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Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones almost wept when he gave up his iPhone 16e last year after reviewing it.

He liked the 16e so much, his review used the phrase “love” more times than your average Shakespearean sonnet.

“I wasn’t expecting to love the iPhone 16e as much as I do…. I can’t help but love it…. It’s beautiful,” and so on (and on) he rhapsodized.

(Griffin already owned an iPhone 16 Pro, which is why he didn’t keep the 16e.)

Griffin fell in love with the iPhone 16e’s clean, lightweight design, which belied a very capable phone with few compromises — except one big one — no MagSafe!!!

It’s not clear how the absence of a few magnets hampered the 16e’s reception in the marketplace. I know for potential users like my 84-year-old mom, no MagSafe is an instant no-no (I got her a refurb iPhone 15 Plus instead for Xmas).

The good news is that the next version — the iPhone 17e — looks even better.

Apple just became the world’s leading smartphone vendor, finally overtaking Samsung, on the strength of the iPhone 17 lineup. If the rumors pan out, the 17e is going to propel Cupertino to even greater heights.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Apple just put out a statement saying that, yes, Google Gemini will in fact be the brains behind the upcoming smarter Siri. While some pundits see this as an embarrassing failure, I think it’s a smart move to buy Cupertino more time, the same way Apple relied on Google Maps while it built Apple Maps into the best mapping service.
Apple TV won big at the Golden Globes, but lost big, too. For once, I agree with the judges.
Check out episode No. 2 of the all-new Cult of Mac podcast, this week featuring special guest Graham Bower, who tells us all about vibe-coding a sophisticated App Store app.
It’s well worth spending a few minutes to set up Hot Corners on the Mac. I use them all the time.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

3 big upgrades might make iPhone 17e a below-budget badass

Stay updated on the latest iPhone 17e rumors. This new model could offer significant upgrades while maintaining affordability.

Apple dethrones Samsung: iPhone claims world's top smartphone spot

Explore the fierce competition between Apple and Samsung in the smartphone market, and why iPhone is currently winning.

It’s official — Google Gemini will power Siri’s major AI overhaul

Learn how a new partnership between Apple and Google's Gemini will reshape Siri with cutting-edge AI.

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

Grab these great M4 Mac mini savings while they last

Grab Apple's small yet powerful desktop computer with this Mac mini deal. At this low price, it makes a great gift!

Apple streaming services break records

Apple Music and Apple TV experience their best month ever, while the App Store and Apple Pay are going like gangbusters.

Apple TV scores 3 Golden Globe wins -- but 3 hit shows strike out

Apple TV wins three Golden Globes (out of 14 noms), and it almost feels like failure. But winners "The Studio" and "Pluribus" deserve it.

Boring ‘Pluribus’ merch doesn’t do brainy Apple TV show justice

Let's just say Sony Pictures' new "Pluribus" TV show apparel was not conceived and designed by Vince Gilligan.

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

iPhone full again? This $35.99 photo backup stick fixes it instantly.

The Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal packs 64GB of storage and tips for USB-C, Lightning and micro USB.

This app lets you download videos directly from major streamers

Save videos you care about so you can watch them whenever you want with Keeprix streaming downloader. Works with Netflix, YouTube and more.

Speed up your Mac workflow with Hot Corners, the feature pro users swear by [Pro Tip]

Hot Corners on the Mac work like shortcuts for your mouse. Just throw your mouse cursor to the corner of the screen to trigger a shortcut.

Do you prefer your iPhone folded or bestickered? [Cult of Mac podcast No. 2]

This week on the "Cult of Mac" podcast: Did the world just get its first glimpse at the folding iPhone's screen?

Today in Apple history: iPod drives profits to new heights

On January 12, 2005, Apple reported record earnings, with iPod sales giving the company a whopping 4x increase in profits.

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!

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Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

My recollection is, we stole the show [when we showed off the Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire]. And a lot of dealers and distributors started lining up, and we were off and running.

— Steve Jobs, 1995.

Today’s poll

If the rumors pan out, would you buy an iPhone 17e?

Results from last Friday’s poll: Would you wear a G3 Apple Watch?

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