Apple has a plan

The MacBook’s biggest problem is its price.

The cheapest model, the entry-level MacBook Air, currently starts at $999, and many Windows laptops cost far less.

That presents two problems. Not only does Apple miss out on sales of laptops in that price range, it also potentially loses those customers forever. Once they get used to using Windows, it becomes harder to convince them to switch to a Mac.

With Windows PCs dominating overall computer sales, Apple’s been trying to woo switchers for decades.

Better to get ‘em young — and that’s exactly what Apple has in mind with its rumored low-cost MacBook.

The entry-level laptop, which will run on an iPhone chip and cut corners in other ways, reportedly will arrive early next year.

PC makers are already nervous — but Apple fans should be excited!

Also in today’s newsletter:

If you own a pair of AirPods Pro 3, here’s everything you need to know about getting the perfect fit.
The gorgeous, super-skinny iPhone Air is reportedly such a bust that Apple is slamming the brakes on its successor.
Hot deals on AirPods 4 and Apple Watch SE 2 drop them to all-time low prices.
Apple reportedly plans to boost the iPhone’s satellite capabilities.
HomePods got a ton of love (and a bit of hate!) in last Friday’s poll, as did a surprisingly wide range of other audio gear. Check the comments below.

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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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.

Size matters: How to get the perfect fit for your AirPods Pro 3 ear tips

If you don’t like how your new AirPods Pro 3 feel in your ears, don’t be hasty and return them — you should try different ear tips.

iPhone Air bombed so hard that Apple will delay the next version

A second-generation iPhone Air supposedly won’t launch next fall, as had been planned. And it might even be canceled.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

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.

Your iPhone and Mac now automatically install security patches

Security patches for iPhone, iPad and Mac now happen without requiring the user to do anything, via Background Security Improvements.

Hey, Siri! Google's got the AI upgrade you need! [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: Apple reportedly plans to pay a cool $1 billion a year to use Google Gemini to make Siri smarter.

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Grab a Google Nest Learning Thermostat for less than $100

Automatically adjust temps to cut energy costs while keeping your home comfy with a refurbished third-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

They’re practically giving away Apple Watch SE [Now even cheaper!]

Apple Watch SE is already the most affordable wearable Apple makes, and a deal knocks up to 32% off the already low price.

Apple could open iPhone satellite features to third-party apps

Apple wants to expand iPhone satellite connectivity beyond emergencies, adding support for third-party apps and offline navigation in Maps.

Today in Apple history: Microsoft reveals its plans for Windows 1.0

On November 10, 1983, Microsoft told the world about a new product it planned to launch called Windows 1.0. Apple faced a brand-new rival!

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

To these Hewlett-Packard guys, $10,000 was cheap. To our market, to our distribution channels, $10,000 was impossible. So we produced a product [the Lisa computer] that was a complete mismatch for the culture of our company, for the image of our company, for the distribution channels of our company, for our current customers. None of them could afford a product like that. And it failed.

— Steve Jobs, 1995.

Today’s poll

Did you watch the first episode of new Apple TV show "Pluribus"?

Results from Friday’s poll: What kind of speaker do you prefer?

Best reader comments

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