British studio Foster + Partnershas begun construction on two stepped-back towers for the BDO Unibank Inc campus in the Philippines, which will have exoskeletons to support solar shading and achieve structural stability.The studio is transforming five urban plots in Manila to create the campus, with the two towers which are connected by a covered walkway rising above open ground floors.Foster + Partners looked to vernacular architecture for the buildings, which will step back at regular intervals. At each step back, there are triple-storey amenity spaces as well as outdoor terraces.The towers have a stepped-back designThe two towers at BDO Unibank Inc campus will each have an exoskeleton, designed to support woven metal-mesh infill screens. These take visual cues from traditional weaving patterns and will shade the areas that receive the most sunlight.The exoskeletons will also be seismic-resistant, which the studio said is needed in the region."The structure of the buildings is intentionally placed on the outside of their envelopes to actively shade the facades, while achieving an efficient structural design in a seismic zone," Foster + Partners senior partner Roland Schnizer said."The exoskeletons create column-free spaces internally and support external solar shading screens."Artworks will be on display inside the campusAccording to Foster + Partners, the structural system reduces the concrete content of the buildings by more than 65,000 tonnes.Visitors to the campus, which will contain offices, a business centre, a public museum and a canteen, will enter on the ground floor before reaching an elevated reception.Read: Foster + Partners unveils Dubai skyscrapers linked by penthouse swimming poolOn the open ground plane, the campus will feature artworks and plants to "enhance the public realm".An urban farm on the roof of BDO Unibank Inc campus will be used to grow food for the staff canteen, while more than 70 per cent of the campus' potable water will be recycled and reused.An exoskeleton will be used for seismic resistanceThe studio is aiming to achieve Green Mark Super Low Energy, which is the highest certification issued by the green building rating system Green Mark Building.It is awarded to projects that achieve at least 60 per cent energy savings when compared to 2005 building codes. If achieved, it would be the first building in the Philippines with the rating."The new BDO campus offers a new model for the next generation of highly flexible and climatically responsive workplaces in the Philippines," Foster + Partners head of studio Luke Fox said."Our holistic approach encompasses every element of the design from the structural and environmental engineering to the landscaping and interiors allowing us to create something completely bespoke and driven by extensive environmental analysis."Foster + Partners also recently unveiled a pair of Dubai skyscrapers linked by a swimming pool and added a barrel-vaulted structure to a Spanish winery.The post Foster + Partners designs exoskeletons for stepped-back skyscrapers in Manila appeared first on Dezeen.

Architecture studio Aedas has completed the Yohoo Museum on an artificial island in Hangzhou, China, which is shaped like an infinity loop.Located within Liangzhu Yohoo Park at the centre of Hangzhou's Yuhang District, the museum is located on an island in an artificial lake, which connects to the over 2,500-year-old Grand Canal.The museum is located on an artificial lake in HangzhouNamed Yohoo Museum, the building has an undulating roof design that takes the form of two interlocking rings. Two circular light wells were created within the interlocking rings that, according to the studio, symbolise the connection between heaven and earth."It symbolises the connection between the culture of Liangzhu and the Grand Canal, serving as a link that bridges the ancient and the modern," Aedas explained.Two interlocking rings form the museumThe two-storey museum has office space on the ground floor with exhibition space on the first floor.The museum is entirely clad in a glass facade and roof that was informed by jade, a rare gem stone in China.A walking path above the lake connects the museum to the nearby parkA translucent multilayer laminated glass, known as "emerald glass", was used to create a bright and evenly lit interior for the museum visitors.According to the studio, the glass's crystal-like quality imitates jade's gentle warmth. Vertical and horizontal framing of the glass panels were organised to create a naturally flowing curvature.Read: Aedas unveils "most twisted tower in the world" in Chongqing"The glass panels resemble the form of jades, optimising a subtle balance of opacity and transparency between the exterior and interior and connecting between history and culture," Aedas global design principal told Ken Wai."Sunlight penetrates the interiors through the translucent glass panels, creating a bright, soft interplay of light and shadow indoors."The edge of the building is lifted up from the ground to form a public plaza and the entrance of the museumBuilt with a steel frame structure, the two ends of the museum were gently raised off the ground without visible support. These elements overhand the entrances to the museum and partially cover a pair of public plazas.Visitors can access the museum via a meandering walkway above the lake on either side that connects to the green land of the park.Other projects recently completed by Aedas include a pair of round-edged towers with bronze fins in Hangzhou, and "most twisted tower in the world" in Chongqing.The photography is by Qianxi Zhang.Project credits:Client: Hangzhou Liangzhu Transportation Investment Group CoDesign collaborator: Power China Huadong Engineering CorporatioThe post Aedas unveils infinity loop-shaped museum in Hangzhou appeared first on Dezeen.

