Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are set to go live any minute now
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are now live (or will be momentarily) at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and more. Nintendo hosted its long-awaited Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025 after officially unveiling the new Switch 2 console back in January, and, after pre-orders were initially delayed, they are finally set to go live at (just about) all major retailers in the U.S any minute, and it might be a good idea to go get in the queue folks, just in case. more…

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Uncertainty returns for Apple as Trump tariff pause halved for countries not making a deal
The lack of strategy in the Trump administration's execution of tariffs continues, as the President promises to "set the tariff" on entities that don't make deals in the "next couple of weeks."Tariffs could affect iPhone prices in the fallAfter historic ups and downs in the market, things flattened out a bit while President Trump paused the extreme tariffs levied on "Liberation Day." Markets actually closed slightly up on Wednesday due to signs of the US planning to ease pressure off of China, but that stress relief has only lasted a few hours as things have changed again.According to a report from CNN based on remarks President Trump made in the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, the 90-day pause will end sooner for select entities. Specifically, any country or company not actively trying to reach a deal with the Trump administration, or those unable to accept offered terms of a deal, will have tariffs set for them. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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‘Ultimate backyard projector’ features 3 lasers and first-ever liquid cooling
The new Nebula X1 Smart Projector can seriously up your backyard movie and karaoke game, with triple-laser light projection and more. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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T-Mobile adds new plans with additional hotspot data and satellite connectivity
T-Mobile has unveiled two new premium plans in the U.S., Experience More and Experience Beyond, replacing the Go5G Plus and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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EU fines Apple €500M ($570M) for violations of the Digital Markets Act
Macworld Apple has been battling the European Commission over the Digital Markets Act since practically the day it was first passed in 2022. The sweeping regulations, most of which went into effect in 2023, have resulted in major changes for Apple, from the wholesale adoption of USB-C charging instead of Lightning to a separate version of iOS for the European Union that is more open and flexible. But the EU has been investigating Apple and other so-called “gatekeepers” over the past year to see if their changes are enough to be in compliance with the law. When Apple comments, it typically says the regulations are misguided or that it believes it is in compliance already, and agrees to “work with regulators.” Now, the European Commission has issued its first major fines under the Digital Markets Act, slapping Apple with a €500M fine (that’s about $570M in U.S. dollars). Meta was also fined €200M. The version of iOS users get on their iPhones in the EU is, some would say, superior to that which we have in the rest of the world. It allows alternate app stores and app side-loading (with restrictions), more user control over default apps, more open payment systems, and other changes. As recently as March, the EU pointed out several ways in which Apple was still out of compliance with the regulations, with specific steps needed to address in order to avoid a fine. Apple has said it will challenge the fine. In a statement emailed to Reuters, the company said: Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free. Apple About a year ago, Apple was fined €1.8M (about $2B then) over its past practices that were determined to favor Apple Music over Spotify and other rival streaming services—that was the result of a five-year investigation that predated the Digital Markets Act. The Commission has informed Apple that its contract terms concerning alternative app distribution breach the DMA. Apple has an extensive list of requirements necessary to allow apps to be directly downloaded or for alternate app stores and charges a “Core Technology Fee” for those who choose to distribute and monetize their apps outside its ecosystem. In a press release announcing the fines, the European Commission said: Under the DMA, app developers distributing their apps via Apple’s App Store should be able to inform customers, free of charge, of alternative offers outside the App Store, steer them to those offers and allow them to make purchases. The Commission found that Apple fails to comply with this obligation. …. As part of today’s decision, the Commission has ordered Apple to remove the technical and commercial restrictions on steering and to refrain from perpetuating the non-compliant conduct in the future, which includes adopting conduct with an equivalent object or effect. European Commission Apple and Meta have 60 days to comply with the directives or face the potential for additional periodic fines. The European Commission also ended its investigation into Apple’s “choice obligations,” following what it calls a “constructive dialogue with Apple.” This concerns making sure that users in the EU can easily uninstall any software applications, change default settings, and choose their default web browser on iOS. The Commission says that Apple’s changes in these areas are in compliance with the DMA.

