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There’s clearly something different this year with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro.
For a start, you can still preorder most models and pick them up on launch day (this Friday, September 18). The exception is the burgundy color, which has slipped to early/mid-October.
In years past, ship dates for most models usually slipped several weeks almost immediately. Apple often kept a supply at stores for walk-in customers, but it was unusual to have so many models available on day one.
Of course, slipping ship dates is more a measure of inventory than demand. Apple might simply have made vastly more units in black, silver and glacier than burgundy (unlikely, but you get the point).
But still, something seems off. Social media is pretty muted about the new models, and there definitely doesn’t seem to be anyone camping outside an Apple Store to be first to get their hands on one.
The new iPhone Duo seems to have a lot to do with it. Many formerly pro iPhone users are instead eyeing the new thing.
And then there are the features of the 18 Pros compared to the 17 Pros. This year, more than ever, the upgrades are pretty meh, variable-aperture camera aside.
Our top post today lists the six top reasons to skip the 18 Pros, and I found the arguments pretty convincing, tbh. If I wasn’t already skipping it myself, this post would persuade me.
Also in today’s newsletter:
It’s only taken a decade, but AirPods finally get an equalizer. Here’s where to find it, and how to get/check the firmware update.
Strangers can easily find you. See how Incogni’s automatic data-scrubbing works and save 55% with coupon code CULTOFMAC.
There are a bunch of great new features in iOS 27’s updated Wallet app. The new tab-splitting option is getting all the attention, but subscription renewal reminders are the one thing I’ll definitely be using.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: If you don’t like the way AirPods feel, try these open-ear noise-canceling buds from Monster. Their charging case comes with a nifty touchscreen, and they’re on sale for just $29.99 (70% off). #affiliate
Tim Cook’s got a lot of patience. Everyone dismissed Apple TV when he launched it, but now it’s picked up more Emmys than any other streaming service, including HBO and Netflix. (Oddly, the big winner, Widow’s Bay, was mostly meh IMHO. But I’m secretly glad for Tim.)
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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Tweets of the day
Wallpaper of the day
One more thing ...
My mother taught me to read before I went to school, so I was pretty bored in school, and I turned into a little terror. You should have seen us in third grade. We basically destroyed our teacher. We would let snakes loose in the classroom and explode bombs. Things changed in the fourth grade, though. One of the saints in my life is this woman named Imogene Hill, who was a fourth-grade teacher who taught this advanced class. She got hip to my whole situation in about a month and kindled a passion in me for learning things. I learned more that year than I think I learned in any year in school.
Today’s poll
iPhone 18 Pro or no?
Results from yesterday’s poll:
Best reader comments
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