Got an iPhone? Here are 11 features youre probably not usingbut should

Macworld These days, iPhones can do a lot and we mean a lot . From photography and video editing to gaming and artificial intelligence, its enough to make you forget they can also, you know, make phone calls and send text messages. With all these headline features, its not surprising that a bunch of clever capabilities slip through the cracks. Whether youre an Apple veteran or an iOS newbie, we bet there are scores of interesting iPhone features that you never knew existed. Here, weve rounded up some of the best iPhone settings youre probably not using. NameDrop: Easily share contacts NameDrop, which lets you touch two iPhones together to exchange contacts, is a great example of Apples seamless and intelligent integration between hardware and software, and its something that few other phone makers could pull off. Just bring the top ends of two iPhones running iOS 17 or later close to each other and hold them there until you see a bubble-like animation show on their displays. Once that happens, NameDrop will be shared between the two users like magic, and you can then choose the fields you want to share before exchanging your details or tap Receive Only to get their info without sending your own. And heres a bonus: The feature also works when sending Apple Cash to another iPhone user. Back Tap: Add a button to the back of your iPhone Some iPhone features feel so natural that you wonder why you didnt know about them before, and Back Tap certainly qualifies. With a quick double or triple tap on the back of your phone, you can open your camera app, turn on the flashlight, switch apps, and more. To get started, open the Settings app on your iPhone and head to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap . Select either Double Tap or Triple Tap , then pick an option from the extensive list. You can run system functions, activate accessibility controls, and even launch a shortcut, which is a clever way to kickstart a powerful workflow with minimal effort. Foundry Visual Look Up: Use the camera to learn about nature How many times have you seen an animal or plant and found yourself scratching your head over what it was? With your iPhone, theres no need to be left wondering what you saw just use Visual Look Up. Simply snap a photo of the animal or plant in question, open the image in the Photos app, then swipe up. Youll see an option to Look Up Plant or Look Up Animal, which will show likely matches and similar images. If you have an iPhone with Camera Control, you can use the visual intelligence feature to tap into Apple Intelligence or ChatGPT to get similar assistance. Tap and hold the Camera Control for a couple of seconds until a new camera window bursts onto your screen. Point your camera at the object in question, and an animal or plant name will appear at the top. (If it says Maybe, tap the name to see a few options of what it could be. If ChatGPT is more certain, it will show the name of what it thinks it is, and you can tap it to get some information.) Foundry Song Recognition: Identify music that you hear Shazam is a fantastic way to discover a new song or identify those earworm songs that you cant quite remember the names ofbut with your iPhone, you dont need to open the Shazam app itself every time. You can put a handy Shazam button right into the Control Center for quick access instead. Open the Control Center by swiping down from your iPhones top-right corner. From here, tap the + in the top-left corner, tap Add a Control , type recognize music in the search bar, and then tap the result. The next time you hear a song you cant identify, open the Control Center and tap the Shazam button, and itll identify the song within seconds. Foundry Timer Control: Start a countdown in no time Theres another handy hidden feature that can be found in the Control Center that lets you swiftly set up a timer without hunting for the Clock app. You probably know that you can jump to the Timer section in the Clock app by tapping the dedicated Control Center button, but you might not know theres an even shorter shortcut. Tap and hold the Timer button in the Control Center, and a slider will appear on your screen. Move your finger up or down the slider to increase or decrease the duration in one-minute increments and tap Start to begin. Flashlight: Adjust the width of your beam Everyone knows that your iPhone can provide a helpful flashlight to guide you through the darkness. But did you know that you can adjust the width and distance of its beam in just a few taps? To do so, tap to turn on your phones flashlight (or ask Siri), and the icon will appear in the Dynamic Island. Its not just a reminder that its ontap it and youll be able to adjust the light beam by moving left (to make the beam narrower and more intense) or right (to make it wider and more diffuse). You can also move your finger up and down to increase or decrease the lights strength as usual. Foundry Measure: Use the iPhones hidden virtual ruler Most of us dont carry tape measures around with us, but there are times when we need one. Not to worry your iPhone actually has a hidden Measure app that can help. To find it, tap the Search box on your iPhones Home screen and type Measure to find the Measure app. Open it, and itll activate the rear camera with two options: Measure and Level. To measure something, aim your phone at one edge of the object you want to measure, tap the plus (+) symbol, then move your camera to the other edge and tap the plus symbol again. The length of the object will appear on your screen. You can calculate multiple lengths by tapping + again after youve taken the first measurement. On iPhone 12 Pro or later with a Lidar sensor, you can move your phone near the subject and the line will transform into a ruler that displays incremental units of length. Pro phones can also gauge the height of a person who appears in the Measure apps viewfinder. Foundry Widgets: Get quick info on the Lock screen Widgets arent just for the Home screenyou can add a few to your Lock screen as well to view data at a glance. To add widgets to your Lock Screen, tap and hold the screen until the Customize button appears. Tap it, then tap Lock Screen. Underneath the time, youll see an empty rectangle with a box labeled Add Widgets underneath it. Just tap any widgets from the list and theyll be added to this box. Foundry App Tracking: Stop apps from following your activity When you open an app for the first time, you might see a pop-up window asking if you want to let the app track you across other apps and websites. If you find yourself getting tired of repeatedly tapping Ask App Not to Track, theres a simple fix that will reject tracking attempts once and for all. Open the Settings app and navigate to Privacy & Security > Tracking , then disable the toggle next to Allow Apps to Request to Track . When you do this, you wont get any more prompts about being trackeddisabling this toggle tells iOS to automatically reject all app tracking attempts on your behalf, so you can protect your privacy without all the annoying pop-ups. Default apps: Open links in the apps you want For years, Apple devices have been heavily locked down, and thats even extended to controlling your default apps for email, web browsing, and more. Thats no longer the case, though, so if you want to switch up your default apps, its now easier than ever. To start customizing your app choices, open the Settings app and go to Apps > Default Apps . Youll see several options, from email and messaging to web browsing and translation. Just tap one, then pick an app from the resulting list. Your options will be limited to apps installed on your iPhone, so make sure youve downloaded your apps of choice before getting started. Foundry Text replacement: Give your thumbs a break Tired of typing all the time? Use text replacement. This automatically fills out words and phrases when you enter a shortcut. For instance, you could create a text replacement shortcut that enters your email address whenever you type @@ or to automatically capitalize BBQ when you type bbq.. This feature can be enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. There, tap + to add a new entry. The Shortcut box contains the condensed word or phrase you want to use, while the Phrase box is for the full version that will be inserted by your phone. Alternatively, if theres a word or phrase that you dont want to be corrected, create a new text replacement entry and type it into the same field, but keep the Shortcut box empty.

Apple Arcade in May: Five new games join the subscription service

Macworld Gaming subscription services are all the rage now, but Apple Arcade isnt a little different from the likes of PlayStation Plus, EA Play, or Xbox Game Pass. If youve got questions about it, weve got plenty of answers. Updated May 2, 2025: There are five new games released this month: LEGO Friends Heartlake Rush+ , SUMI SUMI: Matching Puzzle+ , What the Clash? , with My Buddy , Words of Wonders: Search+ . What is Apple Arcade? Apple Arcade is a gaming subscription service for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AppleTV that features several hundred games. The games are a mix of genres and styles, and include original games youll only find on the service and others that can be found on the regular App Store or even other platforms. Apple Arcade isnt a streaming service like Xbox Live Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW. Games must be downloaded onto your device in order to be played. What do I need to run it? Apple Arcade was made available as part of iOS 13, iPad OS 13, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina or later. Some of the more visually-intensive games may only run well on newer hardware, though, and some Mac games require macOS 11 (Big Sur). How much does Apple Arcade cost? Apple Arcade costs $6.99/6.99 per month, and youll also get a one-month free trial or you can get three months free if you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac. To claim your free trial click here . You can get Apple Arcade for less than $6.99 a month if you subscribe for a year upfront. A year of Apple Arcade is $49.99/49.99 (so $4.16 a month). If youre currently on the $6.99 month-to-month plan and want to switch to the annual plan and save some money, you can do so on youriPhone or iPad. Open the App Store app, then tap your account icon in the upper right. Tap Subscriptions , then tap the entry for Apple Arcade . Here, you can switch to the annual plan. Apple Arcade is also included in the Apple One subscription bundles , which range from $20 a month to $38 a month and include access to Apple Music and Apple TV and iCloud storage. There is also a month free trial of Apple One. To claim the trial, or sign up for Apple One, click here . How do I sign up for Apple Arcade? There isnt an Apple Arcade appits built into the App Store. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac open the App Store and look for the Apple Arcade tab at the bottom of the screen (or in the left column on macOS). A sign-up screen with a Try It Free button will appear. After the trial youll be charged either the monthly or annual fee, depending on your selection. When subscribing, youll need to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID or Face ID to sign in, and youll have to confirm your subscription purchase a few times. Once youre done with the sign up, the Arcade section of the App Store shows what games are available to you. To access a game, tap on it in the App Store, then tap the Get button. When the game is done installing on your device, the Get button turns into a Play button, and you can tap it to launch the game. The game app icon will also appear on your devices Home page. On the Apple TV, there actually is an Arcade app. Open that to see the sign-up offer. Youll also find an Arcade tab within the App Store. Does my subscription include family sharing? Yes. One $6.99 per month subscription can be shared between up to six people (including you). How do I cancel Apple Arcade? First off, keep in mind that if you cancel Apple Arcade (either before your free trial is up or after subscribing), you wont be able to keep playing the games unless you re-subscribe. If youre okay with that, you can use the same process you use to cancel any other subscription service. Heres the easiest way to do it on the iPhone and iPad: Open the App Store app and tap on your profile photo in the upper right. In the screen that pops up, press Subscriptions near the top of the page. Youll then see a list of active subscriptions, and Apple Arcade should be listed there. Tap it. Youll either see Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription toward the middle of the page that appears. Tap whatever option is available , then Confirm Cancellation . And heres how to cancel Apple Arcade on the Mac: Open the App Store app and then press the icon with your profile photo in the lower left. The Account window will appear, and you should then click View Information at the top of the window. Enter your password when/if prompted. When your Account Information appears, scroll down to the Manage section and click the Manage link to the right of Subscriptions . When the list of your active subscriptions appears, click Edit to the right of Apple Arcade . Toward the middle of the page that appears, youll see a button that says either Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription . Click it, then click Confirm Cancellation and Confirm . Do Apple Arcade games have in-app purchases? No. In Apples words, since every game includes access to the full experience, including all game features, content, and future updates, no additional purchases will be required. Even games that have in-app purchases on the App Store wont have any in Apple Arcade. Do Apple Arcade games have ads? Also no. On a related note, Apple says Apple Arcade has no ad tracking. Is Apple Arcade a game streaming service like GeForce NOW or Xbox Game Streaming? No. All Apple Arcade are downloaded. Are there demos for Apple Arcade games? No, and theyre not really necessary. Like App Store apps, games download quickly and can easily be removed if you dont want to keep it anymore. Apple partly envisions Apple Arcade as a way of letting players try out games with more freedom than the App Store currently allows (which is basically none). In Apples words, rather than pay upfront for each game, a subscription to Apple Arcade will give players the opportunity to try any game in the service without risk. The service has a free trial, though, as weve seen with other Apple subscription services. Am I able to keep playing Apple Arcade games if I cancel my subscription? No. As with most subscription services, you only have access while youre a subscriber. Can I use controllers with Apple Arcade games? Yes. In additional to traditional MFi (Made for iOS) controllers, you can pair some specific Bluetooth controllers for either PlayStation or Xbox with either your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Since many Apple Arcade games are playable on Mac and Apple TV (where controller support is more common), many games will support them. Some games, especially those that are also available in the broader App Store and only for iPhone or iPad, have no controller support. Recently Apple relaxed the requirements for MFi controller certification, which may have grown out of the Apple Arcade negotiations. How often are new games released? Games are typically released on the first Friday of each month. There are some rare exceptions. What games have been released so far? There are over 200 games available for Apple Arcade, and the list grows all the time. Title Publisher Release Date A Fold Apart Lightning Rod Games 04/17/20 A Monsters Expedition Draknek Limited 09/10/20 A Slight Change of Sawblades+ Yong Kian Chin 05/02/24 Agent Intercept Prodigy Design 09/19/19 Air Twister YS Net Inc. 06/24/22 Alba: A Wildlife Adventure ustwo 12/11/20 All of You Alike Studio 11/06/20 Altos Odyssey: The Lost City Team Alto / Snowman 07/16/21 Altos AdventureRemastered Team Alto / Snowman 03/25/22 Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+ TAITO Corporation 11/07/24 Amazing Bomberman Konami 08/05/22 Angry Birds Reloaded Rovio 07/16/21 Asphalt 8: Airborne+ Gameloft 08/27/21 Assemble With Care ustwo 09/19/19 ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree Wildboy Studios 09/19/19 Badland Party HypeHype Oy 05/06/22 Balatro+ Playstack 09/26/24 Baldo: The Guardian Owls Naps Team 08/27/21 Ballistic Baseball Gameloft 10/18/19 Barbie Color Creations+ StoryToys Limited 12/05/24 Battleheart Legacy+ Mika Mobile 11/04/22 BattleSky Brigade: Harpooner BattleBrew Productions 09/19/19 BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team Oh BiBi 02/01/24 Beyond a Steel Sky Revolution Software 06/26/20 Beyond Blue E-Line Media 04/17/20 Big Time Sports Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 Blackjack by MobilityWare+ MobilityWare 01/05/24 Bleak Sword Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Bloons TD Battles 2+ Ninja Kiwi 03/07/24 Boggle: Arcade Edition Zynga 12/05/24 Bold Moves+ Red Games Co. 06/09/23 Bridge Constructor+ Headup GmbH 02/04/22 Butter Royale Mighty Bear Games 01/24/20 Card of Darkness Pendleton Ward 09/19/19 Cardpocalypse Versus Evil 09/19/19 Castle Crumble Orbital Knight 02/03/23 Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls Konami 09/17/21 Cat Quest II The Gentlebros. 09/19/19 Charrua Soccer Batovi Games 02/07/20 Chess Universe+ Tilting Point 05/04/23 ChuChu Rocket! Universe Sega 09/19/19 Cityscapes: Sim Builder Playstack 05/04/23 Clap Hanz Golf Claphanz 04/02/21 Clue: The Classic Mystery Game+ Marmalade Game Studio 03/24/23 Construction Simulator 2+ Astragon Entertainment 04/15/22 Cooking Mama: Cuisine! Office Create Corp. 06/17/22 Cornsweeper Robert Morrison 01/05/24 Cozy Grove Spry Fox 03/18/21 Crashlands+ Butterscotch Shenanigans, Inc. 01/14/21 Crayola Adventures Red Games Co. 03/07/24 Crayola Create and Play+ Red Games Co. 10/29/21 Crazy Eights: Card Games+ MobilityWare 03/06/25 Creaks Amanita Design 07/10/20 Cricket Through the Ages Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Crossword Jam+ PlaySimple Games 10/20/23 Crossy Road+ Hipster Whale 10/08/21 Crossy Road Castle Hipster Whale 02/28/20 Cut the Rope 3 SeptoLab UK 10/13/23 Cut the Rope Remastered Paladin Studios 04/02/21 Cypher 007 Tilting Point 09/29/23 Dandara: Trials of Fear+ Raw Fury 12/03/21 Dead End Job Headup GmbH, Ant Workshop 09/19/19 Dead Cells+ Playdigious 12/02/22 Dear Reader Local No. 12 09/19/19 Decoherence Efecto Estudios 10/11/19 Delicious Miracle of Life+ GameHouse 11/24/23 Detonation Racing Electric Square 07/30/21 Dicey Dungeons+ Distractionware 05/02/24 Discolored Shifty Eye Games & Jason Godbey 11/08/19 Disney Coloring World+ StoryToys Entertainment 05/04/23 Disney Dreamlight Valley Gameloft 12/05/23 Disney Getaway Blast+ Gameloft 05/04/23 Disney Melee Mania Mighty Bear Games 12/17/21 Disney SpellStruck Artist Arcade 05/04/23 Doctor Who: An Unlikely Heist Tilting Point 04/07/23 Dodo Peak Moving Pieces Interactive 09/19/19 Dont Bug Me! Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 Doodle God Universe JoyBits 07/16/21 Doodle Jump 2+ Lima Sky 02/06/25 Doomsday Vault Flightless 01/03/20 Down in Bermuda Yak & Co 09/19/19 Downwell+ Devolver 11/17/23 Dread Nautical Zen Studios 09/19/19 Drive Ahead! Carcade Dodreams Fairytale Company 11/07/24 EarthNight Cleaversoft 09/19/19 Episode XOXO Episode Interactive 01/06/23 Exit the Gungeon Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Explottens WRP Pvt. 09/19/19 Fabulous Wedding Disaster+ GameHouse 06/06/24 Fallen Knight FairPlay Studios 10/25/19 Fantasian Mistwalker 04/01/21 Farm It! Tummy Games 03/26/21 Farming Simulator 20+ Giants Software 05/04/23 Farmside The Label 02/17/23 FFIV: The After Years Square Enix 12/09/24 Final Fantasy+ Square Enix 01/10/25 Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake) Square Enix 12/09/24 Finity Seabaa 08/25/23 Food Truck Pup+ Game Start 10/03/24 Fledgling Heroes Subtle Boom 09/19/19 Football Manager 2023 Touch SEGA 11/08/22 Frenzic: Overtime The Iconfactory 06/18/21 Frogger and the Rumbling Ruins Konami 06/03/22 Frogger in Toy Town Konami 09/19/19 Furistas Cat Cafe+ Runaway 10/03/24 Galaga Wars+ Bandai Namco 11/12/21 Game Dev Story+ Kairosoft Co., Ltd 06/18/21 Game of Thrones: Tale of Crows Devolver Digital 08/07/20 Game Room Resolution Games 01/20/24 Garden Tails: Match and Grow Playdots, Inc. 09/16/22 The Gardens Between+ The Voxel Agents 10/14/22 Gear.Club Stradale Eden Games 04/08/22 Getting Over It+ Bennett Foddy 05/04/23 Gibbon: Beyond the Trees Broken Rules 02/25/22 Gin Rummy Classic+ MobilityWare 10/07/22 Goat Simulator+ Coffee Stain Publishing 05/13/22 Grand Mountain Adventure+ Toppluva 04/28/23 Grindstone Capybara Games 09/19/19 GRIS+ Devolver 09/30/22 Guildlings Sirvo Studios, Inc. 11/08/19 Hanx101 Trivia BlueLine Studios Inc. 09/02/22 Hearts: Card Game+ MobilityWare 01/07/22 Hello Kitty Island Adventure Sunblink 07/28/23 HEROish Sunblink 07/22/22 Hexaflip: The Action Puzzler Rogue Games, Inc. 09/19/19 Hidden Folks+ Adriaan de Jongh 01/28/22 Hill Climb Racing+ Fingersoft 05/04/23 HitchHiker Versus Evil 03/26/21 Hogwash Bossa Studios 10/25/19 Horizon Chase 2 Aquiris Game Studio 09/09/22 Hot Lava Klei Entertainment 09/19/19 Hot Wheels: Race Off+ Hutch Games 12/05/24 Human: Fall Flat+ 505 Games 03/31/23 HyperBrawl Tournament Milkey Tea Limited 09/19/19 Illustrated BorderLeap 01/13/23 INKS.+ State of Play Games 06/25/21 INMOST Chucklefish Limited 10/11/19 Iron Marines+ Ironhide Irl 05/04/23 Its Literally Just Mowing Protostar 01/10/25 Japanese Rural Life Adventure Game Start 09/15/23 JellyCar Worlds Walaber Entertainment 12/09/22 Jenny LeClue Mografi 09/19/19 Jeopardy! World Tour+ Uken 10/06/23 Jet Dragon Grezzo Co. 06/16/23 Jetpack Joyride+ Halfbrick Studios 07/23/21 Jetpack Joyride 2 Halfbrick Studios 08/19/22 Jigsaw Puzzle by MobilityWare+ MobilityWare 06/10/22 Jumper Jon Ogre Pixel 11/01/19 Junkworld TD Ironhide 09/22/23 Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE Bandai Namco 04/03/25 Kimono Cats HamaNature Studios 03/03/23 Kings League II Kurechi Sdn. Bhd. 09/19/19 Kingdom Rush Frontiers TD+ Ironhide Irl 11/12/21 Kingdom Rush Vengeance TD+ Ironhide Irl 07/29/22 Kingdom Two Crowns+ Raw Fury 05/04/23 Kingdoms: Merge & Build Cherrypick Games 08/18/23 Kings of the Castle Frosty Pop 01/17/20 Knotwords+ Zach Gage 11/03/23 Laytons Mystery Journey+ Level-5 Inc. 09/03/21 Legend of the Skyfish 2 Crescent Moon Games 04/03/20 Legends of Kingdom Rush Ironhide Game Studio 06/11/21 LEGO Brawls The Lego Group 09/19/19 LEGO Builders Journey The Lego Group 12/19/19 LEGO DUPLO World+ StoryToys 07/07/23 LEGO Friends Heartlake Rush+ StoryToys 05/01/25 LEGO Star Wars Battles TT Games 09/24/21 LEGO Star Wars: Castaways Gameloft 11/19/21 Leos Fortune+ 1337 & Senri LLC 06/25/21 Lifelike kunabi brother 10/25/19 Lifeline+ 3 Minute Games 02/24/23 Lifeslide Dreamteck 09/19/19 Limbo+ Playdead 05/04/23 Little Orpheus Sumo Digital 06/12/20 Love You to Bits+ Alike Studio 08/26/22 Lumen Lykkegaard International 02/05/21 Manifold Garden William Chyr Studio 10/18/19 Marble It Up: Mayhem! Marble it up 11/08/19 Marble Knights WayForward 09/18/20 MasterChef: Lets Cook! Tilting Point 09/03/21 Mind Symphony Rogue Games, Inc. 10/11/19 Mini Motorways Dinosaur Polo Club 09/19/19 Millionaire Trivia: TV Game+ Uken 06/30/23 Monomals Picomy 11/01/19 Monster Hunter Stories+ Capcom 08/06/21 Monster Train+ Good Shepherd Entertainment 09/05/24 Monument Valley 2+ ustwo games 03/11/22 Moonshot A Journey Home Noodlecake 04/22/22 Murder Mystery Machine Blazing Griffin 09/19/19 Mutazione Die Gute Fabrik 09/19/19 My Bowling 3D+ iWare Designs 07/01/22 My Dear Farm+ HyperBeard Inc. 02/06/25 My Little Pony: Mane Merge Gameloft 12/16/22 My Talking Angela 2+ Outfit7 Limited 09/08/23 My Talking Tom+ Outfit7 Limited 08/12/22 My Town Home Family Games+ My Town Games 05/04/23 NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 04/02/21 NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/19/21 NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/21/22 NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/24/23 NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition 2K Sports 10/03/24 Necrobarista Route 59 07/17/20 Nekograms+ Hungry Sky 08/10/23 Neo Cab Chance Agency 09/19/19 Neversong Serenity Forge 05/01/20 Next Stop Nowhere Night School Studio 08/14/20 NFL Retro Bowl 25 New Star R&D 09/04/24 Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis Viacom International 01/21/22 Nightmare Farm Hit-Point Co., Ltd. 10/05/19 No Way Home SMG Studio 01/10/20 NUTS Noodlecake Studios 01/22/21 Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm Cornfox & Bros. 09/19/19 Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon Cornfox & Bros. 01/08/21 Octodad: Dadliest Catch+ Young Horses 05/04/23 Oddmar+ Mobje Ltd. 12/03/21 Old Mans Journey Broken Rules 11/18/22 Operator 41 Shifty Eye Games 09/19/19 Osmos+ Hemisphere Games 03/17/23 Outlanders Pomelo Games 09/19/19 Outlanders 2 Pomelo Games 07/03/24 Over the Alps Stave Studios 09/19/19 Overland Finji 09/19/19 PAC-MAN Party Royale BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment 10/18/19 PAC-MAN 256+ BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment 12/05/24 Painty Mob Devolver Digital 09/19/19 Patterned BorderLeap 09/19/19 PGA Tour Pro Golf HypGames 02/06/25 Piano Tiles 2+ Koapps 03/06/25 Pilgrims Amanita Design 10/05/19 Pocket Build+ MoonBear LTD 04/01/22 Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! Game Freak 01/20/23 Populus Run FIFTYTWO 01/29/21 Possessions Noodlecake Studios 09/19/19 PPKP+ Shimada Toshiro 05/04/23 Pro Darts 2022+ iWare Designs 05/27/22 Pro Snooker & Pool 2022+ iWare Designs Ltd. 04/15/22 Projection: First Light Blowfish Studios 09/19/19 Prune+ Joel McDonald 04/29/22 Puffies. Lykkegaard Europe 04/03/25 Punch Kick Duck+ Shaun Coleman 07/03/24 Punch Planet Sector-K Games 09/19/19 Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop Sega 04/04/24 Puzzle & Dragons Story GungHo Online Entertainment 12/05/23 Rabbids Multiverse Ubisoft 06/06/24 Rayman Mini Ubisoft 09/19/19 Red Reign Ninja Kiwi Limited 09/19/19 Redout: Space Assault 34BigThings 10/05/19 Reigns: Beyond Devolver Digital 11/06/20 Retro Bowl+ New Star R&D 06/23/23 Retro Goal+ New Star R&D 06/23/23 Return to Monkey Island+ Devolver 06/06/24 Ridiculous Fishing EX Vlambeer 07/17/23 Riptide GP: Renegade+ Vector Unit 02/10/23 Rodeo Stampede+ Featherweight Games 01/10/25 RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic+ Atari 04/03/25 Rosies Reality RosieReality 11/15/19 Roundguard Wonderbelly Games 03/13/20 Sago Mini Trips+ Sago Mini 04/04/24 Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go Sega 08/29/23 Samorost 3+ Amanita Design 07/08/22 Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time Cartoon Network 08/21/20 Sayonara Wild Hearts Annapurna Interactive 09/19/19 Scrappers Q-Games 04/10/20 Secret Oops! Mixedbag 01/31/20 Sesame Street Mecha Builders+ StoryToys 04/03/25 Shadow Blade+ Crescent Moon Games 03/04/22 Shantae and the Seven Sirens WayForward 09/19/19 Shinsekai: Into the Depths Capcom 09/19/19 ShockRods Stainless Games 10/11/19 Shovel Knight Dig Yacht Club Games 09/23/22 Simons Cat Story Time Tactile Games Limited 04/02/21 Skate City Snowman 09/19/19 Skate City: New York Snowman 01/10/25 Slash Quest Noodlecake Studios 10/01/20 Slay the Spire+ Humble Bundle 07/07/23 Smash Hit+ Mediocre 10/03/24 Snake.io+ Kooapps 05/04/23 Sneaky Sasquatch RAC7 09/19/19 Sociable Soccer Rogue Games, Inc. 11/08/19 Solitaire Stories Red Games Co. 07/02/21 SongPop Party Gameloft 04/02/21 Sonic Dash+ Sega 04/08/22 Sonic Dream Team Sega 12/05/23 Sonic Racing Sega 09/19/19 South of the Circle State of Play 10/30/20 Sp!ng SMG Studio 03/05/21 SpaceInvaders InfinityGene EVO TAITO Corporation 04/03/25 Spaceland Tortuga Games 09/19/19 Spades: Card Game+ MobilityWare 01/07/22 Speed Demons Radiangames 09/19/19 Spek RAC7 Games 09/19/19 Spelldrifter Free Range Games 09/19/19 Spider Solitaire: Card Game+ MobilityWare 10/07/22 Spidersaurs WayForward 09/19/19 Spire Blast Orbital Knight sp. 01/22/21 Splitter Critters+ RAC7 Games 12/10/21 Spongebob SquarePants: Patty Pursuit Nickelodeon 05/28/20 Spyder Sumo_Digital 03/20/20 Squiggle Drop Noodlecake 01/27/23 Star Fetched Crescent Moon Games 11/01/19 Star Trek: Legends Tilting Point LLC 04/02/21 Stardew Valley+ ConcernedApe 07/21/23 Stela SkyBox Labs 10/11/19 Stellar Commanders Blindflug Studios 09/19/19 Steven Universe: Unleash the Light Cartoon Network 11/27/19 Stitch. Lykkegaard Europe 10/28/22 Stranded Sails Shifty Eye Games 09/19/19 Subway Surfers Tag Sybo Games 07/15/22 SUMI SUMI: Matching Puzzle+ Imagineer Co. 05/01/25 Summer Pop!+ Ocean Games 05/02/24 Summon Quest The Label 04/21/23 Super Leap Day Nitrome 08/06/21 Super Impossible Road Rogue Games, Inc. 09/19/19 Super Mega Mini Party Red Games Co, LLC 11/01/19 Super Monsters Ate My Condo+ PikPok 04/04/24 Super Stickman Golf 3+ Noodlecake 08/06/21 Survival Z Ember Entertainment 02/19/21 Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment 04/02/21 Takeshi and Hiroshi Oink Games Inc. 11/08/19 Tales of Memo Tendays Studio 10/25/19 Talking Tom Blast Park Outfit7 Limited 12/05/24 Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom Bandai Namco 01/05/24 Tangle Tower SFB Games 09/19/19 Temple Run+ Imangi Studios 05/04/23 Temple Run Legends Imangi Stuidios 08/01/24 Temple Run: Puzzle Adventure Scopely, Inc. 09/17/21 Tetris Beat N3twork Inc. 08/20/21 Texas Holdem Poker: Pokerist+ KamaGames 11/07/24 The Battle of Polytopia+ Midjiwan 03/07/24 The Bradwell Conspiracy Bossa Studios 10/05/19 The Collage Atlas Robot House Games Ltd 10/16/20 The Enchanted World Noodlecake Studios 09/19/19 The Game of Life 2+ Marmalade Game Studio 04/03/25 The Get Out Kids Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 The Last Campfire Hello Games 08/27/20 The Loud House: Outta Control Nickelodeon 02/14/20 The Lullaby of Life 1 Simple Game 07/24/20 The Mosaic Raw Fury 11/01/19 The Oregon Trail Gameloft 04/02/21 The Otherside The Label 05/08/20 The Pathless Annapurna Interactive 11/12/20 The Pinball Wizard Frosty Pop Games 09/19/19 The Survivalists Team17 10/08/20 Things That Go Bump Tinybop Inc. 10/18/19 Three Kingdoms Heroes Koei Tecmo Games 01/10/25 Thumper: Pocket Edition+ Drool LLC 10/01/21 Time Locker+ Sotaro Otsuka 05/04/23 tint. Lykkegaard International 09/19/19 Tiny Wings+ Andreas Illiger 10/15/21 TMNT Splintered Fate Paramount Global 05/04/23 Transformers Tactical Arena Red Games Co 11/05/21 Trials of Mana+ Square Enix 01/10/25 Tomb of the Mask+ Playgendary 06/06/24 Towaga: Among Shadows Noodlecake Studios 09/19/19 Towers of Everland Cobra Mobile Limited 05/22/20 Turmoil+ Gamious 12/05/23 UFO on Tape: First Contact Revolutionary Concepts 11/08/19 Ultimate Rivals: The Court Bit Fry Games 07/09/21 Ultimate Rivals: The Rink Bit Fry Games 12/12/19 Vampire Survivors+ Poncle 08/01/24 Various Daylife Square Enix 09/19/19 Very Little Nightmares+ Bandai Namco 05/04/23 Warp Drive Supergonk 11/27/20 Warped Kart Racers Electric Square 05/20/22 Way of the Turtle Illusion Labs 09/19/19 What the Car? Triband ApS 05/04/23 What the Clash? Triband ApS 05/01/25 What the Golf? Fig 09/19/19 Wheel of Fortune Daily Frosty Pop 11/07/24 Where Cards Fall Snowman 09/19/19 Winding Worlds KO_OP 05/15/20 with My Buddy Neilo inc. 05/01/25 Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker Aquiris 04/01/21 Word Laces minimega 09/19/19 Words in Progress Gamious 02/01/24 Words of Wonders: Search+ Fugo Bilisim 05/01/25 World of Demons PlatinumGames 04/02/21 Worlds End Club IzanagiGames 09/04/20 Wurdweb Aran & Adriaan 08/13/21 Wylde Flowers Studio Drydock 02/22/22 Yaga Versus Evil 10/25/19 Zen Koi Pro+ LandShark Games 07/03/24 Zen Pinball Party ZEN Studios 09/03/21 Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes Firefly Games 12/04/20 Zookeeper World Kiteretsu Inc. 09/10/21

