Cover your eyes: Netflix vertical video is coming this year
Even traditional video-on-demand services are no longer safe, it seems: Netflix vertical video is coming later this year. The company started testing the idea more than six months ago, and one of its co-CEOs has now confirmed that the move is going ahead … more…

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Your Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad gets firmware updates — here’s how they work
Updating the firmware on your Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad is really very easy. And impoertant. Here's what to do. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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OpenAI CFO Comments Signal End of AI Hype Cycle
OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar's call for “practical adoption” suggests the AI hype cycle is fading as companies demand measurable outcomes and workflow-ready deployments. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island confusion now appears to be resolved
There’s been considerable confusion about the fate of the iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island, with conflicting claims about the position of the selfie camera, the visibility of the Face ID components, and the size and location of the Dynamic Island. One recent report seemed to leave open the possibility that the upcoming device wouldn’t even need a Dynamic Island, but a reliable source has now stepped in to clarify the position … more…

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Japan finally gets Apple FItness+, lazily using AI-generated dubs
Apple Fitness+ is now available in Japan, but instead of using local trainers, and despite being one of the most wealthy companies in the world, Apple has dubbed existing workouts with AI-generated versions of the trainers' voices.Apple Fitness+ has come to Japan — image credit: ApplkeIt was back in 2020 that Apple first announced its Apple Fitness+ program, and it has been slowly rolling out worldwide ever since. Now Apple has announced that it is available in Japan."We are very pleased to be able to deliver the Fitness+ experience to Japan," said Jay Blahnik, Apple VP of Fitness Technologies, in a translated statement. "Seamless integration with iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV makes Fitness+ makes it easy to work out and meditate anytime, anywhere." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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California court rules that Apple didn’t invade the privacy of iPhone users
A Californian court has awarded Apple a partial victory in a class action lawsuit alleging that the company violated the privacy of some iPhone owners. The case followed a security researcher discovering data collection practices by Apple which he described at the time as “shocking” … more…

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7 surprising Apple Photos tools to elevate your iPhone photography game
Macworld You’ve probably seen stunning #ShotoniPhone photos online and wondered why your brand-new iPhone can’t produce similar results. The truth is, most viral images are heavily edited before they’re shared. While many photographers rely on Adobe Lightroom for fine-tuned color and detail adjustments, your iPhone’s built-in Photos app can be sufficient on its own. If you want to produce professional-looking images without advanced third-party editors, these native tools can make all the difference. 1. Automatic portraits Mobile photography is often instantaneous and time-sensitive. You may spot your photogenic friend (or fur baby) naturally posing and decide to quickly snap a photo before they move. In these cases, it likely won’t occur to you to switch to Portrait mode in the Camera app, as you rush to capture the unplanned moment. Fortunately, newer iPhones can automatically capture depth data in certain conditions. So, even if you take the photo using the regular shooting mode, it’ll still offer a Portrait mode look. First, ensure that the relevant option is enabled by heading to the Settings app > Camera > and double-checking the Portraits in Photo Mode toggle. Now, whenever you take a close-up of a person, cat, or dog, you can activate the depth effect in the Portrait tab of the default photo editor. Beyond that, you can change the highlighted subject by tapping anywhere on the photo, tweak the strength of the depth effect, and add a lighting effect. These adjustments help transform your regular, spontaneous shots into polished portraits. Foundry 2. Photographic Styles Photographic Styles are advanced filters that you can apply to shots taken with recent iPhone models. Unlike traditional filters, Photographic Styles let you tweak the color, tone, and palette of a certain image, giving you more control over the final look. Besides the default, standard style, you can pick between 15 unique effects, ranging from subtle to dramatic. Once you opt for one of the main styles in the photo editor, you can tap on it to customize it further and adjust its intensity using the sliders. If you tend to stick to the same