With its deep portfolio, global tractor manufacturer New Holland produces a wide variety of specialty models for different agricultural businesses. A subset of French vineyards, however, presents a unique challenge: The terrain forces them to utilize a narrow style of planting that makes harvesting difficult. New Holland commissioned, surprisingly, Pininfarina to develop a solution. The result is this Straddle Tractor Concept: The Straddle Tractor Concept is specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the narrow vineyards typical of the premium wine growing regions such as Champagne, Mdoc and Burgundy. These operations produce high-quality, high-value wines from grapes grown in rows less than one and a half meter wide, often on steep slopes and on small vineyards. In these conditions, grapes are picked by hand and most of the vine maintenance work is done by means of a tractor travelling overhead the rows. The design of the front of the machine combines function with style. Inspired by the shape of a champagne flute tall, wide at the top and tapering down at the bottom it is a reference to the premium wine growers that are its main customer base. This shape, together with wraparound glass, provides the operator with exceptional visibility on the vines and all around. The overall exterior design stands out for the flowing and dynamic automotive-inspired lines. The exposed frame confers a sporty look. The shape of the cab, angled in the direction of travel, adds to the vehicle's dynamism. The interior, easily accessible thanks to the large single door and rotating seat, offers a supremely comfortable environment. The use of wood contributes to the cab's plush, luxurious feel, and links again to the customer's business linking to the wood of wine barrels. The propulsion method will be (if the concept goes into production) electric, as part of New Holland's Clean Energy Leader strategy.

CES 2025 felt less like a tech showcase and more like stepping into the future of home living. Amid the glittering displays of flying cars and AI-powered everything, it was Roborocks understated booth that drew the crowds. Not with flashy gimmicks, but with a vision so tangible you could almost feel your Saturday cleaning routine shrinking into irrelevance. Three flagship productseach redefining what it means to clean smarter, not harderstood at the heart of their exhibit, ready to turn skeptics into believers.Roborocks 2025 lineup doesnt just represent how far smart home tech has come, but also how human it can feel. From the Saros Z70s robotic arm meticulously tidying up clutter to the ultra-slim Saros 10 navigating impossibly tight spaces, and the F25 Series turning wet-dry cleaning into an art form, every device seemed designed to solve the little frustrations wed given up on. These werent just cleaning tools; they were partners in the pursuit of an effortlessly maintained home. Each product brought its own story, its own personality to the mix, and together, they painted a picture of a future where cleaning is no longer a choreits just handled.Designer: RoborockRoborock Saros Z70: Worlds First Vacuum With A Robot Arm Picks Up Clothes, Toys, Etc.Cleaning might be one of the most mundane parts of life, but Roborocks Saros Z70 is here to shake that upliterally, with its robotic arm. Yes, a robot vacuum with an arm that unfolds, twists, and reaches to pick up everything from socks to tiny toys. Its hard not to imagine this as the step weve all been waiting for, closing the loop on the age-old challenge of not just vacuuming but tidying.The OmniGrip arm is the star here, and its not shy about stealing the spotlight. With five axes of motion, it approaches cleaning with the finesse of a butler. During its initial run, the Z70 scouts the landscape, tagging small items for retrieval later. By the second pass, its lifting, sorting, and cleaning previously inaccessible areas. And no, its not blindly grabbingits guided by sensors, cameras, and even an LED, ensuring everything is handled with care and precision.If the arm wasnt enough, the Z70 doubles down with some of the smartest navigation weve seen. Powered by dual-light 3D ToF sensors and AI-backed RGB cameras, it maps spaces with near-surgical precision. Forget just avoiding obstaclesit actively recognizes them. From cables to tiny crumbs, the Z70 reads the room like a pro. Oh, and with 22,000 Pa of suction at its disposal, nothing gets left behind.And while the Z70 is out doing its thing, its Multifunctional Dock 4.0 keeps it ready for action. This isnt your standard plug it in and wait setupit washes mops with hot water, removes them when switching to carpet mode, and smartly estimates how much juice it needs for the next job. Add in the updated Roborock app, which