MacworldThe latestupgrade from OpenAIis finally on the horizon, but there are a few things you can practice now that will help you make the most of it when its here. You dont have to wait before you start practicing the skills youll use for GPT-5.0. You can already use ChatGPT to automate huge parts of your job, and the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree can show you how. And its only $29.99 (reg. $790).Heres what this bundle can show you how to do:Streamline your workloadAmplify your creativityCustomize your own ChatGPT botTransform raw data into appealing visualsUse ChatGPT to write emails, respond to messages, and other communication skillsThere are 12 lectures and 25 hours of content included in this bundle, but theres no rush to finish. Youll have lifetime access, so you can prepare for GPT-5.0 at your leisure.After studying for a while, you might already be able to get ChatGPT to automate the most boring parts of your job.Enroll in theChatGPT and Automation E-Degreewhile its on sale for $29.99.ChatGPT & Automation E-DegreeSee DealStackSocialprices subject to change.

MacworldIf you have a new iPhone or Mac, there are plenty of reasons to go update to iOS 18.4 or macOS 15.4, but users of older devices might not be so quick to hit the download button. But these updates are especially importantApple has patched a pair of vulnerabilities originally fixed in iOS 18.3.1 and 18.3.2 and five dozen fixes for newer phones and Macs.In iOS 16.7.11 (compatible with iPhones 6-13) and iOS 15.8.4 (compatible with iPhones 8-14), Apple issued a pair of security updates to fix zero-days previously exploited in the wild. Apple previously addressed the flaws in iOS 18.3.1 (Accessibility) and 18.3.2 (WebKit) for newer iPhones, but they remained exploitable in older phones until this week.Apple also patched an actively exploited CoreMedia flaw in older iPads and Macs that was first fixed in iOS 18.3 and macOS 15.3.Apple says the vulnerabilities were used in extremely sophisticated attacks, meaning hackers targeted high-level individuals in government or business. However, as long as the flaw remains open on your devices, there is still a risk that it could be exploited with lower-level malware, so we recommend updating as soon as possible. See our tests of the best Mac antivirus programs for more security options.Apple also issued a few dozen security fixes for newer iPhones and Macs with iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4, as well as updates to iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro so no matter what Apple device you own, go update this weekend before its too late.

