Apple Watch Series 9 hits official Apple refurbs store at satisfying discounts

By

Apple Watch Series 9 refurbished
A refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 is as good as new but costs much less.
Image: Cult of Mac

Savvy shoppers can now buy Apple Watch Series 9 from Apple’s Certified Refurbished store. It’s a no-risk way to pick up the wearable at up to $110 below the usual price.

These are primarily devices that consumers bought then returned so supplies and selection are somewhat limited.

Get luxe for less: 62% off Bang & Olufsen-inspired MagSafe charger

By

The 5,000mAh power bank can be used in the stand or separately.
The 5,000mAh power bank can be used in the stand or separately.
Photo: SwitchEasy

How many times have you rushed out the door with a battery pack for your iPhone, only to discover the battery is dead as a doornail? SwitchEasy’s 2-in-1 Portal solves that. This stylish charging stand includes a portable power pack that is always charged and ready to go.

And we have a massive discount only for Cult of Mac readers. The Portal regularly costs $119.99, but for one week only, we are dropping the price to $44.99. That’s more than 60% off, and an offer not found anywhere else. Heck, it’s a good deal for just the 5,000mAh rechargeable MagSafe battery.

With its Bang & Olufsen-inspired styling, Portal is great for your desktop or nightstand. And it ensures you always have portable power ready to go.

Bag bargains on iMacs and Apple accessories while they last

By

sale on iMacs and Apple accessories
A couple of 2021 iMacs are in the mix of sale items.
Photo: Apple

Two concurrent Apple sales at Amazon bargain site Woot! run for the next week or so — one on iMacs and Accessories and one for a selection of Apple Accessories. It’s a good chance to stock up on big and small stuff alike.

“An Apple a Day… is really expensive!” the site quips. Both sales run through May 1 at 10 p.m. PT.

Say goodbye to hopes for mini-LED iPad Air [Updated]

By

12.9-inch iPad Air with mini-LED display won't happen
The upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will use a standard screen, not a mini-LED one.
Nope: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The analyst who predicted last week that the first 12.9-inch iPad Air would include a mini-LED display has now walked it back.

The upcoming super-size version of the tablet will instead apparently use a standard type of screen.

Black Panthers tap Hollywood to fake out FBI in The Big Cigar trailer

By

The Big Cigar trailer
Under cover of a fake Hollywood movie production, Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton evaded the FBI and fled to Cuba. Really!
Photo: Apple TV+

The first trailer for Apple TV+’s The Big Cigar looks like so much fun I almost don’t want to know how true the “incredible true story” about Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton actually is.

The upcoming drama series tells the tale of Newton enlisting a Hollywood producer to fake out the FBI, providing cover for the political activist’s escape to Cuba in 1974. That came after Newton jumped bail on murder and assault charges he called false.

Artist loves his iPad Pro stand for good reason [Setups]

By

Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand
This M1 Mac mini setup features a lot to look at, but don't miss that cool iPad Pro stand on the right.
Photo: tombaconart@Reddit.com

Sometimes what stands out in a computer setup isn’t a major piece, like a computer or display, but a cool accessory. Today’s colorful M1 Mac mini workstation with dual displays and loads of artwork features a cool accessory one could easily miss — a Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand.

10 best undetectable AI tools for bypassing AI detection with ease

By

Close-up of a MacBook laptop on a person's lap.
Not all AI writing tools are equal.
Photo: Sergey Zolkin/Unsplash License

Getting past AI detectors isn’t easy. They’ve been trained and designed to spot the signs of AI content, making it harder than ever for users to avoid AI-related penalties. Fortunately, an undetectable AI writer can help.

As the name implies, an undetectable AI writing tool is designed to make AI content undetectable by AI detection tools. That means you can use these writers to transform AI-made text and bypass AI detection consistently.

 

But which undetectable AI tool to use? This guide is here to help you with that. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of 10 leading AI-to-human text converters that’ll help you get a perfect human score on AI detectors like Originality and GPTZero.

Small businesses get special Today at Apple sessions

By

Made for Business Today at Apple sessions
The new sessions feature business owners teaching other business owners how to make the most of Apple products and services.
Photo: Apple

A special Today at Apple series by and for small-business owners is coming in May to select Apple Stores, the iPhone giant said Wednesday. New “Made for Business” sessions will offer small business owners and entrepreneurs free opportunities to learn how Apple products and services can support them.

