Will the Apple Pencil Work With the iPhone Fold? Apple plans to enter the foldable smartphone market in September 2026, debuting its first foldable iPhone. We've heard multiple rumors about the design of the upcoming device, but little has been revealed about the operating system or the software features.
Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will be around 5.4 inches when closed, and approximately 7.6 inches when open, giving it a 4:3 aspect ratio. We did a video featuring a rough iPhone Fold mockup at those dimensions yesterday, which provides an idea of what the device will look like.
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When unfolded, the upcoming iPhone will be bigger than any iPhone to date, and not too far off in size from the original iPad mini. The current iPad mini has an 8.3-inch screen size, but the first models had a 7.9-inch display.
Since the iPhone Fold's inner display will be close to an iPad in size, will it run iOS or iPadOS? Will it work like a standard iPhone when the display is closed, and an iPad when it's open? Or will it get something in between?
We haven't heard much about iOS 27 as of yet or what Apple has in store for the iPhone Fold, so it's still a mystery. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that iOS 27 will lay the foundation for the foldable iPhone and future foldables, but that's about it.
With a larger display, the iPhone Fold will probably support some kind of split screen view or multitasking option, perhaps even adopting Slide Over. Apple Pencil support for a 7.6-inch display could make sense, but the iPhone Fold's display will be an awkward middle size between an iPhone and an iPad. We haven't heard rumors that the iPhone Fold will work with the Apple Pencil, but we also haven't heard rumors that it won't.
Apple Pencil support could be useful for quick note taking, sketches, signing documents, editing photos and videos, and more. Steve Jobs famously said "Nobody wants a stylus," but in the years since he touted the ergonomics of the finger, the stylus has evolved. The Apple Pencil isn't one of the tiny plastic pens or imprecise rubber-tipped styluses that were around back in 2007 when Jobs commented on them. It's a writing implement that accurately mimics a pen or a pencil, and it feels natural to use.
Samsung's foldables supported the optional S Pen for many years, but the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 dropped the feature for a thinner and lighter design, which might not bode well for Apple offering the functionality. Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold is going to be somewhere around 4.5mm thick when unfolded, which will make it thinner than Apple's 5.1mm iPad Pro, the thinnest Apple device to date.
Some dedicated Samsung Galaxy Fold users are unhappy with the feature's removal, so there are definitely foldable smartphone customers out there who like the flexibility of being able to use a stylus. Rumors suggest that Samsung is considering bringing S Pen support back to the next-generation Galaxy Fold, which will, coincidentally, have a shorter, wider design to match the iPhone Fold. If Apple implements Apple Pencil support and Samsung doesn't, it's possible Apple will draw some switchers who don't want to use a foldable without a pen option. The opposite is also a possibility, so Apple could lose customers who don't want a foldable without a pen.
Google didn't design a stylus for the Pixel Fold, but it did implement support for the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI), so the device works with third-party USI pens. USI pens don't have the same functionality as the Apple Pencil, lacking features like pressure sensitivity, but the basic stylus functionality is there for those who want it.
Apple could do something similar to Google. Add support for the Apple Pencil for those who want it, without making it a primary marketing point. That would make the Apple Pencil available for those who want the extra functionality, but it wouldn't be a necessity. Apple could also design an iPhone Fold-specific Apple Pencil that is sized to the device and able to be charged with it, but it all depends on how Apple wants to market the iPhone Fold.
If it's marketed as an iPhone, Apple Pencil support is unlikely. Apple has long championed a touch-first approach, and no Apple Pencil support for the iPhone clearly separates it from the iPad. If it's marketed as an iPhone and iPad hybrid device, Apple Pencil support seems like more of a possibility.
Apple might not be able to implement Apple Pencil support at all because of technical limitations. Rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold is so thin that it doesn't have the space for the TrueDepth camera hardware for Face ID, so Apple is instead adding a Touch ID button to the device. With space at such a premium, a digitizer layer for the Apple Pencil is probably impossible. Apple also needs to take into account how an Apple Pencil would impact iPhone Fold features like the crease in the middle, and that might add too much complication.
Even if the first-generation iPhone Fold doesn't get Apple Pencil support, it could be a feature that Apple adds in the future as display technology improves.
Do you want Apple Pencil support for the iPhone Fold? Let us know in the comments below.Tag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple drops cryptic teaser for Apple Fitness+: ‘Something big is coming’ in 2026 Apple has published a fun teaser on the Apple Fitness+ Instagram account, promoting what it promises to be “something big” that will land on the service next year. Watch it below.
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BusyCal 2025.4.4 and BusyContacts 2025.4.4 Updates the calendar and contact apps with improvements and bug fixes. ($49.99 new for each, free update, various sizes, macOS 11.5+)
Apple's cautious AI approach could pay off in 2026, report speculates Against the backdrop of long-overdue Siri features, a new report argues that Apple's cautious AI approach could be one of its biggest advantages in 2026.Apple's approach to AI could pay off in 2026, according to a new report.Apple's artificial intelligence endeavors continue to be the subject of speculation, even as we move closer to the planned contextually aware version of Siri. After it failed to deliver an AI upgrade it promised at WWDC 2024, the iPhone maker adopted a more restrained position regarding AI.Because of this, it's been argued that Apple is late to the AI race, that the company hasn't delivered products nearly as impressive as those of rival companies like Google. Apple has also toned down its Apple Intelligence marketing, opting to focus on Liquid Glass as the key change for its 2025 software releases. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Andrew O'Hara's 2025 desk setup: A full studio with ample storage and power 2025 was largely a year of minimal changes in my desk setup, with most of my gear holding over from years past. There were a few upgrades though, helping to smooth out video production and media storage.My 2025 desk setup with Apple's Studio DisplayFor me, my studio is split into generally three areas — a desk for work, a filming set, and storage. Most of my time is spent in the second two spaces, though I admittedly need to start rearranging the storage better. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Tested a bunch of ways to speed up app design, what really works long term? Tried Figma, Dribbble templates, Mobbin, sleek design, and even messing around with figma plugins to mock up screens quickly. Some of these worked but felt hard to keep up long term or took too much time to make something usable. Wanna know what actually helped you ship apps faster over time? What did you stop […]
Security Bite: How to quickly password protect image files on Mac 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.
Let’s say you have screenshots of sensitive information sitting on your desktop that you’d like to password protect. You know that images of tax, banking, wire transfer forms, etc. in the clear can easily be viewed by anyone with physical or remote access to your machine, but you’re unsure how to secure them. Unfortunately, macOS Preview doesn’t support file-level password protection, but there are quick workarounds that don’t require third-party software or downloading anything not already on your Mac.
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Apple needs a killer AI Siri to fuel upgrades from older iPhones Apple long ago missed its deadline for launching an AI-supercharged Siri, but the company now says it’s finally on track to deliver the…
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Apple Teases 'Something Big' Coming Soon to Apple Fitness+ The Apple Fitness+ Instagram account today teased that the service has "big plans" for 2026. In a video, several Apple Fitness+ trainers are shown holding up newspapers with headlines related to Apple Fitness+.
What's Apple Fitness+ Planning for the New Year?
Something Big is Coming to Apple Fitness+
The Countdown Begins. Apple Fitness+ 2026 is Almost Here
2026 Plans Still Under Wraps-For Now
There are rumors that an AI-based Health+ service will be introduced at some point in 2026, but the Apple Fitness+ post may simply be referencing some kind of fitness program or fitness promotion that's designed to help people meet their New Year's Resolutions. It sounds like an announcement is planned for January 1, 2026.
The Health+ service that's in the works will supposedly incorporate AI for personalized health recommendations and health coaching. Health+ will rely on the LLM version of Siri that Apple has planned, which isn't expected until iOS 26.4 in the spring, so we're probably not hearing about the service in January.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apple Fitness+ (@applefitnessplus)
Apple has a "Ring in the New Year" Apple Watch activity challenge that kicks off on January 1, so the Fitness+ announcement could be related to that.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
What confused me the most when I started building iOS apps Coming from web dev, I thought SwiftUI syntax would slow me down but that wasn’t the issue. The first thing that really confused me was a bug I couldn’t explain I had a simple SwiftUI app with a list and a detail screen. When I tapped an item it pushed to the detail view where […]
Apple and (RED) announce limited-time $3M Apple Pay partnership [U: $3M reached] Update, December 30, 4:44 p.m. ET: (RED) has now confirmed that the $3 million donation cap was reached. Find new details below.
(RED) confirmed today that Apple will donate $5 for every qualifying purchase made via Apple Pay through December 7. Here’s how you can contribute.
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Will your car get CarPlay Ultra? Here’s what we know Earlier this year, Apple officially announced CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation version of CarPlay that it first teased way back at WWDC 2022.
CarPlay Ultra began rolling out in May to Aston Martin owners in the United States and Canada. What about other automakers? Here’s what we know.
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Apple Raised $3 Million for Global Fund's AIDS Fight Through Apple Pay Promotion This holiday season, Apple donated $5 to The Global Fund for every purchase made using Apple Pay on Apple.com, the Apple Store app, and Apple retail stores in the U.S. and other countries.
The Global Fund this week said that Apple raised a total of $3 million for the organization, which is dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in developing countries.
Apple capped donations at $3 million, so that means Apple customers raised the total possible amount through their purchases. Apple ran the promotion from November 28 through December 7 to fund critical health programs that save lives.
Apple has long supported The Global Fund with similar promotions and through sales of devices manufactured in (PRODUCT)RED colors. Apple has not offered any of its iPhones or accessories in (PRODUCT)RED colorways since the launch of the 2022 iPhone 14 models, but it does raise money each December in honor of World AIDS Day.
Apple has raised more than $250 million for The Global Fund during its 19-year partnership with the (RED) brand.Tags: Apple Pay Promo, (PRODUCT)REDThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
How to find and update the entitlement file? I am following a Sparkle tutorial and there it mentioned to update the entitlement file https://preview.redd.it/1cpqvy6epeag1.png?width=1490&format=png&auto=webp&s=b9d2e0436aa2b8ec7eee9c341bd0500a00aacda3 However, in my project target, I couldn't find this file in my app, I tried adding and removing capabilities like App Sandbox, however, its still not showing up. Also this is how it looks like in the build settings […]
Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch SE 3: Which should you buy for your New Year’s resolutions? Apple updated its entire lineup of Apple Watch models this year, introducing the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Ultra 3. Here’s what you need to know about Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11.
Plus, you can currently save $100 on the Apple Watch Series 11.
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Price drop: This AI-powered app takes notes for you, then summarizes them Use your iPhone, iPad or Mac to transcribe and summarize lectures, meetings and more with AI note taker app My Notes AI.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Ford insists it will continue to support Apple CarPlay While some car manufacturers are turning their back on CarPlay, Ford is still committed to Apple's in-car software, and won't be shifting away anytime soon.Apple CarPlay used in an infotainment system in a car. Apple CarPlay is a sensitive topic for car makers, with some adopting it while others steer clear. In the case of major producer Ford, CarPlay will be a big part of the driving experience for the moment.Speaking at the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference, Ford CFO Sherry House voiced her company's support for CarPlay. Ford Authority reports the CFO said it was important to give consumers choice and access to technology, which will be a key feature of Ford's future plans. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
9to5Mac Daily: December 30, 2025 – CarPlay and car key news Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Sponsored by Roborock: Save on Roborock’s flagship vacuums — but hurry, these deals won’t last long!
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iOS 26’s Fitness app has three upgrades ready for new year’s goals Apple’s Fitness app on iPhone started out as a companion to the Apple Watch’s Activity rings. But recently in iOS 26, Fitness expanded in several ways, including for users who don’t own an Apple Watch. Here are three recent changes that can help complement your new year’s goals.
