Firehose – News, Alerts, Docs
- Thursday April 09
- 08:00 pmMore major vehicle brands deliver Car Keys in Apple Wallet
Last June, Apple announced that 13 vehicle brands had committed to supporting Car Keys in the Wallet app. The companies… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.07:51 pmApple permanently closes three Apple Store locations
Macworld Apple is taking the unusual step of permanently closing three Apple Store locations: Apple Towson Town Center, Apple North County, and Apple Trumbull. The stores are all temporarily closed today, according to Apple’s retail site, and will be shuttered in June. In a statement, Apple said: At Apple, we are constantly striving to deliver exceptional service and great experiences for our customers. As we continue investing to expand and enhance our retail stores and offerings worldwide, we remain deliberate about evaluating our existing locations to ensure that we can meet our customers’ needs in the best way. Following the departure of several retailers and declining conditions at Trumbull Mall, the Shops at North County, and Towson Town Center, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our stores at these locations. Our team members at Trumbull and North County will continue their roles at nearby Apple Retail stores. Towson employees will be eligible to apply for open roles at Apple in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. We look forward to continuing to serve customers at nearby stores and on Apple.com, the Apple Store app, and at Apple Authorized Resellers and Service Providers. Apple’s most recent stores have been standalone locations or at outdoor malls. Apple regularly closes stores temporarily for renovation, but permanent closures are rare, with only a handful closing their doors forever, including one at Apple’s former headquarters at Infinite Loop in Cupertino. Typically, closures happen because the store in question is located in a mall that is in decline. That is exactly what is happening with these three locations.07:33 pmIf your Mac is having Wi-Fi issues, macOS 26.4.1 is here to help
Macworld Apple on Thursday released macOS 26.4.1, an update to the macOS Tahoe operating system. The update is for the M5 MacBook Air and the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros that were released last month, and fixes an issue that can occur when using content filter extensions and connecting to a Wi-Fi network. The 26.4.1 update comes after Apple released macOS 26.4 at the end of March. macOS 26.4 included new emojis, new features for Apple Music and Podcasts, as well as security fixes. Check out our macOS Tahoe superguide to learn more about the Mac operating system. Like the iOS 26.4.1 update, this release has no published CVE entries. To install the update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. The Mac will need to restart to complete the installation.07:28 pmSwiftUI MapKit – MapPolyline
Apple offers .standard(showsTraffic: true). It shows real-time traffic in MapKit, which is nice… however, what’s the point of it if theMapPolyline is drawn on top of it? As you can see in the image, you can’t see traffic ahead because of that. They aren’t exposing anything to address this, so what’s the point of it? […]07:20 pmI’m doing a free monthly live series where I reverse-engineer iOS apps from the App Store and show what’s exposed in the binary. First session soon. | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingI’m doing a free monthly live series where I reverse-engineer iOS apps from the App Store and show what’s exposed in the binary. First session soon.
I've been doing iOS security work for about 15 years — banking apps, enterprise platforms, fintech. One thing I keep seeing: developers have no idea what's visible in their compiled binary once it hits the App Store. Hardcoded API keys, plaintext backend URLs, authentication tokens, insecure keychain usage, unprotected user data — it's everywhere. And […]07:02 pmiOS 26’s Messages app got a big upgrade for an essential feature
iOS 26 brought a lot of changes to the Messages app, like new group chat features, spam prevention tools, and more. Joining those improvements, Messages also got a big AI upgrade in iOS 26 for an essential feature: search. more…06:53 pmUnited Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Three
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 15, 21:00 - 22:30 PDTApr 9, 11:37 PDTScheduled - Our carrier partner Three United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 15 April 2026 at 21:00 PDT until 15 April 2026 at 22:30 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Three United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup SIM Swap, Lookup Identity Match, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes06:50 pmPixelmator Pro & Logic get big upgrades, rest of iWork gets minor ones
Apple rolled out updates across its creative and productivity apps. Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro gain new features while the rest of the iWork lineup got bug fixes and stability improvements.Apple Creator Studio appsApple's Creator Studio bundle includes pro tools like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, and Pixelmator Pro, along with productivity apps like Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. It's a unified platform for creating and publishing across different workflows.Apple delivered updates through the App Store, with most apps receiving maintenance-focused changes for reliability and platform stability. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:32 pmApple TV debuts trailer for ‘My Brother the Minotaur,’ premiering April 24th
