Microsoft boasts that Copilot+ PCs are faster than Macs Apple doesnt sell anymore

Macworld Hey, its Friday! If you have plans to, I dunno, maybe hang out at the bar (or pub , for the UKers) or something like that with a bunch of PC-loving friends, well, yall will have something to talk about tonight. Microsoft fired a salvo at Apple in the form of a video short that claims that top Copilot+ PCs are faster than the beloved MacBook Air. You can waste 12 seconds of your life watching it below. (Ill give you a moment to wipe the spit take from your screen. Sorry about that, I shouldve warned you.) Cheesy production aside (Was this comically low budget ad made with Windows Movie Maker 2 and a 5 MP camera from 2003? commented @ItsRichieT ), the major sticking point about this ad is that it makes comparisons to the M3 MacBook Airyou know, the laptop that was released in 2024 and replaced earlier this year by the M4 MacBook Air . So the M3 Air isnt in Apples active product lineup. Granted, you can buy the M3 MacBook Air from third-party retailers and at Apples Certified Refurbished store . But it doesnt look good when a company compares top products to competitors that arent being made anymore and have been replaced by something better. The thing is, Microsoft also claims the top Copilot+ PCs are faster than the M4 MacBook Airits right on their website . But the results are nothing like the up to 58 percent touted in the ad. Microsoft says it recorded a Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core score of 866 for the M4 Air, and that eight Copilot+ PCs all scored higher. So, let me take the opportunity to do what Microsoft didnt want to show you: how much faster those eight Copilot+ PCs are than the M4 MacBook Air (the Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core score is in parentheses). ASUS Vivobook S 14 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 365: 5.3 percent (912) Dell XPS 13 9345 with Snapdragon X Elite: 8.9 percent (943.3) HP OmniBook Ultra 14 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375: 11.4 percent (965) Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite: 18.9 percent (1029.6) Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite 19.4 percent (1033.6) Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 365: 17.9 percent (1021.3) Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 with Snapdragon X Elite: 9.7 percent (950) Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 with Snapdragon X Elite: 2.7 percent (889.6) The Lenovo devices are the fastest of the bunch (I dont know why the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 is tested twice; drop me a line if you can fill me in), but those improvements arent big enough to make an impression. Imagine that video, but instead it says, Top Copilot+ PCs are up to 19.4 percent faster than a MacBook Air with M4. That will just get you stupid looks from the Microsoft marketing department. Heck, we here at Macworld see 15 to 25 percent improvement from one M-series chip to another, and our reaction to that is lukewarm. You can imagine what we think about a Copilot+ PCs offering a less than 20 percent boost over the M4 MacBook Air: Pfft. As for all the other PCs? You wont notice the difference at all. We ran the same Cinebench 2024 test and got a score of 797 for the M4 MacBook Air, so clearly, results may vary. To sum up, for your PC-lovin buddies who want to bring up this ad over a few pints: Your top Copilot+ PCs are up to 58 percent faster than a discontinued MacBook Air? Cool! The top Copilot+ PCs faster than the M4 MacBook Air? That may be true, but no one can notice the difference in real-world usage. But hey, nice of you to catch up! The 12-second ad? Just another example of a corporation trying to relate to the young folks. And if they still wont listen, just remember that they have to use Windows.

Fortnite on iOS goes offline worldwide after Apple blocks U.S. App Store return

Macworld The battle royale between Apple and Epic Games over Fortnite doesnt appear to be ending anytime soon. After a judge ordered Apple to allow developers to link to external payment systems , Epic Games rushed to deliver Fortnite to the App Store after a five-year absence. Earlier this week, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the game was awaiting approval through the usual review process, and even submitted it a second time after Apple appeared to be dragging its feet. On Friday, Apple made its decision. Epic Games Fortnite X account states that Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the U.S. App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. The company says Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it. The issue is far more complicated than the judges ruling. Back in 2020, Apple suspended Epics developer account in the U.S. after it broke Apples terms by offering a link to buy V-Bucks outside of the App Store. So Epic resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store this week using its EU account, which Apple apparently didnt appreciate. Its not clear what the next phase of this battle will be. As it stands, Fortnite is unavailable on iOS devices anywhere in the world, including the EU, where its delivered directly through the Epic Games Store. Apple allows alternative app stores in the EU after a ruling there forced the company to allow so-called sideloading. Sweeney says that since all Fortnite apps must update simultaneously, they will all remain offline until Apple resolves the situation. Hes also spent most of today posting and reposting comments about the situation that support Epic and blame Apple. So it seems unlikely either company will give in anytime soon.

iPad Air (M3) review: Only slightly better, but still the best

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Outstanding performance Good display Useful battery life Bright display with anti-reflective coating Excellent build quality Cons High price for 5G No OLED No camera flash Few innovations since 2022 Our Verdict While wed have liked to see the inclusion of an M4 chip instead of the M3, Apples new iPad Air is well worth a recommendation, offering an excellent display and strong performance for years to come. Paired with a good keyboard case, it could even replace your MacBook. Our only caveat is that the previous model with the M2 chip, which you can find at a lower price, might be an even better buy. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $599 Best Prices Today: Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) Retailer Price $529 View Deal $529 View Deal $553 View Deal $579 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPad Air has consistently been the best choice for most users, and this remains true of the new version, which offers the best balance of price and features among Apples tablets. Thanks to its new M3 chip, it has become significantly more powerful than the previous M2 model. However, this is otherwise quite a minor update. Surely you would expect a new iPad to boast the very latest chip (the M4 is currently available on the iPad Pro), a new design and some cool new features? Regardless of expectations, the iPad Air has remained visually unchanged for three years; this one looks exactly the same as the models from last year and 2022. Apple hasnt even given the Air any new colors for 2025. The iPad Pro, by contrast, was given a more innovative, thinner design last year, higher performance and an impressive OLED display. The Pro models bring in the most money , which might suggest deliberate neglect of the Air models. Still, the iPad Air could be back next year with a new design. For now, lets see if the new M3 Air is the right tablet for you. Design and build quality: Superb The iPad Air is an elegant device with first-class workmanship. The tried-and-tested aluminum frame makes the tablet solid and attractive, and iPads can generally be relied upon to remain presentable even after several years of intensive use. Externally, you wont notice any difference from the previous model. Even the dimensions are exactly the same, down to a tenth of a millimeter; only the weight of the 11-inch model has fallen by 2g. The color options are again Space Gray, Starlight, blue, and purple. The colors are significantly less gaudy than those of the 11th-gen iPad and struck us as very subtle: even blue and purple look grown-up and the Starlight finish is barely distinguishable from silver. The 11-inch model in particular feels light and sturdy at the same time. With a weight of 460g, this can be used with one hand, while the 13-inch model is significantly heavier at 616g. However, even the large model is just half the weight of a MacBook Air. The Air has an appealing and successful design. Eugen Wegmann Benefits of the M3 chip The most important new feature of the iPad Air is the M3 chip, but you shouldnt expect too much. On its website , Apple promises a significant increase in performance. The new Air, it says, is nearly 2x faster than the iPad Air with M1 chip. Thats not wrong, but its also a little misleading; the M1 model came out back in spring 2022. The comparison with the M2 model from last year, by contrast, is less flattering: in our tests the performance leap was rarely noticeable in everyday use. So we should think of this as a small refresh for the iPad Air, a kind of speed bump. For a proper speed boost, Apple would have needed to install the M4, and its pretty obvious why the company didnt. The performance gap between the Air and the expensive top model has to be maintained. Still, while it doesnt represent a startling improvement on the M2, dont entirely write off the benefits of the new chip. Not only does it have a higher clock rate, it also offers new features such as support for hardware ray tracingan important consideration for certain high-end games. The new media engine of the M3 supports higher resolutions and can now play HEVC videos up to 8K and H264 videos up to 4K, as well as using the ProRes and ProRES RAW formats. AV1 decoding is also supported, which could be very useful if you want to edit videos on the iPad. Performance: Moderate improvements The iPad doesnt feature the same M3 chip that Apple used in the MacBook Air , and which was available in two versions (8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, and 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU). Instead, the iPad Air gets a third version of the M3 with an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. Graphics performance therefore sits between the two earlier versions. The M3 brings a solid performance leap in single-core performance, since the M3 chip is clocked significantly higher than the M2. In the Geekbench 6 benchmark the M3 iPad scored 3,019 points to the M2 iPads 2,584 points. Thats almost 15 per cent more performance, which is available for tasks such as web surfing or Apple Intelligence. In the multi-core test, the M3 scored 11,749 points to the M2s 10,074, an improvement of around 17 percent. This higher multiprocessor performance is helpful for more complex apps, such as image and video editing. The Geekbench 5 benchmark illustrates the current models improved performance. Foundry But when it comes to GPU performance the new chip offers far less improvement. In the 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme test, the M2 scored 6,443 points and the M3 managed just three points more at 6,446. In the Geekbench GPU test, things were a little better, at 46,007 points vs 41,902, but still below a 10 percent increase. However, the performance remains excellent in comparison with other iPads. The iPad (A16), which was launched at the same time, is less than half as quick in terms of graphics performance and scored just 20,123 points in Geekbenchs graphics benchmark. We also test how long a CPU can sustain top performance. (Performance levels often drop rapidly when the device heats up, as iPads have to cope without a fan.) According to our APSI test running 20 minutes of full load, the Airs throttling remains within acceptable limits at 86.57 percent. Note that the new iPad Pro is better at 90.62 percent, and the 11th-gen iPad, with its far less powerful A16 CPU, heats up even less and performs even better with 93.94 percent. The Air supports the fast new Wi-Fi 6E standard, whereas the iPad A16 still has to make do with Wi-Fi 6. If you pay extra for cellular connectivity, which adds $150 to the price, then you can enjoy 5G support via eSIM. Storage performance: Nowhere near the iPad Pro The M3 gets the headlines, but dont underestimate the importance of the iPads internal SSD when it comes to performance. Our 1TB model in the test delivered what wed regard as adequate performance, achieving 1,646 MB/s when reading and 1,380 MB/s when writing. But this doesnt come close to the performance of an iPad Pro M4, where we measured 3,362 MB/s and 2,017 MB/s for reading and writing respectively. Its also possible to connect an external SSD via USB-C. As an experiment, we transferred some large video files between the iPad Air and a Lacie Thunderbolt SSD. We saw speeds of up to 700 MB/s via the Files app, which puts the Air somewhere in the iPad midfield: the 11th-gen iPad managed only 37 MB/s in the same test, but the iPad Pro M4 achieved 2,200 MB/s. Display: Lacking some Pro features As usual, the biggest difference between the iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro product lines is the screen. With the iPad Air, you get a good 11- or 13-inch panel with IPS technology, which is still common among tablets and laptops. The resolution is 2360 x 1640 pixels (11 inches) or 2732 x 2048 (13 inches). At 600 nits, the 13-inch model is brighter than the 11-inch model, which only reaches a maximum of 500 nits. However, both displays are bright enough to work with outdoors. Compared to the cheaper 11th-gen iPad, the display scores points with a useful anti-glare coating, which means it reflects significantly less than the basic iPad. More advanced technologies such as OLED (and previously mini-LED) are unfortunately reserved for the Pro models, which support HDR content better as a result. An OLED display can also be considerably more frugal in terms of battery consumption. In addition to the sRGB color standard, the iPad Air supports the larger P3 color space, which is primarily used in the video sector. A matte display is only available as an option for the iPad Pro, and ProMotion is a Pro exclusive too. Gamers would certainly appreciate a faster display, but will have to make do with 60Hz on the Air. For most users, however, the lack of ProMotion is not a big deal. Size: Should you get the 11-inch or 13-inch model? For a long time, if you wanted a big 13-inch screen, you had to go for the iPad Pro. But since last year, the Air has also been available with a 13-inch screen too, and buyers are spoilt for choice. Ultimately, every buyer has to decide for themselves which form factor is better for them. Bigger doesnt always mean better: the 11-inch model is easier to handle, especially if youre using it on the move. Its also significantly lighter. In my opinion, there are two main arguments in favour of the 13-inch Air. If you often use the device with an external keyboard, youll probably be more productive with the larger model. Managing several apps with Split View or Stage Manager is also more practical at this size. In my opinion, Stage Manager only really makes sense with these larger displays. On a 13-inch model, a single Safari window in full-screen mode is simply too large. With Stage Manager, you can have several apps open and work with Word, Mail, and Safari at the same time, just like on a Mac. In addition, an iPad with a 13-inch display is ideal as an external Mac display. If you use a small iMac as your main device, you can integrate the iPad as an additional display if required. While an 11-inch iPad is a little too small for this role, a 13-incher is really useful. My take is that the 11-inch model is better for consumption, and the 13-inch model is better for work. Battery life: Solid Battery life has hardly changed compared to the previous model. According to Coconut Battery, the battery of our (13-inch) test unit had a capacity of 9782 mAh, and this offers enough power for a day of office work and web surfing. Apple promises up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video playback, but bear in mind that the company bases that figure on testing with a screen brightness of just 50 percent. In our tests we use maximum brightness, which is a lot more demanding. In our video test, where we let a current movie run in a continuous loop, the 13-inch Air lasted six and a half hours, which is a good result. In our second test, where a website is called up at rapid intervals, the Air lasted almost eight hours. This is all fine, but the unflattering comparison with the iPad Pro illustrates the drawbacks of an IPS screen: thanks to its efficient OLED display, the iPad Pro M4 lasted three hours longer in the surfing test and twice as long in the video test. The M3 chip can consume a lot of battery power when its at maximum load, for example when gaming or using 3D apps. This is a clear difference from iPads with a slow CPU such as the 10th-gen iPad. Having a slow CPU has plenty of drawbacks, but it reduces battery consumption. Keyboards, cases, and other accessories Apple has introduced a new keyboard alongside the new iPad Air, and this has led to a somewhat confusing range of accessories to choose from. Apple still sells a version of the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air M2 ( from $299 for the 11-inch version), in either black or white. But now theres a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air M3, which is only available in white. The price for the 11-inch version is $269 / 269 , while the 13-inch version costs $319 / 299 . Apple has improved the keyboard compared to the previous version in a number of ways. For example, theres a set of function keys, while the trackpad is larger. And its important to note that, rather confusingly and contrary to what its branding might suggest, this new accessory is compatible with the iPad Air M2 (and indeed the 4th- and 5th-gen Airs) as well as the iPad Air M3. However, there are a few compromises compared with the iPad Pros Magic Keyboard; only the Pro version offers a glass trackpad and backlit buttons. Its rather annoying that if you ever switch from the iPad Air to the iPad Pro, youll also have to factor in the (not inconsiderable) cost of a new keyboard if you want to get the full benefit of the upgrade. This keyboard is missing a few features from the Pro Magic Keyboard. IDG There are no new Smart Folios, but Apple has dropped their prices. Most third-party cases for the previous iPad Air models will also be suitable for the new model, such as the Logitech Combo Touch . Finally, like its predecessor, the iPad supports both the USB-C Apple Pencil and the more advanced Pencil Pro. Older Pencils can no longer be used. External display: A handy option The M3 Air offers support for an external display with a resolution of up to 6K at 60Hz, compared to a maximum of 4K on the 11th-gen iPad. Dont underestimate the value of this option. If you connect your iPad to an external display via USB-C with a mouse and keyboard connected, the Stage Manager display option is automatically activated. You can then also use the mouse and keyboard and more efficiently edit long texts or videos. Photo and video: Better at video chats than stills photography The iPad isnt an obvious choice as a photographic companion, but the new Air, as usual, is equipped with cameras on the front and back. These dont compare with current iPhone cameras, especially when taking photos indoors: images quickly become noisy. And unfortunately you have to do without a flash, which would have been useful when taking photos of documents. The front-facing camera is positioned on the long edge as has become standard practice for Apple, which is the ideal position for video conferencing. Plus the Center Stage feature allows you to choose between auto-zoom or a wide-angle image. The Air is well equipped for video chats. Video recordings with the main camera are still possible at up to 4K and 60fps, and the Air gets video image stabilisation. Finally, heres one area where the Air outperforms the iPad Pro: its rear camera module barely protrudes, which is more practical in everyday use. Audio setup: Impressive quality I was impressed by the sound quality of the two speakers located on the sides, which remains strong even at higher volumes. This is not only useful for music and videos, but also for presentations and video calls. In most situations theres no need to add external Bluetooth speakers. Two integrated microphones ensure good recording quality during video conferences. The iPad Pro offers even better sound quality thanks to its four speakers and five microphones, but the Air is already at a high level in this area. Summary: The sweet spot Overall, the iPad Air is convincing. The iPad Pro is even better, but far too expensive. The iPad A16, on the other hand, is significantly slower and has a poorer display. This feels like a sweet spot. For most users, in fact, the iPad Air is the ideal choice: fast, ergonomic, and equipped with a good display. Our only caveat is that theres hardly any reason to buy this model rather than the cheaper previous model with an M2 chip, which is barely less powerful; whats more, there are some excellent deals out there. The M2 Air is, therefore my personal recommendation. Whether you choose the 11- or 13-inch model is up to you. Tech specs iPad Air (M3, 2025 ) 11 inches 13 inches Price (base model, Wi-Fi) $599 $799 Price (base model, cellular) $749 $949 Display 11-inch Liquid Retina 13-inch Liquid Retina Resolution 2360 x 1640, 264ppi 2732 x 2048, 264ppi Display technology LED, fully laminated, anti-reflective coating LED, fully laminated, anti-reflective coating Color space Wide color gamut (P3), True Tone Wide color gamut (P3), True Tone Brightness 500 nits 600 nits Chip Apple M3 Apple M3 CPU 8-core CPU: 4 performance and 4 efficiency 8-core CPU: 4 performance and 4 efficiency Graphics 9-core GPU 9-core GPU Neural Engine 16-core 16-core Media Engine Hardware accelerated H.264 and HEVC, AV1 decoding Hardware accelerated H.264 and HEVC, AV1 decoding Memory 8GB 8GB Storage capacity 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB Cameras 12MP wide-angle, f/1.8 12MP wide angle, f/1.8 Front camera 12MP landscape format, Center Stage, f/2.0 12MP landscape format, Center Stage, f/2.0 Speaker, microphone Stereo speakers in landscape format, 2 microphones Stereo speakers in landscape format, 2 microphones Sensors Touch ID in the power button Touch ID in the power button Connections USB 3 (up to 10 Gbit/s), Smart Connector USB 3 (up to 10 Gbit/s), Smart Connector Pencil (optional) Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) Wi-Fi WLAN 6E (802.11ax) with 22 MIMO Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 22 MIMO Bluetooth 5.3 5.3 Mobile data 5G/LTE/UMTS/HSDPA 5G/LTE/UMTS/HSDPA SIM card eSIM eSIM Colors Space Gray, Starlight, purple, blue Space Gray, Starlight, purple, blue Battery Lithium polymer, 28.93 Wh Lithium polymer, 36.59 Wh Surfing Wi-Fi 10 hours 10 hours Mobile surfing 9 hours 9 hours Dimensions (W/H/D) 178.5 x 247.6 x 6.1mm 214.9 x 280.6 x 6.1mm Weight 460g (Wi-Fi); 460g (cellular) 616g (Wi-Fi); 617g (cellular) Table: Thomas Armbrster

The first thing I install on every new Mac is this little free emoji utility

Macworld One of the frustrations of setting up a new computer is downloading, installing, and logging into all the various applications I use every day. But whenever I set up a new Mac, Im happy to download and install Rocket the first app I install on any new Mac. In fact, its one of the utilities I miss most when I have to use a Windows PC. Rocket is a simple, free utility from Matthew Palmer that adds Slack-style emoji typing throughout your system. Thats it, thats all it does. If you spend all day on Slack like I do, you know how fast and easy it is to add emojis. Type a colon (:) followed immediately by a search term, and a little pop-up emoji picker shows relevant emojis. You can pick one from the list (with the mouse or arrow keys) or keep typing to narrow it down and just press Enter. The Slack emoji picker is great. With Rocket you can have it everywhere. Foundry It makes using emoji, which I use a lot , an intuitive part of the typing process instead of a separate activity. Rocket simply makes that same emoji typing experience available system-wide. There are a few welcome options, such as the ability to disable Rocket when using certain apps in which it interferes, or when on certain websites. You can choose a custom skin one for relevant emojis, too. Theres a $10 Rocket Pro upgrade that adds the ability to build a library of custom GIFs or images that you can summon the same way, along with some stats and text expander snippets. Im happy to pay, but I never use any of those features. If I had to make a request, it would be to allow for a simple way to look at emoji variants in the picker. Many emojis these days have multiple variations, and it would be great to find one with a few taps of the keyboard. The preferred default skin tone selection handles some of them, but you dont always want to change up a whole default just to get the right variant of one or two emojis. And not every emoji variation is a skin tone. But hey, its free, its lightweight, its kept up to date, and it makes my Mac more enjoyable to use. Its hard to complain about that.

Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure review

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Robust Construction Effective fan Good data transfer rates Informative display Cons Not many extra ports Fan not silent No carrying case Our Verdict Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $179 Best Prices Today: Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal Dockcase $179 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket At first glance, what stands out most about the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure hub is its relatively large case with an equally large display. The 4.3 by 2.3 centimeter display shows, among other things, the connected devices and the current data transfer rate. It also serves as a touchscreen for settings such as data protection and fan speed. The large display looks playful, but is very informative. An integrated SSD health monitor issues early warnings. Speaking of that integrated SSD, inside the hub is a connector for an M.2 SSD module that you provide. It supports the compact 2230 and 2242 NVMe SSDs with a maximum capacity of 2TB. An optional read-only mode prevents unwanted changes or deletions and thus protects sensitive data, if required. An integrated, temperature-controlled fan and ventilation openings ensure efficient cooling of the NVMe SSD. Installtion an SSD module is effortless and Dockcase provides a small screwdriver. The ports on the Smart USB-C Hub are one USB-C and USB-A (both USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10GBps), a 100W Power Delivery USB-C power, an HDMI 2.1 port with support for 4K at 120Hz, an SD card slot, and a TF port. If you want a hub that gives you more connectors, other hubs and docks are better suited in our Best USB-C hubs and adapters for Mac 2025 roundup . Not everyone needs a lot of extra ports; primarily, this is an external SSD enclosure with a few useful ports. The data transfer rate of the integrated NVMe SSD impresses across the board in the AJA System Test Lite with 875MBs for writing and 955MBps for reading. The fan occasionally starts up in the read/write endurance test; it is relatively quiet, but not silent. In our endurance test, however, the small NVMe SSD can get very warm after more than 30 minutes of intensive use. The write rate then decreases significantly. However, this is a respectable performance for a USB-C hub. With the fan deactivated for the test (the temperature was read via the internal sensor), the temperature rose during continuous operation of the SSD. After a short time, a warning was displayed at 69 degrees Celsius, and the data transfer rate dropped significantly in some cases. At 72 degrees Celsius, we activated the fan to protect the SSD and within a short time, the temperature dropped to below 60 degrees Celsius. The full metal housing is robust and also ensures good temperature equalization thanks to the many ventilation slots. However, the fan can be noisy and annoying to sensitive ears. Dockcase provides a fan control with four sppeds or the ability to turn it off completelybut doing so puts the SSD at risk. With an OWC Ultra SDXC memory card, we measured 253MBps for writing and 284MBps for readingan excellent performance. with a Lexar Armor 700 USB-C SSD, the 890MBps for writing and 939MBps for reading are only aabout 100MBps below the values directly on the MacBook Air M3. Should you buy the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure? Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. If you need an external storage device and could use card reader slots and an extra charging port, the Smart USB-C hub may work. But there are plenty of other options out there if you want to add more ports.

The M4 MacBook Air we recommend to everyone is $150 off right now

Macworld Gorgeous, light, powerful, and even more affordable, the M4 MacBook Air is on sale over at Amazon right now for one of the best prices weve ever seen. You can get the version with all the bells and whistles24GB of RAM and 512GB of storagefor just $1,245 right now , a savings of $154 off its $1,399 MSRP. If you frequently visit MacWorld, you know that we absolutely love this laptop. In fact, when we reviewed the 15-inch version, we gave it a perfect five-star rating and our Editors Choice award, with our main complaint being that we can no longer get it in Space Gray. We appreciated that you could hook up two external 6K displays at 60hz, the fantastic performance boost brought on by the upgrade to the M4 chip, and we even appreciated the new 12MP Center Stage camera. And of course, we loved the gorgeous Liquid Retina Display that will make working on the device great in any lighting conditions, allowing you to view crisp images with vivid colors anywhere, and speedy M4 chip. This specific configuration also features 24GB memory and 512GB, which is the recipe for the most decked-out version you can purchase right now. This is the laptop for everyone, we wrote at the time, and considering everything it has to offer, including the 18-hour battery life, its hard to argueespecially at this price. So snag your very own M4 MacBook Air for $1,245.26 at Amazon sooner rather than later because this deal may not stick around for long. Save 11% on this MacBook Air M4 Buy now at Amazon

Apples next-gen CarPlay finally arrives with a new name: CarPlay Ultra

Macworld Ever since Apple unveiled its ambitious next-gen CarPlay in-car experience at WWDC 2023 , weve been waiting for the first vehicles to arrive. Nearly two years later, the first models running the new system are finally rolling off the lotand it finally has a proper name. Apple and Aston Martin announced on Thursday that CarPlay Ultra will be available as a standard feature on all new vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, and will be available for existing models that feature Aston Martins next-generation infotainment system through an upcoming software update. The system, which builds on the capabilities of CarPlay and provides the ultimate in-car experience by deeply integrating with the vehicle to deliver the best of iPhone and the best of the car, appears to be very similar to the one that debuted at WWDC 2023. Aston Martin will be the first car maker to ship CarPlay Ultra support. Aston Martin According to Apple, CarPlay Ultra provides content for all the cars displays, including the instrument cluster, with dynamic and beautiful options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more. Drivers can also choose to show information from their iPhone, including maps and media, right in the instrument cluster. Like regular CarPlay, the system requires an iPhone to work and will default to the cars standard infotainment system otherwise. CarPlay Ultra lets automakers tailor the look to their distinct design philosophy with custom themes, personalized color options, and unique wallpapers. Apple says many other automakers around the world are working to adopt CarPlay Ultra, including newly committed brands Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra isnt replacing CarPlay, which is still available for millions of cars worldwide. However, the Ultra branding suggests a top-of-the-line product, like the Apple Watch Ultra and M2 Ultra processor.

