Costly iPhone Pocket sells out nearly immediately
The spiritual successor to the iPod Sock, Apple's new iPhone Pocket, is sold out across the US, in both sizes, and all colors despite its high cost.Take a good look — unless you already got in early, you may never get to see an iPhone Pocket — image credit: AppleLongtime Apple users immediately saw the resemblance with the old iPod socks, and everyone saw the price. Apple and Japan's Issey Miyake fashion house partnered to create a limited edition iPhone Pocket, a stretched sock-like bag or shoulder strap.There was no denying that an iPhone in this Pocket looked snuggly. There was definitely no denying that the accessory was well designed. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple quietly started selling 'Dark Cherry' accessories online and in-store
If you're a fan of burgundy accessories, you're in luck — Apple just started selling some. A range of "Dark Cherry" accessories for the iPhone and more is now available at the Apple Store.Dark Cherry accessories for everyoneNone of these accessories is made by Apple, but they do come from some of the most popular accessory brands around. Accessories from PopSockers and Herschel are included, among others.In total, Apple now sells 10 Dark Cherry accessories from a total of six companies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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CarPlay in iOS 26.2 makes a key new feature even better (for some)
iOS 26.2 is coming next month with exciting updates for Reminders, Apple Music, Podcasts, and more. It’s also been discovered that a recent CarPlay addition, widgets, is getting even better in iOS 26.2—but it all depends on your vehicle. more…

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Jason Momoa set to star in Apple TV’s outlaw biker series ‘Nomad’
Apple TV+ is developing a drama series titled "Nomad," with Jason Momoa in talks to star. The project is co-created by "Sons of Anarchy"… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Today in Apple history: iPods take to the skies
On November 14, 2006, Apple said it would team up with six airlines to make in-flight iPods an option for flyers' entertainment. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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New Apple rules keep apps from sending data to third-party AI
Apple's updated App Review Guidelines on AI require users to give permission (or not) before their data goes to third-party AI systems. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Red Dead Redemption is coming to iOS next month
The iPhone is about to get another AAA console-quality game: Red Dead Redemption is launching on iOS in just a few weeks. Here are the details. more…

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Uh oh! The iPhone 16e is reportedly a failure too
Macworld The iPhone’s distinctly mixed year continues, with a report on social media this week claiming that the iPhone 16e is in the same poor-sales category as the divisive iPhone Air. In a Weibo post, the popular rumor account Fixed Focus Digital wrote (via Google translation) that “the iPhone Air and iPhone 16E haven’t sold very well, and iPhone’s attempt to lower prices has failed.” Whereas Apple is believed to have responded to the Air’s struggles by delaying or cancelling the second version of the product, Fixed Focus says the follow-up to the iPhone 16e is still on track for “a normal spring iteration.” Presumably, that means spring 2026, since the account refers to the product as the iPhone 17e. Don’t shed too many tears for Apple’s accountants. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are all selling healthily, and there’s no doubt that Tim Cook would give up any number of 16e sales to shift an equivalent number of far more profitable premium phones. In fact, Apple’s most recent quarterly earnings report set a record with revenue of $102.5 billion In any case Fixed Focus doesn’t offer a source for its assertion, so it should be taken with a pinch of salt until we get corroboration. But it doesn’t come as a total surprise. As I explained in my review, the issue is that the 16e has many of the compromises of a budget phone, but without a truly budget price. The often-derided iPhone 5c ended up being moderately successful because it was, by Apple’s standards, cheap and cheerful. The iPhone SE was popular because you could buy one for $429. But the 16e starts at $599 despite having a single rear camera lens and no MagSafe. You can see why customers would be unimpressed.

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3 reasons Pluribus is the new must-watch series on Apple TV
Our "Pluribus" season 1 review finds creator Vince "Breaking Bad" Gilligan has done it again in a completely new and mind-blowing way. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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U.S. judge rules Apple and OpenAI must face Elon Musk’s xAI’s lawsuit
A federal judge in Texas on Thursday rejected attempts by Apple and OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT) to dismiss a lawsuit filed… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple TV scores: MLS matches now included at no extra cost
Starting in 2026, anyone with a subscription to Apple TV can enjoy every regular-season MLS match. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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If you can believe it, Apple’s iPhone Pocket is apparently the hottest new accessory
Macworld We really shouldn’t be surprised, but Apple’s iPhone Pocket is a hot commodity. Shortly after it went on sale earlier today, it appears to be selling out.  A check of the U.S. website at 8:15am ET showed the long strap, which costs $230, sold out for delivery and unavailable for store pickup in all three colors. The short strap ($150) was sold out in Mandarin and Pink, while some colors were showing shipping in late November. As we wrote this story, the shorter Pocket in Black also sold out. And on the U.K. store, all three long straps (£219.95) are explicitly described as sold out. The accessory is described as a “special edition,” which implies stock might not be replenished. Notably, Apple’s website doesn’t usually list products as sold out, but rather pushes the estimated ship date out further as the initial stock depletes. Apple describes iPhone Pocket as “a singular 3D-knitted construction designed to fully enclose iPhone, while expanding to fit your everyday items.” It was designed in collaboration with the Issey Miyake studio, named for the late designer best known for designing Steve Jobs’ trademark black turtleneck. The iPhone Pocket features “a ribbed mesh structure” made of nylon and polyester, and will clearly be a conversation piece if you’re lucky enough to grab one before they’re all gone.

