Readers of this newsletter are much wiser than the writer of this newsletter.

Unlike my good self, who recklessly installs the latest betas on ALL my mission-critical devices (and always regrets it!), you guys are much more circumspect.

The most disciplined among you have been waiting for this — iOS 26.1, the first big point release that fixes the worst bugs and glitches.

The update is available now — and it’s not just bug fixes. There are more than 20 new features, and some of them are pretty big.

Here are five features you should check out after you install it — including options to customize Liquid Glass if you’re not a fan, and a new way to skip and rewind music. (We also made a video version of this guide.)

Personally, I’ll be training myself on how to use the iPad’s new Slide Over multitasking feature, which has been reimagined to work with the new Windowed Apps system in iPadOS 26.1. It looks pretty handy.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Remember when Michael Dell laughingly suggested Apple should be shut down and the parts sold off for shareholders? Apple already dominates the high-end laptop market, and it’s now gunning for the entry-level segment, where Dell and other PC makers are stronger. Guess who’s laughing now?

  • SanDisk just debuted the world’s smallest 1TB flash drive. I’m going to buy not just one of these, but two! Both of my aging Macs are running out of disk space, and this looks like the perfect solution — plus they’re crazy cheap for 1TB drives.

  • Here’s your chance to save on Apple’s official iPhone 17 cases, including the great TechWoven model, which I bought full-price at launch. I like it very much. It’s tough, grippy, hard-wearing and there’s not a mark on it.

  • It’s interesting to read about Apple’s early attempts to create a better retail experience. The company first tried a store-within-a-store concept, which it borrowed from the fashion industry. It failed, but it was an early prototype of what would later morph into Apple Stores, which are now some of the most valuable shops ever designed.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss

Apple’s iOS 26.1 update is out now. There are five new features you should check out after you install it — changes to Liquid Glass and more.

Apple's upcoming budget laptop has PC makers 'freaking out'

With Apple developing a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows laptops, signs suggest the PC industry should be worried.

Your MacBook needs the ‘world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive’

The SanDisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive packs up to a terabyte of storage, but is tiny enough that you can leave it in a MacBook.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Save up to 32% on Apple's official iPhone 17 cases

Don’t miss big savings on official Apple cases to protect your new iPhone 17. There are many designs and colors to choose from.

Thank goodness Slide Over is back in iPadOS 26.1

Here’s how to use the iPad’s revised Slide Over feature for more efficient multitasking.

WhatsApp finally brings messages, voice notes and calls to Apple Watch

At long last, WhatsApp for Apple Watch goes live, bringing support for texts, voice notes and calls to your wrist.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Twofer deal gives you lifetime access to 1TB of cloud storage plus VPN for just $60

Together, FolderFort and OysterVPN give you a special kind of digital freedom. One keeps your data safe; the other keeps your world open.

Apple gives old HomeKit architecture a few more months to live

Apple delays shutting down the old HomeKit architecture, extending its life until February 2026. But you should upgrade now.

They’re practically giving away Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch SE is already the most affordable wearable Apple makes, and a deal knocks up to 32% off the already low price.

Today in Apple history: Apple sets up shop inside CompUSA stores

On November 4, 1997, Apple unveiled a deal to add a mini "store within a store" in CompUSA outlets. It was a dry run for today's Apple stores.

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!

A message from Mindstream

Master ChatGPT for Work Success

ChatGPT is revolutionizing how we work, but most people barely scratch the surface. Subscribe to Mindstream for free and unlock 5 essential resources including templates, workflows, and expert strategies for 2025. Whether you're writing emails, analyzing data, or streamlining tasks, this bundle shows you exactly how to save hours every week.

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Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

My job is to work with sort of the top 100 people, that's what I do. That doesn't mean they're all vice presidents. Some of them are just key individual contributors. So when a good idea comes, you know, part of my job is to move it around, just see what different people think, get people talking about it, argue with people about it, get ideas moving among that group of 100 people, get different people together to explore different aspects of it quietly, and, you know — just explore things.

— Steve Jobs, 2008.

Today’s poll

Results from yesterday’s poll: Are you glad "Apple TV+" changed to plain old "Apple TV"?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

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