Firehose – News, Alerts, Docs
- Wednesday April 15
- 05:02 pmHow much to focus on ASO for impressions
I have one iOS app that is really a problem child when it comes to impressions. It’s in the lifestyle category, localised across 5 languages and it only has *cry* 100 impressions per week. I know the basics like title > subtitle > keywords, no repetition, and checking AppStore ads for keyword volume. When I […]04:57 pmService Issue – Cloud Manager and API
Apr 15, 16:57 UTCIdentified - Our team has identified the issue affecting the Cloud Manager and API. We are working quickly to implement a fix, and we will provide an update as soon as the solution is in place. During this time, customers may be unable to create new Linodes, make changes to Cloud Firewalls, initiate migrations or resize operations. LKE autoscaling may also be delayed during this time.04:57 pmFold, Ultra, or something else? What should Apple call the foldable display iPhone?
Apple is widely expected to release the first iPhone with a foldable display this year. What’s less certain is exactly when it will launch and what Apple will call it. iPhone Fold, to me, is the clearest shorthand way to reference the foldable iPhone before it has an official name. It also feels like the least likely name to actually be used. more…04:45 pmListen to gentle rain and ocean sounds while you work
Your iPhone has a built-in feature called Background Sounds for playing rain noises or white noise to tune it all out. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:10 pmGoogle launches Gemini Mac app, here’s what it offers
Google’s Gemini AI app is a constant top three iPhone app in the App Store. Starting today, Gemini is available as a dedicated Mac app as well. more…04:05 pmiOS 26.4 moves App Store updates, here’s how to open them fast
iOS 26.4 made some changes to where app updates are located in the App Store. But there’s a shortcut available to find them just as quickly as before. more…04:01 pmApple’s next-gen Apple TV 4K: A long-awaited powerhouse poised to redefine home entertainment | Mac Daily NewsApple’s next-gen Apple TV 4K: A long-awaited powerhouse poised to redefine home entertainment
After more than three years since the last refresh (the third-generation Apple TV 4K launched in late 2022) users have grown impatient for… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.04:00 pmGetting Started with the Swift SDK for Android [FREE]
Learn how to set up the Swift SDK for Android and integrate Swift code into an Android app. This tutorial covers installation, creating a Swift library, and running Swift code on Android devices.03:46 pmGrab this 3-in-1 charger for 30% off and get a FindMy tracking card for free
Macworld Free FindMy Tracking Card View Sale (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Premium Apple accessory maker Nomad is offering an extra incentive in its Overstock Sale, with a free iOS tracking card (the Nomad Tracking Card Air, worth $29) when you buy over $80 of other accessories. The Nomad Base One Max, pictured above, is on sale for $111, down from $159. This 15W MagSafe charging base can simultaneously fast charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. Nomad Or you could buy the 15W Nomad Stand One that fast-charges your iPhone as well as holding it at the perfect viewing angle. Usually priced at $119, it’s on sale for $83—just enough to trigger the free Nomad Tracking Card Air. The Nomad chargers are recommended in our best magnetic iPhone chargers roundup. The Sale runs until 9am PST on April 17. The Nomad Tracking Card Air works with Apple’s FindMy app just like an AirTag, and is as thin as two standard credit cards, making it one of the slimmest trackers on the market and able to slip into your wallet without adding bulk. Nomad Unlike Apple AirTag that requires a replaceable battery, the Tracking Card Air can be wirelessly charged on any wireless charger, including either the Base One Max or Stand One that you can purchase in the Nomad Sale.03:45 pmDeals: Most affordable M5 Pro MacBook Pro $150 off, Apple Watch from $219, black Apple USB cables from $7, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: Most affordable M5 Pro MacBook Pro $150 off, Apple Watch from $219, black Apple USB cables from $7, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by the most affordable 2026 M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $150 off and ongoing $150 price drops on all 2026 M5 MacBook Air configs. We also have current-gen Apple Watch models from $219, rare deals on official black Apple USB-C cables from just over $7, the first deal on Apple’s 2026 Spring Clementine Sport Band, and a chance to land a FREE Nomad Find My wallet Tracking Card. Head below for a closer look at the details. more…03:40 pmApple TV has three unique crime thrillers premiering soon, here’s what’s coming
Apple TV has made crime thrillers one of its biggest genres, and that trend will only continue with three unique new series premiering soon. Here’s what’s coming. more…03:40 pmDavid Pierce Tried a Bunch of Android Phones and Then Bought an iPhone Again
The real goldmine isn’t that Apple gets a cut of every App Store transaction. It’s that Apple’s platforms have the best apps, and users who are drawn to the best apps are thus drawn to the iPhone, Mac, and iPad.03:38 pmToday in Apple history: Apple scrambles to fix doomed Apple III
On April 15, 1981, Apple defended the Apple III and offered a quick, unorthodox fix for the computer's overheating motherboard,. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:34 pmBest Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested & ranked by experts
Macworld Looking for the best antivirus for Mac? We’ve tested the leading apps to find out which ones actually protect your device without slowing it down. Get the best Mac antivirus: Intego ONE It wasn’t long ago that Macs were seen as secure enough on their own. But with rising popularity and high-profile attacks, macOS is now a clear target. While Apple includes built-in protections like XProtect and Gatekeeper, they only defend against known threats. Today’s risks – ransomware, phishing, and malicious downloads – are more advanced and often harder to detect, putting your data, privacy, and finances at risk. Apple’s built-in tools alone aren’t enough. That’s why we’ve tested the top Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios, performance benchmarks, and independent lab results, alongside usability and reliability checks. Use this guide to find the best antivirus for your needs. Below are our expert picks for 2026, including the best overall, best value, and best free options. What’s new this month: Intego launched Intego ONE, a new Mac security software suite that combines protection, privacy, and cleanup tools into one app. We have reviewed it – see what we thought below. Also in April, a ClickFix-style attack targeted Mac users with a fake Apple-themed webpage that attempted to get Mac users to run malicious commands. Apple protects against such attacks by warning users before they take risky actions, for example, in late March a Terminal paste warning arrived in macOS 26.4 that alerts users who paste in suspicious commands, however the ClickFix attack identified by Jamf in April 2026 bypasses Terminal. Best Mac Antivirus in 2026: At a Glance The best antivirus for Mac in 2026 is Intego ONE, thanks to its Mac-specific design, strong protection, and low performance impact. Norton 360 and Bitdefender are also top alternatives. Scroll down for full reviews and testing results. How we test Mac Antivirus We test Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios and independent lab data from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Starting with a clean macOS system, we downloaded malware samples and visited malicious websites to measure protection against online and offline threats, including Windows-based malware. We also assessed system performance, ease of use and macOS integration, along with features like ransomware protection, VPNs and firewalls. Only products that deliver strong protection without slowing down your Mac make our top recommendations. Best Mac Antivirus: Benchmarks We compared independent lab results with our own real-world testing to identify the best Mac antivirus software for 2026. AntivirusAV-Test ProtectionAV-Comparatives ScoreOur Malware DetectionPerformance Impact (Our Tests)Scan SpeedOverall ScoreIntegoN/AN/A98%LowFastest4.5 / 5Norton 3606 / 6Advanced+100%MediumMedium4.7 / 5Avira Free5.5 / 6Advanced97%LowFast4.3 / 5Surfshark6 / 6Advanced+100%LowFast4.4 / 5Avast Premium Security6 / 6Advanced+99%MediumMedium4.5 / 5AVG Internet Security 6 / 6Advanced+99%LowMedium4.5 / 5Bitdefender6 / 6Advanced+100%LowFast4.8 / 5 Best Mac Antivirus: Our top picks tested and ranked We’ve tested and reviewed the best Mac antivirus software below. Our summaries explain how each product performed, why it ranks where it does, and its key features – with links to our full, in-depth reviews. 1. Intego ONE – Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Extremely fast malware scanning Excellent firewall control options Strong macOS-focused protection Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: Intego ONE Essential from $2.50 a month/one device/first year, then $3.33 a month or $29.99 for the first year and then $39.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (annual) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Intego ONE is a powerful Mac-focused security suite with excellent malware detection, extremely fast scan speeds, and strong firewall controls. Specifically designed for macOS, it works seamlessly with Apple’s XProtect and Gatekeeper tools. Why we picked it as our top choice Intego ONE stands out for its outstanding malware detection, very fast scan speeds, and powerful firewall controls, making it one of the most reliable security tools specifically tailored for macOS. Intego delivers reliable, no-fuss security that integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. Key strengths include: Near-perfect malware detection rates. Industry-leading scan speeds. Firewall with excellent visibility and control over network activity. Clean interface with no aggressive upselling Designed specifically for macOS, not a ported PC app Intego delivers consistent, real-world protection with better usability for Mac users. Key features Antivirus: Full, quick, custom scans and scheduling (Intego ONE Essential) Firewall: With network monitoring and rule creation (Intego ONE Essential) VPN: With 51 global servers, Lightway protocols (Intego ONE Complete) SmartClean: Disk cleanup, app uninstaller, system optimisation (Intego ONE Advanced & Complete) Who’s it for? Intego ONE has a user-friendly interface, making it well suited to Mac users who want easy security management while prioritising powerful malware protection, strong performance, and advanced network control. Intego is ideal if you: Use a single Mac or MacBook Want strong protection without complexity Prefer software designed specifically for Apple systems What to consider Mac-only (no cross-platform support) Fewer extras than some rivals (e.g. no password management) Bottom line If you want the most Mac-native antivirus experience, Intego is the best choice. It may not have the longest feature list, but it focuses on what matters most: effective protection, ease of use, and seamless macOS integration. 2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton 360 is one of the most comprehensive security suites available for Mac, combining antivirus protection with a wide range of additional features, including a VPN, password manager and AI-powered scam detection. A well-known and trusted name in cybersecurity, Norton also offers its Virus Protection Promise, meaning you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your device. Why we picked it Norton stands out for its all-in-one feature set and excellent lab performance, making it ideal for users who want complete protection across multiple devices. Key strengths include: Top scores in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives (June 2025) All-in-one suite: antivirus, VPN, password manager and more AI-powered Genie Scam Protection for real-time threat advice Strong cross-platform support (Mac, iOS, Windows, Android) Good value considering the breadth of features The addition of Norton’s Genie Scam Assistant is particularly impressive, offering real-time help with suspicious emails and messages — a useful tool as phishing attacks become more sophisticated. Key features Real-time antivirus, anti-malware and ransomware protection Built-in VPN for secure browsing Password manager Genie Scam Protection (AI assistant) Dark web monitoring (on select plans) Multi-device support Who’s it for? Best for users who want a full-featured security suite across multiple devices. Norton is ideal if you: Want an all-in-one security solution Use multiple devices (Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android) Value extra features like VPN and identity protection Want real-time help spotting scams What to consider macOS version feels less fully featured than Windows version Some features (e.g. cloud backup) are not available on Mac Interface and settings can feel complex for beginners In our testing, missed a small number of threats and struggled with some file types (e.g. ZIP files) Browser protection didn’t block all suspicious links in testing Bottom line If you want a feature-rich, all-in-one security suite, Norton 360 is one of the best options available. While it’s not as Mac-focused as Intego, it offers excellent protection, powerful extras and strong cross-platform coverage, making it a great choice for households with multiple devices. Read our full Norton 360 review 3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy and multi-device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.29 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Surfshark One is a good choice privacy-focused users, combining strong malware protection with a powerful VPN and unlimited device coverage. Surfshark One lets you protect unlimited devices across macOS, Windows and Android, making it an excellent choice for households or users with multiple devices. It also scored top marks for protection in AV-Test benchmarks, while bundling a suite of privacy tools that go beyond traditional antivirus. Why we picked it Surfshark One isn’t just an antivirus, it’s a complete privacy and security suite. It combines strong protection with tools designed to safeguard your identity and online activity. Key strengths include: Unlimited device coverage across multiple platforms Excellent malware protection (top AV-Test scores) Built-in VPN with strong privacy features Identity protection tools (data breach alerts, alternative identity) Ad, tracker and malicious site blocking Its biggest advantage is the combination of antivirus and privacy tools in one package, which few rivals match. Key features Surfshark Antivirus – real-time malware protection Surfshark VPN – encrypted browsing and location masking Alert – notifies you if your data is exposed in breaches Search – private, ad-free browsing Alternative ID – generates a proxy identity for sign-ups CleanWeb – blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites Who’s it for? Best for users who want privacy and security across multiple devices. Surfshark One is ideal if you: Have multiple devices (Mac, Windows, Android) Want built-in VPN and identity protection tools Are concerned about data privacy as well as malware What to consider More expensive than most Mac-only antivirus options Cheapest plans require longer commitments (e.g. two years) Slightly lower scores for speed and usability in AV-Test Not currently tested by AV-Comparatives Bottom line If you want more than just antivirus, Surfshark One is a compelling choice. It combines strong protection, unlimited device coverage and powerful privacy tools in a single package – making it ideal for users who value both security and anonymity online. Read our full Surfshark One review 4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered scam protection Pros Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats No impact on performance 60-day trial available Cons Slow manual scanning Price When Reviewed: From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Avast Premium Security is a strong all-round antivirus suite, combining robust malware protection with new AI-powered tools designed to tackle modern threats like scams and phishing. Available across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, Avast is a good choice for users with multiple devices. It delivers consistently high protection scores in independent tests (including top results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives), along with a clean, easy-to-use interface and a wide range of security features. Why we picked it Avast stands out for its focus on real-world threats, particularly online scams and phishing attacks. Its new AI-powered Scam Guardian helps identify suspicious links, emails and websites, offering an extra layer of protection beyond traditional antivirus tools. Key strengths include: Top-tier malware detection in independent lab tests AI-powered scam and phishing protection (Scam Guardian) Cross-platform support for multiple devices Strong ransomware and web protection Clean, user-friendly interface with flexible scan options This makes Avast a great option for users who want modern, proactive protection, not just traditional virus scanning. Key features Real-time malware protection with flexible scan options Scam Guardian – AI-powered protection against phishing and fraud Ransomware protection for sensitive files Web and email protection against malicious links Network security tools for safer browsing Who’s it for? Suitable for individuals and families who want strong protection against scams and online threats across multiple devices. Avast is ideal if you: Shop, bank or browse frequently online Want protection across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android Value proactive scam and phishing detection What to consider Some advanced features are locked behind the paid version Interface can occasionally prompt upgrades or additional tools Not as Mac-focused as dedicated solutions like Intego Avast shares an engine with AVG, so expect similar results Bottom line Avast Premium Security is a feature-rich, modern antivirus suite that goes beyond basic protection with AI-powered scam detection. It’s a particularly strong choice for users who want cross-platform coverage and extra protection against phishing and online fraud. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for ease of use Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket AVG Internet Security for Mac is a reliable, feature-rich option that combines strong protection with a clean, easy-to-use interface. Best known for its free antivirus, AVG’s premium suite builds on that foundation with broader security tools and consistently strong lab performance. In independent testing, AVG achieved top scores from AV-Test (Protection, Speed and Usability) and maximum ratings from AV-Comparatives across Mac malware, Windows malware and potentially unwanted applications – confirming its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Why we picked it AVG stands out for its balanced mix of protection, usability and features, making it a strong choice for users who want dependable security without complexity. Key strengths include: Top scores in independent lab tests (AV-Test and AV-Comparatives) Strong malware and phishing protection Clean, intuitive interface Effective malware removal capabilities Generous 60-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee While it doesn’t dramatically outperform rivals in any one area, AVG delivers consistently solid performance across the board. Key features Real-time malware and threat protection Web and phishing protection Email security tools Ransomware protection Scheduled and on-demand scans Who’s it for? Best for cautious Mac users who want reliable, no-fuss protection with the option to try before they buy.AVG is ideal if you: Want strong protection without a steep learning curve Prefer a clean, easy-to-navigate interface Like the flexibility of a long free trial before committing What to consider Mac-only (separate products needed for other platforms) Scan activity could be communicated more clearly Missed some test scenarios (e.g. fake installer in our testing) Doesn’t stand out as strongly as top competitors AVG uses the same core engine as Avast Bottom line AVG Internet Security for Mac is a well-rounded and trustworthy antivirus solution. It may not lead the pack in any single category, but its strong lab results, ease of use and solid protection make it a dependable choice for most Mac users. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 6. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac – Best value Pros Clean, customisable and easy to navigate Low system impact Cons Missed some threats in our testing Limited extras Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers strong protection, a clean interface and solid features at a competitive price, making it our top pick for value. It offers a customisable, easy-to-use interface and integrates well with macOS security features like Gatekeeper. While it focuses more on core protection than extras, it provides reliable real-time defence and a good range of essential tools. Why we picked it Bitdefender offers a good balance of protection, performance and affordability, making it ideal for users who want strong security without paying for features they won’t use. Key strengths include: Strong malware protection and real-time scanning Lightweight performance with minimal impact in everyday use Clean, customisable interface Good core feature set without unnecessary bloat Competitive pricing compared to premium rivals Bitdefender focuses on doing the basics well, rather than adding unnecessary extras. Key features Real-time malware protection (Bitdefender Shield) On-demand and scheduled scanning Ransomware protection (including Time Machine protection) Anti-phishing and web protection tools Adware and browser threat blocking Built-in VPN (limited data allowance) Who’s it for Bitdefender is for users who want strong, reliable protection at a lower price. Bitdefender is ideal if you: Want high-quality antivirus protection without paying for extras Prefer a lightweight antivirus with minimal slowdown Don’t need lots of extra features like parental controls or system tools Value performance and ease of use What to consider Fewer extra features than competitors Built-in VPN is limited unless you upgrade Some usability issues in testing (e.g. occasional scan slowdowns or freezes) Anti-phishing protection can be limited in some browsers Bottom line If you want maximum protection for your money, Bitdefender is a good choice. It may not have the widest feature set, but it offers excellent malware detection, strong performance and great overall value. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top six doesn’t mean a product isn’t going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. You’ll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldn’t advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews. (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.) MacPaw, Moonlock We recommend: MacPaw Moonlock Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: $45 at MacPaw (annual) Why we recommend it: MacPaw is best known for CleanMyMac, but now it’s brought out its own Mac antivirus app. What’s present in Moonlock, in terms of malware detection and removal makes it a viable option for Mac users who want good protection with minimal fuss. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past. Who’s it for: Moonlock includes some great learning tools, making it well suited to users who feel a bit lost navigating the world of anti-malware. MacPaw really makes an effort to teach less-technical users why certain security settings matter. Read our fullMoonlock review Avira Prime We recommend: Avira Prime Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Avira – Prime (first year, 5 devices) Why we recommend it: Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Who’s it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Read our full Avira Prime review Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard plan $59.99; Plus plan $79.99; Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for three devices Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it: Malwarebytes for Mac is a user-friendly tool that delivers fast malware detection, external drive scanning, VPN and identity tools. Who’s it for: It’s best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our fullMalwarebytes Premium Security review McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: McAfee Total Protection covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Who’s it for: It’s a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: $24.95 at Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory. Who’s it for: While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, it’s a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss. Read our fullTrend Micro Antivirus review BitMedic Pro Antivirus We recommend: BitMedic Pro Antivirus Read our review Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Mac App Store (one off payment) Why we recommend it: BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s beginning to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. Who’s it for: The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection. Read our fullBitMedic Pro Antivirus review Sophos Home Premium for Mac We recommend: Sophos Home Premium for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Sophos (first year, 10 device) Why we recommend it: Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows. Who’s it for: It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination. Read our fullSophos Home Premium for Mac review Is free antivirus for Mac good enough? Free antivirus software can provide basic protection, but it often lacks advanced features such as ransomware protection, firewalls and real-time web security. Paid options offer more comprehensive, all-round protection. Apple includes built-in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper, which block known malware and unverified apps. However, in our testing, it was still possible to install Mac malware or suspicious software if warnings were ignored, showing that Apple’s protections alone are not foolproof. Free third-party antivirus tools offer an advantage in that they are updated more frequently and can protect against a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans and ransomware. The core antivirus engine is often the same in both free and paid versions. The difference lies in the extra features included in premium suites, such as web and phishing protection, VPNs, identity monitoring, parental controls and customer support. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. If security is a priority, a paid antivirus offers the most complete protection. However, if you’re on a tight budget, a free antivirus is still better than relying solely on Apple’s built-in security tools. If you’re on a really tight budget, a free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apple’s security tools. For some low-priced AV options, check out the best Mac antivirus deals for the best prices. What’s the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect – Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac – Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac – Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner – Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison DeveloperProduct NameMalware ProtectionRansomware ProtectionAdware PreventionAnti Phishing ProtectionEmail ProtectionFirewallVPNiOS VersionParental ControlsSupportTrial/Free versionIntegoIntego ONEExcellent, Mac focusedYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesEmail/Phone30 day trial and free optionSurfsharkSurfshark OneStrongYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoChat/Email30-day money back guaranteeAVGInternet Security for MacGoodYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoEmail60 daysAvastPremium SecurityVery goodYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail/Forum60 daysMcAfeeTotal ProtectionGoodYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30 days/money-back guaranteeTrend MicroAntivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail30 daysNortonNorton 360Very strongYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30-day money-backAviraAvira PrimeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoEmail30 daysBitdefenderBitdefender Antivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Chat30 daysMacPawMoonlockYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoEmail7 daysPocket Bits LLCBitMedic Pro AntivirusYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoEmail/Support Form7 daysSophosSophos Home Premium for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesChat/Email30 daysESETEset Home SecurityYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Phone30 daysMalwarebtyesMalwarebytes Premium SecurityNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoEmail/Forum14 days Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since the launch of the Mac in 1984, giving us decades of experience and deep expertise in Apple’s ecosystem. We understand how Macs work – and how best to protect them. While Apple includes built-in security tools to combat malware, today’s threat landscape means additional protection is often worthwhile. Our antivirus reviewers have decades of industry experience, including hands-on work supporting users and solving real-world IT and security issues. Our recommendations are based on a combination of independent lab data, structured testing and real-world usage – not just specifications or vendor claims. We regularly review and update our rankings to reflect the latest threats, software updates and performance improvements. How we test Mac antivirus How We Test Mac Antivirus SoftwareTo identify the best antivirus software for Mac, we combine hands-on testing, real-world threat simulation and independent lab data. Our goal is to assess how effectively each product protects your Mac without compromising performance, usability or value. Real-world testing environment: We begin with a clean installation of macOS, which is then cloned for each antivirus product. Each app is installed and tested in isolation to ensure results are not affected by other software — particularly important as antivirus tools can sometimes flag each other as threats. We simulate real-world attack scenarios by: Downloading known malware samples Visiting malicious and phishing websites Testing suspicious files and drive-by downloads Running malware in controlled conditions This allows us to evaluate how well each product detects and blocks both online and offline threats, including Mac-specific malware, adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). We also assess how effectively each tool detects and handles Windows-based malware, which can still pose a risk when sharing files. Independent lab validation: To support our findings, we reference results from leading independent testing organisations: AV-Test AV-Comparatives These labs evaluate antivirus software against large sets of known malware and potentially unwanted applications, measuring detection rates, false positives and overall protection. Where lab data is unavailable, we carry out more extensive in-house testing using real malware samples. Performance impact: Antivirus software should protect your Mac without slowing it down. We measure performance by assessing: System responsiveness during full and quick scans Impact of real-time protection on everyday tasks Background CPU and resource usage We prioritise solutions that deliver strong protection with minimal noticeable slowdown, since overly demanding software is more likely to be disabled by users. Features, usability and user experience: We spend time using each product to evaluate how intuitive and practical it is in daily use. This includes: Ease of installation and setup Interface design and macOS integration Clarity and relevance of alerts and notifications We also assess additional features, including: Ransomware protection Web and phishing protection Firewalls and network monitoring VPNs and privacy tools Password managers and parental controls Importantly, we consider whether these features are genuinely useful or simply added complexity. Value for money: We evaluate pricing and overall value, including: Subscription costs and renewal pricing Number of devices covered Features included at each tier Our focus is on products that offer a strong balance of protection, performance and features at a reasonable price. Best Mac Antivirus FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Yes – while Macs are generally more secure than Windows PCs and include built-in protections like XProtect and sandboxing, which helps limit how far malware can spread, these measures are not enough to defend against modern threats such as phishing, adware and ransomware. Adding a dedicated antivirus tool helps close those gaps, provides broader coverage against evolving threats and extra layer of security when browsing the web or downloading files. For more detail, see our guide to whether Macs need antivirus, along with our Mac security tips and advice on how to remove a virus from a Mac. Do iPhones need antivirus software? You may be considering a Mac Antivirus that also offers to protect your iPhone, but is that protection really necessary? Apple’s iOS is designed with strong built-in security, including app sandboxing, strict App Store review processes and system-level protections that prevent traditional viruses from infecting your device. This makes it very difficult for malware to spread in the same way it can on other platforms. So, no – iPhones generally don’t need antivirus software. However, iPhones are not completely risk-free. Threats like phishing attacks, malicious websites and data breaches can still affect users. Instead of installing an antivirus app the best advice is to keep iOS up to date, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and don’t download anything unless you are sure it is safe. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? Mac antivirus software protects your device using a combination of on-demand scans and real-time (always-on) protection. On-demand scanning checks files when you run a manual or scheduled scan. This can take time, especially on systems with lots of data, and may temporarily use more system resources. For best results, scans are often scheduled to run at convenient times. See how to scan a Mac for malware Real-time protection works continuously in the background. If malware arrives – for example via an email attachment or downloaded file – the antivirus can detect and block it immediately. Suspicious files are typically quarantined, meaning they are moved to a secure location where they can’t cause harm while you decide whether to delete or restore them. The effectiveness of these two layers of protection is the most important factor when choosing antivirus software, but additional features can also make a difference. Many Mac antivirus tools now include ransomware protection, which prevents unauthorised apps from accessing sensitive folders such as Documents or Photos. Only trusted apps are allowed access, and you can customise these permissions. Web protection is another key feature, often delivered via browser extensions. This helps block malicious websites, phishing attempts and unsafe downloads, reducing the risk of accidentally exposing personal information. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? Yes, a VPN can be a useful addition to Mac antivirus software. It encrypts your internet connection, helping protect your data – especially on public Wi-Fi. However, built-in VPNs are often limited, so a dedicated VPN service usually offers better performance and features. Some Mac antivirus packages include a built-in VPN (virtual private network), although VPNs are also widely available as standalone products. For many users, VPNs are appealing because they can mask your location and allow access to region-restricted content, such as streaming services. More importantly, a VPN improves security by encrypting your internet connection, which is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. This helps protect your data from interception and reduces the risk of cyberattacks. While we generally recommend a dedicated Mac VPN service for the best performance and features, a VPN included with antivirus software can still be a useful extra. Just be aware that bundled VPNs often come with limitations, such as data caps or reduced functionality, and may prompt you to upgrade to a full subscription. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value means different things to different users. For some, it’s the best free option; for others, it’s a reasonably priced product with the most useful features. We define value as the best overall balance of protection, performance and features – and for protecting a single Mac, we believe Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways to save money on even the top antivirus products. Most Mac antivirus apps are sold as annual subscriptions, often with significant discounts for the first year. When that period ends, you can switch providers to take advantage of new introductory offers, or opt for longer-term plans (such as two- or three-year subscriptions) to reduce the overall cost. Many antivirus suites also cover multiple devices, including Windows PCs and Android smartphones. If you have several devices in your household, a multi-device plan can offer excellent value. For the latest offers, see our guide to the Best Mac Antivirus deals, which includes the most affordable options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper. 6. What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apple’s virus protection? It’s actually very good, and there isn’t much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features – but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what they’re doing. Still, the protection is present, it’s updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. We have tested Apple’s own solution against a range of malware samples. While it did a reasonable job overall, we found instances where questionable applications could be installed without any warning. A helpful analogy is to think of Apple’s built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while a paid antivirus solution acts more like an alarm system with security cameras. Third-party tools update their virus definitions – including not just viruses, but also adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware – several times a day, often more frequently than Apple’s protections, providing real-time defense against new and emerging threats. During our testing of Apple’s malware protections, recovery options were limited. In some cases, the only solution was to wipe the Mac and restore from a backup made before the risky behavior – hoping nothing had already spread. Apple does not offer dedicated malware removal support or guarantees if an infection occurs, nor does it protect against cross-platform threats across multiple devices. Paid antivirus software typically includes these services, along with additional features such as web and phishing protection, vulnerability patching tools, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud backup, and dark web monitoring. That said, macOS’s built-in security may be sufficient for low-risk users who install apps only from the App Store or trusted developers, keep automatic updates enabled, avoid pirated software, do not disable Gatekeeper, have limited exposure to risky email attachments, and do not handle sensitive client data. Ultimately, investing in a reputable security suite for Mac adds an extra layer of protection – and for many users, it’s a case of being safe rather than sorry. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers, we have some recommendations above. 10. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac – a key reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect – are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features.03:34 pmBest Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested & ranked by experts
Macworld Looking for the best antivirus for Mac? We’ve tested the leading apps to find out which ones actually protect your device without slowing it down. Get the best Mac antivirus: Intego ONE It wasn’t long ago that Macs were seen as secure enough on their own. But with rising popularity and high-profile attacks, macOS is now a clear target. While Apple includes built-in protections like XProtect and Gatekeeper, they only defend against known threats. Today’s risks – ransomware, phishing, and malicious downloads – are more advanced and often harder to detect, putting your data, privacy, and finances at risk. Apple’s built-in tools alone aren’t enough. That’s why we’ve tested the top Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios, performance benchmarks, and independent lab results, alongside usability and reliability checks. Use this guide to find the best antivirus for your needs. Below are our expert picks for 2026, including the best overall, best value, and best free options. What’s new this month: Intego launched Intego ONE, a new Mac security software suite that combines protection, privacy, and cleanup tools into one app. We have reviewed it – see what we thought below. Also in April, a ClickFix-style attack targeted Mac users with a fake Apple-themed webpage that attempted to get Mac users to run malicious commands. Apple protects against such attacks by warning users before they take risky actions, for example, in late March a Terminal paste warning arrived in macOS 26.4 that alerts users who paste in suspicious commands, however the ClickFix attack identified by Jamf in April 2026 bypasses Terminal. Best Mac Antivirus in 2026: At a Glance The best antivirus for Mac in 2026 is Intego ONE, thanks to its Mac-specific design, strong protection, and low performance impact. Norton 360 and Bitdefender are also top alternatives. Scroll down for full reviews and testing results. How we test Mac Antivirus We test Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios and independent lab data from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Starting with a clean macOS system, we downloaded malware samples and visited malicious websites to measure protection against online and offline threats, including Windows-based malware. We also assessed system performance, ease of use and macOS integration, along with features like ransomware protection, VPNs and firewalls. Only products that deliver strong protection without slowing down your Mac make our top recommendations. Best Mac Antivirus: Benchmarks We compared independent lab results with our own real-world testing to identify the best Mac antivirus software for 2026. AntivirusAV-Test ProtectionAV-Comparatives ScoreOur Malware DetectionPerformance Impact (Our Tests)Scan SpeedOverall ScoreIntegoN/AN/A98%LowFastest4.5 / 5Norton 3606 / 6Advanced+100%MediumMedium4.7 / 5Avira Free5.5 / 6Advanced97%LowFast4.3 / 5Surfshark6 / 6Advanced+100%LowFast4.4 / 5Avast Premium Security6 / 6Advanced+99%MediumMedium4.5 / 5AVG Internet Security 6 / 6Advanced+99%LowMedium4.5 / 5Bitdefender6 / 6Advanced+100%LowFast4.8 / 5 Best Mac Antivirus: Our top picks tested and ranked We’ve tested and reviewed the best Mac antivirus software below. Our summaries explain how each product performed, why it ranks where it does, and its key features – with links to our full, in-depth reviews. 1. Intego ONE – Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Extremely fast malware scanning Excellent firewall control options Strong macOS-focused protection Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: Intego ONE Essential from $2.50 a month/one device/first year, then $3.33 a month or $29.99 for the first year and then $39.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (annual) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Intego ONE is a powerful Mac-focused security suite with excellent malware detection, extremely fast scan speeds, and strong firewall controls. Specifically designed for macOS, it works seamlessly with Apple’s XProtect and Gatekeeper tools. Why we picked it as our top choice Intego ONE stands out for its outstanding malware detection, very fast scan speeds, and powerful firewall controls, making it one of the most reliable security tools specifically tailored for macOS. Intego delivers reliable, no-fuss security that integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. Key strengths include: Near-perfect malware detection rates. Industry-leading scan speeds. Firewall with excellent visibility and control over network activity. Clean interface with no aggressive upselling Designed specifically for macOS, not a ported PC app Intego delivers consistent, real-world protection with better usability for Mac users. Key features Antivirus: Full, quick, custom scans and scheduling (Intego ONE Essential) Firewall: With network monitoring and rule creation (Intego ONE Essential) VPN: With 51 global servers, Lightway protocols (Intego ONE Complete) SmartClean: Disk cleanup, app uninstaller, system optimisation (Intego ONE Advanced & Complete) Who’s it for? Intego ONE has a user-friendly interface, making it well suited to Mac users who want easy security management while prioritising powerful malware protection, strong performance, and advanced network control. Intego is ideal if you: Use a single Mac or MacBook Want strong protection without complexity Prefer software designed specifically for Apple systems What to consider Mac-only (no cross-platform support) Fewer extras than some rivals (e.g. no password management) Bottom line If you want the most Mac-native antivirus experience, Intego is the best choice. It may not have the longest feature list, but it focuses on what matters most: effective protection, ease of use, and seamless macOS integration. 2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton 360 is one of the most comprehensive security suites available for Mac, combining antivirus protection with a wide range of additional features, including a VPN, password manager and AI-powered scam detection. A well-known and trusted name in cybersecurity, Norton also offers its Virus Protection Promise, meaning you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your device. Why we picked it Norton stands out for its all-in-one feature set and excellent lab performance, making it ideal for users who want complete protection across multiple devices. Key strengths include: Top scores in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives (June 2025) All-in-one suite: antivirus, VPN, password manager and more AI-powered Genie Scam Protection for real-time threat advice Strong cross-platform support (Mac, iOS, Windows, Android) Good value considering the breadth of features The addition of Norton’s Genie Scam Assistant is particularly impressive, offering real-time help with suspicious emails and messages — a useful tool as phishing attacks become more sophisticated. Key features Real-time antivirus, anti-malware and ransomware protection Built-in VPN for secure browsing Password manager Genie Scam Protection (AI assistant) Dark web monitoring (on select plans) Multi-device support Who’s it for? Best for users who want a full-featured security suite across multiple devices. Norton is ideal if you: Want an all-in-one security solution Use multiple devices (Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android) Value extra features like VPN and identity protection Want real-time help spotting scams What to consider macOS version feels less fully featured than Windows version Some features (e.g. cloud backup) are not available on Mac Interface and settings can feel complex for beginners In our testing, missed a small number of threats and struggled with some file types (e.g. ZIP files) Browser protection didn’t block all suspicious links in testing Bottom line If you want a feature-rich, all-in-one security suite, Norton 360 is one of the best options available. While it’s not as Mac-focused as Intego, it offers excellent protection, powerful extras and strong cross-platform coverage, making it a great choice for households with multiple devices. Read our full Norton 360 review 3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy and multi-device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.29 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Surfshark One is a good choice privacy-focused users, combining strong malware protection with a powerful VPN and unlimited device coverage. Surfshark One lets you protect unlimited devices across macOS, Windows and Android, making it an excellent choice for households or users with multiple devices. It also scored top marks for protection in AV-Test benchmarks, while bundling a suite of privacy tools that go beyond traditional antivirus. Why we picked it Surfshark One isn’t just an antivirus, it’s a complete privacy and security suite. It combines strong protection with tools designed to safeguard your identity and online activity. Key strengths include: Unlimited device coverage across multiple platforms Excellent malware protection (top AV-Test scores) Built-in VPN with strong privacy features Identity protection tools (data breach alerts, alternative identity) Ad, tracker and malicious site blocking Its biggest advantage is the combination of antivirus and privacy tools in one package, which few rivals match. Key features Surfshark Antivirus – real-time malware protection Surfshark VPN – encrypted browsing and location masking Alert – notifies you if your data is exposed in breaches Search – private, ad-free browsing Alternative ID – generates a proxy identity for sign-ups CleanWeb – blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites Who’s it for? Best for users who want privacy and security across multiple devices. Surfshark One is ideal if you: Have multiple devices (Mac, Windows, Android) Want built-in VPN and identity protection tools Are concerned about data privacy as well as malware What to consider More expensive than most Mac-only antivirus options Cheapest plans require longer commitments (e.g. two years) Slightly lower scores for speed and usability in AV-Test Not currently tested by AV-Comparatives Bottom line If you want more than just antivirus, Surfshark One is a compelling choice. It combines strong protection, unlimited device coverage and powerful privacy tools in a single package – making it ideal for users who value both security and anonymity online. Read our full Surfshark One review 4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered scam protection Pros Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats No impact on performance 60-day trial available Cons Slow manual scanning Price When Reviewed: From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Avast Premium Security is a strong all-round antivirus suite, combining robust malware protection with new AI-powered tools designed to tackle modern threats like scams and phishing. Available across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, Avast is a good choice for users with multiple devices. It delivers consistently high protection scores in independent tests (including top results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives), along with a clean, easy-to-use interface and a wide range of security features. Why we picked it Avast stands out for its focus on real-world threats, particularly online scams and phishing attacks. Its new AI-powered Scam Guardian helps identify suspicious links, emails and websites, offering an extra layer of protection beyond traditional antivirus tools. Key strengths include: Top-tier malware detection in independent lab tests AI-powered scam and phishing protection (Scam Guardian) Cross-platform support for multiple devices Strong ransomware and web protection Clean, user-friendly interface with flexible scan options This makes Avast a great option for users who want modern, proactive protection, not just traditional virus scanning. Key features Real-time malware protection with flexible scan options Scam Guardian – AI-powered protection against phishing and fraud Ransomware protection for sensitive files Web and email protection against malicious links Network security tools for safer browsing Who’s it for? Suitable for individuals and families who want strong protection against scams and online threats across multiple devices. Avast is ideal if you: Shop, bank or browse frequently online Want protection across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android Value proactive scam and phishing detection What to consider Some advanced features are locked behind the paid version Interface can occasionally prompt upgrades or additional tools Not as Mac-focused as dedicated solutions like Intego Avast shares an engine with AVG, so expect similar results Bottom line Avast Premium Security is a feature-rich, modern antivirus suite that goes beyond basic protection with AI-powered scam detection. It’s a particularly strong choice for users who want cross-platform coverage and extra protection against phishing and online fraud. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for ease of use Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket AVG Internet Security for Mac is a reliable, feature-rich option that combines strong protection with a clean, easy-to-use interface. Best known for its free antivirus, AVG’s premium suite builds on that foundation with broader security tools and consistently strong lab performance. In independent testing, AVG achieved top scores from AV-Test (Protection, Speed and Usability) and maximum ratings from AV-Comparatives across Mac malware, Windows malware and potentially unwanted applications – confirming its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Why we picked it AVG stands out for its balanced mix of protection, usability and features, making it a strong choice for users who want dependable security without complexity. Key strengths include: Top scores in independent lab tests (AV-Test and AV-Comparatives) Strong malware and phishing protection Clean, intuitive interface Effective malware removal capabilities Generous 60-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee While it doesn’t dramatically outperform rivals in any one area, AVG delivers consistently solid performance across the board. Key features Real-time malware and threat protection Web and phishing protection Email security tools Ransomware protection Scheduled and on-demand scans Who’s it for? Best for cautious Mac users who want reliable, no-fuss protection with the option to try before they buy.AVG is ideal if you: Want strong protection without a steep learning curve Prefer a clean, easy-to-navigate interface Like the flexibility of a long free trial before committing What to consider Mac-only (separate products needed for other platforms) Scan activity could be communicated more clearly Missed some test scenarios (e.g. fake installer in our testing) Doesn’t stand out as strongly as top competitors AVG uses the same core engine as Avast Bottom line AVG Internet Security for Mac is a well-rounded and trustworthy antivirus solution. It may not lead the pack in any single category, but its strong lab results, ease of use and solid protection make it a dependable choice for most Mac users. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 6. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac – Best value Pros Clean, customisable and easy to navigate Low system impact Cons Missed some threats in our testing Limited extras Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers strong protection, a clean interface and solid features at a competitive price, making it our top pick for value. It offers a customisable, easy-to-use interface and integrates well with macOS security features like Gatekeeper. While it focuses more on core protection than extras, it provides reliable real-time defence and a good range of essential tools. Why we picked it Bitdefender offers a good balance of protection, performance and affordability, making it ideal for users who want strong security without paying for features they won’t use. Key strengths include: Strong malware protection and real-time scanning Lightweight performance with minimal impact in everyday use Clean, customisable interface Good core feature set without unnecessary bloat Competitive pricing compared to premium rivals Bitdefender focuses on doing the basics well, rather than adding unnecessary extras. Key features Real-time malware protection (Bitdefender Shield) On-demand and scheduled scanning Ransomware protection (including Time Machine protection) Anti-phishing and web protection tools Adware and browser threat blocking Built-in VPN (limited data allowance) Who’s it for Bitdefender is for users who want strong, reliable protection at a lower price. Bitdefender is ideal if you: Want high-quality antivirus protection without paying for extras Prefer a lightweight antivirus with minimal slowdown Don’t need lots of extra features like parental controls or system tools Value performance and ease of use What to consider Fewer extra features than competitors Built-in VPN is limited unless you upgrade Some usability issues in testing (e.g. occasional scan slowdowns or freezes) Anti-phishing protection can be limited in some browsers Bottom line If you want maximum protection for your money, Bitdefender is a good choice. It may not have the widest feature set, but it offers excellent malware detection, strong performance and great overall value. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top six doesn’t mean a product isn’t going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. You’ll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldn’t advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews. (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.) MacPaw, Moonlock We recommend: MacPaw Moonlock Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: $45 at MacPaw (annual) Why we recommend it: MacPaw is best known for CleanMyMac, but now it’s brought out its own Mac antivirus app. What’s present in Moonlock, in terms of malware detection and removal makes it a viable option for Mac users who want good protection with minimal fuss. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past. Who’s it for: Moonlock includes some great learning tools, making it well suited to users who feel a bit lost navigating the world of anti-malware. MacPaw really makes an effort to teach less-technical users why certain security settings matter. Read our fullMoonlock review Avira Prime We recommend: Avira Prime Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Avira – Prime (first year, 5 devices) Why we recommend it: Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Who’s it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Read our full Avira Prime review Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard plan $59.99; Plus plan $79.99; Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for three devices Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it: Malwarebytes for Mac is a user-friendly tool that delivers fast malware detection, external drive scanning, VPN and identity tools. Who’s it for: It’s best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our fullMalwarebytes Premium Security review McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: McAfee Total Protection covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Who’s it for: It’s a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: $24.95 at Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory. Who’s it for: While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, it’s a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss. Read our fullTrend Micro Antivirus review BitMedic Pro Antivirus We recommend: BitMedic Pro Antivirus Read our review Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Mac App Store (one off payment) Why we recommend it: BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s beginning to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. Who’s it for: The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection. Read our fullBitMedic Pro Antivirus review Sophos Home Premium for Mac We recommend: Sophos Home Premium for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Sophos (first year, 10 device) Why we recommend it: Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows. Who’s it for: It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination. Read our fullSophos Home Premium for Mac review Is free antivirus for Mac good enough? Free antivirus software can provide basic protection, but it often lacks advanced features such as ransomware protection, firewalls and real-time web security. Paid options offer more comprehensive, all-round protection. Apple includes built-in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper, which block known malware and unverified apps. However, in our testing, it was still possible to install Mac malware or suspicious software if warnings were ignored, showing that Apple’s protections alone are not foolproof. Free third-party antivirus tools offer an advantage in that they are updated more frequently and can protect against a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans and ransomware. The core antivirus engine is often the same in both free and paid versions. The difference lies in the extra features included in premium suites, such as web and phishing protection, VPNs, identity monitoring, parental controls and customer support. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. If security is a priority, a paid antivirus offers the most complete protection. However, if you’re on a tight budget, a free antivirus is still better than relying solely on Apple’s built-in security tools. If you’re on a really tight budget, a free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apple’s security tools. For some low-priced AV options, check out the best Mac antivirus deals for the best prices. What’s the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect – Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac – Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac – Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner – Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison DeveloperProduct NameMalware ProtectionRansomware ProtectionAdware PreventionAnti Phishing ProtectionEmail ProtectionFirewallVPNiOS VersionParental ControlsSupportTrial/Free versionIntegoIntego ONEExcellent, Mac focusedYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesEmail/Phone30 day trial and free optionSurfsharkSurfshark OneStrongYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoChat/Email30-day money back guaranteeAVGInternet Security for MacGoodYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoEmail60 daysAvastPremium SecurityVery goodYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail/Forum60 daysMcAfeeTotal ProtectionGoodYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30 days/money-back guaranteeTrend MicroAntivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail30 daysNortonNorton 360Very strongYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30-day money-backAviraAvira PrimeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoEmail30 daysBitdefenderBitdefender Antivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Chat30 daysMacPawMoonlockYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoEmail7 daysPocket Bits LLCBitMedic Pro AntivirusYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoEmail/Support Form7 daysSophosSophos Home Premium for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesChat/Email30 daysESETEset Home SecurityYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Phone30 daysMalwarebtyesMalwarebytes Premium SecurityNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoEmail/Forum14 days Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since the launch of the Mac in 1984, giving us decades of experience and deep expertise in Apple’s ecosystem. We understand how Macs work – and how best to protect them. While Apple includes built-in security tools to combat malware, today’s threat landscape means additional protection is often worthwhile. Our antivirus reviewers have decades of industry experience, including hands-on work supporting users and solving real-world IT and security issues. Our recommendations are based on a combination of independent lab data, structured testing and real-world usage – not just specifications or vendor claims. We regularly review and update our rankings to reflect the latest threats, software updates and performance improvements. How we test Mac antivirus How We Test Mac Antivirus SoftwareTo identify the best antivirus software for Mac, we combine hands-on testing, real-world threat simulation and independent lab data. Our goal is to assess how effectively each product protects your Mac without compromising performance, usability or value. Real-world testing environment: We begin with a clean installation of macOS, which is then cloned for each antivirus product. Each app is installed and tested in isolation to ensure results are not affected by other software — particularly important as antivirus tools can sometimes flag each other as threats. We simulate real-world attack scenarios by: Downloading known malware samples Visiting malicious and phishing websites Testing suspicious files and drive-by downloads Running malware in controlled conditions This allows us to evaluate how well each product detects and blocks both online and offline threats, including Mac-specific malware, adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). We also assess how effectively each tool detects and handles Windows-based malware, which can still pose a risk when sharing files. Independent lab validation: To support our findings, we reference results from leading independent testing organisations: AV-Test AV-Comparatives These labs evaluate antivirus software against large sets of known malware and potentially unwanted applications, measuring detection rates, false positives and overall protection. Where lab data is unavailable, we carry out more extensive in-house testing using real malware samples. Performance impact: Antivirus software should protect your Mac without slowing it down. We measure performance by assessing: System responsiveness during full and quick scans Impact of real-time protection on everyday tasks Background CPU and resource usage We prioritise solutions that deliver strong protection with minimal noticeable slowdown, since overly demanding software is more likely to be disabled by users. Features, usability and user experience: We spend time using each product to evaluate how intuitive and practical it is in daily use. This includes: Ease of installation and setup Interface design and macOS integration Clarity and relevance of alerts and notifications We also assess additional features, including: Ransomware protection Web and phishing protection Firewalls and network monitoring VPNs and privacy tools Password managers and parental controls Importantly, we consider whether these features are genuinely useful or simply added complexity. Value for money: We evaluate pricing and overall value, including: Subscription costs and renewal pricing Number of devices covered Features included at each tier Our focus is on products that offer a strong balance of protection, performance and features at a reasonable price. Best Mac Antivirus FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Yes – while Macs are generally more secure than Windows PCs and include built-in protections like XProtect and sandboxing, which helps limit how far malware can spread, these measures are not enough to defend against modern threats such as phishing, adware and ransomware. Adding a dedicated antivirus tool helps close those gaps, provides broader coverage against evolving threats and extra layer of security when browsing the web or downloading files. For more detail, see our guide to whether Macs need antivirus, along with our Mac security tips and advice on how to remove a virus from a Mac. Do iPhones need antivirus software? You may be considering a Mac Antivirus that also offers to protect your iPhone, but is that protection really necessary? Apple’s iOS is designed with strong built-in security, including app sandboxing, strict App Store review processes and system-level protections that prevent traditional viruses from infecting your device. This makes it very difficult for malware to spread in the same way it can on other platforms. So, no – iPhones generally don’t need antivirus software. However, iPhones are not completely risk-free. Threats like phishing attacks, malicious websites and data breaches can still affect users. Instead of installing an antivirus app the best advice is to keep iOS up to date, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and don’t download anything unless you are sure it is safe. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? Mac antivirus software protects your device using a combination of on-demand scans and real-time (always-on) protection. On-demand scanning checks files when you run a manual or scheduled scan. This can take time, especially on systems with lots of data, and may temporarily use more system resources. For best results, scans are often scheduled to run at convenient times. See how to scan a Mac for malware Real-time protection works continuously in the background. If malware arrives – for example via an email attachment or downloaded file – the antivirus can detect and block it immediately. Suspicious files are typically quarantined, meaning they are moved to a secure location where they can’t cause harm while you decide whether to delete or restore them. The effectiveness of these two layers of protection is the most important factor when choosing antivirus software, but additional features can also make a difference. Many Mac antivirus tools now include ransomware protection, which prevents unauthorised apps from accessing sensitive folders such as Documents or Photos. Only trusted apps are allowed access, and you can customise these permissions. Web protection is another key feature, often delivered via browser extensions. This helps block malicious websites, phishing attempts and unsafe downloads, reducing the risk of accidentally exposing personal information. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? Yes, a VPN can be a useful addition to Mac antivirus software. It encrypts your internet connection, helping protect your data – especially on public Wi-Fi. However, built-in VPNs are often limited, so a dedicated VPN service usually offers better performance and features. Some Mac antivirus packages include a built-in VPN (virtual private network), although VPNs are also widely available as standalone products. For many users, VPNs are appealing because they can mask your location and allow access to region-restricted content, such as streaming services. More importantly, a VPN improves security by encrypting your internet connection, which is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. This helps protect your data from interception and reduces the risk of cyberattacks. While we generally recommend a dedicated Mac VPN service for the best performance and features, a VPN included with antivirus software can still be a useful extra. Just be aware that bundled VPNs often come with limitations, such as data caps or reduced functionality, and may prompt you to upgrade to a full subscription. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value means different things to different users. For some, it’s the best free option; for others, it’s a reasonably priced product with the most useful features. We define value as the best overall balance of protection, performance and features – and for protecting a single Mac, we believe Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways to save money on even the top antivirus products. Most Mac antivirus apps are sold as annual subscriptions, often with significant discounts for the first year. When that period ends, you can switch providers to take advantage of new introductory offers, or opt for longer-term plans (such as two- or three-year subscriptions) to reduce the overall cost. Many antivirus suites also cover multiple devices, including Windows PCs and Android smartphones. If you have several devices in your household, a multi-device plan can offer excellent value. For the latest offers, see our guide to the Best Mac Antivirus deals, which includes the most affordable options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper. 6. What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apple’s virus protection? It’s actually very good, and there isn’t much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features – but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what they’re doing. Still, the protection is present, it’s updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. We have tested Apple’s own solution against a range of malware samples. While it did a reasonable job overall, we found instances where questionable applications could be installed without any warning. A helpful analogy is to think of Apple’s built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while a paid antivirus solution acts more like an alarm system with security cameras. Third-party tools update their virus definitions – including not just viruses, but also adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware – several times a day, often more frequently than Apple’s protections, providing real-time defense against new and emerging threats. During our testing of Apple’s malware protections, recovery options were limited. In some cases, the only solution was to wipe the Mac and restore from a backup made before the risky behavior – hoping nothing had already spread. Apple does not offer dedicated malware removal support or guarantees if an infection occurs, nor does it protect against cross-platform threats across multiple devices. Paid antivirus software typically includes these services, along with additional features such as web and phishing protection, vulnerability patching tools, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud backup, and dark web monitoring. That said, macOS’s built-in security may be sufficient for low-risk users who install apps only from the App Store or trusted developers, keep automatic updates enabled, avoid pirated software, do not disable Gatekeeper, have limited exposure to risky email attachments, and do not handle sensitive client data. Ultimately, investing in a reputable security suite for Mac adds an extra layer of protection – and for many users, it’s a case of being safe rather than sorry. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers, we have some recommendations above. 10. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac – a key reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect – are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features.03:34 pmBest Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested & ranked by experts
Macworld Looking for the best antivirus for Mac? We’ve tested the leading apps to find out which ones actually protect your device without slowing it down. Get the best Mac antivirus: Intego ONE It wasn’t long ago that Macs were seen as secure enough on their own. But with rising popularity and high-profile attacks, macOS is now a clear target. While Apple includes built-in protections like XProtect and Gatekeeper, they only defend against known threats. Today’s risks – ransomware, phishing, and malicious downloads – are more advanced and often harder to detect, putting your data, privacy, and finances at risk. Apple’s built-in tools alone aren’t enough. That’s why we’ve tested the top Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios, performance benchmarks, and independent lab results, alongside usability and reliability checks. Use this guide to find the best antivirus for your needs. Below are our expert picks for 2026, including the best overall, best value, and best free options. What’s new this month: Intego launched Intego ONE, a new Mac security software suite that combines protection, privacy, and cleanup tools into one app. We have reviewed it – see what we thought below. Also in April, a ClickFix-style attack targeted Mac users with a fake Apple-themed webpage that attempted to get Mac users to run malicious commands. Apple protects against such attacks by warning users before they take risky actions, for example, in late March a Terminal paste warning arrived in macOS 26.4 that alerts users who paste in suspicious commands, however the ClickFix attack identified by Jamf in April 2026 bypasses Terminal. Best Mac Antivirus in 2026: At a Glance The best antivirus for Mac in 2026 is Intego ONE, thanks to its Mac-specific design, strong protection, and low performance impact. Norton 360 and Bitdefender are also top alternatives. Scroll down for full reviews and testing results. How we test Mac Antivirus We test Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios and independent lab data from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Starting with a clean macOS system, we downloaded malware samples and visited malicious websites to measure protection against online and offline threats, including Windows-based malware. We also assessed system performance, ease of use and macOS integration, along with features like ransomware protection, VPNs and firewalls. Only products that deliver strong protection without slowing down your Mac make our top recommendations. Best Mac Antivirus: Benchmarks We compared independent lab results with our own real-world testing to identify the best Mac antivirus software for 2026. AntivirusAV-Test ProtectionAV-Comparatives ScoreOur Malware DetectionPerformance Impact (Our Tests)Scan SpeedOverall ScoreIntegoN/AN/A98%LowFastest4.5 / 5Norton 3606 / 6Advanced+100%MediumMedium4.7 / 5Avira Free5.5 / 6Advanced97%LowFast4.3 / 5Surfshark6 / 6Advanced+100%LowFast4.4 / 5Avast Premium Security6 / 6Advanced+99%MediumMedium4.5 / 5AVG Internet Security 6 / 6Advanced+99%LowMedium4.5 / 5Bitdefender6 / 6Advanced+100%LowFast4.8 / 5 Best Mac Antivirus: Our top picks tested and ranked We’ve tested and reviewed the best Mac antivirus software below. Our summaries explain how each product performed, why it ranks where it does, and its key features – with links to our full, in-depth reviews. 1. Intego ONE – Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Extremely fast malware scanning Excellent firewall control options Strong macOS-focused protection Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: Intego ONE Essential from $2.50 a month/one device/first year, then $3.33 a month or $29.99 for the first year and then $39.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (annual) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Intego ONE is a powerful Mac-focused security suite with excellent malware detection, extremely fast scan speeds, and strong firewall controls. Specifically designed for macOS, it works seamlessly with Apple’s XProtect and Gatekeeper tools. Why we picked it as our top choice Intego ONE stands out for its outstanding malware detection, very fast scan speeds, and powerful firewall controls, making it one of the most reliable security tools specifically tailored for macOS. Intego delivers reliable, no-fuss security that integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. Key strengths include: Near-perfect malware detection rates. Industry-leading scan speeds. Firewall with excellent visibility and control over network activity. Clean interface with no aggressive upselling Designed specifically for macOS, not a ported PC app Intego delivers consistent, real-world protection with better usability for Mac users. Key features Antivirus: Full, quick, custom scans and scheduling (Intego ONE Essential) Firewall: With network monitoring and rule creation (Intego ONE Essential) VPN: With 51 global servers, Lightway protocols (Intego ONE Complete) SmartClean: Disk cleanup, app uninstaller, system optimisation (Intego ONE Advanced & Complete) Who’s it for? Intego ONE has a user-friendly interface, making it well suited to Mac users who want easy security management while prioritising powerful malware protection, strong performance, and advanced network control. Intego is ideal if you: Use a single Mac or MacBook Want strong protection without complexity Prefer software designed specifically for Apple systems What to consider Mac-only (no cross-platform support) Fewer extras than some rivals (e.g. no password management) Bottom line If you want the most Mac-native antivirus experience, Intego is the best choice. It may not have the longest feature list, but it focuses on what matters most: effective protection, ease of use, and seamless macOS integration. 