Lose the AI

Have you tried the new Siri AI in iOS 27? For me, it’s been a mixed bag. Some requests deliver remarkably useful results that the old Siri could never have pulled off. Others fail in comical ways. And most queries take a lot longer than I’d like.

iOS 27 is here for real, and it’s solid, but Siri AI remains in beta. So it’s bound to get better. But if you’d rather stick with Siri Classic — the virtual assistant you already know and love (or maybe even love to hate) — you can.

And if you’re really anti-AI, you can turn off the rest of the Apple Intelligence features baked into your iPhone’s software, too. Our new guide shows you how to opt out of Apple’s AI entirely.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

We revealed our favorite iOS 27 features in this week’s episode of the Cult of Mac podcast and also talked about the upcoming Apple products that excite us the most. Available in audio and video.
iOS 27 isn’t the only new software Apple dropped this week. Firmware updates for AirPods and HomePods unlock cool new capabilities (like an EQ for the earbuds).
iPhone 18 Pro hit stores Friday, along with new Apple Watches and AirPods. We thought maybe people would skip the iPhone 18 Pro, but they just keep lining up for Apple’s new gear!
If you’re on the fence about whether to upgrade, check out our new buying guides that pit the iPhone 18 Pro against the 15 Pro and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 against the Ultra 3. (If you bought the 18 Pro, you’re going to need a case. Here are the ones we recommend.)
The funniest thing about Widow’s Bay’s historic Emmys haul is that it killed it in the comedy category. Are you a fan of Apple TV’s weird folk-horror show?
And finally, Cult of Mac Deals served up price cuts on a multi-AI service and a privacy-focused VPN that also blocks ads. Shop all the latest deals …

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

How to turn off Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence features

Want less artificial intelligence on your iPhone? Here's how to ditch Siri AI and disable other Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27.

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News

iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5 hit stores

iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 hit stores today, with Apple fans queuing up around the world.

Plus, more on the new products:

Don’t think Apple is done: New Macs, iPads and more are coming soon

Here's every Mac, iPad and other Apple device we're still expecting before the end of 2026, plus the ones that won't be out before 2027.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

iOS 27 arrives with a smarter Siri and fixes you’ll actually notice

Your iPhone gets new tricks with iOS 27, including conversational Siri AI, smarter photo tools and more control over Liquid Glass.

Plus, more on Apple’s new software:

‘Widow’s Bay’ makes Emmy history

Apple TV dominates the awards ("Pluribus" and "Slow Horses" helped).

M6 and M5 Ultra benchmark scores set the stage for powerful new Macs

New chips deliver big performance gains, with entry-level M6 taking the single-core lead.

A message from Roku

How Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie brand grew sales 40% with CTV ads

The DTC beauty category is crowded. To break through, Jennifer Aniston’s brand LolaVie, worked with Roku Ads Manager to easily set up, test, and optimize CTV ad creatives. The campaign helped drive a big lift in sales and customer growth, helping LolaVie break through in the crowded beauty category.

Learn more

How-tos

Type faster with these essential Mac keyboard shortcuts

The Mac has keyboard typing shortcuts for editing text. It’s much faster than using the mouse to select or holding down Delete to backspace.

AirPods firmware update adds long-requested equalizer

Here's how to see if you have the latest AirPods firmware, which brings an equalizer to some models. Plus how to force an update if needed.

Update your HomePod software and get great new features

Version 27 is out, so it's time to check your HomePod Software update status. Here’s how to ensure your smart speaker is up to date.

Deals

Price cut: Get safe, ad-free browsing on 10 devices with this $35 VPN

Keep your web browsing safe with AdGuard VPN, an easy-to-use VPN that works on Mac or Windows computers, plus iPhone and Android devices.

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.

Plus, more AI from Cult of Mac Deals:

Before you click that suspicious link, run it through this scam detector

Secure lifetime access to IsThisSpam, a scam detector with tools that analyze suspicious emails, messages, websites, links and more.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Buying guides

iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Is it finally time to upgrade?

The iPhone 18 Pro brings big camera, performance and battery upgrades, but is it worth replacing your iPhone 15 Pro?

Best iPhone 18 Pro cases you can buy right now

Find the right iPhone 18 Pro case for your style and budget, from slim covers and leather finishes to rugged protection and built-in stands.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Same looks, bigger ambitions

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 adds smarter health tracking and longer battery life, but does it give Ultra 3 owners enough reason to upgrade?