It's pretty shocking, really, to discover all the ways your cellphone carrier is spying on you.

It may seem that with all Apple's recent privacy changes -- such as App Tracking Transparency -- your device is pretty private. After all, if you're running the latest version of iOS, you probably already denied apps permission to track you.

But that only applies to apps running on your device. At the other end of the connection, your cellular provider is probably logging all the websites you visit, the apps you use and your precise location at all times.

They're doing this because data is gold. Verizon, for example, is one of the most egregious data collectors, and is hoovering up tons of info to better serve targeted ads.

But it's not just Verizon. Many, if not all, cellphone carriers do this. However, you can fight back -- or at least, turn off various settings to better protect your privacy. Our top story shows how to do this for Verizon.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

Verizon tracks almost everything you do on iPhone. Here’s how to stop it. — www.cultofmac.com

If you use an iPhone on Verizon, there’s a good chance your carrier has been tracking everything you do when you’re connected to its cellular network. There’s nothing Apple can do to stop this — despite its new privacy protections baked into iOS — because Verizon's tracking does not require an app installed on your iPhone. But there is something you can do to prevent it. We’ll show you how.

iPhone and Mac get another shot at AppleCare+ coverage after pricey repairs — www.cultofmac.com

Anyone who ever paid to have their Mac or iPhone fixed, and kicked themselves for not having AppleCare+, reportedly will get a second chance to buy the insurance coverage to help cover the cost of future repairs.

Next-gen AirPods Pro could bring new design, better chip in late 2022 — www.cultofmac.com

We could be hanging fire for close to a year for Apple’s much-anticipated AirPods Pro upgrade, but it should be well worth the wait.

Samsung could make iPhone 14’s first ‘hole punch’ displays — www.cultofmac.com

The company reportedly began manufacturing new “hole punch” OLED displays that will allow Apple to finally do away with the notch.

This golf simulator is a hole-in-one gift for iOS users — www.cultofmac.com

If you know a golfer who wishes they could hit the course more often, but doesn’t have the time or spare cash, get them the TruGolf Mini golf simulator, on sale now.

Court delays App Store changes as Apple appeals contentious ruling — www.cultofmac.com

Developers will have to put plans to steer App Store users to their own direct payments systems on the back burner. A court on Wednesday granted Apple’s request to put the change on hold while the iPhone-maker appeals the Epic Games v. Apple court ruling.

How to stream AirPlay video on the cheap — www.cultofmac.com

You don’t need cables to stream video from your iPhone or iPad to a TV. Apple’s AirPlay 2 system is wireless and easy to use. That’s been true for years — what’s changed is the necessary equipment has become very affordable. Here is what you need.

Developer squeezes primo sound out of a solid gaming rig [Setups] — www.cultofmac.com

Premium computer setups for gaming are known for their eye-popping visuals, of course — but they need great sound, too. Today’s featured setup gets there with a killer display but also a raft of audio gear by companies like Aiyima, Burson, Kanto and Hifiman. The headphones, in particular, may make you green with envy.

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One more thing ...

"If you want to know what's gonna happen in five years, you don’t look in the mainstream, you look at the fringe." -- Steve Jobs