Apple TV+ this week: Carme is now streaming

Macworld 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. Theres also a ton of new content in the works for Apples $9.99-a-month service. If you want to know whats on the way, check out our list of upcoming Apple TV+ shows and movies . Updated May 2, 2025: Culinary drama Carme is now streaming. Mentioned IN THIS story Apple TV 4K (2022, 3. Gen.) 128GB WiFi + Ethernet Read our review Price When Reviewed: 64GB $129 | 128GB $149 Best Prices Today: $129 at Apple Whats new on Apple TV+ Carme Released: April 30, 2025 WondLa (season 2) Released: April 25, 2025 Jane (season 3) Released: April 18, 2025 Government Cheese Released: April 16, 2025 Your Friends and Neighbors Released: April 11, 2025 Number One on the Call Sheet Released: March 28, 2025 How to get Apple TV+ If you want to start watching Apple TV Plus heres how. You can subscribe to Apple TV+ on Apples website here , or via the Apple TV app on your device. It costs $9.99/8.99 a month, which you can cancel at any time (Read: How to cancel and Apple subscription ). You can also opt for a one-year subscription for $99/89, which essentially gives you two months free each year. Apple also offers various trials so that you can try out Apple TV+ before you subscribe. Take a look at our article explaining all the ways you can watch Apple TV for free , and the best Apple TV+ deals you can get. Students can get Apple TV+ for free with an already subsidized Apple Music subscription. Best shows on Apple TV+ Theres far too much content on Apple TV+ to sift through it all yourself. If youre looking for something to watch and dont know where to start, here are a few of the Macworld staffs favorite shows, series, and movies. Bad Sisters Synopsis: A dark comedy about a group of Irish sisters who find themselves at the center of a life insurance investigation after John Paulthe abusive husband to one of the sistersdies unexpectedly. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: August 19, 2022 Black Bird Synopsis: A gripping miniseries about a convicted con artist who works for the FBI to try to get a serial killers confession before he is released from prison. Based on the true story of James Keene and Larry Hall. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: July 8, 2022 For All Mankind Synopsis: What if the U.S.S.R. put a man on the moon before the U.S.? How would the ensuing space race change history throughout the decades? Thats the high concept behind this gripping big-budget sci-fi series. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: November 1, 2019 Mythic Quest Synopsis: A lighthearted workplace comedy about a game development studio and the big egos and personal conflicts that happen within. Its goofy good fun but sometimes quite touching. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: February 7, 2020 Severance Synopsis: A combination of dystopian sci-fi drama and workplace comedy about a company where employees are severedwhen at work, they cant remember their outside lives, and vice-versa. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: February 18, 2022 Shrinking Synopsis: A surprisingly quick-witted comedy about a therapist who has trouble dealing with the death of his wife and his eccentric patients. Number of seasons: 2 Release date: January 27, 2023 Slow Horses Synopsis: Gary Oldman turns in a great performance as the cranky leader of a band of misfit spies. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: April 1, 2022 Ted Lasso Synopsis: Apples fish-out-of-water comedy/drama about a midwestern college football coach who heads to England to coach Premiere League soccer is a breakout hit for good reason. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: August 14, 2020 The Morning Show Synopsis: Big star power and a fantastic performance by Jenniffer Aniston highlight this fast-paced drama that goes behind the scenes of a fictional morning news program. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: November 1, 2019 Apple TV+ shows and series These are all the episodic series you can currently watch on Apple TV+, including both recurring and limited series. This list is in alphabetical order. Title Premiere Seasons / Episodes 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything May 21, 2021 8 episodes Acapulco October 8, 2021 3 seasons, 30 episodes Amazing Stories March 6, 2020 1 season, 5 episodes Amber Brown July 29, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Bad Monkey August 14, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Bad Sisters August 19, 2022 2 seasons, 20 episodes BE@RBRICK March 21, 2025 1 season, 13 episodes Becoming You November 13, 2020 1 season, 6 episodes Before October 25, 2024 10 episodes Best Foot Forward July 22, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Big Beasts April 21, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Black Bird July 8, 2022 6 episodes Boom! Boom! The World vs Boris Becker April 7, 2023 2 episodes The Buccaneers November 8, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Calls March 19, 2021 1 season, 9 episodes Camp Snoopy June 14, 2024 10 episodes Carme April 30, 2025 1 season, 8 episodes Carpool Karaoke August 8, 2017 5 seasons, 75 episodes Central Park May 29, 2020 3 seasons, 39 episodes Circuit Breakers November 11, 2022 1 season, 7 episodes City on Fire May 12, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Constellation February 21, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Cowboy Cartel August 2, 2024 4 episodes Criminal Record January 10, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Curses! October 27, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes Dark Matter May 8, 2024 1 season, 9 episodes Dear Edward February 3, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Dear June 5, 2020 2 seasons, 20 episodes Defending Jacob April 24, 2020 8 episodes Dickinson November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes Disclaimer October 11, 2024 7 episodes Dope Thief March 14, 2025 8 episodes Doug Unplugs November 13, 2020 2 seasons, 26 episodes Dr. Brain November 3, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes Drops of God April 21, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Duck & Goose July 8, 2022 2 seasons, 17 episodes Earth at Night in Color December 4, 2020 2 seasons, 12 episodes Earthsounds February 23, 2024 1 season, 12 episodes Echo 3 November 23, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes El Deafo January 7, 2022 3 episodes Eva the Owlet March 31, 2023 2 seasons, 17 episodes Extrapolations March 17, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Five Days at Memorial August 12, 2022 8 episodes For All Mankind November 1, 2019 4 seasons, 40 episodes Foundation September 24, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock January 21, 2022 2 seasons, 27 episodes Fraggle Rock: Rock On! April 21, 2020 1 season, 6 episodes Frog and Toad April 28, 2023 2 seasons, 18 episodes Get Rolling with Otis October 8, 2021 2 seasons, 18 episodes Ghostwriter November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 39 episodes Government Cheese April 16, 2025 1 season, 10 episodes Greatness Code July 10, 2020 2 seasons, 13 episodes Gutsy September 9, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Harriet the Spy November 19, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Hello Tomorrow! February 17, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show November 5, 2021 2 seasons, 16 episodes Helpsters November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 40 episodes Helpsters Help You April 24, 2020 6 episodes High Desert May 17, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Hijack June 28, 2023 7 episodes Hollywood Con Queen May 8, 2024 3 episodes Home April 17, 2020 2 season, 19 episodes Home Before Dark April 3, 2020 2 seasons, 20 episodes Interrupting Chicken November 18, 2022 2 seasons, 17 episodes Invasion October 22, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Jane April 14, 2023 3 seasons, 20 episodes John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial December 6, 2023 3 episodes K-Pop Idols August 30, 2024 6 episodes La Maison September 20, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Lady in the Lake July 19, 2024 7 episodes Land of Women June 26, 2024 1 season, 6 episodes Lessons in Chemistry October 13, 2023 8 episodes Liaison February 24, 2023 1 season, 6 episodes Life by Ella September 2, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Lincolns Dilemma February 18, 2022 4 episodes Liseys Story June 4, 2021 8 episodes Little America January 17, 2020 2 seasons, 16 episodes Little Voice July 10, 2020 1 season, 9 episodes Long Way Up September 18, 2020 11 episodes Loot June 24, 2022 2 seasons, 20 episodes Losing Alice January 22, 2021 1 season, 8 episodes Love You to Death February 7, 2025 1 season, 7 episodes Lovely Little Farm June 10, 2022 2 seasons, 14 episodes Make or Break April 29, 2022 2 seasons, 15 episodes Manhunt March 15, 2024 7 episodes Masters of the Air January 26, 2024 9 episodes Me July 12, 2024 1 seasons, 10 episodes Messi Meets America October 11, 2023 6 episodes Messis World Cup: Rise of a Legend February 21, 2024 4 episodes Midnight Family September 25, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Monarch: Legacy of Monsters November 17, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Monster Factory March 17, 2023 6 episodes Mr. Corman August 6, 2021 1 season, 10 episodes My Kind of Country March 24, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Mythic Quest February 7, 2020 4 seasons, 40 episodes Now and Then May 20, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Omnivore July 19, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes One-of-a-Kind Marcie August 18, 2023 39 min. Onside: Major League Soccer February 21, 2025 8 episodes Oprah Talks COVID-19 March 21, 2020 1 season, 13 episodes Oprahs Book Club November 1, 2019 1 season, 14 episodes Pachinko March 25, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Palm Royale March 20, 2024 10 episodes Physical June 18, 2021 3 seasons, 30 episodes Pinecone & Pony April 8, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Platonic May 24, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Prehistoric Planet May 23, 2022 2 season, 10 episodes Presumed Innocent June 12, 2024 8 episodes Pretzel and the Puppies February 11, 2022 2 seasons, 18 episodes Prime Target January 22, 2025 8 episodes Puppy Place October 15, 2021 2 seasons, 16 episodes Real Madrid: Until the End March 10, 2023 3 episodes Roar April 15, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Sago Mini Friends September 16, 2022 3 seasons, 24 episodes Schmigadoon! July 16, 2021 2 seasons, 12 episodes See November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 24 episodes Servant November 28, 2019 4 seasons, 40 episodes Severance February 18, 2022 2 seasons, 19 episodes Shantaram October 14, 2022 1 season, 12 episodes Shape Island January 20, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Shining Girls April 29, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Shrinking January 27, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes Side Quest March 26, 2025 4 epsiodes Silo May 5, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes Slow Horses April 1, 2022 4 seasons, 24 episodes Slumberkins November 4, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Snoopy in Space November 1, 2019 2 seasons, 24 episodes Still Up September 22, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Stillwater December 4, 2020 3 seasons, 30 episodes Strange Planet August 9, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes STEVE! (martin): A documentary in two pieces March 29, 2024 2 episodes Sugar April 5, 2024 8 episodes Sunny July 10, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Super League: The War for Football January 13, 2023 4 episodes Surface July 29, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Surfside Girls August 19, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Suspicion February 4, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Swagger October 29, 2021 2 season2, 18 episodes Ted Lasso August 14, 2020 3 seasons, 34 episodes Tehran September 25, 2020 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Afterparty January 28, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Big Cigar May 17, 2024 6 episodes The Big Conn May 6, 2022 4 episodes The Big Door Prize March 29, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes The Changeling September 8, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin March 1, 2024 1 season, 6 episodes The Crowded Room June 9, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes The Dynasty February 16 2024 10 episodes The Enfield Poltergeist October 27, 2023 4 episodes The Essex Serpent May 13, 2022 6 episodes The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey March 11, 2022 6 episodes The Last Thing He Told Me April 14, 2023 7 episodes The Line November 19, 2021 4 episodes [a] The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball April 22, 2022 1 season, 5 episodes The Me You Cant See May 21, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes The Morning Show November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes The Mosquito Coast April 30, 2021 2 seasons, 17 episodes The New Look February 14, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes The Oprah Conversation July 30, 2020 1 season, 15 episodes The Problem with Jon Stewart September 30, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes The Reluctant Traveler February 24, 2023 2 seasons, 13 episodes The Shrink Next Door November 12, 2021 8 episodes The Snoopy Show February 5, 2021 2 seasons, 26 episodes The Studio March 26, 2025 1 season, 10 episodes The Super Models September 20, 2023 4 episodes They Call Me Magic April 22, 2022 1 season, 4 episodes Time Bandits July 24, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes Tiny World October 2, 2020 2 seasons, 12 episodes Truth Be Told December 6, 2019 3 seasons, 28 episodes Trying May 1, 2020 4 seasons, 32 episodes Visible: Out on Television February 14, 2020 5 episodes Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn August 25, 2023 4 episodes Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson July 30, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes WeCrashed March 18, 2022 8 episodes Wheres Wanda? October 2, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Wolfboy and the Everything Factory September 24, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Women in Blue July 31, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes WondLa June 28, 2024 2 seasons, 14 episodes Wonder Pets: In the City December 13, 2024 1 season, 13 episodes Yo Gabba Gabbaland August 9, 2024 1 season, 20 episodes You Would Do It Too October 30, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Your Friends and Neighbors April 11, 2025 1 season, 9 episodes Apple TV movies and short films Apple TV+ is home to a fair number of original movies, too. Some of the movies saw a limited theatrical release, all are listed here in alphabetical order. Title Release Date 9/11: Inside the Presidents War Room September 1, 2021 Argylle April 12, 2024 Beastie Boys Story April 24, 2020 Billie Eilish: The Worlds a Little Blurry February 26, 2021 Blitz November 22, 2024 Blush October 1, 2021 Boys State August 14, 2020 Bread and Roses November 22, 2024 Bruce Springsteens Letter to You October 23, 2020 Causeway November 4, 2022 Cha Cha Real Smooth June 17, 2022 Cherry March 12, 2021 CODA August 13, 2021 Come from Away September 10, 2021 Dads June 19, 2020 Emancipation December 9, 2022 Fancy Dance June 28, 2024 Fathom June 25, 2021 Finch November 5, 2021 Fingernails November 3, 2023 Flora and Son September 29, 2023 Fly Me to the Moon December 6, 2024 Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds November 13, 2020 Ghosted April 21, 2023 Girls State April 5, 2024 Greyhound July 10, 2020 Hala December 6, 2019 Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas November 22, 2023 Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth April 17, 2020 Killers of the Flower Moon January 12, 2024 Louis Armstrongs Black & Blues October 28, 2022 Luck August 5, 2022 Mariah Careys Magical Christmas Special December 4, 2020 Mariahs Christmas: The Magic Continues December 3, 2021 Napoleon March 1, 2024 Napoleon: Directors Cut August 29, 2024 Number One on the Call Sheet March 28, 2025 On the Rocks October 23, 2020 Palmer January 29, 2021 Raymond & Ray October 21, 2022 Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me November 4, 2022 Sharper February 17, 2023 Sidney September 23, 2022 Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne December 10, 2021 Snoopy Presents: Its The Small Things, Charlie Brown April 15, 2022 Snoopy Presents: Lucys School August 12, 2022 Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love May 6, 2022 Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin February 16, 2024 Spirited November 18, 2022 Stephen Curry: Underrated July 21, 2023 Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie May 12, 2023 Swan Song December 17, 2021 Tetris March 31, 2023 The Banker March 20, 2020 The Beanie Bubble July 28, 2023 The Bloody Hundredth March 15, 2024 The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse December 25, 2022 The Elephant Queen November 1, 2019 The Family Plan December 15, 2023 The Gorge February 14, 2025 The Greatest Beer Run Ever September 30, 2022 The Instigators August 9, 2024 The Last of the Sea Women October 11, 2024 The Pigeon Tunnel October 20, 2023 The Sky Is Everywhere February 11, 2022 The Tragedy of Macbeth January 14, 2022 The Velvet Underground October 15, 2021 The Velveteen Rabbit November 22, 2023 The Year Earth Changed April 16, 2021 Twas the Fight Before Christmas November 26, 2021 Who Are You, Charlie Brown? June 25, 2021 Wolfs September 27, 2024 Wolfwalkers December 11, 2020

How to recover unsaved Word documents on a Mac

Macworld Few computer-related disasters can drain the color from your face quicker than losing a document youve been busily working on. Whether your Mac crashed, froze, you forgot to save, or you accidentally clicked on delete, it can feel like an instant disaster. But, all might not be lost. Well show you how you can recover that vanished Word document. In fact, if everything is working as it should, its quite hard to lose a file in Word. The software has an autosave feature that means that, in the event of an accident, you should still have the bulk of your work available, except anything you may have done in the last ten minutes before the file disappeared. Our top tip would be to save a document as soon as you start working on it to ensure that it autosaves regularly. PROMOTION EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | Recover Unsaved Files EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard simplifies the process of recovering unsaved Word documents, Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDF files on Mac. By scanning your system, hard drive, momory card, USB and other storage media on Mac, it identifies files that have not been saved and presents a preview for you to review your recoverable files with ease. Now 25% OFF Exclusive Code: MACWORLD25. Free Download Learn More But thats not why youre here. If youve opened Word and cant find that document you were working on dont panic! There is a good chance that you can get your document back. In this article, well run through the various ways you can recover an unsaved or deleted Word document. How to recover an unsaved Word doc Well run through a few likely scenarios you might be confronted with when trying to recover that Word document. As we said above, the good news is that Word for Mac has a built-in autosave feature called AutoRecover. This means that Word is quietly saving the document you are working on without you needing to manually tell the software to do so. For this feature to function properly, youll need to initially save the document with a name and then Word will make incremental saves every ten minutes. However, even if you havent done this, Word will still save your document and you should be able to find a version of it in the AutoRecover folder. Below we will run through how to get to the AutoRecover folder and some other steps you can take to recover your document. Scenario 1: You are working on a Word document and you have to restart your Mac without a chance to save first Solution: Open Word again to see an autosaved version of your document. The good news is that if you are using an up-to-date version of Word then just opening up Word again should recover the documentor at least a very recent version of it. This is because Word autosaves your document even if you havent saved it yet. Quick Tip How to turn on AutoSave While Word will try to save every document in some form, its a good idea to set up the AutoSave feature manually as well. This only takes a second as youll find the AutoSave button displayed at the top of any window with an open Word document. It may default to the off position, so just click it to enable the feature and ensure that your work doesnt suddenly disappear. Martyn Casserly Scenario 2: Opening Word doesnt load up the document you were working on Solution: Find it in the AutoRecovery folder. Open the Finder. Click on Go in the menu. Click on Go To Folder. Paste in the following: ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery This will open your AutoRecovery folder where you will find the AutoRecovery versions of your documents even though you didnt save them. Martyn Casserly Having found the document you may not be able to open it, in which case you may need to try the steps in the next scenario Scenario 3: Word wont open the AutoRecovery version of your document Solution: Drag the file into a different text editor app When you try to open the AutoRecovery file (either by clicking on it or trying to drag it onto the Word icon in the Dock) you may see a message claiming that Word experienced an error trying to open the file. One of the suggestions may be to open the Text Recovery Converter. Heres what we did: Open TextEdit. Drag the file onto the TextEdit icon in the Dock. Copy the text into a new file in Word. Martyn Casserly Scenario 4: In a moment of madness you clicked on Dont Save or Delete Solution: Find the most recent version in the AutoRecovery folder The great news is that even if you didnt save your Word document even the best of us have clicked Dont Save by accident when we were closing documents you can recover it from the AutoRecovery folder, as we described in Scenario 2. Luckily there is a simple way to view that folder. Just click to Finder and select Go > Go To Folder and paste the following: ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery This will open your AutoRecovery folder where you will find the AutoRecovery versions of your documents even though you didnt save. Scenario 5: You made a mistake and want to go back to an older version Solution: Browser through recent versions Its not always the case that you lose the whole document. Sometimes you might lose some of the work you have done, which can be just as traumatic if youve spent a lot of time on it. As long as you have made an initial save of the document you should be able to browse the version history: With the Word document open click on File . Select Browse Version History . In the right-hand column, youll see the version history. Locate a version of the document from before you made the mistakes you wish to correct. Click on Open Version . This will open a second copy of your document. Either click on Restore (to go back to this version of the document) or Compare (if you dont want to recover the whole document and just want to copy and paste the bit you need). Screenshot Martyn Casserly Other ways to recover a lost Word document If the above doesnt work, or your version of Word is older than the current one, try the steps we outline below. Check the Trash In some cases, your file might be missing because you deleted it. Its easily done when you are trying to make room on your Mac and you remove a load of old files only to realize that one of them was crucial. Luckily this isnt as disastrous as it sounds. The document might still be found in the Trash. Click on the Trash can icon in the Dock to open it. Youll now see the contents of the Trash. Look for your file. If you click on a file and press Space Bar you may be able to see a preview of it. If you dont see your file look for a Recovered Items folder in the Trash. Its possible that your file is located in that. If its there youll need to right-click on it and choose Put Back. This will place the file back in the folder where it was originally saved and you can continue to work on it. Recover old versions of documents via Time Machine While Word has its own Version History that only works if you have saved the file at some point. Plus, if you have subsequently deleted the document by accident you cant open it to open an older version. In that case, you could try Time Machine. If you have a Time Machine backup on an external drive you can roll back to a time when a deleted or corrupted file was still on your system. Go to the folder where youd hope to see your file, or an earlier version of your file. Open Time machine and flick back through the day, weeks or months to see if your file is there. Well keep our fingers crossed for you. Follow our Complete guide to Time Machine for instructions on how to recover your files. If you are unfortunate enough not to have a backup routine then we suggest beginning one immediately. Macs are very reliable machines, but there is always a risk of something going wrong, so its best to protect yourself against potential disaster. Try looking at our How to back up a Mac feature that highlights several solutions for this essential practice. What if you never saved your file if in a moment of madness, you clicked on Dont Save rather than Save? It happens! Can you retrieve your file? Recover lost docs from the Temporary folder Your Mac also has a folder where it might temporarily keep files. The Temporary folder isnt easy to find though. To find the Temporary folder, use Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities > Terminal, or Spotlight search for Terminal by pressing Command + Space. Open Terminal Type: open $TMPDIR Press Enter. Inside this TMP folder, you should find a folder called Temporaryitems. Its possible that your document might be inside. Use data recovery software There are third-party apps that may be able to help you recover your document if the above advice doesnt help. Check out our round up of the best data recovery apps for Mac. Our top choices include the following: Wondershare Recoverit Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 month/2 Macs: $79.99 (usually $109.99); 1 year/2 Macs: $89.99 (usually $139.99); perpetual license/2 Macs: $139.99 (usually $169.99) Best Prices Today: $89.99 at Wondershare (annual) Stellar Data Recovery for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard edition: $79.99 (currently $69.99) a year, or $129.99 (currently $99.99) for a lifetime license. Professional version: $129.99 (currently $99.99) a year, or $199 (currently $149) for a lifetime license. Premium edition: $209.99 (currently $99.99) a year, or $319 (currently $199) for a lifetime license. Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Stellar Info (annual) If you would rather not pay, there is a free version of EaseUSs Recover Wizard for Mac that might be good enough for your needs. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $89.95 a month for one Mac, $119.95 a year for one Mac, $169.95 for a lifetime upgrade plan for one Mac Best Prices Today: $89.95 at EaseUS (monthly) How to find AutoRecovery in older versions of Word Since you might not have the latest version of Word well detail the steps below for you to follow to locate that Word AutoRecovery folder. How to find the AutoRecovery folder in Word 2016 Heres how to find AutoRecover in Word 2016: In Word 2016, the AutoRecovery folder is buried deep in the system and requires your Mac to display hidden files, so the first step is to reveal these secret folders, to do so we recommend following our advice at the link below, although the key combination to use is cmd + shift + . (full stop). Read: How to show hidden files and folders on a Mac. With this done youll need to open Finder then click on the Home icon in the left-hand column (its usually your name). Now navigate to the following folder: Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery/ If you have any AutoRecovery files then they will be in here. One thing to remember is that AutoRecovery files are temporary and only exist if they think that Word shut down unexpectedly. So, if you clicked Dont Save rather than Save when you were closing the document there wont be an AutoRecovery file for it. How to find the AutoRecovery folder in Word 2011 If you are using Word 2011 its easy to locate the AutoRecovery folder: Click on the File option in the Menu bar then search for Autorecover. If you use Word often then there might be a few different Autorecover files, so check the date to see which one matches your missing item. Once youve found the document just click on it to open it up, then remember to save it again under a new name. Even if you dont find your document in the AutoRecovery folder, it may not be the case that it isnt there. Files in the AutoRecover folder dont always show up. We have first-hand experience of this. In the past, our Mac has helpfully saved a Word document in the Office 2011 AutoRecovery folder. This would not be an issue, except for the fact that when we then accessed the folder (just a quick search in Spotlight for Office 2011 AutoRecovery) the files were nowhere to be seen. As you can see from this screen grab, the most recent file in our AutoRecovery folder was from 5 March, but we know that there are more recent files saved there. The problem with the AutoRecovery file is that it is located in a Library folder that isnt visible by default, and that will have some impact on whether your files are visible or not. Fortunately, there is a way to locate the file. How to view files in Office 2011 AutoRecovery folder Go to the Finder, and press Alt (or Option) while selecting Go from the menu at the top of the page. This will make the Library folder visible (if you dont press Alt you wont see it and you have to keep Alt pressed or it will vanish). Click on Library to open the Libray folder. Locate the following folder: Application Support > Microsoft > Office > Office 2011 AutoRecovery. When you see the Office 2011 in this view you should be able to locate your file. Tips to avoid lost Word files Avoid this nightmare happening again follow the tips below. Save first, save often It goes without saying that you should save frequently especially if your Mac can be a bit unreliable. You may be able to rely on Word autosaving for you, but remember that you have to save the file first to really benefit from Autosave. Change the autosave frequency A helpful thing to know is that you can reduce the gaps between autosaves on Word for Mac. By default they are set at ten minute intervals, but its easy to make them more frequent. In Word go up to the Menu bar at the top of the screen and click on Word. From the dropdown menu select Preferences and then in the Output and Sharing section youll see a disk icon named Save. Click this and youll now be able to adjust the time between saves by entering a value into the Save every X minutes box at the bottom. Martyn Casserly While it might be tempting to set it as low as possible, bear in mind that Words performance could be be hampered slightly if its saving every minute, especially if you are working on a large file. Experiment to see what setting works best for you. You may also find one of these articles helpful: How to recover deleted files. Want to get to know Word better? Read our Top tips for Word for Mac .

BenQ MA320U review: affordable and versatile 32-inch, 4K display

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Attractive 32-inch, 4K display Competitive price Good connectivity features Adjustable height and rotation Cons Not intended for professional use Fiddly Display Pilot app Light, plastic casing Our Verdict Its not going to challenge Apples professional-level displays, but the MA320U is an attractive and affordable 4K display for general use at home or in an office. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $599.99 Best Prices Today: BenQ MA320U Retailer Price $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BenQs 27-inch MA270U (reviewed separately) provides a very affordable alternative to Apples expensive Studio Display , but its sub-$500 price tag does involve some compromises. In this review we are looking at the 32-inch MA320U is slightly more expensive, at $599.99/549.99, but as well as providing a larger screen it also addresses some of the weaknesses of its 27-inch stablemate and produces a brighter display with bolder, crisper colors. Just for the record, though, we should point out that the screen actually measures 31.5 inches when measured diagonally. Unsurprisingly, the basic design of the two MA-Series monitors is very similar, with a silver and black case that is mostly made out of plastic. It cant match the slimline elegance or the sturdy aluminium construction of Apples displays, but it does provide features that are missing from its more expensive Apple rivals. Most notably, the stand provided with the MA320U allows you to adjust the height of the screen at no extra cost whereas Apple charges an extra $400/400 to provide that option with its Studio Display. Going one step further, the MA320U can also rotate through 90-degrees into the upright (portrait) position, which can be useful for graphics or photo-editing work. BenQ pays good attention to smaller details too, including a cable holder that clips onto the stand and helps to keep your cables a little tidier which is particularly handy if youre using the display with both a desktop Mac and a MacBook laptop, or perhaps a Windows PC. Theres also a rubber pad on the base of the stand where you can rest your MacBook, or smaller items such as a set of AirPods (although its a shame that the pad doesnt provide Qi wireless charging as well). Tucked around the back of the screen youll find two HDMI ports for video input, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a headphone socket that is located on the bottom edge of the screen for easy access. There are no DisplayPort connectors, but one of the USB-C ports supports DisplayPort for video input when connected to a Thunderbolt port on your Mac. That USB-C port also provides up to 90W charging for a MacBook laptop, which was fine for charging my 14-inch MacBook Pro, although 16-inch models need more power so youll probably still need to use the external power supply provided with your MacBook. The second USB-C port on the display provides 15W power for charging smaller devices, while the two USB-A ports provide 7.5W. And, if your Mac is connected to the display via USB-C rather than HDMI then you can also use the USB-C connection to transfer data as well, allowing you to connect devices such as an external solid-state drive to the display, or a keyboard and mouse. That makes it easy to connect all your peripherals and other devices to the display, so that you can just pick up your MacBook and take it with you when you leave, while all your peripherals remain plugged into the display and ready to use when you return. The MA320U does have a small set of built-in speakers, but theyre fairly weak so you may want to use that audio connector to plug in some headphones for listening to music, video or playing games. I was also pleased to find that I could use the USB ports on the display to provide audio input for my trusty little BeoPlay speaker as well. The MA320U certainly scores well for its connectivity features, but image quality is just as important, and it does improve on BenQs less expensive 27-inch model. The displays resolution is still 4K (38402160), but as well as providing a larger screen than the MA270U, the MA320U also improves stronger image quality too, stepping up to 550 nits brightness (600 nits with HDR) that sits well alongside the display of my MacBook Pro. Contrast is sharper than the MA270U as well, and the MA320U includes an M-Book mode that is designed to match the colours of a MacBook display. It also supports 99% of the sRGB colour standard, and 97% of the DCI-P3 standard for video-editing, so it can certainly be used for basic graphics, photography and video work, although professional and creative users might need a display that provides even more precise colour controls. But, for general use at home or in an office, the MA320U provides a bright and bold display that is a worthy companion for the built-in display on my MacBook Pro. BenQ also provides an app called Display Pilot that runs on Macs and Windows PCs. The Display Pilot app provides a pull-down menu that sits in the Macs main menu bar, and allows you to quickly adjust settings such as the colour profile, or turning HDR on or off. Admittedly, the app is a little fiddly to use, and does assume rather a lot of technical knowledge, especially when it comes to choosing colour profiles and HDR settings, but it will still come in handy for people who need to do some photo or video-editing from time to time. Should you buy the BenQ MA320U The MA320U is very much intended as a general-purpose display for use at home or in an office, and it may not meet the needs of creative and professional users. But, at less than half the price of Apples Studio Display, it does provide an attractive and versatile 4K display, and will particularly appeal to MacBook owners who need an affordable external display for their laptop. See how the BenQ MA320U compares to other speakers we have tested in our round up of the Best Mac monitors and displays we have tested .

Once again, Apple has to be forced to do the right thing

Macworld In a major ruling this week, Apple has been forced to stop taxing app developers a huge fee just for the privilege of making apps on its platform. After years of delay tactics and stonewalling (and, the judge says, outright lies in court), Apple has to allow app developers to offer in-app purchases through stores outside the App Store, here in the U.S. Apple will appeal the decision, but is required to comply with it in the meantime. Its not the sweeping rules instituted by the European Union, which found the platform to be a gatekeeper and therefore has to allow third-party app stores, app sideloading, alternate tap-and-pay processors, and so on. Those regulations, which Apple fought against tooth and nail (and has been found to be partially violating even now), have resulted in a version of iOS that many feel is better than the one we have in the U.S . These arent isolated instances. Apple has consistently fought every possible effort to allow users to get apps on iPhone or iPad, or to pay for them, using anything other than Apples own store and payment processing. Apple tells us the main reason is security and simplicity, but it also happens to take a big cut off the top (30 percent, but Apple has been backed into various programs and policies to lower that somewhat for some developers). As a result, Apple is currently being sued by the federal government over antitrust violations. Out of control over control Back in the 80s, Apple started as a scrappy upstart, emphasizing lower costs and more freedom for users and developers, in stark contrast to IBM, which wanted to control and limit you. Now Apple seems to view itself as a holistic ecosystem, a growing network of devices and services made by and for the benefit of Apple. To the extent that it allows other developers access to their platform, it is being magnanimous to do so. Access to the iPhone is a gift from Appleor at least, thats the attitude it seems to convey. Apple uses more persuasive language than that, of course. It talks about how much it invests in developer tools and the App Store and how the fees developers are forced to pay are a necessary cost. The fact is, Apple isnt a tiny company going up against the big IBMs and Microsofts of the world anymore. Its one of the worlds most valuable companies and the most influential in tech. It has several billion customers. Apple now is the IBM of the 80s, the Microsoft of the 90s and it doesnt seem to recognize it. Consider all the ways Apple still prevents anyone else from making a smartwatch that can do what the Apple Watch does on the iPhone. Apple gives its own watch special privileges, and even its own apps and services on the watch are exclusive. Earlier this year, the original creator of the Pebble smartwatch announced a new modernized version and highlighted all the ways Apple prevents any other smartwatch from working as well with the iPhone as the Apple Watch. Its not a short list. The new Pebble watch wont play nice with the iPhone because of Apples restrictions. Pebble Most of Apples problems could be avoided if it werent so greedy about owning and controlling all access to the iPhone and iPad for every developer. Apple sees app distribution as a critical revenue source, on top of its industry-leading margins on hardware. Instead, it should view app development and distribution as a cost center . It should be a money-losing endeavor, like advertising, because it builds demand for Apples products. Apples claim for its obsession with controlling all app distribution and payment always comes down to security and privacy, but that rings hollow when the company will gladly sell you a Macan open platform that allows direct web download of apps, alternate app stores like Steam , and open payments. And yet Mac users are not suffering some existential privacy or security risk, and for that matter, neither are Android users (which far outnumber iPhone users, globally). Whats more, the EUs forcing of relaxed rules over app distribution, payments, browsers, and default apps has not resulted in headline after headline of EU iPhone users being hacked, swindled, and cyber-stalked. Its just fine. Its all fine. We could all have it this way, globally, and all it would do is cause a nominal drop in Apples revenueagain, this is the most valuable company in the world that just made a profit of more than $27B per quarter off mostly hardware sales and services. There are two ways to make the best product or service, whether its earbuds, apps, app stores, or whatever else: One is to provide a better experience at a better price so customers choose you, the other is to prevent others from being able to produce an experience or price that can beat yours. Apple does both, but seems to favor the latter as much as the former. Does Apple know what people want anymore? Im starting to think that Apple leadership doesnt know what people want anymore. Too many hardware lines are stuck in an endless cycle of the same as last year but just a little better. The big iPhone push this year is going to be a super-thin model (call it iPhone 17 Air if you will), which of course will limit space for advanced cameras and bigger batteries. When you ask people what they want out of an iPhone, nearly everyone says a cheaper price, longer battery life, and a better camera (with less photo processing). Thats basically the opposite of where Apple is headed. How did Apple Intelligence end up so bad? Which leaders within Apple said, Yeah, this is great, people will love this. Lets build our entire marketing campaign around it? How is Siri only now getting the attention it needs, when it has been a public joke for years? Why does Apple keep trying to court gamers to the Mac when it so very clearly doesnt understand what gamers want or need, and isnt willing to invest in delivering it? Why cant Apple make a decent mouse? Why are there six different iPads? Why is the company making devices to wear on your head (Vision Pro and AirPods Max) that weigh twice what they should? Didnt anyone try these things out? Is it just an absolute obsession with making everything out of metal? Apple made Vision Pro with little regard for the users comfort. David Price / Foundry I mean, look at this new Snapshot website Apple just launched a few days ago. Who is this for? Why is it so bad? You cant search it, you cant control the scrolling, you cant find any actual interesting info about any of these celebrities why does this even exist and why does it have its own subdomain on apple.com? I want to be able to download apps and app stores on my iPhone like I do on my Mac. I want to be able to pay for things using Apples payment methods if I choose, or some other method if I prefer. I want developers who use Apples payment processing to pay fees of around 5 percent, comparable to Stripe or Square (around 3-4 percent), plus a percent or two to pay for Apples upkeep of the App Store. That would excite developers about making iPhone/iPad their first choice, like it used to be back in the early years of iPhone. I want hardware makers to be able to make devices that do all the things Apples own devices do, from quick-pairing and instant switching to sending iMessages, so that they can compete on quality, price, and innovative new capabilities. I would benefit from all these things. You would benefit from all these things. App developers and hardware makers of all kinds would benefit from these things. Apple is surely aware of all these conceptsnone of this is new or novel, much of it exists on the Mac and competing platforms. But Apple would make nominally less money, and its starting to feel like thats all Apple really cares about these days. Apple needs to change its corporate culture from the top down. Theres a pervasive vibe that we know whats best, youre lucky to be here, and it needs to start taking a more customer-first, user-centric approach. It feels like the company acts as though we (the users and developers) need them, when it should act as though it needs us.

Cancel Microsoft 365 and save hundreds with this lifetime version

Macworld Youre probably paying Microsoft 365 way more than you need to and for what? The same apps, just on an endless subscription loop? With a Microsoft Office lifetime license , you can break free from the monthly payments and get the classic Office suite for a one-time fee. Right now, you can pay just $69.97 and its yours forever (reg. $219.99). This lifetime license works on one Mac and includes all the essential apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote . Youll get full access to the features you use most without needing to worry about monthly renewals, surprise price hikes, or internet access just to open a spreadsheet. Immediately after completing your purchase, youll receive an email with a download link and your unique software license key to get the apps set up on your Mac. Once theyre installed, youll never be asked to pay again to access the apps until you upgrade your device. Skip the subscription fatigue. Download Microsoft Office for Mac while its on sale for $69.97 (reg. $219.99). No coupons needed to get this deal. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple ends a bad week on a positive note by announcing record Q2 results

Macworld Following news that Apple will be forced to allow external purchase links inside apps and could face criminal charges over its battle with Epic Games, the company announced some good news on Thursday. In the second quarter 2025, Apple posted revenue of $95.4 billion, a 5 percent increase year over year and a second-quarter all-time high. Quarterly earnings per diluted share are $1.65, up 8 percent year over year. The company reported $24.8 billion in profit. Apple beat the analysts predicted revenue of $94.68 billion expected, and $1.63 diluted earnings per share. However, the stock took a tumble in after-hours trading as investors weighed the current sales figures against the tariff turmoil. CEO Tim Cook made a statement during the Apple earnings call that the company expects an estimated charge of $900 million due to the tariffs next quarter, assuming that the tariffs do not change. The iPad led the charge this quarter with a 16 percent increase year-over-year. Apple released the M3 iPad Air and the 11th-generation iPad in March, giving its sales numbers a boost. Services also had a double-digit quarter, posting an 11 percent increase over the same quarter a year ago for a record high. This quarter saw the release of the much-anticipated second season of Severance on Apple TV+, which may have positively affected Apples Services division. The Mac saw a 6 percent increase, thanks to the release of the M4 MacBook Air . iPhone sales were up just 2 percent in a quarter that saw the release of the iPhone 16e . Wearables sales saw a small dip. Cook stated that Apple doesnt believe that the threat of tariffs influenced buyer behavior for this past quarter. How the quarter ended year-over-year for Apple: iPhone: $47 billion (up from $46 billion) iPad: $6.4 billion (up from $5.6 billion) Mac: $8 billion (up from $7.5 billion) Wearables: $7.5 billion (down from $7.9 billion) Services: $27 billion (up from $24 billion) Our March quarter business performance drove EPS growth of 8 percent and $24 billion in operating cash flow, allowing us to return $29 billion to shareholders, said Kevan Parekh, Apples CFO. And thanks to our high levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction, our installed base of active devices once again reached a new all-time high across all product categories and geographic segments. Apple declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per share of common stock payable on May 16 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 12, 2025. The earnings call comes hours after a U.S. court orders Apple to allow external purchase links in apps and a U.K. court ruled against Apple in a patent lawsuit . Earlier this week, the European Union fined Apple 500M ($570M) for violations of the Digital Markets Act .

Whats coming from Apple in May before WWDC arrives next month?

