While Apple appears to have no plans to revive its former AirPort routers, the networking know-how that powered them may be returning via a new chip that will add similar functionality to the company's home devices like the HomePod mini.New HomePod mini (right) and Apple's old AirPort Express (left)Apple first introduced the AirPort line of residential internet gateways in 1999, and continued to iterate the product line until the final AirPort Extreme router was discontinued in 2018. Since then, fans have called for the company to revive the product, celebrated for its ease of setup and management.While most third-party routers have gotten increasingly antenna-laden and spider-like, home gateways from the big residential internet providers, such as AT&T, Comcast, Optimum, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Windstream have mostly moved to AirPort-like smooth boxes. These home routers utilize internal antennas, offering whole-home coverage for most single-story homes, with small plug-in signal repeaters for multi-story or larger residences. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's push into smart home tech could see it take on Ring with a smart doorbell equipped with Face ID, one which could unlock the door by recognizing the visitor's face.Logitech Circle View HomeKit smart doorbellReports about Apple's smart home plans have involved displays on robotic arms and the alleged development of a camera. That latter part may not just be for typical video-based security, as it could end up offering more functionality.In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter, Bloomberg reports Apple is also working on a smart doorbell. It is believed to have an advanced facial recognition system, so it could detect the identity of whomever is on the doorstep. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's work to create its own networking chips will lead to updated and new home products, including an updated Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and more.Netatmo and other home security cameras are already compatible with HomeKit Secure Video image credit: NetatmoAs AppleInsider has previously reported, the company has developed its own wireless networking chip, called Proxima, that would replace networking technology currently supplied by Broadcom. The chips will debut in updated home products across 2025.In addition to connecting new and updated devices to an existing home network, the Proxima chip could potentially serve as a wireless access point itself, according to Bloomberg. The company plans to use the chip in both new and refreshed home devices, possibly including its own line of security cameras. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new report says that Apple's aim to add a camera to the AirPods is to power Apple Intelligence features, and that the device is due to gain many more health features.AirPods Pro 2The idea of AirPods with cameras has been reported before. Specifically, it's been expected that IR cameras could be fitted and that these would aid spatial audio by being better able to assess the user's environment.Now according to Bloomberg, the idea was shelved some years ago but is now back as a priority because of Apple Intelligence. It's not clear in what way the cameras could help with AI, but the report is that the feature is now a priority for both the Apple Intelligence and AirPods hardware development groups. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new claim says that any iPhone that can run iOS 18 will also work with iOS 19, but some older iPad models won't get iPadOS 19.While Apple Intelligence dominates the feature list, iOS 19 will be compatible with older iPhones also.French website iPhoneSoft, citing anonymous sources from within Apple, says that any iPhone model that can currently run iOS 18 will also be able to run iOS 19 when it arrives in late 2025.This includes the iPhone XR from 2018, along with the second-generation iPhone SE from 2020 and later. Here's the full list of compatible iPhone models: Rumor Score: Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Last-minute holiday deals are in effect now at Best Buy, with doorbuster pricing driving Apple products down to $22.99 and up.Last-minute holiday doorbuster deals are going on now - Image credit: Best BuyMacBooks, AirTags, Apple Watches and more are heavily discounted as Best Buy and Amazon compete for your last-minute shopping dollars. Save up to 30% on products at a variety of budget points, with prices starting at $22.99. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A holiday discount code knocks up to $300 off every single 2024 MacBook Pro equipped with Apple's M4, M4 Pro or M4 Max chip. Learn more about how you can save on your next laptop purchase.Save up to $300 on every M4 MacBook Pro model.Apple's latest MacBook Pro comes in a variety of configurations and price points but AppleInsider readers can save on every set of specs with promo code APINSIDER at Apple Authorized Retailer Adorama.Use code APINSIDER Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Packed with upgrades, Apple's M3 15-inch MacBook Air is $200 off and eligible for free 2-day shipping for easy holiday gift-giving.Grab an exclusive discount on this M3 MacBook Air.This 2024 15-inch MacBook Air in the elegant Midnight colorway features an upgrade to 24GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage. Best of all, it's discounted to $1,699 when you shop at B&H Photo using the exclusive pricing links in this post on a laptop or desktop.Get the MacBook Air deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

