Talking Apple

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In less than a month, Apple will celebrate its 50th birthday.

Surviving 50 years in the ever-changing tech industry is quite the achievement in itself.

Thriving and leading the industry for most of those five decades is something else altogether.

Back in 1976, when Apple was founded by a pair of hygiene-challenged college dropouts, no one in their right mind would have predicted Apple’s ascension to one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Nor would they have predicted the company’s undisputed leadership. No other company has done so much to invent the future as Apple. For much of the last 50 years, Apple set the direction and trajectory for most of the technology industry.

Along the way, Apple has lived quite the life: There’s been explosive growth, near-death experiences, and earth-shattering innovations. It’s an endlessly fascinating tale.

Most of it has been captured by bestselling author David Pogue in his ambitious new book, Apple: The First 50 Years.

Spanning all five decades of Apple’s existence, this approximately 600-page tome is well-paced, product-centric and nicely laid out, with full-color photos throughout and lots of sidebars.

It’s very easy to read and offers just the right level of detail — deep enough to satisfy even the most knowledgeable Apple fan, yet not bogged down by boring minutiae.

I had a great time interviewing David about the book and about Apple. And here’s our review of the book, which just hit store shelves.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Ace Apple leaker Sonny Dickson posted what looks like CAD files for the upcoming folding iPhone. There are a few surprises.
In this K-shaped economy, it looks like Apple’s going full K! We’ve already seen some new budget-conscious products; now, here come the really premium ones. And before that ultra-premium new MacBook Pro hits, here are three good reasons to get the M5 versions available now.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: This 3-in-1 wireless charging station from Anker pumps out 25W to fast-charge your iPhone. It's new, fast and 23% off for a limited time.
We dive into last week’s product-palooza on the Cult of Mac podcast. But Apple’s not done yet: Here’s what else we’re expecting this spring.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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Best Apple product ever? Most underrated CEO? We interview author David Pogue.

Bestselling author David Pogue talks about his excellent new book, "Apple: The First 50 Years," and the best products of all time.

‘Apple: The First 50 Years’ is the best all-in-one history of Apple [Review]

David Pogue’s new book offers a comprehensive look at the most influential tech company ever.

New CAD drawings reveal Apple’s upcoming folding iPhone

If this leak proves accurate, the device won’t look much like rival foldables.

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

AirPods Pro 3 drop back to all-time low price

Apple's high-end, noise-canceling earbuds already provide incredible value, and this AirPods Pro 3 deal makes them way more affordable.

MacBook Ultra rumored as Apple’s most expensive laptop yet

The upcoming refresh could bring an OLED touchscreen, a bigger price tag and an "Ultra" moniker.

Apple's not done: 3 more products coming this spring

Here's what to expect from Apple in spring 2026 as the company prepares to launch an updated Mac desktop, a tablet and more.

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

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3 reasons why you shouldn't wait for the M6 MacBook Pro

Before you commit to sitting this generation out, you should know the M6 models will likely come with some caveats.

MacBook Neo makes us swoon [Cult of Mac podcast No. 10]

This week on the "Cult of Mac" podcast: The MacBook Neo stands out in a tsunami of new Apple products, but there's plenty more to talk about!

Today in Apple history: eWorld closes its virtual doors

On March 9, 1996, Apple confirmed that it would shut down eWorld, a cartoony (and pricey!) online service that was truly ahead of its time.

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

Tweets of the day

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One more thing ...

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This is what customers pay us for — to sweat all these details so it’s easy and pleasant for them to use our computers. We’re supposed to be really good at this. That doesn’t mean we don’t listen to customers, but it’s hard for them to tell you what they want when they’ve never seen anything remotely like it.

— Steve Jobs, 2000.

Today’s poll

What is the best book about Apple?

Just kidding! 🤡 Today’s real poll 👇

What's the best book about Apple?

Results from last Friday’s poll: Which color MacBook Neo would you buy?

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