Apple’s best chips won’t be US-manufactured per TSMC, here’s why
Apple has recently ramped up its US chip production in Arizona, but TSMC’s CEO says you shouldn’t expect the latest and greatest chips to be US-made any time soon. Here’s why. more…

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Say goodbye to outlet battles with this compact 200W charger
Keep your MacBook Pro, iPad and iPhone topped off with the powerful and portable Chargeasap Omega 200w high-speed GaN charger. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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FTC bans General Motors from selling driving data without permission, adding to case for CarPlay 2
The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against General Motors and OnStar for selling location and driving data from millions of GM car owners, allegedly without informed consent. This data was collected as frequently as every three seconds. Both companies have been banned from selling location and driving behavior data for a period of five years, and will need to ensure they disclose any future sharing plans, and obtain proper consent for it … more…

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iPhone 17 rumored to get much more powerful cooling system
Apple could add vapor chamber heat sinks to the iPhone 17 to help it run cooler and faster for longer.iPhone 16 Pro doesn't have vapor chambers. iPhone 17 might. A limiting factor for mobile devices is thermal management, as cooling the heat-generating chips is difficult in such a small volume. It's now claimed that Apple will be doing something about it in the next iPhone generation, using a technology already in use by rivals.According to a Fast Technology industry rumor picked up by MyDrivers on January 16, Apple is going to be using vapor chamber cooling on its iPhone 17 series. This will apparently be for both non-Pro and Pro models. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Parallels Desktop for Mac review: Parallels Desktop 20 bring AI features
Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating Pros Frequent updates and new features Good performance on multi-core Apple chips Slick, easy-to-use interface Powerful new AI features and tools for developers Cons Most editions require a subscription AI features not available in all editions Virtual machines require a lot of memory and processor power Windows On ARM is expensive Our Verdict Parallels Desktop is one of the best options for Mac users who need to run Windows, Linux – and even macOS – as a virtual machine on their Mac. Parallels Desktop 20 is an impressive upgrade, and a strong focus on developers and AI means it is now a powerful tool for developers on all platforms. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When ReviewedStandard – £89.99 annual subscription or £104.99 perpetual license; Pro – £99.99 annual subscription; Business – £119.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: Parallels Desktop for Mac Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Mac is no longer dismissed as an insignificant niche market that struggles to compete with Microsoft Windows. But, even so, there are still times when many Mac users need to run apps and software that are only available for Windows PCs. Perhaps your employer uses particular business software that’s only available for Windows, or you may need to use a website that relies on some Windows-only technologies. Many developers need to test their apps and services on both Macs and PCs and, of course, there are all those A-List games that only run on Windows as well. It used to be easy to install Windows on Macs, thanks to Apple’s Boot Camp software and the fact that from 2006 to 2020 all Macs used the same Intel processors as Windows PCs. However, with the advent of M-series Macs, Boot Camp is no more, so if you want to run Windows on a Mac you need to consider one of the various virtualization options that we feature in our round-up of the Best Virtual Machine software for Mac. The advent of Apple’s own chips, aka Apple Silicon, also means that the standard version of Windows, designed for X-86 chips, won’t run on Arm-based chips like Apple’s M-series. If you want to run Windows on an M-series Mac you need the Arm version of Windows.  Our top solution for running Windows on a Mac is Parallels Desktop. Read on to find out why.  What is Parallels Desktop for Mac  Parallels Desktop is referred to as a virtualization program, because it allows you to create a virtual machine on your Mac – sometimes known as a VM – which is essentially a piece of software that simulates the physical hardware of a Windows PC (process also known as emulation) and lets you run Windows on your Mac.   One of the benefits of a solution like Parallels Desktop is it allows you to run Mac and Windows apps side by side, without having to reboot your Mac to switch between the macOS and Windows (which you had to do with Boot Camp). Screenshot Foundry Parallels gives you a lot of control over how you integrate Windows on your Mac. You could choose to keep Windows and macOS completely separate, with a full Windows desktop window floating on the Mac desktop, or the Windows VM can be expanded to full-screen size to hide the Mac desktop. But you can also use Coherence mode to run your Windows apps on your Mac so that they integrate fully with your Mac apps–you can even add them to your Dock. You can run more than Windows as a VM on your Mac with Parallels Desktop. You can create a VM that runs Linux, or even a VM that runs a different version of macOS itself. This can be useful for developers who need to test a website or an app on different versions of the macOS, although it’s currently only possible to create VMs that run Monterey (macOS 12.0) or later on Macs with Apple Silicon. However, Intel-based Macs can go right back to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion–we have the details of how to find old version of macOS here. Another useful feature of Parallels is Rollback mode, which lets you run Windows (or Linux, or macOS) like a kiosk. What this means is that nothing is saved and after you have finished working and restart the computer the VM will return return to it’s original state, this is perfect for developers who can experiment and then return to a clean slate. Parallels also makes installing Windows really easy. Since Parallels Desktop version 18 it has been possible to download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within Parallels. You do need to buy a license for the ARM version of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise in order to create a Windows VM on Macs with Apple Silicon processors – unfortunately, the less expensive Home edition isn’t supported – although it’s also possible to use an existing license if you have one available. Microsoft doesn’t differentiate between Windows On Intel and Windows On Arm, so a Windows 11 license can be used for either version. This is a big deal because the Arm version of Windows isn’t normally licensed to individual users. Fortunately, Parallels has worked closely with Microsoft to simplify the process of creating VMs that use the ARM version of Windows. Just select the File/New command to create a new VM (or press the ‘+’ button in the program’s main Control Centre window) and it will present you with a big button labeled: Get Windows 11 From Microsoft.  