MacworldIf youre choosing between two different types of Macs or two generations of the same Mac, you may wonder just how much of a difference the processor will make.Since November 2020, all new Macs have featured one of Apples own system-on-chips based on the Arm architecture, sometimes referred to as Apple Silicon. Several Apple chips have joined the line-up, including the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra; M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra; M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max, and M3 Ultra; and M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The final Mac to move from Intel to Apple Silicon was the Mac Pro in June 2023.Now that the transition from Intel to Apples silicon is long complete, and it has been a while since Apple sold any new Macs powered by an Intel chip, you might think that there is no point in comparing Intel and Apple. However, some stores are still selling Intel-powered Macs and may users still have them. Those wishing to upgrade from an Intel-powered Mac to an M-series Mac may also be curious about how much of a difference to expect.With such variety on offer, there is also a question of which Apple processor is best, or at least sufficient for your needs. The current M4 series represents the fourth generation of Apple Silicon, but the M4 is still less powerful than the M1 Ultra, for example. Its also worth noting that the difference between a Pro and Max version of Apples ships is all in the GPUs and memory support: the CPU is essentially the same.Here we will compare all the Mac and MacBook CPUs, GPUs, and other specs, such as RAM (a.k.a. unified memory), to demonstrate how the M1-, M2-, M3-, and M4-series chips compare to each other and their Intel predecessors.For more help choosing which Mac to buy read our buying guides where we assess the Best Mac and Best MacBook. You might also like to take a look at the article where we compare all of Apples chips, including those in the iPhone and iPad.M1 to M4 timelineNovember 2020: Apple introduced its first Mac system-on-chip, the M1, with three models: the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. You can still buy the M1 MacBook Air at Walmart for $649.April 2021: Apple launched an iMac with an M1 chip.October 2021: The M1 formed the basis for powerful variants, the M1 Pro and M1 Max, that arrived in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro in October 2021.March 2022: The final M1-series chip, the M1 Ultra, arrived with the Mac Studio in March 2022. June 2022: The M2 chip introduced the next generation of Apple Silicon in June 2022.January 2023: The M2 Pro and M2 Max arrived in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. The Mac mini also gained an M2 and M2 Pro chip.June 2023: The M2 Ultra arrived in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. The Mac Studio also ships with the M2 Max. October 2023: The M3 series arrives with the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max landing simultaneously. The MacBook Pro ships with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, while the iMac offers the M3.October 2024: The M4 series arrives on the Mac with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The iMac has an M4. The Mac mini has an M4 or M4 Pro. The MacBook Pro has an M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max.March 2025: Apple introduces the M3 Ultra, which is in the $3,999 Mac Studio. Apple also released the M4 Max Mac Studio for $1,999, and the M4 MacBook AIr.Which processor should you choose for your Mac, and does it really matter? Read on to find out.Mac and MacBook processors comparedThe M1 arrived with the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini at the end of 2020.The processor inside a Mac makes a big difference to how powerful the Mac is. However, it can be quite confusing if you arent familiar with the terminology. The processor is sometimes referred to as the CPU (central processing unit), which is different from the GPU (graphics processing unit). Sometimes people will refer to the processor when they actually mean the SoC (system on a chip) that contains both the CPU and GPU. You may even hear it referred to as a SiP (system in package).We often refer to Apple Silicon as chips because they are system-on-chips that combine the CPU and GPU (and, for that matter, RAM, which Apple refers to as unified memory). The various M-series chips offer a variety of CPU and GPU cores.Similarly, many different Intel chips combine several CPU cores with integrated or discrete graphics options, all of which we will discuss below.We also offer advice about how much storage, RAM and cores in How much MacBook GPU, CPU, RAM and SSD do you really need?Mac processors from AppleM1 In June 2020, Apple announced that it would transition Mac from Intel to its world-class custom silicon. This process began with Apples M1 processor, which was introduced in November 2020. It is no longer available to buy, but you may find a refurbished model.The M1 was in these Macs:13-inch MacBook Pro (2020)MacBook Air (2020)Mac mini (2020)iMac (2021)The M1 specs were as follows:8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)7- or 8-core graphics processor (GPU)16-core Neural Engine8GB or 16GB of unified memory68.25GBps memory bandwidth16 billion transistors MacBook Air (M1, 2020)Best Prices Today:$799.99 at AdoramaThe M1 was Apples first chip designed by Apple specifically for the Mac and it made shockwaves in the industry with giant leaps in performance. However, some people criticized the RAM limitations, with the M1 Macs only able to support up to 16GB of unified memory.M1 ProApple introduced the M1 Pro in October 2021. It is no longer available in any new Macs, but you may get one in Apples refurbished store or elsewhere. The M1 Pro was in these Macs:14-inch MacBook Pro (2021)16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)The M1 Pro specs were as follows: 8- or 10-core CPU (6 or 8 performance cores, 2 efficiency cores)14- or 16-core GPU16-core Neural Engine16GB or 32GB of unified memory200GBps memory bandwidth33.7 billion transistorsThe M1 Pro offers a 14-core GPU or a 16-core GPU. At launch, Apple claimed the GPU in the M1 Pro to be 2x faster than the M1. Apple also claimed that the GPU was up to 7x faster than the integrated graphics on the latest 8-core PC laptop chip.The M1 Pro also added a ProRes accelerator in the media engine to speed up video processing. Apple claimed that the M1 Pro could deliver up to 200GBps of memory bandwidth, which is nearly 3x the bandwidth of the M1.The M1 Pro supports up to 32GB RAM, compared to a maximum of 16GB for the M1.M1 MaxThe M1 Max was also introduced in October 2021 as a standard option for the 16-inch MacBook Pro and a build-to-order option for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Then, in March 2022, the M1 Max became one of the options for the Mac Studio. The M1 Max is no longer available in any new Macs, but you may get one in Apples refurbished store or elsewhere.The M1 Max was in these Macs:14-inch MacBook Pro (2021)16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)Mac Studio (2022)The M1 Max specs are as follows: 10-core CPU (8 performance cores, 2 efficiency cores)24- or 32-core GPU16-core Neural Engine32GB or 64GB of unified memory400GBps memory bandwidth57 billionThe M1 Max has the same 10-core CPU as the M1 Pro, but everything else is significantly enhanced. The GPU is the most important difference between the M1 Pro and M1 Max. The M1 Max GPU goes all the way up to 32 cores. At launch, Apple claimed the graphics performance of the 32-core GPU to be up to 4x faster than the M1.The M1 Max also has two ProRes accelerators that help it deliver up to 2x faster video encoding than M1 Pro. Apple claimed the M1 Max-powered MacBook Pros can edit up to 30 streams of 4K ProRes video or up to seven streams of 8K ProRes video in Final Cut Pro. Thats more streams than on a 28-core Mac Pro with Afterburner.At launch, Apple stated that the performance of the M1 Max is similar to that of the highest-end GPU in the largest PC laptops while using up to 100 watts less power.M1 Max also offers up to 400GBps of memory bandwidth. That is 2x that of M1 Pro and nearly 6x that of M1. As a result, a maximum of 64GB of RAM is possible with the Max.M1 UltraThe M1 Ultra was also introduced in March 2022 as an option for the Mac Studio. You may still find a 2022 Mac Studio available, potentially at a good discount.The M1 Ultra was in the:Mac Studio (2022) The M1 Ultra specs were as follows: 20-core CPU (16performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)48- or 64-core GPU32-core Neural Engine64GB or 128GB of unified memory800GBps memory bandwidth114 billion transistorsThe M1 Ultra is essentially two M1 Mac chips, so it can offer a 20-core CPU and up to a 64-core GPU. Apple achieves this using UltraFusion architecture to connect the two M1 Max chips to avoid trade-offs such as increased latency, reduced bandwidth, and increased power consumption. Apple also explained that the M1 Ultra behaves like, and is recognized by software, as one chip.At launch, Apple claimed to offer 4x the bandwidth of the leading multi-chip interconnect technology and that the M1 Ultra delivers 90 percent higher multi-threaded performance than the fastest available 16-core PC desktop chip in the same power envelope.Apple also claimed that the 64-core GPU delivers faster performance than the highest-end PC GPU available, all while using 200 fewer watts of power.The M1 Ultra can be configured with up to 128GB unified memory; according to Apple, the most powerful PC graphics cards max out at 48GB. The M1 Ultra also offers twice the media engine capabilities of the M1 Max, for accelerated video encoding and decoding.M2 The M2 was introduced in June 2022 with the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple later added the M2 as an option for the Mac mini in January 2023, and a new 15-inch MacBook Air in June 2023.The M2 was in these Macs:Mac mini (2023)15-inch MacBook Air (2023)13-inch MacBook Pro (2022)13-inch MacBook Air (2022)The M2 specs were as follows:8-core CPU (4performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)8- or 10-core GPU16-core Neural Engine8GB, 16GB, or 24GB of unified memory100GBps memory bandwidth20 billion transistorsAt launch, Apple claimed: Compared with the latest 10-core PC laptop chip, the CPU in M2 provides nearly twice the performance at the same power level. Apple also stated that the M2 provides nearly 90 percent of the peak performance of the 12-core chip while using just one-fourth the power.Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 2023)Read our reviewBest Prices Today:1.599,00 at AppleApple also claimed the 10-core GPU delivers up to 25 percent higher graphics performance than M1 at the same power level, thanks to the larger cache and higher memory bandwidth. At maximum power this is 35 percent better, claimed Apple.Thanks to the additional GPU cores, 10 cores rather than the 8-core limit of the M1, the M2 performs better than the M1, but its still below the M1 Pro with 14 cores.M2 ProThe M2 Pro was introduced in January 2023 with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the M2 Pro Mac mini. It is no longer available from Apple. The M2 Pro was in these Macs:14-inch MacBook Pro (early 2023) 16-inch MacBook Pro (early 2023)Mac mini (2023)The M2 Pro specs were as follows:10-core or 12-core CPU (6 or 8performance cores, 2 efficiency cores)14- or 16-core GPU16-core Neural Engine16GB or 32GB of unified memory200GBps memory bandwidth40 billion transistorsLike the M1 Pro, the M2 Pro has a built-in media engine that accelerates H.264, HEVC, and ProRes video encoding and decoding. Better power efficiency during playback of multiple streams of 4K and 8K ProRes video can also be expected. At launch Apple claimed that the M2 Pro is 40 percent faster in Adobe Photoshop image processing and 25 percent faster in Xcode compiling when compared to the M1 Pro.Apple claimed that, when compared to the Core i9 16-inch MacBook Pro, the M2 Pro is 2.5 times faster in Photoshop and 80 percent faster in Xcode.M2 MaxThe M2 Max was also introduced in January 2023 with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. The M2 Max was in these Macs:14-inch MacBook Pro (2023)16-inch MacBook Pro (2023)Mac Studio (2023)The M2 Max specs are as follows: 12-core CPU (8performance cores/4 efficiency cores)30- or 38-core GPU16-core Neural Engine32GB, 64GB, or 96GB of unified memory400GBps memory bandwidth67 billion transistorsLike the M1 Max, the M2 Max offers two video-encode engines and ProRes engines. At launch, Apple claimed the M2 Max would see a 30 percent improvement over the M1 Max when using color grading in DaVinci Resolve, while it would be 2 times faster than the Intel Core i9 MacBook Pro in the same test.For effects rendering in Cinema 4D, Apple claimed that the M2 Max is 30 percent faster than the M1 Max, and 6 times faster than the Core i9 MacBook Pro. M2 Ultra Apple Mac Pro (M2 Ultra, 2023)Best Prices Today:8.299,00 at AppleThe M2 Ultra arrived in June 2023. It is still an option for both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro.The M2 Ultra still features in these Macs:Mac Pro (2023) (buy from Apple here)The M2 Ultra was also in these Macs:Mac Studio (2023)The M2 Ultras specs are as follows:24-core CPU (16performance cores, 8 efficiency cores)60- or 76-core GPU32-core Neural Engine64GB, 128GB, or 192GB of unified memory800GBps memory bandwidth134 billion transistorsM3 The M3 arrived at the end of October 2023.Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 256GB/16GB RAM, 2024)The M3 was in these Macs:iMac (2023)14-inch MacBook Pro (2023)13-inch MacBook Air (2023)15-inch MacBook Air The M3 specs are as follows:8-core CPU (4performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)8- or 10-core GPU16-core Neural Engine8GB, 16GB, or 24GB of unified memory100GBps memory bandwidth25 billion transistorsM3 ProThe M3 Pro also arrived at the end of October 2023. It was an option for both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.The M3 Pro was in these Macs and you may find some still available to buy from resellers at a discount:14-inch MacBook Pro (2023)16-inch MacBook Pro (2023)The M3 Pro specs are as follows:11- or 12-core CPU (5 or 6performance cores, 6 efficiency cores)14- or 18-core GPU16-core Neural Engine18GB or 36GB of unified memory150GBps memory bandwidth37 billion transistorsM3 MaxLike the other M3 chips, the M3 Max arrived at the end of October 2023. It was an option for both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023)Read our reviewBest Prices Today:2.604,76 at tease-Shop | 2.687,41 at Amazon Marketplace CE | 2.687,41 at Amazon Marketplace PC NotebookThe M3 Max was in these Macs. You may find them still available to buy from resellers at a discount:14-inch MacBook Pro (2023)16-inch MacBook Pro (2023)The M3 Max specs are as follows:14- or 16-core CPU (10 or 12performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)14- or 18-core GPU16-core Neural Engine36GB, 48GB, 128GB of unified memory300GBps or 400GBps memory bandwidth92 billion transistorsM3 UltraThe M3 Ultra was introduced in March 2025.The M3 Ultra is available in the following:Mac Studio (2025)The M3 Ultra specs are as follows:28- or 32-core CPU (20 or 24 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores)60- or 80-core graphics processor (GPU)32-core Neural Engine96GB, 256GB, or 512GB of unified memory819GBps memory bandwidth184 billion transistorsM4The M4 was introduced in October 2024. It is available in the iMac, Mac mini, and 14-inch MacBook Pro.Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4)Read our reviewBest Prices Today:1619 at notebooksbilliger.de | 1719 at Computeruniverse | 1719 at cyberportApple Mac mini (M4)Price When Reviewed:699 EuroBest Prices Today:615 at notebooksbilliger.de | 629 at Computeruniverse | 629 at cyberportApple iMac (M4)Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:1.749 EuroBest Prices Today:1559 at notebooksbilliger.de | 1579 at Computeruniverse | 1579 at cyberportThe M4 is featured in these Macs:iMac (2024) (buy from Apple here)Mac mini (2024) (buy from Apple here)14-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple here)The M4 specs are as follows:8- or 10-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 or 6 efficiency cores)8- core 10-core GPU16-core NeuralEngine16GB, 24GB, 32GB of unified memory120GBps memory bandwidth28 billion transistorsM4 ProThe M4 Pro was introduced in October 2024. It is available in the Mac mini, and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro.Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)Best Prices Today:1999 at notebooksbilliger.de | 2119 at Computeruniverse | 2119 at cyberportApple Mac mini (M4 Pro)Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:1.649 EuroBest Prices Today:1489 at notebooksbilliger.de | 1499 at Computeruniverse | 1499 at cyberportThe M4 Pro is featured in these Macs:Mac mini (2024) (buy from Apple)14-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple)16-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple)The M4 Pro specs are as follows:12- or 14-core CPU (8 or 10 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)16- or 20-core GPU16-core Neural Engine24GB, 48GB of unified273GBps memory bandwidthM4 MaxThe M4 Max was introduced in October 2024. It is available in the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, and the Mac Studio.Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Price When Reviewed:4.099 EuroBest Prices Today:3658 at notebooksbilliger.de | 3699 at Computeruniverse | 3699 at cyberportApple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max)Price When Reviewed:3.799 EuroBest Prices Today:3399 at Computeruniverse | 3399 at cyberport | 3539 at AlternateThe M4 Max is featured in these Macs:14-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple)16-inch MacBook Pro (buy from Apple)Mac Studio (buy from Apple)The M4 Max specs are as follows:14- or 16-core CPU (10 or 12 performance cores/4 efficiency cores)32- or 40-core GPU16-core Neural Engine36GB, 48GB, 64GB, 128GB of unified memory410GBps or 546GBps memory bandwidthMac Processor BenchmarksThe benchmarks below include the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max, which were released in the latter part of 2024. The fastest chip is the M3 Ultra, released in 2025 in the Mac StudioM1 vs Intel: BenchmarksAs for how Apples silicon compares to the Intel processors that used to power Macs, when we tested we found that even Apples M1 chips delivered a performance that was equal to, or even better, than the most powerful Intel laptop chips found in Macs at the time and the M1 Macs werent even targeted at the kind of people who need the most powerful laptops. The M1 really was better than a comparable Intel chipjust as Apple claimed when it launched.As you can see from the benchmarks above and below, there is no reason to avoid buying an M1-, M2-, M3-, or M4-series Mac over any Intel-powered Mac. Even the iMac with M3 beats the fastest iMac Pro (with a 2.3GHz Intel Xeon W-2191B) by some margin.Results are expressed as Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are faster.M1 vs Intel: Whats the difference between Apple Silicon and Intel?The Intel processors that Apple used in its Macs since 2006 were x86 chips. Apple Silicon is based on Arm but includes a number of Apple technologies (so they arent Arm chips, strictly speaking). Arm and x86 are completely different architecture, which means that they need different code, and hence the operating systems and software need to be tailored to them.Therefore, one of the main concerns with the move to Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, or M4) could be whether the required software is compatible with Arm. Apple addressed this with Rosetta 2, which translates the code from x86 to Arm. With a few exceptions, there was no issue with software written for x86 running on the M1 Macs. Many software developers were quick to update their software to run on M-series Macs, though.The M1-series Macs were a huge step up from the equivalent Intel models.One advantage of Arm over Intels X86 is power consumption, this is evident in the long battery life of the M-series Macs. The 16-inch MacBook Pro has the longest-ever battery life for a Mac at 24 hours. The 2019 Intel-powered 16-inch MacBook Pro could only manage 11 hours.There are other ways in which the M-series chips are more efficient than Intel processors. Macs with Apple chips have two kinds of processor cores: high-performance and efficiency. Having two types of cores ensures that background processes dont slow down the computer because there is always enough power available for programs to run. For example, even the fastest Intel-powered Mac might have experienced slowdowns and performance drops if a system process like iCloud, or the indexing of Photos or Spotlight, was running in the background.This is all great in theory, but in practice, the benchmarks prove that there is a leap in performance from Intel to M1 and beyond.Mac processors made by IntelIf you bought your Mac before the end of 2020 it will have Intel inside.Apple has used various generations of Intel processors over the years. Here are details of some of the Intel chips you may find inside any Macs that predate Apples move to the M1 and beyond.Apple no longer sells Macs with Intel processors, not even old models in the Apple Certified Refurbished Store.If you are considering buying a used Intel-powered Mac we would recommend that you dont! Read Should I buy a secondhand Mac?Back when Macs were powered by Intel, Apple specified an Intel processor generation for each Mac in its marketing materials. So you would have seen a description such as 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor associated with a particular Mac. However, without those marketing materials, it isnt so easy to find out which processor is inside an Intel-powered Mac because the About This Mac information shows the year that Mac went on sale and the processor specifics such as GHz and the number of cores, but not the processor generation. Identifying the processor generation can be useful in comparing different Macs and PCs. If you want to find out the specs of your Intel Mac we suggest you read our guide to how to check the specs of your Mac.Heres how the Intel processor lineup has looked since around 2011:1st Generation Nehalem (2011)2nd Generation Sandy Bridge (2011)3rd Generation Ivy Bridge (2012)4th Generation Haswell (2013)5th Generation Broadwell (2015)6th Generation Skylake (2015)7th Generation Kaby Lake (2017)8th Generation Coffee Lake (2018)9th Generation Coffee Lake Refresh (2018)10th Generation Ice Lake (2019)How to choose a Mac processorWhether you are comparing two Macs with Apple chips, or one Apple chip and one Intel chip, or even two Intel chips, this is what to consider: How many CPU cores?You will notice that Apples M1 has eight CPU cores, the M1 Pro and M1 Max have ten CPU cores, and the M1 Ultra has 20 CPU cores. The M2 series extends that, with the M2 CPU having 10 or 12 CPU cores, the M2 Pro and M2 Max having a 12-core CPU, and the M2 Ultra having 24 cores. That extension continues with the M3 and M4 and will keep going with future chips.Among the Intel Macs, you would generally find dual-core, quad-core, 6-core, 8-core, and 10-core CPUs, while the Mac Pro offers a Xeon processor with 8, 12, 16, 24, or 28 cores.Having more cores available means that your Mac will be able to run multiple processes at once. Apples M-series Macs have two kinds of cores: high-performance and high-efficiency cores. The difference between high-performance and efficiency cores is that the efficiency cores are power-saving while the performance cores can be used for more demanding tasks. So while the performance cores focus on demanding tasks there wont be a hit on power-efficient processing, both can happen in tandem. How many GPU cores? This is more apparent on the M-series Macs because Apple highlights the number of GPU cores and this extends as you move up the range. Apples M1 has 7 or 8 GPU cores, the M1 Pro had a 14-core or 16-core GPU, the M1 Max had a 24-core or 32-core GPU, and the M1 Ultra had a 48-core or 64-core GPU. The M2 series extends that, with the M2 GPU having 8 or 10 GPU cores, the M2 Pro having 14 or 16 GPU cores, the M2 Max having a 30-core or 38-core GPU, and the M2 Ultra having a 60-core or 76-core GPU. The same pattern follows (but with more cores) with the M3 and M4 chips.Intel Macs either had integrated graphics or a discrete graphics card. The discrete option was more for professionals who were using graphics-intensive programs on their Macs. A discrete graphics card has its own memory, while integrated graphics share memory with the processor. Because the M-series Macs integrate the GPU, the CPU the RAM into the same system on chip (SoC), the GPU and CPU can exchange information quickly, and the RAM can be shared efficientlyApple refers to its Unified Memory Architecture which makes this possible.As you can see from the chart above, even the Pro, Max, and Ultra variants of the M1 topped the best graphics options in the Intel-powered Macs.How many GHz?GHz (gigahertz) reflects the number of clock cycles per second. So a 2.3GHz processors internal clock beats 2.3 billion times per second. Hence, people refer to the number of GHz as the clock speed. Its not easy to compare the M1 with an Intel processor because while Intel lists GHz, Apple doesnt.Each range of Intel-equipped Macs usually has more than one option in terms of GHz. Sometimes it will look like a more powerful Mac has a slower clock speed. This is invariably due to the Mac in question having more cores available. For example, the 3.1GHz 6-Core iMac costs considerably more than the 3.6GHz Quad-Core model. At first glance, that might look like a bad deal, but thats six 3.1GHz cores, rather than four 3.6GHz cores. And the more cores, the better.With Intel Macs, its not only GHz you need to consider, but also how many cores and the generation of the processor.What is Turbo Boost?There is no Turbo Boost figure to consider with Apples M-series Macs, but it was a significant part of Intels marketing, so we will discuss it here.The simplest way to think of Turbo Boost is as a way of safely overclocking the cores on a processor. This figure can sometimes give a clue as to how one generations processor compares to the next.The Turbo Boost controller samples the power consumption and temperature of the cores hundreds of times a second while monitoring the demands made by software. If any of the cores are being driven to their theoretical maximum, Turbo Boost can, if enough power is available and the temperature is at a safe level over-clock the core and enable it to work faster.So the eight cores in a MacBook Pros 2.3GHz 8-Core i9 processor can, if needed, be pushed to 4.8GHz subject to power consumption and heat dissipation. Not all processors can Turbo Boost. The i3 processors, found in the 3.6GHz Quad-Core iMac, do not include Turbo Boost, so the 3.6GHz speed is never going to be overclocked.Why would you need Turbo Boost? Turbo Boost kicks in when you arent using all the cores, so the clock speed can beincreased on the cores that are in use. So, Turbo Boost is a feature that will benefit you most if you arent using applications that use multiple cores.Why might you not want Turbo Boost? When Turbo Boost is in use, your computer will be using more power, so if you have a laptop it might not be in your interest to have Turbo Boost.Apple would quote Turbo Boost figure for older Macs, like the iMac above. Intel processor typesIts not only the processor generation you need to consider with Intel. There was a lot of variety in terms of processor speed, number of cores, Turbo Boost figures, and whether it was an i3 or an i9. Wondering if i5 is better than i7, or if i3 is going to be inadequate? We look through the different processors right up to i9 below.Core M The M is a mobile version of Intels chips it appeared in the first Retina MacBook when it launched in 2014. There were three M processors with increasing performance: m3, m5, and m7.Core i3 i3 processors featured in some Macs. They dont feature Turbo Boost.Core i5 The majority of Macs used to use Intels i5 processors. The i5 tended to be quad-core or 6-core. If you find a dual-core, its an older generation.Core i7 The i7 is worth looking out for if you are thinking of purchasing an older Mac because, in older generations of Macs, when it came to quad-core, the i5 and i7 versions were not equal. The quad-core i7, which was once used in the 15-inch MacBook Pro offered some features that the quad-core i5 didnt, one of which was Hyper-threading. Another difference was the size of the cache. Thanks to these features, i7 processors were better for multitasking, multimedia, high-end gaming, and scientific work.Core i9 Intels i9 processors arrived with the 9th generation Coffee Lake refresh, and have up to 8 cores.Xeon Intels Xeon processors are workstation or server processors. Xeon processors support more memory than the i5/i7/i9 processors.Hyper-threadingHyper-threading allows the processor to handle twice as many streams as it has cores, by fooling software into thinking it has twice as many cores. So, a quad-core processor with hyperthreading should be able to execute four times as many sets of instructions in a given time period as a dual-core processor with the same clock speed but without hyperthreading.This means that a quad-core i7, for example, can act like it has eight cores, but a quad-core i5 will only be able to use the four cores available to it.Which Mac processor should you choose?Now that Apple has completed its transition from Intel to Apple Silicon, the question of which processor is no longer a choice between Intel and Apple. We have in the past recommended waiting for a second-generation product, but we are so many years into the transition that there really is no reason to wait. If you need a powerful Mac, go ahead and buy one. The only reason to delay would be if you want to wait for the Mac you want to get updated with a new M-series chip.For the best deals right now, check out our:Best iMac dealsBest Mac mini dealsBest Mac Studio dealsBest MacBook Pro dealsBest MacBook Air deals