lets you fine-tune everything from suction to mop schedules, and this robot starts feeling less like a machine and more like the ultimate home assistant.Roborock Saros 10R: Precision Navigation and Powerful Cleaning in a Slim BuildThe Roborock Saros 10R reimagines what a robotic vacuum can achieve with intelligent navigation at its core. Its StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 replaces the typical LiDAR towers with a blend of 3D Time-of-Flight sensors and RGB cameras powered by AI. The result? An ultra-precise 3D mapping system that detects up to 108 types of obstacles. From toys to tangled cables, the Saros 10R doesnt just avoid themit understands them, making decisions that feel almost human.Adding to its sharp sense of spatial awareness is VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance. By deploying a vertical laser, the Saros 10R gains a new dimension of perception. Imagine it smoothly navigating tight corners or weaving past the messiest cable setups without missing a beat. Its the kind of tech that feels magical in action, solving everyday cleaning frustrations you didnt think a robot could handle.But navigation is only part of the story. With around 20,000 Pa of suction and a dual anti-tangle system, this robot isnt just tidying up; its going to battle against dirt and debris. The DuoDivide Main Brush and FlexiArm Riser Side Brush ensure hair tangles are a thing of the past. Paired with dual spinning mops that lift to prevent dirt streaks, the Saros 10R delivers a spotless finish whether its tackling carpets or hardwood floors.Supporting all this power is the Multifunctional Dock 4.0, a base station that goes above and beyond. It cleans mops with hot water, detaches them when switching modes, and recharges the bot in just 2.5 hours. The enhanced Roborock app takes the experience further, letting you customize routes, suction power, and even cleaning schedules. From precise navigation to spotless floors, the Saros 10R feels less like a machine and more like a cleaning virtuoso.Roborock Saros 10: Smart, Superior, Sleek Robot Vacuum That Can Clean Hard-to-reach SpacesLow furniture and tight spaces used to be the final frontier for robot vacuums. The Roborock Saros 10, with its RetractSense Navigation System, has decided thats no longer the case. By tucking its LiDAR sensor down and slipping effortlessly under low-clearance spots, it maps and cleans places most robots cant even see. Add a wide-angle view and a knack for precision, and this robot feels like its navigating with a sixth sense.It doesnt just navigateit perceives. With Reactive AI 3.0, the Saros 10 combines RGB cameras, structured light, and lateral sensors to detect obstacles with uncanny accuracy. It knows when to veer around that messy pile of cords or dance around irregular furniture legs, all without slowing down. The VertiBeam system? Thats its secret sauce, letting it see vertically and avoid bumps while gliding through complex environments.Cleaning power is where things get serious. A staggering 22,000 Pa of suction handles carpets, corners, and crevices like a pro. Stains dont stand a chance against the VibraRise 4.0 mopping system, which uses dual sonic vibrations and edge-specific mop lifts to leave floors gleaming. Hair tangles? Not here, thanks to dual anti-tangle brushes that channel debris straight into the bin without breaking a sweat.The RockDock Ultra 2.0 ties it all together. Its not just a charging stationit washes mops with hot water, detaches them when needed, and recharges the robot intelligently. And with Roborocks app, youre in control of everything: cleaning routes, schedules, suction levels, and more. The Saros 10 doesnt just fit into your routineit makes your home feel effortlessly maintained.Roborock F25 Series: Smart, Powerful Wet/Dry Cleaning for Every Corner of Your HomeThe Roborock F25 Series brings wet and dry cleaning to a whole new level of convenience. With up to 20,000 Pa suction and 450 cleaning strokes per minute, its designed to tackle messes in a single sweep. Certified for maternal and infant floor cleaning, its 99.9% bacteria removal rate ensures you can trust it with the dirtiest, stickiest floors. From stains to dust, the F25 is built to leave nothing behind.It doesnt stop at cleaning power. Equipped with JawScrapers technology, the F25 prevents hair tangles while delivering a streak-free shine. Shark-tooth blades on the roller handle hair with ease, and a constant-pressure scraper keeps everything spotless. The result? Zero tangles and SGS-certified anti-tangle performance, so maintenance is as effortless as the cleaning itself.Slim yet sturdy, the F25 maneuvers gracefully with SlideTech 2.0. At just 12.5 cm tall, it glides under furniture and hugs edges with