The Weekender
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Smart way to avoid junk calls

Smart way to avoid junk calls

Take control of your iPhone with two iOS features that work hand-in-hand.

Lewis Wallace
November 18, 2023

If you love your iPhone but hate getting phone calls from spammers, randos and other people you don’t want to talk to, this week’s top how-to will be a boon.

It shows you how to utilize two great iOS features — Live Voicemail and Silence Unknown Callers — to effectively shield yourself from junk calls, without missing the ones you need to take.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Our handy guide to emulation on the Mac shows you how to play vintage videogames, test-drive old versions of Mac OS and run various other operating systems — all for free.
In a surprise move, Apple committed to supporting Rich Communication Services, which will make texts between iPhones and Androids … richer.
If you’re in the shopping (and saving) mood, you’ll love our guide to the best Black Friday deals on Apple gear.
Godzilla just stomped his way onto Apple TV+. Here’s our recap of the first two episodes of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

Use Live Voicemail and Silence Unknown Callers together for call-free bliss

With Live Voicemail, a new iOS 17 feature, you don’t have to pick up the phone to see who’s calling or what they want. This feature is truly transformative for introverts who only want to pick up a phone call if strictly necessary.

How to get the latest USB-C Apple Pencil firmware update

There's new firmware for the recently released version of the Apple Pencil with a USB-C port. Here's how to get it.

Find electric car charging stations in Apple Maps

Apple Maps added in iOS 17 some powerful new features to make it easy: you can see charger availability, charging speed and connector types.

How to watch ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ for free

With Thanksgiving almost here, it's time to watch the beloved Peanuts holiday special "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." And it's free.

3 ways to emulate old video games and computers on your Mac

In this guide to emulation on the Mac, I’ll walk you through the best apps you can use to accomplish the two most common scenarios: playing old video games, and taking Classic Mac OS for a test drive on a modern Mac. Plus, I'll wrap up with the easiest way to virtualize modern operating systems like Windows and Linux.

News

Shocker: Apple commits to RCS for better texting with Android users

In what is apparently an enormous change of direction, Apple reportedly plans to add Rich Communication Services to the iPhone Messages app.

M3 vs. M3 Pro MacBook Pro comparison: Should you go Pro?

Apple's M3 MacBook Pro is $400 cheaper than the M3 Pro variant. But which one is better between the two? Find out in this comparison.

Plus: Why MacBook buyers should choose M3 Max chip over M3 Pro

Coming 'ultrasonic' revolution could change wireless earbuds forever

With its Cypress ultrasonic speaker, xMEMS plans to trump tech found in AirPods Pro 2 and other wireless ANC earbuds starting late in 2024.

Top apps and games: Apple names 37 App Store Award finalists

Apple recognizes 37 apps and games whose developers "are delivering exceptional experiences and making a profound cultural impact."

12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024

The iPad Air could come in a larger size next year. iPad Pros -- with OLED screens, Apple's M3 chip and a revamped design -- could follow.

Deals

Apple Black Friday deals: AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad and more

Here are the best Black Friday deals we've found on Apple gear so far. We will update this post as we discover more.

Streamline your travel kit with this 3-in-1 wireless charging station

Keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods powered with the MagStack foldable 3-in-1 wireless charging station. It's perfect for travel!

Plus, more hardware from Cult of Mac Deals:

Buy 2, get a third one free: SwitchEasy magnetic wall mounts for iPhone

Through December 1, when you buy two MagEasy or MagPoka magnetic wall mounts for iPhone in the Cult of Mac Store, you get another one free.

Get a lifetime subscription to a speedy VPN for less than $40

Secure your online privacy and enhance your browsing experience with a lifetime subscription to Ivacy VPN. Works on iOS, macOS and more.

Reviews and recommendations

Best MagSafe wallets for iPhone

One of the best ways to use MagSafe on iPhone is to make it carry your wallet. Here are six of the best MagSafe wallets you can buy today.

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ episode 1 and 2 review and references you might have missed

Find out why you should watch the new Godzilla series on Apple TV+ (plus some speculation about what comes next).

This 4K portable monitor is beautiful and surprisingly affordable [Review] ★★★★½

The KYY K3-3 Portable Monitor adds a high-quality 4K second screen to your Mac or iPad. Even iPhone. We went hands-on to test it.

Play '80s synths, surf with a solid VPN, test hard drive for video and find great Italian food [Awesome Apps]

This week's awesome apps include a retro synthesizer, a solid VPN, a quick test for hard drives and a guide to the best Italian eateries.

Plus, more Awesome Apps:

On ‘For All Mankind,’ the working man’s life sucks on Mars (and then he dies, probably) [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★½☆

Life sucks and then you die, right? It's starting to look that way on Mars, too, this week on alt-history space drama "For All Mankind."

Tame cord spaghetti with Function101's Cable Blocks [Review]

Need a clever and colorful cable management solution? Function101's magnetic Cable Blocks do a wonderful job at tidying up any desk.

Setups

Find the perfect monitor riser for your desk

This Mac mini workstation sits on a small desk that benefits from a Balolo stand. Check it out, along with other great choices for modifying your own setup.

Crucial dock connects new MacBook Pro to classic Cinema Display

They may cost a pretty penny, but Apple displays are loved for good reason -- including the oldies that keep popping up in modern setups.

Beautiful workstation serves up double the fun with dual everything

A Big Apple magazine editor's setup doubles up on tons of gear, including two M3 MacBooks, two Studio Displays, two Magic Trackpads and more.