What's that dot mean?

If you ever wondered, but were too lazy to ask Google ...

Author

Leander Kahney
May 15, 2025

I was today years old when I discovered the meaning of the dots in my iPhone’s Dynamic Island.

You know the ones: the mysterious orange or green dots that frequently appear in the Dynamic Island (or the top right corner of the screen on older iPhones).

I’ve often wondered what they were for, but was always too lazy to google it.

But really, I should have known without looking it up, because Macs have used a similar system for many years.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • It’s been a long time coming, but Apple finally rolled out the next-gen CarPlay. It looks super-sleek: Check out the embedded video. If only I had a few hundred grand lying around to get it.

  • This is a good deal on an older but still very capable Mac mini, if you need a media server or a good, cheap Apple silicon machine.

  • Everyone knows Apple Music is better than Spotify (don’t @ me!) and Apple’s making it easier than ever to switch.

  • Just when I cancel Xfinity, Apple adds free Major League Soccer games on Sunday nights. Oh well, I hate soccer anyway.

  • I really like the look of these inexpensive new keyboards from Seenda (who?). However, I wish they came with trackpads instead of mice.

  • The story about how Apple developed its distinctive retail stores is pretty fascinating.

  • I‘m not religious at all, but my grandfather was a stained-glass artist and I like the aesthetic of today’s wallpaper of the day. See below.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

What’s the deal with that orange and green dot on your iPhone?

What does the orange dot on your iPhone mean — and while we’re at it, how about the green dot? It can appear randomly in the Dynamic Island.

CarPlay Ultra finally arrives with complete dashboard makeover (for some)

Apple's next-generation CarPlay experience is finally hitting the road -- but only with Aston Martin for now.

Trump calls out Apple for building products in India

President Donald Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Apple "building in India" and asks the company to make more devices in the United States.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Get an M2 Mac mini for just $359.99

Grab a grade-A refurbished M2 Mac mini for excellent performance in a compact design at a big discount. Stock is limited.

Apple Maps adds restaurant, hotel, golf course reviews from pros

Apple Maps now offers reviews for restaurants and hotels that feature insights from Michelin Guide and other expert sources.

Apple brings ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ to Xfinity for free

Xfinity customers can enjoy the weekly action for no extra charge, starting with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Launch your Amazon empire for $20 (seriously)

Each course in The Ultimate 2025 Amazon FBA Bundle delivers crucial information about how to start your own business and succeed.

Apple Music wants to make switching from other music services easier

Apple wants to make your switch away from Spotify to Apple Music seamless with its new tool, currently available in limited countries.

EU iPhone apps that don’t use Apple's payment system get a ‘scare screen’

An App Store scare screen seems to punish iPhone applications using alternative payment systems in Europe.

Price is right on 2 sleek new keyboard-mouse combos

Two new Seenda keyboard and mouse combos click all the boxes -- especially for budget-conscious Apple fans.

Today in Apple history: Apple reinvents the computer store

On May 15, 2001, Steve Jobs flipped the script on boring computer stores, unveiling an ambitious plan to open 25 innovative Apple stores.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

I hate the way people use slide presentations instead of thinking.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

What do you think of the new CarPlay Ultra?

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Results from yesterday’s poll: What's the single most important thing to fix in iPadOS 19?

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