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10 tiny tweaks coming in iOS 17

10 tiny tweaks coming in iOS 17

They didn't make headlines, but they will make your iPhone even better.

Lewis Wallace
June 17, 2023

As people test-drive the free iOS 17 developer beta, they just keep discovering more and more changes coming soon to iPhones everywhere. This weekend’s top how-to showcases 10 tiny tweaks that didn’t make headlines at WWDC23.

If you’re running the beta, you can check them out now. If not, our post is a safe way to get a glimpse at what’s in the works (without enduring the beta’s numerous bugs).

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

In our pro Macs smackdown, we lay out the differences between the new Mac Studio and the new Mac Pro.
Contact Posters, a new iOS 17 feature that lets you put your best foot forward on iPhone, did earn some stage time during Apple’s WWDC23 keynote. Find out how to create an eye-catching Contact Poster.
Apple TV+ earns surprisingly high marks. In fact, its shows and movies beat Netflix and Amazon Prime Video when it comes to critics’ reviews.
A tactical Apple Watch band that proved very popular in the Cult of Mac Store now comes in two bright new colors: green and orange.
And speaking of that fantastic EDC Apple Watch band, it’s one of many Apple accessories on sale in the Cult of Mac Store. Shop now to take advantage of Father’s Day savings.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

10 more sweet tweaks and changes in iOS 17

Here are 10 under-the-radar changes coming in iOS 17 that could have a big impact on daily life with your iPhone.

How to create a great Contact Poster in iOS 17

This brand-new feature lets you customize how your contact card looks to other people.

Hands on with long-overdue improvements to the Files app coming in iPadOS 17

With iPadOS 17, Apple finally adds new tools to the Files app for working with external drives, like seeing space remaining on a thumb drive.

How to file Apple bug reports (and why you should do it ASAP)

June is the best time of the year to file a bug report about Apple betas. This is when engineers have the most time to address feedback. It won’t be long before their task lists fill up through the fall.

News

Mac Studio vs. Mac Pro: Which is right for you?

We pit the 2023 Mac Pro and Mac Studio head-to-head to see which offers more performance and features for the cost.

Plus, more on the new Macs:

Apple Watch gains Lockdown Mode with watchOS 10

The Apple Watch is getting Lockdown Mode support in watchOS 10, which will put it in an extreme protection mode.

Apple Battersea opens to cheering London crowds

The latest iconic Apple retail store opens its doors in London’s Battersea Power Station. Cameras were clicking — see pix of Apple Battersea.

New Macs' benchmarks blow us away [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast, we're marveling over the new Mac Studio, Mac Pro and 15-inch MacBook Air. The benchmarks look remarkable.

Apple might make a HomePod you activate just by looking at it

What if, instead of saying “Hey Siri” to activate your HomePod, you only had to glance at the smart speaker? Apple is looking into that.

Apple TV+ produces best-reviewed content of any streaming service

Apple TV+ series and films earn a higher average ranking from critics than all other streaming services. It’s well above Netflix.

Deals

Get up to 15% off Apple accessories for Father's Day

Shop 140 products from Elkson, Just Mobile, Laut, Mifa, Rilee & Lo and Speidel to make the most of Apple gear. It's quite a selection.

This DVD ripper for Mac lets you archive and upscale your favorite movies

Rip all your favorite DVDs, and upscale any that need it, with MacX DVD Ripper Pro. You'll never need to worry about losing them again.

Score a solid iPad stylus at half the price of Apple Pencil

In the Cult of Mac Store's SwitchEasy Flash Sale, you can get 20% off your choice of two styluses and assorted writing and drawing tips.

Get a fast, reliable e-bike for less than $1,000

Save money now and later. Get a BirdBike e-bike in A-frame or V-frame configuration for just $999.99, down from the original MSRP of $2,299.

Secure 10TB of cloud storage for life, just $69.97 for a limited time

Get a 10TB lifetime subscription to Prism Drive secure cloud storage for just $69.97. That's plenty of room for your photos and vids.

Reviews and recommendations

Creepy ‘Silo’ conspiracy just keeps getting weirder [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

Apple TV+ dystopian sci-fi series “Silo,” about the last remnants of civilization trapped in a huge underground structure, ratchets up the stakes as Juliette realizes she has only a few hours to set things right or she and Billings will face the music.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

Get Mifa's cool tactical Apple Watch band in orange or green

People love the tactical look of Mifa's EDC Nylon Sports Leather Apple Watch Band -- now in orange and green.

Sick of your AirPods Pro 2 case? Try this for a new look and feel. [Review] ★★★★☆

Totallee's new plastic case for AirPods Pro 2 adds protection, grip and a choice of colors for your favorite earbuds.

3 Reasons to Watch: ‘Platonic’ is a surprisingly good comedy

In this installment of 3 Reasons to Watch, we look at great new Apple TV+ show “Platonic” from stoner whisperer Seth Rogen and his luminous co-star Rose Byrne.

This little gadget keeps your Apple Watch going anywhere

qCharge 2.0 Portable Apple Watch Battery goes where you go and keeps your wearable powered up, no cable required.

Band and case combo makes Apple Watch pop with color

Are you ready for summer? You can look like you are. Just refresh your Apple Watch's look with a Goldenerre Color Pop band and a white case.

Setups

Formidable workstation scores 2 Apple 'hat tricks'

This setup scores an Apple computing "hat trick" of desktop Mac, laptop Mac and iPad. Plus, it racks up a similar achievement with peripherals.

Mac Studio pairs well with LG ultra-wide 5K display

This Mac Studio rig relies on a 40-inch LG 5K2K curved ultra-wide monitor that makes the user very happy indeed.

Fun 'overly complicated diagram' lays out complex MacBook Pro rig

Getting a complex setup just so can be a daunting experience for even seasoned users. Luckily, there's a massively convoluted diagram for this one.