Apple plans to replace Game Center with new gaming-focused app

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Apple Games app rumors
An application highlighting games on iPhone and Mac is on the way.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of mac

A new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV, according to an unconfirmed report from Tuesday.

It’ll replace the current Game Center, track users’ in-game achievements, give players a way to communicate with other gamers, and more.

Discount code: Get a versatile iPhone scanning app for $24.99 (works with iPad, too)

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Scan documents with your iPhone or iPad with iScanner, now only $35.
This iPhone and iPad-compatible scanning app works wonders.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With the right scanning app, your iPhone or iPad can scan documents with vivid clarity. There’s no need for a printer-size scanner — you just need your Apple gear. A great example of such an app, iScanner is now on sale for only $24.99 with code SCAN (regularly $199.90).

Qualcomm study shows its modems outperform Apple’s C1 chip

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Qualcomm modem study
A new study funded by Qualcomm shows its modem chips topping C1 in real-world, New York City conditions.
Photo: Apple

A new Qualcomm study suggests the company’s modems outperform Apple’s first in-house modem chip, the C1 — particularly in challenging urban network conditions.

The research from Cellular Insights, funded by Qualcomm, tested the iPhone 16e — Apple’s first device to feature the company’s homegrown C1 modem — against Android smartphones powered by Qualcomm chips on T-Mobile’s 5G network in New York City.

Apple almost became a satellite internet provider

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Globalstar satellites
Today, your home internet might come from satellites and Apple, except the company changed its mind.
Photo: Globalstar

Your iPhone and home internet service could come beamed from satellites in orbit in a service provided by Apple — but no. The company reportedly spent millions investigating the idea before dropping it.

Instead, recent iPhones have limited access to satellite connectivity, and even that brought Apple into conflict with Elon Musk and Starlink.

6-port iPad stand/hub adds convenient media control buttons [Review] ★★★★☆

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Zagg 6-Port Media Hub for iPad★★★★☆
The Zagg 6-port Media Hub features an iPad stand, useful ports plus media controls.
Photo: Zagg

The Zagg 6-port Media Hub includes a flip-up iPad stand, an HDMI port, a USB-A port and more, with the standout feature being an easily accessible set of media controls. And all this fits into the same space on your desktop as a more conventional tablet stand.

I used the iPad hub/stand in my home for weeks, and it does its job well. That said, a design quirk might limit its appeal.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs blasts Apple as ‘caretakers’ in full-page ad

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A still from the classic Apple
Steve Jobs thought ditching ad agency Chiat/Day proved Apple had lost its creative mojo.
Photo: Apple and Chiat/Day

May 27: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs says Apple is being run by caretakers May 27, 1986: An exiled Steve Jobs takes a shot at Apple after the company ditches Chiat/Day, the ad agency that created the iconic “1984” Macintosh ad. In a full-page ad published in The Wall Street Journal, Jobs says the move to competing ad agency BBDO shows that “caretakers” rather than “builders” now run Apple.

From his perspective, it confirms that the company he co-founded has lost its revolutionary spirit.

Nab M4 iPad Pro models at up to $250 off

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M4 iPad Pro deal
If you were waiting for deals to come along on Apple's best tablet, now's the time.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

When they can restrain themselves, savvy Apple fans resist buying the second a new product comes out. They wait for discounts to come along. And that’s what makes now a great time to nab Cupertino’s finest tablet, M4 iPad Pro. Amazon just loaded markdowns on 13-inch and 11-inch models, with or without cellular. You can choose the specs you need and get up to $250 off in these M4 iPad Pro deals. Note that some of the biggest savings below are in the links lists, not the boxes.

The wait is over: WhatsApp launches on the iPad

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WhatsApp for iPad
WhatsApp for iPad is finally here.
Screenshot: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

After years of waiting, WhatsApp finally landed on the iPad on Tuesday. You can now use Meta’s popular messaging service on your iPad alongside other devices.

Like on the Mac, WhatsApp’s iPad app won’t let you register with a new number. It functions solely as a companion device linked to a primary phone.

