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This year, for the first time ever, I had a hard time choosing between a basic iPhone 17 and a Pro model.
For years, I’ve used one iPhone Pro or another — either a regular Pro or a Pro Max model.
But this year, the regular iPhone 17 looks mighty tempting.
It no longer comes with a subpar screen or skimpy storage.
In fact, the regular 17 offers so many pro-level features, it’s been dubbed “Pro Lite.”
Now that my kids are grown up, I take far fewer photos than I used to. Do I really need the Pro cameras, which these days really are pro and far more capable than my fairly basic needs? The base iPhone 17 takes beautiful pictures — and it’s probably all I need.
But I dunno — decisions, decisions. Should I spend the extra $300 to get the Pro or not?
Good news! We have a detailed guide that breaks down the exact differences between the two models — and will help you make up your mind.
Also in today’s newsletter:
Here’s everything you need to know about how Apple Watch hypertension detection works — and there’s a bunch of tricky details you might not be aware of.
There’s nothing more painful than waiting for your AirPods to magically update their firmware using Apple’s horrible passive update system — especially when there are great new features like Live Translation. Here’s how to force it. And after you’ve updated your AirPods, here’s how to use their latest trick, which lets them function as a camera remote.
You can never have enough storage, especially when there are excellent deals to be had on external SSDs like Samsung’s great T9 portable drive.
Everyone’s raving about the new Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which give off strong Vision Pro vibes and provide a preview of what Apple’s likely working on (except for the goofy Neural Band part).
This week, we’re going to see a lot of bitching on socials about Liquid Glass, just like 12 years ago when iOS 7 rolled out.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
A message from Pacaso
Keep This Stock Ticker on Your Watchlist
They’re a private company, but Pacaso just reserved the Nasdaq ticker “$PCSO.”
No surprise the same firms that backed Uber, eBay, and Venmo already invested in Pacaso. What is unique is Pacaso is giving the same opportunity to everyday investors. And 10,000+ people have already joined them.
Created a former Zillow exec who sold his first venture for $120M, Pacaso brings co-ownership to the $1.3T vacation home industry.
They’ve generated $1B+ worth of luxury home transactions across 2,000+ owners. That’s good for more than $110M in gross profit since inception, including 41% YoY growth last year alone.
And you can join them today for just $2.90/share. But don’t wait too long. Invest in Pacaso before the opportunity ends September 18.
Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.
A clip from The CultCast
A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
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Tweets of the day
Can’t wait for tomorrow!
— #Tim Cook (#@tim_cook)
6:09 PM • Sep 18, 2025
RIP macOS Launchpad 🪦
2011-2025— #Private Talky (#@privatetalky)
8:15 AM • Sep 17, 2025
We are ready to go to build the repair app of the future for these glasses the moment there is an SDK.
— #Kyle Wiens (#@kwiens)
12:44 AM • Sep 18, 2025
"2026 Macbook Pro has a touch screen"
— #harsh (#@senbodev)
5:00 PM • Sep 17, 2025
Wallpaper of the day
iOS Background 🍎
— #iOS Background (#@ioswallpaperx)
12:19 PM • Sep 17, 2025
One more thing ...
In ancient Rome, when a victorious general paraded through the streets, legend has it that he was sometimes trailed by a servant whose job it was to repeat to him, “Memento mori”: Remember you will die. A reminder of mortality would help the hero keep things in perspective, instill some humility.
Today’s poll
Did you get an iPhone Pro or not this year?
Results from yesterday’s poll: Interested in a touchscreen MacBook Pro?
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.