Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple Apple has issued a new firmware update just for AirPods Pro 2. The firmware, version 7B19, applies to both the USB-C and Lightning version of the AirPods–the previous firmware version was 7A305. Most AirPods updates are just bug fixes, but this one enabled the new Hearing features of iOS 18.1, and Apple has release notes that say something more than just “bug fixes and other improvements” for a change: When used with an iPhone or iPad running iOS...

about 1 hour ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone? Which iPhone is the best compromise between specs and value for money? In this article we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss iPhone...

about 1 hour ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry The next major cycle of Mac upgrades revolves around the M4 chip and it’s starting this week. Instead of an event, Apple teased “an exciting week” of releases starting Monday, with several new M4 Macs making their debut. And if the rumors are correct, this is just the start, with every Mac in Apple’s lineup getting an update within the next few months. For the first time since Apple silicon arrived, every model will soon be running the same...

about 4 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Whenever Apple starts a new generation of chips, the Mac mini is always the first desktop Mac to get it. With the M3, coming soon, that means a new Mac mini is likely around th ecorner. That also means rumors and reports about a new M3 Mac mini will surface. To gather that information in one spot–as well as to provide insight as to what’s feasible and what’s not–we have this article to help you figure out what’s happening with...

about 5 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Beats We’re drawing closer and closer to Black Friday and the deals keep coming. Today’s can save you big on a pair of excellent headphones from Apple (but not AirPods). Rather, the Beats Studio Pro is $170, a 51 percent discount, while the Beats Solo 4 is down to $100, also half-off the MSRP. We reviewed the Beats Solo 4 and gave them a 4-star review, loving the fact that they work so well with both iOS and Android...

about 7 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple Apple on Tuesday announced a major update to the Mac mini, the company’s smallest desktop Mac. The new computer is even smaller than before, features the M4 or M4 Pro chip, and starts with 16GB of unified memory. It still starts at $599 but Apple has doubled the RAM. These are four standard configurations of the Mac mini Apple is offering: $599/£599: M4 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB Unified Memory, and 256GB SSD $799/£799: M4 with...

about 7 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry We’re one announcement into Apple’s exciting week of Mac reveals, and we’ve already hit a problem. Not with the new machines themselves (although we have notes) but with someone else spoiling an upcoming surprise. No less a company than Amazon appears to have (presumably by accident) announced the new M4 version of the Mac mini before Apple could. As MacRumors noticed, Amazon’s U.S. product listing for the M4 iMac initially included a comparison chart to...

about 10 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

On some Apple products, including the Apple Studio Display and M4 iPad Pro, a feature called nano-texture glass is available. This is something that was first introduced on the incredibly expensive Pro Display XDR, before coming to other Apple products beginning with the now-discontinued 27-inch iMac. So, what is it, and should you spend hundreds more to have it adorn your screen? Glare is often a problem in brightly lit offices and homes, which can render the large, glossy displays...

about 12 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple Intelligence is finally here (sort of). With iOS 18.1, the first tranche set of AI features finally comes to our phones (albeit in beta and temporarily behind a waitlist). The iPhone 16 line was sold as made for Apple Intelligence. It was Apple’s big push at WWDC in the summer, and fancy AI-powered features are front-and-center in all the phone marketing. Camera Control button? Even that is just an AI-powered feature waiting for its true purpose. But the first...

about 12 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The Macalope shouldn’t have to list his Apple bonafides. His head is, after all, shaped like a Classic Mac. What else does a guy have to do? Get a tattoo? Because I’m not doing that. Sounds like it hurts. But let’s just take it as writ that the Macalope generally likes Apple products. The Macalope tends not to use the word “fan” anymore because it implies a level of blind adherence and, to be clear, there have been some bad...