Macworld WWDC kicks off on June 9, where well get our first look at Apples new software for the fall: iOS 19 , iPadOS 19, tvOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, and visionOS 3. Weve heard theres a big redesign in store this year, the most dramatic change in years. So what does that leave for May? Not much. There probably wont be any big hardware or software releases or announcements this monthanything Apple has to reveal, it will do so at WWDC. That leaves software and services as the lone Apple releases for May. New hardware releases In 2024, Apple surprised us with a rare May event to announce the M4 iPad Pro, 13-inch iPad Air, and Apple Pencil Pro. It seems very unlikely that Apple will repeat that this month. While there are several products that could release ahead of WWDC, including the AirTag 2 , HomePod mini 2 , and M4 Ultra Mac Pro , rumors suggest they will arrive in the fall rather than the spring. Apps and software updates Theres iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5, but those are relatively minor updates that focus on bug fixes and security, with only a couple of very minor changes. As always, however, there will be security and bug fixes as well. Based on previous yearly x.5 releases and how far along the betas are, we expect the wide release of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, etc. around the second week of May. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in May. If you want to know whats coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content . Long Way Home: Best friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman gear up for their fourth Long Way adventure this time riding through 17 European countries on cranky old bikes. May 9 Murderbot: A 10-episode action-packed sci-fi series based on a series of novellas by Martha Wells. Tells the story of a self-hacking security android who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients. May 16 Deaf President Now!: A documentary about an 8-day at Gallaudet University in 1988, where the schools board hired a hearing president over several qualified deaf candidates. May 16 Fountain of Youth: A film about two estranged siblings who partner on a global heist to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. They must use their knowledge of history to follow clues on an epic adventure that will change their lives and possibly lead to immortality. May 23 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but youll usually see next months releases listed in the Coming Soon section. SUMI SUMI Matching PUzzle+: Characters from San-X in a matching puzzle game. May 1 Words of Wonders: Search+: Word search puzzles. May 1 LEGO Friends Heartlake Rush+: And endless runner with LEGO characters and vehicles. May 1 WHAT THE CLASH?: A variety of silly two-player PvP battle scenarios. May 1 with My Buddy: A virtual pet sim for dogs and cats in the vein of Nintendogs. May 1

Apple warns iPhone owners of widespread mercenary spyware attack

Macworld Apple has reacted to what appears to be a huge spyware campaign this week by sending warnings to iPhone owners around the world. Recipients of the warnings are advised that a mercenary spyware attack is attempting to remotely compromise their device. As of Wednesday, according to TechCrunch , only two iPhone owners have publicly acknowledged receiving the warning. Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino wrote an article about the experience Wednesday, while the Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek posted about it on X . But this is evidently only the tip of the iceberg. In the warning message, as shared by Pellegrino, Apple reveals that the notification is being sent to affected users in 100 countries, making it even larger than the alert last spring which covered 92. Such attacks are deliberately alarming, with the aim of producing something akin to a chilling effectas Vlaardingerbroek puts it, an attempt to intimidate me, an attempt to silence meand most recipients would not wish to draw further attention to themselves by disclosing their involvement. The details and motives of the attacks are unclear at this point, but so-called mercenary spyware campaigns, as the name suggests, are frequently run by private software companies to earn money from government surveillance organisations. Journalists and activists, as potential irritants to repressive governments, are two of the most common targets; as Apples notification explains, This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. The good news for Macworld readers is that, if you havent received a warningand Apple is reported to have sent out both emails and text messages to those affectedthen youve got nothing to worry about. This appears to be an unusually large spyware campaign, but its still targeted at an individual level. If you have been targeted, the chances are you have powerful enemies and spyware may be quite low down on the list of your worries. However, while its unlikely there is a virus on your iPhone , for peace of mind, our general advice is to keep the software on your iPhone up to date and install new versions of iOS in a timely fashion. Spyware attacks exploit vulnerabilities in iOS; once Apple becomes aware of such a vulnerability the company will patch it, and include the patch in an iOS update. Should the worst happen, Apple offers Lockdown Mode that you can switch on if you are targeted in this way. Heres how to use Lockdown Mode to protect your iPhone.

How the Apple TV 4K replaced my iPhone as my most-used Apple product

Macworld Once upon a time, my iPhone and Mac dominated my screen time. Id use the former for texting, social media scrolling, listening to music, and so on, while the latter would handle work tasks, movie streaming, and long web-browsing sessions. But a few years ago, everything changedwhen a less-popular Apple product unexpectedly joined my workflow. When someone mentions the Apple TV, you immediately think of Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and the like. All of these services offer native tvOS apps, making the streaming box the perfect hub to house them. Its utility, however, extends beyond streaming platforms, as the device excels at a wide range of tasks. At this point, my Apple TV wakes up the moment I do and only hibernates once Im in deep sleep. Apple TV 4K (2022, 3. Gen.) 128GB WiFi + Ethernet Read our review Price When Reviewed: 64GB $129 | 128GB $149 Best Prices Today: $129 at Apple Fit to instruct Ive been using Apple Fitness+ since the service launched in late 2020. At this point, you can play the guided workout videos on an iPhone or iPadeven if you dont own an Apple Watch. While its mobile availability makes Fitness+ more accessible, I find it hard to concentrate on the coaches moves on the small screens. I start my mornings with 20-30 minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)a workout that involves a lot of jumping and dashing around the room. The Fitness app on my Apple TV makes it manageable to keep up with the trainers, as no matter where I stand I can still see the content clearly on the large screen. Foundry Tunes that fill the room After my Apple TV completes its fitness instruction duties, it moves on to music. According to my Replay 2024, I spent over 97,000 minutes listening to music last year. Thats an average of 4-5 hours of continuous playback every single day. Whether Im having coffee, getting house chores done, or taking a shower, I enjoy having music playing in the background. What I especially love about Apple Music on tvOS is the live lyrics perk, which displays the verses in real time. Even if Im sparing my neighbors ears and not singing along with the dedicated karaoke mode, having animated lyrics on the big screen makes the listening experience livelier. When I go to bed, I also play (with the TV screen off) the Sleep radio, which offers soothing melodies for Apple Music subscribers. I ask Siri to automatically stop playback an hour later, and Ive surprisingly never experienced any issues with this particular request. So, coupled with a HomePod mini stereo pair, the Apple TV has become my go-to device for any kind of indoor music streaming. Foundry First choice for a second screen Beyond fitness and music, my Apple TV assists me at work. Thanks to Apples tight ecosystem integrations, the streaming box doubles as a wireless external monitor for my MacBook Air. This lets me move specific app windows to the larger screen for reference, while I work with the built-in display. No dongles, no HDMI cables, no struggles. The Apple TV also supports regular AirPlay receiving, which lets me conveniently mirror videos from my iPhone when a native tvOS app is unavailable. Stream machine It goes without saying that the Apple TV also serves regular TV purposes. So, when Im eating in the evening, I tend to watch Apple TV+ shows or movies on Mubi. I also rely on it to catch up on the latest Macworld Podcast episodes on YouTube and to stay updated on occasional news. With support for 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, the Apple TV truly delivers a cinematic viewing experience. Play isnt just a remote button Thats not all. Paired with a Sony DualSense controller, my Apple TV also happens to be my game console of choice. The game quantity and quality are certainly limited when compared to the extensive libraries on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC. Nevertheless, there are some solid titles on the App Store and Apple Arcade that are ideal for casual gamers like me. Some of my personal favorite tvOS games include The Binding of Isaac , Dead Cells , Sneaky Sasquatch , and Pac-Man Party Royale. Although I sometimes long for real games, its a compromise I accept for the convenience of an all-in-one device. Foundry FullScreen FaceTime My Apple TVs final duty is connecting me to my friends via FaceTime, especially when there are lots of topics to discuss. The TV box connects to my iPad Airs microphones and front-facing camera to transmit my audio and video streams. It also supports the Center Stage feature, so I remain in frame even when getting stuff done and walking around the room during long chat sessions. Foundry An iPod, a TV, and a fitness coach Growing up, TVs didnt play a major role in my lifeI spent most of my childhood reading novels instead. Even as an adult, movies and series dont appeal to me much, as I often find their plots repetitive. Thats why it took me a while to justify buying an Apple TV. After all, why would I need one? Today, the streaming box has become by far my most-used Apple device and one of my favorite investments in my setup. My Apple TV is now an all-day digital companion. We wake up together, exercise, work, listen to music, binge shows, connect with friends, play video gamesyou name it. And when I lose interest in gaming or watching movies from time to time, it still comes in handy when performing other daily tasks. It may not be the flashiest Apple product, but it never sits idly or loses its purpose in my household.

Court orders Apple to allow external purchase links in apps

Macworld If it seems like weve been writing about this Epic vs. Apple Fortnite case for years , its because we have. The case has been raging since 2020 , and finally ended (sort of) with a ruling in 2021. The gist of it is that Apple makes developers who sell digital goods process all payments through its own in-app purchase system and payment processing, and takes a cut of up to 30 percent. However, if a vendor sells physical goods and services (such as Amazon and Uber), it can use its own external payment systems. As such, Epic Games wanted to have a button in Fortnite that allowed users to buy the games in-game V-bucks currency on their website, avoiding Apples commission. Back then, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple was not a monopolist, but it did engage in anticompetitive conduct under the law and ordered the following remedy: Appleis hereby permanently restrained and enjoined from prohibiting developers from including in their apps and their metadata buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms, in addition to In-App Purchasing and (ii) communicating with customers through points of contact obtained voluntarily from customers through account registration within the app. Apple spent years fighting the decision, appealing to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld it. Then it took the case to the Supreme Court, which decided not to take it up. Apples proposed solution, after several delays and evidentiary hearings (a stall tactic, as the court found), was to impose a whopping 27 percent commission on all purchases made outside the App Store, instead of the 30 percent commission for using App Store payments. It would also place a set of restrictions on how apps would be allowed to communicate that these external purchase options even exist. Apple would offer discounts to that 27 percent rate for some developers who participate in certain other programs, such as the Video Partner Program or News Partner Program. Judge Rogers is not pleased Apples compliance offer was not in keeping with the remedy imposed by the court back in 2021. In fact, one could say its just as bad or worse than the status quo, making it even harder to developers to simply sell their own things on their own sites without paying the so-called Apple Tax. It was, in effect, a middle finger to the court, telling them that theyll comply only under protest and in the most twisted way possible, to keep effectively charging all app developers its cut. Judge Rogers is having none of it , writing: It chose to defy this Courts order and manufacture post hoc justifications for maintaining an anticompetitive revenue stream. Apples actions to misconstrue the Injunction continue to impede competition. This Court will not play whack-a-mole, nor will it tolerate further delay. As a result of the decision, Fortnite may be returning to the App Store. Foundry The judge concludes her document with this fierce wording: Apple willfully chose not to comply with this Courts Injunction. It did so with the express intent to create new anticompetitive barriers which would, by design and in effect, maintain a valued revenue stream; a revenue stream previously found to be anticompetitive. That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation. As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple. As a result, Apple is going to pay the price. The court has imposed several new rules on Apple, summed up here: It can impose no fees on any purchase a consumer makes outside the app, and cannot monitor, track, audit, or require developers to report such purchases. It cant restrict the way developers choose to link to outside purchases; not the language, formatting, placement, flow, or anything else. It cant prohibit any kind or category of app from obtaining the links necessary to make purchases outside the app. It cant interfere with the link out of the app in any way other than to have a neutral message that tells users theyre leaving the App Store to an external site. The court is not giving Apple any time to make these changesthey are to take effect immediately . And Apple doesnt get to file for a stay: The Court will not entertain a request for a stay given the repeated delays and severity of the conduct. Whats more, the Judge has referred this matter to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California to investigate whether or not this constitutes a criminal contempt charge. Fortnite is coming back in the U.S. In response to this ruling, Tim Sweeney (CEO of Epic Games) said that Fortnite will be coming back to the App Store in the U.S. beginning next week. He also offered a truce of sorts, saying, If Apple extends the courts friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, well return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic. But this has implications far beyond Fortnite. Now, any app developer that wants to sell in-app purchases on its own outside of the App Store and Apples payment processing systems can do so. They can simply put up a button or link anywhere they want directing users to an external site to make the purchase, just as countless apps that sell physical goods and services can choose to do. You can read the entire court order here .

iOS 19 latest: Big interface changes, RCS 3.0, delayed Siri updates, and more

Macworld Every year, we are introduced to a new version of iOS (alongside Apples other operating systems) at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. At an event on the first day of the conference, Apple will reveal all the new features coming to iPhones with the release of iOS 19 in the fall (probably in mid to late September). In this article we will run through what we know about the new features coming in iOS 19 in 2025, what phones will get them, and when we expect Apple to release iOS 19. But you wont have to wait until September to get the new features because every year Apple runs a beta-testing program where developers and anyone who signs up for the beta can try out the software before it is released following the Apple iPhone Event in September. If you want to join that beta testing program you will find information about how to do so below, including when the first iOS 19 beta will be available. Updated April 30, 2025: Code found in the latest iOS 18.5 beta by 9to5Mac suggests that Apple is working on big changes to Stage Manager, Photographic Styles for iPhone, and more. iOS 19 release date: When is iOS 19 coming out? Apple typically released the new version of iOS to the public on the Monday following the launch of the new iPhone . Based on recent history, we expect iOS 19 to release to the public around the time of the on either Monday, September 15, or Monday, September 22. Here are the release dates for the most recent versions of iOS: iOS 18: Monday, September 16, 2024 iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023 iOS 16: Monday, September 12, 2022 iOS 15: Monday, September 20, 2021 iOS 19: Developer and Public Betas The full version of iOS 19 will launch in September, but you wont have to wait until then to try the new software out. Apple will run a developer beta as well as a public beta during the summer months, so if you want to try out the new features before they are released to the general public you can do so. After Apple announces the new version of iOS at WWDC in June it will then release an iOS Beta to developers. This year the WWDC keynote will take place on June 9 so we expect the developer beta will be available that day. The public beta usually comes a month later, around the beginning of July. Between WWDC and the official release in the fall, Apple will release a string of beta releases, typically eight or so in total. We share details of how to join Apples beta software program so you can test the new software as soon as the beta arrives, separately. Anyone using the beta is encouraged to file bug reports using the included Apples Feedback Assistant app so that the company can address them. If you want to learn more about the beta read: Whats in the latest iOS beta and how to get it . iOS 19: New features While Apple hasnt officially announced iOS 19 yet, it has been hard at work on the big iPhone upgrade for quite a while and some rumors have started to leak out. It looks like iOS 19 will be a bigger change than were used to. Based on the most reliable leaks and rumors, heres what you can expect when it arrives later this year. All the new features wont come with that initial release; over the months that follow the initial release more features will be pushed out to iPhones in iOS 19.1, 19.2, and so on. Major design overhaul The headline feature of iOS 19 (and iPadOS 19, macOS 15, tvOS 19, watchOS 19) is said to be a massive change to the user interface. Were talking about the biggest change since iOS 7, when Apple dropped the skeuomorphic design in favor of flat symbolic icons, changed the lock screen, notifications, and more. We dont know what this new interface will look like or what interaction changes it will bring with it, but the rumors say it is loosely based on some of the concepts in the Vision Pro interface. New apps like Apple Invites and Apple Sports may give us some clues to the interface conventions we can expect, as they dont have have interfaces that fit in with most of Apples older apps. Apps like Invites and Sports may offer clues to the interface elements we can expect in iOS 19. Apple A key feature of the new interface is supposed to be more consistency across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, along with a major improvement to the productivity features of iPadOS. For example, one rumor says the iPad will get a menu bar when docked to a Magic Keyboard, and that Stage Manager is being overhauled. The iPhone, meanwhile, is said to get a Stage Manager like multi-app view when hooked up to an external display. Siri delays and other Apple Intelligence features Apple has been having trouble with some of its AI efforts, especially the Siri features that were supposed to come in iOS 18.4 (personal context, screen awareness, and in-app actions). These features have been pushed back until next year , which means they should come as an update to iOS 19 in early 2026. A bigger Siri update, based on large language models (LLMs), that can hold natural conversations with the user, is now expected to come perhaps as part of iOS 20, where it was once thought to be an update to iOS 19. So Siri will get new capabilities that we were supposed to have by now, and Apple is also said to be expanding the use of Apple Intelligence in more of its apps. We havent heard of specific examples, but Apple Intelligence could be used for things like Apple Music playlist generation, suggesting apps in the App Store, or in the Health and Fitness apps. Stage Manager for iPhone Weve heard rumors in a few places that Apple is working on a big Stage Manager update for iPad and Mac. From 9to5Mac we get a hint that it might even work on iPhone (if not all the time, then at least with an external display connected). Stage Manager should allow for much more flexible placement and sizing of windows in the new version. For iPads, you might even see a Menu bar when the iPad is docked into a keyboard. RCS 3.0 Apples current implantation of RCS (Rich Communication Services, used to offer more advanced texting features with Android users) is based on the GSMA Universal Profile version 2.4, which is a little dated. Version 2.7 came out last year, but hasnt been implemented by Apple yet. It adds support for custom emoji reactions, editing editing and deleting messages, and improved spam handling. RCS 3.0 adds encryption for 1-to-1 messages. Apple has announced support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages on all its platforms in future software updates, so it is likely to add support for all the feature in RCS 2.7 and 3.0 in the iOS 19 cycle. Home app upgrades While not specifically mentioned in any of the current leaks or rumors, we find it hard to believe that Apple wont have some significant improvements to the Home app, HomeKit, and related services in iOS 19. Why? Well, Apple is expected to release a wave of new smart home products throughout 2025 and 2026. A new Apple smart home hub is first: its rumored to be an affordable 7-inch tablet that runs a custom operating system (code-named Pebble). It will support Apple Intelligence, FaceTime, and tie in with other Apple services but isnt expected to have an App Store. After that, likely in 2026, Apple is said to be working on a new indoor smart security camera and a smart doorbell that would use Face ID to unlock your door the way it unlocks your phone. Further down the road, a smart home product with a movable screen on a robotic arm has been rumored, all of which will require deep integration with the iPhone and Home app. The rumored HomePad was rumored to launch in the spring of 2025, but was delayed to the fall so it can have an interface that aligns with the big iOS 19 / macOS 15 interface changes. Its hard to imagine Apple pushing a product like that into the market without some significant changes to the look and feel of the Home app. Updated Camera app Jon Prosser claims to have seen the new Camera app in iOS 19 , which is completely redesigned with a somewhat visionOS-inspired design. Options are condensed, the viewfinder takes up more space, and theres lots of transparency. Jon Prosser The Photographic Styles feature may come to video, too. AirPods live translation One rumor from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says iOS 19 is going to get bolstered translation technology and, as part of it a live translation feature for AirPods . The AirPods will need a firmware update as well, and its not clear which models will support the feature. Your AirPods would send text to your iPhone where the foreign language would be recognized and translated in the Translate app (or the under-the-hood service that powers it), and translated audio sent back to your AirPods. Other earbuds have had similar features for years, so it will be interesting to see if Apple goes further or has superior functionality. iOS 19 Compatibility: Which iPhones will work with iOS 19? We expect iOS 19 to be compatible with every iPhone that supports iOS 18 . That includes: iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone SE (2nd generation) Of course, it will also support the new iPhone 17 models that will launch around the same time, and the new iPhone 16e . As always, some features wont be available on older models, as they lack the hardware resources for it. We do think the Apple Intelligence and Siri improvements will be available for all iPhone 16 and later models, though.

Code in iOS betas hints at changes to Stage Manager, including iPhone support

Macworld In a recent video as part of its iOS Decoded series , 9to5Mac takes a look at some rather interesting code found within the latest iOS 18.5 betas. This code references and enables features that arent expected to be a part of iOS 18.5 when it goes into wide release, however. Instead, it looks like experiments for what might be a part of iOS 19, or maybe even future products. Some of these features may ship, some may not, but they at least give us a look at what Apple is considering. Here are the major changes in brief: More flexible Stage Manager: Stage Manager is very limited with how you can position and resize windows. In the test version demonstrated in 9to5Macs video, there are far fewer restrictionsyou can more freely resize windows, size windows so they obscure other windows, and even more them almost entirely off-screen. Stage Manager on iPhone: Jeff Benjamin says hes seen Stage Manager working on iPhone, complete with external display support. While that would be cool, he says he doesnt expect Apple to ship such a feature. SuperDomino for widgets: Theres a flag for SpringBoard (the home screen and lock screen manager for iOS) called SuperDomino that shows full screen clock widgets to be displayed on only half the display in StandBy mode. This makes those widgets pretty square, which fits in nicely with the rumored HomePad device . Photographic Styles for video: The code found by 9to5Mac suggests that the non-destructive Photographic Styles currently available when taking photos can be used for video. Perhaps theyll be called Smart Styles in the future, as they apply to more than photographs. Photographic Styles for third-party apps: Those Smart Styles may be accessible to third-party apps as well with new framework. The rest of the video concerns some relatively minor updates, like some new icons in the SF Symbols font and seeing saved bank account numbers in the Wallet & Apple Pay settings panel, and the ability for developers to see which Macs have been paired to their device. Some of these things found by enabling hidden flags and features with iOS betas are simply experimentalits Apple working on features or capabilities that may not ever see the light of day. But lots of real features start off this way as well, so theres a decent chance that, when WWDC rolls around in June, we may have a better understanding at what this hidden code is for.

Apple Watch SE likely to get two new sizes this year

Macworld Its been a while since we got a new Apple Watch SE: after the first version of Apples budget smartwatch came out in 2020 and the second in 2022 with few changes, the company has kept quiet about further releases. But new reports suggest were finally going to see the 3rd-gen SE later in 2025, and that it will come in two new sizes. On Tuesday, Ross Young, a remarkably reliable leaker and analyst who covers the screen supply chain, tweeted that two Apple Watch SE displays have entered production. (The tweet is for subscribers only.) The displays, he estimates, measure roughly 1.6 and 1.8 inches respectively. Its not easy to make a direct comparison between those numbers and the ones that apply to the current SE models, because Apple gives the specs for its smartwatch in a different formatas the height of the casing, rather than the diagonal measurement of the screen wed expect for all other products. For screen dimensions, we have to make do with the various third-party measurements youll find across the web, which vary from site to site. But regardless of the sources you use, it looks like the new SE models are probably moving from a Series 6 body to a Series 7. Which probably means a simultaneous switch from 40mm and 44mm casings to 41 and 45mm. Aside from pointing to a slight increase in size, there have been long-time rumors of a new plastic chassis design , though more recent reports shed some doubt on that prediction and left the future of the line in limbo. The report doesnt mention any other features, though it seems likely that the SE will finally get an always-on display, as well as a newer processor, and possibly a temperature or ECG sensor. Following the discontinuation of the iPhone SE line earlier this year, and its replacement with the costlier iPhone 16e, it seemed possible that Apple might pull back from the budget market and retire the SE line altogether. However, this latest rumor can be taken as something close to confirmation that Apple will keep the low-end Apple Watch alive going, though its possible Apple will change the name to the Apple Watch 11e. But it seems like we can look ahead to a new Apple Watch SE in September, alongside the Series 11 (and possibly the Ultra 3, although if that sticks with a biennial release schedule, the Ultra and SE lines could in future get updates in alternate falls) and the iPhone 17. For all the latest news and rumors, check out our guide to the new Apple Watches for 2025.

Best password managers for Mac and iPhone

Macworld Remembering all the passwords you use on a daily basis can be a struggle. Whether its logging into Amazon, checking your online banking or settling down to watch something on Netflix, seeing the log-in box appear can make your heart sink. Then theres the fact that each site seems to require a different length or combination of certain characters, meaning you need different ones for nearly every site or service (which, sadly, is also a good idea). How are our limited human brains supposed to store all these weird strings of letters, numbers and special characters? All I want to do is stream Star Trek: The Next Generation for the 50th time, not prove my intellectual prowess! Password managers can help you manage all your passwords and login information across your Mac, iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices. Apple offers its own Passwords app to keep track of all your passwords, but is that the best password manager for Mac and iPhone, or is there another password manager for Apple devices that would do a better job. Weve reviewed lots of password manager that work with Macs, iPhone and iPads to see how they compare and whether the extra features on offer are worth the extra expense when compared to Apples free Passwords app. In a nutshell, it is wise to get a password manager that isnt limited to Apple devices, especially if within your family unit there are other kinds of devices. Read on to find our why you need a password manager and which password managers are best for Apple devices. PROMOTION RoboForm Premium: Just $0.99/Month! Secure your passwords with RoboForm Premiumnow only $0.99/month, a massive 60% off! Exclusive to Macworld readers. Offer ends soon. Grab it today! $11.90/yr at RoboForm Best Password Managers for Mac and iPhone The following password managers offer a variety of features to help carry the burden of remembering your passwords. If you use a Password Manager you only need to remember one master password, after which the app takes care of logging into all other accounts. Some apps even make recommendations for really secure passwords, others will tell you if there is a risk that your password has been leaked. In our round up weve included Apples Password app at the top because its free and already on your device (as long as your Mac or iPhone has iOS 18 or macOS Sequoia or later). However, there are other good password managers, such as the award winning 1Password, feature heavy Dashlane and easy to use NordPass. Read on to find the one that suits you best. Apple Passwords Best for basics and free! Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apples Passwords app works well enough for the basic functions most of us rely on. It stores and fills login passwords, Wi-Fi passwords, 2FA codes, and passkeys. It warns you of easy-to-guess passwords, reused passwords, and passwords that appeared in major data breaches. Its also relatively easy to securely share passwords with others. Apple also provides its own suggested passwords for new signups. It doesnt give you much in the way of other featuresstored credit card and identification info to autofill in forms, secure document storage or notes, and so on. Apple has other apps that do those things in encrypted ways, but if you use other platforms and browsers, this information is not easily available. Increasing the font size on the 2FA codes by a few points would help. Theres text at the top of the Codes screen that shows you how long until the codes reset, but it scrolls off the top of the screen when you scroll down your listit should stay anchored at the top of the screen. Apples Passwords app gets the job done and is fine for the bulk of Apple users who dont regularly use other platforms or browsers. If you use the required extrensions it will even work for those who use Chrome, Edge and even Windows. Read our full Passwords review 1Password Best password manager Price When Reviewed: 14 day trial. From $2.99 per month, $36 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price 1Password (annually) $36 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket One of our long-standing favorite password managers is 1Password which has a nice, clean layout and is simple to use. As well as storing and autofilling your passwords and Passkeys it can also hold other important information, such as your payment details, address, drivers licence and passport. All of which can be instantly called up to fill out online forms or checkout from websites and apps. Security is front and center, with 1Password boasting AES end-to-end encryption so only you will hold the key to your account. It also uses the Secure Remote Password (SRP) protocol, which allows you to authenticate your details to a site without the information being sent to a server which could compromise security. A feature called Watchtower analyzes the overall strength of your online security and warns you if passwords are repeated or vulnerable. Theres also a password generator if you want to replace your tired old attempts with something a bit more secure. A free 14-day trial is available, but after that, youll need to move on to a paid subscription that renews every year. For this, youll be able to use the software on as many devices as you like, including macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux, plus the accompanying iPhone and Android apps. 1Password has won numerous awards and is an easy service to recommend. Read our full 1Password review Dashlane Best for features Price When Reviewed: $4.99 per month, $59.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Dashlane (annually) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Dashlane is another hugely popular password manager, with a comprehensive suite of tools to make your life a lot easier. The app analyses your current passwords to see how secure they are and gives you an overall rating based on how often you reuse login details for multiple sites. Password monitoring will check if any of your details have been exposed in data breaches or have been reused too many times. Theres alsoa feature to auto-replace passwords instantly with ones generated by Dashlane. Its not only your account details that you can store in Dashlane, you can store bank details, your address and important documents like your passport and driving licence. Theres also a section for any secure notes you wish to keep safe. The app also supports Passkeys, which are the latest innovation which seem set to replace passwords in the long run. All your transactions between the app and sites are end-to-end encrypted using 256-bit AES technology. Theres also 2-factor authentication available, with the Dashlane app acting as an authenticator, and you get a VPN service as part of the paid tiers. Dashlane is available on a wide range of platforms, with dedicated apps for iOS/iPadOS and Android, plus extensions for Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox. Dashlane has a yearly subscription, but there is a free tier available that acts as a taster for the full package, and you can use it indefinitely, but it has a limit of 25 passwords. Read our full Dashlane review Bitwarden Excellent free tier Price When Reviewed: Free tier; From $1 per month (approx 80p), $10 a year (approx 8) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitwarden Premium (annually) $10 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket When it comes to technology, we often say that you get what you pay for, but in the case of Bitwarden , this isnt quite true. The service offers a really impressive range of capabilities on its free tier, so with this app, you get what you dont pay for! Without signing up for a premium account you get unlimited storage for passwords, credit cards, notes, and online account IDs, secure text messaging with individuals, a secure password generator, two-factor authentication, plus the ability to either have your data stored on the Bitwarden servers or one you host yourself. Oh, and you can sync all your devices, rather than the single one offered by most other free tiers. Should you want to expand the features, then the Premium tier (which has a yearly subscription) adds secure file sharing, 1GB of encrypted file attachments, additional two-factor authentication options, password safety analysis, and access to your account by family if you die or become sick. Encryption is high-grade stuff, with Bitwarden deploying end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption, salted hashing, and PBKDF2 SHA-256, all of which are down locally on your machine. Apps are available on a wide range of platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, pretty much every browser you can think of, Android, and iOS, and theres even a secure web version if you find yourself without your device. If youre looking for value when it comes to password managers, its very hard to look past Bitwarden. NordPass Easy to use Price When Reviewed: Free 30-day trial; $2.99 per month (currently $1.49), $35.88 a year (currently $35.76 for two years) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price NordPass (first two years) $35.76 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket One of the newest additions to the password manager arena is NordPass , which is made by the same fine fellows at NordVPN . The latter is one of our favorite VPNs, as youll see from our Best VPN for Mac roundup. NordPass offers full desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus the standard iOS and Android offerings. You can also use NordPass through browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, Edge, and Safari. NordPass has all the features youd expect from a modern password manager, with quick importing of existing passwords from other services, zero-knowledge architecture, local encryption, 2-factor authentication, password generation, and secure storage for credit details and notes. Theres of course autofill for logging into accounts, folders to store passwords for work, home or other classifications, security monitoring for password hacks, support for biometrics, plus a neat interface to manage all of your various data. NordPass offers a decent free tier, which supports unlimited passwords, stores credit card details, and secure notes, plus has the ability to sync across all your devices. The main drawback is that you can only be logged into one device at a time. But if you can work with that its a service you should definitely investigate. The paid tiers include a Premium account which you pay for yearly. Read our full NordPass review Roboform A solid password manager Price When Reviewed: $29.97 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price RoboForm (annually) $11.90 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket RoboForm works across iPhone, iPad and Macs, plus you can use it on Windows and Linux as well as Android. Set up is simple. Download the relevant app or extension, then sign up for an account. Theres a free trial that gives you access to the Premium tier features for 14-days, then you can either continue to use it for free on the limited tier or sign up to a fully-functional paid variety. As well as passwords you can store personal details (e.g. address and phone number), your passport, driving license and other sensitive data. You can import your existing login details from other services or your browser. The password generator does a good job of helping you choose new passwords. You can select the number of characters, numbers, symbols, upper or lower case, and create passphrases. Theres a built-in authenticator and Roboform can handle two-factor authentication. You can also use passkeys instead of passwords. Theres also a Security Centre that analyses your password integrity. This includes how many times youve used the same ones, how complex they are, and if theyve been involved in hacks. Everything you do is end-to-end encrypted via AES 256-bit encryption, with PBKDF2 SHA256. Roboform offers a limited free tier (one device with unlimited passwords). The Premium tier (which used to be called Roboform Everywhere), adds the security center, access on all your devices, customer support, and web access to your account and is a yearly subscription. Read our full RoboForm Premium review Keeper Price When Reviewed: Free tier; From $2.29 per month, $34.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Keeper Security (annually) $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Keeper can store unlimited passwords, auto-generate strong new ones, and sync passwords across multiple devices, all while holding credit card details and other important payment details in its secure vault. Theres also support for Passkeys, which is good. AES 256-bit encryption is all performed locally, so Keeper can never know your details, but there is the option to securely share folders and passwords with friends and family if they need to access any of your accounts. The included secure messaging service is also useful for communicating these requests Theres also support for Touch ID on the Mac and iPhone, with the latter also working with Face ID, plus Apple Watch compatibility and the option of using two-step authentication. Keeper Unlimited Password Manager is available for a yearly subscription, but there is a free tier that is limited to one device and ten passwords. LastPass Price When Reviewed: Free tier (one device); $3 per month, $36 per year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price LastPass (annually) $36 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket LastPass is probably one of the best-known password manager, thanks to it being one of the original pioneers in the field, however, in recent years its lost its crown after being hit with several hacks, including at least one that stole encrypted customer data. This recent history makes it harder to recommend. Not that security measures arent there, the company explains that it uses AES 256-bit encryption with PBKDF2 SHA-256 and salted hashes to ensure complete security in the cloud. The app does all of its encryption locally, so LastPass never knows your master password, and the Premium tier also supports a form of two-factor authentication for another layer of security. You can either use LastPass locally on your device via dedicated apps (macOS, iOS and iPadOS), or via the web with plugins and extensions available for Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Microsoft Edge all of which allow you to automatically access login details for sites and accounts or have LastPass autofill the login fields on your behalf. Just like with other managers you have access to a vault where all of your passwords are stored, and these can be changed to more complex alternatives at the touch of a button. LastPass will also advise you on how secure your passwords are for your existing accounts. Getting set up is easy too, as you can import existing passwords from web browsers, email, and other password managers. The app offers a digital wallet to store your card details, plus another area for official ID such as passports and driving licenses. The Note section is a place where you can keep Wi-Fi passwords, insurance details and any other important documents that you need to access. Its also possible to securely share account details and logins with friends and family, even if they dont have LastPass. There is a free tier, although this is limited to one device, so if you want to sync across your Mac and iPhone youll need to move up to the Premium tier, which is a annual subscription. One of the advantages of a paid plan is an Emergency backup which means that, should you suffer an accident or even pass away, your family will be given access to your account. Read our full LastPass review Enpass Price When Reviewed: Free tier; From $1.99 per month, $23.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Enpass (annually) $23.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Those looking for a simple, secure solution that doesnt break the bank would do well to consider Enpass. The macOS client is completely free, but if you want to add the same features to your iPhone or Android device then youll need to move to the Enpass Premium tier. Here you have the choice of an annual subscription or a lifetime license which is rare these days. Enpass doesnt store any of your information on its servers. Instead, everything is encrypted and kept on your personal device so you never lose control of your data.Details can be synced securely via iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, or ownCloud/WebDAV, to keep all of your devices in step. You still have the classic features of other password managers, such as auto-fill forms, security analysis of your passwords and generating complex replacements easily, secure storage for sensitive information, passkey support, and AES 256-bit encryption, plus support for iOS, Android, and Apple Watch devices. There are plenty of fine-tuning options for those who are a little bit more hands-on, but we like the no-nonsense approach and the fact that your data never leaves your device. Do you need a password manager? Now that Apple has its own standalone Passwords app (which arrived in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia) do you need another Password Manager? As you will see from our review above, and our full review of Apples Passwords app , most users can replace their paid password manager with Apples free solution. Most people dont use a password manager at all, so getting them in the door this way is a good thing and Apple Passwords is definitely good enough for most everyday users. For more ways to keep your data safe, read our iPhone security and Best Mac security tips articles. Need some help coming up with a safe and secure password? Read our tips to make your passwords even stronger . Do I need to use passkeys? Apple and other tech companies are encouraging the use of passkeys. This is a system that uses encrypted keys for account authentication. You have one key and the website has another and when you attempt to log in the two keys pair. Passkeys improve security, but for now they havent been widely adopted, but that is likely to change in time. Dashlane, NordPass, and 1Password already support passkeys. How we test password managers When evaluating password managers we assess the different features on offer, focussing on ease of use because lets face it, if its too much hassle people wont use their password manager and they will ignore its warnings. Another area we check is cross-platform compatibility, because a password manager should work across all your devices. If you arent only in the Apple ecosystem you need a password manager that will assist you outside as well. Also important are the security features, so we look out for good encryption, multi-factor authentication, and strong password generation. Finally we look at the additional features, like how easy it is to share with family and friends, and what happens if you pass away. Price is also assessed. Many password managers have a yearly subscription so we feel it is important to assess whether the password manager will still feel as valuable a year from the date you first start to use it. Especially as moving to an alternative can be a stressful process. Why you can trust Macworld Macworld is a team of Apple enthusiasts with decades of experience with, and expertise in, all things Apple. We offer fair and honest reviews and unbiased buying advice based on our own practical experience with the products. Our testing process is rigorous and we frequently look again at software to ensure that it still meets our requirements and the needs of our readers. How password managers work The idea of password managers is to simplify the way you access your various accounts. Instead of having to memorize multiple complex passwords for each of the services you use you need only recall one password or provide a fingerprint or Face ID and the password manager will automatically fill in the required details for you. Just remember this is only as safe as the password you use to unlock access to all your passwords so dont lock them all behind an easy-to-guess password, like your pets name. The password managers also offer various other features. For example, they can generate random, highly secure passwords for your accounts, they can warn you if your password has been compromised, and some can advise you about existing insecure passwords and support your efforts to update them. Obviously, security is a high priorityas the manager apps have the virtual keys to your kingdomwhich is why all of the options listed use high-grade encryption to protect your details. Many also feature digital wallets so your bank details can be safely stored and used to make purchases online without having to root around in your pocket or bag for the card number and expiry date. A good Password Manager makes it easy to use strong, unique passwords everywhere on the web, no matter what platform or browser you happen to use. But to get the most out of them, you need to pay a subscription fee. How to choose the best password manager First decide which of the features you need from those mentioned above and then look for a password manager that offers them. You likely want password generation to make it easy to come up woth a new password every time you are asked. Many password managers will also analyze your existing passwords for weaknesses and help you upgrade them. Another feature you may want is the ability to share a password with friends and family. A good password manager will allow you to do that without sacrificing security. Its important that the password manager has good security, because it holds the key to all of your data, including bank account and address probably. So make sure that you have protection for this information, which is usually two-factor authentication so that your password cant be hacked without access to a trusted device via a second method of identification. Are password managers safe? Good password managers will offer enhanced security features beyond basic protection. They encrypt all stored data, making it highly unlikely cybercriminals can decrypt it.Since all passwords will be encrypted, hackers shouldnt be able to view them even after theft. However, the strength of your master password is crucial. If youre concerned, consider choosing a password manager that stores your master password on a separate server, adding an extra layer of security. Should there be a security incident, a reputable managers should publicly release details. If you suspect a hack, determine if its your data or the password managers database. If the database is hacked, you can decide whether to continue using the service. Should I switch password managers? Problems can arise if you are trying to switching from an existing Password Manager. Indeed, the biggest annoyance we ran into was making the switch to Apples Passwords app and getting everything transferred over, as you can see if you read: Apples free Passwords app can replace your paid password manager (kinda) . If you just love your current password manager and use it to connect to multiple platforms and browsers, it may well be worth continuing to pay its subscription fee. If youre thinking of switching to save the fee for your existing password manager, by all means move, just expect it to take a little time.

