Macworld

Macworld Just a couple days after the wide release of iOS 27, Apple has released the first beta of iOS 27.2. Thats not a typo: its iOS 27.2, not 27.1. We never saw a 27.1 release, but Apple is beginning beta tests for the 27.2 branch. This likely has something to do with the iPhone Duo, which is going on sale in October. We know the iPhone Duo will come with iOS 27.1, but we dont yet know if any other devices will ever get a 27.1 update, or when all the devices will get on the same version toget

Macworld According to a report by The Information, Apple could re-enter the server hardware market. The servers would be targeted at the AI development, with availability starting in 2029. While Apples plans are tentative, the servers have reportedly been in the works for a year. The company has two types of servers centered around M8 Ultra chips, one with two M8 Ultra chips, while another has four M8 Ultras. The Information also reports that Apple could use Nvidias NVLInk Fusion technology, whi

Macworld You waited months for Apples new iPhones to arrive, but its worth protecting that investment from day one. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are tougher than previous generations, but they can still be scratched, chipped or damaged in a drop. A good case also does more than protect your phone: it can improve grip, add a stand or wallet, support MagSafe accessories and give your iPhone a completely different look. There are hundreds of iPhone cases to choose from, ranging from inexpensive si

Macworld With the launch of iOS 27 this week, Apple Intelligence has reached maturity, with a real chatbot assistant in Siri AI, powerful photo editing tools, and legitimately good image generation. And its mostly free. Unlike ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools, which charge monthly fees for anyone who uses the service more than occasionally. For example, the free Claude plan has session-based usage limits that can kick in when youre using it too much. Those limits dont exist with Siri AI or an

Macworld Upgrading macOS doesnt always go as planned. A new release might slow down your Mac, break essential apps, introduce bugs, or simply change features you rely on. If youre wishing you could go back to the version you had before, the good news is that you can downgrade macOS. While reverting a macOS update is generally easier than downgrading an iOS update , its not as simple as installing macOS . It is a multi-step process that typically requires wiping your Macs internal drive, as Apple

Macworld iOS 27 is Apples best update in years . It fixes nearly every issue we had with iOS 26: Its faster, cleaner, and more responsive, and the new Siri AI is actually useful. But theres one new feature thats driving me crazy. For as long as I can remember, two things have been constant on my iPhone: Swiping down from the middle of the screen brings up Spotlight search, and swiping down from the middle of the top edge of the phone reveals the Notification Center. I use both regularly, as Im s

Macworld TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows runs inside Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp on a Mac without a second Microsoft 365 subscription, and a lifetime license is on sale for $54.99 (reg. $249.99). Theres a cheap way to get Microsoft Office running on the Windows side of a Mac, and it doesnt involve paying for a second Microsoft 365 subscription on top of whatever the Mac already runs. Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows installs once i

Macworld Apple has announced that paying iCloud+ subscribers now have access to Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and curated Apple Music stations as well as the cloud storage they originally signed up for. But this applies in certain countries only, and the list doesnt include the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. The upgrade covers every paid tier, all the way down to 50GB, and Apple insists theres no extra cost for the additional services. Wherever the new offer is available, the company w

Macworld Apple Watch owners hoping to upgrade to watchOS 27 could be in for disappointment. Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14, bringing Siri AI, a new tap gesture for selecting widgets in the Smart Stack, a dynamic app grid and design refinements throughout the system. But a significant number of Apple Watches that could run watchOS 26 have been left behind. watchOS 27 drops support for the Apple Watch SE 2, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8 and the original Apple Watch Ultra. That means the

Macworld Apple MacBook Air M5 View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , da

Macworld Since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, Apple has released dozens of versions of iOS, introducing new features, design changes, performance improvements, security updates and more. From the early days of iPhone OS through landmark releases such as iOS 7, iOS 14 and the current iOS 27, each version has changed the way we use the iPhone. Whether youre trying to identify the version running on your iPhone, check compatibility before upgrading, or find out which releases are still

Macworld Since the debut of Mac OS X in 2001, Apple has released dozens of versions of its Mac operating system, introducing new features, design updates, performance improvements, and more. From early big-cat releases such as Panther and Leopard to more recent California-inspired versions like Sonoma, Sequoia, Tahoe and Golden Gate, each release marked a new chapter in the Macs evolution. Whether youre trying to identify the version running on your Mac, check compatibility before upgrading, or

Macworld Apple TV continued its triumphant awards season on Monday night, with the offbeat comedy-horror Widows Bay reaching a total of 14 Emmy wins for the year. Pluribus and Slow Horses also scored wins this week, adding to Emmy successes for other Apple TV properties such as Mr. Scorsese , Palm Royale , and Margos Got Money Troubles earlier in the month. The Emmys are split into multiple ceremonies. The first section of the 2026 awards, Creative Arts, took place on September 5-6. Widows Bay w

