What to expect from Apple Watch

I love gadgets.

At the hardware store, I’m often tempted by the little flashlights or multitools by the cash register — despite already having drawers full of them.

One of my favorite gadgets of all time is my Apple Watch. I use it for everything and never tire of fiddling with it: changing the bands, trying new watch faces, experimenting with complications.

And we’re just a month away from getting new models. Apple is about to launch the Series 9 and a new model of the Apple Watch Ultra (the best wearable evah!) — here’s what to expect.

Also, Apple is reportedly working on a special new design for the Apple Watch’s 10-year anniversary. The Apple “Watch X” sounds pretty exciting.

Also in today’s newsletter:

At just $250, an older refurbished MacBook Air is no speed demon, but it might be perfect for back to school.
We have some great new recommendations in Awesome Apps of the Week, like a handy app that tells you where to stream particular TV shows or movies.
Safari doesn’t get a lot of love, but there are solid reasons to choose it over the nosy, resource hog that is Chrome.
Apple charges hundreds for a stainless steel Apple Watch band, but this sleek steel strap from Laut costs less than $40.
Songs sometimes disappear from Apple Music for various reasons; here’s how to find out if any of your tunes have been deleted.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

Apple will unveil the next generation of Apple Watch this fall, but you don’t have to wait to find out what the new wearables will offer.

www.cultofmac.com/827015/apple-watch-series-9-rumors-apple-watch-ultra-2-se

Apple 'Watch X’ with new design might arrive in 2024

To celebrate the Apple Watch's 10th anniversary, the "Watch X" could sport a slimmer design and a new watch band mechanism.

www.cultofmac.com/827010/apple-watch-x-with-new-design-might-arrive-in-2024

New images reveal components of iPhone 15 USB-C port

If anyone doubts that the iPhone 15 series will come with a USB-C port instead of Lightning, images showing the internal hardware for the port just leaked out.

www.cultofmac.com/827050/images-reveal-components-of-iphone-15-usb-c-port

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

Get a refurbished MacBook Air for only $247.99

If you don't need all the latest bells and whistles, why not pick up a refurbished MacBook Air on the cheap? Great for kids and commuters.

www.cultofmac.com/826806/refurbished-macbook-air-2015-2/?utm_campaign=popf_post9

2 new hubs greatly expand MacBook connectivity

Connect your laptop to more stuff using Spigen's ArcDock Pro Multi Hub 6-in-1 or ArcDock Multi Hub 8-in-1.

www.cultofmac.com/827092/2-new-hubs-greatly-expand-macbook-connectivity

Apple TV+ doubles down on soccer superstar Lionel Messi

It takes not one but two documentary series to cover the international football legend.

www.cultofmac.com/827072/apple-tv-doubles-down-on-soccer-superstar-lionel-messi

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Store}

This sleek stainless steel band makes Apple Watch luxurious

Looking for an Apple Watch band worthy of a black-tie dinner and a dip in the ocean afterward? Try the Laut Links Petite Apple Watch Band.

www.cultofmac.com/802423/sleek-new-stainless-steel-band-makes-apple-watch-luxurious

Mark your calendars for iPhone 15 launch [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: Looks like we have an iPhone 15 launch date. An early hint pinpointed September 13, but now it looks like the big reveal might come a day earlier.

www.cultofmac.com/826959/iphone-15-launch-the-cultcast-607

Kingston's encrypted flash drive with keypad gets more Mac-friendly

The IronKey Keypad 200C is an encrypted USB-C flash drive that unlocks with a built-in number pad.

www.cultofmac.com/827065/kingston-ironkey-keypad-200c-encrypted-drive-keypad-usb-c

Apps to build business savvy, simplify TV streaming, and discover music [Awesome Apps]

Check out an app to make your TV streaming life 10x easier, a gamified way to learn business, and a way to build (or grow) unique Spotify playlists.

www.cultofmac.com/827018/apps-to-build-business-savvy-simplify-tv-streaming-and-discover-music-awesome-apps

Find out if Apple Music deleted one of your favorite songs

Songs disappear from Apple’s streaming service all the time for various reasons. Have any songs in your Apple Music library been deleted without your knowledge?

www.cultofmac.com/826782/find-songs-removed-from-apple-music

5 reasons to use Safari instead of Chrome

If you own a Mac, iPhone or iPad, you gain a lot by using Apple’s web browser, Safari, instead of Chrome.

www.cultofmac.com/826600/use-safari-instead-of-chrome

Today in Apple history: Tide turns against Apple in war with Microsoft

On August 14, 1991, a judge's ruling dealt a major blow to Apple's legal case over the Windows UI. Thus began Apple's big '90s decline.

www.cultofmac.com/497066/tiah-apple-vs-microsoft-aug-91

Try this cool way to mount iPad for use with Sidecar [Setups]

You don't have to stick your tablet on a stand or mount to use Sidecar or Universal Control, but it can be useful.

www.cultofmac.com/826890/heres-a-cool-way-mount-an-ipad-for-use-with-sidecar-setups

Tweetz o’ the day

Today I learned there’s a macOS setting to calculate folder sizes and it’s unchecked by default. 🤯
— #Jonnie Hallman (#@destroytoday)
10:02 PM • Aug 13, 2023

Who else is replacing perfectly fine AirPods Pro 2 next month just for USB-C despite only ever charging wirelessly? 🤪
— #Zac Hall (#@apollozac)
1:51 PM • Aug 13, 2023

Is this unhealthy
— #🅳🆈🅻🅰🅽 (#@DylanMcD8)
3:13 PM • Aug 12, 2023

FACE ID
— #もりすけ(残念なイケメン) (#@Morisuke08)
10:00 AM • Aug 11, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

There’s no yacht in my future. I’ve never done this for the money.

— Steve Jobs, 1995.

Today’s poll

How much do you love your Apple Watch?

Results from last Friday’s poll: Does cable clutter bother you?

Best reader comments

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