Apple TV just premiered a rare true crime original series
Twisted Yoga is a brand new Apple TV series that just premiered today, and it’s a rare true crime offering for the streamer. more…

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Mac trade-ins skyrocket over 100% as Apple customers rush to upgrade to MacBook Neo, M5 MacBook Air
Apple retail stores are seeing an unprecedented boom in Mac trade-ins this week, with volumes surging more than 100% compared to… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple’s entry-level iPad just dipped back under $300
Macworld Apple iPad A16 View Deal It might not have gotten an update during MacBook Neo week, but the A16 iPad is still our favorite affordable tablet. And right now it’s even more affordable as Amazon has cut the price to $299, the lowest we’ve seen all year. The Apple iPad A16 is one of our favorite tablets and for good reason — it’s affordable, has a gorgeous, bright screen, and delivers a strong performance. We gave this particular model a 4-star rating when we reviewed it, praising its design and performance. Even though the A16 chip doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, you can still use just about any AI tool you want now and upgrade down the line once Apple fully bakes its AI suite. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display provides clear and vibrant images, no matter the lighting situation in your room. The tablet also comes with Wi-Fi 6 for speedy and stable connectivity, so taking FaceTime calls won’t be a problem, especially with the crystal-clear 12MP front and rear cameras. The iPad A16 is a fantastic pick if you want a tablet you can use to complete work tasks, run photo editing projects, or have fun gaming. The $299 price tag makes the iPad A16 a top pick for us, so grab this deal before it expires.