millimeter precision. Whether its tilting to reach tight spots or swiveling around obstacles, the dual brushless motors respond instantly, keeping movement smooth. Paired with its compact water tank and 70 swivel design, the F25 is built for tight spaces and tricky corners.Hygiene is a priority, too, with self-cleaning and drying rollers that use 90C hot air to finish drying in just five minutes. Smart sensors handle detergent dispensing and adapt to dirt levels in real-time. Voice alerts and app integration make it even easier, giving you updates and customization options at your fingertips. The F25 doesnt just cleanit makes cleaning smarter, faster, and more intuitive.The post Roborock Showcases Vacuum with Robotic Arm for Picking Up Laundry, and Many More Innovations at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Style: Contemporary Minimalist with Ebony AccentsColor Combination: matte black, soft cream, sage gray, with dramatic green botanicalsWho is it for: Perfect for urban minimalists, design enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a sophisticated dining space that balances dramatic contrasts with serene simplicity. Ideal for those who appreciate clean lines and thoughtful restraint.Budget: $$Ebony Harmony Dining Room Shopping ListBelow we present a curated list of products presented on the board:1. Rex Oval Dining Table2. Dining Chairs3. Tabletop Candle Holder Set4. Artificial Magnolia Stems5. Ceramic Vase6. Charlestine 3 Drawer Sideboard7. Ceramic Textured Vase with Handles8. Print Wall Art9. Matte Black Oswal Pendant10. Hand Tufted Wool Rug11. Dorlis Fiberstone Pot Planter12. Faux Banana Leaf TreeTips and suggestionsColors That Work Together: The black furniture pieces create bold architectural statements, while cream boucl chairs provide soft contrast. The gray concrete-look table adds an industrial touch, unified by abstract black and white artwork.Furniture Foundation: The concrete-effect dining table with geometric black base serves as a sculptural centerpiece, while boucl upholstered chairs add inviting texture. The black sideboard with brass hardware grounds the space with practical elegance.Art & Accessories: Abstract black and white prints create graphic impact while maintaining the rooms minimalist aesthetic. The matte black vases and vessels add sculptural elements that complement rather than compete.Lighting: The modern linear chandelier with frosted glass globes provides architectural interest while maintaining visual lightness its black framework echoing the rooms darker elements.Bringing Nature In: A statement Bird of Paradise plant adds organic curves and dramatic scale, while seasonal branches in a black vessel bring warmth and movement to the tablescape.The Final Note: This dining room demonstrates how contrast can create drama without chaos. The careful balance of light and dark elements, organic and geometric forms, and smooth and textured surfaces results in a space that feels both bold and serene. Its minimalism with personality proving that simplified doesnt mean stark.

Is this sustainable?

People are fawning over the gadget at CES.

WIRED contributing photographer Tristan deBrauwere takes us behind the scenes at the largest consumer tech show in the world.

MacworldMacs have a high price so its understandable that many Mac users will want to put off replacing them for as long as they can. But just how long should you expect a Mac to last?You may also be considering buying a secondhand Mac and wondering how old is too old? For example, is that 2017 MacBook Pro for $300/300 a good deal, or would you be better off spending a bit more on a newer model?One factor to consider is the age at which most Macs start to experience issues, such as random shutdowns and degraded batteries that no longer hold their charge. Unfortunately, at one point repairing your Mac or MacBook will no longer be a viable option and you will need to look for a replacement.Another issue with aging Macs is that the software you need may not run on it. You may also find that Apple no longer supports the operating system software that runs on that Mac which could leave you open to malware and security vulnerabilities.In this article, we will address the above, as well as give advice about which Macs are still supported by Apple, the Macs that can still be repaired if required (Apple stops providing the required parts after a number of years), and the Macs that Apple considers obsolete and vintage. Being Vintage means Apple may have the parts available if you wanted to fix the Mac, but once Obsolete Apple will not provide parts if you want to try and fix the machine. When do I need to replace my Mac?There are a few indicators that your Mac has reached the end of its useful life:Apple