MacworldApples AirTag does a fine job tracking stuff but it just cant fit into a wallet. Thats where this slim,credit card-sized trackercomes in. It works with Apples Find My app just like an AirTag, but without the bulky round shape poking out of your pocket.Its called theKeySmart SmartCard, and it offers a sleek alternative to Apples tracker, complete with Qi wireless charging, a built-in lanyard slot, and a higher waterproof rating. Right now, you can grab a 3-pack for $89.99 with free shipping $30 each and about the same price as the AirTag, but with a wallet-friendly design that may suit your needs better.This smart card slips right into your wallet and shows its location on Apples Find My network. Youll get helpful features like left behind alerts, audible location pings, and real-time tracking across millions of Apple devices. Bonus: While AirTags require additional purchases for keychains or straps, this tracker already has a slot for lanyards, badge reels, or anything else you want to clip it to.You can get three of theseAirTag alternativesfor $89.99 with free shipping. Keep one for yourself and share the others in Easter baskets, or use the others in your passport, luggage, pet carriers, or anywhere else you need tracking.KeySmart SmartCard Works with Apple Find My (3-Pack)See DealStackSocialprices subject to change.

MacworldApples newest AirPods 4 are already an affordable way to get active noise cancellation without springing for AirPods Pro but this deal makes them a downright steal: The AirPods 4 with ANC are down to $149 at Amazon, a savings of $30 off its $179 MSRP and the lowest price weve ever seen.These are some earbuds we absolutely love, as the 4.5-star rating we gave them during our review stands testament. We found they deliver killer audio quality, are actually efficient at canceling noise, and come with a wirelessly charging case with a built-in speaker that can make a sound if you lose track of it. They sound great, the active noise cancelation is extremely useful and works surprisingly well, they fit better than previous AirPods, and the wireless charging and Find My speaker on the case are much-welcomed conveniences. In short, the AirPods 4 are a great, all-around set of earphones, we wrote.If you dont need ANC, the AirPods 4 also come in a regular model thats a bit cheaper. You can get a pair for $117 right now, a small savings off its $129 MSRP. But whichever one you decide to buy, grab your very own AirPods 4 on sale today while theyre still on sale at Amazon.Get the ANC AirPods 4 for $30 offBuy now at Amazon

MacworldEarlier this year, Apple officially introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2 after a near-six-year wait. Compared to their predecessor, these earbuds have shrunk in size, become lighter, and adopted smarter features. More importantly, though, theyve incorporated a heart rate sensor for the first time on an Apple audio product. Given that the AirPods Pro 2 share the same $249 price tag, are overdue for an update, and lack heart-rate monitoring, many users shopping for a pair of earbuds might gravitate toward the Powerbeats Pro 2. Or they may still be tempted by the recent AirPods Pro 2 addition of Hearing Protection and its overall smaller design. Well, anyone struggling to decide which pair of new earbuds to buy, we have some advice: Save your money for now.Underpowered PowerbeatsIn typical Apple fashion, the latest Beats earbuds miss out on some key features offered by the AirPods Pro 2. Despite packing the same H2 chipset, the Powerbeats Pro 2 lack Adaptive Audio support, which combines the ANC and Transparency modes to suppress loud noises without completely isolating users from their surroundings.They similarly dont support the handy Conversation Awareness perk, which lowers media volume whenever you talk to someone. And the Hearing Protection features that turn your AirPods Pro into an over-the-counter hearing aid are also predictably absent, as are MagSafe charging, head gestures, and the U1 chip for precise Find My tracking.Thats a lot for an Apple user to give up. And Apple has shown an impressive willingness to keep adding features to the AirPods Pro 2, which probably wont be the case with the PowerBeats Pro. So when youre talking about features, the AirPods Pro 2 clearly have the advantage.AirPods Pro 2 have a minimal aesthetic compared to the Powerbeats Pros ear loops.FoundryDesign decisionsBeyond the performance, the AirPods Pro 2 look sleeker than the Powerbeats Pro 2. Not only are they smaller and lighter, but they also shed the Powerbeats iconic ear hooks designed to help keep the earbuds secure during intense workouts. If you have trouble keeping AirPods in your ear, the Powerbeats are a good option.Otherwise, while the AirPods Pro 2 feature pressure-sensitive surfaces for media control, the Powerbeats Pro 2 still resort to traditional buttons. While they work well, they almost objectively give the gadget a cheaper feel. Additionally, despite both sets being resistant to sweat and water splashes, only the AirPods can withstand dusty environments.The PowerBeats do have extra color options that the classic white AirPods Pro 2 dont have, but unless they really want a pair of electric orange earbuds, most people will be happier with the clean, minimal AirPods aesthetic.The beat goes onSome may think that the Powerbeats Pro 2s heart rate sensor is more valuable than any of the above-mentioned perks. And while it is a neat feature for a pair of earbuds, a wearable heart-rate sensor is hardly a novel feature for anyone whos worn an Apple Watch at some point over the past decade. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have a built-in rate-rate sensor.FoundryIts also worth noting that the heart rate sensors implementation on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is far from perfect. For starters, the monitor only works with a handful of supported apps, which oddly doesnt include Apples own Fitness+ service. And if youre wearing an Apple Watch, your iPhone will simply prioritize its readings and ignore the Powerbeats Pro 2, with no way to pick a default heart rate monitoring device on your iPhone.Furthermore, the AirPods Pro 3 reportedly launching in September, are rumored to adopt heart-rate monitoring tech as well. So, assuming Apple doesnt hike the AirPods Pro 3 price, youll get the best of both worlds for the same $249. And its a near-certainty that they will support Apple Fitness+ and play nicer with the Apple Watch, along with any other goodies Apple has planned.Wait it outunless you use AndroidAll of this isnt to say that the Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 are badweve reviewed both and theyre excellent. However, if you wait for just a few more months, you may be able to grab an even better set of buds once the AirPods Pro 3 debut. Not only will they potentially adopt the Powerbeats heart rate sensor, but theyre also rumored to have an even more compact design.Apple is likely to launch the third-generation of AirPods Pro this fall.FoundryNevertheless, there are still a couple of reasons why Powerbeats Pro 2 are a good pick now. For one, the AirPods Pro 3 definitely wont have ear hooks. If you have trouble getting AirPods Pro to stay in your ears, the Powerbeats Pro are a great option. Another Powerbeats benefit is the longer battery life. The latest Powerbeats Pro can offer up to 45 hours of listening on a single charge, while AirPods Pro 2 only last for about 30 hours. Its unlikely that AirPods Pro 3 will add more than an hour or two to the listening duration, so if you need the best possible battery life, Powerbeats are the way to go.And theres one more thingPowerbeats fully supports Android devices, thanks to Beats companion app. On a Galaxy or Pixel phone, theres no official way to customize, update, or meaningfully control AirPods (though they will pair and play music). Those fully invested in the Apple ecosystem, however, will want to wait a few months to see if something better comes along.

MacworldYou are likely not planning a military action in another country, but the accidental inclusion of unintended invitees to a group text, email, or other discussion could still prove a problemfrom embarrassment to losing friends, causing a family rift, or even being fired from a job.The problem arises from two intersecting factors: how Apple and third-party software retain recipients information to make it easy to use in future messaging, and how quickly apps have trained us to type a few letters and move on without examining whats being autocompleted and filled in. This means that you might intend to add Jeffrey Pixenwald to a group chat and instead invite Jenny Hickenlooper by typing Je. It happens.A great general place to start when inadvertently selecting the wrong person is your Contacts list. This list may contain people youve only connected with once years ago. Delete unwanted entries. You can also clear out the macOS Mail apps list of suggestions, which I explain below in the Mail section.More generally, consider the following:Slow down when selecting contacts from autocomplete suggestions to ensure you read whats suggested.Always double-check recipients before sending a message or email.Type the full name for important or sensitive messages rather than relying on autocomplete. This avoids any accidental overlap, even though its tedious.Here is more app-specific advice on how to avoid autocomplete filling in the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of people you didnt intend to include in your communications.MessagesWhen you start typing letters into the To: field in Messages on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple tries to help by ordering the suggestions by how recently youve messaged someone. Matches are made by name or email address. This means that the first choice is often the best for the letters you entered, and the top suggestions are almost always sensible.Following the people with whom you recently interacted, Messages lists all other entries in your contact list (for first name, last name, or email) in alphabetical order by first name.Messages in iOS and iPadOS shows another list of suggestions following a break with the label Siri Found in Apps. You can disable Siri Suggestions in Settings > (Apple Intelligence &) Siri > Apps > Messages.Messages has a setting for Siri Suggestions, which is found in the (Apple Intelligence &) Siri options of Settings. (Click to enlarge the image.)FoundryIn macOS, Messages selects the top choice, effectively autocompleting it, and you can press Return to accept it without review. For the safest way to add people, I suggest training yourself to not press Return and instead click the address you want. In iOS and iPadOS, you have to tap to select a recipient, which requires more deliberation.MailMail similarly provides suggestions ordered by recent interactions and then alphabetically as you start to type. macOS autocompletes the first item as the best match by selecting it. In iOS and iPadOS, as in Messages, you have to tap to select a match. Mail for iPhone and iPad includes Siri suggestions at the bottom, which you can disable via Settings > (Apple Intelligence &) Siri > Apps > Mail.You cant control this any further on an iPhone or iPad, but Mail on a Mac has an additional source of suggestions and a way to restrict that list. ChooseWindow > Previous Recipients. This often lengthy list contains every person who you have emailed in the past with the date of the last time a message was sent from the Mail app to them. You can trim this list to avoid suggestions from it: select or search for individual entries or chooseEdit > Select Alland click Remove From List. (In the past, some readers have found suggestions continue to appear from this list even after deleting entries.)Mail for macOS also draws suggested recipients from its record of all previous recipients. (Recipients blurred for privacy.)FoundrySignalWhen you begin typing in a name in Signal to add a recipient, the app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac (and other platforms) shows your most recent chat participants first, then an alphabetical listing by first name of all other matches.The system never selects an addressee for you. Instead, you have to click or tap to select a displayed entry.The one place Signal can bite youas it did certain members of the current American administrationis that peoples names and addresses are imported from your contacts unless added manually. A profile image is only shown if thats found in Contacts. Otherwise, two initials appear, like GF or RL. That can lead you to select someone in haste by noticing their initials and not their full name.Signal matches by name but never autoselects. (Recipients blurred for privacy.)To ensure you have the right name set for a contact, you can add a nickname within Signal that overrides the imported name. Signal doesnt offer an address book for editing. Instead, you follow this process:Click or tap the New Chat icon to start a new chat.Enter the persons name and make sure youre seeing the right person. Select that entry.Click or tap the initials or image and name at the top of the chat area.Click or tap Nickname and add their full name or a descriptive name.Click Save or tap Done.