Windows 11 On ARM allows you to run most older software and apps that were originally written for the Intel version of Windows, so you shouldn’t have any compatibility problems when running virtual machines that use Windows On ARM. Older Intel-based Macs can still run Windows 10 via Parallels, although older versions of Windows are no longer supported. Read our guide to How to use Parallels Desktop to run Windows on a Mac for more information.  Parallels Desktop system requirements  Since your Mac is effectively running two operating systems at the same time–the macOS and Windows–so you’ll need a reasonably fast Mac with plenty of memory, disk space and – above all – processor power in order to run your virtual machines efficiently.  Fortunately, modern multi-core processors like Apple’s M-series of chips can run routine apps such as the Windows versions of Microsoft Word or Excel using virtualization with no trouble at all, and faster Mac models can do a pretty good job running 3D games or high-end tools for design and graphics work. You do need plenty of memory to run the macOS and Windows alongside each other though. Parallels Desktop generally recommends a minimum of 1-2GB for each VM, but that really is the absolute minimum, and it’s in addition to the memory that your Mac needs just to run the macOS, so if you’ve got a Mac with just 8GB of memory then you’re not going to get the best possible performance when running Windows in a VM. Juggling memory and processor cores can be confusing for less experienced users, but Parallels Desktop can help by recommending settings that will be suitable for running different types of Windows apps and software. On high-end Macs, such as the Mac Studio, you can configure your virtual machines to use up to 62GB of memory and 18 CPU cores for improved performance. Unfortunately, Parallels informed us that the multiple GPU cores on Apple Silicon chips are controlled solely by the macOS itself, so Parallels doesn’t currently allow you to also specify the number of GPU cores used by your virtual machines. Parallels Desktop update: What’s in Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac? One other benefit is that Parallels Desktop has a regular update cycle of annual updates that generally coincide with Apple’s big updates to the macOS itself. Parallels also keeps up with the rapid development of Apple’s M-series processors. Speaking of regular updates, Parallels Desktop 20 arrived in September 2024, bringing support for macOS Sequoia and new features in that version of macOS.  Parallels 20 includes a number of new features that are only available to Mac’s running Sequoia. With Sequoia as your Mac’s main operating system – rather than just a guest running in a virtual machine – you now have the ability to sign into a Mac virtual machine (VM) using your Apple ID, which will allow you to use your Apple email and other Apple services. And it will be possible to use the Apple Intelligence-powered Writing Tools feature within Windows apps once that arrives on Macs later in 2024. See: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it is, what it does, and when you’ll get it. Screenshot Foundry There are performance improvements when using Parallels’ file-sharing features to exchange files between your main Mac and your virtual machines. Macs with Apple Silicon also gain the ability to quickly save and restore ‘snapshots’ of your VMs so that you can make or discard changes to your VMs for testing purposes (although the snapshots feature was already available when running Parallels on Macs with Intel processors in the past). Parallels Desktop 20 is also compatible with the latest Windows 11 On Arm update – known as 24H2 – which has an improved Prism emulator that provides as much as 80% performance improvement when running some older Windows apps that were written for Intel processors. Prism is similar to Apple’s Rosetta, which allows old Mac apps that were written for Intel processors to run on modern Macs with Apple Silicon – and, strictly speaking, this is an improvement provided by Microsoft within Windows 11 24H2, but it still benefits Parallels users by speeding up older Windows apps running within your virtual machines.  Currently, Macs with Apple Silicon only have the ability to create virtual machines that run Windows 11 On Arm – a special version of Windows developed specifically for computers that use ARM processors (including Apple Silicon). However, Parallels informed us that it is working on an update for Parallels Desktop 20 that will also allow Macs with Apple Silicon to run the original Intel version of Windows. That will be useful for developers who want to work on both ARM and Intel platforms, and Parallels says that there will be a preview of this feature available for developers soon. Parallels Desktop version history Parallels Desktop 19 arrived in August 2023 and introduced a redesigned interface with windows and dialogue boxes that adopted the curved lines and candy colors of macOS. More serious eye candy also arrived with support for 3D graphics in Windows using OpenGL 4.1, improving compatibility and performance for some important graphics and design programs, such as ArcGIS Pro, VectorWorks and VariCAD. The 2023 update also brought Touch ID to Windows virtual machines, allowing users to sign in to a Windows VM using both Touch ID and a personal Microsoft account. Apple changed the printing system used in Sonoma, so Parallels Desktop 19 also introduced a new Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) to allow users to print documents from a virtual machine using their normal printer. Parallels Desktop 19.2 brought a faster option for cloning VMs. That’s useful for developers and professional users who may need to create multiple VMs based on an existing template. It also improved the ability to use Sign In With Apple to sign in to a Parallels account using hardware security keys that users may have created on their Mac. The introduction of Sonoma changed the way the macOS handles Windows disk formats, causing some VMs to become unstable when running from an external hard drive or SSD, so version 19.2 also fixed this problem to improve the stability of VMs on external drives. And, in March 2024, the program was updated to version 19.3. This fixed graphics problems that had affected a number of well-known Windows games, such as Dark Souls II and Genshin Impact. Gamers should be aware, though, that (at the time of writing) Parallels is still working on support for Microsoft’s DirectX 12 graphics software, and Parallels Desktop is still limited to games that use DirectX 11. Parallels Desktop Pro vs Standard, Business vs Enterprise Parallels Desktop has traditionally been available in three separate versions, with the Standard Edition designed for home users and education, the Pro Edition for developers, and the Business Edition for corporate users. However, 2024 sees the arrival of a new Enterprise Edition, which is due for release ‘later this fall’ (with pricing available on request).  