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- Thursday March 05
- 05:35 pm$599 MacBook Neo has these 7 surprising limitations
The MacBook Neo makes the Mac ecosystem more accessible than ever. Just be aware of these seven limitations before you buy. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:35 pm$599 MacBook Neo has these 7 surprising limitations
The MacBook Neo makes the Mac ecosystem more accessible than ever. Just be aware of these seven limitations before you buy. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:14 pmApple Explains 'MacBook Neo' Name
Until a last-minute leak revealed the MacBook Neo name, it was widely assumed that Apple's lower-cost MacBook would simply be named "MacBook." After all, Apple offered a plain "MacBook" from 2006 to 2012, and again from 2015 to 2019. In the end, Apple did go with MacBook Neo branding, and it has explained why in a new interview. In short, Apple said MacBook Neo sounds fresh. "We wanted something that felt fun and friendly, and fresh, and felt like it really suited the spirit of this product," said Colleen Novielli, a Mac product marketing director, in conversation with TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff. Indeed, Apple has emphasized the MacBook Neo's newness. "MacBook Neo is new, exciting, original, and HERE," said Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak, in a social media post on Wednesday. "With a beautiful aluminum design, 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 16 hours of battery life, and the power of Apple silicon, you'll fly through everyday tasks. It'll be love at first Mac." Many of the MacBook Neo lifestyle images that Apple shared show young people. The more affordable laptop will undoubtedly be popular with students. The colorful MacBook Neo starts at just $599 in the U.S., and at an even lower $499 for college students. Available in Blush, Citrus, Indigo, and Silver, the MacBook Neo is powered by a version of the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone, and it is equipped with a 13-inch display, up to 512GB of storage, and a non-configurable 8GB of RAM. With the MacBook Neo, which launches on Wednesday, March 11, Apple could reshape the lower-end laptop market in a big way.Related Roundup: MacBook NeoThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums05:07 pmAirPods Max are the cheapest we’ve seen all year
Macworld If you’re buying a new iPhone 17e, iPad Air, or MacBook Neo, you’re going to want some new headphones to go with them. Apple’s AirPods Max are usuall very expensive, but this Amazon deal brings them down to just $430, a savings of $120, and the best price we’ve seen all year. The AirPods Max are some of our favorite headphones. When we reviewed these, we gave them a 4-star rating, finding that they sound great, they feature “industry-leading active noise cancelling,” as well as an eye-catching design that’s sturdy and colorful. These headphones were built to deliver high-fidelity audio, ensuring rich and detailed sound no matter what you’re listening to. When ANC is turned on, the headphones minimize background noise to create the best, immersive listening environment, while the Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places you right in the middle of the sound at all times. The AirPods Max deliver high-fidelity audio through an Apple-designed dynamic driver, ensuring rich and detailed sound. The headphones feature pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, which effectively minimizes background noise to create an immersive listening environment. And this model has USB-C charging so you won’t need a separate cable when traveling. Don’t waste any more time and get the AirPods Max for $430 while they’re still on sale. Buy now at Amazon05:01 pmApple TV announces new docuseries ‘Twisted Yoga,’ premiering March 13th
Apple TV has announced a new three-part true crime docuseries titled "Twisted Yoga", set to premiere globally on March 13, 2026… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.04:56 pmJohn Ternus talks Apple CEO speculation, MacBook Neo, more
Following yesterday’s MacBook Neo unveiling, Apple’s SVP of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, spoke to ABC News about the new product, AI, and speculation about him becoming Apple’s next CEO. more…04:45 pmDeals: MacBook Neo, MacBook Air up to $300 off, rare iPhone Air price drop, Apple Watch bands from $14, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: MacBook Neo, MacBook Air up to $300 off, rare iPhone Air price drop, Apple Watch bands from $14, more
Today’s 9to5Mac Lunch Break is headlined by the best deals on the new 2026 MacBook pre-orders: MacBook Neo, M4 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro MacBook Pro. But from there we move over to the now live Best Buy Apple Shopping Event alongside a rare price drop on brand new condition unlocked iPhone Air units, today’s official Apple Watch band sale from $14, and M4 MacBook Air models at $300 off (Amazon all-time low prices). Head below for a closer look at the details. more…04:35 pmLowest price ever: M4 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD plunges to $1,099
Amazon is making room for M5 MacBook Air inventory by clearing out M4 models, with the 13-inch laptop with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage now $300 off.Save $300 on select MacBook Air laptops - Image credit: AppleWith a $100 price increase on the M5 MacBook Air that was announced this week, Amazon's blowout M4 deal is especially enticing at $300 off. Pick up the 13-inch M4 model with 24GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage for just $1,099 in the Sky Blue finish. This configuration comes with the 10-core GPU too, for added performance.Buy M4/24GB/512GB Air for $1,099 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:30 pmHow to save big bucks with Apple’s educational discount
Find out how to qualify for the Apple educational discount and save $100 on the new MacBook Neo. Our guide is here to help. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:27 pmThese boring $599 Windows laptops are the MacBook Neo's competition
Apple's new MacBook Neo is its cheapest laptop yet at just $599, and it's a much more interesting proposition than these plasticky Windows laptops.Apple's MacBook Neo is a colorful bundle of joyRumors of Apple's entry into the affordable laptop market were accurate, they just took years to come true. March 4, 2026, saw Apple launch a laptop at the impossibly low price of just $599. Or $100 less, if you're buying as a student or teacher.Apple is more accustomed to the other end of the market. The one where a $1,100 MacBook Air is considered a good value and a MacBook Pro is just the cost of doing business. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:23 pm'Twisted Yoga' docuseries coming to Apple TV uncovers the disturbing side of a yoga empire | AppleInsider'Twisted Yoga' docuseries coming to Apple TV uncovers the disturbing side of a yoga empire
Apple TV is expanding into true crime with "Twisted Yoga", a docuseries exposing a sex trafficking ring hidden inside tantric yoga schools.'Twisted Yoga' premieres on March 13, 2026When you think of Apple TV, you probably don't immediately think of true crime. While the streaming giant has shown a deep love for sci-fi and psychological thrillers, it has typically allowed Netflix and Hulu to corner the true crime market.That may not be the case anymore. Apple TV is gearing up to release a new three-part docuseries, "Twisted Yoga," which tells the tale of an international sex trafficking network masquerading as a collection of tantric yoga studios. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:23 pmNetflix just acquired an AI-tech filmmaking company
Netflix is no longer buying Warner Bros. Discovery or HBO Max, but the company just announced an entirely separate acquisition: InterPositive, a company founded by Ben Affleck that “develops AI-powered tools built by and for filmmakers.” more…04:10 pmToday in Apple history: The App Store hits 25 billion downloads
On March 5, 2012, Apple marked 25 billion apps downloaded from the iOS App Store. The 25 Billion App Countdown contest had a winner! (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:02 pmApple TV debuts trailer for hit series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ season two
Apple TV has released the trailer for the second season of its critically acclaimed drama "Your Friends & Neighbors," starring Jon Hamm… The post Apple TV debuts trailer for hit series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ season two appeared first on MacDailyNews.03:55 pmM3 vs. M4 iPad Air Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared
Apple's latest iPad Air is a minor upgrade over last year's model, but there are still some changes worth noting beyond a new chip. The eighth-generation iPad Air builds on the foundation of last year's model with a series of specific upgrades focused on performance, memory, and connectivity. While the overall design and experience remains the same, the newer model introduces Apple's M4 chip, additional unified memory, Apple-designed wireless hardware, and support for newer connectivity standards. Here's everything that differs between the 2025 and 2026 iPad Air models: iPad Air (seventh-generation, 2025) iPad Air (eighth-generation, 2026) M3 chip M4 chip 8GB unified memory 12GB unified memory Broadcom wireless chip Apple N1 wireless chip Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Wi-Fi 7 connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity Bluetooth 6 connectivity Qualcomm SDX70M 5G modem Apple C1X modem The largest change between the two models is the transition from Apple's M3 chip to the newer M4 chip. Beyond modest CPU performance gains, the M4 introduces architectural improvements that increase transistor count, boost machine learning performance, improve memory bandwidth, and enhance efficiency through updated fabrication technology and redesigned cores. M3 Chip M4 Chip Made using TSMC's 3nm technology (N3) Made using TSMC's enhanced 3nm technology (N3E) Based on iPhone 15 Pro's A17 Pro chip (2023) Based on iPhone 16's A18 chip (2024) 25 billion transistors 28 billion transistors (+12%) 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency cores) 8-core CPU (3 performance + 5 efficiency cores) 4.05 GHz CPU clock speed 4.3 GHz CPU clock speed 16-core Neural Engine, 18 trillion operations per second 16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second (+111%) LPDDR5 memory LPDDR5X memory 100 GB/s memory bandwidth 120 GB/s memory bandwidth (+20%) Dedicated display engine GPU with standard power efficiency More power-efficient GPU: Maintains performance with significantly less power Overall, the upgrade from the 2025 iPad Air to the 2026 iPad Air is minor. The new model introduces a faster M4 chip, more unified memory, and newer wireless technologies, but the broader experience remains fundamentally unchanged in any noticeable way. Apple itself signals how incremental the update is: the company continues to advertise the same battery life, despite the introduction of the more efficient C1X modem, and the device retains identical color options and even the same marketing wallpapers. For the overwhelming majority of iPad Air users, the performance difference between the two models is likely to be negligible, especially for everyday tasks. The new iPad Air is primarily aimed at buyers who simply want a capable, well-balanced iPad rather than those seeking a major upgrade from a more recent model. The Air continues to occupy the middle ground in Apple's lineup, offering significantly more power and capability than the entry-level iPad while remaining substantially less expensive than the iPad Pro. The transition to the M4 chip, additional memory, and newer connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7 means that new buyers receive more modern hardware and longer-term headroom, making the device somewhat more future-proof. For existing users, however, there is little reason to upgrade. Anyone using an M3-based iPad Air will see minimal real-world benefits from moving to the M4 model, and even owners of M1 or M2 versions are unlikely to experience transformative improvements in typical use. Instead, the update simply ensures that customers purchasing a new iPad Air today receive Apple's newer underlying technology in a familiar package.Related Roundup: iPad Air Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:46 pmApple explains MacBook Neo’s unique branding and name
MacBook Neo is the latest addition to the Mac lineup, and it comes with a unique name for an Apple product. Here’s why Apple says it chose the ‘MacBook Neo’ name. more…03:27 pmThere’s an Easter egg hiding in the MacBook Neo’s wallpaper
Macworld Apple’s MacBook Neo might run an iPhone processor and look like an iPad attached to a Magic Keyboard, but it’s a Mac through and through. It’s powered by macOS, connects Mac accessories, and runs Mac apps. It also has a fun new wallpaper that’s (of course) color-matched to the specific option you choose. But it’s not just an abstract design. The wallpaper has a hidden meaning. Take a look. Apple See it yet? How about now? Apple The lines spell out M-A-C. The three leftmost lines make an “M,’ the “A” uses the left leg of the “M” and adds a small line for the center, while the “C” is a long line and two shorter ones. We’ve seen Apple do similar things with the wallpaper for the iPad mini and MacBook Pro, but there seems to be a greater meaning with the Neo. The wallpaper here is bright and fun, and I’m willing to bet most people will opt to keep it as their default. And whenever they open it at a coffee shop or classroom, they’ll show everyone that what they’re using is unquestionably a M-A-C.03:23 pmNew Zealand SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 11, 13:00 - 21:00 PDTMar 5, 07:01 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in New Zealand is conducting a planned maintenance from 11 March 2026 at 13:00 PDT until 11 March 2026 at 21:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to New Zealand handsets via New Zealand short codes.03:23 pmGermany Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – T-Mobile
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 9, 19:00 - 22:00 PDTMar 5, 07:05 PSTScheduled - Our carrier partner T-Mobile Germany is conducting a planned maintenance from 09 March 2026 at 19:00 PDT until 09 March 2026 at 22:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for T-Mobile Germany customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup Identity Match, Lookup SIM Swap, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes03:23 pmiPad or MacBook Neo? Comparing Apple’s three $600 computers