about 13 hours ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry Apple announced the new M4 iMac and it looks like a substantial upgrade. One of its new features is its boosted external display support. On the 10-core M4 iMac models, the external display support is impressive on paper. Here’s what the $1,499, $1,699, and $1,899 iMacs can do with external displays over Thunderbolt: Run up to two external displays, with each display at 6K/60Hz, or Run one external display at 8K/120Hz The new M4 iMac boasts support for...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Macs may be a far less tempting target for malware and viruses, but they’re not immune from attack. Even if you don’t care about adware or being used as means to infect users on other platforms, it’s still possible to fall victim to ransomware, or password theft. Accordingly, good antivirus for Mac software will protect your Mac on all of these fronts. It’ll catch malware that’s still spreading or in circulation; block ransomware; protect older systems with out-of-date software from...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Easily the hottest feature of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS 15 is Apple Intelligence, the brand Apple has chosen for its own particular suite of mostly-on-device, privacy-protected, personal AI features. But when you update your devices this September, you’ll probably be left scratching your head as to where all the AI features are. First, because Apple Intelligence is only going to run on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (or later) and M-series Macs and iPads, but also because...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple Apple today announced a long-overdue update of its flagship Mac accessories lines, switching them from the proprietary Lightning standard and giving them USB-C ports instead. The new versions of the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse, unveiled alongside the M4 iMac as part of the company’s exciting week of Mac announcements, are otherwise unchanged in both design and price: As The Verge has spotted, via some cunning use of Apple’s “View in AR” mode, that sadly means...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Even if you’re not planning to buy one of the new iPhones, your existing iPhone (XR and later) can now get a bunch of new features following the release of iOS 18.  Among the new features in iOS 18 are a redesigned Photos app, new ways to customize your Home screen and wallpaper, new Messages reactions, privacy-related features and dozens of other smaller changes. There will also be some AI features, dubbed Apple Intelligence coming to some iPhones (find out...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Petter Ahrnstedt Black Friday may be one month away, but we’re already getting an early glimpse into some amazing deals we’re going to see then. Today’s bargain is the new M2 Apple iPad Air is on sale right now for its brand-new best price of $500, a savings of $100 off and the best price we’ve ever seen. We loved the 11-inch M2 iPad Air in our testing, giving it a 4-star rating. We appreciated the extra speed that...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At WWDC on June 10, Apple took the wraps off its ambitious project to inject generative AI features throughout its operating systems. Apple calls this Apple Intelligence, and it’s going to transform the way you use your iPhone, iPad, and Mac—but it’s also got significant limitations and caveats. Here’s everything you need to know about Apple Intelligence before it lands on your devices: What it is, what it does, how it works, when it’s coming, and what you’ll need to...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

There’s a risk, if you do something for long enough, that you forget why you started doing it in the first place. And fail to realize that you’ve turned a once-useful activity into a cargo-cult ritual. Take the Apple special event. These used to be some of the most electrifying experiences in the tech industry. Start with a groundbreaking product launch (iMac, iPhone, MacBook Air), sprinkle in some Steve Jobs razzle-dazzle, and fill the auditorium with a crowd so whoop-prone...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Catches an impressive amount of questionable software and acts as a good warning of phishing websites. Handy 60-day trial period gives you a good amount of time to test the software. Quick performance, good configuration, easy to schedule a scan or check an external volume. Questionable price point for a one-device subscription plan makes one wonder if a VPN client couldn’t be included in the subscription. Allowed an older copy of a fake Adobe Flash Player to...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple Apple on Monday unveiled the new iMac. The design of the iMac hasn’t changed, but the company has upgraded the chip, added more unified memory, updated the colors, and changed the input devices to USB-C. At the heart of the new iMac is an M4 chip, which was introduced this past spring in the iPad Pro and replaces the M3 that was introduced in the iMac a year ago. Apple has increased the base standard configuration of unified...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry With the M4 chip making its debut in the iPad Pro, it’s not long before it makes its way into the Mac. The M3 iMac was released nearly a year ago in October 2023, so it’s quite possible Apple will upgrade it with an M4. The rumors will likely pick up as the fall of 2024 approaches, and whatever is reported now can change before the new iMac is released. We’ll keep track of what’s being said in...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry With new iOS releases, Apple typically starts testing the x.1 version right after the main release. We expected the iOS 18 beta to continue through the summer until its release in September, followed immediately by the iOS 18.1 beta. Then, iOS 18.1 would be released in October, and 18.2 beta testing would begin, and so on. This year is very different. More than a month ahead of the expected iOS 18 release, Apple began an iOS 18.1 beta...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: IDG All eyes are currently on Apple’s exciting week of Mac launches, but the company has something more unusual up its sleeve for next year: a smart display with an oddly familiar design. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicts that this long-rumored product will resemble the “sunflower” G4 iMac from 2002 in its physical design, with a screen up top and a curved base down below. This is now regarded as...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Unsophisticated user interface. Fluid performance with minimal lags. One-time and recurring payment options. Misleading branding and product description. Some functionalities don’t always work reliably. Doesn’t offer a mobile version for iOS and iPadOS. Cisdem PDFMaster for macOS is a decent app for those looking to make casual adjustments to their documents, although it lacks features for professionals. EaseUS is also packaging this up as its Mac PDF solution, which is a bit confusing. Price When Reviewed This...

1 day ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

There are a number of options available that allow you to install Windows on your Mac – either using Boot Camp on older Macs with Intel processors, or using virtualization programs such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion, which can run on Macs with both Intel and Apple Silicon processors. Installing a full version of the Windows operating system on your Mac is a good option – provided you have a fast Mac, with plenty of memory and storage –...