Macworld Macs are expensive, so its understandable that many users want to put off replacing them for as long as possible. But just how long should you expect a Mac to last? You may also be considering an older, used or refurbished Mac to save money. Is that 2018 MacBook Pro for $300/300 a good deal, or would you be better off spending a little more on a newer model? Whether a Mac is too old depends on two main factors: hardware durability and software support. Hardware : Macs and MacBooks are b

Macworld Apple has released macOS 27 Golden Gate, the newest version of the Mac operating system. It includes several AI features, including Siri AI and Apple Intelligence . It also has new features in Safari, Image Playground, and Photos. And it has a ton of refinements, as well as optimized performance. Before you install macOS 27 Golden Gate, you should back up the data on your Mac, just in case. You can use Time Machine or another method . Also, you should check if your Mac is compatible wit

Macworld Apple just released macOS 27 Golden Gate to the general public, but Ive been using it since the first beta became available. Overall, I think its an excellent upgrade that users should install as soon as possible. Golden Gate has a lot of cool features, but there are three in particular that I absolutely love and use a lot. I think you will, too. Captions for personal videos Ive come to rely on video captions for a couple of reasons: My hearing isnt as good as it once was, and I watch v

Macworld If you are thinking of buying an older generation or used/refurbished iPhone , or wondering whether its worth upgrading your current iPhone to a new one, one important factor to consider is how long Apple will continue to support it. The good news is that Apple provides software support for iPhones for many years. In most cases, iPhones receive security-related software updates for seven to eight years. Battery replacements and other repair services are often available for devices that

Macworld Better Eye Comfort for iMac Users iMac light bar saves desk space, illuminating your workspace View iScreenBar (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: t

Macworld TL;DR: MacPilot gives you access to macOS settings and system tweaks that Apple keeps tucked away, with lifetime access available for $39.99. macOS is designed to keep things simple, but that simplicity can come at the expense of control. Plenty of useful settings and system-level options are hidden away or require digging through menus or even opening Terminal. MacPilot puts more of those controls in one place, making it easier to customize and fine-tune your Mac without getting into

Macworld We think iOS 27 is really very good . One of Apples best iPhone updates in years, honestly. But if youre for any reason unwilling or unable to update to iOS 27 and you still want all the dozens of security updates that come with it, Apple has you covered with iOS 26.7. It doesnt include quite as many security updates as iOS 27 because there are lots of fundamental changes to the low-level code in the latest release, but there are still nearly 80 fixes in iOS 26.7. Apples release notes f

Macworld Apple unveiled iOS 27 at WWDC on June 8, 2026 . It immediately entered a beta-testing phase, and was widely released on September 14. There are three main sets of features in this update: Siri AI, which is an entirely new Siri architecture with a dedicated Siri app, new features for parental safety, and a big emphasis on system improvements like faster performance and a lot of quality-of-life features users have been asking for. iOS 27 supports every iPhone back to the iPhone 11 and iPh

Macworld It used to be that operating system point releasesthe minor updates throughout the yearcontained around a dozen security vulnerability fixes. But that number has been growing in the last couple of years and has exploded in the past few months. There were 35 security vulnerabilities fixed in iOS 26.0. That was up to 43 in iOS 26.5. A 26.5.2 update solely for security fixes added another 29 and iOS 26.6.7 adds 79 more . But thats nothing compared to the latest round of updates. There are

Macworld Headline changes in macOS 27 Golden Gate include an all-new Siri AI assistant, major upgrades to apps including Safari, Photos, Messages, Mail and Calendar, expanded child-safety features, design refinements and performance improvements throughout the operating system. Golden Gate continues Apples tradition of naming macOS releases after iconic Californian landmarks. More broadly, the update represents another step in Apples push to make the Mac smarter and more proactive, with greater

Macworld Even if youre not getting a new iPhone 18 Pro this week, you can still make your old phone feel new again. iOS 27 is here, and the update brings a slew of new features, including the long-awaited Siri chatbot, along with a slew of AI tools across the system and first-party apps. Those averse to artificial intelligence will still appreciate the other unrelated features, design changes, and performance improvements across the board. Hesitant about updating your iPhone? Below are the top a

Macworld Anker 3-port charger View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , da

Macworld A few weeks ago, code references in the first macOS 26.7 release candidate pointed to the imminent launch of two game controller devices . (There were also clues in there to a set of camera-equipped AirPods , but thats another story.) And a new report has now added further detail about the launch plans for these products. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman confirms that Apple has indeed been working on these iPhone gaming accessories for a b

