iOS 27 Siri Overhaul: Standalone App, New Design, Dynamic Island Integration and Ask Siri Button Apple is testing a standalone Siri chatbot app for iOS 27, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple plans to debut a chatbot version of Siri that will compete with Claude and ChatGPT, and the new Siri could be accessible through a dedicated app.
Gurman previously said that Apple was not going to develop a standalone Siri app, but it appears plans have changed. It was not clear how the rumored chatbot version of Siri was going to work without an app, because people often have multiple back-and-forth text-based conversations with chatbots, and not having a dedicated space would have been confusing.
Like ChatGPT and Claude, Siri will support both text and voice-based conversations. The app will display either a list or grid of past conversations, with options to favorite chats, search through chats, initiate new chats, and save chats. Conversations with Siri will resemble iMessage conversations, with Apple using chat bubbles. New conversations will start with suggested prompts on what to ask.
Siri will be able to do much of what current chatbots can do, such as searching the web with visually rich results, providing summaries, and evaluating uploaded documents, and the personal assistant will still be integrated into Apple devices. Pressing the side button on an iPhone or using the Siri wake word will activate Siri. Siri integration will replace the current Spotlight search functionality, but Apple plans to keep and expand on Siri Suggestions. Siri Suggestions will have more access to user data to provide more relevant prompts.
Chatbot Siri will have an updated look to go along with the dedicated app. Activating Siri will have a new animation that prompts the user to search or ask a question, and Gurman says Apple is testing a version of Siri integrated into the Dynamic Island. Apple's test interface includes a glowing Siri icon and a "searching" label in the Dynamic Island while Siri is processing a request, and once done, Siri expands into a larger translucent panel with the results. Pulling down on the menu initiates an interface for a conversation.
It's also possible Apple will integrate an "Ask Siri" button into the menus of other apps, giving users a way to send content directly to Siri alongside a request. The iOS keyboard could get a Write with Siri option that surfaces Writing Tools.
Apple Intelligence Siri features that were originally planned for iOS 18 will be introduced in iOS 27, with Siri able to use personal data and context to answer queries. Siri will also be able to do more in and between apps, and will be able to see what's on the user's screen. Apple promised that those features would appear before the end of 2026.
Apple is planning to introduce the new version of Siri at the June WWDC keynote. Dates for WWDC were announced yesterday, and the keynote event is set to take place on Monday, June 8.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Bloomberg, Dynamic Island, Mark Gurman, SiriThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple planning standalone Siri app for iOS 27 and macOS 27, per report When Apple unveils iOS 27 on June 8, the company may reveal the first dedicated Siri app as part of the new system. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has a new report that includes new details about Apple’s next attempt at embracing AI.
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Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is ‘not a fan’ of AI Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is raising concerns about artificial intelligence as the technology becomes more embedded in everyday life…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Get Firmware Update Apple today released a new firmware update for the Studio Display and Studio Display XDR, its two new monitors that came out earlier in March.
The Studio Display Firmware 26.4 update is only for the new Studio Display options, and it is not available on the older model.
Studio Display firmware can be updated by connecting the display to a Mac and going to System Settings > Software Update.
Apple did not provide release notes for the firmware update. Related Roundup: Studio DisplayBuyer's Guide: Displays (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac AccessoriesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Update to iOS 18.7.7, macOS 15.7.5 to fix kernel memory leaks & WebKit flaws Apple pushed out a coordinated round of security updates on March 24, covering older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that are still widely used and still need protecting.iPad Pro The updates include iOS 18.7.7, iPadOS 18.7.7, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.5. They close a long list of vulnerabilities across core parts of the system, from networking to the kernel.On iPhone and iPad, the fixes cut across everything from low-level system components to user-facing frameworks. Some bugs could let an app access sensitive user data, while others could crash processes or expose internal system state. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Claude Code gives developers ‘auto mode,’ a safer alternative to skipping permissions Anthropic continues to ship in March with a new “auto mode” permissions mode in Claude Code. The company calls it a middle ground between the default configuration and skipping permissions altogether.
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Why John Ternus as Apple CEO would be a big win for iPad Here's why iPad aficionados should be excited that John Ternus could someday be Apple CEO. He wants the tablet to be more productive.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Network Performance Issues in Osaka, Japan datacenter (KIX) Mar 24, 18:13 UTCIdentified - Cloudflare is investigating issues with Network Performance in Osaka, Japan datacenter (KIX).We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
Emerging Service Issue – New Linode Creation Mar 24, 17:59 UTCInvestigating - Our team is investigating an emerging service issue affecting the deployment of new compute instances where the swap disk size is set to 0. This is also impacting our Managed Databases service. We will share additional updates as we have more information.
Workers API errors and Workers Cron Trigger delays Mar 24, 17:52 UTCInvestigating - The Cloudflare Workers API is experiencing increased errors and changes to Cron Triggers may be delayed. Already deployed Workers and existing Cron Triggers are unaffected.
No new Siri, but iOS 26.4 is here with a ton of must-have new features Macworld
Apple has officially released iOS 26.4 to the public, and unlike the previous update, this one brings a more noticeable set of new features.
While the long-awaited AI-powered Siri is still nowhere to be seen, iOS 26.4 brings several new features and improvements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Reminders, as well as overall system enhancements and new emoji.
Read on as we break down all the major new features and changes coming with iOS 26.4.
Apple Music
With iOS 26.4, Apple Music subscribers are getting an important new feature called Playlist Playground. Essentially, it lets users quickly create playlists using AI.
Users can simply describe what they want to listen to, whether it’s specific songs, artists, or genres, and Apple’s AI will create a playlist based on that prompt. The feature can also edit existing playlists. It’s worth noting that this feature is available only in the U.S. and works on any iOS 26.4 iPhone, even ones that don’t support Apple Intelligence.
Apple Music has new full-screen artwork in iOS 26.4.Foundry
Apple Music is also getting a new Concerts feature, which helps users discover nearby shows from artists in their library, while also recommending live shows from new artists based on listening habits.
Another notable addition is Offline Music Recognition, now available through Control Center. This lets users identify songs with Shazam even without an internet connection. The result shows up as soon as the device is back online.
Rounding out the Apple Music changes, iOS 26.4 introduces an Ambient Music widget for quick access to curated playlists focused on Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing, as well as full-screen backgrounds for album and playlist pages, making the interface more immersive.
Podcasts
In addition to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts is also getting some improvements with iOS 26.4. More specifically, Apple has revamped the experience for video podcasts.
The update introduces support for Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, which automatically adjusts the video bitrate during playback. This means the app will always choose the best quality based on your internet connection without you having to change any settings. Thanks to this technology, users can also seamlessly switch between audio and video while playing a podcast.
iOS 26.4 includes several new Accessiblity settings.Foundry
Accessibility
Updating to iOS 26.4 also brings some welcome accessibility improvements. For instance, the system now includes a new “Reduce Bright Effects” toggle that minimizes intense flashes when interacting with certain interface elements. Apple has also made it easier to access and customize subtitles and captions directly from the media player interface.
Moreover, the “Reduce Motion” setting has been improved to more consistently limit animations across the system, particularly with the Liquid Glass interface.
Emoji
For emoji fans, iOS 26.4 adds eight new characters to the keyboard. As previously announced, they include an orca, a trombone, a landslide, a ballet dancer, and a distorted face emoji.
Keep in mind that only people who have also updated their devices will see the new emojis in conversations or social media posts.
You can use several new emojis once you update to iOS 26.4.Foundry
Freeform
When Apple announced the Creator Studio subscription, the company revealed that the Freeform app would also gain certain features exclusive to subscribers. These features are now available with iOS 26.4.
Creator Studio subscribers can now access the Content Hub right from Freeform, which offers a wide variety of photos, illustrations, and graphics that can be used royalty-free.
Users will also notice a new icon for the Freeform app that matches the style of other Creator Studio apps.
Urgent reminders are getting an upgrade in iOS 26.4.Foundry
Urgent reminders
With iOS 26.2, Apple introduced a new option for creating urgent reminders, which show up as full-screen alerts at the scheduled date and time. Now, iOS 26.4 makes it easier to mark a reminder as urgent.
Users can mark tasks as urgent in the Reminders app right from the Quick Toolbar or with a long press. Urgent reminders can also be filtered using Smart Lists.
Family Sharing
Apple is also making a major change for users who rely on Family Sharing. While the entire family currently relies on a single payment method, iOS 26.4 will allow each family member to pay for their own online purchases.
“Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer,” Apple explained in the release notes.
This is certainly great news for those who use Family Sharing to share their iCloud and App Store purchases.
The Freeform app got its Creator Studio update in iOS 26.4.Foundry
Keyboard accuracy
As we reported last year, many iPhone users had been complaining that iOS 26 had reduced the accuracy of the on-screen keyboard, resulting in more typos. Although Apple never acknowledged the issue at the time, it has made changes to the iOS 26.4 keyboard that essentially admit there was a problem.
The iOS 26.4 release notes mention “improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly” as part of the changes included in the update. It’s unclear exactly what Apple changed to improve the virtual keyboard, but users will certainly be pleased that Apple is working on the issue.
Age verification
One of the most notable changes in iOS 26.4 is related to compliance with local laws.
The update introduces age verification requirements in multiple regions, including Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and specific U.S. states such as Utah and Louisiana. These measures are tied to regional legislation and are designed to ensure that users meet minimum age requirements for certain features and services.
In these locations, Apple may require additional information about the user to verify their age. This includes details such as how long the Apple Account has been active or credit card information.
The company has also created a new API that will anonymously inform apps whether a user meets the minimum age requirements without sharing their age, date of birth, or any other personal information.
