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- Wednesday April 01
- 04:35 pmEddy Cue to appear on TBPN to discuss Apple’s 50th anniversary today
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services and Health, will make a video podcast appearance this afternoon as part of Apple’s 50th anniversary. more…04:27 pmSonnet returns with another best-in-class Thunderbolt 5 dock
We've gotten our hands on Sonnet's Echo 21 Thunderbolt 5 SuperDock, and it is a massive connectivity upgrade adding 12 USB and Thunderbolt ports, storage, and more to your Mac with one cable.Sonnet Echo 21 Thunderbolt 5 SuperDockUSB-C and Thunderbolt docks help solve a persistent problem for Apple's MacBook lines by adding more points of connectivity that Apple doesn't include. In its latest Thunderbolt dock release, Sonnet is supersizing the options for end users.The Sonnet Echo 21 Thunderbolt 5 SuperDock, as the name implies, works with the current fastest connectivity port on the current generation of Macs. It has a total of three Thunderbolt 5 ports, allowing you to connect multiple high-data devices to the 120Gbps Mac connection. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:26 pmCarPlay’s latest upgrades offer exciting glimpse of what’s coming in iOS 27
CarPlay in iOS 26.4 unlocked access to a new category of apps: third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT, which just shipped its new CarPlay app yesterday. Here’s why these new apps offer a glimpse at what to expect from iOS 27 and the new Siri. more…04:25 pmAmazon issues AirPods Max 2 price drop on launch day
Apple's new AirPods Max 2 over-ear headphones are in stock and on sale as retailers engage in a price war to compete for your business on launch day.Save on AirPods Max 2 on launch day - Image credit: AppleAirPods Max 2 officially launched today, and Amazon and Walmart are already competing for your business with a $20 discount on the Midnight color option. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:20 pmApple CEO Tim Cook Explains His Relationship With Trump
Apple's CEO Tim Cook has maintained a working relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, and he touched on that in a recent interview. Cook sat down with Esquire's Ryan D'Agostino to discuss Apple's 50th anniversary, but he was also asked about how he navigates the Trump administration. Cook responded by saying that "the Trump administration is very accessible." "So you can talk with them about your point of view on things," said Cook. "They may not agree, but you can engage. You can be heard. You may not, in the end, be able to convince. But engagement for me, not just in the U.S. but around the world, is so important because it is very complex, working through local laws, local customs, local culture, local regulations. Every country is its own story. Everybody's looks at things differently." "The only way you get a feel for that is to sit before someone and communicate and engage," he added. "If you went in my conference room, you would see the Teddy Roosevelt quote 'It is not the critic who counts.' I've never believed that just yelling from the sideline about plus or minus was a good strategy. Your voice just goes into the wind." Cook went on to say that it is important to have "values that are consistent," and he assured that Apple's values and his own have not changed. He emphasized Apple's focus on user privacy, the environment, accessibility, and education. "So you'll see me everywhere, and you'll wonder 'oh, he's meeting with somebody that has a different view than him,'" Cook concluded. "I think that's good. I think it's good. I think a problem in the world right now is that it's so polarized and different views aren't shared or discussed. They just become hardened. And I don't think that's good." In an interview last month, Cook said he is "not a political person." "I interact on policy, not politics," he said.Tags: Donald Trump, Tim CookThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums04:17 pmApple TV 4K might break a record no one wants to see happen
It makes sense that Apple TV 4K customers are vocal about the lack of new hardware. The current set-top box, introduced in 2022, runs the risk of breaking a record no one wants to see happen. more…04:14 pmWill Apple pay me in GBP to my Wise Business account for a UK Ltd?
I have a UK Ltd and I am setting up a Wise Business account for it. I am running into a regional issue with the director side, and I may not be able to receive USD into this business account. I want to connect this account to my Google Play Developer and Apple Developer accounts, […]04:14 pmThis high-res, high-refresh 27-inch Alienware monitor is under $325 today
Macworld Alienware AW2723 View Deal If you need an extra monitor for your home setup, you can plunk down a bundle on one of Apple’s Studio Displays or shop around for something more affordable. Today’s deal has you covered: Amazon is selling the Alienware AW2723 for a few cents less than $323 today, a savings of $227 on its original MSRP, and the best price you’re likely to find. When you get something with the Alienware name attached, you know you’re paying for a high-quality build with excellent specs. And that’s very much true for this particular gaming monitor. Built for high-performance gaming and productivity, the Alienware monitor features a 280Hz overclocked refresh rate (and 240Hz native refresh rate), as well as a super-fast 1ms response time for smooth and lag-free gameplay and perfect video editing. You’ll absolutely love this 27-inch IPS monitor with a crisp 2560x1440p resolution because it also delivers gorgeous colors and deep contrast. It will do wonders for any of your creative projects when paired with a MacBook or Mac mini. So go ahead and grab one of these Alienware monitors for $323 because it’s fantastic and a lot cheaper than you’d pay for one of Apple’s displays.04:00 pmRevisiting Steve Jobs’s most important lesson on Apple’s 50th anniversary
This story is part of 9to5mac’s series celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary. In 1994 Steve Jobs sat down with the Santa Clara Valley Historical Association for what I imagined they expected to be a simple interview. It was anything but. In a matter of a few minutes the Apple co-founder shared some of the most profound advice I have ever heard anyone in a position of power give. more…03:55 pmPersonal IOS app
Hello! I've been developing apps/software for a while, lately been using flutter for apks but haven't yet tried anything for ios, question is if i want to make a personal app for myself to use on my phone would i have to do all the xcode and apple developer account stuff? Or can i just […]03:45 pmTim Cook remembers Steve Jobs on Apple’s 50th anniversary: ‘It’s definitely still his company’ | 9 to 5 MacTim Cook remembers Steve Jobs on Apple’s 50th anniversary: ‘It’s definitely still his company’
As part of Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Apple CEO Tim Cook sat down with Esquire for an in-depth conversation. In the interview, Cook discussed his memory of Steve Jobs, remarking that Apple is “definitely still his company.” Cook also once again discussed his strategy for interacting with the Trump administration and politicians around the world. more…03:43 pmAirPods Max 2 Now Available at Apple Stores
Starting today, the AirPods Max 2 are available for purchase at many Apple Store locations around the world, and deliveries to customers have also begun. Apple's website shows same-day pickup availability at many Apple Stores in the U.S. and abroad. AirPods Max 2 are equipped with the H2 chip that debuted in the AirPods Pro 2. Compared to the previous generation, the new AirPods Max feature up to 1.5× more active noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for "even cleaner audio," and Apple says Spatial Audio content "sounds better than ever." The headphones also have reduced wireless audio latency compared to the previous generation. A new Camera Remote feature allows users to press the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using Apple's Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on an iPhone or iPad. The headphones still have a USB-C port and up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge with active noise cancellation enabled. Color options remain Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue, and pricing remains set at $549 in the U.S., although there is already an Amazon sale.Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2Tag: Apple StoreBuyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:37 pmDeals: AirPods Pro 3 $50 off, M5 Max MacBook Pro $199 off, Studio Display, Thunderbolt Pro Cable, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: AirPods Pro 3 $50 off, M5 Max MacBook Pro $199 off, Studio Display, Thunderbolt Pro Cable, more
The Amazon spring sale is over, but today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is loaded with notable deals including the return of AirPods Pro 3 down at $199 holiday pricing as well as the all-new 24GB M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $149 off and the 48GB at $199 off – we also have $199 off the M5 Max models. The new 2026 Apple Studio Display XDR is now $400 less than it was yesterday (as we reported this morning) and we also have an ongoing discount on David Pogue’s new “Apple: The First 50 Years“ hardcover book at 32% off via Amazon. Head below for a closer look and even more. more…03:32 pmApple Discusses AirPods Max 2, Says H2 Chip Has More to Offer in Future
TechRadar's Jacob Krol recently sat down with Apple's VP of Platform Architecture Tim Millet and Director of Audio Product Marketing Eric Treski to discuss the AirPods Max 2, including the H2 chip and increased active noise cancellation. AirPods Max 2 have the same overall design as the previous generation, with most of the improvements coming from the upgrade to the H2 chip, including up to 1.5× more active noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. Even still, Apple suggested that the H2 chip has more to offer, with future AirPods Max 2 firmware updates likely to unlock additional features. "H2 is this platform that continues to demonstrate that it has continued headroom," said Millet. Regarding the up to 1.5× more active noise cancellation, Apple said it is not a cherry-picked stat. "We take that average at 1.5 times across an average of all frequencies," said Treski. "We're not cherry-picking individual frequencies or a certain range." TechRadar's interview contains more comments from Millet and Treski, so be sure to check it out if you are interested in learning more. AirPods Max 2 are available at Apple Stores and began arriving to customers starting today.Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2Tag: H2 ChipBuyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:24 pmiPhone Fold to reportedly have three unique design features new to Apple
The iPhone Fold is coming later this year, with all the obvious foldable design basics like a hinge, folding display, and more. But rumors indicate the iPhone Fold will also have several unique design features that are firsts for Apple beyond these basics. Here’s what’s coming. more…03:21 pmApple’s flashy homepage takeover touts ’50 years of thinking different’
On Wednesday the Apple homepage marked 50 years with a nostalgic and abstract animation showing its products. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:21 pmiPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17 Buyer's Guide: 35+ Differences Compared
The iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 are among the most affordable iPhones in Apple's current lineup, separated by just $200, but the gap between them is more significant than the price difference alone suggests. The $599 iPhone 17e is Apple's budget-first option, built around the efficient C1X modem and a single-camera system. The $799 iPhone 17, meanwhile, represents a substantial update over the iPhone 16, featuring a larger display with ProMotion, a much-improved Ultra Wide camera, a brighter panel, and significantly longer battery life. Understanding where the 17e makes compromises is key to making the right choice. Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two iPhones is best for you. The two devices share the same A19 chip and main rear camera system. Both support Face ID, MagSafe charging, USB-C, and Apple Intelligence. Here is everything that differs between them: iPhone 17e (2026) iPhone 17 (2025) 6.1-inch display 6.3-inch display "Notch" Dynamic Island 60Hz display ProMotion for refresh rates up to 120Hz Always-On display 800 nits max brightness (typical) 1,000 nits max brightness (typical) 1,200 nits peak brightness (HDR) 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR) 3,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor) Available in White, Black, and Soft Pink Available in Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black 12-megapixel front-facing camera 18-megapixel front-facing camera Tap to zoom and rotate on front-facing camera Center Stage front-facing camera Ultra-stabilized video on front-facing camera 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera 1x or 2x optical zoom options 0.5x, 1x, or 2x optical zoom options Optical image stabilization Sensor-shift optical image stabilization Photographic Styles Latest-generation Photographic Styles Macro photography Spatial photos and videos Cinematic mode (up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps) Action mode Dual Capture (up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps) Camera Control 4-core GPU with Neural Accelerators 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators Apple C1X modem Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem mmWave 5G connectivity Wi-Fi 6 connectivity Wi-Fi 7 connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity Bluetooth 6 connectivity Apple N1 chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Thread connectivity Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding GPS Precision dual-frequency GPS 26-hour battery life 30-hour battery life Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher 256GB or 512GB storage 256GB or 512GB storage Starts at $599 Starts at $799 Released March 2026 Released September 2025 For most buyers choosing between these two devices, the iPhone 17e is the default choice. At $200 less, it delivers the same A19 chip and main rear camera as the iPhone 17, with an excellent 26-hour battery life and Apple Intelligence support. The iPhone 17e is an outstanding device for price-conscious customers. That said, the iPhone 17 is a substantially more capable device across several areas that will matter to many buyers. The jump to a 6.3-inch ProMotion display with Always-On is one of the most significant display upgrades ever to come to a non-Pro iPhone. The iPhone 17 also brings a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits versus the 17e's 800 nits, which makes a dramatic difference in direct sunlight. The camera gap is also wide. The iPhone 17's 48-megapixel Ultra Wide represents a major increase in utility over the 17e, which has no Ultra Wide camera at all. The 17 also gains Camera Control, macro photography, Spatial photo and video capture, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and a significantly upgraded 18-megapixel front-facing camera with Center Stage and Dual Capture. If you shoot video regularly, take a lot of selfies, or use your camera as a creative tool, the iPhone 17 is the meaningfully better device. The two devices also differ significantly in design. The iPhone 17e carries forward a form factor based on the iPhone 13, with flatter edges and a traditional notch, while the iPhone 17 features a more modern design with softer, more rounded edges and the Dynamic Island in place of a notch. The iPhone 17 also offers a wider selection of colors, with five options compared to the 17e's three. For buyers upgrading from an iPhone 13 or older, either model will feel like a dramatic improvement, but the iPhone 17 is the better long-term investment given the display and camera advantages. The iPhone 17e is an excellent value at $599 and it makes very few compromises on the fundamentals, but the iPhone 17 offers so much more for $200 extra that it is hard to argue against if your budget allows. A larger display with ProMotion and the Dynamic Island, a vastly more capable camera system, and four additional hours of battery life represent a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade. New buyers who want the most complete iPhone experience at the lower end of the lineup should strongly consider spending the extra $200 for the iPhone 17.Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17eBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral), iPhone 17e (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:18 pmStop Your iPhone Suppressing Background Audio in Videos
