Nomad makes some of our favorite Apple accessories across charging solutions, Apple Watch bands, and more. Today, the company has released a new version of one of its most convenient charging accessories: the ChargeKey. Nomads ChargeKey accessory is a tiny USB-C to USB-C cable designed to attach directly to your keychain. The idea is that with it attached to your keys, youll never find yourself in a pinch without a quick way to connect your iPhone to power or data transfer. The new ChargeKey offers several key improvements compared to the version that launched in 2023. Most notably, you can expect significantly faster charging speed paired with proper support for data transfer: USB-C to USB-C connection240W charging speeds for your iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, Android, and more10Gbps data transfer speeds (USB 3.1)Braided nylon cableElectroplated zinc cable housingsCable tips secure magneticallyOne particularly fun use case for this accessory: charging your AirPods while on the go from your iPhones power. The fast data transfer speeds are also great for recording camera footage directly to an external drive. The new ChargeKey is available from Nomads website for $25, a $10 price cut compared to the previous-generation model. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

iPhone 17 season is heating up with two especially interesting design variants: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro. Yes, there will be a plain iPhone 17, but it doesnt sound like Apple will be very bold with its design this year.So what about the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro designs that some are calling radical? There seems to be two camps: those who believe the designs are real, and those who think Apple will never release something like what were seeing in leaks and rumors.Redesigns can be fun, even when theyre not newOne thing we can all agree on is that iPhone design changes are fun. If the iPhone X didnt look like an iPhone from the future in 2017, the internet would have been utterly bored by the iPhone 8 that looked like the iPhone 7 that looked like the iPhone 6S that looked like the iPhone 6.Were kind of getting back to that with the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16. I would argue that the cameras, colors, buttons, materials, and shrinking notch turned Dynamic Island all help the current iPhone designs feel fresh. The candy bar design remains, but the phones have gotten thinner, lighter, and more comfortable to hold without going back to curved edges.Perhaps the best example of a new design bringing excitement to an otherwise unremarkable product is the fourth-generation iPhone SE (or first generation iPhone 16E, if thats a naming scheme Apple indeed adopts). By all accounts, the iPhone SE 4 will look like the iPhone 14. Thats being billed as a radical redesign all on its own because the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3 look like the iPhone 8 with thick bezels and Touch ID instead of Face ID. The original iPhone SE brought back the smaller iPhone 5/5S design when the iPhone 6s still felt big.Why is Apple making an iPhone 17 Air?Recent iPhone lineups have had five options: iPhone SE, iPhone #, iPhone # Plus or iPhone # mini (one or the other depending on the year), iPhone # Pro, and iPhone # Pro Max. This year we expect the lineup to add a new model without deleting an existing option: iPhone # Air.While the iPhone X showed us the direction of future iPhones, the iPhone Air seems different.Some customers will continue to want the best cameras and battery life more than thinner and lighter phones. Other customers will continue to want the newest phone that doesnt start at $999.Current technology doesnt allow Apple to go thinner and lighter without sacrificing camera sensors and battery capacity. Current technology does allow Apple to make smartphones thinner (and therefore lighter) than ever before. For Samsung, thats the teased-but-not-released Galaxy S25 Edge; for Apple, we expect the iPhone 17 Air.I dont know if a thinner iPhone is compelling enough to compete with a less expensive iPhone or a more capable iPhone. I do think its important for Apple to compete with Samsung in this narrow space though even if the customer base is thin.But are the leaks accurate?That brings us to the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro design leaks. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a so-called camera bar that runs across the back of the iPhone. Recent iPhones have an Apple Watch-sized camera plateau, although the iPhone 16 switched to a more compact camera pill.The camera bar design is expected to show up on both the Air and Pro. This would indeed be a notable design change for the Pro line. Since the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has used a three-camera layout that sits atop of round-rectangle bump.The benefit of dropping Mount Camera in favor of Bender from Futurama is that iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro will share the same look that is intended to signal premium. If accurate, this trick will help upsell the single-lens camera on the iPhone 17 Air while the plain iPhone 17 actually has an additional rear camera.Personally, I put a lot of stock into the iPhone 17 Air design. Thats not because Ive seen something or know anything, but it feels on pace with leaks from past years in terms of volume and timing.I also say that because iPhone design leaks tend to be accurate. Not since the teardrop iPhone 5 has an iPhone design leak been plain wrong.Some design rumors do fall flat when reality arrives. The rear facing Touch ID sensor and the iPhone smart connector fall into the category of fiction when it comes to what actually shipped.Regardless of who has leaked what, though, I wouldnt be surprised if the iPhone 17 Pro still looked like the iPhone 16 Pro. I can imagine a scenario where Apple is working on bringing the iPhone Air camera design to the iPhone Pro, those design plans leaking, and the iPhone 17 Air being the only camera bar iPhone this year.I wouldnt be willing to bet that the iPhone 17 Pro will look like the iPhone 16 Pro, but there just doesnt seem to be the same consensus around the Pro design this year yet. Im open to having my mind changed though.Still, my general approach with iPhone design leaks is this: the weirder they seem, the more likely they are to be real.Featured image sourceBest Apple accessoriesFollow Zac Hall on X, Threads, and Bluesky, and listen to Runtime with co-host Sophia Tung on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apple is expected to launch a successor to the iPhone SE this week, and a new survey reveals just how important it could be to the company.Price is a huge deal to the majority of American smartphone buyers, survey showsOn the eve of a potential new iPhone SE launch, a new survey conducted by Optimum has revealed why Apples budget option is so important.Over 1,500 American consumers were polled on the factors that mattered most when shopping for a new phone.More than half of respondents identified price as the most important aspect of their decision.This means the majority identify price as more important than camera features, AI, battery life, and other seemingly popular sales drivers.Its a telling data point. Not only does the survey indicate why the new iPhone SE is such a big deal for Apple. It also perhaps tells us why Apple doesnt feel the need to update its budget model very often.Why Apple can leave the iPhone SE alone for yearsThe flagship iPhone lineup gets refreshed every year. But not the iPhone SE.While major new iPhones launch each fall without exception, Apples budget model only gets updated every two to three years.The last iPhone SE came out in early 2022, making this an especially lengthy gap.But if the typical iPhone SE buyer values price above all else, then regular updates to include a lot of new features arent really necessary.Instead, Apple can keep the iPhone SEs price low while bringing in greater profits over time as components become more affordable.For shoppers like me, who always prefer the latest and greatest iPhone, the survey is an important reminder of why the iPhone SE is so key to Apples lineup.How important is price to you when buying a new phone? Whats more important to you? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

By default, iCloud data is secure while in transit. This data is stored in an encrypted format, while the encryption keys are housed in Apple data centers. 15 particularly sensitive data types, like passwords, Health data, and Journal data, use end-to-end encryption as standard. This sensitive data is encrypted with keys derived from your devices and device passcode, which are only accessible by the end user, and thus this data remains secure even in the case of a data breach in the cloud.Advanced Data Protection, which is opt-in, provides end-to-end encryption for 10 additional iCloud data categories like Photos, Notes, and Reminders, meaning that Apple no longer possesses the keys to decrypt these categories as well.Its been couple of years since Advanced Data Protection rolled out. Are you using it? If not, should you consider using it? In this full tutorial and video walkthrough, I discuss what Advanced Data Protection is, how to enable it, and best practices for protecting your precious data. Be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more in-depth video walkthroughs.Table of contentsVideo: iOS Advanced Data Protection for iCloud explainedSubscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more videosWhat is Advanced Data Protection?Standard Data Protection includes end-to-end encryption for 15 data types, including Passwords and Keychain data, Health data, Home data, etc. Advanced Data Protection offers this same type of protection for an additional 10 data types stored in iCloud, bringing the total to 25 end-to-end encrypted iCloud data categories. Heres a look at what both Standard and Advance Data Protection include:Standard Data Protection includesAdvanced Data Protection addsPasswords and KeychainiCloud Backups (Device and Messages)Health dataiCloud DriveJournal dataPhotosHome dataNotesMessages in iCloudRemindersPayment informationSafari BookmarksApple Card transactionsSiri ShortcutsMapsVoice MemoQuickType Keyboard learned vocabularyWallet PassesSafariFreeformScreen TimeSiri informationWi-Fi passwordsW1 and H1 Bluetooth keysMemojiOf course, there exist categories that cannot be protected using end-to-end encryption due to the nature of the data. For example, iCloud Mail must communicate and interoperate with the global email system as a whole, and Contacts and Calendars are built on standards that do not support end-to-end encryption. One of the most notable new changes that Advanced Data Protection brings to the table is the end-to-end encryption of iCloud Backups. This is notable because, prior to Advanced Data Protection, Apple could access your data, in the case of a court ordered subpoena, via the iCloud backups stored on its servers.This was particularly useful for law enforcement investigations, because although iMessage on the iPhone has long been protected end-to-end via Standard Data Protection, messages data stored in iCloud Backups served as a workaround or loophole. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, even Messages data stored in iCloud Backups and via Messages Backups are now inaccessible by Apple, because the iCloud Backup itself is now end-to-end encrypted.You are responsible for data recoveryWith Advanced Data Protection enabled, Apple no longer has access to decryption keys for your Photos, Notes, Reminders, iCloud Backups, etc. Hence, If you lose access to your account, only you can recover this data by using your device passcode or password, a recovery contact, or a recovery key. Along with setting up one or more trusted recovery contacts, its important that you print your 28-character recovery key on something like a physical hardware wallet that can be engraved with your recovery key and cant be easily damaged or lost.Before enabling Advanced Data Protection, youll be prompted to remove any devices from your iCloud account running older versions of software (anything below iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1). While Advanced Data Protection is enabled for your iCloud account, you wont be able to sign in to your account using your Apple ID for devices running older software versions. Youll need to update the software on those devices first, or disable Advanced Data Protection, before theyre able to be used with your iCloud account.Once Advanced Data Protection is enabled, it is enabled for all devices linked to your iCloud account.Advanced Data Protection prerequisitesBefore enabling Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, ensure all of the following are true:Your Apple ID has two-factor authentication enabled.A passcode/password is enabled for your device.Youre running the latest version of software on all of your devices:iPhone with iOS 16.2 or lateriPad with iPadOS 16.2 or laterMac with macOS 13.1 or laterApple Watch with watchOS 9.2 or laterApple TV with tvOS 16.2 or laterHomePod with software version 16.2 or laterWindows computer with iCloud for Windows 14.1 or laterYou have at least one account recovery key and/or recovery contact set. The Advanced Data Protection setup will prompt you to do this if you have not.You cannot enable Advanced Data Protection on new device until a time threshold elapses. Youll need to setup Advanced Data Protection on an older device instead.Older devices that cant be updated to iOS 16.2 or later must be removed from iCloud before enabling Advanced Data ProtectionSetting up Account RecoveryYour recovery contact will never be able to access your data, but will be able to generate a code from their Apple device to help you regain access to your data.A recovery contact should be a friend or family member over the age of 13 that you trust. Your recovery contact must have an Apple Device. If you forget your password or passcode, you can contact your recovery contact in person or by phone to help.Step 1: Go to Settings <your name> Sign-In & Security Recovery Contacts.Step 2: Tap Add Recovery Contact and youll be asked to verify with Face ID or device passcode.Step 3: iOS will suggest contacts from your family sharing list if applicable, but you can choose someone else from your contacts as well. Select a contact and then tap the Next button in the upper right-hand corner.Step 4: Youll next be prompted to let your contact know that youve added them as a recovery contact. You can send the canned message that Apple provides by tapping the Send button at the bottom of the screen, or customize the message by tapping Edit Message before sending.Step 5: After the recipient receives the message, theyll need to tap the Account Recovery Contact link and tap the Accept button to confirm. Whether or not the user accepts or declines, the requester will be notified.Add Recovery KeyStep 1: Go to Settings <your name> Password & Security Recovery Key.Step 2: Tap Recovery Key Turn On Recovery Key Use Recovery Key.Step 3: Enter your iPhones passcode to turn on the recovery key.Step 4: Your 28-alphanumeric recovery key will now be displayed. Print a copy or write down your recovery key. I suggest employing a cold storage solution for more secure and permanent safekeeping.Step 5: Tap Continue, and youll be prompted to enter the 28-digit recovery key to prove that you wrote it down correctly. Tap Next once the key is entered.Step 6: If the recovery key was entered correctly, youll be taken back to the Sign-In & Security page with the Recovery key parameter set to On. If you choose to ever create a new recovery key because you lost it or someone else knows it, the new key will replace the old key.How to enable Advanced Data ProtectionStep 1: On your iPhone or iPad go to Settings <your name> iCloud.Step 2: Scroll down and tap the Advanced Data Protection panel, then tap Turn on Advanced Data Protection.Step 3: Youll see a splash screen indicating that you will be responsible for data recovery. Tap the Review Recovery Methods button to review the recovery options youve established, otherwise tap Set Up Account Recovery if youve yet to establish recovery options and refer to the Setting up Account Recovery section above.Step 4: If you have a recovery contact established, and youre satisfied with it, tap the Contacts Up to Date button to proceed. Otherwise, you can tap Update Recovery Contacts.Step 5: Next, assuming you have one set up as instructed above, youll be asked to verify your 28-character recovery key to continue. Enter your recovery key and tap the Next button in the upper right-hand corner.Step 6: Enter your devices passcode to enable Advanced Data Protection. Tap the Done button once you get the Advanced Data Protection is On confirmation page.How to disable Advanced Data ProtectionStep 1: On your iPhone or iPad go to Settings <your name> iCloud.Step 2: Scroll down and tap the Advanced Data Protection panel, then tap Turn Off Advanced Data Protection.Step 3: Tap Turn Off and then enter your iPhones passcode to verify.Your device will securely upload the needed encryption keys to Apples servers and Advanced Data Protection will be disabled. Your Account Recovery options will be maintained, unless modified. 9to5Macs TakeAdvanced Data Protection is simply a way to enable end-to-end encryption across more iCloud data types, bringing the total number of data types to 25. If youre looking for a way to increase the security of the data stored in your iCloud account this is a great free way to do it. Just remember that you take on additional responsibility for your data, since Apple no longer houses the decryption keys when Advanced Data Protection enabled. For many people, thats a small price to pay for the added security of end-to-end encryption.Are you currently using advanced data protection? Why or why not? Sound off down below in the comments with your thoughts.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

We reported yesterday the launch of the Grok 3 chatbot, which is only available if you have an X Premium+ subscription. That cost $22/month at the time, but thats now been more than doubled to $50/month though X seems a little confused about its own prices X owner Elon Musk claims Grok 3 is the smartest AI on Earth, as competition continues to increase. OpenAI is planning to launch its most powerful model yet, GPT-4.5m within the next few weeks.X Premium+ subscription doubledAccess to the latest Grok model is limited to X Premium+ subscribers, and Musk appears to think they are willing to pay a lot more for it. TechCrunch spotted the immediate price increase.Hours after Elon Musks AI company, xAI released the latest version of its AI model, Grok 3, X has significantly hiked the price for its top Premium+ subscription plan, which gives users access to the latest model, to almost $50 per month []This is the second time X is raising the price for the Premium+ plan in the past couple of months. In December, the company hiked the subscription amount to $22 per month from $16 per month. If we go by any of the listed prices, the new plan will cost Premium+ subscribers more than double what they currently pay.Even then, you wont get access to all of Grok 3s features some of them require a standalone SuperGrok plan.Pricing confusionHowever, the sites Ivan Mehta notes that X seems confused about its own pricing.When this reporter tried to sign up for the Premium+ plan, X showed that it would cost $39.83 per month ($477.95 annually), though the final check-out page said it would cost $395 for a year.Also, while Xs support page says a monthly subscription costs $50, the sign-up page lists a $48.40 per month price, and the check-out page is charging $40 a month.So, er, youll pay more; how much more appears to be something of a lucky dip. Maybe the company should have a smart AI look into it.Photo byMariia ShalabaievaonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apples M4 rollout isnt yet complete, with the M4 MacBook Air expected to launch soon. But the M5 chip is expected to debut this fall, and when it does, Apple will reportedly remedy an unpopular M4 decision.Over the weekend, Mark Gurman reported on the first devices expected to feature Apples M5 chip. And in doing so, he identified a key change from the companys M4 approach.He writes at Bloomberg:the M5 chip transition will begin alongside new MacBook Pro models in the fall. Then we should get an M5 iPad Pro by the first half of 2026. In other words, the M4 and M5 chip transitions will see their release orders flipped, with the M5 coming to the Mac before the iPad Pro.Last May, Apple surprised many of us by debuting its brand new M4 chip not in a Mac, but in the new iPad Pro.It then took a full six months before a single Mac gained the new chip.While iPad Pro users like myself enjoyed getting the latest chip first, it was an especially unpopular move for Mac users. In part, no doubt, because of the long wait for the first M4 Macs to arrive in November.But with the M5 line this fall, Apple appears to be reversing course and going back to its former strategy of launching new M-class chips on the Mac. In this case, with the new MacBook Pro.And since the MacBook Pro will be the first M5 device, we should see not only the base M5 chip debut, but also the M5 Pro and M5 Max at the same timejust like what happened with the M3 line in 2023.Did you take issue with Apple giving iPad Pro the M4 first? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.Best Mac accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Smartphone filmmaking just got an upgrade. DJI, the industry leader in drones and camera stabilization technology, has launched the Osmo Mobile 7 (OM 7) series, bringing its most advanced tracking technology, intuitive gesture controls, and the lowest-ever price for a DJI gimbal.The Osmo Mobile 7 Series consists of two models: the Osmo Mobile 7P and the Osmo Mobile 7. Both offer DJIs seventh-generation stabilization, the newly enhanced ActiveTrack 7.0, and an array of intelligent features designed to make smartphone videography easier and more creative than ever before.The Osmo Mobile 7P, the premium model, introduces an exciting Multifunctional Module that adds gesture controls, built-in light control, and a microphone receiver for even more hands-free shooting possibilities.Even more impressive? The Osmo Mobile 7 starts at just $89, making it the most affordable DJI gimbal ever $50 cheaper than the Osmo Mobile 6, which retails at $139. Lets break down what makes the OM 7 series a game-changer.Smarter tracking and hands-free filmingAt the core of DJIs latest gimbals is ActiveTrack 7.0, the companys most advanced subject-tracking technology yet. Using upgraded AI algorithms, this feature allows the gimbal to lock onto subjects with pinpoint accuracy, even in busy or fast-moving environments. The system is so intelligent that it can:Detect multiple subjects in a frame and allow users to switch between them effortlessly.Maintain tracking even when a subject leaves and re-enters the frame.Predict motion patterns, ensuring smooth tracking even if someone moves erratically.For vloggers, content creators, and anyone who films dynamic footage, ActiveTrack 7.0 removes the hassle of constant refocusing, letting users concentrate on their storytelling.Meanwhile, a key standout feature of the OM 7P is its Multifunctional Module, which enables gesture-based controls that revolutionize solo filming. Whether youre filming yourself or capturing content on the go, these simple hand gestures allow for complete control without touching your phone or gimbal.Heres how it works:Raise your palm to start or stop tracking.Flash a V sign to take a photo or begin/stop recording.Use a Double L gesture with both hands to adjust framing.This hands-free approach makes filming effortless, especially for vloggers, fitness instructors, and anyone who needs to move freely while recording. Its like having a personal camera operator in your pocket.Moreover, using the DJI Mimo app, creators can use their Apple Watch as a smart remote for the gimbal, remotely controlling their shoot and camera feed.Other essential tools that the Multifunctional Module brings, include:Integrated light control: Adjust brightness and color temperature for perfect lighting in any environment.Microphone receiver: Capture high-quality audio while filming, perfect for interviews and live streaming.USB-C power delivery: Keep your smartphone charged while shooting, extending your recording time.This all-in-one module enhances professional and casual filming alike, allowing users to travel lighter while still capturing high-quality footage.But DJI has always focused on portability, hasnt it? This is why the OM 7 series is the most lightweight yet. More precisely, OM 7 weighs only 10 ounces (300g), making it the lightest smartphone gimbal in its class. Both models fold down instantly for easy storage in a small bag or even a pocket. And the built-in tripod makes it easy to set up a stable shot anywhere.Regardless, for many buyers, the biggest surprise isnt just the new features its the unbeatable pricing.Osmo Mobile 7 starts at just $89 a full $70 cheaper than Osmo Mobile 6s launch price of $159.Osmo Mobile 7P, which includes the Multifunctional Module, is priced at $149 marginally higher than OM 6s current retail price of $139.The Multifunctional Module is also available as a separate add-on for Osmo Mobile 7 users, allowing them to upgrade later.All in all, with such an affordable entry price, this is the best time ever to invest in a DJI gimbal whether youre a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade.More: Mini 4 Pro or Flip? Picking the best DJI drone for youAdd DroneDJ to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading DroneDJ experts who break news about DJI and the wider drone ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow DroneDJ on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Apples plan to boost iPhone production in India from an estimated 15% of global production today to 25% by 2027 is being deliberately hampered by the Chinese government, according to new reports.China is reportedly using a mix of three measures to make it harder for Apples manufacturing partners to transfer production to India iPhone production in IndiaApple has for years been working to lessen its dependence onChinaas a manufacturing center, with the pandemic exacerbating the risks of having so much iPhone production in one country.India is the companys second manufacturing home, with Apple gradually ramping up production from just the iPhone SE to now making the latest flagship phones. Its been widely reported that Apple has set a goal of making 25% of iPhones in India by 2027.The Indian government has been encouraging this ramp-up through a series of tax breaks on imported components.China deliberately hampering this shiftTwo reports in the Financial Times say that China appears to be attempting to hamper this shift of production out of the country.First, it suggests, the Chinese government is making it hard for engineers to travel to India.Beijing is tightening its grip on cutting-edge Chinese technology, aiming to keep critical knowhow within its borders as trade tensions with the US and Europe escalate. Chinese authorities in recent months have made it more difficult for some engineers [] to leave the country [] Among the companies to be hit is Apples main manufacturing partner Foxconn, which has been leading the Silicon Valley groups supply chain diversification into India.Second, it is using export controls to block or delay the movement of equipment and components.Chinese authorities have proposed new export controls to retain key battery technologies, and moved to restrict technologies for processing critical minerals, according to multiple industry figures and ministry notices [] An Indian official also alleged China was using customs delays to impede the flow of components and equipment heading south.Finally, Chinese component manufacturers are reportedly being warned not to establish production plants in India. That would mean Apple cant circumvent export blocks by having components made in India.The reports say that the new trade war with China initiated by the Trump administration has increased tensions, and led to the government taking a harder line with American companies.Indian government not helping in some areasWhile the Indian government has been keen to persuade foreign companies to establish manufacturing plants in the country, the FT reports that political conflict with China has seen the government blocking Chinese companies from building new plants.Apple supplier Luxshare is said to be one of the companies refused permission.9to5Macs TakeChina was never going to sit back quietly while Apple shifted more and more production outside the country, so it was always likely that the government would find ways to make life harder for the iPhone maker.But the current trade war means we can expect increasingly hard-nosed action by Chinese authorities against US companies, and Apple is of course a prime target. Unless Trump backs down, which currently looks unlikely, things are only going to get tougher.Photo byXimena IbaezonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Skip to main contentApple @ Work PodcastApple @ Work Podcast: How did Parallels bring x86 emulation to Apple Silicon? Bradley C|Feb 18 2025 - 3:00 am PTApple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle,the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost.Request your EXTENDED TRIALtoday and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple.In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Kamal Srinivasan from Alludo about Parallels gaining the ability to emulate x86 on Apple Silicon.Connect with BradleyListen and subscribeListen to Past EpisodesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel Featuredfrom 9to5Mac9to5Mac Logo Manage push notificationsAllPost

A new render aims to visualize a potential iPhone 17 Pro design, with a full-width camera module replacing the current offset square.3D artist and developer Asher Dipprey previously shared the renders in a video, which was restricted to his Patreon members All recent Pro models have had a square camera module on the left side of the casing, with a triangular arrangement of lenses within in. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro will abandon this design and instead extend the camera bump across almost the full width of the phone, though retaining the triangular lens arrangement.In Dippreys render, which he also shows in Space Black, the camera bump is not symmetrical, with a larger gap on the left than the right.The renders appear to be based on a claimed CAD image circulating last month. Leaker Majin Bu last month said that the image itself was fake a view endorsed by Bloombergs Mark Gurman but that it did reflect the overall design of genuine CAD images.I received an image of an alleged CAD of iPhone 17 Pro, I showed it to some designers to try to understand if the image was real and they told me that their warning is a fake. Even if it is fake it should reflect what are the CAD of the models currently being testedBu has a decent though imperfect track record, including the new Desert Titanium color of the iPhone 16 Pro.Reactions to the purported design havent been good, and while Dippreys images provide a very polished look, he describes the design only as bearable.Dipprey is also the developer behind Radiance, a free app which helps you create your own wallpaper. 9to5Macs TakeThis is the best look yet at what the reports to date appear to describe, including what is said to be represented by CAD images. However, theres still a lot of guesswork involved in translating a design feature into a realistic render.Personally, even allowing for the fact that a first look at a new design is often jarring, I cant help feeling this looks well, terrible. What are your views? Please let us know in the comments.Render: Asher DippreyAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

After releasing a video on their expected iPhone 17 Pro design, Jon Prosser at FrontPageTech returns with another video depicting what they believe the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will look like, the radically new addition to the iPhone family. The Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup, a mid-range model with an all-new ultra-thin chassis design. Many publications have indicated that one of the compromises will be the fact that the phone features a single rear camera. However, these renders suggest that single lens will still be housed inside a full-width protruding bar shape.Of course, we dont know for sure that what is depicted in these renders is accurate. However, it mostly aligns with what publications including The Information and Bloomberg have previously reported. The biggest point of contention is the protruding rear camera module design. Whereas these renders suggest a rectangular camera bar with the lens on the left side, a previous report from The Information described the camera being relocated to the top center of the phone.The iPhone 17 Air, or iPhone 17 Slim as some have called it, will stand out with a dramatically thin enclosure. The thickness of the phone will be between 5.5mm and 6mm, excluding the rear camera protrusion. However, to achieve the ultra-thin design, the specs of the phone will not be top tier. For instance, the single 48-megapixel rear camera will lack the optical zoom range of current models that have two or three rear cameras. Some previous reports have also suggested that the front camera quality will be worse, as well as worse integrated speakers. Additionally, the phone is expected to be powered by the base A19 chip, not the A19 Pro.Apple has always seemed to struggle to make a successful fourth iPhone model. The smaller mini was discontinued due to lack of demand, and the Plus hasnt set the world on fire either. The Air is the companys latest attempt, seemingly intentionally going to make something distinctive that stands out.It remains to be seen whether customers will find the trade-offs with the iPhone 17 Air worthwhile, but it will certainly make for a striking new look when the phones go on sale in the fall. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The iPhones Low Power Mode is not a new feature. In fact, it was introduced with iOS 9 back in 2015. But from time to time I see someone on the web complaining about how their brand new iPhone is running slowly. What do some of these cases have in common? Screenshots or videos showing that Low Power Mode is on. Read on as I detail how exactly this feature affects iPhone performance.How does the iPhones Low Power Mode work?As the name suggests, Apple has created Low Power Mode to help users extend their iPhones battery life in situations where you know youre going to spend a long time without a charger nearby. When activated, Low Power Mode reduces power consumption by turning off multiple software and hardware features together.Although iOS prompts the user to enable Low Power Mode when the battery reaches 20%, the feature can be enabled manually at any time.Heres how Apple describes the feature:Low Power Mode reduces the amount of power your iPhone or iPad uses when the battery gets low. When Low Power Mode is turned on, your iPhone or iPad will last longer before needing to be charged, but some features may take longer to update or complete. Also, some tasks may not work until Low Power Mode has been turned off or until you charge your iPhone or iPad to 80% or higher.You can check whether Low Power Mode is activated by looking at the battery icon in the Status Bar if its yellow, your device is in Low Power Mode.But what exactly does Low Power Mode change on your iPhone? Apple has an official list available on its website:Turns off or reduces the use of 5G (depending on which iPhone model)Set Auto-Lock to 30 secondsReduces display brightness and limits the refresh rate to 60Hz on devices with ProMotionTurns off Always-On Display on compatible iPhonesReduces visual effectsPause background activities (such as downloads, iCloud sync, backup, and email fetch)Does it slow down your iPhone? YesBut theres something Apple doesnt tell you. Although the list doesnt mention anything about performance, Low Power Mode also slows down the device when its activated.To be clear, the chip inside your iPhone has multiple performance and efficiency cores. In typical usage, your iPhone can use all of the chips cores simultaneously, prioritizing the performance cores when youre editing a video or playing a game. When Low Power Mode is on, iPhone heavily reduces the use of the performance cores, relying mainly on the efficiency cores which are slower, but use much less power.In a benchmark test used to score the performance of different devices, this is the score of the iPhone 16 Pro Maxs A18 Pro chip when Low Power Mode is off (the higher, the better):Single-core: 3341Multi-core: 8270Now the same test run with GeekBench 6 when Low Power Mode is now on:Single-core: 1384Multi-core: 4093Essentially, the device runs at half its performance with this mode on. As a result, youll probably notice that your phone is slower depending on what tasks youre doing. This may seem obvious to some, but some people get really surprised when they hear about it.Wrap upBut at least keeping Low Power Mode on all the time will make the battery last much longer, right? Well, that depends. Multiple tests show that Low Power Mode is more effective at reducing battery consumption in stand-by mode with less effect when youre actively using the phone.In that case, you should probably only use Low Power Mode when you really need it. Its worth noting that Low Power Mode is also available on iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.Read also:Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apple introduced the Pro Display XDR in 2019 with its $4999 price tag, no included stand, and an optional Pro Stand for $999. Since then, despite all of the advancements in display technology, Apple has left it untouched. While there isnt a ton to go off of, there are a couple of smaller details that give us an idea on what Apple is working on.Apple Silicon chipApple released the Studio Display in 2022, and it had one unique advantage over most displays: it was powered by an A13 Bionic. This allowed it to have cool features like Center Stage and spatial audio.Pro Display XDR, since it was released three years prior, does not include an Apple Silicon chipset. However, according to a Bloomberg report from 2022, that is one thing Apple is planning for the next-generation model:Apple is working on multiple new external monitors as well, including an update to the Pro Display XDR that was launched alongside the Intel Mac Pro in 2019. It is possible, however, that the companys next high-end display will ship after the Mac Pro, as the computer is further along in development than the monitor.Those new monitors like the Studio Display launched with the Mac Studio will include Apple silicon. That helps the screens rely less on resources from the attached computer.Presuming this two-year-old rumor holds up which could make sense given the fact that Gurman mentioned that the display was behind in development, then we can likely expect some sort of Apple Silicon chipset in the Pro Display XDR 2. This could allow for the Pro Display XDR to have a built in camera and speakers, something it doesnt currently.Quantom-dot displayAccording to display analyst Ross Young, Apple will be adopting quantom-dot films in the next generation Pro Display XDR, similar to the new M4 MacBook Pro:Now that Apple has adopted [quantum dot] films in the MacBook Pro, it will be interesting to see if they replace KSF films and KSF phosphors in other Apple products. KSF films are found in previous MiniLED MacBook Pros and the Mac Pro Display XDR. We expect the next version of the Mac Pro Display to adopt it.It isnt clear if this means Apple will adopt mini-LED in the next generation Pro Display XDR, which currently uses a higher end IPS panel with local-dimming zones. We also have no concrete information regarding refresh rate, though it would be nice if we got a 120Hz panel, especially since MacBooks have had that for over three years, and the Pro Display XDR costs over $5000.Other rumorsIn 2023, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple will be releasing a 27-inch miniLED display in 2025. Its unlikely that this is in reference to the Pro Display XDR, since it has a 32-inch display size, but its relevant to mention regardless, as Kuo refers to it as a high end monitor. According to Kuo, this display will be thinner, and also have narrower bezels.Additionally, weve reported on 9to5Mac that Apple is working on a display with a 7K resolution, which seems plausible for a future Pro Display XDR.Release dateDisplay analyst Ross Young shared with 9to5Mac that he currently expects the Pro Display XDR 2 to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, though there isnt yet anything concrete.In a recent edition of the Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman specified that a next-generation Pro Display XDR is a lower priority:Where does that leave the Pro Display XDR? Developing a new version of a product that costs $5,000 (without a stand) is less of a priority for Apple. The monitor is out of reach for most consumers, and Apple has struggled with high-end products like the $3,500 Vision Pro.My favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Bad news for DeepSeek users in South Korea. The countrys regulator announced on Monday that the Chinese AI app is now banned in South Korea under allegations that it fails to comply with local data protection laws. As a result, both Apple and Google will have to remove the app from their respective app stores.DeepSeek AI temporarily banned in South KoreaAs reported by Reuters, South Koreas data protection authority has ordered tech companies like Apple and Google to implement measures to block downloads of the app. Despite this, DeepSeek can still be accessed via a web browser in the country at least for now. The regulator claims that the app doesnt comply with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) law.The report mentions that DeepSeek has already appointed legal representatives in South Korea and acknowledged that it partially neglected the considerations of the countrys data protection law. A spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that the Chinese government attaches great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law.According to South Koreas regulator, DeepSeek can resume operations there as soon as it implements changes to ensure that the app complies with the countrys privacy law.For those unfamiliar, DeepSeek is a Chinese AI startup that became popular after launching a new model called R1, which performs just as well as competing AI models but using far fewer hardware resources. DeepSeek was recently praised by Apple CEO Tim Cook, but has caused a lot of controversy due to its origin.Italy was the first country to ban DeepSeek for privacy reasons, while a US senator has created a bill that aims to fine those who use Chinese AI.DeepSeek reached the top of the US App Store last month, overtaking OpenAIs ChatGPT. The app is currently the 13th most downloaded in the ranking.Photo bySolen FeyissaonUnsplash.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple will launch a new product on Wednesday, February 19. The most likely release is the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4, but there are a few other possibilities. Heres everything you need to know.iPhone SE 4The iPhone SE 4 has been rumored for over two years, and its going to be a massive upgrade to Apples most affordable iPhone model. The revamp will include an all-new design inspired by the iPhone 14, along with major internal performance improvements and an upgraded camera.Revamped design that ditches the Home button with a notch and Face IDA18 chip with 8GB of RAM Apple Intelligence6.1-inch OLED display Face ID instead of Touch ID48MP rear camera12MP front-facing cameraUSB-C instead of Lightning for charging According to Bloomberg, the iPhone SE 4 is almost certainly the product Apple will announce on Wednesday. Im pretty excited to see this thing actually hit the market, and I think it has a shot at being a big success if Apple gets the pricing right.Wildcard: M4 MacBook Air The M4 MacBook Air will offer a handful of upgrades over the M3 version. The big change, of course, will be the faster performance and better efficiency offered by the M4 chip. Perhaps most notably, this should lead to an increase in battery life as well. The M4 chip will also unlock a higher top RAM configuration of 32GB for the MacBook Air. For comparison, the M3 MacBook Air tops out at 24GB. Another big change: the M4 MacBook Air will support two external displays even when its lid is open. Currently, the M3 MacBook Air only supports two external displays when its lid is closed. The M4 MacBook Air is expected to launch soon, with supply dwindling at Apple retail stores. Whether or not that happens this week or later this spring remains to be seen.Apple is working on two updates to the iPad lineup. First, theres the iPad 11, a new model of its most affordable iPad. The iPad 11 will feature faster performance with Apples A17 Pro chip paired with 8GB of RAM. Thats a significant boost from the iPad 10, which is powered by the A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM. These upgrades will enable Apple Intelligence support on Apples cheapest iPad. Additionally, Apple is working on a new version of the iPad Air. This will just be a basic spec bump update, with a performance boost from the M2 chip to the M3 chip.Theres a brand new product expected to join Apples lineup this year. As 9to5Mac reported last September, Apple is working on a new smart home command center with a square display and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence support. Bloomberg has also extensively reported on this product. According to Mark Gurman, the device will feature a 7-inch display and be about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display. The devices design is centered around being attached to a wall and will be available in silver and black color options. Bloombergalso reports that there will be bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk.While Apple was initially targeting a March release for the new smart display product, more recent reporting suggests the device will ship later than anticipated. New software betasLast but not least, were still waiting for Apple to release the next round of software betas for all of its platforms. iOS 18.4 is expected to bring multiple new Apple Intelligence features, including Siri with personal context, on-screen awareness, and in-app actions.Personal Context Understanding: With the on-device semantic index provided by Apple Intelligence, Siri can understand emails, messages, photos, calendar events, files, and more. It can provide answers to questions that are personal to you. For example, when you say, What was that movie that Jamie told me I should check out? Siri will dig up the message from last week. And when youre filling out a form and say, Add my passport number here, Siri can extract the number from a saved photo of your passport and drop it in.On-screen Awareness: Siri will be able to understand and take action with things on your screen. So when a friend texts you recommending a new coffee shop in the neighborhood, you can simply say, How long would it take me to walk there from home? and Siri will understand just what you mean.In-App Actions: Siri can take hundreds of new actions on your behalf in both first- and third-party apps. The next time youre editing photos, youll be able to say, Make this photo warmer, and Siri will make adjustments using the Photos app. Siri can also take actions across apps. So after youre done editing that photo, say, Add this to my ratatouille recipe note, and Siri will seamlessly transition from the Photos app to complete the task.Bloomberg reports that the first iOS 18.4 beta will be released as soon as sometime this week. In addition to iOS 18.4, Apple will likely release iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4.Wrap up Id bet on this week focusing on the new iPhone SE 4. This is a hotly-anticipated addition to Apples product lineup that will put Apple Intelligence at a much lower price point. Most 9to5Mac readers who care about the latest and greatest hardware might think its a boring announcement, but its a key market for Apple.Based on last years schedule, were overdue for the release of the first iOS 18.4 beta. Whether or not that materializes this week remains to be seen.My favorite iPhone 16 accessories:Follow Chance:Threads,Bluesky,Instagram, andMastodon.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

At a glance, the most notable change to Siri in iOS 18 is its new design. The floating orb has been replaced with a rainbow glow around the edge of the device. This signals that Siri is now powered by Apple Intelligence, but the biggest AI features for Siri havent rolled out yet. Thats about to change in the next few iOS 18 updates.Apple lists 13 new Siri features in iOS 18. Most of these have already shipped, but it may not feel like the big iOS 18 update for Siri has arrived.I think thats because the biggest AI-related Siri feature so far is handing off a request to ChatGPT. Im a big ChatGPT user, but using Siri isnt one of my top three ways of interacting with ChatGPT. These are the 10 new Siri features that are included in iOS 18 so far:More Resilient Request HandlingIf you stumble over words or change your mind mid-sentence, Siri will still follow along.For example, you might say:Siri, set an alarmwait no, sorry, I meant a timer for 10 minutesactually, lets make that 15.Siri will adjust accordingly without needing a new command.Maintains Conversational ContextSiri remembers recent requests to make follow-up interactions easier.For example, if you ask, When are the Warriors playing next? and then say, Add that to my calendar, Siri will understand what that refers to.Glowing Edge LightA new glowing edge light wraps around the screen when you speak to Siri. This responsive animation follows your voice and allows you to keep scrolling, typing, or navigating your device while using Siri.Predictive Text in Siri KeyboardAs you type a request to Siri, predictive text will help complete your request faster. This model is designed specifically to speed up Siri interactions.More Natural VoiceSiri now sounds more natural, expressive, and clear. The voice is synthesized entirely on-device using Apple Intelligences new language models.Product KnowledgeSiri can answer thousands of questions about Apple product features and settings by referencing Apple support documentation and large language models.Type to SiriYou can now type to Siri at any time. All voice commands can also be input via text, and you can switch between text and voice seamlessly.Suggestions in Siri KeyboardSiri now provides suggested requests above the keyboard, offering ultrafast access to common actions.More Visually Rich ResponsesSiri responses now match the look and feel of the app they reference. For example, when asking about the weather, the response will appear as if it were directly from the Weather app.ChatGPT IntegrationSiri can tap into ChatGPT to assist with certain requests when it determines ChatGPT may provide a more helpful answer.Additionally, you can ask about photos, documents (including PDFs and presentations), and more. Youll always be asked before any information is sent to ChatGPT. Siri will then present the response in a seamless manner.If it feels like Siri is mostly just the same in iOS 18, thats because the three biggest upgrades are still being developed. While weve expected these Siri features to arrive in iOS 18.4 beta as soon as this week, we now expect some to be held back until iOS 18.5. At any rate, these are the three Siri upgrades remaining for iOS 18:Personal Context UnderstandingWith the on-device semantic index powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri can understand emails, messages, photos, calendar events, files, and more. This allows Siri to provide answers tailored to you.For example, when you ask, What was that movie that Jamie told me I should check out? Siri will retrieve the relevant message from last week. Similarly, if you say, Add my passport number here, Siri can extract the number from a saved photo of your passport and insert it for you.Onscreen AwarenessSiri can now understand and interact with content on your screen. If a friend texts you about a new coffee shop in your neighborhood, you can simply ask, How long would it take me to walk there from home? and Siri will process your request based on the message.In-App ActionsSiri can perform hundreds of new actions across both first- and third-party apps. While editing a photo, you can say, Make this photo warmer, and Siri will adjust the settings in the Photos app. Siri can also operate across appsafter editing, you can say, Add this to my ratatouille recipe note, and Siri will seamlessly move from Photos to Notes to complete the task.9to5Macs TakeWhich of these features will arrive in iOS 18.4 beta? We should find out soon. But how well they work is another question.It feels like a make-or-break moment for Siri, and these three remaining iOS 18 features are key indicators of Apples ability to leverage AI with Siri.These three Siri features are AI uses that only Apple can provide not because of Apples AI talent, but because of Apples position as the platform operator.Apple needs to finalize these ambitious features before making any big promises for Siri and Apple Intelligence with iOS 19. WWDC 2025 is less than four months away.Siri should be the best voice assistant available on the iPhone.Its the only one with deep device and operating system integration. Thats even more reason for Apple to be a strong player in AI and not just a platform for innovative technologies. If Siri cant keep up, a strong case will mount for Apple to support changing the default voice assistant and allowing competing voice assistants to hook into iOS. Otherwise, standalone AI devices will actually have a reason to exist.Limited integration with temporary ChatGPT requests isnt enough. In time, the iPhone could look less appealing to someone who values having the best AI-powered voice assistant more than blue iMessage bubbles.Best Apple accessoriesFollow Zac Hall on X, Threads, and Bluesky, and listen to Runtime with co-host Sophia Tung on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