Update your iPhone now
In addition to all these new features, iOS 26.4 also includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced security. That’s why it’s always important to keep your devices updated with the latest software.
You can install iOS 26.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Update Now. The update is available for the iPhone 11 and later.
Payment failures for some customers Status: InvestigatingWe’re investigating an issue impacting a subset of customers where payments may fail during checkout, subscription renewals, or plan changes.
Customers may see a generic “unable to process payment” error and invoices may remain unpaid due to repeated failed attempts.
If you are seeing this error, re-adding your payment method should resolve the issue and allow you to checkout.
Our team is working to resolve this error internally as well.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to our support team. - zapier.com/app/get-help "zapier.com/app/get-help": http://zapier.com/app/get-help.
Apple releases new updates for old versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, more Apple just shipped iOS 26.4 and its companion updates for users running the latest OS. The company also debuted new software updates today for old iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS versions, including iOS 18.7.7 and more.
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Apple teases major AI push with iOS 27 and macOS 27 Apple as officially announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2026) will take place from June 8 to June 12…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple now selling Withings BeamO ‘4-in-1’ multiscope with Apple Health integration Two years ago, Withings unveiled BeamO, its multiscope with Apple Health integration. Starting today, Apple is now selling the “compact 4-in-1 health scanner” for the first time. Withings calls it a “mini-clinic” that “delivers instant, medical grade insights” about body temperature, heart, and lungs.
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Apple releases new iOS 26.4 version for beta users, plus more Apple just released its next wave of major software updates, including iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, and more. But alongside the public launches, Apple has also shipped new builds of its 26.4 updates for beta users.
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I can’t find decent TVOS templates for App Store layouts… I know it’s not really that popular but none of the big template services cater to tvos. Or landscape view for that matter. How long does it take to just make your own sets of images ? submitted by /u/0__O0–O0_0 [link] [comments]
Everything new in macOS Tahoe 26.4 macOS Tahoe 26.4, which Apple released Tuesday, brings several noticeable improvements and changes to the Mac’s operating system. While not a massive overhaul, this is exactly the kind of point update Tahoe needs right now. Let’s take a look at what’s new in macOS Tahoe 26.4. Ever since macOS […]
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
macOS 26.4 now available, here’s everything new Following a few beta versions and a release candidate, Apple is now rolling out macOS 26.4 to all compatible Macs. Here’s everything new.
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Nvidia CloudXR is now available for Apple Vision Pro with the release of visionOS 26.4 The OS 26.4 release has arrived with various features related to RCS and Apple Music, but Apple Vision Pro gets a specific upgrade with the addition of Nvidia CloudXR support.visionOS 26.4 adds support for CloudXROne of the key problems with Apple Vision Pro is its lack of software support. Apple has a serious developer relations problem with the platform, but the visionOS 26.4 update could help address the lack of software.Apple has released visionOS 26.4 to the public, and with it, support for Nvidia CloudXR 6.0. It enables the ability for users to stream compatible games and software from a Mac or PC to Apple Vision Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iPadOS 26.4 arrives with new emoji, video podcast additions The update for iPadOS 26.4 has been released, bringing with it enhanced video podcast support and a selection of new emojis to the iPad and iPad Pro.iPadOS 26 - Image Credit: AppleAfter four developer beta rounds and a release candidate, Apple has finally brought out its update for iPadOS 26.4. The update, now downloadable to iPads owned by the general public, include Apple's usual collection of bug fixes and performance improvements, as well as a number of feature changes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
macOS Tahoe 26.4 Now Available With Safari Compact Tab Bar, Battery Charge Limits and More Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.4, the fourth major update to the macOS Tahoe operating system. macOS Tahoe comes six weeks after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.3.
Mac users can download the new software by opening up the System Settings app and navigating to the Software Update section.
macOS Tahoe 26.4 returns the compact tab bar option to Safari for those who prefer the slimmed down look, along with a new Charge Limit feature for the Mac so you can set a maximum charge level from 80 to 100 percent. It also adds new eight emoji characters, and it displays warnings for apps that will stop working in the future. Apple is ending support for Rosetta 2 after macOS 27, so app that are still using Rosetta will display a popup letting users know that the app won't work starting with macOS 28.
macOS 26.4 also includes Apple Creator Studio for the Freeform app and it has the same Family Sharing change as iOS 26.4. Adult members of a family group can now opt to use their own payment methods for purchases instead of having to share one.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
watchOS 26.4 available now for Apple Watch, here’s what’s new Apple has just released watchOS 26.4, the latest software update for Apple Watch. Here’s what’s new.
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visionOS 26.4 arrives for Apple Vision Pro, here’s what’s new visionOS 26.4 is available now for Apple Vision Pro users, here’s what’s new in the latest update.
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tvOS 26.4 now available for Apple TV 4K with three new features Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD users, the latest tvOS 26.4 software update is available now with three new features. Here are the details.
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iOS 26.4 is here with Playlist Playground, videos in Podcasts, new emoji, more The iOS 26.4 update has finally made its way to the general public, with videos now in the Podcasts app, AI-curated playlists in Apple Music, and more. Here's what's new.The iOS 26.4 update is now available to all users.Following the debut of iOS 26.3 on February 11, Apple has deployed its next major operating system update. Though it doesn't contain the long-overdue Siri overhaul, iOS 26.4 delivers a variety of meaningful upgrades.Core system applications, like Apple Music, Apple Health, Apple Podcasts, and Freeform all received new capabilities. Additionally, the iOS 26.4 update adds eight new emoji characters and introduces a variety of refinements, bug fixes, and security-related changes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Still no new Siri in macOS Tahoe 26.4, but there are bug fixes, emoji and Rosetta 2 warnings The official release of the Mac's operating system is now macOS Tahoe 26.4, as Apple continues to add performance and security updates, plus a little more.macOS Tahoe 26 - Image Credit: AppleFollowing the public release of macOS 26.3 in February 2025 with no significant new features, Apple has updated that version twice. Once was to support the new Studio Displays with macOS 26.3.1, and the once more with macOS 26.3.2 with more support for the MacBook Neo.Now those are all superseded with macOS 26.4, which has been publicly released after weeks of beta testing. There was one curious moment when Apple released a macOS 26.4 beta a day later than its iOS 26.4 one, but there's no apparent reason for that. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Now's the time to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 26.4 Apple's watchOS 26.4 has just arrived, focusing on behind-the-scenes stability and performance improvements.Apple Watch Series 11As we suspected, watchOS 26.4 hasn't launched with any apparent new features, suggesting that it's geared toward stability improvements and bug fixes. Apple does occasionally release features with minor watchOS updates; typically, its larger releases are where we see anything of note.Like many Apple products, Apple Watch will update on its own over the air. However, if you want to force the update, just follow the steps below. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple tidies up tvOS, removing iTunes Movies, TV shows in tvOS 26.4 Get ready to update your Apple TV and HomePod, as Apple has officially rolled out the tvOS 26.4 update.Apple's bento box for tvOS 26As we saw in the beta, Apple has officially removed the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps from tvOS 26.4. Consumers can no longer purchase shows or movies through the apps.To make purchases, they'll need to use the Apple TV app directly. Users will also be able to access their previous purchases from the Apple TV app. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Releases iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 With New Emoji, Playlist Playground, Purchase Sharing Changes and More Apple today released iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The new software comes six weeks after Apple released iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4.
The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
iOS 26.4 adds a new Apple Music feature called Playlist Playground, which uses AI to generate playlists for you based on text-based prompts. You can ask for moods, feelings, occasions, and more when making a request.
The update also has new emoji characters, a useful change to payment methods for Purchase Sharing in family groups, and much more. Apple's notes for the update are below.
Apple Music
- Playlist Playground (beta) generates a playlist from your description, complete with a title, description, and tracklist
- Concerts helps you discover nearby shows from artists in your library and recommends new artists based on what you listen to
- Offline Music Recognition in Control Center identifies songs without an internet connection and delivers results automatically when you're back online
- Ambient Music widget for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing brings curated playlists to the Home Screen
- Full screen backgrounds give album and playlist pages a more immersive look
Accessibility
- Reduce bright effects setting minimizes bright flashes when tapping on elements like buttons
- Subtitle and caption settings are available from the captions icon while viewing media, making them easier to find, customize, and preview
- Reduce Motion setting more reliably reduces the animations of Liquid Glass for users sensitive to on screen motion
This update also includes the following enhancements:
- 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
- Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools, and a premium content library, joining Apple Creator Studio
- Mark reminders as urgent from the Quick Toolbar or by touching and holding, and filter for urgent reminders in your Smart Lists
- Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer
- Improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/100100
Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability/.
Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/125039
We should be getting iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas in the near future, perhaps as soon as this week.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple releases iOS 26.4 with 8 new emoji and 12 more changes to your iPhone Apple has released iOS 26.4, bringing 13 enhancements to your iPhone. The new software update includes 8 new emoji characters, changes to Apple Music, keyboard accuracy improvements, and much more.
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Apple releases iPadOS 26.4, here’s everything new for iPad iPadOS 26.4 is rolling out now to all users, bringing a variety of new features to the iPad. Here’s everything new.
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watchOS 26.4 Now Available With Workout Update and New Emoji Apple today released watchOS 26.4, the fourth major update to the watchOS 26 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 26.4 comes a month and a half after Apple released watchOS 26.3.
watchOS 26.4 can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 26.4 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update, or initiating an update in the Settings app on the watch. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.
The update makes it quicker to start a workout in the Workout app by tapping on a Workout type icon, plus it has eight new emoji characters that include orca, trombone, treasure chest, fight cloud, hairy creature, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face. Apple's release notes are below.