Macworld Should you upgrade to macOS Golden Gate? Upgrade to macOS Golden Gate if you have an Apple Silicon Mac and want the latest Apple Intelligence features. Golden Gate is especially appealing for heavy Spotlight users, Safari users, Shortcuts fans, and families who use parental controls. Note that some features need newer hardware. All Macs with Apple Silicon can run macOS 27, but certain advanced AI features require newer chips and more memory. macOS 27 Golden Gate arrived on September 14,

Macworld Should you update to iOS 27? iOS 27 is worth upgrading for users who want a smarter Siri, new AI-powered photo tools, stronger security and faster everyday performance. Owners of the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models will benefit most from Apple Intelligence, while older supported iPhones miss out on some of the more advanced AI features. iOS 27 arrives on September 14, 2026, bringing one of the biggest upgrades to Siri yet, along with faster performance, new AI-powered photo editing tools

Macworld Being able to create a bootable USB installer for macOS is a useful skill for any Mac user. Whether youre performing a clean install, setting up multiple Macs, recovering a system that wont boot, or simply want a reliable offline installer, a bootable USB drive gives you far more control than relying on macOS Recovery alone. Creating a bootable installer is easier than it used to be thanks to Apples Terminal command, createinstallmedia , but the process still isnt obvious and it differ

Macworld The reign of new CEO John Ternus has only just got underway , but Apple is already plotting a major revamp to its retail strategy. According to the latest instalment of Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter, the company is preparing a retail store shake-up that will see its brick-and-mortar outlets shift focus from so-called community landmarks and gathering places towards more traditional and practical retail spaces. The priority, it would appear, will be on encouraging customers to buy rat

Macworld Unsure which version of iOS your iPhone can run? Want to know if your iPhone is compatible with iOS 27 ? Heres a quick guide to the latest versions of Apples iPhone operating system, including which iPhones support iOS 27 and, if yours doesnt, the newest version you can install. Weve put together this iOS compatibility checker so you can see at a glance which versions of iOS your iPhone supports, and which version you should be running to get the latest features and security updates. iP

Macworld Wondering which versions of macOS your Mac can run? Want to know if you will be able to run macOS 27 Golden Gate on your Mac when it launches on September 14? Weve put together a macOS compatibility checker that will show you what Macs the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X support, so you can tell what version you should be running on your Mac if you want the latest features and security protections. Read on to find out exactly which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac

Macworld TL;DR: Give your current PC a fresh start or run Windows on a Mac with Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (MSRP $199) through September 27. A sluggish or aging computer doesnt always mean its time to start shopping for a replacement. If the hardware is still in good shape, upgrading the operating system can be a much cheaper way to bring it up to date. Windows 11 Pro adds newer security features, performance improvements, and useful tools to compatible PCs and this deal brings the license down

Macworld A quick and effective way to create a collage from several photos on your iPhone is to use Apples Keynote app. You might be familiar with using Keynote for presentations, but its also good for making collages. Keynote offers up to 100 different templates, though around half of these are only available via the Creator Studio subscription . The paid templates are signified by a small five-petalled flower in the top right-hand corner of the template. Before you choose one of the slides for

Macworld TL;DR: Pay $69.99 to get $150 in aloSIM travel-data credit, redeemable for 12 months toward country and regional packages in 200+ countries. Coming home from vacation with a souvenir is nice. Coming home to a pile of daily international data charges? Awful. Pay $69.99 for this aloSIM offer, and you get $150 in credit to spend on mobile data packages across 200+ countries. aloSIM uses eSIMsdigital SIM cards for compatible phones and tabletsto connect travelers to local carrier networks i

Macworld TL;DR: Through Sept. 20, pay just $11 (reg. $169.99) for lifetime AdGuard Family access on up to nine devices, including ad blocking, privacy protection, malware protection, and parental controls. The internet has plenty of useful things. Pop-ups, giant banners, and disruptive video ads arent particularly high on that list. Through Sept. 20, you can pay $11 instead of $169.99 for lifetime access to the AdGuard Family Plan and clean up browsing across as many as nine devices. Its advance

Macworld TL;DR: Pok Pok lifetime access is $59.99 (reg. $250), giving families unlimited access to a growing collection of low-stimulation, Montessori-inspired educational activities without ads, levels, winning, or losing. Not all kids screen time needs flashing rewards, competitive levels, or an ad appearing every 30 seconds. Pok Pok takes a calmer route , and lifetime access is currently $59.99 instead of $250. Designed for kids ages 28, Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired digital playroom built

Macworld Im sure this has happened to you too: Youre in the middle of a call on your iPhone and suddenly the call ends. Neither you nor the person youre speaking to has hung upat least, thats what you think. Chances are that you accidentally pressed the side button on your iPhone. This can easily happen when youre holding your phone in your hand while having a conversation. The problem is that, since iOS 16, the side button has ended calls by default, and iOS 27 wont change this behavior, either