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How to build an app that allows you to click photos from your Iphone and send that photo to a LLM(API) and analyze it and return the response Title submitted by /u/TroubleSufficient515 [link] [comments]
Apple better positioned than rivals as 2026 notebook shipments face decline: report A new TrendForce report outlines the challenges notebook makers are expected to face in 2026, with surging memory prices chief among them. Apple, however, is expected to be less exposed. Here are the details.
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iPhone 17 Pro issue causing speaker hiss for some users when charging It’s not uncommon for new iPhone models to introduce issues for a small subset of users. With iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, it seems a number of users have encountered a strange speaker hiss when charging.
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Apple offers Japan free limited-edition AirTag for qualifying iPhone purchase Apple this week announced its annual New Year Sale in Japan, where customers can receive a free limited-edition AirTag…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Andrew's best tech in 2025: Aqara G5 Pro, 25W Qi2.2, & Anker laptop battery Based on the ever-churning rumor mill, it sounds like 2026 is going to be a banner year for tech fans. That said, I still found a bunch of great gear in 2025 to tide me over from Apple Home devices to chargers.Some of my favorite devices to release in 20252025 didn't end up being "Year of the Smart Home" as I initially hoped it would be. Apple punted its next-generation version of Siri till 2026, along with its much-discussed phantom smart display.Accessory makers weren't held back though, with a ton of new smart home devices launching. Despite a growing list of favorites, I managed to try to winnow things down to a few mass-appeal items that I think stood above the rest. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners are having trouble with the speakers of their devices, and have complained about a static or hissing noise that occurs when the iPhone is charging.
There are multiple discussions about the issue on Reddit, the MacRumors forums, and Apple's Support Community, where affected users say there is a noticeable static noise "like an old radio." Some people report hearing it when playing audio and turning the volume down, while others say the static is audible without anything playing from the speakers. In some cases, there is a low crackle or a hiss when scrolling through webpages when the iPhone is charging, and some people hear the noise at low volumes even when the iPhone isn't on a charger.
Affected users report that the noise can be heard with chargers of all types, including Apple's official chargers. MagSafe charging causes the problem as well, but users report that the static noise is quieter. Unplugging the iPhone from the charger eliminates the sound for users who are experiencing the static noise when charging.
Some iPhone 17 Pro users have exchanged their devices for new ones, but have run into the same issue.
One Reddit user has been in contact with Apple support, and says the issue has been forwarded to Apple engineers. Apple is apparently working on a fix, but the iOS updates that have been released so far do not appear to solve the problem. The sound is subtle according to most reports, so it may be a widespread issue that only those sensitive to the noise have noticed.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Holiday tech support, Hold Assist, Ask9to5Mac Benjamin and Chance return from the holiday break with some classic stories of tech support from the trenches. Also, iOS 26 Hold Assist proves better in theory than in reality based on listener feedback, and we do some Ask9to5Mac to close out 2025.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance debate what should be 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
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Apple may see the future of LLMs very differently than most: report Apple has been subject to a lot of criticism over its AI strategy, especially after it delayed several powerful Siri upgrades earlier this year. But a new report may help explain why, in part, Apple’s AI approach differs so much from competitors.
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Career talk: Where do you see iOS development heading in 2026? Looking ahead to 2026. After the last few years, the tech landscape feels totally different. · Job Market: Optimistic or pessimistic about opportunities/salaries? · Skills: What's becoming essential (SwiftUI, AI/ML integration, etc.)? · Career: Is a pivot to a related field or out of dev on anyone's mind? Curious about the community's gut feeling. […]
Study links excessive infant screen time to altered brain development and teen anxiety Children with greater screen time exposure before age two exhibited alterations in brain development associated with elevated anxiety…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple Watch 'Quit Quitting' ad spots want you to escape your sofa Apple's latest ad spot collection urges people to "Quit Quitting," by showing Apple Watch users running away from furniture.Apple Watch 'Quit Quitting' ads - Image Credit: Apple/YouTubeWith the start of 2026 on the horizon, many people take the opportunity to make resolutions for the new year to get fit. This time around, Apple wants people to stick to their resolutions, via the Apple Watch.A collection of new ad spots posted to the official Apple YouTube account is collectively titled "Quit quitting with Apple Watch." In each video, a person is shown being chased by furniture as they undergo a workout. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Help with linking a remote repo (I searched and what I found is not what I need) Hello!! I am new to xcode. I created an iphone app and have it working on the phone. As part of the process I need to link the code to a remote repository. Here is my problem, I created a repository on GitHub of the code separate from xcode. Xcode does not "know" that I […]
Grab great year-end deals on Samsung displays — up to $1,400 off! Year-end Samsung monitor deals could net you the display of your dreams to make the most of your Mac setup.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
iOS 26 adds new ‘Preview’ app on iPhone, here’s how I’m using it iOS 26 adds two brand new apps to your iPhone’s Home Screen, here’s how I’m using one of them: the Preview app.
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7-port magnetic mini hub makes your iPhone way more useful [Review] ★★★★☆ Unlock your iPhone's potential with the Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter. Connect monitors, SSDs and more with ease.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026 Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026 amid the arrival of a revamped Siri and concerns around the AI market "bubble" bursting, The Information argues.
The speculative report notes that Apple has taken a restrained approach with AI innovations compared with peers such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in data centers, chips, and large language model training. This has fueled criticism that Apple is falling behind in the AI space, particularly as Siri has significantly lagged behind more advanced, capable, and reliable conversational systems.
The report argues that market sentiment toward AI spending is beginning to show signs of skepticism, with questions emerging over whether such large investments can be justified by near-term revenue. Against that backdrop, Apple's decision to limit AI-specific capital expenditures has left it with more than $130 billion in cash and marketable securities, giving the company the option to pursue acquisitions or partnerships if valuations of AI startups fall.
Apple's biggest AI-related move in 2026 will be the long-anticipated overhaul of Siri, which is expected to arrive in the spring. The updated assistant is set to be more conversational and capable of completing multi-step tasks. To power it, Apple is believed to be adopting Google's Gemini, reflecting an internal view that large language models may become commoditized and not worth the cost of large-scale proprietary development.
The iPhone is said to be a key strategic advantage. Unlike AI companies that rely on standalone apps or web services, Apple can distribute AI features directly through software updates and system-level integrations across its devices. Efforts by AI companies to build competing hardware face major challenges in manufacturing, distribution, and ecosystem development, areas where Apple has very strong footholds.
The Information also points to recent leadership changes as part of Apple's effort to refocus its AI work. Siri has been placed under Mike Rockwell, who was responsible for launching the Vision Pro headset, following significant delays to the assistant's overhaul. In addition, Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea announced his retirement earlier in December, with parts of his organization redistributed into product-focused teams amid internal concerns about a lack of clear product direction.
While Apple has a history of early but uneven AI efforts, including the original launch of Siri in 2011, The Information argues that these shortcomings have not materially harmed its core businesses. 2026 may be an inflection point in which Apple's cautious strategy could appear prescient if enthusiasm for large-scale AI spending continues to cool and the company finally delivers a more capable version of Siri.Tags: Apple Intelligence, The InformationThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Microsoft Outlook New email matching search returning errors Status: InvestigatingAround 07:47 UTC today, we noticed a spike in errors with the Microsoft Outlook New email matching search trigger. We are currently investigating the issue to identify a root cause. We will provide further updates as we learn more.
Today in Apple history: Microsoft hits the height of its ’90s power On December 30, 1999, Microsoft hit the height of its 1990s dominance and began its early-2000s decline. It was a major turning point.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Jackery and Anker Hosting New Year's Sales With Up to 65% Off Anyone shopping for portable power stations can find up to 65 percent off Anker and Jackery's best accessories this week. Each retailer is hosting a New Year's sale for its most popular charging accessories, with major savings on these high-priced power stations that match Black Friday prices in many cases.
Jackery
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Jackery and Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Jackery's event has up to $3,600 off select portable power stations this week. This includes everything from the smaller Explorer 500 to Jackery's line of HomePower Solar Generators that can power essential home electronics for as long as 30 days.
UP TO $3,600 OFFJackery New Year's Sale
Explorer 500 - $359.00, down from $499.00
Explorer 2000 v2 - $799.00, down from $1,499.00
Battery Pack 2000 Plus - $799.00, down from $1,399.00
Battery Pack 3600 - $999.00, down from $2,099.00
HomePower 3000 Solar Generator - $1,429.00, down from $2,499.00
Explorer 2000 v2 + Dual 200W Solar Panels - $1,399.00, down from $2,499.00
HomePower 3000 Solar Generator + Dual 200W Solar Panels - $1,799.00, down from $2,999.00
HomePower 3600 Plus Solar Generator - $2,099.00, down from $3,699.00
Explorer 5000 Plus - $4,099.00, down from $5,699.00
Anker SOLIX
Similar to Jackery, Anker SOLIX is hosting a sale that has up to 65 percent off select portable power stations. Overall, Anker SOLIX has a few more affordable options coming in under $500, as well as numerous high-end stations with various accessories like solar panels and expandable batteries.
UP TO 65% OFFAnker SOLIX New Year's Sale
Anker 521 PowerHouse (300W) - $129.00, down from $249.99
Anker 535 PowerHouse (500W) - $249.00, down from $649.99
SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $429.00, down from $799.00
SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 + Solar Panel - $649.99, down from $1,298.00
SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $749.99, down from $1,498.00
SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station - $1,199.00, down from $2,599.00
SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station - $1,998.95, down from $3,999.00
SOLIX F3000 + Expansion Battery + Solar Panel - $2,199.00, down from $5,397.00
SOLIX F3800 Plus Smart Home Power Kit - $4,693.95, down from $8,897.00
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple TV unveils trailer for season three of ‘Shrinking, starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford Apple TV on Tuesday debuted the trailer for the upcoming third season of “Shrinking,” starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Best year-end Apple deals: AirTag $19, Apple Watch Ultra 2 $549, $799 MacBook Amazon's year-end sale is in full swing, with steeper discounts issued on Apple AirTag, the closeout Apple Watch Ultra 2, and more.Grab year-end Apple deals at Amazon, with prices starting at $19 - Image credit: AppleWhether you're looking to pick up an Apple Watch to embark on a fitness journey for 2026 or need a Mac for your business before the end of the year, Amazon has competitive deals across Apple's hardware lines (and even accessories like the Apple Pencil).Shop Amazon's Apple deals Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iOS 27: Here are seven new features rumored to be coming The next major iPhone software update will be unveiled in less than six months, at WWDC in June. Here are seven new features rumored to be coming with iOS 27.
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Shrinking season 3 is coming soon, and the new trailer looks excellent One of Apple TV’s best comedies, Shrinking, returns for season 3 very soon, and the newly released trailer shows a lot to look forward to.
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SMS Delivery Failures to Datora in Brazil Dec 30, 07:29 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery failures to Datora in Brazil. Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.
Keep your holiday haul safe with a 4-pack of AirTags for just $65 Macworld
If you got some new gear for Christmas and want to keep it safe, you can two one of two things: Never leave the house or track it with an AirTag. And since you have to go to work eventually, this 4-pack of AirTags at Amazon for just $65 is your best bet. It’s not quite an all-time low, but it’s just $2 away from the best price we’ve ever seen.
AirTags are easily Apple’s most underrated devices, silently keeping tabs on the things they’re traveling with. Pairing and setup are a snap with an iPhone, and they’re small enough to disappear into a pocket or purse. If you lose something, you can launch the Find My app to track it with ease. If it’s nearby, you can play a chime to locate it, and if it’s actually lost, you can use the power of Apple’s Find My network to pinpoint its location anywhere in the world.
