Mobile menu toggle

Top Stories - page 14

You’ll want a folding phone when Apple makes one

By

Folding Apple phone
Don’t think you want a folding phone? Wait until you see the one Apple makes.
Image: ChatGPT/Apple

Consumers stay away from foldable handsets in droves, and a new survey found that a majority of Americans are not interested in one. So it might seem surprising that Apple reportedly plans a folding iPhone for 2026. But it’s typical of Apple.

Apple doesn’t make what you think you want. It never has. It makes what you don’t yet realize you want, and it’s been fantastically successful at it for decades.

PowerBug merges iPhone MagSafe travel stand with wall charger [Review] ★★★★

By

PowerBug review★★★★
Don’t be fooled by the simple design — PowerBug is two useful accessories in one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Twelve South PowerBug is a new palm-size accessory that does two useful jobs. It’s both an iPhone stand and a plug-in wall charger. It uses MagSafe magnets to hold onto the handset, whether you’re using it to watch video or to juice up the iPhone’s battery.
It works wirelessly, plus there’s a USB-C port for powering a second device.
PowerBug just launched today, but I got some hands-on testing time before the debut. Here’s what I found.

OWC 11-port Thunderbolt 5 dock: One hub to (almost) rule them all [Review] ★★★★

By

OWC Thunderbolt 5 11-port dock★★★★
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 will extend your Mac's functionality with more ports.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

While there’s no shortage of Thunderbolt docks, the OWC 11-port Thunderbolt 5 dock stands out for several reasons. As you’ll see in my review, it packs plenty of Thunderbolt 5 and USB-A ports, along with SD card slots and the ability to fast charge your MacBook Pro at full speed.

Here’s what makes the OWC 11-port Thunderbolt 5 dock worth considering for your Mac.

4 ways AirNotch Pro Find My-compatible tracker tag beats AirTag [Review] ★★★★

By

AirNotch Pro review★★★★
AirNotch Pro tracker tag outperforms Apple’s AirTag in several important ways.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Those needing to keep track of something living a tough life should consider the Rolling Square AirNotch Pro. It does the same thing as an Apple AirTag, but beats Apple’s tracker tag with sheer volume and a few other tricks, too.

It’s rugged, and connects to Apple’s Find My network so no additional app is needed to locate the tag with an iPhone.

I tested AirNotch Pro for months. Here’s what I found.

Ingenious RollerMouse Red wrist rest changes mousing. But is it worth $394? [Review] ★★★★

By

Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review★★★★
It's a cool and highly functional device, but it might cost too much for most people. For those suffering pain from mousing, though, it could be well worth it.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Would you spend $394 on a mouse? This Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review might raise eyebrows, considering the device’s unusual design and premium price tag. The centralized pointing device with roll bar, scroll bar and three unfamiliar buttons in a wrist rest sits in front of your keyboard rather than beside it, challenging typical notions of computer navigation. But for those who need help with pain from repetitive strain injury (RSI), it could make a world of difference.

Ready for sublime headphone sound? Get my top Prime Day Sennheiser deal. [Still going!]

By

Prime Day Sennheiser
$305 off is a great deal on these phenomenal wired headphones.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

I’ve long been a fan of great sound. But I hesitate to call myself an “audiophile” simply because I’m not a wealthy man. And yet even I can dabble in solid audio because so many affordable products continue to up the ante — including my favorite personal headphones. Behold the Sennheiser HD660S2 open-back cans. An audiophile of means might scoff at spending only several hundred bucks, but the joke’s on them. Thanks to Amazon, this Prime Day Sennheiser deal gets you these great wired, open-back cans for a mere $375 (as of Wednesday evening; the fluctuating price went up about $14 as of Thursday morning).

That’s not nothing, obviously. But it’s a lot more affordable than the $1,000 or more that many audiophile cans command.

Give your ears the Prime Day gift of great headphones for (much) less [Buying guide]

By

Prime Day headphones
There's nothing like a great pair of insanely expensive headphones. But Prime Day helps!
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you’re like me, Amazon Prime Day is partly about scoring cool stuff you otherwise find uncomfortably pricey. I can’t go around buying every set of headphones and earbuds that catch my eye. But with Prime Day headphones deals, maybe I can sneak something sweet-sounding past my sense of guilt, you know?

And so can you! Check out some of the absolute best Amazon Prime Days deals on headphones and earbuds below. I found wishlist-worthy cans and buds with savings of $100 or more (in some cases, much more — even discounts of $305 off primo open-back cans, $315 off top noise-canceling headphones and $150 off some seriously nice earbuds).