Latest macOS versions: A complete list of every macOS and Mac OS X release

Macworld Wondering what the name of the latest macOS version is? Want to know what the next version of macOS will be called? Curious about the versions of Mac OS X that came before? Here well fill you in on the names of the different versions of the Mac operating system in order: from the newest macOS to the first version of Mac OS X and the codenames that Apple used for them. Well also show you how you can check which version of macOS you are running and find out what the latest version of macOS is. What is the latest macOS? The latest version of macOS is called macOS Sequoia after Sequoia National Park located in Californias Sierra Nevada mountain range. That version of macOS launched to the general public in September 2024, following a macOS beta program that is still underway as Apple develops more new features. The latest version of Sequoia is macOS 15.5, which arrived on May 12, 2025. It includes a Screen Time update, some changes in Mail, and security patches. There is a new version of macOS macOS 16 on the way. Well know more after WWDC on June 9, 2025. If you are looking for help installing macOS read: How to update macOS and Fixes for Macs that wont update. We can also help with How to install macOS on an unsupported Mac. What is macOS? macOS is the Mac operating system, like iOS is the iPhone operating system and iPadOS is the iPad operating system. Its the software that runs in the background, providing the user interface and providing the link between the hardware and software. All Macs run macOS, previously known as Mac OS X, and have done so since the introduction of the first version of Mac OS X in 2001. Before that, Macs ran Mac OS 9 which came out in October 1999 and received updates until December 2001. Mac OS X was based on technology from NeXT Computer, which was another company founded by Steve Jobs. Jobs brought the technology back to Apple with him when he was reinstated as Apple CEO. The operating system is Unix-based. Mac OS X was launched more than two decades ago on March 24, 2001. Theres been a lot of change over those two decades: good and bad. From the problems with the first edition (it was slow and didnt run important apps like Microsoft Word) Mac OS X has evolved through various iterations and various designs to what we know today. Weve seen tight integration with iOS devices, the incorporation of the cloud, and the arrival of excellent and helpful features including integrated Time Machine backups, Quick Look which lets you see a preview of a document without opening the application, and innovations like Expose and Spaces and Desktop Stacks to help you work more efficiently. For an overview of the features of the various versions of the Mac operating system, showing how it has developed over time, take a look at our video above. If you want to know the names Apple assigned to Mac OS X over the years, and the codenames that were used internally, read on. macOS versions in order Heres an overview of every version of macOS and Mac OS X Apple has released. Youll find a complete list of the latest release of each version of OS X and macOS, along version code names, along with internal code names (if available): OS X 10 beta: Kodiak September 13, 2000 OS X 10.0: Cheetah March 14, 2001 (Latest: 10.0.4) OS X 10.1: Puma September 15, 2001 (Latest: 10.1.5) OS X 10.2: Jaguar August 14, 2002 (Latest: 10.2.8) OS X 10.3 Panther (Pinot) October 24, 2003 (Latest: 10.3.9) OS X 10.4 Tiger (Merlot) April 29, 2005 (Latest: 10.4.11) OS X 10.4.4 Tiger (Chardonnay) January 10, 2006 (for Intel Macs) (Latest: 10.4.11) OS X 10.5 Leopard (Chablis) October 26, 2007 (Latest: 10.5.8) OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard August 28, 2009 (Latest: 10.6.8) OS X 10.7 Lion (Barolo) July 20, 2011 (Latest: 10.7.5) OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (Zinfandel) July 25, 2012 (Latest: 10.8.5) OS X 10.9 Mavericks (Cabernet) October 22, 2013 (Latest: 10.9.5) OS X 10.10: Yosemite (Syrah) October 16, 2014 (Latest: 10.10.5) OS X 10.11: El Capitan (Gala) September 30, 2015 (Latest: 10.11.6) macOS 10.12: Sierra (Fuji) September 20, 2016 (Latest: 10.12.6) macOS 10.13: High Sierra (Lobo) September 25, 2017 (Latest: 10.13.6) macOS 10.14: Mojave (Liberty) September 24, 2018 (Latest: 10.14.6, July 2021) macOS 10.15: Catalina (Jazz) October 7, 2019 (Latest: 10.15.7, Security Update 2022-005, July 2022) macOS 11: Big Sur (GoldenGate) November 12, 2020 (Latest: 11.7.10, September 11, 2023) macOS 12: Monterey (Star) October 25, 2021 (Latest: 12.7.6, July 29, 2024 ) macOS 13: Ventura (Rome) October 24, 2022 (Latest: 13.7.6, May 12, 2025) macOS 14: Sonoma (Sunburst) September 26, 2023 (Latest: 14.7.6, May 12, 2025) macOS 15: Sequoia (Glow) September 18, 2024 (Latest: 15.5, May 12, 2025) macOS 16: name TBC (Cheer) launch date TBC We have a full list of which Macs run which versions of macOS here . You can install a beta version of macOS and test new features that havent yet launched. If you want to install the latest beta of macOS read about joining Apples beta program . Apple is already already working on macOS 16, which is codenamed Cheer, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in his June 30, 2024 newsletter. Foundry Mac OS X and macOS names As you can see from the list above, with the exception of the first OS X beta, all versions of the Mac operating system from 2001 to 2012 were named after big cats, from Cheetah to Panther to the final release, Mountain Lion. But while the public-facing builds were named after big cats, internally, they were named after wines (aside from OS X 10.6 which had no codename). Even after Apple switched public-facing code names to places in California back in 2013, it carried on naming them after wines internally until 2014. In 2015, Apple decided to change the theme of internal code names from wines to types of apples. Original. In 2016, Apple took the plunge to unify the branding of its operating systems by rebranding Mac OS X to macOS, which sits nicely alongside iOS, tvOS, and watchOS and paved the way for macOS 11, the successor to Mac OS X, which arrived twenty years after the first beta of Mac OS X. Which versions of macOS are still updated? Apple still supplies regular features and security updates to the most recent version of macOS. Right now this is Sequoia, also known as macOS 15. The previous two versions of macOS also receive security updates and bug fixes. If you are running macOS 14 Sonoma or macOS 13 Ventura you will still get security updates. Since the arrival of Sequoia, Apple no longer supports macOS 12 Monterey which arrived in 2021 (and with the arrival of Sonoma in 2023 it stopped support for macOS Big Sur, which arrived in 2020). See: How long do Macs and MacBooks last? Apple also issues updates to its Safari web browser. The latest version of Safari for Mac is Safari 18 (as of September 2024) and it requires Ventura, Sonoma or Sequoia. Foundry How to tell which macOS version you are running You can tell which version of macOS you are running by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left and choosing About This Mac. It will clearly show which version of macOS you are running along with the most recent version that your Mac has installed Its easy to find out which version of macOS is running on a Mac. Foundry How to install the latest version of macOS If you want to update your Mac to a newer version of macOS the method will be determined by the version of macOS you are running. Very old versions of Mac OS X came on a disk and any security updates came via Software Update. Since the arrival of the Mac App Store in 2011 (as an update to Snow Leopard) versions of Mac OS X and macOS have been available to download via the Mac App Store. However, that changed with Mojave, which arrived in 2018. Now operating system updates come in via Software Updates which is either located in System Settings > General > Software Update or in System Preferences > Software Update (pre-Ventura). One of the benefits of this is that your Mac can be set to automatically download the latest updates and install them, keeping your Mac up-to-date with minimum effort on your part. Incidentally, you can still find the macOS software on the Mac App Store. Some Macs will be set to update macOS automatically. If you want your Mac to update automatically follow these steps: In Ventura or later: Open System Settings. Click on General . Click on Software Update . Click on the i beside Automatic Updates and make sure that Check for updates , Download new updates when available , and Install macOS updates are selected. This way your Mac will automatically update to the latest version. If you would prefer not to have your Mac do this automatically you can deselect these options. In Monterey, Big Sur, Mojave, or Catalina: Open System Preferences. Click on Software Update . Check the box beside Automatically keep my Mac up to date (or Download new updates when available ). Now select the box Install macOS updates . In High Sierra or earlier: Open System Preferences. Click on App Store . Check the box beside Automatically check for updates it should have a tick in it as should the four options below that Now deselect the box beside Download newly available updates in the background . Read all about how to update your Mac here . We also have a list of every version of iOS where you can see the latest versions and how long Apple supports iPhones for .

Apple looks to poach Spotify users with new playlist transfer tool

Macworld Users are often reluctant to switch from one music-streaming service to another, even if they find the price, features, algorithm, curation, or song library more appealing. And thats because of playlists. A huge part of the streaming experience is being able to create cross-device playlists of songs for studying, working out, driving, sleeping, parties, and so on. There are ways to take these playlists with you when you move from Spotify to Apple Music, for example, but for many it represents enough of a hassle to keep them with the original service. Its enough of a problem, in fact, that Apple is releasing a tool to migrate playlists for you. A support document published this week (spotted by MacRumors ) reveals the existence of a new Transfer Music from Other Music Services function in Apple Music. At the time of writing, it appears to be undergoing testing in Australia and New Zealand only, but wed expect it to roll out elsewhere if it proves popular. The way it works is appealingly simple. You go into the settings for Music on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device (or access Apple Music on the web), select the transfer function, choose the service you want to transfer from and what you want to transfer, then tap Add To Library. The software will flag up anything that isnt available in Apple Music and suggest a similar track, but other than that, the process should be complete without further input. In the support document Apple is coy about who does the work, saying only that Transferring music to Apple Music is provided by a third-party [sic]. That third party is SongShift , as we knew as long ago as February last year, when Apples plan leaked in an Android beta. In other words, the essential functionality isnt new. But bringing this within Apples Music app reduces the friction of the process and is likely to make customers significantly happier to trust that their data wont be misused. And anything that makes it easier to switch to Apple Music from Spotify (or Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, and so on) is good news for the companys all-important services revenue.

macOS 16: Everything we know so far about the next Mac update

Macworld Apples Worldwide Developers Conference ( WWDC ) is coming soon, and thats when we will learn all about macOS 16, the next version of the Mac operating system (as well as iOS 19 the new iPhone OS and iPadOS 19 ). This version could include some big changes for the Mac, in addition to more Apple Intelligence features. Apple hasnt made any formal announcements about macOS 16 so far, but rumors are starting to leak. This article keeps track of the reports, so you can get an idea of what to look forward to when macOS 16 is revealed in June and arrives on Mac later in the year. macOS 16: Release date Well get a first look at the next version of macOS at WWDC in June, but Apples official release of macOS 16 will be in the fall, as is usually the case. The release of macOS 16 is likely to coincide with the release of iOS 19 , which will probably happen a few days after the iPhone event in September 2025. We anticipate the September iPhone event will take place on September 9, so the software could be out around September 15 or 16. However, Apple has previously scheduled the update to macOS after iOS, sometimes as short as a week, sometimes as long as a month, so there could be a longer wait. Here is the recent shipping history for macOS. macOS 15 Sequoia: September 16, 2024 macOS 14 Sonoma: September 26, 2023 macOS 13 Ventura: October 24, 2022 macOS 12 Monterey: October 25, 2021 macOS 11 Big Sur: November 12, 2020 macOS 10.15 Catalina: October 7, 2019 macOS 10.14 Mojave: September 24, 2018 macOS 16: Developer and Public Betas However, you wont have to wait until the full release to try the new software out. Apple will run a developer beta as well as a public beta, so if you want to try out the new features before they are released to the general public you will be able to do so. Both betas are free, though the developer beta requires a free registration as a developer. The first developer macOS Beta is usually shipped at the beginning of WWDC. In 2025 the WWDC keynote will take place on June 9. The public beta is released about a month later, usually after the developer beta moves to a second stage (beta 2). In 2024 the pubic beta arrived on July 15. Between WWDC and the official release in the fall, Apple will release beta updates to developers and the public. Anyone using the beta is encouraged to file bug reports using the included Apples Feedback Assistant app so that the company can address them. Learn more about participating in Apples beta software program so you can sign up and test the new software as soon as the beta arrives. macOS 16: What will macOS 16 be called? Unlike its other operating systems, Apple attaches a name to macOS. The current name is macOS Sequoia, but as it is version 15 of the software its also known as macOS 15. Since OS X 10.9 in 2013, Apple has used names that are associated with California. Rumors of the new name will swirl before the official release. Some reportedly trademarked names that have circulated in recent years include California, Condor, Diablo, Farallon, Grizzly, Mammoth, Miramar, Pacific, Redwood, Redtail, Rincon, Skyline, and Shasta. These names have been registered by a company that is believed to be a shell for Apple. Internally at the company, macOS 16 is codenamed Cheer, but that wont be its final name (see all the code names for macOS versions in our complete list of every macOS and Mac OS X release .) Our guess for 2025 is Apple will continue the Sequoia tree theme with Redwood, but there are no clear rumors about the name. Will Apple continue with the California-based names? Count on it. Apple Here is a list of the recent macOS names based on places in California: OS X Mavericks (version 10.9) OS X Yosemite (version 10.10) OS X El Capitan (version 10.11) macOS Sierra (version 10.12) macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) macOS Mojave (version 10.14) macOS Catalina (version 10.15) macOS Big Sur (version 11) macOS Monterey (version 12) macOS Ventura (version 13) macOS Sonoma (version 14) macOS Sequoia (version 15) macOS 16: Compatibility Because macOS 16 may feature major interface changes, Apple may decide to make this the first version of macOS that does not run on Intel-based Macs. The signs of this started appearing a couple of years ago and with Sequoia only supporting recent Intel Macs (see: Intel Macs that can run macOS Sequoia for more information). Apple wants to move any users of these Macs over to M-Series Macs and could use this version of macOS as a cutoff point. Its unknown if the UI changes depend on hardware found only on M-series Macs. With that in mind, you can check the specifications of your Mac , then take a look at what we expect macOS 16 to be compatible with: MacBook Air (M1 or later) MacBook Pro (M1 or later) iMac (M1 or later) Mac mini (M1 or later) Mac Studio (M1 Max or later) Mac Pro (M2 Ultra or later) Learn more about which Macs are supported by Apple in our guide to how long Macs and MacBooks last . This could be the year Apple decides to make future versions of macOS for M-series Macs only. Foundry macOS 16: New features Here are some of the new features expected in macOS 16. This list will be updated as more features are reported. Major UI change According to a report by Bloombergs Mark Gurman, macOS 16 (along with iOS 19 and iPadOS 19) will have a redesigned user interface that is based loosely on visionOS, Apples operating system for its Vision Pro headset. Apple wants to make its operating systems more consistent across platforms, and visionOS will be the inspiration for it. Details on how Apple will implement this new design arent available yet, but Apple wont simply just port over the visionOS UI to the Mac and be done with it. It will combine the best of both worlds and possibly allow Mac users to do more (and without a cursor). Because of the visionOSs touch implementation, its easy to conclude that Apple is working on a touchscreen Mac . Hardware rumors are more prevalent than software ones, and touchscreen capability has not been mentioned about future MacBooks or Apple displays. Are round icons coming to macOS? Apple Apple Intelligence and Siri Apple Intelligence made its debut with macOS 15 Sequoia and Apple is on a continuous development path with these features. However, the Apple Intelligence features promised for Siri in iOS 18/macOS 15 have been delayed and arent expected until later in 2025, maybe 2026. Apple usually introduces Siri updates first on iOS, so this delay means that Siri updates in macOS have been pushed back even further. Will Apple reveal other Apple Intelligence inspired features? Or reliance on another tool to complement ChatGPT integration? Reports on how Apple Intelligence will evolve have not yet appeared. Home app upgrades A lot of what is planned for the iOS 19 update will make its way into macOS 16. While specifics about the Home app have not been reported, several reports of new smart home hardware have been made, so it would follow that Apple will update the Home app. However, the Home app is more often used on the iPad and iPhone, so Apple could release the Mac version of the Home app at a later date. Magnifier app and other accessibility features The accessibility feature that first appeared on the iPhone is said to be coming to the Mac in macOS 16, and its Apple that says so. In May 2025 Apple revealed some new Accessibility features coming to macOS later this year. Among them are a Magnifier app which will work with Continuity Camera (which lets you use your iPhone as a webcam ). With the Magnifier app, a Mac can use their iPhone camera (or any other USB camera) to view their surroundings and zoom in. Apple also provided details of a new Accessibility Reader coming to Macs later in 2025. This system-wide feature will make text easier to read, by changing colour, font, and spacing. Other new accessibility features include: Braille Access, Background Sounds, and Personal Voice. Read about the accessibility features coming in the next major macOS in our guide.

Apple quietly stops selling one of its original AirTag accessories as new model looms

Macworld When Apple introduced AirTag in 2021, the company also unveiled its own accessories for the tiny, hole-less tracker. However, since then, neither AirTag nor its first-party accessories have received any major updates. But it seems that Apple has now quietly discontinued one of the original AirTag accessories amid rumors of a new generation of the item tracker. The original AirTag Loop is no longer available in stores As spotted by Macworld, Apple is no longer selling an accessory known as the AirTag Loop. The accessory has disappeared from the companys online store and is unavailable in many Apple Stores around the world. Sources familiar with the matter told Macworld that stores havent received new AirTag Loop supplies for months, and the product has also been removed from the catalog, suggesting that it has been discontinued for good. Although Apple sometimes faces supply shortages that impact the availability of some products, the company usually makes it clear in its store when a product is temporarily out of stock, sources said. For those unfamiliar, the AirTag Loop lets users attach the item tracker to objects such as backpacks and suitcases. Apple originally offered both leather and silicone versions of the Loop, but in 2023, it discontinued the leather version after announcing FineWoven as a replacement for its leather accessories. However, while Apple replaced the AirTag Leather Key Ring with a FineWoven model, it never made a FineWoven Loop, instead sticking with the silicone version as the only option. Apples FineWoven Key Ring for AirTag remains available both in retail and online stores. At $35, the companys official AirTag accessories cost more than an AirTag, but Apple also promotes third-party accessories that are much cheaper. According to another source who spoke to Macworld, many customers who buy AirTags tend to opt for third-party accessories rather than Apples own. You can still find the original AirTag Loop in some other stores at prices as low as $13 , likely discounted to clear out remaining stock. The AirTag Loop is no longer sold at Apple Stores. Foundry AirTag 2: What to expect Although the most likely reason Apple stopped selling the AirTag Loop is its low popularity among customers, the company may also be gearing up to launch a new version of AirTag with refreshed accessories in the near future. Based on the latest rumors, a 2nd-gen AirTag is already in the works and may launch later this year. The new version is expected to have a similar design to the current one but with an improved Ultra Wideband chip and extended range. The iPhone 15 and later models include an updated UWB chip with a range of up to 60 meters, compared to 15 meters for the chip inside the 1st-gen AirTag. The technology enables the Precision Finding feature, which shows the distance between you and the item youre trying to track. Other reports suggest that AirTag 2 will also include stronger anti-stalking mechanisms , such as better protections to prevent people from disabling the trackers internal speaker.

If iPadOS 19 is going to be more like the Mac, it needs these 9 features stat

Macworld Will the iPad ever become a true laptop replacement? The answer to that question heavily depends on who you ask. For certain students and professionals, the iPad Pros superior display, Apple Pencil input, and portability have made it the ideal productivity device. In fact, I earned my BA in English Language and Literature and worked as a TV script translator, all while relying solely on an iPad. However, its a different story for those with advanced workflows. Today, flagship iPads pack Apples M-series chipsets, similar to those powering the latest Macs. Nonetheless, the mobile operating systems software limitations prevent the tablet from performing a range of desktop-class tasks. iPadOS 19 is rumored to address some of these shortcomings by improving multitasking, productivity, and window management. Im all for that, but Apple needs to think bigthese nine macOS features need to be at the centerpiece of the update to truly unlock the iPads full potential. App sideloading support macOS is the only Apple operating system that permits users to install apps outside the App Store without jumping through endless hoops. If an application fails the App Stores unforgiving screening process, developers can still distribute it independently to users all over the world, which enables Mac users to install third-party apps that dont necessarily comply with Apples guidelines. I understand why Apple wants to keep sideloading away from the iPhone, but the iPad is a different animal. If your workflow depends on a noncompliant or niche app, theres no straightforward way to obtain it on your iPadand thats a dealbreaker for many. To truly match desktop flexibility, iPadOS 19 should support direct .IPA file installation. Maybe then people can stop looking at it as a giant iPhone. Mac software compatibility The highest-end iPads now use the same processors as Mac computers. Yet, while macOS can run iPad apps, iPadOS still cant run Mac software. Consequently, those relying on desktop-exclusive apps, such as Xcode, cant completely ditch their computers. Similarly, those who already bought lifetime licenses for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on macOS cant access these tools on their tablets (without paying recurring subscription fees for the mobile editions). Since the iPad has a cursor when connected to a Magic Keyboard, Apple could realistically address this limitation and expand the iPads app library by supporting Mac software on iPadOS 19. An improved cursor Speaking of the cursor, the one iPadOS has is significantly larger than that of macOS and features a magnetic effect that pulls it toward UI elements. I understand why it behaves that way, since iPadOS is a touch-first OS with large targets to accommodate human fingers, but its not conducive to getting serious work done. With iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 rumored to adopt similar looks, now is Apples chance to finally develop a more intuitive pointer for its tablet. Window management needs to be priority No. 1 for iPadOS to be more like macOS. Foundry Enhanced window management Likewise, while iPadOS currently supports resizable app windows via Stage Manager, the feature is extremely limited compared to the Macs window management. The execution feels wonky and pushes me to use the traditional Split View and Slide Over multitasking features. iPadOS 19 is rumored to be getting a multitasking upgrade, and I cant think of anything better than adopting a macOS-like approach thats fully optimized for tablets. Upgraded built-in apps Ever since iOS and iPadOS split in 2019, Apple has been distinguishing its own iPad apps by offering new UIs exclusive to the larger displays. Nevertheless, in terms of functionality, these apps continue to mimic, even mirror, the iPhone and its limitations. So, macOS features such as Smart Playlists in Apple Music and system file browsing in Finder are absent from the iPad. To lure power users, iPadOS 19 should upgrade its stock apps by bringing over some of what we love about the Mac versions. Extended work environments Speaking of power users, the premium M4 iPad Pro still limits you to a single external monitor. Meanwhile, Macs support multiple physical screens and virtual desktops. This lets users jump between different sets of opened apps by creating several environments with distinct layouts based on the tasks theyre focusing on. Similar capabilities in iPadOS would help make it a much better platform for getting serious work done. Virtual desktops are a great thing for productivity and organization on the Mac, and theyd be just as good on the iPad. Foundry iPhone backup tools With a Mac and a USB-C cable, you can back up, restore, or update your iPhone just by plugging it in. While newer iPads can repair your bricked iPhone wirelessly, theyre incapable of creating local, full-device backups. Similarly, they cant update your iPhones OS when it doesnt have sufficient storage to download the package over the air. If Apple wants the iPad to be a true productivity device, it needs to have full control over the iPhone like the Mac. Multiple user profiles This is one that weve wanted forever. Many households have a single iPad shared by several people, but iPadOS is still tied to a single user. Apple has already built and shipped multi-user profiles, but confoundingly, its limited to iPads managed by educational institutions. We dont know why Apple refuses to allow multiple users on the iPad, but that needs to change if Apples tablet wants to be more like the Mac. Continuity features Lastly, the Mac offers special Continuity features that work seamlessly with iOS. With macOS Monterey 12, Apple added support for AirPlay receiving, letting you cast media from your iPhone to the computers larger display. And with macOS Sequoia 15, the company introduced iPhone Mirroring, enabling users to fully control their iPhones, view iOS notifications, and more. Both of these features are missing from iPadOS, further chaining its potential. We dont need to mirror our iPhone on the iPad as often as we do on our Macs, but it would be cool if we could. Foundry Could this be the year? The iPad seems to be stuck in limbo, and I struggle to figure out where its heading. Theres no denying that every annual OS update makes the device more capable, but ultimately, the new features all hit the same obstacles. For example, I had high hopes when Stage Manager was first announced, only to be disappointed by the same main set of limitations soon after trying it. When compared to Windows tablets such as Microsofts Surface, the iPad has a long way to go. But while Im still skeptical, the iPadOS 19 rumors are a glimmer of hope. Im doubtful that many of the features here make it to the iPad this year (or anytime soon for that matter), but iPadOS 19 is a chance for Apple to elevate the tablet above its iPhone roots and carve out a productivity niche for people who want something more versatile than a Mac. Well see if it happens.

How to disable math results in Messages for iPhone and iPad

Macworld Apple automatically performs math and offers suggested results in Messages for iPhone and iPad when you type in patterns it recognizes, such as formulas and units, after you type = (equals sign). These suggestions are grayed out inline in the message field until you tap the suggestion in the field or in the QuickType bar. Get conversions inline with Math Results. What if you dont like these solutions? It would seem that going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Show Math Results and turning it off would disable formula and conversion autosuggestions. In testing, I found that I had to force quit Messages and relaunch it to have the change apply. (Swipe up from the bottom of your screen, then swipe Messages up to quit it.) Re-enabling happened immediately. Math results appear elsewhere, too. If you dont want them provided at all, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions , enable Content & Privacy Restrictions , then tap Intelligence & Siri > Math Result , and set it to Disallow . This is a global switch. Turn off Math Results in all apps via Screen Time settings. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader James. Frequent Mac 911 questions 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.

Macworld Podcast: State of the visionOS and Apple Vision Pro

Macworld When WWDC rolls around in June, itll be two years since Apple announced visionOS and the Apple Vision Pro. In this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we examine the state of Apples spatial computing platform and what Apple could have in store at WWDC and beyond. Watch episode 934 on YouTube Listen to episode 934 on Apple Podcasts Listen to episode 934 on Spotify 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 . Apple

If the iPhone 17 Air is anything like the Galaxy S25 Edge, I dont want it

Macworld Its often said that Apple doesnt do things first; it does them right. But not everything can be done right. And my fear is that the faults of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge , which launched this week a good four months before the iPhone 17 Air, are innate to this type of device rather than something that can be fixed. There are obviously positive points to this form factor, which is why Samsung and Apple are both going down the sub-6mm road. As well as being just 5.8mm thick, the S25 Edge weighs 163g, which is amazingly light for a phone with a 6.7-inch display and actually lighter than each of Apples current 6.1-inch handsets. I havent held one, but by all accounts , the Edges lack of heft is strikingly noticeable in the hand, and I can see why that appeals it just doesnt appeal to me. If you offered to make my 3.5-pound MacBook Pro lighter, Id jump at the chance. Less weight in the rucksack when I take it to the office would be a welcome upgrade. Same for my iPad Air (460g) and AirPods Max (386g, plus another 135g for the stupid case). But weight simply isnt a pain point for my iPhone 16 Plus (6.7 inches, 199g). And Id go further and say that I would actively dislike it being made any lighter. Ever notice that a tennis ball is more difficult to catch than something harder and heavier, like a baseball or cricket ball? Its because weight makes an object sink into your hand and stay there, while lighter objects need to be actively gripped. A 199g phone, plus case, sits nicely in my hand. A phone thats 163g (which likely isnt cased because you want to show off the groundbreaking slimline design) is far more likely to be dropped, especially if its almost entirely made of smooth glass. And then, enhanced crack protection or no enhanced crack protection, youre risking disaster. What does this dubious gift of lightness cost us? Plenty. The S25 Edge comes with three main compromises: lower battery capacity (1000mAh less than the S25+ with significantly slower charging), a weaker camera system (no telephoto lens, hence worse zoom), and a higher price. Phone cameras have debatably reached a stage of evolution where any one of them is as good as almost anyone needs, but price and battery life are, unlike weight, active pain points. I find it baffling that someone would willingly pay more for a phone that lasts less time purely for the sake of making it thinner. Its not like this is a particularly attractive design, either. Its just the same old glowing rectangle, camera lenses arrayed vertically on the back in the usual Galaxy style, pinhole camera cutout on the front. And because of the design obstacle that is the USB-C port (if only there was some way to get rid of that ), the bottom edge looks wonky, with the port sitting closer to the rear of the chassis than the front. Its just not a design that has anything to recommend it other than being thin. Anyron Copeman / Foundry All of these compromisesand moreare expected to afflict the iPhone 17 Air. Apples ultra-thin handset will reportedly have just one rear camera, a higher price than the iPhone 16 Plus, and battery life so bad that it will sell an accessory just so users can get through the day. Granted, people who have held dummies have come away very impressed with the design, but remember, these arent working models. First impressions are one thing; actually using it after the wow factor wears off is another. A common argument in favor of major change is to say that youll feel differently once youve had a chance to get used to it. And until now Apple watchers have been holding out hope that the iPhone 17 Air would pull off a similar trick, that while it seems impractical in theory , well fall in love with the object once its in our hands, once weve spent some time with it and grown accustomed to its benefits. Thats why rival products are so important for our understanding of the 17 Air. They give reviewers a chance to actually experience the reality of a sub-6mm smartphone. The launch of the S25 Edge, then, has been an interesting exercise for Apple fans. But if this is whats in store for the iPhone 17 Air in the fall, I feel less optimistic than ever. Not for me , thanks.

This sleek OtterBox MFi-approved MagSafe charging stand is less than $15

Macworld Youre at your desk, you want to check your phone, but you also need to charge it, so keeping it plugged in and picking it up all the time can get annoying. This sleek OtterBox MagSafe charging stand will solve both your problems and you can get it for just $14.95 at Woot . Otterboxs MSRP for this stand is $100, but its regularly on sale for more than half offand still weve never seen it for this cheap. This Otterbox charging stand will fit right in with most Apple gear since its white and has a beautiful design. The station features a weighted base with a magnetic pad located at the top, at just the right angle. You can pop your iPhone onto the MagSafe pad to recharge anytime it needs, while still checking on notifications and using StandBy mode . And since its MFi approved, youll get full 15W charging. The charging stand also comes with a 20W wall charger, as well as a 6.6ft USB-C cable. Thats long enough to place the charging station exactly where you need it without worrying about how close it needs to be to the outlet. Honestly, thats probably worth the $15 on their own. Woot deals expire when the timer runs out or when the stock runs out. So you should definitely hurry up and add the Otterbox MagSafe charging stand to your cart for $14.95 at Woot . This is a better way to charge your phone Buy now at Woot