2 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a Glance Free for ‘non-commercial’ usersUnity mode runs Windows apps on Mac desktop3D acceleration for Intel-based MacsLimited support for Apple Silicon MacsLittle help for installing Windows 11 On ArmUses a lot of techno-jargonSupport for Apple Silicon is still a work in progress, but Fusion 13 remains a good option for Mac users who need to run Windows 11 or Linux apps on their Macs. And, with a free version available for non-commercial use, it’s also the most affordable option...

3 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Robust Office support Add Office apps with paid plans Great enterprise options Web app is clunky 5GB free tier If you need a cloud plan for a family or small team, and you’re already leaning on Microsoft’s Office apps, then OneDrive is a great option. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today We’ve been rounding up the best cloud-based storage services for your Mac, and OneDrive definitely...

3 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Thomas Bergbold At a glance Powerful magnet for attaching the MagSafe iPhone Shockproof Non-Pro iPhones have USB-C ports that limit SSD performance The SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set is a well-rounded storage solution for iPhone filmmakers. The form factor with the magnetic rubber cover fits perfectly and its use as a data storage device for filming leaves nothing to be desired. The SL500 also cuts a fine figure on the Mac. Price When Reviewed This value will show the...

4 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple has planted its own flag in the streaming wars with Apple TV+, its in-house streaming service that focuses almost entirely on original programming rather than an extensive library of existing TV shows or movies. This guide will list all the Apple TV+ content you can watch today, divided into episodic shows or series and movies. There’s also a ton of new content in the works for Apple’s $6.99-a-month service. If you want to know what’s on the way, check...

4 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Do Macs get viruses? Do Macs need antivirus software? The answers to these questions aren’t as simple as they might seem. In this article, we look at the dangers faced by Mac users, and the pros and cons of using Mac antivirus software. Historically, the Mac has been considered safe and secure for a number of reasons that we will go into below, but in recent years the consensus has fluctuated. At the beginning of 2023 it was revealed that...

4 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

If you don’t want to wait to install the next version of macOS – which we now know will be called Sonoma after Apple revealed all the details at WWDC in June, you can join the beta program and try it out on your Mac before it is released to the public in September or October. The developer beta of macOS 14 Sonoma is already available to download. This year the developer beta isn’t just available to developers who have...

4 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple The new Apple Mini has only been available for a couple of days, and we’re already seeing its first discount on Amazon. It might not be a big one, but the new iPad mini is available in all colors for $484 at Amazon, $15 off its MSRP, and a good time to grab one if you’ve been thinking of buying. (We don’t know why it’s not marked as a deal but we assure you it’s on sale.) It’s...

4 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple’s iPhone Pro models are some of the most popular smartphones available. The classic three-camera array can be spotted everywhere you go, and that’s no surprise as those devices remain the best blend of technology and features on an iPhone. But, with the iPhone 16 Pro now available, should you upgrade from your iPhone 15 Pro? Or, if you have found an iPhone 15 Pro on sale, is it still worth buying now the 16 Pro is here? Find out which...

4 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple The standard 10.2-inch iPad (9th gen) is the cheapest iPad Apple sells, but in October 2022 it was joined by a 10.9-inch iPad (10th gen) that costs a bit more and comes in a variety of colors. If you’re looking to pick up a deal and save money on either the 2021 iPad (9th gen) or the 2022 iPad (10th gen), then you’ve come to the right place. You can find great deals if you know where to...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

With iOS 18 introducing a slew of new system customizations, the iPhone has become more Android-like than ever. Nevertheless, a prominent flaw continues to hold back numerous green-bubbled users from switching. For years, the iPhone has suffered from a notification management problem that makes it hard to focus on the matters that matter. While Android has granular, per-app notification channels, iOS applications generally deliver their alerts as regular or time-sensitive notifications—and that’s not enough to keep things under control. Fortunately...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Holds up to 8 NVMe SSDs Up to 1GBps transfers over 10Gbe Easy open case with 10Gbps USB ports Beefy heat sinks and cables included Non-fatal bugs in the operating system interface Leverage up to eight fast, reliable, shock-resistant, and increasingly affordable NVMe SSDs in TerraMaster’s fast, F8 SSD Plus network storage box. Almost as fast as local storage, it’s a good, albeit pricey fit for performance-hungry workgroups. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple’s decision to ditch Intel processors and move the entire Mac range to using its home-grown Apple Silicon processors certainly seems to have paid off. Its M-series processors, including the latest M3 and M4 chips, provide impressive performance and battery life – and even mean that Macs have the graphical horsepower to play some decent games at last. But, of course, there are still lots of Windows apps and games that don’t run on Macs at all, and this is...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry Apple has a contentious relationship with allowing users to choose default apps on iPhone and iPad, and it has been the subject of a lot of legal action around the world. Imagine our surprise, then, when the company introduced some changes in the iOS 18.2 beta that make it easier to change some of your app defaults, and even makes a couple of new categories available. In iOS 18, you can open Settings then tap Apps at the...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

