Essential Mac apps

I’ve been using a Mac almost since year one — yes, 1984 — but I can’t say I’m much of a power user.

Beyond a few keyboard shortcuts, I use my Mac pretty much manually. That is, I don’t have elaborate shortcuts or automations set up. I don’t use gestures on my trackpad, or Siri to get stuff done. I don’t even touch-type!

I know, I’m an embarrassment.

Cult of Mac writer Rajesh Pandey, on the other hand, is Mr. Automation. He’s customized and tricked out his Mac to do all kinds of things.

Here’s a list Rajesh’s favorite apps to make his Mac look and work better and supercharge his productivity. It’s a good list with a bunch of super-handy tips to help you get started, even if, like me, you’ve been using the Mac for decades.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Rajesh also dug into speculation about how Russian YouTubers are getting Apple’s unreleased products early — and he uncovered an interesting connection.
Earlier this week, we rounded up the 10 best portable power banks for Apple gear — and today, six of the 10 are on sale.
Meta’s smart glasses are looking like a bona fide hit for Mark Zuckerberg, prompting Apple to reshuffle its plans for a lightweight Vision Pro.
Although I rarely leave the house, I’m getting really interested in the relatively new category of portable monitors — slim, easily packed displays that you can hook up to your MacBook, iPad or even iPhone. A new 4K portable monitor from a company you’ve probably never heard of looks like a beauty. See our hands-on review.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

These 6 apps will change how you use your Mac

Want to get more out of your Mac? Six of the best Mac utilities around will add features Apple forgot, making everyday tasks quick and easy.

How are Russian YouTubers getting unreleased Apple products early?

Apple runs one of the most secretive supply chains in the world, yet a Russian YouTuber unboxed unreleased Macs and iPads weeks before launch.

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

Get deep discounts on 6 of our top 10 power banks for Apple users

Hurry up and nab great power bank deals -- two-thirds of our top 10 picks for Apple users are discounted on Amazon, including No. 1.

Apple puts cheaper Vision Pro on back burner to focus on smart glasses

Determined to release smart glasses sooner rather than later, Apple reportedly shuts down development of a cheaper Vision Pro headset.

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

This feature-packed iPad stylus costs just $40

This is not just a stylus pen; it’s a workflow upgrade. Simply press the Pencil Pro Ultra's Smart Switch to bounce between iOS and Android.

Make sense of your epic screen recording by adding a voiceover

You can record your screen with audio (and a voiceover) on your iPhone to talk over your video. This functionality is built right in.

This great-looking 4K portable monitor is pleasantly affordable [Review]

The QQH Z12-4 4K Portable Monitor can enhance your business trips and movie nights. We went hands-on with the 15.6-inch travel display.

Today in Apple history: IBM and Apple shake and make up

On October 2, 1991, an Apple-IBM deal stunned the world as the two rivals put aside their differences to work together. Power Macs ensued!

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!

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Tweets of the day

Jane Goodall was a groundbreaking scientist and leader who taught us all so much about the beauty and wonder of our world. She never stopped advocating for nature, people, and the planet we share. May she rest in peace.
— #Tim Cook (#@tim_cook)
8:03 PM • Oct 1, 2025

Steve Jobs daughter btw
— #Zoomer 🧢 (#@zoomyzoomm)
12:55 AM • Oct 2, 2025

The original leather cases were the cause of many a headache in retail. People weren't used to having genuine leather on their phone so when it developed a patina they saw it as a failure. Having to explain to people that we weren't going to replace them because it was a feature
— #Jack Fields (#@OrdinaryInds)
11:24 PM • Oct 1, 2025

We don’t appreciate Tim Cook enough
— #dudu (#@dudufolio)
5:47 PM • Oct 1, 2025

Wallpaper of the day

Load 4k 🏡
— #Classic Wallpaper 🥷 (#@Classisco123)
5:29 AM • Sep 28, 2025

One more thing ...

❝

Microsoft's orbit was made possible by a Saturn 5 booster called IBM. I know Bill would get upset with me saying this, but of course it was true. Much to Bill and Microsoft's credit, they used that fantastic opportunity to create more opportunity for themselves.

— Steve Jobs, 1995.

Today’s poll

Are you a Mac power user?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Is it reasonable to expect Apple to make repairable AirPods?

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