As iPhones have become more powerful, theyve also become hotterespecially during heavy usage periods with games on Apple Arcade, video conferencing, etc. Combine that with MagSafe, and you see the opportunity for an iPhone to get warmer very quickly. AUKEY aims to solve both problems with the new AUKEY MagFusion GameFrost Active Cooling Wireless Charger. Lets take a look at how it works.MagSafe Monday:Every Monday, Bradley Chambers looks at the latest and greatest in the MagSafe and wireless charging industry to help you get the most out of your Apple devices that support wireless charging.After spending some time with the AUKEY MagFusion GameFrost, I can confidently say this might be one of the most interesting MagSafe-style chargers for people who push their iPhones to the limit. While many MagSafe chargers go for thinness, the AUKEY LC-G10 MagFusion GameFrost Qi2 Active Cooling Wireless Charger goes to the opposite extreme. Its one of the thickest youll find. It includes a fan inside the charger to keep your iPhone cool while its charging. Noise-wise, its fairly quiet, but it does have a fan, so itll be louder than a charger without a fan. AUKEY claims that it can keep your iPhone up to 20 degrees cooler.Youll get the charging puck and a nice braided USB-C cable in the box. I am noticing more and more devices, including braided cables, which is a welcome trend. Braided cables are much nicer to the touch and tend to hold up better.What is Qi2?I talk a lot about Qi2, and its something that you should be looking for with all of your new MagSafe accessories Qi2 is the Wireless Power Consortiums current standard, improving wireless charging by integrating a Magnetic Power Profile built on top of Apples MagSafe technology that was originally released with the iPhone 12. This standard aims to ensure precise alignment between devices and chargers, leading to more efficient and faster charging at up to 15 watts (this is the current max). While Qi2 is backward compatible, allowing older Qi devices to charge on Qi2 chargers, some new Qi2 devices may not work with older Qi chargers. The AUKEY MagFusion GameFrost includes Qi2 support. While the active cooling system keeps it cooler, the maximum it can charge is 15 watts.Wrap up on AUKEY MagFusion GameFrost The AUKEY MagFusion GameFrost is a legitimately helpful upgrade over standard MagSafe chargers if you use your iPhone while charging. Its great for gaming with games that push the iPhones power to its maximum. Since it has a fan, I wouldnt recommend it for a nightstand, but its a great charger otherwise. You can buy the AUKEY MagFusion GameFrost directly from AUKEY.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Welcome to9to5Neural.AI moves fast. We help you keep up.OpenAI says GPT-4.5 is coming to ChatGPT in a matter of weeks. But first, xAI will unveil Grok 3 tonight. Now the countdown is on for OpenAI to do the funniest thing everGrok 3 demo dayFresh off the heels of threatening to buy OpenAI, Elon Musk announced on Saturday that Grok 3 will arrive tonight in the form of a live demo scheduled for 8 p.m. PT.Musk hypes up Grok 3 by calling it the smartest AI on Earth. Actual details around Grok 3 remain a mystery until tonights reveal.Heres a recap of xAI and Groks recent history:xAI created in July 2023Grok-0 completed in August 2023Grok-1 previewed in November 2023Grok-1.5 completed in March 2024Grok-2 released in August 2024In 2025, xAI has taken Grok from a feature within the X app to a standalone app and website. My biggest question about Grok: When will it come to Tesla? AI-driven (supervised) self-driving is one thing, but drivers could benefit from a Grok-powered voice assistant that replaces the basic voice control function.Question number two is whether or not OpenAI will steal xAIs thunder tonight and do something fun with GPT-4.5.This week in OpenAIOpenAIs Sam Altman laid out the roadmap for ChatGPT last week. Altman said GPT-4.5 is coming in a matter of weeks, which suggests a release today is unlikely, followed by GPT-5 in a matter of months.GPT-5 is the more ambitious model that aims to unify fast large language models with slower thinking reasoning models no need to choose between a half dozen models per query.Meanwhile, Altman continues to vaguely tease the benefits of GPT-4.5 on X:When asked to steal the show tonight, Altman responded diplomatically with that wouldnt be very nice Separately, OpenAI has deployed some actual releases over the last few days:OpenAI o1 and o3-mini now support both file and image uploads in ChatGPTOpenAI raised o3-mini-high limits by 7x for Plus users to up to 50 per dayOpenAI released a Model Spec update that describes how it wants its AI models to behaveThen there was this all-time winner for most vague hype post ever:The update, apparently, is meant to make GPT-4o a better writer, especially when given examples to follow, and less of an AI-slop generator. If nothing else, the last week in OpenAI model updates shows just how critical GPT-5 will be for ChatGPT. The flow chart for which models are best at what and how theyre limited is getting beyond unwieldy, and its outdated before anyone can actually put such a chart together.Perhaps the most intriguing news of all in the last few days is that Anthropic plans to release Claude 4 soon. Like GPT-5, Claude 4 is expected to be a single chatbot that includes quick responses like Claud 3.5 while also handing reasoning queries that are more resource-intensive.Claude 3 arrived last March, followed by Claude 3.5 in June, so the next major model update is due. Stay tuned for an official announcement.MoreIn other AI news, OpenAIs board formally rejected Elon Musks bid to buy the business for $97.4 billion; Mira Muratis startup has hired another OpenAI cofounder; Frances Mistral has released an Arabic language and culture-focused regional model; AI search-focused Perplexity has shamelessly released Deep Research (no relation to OpenAIs similar product of the same name); and Thompson Reuters won the first major AI copyright case in the United States somewhat ironically against legal AI startup Ross Intelligence.Taking this full circle, Grok 3 is trained on all court cases as well probably see tonight.More on the latest in AI developments in the next edition of9to5Neural only on 9to5Mac! Read the previous issuehere.Best Apple accessoriesFollow Zac Hall on X, Threads, and Bluesky, and listen to Runtime with co-host Sophia Tung on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The Presidents Day 2025 deals are upon us and, while not necessarily considered a major deal holiday, there are loads of price drops up for grabs today across the spectrum of current-gen Apple gear. First up is the most affordable M4/Pro MacBook Pro models at up to $249 off. Then its over to the iPads with as much as $200 in savings on the Pros, Airs, and minis, not to mention Apple Watch Series 10 starting from $329 and plenty of accessories to go with them all AirTags, Apple Pencil, cables, and more. Everything awaits below. more

Bloombergs Lucas Shaw reports that Spotify is still working on a pricier version of its streaming music subscription, and Apple may not be too far behind it.Heres what Lucas Shaw says is coming from Spotify in the months ahead:Spotify is developing amore-expensive versionof its service that will offer higher-quality audio, concert tickets and tools that let subscribers edit songs. The company is calling it Music Pro (at least for now) and aims to roll out the package later this year, priced about $6 a month more than its current subscriptions.The idea of a roughly $17/month plan is familiar to Spotify followers. The company has been planning to catch up with Apple Music and offer a so-called Hi-Fi tier with higher resolution audio for years now.Meanwhile, Apple Music offers lossless audio in the standard Apple Music tier.For that reason, Spotify will probably need to throw in some additional features if it wants to monetize higher-resolution audio.Selling concert tickets through a streaming music service has always been a good idea and an untapped opportunity, but the online ticket sales business is a disaster for consumers.The ability to edit songs in some capacity is interesting. This is what Lucas Shaw reports in those departments:Music Pro will include several different remixing tools that let users speed up or mash up songs as though they were a DJ. Spotify has also been talking to concert promoters and ticket sellers about securing access to allotments of tickets so that it can give customers access to a presale or better seats.So what about Apple? As mentioned, Apple Music has long offered higher resolution audio at no extra cost. The subscription music service has only ever seen one price increase, from $9.99/month to $10.99/month in 2022. But Shaw adds that Apple (and Amazon) are similarly investigating ways to charge more for higher tiers of their respective streaming services.Apple and Amazon have also talked about more-expensive tiers for their apps, though their plans are more nascent and may not come to fruition.So nothing very concrete, but notable if only because it would be a departure from Apples current strategy. Apple has added features like live lyrics, Dolby Atmos, and lossless audio to the one-and-only version of Apple Music. Charging more for additional features would be a change, and depending on what features Apple could pull together, it may be worth paying for.If Apple could get the rights to music stems for popular songs, that could go along way with apps like GarageBand and Logic. In fact, Apple has provided this sort of experience in creative classes in its retail stores, but not in a form that you can take home.Best Apple accessoriesFollow Zac Hall on X, Threads, and Bluesky, and listen to Runtime with co-host Sophia Tung on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Plans for a Reddit paywall of some kind have now been confirmed by CEO Steve Huffman, after hints about it last summer.Huffman confirmed the plan for paid subreddits during a pre-recorded Ask Me Anything video shown during the companys earnings call The idea was first mentioned during a previous earning call in August of last year.Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has hinted that in future some subreddits could be paywalled, as the company seeks to devise new sources of income[He said] We will unlock the door for new use cases, new types of subreddits that can be built that may have exclusive content or private areas, things of that nature.Engadget reports that Huffman has now explicitly confirmed that this means paid subreddits.When asked if he could share information about the development of paid subreddits, Huffman said that Its a work in progress right now, so that ones coming. To a follow up question about new features coming to Reddit in 2025, Huffman said Paid subreddits? Yes, confirming theyre on the list.As the site notes, he didnt go into any details, but one possibility is some subreddits being limited to Reddit Premium subscribers.As we noted previously, its not a move which is likely to go down well with Redditors, who havent been impressed by the companys previous monetization moves.You can watch the video here.Image: 9to5Mac collage using image fromRedditAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The iPhone SE 4 will pack many changes when it launches this week, including a dramatic redesign, an A18 chip, and full Apple Intelligence support. However, one lingering question in my mind is whether Apple will finally upgrade the iPhone SEs base storage from the current measly 64GB. Will the iPhone SE 4 start at 64GB? The second-generation iPhone SE introduced in 2020 started at 64GB of storage for $399, and you could upgrade to 128GB for $50 and 256GB for $150. The current-generation iPhone SE 3 that launched in 2020 starts at 64GB for $429, while the 128GB costs $50 more and the 256GB costs $150 more. An incredibly sketchy leak this week from a Chinese retailer claims that the iPhone SE 4 will start at 64GB (via MacRumors). I would not put any stock into this rumor, as its almost certainly placeholder information as we await Apples official announcement of the device. Apple Intelligence is perhaps the best argument in favor of Apple finally deciding its time to increase the iPhone SEs base storage from 64GB. As weve reported, Apple Intelligence takes up around 7GB of storage on your iPhone. Thats a hefty chunk of storage, particularly if an iPhone only has 64GB of space to begin with. For that reason, I feel confident in predicting that the iPhone SE 4 will increase its base storage configuration from 64GB to 128GB. Weve seen Apple make hardware changes to accommodate Apple Intelligence needs in the past, and I think that same thinking will apply to the iPhone SE 4. I could very well be proven wrong, but that is where Im planting my stake for now. Looking outside of the iPhone SE lineup, Apple ditched the 64GB storage tier on its flagship iPhones with the launch of the iPhone 13 in 2021. Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone SE as soon as Wednesday, so well know more details then. In the meantime, how much storage do you think the cheapest iPhone SE 4 will offer? Let us know in the comments. My favorite iPhone accessories: Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