no longer supports the latest version of the software it runs (which could leave you vulnerable).The apps you need to use no longer run on it.The Mac struggles to perform the tasks you need it to especially if you cant update the RAM or any other components.Something breaks and is too expensive to fix, or the parts arent available.The Mac is becoming unreliable. Unexpected shutdowns are becoming commonplace and youve tried everything to fix the problem to no avail.Which Macs are supported by macOS updates?Only the most recent version of macOS gets feature updates, but Apple usually maintains the last three versions of the macOS with bug fixes and important security updates, ensuring that the latest version of Safari will run, and that Apple Services, such as iCloud, are fully supportedThis means that Apple will currently provide support for these versions of macOS: macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma (macOS 14), and macOS Ventura (macOS 13). Prior to the arrival of Sequoia in September 2024, Monterey (macOS 12) was also supported, but now Monterey has fallen off that list and with it Mac from before 2017, and in some cases, 2018.If your Mac is running Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura you should be able to be confident that Apple will keep an eye on any security vulnerabilities and other problems with these operating systems. (Indeed, Apple issued a security update for Sonoma and Ventura on the day that Sequoia arrived, and has issued further since that date).However, if your Mac is running an older version of the operating system, such as macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina or older, you will find yourself out in the cold when it comes to essential security updates to Apples software. If the software is too old you may also find that your other Apple products arent compatible with your Mac. Without the latest security update, you may no longer be able to use Apple Pay or other means to pay for services online, for example. And if you want to sync your iPad or iPhone with your Mac (rather than using iCloud) you will need a recent version of macOS. Since Catalina, syncing is done via the Finder, rather than iTunes. If you cant run Catalina you will need at least iTunes 12.8.2.3 and at least Mac OS X 10.11.6 (El Capitan) or your Mac will not recognize your iPhone or iPad.Its not just a case of updating your Mac to the latest version of macOS though. Each time Apple updates the Mac operating system more Macs fall off the list of those supported. Read: The latest version of macOS your Mac can run.If your Macs isnt in the list of supported Macs below, it wont receive important security updates:Macs supported by macOS Sequoia 2024s Sequoia supports the following Macs.MacBookAirfrom 2020 and laterMacBookProfrom 2018 and laterMacminifrom 2018 and lateriMacfrom 2019 and lateriMacProfrom 2017MacProfrom 2019 and laterMacStudio(all models)Read: Which Macs will run macOS Sequoia?Macs supported by macOS Sonoma 2023s Sonoma supports the following Macs.MacBookAirfrom 2018 and laterMacBookProfrom 2018 and laterMacminifrom 2018 and lateriMacfrom 2019 and lateriMacProfrom 2017MacProfrom 2019 and laterMacStudio(all models)Read: Which Macs run Sonoma?Macs supported by macOS Ventura 2022s macOS Ventura supports the following Macs:MacBook models from 2017 or laterMacBook Air models from 2018 or laterMacBook Pro models from 2017 or laterMac mini models from 2018 or lateriMac models from 2017 or lateriMac Pro (all models)Mac Pro models from 2019 or laterMac Studio (all models)Read:Can my Mac run Ventura?This means that the oldest Macs supported right now are from 2017, and in some cases, 2018and come September 2025 those Macs will no longer be supported. Which Macs arent supported by macOS?macOS Catalina is no longer supported by Apple software updatesWhen Apple introduced Sequoia in 2023 it dropped support for macOS Monterey. These Macs will not get security updates following the removal of support for Monterey: iMac (models from 2015)MacBook Air (models from 2015 and 2017 models)MacBook Pro (2015 and 2016 models)Mac mini (2014 models)Mac Pro (2013 model: cylinder/trash can)MacBook (2016 model)This adds to the list of Macs that arent supported with security updates, which includes: the 12-inch MacBook introduced in early 2015, the mid-2013 MacBook Air and the early-2014 MacBook Air, late-2013 MacBook Pro and mid-2014 MacBook Pro, or the 2014 iMac. All other Macs that pre-date those mentioned above are no longer supported by Apples software updates.If your Mac is a decade old then you certainly wont get security updates for it.Does it matter if my Mac wont run a supported macOS?Once you cannot update your Mac to run a supported version of macOS you are vulnerable