AirPods - page 8

We’re already salivating about iPhone 14 [The CultCast]

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The CultCast, a weekly Apple podcast: New iPhone 14 rumors get us excited about 2022.
New iPhone 14 rumors get us excited about 2022.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Our 2022 hopes are up, up and away on the latest rumors about what new features iPhone 14 Pro might bring. The camera sounds like it will once again deliver impressive gains, but it’s the potential for an iPhone 4-style makeover that’s really got us drooling.

Also on The CultCast:

  • New Apple displays on the horizon?
  • Dying AirPods … and amazing deals on replacements.
  • Alex E. Heath’s goggle-eyed moment during his interview with The Matrix stars.
  • More of our product picks in Gear of the Year.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

‘Tis the season for massive AirPods deals [Updated]

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‘Tis the season for massive AirPods savings
There’s never been a better time to buy AirPods.
Photo: Cult of Mac

AirPods make great gifts … especially when they’re nearly half off. You can get AirPods 2 for less than $90. That’s as low as they’ve ever been.

And there are deals on every type of Apple’s signature earbuds with significant savings. Even on the newest model.

This 5-in-1 modular charging station is the perfect gift for any Apple fan

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Give the gift of a full battery this holiday season.
This five-way charger takes up very little room on your desk or nightstand.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You shouldn’t need separate charging cables for each of your devices. The Omnia Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is one of the first wireless charging stations that works for five devices at the same time. It’s on sale now for $99.95 (regular price: $120), but you can save even more — get an additional 20% off with code GREEN20.

Nomad makes its Base Station Hub MagSafe-compatible

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Nomad's updated Base Station wireless charger for up to four devices is now MagSafe-compatible.
Nomad's updated Base Station wireless charger for up to four devices is now MagSafe-compatible.
Photo: Nomad

Earlier this year, accessories maven Nomad made its popular Base Station Mini wireless charger — suitable for juicing up one iPhone — MagSafe-comptible. Now it has added magnets to another popular product, the Nomad Base Station Hub, which can top off up to four devices at once.

Next-gen AirPods Pro could bring new design, better chip in late 2022

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Next-gen AirPods Pro concept
They could look a little like this.
Concept: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

We could be waiting close to a year for Apple’s much-anticipated AirPods Pro upgrade, but according to one analyst, it will be well worth the wait. The next-generation buds are expected to deliver a brand-new design and a better chip.

They could also be Apple’s first headphones with fitness tracking capabilities.

AirPods on acid: See the evolution of Apple’s wireless buds like never before

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AirPods Pro CT scan
A CT scan reveals the insides of AirPods Pro in the prettiest way possible.
Photos: Scan of the Month

Ever wondered what your favorite wireless headphones might look like during a weird acid trip? Find out right here (while sober) with these mesmerizing CT scans of AirPods, which showcase the evolution of Apple’s buds on the inside.

AirPods have seen some surprisingly big changes since their initial introduction in late 2016. Here’s how Apple made them better — and even more compact.

Just how cool will Apple’s VR headset be? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Are you ready for Apple VR headset?
Are you really ready for VR?
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Let’s talk about the virtual reality headset Apple supposedly will unleash next year. Will it happen? What will it do? And do we even want it to happen?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Maybe AirPower isn’t dead — and maybe something even more amazing is on the horizon.
  • Tesla Cyberwhistle FTW.
  • Our first round of Gear of the Year picks.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

Check out these crazy translucent AirPods prototypes

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AirPods-Pro-teardown-1
The real translucent AirPods don’t reveal their internal components quite this well.
Photo: iFixit

AirPods come in white, white and also white. But a collector scored a prototype pair in very unusual translucent blue casings.

Taste a rare look at a product that’ll never hit store shelves.

Apple hasn’t given up on making a do-it-all charger for multiple devices

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AirPods on AirPower
AirPower might be dead, but the dream lives on.
Photo: Apple

Apple continues to work on a wireless charger, similar to the abandoned AirPower mat, that will allow users to charge multiple devices simultaneously, according to a new report. The company also hopes to develop truly wireless charging in the future.

Cupertino reportedly is working on “short and long distance” charging solutions that don’t require physical contact. It also wants to give all major Apple devices the ability to charge each other.

The best Cyber Monday deals on Apple’s hottest devices

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Apple Cyber Monday deals
Enjoy the discounts before they disappear.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Black Friday is over for another year, but Cyber Monday has just begun, which means there’s still time to enjoy big discounts on Apple devices.

AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad and more are currently available at tasty discounts from third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. And to make shopping a little easier, we rounded up all the best deals on Apple’s hottest gear.

Next year’s iMac Pro sounds like a screamer! [The CultCast]

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An iMac Pro with 2x the processing power of the M1 Max? Is Apple crazy?!?
An iMac Pro with 2x the processing power of the M1 Max? Is Apple crazy?!?
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: If you thought the M1 Max MacBook Pros were powerhouses, wait till you hear about the iMac Pro that might be coming down the pike. Apple reportedly wants to double up the world-beating chip to amp up the performance even more. Prepare to be amazed!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Black Friday deals on Apple gear and The Cult of Mac, 2nd Edition coffee table book.
  • AirPods are not for late-night snacking!
  • And new products we love in “Under Review.”