This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Watch This update also includes the following enhancements:
- Support for AirPods Max 2
- Workout type icon in the Workout app lets you start a workout with a single tap
- 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
More on what's new in watchOS 26 can be found in our watchOS 26 roundup.Related Roundups: Apple Watch 11, watchOS 26Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
watchOS 26.4 Now Available With Workout Update and New Emoji Apple today released watchOS 26.4, the fourth major update to the watchOS 26 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 26.4 comes a month and a half after Apple released watchOS 26.3.
watchOS 26.4 can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 26.4 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update, or initiating an update in the Settings app on the watch. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.
The update makes it quicker to start a workout in the Workout app by tapping on a Workout type icon, plus it has eight new emoji characters that include orca, trombone, treasure chest, fight cloud, hairy creature, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face. Apple's release notes are below.
This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Watch This update also includes the following enhancements:
- Support for AirPods Max 2
- Workout type icon in the Workout app lets you start a workout with a single tap
- 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
More on what's new in watchOS 26 can be found in our watchOS 26 roundup.Related Roundups: Apple Watch 11, watchOS 26Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple Releases tvOS 26.4 With Genius Browse Apple today released tvOS 26.4, the fourth update to the tvOS operating system that came out last fall. tvOS 26.4 is available for the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD, and it comes over a month after Apple released tvOS 26.3.
tvOS 26.4 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 26.4 automatically.
Apple added a new Genius Browse section to the Apple TV app in tvOS 26.4. Genius Browse is a content discovery feature that provides recommendations for TV shows and movies across multiple suggested categories. Suggestions vary based on content preferences, and the options are updated regularly.
The update removes the dedicated iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps that Apple started phasing out in 2023, which means wishlists will no longer be available. Apple sent emails to affected customers with instructions on how to transfer wishlist content to the Apple TV app watchlist.
tvOS 26.4 also adds more easily accessible customization options for subtitles, and it improves Apple TV Audio Format settings with an option for Continuous Audio Connection for HDMI output.
Full release notes for tvOS 26.4 are available through Apple's tvOS support document.Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple Releases visionOS 26.4 Apple today released visionOS 26.4, the fourth update to the visionOS 26 operating system that launched in September. visionOS 26.4 comes 1.5 months after Apple released visionOS 26.3.
visionOS 26.4 can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option. To install an update, the Vision Pro headset needs to be removed, and there is a software progress bar available on the exterior EyeSight display.
Apple's release notes say that visionOS 26.4 includes bug fixes and security improvements, along with improved Spatial Audio and eight new emoji characters. New additions include distorted face, fight cloud, landslide, ballet dancer, treasure chest, trombone, orca, and hairy creature.
This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Vision Pro This update includes the following enhancements:
- Support for AirPods Max 2
- 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
- Spatial Audio starts faster in familiar spaces by remembering the acoustic properties of rooms you’ve been in beforevisionOS 26.4 is recommended for all Vision Pro users.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.4 Alongside iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, Apple has released new HomePod 26.4 software for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. The update comes a little over a month after Apple released HomePod Software 26.3.
According to Apple's release notes, HomePod Software 26.4 includes performance and stability improvements.
HomePod software is installed automatically on the HomePod unless the feature is disabled, but the HomePod can also be manually updated in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by tapping on the More button, choosing Home Settings, and then selecting the Software Update option.Related Roundups: HomePod, HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
LAX (Los Angeles) on 2026-03-31 THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 07:00 - 15:00 UTCMar 24, 16:42 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAX (Los Angeles) datacenter on 2026-03-31 between 07:00 and 15:00 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.
LAX (Los Angeles) on 2026-04-01 THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 1, 07:00 - 15:00 UTCMar 24, 16:46 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAX (Los Angeles) datacenter on 2026-04-01 between 07:00 and 15:00 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.
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LAX (Los Angeles) on 2026-04-02 THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 2, 07:00 - 15:00 UTCMar 24, 16:48 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAX (Los Angeles) datacenter on 2026-04-02 between 07:00 and 15:00 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.
Apple's 50th Anniversary Events Continue in UK, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, and Beyond Apple has been celebrating its upcoming 50th anniversary by hosting special events around the world, making stops in the United States, China, South Korea, and Thailand so far. Over the coming days, the celebrations will continue in the UK, France, Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, and Australia, while China will get an encore performance.
MacRumors has been invited to attend one of Apple's 50th-anniversary celebrations in London this week, but we are keeping specific details under wraps in order to avoid spoiling Apple's surprise. Stay tuned for our coverage of the event.
Apple Stores in Paris, France and Vancouver, Canada will be hosting special Today at Apple sessions tied to the company's 50th anniversary this week, with more details about those events outlined in our previous reporting.
Apple is also planning to host celebrations in Mexico, India, and Japan over the coming days, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Apple and the Sydney Opera House in Australia recently announced a collaboration, and we reported that this will tie into Apple's 50th-anniversary celebrations.
On his Instagram page last week, Australian composer Bailey Pickles said Apple asked him to compose and perform music for its upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration at the Opera House, where Apple will soon be illuminating artwork.
From March 25 to March 27, the Opera House's eastern sails will be illuminated with artwork created in the Procreate app on the iPad by a group of 10 emerging Australian artists. Through free Today at Apple sessions earlier this month, the public also had the opportunity to create and submit artwork for potential illumination.
Apple said selected artworks from both commissioned artists and public submissions will be curated and projected onto the Opera House's eastern sails on March 25 at 8:30 p.m. local time, and on March 26 and March 27 at 8 p.m. local time. Pickles did not say exactly when he will be performing at the world-famous venue, but it is clear that the 50th-anniversary celebration will involve a mix of artwork and music.
China is getting an encore 50th-anniversary celebration, as Apple will be hosting a special Today at Apple session at its Jing'an store in Shanghai, China on March 28, and there may be a surprise performance outside of the store as well.
Finally, there may be a grand finale at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, although this event might be limited to Apple's employees.
Apple kicked off its celebrations with a surprise performance by singer Alicia Keys at the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York earlier this month. ↓
Chinese singer Li Yuchun also performed at Apple's Taikoo Li store in Chengdu, China last week, as part of the celebrations. ↓
South Korean boy band CORTIS performed at Apple's Myeongdong store in Seoul last week. ↓
Molly Yllom, the artist behind the Crybaby universe, led a special Today at Apple session at Apple's Iconsiam store in Bangkok last week. ↓
Apple turns 50 on April 1.
"At Apple, we're more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook, in a public letter. "But we couldn't let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today."Tags: Apple 50th Anniversary, Apple Store, Today at Apple, United KingdomThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Grab four AirTags for under $60 right now Macworld
Apple AirTag (1st Generation)
4-pack
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Keeping track of where your things are is so much easier when you can use your iPhone to see their location on a map. Well, a four-pack of Apple AirTags is only going to cost you $60 right now, since they’re 40 percent off at Amazon.
These are Apple’s 1st-gen AirTags, but they’re not missing much from the new model other than a louder speaker and slightly better tracking. Otherwise, they’re still super easy to set up, as you only need to pair them with your iOS device. Then, if you use an accessory, you can hook these trackers up to your luggage, backpack, kids, and wallets. When they’re within Bluetooth range, you can get them to make a sound so you can find them more easily, which can be super handy when your keys go missing in the morning. Then, when they’re outside your phone’s range, they’ll just ping off of other iOS devices,
Built for daily reliability, the trackers also include a replaceable battery that lasts over a year. It also doesn’t hurt that the trackers have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, so they’ll do just fine no matter where you put them and where you take them.
Make your life better and get yourself a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $60 while this deal’s still live.
Add a Volume Slider to Your iPhone Lock Screen Your iPhone's Lock Screen has built-in media playback controls that appear whenever music, a podcast, or other audio is playing. What you might not realize is that those controls can also include a volume slider that lets you adjust the volume without you having to unlock your iPhone or fumble for the physical buttons.
Originally, Apple included a volume slider in the Lock Screen media player by default, but it quietly removed the function in iOS 16. It eventually returned as an option in iOS 18.2, but Apple decided to bury it in Accessibility settings, where it's easy to overlook. The setting is still available in iOS 26, and it's super-simple to enable.
Here's how to turn it on:
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Accessibility.
Under "Hearing," tap Audio & Visual.
Toggle on the switch next to Always Show Volume Control.
The next time you play audio, a volume slider will appear in the Lock Screen's media player underneath the existing playback controls. It's especially useful when your iPhone is propped up on a desk or sitting on a nightstand, since you don't need to pick it up just to change the volume.
To turn it off again, just head back to Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Audio & Visual and toggle off Always Show Volume Control.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Save $200 on M4 iMac with 24GB of RAM ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Apple's latest iMac with an upgrade to 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage is $200 off ahead of tomorrow's Big Spring Sale at Amazon.Save $200 on Apple's upgraded M4 iMac.Pick up the M4, 24GB, 512GB iMac on Amazon for $1,699, reflecting a $200 discount off MSRP. This model has multiple upgrades, including the M4 chip with a 10-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage.Buy M4 iMac 24GB, 512GB for $1,699 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
LAX (Los Angeles) on 2026-03-30 THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 30, 07:00 - 15:00 UTCMar 24, 16:04 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAX (Los Angeles) datacenter on 2026-03-30 between 07:00 and 15:00 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.
Apple Announces Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps As expected, Apple has officially announced that ads are coming to the Apple Maps app on the iPhone and iPad in the U.S. and Canada starting "this summer."
Apple says businesses in the U.S. and Canada only will be able to place ads in search results and at the top of a new "Suggested Places" section in the app.
"Ads on Maps will appear when users search in Maps, and can appear at the top of a user's search results based on relevance, as well as at the top of a new Suggested Places experience in Maps, which will display recommendations based on what's trending nearby, the user's recent searches, and more," says Apple.
