In partnership with
Because improvements in Apple’s products tend to be incremental, most reviewers recommend you sit out an upgrade if you have a recent model.
Personally, this year I think the iPhone 17 Pro breaks that mold: The camera improvements alone are worth dropping the extra cheese.
And the new AirPods Pro 3 are absolutely a no-brainer upgrade. Even if you step up from a pair of AirPods Pro 2, you’re going to notice the better ANC and sound quality.
Yes, the Pro 2s get some of the new model’s signature features via software (like Live Translation and using the AirPods as a camera remote). But AirPods Pro 3 are much better than their predecessor, which is quite the feat for a pair of earbuds that were already pretty great.
Of course, it depends on whether you have an extra $250 burning a hole in your pocket, which not everyone does. But the little devices are so functional, so great-sounding, so useful, that they might never leave your ears. They’ve become our favorite headphones, period — and they likely will become yours, too.
Also in today’s newsletter:
Another big no-brainer upgrade is the Apple Watch SE. The always-on display, high-end processor and much more make it a fab little device that’s gotten way better.
The iPhone 17 Scratchgate controversy stems from retail stores’ worn-out MagSafe display pucks, Apple says. I checked this out myself, and it’s true, but it’s also true that the new phones aren’t as durable as the previous titanium ones. I’m not sure I care, tbh — I still love my new 17 Pro.
Apple hit back hard at the EU’s Digital Markets Act today with a detailed breakdown of how the antitrust law hurts users in Europe. On the one hand, I’d argue that EU-mandated changes like USB-C charging ports have been unequivocally beneficial, but Apple says the DMA deprives EU consumers of innovative new tech like Live Translation. It’s a fascinating debate.
After scoring investments from rival Nvidia, SoftBank and even the U.S. government, Intel is now courting bailout cash from … yeah, Apple! It’s bizarre, but it might be more political than practical.
Bowers & Wilkins makes wonderful audio products, and its new Px8 S2 wireless headphones cost a pretty penny. But the company says they are its best cans ever.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
A message from Roku
Kickstart your holiday campaigns
CTV should be central to any growth marketer’s Q4 strategy. And with Roku Ads Manager, launching high-performing holiday campaigns is simple and effective.
With our intuitive interface, you can set up A/B tests to dial in the most effective messages and offers, then drive direct on-screen purchases via the remote with shoppable Action Ads that integrate with your Shopify store for a seamless checkout experience.
Don’t wait to get started. Streaming on Roku picks up sharply in early October. By launching your campaign now, you can capture early shopping demand and be top of mind as the seasonal spirit kicks in.
Get a $500 ad credit when you spend your first $500 today with code: ROKUADS500. Terms apply.
A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
Cult of Mac’s buyback program
A message from Fintech Takes
Most coverage tells you what happened. Fintech Takes is the free newsletter that tells you why it matters. Each week, I break down the trends, deals, and regulatory shifts shaping the industry — minus the spin. Clear analysis, smart context, and a little humor so you actually enjoy reading it.
Tweets of the day
Snapdragon 8 Elite gen 5 is getting REALLY close to Apple’s A19 Pro in terms of single-core performance. It’s basically at the door. Multi-core already surpassed.
We’ll have to see about power usage and sustained performance in gaming. Will test thermals.
#snapdragonsummit2025
— #Vadim Yuryev (#@VadimYuryev)
9:43 PM • Sep 24, 2025
My iPhone Air honestly feels snappier than my wife’s iPhone 17 Pro and my battery life has not been as bad as others seem to report.
I have a theory…
For the first time in probably 10-years, I did a totally fresh install. No restore from backup. No transfer. All new.
— #Quinn Nelson (#@SnazzyLabs)
5:03 AM • Sep 24, 2025
Wallpaper of the day
Retro | Lock Screen
— #Pulaski Wallpaper (#@Pulaxki)
8:15 AM • Sep 23, 2025
One more thing ...
I watched people at Apple who made a lot of money and felt they had to live differently. Some of them bought a Rolls-Royce and various houses, each with a house manager and then someone to manage the house managers. Their wives got plastic surgery and turned into these bizarre people. This was not how I wanted to live. It’s crazy. I made a promise to myself that I’m not going to let this money ruin my life.
Today’s poll
Are you upgrading to AirPods Pro 3?
Results from yesterday’s poll: Which is more important to you in an iPhone?
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.