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iOS 18.4 added ‘intelligence’ to more iPhone cameras, but it’s just the start
The iPhone’s camera has long been one of its most important features. But late last year, Apple added a new capability that seeks to boost the camera’s importance even further: visual intelligence. Then in iOS 18.4, Apple brought the feature to many more iPhone cameras—but reportedly, it’s just getting started. more…

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Senator Warren asks if Apple CEO Tim Cook's Trump playbook is blatant corruption
It's no secret that Apple and other big tech companies have been making moves to earn President Trump's favor, but Senator Warren wants details on these interactions to determine if lines were crossed.Senator Warren sends Tim Cook a letterPresident Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs have been a rollercoaster for the economy. After failing to get the desired results and markets dived, Trump backed off his initial tariffs and redoubled efforts against China while providing exemptions that unilaterally helped Apple.It seems, these exemptions were provided, at least in part, due to Apple CEO Tim Cook calling President Trump — which was confirmed. That, along with donations, in-person dinners and events, and more, has led Senator Warren to write a letter, obtained by Bloomberg. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Text Fragments Enable Deep Linking on Web Pages
After decades of only being able to link to the top of Web pages or specially prepared named anchors, modern browsers now support text fragment links that can scroll to and highlight any text on any page. This long-awaited feature brings us closer to Ted Nelson’s original vision for hypertext and makes sharing specific information dramatically more efficient.

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Apple’s chip maker promises AI enhancements for next-gen processors
The TSMC A14 chip-making process is set to improve smartphone technology, including iPhone. Find out how Apple users will benefit. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Tim Cook pressed for details on how Apple obtained Trump tariff exemptions
Apple CEO Tim Cook is being pressed for information on his collaboration with the Trump administration surrounding tariffs. In a letter sent today, Senator Elizabeth Warren said that Cook’s collaboration with Trump “creates the appearance of impropriety.” This comes after Warren and other senators questioned $1 million donations made by Cook and others to Trump’s inauguration fund in January. “The circumstances surrounding Apple’s exemptions raise fresh concerns about influence-peddling by huge well-connected corporations, and their ability to gain special favors from President Trump,” Warren wrote. more…

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Amazon-owned Woot slashes Mac mini, iMac to as low as $369.99
Bargain hunters looking for the lowest entry price into a Mac can pick up a Mac mini for $369.99 or an all-in-one iMac for $599.99.Save big on Macs during the Woot flash sale.Woot's Mac sale on closeout models delivers budget-friendly prices this Wednesday, with a $369.99 Mac mini M2 and a 24-inch iMac M1 available at press time. Both computers are in refurbished condition with a 90-day limited Woot warranty.Shop deals from $369 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 16 Pro is the surprise loser in Apple’s recent sales
CIRP just published US sales data for the iPhone in Q1, including a breakdown of how each different iPhone 16 model is performing. There are winners and losers, and even the first iPhone 16e data. The surprise loser of the bunch? The iPhone 16 Pro. more…

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Major Apple supplier TSMC to start producing cutting-edge A14 chip tech in 2028
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) will launch its advanced A14 fabrication process in 2028, reinforcing its leadership… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Powerful new GaN charger pumps up MacBooks at 40% off
The new CukTech 15 140W GaN Charger looks like a powerful but compact way to charge up laptops and other devices. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iOS 18.5: Features, release date, and more
iOS 18.5 is the next software update coming for iPhone users. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new in iOS 18.5 and when it will be released. Plus, what comes next… more…

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Roku marketing boss just gave the best pitch for Apple TV 4K
Apple sells a with a price that largely exceeds competing products. But if Apple TV 4K ads start using these new quotes from Roku’s marketing lead, I don’t think Apple will have any trouble making new sales. more…

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Apple’s new iPad (11th generation) drops to its lowest price yet
The new A16-powered iPad (11th generation) is an exceptional value at its regular price , but today’s deal slashes it… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Ai Pin returns from the dead, no thanks to printer maker HP
What happens when a couple of ex-Apple executives try to compete with the iPhone? Ink and toner dealer HP buys the IP and bricks the hardware. more…