MacworldAt a GlanceExpert's RatingProsClean, friendly user interface with a good level of customizationGood performance on large-volume scansCaught and quarantined almost all the test files thrown at itConsEmail Guardian allows you to visit questionable websites without warning about phishing, scams, or malwareMore advanced network tools needed for complete control over connected devicesOur Verdict Avast has delivered a good product that can head a ton of malware and viral activity off at the pass, but still needs work in terms of what its Email Guardian feature lets through and allows you to visit with no warning whatsoever. Still, theres a trial period to be taken advantage of and once again, Avast Premium Security is worth looking into. Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayRetailerPriceAvast Software$50.28View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketBest Prices Today: Avast Premium SecurityRetailerPriceAvast Software$50.28View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketAvast Premium Security for Mac is an antiviral/anti-malware/security tool (and one of the better Mac Antivirus apps we have looked at). It protects against viral infections, offers safeguards for email accounts and network traffic monitoring. The current version provides some impressive high points as well as a few things for its developers and marketing team to look into. At the time of writing (spring 2025) Avast Premium Security has a spring offer of $34.68/29.19 for the first year for one Mac, Avast says the usual yearly price is $77.99/64.99, but its always discounted when we check for our best Antivirus deals round up. Users can also begin a 60-day free trial by entering a credit or debit card with Avast citing a 30-day money-back guarantee if not satisfied.Avast Premium Security is centered around several modules (Smart Scan, Virus Scans, Core Shields, Traffic Monitor, Network Inspector, Email Guardian, Ransomware Shield, and Quarantine) with quick access to its storefront, where you can purchase other Avast products should you desire.FoundryThe user interface is as simple as you could ask for and its handy to be able to quickly focus a scan on an external drive without having to dig through options and menus. The Smart Scan quickly looks over your virus definitions, viruses, and malware, and Advanced Issues, which checks your Ransomware Shield and the folders its protecting, Network Inspector settings, and Real Site settings, which scans for imposter/phishing-based websites.The Virus Scans module may be the most impressive element of Avast Premium Security, as the module dovetails beautifully with macOS GateKeeper function, caught almost all of the test viruses and malware I could throw at it, and quickly put suspect software into quarantine. Once suspect files are found, they can be readily quarantined and/or deleted. The software can also run tests on external volumes and perform a deep scan to check every file on your hard drive, which may take several hours but is worth it.Avast has taken an interesting approach to its Traffic Monitor and Network Monitor modules, with the Traffic Monitor showing how much data youre using and where your bandwidth is going and the Network Inspector quickly scanning the network youre on, gauging its safety, offering a list of which devices are on the same network, and alerting you as to when an unfamiliar device joins the network. Its interesting to see where your web traffic is going, which geographic locations its pinging to, and how much bandwidth its consuming. The Network Inspector offers a handy means of examining your larger network and can point out which devices are on it and if suspect devices might be lurking on your network.FoundryThe Core Shields feature impressed me when I ran it through a fake/smishing website that spawned from a random text message I received claiming a package I hadnt ordered had been lost, but that clicking on a fake USPS website link would resolve the issue. Avasts Real Site feature prevented the site from loading and questionable software from being accessed, as the questionable website was written to do. While the text and its links were suspicious, to begin with, this can help avoid future mistakes.The Email Guardian module is interesting and reveals which emails contain viruses, malware, or are part of larger phishing scams, and its easy to add an email account for Avast to look over, the suite allowing for whitelists and exemptions to be created and customized in its preferences.Still, there are some issues to sort out. As I mentioned the last time I reviewed Avast Premium Premium (in 2023), the Email Guardian feature was able to point out suspect emails but didnt do much to prevent you from visiting questionable websites. This really hasnt changed. Once again, the Email Guardian feature highlights questionable websites but still lets you readily visit every dubious link to be found in your spam folder without so much as a warning, which is still troubling. Yes, youre a mature, responsible adult, and the choice is yours, but this still waves you on through to every message that offers free power tools for completing a survey, reverse mortgages paid in cryptocurrency, online casinos that claim you cant possibly lose, and everything else under the sun without a hint of warning to be found.While Avast Premium Security is reasonably priced, theres a question of semi-dubious marketing to be addressed here, as the website mentions a low monthly rate in bold text with the overall annual payment in subtle, non-bold text. Enter your payment information, and Avast gladly snags the annual rate from your bank account, which is valid but still feels as if the marketing department is going after a customer base that might not have time to read the fine print.This, combined with the fact that Avast still has yet to reply to media emails to questions sent along, points to a corporate element not firing on all cylinders, and you may have to reach out more than once if you have technical support questions.Should you buy Avast Premium Security for Mac?Theres a good product here, and I was impressed with how much questionable software Avast Premium Security was able to head off at the pass, even though it allowed CrossRat to install fake Java libraries and a fake Adobe Flash Player to be installed, even though it later caught up to them and removed them via a deep scan. Would I run the company the exact way its being run now? No. Would I sit the developers down, ask them to look over the Email Guardian feature, and strongly suggest that the software at least offer some warning before you link over to a spam link rife with grammatical errors that says youre about to lose your drivers license unless you pay off an unknown creditor in a foreign country? Yes. But even with these shortcomings, Avast remains a best-of-breed utility and may just be worth your consideration.

MacworldiOS 18.4, Apples latest iPhone software update, appears to contain yet another major bug, or group of related bugs. Multiple users driving multiple brands of car say iOS 18.4 has caused serious problems with CarPlay, in some cases rendering it completely unusable.At the milder end, users complain that post-update CarPlay no longer shows Now Playing information in the instrument panel.Before, the music being played on CarPlay would appear on my dash as well, says the author of a busy Reddit thread. Since I updated to 18.4 today it no longer does it and is just blank now.Others report issues with Siri through CarPlay, either not being able to read out texts or losing audio capabilities entirely. And at the most extreme end CarPlay simply refuses to launch until users reconnect their devices, sometimes as many as five times.The bug is not specific to any one brand or model of car, so we can rule out an issue at that level. Autoevolution, which broke the story, says its aware of the problem affecting the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, the 2025 Mazda CX-30, 2024 Hondas, multiple Volkswagen models, the 2023 Audi S3, and the 2023 Nissan Frontier, and I also spotted the Ford Territory and Fiesta, the 2020 Subaru Forester, and an unspecified Jeep in the thread.This is an embarrassing development for Apple, after iOS 18.4 was also reported to have caused issues with lossless audio on the AirPods Max (although thats since been fixed) and unwanted apps to appear unexpectedly on users iPhones. To some extent such bugs are understandable because 18.4 is a major update with numerous tweaks and new features: before these bugs began to appear we optimistically listed 15 reasons to install it right away.If CarPlay is a major part of your iPhone usage, we would now advise caution; it may be worth waiting until Apple acknowledges the bug and rolls out a fix before updating. If youve already installed iOS 18.4, keep an eye out for another update (likely 18.4.1 or similar) which could contain a fix. Open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update to see the latest version available.

MacworldWhen Apple decides to open a new flagship Apple Store, it selects prominent locations and has visions of unique architectural concepts. Such was the case in 2017, when Apple announced its intentions for a new store in Federation Square, or Fed Square as the locals of Melbourne, Australia, put it. Fed Square is located in Melbournes Art Precinct, known locally as the artistic heart of the city.Sounds like an ideal place to put a flagship Apple Store, doesnt it? Well, not long after Apple announced its most significant store in the Southern Hemisphere, the community voiced its objections, fearing that Apples building would harm the locations cultural relevance. Eventually, Heritage Victoria, a government regulator that monitors historic sites, rejected an application for the demolition of the Yarra Building to make way for the Apple Store. That rejection killed the Federation Square Apple Store project.However, that Apple Store does livevirtually, at least, thanks to Filip Chudzinski, a Germany-based designer. Chudzinki created an Apple Federation Store gallery that displays renderings of his ideas of what that store would be like. Chudzinkis images are based on a limited selection of reports, images, and plans from the public preview of the projects second proposal.Chudzinskis images feature a two-story mostly glass building that simultaneously stands out and blends in with its environment. A metal mesh screen on one of the sides of the building can retract to allow more sunlight in. The lower floor would be the traditional retail space, while the upper level would be for Today at Apple sessions and customer support. The building would overlook the Yarra River.Below is a selection of our favorite images but there are many more. Be sure to check out Chudzinskis full gallery, which includes an animation of the retracting mesh screens, spatial photos for Apple Vision Pro users, and downloadable wallpapers for your Mac.Filip ChudzinskiFilip ChudzinskiFilip ChudzinskiFilip ChudzinskiFilip Chudzinski

MacworldiCloud.coms Mail app hides a feature that can also trip you up. You can set rules at iCloud.com that affect incoming and filed messages on Apples servers before they reach the Mail app on your devices. These rules are separate from the Mac version of Mail and take precedence over any local filtering or sorting set on any mail software you use on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.The effect of this can be that messages wind up in places you didnt expect without any action on your part. You can check for rules at iCloud.com by following these steps:Log in to theMail web app at iCloud.com.Click the gear icon at the top of the left-hand navigation bar.Click Rules.If you see anything in this space, check to see if any apply to recipients, subjects, or other patterns youre having problems with.iCloud.com rules take precedence in filtering and processing email before it reaches your inbox.You can also check for local filtering in the Mac Mail app atMail > Settings > Rules. There, you need to select a rule and click Edit to view its effect.For other mailhosts, you can log in to their web interface to see if rules set there are causing issues. I use Fastmail for my main email account, and the service offers both filtering controls and mail rules in Settings.Other mail host (like Fastmail, shown) may offer on-server filtering and processing rules that can override your email clients behavior.This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Michael.Ask Mac 911Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns:read our super FAQto see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we dont reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

MacworldYou bought a Mac for its sleek design and smooth performance, not to feel locked out of your own system. If youve ever wished you could tweak your Mac without messing with code or digging through obscure menus,MacPilot is the answer, and its 70% off.With over 1,200 advanced macOS tweaks, MacPilot gives you access to system controls Apple keeps tucked away all in a user-friendly interface. No Terminal commands. No guesswork. Just a smarter, more personalized Mac.What you can do with just a few clicksReveal hidden system settings Show invisible files,disable Mac the startup chime, tweak animationsCustomize your Dock Add spacers, smart stacks, and hidden menu optionsOptimize performance Clear cache, run maintenance tools and repair system filesControl login & app behavior Manage startup items, crash logs, and privacy settingsGet deep system insights View hardware specs, RAM speeds, network info, and moreIts like flipping the switch from stock Mac to power user without the stress of breaking something or having to google How to use Terminal?. Whether youre a developer, a creative, or tired of Apples one-size-fits-all setup, MacPilot gives you real control.Unlock your Macs true potential with MacPilot $29.97 with coupon MAC10 at checkout till April 27.MacPilot Lifetime LicenseSee DealStackSocialprices subject to change.