We know Black Friday is still weeks away, but this M2 MacBook Air deal looks like it might have been pushed early. Why? Because we’ve never seen this laptop down to $700 before. Yes, you read that right. The M2 MacBook Air is down to $699.99 at Amazon, its best price yet, and a solid 30 percent discount. Unsurprisingly, the M2 MacBook Air is easily one of our favorite models, earning a near-perfect score following our review and even our...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The beta for iOS 18.2 has begun, less than a week before for wide release of iOS 18.1. While 18.1 is the first release with Apple Intelligence features for supported phones, many of the most exciting features are coming in iOS 18.2. This release includes Visual Intelligence, Genmoji, the Image Playground app, the new Mail app with AI-sorted categories, and integration with ChatGPT. While the AI features of iOS 18.1 might make the average iPhone 16 user say, “Is that...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple We’ve been wondering if Apple will hold a traditional event for its upcoming Mac announcements or release products directly to the web, perhaps over the course of several days. A post from Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing, seems to confirm the latter and strongly hints at what will be announced. He says simply: “Mac (😉) your calendars! We have an exciting week of announcements ahead, starting on Monday morning. Stay tuned…” X / @gregjoz This...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple holds events at certain intervals in the year at which it announces new products. The company tends to hold a March or April spring event, the WWDC keynote in June, an event to celebrate the new iPhone launch in September, and a late fall event in October at which it has been known to release new iPads and Macs. Apple just introduced the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 at an event on September...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The U.S. investment bank TD Cowen has published a report (via AppleInsider) breaking down the individual parts of the iPhone 16 handsets and analyzing their respective costs. This bill of materials, or BOM, reveals the device’s pure manufacturing costs. (There are obviously other expenses, from R&D to marketing and shipping. But this is how much it costs to make.) Read on to educate yourself. With this knowledge you can amaze your Android-using friends and, who knows, perhaps even convince them...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple’s M3-series MacBook Pro was released in the fall of 2023, but Apple has seemingly put the laptop on a more frequent update cycle, with reports of an M4 MacBook Pro coming before the end of 2024 hitting the rumor mill. In this article, we are keeping track of all the rumors about the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro. Possible launch at an October Apple event. It’s only been a year since the M3-series MacBook Pro were...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Easy to use PDF and signature functionality Disappointing free tier Paper app isn’t as good as rivals The app that kickstarted the cloud storage arms race, Dropbox has fallen from grace as others have usurped it. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today When considering the best cloud-based storage services for your Mac, it’s impossible not to think of Dropbox. In many ways the granddaddy of them...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

According to the latest rumors, Apple will release its first M4 Macs next week. Among the new models, which include a redesigned Mac mini, will be the first refresh to the entry-level MacBook Pro released next year. Normally, such an update would be nothing more than a chip upgrade from the M3 to the M4. But a series of reports claim that there will be more to this update–and could make the 14-inch base model a near-perfect laptop for just...

5 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

I love to use my Apple products to set timers, usually while cooking. I use my Apple Watch for this all the time, raising my messy hands up to tell Siri to start a timer. My HomePod is another favorite, for the same reason–when I’m cooking, touching my phone means getting gunk all over it. I have a Nest Hub in the kitchen, and that’s my go-to for timers for two reasons. One, it has a display so it’s really...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Expanding its use of low-flying satellites for models of iPhone starting with the iPhone 14, Apple added Messages to the set of available features with the release of iOS 18. But there are a lot of footnotes as to how it works when you’re away from cellular and Wi-Fi networks that can require careful preparation if you want to rely on the service. Messages via satellite is bidirectional: once you connect to a satellite (using the on-device assistant in Messages...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Thomas Bergbold At a glance High data transfer rates Good fan No transport bag No rubber feet The SE920 External SSD is a high-performance USB4 SSD drive at a good price. The data rates are fast and stable over a long period and the thermal design works perfectly. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today 152,90 Euro Best Prices Today: Adata SE920 EX USB4 SSD As a storage specialist,...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Can also be used as a normal Bluetooth controller Quiet buttons Hall effect sticks Interchangeable stick caps iPhone cannot be charged while playing The Scuf Nomad is a compact Bluetooth controller for the iPhone that also works with iPads, Macs, and some Android devices. The accompanying app offers extensive customization options, ranging from simple button assignments to the dead zone of the sticks and triggers and how they react to inputs. The Scuf Nomad is quite small...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry The first major update to iOS 18 is coming next week. In previews of the new hearing aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2, The Verge and The Wall Street Journal mentioned that the feature will be included in iOS 18.1, and Apple told them that the update will be available next week. So on today’s show, we talk about what to expect from iOS 18.1. And we also cover the new M4 Macs that are coming next week....