Best places to buy a refurbished iPhone and where to get the best deals

Macworld If youre on the hunt for an iPhone but your budget doesnt quite stretch to Apples newest models, buying a used or refurbished iPhone is a great way to pick up a bargain. While this might sound like a risky option, it doesnt have to be. Specialist retailers offer warranties and check devices before reselling them. Well help you find a reputable source for second-hand iPhones. Now that Apple has launched the iPhone 16 series, you can get excellent deals on older phones including the 15-, 14-, and maybe even the 13- series. (Apple still sells the standard iPhone 15 models, but has discontinued the 15 Pro and Pro Max, which means refurbished is the way to go with those models.) The older iPhone youre prepared to buy, the bigger the savings you can enjoy. In this article, we cover everything there is to know about safely buying a refurbished iPhone, whether youre looking to buy SIM-free or on contract. Best Refurbished iPhone deals You can save money buying the iPhone 15 from Apples refurbished store and from resellers such as BackMarket or Amazon Renewed. We have details of all the best resellers of refurbished iPhones below. Just be aware that the resellers can get a bit creative with the original pricing. Refurbished iPhone 15 deals U.S. Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15, 128GB, $619 (save $110) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, $699 (save $130) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, 512GB, $1,019 (save $180) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max, 512GB, $1,099 (save $200) BackMarket: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, 128GB , $658 BackMarket: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB , $772 Amazon Renewed: iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB , $749 Refurbished iPhone 15 deals U.K. Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15, 128GB, 589 (save 110) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, 779 (save 140) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, 256GB, 869 (save 150) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, 949 (save 170) BackMarket: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, 128GB , 586 BackMarket: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB , 628 Amazon Renewed: iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB , 730 Screenshot Older Refurbished iPhone deals U.K. In Apples UK refurbished store you can also get the following iPhones: iPhone 14-series , iPhone 13 series , including: Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 13 mini, 512GB , 639 (save 340) Apple refurbished store: Refurbished iPhone 14 Pro, 256GB , 759 (save 240) You can find more deals on specific iPhone handsets in our iPhone deals round ups: iPhone 16 deals U.S. / iPhone 16 deals U.K. for the best prices on Apples newest series of iPhones. iPhone 15 deals U.S. / iPhone 15 deals U.K. including deals on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max which Apple no longer sells. iPhone 14 deals including refurbished deals. iPhone 13 deals including refurbished deals. Best place to buy a refurbished iPhone Apple itself should be your first port of call, if only to establish a benchmark of what is reasonable to pay for your chosen handset: check to see if the Apple Refurbished Store has the iPhone model youre looking for. (Thats the U.S. store. British readers should try the U.K. Apple Refurbished Store .) At time of writing Apple is selling refurbished models of the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Apples refurbished store tends to be the most expensive place to buy refurbished iPhonesalthough its still significantly cheaper than buying new. (The standard reduction on the Apple Refurbished Store is 15 percent.) But there are advantages that come with this higher price. The refurb phones all come with the same one-year limited warranty that youll find on the brand-new versions, for example. And its worth noting that any parts used in the refurb will be official Apple ones, and all devices come with brand-new batteries. Its worth shopping around, however, to make sure youre getting a good deal. There are plenty of other companies that make a living from refurbishing and selling iPhones. Here are some of the more prominent resellers of refurbished and used iPhones: Refurbished iPhone sellers in the U.S. Back Market : You get 30 days to change your mind and a 12-month warranty or occasionally more. Decluttr : A popular destination for refurbished devices, often with sales that slash even more money off. You can also trade in any of your old tech, gadgets, and media (including books and CDs) to get steeper discounts. The iOutlet on eBay : Offers competitive pricing for refurbished devices and also accepts other gadgets such as iPads, Apple Watches, and gaming consoles. Amazon Renewed Store : This sites greatest benefit is that purchases are all backed by Amazons standard returns policy and its Renewed Guarantee lets you get a refund or replacement within 1 year of receiving your product. Best Buy : Best Buy doesnt offer a great deal of information on pre-owned iPhones condition, but you can return within 14 days if the item is unopened or defective in any way. Walmart : Walmart doesnt sell refurbished iPhones directly; rather, they are sourced from other sellers. Return policies vary from seller to seller, but there are minimum requirements that apply universally. Refurbished iPhone sellers in the U.K. Back Market : You get 30 days to change your mind and a 12-month warranty or occasionally more. Music Magpie : The UK version of Decluttr and a good place to start looking for refurbished iPhones. You may find that sales reduce the price still further. Hoxton Macs : Dont let the Mac in the name fool you. Hoxton Macs has started selling refurbished iPhones. Reboxed : Pledges that devices are fully tested and in perfect working order. All come with a 12-month no quibble warranty. The iOutlet or The iOutlet on eBay : Offers competitive pricing for refurbished devices and also accepts other gadgets such as iPads, Apple Watches, and gaming consoles. Amazon Renewed Store : While you cant really sell on Amazon Renewed unless youre a business, those looking to buy a refurbished iPhone Amazon Renewed have plenty of options to choose from. Its greatest benefit is that purchases are all backed by Amazons standard returns policy and its Renewed Guarantee lets you get a refund or replacement within 1 year of receiving your product. Envirofone : Also allows you to trade in your old phone for credit towards purchasing a refurbished phone. 4Gadgets : Offers a 12-month warranty for all online orders. Smartfone Store : Look out for the additional 10 percent discount for students and young people. Refurb-Phone : Like most refurb sellers, this site offers a 12-month warranty. Less commonplace is its policy of allowing returns within 14 days if you simply change your mind. The Big Phone Store : Says it ensures refurb phones are thoroughly tested, repaired, and cleaned before being sent out. Backs this with a 12-month warranty. Laptops Direct : You get a 12-month warranty on parts and labor. Watch out for slightly confusing grading system: A3, for example, means Average condition. Where to buy a refurbished iPhone on contract You can pick up refurbished phones on contract as well from the following carriers and resellers: US carriers Verizon AT&T T-Mobile UK carriers GiffGaff Mobiles.co.uk O2 Like New Vodafone Carphone Warehouse Fonehouse Outside of specialist retailers, theres also eBay and eBay UK (just be sure to check the sellers feedback and read the descriptions carefully), and, in the UK, CeX . Buying older iPhones new on contract Another way to dampen the financial impact of buying a new iPhone is to go down the tried and tested route of contracts offered by mobile providers. Youll find older iPhone models in the online stores of many networks. Prices change all the time, so wed recommend reading our Best iPhone deals guide on a regular basis to see which offers are currently available. Should I buy a refurbished iPhone? What is refurbished? You might be concerned about buying a refurbished handset, thinking that it would be like buying a second-hand iPhone, but theres no reason to be worried. Remember: refurbished and second-hard arent the same thing. Refurbished iPhones are pre-owned but are wiped, tested, and repaired to work like new. The iPhones Apple sells in the Refurbished Store were returned to Apple for a variety of reasons: The previous owner could have exercised their consumer rights and returned the handset unused within 14 days (as per Apples refund and exchange policy). The iPhone may have been used as a demonstration model. The iPhone may have been returned to Apple due to a fault. The third point on that list may concern you, but you can be sure that Apple will have identified and fixed any faults before reselling the device. The company says refurbished products undergo full functional testing and are provided with genuine Apple part replacements (if necessary). They also get a thorough cleaning, incidentally. There are plenty of benefits to buying a refurbished iPhone: You get a one-year warranty. You get 90 days of tech support . Because youre buying from Apple directly, there are no shipping costs and free returns. You can also take advantage of Apples 14-day returns policy if you change your mind. (Note however that Apple isnt the only seller to offer such a policy.) Refurbished vs second-hand: Whats the difference? If its not already clear, a refurbished iPhone is tested and repaired so the handset works like new (or as close to new as possible). A second-hand iPhone, on the other hand, is simply sold as is, which means the device may not last as long, and may have small imperfections or defects. The battery in particular will be a worry in the long term. There are other risks to buying second-hand too. If the previous owner hasnt dissociated their Apple ID from the device you may get permanently locked out of the iPhone. Unfortunately, Apples customer service wouldnt be able to help you unlock the phone either, as the company has strict security policies. Such a situation would be less of a concern if you know and can easily contact the previous owner (and they remember their Apple ID details), but wed prefer avoiding such complications to start with. This is just another reason why buying refurbished is a more reliable route to go if you did want to pick up a previously owned iPhone. What does refurbished Grade A mean? When you shop refurbished you might see grade scores such as A, B, or C; this indicates the condition of the phone. Is it dinged up? Does it have scratches? Or is it completely blemish-free and pristine? The grade gives you a general idea. We say general because these grades arent set by an independent body, which means they can vary from retailer to retailer. This is how the grades usually break down: Grade A: Looks like new or has very few signs of wear Grade B: Might have some minor scratches and some wear Grade C: Looks used and has obvious signs of wear But some sites go with Fair, Good, and Excellent or some other variation. (One site weve visited appears to grade everything as A plus a numberso a comparatively poor handset would be rated as A3. This may strike some readers as a little confusing.) Needless to say, Grade A/A1/Excellent refurbished devices will be more expensive than Grade C, but youll still be paying far less than you would for a brand-new device. Pay attention to refurbished warranties Given that the quality of refurbished iPhone devices can vary from retailer to retailer, its important to pay attention to the warranty. How long is the phone covered? The warranty allows you to get help or free repairs from the seller if you run into any issues after purchase. Retailers typically offer a year, and many allow quibble-free returns if you change your mind within 14 days. Check the fine print. More refurbished Apple guides Should I buy a refurbished Apple Watch? Why you should buy a refurbished Mac Should I buy a refurbished iPad & best deals Where to buy a refurbished MacBook or Mac

Verbatim TurboMetal SSD review: Stylish portable drive

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Good data transfer rate Quiet fan Cons Data rate drops during long, sustained data transfers No operation without fan Our Verdict With its quiet fan and attractive metal casing, the TurboMetal Portable SSD looks great. It offers a good transfer rate, but you can find faster drives. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Verbatim Turbometal Portable SSD Retailer Price $145.84 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Verbatim TurboMetal SSD comes in the classic NVMe form factor with a length of around 106 millimeters. The beautifully rounded metal housing is 55 millimeters wide and only 18 millimeters thin. At 150 grams, it is not too heavy despite the metal housing, but it is no lightweight either. As with many USB4 enclosures, Verbatim also relies on cooling with an active fan and cooling slots. The fan is temperature-controlled and starts automatically if the temperature gets too high. Verbatim specifies a USB4 data transfer rate of 3600MBps for writing and 3700MBps for reading. However, we were not able to achieve this on an M3 MacBook Air; in our 4K test with Aja System Test Lite, it was 2664MBps for writing and 3123MBps for reading. Although these are not bad values, the best USB4 drives we have measured so far achieve slightly higher values for writing, but no higher values for reading. A check on the M4 Max Mac Studio showed much better values, with 2869MBps for writing and 3499MBps for reading. In a 30-minute endurance test with the Backmagicdesign Disk Speed Test, the fan started up after ten minutes. The TurboMetal getting too warm was also noticeable after around nine minutes in the data transfer rate, which had dropped significantly to below 1000MBps. Shortly after starting the fan, the temperature of the SSD levelled off again, and the data transfer rate rose to its original value. The runs only when it has to. During the endurance test, the data transfer rate dropped again and again for a short time, only to stabilise immediately. We measured the temperature with DriveDX at around 46 degrees Celsius after using the fan. Once the fan has started, it does not switch off. The TurboMetal Portable SSD is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. A USB4 cable around 20 centimetres long is included. The drive comes formatted as FAT32, so Mac users will want to reformat the drive in APFS. The software supplied is only for Windows. Should you buy the Verbatim TurboMetal SSD? The TurboMetal SSD is a rather inconspicuous USB4 drive. The data transfer rates are fine for regular everyday use, but if you depend on speed, some SSDs perform better. The regular dips in the data transfer rate are evidence of a thermal protection mechanism, but in practice, this is unlikely to cause a problem with most applications

10 hidden Apple Watch features youve probably never usedbut should

Macworld For many people, the Apple Watch is primarily a fitness tracker and an extension to the iPhone. It conveniently mirrors iOS notifications, calls, and messages, letting users stay updated without taking their phones out. What a lot of wearers dont know, though, is how powerful and feature-packed watchOS really is, and how much your smartwatch can accomplish. Below are ten Apple Watch perks youre probably unfamiliar with. Timely gate access If youre a watchOS user, chances are youre already relying on Apple Pay to quickly make payments from your wrist. Similarly, the Apple Watch automatically syncs compatible tickets whenever you add them to the Wallet app on iOS. This lets you enter venues and board planes by double-clicking the side button and scanning the QR code on the smartwatchs display. But what if your favorite gym, cinema, or airline doesnt officially offer Apple Wallet cards for purchased tickets or memberships? Fortunately, you can manually create an Apple Watch card using any QR code. Simply download the Wallet Creator app on your iPhone, create the card, and add it to the Wallet app on iOS. In a few seconds, the newly created card should also appear on your Apple Watch when you double-click its side button. This spares you from digging through your emails or third-party apps whenever you need to cross compatible gates. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Timeless texter Its no secret that cellular-enabled Apple Watches can independently make calls and send texts. But did you know that regular Wi-Fi models can also do that, even when your iPhone is off or in a different location? As youd expect, there are some requirements and limits, but its doable. The first and main condition is having Wi-Fi access. You can connect to any (unknown) network by inputting its password in the Settings app on watchOS. Once connected, you can send and receive iMessages and make FaceTime audio calls right from your wrist. This is especially helpful during emergencies if your iPhone dies or gets stolen . Speaking of iMessage, you can also use the Digital Touch applet in the Messages app on watchOS to send your actual heartbeat to a contact. Just place two fingers on the display, then swipe them down to send. If the recipient is also a watchOS user, their Apple Watchs haptic feedback will mimic your heartbeat to replicate your pulse. Its a cute, lesser-known way for couples to communicate. Web browser in disguise Another hidden Messages feature is the built-in web view that provides a basic Safari experience on watchOS. All you have to do is iMessage yourself a link, then open it on your Apple Watch. The feature also supports the Reader perk, which presents articles neatly and hides distracting items. Reading articles on a smartwatchs tiny display is unlikely to become a regular habit, but it could come in handy in certain situations. Reincarnated iPod shuffle You probably already use your Apple Watchs native Now Playing app to control the music streaming on your iPhone. However, many users miss out on watchOSs native playback perk. Simply pair AirPods or third-party Bluetooth headphones to your smartwatch, and stream directly from Apple Music if you have an internet connection. For offline listening, both Apple Music and Spotify support downloading playlists to the wearables local storage, letting you leave your iPhone behind. This makes it possible to run outdoors with just your Apple Watch and a pair of wireless earbuds . Mahmoud Itani / Foundry The TV remote youll never lose watchOS also offers a native Remote app that lets you fully control your Apple TV. Even on this miniature screen, the interface manages to fit all of the main buttons, letting you switch apps, go back, navigate, control the volume, and more. Its ideal for when youre cooking or cleaning and dont want to dirty the physical Siri Remote or your iPhone. Or those times when neither of those items are conveniently to hand. You can similarly control other smart home appliances that rely on the HomeKit infrastructure using the native Home app on watchOS. I often use it to change the color of my light bulbs when Siri in typical Siri fashion fails to process my voice commands. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Radio checkdo you copy? Apart from FaceTime and iMessage, the Apple Watch offers an exclusive communication tool that seemingly very few people use. Walkie-Talkie is a built-in app that lets you quickly contact other watchOS users using your voice. Once you add a friend there, you can communicate verbally in real time using the FaceTime audio technology. When youre in a meeting or just dont want to be reached, you can toggle off your availability. While most users probably prefer regular audio messages or phone calls, the Walkie-Talkie app makes it easier to get quick answers for minor questionslike what brand of milk to get from the supermarket. It mostly caters to best friends, family members, and partners, as having less intimate acquaintances reach you at any time would be too intrusive. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Nighttime iPhone locator If you often misplace your iPhone, youve likely made use of the handy Ping toggle in the Apple Watchs Control Center. When you tap it, your iPhone produces a loud screech if its within Bluetooth range. What you probably dont know, though, is that pressing and holding on that toggle will also make your iPhones camera LED flash. This makes it possible to locate your phone in a pitch-black environment. It can tell the time! Did you know that your Apple Watch can tell the time? Literally, I mean. Once you enable the Speak Time toggle in Clock settings, you can have watchOS announce the current time audibly by holding two fingers on the watch face. I sometimes use this feature when I wake up in the morning to identify the time without opening my heavy eyelids. TickTock-friendly If youre living the solo life and often need to record videos or take photos of yourself, this ones for you. watchOS offers a built-in Camera Remote app that transforms your Apple Watch into a viewfinder for your iPhones Camera app. This ensures youre in frame and helps you fine-tune composition before shooting. The app also offers handy shortcuts to some of the Camera apps buttons, like the shutter, zoom, and flash. Your Apple Watch can do a lot more than count steps and track activiity. Foundry One more tip For the last tip, your Apple Watch can actually calculate how much you need to tip at restaurants. Just input the bills total in the native Calculator app and hit the Tip button. You can then choose the percentage and optionally the number of people splitting it, et voil! Always on hand The Apple Watch has come a long way. What once used to be a dependent accessory can now perform most basic smartphone tasks on its own. Thats even more practical for those with an active cellular plan. Its true that performing most of these tasks would be more practical using the wider iPhone screen. But there are still instances when the Apple Watch makes more sense. Sometimes your hands are occupied, other times your iPhone is out of chargeregardless of your reasons, its comforting to know that the wearable strapped to your wrist at all times can connect you to your loved ones, play your favorite tunes, unlock electric doors, control and find other devices, and much more. Over and out.

Theres finally a replacement for Dropbox, and it lasts for life

Macworld Stop renting space from cloud giants that mine your data and hike up prices. Internxt offers an open-source, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage platformhere to replace Dropbox for good, and both their 10TB and 20TB cloud storage lifetime subscriptions are on sale. 10TB or 20TB cloud storage for life Internxt gives you full control over your files with zero-knowledge architecture and post-quantum encryption to help future-proof your privacy. Whether youre backing up Final Cut Pro files or organizing project folders across iCloud and Finder, Internxt syncs seamlessly with macOS, iOS, and morewithout the usual subscription baggage. End-to-End Encryption: Files are encrypted and fragmented before leaving your device Zero-Knowledge Design: Only you hold the keys to your data Post-Quantum Security: Protection built to outlast todays threats Works Everywhere: Access your cloud from macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, or the web Open-Source & Audited: Transparent code and GDPR-compliant design Use code STORAGE20 by June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (10TB) for $279.99 Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) for $399.99 Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change

Apple teams up with Universal Music Group to add Sound Therapy to Apple Music

Macworld May 15 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, and Apple always uses the occasion to highlight some of the new accessibility features coming to iPhones and Macs . This year, Apples got another announcement to share: three new Sound Therapy playlists on Apple Music available now. The South Therapy experience consists of three playlists Focus , Relax , and Sleep that play music from UMG artists including Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, and others. The songs are special versions, often extended, instrumental, or rearranged to be more soothing. Those songs are then blended seamlessly with specific sound waves that are said to help you get into a particular mental state. Gamma waves and white noise are supposed to help with focus, theta waves are to help you relax, and delta waves and pink noise are said to help you sleep. Apple has partnered with Universal Music Group and its music therapy science project, the Sollos initiative , on the feature. Apples press release says the feature is Backed by scientific research and powered by UMGs proprietary audio technologies, but the science here is not by any means conclusive. Apple uses words like could and might in its press release whenever making a claim of effect, and includes a footnote that the feature is designed to support a persons overall wellbeing rather than treat any specific medical condition. Similar claims have been made about similar therapies, such as binaural beats, for years, but research into the effects is often criticized for its lack of rigor or for making grandiose claims not supported by the evidence. Critics often point out that such therapies, when properly studied, show results no better than a placebo, or no better than using any other regular sounds to block out bothersome background noise. Still, theres no harm in it, and its a new feature included with your existing Apple Music subscription. Regardless of whether there are special sound waves helping you achieve the focus or sleep you desire, you can give the playlists a listen the next time you cant focus, relax, or sleep, and see if they work for you.

macOS 16s new Magnifier app uses an iPhone to see far-away objects up close

Macworld Apple on Tuesday announced several new Accessibility features coming to macOS later this year. The features will be part of macOS 16 , which will be revealed at WWDC25 on June 9. The features are highlighted by a new Magnifier app with Continuity Camera functionality. Mac users are already familiar with Continuity Camera and its ability to use the iPhones camera as a webcam. Now, with the Magnifier app, a Mac can use the iPhone camera (or any other USB camera) to view the surroundings and zoom in. For example, users in a lecture hall can use the Magnifier app and iPhone camera to get a closer look at a whiteboard at the front of the room. The Magnifier will also be able to display multiple live session windows where a user can watch a presentation and follow along in a book at the same time using Desk View. Brightness, contrast, color filters, and perspective are adjustable, and views can be captured, grouped, and saved to add to at a later time. The new Accessibility Reader is a system-wide feature for making text easier to read. Text can be customized for color, font, and spacing, and users can also switch to Spoken Content. Since Accessibility Reader is system-wide, it can be used in any app, including the new Magnifier. Other new Accessibility features coming to macOS 16 include: Braille Access : Users can use a built-in app launcher to open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected Braille device. Braille Access lets users take notes in Braille and do calculations using Nemeth Braille. Braille Ready Format (BRF) files can be opened directly from Braille Access. Live Captions integration lets users transcribe conversations directly on braille displays. Background Sounds : Can be personalized with new EQ settings, playback duration times, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Personal Voice : Uses on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence for a smoother, more natural-sounding voice. Support for Mexican Spanish will also be available. Vehicle Motion Cues : Available in the iPhone and coming to the Mac, this feature can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle by displaying animated dots that correspond to a vehicles movements. Vehicle Motion Cues can help prevent motion sickness for those times youre using your Mac as a passenger on a bus, train, or car. Apple Apple is also updating iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 with several new Accessibility features. Apple often takes the opportunity to showcase new Accessibility features about a month before the WWDC keynote. Last year, the company highlighted Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and other features in iOS 18.

The best Apple deals: Huge savings on Macs, AirPods, iPhones, and more!

Macworld Whether youre looking to gift an Apple product or just pick one up for yourself, weve scoured the web for the best prices on everything from Macs to MacBooks, iPads to iPhones, Apple Watches to Apple TVs, and more. Apple rarely discounts its own productseven during its annual Black Friday shopping event , which runs from Black Friday to Cyber Monday it elects to give out gift cards rather than actual price reductions. However third-party retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy run sales all year long. So if you want a new Apple device right now, there are plenty of discounts worth grabbing. In this article, youll find the top discounts weve seen. Plus, for even more deals, weve linked to our dedicated deals round-ups for each product category. PROMOTION Save Money with Back Market Refurbished you can trust. Get iPhones, MacBooks and much more at up to 50% less vs. buying new. See todays deals Apple does offer year-round discounts to students , including a Back To School event where further-education students can get up to $150 in gift cards when purchasing certain Apple products (this giveaway will be running in the southern hemisphere between January to March). Theres also the Apple Refurbished Store where you can sometimes grab a bargain. Use the table of contents to jump to the best deals right now for the Apple product you wantincluding the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, iPad mini, and all the M4 Macs, which were announced at the end of 2024 and the new MacBook Air, iPad Air and iPad launched in 2025. Best AirPods deals Foundry New AirPods were announced by Apple in September 2024. We saw some deals on the AirPods 4 over Black Friday, and, at least in the U.S., those discounts appear to be continuing for now. Following the launch of new AirPods, the AirPods 2nd-gen and AirPods 3rd-gen were discontinued. You may therefore see deals on those older products until stock runs out, however, we recommend that instead of buying discounted AirPods 3, consider the even cheaper AirPods 4 without ANC, which starts at $129/129. Apple also introduced a USB-C equipped AirPods Max in new colors and discontinued the older Lightning-equipped models. If you see the Lightning model at a good discount its worth buying. U.S. Amazon, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $199 ($50 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, AirPods 4: $119.99 ($10 off, MSRP $129) Amazon, AirPods 4 with ANC : $168.99 ($10 off, MSRP $179) Amazon, AirPods Max (USB-C) : $499 ($50 off, MSRP $549) U.K. Amazon, AirPods Max : 494 (5 off, RRP 499) See our dedicated round-up of the best AirPods deals Best iPhone and accessory deals Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry In the U.S. specific iPhone deals are hard to come by apart from carrier offers for new signups and trade-ins. We recommend checking Verizon , AT&T , and T-Mobiles sites if youre looking to change carriers or add a new line. Apple also offers trade-ins and carrier deals through its website. We also recommend that you look at our round-up of iPhone 14 deals as well as iPhone 15 deals for U.S. readers , and we also track where to get the best iPhone 16 deals in the U.S. In the U.K., we frequently see Apple-certified resellers discount unlocked iPhones. Look for money off at Amazon , Currys , and Very . We are recording all the best prices of iPhone 15 in the U.K. separately and we are tracking the best deals for the iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max separately. It is possible to find discounts on most iPhones in the UK, including older/discontinued handsets, including the following deals, but remember Apple has reduced pricing in the U.K. for the new range of handsets, so the discounts may not be as good as they look. KRCS, iPhone 16e (128GB) : 593.01 (5.99 off, RRP 599) Amazon, iPhone 16 (128GB) : 698 (101 off, RRP 799) Amazon, iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) : 798 (101 off, RRP 899) AO, iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) : 899 (100 off, RRP 999) Amazon, iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) : 1,099 (100 off, RRP 1,199) Amazon, iPhone 15 (128GB) : 598 (101 off, RRP 699) Amazon, iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) : 698 (101 off, RRP 799) Argos, iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) : 1,049 (150 off, RRP was 1,199 Clearance ) Also see our dedicated round-up of the best iPhone deals and: iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Pro deals (US) and iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Pro deals (UK) iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro deals (US) and iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro deals (UK) Best iPad deals Dominik Tomaszewski/IDG You can save a decent amount on most iPads, from time to time we see really good discounts, especially on the larger capacity models. U.S. Amazon, iPad A16 (256GB) : $399 ($50 off, MSRP $449) Amazon, iPad A16 (512GB) : $549 ($100 off, MSRP $649) Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB) : $399 ($100 off, MSRP $499) Amazon, iPad mini (A17 Pro, 512GB) : $699 ($100 off, MSRP $799) Amazon, 11-inch M3 iPad Air (512GB): $827 ($72 off, MSRP $899) Amazon, 13-inch M3 iPad Air (256GB): $799 ($100 off, MSRP $899) Amazon, 11-inch iPad Pro (M4, 256GB, 8GB RAM) : $899 ($100 off, MSRP $999) Amazon, 13-inch iPad Pro (M4, 1TB, 16GB RAM) : $1,699 ($200 off, MSRP $1,899) U.K. Amazon, 11th-gen iPad (2025, A16, 512GB) : 589.97 (39.03 off, RRP 629) Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (2025, M3, 128GB) : 749 (50 off, RRP 799) Amazon, 13-inch iPad Air (2025, M3, 256GB) : 844 (55 off, RRP 799) Amazon, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 128GB) : 453.97 (45.03 off, RRP 499) Amazon, iPad mini (2024, A17 Pro, 512GB) : 749.97 (44 off, RRP 799) Amazon, 11-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB) : 1,124.97 (74.03 off, RRP 1,199) Amazon, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (256GB) : 1,200 (99 off, RRP 1,299) Amazon, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (512GB) : 1,404.97 (94.03 off, RRP 1,499) Amazon, 13-inch M4 iPad Pro (2TB) : 2,199 (100 off, RRP 2,299) See our dedicated round-ups of the best iPad deals below Best iPad 10th-gen deals Best iPad Air deals Best deals iPad Pro deals Best iPad mini deals Best Apple Watch deals Jason Cross/IDG The Apple Watch Series 10 arrived in September 2024. The arrival of the Series 10 marks the end of the Apple Watch Series 9, which Apple discontinued. The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2 werent updated in 2024 and remain on sale. U.S. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm) : $199 ($80 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 2 : $730 ($59 off, MSRP $799) U.K. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : 299 (100 off, RRP 399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : 329 (100 off, RRP 429) KRCS, Apple Watch SE (2022, 40mm) : 214.62 (4.38 off, RRP 219) KRCS, Apple Watch SE (2022, 44mm) : 244.02 (4.98 off, RRP 249) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra (1st gen) : 699 (150 off, RRP was 849 Clearance ) See our dedicated round-up of the best Apple Watch deals Best MacBook deals IDG Apple released new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max processors in October 2024. The MacBook Air was updated to the M4 chip in March 2025. U.S. Amazon, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM: $1,779 ($220 off, MSRP $1,999) Amazon, M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/36GB RAM: $2,879 ($320 off, MSRP $3,199) Amazon, M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM : $2,229 ($270 off, MSRP $2,499) Amazon, M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/48GB RAM : $2,569 ($330 off, MSRP $2,899) Amazon, M4 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/36GB RAM : $3,177 ($322 off, MSRP $3,499) Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/8-core GPU, 256GB/24GB RAM) $849 ($50 off, MSRP $999) Walmart, 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM) $1,248.99 ($150 off, MSRP $1,399) B&H, 15-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) $1,049 ($60 off, MSRP $1,199) U.K. Amazon, 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 899 (100 off, RRP 999) KRCS, 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/8-core GPU, 512GB/16GB RAM) 1,079.10 (120 off, RRP 1,199) KRCS, 15-inch MacBook Air, M4 (10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM) 1,079.10 (120 off, RRP 1,199) Amazon, M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,619.97 (174 off, RRP 1,799) Amazon, M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,758.97 (220 off, RRP 1,999) Amazon, M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM, 2,149.97 (245 off, RRP 2,399) Amazon, M4 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) Amazon, M4 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM, 3,139.97 (359 off, RRP 3,499) See our dedicated round-ups of the best MacBook Pro deals and the best MacBook Air deals . Best Mac desktop deals iMac IDG Apple released the M4 iMac and M4/M4 Pro Mac mini in October 2024. All models now start at 16GB RAM, and the Mac mini has a completely new design with a smaller case and front-facing ports. Also, note that if you are outside the U.S., prices on the new M4 Mac mini and M4 iMac are lower than they were, so the discounts may not be as good as they look when compared to the new models. Apple added an M4 Max Mac Studio and an M3 Ultra Mac Studio to the lineup in March 2025. U.S. Amazon, M4 Mac mini, 16GB RAM, 256GB : $529 ($70 off, MSRP $599) Amazon, M4 Mac mini, 16GB RAM, 512GB : $739 ($100 off, MSRP $799) Walmart, M4 Mac mini, 24GB RAM, 512GB : $876.22 ($122 off, MSRP $799) Amazon, M4 Pro Mac mini, 16GB RAM, 512GB : $1,229 ($170 off, MSRP $1,399) Amazon, M4 Pro Mac mini, 16GB RAM, 512GB : $1,231 ($168 off, MSRP $1,399) Amazon, M4 iMac, 8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM : $1,149 ($150 off, MSRP $1,299) Amazon, M4 iMac, 10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM : $1,372 ($127 off, MSRP $1,499) Amazon, M4 iMac, 10-Core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM : $1,530.39 ($369 off, MSRP $1,899) Amazon, Apple Studio Display (Tilt-Adjust able) : $1,499 ($100 off, MSRP $1,599) U.K. Amazon: M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM , 528.98 (70 off, RRP 599) Amazon: M4 Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM , 729 (70 off, RRP 799) AO: M4 Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM , 899 (100 off, RRP 999) AO: M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,279 (115 off, RRP 1,399) Amazon: M4 iMac, 8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM , 1,179 (120 off, RRP 1,299) Amazon: M4 iMac, 10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM , 1,379 (120 off, RRP 1,499) AO: M4 iMac, 10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM , 1,555 (144 off, RRP 1,699) KRCS, Mac Studio M4 Max , 1,994.05 (104 off, MSRP 2,099) KRCS, Mac Studio M3 Ultra , 3,989.05 (209 off, MSRP 4,199) For more Mac deals check out our round-up of the best Mac Studio deals and the best Mac mini deals , plus our dedicated round-up of the best iMac deals .

Apple previews new iPhone accessibility features coming in iOS 19

Macworld Apple is expected to show off a whole new look for iOS 19 at WWDC on June 9 , but before that day arrives, the company is previewing some of the features that wont make it into the keynote. On Tuesday, Apple spotlighted several new accessibility features arriving for the iPhone this year. First and foremost, the App Store will now have Accessibility Nutrition Labels , which will give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. Similar to the existing PrivacyNutrition Labels introduced in iOS 14, the new section on product pages will show whether the app supports important Accessibility features such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Also coming in iOS 19 is Braille Access , which turns your iPhone into a full-featured braille note taker thats deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Apple says iPhone users will be able to use Braille Access to quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Also new this fall will be Accessibility Reader , a new reading mode that gives users greater customization with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Other new features include Name Recognition , a new features part of Sound Recognition for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called; support for Large Text in CarPlay; and more customizable Music Haptics with with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall vibration intensity. The first developer beta of iOS 19 is expected to arrive on June 9, with the general release coming in September.