to security breaches, which should obviously be a concern. You may also find that you cant carry out transactions on the internet if you want to pay for things on your out-of-date Mac. Its also probably that the software you need wont run on your Mac. Apple and other companies stop supporting older versions of the applications they make, so there could be issues with the versions of the software you are running. If you are experiencing random shutdowns, for example, it could be due to problems with an app you are running problems that will not be addressed by the developer because that version of the app is no longer supported.If you want to run fully supported software then you will need to update to a newer version of macOS and that may mean that you need to update your Mac. Although, there are workarounds to install a new version of macOS on an old Mac if you need to.Once Apple no longer supports your Macs with operating system updates, its probably a good time to replace your Mac.When do Macs become obsolete?But its not just software updates that determine the lifespan of a Mac. Its also a question of whether it will be possible to fix your Mac should something go wrong with the hardware. Apple has two standards that indicate hardware support is waining: Obsolete or Vintage. The first stage is Vintage: you might be lucky enough to get parts for this Mac, the second is Obsolete: you are out on your own when it comes to any attempt to mend the Mac if it goes wrong. If you look at Apples list of Obsolete Macs those being the Macs that Apple will no longer provide spare parts for you will see that the company stops providing parts for Macs that it hasnt sold for more than seven years. In fact, the company may not even provide parts for Macs that havent been sold for more than five years (considered Vintage by the company).This could mean that you wont be able to get a faulty Mac fixed because the parts arent available.Obsolete MacsObsolete Macs are generally Macs that Apple stopped selling more than seven years ago. Once a Mac is in Apples obsolete list you have little chance of getting it repaired if something does go wrong. You might be able to find spare parts yourself, but Apple wont provide them.Youll find more details about the exact models on Apples dedicated page, but the lists below will give you a general idea.Apple considers the following Macs and older Obsolete, with the 2014 iMacs (21.5-inch and 27-inch) added in the second half of 2024.11-inch MacBook Air (early 2014 and older)12-inch MacBook (2016 and older)13-inch MacBook Air (early 2015 and older)13-inch MacBook Pro (2016 and older)15-inch MacBook Pro (2016 and older)27-inch iMac (2015 and older) newly added21.5-inch iMac (2015 and older) newly addedMac mini (2012 and older) Mac mini Server (2012 and older)Mac Pro (2010 and older)Anything predating the Intel switch, obviously. Vintage MacsApple also has a list of Vintage Macs. These are Macs that Apple stopped selling between five and seven years ago. (If you live in France where a law means you can get support for spare parts for up to seven years after Apple stops selling a Mac).Apple Authorized Service Providers will repair vintage products for up to seven years, as long as parts are available.Apple lists the following products as being vintage, with the 2017 iMacs (21.5- and 27-inch), 2014 Mac mini, and the 2019 13-inch and 2018 15-inch MacBook Pros added in the second half of 2024.11-inch MacBook Air (2015)12-inch MacBook (2017)13-inch MacBook Air (2018)13-inch MacBook Pro (2017, 2018 & 2019)15-inch MacBook Pro (2015, 2017 & 2018)21.5-inch iMac (2013 & 2017)27-inch iMac (2015 & 2017)Mac Pro (2012)Mac mini (2014)Based on the above, wed suggest that if your Mac is more than eight years old, its time to look for a new one. And, if you see a 2017 or earlier Mac on sale, its not wise to buy it. In fact you will note that there are even 2018 and 2019 Macs on the vintage list. Read: Why you shouldnt buy a second hand Mac.See: Best Mac 2024: Every Apple Mac and MacBook comparedShould I fix my Mac or buy a new one?If your Mac is in the Obsolete category above and something goes wrong with it then you are going to struggle to get the necessary parts if you wanted to attempt to get it fixed as Apple wont provide the parts. You might be able to buy an old Mac on eBay or similar and scrap if for the parts, but wed suggest that it really wouldnt be worth the effort.If your Mac is in the Vintage list then Apple might be able to provide the required parts, but there is no guarantee. If you are lucky enough to get the part an Apple service provider might even be able to fix the Mac for you but the cost of the work is likely to be prohibitive.You might find that the Mac was included in part of a