A new report suggests that Apple and Meta could end up competing in the humanoid robots field. The social media company is said to be making significant investment in this product category, with a focus on household chores.But if Apple does proceed with its own reported domestic robot plans, the Cupertino company could have a huge advantage Apples robot plansSay the word robot to most people and they immediately think of a sci-fi humanoid robot able to perform domestic chores a kind of robobutler. Apple is already rumored to be working on this type of device. Bloomberg last year described this as a skunk-works project, a name given to something worked on by a small team of people acting largely on their own initiative, and quite distinct from the companys main product development roadmap.I expressed my view at the time that this is a decade or more away, if Apple even goes forward with it. Indeed, a report last week suggested that we may be waiting several years just for a relatively simple table-top robot, despite the revelation of that cute table lamp.Bloomberg reports that Meta has developed a strong interest in AI-powered humanoid robots, seeing this as a key focus.Meta has identified its next big bet: AI-powered humanoid robots.The company is making a significant investment into the category futuristic robots that can act like humans and assist with physical tasks[]Meta plans to work on its own humanoid robot hardware, with an initial focus on household chores [and] has started discussing its plan with robotics companies, including Unitree Robotics and Figure AI Inc []Meta confirmed the creation of the new team to employees Friday.Interestingly, it suggests that the first robot may not have Meta branding; the company is more interested in providing the AI smarts for hardware built by other brands. However, it says that we may see Meta-branded robots further down the line.While I still see truly capable domestic robots as a long-term bet, if theres one thing likely to accelerate the timeline its multiple companies competing in the same area. Perhaps Metas jump into this field might see Apples humanoid robot project promoted from hobby to something more mainstream within the company.So far, autonomous robots have been geared to commercial use. This includes Boston Dynamics dog-like Spot, designed for patrol and inspection duties, and looking like something straight out of a terrifying dystopian SF movie in which packs of these device hunt down humans. But the company does have the humanoid Atlas model in development, pitched at warehouse and manufacturing duties.The transition to domestic work is likely to take significantly longer simply because of the very different price points consumer robots have to hit. Tesla is working on a model it expects to cost $30,000, which is a very niche market even if the real price doesnt end up being inflated in the usual Tesla-esque way. Apple may have one huge advantageHaving a humanoid robot in your home is going to be a pretty scary prospect for many, not least because it could feel almost as intrusive as having a stranger in your home a stranger equipped with multiple cameras.Apples privacy focus and reputation could turn out to be a very big advantage.Photo byAlex KnightonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The latest report on Apples plans for a larger iMac suggest that the company may still be missing something.Apple did something almost unprecedented back in 2023 when it specifically confirmed there was no new 27-inch iMac on the way, but it did leave the door open for a larger iMac perhaps something with a 32-inch screen. But a report from Mark Gurman yesterday threw something of a spanner in the works A rare exception to Apples secrecyApple is famously secretive about its plans for future products, dating back to a strongly held belief by co-founder Steve Jobs. Steve argued that there was a magic to a surprise announcement which would be lost or diluted if the company revealed its plans ahead of time.Tech writers know theres no point asking Apple to comment on any product rumors, but you do get the occasional optimistic analyst raising questions in earnings reports. Apple always responds the same way, with a statement that it doesnt comment on reports of unannounced products, on its product roadmaps, on its future plans, or similar.Back in November 2023, however, there was a very rare exception. Asked about the fact that it hadnt launched an Apple Silicon version of the 27-inch iMac, the company said that it wouldnt be doing so.Leaving the door open for a larger iMacAs we noted at the time, that didnt mean it was ruling out a larger iMac than the 24-inch model. Weve been arguing for years that it was time for an iMac with a larger screen than 27 inches.Its not 2009 anymore. We now live in a world where 34-inch monitors are commonplace, 40-inch ones are not unusual and there are even 49-inch models around. Alongside these, the iMac display, impressive as it is in terms of resolution, looks cramped.andToday, 27-inch monitors are very commonly used in dual and triple monitor setups, rather than on their own.Of course, Ive also argued that a larger iMac could be considered redundant. If you want a large-screen Mac, you can buy an Apple Silicon Mac mini and the monitor of your choice. The Mac is small enough to even attach to the back of the monitor.But 27-inch iMac owners in the comments were quick to disagree.In what world is Stick it behind the display, and you never even have to see it the Apple way? Have we lowered our standards to the point where were willing to accept moving backwards from a single box that does everything?From similar comments there and elsewhere, it became clear that there are plenty of people who dont want to compromise on the all-in-one form factor. And a report from Mark Gurman over the weekend seemed to offer hope.But the latest report is missing somethingIt wasnt exactly Gurmans most definitive statement to begin with:Apple also will probablyeventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac.Probably and eventually are not encouraging words for those waiting impatiently to upgrade. But when we put that line in context, it gets even less reassuring:The company remainsinterested in the professional market, though, and itsplanning newMac Pro and Mac Studio models.Apple also will probablyeventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac.The implication here is that Apple sees a larger iMac as a professional product, pointing to a future iMac Pro with a bigger screen. Whats missing here is anything about a bigger consumer-level iMac. And thats what many seem to want.Right now, if I were an Intel 27-inch iMac owner whos been waiting to upgrade to an Apple Silicon model, and isnt interested in downgrading to a 24-inch screen, Id be feeling pretty depressed.Image: Apple/9to5MacAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apple will debut its first new product of the year this Wednesday. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the launch through a tweet last week. While we cant say for certain that the new product launch will be, its highly likely to be the new iPhone SE 4, which may receive a new name.New iPhone SE: most likelyGiven all previous reporting, the most likely outcome from Wednesdays announcement is to be a new iPhone SE model.To quickly recap, were expecting a new 6.1-inch OLED display, an upgrade to USB-C, a 48MP rear camera, Face ID, as well as many other modern iPhone features. The new iPhone SE will also be the testbed for Apples first in-house 5G modem.Some sketchier rumors suggested that Apple may choose to brand this new iPhone SE model with a new moniker: iPhone 16E. Tim Cook referred to the new product launch as the newest member of the family. While this doesnt say anything for certain, many are speculating that it likely suggests that the iPhone 16E naming will come to fruition. Only time will tell.Other plausible announcementsSome other products that are on track to launch early this year include:Refreshed MacBook Air with M4 chipiPad 11th gen with A17 Pro chip (Apple Intelligence update)iPad Air M3 with new Magic KeyboardThese are more than likely launching later in the spring, but they are technically on the table for this weeks Apple announcement.What not to expectApple does have a number of exciting announcements in the pipeline for the first half of the year, but many wont necessarily fall within early spring.For example, AirTag 2 shouldnt launch until mid 2025, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. This AirTag upgrade will include a couple of nice quality of life upgrades, including much improved precision finding.Apple is also working on a new smart home hub, which some refer to as HomePad. While this product was initially on track for a March debut, recent reports suggest that it might not hit the market until a little bit later.Of course, theres also M4 Ultra Mac Studio and Mac Pro in the works, which wont launch until WWDC this summer.My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

With the Mac transition to Apple Silicon, Apple replaced its 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac models with one singular 24-inch iMac. Many had assumed that thered eventually be a larger iMac, perhaps a 30 or 32-inch model, maybe even an iMac Pro. However, were yet to see that come to fruition.Despite the fact that its been three years since the 27-inch iMac was discontinued, and Apple has since said its not making another 27-inch iMac, theres still some hope. Lets discuss.Apple confirmed no new 27-inch iMacBack in November 2023, shortly after the launch of the new M3 iMac, Apple made an interesting statement to The Verge. The company normally doesnt comment on future product strategy, but they did here, and it was pretty clear about the fact that the company doesnt plan on releasing a 27-inch iMac in the future.During keynotes, the company has even made reference to the fact that the 24-inch iMac is a great middle ground for both 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac models.However, theres one key component to these statements: the simple fact that theyre all in reference to a 27-inch iMac specifically.As wild as that may sound, Apple never dispelled the idea of a larger iMac as a whole. Just a 27-inch one.In this weeks edition of the Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman mentioned that Apple remains interested in the professional market, and that a larger-screen iMac might still arrive in the future:The company remainsinterested in the professional market, though, and itsplanning newMac Pro and Mac Studio models.Apple also will probablyeventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac.Gurman also stated that Apple is exploring a larger iMac model back in August:A larger iMac remains something Apple is exploring as well, but its unclear if that will be an M4 product or something that comes the following year or later.Additionally, towards the end of 2023, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that he believes a higher-end 32-inch mini LED display iMac will launch in 2025. Given the fact that we havent heard many details since then, Apple has likely pushed it back further in the pipeline. Nonetheless, it isnt entirely off the table.Wrap upUltimately, we dont know for sure whether or not a larger iMac will launch. We can certainly say it isnt off the table, and based on Apples comments, we can also say that it isnt going to feature a 27-inch display.If one does launch, it probably wont be until at least next year.What do you think about the possibility of an iMac Pro return? Let us know in the comments.My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Have you ever wondered what itd look like to see a Windows Phone, specifically Lumia 1020, would look like if it were running iOS? I havent either, but its still a pretty cool project to look at. Seeing iOS run on radically different form factors is pretty uncommon, so it certainly piqued my interest.On the r/hackintosh subreddit, one tinkerer posted a project of theirs: an iPhone SE 3 modified to fit inside of the housing of a Nokia Lumia 1020. That phone was certainly unique, but obviously its become less usable because of the fact that Windows Phone is now a defunct operating system.When I say it uses the internals of an iPhone SE 3, I really mean it. Everything including the 12MP rear camera, taptic engine, and the Touch ID sensor has been transplanted into the Lumia 1020s form factor. SIM card tray? Check. Flash? Its there. 