In iOS, Apple's Audio Zoom feature automatically focuses your iPhone's microphones on whatever you've zoomed in on while recording video. It's great for isolating a subject in a noisy environment, but it can also strip away the ambient sound that can give your footage a broader context. Fortunately, iOS 26.4 adds a dedicated toggle for Audio Zoom so you can decide for yourself when it's truly required. What Is Audio Zoom? Audio Zoom is likely to be most useful if you're recording at a concert, sporting event, or any scenario where you want to isolate a specific sound source from a noisy environment. But what if you want to capture the full acoustic experience rather than just the subject you've zoomed in on? In those situations, the audio narrowing effect could risk making your video sound flat and unnatural. In iOS 26.4, Audio Zoom is on by default, but now you can also turn it off. If you haven't updated yet, head to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update on your iPhone to download the latest version. Once you're up and running, here's how to find the setting: Open Settings on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Camera. Tap Record Sound. Toggle Audio Zoom on or off. Note that Audio Zoom only works when Spatial Audio or Stereo is selected as your recording format. If you've switched to Mono, the option will be grayed out. If you shoot a lot of zoomed-in video and want the clearest possible audio of your subject, it's best to leave Audio Zoom enabled. But if you prefer capturing the full ambient soundscape of a scene regardless of zoom level, be sure to switch it off.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:06 pmReview: Alogic's Edge 5K Display Offers an Ultrawide Big-Screen Experience
Accessory company Alogic has been releasing an increasing number of displays, and the latest model arrives as a 40-inch 5K2K ultrawide model that joins existing 34-inch and 40-inch 4K models in the Edge family. I've been testing out the new 40-inch 5K2K model for the past few months, and I've found it to be a solid display offering major screen real estate for productivity users. As a 40-inch ultrawide display, the Edge 5K is big, and it arrives in a fairly large box, although it is packaged efficiently with styrofoam padding, stand parts, and other accessories nestled around the massive display. The Edge 5K is available in either silver or space gray, and setup is simple, with a large metal foot that's attractively thin paired with a solid arm that features a cable passthrough for organization. The two stand pieces attach easily to each other with a single screw that can be tightened by hand or with a screwdriver, and the whole stand snaps easily into the back of the display. Alternatively, you can use any sturdy 100×100mm VESA mount if you prefer a different method of supporting the display. A separate 180-watt power brick powers the display and attached accessories, and it can push up to 90 watts upstream to a connected computer. I will say that there is a bit of wobble in the display, due partly to the sheer size of the display panel and also the range of adjustments supported by the stand, which includes height, tilt, swivel, and rotation. It remains stable enough on my desk amid vibrations from typing and other movement, but it can definitely wobble if you bump it or have it on surface that is anything less than rock solid. Alogic tells me the bit of wobble is a tradeoff it elected to make in order to maximize adjustability. It's certainly not a deal-breaker for me, but something to be aware of. This display looks sleek, with thin black bezels around the top and sides and then a thicker silver aluminum chin with some subtle Alogic branding and a power status light (that does unfortunately pulse rather brightly while the display is sleeping, so be aware if you're using it in a bedroom). The panel housing itself has a very thin profile on the upper two-thirds, and then a thicker portion bulging out of the back on the lower third where the stand attachment, ports, and electronics are housed. The upper two thirds is actually glass on the rear, which brings a bit of class if you position your display such that the rear of it is visible. The design also takes advantage of the display backlight to provide a lighted Alogic logo on the rear of the display, which could be a positive or a negative depending on your preference. Alogic tells me it put extra focus on the design of the display's backside, based on feedback from users who like to use these monitors in offices where the rear is frequently visible to others sitting across a desk, for example. I was impressed with the display quality out of the box. I really didn't need to make any adjustments in either macOS or the through on-screen menus of the display, though I did ultimately play around with them to understand the range of adjustments that are available. As a 40-inch 5K2K display, it measures in at 5,120 by 2,160 pixels at 138 pixels per inch. That doesn't match true Retina pixel density of an iMac or a smaller 4K or 5K display, but I was pleasantly surprised at how sharp everything looked, even coming from my usual setup of as pair of high-density LG UltraFine 5K displays. The Edge 5K offers 100% coverage of the sRGB spectrum, 99% of DCI-P3, and 94% of Adobe RGB. It also supports refresh rates up to 100Hz, and while that's not as high as some gaming-specific displays on the market, the bandwidth demands of the display's high resolution limits the ability to push a super-high refresh rate. Still, 100Hz is great for a productivity-focused setup and will even work fine for many games. This is a matte display, so definitely be aware of that if it's a concern for you. I'm doing productivity work near a window and can get a bit of glare at certain times of day, so I prefer matte displays and this one looks great to my eye. It's an IPS panel with up to 400 nits of typical brightness, which is fine for my workspace although there are brighter displays on the market. While you can certainly run the display at full 5,120 × 2,160 resolution, I found that it made on-screen content too small given the viewing distance I am typically at. On the other end, running at 2,560 × 1,080 as a true Retina display made content too large, so I found the 3,840 × 1,620 scaled option to be the perfect resolution for this display in my setup. It provides a large canvas for putting multiple apps and windows side-by-side, with everything appearing at a legible size, and macOS handles scaled resolutions quite well so I had no issues with display quality. Coming from a pair of 27-inch 5K displays, I did have to figure out a new layout for my desktop with the slightly smaller amount of screen real estate, but having it all on one display made it easier to adjust my window sizes and tile them on my desktop. The Edge 5K features a number of handy connectivity options on the rear, with display connectivity options of USB-C (supports both data and power delivery), DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 (refresh rate limited to 30Hz at 5K resolution). When connected over USB-C, the display also acts as a hub with two additional downstream USB-C ports running at USB 2.0 speeds, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting headphones or externally-powered speakers (does not support microphone input). Two 3-watt speakers are built into the display, but as is typical in most displays, they don't sound great. The speakers also don't integrate with Mac keyboard shortcut keys for volume (the same is true for display brightness), but Alogic tells me it's planning a firmware update for around the middle of the year to add this functionality. The rear of the Edge 5K features a joystick button to access and navigate through the on-screen menus. It provides quick access to volume, brightness, display presets, and cycling through connected video sources, and then you can dive deeper into an array of adjustments for the backlight, contrast, blue light shift, Adaptive Sync, sharpness, Picture by Picture and Picture in Picture mode settings, color temperature, HDR, and more. The Alogic Edge 5K is normally priced at $1,699.99, but Alogic is currently offering a 10% discount that brings it down to $1,529.99. Silver and Space Gray color options are available, and it comes with a solid two-year warranty. Comparison to Apple's Studio Display At this price point, it is natural to compare the Edge 5K to Apple's just-upgraded Studio Display, but these displays serve very different purposes. The Studio Display measures just 27 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio, and for most users it will run best in true Retina mode, yielding a desktop size of 2,560 × 1,440 from the display's 5,120 × 2,880 pixels. While the Edge 5K also offers 5,120 pixels in the horizontal dimension, the 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio means it offers fewer pixels in the vertical dimension than the Studio Display. But the much larger 40-inch size means you can effectively have more screen real estate than on the Studio Display if you run it a scaled resolution in between full and Retina sizes. The Studio Display does of course also offer a true Apple design aesthetic and build quality, and offers tight integration with macOS that the Edge 5K can't currently match. The Edge 5K also lacks a built-in webcam and microphone, and downstream USB-C connectivity options are more limited at just USB 2.0 speeds. On the positive side, the Edge 5K offers more connectivity options, so if you have a PC or other video source, you can use HDMI or DisplayPort to connect it directly to the Edge 5K without the need for adapters, and you can easily switch between inputs or even take advantage of dual sources simultaneously with Picture in Picture or Picture by Picture. Both of these displays are toward the pricier end of things among more mainstream displays, but they're different enough that you should be able weigh your needs (physical display size, connectivity, etc.) to figure out what's most important to you and which display will meet those needs the best. Note: Alogic provided MacRumors with the Edge 5K display for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Alogic. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.Tag: AlogicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:00 pmIran threatens Apple, other tech giants with attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened U.S. tech companies with attacks. The list includes Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.03:00 pmSuper-slim MagSafe power bank is the best I’ve ever used [Review] ★★★★★
The BMX SolidSafe Air is the world’s slimmest semi-solid-state iPhone power bank. We go hands-on ... and fall in love. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:00 pmI was an Apple guy almost from the start – here are my standout devices
This story is part of 9to5mac’s series celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary. On Apple’s 50th anniversary, it’s somewhat worrying that I’m old enough to have been an Apple guy almost from the very start. The above photo shows the OG me with the OG Macintosh in 1984. Oh, and a rotary-dial telephone just to complete the museum exhibit look. I never used an Apple I, but I did use an Apple II fairly extensively – and I’ve been a Mac guy literally from day one. So of all the Apple products I’ve used over the years, which ones stand out for me … ? more…02:54 pmPSA: VESA Studio Display XDR customers should request refund following price drop
Apple issued a rare price drop on an existing product with the VESA mount adapter version of the Studio Display XDR. It turns out customers who already spent the full original price are due for a refund. more…02:53 pmBRU (Brussels) on 2026-04-06
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 6, 23:30 UTC - Apr 7, 05:30 UTCApr 1, 14:44 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in BRU (Brussels) datacenter between 2026-04-06 23:30 and 2026-04-07 05:30 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.02:46 pmHow to stream NASA Artemis II launch live on iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple TV
NASA's Artemis II launch will be streamed live on April 1 through NASA+ and partner platforms. Here's how iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV users can catch the history-making launch.How to watch the Artemis II launchCoverage begins at 12:50 p.m. Eastern time. NASA is targeting liftoff at 6:24 p.m. and directs viewers to NASA+ as the primary broadcast path.NASA built its distribution around its own streaming stack, then added YouTube and other platforms as secondary options. The approach makes clear which feeds are most likely to hold up during a high-demand event. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:23 pmApple Guideline 5.2.2
I'm unclear on the implications on Apple's App Review Guideline 5.2.2: If your app uses, accesses, monetizes access to, or displays content from a third-party service, ensure that you are specifically permitted to do so under the service’s terms of use. Authorization must be provided upon request. If a paid subscription app uses a licensed […]02:15 pmOur first Apple products: How we joined the Cult of Mac
Apple's 50th anniversary makes us look back on how we got started using various Macintosh computers decades ago. Here's how it all began. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:15 pmUgreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station review: Plenty of ports plus SSD slot storage flexibility | MacworldUgreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station review: Plenty of ports plus SSD slot storage flexibility
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros 17 fast ports, including three Thunderbolt 5 SSD slot 2.5Gb Ethernet Compact case 240W Power Delivery Cons Premium price Our Verdict Power users demanding a host of fast ports will find a lot to like in this compact 17-port dock, especially its built-in (up to 8TB) SSD slot. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$499.99 Best Prices Today: Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station Retailer Price $499.99 View Deal Ugreen $499.