filter, you can set a default Photographic Style that applies to all of your future shots. Head to Settings > Camera > Photographic Styles, and follow the on-screen instructions. Foundry 3. Image adjustments Once you’ve chosen a Photographic Style, you can proceed to finer image adjustments that further change the overall mood. Visit the Adjust tab in the default photo editor and go through every available option. You’ve got the exposure, highlights, brilliance, contrast, saturation, warmth, noise reduction, and more. Drag each slider in both directions to see how it impacts your photo in real time and pick the suitable value for each adjustment accordingly. For starters, I tend to lower the highlights to emphasize details, increase the shadows and drop the contrast to reveal hidden elements, and increase the saturation and vibrance to add more color to dull shots. The formula can certainly differ depending on the lighting, subject, and the image’s intended vibe. If you’re a beginner, you may want to tap the magic wand icon, which uses on-device smarts to adjust many of the sliders automatically. You can then monitor the changes, learn what each option does, and apply additional edits manually if needed. Foundry 4. Live Photo effects By default, most of the shots you take with your iPhone are Live Photos. The option records 1.5 seconds of video before and after each click, letting you watch a short clip of the captured moment when you tap and hold on the photo. Its capability, however, extends beyond just tapping and holding for video playback. When viewing a compatible image, you can tap on the Live label towards the top-left corner to reveal available Live Photo effects. My favorite effect is Long Exposure, which merges the individual frames it has captured to produce an artsy still from an otherwise meh image. Other neat effects include Loop and Bounce, which turn your Live Photos to GIF-like files that play automatically. Notably, you need to keep your hands steady during the 3-second shooting window to get reliable results across the board. 5. Clean Up Professional photographers often rely on cloning tools to conceal blemishes and dust particles or remove unwanted people or objects in the background. The Photos app offers an AI-powered utility that serves the same purpose. Go to the Clean Up tab in the photo editor and wait for the system to process the image. Once ready, you’ll be able to tap on detected intruders to instantly remove them from the photo. Otherwise, you could manually doodle on the object or person you’d like to remove, and Apple Intelligence will handle the rest. It’s worth noting that using Clean Up will alter the photo’s metadata, and certain social media platforms will mark it as AI—regardless of how insignificant the edit is. Foundry 6. Geometric corrections After you’ve perfected the above enhancements, you may want to apply one last edit before sharing the final shot. Head to the Crop tab in the photo editor and use the featured sliders to straighten the image and fix the perspective if needed. You could also crop it to exclude unnecessary elements around the edges and refine the composition. 7. Batch editing If you’ve taken multiple photos in the same setting, you wouldn’t want to manually apply all of the above-mentioned tweaks on each individual shot. Luckily, you can tap the 3-dot menu on any edited photo and hit the Copy Edits button. This will let you granularly select the kind of edits you want to copy, including image adjustments, Photographic Styles, crops, and more. You can then select a group of other photos and hit Paste Edits to batch-apply them. Foundry

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The best USB-C hubs for iPad
Macworld Apple’s iPads now all use the universal USB-C connector port rather than Apple’s old Lightning connector. The M-series iPad Pro models use the even more capable but identical-looking (and compatible to USB-C) Thunderbolt connection (USB4). What many people don’t realise is that the USB-C port is good for more than charging or plugging in wired earbuds. Apple’s tablets can also be used with other peripherals that transform it into an even more versatile computer. As such, iPad owners have a wide range of USB-C accessories available to them unless their older iPad still uses the Lightning connector. Some of the USB-C hubs connect directly into the iPad. Others require a cable connection; some come with both, which helps when the iPad is in a protective case. We have also included stands for iPads that include built-in multiport hubs. You can use most hubs—and elsewhere we’ve reviewed the best USB-C hubs for Mac—but we are these as especially suited to the iPad. Best USB-C hubs and docks for iPad HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best overall USB-C hub for iPad Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad 60W passthrough charging Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $77.76 View Deal $89.99 View Deal Hyper $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray, Silver Ports: USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, microSD and