Apple TV on Thursday debuted the trailer for “My Brother the Minotaur,” an all-new animated kids and family adventure series set to premiere… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:17 pmOpenAI introduces $100/month Pro plan aimed at Codex users, here’s what it includes
OpenAI is launching a revamped $100/month ChatGPT subscription aimed at Codex users. Here’s how it compares to OpenAI’s existing plans and what it includes. more…06:16 pmApple releases macOS Tahoe 26.4.1 with bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements
Apple introduced macOS 26.4.1, an important update for macOS Tahoe that addresses various bugs and glitches. It's recommended. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)06:07 pmInstagram now lets you edit your comments after posting
Instagram just made a small change that’s worth celebrating: comments can now be edited after posting. Here are the details. more…06:05 pmApple's Pixelmator Pro Update Brings iPhone 17 Mockups, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Expanded Camera Support | MacRumorsApple's Pixelmator Pro Update Brings iPhone 17 Mockups, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Expanded Camera Support
Apple today updated Pixelmator Pro, the popular image editing app that it purchased in 2024. Pixelmator Pro includes RAW image support for more cameras, new templates, improved support for SVG file exports, new keyboard shortcuts, and more. Some of the features like the keyboard shortcuts are limited to the Creator Studio version of Pixelmator Pro. Pixelmator Pro has a template and mockup section, which includes new app screenshot options and devices to use for app mockups on Apple devices. Apple has added support for the latest iPhone 17 models. SVG files exported from Pixelmator Pro will have fewer issues when opened in Adobe Illustrator, and there is an option to touch and hold an image on the canvas to see before and after edits from Color Adjustments and Effects tools. The sidebar is customizable using the toolbar setting options, and there are keyboard shortcuts for changing layer opacity, selecting layers when using Select Subject, cycling through blend modes, and swapping between layers. Apple's release notes for the Creator Studio version of Pixelmator Pro are below. Enjoy full support for compressed RAW images from Sony Alpha ILCE-7M5, FUJIFILM GFX 100S II, and FUJIFILM GFX 100RF cameras Work with High Efficiency (HE) and High Efficiency Star (HE*) RAW images from Nikon Z5II and Nikon Z50II cameras Open and edit RAW images from Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1RM2 cameras captured in High Resolution mode Discover the updated template and mockup categories, including App Screenshot, Bento Grid, and Devices, now featuring new iPhone 17 mockups Open SVG files exported from Pixelmator Pro in Adobe Illustrator with improved compatibility Touch and hold an image on the canvas to instantly compare before and after edits from Color Adjustments and Effects tools You can now customize the Pixelmator Pro Tools sidebar from the menu bar by choosing View > Customize Tools The iPad app was also updated with some of the keyboard shortcuts that were previously available in the Mac version of the app. New Keyboard Shortcuts Press and hold the Option key when choosing Select Subject to base the selection on all layers in a document Easily change layer opacity using number keys 1 through 9 in all supported tools Cycle through layer blend modes using the Shift-Plus and Shift-Minus keyboard shortcuts in all supported tools Use the Command-J keyboard shortcut to duplicate and Command-Shift-J to cut and paste the selected area Use the Option-Comma and Option-Period keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between selecting topmost and bottommost layers in a document Use the Space bar to play or pause video playback in documents containing video layers The non-Creator Studio version of the app includes the same RAW image support and the new templates, but it lacks the other options that Apple added. Photomator, a photo editing sister app to Pixelmator Pro, was updated with the new RAW image support. Apple introduced Creator Studio earlier this year, and it incorporates apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. Because many of these apps existed before Creator Studio was developed, Apple offers a Creator Studio version and a standard version, which can be confusing. Unlocking Creator Studio features requires a Creator Studio subscription, priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. For Pixelmator Pro, Creator Studio-exclusive features include a warp tool, apparel mockups, and a dedicated iPad app.Related Roundup: iPhone 17Tags: Apple Creator Studio, PixelmatorBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums05:49 pmApple has released macOS 26.4.1 with unspecified bug fixes