“At Apple, we know small businesses are the backbone of local communities, which is why we are constantly innovating to help at every stage of their growth,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.

“Our retail stores provide only-at-Apple experiences such as community and education sessions, free Today at Apple programming, and ongoing support from in-store experts who help small businesses find the perfect technology to supercharge their work,” she added.

Today in Apple history: It’s time for Apple Watch

By

Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the first major new product launch of the post-Steve Jobs era.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

April 24: Today in Apple history: Original Apple Watch launch date April 24, 2015: The original Apple Watch launch means consumers, who endured a seven-month wait after the device’s unveiling at a keynote the previous September, can finally strap an Apple wearable onto their wrists.

Apple CEO Tim Cook describes the smartwatch as the “next chapter in Apple history.”  Behind the scenes, however, the first Apple Watch launch is a moment long in the making.

This solar flashlight doubles as a power bank (and looks flamin’ hot!)

By

This solar-powered flashlight doubles as a power bank and lights up the night with faux fireplace.
No, this flashlight isn't powered by a raging fire!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You might already own a flashlight, but how many tricks does it know? Is it solar-powered? Can it serve as a power bank for your devices? Does it offer a fireplace simulator?  Yeah, we didn’t think so. Well, this solar flashlight can do all three.

And it’s all wrapped into one portable (and very affordable) gadget. That’s right, this multi-use flashlight costs just $39.99. Compared to its regular price of $62.99, that’s a 36% discount.

Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which earbuds are better?

By

AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro comparison
Which earbuds work better with your iPhone?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

If you want new wireless earbuds for your iPhone, the second-generation AirPods Pro are likely your top choice. But Apple offers another pair of earbuds you might consider: Beats Fit Pro. In this Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 buying guide, we’ll compare the features of these two premium noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.

Do these earbuds provide the same features and sound quality as Apple’s flagship earbuds? Find out in this comparison.

Calculator app for iPad might finally launch in iPadOS 18

By

iPad calculator app
Finally. Finally.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In a long overdue move, Apple will reportedly integrate a Calculator application into the iPad operating system. The change — which is somehow both minor and monumental — will supposedly come when iPadOS 18 launched this autumn.

In the mean time, there are already several calculators hidden in the iPad.

Apple cuts Vision Pro shipments as demand slows

By

Vision Pro and battery sitting on pine table
The Vision Pro and its connected battery.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple lowered production targets as Vision Pro demand drops for the mixed-reality headset in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That suggests lower-than-expected demand among consumers as Apple plans to roll out the headset to new countries.

The company now plans to manufacture only 400,000 to 450,000 units this year, significantly lower than the initially anticipated 700,000 to 800,000 units.

Nomad’s new Sport Band and iPhone case glow even brighter in the dark

By

Nomad Glow accessories
You will see this guy and his Nomad Glow accessories coming, even in the dark.
Photo: Nomad

Apple accessories maker Nomad turned up the wattage Tuesday on its second-generation glow-in-the-dark Sport Band for Apple Watch. And it also unveiled its first-ever Glow Sport Case for iPhone 15 Pro models. They both glow in the dark — even more so than the first Glow Sport Band.

New mophie case adds hours to iPhone battery life [Review] ★★★★

By

mophie juice pack for iPhone 15 review★★★★
mophie juice pack is two useful iPhone 15 accessories in one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The new mophie juice pack for iPhone 15 combines a protective case with a power bank. Simply put your handset in the case to greatly extend your battery life and add 6 feet of drop protection.

I did real-world testing on the version specifically for the iPhone 15. (mophie also sells juice packs for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but not iPhone 15 Plus.)

New Trying season 4 trailer shows comedy cast ‘older not wiser’

By

Trying season 4 trailer
The season 4 trailer for comedy "Trying" is out. The kids are getting older.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ heralded the birth of a new season of popular family comedy Trying with a season 4 trailer Tuesday. It charmingly shows everyone getting older as the London family faces life’s little problems, including those adopted kids. After all, six years have passed in the story since season three’s action. They’re “older not wiser,” according to the show’s tagline.