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Five years of Apple Silicon: How Apple continues to revolutionize chips
We're creeping up on the five-year anniversary of Tim Cook's Apple Silicon announcement, and over a decade of rumors. Here's how the whole saga started, how it launched, and what to expect in the future.Apple Silicon is on its fourth generation in five years. After years of dealing with Intel's chip limitations, Apple introduced the move to Apple Silicon during WWDC 2020. The effort of ditching a well-used architecture would see Apple shifting to its new line of designed in-house chips for its Mac and MacBook catalog, starting later that same year.That two-year transition from Intel to Apple Silicon started a major change for the company, as well as the industry at large. Beyond claims of high efficiency designs paired with high levels of performance, which you would expect from a chip launch. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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How we know Mike Rockwell is the fixer Siri’s been missing
Siri is under new leadership at Apple, with Mike Rockwell taking on managerial responsibility under Craig Federighi’s oversight. Rockwell may seem like an odd choice considering his history leading Vision Pro and visionOS development, but per multiple reports his passion to fix Siri has been growing for years. more…

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Share a link with quoted text in Messages [Pro Tip]
If you want to share a link with highlighted text in Messages, there’s an easy but hidden way to do it in Safari on your iPhone. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple, Meta Fined as EU Presses Ahead With Tech Probes
Apple was fined 500 million euros ($570 million) on Wednesday and Meta 200 million euros, as European Union antitrust regulators handed out the first sanctions under landmark legislation aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech. From a report: The EU fines could stoke tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump who has threatened to levy tariffs against countries that penalise U.S. companies. WSJ adds more details: The commission also issued cease-and-desist orders that could have a bigger impact than the fines. One order targets Apple's App Store and the other takes aim at Meta's use of personalized ads -- important revenue streams for each company. [...] The EU's action against Meta focuses on the company's effort to get users to agree to seeing personalized ads on Instagram and Facebook -- its main source of revenue. The commission ordered Meta to stop requiring users to either agree to those ads or pay for a subscription. It said it was still evaluating whether a "less-personalized ads" option that Meta introduced last fall complies with that order, raising the specter of further changes. The Apple case deals with the company's App Store rules. The commission said Apple had failed to comply with an obligation to allow app developers to inform customers, free of charge, of alternative ways to purchase digital products. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Perplexity targets Siri with actually useful voice actions from an iPhone AI chatbot app
Last week, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas floated the idea of making a better version of Siri for iPhone users. should we make a version of siri that works reliably on basic stuff? what all would you like to see in an iOS voice assistant ? if there’s a good amount of interest, we will prioritize Less than a week later, the Perplexity AI team has kind of delivered. more…

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Apple and Meta furious at EU over fines totaling €700 million
EU fines Apple €500M and Meta €200M in first Digital Markets Act penalties.

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DOGE Worker’s Code Supports NLRB Whistleblower
A whistleblower at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleged last week that denizens of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) siphoned gigabytes of data from the agency's sensitive case files in early March. The whistleblower said accounts created for DOGE at the NLRB downloaded three code repositories from GitHub. Further investigation into one of those code bundles shows it is remarkably similar to a program published in January 2025 by Marko Elez, a 25-year-old DOGE employee who has worked at a number of Musk's companies.

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Whistleblower: DOGE Siphoned NLRB Case Data
A security architect with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleges that employees from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) transferred gigabytes of sensitive data from agency case files in early March, using short-lived accounts configured to leave few traces of network activity. The NLRB whistleblower said the unusual large data outflows coincided with multiple blocked login attempts from an Internet address in Russia that tried to use valid credentials for a newly-created DOGE user account.

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Funding Expires for Key Cyber Vulnerability Database
A critical resource that cybersecurity professionals worldwide rely on to identify, mitigate and fix security vulnerabilities in software and hardware is in danger of breaking down. The federally funded, non-profit research and development organization MITRE warned today that its contract to maintain the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program -- which is traditionally funded each year by the Department of Homeland Security -- expires on April 16.

