By

Coming Soon in iOS 16.4: CultCast title page.
Join us for a rundown of what you can expect in iOS 16.4.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 16.4 doesn’t look earth-shattering or anything, but there are some cool new features coming.

Also on The CultCast:

  • You need to toggle this switch on your iPhone ASAP so thieves don’t ruin your life.
  • Working for Apple’s secret Exploratory Design Group sounds like a dream job.
  • We’re giving away a very fancy backpack from Harber London.
  • Erfon put his new HomePod stereo pair to the test in a head-to-head audio smackdown with the originals. The results are … disappointing.
  • Windows users get a little taste of iMessage goodness. But just a taste!

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.

6 reasons you should be spinning your way through Sp!ng

By

6 reasons you should be spining your way through 'Sp!ng'
Flip your way through a moving maze in Sp!ng.
Screenshot: SMG Studios

Sp!ng challenges players to maneuver through a vertical maze while collecting gems. It’s easy to learn — you play with a single finger. The game can be exciting or relaxing, depending on how you play.

This offering from SMG Studio is one of my favorites on Apple Arcade. Here are six reasons why I think you’ll like it, too.

Leanne strikes back this week on Servant [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

By

Nell Tiger Free in ★★★★
Leanne (played by Nell Tiger Free) gets ruthless this week on Servant.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewBad weather, bad omens and bad timing collide on this week’s installment of Apple TV+ thriller Servant.

Sean and Julian attempt a Hail Mary to wrest control of the Turner house away from evil nanny Leanne. And Dorothy’s about to realize there are worse things than being loved too much.

The episode, entitled “Tunnels,” is a sharply directed half-hour of the horror/mystery series, which is the best show on Apple TV+ — and indeed one of the finest things on TV, full stop. It points the way to darker things coming in Servant’s final two episodes.

This kitchen composter turns food waste into organic fertilizer

By

Enrich your garden with organic fertilizer this food waste composter, on sale for $479.
Save big on this innovative food waste composter, and feed your garden naturally.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With spring right around the corner, it might be time to take a much-needed look at your garden. Believe it or not, your plants could get a big boost from the stuff you typically toss in the trash.

Featured at CES 2023, Reencle’s composter that turns food waste into fertilizer presents an innovative alternative. It lets you mix mindfulness toward the environment with results you’ll see in your plants and soil. And through March 5, during our Tech Innovations Seen at CES sale, you can get this high-tech composter for only $479 (regularly $699).

The hunt for international terrorists heats up on Liaison [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

By

Vincent Cassel in ★★★★☆
An espionage thriller starring Vincent Cassel? Yes, please.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewIn the explosive second episode of Apple TV+ thriller Liaison, Richard, Albert and Alison find common ground over a crash, while Gabriel flits around London trying to recapture the missing Syrian hacker he lost.

The French government is being kneecapped by secrets and hidden ambitions, while the British haven’t a clue what’s happening or why. The gripping Stephen Hopkins-directed series continues to make for a pleasant (if upsetting) watch.

Truth Be Told solves one mystery, but more await [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

By

Mekhi Phifer and Ron Cephas Jones in ★★★★☆
Everyone's scrambling to put an end to this sex trafficking ring.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ crime drama Truth Be Told takes a stroll down memory lane this week as Eva remembers her years in the life of sex trafficking, giving her a potential tool to bring a network of bad people to justice.

Meanwhile, Markus is at his wit’s end trying to help Trini reintegrate into her life while looking in vain for justice. Leander and Poppy both have favors to ask of Lee Hackman. And the walls are starting to close in on Andrew Finney and his donors.

On Dear Edward, love causes nothing but predictable problems [Apple TV+ recap] ★☆☆☆☆

By

Carter Hudson, Taylor Schilling and Amy Forsyth in ★☆☆☆☆
Selling off your loved ones' belongings is an important part of the grieving process. Everybody's doing it!
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewEveryone’s falling in love this week on grief-riddled Apple TV+ series Dear Edward — but nobody’s happy about it.

Shay and Edward have their 90th falling out, this one over Mahira and Shay’s deadbeat dad. Lacey and John keep having a bad time, while Dee Dee and Zoe need to have a chat about priorities and the future. Kojo and Adrianna are at a stalemate (where they’ve been for the last three episodes), and Steve and Amanda have a lot left to talk about (and not much time left to do it).

The episode, entitled “Folklore,” is a predictably predictable outing for this dreary affair.

