Speed up your Mac's startup

December 31, 2022

If you want your Mac to start up more quickly, you probably need to cut down on unnecessary programs that launch automatically on every reboot.

You've got several options for whittling down that list. Our lead story this week will show you quick and easy methods to get the job done.

Enjoy your weekend, and have a happy new year!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Like many folks, I don’t restart my Mac very often these days because Sleep mode has its benefits. So having to close a bunch of apps is not a massive annoyance. But for anyone who wants a fix, there are easy ways to disable startup items. And if those don’t work, you can try a couple of tricks to get rid of hidden launch agents.

News and opinion

Every year, Apple launches a handful of products that stand out from the competition. 2023 is going to be no different, but next year will be special for Apple in many ways.

If you're ordering your new earbuds from Apple, you definitely shouldn't skip this important step.

Apple locked into its familiar role of stock market juggernaut this year, always beating earnings expectations somehow. So you might be surprised to hear “Apple is this year’s biggest stock-market loser."

Some rugged, outdoorsy types might hesitate over the Apple Watch Ultra’s $800 price tag. But what if they could get a lookalike for less than $50?

Plus, more interesting new gadgets:

The AR/VR headset likely coming from Apple in 2023 will not be the company’s next smash hit. It will have fans, just not huge numbers of them. But this first headset will be an important stepping stone toward an Apple device that will change the world.

Deals

Personal hygiene can get a bit gross, but a little effort can go a long way when it comes to your long-term health. Not to mention, it can be satisfying. Spend some of that self-care time on your ears with this discounted smart visual ear cleaner for just $29.95.

Plus, more gadget deals:

Whether you’re planning a big trip in 2023 or simply want to see more of the world, the secret to broadening your horizons is knowing where to find the best flight deals.

If you’re among the millions of people who didn’t upgrade to iPhone 14 this year, here’s your reward. If you have an iPhone 12 or 13 series handset, you can now get 40% off all SwitchEasy cases for those iPhones in the Cult of Mac Store.

Cybersecurity skills are becoming more important, and demand for cybersecurity experts is expected to grow by more than 30% over the next 10 years. Whether you want to better understand the latest Apple security news, or you’re hoping to level up your career, get started with online training.

Reviews

The magnificent second season of Slow Horses comes to its excellent, exciting conclusion this week on Apple TV+. Intrigue explodes into armed combat and tough talk as the spy thriller wraps up the current crises. Season three can’t come soon enough!

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

The Satechi USB-C Mobile Pro Hub SD is designed to look and act like it’s part of an iPad. It attaches directly to the side of the tablet and adds an HDMI video port, a USB-A port, a headphone plug, an SD card reader and more.

Setups

Back in our day — when we walked 5 miles uphill to school both ways — students were lucky to have plywood on cinderblocks for a desk and a laptop weighing, oh, let’s say 25 pounds. (We’re too old to remember things.) Nowadays, these kids show off pretty swanky computer setups with desktop machines you could toss in a knapsack. This one boasts a Mac mini, a MacBook Pro, a 4K display, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2 and a Lego building set to die for.

If you want a healthy computer setup, don’t just check off the “ergonomics” box and leave it at that. In addition to good posture, straight wrists and so on, you’re going to need good lighting to reduce eye strain. And to look good on video, too, of course.