Plus, every AirTag has a replaceable battery that lasts about a year and a cute design that will look great hanging from a set of keys. Speaking of which, you’ll need a keyring holder to attach it to a zipper or keys, which just so happens to be on sale at Woot! for nearly 65 percent off.
AirTags normally cost $24 each, but this sale brings them down to just $16.25. So grab a 4-pack and a couple of keyrings and never worry about losing your favorite things again.
watchOS 26 has three big new updates for Apple Watch faces The watch face is easily among Apple Watch’s most important features, and watchOS 26 offers big improvements to watch faces in three main ways. Here’s what’s new.
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15 new products to expect from Apple in 2026 Apple is preparing a wave of new products for 2026, including a folding iPhone, powerful new Macs, refreshed iPads and new smart home gear.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Question about Apple App Review order Hi everyone. I am a bit confused about how Apple App Review prioritizes apps. I submitted two apps: App #1 —> submitted on December 28 App #2 —> submitted on December 29 2nd app was taken into review the same day (29) and got approved in about 12 hours. Meanwhile 1st app still hasn’t even […]
Zombie Roombas still Matter to HomeKit with support upgrades Despite the impending sale of iRobot, some Roomba models are still getting updates, with a few getting last-minute Matter support and HomeKit integration.A Roomba - Image Credit: iRobotRoomba has taken a hit in 2025, with a drop in sales amid intense competition leading to the sale of the parent company, iRobot. Despite the impending acquisition, the robot vacuum line is still receiving updates.In the case of some models of Roomba, MacRumors reports that Matter support has been added, expanding the range that works with Matter by three units. A firmware update has been released, adding Matter integration to: Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple debuts new ‘Quit Quitting with Apple Watch’ ads to boost New Year’s fitness motivation Apple is rolling out a fresh series of motivational advertisements highlighting the Apple Watch as the ultimate tool to stick with fitness…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple to Give Away Free Limited-Edition AirTag in Japan Apple this week revealed its annual New Year Sale in Japan, offering Apple Gift Cards worth up to ¥38,000 alongside a free limited-edition AirTag for qualifying iPhone purchases.
The AirTag features a special engraving of a Daruma, a traditional Japanese talisman commonly associated with perseverance, good fortune, and the achievement of goals. The AirTag offer is limited to 65,000 units in total and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
だるまAirTagかわいいな>>Appleの初売りまた、初売り限定の特別バージョンとして、Daruma(だるま)をあしらったAirTagも登場。対象のiPhone 16、iPhone 16 Plus、iPhone 16eを購入した先着6万5000名にプレゼントされます。#Apple #Apple初売り pic.twitter.com/TYpXqwYRla— Noric2025 (@Noric2014) December 26, 2025
Customers can receive gift cards worth up to ¥12,000 for eligible iPhone purchases, up to ¥38,000 for Mac purchases, and up to ¥15,000 for iPad purchases. Apple Watch purchases qualify for gift cards worth up to ¥8,000, while AirPods purchases are eligible for gift cards valued at up to ¥12,000.
The promotion will run from January 2 through January 5 and is available through Apple retail stores and the Apple Online Store in Japan. The New Year Sale has become a recurring annual event for Apple in Japan, where holiday retail traditions differ from those in the United States and Europe. Tag: JapanThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
SMS Delivery Delays to Ooredoo Network in Tunisia Dec 30, 05:27 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays when sending messages to Ooredoo Network in Tunisia. Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.
Just unwrap a new Mac? Here’s how to upgrade it Optimizing and perfecting my Mac setup is one of my favorite things to do. I love my M4 MacBook Pro, and surrounding it with accessories that improve my productivity is key to my workflow. If you just unwrapped a new Mac, there are tons of ways to upgrade your experience even further.
In fact, almost all of these products are on my desk as I write this story.
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Marko's best tech of 2025 — iPad Pro, and an unexpected MacBook Pro With the holiday season finally here, it's time to talk about the tech products we found most useful in 2025. Here are my top picks of the year.Three Apple products that have proven themselves useful in 2025.Technology has made its way into virtually every facet of our lives, and that's especially true for us here at AppleInsider. We talk about the latest and greatest tech releases daily, covering everything from the relatively inexpensive AirPods to the $3500 Apple Vision Pro.Still, many of us don't rush to buy the newest devices, especially without a good reason. In with the new and out with the old doesn't always make sense, after all. The fact is that Apple products can easily last you several years without issue, if not more. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
As a Mac expert, these are the first 9 tweaks I recommend for every new MacBook Macworld
You went out and splashed the cash on a new MacBook, you’ve completed the hallowed unboxing ritual, and you’re ready to get started with your latest fascination. What now?
We’ve got a few ideas of great things you can do with your fresh new computer, from loading it up with all the best apps to making it truly yours. Before long, you’ll have the perfect setup, whatever you want to do.
Get your apps in order
Your fresh Mac won’t be totally bereft of apps, and Apple does a pretty good job of loading it up with most of what you might need in day-to-day life. But there’s no doubt that you can augment Apple’s selections (or replace them entirely) with a wide array of excellent alternatives.
You can find apps in the App Store or on third-party websites, although if you download apps from the latter, you’ll need to open the System Settings app and go to Privacy & Security in the sidebar, then scroll to the Security section. Ensure that “Allow applications from” is set to App Store & Known Developers rather than just App Store, otherwise macOS might prevent your new apps from running.
To set a default app for a file type, Control-click a file and select Other.Foundry
Then in the Application window that opens, select the app you want, check the Always Open With Box, and click Open.Foundry
Once you’ve got a few apps loaded onto your Mac, you might want to change your default settings–your default browser, default email app, and so on. There are a few ways to do this. To change your default browser, go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock and choose an option next to “Default web browser.” For email, open Mail and go to Mail > Settings in the menu bar, click the General tab, then pick an app next to “Default email reader.”
For other apps, you’ll want to open the Finder and right-click a file that will be opened by your chosen app, then click Get Info. From here, click the arrow next to Open With, and select Other. A window of your Applications folder will open; select the app you want to use, then click Away Open With.
Set up automatic updates
Updating your Mac is important, not just to ensure you get all the latest features, but to keep it safely protected with relevant security patches. Enabling automatic updates is a good way to do that, both for your apps and for macOS in general.
To automatically keep macOS up to speed, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. Click the “I” button next to Automatic Updates and ensure all the toggles are switched on, then click Done.
You can set your Mac to automatically download and install macOS updates.
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For apps downloaded from the App Store, open the App Store app and click App Store > Settings in the menu bar. Now, click the checkbox next to Automatic Updates.
And if you have apps not downloaded from the App Store, you might want to look at a third-party app like Updatest or MacUpdate that can scan your Mac and download and install all the updates you need. Otherwise, you’ll have to check developers’ websites individually.
Learn hidden trackpad gestures
Apple’s Mac trackpads are the best in the business, and they come loaded with a ton of clever gestures that help you get more done. What you might not know is that Apple has a couple of hidden gestures that aren’t enabled by default–they can make a real difference to your day.
To turn them on, open System Settings and navigate to Trackpad in the sidebar. Click the More Gestures tab, then pick an option from the dropdown menu next to App Exposé. This lets you see all the open windows of whichever app you’re currently using, with everything else hidden. There are other useful gestures in this menu window, so be sure to explore to see what you might need.
In macOS’s Accessibility settings, you’ll find useful options for your trackpad.Foundry
There are other gestures to enable elsewhere, and one of my favorites can be found by going to System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Trackpad Options. Here, enable “Use trackpad for dragging” and pick an option from the dropdown menu. This lets you move a file by double-tapping it on your trackpad and swiping, or by using a three-finger swipe, both of which are much easier than trying to hold the trackpad down while you move something.
Set up the Time Machine
Use any computer long enough, and there’s a good chance that, sooner or later, we’re all going to suffer a fatal crash or lose files. When that happens, you’ll be kicking yourself if you haven’t backed up your files. Luckily, backing up your Mac is very easy to do thanks to Apple’s Time Machine app, and all you need is an external storage drive to house your documents.
First, connect your storage drive. Then open System Settings and go to General > Time Machine > Add Backup Disk. Select your drive and click Set Up Disk, then follow the on-screen instructions. Now, macOS will automatically back up your Mac on a regular schedule, provided your drive is connected. That makes sure everything is safe and sound, with Time Machine ready to come to the rescue whenever required.
Lock down your privacy
Compared to many of its rivals, Apple does an excellent job of taking privacy and security seriously. One of the ways it does so is through Touch ID, which lets you unlock your Mac, verify purchases, and more using your fingerprint, ensuring no one else can gain access to things they shouldn’t. Touch ID buttons come equipped on many MacBooks and Magic Keyboards, including all the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.
You can add more fingerprints to your Touch ID profile.Foundry
When you initially set up your MacBook, you are taken through the Touch ID setup with one finger. However, you can add other fingers. Just go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password. There, click Add Fingerprint, enter your Mac’s password, then place your finger on the Touch ID scanner until it is fully registered.
While you’re there, you might want to check your Mac’s privacy settings in the Privacy & Security section of System Settings. This contains many options, from location services and microphone access to sensitive content warnings and per-app controls. Go through these options and make sure you’re happy with your choices.
Turn on FileVault
If you have a Mac with an Apple silicon chip or a T2 security chip, your computer’s data is encrypted by default. However, that data is automatically decrypted when you use your Mac and is not locked behind any kind of password, making it potentially vulnerable.
That’s where FileVault comes in. With this setting enabled, you can add an extra layer of protection by requiring your Mac’s login password to be entered before any data is decrypted. If you forget your password, you can also recover access by logging in with iCloud.
FileVault can be found in System Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to the Security section and click FileVault. Now enable the toggle next to FileVault (note you must be using an administrator account to do this). You’ll need to choose whether to use iCloud for recovery or to create a recovery key–it’s a good idea to pick the former if you use iCloud. And just like that, you’ve strengthened your Mac’s defenses against would-be attackers.
Prolong your battery’s lifespan
If you own a MacBook, you’ll want to protect its battery to ensure you get as much life out of it as you can for as long as possible. One way you can do that is by adjusting a few settings on your new Mac.
Open System Settings and go to Battery in the sidebar. At the top, you can enable Low Power Mode based on a couple of different scenarios (such as when you’re on a mains adapter or on battery power), and this setting reduces your Mac’s energy consumption to keep the battery level as high as possible.
Next, click the “I” button next to Battery Health, then enable the toggle next to Optimized Battery Charging to guarantee that your Mac charges as safely and efficiently as possible. This involves macOS learning your charging habits so that it can finish charging beyond 80 percent when you actually need the power.
The Battery settings in macOS have several ways for you to get the most out of your battery life.Foundry
Finally, click Options at the bottom of the Battery section. There are a few settings here that might aid your battery life, such as ‘”Slightly dim the display on battery” and “Optimize video streaming while on battery.” Enable those if you want to eke even more out of your battery.
Protect your eyes
Staring at a bright screen all day and all night puts undue strain on your eyes, but macOS gives you a few tools to lessen the impact.
The first can be found in System Settings > Displays: switch on the toggle next to “Automatically adjust brightness.” By doing this, you know that your Mac’s brightness will never be too bright for your surroundings–thereby protecting your eyes–and shouldn’t put undue stress on your battery, either.
Night Shift is another handy tool, and it automatically tweaks your screen’s colors to provide a warmer image after dark, which in turn softens the impact on your eyes. To get started, click Night Shift at the bottom of the Displays settings. Here, you can set a custom schedule for Night Shift or use the option that turns it on at sunset and off at sunrise. There’s also a slider to adjust the color temperature of the effect.
