Steal this AI now!

Apple needs to swipe some moves from Google's Pixel 10 phones.

Lewis Wallace
August 23, 2025

In partnership with

If you happened to watch the Made by Google event this week, you caught a solid look at how advanced AI features can make a smartphone more useful and fun.

I hope Apple execs were watching. And I hope they take Cult of Mac writer Rajesh Pandey’s advice: Steal these AI features and bring them to future iPhones.

Until Apple catches up, iPhone owners will be wishing we had this kind of AI magic.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

From TechWoven iPhone cases to all the latest on the iPhone 17 Air, we heard some especially juicy Apple rumors this week.
If you haven’t already updated your iPhone, Mac and iPad with the latest security patches, you really should. And if you’ve got an iPad, it’s high time you dive straight into the future by downloading the iPadOS 26 beta.
When it comes to monitors, do you really need more than two? See just how good a dual-display setup can look.
If you hadn’t noticed, Leander’s back on our podcast. Watch the latest video version of The CultCast to see how we’re shaking up the show.
Cult of Mac Deals added some cool new gear this week, including an iPhone case with a physical keyboard and smart sunglasses with a built-in camera.
And finally, we’re tracking some great buys on our fave gear, including an M4 MacBook Pro at its lowest price yet and a fat 30% discount on Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy’s favorite USB-C travel charger.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

A message from HubSpot

Want to get the most out of ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a superpower if you know how to use it correctly.

Discover how HubSpot's guide to AI can elevate both your productivity and creativity to get more things done.

Learn to automate tasks, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation with the power of AI.

Download the free guide

Feature story

iPhone 17 desperately needs these Pixel 10 AI features

With the iPhone 17, Apple needs more than hardware upgrades. It must borrow some of the Pixel 10’s smarter AI features to truly stand out.

www.cultofmac.com/news/pixel-10-ai-features

How-tos

How to use the new Games app for iPhone, iPad and Mac

You can set challenges, track achievements and find new games in the Apple Games app, a fun addition to iOS 26 for iPhone gamers.

www.cultofmac.com/how-to/apple-games-app

How to add your driver’s license to Apple Wallet

In several states, iPhone and Apple Watch users can add their driver's license in the Apple Wallet app. Here's how.

www.cultofmac.com/how-to/add-driver-license-to-apple-wallet

Find car charging stations in Apple Maps

Apple Maps helps your electric vehicle routing while you’re on the road. It shows charger availability, charging speed and connector types.

www.cultofmac.com/how-to/apple-maps-ev-routing

News

iPhone 17 Air rumors: Everything to expect from Apple's ultra-thin handset

Our iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup suggests the thinnest iPhone ever will be Apple's most significant design departure in years.

www.cultofmac.com/news/iphone-17-air-rumor-roundup

Plus, more Apple leaks and rumors:

Install these iPhone, Mac and iPad security patches right now

iOS 18.6.2, macOS Sequoia 15.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2 went out to close security vulnerabilities that have been used by hackers.

www.cultofmac.com/news/ios-18-6-2

Can TechWoven reverse the FineWoven curse? [The CultCast 713]

This episode of the Cult of Mac podcast covers leaks about TechWoven iPhone 17 cases, plus upgrades for iPhone 17e and Apple Watch.

www.cultofmac.com/news/techwoven-the-cultcast-713

Why you should install the iPadOS 26 beta on your iPad today

The iPadOS 26 beta is safe enough for even average users to install and start enjoying the benefits of massive improvements to the iPad.

www.cultofmac.com/news/ipados-26-beta-install

Apple TV+ price jumps a whopping 30%

The price for streaming “Ted Lasso” and other hits from Apple TV+ takes a considerable jump.

www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-tv-price-2025

Plus, more Apple TV+ news:

Why Google’s Pixelsnap system in Pixel 10 benefits iPhone users

The newly announced Google Pixel 10 includes “Pixelsnap,” a system identical to Apple’s MagSafe. But Google didn’t steal the idea.

www.cultofmac.com/news/pixelsnap

Deals

This iPhone keyboard case gives you that BlackBerry feel

Get up to 50% more usable display for work, play and everything in between with the Clicks iPhone keyboard case.

www.cultofmac.com/deals/clicks-iphone-keyboard-case-deal

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

DVD ripper makes it easy to build your own Netflix

This DVD ripper makes digitizing your home movies or a DVD of “The Office” dead simple. Build your own personal Netflix library.

www.cultofmac.com/deals/dvd-ripper

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

My favorite USB-C wall charger is 30% off

Limited-time PlugBug deal: save 30% on a dual-device charger that features Apple Find My support for easy tracking.

www.cultofmac.com/deals/plugbug-deal

Plus, more hot deals on our faves from Amazon:

Reviews

Try Rode's studio-worthy wired on-ear headphones for $99 [Review]

Our hands-on Rode NTH-50 headphones review finds the on-ear wired cans a great value for pros and casual listeners alike.

www.cultofmac.com/reviews/rode-nth-50-headphones-review

Ingenious iPad charger leaves USB-C available for other accessories [Review]

The Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger for iPad Pro/Air helps solve the irritating problem of limited iPad ports.

www.cultofmac.com/reviews/kuxiu-m30-review

Supertiny USB-C charger pumps out big power [Review]

Rolling Square calls Supertiny “the smallest 65W GaN Charger ever.” We go hands-on to test the power output from the wee wall charger.

www.cultofmac.com/reviews/rolling-square-supertiny-review

Setups

Double the fun: 10 best dual-monitor setups

For many folks, two displays beats one display. See these 10 takes on the best dual monitor setup, the most popular configuration.

www.cultofmac.com/setups/best-dual-monitor-setup

Reply

or to participate.