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Best iPad for seniors 2025: Which is the best iPad for older users?
Macworld If you’re an older user looking to pick up an iPad, or someone wanting to gift an Apple tablet to Grandad or Grandma, which is the best iPad to choose? There’s a fair selection in the current Apple catalog, from the diminutive iPad mini all the way up to the incredibly powerful (not to mention very expensive) iPad Pro. It can be intimidating, especially as different users have different needs. To help you make sense of it all, here’s our guide to finding the best iPad for seniors. What makes an iPad good for older users? iPad owners don’t magically transform into timid technophobes on their 70th birthdays, and there isn’t one right answer to this question. Any iPad model might turn out to be the right choice for a specific older user, depending on that user’s precise requirements. But there are a few criteria that tend to become more of a factor when our bodies begin to age. Screen size is one element: with eyes not being as strong as they once were a large, easy to read screen could be the most important factor. That said, weight and portability may also be important; some older users have arthritis, while others find they tire more easily than they used to when using a tablet for extended periods of time. The iPad could be an important part of the users connection to family and grandchildren, with video calling becoming a families go to method for staying in touch. A large screen is also ideal for viewing photos and videos and even reading ebooks. Price versus power and features is also an important consideration, since you don’t want to spend lots of money on a device with capabilities you’ll never really use. That said, you do want to be future-proofed though as users tend to go years between iPad updates. These requirements can be true for any user, so it’s always best to talk to the person in question about their particular needs if you want to pick the perfect tablet. The right model for you (or yours) will be determined by your budget and a number of other factors. The cheapest iPad is the A16 iPad, but if you pay a little more the 11-inch iPad Air is a great option. For a big screen, perfect for reading, watching videos or FaceTiming family the 13-inch iPad Air is ideal. Best large-screen iPad: Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025) Pros Gigantic screen Good performance thanks to M3 chip Good value Cons Heavy Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $719.47 View Deal $719.47 View Deal $749 View Deal $799 View Deal $799 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the 13-inch iPad Air is good for seniors: All of the benefits of the 11-inch iPad Air (below) apply here, but the 13-inch model has some additional advantages that make it idea for older folk. For those with fading eye-sight, the larger, easy to read screen of the 13-inch iPad Air can be a real benefit. Here you have an iPad that’s about as big as a laptop – in fact this iPad could happily take the place of a laptop if you attach a keyboard. The size makes it ideal for viewing photos, video-calling the grandchildren and reading ebooks. It great value compared to the 13-inch iPad Pro and, while it’s less powerful than that model, if you aren’t likely to be using the iPad for the kind of features that require such power, such as gaming and video editing, an iPad Pro would be unnecessary. Read our full Apple iPad Air 13-inch review Best priced performance: 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025) Pros M3 processor USB-C port Smart connector Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $542.17 View Deal $559 View Deal $559 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the 13-inch iPad Air is good for seniors: While it’s true that the iPad Pro models are the most powerful iPads available, for most people they are simply overkill. Also, they come with Pro-level prices, which isn’t great if you’re only going to use them to watch videos and FaceTime the grandkids. For the more discerning user who requires plenty of power but at a reasonable price, the iPad Air is an excellent solution. There’s not much to differentiate the iPad and 11-inch iPad Air, but, when you look closely, you can see from where the extra expense comes. The two devices are around the same size, and both sport a Liquid Retina display, but the one on the Air is fully-laminated, so there’s no air-gap between the glass and digitizer, which makes it feel like you’re touching the actual pixels and makes using the compatible Apple Pencil (2nd gen) that much smoother. They feature the same 12MP cameras on the back and front on the longer side of the device. But, under the hood the Air has the incredibly powerful M3 processor, which is found in several recent Macs. This takes things to another level. If someone wants to play games, use graphically intensive apps or just wants a really fast user experience, then the M3 delivers that in spades. The USB-C port allows you to connect various external devices, such as storage or monitors, so it can easily transform into a laptop with a processor that’s desktop-class. Apple offers the sleek Magic Keyboard folio case, but at $299/£319 it’s way overpriced, so we’d suggest a third-party Bluetooth keyboard and case as a more frugal option. Read our full Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) review Best small tablet: Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB; Wi-Fi only) | $599 (256GB; Wi-Fi only) | $799 (512GB; Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $399.99 View Deal $469.36 View Deal $489 View Deal $489 View Deal $499 View Deal $499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is good for seniors: It’s a sad fact that as we age our bodies can lose some of their strength or gain some conditions that we avoided when younger. If you’re looking for a lightweight iPad, and therefore easier to hold for longer periods, then the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the one to choose. At around 0.65lbs/293g it’s roughly half the weight of the standard iPad. This is made possible, as the name suggests, by the smaller display. But the 8.3-inch panel is still an excellent size for the web, not to mention better as an e-reader thanks to being easier to hold. Under the hood, the iPad mini is a powerhouse, with an A17 Pro chip (as seen in the iPhone 15 Pro), which is (unlike the A16) compatible with Apple Intelligence and therefore better future-proofed. Read our full Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) review Cheapest iPad: iPad (A16, 2025) Pros Affordable Bright screen Impressive battery life Cons No Apple Intelligence Glossy display Heavier and thicker than iPad Pro and Air Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299.99 View Deal $324.99 View Deal $329 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why the iPad (A16) is good for seniors: This is the cheapest iPad model in Apple’s current lineup. For many (perhaps most) people, this iPad will deliver everything you want from a tablet and not cost you a small fortune in the process. This iPad is ideal for surfing the web, watching streaming services, and shopping online. For FaceTime calls there’s a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that offers advanced features such as Center Stage (which allows the user to move around on video calls while the iPad tracks them so they don’t disappear out of view) and 1080p video. Having an excellent video-call experience is key to keeping in touch with grandkids, friends or family around the world. The 10.9-inch display is also large enough for eyes that might be starting to diminish, while the touch targets on the screen will be easy to hit with unsteady hands. Of course, many seniors are full of more life and vigor than their grandchildren, and the ability to connect an Apple Smart keyboard and first-gen Apple Pencil makes this a perfect companion for traveling while writing memoirs or creating art. The main disadvantage to this iPad is the processor – it doesn’t run the AI Apple Intelligence features available on all other iPads. Apple Intelligence powers a variety of tools designed to enhance communication, creativity, and productivity, including writing tools, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence and more. Apple’s roll out of these features has been slow, so right now there may be nothing that appeals, but over the next few years the impact of these AI capabilities will grow and this iPad won’t support them. This iPad also lacks Stage Manager, which is a feature on the iPads Air and Pro that allows you to use multiple apps simultaneously in a way that is more like a desktop computer. Read our full Apple iPad (A16) review

