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Over the past couple of years, Apple has been on a spectacular roll with its desktop and laptop computers.
The industrial design of its machines has never been better. (Without Jony Ive, we've got more ports, no butterfly keyboards, etc.)
And Apple silicon is the bee’s knees: It delivers incredible performance and mind-blowing battery life.
I think the Mac lineup is arguably the strongest in the company's nearly 50-year history. Just take the new M4 Mac mini: It’s never been as good-looking, as well-designed, as fast and as capable — and it’s pretty darn cheap, too!
But what does Apple have in store for the Mac in 2025? The big question is: Can Apple maintain the momentum?
Also in today’s newsletter:
After years of dithering, I’m finally getting into home automation with some smart plugs I bought during the Black Friday sales. Just in time! Apple appears poised to really kick off its smart home initiatives next year.
AirPods with a heart-rate monitor may be coming sooner than you think.
It’s Christmas Eve Eve, but it’s not too late to get a four-pack of AirTags at their lowest-ever price before the big day if you’re an Amazon Prime member. Remember, AirTags are officially the world’s best stocking stuffers.
Apple’s often accused of planned obsolescence, but its latest move to support older iPhones with iOS 19 proves this is baloney. This is the second time Apple’s done this, too.
We got a lot of responses to last Friday’s poll: Do you use ChatGPT? While it seems Cult of Mac readers aren’t yet massive ChatGPT users, some of you have found interesting and useful applications. See the poll results and comments below.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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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
Is Apple design better with or without Jony Ive?
Results from last Friday’s poll: Do you use ChatGPT?
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.