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry The M2 Max and Ultra Mac Studio was released at WWDC 23 last June, and the M3 era of Apple’s System on a Chip started last November. So, with WWDC 24 creeping up on us, it’s time to start looking forward to the next Mac Studio. The rumors will start to increase as June 2024 approaches, and whatever is reported now can change (and likely will) before the new Mac Studio is released. We’ll keep track of what’s...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry Apple last updated the Mac Pro in 2023 when it was the last Mac to be outfitted with an M-series chip–three years after Apple started to use its own silicon in Macs. The Mac Pro may be on a longer update cycle than the other Macs because it’s an expensive machine with features that address the needs of a niche audience. But if you’re part of that audience, you’ll want to know when the next model will arrive,...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry Apple’s M3 MacBook Air finally got settled into the Mac lineup, but Apple is already looking ahead with the M4 MacBook Air. Reports on the future laptop are starting to appear, though it’s not expected to ship until next year. We’ll see more rumors between now and the M4 MacBook Air release. This article will keep track of what’s being reported, as well as offer a perspective based on Apple’s current lineup. In an April 2024 report, Bloomberg’s...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry We expect the M4 MacBook Pro, M4 Mac mini, and M4 iMac announcements next week to be the last major product released for 2024. But it appears that Apple is going to start 2025 in a big way. According to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up to start production of the M4 MacBook Air for a release in “early 2025.” How early? Gurman states that Apple has a December software update planned (likely...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The next version of the Mac operating system, macOS 15, is expected to make its debut at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off with a keynote on June 10. After a beta period, the official release occurs in the fall. Rumors of what macOS 15 will entail are scarce as usual–because software development doesn’t rely on third-party production and manufacturing like hardware does, rumors about macOS don’t happen often. But when rumors do leak, they will be tracked in...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry Charging up your iPhone is super easy when you have the right tools, and Apple’s Magsafe charger is one of the best, especially when it’s on sale. Today, Amazon is selling Apple’s MagSafe Charger for $27, a 31 percent discount from its $39 MSRP. Apple’s MagSafe charger is super tiny and immediately attaches itself to your device. The beauty of this one is that it won’t go anywhere when you move your phone around because it is magnetized...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Mike Sawh The Apple Watch Series 10 may just have landed, but we’re already seeing steady discounts. And today it’s lower than ever: Amazon is selling the Jet Black Apple Watch Series 10 for $373, a savings of $26 off its $399 MSRP. We’ll admit that it’s not a huge discount, but it’s the best we’ve seen. If you read our Apple Watch Series 10 review, one thing is clear—Apple has perfected its smartwatch. We gave it a near-perfect...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry iOS is one of the largest gaming platforms in the world, and Apple makes a lot of revenue from third-party games sold through the App Store. But it doesn’t always do a great job of promoting (or preserving) high-quality games or encouraging innovation and creativity. That may soon change, according to a new report. A news story by 9to5Mac, based on “reliable sources familiar with the matter,” claims the company is working on a new...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The 2024 iPad mini has just been updated for the first time in three years, and yet, for some of the product’s biggest fans, it’s a bit of a disappointment. The truth is, other than the processor, very little has changed from the 2021 model. Apple’s new tendency to name iPads after the processors they contain means that this new product is officially the 2024 iPad mini (A17 Pro). It’s a mouthful, but it also points out the fundamental contradiction...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

It’s only been a little more than a decade years since Apple unveiled its new Lightning port with the iPhone 5, but the tiny port is nearly completely gone. After the European Parliament voted back in 2022 for a new rule requiring all new phones and smaller electronics that use a cable to charge to be equipped with a USB-C port, the countdown to the death of Lightning began. While the rule technically only applies to new products sold in...