Features for developers Parallels states that it is seeing more and more Mac users running the macOS as a guest operating system on a VM, especially developers who need to test their apps with different versions of the macOS.  Parallels therefore supplies configuration options when creating VMs that run the macOS, providing greater freedom to configure the number of processors and the amount of memory used. Developers get a command-line interface to speed up testing, advanced networking features, and the ability to share folders and volumes between different versions of the macOS. There’s even some TLC for Linux users, with improved handling of Mac trackpads, and faster installation for the popular Ubuntu version of Linux. The version 20 update to Parallels Desktop Pro brings an assortment of new features for developers including the Parallels AI Package (available in all editions, apart from Standard). This will allow developers to create a ready-made virtual machine that includes 14 different sets of AI tools, along with code samples and instructions. It’s even possible to use ordinary language commands – such as “Parallels, start my Windows 11 VM”. These tools are designed to help all developers, including students and smaller teams, so that they can start experimenting with AI quickly and easily. There is also improved support for Microsoft’s Visual Studio development tools, which now includes the use of Microsoft’s CoPilot AI features within Windows. (www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ai/) Version 19 brought several new features specifically aimed at developers including an extension for using Visual Studio code that makes it easier to organize and use multiple VMs, and improved support for creating VMs that run different versions of macOS. As we mentioned above, Parallels has confirmed it is working on a feature that will also allow Macs with Apple Silicon to run the original Intel version of Windows. This will be a breakthrough for developers who want to work on both ARM and Intel platforms.  Features for businesses  Foundry The Business Edition of Parallels Desktop includes several features to help IT departments in large organizations quickly roll out Parallels virtual machines to multiple users. There are improved security features, and, since version 19, those with the Business edition of Parallels Desktop can use their VMs with corporate management systems such as Hashicorp Packer and Microsoft’s InTune. The Enterprise Edition, coming later in 2024, will include a Management Portal that makes it easier to install and manage virtual machines for large numbers of users within an organisation. This Edition will also provide SOC Type 2 reports, which are used to maintain security standards within large organisations. Features for gamers Foundry Gamers who want to run Windows games on a Mac can do so via Parallels Desktop, and are able to use game controllers with those games.  There has been support for DirectX 11 since Parallels Desktop 15. There is no DirectX 12 support yet.  Version 4.1 of OpenGL is also supposed.  Parallels Desktop for Mac pricing  Parallels Desktop is available in three different editions: Standard, Pro and Business. The Standard edition is mainly aimed at home and educational users and costs $99.99/£89.99 per year, with additional discounts also available for students and education users. That annual subscription fee includes any new versions and updates that may be released in the future. It’s also possible to buy the standard edition with a perpetual license for a one-time fee of $129.99/£104.99 (although you’ll have to pay extra for future upgrades). The Pro edition, which is mainly aimed at developers, is only available as a subscription, costing $119.99/£99.99 (currently reduced to $/£74.99) annually, while the Business edition for larger organizations also requires a subscription and costs $149.99/£119.99 per year (currently reduced to $/£89.99).  Pricing for the forthcoming Enterprise Edition is available from Parallels on request. It’s worth mentioning that there’s also a version of Parallels Desktop that is sold on the Mac App Store–however, Apple imposes some serious technical limitations on this version so it’s probably best to buy Parallels Desktop directly from Parallels itself. Parallels Desktop for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard – £89.99 annual subscription or £104.99 perpetual license; Pro – £99.99 annual subscription; Business – £119.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Parallels (1 year) | $129.99 at Parallels (Perpetual License) Can you use Parallels for Mac for free? The Parallels website offers a 14-day free trial so that you can see how Parallels Desktop works before buying the full version. Just remember that you do still need to buy a license for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, which starts at a rather hefty $199.99/£219.99. Can you use Parallels Desktop on more than one Mac?  To use Parallels desktop on two or more Macs you will need to buy additional licenses. If you are just moving to a new Mac you can uninstall the software on the first Mac and install it on the new Mac.  Should You Buy Parallels Desktop? Parallels isn’t the only option available for running Windows on a Mac, but its constant cycle of regular updates has ensured that it continues to outpace rival virtualization programs, such as VMWare Fusion. It’s also more straightforward to use than alternative technologies, such as CrossOver from Codeweavers.  Parallels keeps up with the latest developments on Macs with Apple Silicon to ensure that it remains one of the best options currently available for running Windows and Windows software on a Mac. Should you update to Parallels Desktop 20?  The strong focus on developers in this version means that Parallels Desktop 20 may not be an essential upgrade for ordinary home users and small businesses. However, it remains the best virtualization option for any Mac user who needs to run Windows – or Linux – apps on their Mac.