SD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz, although that might be a push if you are using all the other ports at the same time. This good-looking iPad-dedicated hub, with built-in USB-C connector, features a grip that secures it onto an iPad Pro without damaging the surface. However, you can remove the grip if you use a third-party iPad case. It connects direct to the iPad but handily also comes with a USB-C extender cable so you can use it as a USB-C hub for your MacBook or another USB-C device, too. It can charge a device at up to 60W. It’s also lightweight at just 33g (1.16oz) and at 3.66 x 1.3 x 0.39 inches (9.3 x 3.3 x 1cm) it’s small enough to slip into a pocket. If you don’t need the memory card readers, the $59.99 HyperDrive 4-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad, available in either Silver or Space Gray, adds four ports: 4K 30Hz HDMI, 60W USB-C power delivery, 5Gbps USB-A, and 3.5mm audio jack. It weighs just 1.34oz (38g). Satechi Mobile XR Hub with microSD Reader – Smallest USB-C hub Pros 3 ports inc microSD Super small and lightweight 100W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad Cons No USB-A UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $44.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.99 View Deal $44.99 View Deal Satechi $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Transparent gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (100W), USB-C PD (10Gbps), microSD card reader (33MBps) Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This is the smallest and lightest USB-C hub we tested weighing just 16g (0.57oz). Its dimensions are 2.42 x 0.93 x 0.35 inches (6.2 x 2.4 x 0.9cm) so It’s even smaller than the Twelve South StayGo mini and a few grams lighter. This mini hub Is aimed at users with XR glasses but is just as able connected to your iPad to deliver up to 100W of passthrough power (35W for iPad) and a 10Gbps USB-C port that can link to a 4K display at 60Hz. The third port is a microSD card reader that, at 33MBps, is particularly slow but useful for uploading or off-loading photos and videos from the tablet. There is no legacy USB-A port, so if that’s important to you keep looking at what the other reviewed iPad hubs offer. There is an alternative version, the Satechi Mobile XR Hub with Audio, which swaps the card reader for an audio port. Twelve South StayGo mini – Smallest 4-port USB-C hub for iPad Pros 4 ports inc HDMI Small and lightweight 85W passthrough charging Direct fit to iPad Cons Slower USB-A 4K at 30Hz No card reader Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Twelve South $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Black Ports:  USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (85W), USB-A (480Mbps, 7.5W), HDMI 2.0, Audio Out Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This small hub can connect to your iPad (or MacBook) via either the integrated USB-C connector or a detachable cable (20in). The cable is useful if your iPad is in a protective case, and you could use your own longer cable if required. StayGo mini adds just four ports, but enough for you to attach an external display (4K at 30Hz), a USB-A device and headphones as well as powering your tablet or laptop at the same time–especially handy for tablets that have just the one port. It weighs just 36g and measures 2.8 x 1.25 x 0.3 inches (7.2 x 3.2 x 0.8cm), making it one of the smallest USB-C iPad hubs we have tested—the Satechi Mobile XR Hub, reviewed above, is even tinier. This hub—unlike the Satechi Mobile XR Hub—does host an old-school USB-A port. It’s USB 2.0, so limited to 480Mbps data transfer compared to the 5Gbps on offer on some of the other hubs reviewed here. Twelve South seems to be discontinuing this product and it’s currently selling direct for under $10, so grab a bargain while you can. Anker 551 USB-C Hub 8-in-1 Tablet Stand – Best stand/dock for iPad Pros 8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Built-in iPad stand Foldable Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: 99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Anker $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 5Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This ergonomic iPad accessory is both a USB-C dock and a convenient stand for up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It features a broad range of ports, including a 4K at 60Hz HDMI 2.0 port, two legacy USB-A ports, both SD and microSD card readers and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and an 18-inch (45cm) USB-C cable is included. When folded it measures 5.6 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches (14.3 x 14.1 x 2.8cm) and weighs 23oz (650g). The iPad can be tilted on the stand for the best height and viewing angles. iPadOS 16.1 or later is required for using Stage Manager to extend your laptop screen to the iPad. Plugable USB-C Docking Station (UDS-7IN1) – Best budget stand/dock for iPad Pros 8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD Light, portable stand Cons Not height adjustable 4K at 30Hz UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $69 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $84.