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Trump Revenge Tour Targets Cyber Leaders, Elections
President Trump last week revoked security clearances for Chris Krebs, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) who was fired by Trump after declaring the 2020 election the most secure in U.S. history. The White House memo, which also suspended clearances for other security professionals at Krebs's employer SentinelOne, comes as CISA is facing huge funding and staffing cuts.

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China-based SMS Phishing Triad Pivots to Banks
China-based purveyors of SMS phishing kits are enjoying remarkable success converting phished payment card data into mobile wallets from Apple and Google. Until recently, the so-called “Smishing Triad” mainly impersonated toll road operators and shipping companies. But experts say these groups are now directly targeting customers of international financial institutions, while dramatically expanding their cybercrime infrastructure and support staff.

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Patch Tuesday, April 2025 Edition
Microsoft today released updates to plug at least 121 security holes in its Windows operating systems and software, including one vulnerability that is already being exploited in the wild. Eleven of those flaws earned Microsoft's most-dire "critical" rating, meaning malware or malcontents could exploit them with little to no interaction from Windows users.

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Cyber Forensic Expert in 2,000+ Cases Faces FBI Probe
A Minnesota cybersecurity and computer forensics expert whose testimony has featured in thousands of courtroom trials over the past 30 years is facing questions about his credentials and an inquiry from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Legal experts say the inquiry could be grounds to reopen a number of adjudicated cases in which the expert's testimony may have been pivotal.

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How Each Pillar of the 1st Amendment is Under Attack
In an address to Congress this month, President Trump claimed he had "brought free speech back to America." But barely two months into his second term, the president has waged an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment rights of journalists, students, universities, government workers, lawyers and judges. This story explores a slew of recent actions by the Trump administration that threaten to undermine all five pillars of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, religion, the media, the right to assembly, and the right to petition the government and seek redress for wrongs.

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When Getting Phished Puts You in Mortal Danger
Many successful phishing attacks result in a financial loss or malware infection. But falling for some phishing scams, like those currently targeting Russians searching online for organizations that are fighting the Kremlin war machine, can cost you your freedom or your life.

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Arrests in Tap-to-Pay Scheme Powered by Phishing
Authorities in at least two U.S. states last week independently announced arrests of Chinese nationals accused of perpetrating a novel form of tap-to-pay fraud using mobile devices. Details released by authorities so far indicate the mobile wallets being used by the scammers were created through online phishing scams, and that the accused were relying on a custom Android app to relay tap-to-pay transactions from mobile devices located in China.

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DOGE to Fired CISA Staff: Email Us Your Personal Data
A message posted on Monday to the homepage of the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the latest exhibit in the Trump administration's continued disregard for basic cybersecurity protections. The message instructed recently-fired CISA employees to get in touch so they can be rehired and then immediately placed on leave, asking employees to send their Social Security number or date of birth in a password-protected email attachment -- presumably with the password needed to view the file included in the body of the email.

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Apple iPhone 14 Plus available for $199 at Visible with this coupon code
Purchase an iPhone 14 Plus (128 GB) on the Visible+ plan on Verizon's low-cost carrier Visible for only $199 using code SWEETDEAL. Offer is good for the next 21 days. Free overnight delivery is available on all new phones. Visible uses Verizon's 5G nationwide network and offers plans with unlimited data for $35 per month. For the latest prices and deals, see our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Take $100 off any new iPhone at Unreal Mobile
Unreal Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, is offering a $100 discount on any new iPhone with service. This includes new iPhone 16 models as well as iPhone 15, 13, and SE phones. New phones come with their Unlimited 20GB high-speed plan for $30 per month, billed at $90 every 3 months. Slower speeds apply after 20GB per month. Phones are locked to Unreal Mobile for 12 months of service. This deal is live today at Unreal Mobile. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon has new 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs now on sale for up to $102 off Apple’s MSRP
Amazon is offering discounted prices ranging up to $102 off MSRP on new Apple 15" M4 MacBook Airs. Sale prices apply to most colors and configurations. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $1117, $82 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1297, $102 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1429, $100 off For the latest sales & prices, see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon now has 13-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale starting at $929, up to 9% off Apple’s MSRP
Amazon is offering discounted prices ranging up to $92 off MSRP on new Apple 13" M4 MacBook Airs. Sale prices apply to most colors and configurations. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $929, $70 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1129, $70 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1307, $92 off For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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14-inch M4 MacBook Pros on sale for up to $170 off Apple’s MSRP at B&H
B&H Photo has 14-inch M4 MacBook Pros on sale for up to $170 off MSRP right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 14" M4 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB): $1469, $130 off MSRP - 14" M4 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB): $1649, $150 off MSRP - 14" M4 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB): $1829, $170 off MSRP These are currently the lowest prices available for new M4-powered 14" MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros on sale for up to $250 off Apple’s MSRP at B&H
B&H Photo is offering up to $250 off on Black 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Pro CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB): $2289, $210 off MSRP - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (48GB/512GB): $2649, $250 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" 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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Clearance 24-inch M3 iMac on sale for $999
Best Buy has clearance 24-inch M3 iMacs (8GB/256GB) on sale for $999 on their online store. Multiple colors are available. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Sale prices for online orders online: - 24-inch M3 iMac (8GB/256GB): $999, save $400 See our iMac Price Tracker for the latest sales from Apple's retailers.

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Clearance 14-inch M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros on sale starting at only $1499
Best Buy has clearance 14" MacBook Pros with M3 Pro and M3 Max CPUs in stock online and on sale starting at only $1499: - 14" M3 Pro MacBook Pro (18GB/512GB): $1499, $500 off original MSRP - 14" M3 Pro MacBook Pro (18GB/1TB): $1899, $500 off original MSRP - 14" M3 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB): $2399, $800 off original MSRP Prices valid for online orders only. In-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). For the latest prices and sales, see our 14" MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Deal Alert! Apple Watch Series 10 models are on sale for $100 off MSRP this weekend
Take $100 off every Apple Watch Series 10 (Aluminum cases) on Best Buy's online store this Easter weekend. Shipping is free: - 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS: $299, save $100 - 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS: $329, save $100 - 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + 5G: $399, save $100 - 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + 5G: $429, save $100 - 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + 5G (Titanium): $599, save $100 - 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + 5G (Titanium): $699, save $100 Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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New promo at Verizon: Switch and get a free iPhone 16 Pro, overnight shipping, plus choice of free iPad or Apple Watch
Switch to Verizon and open a new line of service, and choose a free 128GB iPhone 16 Pro, no trade-in required. 36 months of Unlimited service is required, and Verizon will prorate the cost of the phone monthly during that time (meaning if you cancel service early, you will be required to buy out the phone). Verizon includes free overnight delivery to most US addresses. For a limited time, Verizon will offer you a free iPad (9th, 10th, or 11th-generation) or a free Apple Watch (Series 10 or SE) with your purchase, along with a new line of iPad or Apple Watch service. Click here for all the details. Promotions are valid through at least May 14, 2025. Verizon's deals are live on their site today. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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13-inch M2 MacBook Air (8GB/512GB) back on clearance sale for $799
Best Buy has Apple 13" M2 MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs, 8GB of memory, and 512GB of SSD storage back in stock and on clearance sale on their online store for $500 off original MSRP in multiple colors, only $799: - 13" M2 MacBook Air (8GB RAM/512GB SSD): $799 $500 off original MSRP Prices valid for online orders only. In-store prices may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker.

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Apple AirPods Max headphones on sale for $70 off MSRP
Best Buy has AirPods Max headphones on sale today for $70 off MSRP, now $479.99. Sale prices for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Amazon has AirPods Max with USB-C on sale for $479.99 as well. Shipping is free. Their price is also $70 off Apple's MSRP. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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