2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Norton 360 is one of the most comprehensive security suites available for Mac, combining antivirus protection with a wide range of additional features, including a VPN, password manager and AI-powered scam detection. A well-known and trusted name in cybersecurity, Norton also offers its Virus Protection Promise, meaning you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your device. Why we picked it Norton stands out for its all-in-one feature set and excellent lab performance, making it ideal for users who want complete protection across multiple devices. Key strengths include: Top scores in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives (June 2025) All-in-one suite: antivirus, VPN, password manager and more AI-powered Genie Scam Protection for real-time threat advice Strong cross-platform support (Mac, iOS, Windows, Android) Good value considering the breadth of features The addition of Norton’s Genie Scam Assistant is particularly impressive, offering real-time help with suspicious emails and messages — a useful tool as phishing attacks become more sophisticated. Key features Real-time antivirus, anti-malware and ransomware protection Built-in VPN for secure browsing Password manager Genie Scam Protection (AI assistant) Dark web monitoring (on select plans) Multi-device support Who’s it for? Best for users who want a full-featured security suite across multiple devices. Norton is ideal if you: Want an all-in-one security solution Use multiple devices (Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android) Value extra features like VPN and identity protection Want real-time help spotting scams What to consider macOS version feels less fully featured than Windows version Some features (e.g. cloud backup) are not available on Mac Interface and settings can feel complex for beginners In our testing, missed a small number of threats and struggled with some file types (e.g. ZIP files) Browser protection didn’t block all suspicious links in testing Bottom line If you want a feature-rich, all-in-one security suite, Norton 360 is one of the best options available. While it’s not as Mac-focused as Intego, it offers excellent protection, powerful extras and strong cross-platform coverage, making it a great choice for households with multiple devices. Read our full Norton 360 review 3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy and multi-device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.29 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Surfshark One is a good choice privacy-focused users, combining strong malware protection with a powerful VPN and unlimited device coverage. Surfshark One lets you protect unlimited devices across macOS, Windows and Android, making it an excellent choice for households or users with multiple devices. It also scored top marks for protection in AV-Test benchmarks, while bundling a suite of privacy tools that go beyond traditional antivirus. Why we picked it Surfshark One isn’t just an antivirus, it’s a complete privacy and security suite. It combines strong protection with tools designed to safeguard your identity and online activity. Key strengths include: Unlimited device coverage across multiple platforms Excellent malware protection (top AV-Test scores) Built-in VPN with strong privacy features Identity protection tools (data breach alerts, alternative identity) Ad, tracker and malicious site blocking Its biggest advantage is the combination of antivirus and privacy tools in one package, which few rivals match. Key features Surfshark Antivirus – real-time malware protection Surfshark VPN – encrypted browsing and location masking Alert – notifies you if your data is exposed in breaches Search – private, ad-free browsing Alternative ID – generates a proxy identity for sign-ups CleanWeb – blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites Who’s it for? Best for users who want privacy and security across multiple devices. Surfshark One is ideal if you: Have multiple devices (Mac, Windows, Android) Want built-in VPN and identity protection tools Are concerned about data privacy as well as malware What to consider More expensive than most Mac-only antivirus options Cheapest plans require longer commitments (e.g. two years) Slightly lower scores for speed and usability in AV-Test Not currently tested by AV-Comparatives Bottom line If you want more than just antivirus, Surfshark One is a compelling choice. It combines strong protection, unlimited device coverage and powerful privacy tools in a single package – making it ideal for users who value both security and anonymity online. Read our full Surfshark One review 4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered scam protection Pros Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats No impact on performance 60-day trial available Cons Slow manual scanning Price When Reviewed: From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast Software $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Avast Premium Security is a strong all-round antivirus suite, combining robust malware protection with new AI-powered tools designed to tackle modern threats like scams and phishing. Available across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, Avast is a good choice for users with multiple devices. It delivers consistently high protection scores in independent tests (including top results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives), along with a clean, easy-to-use interface and a wide range of security features. Why we picked it Avast stands out for its focus on real-world threats, particularly online scams and phishing attacks. Its new AI-powered Scam Guardian helps identify suspicious links, emails and websites, offering an extra layer of protection beyond traditional antivirus tools. Key strengths include: Top-tier malware detection in independent lab tests AI-powered scam and phishing protection (Scam Guardian) Cross-platform support for multiple devices Strong ransomware and web protection Clean, user-friendly interface with flexible scan options This makes Avast a great option for users who want modern, proactive protection, not just traditional virus scanning. Key features Real-time malware protection with flexible scan options Scam Guardian – AI-powered protection against phishing and fraud Ransomware protection for sensitive files Web and email protection against malicious links Network security tools for safer browsing Who’s it for? Suitable for individuals and families who want strong protection against scams and online threats across multiple devices. Avast is ideal if you: Shop, bank or browse frequently online Want protection across Mac, Windows, iOS and Android Value proactive scam and phishing detection What to consider Some advanced features are locked behind the paid version Interface can occasionally prompt upgrades or additional tools Not as Mac-focused as dedicated solutions like Intego Avast shares an engine with AVG, so expect similar results Bottom line Avast Premium Security is a feature-rich, modern antivirus suite that goes beyond basic protection with AI-powered scam detection. It’s a particularly strong choice for users who want cross-platform coverage and extra protection against phishing and online fraud. Read our full Avast Premium Security review 5. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for ease of use Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket AVG Internet Security for Mac is a reliable, feature-rich option that combines strong protection with a clean, easy-to-use interface. Best known for its free antivirus, AVG’s premium suite builds on that foundation with broader security tools and consistently strong lab performance. In independent testing, AVG achieved top scores from AV-Test (Protection, Speed and Usability) and maximum ratings from AV-Comparatives across Mac malware, Windows malware and potentially unwanted applications – confirming its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Why we picked it AVG stands out for its balanced mix of protection, usability and features, making it a strong choice for users who want dependable security without complexity. Key strengths include: Top scores in independent lab tests (AV-Test and AV-Comparatives) Strong malware and phishing protection Clean, intuitive interface Effective malware removal capabilities Generous 60-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee While it doesn’t dramatically outperform rivals in any one area, AVG delivers consistently solid performance across the board. Key features Real-time malware and threat protection Web and phishing protection Email security tools Ransomware protection Scheduled and on-demand scans Who’s it for? Best for cautious Mac users who want reliable, no-fuss protection with the option to try before they buy.AVG is ideal if you: Want strong protection without a steep learning curve Prefer a clean, easy-to-navigate interface Like the flexibility of a long free trial before committing What to consider Mac-only (separate products needed for other platforms) Scan activity could be communicated more clearly Missed some test scenarios (e.g. fake installer in our testing) Doesn’t stand out as strongly as top competitors AVG uses the same core engine as Avast Bottom line AVG Internet Security for Mac is a well-rounded and trustworthy antivirus solution. It may not lead the pack in any single category, but its strong lab results, ease of use and solid protection make it a dependable choice for most Mac users. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 6. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac – Best value Pros Clean, customisable and easy to navigate Low system impact Cons Missed some threats in our testing Limited extras Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $39.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $59.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers strong protection, a clean interface and solid features at a competitive price, making it our top pick for value. It offers a customisable, easy-to-use interface and integrates well with macOS security features like Gatekeeper. While it focuses more on core protection than extras, it provides reliable real-time defence and a good range of essential tools. Why we picked it Bitdefender offers a good balance of protection, performance and affordability, making it ideal for users who want strong security without paying for features they won’t use. Key strengths include: Strong malware protection and real-time scanning Lightweight performance with minimal impact in everyday use Clean, customisable interface Good core feature set without unnecessary bloat Competitive pricing compared to premium rivals Bitdefender focuses on doing the basics well, rather than adding unnecessary extras. Key features Real-time malware protection (Bitdefender Shield) On-demand and scheduled scanning Ransomware protection (including Time Machine protection) Anti-phishing and web protection tools Adware and browser threat blocking Built-in VPN (limited data allowance) Who’s it for Bitdefender is for users who want strong, reliable protection at a lower price. Bitdefender is ideal if you: Want high-quality antivirus protection without paying for extras Prefer a lightweight antivirus with minimal slowdown Don’t need lots of extra features like parental controls or system tools Value performance and ease of use What to consider Fewer extra features than competitors Built-in VPN is limited unless you upgrade Some usability issues in testing (e.g. occasional scan slowdowns or freezes) Anti-phishing protection can be limited in some browsers Bottom line If you want maximum protection for your money, Bitdefender is a good choice. It may not have the widest feature set, but it offers excellent malware detection, strong performance and great overall value. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top six doesn’t mean a product isn’t going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. You’ll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldn’t advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews. (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.) MacPaw, Moonlock We recommend: MacPaw Moonlock Read our review Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: $45 at MacPaw (annual) Why we recommend it: MacPaw is best known for CleanMyMac, but now it’s brought out its own Mac antivirus app. What’s present in Moonlock, in terms of malware detection and removal makes it a viable option for Mac users who want good protection with minimal fuss. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past. Who’s it for: Moonlock includes some great learning tools, making it well suited to users who feel a bit lost navigating the world of anti-malware. MacPaw really makes an effort to teach less-technical users why certain security settings matter. Read our fullMoonlock review Avira Prime We recommend: Avira Prime Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Avira – Prime (first year, 5 devices) Why we recommend it: Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine. Who’s it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity. Read our full Avira Prime review Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard plan $59.99; Plus plan $79.99; Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for three devices Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it: Malwarebytes for Mac is a user-friendly tool that delivers fast malware detection, external drive scanning, VPN and identity tools. Who’s it for: It’s best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our fullMalwarebytes Premium Security review McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: McAfee Total Protection covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Who’s it for: It’s a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac We recommend: Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $24.95 for first year, usually $39.95 a year (1 Mac) Best Prices Today: $24.95 at Trend Micro (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it: Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory. Who’s it for: While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, it’s a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss. Read our fullTrend Micro Antivirus review BitMedic Pro Antivirus We recommend: BitMedic Pro Antivirus Read our review Price When Reviewed: $9.99 (single payment) Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Mac App Store (one off payment) Why we recommend it: BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s beginning to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. Who’s it for: The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection. Read our fullBitMedic Pro Antivirus review Sophos Home Premium for Mac We recommend: Sophos Home Premium for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: $59.99 first year year, $99.99 for two years, and $139.99 for three years (10 devices) Best Prices Today: $44.99 at Sophos (first year, 10 device) Why we recommend it: Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows. Who’s it for: It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination. Read our fullSophos Home Premium for Mac review Is free antivirus for Mac good enough? Free antivirus software can provide basic protection, but it often lacks advanced features such as ransomware protection, firewalls and real-time web security. Paid options offer more comprehensive, all-round protection. Apple includes built-in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper, which block known malware and unverified apps. However, in our testing, it was still possible to install Mac malware or suspicious software if warnings were ignored, showing that Apple’s protections alone are not foolproof. Free third-party antivirus tools offer an advantage in that they are updated more frequently and can protect against a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans and ransomware. The core antivirus engine is often the same in both free and paid versions. The difference lies in the extra features included in premium suites, such as web and phishing protection, VPNs, identity monitoring, parental controls and customer support. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. If security is a priority, a paid antivirus offers the most complete protection. However, if you’re on a tight budget, a free antivirus is still better than relying solely on Apple’s built-in security tools. If you’re on a really tight budget, a free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apple’s security tools. For some low-priced AV options, check out the best Mac antivirus deals for the best prices. What’s the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect – Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac – Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac – Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner – Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac – Review | Download Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison DeveloperProduct NameMalware ProtectionRansomware ProtectionAdware PreventionAnti Phishing ProtectionEmail ProtectionFirewallVPNiOS VersionParental ControlsSupportTrial/Free versionIntegoIntego ONEExcellent, Mac focusedYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesEmail/Phone30 day trial and free optionSurfsharkSurfshark OneStrongYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoChat/Email30-day money back guaranteeAVGInternet Security for MacGoodYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoEmail60 daysAvastPremium SecurityVery goodYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail/Forum60 daysMcAfeeTotal ProtectionGoodYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30 days/money-back guaranteeTrend MicroAntivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesEmail30 daysNortonNorton 360Very strongYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPhone/Chat30-day money-backAviraAvira PrimeYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoEmail30 daysBitdefenderBitdefender Antivirus for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Chat30 daysMacPawMoonlockYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoEmail7 daysPocket Bits LLCBitMedic Pro AntivirusYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoEmail/Support Form7 daysSophosSophos Home Premium for MacYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesChat/Email30 daysESETEset Home SecurityYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesEmail/Phone30 daysMalwarebtyesMalwarebytes Premium SecurityNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoEmail/Forum14 days Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since the launch of the Mac in 1984, giving us decades of experience and deep expertise in Apple’s ecosystem. We understand how Macs work – and how best to protect them. While Apple includes built-in security tools to combat malware, today’s threat landscape means additional protection is often worthwhile. Our antivirus reviewers have decades of industry experience, including hands-on work supporting users and solving real-world IT and security issues. Our recommendations are based on a combination of independent lab data, structured testing and real-world usage – not just specifications or vendor claims. We regularly review and update our rankings to reflect the latest threats, software updates and performance improvements. How we test Mac antivirus How We Test Mac Antivirus SoftwareTo identify the best antivirus software for Mac, we combine hands-on testing, real-world threat simulation and independent lab data. Our goal is to assess how effectively each product protects your Mac without compromising performance, usability or value. Real-world testing environment: We begin with a clean installation of macOS, which is then cloned for each antivirus product. Each app is installed and tested in isolation to ensure results are not affected by other software — particularly important as antivirus tools can sometimes flag each other as threats. We simulate real-world attack scenarios by: Downloading known malware samples Visiting malicious and phishing websites Testing suspicious files and drive-by downloads Running malware in controlled conditions This allows us to evaluate how well each product detects and blocks both online and offline threats, including Mac-specific malware, adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). We also assess how effectively each tool detects and handles Windows-based malware, which can still pose a risk when sharing files. Independent lab validation: To support our findings, we reference results from leading independent testing organisations: AV-Test AV-Comparatives These labs evaluate antivirus software against large sets of known malware and potentially unwanted applications, measuring detection rates, false positives and overall protection. Where lab data is unavailable, we carry out more extensive in-house testing using real malware samples. Performance impact: Antivirus software should protect your Mac without slowing it down. We measure performance by assessing: System responsiveness during full and quick scans Impact of real-time protection on everyday tasks Background CPU and resource usage We prioritise solutions that deliver strong protection with minimal noticeable slowdown, since overly demanding software is more likely to be disabled by users. Features, usability and user experience: We spend time using each product to evaluate how intuitive and practical it is in daily use. This includes: Ease of installation and setup Interface design and macOS integration Clarity and relevance of alerts and notifications We also assess additional features, including: Ransomware protection Web and phishing protection Firewalls and network monitoring VPNs and privacy tools Password managers and parental controls Importantly, we consider whether these features are genuinely useful or simply added complexity. Value for money: We evaluate pricing and overall value, including: Subscription costs and renewal pricing Number of devices covered Features included at each tier Our focus is on products that offer a strong balance of protection, performance and features at a reasonable price. Best Mac Antivirus FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Yes – while Macs are generally more secure than Windows PCs and include built-in protections like XProtect and sandboxing, which helps limit how far malware can spread, these measures are not enough to defend against modern threats such as phishing, adware and ransomware. Adding a dedicated antivirus tool helps close those gaps, provides broader coverage against evolving threats and extra layer of security when browsing the web or downloading files. For more detail, see our guide to whether Macs need antivirus, along with our Mac security tips and advice on how to remove a virus from a Mac. Do iPhones need antivirus software? You may be considering a Mac Antivirus that also offers to protect your iPhone, but is that protection really necessary? Apple’s iOS is designed with strong built-in security, including app sandboxing, strict App Store review processes and system-level protections that prevent traditional viruses from infecting your device. This makes it very difficult for malware to spread in the same way it can on other platforms. So, no – iPhones generally don’t need antivirus software. However, iPhones are not completely risk-free. Threats like phishing attacks, malicious websites and data breaches can still affect users. Instead of installing an antivirus app the best advice is to keep iOS up to date, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and don’t download anything unless you are sure it is safe. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? Mac antivirus software protects your device using a combination of on-demand scans and real-time (always-on) protection. On-demand scanning checks files when you run a manual or scheduled scan. This can take time, especially on systems with lots of data, and may temporarily use more system resources. For best results, scans are often scheduled to run at convenient times. See how to scan a Mac for malware Real-time protection works continuously in the background. If malware arrives – for example via an email attachment or downloaded file – the antivirus can detect and block it immediately. Suspicious files are typically quarantined, meaning they are moved to a secure location where they can’t cause harm while you decide whether to delete or restore them. The effectiveness of these two layers of protection is the most important factor when choosing antivirus software, but additional features can also make a difference. Many Mac antivirus tools now include ransomware protection, which prevents unauthorised apps from accessing sensitive folders such as Documents or Photos. Only trusted apps are allowed access, and you can customise these permissions. Web protection is another key feature, often delivered via browser extensions. This helps block malicious websites, phishing attempts and unsafe downloads, reducing the risk of accidentally exposing personal information. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? Yes, a VPN can be a useful addition to Mac antivirus software. It encrypts your internet connection, helping protect your data – especially on public Wi-Fi. However, built-in VPNs are often limited, so a dedicated VPN service usually offers better performance and features. Some Mac antivirus packages include a built-in VPN (virtual private network), although VPNs are also widely available as standalone products. For many users, VPNs are appealing because they can mask your location and allow access to region-restricted content, such as streaming services. More importantly, a VPN improves security by encrypting your internet connection, which is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. This helps protect your data from interception and reduces the risk of cyberattacks. While we generally recommend a dedicated Mac VPN service for the best performance and features, a VPN included with antivirus software can still be a useful extra. Just be aware that bundled VPNs often come with limitations, such as data caps or reduced functionality, and may prompt you to upgrade to a full subscription. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value means different things to different users. For some, it’s the best free option; for others, it’s a reasonably priced product with the most useful features. We define value as the best overall balance of protection, performance and features – and for protecting a single Mac, we believe Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways to save money on even the top antivirus products. Most Mac antivirus apps are sold as annual subscriptions, often with significant discounts for the first year. When that period ends, you can switch providers to take advantage of new introductory offers, or opt for longer-term plans (such as two- or three-year subscriptions) to reduce the overall cost. Many antivirus suites also cover multiple devices, including Windows PCs and Android smartphones. If you have several devices in your household, a multi-device plan can offer excellent value. For the latest offers, see our guide to the Best Mac Antivirus deals, which includes the most affordable options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper. 6. What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apple’s virus protection? It’s actually very good, and there isn’t much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features – but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what they’re doing. Still, the protection is present, it’s updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. We have tested Apple’s own solution against a range of malware samples. While it did a reasonable job overall, we found instances where questionable applications could be installed without any warning. A helpful analogy is to think of Apple’s built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while a paid antivirus solution acts more like an alarm system with security cameras. Third-party tools update their virus definitions – including not just viruses, but also adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware – several times a day, often more frequently than Apple’s protections, providing real-time defense against new and emerging threats. During our testing of Apple’s malware protections, recovery options were limited. In some cases, the only solution was to wipe the Mac and restore from a backup made before the risky behavior – hoping nothing had already spread. Apple does not offer dedicated malware removal support or guarantees if an infection occurs, nor does it protect against cross-platform threats across multiple devices. Paid antivirus software typically includes these services, along with additional features such as web and phishing protection, vulnerability patching tools, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud backup, and dark web monitoring. That said, macOS’s built-in security may be sufficient for low-risk users who install apps only from the App Store or trusted developers, keep automatic updates enabled, avoid pirated software, do not disable Gatekeeper, have limited exposure to risky email attachments, and do not handle sensitive client data. Ultimately, investing in a reputable security suite for Mac adds an extra layer of protection – and for many users, it’s a case of being safe rather than sorry. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers, we have some recommendations above. 10. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac – a key reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect – are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features.03:31 pmNew Analytics page missing?
I know the new analytics page is being deprecated, however today I can't see the old page or the new page at all. If I click Analytics, it takes me to Apps and makes me select my app. I would expect the new Analytics tab there, but it's not. Is anyone else having issues? Normally […]03:31 pmOwning an Apple Home: Packing, moving out, moving in, and setting up
Once you get a smart home set up the way you want, moving is an incredible pain. Join Wes as he shuts down his old house, packs up all the gear, relocates everything, and deals with friction along the way.Living in an Apple HomeSmart home technology has come a long way since Apple first revealed HomeKit in 2014. I got in early with Hue smart bulbs and built things out from there, but I was always a renter.In March 2026, I closed on my first home and moved in. Slowly but surely, I've begun setting up my Apple Home again. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:31 pm9to5Mac Daily: April 15, 2026 – Amazon and Apple satellite deal, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card. more…03:30 pmAmazon's top $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal is back this April
Amazon's latest earbuds sale delivers a $50 price cut on AirPods Pro 3, with the entire AirPods line eligible for discounts.Save $50 on AirPods Pro 3 today at Amazon.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199.99 at Amazon today thanks to a $50 discount (and ringing in within $0.99 of the lowest price seen this month).Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:23 pmApple Watch Series 11 hits record-low $299: Save $100 on latest smartwatch
Fresh discounts slash 100 bucks off the price of Apple Watch Series 11, in both sizes and many strap options. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:23 pmNetflix ruined its Apple TV app by switching to a custom video player
Netflix has once again made a controversial change to its Apple TV app. In recent weeks, the company has stopped using the native tvOS 26 video player in favor of a custom player similar to the one it uses on other TV platforms. In practice, this makes the most common interactions more cumbersome and blocks users from using platform-specific Apple TV features. more…03:15 pmOLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code that Apple mistakenly shared in August. Apple's A19 Pro chip since debuted in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro models include the higher-end version of Apple's A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, while the iPhone Air uses a mid-tier A19 Pro chip with one fewer GPU core than the A19 Pro chip used in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. If the code leak is accurate for the iPad mini 8, Apple is likely to use the mid-tier A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone Air. This is based on the fact that the A17 Pro chip used in the iPad mini 7 has a 6-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a 5-core GPU, compared to the 6-core GPU found on the A17 Pro used in the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple built the A19 Pro chip on an upgraded third-generation 3-nanometer N3P process for modest speed and efficiency improvements. The chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine, next-generation dynamic caching, and unified image compression. The GPU in the A19 Pro has an upgraded architecture with a larger cache, more memory, and Neural Accelerators that are built into each core. Apple says that this change provides 3× the peak GPU compute over the prior-generation chip. There's also an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks. There is an outside chance that Apple opts for the A20 Pro chip for the new iPad mini. The claim has been made by a MacRumors tipster who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames. However, the iPad mini has not always received Apple's newest A-series chip at the time it was updated, so the A19 Pro cannot be ruled out at this time. iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use the A20 Pro chip, which will reportedly be fabricated with TSMC's advanced 2nm process. Display Apple's plan to transition the iPad mini from an LCD to an OLED display is widely rumored. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the small form-factor tablet is likely to be the next Apple device to adopt OLED. According to a Chinese leaker with sources in Apple's supply chain, Apple has evaluated a Samsung-made OLED display for its next iPad mini model. It remains unclear whether the iPad mini 8 will feature a higher refresh rate than the 60Hz LCD display used in the existing iPad mini 7, but since the new base iPhone 17 now uses a 120Hz ProMotion panel, it would be reasonable to expect the same on the first OLED iPad mini. A separate report has suggested the iPad mini 8's screen could increase in size from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches with the adoption of OLED. OLED panels can individually control each pixel, resulting in more precise color reproduction and deeper blacks compared to other common display technologies. They also provide superior contrast, faster response times, better viewing angles, and greater design flexibility. All of Apple's flagship iPhones use OLED panels, and in May 2024 the company brought the display technology to the iPad Pro for the first time. Unlike Apple's iPad Pro models, which feature two-stack low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels, the iPad mini may have a single-stack low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panel, which would make it dimmer. Chassis Design Apple is reportedly working to give the iPad mini 8 a more water-resistant design, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated casing would bring protection levels closer to those of the iPhone, making the tablet safer for use in damp environments. To achieve this, Apple is said to have designed a new vibration-based speaker system that eliminates the need for traditional speaker holes. By using sound-emitting surfaces instead of open grilles, the company can reduce potential entry points for water and dust, resulting in a more sealed, durable enclosure. On the iPhone, Apple relies on adhesives and gaskets to shield speakers and other openings from moisture. The iPad mini's approach appears to go further, doing away with the holes altogether. Current iPad mini models lack any official IP rating, but the upcoming version could mark the first in the lineup to feature a certified level of water protection. Apple patents could offer further clues to the new design direction. For example, a 2014 patent outlines a "mechanically actuated panel acoustic system" that vibrates flat surfaces to generate sound, effectively turning parts of a device's chassis into a speaker diaphragm. This could potentially allow Apple to produce audio without visible speaker holes. The patent suggest Apple has been building towards a sealed, vibration-based acoustic system for several years. Release Date According to research firm Omdia, the iPad mini is expected to adopt an OLED display in 2027. However, Korea's ET News and ZDNET Korea have both suggested that the iPad mini will be updated with an OLED display in 2026. Bloomberg has also said the update could come as soon as this year. The most recent word on the subject comes from Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, who claims the OLED iPad mini will be launched in the second half of 2026 at the earliest. In May 2024, it was reported that Samsung Display had started developing sample OLED panels for a future iPad mini, with plans to initiate mass production at its facility in Cheonan in the second half of 2025. The same report claimed that Apple will bring an OLED panel to the iPad Air alongside the iPad mini in 2026, though Apple only refreshed the iPad Air in March, and more recent reporting suggests an OLED iPad Air will arrive in early 2027. The latter outlook aligns with a December report by analyst firm Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) that said an 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini is planned for a 2026 launch, while 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Air models are expected to follow in 2027. Ultimately, there are no rumors suggesting exactly when the next iPad mini will be released, but a launch later in 2026 has a high probability. Pricing Apple's iPad mini with OLED display technology and improved water resistance is expected to be more expensive, and Apple could charge up to $100 more for the device, according to Bloomberg's Gurman. The iPad mini is currently priced starting at $499. Gurman has previously argued that Apple should consider a lower-end version of the mini, or at least a change to its current $499 starting price, given that it's up against rival products that cost a lot less. However, Apple users who are looking for a more affordable option should probably consider the 10th-generation iPad instead. Starting at $329, the iPad offers many iPad mini features, such as Touch ID and Center Stage, but at a lower price that balances functionality and affordability. Related Roundup: iPad miniTag: OLEDBuyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:06 pmApple’s iPad Air said to get major upgrade to OLED Displays in 2027
Apple is set to transition its popular iPad Air tablet to OLED technology in 2027, marking another major step in the company's shift away… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:47 pmHere come fun new April Activity challenges on Apple Watch
Two new April Apple Watch Activity challenges help you get in shape and earn awards while celebrating Earth Day and International Dance Day. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:37 pmCloudflare Workers API Latency
Apr 15, 14:37 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating an increased latency when interacting with Workers Builds via webhooks from git providers. Customers might experience longer wait times on Workers endpoints, particularly when build a project from a git connection. Workers that are already running in production are not affected. More updates to follow shortly.02:36 pmFCC hands Netgear an effective monopoly on router sale in the US
Following a total ban on non-US made routers, the Federal Communications Commission is allowing Netgear to sell wireless routers in the United States, practically giving it a monopoly. However, it's unclear exactly why that approval was granted.Netgear Nighthawk routerIn March, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission made the decision to ban imports of all foreign-made routers, due to national security concerns. At the time, no exemptions were made, so the ban affected practically every router being sold in the United States.However, on April 14, Netgear got a rare reprieve. In an update to the list of equipment and services covered by Section 2 of the Secure Networks Act, the FCC lists Netgear under a very short list of conditional approvals for routers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:29 pmApple to Host Free Events in London Ahead of Sunday's Marathon
Apple today announced a series of events tied to this year's TCS London Marathon, with the company serving as an official partner of the race. The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most popular marathons and takes place on Sunday, April 26, drawing athletes of all abilities from around the world. A record-breaking one million people applied to enter the ballot for the 2026 event. Apple will host two free events at its Brompton Road store in the days before the race. On Thursday, April 23, a panel including fitness trainer Joe Wicks, ultramarathon runner Hellah Sidibe, and athletes Dora Atim, Becky Briggs, and Sherica Holmon will offer training tips before a 5K shakeout run in Hyde Park, hosted by Apple Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm. Spots are limited and registration is now open. On Saturday, April 25, former marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe and two-time Olympian Chris Thompson will record a live episode of their podcast, Paula's Run Club, also at Brompton Road, joined by Wharton-Malcolm. The episode closes out their "Road to London Marathon" series. Registration is available for that event as well. On race day, Apple Music will station artists and DJs at a key point on the course. An official Ultimate Marathon Playlist spanning seven hours is available now on Apple Music, with additional mixes from race-day DJs to follow after the event. Ahead of marathon week, Apple will host a PE with Apple: Hour of Play event for students from six schools in the London borough of Wandsworth, with Wicks and Fitness+ trainers leading physical activities for children ages 10 to 14, in partnership with nonprofit Enable. Apple also pointed out that it supports several other Greater London organizations, including Battersea Arts Centre, Southbank Centre, Youth Battersea, and Wandsworth BEST.Tag: United KingdomThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:22 pmApple Watch Ultra 3 Gets Lowest Prices of 2026 So Far With $99 Off Select Models
Amazon recently introduced fresh deals on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, providing $99 discounts on select models. These are the best prices on the Ultra 3 that we've tracked so far in 2026, and they're overall solid second-best prices. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You can get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $699.99 in the Natural color option, down from $799.00. There are also a few Milanese Loop models on sale for $799.99, down from $899.00. $99 OFFApple Watch Ultra 3 for $699.99 We've collected all of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 models currently on sale on Amazon in the list below. All of these deals are within $19 of the all-time low price, and they're the best prices we've seen so far in 2026. Natural with Anchor Blue Ocean Band - $699.99 ($99 off) Natural with Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop (M/L) - $699.99 ($99 off) Black with Black Milanese Loop (Large) - $799.99 ($99 off) Natural Milanese Loop (Large) - $799.99 ($99 off) 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 forums02:19 pmCloudflare Billing Issues
Apr 15, 14:19 UTCIdentified - Cloudflare is experiencing problems in processing changes through our billing subscription service for Argo Smart Routing. All other services are operating normally. We will provide an update once billing subscription services return to normal.02:17 pmiPhone Ultra is coming: Six new features in Apple’s high-end model
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming this fall, and rumors say it will be called iPhone Ultra. Here are six features to expect from Apple’s new high-end iPhone Ultra. more…02:12 pmApple threatened to remove xAI’s Grok from its App Store over sexualized deepfakes
In early 2026, Elon Musk’s xAI faced intense backlash after its Grok chatbot was used to generate non-consensual sexualized deepfakes… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:11 pmThis Anker charger is the ultimate travel companion and it’s 27% off
Macworld Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Do you know what makes a 3-in-1 charging station even better? When it’s super easy to take it with you on vacation or simply from room to room. The Anker MagGo 3-in-1 charging station is exactly like that, and it’s only $80 right now, following a 27 percent discount. Built for convenience, this device can simultaneously charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. It has a foldable design with two charging pads and a floating unit for your Apple Watch. The top pad can be raised to a perfect 65-degree angle, so you can continue scrolling on your phone while it’s charging, and while this happens, you can just use the bottom pad for your AirPods. Weighing just 69 ounces and folding down to the size of a deck of cards, you can take this charging station with you anywhere you go. That’s particularly useful to have, considering you can use it on your desk, move it to your nightstand, and take it with you when you travel. Upgrade your daily charging routine with this 27 percent off Anker MagGo 3-in-1 station.02:10 pmApple Threatened to Pull Grok From App Store Over Sexualized Images
Apple privately warned Elon Musk's xAI company in January that it would remove the Grok app from the App Store unless the company put a stop to the chatbot's nude and sexualized deepfakes, according to a letter Apple sent to U.S. senators and obtained by NBC News ($). Earlier this year, Grok's AI capabilities came under scrutiny after X users shared nonconsensual sexualized images of women and children created by the app, many of which were based on photos of real people. What followed was a confusing rollout of moderation changes to Grok, some of which could be easily bypassed. Publicly, Apple did not comment on the controversy at the time, but it did respond, and was in fact the instigator of the changes. Internally, the company had found both X and Grok in violation of its App Store guidelines and demanded its developers submit a content moderation plan, the letter reveals. According to the letter, Apple rejected an initial fix from xAI as insufficient, saying the "changes didn't go far enough," and Apple warned it that additional alterations were required or Grok would be removed. After further back-and-forth, however, Apple eventually concluded that a later submission of the app had improved enough for it to be approved. The disclosure was apparently prompted by a January letter from Senators Ron Wyden, Ben Ray Luján, and Edward Markey, who urged Apple and Google to pull both apps, arguing the imagery violated App Store rules barring offensive, sexual, and exploitative content. The senators also said that Apple's response would test its own arguments, since the company has long defended its curated App Store by claiming its review process keeps users safer. Letting Grok continue to generate this kind of imagery, they argued, would undermine that case in the eyes of the public and in a court of law. After NBC News published its report, X posted the following statement on its platform: "We strictly prohibit users from generating non-consensual explicit deepfakes and from using our tools to undress real people. xAI has extensive safeguards in place to prevent such misuse, such as continuous monitoring of public usage, analysis of evasion attempts in real time, frequent model updates, prompt filters, and additional safeguards."While the amount of sexualized deepfakes created by Grok and posted to X appears to have decreased significantly, NBC News found that Grok is still able to generate similar imagery, with some users apparently having simply updated their prompt tactics to get around the safeguards. You can read that report in its entirety by following this link.Tags: App Store, GrokThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:05 pmHow do enterprises support universal links for internal apps?
Hi guys, I am building a mobile app for internal users (within my firm) only. I need to support universal links on URLs which are hosted within our intranet. Is it possible to somehow support this with having a apple site association file hosted on a public host? submitted by /u/sonede [link] […]02:02 pmAdobe announces Firefly AI Assistant as it expands into agentic AI tools
Adobe is doubling down on artificial intelligence with a new tool designed to help users create and edit projects across multiple Adobe products.Adobe Creative Cloud logoAdobe's Firefly AI Assistant is agentic, meaning it can perform complex tasks and make decisions on its own. Instead of requiring continual guidance, agentic AI works independently to achieve a goal set by the user.So, essentially, you'll tell the assistant what you want, and the assistant will take the steps to make that happen. According to Adobe, it will be able to execute "complex, multi-step workflows across Adobe's Creative Cloud apps including Firefly, Photoshop, Premiere, Lightroom, Express, Illustrator and more." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:45 pmTurn any wall into a movie screen with this $67 portable projector
A Mac-friendly entertainment upgrade at $67.99, the Ion Audio portable HD projector is more about convenience than perfection. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:42 pmApple execs talk biggest flops, MacBook Neo, more in new interview
We’re one month removed from the launch of MacBook Neo, and all indications are that it’s been a hit for Apple. In a new interview with Tom’s Guide published today, Apple executives John Ternus and Greg Joswiak talked more about MacBook Neo, Apple’s biggest “flops,” and more. more…01:28 pmApple at 50: Spatial computing is the future, but when is the question
In tantalizingly brief comments, Apple's Greg Joswiak and CEO heir apparent John Ternus have come closer to discussing the future of Apple Vision Pro than ever before.Apple Vision Pro review: stuck in placeAnalysts have called the Apple Vision Pro a rare failure, even if Apple sold $157 million worth in the Christmas 2025 quarter. Then there have also been accusations of Apple's penny-pinching means Apple Store demos failed to convert into sales.That's all subjective, but it does seem that more than two years in, Apple hasn't decided what to do with the Apple Vision Pro. But in a new interview with Tom's Guide, the only thing Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak is unsure about is when its spatial computing will take off. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:16 pmIf Tim Cook put Apple users ahead of his Elon Musk grudge, Apple users would have superior satellite connectivity and better AI today | Mac Daily NewsIf Tim Cook put Apple users ahead of his Elon Musk grudge, Apple users would have superior satellite connectivity and better AI today
Amazon’s $11.6 billion takeover of Globalstar is poised to benefit one of its biggest hardware rivals: Apple… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:10 pm3 ways to give your old iPhone a performance boost
If your older iPhone runs more slowly than it used to, there are straightforward fixes. You can speed up your iPhone with some simple steps. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:02 pmiPad Air with OLED now expected to have an early 2027 launch
The long-discussed iPad Air will make its move to OLED in early 2027, with display panel mass production expected to start at the end of 2026.Apple's iPad Air with M4, without OLEDApple started to embrace OLED as a display technology with the iPad Pro, following after the smaller-scale display in the Apple Watch. However, while there has been some debate over when other models will get the same treatment, a report insists that it will be happening as soon as 2027 for one model.Multiple industry sources claim Samsung Display will start mass production of OLED panels for the iPad Air around the end of 2026, claims Wednesday's report from ETNews. This will be before the end of the year, with a chance it could slip into January 2027. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:00 pmKodebits Day 6: Guard Optionals [FREE]
Practice unwrapping optionals safely with guard.01:00 pmAdobe’s new Firefly AI Assistant will handle multi-step tasks across Creative Cloud apps | 9 to 5 MacAdobe’s new Firefly AI Assistant will handle multi-step tasks across Creative Cloud apps
Available in public beta soon, Adobe Firefly AI Assistant will take a user’s prompt and then orchestrate multi-step workflows across multiple Creative Cloud apps. Here are the details. more…12:52 pmNetgear can now sell new wireless routers in the US but nobody knows why
Last month saw a surprise ban on almost every new wireless router intended for use in US homes. The FCC ruling described all foreign-made routers as a national security risk. The FCC offered a pathway to approval, and today Netgear has received that – but nobody knows why. Not even Netgear itself was able to offer an explanation … more…12:28 pmOLED iPad Air reportedly set for launch early next year
As Apple continues its gradual replacement of IPS LCD screens with OLED, it’s been unclear exactly when the iPad Air would join the party. Early reports suggested it might happen this year, while subsequent ones pointed to 2027 or later. A new supply chain report says that production plans are now in place and we can expect to see the shiny new model launched in the spring of next year, potentially as early as March … more…12:07 pmiPad Air’s OLED display won’t match iPad Pro
Samsung Display will purportedly begin mass production of OLED panels for the next iPad Air in early 2027. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)12:01 pmApple Developer Program stuck on “Pending” after payment + agreement signed (3+ days) | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingApple Developer Program stuck on “Pending” after payment + agreement signed (3+ days)
HELP. I enrolled in the Apple Developer Program and completed payment on April 12. Since then: Payment confirmed Invoice received Apple Developer Agreement signed But my account still shows “Pending” and I can’t access App Store Connect or deploy anything. It’s now April 15 (more than 2 business days), and nothing has changed. Has anyone […]12:00 pmHackers Are Using Emojis to Hide in Plain Sight
Threat actors are using emojis as a form of visual shorthand to signal intent, evade detection, and coordinate activity across digital communications. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.11:43 am36M Xfinity customers had their data exposed – here’s how to claim your payout
Back in 2023, hackers accessed the personal data of 36 million Xfinity customers. Comcast said at the time that the data exposed included names, contact details, and dates of birth. A class action lawsuit followed, and a $117.5 million settlement has now been reached … more…11:39 amFreecash app scammed users and the App Store for months before removal
An app called Freecash promised to pay users for scrolling through TikTok, and got by App Store review despite really tricking them to play paid games while also harvesting sensitive personal data to sell.Every new app goes though a review process, but Freecash got throughAt least the fake Ledger Live had a believable name, albeit copied from a genuine cryptocurrency app. In comparison, "Freecash" went all-in on the money-for-nothing idea that should have warned users that there was a problem.According to Malwarebytes, it did anything but. Until it was removed, Freecash reached the top five chart on the App Store in January 2026 and stayed there almost every day afterwards. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:35 amReport: iPad Air to Gain OLED Display Next Year
Apple will bring OLED displays to its iPad Air models next year, according to a new report from Korea's ET News. Citing industry sources, the outlet says Samsung Display will begin mass production of OLED panels around the end of 2026 or January next year, with a view to supplying panels for Apple's next iPad Air, expected to be released in early 2027. Apple last updated the iPad Air in March 2026 with an M4 chip. Apple's iPad Pro models already have OLED displays, but the iPad Air models still use more affordable LCD displays that Apple calls Liquid Retina. The Liquid Retina displays do not support 120Hz ProMotion display technology, and are limited to 60Hz refresh rates. OLED panels individually control each pixel, resulting in more precise color reproduction and deeper blacks compared to LCD. They also provide superior contrast, faster response times, better viewing angles, and greater design flexibility. That said, unlike Apple's iPad Pro models, which feature two-stack low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels, the iPad Air is expected to use single-stack low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panels, meaning that they may be dimmer and continue to lack ProMotion. Apple's plan to transition the iPad mini from an LCD to an OLED display is already widely rumored, with reports suggesting the iPad mini 8 will adopt OLED later this year, albeit using the same cheaper single-stack LTPS panel. Once the iPad mini and iPad Air receive the display upgrade, the entry-level iPad will be the only model in Apple's tablet lineup without an OLED panel.Related Roundup: iPad Air Tags: ETNews, OLEDBuyer's Guide: iPad Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:22 amGoToMyPC – Emergency Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 16, 05:30 - 08:00 UTCApr 15, 11:10 UTCScheduled - As part of our commitment to provide exceptional service and reliability to our customers, GoToMyPC team will be conducting service maintenance on the following date and time listed below. Our team will be taking all appropriate actions to minimize service interruptions during this event.Date and Time: April 16th, 2026, 5:30 AM UTC to 8:00 AM UTC Purpose: This maintenance is to ensure and maintain system performance and stability.Duration: All maintenance will be performed within the 2-hour 30-minute maintenance window.What to expect: During the Maintenance, GoToMyPC customers may expect 5 minutes of downtime.We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.11:21 amShipment For Apple Mac Increases
Shipment for Macs at Apple increased by 9% in the first quarter of this year. The growth has beaten the general PC market in pace with their 2.5% growth due to the M5 MacBook Pro and the revamped MacBook Air. Apple was 4th in global PC vendors, with shipping of Macs reaching up to 6.2 […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:15 amThe Galaxy S26 Ultra is better than the iPhone. Here’s why it still can’t win
Macworld For years, premium smartphone makers have been trying to compete with Apple’s iPhone dominance with better cameras, larger screens, and exclusive features. Few have done more than the iPhone’s main rival, Samsung, which consistently makes flagship phones that have better specs and bigger batteries than Apple’s latest lineup. Case in point: The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone. The S26 Ultra isn’t exactly a major upgrade over last year’s model, but it still has enough interesting new features to entice buyers, upgraders, and switchers. But like most iPhone generations, it’s still not enough to beat the iPhone. A genuinely great Android flagship I’m not going to waste your time with a full S26 Ultra review. You can read that elsewhere if you want. All you need to know is that the S26 Ultra is absolutely a flagship smartphone. If you’re into Android, it’s probably the best you can get on the market today. The S26 Ultra has a massive 6.9-inch display, just like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Samsung’s flagship feels just as premium as an iPhone, since both are made of glass and aluminum. However, the Galaxy is much lighter and thinner, which is something I really like. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is every bit as good as an iPhone.Foundry The notion that Android smartphones are too slow is also a thing of the past, at least when it comes to flagship models. The S26 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip with 12GB of RAM. Benchmark tests show that this chip is quite comparable to Apple’s A19 Pro. While benchmark tests don’t necessarily reflect real-world performance, my experience with the S26 Ultra has been quite good. Everything feels smooth, and I’ve yet to see this phone slow down, whether I’m editing RAW photos or playing games. Privacy Display: Apple magic on Android All of that may be impressive, but we’re not talking about anything truly new. However, Samsung had a trick up its sleeve for the S26 Ultra that you won’t find on any iPhone. The S26 Ultra introduces a new display technology that takes away the need to apply a privacy screen protector, making it harder for people next to you to see what’s on the screen. If you can believe it, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen is on in this pic. You just can’t see it from this angle.Foundry Essentially, the technology works at the hardware level. The display has both narrow-angle and wide-angle pixels to show the full image. When Privacy Display is turned on, the wide-angle pixels are turned off, and only the narrow-angle pixels are used, which focuses the light in a straight line. The result is that you have to look directly at the screen to see the content, while people next to you will see a much darker screen. Some may question the usefulness of this feature, since there are cheap screen protectors that offer similar functionality. But Privacy Display is superior for a number of reasons. For one, most people won’t bother to use one. And the people who do are stuck with a permanent film on their display, with no way to turn it on and off as needed. With Privacy Display on the S26 Ultra, you can do exactly that. For example, I can set Privacy Display to turn on automatically when I open a specific app, such as my banking app or 1Password, and can even be set to hide only specific parts of the screen, such as notification banners. Samsung’s Privacy Display hides your screen from prying eyes while the iPhone lets anyone see it.Foundry Yes, the feature does come with some trade-offs. You’ll definitely notice the lower resolution when Privacy Display is turned on. But it’s something I’m totally okay with in exchange for better privacy in certain situations. And when the feature isn’t in use, I can still benefit from the full resolution and brightness the display has to offer. I’ve gotten so used to turning on Privacy Display when I’m at the gym or on the bus that I immediately miss it when I go back to using my iPhone. It’s the kind of feature I’ve come to expect from Apple, but it’s only on the S26. Mind-blowing battery life Another aspect of the S26 Ultra that really caught my attention is its battery life. Samsung’s smartphone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. That’s pretty much the same battery capacity as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, there’s a huge difference between the two. In my tests, the S26 Ultra lasts significantly longer than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. In one of the tests, I unplugged both phones at the same time (around noon) and tried using them with the same apps and wireless networks. By around 10 p.m., my iPhone had 43 percent battery remaining, while the Galaxy had 69 percent. That’s a big gap. Here, I believe Apple could be doing a better job of optimizing iOS for lower power consumption, which has been a point of criticism since the introduction of iOS 26 and its Liquid Glass interface, which requires significantly more hardware resources to render all the effects. More and better cameras When it comes to cameras, the S26 Ultra doesn’t disappoint either, with four rear lenses compared to the iPhone 17 Pro’s three. The main camera boasts an incredible 200 megapixels, while the phone also features a 50MP 5x zoom lens and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. I also appreciate that Samsung has kept a 10MP 3x zoom lens as well. Both the Galaxy S26 Ultra, left, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max did an admirable job with capturing the color and clarity of this flower. I could spend a lot of time writing about the technical details of the cameras, but here’s the thing. They’re really good, especially for photos. Most of the pictures I’ve taken look just as good or even better than the ones from my iPhone, especially when it comes to zoom range. Samsung’s image post-processing seems less aggressive than Apple’s, which tends to make images overly sharp in certain lighting conditions. When it comes to videos, I still prefer the iPhone, but Samsung has done a great job with its Horizontal Lock feature, which keeps the video steady and at the same angle even if you turn the phone upside down. It’s pretty impressive and useful for action videos. You can clearly see how much more detailed Samsung’s zoom camera (left) is compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The stylus is a nice convenience Finally, there’s the S Pen, the stylus that comes included with the S26 Ultra. This has been a key feature of Samsung’s flagship smartphones for a few years now, and while I think the S Pen is a gimmick, it’s a nice one. I don’t really miss having a stylus to use with my iPhone, but having one on the S26 Ultra is certainly useful every now and then to write quick notes instead of typing on the on-screen keyboard. It feels like I’m writing in a small notepad. You can store the S Pen inside the phone itself when it’s not in use, which is quite convenient. I know Steve Jobs famously disapproved of a stylus, but a tiny Apple Pencil on board Apple’s biggest phone wouldn’t be a terrible thing. I wouldn’t mind a tiny Apple Pencil on board my iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it’s not necessary.Foundry It’s tempting, but I’m not leaving the iPhone Okay, I’ve said a lot of good things about the Galaxy S26 Ultra. So why don’t I switch from the iPhone? While Apple and Google have made switching from iOS to Android (and vice versa) easier than ever, it’s still a difficult proposition. But even if I could snap my fingers and replace my iPhone with an S26, I still wouldn’t. Apple has a robust ecosystem of products and services today. Along with my iPhone, I also have an Apple Watch, AirPods, a Mac, an Apple TV, and the list goes on. Plus, I subscribe to Apple One, and my entire life is on iCloud, not to mention my purchases from the App Store. I trust that’s the case for millions of iPhone users. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, right, is every bit as premium as an iPhone 17 Pro Max.Foundry But more than the devices and apps, Apple’s ecosystem makes everything just work. I can shoot videos on my iPhone, and they immediately show up on my Mac. Then I can edit them on my computer and send them back to my iPhone with just a click using AirDrop. There are many features that have become essential to my workflow, such as iPhone Mirroring, Handoff, and Universal Copy and Paste. Some of these are available in Galaxy land, but none of them work as seamlessly as they do on the iPhone. But even if I just owned an iPhone, it would still be hard to leave Apple’s garden. Using both phones helped me appreciate how iOS apps look more polished than their Android counterparts, even after all these years. On top of that, iOS has a lot of great, exclusive apps that I love, such as Halide and Flighty. I really miss those apps when I’m using the S26 Ultra. It’s safe to say that developers put more effort into developing apps for iOS. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is an excellent smartphone, with some specs that even outshine the iPhone. But the Apple experience and integrated ecosystem can’t be beat, and that means much more than some fancy pixels.11:14 amDeveloper Integrates Mac OS X Cheetah for the Nintendo Wii
A curious developer named Bryan Keller dove into the idea of whether an older version of the operating system for the Mac was capable of being run on a Nintendo Wii. This comes after a gaming device got a ported Windows NT. The developer gave it a try, and he was able to integrate Mac […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:14 amNew Subscription Added by OpenAI
A new subscription tier has been added by OpenAI to support Codex use. OpenAI has a coding agent built into ChatGPT named Codex, rivaling Claude Code Anthropic. The subscription is priced at $100, giving the user more usage for Codex compared to other subscriptions. The company also states that it is optimal for high-effort and […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:12 amThe AirPods Max 2 is $19 Off
The new AirPods Max places sound all around you with personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking made for your special ear shape to give you an immersive listening experience. The design features a knit-mesh canopy, custom textile ear cushions with memory foam for comfortable wear. Block out 1.5x more noise with better Active Noise […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:11 amDynamic Island Design Undecided
Apple is reportedly choosing two options for this year’s iPhone 18 Pro models with Dynamic Island; they are rumored to be undecided on the matter. A report made rounds that suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro would have a smaller Dynamic Island compared to last year’s model. Other leakers say that the rear design of […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:10 amThree Apple Stores In The United States To Close Permanently in a Few Months
In an announcement today, Apple will be closing three Apple Stores in the United States for good in June. The stores are going to be the Apple Towson Town Center in Maryland, Towson, Apple North Country in California, Escondido, and Apple Trumbull in Connecticut. The stores mentioned are found in shopping malls that are struggling […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:09 amParts For Products Announced Last Month Now Available
Apple is now selling parts for the 7 new devices that they have announced during March via the Apple self-service repair program. The program enables customers to get their hands on real manuals, parts, and tools to DIY repair their device. The 7 devices are the iPad Air with M4 chip, Studio Display XDR, the […] The post appeared first on iLounge.11:08 amSmartphone market down and worsening, but Apple’s tactic pays off – IDC
The global smartphone market fell more than 4% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, ending 2.5 years of consecutive growth, according to a new market intelligence report. Things are expected to get even worse as the memory shortage bites even harder, but the tactic adopted by Apple is paying off … more…10:59 amApple Watch hit by major bugs after watchOS 8.8.2 update
Macworld Around three weeks ago, Apple released watchOS 26.4 alongside iOS 26.4 and macOS 26.4. At the same time, the company quietly released updates for watchOS 5 and watchOS 8, two older versions of the Apple Watch’s operating system. These renewed security certificates and enabled iMessage and FaceTime to carry on working. Unfortunately, users are now reporting across various channels that the watchOS 8.8.2 update is causing problems with their Apple Watches. The most common issue appears to be an inability to install apps. Even Apple’s own apps, such as Maps and Weather, are not immune. Other users report random crashing and pairing errors. One affected Apple Watch shut down despite being almost fully charged; after a forced restart, it showed a battery level of 80%. A common tip for problems with the Apple Watch is to unpair it from the companion iPhone and then pair them again, but even during this step, affected users report that the connection sometimes fails. So far, there appears to be no permanent solution to either the crashes or the app installation problem. Several commenters on Reddit and Apple Community say they’ve already contacted Apple Support, but this hasn’t yet led to a fix, or even an explanation of what’s going on. To make matters worse, there is no easy way to revert to the previous version of watchOS. And while watchOS 8 might sound like an ancient OS, it’s compatible with some Apple Watch models which remain popular, such as the Series 6 and SE. If you’ve been affected by the issues with watchOS 8.8.2, please get in touch with us using the form below. The more user feedback Apple receives, the more likely it is that the developers in Cupertino will investigate the issue and (potentially) find a fix. Submit a form.10:32 amAnthropic Rebuilds Claude Code Desktop App Around Parallel Sessions
Anthropic has released a redesigned Claude Code experience for its Claude desktop app, bringing in a new sidebar for managing multiple sessions, a drag-and-drop layout for arranging the workspace, and more. The new sidebar displays every active and recent session in one place, and users can filter by status, project, or environment, with the option to group sessions by project. A new side chat shortcut (Command + 😉 also lets users branch a question off a running task without feeding extra context back into the main thread. Anthropic has also dropped more of the developer workflow into the app itself. There's now an integrated terminal for running tests and builds, an in-app file editor for spot edits, a rebuilt diff viewer aimed at large changesets, and an expanded preview pane that handles HTML files and PDFs alongside local app servers. Each pane is also drag-and-drop friendly, so the layout can be arranged to suit. In addition, the desktop app now matches Claude Code's CLI for plugin support, while SSH sessions are supported on Mac as well as Linux. Lastly, there are three view modes (Verbose, Normal, and Summary) that let users decide how much of Claude's tool-call activity they want to see. The Claude desktop app update is rolling out now to Claude Code users on Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans. In related news, Anthropic also announced Routines – a new way to set up Claude Code automations that run without an active session. A routine bundles a prompt, a repo, and any relevant connectors into a single configuration that can run on a schedule, fire from an API call, or trigger off a GitHub event such as a new pull request. Routines run on Claude Code's web infrastructure rather than a local machine, but Anthropic has put in place daily run caps that scale by plan. Routines are available in research preview to Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise users with Claude Code on the web enabled. For further details, check out Anthropic's blog post.Tag: AnthropicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:30 amThe iPhone 4 and the scandals that rocked Apple
Macworld Quick–what’s the most important iPhone ever? Was it the original iPhone that started it all? The iPhone 6 Plus that offered larger sizes for the first time? The iPhone X that redefined the phone for a new decade? There’s a strong argument to be made that the iPhone 4 is bigger than them all. It debuted in spectacular and infamous fashion, generated one of Apple’s most remarkable controversies, and also ended up being one of the most influential iPhones in terms of design. Most important? Well, maybe. But there’s no doubt that the iPhone 4 is the most interesting iPhone ever. Found in a bar The iPhone 4 story starts with a bang exactly 16 years ago, as an Apple engineer accidentally left one in a German restaurant in Redwood City, California, where it was found by someone who sold it to the tech blog Gizmodo. It was less than two months before the new iPhone’s debut, which was scheduled for Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference in June. Gizmodo thoroughly documented every aspect of the device, spoiling what had traditionally been one of Steve Jobs’s greatest marketing tricks, the dramatic new-product reveal. It seems obvious now, but back in the day, the idea that a new product announcement could be theater was revolutionary. Technology product announcements were boring litanies of specs. Industry standard practice was to sow fear, uncertainty, and doubt by pre-announcing products long before they even existed. Jobs kept Apple’s stuff in a black box, under a dropcloth, to reveal when the time was right, like a magician. It made it feel like you were watching technology being invented in real-time. It was a brilliant bit of showmanship. The Gizmodo leak blew all of that up. There were police raids and criminal investigations, most of which went nowhere. But Apple lost its ability to publicize the iPhone 4–we all knew about it, in detail, way in advance. You’re holding it wrong Another milestone in the weird life of the iPhone 4 happened soon after the device was announced. All of a sudden, media reports began emerging that you could drop the phone’s cellular connection to no bars and end phone calls by placing your fingers on exactly the right spot on the device’s outside. Tim Cook and Steve Jobs do not want to be here. Jason Snell Antennagate wasn’t the first iPhone “gate,” but it might have been the biggest one. The storm of attention got so strong that Steve Jobs had to cut a family vacation short and fly back to Cupertino for a hastily-called press conference. After playing a viral music video by Jonathan Mann, Apple’s CEO appeared on stage and sure didn’t seem happy to be there. Jobs pointed out that lots of phones had places on them where, if you touched just the right spot, you could lose signal. He also admitted that Apple’s algorithm that displayed “cellular bars” was not really accurate and was misrepresenting weaker signals as stronger. He also seemed frustrated that a seemingly tiny number of user complaints were overshadowing the fact that more than 99 percent of iPhone 4 buyers seemed perfectly happy with their devices. But, admitting that a “bumper” case around the phone’s metal edges tended to mitigate the problem, Jobs offered a free bumper case to every iPhone 4 buyer. Jobs also famously gave every iPhone 4 user a little advice, if they found themselves holding the device in a way that reduced the cellular signal: “Just don’t hold it that way then.” There’s also a less-well-known scandal involving the iPhone 4, which Jobs referenced in the “Antennagate” press conference by apologizing for the fact that the white version of the iPhone 4 was late, but would be out later in July. That’s right–Apple sold the iPhone 4 in two colors, black and white, but the white one didn’t ship. Not in June, not in July, and not even in 2010. Apple’s white whale, er, iPhone didn’t ship until April 2011, a full 10 months after it was announced. Can you imagine? Steve Jobs offered iPhone 4 buyers a full refund if they held it wrong. Jason Snell Does it look familiar? But enough about the bad. Thanks to 16 years of hindsight, it’s also important to point out all the things about the iPhone 4 that make it a notable phone–in a good way. The iPhone 4 was the first model to break AT&T’s exclusivity deal in the United States. For the first 3 and 1/2 years of the iPhone’s existence, AT&T was Apple’s exclusive wireless partner. Then, in early 2011, Apple announced a special Verizon-only version of the iPhone4 that brought the phone to America’s biggest carrier. It was a huge step for both Verizon and Apple, bringing the iPhone to a huge new set of customers who just weren’t willing to switch carriers to get the phone they wanted. Perhaps most important, though, is the design of the iPhone 4. After the rounded original iPhone and the curvy plastic of the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4 was a real statement: Flat sides all around, clad in a band of silvery aluminum, with a flat front and back. The iPhone 4’s design persisted through the iPhone 5 and 5S, and then returned with a vengeance with the iPhone 12 series. Even today’s iPhone 17 Pro carries most of the shape with it, though it’s replaced the metal band with an entirely metal backshell. For my money, it’s this design that has stood the test of time and is the definitive iPhone look. Despite being unveiled accidentally in a German restaurant by an Apple engineer via a tech blog, then re-unveiled at WWDC, then apologized for, and with a white color variant that almost never appeared, the iPhone 4 is a huge part of iPhone history. Especially if you don’t hold it wrong.10:23 amiPhone Ultra: Apple first folding iPhone design, display, and release rumors
Macworld We’ve been reporting on the supposedly imminent launch of a foldable iPhone for years. There have been strong and reliable rumors of a foldable iPhone being just two years away, dating as far back as 2018, at least. Back then, reliable reports from the likes of CNBC said Apple was going to have a folding iPhone on the market in 2020. That became 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025… and now it’s expected to land in 2026. So, while the rumors and reports from parts suppliers and analysts are heating up and we have more specifics than ever before, we would advise even more caution and skepticism than usual with Apple speculation. With that said, here’s what current rumors suggest about the release of a folding iPhone. Update April 14, 2026: We’ve updated this guide with the latest rumors, including more dummy models, pricing info, and another leak that “iPhone Ultra” will be the name. Foldable iPhone name: What will it be called? iPhone Ultra is the expected name Many fans and pundits have got into the habit of referring to the rumored device as the iPhone Fold, but this may not necessarily be the official name. The rumors and leaks from spring 2026 onwards suggest that Apple is looking to call it iPhone Ultra. In March, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg claimed that the folding iPhone will be one of several “Ultra” products coming this year—though not all will use “Ultra” branding, it’s certainly a possibility for the folding iPhone. Then, the Weibo account Digital Chat Station (which is hit-and-miss) said Apple is looking to use the iPhone Ultra name, too.10:23 amUnited Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Three
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 22, 15:00 - 16:00 PDTApr 15, 02:55 PDTScheduled - Our carrier partner Three United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 22 April 2026 at 15:00 PDT until 22 April 2026 at 16:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Three United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup SIM Swap, Lookup Identity Match, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes10:02 amXcode crashes every time when saving xcode cloud workflow
Has anyone been dealing with this as well? ChatGPT says its a purely xcode bug when i gave it the crash report. Basically every time i go to Manage Workflows -> Double click on the workflow to bring it up -> Make changes -> Save it then crashes immediately after. submitted by /u/DarkSombreros […]09:45 amGot stuck in App Review for 15 days over account deletion (no account system at all) | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingGot stuck in App Review for 15 days over account deletion (no account system at all)
I recently shipped a major update (NovaAccess 1.3.0), and the App Review process took much longer than expected (~2 weeks). I want to share the timeline and a lesson learned that might save others time. Timeline: March 30 – Submitted April 3 – Rejected (3.1.1 / 3.1.2(c) / 5.1.1(v)) Reviewer mentioned I could reply for […]09:38 amLogging out of SandBox account
Does logging out of the SandBox account in iOS 26 log out of the main iCloud account? In my case, the SandBox account and the main account are the same. So if I go into developer settings and logout of the SandBox account, will the main account be affected? submitted by /u/not_soslim_shady [link] […]09:35 amApp review automation now wants login info for an app that has only google and apple sign-in options | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingApp review automation now wants login info for an app that has only google and apple sign-in options
Hi, yesterday for the first time in like 50 reviews, app review automation stated that i need to provide login info for my app that has google and apple sign-in. My question is should i provide it by creating a new Apple id or by creating a test/sandbox account through App Store Connect/Users and Access […]09:14 amApple TV and Peacock $20 Monthly Bundle Available on Amazon Prime Video, Offering a 30% Discount | MacRumorsApple TV and Peacock $20 Monthly Bundle Available on Amazon Prime Video, Offering a 30% Discount
Apple and Amazon are partnering up for a $19.99/month streaming TV bundle that includes access to Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus. Available to customers in the U.S. for a limited time, the streaming bundle offers access to both services at a 30% discount, similar to the bundle that launched in October 2025. Apple TV is normally $12.99 per month, while Peacock starts at $16.99 for the Premium plan that's included in the bundle, so that's a $10 monthly saving. Peacock Premium Plus includes the option to download content and watch it offline. It also removes most ads. The Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle offers customers access to live sports like Premier League soccer and Major League Baseball, Apple Originals like Pluribus and Severance, as well as Peacock shows and moves. Customers can watch content from both services directly through the Prime Video app on compatible devices. "This bundle makes it easier for customers to seamlessly access even more entertainment options all in one place," Ryan Pirozzi, Head of Prime Video Channels, US, said in a statement. "By expanding the streaming services and bundles available on Prime Video, we're continuing to deliver on our commitment to provide customers with greater choice and seamless access to the shows, movies, and sports they love."Prime members can subscribe to the bundle via the Prime Video app or visiting the Prime Video website and using their existing Amazon account and payment method.Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums08:00 amKeep your brain active with this low-stakes learning app, now $70 for life (was $599.99)
Macworld TL;DR: Nibble is a new app that teaches you things like art, history, finance, and more, and a lifetime subscription is only $70. A lot of learning apps ask for more time and focus than most people actually have. Nibble takes the opposite approach, turning spare minutes into short lessons that feel manageable enough to keep using, even on days when a full course sounds exhausting. A lifetime subscription is also on sale now for only $69.99 (reg. $599.99). Nibble centers everything around 10-minute sessions, so you can pick up something new without feeling like you need to block out your whole evening. The app covers 16 broad topics, including history, art, AI, personal finance, music, and philosophy, and it mixes formats instead of forcing everything into the same lesson style. You can read, listen, watch, take quizzes, play learning games, or use AI chats that make the material feel a little more interactive. Some days, you may want a structured path that builds from one lesson to the next. Other days, you may just want to open the app, learn a few things about a topic that caught your attention, and move on. Nibble works both ways. The personalized recommendations and guided journeys help with direction, but the app still leaves room for curiosity. Another nice part of the setup is that it doesn’t pressure you to learn. There are no deadlines, no long assignments, and no sense that you are falling behind. New content gets added monthly, so the library keeps growing. The lifetime subscription unlocks the full library, plus all available formats, including lessons, videos, audio, games, and AI chats. If you want to keep yourself sharp and learn in your spare time, get a Nibble lifetime subscription for $69.99. Nibble All-Around Knowledge App (Lifetime Subscription)See Deal Buying this deal? Top off your cart to $100+, then add a Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license and use GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) to get it free through 4/19. Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. StackSocial prices subject to change.08:00 amThis $68 portable projector comes with a mic for backyard karaoke
Macworld TL;DR: The ION Portable HD Projector comes with built-in speakers and a wired Mic, and it’s on sale for $68. Some portable projectors require all sorts of separate accessories, which very quickly defeats the purpose of having a portable projector. The ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector keeps things simple by putting the projector, speaker, Bluetooth, and microphone support in one unit, so you can set it up for a movie, game, or karaoke night without dragging out a pile of extra gear. Right now, you can pick up one of these portable projectors for only $67.99 (reg. $84.99). This is not a cinema-quality movie projector, but it’s not supposed to be. You get 720p HD resolution, 100 ANSI lumens, and an adjustable image from 30 inches to 150 inches. That won’t replace a serious home theater setup, but it should work well for movies, games, and outdoor hangouts once the light drops. The bigger selling point is the sound. Most compact projectors sound thin and weak on their own, but this one has a built-in 70W stereo system with dual 3-inch drivers and 1.5-inch tweeters, so you can actually fill a room or patio without immediately reaching for another speaker. That’s especially useful for karaoke nights, which can also benefit from the included microphone. Connecting to your projector is easy. It has ports for HDMI, USB, and AUX, so it’s easy to hook up a laptop, console, or another media device. Bluetooth 5.3 is built in with a range of up to 100 feet, so it can pull double duty as a wireless speaker when you’re not using the projector. Get an ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector on sale for $67.99 while you can. ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, Speakers & MicrophoneSee Deal Buying this deal? Top off your cart to $100+, then add a Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license and use GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) to get it free through 4/19. Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. StackSocial prices subject to change.06:52 amCanada SMS Carrier Maintenance – Bell Mobility
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 21, 22:00 PDT - Apr 22, 00:00 PDTApr 14, 23:45 PDTScheduled - The Bell Mobility network in Canada is conducting a planned maintenance from 21 April 2026 at 22:00 PDT until 22 April 2026 at 00:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Bell Mobility Canada handsets.06:17 amMade a Python script to translate App Store listing text because it’s the most tedious thing and I don’t want to pay for tools. Giving it away free, no API needed. | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingMade a Python script to translate App Store listing text because it’s the most tedious thing and I don’t want to pay for tools. Giving it away free, no API needed.
https://preview.redd.it/cesxm174ravg1.png?width=875&format=png&auto=webp&s=d143d48455a7a465f7d455826e74d590418dc122 Every time I push an update and have to localize my App Store listing I want to bash my head into a wall. I usually push to 37 locales. Five fields each. It's tedious as hell manually. So I made a Python script that handles the whole thing in one shot: – Prompts you […]05:50 amYouTube Music rolls out split-view Now Playing redesign on Android, iOS
The split-view Now Playing redesign that YouTube Music has been working on since last year is now widely rolling out. more…03:51 amDropbox may be unavailable for some users
Apr 15, 03:51 UTCInvestigating - . We’re working to fix the problem as quickly as we can.03:38 amLow cost customer contact and feedback tool (iOS/Android/React Native)
Does anyone have suggestions for ways a customer can contact in the app? Intercom, Zendesk, Freshdesk, etc. are too expensive with too many features Email is getting a bit weird, a lot of low quality "what's this app do?", "is it fake?", and just various completely unrelated one-liner emails in various languages (I have machine […]03:01 amDevelopers behind vibe coding app Anything detail next steps after months-long fight with Apple | 9 to 5 MacDevelopers behind vibe coding app Anything detail next steps after months-long fight with Apple
Following a dispute that led to two removals from the App Store, the developers behind the vibe coding platform Anything are publicly accusing Apple of shutting out a new generation of app creators through outdated app review guidelines. Here are the details. more…02:33 amHow we got to 16 in the Apple App Store and over 1,000 downloads in under 24hrs and 2x our free trial rate | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingHow we got to 16 in the Apple App Store and over 1,000 downloads in under 24hrs and 2x our free trial rate
https://preview.redd.it/31sro7b3n9vg1.png?width=1179&format=png&auto=webp&s=32d2072be5778a253baf4c60c8d47c31dd82b814 Our newspaper style puzzle app Puzzlit just hit #16 and crossed 1,000 downloads in under a day. Here’s what actually moved the needle incase anyone wants to be inspired by this: 1. Everything was data-driven We use PostHog for basically everything. No decisions based on “this feels right”. We track things like: onboarding drop-off […]02:27 amTried solving retention for my app… accidentally launched a second one
I recently finished building and launching an app that helps groups split restaurant bills. Then I ran into the obvious problem: people only use it when they go out, so retention is tough. To solve that, I added a simple game inside the app to encourage daily opens… …and it ended up being engaging enough […]01:53 amBuilt a tool that inspects your .app bundle before you ship it
I built a MacOS tool that acts as a pre-release check for your .app bundle. It answers questions like: will this pass Gatekeeper on users machines, are you leaving any secrets baked in to your bundle, is every binary in the bundle properly signed, what entitlements are you shipping, etc. This replaced a 700-line release […]01:47 amShould I market this app?
Created the Task and Calendar Pro app for my own personal use. I published but there’s 0 download. I guess everyone and their friends are creating these to-do app :). Just wondering if I should spend $ marketing it at all? https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/checked-task-and-calendar-pro/id6477135285 submitted by /u/CycleOfLove [link] [comments]01:36 amGrok nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes almost led to an App Store ban
Apple reportedly threatened Grok owner xAI with an App Store ban if the deepfake nude generation issues weren't addressed. In spite of ongoing problems with the chatbot, the app was never removed.X and Grok faced backlash after deepfake problemFor several horrific days in January, social media platform X was flooded with AI-generated pornographic images involving non-consenting adults and minors. Many wondered why legal entities were slow to respond, but above all, why Apple was completely silent on the matter.According to a new report from CNBC, shared by 9to5Mac, Apple did threaten to remove Grok from the App Store. While Elon Musk did change moderation rules on X, even after monetizing the illegal porn, the Grok app didn't change much at all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:26 amMargo’s Got Money Troubles, starring Elle Fanning, premieres on Apple TV
Apple TV subscribers can now watch the first three episodes of comedic drama Margo’s Got Money Troubles, starring Elle Fanning (Predator: Badlands), Michelle Pfeiffer (Basic Instinct), and Nicole Kidman (The Hours). Here are the details. more…12:40 amApple reportedly threatened to remove Grok from the App Store over sexualized deepfakes | 9 to 5 MacApple reportedly threatened to remove Grok from the App Store over sexualized deepfakes
In a letter obtained exclusively by NBC News, Apple told U.S. senators how it worked behind the scenes to address the viral surge of sexualized deepfakes generated by Grok earlier this year. Here are the details. more…12:33 amJourney Summit Ultra 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: sleek, speedy, and expensive | AppleInsiderJourney Summit Ultra 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: sleek, speedy, and expensive
JourneyiPhone 17's 3-in-1 charging station, the Summit Ultra, keeps your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch topped off and ready to go at a moment's notice — but you'll pay for that convenience.Journey Summit Ultra 3-in-1 Wireless Charging StationIf you're in the Apple ecosystem, chances are you've got at least two — if not three, four, or five Apple devices that need to be charged at any given moment. Journey knows this, which is why it's created its own take on a convenient multi-charger.The Summit Ultra is a three-in-one charger, designed to charge your MagSafe-compatible iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. And, as a bonus, it does so without needing any sort of wires going to or from your devices — everything is grab-and-go. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:07 am9to5Mac Daily: April 14, 2026 – MacBook Neo competition, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card. more…12:02 amApp has traction from Reddit, but almost no App Store discovery. What would you change? | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingApp has traction from Reddit, but almost no App Store discovery. What would you change?
I built a niche iPhone and Apple Watch utility app that did almost $1,100 in a month and has 1,000+ users, but I cannot get App Store discovery to work. At this point I am not really worried about validating the idea. The app has traction. The problem is that almost all of that traction […]Tuesday April 1411:21 pmMicrosoft Raises Prices for All Surface PCs, Making Them More Expensive Than Equivalent Macs | MacRumorsMicrosoft Raises Prices for All Surface PCs, Making Them More Expensive Than Equivalent Macs
Microsoft increased prices for all of its Surface PCs this week, with most models priced hundreds of dollars higher than they were when launching. Windows Central highlighted the increases, which now see Microsoft's mid-range models priced above $1,000 and flagship models priced starting at $1,500. A Microsoft spokesperson said the price increase was due to "recent increases in memory and component costs." Microsoft's 12-inch Surface Pro, which was its cheapest modern PC at $799, is now priced starting at $1,049. The flagship 512GB 13-inch Surface Pro is $1,499, up from $1,199 when it launched in 2024 (Microsoft also discontinued a $999 256GB configuration). The 13-inch Surface Laptop went from an $899 starting price to a $1,149 starting price, while the 13.8-inch model went from $999 to $1,499 and the 15-inch model went from $1,299 to $1,599. The 13-inch Surface Pro and the 13.8-inch and 15-inch Surface Laptop models originally launched in 2024, and Microsoft did increase prices for them in 2025, so this is the second price increase. The 13-inch Surface Laptop and the two Surface Pro models that have seen a $300 price increase launched in 2025. Microsoft's 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7 with 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage used to be $100 cheaper than the 256GB M4 MacBook Air, but now it's $400 more than the 512GB M5 MacBook Air. Apple increased MacBook Air pricing from $999 to $1,099 with the M5 upgrade, but Apple's hike came with more base SSD storage. The Surface Laptop 7 is the laptop that Microsoft says is "faster than a MacBook Air M4." Prices have increased for all Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, from entry-level to high-end. Microsoft's PCs are now more expensive than their Mac equivalents, which is good news for Apple. The high-end Surface Laptop 7 with 64GB RAM and a 1TB SSD is $3,649, which is more expensive than the 16-inch $3,300 M5 Pro MacBook Pro with 64GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Apple's M5 Pro chip also far outperforms the Snapdragon X Elite. Windows Central says Microsoft has new Surface PCs coming later this year, which are also expected to have the same higher prices. Microsoft's decision to increase PC prices comes as Samsung also raised prices for some of its smartphone models and all of its U.S. tablet offerings. Both Microsoft and Samsung are responding to increased costs caused by global memory shortages. Chip makers are prioritizing memory for AI data centers, and there is little manufacturing capacity left for consumer devices.Tag: MicrosoftThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:54 pmApple Removes Freecash App From App Store After Months of Data Harvesting
Apple removed scam app Freecash from the App Store this week after the app spent months harvesting data from iPhone users, reports TechCrunch. Freecash reached the number two spot on the U.S. App Store charts in January after being heavily marketed on TikTok. It promised users up to $35 per hour for watching TikTok content, but it was collecting swaths of user data. Back in January, Wired covered Freecash's deceptive marketing, and MalwareBytes pointed out that the app was gathering data like race, religion, health, and biometrics, with extra data harvested through mobile games that Freecash pushed users to install. Users tricked into downloading Freecash with the promise of free cash found that they could not earn money by using TikTok, but instead were able to earn tiny amounts of cash by playing games like Monopoly Go and Disney Solitaire. The goal was to push users to make in-app purchases or watch paid ads in the apps. Freecash advertised itself as a platform for matching game developers with users likely to spend money in their games. After the Wired report, TikTok pulled the Freecash ads, but Apple did not take action to remove the app. Freecash stayed in the App Store until TechCrunch contacted Apple on Monday, which is when Apple removed the app from the App Store. Apple said Freecash violated its guidelines prohibiting scam practices and misleading marketing. Freecash parent company Almedia denied using deceptive marketing techniques and said it was in compliance with Apple's App Store rules. Our apps are fully compliant with the Apple App Store and Google Play Store policies, as demonstrated by the fact that they are live and regularly pass platform reviews. We do not comment on internal product strategy regarding specific app listings. Freecash was downloaded by 5.5 million people across the Apple App Store and Google Play in January 2026, and it has remained high on the App Store charts since then. In addition to using misleading TikTok ads, the app appears to have used bots and fake ratings to drive traffic. The app's developers may have also acquired an existing App Store app to get around Apple's app review system, as the Freecash app was banned at one point in 2024 before an existing App Store app was renamed Freecash and updated with the same functionality. TechCrunch's full report has more information on Freecash and the scammy tactics the company behind the app used to lure in users.Tag: App StoreThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:40 pmFarewell to Mac Writers John Martellaro and Chuck La Tournous
The Mac community has lost two longtime writers in recent weeks: John Martellaro and Chuck La Tournous. John wrote once for TidBITS in 1996 before settling at The Mac Observer, where Chuck was also a contributing editor.10:27 pmSwitchBot S20 Review: A Budget-Friendly Robot Vacuum and Mop With Matter Support
SwitchBot makes some of the most affordable HomeKit-compatible robot vacuums on the market. I've been testing the SwitchBot S20 and the K11+ for the last several months to see how they measure up to some of the more expensive models that I've reviewed. SwitchBot S20 The MSRP for the S20 is $799, but SwitchBot runs sales often that drop the price to under $500, so it's competitive with some of the more affordable robot vacuums that don't have Matter integration. I've noticed some clear differences between the SwitchBot vacuums and higher-end vacuums I've tested, but the S20 has impressed me with its cleaning ability. It is a vacuum and a mop, so it can vacuum up crumbs and mop the floors at the same time. For vacuuming, it has a 10,000Pa suction, but I've never been able to tell a real difference in suction power between the vacuums I've tested. They're all able to do a good job with dust, fur, dirt, and other debris on the floor. There is an anti-tangle system, and I've never seen the SwitchBot S20 have a problem with hair or fur, and there are rubber ridges on the vacuum brush that seem to help it pick up lightweight messes. A brush on the side sweeps along baseboards, and while I don't think it's as good at getting into small crevices as the Roborock vacuum I have, it does a passable job. You might have to do a perimeter sweep with a regular vacuum every once in a while. The S20 has a roller mop, and that's my favorite robot vacuum mopping design. A lot of companies use rotating mopping pads, but the roller gets washed continually as the robot cleans, so it's not spreading a mess around. It also just feels more hygienic to me because it's scrubbing grime off of the mop as it goes. No robot vacuum is able to get crusty, dried-on stains off in one pass, but the S20 did a good job on dried ketchup with two passes. Robot vacuums aren't ideal for deep cleaning, but with multiple cleans per week or even every day, my floor is cleaner than when I do it manually. I have wood flooring and tile, but no carpet, so I can't test carpet extensively. I have a few larger-sized rugs that it has done fine vacuuming, and it's done no damage to my wood floors. All robot vacuums have a base station, and the S20 is no exception. In fact, it has the option for a base station that hooks up to your plumbing so it can automatically empty waste water and refill with clean water. For a review, I didn't want to hook it up to my house permanently so I opted for tanks that I refill and empty manually, but it's nice to have the option. The SwitchBot S20 base station has a simple, unobtrusive design, and it's not overly large. There's a 2.7L clean water tank and a 2.5L dirty water tank, which I have to refill/empty around once a week depending on how often the robot runs. The base station also has a spot for adding floor cleaner, and there are cleaners that are for robot vacuums. The tanks are easy to access, simple to open, and quick to refill or empty. Dust and dirt are collected in a bag that needs to be replaced every three months, so that is an ongoing expense. You'll also need to do some light cleaning and maintenance of the robot vacuum every so often because the mop and other components don't last forever, but that usually only needs to be done once a year or so. The base station uses hot air (50°C) to dry the mop after cleaning, and that keeps it from growing mold or smelling mildewy. Those are all the good things about the SwitchBot, and now I'll go over the not-so-good and the bad. The base station has a thin plastic mat to protect the floor from the wheels, which SwitchBot wants you to attach to the floor with adhesive. I am not going to attach plastic to my floor, and I was disappointed there wasn't a snap-in floor protector like most robot vacuums have for the base station. Without the adhesive, the plastic moves around and is useless, so I just deal with some drips and dirt on my kitchen floor. Compared to Ecovacs and Roborock vacuums I've tested, the S20 is loud. I would not be able to sleep or work through its vacuuming noise, though it does have a mode to reduce suction and make it quieter. It's still not quiet enough. It sounds like a vacuum when the vacuum is running, but it's not the worst tradeoff for a lower price. The S20 has modes for vacuuming, vacuuming and then mopping, or vacuuming and mopping at the same time, but if you just want it to mop, SwitchBot doesn't have an option for that. As far as the AI goes, it's not as good as some of the other vacuums I've used, and in some ways that's a good thing. It doesn't get stuck on my kitchen rugs because it just flat out ignores them. If one is stuck on the wheel, it drags the rug along until it gets unstuck. I don't necessarily mind, because I don't have to get up and save it. It's able to operate independently for the most part, and I don't have to intervene often. It is able to avoid cords almost entirely, and I haven't had it suck up anything that it shouldn't except for a cat toy and a sock. The Ecovacs robot I tested would sometimes err too far on the side of caution, misidentifying objects and staying away from them for a less thorough clean. The S20 cares less, and that could be an issue if you have a lot of items on the floor. The AI mapping isn't as capable as some more expensive robots, but the S20 was able to identify every room in my house and it navigates them well for the most part. It is not great at thresholds, especially taller thresholds. It gets stuck in my bathroom, and instead of realizing it's stuck and alerting me, it will keep trying to get out until its battery is exhausted. I can edit maps to create no-go areas, label rooms and objects, and make other edits to make sure that it's only cleaning where I want it to clean, and the edits are a must with the SwitchBot vacuums. The S20 can go for around 100 minutes before it needs to charge (in vacuum and mopping mode), and can clean approximately 1,000 square feet in my house before that point. It isn't able to do my entire house on a single charge, but in-app scheduling lets me have it clean a room or an area a day on a cycle. The battery lasts closer to three hours in vacuum-only mode. SwitchBot K11+ The SwitchBot K11+ is a much smaller, vacuum-only robot. It's best for small spaces and it's a robot I'd consider in an apartment. With three attempts, I wasn't able to get it to accurately map my entire house, and the AI seems to be limited. I can isolate it in a room and get an accurate map, so it's okay in a smaller area, but it's still not particularly intelligent. Like the S20, if it can't get to an area, it doesn't give up and move on. It continues to try to get there until it dies and I have to go hunt it down, and that's inconvenient when I'm not home. The suction is decent at 6,000Pa per SwitchBot, but it doesn't pick up as much as quickly as the S20. What I like best about the K11+ is the small size. It's able to get in smaller nooks and crannies than bigger robot vacuums, which makes it ideal for small spaces. There is technically a feature where you can attach a Swiffer-style mop to the K11+ for a mopping feature, but that just seems like much more of a hassle than quickly mopping the floor myself. Matter Integration With an Apple Matter hub (Apple TV or HomePod), SwitchBot vacuums connect to the Home app. Basic functions can be controlled through the Home app or through Siri, and I've come around to Siri integration as a useful feature. I wasn't impressed with the limited robot vacuum controls in the Home app to begin with, but I can say things like "Siri, vacuum the kitchen" or "Siri, mop the dining room" to get a targeted clean when needed, and that's come in handy. That's primarily what I use Matter for, but the Home app also supports automations and integration with other Apple products. You can have a setup where the robot vacuums when you leave home, so you never have to deal with the sound. There is no situation where Siri or the Home app can be used to control a robot vacuum entirely without the need to access the dedicated SwitchBot app. Features like editing a map, updating firmware, viewing cleaning progress, troubleshooting, or checking estimates for replacement parts require the SwitchBot app, and that's true of any robot vacuum. HomeKit integration is nice to have, but it is limited, and it's not a feature that I would choose one robot vacuum over another for. Bottom Line If you're looking for a robot vacuum and mop that does a good job cleaning and mopping and you don't want to spend a ton, the SwitchBot S20 is worth checking out. You'll need to deal with some frustrations, like loud noise, map editing, and rescuing it from being stuck, but it cleans well. I would not recommend the smaller K11+ unless you have a small space. It's not meant for larger homes, but it is a good apartment vacuum if you won't miss mopping functionality. How to Buy The SwitchBot S20 is available from the SwitchBot website for $520 after a 35 percent discount (I've seen the price lower, so it's worth waiting for a bigger sale), while the SwitchBot K11+ is available for $220 after a 45 percent discount. Note: SwitchBot provided MacRumors with an S20 and a K11+ for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums09:59 pmApple pulls fake Ledger app and Freecash in rough day for App Store review
Just as CoinDesk reported that a fake Ledger app had drained millions from App Store users, TechCrunch revealed that another app had been harvesting sensitive user data. Apple pulled both today. Here are the details. more…09:47 pmPatch Tuesday, April 2026 Edition
Microsoft today pushed software updates to fix a staggering 167 security vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and related software, including a SharePoint Server zero-day and a publicly disclosed weakness in Windows Defender dubbed "BlueHammer." Separately, Google Chrome fixed its fourth zero-day of 2026, and an emergency update for Adobe Reader nixes an actively exploited flaw that can lead to remote code execution.09:47 pmSamsung's U.S. Price Increases Add to Concerns About Rising Apple Device Costs
Samsung raised the prices of several of its smartphones and tablets in the United States overnight, likely due to increasing costs caused by ongoing memory shortages. As shared by PhoneArena, the 512GB Galaxy Z Flip increased by $80 from $1,219.99 to $1,299.99, while the S25 Edge and S25 FE went up $80 and $40, respectively. Samsung did not increase the cost of its current-generation S26 smartphones because those were priced higher than the prior-generation models from launch, but the company did also increase the cost of the 512GB and 1TB Galaxy Z Fold 7 earlier this month. Samsung's tablet prices increased for the full U.S. lineup, including the latest Galaxy Tab S11 and the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra models. The base models are $100 more expensive at $900 for the S11 and $1,299 for the S11 Ultra, while higher-end models went up even more. The 1TB S11 Ultra is now $1,899.99, which is a $280 increase. Samsung didn't comment on the price increase, but the quiet price hike suggests that Samsung is going to need to charge more for upcoming devices that are coming out later this year. As a major smartphone manufacturer, Samsung has not been able to weather rising costs without raising prices, and that could be a sign that Apple's upcoming devices could also be more expensive than they would have been without hardware shortages. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models that came out earlier this year are more expensive than their predecessors, though Apple increased storage to justify the price hike. Apple already removed the 512GB RAM upgrade for the Mac Studio, and started charging $400 more for the 256GB RAM upgrade. Apple also recently stopped accepting orders for some Mac Studio and Mac mini configurations with higher amounts of RAM. For machines still in stock, shipping times are extraordinarily high. Hardware makers like Apple are dealing with high demand for memory and storage, which has been caused by demand from artificial intelligence data centers. Manufacturers are prioritizing AI chip production over chips designed for consumer products because large data center contracts are more profitable. Chipmakers like Samsung, TSMC, and SK Hynix are unable to keep up with demand even while operating at full capacity, and the lack of supply mixed with rising demand has led to price hikes. During Apple's January earnings call, Tim Cook said that memory costs didn't impact the company's gross margin in the first fiscal quarter of the year, but would have a "bit more of an impact" during the second fiscal quarter. Apple is set to hold its Q2 earnings call on April 30. Cook said that Apple is looking at a "range of options" to deal with rising prices over the long term if needed, and Apple is seeking supplier price cuts in other areas to offset the increase. Apple apparently agreed to pay Samsung twice as much for LPDDR5X memory chips for ongoing iPhone 17 production. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in January that he expects Apple to keep iPhone 18 starting prices flat despite having to pay more for components. He said Apple could absorb the costs to gain market share, and make up some of the money on its services side. Apple plans to launch a new foldable iPhone this year, and its rumored $2,000+ price tag could also pad Apple's margins. Apple has been planning M5 updates for the Mac Studio and the Mac mini, and it is unknown how the memory shortages and long shipping times for current machines will impact those plans.Tag: SamsungThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums09:15 pmApple TV’s under-the-radar masterpiece ‘For All Mankind’ is still soaring – Empire
Season five of “For All Mankind” picks up in the years since the Goldilocks asteroid heist. Happy Valley has grown into a thriving colony… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.09:10 pmApple holds the line while rivals jack up prices
Rising Microsoft and Samsung prices are shifting the competitive landscape in the electronics market today. Here's how Apple benefits. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)09:01 pmCloudflare Container Scheduling Delays
Apr 14, 21:01 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating delays in container schedulingFirehose II – Jobs, Deals, Apps
No feed items found.