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/91W), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Smaller than the Anker 551 Hub Stand, the diminutive Plugable USB-C Docking Station features two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4 port, both SD and microSD card readers and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and a 20-inch (50cm) USB-C cable is included. At the back, alongside the HDMI port is another USB-C port that you can connect to a USB-C wall charger to allow up to 91W charging for the connected device—plenty for even the hungriest iPad. The USB-A ports aren’t really built for charging connected devices, so are limited to 4.5W charging. With the HDMI 1.4 port you can connect a 4K external display at 30Hz. Gamers and streamers might prefer a hub with at least HDMI 2.0 to get smoother 60Hz screen refresh rates (so should consider the Anker 551 Hub/Stand reviewed above), but for general productivity usage 30Hz is perfectly acceptable. The Ugreen Steam Deck Dock, reviewed below, goes even further to 120Hz. Made of aluminum, it’s light enough (10.7oz or 303g) to be carried around and it folds up for added portability points. Like the Anker Stand the tablet can be tilted on the stand for the best viewing angles. HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub for iPad Pro/Air – Best USB-C hub for media controls Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Media controls Direct fit to iPad Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $97.1 View Deal $99.99 View Deal Hyper $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), one USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, 3.5mm audio, Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow. We’ve seen faster ports on the other hubs reviewed here, but it’s the media buttons that make the difference here. It can connect in a tight fit to the iPad or via a detachable longer 2in cable if you need the extra length. At 3.85 x 1.14 x 0.47 inches (9.8 x 2.9 x 1.2cm), it’s a little longer than other iPad hubs tested here, but it’s lightweight at just 1.62oz (46g). Ugreen Steam Deck Dock (6-in-1) – Best iPad USB-C hub for gamers Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and Ethernet 4K at 120Hz Cons No card reader Price When Reviewed: $45.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.97 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Gray Ports: Angled USB-C to iPad, one USB-C 85W PD, one USB-C (5Gbps), one HDMI, two USB-A (5Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow. As its name (and picture above) suggests, this compact mini docking station is built for Steam Deck (OLED) gamers, but is equally adept when hooked up to an iPad. Its special power is its HDMI port that allows for connection to a 4K display at an impressive 120Hz screen refresh rate. VRR, FreeSync and G-Sync technologies provide a smoother gaming experience that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. It creates a foldable yet sturdy stand with adjustable angles up to 90 degrees, and measures 6.7-x-4.4-x-1.45 inches (17 x 11.2 x 3.7cm). Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter – Best magnetic iPad USB-C hub Pros 9 ports inc HDMI and microSD 4K at 60Hz Magnetic attachment Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Satechi $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Black Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 10GBps), USB-C PD (80W), two USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, microSD Card reader, Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is a neat solution that can clamp magnetically to your iPad. Attach the adhesive ring to the back of the iPad or iPad case to create a place where you won’t even see the hub while you work. The round hub has a 2.55-inch (6.5cm) diameter and sits just over an inch tall (2.7cm). It weighs 2.4oz (68g). We’ve seen faster ports on some of the other hubs reviewed here, we love that magnetic fit, and the HDMI supports full 4K at 60Hz. Read our full Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter review Ugreen Revodok Pro 109 USB-C Hub 9-in-1 – Best wired USB-C hub Pros 9 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet 100W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $27.99 View Deal $39.99 View Deal Ugreen $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), USB-A (10Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: There are many USB-C hubs that are built for laptops that work just as well with tablets. This wired USB-C hub has just about everything. Notably, its card readers are rated at 170MBps, which is faster than most that are limited to 104MBps. We’ve picked the Ugreen Revodok Pro 109 out for its broad range of ports, but there are many to choose from, so choose from the wide range at Ugreen, Anker, Satechi, Plugable and Baseus to pick out one that offers all you need at the right price. Connecting to the iPad via a built-in USB-C cable, this type of wired hub is a little less neat than those that plug directly into the iPad’s port, but they offer far more ports. The ribbed aluminum alloy Revodok