Best U.S. iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max deals this month

Macworld Its been a long time since you could only get the originaliPhonedirectly from Apple or from AT&T. Today, its offered by all major carriers and big retailers, and many of them want to entice you to buy with them by offering special deals. Of course, you can still buy from Apple directly , either in-store or online. If you want to get a good deal on an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus,or want to buy the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max (which have been discontinued by Apple), heres a summary of some of the best deals and promotions offered by popular retailers and carriers to help you get the best deal on your new iPhone. If you arent sure which new iPhone to buy, we compare every iPhone in a separate article. We have a separate article where we explain How to get the best Phone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max deals in the U.S. now that the new iPhone 16 models have launched. If youre looking for other iPhones, check out our overall Best iPhone deals . Unlocked iPhone 15 prices Buying direct fromApple is one of the few ways to buy an unlocked, SIM-freeiPhone 15oriPhone 15 Plus , and its the go-to place to join the iPhone Upgrade Program which from $39.50 a month will get you a new iPhone every year including AppleCare+ coverage. Apple will let you trade in your old iPhone and get up to $650 in credit toward a new purchase. You can also trade an old iPhone with Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. We cover How to sell or trade in your old iPhone separately. Youll always pay full price at theApple Store, but its a direct and simple way to get an iPhone, and in some cases the only place to buy one without activating it on a mobile network. iPhone Unlocked Locked iPhone 15 128GB: $729 256GB: $829 512GB: $1,029 128GB: $699 256GB: $799 512GB: $999 iPhone 15 Plus 128GB: $829 256GB: $929 512GB: $1,129 128GB: $799 256GB: $899 512GB: $1,099 Price of the iPhone 15 locked and unlocked. Since the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are no longer on sale at Apple, although you may find them in the Refurbished Store in the next few months (although they arent available yet). There are tables at the bottom of this article that show the best unlocked prices for all the iPhone 15 handsets. Best Phone 15, 15 Plus, Pro and Max carriers and contract deals In the U.S., Apple partners with carriers to offer discounts on theiPhone 15and iPhone 15 Plus. You get a $30 discount if you buy a phone activated on AT&T, Verizon, Boost or T-Mobile.In the U.S. Apple lists the price of the iPhone 15 as $799 and the iPhone 15 Plus as $899thats the price with the carrier-activated discount applied. If you want to buy the latest iPhone for less than the full retail price, youre probably going to need to get it from a carrier or mobile provider, and there will often be significant strings attached. These deals can be complicated, so be sure to read the fine print. You can purchase directly from Apple with activation on a carrier to get special carrier deals, though you may have more options if you buy from the carrier. These are the best deals we are aware off, but look at the tables generated below this section to see more deals on offer. AT&T : Get up to $1,000 in bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 15 Pro ($830 for iPhone 15) and trade in your old phone, with a qualifying unlimited plan. T-Mobile : Get up to $650 in 24 monthly bill credits when you buy an iPhone and trade in an eligible device, with Magenta MAX plan. Up to $1,000 with Go5G or Go5G Next plans. Verizon : Get up to $830 in bill credits toward an iPhone 15, or $1,000 in bill credits toward an iPhone 15 Pro, with trade-in and select Unlimited plans. New line activation may be required. Boost Infinite : Get up to $830 via 36 monthly bill credits when you trade in an eligible phone and sign up for Infinite Unlimited+. Best contracts and deals from carriers The following blocks should offer details of the best deals if you are based in the U.S. (If you are viewing from outside the U.S. you wont see anything). Best contract deals for iPhone 15 Best contract deals for iPhone 15 Plus Best contract deals for iPhone 15 Pro Best contract deals for iPhone 15 Pro Max Where to get refurbished iPhone 15 deals If you havent already, you may want to consider buying a refurbished iPhone 15 to save money (and the environment). Refurbished devices are thoroughly tested and repaired to work and look just like new. In the case of official Apple refurbished iPhones, you get a brand-new body and screen, box, accessories, battery, and warranty. Its almost indistinguishable from buying a new iPhone. See our full guide tobuying refurbished or second-hand iPhones for more. The first place to shop for a refurbished iPhone is on the Apple Refurbished Store . At the time of this writing, Apple does not yet offer refurbished iPhone 15 models for salethey usually start showing up when the next model is released (so hopefully it will arrive there soon). Rest assured, the Apple Refurbished Store is where you can get the highest quality of refurbished iPhones. Since it will take a while for Apple to offer refurbished iPhone 15 models, or if you just want to look for a better deal, you can check these resellers instead: BackMarket Best Buy Refurb.me Gazelle Reboxed Best Unlocked iPhone 15 prices You can keep up with the best prices across a range of retailers for the iPhone 15 by using our automated table below: iPhone 15, from $699 Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Plus, from $799 Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Pro, was from $899 Retailer Price $899.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Pro Max, was from $1099 Retailer Price $1099.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

Apple is doomed because Apple isnt doomed

Macworld Its time for Schrdingers Apple doom, where the company is not doomed but ehhhhh sorta a little doomed? Writing for The Houston Chronicle, Dwight Silverman wants to have his anti-Apple doom headline and eat his Apple doom cake, too: Apple isnt doomed, but it should change its ways amid mounting pressure (Tip o the antlers to Glenn Fleishman.) This is a rare instance in which the title actually gets it more right than the article. Apple is doomed has become such a clich that the Macalope, a longstanding column in the venerable Macworld publication, has used it repeatedly over the years to sneer at those who think the company is hurtling towards its demise. Dwight Silverman, May 10, 2025 Sneer?! I meanthere has been some sneering. A smattering of sneering. A thin veneer of yeah, okay, fine. But over the past year, the company has stumbled badly on multiple fronts The Macalope is gonna stop you there. Not because youre wrong about Apple stumbling, but because that is a load-bearing but you have there. Not that the Macalope doesnt like a load-bearing but, but this one seems to suggest that maybe the company is hurtling towards its demise. It is not. Heres an example. Just in the past few days, Apple stock has climbed back up to about where it was a year ago. That is a year before Apples troubles with Apple Intelligence , before a judge ruled against its anti-steering policy, and before huge tariffs (if not as giganto-huge as President Capslock said they would be). Despite all this, investors think it is in just a good a position as it was a year ago. Stumbles are only devastating for the little people. Apple has built itself into such an unassailable position that it can probably Drunken Master its way along for many years to come and still be absolutely fine. 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 The gang in Cupertino has long had a reputation for being able to pull themselves out of a steep dive The Macalopes not sure Apples had a steep dive since the 1990s but, yeah, they have a good rep. The second half of this sentence gets us to the point. but whats ahead may require truly masterful flying. The current U.S. presidential administration has put the company in unprecedented territory, both from an economic standpoint and one of public perception. Meanwhile, Apple has started to draw the ire of some of its biggest fans for a variety of reasons. In the Apple-watching community, [John Grubers] screed was a turning point, [former Apple employee and tech analyst Michael] Gartenberg said, because here was a booster who was no longer boosting. Silverman is not wrong about Grubers criticism being a red flag, and his voice is not the only one challenging the company these days. While the Macalope would describe himself as having been more anti-Apple doom cult over the years than simply pro-Apple, it is fair to say that his feelings about the company have changed of late as well. Why? Well, let him tell you. Hey, you asked. Apple and Tim Cooks decision to cozy up to the current presidential administration is, to put it bluntly, a real disappointment. After years of being pretty stridently apolitical, picking this moment in history to get friendly with politicians is a real look. Apple does not make small phones anymore. (Dont act surprised, you knew the Macalope was going to bring this up .) Okay, maybe Apple is right. Maybe it just doesnt make economic sense for it to make small phones. It seems it would at least be a usability issue, but regardless, the net effect is that from this customers view, Apple doesnt remotely make the size of phone he wants to buy anymore. Apples recent product development has been focused on things most users dont care about. The Vision Pro is a fine effort, but it is simply a non-event for most Apple customers because they cant afford one. Meanwhile, very few users wanted Apple Intelligence in the first place, certainly not the parts that Apples been able to deliver. Apple Intelligence is a product for Wall Street, not Apple customers. Apples stubbornness in trying to claw back its anti-steering policya policy that has always been wrongnow seems petty, small, and just absurd for the richest company in the world. All this said, the Macalope still likes the companys products better than pretty much anyone elses. At least for now. Ultimately, however, Apple still holds all the cards. It rakes in the most money, has the highest margins, and a generational space ark full of cash. It is more than likely going to continue to be just fine for quite some time, despite all these woes. Honestly, it might actually be better if Silverman were right, that all the headwinds affecting the company right now really did present an imminent danger to the company. Because if Apple were in more trouble than it currently is, maybe itd listen more.

Apples months-old C1 modem has a serious security flaw

Macworld Apple released iOS 18.5 on Monday, and iPhone 16e owners will want to pay special attention to the update. According to Apples security release notes , a fix was issued in regards to the iPhone 16es C1 modem, where a hacker with network privileges could hijack traffic. Below is the section from the security notes that describes the issue. Baseband Impact: An attacker in a privileged network position may be able to intercept network traffic Description: This issue was addressed through improved state management. CVE-2025-31214: , , and The corresponding CVE record in the CVE database is still listed as reserved and will be made public once it has been updated. Considering the speed of which Apple released the patchthe phone has only been out for less than three monthsit appears to be a serious issue. Along with the C1 fix, iOS 18.5 includes some 30 security patches ranging from AppleJPEG to WebKit. So we recommend installing it right away. How to install iOS 18.5 Installing iOS 18.5 is done in the Settings app and requires an internet connection. Tap on General > Software Update and follow the prompts. The iPhone will need to restart, so plan your iPhone usage accordingly. Learn more about iOS 18 in our iOS 18 superguide .

Best Mac Studio deals available now

Macworld In March 2025 Apple updated the Mac Studio for the first time since June 2023. The Mac Studio now comes with either a M4 Max or M3 Ultra chip yes, those are different chip generations but the M3 Ultra is still the more powerful (and expensive option). In our review of the M4 Max Mac Studio we were impressed, describing it as a mean machine ideal for the most hectic of production environments. The Mac Studio is hands down the fastest Mac there is right now (at least until Apple updates the Mac Pro with a M4 Ultra, if it ever does). It will be a while before we start to see big deals on the Mac Studio. However, we have seen some discounts, and you may also see some deals on the M2-generation Mac Studio and used modes may be sold in Apples Refurbished Store. If you want to buy a Mac Studio, and get the best deal possible, youve come to the right place. Were looking at where you can buy the Mac Studio at the best price. Best Mac Studio deals You cant yet save money on the new Mac Studio models in the U.S. B&H, Mac Studio M4 Max , $1,999 B&H, Mac Studio M3 Ultra , $3,999 But there are discounts on the new models in the U.K.: KRCS, Mac Studio M4 Max , 1,994.05 (104 off, MSRP 2,099) KRCS, Mac Studio M3 Ultra , 3,989.05 (209 off, MSRP 4,199) Another way to save money on a Mac Studio is to buy one from the Apple Refurbished Store. Save up to $240 on a refurbished Mac Studio at Apple Refurbished Store in the U.S. Save up to 240 on a refurbished Mac Studio at Apple Refurbished Store in the U.K . What you need to know In March 2025 Apple updated the Mac Studio (first introduced three years prior) with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips making it more powerful than ever and more powerful than any Mac right now, including the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio can be configured with a M4 Max chip, as seen in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, or you can choose an M3 Ultra, which is essentially two M3 Max chips and while a generation older, still faster then the M4 Max. The Mac Studio starts at $1,999/2,099 for the M4 Max model. The Mac Studio with M3 Ultra starts at $3,999/4,199. There are also various build-to-order options. The most obvious thing missing from the Mac Studio is a display, but if you want to buy Apples Studio Display we have a separate article explaining where you can get the best deal on an Apple Studio Display . Also read our Apples Studio Display review. and check out our Best displays for Mac round-up. Read about how the Mac mini compares to the Mac Studio. Best Mac Studio deals right now You dont have to pay Apples price for the Mac Studio. We often see third parties discount Macs. Youll see the best prices right now below. Mac Studio with M4 Max, MSRP: $1,999/2,099 Retailer Price $1999 View Deal B&H $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Mac Studio with M3 Ultra, MSRP:$3,999/4,199 Retailer Price $3999 View Deal B&H $3999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Discontinued models You may find the 2023 models still on sale. Mac Studio with M2 Max, was: $1,999/2,099 Retailer Price $1699 View Deal $1699 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $2399 View Deal $2399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Mac Studio with M2 Ultra, was $3,999/4,199 Retailer Price $2949.97 View Deal $3849.99 View Deal $3999 View Deal $3999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Mac Studio with M1 Ultra, WAS: $3,999/3,999 New Refurbished Retailer Price Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Mac Studio M1 Ultra 3.2 GHz SSD 2 TB RAM 64GB RAM $2385.92 View Deal Mac Studio M1 Ultra 3.2 GHz SSD 2 TB RAM 128GB RAM $3470.92 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Where to buy a Mac Studio The most obvious place to buy a Mac Studio is from Apple US or Apple UK , but there are lots of other options. One benefit of buying from Apple is you could trade in your old Mac and get money off. We have an article explaining How to get money off with Apples trade-in program. We recommend the following resellers in the U.S. and U.K.: U.S. retailers Apple Adorama Best Buy B&H Photo Video DataVision OWC Looking for other ways to save money. Find out if you can save money buying Apple products from another country . U.K. retailers Apple Argos AO Currys Scan John Lewis Apple has a number of Apple Premium Resellers in the UK who stock Macs and offer other services: KRCS iStore Insight Select Western Computer Jigsaw Sync Best Mac deals We also have round ups of the following deals: Best iMac deals Best Mac mini deals Best MacBook Pro deals Best MacBook Air deals

iOS 18.5 is out now with Pride Harmony wallpaper, Screen Time change, and more

Macworld Two days after the release of iOS 18.4 , Apple has begun the iOS 18.5 beta testing cycle. The first developer release landed on April 2, and we expect a wide release in May (or possibly late April). The last few iOS versions had their x.5 releases in May, with only minor features and changes, and we expect the same this year, especially now that the anticipated new Siri has been delayed . Updated May 12: iOS 18.5 is now in wide release. iOS 18.5: New features With the big Siri enhancements pushed back out of the iOS 18 update cycle and the iOS 19 beta starting at WWDC in June, we dont expect much in the way of major new featuresjust a few touch-ups, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Contact Photos in Mail In the three-dot menu () you can quickly enable or disable contact photos in Mail. Screen Time notifications The parent device now receives a notification when a child device enters the Screen Time passcode. Satellite on iPhone 13 All models of iPhone 13 can support carrier-provided satellite connectivity features. These vary by carrier and region. iOS 18.5 release notes This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes: A new Pride Harmony wallpaper Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a childs device Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models). For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/122339 Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100 iOS 18.5: Security updates Apples security releases support page lists 31 security fixes in iOS 18.5, including 8 for just Webkit (Apples web rendering engine used in Safari and many other apps). iOS 18.5: How to install To get the latest version of iOS 18 on your phone, head over to the Settings app, then General and Software Update . Then follow the prompts to restart and install the update. If you dont want to wait until the official update arrives, you can install the most recent release candidate, which will be identical to the public release, by turning on Beta Updates in the Software Update tab. Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 18 superguide .

macOS 15 Sequoia superguide: Everything you need to know

Macworld macOS Sequoia has been available for compatible Macs since September 2024, but further updates to Sequoia are expected over the next few months, with the latest major update being macOS 15.4, which arrived on Monday, March 31. If you want to know what the new features are, whether you will be able to enjoy all of them, and if your Mac is even compatible with Sequoia, read on. We are also tracking any problems, the latest updates, and whats new in the beta. The latest version of macOS is called Sequoia, named after the California National Park and, more specifically, the worlds largest trees. Among the new features coming to Macs in Sequoia are iPhone mirroring, which puts your iPhone screen on your Macs display and lets you interact with it via your mouse and keyboard, a new Video conferencing presenter preview, and changes to Safari. In addition, developers will be easily able to port games between iPhone, Mac, and iPad. The free software update brings a raft of interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new features. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about macOS 15 Sequoia, including how to download it. We also link to various tutorials about how to use the new features. Some features will only work on Macs with an M-series chip, including several Apple Intelligence features that will offer help with writing, creating images, editing photos, and more. Some people have been running Sequoia for some time, thanks to Apples beta testing program, which is continuing as Apple develops more new features for Sequoia. In this article, we also discuss whats new in the developer and public beta as Apple continues work on the development of the operating system. Soon Apple will begin work on the next version of macOS, we have details of macOS 16 in a separate article. Update May 12: macOS Sequoia 15.5 now available . macOS Sequoia: Latest version macOS 15.5: May 12, 2025 On May 12, Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.5. It includes an update to Screen Time, where a notification appears when a passcode is used on a childs device. The update also include bug fixes and security patches . On April 16, Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.4.1 . This update contained security patches. Apple released macOS 15.4 on March 31, 2025. The new features include Mail sorting features, Proximity Pairing, support for new languages with Apple Intelligence, and more. On March 11 Apple issued an update to Sequoia. macOS 15.3.2 brought bug fixes and one major security patch for a 2023 flaw that affects iOS 17.2. Apple released the macOS 15.3.1 update on February 10. The update does not include any detailed release notes and the Apple security release webpage states that this update has no published CVE entries, which means that it does not address any security issues filed with the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database. However, the updates description states that it provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users. iOS 18.3.1 was issued on the same day and addressed an extremely sophisticated security flaw relating to A physical attack [that] may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device, according to Apple. Apple revealed that this attack may have been used against targeted individuals. On January 27, Apple released macOS 15.3. It offers Gemoji support, updates to the Calculator and Image Playground apps, and tweaks to the Notification summaries. It also includes bus fixes and security patches. This update also enables Apple Intelligence by default. Apple released macOS 15.2 on December 11. It has a slew of Apple Intelligence updates including Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, advanced Writing Tools, and more. Additionally, there are a few tweaks and bug fixes, and various performance improvements and security updates. Version 15.2 also brought Apple Intelligence features to the U.K. and some other locations, although those features still arent available in the E.U. The update also included a fix for a System Integrity Protection vulnerability . macOS 15.1.1 arrived in early December as an emergency update necessary to patch flaws in JavaScript and WebKit that Apple says may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. There is no release for Macs running macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 or Ventura 13.7.1 , yet, but that update is likely to come soon. macOS 15.1 arrived on October 28. This major update brings the first raft of Apple Intelligence features to Macs with the M-series chip. Initially Apple Intelligence features were only available in the U.S. but they arrived in some other locations with macOS 15.2. macOS 15.0.1 was released on October 3, 2024. It did not contain new features, but it did include two important bug fixes. One bug fix corrected the error that led Messages to quit when replying to a message that shared an Apple Watch face. The other fix was for compatibility with third-party security software. When was macOS Sequoia released? Monday, September 16, 2024 Apple released macOS Sequoia to the public earlier than usual, alongside iOS 18 on Monday, September 16. iOS 18 , watchOS and iPadOS 18 were released at the same time. For information about what is coming in the next version look at the latest version of the Sequoia beta section below. When will the next macOS Sequoia update be released? macOS Sequoia 15.x/macOS 16 Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.5 on May 12, 2025. A new beta cycle for the next Sequoia update could happen soon. From here on out, the updates may only include bug fixes and security patches because Apple will introduce macOS 16 at WWDC in June. What is coming in macOS Sequoia 15.5? It appears to be a minor update with some bug fixes but few significant updates, perhaps a sign that Apple is slowing development of Sequoia now it is moving on to a new version of macOS. There are some changes to the Mail app (support for contact photos) and a history feature for System Settings. It also includes an update to Screen Time. What was new in macOS Sequoia 15.4? Release date: March 31, 2025 Apple released macOS 15.4 on March 31, 2025. It includes the following: Mail sorting features : These were introduced in iOS 18.2 and are now coming to the Mac. Your Mail Inbox will feature four icons: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions (swipe from the right end of the icons to the left to activate an option for All Mail to be listed). If you have Apple Intelligence enabled, youll also see a new Priority Notifications section at the top of your Inbox to display important messages you may have missed. Proximity Pairing : As long as your iPhone is running iOS 18.4, when you set up a new Mac youll be able to pair it with an iPhone to transfer over Apple Account data. New Apple Intelligence languages : Expect Simplified Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanishas well as localized English for Singapore and India. What was new in macOS Sequoia 15.3? Release date: January 27, 2025 On January 27, Apple released macOS 15.3. It offers Gemoji support, updates to the Calculator and Image Playground apps, and tweaks to the Notification summaries. It also includes bus fixes and security patches. Apple Intelligence Apples Apple Intelligence features, which until now have required the user to turn them on in System Settings, will be on by default in iOS 18.3. Gemoji Ability to create Gemoji using Apple Intelligence. Calculator app The return of repeat operation capability when you keep pressing the equals (=) key (a feature that was lost in the iOS 18 update). Notification summaries Enable or disable summaries for an app, notification summaries get italicized text. Notification summaries disabled for News & Entertainment apps for now. Bug fixes and security updates. Additional Apple Intelligence regions : Users in the EU will gain access to Apple Intelligence features for the first time. Mail categories: The Mail app will get the categories including Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions. Whats new in macOS Sequoia 15.2 Release date: December 11, 2024 On December 11, 2024 Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.2. This update brought the second round of Apple Intelligence features including improvements to Writing Tools, generative AI Image Playground, ChatGPT integration for Siri and Writing Tools, including: Writing Tools updates more options. Genmojji new emoji you can create. Image Playground ability to generate images based on text prompts. Image Wand uses Apples image generation tools to create an image and add as context to a note. ChatGPT integration use ChatGPT with Siri. Mail AI-powered auto-categories to help manage your Inbox. macOS Sequoia 15.2 brought Apple Intelligence features to the U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Apple Intelligence still isnt available in the E.U. due to regulatory problems. What was new in macOS Sequoia 15.1 Screenshot Foundry macOS Sequoia 15.1 includes a number of new AI features that work on M-series Macs, although only to those in U.S., or with their system set to U.S. Outside the U.S. it was necessary to wait for Sequoia 15.2 for Apple Intelligence features to arrive (and even then only in certain locations). Writing Tools offering spelling and grammar support and helping you edit or summarize text. These features can be used around the operating system. Siri new design and Type To Siri. (Type to Siri isnt a new feature, but Apples making it more obvious for those of us who hate talking to Siri). Siri will be better at maintaining context while you ask related questions. Reduce Interruptions a new AI Focus Mode that will filter out unimportant notifications. Smart Reply youll be able to use these in Messages and Mail. Photos Memory Movie will create slideshows based on a text description. You can also use a Clean Up tool to remove unwanted elements of a photo. Improvements to photo search. Summaries Safari will be able to summarize articles. iPhone Mirroring Drag files from iPhone to Mac and back. Audio transcriptions You can get audio transcriptions of your audio recordings in Notes. macOS Sequoia: Problems & bugs Several third-party security tools have reported issues with the new version of the Mac operating system. Read more here: Hold off on updating to macOS Sequoia if youre using cybersecurity tools . CrowdStrike referenced changes in the network stack in an alert sent to its customers and has held off on support for the new OS. ESET indicated that there is a problem is with ESET Cyber Security version 6, an older version that will be End of Life soon. Firefox apparently had firewall-related issues with Sequoia. Messages could quit if a message including an Apple Watch face was replied to (fixed in macOS 15.0.1) Compatibility with third-party security software was addressed in macOS 15.0. Resizing windows is a new feature in macOS Sequoia but it can get a little annoying. Read: How to stop macOS Sequoia from resizing windows to fill your screen. Having problems with Sequoia? Read: How to downgrade macOS Sequoia to Sonoma macOS Sequoia Beta: Latest developer and public betas Apples beta testing program for developers and public testers has been running since June/July 2024 and will continue into 2025 as Apple adds more new features to macOS Sequoia. If you want to install the beta on your Mac, check out our guide to how to install the Mac beta . Sequoia beta 15.2. Foundry If you want to run the developer beta, you need to be a registered Apple software developer, which has both free and paid ($99/79) versions. Since June 2023 Apple has opened the beta to all registered developersso now everyone can get the earliest possible access to the macOS beta without paying a penny. Anyone can sign up for the Public Beta, which should be more stable than the developer beta, but it may still be unstable. By nature, beta software is not as stable as the final versionfeatures may be implemented and then withdrawn, or they may not work properly, UI can change, and third-party app compatibility isnt guaranteed. Once registered, when you go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac, youll see a new tab for Beta Updates , which will list the version of the beta youre running. For example, if you want to install the developer beta select macOS 15 Public Beta, alternatively, if its the public beta you want, select macOS 15 Public Beta. We explain How to join Apples beta program separately, including details of how to get a free developer account. If you want to install the beta, follow our macOS beta installation guide . If you then want to uninstall it, we have a guide for that: How to remove macOS beta . The beta testing will continue even after Apple releases macOS Sequoia to the general public as Apple develops new features unavailable at launch. Read How to join Apples beta program for more advice . macOS Sequoia compatibility: Which Macs can run macOS 15? Screenshot Foundry The following Macs get support for macOS 15. iMacfrom 2019 and later MacProfrom 2019 and later iMacProfrom 2017 MacStudiofrom 2022 and later MacBookAirfrom 2020 and later Macminifrom 2018 and later MacBookProfrom 2018 and later There are two 13-inch MacBook Air models from 2018 and 2019 running Sonoma that wont be able to install Sequoia. So if your MacBook Air was purchased before 2020 you are out of luck. The compatibility list is becoming a pressing concern for users of Intel Macs. After Apple introduced its M-series Macs, the company said it would continue to support Intel Macs for several years, but it did not offer specifics. The clock is ticking on Intel Macs, but the last generation of Intel Macs remains on the macOS 15 compatibility list with a few Intel Macs that can run macOS Sequoia . However, only Macs with an M1, M2, or M3-series chip will support the new AI features referred to as Apple Intelligence. That includes the following: iMac from 2021 and later Mac Pro from 2023 Mac Studio from 2022 and later MacBook Air from late 2020 and later Mac mini from late 2020 and later MacBook Pro from late 2020 and later If your Mac cant be updated to Sequoia that doesnt mean you are completely abandoned by Apple. Apple will provide security updates for some Macs that dont run macOS 15. Generally, Apple provides software updates for the past two versions of macOS. See: How long does Apple support Macs ? On average, Macs get 6.6 years of macOS updates . To find out which version of macOS and older Mac can run take a look at our macOS compatibility list . macOS Sequoia: Should I install Sequoia? As long as your Mac can run it, we recommend updating to Sequoia. The new featuresall of which we discuss belowlook enticing enough. We address how macOS Sequoia compares to Sonoma ? in a separate article. We also run through 6 reasons why you need to upgrade to macOS Sequoia . However, its wise to wait a week or so for the inevitable issues with the early release to be addressed: despite the beta program, there are often issues once the software update gets out into the wide Mac world. Its also wise to wait because the download will likely take a lot longer if you try soon after it becomes available. Refer to the problems and bugs section above to see if any of the identified issues might affect you. macOS Sequoia: How to install Installing macOS Sequoia is a breeze. Open System Settings and go to General > Software Update ; macOS will check for any available updates and guide you through the process of installing them. You simply have to follow the instructions, which we explain in our macOS updating guide . And its easier still if youve turned on Automatic Updates, which you can do from the same screen. However, if you do encounter problems the following may be useful: How to install macOS Sequoia on your Mac How to get your Mac ready for macOS Sequoia How to fix macOS installation problems macOS Sequoia: All the features in macOS Sequoia Many new features arrived in macOS 14 Sonoma in 2023 including changes to Widgets, a new Game Mode, the ability to easily turn web pages into web apps, and fun additions to video conferencing apps. Rumors suggested that there wouldnt be many new features in macOS 15, with AI-related improvements in iOS 18 taking most of the development focus. However, some AI improvements are coming alongside iPhone mirroring on your Mac display, a new Presenter Preview for video conferencing apps, and Game Porting Toolkit 2 for porting games between Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Apple has announced numerous new features for the update which we will describe below. Not all the new features will be available at launch though. Some new features will come later this year in a subsequent software update. iPhone mirroring iPhone mirroring is a new development of Continuity. Continuity is a feature that has existed on Macs for a number of years that means you can use your Mac together with other devices in a seamless way, making cut and paste, screen sharing and mouse and keyboard sharing possible across devices. With the new ability to mirror an iPhone on a Macs display, it will be possible for a Mac to connect to an iPhone and display the iPhone screen on the Macs display. This way a user will be able to control their iPhone from their Mac, using the keyboard and mouse to interact. Drag and drop between the Mac and iPhone will also be possible. Users can also mirror the iPhone in a window on the Mac. It will also be possible to launch their iPhone apps via their Mac. Any audio from the iPhone will play through the Macs speakers. During any manipulation of the iPhone via the Mac, the iPhone will remain locked so nobody can see what is being done. It will also be possible to use the phone normally while it is connected to the Mac. Users will also be able to receive iPhone notifications on a Mac. They will appear alongside Mac notifications. These can be interacted with even when the iPhone isnt nearby. Click on a notification and be taken into the app on your iPhone via the Macs display. Read: How iPhone Mirroring lets you access your iPhone on your Mac in macOS Sequoia Apple Window Tiling macOS Sequoia will bring a new, neater, way to arrange windows. When a user drags a window to the edge of the screen it will show a place on the desktop that you can slot that window into. This will make it easy to quickly arrange tiles side-by-side so that more apps are in view. There will be new keyboard and menu shortcuts to help users organize tiles even faster. Read: Why you dont want to ditch your tiling window manager just yet and How to stop macOS Sequoia from resizing windows to fill your screen for when you get frustrated because macOS keeps changing the window size and you dont know why! Apple Video conferencing A new presenter preview will show users what theyre about to share before they share it. This feature will work with Zoom and other apps, as well as FaceTime. It will also be possible to apply built-in backgrounds with color gradients and wallpapers. Users will also be able to upload their photos. These Background replacements can be applied in various video calling apps, even mid-call. Apple Safari 18 Safari 18 will include several new features including a new Highlights feature which will help users discover information. The Reader feature is also getting a redesign to minimize distractions when you are reading an article. Joining the more streamlined version of the article that can already be accessed, users will see a summary and a table of contents for longer articles. If there is a video on the page it will be placed front and center and the user will have access to playback controls and picture-in-picture playback will also be possible. Other rumored features included a Web Eraser, and a new page controls menu. An update in 2025 is also said to be bringing an AI enhancement to Visual Lookup not just in Safari, but throughout the OS, although we are awaiting confirmation. Read: How to use Distraction Control to remove ads and This new Safari feature lets you snap away annoying ads . Apple New Passwords app Apple is bringing the iCloud Keychain into the 21st century. Apple says the new Passwords app will make it even easier to access passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials all in one place. It will seamlessly syncs between both Apple devices and Windows with the iCloud for Windows app. Apple Calculator It had been rumored that Apple is working on a new Calculator app. It may be redesigned to resemble the iOS version, with new features including a history tape, revamped conversions, and a resizable window. Apple did reveal that it will be possible to see previous calculations with a history feature. Calendar and Reminders The Calendar app will allow users to manage Reminders. Users will be able to view events and tasks from Reminders in the Calendar. An updated Month View will also be available and both apps will see UI changes. Other new features iCloud Apple is adding a Keep Downloaded option that prevents the file from being moved to iCloud and keeps the file on the device. Read about the new Keep Downloaded option . Installing apps Apple is removing the double free space requirement to download and install an app. Read: macOS Sequoia makes it easier to install large apps . Security & Privacy The beta indicates that macOS Sequoia will require regular permission checks when using certain apps . Gaming improvements In 2023 Apple introduced the Game Porting Toolkit to help developers bring their games to Apple devices faster than ever. Now Game Porting Toolkit 2 adds the most-requested capabilities from game developers. In addition, improvements to Game Mode on the Mac will unlock smoother frame rates, and advanced power management features boost performance across the Mac lineup. Apple proudly shared details of several gaming titles that will be coming to the Mac, including: Assassins Creed Shadows Control Ultimate Edition Frostpunk 2 Palworld RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard RESIDENT EVIL 2 RoboCop: Rogue City Sniper Elite 4, Ubisoft Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown World of Warcraft: The War Within (coming later this year). Wuthering Waves Apple noted that they are leveraging powerful software technologies like MetalFX Upscaling to accelerate performance and deliver high-quality visuals across the Mac lineup and that they are taking advantage of the latest M3 family of chips to deliver breathtaking visuals with ray tracing. Personalized Spatial Audio will result in significantly reduced audio latency with AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Apple Intelligencefeatures Several reports over the past few months have indicated that Apple is doing a lot of work towards AI, and that generative AI (using AI to create content) will have a big role in macOS. Those reports werent wrong. Apples new personal intelligence system is coming to Mac, iPhone, and iPad with macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will only be supported by Macs with an M-serieschip though, so Intel Macs will not offer these new features. Read: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it is, what it does, and when youll get it Writing Apple Intelligence will help users enhance their writing and communications. Writing Tools are built in systemwide that will offer to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in writing-focused apps such as Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps. Apple Images New image capabilities will also come to M-series Macs. In Image Playground, users will be able to create images in three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Photos A new Memories in Photos feature will create a video from photos and videos based on a description provided by the user. Apple Intelligence will pick out the photos and videos, develop a storyline based on the photos, and arrange them into a movie. In addition, a new Clean Up tool will identify and remove unwanted objects from the background of a photo. Siri Siri is also getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is integrated into Siri. Because some queries will be handled off-device Apple is introducing Private Cloud Compute so that when data is sent to server-based models for processing it is not stored or made accessible to Apple One of the simplest changes to Siri is that it will be easier to type to Siri rather than having to speak to the on-device assistant. Apple may have finally twigged that people dont always want to talk to their phones. Next version of macOS Since Apple stopped using the names of jungle cats with macOS 10.9 Mavericks, its used California places to identify its annual OS updates. The last several years have been Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. Apple has trademarked several other place names, including Condor, Mammoth, Redwood, and Sequoia. But its anyone guess which Californian location macOS 16 will be named after. But what next in terms of software? Expect even more Apple Intelligence features to come in the late 2025 update to macOS and expect that iOS, iPadOS and macOS will be closer than ever. In the recent past, the release has come several weeks after the new version of iOS ships . Here are the release dates for the previous five versions of macOS: macOS 15 Sequoia: September 16, 2024 macOS 14 Sonoma: September 26, 2023 macOS 13 Ventura: October 24, 2022 macOS 12 Monterey: October 25, 2021 macOS 11 Big Sur: November 12, 2020 macOS 10.15 Catalina: October 7, 2019 macOS 10.14 Mojave: September 24, 2018

