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Mac apps

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Mac apps:

Setapp AI gives you 260-plus Mac apps and AI tools for just $69 a year

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An image of a Mac laptop with iSpeech AI Text-to-Speech, one of the Mac apps in the Setapp AI deal, on the screen.
Get a full year of Setapp's Mac apps and new AI tools at a hefty discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This deal on Setapp AI gives you access to 260-plus Mac apps, as well as powerful AI tools. It’s a welcome addition to MacPaw’s pioneering and popular Mac app subscription service, Setapp, that’s fine-tuned for the AI age.

Grab this deal to get a full year of Setapp AI for just $68.99, then take advantage of killer Mac apps and AI tools that will streamline every part of your workflow.

Your calendar just got smarter: Grab this AI upgrade for just $30

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Photo of a person scheduling an event on the calendar of n iPhone using Smart Calendars AI
Make adding calendar events effortless with this AI-powered tool.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Organize your week the fast and easy way with Smart Calendars AI, an app that works like your personal scheduling assistant. It works on iPhone, iPad and Mac and makes it simple to plan out your personal agenda.

This isn’t just another planner app. It’s an AI-powered assistant that thinks the way you do — capturing ideas, interpreting context and turning them into organized plans without the mental gymnastics.

And right now, you can bag a three-year subscription to Smart Calendars AI for just $29.99.

Today in Apple history: QuickTime brings video to the masses

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Edited image of a Macintosh LC running QuickTime
QuickTime brought multimedia to Macs -- and the masses.
Photo illustration: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

December 2: Today in Apple history: QuickTime brings video to the masses December 2, 1991: Apple ships its first public version of the QuickTime player, bringing video to Mac users running System 7.

Containing codecs for graphics, animation and video, QuickTime confirms Apple’s status as a leading multimedia tech company. The software also starts us on the path to playing video on our computers. This fundamental transformation of Macs into media machines eventually leads to iTunes Movies, YouTube and more.

Miss your Mac’s app Launchpad? Get it back with BuhoLaunchpad (up to 70% off).

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BuhoLaunchpad Black Friday deal
Ah, that's better. BuhoLaunchpad brings back the Mac's classic Launchpad experience.
Image: Dr. Buho

If you’re using macOS 26 and mourning the loss of Launchpad, you need an alternative like BuhoLaunchpad. The newly released Mac app delivers practically the same experience that Launchpad did, effortlessly re-creating the classic app launching and organizational tool for Mac.

It’s a simple and effective solution to the Mac’s missing Launchpad in macOS Tahoe. And Cult of Mac readers can get BuhoLaunchpad at up to 70% off with the exclusive code CLMA25BL58 during Dr.Buho’s Black Friday sale.

We’ll explain how Dr.Buho’s BuhoLaunchpad stands out from other Launchpad alternatives below. And don’t miss your chance to get that Black Friday deal.

Best Mac apps on sale for Cyber Monday 2025: Don’t miss these deals on must-have software

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Score these amazing Mac apps on sale for Cyber Monday.
Score these amazing Mac apps on sale for Cyber Monday.
Image: Cult of Mac

Cyber Monday is a great time not only to pick up new Apple gear and accessories, but also to score some excellent Mac apps at deep discounts. Many popular titles get major price cuts during the sale, and you can pick them for a fraction of their usual cost.

From powerful utilities to creative apps and professional tools, check out the best Cyber Monday deals on Mac apps.

Price cut: Score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just $50

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A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac.
Enjoy lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Stuck using an older version of Microsoft Office? This offer gets you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac for just $49.97. With a low one-time payment, you can bid farewell to Microsoft 365’s pesky recurring subscription fees. You’ll never need to pay again for Microsoft’s widely used software for work and school.

And if you need Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, you can secure a lifetime license for even less: just $34.97.

Your secret weapon for 4K Mac screen recordings

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Screen showing video editing on a Mac with AWZ Screen Recorder for Mac
Save 62% on a lifetime subscription to AWZ Screen Recorder for Mac.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve ever tried recording your Mac’s screen and ended up juggling multiple apps — one for video, another for audio and a third just to trim the thing — you’ll instantly get why AWZ Screen Recorder for Mac is such a big deal. It lets you record anything on your screen in crisp 4K, edit it instantly, and share it anywhere.

It’s the rare screen-capture tool that actually groks what creators, gamers and professionals need: clarity, control and zero friction. And right now, you can grab lifetime access to AWZ Screen Recorder for just $29.99 (MSRP $79.90).

I ditched Finder on my Mac for this app, and I’m not going back

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Image of a MacBook Pro with the logo of Bloom, a Finder replacement for Mac, on its screen
When it comes to file management on Mac, Bloom blows Finder away.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Bloom is a Finder replacement that will completely change how you work with files on your Mac. 