Pro 109 measures 5.55 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches (14 x 6 x 1.6cm). StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter – Impressive passthrough charging Pros 5 ports inc HDMI 92W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad Cons No card reader Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.39 View Deal Startech.com $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray, silver Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/92W), USB-A (5Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps, BC 1.2 Fast Charge), HDMI, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The 92W passthrough charging is impressive. Although this may be overkill when used with a tablet, it makes a big difference when you use it with a laptop. The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz. This compact hub, with built-in USB-C connector, is one of the lightest we have tested, at just 44g (1.5oz). It’s also small, at 3.5 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches (9 x 3.2 x 0.9cm). As well as the HDMI and audio port, it features two USB-A ports, one for data (5Gbps) and one for fast charging (7.5W). Caldigit USB-C SOHO Dock – Best USB-C dock for video ports Pros 7 ports inc HDMI, DisplayPort and SD/microSD Fast 10Gbps USB-C ports 4K at 60Hz Small for a dock Cons Large for an iPad hub Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CalDigit $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Silver Ports:  USB-C (to iPad), USB-C (10Gbps), USB-C PD (10Gbps/100W), USB-A (10Gbps), DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, UHS-II SD and microSD Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Coming with a separate USB-C cable, this aluminium mini dock has the highest-spec ports. Although pretty small (3.66 x 2.53 x 0.75 inches or 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.9cm) for a docking station, it’s larger than the dedicated iPad hubs tested here, so there’s space for both DisplayPort and HDMI ports so you can choose your preferred connection to add an external display to the iPad. As the cable is detachable, you can use your own longer cable if necessary, but you’ll need one rated to handle 10Gbps. And because of the high bandwidth, the dock can easily handle a 4K display at 60Hz, even with other ports in use. Read the full Caldigit SOHO Dock review. CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub for multiple USB devices Pros Four 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports Four fast USB-A ports 5K at 60Hz Multiple external displays Cons No card reader Large for an iPad hub Price When Reviewed: $179.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CalDigit $179.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports:  Upstream Thunderbolt 4 (to iPad; 60W PD), three downstream Thunderbolt (40Gbps, 15W), four USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W) Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Apple’s iPad Pro (2021) models use 40Gbps Thunderbolt rather than 5Gbps USB-C, so to gain that full bandwidth a Thunderbolt hub is the best you can get. This is a hub that you can also use for high 40Gbps MacBook bandwidth as well as with your iPad Pro. For maximum Mac bandwidth look to the $249 CalDigit Element 5 Hub that operates at up to 120Gbps, but you’ll pay a premium that maybe be overkill for an iPad user. Choosing a hub or dock with a Thunderbolt connection standard makes perfect sense as it is backwards compatible with USB-C and so will work with any USB-C iPad too. You won’t find more modern USB ports on a hub than on the later Element 5 Hub that has three downstream TB5 ports, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports, but the Thunderbolt 4 model’s three downstream TB4 and four 10Gbps USB-A offer a lot of extension opportunities. Both are larger than other dedicated iPad hubs. The TB4 model measures 4.48-x-2.74-x-0.7in (11.4-x-7-1.8cm) and weighs 6.2oz (180g), while the TB5 model is 4.5 x 2.75 x 1 inches (11.4 x 7 x 2.5cm) and 7oz (200g). Recommended if you require multiple devices to connect to your iPad, and if you use it with a MacBook, too. Read the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub review and CalDigit Element 5 Hub review. Satechi Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure – Speedy USB-C NVMe enclosure Pros 10Gbps NVMe enclosure USB-C cable lanyard Cons No extra ports Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Satechi $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Gray Ports:  10Gbps USB-C to iPad, NVMe solid-state drive enclosure Compatible with: All USB-C iPads While not a hub, we love this dinky but high-speed SSD enclosure that can host interchangeable storage with tool-free installation, which makes it easy to switch between multiple SSDs. It includes a lanyard USB-C cable so you shouldn’t need additional cables when traveling. The enclosure supports 2230mm NVMe SSDs with speeds up to 10Gbps—Satechi claims this can transfer 3,000 high-res images in under a minute. A write lock switch protects files from accidental changes and malware. It supports Apple’s high-quality