Folding and curved iPhones both predicted in 2027 product blitz

Macworld The iPhone hasnt seen a truly radical change in design since the switch from Home button to a notch in 2017, and some models have been almost indistinguishable visually from their predecessors. (Line up the iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and 16 Pro on Apples comparison page and youll struggle to see much evolution.) But thats all reportedly set to change in the near future. Later this year, as regular readers will know, we expect to see the launch of the iPhone 17 Air , a handset far slimmer (and in certain respects potentially far less practical ) than any smartphone Apple has previously sold. But this bold move will pale in comparison with the product blitz the company has planned for 2027, according to a new report. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicts that 2027 will be a monumental year for new devices at Cupertino, with launches ranging from the companys first smart glasses to tabletop robotics. But the new products most relevant to the average consumer will be foldable and curved iPhones. Apples first foldable iPhone, Gurman writes, should be on the market by 2027. That hints very delicately that we might not have to wait until 2027, and also hints rather more strongly that we might have to wait until laterbut thats true of any product plans this far out. The timeframe does seem strengthened, however, by Gurmans claim that Apple insiders regard the foldable as one element of the iPhones 20-year anniversary celebration, which wouldnt really fly if it came out in 2028. It could in principle be announced in January 2027, to match the date when Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in January 2007, with a launch to follow in June, but an 11-month wait would be distinctly underwhelming. Weve heard a great deal about foldable iPhones over the years and its one of Apples most long- and eagerly awaited products. Part of the issue, after all this time, is that Samsung, Motorola, and others have built up years of experience releasing high-quality foldables , making it hard for Apple to break into the market. But Gurman thinks the iFold will be set apart by its superior build quality, and specifically the fold line, which, unlike those of most rival products, will be nearly invisible. The foldable iPhone will be followed later in 2027, according to the report, by a redesign to the classic iPhone look that has also been rumored but far less often: a mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display. This wont be the first-gen iPhones 20-year anniversary, but Gurman says the company will tie it in with the 10-year anniversary of that groundbreaking iPhone X mentioned earlier. The report offers few details of this device, but we probably shouldnt expect an extravagant curve across the full surface of the screen in the manner of a curved monitor. It seems more plausible that it will curve only towards the edges, with the majority remaining flat and functional. But again, time will tell how Apple tackles this concept. And whether 2027 is a realistic goal, or only the latest in a long series of rumored launches that come to nothing.

Every new Apple product coming in 2025

Macworld Over the past few years, Apple has overhauled its entire product range, including transitioning the Mac from Intel to its own processors, introducing the tough Apple Watch Ultra, adding a new Plus model to the iPhone lineup, and introducing a brand-new product category the Vision Pro headset. In 2025 theres even more change coming, with a new Air iPhone rumored, a long overdue Mac Pro update, and much more. Read on to find out whats coming from Apple in 2025. In this article, we take a look at what new products we expect Apple to launch throughout 2025 and beyond. We have investigated every rumor and trend we could find to bring you our predictions. Read on to find out what could be in store. New Apple products launched so far in 2025 Before we begin with the predictions, heres a quick look at what Apple released so far in 2025: February: iPhone 16E the replacement for the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 brought Apple Intelligence support to the entry-level iPhone. March: iPad Air M3 and A16 iPad launched on March 4 and MacBook Air M4 and M4 Max Mac Studio on March 5. Apples 2025 new products so far Foundry What else is expected in 2025? Various products havent been updated for a long time specifically the Mac Pro (which never even got an M3 update). So an update to the Mac Pro is anticipated for 2025, perhaps at WWDC in June , but what else is coming from Apple? In the sections below weve split products into categories including Mac, iPad, iPhone, and some new product categories. Read on to find out what to expect at Apples next event and throughout 2025. New iPhones Foundry A new set of iPhones arrived at Apples iPhone event on September 9, 2024 and then the iPhone 16E arrived on February 19. Whats next for the iPhone? We can be pretty certain that a new iPhone will arrive in September 2025, as it always does. iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air! The rumors suggest there will be a new addition to the iPhone 17 line up in 2025. In September, Apple is also expected to introduce a new model: the iPhone 17 Air which will bring a fresh design and new features. Read: iPhone 17 rumors for the latest information we have. When? September 202 5 iPhone 17e The iPhone 17e, on the other hand, isnt expected until early 2026. The iPhone 16e was introduced in February 2025. Things may change later in 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro could launch that September, but Apple could delay the iPhone 18 and release that handset alongside the iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, according to some reports. When? Spring 2026 New Macs Could we see the return of the iMac Pro in 2025? Apple The M4 Macs have arrived, so now Apple will be looking to roll out the M5 chip. But there is one Mac still waiting for an M4: the Mac Pro. We assume Apple is developing the M4 Ultra for the Mac Pro and that it will arrive this year. Heres what you can expect from the Mac lineup for the remainder of 2025: M4 Ultra Mac Pro Earlier in 2025 Apple updated the Mac Studio with an M4 Max, but the M4 Ultra update didnt happen, instead Apple made an M3 Ultra chip just for the Mac Studio. So where does that leave the M4 Ultra Mac Pro? We assume that Apple is either experiencing difficulty with the M4 Ultra, or it has decided to further separate the Mac Studio and Mac Pro by reserving the very best chip for the Mac Pro. We dont expect Apple to change anything else with the M4 Ultra except for Thunderbolt 5 implementation, but we do expect to see it quite soon. Read: M4 Mac Pro rumors for more information. When? June 2025 at WWDC M5 MacBook Pro Apparently work on the M5 chip was underway as early as January 2025 and the M5 MacBook Pro will be arriving at the end of 2025 (probably in October as usual). The iPad Pro may be the first to get the M5 chip though (more in the iPad section below). Read: M5 MacBook Pro: Everything you need to know . When? October 2025 M4 Ultra Mac Studio The Mac Studio was updated in March 2025 when it gained an M4 Max and an M3 Ultra chip. Will the Mac Studio get an M4 Ultra when the Mac Pro does? Probably not straight away. When? TBC iMac Pro The M4 iMac delivered some new color hues, but it still has a 24-inch screen. Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac way back in 2022 when the Studio Display arrived, and there have been rumors ever since that Apple is working on a new large-screen iMac. Apple is said to be working on a new Pro version of the iMac, a return of the 27-inch iMac Pro perhaps, or even larger. There are enough rumors to believe that Apple is indeed working on such an iMac, though its unclear whether it will arrive in 2025 or later. Read: Larger iMac Pro rumors . When? TBC M5 MacBook Air We dont expect to see the M5 version of the MacBook Air until spring 2026, and we dont expect much to change other than the processor. Read: M5 MacBook Air: What you need to know When? Spring 2026 New AirPods Its been a while since Apple properly updated the AirPods Pro. Foundry The AirPods Max and AirPods Pro have had minor updates since they launched a few years ago, but the next generation has yet to materialize. Will they get a full update in 2025? The wait for new AirPods Pro could stretch beyond 2025. They could offer new health-related features when they arrive. As for the AirPods Max, now that Apples refreshed the colors its unlikely to do anything else for a while. Read: New AirPods rumors for more information. When? September 2025 New Apple Watch Mahmoud Itani / Foundry The Apple Watch Series 10 arrived in September 2024, with a slightly larger screen, but there was no generational update for the Apple Watch Ultra or the Apple Watch SE. Apple will surely release a new Apple Watch in 2025 along with new Apple Watch Ultra and SE models. The Apple Watch Ultra may gain the ability to send emergency texts via satellite. We could also see blood pressure monitoring on the new Watches in 2025. Some reports say Apple could move the Apple Watch SE launch to spring. Read: Apple Watch Series 11: Everything we know about the 2025 models When? September 2025 New iPads The iPad Pro Dominik Tomaszewski/IDG Almost the whole iPad range got a refresh in 2024, with the new iPad Air and iPad Pro in May and the iPad mini in October. The iPad finally got an update in March 2025 (albeit a pointless one as it still doesnt support Apple Intelligence ) and the iPad Air got upgraded to the M3 chip at the same time. So, whats next? M5 iPad Pro The M5 chip is, apparently, set to arrive in the iPad Pro in September 2025, a month before it arrives in the MacBook Pro. Although later rumors suggest that the update will come after the MacBook Pro Perhaps both at the same time? Read: M5 iPad Pro: Everything you need to know . When? September/October 2025 New product categories If Apple was never to innovate away from the products it makes right now it could be left behind as technology progresses. Its no surprise therefore that the company is working on various new areas. We dont expect these to land in 2025, but rumors suggest that some of them still could arrive sooner rather than later. HomePod with screen A HomePod that combines the screen of an iPad could be on the cards. Foundry We do hope there is some truth in the rumors that Apple is working on a HomePod with a screen. Weve always said that a screen would make the HomePod infinitely more usable, but perhaps we are the only ones who hate having to talk to our speaker and control the HomePod via an iPhone (which can be a drain on the battery). A screen would extend the uses of the HomePod beyond audio into visual so you could watch podcasts and news reports and YouTube videos, but most usefully communicate via FaceTime. So far all Apple has done is brought back the full-size HomePod that it removed from sale. Read: HomePod with screen rumours . When? 2025 HomeHub for the smart home Possibly connected to the HomePod with screen rumors are claims that Apple has big plans for the smart home and is working on a number of HomeHub related products . One is said to be an iPad like smart displays that allow you to control your home devices vis HomeOS software. Another device is said to mount a camera on a robot arm that can follow you around! When? Late 2025, 2026 Cheaper Vision Pro The Vision Pro is pricy and a little cumbersome, but Apple is said to be at work on two updated models: a cheaper Vision Pro , and another high-end model. Perhaps Vision Pro 2 and Vision Air? There could be four new AR/VR products coming in 2025, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. These could include a cheaper Vision Pro model (at $2,000). When? TBC Apple Car If you were hoping for a physical Apple Car prepare to be disappointed. Apple has cancelled the Apple Car project after about a decade of development. But this doesnt mean there is no future for Apples car-related research. A second major iteration of CarPlay could takes things beyond maps and music to the next level, giving users complete control over things like climate control inside the car. Apple apparently wants to revolutionize the vehicle user interface and make it more user-friendly, convenient and functional. Read: The Apple Car is dead. Where does that leave Apples auto ambitions? New Apple products that launched in 2024 Heres a quick look at what Apple released in 2024: The Vision Pro headset arrived in the U.S. on February 2. The M3 MacBook Air launched on March 4. The M2 iPad Air , the M4 iPad Pro , and the Apple Pencil Pro all launched on May 7. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus launched on September 9. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max launched on September 9. Apple Watch Series 10 launched on September 9. AirPods 4 launched on September 9 and new colors (and USB-C) for the AirPods Max were introduced. iPad mini A17 Pro launched on October 15. Apple launched the M4 iMac , Mac mini , and MacBook Pro the week of October 28. What Apple released in 2023 Apple hit the ground running in 2023 and closed the year with the Vision Pro, although it didnt arrive until 2024: M2 Mac mini Mac mini with M2 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip New full size HomePod (bit of a surprise this one!) A larger 15-inch MacBook Air A new Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra A new Mac Studio , also with M2 Ultra and M2 Max. iPhone 15 , Plus, Pro and Pro Max 2023 Apple Watch Series 9 And Ultra 2 M3 iMac M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) And of course, the brand-new Vision Pro headset was unveiled What Apple released in 2022 12.9-inch and 11-inch M2 iPad Pro 10.9-inch iPad , 10th generation iPhone 14 and 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Apple Watch Ultra Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) AirPods Pro (2nd generation) iPhone SE (3rd generation) iPad Air (5th generation) Mac Studio (1st generation) Studio Display M2 MacBook Air M2 13in MacBook Pro What Apple released in 2021 HomePod mini in new colors MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max AirPods (3rd generation) Apple Watch Series 7 iPhone 13-series iPad mini (6th generation) iPad (9th generation) iMac M1 iPad Pro M1(3rd and 5th generation) Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) AirTag What Apple released in 2020 AirPods Max MacBook Air M1 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 Mac mini M1 iPhone 12-series HomePod mini iPad Air (4th generation) Apple Watch SE iPad (8th generation) Apple Watch Series 6 27-inch iMac (Intel) 13-inch MacBook Pro (Intel) iPhone SE MacBook Air (Intel) iPad Pro (2nd and 4th generation) For information about what Apple launched in the decade before that read: Best Apple products of the decade (2010-2019)

Apple Event 2025: Details of the next Apple Event and upcoming Apple events

Macworld Apple doesnt participate in big industry-wide events such as CES or E3. The most valuable company in the world holds itsown events, thank you very much. Several times a year, Apple invites the press and industry professionals to Apple Park to hear all about its latest products and services. Apple calls these events, andstreams them live online to millions of watchers. So far in 2025 Apple hasnt held any events, however, it did launch a new iPhone 16e via press release on February 19, new iPad and iPad Air via press release on March 4, and a new MacBook Air and Mac Studio on March 5. However, there is an Apple Event coming up very soon, so mark your calendars now! The next Apple Event will take place on June 9 when Apple kicks off its Worldwide Developers Conference ( WWDC ) with a keynote and shows off new features coming to iOS and macOS. Read on to find out about the events and Apples new product launches coming in 2025. When is Apples next event? WWDC: Monday June 9, 2025 Apple has confirmed that the WWDC keynote will take place on Monday, June 9, starting at 10 am PT. What time will the next Apple event start? Apple keynotes usually start at 10 am PT and this will be the case with the WWDC25 keynote . That translates to the following times in the countries where most of our readers live: U.S.: at 10 am (PST/PDT), 11 am (MST/MDT), noon (CST/CDT), 1 pm (EST/EDT) Canada: as above, and 2 pm (AST/ADT) U.K.: at 6 pm (GMT/BST) Europe: at 7pm (CET/CEST), 8 pm (EET/EEST) India:at 10.30 pm (IST) Australia: Next day at 1 am (AWST/AWDT), 2.30 am (ACST/ACDT), 3 am (AEST/AEDT) New Zealand: Next day at 5 am (NZST/NZDT) Timings can be slightly different if Apple holds the event during the period of a couple of weeks when the clocks have changed in the U.S. but not elsewhere (in the spring of 2025 that was between March 9 and March 30, but later in 2025 both the U.S. and U.K. will change back on October 26). Sometimes Apple holds events at different times, for example, in October 2023 the event was held in late afternoon in San Francisco, which meant it was midnight in the U.K. If Apple doesnt hold an event and instead just issues a press release that usually happens around 8 am PT, 11 am ET and 4 pm GMT/BST. How long does an Apple event last? Foundry Apple keynotes usually last between one and two hours and feature CEO Tim Cook along with various other Apple executives. WWDC and the September event tend to be longer keynotes; the spring and late-fall events can be slightly shorter. The September 2024 event was 1 hour 38 minutes. When does Apple usually hold events? Apple holds three or four live or live-streamed events throughout the year. During these events, the company unveils its latest products and plans during a keynote address. They are usually held during similar times of the year: March/April: Spring event (in 2024 this was held in May) June: WWDC the Worldwide Developers Conference (iOS, macOS previews) September: Fall event (iPhone and Apple Watch) October/November: Late-fall event (Macs and iPads) This event calendar is by no means set in stone, though, with the spring and October events being less regular. Some years, Apple doesnt hold a spring event at all. In 2024, Apple held three events: one on Tuesday, May 7, at which it launched new iPads, a keynote to kick off WWDC on June 10, and an event on September 9 at which Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 , Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4 . In October 2024 there was no event, but Apple did announce new products (iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro) via press release. In 2023 there were three events: WWDC in June, an iPhone event in September, and Apples second fall event on October 30 (or after midnight on October 31 if you werent in the U.S.). Similarly, in 2022 Apple held three events: a spring event on March 8, WWDC on June 6, and the iPhone 14 launch on September 7. In other years Apple has held four events though. Apple launched the new iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro in September 2022. Apple What will launch at the Apple events in 2025 Here are the events we expect to see in 2025, and what could launch. WWDC keynote 2025 June 9 (confirmed) Apple uses WWDC each year to unveil details of the latest versions of its operating systems, so in 2025 well get a preview of iOS 19 , iPadOS 19 , macOS 16 , watchOS 12, tvOS 19, HomePod software, and an update to Apples realityOS. Apple sometimes announces new hardware at WWDC, usually the high end models targeted at power users, so we could see new Macs. We may see the following new products at WWDC 2025: M4 Ultra Mac Pro M4 Pro 32-inch iMac Pro (unlikely) HomePod with screen /HomeHub device (possible) Following the keynote on the Monday, developer events and sessions will run throughout the week. You can read more about WWDC date, times and everything you need to know in a separate article. September iPhone event 2025 Tuesday September 9 (probable) Apple always holds an event in September, and almost always uses this to announce a new iPhone and Apple Watch. (The only exception in recent memory was in 2020, as a result of Covid-related production issues. That year the iPhone was announced in October, but there was still a September event.) In 2025 we expect that Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 , Apple Watch 11 , a new Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE. We may also see the M5 arrive in the iPad Pro and the HomeHub device . Here are the past few Apple September event dates: 2024: Monday, September 9 2023: Tuesday, September 12 2022: Tuesday, September 13 2022: Wednesday, September 7 2021: Tuesday, September 14 2020: Tuesday, September 15 2019: Tuesday, September 10 2018: Wednesday, September 12 2017: Tuesday, September 12 For more information about Apples September events read: Apples September iPhone event: Date, time, and what will launch. October event 2025 There was no October event in 2024, with Apple making product announcements via press release. Despite the lack of event in 2024 though, Apple has a president of updating certain Macs in the October time frame, so this may be when we see new Macs running M5 chips. In the past, Apple has held a second fall event on the following dates: 2024: No event 2023: Monday, October 30 2022: No event 2021: Monday, October 18 2020: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, November 10 2019: No event 2018: Tuesday, October 30 2017: No event 2016: Thursday, October 27 2015: No event 2014: Thursday, October 16 2013: Tuesday, October 22 2012: Tuesday, October 23 2011: Tuesday, October 4 Apple may update certain Macs to M5 chips at this event, including the M5 MacBook Pro . For more information about Apples October events read: Apples October Event: Date, time and what will launch. Spring event 2026 Went an idea of when Apple will hold its spring event in 2026? Here are the dates of the past seven Apple spring events, as you can see, its not a regular occurrence, but a Spring event is held slightly more often than not. 2025: No event 2024: Tuesday May 7 2023: No event 2022: Tuesday March 8 2021: Tuesday April 20 2020: No event 2019: Monday March 25 2018: Tuesday March 27 2017: No event 2016: Monday March 21 2015: Monday March 9 2014: No event 2013: No event 2012: Wednesday March 7 For more information about Apples spring events read: Apple Spring event: Date, time, product launch rumors. WWDC 2026 The past dates for WWDC give an indication as to when the 2026 conference might take place: WWDC 2025: June 9-13 WWDC 2024: June 10-14 WWDC 2023: June 5-9 WWDC 2022: June 6-10 WWDC 2021: June 7-11 WWDC 2020: June 22-26 WWDC 2019: June 3-7 WWDC 2018: June 4-8 WWDC 2017: June 5-9

iOS 18.5 may be a minor update, but it has one major iPhone upgrade

Macworld When iOS 18.5 arrives for iPhone users this week, there wont be any major new features or exciting Apple Intelligence updates. The update, which comes a month ahead of WWDC 2025, doesnt bring major changes, but rather adds some nice new features, including new wallpaper and improvements to Screen Time and the Apple TV app. However, theres one specific new feature that will have a more profound impact on iPhone users. At long last, iOS 18.5 enables support for carrier-provided satellite features on iPhone 13 models. If youre curious about what exactly this means for users, read on as we detail whats new in iOS 18.5. Whats new in iOS 18.5 According to Apple, iOS 18.5 comes with five notable enhancements. One of them is the new Pride Harmony wallpaper available for iPhones and iPads, which is part of Apples 2025 Pride Collection to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June, which also includes new watch faces and an exclusive Apple Watch band. After updating to iOS 18.5, youll find the new Pride Harmony wallpaper available for free in the Display settings. It shows rainbow stripes that dynamically change every time you unlock your iPhone or iPad. New wallpaper to celebrate Pride month will be part of iOS 18.5. Foundry For parents, Apple has also added an important feature to Screen Time, which lets parents manage how children use their devices. With the iOS 18.5 update, parents will now receive a notification when their child enters the correct password to bypass the Screen Time restrictions. Apple is also making it easier to buy or subscribe to content in the Apple TV app on a third-party device or smart TV. Instead of tediously entering their password manually, users will have the option to authenticate and confirm the purchase using an iPhone. In addition, iOS 18.5 fixes a bug that showed a black screen in the new Apple Vision Pro app released with iOS 18.4. iPhone 13 gains satellite capabilities But iOS 18.5 has another trick up its sleeve, and its a pretty big one if you own an iPhone 14. With this update, iPhone 13 owners will have access to carrier-provided satellite features for the first time. Support for carrier-provided satellite features was first added with iOS 18.3 on iPhone 14 and later, and it lets users send text messages via satellite in areas without cellular connectivity. Apple offers satellite service through Globalstar for free for two years with the activation of a new iPhone, enabling users to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share their location, even when outside cellular range. Satellite features are coming to the iPhone 13 for the first time in iOS 18.5. Foundry Carriers have also begun to offer the service, with T-Mobile recently teaming up with Starlink and Verizon partnering with AST SpaceMobile. Essentially, the carriers use a technology called Direct to Cell, in which satellites act as cell towers in space and kick in when theres no cellular signal. T-Mobile says it plans to expand this technology to support data and voice over satellite in the future, while Verizon recently tested its first satellite-to-cellular-enabled video call. Heres how to check if you can use carrier-provided satellite features: 1. Open the Settings app 2. Tap Cellular 3. Select your carrier or phone number (if you have more than one SIM registered) 4. Look for the Satellite toggle in the list. If you dont see the Satellite option, your carrier probably doesnt support it yet. If you have this option enabled and your iPhone is connected to a satellite through your carrier, youll see the SAT symbol in the iPhones status bar. Bonus feature: Mail improvements Although not listed in Apples official release notes, iOS 18.5 also brings some improvements to the Mail app. With iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a redesigned version of the Mail app with smart categories, which automatically organizes your inbox using Apple Intelligence. However, not everyone seems to have liked the new Mail interface, and some users have opted to switch back to the old layout. You might like the new Mail app a little more with a couple of tweaks in iOS 18.5. Foundry To appeal to users who dont love the new interface, Apple has introduced two important changes with iOS 18.5. First, the All Mail category is now always visible by default, whereas previously users had to make a swipe gesture to reveal this category. This means you can still use smart categories while seeing all emails at once, if you prefer. Apple has also added the option to hide contact icons, making it look more like the old interface prior to iOS 18.2. Simply tap the three-dot button in the top right and deselect the Show Contact Photos option. You can update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 18.5 by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It is expected to arrive later today or tomorrow.