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New iPhone Pocket now available to order, but it’s selling out fast
Earlier this week, Apple announced iPhone Pocket, a new way to carry your iPhone designed in collaboration with ISSEY MIYAKE. After special launch events yesterday, the iPhone Pocket is now available to order in select countries around the world. It’s a special-edition accessory, and several colors and sizes are already sold out. more…

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This 7-port magnetic mini hub upgrades your iPhone’s productivity
Satechi's OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is the USB-C hub your iPhone needs. It magnetically attaches, providing all kinds of ports. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPod Sock reborn, Apple VIsion Pro carrier aviation, and the fate of iPhone Air 2 on the AppleInsider Podcast
On this week's AppleInsider Podcast, your hosts discuss the privacy implications of smart glasses, the spiritual successor to the iPod Sock, the misreported death of iPhone Air 2, watching jets take off in Apple Vision Pro, and more!Apple's latest Immersive Video takes us to the USS NimitzApple has launched its new digital passport feature for Apple Wallet, so the hosts discuss what else they'd like to see go digital in AppleInsider+. Though, one thing that won't be joining their EDC is Apple's new and expensive iPhone socks.Rumors about the iPhone Air being canceled have been withdrawn and replaced with one about a delay. Of course, no one knows how the iPhone Air is really selling, but there's little chance this is the only edition, and the next one could have two cameras. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Traveling soon? You’ll want to download this essential app before you leave
Macworld International travel is easier than ever. Offline translation and navigation apps are readily available, and booking flights and accommodations can be done online from the comfort of your home. Still, you’ll need internet access upon arrival to order a ride, contact your Airbnb host, update family and friends, etc. Local carriers often sell SIM cards at international airports, but these usually come with a tourist tax and limited package options. I’ve been traveling from one place to another for the past five years, and Airalo is the app I always use to get instant 4G/5G cellular access as soon as I land. Here’s how it works. Like with most online services, when you download the Airalo app on your iPhone for the first time, you’ll have to sign up with your email address. Once you’re in, you can instantly start eSIM shopping. The app’s main tab features a search bar, letting you quickly locate the available packages for a certain country or continent. There are also global eSIMs that work in up to 137 countries. So, whether you’re touring multiple regions or heading to a single destination, you should find a package that covers your trip. The Airalo app is an indispensable tool for international travelers.Foundry After choosing the country or region, you get to view a list of available offers, which are predominantly data-only. This doesn’t bother me in the slightest, as all of my contacts primarily rely on VoIP and IM apps anyway. Each pack features a specific validity period and consumption quota, and you can always top up your active plan if you need more time or data. To proceed with the purchase, you simply enter your bank card details—and Airalo can optionally store them for faster checkouts in the future. When I’m planning an international trip, I buy a compatible Airalo eSIM and install it on my iPhone before I depart. All it takes is joining a Wi-Fi network and following the straightforward on-screen instructions. Assuming you haven’t opted for a continental or global eSIM, your plan won’t activate until you land and your iPhone automatically connects to the relevant carrier’s cell tower. So, you can safely install the eSIM in advance and enjoy the convenience of instant connectivity the moment your airplane lands. I’ve never experienced any issues with Airalo’s service, and when my friend unwittingly bought a package on his incompatible Android phone (ignoring the app’s multiple warnings), the company agreed to fully refund him. And thanks to their iOS widget, I can quickly glance at my Home Screen to find out how much data I still have left. It’s reliable and convenient, and it spares me from needing to sign up with numerous foreign carriers and pay marked-up prices.

