3 apps to power through 2024

Plus: How to prolong your iPhone's battery life.

Author

Lewis Wallace
January 06, 2024

“New year, new you” … “Be your best self” … blah blah blah. Every January, the New Year’s resolutions (and the platitudes) arrive like clockwork.

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change,” Taylor Swift once said, according to Parade’s roundup of “100 Best New Year's Quotes to Celebrate 2024.”

When it comes to accomplishing goals, I prefer a more emphatic message, like the one delivered by Rollins Band (via Pink Fairies): “Do it.”

To that end, the three apps in this weekend’s roundup will help you take charge of 2024 and start turning your New Year’s resolutions into realities.

Do it!

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Start 2024 strong (and keep it that way)

3 apps to help you with your New Year’s resolutions [Awesome Apps]

It’s already January 6th, but if you haven’t given up on your New Year’s resolutions already, we have three apps that’ll help you achieve them.

How-tos

Why and how to limit iPhone 15 to 80% maximum charge

iPhone 15 can help you follow the "40-80 rule," which increases the long-term useful life of the handset's battery.

How to leave a FaceTime voicemail

When you need to video chat and they don’t pick up the phone, you can send a FaceTime voicemail to someone that they can watch later.

See past weather on your iPhone

You can see past weather on your iPhone in the Apple weather app. You also can easily see how the data compares to the average weather stats to see if this is an unusually cold winter or an extra-hot summer.

How to disable new Facebook 'Link History' user tracking system

Facebook Link History stores a list of websites that users accessed from their feed. Here's how to stop the app from tracking you this way.

News

Why a Wi-Fi 7 router should be on your 2024 shopping list

Anyone shopping for a wireless router should get one with Wi-Fi 7. Here's why a Wi-Fi 7 router improves speed and reliability.

iPhone 17's front camera could get a big upgrade

The iPhone 17's TrueDepth camera system could get a higher-resolution 24MP sensor, leading to significant improvements in image quality.

Mac Studio upgraded with M3 Ultra predicted for mid-2024

A speedier version of the powerful Mac Studio desktop is reportedly on Apple's agenda for around the middle of the year.

Jump-start your new year with fresh Apple Fitness+ activities

If you've been glued to the couch since New Year's day, Apple Fitness+ has a slew of new ways to get you moving.

New keyboard case turns iPhone into CrackBerry

If you really miss physical buttons and don't mind making your iPhone kind of huge, try Clicks Creator Keyboard.

Deals

Add a folding CarPlay display to your ride for just $96

This easy-to-install folding touchscreen display brings Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to any car. Add an Apple CarPlay screen for less.

Plus, more hardware from Cult of Mac Deals:

AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C hits lowest price ever

Amazon is currently selling the updated noise-canceling earbuds for $189, down from $249. And you can find other Apple earphones on sale, too.

Save big on Setapp and gain access to more than 240 great Mac apps

We love Setapp, which gives you access to more than 240 great Mac apps at one low price. Save nearly $50 on a one-year subscription.

Get 20% off flexible stand that mounts MagSafe iPhone anywhere

Some iPhone MagSafe stands are ideal for use at your desk or on your bedside table. Others are car mounts. But what if one mount could go almost anywhere

Reviews and recommendations

Keep Apple devices ready to go with mophie’s convenient 3-in-1 travel charger [Updated review] ★★★★½

Roll out the updated version of mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe and it's ready to juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.

Dream of ‘Brazil’ dies in fraught episode of ‘For All Mankind’ ★★★★☆

In the lead-up to the season finale, action on Earth and Mars really heats up. And brace yourself. Not everyone survives.

Speidel stainless steel Apple Watch bands are built to last

Stainless steel Apple Watch bands are where high tech meets durability, style and comfort. And Speidel makes some exceptional examples.

This Apple Watch Ultra case expands your color options

Some aren't thrilled with the Apple Watch Ultra's orange accent color. The Elkson Quattro Max case protects the watch and changes its color.

Setups

Dual 5K displays and a giant DIY desk distinguish this rig

An Apple Studio Display and a top competitor in the same setup? Odd. That plus an unusual drawing tablet and a massive desk are worth a look.

16-year-old Mac Pro drives even more-ancient Cinema Display

We love seeing old-school Apple gear but, man, how old can you go? Check out this 16-year-old Mac Pro and 19-year-old Cinema Display.