Apples string of 2025 setbacks is a blessing in disguise. Heres why

Macworld In last weeks column , I managed to find the cloud (looming financial and political uncertainty) floating around the silver lining that was Apples record-breaking quarterly results. But this week I thought Id look at the situation from a more optimistic point of view. There are problems for Apple, almost everywhere you look. But if the company responds to them in the right spirit, this represents a golden opportunity for beneficial change. In contrast with startups, which love to move fast and break things, established corporations tend to be slow and reluctant to change direction. If Tim Cook woke up tomorrow and decided that Apple should pivot from consumer tech to, I dont know, cupcakes, he would need to run that decision by advisors and VPs and the board of directors, face a huge shareholder revolt, and likely give up on the whole thing (or lose his job). Hes in charge, but the corporate structure has been designed to make it as hard as possible for a rogue CEO to rock the boat with radical ideas. This approach has its benefits because it means a single hare-brained executive cant easily cause sudden disaster. But it can leave big companies vulnerable to slow decline when solutions seem scary in the short term. And in such situations, it can be oddly beneficial to hit rock bottom. Let me give you a sporting analogy. In 2015, the England cricket team crashed out of the World Cup in humiliating fashion, clueless about modern innovations and the way the game had evolved. But this debacle meant it was impossible to ignore the fundamental problems afflicting the hidebound institutions and cautious mentality of English cricket, and the new captain was given a mandate for change. He brought in new ideas, new players, and told the team to play in the right spirit and without fear. And four years later, that team of no-hopers was ( just barely ) crowned champions of the world. Apple may not have lost by 15 runs to Bangladesh. But its had more than its fair share of defeats in 2025. There have been legal thrashings. Late last month, a judge accused the company of insubordination and imposed harsh (but hardly undeserved) penalties. A week before that, the EU levied a 500M fine for violating the Digital Markets Act. And only last week, news broke that a successful class-action suit over Siri listening is now proceeding to the payout stage . What about product releases? This normally secure part of Apples strategy looks troubled, too. Aside from Vision Pro (so niche as to be effectively irrelevant) and Apple Intelligence (not fit for purpose), the Apple Watchs lamentable numbers are becoming increasingly hard to ignore, with the device now wallowing in measurable global decline for a full two years . And the iPhone, so crucial to Cupertinos hopes, may not be as healthy as the slight growth recorded in the Q2 report might suggest: data now hints that it only managed that figure because of tariff-related panic buying , bringing purchases forward from later in the year and storing up trouble for the future. Talking of tariffs, Apple faces political uncertainty as well. As I discussed last week, the companys relationship with President Trump is a double-edged sword: the days of walking a neutrality tightrope and managing not to offend anyone are behind us, and the demographics that traditionally support Apple are far less likely to favor Trump. Veer one way politically, and Apple risks enraging its core user base; veer the other, and it could lose that vital tariff exemption. And price hikes loom either way. Apple always presents a brave and unperturbed face to the world, but rest assured that this sequence of reversals and failures has registered at C-suite, board, and shareholder level. Which can be a positive. Now, if Tim Cook goes to the board with a radical proposal, he might actually get a fair hearing. How could Apple change in response to its horrible start to 2025? It could finally reimagine its relationship with developers, switching from tyrannical platform owner to genuine partner: lower fees, relax rules, put more resources into curation and vetting to reduce the number of scammers and cloners, and foster real innovation. This would all cut into the bottom line, of course, but it would get regulators and lawyers off Apples back and ultimately benefit the user. And the way things are going in the Epic case, Apple might have to do quite a lot of this anyway; why not lean into the verdict, cancel the appeal , and do more than the judge demands? Now more than ever, Apple needs goodwill and positive PR. On the product front, Apple has long adopted a minimum-innovation policy, where devices are exactly as much of an upgrade on the previous generation as they need to be, and no more. Thats why the Apple Watch is suffering. Thats why so few people are excited about the prospect of the iPhone 17. But having stored up iterative releases for years, the company is in a great position to announce big upgrades in 2025 and 2026. Make a folding phone . Make a phone with no ports . Push the specs and play with the designs. Act as if youve just been knocked out of the metaphorical World Cupthis is no time to be fearful. Rather than tinkering with specific plans, Apple needs a complete change in mindset. It needs to stop being a company that focuses on profit and go back to just making great products and trusting that the profits will follow. For a giant company, a change of that magnitude is generally possible only when it faces an existential threat, such as the imminent bankruptcy that brought Steve Jobs back to the company in 1997. Todays threat is more subtle, and the dangers more distant, but it offers a second opportunity to reset and find a better path. 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 Nearly three decades later, Apple owes everything to the iMac . Give up the App Store purchase fight , Apple, says the Macalope. Its just not worth it . Apple Arcade is the best Apple service youre not using. Filipe Esposito made his 64GB iPhone usable again without spending a single cent . Here are 9 Android features iOS 19 desperately needs. Alex Blake sideloaded a Reddit client onto his iPhone. He never wants to do it again . Apple admits it may need to raise prices to deal with tariffs . Halyna Kubiv tested every Apple Watch feature for battery drain . The usual advice is wrong. Got an iPhone? Here are 11 features youre probably not using but should. Podcast of the week iCloud, Apple TV+, Apple Music, these are just some of the parts to Apples Services, which have become a bigger and bigger part of the Apple ecosystem. In the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast, we discuss the state of these serviceswhat they mean to Apple, but most importantly, what they mean to you. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube , Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . Reviews corner Carbonite Safe review : Doing what iCloud cant. Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub (SL400) review : A good option for mobile film-makers . Torras Ostand OAir iPhone Case review : Come for the color, stay for the buttons . The rumor mill Apples solution to the iPhone 17 Air s poor battery life? A chunky battery pack . Apple might not release the iPhone 18 until 2027, in a massive change to its launch strategy. It sure looks like AI-powered search is coming to Safari . Interested in iPadOS 19 ? Heres everything you need to know . Software updates, bugs, and problems iOS 18.5 RC is out nowhere are the release notes . 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 us on Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

PowerPhotos 3 review: Time-saving Apple Photos tool for power users on the Mac

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Views, searches, and de-duplicates media across one or more Photos libraries Copies and moves media among libraries Advanced search options for fine-grained queries Bulk editing of title, caption, and keywords, including the use of token replacements Advanced export choices Works with iCloud Photos-stored images and videos Cons Lacks date/time adjustment Our Verdict PowerPhotos 3 provides tools for metadata, searching, and multiple Photos library management that dramatically upgrade how you can work with your organized media. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $39.95 new license | $19.95 upgrade from iPLM/PowerPhotos 1/2 Best Prices Today: PowerPhotos 3 Retailer Price Fat Cat Software $40 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Since its first appearance in 2015, PowerPhotos continues to offer features Apple doesnt provide in Photos for macOS, making PowerPhotos a must-have for people who want to get the most from Apples app. Photos does improve with every release, but developer Brian Webster continues to update PowerPhotos to make up for whats missing, improving past features and adding more refinements. Version 3 brings a couple of key upgrades as well as big bumps in performance. The apps update, priced at $39.95 for new users, includes new and improved capabilities such as bulk editing metadata (like titles and keywords), using templating to apply incremented counters and other placeholders to groups of media, searching and de-duplicating across multiple Photos libraries, and manipulating media and albums within the app as if you were using Photos. Advanced search options exceed Photos smart folder options Fills a gap in Photos that Apple still hasnt bridged Consider Apples Photos as a basic package on one end of the media management spectrum and Adobes current Lightroom (in two versions) as an advanced option at the other end. (Apples Aperture used to compete there.) Photos offers library organization and, with many improvements over the years, photo editing; Lightroom has both, with far more sophisticated ways to modify and shape images, along with more flexibility in how media is organized and stored. For users who dont need all the advanced features of Lightroom and like the friendliness and deep Apple operating system integration, PowerPhotos 3 provides an affordable set of extras. It works natively with Apple Photos Library format, so you dont give up what you like within Photos. PowerPhotos has no image-editing tools, leaving that territory to Apple and third-party standalone apps. If you need to merge Photos libraries, PowerPhotos is the only recourse. You can de-duplicate in the process. PowerPhotos fills in Photos gaps by letting you work with and around libraries better than Photos works with a single one. Since its launch, PowerPhotos has been the only way to merge libraries and drag-and-drop media from one library to another. If you maintain or want to create multiple Photos libraries to handle your collections or break up a massive library into smaller pieces, PowerPhotos remains the only tool that provides the management features you need. Version 2 added powerful de-duplication so you could remove identical or near-identical images with many options to control how close a match you made, reducing storage use and confusion over which image you wanted. Version 3 extends de-dupe across all the libraries you select. The new version adds to the previous ability to copy albums and media from one library to another the option to move albums or media instead. To prevent media losses while the move is underway, PowerPhotos uses the gold standard of first copying the items to the other library before deleting them from the original. A more powerful search and bulk information editing The keystone features of PowerPhotos 3 are an advanced set of search options and the addition of multi-item (or bulk) metadata editing, which lets you change the title or caption associated with your images or photos using tokens (like Year, Height in pixels, or Place Name). You can have fiendishly complicated searches by mixing All and Any with criteria. I took a lot of photos on that 2023 trip. You will recognize the search feature setup from the way Apple structures smart folders, albums, and Finder Spotlight searches. You can set multiple criteria, nest them, and choose whether to make each nested set of criteria all required (like larger than 1 MB and taken in Italy) or allow just one to match (like in the Italy album or France album or Liechtenstein album). Criteria for these searches include several that arent available in Photos, such as file size or the height or width of a photo. Searches can be saved so you can reuse them later. You can also opt to search a single Photos library or across multiple libraries, further leveraging the use of dividing your media among libraries without making it harder to find what you want. Using tokens like Counter lets you rename media within Photos libraries in meaningful ways. The option to bulk edit metadata should not be underestimated. Apples Photos offers the Inspector pane, which lets you set title, keywords, and other parameters for a set of images and photos (or one at a time). However, Apples tool lacks tokens, which can stand in when renaming the title or reformulating the caption. Even more robustly, PowerPhotos 3 includes a Counter token, which automatically increments by one from the first selected photo or video in your set. (I have previously turned to A Better Finder Attributes for this.) You can use this bulk editing to turn a bunch of files named IMG_1733 with no captions into ones titled with a piece of text, like Trip to California, followed by the date or time in any arrangement you like, and even the place name. For captions, you could include a lot of extra detail useful when reviewing photos, including the exact time in seconds or the height and width in pixels. Changes are previewed in the thumbnail view. In this example, I see the preview of adding the Location to the title metadata. Foundry The bulk editor includes keyword editing, allowing you to select from a list of all keywords in the library or add your own. The developer also updated the app so that all metadata work can be done without your hands leaving the keyboard. More minor updates that still prove useful include a more full-featured photo browser and photo viewer within the app. Nearly all operations you can perform in Photos, like managing albums and moving media, can now be done inside PowerPhotos. A new photo viewer lets you see images within the app instead of using macOSs Quick Look window. The app has had noticeable improvements in speed with loading libraries and viewing images. Should you buy PowerPhotos 3? If you are stymied by limitations in Photos, dont waste a second before getting PowerPhotos. Its an app that complements Photos in basic and advanced ways, unlocking otherwise unavailable power without sacrificing compatibility with Apples library format. There are other alternatives to Photos to consider, read: Best photo editing apps for Mac: Alternatives to Photos . For more information about using Photos read: How to edit in Photos for Mac

My 64GB iPhone was so low on space it barely worked. Heres how I saved it

Macworld With the launch of the iPhone 16e and 11th-gen iPad , Apple has officially phased out all devices with 64GB of storage in favor of 128GB as the entry-level option. Thats great for new buyers, but there are a lot of people who still have 64GB iPhones and iPads that are too new to replace. I know from experience: I own an iPhone 12 mini and a 6th-gen iPad mini , both otherwise great devices, and its become a headache to manage the latest versions of iOS with such a small amount of space. If you also have a device with 64GB of storage and have been struggling with constant low storage alerts, Im here to help. Heres how I made my devices usable again without having to buy a new one. iOS has a storage management problem The ideal amount of storage varies from person to person. For people who mainly use their phone for messaging and browsing the web, the 64GB entry-level option was usually enough. But over the last several years, iOS itself as well as many apps have required much more space. For example, if you only install Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube on your phone, you already end up taking up more than 1GB of storage before any caches or downloads. As for iOS itself, the latest version of the operating system takes up more than 10GB and possibly twice that with System Data. Given that youll probably want to download more than four apps onto your phone, filling up 64GB of storage doesnt take long. With just 64GB of storage, older iPhones can run out of space quickly. Foundry While larger system and app sizes are inevitable as we get more advanced features, Apple is partly to blame for not optimizing how iOS and iCloud manage storage. In theory, iCloud automatically decides what to download to your device based on available space, but what happens most of the time is that iCloud tries to download all your files, even when you dont need them. iMessage can also become a problem, as the system keeps a large cache of all your messages and attachments. All of that is to say, when an iPhone or iPad reaches its storage limit, the device becomes virtually unusable. Apps crash, the camera wont launch, it becomes impossible to install system updates the situation gets bad. But things arent hopeless. If youre dealing with an iPhone or iPad that has run out of available storage, here are a few things I do to make it usable again Remove unused apps This might seem obvious, but the first step is to find out what exactly is taking up your iPhones storage. To do this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage . There youll see details of how much space each app is using, as well as the system. If your device has reached the state of crashing due to a lack of free storage, you can start by removing some installed apps. Start by deleting apps you no longer use. You can sort the list by size or last used date, which will make it easy to see any seldom-used apps that are eating into your storage space. If you cant bring yourself to part with any of your apps, you can also temporarily remove an app from your device without deleting its data. To do this, tap on an app in the iPhone Storage settings and choose the Offload App option. This will delete the app itself by storing its data, documents, and settings. That way, when you reinstall the app, everything will be restored as if it were never deleted. Also in the iPhone Storage settings, you may want to enable the option Offload Unused Apps, which will automatically remove apps that havent been used in a while, but without deleting any data. Delete old iMessage chats If youre a heavy iMessage user, be aware that your conversations can take up a lot of space on your iPhone or iPad. Unfortunately, even though iCloud backs up all your messages in the cloud, it also keeps them downloaded and eats up storage on your phone. You can set your iPhone to automatically delete messages after 30 days or a year. Foundry Until Apple resolves this, we recommend deleting your old chats. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and look for the option Keep Messages. You can set iMessage to automatically delete old messages after 30 days or 1 year, which will continuously free up your iPhones storage. However, just remember that changing this will also delete messages from your other Apple devices. Its an all-or-nothing scenario, however, and theres no easy way to save individual conversations or back them up to an external drive, so if you want to keep any specific conversations, youll need to put in a little work. There are some third-party apps that could help, but for the most part, you need to save each attachment individually and screenshot conversations. Change the iCloud Photos settings Photos and videos are the biggest culprits when it comes to eating up storage space. Similar to iMessage, iCloud Photos also backs up your photos without removing them from your devices, and that can be a problem when youve only got 64GB of storage. There are a couple of things you can do. Obviously, the first is to go through and delete old videos, screenshots, or duplicate photos from your camera roll. The Photos app has a tab under Utilities where you can easily find any duplicate photos and videos in your libraryyou may be surprised by how many you have. Optimizing photo storage can help free up precious space on your 64GB iPhone. Foundry You can also head over Settings > Apps > Photos and check that the Optimize iPhone Storage option is on. This will allow your iPhone to remove some of the full-resolution photos from your device and only download them when you want to see them. But in some cases, you may need an even more aggressive solution. On my devices, for example, I have more than 700GB of photos and videos in iCloud. So, even with optimized iPhone storage, theres still a lot of data that ends up being downloaded to my phone. If youre in a similar boat, consider turning off iCloud Photos and removing all the photos and videos stored on your device. Instead, you can periodically transfer the photos you snap or save to your Mac or an external drive.

Why picking a travel eSIM for your next trip is a smart idea

Macworld Keeping up to date with the latest news, social media posts, podcasts, and messaging services while travelling abroad can be tricky. Your mobile provider will most likely want to charge a small fortune for overseas data plans or youll have to deal with the hassle of trying to buy a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination. Neither are great ways to start a holiday. Thankfully, theres a better solution eSIMs. These allow you to set up your service before you leave home, dont come with expensive rolling contracts, and can be used in a huge range of locations. Thats why they should be the first thing on your list when planning an international trip plus the fact that you can get 10% off on your first Ubigi eSIM data plan purchase with the code MACWORLD right now. What is an eSIM? As you may have already guessed from the name, these are software versions of SIM cards that dont require you to put the actual plastic cards into your devices. This means you cant lose them and they can be set up to be used in a huge selection of countries. Ubigi Theyre compatible with a variety of iPhones, going as far back as the XS, XS Max and XR, as well as plenty of the cellular equipped iPads. In fact, in recent years, US iPhones have become eSIM-only, but you can hold multiple ones on the same handset, which is one of the advantages of not being limited to physical cards. You can get eSIMs from a range of suppliers, with Ubigi in particular being one of the most trusted names in the travel eSIM space. Travel without hassle or expense Theres already plenty of things to think about when on a foreign trip, so you dont want to be worrying about staying connected on your iPhone. Thats why eSIMs are so useful, as you can prepare everything before you leave. With Ubigi travel eSIMs you can even get them 6 months before you travel, with the peace of mind that theyll automatically start working when you arrive at your destination. This means that the moment your plane lands or the boat docks, youll have an active data connection. The best part is that you can avoid the roaming charges from your normal carriers, which can be expensive, and instead get close to the normal local rates of the countrys network providers. Should you be travelling through multiple locations, then Ubigi will follow you everywhere as it works in over 200 destinations worldwide. You only need to install the eSIM once and then you can use the dedicated app to top up data as your journey unfolds. No worries and no fuss, especially since you can top up via the app even if you run out of data and cant connect to WiFi. Ubigi Flexible plans that work for you Ubigi travel eSIM data plans come in so many options that youll be bound to find one that suits your needs while abroad. Some popular ones include 7-days of unlimited data in Japan , 25GB of data in France for 30 days , unlimited data in the USA for 30 days , and those visiting the UK can get 10GB to use across a month , but note that many destinations have plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited data. At the moment, new customers can also take advantage of a fantastic offer that gives you 10% off any plan with the code MACWORLD . Theres an old saying that the longest journey begins with but a single step. Just make sure your first one is to sort out a data plan on an eSIM so your travels can start off on the right foot. Save 10% on Ubigi travel eSIMs Use code MACWORLD

Save up to 55% on the stylish Baseus Picogo MagSafe power bank

Macworld Picture this: youre on the go, your boss calls and you have to pick up the phone for a meeting. The meeting keeps getting longer and longer and, suddenly, your phones low-battery warning pops up. Instead of scrambling for power cable, you just take out the Baseus Picogo MagSafe portable power bank and magnetically connect it to the back of your phone. Crisis averted! Of course, the scenario may differ. You may be at a concert, you may be running late to meet a friend, or you may be trying to catch an Uber late at nightwhatever the situation, a power bank like the Baseus Picogo can solve the problem for you. The Baseus Picogo MagSafe portable chargers are absolutely gorgeous, with a slim build and a sleek design. The aluminum alloy casing makes it easy for heat to dissipate, thus avoiding overheating during charging, plus they feature an AI monitoring chip that checks temps thousands of times every hour. The wear-resistant silicone surface is soft to the touch and leaves no messy fingerprints. This tiny power bank from Baseus is super-thin, so youll barely even feel the difference when you have it magnetically attached to the back of your iPhone (or your Android phone with a MagSafe case). Its edges are curved, so they wont dig into your hand, either, which is such a smart detail. The device is also light enough that it wont bother you to hold it while using your phone. There are two versions of the Baseus Picogo, and which you choose depends on your charging needs. Both 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh capacity versions are available. The 5,000mAh Picogo is only 0.3 inches thick and weighs 4.6oz, so youll barely even feel that youre holding it. The 10,000mAh version is a bit thicker, measuring 0.5 inches, and weighing 7.8oz. Still, the devices otherwise have the same size, measuring just 2.62 inches in length and 3.93 inches in height. A key difference between these devices is their charging output, for both wired and wireless connections. The 5,000mAh Picogo delivers 7.5W wireless charging, but you can also use a type-C-to-C cable if you want a faster rechargethis can reach up to 20W. Dont worry, the cable comes in the package. For the 10,000mAh Picogo, you can expect faster 15W Qi2-certified wireless charging and 27W wired charging via the USB-C port. Another thing to consider when making your choice is that the 5,000mAh Picogo typically offers a single recharge for your phone, while the 10,000mAh should deliver two full recharges. Of course, this all depends on your phones battery capacity. Since we know price matters, you should know the Baseus Picogo is on sale over at Amazon. The 5,000mAh Picogo costs $26.99 right now , a 55% discount from its MSRP. The 10,000mAh version is a bit more expensive, and and you can get it for $39.99 , 20% under its MSRP. These deals are not going to last forever, so you should definitely move fast if you want to get one of these Baseus Picogo MagSafe power banks. The Baseus Picogo 5,000mAh is $26.99 Buy now at Amazon The Baseus Picogo 10,000mAh is $39.99 Buy now at Amazon

9 Android features iOS 19 desperately needs

Macworld iOS 19 is rumored to pack the most significant user interface overhaul since iOS 7, with a streamlined visionOS-inspired design for the iPhone. While Im looking forward to seeing what these cosmetic changes bring, Im far more interested in the changes Apple will bring to the iPhones functionality. As a former Android user, its hard not to see the influence Googles operating system has had on iOS over the years. But despite Apple already bringing a ton of Android features over to the iPhone, such as default app options and advanced system customizations, there are still a lot of things that Android just does better. Here are a few software features Apple needs to bring to the iPhone. 1. Proper audio sharing Whether Im running with a friend or taking the metro with them, I like sharing the same music queue to synchronize the vibe. iOS has long supported audio sharing, but its limited to AirPods and select Beats headphones. So my friend should be able to connect their earbuds to my iPhone to hear what Im listening to, whether or not theyre using AirPods. Conversely, my friends Android phone should be able to recognize my AirPods and stream music to both pairs of earbuds at the same time. This is a typical Apple ecosystem restriction designed to promote the companys own devices. And, even though Im fully invested in Apples products, the limitation downgrades my experience when a friend opts for a different brand. Its irritating, as there arent any obvious technological constraints barring Apple from elevating the feature for all parties involved. On Android phones, users can share audio no matter what headphones theyre using.. Foundry 2. Actual multitasking Way back when I used to rock a Samsung Galaxy Note II with a 5.5-inch screen, one of the handy features I actively relied on was the split-screen view, which let me operate two apps at the same time. While I agree that smartphone displays are relatively small for multitasking, sometimes you do need to open two apps side by side for quick reference. Today, Apple sells 6.9-inch iPhones with processors many times faster than the Galaxy Note IIs Exynos chip. Yet, due to its complex philosophy, Apple refuses to bring Split View or even Slide Over to iOS. At the very least, I wish iOS 19 would support Android-style floating chat bubbles so we could quickly open, reply to, and dismiss levitating chats while performing other tasks. 3. A better keyboard While the iPhone supports a wide variety of third-party keyboards, arguably none of them work as well as the one that comes with your iPhone, and its high time Apple added some overdue features to its stock keyboard. The main one I miss from my Android phone is the built-in clipboard, which lets you store multiple snippets of copied information, such as text and images, so you can paste them into apps as needed. Meanwhile, iOS still limits its users to a single copied item, which is inconvenient for all but the simplest uses, and a mere software update can fix that. And while were at it, an optional number row for the default keyboard is long overdue as well. 4. Personal always-on display Apple has finally taken most of the shackles off the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center, letting users personalize them in all manner of ways. Despite that, however, the always-on display feature continues to merely mirror the same setup on the Lock Screen. While you can personalize it in very basic ways, such as turning off the wallpaper and hiding notifications, you cant do much else to customize it on its own. Meanwhile, most Android phone brands allow users to design always-on views from scratch, letting them add unique widgets based on their needs. For example, on Samsung Galaxy phones, users can change the clock, add their own wallpaper, set their own widgets, and pin memos for quick access. Id love to be able to do the same on my iPhone. The options for the iPhones always-on display are very limited. Lewis Painter / Foundry 5. More (and better) AI tools In the era of powerful AI systems, Apple evidently still has no idea what its doing in this domain. While Apple Intelligence is still struggling to deliver the most basic of promises, Android phone manufacturers are offering their customers impressive AI perks with built-in chatbots and powerful image creation tools. With iOS 19, Apple needs to take a more adventurous route and explore deeper AI integrations. Assuming the new Siri arrives in September, future update need to go further with how Apple Intelligence integrates with the phoneAndroid already has things like a built-in wallpaper generator, real-time conversations with Googles Gemini Live, and advanced photo manipulation tools, so Apple has a lot of catching up to do. 6. Category-based notification system With iOS 18, Apple attempted to fix its notification mess by relying on AI. Apple Intelligence can scan alerts, summarize them, surface priority ones, and filter out the rest. While this is undoubtedly a step forward, it doesnt truly fix the underlying core problem. This isnt the first time Apple tried to fix notifications, but the solution is right under its nose: Androids channels, which divide notifications into granular categories that can be individually turned on and off. This would provide users with greater control over the alerts they receive and only let the important stuff through. The iPhone finally allows RCS, but Apple doesnt make it seamless. Petter Ahrnstedt 7. RCS that works with everyone Apple elevated texting with RCS support in iOS 18, which brought iMessage features such as read receipts, high-quality media, and more to green-bubble conversations. However, unlike Google, Apple adopted a carrier-dependent approach, requiring both service providers to support it in order to send and receive RCS messages. While the majority of relevant U.S. carriers are now compatible with RCS, international markets are still far behind. So, even if your carrier supports the protocol, you still wont be able to get the benefits of RCS when texting most of your international friends. Apple could address this by heading the Android way and offloading the service to its cloud infrastructure, but it has made it clear that it wont do that. Instead, were stuck with an inferior service. 8. Charging time estimation Android users have known exactly when their phones will hit 100% for years, and we were hopeful Apple was releasing a similar feature this year. A hidden iOS 18.2 beta feature revealed that Apple is working on a new feature called Battery Intelligence that estimates how long it will take the iPhones battery to charge fully based on the battery remaining and the charger being used. However, it didnt appear in iOS 18.2, 18.3, or 18.4, and doesnt appear to be part of iOS 18.5. Given that Apple hasnt officially announced the feature as part of iOS 18, its hard to predict when or whether itll actually materialize, but were hopeful its coming in iOS 19. But Apple clearly took notice of Android phones that have offered a similar perk for years, and I hope Apple gets it right by the time iOS 19 debuts. When you charge an Android phone, you know how long it will takethats not the case with iOS. Foundry 9. App cache management This is a niche gripe, but one thing I fondly remember about my Galaxy Mini is how often I cleared certain apps cache due to the phones limited storage. While new iPhones now offer at least 128GB of storage, clearing an apps cache can still come in handy. For example, the Threads app on iOS occupies less than 100MB of storage for the app itself, but its cached data on my phone has surpassed 3GB. The only way to reclaim this significant disk portion is to delete the app and reinstall it. However, this also zaps anything you may have personalized or stored rather than merely purging unnecessary content. A simple Clear Cache button in iOS 19s storage settings would address this issue.

What to do when an iCloud calendar invitation wont work

Macworld iCloud lets you share calendars with other people who have iCloud accounts. They can be in a Family Sharing group or anyone at all. You can even invite people without an iCloud account, who will then be invited to create one. However, readers have reported (and Ive seen) that invitations sometimes arent delivered or dont work, no matter what you try. Heres typically how you would share and send an invitation within the Calendar app in macOS 15 Sequoia: Create a new iCloud calendar ( File > New Calendar > iCloud ) or select an existing one in the sidebar. Hover over the right side of the calendar listing, and an icon of a silhouetted head and shoulders within a circle appears. Click it. In the Share With field, start typing a name or email address and then click it to autocomplete. You can also paste in email addresses. Click Done . You can share any iCloud calendar. Invite someone (left); once they have accepted the invitation, they appear with a green checkmark. iCloud now sends invitations to all the parties listed and provides push notifications to their devices if they have notifications enabled for Calendar. They should receive an email message with a Join Calendar link they can click or tap, which will take them to iCloud.com to log in and accept the invitation. If that email doesnt arrive or using the link doesnt work, here is the workaround, which is a perfectly acceptable pathway to accept an invitation: Have the invited party log in to iCloud.com with the account you used for their invitation. Click the Calendar icon. Click the inbox icon, which should have the numeral 1 or a larger numeral overlaid on it as a badge. Under the invitation notification, click Join . An email invitation should appear in the recipients inbox (left). They can bypass the email and log in to iCloud.com, and accept the invitation (right). They are now joined to the calendar, which you can check via the calendar entry on your Mac. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Joe. 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.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 gets $50 discount in first price drop

Macworld Are you ready for it? And by it, we mean the very first discount for the fantastic Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. These buds only launched a few months ago, and this is the first time theyve gone on sale. Its not some measly discount either, but an absolutely amazing $50 off, taking the Powerbeats down from $250 to a shade under $200 . How do we know theyre fantastic? Well, we reviewed them and gave them a four-star rating and our Editors Choice award. We found these earbuds to be light and small with a secure fit on your ear, delivering fantastic sound and impressive battery life. These are now our hands-down favorite earbuds for exercising and athletics, the review readseven better than AirPods Pro. These are the perfect earbuds for exercising because the built-in earhooks mean you wont worry about them falling off. Plus active noise cancelling will help you focus completely on the task at hand, while transparency mode will keep you safe while jogging on busy roads. Best of all, these buds come with a heart-rate monitor on board that will send your bpm to your iPhone. This is an impressive pair of earbuds even at full price. But this $50 discount to bring the price under $200 at Amazon makes them a must-buy, so go grab this deal while you still can. Upgrade your workout with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 for $50 off Buy now at Amazon

