The Weekender
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Master iOS 17's best features

Master iOS 17's best features

Find out how to make the most of your iPhone's new OS.

Lewis Wallace
October 14, 2023

Mastering a new operating system like iOS 17 takes time, but you can get a headstart with this weekend’s how-to. It’s a cheat sheet that runs you through 10 tweaks to make iOS 17 awesome.

It’s a fast way to take advantage of all the latest iPhone features. Get in there and have some fun!

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

If you never considered buying an Apple Watch Ultra, Leander posits three reasons you definitely should — even if you’re not an endurance athlete.
No matter what type of Apple Watch you own, you need gear to make it your own. Check our buyer’s guides to the best Apple Watch bands and accessories for shopping tips.
How much does Google pay Apple for default search placement in Safari? Could it be … $20 billion a year?!?
Our deals section showcases big sales on Apple gear, plus some limited-time price drops, like a 5-foot transforming cable for just $16.97 and venerable software suite Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac for just $29.97.
Most of the rigs in our Setups posts look like gleaming, high-tech command centers. Not this stealthy one: It looks like nothing at all!

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

10 tweaks to make to iOS 17 awesome

Now that you’re running the latest version of iOS, what should you do next? Here’s a simple to-do list on how to make the most of Cupertino’s latest and greatest iPhone operating system.

Plus, more iOS 17 tips and how-tos:

How to use iPhone 15 to charge AirPods, Apple Watch or another iPhone

In a pinch, your iPhone 15 can recharge your Apple Watch or AirPods, and even juice up another iPhone. Here's how.

How to get the latest AirPods Pro 2 firmware update

Apple pushes out firmware update 6A303 for AirPods Pro 2. Here's how to make sure you've got the bug fixes.

News

iOS 17.1 is scheduled to launch in less than 2 weeks

We now know the last possible day Apple will release iOS 17.1. And we can thank a French regulatory agency for the info.

Plus, more iOS news:

Apple rakes in up to $20 billion a year to make Google the iPhone default search engine

Google being the default search engine in the Safari web browser is apparently worth an enormous amount of money.

New iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro models are on the way

Apple intends to update the entire iPad lineup in the coming months, with details coming to light about changes to four tablet lines.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Apple TV+ share of streaming market keeps expanding

Apple's service now owns 7% of the U.S. streaming market. That's more than double the measly 3% Apple TV+ garnered two years ago.

Be sure to read Apple's guide to buying a used iPhone

Anyone planning on purchasing a used iPhone should take a look at a new support document from Apple.

Does iPhone 15 Pro's Action button really need this fix? [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: An iOS 17 update will stop the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button from triggering in your pocket. But why?

Deals

15-inch MacBook Air drops to its lowest price after big $250 discount

Various 15-inch MacBook Air configurations are discounted to an all-new low price after a massive $250 discount on Amazon.

Plus, more discounts on Apple gear:

Limited-time price drop: Get a 6-in-1 charging cable for less than $17

The inCharge X Max's transforming tips give you six different charging configurations, with Lightning, USB-C and more.

Get Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac for just $30

Pick up lifetime access to the popular Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for only $29.97 (regularly $219).

Save on Apple gear and more with a $15 Sam's Club membership

Score discount electronics and other essentials with a one-year membership to Sam’s Club for just $15 (reg. $50) through October 15.

Don't miss out on 90 hours of expert Python training for $23.97

Learn one of the most in-demand software languages with the Premium Python Programming Certification Bundle.

Reviews and recommendations

Best bands you can buy today for Apple Watch Series 9

We rounded up the best Apple Watch bands of all types to make your smartwatch look and perform better in any situation.

Plus: Best accessories for Apple Watch

3 reasons you should buy an Apple Watch Ultra

I love the Action button, but the Apple Watch Ultra's extreme battery life and virtually indestructible construction make it a must-buy.

Bring primo sound wherever you go with new Soundcore Motion 300 [Review] ★★★★½

Soundcore's new Motion 300 portable Bluetooth speaker is small, tough, good-looking and great-sounding. And it costs just $80.

Lift your iPhone way, way up with this very portable stand [Review] ★★★★★

The Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand does more than prop up the screen -- it lifts your iPhone up so it's easier to see.

Hit the slopes, amuse your dog, and run a freelance biz [Awesome Apps]

This week's Awesome Apps will help you ski, snowboard, run a freelance biz, share photos and entertain your pooch.

Plus, more Awesome Apps:

PNY dual Lightning/USB drive is ready for iPhone and Mac [Review] ★★★★☆

This PNY flash drive includes both a Lightning connector and USB-A connector so it's ready to use with iPhone, Mac or Windows PCs.

Setups

Dual flying MacBooks flank external display and iPad

It’s rare to see a pair of MacBooks open on stands in a quad-display setup. Even the user who built this setup questions the choice!

Meet the amazing disappearing workstation

Cult of Mac reader Nick Howard sent us pix of his clever M1 Mac mini computer setup. It magically disappears when not in use!

You wish your workstation looked this clean

When your computer setup looks like a junkyard, look to this MacBook Air and Studio Display setup for inspiration.