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Best Mac mini deals right now – but dwindling stock hints new models are near
Macworld Best Mac mini deals: Updated March 13, 2026 These are the recommendations we would confidently give to our own friends and family. They are based on the best prices right now at hundreds of resellers of Apple products. Today’s best Mac mini deals: U.S. Out of stock in the U.S. right now… See more U.S. Mac mini deals below… Today’s best Mac mini deals: U.K. Apple Refurbished, M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM, £509 (£90 off, RRP £599) Amazon, M4 Pro Mac mini (256GB): £1,279 (£120 off, MSRP £1,279) See more U.K. Mac mini deals below… The Mac mini is the cheapest Mac you can buy, but you can get one for less than Apple sells it for if you shop at the various Apple certified resellers that sell Macs and other Apple products at a discount. Whether it’s the latest Mac mini M4, the excellent Mac mini M4 Pro, or an older Mac mini model that you want to find on sale, in this article you will find the best prices right now and advice on whether now is a good time to buy and which model offers the best value for money. Before you buy, note that Apple is expected to update the Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro chips in the near future. The lack of stock on Amazon and delayed delivery times if you buy from Apple may be early signs that new models are launching soon. How we find the best Mac mini deals To select the best Mac mini deals, our editors employ a comprehensive, year-round strategy that combines continuous market monitoring with expert evaluation. Here’s why you can trust the deals Macworld identifies: We check top resellers in the U.S. and the U.K. for the best prices throughout the year, ensuring we always have a finger on the pulse of the best savings. We also check Apple’s refurbished store for even bigger price drops. We use price comparison tools to watch resellers and compare their current discounts so we know who has the best deal right now. We hand-pick deals based on the product’s long-term price history and our own in-depth reviews. We consider the product’s release cycle and whether a significant update is due soon. We also advise on whether a shopping event is likely to happen soon in which you might get an even better deal, or if you might be able to qualify for specific deals. We regularly check prices, but it’s worth checking various retailers in the price comparison tables below, as prices can fluctuate daily. If you want to buy a particular model you will find the best prices right now in the tables below. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Is now a good time to buy a new Mac mini? Simon Jary / Foundry The current models, featuring the M4 and M4 Pro chips, were released in October 2024. This was a significant update that included a new, more compact design that measures just 5 by 5 inches. The base unified memory (RAM) was upgraded to 16GB, a welcome upgrade from the previous generation’s 8GB. More than a year on, this is still an excellent Mac. However, an update to the M5 chips is expected. This may not happen until the summer of 2026, but, based on low stock, it could happen sooner than that. Read more here: What we know about the upcoming Mac mini M5 update. We had been seeing some Mac mini discounts, but they haven’t been as large as they were over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Over the past few months our advice has been to look to the Apple Refurbished Store for bigger savings. The next big sale event isn’t expected until Amazon’s Prime Days in July and October, when you can expect to see Mac mini discounts. Does Apple have sales? The deals rarely come from Apple itself. While Apple will sometimes offer vouchers as an incentive to buy a new Mac (that’s Apple’s usual Black Friday giveaway), the company never discounts prices. Apple does sell refurbished Macs at a lower price though, so that might be something to consider. If you are a student you can take advantage of Apple’s education discounts and save a little money on the full price of Macs (and iPads). And in the summer months Apple gives away Apple Pencils or AirPods with the sale of certain Macs (and iPads) to students in it’s Higher Education offer. Which Mac mini to buy Simon Jary / Foundry The Mac mini lineup offers strong performance across its configurations, making it a great value proposition. M4 Mac mini is a great option for someone looking for a low-cost Mac. Starting at $599/£599, this model is ideal for general use, home offices, and even as a secondary computer integrated into a home entertainment system. It offers the same M4 chip found in more expensive Macs, providing an excellent performance-to-price ratio. The performance and value on offer for just $599/£599 is excellent, but for another $200/£200 you can get twice the storage, which we would recommend if your budget stretches that far. M4 Pro Mac mini is one of our favourite Macs because it It features the same 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU as the M4 Pro MacBook Pro at a significantly lower price point. It is perfect for professionals on a budget and a great choice for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D software. The M4 Pro model provides a powerful and affordable desktop solution. Factors to consider before buying a Mac mini Apple When purchasing a Mac mini, it’s crucial to choose the right specifications, as the unified memory (RAM) and internal storage cannot be upgraded later. Memory (RAM): The base 16GB is sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and email. However, if your workflow involves demanding applications like editing large videos or training AI models, you should configure your Mac mini with at least 24GB of memory. Storage (SSD): While you can supplement internal storage with external drives, it’s wise to consider your future needs. Apple charges a premium for storage upgrades, so carefully evaluate how much space you’ll require for applications and files. We recommend spending a bit more to get 512GB if you can afford to because having adequate internal storage will speed things up compared to if you were working from an external drive. Also consider whether iCloud storage might be sufficient for your needs. You could get 2TB iCloud Storage for $9.99/£8.99 a month, for example. Another consideration for all Mac mini models is that you will need to provide your own display, keyboard, and mouse – indeed you will need a wireless or USB-C mouse before you can set the new Mac up – but these can be purchased on a budget too. Take a look at our top recommendations in each category to find one that matches your budget. Best Mac Monitors Best Mac mice Best Mac keyboards Best deals at Apple Refurbished Store One of the best places to look for Mac mini deals all year round is the Apple Refurbished Store. There, you’ll find discounts on Mac mini that have been returned to Apple for various reasons, and then completely revamped for resale. If you buy a refurbished Mac mini from Apple it will come with a one-year warranty so Apple may fix or replace it for free should anything happen to it in that first year. In the U.S.: Recently now there was a Mac mini M4 Pro available for $1,189, which is $210 off the usual price of $1,399. However, that’s now out of stock. Get a refurbished Mac at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K.: You could get a Mac mini M4 Pro for £1,189, £210 off the usual price of £1,399. This is currently out of stock. There’s also £90 off the Mac mini M4, you can get it for £509, rather than £599 – we recommend this deal. Get a refurbished Mac at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) Best Mac mini prices: Price Comparison tables You can use the best Mac mini price comparison tables below to see the best Mac mini prices available right now at all the stores that sell Apple Macs. Best M4 Mac mini deals The best prices for the Mac mini will appear below. M4 Mac mini, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM, MSRP $599/£599 Retailer Price $599 View Deal $799 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket M4 Mac mini, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 512GB/16GB RAM, MSRP $799/£799 Retailer Price $899 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket M4 Mac mini, 10-core CPU/10-core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM, MSRP $999/£999 Retailer Price $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best M4 Pro Mac mini deals M4 Pro Mac mini, 12-core CPU/16-core GPU, 512GB/24GB RAM, MSRP $1,399/£1,399 Retailer Price $1399 View Deal $1399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best deals on old Mac mini models If you are on a small budget, you can often find a good deal on the previous generation. Just keep in mind that the older Mac mini had lass RAM as standard – 8GB rather than 16GB. We think that 8GB RAM should be avoided if possible. Where to buy the Mac mini Mac mini buyers in the U.S. can check out the following stores: Apple Amazon Best Buy BH Photo Video Costco If you’re based in the U.K. you can pick up a Mac mini from the following retailers: Apple Amazon Argos Currys John Lewis Very Apple has a number of Apple Premium Resellers in the UK who stock Macs and offer other services: KRCS Insight iStore Select Western Computer Jigsaw You might also be able to trade in your old Mac to get some money off your new purchase. Here’s how to get money off with Apple’s trade-in program. Where to buy refurbished Mac mini models You can get refurbished Macs from the Apple Refurbished store and other suppliers, including the following refurbished resellers listed below: In the U.S.: Apple Amazon Back Market Best Buy Gainsaver OWC Mac Of All Trades Refurb.me In the U.K.: Affordable Mac Apple Amazon BackMarket Hoxton Macs Laptops Direct MacFinder Mac 4 Sale Music Magpie Amazon also has a certified refurbished store for Apple products but we would advise against buying any products that are older than five years – most of the products we see on the Amazon refurbished store are unfortunately very old. Another place to look is BackMarket US and BackMarket UK, which sells refurbished Macs and other Apple products. We also recommend Hoxton Macs in the U.K. Find the latest Apple refurbished deals here. We also have this advice about buying a refurbished Mac.