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TSMC says Arizona plant unlikely to get latest chip tech before Taiwan due to red tape
The CEO of major Apple supplier TSMC says that complex compliance issues, local construction regulations, and extensive permitting red tape… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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EarFun OpenJump earbuds: Your budget-friendly fitness pal [Review] ★★★★☆
Our EarFun OpenJump earbuds review finds they aren't fancy, but they bring lasting comfort, solid sound and good value to your workouts. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Verizon price raises of up to $15 per month hit some plans
Some smartphone users are being welcomed into the new year with Verizon price raises of up to $15 per month on multi-line plans … more…

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Apple to stream FireAid Benefit Concert in support of LA wildfire relief
Later this month, a FireAid Benefit Concert is being held in support of the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. Headlined by the likes of Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews, and Katy Perry, the concert aims to raise donations for wildfire relief efforts. Bloomberg now reports that the FireAid Benefit Concert will be streamed on all major streaming services, including Apple TV+. more…

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Tim Cook vs Meta, 'Servant' vs a lawsuit, and Home Hub may be delayed, on the AppleInsider Podcast
Just as Meta's Mark Zuckerberg makes another criticism of Apple, Tim Cook gives a very rare candid interview, while Apple TV+ is promoting "Severance" but defending "Servant," and the Home Hub could be held up.Tim Cook — image credit: AppleWhile the shadow of an impending ban of TikTok took over the news cycle, this week also saw Apple CEO Tim Cook give actual answers about his personal life — and love of chocolate — to a food podcast. It was remarkable how much this topic of food drew the man out, and you definitely saw a new side of him.Whereas you saw exactly the same old side to Mark Zuckerberg as he slammed Apple for failing to do anything new in 20 years — otherwise known as just about the same time since he did either. Pot, meet kettle. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Watch saves man after upside down car crash into pool
The Apple Watch has been credited with saving another life, with a man crediting the device for summoning help after his car crashed, leaving him submerged upside down in a pool.A car crashed into a pool - Image Credit: WesternMassNewsOn December 16, Brent Hill of Easthampton, MA was driving his car home but felt nauseous behind the wheel. While he doesn't remember what happened next due to blacking out, his Apple Watch stepped in to help in the following moments.Camera footage from a neighbor shows Hill's car accelerating into their garage and into the neighbor's swimming pool, landing upside down, reports WesternMassNews. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple denies App Store profit margin is 75% – claims to have no clue
Apple’s incoming CFO didn’t get much time to settle in before he found himself in court defending the company against a class action lawsuit. Kevan Parekh yesterday claimed that the company that it has no clue about its App Store profit margin. This is a stance the company has taken before. Indeed, Apple Fellow Phil Schiller even went as far as to claim he didn’t even know whether the App Store made a profit at all … more…

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Security Bite: Put these books and security resources on your 2025 reading list
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 the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. Between the rapid news cycle around the TikTok ban, the vulnerability found in the iPhone’s USB-C port controller, and the overruling of net neutrality protections (again), it’s felt like a rollercoaster of a month so far. But this week, I want to step back and share what’s on my growing reading list for this year, as well as some other resources that I recommend for those just starting their Apple security journey in 2025. Security Bite is a weekly security-focused column on 9to5Mac. Each week, I share insights on data privacy, discuss the latest vulnerabilities, and shed light on emerging threats within Apple’s vast ecosystem of over 2 billion active devices. more…

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2025 iPad and iPad Air — what to expect, and when to expect it
It's the start of a new year, and expectations are high for a rumored iPad and iPad Air refresh in Apple's first batch of product updates. Here's what has been rumored so far.iPad AirFollowing after the end of 2024, the attention on Apple turns to its next product launches. Strong candidates among the group due to be updated are the iPad and the iPad Air, representing the budget and mid-range tablets in Apple's catalog.Apple last updated the iPad to the current tenth-generation model in October 2022, making it over two years since it was most recently refreshed. That makes the model prime to be updated soon. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Display supplier for long-rumored HomePod with screen may have been selected
A report claims that a supplier has been picked for the display for a new HomePod with screen — perhaps fulfilling a prediction made almost two years ago.An artist's rendition of a HomePod with a displayHomePod with touch screen displays have been running for a long time, with a release date always seemingly six months or more away. However, if a report on Friday morning by DigiTimes is to be believed, Apple has picked a supplier for the screen.Tianma, a Chinese screen manufacturer, has reportedly been picked to supply the OLED screen for the long-rumored device. And, a company also said to be attached to the project, BYD, is said to be the only assembler of the product. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple continues high-profile Severance promos with fun homepage panels
Apple is clearly really proud of Severance season 2, as the company continues its high-profile promos for the Apple TV+ show. After setting up a transparent Severance cube at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, complete with Lumon employees working at their desks, the company has now added some fun panels to its hompage … more…