MacworldIf theres a marquee feature for iOS 18.4, its the expansion of Apple Intelligence into the EU, along with Vision Pro compatibility and new language support for French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Thats tens of millions of iPhone 16 owners who can finally use the feature Apple says the newest iPhones were built for. (However, we should point out that this release does not enable Phone Mirroring on Macs in the EU due to issues over Digital Markets Act compliance.)For everyone else, there isnt one standout feature. Rather, iOS 18.4 brings lots of little tweaks, improvements, and changes. Maybe one will stand out for you as the thing youve been waiting for, or maybe the sum of them taken together just makes your iPhone a little more pleasant to use. Heres a by-no-means-complete list of the little things you may come to appreciate about this update.iOS 18.4: 15 minor improvements that make a major impactVisual Intelligence can be triggered in the Control Center or the Action Button. This makes it available on the iPhone 15 Pro, and it means you can add the control to your lock screen.If youve got AirPods Max, youre getting an upgrade (via a firmware update) to allow audio over USB-C, which will include 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio.If youre a CarPlay user, youll appreciate the new third row of app icons on the home screen (if your display size is large enough) and a new API for sporting events will allow for custom experiences during live sporting broadcasts.Speaking of driving, Apple Maps will now include the location of NACS chargers (thats the so-called Tesla connector appearing on many new EVs).Got a Vision Pro? Along with support for Apple Intelligence on the headset, theres a new Vision Pro iPhone app that lets you discover spatial experiences, download apps and games, and get tips.If youre a fan of making Shortcuts, youll love that there are now lots of Shortcut options to change app settings. So you can make apps behave differently based on location or time of day or whatever, if youre good at making Shortcuts.Youll notice that Safari now shows recent searches when you select the search/address bar, making it easy to repeat that search you just did earlier today. You can clear this at will, or prevent it from showing at all by going to Settings > Safari > Show recent searches.FoundryThere are several tweaks to Control Center. Buttons that have more options when you select them show chevrons, the cellular data toggle shows real signal strength, and so on.There are new controls, too, including four options for Ambient Music: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each one has multiple playlist options or you can select one of your playlists. Because theyre Control Center controls, you can add them to the lock screen or trigger them with the Action Button, too.FoundryTheres an all-new Apple Intelligence feature: Prioritize Notifications. Go to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications to enable or disable it, and you can select which apps it works with. When enabled, AI will try to determine if a notification is especially important and show it to you in a separate group on top of all your other notifications.FoundryTweaks to the Photos app include a new Key Photo view mode for your Albums, two new filters for viewing your Photos library (Shared With You and Not in an Album), and the ability to edit the order of the Media Types list. Finally, I can select Screenshots without swiping three pages over!FoundryImage Playground is still a pretty bad experience, but at least it now has the Sketch style that was demonstrated back at WWDC. For certain kinds of drawings, its the best choice.We all love emojis, and there are seven new ones in iOS 18.4: Face with bags under eyes, Fingerprint, Harp, Leafless tree, Root vegetable, Shovel, and Splatter.If youre an Apple News+ subscriber youll want to check out the new Food section, which does an excellent job presenting recipes from popular food publications. Look under the Following tab to find the Food section. Note that this is not yet available in the Apple News app on Macs.You know how you can set up a new iPhone or iPad by bringing another iPhone or iPad near it? Well, now that works for setting up a new Mac, too! Youll need to update the Mac to macOS 15.4 or later, of course.iOS 18.4: How to updateTo update your iPhone to iOS 18.4, head over to the Settings app, then tap General, Sofware Update, and follow the prompts.

MacworldYes, yes, we know that MacBooks usually have great battery life, but does it ever hurt to have a backup power bank in your backpack? This 20,000mAh Baseus Blade model is powerful, fast, and nearly half-off at Amazon today. That means that instead of paying $100 for this handy battery, you can get it for $53, its lowest price yet.I personally use the slightly thinner but less powerful Blade 2 model, which I absolutely adore, so you can be assured that the larger model performs just as well. Plus it has even better specs, with a much bigger capacity (20,000mAh as opposed to 12,000mAh) and more power (100W vs. Blade 2s 65W). Since this power bank has enough oomph to charge your MacBook (or any other laptop), it can also juice up smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, and even handheld consoles.There are two USB-C and two USB-A ports on this power bank, so you can charge multiple devices at once (though the power to each port will drop). The power banks display delivers information about the remaining battery, charging power for each port, and the estimated charging time left so youll know what youre getting. And since it supports passthrough charging you can keep the Blade powered up while it juices up other devices.The Baseus Blade is a fantastic way to recharge your devices on the go, especially at its sale price of just $53. But it wont stick around forever, so its best to hurry up and add it to your cart.Get the Baseus Blade power bank for hearly half offBuy now at Amazon

MacworldMaybe you didnt realize this, but Microsoft is actually older than Apple. While Apple marked its 49th anniversary earlier this week on April 1, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 4. To commemorate the event, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has posted the source code for Microsofts first-ever product, Altair BASIC.The story of the product begins with the computer credited with starting the personal computer revolution, the MITS Altair 8800. (Yeah yeah yeah, I know what youre thinking, What about the Apple II? I thought this was Macworld! Even PCWorld said its the greatest PC of all time!) But the Altair 8800 has a unique place in history. When it was featured on the cover of the January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics, enthusiasts everywhere were excited about its potential, including Bill Gates and Paul Allen, then students at Harvard. The magazine cover that launched the PC revolution.Popular ElectronicsGates and Allen thought that the Altair 8800 was a sign that the PC revolution was imminent, as Gates puts it. They decided to create a version of BASIC that can run on the AltairBASIC, for you young whippersnappers who pay too much attention to those darn TokToks or whatever you call em, is a computer language designed for people with, in Gatess words, no computer experience. BASIC on an Altair 8800 would widen the devices market and bring personal computing one step closer to the masses.Gates details some of the things they had to do to make Altair BASIC a real product, including not having actual access to the Intel 8080 chip that was in the Altair 8800, how to handle memory limitations (you thought 8GB was diddly squat, try 256 bytes!), and rushing to make a tight deadline. Eventually, they entered a licensing agreement with MITS, and Micro-Soft (the name originally had a hyphen) was born.As the story goes, Steve Wozniak saw the Altair 8800 running Gates BASIC at a meeting of the Homebrew Electronics Club. However, the Intel chip was too expensive, so he wrote a new version of Gates Altair BASIC for the cheaper Motorola 6800 chip, which became the Apple I with the help of a guy named Steve Jobs. A few years later, they released the greatest PC of all time, the Apple II, and well, you probably know the rest. If you dont, heres a recap.But back to Microsoft. The Altair BASIC source code is available as a PDF download, covering 157 pages. Gates is super proud of how it turned out, and considering what Altair BASIC led to, he should be. If you are a developer or a computer geek, its worth a look. If youre interested in learning more about Bill Gates before Microsoft, read his autobiography, Source Code: My Beginnings.Microsoft/Bill Gates

MacworldLeaker Majin Bu, who has accurately shared some details of upcoming iPhones in the past, has posted a new article with a little more information about the telephoto camera on the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. As with the current iPhone lineup, only the Pro models are expected to feature the telephoto camera.According to his latest intel, the telephoto camera will feature a new 48MP sensorthat part has been reported before by several analysts. What is new is the detail about the focal length. Instead of a 5x zoom (120mm) as on the iPhone 16 Pro models, or the 3x zoom (77mm) of some previous models, the 48MP telephoto on the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a 3.5x zoom (85mm).This is a little more natural zoom for taking portrait shots, one of the benefits of the less-zoomy 3x telephoto lens on older iPhone Pro models.But, just as Apple does with the main 48MP sensor today, it will allow for a 2x crop zoom using just the center 12 megapixels of the sensor. So the iPhone 17 Pro will also be able to take 7x (160mm) 12MP shots with perfect optical clarity. Of course, digital zoom will extend the range beyond that.So thats the new detail here: The telephoto camera on the next iPhone Pro model will jump from a 12MP 5x camera to a 48MP 3.5x camera with a 2x optical crop zoom capability as the current iPhones can do with their 48MP wide camera today.The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to arrive at an event in September alongside a new member of the iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 Air. Stay tuned to all the latest rumors with our iPhone 17 superguide.

MacworldWith the fear of tariffs overtaking the U.S., Verizon on Thursday announced a new three-year price lock guarantee on all myPlan and myHome network plans. Verizon says the guarantee ensures your core monthly plan price for calling, data, and texting wont change until at least 2028.On the surface, that sounds like a good deal. There isnt a commitment to stay for three years and the guarantee automatically applies to all existing myPlan customers, which is basically anyone whos signed up in the past couple of years. Additionally, customers can get a free phone (which varies depending on the plan) with any trade-in of an Apple, Google, or Samsung handset in any condition.But the price lock guarantee isnt all that guaranteed. The deal only applies to the then-current base monthly rate for your talk, text, and data, and excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, additional plan discounts or promotions, and third-party services. That basically ensures that youll be paying more for your phone plan in three years, even if the base monthly rate stays the same.For example, in February, Verizon added a $3 per line increase for myPlan customers with five or more lines and 20 cents per line to the Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge in January. Those very clearly fall under the category of a fee or surcharge.So go grab your free phone, but dont expect to pay the same plan rate today as you will in April 2028, no matter what Verizon guarantees.

MacworldOn this weeks episode of the Macworld Podcast its all about your hot takes! You have thoughts about WWDC25, iPhones without ports, iPads without Apple Intelligence, and more, and we talk about them on the show!This is episode 928 with Karen Haslam, David Price, and Roman Loyola.Watch episode 928 on YouTubeListen to episode 928 on Apple PodcastsListen to episode 928 on SpotifySocial media hot takesThese are the comments we discussed on the show.WWDC25Apple announced the dates for its Worldwide Developers Conference; it starts on June 9 with a keynote and the developer sessions will be held entirely online. There will be an in-person gathering for the keynote, which you can enter a lottery for on Apples website if youre interested.However, enthusiasm for this years WWDC seems to be down for a variety of reasons.Joe Fabisevich/BlueskyMatt Waller/BlueskyBrandon Higginbotham/ThreadsPortless iPhoneReports are saying that the rumored iPhone 17 Airthats not the official name for the super thin iPhonemay not have any ports. And David recently wrote in his Apple Breakfast column that a portless iPhone is a very good idea. Some of you dont agree.Cliff Chapman/BlueskyMike Cordeiro/BlueskyApple Intelligence-less iPadThe new 11th generation iPad is here, but in an odd decision by Apple, the company used a chip that cant run Apple Intelligence. And you know what? David says thats okay and details his thinking in a recent Apple Breakfast column.Dave Wenning/BlueskySubscribe to the Macworld PodcastYou can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review!right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworldTo find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone.Apple

