That's better

Back in 2025, there was a lot of consternation about Apple’s redesign of the Camera app in iOS 26.

Gone was the old layout, which hadn’t changed much in more than a decade, in favor of a sliding carousel for different camera modes, which everyone hated, and new positions for some of the most-used quick controls (also unpopular).

I gotta admit, it’s taken me a moment to get used to the new system, but in general, I’m a fan.

There’s more change coming in iOS 27, currently in developer beta, and there’s an important new mode that is going to make a huge, huge difference in how people use iPhone’s camera.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Damn, I was really looking forward to this. Hope this rumor’s not true.
This is disappointing too. What a BS defense. I’m firmly with the YouTubers.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: Wow: Just $25 seems really inexpensive for this spring-loaded monitor arm that can be adjusted with just one finger. Gets good reviews and is 50% off. #affiliate
Like everyone else I try to snap pictures of fireworks (or rather, colored fog here in San Francisco), and they always turn out disappointing. But it is possible to get awesome shots with iPhone, with a bit of preparation and planning.
Did the PowerMac Cube ever officially get discontinued? Its obviously not in production, but AFAIK, it’s still “on ice.”

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

5 ways the Camera in iOS 27 is more refined than ever

The Camera app in iOS 27 is chock-full of small but meaningful improvements. Last year’s design is refined upon to make it the best yet.

Apple may have hit pause on its most ambitious AirPods Pro upgrade

One of the biggest rumored AirPods Pro upgrades may be on hold, as Apple reportedly suspends development of the camera-equipped earbuds.

Apple's defense in AI lawsuit: those YouTube videos were public all along

Apple wants a YouTube lawsuit against it thrown out, arguing the videos it used for AI training were never locked down to begin with.

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

Score 20TB of cloud storage for life

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How to take fabulous fireworks photos with your iPhone

These tips and hardware recommendations will make your snaps sparkle. Learn how to photograph fireworks with iPhone and achieve great results.

Today in Apple history: End of the line for Power Mac G4 Cube

On July 3, 2001, Apple suspended production of its Power Mac G4 Cube, one of the most notable busts in the company's history.

Best Pro Display XDR setups: Apple's most magnificent monitor in the wild

"The world's best pro display," as Apple calls it, inspires envy. Behold the best Pro Display XDR setups in Cult of Mac's archive.

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 Fin}

Join the Fin and AWS team on July 9 to see how you can scale customer support with AI. Save your spot.

Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

You just make the best product you can, and you don't put it out until you feel it's right. But no matter what you think intellectually, your heart is beating pretty fast right before people see what you've produced.

— Steve Jobs, 1989.

Today’s poll

Are you excited to see Siri AI in the new Camera app?

Results from yesterday’s poll:

Best reader comments

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Getting better