recall due to the issue you are experiencing, in that case, it might be worth enlisting in a repair program. However, if the time period in which Apple was offering the repairs has passed (which is unfortunately likely) then you will still have to find the money for the repair, which again might be prohibitive.Apple repair programsIf the Mac you own, or are considering buying would be affected by any of the problems listed below thats another reason to avoid it. Apples current Mac repair programs include:A recall for 15-inch MacBook Pro units due to a battery fault. September 2015 to February 2017 models affected.Service programs that have now ended:There was a keyboard services for some Mac laptops bought since 2016, but this is no longer running.A 13-inch MacBook Pro backlit service program for models from 2016-2018.A SSD service program for 13in MacBook Pro models from 2017-2018.A battery replacement program for 13in MacBook Pros from 2016-2017.We have more information about Apples product recalls and repair programs here. Plus, visit this page for more information on the above repair programs.Assuming your fault isnt one of those listed above, you may be faced with a pricy repair bill. We suggest that if your Mac is older than five years then repairing it will not be worth it unless of course there are important documents or photos on it that you want to retrieve in which case it might be worth looking at how to recover these files.Should I update my Mac or buy a new one?This is a similar question to the one above in as much as you will be weighing up whether spending money to improve your Mac might be more savvy than buying a new Mac.There are various ways you might be able to improve your existing Mac, including adding more RAM or changing from a hard drive to a SSD. If you can upgrade the components inside your Mac you may be able to speed it up and make it more capable of doing what you need. See How to upgrade a Mac. However, many Macs cant be upgraded at all. In recent years Apple has taken to soldering RAM in place and hiding components away to make access impossible (or at least impossible if you dont want to completely destroy your Mac attempting to get to them). With M-series Macs memory, GPU and CPU are all integrated onto the chip, so it is impossible to upgrade them. Nor can you update the SSD as it is soldered onto the motherboard. That said, there are ways to upgrade your Mac. Read: How to upgrade your Mac mini for ideas.If you decide to buy a new Mac check out our round-ups of the best Mac deals you can get:Best iMac dealsBest Mac mini dealsBest Mac Studio dealsBest MacBook Pro dealsBest MacBook Air dealsCan I update the RAM in my Mac?If you have one of the following Macs you might be able to update the RAM:MacBook (2008 to 2011 models)MacBook Pro (2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, all 17-inch models)iMac: The RAM can be updated in the majority of iMacs except for the 21.5in models from Mid-2014 and Late-2015, which had their RAM soldered into place. Mac mini: (2010-2012 and the 2018 model)Mac Pro: (all models)iMac Pro: RAM isnt user-accessible, but can be updated at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.You cant update the RAM in any MacBook Air models.We explain which Macs have accessible RAM in this article and also look at how to update the RAM.What can I update in my Mac?It may be possible to update other components, including the SSD, hard drive, battery, logic board, hard drive, but this is only possible for a few Macs and the process is only for the expert. If youd like to try read: How to upgrade a Mac.If you are up for pulling your Mac apart and attempting to upgrade its components then by all means try, but make sure you back it up first and be prepared to admit defeat if it doesnt go as planned.As for whether it is worth upgrading your Macs RAM or any other component assuming you can get the parts rather than buying a new Mac? Perhaps it will buy you a few more years of use. However, wed be inclined to suggest that if your Mac is older than seven years it really isnt worth it (and, youll notice, the MacBooks that can have their RAM upgraded tend to be older than that).How long do Macs last?So, in answer to the question: How long do Macs last? Wed say five to eight years, but beware that you may not be able to replace any faulty parts in a Mac when more than five years have passed since Apple last sold it.Before you buy a new Mac, read our article about the best time to buy a Mac or MacBook.You may also want to read our Best Mac Buying Guide for help deciding which Mac to buy. We also have a guide to the Best MacBook.Wondering how long Apple supports iPhones and iPads for? Read How long do iPhones last and how long Apple supports iPads for.