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There are a few Thunderbolt 5 docks fighting it out as the ultimate docking station with incredible numbers of ports, all rated at the top-end, and some with built-in slots for SSD drives to enable the user to dramatically and reasonably affordably increase their system storage. The Ugreen Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station sits somewhere in the middle between the 20-26-port generals and the Thunderbolt 5 troops below. It has a lot of ports but not too many; it targets the high-end in terms of speed; and it includes the SSD slot. The iVanky FusionDock Ultra boasts 26 ports, a drive enclosure and can hook up four external displays all on its own. Now sit down—It costs $649. Most professionals don’t need that number of ports and won’t want to spend that sort of money. The Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 therefore represents a high middle ground where you should get all the ports you need at a price you can afford. Design Laptop docking stations usually come in either long slim horizontal shells or tall vertical towers—sometimes they can be placed either way, as with the CalDigit TS5 and its sibling docks. The Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station takes a different approach, being more of a cube, which fits Apple’s desktop aesthetic quite well, in terms of its Mac mini and Mac Studio computers. The 17-in-1 Maxidok from Ugreen comes beautifully packaged.Simon Jary Its shell is a dark gun-metal gray aluminum chassis with attractive copper-colored grilled sides and back. It’s a welcome change from all-over dull gray gear, and I hope we see more color adventure with Mac accessories in the future, following the success of the colorful MacBook Neo—not that the Maxidok 17 is aimed at Neo users; it’s aimed firmly at the Pro market. It measures 5.2 x 5.2 x 2.1 inches (133 x 133 x 53mm). It weighs in at 1.9lbs (0.87kg). In comparison, a Mac mini is 5 x 5 x 2 inches (127 x 127 x 50mm) and weighs 1.5lbs (0.67kg), so it’s a very close match. Ugreen in fact makes a dock especially for the Mac mini—its forthcoming 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Mac mini dock even matches the Mac mini is its silver color. The ports are well placed. The upstream Thunderbolt 5 port that connects to your MacBook is at the back—unlike some rival docks that place it at the front, which increases cable mess in our opinion. Also, at the back are the two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports and a dedicated DisplayPort 2.1 for one of the external monitors you’ll be hooking up. The two Thunderbolt 5 ports can also be used for display purposes. The Ethernet LAN port is also at the back—it rightly knows its place—alongside three legacy USB-A ports that are fast but offer little in the way of device charging. Two 3.5mm audio jacks finish off the back ports. Front facing are the two fast card readers and three USB-C ports, two of which share 60W of power for iPhone or iPad Pro fast charging, or enough to keep a second MacBook charged if that’s your requirement. There is a power button on the front too, which we prefer, so it’s possible to manually stop power going to the laptop battery during periods of non-use. The design is engineered to dissipate heat. The colorful sides are ridged for passive cooling, plus there is a fan for active cooling when the dock is under greater pressure. Simon Jary Specs and features 17 ports—including six USB and three Thunderbolt—is a lot to squeeze into the dock’s compact cube chassis, but the layout doesn’t feel cramped. One upstream Thunderbolt 5 port (80Gbps/120Gbps, 140W) Two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 15W) Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 60W) One USB-C port (10Gbps, 7.5W) Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W) One DisplayPort 2.1 Ethernet (2.5Gb) SSD slot (M.2 NVme up to 8TB) UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps) UHS-II microSD card reader (312MBps) 3.5mm combo audio jack (front) 3.5mm In audio jack (back) 3.5mm Out audio jack (back) 240W power supply Thunderbolt 5 (TB5) for data, video and power is found on the latest pro-level Macs, from top-end MacBook Pro and Mac mini to the Mac Studio. TB5 doubles data speeds from 40Gbps to bi-directional 80Gbps and up to 120Gbps in boost mode for higher display bandwidth, resulting in significantly faster data transfers between devices and your Mac. If you need to connect high performance SSDs or RAID devices Thunderbolt 5 rewards you with a PCIe performance that is doubled to 64Gbps PCIe 4.0, and the dock supports transfer speeds up to 6,200MBps. Ugreen decided against offering three downstream Thunderbolt ports in favor of including a dedicated DisplayPort, which helps if one of the monitors you want to attach uses the same connection. If your third monitor requires HDMI or USB-C to connect, you’ll need an adapter cable. Thunderbolt 5 is just as capable as DisplayPort so having a third downstream TB5 would have offered more flexibility of choice for the user. All the six USB ports are rated at a speedy 10Gbps, although they differ in terms of power output potential. Simon Jary Power The downstream TB5 ports can each output power at 15W. Two of the USB-C ports at the front can share 60W, meaning that each can output that amount of power but not each at the same time. The remaining USB-C port is not for charging, and nor are the legacy USB-A ports. Thunderbolt 5 has a mandated higher power delivery (to a connected laptop) of at least 140W (up from TB4’s minimum 100W) with support for up to 240W (vs 140W). The TS5 Plus can power a connected laptop at up to 140W, enough to fast-charge a top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro. To achieve this, make sure you use the included 1m TB5 cable, Apple’s MagSafe 3 Charger, or any of the best Thunderbolt 5 cables. The Maxidok’s 240W power supply is ample for the outlets on offer: 140W upstream, 30W TB5 and 60W USB-C downstream add up to 230W. We expect the dock itself to use up some power, especially when the active cooling is in effect, so the 240W maximum is just about right. Since the power output to the computer is dynamically adjusted, the system will not experience overload even if all ports are operating at full load. In such cases, the charging power to the MacBook will automatically decrease. Based on real‑world usage scenarios, this will not affect the user experience, as the laptop charging power naturally adjusts according to battery saturation levels. 240W is the standard max power for docks, although the mighty CalDigit TS5 Plus has an unmatched 330W power supply and more bountiful power ports than others. The two 60W USB-C ports are powerful enough to charge a second MacBook, but the third USB-C port and all the USB-A ports are not rated for much in the way of charging, although 7.5W is fine for fast-charging an Apple Watch or AirPods case. While two of the USB-C ports are rated at 60W individually, when used at the same time the max output from those two ports is 60W total. The benefit of not having as many powerful charging ports is that the wattage going into the laptop never needs to fluctuate to accommodate other hungry connected devices. You can us the DisplayPort 2.1 plus the two of the downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports to connect up to three displays, depending on your Mac’s processor power.Simon Jary Video options The main purpose of a docking station is to support the running of multiple external displays without using up all the MacBook’s own ports. The 17-port Maxidok can support a single 8K display at a 60Hz refresh rate or 4K at 240Hz. If you need the very highest refresh rate you can achieve 500Hz when the resolution is 1080P; two 2K displays at 480Hz are also possible, depending on the power of your Mac’s processor. Ugreen Multiple display configurations are more set on the limitations of the connected Mac than the docking station itself. Apple’s latest M5 Pro/Mac Macs offer a higher number of extended displays than was previously possible. Both M5 Pro and M5 Max support up to three 4K displays at 144Hz each. With the M5 Max you could daisy-chain a fourth display from the third. Connected to a Mac with the latest M5 Max processor it can support two 8K displays at 60Hz. With the M5 Pro, two monitors are possible with one 8K/60Hz and one 5K/60Hz. M2/M3/M4 Pro/Max support a single 8K/60Hz display, while the M1 Pro/Max is limited to a 6K/60Hz. M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro/Max can handle dual 6K/60Hz. For one display you can use either the DisplayPort or one of the spare downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports. The non-Thunderbolt USB ports of the Ugreen Maxidok won’t work as connectors to monitors. For that purpose, you’ll need to use one of the two downstream TB5 ports. Windows users benefit from that operating system supporting Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for DisplayPort and Thunderbolt, and so more can connect to three displays using the Maxidok. The maximum resolution and refresh rate for a triple-display setup is 4K at 144Hz. Adding your own SSD card is easy with the dock’s built-in slot.Simon Jary Storage Some of the latest docking stations—such as the Sonnet Echo 13 and Kensington EQ Pro—include built-in SSD storage so that the dock itself operates like a very fast external disk drive. On the base of the Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Docking Station is a slot for you to add an M.2 NVme SSD up to 8TB in capacity. With Apple’s own purchase-only storage prices being so high, this dock slot gives you a lot of storage flexibility. Start with a 1TB or 2TB card and you can upgrade to 4TB or 8TB when you need to. Installing the SSD card is simple, and Ugreen even includes the required screwdriver; some dock manufacturers don’t. The dock also includes both SD and microSD card readers at the front for you to slip in and out your own portable and affordable storage cards. At the time of writing a 1TB microSD card was priced at around $170 or £125, although that was a 150MBps UHS-I speed card and this dock’s readers support up to 312MBps UHS-II. That’s faster than the 250MBps SDXC card slot built into Apple’s current MacBook Pro. Ugreen Network speeds Most office networks are still rated at the standard 1Gb (Gigabit) Ethernet you’ll have at home, but more modern networks are much faster at 2.5Gb, 5Gb or even 10Gb speeds. Recent professional docks include at least a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet (2.5GbE) port as standard. The CalDigit TS5 Plus and iVanky FusionDock Ultra go all the way to 10GbE. This is helpful if your network is rated that fast, or at least a high level of future proofing for when it is. 2.5GbE is backwards compatible all the way back to Gigabit Ethernet. Passive cooling grills on each side keep the dock at an operable temperature.Simon Jary Price With the high level and number of ports, it’s no surprise that the Ugreen Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station comes with a hefty price tag—although at $499.99 / £419.99 it comes in significantly cheaper than the $649 iVanky Ultra. It’s the same price as the CalDigit TS5 Plus. That dock offers more ports (20 vs 17) and a higher power output (330W vs 240W) plus faster networking (10GbE vs 2.5GbE). However, it lacks the SSD enclosure that offers the dock user greater storage flexibility. If you have plenty of storage at your disposal, the TS5 Plus is the better deal, but we like the flexibility of the Maxidok’s SSD slot. The $479 Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 Dock has the same SSD slot but fewer ports (12 vs Ugreen’s 17). The $449 Kensington EQ Pro Thunderbolt 5 Dock for MacBook is well priced and has the SSD slot plus a couple more ports, but has a maximum power of 180W that users may find a little under-powered. Ugreen offers a cheaper Thunderbolt 5 dock, the $299 / £249 Maxidok 10-in 1. This doesn’t have the SSD slot and lacks the volume of ports found on the Maxidok 17, plus has 1Gb Ethernet compared to the Maxidok 17’s 2.5GbE. We will be reviewing the 10-port dock soon. For more reviews of the best Thunderbolt docks, check out our detailed comparisons. Simon Jary Should you buy an Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station? You can buy Thunderbolt 5 docking stations with more ports, but the pro-level compact Maxidok’s well-placed 17 might match your requirement sweet spot at the right price. The SSD slot offers you greater storage flexibility, and the dock will look great on your desktop, too.02:12 pmPaul McCartney headlines Apple’s celebration of 50-year anniversary
To mark the milestone, the tech giant pulled out all the stops with a grand finale: a private, career-spanning concert by Sir Paul McCartney… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:07 pmApple Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Seven Ways
Apple was founded 50 years ago today, and the company has celebrated the milestone in a variety of ways over the past few weeks, as outlined below. Apple's CEO Tim Cook kicked things off by sharing a letter titled "50 Years of Thinking Different" on Apple's website. The letter touches on the 50th anniversary and says that "the world is moved forward by people who think different." "Think Different" was a famous slogan used by Apple in the late 1990s to early 2000s. "At Apple, we're more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday," a part of Cook's letter reads. "But we couldn't let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today." Second, Apple celebrated the anniversary by hosting surprise concerts and events around the world in the second half of March. Alicia Keys performed at Apple's store inside New York's Grand Central Terminal, Mumford & Sons took the stage outside of Apple's UK headquarters at the former Battersea Power Station in London, models walked around a catwalk set up in front of Apple's Jing'an store as part of Shanghai Fashion Week, Apple illuminated iPad artwork on the Sydney Opera House's sails, and much more. Third, much of Apple's senior leadership gathered at Apple Park to ring the Nasdaq stock market index's opening bell on Tuesday morning. Apple executives in attendance included Cook, operations chief Sabih Khan, services chief Eddy Cue, retail chief Deirdre O'Brien, marketing chief Greg Joswiak, financial chief Kevan Parekh, hardware engineering chief John Ternus, hardware design chief Molly Anderson, and others. REPLAY from yesterday's celebration: Welcoming Apple [AAPL] to the @NasdaqExchange Opening Bell in celebration of their 50th anniversary. #Apple50 pic.twitter.com/DUeKDfPo0P— Nasdaq Exchange (@NasdaqExchange) April 1, 2026 Fourth, Apple set up various installations inside Apple Park, including a showcase of various iMac designs released between 1998 and 2021. Apple 50th anniversary installation at the office featuring classic Mac lineup pic.twitter.com/bxX1y9yGdr— Sam Haveson (@samhaves) March 31, 2026 Fifth, Apple's employees received 50th-anniversary merchandise, including a commemorative t-shirt, a limited-edition poster, and a "50" pin. Sixth, Apple's employees were invited to watch legendary musician Paul McCartney perform under the rainbow arches at Apple Park on Tuesday evening. And finally, Apple marked its 50th anniversary today by updating the homepage of its website with an animation and sharing a rewind video. 50 years of Apple, 50 years of innovation.Thank you to our teams, our users, and everyone who’s been part of the journey. #Apple50 pic.twitter.com/YYkMN24Vzc— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 1, 2026 Apple may have a few other things in store for us, but with it now being April 1, the anniversary celebrations are likely wrapping up. So far, the company has not publicly released any special products or merchandise to mark the occasion. Related Reading: Apple Turns 50 Today: Reflecting on Each Decade's Biggest MomentsTag: Apple 50th AnniversaryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:03 pmiOS 27’s new Siri is coming, and sounds very much worth the wait
iOS 27’s biggest changes are reportedly going to focus on overhauling Siri with new features and expanding Apple’s assistant in key ways. And though the wait for an all-new Siri has been long, the coming changes sound very exciting. more…02:02 pmToday in Apple history: Apple is founded by Steve Jobs, Woz and Ron Wayne
On April 1, 1976, the Apple Computer Company was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to sell the $666 Apple-1 computer. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:58 pmThe Steves that built me: A heartfelt thank you on Apple’s 50th birthday
This story is part of 9to5Mac’s series celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary. It’s hard to put into words what Apple means to me. I know it’s odd to hear anyone say that a corporation “means” anything to them. But Apple’s not just a company, it’s an idea cooked up by two crazy ones in a garage 50 years ago. It’s been a driving force in my life since I was conscious enough to know what a computer was. Apple taught me from a very young age to be curious not just about technology, but about everything. more…01:55 pmRelive 50 years of Apple innovation in 30 seconds
Macworld As Apple continues the celebration of its 50th anniversary on April 1, it’s sharing a look back at the iconic and innovative products that have been released over the past five decades. On Apple’s homepage, the usual smattering of new products has been replaced with an animation in the style of the six-color “scribble” logo it’s been using at events around the world. The short video uses green, yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue strokes to visualize its most iconic products, including the original Macintosh, iMac, iPod, AirPods, and iPhone. View this post on Instagram Tim Cook is also celebrating the milestone with a short video post that runs through all five decades of Apple products, starting with the MacBook Neo and ending with the Apple I in 1976. The video is presented in a retro film style and features 50 products, including a few surprises. The eMate is included, but the Newton isn’t. The Quadra 700 makes an appearance, but the QuickTake camera doesn’t. And the Apple Card is on there, but the 12-inch MacBook didn’t make the cut. Macworld is celebrating Apple’s 50th all week long, with a look at Apple’s history of products, the people who made the company so successful, and much more.01:52 pmUnited States SMS Carrier Maintenance – US Cellular Corp.
