Best new features for Mac and iPhone

How to make the most of macOS Sonoma and iOS 17.

Author

Lewis Wallace
September 23, 2023

With iOS 17 out and macOS Sonoma coming soon, we put together in-depth posts that showcase all the best new features that will make your iPhone and Mac even more fun and useful. (There’s lots of new stuff in watchOS 10 and iPadOS 17, too.)

Read ‘em now to get the most out of your Apple hardware.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

The 36 best macOS Sonoma features you should try after you update

macOS Sonoma may not benefit from the same buzz as iOS, but there are loads of new features this year to try out on your Mac.

Plus, more new features in Apple OSs:

How to set up your new iPhone the right way

The iPhone setup process gets easier every year. There are still a few tricks that will help things run smoothly, though. Let's see how to set up your new iPhone the right way.

Plus, more how-tos for Apple’s biggest week:

What do the Apple Watch buttons do? Click, double-click and hold.

In watchOS 10, Apple adds a new Widgets view, assigns Control Center to the side button and changes what double-clicking the Digital Crown does.

Get the awesome new Modular Ultra Apple Watch face

Showcased on Apple Watch Ultra 2, the new Modular Ultra watch face works on the original rugged smartwatch. Here's how to get it.

News

Scuffles and massive lines as iPhone 15 goes on sale worldwide

A melee breaks out at a Dubai mall as shoppers rush to get the iPhone 15, as stores around the world see massive lines for Apple's new handsets.

Plus, more iPhone 15 news:

Warning: Update iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data

Anyone with a new iPhone 15 should take Apple's advice and update to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data to avoid a frozen iPhone.

These iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won’t arrive till later this year

Some iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won't arrive with the initial release of the operating systems. You'll have to wait for a few more weeks.

Making the endlessly inventive Snoopy watch face for Apple Watch

Some of the designers behind the new watch face's 148 animations talk about all the work that went into getting the job done well.

iPhone 15: How pro can Apple go? [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: We discuss the first reviews of iPhone 15 Pro, plus all the cool new features iOS 17 brings to every iPhone.

How much (actual) crap would you go through to get back a lost Apple Watch?

You may adore your wearable, but which Apple Watch model would inspire you to lower yourself into a pool of human waste to get it back?

Deals

This 3-in-1 charger is perfect for Apple fans on the road

Need a travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods? Get the 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad for just $32.99 for a limited time.

Plus, more charging options:

Incredible deal slashes 20% off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C case

The new AirPods Pro 2 version that comes with a USB-C case was only unveiled last week but you can already save $50 off the retail price.

Grab Microsoft Office for Mac or Windows for just $34.97

Get Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 or Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $34.97 for a limited time.

This discount eSIM makes international data easy and affordable

Get rid of roaming charges for good. Grab the aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler Lifetime eSim Plan with $50 of data credits for just $21.97.

Get 2 top-selling 4K camera drones for just $110

Grab a pair of 4K camera drones, each with special features, that will let you view the world from greater heights for just $109.97.

AI travel app will set you up with cheap flights, hotels and rental cars for life

Travel in style for less. Grab a lifetime subscription to a One Air Elite plan for just $79.97 through September 24 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Reviews and recommendations

Best cases you can buy today for iPhone 15

Searching for the best iPhone 15 case to suit your needs and tastes? Our roundup showcases the finest iPhone 15 cases in many categories.

Plus, more iPhone buying guides:

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15: Which one should you buy?

There's a $200 difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro. But does the Pro justify its higher price tag with extra features?

Plus, more guidance on the latest Apple offerings:

Build an army of cute ‘robots’ to conquer charging needs [Review] ★★★★☆

Ugreen's new RG -- "Robot GaN" -- chargers add a dose of cuteness to your daily charging needs for iPhone and more.

Apple Watch Ultra is tough, but this case/band combo makes it tougher

Just put it in the new Elkson Quattro Pro 2.0, a rugged case with matching band that protects the Apple Watch Ultra from bumps and drops.

Stick your iPhone to this foldable MagSafe stand [Review] ★★★★☆

The SwitchEasy Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand is an incredibly handy little iPhone stand that's sturdy and easy to use.

Setups

Bring new life to an old Intel-based iMac or Mac mini

Assigning a new SSD as your old Mac’s startup disk can bring new life to the machine.

All you need to turn a MacBook into a workstation

If you don't need a brawny desktop Mac, why not build your laptop into a full workstation with a few peripherals and accessories?

Two powerhouse MacBooks drive dual Studio Displays

An art director's Apple-all-the-way setup wins praise, but some commenters lose it over a backward-facing MacBook Pro.