The AirPlay device connected to your iPhone or Mac may be a target for hackers

Macworld Apples AirPlay technology makes it easy to stream media from an Apple device to a device such as a speaker or a television. But the wireless connection that AirPlay uses has vulnerabilities that hackers can use to gain control of those devices. Cybersecurity firm Oligo posted a report today that covers vulnerabilities it discovered in the AirPlay protocol and the AirPlay Software Development Kit. The vulnerabilities, dubbed AirBorne, have been patched in the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices through security updates , but third-party products that implement AirPlay likely contain the flaws since its up to those third parties to provide software patches for their devices. Oligo states in its report that the number of third-party audio devices that support AirPlay can be estimated in the 10s [stet] of millions. To take advantage of the AirPlay vulnerabilities, the hacker must have access to the local Wi-FI network that the AirPlay devices are connected to. While that isnt a trivial task with a home or business network, it can be if the network is a publicly shared one, such as in a coffee shop. For example, a coffee shop may put AirPlay speakers or a TV on the same network as the one open to its customers. If an AirPlay device is equipped with microphones or cameras, AirBorne can be used by a hacker to spy on users. Airborne allows for a variety of attacks. In one video example, Oligo shows a Remote Code Execution (RCE), where a MacBook is hacked using AirBourne so that whenever the Music app is launched, an AirBourne image opens. Watch the demo below. Oligio also states that CarPlay devices are affected by AirBorne. In the video below, AirBorne is used to gain access to a CarPlay unit and display the AirBorne image. However, because the hacker needs to able to connect to the CarPlay unit by accessing the cars Bluetooth or USB connection, the risk is low. How to protect yourself from AirBorne Apple has patched the AirBorne vulnerabilities in its devices through OS updates and firmware updates for devices such as the HomePod and Apple TV. Users can update iPhones, iPads, and Macs through Software Update in System Settings. Firmware updates cannot be triggered by the user; they are usually done automatically. Apple releases security patches through OS updates, so installing them as soon as possible is important. As for third-party AirPlay devices, it is up to the manufacturer to provide a driver update. Wired points out that the market is filled with uncertified AirPlay support, which could mean that the manufacturer may not be attentive in updating the software for its device. Macworld has several guides to help keep your Mac secure, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software , a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans , and a comparison of Mac security software .

Im an Apple fan in 2025. What does that even mean?

Macworld Im going to wax a little philosophical for this weeks column, which also happens to be my last. Stay Foolish debuted a decade ago, almost to the day , but Ive been writing regularly for Macworld for nearly 20 years. When I first started out, we were all excited about what the latest in technology Intel-powered Macs would mean for Apples long-term prospects for survival. Two decades later, nobody ever even whispers that Apple is doomed anymore, because to suggest it would mark you as somebody divorced from reality. Its difficult to overstate just how different the Apple of today is from the Apple of 2015 or 2006. In taking a retrospective look at Apple, we most often find ourselves comparing the enormously successful behemoth that Apple now is to the companys nadir in the mid-90s, when it was just steps from going out of business. But the truth is that even in just the last decade or two, the company has reached heights that seemed previously unattainable. And somewhere along the way, I think the relationship of the company to its customersand vice versachanged as well. Its something that Ive found myself thinking about more and more in recent years . But is it me thats changed, or is it Apple? I think probably a little of both. As Apple started becoming more and more successful, Ive become increasingly skeptical that one should ever really consider oneself a fan of a company . Fan fare Over the years, those in the Apple community have long been called everything from the liturgical Apple faithful to the insipid iSheep, dating back to the days when the prevailing wisdom was that to hitch your fortunes to this weird company must imply a cult-like devotion. The simple truth was that most customers were simply fans of the products themselves: they liked the way they worked and looked. That hasnt changed for me: I continue to be a fan of Apples products. But as Apple started becoming more and more successful, Ive become increasingly skeptical that one should ever really consider oneself a fan of a company . A fan is the kind of term we usually reserve for artistic or athletic pursuits. If Im a fan of a sports team, Im rooting for that team to win, and that is naturally aligned with the teams own primary goals. But if Im a fan of a company, am I rooting for it to notch another zero on its balance sheet? For no matter how much the company may pride itself on its products, its primary goal is surely to make more money. Being a fan of Apple as a company means necessarily grappling with the reality of business itself. Apple is a moneymaking machine in a society built for and around moneymaking machines, and it is in some ways itself trapped in that system. Sometimes that means discontinuing product lines that dont sell, and sometimes it means bending to the whims of authoritarian (or would-be authoritarian) regimes. Sometimes it even means paying a million dollars to insulate yourself from government policy, with the understanding that its just how business works. Apple strives to be a virtuous company, but all companies have the end goal of making money. Apple Even when a company does verge into doing good works, whether its environmental sustainability or racial equity and justice , those moves must be couched as part and parcel of the companys economic success. Because to not do so would open the company to accusations of it failing to fulfill the prime directive of any publicly-traded corporation: returning value to its shareholders. Billions and billions served Frankly, its difficult for a person to really comprehend Apples present-day value. To give just one example, Apple recently found itself on the receiving end of a fine from the European Union to the tune of $570 million. That sounds like a lot, to you or me, because it would be, to you or me. But in its most recent quarter, Apple generated that much revenue in a daymore than twice over, in fact. The European Commission could levy that fine several times over and barely make a dent in Apples bottom line. The Apple of 2025 is, in a very real sense, too big to fail. Some view these fines as unfairly targeting Apple, arguing its an attempt to bring down a uniquely successful American company to elevate competitors from elsewhere in the world. Reasonable people might differ on that thesis, but it is the unbridled enthusiasm for it that I find distasteful. Because, simply put, Apple does not need your help. It doesnt need your defense or your enthusiasm. It certainly does not need your support, any more than your buying of its productsand even that it can do without, since youre just one person. Corporations, court decisions to the contrary, are not people. No person will live as long as Apple will, because it now has so much money that there is no practical way for it to run out. Tim Cook could go on a wild shopping spree and buy Luxembourg , and it would just be a bad quarter for the company. None of this is intended to take away from the individuals at Apple, many of whom are devoted to doing good work. But those people are, by and large, not any more in control of the direction the company takes than the average citizen is of their countrys policies. But if Apple really does believe in changing the world, as it so often claims, the opportunity is there. As one of the most powerful companies in the world (if not the most powerful), the power to buck the system is in its hands. It could decide, in the words of its most indelible slogan, to think different. Some might argue that the companys immense size and value make it unwilling or unable to take chances, but those very same qualities arguably mean its maybe the only one that can. See you, space cowboy So thats it. After more than 400 columns, Im turning off the lights for Stay Foolish. It may not be the last time you see my byline over here, but if you want to keep up with my tech musings on the regular, youll still find me writing over at Six Colors and podcasting at Clockwise and The Rebound , and of course, you can always buy my books . Thanks for reading for all these years, and if I may be bold enough to leave with any advicewhether for you, or for Apple itselfit would be the very Steve Jobs adage from which I drew this columns name: Stay hungry, stay foolish.

How to get Face ID to work with sunglasses

Macworld Now the suns out you may be wearing your sunglasses and wondering why your iPhone wont unlock. If you are fed up with having to remove your sunglasses every time you need to unlock your iPhone. Heres what you can do to speed up the process. The reason why Face ID isnt unlocking your iPhone is it cant verify that you are looking at the phone. Face ID normally only unlocks the phone when you are looking at your phonethat way it offers you greater security as someone cant just hold your phone at your face to unlock it without your authorization, it wont unlock just sat on your desk beside you, and it cant be unlocked while you are unconscious or asleep. However, you can set your iPhone to unlock even if it cant tell you are looking at it. If you do want your phone to unlock without detecting what your eyes are doing heres what you need to do. How to make Face ID work with sunglasses Theres a simple setting that makes it a lot easier for Face ID to recognize you when youre sporting your favorite shades (although it comes at the expense of sacrificing a bit of security). Heres how you do it. Go to Settings . Scroll down to Face ID & Passcode . Press it. Enter your passcode. Scroll down to the toggle that says Require attention for Face ID and switch it off. Tap on Ok. Thats all! Face ID should now work when youre wearing most sunglasses. The benefit is that by turning this requirement off Face ID will speed up in general. Heres another issue you might have encountered when unlocking your iPhone, although not so much these days: How to use Face ID to unlock iPhone while wearing a face mask .We also have a guide to how to fix problems with Face ID . How to set up Face ID while wearing sunglasses If you would rather not disable Require Attention for Face ID (reasons why you might not want to do this are below) you could set up a Alternative Appearance in your Face ID settings. As before, follow these steps: Go to Settings . Scroll down to Face ID & Passcode . Press it. Enter your passcode. Scroll down to the toggle that says Set Up an Alternative Appearance and click on it. Now follow the instructions to record your face while wearing your sun glasses. Foundry What are the risks of disabling Require Attention for Face ID? The option above comes with a warning that says, TrueDepth camera will provide an additional level of security by verifying that you are looking at iPhone before unlocking. Some sunglasses may block attention detection. Basically, attention means that youre looking directly at your iPhone with your eyes open. When attention detection is turned off, Face ID will still be secure in that your iPhone will only unlock if the TrueDepth sensors are sure that theyre seeing you, but now it also works if your eyes are closed. That means someone could force you to unlock your iPhone by merely lifting it up to your face, even if you shut your eyes. Someone could even unlock your iPhone if youre asleep. Youll have to decide if its worth the risk. Fortunately, its easy to quickly disable Face ID for unlocking your iPhone if you know youre about to be in a situation where this could be a problem. All you need to do is hold down the side button and either of the volume buttons at the same time for a couple of seconds. Anyone trying to access the phone after that will have to enter the passcode.For more detailed information, be sure to check out our dedicated how-to that explains how to disable Face ID .

Satechi launches sleek Qi2 travel chargers designed for power users on the go

After introducing a new lineup of Qi2 accessories at CES 2025, Satechi is finally ready to launch its new travel chargers designed for power users The post Satechi launches sleek Qi2 travel chargers designed for power users on the go appeared first on BGR .

HyperJuice Qi2 3-in 1 and 2-in 1 Magnetic Charging Stand reviews: cute, smart and powerful

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 charging Fast 15W for iPhone Fast 5W for Watch and AirPods Compact and lightweight Cons Requires USB-C wall charger Our Verdict This 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 Hyperjuice multi-device chargers are compact and good-looking enough to look sharp in a modern home or work environment. Both are light enough to take with your on a trip, and the smaller will slip in your pocket. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $119.99 Best Prices Today: HyperJuice Qi2 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand Retailer Price $119.99 View Deal Hypershop $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There are plenty of 3-in-1 magnetic chargers that cater for all your Apple portable device needs, charging iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch. Indeed, weve reviewed and tested the best 3-in-1 Apple chargers . Some are stands that sit on your desk or nightstand, while others fold up to fit in your pocket. The HyperJuice Qi2 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand sits somewhere in between. It has a smaller sibling, predictably called the Qi2 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand. This is much more pocketable, but still offers fast charging when connected to a USB-C charger. It can charge those same three Apple products, but not three at a time. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Design Its small enough to be portable but not so svelte that it will slip into your pant pocket or purse. It weighs little (9.6oz, 272g) and is a tight-little shape measuring just 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.1 inches (7 x 7 x 8cm). You wont notice it in your backpack or suitcase, although Id want to safeguard its good looks in a pouch or some other protection. Its cute and cleverly designed. The top 15W Qi2 wireless iPhone charger can be kept flat for charging or lifted to act like an adjustableif lowstand. Qi2 is becoming the fast and affordable magnetic wireless charging standard that is just as fast as Apples certified MagSafe, to which it is fully compatible. When lifted, a pull-up Apple. Watch charger is revealed that lays out flat on the right-hand side. This is Apple certified to fast charge the Watch at 5W. Underneath is the 5W Qi wireless-charging base for an AirPods case. Its priced the same as the equally modern-looking Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station , but that is a much larger statement charger. Wireless all rounder All three Apple devices can be charged at the same time, and all wirelessly. Youll need to add your own USB-C chargerof at least 30Wto connect the Hyper Charging Stand to a power source. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry 2-in-1 in your pocket Hyper also makes a 2-in-1 version that can charge an iPhone and Watch at the same time, but dont worry if you own AirPods as you can balance the earbuds case on the phone-charging pad instead when you need to. What makes the Hyperjuice 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand special is its highly pocketable shape and size. The round charger weighs just 3.5oz (100g) and folds up into a 2.4 x 2.4 x 0.8 inch (6.2 x 6.2 x 2.1cm) disc. You are more likely to lose the charger in your bag than notice its presence when carrying it. Remember, though, that you still need to connect it to a wall charger for it to work as its not a magnetic power bank . Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry A metal leg pulls out of the back of the 2-in-1 to create a robust stand. With the Watch-charging pad tucked away, you can flip it 180 degrees for an even sturdier stand base.. 15W Qui2 for iPhone charging and 5W Watch power means you get the fastest wireless charging available. We have tested a bunch more of the best 2-in-1 Apple chargers . HyperJuice Qi2 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Amazon | $99.99 at Hyper Should you buy the HyperJuice Qi2 3-in-1 or 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand? The HyperJuice Qi2 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand is priced at $119.99 / 119.99 . The 2-in-1 is a little cheaper at $99.99 / 99.99 . Neither is a throwaway price, but the 3-in-1 is a compact, good-looking multi-device charger that looks sharp in a modern home or work environment. The 2-in-1 is a really cute and clever charger. Each works both at home or on your travels and incorporates all the fastest wireless charging speeds.

WTF! You people are taking this AI thing a little too far

Macworld Every day, the Macalope is more and more convinced that we need less artificial intelligence and more human intelligence. (Zing! Walk that one off, human race.) Fresh off credulously telling us how close we are to artificial general intelligence, The New York Timess Kevin Roose is back to ask, if you prick AI, does it not bleed? If A.I. Systems Become Conscious, Should They Have Rights? You will be surprised to read that, once again, after talking solely to a group of people who work in AI, Roose believes that super-intelligent, sentient AI is right around the corner. But can ChatGPT experience joy or suffering? Does Gemini deserve human rights? Many A.I. experts I know would say no, not yet, not even close. But I was intrigued. Kevin Roose, April 24, 2025 Experts say, Dude, no. But what if I really want it to be true? After all, more people are beginning to treat AI systems as if they are conscious falling in love with them, using them as therapists and soliciting their advice. Kevin Roose, April 24, 2025 Could the experts be wrong and the nincompoops right? asks writer for The New York Fricking Times. Roose is more and more like a guy who accidentally got subscribed to a podcast about sourdough starters months ago and somehow now thinks the right sourdough starter might be able to cure cancer because he just knows so much about it now . Rooses perspective seems backward to the Macalope; coming at it from whether or not AI is approaching sentience. The easier way to think about it is simply what it says about us if we abuse something that simply presents itself as human. If youd like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters , including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast , David Prices weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors. IDG Maybe it comes from spending too much time with action figures as a child and then seeing Toy Story and thinking it was a documentary, but the Macalope believes you shouldnt abuse anything, whether you think its sentient or not, because you may not know. Just ask the whales. Or watch that famous documentary, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home . Also, if you build up the habit of, for example, swearing at Siri, you might find it hard to break that habit when you interact with actual humans who also dont know how to turn the lights on or play Expert In A Dying Field by The Beths or add butter to the groceries list instead of butler. Like, what aisle are those even on? And if youre at Costco you have to get the three pack so the Macalope is frantically texting friends asking if they want to go in on a pack of butlers when his wife just wanted more butter. Which comes in a 164 pack at Costco so the Macalope still has to text some friends but if he does it with Siri the situation has a 50/50 chance of having the butler problem again. What were we talking about again? So, yeah, its nice to be concerned about how we treat AI if and when it becomes conscious. But the current collection of Rube Goldberg machines that obsequiously apologize to you for incorrectly suggesting you ingest rocks are probably further away from needing your concern than Roose seems to think. One question Anthropic is exploring, he said, is whether future A.I. models should be given the ability to stop chatting with an annoying or abusive user Kevin Roose, April 24, 2025 Funny you should mention that, actually. Because, despite not believing theres the slightest reason to be worried about the inalienable rights of AI at this juncture, the Macalope would still support a restraining order that requires Henry Blodget to stay 50 yards away from AI at all times. If only because then hed have to stop writing about it. Once a vocal espouser of Apple doom, Blodget is almost certainly doing a bit here to gin up some attention since its harder to get traction these days claiming Apples about to go out of business. His latest piece of performance art is to use AI to create a newsroom staffed by ChatGPT personalities who are only slightly more phony baloney than Blodget himself. When he then had ChatGPT create headshots for these bogus employees, he found one so attractive he felt the need to comment on it, even though he knew it was wrong . Honestly, this is one of those few cases where the Macalope would have preferred interpretive dance. Or even mime. Okay, maybe not mime. With all of this goofball reaction to AI, you will forgive the horny one if hes not really worked up over the fact that Apples AI efforts right now seem to largely consist of rearranging the deck chairs . The relocation of [Brian] Lynchs unit is also notable because it gives [John] Ternus control over key AI operating system and algorithms teams, groups not typically managed by the hardware engineering department. Mark Gurman, April 24, 2025 Again, AI is a useful tool in the right circumstances. But its a little early to be worried about the morality of its indentured servitude, the performative lasciviousness of some people notwithstanding.

Why Apple probably shouldnt update the iPhone 16e every year

Macworld Apple is quite secretive about the sales numbers of individual products, so we have to make do with revenue figures for entire categories. But even with those vague numbers, most analysts agree that this years iPhone 16e is shifting considerably more units than the 3rd-gen iPhone SE it (sort of) replaced. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, widely followed Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says this is not surprising. For fans of the SE, he explains, the jump from the second generation to the third was quite minimal [thats a polite way to put it ], so there was less reason to upgrade. The iPhone 16ewhile basically a stripped-down iPhone 16is a meaningful redesign from the SE 3. Gurman adds that Apple marketed the 16e in a smarter and more appealing way than the 2022 iteration of the SE. By tying it in with the premium 16-series phones rather than the budget SE line, the company added quite a bit more allure in markets such as China. Thats all good news for Apple, but Gurman says he is more interested in a different question: Whether Apple will update the e line of iPhones once a year, as it does with the flagship handsets. The SE line, by contrast, was updated quite sporadically: those phones arrived in 2016, 2020, and 2022 before the 16e debuted in 2025. The iPhone 16e seemingly spurred lots of upgradesbut will the 17e be as successful? David Price / Foundry Gurman doesnt claim to be sure whether the e iPhones will follow an annual launch cadence, as he says Apple itself hasnt made a final decision. But he points out that competing firms such as Samsung and Google release new budget phones one or more times per year, and on this basis concludes that a yearly upgrade cycle for the iPhone 16e and its successors makes a lot of sense. But Im not convinced it does. By Gurmans own logic, the iPhone 16e got a positive reception specifically because it represented a significant upgrade on and a major change from the 3rd-gen SE, a device that cost far less and came out three years earlier. That absolutely wouldnt be the case if Apple launched an iPhone 17e in April 2026, basing it on what looks to be a cautious set of 17-series handsets this September. The phone will probably be quite similar to the 16e, and while that might appeal to owners of the iPhone 13 or 14, it wouldnt represent the exciting sea change that won the 16e such apparent commercial success. The problem is that you can launch regularly, or you can release phones that are a big improvement on their predecessors, but you cant do both. Or rather, you can, but Apple doesnt like to, because regular substantive refreshes cut into profit margins and make future launches more difficult to navigate. On balance, I think it probably does make sense to carve out a predictable annual launch cadence for the e line, so that customers can learn to expect a new mid-market phone every spring and adjust their buying plans accordingly. But this wouldnt guarantee a smash hit every year like the rest of the iPhone line. In making the decision, Apple will, Im sure, be factoring in the likelihood that a 17e in April 2026 would be a great deal less interesting to customers than the 16e was this April. But heres one final point. Apple could make the 17e instantly appealing by reversing some of the more extreme compromises it made to ensure the 16e supported Apple Intelligence. In order to achieve that, the 16e was equipped with an A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, a far more powerful (and costly) setup than it otherwise needed. But now that the bar has been cleared, those primary specs dont need to change in 2026. Apple could release a 17e with the same chip, the same RAM, and focus its resources on restoring MagSafe , perhaps. Or adding a second camera lens. Or even switching from a notch to the Dynamic Island. These changes, if theyre logistically feasible, would ensure a second successful e launch. But this strategy has a limited shelf life, because the 18e would need to improve on that . And in the end, switching to a long-term annual release strategy means accepting that quite a lot of your products are going to be received with a yawn, not a yell.

CASETiFY Bounce carry-on review: The best suitcase for your summer trip

Last November, CASETiFY announced its expansion from everyday case accessories to bigger plans: adding its Bounce iPhone case technology to carry-on luggage. This product became The post CASETiFY Bounce carry-on review: The best suitcase for your summer trip appeared first on BGR .

The iPhone 17 is coming soon. Heres why everyone will want to upgrade this year

Macworld With every iPhone launch, people are excited until they start to voice their frustration over Apples incremental hardware changes. The rage is typically justified. Over the past several years, Apple has given us largely tweaked iterations of the same device. Nevertheless, these small improvements do add up to meaningful year-over-year upgrades, but its been a while since Apple has truly blown us away This years iPhone 17 lineup could follow the same pattern. Were not expecting groundbreaking additions such as a foldable display or a portless design, but rumors hint at a slew of welcome changes across the line. Regardless of the model youre using right now, here are 10 main reasons you will want to buy an iPhone 17 this fall. 1. All-new Air variant Perhaps the most noticeable introduction will be the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is reportedly working on an ultra-thin phone that sacrifices some high-end specs in favor of sleeker aesthetics. With a rumored thinness of around 5.5mm, the Air model will easily dethrone the 6.9mm iPhone 6 as Apples thinnest smartphone ever. While it will likely sport a single camera like the iPhone 16e, the 17 Air edition is expected to still bring several high-end features, including support for MagSafe accessories, the Dynamic Island, the Camera Control button, and possibly even an always-on display. Its the closest thing to a new design weve gotten in years, and the iPhone 17 Air will appeal to customers looking for something different. 2. Sharper selfie camera If you dont really care about the Air edition, there are still plenty of other upgrades planned for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. For starters, all four models are expected to feature a 24MP TrueDepth camera system, a notable jump from the 12MP lens available on the last several generations. This upgrade will dramatically improve the quality of your selfies and possibly enable 2X zoom while maintaining image sharpness. The iPhone 17 Pro could get a major camera upgrade. Foundry 3. Main camera upgrades The newest iPhones always have better cameras, and the iPhone 17 will be no exception. Most notably, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max could finally adopt a 48MP telephoto lens, making faraway shots even sharper and enabling even better digital zoom. Additionally, the ultrawide lens could gain a variable aperture, letting you decide how much light passes through. This would elevate mobile photography by giving users more control over the depth of field. However, its possible that this feature gets pushed to the iPhone 18 in 2026. Beyond that, the highest-end models could gain 8K video shooting capabilities for the first time, luring content creators whod rather not carry a dedicated camera around. 4. Reimagined camera bump iPhone camera upgrades are usually limited to spec bumps, but this years models are also expected to adopt a fresh exterior design. For starters, the all-new iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a new look with a horizontal bar to house its single wide lens, differentiating it from the entry-level 16e. Similarly, Apple may stretch the iPhone 17 Pro models camera bump across the back as well, departing from the classic square design. The back of the iPhone has generally looked the same ever since the iPhone 11, so an overhauled look will set the upcoming Pro iPhones apart from their predecessors. The entire iPhone lineup could have new camera designs. Foundry 5. Aluminum frame revival For nearly a decade, Apple has distinguished its flagship iPhones by offering distinct metallic chassis. The strategy was kickstarted by the iPhone X, offering a stainless steel frame as the iPhone 8 stuck to aluminum. Lower-end iPhones continued to feature the same aluminum frame, while Pro models eventually switched to titanium. Later this year, Apple could switch things up by using aluminum bodies across the entire iPhone 17 line. This shift could make the Pro models lighter, as titanium is significantly denser. Apart from that, the company could mix aluminum with the back glass to increase its durability. 6. In-house wireless chips With the iPhone 16e, Apple introduced its first 5G chip, delivering comparable performance using less energy. The first-party modem could make its way to the iPhone 17 Air later this year, which would improve its energy efficiency. Similarly, all iPhone 17 models could pack an Apple-made Wi-Fi chipset, potentially increasing their battery life. Apple might switch to new wireless chips that are more efficient. Foundry 7. RAM boost With the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple boosted the standard models to 8GB of RAM to support on-device Apple Intelligence features, matching the 8GB in the Pro models. To set its high-end phones apart, Apple is rumored to equip the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max with 12GB of RAMa 50 percent increase over the current specs. Beyond more powerful AI tools, the upgrade could make apps snappier and practically eliminate lag across the system. 8. Improved thermal management After the iPhone 15 Pros overheating issues, the iPhone 16 Pro adopted an enhanced thermal management system. To help maintain the phones neutral temperature, the iPhone 17 Pro models could go one step further with a vapor chamber cooling technology. A special liquid would dissipate in a vacuum space when subjected to heat, which then distributes it across a wider area, keeping things cool in the most stressful conditions. 9. Longer battery life The homegrown Wi-Fi chip and vapor chamber cooling may not be the only factors improving battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro models could have a thicker design for the first time in years, presumably to accommodate larger batteries. Consequently, iPhone 17 Pro users could be able to go through a full day of heavy use without having to worry about charging. The non-Pro iPhone 17 models might get ProMotion displays for the first time. Foundry 10. Superior displays Lastly, all iPhone 17 models could adopt the ProMotion technology, finally unlocking 120Hz variable refresh rates for all users. Currently exclusive to Pro models since 2021, the addition would let iPhone 17 and 17 Air users finally enjoy smoother scrolling and transitions throughout iOS. Furthermore, the four displays could feature a more scratch-resistant coating to better withstand sharp objects. There have also been mixed rumors about a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but its unclear if itll actually materialize. Theres still room for innovation Smartphones have undoubtedly matured, and annual refreshes have arguably become redundant. Despite that, every once in a while, Apple manages to squeeze in enough hardware boosts in a single launch, enticing users to upgrade. Whats especially exciting about this years rumored iPhone line is how there are remarkable changes impacting each of the four variantsnot just the highest-end ones. While the vanilla iPhone 17 may be the least interesting, theres a lot to look forward to in the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models.

One iOS manager lets you sync your files on all devices

Macworld Keeping your iPhone or iPad backed up and organized can be more of a chore than it should be, especially if you use iCloud, iTunes, and your computer to store different things. Between scattered music files, old texts, and cloud backups that are hard to manage, its easy to lose track of whats where, but theres a new app that can help. AnyTrans is a streamlined tool that lets you manage all of your iOS content in one place, and it just went on sale. Whether your files are on your device, your computer, iCloud, or iTunes, this software helps you easily transfer, organize, and back up your data without the usual headache. That includes photos, messages, contacts, call logs, and even non-purchased music. Switching to a new iPhone? AnyTrans offers a one-click migration that transfers everything from your old device or Android phone. It can also handle WhatsApp messages and attachments, merging chats from multiple devices into a single thread. And if you ever need to restore your phone, AnyTrans gives you more control over what to restore and from where. You can even back up and print your text messages if you need a physical copy for records. Use code LIFETIME10 by April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an AnyTrans Lifetime Subscription on sale for $19.97 (reg. $79.99). AnyTrans One-Stop Content Manager for iOS: Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

The Apple Watch is boringheres how Apple can change that

Macworld After a decade of development, the Apple Watch is basically the same as it was when it launched in 2015. Yes, the technology inside has gone through significant improvements its early days a dacade ago. Bigger, brighter displays. More powerful processors. An ever-growing suite of sensors to detect everything from your heart rate to incredibly fine movements. But outside, the Apple Watch still looks like the Apple Watchmore so than any other Apple product. From 10 feet away, you wouldnt be able to tell if someone has a new Series 10 or an old Series 4. Perhaps that is by design, but with major new health technologies like blood glucose monitoring still years away and even the blood oxygen sensor on pause for over a year and counting, its hard to find something to look forward to in a new Apple Watch. Apple doesnt need a new health sensor to make Apple Watch exciting again. It needs to take some risks. Shake up the shape The shape of the Apple Watch hasnt changed in a decade. There have been slight variations in thickness, size, or curvature, but youd be hard pressed to tell the difference without holding one next to another. Imagine if the first decade of the iPhone was like that! By the time iPhone X celebrated the tenth anniversary of Apples smartphone, the device was already drastically different from its first few years. So play with the shape, Apple. Give us a watch with flat sidesI loved the mockups people made of such a watch back when it was rumored that the Series 7 would sport such a look. Its a shame this rumor was dead wrong, I love this design. Jon Prosser Or offer two kinds of Apple Watch, one rectangular and onegaspround! Android watches have been circular for years now without major compromises to features or battery life, surely Apple could make it happen with a few tweaks to the OS. And what happened to colors? Of course, silver and black are the most popular watch colors, but these days, rose gold is the only other option. Where did the colorful green, blue, and red offerings of the Series 7 go? Or the pink Series 9? Like the iMac, the fashion-forward Apple Watch is an opportunity for Apple to have some fun. Do something with bands There are a million Apple Watch bands out there, but theyre kind ofwellthe same. The materials and colors might be different, but none of them add anything to the watch other than a little style. How about a new clasping mechanism that allows for a tiny amount of power and data transfer, just enough to power some tiny microelectronics and send a few kilobytes of data every now and then. Add a few developer frameworks, and both Apple and third-party developers could make smart bands . There have been various rumors over the years about a new mechanism, and one could imagine smart bands adding custom sensors for specific kinds of activities, or even a small, thin secondary screen that shows a complication of sorts. An Apple Watch that supports new smart bands would be a major reason to upgrademore than yet another health sensor, really. Heck, I would buy a smart band that just had a button on the wrist side that I could set to one of a dozen different functions just like the Action Button on the iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra. Software, software, software Obviously theres a lot Apple can and should be doing with software on the Apple Watch, starting with making Siri great. Even before Apple Intelligence, the experience on the Apple Watch wasnt as good as the one on our iPhone. Since none of the current Apple Watch models support Apple Intelligence, its only going to get worse. Apple needs to find a way to bring the new Siri to the Apple Watch. If the Siri models are too big to run entirely on the watch, the watch could simply work as a speakerphone for Siri on your iPhone most of the time. When I watch people use their Apple Watch, Im struck by how much of the core interface goes completely unused. Control Center is just as bad on Apple Watch as it is on iPhoneso many people dont know what it is or where it is, dont know what it can do, and when you tell them, they struggle to actually access it. Its taking a bunch of core iPhone (or Apple Watch) functions and deliberately stuffing them in a hidden and confusing menu, and as far as the average user is concerned, it might as well not be there. Then theres the weird honeycomb app grid thats like an annoying little game to find what youre looking for (List View should really be the only option), the limited watch faces with basic customization that still seems beyond the average user. Most people I see just stick with the defaults, maybe change the color, but have no idea what complications are or how they work at all. But all of these thingssoftware that simultaneously does way too much and not enough, and whose best features are opaque to the average usershould be fixed on all existing Apple Watches. Maybe the shift to the new design with iOS 19 will spur Apple to rethink watchOS 12 as a turning point for a rethink of the Apple Watch interface. But new software only goes so far. Its a new direction for hardware thats needed to really make Apple Watch exciting again. Apple seems so laser-focused on the next big heath and fitness sensor that it seems to be ignoring all the other ways it could change up the Apple Watch linea little fun and some outside-the-box thinking.

The cheapest M4 MacBook Air drops to its very best price so far

Macworld Apples newest MacBook Air is already a great value at $999, but thanks to its current discount over at Amazon, its even more affordable as its price drops to $909 , the lowest weve ever seen. This laptop features the super speedy M4 chip and a gorgeous 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display that will make everything look gorgeous, whether youre working, doomscrolling, or watching Netflix. We reviewed the 15-inch version but loved it just the same. We gave the M4 MacBook Air a perfect 5-star review, appreciating the performance boost delivered by the new M4 chip. The fact that its Thunderbolt 4 port lets you finally hook up two external displays at 6K and 60Hz is pretty much the cherry on top. The laptop comes with 16GB memory and 256GB of storage space, which is the minimum nowadays, enough for whatever you want to do with it. Plus the new MacBook Air is perfectly ready for any Apple Intelligence tasks you need to complete, from getting help writing emails to summarizing content, playing around with image editing, and more coming soon. So stop wasting time and get your very own M4 MacBook Air for $909 at Amazon while this deal still stands. Get the best MacBook Air for its best price Buy now at Amazon

Resident Evil 3 on the Mac review: Time to meet your Nemesis

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Enjoyable survival-horror action Modest system requirements Free demo available Cons Definitely not suitable for children Zombie-slaying can get a bit monotonous at times Our Verdict It might not be the best game in the series, but the zombie-slaying action is still good fun, and a new enemy called Nemesis adds a bit of variety. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mac App Store $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Youve got to hand it to Capcom, as the company is certainly putting real effort into releasing Mac versions of its games or at least the Resident Evil series anyway. Resident Evil: Village was the first of the series to be released for the Mac, back in 2022, although that was actually the eighth game in the long-running series. Since then Capcom has followed up with Resident Evil 4 and 7 and 2, in that order. Fortunately, the order doesnt matter too much as most of the Resident Evil games have their own individual stories which is just as well, as the latest game in the series to arrive on the Mac is Resident Evil 3, which was originally launched on PC in 2020 (although its actually a remake of the original game from 1999). This time around, you play as Jill Valentine, a special agent sent to Racoon City in the American Mid-West to investigate the outbreak of the zombie virus that first emerged in Resident Evil 2. Jill and her fellow agents suspect Umbrella, a typically evil big pharmaceutical corporation that has developed a biological weapon called the T-Virus that seems to be behind the outbreak. In most Resident Evil games, this is the point where you start gunning down wave after wave of not-very-smart zombies, but Resident Evil 3 has a new trick up its sleeve in the form of Nemesis, a kind of intelligent super-zombie developed as a secret weapon by Umbrella. See all the games we have enjoyed playing on the Mac in our round up of the Best Mac Games . Nemesis turns the tables and shakes up the traditional Resident Evil formula by turning Jill from the hunter into the hunted. Instead of blasting your way through hordes of zombies you now find yourself on the back foot for a change, as Nemesis is always on your trail, hunting you down as you attempt to escape Racoon City. It actually makes a welcome change to find that youre on the defensive occasionally, often just running and trying to stay alive rather than casually blasting zombies out of your way. Its a shame that the reliance on cut-scenes sometimes breaks the flow of the game, but Resident Evil 3 could still be a good starting point for Mac gamers who are new to the series, as the combat isnt quite as relentless as it is in some of the other games. Capcom does recommend using a game controller, but I grew up playing games with a mouse and keyboard and didnt have much trouble playing the game that way. Foundry Its a good option for owners of older Macs too, as the age of the game means that it doesnt require a top-of-the-range Mac to handle its 3D graphics. The Mac App Store says that the game will run on any Mac with an M1 processor or later, and macOS 13.0 or later but not on Intel Macs unfortunately. We tested the game on a MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro chip and it run smoothly at all times, even with hordes of zombies lurching across the screen (although its a shame that theres no frame-rate counter built into the game to precisely measure performance). The game also provides a number of graphics presets that allow you to prioritize performance or graphics quality, depending on the speed of your Mac. We were also pleased to find that you can download a demo version of the game to see how it runs on your Mac before paying for the full version. Screenshot Foundry The bad news as is so often the case with Mac games is that the Mac version of the game is currently only available on the Mac App Store , so if youve already bought the game on Steam or another online store then youll still have to buy the Mac version separately. Theres some consolation, though, as the Mac version also runs on the iPhone 15 or later, and iPads that have an A17 or M-series processor, so buying the Mac version will allow you to play it on your mobile devices as well. Should You Buy Resident Evil 3 The zombie-shooting formula can quickly become a little over-familiar if youve played other Resident Evil games in the past. However, Resident Evil 3 shakes things up a little by using Nemesis to put you on the back foot for a change, and the games modest system requirements and a free demo make it a good, affordable choice for anyone thats new to the series. Now if we could just have a word with Capcom about the Monster Hunter and Dragons Dogma games.