With a refined interface that makes it feel like a native Mac app, it offers advanced features like a customizable multi-pane layout and enhanced file operations. After using Bloom for several weeks, I’m hooked. It speeds up basic tasks and makes file management on my Mac much easier.

Here’s everything this productivity-boosting Finder replacement can do.

Coupon code: Customize your Mac to the max with MacPilot

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Personalize your Mac with a MacPilot lifetime license.
Optimize and supercharge your Mac with MacPilot.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want to customize your Mac? MacPilot shows you how to tap into macOS’s Unix underpinnings to deliver under-the-hood tweaks and customizations that will make your Mac life simpler.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to MacPilot for just $27.97 with code UPDATE (regularly $99).

Make PDF editing easier on Mac with PDF Expert

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Upgrade your Mac's PDF-handling capabilities this Cyber Week for only $70.
Get PDF Expert, an Apple Editor's Choice winner, for less than $80.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

PDFs are arguably one of the most-used document formats by professionals, students and casual users alike. However, while they might be the best way to transmit documents, they’re not entirely easy to work with unless you own a capable PDF editor for Mac like PDF Expert.

Fortunately, this app makes handling, organizing, annotating, merging and editing PDFs effortless. And you can get a lifetime license to this award-winning Mac app for just $79.97 (regularly $139.99).

ChatGPT Atlas browser puts AI right where you need it, but can you trust it?

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Image of icon for OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas browser
The new ChatGPT Atlas app for Mac puts AI right in your web browser.
Image: OpenAI

OpenAI released its ChatGPT Atlas browser for Mac on Tuesday, making it easy to use the AI chatbot wherever you go online. When using the free browser to visit a website, you can tap into ChatGPT’s knowledge to provide more information about whatever’s on the page.

For example, after searching for a top Airbnb listing in a certain locale, you could ask ChatGPT for best hikes in the area or tell the chatbot to assemble an itinerary for a three-day trip — right within the browser. An agent mode, available to paid ChatGPT users, can go even further.

However, while OpenAI says it built in safeguards to mitigate the dangers of allowing an AI to act for you on logged-in websites, the company admits that using agent mode carries risks. And there’s still the common AI problem of hallucinations.

With this Mac app, PDFs will never flummox you again

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Photo of a person using PDF Converter Pro on a laptop
Try out this Mac-compatible PDF editor and converter instead of the pricey Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Ever been annoyed when someone sends you a PDF instead of a file you can edit? An all-in-one PDF editor like PDF Converter Pro can help, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

Lifetime licenses for the Mac PDF app are on sale for $24.99 with code PDF15 (regularly $99.99) for a limited time.

Folder Quick Look fixes an all-time Mac grievance for free [Awesome Apps]

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Folder Quick Look on the Mac App Store
A simple app that solves a big problem.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

Folder Quick Look is a totally free Mac app that scratches an irritating itch the Mac has had for a long time. It lets you preview the contents of a folder when using Quick Look.

It’s a great utility that does one thing, does it perfectly, and doesn’t cost you a dime — it’s free and collects no data! There’s no reason not to try out Folder Quick Look. Find out why it’s an instant must-have Mac utility in our Awesome Apps review below (or watch our video demo of the app).

These 6 apps will change how you use your Mac

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Photo of an M4 MacBook Air sitting on a desk with lights glinting off it, used to illustrate a guide to best Mac utilities.
I can't use my Mac without these utilities.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The best Mac utilities can make a great computer even better. From smarter window management to easier automation and cleaner navigation, a few well-chosen tools can dramatically improve your workflow.

I’m a longtime Mac user, and I can’t do my job without these six essential Mac utilities. In this guide, I’ll show you how they can make everyday tasks faster and simpler.

Today in Apple history: Logic Pro 7 shows Apple is still serious about creatives

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Logic Pro 7 was a great music creation tool for Apple fans.
Logic Pro 7 was a great music creation tool for Apple fans.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

September 29: Today in Apple history: Logic Pro 7 launch shows Apple is still serious about creatives September 29, 2004: Apple launches Logic Pro 7, its professional music creation and audio production software. The update brings new tools and a streamlined interface in line with other Apple software.

“From beginners to pros, Apple is broadening the market with a complete line of music creation and production tools,” says Rob Schoeben, Apple’s VP of applications marketing, in a press release. “With Logic Pro 7, we’re taking professional music creation to the next level with the industry’s most advanced feature set for pro audio.”

Get focused with this all-in-one task manager for less than $40

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Let Pagico 10 task manager app for Mac or PC streamline your workday for less than $30.
Supercharge your productivity with this $39.99 task-management app for Mac, iOS and other platforms.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you want to stay productive in these chaotic times, you need more than a super-clean setup — you require a task-management app for your Mac (or PC). And Pagico 10 is one of the best task manager apps around.

This multifaceted organizer offers lots of functionality, all in the service of helping you keep your eyes on the prize. Now, new users can get the latest version of this productivity software for Mac and PC for only $39.99 (regularly $137).

