MacworldWhile we all expect Apple to take the iPhone 17 in a bold new direction this year, the rumors have been very quiet about the Apple Watch. But a report today from a well-known source finally adds some intrigue to the next round of watches.According to user Instant Digital on Weibo (as spotted by MacRumors), Apple may be working on a completely new Apple Watch with a glass frame, which supports touch interaction. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10 has an aluminum frame while the Apple Watch Ultra is made of titanium.The rumor includes little in the way of details but does note that Apple is looking to bring the all-glass enclosure to the Apple Watch before the iPhone.Apple has experimented with various materials for the Apple Watch over the years, including ceramic and solid gold, but an all-glass frame would be a major change. While the watch would likely look the same, an all-glass enclosure would let Apple design a single one-piece design that blurs the line between screen, sensors, and buttons.Apple has been exploring all-glass devices for decades and already has products, like the AirPods 4, with touch-sensitive controls. But since its launch in 2015, the Apple Watch has had physical side buttons and a Digital Crown with a display that supports multi-touch gestures. The Apple Watch Ultra adds a second Action button on the left side that is customizable for a variety of uses.There were reports last year that Apple was considering a radical new Apple Watch Series X to celebrate its 10th anniversary, but the Series 10 was another in a long line of incremental updates.

MacworldApples all-in-one iMac is a great value for what your geta fast computer with a fantastic screen, but todays deal makes it a must-haveB&H Photo has slashed the price of the M3 iMac to an amazing $999 right now, a jaw-dropping savings of $700 and the best price weve ever seen. Really nothing even comes closethe catch is that youll have to place your order soon because this deal ends on March 31.This iMac has last years M3 chip, but its still a great machine with a gorgeous 24-inch Retina display with a 44802520 resolution that promises to deliver gorgeous colors and deep contrast. Its built around a stunning minimal designbut youll have to settle for blue to get this price. The M3 chip comes paired with 8GB of RAM, which is enough for Apple Intelligence but still pretty stingy, but its still great for streaming, everyday work, and so on. We reviewed the M3 iMac and found it to be a great addition to any office, but we admittedly had the model with 24GB memory, considerably more than what the one on sale has. Thankfully, it has 512GB of storage, double the entry-level model.Plus, its not just the iMac that youre getting, but also the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and a color-matched Magic Mouse, as well as a nifty power adapter with a built-in gigabit ethernet port. Unbox it and its literally plug in and start playing.This deal is set to expire just before midnight on March 31, but if you want one its best to hurry up because if supply runs out itll be gone forever.Save $700 on the M3 iMacBuy now at B&H

MacworldApple offers pretty good prices on the standard configurations of its Macs. $599 for a M4 Mac mini? $999 for a new M4 MacBook Air? $1,299 for a new M4 iMac? Those are attractively priced. But those prices involve a few sacrifices, most notably the starting storage of just 256GB. A quarter of a terabyte might sound like a lot, but much of what we do on the Mac involves large fileshigh-resolution pictures, videos, games (literally the biggest culprit), and a lot more. 256GB runs out quickly.Apple does give customers the option to upgrade storage at the point of purchase, of course, but their prices are steep. Upgrading from 256GB to 512GB (the minimum amount we recommend) is an extra $200/200, and jumping to a terabyte is another $200, turning an attractive entry-level offering into a pricey one.But if you dont want to plunk down the extra money, you can still expand your Macs storage without paying Apples exorbitant prices. The alternatives here are mostly external storage solutionsin other words, youll need to carry and plug in an extra devicebut the compromise can help you meet your budget.External SSDs and hard drivesFoundryProsBest price/capacity ratioLarge range of capacities availableConsOne more thing to carry or clutter your deskFaster performance usually means higher pricesAn external storage device offers the best combination of price and capacity. For example, you can get a 1TB LaCie Mobile Drive for un$80der /56 on Amazon that connects to your Mac via USB-C. LaCie sells that same drive with 5TB of storage for less than $170/115still lower than the upgrade to 512GB of internal storage on a Mac.With external drives, you can opt for a hard drive or a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs (which are used internally on the Mac) are faster and higher-priced than hard drives. You can also choose between desktop drives that have a larger design and require you to plug it into a power outlet, or portable drives that are small enough to fit in a bag or pocket and are powered through the Macs Thunderbolt or USB port.External drives use either USB-C or Thunderbolt to connect to the Mac. Thunderbolt drives are more expensive but faster, while cheaper USB-C-only drives often support slower data transfer rates. Learn more about the differences between Thunderbolt and USB.Macworld has guides to the best external SSDs and the best external hard drives to help you find the best device for you.USB flash drivesUnsplashProsSmall and portableCheapConsDurability issuesAwkwardly protrudes from the USB portOften called thumb drives or memory sticks, a USB flash drive is essentially a stick of flash memory that plugs into a USB port. Theyre small and easy to stash in a bag or pocket. They are available in capacities as high as 2TB, but 128GB and 256GB capacities are most commonly found, often for less than $30, such as this Samsung flash drive.USB flash drives vary in price based on capacity and speed. Some have additional features such as a USB-A plug on one end and a USB-C plug on the other, or built-in encryption.You can leave a USB flash drive plugged in, but if you are going to frequently read and write to the drive, youll want to opt for a portable or desktop drive instead. USB flash drives are more prone to wearing out than a full-fledged drive because flash memory has limited durability and USB flash drives dont have the measures in place to maintain proper health. Also, they tend to use lower-quality parts so they can be cheap and treated as commodities (for example, the corner near my home sells USB flash drives).While you dont want to rely on USB flash drives are primary storage, theyre handy for, say, storing photos or videos from a shoot, file management when you want to keep files for a project separate from everything else, backups, and more.SD cardsDenise Jans/UnsplashProsSmallAffordableConsRequires a Mac with an SDXC card slot or a separate USB card readerDurability issuesSDXC cards are memory cards often used in cameras and other portable devices, but you can also use them on the Mac. Only two Macs (MacBook Pro and Mac Studio) have built-in SDXC Card slots, however. For every other Mac, you must buy an SD Card adapter, which is inexpensive at about $10/10. You can also find hubs and Thunderbolt docks with card slots if you plan to buy one anyway. SDXC cards are good for uses similar to USB flash drives: file transfers, specifically storing files for projects, backups, and more. They have similar issues regarding the memory chips wearing out; they are more reliable because they use higher-quality memory, but they arent ideal as a drive that is always connected and you are frequently reading and writing files to.If you plan to use an SDXC card and a method of transferring files between Macs or other devices, consider buying another card as a backup. Ive had instances where the metal contacts for the card get worn out or damaged from frequent insertions into devices. These cards did have several years of mileage on them but understand that theyre delicate relative to other storage devices mentioned here.Cards are available in capacities between 32GB and 2TB and are available at different speeds. The higher capacity/faster cards can be more expensive than an external SSD drive of the same capacity as youre paying a premium for the extremely small size.Network-attached storageBilly Freeman/UnsplashProsConveniently accessible storage for many devicesConsSpeeds restricted by the networkSetup isnt simpleIf youre not familiar with network-attached storage (NAS), think of it as cloud storage, but specifically for your home. A NAS device connects to your home network, and your Macs, iPhones, iPads, and even Windows PC and Android devices can access it whenever necessary. A NAS device is a good way to store files that need to be accessed by several devices or users, or it can be a way for individual users to move files from a device to free up space.Because the NAS device connects to a network, the setup isnt as simple as plug-and-play, but its not too difficult. Once its up and running, you can access it either through the Network menu in the Finder, or through an app, browser, or both. Some NAS devices can provide access when youre away from home, but this may require using a paid service from the devices company.NAS devices range from ones with fixed hard drives starting at 2TB for $150/150 to drives with multiple removable hard drives with capacities over 8TB and other features for several hundreds of dollars. Check out our picks for the best NAS drive for Mac if youre interested.Cloud storageScreenshotFoundryProsAccessible anywhere there is internet accessMost services are not platform-specificConsFee-based serviceInternet access requiredSpeeds affected by internet connectionCloud storage is provided by a service online for a fee, usually a subscription. Apple offers iCloud, which includes iCloud Drive along with other services. Other popular cloud storage providers include Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Box. Learn more about the best cloud storage services for the Mac.Whats great about cloud storage is that it is accessible by almost any device that has an internet connection. But because your ability to access it is reliant on the internet, cloud storage shouldnt be used as primary storage. Its good for storing files you want to access but not ones you use frequently, things like backups, photo and video storage, and file transfers. But its a great way to free up space on your Macs drive.Also, since you have to pay a recurring fee, youll need to figure out how the cost benefits you. Many services have a free tier with a small allocation of storage; for example, iCloud Drive offers 5GB free. That limits what you can do.Mac mini and Mac Studio SSD upgradesPolysoftProsInternal storage optionConsComplicated installationMay void the Mac warrantyThe M4 Mac mini and the Mac Studio have internal SSDs that are installed in slots, which makes them upgradeable but Apple doesnt officially support upgrades after purchase, either by the company, a third party, or by do-it-yourselfers. Some small companies have released SSD upgrade kits, such as Expand Mac mini and PolySoft Services with video instructions on their websites.The installations for these kits arent trivial and if your mechanical aptitude is limited, you should be able to do this. But there is a risk of damaging your Mac and this installation could void your warranty, especially if there is obvious evidence of your work.Learn more about how to upgrade an M2 Mac mini.

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsImpressive 3D graphicsCombines ninja stealth and samurai swordplayLots of quests and explorationConsExpensiveHigh system requirements (no Intel support)Definitely not for childrenOur Verdict Its almost worth buying a new Mac to enjoy Shadows state-of-the-art graphics. But, graphics aside, Shadows can also stand on its own two feet as an action-packed game, offering satisfying and varied combat, and the ability to explore the world of feudal Japan.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed69,99 EuroBest Prices Today: Assassins Creed: ShadowsRetailerPrice89.9View Deal59,95 View Deal69,99 View Deal69,99 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketIts not often that an A-List game like Assassins Creed Shadows arrives on the Mac at the same time as the PC version. And, in fact, Shadows is the first game in the long-running Assassins Creed series that has ever been released on the Mac at all (although there have been a couple of mobile games released on the iPad in the past). That makes the release of Shadows a bit of a landmark for Mac gaming, and its also a great introduction to the series as Shadows looks like one of the best Assassins Creed games of recent years and will be joining our line up of the best games for Mac users. Shadows makes a break with previous games in the series, moving to Japan for the first time, during a civil war in 1579 as the warlord Oda Nobunaga attempts to conquer and forcibly unite the countrys warring factions. It also allows you to play as two separate characters, each with their own different skills and fighting styles. Naoe is a young girl who is trained as a shinobi (ninja), and specialises in stealth and agility, using weapons such as shuriken (throwing stars) and smoke bombs to mask her movements. In contrast, theres also the heavy-hitting Yasuke, an African-born samurai and an actual historical figure who is able to block and parry his foes attacks and then dice them into blood-spattered pieces with his sword. Thankfully, the game does allow you to tone down the settings for blood and dismemberment, but Shadows is very much an 18-rated game, and not suitable for children.Initially, Naoe and Yasuke are on opposite sides in the war, but their paths soon cross and they find themselves working together to end the conflict. You switch between the two characters as the game progresses, and their different skills and abilities provide plenty of variety as you take on different quests and attempt to eliminate your opponents. The game does take a little while to get going, as it effectively has two introductions one for each character that set the scene for the main conflict in the game, and allow you to get some practice with the different fighting styles of Naoe and Yasuke. Things soon pick up, though, and Shadows provides plenty of quests and combat to keep you busy. It does have a gloss of role-playing elements, with skill trees that allow you to enhance your fighting abilities, and dialogue choices that provide a degree of freedom and decision-making. But, for the most part, its really all about the wall-to-wall combat, with lots of sneaking and parkour-style running and jumping to add variety.In fact, the game even provides a canon mode that lets you skip most of the dialogue and just slice-and-dice your way through the action by eliminating anyone unfortunate enough to stand in your way. There are four difficulty settings available which will be helpful for Mac users who havent played any of the Assassins Creed games before as well as the ability to adjust the way that stealth works within the game, making it harder or easier to sneak past guards and other enemies. But what most impressed me were the games 3D graphics. The graphics during the early cut-scenes were very impressive, with some of the most detailed and photo-realistic effects that Ive ever seen on a Mac. That happens with many games, though, and when the cut-scenes finish you find that the actual in-game action tends to offer a lower level of visual detail. But, with Shadows, the game just continues smoothly at the end of these cut-scenes and maintains the excellent visual quality throughout the game.Theres a price to pay here, though, as this level of graphical detail requires a pretty powerful Mac. The Mac App Store states that the game will run on any Mac with macOS 15 and Apple Silicon, including even a basic M1 processor. That may be true, but an M1 or M2 processor will struggle to provide smooth, responsive combat (and there have been complaints to that effect from people who have bought the game on the Mac App Store). The information provided to us by the developers at Ubisoft actually recommends either an M1 Max or M2 Pro as the minimum, and also warns that most MacBook Air models which dont offer Pro or Max processors may not be able to run the game. I did manage to get a playable 28fps on my MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro chip, when running the game at 1,8001,169 resolution and using the games lowest graphics settings and even on that setting the graphics still looked pretty darn good. And, on a new Mac mini with M4 Pro I was zooming along at 40fps at 2,048858 resolution and Medium graphics settings.The game does have its own built-in benchmarking tool that allows you to experiment with the various and rather complex graphics settings, but its a shame that theres no free demo available so that owners of less powerful Mac models could see how well the game runs on their Mac. Thats especially true as the game is so expensive, costing $69.99/59.99 just for the base game, with some expensive DLC also available. And, at the moment, the Mac version of the game only seems to be available on the Mac App Store, which means that people who have already bought Shadows on Steam or any other online store dont automatically gain access to the Mac version.Should You Buy Assassins Creed Shadows?Im not entirely convinced by the claims that Assassins Creed Shadows is a true role-playing game, and RPG fans will probably prefer the greater freedom and depth of rivals such as the all-conquering Baldurs Gate 3. But where Shadows does stand out is with the satisfying and varied combat styles offered by its twin protagonists. And, with its superb graphics, Assassins Creed Shadows is perhaps the first game released on the Mac that points towards the next generation of games with almost photo-realistic graphics.