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 8, 23:00 PDT - Apr 9, 04:00 PDTApr 1, 06:35 PDTScheduled - The US Cellular Corp. network in the United States is conducting a planned maintenance from 08 April 2026 at 23:00 PDT until 09 April 2026 at 04:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from US Cellular Corp. United States handsets.01:46 pmGet AirPods Max 2 on Sale for Launch Day
Apple's new AirPods Max 2 launch today, and Amazon is one of the only retailers offering any sort of discount on the headphones. You can get the Midnight color option for $529.00 on Amazon, down from $549.00. 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. Although this is only a $20 discount on the AirPods Max 2, it's the best markdown you'll find online if you're looking to order the new headphones. Free delivery has the AirPods Max 2 arriving around April 6, but they can be delivered as soon as tomorrow with Prime shipping. $20 OFFAirPods Max 2 for $529.00 In other AirPods discounts on Amazon, you can get the AirPods Pro 3 for the all-time low price of $199.00 right now, down from $249.00. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find 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 forums01:34 pmPaul McCartney caps Apple 50th with 5 decades of hits
Sir Paul McCartney headlines Apple 50th, taking the rainbow stage at the heart of Apple Park as fireworks lit up the sky. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:30 pmThis Macintosh-inspired dock adds a display, ports & expandable storage to any Mac
There are 100s of different docking stations and USB-C hubs for your Mac mini. They all tend to look and do roughly the same thing: they add a variety of additional ports to your Mac. So when I saw this retro Macintosh-inspired docking station that not only adds ports to your Mac mini but also a display and perfectly slides on top of it, I knew I had to check it out. Late last year, I reviewed the Kickstarter version and loved it, but now it’s officially available everywhere, and they added an even better and faster 80Gbps version. Here is what you need to know. more…01:26 pmApple’s upgraded AirPods Max 2 headphones arrive in stores today
Apple’s 50th birthday is also the official release date for one new Apple product: AirPods Max 2. Apple announced the new headphones in March before opening pre-orders and quoting deliveries on April 1. AirPods Max 2 can be purchased at Apple Store locations starting today as well. more…01:10 pmApple drops Studio Display XDR price, but there’s a catch
Apple's new Studio Display XDR is now $400 cheaper, bringing its starting price down to $2,899. But there's a catch. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:07 pmIt's still Steve Jobs's company and Apple will never change, says Cook
In a new interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook talks about how the company's 50th anniversary is making him remember Steve Jobs, and insists that working with Trump doesn't mean its values are changing.Tim Cook (left) with Steve Jobs — image credit: AppleBefore Apple's birthday celebrations began, and even before Tim Cook wrote an open letter about the anniversary, he spoke to Esquire magazine about planning for the 50th — and thinking back to Steve Jobs."I think about him often — and in the last few months, thinking about the fiftieth anniversary, even more so, honestly," said Cook. "You think about the things he believed in." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:06 pmApple celebrates 50th birthday
Today, April 1, 2026, Apple celebrates its 50th birthday! Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:05 pmThe best way to celebrate Apple 50 is to make something wonderful
This story is part of 9to5mac’s series celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary. A lot of folks are going to find themselves thinking about a company today. That’s great, I’m one of them, but the best way to celebrate Apple and its contributions to society is to make something wonderful yourself. After all, that was what Steve Jobs believed. more…01:02 pmHere’s everything new Apple TV has coming in April
Apple TV has a packed April ahead, with new and returning series, a big movie premiere, a trio of sports offerings, and more. Here’s everything new coming to Apple TV in April. more…12:39 pmIf this project succeeds, your Time Capsule may not be killed off in macOS 27
A new GitHub project is trying to retrofit Apple's discontinued Time Capsule with modern SMB support. If this works, Time Machine backups to and from the hardware will still work, even after Apple kills it off in macOS 27.Apple AirPort routersApple stopped developing its AirPort lineup in April 2018. Devices like Time Capsule have static firmware that doesn't match evolving SMB protocols or modern security requirements.The company's decision to leave the router market wasn't by chance. Apple decided to concentrate on products and services with more promising long-term growth. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:21 pmHow do I make my settings panel look like a macOS 26 split view panel?
This is very WIP, but why are the corners so square and why are the traffic lights so scrunched up in the corner? Am I doing something wrong? Here's the code below. NavigationSplitView(columnVisibility: $visibility) { List(selection: $curPane) { NavigationLink(value: SettingsRoutes.general) { Label("General", systemImage: "gear") } NavigationLink(value: SettingsRoutes.about) { Label("About", systemImage: "info.circle") } } .listStyle(.sidebar) .toolbar(removing: […]12:19 pmApple at 50: Celebrate 50 years of the company that changed everything with 9to5Mac
This story is part of 9to5Mac’s series celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary. Fifty years ago today, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne incorporated Apple Computer. From a garage in Los Altos to the world’s most valuable brand, the company these three men founded has gone on to change the very fabric of our society. We wanted to celebrate this milestone with a series of stories about what makes Apple, Apple. We want to talk about the ethos, the idea that is Apple and the cultural impact it has had beyond the products themselves. more…12:00 pmThe most important Apple announcement every year, from 1976 to 2026
If you don’t have time for David Pogue’s 600-page epic, maybe you have eight minutes for the single biggest piece of news every year. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)11:58 amApple Marks 50th Anniversary With Animated Homepage Tribute
Apple's website homepage is doing its part for the company's 50th anniversary celebrations today, showcasing a special animated video that references some of Apple's most memorable products. The sketch-style animation outlines the original Mac, iMac, iPod, MacBook, AirPods, iPhone 17 Pro, and Vision Pro, as well as the Finder icon, App Store, Apple Music, and more. Beneath the video, the webpage reads: 50 Years of Thinking Different At 50 years, it's only natural to look back. But Apple has always looked forward, building tools and delivering experiences that enrich people's lives. As we celebrate how far we've come, we're inspired by where we'll go – together.Separately, Apple CEO Tim Cook has shared on X (Twitter) a video celebrating 50 years of innovation at Apple, featuring many of the same products alluded to in the homepage animation. 50 years of Apple, 50 years of innovation.Thank you to our teams, our users, and everyone who’s been part of the journey. #Apple50 pic.twitter.com/YYkMN24Vzc— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 1, 2026 Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, making the company officially 50 years old today. An Apple Park show headlined by Paul McCartney last night capped weeks of anniversary events that also included performances by Alicia Keys at Apple Grand Central in New York City and Mumford & Sons at Apple Battersea in London.Tag: Apple 50th AnniversaryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:58 amUsers staying on iOS 18 will get a patch for the worst iPhone attack vector we've ever seen | AppleInsiderUsers staying on iOS 18 will get a patch for the worst iPhone attack vector we've ever seen
Following the emergence and public code leak of the severe DarkSword iPhone exploit, Apple is preparing to release a patch for users who choose to run iOS 18, so that they can be protected without upgrading to iOS 26.Many users still use iOS 18 instead of upgrading to iOS 26On March 23, an exploit tool dubbed DarkSword was made publicly available on GitHub. While Apple has patched the exploit in iOS 26.3, and older devices stuck on previous versions of the operating systems, Apple is taking an extra step to help those who can update to iOS 26, but choose not to.Rather than stick with the latest versions of those operating systems, Apple will also be "backporting" a patch, a spokesperson told Wired. This refers to the patching of an older operating system version, so that users can get the patch without updating their software in the normal fashion. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:51 amStudio Display XDR without tilt-adjustable stand now costs less
While the price with the stand remains the same, Apple has cut the price of the Studio Display XDR with a VESA mount adapter by $400 — and is issuing refunds.Studio Display XDR review: The Apple monitor for creative prosThe Studio Display XDR was launched in March 2026 as a replacement for the Pro Display XDR, and AppleInsider's review called it almost perfect, if your work justified the $3,299 price tag.Now Apple has brought it under the psychologically significant $3,000 mark, with certain configurations now starting at $2,899. The price cut is specifically for models bought with a VESA mount instead of an adjustable stand. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:33 amWant to create a simple app to track my gym training, where should I start? | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingWant to create a simple app to track my gym training, where should I start?
Hello everyone! I’ve been thinking about developing a mobile app for personal use to track my gym exercises (maybe including some images and/or links to videos), as well as the days I go to the gym. I’m not sure how difficult this would be, but it’s something I’ve been interested in learning and building. I’ve […]11:29 amPaul McCartney Blazes Through Career-Spanning Set at Apple Park for 50th Anniversary Celebrations | MacRumorsPaul McCartney Blazes Through Career-Spanning Set at Apple Park for 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Paul McCartney performed a concert for Apple employees at Apple Park in Cupertino last night, capping the company's 50th anniversary celebrations with a career-spanning set that included songs from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo career. Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced McCartney to the crowd, calling him "a songwriter, a pioneer and one of the most influential artists of all time" and adding that he has "been a lifelong fan of his music and so have billions of people all over the planet." The show took place under Apple Park's rainbow arches, which had been transformed into a full concert stage with lighting rigs and large screens on either side. McCartney's setlist spanned his entire career. Beatles classics including "Help," "Got To Get You Into My Life," "Blackbird," "Lady Madonna," "Something," "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," "From Me To You," "Let It Be," and "Hey Jude" featured alongside Wings cuts "Coming Up," "Let Me Roll It," "Getting Better," "Let 'Em In," "Band On The Run," and solo favorites "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Every Night." The show closed with "Golden Slumbers." McCartney also staged his famous "Live and Let Die" pyrotechnics segment. Sir Paul McCartney by Tim Cook pic.twitter.com/LR7YPIFppG— Nico (@nicoPinos_) April 1, 2026 Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had hinted at McCartney as the headliner days before the show, saying "he's still going strong, was part of the British Invasion and Jobs would've been ecstatic." McCartney's Apple Park appearance was confirmed when images of his soundcheck circulated on social media, showing the 83-year-old artist and his band on the illuminated rainbow stage inside the ring. The concert came just days after McCartney played two intimate, phone-free shows at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, where the 1,200-seat venue attracted a remarkable cross-section of Hollywood: Attendees included Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, Margot Robbie, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Jon Hamm, Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon, Anthony Kiedis, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McCrae, Laura Dern, Emma Watson, Steve Carell, Dakota Johnson, and more. McCartney's 19th studio album, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," is set to be released next month. It’s one thing to have Paul McCartney at work, but it’s another thing to have a display like this at the same time pic.twitter.com/MAF21f2kJ2— Steven Peterson ️ (@squeakytoy) April 1, 2026 The choice of McCartney carries particular historical resonance. The Beatles founded Apple Corps, their own record label and holding company, in 1968, eight years before Steve Jobs started Apple Computer. Jobs was a lifelong Beatles fan who once said "my model for business is The Beatles," describing them as four people who balanced each other and produced something greater than the sum of their parts. The shared name was a source of costly legal friction between the two companies for nearly three decades, resolved only in 2007 when Apple Inc. purchased all trademarks related to "Apple" and licensed some of them back to Apple Corps. The Beatles' catalogue didn't arrive on iTunes until 2010, and has been on Apple Music ever since, making McCartney's appearance at Apple Park something of a full-circle moment. The Apple Park show brings to a close weeks of anniversary events that also included performances by Alicia Keys at Apple Grand Central in New York City and Mumford & Sons at Apple Battersea in London, along with special anniversary gift bags for employees including a commemorative t-shirt, enamel pin, and limited-edition poster.Tags: Apple 50th Anniversary, The BeatlesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:19 amPSA: Legacy AT&T unlimited plans face price hikes, and it’s a mess
If there are two universal truths about mobile carriers it’s that unlimited plans never are, and companies will always try to find ways to kick you off legacy plans. If you’re on a legacy AT&T plan, look out for price hikes this month … more…11:15 amI’ve been to a lot of Apple keynotes. I’ll never forget these two