6 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

If you’re thinking of buying AirPods any time soon, you’ve got a few options to choose from. Apple currently has four models in the range, but how do they compare in terms of features? In this article, we take a look at which AirPods are the best for your needs, not to mention your bank balance. Apple sells various types of AirPods. These range from the standard AirPods right up to the over-the-ear AirPods Max and as the models vary...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

If you’re thinking of buying AirPods any time soon, you’ve got a few options to choose from. Apple currently has four models in the range, but how do they compare in terms of features? In this article, we take a look at which AirPods are the best for your needs, not to mention your bank balance. Apple sells various types of AirPods. These range from the standard AirPods right up to the over-the-ear AirPods Max and as the models vary...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Many of us are quite used to carrying around a handy power bank to top up our iPhone batteries during a long day away from a power socket, but these pocketable battery packs are usually not powerful enough to keep an unplugged and energy-hungry MacBook going all day. We’ve rounded up the best portable laptop power banks with battery capacities high enough to recharge a fading MacBook if you won’t be able to plug it into an electrical outlet for...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Shutterstock.com / Wirestock Creators Apple has updated the firmware for several older AirPods models. The new firmware revision is 6F21, the prior firmware was 6A326. The affected models are as follows: AirPods Max (lightning only) AirPods 2 AirPods 3 AirPods Pro 1 It’s everything but the new AirPods 4, the AirPods Pro 2, and the USB-C version of the AirPods Max. Apple stopped updating the original AirPods firmware some time ago, as it was discontinued and replaced by 2nd-generation...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Anker Charging all your devices at once can be a nightmare to manage due to all the cables you need and all the wall plugs. Well, not with this cute Anker portable wireless charging station that can easily handle all your Apple gear. And wouldn’t you know it, but the Anker UFO 3-in-1 charger is $72 at Amazon right now, 20% under its $90 MSRP. This Anker charger will look great on your desk, clearing out the madness that...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Thiago Trevisan We’ve been hearing for a while now that Apple is going to release new M4 Macs this fall. Well, now it’s fall (in the Northern Hemisphere) and we’ve now reached the stage of the news cycle where we’re all waiting for the news to drop, but instead we’re getting reports that the news is dropping soon. The latest report comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who’s really been the most persistent source for these reports of the M4...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Baked into all Apple OS platforms. Additional features available. Simple way to sync the things you need so you can access them wherever you are. Web app is a little sluggish. Low storage limit for free plan. Doesn’t work so well for collaboration outside the Apple echosystem. What better way to access your Mac, iPhone and iPad files via the cloud than Apple’s own iCloud platform? Despite some minor inconveniences, it has a lot to offer and...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Anyron Copeman / Foundry While some people are surely loving their new iPhone 16, many users have been afflicted since their launch last month by a serious bug causing their phones to freeze, ignore touch inputs, and then randomly restart. But it looks like the end is finally in sight, with the rollout of a major software update which is understood to contain a fix. As Macworld reported in September, numerous iPhone 16 owners have complained of display “dead...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Waniza / shutterstock.com When you log into a new service or website on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the operating system will promptly suggest a ready-made password that you can accept or reject. This password will be quite long; it will not contain any recognisable words; and it will contain special characters such as hyphens and numbers. All of this fulfils the requirements for passwords so that attackers cannot crack them easily by brute force, simply guessing common combinations...

7 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Yes, it is time once again to ask the question, what makes Tim tick? Is it a bomb? Did he swallow an alarm clock? Where is that sound coming from?! IT’S DRIVING US CRAZY! The Wall Street Journal got some face time (actual faces, actual time) with Apple CEO Tim Cook: “Tim Cook on Why Apple’s Huge Bets Will Pay Off” Read on to find out if he says it’s because you Apple fans will buy anything the company sells...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

In this article, we’ll run through the steps necessary to create a bootable installer of the Mac operating system, whether it’s so you can install the latest version of the macOS on multiple Macs, install the latest macOS beta, perform a clean install of macOS, or just to be prepared with an emergency disk if your Mac experiences problems and you don’t want to connect to the internet in Recovery mode (or you can’t access Recovery mode). If you want...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The iPhone 16 is set to launch later today: Monday, September 9 at Apple’s Glowtime event. If you want to be surprised, close this tab now, because we know a lot about the new phones—read on to find out. During the event we will update this article with the latest info, but you can also follow along with our Glowtime event live blog. Apple has an event scheduled for Monday September 9 at which you can expect the company to...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry The first thing you should do after buying a new iPhone 16, be it an iPhone 16 Plus, Pro or Max, is to admire it and then swiftly cover it up. Buy yourself an iPhone 16 case to protect your precious mobile after splashing a ton of cash on it, and add some style to make your new handset more personal. The most common causes for accidental smartphone damage are: dropping your phone on the ground, it falling...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