App Store blocks over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024

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App Store blocks fraud
Apple said it blocks $9 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past five years.
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed its App Store prevented more than $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024 alone, contributing to over $9 billion in blocked fraudulent activity across the past five years. But as the App Store blocks fraud, the figures highlight the tech giant’s ongoing battle against increasingly sophisticated bad actors attempting to exploit users and developers on its platform.

The massive fraud prevention effort protects the App Store’s 813 million weekly visitors across 175 regions worldwide. Since its 2008 launch, Apple’s marketplace has grown into one of the world’s most trusted digital storefronts, Apple said. But maintaining that reputation requires constant vigilance against evolving threats ranging from data theft apps to payment scams.

Future iPhone might go ultra high-res with 200MP camera

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max camera array, pictured in front of a green plant.
Do you want an iPhone with a 200MP main camera?
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple might finally catch up to Samsung and use a 200MP primary camera on future iPhones. A new rumor hints that the company is experimenting with a 200MP main camera sensor.

Current iPhone models ship with a 48MP primary shooter, while the Pro models also use a 48MP ultrawide.

Today in Apple history: Apple becomes world’s most valuable tech company

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Apple is worth more than the entire US energy sector combined
It was a big day for Apple!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac/401Calculator

May 26: Today in Apple history: Apple worth more than Microsoft for first time May 26, 2010: In a massive milestone, Apple passes Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable technology company for the first time.

The changing of the guard proves particularly amazing given that, just 15 years earlier, Apple looked close to dead, while Microsoft dominated the tech world thanks to Windows 95.

Discount code: Score 20TB of cloud storage for life

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Photo of person accessing Internxt cloud storage on an iPhone.
Get 20TB of cloud storage for life with this hugely discounted subscription!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This Internxt flash sale drops the price of a massive 20TB of cloud storage to only $400 — for life! Just pay once, and you’ll never need to worry about juggling files between devices.

It’s a simple solution to a modern problem, without the usual monthly fee. Jump on this deal now to secure a 20TB lifetime subscription, which usually costs $4,900, for just $400.

Note: You must use code STORAGE20 at checkout to secure this deal.

Today in Apple history: Apple probes Foxconn suicides

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Apple faces criticism for conditions on the iPhone production line in Foxconn factories.
Apple faces criticism for conditions on the iPhone production line.
Photo: SACOM Hong Kong/Flickr CC

May 25: Today in Apple history: Apple investigates Foxconn suicides May 25, 2010: Apple opens an investigation into a string of suicides at Foxconn, its Chinese manufacturing partner for assembling iPhones.

After reports of a ninth death at a Foxconn factory, Apple says it is “independently evaluating” Foxconn’s response. Cupertino vows to take a long, hard look at the facilities that manufacture its products. It’s a tough challenge for Apple to deal with — and CEO Steve Jobs’ controversial comments don’t exactly help.

iPadOS 19 rumors: What to expect at WWDC25

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iPadOS 19 rumors
iPadOS 19 rumors indicate it’ll bring iPad closer to the Mac.
AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Rumors point to iPadOS 19 bringing the biggest improvements to iPad in years. The news is especially good for those who want their tablet to act more like a Mac.

With WWDC25 and the unveiling of iPadOS 19 mere weeks away, here’s what we already know about it.

tvOS 12 and watchOS 12 to get a visionOS glow-up

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Apple Watch 10 review
watchOS 12 might feature a glassy design.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming iOS 19 design overhaul will extend to Apple Watch, Apple TV and even the Vision Pro headset that inspired the glossy refresh, according to a new report. This will help the company deliver a more consistent experience across all its devices.

“tvOS and watchOS will both be redesigned to match their more popular siblings [iOS, macOS and iPadOS], while visionOS will get some adjustments — in cases where the changes make sense for a headset,” wrote Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman in Sunday’s Power On newsletter. “While iOS 7 in 2013 was the biggest-ever visual change to the iPhone’s software, the latest overhaul will be much more widely felt.”

This AI-powered app takes notes for you, then summarizes them

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Man working in front of a computer using AI note taker app My Noes AI
Get a lifetime of unlimited transcriptions and summaries for one low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you ever endured a long lecture or an hours-long all-hands meeting, you know this to be true: There’s no way you can jot down every single word your professor or colleague utters. Rather than scramble and stress about missing certain parts of a presentation, you could add an AI note taker like My Notes AI to your productivity tool kit.