The best iPhone deals this month

Macworld You dont have to pay full price to buy an iPhone. If you shop around you can find a bargain. Every month the Macworld team hunts down the best prices on iPhones at all major retailers and cellphone operators, saving you the hassle of finding the best iPhone deals. In this article, we reveal the best iPhone deals, contracts, and bundles available right now. Well help you find a discounted iPhone suitable for any budget, and cover all the currently available models, including the brand-new iPhone 16e , as well as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, and 2023s iPhone 15 and 15 Plus . We also have the best prices for older iPhones, including models that Apple has removed from sale, but which you can still buy elsewhere. The iPhone 16e is the latest iPhone to arrive, launching in February 2025 and joining the iPhone 16 series, which debuted in September 2024. Later this year we expect Apple to launch the iPhone 17 series. For help deciding which iPhone to buy might like to read our detailed iPhone buying guide , and our comparison of every iPhone . We also look at the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16e vs the iPhone 15 to see if its worth saving money or spending more; plus you might be interested to read about the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 16e to see if its worth upgrading, and our thoughts on the same question regarding iPhone SE vs iPhone 16e . Alternatively, read: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 . Best value iPhone deals right now U.S. In the U.S., the only big iPhone deals you can find come from carriers, and have a lot of strings attached. Typically, you have to buy a phone on a multi-year instalment plan and get your discount in the form of monthly bill credits. Optimum Mobile New and existing Optimum Mobile customers on any plan can get the iPhone 16e 128 GB for free with a select trade-in; or they can get $400 off any iPhone 16e with any trade-in. Additionally, Optimum Mobile customers can enjoy two Unlimited lines for only $45 per month or one Unlimited line for only $25 per month Verizon You can get up to $1,000 off on if you have the Unlimited Ultimate plan, up to $830 off with the Unlimited Plus plan, and up to $415 off with the Unlimited Welcome plan. Must trade in a phone. AT&T Offering up to $830 off iPhone 16 or $1,000 off iPhone 16 Pro, as bill credits over 36 months, you have to trade in an eligible phone, and you have to have a qualifying postpaid unlimited voice and data plan. T-Mobile Offers up to $830 off iPhone 16 or $1,000 off iPhone 16 Pro, as bill credits over 24 months, with Go5G Next or Go5G Business Next plan. Must trade in phone for iPhone 16 Pro offer. Boost Mobile Get $1,000 off the iPhone 16 lineup with Boost Mobiles $65/month Infinite Access plan. No trade-in required. A full year of FREE Boost Mobile wireless service when purchasing the iPhone 16 at full price with the $25/mo Unlimited plan, or apply the offer to the $50/mo Unlimited+ or $60/mo Unlimited Premium plans. Best Buy Best Buy will sell you an iPhone with AT&T or Verizon. U.K. In the U.K., Apple-certified resellers discount unlocked iPhones frequently. Look for money off at Amazon , John Lewis , Currys , and Very . Its currently possible to find discounts on the 16-series iPhones, including the new 16e model. Since the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE have now been discontinued you can expect to see good deals on them as resellers clear out stock. You may also find discounts on older models such as the discontinued iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro. The Amazon Spring Sale is taking place until March 28 and we are seeing some discounts on older iPhone models. These represent only small savings on the newer models, so we would recommend buying the newer model if you can afford to. KRCS, iPhone 16e (128GB) : 593.01 (5.99 off, RRP 599) Amazon, iPhone 16 (128GB) : 698 (101 off, RRP 799) Amazon, iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) : 798 (101 off, RRP 899) AO, iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) : 899 (100 off, RRP 999) Amazon, iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) : 1,099 (100 off, RRP 1,199) Amazon, iPhone 15 (128GB) : 598 (101 off, RRP 699) Amazon, iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) : 698 (101 off, RRP 799) Argos, iPhone 14 (128GB) : 495 (104 off, RRP was 599 Clearance ) For models that Apple no longer sells, bear in mind that we can only compare current prices against RRPs from before their discontinuation. Its reasonable to assume that the price of the iPhone 15 Pro, for example, would have dropped in September 2024 if Apple hadnt stopped selling it. Theres more information in the individual sections below. Also see our dedicated round-ups of the best iPhone deals: iPhone 16e, 16 & iPhone 16 Pro deals (US) and iPhone 16e, 16 & iPhone 16 Pro deals (UK) iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro deals (US) and iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro deals (UK) Where to buy an iPhone Apple is the obvious place to look for a new iPhone. You can purchase directly from Apples online store (theres a separate U.K. store ), which wont give you savings, but does at least allow you to take advantage of trading in your old iPhone (see: How to sell or trade-in your old iPhone ). We also have a complete guide to every iPhone Apple sells . Alternatively, Amazon U.K. regularly discounts iPhone models, so its well worth keeping an eye out there. If you think youll be doing lots of Amazon shopping, wed recommend signing up to the 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime for free next-day delivery and access to deals 30 minutes early. You can sign up here. Amazon U.S. doesnt always sell iPhones, and when it does it is usually in conjunction with one of the carriers. Some times we see Amazon savings on SIM-free iPhones. Amazon tends to sell refurbished iPhones in the U.S. Its worth checking the price of the iPhones in the following U.S. stores, which occasionally provide solid savings: Amazon Walmart Best Buy And U.K. readers should try these shops: Amazon U.K. Argos AO Currys John Lewis Carphone Warehouse KRCS In addition, we recommend you check out our automatically updated price tables, embedded below, which gather the best prices from a wide range of retailers in your region. Where to buy an iPhone on contract Most of the major networks will offer the iPhone at a discount if you meet certain conditions (usually opening new lines, or buying on multi-year installment plans). Here are links to browse the latest deals: Optimum Mobile Verizon AT&T T-Mobile Boost Mobile U.K. readers can browse contract deals using the tool embedded below. Click Choose Smartphone to register which model youre interested in. If youd like to research deals for yourself, try the following U.K. providers: O2 Vodafone Three Virgin Mobile EE Sky Mobile Carphone Warehouse (use the comparison tool by clicking View Deals, and remember to tick the box labeled Show total cost of ownership) Trade-in discounts Dont forget you can save when you trade in your old qualifying phone with Apple or other retailers participating in a trade-in program. Apple offers up to hundreds of dollars off your new iPhone when you trade in your old iPhone (but if your phone is older, youll likely get much less). Youll have to select the trade-in option during purchase and answer a few questions about your existing phone model, storage capacity and condition. Youll need to provide your IMEI number as well. Read about Apples Trade In scheme in the U.S. and U.K. In the U.K. you could get even more money off if you trade-in via Currys PC World. Head to Currys to see how much your device is worth. Amazon also offers some good trade-in values, so you should see if you can get more there. Check out Amazons Trade In program in the U.S . U.K. readers can see how Amazon trade-in process works here. Apple reseller KRCS also offers a trade-in scheme . Note that you can save money if youve got another iPhone to trade in, see: How to sell or trade in your old iPhone . Best iPhone deals right now iPhone 16e: From $599/599 Retailer Price $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 16: From $799/799 New Refurbished Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB Ultramarine Unlocked $702 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB Teal Unlocked $702 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB Pink Unlocked $702 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB Black Unlocked $719.99 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB White Unlocked $724 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices iPhone 16 Plus: From $899/899 New Refurbished Retailer Price $929 View Deal $929.99 View Deal $972.70 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Black Unlocked $721 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Pink Unlocked $740 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Ultramarine Unlocked $745.87 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Teal Unlocked $749 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB White Unlocked $777 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices iPhone 16 Pro: From $999/999 New Refurbished Retailer Price $999 View Deal Apple $999 View Deal $999.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Pro 128GB Black Titanium Unlocked $819.99 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro 128GB Desert Titanium Unlocked $853 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro 128GB Natural Titanium Unlocked $853 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro 128GB White Titanium Unlocked $864.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 16 Pro Max: From $1,199/1,199 New Refurbished Retailer Price $1199 View Deal $1199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB White Titanium Unlocked $985 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium Unlocked $1091 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Desert Titanium Unlocked $1091 View Deal iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Black Titanium Unlocked $1091.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15: Now from $699 / 699 Retailer Price $729 View Deal $729.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 15 Plus: Now from $799 / 799 Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Deals on older/discontinued iPhones When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e it stopped selling the iPhone 14, 14 Plus and iPhone SE. When it introduced the iPhone 16 range it discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. When Apple introduced the iPhone 15 range it discontinued the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and so on When Apple stops selling older iPhones in its store, however, that doesnt mean they have disappeared entirely; you may find them in Apples refurbished store, for example. You may also find older handsets on sale at third-party stores and Apple resellers. Take a look at our round up of deals for the following discontinued iPhones: Best iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro & Pro Max deals iBest Phone 13-series deals Best iPhone SE deals iPhone Refurbished deals If you want to save even more money you may want to consider buying a refurbished iPhone. Refurbished devices are thoroughly tested and repaired to work and look just like new. In the case of official Apple refurbished iPhones, you get a brand-new body and screen, box, accessories, battery, and warranty. Its almost indistinguishable from buying a new iPhone. See our full guide tobuying refurbished or second-hand iPhones for more. The first place to shop for a refurbished iPhone is at the Apple Refurbished Store . It will be a while before Apple offers refurbished iPhone 16 models for salethey usually start showing up when the next model is released. Rest assured, the Apple Refurbished Store is where you can get the highest quality of refurbished iPhones. Apples not the only reseller to sell refurbished iPhones. You could also check the following stockists. Amazon BackMarket Best Buy Refurb.me Gazelle Reboxed

It sure looks like AI-powered search is coming to Safari

Macworld AI-based search options may be coming to Safari across Apples platforms. At least, thats what Eddy Cue, Apples senior VP of services, testified in the Justice Departments lawsuit against Alphabet Inc. The lawsuit is over Googles monopoly over search and whether it broke antitrust law. One of the ways it was said to have done this is by paying Apple to maintain its position as the default search engine in Safari (realistically, the only web browser for over a billion iPhone users). Last year, the court found Google to be acting as a monopolist, claiming it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly. It has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Now, Google is in court again to discuss exactly what the remedy should bewill Alphabet/Googles properties be broken apart? If so, how? In his court appearance, Eddy Cue remarked on the Safari search deal with Google and where things are headed, according to a report from Bloomberg . Cue said Apple is actively looking at changing the way search works in Safari to focus on AI-powered search engines. Searches actually dipped on Safari last month for the first time, he said, which he attributed to people getting their answers from AI. Cue said he believes AI-based search products like those from Perplexity, Anthropic, and OpenAI will eventually replace the standard search one gets from Google. He expects to add those as search providers to Safari in the future, adding, We will add them to the list they probably wont be the default. Cue said the products still need to improve before that happens, however. He said making Google the default search was a natural choice because the other search engines were valid choices. I think today there is much greater potential because there are new entrants attacking the problem in a different way, he added. Meanwhile, Google is moving ahead rapidly to incorporate AI into its search results and will soon debut a new AI mode for its search. In general, it seems that the public dislikes AI stuff inserted into search results, and the only feedback we see is that Google is ruining search and that more people just get answers to things they need from social media, instead. Google had a chance to be the AI partner for Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, instead of OpenAIs ChatGPT. There was a bake-off between the two, but Googles term sheet, he says, had a lot of things Apple wouldnt agree to and didnt agree to with OpenAI. Google is widely rumored to become an option for extended AI features in iOS 19 , providing users with a choice between ChatGPT, Gemini, and perhaps others. The following paragraph of Bloombergs story is illuminating: Still, [Cue] believes Google should remain the default in Safari, saying that he has lost sleep over the possibility of losing the revenue share from their agreement. He said Apples agreement with Google today on regular search still has the best financial terms. This description of the proceedings makes it sound like Cue believes AI search, while not good enough right now, is the future and will soon be better for most users. But the billions of dollars Google pays to be the default is too good to give up.

I tested every Apple Watch feature for battery drain. The usual advice is wrong

Macworld There are countless online guides offering to help you stretch your Apple Watchs battery life , generally by turning off all the flashiest features. But I wanted to be more scientific about it. I wanted to know which features drain the watchs battery the most, and how much extra life youll gain by turning each of them off. That way we can decide for ourselves whether its worth the sacrifice to turn off the always-on display, for example, or the watchs various health features. Lets test! How we tested For this experiment I wore two identical watches (the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 without cellular) for two weeks. We did our best to ensure that they were in largely the same condition. One had 120 charges under its belt, the otherborrowed from a colleaguehad 162. The number of recorded workouts on the two devices should be comparable too: my colleague cycles, while I dance. Not together, of course. I wore the two Apple Watches at the same time (one on each wrist) across four runs of the test. In two runs, the always-on display function was activated on one watch and not on the other. All other settings were the same. In the third run, background app updates, irregular heart rhythm notifications and general app notifications were deactivated on one watch, and left alone on the other. And in the fourth and final run, all settings were identical on both watches to check they were at an equivalent battery level. This last run gives scientific validity to the rest of our findings. Results As you can see from the graph above, the Apple Watch running always-on mode already achieves excellent battery life of more than 30 hours. (It should be noted that I received very few notifications from the apps on my Apple Watch during the tests, which may have helped.) But the watch without always-on lasted 10 to 12 hours longer . Thats a significant increase in battery life from turning off a single (albeit useful and popular) feature. In the next run (purple and green lines in the graph above), always-on was activated on both watches, but I switched off background app refresh, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and all app notifications (green). Although its the best performance in the graph, the differences are nowhere near as dramatic as when I deactivated always-on. Turning off these features earned us an extra five hours . It wasnt until the fourth run that I noticed an oddity. While synchronizing screenshots, I disconnected the watch on the left wrist from the iPhone, and paired the one on the right. In previous runs, the left watch had shown better running times, regardless of settings. When the other watch was actively paired, the picture changed, and ultimately the watch on the right wrist lasted longer than the one on the left. Conclusions Any features that turn on the screen, whether thats always-on or excessive notifications, will drain the battery. Thats obvious. But the degree to which these features affect battery life varies. If you use notifications sparingly, this will have a positive effect on battery life. But managing without always-on will produce far larger gains, delivering an Apple Watch with unprecedented battery performance. You can also be strategic in your use of always-on: pick an always-on face that only displays the time when its locked, rather than lots of additional information. This gives you the best of both worlds. Weve read online advice to turn off background updates and heart rate notifications, but these seem to be nothing more than snake oil. Turning off these functions hardly affects battery life, and irregular heart rhythm notifications can be one of the Apple Watchs most useful functions. My advice is to keep them switched on. Finally, we found that being disconnected from its companion iPhone for several hours has a negative effect on the Apple Watchs battery life. This even applies to models without cellular. So if you go jogging, its best to take your iPhone with you. Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) Price When Reviewed: $429 Best Prices Today: $329 at Amazon | $329 at Walmart Electronics | $329.99 at Target

Two official Apple Watch bands for just $30?! This blind BOGO deal cant be missed

Macworld Apples official Watch bands are fashionable, well-made, and, well, kind of expensive. But not today. Amazons Woot! has an amazing deal for Apples official Braided Solo loop bands, which lands you two for just $30 . These bands usually sell for $99 each , so youre getting an incredible $168 off or 85 percent off! The twist for this offer is that its a complete surprise which bands youre actually getting. You just pick the size of the band and the size of the watch you want to use it with, and Woot will send you a pair of bands in two of 23 colors. They promise not to duplicate colors in boxes, so youll definitely have two bands to match multiple outfits. Just note, its crucial to get the Solo Loop size right because it lacks a buckle for adjustments. Apple provides straightforward instructions to help you determine your wrist size accurately, which requires printing out a set of instructions and cutting out a ruler. Additionally, keep in mind that there are two Solo Loop widths available, designed to correspond with your Apple Watch size (either 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm Apple Watch models, or 44mm/45mm/46mm/49mm models. Suffice to say this buy one and get one free offer for just $30 is a fantastic deal for an official Apple Watch. Theres a limit of three per customer, so you can get up to six colorful bands. Since this deal is on Woot, youll have to hurry up because its only available for a limited time (three days to go) or until sold out, whichever comes first. Buy one get one Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop band free Buy now at Woot!

Best Apple Watch deals this month

Macworld The Apple Watch is arguably the best smartwatch on the market, but its not cheapstarting at $399/399 for the Apple Watch Series 10 . However, you dont have to pay full price for an Apple Watch. Resellers are currently offering some fantastic deals on the Apple Watch. In this article, we share the best Apple Watch deals you can get right now so you dont have to pay full price. But if youre trying to choose the right model for your needs, take a look at our Best Apple Watch buying guide . Best Apple Watch deals The Apple Watch Series 10 arrived in September 2024. The arrival of the Series 10 marked the end of the Apple Watch Series 9, which Apple discontinued. Despite that, it is likely to remain on sale from resellers for some timeand you could take advantage of some decent discounts. The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2 havent been updated. U.S. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : $299 ($100 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : $329 ($100 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm) : $199 ($80 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 2 : $749 ($50 off, MSRP $799) U.K. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) : 299 (100 off, RRP 399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) : 329 (100 off, RRP 429) KRCS, Apple Watch SE (2022, 40mm) : 214.62 (4.38 off, RRP 219) KRCS, Apple Watch SE (2022, 44mm) : 244.02 (4.98 off, RRP 249) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra (1st gen) : 650 (199 off, RRP was 849 Clearance ) Use our automated price trackers below to compare prices for the most popular models across various retailers. Best Apple Watch Series 10 deals The Apple Watch 10 (2024 model) starts at $399/399 for the aluminum 41mm version and $429/429 for the 44mm model.Its an extra $100/100 for cellular. It costs the same as the Series 9 did. Apple Watch Series 10, 42mm, from $399/399 Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm, from $429/429 New Refurbished Retailer Price $329 View Deal $329 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $429.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 1 (2020) GPS + Cellular 44 mm Aluminium Gold Sport loop Red $146.84 View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 42 mm Aluminium Rose Gold Sport band Starlight $300 View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 46 mm Aluminium Rose Gold Sport band Starlight $307.49 View Deal Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) GPS + Cellular 46 mm Aluminium Rose Gold Sport loop Red $413.06 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best Apple Watch Ultra2 deals The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023 model) starts at $799/799. It comes with cellular. The original Ultra previously sold for $799/849, so the U.K. price is better this time. Apple Watch Ultra 2, from $799/799 New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Blue $470 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Blue $670 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Black Alpine loop Green $720.61 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best Apple Watch SE (2022)deals The Apple Watch SE (2022 model) starts at $249/219 (was 259) for the 40mm version. Its an extra $50/50 for cellular. New Refurbished Retailer Price $169 View Deal $169 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $119.30 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $130.49 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $131.67 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $131.67 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band White $138 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $147.73 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport loop Starlight $238.14 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices The 44mm version of the Apple Watch SE 2 starts at $279/249 (was 299). New Refurbished Retailer Price $199 View Deal $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279 View Deal $279.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $128.97 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $139.09 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS + Cellular 44 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $169 View Deal Apple Watch Series SE 2 (2022) GPS 44 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $399 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Discontinued Apple Watches Best Apple Watch Ultra 1 deals The original Apple Watch Ultra was discontinued when the second model launched, but you may still see a deal or two. You can also expect to see refurbished and used models for sale. Apple Watch Ultra 1, 49mm, was $799/849 New Refurbished Retailer Price $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Trail loop Black $397 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Black $426.60 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Green $427.99 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Trail loop Blue $449 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band White $449.39 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Trail loop Yellow $460.09 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Blue $470 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop White $481.49 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2022) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Yellow $526 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Black Alpine loop Green $720.61 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Best Apple Watch Series 9 deals The Apple Watch 9 (2023 model) has been discontinued, but you may still see a deal or two. You can also expect to see refurbished and used models for sale. Apple Watch Series 9, 41mm, was $399/399 New Refurbished Retailer Price $154.99 View Deal $379 View Deal $399 View Deal $399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 41 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $240.87 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 41 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $241 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $246.23 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $256.93 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $257 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 41 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $257.02 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Stainless steel Silver Sport band Blue $264 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band Blue $264.34 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 41 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band Blue $276.69 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Pink Sport band Pink $279 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Apple Watch Series 9, 45mm, was $429/429 New Refurbished Retailer Price $429.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $222.48 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $236 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $246.23 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band Blue $251.58 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $256.93 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $257 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band Blue $264 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $271 View Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $279 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Best Apple Watch Series 8 deals Its been a couple of years since Apple sold the Series 8, but you can can expect to see refurbished and used models for sale. Apple Watch Series 8, 41mm, was from $399/419 New Refurbished Retailer Price $379.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS 41 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $145 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $174 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $193 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS 41 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $196.99 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Stainless steel Gold Sport band Starlight $201.92 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Stainless steel Silver Sport band White $220.99 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 41 mm Stainless steel Graphite Sport band Black $229 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Apple Watch Series 8, 45mm, was from $399/419 New Refurbished Retailer Price Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Midnight Sport band Black $165 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $181.89 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $183.56 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Silver Sport band White $189 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Starlight Sport band Starlight $195.99 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $196 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS 45 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Red $208.99 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Stainless steel Gold Sport band Starlight $231.99 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Stainless steel Graphite Milanese loop Black $239.59 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Stainless steel Gold Sport band Black $244 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Aluminium Red Sport band Black $285 View Deal Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) GPS + Cellular 45 mm Stainless steel Graphite Sport band Black $383 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Where to buy an Apple Watch If youre simply looking to pick up an Apple Watch regardless of price, there are plenty of stores that sell not only the latest Apple Watch Series, but older variants of the Apple Watch that arent available from Apple any moresome at significant savings, too. Apple Watch buyers in the U.S. can check out the following stores: Apple Amazon Best Buy Costco Target Walmart If youre based in the U.K., you can pick up an Apple Watch from the following retailers: Apple Amazon Argos Carphone Warehouse Currys John Lewis KRCS Very Where to buy an Apple Watch with Cellular Youve also got the option of picking up an Apple Watch with a cellular contract, allowing it to function as a standalone device that doesnt need to be tethered to your phone to make calls and send texts.Amazon and other retailers sell the Apple Watch with cellular and you can usually find discounts on most models, though not as deep as the GPS versions. Here are the sales were tracking this month: All of the major U.S. carriers sell the Apple Watch and offer trade-in deals: T-Mobile Verizon AT&T Carriers in the UK that stock the Apple Watch include: EE O2 Vodafone Best refurbished Apple Watch deals One of the best places to look for Apple Watch deals all year round is the Apple Refurbished Store. There, youll find huge Apple Watch discounts, sometimes even on the latest models. These Apple Watches have been returned to Apple for various reasons, and then completely revamped for resale. One of the major benefits of buying a refurbished Watch from Apple is that it will come with a one-year warranty so Apple may fix or replace it for free should anything happen to it in that first year. In the U.S. you can get an Apple Watch Series 9, either generation of Ultra, or the SE for less than full price. You can, for example, save $120 on a refurbished 2nd-gen Apple Watch Ultra. Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K. you can save money on an Apple Watch Series 7, 8, or 9, either generation of Ultra, or the Apple Watch SE. For instance, you can save up to 100 on a refurbished Apple Watch 9. Get a refurbished Apple Watch at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) For more information on this topic, read Should I buy a refurbished Apple Watch? See our roundup of the best Apple Watch bands , as well as our roundup of the best stands and charging docks . Also, note that Apple has left the power adapter out of the box for the Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Read: Which plug do I need for my Apple Watch? If this is your first time buying and using an Apple Watch, weve also got helpful tips on how to use the Apple Watch .

Carbonite Safe Review: Doing what iCloud cant

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Unlimited storage space across all three subscription tiers Handy 15-day trial that doesnt require a credit or debit card to be entered Simple interface and good upload and file restore options Cons Weird installation and the full disk option has to be checked in the Privacy and Security preferences as opposed to the installer offering this option Mac-specific help videos/tutorials appear to be missing from the Carbonite website Doesnt offer backup options for local external volumes Our Verdict Carbonite Safe earns its reputation, and the application is easy to work with, upload with, and restore from. Theres something good here its definitely worth your Consideration. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $71.99 per year (Basic) Best Prices Today: Carbonite Safe Retailer Price Carbonite $71.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Theres something to be said for creating an application that doesnt have a ton of bells and whistles, but instead hones in, performs its core functions well, saves and restores data, and builds its reputation that way. This is the key premise to Carbonite Safe , which requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later to install and run. Carbonite Safe starts at the Basic plan of $6/month or $71.99/year, with its Plus and Prime subscription plans offering access to Webroot antiviral software, allowing an external volumes to be uploaded, and complimentary courier services of recovered data files if need be. The company even offers a 15-day free trial with no credit or debit card information needing to be sent along, rare these days. Carbonite Safe has long been considered an excellent application to store data online and its easy to see why. After installing the software and granting it full access to your Macs hard drive, its easy to choose specific files and folders to upload to an unlimited storage space, even under the Basic account. See how Carbonite Safe compares to other cloud based backups for Mac . You can select specific data to back up, such as your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, or Movies folder, or choose your entire Mac internal hard drive to back up and Carbonite Safe will plow into the task, steadily uploading your data to the companys servers. Foundry True to form as a recovery utility, the applications recovery features are impressive, and can either download data and insert it back into its original location or to a specified location. This, in turn, can help reload all of your previous data onto a crashed and rebuilt Mac, albeit your data throughput over the Internet may be slower than cloning your previous data from a Time Machine or other local backup drive. Still, there are wrinkles to iron out. While it wasnt a deal breaker by any means, installation and setting up full access to my Macs hard drive was a little harder than expected, and instead of the installer performing this task and asking for my system password, it suggested that I open my Privacy and Security settings, locate Carbonite Safe, and add this on my own, which was a bit unexpected. Foundry Where other foibles are concerned, the Basic tier subscription doesnt cover automatic backing up of video files, which seems arbitrary (though logical, as these tend to be the largest files on your hard drive, and you can see where Carbonite would charge slightly more to store these). Finally, while the application offers quick access to its help files and support site, the instructional videos for the Mac version of Carbonite Safe seem to be nowhere to be found, which feels like an ardent kick in the teeth from the companys marketing department. Should you buy Carbonite Safe Theres something good here, and if youve heard positive things about Carbonite Safe over the years, these positive comments are valid. Its easy to back up your data, restore it, select exactly where itll go, and this is one of the few utilities that can help take a crashed Mac and effectively restore all of your data if youre willing to wait for everything to download (as opposed to using Time Machine on an external drive or another local backup technique). As such, this is worth trying out and potentially worth subscribing to. Its not the flashiest application out there, but it knows what it needs to achieve and accomplishes this, and despite a few foibles that could be ironed out, is worthy of your attention. We also look at backup solutions for Macs.

iPadOS 19: Everything you need to know

Macworld Its been six years since Apple decided to brand the iPad operating system iPadOS to differentiate it from iOS on the iPhone. Since then, Apple has added a handful of iPad-exclusive features, but overall, its still a lot like iOS. That could change dramatically in iPadOS 19, due to arrive at WWDC and ship in September. Well have a chance to see what Apple has in mind at the keynote on June 9. In the meantime, heres what we know about iPadOS 19. iPadOS 19: Release date The official release date has not been announced, but Apple currently has an annual cycle with its operating systems that happens in the September timeframe. Based on recent history, iPadOS 19 could be released to the public on September 15 or 22. Here are the release dates for the past version of iPadOS: iPadOS 18: September 16, 2024 iPad OS 17: September 18, 2023 iPadOS 16: September 12, 2022 iPadOS 15: September 20, 2021 iPadOS 14: September 16, 2020 iPadOS 13: September 24, 2019 iPadOS 19: Compatibility A report in December 2024 stated that the following iPads will be able to run iPadOS 19: iPad Pro (2018 or later) iPad Air (3rd generation or later) iPad mini (5th generation or later) iPad (8th generation and later) Thats nearly every iPad that can run iOS 18, excluding the 7th-gen iPad from 2019. iPadOS 19: Developer and public betas Apple makes betas of its operating systems available before the official release in September. A developer beta is released first following the WWDC keynote, so developers can immediately begin testing it with their products. The WWDC25 keynote will be held on June 9, so the developer beta should be available later that day after the keynote presentation. Apple then releases a public beta for everyone else, which usually arrives in July, about a month after the first developer beta. Then, whenever Apple issues beta updates, the updated public beta follows a day or two after the updated developer beta. If you are interested in using the beta, you can join Apples beta program . The beta program involves running software that will have some stability issues, and you are expected to provide Apple with details of any issues through the Apple Feedback app. iPadOS 19: New features Because iPadOS 19 never needs to leave Apple Park until it ships, rumors of its new features are harder to come than iPad hardware. But leaks still occur, and well keep track of them here. Heres what weve heard so far: Major design overhaul Apple is working on a design overhaul of iPadOS (as well as iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS). Reports state that the update will take its cues from visionOS , and the Apple Invites and Sports apps could offer some hints at what is in store. Its also possible that Apple changes the icon shape for the first time to match the visionOSs circular icons. Mac-like user experience One exciting feature rumored to be on the way is a new window management system for multitasking on the iPad. Apple released Stage Manager with iPadOS 16.1, but it hasnt lived up to its potential . An April 2025 report from Mark Gurman claims that Apple is working on Stage Manager 2 , which will incorporate the use of a menu bar that activates when the iPad is connected to a keyboard. Gurman added that iPadOS 19 will make the iPad more like a Mac, but he did not offer specifics. A separate report from November 2024 claims that users will be able to pin files to the iPadOS 19 Home screen , similar to the way files can be saved to the desktop in macOS. Low Power Mode could expand its functionality in iPadOS 19. Foundry Low Power Mode iPadOS 18 currently has Low Power Mode, but Majin Bu last November claimed that the system will be reinvented in iPadOS 19. That could mean it will lean on Apple Intelligence to manage and optimize battery life. Apple Intelligence and Siri Apple has hit some serious hurdles with its Apple Intelligence development, causing features to be delayed. Features that were supposed to be delivered in iPadOS 18.4 may appear sometime in 2026 in an iPadOS 19 update. Apple had touted a major update to Siri, where it is better at natural conversations with the user. Previously expected in iPadOS 19, it is now more likely to come as a later update or in iPadOS 20. However, there will almost certainly be new Apple Intelligence features as part of iPadOS 19, especially since all new iPads (except the 11th-gen model) can now run it. New Home app Apple will reportedly make a major push into the smart home over the next year, and that could start with a new Home app. Numerous reports claim that Apple is developing a new HomePad and a new HomePod with a display that features a new homeOS, and Apple recently pushed all users to the new Home architecture first released in iOS 16. To go along with these new products, could present a whole new Home app in iPadOS 19. The iPad: You either love it or you dont give it much thought. In episode 930 of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about why that is and what changes we may see in the iPad this year.