You can create fun images with Image Playground.Apple
Try Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence was meant to be a huge leap forward for Apple, but it’s safe to say that the artificial intelligence (AI) system has had a bit of a sputtering start. That’s not to say you should avoid it, though, and there are actually plenty of great Apple Intelligence features you can (and should) try on your new Mac. Just make sure to enable it in System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri before you begin.
You can create images with the help of Apple Intelligence in the Image Playground app; just type in your prompt and let it get to work. Or you can highlight some text, right-click it, then pick Show Writing Tools from the context menu. These tools can rewrite your text, proofread it, list its key points, and more.
Apple Intelligence works in a wide range of Apple’s own apps, including Mail, Messages, Notes, Reminders, Photos, and Shortcuts. It also lets you tap into ChatGPT for certain queries and requests, putting more power at your fingertips.
Apple @ Work Podcast: 2026 predictions for Apple IT admins Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle 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.
In this episode of Apple @ Work, I discuss how I believe the world of Apple IT will evolve in 2026.
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New years progress update on my Tennis Tracking app Hi r/iOSProgramming ! https://preview.redd.it/4w8vmys0lbag1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=29f4114a8c63d44c18bdf21ecdb9163db47cdd26 First of all it is NOT vibe coding. Started it even before ChatGPT became popular. It’s been about 4 months since I last posted about my app, Ace Tennis Tracker, so I wanted to share a quick update. Haha, also wonder if anyone is looking for tennis apps on NYE xD […]
iPhone 2026 preview: A year of change for Apple’s biggest product Macworld
For the last several years, the iPhone line has been stuck in a rut. Incremental improvements to performance and battery life are great, but the iPhones of last year sure seem a lot like the iPhones of 2021.
That started to change in 2025. In the spring, a new strategy for more affordable iPhones, with the iPhone 16e replacing the old SE line. Then in the fall, the iPhone 17 models (more incremental improvements) were joined by the first really new iPhone in years: iPhone Air. But that’s just the start: In 2026, the iPhone shakeup will really kick into gear. Here’s what Apple is planning for next year:
iPhone 17e
In the spring, the successor to the iPhone 16e will be the iPhone 17e (naturally). Last year, when Apple updated its budget phone line from the seldom-refreshed “iPhone SE” to a numbered release “iPhone 16e,” it signaled that the “e” model would be a yearly update, and rumors say Apple will do exactly that.
The iPhone 16e’s successor might look more like the iPhone 17.David Price / Foundry
The iPhone 17e is likely to be a refreshed iPhone 16e: Expect a 60Hz display and a single rear 48MP camera, with an upgrade to the A19 processor and C1X modem, and twice the starting storage (256GB). And we’re almost certain to get MagSafe support after it was oddly left off this year’s model. But there could be two possible major upgrades as well: the notch may be replaced by the Dynamic Island, and the front camera may be upgraded to the new 18MP square-sensor front camera found in the iPhone 17 line.
We expect the new phone to cost the same $599 as this year’s model. Therefore, it will still be hard to recommend it over the standard iPhone 17, which starts at $799 and will still have several features not found in the 17e, including ProMotion and a second ultra-wide camera.
iPhone 18 Pro
In the fall, Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, accompanied by a larger Pro Max variant. Visually, they should appear very similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, with a wide camera “plateau” on the back and three rear cameras, including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto.
These are expected to have larger apertures on the telephoto cameras, while the Pro Max variant will reportedly get a mechanically-adjustable aperture on the standard Wide camera. This should help allow users to take images where both the foreground and background are sharp when in good lighting, while allowing more light for nighttime shots.
The iPhone 17 Pro’s new look will likely stick around for another year.Britta O’Boyle
We’ve also seen a rumor that some of the Face ID sensors will find their way under the display, which will shrink the size of the Dynamic Island area or even reduce it to a simple “punch hole” camera design. A report in December claimed that the camera will move to the left corner for the first time, which could mean the Dynamic Island disappears altogether. We also expect the iPhone 18 Pro models to use Apple’s next-generation C2 modem as well as the N1 networking chip or its successor, too.
Of course, there will be a new chip next year, as there is every year, but the A20 could be a bigger boost than usual. It’s said to be using a new Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging method that will move the chip’s RAM into the SoC package itself, which could bring significant boosts in performance and battery life.
iPhone Fold
The iPhone 18 Pro models won’t be what everyone is talking about next year, though. According to rumors, next year will finally be when Apple actually introduces a folding iPhone. We’ve heard the iPhone Fold is coming “in a couple of years” since at least 2018, but it looks like it really will arrive in 2026.
The folding iPhone is said to be a “book” style folding phone with a 5.3-5.5-inch screen when folded and a 7.7-8-inch inside display. It should be less than 10mm thick when folded, and even thinner than an iPhone Air when unfolded. Most reports say the inside display will be widescreen rather than square like other folding phones. Furthermore, Apple has reportedly solved the creasing problem and has developed a “very strong” hinge.
Apple’s folding iPhone will reportedly be more widescereen that offerings from Samsung and Google.Luke Baker
Expect an A20 or A20 Pro and two rear cameras: wide and ultra-wide. There should be a pair of front cameras as well: one for when the iPhone is folded up and one for when it’s open. Face ID might not be a feature of either of them, though. The compact and ultra-thin design might necessitate a switch to Touch ID in the side button, as seen on the iPad Air.
Above all, expect an eye-watering price. Most rumors suggest Apple will charge over $2,000 for the iPhone Fold (or whatever it’s called), with a figure of $2,400 not unrealistic.
But even with a sky-high price tag, it’s still exciting that we may finally get a look at what Apple has been working on all these years. So, be sure to check out our article on everything we know so far about the folding iPhone for the latest rumors.
iPhone Air 2?
Will there be another iPhone Air? The rumors are mixed. Some say Apple has cut production of this year’s Air and delayed the second-gen model, others say it’s coming in 2026, and a report from The Information in December 2025 said it would release in spring 2027.
So we don’t know. The biggest question is, why doesn’t the current version have a number? If Apple intended yearly updates, why not call it iPhone 17 Air?
A next-generation iPhone Air seems likely, but it’s unclear whether it will be a minor refresh with an A20 chip and some other minor improvements or a massive upgrade with a second camera, one of our biggest complaints about the current iPhone Air. If it’s the latter, it’s likely to launch in 2027.
The iPhone Air 2 might have a second camera—but might not arrive until 2027.Anyron Copeman / Foundry
No iPhone 18 next year!
Of course, the first folding iPhone will be the big Apple news of 2026, but just as significant is the shake-up to the iPhone release schedule. If the current leaks are accurate, there will be no iPhone 18 next year.
Instead, Apple will release only the Pro models, the folding iPhone, and the iPhone Air successor next fall. The iPhone 18—the “base” model most popular with consumers—won’t be released until the following year. It will presumably join the iPhone 18e for a release around March of 2027; a springtime event for those who don’t want to spend $1,000 or more on a new iPhone.
WIll this app get approved? An articles discovery app, primarily through widget, which updates every hour or so. The widget will display 3-4 articles, which when clicked opens the article's URL in chrome/safari. (theguardian, substack etc) The main app would have simple configs around topics of interest, update frequency etc. Would this get banned for a) low effort b) being […]
These 13 tips will help you get your new Mac set up right Macworld
Got a new Mac? If this is the first one you’ve ever owned, a hearty congratulations! Your new Mac is easy to use and more powerful than it’s ever been. As easy as the Mac is to use, doing some things may not be instantly obvious (especially if you are coming from Windows). You owe it to yourself to make sure you’re getting the most out of your new investment.
Here are a few things that you should do right away that will help you get started down the path toward being a Mac power user. Most of these will cost you absolutely nothing except a bit of time to set up.
We have a separate guide to how to set up your Mac, we also explain how to move everything from your old Mac to your new Mac. And if you are moving to Mac from a PC read: How to move from PC to Mac.
1.
Enter your Apple Account and password
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There’s a good chance that even if this is your first Mac, you already use an iPhone or an iPad. Just like those other devices, your Mac wants you to enter your Apple Account and Apple Account password. Enter your Apple Account and password to connect to iCloud on your Mac when you first set it up or later through the Apple Account system settings.
By connecting to iCloud with your Apple Account, you can access all your photos, contacts, calendars, and much more on all your Apple devices without ever having to physically tether or sync them. Once all your Apple devices are linked this way, you’ll also be able to take advantage of features like being able to cut and paste between devices, use a mouse and keyboard to control more than one Mac, and make purchases on the Mac App Store.
Depending on whether you are an iCloud subscriber, you will also be able to sync files to the cloud, including documents and everything you save to your Desktop. Because you can access everything in iCloud on any Apple device you own, you won’t need to have your Mac handy to edit a Pages document you are working on, for example. Find out about iCloud here: How to use iCloud and What is iCloud Private Relay. To find out how much iCloud costs, read iCloud storage plans and prices.
If you haven’t created an Apple Account yet, now is the time to do so. Think of your Apple Account as your keys to the kingdom. For help, read How to create an Apple ID.
You can get to your Apple Account by going to System Settings and clicking Apple Account at the top.
2.
Use the Help menu
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If you’ve ever wondered why the Mac doesn’t come with a thick owner’s manual explaining how it works and how all the apps work, wonder no more: that manual is actually built right into the computer.
The Help menu is so obvious that most of us overlook it altogether. But we do so at our peril because it can be a huge help. The Help menu sits right there in the menu bar, and it’s contextual: Its contents will change depending on which app is open.
Clicking on the Help menu will bring up a search field, table of contents, lists of shortcuts, and other helpful tips and step-by-step instructions, often with visual cues to show you which menus to click on and what menu items to select. Any time you get stuck in an app and don’t know what to do next, click on the Help menu to get out of a jam.
3.
Get familiar with the Apple Menu
Foundry
The Apple menu is in the upper left corner of your Mac’s screen.
Clicking on the Apple icon gives you instant access to your Mac’s System Settings, the Mac App Store, and apps and documents you’ve recently opened (see Recent Items). You can also use the Apple menu to restart your Mac and shut it down.
If an app misbehaves and stops working, the Apple menu also sports a special function that’s worth knowing: Force Quit. Force quit will immediately quit a stubborn application, so you can restart your computer and get back to business.
4.
Get to know Spotlight
Foundry
Built right into macOS, Spotlight helps you quickly find things on your computer: documents, apps, images, contacts, maps, and files. What’s more, it can connect to the internet to search places like Wikipedia, news sites, movie listings, and much more. You can even use Spotlight to do calculations, like converting feet to meters or any sort of simple arithmetic you’d rather trust to the computer.
Spotlight lives on your Mac’s menu bar; it’s the icon that looks like a magnifying glass, and clicking on it brings up the Spotlight search field. You can also open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space at the same time.
Type anything into the search field, and Spotlight will search for it.
Once you get the hang of it, using Spotlight is the fastest way to launch apps, find documents, and do tons of other stuff on your Mac really quickly. Over the years, it’s gained more and more features, including robust web and image search, and quick actions like timers built right in. In macOS Tahoe, Spotlight offers access to your clipboard and support for running Actions from Shortcuts. Learn more.
5.
Customize the Dock
Apple
The Dock is that bar of icons that sits at the bottom of your Mac’s screen. Docks on new Macs will be filled with Apple’s own built-in apps, like Safari, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Notes, but you can customize them to your liking.
Your Dock is the most important part of your Mac Desktop, so spend some time getting it just the way you want.
You can tailor your Dock to show you only the apps you care about. Don’t use Maps or FaceTime? Drag them out of the Dock until the word Remove appears and let go. Use Mail more than anything else? Move it over to the left or right, instead. You can also add applications, folders, and files you need frequently simply by dragging them and dropping them into the Dock.
