Get more out of your Mac

Apple’s operating systems are complex, with many features hiding in plain sight or buried deep within a menu somewhere. And the latest Mac upgrade is no different.

Here at Cult of Mac, we’re always on the lookout for ways to boost productivity (and to share helpful tips with readers like you). If you already upgraded to macOS 27 Golden Gate, don’t sleep on these new features.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

A new feature in Safari lets you keep tabs on changes to webpages you want to monitor. Great for staying on top of tour dates, price drops and more.
While the Mac and the iPhone usually hog the spotlight, Apple’s busy upgrading the iPad’s software, too. Don’t miss these great new features in iPadOS 27.
AirPods 5 take active noise cancellation to a new level. Read our review of Apple’s latest earbuds.
It’s been a bit of a dodgy week for Apple. The company reportedly cut corners on high-end models of the iPhone 18 Pro, with possibly bad results for people actually doing pro-level stuff. And then there’s the weird reboot glitches afflicting the new phones and Apple Watches. (We talked about all that and more on this week’s Cult of Mac podcast.)
Want to fast-charge your iPhone? Here’s what you need to achieve the best speeds.
Apple’s opening a live music venue that doubles as a state-of-the-art production facility. Located inside London’s Battersea Power Station, Apple Music Hall looks like a stunner. (The first livestreamed show, featuring piano legend Elton John, happens Monday.)
And finally, what would a weekend be without some shopping? Cult of Mac Deals is serving up fresh discounts on cloud storage, affordable AI training, a bundle of 27 great Mac apps (less than a dollar an app) and much more.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

8 things to do first after installing macOS 27 Golden Gate

From customizing Liquid Glass to recording your screen with audio, these eight macOS Golden Gate tips help you get more out of your Mac.

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News

Best iPadOS 27 features that aren't AI

Discover the best iPadOS 27 features that improve your iPad experience: increased stability, faster performance, visual refinements and more.

iPhone 18 Pro's got some '-gates' [Cult of Mac podcast 34]

This week on the "Cult of Mac" podcast: iPhone 18 Pro faces problems right out of the gate, and the new Apple Watches get glitchy, too.

Plus, more on Apple bugs and other problems:

Apple home hub could put Siri AI at the center of your household

Apple's rumored home hub could bring Siri AI, facial recognition and smart home controls to a dedicated household display.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

If Apple Music Hall sounds as good as it looks, it's gonna be amazing

A live music venue in London's Battersea Power Station, Apple Music Hall provides state‑of‑the‑art experiences for audiences and performers.

iPhone 18 Pro’s clever new camera comes with a big repair downside

iFixit takes apart the iPhone 18 Pro to uncover its biggest internal changes and the secret behind the smaller Dynamic Island.

Plus, more disappointments:

Beats 360 puts a customizable spin on over-ear headphones

Beats 360 is a new over-ear headphone from Apple with colorful, swappable cushions, plus improved audio and noise cancellation.

A message from Modash

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How-tos

Safari can now watch websites for you — here's how to set it up

Want to track changes on a webpage? Monitor websites for free with Safari's Notify Me feature in iOS 27 and macOS 27. Here's how.

How to watch the Charlie Brown Halloween special for free

Even though ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ is on Apple TV, you can watch the Halloween special for free in 2026. Here's how.

How to fast charge your iPhone 18 Pro — with or without a cable

Get the fastest wired and wireless charging speeds from your iPhone 18 Pro with the right adapters, cables and charging pads.

Deals

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Price cut: Snag a bundle of 27 Mac apps for just $24.97

Get forever licenses to every type of tool a Mac user needs, from design and productivity to utilities, with the 27-App Lifetime Mac Bundle.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Turn ChatGPT and Claude into serious work tools for just $19.99

Learn how to write more effective prompts for ChatGPT, Claude and other leading AI tools instead of relying on endless trial and error.

Find your next rental property with Mashvisor, just $99.99 for life

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Reviews and recommendations

AirPods 5: Better noise cancellation makes all the difference [Review]

AirPods 5 deliver dramatically improved noise cancellation and richer sound, making Apple’s open-ear earbuds a compelling upgrade.

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Is a four-year upgrade worth it?

The iPhone 18 Pro brings major camera, battery and AI upgrades, but is it worth replacing your iPhone 14 Pro?

Affordable portable monitor flips easily between portrait and landscape [Review]

The KYY K1302R is a surprisingly polished portable monitor, with a good-looking display, clever rotating stand and an aluminum casing.