Pushing buttons

Apple has a long history of making computers supremely easy to use. But as technology becomes more mature — and far more complicated — some things seem less straightforward and orderly than before.

Take, for example, the cryptic icons in the Apple Music app. Or the weirdly inconsistent Delete buttons in iOS.

This week’s featured stories tackle Apple’s recent design choices from two different angles. You can jump into the Delete key debate and find out what those confusing Apple Music buttons do. (Don’t forget to add your own opinions in the comments on those posts.)

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

We heard plenty of rumors about folding iPhones this week, from iPad-inspired design to tough new display tech to a possible clamshell model.
Want your Apple TV remote to control your soundbar or other audio gear? Here’s how to make it happen, just in time for the Super Bowl.
Speaking of Sunday’s big game, here’s your intro to Bad Bunny, who’s set to headline the Apple Music Halftime Show.
Apple TV served up a sneak peek at its 2026 lineup this week, with plenty of trailers, images and other info about new shows.
This is your friendly reminder to join Leander, Griffin and me on the new Cult of Mac podcast. You can listen on all your favorite platforms or watch on YouTube.
And finally, don’t miss this week’s big deals on the latest iPad Pros, high-end Beats Studio Pro headphones and the original AirTags (just $16 a pop).

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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Feature story

Every Apple Music icon explained: Your complete guide to mastering the app

A bunch of the Apple Music buttons on the playback screen aren’t labeled, and don’t have a very obvious meaning. Here’s a quick guide.

The button problem Apple fans can't ignore

A lot of annoyed Apple fans wonder why delete buttons vary across iOS. Apple has its reasons. See if you agree.

How-tos

Ditch those extra remotes: How to control sound bar volume with Apple TV's Siri Remote

You can set up your Apple TV to control volume on a separate sound system, like a sound bar. You don’t need to keep two or three remotes.

iOS' handy Developer Mode lets you run your own code on your iPhone

If you're writing your own apps in Xcode, you will need to enable Developer Mode on your iPhone or iPad before running your app.

News

iPhone Fold leak shows Apple borrowing design cues from iPad

A new leak provides more details about the foldable iPhone's design, pointing to several similarities to current iPads.

Plus, more iPhone rumors:

Apple TV unveils hot 2026 lineup of series, movies and live sports

The ambitious Apple TV 2026 programming lineup features new films, new and returning shows and plenty of live sports coverage.

Plus: Apple Sports app tees off with golf coverage

Apple just killed the myth of iPhone forced obsolescence

The conspiracy theory that Apple uses iOS as a tool of forced iPhone obsolescence is complete BS, and I can prove it.

Apple Intelligence on the edge: How privacy shapes its AI features

In a rapidly developing AI landscape full of fear, find out how privacy shapes Apple Intelligence features.

Plus, more Apple AI news:

Here's when Apple will launch iOS 26.3

The iPhone 26.3 update just took a major step toward release. We can now name the most likely launch day. The same goes for macOS 26.3.

Get to know Bad Bunny before his Super Bowl halftime show

Meet the man who will headline the Apple Music Halftime Show.

Apple Xcode unleashes AI agents for fast and easy app creation

Devs can work directly with Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex, thanks to an Xcode update that builds in AI coding agents.

Deals

Save 51% on high-end Beats Studio Pro headphones

Land a pair of great noise-canceling headphones at a phenomenal price with this excellent Beats Studio Pro deal.

Plus, more deals on Apple gear:

This $50 bundle preps you for major cybersecurity certifications

The Ultimate Cybersecurity Training Bundle preps you for certification exams for CompTIA and Microsoft for less than $50.

If your AI prompts aren't working, try this

Prompting Systems turns plain-text directions into focused prompts for popular AI models. Get the AI prompts generator for just $30 for life.

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

These open-ear earbuds can translate more than 50 languages in real time

Get real-time AI translation in more than 50 languages with Mymanu Orb open-ear translating earbuds. Great for travel, meetings and more.

Reviews

Big screen, no cable: Belkin’s wireless HDMI adapter cuts the cord [Review]

The Belkin ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter promises easy streaming without messy cables. Wireless connectivity made simple.

3 reasons to watch suspenseful Apple TV spy thriller ‘Tehran’

This action-packed Israeli spy series is eminently binge-able.