Apple's magic touch

Time and time again over the past 50 years, Apple has taken a loser product category and turned it into a huge success. It’s truly remarkable how Apple’s mix of high-end hardware, supreme software and exquisite timing fueled hit after hit.

Our lead story this weekend runs down five key times Apple turned failed products into unbelievable successes. (Look for more Cult of Mac coverage next week related to Apple’s 50th anniversary.)

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Apple updated all its operating systems this week to 26.4 versions. Here’s what’s new in iOS, macOS and watchOS.
On this week’s Cult of Mac podcast, we discussed Apple’s big plans for Siri, what to expect at WWDC26 (officially set for June 8 through 12), ads on Apple Maps and more. Watch or listen (and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode).
End of an era alert: Apple pulled the plug on the Mac Pro this week. Pour one out for the tower of power as you peruse our roundup of the best Mac Pro setups ever.
MacBooks already boast great battery life, but these tips can extend that even further.
We reviewed a pair of great products this week: a super-cool 17-port Thunderbolt 5 dock and an iPad stand that doubles as a handy hub.
Cult of Mac Deals is running a (nearly) sitewide sale that slashes 15% off our already discounted prices. Just use code MARCH15 at checkout. New deals and price drops this week include tons of cool Mac apps, including ones for dictation, quickly freeing up storage, and unlocking hidden Mac features.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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Feature story

5 times Apple turned failed products into huge successes

Apple's greatest talent is turning niche products into mainstream hits. Here are five brilliant examples of trash into triumph.

How-tos

5 ways to get the best battery life on your MacBook

Every MacBook boasts industry-leading battery life, but what if you want more?

New AirPods Pro and AirPods firmware update fixes bugs

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.

News

Everything new in macOS Tahoe 26.4

Update for performance boosts, new emoji and other enhancements for your Mac.

Plus, more on Apple software:

Why you can't upgrade MacBook Neo's 8GB of RAM

Is a MacBook Neo RAM upgrade possible? Nope. Here's why. And why Apple couldn't make its own version with 16GB of memory.

What the new, AI-powered Siri will look like (and do) in iOS 27

Apple plans a total revamp of Siri in iOS 27 that turns the beleaguered voice assistant into an AI chatbot (and maybe a standalone app).

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Why now is the best time to buy a portable SSD

SSD price trends make now the right time to add storage to your Mac ... before costs rise even further.

Apple Business is Apple’s latest attempt to own the workplace

New plan consolidates tools for device management, outreach and business growth across Apple's ecosystem.

Newly surfaced 1999 Steve Jobs video describes Apple comeback strategy

Jobs talks about the iBook G3 triumph and looks ahead.

Deals

Make your Mac feel new again with this utilities bundle

The Dr.Buho Mac Utility Lifetime Bundle can declutter your Mac. Right now, it’s available for $29.99 (MSRP $241.96).

Plus, more new software discounts from Cult of Mac Deals:

AirPods Max 2 prelaunch deal: Don't wait to save

The first deal on Apple’s newly announced AirPods Max 2 lets you save before the premium headphones even hit store shelves.

Plus, more hardware deals:

Price cut: Your Mac has hidden tools — this $26 app makes them visible

MacMagic is an easy way to unlock hidden Mac features without memorizing Terminal commands.

Plus, more price cuts from Cult of Mac Deals:

Get 3 years of piano lessons on your iPhone, iPad or Mac for just $60

Turn your device into a smart teacher with Flowkey’s interactive piano lessons, real-time feedback and song-first approach to learning.

Reviews

This Ugreen Thunderbolt 5 dock does almost everything right [Review]

This dock promises to replace every dongle on your desk with a single, powerful hub. A Ugreen Maxidock 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 review.

This iPad stand does double-duty as 5-port hub [Review]

Your iPad can be the heart of a compact workstation with the Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub. We go hands-on.

Setups

Ultimate power: Top 9 Mac Pro setups

Truly the stuff of dreams, the top 9 Mac Pro setups from Cult of Mac's archives showcase the Apple flagship desktop's amazing power.