Similar to the ads that are already shown in App Store search results on the iPhone and iPad, ads in Apple Maps will have an "Ad" label, and Apple promises strong privacy protections. For example, Apple says a user's location and the ads they see and interact with in Apple Maps are not associated with a user's Apple Account.
"Maps with ads is just as private as Maps without ads," says Apple. "Where you go and the ads you see and interact with are not associated with your Apple Account. Personal data stays on your device, is not collected or stored by Apple Ads, and is not shared with third parties."
The introduction of ads in Apple Maps will obviously help to further increase Apple's services revenue, but the move will disappoint some customers.
Businesses will be able to set up ads in Apple Maps via the new Apple Business platform. More details are available on Apple's website.Tags: Apple Ads, Apple MapsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple Business is Apple’s latest attempt to own the workplace Learn how Apple Business consolidates tools for device management, outreach and business growth across Apple's ecosystem.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Schema Validation Block Reason Not Displayed on Dashboard Mar 24, 16:10 UTCInvestigating - Customers may notice that when a request is blocked by schema validation, the associated reason or description is not being displayed within the dashboard.
Apple Business goes free, consolidating business and brand management tools in one platform In mid-April 2026, Apple will roll out a rebranded and free Apple Business platform, newly refurbished to provide helpful digital tools to businesses of all sizes. Here's what's included.Apple Business coming April 14 | Image credit: AppleOn Tuesday, Apple announced that it would merge all of its enterprise tools into a single platform dubbed Apple Business. And, as a bonus, all of the features will be available for free, starting April 14, in more than 200 countries and regions."Apple Business is a significant leap forward in our decades-long commitment to helping companies of all sizes leverage the power of Apple products and services to run and grow," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Enterprise and Education Marketing. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple to roll out search ads in Maps app as services revenue push accelerates Apple is preparing to introduce search-based advertising in its Apple Maps app, marking a significant expansion of its services business…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple Business Mail temps Google Workspace users with free email As part of its Apple Business Essentials update, Apple is gunning for Google's enterprise email business with its own Apple Business Mail hosting service.Apple Business MailApple's update to Apple Business Essentials includes an important element regarding communication. It's finally going to bring out business email services.As part of the new Apple Business Essentials, coming April 14, it will allow companies to set up email accounts alongside tools for calendar management and directories. Up to 500 users can be set up per organization under Apple Business. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Maps ads are private and launch in the summer Ads are coming to Apple Maps as part of a new Apple Business service aimed at helping firms connect to local customers, and not pushing those users away to rival map apps.Ads will appear in search results on Apple Maps from April 14, 2206 — image credit: AppleRumors of ads on Apple Maps first circulated back in 2022, but reports of them arriving recently escalated. Now Apple has confirmed that firms will be able to place local ads in Apple Maps from summer 2026.While the ads are coming to the US and Canada at an as-yet unspecified date, they are part of the new Apple Business which launches in over 200 countries on April 14. Apple Business brings together device management as well as promotional tools. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features.
The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single interface to manage devices, employees, communications, and customer engagement across Apple's ecosystem.
Apple Business incorporates built-in mobile device management (MDM), which allows companies to configure device settings, security policies, apps, and user groups from one place. Apple Business app will allow employees to install work-related apps, access colleague contact information, and request support.
New "Blueprints" enable administrators to preconfigure devices with specific settings and apps, facilitating zero-touch deployment so that employees can begin using devices immediately after unboxing. Zero-touch deployment is available when devices are purchased through Apple or authorized resellers.
The platform introduces Managed Apple Accounts with what Apple describes as "cryptographic separation" between personal and work data, allowing employees to use the same device for both purposes without commingling information. Account provisioning can be automated through integrations with identity providers such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID.
Additional features include the ability to create user groups, assign roles, distribute apps through the App Store, and access an Admin API for large-scale deployments, covering device, user, audit, and MDM service data.
Apple Business also adds integrated email, calendar, and directory services tied to custom domains. Businesses can either bring an existing domain or purchase one through the platform. These tools include features such as calendar delegation and a company directory with personalized contact cards.
In addition to internal management tools, Apple Business introduces new tools for customer engagement. The platform will allow businesses to manage how their brand and locations appear across Apple services, consolidating features previously available in Apple Business Connect.
These include brand profiles with logos and details, customizable place cards in Apple Maps with photos, hours, and actions such as ordering or reservations, and analytics showing how users discover and interact with locations. Branded communications will extend to the Mail app and iCloud Mail, as well as order tracking in Wallet, and that businesses using Tap to Pay on iPhone can display their branding during transactions.
Apple also announced a new advertising feature tied to Apple Maps, scheduled to launch in the United States and Canada later this summer. Businesses will be able to create ads that appear at the top of search results in Maps, as well as within a new Suggested Places experience.
Apple Business will be available starting April 14 in more than 200 countries and regions as a free service for new and existing users of its prior business platforms, with certain features limited to specific regions. Optional paid services for additional iCloud storage and AppleCare+ will remain available within the platform.
Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect will be discontinued once Apple Business launches, with existing data such as claimed locations and account information automatically migrated to the new system. Business Essentials customers will no longer be charged monthly fees for device management after the transition.Tag: Apple BusinessThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Monitoring a publicly reported LiteLLM package issue Status: MonitoringWe're aware of public reports regarding a supply chain issue affecting specific LiteLLM package versions published to PyPI. Out of caution, we reviewed our environments and confirmed that the LiteLLM versions deployed by Zapier are not among the affected versions reported publicly.
At this time, we have no evidence of impact to customer data, Zapier systems, or services. We also confirmed that no automated systems could upgrade to the affected versions and found no other related deployments in our environment.
We will continue monitoring the situation and will share updates if anything changes.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our support team - zapier.com/app/get-help "zapier.com/app/get-help": http://zapier.com/app/get-help.
Flighty launches new ‘Airport Intelligence’ feature, here’s how it works Popular flight tracking app Flighty has launched a major new update today, adding a new ‘Airport Intelligence’ feature that’s even available on the web. Here are the details.
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Deals: 24GB M5 MacBook Air drops again to new all-time low, M5 MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 3 up to $190 off, more Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Amazon dropping this 24GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 1TB SSD to a new all-time low alongside this 24GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro at $200 under the launch price, and the 15-inch 16GB M4 MacBook Air down at $949 (selling out quick). We also spotted a chance to land Apple Watch Ultra 3 at up to $190 off the new list prices and Apple’s new 2026 Studio Display XDR with VESA mount hitting a new all-time low at $100 off. Head below for even more deals on Sony’s 2026 earbuds, Apple Pencil, charging gear, and more.
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Contactless payment acceptance on iPhone expands to Mexico In addition to announcing major Apple Business changes today, Apple is launching Tap to Pay on iPhone in Mexico.
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US SMS Carrier Maintenance – Small US Carriers THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 30, 21:00 PDT - Mar 31, 03:00 PDTMar 24, 07:54 PDTScheduled - A subset of small networks in the US are conducting a planned maintenance from 30 March 2026 at 21:00 PDT until 31 March 2026 at 03:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to small US carriers handsets.
Apple TV has three hit series now up for prestigious new awards Apple TV has earned plenty of awards acclaim recently, including an Oscar win for F1 The Movie. And now today, the BAFTA TV nominees have been named, with Apple dominating the series nominations thanks to three hit shows.
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Apple's all-screen iPhone isn't coming soon The iPhone's Dynamic Island will be sticking around for a while, but will get smaller over time, as Apple is reportedly struggling to make its visible sensors work under the display.Under-screen displays could remove the Dynamic Island, and even introduce features like the return of Touch ID. - Image Credit: AppleApple, like other smartphone producers, is always trying to make the optimum form of the smartphone. The all-screen concept relies on Apple getting rid of all intrusive elements from the front of the device, and that means working to hide or eliminate the bit with the TrueDepth camera array.In a Tuesday post to Weibo, serial leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims that Apple is still struggling to create its all-screen device. For the moment, with full-screen displays off the table for a while longer, Apple instead wants to make things smaller. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
'For All Mankind' ends with a newly announced season 6 renewal Apple TV is giving "For All Mankind" a real ending with a sixth season while turning the series into a long-term franchise play with a new spinoff."For All Mankind" gets a sixth and final seasonFor All Mankind will end with its sixth season, and season five will premiere on March 27. A spinoff is already scheduled, so fans can look forward to more content.Executives mentioned that the sixth season will be the last, but there's a companion series called Star City coming out on May 29. The new series will keep the franchise going beyond the main storyline. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Today in Apple history: Newton MessagePad reaches new heights On March 24, 1997, the Newton MessagePad 2000 brought major upgrades to Apple's PDA line, including a better display and a faster processor.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Ads are coming to Apple Maps in the US and Canada this summer with a privacy-centric focus Coming this summer to the US and Canada, Apple is officially bringing ads to Apple Maps. As part of the broader rollout of the new Apple Business platform, the company announced today that businesses in the US and Canada will be able to place local ads within the Maps app while gaining new tools to measure analytics and manage their brand presence across the Apple ecosystem.
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Apple Business Essentials goes free as Apple merges enterprise tools into Apple Business Today, Apple announced a massive shift in how it approaches the enterprise market. On April 14, Apple will merge all of its business and enterprise tools under a single, unified platform simply called Apple Business. The biggest news in this announcement is that the built-in mobile device management features (previously a paid subscription under Apple Business Essentials) will be completely free for organizations in over 200 countries.
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Apple takes aim at Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 with new hosted business email For over a decade, the enterprise email and calendar market has been a two-horse race between Microsoft and Google. If you started a new company, you bought your domain and immediately signed up for either Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. With the launch of the new Apple Business platform, Apple is officially throwing its hat into the ring to challenge Google and Microsoft with a free business email service.
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Introducing Apple Business — a new all-in-one platform for businesses of all sizes Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that allows companies to manage devices and reach more customers.
Brawny new 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 dock maxes out Mac setups Ugreen Maxidock Thunderbolt 5 docking stations
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Apple launched its revolutionary OS X 25 years ago The first official public version of Mac OS X launched by Apple on March 24, 2001 wasn't a success at first, but it powered the Mac through the next 19 years until macOS Big Sur came out with Apple Silicon.OS X used to come in boxesThe fact that OS X launched at all on March 24, 2001, was a relief and felt like an achievement if you were a long-time Mac user. Even though that very first "Cheetah" version, 10.0, lacked features and did not lack bugs, it existed and that wasn't something you could say about Apple's previous OS attempts.It wasn't just that 1999's Mac OS 9 was hardly a dramatic improvement over 1997's OS 8. It was also that Apple had famously been working on a revolutionary new operating system throughout the '90s. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Anker's New Prime 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station Hits Low Price on Amazon Anker's new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has been marked down to $119.99 today on Amazon, down from $149.99, with no need for a coupon. This accessory just launched last month, and Amazon's price is within $4 of the all-time low we tracked a few weeks back.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This deal, and many of the others we've collected below, are part of early deals for Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which officially kicks off tomorrow. Because of this, you'll need to have an Amazon Prime membership in order to get some of these discounts, including the Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station.
$30 OFFAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $119.99
The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe iPhone charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's MagSafe charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 MagSafe chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device.
There are plenty of other Anker discounts happening on Amazon this week, including the Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock back at its all-time low price of $339.99, down from $399.99. Anker's popular 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube is also down to a new all-time low price of $92.98, down from $129.99.
$60 OFFAnker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock for $339.99
Wall Chargers
Nano USB-C Wall Charger - $29.99, down from $39.99
6-in-1 USB-C Power Strip - $79.99, down from $109.99
140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $89.99, down from $99.99
14-in-1 Prime Thunderbolt 5 Dock - $339.99, down from $399.99
Wireless Chargers
3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible UFO Charger - $69.99, down from $89.99
3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $85.99, down from $109.99
3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $92.98, down from $129.99
3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $119.99, down from $149.99
Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $169.99, down from $229.99
Portable Chargers
SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $179.99, down from $249.00
Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $199.99, down from $229.99
SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $559.99, down from $799.00
SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $999.99, down from $1,499.00
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 forums
Nvidia’s Clawbots: The Hype Might Be Justified Clawbots mark Nvidia’s push to turn AI from a passive tool into an active system that executes tasks and runs continuously across business workflows. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.
Next year’s ‘iPhone 20’ might be missing its standout feature, per leaker Rumors have long indicated that next year’s 20th anniversary of the iPhone would bring a special ‘iPhone 20’ model. But now per a reputable leaker, the standout all-screen design feature of the iPhone 20 sounds like it might be in jeopardy.
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Samsung Galaxy phones can now use Apple’s AirDrop to send files straight to iPhones, iPads, and Macs Samsung Electronics Co. has rolled out a major cross-platform update: Galaxy S26 series owners can now share photos, videos, and files…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
How to Clear Xcode Derived Data (and 5 other Xcode caches eating your disk) I put together a guide covering DerivedData, iOS Simulator data, Archives, DeviceSupport files, and SPM cache — with exact paths, typical sizes, and what's safe to delete. https://onclean.onllm.dev/articles/clear-xcode-derived-data The TLDR for the impatient: rm -rf ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData But there's usually 20-80 GB more hiding in CoreSimulator, Archives, and DeviceSupport that most people don't know about. […]
Anthropic's Claude can control your Mac by pretending it's a human user Claude Cowork and Claude Code can now perform advanced actions on your Mac, by taking control of the mouse and keyboard as if it's another user. We still recommend that users skip "features" like this that really only serve to open up attack surfaces.Claude's latest update can take more control of your Mac - Image Credit: AnthropicThe majority of activity with AI chatbots has revolved around queries and coding, with a little bit of activity that directly affects your computer. In Anthropic's latest update to Claude, it's about to become even more useful.Claude Cowork and Claude Code, two sub-sections to Anthropic's main Claude, can now be set to perform tasks on a user's computer. While this would involve interacting with locally-stored files and applications, Anthropic's implementation goes further than most. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Still 'Far From' Full-Screen iPhone as Hidden Face ID Hits Snags Apple's progress toward under-display Face ID and a fully uninterrupted iPhone display is encountering ongoing challenges, with a new report indicating that the company is likely to focus on incremental reductions to the Dynamic Island rather than major front-facing design changes in the near term.
A new post from Weibo user "Fixed Focus Digital" suggests that Apple's development of under-display technologies is not advancing as smoothly as previously anticipated, casting doubt on expectations for significant front-facing design changes in upcoming iPhone models. According to the leaker, Apple's near-term approach is expected to prioritize refining existing solutions rather than introducing a fully hidden front camera and Face ID system.
The latest information aligns with a growing body of mixed reports surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro models. Earlier claims from multiple sources, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and display industry analyst Ross Young, indicated that Apple would reduce the size of the Dynamic Island, likely by relocating some Face ID components beneath the display.
Other sources have cast doubt on the extent of these changes. Weibo leaker "Digital Chat Station" recently claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro models may reuse much of their existing front-facing design, with Face ID and the Dynamic Island remaining "largely unchanged" and more ambitious under-display implementations pushed to a later generation.
In the same series of posts, Fixed Focus Digital also commented on Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, describing the device as "ultra-flat, moderately sized, and affordably priced," and claimed that supply chain expectations for production volumes are relatively high.
Ultra-flat, moderately sized, and affordably priced—there is simply no reason for the iPhone Fold to fail. At least on the supply side, inventory expectations are quite substantial. However, if sales do end up flopping... Apple's stock price is going to take a nosedive.
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone are expected to be announced in the fall. Tags: Dynamic Island, Face ID, Fixed Focus Digital, Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple TV renews space drama For All Mankind for sixth and final season Apple TV today announced that it is renewing its acclaimed space drama For All Mankind for a sixth season, which will be the show’s series finale. For All Mankind was one of the debut shows when Apple TV(+) launched back in November 2019.
The six season run will allow the creators to finish up all of the show’s storylines as originally planned, making it one of the few modern sci-fi streaming series to be allowed to end on its own terms, rather than a premature cancellation.
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This iPad stand does double-duty as 5-port hub [Review] ★★★★☆ Your iPad can be the heart of a compact workstation with the Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub. We go hands-on.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Child abduction case ends quickly after AirTag exposes stolen bike's location An Apple AirTag turned a stolen bike into a tracked target, helping police recover a missing child in Hamburg.Apple AirTag Apple's AirTag helped German police recover a stolen bicycle with a sleeping child on March 24 in Hamburg. Officers tracked the bike to a nearby store within minutes, turning a potential abduction into a short-lived scare.Parents left their four-year-old asleep in a bicycle trailer outside a shop on Kieler Street, expecting a quick stop. When they came back, the bicycle and the child were gone, and police launched a large search with patrol cars, motorcycles, and a helicopter. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iPhone Diary: Shooting usable video in near-impossible conditions I last year explained why the iPhone had become my favourite video camera for B-roll footage despite owning a relatively expensive Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K rig.
I outlined the three benefits of shooting with an iPhone in public places, and in my latest video project I discovered another one …
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Two new Apple products will be upgraded with OLED soon: report Apple has launched a lot of new products already this year, but plenty more are coming, including two that will reportedly be upgraded with OLED displays for the first time: the MacBook Pro and iPad mini.
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After 9 Apple rejections across 5 apps, here’s my pre-flight checklist I submitted 5 iOS apps to the App Store over 3 weeks. Every single one got rejected at least once. 9 rejections total. Here's the checklist I wish I had before I started. The rejections: – 3.1.2(c) × 3 apps — Missing Terms of Use / Privacy Policy links on the paywall. Having them in […]
Mac OS X Launched 25 Years Ago Today: 'The Future of the Mac' Today marks the 25th anniversary of Apple launching Mac OS X, the operating system that serves as the foundation of modern-day macOS.
Apple released a public beta of Mac OS X in September 2000, and the operating system officially launched on March 24, 2001.
"Mac OS X is the future of the Mac, and we hope it will delight our customers with its unrivaled power and ease of use," said Steve Jobs, in 2001. "The Public Beta has generated incredible feedback and support from Mac users and developers, which has helped us to make Mac OS X the most advanced operating system ever."
Mac OS X was a next-generation, UNIX-based operating system for the Mac, succeeding the classic Mac OS operating system. It ushered in Apple's iconic "Aqua" interface, the Dock, an improved Finder app with hierarchical navigation, and more.
Mac OS X 10.0 screenshot via Stephen Hackett's gallery
"Mac OS X is the most important software from Apple since the original Macintosh operating system in 1984 that revolutionized the entire industry," said Jobs.
In the U.S., Mac OS X was priced at $129. Apple stopped charging for macOS releases in 2013, when OS X Mavericks was released free of charge.