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MacBook Neo is kickin’ PC ass and taking names… all the names
Macworld Apple’s new $599 MacBook Neo is all the rage in the tech world, and before you roll your eyes and say, “You’re Macworld, of course you’d say that,” really, it’s not just us. Take, for example, the latest report by Notebook Check, whose headline says it all: “MacBook Neo offers more single-core performance than any mobile processor from AMD, Intel or Qualcomm.” Notebook Check backs up that headline with a collection of Cinebench 2024 single-core benchmark results, and sitting at the top of the chart is your friendly neighborhood MacBook Neo and its A18 Pro chip–it’s actually in third place, but behind Apple’s own M4 and M5 MacBook Air. Below the Neo are budget laptops from Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, and others with chips from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. Notebook Check compares single-core performance, which is more relevant than multi-core performance on budget laptops. Everyday apps like Safari and Mail are usually single-threaded; thus, single-core performance applies. It’s also the thing that keeps the OS running smoothly, so everything feels faster. Professional apps (high-end video, audio, and image editors, graphics creation, software development, etc.) that need to run things in the background are multi-threaded, so multi-core performance matters, and these users will opt for higher-priced laptops such as the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (and maybe some Windows laptops, we don’t know). Notebook Check’s results are just a sample of what’s available in the budget Windows PC market, which is gigantic, but they conclude, “budget Windows laptops (which usually use less powerful chips than shown in our comparison chart) will be left in the dust in terms of performance.” Overall, Notebook Check finds that “the MacBook Neo could really shake up the budget laptop segment.” So much for its “limited appeal.” But don’t worry, Window users, you can still enjoy all that power by using Neo as a virtual machine in Parallels Desktop. A recent knowledge base article from Parallels states that Parallels Desktop can indeed run on the MacBook Neo, but “for CPU- or GPU-intensive Windows applications, this computer is not the right choice.” That’s because the Neo has 8GB of RAM, and that’s not ideal for running Windows within Parallels Desktop in macOS. Parallels says a 16GB MacBook Air or MacBook Pro “will give you a significantly better experience with Parallels Desktop.” But if you’re just going to buy a budget PC anyway, you might be better off.

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Apple's App Store In China Gets Lower 25% Commission To Appease Regulators
Apple will cut its App Store commission in China from 30% to 25% starting March 15, with small-business and mini-app rates dropping from 15% to 12%. AppleInsider reports: Chinese regulators have been back and forth with Apple in recent years over the 30% App Store commission. The latest publicly known pressure occurred after President Trump slammed the country with seemingly random and outrageous tariffs in 2025. While nothing much else has happened in the public eye in the year since, Apple has announced a new commission rate via its developer blog. The new rates go into effect on March 15. The current standard 30% rate is dropping to 25% for in-app purchases and paid app transactions. The Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program will see rates drop from 15% to 12%. That lower rate applies to auto-renewals of in-app purchase subscriptions after the first year. Mini Apps are for transactions found in super apps like those popularized in China. [...] Developers will need to sign the updated terms, but the new rates are applied automatically. It is unclear if these new changes will prevent regulatory action from China. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Bookends 15.3.1
Brings a few Apple Intelligence improvements to the reference management tool. ($74.99 new, free update, 128.5 MB, macOS 11+)

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Default Folder X 6.2.7
Brings a few improvements to the Open/Save dialog utility. ($39.95 new, free update, 28.7 MB, macOS 10.13+)

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Typinator 10.0
Expands the text expansion utility's reach to the iPhone and iPad via a new iOS app. ($29.99 annual subscription, free update, 47 MB, macOS 13+)

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iOS 26.4 adds three new ways to customize your iPhone
iOS 26.4 is launching soon and bringing a lot of new features, including three new ways to customize your iPhone. Here’s what’s new. more…

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Older iPhones and iPads Receive Critical Security Updates for Coruna Exploits
Apple has released critical security updates for older iPhones and iPads to address the Coruna exploit kit, a sophisticated collection of exploits. If you’re still using an older device stuck at iOS/iPadOS 15 or 16, update immediately.