Apple now has three portable computers that are priced around $600. MacBook Neo, iPad Air, and the plain iPad paired with Apple’s Magic Keyboard Folio each fit the bill. They offer very different experiences for the money, however, so here’s how they compare. more…03:10 pmApple TV reveals new true crime series premiering next week
Apple TV just announced Twisted Yoga, a new true crime docuseries that’s premiering next week. Here are the details and the trailer. more…03:02 pmApple's Brand New M4 iPad Air Gets First Cash Discount at Best Buy, Up to $50 Off
It's Apple pre-order week, and we've already covered all of the offers you can find on iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. In addition to these deals, Best Buy is providing $40 in savings on the new 128GB Wi-Fi M4 iPad Air, with My Best Buy Plus/Total members getting an extra $10 off. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. With this discount, all shoppers can get the 128GB Wi-Fi M4 iPad Air for $559.00, down from $599.00. If you have a My Best Buy Plus/Total membership, you can get the tablet for $549.00. $40 OFFM4 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) for $559.00 $40 OFFM4 iPad Air (128GB Cell) for $709.00 Otherwise, Best Buy is offering $50 discounts on all other models of the M4 iPad Air, but these require a My Best Buy Plus/Total membership. Only the 128GB models have a discount available to all shoppers. 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 in 2026? 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 forums03:00 pmFormula 1 begins this weekend, exclusively on Apple TV in America
Starting this weekend, Apple TV subscribers in America can watch all Formula 1 practice, qualifying, and Sprint sessions, along with races… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:58 pmEven Windows fans see the MacBook Neo as a winner
You’d expect Windows Central to be pretty adamant in favoring Windows laptops over any MacBook. Yet not only the website itself, but also its readers, see the MacBook Neo as a move that should see Microsoft panicking. The site says that the timing couldn’t be better for Apple given that more Windows users than ever before are looking to switch platform, and thinks it will hurt sales of machines like the $600 ASUS Vivobook 14 shown above … more…02:48 pmiPhone 17e Has 8GB of RAM as Expected
Apple does not advertise RAM amounts in iPhones, but MacRumors has confirmed this information through Apple's developer tool Xcode. Like the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 17e is equipped with 8GB of RAM, according to the Xcode data. This was the expected amount of RAM, and it is the minimum required for a device to be compatible with Apple Intelligence. This means both the standard iPhone 17 model and the lower-end iPhone 17e are equipped with the A19 chip and 8GB of RAM. However, the iPhone 17e has a slightly limited 4-core GPU, while the iPhone 17 has a 5-core GPU. iPhone 17e can be pre-ordered now and launches on Wednesday, March 11.Related Roundup: iPhone 17eThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:45 pmNew hyper-sensitive no-click mouse aims to change gaming
The wild Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse does away with traditional clicks in favor of customizable haptics. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:43 pmFormula 1 is live on Apple TV this weekend, here are the details
The kickoff of the 2026 Formula 1 season is this weekend, and Apple TV is now the exclusive streaming home for the sport in the US. Here are all the details on what to expect. more…02:43 pmFormula 1 is live on Apple TV this weekend, here are the details
The kickoff of the 2026 Formula 1 season is this weekend, and Apple TV is now the exclusive streaming home for the sport in the US. Here are all the details on what to expect. more…02:43 pmFormula 1 is live on Apple TV this weekend, here are the details
The kickoff of the 2026 Formula 1 season is this weekend, and Apple TV is now the exclusive streaming home for the sport in the US. Here are all the details on what to expect. more…02:36 pmiPhone comparison chart 2026: Every iPhone compared to find the best
Macworld Which iPhone Is Best for You? Choosing the right iPhone in 2026 comes down to what you actually use your phone for. If you want the best camera performance and biggest screen, an iPhone 17 Pro model will deliver the most capable experience. For the biggest screen the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one to choose. If you prefer one-handed use and portability, the smaller iPhone Air might be ideal. And if you want excellent performance without premium pricing, the standard iPhone 17 strikes a strong balance of features, while the phone for anyone on a tight budget is the iPhone 17e. Picking out an iPhone used to be easier—just get the newest one with all the storage you can afford. We still recommend buying as much storage as you can afford, but the choice of which iPhone isn’t quite so simple. The best iPhone depends on your own personal preferences, so it’s not necessarily the case that the number one iPhone is the one you should buy. This group test compares all the iPhones Apple sells, so it will give you a good idea of which iPhone will suit you and your budget, and whether you can save money, or if it would be worth spending more to get better cameras, or a more capable processor. For even more help choosing the iPhone for you, our iPhone Buying Guide explains how each iPhone is different in terms of price, specs and features, cameras, screens, and durability. Every iPhone compared With Apple’s introduction of a new set of iPhones at the end of 2025, and the new iPhone 17e added to the lineup in March 2026, we have updated our advice about which iPhone is best in our comparison of all the iPhone models sold by Apple. While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the flagship iPhones, with the most power and the best features, they aren’t necessarily the best iPhone for the majority. We believe that right now the iPhone 17 is a great choice because, compared to its predecessor, it offers more storage, better cameras, and many of the features previously available only on the Pro iPhones, such as Always On and Pro Motion. 1. Apple iPhone 17 – Best iPhone for most people Pros Twice the storage for the same price Larger 6.3-inch screen Both rear cameras are 48MP 30 hour battery life Cons Only pale color choices Price When Reviewed: From $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone 17 retains a similar design to the iPhone 16, but in closer comparison there is a significant difference: the screen is larger at 6.3 inches compared to the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch display. The iPhone 17’s dimensions are also slightly larger than the older model. The new phone is available in Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, Black and White with an aluminium frame. No bold ‘look at me’ colors here. The ProMotion and Always-On screen are now present, as found on the Pro models. It has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a minimum brightness of 1 nit allowing for the always-on feature that was previously only available on the Pro models. The new Ceramic Shield 2 on the front is three times more scratch-resistant, claims Apple. It also features an anti-reflective coating. The 18MP Centre Stage front camera features a new square sensor that enables photos in any orientation without requiring the user to rotate the phone. Both rear cameras are now 48MP. The main camera integrates an optical-quality 2x Telephoto and the new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera (up from 12MP) captures up to four times the resolution of the previous generation. It also features 0.5, 1x and 2x optical zoom and macro photography capabilities – this means that, unlike the Air, the iPhone 16 can ‘unzoom’ back to 0.5x. The iPhone 17 features a A19 chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU alongside the N1, Apple’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip which should improve Personal Hotspot and AirDrop, and the C1X, a cellular modem designed by Apple. Battery life is 30 hours (video playback), an increase of eight hours compared to the iPhone 16. Should you run out of battery charging the iPhone 17 is quicker than ever: according to Apple, using Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter ($39) can add a 50 percent charge to the iPhone 17 in 20 minutes. Just 10 minutes of charge results in about 8 hours of video playback, perfect when you are in a rush to leave the house. The entry-level model offers 256GB of storage, double that of the previous generation for the same price. Starting at $799 for 256GB storage, 512GB storage is priced at $999. Who should buy the iPhone 17? The iPhone 17 is a good allrounder and the best iPhone for most people. It’s got a bigger display, ProMotion and Always On, a more powerful chip, two 48MP cameras on the rear, the new improved selfie camera, and twice the storage for the same price as 2024’s iPhone 16. As long as you aren’t desperate for a telephoto camera, or a super thin phone, there is no reason to look elsewhere. iPhone 17 further considerations: Starting at $799 for 256GB storage this is a good iPhone at a good price. If you already have an iPhone 16 you probably don’t need to upgrade, but if you are deciding whether to upgrade to the iPhone 17, iPhone 16 (128GB for $699) or iPhone 17e (256B for $599) we recommend paying the extra money. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 review 2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro – Best phone for photography Pros Battery life improvements Camera improvements Cons The screen is no longer a reason to pick the Pro Aluminium instead of Titanium Price When Reviewed: $1,099 (256GB) | $1,299 (512GB) | $1,499 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On, like the iPhone 16 Pro, but it now offers 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness, up from 2,000. All the late 025 iPhones offer 3,000 nits max, Pro Motion and Always On, though, so these aren’t the differentiators they once were. The phone comes in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver with an aluminium frame. The 16 Pro was titanium, as is the iPhone Air due to it being more durable. Apple’s switched back to aluminium on the Pro iPhones for better thermal performance. Heat management is via a new internal vapor chamber that has deionised water sealed inside for cooling. Heat is thus drawn away from the A19 chip and distributed around the iPhone. The heat management should mean the iPhone can sustain high levels of performance for longer periods of time. The iPhone 17 Pro should still be durable though: There is the new Ceramic Shield 2 on the front for 3x better scratch resistance and a Ceramic Shield on the back. The A19 Pro processor features a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU (one more GPU than the Air). It includes Neural Accelerators built into each GPU core, a larger cache, and more memory than A18 Pro.b You’ll also find the N1, the Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, and the C1X, Apple’s new cellular modem. On the front is the same 18MP Center Stage front camera with square sensor. The main difference it the three 48MP Fusion cameras on the rear and the fact that the optical zoom can extend to 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x for the equivalent of eight lenses, according to Apple. Video is Dolby Vision 4K at 120fps, with support for ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and Genlock. The plateau (as Apple is now calling it) doesn’t just house the camera. Apple has placed other internal components inside the ‘plateau’ – Apple’s name for the camera housing. By placing more components in there Apple has made room for a larger battery. Additionally, the antennas are incorporated around the edge of this plateau, a move that Apple claims makes it “the highest-performing antenna system ever in an iPhone”. Hopefully, this will also mean Apple avoids another antennagate. This better thermal design and larger battery mean that battery life is 31 hours of video playback. That’s up from 27 hours on the predecessor. Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro fast-charges up to 50% in 20 minutes with the new 40W adapter. Who should buy the iPhone 17 Pro? The iPhone 17 Pro is designed for those looking for advanced photography and video capabilities. It is also the phone to choose if you consider yourself to be a power user, a professional creator, or if you are a gamer. iPhone 17 Pro further considerations: It’s not only the high-end Pro models in the iPhone 17 line that get the A19 Pro; the iPhone Air does as well, although with only a 5-core GPU. However, the cooling improvements Apple has made are likely to mean that the Pro iPhones can make better use of the powerful chip. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 Pro review 3. Apple iPhone Air – Best for single handed use Pros A19 Pro chip like the iPhone 17 Pro models Looks nice Cons One rear camera Price When Reviewed: $999 (256GB) | $1,199 (512GB) | $1,399 (1TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone to date at 5.64mm (0.22in) thick. While some may question the need for such a thin iPhone, its popularity is evidenced by the MacBook Air. However, a thin device can be less durable. The iPhone 6, the previous thinnest iPhone at 7.1mm, was affected by bendgate. Hopefully those issues won’t plague the iPhone Air, which Apple describes as “the most durable iPhone ever.” This durability is achieved through various features. The iPhone Air is crafted from titanium and features the new Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back. The new Ceramic Shield offers three times better scratch resistance and four times better crack resistance. It is available in Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White or Space Black. The 6.5-inch display features 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On functionality. It has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a minimum brightness of 1 nit. The iPhone Air features a A19 Pro processor with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. That’s one less graphics core than the iPhone 17 Pro models, but a better processor than the A19 in the iPhone 17. Like the other late 2025 iPhones, the iPhone Air features the 18MP front-facing Centre Stage camera with a square sensor capable of taking photos in any orientation without requiring the user to rotate the phone. All phones can record video from both the front and back cameras simultaneously. The iPhone Air offers a single 48MP “Fusion” rear camera (26mm equivalent). However, a 2x telephoto effect can be achieved digitally, enabling 12MP optical-quality 2x Telephoto (52mm equivalent). This system is similar to the 16e model. The Air lacks the macro and spatial photography features available on other iPhones. The optical zoom options are limited to 1x and 2x. The iPhone 17 Air’s battery capacity is slightly lower than the other iPhone 17-series phones. The case’s reduced thickness means that Apple has to use a smaller battery, but it still delivers 27 hours of video playback, which is sufficient. For additional battery life, Apple offers an iPhone Air-specific $99 MagSafe Battery accessory. In addition, a 40W adapter can fast-charge the iPhone Air to 50 per cent in 20 minutes. Who should buy the iPhone Air? The iPhone Air is for users who prioritize a cutting-edge, ultra-thin design. Sure, there are some trade-offs: reduced battery life and a single rear camera, but this is a phone with wow factor and bragging rights. iPhone Air further considerations: The iPhone Air has a single camera on the rear, which will be one disadvantage too far for some shoppers. Aside for the various iterations of the iPhone SE and the iPhone 17e, every iPhone since the iPhone XS in 2018 has had at least two lenses on the back. However, this is unlikely to be a huge limitation unless you are an avid photographer, in which case we recommend the iPhone 16 Pro instead. Another thing to note is that the SIM card slot has been removed, making the iPhone eSIM only. Read our full Apple iPhone Air (2025) review 4. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max – Best phone for gaming Pros Excellent battery life Camera improvements Cons Too big and bulky for some Price When Reviewed: $1,199 (256GB) | $1,399 (512GB) | $1,599 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pro Max is essentially the same phone as the iPhone 17 Pro, but with a larger display and better battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the same 6.9-inch display as the 2024 model, which is slightly larger than the 6.7-inch 15 Pro Max from 2023. There’s the same A19 Pro and Fusion 48MP trio of cameras on the back, as well as the 18MP front-facing camera with Centre Stage and Dual Capture, for merging video from the front and rear cameras to capture your reactions. Battery life is the big beneficiary, though, with iPhone 17 Pro Max getting up to 37 hours of video playback, compared to 33 hours for the 16 Pro Max and 31 on the iPhone 17 Pro. That’s the best battery life ever in an iPhone. Who should buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max? The iPhone 17 Pro Max shares its key features with the iPhone 17 Pro so if you are looking for advanced photography and video capabilities, consider yourself to be a power user, a professional creator, or a gamer, it will suit you. In fact, we think it’s a good choice for gaming because of the screen size. The main difference is the size: there are people who want a big screen and this is the biggest iPhone you can get, especially now that Apple isn’t selling a Plus model. iPhone 17 Pro Max further considerations: If you are choosing between the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max then the decision comes down to whether you want the big screen or not. If a big screen is important to you, but power and photography aren’t then you might want to look at the older iPhone 16 Plus while Apple is still selling it. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review 5. Apple iPhone 17e – Best iPhone for kids Pros $200/£200 cheaper than the iPhone 17, $200/£200 less than iPhone 16 Good battery life Cons Only one camera on the rear No MagSafe Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone 17e has the same processor as the iPhone 17 (albeit with one fewer GPU core) for $200/£200 less, but there are several trade-offs you’ll need to accept if you want to save the money. The iPhone 17e, which arrived in March 2026, is Apple’s “budget” iPhone, starting at $599/£599. That’s quite a bit more expensive than the previous budget model, the iPhone SE, which cost $429/£429 before Apple discontinued it at the beginning of 2025. If you loved the Home button on the iPhone SE, it’s gone. The iPhone 17e also doesn’t have a Dynamic Island. Instead, it uses a notch, like the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 14. So if you feel strongly about how much space at the top of your iPhone is taken up by the Face ID hardware, that may affect your choice. That said, the notch really isn’t bad enough that we’d recommend spending more just to get the Dynamic Island, which isn’t dramatically smaller. Another difference from the iPhone SE is size. The SE was a small phone, while the iPhone 17e isn’t. It’s similar in size to the iPhone 15 and 16, though slightly lighter. If you’re happy with that size but would prefer a lighter handset, the 17e could be a good option. You can expect 26 hours of video playback on the 17e, compared to 30 on the 17, according to Apple, so that’s another reason to pick the 17. We’ll be running our own battery tests soon. Who should buy the iPhone 17e? The iPhone 17e is Apple’s most affordable iPhone designed for the budget-conscious and casual users who aren’t bothered about having the latest features and just want a phone that works. If you are looking to upgrade from an old iPhone, such as an iPhone 11, XR or SE then this is a great option. It’s also a good price for those looking for a phone for a child. It supports Apple Intelligence features, which is another good reason to upgrade from older iPhones. iPhone 17e further considerations: You could consider the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 as an alternative. Both of those iPhones offer a dual camera set up that means you can get ultra wide-angled photos and can take macro and portrait-style photos. Cinematic mode and Action mode are also included. If you were considering spending the extra $100/£100 to get the iPhone 16 we wouldn’t because you will get half the storage. If you were thinking of spending $200/£200 more to get the iPhone 17 that would be more worthwhile as you will also benefit from ProMotion technology and an Always-On screen. 6. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Best phone for seniors Pros Big screen for a fraction of the Max’s price Cons No Always-On Display Pro Motion Costs more than the iPhone 17 for the same amount of storage (!) Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $929 View Deal $929.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Black – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Pink – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Teal – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – White – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices The iPhone 16 Plus is essentially a bigger version of the iPhone 16. It features the same camera and processor. Everything we mention about the iPhone 16 (below) applies here too. However, there are both benefits and disadvantages to the larger form factor. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 27 hours battery life. That is better than the iPhone 16 (22 hours) and the 16e (26 hours) but behind the iPhone 17 (30 hours). It’s still long way behind the other big phone Apple sells – the iPhone 17 Pro Max – which boasts 37 hours. The Camera Control button may be a bit of a stretch to use comfortably on the iPhone 16 Plus if you have small hands. If you have small hands the Plus probably isn’t going to be that comfortable to hold anyway. If you are lucky enough not to be disadvantaged by hand size, the big screen is a good reason to choose the Plus size over the smaller iPhone. For some users the bigger screen means that the text can be bigger, and if your eyes aren’t what they once were, and you struggle tapping on the tiny keyboard, then this phone might be the best choice for you. Who should buy the iPhone 16 Plus? The iPhone 16 Plus is best for users seeking a large-screen iPhone without having to pay the premium price of the Pro Max. It suits individuals who want a big display and a good battery life, but don’t care about the camera features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max (or want to pay the high price for that phone). iPhone 16 Plus further considerations: The iPhone 16 Plus lacks many of the features of the iPhone 17, such as the brighter (3,000 nits) screen with Pro Motion and Aways-On. Two 48MP cameras on the back and an 18MP camera on the front. The iPhone 17 comes with 256GB storage for $799, while the iPhone 16 Plus is $799 for 128GB or $899 for 256GB. So frankly you would really ned to want the big screen to pay more for the same capacity phone. The iPhone 16 Plus screen is 6.7-inches. Now the iPhone 17 screen is now larger, at 6.3-inch rather than 6.1-inch the size difference isn’t as big as it once was. Read our full iPhone 16 Plus review Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Plus review 7. Apple iPhone 16 – Only consider if discounted Pros The comparison with the iPhone 16 Pro was more favourable than usual Cons No Always-On Display or Pro Motion The price is far too high compared to the iPhone 17 Price When Reviewed: NOW $699 for 128GB (WAS: $799/128GB, $899/256GB, $1,099/512GB) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $729.99 View Deal $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Teal – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Pink – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Black – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – White – Unlocked $Not Available View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices The iPhone 16 was a big leap from the previous generation, at the time we felt that it was catching the Pro model up. In the iPhone 16 we had a new phone with a better processor, the Camera Capture and Action buttons, and improved battery life. The colors on offer are Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black. Color choices are a matter of personal preference, but we would suggest that choosing a new iPhone based on the color would be a bad idea as you will be keeping it in a case if you are sensible. The iPhone 16 gained a two-in-one ‘Fusion’ camera offers built in 2x telephoto functionality and a new 48-megapixel sensor for better resolution and light intensity. On the iPhone 17 both rear cameras boast this same 48-megapixel sensor. The 12MP Ultra Wide camera on the front had a larger aperture and bigger pixels than the previous generation – able to capture 2.6x more light and can now shoot close‑up macro photos or wider photos. The new iPhone 17, like the other late 2025 phones, offers a better 18MP camera on the front. When it comes to video the iPhone 16 can shoot 4K/60fps, which is more than enough for most people. It features Audio Mix, that lets you adjust the way voices sound in videos. You can decrease background sound, or just focus on the voices that are in frame, for example. The A18 was an impressive chip. In our Geekbench 6 multi-processor test the iPhone 16 shows a significant 25% increase in performance from 6,242 points in the previous generation to 7,828 points. Performance jumps in the graphics benchmarks were even more pronounced. Who should buy the iPhone 16? The iPhone 16 is only really suited to someone upgrading from a much older iPhone, but we recommend that you look elsewhere because the iPhone 16 only offers 128GB storage, does not represent good value for money now the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e start at 256GB storage. iPhone 16 further considerations: There is no good reason to buy the iPhone 16. You can save $100/£100 and buy the iPhone 17e instead, or spend $200/£200 more to get the iPhone 17 – both options will give you twice as much storage, which is worth every penny. The only reason to pick the iPhone 16 is if you see a really good deal on one. Also read: Best iPhone 16 deals (US) and Best iPhone 16 deals (UK) iPhone specs compared In this at a glance table you can easily compare all the latest iPhones. Apple sells five current-generation model iPhones: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 17e. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have been discontinued, as have the iPhone 15, 15 Plus. This means that all the iPhones sold by Apple now support Apple Intelligence. We have a guide to how to use Apple Intelligence and what it can do. Here’s how the most important specs compare, but remember, specs aren’t everything! We’ve put these in price order, cheapest first, so scroll across to find the phone you are after. iPhone 17eiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 17 iPhone AiriPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro MaxStarting price$599/£599$699/£699$799/£799$799/£799$999/£999$1,099/£1,099$1,199/£1,199Screen size6.1″6.1″6.7″6.3″6.5″6.3″6.9″Storage256/512GB128GB128/256GB256/512GB256/512GB/1TB256/512GB/1TB256/512GB/1TB/2TBSize (H x W x D)146.7 mm (5.78 inches) x 71.5 mm (2.82 inches) x 7.80 mm (0.31 inches)147.6 mm (5.81 inches) x 71.6 mm (2.82 inches) x 7.80 mm (0.31 inches)160.9 mm (6.33 inches) x 77.8 mm (3.06 inches) x 7.80 mm (0.31 inches)149.6 mm (5.89 inches) x 71.5 mm (2.81 inches) x 7.95 mm (0.31 inches)156.2 mm (6.15 inches) x 74.7 mm (2.94 inches) x 5.64 mm (0.22 inches)150 mm (5.91 inches) x 71.9 mm (2.83 inches) x 8.75 mm (0.34 inches)163.4 mm (6.43 inches) x 78 mm (3.07 inches) x 8.75 mm (0.34 inches) Weight169 grams (5.96 ounces)170 grams (6.00 ounces)199 grams (7.03 ounces)177 grams (6.24 ounces)165 grams (5.82 ounces)204 grams (7.20 ounces)231 grams (8.15 ounces)ColorsWhite, Black, PinkUltramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackUltramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackLavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, BlackSky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, Space Black Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilverCosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilverDisplayOLED with HDR (2532×1170-pixel at 460 ppi)OLED with HDR (2556×1179-pixels at 460 ppi) 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightnessOLED with HDR(2796×1290-pixels at 460 ppi)2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightnessOLED with HDR (2622×1206-pixel at 460 ppi), ProMotion 120Hz3000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightness, Always OnOLED with HDR (2736×1206-pixel at 460 ppi), ProMotion 120Hz3000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightness, Always OnOLED with HDR (2622×1206-pixel at 460 ppi), ProMotion 120Hz3000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightness, Always OnOLED with HDR (2868×1320-pixels at 460 ppi), ProMotion, 120Hz3000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightness, , Always