MacworldSome people use their Macs to drive enormous HDTVs, letting them access a wide range of audio and video apps on a Mac and streaming video services while also retaining the security of the Mac operating system. However, its easy to run into a problem: the interface elements on the external display can wind up so small that you have a hard time making them out.You have a few ways to improve this situation, though readers have found that not all work in their circumstances.Set the display size to Default or Larger TextIn > System Settings > Displays with your large display selected, the default settings shown have a Use as section with at least four choices. Larger Text and Default cause macOS to act as if the display is lower resolution relative to the typeface and interface element used.However, whats rendered on the screen, like typefaces, images, and video, continues to use the devices native resolution. This is often the easiest and best solutionif it works for your display.Set your display to show larger text sizes using standard options in Displays.You can choose among a greater range of sizes and demonstrate the effect of higher-resolution rendering to yourself by clicking the Advanced button in Displays and then enabling Show resolutions as list. This reveals all resolutions for which the native display density is retained even as the size of interface elements changes.If you enable Show all resolutions, you will see some resolutions show with (low resolution) after them. If you select one of those and compare it to the same option without the label, you can see how the rendering differsthe jaggies are quite obvious at low resolution.You can see all resolutions, including ones that render at a lower resolution than the displays true capability.Work with Accessibility settingsIn System Settings > Accessibility > Display under the Text and Pointer sections, you can adjust the size of type systemwide, increase the menu bars size, and make the pointer easy to see or spot (when jiggled). Not all apps support the Text size setting, but its likely youre using only a fewor just the TV and Safari appswith your external display.Accessibility options may help with legible text and pointer sizes on a large external display.Turn to a third-party app, BetterDisplay ProMany readers suggestBetterDisplay Proas a more complete set of options for scaling the Macs user interface elements relative to the size of the display without causing other issues. This utility lets you unlock high-definition rendering (HiDPI) when the display doesnt meet Apples more restrictive set of resolutions for which it lets you set bigger user interface elements.The developers wikihas a detailed pageon how to customize this feature. However, it mostly involves installing the app, turning on Edit the system configuration of this display model and Enable flexible scaling and then clicking Apply for the display you want to control.Using BetterDisplay Pro, you can tune the way in which user interface and display resolution interact.BetterDisplay has a free and a Pro version; the Pro version is required to unlock the HiDPI feature. However, the developer offers a 14-day free trial, which allows you to test whether the option solves your problem. To keep using it, the cost is $19.99 or 19.99, depending on your region.This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Andy.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.

MacworldThere are two reasons you should ditch your Microsoft 365 subscription. For starters, its a monthly subscription you have to keep up with. Second, Microsoft just announced a price increase for 365, meaning youll pay nearly $100 a month just for access to your favorite apps. Why notown Microsoft Office instead?Rather than pay recurring fees for 365, you only have to pay once for lifetime access to your favorite Office apps on your Mac or PC. For a limited time, the latest edition, Microsoft 2024 Home, is now available for only$129.97 (reg. $149.99).This Office license might just make you wonder why you opted for 365 for so long, especially since youre gettingthe latest editions ofWord, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams, all with AI enhancements and upgraded collaboration tools.Use Words new Smart Compose feature to complete sentences or get text suggestions that fit your project. Or, analyzedata more efficiently with the help of Excels AI. You can also get intelligent suggestions for formatting, design elements, and accessibility improvements in PowerPoint.Take a look at the other improvements youll find in the latest version of Microsoft Office:View post on imgur.comGrab one of these downloads for Microsoft 2024 for your Mac or PC while its available for only $129.97. No coupon needed!Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time PurchaseOnly $129.97 at MacworldStackSocial prices subject to change.

MacworldApple Intelligence and Siri have been making a lot of noise lately, and all for the wrong reasons. In this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about how Apple has made a mess of things, resulting in delays, management changes, and bad PR.This is episode 927 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola.Watch episode 927 on YouTubeListen to episode 927 on Apple PodcastsListen to episode 927 on SpotifyGet infoFor more information about the topics discussed on the show, click on the links below.Apples next-gen Siri might be delayed until 2027Siri isnt an assistant, its an embarrassmentIs Siri really that bad? Yes, yes it isApple ousts Siri boss, finally taking failures seriouslySubscribe 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

MacworldNow we know that June 9 is the day Apple will kick off WWDC 2025. Ive been covering WWDC since before Steve Jobs came back to Apple, and this year is shaping up to potentially be the most interesting and certainly most dramatic version of Apples most important event of the year.If you didnt know already, WWDC (which stands for Worldwide Developers Conference) is important for more than just developers. Its literally Apples New Years Day, the day that the company rolls out its plans for all of its platforms for the next year. With the impending release of iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, and the rest, we are at the tail end of last years cycle. Work at Apple is now shifting even more to the stuff well be using over the next year, beginning with the announcement of new features and new decisions on June 9.Last years event, which featured the rollout of Apple Intelligenceincluding, yes, some features that never ended up shippingwas certainly dramatic. But at the same time, we all pretty much knew what was coming: Apple was desperate to be seen as a player in the AI game, and so it was going to blow that horn as loud as it could. This years fascination is more subtle: What now? Doubling down on Apple Intelligence? Apologizing for last years, er, overexuberant promises? Changing direction? Staying the course? The last year has flipped the table on Apples usually conservative and careful platform-building plans. This years possibilities are wide open.The elephant in the roomLast years rollout of Apple Intelligence wasnt subtle, and by most accounts, it was a rush job after the company realized it was behind in the LLM game. This last year has been bumpy, with some features working okay, others embarrassing Apple, and of course, some not showing up at all. Its never been more evident that Apple is not a company that is capable of rushing operating-system features into production in a matter of a few months. (Maybe it should be, but thats a different topic.)Apple felt the pressure to jump on the AI bandwagon and its been a bumpy ride ever since.AppleBut its been more than a year since that fateful decision was made, nearly ten months since WWDC 2024, and five months since Apple Intelligence began shipping to customers. So, what has Apple learned from this entire experience? This is the key question, and while the company wont tell us the answer directly, we should all watch closely to see how it alters its approach.My guess is that Apple will consider its primary goal of WWDC 2024to create broad knowledge of Apple Intelligence as a brand name that makes Apple vaguely seem in the AI gameto have been achieved. Those who are knowledgeable about the current state of AI will roll their eyes and cite dozens of ways in which Apple is nowhere near the cutting edge of AI, and theyre not wrong. But I think that in the broadest perception of Apple as a company, consumers are vaguely aware that Apple says it has AI. And even people closer to the tech industry have to admit that Apple seems to have a huge desire to get into the AI game, even if its stumbled out of the blocks.Thats why this coming year, Apple Intelligence will probably shift to more of a clean-up and consolidation phase. The last year was messy. Bits of Apple Intelligence were jammed into places where they didnt quite fit or make sense. I hope that Apple will refine the existing tools, ship updated (and hopefully much improved!) versions of its own models, and also focus on shipping the stuff it promised last year that it couldnt deliver this yearif it can. If it cant, if those features prove to be elusive, that will continue to be a black eye for Applebut it needs to own it and move on.As a result, I expect that Apple will only announce a small number of new Apple Intelligence-derived features, not the fusillade of features we got last time. After a year, I hope that the company will understand better what its capable of accomplishing in a single year.WWDC 2025 needs to prioritize the needs of developers. AppleWhat about developers?Lost in all the Apple Intelligence hype last year was the somewhat astonishing fact that at its developer conference, Apple unveiled a load of AI features that offered almost no way for app developers to get in the game. The biggest story for developers at WWDC 2024 was App Intents, which would allow apps to better integrate with all the features that Apple has now admitted it cant ship. So in hindsight, WWDC 2024 had almost nothing for developers at all.This needs to change, and WWDC 2025 is the place for it to happen. App developers should view Apple platforms as the best places to build AI-enhanced apps. Thats good for Apple. The company has invested a lot in creating hardware thats pretty solid for running AI applications (thanks, Neural Engine). The next step should be offering developers access to Apple-blessed ML models on its devices, and easy systemwide integration with external models from Apple and third parties. Apple built Apple Intelligence for itself; its time to turn the tables and let the app developers start innovating.Speaking of external models, Apple has spent a year with a single integrationto ChatGPT. Its a great model thats very useful for lots of stuff, but its not without serious competition. Apple should announce that its integrating many more models, letting users choose their favorite or allowing the operating system to pick the right tool for various jobs. The company also needs to get over its overwhelming fear of users using these toolsthe current implementation of ChatGPT integration requires multiple warning steps unless you dig into settings and shut them all off.By all means, Apple needs to give users the ability to opt out of all AI queries and content. But given how broken Siri is these days, it might also want to make it much easier to opt in and kick most queries to remote sources. Until Apple has a chance to beef up Siri, the Siri agent should only offer to perform the most basic functions and kick everything else out to an LLM. Its a quick fix, even if it will require Apple to swallow a little pride.Apple needs to allow the integration of other AI models besides ChatGPT.FoundryAnd then theres SiriApple just rearranged the executive ranks and put Mike Rockwell in charge of Siri. If youre hoping for major Siri announcements at WWDC 2025, though, I have a stern warning.We all want Siri to be fixed. But if Rockwell is just now being put in charge, it means that any announcements for Siri fixes in the next year would probably be just as rushed as the Apple Intelligence features were last year! As a result, I expect that Apple will be a little less aggressive on Siri, while still making some promises for early in 2026. As I detailed a few paragraphs ago, perhaps the best solution is to turn more Siri queries over to other LLMs in the meantime just to stop the bleeding.I realize the temptation to make big claims about changes to Siri will be great. But we were just here last year. I hope Rockwell rights the ship, and Siri gets in gear, but I want to see Apple show that its learned its lesson about overpromising and underdelivering.A new design? Sure!There have been lots of recent reports that this years OS updates will feature a new design language. It sounds good to me. Heres how the cycle goes: A company releases a major new redesign. It pushes things a bit too far in the interest of making change. Over the course of a few years, the most extreme stuff gets sanded off, and everyone settles in. Then many years pass, and new doodads get added here and there as one-off additions until a decade passes and your clean new design is now a monstrosity. Its time for a new, consistent design.While a lot of people are reporting that the new design language is based on visionOS, I dont think thats the case. My guess is that Apple has been spending years working on this design, and its been built from the ground up to work across all of its devices including, logically, the new Vision Pro. But Vision Pro shipped before the new design was ready to roll out elsewhere, so it became a testbed for some of the ideas of the new design. As a result, I expect aspects of this design to be reminiscent of visionOSbut theyre all from a common source, not just being copied from visionOS.I do think that its time for a fresh design, and for Apple to extend its design philosophy across all of its operating systems. While a lot of Mac users might cringe at the idea that the Mac is going to just end up looking like an iPad, I actually think that this process should be a good thing for Mac users. A good, thoughtful design system should take into account the things that make all of Apples devices uniquewhile bearing a family resemblance and working similarly, like theyre all from the same company. I would argue that a lot of the most glaring design sins in macOS in the past few years have come from iOS designs just getting sprayed into macOS without a whole lot of thought. If Apples designers have done their jobs, this time around, the Mac will be considered along with iOS, and theyll make the right decisions for each of Apples platforms.Its been said that the new OS design language is taking cues from visionOS, but that isnt entirely accurate.AppleAnother thing to keep in mind: Apple is really good at playing the long game. Over the last few years, Ive had several conversations with Apple executives who have explained that when Apple designs a new processor, it knows exactly what devices will be using that processor. This is one of the advantages of the Apple silicon approach. Well, Apples new design language presumably has been designed with some understanding about where the company is going with its product designs in the future, not just in 2025. If Apple is planning a folding iPhone, this design should have factored that in. If there are touchscreen Macs on the horizon, this would be the time for the design to take that into account.Finally, a lot of pundits will say that Apples new design, when its revealed in June, is a smokescreen designed to distract people from Apples rough time with Apple Intelligence. This argument is about as convincing as saying that Apple changed the iPhones design a month before shipping, or altered the design of a chip six months before it arrived. So much of what Apple does takes years of pre-planning to accomplish, and that includes this new design.But that said, if the new design gets people talking about something other than the broken promises of Apple Intelligence, Apples not going to complain one bit.Catch up with the latest on WWDC 2025 and everything you need to know before Apples big event.

MacworldApples iPads are easily some of the best tablets out there and they can be amazing devices to use for fun, but they can also be great productivity and creativity tools with the right accessories. From the brand-new iPad (A16) to the affordable iPad 10th gen, the light iPad Air models or the speedy iPad Pro, all need a little bit of extra protection.To turn them into proper productivity tools, however, you need more than a regular caseyou need one with an integrated keyboard and a stylus. Apple makes amazing products, but theres no denying that they can be rather pricey.If you want the best results and the best prices, we know just what you need.Protect your iPadListen, we know Apple products look best as they come out of the box, but we all have to admit they can be rather pricey, especially if you get the extra storage. If youre like me and youre likely to drop that tablet five seconds after getting it out of the box, then adding in a case and/or a screen protector will extend the tablets life.ESR is a reputable company that has been making iPad accessories for years, helping countless people get that little bit of extra protection for their tablets.Here are some cases youll love:ESR Flip Magnetic Case ESRThe case can be set at multiple angles for viewing or creating content, even if you prefer holding the tablet in portrait view. It even comes with a secure pencil slot with pencil holder.For iPad (A16), iPad 11th Gen $16.99 (was $19.99 15% off)For iPad Air 13 M2/M3 $23.79 (was $27.99 15% off)For iPad Air 11 M2/M3 $18.39 (was $22.99 20% off)ESR Shift Magnetic CaseESRThe Shift Magnetic Case is the worlds first case to support six use modes with nine stable viewing angles six designed for viewing and three for writing. The back of the case is also detachable, offering a two-in-one design. For iPad (A16), iPad 11th Gen $29.99 (was $39.99 25% off)For iPad Air 11 M3/M2, iPad Air 10.9 4th and 5th gen $34.84 (was $45.99 24% off)For iPad Air 13 M2/M3 $43.99 (was $54.99 20% off)Screen protectors are essential because theyll protect the display from bumps, scratches, and cracks should you drop the tablet, while a proper stylus can unlock potential for greater productivity.ESR UltraFit Classic Screen ProtectorESRThis screen protector bundle includes an UltraFit Tray that makes the two-step application a breeze. You get two tempered glass films with a 9H hardness level.For iPad (A16), iPad 11th Gen $13.59 (was $15.99 15% off)For iPad Air 11 M3/M2 $13.59 (was $15.99 15% off)For iPad Air 13 M2/M3 $15.29 (was $18.99 19% off)ESR Paper-Feel Magnetic Screen ProtectorESRIf you love creating art on your iPad, then this is the perfect screen protector for you, turning the glossy surface into a paper-like screen and giving you the traction you need to draw or write. It has a magnetic attachment for easy use, and can be applied and re-applied up to 10,000 times.For iPad (A16), iPad 11th Gen $11.04 (was $13.99 21% off)For iPad Air 11 M3/M2 $11.89 (was $13.99 15% off)For iPad Air 13 M3/M2 $11.99 (was $15.99 25% off)For iPad Pro 11 M4 $11.89 (was $13.99 15% off)For iPad Pro 12.9 $16.99 (was $21.99 23% off)For iPad Pro 13 M4 $13.43 (was $15.99 16% off)ESR Geo Digital PencilESRThis ESR stylus isnt just going to help you draw and write but will also work with the FindMy app, so you never lose it. It features palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, a shortcut button and a tiny battery display, and it can be charged via USB-C.For all iPad models released in 2018 and later $25.49 (was $29.99 15% off)Unleash your iPads productivityTurning your tablet into a productivity tool can be super-easy to do if you have the right tools, such as a keyboard case. Lets see what ESR has to offer:ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360ESRThis model doesnt just deliver an impressive keyboard to work on, but also comes with a case for your tablet.For iPad Air 11 M3/M2, iPad Air 10.9, iPad Pro 11 $104.99For iPad Air 13 M3/M2 $104.99 (was $124.99 16% off)ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard CaseESRThis ones super easy to set up and attaches to your tablet magnetically. The keyboard features a trackpad and backlit keys.For iPad (A16), iPad 11th Gen $79.99 (was $99.99 20% off)For iPad Air 11 M3/M2, iPad Air 10.9, iPad Pro 11 $89.99For iPad Air 13 M3/M2, iPad Pro 12.9 $99.99Visit the ESR Amazon store

MacworldWith iOS 18.2, Apple added a number of new options in the Default Apps section of Settings, likely in response to antitrust scrutiny around the globe. Among them are the ability to designate default calling and messaging apps, which are already supported by some third-party apps.Now WhatsApp, which is arguably the most popular global messaging platform, supports these features. Support for default calling and messaging on iOS is listed as a feature for the WhatsApp testflight beta, but it appears to work just fine with the latest version of the iOS app in the App Store (version 25.8.74).To make WhatsApp your default app for calling or messaging, open Settings, scroll down and select Apps, then Default Apps. Youll see WhatsApp as an option in the Messaging and Calling menus.FoundryOnce this is set, WhatsApp will open whenever you hit a calling or texting interface element in iOS, such as in your Contacts or a Maps listing.

MacworldApple has been holding back from the foldables market for so long now that at times it seemed like it would never release a folding iPhone. But this month has seen a succession of more and more plausible reports that suggest the iPhone Fold project is finally happening, even if a launch remains a couple of years away.Near the start of March, the respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo outlined his expectations for the deviceultra-thin, folding in the book style rather than a clamshell, with a crease-free screen and a $2,000-plus price tag. Then Mark Gurman revealed that the iPhone 17 Air expected to launch this fall will act as a trial run leading to major iPhone redesign plans, including the ability to fold, if its successful. Finally, a Barclays analyst narrowed pricing expectations to around $2,300.But the most interesting rumor arrived last week. We were back to Kuo, who this time predicted that the iPhone Fold would have a hinge made of LiquidMetal. (Not literally metal in its liquid form, but the marketing term for a material that uses a special casting process to produce exceptionally strong, hard, and precise metal parts.) This seemed especially plausible because Apple purchased worldwide exclusive rights to use material developed by a related company named LiquidMetal 15 years ago.The rumor train shows no sign of stopping, and the well-known and prolific Weibo leaker Instant Digital posted a message Thursday (via MacRumors) offering further details of the hinge mechanism Apple is working on for its first foldable iPhone. The hinge will be made of amorphous alloy (metallic glass), the leaker said, metallic glass being another term for liquid metal, before adding explanations of why such a material would be chosen.Advantages, Instant began. Amorphous particle structure, better resistance to bending, deformation, and dents, strength and hardness are 2.5 times higher than titanium alloy, and glossiness is also better (basically close to the high-end feeling of stainless steel that you like). All very appealing. But in response to a question in the comments about whether screen creases (one of the main issues with current folding phones) can disappear with the use of this material, the leaker simply says impossible. So well have to wait to see how Apple solves that, which is said to be a priority.We dont currently expect the iPhone Fold to launch until 2027. For all the latest news and rumors, bookmark our regularly updated folding iPhone superguide.

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsAffordableBright screenHigh-quality design and workmanshipStrong performanceFast 5G and WLANImpressive battery lifeConsNo Apple IntelligenceGlossy displayHeavier and thicker than iPad Pro and AirLow USB-C data transfer rateLimited keyboard supportNo Stage ManagerOur Verdict Apples most affordable iPad models, such as the 9th- and 10th-gen iPads, have always been bestsellers. Thanks to perfectly adequate performance and sufficient storage space, this new model will also be a success. The lack of support for Apple Intelligence is a drawback, but there are plenty of alternatives from Google, OpenAI, and others that you can use to fill the AI gap in your life.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed399 EuroBest Prices Today: Apple iPad (A16)RetailerPrice385View Deal389View Deal389View Deal399View Deal380.9View Deal377.83View Deal377,90 View Deal380,90 View Deal380,90 View Deal389,00 View Deal389,99 View Deal389,99 View Deal410,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketThere are good reasons why Apples cheapest tablets, such as the 9th- and 10th-gen iPads, have been big sellers. In theory, Apples standard iPad models are designed primarily for educational institutions, but in reality, they offer everything most users want. Most of the time a basic iPad is completely sufficient.The last of these standard iPads, which came out in 2022, sold quite well despite its initially high price of $449. (It later dropped to a more palatable $349.) This model was the first in the line to have a more modern design, featuring a USB-C port and a Touch ID sensor in the power button, which brought it closer to the top models. But there were compromises too: buyers had to make do with an older chip and mediocre features.With the new 11th-gen iPad modelalso known as the iPad (A16)Apple has again cut corners compared to the iPad Air and Pro. For example, Apple has selected the low-cost A16 chip from the iPhone 15, which does not support Apple Intelligence but more on that later.iPad (A16) design & build quality: Tried and testedCar reviewers love to discuss quality feel, and in a similar way I got an intangible impression of excellence from the iPad. It just feels good. The casing is similar to that of the current iPad Air models, but a little thicker. This is due to the simpler unlaminated display, which takes up more space. The current iPad Pro 11-inch is only 5.3mm thick, whereas the iPad Air is 6.1mm and the iPad (A16) is 7mm. The weight is also slightly higher: this device is 17g heavier than the current 11-inch iPad Air.The color scheme underlines the fact that the target audience includes younger users. As before, you get a choice of blue, pink, yellow, and silver. Our sample was yellow: a very classy-looking shade of golden yellow. The colors are much stronger than those of the iPad Air models, which are more discreet and grown-up. Business users can choose neutral silver.Eugen WegmanniPad (A16) display: Sharp and (too) shinyThe resolution and color reproduction of the iPads screen are good, and at 500 nits its bright enough for working outdoors. Although it doesnt support the P3 color space offered by the Pro and Air models, this is irrelevant for most users. Its also worth noting that while Apple is referring to an 11-inch display for the first time on this line (the 10th-gen iPad is referred to on the companys website as having a 10.9-inch screen), the size and resolution are identical to its predecessor.The displays main weak point is its highly reflective surface. Although the screens of an iPad Air or mini are also reflective, the reflections are much stronger on the basic iPads. This quickly becomes annoying in unfavorable lighting conditions: if, for example, youre sitting next to a window or a lamp. However, these reflections dont bother all buyers and shouldnt be overstated. A truly matte display is only available on the iPad Pro, and this is not only expensive but also more susceptible to scratches.iPad (A16) specs: Useful upgradesWhen Apple announced this iPad, the big surprise was that it doesnt support Apple Intelligence. Its the only current iPadOS or iOS device not to be compatible with Apples AI platform.The iPad doesnt quite have the specs to run Apple Intelligence, but it does have some useful upgrades. The A14 chip in the 2022 iPad has been bumped to a faster A16 Bionic, which is a solid leap: the A14 was introduced with the iPhone 12, and the A16 in the iPhone 15. The available RAM also increases from 4 to 6GB.I suspect that the extra RAM in particular could be very useful when iPadOS 19 is released. The new operating system will have many new features and a new interface, and 4GB could quickly become insufficient. With the new iPad, you can be sure you wont have any performance problems for the next few years, even if you have to manage without Apple Intelligence. Youll also have to do without some functions such as Stage Manager.The storage capacity is also a real plus point: even the basic model offers 128GB, which is sufficient for most users. Versions with 256 and 512GB are also available. With the previous model, there was only a choice between 64GB (too little) and 256GB (too expensive).The audio quality of the stereo speakers, which are positioned at the top and bottom, is good. As in most areas, however, the iPad cannot quite keep up with the iPad Air and Pro.The volume is completely sufficient for YouTube or Apple TV and the sound quality is acceptable and significantly better than the 9th-gen iPad and earlier. Two microphones ensure good sound quality for Teams and similar.Eugen WegmanniPad (A16) features: Why no Apple Intelligence?Theres been a lot of speculation as to why Apple has left out its generative AI tools, but the company has so far declined to elaborate. I assume there were two reasons for this: Cupertino wanted to save as much money as possible on this model and not make the iPad too attractive. Its predecessor was one of the best-selling tablets on the market and certainly cannibalized the sales of the more profitable iPad Air.The A16 looks to be Apples new budget chip; its even being produced by TSMC for the first time in the US in Arizona, which means it avoids tariffs. Apple production costs are not known, but by choosing the A16 instead of something newer and more powerful, it should be possible to save several dollars per unit.In any case, the new iPads performance is perfectly adequate for education and business users, and some schools may actually prefer for their pupils not to have access to Apples AI text tools. Price is key in the education market; school budgets are tight and Apples iPad is in strong competition with Googles Chromebooks.The pill is pretty easy to swallow in any case because Apple Intelligences development is behind schedule and well probably have to wait until iPadOS 19 for the promised new AI version of Siri. Alternatives such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are available as apps.iPad (A16) performance: Fast enoughAs already mentioned, the iPad has the same chip as the iPhone 15, making it fast enough for most current apps and tasks such as image editing and video editing with iMovie. However, it lacks the multiprocessor performance of an M3 chip, which could become an issue if youre keen on games and more demanding video projects. In everyday use and when browsing the web, its primarily the single-CPU performance thats required, and youll struggle to notice a difference between this device and something with a faster chip.Surprisingly, the new iPad is even compatible with Final Cut Pro, whereas models with the M1 chip are not. However, some functions of the editing software are not supported.Its worth pointing out that the A16 chip in the iPad is slightly weaker than that of the iPhone 15. Here, we get a 5-core CPU and a 4-core GPU. By contrast, the iPhone 15 gets an A16 with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, so were losing a core in each department. Only the Neural Engine is the same, offering 16 cores in both iterations. This version of the A16 is presumably based on product binning, deliberately selecting chips with fewer functional cores at the production stage.In our speed benchmarks, single-core performanceimportant for apps and the webwas outstanding. The iPad Air M3 was just under 10 percent faster in the Speedometer and JetStream benchmarks. The iPad Air scored 33 points in Speedometer, while the iPad (A16) scored 29.7 points.The Geekbench 5 benchmark illustrates the iPads enhanced performance.FoundryTesting did however reveal some weaknesses in graphics performance which is no wonder, with only four cores in action. Whereas the iPad Air (M3) scored an excellent 46,007 points in the Geekbench 6 graphics benchmark, the iPad (A16) achieved less than half that, with 20,123 points. The iPhone 15 scored 22,589.In the demanding Wildlife Extreme test, the iPads score of 2,675 was significantly lower than the iPad Airs 6,446 and the iPhone 15s 3,013.More positively, overheating was not a problem for the iPad. In the 20-minute test using APSI Bench, performance was only reduced to 93.94 percent. With the much faster iPad Air (M3) the figure was 86.57 per cent.The iPad can handle high continuous load.IDGiPad (A16) accessories & connectivity: Some limitationsLike its predecessor, the iPad (A16) only supports the simpler Apple Pencil with USB-C and the first-gen Pencil. This could be because many schools have bought these input devices. However, this is annoying for owners who already have a second-gen Pencil or even a Pencil Pro. These accessories are simply not recognized.You can see the Smart Connector interface on the side, but its positioned differently from other iPads. Of Apples own iPad cases, only the Smart Folio cases and the bulky Magic Keyboard Folio are compatible. The latter is not cheap and offers a completely different concept to the elegant Magic Keyboards for iPad Pro and Air.Dont forget that you can also easily connect the iPad to a USB-C monitor. If you already have a mouse and keyboard attached to the monitor, you can start working immediately. Unfortunately, the display does not support the Stage Manager function, which is more convenient for this working mode. I felt the absence of a headphone output, but this has been missing since the 9th-gen iPad. On the plus side theres a USB-C port which, with the addition of a few inexpensive adapters and hubs, gives you a wide range of options such as SD cards, HDMI and audio.The USB-C port on the bottom is unfortunately slower than on other iPads. While the iPad Pro and Air can transfer data to an external SSD at high speed, this iPad offers only USB 2.0 speeds. When copying to an external SSD from LaCie, we measured 37 MB/s for a video file, and performance can be significantly slower when youre working with many small files. In contrast, the current iPad Air achieved just over 700 MB/s in our test.Apple has cut back a little on Wi-Fi support: the current iPad Air and Pro support the fast Wi-Fi 6E, while the iPad (A16) still has to make do with Wi-Fi 6. However, this is not a problem for most consumers who wont have a router with Wi-Fi 6E anyway.The models with mobile network support support 5G via eSIM. A physical SIM card is no longer supported.Eugen WegmanniPad (A16) battery life: Impressively long-lastingApple promises up to 10 hours of surfing the web on WiFi or watching video. Thats the same estimate as on the previous generation and every other iPad generation.Of course, we didnt take Apples word for it and ran our own tests. We let a TV show run on a continuous loop with the screen set to maximum brightness and True Tone disabled. (Apple uses a screen brightness of 50 percent for its measurements.) The 7,544mAh battery lasted for six hours and ten minutes, just like the 10th-gen iPad. It also lasted seven hours in our web surfing test at 50 percent brightness. These are very useful numbers overall. The iPad could probably only be a little more power-efficient if it was equipped with an OLED display.iPad (A16) camera: Little changeAs with the previous model, the front camera is positioned on the long edge, which is the optimal placement for video calls. Technically, nothing has changed here: its a 12MP camera with support for Center Stage, a brilliant feature that uses machine-learning technology to pan and zoom in and get the perfect shot during a FaceTime call or other videoconference.The rear camera is still 12MP. Light intensity and resolution are also moderate, with up to 5x digital zoom. Unfortunately, theres no flash, a function that is reserved for the Pro models.Video recordings are still possible at up to 4K and 60fps, and video image stabilization is also available.Should you buy the iPad (A16)?For $349/329, you get a first-class iPad with good performance and sufficient storage space. However, graphics performance is a weak point; there are better models for gamers. The iPad Air and Pro are superior in many areas and offer better displays, but they are very expensive. More casual users should also consider the elegant iPad mini, which offers a smaller but better display and higher performance and is often overlooked.The lack of support for Apple Intelligence is regrettable, but it will probably be another year before the function is fully developed. And in any case, ChatGPT and Gemini are available as standalone apps on the iPad so youre not missing out completely.

MacworldEven as Apple has released larger phones over the past several years, a subset of iPhone buyers are still holding out hope that one day Apple will again release an iPhone with a 5-inch screen. According to a new report, the day isnt going to come anytime soon.In a Live Q&A session for Bloomberg, well-known Apple leaker Mark Gurman answered a question about whether Apple is planning on releasing a new smaller iPhone, and he made it pretty clear that its not:Well see what the market tells Apple. Right now, theyre not working on a smaller iPhone. They really shifted away, theyre trying to make that roughly 6-inch display the base size, and theyre just trying to go bigger and bigger and bigger.Its not just the obvious changes from mini to Plus phones. Over the years, Apple has continued to boost the size of its larger ones. For example, the iPhone 11 Pro Max was 6.5 inches while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6.9 inches, and the iPhone 11 Pro was 5.8 inches while the iPhone 16 Pro is 6.3 inches. Similarly, the 6.1-inch iPhone 16e replaced the 4.7-inch iPhone SE earlier this year.Some Apple fans are still clamoring for a smaller phone, including Macworlds own Macalope, but Gurmans remarks make it clear that Apple has no plans for anything smaller than the current smallest iPhone, which is 6.1 inches: The bigger you go, the smaller the 6-inch phones feel.

MacworldThe MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro chip may not be the newest model out there, but its still a laptop we absolutely love. Especially when its on sale: B&H Photo is selling the M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro for $600 off right, bringing the price down to $1,399, lower than the entry-level M4 model and an amazing price point for this particularly powerful laptop.You wont just love everything the M3 Pro chip can do but also this laptops screen. Even though its on the smaller side, this is a Liquid Retina XDR screen with an impressive 30241964 resolution that delivers vivid colors and impressive contrast. Plus, the screen is bright enough to use comfortably even when outdoors.When we reviewed this 14-inch laptop, we fell in love with it, giving it a 4.5-star rating, appreciating its performance and how quiet it is. Plus, it comes with 18GB of memory, which is more than enough for all kinds of work, something that we definitely appreciated: The MacBook Pro M3 Pro proves to be a good work tool for everyday tasks. Its noticeably faster than the MacBook Pro M3the extra money you must pay to upgrade from the M3 to the M3 Pro is well-spent money, our review reads.Nows your chance to get yourself the M3 Pro MacBook Pro for $1,399 because this $600 discount at B&H wont be around forever.Snag a $600 discount on the M3 Pro MacBook Pro Buy now at B&H Photo

MacworldWhile its true that Macs are less likely to be attacked on the basis that there are fewer Macs than PCs, Mac users can be a very lucrative target and hence considered worth the effort. As a result Macs can get targeted by malware and viruses.Indeed, even Apples software chief Craig Federighi said (in the 2021 trial between Apple and Epic) that: Today, we have a level of malware on the Mac that we dont find acceptable. While his motive was to point out that there is a benefit to forcing iPhone and iPad users to only install apps via the iOS App Store, the point is that even Apple staff admit there are Mac viruses. (Heres What to do if you think your Mac has a virus.)Macs are generally safer than PCs though. This is partly because the Mac operating system is Unix-based and therefore more difficult to exploit, its also because Apple has such tight control over the hardware and software, and Macs are safer due to the various protections and security measures built into the Mac and the Mac operating system that makes Macs more difficult to exploit. But that doesnt mean you should believe your Mac impenetrable. Macs have been targeted by hackers and viruses and over the years Apple has had to get serious about the measures included in macOS to keep its users safe. In this article we will run through the various ways Apple keeps your Mac secure, and the things you can do to stay safe. For more advice about how to keep your Mac secure read our Mac security tips.Another thing to note is that the M-series chips that Apple started using in November 2020 are considered more secure than Intel processors. However, malware known as Silver Sparrow was found on the M1 Mac shortly after launch. How Apple protects your MacThere are various ways that Apple protects your Mac from malware and viruses as you will see if you read on. There are, of course, other things you can do to supplement these measures, such as running an antivirus software or using a VPN to encrypt your traffic. We have separate advice about the best antivirus for Mac and best VPN. You must also be cautious and not open mysterious emails or click on questionable linksyou might be sure you wouldnt do that, but could you be so sure that your parents wouldnt?Luckily there are protections baked into a Mac that should mean that even the least tech-savvy people are protected. Well outline them below. Apple antivirusGatekeeper and XProtect are one of the barriers that malware has to cross to get onto your Mac On the software side, macOS includes its own antivirus software built in. XProtect detects and blocks any known malware. Apple monitors for new malware infections and updates XProtect regularly. XProtect will check for malware when an app is first launched and if it has been changed. If XProtect detects malware it will block the software and remove it.In addition to the protection offered by XProtect is Gatekeeper. Gatekeeper is a feature of macOS that is designed to stop users from installing malware in the first place. Gatekeeper checks that any app you download from the internet has been verified by Apple and checked for malicious code. If the app is considered a risk Gatekeeper will stop you from installing it. For more advice about downloading and installing apps read: How to install apps on the MacIntego Mac Internet Security X9Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:39,99 Euro im ersten JahrBest Prices Today:39,99 at IntegoGatekeeper isnt infallible, it has been bypassed in the past, and XProtect isnt always right up to date, so malware has slipped through. But both offer a level of protection that should give you peace of mind.If you want an extra layer of protection our top recommendation in our best antivirus for Mac round-up is Intego Mac Internet Security.Software and security updatesApple ensures that security updates are pushed out to Macs regularly so it is important to keep your Mac software up to date. However, only the past three versions of macOS are supported with security updates. In spring 2025, Apple only supports macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma and macOS Ventura with security updates. this will change in September, when the launch of the next version of macOS will mean that Ventura loses its support. This means that the oldest Macs supported right now are from 2017, and in some cases, 2018and come September 2025, when Apple updates macOS, those Macs will no longer be supported. This means that if your Mac dates from 2018 it may not be safe to use in the near future. Apple makes this easy by making it possible for your Mac to update automatically, so you dont need to do anything. To set your Mac to check for updates and update software automatically follow these steps:Open System Settings.Click General.Click Software Update.Make sure that Automatic Updates are On.To ensure that background updates are applied as soon as they are issued by Apple Install Security Responses and System Files should also be selected (click on the i to see these options). Your Mac can automatically check for updates and even install security updates without you needing to do anythingFoundryThis should mean that the software is downloaded to your Mac when issued by Apple. You will still need to restart your Mac to install a normal software update update, however, some security updates can be pushed to your Mac by Apple and installed as background updates without requiring you to restart. Rapid Security Responses take this a step further and will speed up the delivery of security fixes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple introduced this feature in macOS Ventura 13.2 (and iOS 16.3). Now, when you restart a Mac, any Rapid Security Responses will be instantly applied. Approaching security updates in this way means Apple can issue them faster without them being part of a wider update. App protectionsIf you want to be confident that every app you install is safe, it is wise to stick to apps on the Mac App Store. Every Mac App Store app has been reviewed by Apple, so you can be confident that it will not pose a risk. In fact, Apple goes a step further by ensuring that apps are upfront about how they are using your data, so you can be sure that there is no risk that any of your information will be shared with anyone without your knowledge.But even apps that you dont install from the Mac App Store will be checked by Apple before you can install them thats the purpose of Gatekeeper, which we mentioned above. Gatekeeper checks the developer is verified by Apple and checks the file for malware and malicious code. There may be times when you want to open a Mac app from an unidentified developer, you should exercise caution if this is the case. Another reason to choose App Store apps over others is that all apps sold via the Mac App Store must work with sandboxing. The sandbox restricts the access apps have to a Macs resources and data. Since macOS 10.15 Catalina launched in 2019 all Mac apps need to be notarized by Apple to launch, in addition, it is now a requirement for all Mac apps to get your permission to access your files whether they are on your Mac, in iCloudDrive or on an external volume. The macOS will also ask for your permission before an app is able to access the camera or microphone, or log what you type, for example.Safe surfing The above is designed to protect you from rogue apps, but the biggest threats can be from phishing emails, websites and services you might use online.Apples web browser, Safari also offers various ways of protecting you online. Safari will warn you if a website is suspicious and will prevent it from opening. Every web page is loaded as a separate process in a separate tab so if there is a problem it will be possible to close that tab without Safari itself crashing.Another way Apple protects Mac users is by keeping Flash off Macs. Flash is one of the most common means of malware getting onto computers. Apple stopped preinstalling Flash with Safari back in 2010. Following that the only way of adding Flash was for users to install it themselves which meant that people got used to living without it. In early 2020 Apple stopped supporting Flash and in 31 December 2020 even Flash developer Adobe stopped supporting Flash. JavaScript also brings a number of vulnerabilities. It is easy to disable JavaScript in Safari. Just click on Safari > Preferences > Security > and deselect the box beside Enable JavaScript. Note that if you do this some visuals on the internet may stop displaying, if that becomes an issue reapply it.As well as protecting your security online Apple also protects your privacy. For example, Apple uses Intelligent Tracking Prevention to stop advertisers tracking users around the web. Users can see a Privacy Report, including details of all the cross-site trackers Apple has stopped from profiling you.Lockdown ModeThis is a new layer of security that arrived in macOS Ventura that helps when confronted with a cyber attack. You can use it to increase your Macs defenses and apply strict limits so that the attacker cant exploit you. Read about how to turn on Lockdown Mode on your Mac or iPhone. To turn it on follow these steps: Go to System Settings. Choose Privacy & Security. Click Turn On next to the Lockdown Mode label.Enter your administrator password. Click Turn On & Restart. When you believe the danger has passed, you can disable Lockdown Mode and restart again.Password protectionsApple also monitors your passwords, helping you change them to a more secure option, suggesting strong passwords, and youll even see an alert if Apple believes your password is involved in a data breach.On that note, Apple also offers iCloud Keychain, a password management system that works across all your Apple devices so that you can log into software and services on any of your devices without having to remember individual passwords and login details. The benefit of this is that you can have strong rather than memorable passwords (which Apple can generate on your behalf). All your passwords are locked away behind your main password, which is protected by two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.Another way Apple helps to protect you is with Passkeys, which arrived in macOS Ventura and iOS 16 as an easier and safer way to sign in. Passkeys are safer because there is no password that could be leaked and everything is end-to-end encrypted. A specific passkey is generated for any site or service, and then stored on your device and in your iCloud Keychain so you have access on your other Apple devices. You just use your Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate. Read: How to use the new Passkeys on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.1PasswordRead our reviewPrice When Reviewed:33,61 Euro pro JahrBest Prices Today:33,61 at 1PasswordIn macOS Sequoia Apple gave passwords even more attention with the arrival of the Passwords app. This is an evolution of iCloud Keychain, where all passwords are currently stored and unlocked with a master password. The new Password app will just make the management of these passwords a bit easier. There are other Password Managers that you might also want to consider, such as 1Password. Built-in hardware protectionsFor software to be secure, it must rest on hardware that has security built in says Apple. This highlights the main benefit of Macs: Apple makes the software and the hardware and therefore controls every aspect of the machine. This is a key reason why Macs are more secure than PCs.Apple builds protection into the Mac hardware. This is particularly true of the Macs with Apples M-series of chips. The M1 system on chip, introduced in November 2020, and all other M-series chips since, have a built-in Secure Enclave that protects your login password and automatically encrypts your data. But even Intel-powered Macs with the T1 or T2 security chip can encrypt storage and offer secure boot, for example.The Secure Enclave is dedicated to security functions and, because its separate silicon to the main chip, it minimizes the attack surface so any malware cant do as much damage. Within this separate silicon is the Boot ROM (so your Mac can boot securely) and AES hardware that encrypts files as they are written. Your face and fingerprint data from Face ID and Touch ID are also kept in this Secure Enclave. AppleiCloud Private Relay (almost a VPN)iCloud Private Relay isnt available to all, its part of an iCloud+ subscription, but it can protect your privacy when you browse the web in Safari. It arrived in iOS 15. We cover iCloud Private Relay in detail in our iCloud Private Relay Q&A, but in summary, with Private Relay enabled, all of your browsing activity in Safari is routed through Apples proxy server and encrypted so your ISP cant see your web browsing. Its a little like a VPN, but not quite. There are a lot of reasons why a VPN is a better option. Apples solution only works in Safari and it cant hide the region you are connecting from (a key reason why people use VPNs). NordVPNRead our reviewBest Prices Today:3,69 at NordVPNIf you would like to use a VPN on your Mac take a look at our best VPN round-up, our top choice is NordVPN. macOS FirewallA firewall can add an extra layer of security, protecting you when connected to the internet or an untrusted network. Luckily your Mac has one that you can turn on. Heres how to turn on the Firewall on a MacOpen System SettingsClick NetworkClick FirewallClick on the slider to turn it on. If you want to specify additional security settings click on Options. You can set up a Firewall to protect your dataFoundryPre Ventura (note Macs not running Ventura will not be getting security updates).Click the Firewall tab in the System Preferences > Security & Privacy pane.Click the padlock icon at the bottom left to unlock system settings (youll need to type your login password when prompted).Click the Turn On Firewall button.Then click the Firewall Options button and, in the dialog box that appears, click the Enable Stealth Mode box. This last step means your computer will be largely invisible on public networks, such as shared Wi-Fi in a cafe.In the Firewall tab, click Firewall Options to make changes. Here, youll see a list of apps and services which are able to receive inbound connections. To add one to the list, if, say you try to run an app and it displays an error telling you it has been prevented from accepting an inbound connection, click the + beneath the list.Its important to note that macOSs Firewall, while useful, offers only limited protection from malware. Thats because it shields you from inbound traffic only. Its job is to limit which apps and services can accept incoming connections. It doesnt provide any control over outbound connections i.e. apps and services that initiate connections. So, for example, if you download a piece of malware, macOSs Firewall wont stop it from connecting to the internet.Some people choose to block outgoing network connections too so that certain apps cant phone home without their knowledge. This also means accidentally installed malware is unable to leak your data without you being made aware.However, macOS offers no built-in way of blocking outgoing connections. Luckily third-party apps likeLittle Snitch, or an outbound firewall found in anti-malware tools from the likes ofIntego,SophosandNorton, will do the job with aplomb.There may be times when you need to allow some apps and services access through the firewall, more on how to do that here: How to open specific ports in Mac firewall.FileVault Apple offers FileVault as a way to encrypt your data (and keep it safe if your Mac is taken or someone gains access to it). If your Mac has an M-series chip this encryption goes a step further and uses specific hardware to protect your login details. We explain How to encrypt your Mac with FileVault 2 in a separate article, but youll find the settings over in System Settings > Privacy & Security in Ventura.Just remember that you will need to use your login password or a recovery key to gain access to your data, so there is a risk you will lose your data without one of these. Find My & Activation Lock Apple also has other technologies to assist you if your Mac is stolen, from Find My which enables you to track, and potentially locate your lost Mac, and wipe it so that your data cant fall into the wrong hands. The Macs with the T2 chip and M1 Macs also offer Activation Lock, a feature of Find My, to remotely lock your Mac so that only you are able to use it.The Touch ID fingerprint scanner available on some Macs also adds another layer of security. It can be used to unlock your Mac, to log onto software and services, and for Apple Pay.Thus Apple protects your Mac if it is stolen, or if someone with malicious intent gains access to it. Apple also protects you from malicious software, and gives you a say over whether you data is accessible and control over how it is used. If your Mac has an M-series chip, or the T2 security chip which is found in some Intel Macs, you can use Activation Lock so that if you lose your Mac, or it is stollen, only you can erase and reactivate it. All of these measures help to make the Mac much safer than a PC, but there are other things you can do to protect yourself further and we will run through these here: 10 ways to protect your Mac from malware and viruses.

MacworldOpening Day is Thursday, March 27, and Apple TV+s Friday Night Baseball weekly of Major League Baseball doubleheaders has returned. As with last season, an Apple TV+ subscription is required to watch the games, but there are lots of ways to get Apple TV+ for free.Updated March 26, 2025: The fourth season of Friday Night Baseball will begin Friday, March 28, 2025.Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball: ScheduleApple has posted theFriday Night Baseball schedule through June. The two games will air on separate streams, so if games overlap, youll be able to watch both at the same time using the multiview feature on Apple TV 4K devices. These are the upcoming games on the schedule:Friday, March 28Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays7:00 p.m. ETNew York Mets at Houston Astros8:00 p.m. ETFriday, April 4Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies6:30 p.m. ETTampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers8:00 p.m. ETFriday, April 11Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds6:30 p.m. ETDetroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins8:00 p.m. ETFriday, April 18Minnesota Twins at Atlanta Braves7:00 p.m. ETSeattle Mariners at Toronto Blue Jays7:00 p.m. ETFriday, April 25Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Guardians7:00 p.m. ETTexas Rangers at San Francisco Giants10:00 p.m. ETFriday, May 2San Diego Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates6:30 p.m. ETChicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers8:00 p.m. ETFriday, May 9St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals6:30 p.m. ETSan Francisco Giants at Minnesota Twins8:00 p.m. ETFriday, May 16Houston Astros at Texas Rangers8:00 p.m. ETSeattle Mariners at San Diego Padres9:30 p.m. ETFriday, May 23Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets7:00 p.m. ETArizona Diamondbacks at St. Louis Cardinals8:00 p.m. ETFriday, May 30Boston Red Sox at Atlanta Braves7:00 p.m. ETNew York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers10:00 p.m. ETFriday, June 6Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds7:00 p.m. ETChicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers7:00 p.m. ETFriday, June 13Los Angeles Angels at Baltimore Orioles7:00 p.m. ETSan Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks9:30 p.m. ETFriday, June 20New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies7:00 p.m. ETKansas City Royals at San Diego Padres9:30 pm. ETFriday, June 27Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles7:00 p.m. ETSt. Louis Cardinals at Cleveland Guardians7:00 p.m. ETApple TV+ Friday Night Baseball: How to watchFriday Night Baseball requires an Apple TV+ subscription. AnApple TV+ subscription costs $9.99/9.99per month, and there are numerous ways toget Apple TV+ for freefor a few months. You can also sign up forApple One, which is a package of Apple services that includes Apple TV+. The prices for Apple One range from $19.95/19.95 per month for an individual plan to $37.95/37.95 per month for family plans.Once you have an Apple TV+ subscription, heres how to watch Friday Night Baseball.On Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro:Friday Night Baseball will be available through the TV app. Click on the Originals tab and then scroll down to Major League Baseball.On Apple TV 4K and HD:Go to the Sports tab and scroll down to Major League Baseball. From there, you can see the schedule and add games to your Up Next queue.On the web:Apple TV+ is available through a browser attv.apple.com. If Friday Night Baseball isnt appearing in the marquee spot at the top of the page, scroll down and look for the Major League Baseball section. On a smart TV or set-top box:Many smart TVs and set-top boxes come with the Apple TV app installed. If not, you can search for it through the App Store on your device (Amazon, Google, Roku, etc.). If you cant find the Apple TV app, check your device for a software update.If you have a business in the U.S., Friday Night Baseball will be available on DirectTV for Business, which caters to bars, restaurants, and other venues. In Canada, Friday Night Baseball will be available through several different providers.Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball: Where to watchFriday Night Baseball games are available in 60 countries and regions, including:AustraliaBrazilCanadaColumbiaDominican RepublicGermanyItalyJapanMexicoPuerto RicoSouth KoreaUnited KingdomUnited StatesBesides the games, Apple offers baseball shows that are available only in the U.S. and Canada. Those shows include MLB Big Inning, Countdown to First Pitch,MLB Daily Recap, andMLB This Week.Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball: Streaming qualityWhile games will not be shown in 4K, Apple announced that game broadcasts will employ state-of-the-art cameras, including high-speed Phantoms, the high-resolution Megalodon, and more throughout the season to present vivid, live-action shots. Additionally, audio will be presented in 5.1 with spatial audio enabled. Friday Night Baseball will also use new on-screen graphics that include innovative new probabilities-based forecasts of different situational outcomes, plus highlights and live look-ins from around the league integrated right into the broadcast, according to Apple.Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball: Vision Pro Immersive Video While baseball fans subscribing to MLB.TV can enjoy a fully immersive, three-dimensional viewing environment within a digitally rendered MLB ballpark with interactive statistics, play-by-play and other features that can be fully controlled by the user, including enhanced data visualizations powered by Statcast, Apple has yet to implement any Immersive Video for watching Friday Night Baseball on Vision Pro. Apple previewed MLB games during its demos of VIsion Pro, however, so they may be coming later this season.Fight for Glory: 2024 World SeriesAlso on March 28, Apple TV+ will debut Fight For Glory: 2024 World Series, the first all-access docuseries exploring the dramatic, high-stakes world of the World Series where the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers battle to capture the most storied trophy in American sports. The three-part documentary was directed by R.J. Cutler and produced in partnership with MLB. Apple TV+: How to listen to home team audioAfter getting a lot of criticism for its broadcasters last season, Apple switched up its broadcasters this year with a new team including Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Dontrelle Willis (analyst), Heidi Watney (sideline reporter), Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst), and Tricia Whitaker (sideline reporter). But fans in the U.S. and Canada (only Blue Jays games) also have the option to listen to the audio of the home and away teams local radio broadcasts during Friday Night Baseball games.To find it, click, the three-dot button on iPhone and iPad or the sound icon on Mac and Apple TV, then select audio and change to the home or away broadcast.Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball: Expanded coverageApple announced that the games will include pre- and post-game coverage hosted by Lauren Gardner with a rotating group of analysts and former players, including Carlos Pea, Cliff Floyd, and Yonder Alonso. For the third straight season, Friday Night Baseball games will be called by three-member broadcast teams Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Dontrelle Willis (analyst), and Heidi Watney (sideline reporter)l and Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst), and Tricia Whitaker (sideline reporter).The broadcast teams are all MLB Network personalities, and Apple is relying on the MLB Network for its telecast production. In a press release, Apple stated that the production involves high-speed Phantom and high-resolution Megalodon cameras, immersive sound in 5.1 with spatial audio enabled, new on-screen graphics that include probabilities-based forecasts, and highlights and live look-ins from around the league integrated right into the broadcast. Games also display on-screen callouts about batters walk-up songs from Apple Music, Siri-based baseball trivia, and more.Apple will also offer shows with more baseball coverage. On Thursdays, Countdown to First Pitch previews the weeks upcoming games. Every morning, MLB Daily Recap shows highlightsfrom the previous night. Every weeknight, MLB Big Inning, features highlights and coverage of the games in progress. In the U.S. and Canada, viewers can watch a live stream of highlights, analysis, classic games and shows, and more, in addition to on-demand programming. However, access to this content will require an Apple TV+ subscription.MLB in Apple News and Apple MusicOn Fridays, Apple News will have curated highlights and stories from around MLB, and you can get personalized MLBhighlights in the News app.Apple Music has playlists of batters walk-up songs from teams featured on Friday Night Baseball. There are also collections of songs with the theme of baseball.

MacworldThe Apple Watch does it alluntil the battery taps out before you even get home for the day. Instead of committing to a life of carrying around your charging block and cable, many people are grabbing these Apple Watch keychain chargers now $35 off for a limited time.You charge it up, attach the carabiner to your keyring, and throw your watch on whenever it dies at the most inconvenient time possible. Its strong magnetic attachment holds onto any series of the Apple Watch tightly, so you can go about your business without the stress of it popping off.The portable Apple Watch charger has a 950mAh battery capacity, meaning it can charge your smartwatch about two times, depending on the exact model you have. Check the charging status using the four LED lights. You can also charge your watch while the gadget charges if the need arises.You only have a few days left to get this Apple Watch travel charger on a keychain for $14.97 (reg. $49.95), so dont wait. No coupon is needed to get this price.Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain $14.97See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.

MacworldAbout 45% of respondents in one survey said they put learning a new language on their New Years resolution listdid you do the same this year? If so, were checking to see how those Duolingo lessons have been going. Tired of learningrandom words and phrases? Youll want to check out thislanguage-learning app.Meet Babbel, the app that makes language learning both funand functional. You can grab lifetime access to this App Store favorite for only$124.99 (reg. $599) through March 31 with our codeLEARN. Thats the lowest price online.Unlike the boring, long language lessons you took in high school, Babbel makes the process so much more manageable. How? You only need 10-15 minutes of your day tokeep up with your language learning since Babbels lessons are short, engaging, and practical. Just begin by choosing one of its 14 lessons.Imagine being able to ask for restaurant recommendations in French or ask the locals what the best surfing spots are in Indonesianthat could be in your future after studying your new language with Babbel. You can evenperfect your accent with Babbels speech recognition technology, whether youre learning French, Danish, Indonesian, or Spanish.You only have until March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT to use codeLEARN at checkout to grab thisBabbel lifetime subscription at the unbeatable price of $124.99.Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)Only $124.99 at MacworldStackSocial prices subject to change.

MacworldSeverance, the Apple TV+ show thats being hailed as one of the best TV shows around, wrapped up its second season last week. But Apple isnt content with just letting the season end and leaving us waiting for a third season. Apple seemingly wants to prolong its time in the spotlight by releasing a Behind the Sceneserr, I mean, Behind the Mac video about the production of the show, specifically, editing.Apple really wants you to see this video, so much so that theyre promoting it in the Mac section of Apple.com. Click on that link, and youll see a New Lumon Terminal Pro, the computers that sit on the desks of the Lumon offices in the show. Below the computer is a blue button that opens the video. The Lumon Terminal Pro is also listed alongside the MacBook Air as a New Mac but sadly you cant preorder one.The 12-minute video offers an interesting insight into the editing process for 83 terabytes of footage and how particular screens were handled for the showthe whole video is a spoiler for season two if you havent watched it yet. The editors worked on the Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro, but they did not use Apples Final Cut Pro, they used Avid Pro Tools, which is considered the standard in Hollywood video production. The video is on Apples website and YouTube above.

MacworldBack in December 2023, Porsche and Aston Martin gave us all hope for the stalled next-gen CarPlay project. As reported by Car and Driver magazine, the luxury carmakers previewed a custom CarPlay system for future car models. Over a year later, we still dont know when theyre going to start rolling off the lot.Porsche has announced an updated Porsche Communication Management system for its 2026 911, Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne model series, and Apples next-gen CarPlay is nowhere to be found. Porsche describes the system as more responsive and smarter, including built-in support for Amazons Alexa assistant. Similar to CarPlay, which is still supported, the Porsche Communication Management system also offers direct access to a large number of apps from different categories.While the press release doesnt specifically call out next-gen CarPlay, its clear that Porsches new system isnt the one described by Car and Driver. That design features background wallpaper that mimics the brands distinct houndstooth (or Pepita in Porsche-speak) seat pattern. The system described here is for infotainment rather than a full dashboard takeover.The next generation of CarPlay, as Apple describes it, ensures a cohesive design experience that is the very best of your car and your iPhone with designs for each automaker that express your vehicles character and brand. It will control vehicle functions like air conditioning and radio and offer full personalization options for each manufacturer.Apple has yet to officially announce any partnerships for next-gen CarPlay.

MacworldI enjoy cooking, when I have the time (cleaning up, not so much). So when I heard about this new Food section coming to Apple News+ in iOS and iPadOS 18.4, I couldnt wait to try it out.Now that Ive kicked the tires a little bit, Im happy to report that I love it! Also, I hate it. Its a combination of fantastic design decisions and a highly usable interface together with a raft of missing features one should really expect from a cooking app. Apple is so close to having a fantastic feature for home cooksif it would only address a few obvious shortcomings.Meat and potatoesFor the most part, the Food section gets the core experience right. It starts by highlighting food article picks from Apple editors, which is to be expected from a section of the News app, but you have easy access to the recipe catalog and saved recipes.There are useful broad categories (vegetarian, < 30 minutes, dessert, etc.) and a search for recipe names. The recipes all come from notable publications like Epicurious, Bon Apptit, Serious Eats, and Taste of Home.Once a recipe is opened, the story behind the food can be accessed by clicking the Read the story link, mercifully leaving only the recipe front and center. Ingredients within the recipe directions are in bold, and you can tap on them for a little popup showing the amount. Times are highlighted linkstap them to set a timer for that amount of time, already labeled for the step youre on.The cooking mode view is easy to read from a distance.FoundryTheres a Cook button that takes you to a large-type interface that looks very much like the lyrics view in Apple Music. Its readable from a distance even when your iPhone/iPad is across the kitchen. One can imagine this as the cooking interface for the rumored HomePad device.So far, so good. So why do I think Im not going to actually use this great new service for cooking? Its missing a few important things.Half-bakedLets start with the biggest usability problem: Getting to the Food section. Rather than a standalone app, its part of the News app, which is unintuitive when youre thinking about a cooking companion. Theres no obvious Food section once you open itits not even in the News+ navigation tab. You have to go to Following, then tap the Food category (or Saved Recipes), which is given no hierarchical difference over other sections. Its not bold or larger or a button, its just an item in a list.Once there, its another tap to open the recipe catalog or one of your saved recipes, because Im not in the kitchen to read an article in the New Yorker about Ed Zitron eating stir-fried chicken prepared by robot chefs. That stuff should be left in the Today and News+ sections. There is a shortcut to the Food section by long pressing on the News app icon, but lets face it, hardly anyone uses those long-press app icon menus.I get that its the News app, but putting articles front-and-center and recipes in a menu feels backward.FoundryThe ingredient list is clear, but when you tap on one of them, it just greys out. What does that mean? Is that an indication that I have that ingredient ready? That I dont have it? There should be more claritycheckmarks and the like. I use the excellent shopping list in Reminders to manage my grocery list, and it feels weird that I cant add an ingredient, or a whole recipe of them, to my shopping list from here.Searching is inconsistent too. A search for bread crumbs, for example, finds recipes with bread crumbs in the title but not all recipes that use bread crumbs as an ingredient. And Siri doesnt know about any of this. It wont open a recipe by name, wont open types of recipes by category, and wont even jump to the Food section at all. Add it to the long list of ways Siri is awful.You also cant adjust proportions. Recipes have a yield label showing how many servings it produces, but the ability to tap that and adjust it, and have the ingredients adjust accordingly, is a table-stakes feature of cooking apps.Finally, theres no way to print a recipe, save it as a PDF, or any other way to get it out of the app. Sharing appears to be limited to sending links. Its understandable that a paywalled digital feature would limit easy digital sharing, but a lot of cooks like to use hard copies in the kitchen, for scribbling notes or just to touch without fear of gumming up their gadgets. Plus recipes arent original or exclusive and can easily be found online.Low-hanging fruitThe new Food feature in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 has a lot going for it. The recipe selection is a little limited right now (there are only 13 vegan recipes and one is limeade), but that will simply grow naturally over time.You can jump to the Food section from the long-press menu, but there should be a more obvious and easy way.FoundryApple seems to have put a lot of thought into making recipes easy to follow while in the kitchen, but there are enough friction points elsewhere that I dont think Ill end up using it much. Just these five simple changes Apple could make to the Food experience in a coming release or iOS 19) would improve the experience.Make it easier to get to with a one-tap, top-level navigation option in the News app.Add support for macOS. Sometimes I have my laptop in the kitchen, which can hold its screen up without a stand!Let us change the number of servings to adjust the ingredients.Add nutritional info or at least calorie content.Let us add ingredients directly to our shopping list in Reminders.I can think of a dozen other ways Apple could improve the experience, most of which would probably be better suited to pulling this Food stuff out of the News app. Videos for some recipe steps, for example.But even stuffed ingloriously into the back corner of the News app, the new Food experience is an almost-great new feature that falls just short of being truly useful. It would only take a few changes to get it there.

MacworldThe iPhones and Macs we use today arent mere smartphones and desktop computerstheyre the fruit of decades worth of research and testing behind the scenes at Apple HQ. Like most corporations in this field, Apple spends large sums of money trialing all sorts of wild and innovative prototypes. Naturally, many of these experiments never make it to the consumer market and instead act as lessons or even foundations for future devices. While there are numerous unreleased products concealed in Apples secret basement, here are six notable products Apple developed that never saw the light of dayand one that might top the list soon.1. Apple CarThe most recent instance of a product that failed to get out the door is Apples self-driving car project. For many years, the company was rumored to be working on a self-driving vehicle dubbed Project Titan that integrates seamlessly with its ecosystem. The electric automobile couldve potentially featured a CarPlay-like dashboard interface and relied on advanced sensors utilizing the power of four M2 Ultra chipsets to detect surrounding objects. Apple reportedly poured more than a billion dollars into researching it over the span of a decade, and thousands of employees were involved in its development.A year ago, Apple reportedly killed the car project and decided to reallocate its resources to develop artificial intelligence technology. Given the intense competition in AI right nowand presumably due to the challenging, complex nature of releasing an autonomous vehicle that matches Apples high standardspivoting away from a car makes more sense for the company. Additionally, Apple never referenced the car publicly or made any relevant promises it couldnt keep. As a result, the firm didnt face any significant user backlash for discontinuing it.2. AirPowerWhile most unreleased Apple products were never officially unveiled to the public, Apples Airpower charging mat was one instance where a promised device was teased during a keynote only to be axed before its launch.First previewed during the iPhone launch event in 2017, AirPower was supposed to act as a multipurpose wireless charging mat capable of charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods case simultaneously. This futuristic vision, however, was riddled with technological obstacles that made executing it unfeasible.AirPower was hailed as the next big thing in charging but Apple quietly killed it before it hit shelves.AppleFor starters, Apple had to internally distribute coils all over the mat, as Qi wireless charging requires precise coil alignment to work. This wouldve allowed users to place their iPhones anywhere on AirPower rather than positioning them in a very specific spot. Another hurdle was the Apple Watchs proprietary wireless charging standard, which, for reasons unknown, is incompatible with Qi. Consequently, the company had to stack two layers of charging tech in a thin matreportedly causing unmanageable overheating issues.While Apple officially declared it wont release the AirPower in 2019, its vision lived on. In 2020, the company launched the foldable MagSafe Duo Charger, bundling a MagSafe pad and an Apple Watch charging puck. However, that was discontinued in 2023 due to its high price, dubious hinge, and lack of support for fast Apple Watch charging and the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max.3. Magic ChargerAnother official charging accessory that never saw the light of day is the Magic Charger. Unlike AirPower, Apple never unveiled this gadget publicly, but a collector who came across a prototype shed light on the accessory in 2022.The Magic Charger basically integrated a flexible MagSafe pad into a metallic stand. Like the MagSafe Duo Charger, users wouldve been able to attach an iPhone to a flat surface or stand it vertically by folding it. Its unclear why Apple never released the accessory, especially given its practicality and the lack of major engineering obstacles. It wouldve complemented the StandBy feature introduced with iOS 17.Apples Magic Charger is the portable MagSage stand we always wanted.@TheBlueMister4. PaladinWay back in 1995, Apple was reportedly working on an all-in-one device for small businesses. The Paladin was designed to function as a computer, fax machine, scanner, and phone. The device wouldve let business owners do all of their productivity tasks with a single device.The Paladin could have done for offices what the iMac did for boxy PCs.Jim Abeles/FlickrApple Paladin reportedly ran software dubbed Complete Office, letting users switch between its various modes with the click of a button. This would cause the interface to change depending on whether the fax or computing functions were in use. While Paladin had a basic monochrome LCD, it reportedly supported external, full-color displays through a dedicated port. It would have been revolutionary back in the 90s but alas it never saw the light of day.5. PowerBook G5During the early 2000s, Apple was heavily rumored to be working on a PowerBook G5 laptop to succeed the popular G4 model. That never came to fruition, though. Instead, Apple released its first MacBook Pro in 2006 withIntel Core 2Duo processors, marking a shift in its laptop branding and design. Two years later, the iconic MacBook Air followed, offering users balanced power in a competitively sleek and timeless design.The PowerBook G5 was the rumored successor to the PowerBook G4 (left) but Apple released the MacBook Pro instead.Foundry6. iPod phoneBefore releasing the original iPhone, Apple seemingly explored an iPod phone. Building on the success of its portable music player, the company is rumored to have considered adding a cellular modem to the iPod design. However, the Click Wheel input made dialing phone numbers unintuitive, and as a result, it never made it out of the R&D stage. Interestingly, during the unveiling of the first-generation iPhone, Steve Jobs humorously previewed a mockup of a click-wheel-equipped phone, portraying its ridiculousness and impracticalitywith a wink to the rumors that were circulating at the time.The iPod phone make an appearance in the keynote to announce the original iPhone.AppleWill Siri 2.0 join the list?Of all the items on this list, only one, the AirPower charging mat, was actually announced. Apple doesnt typically unveil new products until theyre ready to ship, a policy that gives Apple the time and space it needs to perfect them while also maintaining its credibility and users trust.During last years WWDC, Apple promised that iOS 18 would bring a massive Siri update, giving it awareness of on-screen content, work within third-party apps, and fetch personal data from various parts of the systemsuch as emails and messages. There was even an ad campaign, but earlier this month, Apple delayed the upgraded Siri until the coming year, suggesting it might not arrive until iOS 19 in 2026.It gets worse: A recent report even suggested the new Siri is so far behind, that Apple might have to rebuild the project from scratch. Given the sensitivity of user data and how unpredictable AI can be, Apple is evidently struggling to build an assistant that can reliably and securely perform the promised tasks. If Siri 2.0 is back to square one, what guarantees that things will be any different a year from now?The delays are bad enough, but failing to deliver Siri 2.0 will be a much bigger hit on Apples reputation than AirPower, especially when considering Googles and other rivals advances in AI. Siri is already lagging behind its peers, and a failure to deliver on its promises for a smarter and more aware assistant could be Apples biggest failure ever.

MacworldAmazons Big Spring Sale event is dropping prices left and right, including one of our favorite MacBook Pro configurations. Amazon is selling the 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage and 24GB of RAM for $2,199, a savings of $300 and the best price weve ever seen.The laptop comes with an excellent M4 Pro chip, 512GB of storage, and 24GB of memory. Even though its the entry-level option for the 16-inch model, its still a fantastic machine with an excellent set of specs perfect for anyone. When we reviewed the M4 Pro MacBook Pro, we gave it a 4.5-star rating and loved just about everything about it, from its excellent performance to the Thunderbolt 5 ports and the 12MP CenterStage FaceTime camera. Even though our unit had a bit more juice with the 48GB memory, our opinion stands: Its an incredible machine with a gorgeous screen and tremendous power.Whether youre a high-end video creator, a professional coder, or just want a high-end laptop thatll last for years, this MacBook Pro is a fantastic machine at a great price, the very best price weve seen for this laptop. So go grab one before Amazons Big Spring Sale bounces away.The 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro is $300 offBuy now at Amazon

MacworldVision Pro has been a flop, plain and simple. By most accounts, it is not even close to meeting Apples own meager internal sales expectations. And worse, it is out of the public consciousness entirely, to where even Apple fans often forget about it.Better, cheaper hardware is one way to breathe more life into spatial computing, but since thats not coming soon, Apple needs to double down on software. VisionOS 2 felt like visionOS 1.4 than a major step up, probably because it came so soon after the headsets release.VisionOS 3, which will be announced at WWDC on June 9 and released later this year, is the first real opportunity for Apple to fully address feedback from actual customers and developers. If they want us to start strapping on the headset every day, these are some of the things we want to see.Work smarterMy biggest issue with the Vision Pro is that its just bad at anything that isnt 3D video or mildly interactive entertainment. When it comes to productivity, and that includes not just business spreadsheets but also taking notes, managing my calendar, or researching which coffee grinder to buy, its awful.Its difficult to run multiple apps at the same time without difficult context-switching between them, and the windows all take up way too much space. Entering text is slow and painful. You can hunt and peck with your eyes on a virtual keyboard or use voice transcription, which never works as well as it should. Of course, you can always use a Bluetooth keyboard, but moving your hands between interacting with the visionOS interface and down to the keyboard is tiresome. And the video passthrough struggles enough in low light that it can be hard to see your keyboard clearly.Why not add a follow option here to make windows follow the user?FoundryObviously, this isnt an easy problem to solve, but its pretty damning that the best way to be productive with your Vision Pro is to use it as a virtual display for a Mac, which is the device youre actually being productive with.One productivity problem that does seem easy to solve is the need to chase down an application windows location in physical space (or else reset/rearrange them all). The way Vision Pro anchors a window in space is impressive, but what if I dont want a window to stay in the physical space I set it? What if I want it to follow me as I walk around? Anchoring a window to the user, rather than the environment, should be a quick toggle I can flip on every new window.Walking around with my open apps following me automatically while keeping my hands free is a productivity feature no phone, tablet, or laptop could match.Embrace realityFor a platform that is all about spatial computing, there are far too many apps that are anything but. Many Vision Pro apps, including Apples own, are just big flat floating windows. I dont need an entirely new platform and a $3,500 device to run iPad apps as though they were five feet wide.The notable exceptions are 3D video and games, but I cant understand why the Clock app, for example, is literally a compatible iPad app. How on earth does the Clock app not allow me to hang a virtual clock on the wall, or click a virtual stopwatch in my hand?The Mail app could have a view where you open a virtual mailbox to open to check your messages. Find My could show a little virtual overhead 3D view, like looking down on a model town (even an unpainted one) with the person or device in question highlighted. The TV+ app could let you place a virtual TV set in your home (with various models through the ages) and place a remote in your hand. Photos could put an album of images into an actual virtual photo album object, where you flip pages and scribble in the margins.Why is this the clock app, instead of actual 3D clocks I can place around my environment?FoundryHow cool would it be to be able to map Home app controls to the actual lights, plugs, and switches in my house, so you can seamlessly control those smart home devices as I walk around without opening up an app or window? Even if its not the ideal way to get things done, cool little virtual reality touches would do a lot more to sell the idea of spatial computing than the current floating windows do.Stack the deckIn visionOS, every new application, and every window within an application, is a separate floating billboard hanging in the air around you. With just three or four windows open I have to turn and look in all directions to simply move from one app, or one window, to the next.Contrast that with a Mac screen, where windows layer on top of each other, and switching between applications is a keyboard shortcut or click away. On my MacBook, I often run windows maximized and on separate desktop spaces, where I can switch between them with a multi-finger swipe on the touchpad.I can have a dozen browser tabs and 10 different applications open, and they all occupy the same 27-inch monitor. I can context-switch without turning my head around and moving to see anything, and when I want to not be working, its as simple as not looking at my monitor.Vision Pro needs a solution for this. Apple needs to let multiple applications live in a single window stack that I can flip through the way someone flips through index cards full of notes when giving a speech. And I need a quick gesture that hides everything when I want to pay attention to the real world briefly and brings it all back in an instant.Get serious about funWe get it, Vision Pro a superb 3D video viewing device. But thats never going to be the main draw of a headset, not until Vision Pro is so ubiquitous that two or more people can watch things together in the same space.Apple could start by allowing two people wearing Vision Pro headsets to see the same virtual screen in the same environment. Let me have a movie night with my wife on a virtual beach while we both watch the same giant floating screen up over the waves. I dont want to see her Persona, I want us to be physically present and watching the same thing in the same place.Making Playstation VR controllers compatible with Vision Pro is a great idea, but should be just the start.FoundryPople love VR for gaming, and the gaming situation on Vision Pro is even more dire than it is on the Mac. Theres a relatively small selection of games that fit firmly into the lite mobile fare category and nothing that makes you think this device could possibly cost what it does. So-called real gaming needs controllers. You need to push buttons, pull triggers, and precisely track hand movement and orientation in a way that is beyond the lauded hand-tracking capabilities (and latency) of visionOS.Apple is allegedly considering supporting PlayStation VR controllers on Vision Pro. Thats an awesome idea, and one they should really run withmake it the de facto default gaming controller for Vision Pro. Sell them at Apple Stores. Make it an add-on accessory at the point of purchase. Work with Sony to publish some Playstation VR games on Vision Pro the way they publish some of their Playstation games on Windows PCs. Talk with Valve about making Vision Pro work as a wireless Steam VR headset.And Apple should stop fighting with Microsoft and others over game streaming and let them put an Xbox app on Vision Pro that allows users to play streaming Xbox cloud games on a big virtual TV. The companys principled stance about app stores isnt protecting its customers, its protecting its revenue cut at the expense of making other hardware better for gamers. Vision Pro and visionOS need as much content as it can get, and relaxing the rules on third-party app stores will make it happen.

MacworldFollowing the announcement Tuesday that an incredible WWDC 2025 event will run from June 9-13, Apple fans are rightfully excited to know more about the big software updates coming this year. As always, the biggest of all is iOS 19, the next major iteration of the iPhones operating system, and a number of screenshots making the rounds purport to show the visual changes and new features we can expect. But one pundit has warned that these are not representative and should be treated with caution.Posting on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday, the Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, a reputable source of Apple intel, warned that, while exciting for Apple watchers, the iOS 19 images in circulation are not representative of what we will see at WWDC 2025.They look to be based on either very old builds or vague descriptions, Gurman commented, missing key features. Expect more from Apple in June. He did not elaborate on what those key features might be.To illustrate the point, Gurman made another post shortly afterward and included an old pre-announcement image of iOS 7, a software update that was famous for its dramatic and controversial revamp of iOSs aesthetic. That was the year, readers may recall, when skeuomorphism died. But the leaked image still has the old quasi-realistic icons for apps such as Newsstand (wooden shelves), Camera (a camera lens), and Photos (a sunflower) rather than the more symbolic icons they would get by the time iOS 7 came out, and still have, with some tweaks and with the exception of the now-defunct Newsstand, to this day.This was a real iOS 7 image from six months prior to its announcement, the writer explains. Obviously the actual thing was very different.Gurman doesnt specify any particular screenshots, but hes probably talking about Jon Prosser. The leaker and YouTuber, having demonstrated a mockup of the iOS 19 Camera app earlier this month, showed off what he claimed was a screenshot of iOS 19 Messages in the Genius Bar podcast on Tuesday, and was generally dismissive about the much-anticipated redesign across the OS. Let me just say that Im not impressed by the Home Screen, Prosser said, arguing that iOS 19 does not and probably will not meet peoples high expectations. He also called out Gurman by name and claimed his predictions were faulty.In fairness, Prosser does very briefly point out (in an alarmingly high voice, just before a sponsor break) that things could be added before launch, largely matching Gurmans argument. But this is a single and rather sarcastically delivered line in what is otherwise an almost entirely negative analysis of the major disappointment that is iOS 19.So turn that frown upside down, Jon! iOS 19 might still be great. Well find out in June when Apple showcases iOS 19, as well as iPadOS 19, macOS 16, and many more software updates. But until then, dont get too caught up in screenshots or rumorsthey might not tell the whole story.

MacworldEven with iCloud, managing your files across devices can get frustrating, but you dont actually have to do it all manually. AnyTrans is a new content management tool for iOS devices that connects to your iPhone, iPad, iCloud, and even your iPod if you have one. Then, you can transfer all your files, photos, recent messages, and even your call logs between devices. It even works with Android phones.AnyTrans is a useful tool that gives you complete control over managing and transferring your files across all your Apple devices. It lets you back up and transfer all your data from your Apple devices and even syncs with iTunes and iCloud.It also lets you back up your messages, photos, contacts, and more. Plus, if you want to print your text conversations or save them as files, you can do that, too. And if youre the type to hang on to non-purchased music from way back, you can transfer that stuff to your new device without a hassle.Use code LIFETIME10 by April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an AnyTrans Lifetime Subscription on sale for $19.97 (reg. $79).Thats the best price anywhere online, too.AnyTrans One-Stop Content Manager for iOS: Lifetime Subscription $19.97See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.

MacworldTheres been a lot of interest in Apples plans for a HomePod with a display over the years and now it seems like the such a product could be coming, but expect more than a screen on a HomePod. Apple is said to have multiple new smart home related products on the horizon that will integrate smart displays and cameras and bring features from the HomePod and Apple TV together with a means to control smart home devices.Apple has long been rumored to be working on one or more home devices with smart displays. As long ago as 2021 Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman was talking about how a future Apple TV and iPad might incorporate HomePod audio elements and represent a push into the smart home. Over the subsequent years the rumoured products have evolved and multiplied, and AI, and associated Siri improvements, are now influencing Apples plans in this area. Apples HomePod currently sufferers from its reliance on Siri to control it. With Siri not able to understand instructions as well as might be hoped, some HomePod users choose instead to interface with the device via an iPhone, but this can be a drain on the iPhone battery. Incorporating a screen would allow users to interface with the HomePod via its display. However, with Siri set to become more intelligent thanks to Apple Intelligence, the need for this screen to interface with the devices may be reduced. What other plans could Apple have for a smart screen on a HomePod or any other devices for that matter?In this article, we will keep track of all the developments and rumors about these new HomeHub products, which could start arriving before the end of 2025.What are Apples HomeHub products?In Gurmans 2021 report he discussed two products: A product that fuses the HomePod and Apple TV with a camera that could be used for video conferencing via the TV screen. (Think Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show competitor.) This FaceTime Apple TV set-top box combo, was again rumored in January 2023.A product that combines an iPad with a HomePod and a camera on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during a video chat. (Think Facebook Portal). According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman in August 2024, this device, code-named J595, will use a thin robotic arm to control a large display, with actuators that allow it to spin 360 degrees or tilt up and down. Gurmans sources say the device is envisioned as a smart home command center, videoconferencing machine, and remote-controlled home security tool.Since Gurmans report in 2021 the following related products have also been referred to:In January 2023 Gurman wrote again of Apples plans to take on the smart home market this time with a low-end iPad that will be used to control smart-home systems such as heating and lights and to make FaceTime video calls. This device, codenamed J490, will combine an iPad-like screen with smart-home controls to control smart-home systems such as heating and lights and make FaceTime video calls. In the same report, Gurman claimed Apple also plans to launch a number of larger smart-home displays. Is the Apple Television not dead after all?Evidence of Apples smart HomeHub projectImagen 3 (Gemini)Its not clear if Apple has multiple new devices planned, or if there is some crossover with the above, however it is clear that Apple has teams involved with this project. In August 2024, it was reported that Apple has a team of several hundred people working on a new home device.In July 2024, code was discovered referring to new a device identified as HomeAccessory17,1. This could relate to the HomePod, which Apple refers to as AudioAccessory. There were also references discovered to a variant of tvOS, similar to what the HomePod runs. The tvOS 17.4 beta back in February 2024 also referenced a device codenamed Z314 that featured an A15 chip and ran tvOS. Both the HomePod and Apple TV already run tvOS. According to a 9to5Mac report, hangtracerd (which is used to debug unresponsive UIs) has also been added to the HomePod version of tvOS 17.4, a big indication that there will be a HomePod with a display although tvOS 17.4 arrived without the accompaniment of a new HomePod.In October 2023 Kotsutami posted (in a since-deleted tweet) an image of what they claimed to be a prototype of the next HomePod with different glass for the display at the top (which could be used as a touchscreen).An Engineering build HomePod frameshell with a completely different glass on top- its set for touchscreen, with black bezelThe design of shell is similar to HomePod 2nd gens, not the 1st genit stands might decided add for 2s but not at last, OR its next generation pic.twitter.com/W5zRIVGPiKKosutami (@KosutamiSan) October 21, 2023At the time 9to5Mac claimed to have sources that verified Kotsutamis pictures as legitimate. That site also reported that the codename of the HomePod is B720, and that Apple is using a version of tvOS with rewritten Apple Music and Podcasts apps that are suited to the display of the prototype HomePod which could show colors based on the album art while audio is playing, and show notifications.In April 2022 Gurman referred to Apples plans, stating that Apple is absolutely still working on a new HomePod, which Gurman says will combine a HomePod, Apple TV, and FaceTime camera into a single combination product will probably be at the center of Apples approach.HomePod with screen/HomeHub: Release dateIts thought that the devices will not be launched at the same time.J490, the iPad/smart display that can be used for FaceTime and controlling home appliances may arrive first. This could launch in 2025, according to Mark Gurman.However, the release date has been pushed back due to delays relating to Apple Intelligence and Siri in particular. In March 2025, Mark Gurman claimed that: The company had hoped to announce a new smart hub product in March 2025, but because the device, to an extent, relies on the delayed Siri capabilities, it has been postponed as well. Apple Intelligence-powered Siri updates that were promised for iOS 18 have been delayed to later in 2025. Indeed, its possible these Siri features wont be fully rolled out 2026, so we could be waiting that long for this HomeHub product.However, testing is underway, according to Gurman, with Apple said to have begun an internal testing program for the hub. The testing apparently involves members of Apple staff being permitted to take prototypes of the device home for testing and feedback.Mark Gurman isnt a loan voice in all this. Back in March 2023 Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote about Apples smart-home plans. He indicated that Apple will unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel in 1H24, and that this device could enable tighter integration with Apples other hardware products. At the time Kuo gave the expected release date for the HomePod with a screen as the first half of 2024 (which obviously didnt happen). Then in December 2024, Kuo indicated that the HomePod with screen wont arrive until after WWDC 2025. He wrote on Medium: The mass production schedule for the display-equipped HomePod has been delayed multiple times. Initially forecasted for 2024 (as I predicted in 2023), it was postponed to 1Q25, and more recently, further delayed to after WWDC 2025/3Q25.Kuo blamed software development for the delay in production, although he didnt clarify why the software is taking longer than expected to develop. However, in March 2025 Kuo tweeted that the HomePod with screen will be further delayed not just because of Apple Intelligence delays, but because it needs to align with other new Apple products.ScreenshotFoundryJ595, the iPad-like display with tabletop robotic limb is expected to arrive much later.HomePod with screen/HomeHub: PriceThe devices will have different capabilities and pricing.The price of J490 will depend on what it incorporates. If its a HomePod with screen, the price is likely be at the high end of the HomePod product line, so it could have a price of around $599.J595, which combines an iPad-like display with a robotic limb and is intended to function as a smart home command center, could cost $1,000 or more, according to Gurman in September 2024.HomePod with screen/HomeHub: DesignAccording to Ming-Chi Kuo in March 2023, Apple will unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel in 2024. Thats not much smaller than the iPad mini, which has an 8.3-inch display. This tallies with what Gurman originally suggested in April 2021. He described a high-end speaker with a touch screen that would combine an iPad with a HomePod speaker and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during a video chat. The screen would also offer multi-touch functionality.To get an idea of how this could look we need only look at the Amazon Echo Show 10, which combines a display that moves automatically with Amazons speaker. The Echo Show 10 costs $249.99 / 259.99. The Echo Show 10 has a screen attached to a speaker. Apple might do something similar with the HomePod.Foundry / Jim MartinSwiss website Handy Abovergleich and designer Eric Huismann have created a series of concept illustrations of how this new generation of HomePod could look. They have come up with concept designs for two separate devices: the HomePod TV (a mixture of the HomePod and the Apple TV) and the HomePod Show (a HomePod with a touchscreen display).Heres how they imagine the HomePod Showa speaker with a camera and a touchscreencould look. Swiss website Handy Abovergleich came up with an illustration of how an Apple TV HomePod combo might look. They call this one the HomePod TVthe bar under the TV becomes not only the hub for TV, internet, and smart devices but also a sound system with support for standards such as Dolby Atmos and Apple Lossless.For more ideas about how Apple might reinvent the HomePod read: How the HomePod can be Apples new iPod: Fun, popular, and simple. Plus, Could Apples rumored HomePod actually be a tiny Studio Display? and Why Apple needs a HomePod with a screen. Foundry / Jim MartinHomePod with screen/HomeHub: Software, Siri and AIThe key to such products tends to be their smart assistant and Apple has plans to improve Siri with Apple Intelligence (AI). However, Apple has delayed the release of its new improved Siri and this has had an effect on the timing of these new products which, Gurman noted in September 2024, are considered collaborations between Apples artificial intelligence and home device hardware engineering groups.The long-rumored smart home hub has therefore been postponed because the Siri features it was intended to be based around are not ready for action.As Macworlds David Price has previously stated, when discussing why the HomePod needs needs more than a screen What would help is a thorough overhaul of Siri: fix that, and then sure, you can have a screen alongside a voice control system that actually works.HomePod with screen/HomeHub: Specs and featuresWe dont know much about the specs of any of these devices, but their need to support Apple Intelligence will mean they do require high end tech inside:ProcessorThe HomePod that launched in January 2023 featured the same S7chip as the Apple Watch Series 7. This means the current HomePod doesnt support Apple Intelligence and the new Siri features. We expect that a HomePod with a screen will use a more powerful processor, that is compatible with Apple Intelligence.CameraIf the new device combines a HomePod with a camera, or places a camera on a robot arm, that camera may share many of the features of the current range of cameras in Apples Macs, iPad and iPhones.The idea that the camera may follow you around may not be necessary if Centre Stage, a feature introduced in 2021 and now present in all iPads, iPhones and Macs, can perform that function. This camera could also be used to recognize gestures. Some years ago a patent was filed that related to a future HomePod that could interpret 3D hand gestures. That patent describes a HomePod that can interpret three-dimensional hand gestures as a means of controlling the device so as to execute an action or function.Multi-touch display Were hoping that Apple will give us something that will compete with the Echo Show, so we can view YouTube videos and use apps on the new hybrid device. Perhaps we wont get the display we are hoping for, but a more interactive display than the one we have currently would be great. Wed like to see more than just volume controls and a Siri animation.

MacworldThe tiny Mac Mini M4 Pro just dropped to its very best price over at Amazons Big Spring Sale. Now available for just $1,249, this micro machine is $150 off its usual $1,399.This is easily the most powerful mini PC you can get right now from Apple. We loved pretty much everything about it in our testing outside of its price, but this discount is a great step to alleviate those worries. Running on the latest M4 Pro chip with 24GB of memory and a spacious 512GB SSD, this mini monster can tackle any task you throw its way, from mundane browsing and Netflix watching to more difficult image and video editing.Apples new smaller Mac mini gives up very little after being hit with a shrink ray, and the M4 processors deliver great performance at a reasonable price, we wrote in our 4-star review. With an M4 chip, its also ready for Apple Intelligence, from writing tools to mail summaries and upcoming Siri upgrades, as well as macOS updates for many years to come.So, dont miss out on this amazing discount for the M4 Pro Mac mini, the first time its dropped this low at $1,249.This is the best price for the M4 Pro Mac Mini so farBuy now at Amazon

MacworldApple has announced the dates of this years WWDC get-together. As expected, the event will run from June 9-13, 2025.As in prior years, this years WWDC will be a hybrid event. The entire five-day program will be available online, but there will also be an in-person gathering at Apple Park on June 9. Attendees will watch the keynote, take part in activities, and get a chance to speak one-on-one with Apple experts.Were excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community, said Susan Prescott, Apples vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. We cant wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate.WWDC, or the Worldwide Developers Conference, is the second-biggest event in Apples calendar after the iPhone launch in the fall. Each summer the company uses WWDC to inform app developers about new features coming to each of its software platforms. However, the event attracts a large audience of other parties interested in software changes that will affect their Apple devices.WWDC lasts for five days, offering a range of workshops and networking events to help developers in their work and careers. But the keynote presentation on the first day is what gets all the publicity. At the WWDC 2025 keynote, we will definitely hear about iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, macOS 16, and watchOS 12, as well as tvOS 19, visionOS 3, and AirPods and HomePod software. You can expect Apple Intelligence to dominate the agenda. The first betas of the new software will launch straight after the keynote so developers can start getting to grips with the changes. By the time the updates launch to the public in the fall, active apps should (in theory) have had time to adapt and work correctly with the new operating systems.Following the event online will be free. Those who would like to apply to join the event in person can find details on Apples WWDC webpage.

MacworldLast July, Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported that Apple started investigating the use of a plastic case on an Apple Watch SE to make a watch that could compete with its cheapest rivals. In August, Gurman provided more details about the plastic Watch SE and how it could be marketed as a kid-friendly product. In September, Gurman reported that the watch could ship this year, but that the product ran into cost and quality challenges with the shift to plastic. Well, now its March, and the latest from Gurman is that the plastic Watch SE is in serious jeopardy. Sources say the casing isnt isnt up to the companys standards, and the cost to make the case isnt all that much cheaper than using aluminum.Apple has offered plastic devices as cheaper options in the past, notably the original iBook and iPhone 5c. It was also thought that, like the iPhone 5c, a plastic Watch SE could be offered in an array of bright colors, which would be a departure from the standard shades found in the current Apple Watch lineup.However, Apple moved away from plastic in its MacBooks a long time ago and hasnt made a plastic iPhone since the 5c. Unless we see some sort of breakthrough, the Apple Watch SEs future in plastic ended before it even got started. Learn more about the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the current Apple Watch SE.