Apple preps Vision Pro 2 with M4 chip and comfort upgrades

By

Vision Pro 2 with M4 chip
The latest Vision Pro headset boosts processing power and improves comfort.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple prepares to launch its first major update to the Vision Pro AR/VR headset as early as this year, featuring a faster M4 processor and a redesigned strap aimed at addressing comfort complaints that have plagued the $3,499 device since its launch, according to a new report.

5 ways Logitech’s new iPad keyboard case beats Apple’s [Review] ★★★★

By

Logitech Flip Folio review★★★★
Logitech Flip Folio stands out with a keyboard that’s not permanently affixed to its case/stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Logitech Flip Folio is a protective keyboard case and stand for iPad Pro and iPad Air models that goes head-to-head against the Apple Magic Keyboard. Having tested both, Logitech’s new offering comes out ahead of Apple’s is some ways, including wider support for screen orientations, and because the keyboard can separate from the case/stand. Plus, a hefty price advantage can’t be overlooked.

Be sure to read the full review for more details.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: What to expect

By

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Rumors
You don’t have to wait until autumn to find out what the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has to offer.
Photo: Apple

After a very modest refresh last year, rumors indicate the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — set to launch this September alongside the iPhone 17 series — will mark Apple’s most ambitious wearable update yet.

Here’s what we’re expecting in 2025’s major overhaul of Apple’s rugged smartwatch. Keep reading or check out our latest video

Powerful electric scooter is fun to ride, plays well with iPhone [Review] ★★★★★

By

Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter★★★★★
Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter: So much fun in a (relatively) small package.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While Apple doesn’t make an e-scooter, the Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter pairs well with an iPhone. More importantly, it’s both fun and useful, with lots of pickup and range. It comes with plenty of bonus features … all accessible via an iPhone. It even has Bluetooth and Find My support.

I put more than 200 miles on the e-scooter while testing it, driving it on errands and just for fun on streets and sidewalks. I’m genuinely thrilled with it. Here’s why.

Best travel gadgets to improve your vacation or business trip

By

Travel gadgets that improve vacation or business trip
Here are the chargers, hubs, power banks and other travel gadgets that I like so much I take them with me on holiday.
Graphic: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The right travel gadgets make your vacation easier. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight across the globe, the correct gear can make all the difference. From keeping your devices charged and connected to ensuring entertainment on the go, today’s travel tech is designed to streamline every leg of the journey.

As a frequent traveler, I’ve built up a collection of accessories: chargers, hubs, portable monitors and more. In this guide, I’ll share my must-have gadgets, hoping they’ll upgrade your travel experience, too — whether you’re a frequent flyer, a digital nomad or just someone who likes to stay plugged in wherever the road leads.

iPadOS 26 paves the way for super-size folding iPad

By

iPadOS 26 paves the way for super-size folding iPad
It’s clear Apple plans an extra-large folding iPad, not its first touchscreen Mac.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Early leaks about an upcoming Apple computer with an 18- to 20-inch folding display were vague about whether the device will be an iPad or the first Mac with a touchscreen. In the wake of the introduction of iPadOS 26, the answer now seems obvious: Apple’s extra-large folding tablet will be an iPad.

Recent comments by a high-level Apple executive about not merging macOS and iPadOS add weight to the theory.

Get 14 handy utilities for Mac and PC for less than $20

By

Photo of an app from the Ultimate 14 Mac & Windows Utility App Bundle running on a laptop
Save 42% on this 14-in-1 utility app bundle for Mac and Windows!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Ultimate 14 Mac & Windows Utility App Bundle delivers just what it says on the tin. This one-year subscription packs a punch, giving you access to 14 premium utility apps designed to make your daily tasks smoother, faster and a whole lot less frustrating.

We’re talking smarter file management, system optimization, enhanced privacy tools and productivity boosters — all in one tidy package. And it’s currently available for just $19.99 (regularly $34.95).

How iOS 26 will upgrade your AirPods experience

By

AirPods 4 are coming in 2024
iOS 26 will supercharge your AirPods experience.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 26 will not just make your iPhone better. It will also add several new features to AirPods, improving the already excellent experience of using Apple’s super-popular earbuds.

The changes will further deepen the AirPods integration with the iPhone. Find out all the ways iOS 26 will improve your AirPods experience.

On World Wi-Fi Day, let’s celebrate Ethernet

By

Ethernet beats Wi-Fi
As great as Wi-Fi is, Ethernet still plays an important role.
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

It’s World Wi-Fi Day, which highlights the ability of wireless internet access to bring people together. But I’d like everyone to instead consider the advantages of an earlier tech: wired networking via good old reliable Ethernet.