Macworld As someone who has been covering Apple for a really long time, I’ve been to a fair share of Apple keynote presentations. Even today, I look forward to the next one (which happens to be on June 8). But there’s something special about attending an Apple keynote in person, in a crowd of Apple customers, developers, and fans who hang on every word. Apple has had several remarkable keynote moments in its 50 years. Everyone has their favorites. For me, two keynotes in particular stand out above them all. They were very different keynotes, but as I look back over the past five decades, they were also important hallmarks in Apple’s history. 1997: Steve Jobs returns and brings Bill Gates Steve Jobs’ August 1997 Macworld Boston keynote was one of his most memorable presentations, but not for the performance or even the products announced. (In fact, no new products were introduced at all.) It was all about the circumstances of Apple at the time. Apple was in a bad way. The company was losing money, the Mac lineup was a mess (things were so bad, Apple had a Mac OS licensing program), and CEO Gil Amelio had no clue how to turn things around. But then Apple bought NeXT, Steve Jobs came back, and was named interim CEO. The Macworld Expo 2007 keynote felt more like an intervention than a trade show kickoff. That sets the tone for the August 1997 Macworld Expo keynote, Jobs’ first since his return–a homecoming, in a way. IDG’s Colin Crawford opened the keynote by reminding people that Apple was in dire straits–at least, Crawford posited, that was the perception in the media. That set up the premise for Jobs, who explained the first steps Apple needed to take to get back on track. “Apple is executing wonderfully on many of the wrong things,” he said. I was at the keynote as an associate editor for MacUser (Macworld’s main competitor at the time), but I was in an overflow room with several hundred people, so maybe our circumstances allowed us to be more reactive than being in the main hall. And that declaration by Jobs landed with a thud. The room stirred for a moment, but stopped because everyone wanted to hear how Jobs was going to save… us. Jobs emphasized how change needs to start at the top. The main hall responded with applause, but my overflow room echoed with cheers. New board members were introduced, and attendees erupted when Bill Campbell was introduced. Jobs explained how Apple needed to prioritize the creative and education markets, and the crowd was again loudly vocal in agreement. The excitement was building; the temperature of the room became invigorating. Drastic changes were necessary, and this was a great start. Jobs was on a roll, saying things people wanted to hear. Eventually, Jobs talked about partnerships, and Apple announced a partnership with Microsoft, of all companies. Suddenly, the mood in the room changed. Jobs announced an agreement to set Microsoft’s Internet Explorer as the default browser for Mac OS, and that Microsoft is making a $150 million investment in Apple. Screenshot Apple That was a bomb that left people in my room dazed. People were not happy, and to top it off, Bill Gates came on screen to say a few words, words I couldn’t hear because the room was so loud with commotion. It was as if Apple had made a deal with the devil. This keynote was a roller coaster, and everyone felt winded afterwards. The keynote had absolutely no tech talk in it, no new products, no whiz-bang demonstrations, no introduction of the latest and greatest developments, and no clever or cringy comedic moments. Jobs had a reputation as a showman, but this displayed another side of Jobs: sincere, direct, and speaking in language we all could understand. He was conscious of the moment; this wasn’t the time for marketing clichés and corporate doublespeak. It was, in a way, an intervention. Apple needed to start over, and Jobs detailed the first steps. 2007: The iPhone In 2007, I was the reviews editor for MacAddict, and I went to the 2007 Macworld San Francisco keynote, where it was rumored that Apple was going to enter the smartphone market with a device that combined the iPod with a cellular phone. Rumors were all over the place about what the device would look like–and some, such as a former Macworld columnist who just wrote a new book about Apple, didn’t think Apple would really do it. But the buildup to the expo made the iPhone seem like a forgone conclusion. The question was no longer whether the iPhone would happen, but what the iPhone would be. As I settled in with my fellow MacAddict editors in the west hall of Moscone Center before the keynote began, the excitement in the air was palpable. The anticipation before an Apple keynote is always present, but on this day, we all felt like something special was going to happen. The full Macworld Expo 2007 keynote, not just the iPhone part. The first 15 minutes of the 2007 keynote are almost forgotten. It’s easy to find the keynote on YouTube, but most of the postings are copies of the same video that cuts out the first part of the presentation. In those 15 minutes, Steve Jobs talked about the transition to Intel processors, iTunes sales, and officially introduced the Apple TV. Then Jobs paused to get a drink of water, pressed on his clicker for the next slide, and said, “This is a day I’ve been looking forward to for two and a half years.” It was a cue to let us know that we should strap in, because we were going to be in for one hell of a ride. You probably know all about that ride: the three devices in one, picture of a rotary iPod, the exclamation that the iPhone runs Mac OS X, the introduction and demo of multitouch, the calls to Jony Ive and Phil Schiller in the audience (both of whom were using flip phones), the pinch to zoom demo, the “full internet” access, Jobs saying “boom” with every tap, even the awkward interlude with Cingular CEO Stan Sigman. Going back and watching videos of the keynote, it may seem like the audience was very quiet during the whole thing. We were, because we were all so enthralled by what we were seeing: a product that none of us imagined, even in our wildest dreams. The iPhone exceeded all expectations, and we got to bear witness to something amazing. And this was peak Steve Jobs–charismatic, personable, relatable. He captured our attention, and we were all willing to give it. To this day. no other CEO is able to mesmerize and capture a room as he did–they may try, but that’s the thing, keynotes came effortlessly to Jobs, he barely had to try. He just did it. Before this keynote, I used to dislike the phrase, “we just saw history being made,” because it’s used more often than it should be, making it seem pithy to me. But in this instance, it’s the best way to describe the keynote. I was fortunate enough to witness in person history being made and a master at his best, and I look back at the moment fondly. Here’s hoping for another 50 years of moments like these from Apple.11:11 amApple wants you to take a walk through 50 years, Picasso style
Apple is marking its 50th anniversary with a new homepage that cycles through many of its famous devices, all depicted in the Picasso style it used in the 1980s for the Macintosh.A selection of the many Apple devices sketched in the Picasso style to mark the company's 50th anniversary — image credit: AppleAlongside the Paul McCartney concert for staff at Apple Park, Apple has celebrated its birthday with a new animated homepage. Visiting Apple.com initially gets users a colorful banner based on Apple Park's rainbow arches, but then it moves onto sketching out devices such as the Macintosh, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro."At 50 years, it's only natural to look back," says a message that stays onscreen throughout the animation. "But Apple has always looked forward, building tools and delivering experiences that enrich people's lives." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:07 amA new remake of 'Cape Fear' is making its way to Apple TV in June
Apple TV is getting its own remake of the iconic psychological thriller 'Cape Fear', starring Javier Bardem, Amy Adams, and Patrick Wilson.Image Credit: Apple TVSpecifically, "Cape Fear" will be based on the 1991 Martin Scorsese-directed, Steven Spielberg-produced film of the same title. Fittingly, both Scorsese and Spielberg are on board as executive producers.The story follows married attorneys Anna, played by Amy Adams, and Tom Bowden, played by Patrick Wilson. Their lives are upended when notorious killer Max Cady, played by Javier Bardem, is released from prison, dead set on seeking revenge against the couple who helped convict him. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:06 amHow do I make my settings panel look like a macOS 26 split view panel?
This is very WIP, but why are the corners so square and why are the traffic lights so scrunched up in the corner? Am I doing something wrong? Here's the code below. NavigationSplitView(columnVisibility: $visibility) { List(selection: $curPane) { NavigationLink(value: SettingsRoutes.general) { Label("General", systemImage: "gear") } NavigationLink(value: SettingsRoutes.about) { Label("About", systemImage: "info.circle") } } .listStyle(.sidebar) .toolbar(removing: […]11:00 amTop 50 people who created Apple, ranked
Macworld April 1 marks Apple’s 50th anniversary, a milestone it couldn’t reach without the help of some very talented people. So we decided to put together a list of the 50 people who made Apple the company it is today. Some worked there for just a year or two; others for almost the entire half-century, while others never actually worked for the company at all. But all influenced Apple’s journey in some profound way. This is all, of course, deeply subjective. It is very unlikely that every reader will agree with the author’s selections, far less with his rankings. Which is fine, we welcome the conversation. Our only rule is that if you complain about someone’s exclusion, tell us who you would cut to make room. The list is presented in reverse order and will be expanded with 10 new names each day across this week. Who do you think will make the top 10? Drop us a message on Bluesky or Threads. 50-41 50. Katie Cotton Apple PR legend Katie Cotton joined Apple in 1996, shortly before the return of Steve Jobs, and worked closely with him for the next 15 years. For better or worse, she was instrumental in shaping the company’s communications strategy and famous culture of secrecy, fiercely controlling Apple’s portrayal in the press. As we wrote upon her retirement in 2014, she “largely turned public relations on its head.” Cotton sadly passed away in 2023, but like Jobs himself, her legacy lives on in Apple Park.11:00 amHands-on: Anker’s new Nano Power Strip will be a perfect fit in your desk setup
Today, Anker is releasing its new Nano Power Strip, initially unveiled at CES 2026. It clamps onto the side of your desk and offers 10 ports, making it a great add for managing power without a load of mess. It’s available for purchase starting today. more…10:59 amFoundation Models framework — is anyone actually shipping with it yet?
I've been messing around with the Foundation Models framework since iOS 26 dropped and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand it's kind of amazing that you can run an LLM on-device with like 5 lines of Swift. No API keys, no network calls, no privacy concerns with user data leaving the phone. […]10:52 amJapan SMS Carrier Maintenance – NTT docomo
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 22, 08:00 - 14:00 PDTApr 1, 03:50 PDTScheduled - The NTT docomo network in Japan is conducting a planned maintenance from 22 April 2026 at 08:00 PDT until 22 April 2026 at 14:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from NTT docomo Japan handsets.10:50 amTim Cook shares fun video trip back through 50 years of Apple products
Apple is today celebrating its 50th anniversary, and CEO Tim Cook has tweeted a fun video taking a trip back in time through 50 years of Apple products in a glitchy vintage TV style. It follows a homepage animation on the company’s website entitled “50 Years of Thinking Different” and, in my view, would have made a better choice … more…10:40 amApple Adjusts Studio Display XDR Pricing Weeks After Launch
Apple has quietly reduced the price of the Studio Display XDR when configured with the VESA mount adapter, dropping it from $3,299 to $2,899 – a $400 cut. The nano-texture VESA version has also dropped from $3,599 to $3,199. Apple has also reworked the purchasing pattern on its website, making the stand choice the first step in the configuration process instead of the glass selection. When the Studio Display XDR launched last month, both stand options cost the same $3,299. That felt unfair to a lot of people, since the VESA mount adapter is just a flat metal plate that lets you attach the display to a monitor arm or wall mount, whereas the alternative stand is both height- and tilt-adjustable. VESA mount options are normally priced lower than the fancier stand versions on most displays (including Apple's own Pro Display XDR, for which the VESA option was always cheaper). The price change for the Studio Display XDR is therefore more in line with how these things are typically priced. The standard Studio Display has not received a similar adjustment – both the tilt-adjustable stand and VESA mount configurations of the non-XDR model remain priced at $1,599 – but the cheaper tilt-adjustable stand is usually considered price-equivalent to the VESA mount.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:30 amApple’s comeback decade: Most important products of the 90s and 2000s
Macworld Apple turns 50 years old on April 1 – not a bad achievement for a scrappy startup formed in Steve Jobs’ family garage. The company has gone on to change the world many times over, but it was the years 1996 to 2005 that saw some of its greatest inventions come to light. This decade was perhaps one of the most fruitful periods in Apple’s history. It witnessed the birth of one iconic product after another and the flourishing of the creative partnership between Steve Jobs and Jony Ive. Some of the best devices Apple has ever made appeared during these 10 years, and they changed the face not only of Apple but of the wider tech industry. Here, we’ll look back over Apple’s greatest hits from 1996 until 2005 and appraise its most consequential devices. Join us on a trip down memory lane. March 1997: Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh Six Colors Early 1997 was a cautiously hopeful time for Apple. Although it had spent much of the 1990s in the doldrums, in February 1997, the company had finalized a deal to buy NeXT, Inc. and bring back Steve Jobs as interim CEO. As if on cue, Apple launched the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh a month later, a product meant to celebrate Apple’s history and showcase the technological capabilities of its creators. In that regard, it came with an LCD display (unusual for the time), vertically mounted components to ensure a small footprint, and a removable trackpad. It even had a unique startup chime. Considering most PCs of the time featured massive CRT displays alongside rectangular towers, the TAM was a remarkably compact product and years ahead of its time. Yet that didn’t stop it from flopping, and its high $7,499 price tag and underwhelming specs hardly endeared it to the public. But as a demonstration of the engineering feats Apple was capable of, it laid the groundwork for later products, from the iMac to the Magic Trackpad. August 1998: iMac G3 Apple One year after the TAM came the iMac G3, and the two computers could not be more dissimilar. While the TAM was a high-end professional-facing tech demo, the iMac G3 was made for the masses, with an equally mind-blowing design and incredible ease of use. You don’t need to be an Apple historian to know which one left a stronger legacy. Indeed, the iMac G3’s success lay in its dedication to being everything that its rivals were not. Its colorful tones made it friendly and approachable, a fact bolstered by the built-in handle and translucent side panels that demystified how the computer worked. In a world of boring beige boxes, the iMac G3 couldn’t have been more different. Despite somewhat mixed reviews due to its lack of a floppy drive and limited connectivity other than USB, the iMac G3 was a huge commercial success. A year later, the iBook arrived with a handle and a similar palette of colors, and suddenly, Apple was back in a big way Its competitors tried to shamelessly copy the iMac’s design, leading to Steve Jobs’ famous adage that rival firms didn’t understand that “design is how it works,” not how it looks. And as they say, imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. September 2000: Mac OS X Apple By the year 2000, Apple had reached a critical point with Mac OS. It had been trying to overhaul its Mac operating system since the 1990s, all with little success, and delivering a modern operating system was a key next step. After failing to agree a deal to buy Jean-Louis Gassée’s Be Inc. and its accompanying BeOS, Apple turned to NeXT, bringing Steve Jobs back into the fold and using NeXTSTEP as a basis for the Mac’s redesigned operating system. Mac OS X was the software that emerged, with a public beta arriving in September 2000. It was a radical departure from what came before, with a focus on glassy blue scroll bars and brushed metal interfaces. Called Aqua, Jobs said that “one of the design goals was when you saw it you wanted to lick it” – and its candy-colored shades certainly helped it stand out from the crowd. When Steve Jobs revealed Aqua at Macworld 2000, several aspects drew gasps from the crowd. When introducing the Dock, Jobs enabled its magnification setting, and mousing over Dock items to enlarge them drew stunned cheers and applause. And that’s perhaps a testament to Mac OS X: it was so well designed that even simple elements like Dock magnification felt utterly revolutionary, so much so that they’re still in use today. November 2001: iPod Apple Apple doesn’t always arrive first in any given product category and often prefers to analyze the competition before launching something that blows everything else out of the water. That was the case with the iPod. Apple surveyed the MP3 player market, hated everything it saw, and decided it could do much better. And do much better it did. The $399 iPod redefined expectations of what an MP3 player should be, with attractive looks paired up with the legendary control wheel that made browsing through extensive music libraries an absolute pleasure. It was also much smaller than similar players with a 1.8-inch hard drive, had excellent battery life and transferred songs incredibly quickly compared to USB thanks to its FireWire port. And of course, it famously help many more songs than anything else on the market—1,000 in your pocket, to be exact. As is so often the case with Apple products, the iPod altered the music industry landscape forever. Combined with the iTunes Music Store some 18 months later, Apple fans had a dedicated way to enjoy digital music that simply obliterated the competition. January 