Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 23 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
Fly Me to the Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Photo: Apple TV+
The alternate-history comedy Fly Me to the Moon starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum launched on Apple TV+ on Friday. The film covers events that definitely did not happen during the 1969 moon landing.
More states keep joining Apple’s digital ID initiative. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
New Mexico just joined the list of states whose residents can store a digital version of their driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet on their iPhone.
With Thursday’s addition, there are now nine U.S. states that support the feature.
The wait for iOS 18.2 and new Apple Intelligence features is almost over. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
With Thursday’s introduction of the release candidates for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2, we’re likely a week away from the debut of the second wave of Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, the Image Playground and more.
Release candidates for watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 also went out.
Polysoft answered the requests of many Mac Studio owners. Photo: Polysoft
Third-party accessory-maker Polysoft stepped in to make something Apple won’t: upgrade SSDs for the Mac Studio. These will allow owners of the powerful desktop to increase the storage capacity with relative ease, which is not possible now.
And the product raises the possibility that Mac mini SSD upgrades will launch at some point, too.
The interest rate earned by Apple Card Savings accounts just slipped below 4%. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The interest rate earned by cash stored in Apple Card Savings accounts dropped on Thursday, continuing a series of such drops touched off by the Federal Reserve cutting its benchmark interest rate twice now. Money in these accounts now earns 3.9% in annual interest.
Over the past year and half, Apple and Goldman Sachs boosted and lowered in the rate multiple times. And the current rate is still well above what’s earned by typical savings accounts.
The GameSir X3 Pro includes features many mobile controllers leave out. Photo: GameSir
The newly launched GameSir X3 Pro Mobile Gaming Controller packs Hall Effect sticks, dual rumble motors, micro switch triggers and detachable grips. And its USB-C connector and telescoping design means it fits a range of iPhone and Android models.
A stand-out feature is a cooling plate designed to prevent the handset from overheating while playing very demanding games.
A HomePod with a larger touchscreen -- perhaps something like this concept -- is supposedly on the drawing board at Apple. Concept: Apple/Cult of Mac
The HomePod with a built-in 6- to 7-inch display that’s been the subject of previous rumors will launch after Apple’s developer conference in June, according to a report on Wednesday from a reliable source.
It will supposedly be part of Apple’s drive to offer more smart home products.
Apple singled out Hysterical for its annual podcasts award. Image: Apple/Cult of mac
Apple picked Hysterical as the winner of the Apple Podcasts Award for 2024, which honors quality and innovation in podcasting.
It’s not a comedy. The seven-part series by Dan Taberski investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York, and looks for parallels with one that affects American diplomats.
The crime thriller Lucky will become an Apple TV+ limited series. Image: Simon & Schuster/Cult of Mac
Anya Taylor-Joy, perhaps best known for starring in The Queen’s Gambit, is coming to Apple TV+. She’ll star in an adaptation of the bestselling crime thriller Lucky by Marissa Stapley.
The iOS 18.2 release date is soon — just not as soon as had been rumored. AI image: ChatGPT
A rumor from early November said the iOS 18.2 launch day would be the week of December 2, but that’s now impossible. There are steps that must take place before the operating system can be introduced, and not all of them have happened yet.
The release will probably be in the second week of December. Right now, the earliest likely date is December 10, though December 11 is looking increasingly likely.
Whenever the launch finally happens, it’ll usher in some of the most-anticipated new Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, the Image Playground and more.
Checking iPhone 15 battery cycle count is easier than it used to be. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The latest iPhones show the devices’ battery cycle count, helping users track the long-term “health” of the battery. Displaying this data is simple, though it’s somewhat hidden.
In addition, you can check when the iPhone 15 or 16 was manufactured and first activated. (Note: This does not work with previous iPhones.)
The Samsung T9 SSD is small but holds terabytes of data. Photo: Samsung
The Samsung T9 SSD is quick and it’s very portable. Plus, for Cyber Week means it’s up to 40% off. Opt for 1TB, 2TB or even 4TB of additional storage for your Mac or iPad.
For an even more affordable option, the older Samsung T7 series is available for as much as 44% off.