ProRes Log video format on iPhone 15 Pro and later, although you’ll need extra software to use it with the iPad’s camera. Choosing a USB-C hub With a hub you can add extra USB ports (Type-C and the older Type-A), storage card readers, ethernet networking, wired headphones, cameras, keyboards, and more. You can also connect your USB-C or thunderbolt iPad to your computer or to an external display using a hub’s USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort outputs. The latest iPad Pro models (with Thunderbolt/USB4) can even connect to Apple’s Pro Display XDR display. Some USB-C hubs are specially designed for the iPad (and fit neatly without the need for a long cable connection), but you can also use an array of generic USB-C hubs. And you can take it one step further with a full docking station that can also work with your laptop. Depending on which model you buy, a hub or dock connects to the iPad and offers an array of extra ports. USB-C Whatever hub you buy will use up the iPad’s sole port, so, unless it’s for short-term usage, you’ll need at least one extra USB-C port on the hub for pass-through charging, as you don’t want your tablet’s battery to fade mid use. Make sure at least one of the hub’s USB-C ports is capable of Power Delivery (PD) for charging. And look for high charging power if there is a maximum wattage on the hub. The iPad requires at least a 20W charger for fast charging, which all the hubs can handle but a more powerful charger may enable speeds up to 30W. The iPad Pro requires at least 60W for fast charging. More USB-C ports on the hub mean you can use them for more modern peripherals and an external display that connects via a USB-C cable. The minimum data-transfer bandwidth of USB-C is 5Gbps, so this is the most common speed on hubs, but some offer 10Gbps that is more capable for things like connecting an external monitor. In Apple’s latest iPad line-up, the iPad mini has a 10Gbps USB-C port, while the standard iPad has a USB-C port with a much slower USB 2 data-transfer rate of just 480Mbps. The iPad Air has 10Gbps bandwidth, and the iPad Pro uses 40Gbps Thunderbolt, see below. Thunderbolt The M1/M2/M4/M5 iPad Pro boasts the more capable Thunderbolt connection. It uses the USB-C connector, but Thunderbolt has bandwidth up to 40Gbps compared to just 5Gbps or 10Gbps for USB. Thunderbolt hubs and docks are more expensive than their simpler USB-C cousins, but power users will benefit from the extra bandwidth. For example, a Thunderbolt hub or dock can use this bandwidth to connect a 4K display running at 60Hz and still have data-transfer capacity for other devices such as hard drives. USB-A Universal and reversible, USB-C is a great connector, but most of us still have a few devices that connect via the more common Type-A USB port, such as flash memory sticks, hard drives, and input devices. USB-A ports are used mainly for lower-powered devices, but the ports do come in different speeds. USB 2.0 is the slowest at 480Mbps. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is rated at 5Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2 is 10Gbps. Some hubs boast multiple legacy USB-A ports, so consider how many you might need to use at the same time. SD and microSD Card readers You can connect a camera or a card reader directly to the iPad’s USB-C port, but a more flexible option is to use a hub with either an SD or microSD Card reader, and many hubs have both. These tiny memory cards are also an inexpensive portable storage and backup solution, with capacities of up to 1TB. Look for the faster UHS-II type reader, which can handle up to 312MBps data transfer, compared to UHS-I’s maximum 104MBps. The slower variety is more common on the iPad hubs reviewed above. For more options, take a look at the best USB-C hubs for Mac that will also work with your iPad. Gigabit ethernet Wired internet or network access is much faster than WiFi, so if you’re using your iPad at a desk, consider a hub with an ethernet port. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a USB-C-to-ethernet adapter that plugs directly into your iPad. Audio If you want to hook up some wired headphones or a microphone, look for a hub with 3.5mm audio jack port since none of Apple’s current iPad range has one. Some older iPads have an audio port. External displays A hub is basically essential when using an external display because the iPad has just one USB-C port and you can’t simultaneously charge the tablet at the same time. So, you’ll want to look for a hub with either two USB-C ports (one for charging, one for video) or a hub with an HDMI or DisplayPort (or even VGA if you have an older display). For general productivity purposes, 30Hz screen rates are acceptable for 4K monitors, but 60Hz or 120Hz is better for gaming or action-graphics video. Depending on the cable, you might get varied refresh rates. It’s a little confusing, but for the most part, 5Gbps USB-C is mostly limited to 30Hz (but can be pushed to 60Hz if the bandwidth is not taken up by the other ports), a 10Gbps USB-C connection should allow 60Hz 4K, and Thunderbolt will easily push 6K displays with high refresh rates.