MacworldWondering which versions of macOS your Mac can run? Weve put together a macOS compatibility checker that will show you what Macs the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X support, so you can tell what version you should be running on your Mac.Which version of macOS can my Mac run?Apple releases a new version of the Mac operating system every yearbut the newest version of the Mac operating system does not support every Mac. Each year more and more Macs fall off the compatibility list and are unable to be updated to take advantage of the latest features.The latest version, macOS 15 Sequoia, arrived on September 16, 2024, it can run on all M-series Macs and the last generations of Intel-powered Macs, but the older Macs dont get all the new features. Read on to find out exactly which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac operating system.For advice about installing Sequoia read: How to install macOS Sequoia on your Mac and read our guide to every version of macOS released to find out about the latest version.macOS 15 Sequoia compatibility Which Macs run Sequoia? All the M-series Macs!AppleSequoia available on Tuesday, September 16, 2024. The most recent version, macOS 14.4 arrived in March 2025.M-series Macs that run SequoiaAll M-series Macs can support Sequoia, including:iMac: M1 and laterMacPro: M1 Max and laterMacStudio: M1 Max and laterMacmini: M1 and laterMacBookAir: M1 and laterMacBookPro: M1 and laterIntel Macs that run SequoiaThe following Intel Macs can run Sequoia. This list excludes the 13-inch MacBook Air models from 2018 and 2019 which could run Sequoias predecessor, Sonoma.iMac: 2019 and August 2020MacPro: 2019iMacPro: 2017MacBookAir:March 2020Macmini: 2018MacBookPro: 2018, 2019 and May 2020Macs that support Apple IntelligenceThe Apple Intelligence features in macOS Sequoia are limited to Apple Silicon Macs:iMac: M1 and laterMacPro: M1 Max and laterMacStudio: M1 Max and laterMacmini: M1 and laterMacBookAir: M1 and laterMacBookPro: M1 and laterFor more information read: Can my Mac run Sequoia?Can I install an older OS on my Mac?Officially, the operating system that was available on your Mac at the time that you bought it is the oldest version of macOS that can run on that Mac. Its likely that an older OS wont include the necessary drivers for the hardware on newer Macs. For this reason, it is unlikely that you will be able to install an older version of macOS on a new Macbut you can take a look at how to install old versions of macOS or OS X for other Macs. Owners of Macs with M-series chips (sometimes referred to as Apple Silicon) wont be able to run older versions of macOS that werent designed for Apple Silicon Macs which use a different architecture, known as ARM, instead of X-86. But it may not just be a case of wanting to know if your Mac can run the newest operating system. You might also want to know if it is possible to downgrade your Mac to an older version of macOS and need to know the oldest version of macOS. Youll also find that information below. You can also see a complete list of all the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X. Not sure which Mac you own? Check our article about how to identify your Mac.Note: In each case, the year referenced below is the year that Mac was first introducedyou could for example have bought a 2016 MacBook in early 2017, but its still the 2016 MacBook.macOS 14 Sonoma compatibilitymacOS Sonoma arrived in 2023IDGmacOS 14 Sonoma became available on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Apple is still issuing security updates for Sonoma, the most recent was 14.7.5 in March 2025.The following Macs run Sonoma:iMacfrom 2019 and laterMacProfrom 2019 and lateriMacProfrom 2017MacStudiofrom 2022 and laterMacBookAirfrom 2018 and laterMacminifrom 2018 and laterMacBookProfrom 2018 and laterFor more information read: Can my Mac run Sonoma?macOS 13 Ventura compatibilityAppleApple released macOS 13 Ventura to the public on October 24, 2022. Apple is still issuing security updates for Ventura, the most recent was 13.7.5 in March 2025.To run Ventura you will need one of these Macs:MacBook models from 2017 or laterMacBook Air models from 2018 or laterMacBook Pro models from 2017 or laterMac mini models from 2018 or lateriMac models from 2017 or lateriMac Pro (all models)Mac Pro models from 2019 or laterMac Studio (all models)For more information read: Can my Mac run Ventura?macOS 12 Monterey compatibilityApplemacOS 12 Monterey was made available to download on October 15, 2021 (latest version 12.7.6). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Monterey. The following Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey:MacBook models from early 2016 or laterMacBook Air models from early 2015 or laterMacBook Pro models from early 2015 or laterMac mini models from 2014 or lateriMac from 2015 or lateriMac Pro (2017 and later)Mac Pro models from late 2013 and laterMac Studio macOS 11 Big Sur compatibilityApplemacOS 11 Big Sur was the version of macOS that arrived on November 12, 2020 (latest version 11.7.10). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Big Sur. Heres a list of the Macs that can run macOS Big Sur:MacBook models from early 2015 or laterMacBook Air models from 2013 or laterMacBook Pro models from 2013 or laterMac mini models from 2014 or lateriMac from 2014 or lateriMac Pro (all models)Mac Pro models from 2013 and 2019macOS 10.15 Catalina compatibilityCatalina arrived in October 2019 (latest version 10.15.7). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Catalina:The following Macs can run Catalina. MacBook (2015 to 2017)MacBook Air (Mid-2012 to 2019)MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 to 2019)Mac mini (Late 2012 to late-2018)iMac (Late 2012 to 2019)iMac Pro (all models)Mac Pro models from 2013Note that the M-series Macs will not be able to run Catalina or earlier. An M-series (Apple Silicon) Mac cannot be downgraded beyond Big Sur.macOS 10.14 Mojave compatibilityMojave arrived in September 2018 (latest version 10.14.6) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Early 2015 to 2017)MacBook Air (Mid 2012 to 2017, because its the same as 2015 model)MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 to 2018)Mac mini (Late 2012 to late-2018)iMac (Late 2012 to mid-2017)iMac Pro (all models)Mac Pro (Late 2013, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with recommended Metal-capable GPU)macOS 10.13 High Sierra compatibilityHigh Sierra arrived in September 2017 (latest version 10.13.6) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)MacBook Air (Late 2010 to 2017, which is same as 2015 model)MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2017)Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)iMac (Late 2009 to mid-2017)Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2013)macOS 10.12 Sierra compatibilitySierra, the first update to drop the X from the name, arrived in September 2016 (latest version 10.12.6) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)MacBook Air (Late 2010 to 2017, which is same as 2015 model)MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2015)Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)iMac (Late 2009 to 2015)Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2013)Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan compatibilityEl Capitan arrived in September 2015 (latest version 10.11.6) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Early 2015 to 2017)MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)MacBook Air (Late 2008 to early 2015)MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 to early 2015)Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2014)iMac (Mid 2007 to mid-2015)Mac Pro (2008, 2010, 2013)OS X 10.10 Yosemite compatibilityYosemite arrived in October 2014 (latest version 10.10.5) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)MacBook Air (Late 2008 to mid 2013)MacBook Pro (13 Mid-2009 to mid 2014)MacBook Pro (15 Mid/Late 2007 to mid 2014)MacBook Pro (17 Late 2007 to 2011)Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2012)iMac (Mid-2007 to mid-2014)Mac Pro (2008 and 2010)Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks compatibilityMavericks arrived in October 2013 (latest version 10.9.5) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)MacBook Air (Late 2008 to mid 2013)MacBook Pro (Mid 2007 to early 2013)Xserve (Early 2009)Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2012)iMac (Mid 2007 to early 2013)Mac Pro (Early 2008 and 2010)Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibilityMountain Lion, the last of the big cat versions of the Mac operating system launched in July 2012 (latest version 10.8.5) and can run on the following Macs:MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)MacBook Air (Late 2008 to mid 2012)MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 to mid-2012)Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2011)iMac (Mid-2007 to 2011)Mac Pro (Early 2008 and 2010)Wondering how long Apple will support your Mac for? Read: How long do Macs last?

MacworldWith Apple having delayed its most ambitious Apple Intelligence features, you might find yourself thinking: its probably best if the company just focuses on other endeavors for the time being, like a rumored iOS redesign or even pushing forward its Vision Pro platform. Nope, not so much. According to a report from Bloombergs Mark Gurman, Apple is embarking on future AI-based features, including most prominently an AI-based doctor dubbed Project Mulberry.Yep: Just when you think youre done talking about AI, they pull you back in.It aint called hardware because its easyOn the face of it, this venture is no surprise. Apples been heavily invested in health technology for yearsIve argued in the past that its a signature endeavor of Tim Cooks tenure as Apple CEO. From the Apple Watch to the Health app, Apple has made it clear that it considers health features part of the core functionality of its platform.Apple seems to have hit a wall when it comes to developing more health features in its hardware. So software and AI seem like a natural transition.FoundryBut the company has found itself stymied on the hardware front in recent years. Reported attempts to develop both non-invasive glucose tracking and blood pressure monitoring have proved to be difficult nuts to crack, and will probably take a few more years before they are practical. Fundamentally, those are just very difficult problems to solve when youre limited to products like a watch on the wrist or headphones in peoples ears.Given those limitations, it makes sense that Apple would turn to software solutions to fill in the gaps in the health arena. And on the face of it, some of what AI technology offers provides a reasonable option: the ability to synthesize and summarize disparate data and turn that into helpful advice.But, surprise, surprise, its not without its potential pitfalls.Doctor, doctor, Mr. MDAccording to Gurmans report, Apple is working on training this AI doctor on information from in-house physicians. Which, while positive, doesnt necessarily eliminate the risks of relying on AI technologyspecifically, its tendency to make up information. Even in cases where large language models are trained on specific data, it still demonstrates those kinds of problems. Obviously, health is an extremely sensitive area: one would have to be extremely careful not to give incorrect advice that might inadvertently lead to harm.Image Playgrounds results arent very impressive. Can an Apple Intelligence health advisor do better?FoundryOne option would be to carefully control and monitor inputs and outputs as Apple does with some of its other AI-based products, such as Image Playground. But as Image Playgrounds mediocre output demonstrates, thats not without its own problemsa health agent that is carefully controlled could result in offering anodyne, common-sensical advice: sleep more, eat better, exercise more. One hardly needs any technology feature, much less an AI-based one, to provide those kinds of insights.But the risk is that no matter how well Apple trains its model, it cant avoid the possibility of bad advice. The non-deterministic nature of an AI language model means you cant predict exactly what output it will give. And if its untrustworthy, just like in the case of a feature that tells you when to leave to pick your mom up at the airport, people simply wont use it. Health is a place where people dont want to mess around, and even a one-percent chance of bad advice will likely be too much for a lot of people.Health and human servicesAll of that said, it is worth noting Apples excellent track record with health and fitness. Features like AirPods Pros Hearing Aid and the Apple Watchs A-Fib detection have had meaningful impacts on peoples lives, and many of those features themselves rely on machine learning in one form or another.The devil is always in the details, and reports like these only give us part of the picture. Peoplemyself includedare, I think, rightly skeptical whenever a new feature purports to be based on AI, given the contentious nature of the technology. Its entirely possible that what we envision this feature to be is not exactly what Apple will eventually roll outif it even ends up bringing it all the way to fruition, hardly a guarantee given its recent track record.Still, a move like this is classic Apple, not necessarily just about selling more productseven services, for which the company is notably hungry for revenuebut about enhancing its platform and making it more attractive to consumers. And I even believe, if I may be permitted a non-cynical moment, because the company is truly passionate about helping its customers live happy and healthy lives.

MacworldYour Apple Account (previously known as your Apple ID) is a vital part of the Apple ecosystem. It does so many things, but because you have to log into it on so many devices, theres always a risk of your account being compromised, even if you are careful.How can you tell if your Apple Account has been hacked? And if so, what can you do to get back control? Here are a few things you should know in case your Apple Account has been compromised.Warnings that your Apple Account has been compromisedApple may alert you to any suspicious activity with your Apple Account, but depending on how it has been compromised, here are some warning signs that someone is making an unauthorized attempt to access your Apple Account:Notifications. Apple sends a notification or an email when an attempt to log on from an unrecognized device, or when an attempt to change your password is made.Unsolicited two-factor authentication code. You get a code that you did not request, or you did not perform an action that triggers a code.Password failure. Your password stops working and messages appear that you need to input your password.Unusual activity. You notice things are happening that you didnt do, such as deleted files or sent emails or texts, or you may see an unfamiliar device in the Devices section of your Apple Account in Settings.How to check if someone is using your Apple AccountAside from the above warnings, one surefire way to see if someone has accessed your Apple Account is to check the devices associated with your account. When signing into your Apple Account on the web, youll see a Devices tab in the left column. Check it and youll see all devices that are connected to your Apple ID so you can check it for any unrecognizable ones. If you see any, you can click a device and click the Remove from account button to delete it. Its a good practice to remove older devices as well in case you want to sell them or give them to a friend.Your Apple Account information on the web at account.apple.com.FoundryHow to regain control of your Apple AccountIf you cant log into your Apple Account and think someone else has control of it, here is what you can do to take back the keys.Reset your Apple Account password. If someone else is trying to access your account, youll want to immediately change your password. You can do that on your device in Settings or by visiting https://iforgot.apple.com. If you suspect a hacker has already changed your password and you cant change it back, you can take steps to recover your account at the same address.Check your Apple Account information. On the web, go to account.apple.com, login, and examine the information. Change anything that may have been changed.You can check the devices associated with your account on the iCloud website.FoundryCheck your Mail and Messages apps: Make sure you still have control of the services that are associated with your Apple Account.How to secure your Apple AccountIf suspect any suspicious activity, you can take a few steps to make sure you are back in control of your Apple Account. These are good to implement even of your account hasnt been compromised.Setting up two-factor authentication can be done in Settings > Apple Account > Sign-in & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.FoundryCheck your user info. In Settings, your Apple Account info is at the very top. It should display your name, and when you tap it, you should see your name and the email address associated with the account. In your Apple Account settings, check the Sign-In & Security info and make sure the email and phone numbers match your info.Set up two-factor authentication. In your Apple Account Settings > Sign-in & Security, you can activate two-factor authentication. When you log into your account, a notification on your trusted devices appears to alert you of the login. Youll need to enter a six-digit code to authorize the action.Use a security key. For extra protection, you can use a security key that either plugs into the USB-C port on your iPhone or Mac or connects wirelessly via NFC. A security key is a keychain-sized hardware device that stores the credentials of your online accounts and connects to your device when you need to log into your Apple Account or other online account.Here are more guides to help you with your Apple Account (Apple ID).How to reset an Apple ID passwordHow to change your Apple Account primary email addressHow to unlock an Apple ID thats locked or disabled

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsThree USB-A ports and SD card slot at the frontHousing for NVMe SSDFits perfectly with the Mac mini M4Eases access to the minis power buttonFair priceConsNo Thunderbolt speedSSD not included or available in a bundleOur Verdict Its hard to imagine a more elegant solution for getting more interfaces on the Mac mini M4. The price is reasonable at the price of a compromise in terms of connectivity speed, using 10Gbps USB-C rather than Thunderbolt 4.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed119,99Best Prices Today: Satechi Stand & Hub Mac Mini M4RetailerPriceSatechi$99.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketIt is probably the most inconspicuous feature of the Satechi Stand & Hub for the Mac mini M4, but perhaps the most useful: the square stand, which exactly matches the new Mac mini M4, has a small recess at the back left, which provides much-needed easy access to the Mac mini M4s on/off switch.Apples redesign of its small desktop seems to be based on the assumption that it will run permanently and will hardly be switched on manually after the initial setup. Since I started using it at the turn of the year, Ive occasionally had to switch it offand each time Ive been annoyed by having to lift the computer up to switch it on.But now the M4 Mac minis power button is much easier to access. If that were the only improvement, 100 bucks would hardly be justifiedbut the Satechi Stand & Hub can do much more and, with an additional investment, unfolds even greater potential.Like its predecessor, which Satechi offered for the Mac mini M1, M2 and M2 Pro, the Stand & Hub brings additional connections to the desktop without a lot of cable clutter. The hub is simply placed under the M4 Mac mini and connected to one of the rear Thunderbolt sockets using the short USB-C cable (USB 3.2 Gen2 with 10Gbps).One less socketbut four moreThe Thunderbolt socket used in this way cannot be returned in the hub, not even as a downgrade to USB 3.2 Gen2, but there are two more ports for USB-C plugs on the front of the Mac miniwhich is usually sufficient. These also offer data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps, while the Thunderbolt 4 on the minis rear is four times as fast and Thunderbolt 5 on the Pro model even offers up to 120Gbps.With the Stand & Hub, Satechi primarily wants to enable Mac mini buyers to connect old peripherals with USB-A. Three sockets are available for thisas well as an SD card slot. Two of the USB-A sockets are also designed for 10Gbps speeds, while the third gets by with USB 2s slow 480Mbps data connection.Satechi thus solves a problem that Mac mini users in particular have when switching from earlier series, as these still had USB-A ports. Many Mac users have not upgraded every peripheral to USB-C since Apple jumped on the USB-C bandwagon with the MacBook 12-inch in spring 2015. The speeds offered by USB-C and Thunderbolt are not necessary for every type of peripheral.Typical use case for USB peripherals. But here you can see that ports on the front have their place.MacweltI, for example, have an audio interface from M-Audio, for which a USB-A connection is completely sufficient to bring instruments and voices to the Mac. If you want to charge your keyboard, trackpad and mouse on the computer (or even use cable variants), you dont need a fast cable either. And if you dont just take photos with your iPhone, youll welcome the SD card slot, which is missing on the Mac mini M4, especially as it is located at the front like the one on the Mac Studio.What Im not missing: Another audio socket on the back or one or two with USB-A. Thats because I took my active speakers over from the Mac mini (late 2018), which I still plug into the back of the computernow with the USB-C to audio adapter from Apple.First world problems, I should think about a different setting. However, I prefer to connect the M-Audio interface to one of the rear sockets again; there are adapter plugs for USB-C to USB-A that are not bulky.The Satechi Stand & Hub offers another clever extra that will save you money from buying higher-capacity internal storage when buying the Mac mini: a slot for an NVMe SSD. This is discreetly concealed under a flap in the base. Inside, in addition to the PCIe connection, there is also a suitable thermal pad and a small screwdriver with two screwseverything you need for installation.With tool and spare screwdriver installation is fine.MacweltI got myself a 1TB SSD from Kingston, which according to the manufacturer reads up to 6,000 megabytes per second and writes 4,000MBps. In the Satechi case, the speeds are lower: I measure 966MBps read and 847MBps write with Black Magic Speed Test, the results from Aja System Test Lite are consistent at 933MBps and 845MBps.The reason: The host cable can only handle USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, i.e. 10Gbps, which is 1,250MBps. The data transfer from and to the SSD customized in the housing is therefore close to the theoretical limit, but below it.MacweltAccording to our tests, the internal SSD of the Mac mini is more than three times as fast. So if you chose an expensive storage upgrade when you bought it, you dont have to worry. But for those who want or need to save money, the Satechi Stand & Hub offers an elegant alternative. For the price that Apple charges for the upgrade from 512GB to 1TB alone, you not only get the hub, but also a separate 2TB SSDwhich, however, has to be purchased separately. Satechi only supplies the housing, not the storage medium.The slot fitted with an SSD is therefore suitable for storing rarely used data, such as projects for the archive. This solution is also ideal for the music library or films. Using the solution for the Time Machine backup would certainly have the advantage of having even fewer cables on the desk. However, as backups should be redundant and it is never wrong to use two external drives in constant rotation, this only helps to a certain extent.There is possibly one more thing to criticize about the Stand & Hub: If one of the rear sockets is already occupied and you want to operate three external displays on the Mac mini M4, the interfaces will be tight. However, Thunderbolt displays themselves have additional ports, so there is no real disadvantage here. The Satechi Stand & Hub is primarily intended for USB-A peripherals and is ideally suited for this purpose.PriceThe price of $100 is more than reasonable, if only for the internal SSD enclosure.Should you buy the Satechi Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure?The Mac mini M4 is a wonderful device. However, if you still use older peripherals or rely on memory cards for photography, you wont get by without adapters. These tend to clutter up the desk, whereas the Satechi Hub & Stand blends in as harmoniously as Apple users prefer.It cleverly solves the problem of Apples crazily positioned power button and even offers the option of storage expansion. Although this is not as fast as the internal SSD, it is fine for most purposes.

MacworldApples latest mid-size iPhone software update, iOS 18.4, brings dozens of improvements. But as is often the case when an operating system changes in a significant way, it brings problems too. Including a newly reported and annoying-sounding bug that reinstalls users deleted apps.In a thread posted Tuesday on the Apple Community discussion site (via 9to5Mac), a user complains about an unwanted app reappearing inexplicably on their phone. There seems to be no possible cause for this other than the iOS 18.4 update.After upgrading to iOS 18.4, my iPhone randomly installed Last War: Survival, the user writes. (This looks to be one of those dubious free games heavily advertised online.) This app was previously installed on my iPhone a few months ago but uninstalled after a few hours. Now it appeared back on my Home Screen.Given that the author of the thread uses the alias Someandroiduser one might suspect the veracity of this account, despite their reassurances that the iPhone in question was never jailbroken, had never run any alternative app stores, and did not have automated app installs or syncs enabled. But for corroboration they post links to four separate Reddit threads in which other users complain of the same issue. I havent noticed the problem myself, but it would be folly to dismiss this as a false alarm.In fact, many of the Reddit posters hint at a worse problem than the already annoying issue of reinstalling deleted apps. Several, including a respondent to Someandroidusers Apple Community post (I had NBA 2k25 randomly download, and yet Im certain that Ive never installed the app previously), complain that apps they had never installed have been added to their devices. That has the potential to cause far more trouble, because you wouldnt have had the chance to vet such apps before they appeared. One would hope there wouldnt be many out-and-out scam apps on Apples store, but they do crop up from time to time. And simply having your childs iPhone install something with aggressive advertising or in-app purchases could lead to other problems down the line.To give an impression of the scale of the problem, Ive cherry-picked a few comments from across the threads:Same here. Different game though. I didnt recognize the game.Samenot one but three!When I updated, the game Infinite Lagrange was reinstalled even though I had uninstalled it.I left the phone updating then when I came back I had 5 apps randomly installed, and the phone was oddly hot.I know for a fact Ive never downloaded it before because I always hated the fake ads from that game.Never even heard of the game before, just appeared after updating to 18.4. Its not even in my list of downloaded apps.My phone automatically started installing Squid Game.My [iPhone] started installing PUBG Mbile when I remember that is the last app I searched before 18.4 installation I believe.Okay so after updating to iOS 18.4 successfully, I went to the App Store to update apps. And to my surprise this Chinese game installed itself automatically. How is it possible?I got Warzone lol. Installed itself automatically.This isnt the first bug to hit iOS 18.4, which had previously been implicated in users AirPods Max headphones not gaining lossless audio over USB-C. But this is a potentially far more serious lapse, mainly because it has the potential to affect far more people. (9to5Mac insists that were not seeing enough reports to indicate that its affecting more than a small minority of users, and I suppose that is technically truebut the 53 complaints I counted across those four Reddit threads and one Apple Community post suggest a major problem to me.) It could also do major damage to Apples image: those who see apps reappearing after being deleting will be annoyed; those who see entirely new apps popping up randomly are liable to lose their faith in Apples security.A fix needs to be rolled out, and soon. For this reason wed advise keeping an eye out for future updates and installing them in a timely fashion.

MacworldAt a glanceProsHigh-quality workmanshipLarge volumeGood organisation insideElegant designConsLittle stabilityNo back paddingOur Verdict If youre looking for a stylish, high-quality backpack for everyday use that can also hold a lot, then the Harber London TotePack is the perfect choice. It has a few weaknesses in terms of comfort if youre travelling with it for several hours, and its also not designed for hiking tours.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed282,95 EuroBest Prices Today: Harber London TotePackRetailerPriceHarber London282,95 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketIn addition to laptop sleeves and other small accessories, Harber London also produces backpacks and other bags. If you take a look at the manufacturers website, youll notice that their high-quality full-leather backpacks cost a few hundred dollars. But there are also cheaper options, such as the TotePack. Its price is still a very pretty penny, but it also offers a good deal.Design & workmanshipThe TotePack is available in three colors: black, mocha (brown tone with black leather elements), and olive (green tone with black leather elements and shown here in the article). TotePack is a portmanteau of tote bag and backpack. The only difference from an ordinary backpack is that there are two leather straps at the top so that you can carry the TotePack like a shopping bag.Whether this mishmash is so necessary or even revolutionary that it needs its own name is rather questionable, but so is the practical use of the handles. At least in everyday life, I havent had the embarrassment of carrying the TotePack by it for any length of time; at most to move it from A to B in my flat when it was in the way. The two handles are most likely to be seen as a design feature.Eugen WegmannA large piece of leather is sewn onto the front, which serves as a pocket. It cant be closed, which is why I was initially worried that it would fill up with water in heavy rain. Fortunately, this didnt happen, and no water leaked inside. However, I havent yet travelled with it in really heavy rain either.The rest of the TotePack is made from a canvas-like fabric which, according to Harber London, is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottlesin other words, plastic. A rubberized material is used on the underside for greater durability.Eugen WegmannTwo additional leather straps are sewn vertically onto the back. The lower one is loose and is used to attach the TotePack to the handle of a trolley case. The shoulder straps are relatively thinly padded on the inside, and the metal parts for adjusting the length are made of aluminium and therefore look incredibly high-quality. Overall, the workmanship is first-class and the materials are of high quality.Eugen WegmannThe main compartment is closed with a metal zip and folded down once, similar to a roll-top backpack. The two handles are buttoned up for safety.The inside does not really revolutionise the concept of the rucksack. In contrast to sports rucksacks, there is only one large compartment, which is divided into smaller compartments. There is a double compartment on the back for a small and a large device i.e. iPad and Macbook the first of which can be closed with a leather strap.The two compartments have a false bottom, which means that there is still a little space between them and the bottom of the TotePack. If you put TotePack down a little more forcefully, you have a larger crumple zone that better protects your electronics from damage. Next to it is a small slot for a pen (Apple Pencil, etc.) and a short strap on which you can hang your bunch of keys, for example.There are two more compartments on the left and right, which are intended for bottles, but where I usually keep charging accessories for travelling. There is a fifth compartment on the front, which can be closed with a zip.Once the TotePack is half full, the contents hang where they should.Eugen WegmannThe TotePack holds 22 litres. I always find litre figures a bit difficult to comprehend, so Ill try to rephrase. At one point, I had three days worth of clothes, three days worth of shopping, a MacBook in a sleeve with charger, an iPad with matching charger, a Nintendo Switch with sleeve, a water bottle, and a small first-aid kit in the TotePacand still a bit of air.Im always amazed at how much space there actually is in this backpack and how little it looks like. Dont get me wrong: with a size of 54 by 30 by 14 centimetres, the TotePack is by no means small, but it doesnt look that big. This is mainly because the rucksack is high and wide, but not particularly thick.If there is little in the TotePack apart from an iPad, it simply collapses.Eugen WegmannBut not everything about the TotePack is sunshine and roses. As the walls are only made of fabric, it lacks any stability. When it is empty, you can easily fold it up and even roll it up. This is certainly good for storing it somewhere, but bad for everyday use. For example, if there is only an iPad in the small back compartment, the compartment sags and covers everything underneath. You then need one hand to hold it open, a second to push the iPad out of the way and a third to get something out or put something in. Or you have to get creative in other ways.Comfort is incredibly important in a backpack, and unfortunately, the TotePack falls a little short in this regard. It is again the problem of stability: if you fill it to the top, the back bulges as it is only made of fabric. As a result, it only rests in the center of the back, which does not result in a particularly ergonomic weight distribution. If you have a MacBook with you, it can provide the necessary stability, but is then exposed to the forces that would otherwise cause the rucksack to bulge. That cant be the point.You also have to do without back padding, which is familiar from sports and hiking backpacks and ensures better weight distribution and ventilation on the back. The shoulder straps are lightly padded on the inside, but only lightly. The TotePack is not intended for long hiking tours or other excursions where you carry it on your back for hours on end. Rather, its for shopping or commuting to the officein style. Ive been using the TotePack in this size for quite a while now, with the odd longer trip, and have rarely had any problems (despite my scoliosis).

MacworldTL;DR:This Grade Arefurbished MacBook Aircan be yours for just $199.97.If youre rocking a brand new Apple Watch but still waiting 30 seconds for your computer from college to open a single tab, this is your sign to upgrade. Thisrefurbished MacBook Airis on sale for $199.97 and comes with the same powerful features you know and love.This MacBook Air is Grade A, meaning that aside from light scratches or dents, its in perfect working condition, and more than 80% off the suggested retail price of $999.00.At less than 3 pounds, this computer is perfect for those who travel for business and dont want to drag along their entire tech stack. With a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, you can search the web and accomplish tasks off your to-do list with ease. Plus, you get access to favorite Apple features like FaceTime and Bluetooth connection capabilities.Aside from the powerful processing and advanced features, this MacBook Air also comes with a Magsafe Wall Charger that retails for $80 on its own.Apple MacBook Air 13.3 (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)See DealWhether youre needing a software upgrade or just want to experience MacOS without an expensive commitment, at $199.97,this computeris the perfect solution.StackSocialprices subject to change.

MacworldTwo days after the release of iOS 18.4, Apple has begun the iOS 18.5 beta testing cycle. The first developer release landed on April 2, and we expect a wide release in May (or possibly late April).The last few iOS versions had their x.5 releases in May, with only minor features and changes, and we expect the same this year, especially now that the anticipated new Siri has been delayed.iOS 18.5: New featuresWe havent yet discovered any new features in the iOS 18.5 beta, but well update this section as we and the testing community uncover them. However, with the big Siri enhancements pushed back out of the iOS 18 update cycle and the iOS 19 beta starting at WWDC in June, we dont expect much in the way of significant new featuresjust a few touch-ups, bug fixes, and security enhancements.iOS 18.5: How to install the public betaIf you want to be among the first to test iOS 18.5, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Heres how the new process works now:Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.Log in to the Beta Software Program.Click Enroll your iOS device.Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.iOS 18.5: How to install the developer betaYoull need to be registered as an Apple developer. Beginning with iOS 18.5, you dont need to be in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Heres how to do it via the Apple Developer app:Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.Open the app.Tap on Account.Sign in using your usual Apple ID.Registered developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates.Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 18 superguide.

MacworldWhen we take our iPhones out of our pocket to make a call, send a text, or check our email, we expect them to work. When they dont, it can be a frustrating experience, especially when you cant get online. If youre away from Wi-Fi, youre dependent on a cellular connection, and when that isnt available, youll be alerted with an SOS icon in the status bar. Heres what SOS means when you see it on your iPhone, why your iPhone is in SOS mode, and how you can fix it.What is SOS mode on iPhone?SOS mode doesnt mean your iPhone is in distress. Rather, it means your device isnt connected to a cellular network and can only make emergency calls via satellites. This feature is available in Australia, Canada, the United States, the U.K., Japan, and parts of Europe. In other regions, it will say No Service or Searching. It requires an iPhone 14, 15, or 16 running iOS 18.2 or later. Why is my iPhone is SOS mode?There are several reasons why your iPhone may be in SOS mode:Dead spots: The most common reason for seeing SOS on your iPhone is if you travel into a dead spot. Even the most expansive networks have areas without coverage, and if you walk or drive into one of them, youll lose the ability to make calls for as long as youreCarrier outage: Occasionally, carriers will have outages that affect customers across the country. When that happens the carrier will communicate with customers to let them know when service will be restored. To find out if your carrier is having problems where you are try Down Detector (U.S,) or DownDetector (U.K.).Cellular data is off: In Settings or Control Center, there is an option to toggle off Cellular just like Wi-Fi. Go to Settings. Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Service if you are in the U.K.) If its grayed out instead of green, tap it to turn it on. What can I do when my iPhone is in SOS mode?SOS means your iPhone can only call out to emergency services, including 911 in the U.S. If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can also use Emergency SOS via Satellite to text emergency services when youre off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. With iOS 18, you also send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you lose cellular coverage.How can I fix SOS mode on my iPhone?The first thing to do if your iPhone is in SOS mode is to check your surroundings. Try moving a bit to see if your phone connects. Dead spots can be avoided just by walking a bit or driving to a different area. If youre somewhere where you usually have coverage, try toggling the Cellular button off and on again on your phone to force it to reconnect.Finally, a restart can sometimes fix connection issues. Hold down the power and volume up buttons until the shutdown slider appears. Slide it to power off, wait 15 seconds or so, and hold down the power button until the Apple logo appears.

MacworldIf you need a tablet that will fit into your pocket, then the new iPad Mini A17 Pro is your best bet, especially now that its on sale. You can snag this iPad mini for $399 at Amazon, a savings of $100 and matching the best price weve ever seen.We loved the iPad mini in our review and appreciated the speedier A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence and the ApplePencilPro. We gave it a 4-star rating and concluded that the iPad mini is still a great tablet, perhaps the best at its size and better than larger, non-Apple tablets.This tiny tablet is only 8.3 inches across and can easily slip into a beach bag or backpack for summer outdoor activities. It features a gorgeous Liquid Retina display that delivers rich, vibrant colors and impressive contrast, and with the A17 Pro processor, youll be able to quickly load apps and games and switch between them without issue. Youre also sure to get OS updates for many years to come. The tablet also comes with 12MP front and back cameras so you can participate in video meetings or snap pics and videos with ease. And since it has the same excellent battery life as Apples other iPads, youll be able to take it on a trip or hike without worrying when it will need a charge. So dont miss out on the chance to get the new A17 Pro iPad mini for $399 at Amazon, its lowest price ever.Grab the tiniest iPad for $100 off Buy now at Amazon

MacworldWhile the iPad update schedule is somewhat unpredictable, Apple has established an 18-month cycle with the iPad Pro, and the current M4 iPad Pro was released in May 2024. Several reports state that Apple is scheduled to release an M5 iPad Pro in the fall, which would be right on schedule.That means were going to start seeing more reports about the new iPad Pro as the release date approaches. This article keeps track of all the rumors so you can keep up with whats going on and make a proper decision if youre in the market for a new iPad Pro.M5 iPad Pro: When will the new iPad Pro be released?The M5 iPad Pro is expected to arrive in September 2025 or later in the yearOn March 31, Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported that the M5 iPad Pro is on schedule to ship in the second half of the year.In January 2025, Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported that the M5 iPad Pro wont ship until late 2025 or early 2026. In December 2024, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the M5 iPad Pro will enter mass production in the second half of 2025.Heres when the past five iPad Pro models have launched:M4 iPad Pro: May 2024iPad Pro (6th gen): October 2022iPad Pro (5th gen): April 2021iPad Pro (4th gen): March 2020iPad Pro (3rd gen): October 2018M5 iPad Pro: How much will the new iPad Pro cost?Prices are likely to stay the same, starting at $999/999 (11-inch) and $1,299/1,299 (13-inch), butWith the M5 iPad Pro, Apple increased the price by $100/100 across the different storage configurations. (Apple redefined the M5 iPad Pro base model with 256GB of storage, instead of 128GB that was in the M4 iPad Pro. When comparing prices, we start with the 256GB models.)Apple rarely increases prices two years in a row, but there are ongoing talks by the Trump administration in the U.S. of implementing tariffs on chips not made in the U.S. Apples M5 chip is made in Taiwan by TSMC, and could be subjected to a tariff. Should it go into effect, it could raise the price of the M5 iPad Pro in the U.S.The M4 iPad Pros 12MP camera with a LiDAR scanner will carry over to the M5 iPad Pro.Brady Snyder / FoundryM5 iPad Pro tech specs: What upgrades will the new iPad Pro have?An M5 chipThats about itOn March 31, Mark Gurman reported that the M5 iPad Pro will be a chip and ship product. That means it will get the new M5 chip and no other new features.The M4 iPad Pro from 2024 had several major upgrades to components and features that dont typically change from generation to generation, including:New OLED displaysAn option for nano-texture glass ($100/100)Moving the front-facing camera to the longer sideUpgrade to the main camera to 12MP with True Tone flash and a LiDAR scannerEliminating the 128GB storage option and setting the base level to 256GBThose features arent expected to change with the M5 iPad Pro, so the only major component to change will be the chip from the M4 to the M5. Apples new C1 modem is unlikely to make an appearance until a model with mmWave arrives, likely in 2026.Well keep updating this article as more information becomes available. Until then, you should check out our best iPad Pro deals to see if you can bag yourself a bargain on the current range.

MacworldThe Apple Vision Pro is a perplexing piece of hardware. Its a technological marvel that stuns the senses but it lacks the killer app and content needed to overcome the initial cost of investment and awkward ergonomics. Im fascinated by its potential and was brave enough to hold on to the Vision Pro beyond the return window.When I use it, I am reminded of its unique abilities, such as its Mac Virtual Display feature. Bringing a boring real world experience to a hybrid virtual one sounds good on the surface, but the original Mac Virtual Display was limited and didnt offer much of a benefit. But in visionOS 2.2, Apple added the ability to support a wide or ultrawide monitor, making the feature much more useful. It was one feature Ive been anxiously waiting for.Im a big fan of using a three-display setup for my Mac, but does the updated Mac Virtual Display provide a superior experience? Could it be the killer Vision Pro feature that weve been clamoring for? The answer is not so simple. Lets dissect the experience of the Mac Virtual Display on Apple Vision Pro to see if it makes the $3,500 investment worthwhile.What the wide and ultrawide upgrade meansThe Vision Pro operating system uses its Mac Virtual Display feature to mirror a Macs display within a virtual environment. Its a way to stay grounded to the Mac but it opens new possibilities. You can have the Mac screen front and center and pin various app windows all around you, including the various Vision Pro apps. The experience feels like something youve seen in a sci-fi movie.During its first iteration, Mac Virtual Display was a neat feature but lacked any wow factor. What it needed was a larger display option and thankfully, Apple included it in visionOS 2.2. You can now work away from your desk in private with a large wide or ultrawide display that travels with you virtually anywhere.My main Mac workstation is a triple monitor setup. This includes two Apple Studio Displays on the left and right, and an Apple Pro Display XDR front and center. It takes up a substantial footprint to the point that it needs two connecting desks to fit all the monitors comfortably. By comparison, with a Vision Pro, you simply need a small Mac and the device itselfthats an attractive alternative. A Mac Pro with an Apple Pro Display XDR surrounded by two Apple Studio Displays.Thiago TrevisanHow the Mac Virtual Display feature makes it possibleTheres more nuance to the Mac Virtual Display update in visionOS 2.2 that makes it more functional than simple wide and ultrawide display support. (visionOS 2.4 is the current version, which finally brought Apple Intelligence support.)Mac Virtual Display wide modes are simple to activate. With the Vision Pro connected to your Apple silicon Mac, youll find a drop-down menu on top of the Mac Virtual Display screen with the new wide and ultrawide options.A drop-down menu allows Vision Pro users to change the screen ratio settings.Thiago TresvianThe first setting, Standard, has a 16:9 aspect ratio and can display up to 5K (5120 by 2880) resolution. The next option is Wide, which is 21:9 and can do a resolution up to 6720 by 2880 pixels. The last option is Ultrawide and can do 10240 by 2880 pixels in a 32:9 aspect ratio.Your Mac inputkeyboard, trackpad, and/or mousealso works smoothly to control Vision Pros interface. Thats important in this situation where your Mac environment blends with the Vision Pro. The gestures embedded within visionOS are great for many things, but for true productivity, I prefer a physical input device.Vision Pro offers some flexibility with Mac Virtual Display, which can be adjusted by a pinch and drag gesture on the lower left. This allows you to change the size of the Virtual Display and move it farther away or closer. The resolution can also be adjusted to improve your experience overall. Its also simple to blend your environment at different levels to see how you feel during usage, depending on the amount of external light you want to enter your workspace.Another good feature is that now you can route the audio straight from your Mac to the Vision Pro speakers. This helps to keep the sound closer to you and simplifies your connection. In theory, the Mac Virtual Display capabilities of the Vision Pro sound a lot more appealing than a large, clunky three-monitor desk setup. In practice, the results are not so clean-cut.The big problem that software cant fixHeres the catch with the Vision Pro (and other headsets): it becomes uncomfortable after a while. Sure, a lighter Vision Pro would help, but fatigue always sets in eventually. Then theres the disorientation felt after using the Vision Pro; Apple has baked in different levels of background immersion and isolation for this very reason. Complete immersion may be great for a short period or certain use cases. The passthrough feature helps, but it still creates only the illusion of awareness.With its crisp resolution and wide/ultrawide support, you can be very productive with the virtual environment of the Vision Pro and its seemingly endless customizability that works beautifully. But it doesnt matter if the user cant get comfortable. The Vision Pro is unreasonable for me to work for anything longer than short bursts.In my physical multi-monitor setup, I can work for hours with minimal fatigue, and theres the ability to freely move in the workspace and interact with the surroundings. Spatial computing is simply not as natural as the standard setups that human senses are accustomed to.The major issue with the Apple Vision Pro is that it becomes uncomfortable over time.Thiago TresvianThis experience is significant in that it shows that spatial computing has future potential and visionOS can continue to improve, but it comes down to the hardware that can provide a more seamless, natural fashion. That may be difficult to successfully do, at least in the short term. Many hurdles and friction exist for Vision Pro to reach the pantheon of importance which is the iPhone.Its simply not ready for prime timeViewed in a bubble, the Vision Pro is an excellent device thats capable of wowing its users and even helping with many productivity tasks. This bubble quickly fails to maintain its buoyancy in real-world use, however. Its uncomfortable, its expensive, and instead of any real killer feature it offers solutions for niche cases.This creates a problem for Apple. Vision Pro doesnt have anywhere near the sales and enthusiasm that was forecasted for the device. That causes Apple to not be incentivized to provide content and attention to the existing Vision Pro user base. What can Apple do to make the Vision Pro and spatial computing more appealing? A reduction in weight and pricing is a good start, but these changes alone do not make the device useful. Vision Pro needs to feel natural and seamless for the user, who then can transfer the activities that are typically done on the iPhone to this device. Thats easier said than done and is likely a tremendous engineering feat that will take years to fully develop.For now, we can enjoy the Vision Pro for what it is. While it is a beautifully done piece of technology, the wide and ultrawide options only slightly change its usability. Its a niche enthusiast product, which even Tim Cook admits. Theres nothing wrong with that, and it will either face better versions in the future or the eventual cancellation by Apple if its deemed unworkable. Lets hope they figure it out since the underlying idea is worthy of the effort.