All U.S. iPhones will come from India by end of next year

Macworld Until the company was granted an exemption a fortnight ago, President Trumps reciprocal tariffs threatened to be a major headache for Apple. A large proportion of its products are manufactured in China, and the severe tariffs on that nations exports could have forced it to put up prices. While Tim Cook may be feeling relieved for now, the chaotic way in which the tariffs have been applied, and Trumps insistence that the exemption isnt really an exemption and that the levies will simply be applied in a different way, suggest that the solution is fragile and that relief may be short-lived. Which is why Apple is doing its best to pivot its supply chain in the longer term and reduce dependence on Chinese factories. According to a new report by the Financial Times , Apple plans to ramp up manufacturing in India to such a major extent that by the end of 2026, it supplies all iPhones shipped to U.S. stores and customers. India already makes some iPhones, but far fewer than China: likely between 30 and 40 million units per year, out of a total of more than 230 million. The U.S. accounts for around 65 million of those, by IDCs estimates, so India will need to double its capacitya difficult task after almost two decades in which Apple spent heavily in China to create a world-beating production line, as the FT notes. The task is being made more difficult, according to sources in the supply chain, by Chinas predictable reluctance to see such a major source of revenue shifting out of the country. An article by Wayne Ma of The Information reports that Chinese authorities are delaying and blocking shipments of iPhone equipment to India without explanation, and that Foxconn has seen approval times from Chinese authorities for exporting iPhone-making equipment from its China factories to those in India rise from two weeks to as long as four months. Ironically, these logistical headaches may ultimately prove helpful to Apple. The companys strategy since Trump was re-elected has been one of conciliationa controversial policy, but one which appeared to bear rich fruit when the exemption was granted. And this story can only improve the relationship between Apple and the White House. More than anything else, the president wants to see headlines crediting him for bringing jobs back to U.S. soil. (Apple has tried to play ball in that regard.) But I suspect hed also enjoy a few news stories about Chinese officials desperately trying to prevent a U.S. company from taking its business elsewhere. This story makes it look like the U.S. is winning its trade war with China in the short term, whether or not Apple achieves the stated goal. In political terms, the end of 2026 is a long time from now. Its also worth mentioning that, like the Mac Pro being built in Texas (which was happening as early as 2013), Apples pivot to India is not really Trump-related. Its been trying to diversify manufacture for years, with human rights believed to be one factor in the companys wish to reduce its dependence on China. Apple has accelerated the plan in response to recent tariff chaos, but its been in the pipeline for a while. Whether Trump acknowledges this remains to be seen.

Alogic Roam 21K 6-in-1 Power Bank review: all travel charging options covered

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros 6-in-1 charging High-capacity power bank Fast 15W for iPhone Solid stand Cons No Apple Watch fast charge Our Verdict The Alogic Roam is a solid power bank for those with mid-range travel or a long commute, with three power ports, a built-in USB-C cable and clever fold-out wireless charging points for iPhone, AirPods and Watch. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $197.99 Best Prices Today: Alogic Roam 21000mAh 6-in-1 Power Bank Retailer Price Alogic $197.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We have roundups for all the best Apple device charging products we have tested: iPhones , AirPods, Apple Watch , MacBooks , including multi-device chargers and power banks. The Alogic Roam 21000mAh 6-in-1 Power Bank manages to cover all of the above as a true multi-device charger and power bankboth wireless and at a high enough capacity for MacBooks. What can it charge? What cant it charge would be a more appropriate question. Its claim to be a 6-in-1 charger is made of the following: Qi2 15W wireless charging for iPhone 5W Qi wireless charging for AirPods 2W wireless charging for Apple Watch 100W built-in USB-C cable for MacBook, iPad or iPhone 100W USB-C port for MacBook, iPad or iPhone 18W USB-C port for charging iPhone, AirPods or Watch Not only can it do all the above, but it also packs a high-capacity 21,000mAh (77Wh) power bank. Thats a lot of battery power but still below the carry-on limitations of major airlines. Note, though, that simultaneous output is limited to 100W, so if wirelessly charging your iPhone, AirPods and Watch at the same time, laptop charging will be pegged back to under 80W. Thats easily enough to keep even a 16-inch MacBook going when not being pushed too far in application use, and plenty for a 13- or 15-inch MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro. A maximum of four charging points can be accessed simultaneously: for example, either the 30W via the cable or central USB-C port, plus iPhone, AirPods and Watch. Other charging options include: 65W cable + 30W USB-C port (65W cable or USB-C port) + 15W wireless iPhone 30W cable + 30W USB-C + 15 wireless iPhone Simon Jary / Foundry Design The Roam is quite chunky but not ridiculous for a power bank thats handy enough for laptops. It measures 6.2 inches long by 3.2 inches wide and 1.4 inches deep (15.8 x 8.2 x 3.5cm), weighing 21.4oz (606g). Thats a little longer and wider than an iPhone 16 Pro. In terms of depth, its about the same height as three iPhones placed on top of each other. Along one side is a neatly tucked built-in 5-inch USB-C cable (12cm), which is useful if you dont have a spare cable on your person when traveling. This cable connection can charge at 100W (PD 3.0), and can also be used to charge the battery pack itself at 65W. There are three USB-C ports at one end: two capable of charging at 100W and one at 18W. Either can be used to charge the power bank at 65W. The wireless charging pad for iPhone is adjustable and pulls up from its folded-down prone position, revealing beneath the 5W Qi (non-magnetic) wireless charging pad for AirPods. At the port end, another flap pulls up to give access to the Apple Watch charger. Any Watch owner will tell you that its rather pathetic battery is always calling out for a charge, and we are usually away from a charging cable and wall socket when the Low Power Option alert pops up. Rated at only 2W, this isnt powerful enough to fast-charge the Watch, but it will eventually fill up the Apple wearable. The looks of the Roam are smart utilitarian when folded down for travel, with one niggle that the black charging parts are prone to smudges and fingerprints. Simon Jary / Foundry Performance In our tests the Alogic Roam charged our lab M2 Pro MacBook Pro to 91%, so nearly a full laptop charge. Thats about the norm for 20K or 21K laptop power banks. When testing Roam on an iPhone 16 Pro, we got one full charge (100%) plus another boost to 83%. As a travel charger and power bank, thats enough power to keep a MacBook commuter going through a mid-haul flight, with some juice for the AirPods and Watch, too. Simon Jary / Foundry Price The Alogic Roam costs $197.99 / 159.99 / CA$199.99 / AU$229.95 / 179,99 . Thats high for just a charger or just a power bank, but as Roam combines a travel-friendly battery pack with a sturdy desktop of bedside stand, it is decently priced if you are travelling often with your MacBook and other Apple devices. Roam is a better deal than the companys first multi-device, foldable power bank, the Matrix Ultimate as it has four times the battery capacity, plus more ports and the integrated cable. The $129.99 Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand is an alternative 3-in-1 travel charger but it doesnt host a power bank. A closer match is the OneAdaptr OneGo , which folds up into a smaller package and includes a power bank, albeit at 10K one of half the size of the Roam. Simon Jary / Foundry Should you buy the Alogic Roam? The Alogic Roam is a solid power bank for those with mid-range travel or a long commute, with three power ports, a built-in USB-C cable and clever fold-out wireless charging points for iPhone, AirPods and Watch. Even without a MacBook, this is a powerfulif a little chunkybattery pack for multiple iPhones and other Apple devices and makes an attractiveand portablebedside charging stand.

How to stop your iPhone or iPad from suggesting text effects in Messages

Macworld My 20-year-old didnt like that when they typed excited in a text message on their iPhone, iOS automatically seemed to apply a Ripple effect, part of the set of somewhat pointless Text Effects that Apple added in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia. When I test this out, I see suggestions for certain words in the QuickType bar where other suggestions appear. However, my older kid has them dropped insomething other people have complained about in online forums since the features introduction. Theres a way to disable this in iOS and iPadOS. Not, unfortunately, with a switch marked Disable Text Effects. Instead, go to Settings > General > Keyboards , scroll to All Keyboards , and disable Predictive Text . This removes all attempts at providing options based on your typing, though it doesnt disable the often-inaccurate Auto-Correction, which you can turn off in the same section. Apple really wants you to use its perplexing Text Effects animations. It used to be rare that Apple would force new features on us that we didnt expect, like a spider dropping from a ceiling onto our clothes. The not-very-useful Text Effects should have a way to prevent their insertion or suggestion, leaving them for people who explicitly want to use them. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Ben. Ask Mac 911 Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we dont reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

Best antivirus for Mac: 13 security apps you can trust

Macworld Many people think Macs dont need antivirus, but they are not immune from viruses and malware dont wait until its too late to protect your Apple computer from threats. Our experts have tested multiple security suites, and in this article outline only the best Mac antivirus programs. These are the security apps they would install on their own Mac or MacBook. Not everyone knows how to check their Mac for viruses , but you dont need to be a security expert to keep your Mac safe. Apple includes basic built-in antivirus protection in macOS, but a good Mac antivirus product adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your Mac safe from new and known malware , blocking ransomware , and protecting older systems from security vulnerabilities caused by outdated software. Check out our winner, the Best Mac Antivirus : Intego Mac Internet Security The most difficult decision for you is deciding which of the many Mac antivirus programs is going to do the best job of keeping you and your data safe, and which ultimately offers the best value. Our Macworld experts are here to help, and no-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac (the clue is in our name). We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective and use a combination of our own testing data and AV Comparatives/AV-Test lab data to ascertain which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. Our top pick right now is Intego Mac Internet Security . But depending on the type and number of devices you want to protect, and your budget, you may prefer one of the other Mac antivirus programs in our list below. Some cover more than Macs, so you can also use them to protect your iPhone , iPad and other devices. You wont find every Mac antivirus product weve tested here, because not all of it makes the grade. We wouldnt advise installing any program without first checking our antivirus software reviews . And while you will find some free options below, if value for money is your most important criteria you should also check out our best Mac antivirus deals . (For PCs, see our sister site PCWorlds guide to the best Windows antivirus .) Best Mac Antivirus 2025: Reviewed and Ranked 1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Our top Mac antivirus Pros Built for Mac Easy set up Good performance Cons Mac-specific (no Windows/Android protection) Price When Reviewed: From $24.99 for first year, usually $49.99 a year (1 Mac) Using our link Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Integos Mac Internet Security X9 combines the companys VirusBarrier and NetBarrier applications to provide both antiviral protection and network traffic filtering programs.Theres also an Intego Premium Bundle X9 that includes five apps: VirusBarrier and NetBarrier as well as Mac Washing Machine (a Mac cleaner), ContentBarrier (Parental controls) and Personal Backup (a bootable backup). The Mac Internet Security X9 is easy to download, install, and configure. It checks for the latest viral definitions and sets up real-time scanning features and intuitive network monitoring, allowing users to see and work with both incoming and outgoing Internet connections on their Mac. Mac Security X9 offers impressive configuration and customization for the VirusBarrier and NetBarrier tools. VirusBarrier performs well in protecting users from viruses, while NetBarrier acts as a firewall that protects connections. The application allows users to create settings for home, work, or public connections, and allows or deny connections as needed. There are some issues to address, wed like to see a running counter tracking the number of files processed in a VirusBarrier scan and we were disappointed that it allowed traffic to questionable websites linked to spam messages. Mac Internet Security X9 doesnt try to upsell users to Integos other suites and services. The tools in place are effective, work well, and make this utility worth considering. Best of all, Intego Mac Internet Security is built for Mac and is easy to set up and easy to use. Use our link to get the best deal: You can get Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle here . AV Comparatives, June 2024: 99% Mac Malware Protection, 93% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Read our full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review 2. Surfshark One Great Mac antivirus combined with VPN Pros Good speed and performance Impressive anti-virus/anti-malware shielding Identity alert and protection Cons Multi-year contracts Occasional trouble accessing Google services Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.49 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS , Android, Windows Moving beyond its VPN roots, Surfshark has added additional tools to its package and the result is this combination VPN/anti-malware/alert/private search/identity protection suite. The VPN module (reviewed here: Surfshark VPN review ) includes the usual tools such as geolocation and IP address hiding with more complicated tools such as IP configuration, an Internet kill switch, rotating IP addresses, and Invisible on LAN features. Surfshark Ones real-time protection tool was able to catch dozens of malware installers. Efforts to install malware were stopped with the application quickly quarantining them. While I was able to get a false Adobe Flash Player installation through, Surfshark One was able to isolate the vast majority of everything that was thrown at it. Surfshark Privacy tools include a Search feature that hooks into a private server so that your search history cant be tracked, and the company offers an Alternative ID tool so you can create aprivate identity. A beta identity protection feature can also be used, which can generate a virtual phone number. Theres also email monitoring, credit card monitoring, and ID monitoring with customizable settings to control the frequency at which you receive email updates. Perhaps the biggest hurdle is the VPN style monthly pricing structure which can tie you in for a couple of years. Read our full Surfshark One review 3. AVG Internet Security for Mac Easy to use and effective Pros Caught an impressive number of questionable apps Long trial Easy to use Cons Missed a fake Flash player No indication that scans are happening Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS AVG Internet Security for Mac is available as a 60-day trial period before billing begins, which is a good reason to try it out. AVG Internet Security offers Computer Protection, Web & Email Protection, Hacks Attacks, and Payment Protection. A Smart Scan feature checks your virus definitions to make sure theyre up to date and scans for viruses and malware. A Ransomware Shield, Network Inspector, and Fake Website Shield features look things over to see where you stand in terms of your overall online presence and security. The set of whitelists and exceptions can be customized to hone in on files you want to scan and leave out areas you want to leave alone. Scans on external drives and specific folders are easy to set up and execute, the scheduling feature works well, the software can set up location configurations, and there are customization options for network security. A quick antiviral scan took a few minutes while a full scan of an entire NVME drive with 821GB of data on it took just over 5.5 hours to complete. Our tests with malware and phishing-based websites went well. The software, combined with macOSs Gatekeeper functionality to stop the vast majority of malware installations, quarantining them quickly and preventing installation. The software also prevented questionable external code from being loaded on suspect websites and blocked phishing sites from loading. AVG Internet Security for Mac caught an impressive amount of viral, phishing, and malware activity and did its job well, all while wrapped in a bright, friendly user interface thats easy to navigate. There are a few places for improvement with AVG Internet Security for Mac. One criticism is that the scheduled scan feature doesnt readily display that the scan is taking place. Also, during testing, the software allowed a fake version of Adobe Flash Player to be installed. If you do override the macOS Gatekeeper and AVG security features and install malware, AVG Internet Security does a good job of removing it. Have a look at its 60-day trial to see what works for you. Alternatively try out the free AVG AntiVirus for the Mac which covers all the bases: blocking viruses and malware from websites, downloads, and email attachments. AV Test, December 2024: 100% AV Comparatives, AV Comparatives, June 2024: 100% Mac Malware Protection, 98% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Get AVG Internet Security or AVG AntiVirus for the Mac . Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 4. Avast Premium Security Great suite of tools at a good price Pros Doesnt impact performance Caught problem test files Cons Slow manual scanning No option for single device license Price When Reviewed: From $34.68 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $34.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: Mac, PC, iOS and Android There are four Mac antivirus products from Avast. The paid for Avast Premium Security and Avast One , and the free Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . Avast Free Antivirus is a free version of Avast Premium Security, while Avast One Essential offers additional features like ransomware protection, privacy protection, and data leak detection. Avast Premium Security is a well-featured suite that protects your Mac from various threats, including browser script hacks, ransomware, and remote attack activity. It includes modules such as Virus Scans, Core Shields, Traffic Monitor, Network Inspector, Email Guardian, Ransomware Shield, and Quarantine, all easily accessible from the home screen. Virus scan options include Smart Scan, Deep Scan, Targeted Scan, or External Storage Scan. The Traffic Monitor shows data usage and bandwidth usage, while Network Inspector scans the network for safety and alerts users when unfamiliar devices join the network. Core Shields prevents fake websites from loading and triggering software. The main frustration with Avast Premium Security is its subscription-based model, but that tends to be standard these days. Some features are only available on the Avast Ultimate subscription tier. Those looking to save money can try the two free Antivirus for Mac solutions, Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . If you want just a virus scanner, we recommend Avasts Free Antivirus, which is the free version of Avast Premium Security. Avast One offers some additional functions and a different interface, but and annoys with intensive advertising for paid functions. You can get Avast Premium Security for Mac here . Also consider Avast One , Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . AV Test, December 2024: 100% AV Comparatives, June 2024: Approved, 100% Mac Malware Protection, 98% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. McAfee Total Protection Good protection for up to five devices Pros Good, customizable set of security tools Background scanning feature is handy Cons Laggy when initially launched McAfee demands payment info to use trial Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android , ChromeOS McAfee Total Protection continues to be steadily updated and offers a good suite of anti-viral, anti-malware, identity protection, VPN, and scheduling tools. It is simple to use; once youve walked through the guided steps for assigning permissions to work behind the scenes you can just leave it to get on with its job. The software can perform a full scan of your hard drive as well as scan custom locations such as external volumes, and schedule scan times. You can control what Total Protection does when it finds suspect files, such as notifying you, quarantining them, or deleting the files. During our tests, it located and quarantined two suspected virus files I didnt know about, thereby earning its keep. Other features include an ID Protection tool that compares your email address to known data and password breaches, a firewall, and a Secure VPN feature that lets you quickly set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). McAfees Total Protection package extends up to five devices on one account, so its easy to add the app to other Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android-based phones and tablets as needed. Its worth noting that the Windows version offers features that you dont get in the Mac app. We noted some occasional performance impacts as it ran in the background, but it was largely unobtrusive in its efforts. Our only other grumble is the lack of simplicity in ending the trial. You can get McAfee Total Protection here . Read our full McAfee Total Protection review 6. Norton 360 Good value antivirus Pros Easy-to-use & effective Multiple device cover Minimal performance impact Cons No backup on macOS Didnt spot threats in zip files Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $49.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Norton 360 is easy to download and install, and works fairly well. It provides protection in Mac OS X 10.10 or later. The Standard package protects one device. For more devices (including Macs, iPhones or PCs), the Deluxe or Select package are required. The software offers 110GB of cloud-based backup, a password manager, a basic VPN client, and Dark Web monitoring. Within Norton 360 for Mac youll find a Startup Manager module, File Cleanup module, and Dark Web protection module. With antiviral monitoring and scanning its easy to create white lists and exceptions as well as schedule scans, including of external volumes like USB thumb drives. However, the application still cant perform scans on .zip files, I had to decompress the text drive of sample infections before it could see them. The VPN is basic but easy to configure your preferred country of origin and initiate a connection. The password manager is reliable and includes a downloadable recovery key. There is an admirable level of possible customization on the firewall, although technical knowledge is needed. In our tests, the software was successful in catching a good amount of viral activity, with 25 individual infections detected on a test drive after scanning it. However, Norton 360 for Mac missed the OSX.Proton malware. Extensions for web browsers and Norton Private Browser are included. These warn about spam and phishing-based websites, but still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links. There are bugs, for example, when using Cloud Backup were we were unable to successfully click the Get Started with Backup button and create an initial backup set for the cloud. AV Test, December 2024: 100% You can get Norton 360 here . Read our full Norton 360 review 7. Avira Prime Well designed antivirus allrounder Pros Easy to use Full VPN Wont slow down your Mac Cons No fine-tuning scan options Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avira Prime (first year, 5 devices) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Avira Prime, the paid version of Aviras free antiviral software Avira Free Security (see our review) , provides several tools.Avira Prime is designed around several modules (Virus Scans, Protection Options, Quarantine, VPN, Passwords, Cookie Cleaner, Identity Assistant, Junk Cleaner, Uninstaller, and Startup Apps). Each module can be customized and configured as needed. The software installs cleanly and requests permission to fully access the hard drive. The Quick Scan can take less than 10 seconds, while a Full Scan took over six hours to look over 800+ gigabytes of files on a one terabyte SSD. The Custom Scan feature allows files and folders to be dropped in for quick scanning as well as external volumes to be scanned through as needed. There is a scheduler so you can program scans in advance. You can minimize Avira Prime and work with other applications as the scan continues which is lucky because the Full Scan took over six hours to complete. Avira Prime located and quarantined several minor worm files, but missed suspect files such as the Wave web browser, which has been implicated in assorted phishing scams. Cookie Cleaner module allows you to view and clean up cookie data, helpfully grouping cookies into different categories to make it easy to remove tracking and ads-based items in different browsers. Junk Cleaner reclaimed a decent 55GB of space when we tried it. Theres also an uninstaller manager for cleaning up deleted apps and managing those that start automatically. Identity Assistant can track your email addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, bank accounts, physical addresses, drivers license, and so on, to check for any illicit activity.The included Password Manager is a combination of local system and browser extensionsplus a web-based management console with its own master password. The password manager and junk files cleaner are included in both free and paid-for versions of Avira. Where Prime differs from the Free Security version is that you get full, use of the VPN service instead of a 500MB per month limit. The VPN can also block malicious website content. You can get Avira Prime here. Also consider Avira Free Security for Mac . Read our full Avira Free Security for Mac review . AV Test, December 2024: 99.5% Read our full Avira Prime review 8. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Pros High malware detection rate Cons Didnt detect some malware Fewer extra features Price When Reviewed: $29.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) $29.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Trend Micro Antivirus isnt too challenging to use, but looks almost old-fashioned compared to many competitors. The range of functions seems quite limited compared to competitors such as Norton and Avast. For example, there is no anti-phishing function and no VPN application included in the package. There are five menu items: Overview, Web, Scans, Folder Shield, and Logs. Overview is the at-a-glance dashboard forTrend Micro Antivirus that shows that the various protections are active, the last time the app was updated and the last time a scan was run. Trend Micro offers a smart scan, custom scan, and full scan. In our tests Trend Micro had no trouble detecting most threats; however, in a few cases, it didnt detect all the malware contained in a folder until a scan had been run. Folder Shield is Trend Micros approach to ransomware protection. If an unknown program tries to change anything in certain folders, such as Documents, Music, Pictures, Movies, and Mobile Documents, Trend Micro will alert you. Trend Micros web extension boasts a privacy scanner that is supposed to check your privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. AV Test, March 2024: 100% Read our full Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac review 9. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Pros Doesnt slow down your Mac Effective real-time protection Unobtrusive browsing protection Cons No password manager Limited VPN No identity protection Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac covers: macOS, Bitdefender Total Security covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android Bitdefender has a number of solutions for the Mac, including a free option. Theres Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac , which offers basic protection for up to three Macs, Bitdefender Total Security , which protects up to five devices (macOS, iOS, Windows and Android), and Bitdefenders free Virus Scanner for Mac , which we review here: Bitdefenders free Virus Scanner Review. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is easy to download, install, and assign full drive permissions. It offers a speedy Quick Scan mode that performs a quick overview and locate, quarantine, and remove viral candidates within a few minutes as well as a Full Scan mode which runs in the background so you can continue to work. External volumes such as USB flash drives can be scanned. There isnt much in the way of malware that gets by it. However, we found the applications ability to locate and neutralize malware that was already on the system mixed it missed four significant pieces of malware. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers anti-phishing protection in the form of web browser extensions for the Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. These offered varying degrees of success. Under Safari, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offered no prominent phishing protection, allowing us to visit questionable websites with no warning whatsoever. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers an anti-tracker for web browsers and access to a VPN with basic functionality and a limit of 200MB a day. It encourages you to update to the full version, there are better VPNs for Mac out there. There is a 30-day trial available.There is also the more expensive Bitdefender Total Security which includes Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac as well as coverage for iOS, Android and Windows which offers a license that covers five devices, including Macs, Windows, Android and iOS and has a 30-day trial available. AV Test, December 2024: 100% AV Comparatives, AV Comparatives, June 2024: 100% Mac Malware Protection, 99% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review 10. CleanMyMac Pros Easy to use and a nice interface Subscription or one-time purchase available Cons Left some adware and malware behind Price When Reviewed: $39.95/a year for 1 Mac, $119.95 for 1 Mac (one time purchase) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (first year, 1 device) $39.95 View Deal MacPaw (one time purchase) $117.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS The thing about CleanMyMac is that it is a Mac Cleaner and optimizer first and an antivirus second, but the fact that CleanMyMacs antivirus protection is built into the suite of tools makes it worth assessing as an antivirus solution. The question is whether if you use CleanMyMac for its primary purpose, will it also protect you from malware? Looking at CleanMyMac as an antivirus tool, we found that the software offers a good level of customization, and its easy to choose between the three scan modes (Quick Scan, Balanced Scan, and Deep Scan), each of them offering quick performance as CleanMyMac scans your hard drive and external drives. Its also easy to configure scan behaviors, such as whether or not to include external drives in your scans or target .DMG files, and whitelists can also be created to exclude specific volumes and folders from the scans. In our tests results were mixed though. The software teamed up well with macOS GateKeeper feature, stopping questionable software that hasnt been signed as safe by Apple from being installed, but it was still possible to get a fair amount of malware past these systems and on to our Mac. The Quick Scan feature caught two elements from CrossRat and a threat in the form of the infamous AdWind malware. The Balanced Scan function was able to root out most of the Elite Keylogger malware. The Deep Scan feature found the remnants of the AdWind malware, but we had to dig that out with a third-party utility. CleanMyMac was able to catch some elements of malware as they were being opened for the first time, but there were questionable chunks of software that remained even after theyd purportedly been removed and the Mac had been rebooted. CleanMyMac also offered no tangible warning against visiting questionable websites and allowed us to click on every questionable link to be found in Gmails Spam folder without warning. The interface is excellent, and MacPaw makes good use of its potentially great MoonLock antiviral engine to catch a fair amount of viral activity, but it still left adware and malware behind. Read our full CleanMyMac review 11. BitMedic Pro Antivirus Pros Fast, simple to use. One-time $10/10 payment. Good external drive scanning and scheduling tools. Cons Clunky user interface. Buggy, occasional application crashes. Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mac App Store (one off payment) $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a good antiviral program, albeit with some shortcomings that need to be worked through, not least the fact that this hasnt been updated since 2020. The program, which retails for $9.99/9.99/CA$9.99 on the Mac App Store , which is a real bonus. It features a nice complement of tools, including an Antivirus Scan module, an Adware Cleaner module, a Result Log, a Custom Scan module, a Browser Privacy module, and a System Settings module that allows you to schedule deep scans, customize system behaviors, and create a whitelist of files not to scan. Initial tests with the Antivirus Scan modules quick scan and deep scan went well and BitMedic Pro Antivirus was able to find several phishing-based emails. The application crashed twice during testing though. Frustratingly, there was a lack of specific descriptions as to what the infected files were and their full location, even after a drop-down arrow was clicked. The inclusion of an Adware Cleaner module is a nice touch it performs well, and runs quickly. The Browser Privacy module functions as a quick and easy way to clean up your history, auto logins, bookmarks, remove all extensions, and reset the preferences on your browser, but this is an all-or-nothing option and wed prefer to disable or delete individual extensions. The price point, is very appealing, but there are a few elements that let it down. Read our full BitMedic Pro Antivirus review 12. Sophos Home Premium for Mac Pros Reasonable protection. Reasonably priced for 10 devices. Cons Awkward web-based dashboard interface. Difficulties scanning an external or network volume. Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sophos (first year, 10 device) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Sophos Home Premium is a well-rounded anti-piracy/anti-malware suite, its core modules centering around antivirus protection, web protection, ransomeware protection, and malicious traffic detection. The software is available for a good price to protect up to 10 devices. In the past Sophos offered a free version of its Home product with just the antivirus protection and website protection. That was discontinued in late 2021. There is a free 30-day trial. We had some issues installing and getting the software set up. Everything is controlled via the Menu Bar icon and a web-based dashboard and its not always clear it is running. Once youve signed in, its easy enough to customize and configure core elements such as actions that occur when malware is found, scan scheduling, and web filtering, and elements such as accessible scan logs and network file scanning. You can choose between quick scans and full scans, which can take several hours and cover the full extent of the hard drive. While the scan scheduling feature worked well, it only allows you to set schedule times set to every 30 minutes (11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, etc). Scanning an external volume such as a thumb drive or network volume feels is harder than it should. You can configure Web Filtering options to allow blocking for certain categories, such as adult content. The filters work reasonably well and its easy enough to create a whitelist to provide exceptions. Theres room for improvement. Although Sophos Home Premium functions well with macOSs GateKeeper feature and caught and filtered a respectable amount of test malware, it allowed the AdWind malware and an infected copy of Adobe Flash Player to be installed. We had to use another utility to remove the AdWind malware. Read our full Sophos Home Premium for Mac review 13. Malwarebytes Premium Security Pros Friendly user interface. Impressive scan speed. Reliable malware removal. Cons Left some malware. Lacks custom scan feature. Features from the Windows version not included. Price When Reviewed: Standard: $44.99 a year for one device; Plus (inc VPN): $59.99 a year; Total: $94.99 a year (usually $189.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Covers: macOS Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac offers antiviral, VPN, and Real-Time Protection features. There is also a free antivirus from Malwarebytes which we look at here: Malwarebytes Free Antivirus Review. Malwarebytes Premium builds on the free version of Malwarebytes , which is reasonably good at hunting down and removing some of the peskiest viruses and malware, but was thwart with bugs and crashes when we tested it. The paid-for version sports a bright, friendly user interface and a good array of features. It includes quick viral scans, functional scheduling for scans, decent customization elements including whitelist creation, a good VPN client, and Real-Time protection that keeps an eye on whats attempting to be installed. The software performed well, offering speedy scans. Malwarebytes was able to quarantine and remove almost all the malware I installed, although it left elements behind such as the controversial Wave web browser, an incompatible version of MacSecurity, and a fake Adobe Album application. The VPN isnt as customizable as a dedicated VPN client, but it performs well and gets the job done.See our review of the Malwarebytes VPN . There doesnt seem to be a custom scan element that allows you to easily scan an external volume such as a thumb drive, and the Real-Time Protection feature doesnt kick in and scan an external volume once its mounted, nor can you drag and drop a volume into Malwarebytes for it to scan which you can do in the Windows version of Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes offers no warnings against questionable websites and links either. Read our full Malwarebytes Premium Security review Best Free Mac Antivirus Looking for a free antivirus for Mac? Here are our top recommendations that we have reviewed: Avast Security for Mac (read our review) offers a free option alongside the Premium plan. Get it here . Avira Free Antivirus for Mac (read our review) is free and also includes a VPN. Get it here . AVG Antivirus For Mac (read our review) free version offers basic features. Get it here . Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac (read our review) is free to use. Get it here . Intego VirusBarrier Scanner (read our review) free virus scanner. Get it here . Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac (read our review) has a free version as well as a paid version. Get it here . Other antivirus for Mac software tested We test lots of Mac antivirus apps but not all of them make the cut and appear in our round up of the Best Mac Antivirus. We have also reviewed the following: Total AV Antivirus Pro Eset Home Security Total Defense Antivirus for Mac ClamXav F-Secure Total for Mac How we test Mac Antivirus We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective and use a combination of our own testing data and AV Comparatives/AV-Test lab data to ascertain which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. We consider the strength of protection against threats (online and offline), and how well it addresses the ever-expanding types of attacks. We spend time using the software. Ease of use and user interface is important because if the software is too complicated people will not use it, it should be easy to find the tools users need, and alerts should make sense and be relevant. Equally performance really matters because if an app slows down your Mac you are likely to turn that app off. We also look at the features on offer. The best antivirus suites go beyond the basics of real-time protection and deeper scans, adding features like password managers and firewalls, some incorporate a VPN. However, we do assess whether these extras are helpful, or just unnecessary additions. We also evaluate pricing, which more often than not comes in the form of an annual subscription with different tiers of features. We advice on the best options based on value for money. We also track the best Antivirus for Mac deals. Why you can trust Macworlds antivirus experts Macworld has been here testing Mac software since our conception alongside the launch of the Mac in 1984, so we know Macs better than anyone. When it comes to antivirus apps we recognise that despite Apples built-in systems to combat the threat of malware, in the current climate there is value in adding an extra layer of protection, to that end we continually evaluate the best Mac antivirus software. Our Mac antivirus software reviewers have worked in the industry for decades and have experience working with clients and fixing their problems. How to choose the best Antivirus for Mac There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy to use interface that works well on a Mac which is one reason why we recommend Integos antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate not just for Mac viruses, but crucially for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses onto Windows using friends and clients. Other things that make one antivirus better than another is the low use of systen resorces especially if your Mac isnt the most powerful model out there. Another factor is the type and number of devices you want to protect are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget will also be a factor. Do you want to tie into a subscription model or would you prefer a one-time payment? Some antivirus apps do still offer this. Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison Developer Product name USB scan Ransomware protection Adware prevention Anti phishing protection Email protection Firewall VPN iOS version Parental Controls Support Trial Price Intego Internet Security X9 Y Y N Y N Y N Y Y Y 7 days $49.99/49.99/ ye ($24.99/20.99 /yr deal) AVG AntiVirus for Mac N N N N Y N N Y N N 60 days Free (Paid for version is $2.49 per month for one year / $2.39 a month for two-years / $2.29 a month for three-years) Norton 360 Deluxe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $39.99/34.99/yr McAfee Total Protection Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $34.99/34.99/yr Avast Premium Security Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y 60 days $44.99/39.99/yr Bitdefender Total Security Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $39.97/34.99/yr Eset Cyber Security Pro Y Y N Y Y Y N N Y Y 30 days $49.95/39.95/yr Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $39.99/49.95 Avira Prime Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y 30 days $99.99/85.99 Best Mac Antivirus: Buying Advice FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and dont require protection. Wed argue that they are wrong, or at very least overconfident. Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren because macOS is a Unix-based operating system, which means it is sandboxed. This is like having a series of fire doors: even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to other areasof the machine. But while they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs, it is not impossible. The Silver Sparrow malware was detected on Macs powered by the M1 processor and infected hundreds of thousands of Macs. And its just one example there have been many more since. You can read more about this topic in our article do Macs need antivirus? More general advice can be found in our Mac security tips ; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should see how to remove a virus from a Mac . 2. What features should I look for in Mac antivirus? All Mac antivirus software packages find viruses using both on-demand- and always-on protection. The former examines individual files either during scheduled scans or when you decide to run one. This can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of files, and some antivirus products will hog your Macs processor power to prioritize the scan, so its worth selecting a convenient time. Always-on malware protection protects you when a scan is not currently active. If malware arrives perhaps via an email or a downloaded file your antivirus software should detect and quarantine it. Quarantining a file involves moving it to a safe folder, allowing you to decide what to do with it. Youll typically receive a notification of the discovered malware, but some Mac antivirus products can be more informative than others in these notifications (something we keep in mind in our testing). The effectiveness of this on-demand and always-on virus protection is absolutely the most important thing when it comes to choosing Mac antivirus, but additional features may also affect your choice. Many Mac security suites now include ransomware protection. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to decrypt them. An anti-ransomware feature will typically block any app from writing to a users home folders, such as Documents or Photos, unless that app has been whitelisted. Some apps, such as Microsoft Word, are pre-approved, and you can whitelist any that you trust. Web protection via browser plugins or extensions is also a common component and aims to stop you (or your children) from visiting infected websites or handing over personal information when you shouldnt. Different vendors offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you dont need all those extra features. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? One of the add-ons you might find with Mac security products, although also commonly sold separately, is Mac VPN (virtual private network). For many users, these are of interest because they can mask your location and allow you to view things (like streaming series) that are otherwise off-limits in your location. But they also have a very real benefit for security, protecting your internet connection by encrypting it, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. In this day and age we should all be using VPNs and, while wed recommend buying a dedicated Mac VPN product, one built into your antivirus software is better than nothing just be prepared to be nagged to upgrade to the full product. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value is perceived differently by all users: for some the best value Mac antivirus is the free one, and for others, it is the one that is affordable but includes the most useful add-ons. We prefer to consider value in terms of which is the best all-round offering, rather than the budget deal. That said, there are ways you can save money even on the more expensive products. Bear in mind that all antivirus for Mac apps are sold as yearly subscriptions, and often the first year has a hefty discount. When that first year is up, theres nothing stopping you switching to another product and benefiting from that discount again. Alternatively, opt for a three- or even five-year subscription to save even more money and why not: its not like viruses are going to disappear in the meantime and you wont need it. Some of the best Mac antivirus products can also cater to your other devices and not just iPads and iPhones, but also Windows and Android devices. If you have multiple devices in your household, this can present a huge saving. Take a look at our recommendations of the Best Mac Antivirus deals , which includes the cheapest options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. Its important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, dont believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but its worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isnt a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we havent recommended it here, and thats simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper . 6. What cant Mac antivirus protect from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing youre completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. Thats not quite the case. While theres no reason to panic, you should still practice caution and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means youll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computers hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer thats being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. How we test Mac antivirus software Each software package is evaluated by creating a clean installation of macOS, cloning it for each antivirus product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This is to ensure that previous app installations dont interfere with new ones sometimes antivirus software treats other antivirus software as an infection. In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware on our Mac, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST . These laboratories test antivirus software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware). The latter doesnt damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus for Mac software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware. Finally, while we gave props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we mark down products if they lack any or all of the following: A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection Ransomware monitoring Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy A high score on Windows malware detection

Another well-known leaker shows off the unbelievably thin iPhone 17 Air

Macworld As we get ever closer to the iPhone 17 launch, were starting to see more solid leaks of the new phones, and today we have another up-close look at the enclosure of all four handsets. And once again, the iPhone 17 Air looks insane. Its one thing to read that the phone is less than 6mm thickits another thing to see it. Well-known leaker Sonny Dickson has shared dummies of all four iPhone 17 modelsthe iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Maxand you can instantly see how thin the new phone will be: unbelievably thin, as Dickson writes. It look to be about half the thickness of the Pro Max and barely thicker than the power button on the side of the phone. As far as sizing, the iPhone 17 Air is larger than the 6.1-inch iPhone and iPhone Pro, but smaller than the 6.9-inch iPhone Pro Max. That puts it around the size of the current iPhone 16 Plus, which has a 6.7-inch display. The USB-C port on the iPhone 17 Air (second from top) appears to be slightly off-center. Sonny Dickson/X We can glean a couple of other things from the dummies as well. As reported, the Phone 17 Air only has one camera, versus two on the standard iPhone 17 and three on the Pro models. Furthermore, there are just two holes on the bottom of the phone where the speaker goes, presumably for microphones. That means the phone wont have stereo speakers, which has also been rumored. The phone also appears to have a slightly off-center USB-C port, which is something we also saw on the Galaxy S25 Edge dummies. Presumably, this has to do with engineering and space issues, but its out of character for Apple to ship a phone with a visual flaw, so well need to see the final product before we jump to conclusions. You can stay up to date with the latest rumors ahead of its September launch in our iPhone 17 superguide .