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Inside Homebrew: How to get the best open source software on Mac, for free
Homebrew is the best source for open source software yet, and makes installation easy. Here's what Homebrew is, how it works, and how to use a graphical interface with the service to make it even easier.Homebrew on MacBefore Homebrew came along, the Mac was polished on the outside and messy underneath. Installing software meant dragging icons or unpacking files by hand, and the command line was something most users avoided.Developers knew macOS had real Unix power hidden inside, but Apple never gave them a simple way to use it. The tools existed but weren't connected. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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From iPod Hi-Fi to iPhone Pocket: Apple’s Most Head-Scratching Products Ever
Macworld Apple is known for its iconic devices such as the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, but the company also has an extensive lineup of accessories, ranging from USB cables to iPhone cases and even Apple Watch bands. And the company has just added a new member to its family of accessories. Dubbed iPhone Pocket, the new accessory is the result of a collaboration between the company and Issey Miyake. It’s essentially a small fabric sleeve with an expandable strap described as a “beautiful way to wear and carry your iPhone” around. Surprisingly, prices can reach $230 per piece. But this isn’t Apple’s first head-scratching accessory. Read on as we dive into some of the company’s most head-scratching creations. iPod Socks Apple When Steve Jobs announced iPod Socks as a “revolutionary new product” during  an Apple event keynote in October  2004, many people laughed, thinking that Jobs wasn’t serious about launching a pack of colorful socks for iPods. Jobs even joked about how other companies were making a lot of money from third-party iPod accessories, while Apple had zero official accessories at that point. The idea was to compete with protective cases for iPods, but with an original, fun, and unexpected touch that only Apple could provide. The socks were compatible with pretty much all iPod models available at the time and protected them from scratches when they weren’t being used. iPod Socks weren’t exactly convenient since you had to take the iPod out of the sock to access the Click Wheel. Still, the accessory was fun, unique, and most importantly, quite affordable. A pack that included six color options cost $29, less than $5 per sock. In many ways, we can say that the new iPhone Pocket has a touch of inspiration from iPod Socks. U2 iPod Apple Also in 2004, at the same event where Jobs announced iPod Socks, Apple also unveiled the U2 Special Edition iPod. To celebrate the good relationship between Apple and U2, the company released a special edition iPod in black with a red Click Wheel. On the back, the iPod had the signatures of each member of the band laser-engraved.  Customers who bought the U2 iPod also received an exclusive poster and a $50 coupon toward the first-ever Digital Box Set containing all of U2’s music up to that point. It was clearly made for superfans of U2 and wasn’t the last time Apple and U2 would cause waves of confusion. Only four generations of the U2 iPod have been released over the years, making the product an expensive collector’s item for those who still have one. The existence of the U2 iPod is a reminder that Apple loves to collaborate on new products from time to time. iPod Hi-Fi Apple Marketed as “home stereo reinvented,” the iPod Hi-Fi was Apple’s first attempt to bring music and its minimalist design language into the living room. A decade before HomePod existed, the iPod Hi-Fi amplified songs played through the iPod with the help of multiple speakers and a large built-in woofer. Since AirPlay wasn’t a thing back then, users had to plug their iPod into the Hi-Fi system using a 30-pin connector precariously placed at the top of the heavy speaker. There was also a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting other devices to the iPod Hi-Fi. Due to its high price ($349), unimpressive sound, and lack of wireless connectivity, the iPod Hi-Fi never became a hit. Apple ended up discontinuing the product just one year later, after launching the first iPhone. And most people probably never missed it. iPad Keyboard Dock Apple When Apple announced the first iPad in 2010, the company also introduced an intriguing accessory: the iPad Keyboard Dock. Instead of a wireless keyboard or a folio case, it was literally a dock with a full-size keyboard attached. Despite Apple’s attempt to include keyboard shortcuts specifically designed for the iPad, the keyboard felt awkward, had no adjustability, and required the iPad to be connected via the 30-pin connector. Because of that, it was only possible to use the iPad with the keyboard in portrait orientation. The accessory cost $69, which was somewhat expensive for a clunky keyboard. The iPad Keyboard Dock was discontinued a year later, after the launch of the iPad 2. It took Apple four years to release another keyboard for the iPad, this time a much better one (the Smart Folio Keyboard). Mac Pro Wheels Kit and Pro Display Stand Apple When Apple introduced the 2019 Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, the company marketed it as a modular, professional desktop that could handle everything from 8K video editing to advanced 3D rendering. But alongside this long-overdue Mac and monitor, the company unveiled two accessories that made all the headlines. For $699, customers could replace the standard stainless-steel feet with a set of four polished wheels so they could easily move their Mac Pro around. The idea made some sense for studio environments, but the price (nearly $175 per wheel) turned the Mac Pro Wheels Kit into a meme. To make things worse, the wheels don’t come with all the tools needed to install them on the Mac. In addition, the wheels don’t have locks, so your $6,000 computer could simply roll away if the floor isn’t perfectly level. But that wasn’t the only confoundingly overpriced accessory introduced. While the Mac Pro’s companion monitor, the 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR, certainly impressed with its specs, users were more shocked that the $5,000 monitor didn’t come with a stand included. Rather, Apple sold a Pro Stand separately with an insane $999 price tag. It was impossible not to notice the crowd’s negative reaction at the event during the announcement (which was notably Apple’s last live keynote). Both products are over-engineered, beautifully crafted, and hard to justify. Yet, they’re both still available in stores. Apple Polishing Cloth Apple In 2021, Apple quietly released an accessory that no one asked for, but everyone talked about. The Apple Polishing Cloth appeared on the company’s online store with a $19 price tag and a simple description: a soft, nonabrasive material that “cleans any Apple display.” Almost immediately, the cloth went viral. Some mocked it as the ultimate symbol of Apple’s luxury pricing, while others defended it, claiming it actually worked better than cheap microfiber alternatives. The product even sold out within hours, with shipping dates slipping by months. It became both a meme and a collector’s item, proving that Apple can even turn a simple cleaning accessory into a status symbol. To this day, the Polishing Cloth remains on sale, a small but perfect example of Apple’s ability to make small things seem premium. iPhone Crossbody Strap Apple More recently, Apple introduced another accessory that divided people’s opinions: the iPhone Crossbody Strap. The strap can be attached to all Apple iPhone 17 cases and lets users wear their brand new iPhone as a fashion accessory, similar to the new iPhone Pocket. While some see no point in the accessory, others seem to like the idea of carrying their iPhone around as if it were a small purse. One thing we can’t deny is that the accessory isn’t cheap either: $59 for each skinny strap, and the case isn’t included. Weird, but very Apple As you can see, Apple has a long history of trying to push new accessories. While some fail, others emphasize Apple’s ability to turn almost anything into a premium product. It’s still too early to tell whether the new iPhone Pocket will be a hit or whether it will quietly disappear in a year, but at least Apple is once again trying to do something different.

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Tesla is looking to incorporate CarPlay features to help boost lagging sales
Whether you love or hate Tesla at this point in history, the company may be looking to finally add CarPlay to its feature set. According to Bloomberg, Tesla is developing support for CarPlay. Sources close to the story have stated that while Tesla has long developed its own infotainment system, drivers have long said that […] Source

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