It’s fair to say that iOS 18 is more highly customizable than any prior release. The big personalized lock screen update of iOS 16 definitely let us add some personality to our iPhones, but that’s nothing compared to the freedom to fiddle afforded in iOS 18. Unfortunately, that means you’re going to have to do a little work. Apple’s latest major update lets you customize the lock screen shortcuts, expanded customization of the Action button (which is now available on...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Whether you’re looking to gift an Apple product or just pick one up for yourself, we’ve scoured the web for the best prices on everything from Macs to MacBooks, iPads to iPhones, Apple Watches to Apple TVs, and more. If you are wondering if Apple has sales, prepare to be disappointed. Apple rarely discounts its own products–even during its annual Black Friday shopping event, it traditionally elects to give out gift vouchers rather than reducing prices. It also offers year-round...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Typically, Apple would start testing the x.1 version of a new iOS release right after the main release. We expected the iOS 18 beta to continue through the summer until its release in September, followed immediately by the iOS 18.1 beta. Then, iOS 18.1 would be released in October, and 18.2 beta testing would begin, and so on. This year is very different. More than a month ahead of the expected iOS 18 release, Apple has begun an iOS 18.1...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple The wait for the first wave of Apple Intelligence features is nearly over. In reports that profile Apple’s upcoming AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid feature by The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) and The Verge, Apple confirmed that iOS 18.1 will become available to the general public next week. Apple revealed its Apple Intelligence features at WWDC this past June. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s feature set that uses AI technology, which will be released in waves throughout the year....

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Easy to use on all platforms. Affordable storage tiers. Lightning fast. Plans can get confusing with the amount of extra features. Google Drive is a fantastic service that, if you’re anything like me, it’s hard to imagine being without. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today When it comes to picking the best cloud-based storage services for your Mac, it really is difficult to look past Google...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Given the choice, Tim Cook would obviously prefer customers to spring for the most expensive versions of Apple’s products. The Ultra version of the Apple Watch, the Max version of the AirPods, the non-mini HomePod, and the Pro versions of everything else. The problem is that customers generally feel the opposite—and nowhere is this truer than in the tablet market. Surely some creative professionals use an iPad Pro for their work. The iPad Air has its fans too, and even...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Just when we thought we’d got a handle on next spring’s iPhone SE 4 launch, a hugely surprising leak comes along and throws everything into doubt. The 4th-gen SE has been the subject of numerous rumors ever since the iPhone 16 came out last month, from the return of the notch and the first Apple 5G modem to a lack of new buttons and lenses. But one thing that most sources have agreed on is the basic idea that it...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

The most recent iPad mini on sale right now is the iPad mini Apple launched in September 2021, and if you want to get your hands on that iPad mini (6th generation) at the best price, you’ve come to the right place. We are tracking the best deals, as well as the retailers that have models in stock right now. We’ve seen some good price drops on the iPad mini recently – however, if you are shopping outside of the...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Over the past few years, Apple has overhauled its entire product range, including transitioning the Mac from Intel to its own processors, introducing the tough Apple Watch Ultra, adding a new Plus model to the iPhone lineup, and revealing a brand-new product category (the yet-to-launch Vision Pro).  In this article, we take a look at what we expect Apple to launch in the remainder of 2023 and beyond. We have investigated every rumor and trend we could find to bring...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Macworld It’s almost crazy to think it, but for the last decade Apple has not allowed you to change the default ringtone, notification sounds, or alerts on your Apple Watch. Finally, watchOS 11 gives us this very basic capability, but you’d be forgiven for not knowing about it because it’s not in the watchOS 11 release notes. Here’s how you change the default ringtone and other sounds on your Apple Watch with watchOS 11. On your Apple Watch, open...

8 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry Apple ships a simple but effective charging cable with the Apple Watch that will fast-charge an Apple Watch Series 7 or later (Watch 8, Watch Ultra). You won’t find a faster charging accessory but you can also choose from a wide range of stylish and practical charging stands and docks for your Apple Watch—including some that can also charge other Apple devices such as your iPhone and AirPods. Here, we round up some of the best Apple Watch chargers,...

10 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Here at Macworld we’re extremely fond of Apple’s AirTag, which we consider by far the best Bluetooth tracker for an iPhone or Mac user. However, one complaint raised in our AirTag review was that it doesn’t have a hole, which means you’re forced in most situations to buy an accessory to put it in. Want to attach it to your keys? You need to buy a special key ring. Want to attach it to your luggage? Special luggage label. An...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Thomas Bergbold At a glance Excellent magnetic hold Good adjustment NFC shortcuts are helpful; Fast Qi2 charging The MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 impresses across the board: fast charging, strong hold, and integrated NFC function. No competitor offers a comparable range of functions. Pitaka also offers a version for Tesla Model 3 and Y cars. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today 69,99 Euro Pitaka has updated its classic...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