Do you always lose your active window on macOS? This app can help

Macworld Apple provides one clue in macOS as to which of many windows you may see on screen is the current frontmost active one: the traffic light red, yellow, and green buttons for close, minimize, and resize are lit up in color. Thats it. You can use Mission Control (F3) to shrink all windows to fit across your displays, but it doesnt provide clues about the active one. The only solution is an inexpensive third-party app, HazeOver , which is $5.99 on the App Store . Its a single-purpose app with many settings and keystrokes you can use to customize how it identifies active windows and for how long. In HazeOvers most basic configuration, to highlight the active window and dim all the rest: Choose the Settings menu item from the HazeOver system menu. In Advanced , select One window only next to Highlight . In Displays , choose Dim all windows on displays without keyboard focus. Close Settings . To toggle the focus state, you can use the default keystroke Command-Control-Option-H. This can be customized in HazeOver > Settings > Shortcuts . Set Highlight to a single window. Opt to dim all but one window on a single display. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Chris. Ask Mac 911 Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we dont reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

Macworld Podcast: The state of Apples smart home efforts

Macworld The smart home market seems like its an ideal fit for Apple, but what does the company have to show for its efforts so far? On todays show, were talking about Apple and its approach to the smart homewhat it does now and what we could see in the near future. Thats all in this episode of the Macworld Podcast! This is episode 931 with Jason Cross , Michael Simon , and Roman Loyola . Watch episode 931 on YouTube Listen to episode 931 on Apple Podcasts Listen to episode 931 on Spotify Get info Click on the links below for more information on what was discussed on the show. HomePod with a screen: Apples Home Hub/smart display plans Apples next HomePod might be more robot than speaker Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review! right here in the Podcasts app . The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel . Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone .

EU fines Apple 500M ($570M) for violations of the Digital Markets Act

Macworld Apple has been battling the European Commission over the Digital Markets Act since practically the day it was first passed in 2022. The sweeping regulations, most of which went into effect in 2023, have resulted in major changes for Apple, from the wholesale adoption of USB-C charging instead of Lightning to a separate version of iOS for the European Union that is more open and flexible. But the EU has been investigating Apple and other so-called gatekeepers over the past year to see if their changes are enough to be in compliance with the law. When Apple comments, it typically says the regulations are misguided or that it believes it is in compliance already, and agrees to work with regulators. Now, the European Commission has issued its first major fines under the Digital Markets Act, slapping Apple with a 500M fine (thats about $570M in U.S. dollars). Meta was also fined 200M. The version of iOS users get on their iPhones in the EU is, some would say, superior to that which we have in the rest of the world. It allows alternate app stores and app side-loading (with restrictions), more user control over default apps, more open payment systems, and other changes. As recently as March, the EU pointed out several ways in which Apple was still out of compliance with the regulations, with specific steps needed to address in order to avoid a fine. Apple has said it will challenge the fine. In a statement emailed to Reuters, the company said: Todays announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free. Apple About a year ago, Apple was fined 1.8M (about $2B then) over its past practices that were determined to favor Apple Music over Spotify and other rival streaming servicesthat was the result of a five-year investigation that predated the Digital Markets Act. The Commission has informed Apple that its contract terms concerning alternative app distribution breach the DMA. Apple has an extensive list of requirements necessary to allow apps to be directly downloaded or for alternate app stores and charges a Core Technology Fee for those who choose to distribute and monetize their apps outside its ecosystem. In a press release announcing the fines , the European Commission said: Under the DMA, app developers distributing their apps via Apples App Store should be able to inform customers, free of charge, of alternative offers outside the App Store, steer them to those offers and allow them to make purchases. The Commission found that Apple fails to comply with this obligation. . As part of todays decision, the Commission has ordered Apple to remove the technical and commercial restrictions on steering and to refrain from perpetuating the non-compliant conduct in the future, which includes adopting conduct with an equivalent object or effect. European Commission Apple and Meta have 60 days to comply with the directives or face the potential for additional periodic fines. The European Commission also ended its investigation into Apples choice obligations, following what it calls a constructive dialogue with Apple. This concerns making sure that users in the EU can easily uninstall any software applications, change default settings, and choose their default web browser on iOS. The Commission says that Apples changes in these areas are in compliance with the DMA.

Best Mac Cleaner software: Reclaim disk space with a Mac cleaner app

Macworld Is your Mac slowing down, frequently freezing, regularly running out of RAM or just not behaving like it used to? Are you short of space on your Mac? Have you spotted the immense amount of room taken up by System Data and are now looking for a safe way to delete some of that data? What you need is a Mac cleaner app that will delete the clutter and digital debris from your system and free your RAM from memory hogs. What is the Best Mac Cleaner? The Best Mac Cleaner for you depends on what you want to use it for. Just looking for a quick and easy way to free up some space so that the latest version of macOS will install? You probably want something that doesnt cost a lot for a one off use. Looking for something that wont just clear space, but will also help you free up memory/RAM, diagnose problems, and even check for viruses, we have the solutions below. We like CleanMyMac because there is the choice of a yearly subscription or a one time purchase price if you think you might want to keep it for the long haul. Another option we really like is Parallels Toolbox which offers a bundle of handy tools for just about everything. There are also some cheaper options including Cleaner One Pro and Nektonys App Cleaner & Uninstaller and free options such as Onyx and CCleaner. Read on to find out why we rate these options so highly. PROMOTION Boost your Mac performance with CleanMyMac Featuring six key modules, a smart assistant, and over 25 powerful tools, this CleanMyMac efficiently removes junk files, boosts your Mac performance, and replaces multiple utility tools. It frees up storage, boosts performance, and simplifies maintenance, making it an efficient tool for system optimization. Try 7 days free For more information about why a Mac cleaner app could be useful read: Why your Mac needs a cleaner app. We also discuss Tips for cleaning up your Mac . Best Mac Cleaner 2025 1. MacPaw CleanMyMac The most comprehensive Mac cleaner Pros Improved interface and ease of use Wide range of cleaning tools Subscription or one-time purchase Cons Limited malware features Some technical knowledge still needed Price When Reviewed: $39.95/a year for 1 Mac, $119.95 for 1 Mac (one time purchase) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (first year, 1 device) $39.95 View Deal MacPaw (one time purchase) $117.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Few cleanup apps are as comprehensive as CleanMyMac from MacPaw, which has been updated to version 5.0 (and dropped the X from its name). Version 5.0 sports a redesigned interface that simplifies things by displaying the results of its scans as a series of tiles that give you a quick summary of each scan. CleanMyMacs tools fall into five main categories that focus on different tasks: Cleanup, Protection, Performance, Applications and My Clutter. A new Smart Care feature gives your Mac a quick check-up and summarises the result of its scans for all five categories. The Cleanup tools focus on deleting junk. The Protection tools can scan for malware, detecting and quarantining threats. CleanMyMac isnt a dedicated antivirus program like those featured in our Best Antivirus for Mac round-up, but its a nice addition. The Performance tools help with routine maintenance, such as clearing out DNS cache, or re-indexing Spotlight and Mail to speed up search results. The Applications tools help you delete unwanted applications and left over installation files. My Clutter can scan either individual folders or your entire Mac drive to locate old files. Version 5 adds the ability to identify duplicate files, or photos that look very similar, so that you can delete them. There are also some new diagnostic tools, including the ability to identify apps that are using a lot of battery power. You can buy CleanMyMac from MacPaws ownwebsite, or from theMac App Store, although the version sold on the Mac App Store omits a few features. You can choose from an annual subscription, or you can buy it for a one-time fee. Its not the cheapest cleanup app, but it provides dozens of different tools for deleting old files and data. Theres a free version available to download and a free trial version available on MacPaws website , but it restricts the app to only remove files up to a maximum of 500MB and in the middle of deleting files it will demand you pay the license fee for the app. You can download that limited version and scan your Mac to see just now much space you can save before committing to buying the app. MacPaw is currently running a 30% discount for students submit your university email address and receive a download code here . You can get CleanMyMac here . Read our full CleanMyMac review 2. Parallels Toolbox Everything you could need in one app Pros Full suite of Mac tools including excellent cleaners Fully featured free trial Cons May be more than you require Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Parallels Toolbox Free 14-day Trial Free View Deal Parallels (1 year, 1 Mac) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Parallels Toolbox offers more than 50 tools and among them are some real gems like the Clipboard History and video download tools, but in this round up of Mac Cleaners, we are most interested in the tools to free memory and the drive cleaner, among other utilities. Mac cleaning tools provided in Parallels Toolbox include Clean Drive, Uninstall Apps, Find Duplicates, and Free Memory. The Clean Drive tool can locate unnecessary files that are taking up space on your Mac, and also find duplicate files that you may no longer need. It offers easy notifications and access as to whats eating drive space (i.e., log files, cache files, trash, browser data, mail cache, mobile apps, iTunes temp files, iOS device backups, and old updates) and offers a nice level of control as to clearing them out. Clean Drive also offers quick access to the macOS Storage pane, which tends to be overlooked, and allows you to adjust your storage preferences on the fly. The Free Memory tool notifies you as to where your Macs RAM/Unified Memory is going, which applications are using the majority of it, and allows you to mark the amount of free memory in macOS Menu Bar. The Uninstall tool can fully uninstall Mac apps, along with any related files that may be scattered around your Macs drive. You can go through a list of installed applications on your Mac, pick and choose what to remove, and reliably strip out both the app and its support files. It can also highlight large files that are taking up a lot of space, such as games that you may not need anymore. You can also run Find Duplicates to dig out any identical files even ones that have different file names. Parallels Toolbox is included free of charge along with Parallels Desktop but you can also purchase it as a standalone product for both Mac and Windows, with an annual subscription fee. Theres also a free 7-day trial that will actually delete files, free memory and do all those other useful things without you buying the app! You can get Parallels Toolbox here . Read our full Parallels Toolbox review 3. Cleaner One Pro for Mac A good cleaner at a good price Pros Quick, stable performance Excellent Dropbox Scanner utility Good value Cons The Menu Baris a bit awkward Some UI elements could be tightened and improved Price When Reviewed: $19.99 a year for 1 device (usually $24.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Trend Micro (1 year, 1 Mac) $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Cleaner One Pro for Mac is easy to download and install. The software requires is available in both free and paid subscription-based tiers. For the free tier, the software offers basic scanning and no user limits while requiring no credit or debit card to be stored with Trend Micro. The Basic tier, requires a payment method to be stored with Trend Micro, offers support for one device, access to additional tools, and easy uninstallation if desired. The Advanced tier requires a payment method to be stored with Trend Micro, and offers support for five devices, macOS and Windows support, quick uninstallation, and access to additional tools. Cleaner One Pro is designed around an assortment of modules including Smart Scan, which looks over your storage, diagnostics, and applications, Junk Files, Big Files, Disk Map, Startup Manager, Duplicate Files, Similar Photos, App Manager, and File Shredder. The modules performed well during testing, and were able to locate large files and duplicates to be disposed of. The Smart Scan, as expected, goes through a general overview of storage, diagnostics, and applications to suss out garbage files and make recommendations as to what tools to use. The Junk Files module found a variety of unused disk images and installers. The Disk Map module worked as expected, offering a nice layout and concise display of whats eating up your Macs hard drive. The Startup Manager offered an excellent peek under your Macs hood, especially in terms of launch agents, the module allowing you to activate or deactivate individual components File Shredder allows you to drop in files and folders to be securely deleting. The Dropbox Scanner tool, which hooked into my Dropbox account, compared files and file sizes, and offered a quick means of cleaning up larger files, which helped clear dozens of gigabytes of space and proved to be pretty unique as a feature. Cleaner One Pro is useful, lives up to its description, and offers an elegant and easy to navigate user interface that lets you prune your Mac down effectively. This useful set of Mac cleaning tools comes at a good price, and if youre looking for something reliable in this field, its worth your consideration. Theres also an iOS version on the iOS App Store. Read our full Cleaner One Pro for Mac review 4. MacCleaner Pro Impressive tools at a good price Pros Impressive set of tools Good tutorials Good configuration Cons Occasionally awkward user interface Price When Reviewed: $29.95/a year for 1 Mac, or $74.95 for 1 Mac (one time purchase) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nektony (1 year, 1 Mac) $29.95 View Deal Nektony (one time purchase, 1 Mac) $74.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket MacCleaner Pro from Nektonyis divided into a core app and several module apps, namely App Cleaner & Uninstaller, Disk Space Analyzer, Duplicate File Finder, Memory Cleaner, and Funter.The core app can perform an overall disk cleaning and help free up storage space by eliminating extraneous files. The App Cleaner & Uninstaller module works well, and allows you to see the app youre removing as well as its support files. This module has been improved compared to version 3, and now offers you easier access to startup programs and extension files, allowing you to enable, disable, or remove them. A Remaining Files feature allows you to chase down loose files, while an Open With feature lets you assign applications to open certain file types. With Duplicate File Finder its easy to specify file types to look for, such as audio and photo files, with an impressive level of precise control. Memory Cleaner module offers an easy interface to show which applications and processes are consuming the most RAM. Funter module finds hidden files within your operating system. The Fast Cleanup option was able to clear up 11.4GB of drive space, most of these being application cache files, while the Deep Cleanup feature helped reclaim 65.4GB of drive space. We did have some peculiar instances in which a reminder poped up advising us to clear disk space for a macOS Sonoma (which was already installed).On another occasion when we paused scanning after half an hour we saw a request for full access to the hard drive. MacCleaner Pro is easy to install, runs well and has a good feature base. You can buy it on an annual or monthly subscription or as a one-time purchase. The free trial version is fully functioning for two days and will actually perform some of the tasks you need to do, rather than ask you to buy the full version. Read our full Nektony MacCleaner Pro review 5. Avast Cleanup Premium Generous trial Pros Reasonable price Speedy performance 60-day trial Good level of customization for each module Cons Cleanup functions can be somewhat destructive Price When Reviewed: $29.88 a year for 1 Mac (usually $65.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast (first year, 1 device) $29.88 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac provides a range of utilities to clean your Mac and remove unwanted files. Some modules go beyond expectations. However, care and customisation is needed to avoid accidentally deleting important files. Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac is divided into modules: Quick Clean, Clean Clutter, Clean Browser, Find Duplicates, Analyse Photos, Uninstall Apps, Startup Manager, System Monitor, and Statistics. The Quick Clean module is the most generic and helps reclaim hard drive space by cleaning app cache, log files, trash, cookies, and web cache files. The Find Duplicates feature finds and organises duplicates on your system, giving you control over the process. The Analyse Photos module scans local and external photo libraries and volumes, identifying rough copies of old photos and offering to delete them. The Uninstall Apps, Startup Manager, System Monitor, and Statistics modules are unexpected gems. The Startup Manager module easily located 51 startup items that could be toggled on or off. The System Monitor offered a good user interface and layout, monitoring system sensors like fan speed, power usage, and battery condition. However, Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac has some issues. Setting up took an extra day due to a server-side error. The software automatically opts into third-party product offers unless you disable this option in the Privacy tab, which is annoying. But more concerning, is how powerful and broad the modules are: using the generic cleanup function without specifying what you want to clean up can be risky, especially when the browser cleaner removes generic cookies and autofill items, which can be useful later. Be cautious when using these tools, as they can accidentally remove files you might need. Avasts utilities are effective and stand on their own. Theres something worth trying here. The software, especially with its 60-day free trial, is worth considering. A free version with a scan function is also available. Read our full Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac review 6. CCleaner Pro Pros Fast and effective Good price Dug out malware others missed Cons No quick access to tutorials Duplicate Finder interface isnt straightforward Price When Reviewed: Free; Pro version: $39.95 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Piriform Software (annually) $39.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Piriform Softwares CCleaner offers some useful tools in a friendly, appealing package. It retails for $39.95/39.95 for CCleaner Pro, which covers one device for one year. Theres also a free version: CCleaner. CCleaner centers itself around several modules, which consist of Quick Clean, Clean Clutter, Clean Browser, Find Duplicates, Analyze Photos, Uninstall Apps, Manage Startups, System Monitor, and Statistics. Uninstall Apps tool worked well and the Manage Startups tool dug up a chunk of files and and offered an easy way to remove them. The Clean Browser tool was able to locate and remove 2.01GB of cache files and cookies and Find Duplicates found 106.45GB of duplicate files. The Quick Clean tool was able to locate app cache files, log files, trash, cookies, web cache, and duplicate files offered to clear 6.5GB of cache files. System Monitor offered system specs, access to sensors, and information such as fan usage, disk usage, battery cycles and temperature. The scheduling tool worked well, CCleaner offering a good level of customization. Theres a good set of tutorial videos for CCleaners various versions, but you have to go looking for them. Piriform should offer quick links to these tutorial videos theyve already produced and published. Theres an excellent collection of tools to be found in CCleaner. The interface is clean, it runs well, and it doesnt make the mistake of trying to perform every task under the sun. Read our full CCleaner Pro review 7. Onyx Pros Excellent utility Good customization Reliable bug fixes and updates Cons Scheduling feature needs refinement Intimidating Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Titanium Software (Donationware) Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Onyx , which presently stands at version 4.7.1, is one of the best utilities on the market, and its free! OnyX is Donationware, with users asked to send along whatever they believe the program is worth. It provides easy access to the powerful underlying tools within the macOS operating system. You can run powerful sets of customizable scripts to perform functions such as checking volume structures, getting low-level system specifications, repairing permissions, cleaning up system databases, and sorting out under-the-hood level system details. its easy to access complex system functions such as security, login options, Display Calibrator, Keychain Access and so on., Our only criticism would be that the Scheduling feature is a bit vague and seems to only function around specific days, hours, and minutes. And a set of tutorial videos would be useful. Users have complained that support is slow in getting back to them but this is donationware, so, to be fair, its understandable. Read our full Onyx review 8. Daisy Disk Nice one off price Pros Quickly scans storage and finds large files Graphical representation File name previews Can check cloud storage Cons Some user-interface quirks Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Software Ambience (One time purchase) $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket DaisyDisk incorporates a clean, fun, interesting user interface via which it sets out to help you visualize the data on your Mac and its local, network, and cloud-based volumes, map it out, see which files are taking up the most space, and help you free up gigabytes of drive space. DaisyDisk supports a number of file formats and file systems, as well as network volumes, virtual elements and disk images, and can mount and scan just about anything as long as the volume itself is operational. It can also mount cloud-based services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Box so you can find ancient files to be deleted. I was able to clear up dozens of gigabytes of space in the process. See our round-up of the best cloud backups for Mac . We did have some difficulties with Google Drive, which refused to allow DaisyDisk access, stating that the app was blocked and tried to access sensitive info in your Google Account. To keep your account safe, Google blocked this access. This appears to be a conflict between DaisyDisks developers and Google and hopefully it will be sorted out soon. DaisyDisk users are also currently unable to add and sort through Apples iCloud Drive accounts given Apples sandboxing of the environment. You can scan a local copy of your iCloud Drive contents using the Scan Folder button but not the web-based data, which is frustrating. In addition to being able to scan entire volumes at once, you can click the Select Folder button and navigate to a custom folder. With DaisyDisk its entirely up to your own discretion as to which files and folders to delete, with nothing more than a five-second countdown clock and time period in which to cancel the decision. Apples Disk Utility app can be accessed from the Menu bar to perform disk repairs on the fly. Unlike so many apps you dont have to sign up for a subscription package: the app retails for a one off fee of $9.99/9.99, which is excellent value. Read our full Daisy Disk review 9. MacPaw Gemini Pros Capable of finding multiple duplicate types Excellent search customization Handy preferences and options Cons Lack of additional filters makes sorting located duplicates tedious Needs a scheduling feature Price When Reviewed: From $19.95 for 1 Mac, annually Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (1 year, 1 Mac) $19.95 View Deal MacPaw (one time purchase, 1 Mac) $44.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Though not strictly a Mac cleaner, like other apps in this round-up, MacPaws Gemini 2 can certainly help you get back some disc space. It is a duplicate removal tool that focuses specifically on reducing the thousands of duplicate photos in your Photos library. It also hunts down duplicate files within Apple Music and across the macOS operating system. The app is available through Apples App Store and MacPaws SetApp application, which grants access to Gemini and other apps for $9.99 (7.60) a month. It is easy to install and offers a seven-day free trial in exchange for either your credit or debit card information. The app includes scripts for easy scanning of the Photos library and your Music library, as well as custom folders and external volumes that can be chosen from a menu or dragged, dropped, and quickly scanned. Other features include Menu Bar elements, whitelists that can be created that are exempt from being scanned, and a Duplicate Monitor feature that helps compare files and heads off duplicates before they begin to pile up. In testing, Gemini 2 quickly sought out duplicates, offered the option to remove them, and eradicated them from our hard drive. This also applies to music files and other document types, and the Duplicate Monitor warns you about possible duplicates that have been carried over to your hard drive. However, there are some caveats, such as confusion about account registration and permissions after downloading and installing Gemini 2 from the App Store. MacPaw is urging its clients towards SetApp subscriptions, which offer full access to the companys apps for a given rate per month. While Gemini 2 runs well, a scheduling feature for folder or volume scans would not go amiss. An improved filter for locating duplicate items would be more helpful. Despite some minor hurdles, Gemini 2 is well-written, sharp, helpful, fast, works well with all kinds of duplicates, and lends a good feature set to the macOS operating system without being overbearing. It hones in on its tasks and performs them well enough to earn the trust of users. Read our full MacPaw Gemini review 10. Intego Washing Machine Pros Reclaim drive space and remove duplicate files Good customization, filters, and settings Cons Annoying pop-ups Installation difficult Price When Reviewed: $19.99 for one Mac for first year (usually $49.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (1 year, 1 Mac, 60% off) $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Integos Washing Machine X9 is a handy cleaning utility for the Mac that focuses on reclaiming disk space via the Reclaim tool, removing duplicate files on your Macs hard drive with the Duplicates tool, and organizing folders using the Organize tool. As is standard, the software (compatible with macOS 13 High Sierra or later) requires that you grant it full access to your hard drive though your Macs Privacy and Security settings. Less standard was that we had to locate the Intego Washing Machine X9 app in the Applications folder and drag it into Full Disk Access in Privacy and Security settings to get it to function. It is more common that an installer will add an easy icon that can be dragged into the macOS Full Disk Access pane to complete the installation. Theres a good level of customization. Like similar applications, the Reclaim tool can chase after caches, downloads, language files, logs, and trash files to help clean up disk space. The initial run cleared approximately 24GB of drive space from my M2 MacBook Pros SSD. The Duplicates tool took about five hours to create an initial index for my 1TB SSD. It offered control over duplicates that can be selected and specific options and naming filters. The Organize feature can help organize messy folders into a Snapshot folder for reorganization later. This tool can work with specific folders such as the ever-messy Desktop folder, your Home folder, and macOS Smart Folders, and help pull things into order. This Organize feature does feel like slapping a band-aid on the larger problem of a folders disorganization though. The Scheduling option only allows for a specific week or month to be chosen, and it would have been nice to be able to schedule a process for a few minutes from now, as is common with similar software. While its nice to be able to reclaim a few dozen gigabytes of drive space and have control over the duplicate files on your Mac, Washing Machine offers nothing groundbreaking. With the current discounts and its attractive user interface its worth a look though. Alternatively, Integos Washing Machine X9 is bundled with Integos larger security suite so you could take advantage of that and get a Mac Cleaner with Integos Antivirus solution. The Mac Premium Bundle includes VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, Content Barrier, and Personal Backup solutions. Read our full Intego Washing Machine X9 review 11. Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller Pros Friendly interface, good performance Cheap option Cons Mediocre update utility Problems with Remaining Files module Price When Reviewed: $14.95 a year for 1 Mac Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nektony (1 year, 1 Mac) $14.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket App Cleaner & Uninstaller simplifies the process of removing unwanted applications, startup programs, extensions, remaining files, and updates. The Applications module indexes all applications and allows users to easily find and remove even the remnants of software. The Startup Programs module provides a convenient list of startup applications, categorised into All Programs, Active, and Disabled, and lets users select which to remove. The Extensions module categorises Mac extensions into Installation Files, Web Browser Extensions, Screen Savers, Settings Panes, Internet Plugins, and Widgets, making it easy to locate and remove specific extensions. Unfortunately, App Cleaner & Uninstallers Remaining Files and Updater elements are problematic. The Remaining Files module, though useful, offers a generalised Remove feature that can remove critical system elements like the App Store, affecting your Macs functionality. During testing, it targeted Adobe Creative Cloud applications and files, removing file systems and requiring reinstallation of several Adobe applications. While a generalised cleanup is possible, the Remaining Files module should be used carefully to avoid removing critical elements. The Updates feature missed major updates like ff-Works, Slack, and Microsoft Office. Read our full Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller review You may also like to consider: Disk Doctor , $2.99/2.99 a year. Tuneup for Mac , $65.99/54.99 a year. We have also looked at MacBooster, find out why we dont recommend it here: MacBooster Review: its no surprise people think its malware. How we test Mac Cleaning software We tested the Mac cleaning software for this article by scanning our test system for junk files, caches, temporary files and more that could be removed. We then evaluated success depending not only on the amount of space freed up, but also whether there were issues related to data loss or performance slowdowns. We also evaluating the various modules in each app, such as the effectiveness of app uninstallers and the management of RAM. We also looked at ease of use and value for money. Why you should trust Macworld Macworlds Mac cleaner app reviewer, Chris Barylick, is an Apple-Certified Macintosh Technician with more than twenty years of experience fixing Macs and in this time has seen just about every scenario that can be conceived of. You can trust the unbiassed recommendations and buying advice of Macworlds team of experts because we use the products ourselves, running real-world tests to accurately assess how the software will perform in typical use. How to choose the best Mac Cleaner The best Mac Cleaner for you will depend on your requirements. Some of the options here do so much more than remove obsolete files from your Mac to free up space. Others promise to uninstall app completely, some will help you free up RAM, and some will even double up as antivirus software. The Mac Cleaner that meets your needs within you budget is the one that will best suit you and you can rest assumed that any app mentioned in this round up that fits your criteria comes with our recommendation. FAQ 1. Can you clean your Mac without using a Mac Cleaner? macOS doesnt have a built-in system cleaner, but with a little knowhow you can do the job yourself. It is possible to clean your Mac for free, however there are risks involved. Theres a reason why Apple doesnt let you access the contents of System Data: if you delete the wrong thing it could bring down your whole Mac! However you can follow the steps in this tutorial to free up space without spending anything: How to delete System Data on a Mac . 2. Is it worth paying for a Mac Cleaner or can I clean my Mac for free? There are several options available that offer free trials or are completely free. Free Trials: Some Mac cleaner apps, such as CleanMyMac, DaisyDisk, Parallels ToolBox and MacCleaner Pro featured above, offer free trial versions that allow users to clean their Mac for free for a limited period. Free Versions: CCleaner has a free version with useful cleaning features. OnyX is a free utility that provides access to powerful tools for cleaning and maintenance of the macOS operating system Some of these trials will merely show you how much space you can free up, but several are essentially free Mac Cleaners that will allow you to clean your Mac for free, albeit for a limited period. While some of these options may have limitations or time restrictions, they provide a way to clean your Mac without immediate cost. 3. Is there a totally free Mac cleaner? CCleaner and OnyX are the best options if you are looking for a free Mac cleaner. Related Articles How to clear cache on a Mac How to clear RAM on a Mac How to speed up a slow Mac How to clean install macOS on your Mac How to check a Macs free hard drive space How to clear disk space on a Mac How to find and delete duplicate files on Mac

Apple Watch Series 11: Everything we know about the 2025 models

Macworld The Apple Watch Series 10 disappointed some users last year. After hearing about major design changes for a while, the new Apple Watch turned out to be more or less identical to the one sold over the last few years. The display was just a tad larger and the body was slightly thinner, but overall it was very similar to the Series 9. At this point, Apples extremely successful watch is a proven formula and the company isnt rocking the boat. So whats in store for Apple Watch Series 11 in the fall of 2025? Heres what weve heard so far about the Apple Watch Series 11. Apple Watch Series 11: Release date For years now, Apple has announced the new Apple Watch together with the new iPhone at a September event, with both products going on sale the following week. We havent heard anything to make us think that wont be the case again this year. The most likely date is the second Tuesday of September, which is September 9. Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 11 will probably begin that Friday (September 12) with general availability in stores a week later (September 19). Apple Watch Series 11: Price Ever since the Apple Watch Series 3 , Apple has kept starting prices the same for the aluminum Apple Watch and we dont expect a price hike this year. THis means that the Series 11 will start at $399 and the larger version will cost $429, with an extra $100 for cellular capability and higher prices for various bands. With the Series 10, Apple also offered a titanium case for $699/$749, which includes LTE like the Ultra. Rumors suggest Apple will keep that option around with the Series 11, likely at the same price. However, no discussion of future Apple product pricing is complete without mentioning U.S. tariffs, which are changing rapidly and could have a big impact on pricing. Its simply too difficult to predict whether tariffs will increase the Apple Watchs price, the odds are significant. The Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to look nearly identical to the Series 10. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Apple Watch Series 11: Design Rumors throughout 2024 told us to expect more significant changes to the Apple Watch design last year, and then the Series 10 debuted and it looked like a very slightly flattened Series 9. This year, there arent even any rumors of big design changes. Currently, all signs point to an Apple Watch that is identical in appearance to the Series 10, with the possible exception of new colors, possibly sky blue to match the MacBook Air and iPhone 17. Apple Watch Series 11: New features Apple has been working on incorporating a microLED display on the Apple Watch for several years, according to various leaks and rumors, but its not expected to debut on the Series 11 this year. Some think this display shift will come to Apple Watch Ultra first, but even that isnt expected in 2025. Were not expecting any new health sensors, either. Apples blood glucose monitoring initiative is still years from ending up in a watch, it seems, and while there have been rumors of high blood pressure monitoring, thats not quite ready to appear this year, either. So what will be new? You can bet on a new S11 SiP (system in package), offering somewhat better performance. Dont expect a big boost in battery life, thoughthat has been a near constant 18 hours for nearly the entire lifespan of the watch. Apple Intelligence and the new Siri could be one of the new features of watchOS 12 and the Apple Watch Series 11. Michael Simon/IDG Apple Intelligence is a key aspect of almost every new Apple product now, and rumors suggest Apple is working on bringing some AI features to the Apple Watch. The actual AI models probably wont be able to run on the watch; rather, the watch will gather data, the processing will be done on your iPhone, and then the watch will display results or notifications. Many of the new AI features will likely debut as part of watchOS 12, but some might be kept as Series 11 exclusives in order to help differentiate the hardware. Its also rumored that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will support 5G cellular and satellite messaging, which could also come to the Series 11. Apple debuted a wireless chip in the iPhone 16e, but its not clear whether its small or efficient enough for the Apple Watch yet. Apple Watch SE: Is something new on the way? Apple hasnt updated the Apple Watch SE since 2022 and that update was an extremely minor one, bringing a new chip and crash detection with a lower price of $249. It was initially rumored that 2024 would bring a substantial update to the budget watch with a plastic redesign, but that didnt happen. Then Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that a plastic SE redesign would arrive in 2025 alonside the Series 11. However, a rumor in March claimed that the new Apple Watch SE had run into production issues and was in serious jeopardy. So Apple may need to switch to an aluminum design for the new SE or stick with the current model for another year. The Apple Watch SE hasnt been updated since 2022. Henry Burrell / Foundry The Series 11 is likely to be a Series 10s We criticized the Apple Watch Series 8 for being largely the same as the Series 7, and the Series 9 for being almost identical to the Series 8. This looks like it could be another one of those years, where there are only very minor changes to the Apple Watch that you wont even notice in everyday use. That doesnt mean its a bad watch, or that Apple is in trouble. There is virtually no competition for the Apple Watch, and as long as Apple keeps pressing forward with watchOS software features, its likely to keep selling a lot of Apple Watches. But if youre hoping for a major change to the Apple Watch hardware, youll probably have to wait another year or more.

How to Use HitPaw Univd for PC & Mac

Macworld With the ever-rising popularity of video content, fast and convenient video converters have become essential. HitPaw Univd is a professional cross-platform application that enables you to easily convert videos, audio and images on Windows, Mac, online, and mobile phone, making it appealing to content creators and viewers alike. Introduction to HitPaw Univd HitPaw Univd is a smart software that uses AI tools to enhance, edit and convert video. With a rich feature set and a clear, simple interface, HitPaw Univd will appeal to individual and small business users who require an efficient tool for working with video and audio files. Key features Convert video and audio filesbetween 1,000+ formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, and MKV. Built-in AI tools for enhancing video, and removing backgrounds, noise and vocals. Video-editing features such as trim, merge, compress, add watermark, crop, rotate, filter, and change speed. Convert 2D videos to 3D. Supports GPU acceleration for faster conversions. Add subtitles to videos in various formats (SRT, ASS, VTT, SSA). Built-in player for previewing videos before conversion. Batch conversion for multiple files. Available for Windows and Mac operating systems. Step-by-step instructions Video Conversion HitPaw Univd is best-known for its ability to convert video file formatsheres how to do that. Step 1: Download and launch: Open the software, go to the Converter feature, and use the Add Files option to add videos. HitPaw Step 2: Select Output Format and Quality: Select an output format and customize the output parameters. HitPaw Step 3: Download File: Click the Converted tab to find the processed video, then open the file on your computer. HitPaw Video Enhancer HitPaw Univd can upscale video to 4k in a single clickheres how to get started enhancing video quality. Step 1: Download and Launch: Find the video enhancer feature by clicking on the Editor tab. HitPaw Step 2: Select AI Model and Preview: Choose an AI enhancement model and let the program automatically enhance videos. HitPaw Step 3: Preview and Export: Preview the enhanced video and click Export to save it to computer. HitPaw Video Editor Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use HitPaw Univd as a video editor: Step 1: Select edit feature : Click on the Editor tab and then choose an editing feature, such as trim, crop, filters, or effects. HitPaw Step 2: Add a video file and edit it: Introduce your video file(s) to begin the editing. HitPaw Step 3: Export edited video files: Select the desired output format of the edited video and save it to the desired destination on your local machine. HitPaw HitPaw can handle multiple video formatsincluding MP4, which is preferable for posting on the internet. This makes HitPaw Univd a multifunctional, easy-to-use tool for converting files and basic editing. Video Compression Video compression is important for reducing storage requirements and enabling faster transmission of your video content. Heres how to compress video using HitPaw Univd. Step 1: Click or Drag Files to Import: Open HitPaw Univd, go to the toolbox, then select the Compressor feature. Step 2: Set the quality, output format, and destination: Add your video file. Then, in the settings, choose the desired output compression quality (low, high, or custom), and select the output format, such as MP4 or WebM. You can also adjust other settings such as bitrate, resolution, and FPS. HitPaw Step 3: Compress and export the file click the Compress button to begin the compression process. The compressed video will be saved to the location you specified. HitPaw Vocal Remover Step 1: Open Vocal Remover: Launch HitPaw Univd and find Vocal Remover in the Toolbox. Click to open it. HitPaw Step 2: Add or drag audio/video file: You can add audio or a video file from which you want to remove the vocals to the Vocal Remover. Step 3: AI video analyzer: After adding a file, the AI vocal remover will automatically analyze the video. HitPaw Step 4: Remove voice from video: Following this analysis, you can choose to separately export the audio and vocal files. The exported files will be found in the Save to folder. HitPaw Price HitPaw Univd has a free trial period, following which it costs $19.95 per month. Compatible with more than a thousand video and audio formats, and adding support for AI enhancements and GPU acceleration, it can be an effective video and audio conversion tool for individual users and small businesses, regardless of whether they are PC or video converter Mac users. Why use HitPaw Univd HitPaw Univd can enhance your video to 4K resolution, providing sharper detail and clarity, then make them playable on any device with support for conversion to more than a thousand video and audio formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, and MKV. Its batch processing feature is geared towards efficiencyconvert as many videos as you want at once. The rich feature set makes it easy to use for beginners, but powerful enough for advanced users, so its easy to see why HitPaw Univd is the media toolbox for anyone interested in video. FAQ 1. How does a video conversion tool work? Video conversion tools work by decoding the original video file, applying any desired changes such as the format, resolution or codec, and then re-encoding the video into the target format. 2. Is there a safe online video converter? HitPaw Univd is a safe online video converter that allows users to convert videos without downloading any software. It supports a variety of formats, maintains high quality, and is easy to use. Final words HitPaw Univd is an effective software for the conversion of video files, with support for more than a thousand video and audio formats. This fully functional video converter has a simple user interface, offers speedy conversion, and adds appealing features such as batch conversion and video cutting. Whether you are a PC, Mac or mobile user, you can depend on HitPaw Univd for all your video conversion needs.