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

Maximize your iPhone trade-in by cutting Apple out of equation

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Sell your old iPhone today
The quick and easy way to make the most from your old iPhone.
Photo: Aaron Yoo

Apple just gave customers another big reason to avoid its trade-in service by slashing prices on almost all iPhone models. Instead, sell your old handset to Cult of Mac to make more from it, and get real cash you can spend anywhere.

Find out how much your old iPhone is worth today in just a few simple steps, and secure your quote for 14 days.

Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates

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Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates
AirPods firmware updates shouldn’t be so frustrating.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

What’s in that firmware update for a couple of AirPods that came out Tuesday. Who the hell knows?!? Apple doesn’t announce updates for its truly wireless headphones — and won’t tell anyone what’s in them. It’s very frustrating.

Apple’s attempt at making AirPods firmware updates simple instead makes them way more complicated than necessary. Currently, they happen in the background, but what’s really needed is an “Update Now” button.

Sleek new Satechi 3-in-1 magnetic charger powers up iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch

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The new Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger features a black finish and steel-and-aluminum construction.
The new Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger features a black finish and steel-and-aluminum construction.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi rolled out a new 3-in-1 MagSafe-compatible charger on Thursday to help users power up their iPhones, AirPods and Apple Watches. The sleek black Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger features a hands-free, adjustable, MagSafe-compatible mount for your phone, plus solid steel-and-aluminum construction.

Keep it cool with this super-sweet AirPods 3 case [Review]

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Elago Ice Cream case review: Cover your new AirPods in a sweet-looking Ice Cream case.
Cover your new AirPods in a sweet-looking Ice Cream case.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

Whether you have a sweet tooth or just like to be different, the new Elago Ice Cream AirPods 3 Case definitely stands out. The nicely detailed silicone case looks like a tiny ice cream bar, right down to the colorful 3D sprinkles scattered on it. (A wooden stick at the bottom finishes off the look.)

It comes in two vibrant colors — mint and lavender — and for me, this case only has positives.

AirPods 3 are the best earbuds in Apple’s lineup [Review]

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AirPods 3 with Funko
With AirPods 3, Apple proves it can create a magical experience, even in a tiny package.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

AirPods are arguably one of Apple’s most popular products. Over the last five years, the wireless earbuds have become so common that it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing someone wearing them.

And now, with the third-generation AirPods, Apple has improved them in almost every way. That makes the latest AirPods one of the best, if not the best, all-around earbuds you can get.

We could be waiting almost a year for the next AirPods Pro refresh

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They AirPods Pro fit in their case like nothing ever happened.
Apple doesn't rush its AirPods upgrades.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

We could be waiting almost another year for Cupertino’s second-generation AirPods Pro refresh. A new report — citing sources in Apple’s supply chain — claims the new buds won’t drop until the third quarter of 2022.

Earlier rumors have indicated the upgrade could bring an even more compact design with a more rounded shape, plus motion sensors for fitness tracking.

Massive AirPods Max deal drops price by up to $120

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AirPods Max red
For a limited time, pick up a stylish top-quality pair of AirPods Max for 22% off the usual cost.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s over-the-ear — and over-the-top — AirPods Max headphones just hit their lowest price ever. A deal knocks a whopping $119 off the regular cost.

If you have AirPods Max on your holiday shopping list, then now might be your best opportunity to pick up a pair.

Confessions of an AirPods virgin

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Apple AirPods 3 Review
What is it like to have AirPods 3 be your first Apple wireless headphones?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

What I’m about to write is so shocking you might want to sit down: AirPods 3 are the first Apple wireless headphones I’ve ever owned. I never saw a need to pay the Apple Tax when I had cheap wireless earbuds that were good enough.

But I changed my mind for the newest model. Here are all the reasons I’m happy about the purchase. And the one reason I’m not.

AirPods 3 teardown can’t explain boost in battery life

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AirPods 3 teardown can’t explain boost in battery life
Each AirPods 3 battery offers less capacity than the ones in AirPods Pro.
Photo: 52audio

Apple’s recently released AirPods 3 have a longer battery life than either AirPods 2 or AirPods Pro. But a teardown of the new truly wireless headphones finds batteries that can’t fully explain the extra time between charges.

Watch a video of the teardown showing why along with some other internal details of AirPods 3.

6 brilliant but affordable AirPods alternatives

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AirPods might just be the best wireless buds you can pair with Apple devices, but they’re also pretty expensive. Plenty of more affordable options that deliver stellar sound and reliable connectivity in a neat design are available.

So, if you’re buying on a budget this holiday season, skip the Apple Store and check out these six brilliant but more affordable alternatives to AirPods.