Aiarty’s AI-powered video enhancement saves hours. Get a launch deal!

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Aiarty Video Enhancer launch deal
Get a great launch discount on software that helps you improve all sorts of video.
Photo: Digiarty

Tired of blurry, grainy or low-resolution videos? Whether you’re dealing with low-light night footage, fast-action clips, old camera recordings, drone shots or AI-generated content, Aiarty Video Enhancer brings them to life. It delivers sharp, true 4K videos with natural details right on your Mac or Windows PC.

And better yet, the launch deal going on now will save you a bundle on the software.

Mailbird email app makes your inbox woes melt away

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Screenshot of the Mailbird email app running on a Mac
Start organizing your inboxes with Mailbird, now 82% off the retail price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If your inbox feels like a game of Whac-A-Mole, it might be time to level up with a smarter email solution like Mailbird. This sleek, intuitive unified email client lets you manage all your accounts (yes, even that old Yahoo one) from one beautifully designed app.

Right now, you can get it for a one-time price of $69.99 with a lifetime Premium Plan subscription (regularly $399). Available for Mac and Windows.

Price drop: This AI-powered app takes notes for you, then summarizes them

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Man working in front of a computer using AI note taker app My Noes AI
Get a lifetime of unlimited transcriptions and summaries for one low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you ever endured a long lecture or an hours-long all-hands meeting, you know this to be true: There’s no way you can jot down every single word your professor or colleague utters. Rather than scramble and stress about missing certain parts of a presentation, you could add an AI note taker like My Notes AI to your productivity tool kit.

This AI-powered note transcription and summarization app works with your iPhone, iPad and Mac to help you catch every single word. Think of it as your very own personal assistant! You can snag a lifetime subscription to My Notes AI for just $29.97 (regularly $299) with code TAKE10. That’s the best price you’ll find online.

Make taxes less taxing with Intuit QuickBooks for Mac or PC

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Photo of Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 on a laptop.
Manage your accounting books and finance easily with Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re growing a small business or running an established company, you can benefit from organized, efficient financial management. If you want to track your income, expenses and more with greater ease, consider investing in Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024.

This app makes finance tracking easier on both Mac and PC. And that will make tax time a million times easier when it comes around.

Right now, you can save on a lifetime subscription to Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024. Get the Mac version for only $249.99 (regularly $699). Or take advantage of a limited-time price cut and snag the Windows version for just $199.99.

How I supercharge window management on my Mac

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M4 MacBook Air with lighting icon on screen
Level up your Mac window management like I did.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

As a power user, I find Mac window management clunky and broken when using the options built into macOS. Switching between apps, and snapping apps into desired screen locations, should not be so frustrating.

So, I took matters into my own hands — streamlining how I snap, switch and manage windows to finally make macOS work for me, not against me.

ChatGPT for Mac now doubles as an AI meeting assistant

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ChatGPT Record mode
ChatGPT's Record mode comes to the Mac for Plus subscribers.
Screenshot: Rajesh PandeyCultOfMac

ChatGPT for Mac can now record and transcribe your meetings. The feature, which went live in early June, is now rolling out to the Mac app.

Besides meetings, you can use ChatGPT’s record mode for transcribing voice notes and brainstorming sessions.

12 must-have free Mac apps I always install first

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Set your Mac up like a pro with these 12 free apps.
Set your Mac up like a pro with these 12 free apps.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The 12 free Mac apps in this roundup prove that the best software doesn’t need to cost you anything.

These are the first apps I install on any new Mac, as they either boost my productivity or add essential functionality missing from macOS.

1Password unlock presets will cut down on constant unlocks

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1Password app sign in with FaceID
1Password's new app unlock presets promise a seamless experience.
Photo: 1Password

1Password is testing a new unlock system on Mac, aiming to reduce the need for constant reauthentication. The app introduces three preset modes — Convenient, Balanced and Strict — giving users control over how frequently they unlock the app based on their security preferences.

The changes are currently only available on 1Password’s beta channel for Mac.

BuhoCleaner jacks up Mac performance (up to 70% off promo)

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Photo of a MacBook on a table, with BuhoCleaner running on the screen
When your Mac shows signs of sluggish performance, BuhoCleaner can speed it up.
Photo: Dr.Buho

Is your Mac’s performance getting a little sluggish? If your machine takes more time to do things than it used to — and that darned spinning beach ball keeps showing up — it’s time for some digital spring cleaning. What’s an effective, intuitive and affordable tool for the job? BuhoCleaner, a Mac maintenance app from Dr.Buho.

BuhoCleaner is available in both free and paid versions. With coupon code CTM25BC05 you can get up to a 70% exclusive discount.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Dr.Buho.

I tested it on my M4 Pro MacBook Pro and noticed a significant performance boost after just a few simple scans. The machine became noticeably more responsive when opening apps and files.