So ... many ... rumors & leaks

This has been one of the craziest weeks ever when it comes to Apple leaks and rumors. Apple’s own code revealed more than 10 unreleased products in the pipeline, and the level of detail about the upcoming AirPods with cameras is truly shocking.

Plus, with Apple’s next big product launch just weeks away, we already know a ton about what to expect from Apple Watch Series 12 and iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Spoilers ahead!

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

The Cult of Mac podcast is back! This week, we’re chewing on all the crazy leaks and discussing the pros and cons of AI.
If you’re not using passkeys, which let you skip typing a password by using Touch ID or Face ID instead, you’re missing out on a great way to make security safer and less of a pain.
And if you ever wanted to add a Touch ID sensor to your Mac, check out this easy, inexpensive DIY project.
Logitech mice rank among Apple fans’ most popular accessories. But if you use Logi Options+ software to unlock advanced features, there might be a better solution.
Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy reviewed a GPS dog collar that’s pricey but nearly perfect.
And finally, for your weekend shopping pleasure, I’d like to point out that second-gen AirTags are still at the lowest price we’ve seen. Plus, Cult of Mac Deals rolled out fresh discounts on a pair of well-known security/privacy products (Norton Mobile Security and LifeLock) and the very educational Ultimate AI Learning Bundle, among other things.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

Apple Watch Series 12: Everything we know so far

Signs point to a faster chip, a ceramic case option and software touches. Here's what the Apple Watch Series 12 rumors say we can expect.

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News

Oops: Apple accidentally leaks 10+ unreleased devices

Apple accidentally reveals several unreleased devices, offering an unexpected glimpse at upcoming iPhones, Macs and smart home products.

Plus, more Apple leaks:

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max rumors: What we know about Apple’s next flagship iPhones

Get the latest iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max rumors, including major upgrades to the batteries and cameras plus the potential new color options.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Hackers exploit macOS Screen Sharing vulnerability — update your Mac ASAP

A macOS Screen Sharing vulnerability patched by Apple this month is now under active attack, with hackers installing crypto miners on exposed Macs.

Plus: Apple squashes iPhone and Mac security bugs with latest OS updates

This DIY hack adds a Touch ID sensor to your Mac

Anil Dash's Dashboard Touch Project lets you use Touch ID without using an Apple keyboard. Here's how his DIY Touch ID hack works.

A message from Harmonic Security

Your employees are connecting AI to everything. Now what?

ChatGPT and Claude aren't just answering questions. Employees are connecting them directly to Notion, Linear, Jira, and the rest of your stack — with no security visibility into what data moves or what actions they take.

Harmonic Security gives your team the visibility to control it.

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How-tos

How to join the awesome password-free future and use passkeys

Forget passwords, which can prove cumbersome. Passkeys automatically sign you into services using your iPhone's Face ID or Touch ID.

How I turned my iPhone into a TV remote for my iPad

Make your iPhone into a TV remote control for your iPad so you don't have to get up when playing a film or show on the tablet.

Deals

AirTag 2 deal: Get Apple's new tracker at its best price yet

You can hoard Apple trackers for yourself or make the whole family a bit more organized for less money, thanks to this sweet AirTag deal.

Keep scammers off your iPhone with this discounted Norton subscription

Get 15 months of Norton Mobile Security to protect one iOS or Android device with AI scam detection, malware defense and Wi-Fi security.

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

The Ultimate AI Learning Bundle goes from ChatGPT basics to AI certification prep

Get five courses in ChatGPT, AI fundamentals, AI agents and Microsoft Azure AI certification prep in the Ultimate AI Learning Bundle.

Secure 10TB of cloud storage for life with one-time payment

Get a massive amount of storage for life from Internxt with this discount 10TB cloud storage plan. Make a single payment of less than $270.

Reviews

I love my Logitech mouse, but I finally deleted its bloated Mac app

BetterMouse unlocks more control over my Logitech mouse without the bloat and resource demands of Logi Options+.

Best GPS dog collar gets better with Precision+ tracking

The Halo Collar 5 GPS dog collar added Precision+ for even more accurate tracking. We go hands-on for this review.