A new golden age for the Mac

Just five years ago, the Mac was struggling. Then Apple silicon came along and turned the computing world on its head.

As Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones says in this week’s feature story, we’re now luxuriating in “a new golden age” for the Mac. Read it to find out how it happened — and what comes next.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Nobody saw the iPhone Pocket coming. The weird new iPhone accessory drew plenty of mockery (including on our podcast), for both its unusual design and its fat price tag. Still, Apple had the last laugh.
If you’ve already taken the plunge and updated to macOS 26 Tahoe, you probably noticed that Spotlight search is very different. Here’s how to make the most of the updated tool.
Cult of Mac reviewers tackled some interesting devices this week, including a tiny 2TB SSD for iPhones, an AI-powered voice recorder that makes note-taking a snap, and “the best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy.”
There are some hot deals on Apple products this week, including rock-bottom pricing on AirPods 4 and clearance blowouts on Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE 2.
And finally, if you haven’t watched the first few episodes of Pluribus yet, maybe our spoilery review will convince you to queue up Apple TV’s latest must-see show. Pluribus is still sitting at 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes — find out what all the buzz is about!

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

How Apple silicon triggered a Mac renaissance

As the first three Apple silicon Macs turn 5 years old, it’s worth reflecting on how the past half-decade has reinvented the Mac.

How-tos

How to use the all-new Spotlight in macOS 26 Tahoe

Spotlight serves as a universal search bar for the Mac. And in macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple supercharged it with advanced features.

AirPods firmware update brings hope to wearers of Apple earbuds

Here's how to see if you have the latest AirPods firmware, which brings bug fixes, plus how to force an update if you don’t.

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News

Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone

Apple unveils the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted iPhone accessory designed in collaboration with Japan's Issey Miyake.

Plus, more on iPhone Pocket:

The most surprising tweaks in iOS 26.2 beta 2 you need to know

iOS 26.2 beta brings a handful of improvements, including slick menu animations and extends Liquid Glass to more system apps.

Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID

Forget turning your driver’s license into a digital ID, now you can add your passport info to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet.

Plus: Privacy advocates are terrified by the dark potential of Apple Digital ID

The Mac is Apple’s weak spot — but that’s about to change

The Mac isn’t carrying its weight. It’s Apple’s lowest-selling product line, sitting behind even the Apple Watch. Apple needs a fresh angle.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

macOS 26.2 Tahoe introduces Edge Light for better video calls

macOS 26.2 beta 2 adds a new Edge Light feature that adds a bright rim of light around your Mac’s display during video calls.

Deals

AirPods 4 deal slashes Apple earbuds to lowest price ever

Discover incredible AirPods deals that save you up to 34% on Apple earbuds, making them more affordable than ever.

Plus, more deals on Apple products:

A new AI platform just dropped a $90 lifetime subscription

1ForAll AI is a content creation platform for generating images, text, and videos -- and it’s only $90 for life.

Plus, more AI tools from Cult of Mac Deals:

Slide this slim Find My tracker in your wallet for just $24

MagTag functions similarly to AirTag, but the wallet tracker's credit card-size design is a massive improvement for sliding into tight slots.

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

Crazy price drop: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97

Why pay list price for Microsoft software? This Windows 11 sale allows you to upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro for less than $10.

Reviews

3 reasons ‘Pluribus’ is the new must-watch series on Apple TV

Our "Pluribus" season 1 review finds creator Vince "Breaking Bad" Gilligan has done it again in a completely new and mind-blowing way.

Tiny Soundcore AI voice recorder redefines note-taking for iPhone users [Review]

Our hands-on Soundcore Work AI Voice Recorder review finds the tiny device makes note-taking easy for iPhone users, despite Find My problems.

Tiny, super-fast Planck SSD is perfect for recording iPhone video [Review]

Created specifically for iPhone, the 2TB Planck SSD is so small that it plugs into the handset’s USB-C port and practically disappears.

Kuxiu X40 Turbo: The best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy [Review]

The Kuxiu X40 Turbo is a great 3-in-1 charger that supports the fastest MagSafe and Qi charging speeds possible on the latest iPhones.