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iOS 18.3 beta 3 changes and features – the Notification Summary update [Video]
Yesterday Apple dropped iOS 18.3 beta 3, two days after similar betas for watchOS and tvOS were released. We now have a likely explanation for the delay. Apple has been working to refine the Notification Summary feature, on platforms like iOS, which support Apple Intelligence. This update comes after more than one high-profile botched AI-generated summaries, which resulted in what appeared to be false and/or misleading headlines from organizations like BBC News. In a testament to how egregious these notifications were, Apple has made some significant changes to the way that these summaries work and how they are presented to the user. Watch our full explainer video, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more. more…

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iOS 19: Everything you can expect from Apple’s big 2025 iPhone upgrade
Macworld Every year, we are introduced to a new version of iOS (alongside Apple’s other operating systems) at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. It then marches through an extended beta-testing period before being released in September. But some of the key features of iOS are often planned to be introduced in subsequent updates. With iOS 18, the key Apple Intelligence feature didn’t arrive until iOS 18.1, with additional AI features in iOS 18.2, with even more coming in iOS 18.4—nearly half a year after the initial iOS 18 rollout. While Apple hasn’t yet announced iOS 19, it has been hard at work on the big iPhone upgrade for quite a while and some rumors have started to leak out, and it’s starting to look like iOS 18 is somewhat of a preview of how iOS 19 will go. Based on the most reliable leaks and rumors, here’s what you can expect when it arrives later this year. iOS 19: Release date Apple typically released the latest version of iOS to the public on the Monday following the iPhone launch event. Here are the release dates for the most recent versions of iOS: iOS 18: Monday, September 16, 2024 iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023 iOS 16: Monday, September 12, 2022 iOS 15: Monday, September 20, 2021 Based on recent history, we expect iOS 19 to release to the public on either Monday, September 15, or Monday, September 22. iOS 19: Beta Every year, the new iOS is announced at WWDC with a beta test for developers released immediately (or at most, a day later). It often takes 4-6 weeks for the first public beta to be released, coinciding with the second or third build for developers. Apple releases the developer beta immediately after the WWDC keynote, which is expected to be on Monday, June 9. iOS 18: Monday, June 10, 2024 iOS 17: Monday, June 5, 2023 iOS 16: Monday, June 6, 2022 iOS 15: Monday, June 7, 2021 What follows is a string of beta releases, typically eight or so in total, before the software releases in September. We expect the same schedule this year with iOS 19. You can get ready for the beta by signing up for the iOS beta program now. iOS 19: Compatibility We expect iOS 19 to be compatible with every iPhone that supports iOS 18. That includes: iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone SE (2nd generation) Of course, it will also support the new iPhone 17 models that will launch around the same time, and the new iPhone SE 4 (which may be called the iPhone 16E). As always, some features won’t be available on older models, as they lack the hardware resources for it. We do think the Apple Intelligence and Siri improvements will be available for all iPhone 16 and later models, though. iOS 19: New features More Apple Intelligence with an LLM Siri The most significant rumored change in iOS 19 so far is what some are calling an LLM (large language model) update” to Siri. The idea is to make Siri truly conversational, much like the advanced voice mode on ChatGPT is today, but with the added advantage of having access to all the on-device data and history for your iPhone and Apple services. This would be combined with a further expansion of App Intents, which are hooks for developers to allow Siri to interact with and perform actions within their apps. These App Intents are getting a huge boost in iOS 18.4 to go along with Siri’s “personal context” update, and iOS 19 is said to expand the concept even further. One caveat: This next big evolution for Siri isn’t expected to land until 2026, as part of an update to iOS 19. In other words, just as iOS 18.4 is “the big Siri update” for iOS 18, we can expect iOS 19.4 (or something like it) to be “the big Siri update” for iOS 19. Home app upgrades While not specifically mentioned in any of the current leaks or rumors, we find it hard to believe that Apple won’t have some significant improvements to the Home app, HomeKit, and related services in iOS 19. Why? Well, Apple is expected to release a wave of new smart home products throughout 2025 and 2026. A new smart home hub is first: it’s an affordable 7-inch tablet that runs its own custom operating system (code-named Pebble) that has an interface similar to StandBy on iPhone. It will support Apple Intelligence, FaceTime, and tie in with other Apple services but isn’t expected to have an App Store. After that, likely in 2026, Apple is said to be working on a new indoor smart security camera and a smart doorbell that would use Face ID to unlock your door the way it unlocks your phone. Further down the road, a smart home product with a movable screen on a robotic arm has been rumored, all of which will require deep integration with the iPhone and Home app. It’s hard to imagine Apple pushing into first-party smart home products this much without updating the somewhat aging and clunky Home interface or introducing new features to it.