Maxed-out Mac Studio drives ‘dream setup’ Down Under [Setups]

By

This handsomely compartmentalized setup gets its computing power from a maxed-out Mac Studio and a MacBook Pro.
This handsomely compartmentalized setup gets its computing power from a maxed-out Mac Studio and a MacBook Pro.
Photo: [email protected]

With all the computer setups showcased on social media, it takes something special to earn the description “dream setup.” Today’s featured Mac Studio Ultra and M2 Max MacBook Pro setup, which hails from Australia, could be a contender.

Why? Well, when you combine two of Apple’s newest and most powerful computers with a Studio Display and put them in a beautifully laid out workstation with great cable management and premium audio, you’ve got a real ripsnorter (to put it like an Aussie might).

Maybe Shrinking needs a DNR [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

By

Jimmy, played by Jason Segel, sits on a bed in a scene from ★★☆☆☆
Can this guy do anything right?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ comedy Shrinking does the walk of shame this week. Troubled therapist Jimmy made a mess of things last week at Brian and Charlie’s engagement party, so he thinks he must make amends.

However, everyone’s got their own worries. Paul is hosting his daughter, who’s got her own ideas about his disease. And Alice and Sean are navigating a bad moment that happened in a moment of weakness.

It’s business as usual on the show where most problems are not problems at all.

Deepstash app lets you get a grip on every brilliant idea

By

This 'Best of CES' learning app from Deepstash is now on sale for just $149.99.
Get a lifetime subscription to bite-size knowledge from Deepstash for only $149.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Are you tired of losing track of all the brilliant ideas that you come across every day? If so, you need Deepstash, the ultimate learning app for organizing and discovering game-changing ideas. Right now, you can grab a lifetime pro subscription to this top-rated app for only $149.99. 

Lunar lies start to spin out of control on Hello Tomorrow! [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

By

Haneefah Wood and Hank Azaria deal with a robot in ★★★★
The moon looks a long way away this week on Hello Tomorrow!
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ show Hello Tomorrow! spirals toward infinity this week, as events move faster than ace salesman and born liar Jack Billings can possibly control.

The members of his sales team — Eddie, Joey, Shirley and Herb — are all desperate to know why their dreams of advancement and retirement aren’t any closer to fulfillment. And their customers are just as curious when they’re finally going to be able to live on the moon … if ever.

This terrific new show hits its groove in this week’s episode, entitled “From the Desk of Stanley Jenkins,” by finding one rut after another for its desperate heroes to fall into.

Grab this amazing AI art tool for less than $50

By

Grab this amazing AI art tool, as seen at CES, for less than $40 right now.
Unleash your creativity with this incredible AI art tool as seen at CES, now on sale for $39.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s no escaping it: AI is the future. Perhaps one of the best ways to utilize artificial intelligence (and definitely one of the most fun) is through art production. For novices and artists alike, AI offers a way to create truly distinct art, whether that’s for enjoyment, a personal blog or even a business.

The Wombo Dream art tool allows you to create stunning digital artwork with AI in seconds. And right now, you can grab a lifetime subscription for only $49.99 during our Tech Innovations Seen at CES sale. You’ll have to be quick to grab it at this special price, though. This deal only lasts through March 5.

Enter to win a high-end backpack from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway]

By

Stylish, sophistication on the go.
Stylish, sophistication on the go.
Photo: Harber London

We’re giving one lucky person the chance to win a lavish Commuter Backpack from Harber London in this week’s giveaway. This spacious, 17-liter backpack retails for $234.

Available in three magnificent colors — olive, black and mocha — it’s a fantastic place to store your beloved electronics and personal belongings. And it’s even nicer if you win it!

New Apple TV+ trailer showcases Real Madrid soccer club’s epic season

By

The new three-part documentary debuts March on Apple TV+.
The new three-part documentary debuts March on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ kicked off an upcoming documentary series — Real Madrid: Until the End — with a trailer Wednesday. In it, soccer icon David Beckham raves about the famous Spanish soccer club’s remarkable 2021-2022 season. It was loaded with drama and plenty of come-from-behind victories on the way to the club taking the Champions League title.

The three-part documentary series premieres on Apple TV+ on Friday, March 10.

Correction: Linux will not run on Apple silicon

By

NOT the year of Linux on the Mac.
Linux on the desktop has been foiled once again.
Image: PantheraLeo/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Last week, I wrote a story incorrectly concluding that a full Linux desktop environment would soon run on Macs with Apple silicon. This was a misunderstanding of the facts.