To further reduce the space taken up by the Dock you can change the size of icons. To resize the Dock, click and drag on the bar that separates applications from folders and stacks. You can also change the size of icons, change the magnification of icons as you pass your cursor over them, turn off the bouncing animation, reposition the Dock to the left, bottom or right edges of your screen, and much more in the Desktop & Dock settings (macOS Ventura and later) or Dock & Menu Bar settings (macOS Monterey and earlier).
6.
Personalize the way your Mac looks
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This is your Mac. Make it look the way you want it to.
Change the wallpaper: Right-click the desktop and select Change Wallpaper, or open System Settings and select the Wallpaper option. You can pick from the beautiful images Apple provides or choose one of your own.
Customize the interface: Open System Settings and choose Appearance. You can choose things like highlight colors and whether your interface changes to light or dark depending on the time of day, and more.
Change the screen saver: In System Settings > Wallpaper, click on the Screen Saver button. You can pick from tons of screen savers, including some beautiful views of the Earth from the space station, underwater video, and more.
Use Desktop Stacks: If you want to keep your Mac’s desktop tidy we recommend switching on Desktop Stacks, which will group all the files on your Desktop by category (you can choose whether they are sorted by kind, date, or tags.) To switch on Stacks click on the Desktop and choose View > Use Stacks from the menu. Now everything will be slotted into category-appropriate ‘Stacks’ on your Desktop rather than your Desktop being cluttered by thousands of screenshots and files.
7.
Learn keyboard shortcuts and master gestures
Foundry
Apple’s user interface is set up with straightforward menus such as File and Edit, and most apps expose their major features through those menus as well. Need to print something? Just click on the File menu and select Print.
But you can save yourself so much time by using keyboard shortcuts to do commonly used tasks instead. Instead of clicking on the File menu and selecting Print, for example, you can just hold down the Command key and press P. (If you are coming from a PC, mostly you will press Command where you used to press Control).
Each app on the Mac has its own shortcuts. Opening Mac Help and searching for “keyboard shortcuts” will yield some references, we also recommend this article: These useful Mac keyboard shortcuts will help you work faster and smarter.
If your new Mac includes a trackpad—either because it’s a laptop with a built-in pad, or you scored a Magic Trackpad to go with your new desktop—take some time to learn about the many gestures built into macOS, your new Mac’s operating system.
One of the simplest ways to discover the various gestures available is right in System Settings. Once there, click on Trackpad. There, you’ll find three tabs’ worth of mouse shortcuts. Move the cursor over any of them, and you’ll get a video preview of how to trigger the gesture. Some may well improve your Mac computing experience; I, for one, love the three-finger double-tap on any word to bring up its definition.
8.
Visit the Mac App Store
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The Mac App Store is a convenient and safe way to download software for your Mac, all using the same Apple Account and password you use for Music and iPhone apps. There are thousands of apps available, including many that won’t cost you a dime.
The Mac App Store is much more important than just a way to download great new apps for your Mac. It’s also how Apple distributes essential app updates. To keep your Mac running in tip-top shape and to keep everything as secure as possible, download updates when you see notifications from the Mac App Store or set apps to automatically update like on your iPhone.
On a new Mac, it’s right there in your Dock—the blue circle with a stylized A inside it. The Mac App Store offers thousands of apps, and downloading and installing those apps is straightforward. Many apps are free; others require a payment, ranging from $1 to a couple of hundred bucks. While you can—and likely will—find plenty of apps outside the cozy confines of the Mac App Store, browsing it is a great way to discover interesting apps, read reviews, and get a sense of the Mac software marketplace.
On the M-series Macs, you can even install iPhone and iPad apps. When you’re searching, just click over to the iPhone & iPad Apps tab to download iOS apps right on your desktop.
9.
Start a backup
Time Machine snapshots appear as volumes in the Finder. Foundry
Setting up a backup is boring, un-fun, and doesn’t involve playing with any cool apps or doodads. But your future self will thank You-Of-Just-Past-Christmas, and with good reason: Having a good backup solution now means you won’t lose irreplaceable data later. We’ve covered numerous ways to back up your Mac with minimal fuss. Pick at least one and get started. Trust me.
Probably the simplest solution is to use Apple’s own backup solution, Time Machine, which is part of the Mac operating system (see How to use Time Machine to back up your Mac). All you need is a separate external storage device that you can buy for a relatively small investment (see: Best external SSD for Mac or best external hard drives if you want something a bit cheaper/bigger). Time Machine makes recovering from big problems easy because it keeps a snapshot of your Mac and makes it a breeze to migrate to a new Mac when the time comes to replace or upgrade your system.
The “time” in Time Machine is a timeline that you can review, restoring files or changes to files that were made at the points where Time Machine saved its backups. Time Machine backs up your Mac hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly, so you’ll always be able to recover to that point in time. As long as that drive is connected your Mac will be backed up.
To set up Time Machine follow these steps:
Plug in an external drive.
Open System Settings and go to General.
Find Time Machine in the column on the right.
Click on Options to set the backup frequency.
10.
Set up your email
Foundry
Are you still accessing your email using a web browser, going to Gmail or Microsoft’s website to see what new messages you have? There’s a better way: Apple gives you a Mail app that can connect to almost every email service. Using the Mail app is a lot more convenient, especially if you check multiple email accounts, and it’s well-integrated with macOS’s other core applications, such as Contacts, Calendars, and Maps.
You’ll find the Mail app in your Dock on new machines. Click it to open it and follow the instructions to set up your account.
11.
Find your printer
Foundry
With so many of us working from home these days, printers are a big thing in many of our houses.
In the past, you had to download and install drivers and software, but the Mac makes it way easier to set up. All you need to do is to connect your printer to one of your Mac’s USB-C ports or connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Open System Settings
Click on Printers & Scanners.
Click on the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button.
If your Mac recognizes the device (and it should), it’ll configure it as needed and download any applicable drivers from Apple’s servers.
12.
FaceTime a friend
Video chatting might not feel like the future anymore, but it’s still a delight. No software makes it easier to start (or receive) a video call than FaceTime, which is built right into macOS.
Find FaceTime in your Applications folder, or use Spotlight to search for FaceTime by typing in the first few letters of the app’s name.
Now all you need is the email address or phone number of another FaceTime user.
Read more about using FaceTime on a Mac in our guide.
13.
Check out Apple Intelligence
Apple
Apple Intelligence has some new tricks, including Image Playground and ChatGPT integration. And that’s in addition to the features introduced with macOS 15.1, including Writing Tools and a smarter Photos app.
The 5 Most Important Apple Software Features Introduced This Year 2025 was a significant year of advancement for Apple's software, with a noticeable focus on visual design, productivity, and communication.
While Apple introduced and continued to iterate on a wide range of features throughout the year, several additions stood out for their scope and practical impact across multiple devices. As the year comes to an end, these five new features provide a useful lens for weighing up what the company focused on this year and how far its platforms evolved in 2025.
Liquid Glass
This year's most immediately visible change is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new system-wide visual design language applied across Apple's operating systems. Liquid Glass replaces many of the flat, opaque UI elements introduced over the past decade with layered translucency, subtle refraction, and motion-responsive surfaces that react to underlying content.
Navigation bars, sidebars, control panels, and system overlays now appear as semi-transparent sheets that blend into their surroundings rather than sitting on top of them. Apple framed this as a unifying material across platforms rather than a purely aesthetic refresh, with the same visual logic appearing on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
In practice, it is one of Apple's biggest visual redesigns since the original iOS 7 shift away from skeuomorphism, and it signals a renewed focus on making the interface feel fresh, spatial, playful, and responsive rather than static.
Revamped iPad Multitasking
On the iPad, the most consequential change is the introduction of an all-new multitasking system with windows and a macOS-style Menu Bar and cursor in iPadOS 26.
Apps can now run in freely resizable windows rather than being constrained to fixed split-screen layouts, allowing multiple overlapping windows to coexist on screen. Alongside this, a Menu Bar appears at the top of the display when invoked, exposing app commands in a structured, searchable format similar to macOS.
Instead of asking users to adapt desktop workflows to a touch-first model, Apple has now explicitly imported desktop interaction styles into iPadOS, addressing a significant number of user complaints about the software limitations of the iPad. For users who want to use the iPad with true multitasking and desktop-style workflows, this is one of the most substantive capability upgrades the platform has ever received.
More Powerful Mac Spotlight
On the Mac, Spotlight received its most extensive overhaul to date, transforming it from a passive search tool into an actions-first command interface, similar to third-party apps like Alfred or Raycast.
Spotlight in macOS Tahoe can now execute hundreds of actions directly from the search field. Users can create and edit notes, send emails and messages, start timers, run Shortcuts, adjust system settings, and perform app-specific commands, without opening the corresponding app.
Apple also redesigned Spotlight's results presentation with richer, more structured browsing views. Instead of returning a flat list of matches, Spotlight now surfaces grouped results for files, applications, actions, and suggestions, allowing users to scan and refine results more quickly.
Spotlight now includes a built-in clipboard history, allowing users to view and reuse previously copied text or images directly from the Spotlight interface. Apple also integrated an app library-style view, providing a centralized, searchable overview of all installed applications.
Live Translation
Another major addition is Live Translation. Real-time translation now operates inside Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, translating both text and spoken audio during conversations.
In Messages, incoming and outgoing text can be translated inline. In FaceTime, Live Translation provides real-time translated captions during video calls, allowing participants to speak naturally while reading translations as the conversation unfolds. In phone calls, spoken dialogue can be translated in near real time, with translated audio and on-screen text presented during the call.
Apple also extended Live Translation to AirPods, enabling real-time spoken translation directly through the earbuds during in-person conversations. When Live Translation is active, speech from another language can be translated on the paired iPhone and played back in the user's AirPods, while the user's responses can be translated and spoken aloud by the iPhone for the other participant.
Communication Screening and Hold Assist
Call Screening allows the iPhone to automatically answer calls from unknown numbers on the user's behalf. The system asks the caller to identify themselves and explain the reason for the call, then presents the user with a live transcript of the response before the call is connected.
With Hold Assist, when a user is placed on hold during a phone call, the iPhone can remain in the queue on their behalf and monitor the call until a live agent becomes available. Once the system detects that the call has resumed, it notifies the user to return to the conversation.
In Messages, Apple introduced more aggressive screening for unknown senders. Messages from numbers that are not in the user's contacts are automatically routed into a separate area, keeping potential spam and scam attempts out of the main conversation list.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
our mobile subscription conversion was 3% and I had no idea why until researching competitors ios dev at subscription app company, growth team kept complaining that our subscription conversion was way below industry benchmarks at 3.1% but nobody could figure out why. Paywall looked fine to me, we showed features and pricing clearly, had testimonials and everything. Finally did proper research comparing our paywall to successful subscription apps in our […]
A lifetime of Microsoft Office now costs less than two years of Microsoft 365 Macworld
TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 works for Mac or PC, and a lifetime license is now only $150.
One of the only benefits to using Microsoft 365 over older versions of Office is the new AI integrations, but that just changed. You can now get recent versions of Microsoft apps without a subscription by switching to a Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business Lifetime License. This version has all the new AI integrations, but instead of paying minimum $99.99 per year, it’s only $149.97 for life (reg. $249.99).
This version of Office works for Mac or PC and comes with
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Outlook
This version gives you the most recent updates for the core apps. In Word, that includes Focus Mode, which hides extra toolbars, and Smart Compose, which uses AI to suggest text as you write. PowerPoint adds built-in presentation recording with voice, video, and captions. Excel gets dynamic arrays and AI-driven data insights that can pull trends from large spreadsheets and suggest chart types. Outlook improves search and includes an updated accessibility checker that flags unclear language, formatting issues, and missing elements.
If you don’t want to pay every month for software you can own, don’t miss this deal.
Right now, it’s only $149.97 to get Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac or PC.
Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime LicenseSee Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Don’t settle for a no-name laptop when $200 gets you a MacBook Air Macworld
TL;DR: A fully functional MacBook Air for $199.97 (MSRP $999) makes the perfect backup laptop (or budget upgrade) — light, fast, and dependable.
Every household needs a backup laptop—the one you grab when your main machine dies mid-deadline, when your kid leaves their Chromebook at school, or when you simply don’t feel like lugging around your expensive daily driver. And for $199.97, that backup should absolutely be a MacBook.
This refurbished 13″ MacBook Air (2017) hits the sweet spot: lightweight, reliable, and powerful enough for everyday tasks without feeling outdated.
With its Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD, and 12-hour battery life, it handles browsing, streaming, emailing, video calls, and light productivity. Need a travel laptop? A couch laptop? A “just in case” laptop? This one checks all the boxes.
The bright 13.3″ display, smooth Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth support, and classic MacBook build quality make it a pleasure to use — especially given the price. And because it ships with free delivery and a Grade A/B refurbished rating, you’re getting excellent condition hardware without the guilt of buying brand-new.
Backup computers don’t need to be clunky or cheap-feeling. They can be a MacBook Air.
Just grab this refurb MacBook Air for $199.97 (MSRP $999) with free shipping before everyone else realizes that.
Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13″ i5 1.8GHz 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)See Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Apple App review for a new developer account How much time does Apple take to review first app of a brand new Apple Developer Account? It's been 3.5 days and my app is still pending, waiting for review submitted by /u/sanjaypathak17 [link] [comments]
Slop Is Slop The image Tim Cook posted on Twitter/X (and which the Apple TV account retweeted) is ugly and awkward. It either *is* AI-generated slop or it looks like AI-generated slop for no artistic or thematic reason whatsoever.
Security Bite: What ‘Ask App Not to Track’ actually does 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.
When Apple dropped App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompts in iOS 14.5 back in 2021, it was a watershed moment for user privacy within third-party applications. Nothing like it had existed prior. The initiative gave iPhone users control over whether their in-app data could be aggregated and shared with third parties for advertising or other purposes.
Still, today, I often find comments online from people who don’t really know what it does and find the wording very taboo. Like, why “Ask” the app? And is it still effective? Let’s briefly look at App Tracking Transparency in 2025…
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'Pull Over and Show Me Your Apple Wallet' Longtime Slashdot reader theodp writes: MacRumors reports that Apple plans to expand iPhone and Apple Watch driver's licenses to 7 U.S. states (CT, KY, MS, OK, UT, AR, VA). A recent convert is the State of Illinois, whose website videos demo how you can use your Apple Wallet license to display proof of identity or age the next time you get carded by a cop, bartender, or TSA agent. The new states will join 13 others who already offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app (AZ, MD, CO, GA, OH, HI, CA, IA, NM, MT, ND, WV, IL).
There's certainly been a lot of foot-dragging by the states when it comes to embracing phone-based driver's licenses -- Slashdot reported that Iowa was ready to launch a mobile driver's license in 2014; they didn't get one until nearly a decade later, in late 2023.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Roomba expands Matter support, adding HomeKit compatibility to multiple vacuums The latest firmware update expands Matter compatibility to multiple Roomba models. Here are the details.
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Amazon slashes Apple Watch Series 11 to $299 heading into the new year If you're embarking on a new fitness journey for 2026, keep track of your steps and monitor sleep patterns with the Apple Watch Series 11, which is now on sale for $299.Save $100 on a variety of Apple Watch Series 11 styles at Amazon - Image credit: AppleAmazon's year-end deals are plentiful, and if you're looking for a top discount on a new wearable, the Apple Watch Series 11 is especially attractive at $100 off.Buy Apple Watch S11 for $299 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Analytics recommendation for privacy first apps? I'm building an app where privacy is very important, so I need to make sure my analytics framework reflects that. The internet seems to claim that TelemetryDeck is privacy aware, but I can't find too much info on what exactly they do different from the rest. submitted by /u/gcampos [link] [comments]
Apple to appeal £1.5 billion UK ruling over ‘excessive’ App Store commissions Apple is seeking to overturn a landmark £1.5 billion ruling by the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal, which found the tech giant abused…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple Shares New 'Quit Quitting' Apple Watch Ads Ahead of 2026 and associated New Year's resolutions, Apple has started sharing new social media ads focused on the Apple Watch as a motivational tool.
In a series of "quit quitting" spots, Apple Watch owners run away from a bed, a recliner, and a bar stool. Each spot includes a glimpse of the Apple Watch Workout app and messages that the device provides while running. The Apple Watch is able to provide updates on pace and activity segment, as well as alerts when activity rings are closed.
Each ad ends with the tagline "Don't Give In," and one ad also says that most people have quit their resolutions by January 9. Each ad is titled "Quit quitting with Apple Watch."
Apple has been sharing the ads on social media, and they've also been uploaded to YouTube Shorts. Tag: Apple AdsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Limited-edition AirTags, gift cards up for grabs in Apple's New Year sale in Japan Apple's New Year sale in Japan once again provides a limited edition AirTag to iPhone buyers, as well as a free Apple gift card.Apple Japan's sales images, including the limited-edition AirTag engraving - Image Credit: AppleLike other retailers in the country, Apple marks the new year in Japan with a big sale. As part of the tradition, customers can secure themselves a gift card, and if they buy an iPhone, a specially-engraved AirTag.Running from January 2nd to January 5th, Apple Japan will provide a gift card worth up to 38,000 yen ($250) to buyers of Apple products from the store. The value changes depending on the product and specification. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Ford reaffirms its ongoing commitment to CarPlay Ford has once again signaled its continued commitment to supporting CarPlay. Speaking at a conference this month, Ford CFO Sherry House confirmed that the company is “passionate” about giving drivers the option to use CarPlay alongside other in-car systems.
more…
I’m a Mac power user. These five tips will turn you into one too Macworld
One of the great aspects of the Mac is that it’s just about ready to go right out of the box. Yes, macOS takes you through a few steps to set up your new machine, but after that, you can get to work. And that’s probably what most people do, only adjusting macOS settings when absolutely necessary and using whatever accessories that came with the Mac.
However, if you don’t spend some time getting to know it, you’re not taking full advantage of your Mac. From the vital points of contact such as your mouse and keyboard, to pulling the curtain of macOS’s polished exterior to adjust settings and make hidden tweaks, you’re not far from being a serious power user.
Here are five things you can do that will make your Mac experience immediately better. These range from accessories to settings and tweaks that will improve usability. You’ll also find that you’re working more efficiently, saving time, and being more productive.
Ditch Apple’s accessories
The only Macs that include a keyboard and mouse are the iMac and Mac Pro. Regardless of what Mac you are buying, when you buy directly from Apple, the only choices you have are Apple’s own Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.
The Magic Mouse looks nice, but you can find a third-party mouse that’s more useful.Thiago Trevisan
The Magic Mouse itself has a series of unfortunate attributes that make it less than ideal. Its charging port is on the bottom so you can’t use it while it charges. Furthermore, it is not the best ergonomically or most responsive technically. It lags and other quirky behaviors can often be experienced.
You’re better off going with a third-party mouse. (See our reviews of the best mouse for Macs). A popular favorite is the Logitech MX Master 3S, which comes in both grey and white. It works via Bluetooth, but the wireless USB dongle offers better connectivity (if you can spare a USB port). Keep in mind the Mac-branded version does not include this dongle, so look for the PC version that does. It works perfectly fine on a Mac since it is the same mouse.
The world of mice is vast, and you’ll find plenty of other options. Mice meant for gaming often work wonderfully on the Mac and have terrific ergonomics. They are often fine-tuned for precision, tactility, and responsiveness. Some, such as Logitech, even offer software for the Mac so that you can configure your mouse as you’d like.
Some brands, like Razer, work out of the box but don’t allow further tweaking since they do not offer Mac software for customization. Third-party apps, such as Mac Mouse Fix, can help you regain some of that control. Mapping key buttons such as back, forward, and even Mission Control can make for a more fluid workflow. We also have some tips on getting the most out of the second button on a mouse.
Don’t limit yourself to the Magic Mouse.Thiago Trevisan
If you are a MacBook Pro user and love the trackpad, consider picking up a Magic Trackpad for desktop use. You can even use it alongside any mouse. Video editors often use both to maximize the flexibility of mouse accuracy and the scrolling capabilities of the Magic Trackpad.
Keyboards are a similar story to mice–choice is abundant; see our favorite best Mac keyboards. Apple’s Magic Keyboard has Touch ID and works seamlessly with the Mac, but its shallow typing touch is lacking. You give up some convenience with third-party keyboards, but you gain a more satisfying typing experience.
Mechanical keyboards have been all the rage lately, and many work wonderfully with the Mac. The Keychron Q5 Max, for example, offers Mac keys, Bluetooth, and a buttery smooth tactile feel. Glorious offers products such as the GMMK Pro, which has Mac keys and a customizable experience. Logitech also makes the MX Keys S for the Mac, which pairs nicely with its MX 3S mouse. Many keyboards will have a toggle switch to go from PC to Mac, for keys to function as you’d expect. For more options, check out our roundup of the Best Mac keyboards we’ve reviewed.
Other accessories to jazz up your setup include a good pair of speakers. While some displays will have them built-in, separate external speakers offer a much better audio experience. The Harman Kardon Sound Sticks, famously designed by Jony Ive, are still around and sound great. The Creative Pebble X can upgrade your sound without much wire clutter.
Mechanical keyboards like the Keychron Q5 Max are popular.Thiago Trevisan
Add a second display
The MacBook Pro has a gorgeous Retina display, but it still tops out at only 16 inches. An iMac is 24 inches, but in a production workflow, the screen can feel restrictive. A larger display or multiple displays can significantly improve your workflow.
The Apple Studio Display pairs wonderfully with the Mac and slots in significantly cheaper than the Apple Pro Display XDR. It also adds the capability to both charge the MacBook and connect the display via a single Thunderbolt cable. The Apple Studio Display has an excellent speaker system, and with its built-in camera, it can also minimize the number of devices that you’d need for a teleconferencing setup.
If you are thinking about getting a display, it doesn’t have to be one by Apple. Macs can support high-refresh-rate monitors at 4K and even 6K resolutions at 60Hz. The increased resolution alone of some options can be beneficial to your workflow, opening more on-screen pixels for your desktop.
If going from a 16-inch to, say, a 27-inch display isn’t enough to turbocharge your workflow, consider upping the monitor count. With a two-monitor setup, the main display can serve the function of activities that you need to do directly. This will be writing, browsing the web, working with Final Cut Pro, etc. The second monitor can serve the purpose of displaying more static information that is accessible via a simple glance.
An ultrawide display is a good alternative to having two displays, but it may not support higher resolutions.Thiago Trevisan
I like to use a second monitor for Mail or Messages, so I can quickly look at incoming messages. A third screen opens up even more possibilities–the third display can serve as another static place for stuff you reference throughout the day. It can also be where you can keep Finder open to move files around all screens, or even have a video playing without needing to minimize other apps. The Mac can also support an ultrawide display–some of which come with USB-C charging for your MacBook.
If you want to add additional monitors, you need to understand how many your Mac can support. We have a guide to connecting two or more external displays on M-series Macs, but the gist is that the more powerful the chip in your Mac, the more displays it can handle. Read our round-up of the Best Mac monitors we’ve reviewed.
If you don’t have the space or budget for multiple monitors, there are other workarounds, too. MacBook Air and Pro users can use their lap as a second monitor when connected to an external display. The iPad Pro can also serve as a second display, with continuity making the experience seamless. Continuity works across all your Apple devices, such as iPhone, Watch, and iPad. You can even use your iPhone as a webcam for video conferencing.
Universal control allows you to use the same mouse and keyboard directly on your Mac and iPad simultaneously, doubling its utility as a second screen.
Got an iPad Pro? Use it as an additional Mac display.Thiago Trevisan
Unleash the hidden power tools in macOS
Becoming a Mac power user also means making the most out of macOS. Apple builds tremendous tools within the Mac operating system to make your workflow easier and faster.
The simplest keyboard shortcuts can make your everyday tasks move gracefully. For example, pressing Command+Space Bar quickly brings up Spotlight Search. A Mission Control shortcut can be mapped either to your keyboard or a button on your mouse. It is by far the easiest way to move around macOS with many apps open.
You can add lots of widgets to personalize and enhance your desktop.Foundry
Widgets, especially when paired with large or multiple screens, can keep information handy for when you need it. Everything from stocks and news to the weather can be customized to save you time opening apps. For example, a widget displaying the battery status of a connected Apple device can be a huge help–your AirPods may need a charge, for example. It is an easy way to have one less surprise throughout your day.
Hiding your Dock can also be a clever way to free up screen space. If using multiple screens, simply hovering near the bottom of the screen with the mouse pointer will move the dock to that monitor. You can also automatically show and hide the Dock by going to your Mac’s settings under Desktop & Dock.
Expand your storage options
At the most affordable standard configurations, Macs typically come with stingy internal storage sizes. You may need to fork up more dough for pricy upgrades. However, you can use the Mac’s Thunderbolt/USB-C ports to connect an external storage device.
With a MacBook, you’ll want to use the external drives for files you don’t necessarily need all the time, unless you’re going to use a portable external drive and will carry it along with your Mac. Read: Best external SSD for Mac and Best Hard Drive for Mac.
You can also use an external drive with Time Machine, macOS’s utility that can perform automatic backups of your Mac. If you do need to recover a file, it is easy to go back to a certain date, find it, and recover the file. Time Machine is handy if you work with large files that are too bulky for frequent cloud backups, such as video files. (There are other Mac backup options in our round-up of the Best software to backup your Mac).
Managing external drives on the Mac has been fairly straightforward, with Disk Utility serving as your control center for formatting drives, partitioning them, and mounting/dismounting them from the Desktop.
External storage devices make file management much easier.Thiago Trevisan
Don’t want to use an external drive? You can use iCloud to seamlessly integrate with your Mac if you sync the Desktop and Documents folder. Anything that you drop in these areas will automatically go to iCloud and be visible on other devices. Likewise, turn the setting on to access iCloud data on the web, so have access anywhere. iCloud backup also works seamlessly with the Mac and you will not need to add external storage. It does come at an extra cost and will be limited by your internet connection if you need to move around large files frequently.
If you do decide to add an external drive–and even if you don’t–you may want to pair your Mac with a good Thunderbolt dock to supply more ports. Along with conveniences such as SD card slots, Thunderbolt docks can also give you a smattering of USB-A and Thunderbolt ports. This can be especially useful for those using a laptop as a workstation. They can even charge and provide display functionality, too. CalDigit makes the wonderful TS4 Thunderbolt Dock, with plenty of extra ports. OWC also has options to offer. Some docks, such as the Sonnet Echo 20, can even hold an NVME SSD for extra utility. Check out our guide for the top Thunderbolt/USB docks.
A dock provides the ports that are missing from your Mac.Thiago Trevisan
Embrace Apple’s changes
This is something many Mac veterans can lose sight of. Part of being a Mac power user includes embracing changes to the Mac ecosystem. Sure, 2013 Mac Pro owners may still have some sour notes about some changes, but things typically improve with time.
One prime bleeding-edge example is the Apple Vision Pro. While it is expensive and has somewhat limited use cases, there are power users who have paired it nicely with their Mac. It can expand your desktop experience significantly, especially with upcoming wide display support. Mirroring your Mac within the Vision Pro is one of the best features these devices can offer. Being in a virtual environment surrounded by your apps and windows has the potential to transform how you work.
Apple Vision Pro has some promising features that work with the Mac.Thiago Trevisan/Foundry
The keyword here is potential–spatial computing is still not ready for prime time. It remains a visionary idea in its infancy, however, with mixed results in actual daily use. Comfort and a more natural integration of the technology will improve over time, as will the cost.
The Mac is not afraid to leave things behind, with Apple often getting criticized by some for some notable changes. The removal of USB ports or even the design of the maligned 2013 Mac Pro still haunts some owners. Still, when Apple gets it right, it is worth it to be on the edge of new Mac changes.
Apple Intelligence is the next horizon that will make your workflow even better. Boasting some underwhelming features at present, like e-mail summaries, it surely has a lot to improve on. Other improvements in newer software include mirroring your iPhone, helping with workflow, or easing distractions while at your desk. Apple’s new Passwords app is also great, piecing together the management of important login information in a more integrated fashion.
Apple Intelligence is a key area for power users to keep a keen eye on, however. When implemented fully in the future, it has the potential to change your workflow tremendously. A competent Siri assistant will be able to do much more than it can currently, for example. Apple is pushing towards this goal, but at present remains stifled with no significant features yet. Many of Apple Intelligence features revolve around communication and language, as do most current AI models. Improving text and searching for new information are also primary goals for the technology.
With the combination of what is already inside macOS, together with some hardware and accessories, your workflow can reach an entirely new level. A power user is not just focused on the speed, but enjoying the process of using their Mac, too.
More Roomba Vacuums Get Matter Support for HomeKit Integration Over the last few weeks, iRobot has added Matter support to more of its Roomba robot vacuums, allowing them to be integrated with the Home app and used with Siri voice commands.
Matter integration has been available for the Roomba Combo 10 Max since earlier this year, but existing Roomba Plus 500 Combo, Roomba Max 700 Vac, and Roomba Max 700 Combo vacuums can get Matter support through a firmware update. Matter has not yet been re-added for the Roomba Combo J7 and J9.
Matter-enabled Roomba vacuums can be added to the Home app on devices running iOS 18.4 or higher, as long as a Home hub is available (Apple TV or HomePod). The Home app doesn't support the full suite of features available with robot vacuums, but basic commands are available. Vacuums can be set to vacuum and mop an entire home, or a specific room or area with Siri voice commands.
Once added to the Home app, a Roomba vacuum with Matter can be set to clean automatically with automations and can integrate with other HomeKit devices. You could, for example, set the Roomba to vacuum whenever you leave the house, or at a certain time. Automations can be triggered by presence, time, sensors, or when an accessory like a light is activated.
Apple added support for Matter-connected robot vacuums in iOS 18.4 earlier this year. Several companies have since come out with Matter options, including Roborock, Ecovacs, Switchbot, and Roomba.
iRobot's added Matter support comes as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in December. iRobot has been sold to Picea Robotics, a Chinese company that already manufactures some of the Roomba devices. The acquisition is expected to be completed by February 2026, and iRobot says there will be no disruption in app functionality, product support, or customer programs.
Going forward, iRobot will remain a private company owned by Picea, and the Roomba brand will continue with new models planned for the future.
(Thanks, Max!)Tags: HomeKit, MatterThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
iOS 26 has three new iPhone features I’ve been really loving iOS 26 was a huge update for iPhone, not just because of Liquid Glass but also thanks to many new features across the OS. Here are three new iOS 26 features I’ve been especially loving on my iPhone.
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Apple’s New Year Sale in Japan includes a free limited-edition AirTag Apple’s annual New Year Sale is back in Japan, bringing Apple Gift Cards worth up to ¥38,000 (roughly $255) and a free limited-edition AirTag on select iPhone purchases. Here are the details.
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Happy 16th Birthday, KrebsOnSecurity.com! KrebsOnSecurity.com celebrates its 16th anniversary today! A huge "thank you" to all of our readers -- newcomers, long-timers and drive-by critics alike. Your engagement this past year here has been tremendous and truly a salve on a handful of dark days. Happily, comeuppance was a strong theme running through our coverage in 2025, with a primary focus on entities that enabled complex and globally-dispersed cybercrime services.
Apple files appeal in £1.5 billion case over App Store fees in the UK Apple is trying to overturn a ruling that found it overcharged millions of UK customers through App Store commissions. Here are the details.
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Apple exec’s note made ‘Pluribus’ season finale’s shocking last scene the bomb (spoilers) Vince Gilligan and his team have disclosed that the jaw-dropping closing moment of Pluribus' first season — Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn)…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Any good Natural Language models for obscure date related words? i.e a user asks "show me my week" I want to know its this week I should be queryig the DB for. I am trying the NSDataDetector and it works fine for many cases i.e "29th December" but if you just say 29th it will not return a date. Any tips or recommendations? submitted […]
CardPointers helps you maximize your credit card rewards [Save 50%] Update December 29, 2025: Last chance! 9to5Mac readers can exclusively save 50% on CardPointers for holiday shopping. Plus, you’ll receive a $100 $200 Savings Card as a sign up bonus.
CardPointers is a powerful app for iPhone that helps you maximize your credit card points and rewards. The app has recently been updated to take full advantage of iOS 26, including a new Liquid Glass design, integration with new Apple Intelligence Foundation Models, and much more.
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Are there subs about iOS programming? Maybe it will help some, maybe it won't, but this sub has become app business sub. It has like 2% with programming and those are two different worlds, in serious companies handled by different people and even different organizational units. There is some rule that post that is not about development would be removed, but […]
I used a lot of tech products in 2025, these were my favorite As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to take a step back and look at the tech that I used and actually made a difference in my day-to-day. This is not going to be a list based solely on specs, but rather a personal rundown of the gear that I gravitated towards throughout the year because it was either very useful or just enjoyable to use. I wanted to shed some light on a few non-Apple products, but of course, I also chose my Apple product of the year at the very end. These are my favorite tech items of 2025!
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Feedback on SpeakEasy Hi all, I’ve been building this app for quite some time now and I’m keen to get feedback from all of you talented individuals! It’s called SpeakEasy and it’s meant to help people improve their communication skills through practice and personalized feedback. Please let me know if you have any feedback on friction points, design, […]
Here are the top 10 most-watched shows of 2025, including Apple TV hit series In the age of streaming, it can be hard to get a solid grasp of any given show’s overall popularity. But Nielsen is widely seen as providing the most accurate streaming service data, and it has now revealed the top 10 most-watched shows of 2025.
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Get $100 Off Apple Watch Series 11 In Time For New Year's, Starting at $299 Amazon and Best Buy this week have all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. These discounts beat the Black Friday prices we saw last month by about $30.
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You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find three of the 42mm GPS models on sale at this all-time low price, and three of the 46mm GPS models on sale.
$100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00
$100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00
If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00.
$100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm Cell) for $399.00
$100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm Cell) for $429.00
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Deals Newsletter
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Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup Apple is rumored to be introducing a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and since it will bring the biggest form factor change since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, curiosity about the design is high. A 3D designer created an iPhone Fold design based on rumors, and we printed it out to see how it compares to Apple's current iPhones.
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The foldable iPhone is going to be smaller than any current iPhone when it's closed, and it'll be shorter than Samsung's Galaxy foldables. Rumors suggest it'll be somewhere around 5.4 inches, which would make it as small as the now-discontinued iPhone 13 mini.
When open, the iPhone Fold will be somewhere around 7.6 inches. It'll be smaller than the iPad mini, but the display will be larger than any iPhone to date. The iPhone Fold will be short and wide, for a book-like form factor and usage experience with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
We don't know the dimensions of the foldable iPhone yet, and rumors vary somewhat, so the 3D print isn't an exact representation of the device that Apple has in the works. The 3D model was based on a mockup created by MacRumors reader iZac, who based his design on rumors that were circulating in May. He mocked up a 5.49-inch display when the iPhone is closed, and a 7.76-inch display when it's open. There are no sizing rumors that are significantly off from those figures, but we've heard 5.3 to 5.5 inches for the outer (closed) display, and 7.6 to 7.8 inches for the inner (open) display.
iZac's design also uses a 4.8mm thickness for the device when it's unfolded, and rumors about thickness vary too. It could be 4.8mm, or it could be as thin as 4.5mm.
The hinge on the 3D print is just a stand-in, because we don't know what Apple's hinge will look like. Rumors suggest that Apple spent a lot of time and effort creating a hinge that will make the crease between the two halves of the device almost invisible. We also don't know what the camera area will look like.
Even though the 3D print isn't a spot on representation of the device that Apple is planning to launch, it's close enough to the rumors to provide a good idea of how the iPhone Fold will look and feel in the hand.
Do you plan to get an iPhone Fold? Let us know in the comments below.Tag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
'Pluribus' bomb drops: studio notes changed the finale & Tim Cook's cookies Sony and Apple though that "Pluribus" had a dull ending, which led to the atomic bomb delivery, and a promotional effort using Tim Cook's social media came under fire over an erroneous assumption about AI.Apple TV show "Pluribus"The Vince Gilligan comedy-drama "Pluribus" concluded its first season on Apple TV on Christmas Eve. It ended with a bang thanks to Apple's studio note. Pun intended.At the end of the last episode of the season finale, main protagonist "Carol," played by Rhea Seehorn, discovers a large crate has been placed on her doorstep by The Others.' The crate contains an atom bomb, seemingly in reference to an earlier episode when Carol asked the Others if they would hand over a bomb if she asked for one. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Speed up Haptic Touch with this hidden iPhone setting [Pro Tip] This hidden setting will speed up Haptic Touch, the iPhone feature that lets you preview links and bring up option menus.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Asset Catalog Viewer – VSCode extension for viewing .xcassets with Xcode-like interface I built a VSCode extension that lets you view and inspect .xcassets directories without opening Xcode. Why? Started spending more time in VSCode but kept switching to Xcode. Built this to stay more in one editor. What it does: Three-panel layout matching Xcode's asset catalog viewer Preview image sets with all scale variants View color […]
Apple free of U.S. tariffs on chips imported from China through June 2027 Apple has gained extra time to adjust to potential tariffs on chips imported from China, as any cost impact has been delayed until June 2027…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Price drop: AirPods airplane adapter makes in-flight entertainment sound great Don't resort to freebie earbuds for airplane movies. Get the Eve II, a Bluetooth adapter that lets you use AirPods on airplanes.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
14-inch M5 MacBook Pros on Holiday sale at B&H starting at $1449, up to $150 off Apple’s MSRP B&H Photo has new 14" M5 MacBook Pros on sale for up to $150 off MSRP as part of their ongoing Holiday sale. B&H offers free shipping to most US addresses (1-2 day is many cases):
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Black): $1449, MSRP $1599
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Silver): $1449, MSRP $1599
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Black): $1649, MSRP $1799
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Silver): $1699, MSRP $1799
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Black): $1999, MSRP $1999
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Silver): $1899, MSRP $1999
For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.
Apple Watch Series 11 models on sale again for $100 off MSRP Amazon is again offering a $100 discount on new Apple Watch Series 11 models as part of their Holiday sales. Shipping is free:
- 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS: $299, save $100
- 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS: $329, save $100
- 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + 5G: $399, save $100
- 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + 5G: $429, save $100
These are the lowest prices available for Apple Watch Series 11 models.
For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.
Apple AirPods Max on Holiday sale for $100 off MSRP Amazon has AirPods Max with USB-C on sale for $449.99 in most colors. Shipping is free. Their price is $100 off Apple's MSRP, and 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.
Take $200 off 13-inch M4 MacBook Airs in Amazon’s latest Holiday Sale Amazon has all 13" M4 MacBook Airs on Holiday sale for $200 off Apple's MSRP, starting at only $799. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party:
- 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $799, $200 off
- 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $999, $200 off
- 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off
These are the lowest 13-inch M4 MacBook Air prices currently available at Apple retailers.
For the latest sales & prices see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.
Updated iPad Price Trackers We've updated our Apple award-winning iPad Price Trackers with the latest information from Apple on 11th-generation A16 iPads as well as M3-powered 11" & 13" iPad Airs and the new M5-powered iPad Pros. We track prices from 20+ Apple retailers, including Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, B&H, and many more:
- iPads
- iPad minis
- iPad Airs
- iPad Pros
You can also find the best price on an iPad accessory:
- Apple Pencils
- iPad Keyboards
Our trackers are updated continuously with the very latest prices.
8.3-inch iPad minis on sale for $100 off Apple’s MSRP Amazon is offering $100 discounts (up to 20% off) on Apple's newest WiFi iPad minis, each with free shipping. These are the lowest prices available for new minis among the Apple retailers we track:
- 8.3" 128GB WiFi iPad mini: $399, $100 off MSRP
- 8.3" 256GB WiFi iPad mini: $499, $100 off MSRP
- 8.3" 512GB WiFi iPad mini: $699, $100 off MSRP
For the latest prices and sales, see our iPad mini Price Tracker, updated daily.
24-inch M4 iMacs on sale for up to $200 off MSRP Amazon has Apple's 24-inch M4 iMacs on After-Christmas sale for $150-$200 off MSRP, starting at $1149, each including free shipping:
- 24-inch M4 iMac (8-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): $1149, $150 off MSRP
- 24-inch M4 iMac (10-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): $1349, $150 off MSRP
- 24-inch M4 iMac (10-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $1549, $150 off MSRP
- 24-inch M4 iMac (8-Core CPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $1699, $200 off MSRP
Amazon's prices are the lowest available for one of these new iMacs. Note that stock can vary. Price posted above is the lowest price available for each standard configuration, regardless of color.
For the latest prices and deals, see our iMac Price Tracker, updated daily.
MacBook Deals at Best Buy: Up to $400 off + free shipping Shop a selection of MacBook Air and MacBook Pros and save up to $400 in this set of deals. Plus, you'll get free items with your purchase like free Apple Music for up to 3 months. Orders ship for free but if you want your new laptop sooner you can opt for pickup where available. Shop Now at Best Buy
Apple iPad Deals at Best Buy: Up to $200 off + free shipping Shop a selection of Apple iPads and save up to $200. You'll find regular iPads as well as iPad Air models and iPad Pros in this set of deals so you can get exactly what you need. Plus, orders ship for free, though if you want your shiny new gadget sooner, you can opt for pickup where available. Shop Now at Best Buy
After-Christmas Sale: Take $250-$300 off Apple’s 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros Amazon has Apple's 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on After-Christmas sale for $250-$300 off MSRP. Shipping is free. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party seller:
- 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB): $1749, $250 off MSRP
- 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB): $2099, $300 off MSRP
For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.
After-Christmas Sale: Apple Watch Series 3 models for $50 off MSRP Amazon has Apple Watch SE 3 models on After-Christmas sale for $50 off MSRP, shipping included:
- 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS: $199, $50 off MSRP
- 44mm Apple Watch SE GPS: $229, $50 off MSRP
- 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS + 5G: $249, $50 off MSRP
- 44mm Apple Watch SE GPS + 5G: $279, $50 off MSRP
These are the lowest After-Christmas sale prices available for Apple Watch SE 3 models.
For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.
After-Christmas Sale: M4 Mac minis on sale for up to $120 off MSRP Amazon has M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis on sale starting at only $479 and ranging up to $120 off MSRP. Shipping is free:
- Mac mini M4 (16GB/256GB): $479, $120 off MSRP
- Mac mini M4 (16GB/512GB): $736.07, $63 off MSRP
- Mac mini M4 (24GB/512GB): $909, $90 off MSRP
- Mac mini M4 Pro (24GB/512GB): $1279, $120 off MSRP
These are the lowest After-Christmas sale prices currently available for Mac minis.
For the latest prices and sales, keep an eye on our Mac mini Price Tracker, updated daily.
Best Apple Holiday Sale: Take $250 off all 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs Amazon has all 13" M4 MacBook Airs and 15" M4 MacBook Airs on Holiday sale for $250 off Apple's MSRP, starting at only $749. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party:
- 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $749, $250 off
- 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $949, $250 off
- 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1149, $250 off
- 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $949, $250 off
- 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1149, $250 off
- 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB/): $1349, $250 off
Their prices are the lowest available for new M4 MacBook Airs anywhere and the best Holiday deal on Apple products available right now.
For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, both updated daily.
Holiday Sale: Get an 11-inch A16 iPad today for $75 off MSRP, only $274 Walmart is offering a $75 Holiday discount on Apple's 11" A16 WiFi iPads, now priced at only $274. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available):
- 11" 128GB WiFi A16 iPad: $274, $75 off MSRP
- 11" 256GB WiFi A16 iPad: $374, $75 off MSRP
- 11" 512GB WiFi A16 iPad: $574, $75 off MSRP
These are the lowest Holiday sale prices currently available for Apple iPads. Note that not all colors are in stock at the time of this post (see their site for details).
For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.
Walmart has AirPods on Holiday sale right now starting at only $74 Walmart has Apple AirPods on Holiday sale on their online store for up to $55 off MSRP. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available):
- AirPods 4: $74, $55 off
- AirPods 4 with ANC: $139.99, $40 off
- AirPods Pro 3: $199, $50 off
These are the lowest Holiday sale prices available right now for Apple AirPods.
Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.
Walmart has clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs on sale for only $599 Walmart has clearance, but new, Apple 13" M1 MacBook Airs (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) available online for $599, $400 off original MSRP, in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors. These are new MacBooks for sale by Walmart directly, not a third-party seller.
These sale prices are available for online orders only. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Delivery is available as soon as December 23rd.
Note that stock status may vary, check Walmart's site for availability. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.
11th-Gen. Apple iPad A16 128GB 11″ Tablet (2025) for $274 + free shipping It's down to its best-ever price. Plus and Total members get a $5 bonus reward for every $50 spent on the store's doorbusters (up to $25). My Best Buy members get free shipping on all orders (it's free to join). Buy Now at Best Buy
Mac Studio with M4 Max CPU on Holiday sale for $1799, $200 off Apple’s MSRP B&H Photo has the standard-configuration Mac Studio model with Apple's M4 Max CPU in stock today and on Holiday sale for $200 off MSRP, now $1799 (10-Core CPU and 32GB RAM/512GB SSD).
B&H also offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses. Their price is the lowest available for this model.
For the latest prices and sales, see our Mac Studio Price Tracker, updated daily.
Apple’s new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros remain on Holiday sale for $250 off MSRP, prices start at $1349 Amazon is offering $250 discounts on new 14" M5 MacBook Pros as part of their Holiday sales, each including free shipping:
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Black): $1349.99, MSRP $1599
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Silver): $1349, MSRP $1599
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Black): $1549, MSRP $1799
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Silver): $1729, MSRP $1799
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Black): $1849, MSRP $1999
- 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Silver): $1799, MSRP $1999
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.
Holiday Deal: Apple AirPods 4 for only $74, normally $129 Walmart has Apple AirPods 4 now on Holiday sale on their online store for $55 off MSRP, only $74. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). This is the lowest price currently available for new AirPods among Apple's retailers:
- AirPods 4: $74, $55 off
Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.