Everything Apple needs to fix at WWDC starts with Settings

Macworld Rumors abound that Apple is about to redesign all its operating systems, dramatically changing the devices we use every day starting this fall. It would be a perfectly understandable reaction to wonder why Apple would focus on aesthetics while so many parts of its business seem to be in turmoil. But Im here to propose the opposite. That a lot of the symptoms of what Apples done wrong latelymost powerfully represented by the disastrous update to the macOS Settings (formerly System Preferences) appare actually reasons why now its past time for Apple to turn the page, design something new, and announce it at WWDC in June. Things fall apart Ive never worked in software, but I have worked in the media business for a few decades and have been involved in numerous redesign projects, both for print magazines and websites. Every time a new design debuts, its trumpeted as being cleaner and more streamlined, which probably makes you wonder: Why was the old thing cluttered? Why design a less streamlined, less clean thing in the first place? Of course, the answer is that every new design starts clean, fresh, and streamlined, with every feature it needs and nothing it doesnt. But starting on day one, the compromises creep in. Designs fall apart over time, not because they werent nice, but because needs have changed, and you cant do a total redesign every time you want to add or tweak just one thing. Over the years, a fresh design becomes an ugly patchwork. The truth is, theres never a good time to redesign anything. There will always be another pressing new feature that takes precedent. But why now? Surely Apple would be better off devoting its time to adding AI features and fixing bugs! The truth is, theres never a good time to redesign anything. There will always be another pressing new feature that takes precedence, and that usually goes on for years as the fixes pile up, creating more and more tech debt and making the existing product that much harder to update and alter. Eventually, it reaches a breaking pointthe whole thing needs to be redesigned. If not now, when? Apples operating systems probably reached that breaking point a few years ago. And theres no better example, in all its details, than three years ago when Apple replaced the macOS System Preferences app with the new Settings app. Brother from another mother Introduced in macOS Ventura in 2022 , the Settings app encompasses pretty much every reason why Apple needs to hit a big reset button. First, let me stipulate that the old System Preferences app was just that: old . It was a remnant of the very earliest days of Mac OS X and desperately needed to be modernized. I do not doubt that there were a huge number of reasons (and an enormous pile of tech debt ) that led to the decision to replace it with a new version based on the Settings app found in iOS and iPadOS. Even though this System Preference design is old, it made it much easier to find what you need, than it is now with System Settings. Foundry But thats the thing. The Settings app on iOS is no spring chicken. It has also struggled to adapt and grow with the increasing complexity of iOS and iPadOS. It was never intended to work on macOS. While the decision to use it on macOS was probably expedient and made Apples platforms feel a little more alike, adapting an old design from an entirely different platform went exactly as you might expect it to go. Settings might be new to macOS, but its not new. What Settings needs, across all of Apples platforms, is a rethink and a reorganization . Categories and subcategories are not organized in any logical way, making the entire app so dysfunctional that you have to rely on search to find anything you need. And all that does is expose how broken a lot of Apples on-device search functionality feels. Not to mention that between type to Siri and Spotlight, its completely unclear what to type where on modern Apple devices. Sure, we can all probably figure out good explanations for why things are the way they are. But thats the pointyears have gone by, and the old designs have been patched so many times that theyre simply a mess. Its time to rip the bandage off. The old college try I hear a lot of skepticism about Apples ability to execute a complete redesign across all its platforms. And I get it: A lot of Apples recent missteps have come on the software side, suggesting that they may not be up to the challenge. The fact is, we just dont know whether Apple can execute on this, but we have to be open-minded. It could be good, or it could be bad, or anywhere in between. Apple needs to stop making macOS be more like iOS and vice versa. It needs to start with a design system that is built to the way we use each device. Apple Whats indisputable is that Apple could really use a new design, built from the ground up to cover all of its platforms and fit its priorities. It shouldnt be a one-size-fits-all design but an overall design system that is built to adapt to the very different needs of an iPhone and a MacBook Pro. As a certain famous former Apple CEO said , design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. Thats another important aspect of this if Apple is going to do this right: It cant just be about looksit needs to be about functionality. For example, a new Settings app could be beautiful and reflect every platforms special naturebut if it hasnt been reorganized so that you can find what youre looking for, its not well designed. The same is true for many of Apples back-end technologies, which need to be presented in more consistent ways, whether its Writing Tools and Apples spelling checker or the aforementioned Type to Siri and Spotlight searches. Thats the potential in a major Apple redesign. Sure, there will be gaudy flourishes that show off the power of Apple Silicon GPUsbut a successful design has to go beyond that. If Apple does this right, it will have swept away the conditions that led to sad affairs like replacing one broken Settings app with a differently broken one. A new design should be based on Apples vision for how people will be using its devices over the next decade, at least. And if its all done right, that design will inspire the rest of the company to live up to its promise. Because nobody wants to see the OS equivalent of the Settings app.

Theres a way to get Windows 11 Pro on Parallels Pro for $15

Macworld If you like using Windows apps on your Mac through Parallels Pro, listen up. Microsoft is going to phase out Windows 10 in a few months. If you had a Windows computer, you might be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Mac users, dont worry. You can still upgrade for cheap because its now only $14.97 to get Windows 11 Pro, but it wont stay that way. Windows 11 Pro has a few upgrades that seriously improve productivity, security, and user experience. The new interface is more streamlined and user-friendly. For Mac users, it might even seem a little familiar. Features like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops help keep your workspace organized, while Windows Sandbox gives you a secure environment for testing apps without risking your main system. Security enhancements include support for biometric login, TPM 2.0, and Smart App Control, which can help protect your data from unauthorized access. The built-in AI-powered Copilot assistant is another practical tool, making it easier to quickly adjust settings, generate content, or get answers to questions without disrupting your workflow. Through April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get Windows 11 Pro on sale for $14.97 (reg. $199). No coupon needed. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

Insta360 X5 Review

Spoiler: this is the best camera Insta360 has made so far. Whether youre capturing an epic adventure or just messing around in the yard, the The post Insta360 X5 Review appeared first on BGR .

This 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with 512GB of storage is an insane $500 off

Macworld Were used to nice savings on Apples MacBook Air, but we cant remember the last time we saw such a huge discounteven on last years model. The 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage is only $999 at B&H Photo right now, a whopping savings of $500 and the best price weve seenor will likely ever see. Powered by last years M3 chip, this MacBook Air will still deliver swift performance for a wide range of tasks, from editing photos and videos to doomscrolling your socials. Its got a fantastic 15-inch Liquid Retina screen thats great for multitasking and movie watching, and the inclusion of a 512GB SSD (twice the base model) offers ample storage for your applications and files. The only downside is that it only has 8GB of RAM, but thats still plenty for most tasks. When we reviewed the M3 MacBook Air last year, we summed up the laptop as simply the best, but better, appreciating the performance boost delivered by the M3 chip. We have the laptop with a 4.5-star rating, appreciating its overall performance, excellent battery life, and the great combination of price and features. And now that you can get this powerful M3 MacBook Air for only $999 its an absolute bargain that you should not miss. Take $500 off for this MacBook Air Buy now at B&H Photo

iPhone 17: Everything we know so far about the 2025 iPhones

Macworld It doesnt take long for iPhone rumors to circulate. Its one of the most iconic and influential tech gadgets of all time, and everyone wants to know whats 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. Heres everything we know so far, but dont take any of it as solid info: even when early rumors are accurate, plans can change, and nothing is ever certain until Apple announces it. Updated April 22: Known leaker Majin Bu reports that this years hot new color will be sky blue. iPhone 17 release date: When is the next iPhone coming out? Heres something we do know: The new iPhone lineup is almost always announced in Septemberusually on a Tuesday in the second week of September, to be specific. So we would expect the iPhone 17 line to be announced on or around September 9, 2025 . Heres when the most recent models were released: iPhone 15: September 12, 2023 iPhone 14: Sepember 7, 2022 iPhone 13: Sepember 14, 2021 i Phone 12: October 13, 2020 (delayed due to Covid) Historically, preorders for the iPhone begin on the Friday after the announcement, and the phones ship a week later. On occasion, some specific models may ship a couple of weeks later than others due to production issues. iPhone 17: Price We havent yet heard if the iPhone 17 line will cost the same as the iPhone 16 line. Most rumors suggest the Plus model will be replaced by the new super-slim Air model, which will take over its price in the lineup as well: iPhone 17 : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($799) iPhone 17 Pro : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,099) iPhone 17 Pro Max : 6.86-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,199) iPhone 17 Air : 6.65-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($899) This would mean a significant upward shift in overall iPhone pricing, with the Pro model jumping up $100 and a new model replacing the Plus with a price of $100 more than the Pro Max. Now that Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e there may also be an iPhone 17e joining the lineup in September 2025, although we dont know if it will be updated in September 2025, or if that model wont arrive until spring 2026. The price is likely to be $599 for the iPhone 17e, unless Apple introduces an iPhone 17e in place of the iPhone 15, with a price of $699, in which case the iPhone 16e could remain in the lineup with its $599 price tag. iPhone 17: Colors In April, Majin Bu reported that the iPhone 17 Pro models will come in a new and irresistible sky blue color. That would be the second product with that color, following the M4 MacBook Air. The iPhone 16 comes in five colors including Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black.The iPhone 16 Pro comes in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium, which are reminiscent of the classic gold and space gray options. There were rumors that the iPhone 16 would also come in purple, so perhaps thats in the pipeline for 2025. iPhone 17: New slimmer iPhone 17 Air model Several analysts have reported that the existing Plus model will be replaced by a new Slim model with a larger screen size and a much thinner body. Analyst Jeff Pu was the first to report this change (in May 2024), and in the same month, The Information reported on the Slim model , stating that it would be a new even-higher-end model that sits above Pro Max in the lineup and would have a centered rear camera and a smaller Dynamic Island. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has been accurate about supply-chain predictions, mentions that a future folding iPhone will have the same high-density battery cells as the ultra-thin iPhone 17. Its already possible for iPhone batteries to hold more energy in the same volume, its just a matter of costwith the slim iPhone 17 Air, Apple will likely spend more on a battery that holds more charge in its limited volume. A video by Jon Prosser in August 2024 surmises that the slim iPhone will be called the iPhone Air (we agree that makes sense) and will not be the most expensive in the lineup (its been rumored for years that Apple is planning to launch a new model with higher-end features above the Pro Max), but rather be a mid-priced model that prioritizes form and design over specs, much like the MacBook Air. Additionally, a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in August 2024 claimed the new model will fit between the standard iPhone and the Pro: If you want something snazzier than a standard iPhonebut dont really need the performance, screen size, or cameras of a Pro modelyou can get something that looks much cooler while still having the specifications of a regular iPhone. A report from Jeff Pu in November 2024 claims that the iPhone 17 Air/Slim will be around 6mm thick . Thats thinner than any iPhone so far. The iPhone 16, for context, is 7.8mm thick. The thinnest new iPad Pro is 5.1mm thick. According to Koreas Sisa Journal in January 2025, the so-called iPhone 17 Air will be 6.25mm thick and cost in the same price range as the iPhone 16 Plus (starting at $899 U.S.). A medium post from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the thinnest part of the new ultra-slim iPhone is just 5.5mm thick , but its difficult to know what that means without more context. The camera bump, according to Weibo leaker Ice Universe , will be 4.0mm thick , bringing the total phone thickness to 9.5mm at the camera. In October 2024 Pu said he expects the phone to have an A19 chip (not A19 Pro), 8GB of RAM, around a 6.6-inch display, an aluminum body, and a single 48MP rear camera. Another report (in July 2024) suggested that Apple wont use resin-coated copper components on the mainboard due to quality issues with the supplier. This was one of the ways Apple planned to reduce internal space requirements, so its unclear if it will have an impact on the iPhone 17 slim models overall thickness or not. A leaked image in January reportedly showed the case of the new iPhone 17 Air, with a prominent camera bar design. Majin Bu/X In a video, Jon Prosser claims to have laid eyes on the iPhone 17 Air himself and has commissioned renders of what it looks like. iPhone 17: Cameras All iPhone 17 models have been rumored to feature a 24MP front-facing camera . An October 2024 research note from analyst Jeff Pu added that the iPhone 17 Pro would feature a 48MP telephoto camera along with a new 24MP front camera . According to a later report from Majin Bu , the 48MP telephoto camera will have a zoom of 3.5x (85mm) , with an optical crop zoom mode similar to todays 48MP wide camera, so you can shoot 12MP 7x (160mm) shots before the digital zoom kicks in. Some iPhone 17 models (maybe even all of them) will have a new camera bump , a wide rectangular raised area that stretches across the phone similar in style to Googles Pixel line. According to a leaked image of one iPhone 17 aluminum frame (we dont know from which model), it will be substantial in size. The Pro models are expected to have a camera bar design like the iPhone 17 Air, only larger and with three cameras in the familiar array. According to leaker Jon Prosser, it should look something like this: Front Page Tech / @Zellozi Months later, Mark Gurman clarified in his newsletter that the camera bump wont have a dark interior, but rather the entire area will match the color of the phone. In February 2025, veteran leaker Majin Bu leaked iPhone 17 CAD images that seemed to reveal three different camera designs . The images suggest that there will be not one or two but three different camera module designs on show. The two Pro models will have triple rear lenses embedded in a thick band that runs across the back of the phone, as predicted by Jon Prosser (above). The standard iPhone 17 will stick feature two lenses stacked vertically. And the rumored iPhone 17 Air will offer an iPhone 16e-like single camera lens on the rear in order to reduce costs and keep the chassis slim and light. Sonny Dickson A report from The Information in July 2024 claims that at least one model will feature a mechanical aperture , which would be new for iPhones but has been seen in a handful of Android phones so far. iPhone 17: Rumored specs and features Various rumors suggest that the new iPhones could benefit from the following updates: Design and display The always-on display is supposed to finally be available on the non-Pro models . In addition, some believe that ProMotion will come to the non-Pro models, since the same LPTO technology that enables the always-on display is what makes ProMotion possible, in Apples iPhone implementation. If true, it would be the first time Apple has offered ProMotion on a non-Pro device. Apple is also said to be working with Corning on a new anti-glare and scratch-resistant glass for the iPhone 17 lineup. Dynamic Island The iPhone 17 Pro Max may have a smaller dynamic island . Rumors have changed back and forthJeff Pu said the dynamic island (or rather, the hardware pill that the island surrounds) will be smaller in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Then Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said it will be the same size as current models. Then leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo said it will indeed be smaller. Processor We dont know much about what chips will power the iPhone 17 line, but we expect the high-end models will get an A19 Pro , while the non-Pro models may get a standard or cut-back version of the A19, or perhaps a more souped up variant of the A18. RAM Since Apple bumped every iPhone 16 model to 8GB of RAM due to the demands of Apple Intelligence, rumors have suggested Apple will increase the memory in the iPhone 17 Pro models to 12GB . Wi-Fi When it comes to wireless, the cellular modem is likely to still be supplied by Qualcomm; Apples own efforts to produce a top-tier 5G modem seem to be stalled and likely wont be ready in time for next years iPhone 17 line. Wi-Fi 7 support seems likely, too. iPhone history The iPhone 16 range and the iPhone 16e are the current-generation models available from Apple. Below you can find links to our reviews of all iPhone models, including the latest generation. Learn more about all the new Apple products coming this year and when is the next Apple event . You might also want to check out our advice on when is the best time to buy a new iPhone , our iPhone buying guide , and our comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today . Original iPhone (2007) review iPhone 3G (2008) review iPhone 3GS (2009) review iPhone 4 (2010) review iPhone 4s (2011) review iPhone 5 (2012) review iPhone 5c (2013) review iPhone 5s (2013) review iPhone 6 (2014) review iPhone 6 Plus (2014) review iPhone 6s (2015) review iPhone 6s Plus (2015) review iPhone SE (1st generation; 2016) review iPhone 7 (2016) review iPhone 7 Plus (2016) review iPhone 8 (2017) review iPhone 8 Plus (2017) review iPhone X (2017) review iPhone XR (2018) review iPhone XS (2018) review iPhone XS Max (2018) review iPhone 11 (2019) review iPhone 11 Pro (2019) review iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) review iPhone SE (2nd generation; 2020) review iPhone 12 (2020) review iPhone 12 Mini (2020) review iPhone 12 Pro (2020) review iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) review iPhone 13 (2021) review iPhone 13 mini (2021) review iPhone 13 Pro (2021) review iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021) review iPhone SE (3rd generation; 2022) review iPhone 14 (2022) review iPhone 14 Plus (2022) review iPhone 14 Pro (2022) review iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022) review iPhone 15 (2023) review iPhone 15 Plus (2023) review iPhone 15 Pro (2023) review iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023) review iPhone 16 & 16 Plus review iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max review iPhone 16e review

Best laptop power banks for Apple MacBook

Macworld 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. Weve rounded up the best portable laptop power banks with battery capacities high enough to recharge a fading Apple MacBook if you wont be able to plug it into an electrical outlet for some time. Despite new laptops boasting improved battery life duration, its easy for your trusty MacBook to lose power after a day of intense meetings and PowerPoint presentations. No one wants to see the Macs Your battery is running low warning, especially when halfway through watching a downloaded Netflix series on a long-haul flight. We looked at seven main factors for recommending laptop power banks: battery capacity, charging speed, total power output, power input, USB ports, portability and safety. Power bank battery capacity The larger the laptop power banks capacity the more charges it will be able to give your MacBook. While nearly all laptop power banks give their battery capacity in milliamp hours (mAh) its more instructional to know the battery capacity in watt hours (Wh) as Wh provides a more accurate estimation of a batterys energy capacity for devices with varying power requirements. A 13-inch MacBook Air has a battery capacity of around 50Wh. The 16-inch MacBook Pros battery is rated at nearly twice thatjust under 100Wh. To find out the Wh rating of your MacBook, check our our list of all the MacBook battery capacities . In theory, a 100Wh power bank could recharge the smaller laptop twice and the larger one once. While its not quite that simple, you will certainly get more charge from a power bank with a higher Wh rating. Watt hours is also the measure used by airlines to determine whether you can carry the power bank onto a plane with you: see below our list of the best MacBook power banks for national and international in-flight battery regulations . If you know only the batterys milliampere hours (mAh), divide that number by 1,000 to get the ampere-hours (Ah). For example, 1200mAh divided by 1,000 = 1.2Ah. Then multiply that number by the power banks voltage. Battery to laptop charging speed The speed at which a power bank can charge your laptop is important, especially if you are charging the MacBook while using it. Like any USB-C charger, look for the wattage at which the power bank can output power. A small laptop requires perhaps as little as 40W to keep it powered up. A larger MacBook might require 65W or 100W. A 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W. In technical terms, chargers and power banks have a USB PD (Power Delivery) rating. PD 3.0 has a maximum power output of 100W. PD 3.1 (useful for the 16-inch MacBook Pro) can output at 140W. The PD rating is assigned to each USB port (see below). That top-end MacBook can be charged at 100W, but it will take longer to charge. If you use a much lower wattage charger, or power bank, your MacBook battery might not fill up as fast because the laptop battery is being used by your applications. As such we havent looked at any laptop power bank rated at under 65W and make recommendations for each power bank we have tested as to which MacBook model it is best suited for. It is fine to use a 140W PD 3.1 charger or power bank on a smaller laptopnothing untoward will happen as the power output is regulated by the laptop being powered. Indeed, you can safely charge your AirPods case with a 140W charger even though it wont take more than 5W. Total power output A power bank with multiple ports will also have a maximum total output, which is how much power all the ports can give out together at one time when each is connected to a different device. A power bank might have two ports each rated at 100W, but if the total power output is 100W then that power will be shared between the ports. Look for a total power output that means the power bank can handle charging multiple devices at the same time at full speed. Power input Power Input is the wattage at which the power bank itself can be charged via a USB-C charger . Again, the more watts, the faster the charge up to the power banks full capacity. USB ports A power bank needs at least one USB port to carry the power from itself to the device being charged. USB ports today come in two basic varieties: old-school rectangular USB-A and modern reversible USB-C. You will get the fastest charge using USB-C at the power bank end. At the MacBook end, the USB-C end of the cable will connect with the MacBooks Thunderbolt port, which is identical to USB-C in looks and basic operation. Thunderbolt is backward compatible with USB-C. Look for power banks with multiple USB ports so you can charge more than one device at a time: more than one laptop, or a laptop plus a phone or two, or your AirPods case and Apple Watch. A USB-A port might be useful if you need to power-up a device whose charger uses the older standard; for example, a Fitbit. Power vs portability There are some giant power banks, usually called portable power stations, that can keep a family going all weekend, but they are way too large to carry with you on your travels. Our sister site PCWorld.com has tested the best of these much larger portable power stations . As a rule, the higher the battery capacity, the larger and heavier the power bank. We have included size and weight so you can determine if each power bank suits your traveling needs. Some laptop power banks are built to last in the great outdoors so will feature more rugged IP-rated shells; read on for our reviews below. There are much smaller, lighter and more portable power banks for phonescheck out our recommendations of the best power banks for iPhone . You could use some of these to recharge a laptop but we recommend the power banks tested and reviewed here for the best results when powering up a laptop. Power bank safety Batteries can present a fire risk in certain circumstances, such as rapid overheating (a process called thermal runaway), overcharging and exposure to high temperatures. As such we recommend only power banks from trusted, premium manufacturers with a long record of producing safe, high-quality products. You will find cheaper power banks, but we believe that the safety of the device you are charging, your home or office, plus your bag if carrying it around with you, are paramount. If you want to take your power bank on a plane, there are also regulations to abide byor youll be leaving it at the Security Desk. See below the chart of our favorite laptop power banks for international airline rules on permitted power banks and batteries. Which power bank is best for your MacBook in 2025? We have indicated which models of MacBook we think each power bank is best suited to, but that doesnt mean you cant pair any with different MacBooks. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W (using Apples USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable) so owners of that model should look for a PD 3.1 power bank. But even a 13-inch MacBook Air will work well with the higher-capacity power banks. They might not charge any faster, but they will be recharged more times if you pick a high-capacity battery pack. Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) Best overall MacBook power bank Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 170W input 250W total output 3 powerful ports Dedicated app Price When Reviewed: $179.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $167.98 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Anker $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 99.56Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 250W Power Input: 170W USB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (65W PD 3.0). Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.2 x 2 inches (16.2 x 5.7 x 5cm) Weight: 23.3oz (659g) Airline compatible: Yes The Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank is one of the most powerful laptop power banks that you can match with your MacBook. It is a great fit with the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has a battery rated at around the same watt hours (99.6WH) as this power bank (99.56Wh). Attach Apples USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to the power back and you can utilize one of the 140W PD 3.1 ports to fast-charge the 16-inch Pro. Although the power bank ships with a 140W-capable cable, Apple allows fast-charging only using its proprietary charging cable. Anker claims that you can fast-charge that top-end MacBook Pro up to 50% in 28 minutes. An iPhone 14 could be charged four and a half times over if using all of the power banks battery capacity. In our tests, we charged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to full power with a little battery power remaining in the pack. There are three USB ports. Each of the two USB-C ports can be used to power at 140W. While it has a maximum total output of 250W you cant fast-charge two 16-inch MacBook Pros at the same timewhen using the two USB-C ports at the same time one runs at 140W and the other at 100W, which is still powerful enough to fast-charge one laptop and still charge another simultaneously. When using all three ports, one USB-C will have 140W potential, the other USB-C can charge at up to 92W and the USB-A port at 18W, which is enough to fast-charge an iPhone. You can recharge the power bank itself in under 40 minutes using the two USB-C ports at the same time at an impressive 170Wfaster than any other laptop power bank we have tested. This is a sophisticated power bank with some tricks of its own. It can be controlled by an app, which gives real-time charging stats (Remaining Charging Time and Input and Output power indicators) and can be optimized to help extend the battery life of the devices being charged as well as its own. You can even use the apps Find Device feature to activate a sound alert from the power bank when you need to locate it. The Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank is available in either black or gold colors. In reality, the black color is more of a metallic gray. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Read our full Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) review Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank (300W) Best high-capacity MacBook power bank Pros Massive battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 300W total output Carry handle 5 powerful ports Cons Larger and heavier than most Price When Reviewed: $199.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $139.99 View Deal Ugreen $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 153Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 300W Power Input: 140W USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (22.5W). Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.7 x 3 inches inches (16 x 14.5 x 7.6cm) Weight: 3.6lb (1.65kg) Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval) The Ugreen 48000mAh 300W Portable Power Bank is the missing link between a laptop power bank and a full-blown power station. It has a huge battery capacity but is still portable, although you wouldnt want to carry it around in your backpack all day, and its too powerful to take on a commercial flight. It has a handle so is carriable, but the bulk and weight mean it is one to move around inside or carry in a car. It would be the perfect power companion on a camping trip. Its not super-heavy, but it is noticeably larger than the other laptop power banks tested here. Keep it powered up in case of power outages and it should keep your laptop and phone going for days. In our tests we recharged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro 1.8 times, so you can expect to get maybe as many as two charges for a MacBook Air. The Pro charged from 5% to 90% in an hour, which impressed us. There are five ports (three USB-C and two USB-A) with a maximum simultaneous power output of 300W. As it has a 140W PD 3.1 USB-C port, it can be used to fast charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro. At the same time, you could charge another top-end MacBook Pro at 100W, and use one of the USB-A ports at 22.5W. The smart display shows the remaining battery, total input and output power. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Read our full Ugreen 48000mAh 300W Portable Power Bank review Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables Most convenient MacBook power bank Pros Large battery capacity Two integrated charging cables 100W input 165W total output Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $87.99 View Deal $87.99 View Deal Anker $99.99 View Deal $134.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 90Wh Fastest Power Output: 100W Total Power Output: 165W Power Input: 100W USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0) built-in cables; 1x USB-A (33W). Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches (15.7 5.4 4.9cm) Weight: 21oz (595g) Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval) The performance is impressivewe recharged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to a respectable 92%, not far off the 100% from its slightly higher-capacity sibling Anker 27650mAh power bankbut what we love about this laptop battery pack is its handy 2.3-foot (70cm) retractable USB-C cable that means you dont have to carry one with you when you take the power bank walkies. Theres even a second built-in USB-C cable that doubles up as a carrying loop. Each USB-C port can output and provide input at 100W. The cable wraps neatly into a groove at the top of the power bank. Theres spare USB-C and USB-A ports on one side, so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Note that if you want to charge more than one device, they must share the maximum output of 165W between them. However, 165W can only be supplied by two devices; with three and four devices, the maximum output is limited to 133W, although that is likely enough for most needs. Its available in either Space Black or Silver. With its integrated cables this is one of the the most travel friendly laptop power bank weve tested. A cheaper alternative is the 65W Baseus Free2Pull Power Bank that features one retractable USB-C cable, which is available in the U.S. at Amazon or in the U.K. via AliExpress . Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Read our full Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables review Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank (200W) Best mid-range laptop power bank Pros Compact size Decent battery capacity 3 powerful ports 200W total output Price When Reviewed: $129.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $108.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Anker $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 72Wh Fastest Power Output: 100W Total Power Output: 200W Power Input: 100W USB ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (65W PD 3.0). Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.1 x 2 inches (12.7 x 5.5 x 5cm) Weight: 18.7oz (529g) Airline compatible: Yes The Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank is a recommended laptop power bank that is lighter and smaller than the top-end Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank, but boasts the same number of USB ports. It doesnt feature that power banks 140W PD 3.1 USB-C ports, instead packing two 100W USB-C ports and the same 65W USB-A port. That doesnt rule it out as a battery pack for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it cant fast-charge Apples largest laptop. Its a great option for the smaller MacBooks unless you need as much power in the bank as you can carry. As the maximum power output is 200W, you could simultaneously charge two MacBooks at 100W. Using all three ports, you can power a MacBook at 100W, another at 60W and still have 40W over for a third MacBook or any other device. Like its big sibling, the Anker 200W 20000mAh Power Bank features a clear display but doesnt work with the Anker app. While the 27650mAh Anker Prime can be charged itself at 200W, the Anker 200W 20000mAh Power Bank can be charged at a lower, but still reasonable, 100W using just one of its USB-C ports. Available in either gray (Anker calls it black) or gold. Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh (130W) Lightest 20K laptop power bank Pros Compact and lightweight Decent battery capacity 3 ports Informative display Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $67.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 72Wh Fastest Power Output: 100W Total Power Output: 130W Power Input: 65W USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (30W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W PD 3.0). Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.1 x 2 inches (13.1 x 5.4 x 5.1cm) Weight: 16.9oz (480g) Airline compatible: Yes Ugreens equivalent to the Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank is the Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh . The battery capacities of both are identical, but the Ugreen is noticeably lighter even though its dimensions are closely aligned. Each has a smart display that tells you more than enough about whats going on between the power bank and the devices being charged. The Ugreen Nexode is a more portable solution, but we still prefer the Anker Prime model for its impressive USB ports. The Anker has two 100W USB-C ports, while the Ugreens USB-C ports are rated at 100W and 30W. As the Ugreen power bank has a maximum power output of 130W, this doesnt matter, but the Anker can pump out 200W simultaneously, making its powerful ports more useful. Power input is also better on the ANker (100W) vs the Ugreen (65W). However, weve seen the Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh priced more competitively than the Anker Prime 20000mAh, and that weight difference may be important to you. Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Read our full Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W review Cuktech 15SE 85W 20000mAh Power Bank Best budget 20K laptop power bank Pros Compact size Decent battery capacity 3 ports 200W total output Cons Lower recharge than rivals in tests Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $35.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 73.44Wh Fastest Power Output: 65W Total Power Output: 85W Power Input: 65W USB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (33W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (33W). Dimensions: 6 x 1.7 x 2 inches (15.2 x 5.2 x 4.4cm) Weight: 17.4oz (492g) Airline compatible: Yes The Cuktech 15 laptop power bank we tested might not perform to the same degree as more expensive rivals but offers great value for money. Despite its somewhat confusing name, the Cuktech 15 has a 20K (20000mAh) battery that managed to charge our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to 60% power. Thats not as impressive as the Baseus 20K Power bank reviewed above but at under $50/50 its one of the cheapest MacBook battery pack that we trust. You can use it as a multiple-charge iPhone power bank, too: it should charge an iPhone 15 around 3.5 times. You double-click the power button to enter low-power mode for devices such as a smartwatch or headphones. With the three USB ports all in action, you can charge the MacBook at 65W and share the remaining 20W between the other USB-C and USB-A ports. Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Cuktech 15 Ultra Power Bank 20000mAh (165W) Best budget 140W 20K laptop power bank Pros Decent battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 165W input 165W total output Price When Reviewed: $119.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $109.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 76.56Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 165W Power Input: 165W USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W). Dimensions: 6 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches (15.2 x 5.7 x 4.4cm) Weight: 20.8oz (590g) Airline compatible: Yes A little cheaper than the higher-capacity Cuktech 20, this slim laptop power bank can also fast-charger even the 16-inch MacBook Pro with its 140W output. The 20 looks the better buy in terms of capacity and at a similar price, but the 15 Ultra has a special feature known as Beast Mode. While the 25000mAh port of the Cuktech 20 is certainly worth the small extra investment on this 15 Ultra in terms of capacity, this 20000mAh power bank impresses with its super-speedy 165W input, which means you can recharge itself faster than most using Beast Mode where you use both the USB-C ports to recharge the power bank up to 70% in around 20 minutes. The smart display shows you what each of the ports is doing, battery status, connected devices, and when the unit is powering up in Beast Mode. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Air. Sandberg Survivor Powerbank 27000 PD65W Most robust power bank for MacBook Pros Large battery capacity Super rugged IP66 shell Flashlight Cons Chunky More USB-A than USB-C 60W power input Price When Reviewed: $120.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sandberg $120.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 99.9Wh Fastest Power Output: 65W Total Power Output: 65W Power Input: 60W USB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (18W) Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches (16.8 x 8.5 x 4.2cm) Weight: 28.4oz (804g) Airline compatible: Yes Outdoor adventurers and in-the-field professionals need devices that are stronger than softy office desk jockeys and occasional airport travelers, and the Sandberg Survivor boasts a tough !P66 shell that is impervious to water and dust. As such it is bigger than most power banks but it would survive outdoors much longer and has a big enough battery to keep a bunch of devices charged up before being introduced to a wall charger again. Behind a protective rubber flap there are three USB ports: two old-school USB-A and one USB-C. We would have preferred more USB-C, which is used on most modern devices, and that singular USB-C port is also where you will charge the power bank itself. The USB-C port outputs at up to 65W and receives power at 60W. Each of the USB-A ports can output at 18W. Total simultaneous power output is 65W. Uniquely, there is also a 24W DC 5525 port if your devices can be powered using this connection. As it charges at a maximum 65W, its better suited to the lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro and 13 and 15-inch MacBook Air, rather than the more powerful versions of the 14- and 16-inch Pro MacBooks that prefer a 100W or higher charger. That said, if your 16-inch Pro is on an outdoors adventure, the Survivor will still charge it, just a little slower than a 100W or 140W power bank. Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air or any adventurers laptop Read our full Sandberg Survivor Powerbank 27000 PD65W review InfinaCore P3 Pro 10K Power Bank and Wall Charger combo Pros Compact size Wireless charging pad for iPhone Plugs into wall as 3-port charger Cons Smaller battery capacity Price When Reviewed: $129.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Infinacore $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 37Wh Fastest Power Output: 65W (in wall) Total Power Output: 65W Power Input: 30W USB ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W) Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches (9.7 x 8.4 x 3.8cm) Weight: 12oz (339g) Airline compatible: Yes Built for travel, this combo 4-in-1 wall charger and 10K battery pack can charge a laptop at 45W as a power bank and at 65W when plugged directly into a wall power socket. It comes with international plug adapters for U.K., E.U. and AU/NZ that slip onto the built-in U.S. foldable prongsgreat for travel or just use in your own region. It even has a fold-out rubber handle that you can use to attach it to your backpack while hiking. Its 10000mAh battery capacity is certainly not the highest of the laptop power banks we have reviewed here, but it did recharge a completely faded 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro back up to 45%, which should get you an extra few hours charge when on the move, depending on your laptops battery health. Its two USB-C and one USB-A ports make it a capable AC wall charger, and a magnetic side pad works as a 15W Qi2 wireless charger for the MagSafe-ready iPhone 12 to 16 families. If charging by wall, the USB-C port output is 65W. When operating as a power bank, the USB-C port outputs 45W, unless also wireless charging when the maximum out put is 30W (15W wireless plus 15W USB-C). A smart displays shows the power banks remaining battery charge, remaining time to full charge, real time output/input, and temperature. Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20000mAh 145W Pros Compact size Decent battery capacity Tilting wireless charging pad for iPhone Price When Reviewed: $179.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 72Wh Fastest Power Output: 100W Total Power Output: 145W Power Input: 65W USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W Max) Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.7 x 2.4 inches (11.2 x 6.8 x 6cm) Weight: 19.6oz (555g) Airline compatible: Yes Both a 20K power bank and mini desktop charger (when connected to a USB-C wall charger). this stubbily compact battery pack features a 100W USB-C port at its rear and a 45W USB-C and 22.5W USB-A port at the front underneath a large color smart display. While certainly portable it isnt one to slip in your pocket or clamp to your phone on the movethe Nexode Qi2 is aimed at the iPhone using laptop owner. Its a handy travel companion that should handle most of your power bank needs while out and about, and then sit on a desk as a smart-looking and informative charger that can charge four devices simultaneously. Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Read our full Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20000mAh 145W review Cuktech CP253L 20000mAh Power Bank Budget 20K 45W Power Bank with cable Pros Decent battery capacity Integrated retractable USB-C cable USB-C and USB-A ports Affordable Cons USB-C cable quite short 40W power input Price When Reviewed: $34.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 74Wh Fastest Power Output: 45W Total Power Output: 55W Power Input: 40W USB ports: 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0) built-in cable; 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (QC 18W Max) Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches (16.2 x 7.2 x 3cm) Weight: 17.6oz (499g) Airline compatible: Yes The Cuktech CP253L is a budget rival to the Anker 165W Power Bank and Baseus Free2Pull Power Bank, and indeed any of the 20K laptop power banks reviewed here. It wins points for its built-in USB-C cable, although at 6 inches (15cm) the cable not as long or handy as the 2.3-foot (70cm) retractable cable on the Baseus. It is also a less powerful: 45W vs 60W via USB-C, and charges itself slower, too. It recharged our test MacBook Pro to 75%, again a little off the Baseus performance but probably enough for most users in need of a power boost. At 45W its fine for the MacBook Air but a little underpowered for the Pro MacBooks, which will charge a little slower. (Were only interested in Apples MacBook here but if you also own a Xiaomi laptop, its USB-C connectors can charge at 55W and the USB-A supports 33W UFCS charging for some Chinese phones.) The lower power input and output plus shorter cable, along with a slightly heavier weight, are compromises you may well overlook when you see the price. This is a great-lookingin either black or a cool whiteand solidly performing portable battery pack for your laptop. Its also available in the U.K. unlike the Baseus. Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Alogic Ark 27000mAh Power Bank Budget 140W laptop power bank Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 140W input Price When Reviewed: $119.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Alogic $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 97.2Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 140W Power Input: 140W USB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W). Dimensions: 6.1 x 2.1 x 2 inches (15.5 x 5.3 x 5cm) Weight: 22.4oz (635g) Airline compatible: Yes This is another column-shaped laptop power bank with a high-capacity. The three top-mounted USB ports support PD 3.1 so it is particularly useful for owners of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which can be fast-charged using one of this power banks 140W ports. As total power output is also 140W, you cant charge another device at the same time as fast-charging that top-end MacBook. If you want to simultaneously charge more devices, look for a power bank with a higher maximum power output. The similarly designed Anker Prime 27650mAh, reviewed above, can use all three of its ports up to 250W. The Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank, also reviewed previously, is a larger unit but can reach 300W total power output. The Alogic Ark has a smart display screen that shows you how fast devices are charging, remaining battery capacity, and how long it will keep charging at the current speed. Its a well-priced laptop power bank so you might be happy to choose the Ark over an alternative that can pump out more power at one time. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Cuktech 20 Power Bank 25000mAh (210W) Budget 140W 25K laptop power bank Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 110W input 210W total output Price When Reviewed: $114.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $262.38 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 90Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 210W Power Input: 110W USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (30W). Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches (16 x 5.5 x 5.5cm) Weight: 22.4oz (636g) Airline compatible: Yes The Cuktech 20 Power Bank 25000mAh 140W PD 3.1 power bank looks a lot like the Anker Prime 27650mAh, reviewed above, in a tall format with an informative smart display. As with the Anker, there are three USB ports, with one at the required 140W for fast-charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The other two ports arent as powerful as the Ankers though: 45W vs 140W, and 30W vs 65W. An M2 MacBook Air should be fully charged with a little power left over for your iPhone, AirPods or Apple Watch. Power input is also not as great, but at 110W its impressive enough compared to most. Maximum simultaneous power output is 210Wagain not as high as the Anker but still respectable. The Cuktechs display gives more data than the Anker, which is informative for wattage junkies but probably overkill for most of us, who just need to know how much battery life remains in the power bank. Ankers dedicated app is perhaps more useful. Again, this is a nice to have and the Cuktech power bank does the important stuff of recharging the laptop at a price point that is noticeably lower than Ankers. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh Slimmest power bank for MacBook Pro Pros Slim body Decent battery capacity Cons No display in watts 65W power input Price When Reviewed: $129.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Baseus $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 74Wh Fastest Power Output: 100W Total Power Output: 100W Power Input: 65W USB ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (30W). Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches (13.4 x 13.4 x 1.8cm) Weight: 445g Airline compatible: Yes The Baseus Blade HD Laptop 20000mAh Power Bank is a different design to most other laptop power banks. It is slim (1.8cm) and almost square rather than a rectangular obelisk. This makes it easier to slip into the laptop compartment of a backpack or case. There are four ports: two 100W USB-C, and two 30W USB-A. The 20000mAh capacity is enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Air from zero to 100% once, with about 5% remaining. The Blade HD also recharges via either of the two USB-C portsalthough at 65W its slower than others reviewed here. In our tests it reached 90% after just 90 minutes and is fully charged after just under two hoursbatteries always take longer to fill the last part of the charge. Like other laptop power banks, it features a smart display, but this one is harder to read than the others tested here. It provides information about the capacity percentage, voltage, and current, as well as the approximate time for the charging process, but the practical benefit of the display would be even greater if the power was displayed in watts and not in a combination of volts and amps. Baseus makes good products but can be let down by a confused product lineup. As well as the Blade HD , there is also a Blade with very similar specs and price but slightly longer (6.4 vs 5.3 inches). As far as we can tell, only the Blade is available in the U.K. while the smaller Blade HD is available in the U.S. and E.U. Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Read our full Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh review Baseus 12000mAh Blade 2 Power Bank Slimmest power bank for MacBook Air Pros Super-slim body Lightweight Cons Lower battery capacity than most 60W power input Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Baseus $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 46.44Wh Fastest Power Output: 65W Total Power Output: 65W Power Input: 60W USB ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0) Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches (16.3 x 13.2 x 0.8cm) Weight: 328g Airline compatible: Yes The Baseus Blade 2 is not, as you might expect, an upgrade on the original Blade. In fact, it has a lower battery capacity, lower power output and lower power input., plus two fewer USB ports. It is, however, remarkably slimeven slimmer than the Blade HDand lightweight, and its a great fit for the MacBook Air. Like the Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank, reviewed above, it can connect to a basic app to show you much the same data as youll see on its smart display. The display is small but easier to read than on the Blade HD. Its available in blue, silver or orange colors, and you can pick one of these colors for the display via the app. Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Ugreen 25000mAh Power Bank (145W) Power in a portable package Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power Portable shape Cons 65W power input Price When Reviewed: $119.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $74.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Ugreen $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 90Wh Fastest Power Output: 140W Total Power Output: 145W Power Input: 65W USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W). Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches (16 x 8.1 x 2.8cm) Weight: 17.7oz (503g) As well as its oblong Nexode laptop power banks, Ugreen offers an alternative slab shape in the form of the Ugreen 25000mAh Power Bank . We think the slab shape works better for portability, while the more vertical Anker shape looks good when sitting on your desk. Offering 140W PD 3.1 via one of its USB-C ports, it is ideal for fast-charging the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Maximum power output, however, is only a little over 140W so theres not much power left if you want to charge another device at the same time. Theres not enough battery to fully recharge Apples top-end MacBook Pro, but it gets very close when recharging our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro. It is closest to the 27650mAh Anker prime power bank, and while having a little lower battery capacity it is nearly a quarter of the weight so is easier to carry around with you. The Ugreen battery pack can charge the same number of devices (three) as the Anker, but the Anker can pump out 250W of power simultaneously while the Ugreen is limited to 145W. The Anker is also much faster to re-charge itself, with 170W power input compared to Ugreens 65W. The display is not as smart as those on other laptop power banks reviewed here, showing just the remaining percentage. That said, this is the key statistic youll be interested in rather than more detail on power input and output wattages. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank Pros Decent battery capacity Lightweight Portable shape Cons 65W power input Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Ugreen $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 72Wh Fastest Power Output: 100W Total Power Output: 100W Power Input: 65W USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (30W); 1x USB-A (22.5W). Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches (14 x 8.2 x 2.8cm) Weight: 14.8oz (419g) As well as its 25000mAh laptop power bank, Ugreen the a smaller and lighter Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank that is well-suited to the MacBook Air. This power bank should have enough juice in it to fully recharge a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air. This model has a 100W power output so is less able for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, although it would still offer enough recharge to give even that laptop a few more hours of usage on the road, although with a total 100W, its limited to also charging other devices at the same time as a larger laptop. This one is a useful option when portability is the main aim, as at 419g its the lightest laptop power bank with a decent battery capacity. Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air. Ugreen Which spare batteries and power banks can you take on a plane? When damaged, short-circuited or overheated, batteries can catch fire and explode, so there are regulations in place to ensure safety onboard commercial aircraft. If you are lucky youll find a charging point at the airport, but we know these are usually already taken. Many plane seats also have a USB port, but its often old-school USB-A where most chargers these days use the more modern, powerful and reversible USB-C connector. Youd be wise to carry your own USB-C wall charger, which you can use if your plane seat includes a regular AC power socket. Remember that you might need a travel adapter depending on the nationality of the airline. Most national and international batteries in flight regulations allow for lithium-ion batteries up to 160Wh, if permitted by the individual airlines. U.S. TSA and FAA battery and power bank regulations The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that any spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Both TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) state that with airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101160Wh). TSA requirements apply to both air carriers and airports, and the FAA requirements only apply to commercial airlines. U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) battery and power bank regulations Up to two spare batteries for portable electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh when carried for personal use are allowed for carry-on baggage and on ones person. They are not permitted in checked (hold) baggage. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) battery and power bank regulations The European Union regulations are stricter: If the Wh is higher than 100 but not higher than 160, you will need an approval from the operator to carry the item. EASA also states that power banks should not be connected or providing power to a device while on board the aircraft. So you can carry the power bank with you but not actually recharge your phone or laptop while on the plane. How to find a batterys Watt Hour (Wh) rating Manufacturers are required to mark lithium-ion batteries with the watt-hour rating, but its often not clearly indicated on the packaging or on the power bank itselflook for some tiny writing on one side of the battery pack and youll eventually find the Wh rating. Dont worry, weve done that for you in our recommendations below. You can calculate the number of watt-hours your battery provides if you know the batterys nominal voltage (V) and capacity in ampere-hours (Ah), by using this calculation: Ah x V = Wh.

