'Slow Horse' returns + a chinless iMac mod

If you like spy dramas infused with biting humor, you'll like Slow Horses, the Apple TV+ show that returns this week for its second season.

Our reviewer Scout Tafoya calls the show "one of the most consistent secret pleasures of the Apple TV+ lineup," and I think he's on the money.

You can read his take on season two's opening episodes below (along with recaps of other fine Apple TV+ shows, like Mystic Quest and The Mosquito Coast).

And if you're not into Apple TV+ ... can I interest you in a chinless iMac mod? Or the latest rumors about Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset? How about this week's showdown between Elon Musk and Apple?

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Apple TV+ recaps

Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses returns this week for a slick second season of low-brow high tension. Grotesque super spy Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman) is on a personal crusade in the wake of a friend’s death.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

News and opinion

The 24-inch iMac is a beautiful bit of kit, but it comes with a hefty “chin.” A modded version shows what the all-in-one desktop would have looked like if Apple had made some other design decisions. Take a look and judge for yourself if this is an improvement.

The Twitter CEO walks back his claim that Apple was threatening to remove Twitter from the App Store after a “good conversation” with Tim Cook.

Apple reportedly changed the name of the operating system that will power its upcoming mixed-reality headset, which was previously referred to as “realityOS."

Plus, more Apple leaks and rumors:

This week's update is intended to make the iPhone 14 stop calling for an ambulance when the user takes a tumble. It also makes some other tweaks, so it’s worth installing on all compatible iPhones.

A man was robbed of 300 iPhones he’d just purchased at the famous Apple store on Fifth Avenue early Monday. Shockingly, it could've been worse.

Apple crowns 16 apps and games as winners of its 2022 App Store Awards for “making a profound cultural impact.”

The new app takes advantage of Apple Watch Ultra’s depth gauge and water temperature sensors to provide divers crucial information on forays up to 130 feet beneath the surface.

How-tos

Did you know you can access all your online Apple services -- things like Find My, Mail, Photos, Files, Pages, Calendar and Reminders -- from any computer, tablet or phone? It’s really convenient if you need to find a lost device, print a file or download a picture and your devices aren't available. Apple just redesigned the iCloud online website to make it easier to use than ever before. Here's how it works.

Recoverit is an ultimate and professional data-recovery tool that helps users retrieve data from all devices or media, even if it's deemed unrecoverable by other companies. Try it for free now. And if you like it, you can save up to 30% through December 5.

Deals

The company makes a wide variety of affordable Apple Watch bands, made of fine materials like silicone to Italian calfskin. They're always affordable, but you can save even more through Sunday night. Shop the Cult of Mac Store now.

Get this streamlined iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods charger for just $54.95 (regularly $79) -- the best price you'll find on the web.

The SwingLogic SLX MicroSim golfing simulator lets anyone sharpen their game, no matter the weather. Order by December 8 to get it for $189.99 (regularly $249) with guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas — free shipping included.

Offload those large photo and video files to Degoo. Premium 10TB Lifetime Plans are on sale for $99 for a limited time.

Reviews and recommendations

Which AirPods should you buy as gifts for family and friends this holiday season (or just for your greedy self)? It all comes down to which features you want and how much you want to spend. Our AirPods buying guide will help you decide.

The Time Travel Case for Apple Watch provides an elegant way to take your smartwatch, its charging puck and up to three bands on the road. Made of full-grain leather, the folding rectangular case comes in four colors.

The SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case folds into three different styles of iPad stand, giving you a range of options for typing, reading and browsing.

Setups

Getting great new gear for your computer setup has more than just the obvious benefit of awesomeness. Sometimes it’s the perfect reason to improve your setup in ways most people put off, like the dreaded cleaning up of cable clutter.

This triple-display MacBook Pro setup sports a very unusual choice at its base.

We last looked at this setup when its user described it as “temporary” back in June. Since then, it metastasized into a monstrous beast with a maxed-out Mac Pro, a 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, an iPad mini and dual Pro Display XDRs.