2002: iMac G4 Christopher Phin The iMac G3 had been such a success for Apple that it had changed the face of computing. So how do you follow up on that? That was the task of the iMac G4. While walking through Steve Jobs’ home garden, Jony Ive spotted a large sunflower nestled in the borders. It was this visual image that inspired the iconic iMac G4’s design, with its articulated monitor that could be moved at will as if it was a sunflower seeking out the sun’s rays. Technology had moved on from the iMac G3 by the time the iMac G4 arrived in 2002, and large CRT displays were no longer a hardware necessity. Instead, Apple used a flatscreen panel and shrunk the internal components down into a pint-sized base. It allowed every aspect to be true to its own nature–something that was important to Jobs–and created a unique design that departed from conventional principles to great effect. January 2003: iLife Apple As software like the iTunes jukebox music manager began to take hold and other Apple apps like iMovie and iPhoto gained popularity, Apple decided it was time to create a software bundle to meet the needs of users’ emerging digital lifestyles. That bundle took shape as iLife, with the first version arriving in January 2003. Not only were iLife’s constituent apps – iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and iTunes – updated with the debut of iLife, but they were also made to work fluently together. So, you could select music from your iTunes library or footage from iMovie to accompany your holiday snaps in iPhoto, all without having to switch apps. It was a great example of the Apple ecosystem in action, all updated for the digital age. April 2003: iTunes Music Store Apple As the iPod grew in popularity, peer-to-peer music sharing pioneer Napster was causing serious anxiety among music executives. Steve Jobs thought he had the solution: make managing your digital audio library so easy and affordable that piracy would become redundant. In order to make that happen, Apple opened the iTunes Music Store in 2003—and changed the entire music industry in the process. By allowing users to buy individual tracks, iTunes shifted the emphasis away from expensive albums and towards singles, a move that musicians have increasingly embraced in the years since. Coupled with the iPod, Apple gave people a tightly integrated system for both managing and playing all their favorite tracks. It came to Windows later that same year, and just like that, Apple had vanquished piracy and invented a new model for users to purchase and enjoy their music. February 2004: iPod mini IDG While the original iPod was a runaway success, Apple needed a way to reach more people with a cheaper, smaller player. The result of that thinking was the iPod mini. At a time when clunky smartphones were just starting to become popular, having a smaller MP3 player meant less pocket space taken up by your gadgets. And the iPod mini achieved that brilliantly, clocking in at just 3.6oz – almost half the first iPod’s 6.5oz weight. But it was about more than just slimline sizing. The iPod mini also introduced the touch-sensitive click wheel – an enhancement over the iPod’s original wheel – and various different colored models, bringing a splash of fun and whimsy to the iconic white model. And the best part? It cost just $249. January 2005: Mac mini Apple Today, the Mac mini isn’t just one of the best small-scale computers that money can buy – it’s one of the best Macs available thanks to its petite form factor and fantastic value for money. And today’s model can trace its lineage all the way back to the initial edition that arrived in January 2005. Housed in a polycarbonate shell and outfitted with a PowerPC G4 chip and a slate of laptop components, the Mac mini epitomized one of Steve Jobs’ frankly less catchy concepts: BYODKM, or “bring your own display, keyboard and mouse.” That helped keep costs down for users and had the side effect of making it attractive to Windows switchers who likely had their own peripherals ready to go. And with a launch price of $499, the Mac mini was a solid bargain. It got even better in 2006 with the advent of the first Intel Mac mini, but even with a PowerPC chip inside, the first version offered something a little different whose blueprint still comprises a winning formula today. January 2005: iPod Shuffle Foundry The success of the original iPod and the iPod mini spawned several iPod iterations over the years–iPod nano, iPod Video, iPod U2 edition, iPod Classic—but none were more experimental than the iPod Shuffle. Steve Jobs pitched the device as simply following user demand: Shuffle mode was the most popular way people played their music on the iPod, so why not make an iPod that embraced the element of musical surprise? The result was a device that lacked a display, had the simplest of playback controls, and was meant to be worn. You could play tracks sequentially or in a random order, or use AutoFill in iTunes to load an arbitrary selection of your library’s songs onto the player, taking the shuffle concept and truly running with it. It was like music streaming before streaming music was a thing. This is part three of a five-part series exploring 50 years of Apple product releases. Catch up on what you missed (1976-1985; 1986-1995), and stay tuned to Macworld all week, continuing tomorrow with 2006-2015.10:25 amPaul McCartney headlines as Apple celebrates 50 years with an Apple Park fireworks display | AppleInsiderPaul McCartney headlines as Apple celebrates 50 years with an Apple Park fireworks display
As expected, Paul McCartney was the star act as Apple concluded its 50th anniversary celebrations at Apple Park, and employees have been sharing videos of the party.Apple Park celebrations — image credit: Steven PetersonMcCartney's appearance had been rumored in the past few days and then confirmed as images from his soundcheck at Apple Park were shown across social media. Now he's played a career-spanning set in front of thousands of Apple employees, many of whom have been sharing images and videos of the night.It's one thing to have Paul McCartney at work, but it's another thing to have a display like this at the same time pic.twitter.com/MAF21f2kJ2— Steven Peterson (@squeakytoy) April 1, 2026 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:06 amHow much money are you making with your apps?
submitted by /u/silverscientist1 [link] [comments]10:04 amApple to Issue Rare iOS 18 Software Update for DarkSword Exploit
Apple on Wednesday will issue software updates to devices still running iOS 18 to protect them from an exploit called DarkSword, which can silently take over an iPhone if it visits a website infected with the malicious code. Devices on iOS 26 are already protected against DarkSword, but in a surprising move for Apple, its latest critical update is designed to specifically protect vulnerable iOS 18 users who have consciously decided not to update to iOS 26, even though their iPhone model supports it. Some users may be hesitant to upgrade to iOS 26 because of the Liquid Glass design overhaul that makes major changes to the iPhone interface. "Tomorrow we are enabling the availability of an iOS 18 update for more devices so users with auto-update enabled can automatically receive important security protections," an Apple spokesperson told Wired. "We encourage all users with supported devices to update to iOS 26 to receive our most advanced protections."iPhone users can install the updates by opening up the Settings app, going to General, and selecting the Software Update option. Those with automatic updates turned on will see the new software installed automatically. It's the second time in the last few weeks that Apple has pushed a critical update to iPhones running out-of-date software. On March 11, Apple issued a patch to protect users from a different iOS hacking toolkit known as Coruna. The patch was for older devices that can't run iOS 26. Apple recommended that everyone else update to the latest OS version that their device supports. The practice of protecting an older operating system version is known in the cybersecurity industry as "backporting," but it's not something that Apple typically does if a newer, compatible version of iOS has the same protections already baked in. According to Google, DarkSword has been used by various hacker groups to break into the iPhones of users in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Last week, the exploit kit was posted to open source code repository GitHub, making it even more likely to be used by bad actors. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums08:52 amFRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-04-08
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 8, 01:00 - 07:00 UTCApr 1, 08:28 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter on 2026-04-08 between 01:00 and 07:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.08:22 amHEL (Helsinki) on 2026-04-02
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 2, 01:00 - 07:00 UTCApr 1, 08:16 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HEL (Helsinki) datacenter on 2026-04-02 between 01:00 and 07:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.08:00 amEngineer Brings Lightning Port to iPhone 17 Pro
The Swiss robotics engineer behind a commercial case that adds USB-C to Lightning iPhones has now built a reverse version: A case that adds a fully functional Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro. Ken Pillonel describes the project as a tongue-in-cheek response to reader requests, and says he has no plans to sell it. "It's part hack, part mod, and one of the most cursed things I've ever built," he wrote in the video description, "Be careful what you wish for." The build involved designing custom PCBs for precise connector placement, 3D printing a flexible TPU case on a Formlabs SLS printer, and fabricating a magnet installation jig on a Prusa printer. The finished case is slim and flexible, with MagSafe alignment and a snap-fit assembly. Pillonel set himself a deadline of April Fools' Day to complete the prototype. The project builds on his long history of connector-swapping work, which includes adding USB-C to an iPhone X in 2021 and a USB-C conversion kit for AirPods Max in 2024.Related Roundup: iPhone 17 ProTags: Ken Pillonel, LightningBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums08:00 amMicrosoft Office for Mac, yours for just $50
Macworld TL;DR: Skip the subscriptions—get Microsoft Office for Mac for life with a one-time $49.97 purchase. If you’ve been piecing together free apps or juggling subscriptions just to get your work done, this is your sign to simplify things. Right now, you can grab Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for just $49.97 (reg. $219)—and it’s a one-time purchase. No recurring fees, no surprise renewals, no “trial expired” notifications popping up mid-project. This version gives you the core apps most people actually rely on: Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email and scheduling. You also get Teams (basic) and OneNote for collaboration and organization, rounding out a setup that works just as well for home offices as it does for small business use. The experience is familiar, polished, and built for macOS, so everything runs smoothly without needing workarounds or compromises. Whether you’re managing projects, handling client work, or just staying organized, it’s the kind of toolkit that quietly keeps everything moving. And since the license is tied to your Microsoft account, you don’t have to worry about losing access—it’s yours to keep. Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for just $49.97 (reg. $219). Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.07:56 amApple drops price of Studio Display XDR without stand option by $400
The Studio Display XDR has gotten a rare Apple price drop, if you pick the option without the stand included. The Studio Display XDR launched last month with a starting price of $3299, whether you opted for the model with VESA mount or the model with Apple’s tilt-adjustable stand. The company has quietly updated the pricing to make the VESA mount option $400 cheaper, so the entry price for the display is now $2899. The Studio Display XDR with stand still starts at $3299. more…07:45 amThunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 and 3 vs USB4
Macworld Apple has changed its MacBook connection standard from Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 5. Macs that boast an M4/M5 Pro, M4/M5 Max or M3 Ultra now come armed with at least three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while Macs with plain M4/M5 processors remain on Thunderbolt 4. Some earlier MacBook Air models had their ports listed as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” and “Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4” on its Pro and Max models. What does all this mean? What is the difference between Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 3? And then what is USB4? We thought that USB and Thunderbolt couldn’t get any more confusing with many different speeds (from 5Gbps to 120Gbps) and functions possible using the same “Type-C” connection. From an Apple user’s point of view, there isn’t a great deal in Thunderbolt 4 that was new or different from Thunderbolt 3, with which it is backwards compatible. The big changes have arrived with Thunderbolt 5. (While, Apple will likely roll out TB5 across the range over the next year, for Windows users Thunderbolt 5 remains for premium computers only and probbaly won’t hit the mainstream for some years yet.) Indeed, in its M1 and M2 MacBooks tech specs, to add to the confusion Apple didn’t even call it Thunderbolt 4, listing it as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” including Thunderbolt 3. For the superior M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models, Apple listed the ports as full Thunderbolt 4—this is because the Pro/Max versions can support multiple external screens, unlike the limited plain M1 or M2 MacBooks. Without the ability to connect to two external displays, it can’t be labelled as certified Thunderbolt 4. There is a software workaround, however, to enable M1 and M2 MacBiooks to connect to two or more displays. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5? After much teasing in 2022 and a demo in October 2022, Intel officially announced Thunderbolt 5 on September 12, 2023, and Apple started introducing it into its MacBook Pro, Mac Studio and some Mac mini models from 2024. Thunderbolt 5 is a real step up from Thunderbolt 4—unlike Thunderbolt 4’s minor (Mac) enhancements on Thunderbolt 3. • Bandwidth is doubled from 40Gbps to 80Gbps, and display connections go as fast as 120Gbps—so up to three times more bandwidth than previous existing connectivity solutions. Bandwidth Boost uses some of the bidirectional downstream bandwidth to create the higher unidirectional 120Gbps data rate. • Thunderbolt 5 supplies up to 240W of charging power downstream to the connected Mac. Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro supports 140W PD 3.1 through its MagSafe 3 port and now via its Thunderbolt 5 ports; Thunderbolt 4 ports are rated PD 3.0 and limited to 100W. That means the Thunderbolt 5 MacBooks can fast-charge via either the MagSafe 3 connection or Thunderbolt 5 ports (using either 240W-rated Thunderbolt or USB-C cables). • Thunderbolt 5 also supports DisplayPort 2.1—compared to today’s DisplayPort 1.4. DisplayPort 2.1 supports a max 10K resolution (10240-×-4320 pixels at 60Hz) on a single display, compared to the 8K resolution supported by DisplayPort 1.4. It also includes improved version of Display Stream Compression (DSC 1.2a) that improves bandwidth management. • Depending on the computer’s processor, Thunderbolt 5 allows up to four external displays to run from the single upstream connection. Before that, even Apple’s M4 Max chip was stuck at two. Now Macs with an M5 Pro or M5 Max can connect to three (M5 Pro) or four (M5 Max) external displays. For more details read “M5 Pro/Max MacBooks finally break Apple’s multi-monitor shackles“. • Thunderbolt 5 allows for a longer “passive” cable length before requiring “active” assistance that increases the cost. With Thunderbolt 4 this was between 0.8 and 1 meter. With TB5, a passive cable can stretch to 1.2m. • While Thunderbolt 5 sticks with the 6-device daisy-chaining limit per Thunderbolt bus, a dual-port configuration could allow for a total of 10 devices across both ports. It can dynamically adjust bandwidth, prioritizing one direction over the other based on usage. Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 devices, so you can upgrade without having to replace existing peripherals. Intel Who needs Thunderbolt 5? While we all like to have the best technologies in our equipment, the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 over Thunderbolt 4 are in reality more for studio professionals who push their hardware to the limits rather than mere Mac mortals who rely less on the very fastest external SSD storage and super high-resolution and refresh-rate monitors. That majority of Mac users needn’t rush to Thunderbolt 5, but it’s a nice-to-have when you upgrade your Mac. What is the difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4? Intel didn’t want there to be a confusing USB 4.1, 4.2, etc, so it jammed the 4 right next to the USB. Apple ignores this and insists, in its Apple-like way, on calling it “USB 4”. Both use the same Type-C connector, just like Thunderbolt 3, too. Thunderbolt 4 is based on the same underlying protocol as USB4—the two are tightly connected, with all Thunderbolt 4 devices supporting USB4. If someone has a USB4 laptop, they can use a TB4 device and the other way around. In fact, Thunderbolt 4 is USB4 with all the trimmings. Not all USB4 devices will be as powerful as the fully certified Thunderbolt 4, however. Just like Apple’s version of Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 will always have a full 40Gbps bandwidth. USB4, however, starts at 20Gbps but can also reach Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps. Look out for USB 20 or USB 40 in product marketing. A USB4 port can only support one display. Thunderbolt 4 can support two 4K displays. The good thing about USB4 is that it will mean that manufacturers can release more powerful hubs and docks that are not Thunderbolt, at a cheaper cost. However, since Thunderbolt products are certified, it means that they are of the highest standard. USB4 devices don’t need to be certified and so eventually we will see many USB4 devices flooding the market with varying degrees of quality, as we see with USB-C hubs today. What is Thunderbolt hubbing? Thunderbolt 4 is, in some ways, just a software upgrade for Mac users. You need at least Apple’s Big Sur operating system (macOS 11) to get its new hubbing functionality. Hubbing does away with the risks of Thunderbolt device daisy-chaining. You’ve always been able to connect multiple Thunderbolt devices but in a potentially long chain, which meant that if you removed any one of them (except the last one in the chain) all the others became unusable until the chain was re-established. Now, with Thunderbolt hubbing, you can have up to four Thunderbolt ports in a hub or dock—each a separate ”branch” that can be disconnected without affecting any other Thunderbolt devices connected in the other ports. Up to six Thunderbolt 4 devices can be smartly daisy-chained. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4? Thunderbolt 4 is only significantly different for Windows PCs, whose Thunderbolt 3 variations were often limited in features—where Apple always gave its users the full Thunderbolt 3 feature set. Thunderbolt 3 on a Windows laptop could lack the full 40Gbps bandwidth, or maybe not support multiple displays or power delivery. Poor PC users, you’ve got to feel for them. Thunderbolt 4 requires mandatory certification for all computers, which means Windows users finally get all the great features Apple users got with Thunderbolt 3. So Thunderbolt 4 standardizes Thunderbolt 3 for all computer users. It’s backwards compatible, but buying Thunderbolt 4 or 5 devices will also future-proof your setup. So if your Mac has “just” Thunderbolt 3, don’t worry. It’s just that Windows PCs can now join in the fun without limitations, where in the past PC manufacturers could claim theoretical specs but not deliver the best they could by being merely “compatible” rather than “certified”. It should be noted that the MacBooks with Apple’s own M1 or M2 chips had a significant limitation: they can’t run more than one external display natively. However, there is a workaround that allows M1 and M2 MacBooks to run more than one external display. In fact, Thunderbolt 3 was required to support only one external 4K monitor, whereas every Thunderbolt 4 laptop has to support two 4K displays or one 8K display. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ensure that you can wake a computer with the shake of a mouse or the tap of a keyboard on Thunderbolt 4 or 5 docks. This wasn’t always the case with Thunderbolt 3. This is maybe why Apple isn’t specifically calling its Thunderbolt version 4, due to the M1/M2 display limitation. TB4 and TB5 are also a more data-safe technology, as they requires Intel VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection, also known as DMA remapping. What else? Well, Thunderbolt 5 supports PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) at 64Gbps for faster storage speeds than TB4’s 32Gbps and TB3’s 16Gbps. Some of the early Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks had less bandwidth available on the right-hand-side Thunderbolt ports. Faster PCIe is important if you frequently transfer very large files between storage devices. Here we are talking about the portion of total Thunderbolt bandwidth allocated for PCI Express data transfer. With Thunderbolt 4 and 5, you’re assured to have all four lanes of PCI Express available—so PCIe can consume up to 32 or 64Gbps of the total 40Gbps/80Gbps Thunderbolt bandwidth. With Thunderbolt 3, depending on your laptop manufacturer and model, some implementations offer only 16Gbps of PCIe bandwidth. Other advantages of Thunderbolt 4 and 5 include that hubs and docks can now have more than two Thunderbolt ports (up to four) and that TB4 and TB5 cables can be up to 2 meters long and still handle the 40Gbps bandwidth. Previously, passive TB3 cables had to be 0.7m or under to handle full bandwidth. Thunderbolt 4 and (most) USB4 support the latest USB PD 3.1 standard that allows for maximum charging of 240W compared to USB PD 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3’s 100W. Remember that you need the correct type of cable for the higher charging rates: read our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 cables. Thunderbolt docks We have tested the best Thunderbolt hubs and docking stations. The TB4 and TB5 hubs generally feature four Thunderbolt ports (one upstream to connect to the computer, and three downstream to external devices). Docks sometimes swap out one or two downstream Thunderbolt ports for more traditional display connectors (such as HDMI and DisplayPort). You can learn more about the most fully featured hub we’ve tested in our Caldigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub review. This hub features four Thunderbolt 5, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports. Foundry The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element hub features four Thunderbolt 4 and four 10Gbps USB-A ports. Intel Who owns Thunderbolt? Intel or Apple? Apple and Intel have collaborated on Thunderbolt technology since 2010, releasing its first Thunderbolt MacBook in 2011. Apple even registered the trademark “Thunderbolt” although it passed this on to Intel, in return for “unrestricted use of the technology”. But Intel is the official owner of the Thunderbolt technology. Before this agreement, the technology was known by Intel as “Light Peak”.07:45 amThunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 and 3 vs USB4
Macworld Apple has changed its MacBook connection standard from Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 5. Macs that boast an M4/M5 Pro, M4/M5 Max or M3 Ultra now come armed with at least three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while Macs with plain M4/M5 processors remain on Thunderbolt 4. Some earlier MacBook Air models had their ports listed as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” and “Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4” on its Pro and Max models. What does all this mean? What is the difference between Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 3? And then what is USB4? We thought that USB and Thunderbolt couldn’t get any more confusing with many different speeds (from 5Gbps to 120Gbps) and functions possible using the same “Type-C” connection. From an Apple user’s point of view, there isn’t a great deal in Thunderbolt 4 that was new or different from Thunderbolt 3, with which it is backwards compatible. The big changes have arrived with Thunderbolt 5. (While, Apple will likely roll out TB5 across the range over the next year, for Windows users Thunderbolt 5 remains for premium computers only and probbaly won’t hit the mainstream for some years yet.) Indeed, in its M1 and M2 MacBooks tech specs, to add to the confusion Apple didn’t even call it Thunderbolt 4, listing it as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” including Thunderbolt 3. For the superior M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models, Apple listed the ports as full Thunderbolt 4—this is because the Pro/Max versions can support multiple external screens, unlike the limited plain M1 or M2 MacBooks. Without the ability to connect to two external displays, it can’t be labelled as certified Thunderbolt 4. There is a software workaround, however, to enable M1 and M2 MacBiooks to connect to two or more displays. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5? After much teasing in 2022 and a demo in October 2022, Intel officially announced Thunderbolt 5 on September 12, 2023, and Apple started introducing it into its MacBook Pro, Mac Studio and some Mac mini models from 2024. Thunderbolt 5 is a real step up from Thunderbolt 4—unlike Thunderbolt 4’s minor (Mac) enhancements on Thunderbolt 3. • Bandwidth is doubled from 40Gbps to 80Gbps, and display connections go as fast as 120Gbps—so up to three times more bandwidth than previous existing connectivity solutions. Bandwidth Boost uses some of the bidirectional downstream bandwidth to create the higher unidirectional 120Gbps data rate. • Thunderbolt 5 supplies up to 240W of charging power downstream to the connected Mac. Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro supports 140W PD 3.1 through its MagSafe 3 port and now via its Thunderbolt 5 ports; Thunderbolt 4 ports are rated PD 3.0 and limited to 100W. That means the Thunderbolt 5 MacBooks can fast-charge via either the MagSafe 3 connection or Thunderbolt 5 ports (using either 240W-rated Thunderbolt or USB-C cables). • Thunderbolt 5 also supports DisplayPort 2.1—compared to today’s DisplayPort 1.4. DisplayPort 2.1 supports a max 10K resolution (10240-×-4320 pixels at 60Hz) on a single display, compared to the 8K resolution supported by DisplayPort 1.4. It also includes improved version of Display Stream Compression (DSC 1.2a) that improves bandwidth management. • Depending on the computer’s processor, Thunderbolt 5 allows up to four external displays to run from the single upstream connection. Before that, even Apple’s M4 Max chip was stuck at two. Now Macs with an M5 Pro or M5 Max can connect to three (M5 Pro) or four (M5 Max) external displays. For more details read “M5 Pro/Max MacBooks finally break Apple’s multi-monitor shackles“. • Thunderbolt 5 allows for a longer “passive” cable length before requiring “active” assistance that increases the cost. With Thunderbolt 4 this was between 0.8 and 1 meter. With TB5, a passive cable can stretch to 1.2m. • While Thunderbolt 5 sticks with the 6-device daisy-chaining limit per Thunderbolt bus, a dual-port configuration could allow for a total of 10 devices across both ports. It can dynamically adjust bandwidth, prioritizing one direction over the other based on usage. Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 devices, so you can upgrade without having to replace existing peripherals. Intel Who needs Thunderbolt 5? While we all like to have the best technologies in our equipment, the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 over Thunderbolt 4 are in reality more for studio professionals who push their hardware to the limits rather than mere Mac mortals who rely less on the very fastest external SSD storage and super high-resolution and refresh-rate monitors. That majority of Mac users needn’t rush to Thunderbolt 5, but it’s a nice-to-have when you upgrade your Mac. What is the difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4? Intel didn’t want there to be a confusing USB 4.1, 4.2, etc, so it jammed the 4 right next to the USB. Apple ignores this and insists, in its Apple-like way, on calling it “USB 4”. Both use the same Type-C connector, just like Thunderbolt 3, too. Thunderbolt 4 is based on the same underlying protocol as USB4—the two are tightly connected, with all Thunderbolt 4 devices supporting USB4. If someone has a USB4 laptop, they can use a TB4 device and the other way around. In fact, Thunderbolt 4 is USB4 with all the trimmings. Not all USB4 devices will be as powerful as the fully certified Thunderbolt 4, however. Just like Apple’s version of Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 will always have a full 40Gbps bandwidth. USB4, however, starts at 20Gbps but can also reach Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps. Look out for USB 20 or USB 40 in product marketing. A USB4 port can only support one display. Thunderbolt 4 can support two 4K displays. The good thing about USB4 is that it will mean that manufacturers can release more powerful hubs and docks that are not Thunderbolt, at a cheaper cost. However, since Thunderbolt products are certified, it means that they are of the highest standard. USB4 devices don’t need to be certified and so eventually we will see many USB4 devices flooding the market with varying degrees of quality, as we see with USB-C hubs today. What is Thunderbolt hubbing? Thunderbolt 4 is, in some ways, just a software upgrade for Mac users. You need at least Apple’s Big Sur operating system (macOS 11) to get its new hubbing functionality. Hubbing does away with the risks of Thunderbolt device daisy-chaining. You’ve always been able to connect multiple Thunderbolt devices but in a potentially long chain, which meant that if you removed any one of them (except the last one in the chain) all the others became unusable until the chain was re-established. Now, with Thunderbolt hubbing, you can have up to four Thunderbolt ports in a hub or dock—each a separate ”branch” that can be disconnected without affecting any other Thunderbolt devices connected in the other ports. Up to six Thunderbolt 4 devices can be smartly daisy-chained. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4? Thunderbolt 4 is only significantly different for Windows PCs, whose Thunderbolt 3 variations were often limited in features—where Apple always gave its users the full Thunderbolt 3 feature set. Thunderbolt 3 on a Windows laptop could lack the full 40Gbps bandwidth, or maybe not support multiple displays or power delivery. Poor PC users, you’ve got to feel for them. Thunderbolt 4 requires mandatory certification for all computers, which means Windows users finally get all the great features Apple users got with Thunderbolt 3. So Thunderbolt 4 standardizes Thunderbolt 3 for all computer users. It’s backwards compatible, but buying Thunderbolt 4 or 5 devices will also future-proof your setup. So if your Mac has “just” Thunderbolt 3, don’t worry. It’s just that Windows PCs can now join in the fun without limitations, where in the past PC manufacturers could claim theoretical specs but not deliver the best they could by being merely “compatible” rather than “certified”. It should be noted that the MacBooks with Apple’s own M1 or M2 chips had a significant limitation: they can’t run more than one external display natively. However, there is a workaround that allows M1 and M2 MacBooks to run more than one external display. In fact, Thunderbolt 3 was required to support only one external 4K monitor, whereas every Thunderbolt 4 laptop has to support two 4K displays or one 8K display. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ensure that you can wake a computer with the shake of a mouse or the tap of a keyboard on Thunderbolt 4 or 5 docks. This wasn’t always the case with Thunderbolt 3. This is maybe why Apple isn’t specifically calling its Thunderbolt version 4, due to the M1/M2 display limitation. TB4 and TB5 are also a more data-safe technology, as they requires Intel VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection, also known as DMA remapping. What else? Well, Thunderbolt 5 supports PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) at 64Gbps for faster storage speeds than TB4’s 32Gbps and TB3’s 16Gbps. Some of the early Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks had less bandwidth available on the right-hand-side Thunderbolt ports. Faster PCIe is important if you frequently transfer very large files between storage devices. Here we are talking about the portion of total Thunderbolt bandwidth allocated for PCI Express data transfer. With Thunderbolt 4 and 5, you’re assured to have all four lanes of PCI Express available—so PCIe can consume up to 32 or 64Gbps of the total 40Gbps/80Gbps Thunderbolt bandwidth. With Thunderbolt 3, depending on your laptop manufacturer and model, some implementations offer only 16Gbps of PCIe bandwidth. Other advantages of Thunderbolt 4 and 5 include that hubs and docks can now have more than two Thunderbolt ports (up to four) and that TB4 and TB5 cables can be up to 2 meters long and still handle the 40Gbps bandwidth. Previously, passive TB3 cables had to be 0.7m or under to handle full bandwidth. Thunderbolt 4 and (most) USB4 support the latest USB PD 3.1 standard that allows for maximum charging of 240W compared to USB PD 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3’s 100W. Remember that you need the correct type of cable for the higher charging rates: read our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 cables. Thunderbolt docks We have tested the best Thunderbolt hubs and docking stations. The TB4 and TB5 hubs generally feature four Thunderbolt ports (one upstream to connect to the computer, and three downstream to external devices). Docks sometimes swap out one or two downstream Thunderbolt ports for more traditional display connectors (such as HDMI and DisplayPort). You can learn more about the most fully featured hub we’ve tested in our Caldigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub review. This hub features four Thunderbolt 5, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports. Foundry The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element hub features four Thunderbolt 4 and four 10Gbps USB-A ports. Intel Who owns Thunderbolt? Intel or Apple? Apple and Intel have collaborated on Thunderbolt technology since 2010, releasing its first Thunderbolt MacBook in 2011. Apple even registered the trademark “Thunderbolt” although it passed this on to Intel, in return for “unrestricted use of the technology”. But Intel is the official owner of the Thunderbolt technology. Before this agreement, the technology was known by Intel as “Light Peak”.07:43 amBuilt a CLI that lets AI agents read mobile app logs directly