5G also works.Even the Lightning port made its way over, which would normally be a downside, but since the Lumia 1020 used microUSB, thats an upgrade. Touch ID has been moved to the back of the phone to preserve the design of the Lumia 1020.The Lumia 1020 even had a camera shutter button, somewhat similar to the concept of Camera Control on iPhone 16. Obviously, its much harder to to wire an additional button into the iPhone while maintaining proper software integration. However, the tinkerer still found a way to preserve it.Instead of being a real shutter button, its a second volume down button which serves the purposes of taking a photo while in the camera app. Creative solution if you ask me.In short, everything crucial about the Nokia Lumia 1020 has been preserved, and Im quite impressed that this is even possible. Its a neat little project, with the only crucial loss being the headphone jack.You can read the full Reddit post for more details, as well as additional photos.My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Everyone has a different definition of what a perfect or dream desk setup for them would be. Some people need five external displays; some only need one. Other people need a mechanical keyboard, while others find the clickiness distracting. I have even seen people consider just a laptop on the move as their ideal setup, while others need a dedicated office space. So I wanted to share some of my ideal desk setup accessories that I have recently added that have helped create my personal perfect M4 Mac mini and M4 iPad Pro desk setup. Be sure to leave links to your favorite accessories in the comments!In this article, I am going to highlight some of the newer accessories I added that I absolutely love, but if you want to see a rundown of every single aspect, then check out the video below!Ugmonk Gather CollectionThis group of accessories is what really inspired me to completely change the look and feel of my desk. Ugmonk is known for making premium, minimalistic, and highly functional desk and productivity accessories. The Gather collection was the perfect new base for what I wanted to do. Every product in the collection is aesthetically pleasing, extremely well-built, multifunctional, and modular, and my favorite part is using magnets!The centerpiece is the Large Monitor StandMade of powder-coated steel and lined with wool feltSolidmaple woodHolds up to 35lbsToolless assemblyFour different color combinations (White/Maple shown below)As I mentioned, this is the centerpiece, but I also included a few pieces from the collection to help complete the look. Below are some of the other items I went with. Keep in mind that all these have the same fit, feel and finish. I cannot recommend this brand enough. I was a bit hesitant at first due to the price point of some of the products. But once you get the products and feel the material, you instantly realize why the price is what it is. It is also all made in the US. So, if you are looking to add some form and function to your desk setup, I recommend checking out Ugmonk, from their smaller productivity accessories to the entire collection. BlueAnt SoundbladeI have my Sonos Ace headphones, which are currently $100 off, for when I need to lock in and block out noise, but if I wanted to play something out loud, I needed something. I wanted to avoid the usual stereo speaker setup. That is where the Soundblade comes in. The form factor is extremely unique. It was meant to be used with the iMac as a monitor riser and speaker combo, but for my setup, it fits perfectly on my Ugmonk monitor riser. Here are the specs:Power Output:120 watts peak powerSound configuration:2.1 channel soundSubwoofer:1 x Built-in 80mm Neodymium subwooferDrivers:2 x Full range dual voice coil, dual Neodymium magnet driversConnectivity Options:USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3 & AUX connectivitySwitch between PC USB-C connectivityOne-touch control on the unitcomes with remote controlIt is so easy to just plug in and play. I use it connected to my Mac mini via USB-C but it can be used via Bluetooth or even AUX cable. Sotsu Elite 16I recently made a video comparing this Sotsu Elite 16 vs the Espresso 17 Pro to see which was the best portable monitor out right now. Both are great options, but right now, I am actually using this Sotsu monitor as a vertically oriented secondary display. I am a big fan of the look, aesthetic, and overall build. Essentiall looks like a 16in iPad on a stand that Apple might have made. Since there are magnets on the monitor riser, the Sotsu display can be magnetically held down. 4k 16:10 display450 nit brightness1200:1 contrast ratio100% of DCI-P3 color gamut60HzSingle cable solutionNo external power is needed925g in weight2 USB-C ports, mini HDMI and SD card slotThis is currently under pre-order, with shipments coming in March!Satechi M4 Mac mini hubThis was a new and highly anticipated addition to the desk setup. Satechi recently released their M4 Mac mini hub that adds a few more ports that were removed from this new M4 Mac mini design. These are the added ports:Host cable USB-C 3.2 Gen 2SD Card Reader up to 312 MB/s (4.0 UHS-II)2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 up to 10GbpsUSB-A 2.0 up to 480MbpsM.2 NVMe SSD enclosure up to 10Gbps2230/ 2242/ 2260/ 2280 SSDsIt is well-built, fits the Apple aesthetic, and just fits flawlessly under the monitor stand. Orbit Key Desk MatThis desk mat is truly a game changer, offering multiple functions. First off, it features high-quality vegan leather that not only elevates your workspace but also provides a smooth surface for all your peripherals, making mouse movements easy. There is also this clever railing along the top of the mat, which includes a magnetic divot for securely holding your Apple pencils so they never get lost, plus a magnetic cable organizer. The design extends to its layered construction, with a felt bottom that protects your desk from smudges while giving you a handy spot to store loose-leaf items like brochures and printouts. Its cool how companies continue to innovate with something as simple as a desk mat. It comes in multiple colors and sizes as well!Final thoughtsAs I stated in the beginning, desk setups are never really finished. There is always a new, faster hub, nicer mouse, or better lighting that will tempt you and eventually get added to your setup. The important thing is how you use these accessories and how it makes you feel to sit down and get your work done. Every morning, when I get to my desk, I am excited to get to work because everything is set up how I want it. So hopefully these accessories are something you can take a look at and maybe add just one to your current space.What is your favorite accessory on your desk? What is something you can live without? I would love to know what you have going on!Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, Apple is ramping up development on a Studio Display replacement. The company initially debuted this monitor in 2022 and has left it untouched since. There isnt much word on whatll be new with this Studio Display refresh, but itll apparently be a companion to the upcoming M5 MacBook Pros.Early last week, display supply chain expert Ross Young reported that Apple is working on a new Studio Display with mini-LED display tech, and now Mark Gurman from Bloomberg is backing that:Im told that Apple is currently testing prototypes of a display code-named J427 that should arrive by 2026. It will be a successor to the current Studio Display, rather than the Pro Display XDR, and features a design thats similar to the 2022 model.Gurmans reporting is light on details, though he does provide one interesting insight on Apples higher end monitor, the Pro Display XDR. After its release in 2019, the company has all but abandoned it. It lacks many features that the newer (and cheaper) Studio Display offer, such as a webcam, built in speakers, and a more affordable built-in stand.Despite this fact though, it doesnt seem like Apple has a second gen Pro Display XDR in the pipeline. Gurman reports that a new version is less of a priority for Apple. However, Apple remains committed to the professional market, and Gurman reaffirms that new Mac Pro and Mac Studio models are in the pipeline. He also mentions that the company will probably work on a larger-than-24-inch iMac eventually.My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

According to Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter, Apple is once again considering monetizing its Maps app with search ads. The company already does this with its News and Stocks apps. The goal is to boost its in-house advertising business.This isnt the first time Apple has looked into this idea. Gurman reports that Apple looked into integrated search ads a couple years ago, where companies could pay for more favorable search ranking:A few years ago, Apple employees exploredintegrating search ads into itsMaps apps. It would work similarly to Google Maps, where a businesscould pay Apple to have their restaurant or venue appear higher in search results.Now, the idea is back in Apples mind. In a recent hands on meeting, the idea of monetization being explored came up once again, specifically with search ads. Gurman also floats the idea of certain locations appearing more prominently on the map.There isnt any timeline for when search ads for Apple Maps may roll out. Engineering for such an effort hasnt even begun yet. However, the company is certainly planning how they might approach such a change.What do you think about search ads coming to the Apple Maps app? Let us know in the comments.My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel