Macworld

WWDC24 is almost here and everyone expects it to be all about AI. As the eyes of the tech world turn back to Apple, there’s a lot of work to do. It’s got to establish that it’s been working on AI features for years, show off new features, catch up with AI features from competitors, and maybe even take the opportunity to show where it’s raising the bar.

But this isn’t just Apple’s chance to show it’s doing AI right. It’s also an opportunity to redefine the conversation about AI to make it more substantive and results-oriented–and, of course, to make Apple look better while doing it.

Adult in the room

Let’s face it–for all its promise, the last few years of AI have also been kind of a disaster. Racism, bias, more bias caused by anti-bias training, recommendations to...

If you were hankering for game emulators to appear in the App Store, they’ve begun to arrive. Software developer Folium has released the first Nintendo 3DS emulator for the iPhone via the App Store, albeit with some caveats. First, the emulator retails for $4.99, making it the first to arrive with a price tag. Developer […]

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Macworld

Whether you’ve always wanted to master French or have a Positano Coast vacation scheduled this summer, there’s something you can’t forget to bring along with your walking shoes, sunscreen, or chargers: knowledge of the local language.

Knowing a few phrases (and at least how to say “hello!”) in your destination’s native tongue could enhance your adventure, and the best way to learn a new language is with Babbel. For $149.97, you can get lifetime access to Babbel, but...

Macworld

Whether you’re looking to gift an Apple product or just pick one up for yourself, we’ve scoured the web for the best prices on everything from Macs to MacBooks, iPads to iPhones, Apple Watches to Apple TVs, and more.

If you are wondering if Apple has sales, prepare to be disappointed. Apple rarely discounts its own products–even during its annual Black Friday shopping event, it traditionally elects to give out gift vouchers rather than reducing prices. It also offers year-round discounts to students, including a Back To School event where students can get up to $150 in gift cards when purchasing certain Apple products. There’s also the...

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The iPhone Camera app has gained a lot of features since 2007. Users can do things like change the focus, choose between different modes, apply filters, use Night Mode, and much more. And while some users (like me) prefer the option of using third-party apps with even more controls, Zerocam is a new iPhone camera app that has zero controls or settings.

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Apple’s yearly developer conference kicks off on June 10 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. Here are 4 ways to watch the WWDC keynote including in this post below. We’ll also look at how to set a reminder, what to expect, and more.

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One of the biggest hits on Apple TV+ has been Silo, a dystopian sci-fi series that debuted last summer and at one point tracked as the top show in all of streaming.

Back during season one’s run, before its finale aired Apple confirmed a renewal of Silo for a second season. Now, we have some exciting news about the latest status of season two and the plan for future seasons beyond that.

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Macworld

If you own an older Apple TV, it might be time to upgrade. In a message to subscribers, Netflix has announced that the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV devices (the earlier, non-4K models) won’t be able to access the Netflix app after July 31, 2024.

That leaves four Apple TV models that support Netflix: the 4th-gen Apple TV HD and all three Apple TV 4K models. Apple stopped selling the Apple TV HD in October 2022, so if you need a new model, you’ll need to upgrade to the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), which starts at $129. The 2nd-gen Apple TV was discontinued in 2012 while the 3rd-gen model remained on shelves until 2016.

To clarify: If you bought your Apple TV within the last 8 years you should be fine, and if you need a new one, the only model Apple sells now is the 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K which starts at a reasonable $129...

Today’s best Apple deals are now ready to go with a new all-time low on Apple’s Space Black 13-inch 1TB M4 iPad Pro starting at $1,769 joining other configurations from $950. From there, we move over to some additional Apple Watch Series 9 models seeing solid $100 price drops, most notably three different colors of the higher-end stainless steel variants, as well a massive...

At CES, Samsung unveiled an updated version of its popular 32-inch Smart Monitor. The latest iteration features the same iMac-like design of the previous generation with features like a 4K resolution, USB-C single cable connectivity, AirPlay 2, 4K AI upscaling, and more.

Update 6/4/24: After a January reveal, the 2024 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 is now available direct from Samsung priced at $699. Read below for all the details.

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Sometimes with Apple, what’s old becomes new again. Designs and product names are at times revisited as the inspiration for new products. AirPods and HomePods, for example, play off the strong brand awareness for the iPod.

According to a filed patent, Apple may take things a step further with the iPod inspiration, creating an AirPods case that looks and works a lot like a modern iPod nano.

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Netflix has announced that it is dropping support for select older generations of Apple TV. In an email sent to subscribers this week, Netflix said that it is “sunsetting support” for the Apple TV (2nd generation) and Apple TV (3rd generation) on July 31.

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The latest telecoms customer survey from ASCI has been published and — despite rising prices and industry pullbacks — the bottom line is streaming services are still hot.

Almost every video streaming service tracked by ASCI grew its customer satisfaction score compared to the previous year, with Apple one of the biggest risers. The 2024 score for Apple TV+ came in at 79, up from 76 in the year-ago survey.

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The latest version of Apple’s iPhone recycling robot no longer unscrews devices in order to access the innards; instead, it rips them apart.

The change is one of many that have seen the practicality of Apple’s recycling robots grow from something which took 12 minutes per phone – which the company admits was really just a research project – to 18 seconds …

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Macworld

Apple’s obsession with secrecy has struck again but this time in an unusual way. Yes, the company that is only able to sell devices by tricking people with that icky “marketing” that no other company does actually forgot to market a feature!

What is this feature? Well, according to developer Guilherme Rambo the M4 iPad Pro is:

…the first device to support and use Apple’s new Secure Indicator Light (SIL) mechanism. When using the microphone or camera, the corresponding indicator dot is effectively rendered in hardware (using the display), making it a lot less likely that any malware or user space app would be able to access those sensors without the user’s knowledge.

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Macworld

When they already have the best phone on the planet, what do you buy an iPhone user? We’re going to help you select the best iPhone gifts available—perfect gifts for Fathers Day, Mothers Day, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and when you are just feeling generous.

If not a brand new iPhone (check out our iPhone Buying Guide if your budget stretches that far), then how about one of the many available iPhone accessories? Throughout the year we have tested and reviewed the best iPhone accessories from Apple and trusted companies, and we can recommend the best ones for the people on your list. We’d be delighted to receive any of these iPhone accessories as a gift.

If you want to splash out on another Apple product, take a look at our guides for...

Per a TrendForce report released in June, a foldable iPhone being released in 2026 seems “unlikely.” The company, which monitors and forecasts demand for components, says that 2027 is the earliest date Apple is likely to launch a folding iPhone … While reports of a foldable iPhone have dated back for many years, and the […]

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Macworld

At the heart of every Apple device is an Apple processor. Apple has been using its own chips in its iPhones and iPads for some time, while the Mac lineup has completed its transition away from Intel chips. Every product Apple makes is powered by a home-grown chip.

What’s remarkable about Apple silicon is its performance and power efficiency. But all chips aren’t created equally. Understanding the performance differences between each chip will help with your buying decisions, especially when you’re deciding between iPhone 14 or MacBook models. Knowing how each chip performs gives you a better idea of what products to buy and whether or not it’s worth your money to step up to a higher model.

Let’s take a look at how the new processors compare with the rest of the processors in the iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineup and see how each performs and what that means to you. For the sake of consistency, we’ve used ...

Incident began at 2024-06-03 18:36 (times are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)).

Summary:

ChromeOS: Unable to log in from lock screen when ephemeral mode is enabled on managed devices on M-125.

Description:

Mitigation work is currently underway by our engineering team.

We do not have an ETA for mitigation at this point.

We will provide more information by Monday, 2024-06-03 17:00 US/Pacific.

Diagnosis:

Affected users may be unable to log back in from the lock screen on their ChromeOS device. This issue is affecting ChromeOS version M125 when the device policy DeviceEphemeralUsersEnabled is turned on.

Workaround:

None at this time...

Affected products: ChromeOS

Over the weekend, we reported that Apple had updated its website to say the new iPad Air’s M2 chip features a 9-core GPU, despite originally advertising it as a 10-core GPU. An Apple spokesperson has now confirmed this change to 9to5Mac, while also saying that all performance claims remain accurate and were based on a 9-core GPU.

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Macworld

There’s nothing better for productivity than a clean desk, so getting the Anker MagSafe Charger Stand for 25% off makes perfect sense. This gorgeous 3-in-1 cube will charge your phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time while looking super cool.

The Anker MagSafe Charger Stand is a 3-in-1 charging solution that was tailored specifically for Apple devices, which means you’re in luck because it’s not just functional, but also gorgeous. Designed specifically for MagSafe, this charger powers up the iPhone with up to 15W high-speed charging. The seamless magnetic alignment ensures that your device snaps into place effortlessly. Even better, it will keep your phone tilted at just the right 60° angle so you can still check out the notifications or...

Modern Apple devices include important automatic emergency capabilities to get help in case of accident, injury, and more. Read along for 4 emergency iPhone and Apple Watch features you should make sure are set up, customized, and ready to go.

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I recently picked up , which deserved a complete write-up as I’ve spent some time with them. Although they lack MagSafe compatibility (which is the only flaw), they might be one of the best options for travelers looking to charge all of their devices (laptops included).

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Apple is expected to have a lot of software announcements to share next week at WWDC, many of which will center around iOS 18 and AI. However, this year’s keynote will also introduce the first major software update for the Vision Pro: visionOS 2.

Here’s what to expect from visionOS 2 when it debuts next Monday.

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Macworld

WWDC may be just a week away, but that’s not going to stop the iPhone 16 rumors. Monday’s report sheds a little more light on the design, which could bring a record-breaking change.

According to Ice Universe on X (formerly Twitter), the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will “become the world’s narrowest bezel mobile phone,” beating out the Galaxy S24’s 1.52mm bezels. The current iPhone 15 Pro models have bezels that are 1.55mm thick, so we’re not talking about a dramatic difference. However, as Ice Universe points out, the slimmer bezels will bring...

Microsoft has a target on Apple’s back with its AI-centric Copilot Plus PC models. When the computers were announced, the company repeatedly claimed that they outperformed the latest M3 MacBook Airs. Today a new ad campaign sought to further entice switchers away from the Mac.

It turns out, not every aspect of the Copilot Plus PCs is ready for prime time. The hallmark AI feature Microsoft formerly demoed, Recall, has been exposed by an expert as being a security disaster.

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While new AI features will steal the show at WWDC next week, Apple has a number of other changes planned for iOS 18. This includes new home screen customization options, design changes, and more. Head below for a roundup of some of the non-AI features rumored for iOS 18 this year.

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Monday morning was an eventful one in the Apple deal space. Joining $100 price drops on 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch Series 9 models (including the Silver, Midnight, and Starlight colors), we also spotted a new all-time low on the Wi-Fi + Cellular 13-inch M2 iPad Air alongside ongoing deals on several other configurations. From there, Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is now once again 40% off to return to Amazon low pricing, while official Apple woven...

Macworld

How to get a bargain on a Mac

Tech buyers often complain about the high price of Macs and MacBooks. It’s true that they are premium devices with price tags to match, but you don’t have to break the bank if you know where to find a good deal. And one of the best options to consider is buying a Mac that’s been previously owned and then refurbished. You’ll get a much lower price, while retaining the peace of mind that comes with knowing the machine has been checked out by an expert. Buying new is expensive, and buying second-hand is a minefield; buying refurbished is the best of both worlds.

Of course, the next decision is choosing a reputable seller to buy your refurbished Mac from. It’s vital that you are able to rely on a quality service, or the entire point of refurbishment is lost. Here are several options, including the pros and cons of each.

Back Market

Back Market

WWDC 2024 is just one week away. We’re expecting major changes from iOS 18, especially AI-centric features, as well as the first major software update for Vision Pro, and new OS versions for all of Apple’s other platforms.

In what’s expected to be a jam-packed software event, is there room for Apple to debut new hardware too? According to one report, the answer is no.

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A TicketMaster hack has been confirmed by the company in an SEC security filing, stating that personal data of its users has been offered for sale on the dark web. The agency has not confirmed the scale of what appears to have been a massive breach …

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A report last month suggested that we might see the first foldable iPhone in 2026, but market intelligence company TrendForce has described this as “unlikely.”

The company, which monitors and forecasts demand for components, says that 2027 is the earliest date Apple is likely to launch a folding iPhone …

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Macworld

Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too.

Risky business

For a corporation that’s known for caution, Apple sure has been fond of gambling this year.

Vision Pro finally went on sale in January, as Cupertino got to grips with a product category that isn’t merely new to the company, but untested across the industry as a whole: nobody knows yet if augmented reality devices will displace the smartphone later this decade or remain a niche hobby. And at WWDC next week Apple will follow up with its first public steps into the world of AI, another heavily hyped tech category whose long-term profitability (not to mention its impact on society as a...

Macworld

Kids love iPads. The simplicity of tapping on the screen when they want things to happen means they can learn to use them in seconds, but there’s plenty that Apple’s tablets can do. Whether it’s educational games, entertainment apps, using them to create art with an Apple Pencil or just something to stop them getting bored on car journeys, iPads can be a godsend.

Choosing the right one can feel a bit daunting. After all, don’t they all do the same things? What’s the difference between the normal iPad and the iPad Air? Well, we’re here to simplify things so you can be sure you’re buying the right one.

You can also read our best iPhone and iPad apps for kids guide to get them off to a good start. Plus, we have a roundup of the...

Spotify is once again raising the price of Spotify Premium in the United States. Although the ad-supported free tier remains available, the price of Spotify’s Premium tier is now more expensive than Apple Music. Spotify customers will be notified of the increases over the next month.

Spotify Premium Individual is now priced at $11.99 per month, compared to $10.99 per month for Apple Music. The Family plan price is also up and now costs $19.99, compared to $16.99 for Apple Music Family …

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Macworld

Here at Macworld we’re extremely fond of Apple’s
AirTag, which we consider by far the best Bluetooth tracker for an iPhone or Mac user. However, one complaint raised in our
AirTag review was that it doesn’t have a hole, which means you’re forced in most situations to buy an accessory to put it in.

Want to attach it to your keys? You need to buy a special key ring. Want to attach it to your luggage? Special luggage label. An ecosystem has quickly sprung up offering straps, loops, pet tags, cases and holders for AirTag owners.

But which ones are worth buying? We’ve been testing out all the AirTags accessories we can get our hands...

Macworld

Unlike the iPhone, Apple ships a USB-C power adapter with all its MacBooks: Air and Pro. Unless your laptop stays in the same place all of the time, having a spare or a specific travel MacBook charger is a useful addition. You can buy a second Apple charger or check out more versatile, cheaper and smaller MacBook chargers to suit your needs and budget.

It’s important to note that there are risks with buying a cheap charger and we don’t recommend you choose on price alone. That bargain MacBook charger might just fry your laptop or get dangerously hot. However, there are some great premium chargers from trusted brands that sell for less than Apple pricey chargers.

What to look for in a MacBook charger

PD charging

What you need is a Power Delivery (PD) charger that can connect to your MacBook via USB-C. PD chargers can support up to 240W of power, although the most common congregate...

Macworld

We don’t have to stop learning our native language after grade school, nor should we. Sometimes, what we say isn’t half as important as the words we choose, which is where the Wordela Vocabulary Builder comes in.

For less than $10, new users can have lifetime access to an app that lets you build your vocabulary in a way that really helps those new words stick. That’s thanks to Wordela’s learning algorithm, an AI teacher that lets you tailor your speech to the kind of conversations you want to have, whether...

How will Apple protect user data while their requests are being processed by AI in applications like Siri?

Long-time Slashdot reader AmiMoJo shared this report from Apple Insider:
According to sources of The Information [four different former Apple employees who worked on the project], Apple intends to process data from AI applications inside a virtual black box.

The concept, known as "Apple Chips in Data Centers" internally, would involve only Apple's hardware being used to perform AI processing in the cloud. The idea is that it will control both the hardware and software on its servers, enabling it to design more secure systems. While on-device AI processing is highly private, the initiative could make cloud processing for Apple customers to be similarly secure... By taking control over how data is processed in the cloud, it would make it easier for Apple to implement processes to make a breach much harder to actually happen.

Furthermore, the black...

By default, when you make a new note in the Notes app on your iPhone, you have to be bold. Well, the first line of the note is in bold as it begins writing in a heading style. The second line and beyond uses standard body font size.

Often, this is undesirable and you just want to jot stuff down without the formality of a page title. Here’s how to change your notes settings to do just that.

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I’ve never been the type to want to travel with a portable router in my bag. Dealing with the complexity of connecting to various networks along with the fact that many hotels have moved away from ethernet to a Wi-Fi-only experience. That is until...

We’re all accustomed to receiving two-factor authentication codes via SMS, but if you ever get one that you didn’t request, don’t ignore it because it might indicate that the credentials to one of your accounts have been compromised.