Stop the snoops

Find out how to use a free new tool that protects your privacy.

Leander Kahney
May 05, 2025

A few years ago, swept up by the excitement of BitTorrent, I downloaded some kids’ movies to keep the little darlings quiet during a road trip.

When we returned, there was some mail waiting for us from our ISP.

“We know you downloaded this movie and that movie using BitTorrent,” the letters said, “so knock it off now or we’ll cut off your service and report you to the authorities.”

It was a salutary lesson for me. And it was the reason I started using a VPN at home.

When people think about internet privacy, they often don’t consider their ISPs. But unless you have some exceptional service that doesn’t track you, your ISP is very likely spying on every website you visit.

Instead of using a VPN to combat the snooping, you could switch the DNS server your devices use.

The process is very simple, and Surfshark just launched a new, free DNS system with a strict (and audited) no-logs policy, which means your web browsing is not tracked or shared. Surfshark also claims performance benefits, thanks to the company’s global internet infrastructure, which can speed things up.

Here’s how to use it on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Also in today’s newsletter:

The iPhone 17 Air looks like a gorgeous device, but its super-thin form factor may not offer enough room for an all-day battery. As a result, Apple might bring back the Smart Battery Case.
Apple just released its 2025 Pride Collection (President Donald Trump’s not going to be happy!). And get this: No two Apple Watch Sport bands in the collection will look alike.
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington teamed up for a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low — the legendary filmmaker’s second-highest ranking movie. Watch the new trailer now.
The new M4 Mac mini just got even more affordable with a sale that knocks it down to its lowest price to date.
Musician will.i.am worked with electronics giant LG on a new lineup of AI-powered Bluetooth speakers and earbuds.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

How to use Surfshark’s free, privacy-protecting DNS server

Unlike most free DNS servers, a new one from Surfshark won’t constantly track you. Here’s how to switch to it — it’s easy!

Apple preps battery case for its sleekest iPhone yet

To offset the iPhone 17 Air's limited battery life, Apple might revive its Smart Battery Case accessory.

My iPhone 17 Air wish list: 5 features Apple shouldn’t skip

The rumored iPhone 17 Air will focus on slimness. But to truly stand out, what features should Apple’s thinnest iPhone offer?

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

M4 Mac mini hits all-time low price

Grab Apple's small yet powerful desktop computer with this Mac mini deal, which offers discounts on M4 and M4 Pro models.

Apple to launch larger iPhone 18 Air and foldable sequel in 2027

To stay ahead of the competition, Apple plans to launch its premium iPhones in the fall, followed by value-focused models in spring.

Apple might shake up iPhone launch cycle in 2026

The regular iPhone 18 might not arrive alongside its Pro and Air siblings in 2026.

^{A message from the}^{Cult of Mac Deals team}

These ChatGPT courses show how to bend AI to your will

Rather than playing with Apple Intelligence, learn the latest AI skills with this ChatGPT courses training bundle for just $29.99.

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington go ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ in Kurosawa remake [Apple TV+ trailer]

The new "Highest 2 Lowest" teaser trailer shows style to burn as Spike Lee and Denzel Washington take on a classic.

Rapper will.i.am tunes LG's new xboom Bluetooth speaker lineup

LG's new lineup of "xboom by will.i.am" speakers and earbuds offers new options for premium sound with AI features.

Apple shows off colorful new Pride Collection watch band, faces and wallpapers

The collection celebrates the “strength and beauty of LGBTQ+ communities around the world” with vibrant, rainbow-themed designs.

Jon Hamm’s ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ stays popular with viewers

The crime drama “Your Friends and Neighbors” holds onto high ratings for a third week, likely helped by Jon Hamm’s star power.

Today in Apple history: iTunes hits 1 million downloads in first week

On May 5, 2003, just a week after launching the iTunes Music Store, Apple reached an incredible milestone with more than 1 million songs sold.

Trio of small screens extend Studio Display in MacBook rig [Setups]

A portable monitor is just one of three small screens in a very clean MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup.

Tweets of the day

Dang that is a steal.
— Tailosive Tech (@TailosiveTech)
4:06 PM • May 5, 2025

— zac hall (@apollozac)
2:16 PM • May 5, 2025

Hopefully it’s not pre-installed 🤣
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman)
3:11 PM • May 5, 2025

Wallpaper of the day

Clouded #Wallpaper 4K ✨
— iPhone Wallpaper (@GenZWallpaper)
6:03 PM • Apr 29, 2025

One more thing ...

❝

It takes a lot of hard work to make something simple, to truly understand the underlying challenges and come up with elegant solutions.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

If iPhone 17 Air has reduced battery life, is that a deal-breaker?

Results from last Friday’s poll: How many Apple Watches do you own?

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.

Reply

or to participate.