This AI-powered note transcription and summarization app works with your iPhone, iPad and Mac to help you catch every single word. Think of it as your very own personal assistant! You can snag a lifetime subscription to My Notes AI for just $39.99 (regularly $299). That’s the best price you’ll find online.

Murderbot kills it on the streaming charts

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Murderbot ratings: New Apple TV+ series shoots to popularity
The new Apple TV+ series Murderbot offers a mix of action and laughs.
Photo: Apple TV+

The sci-fi action comedy Murderbot exploded onto the ratings charts the first week it reached streaming. The latest series from Apple TV+ hit high on the top 10 lists of two companies that track ratings.

Plus, crime drama Your Friends and Neighbors and the comedy The Studio continues be popular week after week. They give Apple three current hit shows.

Today in Apple history: iTunes ditches movie trailer downloads

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Apple's iTunes movie trailers go dark as streaming supplants downloads.
iTunes movie trailers go dark.
Photo: Tookapic/Pexels CC

May 24: Today in Apple history: iTunes ditches movie trailer downloads May 24, 2013: Apple begins phasing out the option to download movie trailers from its once enormously popular iTunes Movie Trailers website.

The move signals a major change in the way people consume digital content as the internet evolves. Downloads will continue to decline, as streaming services like YouTube and Netflix pick up steam.

How to keep your iPhone battery from going to crap

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Keep It Like-New for Longer
Maximize your long-term battery health.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Adopting a few smart habits can preserve your iPhone battery health, greatly extending the device’s useful lifespan.

By simply tweaking how you use and charge your device, you can keep your battery from going bad, which is often cited as a reason to upgrade to a new iPhone. Just make these easy lifestyle changes, and your iPhone should last longer in the long term.

Keep reading or watch our video to find out how to boost your iPhone battery health.

Apple analyst warns political pressure may outweigh tariff impact

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Apple logo with White House in the background.
Apple should take the 25% tariff hit instead of making iPhones in the U.S.
Illustration: ChatGPT

President Donald Trump wants Apple to make iPhones in the United States. Otherwise, he threatens to impose a 25% tariff on the company.

A well-connected supply chain analyst thinks that, from a profitability standpoint, it’s better for Apple to absorb the 25% tariff on iPhones. But the bigger concern is the growing political pressure from the U.S. president.

Price drop: EDC keychain charging cable packs secret skills

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Product photo of the GoCable keychain charging cable.
Get a GoCable 8-in-1 EDC charging cable on sale for just $20.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With multiple devices to manage and little room for bulky chargers, it helps to have an all-in-one solution to keep everything powered. GoCable is up to the task. This 8-in-1 keychain charging cable is designed for modern travelers, creators and adventurers who need fast, reliable juice for almost any device

It’s small enough to fit right in with your EDC essentials. And Cult of Mac Deals chops the price down to just $21.99 (regularly $49.99).

Save your iPhone by unlocking with an old passcode

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Can I Get A Little Help Here?
In iOS 17, you have an easier path forward if you forget your iPhone's new passcode.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac/Pexels

If you forgot your new iPhone passcode, you can reset it with your old one for up to three days later. This can save you hours of trying to remember the new passcode, or worse, resetting your phone from a backup.

You just have to tap Forgot Passcode? on the Lock Screen after you enter it several incorrect times.

Keep reading for a detailed walkthrough. And don’t worry — if you change your passcode intentionally to keep someone out, you can instantly expire your old one.

Score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just $70

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A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac.
Enjoy lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
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 $69.97 (regularly $219.99).

With 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.

Apple temporarily boosts iPhone trade-in values

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Apple raises iPhone trade in values
Now's the time to trade in your old iPhone at Apple. Maybe get a nice iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16e?
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

iPhone trade-in values get a boost from now through June 18 when you turn over your old iPhone online or in an Apple Store, the Cupertino tech giant said Friday. The monetary increases are modest, but hey, every dollar counts. So now, or anytime Apple raises iPhone trade-in values, is the time to refresh your handset with a shiny new one from the iPhone 16 lineup.