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Rumor: Purported iPhone SE 4 images leak, fuel speculation as to design, feature, and color changes
A series of leaked images of the next-gen iPhone SE may have provided additional details as to its updated design and color options. The handset, which is said to be modeled off the iPhone 14, is now rumored to be receiving a significant makeover, including Apple ditching the familiar Home button in favor of an […] Source

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Apple currently in discussions with other financial institutions to take over Apple Card backing
Even if Goldman Sachs is looking for a way out of backing the Apple Card, Apple is currently in talks with at least three potential companies to take over Goldman’s end of the Apple Card partnership. According to Reuters, Apple is in talks with Barclays, Synchrony, and JPMorgan Chase. Goldman Sachs had reportedly approached American […] Source

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After almost three year wait, Severance season two starts streaming on Apple TV+ today
Severance premiered in February 2022, almost three years ago. With the season ending on an all-time cliffhanger, fans of the show have been eagerly waiting for more. However, the effect of Hollywood strikes and other factors delayed production significantly. But today, Apple is finally ready to launch the second season of Severance on Apple TV+, with the first episode kicking off directly after the events of the finale, from the innie perspective at least. more…

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You don’t have to turn on RCS to message with Android users
Macworld Apple added support for the Google-supported RCS (Rich Communication Services) message standard with iOS 18. RCS was created by the cellular industry to add advanced media and other features to messaging that would work across operating systems. Google adopted RCS in Android about five years ago, and it’s available for most phones that can run Android 5 (Lollipop, 2014) or later. The standard requires carrier upgrades, and nearly all have made them. Turning on RCS for your iPhone lets Android users send and receive messaging information or formatting that previously was limited to Android-to-Android (via RCS) or Apple-to-Apple (via iMessage). This includes read receipts that show when the recipient has viewed a message (if they have that option enabled), emoji tapbacks, extremely long messages, and audio messages. (iMessages appear as blue bubbles in a Messages conversation and only work among people using Apple hardware. SMS, MMS, and RCS messages appear as green bubbles.) You can enable or disable RCS in iPhone 18 via Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. Disabling RCS doesn’t prevent you from communicating with Android users; instead, your iPhone reverts to interactions with them via SMS or MMS. Opt in or out of RCS via Settings > Apps > Messages.Foundry Apple’s version of RCS doesn’t yet support group texting. It also lacks the end-to-end encryption available with supported Android-to-Android RCS and is mandatory for iMessage. Your iPhone to Android messages are sent as if they passed over a secure web connection: they are encrypted and decrypted by servers on either end instead of only on your devices and that of recipients. An industry effort is underway to create an encryption standard that Apple would be able to use. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by a Macworld reader. Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

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Apple was fined $2.1B last year, but could pay it all off in a week
Apple was fined a global total of more than $2.1B last year for antitrust violations, but the sum was only the equivalent of just over a week’s worth of free cash flow. Encrypted email company Proton put together its latest Tech Fines Tracker, in which Google was the most heavily-fined company, with Apple in second place … more…