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Deals: MacBook Neo $569, MacBook Air up to $320 off, Apple Studio Display XDR $100 off, Ocean Band, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by the MacBook launch week deals – up to $320 off Air, $200 off M5 Pro models, and more, but we have also spotted a chance to save some cash on the already affordable MacBook Neo from $569 as well. Amazon is now offering $100 off new 2026 Apple Studio Display XDR, we have this 1TB M3 iPad Air at a giant $350 off, and we also have a new Amazon all-time low on Neon Green Apple Watch Ultra Ocean Band. Head below for a closer look at everything. more…

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iOS 26’s Passwords app has a new feature that can save you a headache
Apple’s Passwords app has become my full-time password manager thanks to several iOS 26 changes. And there’s one welcome new feature I recently discovered that can prevent the headache of a forgotten password loop. more…

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Foldable iPhone chatter starts again with new Samsung display rumor
Samsung Display could soon begin producing screens for Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, with a new leak pointing to a manufacturing ramp beginning in mid-2026.Render of a folding iPhoneThe timeline posted on Weibo by Instant Digital matches earlier analyst estimates and fits Apple's usual production window for a fall iPhone launch. A May panel ramp would align with Apple's typical iPhone production schedule.Apple usually increases manufacturing during the summer ahead of its fall iPhone launch window. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Viewership for Apple TV’s first Formula 1 race was up vs. last year’s broadcast on ESPN
The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship began last weekend on Apple TV. As the new exclusive U.S. home of Formula 1, Apple TV… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: MacBook Neo
Is the MacBook Neo really that good? After a week of thinking and reading about the Neo, Dave and I give our thoughts on Apple's newest product. We look at all of the reviews and the use cases for the Neo and compare it to how we use our current systems. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code DALRYMPLE for 20% off at clnmy.com/DALRYMPLE Show Notes: 50 Years of Thinking Different Rising laptop prices likely to further boost MacBook Neo sales Asus Co-CEO: MacBook Neo Is a 'Shock' to the PC Industry Gruber’s MacBook Neo review MacBook Neo teardown MacBook Neo’s two USB C ports Apple reveals MacBook Neo battery cycle limit Find your Mac’s cycle count limit The MacBook Neo doesn’t officially support fast charging, but a beefier charger helps John Ternus interview on Apple MacBook Neo Shows and movies we're watching Tehran, Apple TV Survivor, Paramount + Scrubs, Hulu, same cast, just older

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Apple TV’s star-packed new comedy sounds like a winner, per reviews
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is one of Apple TV’s most anticipated premieres this spring, and the first reviews are extremely positive. more…

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Don’t stop now — bring on a $399 Mac Neo
A very affordable Mac Neo desktop would bring macOS to millions more people. Along with the MacBook Neo, it could change the game for Apple. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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ChatGPT and Claude are evolving from chatbots into interactive learning tools
This week, both Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT were updated to embrace learning through interactive visualizations. Both moves show how AI is evolving from the initial chatbot phase to something more mature and helpful. more…

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THR reviews ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’: Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer sparkle in Apple TV’s endearingly offbeat family dramedy
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” stars and is executive produced by Academy Award, Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Today in Apple history: CNN predicts doom for Apple
On March 13, 1997, CNN predicted doom for Apple, saying "the coffin door is closing." It's one of many "Apple doomed" predictions. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPhone Fold’s crease-free display is about to hit major milestone, per leaker
The iPhone Fold is six months away from launching, and according to a new leak, its crease-free display will soon hit a major milestone: entering mass production. more…