The trailer is not exactly uncontrollably laughing-out-loud funny. But, like the show, its moments of wry humor will draw smiles and a chuckle or two. The fourth season debuts May 22 on Apple TV+.

Today in Apple history: App Store hits 1 billion downloads

By

App Store
What was the first app you ever downloaded?
Photo: Apple

April 23: Today in Apple history: App Store hits 1 billion downloads April 23, 2009: Less than a year after opening its virtual doors, the App Store reaches 1 billion downloads.

Peer-to-peer file sharing app Bump becomes the 1 billionth app to be downloaded. As a result of his purchase, 13-year-old Connor Mulcahey of Weston, Connecticut, wins a “1 Billion App Countdown” promotion.

He takes home an assortment of Apple products valued at more than $13,000, including a $10,000 iTunes gift card, a 32GB iPod touch, a Time Capsule and a 17-inch MacBook Pro.

Love Sonos speakers and soundbars? Here’s your chance to save big.

By

Sonos Beam soundbar - Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars
Sonos first-gen Beam soundbar at 25% off is one of the deals you can grab.
Photo: Sonos

A lot of folks love Apple audio products like HomePod speakers and AirPods earbuds. But another cherished audio brand is running a promotion right now you don’t want to miss. That would be 25% off Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars, plus a couple of other primo deals. See the details below.

After all, we know Apple’s refurbs are good, so why not Sonos?

Surprise! Apple sets May 7 event to launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air

By

Surprise! Apple sets May 7 event to launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air
Apple's next product launch event will be May 7. iPads are finally coming!
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple just invited the world to a May 7 product-launch event with the theme “Let Loose.” As an Apple Pencil is prominently included in the invitation’s image, there’s no doubt that two much-rumored new iPad models are on the agenda.

What is surprising is that there’ll be an event to announce the products, not simply a press release.

Apple FineWoven accessories: Not quite dead yet?

By

FineWoven Apple Watch bands
FineWoven accessories like Apple Watch bands may not be gone yet, but it seems they will go soon.
Photo: Apple

The same leaker who pronounced Apple’s FineWoven material dead Sunday said Tuesday the leather replacement will live one more “season” in new colors. Apple uses the textile in iPhone cases and wallets, Apple Watch bands and some AirTag accessories like keychains.

Presumably, Apple will find a way to replace the heavily criticized material soon, and probably without returning to leather goods, as the leaker implied in their original post on X.

This advanced jump starter can also charge your iPhone, AirPods and more

By

Get a jump on emergency prep with this $69.99 portable jump starter.
Charge your car and your phone with this $69.99 jump starter.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether it’s in your phone or in your car, a dead battery is a problem. Luckily, it’s one you can solve. The Type S is a 12V jump starter and power bank you can use to charge your mobile or jump-start a car battery.

And during this sale, it costs a lot less than calling a tow truck. Normally, the Type S goes for $119. But for a limited time, you can get one for just $69.99.

Analysts see hopeful signs even as iPhone sales slide in China

By

iPhone sales in China
iPhone sales in China slumped, but momentum could shift in Apple's favor.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In the first quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China slid 19.1% compared to Q1 2023. And that’s mainly due to competitor Huawei taking a bigger bite in the premium segment, according to new research. And yet analysts indicated possible signs of recovery for Apple, too.

How to use Delta, the iPhone game emulator

By

Nintendo Games On Your iPhone
A dream years in the making has come true: you can play Pokémon and Mario and all the classics on your iPhone.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

If you want a game emulator on iPhone, the Delta app is now available on the App Store to play games for Nintendo DS, GameBoy, GameBoy Advance, NES, SNES and N64.

That means you can play classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Zelda, Castlevania, and many, many more.

Download it for free on the App Store or from AltStore PAL in the EU. Playing classic Nintendo games on iPhone has never been easier. You don’t need to jailbreak, sideload through a computer or compile the emulator from source code anymore. And it’s legal-ish.

Here’s how to use Delta. Keep reading below or watch our latest video.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just $90

By

A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac is just $70.
Enjoy lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for only $70.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Stuck using an older version of Microsoft Office? This offer gets you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac for just $89.99 (regularly $219).

With just a low one-time payment, you can bid farewell to Microsoft 365’s pesky recurring subscription fees. You’ll never need to pay again for Microsoft’s widely used software for work and school.