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Here’s how you can impress everyone with a new skill in 2025: StackSkills
Macworld Have you ever wanted to chef up a dinner like Gordon Ramsay? Or, are you dreaming of a new job in tech or IT this year? You could just reach your goals—and impress everybody with new skills—with this e-learning platform. Meet EDU Unlimited by StackSkills, your one-way ticket to lifetime access to over 1,000 courses on almost any topic you might be interested in. Grab it while it’s price-dropped to only $19.97 (reg. $600) through February 2. Imagine 2025 being the year you actually quit your job and pursue your dream role in social media marketing. Or, maybethis new year means you’ll actually learn to cook like Bobby Flay or draw. You could even become more financially literate and invest more wisely with StackSkills, thanks to its stock trading courses that are taught by real experts. Since this resource is yours for life, you can learn at your own pace. You’ll always have something new to learn, too, since new courses are added all the time. A new year means new skills, so get EDU Unlimited by StackSkills for just $19.97 while supplies last. This offer ends February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT!   EDU Unlimited by StackSkills: Lifetime Access Only $19.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Social media domination starts with Post Breeze
Macworld Managing social media can feel like a full-time job, but with Post Breeze, it doesn’t have to. This all-in-one platform is designed to help creators, businesses, and social media gurus streamline their content strategy, boost engagement, and grow their audience effortlessly. With a lifetime Growth Plan for $49.99, you can manage up to 25 social accounts across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn, and Pinterest — all from one sleek dashboard. A unified calendar keeps your posting schedule on track, while cross-platform sharing ensures your content is optimized for every platform with just a click. Engagement? Covered. Automated replies for comments and direct messages save you time while keeping followers engaged. If you want to create scroll-stopping content, Post Breeze offers 500 AI credits monthly to produce viral videos, including grid layouts, faceless videos, and even fake text conversations — all tailored for social platforms. Collaboration is seamless, too, with support for up to three team members to manage content together. And with updates like advanced analytics and content suggestions on the horizon, your toolkit will only get better. For just $79.99, enjoy lifetime access to Post Breeze and take the stress out of social media management.    Post Breeze Growth Plan: Lifetime Subscription – $49.99 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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iOS 18.3 will nuke bogus notification summaries for news stories
iOS 18.3 beta 3 brings several changes to Notification Summaries, including turning it off altogether for NEws and Entertainment apps. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Exclusive price drop: EDC keychain charging cable packs some secrets (and a low price)
This 8-in-1 EDC gadget is designed for anyone who needs fast charging. Save on a keychain charging cable with USB-C and Lightning. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How to use ChatGPT in Apple Notes for macOS
ChatGPT is OpenAI's extremely useful chatbot for answering questions. Here's how to use the generative AI tool in Apple's Notes app in macOS.Use ChatGPT with Apple's Notes.Apple Intelligence is now integrated with OpenAi's ChatGPT in macOS, ad well as iOS and iPadOS. Many features of ChatGPT are integrated with Apple apps starting in macOS Sequoia 15.1, and iOS and iPadOS 18.2.While Apple has stated support for Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT are evolving and still in progress, some features are working and included in Apple's operating systems. Expect a further phased rollout of Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT in the near future. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Watch Crash Detection credited with saving 55-year-old man who passed out while driving
No, that voice you heard wasn’t a call from the other side. It was emergency services calling to help thanks to Crash Detection on Apple Watch. That’s exactly what happened to a 55-year-old Apple Watch customer in Massachusetts after passing out while driving and ending up in his upside down car in someone’s pool. more…

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Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 Dock first with integrated PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Storage
Sonnet has a new Thunderbolt 5 dock with four TB5 ports and an internal PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slot that'll work with your existing M-series Macs and ensure future compatibility with higher speeds.New Sonnet Echo 13 SSD Dock. Image source: SonnetThunderbolt 5 is fresh to the market, and Sonnet didn't waste any time getting the Echo 13 SSD Dock to the market. It adds plenty of ports and SSD storage up to 4TB to your Mac.Since the Echo 13 SSD Dock is Thunderbolt 5 and is equipped with four Thunderbolt 5 ports, it is future-proofed for when companies like Apple embrace the spec. The ultra-fast spec allows bi-directional data bandwidth of 80Gbps, so support for two 8K displays is enabled on products that allow it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Chinese Innovations Spawn Wave of Toll Phishing Via SMS
Residents across the United States are being inundated with text messages purporting to come from toll road operators like E-ZPass, warning that recipients face fines if a delinquent toll fee remains unpaid. Researchers say the surge in SMS spam coincides with new features added to a popular commercial phishing kit sold in China that makes it simple to set up convincing lures spoofing toll road operators in multiple U.S. states.

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Microsoft: Happy 2025. Here’s 161 Security Updates
Microsoft today unleashed updates to plug a whopping 161 security vulnerabilities in Windows and related software, including three "zero-day" weaknesses that are already under active attack. Redmond's inaugural Patch Tuesday of 2025 bundles more fixes than the company has shipped in one go since 2017.

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A Day in the Life of a Prolific Voice Phishing Crew
Besieged by scammers seeking to phish user accounts over the telephone, Apple and Google frequently caution that they will never reach out unbidden to users this way. However, new details about the internal operations of a prolific voice phishing gang show the group routinely abuses legitimate services at Apple and Google to force a variety of outbound communications to their users, including emails, automated phone calls and system-level messages sent to all signed-in devices.

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U.S. Army Soldier Arrested in AT&T, Verizon Extortions
Federal authorities have arrested and indicted a 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier on suspicion of being Kiberphant0m, a cybercriminal who has been selling and leaking sensitive customer call records stolen earlier this year from AT&T and Verizon. As first reported by KrebsOnSecurity last month, the accused is a communications specialist who was recently stationed in South Korea.

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Happy 15th Anniversary, KrebsOnSecurity!
KrebsOnSecurity.com turns 15 years old today! Maybe it's indelicate to celebrate the birthday of a cybercrime blog that mostly publishes bad news, but happily many of 2024's most engrossing security stories were about bad things happening to bad guys. It's also an occasion to note that despite my publishing fewer stories than ever this past year, we somehow managed to attract near record levels of readership (thank you!).

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Web Hacking Service ‘Araneida’ Tied to Turkish IT Firm
Cybercriminals are selling hundreds of thousands of credential sets stolen with the help of a cracked version of Acunetix, a powerful commercial web app vulnerability scanner, new research finds. The cracked software is being resold as a cloud-based attack tool by at least two different services, one of which KrebsOnSecurity traced to an information technology firm based in Turkey.