It doesn’t take long for iPhone rumors to circulate. It’s one of the most iconic and influential tech gadgets of all time, and everyone wants to know what’s coming next. That Apple is so secretive only heightens the appeal of iPhone rumors and leaks. So it should come as little surprise that iPhone 17 rumors, leaks, and info started to circulate months before the iPhone 16 was even formally announced. Here’s everything we know so far, but don’t take any...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple’s list of currently available content for Apple TV+ continues to grow, and so does the list of upcoming projects in the works. Films, limited series, specials, and multi-season series—Apple’s got lots of irons in the fire. Some of these projects have been officially announced and acknowledged by Apple, while others have been reported by the Hollywood press, which always has its ear to the ground about what projects actors, directors, and producers are involved in. We’ve divided this list...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: NordVPN If you’re looking for a VPN to keep your browsing safe and secure, our top pick is NordVPN, which offers an excellent combination of speed and safety features. And now it’s cheaper than ever for Black Friday: You can lock in 27 months of NordVPN for just $96.93/£72.63 ($3.59/£2.69 a month) if you sign up for a two-year plan with three extra bonus months. The basic plan is probably good enough for most people, but you can also...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Foundry A VPN is an essential tool for iPad users wanting to watch streaming services in other countries, such as Disney+,  Netflix or BBC iPlayer, with some content not being available at every location. This is handy if you’re traveling abroad and missing out on your favorite shows, as you can connect to a server in your own country and carry on watching as if you were at home. Plus, when you’re browsing the web using your iPad, your online...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Baseus While it’s true that iPhones have excellent battery life, it never hurts to have a power bank in your bag so you can recharge on the go. Today’s deal is a great one: The Baseus Magnetic power bank is on sale for $25.59 at Amazon, down from its usual $40, but only if you have a Prime membership. (If you’re buying two or more you save even more with the on-page promotional codes.) The power bank has a...

11 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Every September, a not-insignificant chunk of iPhone coverage expresses how the newest iPhone is basically a replica of its predecessor—and that’s true to some extent. Smartphones have matured for the most part, and there’s only so much a phone maker can do. This results in a mix of incremental upgrades and unnecessary additions made for the sake of change. However, while small tweaks are generally perceived as boring, they can actually be quite impactful—and the iPhone 16 Pro Max reflects...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Thomas Bergbold At a glance Robust Construction Sturdy stand Rubber cover on the connections Robust USB-C charging cable No Qi2 support Rubber edges can be damaged under heavy use If you don’t need fast inductive charging, the Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank is a robust charger that isn’t afraid of harsh environments thanks to its covered ports. Its built-in stand and the robust charging cable are exemplary. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple The old trope that old people are hopelessly illiterate when it comes to technology is somewhat unwarranted. The home computer revolution is decades old at this point, and smartphones have been around for over 15 years. Seniors may not operate their smartphones as adroitly as their grandkids, but they aren’t just sitting around pining for the days of rotary dial phones. Social media has, in particular, provided a way for seniors to more easily keep in touch with...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Rotatable metal ring MagSafe compatible Generous cut-out for Camera Control Good grip thanks to the textured surface on the frame Not particularly colourful Buttons rattle a little The Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case is a solid case for the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max with a unique twist. The metal ring on the back serves as a magnet to align the case properly on MagSafe chargers, and it can be folded out...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Every year without fail, Apple delivers one of the best cameras on any smartphone in its newest iPhone. Basically, any iPhone you buy—even the previous year’s model—will snap excellent photos and record videos in stellar quality. It’s that consistency, along with the popularity of Macs among photo and video professionals, that makes the iPhone so popular among photographers and videographers. Whether you’re a pro or just an enthusiast, the iPhone that is best for photography is almost always the newest one—but that...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Apple launched two new Apple Watches in 2023: the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9. Apple also still sells the Apple Watch SE from 2022.   With the arrival of the two new Apple Watches, Apple discontinued the Apple Watch 8 and the original Apple Watch Ultra, however, you may still be able to buy those older Apple Watch models from resellers and from Apple’s Refurbished Store. We’ve included the best prices right now for these older WAtches...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

At a glance Compact iPhone, Watch, AirPods charging stand Can charge 4 devices simultaneously 10K power bank Foldable for travel 7.5W MagSafe No Watch fast-charge The newly updated OneGo is an impressive multifunctional Apple device charger that is reasonably priced and performs well. It’s not the fastest but the power bank is high capacity and the USB-C port enables speedy wired charging on top of the convenient wireless functions. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text...

12 days ago

Macworld - News, Tips & Reviews from the Apple Experts

Image: Apple Apple has released an update to XProtect Remediator, macOS’s built-in software that protects it from viruses and malware. The update is version 147 is for macOS Catalina and later and became available on October 16. It installs automatically, which is the usual method for XProtect Remediator.  Howard Oakley on his blog first reported the update. Apple doesn’t issue security notes about Xprotect updates and Oakley points out that it’s not obvious what the changes are. To see if...

12 days ago