Soon you’ll be able to ask Siri to clean a specific room, or add it to a Routine in the Home app. Image: Apple
Turns out we won’t be able to order robot vacuum cleaners around with Siri commands and the Home application quite as soon as hoped. Apple moved the release date for this feature to early 2025.
When it launches, though, it’ll be a powerful tool for controlling these automated home-cleaning devices.
Visit Battersea Power Station to watch Wallace & Gromit decorate their Christmas trees… with a bit of help from iPhone. Photo: Apple
London’s iconic Battersea Power Station is decorated with a sort of enormous Christmas card starring the beloved characters Wallace & Gromit.
The short animation of the man, his dog, and their Christmas trees was filmed on an iPhone 16 Pro Max and then projected onto the 101-meter (330 foot) chimneys that rise above the River Thames.
Kingston XS1000 works well with a range of Apple computers. Photo: Kingston
Apple charges too damn much for additional storage for Macs and iPads. I got tired of overpaying for internal storage and went for an external SSD instead. The Kingston XS1000 is my favorite — portable, reliable and affordable.
And it’s an even better deal now that Cyber Monday is coming up: under $75 for a terabyte of storage.
Don't miss your chance to get AirTags at one of the best prices we've seen. Photo: Kehn Hermano/Pexels
A Cyber Monday sale on a four-pack of AirTags brings the Apple tracker close to its lowest price ever. Each AirTag costs just $18.25 after a 26% discount from Amazon. If you’d prefer a single tracker, you can get a solo AirTag for up to 14% off the usual price from Best Buy. Use these Cyber Monday AirTag deals to stock up on Apple’s tracking tags.
AirTags are a great way to keep you from leaving important items behind, or to help you find them if you misplace them.
We’re never going to see an Apple-branded TV. AI image: Imagen 3/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly considering making a television set, but don’t get your hopes up. There are simply too many reasons why Apple won’t make a TV. Like so many things, it all comes down to profits (and the lack thereof).
You need look no further than Apple’s set-top box and monitors to see why an Apple-branded television isn’t going to happen.
Now you can temporarily share the location of your lost bag with your airline. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple added Share Item Location to the Find My app to let AirTag users securely share with an airline the exact position of a tracking tag attached to lost luggage.
Here’s how to use the new feature to show an airline employee that your bag is actually just outside Concourse C in the Atlanta airport, not in Denver where they think it is. They can even see the exact position of the luggage.
Apple salutes “amazing apps that users love” with the finalists for the App Store Awards. Image: Apple
Apple named the finalists Monday for its annual App Store Awards. These awards honor “exceptional user experience, design, and innovation,” according to the Mac-maker. App awards come in a range of categories, like iPhone App of the Year, Mac Game of the Year, and many more.
The nominations aren’t just kudos for developers — they’re a great way for users to find high-quality software.
With a variety of models to choose from, what the best iPad for you? Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Shopping for an iPad can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Each tablet has its strengths and weaknesses. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.
Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the right iPad for you.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is available for free all this weekend. Here’s how to watch it. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, it’s time to watch the beloved Peanuts holiday special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. While Apple TV+ subscribers can watch it anytime, the special is also free for anyone to stream all this weekend.
And you do not need an Apple device to do so. It’s easy on Roku, Windows and many more options.
The best stylus for 2024's new Apple tablets: the M4 iPad Pro, the M2 iPad Air and iPad mini 7. We gave it the maximum rating in our hands-on review, and found that its pro features are worthy of the price.
Pros:
Advanced features like the new squeeze gesture, haptic feedback and support for hover.
Excellent for note-taking, image editing and artistic endeavors.
The U.K. government seems poised to force Apple to fundamentally change the way iPhone browsers work. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The United Kingdom could precipitate a significant iPhone revamp after a government report found that “Apple’s rules restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers.”
The findings in the report are sure to inform government regulators as they enforce the U.K.’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which goes into effect in January 2025.
This stand, hub and SSD enclosure might be just the accessory your Mac mini M4 needs. Photo: Satechi
The just-announced Satechi Mac mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure adds an array of front-facing ports to Apple’s slimmed-down desktop. There’s also room inside for an NVMe SSD.
The multi-purpose accessory is designed to match the size and appearance of the Mac.