M5's blistering benchmarks

There’s Apple leaks, and then there’s epic Apple leaks!

Somehow, a Russian YouTuber apparently got hold of the upcoming M5 iPad Pro — still in its retail packaging — and unboxed the as-yet-unannounced tablet for all to see.

He even ran benchmarks on the new chip, the next big update to Apple silicon, which will be used across the next generation of iPads and Macs.

The new M5 chip sees some modest improvements in single-core and multi-core performance, but a much bigger leap in graphics processing power, which bodes well for gaming, 3D rendering and video editing.

The faster GPU will enable higher resolutions, faster frame rates, and more-complex visual effects such as ray tracing.

It’ll be very exciting to see what Apple does with the rest of the M5 lineup — which might start to roll out very soon.

Also in today’s newsletter:

With increasing cellphone bans in schools, it’s time for Apple to bring back the iPod.
Logitech just upgraded its beloved MX Master mouse — the mouse of choice in a million Mac setups.
The signature upgrade of Beats’ popular Fit Pro earbuds is a new wingtip with 20% more flexibility (apparently!). Apple also rebranded the buds as Powerbeats Fit.
Adobe’s been steadily porting its professional tools to iPhone and iPad. The latest is Premiere, the insanely powerful video editing suite used to cut countless Hollywood movies and TV shows.
North Dakota is the latest state to add driver’s licenses to iPhone and Apple Watch (with a small catch). Here’s when other states will adopt digital IDs, and how to add yours to your devices.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Early unboxing video leaks M5 iPad Pro (and blistering benchmarks)

An unboxing video of the M5 iPad Pro reveals nearly everything about it weeks before the launch, including benchmark scores of the new chip.

Why Apple should bring back the iPod

Bring back the iPod! With iPhones increasingly banned from schools, Apple should start manufacturing its dedicated music player again.

Compact new Powerbeats Fit earbuds add comfort and durability

The new Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds improve on Beats Fit Pro with a more compact, comfortable and durable design.

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

Insane 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.

Logitech MX Master 4 mouse brings haptic feedback and Actions Ring

The new wireless mouse upgrades a classic with haptic feedback and productivity shortcuts.

Adobe Premiere video editor launches on iPhone

Adobe Premiere is now available to cut together your next video, right from your iPhone, with precision editing, automatic captions and more.

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

This collaboration tool makes it easy to fine-tune images and videos

Vimageo is an easy-to-use image collaboration platform built specifically for giving and receiving actionable feedback on videos and images.

WhatsApp now plays nice with iPhone’s Live Photos

You can now directly share Live Photos with your friends in WhatsApp conversations, adding more context to the shared images.

Digital driver’s license access grows, with North Dakota joining 10 other states

You can now put your North Dakota driver’s license on your iPhone and Apple Watch, but there’s a small catch.

How to add your driver’s license to Apple Wallet

In several states, iPhone and Apple Watch users can add their driver's license to the Apple Wallet app. Here's how.

When will your state let you add your ID to Apple Wallet?

When will you be able to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on your iPhone? It varies by where you live.

Anker's Nano Power Bank is the iPhone battery pack Apple should have made [Review]

This thin 5,000 mAh Qi2 power bank is a lifesaver, and it weighs just 4.2 ounces. An Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim) review.

Today in Apple history: Macs get that iSyncing feeling

On September 30, 2002, Apple introduced iSync, which let Mac users wirelessly sync their address book and calendar with their mobile devices.

Cult of Mac’s Buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

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

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Your time is too expensive to waste.

Most leaders lose 15 hours a week to the wrong tasks. The Delegation Guide and Worksheet helps you take them back. BELAY makes it possible with remote staffing solutions — U.S.-based, flexible, and personally matched to fit your business.

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Tweets of the day

The MLB of the iPhone Air weighs less than 10g. at this weight,u can now have Mac-level performance. Imagine boldly: this is the prototype of future wearable devices—power efficiency/performance/size/cellular

So the iPhone Air is a phone from the future
— #有没有搞措 (#@L0vetodream)
3:22 PM • Sep 29, 2025

the new iphone cpu beats everything in single thread benchmarks. how is this even possible
— #taoki (#@justalexoki)
3:36 PM • Sep 29, 2025

Blue on Orange actually looks better than I expected.
— #Alvin (#@sondesix)
6:26 PM • Sep 28, 2025

Wallpaper of the day

"Majestic mountains glowing under a dreamy sky 🌄✨ #NatureLovers #Wallpaper #MountainVibes #Scenic"
#Leowallpapers
Load in 4k glory
— #LEO WALLPAPER FOR IPHONES 🈵🉐🈶 (#@Leonard18_X)
6:33 AM • Sep 28, 2025

One more thing ...

❝

In the annals of innovation, new ideas are only part of the equation. Execution is just as important.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Should Apple bring back the iPod?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Will you be watching Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show?

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