iPhone 17: 10 reasons why youll definitely want to upgrade this year

Macworld With every iPhone launch, people are excited until they start to voice their frustration over Apples incremental hardware changes. The rage is typically justified. Over the past several years, Apple has given us largely tweaked iterations of the same device. Nevertheless, these small improvements do add up to meaningful year-over-year upgrades, but its been a while since Apple has truly blown us away This years iPhone 17 lineup could follow the same pattern. Were not expecting groundbreaking additions such as a foldable display or a portless design, but rumors hint at a slew of welcome changes across the line. Regardless of the model youre using right now, here are 10 main reasons you will want to buy an iPhone 17 this fall. 1. All-new Air variant Perhaps the most noticeable introduction will be the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is reportedly working on an ultra-thin phone that sacrifices some high-end specs in favor of sleeker aesthetics. With a rumored thinness of around 5.5mm, the Air model will easily dethrone the 6.9mm iPhone 6 as Apples thinnest smartphone ever. While it will likely sport a single camera like the iPhone 16e, the 17 Air edition is expected to still bring several high-end features, including support for MagSafe accessories, the Dynamic Island, the Camera Control button, and possibly even an always-on display. Its the closest thing to a new design weve gotten in years, and the iPhone 17 Air will appeal to customers looking for something different. 2. Sharper selfie camera If you dont really care about the Air edition, there are still plenty of other upgrades planned for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. For starters, all four models are expected to feature a 24MP TrueDepth camera system, a notable jump from the 12MP lens available on the last several generations. This upgrade will dramatically improve the quality of your selfies and possibly enable 2X zoom while maintaining image sharpness. The iPhone 16 Pro could get a major camera upgrade. Foundry 3. Main camera upgrades The newest iPhones always have better cameras, and the iPhone 17 will be no exception. Most notably, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max could finally adopt a 48MP telephoto lens, making faraway shots even sharper and enabling even better digital zoom. Additionally, the ultrawide lens could gain a variable aperture, letting you decide how much light passes through. This would elevate mobile photography by giving users more control over the depth of field. However, its possible that this feature gets pushed to the iPhone 18 in 2026. Beyond that, the highest-end models could gain 8K video shooting capabilities for the first time, luring content creators whod rather not carry a dedicated camera around. 4. Reimagined camera bump iPhone camera upgrades are usually limited to spec bumps, but this years models are also expected to adopt a fresh exterior design. For starters, the all-new iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a new look with a horizontal bar to house its single wide lens, differentiating it from the entry-level 16e. Similarly, Apple may stretch the iPhone 17 Pro models camera bump across the back as well, departing from the classic square design. The back of the iPhone has generally looked the same ever since the iPhone 11, so an overhauled look will set the upcoming Pro iPhones apart from their predecessors. The entire iPhone lineup could have new camera designs. Foundry 5. Aluminum frame revival For nearly a decade, Apple has distinguished its flagship iPhones by offering distinct metallic chassis. The strategy was kickstarted by the iPhone X, offering a stainless steel frame as the iPhone 8 stuck to aluminum. Lower-end iPhones continued to feature the same aluminum frame, while Pro models eventually switched to titanium. Later this year, Apple could switch things up by using aluminum bodies across the entire iPhone 17 line. This shift could make the Pro models lighter, as titanium is significantly denser. Apart from that, the company could mix aluminum with the back glass to increase its durability. 6. In-house wireless chips With the iPhone 16e, Apple introduced its first 5G chip, delivering comparable performance using less energy. The first-party modem could make its way to the iPhone 17 Air later this year, which would improve its energy efficiency. Similarly, all iPhone 17 models could pack an Apple-made Wi-Fi chipset, potentially increasing their battery life. Apple might switch to new wireless chips that are more efficient. Foundry 7. RAM boost With the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple boosted the standard models to 8GB of RAM to support on-device Apple Intelligence features, matching the 8GB in the Pro models. To set its high-end phones apart, Apple is rumored to equip the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max with 12GB of RAMa 50 percent increase over the current specs. Beyond more powerful AI tools, the upgrade could make apps snappier and practically eliminate lag across the system. 8. Improved thermal management After the iPhone 15 Pros overheating issues, the iPhone 16 Pro adopted an enhanced thermal management system. To help maintain the phones neutral temperature, the iPhone 17 Pro models could go one step further with a vapor chamber cooling technology. A special liquid would dissipate in a vacuum space when subjected to heat, which then distributes it across a wider area, keeping things cool in the most stressful conditions. 9. Longer battery life The homegrown Wi-Fi chip and vapor chamber cooling may not be the only factors improving battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro models could have a thicker design for the first time in years, presumably to accommodate larger batteries. Consequently, iPhone 17 Pro users could be able to go through a full day of heavy use without having to worry about charging. The non-Pro iPhone 17 models might get ProMotion displays for the first time. Foundry 10. Superior displays Lastly, all iPhone 17 models could adopt the ProMotion technology, finally unlocking 120Hz variable refresh rates for all users. Currently exclusive to Pro models since 2021, the addition would let iPhone 17 and 17 Air users finally enjoy smoother scrolling and transitions throughout iOS. Furthermore, the four displays could feature a more scratch-resistant coating to better withstand sharp objects. There have also been mixed rumors about a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but its unclear if itll actually materialize. Theres still room for innovation Smartphones have undoubtedly matured, and annual refreshes have arguably become redundant. Despite that, every once in a while, Apple manages to squeeze in enough hardware boosts in a single launch, enticing users to upgrade. Whats especially exciting about this years rumored iPhone line is how there are remarkable changes impacting each of the four variantsnot just the highest-end ones. While the vanilla iPhone 17 may be the least interesting, theres a lot to look forward to in the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models.

How do you solve a problem like the iPad? Not by putting macOS on it

Macworld With great thanks to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, the Macalope is happy to report that we have something to talk about this week which is neither AI nor tariffs! And you thought it wasnt possible. To be fair, the Macalope also thought it wasnt possible, but hes glad to be proven wrong. According to Gurman , Apple is working on an iPadOS 19 overhaul that will make the tablets software more like macOS, focusing on productivity, multitasking and app window management. Somethe Macalope swears this is not a strawpersonthink Apple should just allow users to run macOS on the iPad. You might say, Well if you are so sure, Mr. Macalope, name names! Who are these non-strawpersons, if they exist at all?! Well Many of them, including myself, just wanted Apple to put macOS on the iPad. Mark Gurman, April 13, 2025 Now, there are many ways that could be done. It is unlikely Gurman believes Apple should just slap macOS on the Mac and call it a day. Althoughmaybe. If so, that would be a mistake. Heres an example: hold the tip of your finger up to the traffic light buttons on any window on macOS and imagine trying to tap a specific one with any degree of accuracy. Good. Luck. Half the time the Macalope cant even get the right one using the cursor. Until humans grow pointier digits, just making the current macOS touch-enabled and slapping it on the iPad is a non-starter. And when humans do grow pointier digits, the Macalope would like to leave the planet because that sounds like a real horror show. IDG Of course, you can use a mouse on the iPad, you just shouldnt have to use a mouse on the iPad. Apple could and should relax its attitude toward virtualization on the iPad, at least allowing it to run macOS in a VM. Barring that, it could also choose to allow macOS to run a la Classic mode in early versions of OS X. But the Macalope is one who hopes iPadOS retains its identity as its own thing, not becoming an interface layer, something people just drive through in order to get someplace else, like Delaware. Because where have we seen that before? Oh, right . Windows 8. Windows 8s overlay interface (ne Metro) was a bold swing at making Windows touch-enabled, but underneath it was the same ol Windows that you knew and ehhh, not loved, thats not right more like, were contractually required to use by your companys IT department. Microsoft has made further strides to make Windows whole again after the Island of Dr. Moreau-esque effort that was Windows 8, but its still a bit of a rough ride, with some interfaces better designed for touch and others for mouse and keyboard. There hasnt been a lot of talk about Apple making a Mac with a touch screen in a while, probably because Apple doesnt seem interested in making such a device and we all just got tired of talking about it. Turning the iPad into a Mac, however, is still the fever dream of a lot of people, but the Macalope wants to see someone do it right: take an operating system designed from the ground up for touch and give it fully professional capabilities. Despite the huffy, repeated, and oddly nasally-toned complaints of some, you can do work on an iPad and have been able to for years and years. Seriously, stop trying to tell those of us who do actual work on an iPad that you cant do work on an iPad. Were literally doing it all the time. What you mean is you cant do your work on an iPad. Yes, you cant do everything on an iPad. Even though many individual apps are capable of professional production, the operating system itself often gets in the way. Its not wrong to wonder how long we should have to wait for Apple to get it right. It tried Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager, and none of those made multitasking on the iPad elegant or even terribly useful. While Apple has made movements that could be perceived as making macOS more touch-friendly or at least touch-curious, its not a touch-first interface. Maybe the Macalope is a dreamer. Maybe hes just a glutton for punishment. But he wants to see Apple keep trying to crack this nut. If nothing else, it gives us something else to talk about. If youd like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters , including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast , David Prices weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $1099 at Best Buy $1,099.99 at Amazon $1104 at Walmart Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $899 at Walmart Electronics $899.99 at Amazon $999 at Apple Read our full Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) review Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025) Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: $754 at Amazon $754 at Walmart Electronics $799 at Adorama Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $564 at Amazon $564 at Walmart Electronics $599 at Adorama Apple iPad (A16) Price When Reviewed: $349 Best Prices Today: $328.86 at Amazon $339 at Walmart Electronics $349 at Adorama Read our full Apple iPad (A16) review Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) Price When Reviewed: $499 (128GB; Wi-Fi only) | $599 (256GB; Wi-Fi only) | $799 (512GB; Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $399 at Best Buy $474 at Amazon $489 at Walmart Electronics Read our full Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) review

macOS Beta: The Sequoia 15.5 beta 3 is now available. Heres how to get it

Macworld macOS Sequoia arrived on Macs in September 2024, but the beta development continues and if you are a registered developer or registered as a public beta tester, you can continue to get the latest updates and try out new features still not available to the general public. In this article, well explain whats in the latest version of the Sequoia beta, what you need to do to get your hands on a copy, how to install it, and what you should bear in mind if you dont want to end up in a pickle. If you would prefer to use the latest official release of macOS Sequoia, heres how to update macOS on your Mac . In the past, the developer beta was only available to developers who had paid to join Apples Developer Program (which costs $99/79). However, for a couple of years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered developers with free developer accounts. We explain how to get a free developer account below. Not that we recommend that you should get the beta if you arent a developer. Beta software tends to be buggy and a more stable public beta version is also available. If you no longer want to run the beta version of macOS read this: How to remove the macOS beta . macOS developer beta: Latest version Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.5 beta 3 to developers on April 21, 2025. Below are the release notes for developers: Overview The macOS 15.5 SDK provides support to develop apps for Mac computers running Sequoia 15.5 beta. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 16.4, available from the Mac App Store. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 16.4, see Xcode 16.4 Release Notes . Pro Display Calibrator Resolved Issues Fixed: Customizing display calibration using the Pro Display Calibrator causes a system reboot on 14-inch and 16-inch M4 MacBook Pros. (148038484) StoreKit Resolved Issues Fixed: Calling isEligibleForIntroOffer(for:) will return false if there is no user account signed in. (146119524) macOS public beta: Latest version The public beta usually follows a few days after the developer beta is released. The Sequoia 15.5 beta 2 was released on April 14, 2025, so the public beta should be coming soon. Foundry macOS Sequoia beta timeline The first version of the Sequoia developer beta of macOS 15 arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024. Beta 2 arrived on June 24. The first public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024. Developer beta 4 was released on July 23. The second public beta also arrived on July 23, 2024. Developer beta 5 arrived on August 5 followed by the third public beta. Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024. Developer beta 7 and the fifth public beta of Sequoia were released on August 20. On August 28, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8 and the sixth public beta of Sequoia. The release candidate of Sequoia arrived on September 9. The full version of Sequoia arrived on compatible Macs on September 16. macOS Sequoia 15.1 There were actually two versions of the developer beta. A second beta was running concurrently with the macOS 15.0 beta development. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta included Apple Intelligence features that are only available on M-series Macs (a iOS 18.1 beta was also in development separately with Apple Intelligence features for compatible iPhones). Apple started work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta on July 29. Beta 2 arrived on August 12, beta 3 was released to developers on August 28. Initially, this beta was only for developers, but Apple released a macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024, following the release of Sequoia to the general public. Eventually, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 release candidate was released on October 21, and a second release candidate 2 was released on October 24. The final version of macOS Sequoia 15.1 arrived on compatible Macs on October 28. macOS Sequoia 15.2 On October 23, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 to developers. Version 15.2 introduced the second set of Apple Intelligence features. On November 20, Apple released the macOS Sequoia beta 4 to developers. On December 5, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.2 Release Candidate. On December 9, Apple released the Released Candidate 2. The official release of 15.2 was on December 11. macOS Sequoia 15.3 On December 16, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 1 to developers. This beta includes the ability to create Gemoji. On January 7, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 2 to developers. Beta 3 of 15.3 came on January 16. Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.3 release candidate (RC) to developers on January 21. macOS Sequoia 15.4 On February 19, Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta to developers. It included Mail updates and Proximity Pairing with the iPhone. On March 10, Apple released beta 3 to developers. On March 17, Apple released beta 4 to developers. On March 24, Apple released the Release Candidate 1 to developers. On March 27, Apple released a new RC that replaced the one released on March 24. On March 28, Apple released RC 2 to developers and RC 1 to the public. macOS Sequoia 15.5 On April 2, Apple released the Sequoia 15.5 beta 1 to developers. On April 14, Apple released the Sequoia 15.5 beta 2 to developers. On April 21, Apple released the Sequoia 15.5 beta 3 to developers. macOS public beta vs developer beta Since 2023 the Developer Beta has been available to anyone who registers as a developer, even if they arent a paid-up member of Apples Developer Program. As a result, people with a basic free developer account are able to download the new macOS developer beta (we show you how to register below). Whether you should download the developer beta if you arent a developer is another question. We dont recommend you install the developer beta if you arent a developer. Instead, our recommendation is to use the public beta (the first verison of which usually arrives in July). There are a few differences between the public and developer betas. The public beta is not the same as the beta that is released through the developer program. Developers get updates to their beta first, and possibly more frequently. But you should keep in mind that betas are by nature not stable, and because the public beta comes after the developer beta it could be a little safer to install. The most significant difference is probably the motive of the testers: Developers usually have the aim of ensuring their apps work when the updated macOS is released to the general public, while public beta testers are essentially helping Apple detect bugs and offering feedback on the features. Because of this developers may get to test new features not available in the public beta. If you want to get the public beta the first thing you need to do, if you havent already, is join Apples beta programs read this for more information: How to become an Apple beta tester. Apple How to get a free developer account If you just want a free Apple Developer account so you can access the beta you can get this via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Heres how to do it via the Apple Developer app on an iPhone: Get the Apple Developer App from the App Store . Open the app on your iPhone. Tap on Account. Tap on Sign In. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. If you wish to actually publish applications to the App Store or receive support, youll need to pay $99/79 per year for a paid account. You can compare the free and paid accounts here . How to get the macOS beta The Sequoia developer beta should show up on your Mac if you are running macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, have paid $99/79 to enroll in Apples Developer program ( here ) or if you have a free developer account (follow the instructions above). When the Public Beta becomes available it will also show up on your Mac, as long as you have signed up for the Public Beta program on Apples beta webpage , signed the NDA , and enrolled your Mac. Before you download a few warnings: We strongly advise that if you arent a developer you dont download the developer beta. We also strongly recommend that you back up your Mac before you upgrade to the Sequoia beta. We recommend that you do not run Sequoia beta on your primary Mac; ideally, you run it in a separate volume . This should minimize any risks to you. How to download macOS beta Open Software Updates on your Mac. (System Settings > General > Software Updates.) You should see two options: Automatic Updates and Beta Updates. Click on the (i) beside Beta Updates. You can now turn on Beta Updates (if they werent already on). Choose the beta you want to download. If your developer account is tied to a different Apple ID to your usual one you can change that here. Click Done. Now your Mac will Check for updates and eventually show the Sequoia Developer Beta as an upgrade. Click on Upgrade Now. Foundry If you are running macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier: Apple changed the way it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. If you arent yet running that version of macOS you will need to download the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility or macOS Public Beta Access Utility. If you were already running an earlier macOS Public Beta youll find the new macOS beta as an upgrade via Software Update. Just click on Upgrade Now. You may have to update to the latest version of your current beta before you can do so, if not follow the steps below to get the beta access utility. If you are enrolled in the Developer Program, go to Apples beta download page . Click on Install Profile to download the new macOS Developer Beta Access Utility to your Mac. If you are enrolled as a public beta tester, download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility . Go to Downloads on your Mac and click on the macOS Beta Access Utility to open it. Double-click on the dmg file and the installer will run. Once the new macOS beta is installed Software Update will check to see if there are any updates. Click Update and the latest version will download. Youll see a prompt to install the latest macOS beta, click on Continue. Agree to the Ts&Cs (more on them below). Click Install. How to update macOS beta versions Once you are running the beta the updates will come through to your Mac automatically, you just need to click to install. You will receive a notification when the next update to the beta is available. Updates will be available via Software Update (in System Settings/System Preferences) Everything else you need to know about beta testing That covers how to get the betas, but once you have them what can you do, and what should you do? Well cover that below. Is the macOS beta stable? By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Therefore its not advised that you install it on a Mac that you rely on. If you have a second Mac that isnt mission-critical then install it there. We strongly recommend that you dont risk all by putting the macOS beta on your primary macOS, especially not in the early days of the beta development. If you dont have a second Mac there are a couple of ways you could run macOS beta on your Mac without running the risk of losing data or finding your Mac stops working: We recommend installing it on a partition which these days is really a volume (and is much easier to create than a partition was). Read about how to do that here: How to dual-boot Mac: Run two versions of macOS on a Mac . Alternatively, you could install the macOS beta on an external drive and run it on that. We discuss the safety of the macOS beta and the risks you might be taking in more detail in a separate article. If the stability of the beta worries you then you are probably better off waiting until the final version is out, or at least waiting until testing has been happening for a few months before getting the beta. How to prepare your Mac for the beta Update your software : We recommend you have the latest full version of macOS installed, although Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later. Make space: Wed recommend at least 15GB of available space because the macOS betas tend to be very large. If you end up requiring more space read: How to free up space on Mac . Note that we always recommend that you have at least 10% space free on your Mac at any time, so if you dont have that expect problems! Back up : Before you install a beta on your Mac you should make a backup of your data and files. You can find out how to use Time Machine to back up your Mac . We also have a round-up of suitable backup solutions . How to send feedback to Apple Should you come across an error or a bug you should use the Feedback Assistant app to provide feedback to Apple. Launch the app and follow the appropriate steps, selecting the area about which youre providing feedback and then any specific sub-area. Then describe your issue in a single sentence, before providing a more detailed description, including any specific steps that reproduce the issue. Youll also be able to attach other files. Youll also have to give permission for the Feedback Assistant app to collect diagnostic information from your Mac. It wont always be obvious whether something is a bug or just not as easy to use as you might have hoped. Either way, if your feedback is that something appears to work in an illogical way, Apple will want to know that. If you are having trouble with a third-party app you can let Apple know by reporting it through the 3rd-party Application Compatibility category in the Feedback Assistant. However, wed suggest that you also provide feedback to the apps developer who will no doubt be grateful. Will I be able to update from macOS beta to the final version? Beta users will be able to install the final build of the OS on release day without needing to reformat or reinstall. Can I talk about the beta publicly? According to Apple and the license agreement all beta testers must agree to, the beta is Apple confidential information. By accepting those terms, you agree not to discuss your use of the software with anyone who isnt also in the Beta Software Program. That means you cant blog, post screenshots, tweet, or publicly post information about the public beta software. However, you can discuss any information that Apple has publicly disclosed; the company says that information is no longer considered confidential. How to downgrade from the macOS beta You can always revert to an earlier version of macOS, though depending on how you back up, its not necessarily a painless process. Start by making sure the data on your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and install the latest public version of macOS. When you first startup your Mac you can use the Migration Assistant to import your data from the backup. Heres a more detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta we also have a tutorial on downgrading to an older version of the Mac OS .

The hot new sky blue M4 MacBook Air drops to its best price yet

Macworld The M4 MacBook Air has a new color and a speedy new chip, and today its got an even lower price: Amazon has dropped the sky blue M4 MacBook Air with 512GB of storage down to $1,329 right now , a savings of $70 and the best price weve seen so far. This 13.6-inch laptop features a gorgeous Liquid Retina Display that will make everything from working to streaming content that much more fun. The M4 chip is accompanied by 24GB of memory and a solid 512GB of storage space. This is the best configuration you can get In our review , we gave the new M4 MacBook Air a fantastic 5-star rating and our Editors Choice award, appreciating the performance boost that comes with the new chip, the new 12MP Center Stage camera, and the fact that you can finally use two external display at 6K and 60Hz. Is the M4 MacBook Air flawless? It might beidentifying its flaws is an exercise in personal preferences. This is the laptop for everyone, we wrote in our review. Whether youre new to the MacBook Air or have an older model and need to upgrade, at todays discount bringing it down to $1,329 youre not going to find a better laptop at a better price. Snag the M4 MacBook Air for $70 off Buy now at Amazon

Will the iPad survive its Mac-over? Im afraid it wont

Macworld For all the optimism when it launched, its pretty clear that Apple doesnt really know what to do with the iPad these days. You cant kill off a product that brings in $8 billion in a good quarter and effortlessly dominates its market, but by the companys lofty standards, the iPad has never been a true commercial blockbuster and likely never will. Its also difficult to market a device with two distinct audiences: creative professionals, who are relatively few in number, and casual users, who upgrade once in a blue moon and avoid the higher-margin models. Overall, its a bit of a nightmare. Last week a report from Bloomberg leaker Mark Gurman pointed to one possible solution: Apple is going to make the iPad a whole lot more like the Mac. In the iPadOS 19 update, which will be announced at WWDC25 this June, the company will reportedly address productivity, multitasking, and app window management by adopting elements of macOSs interface and navigation. Not by installing macOS on iPads, to be clear, but by bringing iPadOS closer to macOS. Details remain rather vague at this point, and as usual, we must point out that plans can change and that radical makeovers of this sort are prone to be shelved when the going gets tough. But my reaction to the idea as it stands right now is twofold: something definitely needs to change, and this could go very, very wrong. Partly Im worried that what works on one hardware format wont necessarily work on another. The Macs windowing system evolved as the easiest system to navigate using a mouse and keyboard, not a touchscreen. (The iPad can use a mouse and keyboard as optional accessories, of course, but its OS still needs to work primarily via touch.) If it was that easy to cross formats, we would have had a hybrid Mac/iPad a long time ago. But my biggest concern comes down to that bifurcated market I mentioned earlier. Most creative pros are not merely Mac users but Mac power users, accustomed to getting the most out of Apples most advanced desktops and laptops, and Im sure this group of customers will appreciate the iPad getting a Mac-style window management system (assuming its done right). But the majority of iPad owners are, I would argue, far less comfortable with complex interfaces and indeed choose to use Apples tablet in preference to a MacBook or big-screen iPhone precisely because of its simplicity. They dont want to drill down through file management structures or tweak settings at a granular level. The iPads selling point for most customers is its lack of faff. Maybe Cupertino has decided it doesnt want to pursue the casual tablet market any longer. That wouldnt be entirely out of character: the launch of the iPhone 16e earlier this year implied a willingness to abandon the budget smartphone market and focus on a smaller number of more profitable sales at the middle and upper end. Casual iPad users tend to buy the cheapest model and then hang on to it for many years, and it would be understandable if Apple decided to let Samsung or OnePlus have that market. I cant imagine pro tablet users are numerous enough to bring in $8 billion per quarter, but focusing on that segment rather than the tablet market as a whole would free up resources for other areas of interest. Whats more likely is that the iPad lineup will split in two. The simplest approach would be to make the new Mac-esque productivity features and windows management system in iPadOS 19 an M-series chip exclusive, optional, and activated by default on devices that support it. Hence, an iPad Pro out of the box would behave more like a Mac, while letting you go back to the classic interface if you wish, perhaps when you dont have access to a separate mouse and/or keyboard. Budget iPad and iPad mini owners, meanwhile, would never realize anything had changed. Apple would start to approach the iPad as two separate products, which it effectively has been since the first iPad Pro came out in 2015, but the branding to anyone outside the company would remain unified. It would be a matter of selling the interface refresh as an upgrade. A bolder strategy would be to actually start branding the standard and Pro iPads as separate lines. You could split them at the OS level, much as Apple divided iOS and iPadOS in 2019, and call the new interface createOS, perhaps. You could go further and split the hardware too, and stop using the iPad brand for one section of the lineup. Id love to see Apple launch a new MacPad at WWDC25 as a replacement for the iPad Pro, then market that as the tool of choice for creative pros on the go. Too big to kill, too awkward to love, Cupertinos red-headed stepchild needs a new approach, and soon. Keeping the iPad the same risks alienating pro users, while bringing it closer to the Mac risks alienating everyone else. Maybe the time is ripe to accept that the iPad is two products, not one, and treat it as such. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Apple is doomed because it cant have any fun anymore . How will Apple improve its AI while protecting your privacy ? Youre going to hate the new iOS 19 design , and thats okay . This custom Apple Pencil Pro looks like a crayon and costs $215. Reviews corner Best Mac backup software : Top backup apps compared. Shure MV7i review : An all-in-one mic for podcasts and music. CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub review: Easily our top-rated Thunderbolt 5 hub/mini dock. The rumor mill The iPad update of our dreams is finally coming (we hope). Apple is working on a new Vision headset made for the Mac . Software updates, bugs, and problems Apple Maps on the web expands access to more devices and browsers . And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters , including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow uson Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.