While some of the work in the Asahi Linux project has been worked into Linux Kernel 6.2, and while Linux 6.2 will be adopted by the next major versions of Ubuntu and Fedora, this does not mean that Apple silicon Macs will be able to boot into these desktop environments.

3 loaded iMacs and a PC pump up 8-display workstation [Setups]

By

Three of the displays are iMacs and five are Dell 4K monitors.
Three of the displays are iMacs and five are Dell 4K monitors.
Photo: Hoa Mai

In Monday’s featured computer setup we showcased four tall displays and mentioned we sometimes see six-display setups. But how about eight displays in one setup? That’s today’s outfit.

Hoa Mai, who works in post production on documentary films in Los Angeles, sent Cult of Mac his massive setup. It features three iMacs, a PC and five Dell 4K monitors. Talk about Mission Control.

Unblock streaming channels with a lifetime deal on Getflix VPN

By

Save big this streaming-friendly VPN from Getflix, now $39.99.
Bypass geo-restrictions with a special deal on this secure VPN.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re a frequent streamer in the market for a fast, reliable and truly private VPN, you should check out Getflix. This innovative VPN fueled by smart DNS technology lets you bypass geo-restrictions without slowing down your internet connection.

Getflix unblocks a ton of free UK TV, including BBC (Premier League soccer and more), ITVX, MY5 and others. It’s also great for overseas streamers wanting to access georestricted US streaming services like Disney+, Vudu, Hulu, Tubi, HBOMax, Paramount+ and more. Plus, you can set up multiple devices on the same network, including Apple TV.

Right now, a lifetime subscription is on sale for only $49.99.

Get finance hacks that will aid you this tax season and beyond for just $29.99

By

Get finance hacks that will help you this and every tax season for $29.99.
Conquer your taxes with this $29.99 personal finance master class.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If there’s one good thing about tax season, it’s the renewed focus it brings to our finances. Every April, we get a good hard look at the money we brought in last year — and how we made the most of it (or didn’t).

Here’s an idea: Instead of stressing about it all at once, why not make this the last year that the IRS gives you a wake-up call? All it takes is a little financial education, and that’s exactly what you’ll get in the 9-Course Guide to Recession-Proofing Your Finances.

HomePod 2: Does it sound better or worse than the original?

By

Erfon Elijah comparing the new HomePod (left) to the original (right).
Erfon puts the new HomePod (left) head to head with the original (right). And I must say, I love the shirt.
Photo: Erfon Elijah

The CultCast host Erfon Elijah finally got our hands on the coveted HomePod 2 speakers. He put the 2023 model head-to-head with the 2018 model the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: in a stereo pair.

The new HomePod comes loaded with new features: smart home connectivity, a brighter top panel, a U1 chip, temperature and humidity sensors … but the big question is, how does it sound?

Want to never lose your keys again? Here’s how.

By

With an AirTag keychain, Find My will keep those keys from getting away from you.
With an AirTag keychain, Find My will keep those keys from getting away from you.
Photo: Mujjo

If you’re tired of misplacing or flat-out losing your keys, take heart. Accessories maker Mujjo introduced its new, luxe-leather Canopy AirTag Keychain on Tuesday.

It includes a little magnet to help keep the AirTag tracking device in place inside the pocket. And while it’s just another one of many AirTag keychains out there, it looks like a nice option.

Google tweaks Chrome to reduce MacBook battery drain

By

The Chrome browser may soon become a more efficient MacBook battery user.
The Chrome browser may soon become a more efficient MacBook battery user.
Photo: Google/Apple

Google said Tuesday it’s making several changes to the Chrome browser to make it less of a MacBook battery hog. Modifications include adjusting timers to wake the CPU less often, tuning memory compression and further optimizing Energy Saver mode.

The company’s tests using a 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro suggest the tweaks may help folks browse for 17 hours or watch YouTube for 18 hours on a single charge.

Your new wardrobe hero: Stunning braided-metal Apple Watch band

By

This is one elegant Apple Watch band.
This is one elegant Apple Watch band.
Photo: Goldenerre

“Meet your new wardrobe hero!” Goldenerre enthused about its drop-dead gorgeous Herringbone Braided Apple Watch band. It comes in gold, rose gold or silver stainless steel. It’s another Goldenerre piece that makes a statement. It could be yours for less than $150.

And you can find your new wardrobe hero in the Cult of Mac Store. Whether you’re going to dinner around the corner or at The White House, this thing fits in.