Ethernet is easy to overlook now that almost everything has gone wireless, but it still has a role to play: filling in a flaw in Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t build Ethernet ports into MacBooks, but adding one is easy and inexpensive.

This SanDisk SSD clings to iPhone to record terabytes of high-res video [Review] ★★★★

By

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review★★★★
Expand your iPhone Pro/Pro Max storage capacity with this SanDisk SSD.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

SanDisk designed its Creator Phone SSD specifically for people recording large amounts of 4K ProRes video with a recent iPhone Pro/Pro Max model. The MagSafe drive magnetically attaches to the back of the handset so it’s out of the way during filming.

It holds up to 2TB of data without making the handset difficult to film with. And transferring data to a Mac for editing is a snap.

I tested the SSD with my iPhone and it worked very well. But the cable is bulkier than it should be.

Protect yourself online by changing bad old passwords

By

Change Your Bad, Old Passwords
Take the chance to upgrade your security.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s been another big data leak of over 16 billion records, and that’s a great opportunity to do something you’ve probably been procrastinating on: Replace your website passwords that hackers stole because of some lax security. Fortunately, Apple’s new Passwords app makes it easy to find out which of your passwords leaked so you can change passwords right on your iPhone.

Stay one step ahead by fixing a potentially serious problem now, before something bad happens.

iOS 26 features you’ll miss on older iPhones

By

iPhone 12 running iOS 26.
Older iPhones will get iOS 26 but with some key features missing.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26 introduce a host of new features in addition to the Liquid Glass design makeover that will bring glossy, translucent harmony to Apple’s software ecosystem this fall. However, not all of those advanced features will make it to every compatible device when Apple releases its next-gen operating systems.

If you own an old iPhone or Intel-based Mac, you will miss out on several improvements. Here’s a look at what won’t make the cut.

Elevate your iPad with this lightweight origami case/stand [Review] ★★★★

By

Moft Dynamic Folio★★★★
The Moft Dynamic Folio case/stand can lift your iPad closer to eye level.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPad cases that fold into stands are old news, but the Moft Dynamic Folio takes that idea and builds on it. The front flap can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet at a range of angles, in both landscape and portrait orientations. A highlight is one that lifts the iPad up about 3 inches so it’s easier to see.

Plus, the case/stand is lightweight and very easy to attach and remove. There are versions for all recent Apple tablets.

I tested the flexible iPad accessory for several weeks. Here’s what I found out.

Why Apple’s slow AI rollout isn’t a crisis

By

Slow Apple AI
Apple slow adoption of AI isn’t a crisis.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Despite all the criticism, mockery and predictions of doom, the fact that Apple is lagging the pack in artificial intelligence isn’t a catastrophe. The AI boom has barely started, and average consumers remain doubtful about the technology.

More importantly, an Apple executive points out that the company doesn’t need to develop its own cutting-edge AI to benefit from the research done by other companies.

Hidden iOS 26 features Apple didn’t talk about at WWDC25

By

iOS 26 hidden features
There are plenty of smaller, hidden improvements in iOS 26.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

Apple focused heavily on the new Liquid Glass design language during the iOS 26 unveiling last week. But there’s more to the operating system than the glossy new look that’s coming to all the company’s operating systems.

While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the  WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.

Hands-on with iOS 26 and Liquid Glass: The good, the bugs and the ugly

By

iOS 26 and Liquid Glass
One week with the new iOS 26.
Image: Apple

I’ve spent the week hands-on with iOS 26, living with its stunning new design and incredible features. I really love the direction iOS is going — even if there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out before its September release.

Liquid Glass, the flashy new user interface, is gorgeous. Loads of people will love the new Lock Screen and Home Screen features, like Spatial Scenes and clear icons. A few other features may need some tweaking, however, like the new Camera app and Phone app.

Should you install it yourself? God no, it’s a buggy mess. You should definitely not install it on your daily driver. But should you be excited to get it in September, after Apple irons out the kinks? Absolutely. Keep reading or watch our video for a hands-on look at the joys (and annoyances) of iOS 26.

Why Apple still won’t put macOS on iPad

By

Why Apple still won’t put macOS on iPad
A high-level Apple exec explains why iPad and Mac will stay separate.
Image: Cult of Mac

iPadOS 26 moves the iPad closer to the Mac than ever before. But don’t take the upcoming operating system as a stepping stone toward an eventual unification between iPadOS and macOS. That’s clearly not going to happen.

The reason can be summed up with a phrase that Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software development, used in an interview at WWDC this week: “iPad’s gonna be iPad.”