This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.The worlds first industrial-scale plant for green steel promises a cleaner futureAs of 2023, nearly 2 billion metric tons of steel were being produced annually, enough to cover Manhattan in a layer more than 13 feet thick.Making this metal produces a huge amount of carbon dioxide. Overall, steelmaking accounts for around 8% of the worlds carbon emissionsone of the largest industrial emitters and far more than such sources as aviation.A handful of groups and companies are now making serious progress toward low- or zero-emission steel. Among them, the Swedish company Stegra stands out. The startup is currently building the first industrial-scale plant in the world to make green steel. But can it deliver on its promises? Read the full story.Douglas MainGreen steel is one of our 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Reviews annual list of tech to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthrough.2025 is a critical year for climate techCasey CrownhartI love the fresh start that comes with a new year. And one thing adding a boost to my January is our newest list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies.As I was looking over the finished list this week, I was struck by something: While there are some entries from other fields that are three or even five years away, all the climate items are either newly commercially available or just about to be. Its certainly apt, because this year in particular seems to be bringing a new urgency to the fight against climate change. Its time for these technologies to grow up and get out there. Read the full story.This story is from The Spark, our weekly climate and energy newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.A New York legislator wants to pick up the pieces of the dead California AI billThe first Democrat in New York history with a computer science background wants to revive some of the ideas behind the failed California AI safety bill, SB 1047, with a new version in his state that would regulate the most advanced AI models.Assembly member Alex Bores hopes his bill, currently an unpublished draft that MIT Technology Review has seen, will address many of the concerns that blocked SB 1047 from passing into law last year. Read the full story.Scott J MulliganMIT Technology Review Narrated: How covid conspiracy theories led to an alarming resurgence in AIDS denialismPodcaster Joe Rogan, former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and football quarterback Aaron Rodgers are all helping revive AIDS denialisma false collection of theories arguing either that HIV doesnt cause AIDS or that theres no such thing as HIV at all.These ideas were initially promoted back in the 1980s and 90s but fell out of favor, as more and more evidence stacked up against them, and as more people with HIV and AIDS started living longer lives thanks to effective new treatments. But then coronavirus arrived.This is our latest story to be turned into a MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, whichwere publishing each week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just navigate to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and follow us to get all our new content as its released.Ask our journalists anything!Do you have questions about emerging technologies? Well, weve got answers. MIT Technology Reviews science and tech journalists are hosting an AMA on Reddit tomorrow at 12 pm ET. Submit your questions now!The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 Wildfires are sweeping through Los AngelesUnusually strong winds and dry weather are accelerating multiple fires around the city. (Vox)+ While California is no stranger to wildfires, these are particularly awful. (The Atlantic $)+ Five people are known to have died, and thousands have lost their homes.(NY Mag $)+ The quest to build wildfire-resistant homes. (MIT Technology Review)2 AI can now predict how the genes inside a cell will drive its behaviorScientists are hopeful it could usher in cell-specific therapies to fight genetic diseases. (WP $)+ How AI can help us understand how cells workand help cure diseases. (MIT Technology Review)3 The Biden administration is planning a further chips crackdownOne of its final acts will be a push to prevent sales of chips to China and Russia. (Bloomberg $)+ A group of tech representatives is begging the US government to reconsider. (Reuters)4 Elon Musks DOGE division wants to slash $2 trillion in federal spendingBut even he admits its a ridiculously ambitious goal. (WSJ $)+ He reckons he might be able to cut half that amount. (NBC News)5 Meta exempted its top advertisers from content moderation processesIt agreed to suppress standard testing for high spenders. (FT $)+ Mark Zuckerberg appears to be following Xs playbook. (Wired $)+ Maybe the two platforms arent so different after all. (The Atlantic $)6 How one teenager embarked on a nationwide swatting spreeAlan Filions false shooting calls sent police into hundreds of schools across the US. (Wired $)7 Blue Origin is limbering up to launch its new Glenn rocketIn the companys very first flight. (New Scientist $)+ If successful, the flight could prove Blue Origins worthiness as a SpaceX rival. (The Register)8 Grok could be getting an unhinged modeWhatever that means. (TechCrunch)+ Xs chatbot was one of the biggest AI flops of 2024. (MIT Technology Review)9 The secret to scaling quantum computing? Fiber optic cablesMixing quantum data with regular ole internet gigabits is one solution. (IEEE Spectrum)10 This robot vacuum has limbs All the better to clean your home with. (The Verge)+ A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook? (MIT Technology Review)Quote of the dayI voted for TrumpI didnt vote for Elon.Preston Parra, chairman of the pro-Trump Conservative PAC, expresses his frustration with Elon Musks escalating involvement in US politics to the New York Times.The big storyThe weeds are winningOctober 2024Since the 1980s, more and more plants have evolved to become immune to herbicides. This threatens to decrease yields, and in extreme cases can wipe out whole fields.At worst, it can even drive farmers out of business. Its the agricultural equivalent of antibiotic resistance, and it keeps getting worse. Agriculture needs to embrace a diversity of weed control practices. But thats much easier said than done. Read the full story.Douglas MainWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Andrew McCarthy has taken more than 90,000 pictures of the sun, which is pretty amazing.+ Sciences most famous dogs? Yes please.+ What better time to reorganize your kitchen cupboards than at the start of the new year?+ The Robbie Williams biopic Better Man is completely bonkersand a whole lot of fun.