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Weekend Sale: 15-inch M3 MacBook Airs for $200-$250 off MSRP
Amazon has Apple's 15" M3 MacBook Airs on sale for $200-$250 off MSRP this weekend, starting at $1099. Shipping is free: - 15" M3 MacBook Air/8GB/256GB: $1099, $200 off MSRP - 15" M3 MacBook Air/8GB/512GB: $1249, $250 off MSRP - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/512GB: $1449, $250 off MSRP These are the lowest prices available for new 15" MacBook Airs among the Apple retailers we track. Note that sale price may be dependent on color -- see their site for details. For the latest sales & prices, see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker.

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Apple restocks 27-inch 5K Studio Displays for up to $350 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished
Apple has restocked a full line of 27" 5K Studio Display models for up to $350 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished. Each display comes with Apple's one-year warranty and ships free. The following models are available: Tilt Adjustable Stand: - Studio Display (Standard glass): $1359 $240 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass): $1609 $290 off MSRP Tilt & Height Adjustable Stand: - Studio Display (Standard glass): $1699 $300 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass): $1949 $350 off MSRP According the Apple, “You will receive a “like new” device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems. All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns.” Their prices are the lowest available for Studio Displays among the retailers we track. For the latest prices and sales, see our Studio Display Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $350-$400 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $350-$400 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3149, $350 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3599, $400 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $350-$400 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $350-$400 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3149, $350 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3599, $400 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $350-$400 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $350-$400 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3149, $350 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3599, $400 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Snag a 13-inch 16GB M2 MacBook Air for only $799 today
Amazon has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP, only $799. Their prices are the lowest currently available for these recently upgraded 13" M2 MacBook Airs. Shipping is free: - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP Best Buy has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP as well, only $799. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Snag a 13-inch 16GB M2 MacBook Air for only $799 today
Amazon has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP, only $799. Their prices are the lowest currently available for these recently upgraded 13" M2 MacBook Airs. Shipping is free: - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP Best Buy has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP as well, only $799. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple has 8th generation iPads in stock today for only $229
Apple has Certified Refurbished 8th-generation 10.2" WiFi iPads available on their online store for only $229 in Space Gray or Silver colors. An Apple one-year warranty is included with each iPad, outer cases are new, batteries are new, and shipping is free: - 8th-gen 10.2" 32GB WiFi iPad: $229 These iPads may not last very long, so check Apple's site for the very latest stock status. They are the cheapest iPads for sale today at Apple. Keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker for the latest prices & sales from Apple and its resellers, updated daily.

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Here’s how to use your Education discount to take up to $300 off new MacBooks at Apple
Need a new Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? If you're a student, teacher, or staff member at any educational institution, you can use your .edu email address when ordering at Apple Education to take up to $300 off the price of a new MacBook. Even parents of students can qualify. Education discounts are also available on most build-to-order options, such as extra RAM and more storage. Here are the Apple Education discounts on standard-configuration MacBooks: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $2299, $200 off - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $3199, $300 off - 14" M4 MacBook Pros: from $1499, $100 off - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $1849, $150-$200 off - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $2899, $300 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/256GB: $1199, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/24GB/512GB: $1599, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/256GB: $999, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/512GB: $1199, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/24GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 13" M2 MacBook Air/256GB: $899, $100 off Details at Apple Education. Not in the US? Click for the Canada store.

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Here’s how to use your Education discount to take up to $300 off new MacBooks at Apple
Need a new Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? If you're a student, teacher, or staff member at any educational institution, you can use your .edu email address when ordering at Apple Education to take up to $300 off the price of a new MacBook. Even parents of students can qualify. Education discounts are also available on most build-to-order options, such as extra RAM and more storage. Here are the Apple Education discounts on standard-configuration MacBooks: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $2299, $200 off - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $3199, $300 off - 14" M4 MacBook Pros: from $1499, $100 off - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $1849, $150-$200 off - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $2899, $300 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/256GB: $1199, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/24GB/512GB: $1599, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/256GB: $999, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/512GB: $1199, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/24GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 13" M2 MacBook Air/256GB: $899, $100 off Details at Apple Education. Not in the US? Click for the Canada store.

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Free iPhone 16 at Boost Mobile plus Unlimited service for $65 per month with Infinite Access
Boost Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, is offering a free 128GB iPhone 16, 16 Plus, or 16 Pro including service with their Unlimited plan (30GB of premium data) for a total charge of $65 per month...their Infinite Access Plan. The per month charge includes a new iPhone every year, plus the Unlimited network access charge. No trade-in is required. iPhones with more storage are also available, but for a few dollars more per month. This deal is live today at Boost Mobile. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Free iPhone 16 at Boost Mobile plus Unlimited service for $65 per month with Infinite Access
Boost Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, is offering a free 128GB iPhone 16, 16 Plus, or 16 Pro including service with their Unlimited plan (30GB of premium data) for a total charge of $65 per month...their Infinite Access Plan. The per month charge includes a new iPhone every year, plus the Unlimited network access charge. No trade-in is required. iPhones with more storage are also available, but for a few dollars more per month. This deal is live today at Boost Mobile. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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