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David Pogue reveals why Tim Cook wouldn't be interviewed for his book
As part of promoting his new book, "Apple: The First 50 Years," author David Pogue spoke to the AppleInsider Podcast about writing it and just what Apple itself would and would not do to help.David Pogue — image credit: Jesse DitmarDavid Pogue joined William Gallagher for an in-depth discussion of "Apple: The First 50 Years" — now available on Amazon, how it was written — and why. Hear the interview on the latest AppleInsider Podcast, or read this lightly edited transcript.David Pogue: Guess what? You are the very first person, the very first person not involved with the book to read it and tell me what you think. So that that means the world. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple lowers App Store commission fees after CCP pressure
Apple announced on Thursday that it will reduce the commission fees it collects from the App Store in mainland China, following discussions… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Top 15 setups where MacBook Pro runs the show
We scoured the archives for the top 15 MacBook Pro setups, with an emphasis on striking aesthetics, clever engineering and smart gear choices. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e and special guest David Pogue on the AppleInsider Podcast
David Pogue, author of "Apple: The First 50 Years" is our special guest talking about what did and did not make it into the book, plus there are rumors of the HomeHub and real-world news of the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.David Pogue talks about his new history of Apple bookPogue is everywhere this week, talking about his 600-page history of Apple, but now you can hear the very first interview he gave about it. Listen to the stories behind the book, but also hear just how keen he was to find out what AppleInsider thought of it.It's a wide-ranging interview, but of course the book is not the only thing happening this week. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD review: Secure NFC storage for iPhone, Mac & more
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Strong security for your files NFC on iPhone is easy to use Compact, lightweight design Cons No IP rating Modest performance Our Verdict There are faster – and more rugged – drives available for professional users. However, the TouchLock’s clever NFC features provide good security for your important files, along with admirable ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of computers and mobile devices. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed512GB $99.99 | 1TB: $159.99 Best Prices Today: Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best for iPhone users who want simple secure storage Mobile photo/video backups Travel storage Not ideal for High-speed editing workflows Rugged outdoor use Thunderbolt/USB4 performance needs Lexar makes a number of portable storage devices that focus on smartphones and mobile devices rather than just Macs and PCs. The latest addition to its range is the TouchLock Portable SSD. At first glance, the TouchLock looks like a fairly conventional solid-state drive, and its USB-C interface allows it to work with Macs and PCs as well as mobile devices. However, it also includes several additional features that provide extra security, along with MagSafe compatibility for iPhone users. This drive is primarily aimed at iPhone owners who want simple NFC-based security and convenient MagSafe mounting rather than maximum transfer speeds. There are currently two versions of the TouchLock available. The 512GB model costs $99.99/£69.99, while the 1TB version that we tested costs $159.99/£119.99. Lexar has also indicated that it plans to release a 2TB model, although it wasn’t available at the time of writing. A USB-C interface provides compatibility with most recent computers and mobile devices. Lexar The TouchLock is neatly designed, with a sleek silver case that measures just 7mm thick, 53mm wide and 85mm high, and weighs only 40g. It’s easy to slip into a pocket or bag when travelling, and Lexar says the drive can withstand drops from up to two metres. However, the company doesn’t provide an IP rating for water or dust resistance, so users who need a more rugged drive for outdoor use may want to consider alternatives such as LaCie’s Rugged SSD range. The compact design also makes it small enough to attach directly to an iPhone when backing up photos or video files. The back panel of the TouchLock includes a MagSafe-compatible magnetic ring that holds it in place (and it also worked with the MagSafe sleeve I use to protect my iPhone). The drive has a standard USB-C interface, and Lexar includes a USB-C cable with a USB-A adaptor in the box so it can connect to recent Apple devices, as well as Windows PCs and Android devices with USB-C. Admittedly, it’s not the fastest portable SSD available. The TouchLock supports USB 3.2 (Gen 1), with Lexar quoting read and write speeds of 450MB/s and 420MB/s respectively. Those figures are modest compared with some newer USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 drives, but Lexar says the TouchLock can still handle direct recording of Apple ProRes video at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second (though not at 120fps). In our tests, the drive didn’t quite reach the quoted speeds, generally delivering around 350MB/s for both read and write performance. Even so, that should be more than adequate for routine Time Machine backups on a Mac, as well as backing up photos, videos and other files from an iPhone or iPad. How iPhone NFC locking works The standout feature of the TouchLock is its ability to use NFC (Near Field Communication) on your iPhone to lock and unlock the drive. When you first plug the TouchLock into a Mac, PC or other device, it doesn’t immediately appear on the desktop like a conventional USB drive. Instead, you must first set up its security features using the Lexar app on an iPhone or Android phone. The process is straightforward. Plug the TouchLock into any Mac or other device that can power it via USB-C, then launch the Lexar app on your phone. The first time you use the drive, the app prompts you to create a security code. After that, it uses your phone’s NFC capability to unlock the drive so you can access your files and use it like a normal external drive. (The iPhone has included NFC since the iPhone 6, although NFC isn’t currently available on Macs or iPads.) The TouchLock is locked to protect your files, and can only be unlocked by using NFC on your personal iPhone. Lexar How you unlock the TouchLock with an iPhone The NFC chip in an iPhone is typically located near the camera on the back of the device. To unlock the TouchLock, simply hold that area of the phone against the NFC pad on the front of the drive, which is marked with a small padlock icon. The Lexar app then communicates with the drive via NFC and unlocks it so you can access your files. As a helpful touch, the app uses haptic feedback to make the iPhone vibrate when the drive has been successfully unlocked. When the TouchLock is unplugged from a Mac or other device, it automatically locks again and can only be unlocked using the Lexar app on your personal iPhone. The files stored on the drive are also protected with 128-bit encryption, preventing others from accessing them with the Lexar app on their own phone. Should You Buy The Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD? It may not be the fastest solid-state drive available, but the TouchLock Portable SSD offers strong security for important files and data. It works with a wide range of computers and mobile devices, and its NFC-based unlocking system is easier to use than many password-protected drives we’ve tested. Combined with its compact design and MagSafe compatibility, it’s an affordable and convenient option for keeping important files secure while travelling.

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13-inch MacBook Air (M5) review: Fast and steady wins the race
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Fantastic performance for this laptop class Double the storage capacity and performance All-day battery life and then some Cons Still no HDR or variable refresh rate Not much has changed in four years Our Verdict The more things change, the more the MacBook Air stays the same. It may not be much different from the model from last year or from 2022, but this is still a winning formula that works just right for most users. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When ReviewedFrom $1,099 Best Prices Today: Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) Retailer Price $1099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’ve used a MacBook Air in the last four years, you know exactly what to expect of the new M5-equipped model. Apple’s most popular laptop has changed very little. It’s really all about the M5 chip, which delivers impressive year-on-year performance improvements. However, the MacBook Air is no longer the entry-level option. With the launch of the $599 Neo, the MacBook Air, which now starts at $1,099, is firmly in the mid-range of Apple’s laptop lineup. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Air is targeting a different audience, but its positioning puts it in a different light. Unfortunately, you won’t find anything surprising or especially noteworthy about the new M5 version of the MacBook Air. It continues to be a stable workhorse in Apple’s lineup, and a great laptop for most, but it’s hard to get excited about somewhat longer benchmark bars on a benchmark chart year after year. M5 MacBook Air: Design, display, and specs Apple has changed precious little about the MacBook Air since the M2 model was introduced four years ago. With the M4 model last year, it swapped out the Space Gray color option for Sky Blue and added the newer 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, updated the USB-C ports to Thunderbolt 4, and improved the Wi-Fi support to Wi-FI 6E. A pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging. Just like last year.Foundry This year, Apple updated the wireless chip to its own N1 (with Wi-Fi 7 support and Bluetooth 6) and doubled the starting storage to 512GB (while raising the price by $100). The SSD is a lot faster, too. A minor detail: The keyboard now has glyphs on the Tab, Caps Lock, Return, and Shift keys instead of words like the rest of Apple’s MacBook lineup. Unfortunately, it has the same four colors, which seem even more subdued next to the MacBook Neo. These keys used to have words instead of glyphs. Other than that, the keyboard is unchanged.Foundry MacBook Air pricing has bounced back and forth for years. The M1 model started at $999. That shot up to $1,199 with the M2 model, which was then reduced to $1,099 when the 15-inch model arrived. The M4 model cut the price again to $999, and now we’re back to $1,099 for the 13-inch model or $1,299 for the 15-inch model. That entry-level model gets you the reduced-spec M5 with 10 CPU cores and 8 GPU cores. Our review unit has the full M5 with 10 CPU and 10 GPU cores, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, bringing the price to $1,299. In the U.S., Apple now includes the new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max with the MacBook Air rather than the 30W USB-C Power Adapter (13-inch base model only) or the 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter. M5 MacBook Air: Performance We already viewed the M5-based MacBook Pro, and as expected, the performance of the M5 in the MacBook Air is very similar. As is always the case, the MacBook Pro will run certain tasks a bit faster since it has active cooling for sustained peak performance, while the MacBook Air delivers quiet performance with no fan at all. This causes the processor to slow down when things get too hot, lowering performance. Geekbench 6 CPU

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Apple at 50: Mike Markkula, Apple's second CEO was as important as Steve Jobs
Neither of Apple's first two CEOs are particularly remembered next to the likes of Steve Jobs, John Sculley, or Tim Cook, yet Mike Markkula, Apple's second CEO, certainly should be.Mike Markkula (right) with Steve Jobs in the 1970s — image credit: allaboutstevejobsMichael Scott was the first CEO of Apple, but he was hired by Mike Markkula. And then if not exactly fired, he was at least pointed toward the door by Markkula.Without Markkula, there would quite possibly never have been an Apple. And there certainly wouldn't be one that stood the test of time. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple MacBook Neo Beats Ever Single x86 PC CPU For Single-Core Performance
Early benchmarks show the A18 Pro-powered MacBook Neo beating every current x86 CPU in single-core Cinebench performance, including chips from Intel and AMD. Notebookcheck reports: We have performed a couple of benchmarks and were particularly impressed by the single-core performance. Not in the short Geekbench test, but in Cinebench 2024, where a single-core test takes about 10 minutes. The A18 Pro consumes between 3.5-4 Watts in this scenario and scores 147 points. This means it is faster than every other x86 processor in our database, including the two desktop processors Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This also means the MacBook Neo beats every modern mobile processor from AMD, Intel and also Qualcomm, even though the upcoming Snapdragon X2 chips should be a bit faster. The A18 Pro is also slightly faster than Apple's own M3 generation in this scenario. Further reading: ASUS Executive Says MacBook Neo is 'Shock' to PC Industry Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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What Is a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is a third-party company that provides ongoing cybersecurity monitoring and support for an organization. Instead of building a full internal security operations team, a business can use an MSSP to monitor security alerts, investigate suspicious activity, and help respond when something goes wrong. Cybersecurity isn’t just a big-company problem […] The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Iran-Backed Hackers Claim Wiper Attack on Medtech Firm Stryker
A hacktivist group with links to Iran's intelligence agencies is claiming responsibility for a data-wiping attack against Stryker, a global medical technology company based in Michigan. News reports out of Ireland, Stryker's largest hub outside of the United States, said the company sent home more than 5,000 workers there today. Meanwhile, a voicemail message at Stryker's main U.S. headquarters says the company is currently experiencing a building emergency.

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Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition
Microsoft Corp. today pushed security updates to fix at least 77 vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and other software. There are no pressing "zero-day" flaws this month (compared to February's five zero-day treat), but as usual some patches may deserve more rapid attention from organizations using Windows. Here are a few highlights from this month's Patch Tuesday.

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How AI Assistants are Moving the Security Goalposts
AI-based assistants or "agents" -- autonomous programs that have access to the user's computer, files, online services and can automate virtually any task -- are growing in popularity with developers and IT workers. But as so many eyebrow-raising headlines over the past few weeks have shown, these powerful and assertive new tools are rapidly shifting the security priorities for organizations, while blurring the lines between data and code, trusted co-worker and insider threat, ninja hacker and novice code jockey.

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Mac Gaming Guide: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Get the Best Experience
Mac gaming is in a better place than it used to be — but it’s not “anything a PC can do, a Mac can do.” Some games run beautifully on modern Macs, especially Apple Silicon models. Others still don’t show up on macOS at all, or they run with limitations. This guide is here to […] The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Who is the Kimwolf Botmaster “Dort”?
In early January 2026, KrebsOnSecurity revealed how a security researcher disclosed a vulnerability that was used to assemble Kimwolf, the world's largest and most disruptive botnet. Since then, the person in control of Kimwolf -- who goes by the handle "Dort" -- has coordinated a barrage of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), doxing and email flooding attacks against the researcher and this author, and more recently caused a SWAT team to be sent to the researcher's home. This post examines what is knowable about Dort based on public information.

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‘Starkiller’ Phishing Service Proxies Real Login Pages, MFA
Most phishing websites are little more than static copies of login pages for popular online destinations, and they are often quickly taken down by anti-abuse activists and security firms. But a stealthy new phishing-as-a-service offering lets customers sidestep both of these pitfalls: It uses cleverly disguised links to load the target brand's real website, and then acts as a relay between the target and the legitimate site -- forwarding the victim's username, password and multi-factor authentication (MFA) code to the legitimate site and returning its responses.

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Unpacking the New “Matryoshka” ClickFix Variant: Typosquatting Campaign Delivers macOS Stealer
Executive Summary Intego Antivirus Labs is tracking an evolution of the “ClickFix” social engineering campaign targeting macOS users. Dubbed Matryoshka due to its nested obfuscation layers, this variant uses a fake installation/fix flow to trick victims into executing a malicious Terminal command. While the ClickFix tactic is not new, this campaign introduces stronger evasion techniques […] The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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iPads are on sale starting at $299, $50 off Apple’s MSRP
Amazon has Apple's 11th-generation A16 WiFi iPads in stock on sale again for $50 off MSRP right now. Shipping is free: - 11" 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $299 $50 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 256GB WiFi iPads: $399 $50 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 512GB WiFi iPads: $599 $50 off MSRP Amazon's prices are the lowest iPads prices currently available for 11th-generation models. For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon offering early $50 discount on select 15-inch M5 MacBook Airs
Amazon is offering an early $50 discount on select 15" M5 MacBook Airs, each with free shipping. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party. Note that the discount may only apply to specific colors and specifications, see their site for more details. For the latest sales & prices see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Deal Alert! 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros on sale for $200-$300 off Apple’s MSRP, prices start at only $1399
Amazon is offering 14" M5 MacBook Pro discounts ranging up to $300 off Apple's standard MSRP, each including free shipping: - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Black): $1399.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Silver): $1399.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Black): $1499.99, MSRP $1799 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Silver): $1649, MSRP $1799 These are the lowest prices available for new M5 MacBook Pros right now. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Clearance 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro on sale for $500 off original MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $500 discount on the Clearance, Silver, 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros (48GB/1TB) right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Silver): $3499, $500 off MSRP Their price is the lowest available for this configuration. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Verizon is selling Apple AirPods 3 for $199, $50 off MSRP
Verizon has Apple AirPods Pro 3 on sale for 20% off MSRP on their online store right now. Their price is among the lowest prices available for these AirPods from any Apple retailer. Verizon service is not required for purchase. Buy online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. - AirPods Pro 3rd-generation: $199 $50 (20%) off For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple AirPods Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon is offering new 11-inch M4 iPad Air preorder discounts ranging up to $80 off MSRP
Take $40-$80 off new 11-inch M4 iPad Airs at Amazon as part of their early preorder discounts. Shipping is free: - 11" 128GB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $559, $40 off MSRP - 11" 256GB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $649, $50 off MSRP - 11" 512GB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $839, $60 off MSRP - 11" 1TB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $1019, $80 off MSRP Be sure to order from Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. These are the lowest prices currently available for new 11" M4-powered iPad Airs. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPad Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple AirPods Max on sale for $120 off MSRP, only $429.99
Walmart has AirPods Max headphones on sale for $429.99, $120 off Apple's MSRP. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). It's the lowest price available for these AirPods among the retailers we track. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Guess what? Walmart and Target are selling the MacBook Neo on their online stores
Walmart and Target are selling new macOS products on their online stores for the first time. Walmart had previously sold clearance 13" M1 MacBook Airs, but this is the first time either store is selling a brand new macOS product. You can preorder any new 256GB or 512GB MacBook Neo today, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Apple's official release date for the Neo is on March 11th: - MacBook Neo at Walmart - MacBook Neo at Target For the latest sales and deals, see our new MacBook Neo Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Price Drop! Take $100-$300 off clearance 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs
Amazon has clearance 15" M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $100-$300 off Apple's original MSRP. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $1099, $100 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB/): $1299, $300 off These are the lowest clearance 15" M4 MacBook Air prices currently available at Apple retailers. For the latest sales & prices see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Price Drop! Take $100-$200 off clearance 13-inch M4 MacBook Airs
Amazon has clearance 13" M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $100-$200 off Apple's original MSRP. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $899, $100 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $999, $200 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off These are the lowest clearance M4 MacBook Air prices currently available at Apple retailers. For the latest sales & prices see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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MacBook Neo Arrives at $599 — Here’s How It Compares to the New M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Apple has expanded its laptop lineup in a big way this week, introducing the all-new MacBook Neo just one day after refreshing the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro families with next-generation M5 chips. The Neo becomes Apple’s most affordable laptop ever, starting at $599 ($499 for education), and it marks a push to bring macOS to an even broader audience. MacBook Neo features a durable aluminum enclosure weighing just 2.7 pounds and comes in four colors: blush, indigo, silver, and citrus. It has soft rounded corners and a cohesive design that extends to the Magic Keyboard and matching wallpapers. The 13-inch Liquid Retina display offers a 2408-by-1506 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, support for 1 billion colors, and an anti-reflective coating. For a laptop at this price point, the display specs are especially impressive and should make everyday tasks like browsing, writing, and streaming feel premium. Under the hood, MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip — the same class of silicon found in Apple’s high-end iPhones — scaled for the Mac. The system includes a 5-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, enabling strong everyday performance and fast on-device AI tasks. Apple claims it is up to 50 percent faster for common tasks like web browsing compared to a Core Ultra 5 PC and up to three times faster for AI workloads. The design is fanless, meaning it runs completely silent. Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours, making it a strong all-day machine for students and casual users. The Neo includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual beamforming microphones, and dual side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support. Connectivity is simple but sufficient: two USB-C ports (both capable of charging), a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6. It runs macOS Tahoe with built-in Apple Intelligence features and tight iPhone integration through Continuity tools like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iPhone Mirroring. On the downside, the Neo only provides 8GB of RAM and 500 nits of display brightness. By contrast, the newly updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are built around Apple’s next-generation M-series chips: Apple M5, Apple M5 Pro, and Apple M5 Max. These processors are significantly more powerful than A18 Pro, offering more CPU and GPU cores, greater memory bandwidth, and much stronger sustained performance. While the MacBook Air remains fanless like the Neo, it is designed for heavier multitasking and more demanding creative tasks. It also typically offers longer battery life and expanded external display support. The MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max go much further. With active cooling systems, they are built to handle prolonged high-performance workloads such as video editing, software development, 3D rendering, and advanced AI processing. The Pro lineup also features Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR displays with dramatically higher brightness, HDR support, and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates. In addition, they offer a wider array of ports, including multiple Thunderbolt connections, HDMI, SD card slots, and MagSafe charging — features that professionals rely on daily. Ultimately, MacBook Neo is not meant to compete with the Air or Pro on raw power. Instead, it establishes a new entry point into the Mac ecosystem. For students, families, and first-time Mac buyers who primarily browse the web, stream media, write papers, and occasionally edit photos, Neo may be more than sufficient. Users who need more performance headroom or plan to grow into heavier creative workloads will still find the MacBook Air a better long-term investment. Professionals whose livelihoods depend on speed, graphics power, and advanced display technology will continue to gravitate toward the MacBook Pro lineup. With the introduction of MacBook Neo, Apple has created a clear three-tier structure: Neo for accessibility, Air for mainstream performance, and Pro for professional power. It’s a strategic move that broadens the Mac market while preserving meaningful differentiation across the lineup.

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Apple AirPods 4 on sale for $89, $40 off MSRP
Walmart has Apple AirPods 4 on sale on their online store right now for $40 off MSRP, only $89. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - AirPods 4: $89, $40 off This is the lowest sale price available right now for Apple AirPods. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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