I made a small tool called logpeek. It lets Claude Code, Cursor, and Gemini CLI read mobile app logs directly, making it easier to inspect crashes, filter errors, and debug issues without copy pasting logs into the prompt. Would love feedback on whether this is actually useful in real debugging workflows. submitted by […]07:36 amApple to roll out critical iOS 18 update for iPhones that didn’t upgrade
Apple will push a rare iOS 18 update to patch a critical security flaw — DarkSword — on iPhones that haven’t upgraded to iOS 26. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)07:35 amApple celebrates its 50th anniversary with special animated homepage
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Apple has updated its website homepage today with a special animation video that features some of the company’s most iconic creations. The sketch art animation depicts the original Mac, the iMac, the iPod, the App Store, the Watch, iPhone 17 Pro, Vision Pro and more in a sketch art illustrative style. more…07:07 amUse OpenCV in a Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile(KMM) project
Setup: We are currently using OpenCV on iOS and Android for image processing. On Android we import OpenCV as a .aar and on iOS we import it via Cocoapods, and they call the same underlying functions. Problem: We would like to have a KMM project where we can import OpenCV and share the business logic. We are using expect/actual to depend on OpenCV in platform specific code. We can make it work for Android by importing the same .aar in androidMain. Our problem is with iOS. Currently KMM doesn't support interoperability with C++ (which OpenCV is written in) - see https://kotlinlang.org/docs/roadmap.html#removed-items What we have tried: We tried to link a .framework via Gradle and create .def files to point to the .hpp files in OpenCV but we get an error xxx.hpp header must be compiled as C++ when trying to sync Gradle. build.gradle.kts iosX64() { compilations.getByName("main") { val OpenCV by cinterops.creating { // Path to .def file defFile("src/iosMain/cinterop/OpenCV.def") // Directories for header search (an analogue of the -I compiler option) includeDirs("../iosApp/Pods/OpenCV/opencv2.framework/Headers/Core") } } binaries.all { // Linker options required to link to the library. linkerOpts("-L/../iosApp/Pods/OpenCV/opencv2.framework", "-lopencv2") } } OpenCV.def headers = cvstd.hpp package = OpenCV Question: Is there any way to depend on OpenCV in KMM?07:00 amApple Turns 50 Today: Reflecting on Each Decade's Biggest Moments
Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, meaning the company is officially 50 years old as of today. To honor the occasion, we have reflected on some of Apple's biggest moments of each decade, from the 1970s through to the 2020s. Apple has an extensive history, so this list is far from comprehensive, but it captures some of the pivotal events over the company's first 50 years. 1970s While the Apple-1 was released in 1976, it was the Apple II in 1977 that became the company's first successful, mass-market computer. Unlike the Apple-1, the Apple II came fully assembled in a plastic case with a keyboard, and Apple sold millions of units of the computer over the years. This product gave Apple sustained cash flow, allowing it to become a major company. 1980s In 1984, Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh, the world's first successful mass-marketed computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). The original Macintosh popularized the computer mouse, allowing users to control an on-screen pointer. This point-and-click method of computer navigation was still a novel concept to most people at the time, as personal computers in this era typically had text-based command-line interfaces controlled with a keyboard. Apple said the Macintosh typically took "only a few hours to learn," and it touted what are now basic computer features, such as a desktop with icons, the ability to use multiple programs in windows, drop-down menus, and copy and paste. Pricing for the original Macintosh started at $2,495, equivalent to nearly $8,000 today. Key specs and features included an 8 MHz processor, 128 KB of RAM, a 400 KB floppy disk drive for storage, and serial ports for connecting a printer and other accessories. 1990s By the 1990s, Apple had largely lost its way. That changed when Jobs returned to the company in 1997, as part of Apple's acquisition of NeXT, another computer company founded by Jobs after he was ousted from Apple in the mid-1980s. Apple did release some unique products in the 1990s, ranging from the Newton personal assistant to the Pippin video game console to the QuickTake digital camera, but Jobs' return was easily the company's pinnacle moment of the decade. Jobs quickly simplified and improved Apple's product lineup, starting with the colorful iMac in 1998. 2000s Apple's renaissance continued into the 2000s with the launch of the iPod in 2001. The portable music player was extremely popular and helped turn Apple into a consumer electronics company rather than merely a computer company. Six years later, Apple combined an iPod with a mobile phone. Enter the iPhone. Jobs famously introduced the original iPhone as if it were three separate products: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device. The crowd at Macworld San Francisco erupted with cheerful applause upon realizing that Jobs was referring to a single device. While the iPod was hugely successful, the iPhone is absolutely massive, and it is now one of the most successful products of any kind ever released. Last year, Apple announced that it had shipped its three billionth iPhone. That is 3,000,000,000. 2010s Three major Apple products launched throughout the 2010s, including the iPad in 2010, the Apple Watch in 2015, and the AirPods in 2016. While the iPad was essentially just a large-screened iPhone when it first launched, the device has received significant advancements like trackpad support over the years, and it has since redefined what a personal computer is. Millions of people wear an Apple Watch, and it has become one of the world's most popular fitness devices. With health and safety features like the ECG app, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and more, the Apple Watch has even saved lives, which is a remarkable feat and something that Apple's CEO Tim Cook is very proud of. As for AirPods, Apple says they are the world's most popular wireless headphones. Enough said. 2020s In 2020, the Mac's transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon began, resulting in industry-leading performance-per-watt to this day. After years of rumors, Apple unveiled its plan to transition the entire Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own custom-designed chips at WWDC in June 2020. Later that year saw the release of the first three Mac models powered by Apple silicon, including a 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. The transition was completed in 2023 when the Mac Pro—which was recently discontinued—received the M2 Ultra chip. Apple said macOS Tahoe is the final macOS release that will support Intel-based Macs.Tag: Apple 50th AnniversaryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums06:53 amDME (Moscow) on 2026-04-07
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 7, 00:00 - 05:00 UTCApr 1, 06:46 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in DME (Moscow) datacenter on 2026-04-07 between 00:00 and 05:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.06:50 amBuilt an App as an Computer Engineering Student to Help Wake Up
I'm an engineering student, and I suck at getting up in the morning. So I built an app to fix that. Unsooze allows you to set custom alarms and compete in physical and mental challenges to turn them off. Features – Create & Manage Alarms: Set alarms for any schedule and customize them to fit […]05:57 amhow to give FREE access to your app to Apple Review Team?
so in google play store, i simply generated a PROMO Code which usually suffices and google review team using their own google account for sign up so no need of credentials as well. my app only has social logins (apple and google), and i figured that sandbox tester username password isn't used by apple reviewers, […]04:53 amFRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-04-02
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 2, 01:30 - 06:30 UTCApr 1, 04:34 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter on 2026-04-02 between 01:30 and 06:30 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.03:55 amApple confirms iOS 18 update to patch DarkSword exploit for users who haven’t upgraded to iOS 26 | 9 to 5 MacApple confirms iOS 18 update to patch DarkSword exploit for users who haven’t upgraded to iOS 26
According to Wired, Apple will release an iOS 18 update on Wednesday morning to patch vulnerabilities exploited by the DarkSword hack. Here’s what that means. more…03:30 amBuilt a iOS app to solve something stupidly annoying: forgetting where I parked. | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingBuilt a iOS app to solve something stupidly annoying: forgetting where I parked.
I tried relying on Apple Maps for this, but it wasn’t consistent for me, especially in underground garages or big parking lots. So we built a focused, native solution: Save parking instantly (auto via CarPlay disconnect or just ask Siri) Live Activity on Lock Screen / Dynamic Island Direction + distance to walk back Quick […]03:18 amA decade ago, I learned from Ray Wenderlich, now coming back to iOS development. | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingA decade ago, I learned from Ray Wenderlich, now coming back to iOS development.
Not sure many are aware but almost a decade ago, I got into iOS development and subscribed to Ray Wenderlich courses, built my first few apps was fun time. I went into different career path and recently got laid off from Atlassian, and I have few months on my hand before restarting the job hunt. […]03:07 amComputing would be totally different had Apple not been formed 50 years ago, today
The Apple of 1976 is unrecognizable compared to today's gigantic corporation, and yet key early decisions by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and more, are still having their effect today, half a century later.Steve Jobs with the original Macintosh, made eight years after Apple's foundingApple has long had a reputation for never looking back, and it's usually justified. "Let's go invent tomorrow rather than worrying about what happened yesterday," said Steve Jobs in an interview that has long been lost, but is forever quoted in motivational speeches.He was consistent about this even when talking about himself and his work, though. "[Technology] is not a field where one paints a painting that will be looked at for centuries," he said in 1994, "or where one builds a church that will be looked at, admired, and looked at in astonishment for centuries." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:05 amApple TV: Brandon Sanderson reveals Mistborn pre-production details
In a video released today to his YouTube channel, Brandon Sanderson shared an exciting update on the progress of the Mistborn adaptation for Apple TV. Here are the details. more…02:52 amWidespread failures on OTT checkouts, refunds, transactions.
Mar 31, 22:52 EDTUpdate - We believe we have identified the cause and are working on a fix.Mar 31, 22:42 EDTInvestigating - We are currently investigating this issue.02:38 amReport: Apple less exposed as Iran war threatens India’s smartphone exports
Nikkei Asia reports that while Apple is less exposed to potential export disruptions out of India, shipments that rely on Middle East trade hubs could face significant declines in the coming weeks. Here are the details. more…02:33 amAudit your subscriptions this April Fool's and stop wasting money
It's April Fool's Day, so it's a great time to make sure you're not getting tricked out of your hard-earned cash and cancel those subscriptions you've forgotten about. Here's how to do it.Why and how you should audit your subscriptionsDigital hygiene, the practice of keeping a clean, safe digital footprint, is critical for anyone who uses the internet — which is pretty much everyone. Many things fall under the digital hygiene umbrella, from responsible email management to removing your data from data brokerage companies' websites.There are many digital hygiene tasks you should do at least twice a year. For instance, you're probably going to want to check to make sure none of your passwords have wound up in a data breach. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:28 amObtaining Critical Alert Entitlement
I am creating an app for our company for API down status alerting for the night. I have submitted the form multiple times with how we need to be alerted because of the implications of having services offline, but I keep getting rejected, we are even a Medical company that we need to know when […]Tuesday March 3111:52 pmG-Raid Project 2 review: High-quality enterprise storage
The 52TB G-Raid Project 2 is costly, yes, but it provides a large amount of reliable and well-supported storage for your Mac, plus fast access speeds for serious data warehousing needs.G-Raid Project 2 reviewIt's been interesting watching storage trends over the last two decades. In that span, we've gone from 250GB hard drives being enough, to multi-terabyte drives a few years later.Then we all went back down to lower capacity, but very high speed SSDs being the order of the day. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:47 pmAirTag 2 gets its first firmware update since January launch
In addition to a firmware update for the new AirPods Max 2, which are set to hit the shelves tomorrow (and we have already reviewed), Apple also rolled out a firmware update to the AirTag 2 earlier today. Here are the details. more…11:23 pmFRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-04-09
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 9, 00:00 - 07:00 UTCMar 31, 23:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter on 2026-04-09 between 00:00 and 07:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.11:23 pmWAW (Warsaw) on 2026-04-01
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 1, 00:15 - 05:00 UTCMar 31, 23:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in WAW (Warsaw) datacenter on 2026-04-01 between 00:15 and 05:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.11:18 pmOllama adopts MLX for faster AI performance on Apple silicon Macs
One of the best tools to run AI models locally on a Mac just got even better. Here’s why, and how to run it. more…11:07 pmCustom head unit UI like car play?
I was wondering if anyone has tinkered with carplay framework? like i want to make my own UI for a carplay screen to look like a y2k or camcorder menu. I want it to run like carplay but look like it was pulled out of 2002. would i be able to do this with widgets […]11:00 pmRunning local models on Macs gets faster with Ollama's MLX support
Apple Silicon Macs get a performance boost thanks to better unified memory usage.Firehose II – Jobs, Deals, Apps
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