Best AirPods deals this month

Macworld Apples AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience, and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so its important to shop around for a good deal or find a bunch of tech experts wholl do this for you. Thats where we come in. In this article, we round up the best AirPods discounts and deals to help you save money. Weve got the best prices on the 4th-gen AirPods , the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C , and the premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones which Apple has updated to use USB-C rather than Lightning. Below you will find links to the best deals available right now. Youll find more detailed advice and price comparisons for each model further down. U.S. Amazon, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $169 ($80 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, AirPods 4: $99.99 ($29 off, MSRP $129) Amazon, AirPods 4 with ANC : $149 ($30 off, MSRP $179) Amazon, AirPods Max (USB-C) : $480 ($69 off, MSRP $549) U.K. We dont tend to see huge AirPods discounts in the U.K., but there are some small savings to be had here and there. Amazon, AirPods (4th gen, 2024, with ANC) : 167 (12 off, RRP 179) Amazon, AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2023, USB-C) : 206.10 (22.90 off, RRP 229) Amazon, AirPods Max : 453 (46 off, RRP 499) If it doesnt have to be Apple AirPods have a look at the best earbuds weve reviewed , which includes the best deals on those models. We also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . Recent and imminent changes to the AirPods range Before you buy, note the following: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC were introduced in September 2024. The AirPods 4 start at $129/129 with the ANC model costing $179/179. With this in mind do not buy the AirPods 3 or AirPods 2 if they arent considerably cheaper than $129/129. The AirPods Max with Lightning were discontinued in favor of the AirPods Max with USB-C. In this case if you do see the older models on sale they are worth buying at a good discount. The AirPods Pro are often on sale as they are likely to be updated in 2025. They are still a good purchase and recently gained the ability to work as hearing aids thanks to a software update. You can check the automated price comparison tables below to see if any retailers have dropped their prices since we last updated this article. How much do AirPods cost? Some changes were announced at Apples September 2024 event, so make sure youre up to date with the latest prices: AirPods Max (2024): $549 / 499 (price dropped from 549 to 499 in September 2023) AirPods Pro with USB-C (2nd gen, 2023): $249 / 229 AirPods 4: $129 / 129 AirPods 4 (with ANC): $179 / 179 Discontinued: 3rd-gen AirPods with Lightning (2021): was $169 / 169 3rd-gen AirPods with MagSafe (2021): was $179 / 179 2nd-gen AirPods (2019): was $129 / 129 You should never pay more than the prices above: weve seen unscrupulous retailers claim the MSRP/RRP is higher and work out savings based on that. Remember to take delivery and postage fees into account when evaluating deals; we include it in our list of prices but most retailers wont add it until youre at the checkout. And watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, but turn out to have no stock. We see this a lot. Good AirPods deals are rare and tend not to last long. If you see one (and youre sure the supplier is legit: look it up on TrustPilot if youve not bought from there before), grab it. Best new AirPods deals Apple sells two sets of basic (non-Pro) AirPods, both introduced at the 2024 Glowtime event: the 4th-gen model with active noise cancellation, and the 4th-gen model without. Best Buy is worth a look for some worthwhile savings in the U.S., while U.K. customers can save a little money across the range. You can buy the 4th-gen AirPods directly from Apple , but youll find the best prices elsewhere in the automated tables below. AirPods (4th gen, 2024, with ANC) deals These replace the AirPods (3rd generation) and have a redesigned, smaller USB-C case that works with wireless charging and now has Find My functionality, with a built-in speaker for locating the device. They feature active noise cancellation, previously found only on the AirPods Pro and Max, and sport Apples H2 chip, which was introduced in the 2022 AirPods Pro and improves audio quality. MSRP: $179/179 New Refurbished Retailer Price $148.99 View Deal $148.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $174 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $140 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (4th gen, 2024, without ANC) deals Whereas the ANC AirPods 4 replace the 3rd-gen AirPods, these replace the 2nd-gen AirPods. They feature most of the features of the higher-priced model with the main exception of Active Noise Cancelation, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio. MSRP: $129/129 Retailer Price $99 View Deal $99 View Deal $124 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 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 Best AirPods Pro deals The 2nd-gen version of the AirPods Pro was released in September 2022. Rather than introduce the third generation in 2023, Apple instead tweaked them to support USB-C for charging (including charging via the iPhone 15) The Lightning models have now been discontinued, but will be available from other retailers for a while; make sure youre getting the exact model you want. AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2023, USB-C) deals This is the 2023 version with USB-C charging. You can also use an iPhone 15 to charge the case. MSRP: $ 249 / 229 Retailer Price $235.99 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best AirPods Max deals The AirPods Max, Apples wireless over-ear headphones, are available to buy directly from Apple for $549 / 499 (they were 549 in the U.K. before September 2023 when Apple dropped the price to 499). Best AirPods Max (2024, USB-C) deals The AirPods Max havent exactly been updated for 2024, beyond a new set of colors and USB-C instead of Lightning. These are still effectively the same as the 2020 models. It may still be possible to buy old models in the original colors for some time so we have included the best prices for the older model in the discontinued section of this article. Find the latest prices in our automated table embedded below. MSRP: $549/499 Retailer Price $477 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $494.95 View Deal $529.99 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Discontinued AirPods deals One way to pick up a really good deal can be to buy discontinued AirPods which are often the first to be discounted. AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, MagSafe) deals Apple updated the ultra-popular AirPods in October 2021, after a wait of more than two and a half years. They were eventually discontinued in September 2024. Get all the info you need in our AirPods 3 review . MSRP was: $179 / 179 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $109.95 View Deal $129 View Deal $149 View Deal $159.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 3rd gen (2021) MagSafe Charging case $89 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, Lightning) deals There was also a cheaper version of the AirPods 3rd generation with a case that has to be charged via Lightning, rather than wirelessly. MSRP was: $169 / 169 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $127.99 View Deal $149 View Deal $155 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods 3rd gen (2021) Lightning Charging case $87 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (2nd gen, 2019) deals This older version of the AirPods was sold by Apple until September 2024, and may still be found at other retailers. Note that this version of the AirPods comes with an Lightning charging case that needs to be plugged in, as opposed to the wireless MagSafe charging case. Check the automated table below for the latest deals. MSRP was: $129 / 129 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $189.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods 2nd gen (2019) Lightning Charging case $81.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2022, Lightning) deals This is the older version with a Lightning port for charging the case. You may still find them on sale. MSRP was $249 / 249 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $209.95 View Deal $279.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen (2022) MagSafe (Lightning) Charging case $150 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods Max (2020, Lightning) deals This is the older version of the original AirPods Max came in different colors and featured Lightning (rather then USB-C in the newer models). You may still find them on sale. MSRP was: $549/499 New Refurbished Retailer Price $394.95 View Deal $477 View Deal $514.95 View Deal $534 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods Max (2020) Pink $348.80 View Deal MGYN3AM/A Noise cancelling Headphone Bluetooth with microphone Green $389 View Deal Apple AirPods Max (2020) Space Gray $415 View Deal Apple AirPods Max (2020) Green $546 View Deal Apple AirPods Max (2020) Sky blue $546 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices For an in-depth look at your options here, read Where to buy AirPods Max . Other ways to save: AirPods Bundle deals The best way to get a good price on AirPods may be to bundle them with a phone, although this is mainly an option in the U.K. Phone network Three offers a variety of bundles that include the AirPods. Visit the companys accessories page to browse the best options for you. Vodafone and O2 arent currently bundling the AirPods with their iPhone plans, although O2 sells the 2021 AirPods , the early-2019 AirPods and the 2022 AirPods Pro on their own. Whichever bundle you go for, remember to check if youre getting the AirPods Pro, the early-2019 AirPods (sometimes called the second gen or AirPods 2) or the new 2021 AirPods (third-gen or AirPods 3). If youre getting the AirPods Pro, find out if they include the new MagSafe charging case. AirPods buying advice Wondering if a pair of AirPods is right for you? We have a guide to the Best AirPods , and you could read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models compare, but lets quickly discuss the pros and cons. Apple has launched various AirPods versions, several of which are still on sale: 2016: 1st-gen AirPods , discontinued 2019: 2nd-gen AirPods , discontinued 2019: 1st-gen AirPods Pro , discontinued 2021: 3rd-gen AirPods , Lightning and Magsafe variants, discontinued 2022 & 2023: 2nd-gen AirPods Pro , Lightning and USB-C variants 2020 & 2024: AirPods Max All four non-Max models are wireless, sitting in your ears and in theory staying there through snugness of fit alone. The advantages of this are clearthey allow you to go running or work out without worrying about snagging the cablesbut they may fall out once you pick up the pace. Our experience, however, is that the AirPods are among the best earbuds around in this regard. The AirPods Pro offer a snugger fit than the others because they have a choice of flexible ear tips, and are actually able to tell you whether youve selected the right tip or not. Sound quality is decent but not exceptional on the original and early-2019 models; the 2021 3rd gen AirPods were better, while the AirPods Pro are a step above thanks in part to their better fit and implementation of active noise cancellation. What AirPods consistently do better than non-Apple headphones is coordinate with other Apple products, thanks to the W1 chip (in the 2016 model) and H1 chip (2019 and 2021) which makes pairing with an iPhone a breeze. Battery-wise, most non-Max AirPods will last around five hours, but thats not the end of the story: they come with a little charging case with its own larger battery, so you can pop them back in for a quick charge. The case should offer another 24 hours (give or take) before itll require charging. The 2021 AirPods, however, offer more in this department, with claimed figures of six hours out of the case and 30 hours in total. Weve got some advice on getting better AirPods battery life . Apples 2nd gen AirPods can respond to Hey Siri commands, charge wirelessly if you opt for the Wireless Charging Case, and offer more talk time than the originals. Those features are kept in the 2021 3rd-generation models, with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ added to the mix. The 4th generation AirPods arrived in 2024 and add ANC to the mix. The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones and essentially a completely different product to the rest of the AirPods range. They are a lot more expensive and a totally different proposition to the other AirPods. Audio quality is almost universally considered to be exceptional, but its debatable whether its exceptional enough to justify that premium price tag. And many reviewers have pointed out that the case is oddly designed, given that the one part of the headphones that it doesnt protectthe mesh headbandis the one thats most vulnerable to damage.The AirPods Max are an appealing prospect, but may not be practical for most budgets. For more detailed advice and thoughts on the best alternatives to Apples three cheaper AirPods models, read our guides to the Best wireless earbuds and the best wired headphones .

I sideloaded a Reddit client onto my iPhone. I never want to do it again

Macworld I have a confession to make: I am an inveterate Reddit scroller. But my viewing experience of choice isnt the official Reddit iOS app, but a fantastic third-party client called Apollo. The only problem is, it doesnt exist in the App Store anymore. Apollo was forcibly closed in June 2023 in what some Redditors regarded as a bullying attempt by Reddit HQ to force out competition to the platforms official iOS app. Like so many others, I was devastated when Apollo shut down. With an ad-free interface and a smoother and more stable experience than the official app, not to mention. tons of quality-of-life features, such as previews of linked images, in-app gestures, a host of customization optionsIt was the kind of Reddit client that felt like it belonged on an iPhone. Thankfully, I had another option. Apollo had created such a loyal fanbase of usersclose to a million daily active users at the time it shut downthat many people stepped in to make Apollo available long after support officially ended. That meant I could sideload Apollo onto my iPhone and restore it to its former glory. Or so I thought. The problem, as I found out, is that sideloading can be a monumental pain.Im happy to say I now have Apollo working on my iPhone again, but the whole process was and is such an ongoing hassle, and I have a new appreciation for Apples fight against sideloading. A long and arduous installation The process of sideloading Apollo is long and convoluted and involves hacks, workarounds, and janky workflows. If youre thinking of doing it yourself, youre going to need a lot of time, endurance, and above all, patience. If you want to follow in my footsteps, Ill walk you through it, and there are many guides and Reddit threads full of helpful information. But this is absolutely not a beginners process, and it requires much patience, so strap in, because its a bumpy ride. To start, I decided to use an app called AltStore to oversee the sideloading process and one called SideStore to actually install Apollo and keep it refreshed (for this to work, I would need both apps). In the case of Apollo (and, Im sure, many other sideloaded apps), you need to refresh them every seven days to prevent them from expiring. Thats what SideStore handles. So, first things first, I downloaded and installed AltStore on my Mac from the apps website . I also had to download the SideStore .ipa filewhich is an App Store package format used to distribute iOS and iPadOS appsand an app called JitterbugPair (more on this later). The Apollo client for Reddit has a clean and smart interface, but installing it was anything but. Foundry I plugged my iPhone into my Mac over USB-C, then loaded the SideStore .ipa file onto my iPhone using AltStore. This installed SideStore directly onto my iPhone, no App Store required. So far, so good. Once all that was done, I was then asked to enter my Apple ID. There are reports that Apple might lock accounts that sideload apps this way, so its recommended that you use a burner Apple ID. This was just the first of many warning signs that this whole process would be far more involved than your everyday app installation. Next, I had to go to the Settings app on my iPhone to approve the new developer app added to my phone, then enable Developer Mode. Then I had to open JitterbugPair on my Mac, which generated a pairing file so that SideStore can talk to your device. I uploaded that to iCloud on my Mac. Back on my iPhone, I loaded the pairing file into SideStore. Mind you, I wasnt even halfway done by this point. Now I needed a custom VPN. This doesnt connect to an external server, but essentially lets my device connect to itself over a VPN, which is required for SideStore to refresh itself and any apps Ive sideloaded. After that, I opened SideStore and signed in with my burner Apple ID. I then had to refresh SideStore, which took a few minutes if it didnt get stuck, that is, which it frequently did. I then downloaded an .ipa file of the last version of Apollo before it was shut down. This is available on GitHub; I downloaded it to my Mac and uploaded it to iCloud. After that, I was able to sideload it into SideStore, which installed Apollo on my phone. The process was worth it to get Apollo on my iPhonebut I dont want to do it again. Foundry Finally, once I was logged in to my Reddit account in Apollo, I had to create a custom app for Reddit and Imgur in order to get a client ID, which allowed Apollo to talk to the Reddit and Imgur APIs. Then, finally, I was ready to waste the rest of my day scrolling. If youve made it this far, congratulations! You might just have enough patience to sideload an app onto your iPhone. But theres more, because of course there is. This laborious process only got Apollo onto my phone in the first place because of the way this iteration of sideloading works with the rinky-dink combination of burner IDs and an expired app (plus much more) Apollo will expire after seven days. You can tell SideStore to refresh it, but usually this has to be done manually. I dont have the patience for that, so I created a custom workflow in the Shortcuts app to automatically refresh SideStore and Apollo every night when Im asleep. This works well most of the time but requires me to have both Wi-Fi and the custom VPN connected. The struggle is real Even once I successfully sideloaded Apollo onto my phone, there were (and still are) numerous irritating issues to contend with: While Wi-Fi and the VPN must be connected for your apps to update in SideStore, very often SideStore will refuse to refresh, even when everything is present and correct. SideStores guide links to a direct download for the JitterbugPair command line process, but my Mac automatically blocked this and refused to run it. I had to download the parent Jitterbug app and generate a pairing file in a different way. SideStores required refresh process often got stuck halfway, meaning it would never be able to automatically refresh itself and had to be reinstalled. As the process is (clearly) confusing, I would sometimes accidentally sideload an app using AltStore instead of SideStore. This meant SideStore couldnt refresh the app, which in turn meant it would expire after a week. Updating your iOS device will sometimes but not always break SideStore, meaning you have to do the entire installation process all over again. And, of course, theres the issue that youre downloading random apps and files from the internet, none of which have gone through the App Store review process. Im such a Reddit addict that for me, this convoluted process was ultimately worth it. I have my favorite Reddit client back and dont have to use the official app anymore. But I hope I never have to do it again. Apple is right More than anything, this whole rigmarole has given me a new appreciation of the App Store and a fresh understanding of why Apple opposes sideloading. The App Store gets a lot of flak for its rules and regulations, but it makes downloading and running apps remarkably easy. You dont even need to think about it you just download an app and there it is, working perfectly on your device. Sideloading at least in my case was the polar opposite of that. It required all manner of winding and tortuous steps, and even when you follow them to the letter, things can and will go wrong. Granted, it would be different if Apple allowed sideloadingor alternative app stores like it does in the EUbut even where its allowed, the process is far more convoluted than installing an app from the App Store. Theres a reason why Apple insists on the App Store as the sole method of distribution on the iPhone. Foundry I can see why Apple hates all this. The companys products are meant to be simple and easy to use so simple, in fact, that a grandparent could pick up an iPhone and install an app. Do you really think your grandparents or even your parents would have the wherewithal to install an expired app using a sideloading process, burner Apple IDs, and pairing files, then set up a custom shortcut to ensure everything keeps running without expiring? Not only does sideloading go against Apples penchant for simplicity, but it has huge potential to frustrate the companys users. And what user is going to have a favorable opinion of your product if a key part of itinstalling appscan be so irritating? (And thats to say nothing of the potential for viruses and malware.) That said, none of that is going to stop me from using Apollo. Im prepared to put up with the rickety sideloading process for as long as it takes. But I can absolutely understand why people want to steer clearand why Apple has opposed it for so long.

Give up the App Store purchase fight, Apple, its just not worth it

Macworld It is time once again for a little segment the Macalope likes to call Lets Give Apple Advice We Know Its Not Going To Listen To! OK, the Macalope has never named any segment that before but, honestly, hes been running it for years now. (Small phones is a prominent example.) Free advice that Apple is willfully ignoring. Of course, you know the saying about free advice but on this particular issue, history seems to be leaning on the horny ones side as well as the side of almost everyone else in the Apple community who has been giving Apple the very same advice for years. That advice? Give up on its ridiculously aggressive anti-steering policy. If youre not up on App Store jargon, this is the rule the prevents developers from (in certain countries) providing links to payment processes outside the comfort and safety of the App Store. Apple has defended this as right and just because, my dear Paula , everyone loves the App Store and its easy and secure payment processing and no one would ever want to be tricked by dastardly developers into using anything else. Now, much like Toonces the cat, Apples anti-steering policy has sent it flying into a crevasse. U.S. District Court judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers largely ruled in favor of Apple in Epics case against the company but finally said enough was enough and the company had to comply. If that wasnt bad enough, she took a number of Apple executives to task and also referred one, VP of finance Alex Roman, for criminal contempt charges for lying under oath. We Apple pundits frequently like to play amateur stock analyst, financial analyst, international trade negotiator, etc., as part of our coverage of the Apple world and, sure, were often out of our depth. But you dont have to be a lawyer to know that getting caught lying under oath is generally not a good thing and, regardless, its not a good look. The one person who does come out looking relatively good in all this is App Store head and fine fresh Apple fellow Phil Schiller. Gonzalez Rogers said Apples App Store chief Phillip Schiller had advocated that Apple comply with the injunction but that CEO Tim Cook ignored Schiller and instead allowed Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri and his finance team to convince him otherwise. Schiller was subsequently awarded a golden bust of Greg Davies . IDG Apple seems to want to deny developers and users the right to use web links as a means of communicating further information in an online context, something humans have been doing for more than 30 years. This policy is probably the most egregious of all the self-serving App Store rules Apple has concocted over the years and its no wonder developers are eager to move on from it . Some developers are even predicting that theyll be able to lower prices because of this. Can you imagine? Apparently, prices can fall. Not to hear the current state of economic policy in the U.S. talk about it. Well, at least this is all over now and we can put it behi- Apple files appeal to wrest back control of its App Store Or not. Sigh. This is where we get to the free advice part. Apple is in a bit of a slide these days in terms of public perception. Sure, most developers have been mad at the company since well, 1976. Meanwhile, most Apple customers probably dont know anything about this. Even if they heard about it, they probably thought it was all a little too inside baseball for them to worry about. To them, the iPhone is just a device what they plays their Wordle on. But now that Apple is being forced to comply and users will start to get more information and more choice, that may change. Regardless of whether or not customers notice, the companys continued clawing to keep this rule that no one else liked is a bad look . On top of criminal contempt, which is not such a great look either. Just drop it, Apple. You can afford to financially and you may find that the currency of good will is something you need more right now than services revenue.

Apples solution to the iPhone 17 Airs poor battery life? A chunky battery pack

Macworld When Apple unveils the iPhone 17 this fall, the model everyone will be talking about will be the iPhone 17 Air . With an incredibly thin body and new design, Apple is looking to inject some innovation into the lineup with a brand new phone that defies expectations and turns heads. The only problem is, all that thinness will also bring some necessary sacrifices, most notably with a smaller battery. Reports claim that the iPhone 17 Air will have Apples worst battery life of all the new iPhonesso bad, in fact, that a new report by The Information claims more than a quarter of users wont be able to get through a full day on a single charge. That might be an acceptable sacrifice for some, but Apple is keenly aware that other iPhone 17 Air buyers might want a full day of battery life even on heavy days. For those users, Apple will reportedly revive its Smart Battery Case , which originally launched with the iPhone 6 in 2015. Apple stopped selling the case in 2021 when the MagSafe Battery Pack arrived. The battery pack lasted until 2023. The Smart Battery Case did a fine job of keeping your iPhone filled up throughout the day, but it wasnt the prettiest thing, with a white silicone shell surrounding a fairly bulbous battery. The whole point of the iPhone 17 Air is to be the thinnest iPhone ever made, and slapping a battery case on it would sort of defeat the whole point. A more elegant solution would be the MagSafe Battery Pack , which could attach magnetically to the back of the phone when needed ( assuming it has MagSafe ). So buyers will have two options: deal with poor battery life to have a super-thin iPhone, or attach a battery bulge and disguise the thinness. Or just buy an iPhone 17 Pro .

Your first hands-on look at the new Beats Pill colors

A week ago, Beats debuted its new Beats Pill Navy Blue and Blush Pink colors. While the original speakers were released last June, the company The post Your first hands-on look at the new Beats Pill colors appeared first on BGR .

You can actually power your Mac mini with a USB-C cable and a giant battery pack

Macworld Because of its small size, the Mac mini is a favorite computer to tinker with for unique setups and situations. One person shows some ingenuity with the device by demonstrating in a YouTube video how he was able to modify the Mac mini so that it can be powered through a USB-C port instead of its power supply. In the video, Saad Ouache shows an open Mac mini with a wired USB-connector that he added and says uses Power Delivery to run the computer. He then connects a 12-volt battery power bank and proceeds to switch the power connection from the power cable to USB-C. While the video has not been verified, it doesnt seem impossible to power the Mac mini via USB-C. However, the power demands of the device make it impractical. Apples documentation states that the M4 Mac mini has a maximum power consumption of 65W, while the M4 Pro Mac mini is at 140W. Those numbers are with a Mac mini with no devices connected to it. The maximum continuous power rating for the Mac mini is 155W, which comes into play when a connected device is not using an external power source and is relying on the USB-C connection to the Mac mini. None of this is surprising, of course. The MacBook Air and Pro already deliver power over USB-C, with the MacBook Pro powering an M4 Max and a 16-inch mini-LED display over USB-C. But Apple hasnt yet offered a way to run its desktop Macs with USB-C power. As AppleInsider points out, for Apple to make a Mac mini that runs on USB-C power, the proper cable needs to be used, which would be a 240W USB-C Charge Cable . Using lower-rated cables would be possible, but that increases the risk of failure. This restriction doesnt seem like one Apple would want the hassle of dealing with. But if you have a creative idea for a Mac mini and are looking for alternative ways to power the device on the go, Ouaches video seems to prove its possible.

Apple might not release the iPhone 18 until 2027

Macworld Things will look slightly different when the iPhone 17 is unveiled in September. The rear camera designs will ditch the square corner array for the first time in years. The Pro models will be thicker than ever. And the iPhone 17 Air will usher in a new, tremendously thin model. But according to a new report, this years launch is just the beginning of the changes. As reported by The Information , which has a very strong track record with Apple rumors, Apple will completely change the launch cycle for the iPhone 18, pushing the standard iPhone 18 to a spring launch alongside the iPhone 18e. Why? To make room for a new folding phone launching in 2026. So heres how the lineup and launch cycle could look: September 2025 iPhone 17 iPhone 17 Air iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro Max September 2026 iPhone 18 Air iPhone 18 Fold iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max March 2027 iPhone 18 iPhone 18e That new split makes it easier for Apple to juggle six iPhone models and sets Apples premium phones apart from its entry-level models. It also makes the buying decision somewhat simpler: either you want a premium model in the fall, or you can wait for a lower-end model in the spring. We still dont know whether Apple plans on updating the iPhone 16e next year, but there are signs that suggest Apple could skip a year. Mark Gurman reported that Apple hadnt decided what to do with the model in 2026, and The Informations report didnt mention an iPhone 17e in 2026. However, a report by Ming-Chi Kuo on Monday claimed Apple will indeed release an iPhone 17e in spring 2026. With Apple Intelligence support and a new design, Apple could easily skip a year between releases. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 at an event in September. Stay up to date with the latest news and rumors in our iPhone 17 superguide .

Apple reveals 2025 Pride collection with watch band and wallpapers

Ahead of Pride Month, Apple just announced its 2025 Apple Watch Pride Edition Sport Band, new watch face, and iPhone and iPad wallpaper. This year, The post Apple reveals 2025 Pride collection with watch band and wallpapers appeared first on BGR .

The AirPods 4 are cheaper than ever just in time for Mothers Day

Macworld Mothers Day is fast approaching, and we know just what she wantsa new pair of AirPods. And today weve got a fantastic deal on AirPods 4. Right now, you can get a pair of AirPods 4 for their very best price of $99 , a $30 discount and matching their all-time-low price. Apples new AirPods 4 are a serious upgrade over the previous model at an even lower price. The new design ensures a better fit for most people, and the handy battery case gives you more than a full day of listening. When we reviewed the AirPods 4 , we gave them a 4.5-star review and really appreciated the clarity and volume when listening to music and podcasts, and the fantastic battery life. Our version had active noise cancellation, but the two models are otherwise identical. However, if you want those noise-cancelling buds, the AirPods 4 with ANC are also on sale for $149 right now ($30 off), as well as the AirPods Pro 2, which are $80 off and down to just $169. The best value, however, is the AirPods 4 for $99 , one of the best earbuds you can buy for under $100. So go grab a pair before the price jumps back up. Get the AirPods 4 for their best price Buy now at Amazon

Torras Ostand OAir iPhone Case review: Come for the color, stay for the buttons

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Colorful protective case Swappable buttons 360-degree ring stand Cons Extra buttons in one color only Our Verdict Its a quality iPhone case with the benefit of interchangeable colorful buttons. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $64.99 Best Prices Today: Torras Ostand OAir iPhone case Retailer Price Torras $64.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If we have one criticism of Apples Pro phones, its the limited range of colors: white, black, blue, and natural titanium on the iPhone 15 models; and white, black, desert, and natural Titanium on the iPhone 16 Pro and Max. If you like the color you picked, of course, you can choose a clear case to show it off, but theres a reason why most phone cases come in colorful, patterned, character-led, statement, and customizable options. The case comes with case color-matched buttons and a set of orange replacements. Here, the two volume buttons have been swapped. Simon Jary / Foundry The latest protective case from Torras, the $64.99/49.99 Ostand OAir available for the iPhone 16 Pro and 15/16 Pro Max, offers a range of new colorsForest Green, Violet Purple, Amber Brown, Obsidian Black, Coral Pink. But thats not the best reason to buy it. That would be the exciting option to swap out the buttons for a brighter alternative. But what sets this case apart isnt the case itself; its the buttons. Torras supplies a set of color-matching buttons pre-installed with each case, but in a neat surprise, also offers a set of five bright orange buttons to mix things up. Popping the regular case buttons out is simple and adding the new ones is less fiddly than I thought it would be. iPhone 16 Pro with an orange Power button. Simon Jary / Foundry The case also features its own capacitive Camera Control cover, but this isnt replaceable due to its touch sensitivity. Replacing the buttons adds a small but unique flash of color that makes a big differencethink of the Apple Watch Ultras orange Action button but on your iPhone. Aside from the button choice, the OAir is a solid but translucent case equipped with what Torras calls 360-degree aerospace-grade airbag corner bumpers and the obligatory military-grade drop protection. You can see this in the photo below, with the corners especially protected from drops. The front bezel and back camera lens ridge are also formidable. Simon Jary / Foundry Like other models in the sometimes baffling-to-differentiate Torras Ostand case collection , the OAir features a clicky magnetic in its back. This can be pulled out, tilted, and rotated all the way round. Playing with the ring stand is almost addictive in a fidget-toy way. The case is MagSafe-friendly friendly so you can wirelessly charge your iPhone. Price The Torras Ostand OAir iPhone case is priced at $64.99 or 49.99 . Its not the cheapest case but we dont trust anything under $30 anyway and recommend only a handful of trusted brands, of which Torras is one. Simon Jary / Foundry Should you buy the Torras Ostand OAir iPhone case? What piqued our interest in the Torras Ostand OAir iPhone case is its interchangeable buttons. This sets it out from the crowd, but we have no qualms also recommending it for a fine build quality, robust protection, and neat and handy pull-out 360-degree ring stand. If youre looking for something different, we have reviewed and tested the best iPhone cases for iPhone 16 , as well as our favorite cases for the iPhone 15 family .

Dont let Apples record quarter fool you: A storm is brewing

Macworld It must be nice, when things get tough and the vultures are circling, to be able to announce quarterly revenue of almost $100 billion . I imagine that sort of thing puts a smile on a CEOs face. It really puts a $570 million fine into perspective. No matter what happens, Apple carries on making metric shedloads of money and setting records every three months. Thats just the way of the world. Doubters come and go, and Apple remains. At least, it might seem that way. But thats the thing about empires: they seem eternal until they dont, and then it becomes obvious in retrospect that their downfall was inevitable. And the tech market is littered with examples of huge companiesPalm, Compaq, Kodak and Polaroid, Atari, Yahoo!, BlackBerrythat once seemed invincibly dominant and are now bankrupt, irrelevant, or a trademark for hire. Apple itself was one wrong step from going under until Steve Jobs returned in the 1990s and turned things around. Like all those companies, Apple seems invincible. But you dont have to squint to see warning signs. Last week Apple learned that it will be forced to allow external purchase links inside apps, with Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers so furious about its previous attempts at compliance that she accused the company of [manufacturing] post hoc justifications for maintaining an anticompetitive revenue stream and deliberately failing to comply with the courts injunction. That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination, she concluded, was a gross miscalculation. The public rebuke is embarrassing, and Apple could even face a criminal contempt charge. But its biggest worry is the financial aspect. If enforced compliance means developers can more easily bypass the companys in-app payment system and the so-called Apple tax, a major revenue streamServices, which includes in-app subscriptions, hit another record last quarter with $26.65 billion, more than a quarter of Apples revenueis about to shrink. Of course, Services doesnt remotely compare to the importance of the iPhoneand here, too, there are clouds on the horizon. Most iPhones are assembled in China, at least for now, and that leaves Apple in a difficult spot politically, pandering to and relying on the whims of an unpredictable president. In the earnings call, Tim Cook revealed that Apple expects tariffs to cost it roughly $900 million next quarter, and his later response to speculation about price rises was ambiguous , to say the least. Apple faces various options, none of them appealing. It can continue its policy of conciliating the president, which bore fruit in the tariff exemption but is sure to be alienating a chunk of its traditional liberal customer base; or it can hold firm on DEI and social justice initiatives, refuse to pretend its feasible to build iPhones in the U.S., and put itself in the firing line for political vengeance. It can absorb the impact of tariff costs and accept a drop in profits, or it can raise prices (as weve seen elsewhere with the Xbox) and face a fall-off in demand and likely public backlash. Everything is complicated and fraught with dangerand thats before we even consider economic uncertainty in the U.S. affecting Apple more than most companies because its largely abandoned the budget market. Across multiple product areas, Apples future feels uncertain. The companys two great moonshot projects, Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence, are failures, albeit in different ways: one a technically impressive proof of concept that was inexplicably marketed as a consumer product, and the other a technical disaster that was somehow launched both too early and too late . Customers who bought the iPhone 16 on the strength of Apple Intelligence, which was emblazoned all over the phones marketing materials, are angry that it didnt deliver, with some even filing lawsuits. Those probably wont cause Apples lawyers many sleepless nights, but you can expect an outbreak of insomnia if once bitten, twice shy customers refuse to believe the iPhone 17 hype and save their money when it comes out later this year. What do we say to the god of death? Not today. And Apple isnt in any serious or existential danger right now, as the latest earnings show pretty clearly. But what I will say is that last weeks profit party might prove to be a high-water mark rather than a guarantee of future success. Life is about to get quite a bit harder. I dont want to give an impression of doom and gloom. Few companies embody the phrase too big to fail better than Apple, which has political influence, immense cash reserves, and an army of diehard loyalist customersand, lest we forget, just reported a five percent increase in revenue on the same quarter last year. It isnt going to sink overnight. But make no mistake: a storm is brewing. 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 Once again, Apple has to be forced to do the right thing . We round up 6 mistakes new iPhone users always make (and how to avoid them ). Im an Apple fan in 2025. What does that even mean? How the Apple TV 4K replaced my iPhone as my most-used Apple product . The Apple Watch is boring . Heres how Apple can change that . WTF! You people are taking this AI thing a little too far, warns the Macalope . Alex Blake reveals 11 essential iPhone features youre probably not using . The U.S. tariff drama could lead to slim pickings on Apple Store shelves. Podcast of the week The Apple Watch recently had its tenth anniversary, and WWDC is coming up in June. So in the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast, were looking at the state of the Apple Watchwhere its been, where its at now, and whats in store for the future. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube , Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . Reviews corner Alogic Clarity 5K Touch 27-inch monitor review : Our favorite touchscreen just got 5K. Huawei Freeclip review : Open-ear earphones that clip on . JBL Flip 7 review : Lightweight but rugged Bluetooth speaker ideal for outdoor music. Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station review : Mac mini like looks and power. HyperJuice Qi2 3-in 1 and 2-in 1 Magnetic Charging Stand reviews : Cute, smart and powerful . The rumor mill Apple reportedly scraps the iPhone 17 Pros anti-glare, anti-scratch display . The Apple Watch SE is likely to get two new sizes this year. Code in iOS betas hints at changes to Stage Manager , including iPhone support. Whats coming from Apple in May before WWDC arrives next month? Software updates, bugs, and problems The AirPlay device connected to your iPhone or Mac may be a target for hackers . Apple warns iPhone owners of widespread mercenary spyware attack . 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 us on Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

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.