Mac OS X was renamed to OS X in 2012 and to macOS in 2016:Mac OS X 10.0 (2001): "Cheetah"
Mac OS X 10.1 (2001): "Puma"
Mac OS X 10.2 (2002): Jaguar
Mac OS X 10.3 (2003): Panther
Mac OS X 10.4 (2005): Tiger
Mac OS X 10.5 (2007): Leopard
Mac OS X 10.6 (2009): Snow Leopard
Mac OS X 10.7 (2011): Lion
OS X 10.8 (2012): Mountain Lion
OS X 10.9 (2013): Mavericks
OS X 10.10 (2014): Yosemite
OS X 10.11 (2015): El Capitan
macOS 10.12 (2016): Sierra
macOS 10.13 (2017): High Sierra
macOS 10.14 (2018): Mojave
macOS 10.15 (2019): Catalina
macOS 11 (2020): Big Sur
macOS 12 (2021): Monterey
macOS 13 (2022): Ventura
macOS 14 (2023): Sonoma
macOS 15 (2024): Sequoia
macOS 26 (2025): TahoeMac OS X was a big part of Apple's renaissance, which began when Jobs returned to the company in the late 1990s. Big hits in those first few years after his return included the iMac in 1998, the iBook in 1999, and Mac OS X and the iPod in 2001. In this sense, it is poetic that this milestone comes just a week ahead of Apple's 50th anniversary.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
If you think faster than you type, try this $50 Mac dictation app You can talk instead of typing -- faster, offline and privately -- in any app on your Mac with the Voibe dictation app.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Apple TV, Siri Targeted in EU Broadcaster Complaint Citing DMA Rules A coalition of Europe's biggest broadcasters is pushing the EU to bring smart TV platforms like Apple TV and virtual assistants like Siri under the bloc's toughest tech regulation, reports Reuters.
The Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT), whose members include Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, and Sky, sent a letter on Monday to EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera arguing that smart TV operating systems from Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Under the DMA, any platform with more than 45 million monthly active EU users and a market valuation above €75 billion is presumed to be a gatekeeper, subject to obligations designed to curb self-preferencing and increase interoperability.
To evidence their claim, the broadcasters cited market data showing Android TV's share grew from 16 percent to 23 percent between 2019 and 2024, while Amazon Fire OS climbed from 5 percent to 12 percent. Samsung's Tizen holds 24 percent, but Apple TV's share was not referenced.
The ACT also wants virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri brought under the DMA, arguing that the current lack of regulation has left AI assistants free to act as de facto gatekeepers for media content across phones, smart speakers, and car infotainment systems.
The European Commission confirmed it received the letter and is reviewing it. So far, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung have not commented.
Apple's App Store, iOS, and Safari are already classified as DMA gatekeepers. A separate review into whether Apple Maps and Apple Ads meet the threshold was concluded last month, with regulators ruling that neither qualified due to low usage in Europe.
Notably, the broadcasters' letter asks the Commission to apply the DMA based on "qualitative criteria," even where platforms don't hit the usual quantitative benchmarks outlined in the regulations.
The request may sound like it's on shaky ground, but the DMA does actually have a provision for this circumstance – the EC can designate a company as a gatekeeper even if it doesn't meet the hard numeric thresholds stated above. It can look instead at factors like the platform's size, number of business users, network effects, lock-in, and structural market characteristics. In fact, this is how the Commission designated iPadOS as having gatekeeper status, even though it didn't meet the quantitative threshold.
In practice, though, the Commission is likely to be cautious about using this approach because it's messier than quantitative rules and easier to challenge in court. Apple is very likely to contest it, especially given that Apple TV's market share appears to be relatively small. Whether the same will apply to Siri is another matter, since it's tied to the iPhone and the EU already considers that a gatekeeper platform.Related Roundup: Apple TVTags: Apple Antitrust, European Commission, European Union, SiriBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Spotify’s new feature will send you down the music rabbit hole Ever look up a topic on Wikipedia and lose track of time going down the rabbit hole of related articles? Spotify’s new SongDNA feature is a bit like that.
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5 ways to get the best battery life on your MacBook Every MacBook boasts industry-leading battery life. How could one possibly need more battery life, and how do you get it?
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
MacBook Pro Diary: The Rolling Square Supertiny is the perfect ‘just in case’ charger Apple Silicon Macs offer truly excellent battery life compared to their Intel predecessors, but there are still times when you need to plug in to power.
If I know in advance I’m going to need mains power, then the Chargeasap Zeus is the power brick I normally carry with me. When I expect to be able to work solely on battery but have the MacBook equivalent of range anxiety, I’ve found the Rolling Square Super Tiny to be the perfect solution …
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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference returns the week of June 8th Apple today announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 8-12, bringing developers…
The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
MCP Servers: Issues adding/removing tools Status: InvestigatingWe’re investigating an issue where some users are unable to add or remove tools on Zapier MCP servers. Affected users may see a message prompting them to “switch to the account that owns the server” and may be disconnected after authentication.
Our team has identified and reproduced the issue and is actively working on a fix. We’ll share another update as we learn more.Affected components
MCP (Degraded performance)
BoltFFI: a high-performance Rust bindings and packaging toolchain for Swift, Kotlin, and TS https://i.redd.it/d28cvc2fnzqg1.gif Repo + benchmarks: https://github.com/boltffi/boltffi We’ve been working on BoltFFI, a high performance toolchain for sharing one Rust core across Apple platforms, Android, and the web without the FFI mess and manual pointer handling. It generates bindings that feel native on each target with type safe APIs and native concurrency models like `async await`. It […]
Apple Bracing Display Supply Chain for Wave of New OLED Devices Apple is moving more decisively to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturers ahead of the launch of a wave of new products with OLED panels, DigiTimes reports.
Apple has apparently accelerated efforts to diversify its OLED sourcing away from Chinese suppliers such as BOE, which have historically played an important role in the company's display supply chain. The impact on BOE has already been substantial. DigiTimes says the company's dedicated Apple OLED production line in Mianyang, Sichuan saw utilization rates fall from approximately 82% in 2024 to 48% by February 2026.
Shipments to Apple have also declined sharply, dropping by more than 40% compared to initial expectations. OLED panel shipments from Sichuan to Apple's assembly partners in Vietnam fell by over 50% year over year in February, underscoring the speed of the transition.
In place of Chinese suppliers, Apple is increasingly depending on reliable South Korean display manufacturers such as Samsung Display and LG Display. DigiTimes says future Apple devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro, the first foldable iPhone, and upcoming MacBook Pro and iPad mini models, are expected to depend predominantly on OLED panels sourced from these companies. All of these products are expected to launch this year, with OLED coming to the MacBook Pro and iPad mini for the first time.
The realignment reflects a broader shift in Apple's component sourcing strategy that has been underway for several years, as the company seeks to mitigate supply chain risk. Apple has already diversified final assembly across countries such as India and Vietnam.
Tags: China, DigiTimes, LG, LG Display, OLED, Samsung, South KoreaThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
BoA shaves Apple share target by $5, wierdly concerned about iPhone 18 launch timing Bank of America has slightly trimmed its stock target for Apple from $325 to $320, due to Apple shifting its iPhone release schedule to delay the non-Pro iPhone 18 into early 2027.iPhone Fold's fall launch will probably shift iPhone 18 into spring 2027 - Image credit: AppleBank of America has a generally favorable view of Apple, after shooting its price target up from $270 to $320 in October 2025 over its long-term strategy. Expectations are being curtailed slightly in a recent note to investors from BoA, but only by a very small amount.Tuesday's note from BoA is a minimal lowering of the share price target that it had raised in November, from a price target of $320 to $325. Now, the analysts have reduced Apple's price target back down to $320. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Malicious Traffic Surges 245% Since Iran War Began Malicious traffic has surged worldwide since the Iran conflict began, exposing growing risks from coordinated attacks, reconnaissance, and infrastructure targeting. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.
US SMS Carrier Maintenance – Small US Carriers THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 30, 22:00 PDT - Mar 31, 03:00 PDTMar 24, 04:23 PDTScheduled - A subset of small networks in the US are conducting a planned maintenance from 30 March 2026 at 22:00 PDT until 31 March 2026 at 03:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from small US carriers handsets.
Denon multi-room speakers have three new models starting at $399 Denon has upgraded its multiroom speaker system with three new models starting at $399. The ecosystem competes directly with Sonos by allowing up to 64 devices to be interconnected throughout your home …
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Denon multi-room speakers have three new models starting at $399 Denon has upgraded its multiroom speaker system with three new models starting at $399. The ecosystem competes directly with Sonos by allowing up to 64 devices to be interconnected throughout your home …
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The best USB-C hubs for iPad Macworld
Apple’s iPads now all use the universal USB-C connector port rather than Apple’s old Lightning connector. The M-series iPad Pro models use the even more capable but identical-looking (and compatible to USB-C) Thunderbolt connection (USB4).
What many people don’t realise is that the USB-C port is good for more than charging or plugging in wired earbuds. Apple’s tablets can also be used with other peripherals that transform it into an even more versatile computer. As such, iPad owners have a wide range of USB-C accessories available to them unless their older iPad still uses the Lightning connector.
Some of the USB-C hubs connect directly into the iPad. Others require a cable connection; some come with both, which helps when the iPad is in a protective case. We have also included stands for iPads that include built-in multiport hubs. You can use most hubs—and elsewhere we’ve reviewed the best USB-C hubs for Mac—but we are these as especially suited to the iPad.
Best USB-C hubs and docks for iPad
HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best overall USB-C hub for iPad
Pros
6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
4K at 60Hz
Direct fit to iPad
60W passthrough charging
Cons
UHS-I card reader speed
Price When Reviewed:
$99.99
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Colors: Space Gray, Silver
Ports: USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, microSD and SD card readers, 3.5mm audio
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz, although that might be a push if you are using all the other ports at the same time.
This good-looking iPad-dedicated hub, with built-in USB-C connector, features a grip that secures it onto an iPad Pro without damaging the surface. However, you can remove the grip if you use a third-party iPad case. It connects direct to the iPad but handily also comes with a USB-C extender cable so you can use it as a USB-C hub for your MacBook or another USB-C device, too. It can charge a device at up to 60W.