OnProcessorA18 (4-core GPU)A18 (5-core GPU)A18 (5-core GPU)A19 (5-core GPU)A19 Pro (5-core GPU)A19 Pro (6-core GPU)A19 Pro (6-core GPU)AuthenticationFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDRear CameraFusion Camera system: 48MP f/1.6 Wide camera, 1x, 2x zoomCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.6 Fusion, 12MP f/2.6 Ultra Wide; 0.5X, 1X, and 2X zoom; MacroCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.6 Fusion, 12MP f/2.6 Ultra Wide; 0.5X, 1X, and 2X zoom; MacroCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.6 Fusion, 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide; 0.5X, 1X, and 2X zoom; Macro, Dual CaptureCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.6 Fusion; 1X and 2X zoom; Dual CaptureCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.78 Fusion, 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and f/2.8 48MP Telephoto; 0.5X, 1X, 2X, 4X and 8X zoom; Macro, Dual CaptureCamera Control ‘button’, 48MP f/1.78 Fusion, 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and f/2.8 48MP Telephoto; 0.5X, 1X, 2X, 4X and 8X zoom; Macro, Dual CaptureFront Camera12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9, 4K18MP Centre Stage camera, f/1.9, 4K18MP Centre Stage camera, f/1.9, 4K18MP Centre Stage camera, f/1.9, 4K18MP Centre Stage camera, f/1.9, 4KBattery capacity26 hrs video22 hrs video27 hrs video30 hrs video27 hrs video31 hrs video37 hrs videoWireless features5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, Thread5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6,NFC, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband, ThreadPortUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CMagSafeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesAll the iPhones currently sold by Apple Apple’s battery life estimates won’t necessarily match ours, and your own usage may differ. See our comparison of battery life, capacity, mah and watt hours for every iPhone. After buying a new iPhone you should consider protecting it in a case. Read our reviews of the best iPhone 17 cases for more details. Should I buy one of the older iPhones? Apple stops selling certain iPhones as soon as new models are launched, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to buy them. Apple itself sells older iPhone models in its refurbished store, and you can often get a good deal with the added bonus that Apple will guarantee the iPhone. It’s not only Apple that will still sell older iPhones: many of the networks will give you a cut price deal on older iPhone models, and in some countries you can buy older iPhones for much less than Apple originally sold them for. Read our Best iPhone Deals to get a good price on all iPhones at stockists near you. The most recent iPhones to be discontinued include the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max and we recommend these iPhones if you find one on sale at a good price. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: $999 (Discontinued) Best Prices Today: $899.99 at Best Buy US | $999 at Apple | $999 at Apple The are features offered by the iPhone 16 Pro that may well entice you. For one, the 2024 iPhone 16 Pro color options included Desert Titanium, which was a nice shade that fluctuates between bronze and a subtle rose gold depending on the light. We definitely prefer this to Cosmic Orange. While the cameras aren’t as impressive as those on the 17 Pro, if you want that third Telephoto lens this is a cheaper way to get one. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: $1199 at Apple | $1199.99 at Best Buy If it’s a huge iPhone you want then the iPhone 16 Pro Max could be a good choice with its 6.9-inch screen. Other than that the only thing to separate the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the battery life, which, according to Apple is up to 33 hours compared to 27 hours for the iPhone 16 Pro. iPhone 15 generation The iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence which means they miss out on many of the best new features of iOS. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Mac phones do support Apple Intelligence, so if you find one for a good price (or someone is passing one on to you) you will be happy enough. But we’d still recommend getting something newer if you can.02:27 pmThis iOS Exploit Kit Has 23 Attacks – But Lockdown Mode Stops It Cold
Google's Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has a new report out about a powerful iOS exploit kit called "Coruna," which traveled from a surveillance vendor's customer to a Russian espionage group to Chinese cybercriminals, revealing a sophisticated exploit "supply chain" in the process. Described as one of the most comprehensive iOS exploit toolkits to have been documented publicly, Coruna targets iPhones running iOS 13.0 through iOS 17.2.1, containing 23 exploits across four years of iOS versions. According to GTIG, it was first spotted in February 2025, when it was used by a customer of a commercial surveillance vendor. By summer 2025, the same framework appeared in watering hole attacks (where an attacker compromises websites that their intended targets are likely to visit) by a suspected Russian espionage group targeting Ukrainian users. Then, in late in 2025, a China-based, financially motivated actor deployed it across a large network of fake financial and crypto websites. GTIG said it was unclear how the exploit kit got passed from actor to actor, but that it suggests an active market for "second hand" zero-day exploits. As for the kit's contents, it's described as extremely well-engineered. When someone visits an infected website, it figures out what kind of iPhone they're using and what software version it's running, then picks the right attack for that specific device. If the user has Apple's Lockdown Mode turned on though, the kit bails – it doesn't even try. The attack code is scrambled with strong encryption, so it's hard for security researchers to intercept and analyze, and it's packaged in a custom format that the developers apparently invented themselves. The code also includes detailed notes written in English explaining how it all works, and uses attack techniques that haven't been seen publicly before, according to GTIG's analysis. The kit targets cryptocurrency wallets and financial data, and is capable of hooking into 18 different crypto apps to exfiltrate wallet credentials. The payload can decode QR codes from images on disk, and it also has a module to analyze blobs of text to look for BIP39 word sequences or very specific keywords like "backup phrase" or "bank account." It even scans Apple Notes for typical seed phrases. Anyone still on iOS 17.2.1 or earlier is potentially vulnerable to the exploit kit, which doesn't work against newer iOS versions, so make sure to update if you can. Otherwise, the takeaway seems to be that Apple's Lockdown Mode is doing its job to ward off such a powerful exploit kit, and that can only be good news for those who enable it.Tags: Cybersecurity, SecurityThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:15 pmThis premium portable monitor turns your laptop into a pro-level setup
Instantly boost your screen real estate anywhere with the Mobile Pixels Duex Float 2 Pro 16-inch portable second monitor for just $279.99. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:14 pmTrendforce projects MacBook Neo sales of 4–5 million units in 2026
Following the unveiling of the all-new MacBook Neo, TrendForce forecasts Apple’s notebook shipments will grow 7.7% YoY in 2026, pushing… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:11 pmNew Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are Still Missing, Here's Why
Apple this week unveiled seven products, ranging from the iPhone 17e to the MacBook Neo, but new Apple TV and HomePod mini models were not among them. Given that there have been rumors about the next-generation Apple TV and HomePod mini since all the way back in late 2024, some customers are wondering why the devices have yet to launch, and the answer likely relates to Siri. In September, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that the next Apple TV and HomePod mini would both support the more personalized version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple originally aimed to release the revamped Siri last year, but it was pushed back, and the Apple TV and HomePod mini are likely delayed as a result. We suspect that Apple's long-rumored smart home hub is also held up by the Siri delay. In January, Apple and Google announced that Google Gemini will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. Apple has yet to provide a more specific timeframe, but Gurman reported that the personalized Siri features are currently slated for either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. iOS 26.5 will likely be released in May, following a beta testing period beginning in April. iOS 27 will debut at Apple's annual developers conference WWDC in June, and that update should be released to all users in September. Accordingly, the new Apple TV and HomePod mini might not be announced until April to September this year. Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence. The device is also expected to feature Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. As for the HomePod mini, it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is not entirely clear how that chip would be capable enough to support the revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Other rumored features include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option. The current Apple TV was unveiled in October 2022, while the HomePod mini debuted in October 2020, so both devices are due for upgrades. Hopefully, the more personalized Siri arrives in the next few months, and the two devices follow soon after.Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:09 pmApple’s App Review Delays Are Actively Hurting Small Developers
Over the past few months, App Store review times have noticeably slowed down. What used to take around 24 hours now regularly takes 48+ hours — sometimes even longer. As a small developer, this isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s actively harming our ability to operate. Yes, I understand there has been a surge of AI-related […]02:01 pmpost your app/product on these subreddits
post your app/products on these subreddits: r/InternetIsBeautiful (17M) r/Entrepreneur (4.8M) r/productivity (4M) r/business (2.5M) r/smallbusiness (2.2M) r/startups (2.0M) r/passive_income (1.0M) r/EntrepreneurRideAlong (593K) r/SideProject (430K) r/Business_Ideas (359K) r/SaaS (341K) r/startup (267K) r/Startup_Ideas (241K) r/thesidehustle (184K) r/juststart (170K) r/MicroSaas (155K) r/ycombinator (132K) r/Entrepreneurs (110K) r/indiehackers (91K) r/GrowthHacking (77K) r/AppIdeas (74K) r/growmybusiness (63K) r/buildinpublic (55K) r/micro_saas (52K) r/Solopreneur […]01:44 pmI made my Expo app fully accessible in a weekend. Here’s everything I changed and why it matters | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingI made my Expo app fully accessible in a weekend. Here’s everything I changed and why it matters
On iOS, VoiceOver reads your UI out loud and lets users navigate with gestures. On Android, TalkBack does the same thing. If your app doesn't have the right labels, roles, and touch targets, screen reader users hit a wall immediately. Most Expo apps I've seen, including mine before that weekend, are basically unusable for them. […]01:32 pmApple could sell 4-5M MacBook Neo machines this year, says TrendForce
I earlier estimated that Apple would sell gazillions of MacBook Neo machines. TrendForce is now out with a slightly more formal estimate of four to five million units this year. The market intelligence company also notes that Apple is headed in the opposite direction to most of its competitors … more…01:28 pmmacOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update will “upgrade” your M5's CPU to new “super” cores
In otherwise minor software update, macOS now uses M5's new nomenclature.12:57 pmVideographers obviously shouldn’t buy the MacBook Neo – nor should photographers
I’ve just argued that the MacBook Neo offers phenomenal value for money and is the machine I expect to recommend to a great many people. However, it of course won’t be suitable for everyone. I think a quick glance at the specs would rapidly rule it out for videographers, but there is one compromise that means it’s not a good choice for photographers either … more…12:52 pmMacBook Neo Expected to 'Reshape' Laptop Market in Major Way
Apple's new MacBook Neo could help the company grow notebook shipments by nearly 8% this year, even as the broader laptop market faces a hefty downturn, according to a new report from TrendForce. The research firm estimates global notebook shipments will fall 9.2% year-over-year in 2026, with the potential for steeper declines if demand stays weak. Rising memory and CPU costs are said to have pushed most PC makers to pare back their product lines and play it safe with inventory. Meanwhile, Apple is going in the other direction. Announced on Wednesday with a starting price of $599, the MacBook Neo is targeting the $500-$800 mainstream segment, which is typically dominated by Windows laptops and Chromebooks aimed at education and general productivity users. With an education discount, the Neo's starting price drops to $499 – well below the $1,000 floor that has defined the MacBook lineup for years. TrendForce projects Apple's notebook shipments will grow 7.7% in 2026, lifting macOS market share to 13.2%. The MacBook Neo alone could account for 4 to 5 million units shipped, according to the firm. That said, the report notes that a deciding factor may be how consumers respond to the 8GB memory configuration, given that Apple doesn't offer a RAM upgrade option. TrendForce credits Apple's in-house silicon and standardized product specs for Apple's ability to undercut competitors on price just as component costs are rising. Custom Apple silicon chips reduce dependence on external CPU suppliers, while Apple's concentrated memory configurations are said to give the company stronger bargaining power with suppliers. It's a different story for Windows OEMs, which tend to have more fragmented product portfolios that make cost management harder when component costs are volatile. The MacBook Neo launches next Wednesday, March 11. If it manages to gain traction in the entry-level segment, TrendForce claims it could reshape the pricing dynamics across the global notebook market.Tag: TrendForceThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums12:37 pmGrading Apple's release week – MacBook Pro, Air, Neo, and more!
Apple's week of launches has seen it update its iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and displays, but only some updates are stand-outs while the rest are trivial.Apple's physical multi-color logo, in New York City on March 4, 2026It's true that Apple has announced a week of launches. There currently still two days left to go.Based on past experience, and the fact that on Wednesday, Apple hosted creators including our own Andrew O'Hara, Apple has probably now wrapped that up. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:20 pmThe MacBook Neo is built down to a price – but is phenomenal value
If there was one product that cemented the myth of the “Apple tax” – the supposedly excessive price premium paid for the logo – it was the MacBook Air. People would point to Apple’s cheapest laptop costing $1,000 and loudly proclaim that you could buy a Windows machine or Chromebook from around $300. The comparison was of course spurious. The cheap laptops being used to make the argument were ugly plastic things with exceedingly poor specs compared to the MacBook Air. Still, it was undeniable that a four-figure starting price did prove a barrier to a lot of people – but all that has changed with the MacBook Neo … more…12:15 pmMacBook Neo’s missing features ranked, from meh to ehhh
Macworld With the introduction of the MacBook Neo, Apple has finally done what many thought it never would: ship a truly budget Mac laptop. At $599, the MacBook Neo becomes the cheapest Mac you can buy and undercuts the cheapest MacBook Air by a wide margin. But to achieve this price point, the MacBook Neo comes with some compromises. Apple had to cut back on several long-standing features and technologies to keep this Mac so affordable, but do they really matter? Here are all the MacBook Neo’s missing features compared to the MacBook Air—ranked from least to most important. 11. Wide color gamut display For a long time now, pretty much every Apple device has supported the P3 wide color gamut, which is a color standard for displays that allows for richer reds and greens, resulting in more vivid and accurate colors for showing photos and videos. However, the MacBook Neo sticks with the sRGB color standard. While having a display with more accurate colors is extremely important for photographers, designers, and video editors, most everyday users probably won’t notice the difference. The vast majority of web content is optimized for sRGB anyway. At this price, it’s not shocking. But it does mark a clear visual step down from the MacBook Air. Notably, the entry-level iPad also lacks a DCI-P3 display. 10. True Tone True Tone adjusts the display’s white balance based on ambient lighting, making the screen appear more natural in different environments. iPhones, Macs, and iPads have had it for years, but the Neo doesn’t. Given that True Tone is an optional feature and divides opinion among users, some people probably won’t even notice that it’s not there. The display will still look good, and users who really care about True Tone can manually calibrate the display colors to match their environment. The MacBook Neo has a very nice display, but it’s missing some key features of its higher-end sibling.Michael Simon / Foundry 9. Center Stage While the MacBook Neo comes with a built-in 1080p webcam, it lacks some of the features available on more modern MacBooks. This includes Center Stage, which uses an ultra-wide sensor to automatically reframe the image, keeping people always centered during video calls. If you frequently use your laptop for video calls, you’ll probably miss Center Stage. But you can still get the feature by using your iPhone as a webcam with Continuity Camera or by setting up an external webcam that has it. It’s not a huge deal—and the Neo will certainly be better for FaceTime calls than holding an iPad. 8. Wi-Fi 7 While the latest MacBook Air and Pro are equipped with Wi-Fi 7, the MacBook Neo still relies on the older Wi-Fi 6E standard. Wi-Fi 7 is a significant upgrade from Wi-Fi 6E, offering up to 3x faster speeds and double the channel bandwidth. This means that Wi-Fi 7 is not only faster but also less susceptible to signal interference. However, given that Wi-Fi 7 is a relatively new standard and many people don’t even have routers that support it, users probably won’t notice the difference when using Wi-Fi 6E. It’s more like something that would make this Mac a little more future-proof. 7. Ambient light sensor Most Apple devices use an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust screen brightness based on surrounding conditions. However, according to the MacBook Neo spec sheet, this sensor isn’t present. Manual brightness control still works, of course. But automatic adjustments may be less precise or responsive. It’s not the end of the world, but it can annoy users who are constantly moving between different environments. The MacBook Neo’s trackpad actually clicks–it doesn’t have Force Touch tech.Michael Simon / Foundry 6. Force Touch trackpad Apple’s Force Touch trackpads use haptic feedback and pressure sensitivity to simulate clicking and enable deeper press gestures. This technology has become one of the key features not only of MacBooks, but also of the Magic Keyboard on the iPad Pro. However, the MacBook Neo has a mechanical multi-touch trackpad without pressure detection. For many users, this won’t change their regular use. Tap-to-click and gesture navigation still work, and the entire trackpad is clikcable unlike some similarly-priced Windows PCs. But the loss of haptic click feedback makes this machine feel less premium, and it removes certain pressure-based shortcuts in macOS. Its absence will certainly be more noticeable if you’re coming from a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. But you can always pair it with a standalone Magic Trackpad 5. Backlit keyboard One of the main weaknesses of the MacBook Neo that will ultimately affect many users is the loss of backlit keys. While all modern MacBooks have backlit keyboards that allow users to see the keys in the dark, this is not the case with the Neo. The keyboard on the MacBook Neo looks a lot more like Apple’s wireless Magic Keyboard, which has engraved keys and no LEDs. This can make it a litle difficult to type in the dark, if that’s something you do often. For a laptop in 2026, that’s a glaring omission. Even many budget Windows laptops include keyboard backlighting. You get pretty colors with the MacBook Neo—but it could be tricky to use in the dark without a backlit keyboard.Michael Simon / Foundry 4. RAM upgrades The MacBook Neo ships with 8GB of unified memory, and that’s it. You can’t upgrade the RAM, not even at the time of purchase, like you can with a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. It’s been a while since 16GB became the industry standard for PCs, but Apple only upgraded its entry-level laptops to 16GB a couple of years ago. Sure, 8GB is fine for light tasks like web browsing, opening documents, and streaming, but don’t expect the MacBook Neo to handle heavier apps like Final Cut Pro or even Xcode well. The bigger concert isn’t just performance, it’s longevity. Without a 16GB option, the first-generation MacBook Neo may become outdated sooner than you might expect, especially with apps and even macOS increasingly relying on AI-based tasks, which demand a lot of RAM. 3. Neural Accelerators Speaking of AI, the MacBook Neo’d processor also lacks Neural Accelerators, which have become a staple feature of the M5 and A19 Pro chips. This technology, built directly into the GPU, enables much higher performance for processing AI tasks locally. For basic AI features in macOS and Apple Intelligence, it should perform well. But sustained creative tasks such as video encoding, large-scale photo processing, or complex ML workloads won’t match even entry-level M-series Macs. This won’t be an issue for this Mac’s target audience, but it could be a deal-breaker if you rely on heavy AI tasks in your workflow. You only get one USB 3.1 port on the MacBook Neo.Michael Simon / Foundry 2. High-speed ports The MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports, but there’s a catch. Only one of the ports supports the modern USB 3.1 standard, while the other is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. While the faster port can deliver up to 10Gbps of data, the other only reaches up to 480Mbps. USB 2.0 is fine for plugging in a charger or using basic accessories such as headphones, but it makes file transfers extremely slow, especially if you have an external SSD. It also limits this Mac to a single external monitor. Also, the Neo lacks MagSafe, so inevitably one of the USB-C ports will remain busy when the Mac is plugged into the charger. Again, it’s not a big deal for casual users, but you might want to buy a dongle for this Mac. 1. Touch ID Finally, what consumers should probably keep in mind when buying a MacBook Neo is that the $599 model doesn’t have built-in Touch ID. The biometric sensor for unlocking your Mac and confirming purchases with your fingerprint is only available if you purchase the MacBook Neo with 512GB of storage for $699. The 256GB version replaces Touch ID with a simple button to lock or wake your Mac, so you’ll need to type in passwords when you want to log in or use your iPhone to complete an Apple Pay purchase. This is easily the biggest limitation for people who want the cheapest MacBook possible. An all-new laptop at a great price While some expected the MacBook Neo to be a stripped-down version of the MacBook Air, it’s actually a whole new category of MacBook, designed specifically for its price point. Most of the missing features such as wide color, True Tone, and Center Stage are luxuries. Others, like backlighting and Touch ID, could impact daily usability more directly, while the USB limitation could represent a meaningful constraint on performance. Still, this Mac is aimed at students, first-time Mac buyers, and users who primarily just want a laptop for basic web browsing. For these people, the Neo delivers exactly what it promises: a capable and more affordable Mac. And if you feel like you need more, there’s still the M5 MacBook Air with all these premium features and much more.11:53 amNotebookLM Now Creates Cinematic Video Overviews Out of Your Notes
Google's NotebookLM AI-based tool can now turn your research and notes into fully animated "cinematic" videos – an advancement over its original video overview feature that was introduced last year. Before now, video overviews were limited to generating slideshows of your research and writing, but the new Cinematic Video Overview feature uses Gemini 3, Nano Banana Pro, and Veo 3 models to generate animated visuals "to help you learn and engage with the topics you care about," says Google. Google says Gemini acts as a creative director, making hundreds of structural and stylistic decisions to best tell the story with your sources. It determines the best narrative, visual style and format, and also refines its own work to ensure consistency. Cinematic Video Overviews are available in English for Google AI Ultra subscribers over 18 on web and mobile, and there's a maximum of 20 overviews generated per day. The NotebookLM app is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.Tag: GoogleThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:30 amApple’s long, strange trip to the MacBook Neo
Macworld In late 2008, Steve Jobs hopped on the company’s quarterly phone call with analysts and, besieged by questions about Apple being threatened by low-cost PC laptops called “netbooks,” he explained how Apple approached its product decision. “We don’t know how to make a $500 computer that’s not a piece of junk,” he said. It took Apple nearly 18 years to figure it out, but here we are. The announcement of the $599 MacBook Neo ($499 for education buyers!) is the low-cost laptop Mac users have been wondering about for years. But there are plenty of reasons it took this long. Laptop dreams In the early days of laptops, they were flat-out expensive. Apple’s PowerBooks were great, but you had to pay a premium to get a portable Mac made out of miniaturized parts. And even then, the laptops were generally slower than their desktop equivalents. Apple’s first budget laptop was the iBook. It was $1,600.Apple As a graduate student in 1992, I bought a PowerBook 160 to replace my Mac SE. It cost $2,400, equivalent to more than $5,000 today. I loved that thing, and I did end up using it for years in all sorts of places, even writing stories while riding BART trains through the Bay Area. The high cost of Mac laptops meant that even lower-end models were aimed more at a professional audience, the equivalent of today’s MacBook Pros. It was only when Steve Jobs returned to Apple and drew his famous four-quarter product grid that things got really interesting. That grid separated the Mac into four product categories, divided by audience (pro, consumer) and type (desktop, laptop). The pro desktop was the Power Mac. The consumer desktop was the iMac. The pro laptop was the PowerBook. So what was the consumer laptop?? Jobs smiled and moved right along with his presentation. Only later, at Macworld Expo in 1999, did Jobs unveil his consumer laptop: the iBook. It cost $1,600, which was better than what I had paid for my PowerBook, at least! The original iBooks were aggressive with color–you could get them in tangerine and blueberry, and later in indigo and key lime. They were also big, weirdly shaped, and (in my opinion) completely adorable. I bought one for my mom. But if you look at it objectively, it’s hard not to label the original iBook a failure. Not only did Apple replace it with a much more conventionally-shaped iBook just two years later, but it came only in white, ending the era of truly colorful Mac laptops forever. (Until now!) That iBook started at $1,299, a record low for a Mac laptop. The MacBook Air was never really cheap, but it sold like it was.Jason Cross/Foundry With the Intel transition, the iBook became the MacBook, and it was a perennial favorite of Mac users, especially students. But in the 2010s, it faded away, replaced in our hearts by the MacBook Air, which transformed from a pricey ultraportable into the heart of Apple’s affordable laptop line. After a shaky few years in the mid-2010s–Apple stopped updating the Air and released a Retina MacBook that was overpriced and underpowered–the Air finally got a Retina display and, a few years later, went into overdrive with the release of the M1 MacBook Air. In the 2020s, the Air has settled into the sweet spot in Apple’s product lineup. Starting at $999 or $1,099 for most of the modern era, it’s become the top-selling Mac. And yet… while $999 is a far cry from what I paid for my first PowerBook, it’s also not that close to the $500 laptop Jobs said Apple couldn’t build. Which left some room down there for another laptop, if Apple could swing it. The Neo era? This brings us back to the MacBook Neo. It’s got colors not seen since the original iBook (including one of the original colors, indigo), but its styling is pure 2020s Apple. The MacBook Neo will remind longtime Mac users of the iBook colors.Michael Simon / Foundry What has changed since 2008, when Jobs said Apple couldn’t make a $500 laptop that wasn’t junk? So much. But in particular, Apple has become incredibly efficient with its manufacturing techniques, including being perhaps one of the companies with the most knowledge of how to shape aluminum to its will. For me, though, the final catalyst is Apple silicon. One of the reasons the original MacBook Air and the mid-2010s Retina MacBook failed is because they were sorely underpowered. Apple’s chips were designed to work in small portable devices like iPhones, and it turned out that they translated perfectly to the Mac. Today’s iPhone chips are so capable, they’re as fast as the M1 was a few years ago. And so Apple saw an opening: there was room for a Mac laptop to exist, powered not by an M-series chip, but by a chip designed to power an iPhone. That’s one of the reasons the MacBook Neo can exist at a price no Mac laptop has come close to before.11:10 amMacBook Neo Compatible With New Studio Displays, But There's a Catch
Apple's low-cost MacBook Neo is compatible with the company's new Studio Displays, but its output will be scaled to 4K resolution at 60Hz. Apple confirmed the compatibility and output limitation with 9to5Mac. With pricing starting at $1,599, the regular Studio Display runs at 5K with a maximum 60Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the all-new 5K Studio Display XDR is capable of up to 120Hz and pricing starts at $3,299. Apple calls the refreshed Studio Display "the perfect companion to Mac," but if you were planning on using it as an external display for a new MacBook Neo, there are other options available at significantly lower price points – USB-C 4K displays from companies like LG, Dell, and Samsung. If you still have a Mac with an Intel chip inside, you're not going to want to pick up one of the new Studio Display or Studio Display XDR models either – neither model will work with an Intel-based Mac. The MacBook Neo has two USB-C ports, but only one supports DisplayPort 1.4 for connecting an external display. To use an external monitor, it must be connected to the correct port—the USB 3 port located closest to the rear of the device. The laptop does not support Thunderbolt either, so you can't daisy-chain multiple monitors. The $599 MacBook Neo and the new Studio Displays are available to pre-order now, with availability beginning on Wednesday, March 11. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:03 amCloudflare Radar Delays
Mar 5, 11:03 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare Radar is experiencing response delays. These services are still fully operational, just delayed. We are working to mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.10:53 amRussia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 11, 15:00 - 21:00 PDTMar 5, 02:32 PSTScheduled - The Beeline network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 11 March 2026 at 15:00 PDT until 11 March 2026 at 21:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Beeline Russia handsets.10:52 amUnited Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Vodafone
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 6, 17:00 - 22:00 PSTMar 5, 02:30 PSTScheduled - Our carrier partner Vodafone United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 06 March 2026 at 17:00 PST until 06 March 2026 at 22:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Vodafone United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Lookup Identity Match, Lookup SIM Swap, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes10:33 amwonderpush for apns
I've lurked about weighing in on the many different options for push notifications. I like wonderpush above all so far, but I can't find any kind of feedback on it. Does any one here use it? submitted by /u/KaleidoscopePlusPlus [link] [comments]10:31 amUnleash the full power of your iPad with ESR
Macworld The iPad is more than a tablet—it’s a portable office, creative studio, and entertainment hub. With the right accessories, it becomes even more powerful. ESR, a global tech brand trusted by over 130 million users worldwide, designs smart accessories that integrate seamlessly into daily life—boosting productivity while delivering serious protection. Here’s how ESR helps you unlock more from your iPad. iPad Productivity: Work smarter, create freely ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable) ESR At the heart of iPad productivity is flexibility—and the ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable) delivers exactly that. Its secure magnetic detachable design lets you instantly switch between laptop-style typing and a streamlined tablet mode for reading, drawing, or gaming. Whether you’re reading, watching, sketching, or gaming, you can switch modes effortlessly. Unlike fixed keyboard designs, this setup lets you detach into single-case mode for total freedom. The Bluetooth keyboard works independently, allowing you to position your keyboard and iPad separately for maximum comfort. Adjustable angles support every task: 20°–75° landscape mode for work and entertainment 70° portrait mode for browsing 20° drawing mode for stable, secure and comfortable sketching The 100% clickable edge-to-edge trackpad (4.4 × 2.8 in) supports intuitive multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swipe. Despite its functionality, it’s ultra-thin (7.2 mm) and lightweight—about 20% lighter than many alternatives. Reinforced Air Guard corners add dependable protection. For extra flexibility and choice there are two secure Pencil storage options: a magnetic holder and an easy-access elastic pouch. View ESR Shift Keyboard Case on Amazon View ESR Shift Keyboard Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19)iPad Pro 11 inch 2024/2025; iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 ESR Flex Keyboard Case (Detachable) ESR The 6.9mm thick Flex is another iPad keyboard case with a protective yet productive magnetic detachable design and large precision trackpad that enables the user to switch between their iPad and Mac for a seamless workflow. The two stable viewing angles are a 65° angle for working, watching, or reading, and a 20° angle for sketching or writing. Both angles provide a firm and stable setup for comfortable viewing and use. View ESR Flex Keyboard Case on Amazon View ESR Flex Keyboard Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19); iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 ESR Geo Digital Pencil ESR The ESR Geo Digital Pencil brings precision to notes and artwork with palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, and a fine tip for detailed strokes. Adjust line thickness naturally by tilting the nib—perfect for shading and sketching. Built-in Apple Find My compatibility helps you quickly locate the stylus with sound alerts—unlike Apple’s official Pencil. A Bluetooth connection enables iPad shortcut buttons for seamless iPad interaction and real-time battery monitoring. A 20-minute USB-C charge provides up to 12 hours of use. Compatible with iPads released after 2018, it’s a reliable tool for students and creators alike. View ESR Geo Digital Pencil on Amazon View ESR Geo Digital Pencil at ESR Compatible with: All iPad models 2018 and later iPad Protection: Confidence in every environment ESR Shift Magnetic Case ESR The ESR Shift Magnetic Case features a strong magnetic connection that ensures a secure and stable stand across different surfaces such as desks, sofas or laps—improving usability and convenience during everyday use. It offers five practical modes: viewing, browsing, typing, gaming, and writing. Dual support brackets and magnetic grooves provide up to nine adjustable angles. Portrait mode is ideal for FaceTime, and the detachable back case allows full hands-on access. It can even attach magnetically to your fridge for convenient viewing. View ESR Shift Magnetic Case on Amazon View ESR Shift Magnetic Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19)iPad Pro 11 inch 2024/2025; iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 ESR Flip Magnetic Case (Pencil Holder) ESR The ESR Flip Magnetic Case (Pencil Holder) supports both creativity and protection. Two standing modes—45°–60° for viewing and 25° for writing—adapt to work or entertainment. Its folding triangular structure makes vertical browsing effortless. A secure Pencil slot allows easy storage and charging, while the dual-layer design delivers 360° protection against scratches and bumps. View ESR Flip Magnetic Case on Amazon View ESR Flip Magnetic Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch (2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19) ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protectors ESR ESR screen protectors ship with an UltraFit Tray and dust-removal strip for a simple-to-install, fast bubble-free finish. The ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector features Armorite technology with 7x the impact absorption of standard protectors. High-alumina tempered glass withstands up to 110 lb of pressure and offers 9H scratch resistance. At 0.33 mm thin, it preserves clarity, responsiveness, and full Pencil support. View ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector on Amazon View ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector at ESR ESR For creators who prefer texture, the ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector (Tempered Glass) combines durability with a natural writing feel and drawing experience. It is made with premium PET material and uniform micro-grit surface, therefore offering a paper-like texture as well as tough screen protection. The ultra-thin design preserves precise touch sensitivity, enabling smooth and controlled strokes that are ideal for stylus use. Offering 5x impact absorption, it features a matte, anti-glare surface ideal for outdoor use while minimizing Pencil tip wear. View ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector on Amazon View ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19)iPad Pro 11 inch 2024/2025; iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 With ESR’s ecosystem of productivity tools and protective solutions, your iPad becomes more capable, more versatile, and built to handle everyday demands—wherever you go.10:08 amApple Music Rolling Out Disclosure Tags for AI-Made Songs
Apple Music is rolling out a new metadata system called Transparency Tags, which indicates when AI has been used in the creation of music hosted on the platform. According to Music Business Worldwide, Apple sent a newsletter to industry partners on Wednesday to explain how it will roll out the new set of metadata. The system covers four categories including artwork, track, composition (lyrics), and music video. Labels and distributors can begin applying the tags immediately. Apple describes the tags as optional for now, noting that if omitted, no AI is assumed. Apple said it defers to content providers to determine what qualifies as AI-generated, and that it treats the tags similarly to genres, credits, and other existing metadata. The company describes it as a first step toward industry-wide transparency around AI-generated music. Proper tagging of content is the first step in giving the music industry the data and tools needed to develop thoughtful policies around AI," Apple said in the newsletter, "and we believe labels and distributors must take an active role in reporting when the content they deliver is created using AI."Apple's approach contrasts with the route taken by competitors like Deezer, which has built its own detection infrastructure to independently identify AI-generated tracks, but it's not 100% accurate all the time. With Apple's tags, there isn't a visible enforcement or cross-verification process in place. Deezer reports that it receives over 60,000 fully AI-generated tracks per day, with synthetic content now accounting for roughly 39% of all music delivered to the platform. Up to 85% of streams on AI-generated music were fraudulent in 2025, according to Deezer's data. Apple's system is voluntary, or at least it is for now. Whether labels and distributors will actually use it remains to be seen.Tag: Apple MusicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums09:52 amIST (Istanbul) on 2026-03-05
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 5, 23:00 UTC - Mar 6, 03:00 UTCMar 5, 09:36 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IST (Istanbul) datacenter between 2026-03-05 23:00 and 2026-03-06 03:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.09:00 amConnectivity Issue – FRA datacenter (Frankfurt)
Mar 5, 09:00 UTCResolved - We haven’t observed any additional connectivity issues in our Frankfurt data center, and will now consider this incident resolved. If you continue to experience problems, please open a Support ticket for assistance.08:00 amOwn Microsoft Office for Mac forever for just $60, no subscription required
Macworld TL;DR: Save on Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac with this lifetime license, available now for $59.97 (reg. $219.00). If you’re still handing over cash to Microsoft every month for a 365 subscription, it’s time to stop. Right now, you can grab a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac for just $59.97, a one-time payment that gets you permanent access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote on your Mac. There are no renewals, no recurring charges, and no surprises. The license ties to your Microsoft account (not your device), delivers instantly via email, and is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and the latest Tahoe. It installs just like any official Microsoft app, so setup takes minutes. This deal is rated an impressive 4.8/5-stars on average from over 730 reviews. One recent five-star review reads, “Operates as intended, and very pleased with the ease to purchase this product license through Stack Social.” For home users and small business owners who just want reliable, familiar tools without an ongoing bill, this is about as straightforward as it gets. Get this Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac license for $59.97 (reg. $219.00) today. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.05:00 amLatency while creating or updating Topics and Disposition Codes with Flex Admin Console in US | TwilioLatency while creating or updating Topics and Disposition Codes with Flex Admin Console in US
Mar 4, 21:00 PSTInvestigating - We are investigating a service interruption with Flex Admin Console in US. We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.02:48 amHow to message cutoff of older versions of iOS?
When changing the minimum iOS version, how do people communicate this with their users? I always feel like I'm abandoning a segment of my users. submitted by /u/fakecrabs [link] [comments]02:07 amEmerging issue: RTX 4000 Ada GPU Errors Across Multiple Regions
Mar 5, 02:07 UTCInvestigating - We are investigating a critical service issue affecting NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPU nodes across multiple regions, including Osaka (osa1), Seattle (sea1), and Chicago (ord1).Affected GPU nodes may report an unrecoverable error state leading to failures in Vulkan initialization and GPU-accelerated workloads. Additionally, some LKE clusters in the Osaka region are currently experiencing Control Plane connectivity issues, resulting in timed-out API requests and errors.Our engineering teams are currently investigating the root cause, focusing on a potential regression in the underlying host hypervisor or GPU firmware. We will provide more information as it becomes available01:57 amFrench thriller series ‘The Hunt’ premieres on Apple TV after three-month delay
Following a last-minute delay due to reported allegations of plagiarism, French drama The Hunt was released on Apple TV this Wednesday. Here are the details. more…01:39 amFeds call Anthropic supply-chain risk, tech companies aren't happy about it
A group that includes Apple, Google, and others has sent a letter to the US Department of Defense concerning Anthropic's supply-chain risk designation, clearly concerned about how that might affect future tech contracts.The tech industry could be affected by arbitrary use of supply-chain risk designationsAnthropic took a moral stand against the United States government's request for unrestricted access to AI tools. The Trump administration retaliated by ordering all government entities to stop using Claude and designated the company as a supply-chain risk.The designation is usually reserved for foreign national entities that pose a threat to United States infrastructure. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:24 ammacOS Will Alert You to MacBook Neo's USB-C Port Limitation
The new MacBook Neo is equipped with two USB-C ports, but they are not the same. The left USB-C port supports USB 3 speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, while the right USB-C port closer to the trackpad is limited to USB 2 speeds of just 480 Mb/s. As a result, Apple says external display connectivity is supported on the left port only. Given the ports are not labeled, this limitation could be an inconvenience. Fortunately, though, Daring Fireball's John Gruber said if you plug an external display into the incorrect port, macOS will alert you to use the other port. Apple says the MacBook Neo supports one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. If you want to learn more about which features and specs you have to live without if you buy a MacBook Neo, read our in-depth list of compromises. MacBook Neo is available to pre-order now, with U.S. pricing starting at $599 ($499 for college students). The laptop launches Wednesday, March 11.Related Roundup: MacBook NeoThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums01:10 amBenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 review: ideal desk lighting for nearly any situation
BenQ is back with the ScreenBar Halo 2 to light up your workspace with not just one but two highly customizable light sources.BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 I got my first BenQ ScreenBar all the way back in February of 2020. While I thought it was somewhat novel, I told myself, "Surely this isn't going to be something I use regularly."I didn't like the utilitarian aesthetic, and I'd spent years illuminated only by my monitor. Was there ever going to be a real reason that I'd need to have a light attached directly to my monitor? Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:55 amApple Does Not Include a Charger With All New MacBooks in UK and EU
None of the new MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro models unveiled this week come with a charger in the UK and EU countries, such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. This change began with the base 14-inch MacBook Pro last year. If you need a power adapter, you must purchase one separately during checkout or later. In all other countries, Apple includes a charger in the box with these Macs, at no additional cost. In the U.S., for example, the MacBook Neo ships with Apple's 20W USB-C Power Adapter (sold separately for $19), while the 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with Apple's 140W USB-C Power Adapter (sold separately for $99). Apple includes a USB-C or MagSafe 3 charging cable with all of the new MacBooks sold worldwide.Related Roundups: MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: 15" MacBook Air (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), 13" MacBook Air (Buy Now)Related Forums: MacBook Air, MacBook ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums12:49 amIndustry group representing Apple voices concern to Pentagon over Anthropic ban
The Information Technology Industry Council, whose members include Apple, sent a letter to the Pentagon addressing Anthropic’s designation as a “supply chain risk.” Here are the details. more…12:36 amSMS Delivery Receipt Delays from Twilio to Drillisch 1&1 in Germany
Mar 4, 16:36 PSTUpdate - Twilio customers may be experiencing SMS delivery receipt delays from Twilio to Drillisch 1&1 network subscribers in Germany. Our team is actively investigating this issue. Message delivery may succeed, but delivery receipts may be delayed. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.Mar 4, 16:34 PSTInvestigating - Our monitoring systems have detected a potential issue with SMS Delivery Receipt Delays to Drillisch 1&1 in Germany. Our engineers have been alerted and are investigating. We will provide an update when we have more details.12:34 amElevated Durable Objects and R2 API Latency
Mar 5, 00:34 UTCInvestigating - We are investigating elevated latency affecting Durable Objects and R2 API requests in Western North America region. Some requests may experience timeouts or increase response times.12:33 amMacBook Neo name chosen to reflect its 'fun, friendly, and fresh' look
An interview reveals Apple's approach with MacBook Neo was a complete rethink of a budget-friendly laptop, not simply rehashing old tech at a lower price.The MacBook Neo is a new budget-friendly productThe MacBook Neo is a brand new category in the lineup that has a new-to-Apple moniker to go with it. It's not just a new laptop, but a new market for the premium product seller.According to an interview with Director of Mac Product Marketing, Colleen Novielli conducted by Techradar, the MacBook Neo is meant to be competitive in the $599 price range. It brings Apple's attention to detail and premium materials to a product nearly half the price of the MacBook Air. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:26 amwhat’s the best way to add sounds for things like button taps?
I've tried to implement apples default sounds, however i noticed that the first time a selection is made (say for example you are selecting items in a list and each has a sound when tapped) — that that first sound is about half as loud as all taps that follow. I've read this has to […]Wednesday March 0411:40 pmApple's Biggest Week of 2026: Details on Every New Product Announced
Across Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Apple unveiled seven new products, including low-cost iPhone and MacBook options, new displays, and refreshes for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iPad Air. We've rounded up all of our coverage from this week in case you missed any of the product announcements or details. MacBook Neo Apple Announces $599 'MacBook Neo' With A18 Pro Chip Hello, MacBook Neo: Apple Showcases All-New $599 MacBook in Videos Want Touch ID on the MacBook Neo? It'll Cost You $100 Extra MacBook Neo Features Two Different USB-C Ports MacBook Neo Starts at Just $499 for Students MacBook Neo Has Just 8GB RAM With No Upgrade Option MacBook Neo Can Only Drive One External Display at 4K 60Hz MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air Buyer's Guide: 40 Differences Compared Hands-On With the New MacBook Neo 20+ MacBook Neo Compromises: What You Give Up for Apple’s Cheapest Mac iPhone 17e Apple Announces iPhone 17e With A19 Chip, MagSafe, and More iPhone 17e Comes in These Three Colors iPhone 17e Now Features 256GB Base Storage iPhone 17e Solves iPhone 16e's Biggest Limitation iPhone 17e: Smaller Details You Might Have Missed Get an iPhone 17e at No Cost With First Pre-Order Deals From T-Mobile and Verizon iPad Air Apple Unveils iPad Air With M4 Chip, Increased RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and More First M4 iPad Air Benchmarks Surface Studio Display Apple Introduces All-New Studio Display XDR: 120Hz, Mini-LED, and More Apple Updates Studio Display With Thunderbolt 5 and More Apple Discontinues Pro Display XDR and $999 Stand These Macs Can't Run the Studio Display XDR at 120Hz New Apple Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Don't Support Intel Macs Apple's New Studio Display Boxes Designed to Fit in Your Recycle Bin New Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Will Have Day One Firmware Update Apple’s Two New Studio Display Models Feature Different Chips MacBook Pro Apple Unveils MacBook Pro Featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips With New Fusion Architecture Apple Debuts M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips Apple Removes 512GB Storage Option From M5 MacBook Pro, Drops SSD Upgrade Prices MacBook Air Apple Announces MacBook Air With M5 Chip and 512GB Base Storage New M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Get First Pre-Order Offers From Best Buy Accessories Apple Releases iPhone Cases, Apple Watch Bands, and Crossbody Strap in New Colors Other News Apple Changes Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More Apple Opens Pre-Orders for MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, New Studio Displays and More More Coverage Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a wrap-up post on social media, and with pre-orders now live for all of the new products, we're not expecting any additional announcements this week. Everything Apple announced this week will be launching on Wednesday, March 11, and we'll have more in-depth coverage and reviews of what's new.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:23 pmFSD (Sioux Falls) on 2026-03-05
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 5, 16:00 - 19:00 UTCMar 4, 23:10 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FSD (Sioux Falls) datacenter on 2026-03-05 between 16:00 and 19:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.11:17 pmAI content in Apple Music can now be labeled, if distributors so choose
AI-generated content in the Apple Music app can now be more easily spotted, but only if record labels and distributors actually label it as such.Apple Music now has optional AI-disclosure tags for distributors and record labels.Apple continues to enhance the iPhone's built-in Music application, with Apple Intelligence features such as Playlist Playground set to make their way to end users as part of the iOS 26.4 update.Now, the company has implemented an additional AI-related safeguard, referred to as Transparency Tags. They're essentially disclosure labels that let music distributors and record labels indicate specific content was made with the help of artificial intelligence. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:16 pmMacBook Neo will warn you if you plug a display into the wrong USB-C port
MacBook Neo is a great laptop for users who almost never use an external display. If you do connect MacBook Neo to a monitor, there are a couple of things to know. more…11:00 pmDon’t underestimate it: MacBook Neo packs surprising performance
Apple’s decision to put an A-series chip in the new MacBook Neo raised more than a few eyebrows. And doubts about its performance. But a comparison of the performance offered by the A18 Pro in Apple’s new notebook with Apple’s previous Mac processors shows that it’s surprisingly powerful, despite the processor originally being intended for […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)10:52 pmSMS Delivery Delays from Twilio to Yemen Mobile Yemen
Mar 4, 14:51 PSTUpdate - Twilio customers may be experiencing SMS delivery delays from Twilio to Yemen Mobile network subscribers in Yemen. Our team is actively investigating this issue. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.Mar 4, 14:48 PSTInvestigating - Our monitoring systems have detected a potential issue with SMS Delivery Delays from Twilio to Yemen Mobile in Yemen. Our engineers have been alerted and are investigating. We will provide an update when we have more details.10:45 pmThe MacBook Neo’s Carefully Considered Compromises
With the MacBook Neo, Apple has introduced an entry-level laptop to complement its MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines. In an attempt to wrest market share from Windows and Chromebook competitors, the MacBook Neo makes numerous small compromises that bring the price down to $599, making it the most affordable Mac laptop ever.10:23 pmUnited States SMS Carrier Maintenance – AT&T
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 4, 20:30 - 21:30 PSTMar 4, 14:06 PSTScheduled - The AT&T network in the United States is conducting an emergency maintenance from 04 March 2026 at 20:30 PST until 04 March 2026 at 21:30 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from AT&T United States handsets when sending via long codes and short codes.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.10:16 pmApple Music introduces metadata tags to disclose AI-generated content
Today, Apple introduced new metadata tags that will let record labels and distributors disclose when artificial intelligence was used in the creation of music, artwork, and more. Here are the details. more…10:11 pmRussia SMS Carrier Maintenance – MTS
Mar 4, 14:11 PSTIn progress - Scheduled maintenance is currently in progress. We will provide updates as necessary.Mar 4, 14:09 PSTScheduled - The MTS network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 04 March 2026 at 13:00 PST until 04 March 2026 at 21:35 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to MTS Russia handsets.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.10:11 pm20+ MacBook Neo Compromises: What You Give Up for Apple's Cheapest Mac
The new MacBook Neo is Apple's most affordable Mac notebook, and at $599, it's priced the same as the iPhone 17e. For teachers and college students, it's even more affordable at $499. To offer a Mac at such a low price, Apple had to make some compromises, and there are some features that the MacBook Neo is lacking compared to the next most expensive Mac notebook, the MacBook Air. Processor A18 Pro Chip - Apple is using an A-series chip instead of an M-series chip in the Neo. It has the A18 Pro chip that Apple debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro, but it is a binned version. It has a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 Pro chip had a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU. RAM - The MacBook Neo has 8GB RAM with no option to pay for more. All other Macs start with 16GB. It still supports Apple Intelligence, because 8GB is the minimum for it. Memory bandwidth - Apple's chips use unified memory that's available to the CPU and GPU. Memory bandwidth in the Neo is 60GB/s, less than half that of the MacBook Air. Storage - The MacBook Neo starts with 256GB of storage, and there's only a single 512GB upgrade. Other Macs support much higher capacity SSDs. Wi-Fi - The MacBook Neo has Wi-Fi 6E, but not Wi-Fi 7 because Apple did not include its new N1 networking chip. Battery and Charging Battery capacity - The MacBook Neo is almost the same size as the MacBook Air, but it has a shorter battery life. It lasts for up to 16 hours when streaming video, while the MacBook Air lasts for up to 18 hours. The battery has a 36.5-watt-hour capacity, while the MacBook Air has a 53.8-watt-hour battery. Battery size - Since the MacBook Neo is thicker than the MacBook Air, it has even more room for a battery, but Apple didn't max out on battery life, which is likely a cost cutting measure. Apple is using older battery technology or a smaller battery. Battery life should theoretically be even longer because the A18 Pro chip doesn't draw as much power as the M5. No MagSafe - The MacBook Neo is limited to USB-C charging, and it does not include a MagSafe port. No fast charging - Apple ships the MacBook Neo with a 20W power adapter, and there is no mention of fast charging support. Ports USB-C - There are two USB-C ports, one that's USB 3 and one that's USB 2. The USB3 port supports DisplayPort 1.4 and up to 10Gb/s transfer speeds, but the USB 2 port is limited to 480Mb/s. Display support - The MacBook Neo only supports a single external display at 4K 60Hz, though it may be possible to connect another with a third-party DisplayPort adapter. No Thunderbolt - There are no Thunderbolt ports on the MacBook Neo because Thunderbolt is not supported. No Studio Display - Since the Neo does not have Thunderbolt and is limited to 4K displays, it is not compatible with the Studio Display. Design Display size - The MacBook Neo has a 13-inch display size, so it is Apple's smallest Mac notebook. The MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch display. Bezels - There is no notch on the Neo, but it does have thick iPad-style bezels at the top, bottom, and sides of the display. The bezel hides the FaceTime camera. Thickness - The Neo is just a little smaller than the MacBook Air when it comes to length and width, but it is thicker at 0.50 inches (vs 0.44 inches for the MacBook Air). Display No True Tone - The MacBook Neo does not support True Tone, which is the white balance feature that adjusts the temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting in the room, making it easier on the eyes. No P3 Wide color - sRGB is supported, but P3 Wide color is not, so the MacBook Neo won't have colors that are as true to life as other Mac notebooks. No ProMotion - Unsurprisingly, the MacBook Neo is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and it does not support ProMotion. Trackpad and Keyboard Backlighting - There is no backlight for the keyboard. Touch ID - Touch ID is not included with the base 256GB model, but you can get it by paying an extra $100 for the 512GB model. Trackpad - There isn't a Force Touch trackpad, with Apple instead adopting a less complicated physical Multi-Touch trackpad. The button on the trackpad is an actual button, rather than a virtual button with haptic feedback. There is no pressure-sensing feature, Force clicks, or pressure-sensitive drawing option. Speakers and Camera FaceTime Camera - The MacBook Neo has a 1080p FaceTime HD camera like older Macs rather than the newer 12-megapixel Center Stage camera Apple has been adding to its newer models. There is no Center Stage or Desk View. Camera light - There's no little light to alert you when the MacBook Neo camera is on, with Apple instead displaying a warning on the menu bar. Speakers - The MacBook Neo has a dual-speaker sound system with speakers that are on the outer sides of the device. The MacBook Air has a four-speaker sound system with richer sound, but both the Neo and the Air support spatial audio. Microphones - There are only two microphones, but Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum are still supported for better clarity for calls. Headphone jack - There's a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it does not have support for high-impedance headphones. MacBook Neo Pros Even though the MacBook Neo has a simplified feature set compared to other Mac models, the price can't be beat. $599 for a Mac is an incredible deal, and the A18 Pro chip is more than adequate for daily use and the type of work that students do. It's not the best choice for 3D rendering, running local AI models, video editing, or similar creative tasks, but it will do those things at a basic level. It's an ideal MacBook for anyone who doesn't need more than a machine for web browsing and other light work, and it will do everything an iPhone can do. These days, that's quite a bit. For more on the differences between the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air, we have a dedicated comparison guide. The MacBook Neo is available for pre-order now, and it is set to launch on Wednesday, March 11.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:04 pmWalmart will continue selling Macs after proving market for MacBook Neo
Walmart is staying in the business of selling Macs, with the retailer officially selling the $599 MacBook Neo. That’s no surprise since Apple basically used Walmart as the proving ground for a lower-cost Mac laptop without the fastest processor. more…10:01 pmApple’s MacBook Neo offers premium build quality at a remarkably lower price
Apple has previously offered more affordable products, such as the $329 and $349 iPad models as well as the former $429 iPhone SE… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.10:00 pmMacBook Neo isn’t the MacBook Air killer you might think
The MacBook Neo is Apple’s newest low-end MacBook, but there are still plenty of reasons to buy Apple’s midrange laptop. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)09:36 pmApple’s new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR have two different chips
Apple’s new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR have a lot of differences, but we can now add one more to the list: they come with different A19 chips. more…09:29 pmBilly Zane lands recurring role in Apple TV’s golf comedy ‘Stick’
The Titanic and Twin Peaks actor will join Stick as a recurring cast member for season 2. Here are the details. more…09:04 pmWhy MacBook Neo is Apple’s best new model for most people
It’s only March, but Apple has already launched eight new products this year, including seven just this week. And the most exciting of the bunch is the MacBook Neo. more…08:54 pmApple's Two New Studio Display Models Feature Different Chips
Apple's press release and marketing materials for the new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR models do not mention which chips are inside the monitors, but MacRumors has confirmed this information in the latest Studio Display firmware. The firmware reveals that the second-generation Studio Display is equipped with an A19 chip, while the Studio Display XDR has an A19 Pro chip, according to code reviewed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Rumors had mentioned either the A19 chip or the A19 Pro chip, and it turns out that the two chips are split across the two models. The original Studio Display from 2022 is equipped with an A13 Bionic chip, which is something that Apple advertised. Apple said the chip enables features such as Center Stage camera framing, Spatial Audio, and "Siri" and "Hey Siri" voice activation for Siri. Apple introduced the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 series in 2019. Introduced across the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models last year, the A19 and A19 Pro chips are much newer. These chips likely help to drive the improved speakers in both new Studio Display models, and they likely enable the camera's Desk View feature, which can show your face and an overhead view of your desk at the same time. In both new Studio Displays, Apple says the six-speaker sound system delivers 30% deeper bass compared to the previous generation. We will learn more about the new Studio Displays and the hardware inside of them through upcoming reviews and teardowns. Both new models can be pre-ordered now and launch on Wednesday, March 11.Related Roundup: Apple Studio DisplayRelated Forum: Mac AccessoriesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums08:40 pmMacBook Neo vs M5 MacBook Air: Budget notebooks compared
The MacBook Neo is Apple's new lowest-cost MacBook, taking the role from the MacBook Air. Here's where the differences are looking at the spec sheets of the the two least-expensive MacBook lines.MacBook Neo [left], M5 MacBook Air [right]Early March has seen Apple launch two new value-focused MacBook options for consumers on a budget. Built to reduce the entry cost as much as possible, it's an unusual model that uses Apple Silicon still, but a chip designed for the iPhone and iPad.This is a big shake-up in Apple's pricing strategy. It that replaces the MacBook Air as the entry-level MacBook option, which it has served as for quite a few years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:40 pmThoughts and Observations on the MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo is the first major new Mac aimed at the consumer market in the Apple Silicon era. It’s meant to make a dent — perhaps a minuscule dent in the universe, but a big dent in the Mac’s share of the overall PC market.08:40 pmThoughts and Observations on the MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo is the first major new Mac aimed at the consumer market in the Apple Silicon era. It’s meant to make a dent — perhaps a minuscule dent in the universe, but a big dent in the Mac’s share of the overall PC market.08:40 pmThoughts and Observations on the MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo is the first major new Mac aimed at the consumer market in the Apple Silicon era. It’s meant to make a dent — perhaps a minuscule dent in the universe, but a big dent in the Mac’s share of the overall PC market.08:40 pmThoughts and Observations on the MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo is the first major new Mac aimed at the consumer market in the Apple Silicon era. It’s meant to make a dent — perhaps a minuscule dent in the universe, but a big dent in the Mac’s share of the overall PC market.08:39 pmApple has one more release this week: OS 26.3.1 is here
Macworld With the upcoming launch of the new Studio Display (2026 model) and Studio Display XDR dropping next week, Apple wants to make sure all your devices are ready. So on Wednesday, it released OS 26.3.1 for iPhones, iPads, Macs strictly so they will be. iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26.3.1 adds support for these new displays, in addition to various fixes. The release notes are one line: “This update expands external display support to include Studio Display (2026) and Studio Display XDR, along with bug fixes for your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.” We’re not sure anyone would be a $1,599 display for their iPhone, but in case you didn’t know, you can plug a USB-C-equipped iPhone directly into a Studio Display to mirror your iPhone’s display on the monitor. It also gives your iPhone a connection to other peripherals that may be plugged into your Studio Display, such as a USB-C keyboard. Apple’s security site simply says, “This update has no published CVE entries,” so it’s likely that there are no security updates in this release. iOS 26.3.1: How to install Your iPhone will eventually prompt you to install iOS 26.3.1, but that can take a while, even if you have “Automatic Updates” turned on. To get it now, follow these steps: Open Settings. Tap General. Tap Software Update. Make sure you have the intended version of iOS selected if necessary, and follow the on-screen instructions. Find out everything you need to know about iOS 26 in our iOS 26 superguide.08:33 pmThe toughest MacBook Neo decision is a $100 button
Macworld Apple’s new MacBook Neo is an eye-catching $599/£599, but to reach that price point, Apple had to make numerous compromises and sacrifices. One of the key features that’s missing ont he entry-level $599 model is Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint biometric system that was introduced with the iPhone 5s way back in 2013. However, it is available if you’re willing to pay a little more: it’s available on the $699 model with 512GB of storage. At this price scale, $100 is a lot, representing a 17 percent price jump. So for buyers, it’s not a trivial consideration. Does $699 still make it a budget laptop? Sure, but the increase is enough to make customers pause and really think about whether Touch ID is worth it. In case you’re unfamiliar with how Touch ID works on a Mac, there’s a small circular sensor in the top right corner of the keyboard. When your Mac is locked, you can use Touch ID to gain access instead of typing a password. And this follows throughout the whole Mac experience: In almost every instance where you need to type in a password, you can use Touch ID instead. For example, if you’re logging into an account online, you’ll can use Touch ID to automatically fill in your password but also keep people who aren’t you locked out. Touch ID as a security feature is quite valuable–an overlooked aspect because its focus is convenience. The act of typing usernames and passwords doesn’t take much effort, but Touch ID manages to whittle down that task to a simple button. And with passkeys, it’s become even stronger as sites begin to do away with passwords completely. If you access a lot of web-based tools and services, you’ll end up using Touch ID several times a day. Touch ID saves time and headaches.Foundry This convenience aspect of Touch ID is what I value the most; it improves my Mac experience. I actually get a sense of dread when I run into an instance where I can’t use it and have to type–third-party developers have to write Touch ID support into their apps, and sometimes they don’t. I could see myself in six months of MacBook Neo use without Touch ID and regretting my decision. The $100 is worth it to me. On the bright side, the $100 upgrade also includes a 512GB SSD that replaces the 256GB SSD. So you also have twice the space to store your files. That softens the blow, but the bottom line is MacBook Neo buyers have to decide whether to spend $100 on a button. For my money, it is.08:30 pm‘Physical’ and ‘Imperfect Women’ creator Annie Weisman inks first-look deal with Apple TV | Mac Daily News‘Physical’ and ‘Imperfect Women’ creator Annie Weisman inks first-look deal with Apple TV
Annie Weisman, creator of "Physical" and "Imperfect Women," has signed a new multi-year first-look deal with Apple TV… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.08:26 pmNew report looks into the sustainability of the subscription app market for 2026
RevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps 2026 report shows a widening gap between top-performing apps and the rest of the market. Here are the details. more…08:22 pmMMS Delivery Delays from a Subset of Twilio Long Codes to Altice United States
Mar 4, 12:16 PSTUpdate - Twilio customers may be experiencing MMS delivery delays from a subset of Twilio Long Codes to Altice network subscribers in the United States. Our team has identified the cause, and is working to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.Mar 4, 12:15 PSTInvestigating - Twilio customers may be experiencing MMS delivery delays from a subset of Twilio Long Codes to Altice network subscribers in the United States. Our team has identified the cause, and is working to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.08:13 pmApple Releases iOS 18.7.6 to Address Australia Emergency Call Issue
Apple today released iOS 18.7.6 for older devices, addressing an issue that caused some older iPhones in Australia to be unable to connect to emergency services. According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes an issue that was preventing the iPhone XS and iPhone XR from properly connecting to emergency networks in Australia. This update addresses a mobile network issue for iPhone XS models and iPhone XR when establishing a connection to emergency services in Australia. Australian mobile network operators have been improving support for emergency calling on their networks, which has led to a host of problems with older iPhones connecting to emergency situations in some situations. Apple has released several updates to address the problem, including iOS 16.7.4 and iOS 26.2.1. Some of Apple's updates exacerbated the issue, and Apple ended up temporarily pulling iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8 back in December. Since then, additional updates have been released to further fix the emergency calling bugs, including the new iOS 18.7.6. update.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums07:49 pmiPhone or Mac feeling buggy? Grab these updates ASAP.
iOS 26.3.1 is ready to be installed on your iPhone starting Wednesday. Mac users got macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 at the same time. The new versions include bug fixes — which are always welcome. And iPad users can install iPadOS 26.3.1, too. In addition, all three system software updates bring support for the Apple Studio Display […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)07:38 pmSomeone made an app and I’ve lost that post. Help me fid it
Hi, someone posted their app which allowed to track my current position when on a plane. Can someone point to me the name of that app? submitted by /u/Nuno-zh [link] [comments]Firehose II – Jobs, Deals, Apps
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