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Need a travel or couch laptop? This MacBook Air is only $200.
Macworld TL;DR: This refurbished MacBook Air gives you Apple performance, solid battery life, and everyday reliability for just $199.97 — perfect as a second, stress-free laptop. Not every laptop needs to be treated like a priceless artifact. Sometimes you just want a reliable MacBook that lives in your backpack, comes on trips, sits on the couch, or handles everyday tasks without stress. That’s exactly what this refurbished Apple MacBook Air for $199.97 can be. This MacBook Air delivers solid performance for daily use, powered by a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB of flash storage, and a 13.3-inch display that’s still comfortable for work, browsing, and streaming. It easily handles emails, documents, web apps, and video — and thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it stays connected wherever you are. Battery life is another win. With up to 12 hours of use, it’s well-suited for long days when you’re away from an outlet. Intel HD Graphics 6000 keeps visuals smooth for streaming and casual multitasking, while the lightweight MacBook Air design makes it easy to carry anywhere. Because it’s Grade A/B refurbished, you may notice light cosmetic wear — but functionally, it’s ready to go. For just $199.97 (MSRP $999) with free shipping, this quality refurbished MacBook Air is a practical, low-risk way to add a second MacBook to your life. Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13″ i5 1.8GHz 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Drops of God season 2 premieres on Apple TV
One of Apple TV’s best-reviewed shows is back, with new episodes premiering every Wednesday through March 11. Here’s what to expect from this season. more…

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Apple scores legal win in France over App Tracking Transparency
Following a seemingly endless stream of legal challenges and setbacks in multiple European countries over the legality of the App Tracking Transparency feature, Apple won a key court ruling in France today. Here are the details. more…

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Apple services outage hits Apple TV, Maps, & App Store
Catching up on "Pluribus" or updating your apps might not be possible, as an outage has struck multiple Apple Services affecting developers and users alike.An outage has hit various Apple ServicesAlmost everything you do on your iPhone touches online servers and services, and occasionally, they go down and become unresponsive. Such an outage has struck multiple Apple Services on Tuesday evening, though Apple is aware of the outage and is working on restoration.According to the Apple System Status page, an outage is affecting the App Store, Apple TV Channels, Apple TV, iTunes Store, and Maps Traffic. These services may be slow or completely unavailable. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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9to5Mac Daily: January 20, 2026 – Mac shipments and rumors
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 Stuff: Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. Use code 9TO5 at checkout for 50% off your first year. more…

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French court says Apple App Tracking Transparency function can stay
After getting Apple fined by the French government over antitrust allegations, advertisers hoped to get App Tracking Transparency tools changed or removed, but a court has ruled in Apple's favor.App Tracking Transparency can remain active in FranceApp Tracking Transparency debuted in 2021 and advertisers around the world immediately sought ways to undermine it. In 2023, a French advertising group took legal action and Apple was ultimately fined by the competition authority.According to a report from La Tribune, the advertising coalition sought further penalties beyond the fine, and has lost. The group asserted that the feature ruined their ability to target ads at users and resulted in a shortfall of "nearly 50%." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV, iTunes Store, App Store, Xcode Cloud, App Store Connect down for some users
Apple’s System Status page confirms the ongoing outage, although the issue might not be affecting all users and developers worldwide. Here are the details. more…

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Apple Fitness+ now available in Japan
Following last month’s announcement that Apple Fitness+ would launch in Japan “early next year”, the service is now available. Here are the details. more…

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Apple set to sell millions of $2,000 foldable iPhones in 2026, Citi says
According to a new note from Citi analyst Atif Malik, the tech giant is poised to launch its first foldable iPhone later in 2026… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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This free app beams massive files quickly across the internet [Awesome Apps]
The Blip file transfer app is a delightful utility that lets you send files across the internet, directly from your machine to theirs. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Make AI text undetectable: This tool bypasses major AI detectors
The Undetectable Humanizer transforms your AI-generated text into natural, human-like prose to help it bypass AI-detection systems. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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ITC opens patent investigation over Apple Watch fall detection
Investigation stems from a complaint filed by Texas-based company UnaliWear, and targets several other wearables. Here are the details. more…

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