In an exclusive holiday blowout deal, Apple Authorized Reseller B&H has dropped the price of a closeout M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch to just $1,299 when equipped with 16GB RAM.Get a 14-inch MacBook Pro for $1,299 just in time for the holidays.Save $500 on the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage when you shop through the special pricing links in this post* from a laptop or desktop computer.Buy for $1,299 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Sonos didn't change its iconic look when it introduced the new Sub 4, but its minor tweaks help ensure the powerful subwoofer remains at top form for years to come.Sonos Sub 4 review: A new top contenderThe new flagship subwoofer from Sonos debuted in November, 2024 alongside the Arc Ultra. They're easy companions for one another, though they don't have to be paired together.You can use the Arc Ultra on its own which we recently reviewed and the Sub 4 can be paired with various models in the Sonos lineup. We've been listening to it for a few weeks now to see how it stand up. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A key aspect of staying safe online is minimizing your digital footprint, and while tools like Surfshark VPN can help, take it a step further by bringing the fight to data collectors with Incogni.Remove your personal information from the internet - Image credit: IncogniThere are companies that exist with the sole purpose of buying personal data online in massive hauls. The data can be used for legitimate purposes like training ad targeting, but it can also be used by bad actors seeking to commit identity theft or target specific groups.What's worse, if bad actors can gather enough aggregate data about an individual, they can more easily steal their accounts or identity online. While it may seem fruitless to try and fight these massive companies, there are simple strategies that go a long way. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, your hosts break down the latest Apple smart home news and several leaked devices ahead of CES 2025.HomeKit Insider PodcastApple continues its work on new smart home devices with several rumors coming out this week. This includes work on its new custom in-house wireless chips.They're reported to launch in the first devices in 2025, including Apple's new smart home devices. Creating these chips themselves may result in better device-to-device communication, essential for smart homes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has chosen to renew its post-apocalyptic drama "Silo" for two more seasons, but the series will end in season 4.Image Credit: Apple TV+In 2021, Apple put out a series order for "Silo," then dubbed "Wool." Now, just under three years later, Apple TV+ has decided to end the series without giving the cast and crew a chance to finish the story.On Monday, Apple announced, "Silo" has been picked up for season three and four, which will allow the series to conclude in its fourth year. That's considerably more notice than the recently-canceled "Time Bandits" had gotten. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's HomeKit is under scrutiny, as Serbian authorities are suspected of exploiting it to install Pegasus spyware without any user interaction at all.MalwareReported by Amnesty International, at the center of the spyware campaign are two tools the infamous Pegasus spyware and a locally developed system called NoviSpy. Pegasus, created by Israel's NSO Group, is powerful.While Serbia's use of spyware tools has gained recent attention, Pegasus has been deployed globally. Governments and organizations worldwide have used it to target journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition leaders. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The addition of AI features like Apple Intelligence are not impressive to consumers, a survey of Apple and Samsung smartphone owners claims, but the timing of the survey may have skewed the results.Image Playground, which survey respondents wouldn't have usedApple Intelligence is Apple's main feature set in iOS 18, but it's not the only company to include AI features in its devices. Other smartphone producers, including Google and Samsung, offer their own takes on the AI concept, with similar image and prompt-based features.However, while they can be impressive, it seems most consumers don't really care that much about smartphone AI enough to adjust their buying habits. At least, that's according to a survey conducted for SellCell involving Apple and Samsung smartphone owners. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Fresh from its latest operating system releases, Apple has moved on to a new generation of developer betas, providing the first builds of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, tvOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3, and visionOS 2.3.Examples of Apple Intelligence at work. Apple released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS 15.2, tvOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2, and visionOS 2.2 on December 11, bringing an end to the last cycle of beta testing. Now, Apple has moved on to a fresh new batch.The first iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 developer betas share build number 22D5034e, with macOS Sequoia 15.3 using build number 24D5034. The first tvOS 18.3 build is 22K5534e, the first watchOS 11.3 build is 22S5534d, and the first visionOS 2.3 build is 22N5875e. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A holiday price war has erupted on Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip and a bump up to 1TB of storage. Save $220 on the laptop, plus grab bonus savings on AppleCare.Grab this 1TB MacBook Pro for $1,979 during holiday price war.We're tracking a new price drop on Apple's M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch, with the 1TB model in Space Black dipping to $1,979* with promo code APINSIDER at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama.com. This is a result of a price war with B&H, which has the same configuration on sale for $1,999 (no coupon needed).Use code APINSIDER Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new supply chain analyst report suggests that Apple will begin converting its existing iPad lineup to OLED as soon as 2026, with a new folding tablet coming shortly after.iPad ProThe report, which comes courtesy of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), suggests that Apple will introduce an 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini in 2026. This isn't the first time that DSCC has suggested it, either, as DSCC CEO Ross Young had taken this stance in October 2024.DSCC suspects that Apple will upgrade both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air to OLED in 2027. This is in line with another rumor from August, which says that Samsung Display will be selected as the main supplier of OLED panels for the iPad Air. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The newly released M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch is back to its record low price of $1,749, with units in stock with free next day shipping. This deal was last seen on Black Friday and limited supply is available.Black Friday has return on Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro - Image credit: AppleThe $250 price cut on the standard M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch knocks the price down to the previous record low of $1,749. Equipped with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory and 512GB of storage, the standard model in Space Black offers a good deal of performance for the sub-$1,750 price point.Get the $1,749 MBP deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Keeping your kids safe online might seem scary, but it's simple with Mac. Learn how to set up parental controls for your child's Mac in macOS Sequoia.How to enable parental controls on macOS SequoiaRaising kids today can be tough, especially when you realize you need to protect them just as much online as you do in the real world. After all, you want to ensure your child is familiar with technology that they'll be expected to use for school, for future jobs, and to participate in society.However, it's hardly a secret that the internet is often unkind and unsafe, especially for children. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

"Ice Dive" takes viewers under the ice in the Arctic as a diver attempts to break a world record, filmed for Apple Vision Pro.'Ice Dive' arrives on Apple Vision ProApple Vision Pro has seen a slow rollout of content built for its unique 180-degree 8K format called immersive video. Series like "Wild Life" and "Prehistoric Planet" have released a few episodes, but at an unpredictable cadence.The latest episode is for the series "Adventure," titled "Ice Dive," takes viewers underwater. But, unlike the "Sharks" episode of "Wild Life," it is filmed in the frigid waters of the Arctic. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has been formally accused by Congo of covering up war crimes by using conflict minerals in its supply chain, and criminal complaints have been filed in France and Belgium.Apple has been asked to verify that it doesn't use "conflict minerals" in the iPhoneApple and at least most Big Tech manufacturers have long been accused of sourcing tin, tungsten, and tantalum the 3T materials from regions where that means funding violent groups. And now, Apple has picked up two criminal complaints, lodged by the Congo government.The complaint alleges that conflict minerals are laundered through multiple sales and shell companies before hitting Apple suppliers. Therefore, according to the filing spotted by Reuters early Tuesday morning, Apple is directly responsible, is complicit, and should be held accountable for crimes against humanity taking place in Congo. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The developer of SuperDuper! says what they think is a bug in macOS Sequoia 15.2 has inadvertently broken how the app can create bootable backups however, it may not be accidental at all.SuperDuper! app icon amidst hard drives and a Mac keyboardIt's some years since Apple took steps to at least make it harder for people to start up their Macs using external drives. That was a privacy issue, a security issue, and a bit of a pain for anyone who remembers Mac drives failing.Now according to developer Dave Nanian, Apple has gone further, maybe unintentionally. Nanian is the developer of backup app SuperDuper! and says that since macOS Sequoia 15.2 has changed a feature called the Replicator, his app has been unable to create a bootable backup. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Owners of Embodied's doomed Moxie robot may get a reprieve from the shutdown, thanks to an eleventh-hour open-source attempt to keep the robot running.Moxie the robot - Image credit: EmbodiedEarly in December, it was reported that Embodied, the company behind the child-centric Moxie robot, was shutting down, and would be taking the robot with it. Owners of the $800 robot were informed that it would stop working after the cloud servers get shut down in the future.With Moxie used by parents to help aid the social development of children, including autistic kids, this meant parents had to explain why their children couldn't play with their robotic friend anymore. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Spam calls are a seemingly endless nuisance with no solution, but there are several ways to get relief built into your iPhone and through services like those provided by Incogni.Stop spam calls with Incogni's robust service. Image credit - IncogniIt's not just you robo calls, spam calls, telemarketing calls, and scam calls can inundate your call logs, email inbox, voicemail, and Messages app incessantly. Though, there is no need to give up and waste countless hours sifting through the garbage left by unwanted calls.First, you need to take a few important and necessary steps to prevent spam calls from ever making it through. Second, you need to take the fight to the problem data brokers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Maybe we'll see more movies made for Apple Vision Pro now there's a Blackmagic Camera, and maybe we'll see different cameras on the iPhone 17 Slim, but we'll never see the end of Apple nonsense on TikTok.The new Blackmagic Camera for spatial videoThere's also the never-ending and sometimes ever-increasing set of rumors about Apple making folding devices. This time the claim is that we'll see a foldable iPad Pro, but it's definitely not coming soon and co-host Wesley Hilliard has reasons to lower our expectations of it happening at all.What is definitely happening is that Apple Vision Pro is getting more entertainment in the form of short films and documentaries. It's also definitely happening far too slowly, though, so the launch of a dedicated spatial video camera from Blackmagic is welcome even if it's costly enough that only studios will be able to afford it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Despite low sales, the Apple Vision Pro is reportedly shaking up the VR/MR industry and moving the trend of headsets from entertainment to productivity and innovation.Apple Vision ProThe global VR and MR headset market is expected to grow steadily in 2024, with shipments projected to reach 9.6 million units, an 8.8% increase year-over-year, according to a new report by TrendForce. Apple Vision Pro, despite moderate growth, is setting new standards.Launched in 2024, Apple Vision Pro has already claimed 5% of the market, a significant achievement given its high price. Starting at $3,499, the Vision Pro is not positioned as a mass-market device but rather as a high-end product aimed at professionals and early adopters. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Satechi 6-in-1 Slim USB-C adapter is small enough to fit in the pocket but provides enough connectivity to support your day-to-day needs.Satechi 6-in-1 Slim USB-C Adapter reviewAfter upgrading from an iPhone 14 to an iPhone 16 this fall, all my devices now support USB-C connections for charging and data transfer. This is also the reality for many other Apple consumers, and that's where the value of a small USB-C adapter shows itself.Satechi has been making USB-C and Thunderbolt docks and adapters for years and covers various price ranges and needs. Its latest is the 6-in-1 USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new leak claims that recent rumors of at least one iPhone 17 model switching to a horizontal row of cameras, are wrong.Close up on the iPhone's familiar camera triangleThe original rumor came from two sources that both claimed knowledge of a horizontal camera bar being introduced for at least one of the iPhone 17 models. It was suspected that the model would be the expected iPhone 17 Slim, whose thinner size is believed to be presenting engineering challenges.According to leaker "Instant Digital" on Chinese social media site Weibo, there will be a redesigned camera system but not a significant one. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

At four years old, AirPods Max feel like a stagnant product that should be so much more, but the premium sound and Apple ecosystem features keep them from going completely stale.AirPods Max review: missing out on the latest techDecember 15, 2020 was a lifetime ago in reality and in technology. The AirPods Max were revealed shortly after the iPhone 12 lineup, when the Lightning port was still going strong and Apple Intelligence was a twinkle in Tim Cook's eye.As is usual, rumors began pouring out about a potential AirPods Max 2. The obvious features were USB-C, better chips for processing, and a folding design. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Chinese-made TP-Link router used by Amazon, hundreds of ISPs, and 65% of the US market, is facing an investigation that could see it banned by the government.A TP-Link routerUnspecified sources say that the Commerce Department under President Biden has already subpoenaed TP-Link. Between the three Departments, it's possible that TP-Link will be banned at some point in 2025 which obviously puts it under the Trump administration.If a ban takes place, it is remarkably similar to the Trump administration's ban on Huawei technology in 2019. It's also close to how in 2022 the Biden administration's FCC declared Kaspersky anti-virus software to be a national security risk. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Background removal options have often been hit or miss, but Aiarty Image Matting makes the process simple with powerful AI edge detection.Aiarty Image MattingWhether you're crafting ad campaigns, designing custom postcards, enhancing school projects, or simply creating fun social media content, removing image background is often the first step. However, achieving clean, precise results has historically been difficult to achieve with software edge detection.Traditional image matting the process of separating a subject from its background on Mac can be notoriously difficult, especially with intricate details like hair or transparent objects. Even Apple's built-in background removal tool has often struggled with these complexities. Fortunately, AI is revolutionizing image editing, and Aiarty Image Matting is leading the way. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

It was the site of the original Steve Jobs launch of the Mac and it lasted until the time of the M4 Mac mini, but finally the famous Flint Center Apple event site is being demolished.The Flint Center being demolished image credit: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News GroupIt's famous for being where Steve Jobs unveiled the original Macintosh in 1984. It's famous for staging key Apple Events right up to 2014 and the launch of the Apple Watch.Later, Apple would need larger spaces, and then later still it had its own huge space at Apple Park. But there were reasons to choose the Flint Center when Apple did and it did so years before the Mac. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Time is running out to pick up an M4 iPad Pro with delivery by Christmas. Both 11-inch and 13-inch models are available at up to $200 off.Save on Apple's iPad Pro before Christmas.Best Buy has the lowest price today on Apple's M4 iPad Pro 11-inch, which is $899 for the general public and $849 for Plus members. Amazon is matching the $899 price, with delivery by Christmas to many locations. The 13-inch model, meanwhile, starts at $1,099 after a $200 discount.11-inch iPad Pro M4 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has reportedly stopped work on a discrete iPhone hardware subscription service, but the goals of the project have been largely accomplished with the iPhone Upgrade Program.Carrying around the new iPhone 16 Pro for the past week or soRumors about an iPhone hardware subscription service solidified in 2022, after a few years of speculation. Reportedly, the prototype of the program applied a monthly charge to customers not dissimilar to App Store payments. Loans are said to be provided by Apple itself.Apple was said to be actively testing the program internally two years ago. In September of 2022, it was thought that the project would deploy to users before the end of that year. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Core Graphics provides default image filters for quick special effects. Here's how to save image files in Preview for macOS with effects.Use Quartz image filters in macOS's Preview app to apply special effects to images.Apple's Core Graphics (Quartz) 2D imaging subsystem provides a high-performance, consistent API for creating, saving, and manipulating graphics. It's also responsible for drawing most text on Apple platforms (Core Text).Text can be drawn by Quartz using subpixel precision, and anti-aliasing (smoothing) even if a particular display can't show the text at full computed resolution. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Indonesia's president has agreed to a $1 billion deal with Apple that if approved, will build two factories that will ultimately produce 20% of the world's AirTag supply.iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus still banned in IndonesiaSources familiar with the matter claim that Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto gave his approval to the deal, after apparently getting a brief over the weekend. Also according to the sources, Prabowo is seeking more investments from Apple in the future.Apple has reportedly picked the island of Batam to build the AirTag factory. It is expected to initially employ 1000 workers, and the location will provide tax and import benefits to Apple. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

While Apple is accusing Meta of trying to use EU laws to abuse privacy, Meta is saying Apple is worse. This is just the latest chapter in a long-running fight between the tech giants.Left: Apple CEO Tim Cook. Right: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg images credit: Apple and MetaThe latest spat between Apple and Meta, the owner of Facebook, is... pretty much the same as every exchange before. Apple accuses Meta about its privacy record and Meta doesn't exactly deny it, but has a good go at deflecting the attention back.This time, it's that Apple is questioning the EU's mandate about cooperating with rival firms, by pointing out that Meta has been really trying it on lately. Meta responds by commenting that Apple would say that, wouldn't they? Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple is reportedly in talks with ByteDance and Tencent to integrate their AI models with Apple Intelligence in China, so it can expand the feature set to the lucrative market.Apple Intelligence has a long way to go before launching in ChinaApple is slowly rolling out Apple Intelligence to iPhone, iPad, and Mac, by gradually introducing it into new markets. However, to do so in China, it's seeking assistance from other companies.Apple is said to be in discussions with Tencent and ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, about Apple Intelligence. Reuters reports on Thursday that Apple wants to use AI models from the two companies to flesh out the version of Apple Intelligence offered to users in China. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The FaceTime camera on a MacBook Pro is famously not as good as one on an iPhone, but new research shows Apple is continuing to work on it and may have decided that the answer involves mounting larger cameras on a rotating display.The notch could be replaced by a protruding camera but one which could also be repositionedMaybe you don't give the camera notch on the MacBook Pro a second thought. But even if you loathe it, and believe it's taking up screen real estate, the one thing you can't say is that it is thick.It's quite wide, wide enough that you wonder why it doesn't include Face ID yet. But it doesn't add to the thickness of the MacBook Pro lid, and maybe it's this thickness that limits how good a camera system Apple can fit in there. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums