iPhone 15 5G Performance Is Slower Than Samsung Galaxy 24 Across the Globe

Ookla released its most recent research on 5G smartphone performance, which includes a competition between the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series and the iPhone 15 family.  In most of the tested countries, Samsung’s new smartphones had faster median 5G performance than the iPhone 15 series. Ookla shared these test results in a blog post with […]

This post iPhone 15 5G Performance Is Slower Than Samsung Galaxy 24 Across the Globe appeared first on The Mac Observer

In a 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus members-only episode, Benjamin and Chance watch BlackBerry, the 2023 film covering the “story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.” 

Subscribe at 9to5Mac.com/join to listen and support the show directly! You’ll also get ad-free episodes, post-show content every week, and more.

• BlackBerry (2023) on Letterboxd

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Maintenance release for the recently upgraded reference management tool. ($74.99 new, $49.99 upgrade, free update for version 15 users, 113.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)

Trying to stand out among all the MagSafe accessories on the market can often be challenging. What makes one battery pack better than the others? What makes one stand better than the others? It can often come down to minor features, pricing, and form factor. That’s precisely what the aims to deliver: a robust battery pack at a fair price that can charge up to three devices at the same time.

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It’s our 34th anniversary today, and Adam Engst marks the occasion by sharing some thoughts and stats about where TidBITS is now, along with new discounts on apps from the Ukrainian companies Belight Software and MacPaw.

Earlier this month, Apple revised its App Store Guidelines to permit game emulator apps for the first time. On Saturday, one of the first such apps was approved: iGBA. This app allowed users to import and play ROMs download from the internet. On Sunday, however, the app was pulled from the App Store without full explanation.

Apple has now provided more clarity on why iGBA was removed from the App Store after initially being approved.

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Monday’s best deals have a new all-time low on Apple’s just-released 15-inch M3 MacBook Air landing at $1,150 – a savings of $149. There’s also a chance to score the Sonos Era 300 smart speaker as it drops to $359 alongside Apple Pencil with USB-C returning to its all-time low of $69. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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Macworld

While Apple silicon has done great things for the Mac, Apple has yet to settle on a predictable update cycle for its Mac lineup. Along with shifting release schedules, each generation of chips has skipped a model without a clear reason why.

The Mac Pro and high-end Mac mini never got the M1 chip. The iMac completely skipped the M2. And the M3 hasn’t made it to the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. But a new report claims the M4 will finally put the entire Mac lineup on a level playing field as Apple plans to update its entire catalog with the next-gen chip.

According to...

Ookla is out with its latest report on 5G smartphone performance with the latest data including the new Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup. As it turns out, Samsung’s new smartphones saw faster median 5G performance than the iPhone 15 lineup in the majority of countries tested.

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Apple has lost its spot as the world's biggest mobile phone seller after a steep sales drop as South Korean rival Samsung retook the lead in the global market share. From a report: Samsung had been the biggest seller of mobile phones for 12 years until the end of 2023, when sales of Apple's iPhone models overtook it. Global smartphone shipments increased by 8% to 289.4m units during January-March, according to research firm IDC. Samsung won a 20.8% market share, beating Apple's 17.3% share, which has been dented by slowing sales in China.

IDC said that Apple shipped 50.1m iPhones in the first quarter, down from the 55.4m units it shipped in the same period last year. It was the biggest drop in iPhone sales since Covid-19 lockdowns caused global supply chain chaos in 2022. The drop in Apple sales, despite a growing global market, was partly ascribed to difficulties in China. Local rivals including Xiaomi and Huawei have put pressure on Apple and Samsung. At the same time,...

Global iPhone market share dropped 9.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of the year, enabling Samsung to retake the smartphone lead despite failing to increase its own shipments.

Apple saw the biggest slump of any brand, at a time when the global smartphone market as a whole continues to grow …

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Apple is rolling out a new update to the Apple Sports app today ahead of NHL and NBA playoffs kicking off. The update brings additional details and information on NHL and NBA games for the playoffs, Apple says.

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Macworld

iPhone owners feeling skeptical about the reliability of AI may be pleased to hear that Apple’s take on the technology will probably work on device rather than via the cloud. Initially, at any rate.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman made the revelation in the Q&A portion of this week’s Power On newsletter. “As the world awaits Apple’s big AI unveiling [at WWDC] on June 10, it looks like the initial wave of features will work entirely on device,” he said (via...

iPhone 16 Pro To Solve One of Apple’s Biggest Flaws

If you own an iPhone and like photography, you may have noticed an issue common to all Apple devices. Depending on the scene, one or several green dots or halos of light often appear in the image that shouldn’t be there. That’s due to light reflections on the iPhone lenses. And now the iPhone 16 […]

This post iPhone 16 Pro To Solve One of Apple’s Biggest Flaws appeared first on The Mac Observer

While the Supreme Court denied appeal requests from both Apple and Epic Games in the App Store case, that didn’t put an end to legal wrangling between the two companies.

In January, Epic Games headed back to court to accuse Apple of failing to comply with the original antitrust ruling, and now the Cupertino company has asked a judge to dismiss the...

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.

Big news

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the iPhone SE since the glory days of the second-gen model from 2020, with rather more downs than ups. But now, based on a series of unexpectedly promising leaks, it looks like we might be headed for an uphill segment.

Earlier this month a Weibo account dropped some alluring details about the iPhone SE 4 that made it sound like the best $499 smartphone ever. Boasting a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, and an A16 processor, the new phone would represent a huge...

Macworld

You’ve spent hours working on an Excel workbook on a MacBook, but now it’s gone. Or, when you exit an Excel file, you unintentionally select “Don’t Save”. Is this to say that your entire effort has been in vain? This article systematically explains how to recover lost Excel files on a Mac. With our 4 methods, you can recover unsaved Excel files quickly.

After selecting the “Don’t Save” option or shutting down the MacBook without saving files, the Excel file vanishes on the Mac. Then, you should apply data recovery as quickly as possible; there is still a good chance you can recover your lost Excel document.

Method 1. Recover unsaved Excel files on a Mac with software

The most convenient method is to use professional Mac recovery software to restore the unsaved Excel files....

Macworld

Of the big Apple events of the year, WWDC is the most reliable: In each of the past 17 Junes, like clockwork, Apple has held a big get-together for its developer partners and announced a raft of important software updates. The September iPhone launch and the March/April spring event (which didn’t happen in 2023) seem almost unpredictable by comparison.

In this article, we list the major announcements (and some of the smaller titbits) you can expect to hear about at WWDC 2024. Some of these–updates to the five big Apple operating systems, most obviously–are as predictable as the timing of the event. But we reckon Apple will spring a few surprises this year.

Apple has announced that WWDC24 will be held from June 10-14.

When is WWDC 2024?

Apple will kick off WWDC24 with a keynote at...

Over the weekend, the first handheld console game emulator hit the App Store, following a relaxation in App Store Review Guidelines the week prior.

Fast forward 24 hours and the app is gone, pulled from the App Store. However, we aren’t sure why. It might be that ROM-loading emulators are actually not allowed, and this one slipped through. Or, it may be that iGBA was simply a clone of the open-source project GBA4iOS, and was pushed to the store without permission or appropriate licensing.

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Fixed: Location Expired Error on iPhone

Seeing an iPhone error message saying “Location Expired” pop up while using Find My can feel frustrating, especially in urgent situations. What’s worse is that sorting through the potential causes takes time. If you just want to share your location fast, go through these troubleshooting steps—I ranked them from most to least likely to work. […]

This post Fixed: Location Expired Error on iPhone appeared first on The Mac Observer

How to Register and Unregister in the Apple Beta Software Program

If you are looking to install the different beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and HomePod software, you must enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. You can test out pre-release software on your devices and report to Apple for any feedback. Here’s a quick guide on how to sign up and leave […]

This post How to Register and Unregister in the Apple Beta Software Program appeared first on The Mac Observer

Apple is quickly moving ahead with its next-generation Apple Silicon plans. According to new reports this week, the first M4 Macs are expected as soon as later this year. Here’s what to expect.

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Macworld

With the release of the M3 MacBook Air about a month ago, Apple’s laptop lineup became up-to-date, with each MacBook sporting some version of the M3 chip, the latest in Apple silicon. So, now it should be time for the other shoe to drop: the updates to the desktop Mac lineup.

But of the four models in Apple’s desktop Mac lineup, only one has an M3 chip, the iMac. That update came five months ago after a two-year wait, and we don’t even know if the rest of the lines are going to get an update before the M4 arrives. So, what’s going on with Apple’s desktop Macs? Only Apple knows for sure. But we can look at the state of the desktop Mac lineup based on each model and try to come to some understanding as to what Apple is thinking.

Mac mini

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Cybercrime is on an unprecedented rise. A new Statista Market Insights survey predicts that the annual cost of cyberattacks will reach $9.2 trillion this year. The figure surpasses even the revenues of some of the largest corporations in the world. More than 24 times that of Apple’s 2023 yearly revenue. This makes cybercrime one of the largest illegal economies globally.

9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with...

iOS 17.5 Beta 1 Reveals More Details About Upcoming iPad Pro

Rumors suggest that Apple will introduce new OLED iPad Pros in early May, and the company is getting ready for the launch. Not long ago, iOS 17.5 beta 1 revealed details about their display. Now, iOS 17.5 beta 1 has leaked even more information about these new iPads. It will make you want to buy […]

This post iOS 17.5 Beta 1 Reveals More Details About Upcoming iPad Pro appeared first on The Mac Observer

Introduces new custom perspective rules for Pro edition users. ($74.99 new, free update, 31.6 MB, macOS 13+)

Improves support for vector PDFs, including those created using Apple apps like Safari, Keynote, and Pages. ($49.99 new, free update, 644.3 MB, macOS 12+)

In this hands-on video, we review everything new in the initial iOS 17.5 developer beta. We also discuss how iOS 17.5 beta 1 reveals new details about the 2024 iPad Pro, scheduled to launch next month. Watch our in-depth walkthrough, and subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more.

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Macworld

How do you get someplace you’ve never been? No trick question here — you need a map. It’s the same answer for if you’re trying to reach a goal or deal with complex data sets, but in that case, you need a diagram. Fortunately, Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 is the necessary tool for creating crisp, easy-to-understand visuals, and lifetime access is only $23.99 (reg. $249) with code ENJOY20 through April 16.

Whether you’re an architect or analyst, you can use Visio’s over 250,000 shapes and access...

Managing PDFs efficiently in today’s work and tech landscape is non-negotiable. Whether for work, study, or personal use, we rely heavily on PDFs to store, sign, annotate and share our most important information. That’s where UPDF comes into play. UPDF has been a proud partner of 9to5Mac for over a year and for good reason. It’s an indispensable tool on my Mac, iPad, and iPhone, UPDF isn’t just another PDF editor—it’s a cutting-edge AI powerhouse. And now, with a sale offering up to 63% off, it’s the perfect time to discover why UPDF is the ultimate PDF solution for everyone. Let me show you a few reasons why you need to consider this tool.

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Macworld

Apple’s M3-series MacBook Pro was released in the fall of 2023, but Apple has seemingly put the laptop on a more frequent update cycle, with reports of an M4 MacBook Pro hitting the rumor mill.

We’ll see more rumors between now and the M4 MacBook Pro release. This article will keep track of what’s being reported, as well as offer a perspective based on Apple’s current lineup.

MacBook Pro M4: Release date

Apple has yet to make a big impression in the AI market, which is sizzling hot right now. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple wants to make a big splash with the M4 chip, which will have big AI enhancements and Apple wants to release the M4 as soon as possible. Gurman states that Apple plans to release M4 MacBook Pro models later this year.

Apple could ship...

Apple on Friday lost a bid to throw out a mass lawsuit valued at just under $1 billion, brought in London on behalf of more than 1,500 app developers over its App Store fees. Reuters: The case, worth up to 785 million pounds ($979 million) and one of several faced by the U.S. tech giant in the United Kingdom, alleges Apple charged third-party developers unfair commissions of up to 30% on purchases of apps or other content.

Sean Ennis, a competition law professor and economist, is spearheading the case which was filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) last year. His lawyers say Apple has abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of apps on iPhones and other Apple devices and are seeking damages for UK-based developers. Apple, however, says 85% of developers on its App Store do not pay any commission at all.

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Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Learn more and get started today for free. 

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The iPhone and iOS have continuously evolved over the last 17 years. When the original iPhone was released, the feature sets and tools included in PhoneOS 1 were very limited. Apple wanted users to focus on basic interactions such as using the new touchscreen and making phone calls. However, with iOS 17, the software has grown exponentially and has become your go-to tool for almost any task. In this post, I will highlight 12 progressively useful features built into iOS. Share your favorite iOS feature in the comments—one that others might not know about—so we can all learn!

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Whether you’re just curious how your iPhone battery health is holding up or you’re having issues with battery life or unexpected shutdowns, it’s easy to check in iOS Settings. Below we’ll cover how to see iPhone battery health, tips on when to get a replacement, charge cycle expectations, and more.

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People have been complaining about Siri for years now, arguing that it’s fallen behind the likes of Alexa and Google Assistant. With clear evidence that 2024 is going to see dramatic improvements in Apple’s AI features, will iOS 18 Siri finally turn things around?

I’m very much hoping the answer is yes, and think there are three clues which provide some reason for optimism …

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Macworld

Apple’s AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience, and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so it’s important to shop around for a good deal… or find a bunch of tech experts who’ll do this for you. That’s where we come in.

In this article, we round up the best AirPods discounts and bundle deals to help you save money. We’ve got the best prices on the 3rd-gen AirPods that were released in October 2021, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro that launched in September 2022 as well as the updated 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C that launched in September 2023, and the premium...

Macworld

If you’re looking for an iPhone but don’t want to spend a fortune, the third-gen iPhone SE, Apple’s cheapest current handset, is the phone for you. It features a powerful processor (the A15, which also appeared in the flagship iPhone 13 Pro from 2021) at an affordable price, starting at $429 in the U.S. or £429 in the U.K.

For a phone that’s even cheaper, however, you may want to consider the second-gen...

Macworld

It’s been a long time since you could only get an iPhone directly from Apple or from AT&T. Today, they are offered by all major carriers and big retailers, and many of them want to entice you to buy with them by offering special deals. Of course, you can still buy from Apple directly, either in-store or online, but you can probably find a lower price elsewhere.

That’s particularly relevant if you’re looking at devices that Apple itself no longer sells. The company still sells the iPhone 13, but it discontinued the iPhone 13 Pro when the 14-series handsets came out in fall 2022, and dropped the 13 mini in fall 2023. If...

A UK court has ruled that a near billion dollar developer lawsuit against Apple will be allowed to proceed, after the iPhone maker attempted to get it dismissed.

The £785M ($979M) antitrust lawsuit was filed on behalf of more than 1,500 British developers, and alleges that Apple’s monopolistic control of the market for iPhone apps allowed the company to charge ‘abusive’ levels of commission on app sales …

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Macworld

At a glanceExpert's Rating
Pros

• Inductive charging abd magnetic hold on iPad
• Two different tips at both ends
• Available in five colors

Cons

• Serious lag with Adobe Photoshop

Our Verdict

The Pro Stylus 2 is a good alternative to the Apple Pencil. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Air and iPad Pro and is charged at the same time. The Pro Stylus 2 also performs perfectly well—unless you’re using Adobe Photoshop.

Price When Reviewed

$79.99

Best Prices Today: Zagg Pro Stylus 2

Retailer

Price

$56.99

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Macworld

I was recently visiting my parents when I got the dreaded question: I think my Mac has a virus but I thought Macs didn’t get viruses? They were obviously a little concerned and somewhat embarrassed that they could have allowed something to happen to their Mac.

First off: yes, your Mac can get a virus, though it is still somewhat rare. After all, there are far fewer viruses in the wild to attack macOS than Windows, and way more PCs than Macs in the world. But there are Mac attacks in the wild and many of them originate within a web browser.

There are plenty of ways to scan your Mac for viruses and protect it from incoming attacks. Apple even has its own built-in antivirus tech called XProtect that constantly scans for known malware. But even with all that protection, things can get through.

Still, if you’re getting messages...

Macworld

Even non-coders probably know how important Python is to the tech ecosystem, but what you may not know is how easy it is to learn — with the right training. The 2024 Python for Software Engineering Bundle is the perfect entry point for self-starters, with a focus on hands-on education.

In these seven online courses you’ll get a quick but thorough introduction to the basics that allows you to grasp operators and object-oriented programming in general...

Macworld

Most credit-card and debit-card numbers are a sequence of 16 digits, with the final number in the sequence being a “checksum,” or a calculated number that was once useful in checking that a card number provided was legitimate. Card numbers can easily be stolen in a lot of ways, including thieves obtaining lists of numbers that were issued through people working in the industry, subverting databases, or even hijacking websites and intercepting data.

One technique to reduce the misuse of card numbers entered into websites was developed a number of years ago. “Virtual cards” were intended to bring the advantages of the internet to card numbers, allowing you to use an app or website associated with your credit card to generate a unique card number on the fly. Each number would have its own expiration date and security code, and in many cases you could define how many times it could be used or set a maximum monthly or all-...