Mobile menu toggle

Top Stories - page 20

Top Apple TV+ shows like Severance bring in big bucks, new report shows

By

how much money do Apple TV+ shows make?
Apparently the first season of "Severance" brought in $200 million.
Photo: Apple TV+

The psychological workplace thriller series Severance proved to be a major success story for Apple TV+, generating over $200 million in revenue from its first season alone, new analytics data shows. And it’s not the only Apple TV+ show bringing in big bucks for the iPhone giant, according to a new report. So how much money do Apple TV+ shows make? See below.

New MacBook, iPhone and iPads could launch in just weeks

By

Apple winter event
A whole slew of products could launch at a possible Apple winter 2025 event.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple appears ready to start 2025 strong by launching a new low-price iPhone, a faster MacBook Air and a pair of revamped iPad models. These could come at a possible Apple winter event as early as February, though the wait might be longer.

An Apple winter event isn’t a given. The company could simply issue a series of press releases introducing the new products. No matter what, you don’t need to wait until the official announcements to know what’s in store. Here are the rumors available on all four upcoming devices.

Clip-on earbuds excel at comfort but fit can mess with sound quality [Review] ★★★☆☆

By

Edifier Comfo C earbuds review★★★☆☆
These lightweight clip-on earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit. But that includes a big downside for me.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Perfection is hard to find in life, and so it is with the world’s many and varied earbuds. In my hands-on Edifier Comfo C earbuds review, I look at how the supremely comfortable and secure the clip-on wireless earbuds fit, making them a solid choice for many active users. And yet for me, that same fit keeps the sound quality from being all it could be, which makes me less likely to wear the buds.

‘It’s been a minute’ since we felt that Severance vertigo [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

By

Severance season 2 episode 1 recap★★★★★
Reunited, the Macrodata Refinement team meets the Severed floor's new deputy manager, Ms. Huang.
Photo: Apple TV+

After a three-year wait that felt longer than a day working at Lumon Industries, Severance is finally back! The season two premiere, entitled “Hello, Ms. Cobel,” picks up right where we left our favorite corporate drones. In our Severance season 2 episode 1 recap, we look at the fascinating twists and turns that prove the show hasn’t lost its edge. As the season goes on, let’s see if it keeps it.

EarFun OpenJump earbuds: Your budget-friendly fitness pal [Review] ★★★★

By

EarFun OpenJump earbuds review★★★★
EarFun OpenJump wireless earbuds hook on comfortably and securely.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Are you into exercise and looking for wireless earbuds that’ll take your workout punishment but not break the bank? Look no further than EarFun OpenJump Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds. They aren’t fancy, but the lightweight, hook-on earbuds deliver comfort, security and solid audio without a premium price tag.

Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds, available now for preorder at a substantial discount, stand out in a crowded market.

3 overlooked Apple products getting updates in 2025

By

Apple TV, AirTag and HomePod in 2025
Apple has mostly neglected three of its products, but that’s reportedly about to change.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

iPhone and Mac get all the attention — and the annual upgrades — but you can expect a trio of Apple products that haven’t been improved in years to get some love from Cupertino in 2025.

Fans of some of Apple’s secondary devices rejoice: Rumors point to new versions of Apple TV, AirTag and HomePod in the coming months. If you’re an AirTag user, it’s important to stay updated with the latest AirTag firmware update to ensure optimal performance.

Why the latest location data leak won’t hit iPhone users as hard

By

location data breach
Simple settings can help protection iPhone and iPad users when it comes to app tracking.
Screenshot: Apple

A massive breach revealed last week exposed location data from apps on millions of iPhones and Android phones. But at least iPhone users have better protection against exposure through a simple action they can take against app tracking, a new report noted Monday.

Gravy Analytics, one of the world’s largest location data brokers, disclosed the big data breach last week. Leaked data points came from smartphone apps ranging from popular mobile games like Candy Crush to dating apps and pregnancy-tracking applications. While investigations into the breach continue, experts point out that iPhones and iPads have a pretty simple way of avoiding exposure in the first place.

How to make the new iPhone Camera Control suck less

By

iPhone Camera Control
The iPhone 16 Camera Control doesn’t have to be terrible. It can be just not very good, instead.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

I’m not a fan of the Camera Control on all the iPhone 16 models. It’s too hard to use, it’s in the way, and it’s mostly unnecessary. But I stumbled across an alternative way to use it that’s preferable.

Even so, I can honestly see the Camera Control going the way of the infamous MacBook Pro Touch Bar in a few years.

First-time Mac owner KVM-switches between M4 Pro mini and Windows laptop [Setups]

By

Mac Windows KVM switch
The first-time Mac users loves their new M4 Pro Mac mini and used a KVM switch to use the same peripherals with a Windows laptop. And that bit sticking up in front of the display is a mounted MagSafe charger, by the way.
Photo: [email protected]

From time to time in computer setups coverage I come across a first-time Mac user, and their delight at having switched from Windows to Mac is often obvious. And that’s true of today’s M4 Pro Mac mini user, but they still need to work on a Windows laptop regularly. So they installed a Mac-Windows KVM switch in their setup to easily use the same peripherals with either machine with just the click of a button, as described and shown below.

You have to see this super-slim, 15-inch portable display [Review] ★★★★★

By

espresso Display 15 review★★★★★
espresso Display 15 stands out from its rivals.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The espresso Display 15 doubles down on appearance. Not only does it have a great-looking LCD, its aluminum-and-glass exterior makes the screen match a MacBook or iPad perfectly.

Even better, it comes with a clever magnetic stand that can hold the display above your notebook, or beside it if you prefer.

espresso’s 17-inch Pro version from 2023 is the best portable monitor I’ve used, so I went into my review of the smaller version with high expectations.

mophie charger/battery combo packs everything needed to power iPhone or Mac [Review] ★★★★☆

By

mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra review★★★★☆
With the mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra in your bag, you’re always ready to charge your iPhone anywhere you go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra plugs directly into a wall, and built-in cables let it plug straight into your iPhone or Mac. But it’s no simple wall adapter — it’s also a 10,000mAh power bank.

I put the all-in-one device to the test. It’s a bit of a brick, but delivers when it counts.

First Thunderbolt 5 display with 6K res ideal for M4 Pro/Max users

By

LG UltraFine 6K Monitor
We'll have to wait for full specs and price on the sleek new Thunderbolt 5 monitor with 6K resolution.
Photo: LG

In a move that’s sure to catch the attention of Mac users — particularly those with the latest M4 Pro machines — LG just unveiled its new UltraFine 6K Display at CES 2025. It calls the monitor, model 32U990A (no firm release date yet), the world’s first 6K display to feature Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.

So not only does it share Pro Display XDR’s amazing resolution, it packs the bleeding-edge connectivity speeds of TB5. That makes it an ideal companion for the recently launched M4 Pro Mac mini and M4 Pro and Max MacBook Pro models.

Apple goes on a bug hunt with iOS 18.2.1

By

iOS 18.2.1
Your iPhone needs iOS 18.2.1. And there’s an iPadOS version, too.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iOS 18.2.1 went out Monday with the intent of removing bugs that snuck into the earlier version of the iPhone operating system. Apple also released an iPadOS equivalent.

Apple recommends both to anyone who installed the previous versions.

Apple TV+ shows we can’t wait to watch in 2025

By

Drawing of two excited people watching a TV screen, with the words
We're psyched for these Apple TV+ shows and movies coming this year.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

There are so many Apple TV+ shows to look forward to in 2025! There are new seasons of some of the streamer’s best shows coming, along with new series and even a cool-looking film or two. Get ready for dramas, comedies and lots of sci-fi.

Cult of Mac writers picked the Apple TV+ shows we’re most excited about in the coming year. Keep reading or watch our video to fill out your Up Next queue early.

What to expect from HomePod and HomePod mini in 2025

By

Product shot of five HomePod minis with a pink background and the words
Apple's planning a big push into smart homes in 2025, and HomePods will be part of it.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple’s significant expansion of its smart home lineup in 2025 should include new HomePod and HomePod mini models. The company plans to introduce both a display-equipped HomePod and a refreshed HomePod mini amid a renewed focus on the smart home market.

As usual, you can expect Apple to emphasize quality audio as well as airtight security. Here’s what to expect from HomePod and HomePod mini in 2025.

Why iPhone 14 and iPhone SE were banned in the EU

By

iPhone SE banned in the EU
The iPhone SE is among the Apple products pulled from Apple stores in the EU.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

It’s no longer possible to buy an iPhone 14 or iPhone SE 3 from Apple in the EU. And many of Apple’s older accessories also disappeared from the company’s shelves in the European Union, too.

It’s all a result of a EU law that, as of Saturday, banned the sale of handsets with proprietary charging ports. Apple was a primary focus of the legislation.

What to expect from Apple Watch in 2025

By

Product shot of Apple Watch Ultra 2 with blue background and the words
Apple Watch could have an Ultra-good year in 2025.
Image: Cult of Mac

 2025 should be an Ultra year for the Apple Watch. In an unusual move, Apple only launched the Apple Watch Series 10 this year. It kept the Ultra 2 around, only releasing a new black titanium colorway. If you’re curious about the latest Apple Watch rumors, there’s plenty of speculation about what’s coming next.

But next year won’t be all about Apple’s most expensive smartwatch. For more budget-conscious customers, the third-gen Apple Watch SE should arrive in 2025.

Best cases for your new iPad

By

Best iPad cases
Here are my picks for the best iPad cases available now.
Image: Cult of Mac

You unwrapped a shiny new iPad for Christmas or Hanukkah — congratulations! — and now you need a case for it. I’ve tested a bunch of these and have recommendations for the best iPad cases.

These protect your computer from life’s little mishaps. But you can also get an iPad case with a built-in keyboard and trackpad to upgrade your table to a ultralight laptop.

What to expect from iPad, iPad Pro and iPad Air in 2025

By

iPads in 2025: Product shot of two iPads with yellow tint to illustrate story about iPad 11th generation and other upcoming new models.
The 11th-generation iPad is just a few months away. And new iPad Pro and iPad Air models are on the way, too.
Photo: Cult of Mac

2025 will finally bring the much-anticipated 11th-generation iPad, a version of the budget tablet with a faster processor capable of accessing the latest Apple Intelligence features.

In addition, expect faster iPad Pro and iPad Air models in 2025 — one sooner than might be expected.

What to expect from AirPods in 2025

By

Product photo of AirPods with text
Big upgrades could be in store for Apple's AirPods lineup in 2025.
Image: Cult of Mac

AirPods Pro 3 keep generating buzz as we approach the launch of Apple’s next-generation premium wireless earbuds. Here’s what to expect from AirPods Pro 3, which probably will arrive in early 2025.

While the current AirPods Pro 2 model dominates the market two years after launch, rumors say its successor will bring substantial improvements and new features. Unfortunately, you probably shouldn’t expect changes to the recently updated AirPods 4 and AirPods Max in 2025. We could see updated earbuds or headphones from Apple subsidiary Beats, though.

Severance season 2: It gets even weirder [Watch new 8-minute sneak peek!]

By

Severance season 2 trailer
It's not like it's going to get any less weird, right?
Photo: Apple TV+

Watching the new Severance season two trailer, below — and the new sneak peek at the first eight minutes of episode one Apple TV+ dropped Monday — my excitement for the new episodes became one with my grim determination to watch the entire first season again before the undoubtedly bizarre new scenes of workplace hell start streaming on January 17, 2025.

Never before have I force-marched myself through a whole TV series season as a matter of preparation. But this funny-yet-unnerving workplace psycho-thriller deserves and demands it. If you’re preparing for season three and catching up on all things Apple, you might also want to check out how to activate Apple AirTag—and while you’re at it, read up on Apple TV+ renewing Severance for a third season.

Update: As a twisted sort of holiday gift, Apple TV+ posted a sneak peek at the first eight minutes of Severance season two on Monday, December 23. It’s safe to say the main character is very much on the run through Lumon Industries sterile yet deeply alienating hallways until he comes face to face with a team of direct reports he doesn’t recognize. And he ends up with more questions than answers in a one-on-one with Mr. Milchik. Watch the sneak peek at the link above and the trailer below.

How to share an AirTag with other people

By

A New York Times reporter found that AirTag tracking and privacy alerts can work better than other trackers.
You can share an Apple AirTag with up to five people. Here’s how.
Photo: Apple

When Apple launched the AirTag, you could link the tracking tags to only one person. Luckily, Apple expanded that. Now you can share an AirTag with up to five other people, so each one can see where it is.

Here’s how to share an AirTag with family members or friends.

What to expect from the Mac in 2025

By

New Macs in 2025
A lot of Macs are coming next year.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

What does Apple have planned for the Mac in 2025? For the last couple of years, Apple’s been killing it with its desktop and laptop computers. The chips scream, the industrial design has never been better, and the Mac lineup is undoubtedly the best in Apple’s history. Just look at the amazing new Mac mini.

But can Apple keep up the pace next year?

Share your screen to (and from) any Mac, right from the Messages app

By

Help Out Your Parents
Screen Sharing is a great way to give remote tech support.
Image: Daniel Aragay/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

A little-known feature in macOS lets you share your Mac’s screen to someone else’s Mac directly from the Messages app — no third-party apps or downloads required. It’s great if you need to give tech support to a far-off family member in a pinch. Often, you just need to see what’s happening instead of counting on what your dear old father is trying to describe over the phone.

Get him to share his Mac’s screen with you, and you likely can solve his problem quickly. Even better, it’s not complicated setting up screen sharing on a Mac like it is on a PC. It takes only a few clicks in the Messages app. Let me show you all around this awesome hidden feature.