Last-minute leaks!

We’re only days away from Apple’s Surprise and Shine event, and just when you thought there couldn’t be any more leaks and rumors … surprise!

Read our updated guide to what to expect at the event if you want the very latest on what new Apple CEO John Ternus will unveil next Wednesday. (We discussed all these same things on this week’s Cult of Mac podcast, in case you’d rather listen or watch than read.)

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Cult of Mac Editor-in-Chief Leander Kahney weighs in on the biggest challenge John Ternus faces as he takes the helm. Meanwhile, longtime Apple exec (and noted iBook stage diver) Phil Schiller stepped back from all major roles.
While the Surprise and Shine event took center stage this week, a surprising number of leaks arrived about other upcoming Apple products, including the next iPad mini and the (apparently canceled) massive MacBook with a folding screen.
Companies at the IFA electronics conference in Berlin showcased some very interesting new products this week, and Cult of Mac’s Rajesh Pandey is on the ground. See what’s coming from Ugreen, Anker, Baseus and more.
Rajesh also reviewed a couple of products designed for Mac power users: an affordable Studio Display substitute and a great-looking but compromised local storage solution.
Just in time for the Labor Day weekend, Apple TV added even more classic movies for your streaming pleasure.
And finally, the new M6 Mac mini hasn’t even shipped yet, but it’s already on sale. Plus, Cult of Mac Deals rolled out new offers and fresh discounts on web hosting, an AI headshot generator, encrypted cloud storage, an AI training bundle and a dirt-cheap refurbished iPhone SE 2 (less than $90!)

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

Everything to expect at the Apple ‘Surprise and Shine’ product launch event

Apple's September product launch is days away, and there is so much to look forward to: new iPhones, Apple Watches and more.

Plus: It’s John Ternus’ turn to surprise us [Cult of Mac podcast 31]

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News

John Ternus faces classic dilemma as he takes over as Apple CEO

His biggest challenge in the AI era will be the innovator's dilemma: Protect dominant products or cannibalize them?

Plus: Longtime Apple exec Phil Schiller relinquishes all major roles

Supersize MacBook with foldable screen may have gotten the ax

The display would have dwarfed the one in any current macOS notebook.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

iOS 27’s iPhone Handoff lets two phones share one number

iOS 27’s new iPhone Handoff feature lets you share one phone number across two iPhones — here’s how the setup works.

The smart home gets smarter before Apple’s big push begins

Ugreen’s HomeAgent shows how local AI could transform the smart home.

Plus, more news from IFA 2026:

Finally, your car can see the storm coming — just not from Apple Weather

The Weather Channel's CarPlay app offers live radar, route alerts and auto-rerouting around storms.

Apple TV adds more classic films — here's what to watch next

Apple TV adds classic films to its streaming library, giving subscribers more to watch beyond the service’s (brilliant) original shows.

How-tos

How to add your ID to Apple Wallet

iPhone and Apple Watch users can add their passport to the Apple Wallet app — and in some states, their driver’s license. Here’s how.

Easy Apple Watch hack will keep you on time, even if you're always late [Pro Tip]

Always running late? Change your Apple Watch time to set it a few minutes ahead of the actual time to trick yourself into punctuality.

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Deals

Believe it or not, M6 Mac mini deals already cut the price of Apple's latest

Grab Apple's small yet powerful desktop computer with this Mac mini deal. It's so new it's not even in stores yet, but you can save on it.

Plus: Get a refurbished iPhone SE 2 for less than $90

This AI training bundle gets you fluent in Claude and ChatGPT for $29.99

The 2026 Complete Claude AI, Claude Code, Claude Cowork and ChatGPT Training Bundle packs six courses and 16 hours of instruction into a lifetime purchase.

Stash your most critical files with 500GB of encrypted cloud storage, just $40 for life

Secure lifetime access to 500GB of Vault encrypted cloud storage (browser-based AES-GCM-256 encryption and zero-knowledge privacy).

Plus, more software and services from Cult of Mac Deals:

This isn't just any bike bell — it's like a sneaky AirTag for your ride

Think of it as an AirTag for your bicycle. Give yourself some peace of mind while this bike tracker costs just $19.99 (regularly $29.99).

Reviews

This 32-inch BenQ display is a bigger, smoother Studio Display alternative [Review]

The BenQ MA320UG combines a spacious 32-inch 4K panel, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and extensive Thunderbolt connectivity to deliver a compelling Studio Display alternative.

I gave my Mac five drive bays without building a NAS [Review]

The Orico MacData Vault combines five SATA drive bays, hardware RAID and a premium design, but its 20Gbps connection comes with a big catch.