It’s also lightweight at just 33g (1.16oz) and at 3.66 x 1.3 x 0.39 inches (9.3 x 3.3 x 1cm) it’s small enough to slip into a pocket.
If you don’t need the memory card readers, the $59.99 HyperDrive 4-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad, available in either Silver or Space Gray, adds four ports: 4K 30Hz HDMI, 60W USB-C power delivery, 5Gbps USB-A, and 3.5mm audio jack. It weighs just 1.34oz (38g).
Satechi Mobile XR Hub with microSD Reader – Smallest USB-C hub
Pros
3 ports inc microSD
Super small and lightweight
100W passthrough charging
4K at 60Hz
Direct fit to iPad
Cons
No USB-A
UHS-I card reader speed
Price When Reviewed:
$44.99
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Colors: Transparent gray
Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (100W), USB-C PD (10Gbps), microSD card reader (33MBps)
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: This is the smallest and lightest USB-C hub we tested weighing just 16g (0.57oz). Its dimensions are 2.42 x 0.93 x 0.35 inches (6.2 x 2.4 x 0.9cm) so It’s even smaller than the Twelve South StayGo mini and a few grams lighter.
This mini hub Is aimed at users with XR glasses but is just as able connected to your iPad to deliver up to 100W of passthrough power (35W for iPad) and a 10Gbps USB-C port that can link to a 4K display at 60Hz. The third port is a microSD card reader that, at 33MBps, is particularly slow but useful for uploading or off-loading photos and videos from the tablet.
There is no legacy USB-A port, so if that’s important to you keep looking at what the other reviewed iPad hubs offer.
There is an alternative version, the Satechi Mobile XR Hub with Audio, which swaps the card reader for an audio port.
Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub – Best stand/dock for iPad
Pros
7 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
4K at 60Hz
Fast card readers
Built-in iPad stand
Foldable
Price When Reviewed:
$79.99
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Colors: Space Gray
Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI 2.0, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: This ergonomic iPad accessory is both a USB-C dock and a convenient stand for up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
It features a broad range of ports, including a 4K at 60Hz HDMI 2.0 port, a spare USB-C port and a legacy USB-A port, both SD and microSD card readers at their fastest, and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and an 6.7-inch (180mm) USB-C cable is included.
When folded it measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 0.75 inches (110 x 110 x 19mm) and weighs 6.6oz (187.5g). The iPad is tilted on the stand for a better height and viewing angle.
An alternative with longer USB-C cable, more adjustable stand and more ports but a lower 5Gbps bandwidth and with slower card readers is the Anker USB-C Hub, and the slightly cheaper Plugable UDS-7IN1 Dock, reviewed below.
Read our full
Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub review
Plugable USB-C Docking Station (UDS-7IN1) – Best budget stand/dock for iPad
Pros
8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
Light, portable stand
Cons
Not height adjustable
4K at 30Hz
UHS-I card reader speed
Price When Reviewed:
$69
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Colors: Space Gray
Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/91W), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: Smaller than the Anker 551 Hub Stand, the diminutive Plugable USB-C Docking Station features two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4 port, both SD and microSD card readers and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and a 20-inch (50cm) USB-C cable is included.
At the back, alongside the HDMI port is another USB-C port that you can connect to a USB-C wall charger to allow up to 91W charging for the connected device—plenty for even the hungriest iPad. The USB-A ports aren’t really built for charging connected devices, so are limited to 4.5W charging.
With the HDMI 1.4 port you can connect a 4K external display at 30Hz. Gamers and streamers might prefer a hub with at least HDMI 2.0 to get smoother 60Hz screen refresh rates (so should consider the Satechi Hub/Stand reviewed above), but for general productivity usage 30Hz is perfectly acceptable. The Ugreen Steam Deck Dock, reviewed below, goes even further to 120Hz.
Made of aluminum, it’s light enough (10.7oz or 303g) to be carried around and it folds up for added portability points. Like the Anker Stand the tablet can be tilted on the stand for the best viewing angles.
Twelve South StayGo mini – Smallest 4-port USB-C hub for iPad
Pros
4 ports inc HDMI
Small and lightweight
85W passthrough charging
Direct fit to iPad
Cons
Slower USB-A
4K at 30Hz
No card reader
Price When Reviewed:
$59.99
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Colors: Black
Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (85W), USB-A (480Mbps, 7.5W), HDMI 2.0, Audio Out
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: This small hub can connect to your iPad (or MacBook) via either the integrated USB-C connector or a detachable cable (20in). The cable is useful if your iPad is in a protective case, and you could use your own longer cable if required. StayGo mini adds just four ports, but enough for you to attach an external display (4K at 30Hz), a USB-A device and headphones as well as powering your tablet or laptop at the same time–especially handy for tablets that have just the one port.
It weighs just 36g and measures 2.8 x 1.25 x 0.3 inches (7.2 x 3.2 x 0.8cm), making it one of the smallest USB-C iPad hubs we have tested—the Satechi Mobile XR Hub, reviewed above, is even tinier.
This hub—unlike the Satechi Mobile XR Hub—does host an old-school USB-A port. It’s USB 2.0, so limited to 480Mbps data transfer compared to the 5Gbps on offer on some of the other hubs reviewed here.
Twelve South has discontinued this product but it’s still currently selling via some retailers. Check our price comparison above.
HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub for iPad Pro/Air – Best USB-C hub for media controls
Pros
6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
4K at 60Hz
Media controls
Direct fit to iPad
Cons
UHS-I card reader speed
Price When Reviewed:
$99.99
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Colors: Gray
Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), one USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, 3.5mm audio, Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow.
We’ve seen faster ports on the other hubs reviewed here, but it’s the media buttons that make the difference here.
It can connect in a tight fit to the iPad or via a detachable longer 2in cable if you need the extra length.
At 3.85 x 1.14 x 0.47 inches (9.8 x 2.9 x 1.2cm), it’s a little longer than other iPad hubs tested here, but it’s lightweight at just 1.62oz (46g).
Ugreen Steam Deck Dock (6-in-1) – Best iPad USB-C hub for gamers
Pros
6 ports inc HDMI and Ethernet
4K at 120Hz
Cons
No card reader
Price When Reviewed:
$45.99
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Colors: Gray
Ports: Angled USB-C to iPad, one USB-C 85W PD, one USB-C (5Gbps), one HDMI, two USB-A (5Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow.
As its name (and picture above) suggests, this compact mini docking station is built for Steam Deck (OLED) gamers, but is equally adept when hooked up to an iPad. Its special power is its HDMI port that allows for connection to a 4K display at an impressive 120Hz screen refresh rate. VRR, FreeSync and G-Sync technologies provide a smoother gaming experience that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
It creates a foldable and portable yet sturdy stand with adjustable angles up to 90 degrees, and measures 6.7-x-4.4-x-1.45 inches (17 x 11.2 x 3.7cm).
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter – Best magnetic iPad USB-C hub
Pros
9 ports inc HDMI and microSD
4K at 60Hz
Magnetic attachment
Cons
UHS-I card reader speed
Price When Reviewed:
$59.99
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Colors: Black
Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 10GBps), USB-C PD (80W), two USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, microSD Card reader, Gigabit Ethernet
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: The OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is a neat solution that can clamp magnetically to your iPad. Attach the adhesive ring to the back of the iPad or iPad case to create a place where you won’t even see the hub while you work.
The round hub has a 2.55-inch (6.5cm) diameter and sits just over an inch tall (2.7cm). It weighs 2.4oz (68g).
We’ve seen faster ports on some of the other hubs reviewed here, we love that magnetic fit, and the HDMI supports full 4K at 60Hz.
Read our full
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter review
Ugreen Revodok Pro 109 USB-C Hub 9-in-1 – Best wired USB-C hub
Pros
9 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet
100W passthrough charging
4K at 60Hz
Price When Reviewed:
$39.99
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Colors: Space Gray
Ports: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), USB-A (10Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: There are many USB-C hubs that are built for laptops that work just as well with tablets. This wired USB-C hub has just about everything. Notably, its card readers are rated at 170MBps, which is faster than most that are limited to 104MBps.
We’ve picked the Ugreen Revodok Pro 109 out for its broad range of ports, but there are many to choose from, so choose from the wide range at Ugreen, Anker, Satechi, Plugable and Baseus to pick out one that offers all you need at the right price.
Connecting to the iPad via a built-in USB-C cable, this type of wired hub is a little less neat than those that plug directly into the iPad’s port, but they offer far more ports. The ribbed aluminum alloy Revodok Pro 109 measures 5.55 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches (14 x 6 x 1.6cm).
Satechi USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter 4K – Best wired USB-C iPad hub range
Pros
4-7 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet
100W passthrough charging
4K at 60Hz
Price When Reviewed:
From $59.99
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Colors: Space Gray, Black, Silver
Ports: 4-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI; 6-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers; 7-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: Satechi has a range of USB-C hubs that work with the iPad to choose from—with 4, 6 or 7 ports, depending on your needs. All can output 4K at 60Hz via the HDMI port, and charge the connected iPad at full speed—indeed the 100W passthrough power is enough for even the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
The smallest 4-in-1 lacks card readers and Ethernet, which might suit you just fine. The 6-in-1 adds the card readers but lacks Ethernet; one of its USB-A ports is a weaker 480Mbps for some reason. The 7-in-1 has the card readers and Ethernet, plus the two 10Gbps USB-A ports.
The card readers are rated at 104MBps, slower than the Ugreen’s 170MBps.
StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter – Impressive passthrough charging
Pros
5 ports inc HDMI
92W passthrough charging
4K at 60Hz
Direct fit to iPad
Cons
No card reader
Price When Reviewed:
$39.99
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$31.99
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Startech.com
$39.99
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Colors: Space Gray, silver
Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/92W), USB-A (5Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps, BC 1.2 Fast Charge), HDMI, 3.5mm audio
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: The 92W passthrough charging is impressive. Although this may be overkill when used with a tablet, it makes a big difference when you use it with a laptop. The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz.
This compact hub, with built-in USB-C connector, is one of the lightest we have tested, at just 44g (1.5oz). It’s also small, at 3.5 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches (9 x 3.2 x 0.9cm). As well as the HDMI and audio port, it features two USB-A ports, one for data (5Gbps) and one for fast charging (7.5W).
CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub for multiple USB devices
Pros
Four 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports
Four fast USB-A ports
5K at 60Hz
Multiple external displays
Cons
No card reader
Large for an iPad hub
Price When Reviewed:
$179.99
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CalDigit
$179.95
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Colors: Space Gray
Ports: Upstream Thunderbolt 4 (to iPad; 60W PD), three downstream Thunderbolt (40Gbps, 15W), four USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W)
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
Why we love it: Apple’s iPad Pro (2021) models use 40Gbps Thunderbolt rather than 5Gbps USB-C, so to gain that full bandwidth a Thunderbolt hub is the best you can get.
This is a hub that you can also use for high 40Gbps MacBook bandwidth as well as with your iPad Pro. For maximum Mac bandwidth look to the $249 CalDigit Element 5 Hub that operates at up to 120Gbps, but you’ll pay a premium that maybe be overkill for an iPad user.
Choosing a hub or dock with a Thunderbolt connection standard makes perfect sense as it is backwards compatible with USB-C and so will work with any USB-C iPad too.
You won’t find more modern USB ports on a hub than on the later Element 5 Hub that has three downstream TB5 ports, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports, but the Thunderbolt 4 model’s three downstream TB4 and four 10Gbps USB-A offer a lot of extension opportunities.
Both are larger than other dedicated iPad hubs. The TB4 model measures 4.48-x-2.74-x-0.7in (11.4-x-7-1.8cm) and weighs 6.2oz (180g), while the TB5 model is 4.5 x 2.75 x 1 inches (11.4 x 7 x 2.5cm) and 7oz (200g).
Recommended if you require multiple devices to connect to your iPad, and if you use it with a MacBook, too.
Read the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub review and CalDigit Element 5 Hub review.
Satechi Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure – Speedy USB-C NVMe enclosure
Pros
10Gbps NVMe enclosure
USB-C cable lanyard
Cons
No extra ports
Price When Reviewed:
$59.99
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$59.99
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Colors: Gray
Ports: 10Gbps USB-C to iPad, NVMe solid-state drive enclosure
Compatible with: All USB-C iPads
While not a hub, we love this dinky but high-speed SSD enclosure that can host interchangeable storage with tool-free installation, which makes it easy to switch between multiple SSDs. It includes a lanyard USB-C cable so you shouldn’t need additional cables when traveling.
The enclosure supports 2230mm NVMe SSDs with speeds up to 10Gbps—Satechi claims this can transfer 3,000 high-res images in under a minute. A write lock switch protects files from accidental changes and malware.
It supports Apple’s high-quality ProRes Log video format on iPhone 15 Pro and later, although you’ll need extra software to use it with the iPad’s camera.
Choosing a USB-C hub
With a hub you can add extra USB ports (Type-C and the older Type-A), storage card readers, ethernet networking, wired headphones, cameras, keyboards, and more. You can also connect your USB-C or thunderbolt iPad to your computer or to an external display using a hub’s USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort outputs. The latest iPad Pro models (with Thunderbolt/USB4) can even connect to Apple’s Pro Display XDR display.
Some USB-C hubs are specially designed for the iPad (and fit neatly without the need for a long cable connection), but you can also use an array of generic USB-C hubs. And you can take it one step further with a full docking station that can also work with your laptop. Depending on which model you buy, a hub or dock connects to the iPad and offers an array of extra ports.
USB-C
Whatever hub you buy will use up the iPad’s sole port, so, unless it’s for short-term usage, you’ll need at least one extra USB-C port on the hub for pass-through charging, as you don’t want your tablet’s battery to fade mid use. Make sure at least one of the hub’s USB-C ports is capable of Power Delivery (PD) for charging. And look for high charging power if there is a maximum wattage on the hub. The iPad requires at least a 20W charger for fast charging, which all the hubs can handle but a more powerful charger may enable speeds up to 30W. The iPad Pro requires at least 60W for fast charging.
More USB-C ports on the hub mean you can use them for more modern peripherals and an external display that connects via a USB-C cable. The minimum data-transfer bandwidth of USB-C is 5Gbps, so this is the most common speed on hubs, but some offer 10Gbps that is more capable for things like connecting an external monitor.
In Apple’s latest iPad line-up, the iPad mini has a 10Gbps USB-C port, while the standard iPad has a USB-C port with a much slower USB 2 data-transfer rate of just 480Mbps. The iPad Air has 10Gbps bandwidth, and the iPad Pro uses 40Gbps Thunderbolt, see below.
Thunderbolt
The M1/M2/M4/M5 iPad Pro boasts the more capable Thunderbolt connection. It uses the USB-C connector, but Thunderbolt has bandwidth up to 40Gbps compared to just 5Gbps or 10Gbps for USB. Thunderbolt hubs and docks are more expensive than their simpler USB-C cousins, but power users will benefit from the extra bandwidth.
For example, a Thunderbolt hub or dock can use this bandwidth to connect a 4K display running at 60Hz and still have data-transfer capacity for other devices such as hard drives.
USB-A
Universal and reversible, USB-C is a great connector, but most of us still have a few devices that connect via the more common Type-A USB port, such as flash memory sticks, hard drives, and input devices. USB-A ports are used mainly for lower-powered devices, but the ports do come in different speeds. USB 2.0 is the slowest at 480Mbps. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is rated at 5Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2 is 10Gbps. Some hubs boast multiple legacy USB-A ports, so consider how many you might need to use at the same time.
SD and microSD Card readers
You can connect a camera or a card reader directly to the iPad’s USB-C port, but a more flexible option is to use a hub with either an SD or microSD Card reader, and many hubs have both. These tiny memory cards are also an inexpensive portable storage and backup solution, with capacities of up to 1TB. Look for the faster UHS-II type reader, which can handle up to 312MBps data transfer, compared to UHS-I’s maximum 104MBps. The slower variety is more common on the iPad hubs reviewed above. For more options, take a look at the best USB-C hubs for Mac that will also work with your iPad.
Gigabit ethernet
Wired internet or network access is much faster than WiFi, so if you’re using your iPad at a desk, consider a hub with an ethernet port. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a USB-C-to-ethernet adapter that plugs directly into your iPad.
Audio
If you want to hook up some wired headphones or a microphone, look for a hub with 3.5mm audio jack port since none of Apple’s current iPad range has one. Some older iPads have an audio port.
External displays
A hub is basically essential when using an external display because the iPad has just one USB-C port and you can’t simultaneously charge the tablet at the same time. So, you’ll want to look for a hub with either two USB-C ports (one for charging, one for video) or a hub with an HDMI or DisplayPort (or even VGA if you have an older display).
For general productivity purposes, 30Hz screen rates are acceptable for 4K monitors, but 60Hz or 120Hz is better for gaming or action-graphics video. Depending on the cable, you might get varied refresh rates. It’s a little confusing, but for the most part, 5Gbps USB-C is mostly limited to 30Hz (but can be pushed to 60Hz if the bandwidth is not taken up by the other ports), a 10Gbps USB-C connection should allow 60Hz 4K, and Thunderbolt will easily push 6K displays with high refresh rates.
Anthropic's Claude AI Can Now Use Your Mac While You're Away Anthropic are out with yet another update to Claude AI: the company's Claude Code and Cowork tools can now remotely control your Mac on your behalf.
When Claude lacks a direct connector for a given app like Slack or Google Calendar, it falls back to controlling the computer like a human, using the screen to navigate.
From the Claude blog:
In Claude Cowork and Claude Code, you can now enable Claude to use your computer to complete tasks. When Claude doesn't have access to the tools it needs, it will point, click, and navigate what's on your screen to perform the task itself. It can open files, use the browser, and run dev tools automatically – with no setup required.
The capability pairs with Dispatch (released last week) which lets you assign Claude tasks from your iPhone and return to finished work on your desktop. In the YouTube video embedded below, Anthropic's demo shows a user asking Claude to export a pitch deck as a PDF and attach it to a meeting invite, all while the user is away from their Mac.
"Computer use is still early compared to Claude's ability to code or interact with text," notes Anthropic. "Claude can make mistakes, and while we continue to improve our safeguards, threats are constantly evolving. We recommend starting with the apps you trust and not working with sensitive data."
The new feature is essentially Anthropic's version of OpenClaw, the open-source AI agent that went viral earlier this year. OpenClaw runs locally and connects to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, using a plugin-based "skills" system to execute tasks ranging from file management to browser automation. It's powerful, but notoriously tricky to configure safely.
In contrast, Claude's version is more locked down. The system uses a permission-first approach, and requests user access before touching a new app. It's currently also Mac-only, whereas OpenClaw supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The new feature is now available in research preview for Claude Pro and Max subscribers.
Earlier this month, Claude was updated with support for inline visual content that aims to help provide clearer answers. Anthropic also rolled out a memory import tool that allows users to import conversations and memories from other AI providers into Claude, so new users don't need to start from scratch when they switch.Tag: AnthropicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums