Apple's product blitz

One of my favorite things we do on the new Cult of Mac podcast is the predictions game we play before big Apple events. Leander, Griffin and I — plus special guest Casey Liss, from the Accidental Tech Podcast — placed our bets in this week’s podcast.

It was tougher than usual, because next week’s “event” won’t be a typical Apple keynote. Instead, it starts Monday with … something.

We don’t know exactly what’s coming, but we’ve got some pretty good guesses. Give the podcast a listen (or a watch) — and you can play along with the predictions game, too!

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

New laptops seem to be high on Apple’s agenda for next week, including monstrous new MacBook Pros and a low-cost MacBook that should cause Chromebook makers to quake in their boots.
The success of the cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro made Apple consider more bold color options.
If you don’t know the two-finger iPhone “select all” gesture, do yourself a favor and learn it today.
Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy reviewed the smartest iPhone charger he’s ever seen.
And finally, Cult of Mac Deals launched some great new offers this week, including a wireless CarPlay adapter, an AI job-search tool and a very affordable portable monitor that’s perfect for hotels, cafes and such.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature stories

Predictions for next week's 'special Apple Experience' [Cult of Mac podcast No. 9]

This week on the "Cult of Mac" podcast: Apple's prepping to launch something, but who knows what? Time for our predictions game!

Tim Cook promises 'big week' of product launches — what to expect

Get ready for new Apple products in early March — next week! Expect three new MacBooks, iPhone 17e and more.

Plus, more on next week’s possibilities:

How-tos

This secret iPhone gesture will come in handy everywhere [Pro Tip]

A hidden gesture on the iPhone and iPad lets you quickly select a bunch of items in a list — kind of like Command-A (⌘A) on a Mac.

Never miss a live show in your hometown with Apple Music Concerts

Apple Music Concerts solves one of life’s biggest heartbreaks — finding out that your favorite artist has already passed you on tour.

Make texting more bearable with custom Apple Watch replies

Apple Watch texting is a nightmare. Luckily, you can enter your own canned messages to make it much more bearable.

Save your history and recommendations: Listen to Apple Music in private mode

While there isn’t an Apple Music private mode built-in, you can make your own using a Focus mode. It’ll ignore all the songs you play.

News

iPhone 18 Pro might double down on bold colors

Apple reportedly plans a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro, following the strong response to cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Apple is bringing Mac mini production home to Texas

Apple will begin limited Mac mini assembly in the United States to meet local demand, expanding its manufacturing footprint beyond Asia.

iOS 26.4 beta 2: All the new features and changes

Apple continues testing iOS 26.4 with the release of beta 2, and the update brings more than just minor tweaks.

Why Apple users should care about a 'looming Taiwan chip disaster'

U.S. officials have warned for years about China causing a Taiwan chip disaster. Apple and Silicon Valley have been slow to respond.

iPhone is secure enough for classified NATO secrets right out of the box

The iPhone and iPad can securely handle classified information up to the NATO Restricted level without needing special software.

Deals

Give your MacBook a sidekick screen for just $60

This 15.6-inch portable monitor from AOC exists for the places a desktop monitor doesn't fit: kitchen tables, hotel rooms, etc.

Rescue old logos and other artwork with Super Vectorizer Pro, just $19.99

Convert old images into clean vector graphics with Super Vectorizer Pro, now $19.99.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Cut the cable from your CarPlay life with this tiny wireless adapter

Plug in this Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter and your phone wirelessly connects automatically, every time you start the car.

This $40 AI tool is your secret weapon for landing a job faster

Automate your resumes and cover letters, then track your opportunities and ace your interview prep, with AI job search tool FirstResume.

Plus, more AI from Cult of Mac Deals:

Reviews

This tiny 45W charger is smarter than it has any right to be [Review]

The new Anker Nano Charger powers up your devices at up to 45W with a smart display and 180° foldable design. We go hands-on.

Setups

16 coolest (and weirdest) keyboards in Mac setups

We picked out the 16 coolest (and weirdest) keyboards for Mac setups, including ergonomic wonders and highly customizable options for gamers.