Macworld You can always count on Apple to do nice little touches that arent really that big of a deal, but they enhance the user experience. The latest example is with the iPhone Duo , where, if you open or close the phone, the screen does a perspecive blur animation to signify to the user that the active screens are switching. You know, the iPhone Duo isnt the only Apple product that opens up to a display. Wouldnt it be cool if the same effect could happen on the MacBook? Now it can! Dhananjay

Macworld If youre planning to buy a new iPhone, timing your purchase can save you hundreds of dollars or pounds. There are certain times of year when buying is a bad idea, and others when discounts, trade-in deals and retailer promotions make it much easier to get a bargain. Apple rarely discounts its newest iPhones directly, but prices often fall after new models launch in September and during major sales events such as Black Friday. In 2026, however, the usual pattern changed: Apple raised pri

Macworld When Apple releases iOS 27 Monday, the main highlight will be artificial intelligence, which is only available on newer phones (iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 and later). Head over to the iOS 27 site on Apple.com, and youll see a lot about the new Siri AI , Apple Intelligence , and other features that require the latest hardware to run. Unsurprisingly, this might leave owners of older iPhones wondering what exactly theyll gain from the update. After spending some time testing the iOS 27 b

Macworld The Apple Watch Series 12, announced at the Surprise and Shine event on Wednesday, doesnt offer a great deal by way of momentous hardware changes. But Apple did manage to spring a few surprises with an array of software upgrades for the device, including a cool feature called Live Rewind. Live Rewind, which is accessed via a double-press of the Digital Crown, displays the last 15 seconds of your conversation in text form on the watchs screen. This is a neat and potentially very useful f

Macworld If youre planning on investing in the iPhone Duo , heres a question for you: Are you putting it in a case? I mean, its Apples most expensive phone. It would seem prudent to protect your investment. And now that Apples folding iPhone is real, case manufacturers will begin releasing cases for it, so you can pick one out when you get your iPhone Duo in October. If youre a longtime Apple fan, one case you might want to consider is one from Spigen. The company posted a concept for an iPhone

Macworld Apples 2026 iPhone lineup is broader than ever, ranging from the relatively affordable iPhone 17e to the high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max , plus the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the new folding iPhone Duo . That gives buyers more choice, but it also makes picking the right model more complicated than simply choosing the newest or most expensive iPhone. For most people, the iPhone 17 is the best all-round choice, thanks to its 6.3-inch ProMotion display, strong battery life, dual 48MP cam

Macworld TL;DR: KeySmart SmartCard is a rechargeable wallet tracker that works with Apple Find My , and a 3-pack is on sale for $50.99 (MSRP $74.97). Plus, the bundle ships free. Most Apple Find My-compatible trackers are too thick to use with your wallet, and if you do find one that fits, it constantly needs battery replacements. KeySmarts SmartCard fixes both problems. Each card measures less than 2mm in thickness, about the depth of two credit cards stacked together, so you wont even notice i

Macworld TL;DR: Renewing Microsoft 365 every year adds up fast. Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac for $89.97 (reg. $219) and own the core Office apps outright. This license covers Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, a basic version of Teams, and the free version of OneNote, installed on one Mac for lifetime use at home or for work. Its a one-time purchase tied to a Microsoft account rather than a specific device, so reinstalling later doesnt require buying i

Macworld On this episode of the Macworld Podcast,wetalkabout Apples new iPhone 18 Pro,iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12, and a lot more. Tune in to find out more! This is episode 999 with Michael Simon , Jason Cross , and Roman Loyola . Watch episode 999 on YouTube Listen to episode 999 on Apple Podcasts Tune in to episode 999 on Spotify Get info Click on the links below to learn more about what was discussed on the show. Surprise and Shine Apple iPhone event blog iPhone 18 Pro: Everything you n

Macworld My first reaction, while watching the iPhone Duo segment of Apples Surprise and Shine press event on Wednesday, was a simple one: Id really like to try it. Which is saying something for a cynical journalist whos been covering events like these for more than two decades, and speaks to the near-miraculous way Apple managed to sell a device with all kinds of compromises and limitations. For one thing, its a foldable, and foldables have problems pretty much baked into the format. Ahead of t

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Macworld Liquid Glass , which was introduced through Apples operating systems last year, ended up being a controversial feature. You hated it, or you liked it well enoughIve never met anyone who says they love it. Apple tried to make Liquid Glass more appealing by giving the user more control over its appearance , but that didnt change anyones mind. In iOS 27 , Apple is taking a different approach towards promoting Liquid Glass by associating it with one of the most beloved characters in Apple l