On April 9, Apple released macOS 26.4.1 to the public, alongside vague release notes that just discuss that the update contains bug fixes.The new macOS 26.4.1 update is now available for downloadWhile Apple hasn't detailed exactly which bugs this new update addresses, there may be clues from other recent releases. The update comes just 24 hours after Apple also released iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1.Both updates applied a fix for one bug in particular. That bug caused some iCloud data not to sync correctly and affected both Apple and third-party apps, including Passwords. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:36 pmApple updates Creator Studio apps including Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro, more
Apple has released new versions of Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and more apps included in the Creator Studio app suite. There are also updates to Final Cut Camera, Photomator, and more. more…05:33 pmApple releases macOS 26.4.1
Apple on Thursday released macOS 26.4.1 which provides bug fixes for your Mac (including a fix for an iCloud syncing issue in… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:30 pmLogic Pro Updated With Step Reflex Sound Pack, Apple's Other Creator Apps Get Bug Fixes
Apple today updated several apps designed for creators, including Logic Pro, Compressor, MainStage, Motion, Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Camera, Numbers, Keynote, and Pages. Apple has pushed updates for the iOS, iPadOS and macOS versions of the apps where applicable. Logic Pro includes a Step Reflex: Modern Garage Pack, featuring two-step beats, deep basslines, synths, and more. The update also includes an option to export a shareable file to preview how a spatial audio mix will sound when streamed on Apple Music. Preview of Dolby Atmos Mix Export a lightweight, shareable file to preview your spatial audio mix as it will sound when streamed on Apple Music -- playable on iPhone, iPad, or Mac Step Reflex Pack Get ready to bounce! Step Reflex: Modern Garage adds pristine polish to the iconic sound of '90s/early 2000s UK garage with gritty bass-heavy energy, immersive ambient atmospheres, and a sprinkle of EDM magic Whether you're crafting a dancefloor anthem or an introspective groove, this comprehensive collection is filled with punchy, two-step beats, rave-ready synths, deep basslines, and infectious vocal chops that will make your tracks pop Compressor, Motion, Final Cut Camera, Final Cut Pro, MainStage, Numbers, Keynote, and Pages have no new features, and the release notes only mention stability improvements and bug fixes. Apple's apps are included as part of the Creator Studio subscription that's priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year, but apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro can also be purchased standalone. Numbers, Pages, and other apps are free to use, but some features are limited to those who subscribe to Creator Studio.Tag: Logic ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums05:29 pm2026 M5 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro with 48GB RAM plunges to best $2,899
Pick up Apple's brand-new M5 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro with an upgrade to 48GB RAM for $2,899, the lowest price on record, thanks to a $200 cash discount.M5 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro with 48GB RAM has dropped to record low $2,899 - Image credit: AppleReleased in March 2026, the M5 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro features higher unified memory bandwidth and is equipped with Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. And today, Amazon is slashing $200 off an upgraded configuration with a bump up to 48GB of RAM.Save $200 on 16" MacBook Pro 48GB RAM Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:28 pmHow I built a music discovery algorithm with MusicKit
Howdy y'all! I'm the developer behind Setto, a personal DJ for Apple Music that uses MusicKit and SwiftUI. Recently my app got featured on Apple's Best New Apps list and I wanted to share an article I wrote explaining how the music discovery algorithm works and some prototype ideas I tried that didn't work. Everything […]05:27 pmThree Apple Stores closing in June, one was unionized
Three Apple Store locations in struggling malls are set to close permanently as summer kicks off, with one of them the controversial unionized store in Towson, Maryland.Apple Trumbull | Image Credit: AppleThe stores in question are Apple North County, in Escondido, California, Apple Trumbull in Trumbull, Connecticut, and Apple Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland. Notably, Apple Towson was Apple's first unionized store.Most employees will be shifted to nearby locations with no further action required by the employee, provided they agree to stay with the company. The unionized Towson employees will be eligible to apply for open roles at Apple, as per the existing bargaining agreement. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:18 pmApple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.4.1 With Bug Fixes
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.4.1, a minor update to the macOS Tahoe operating system that came out last September. macOS Tahoe 26.4.1 comes two weeks after Apple launched macOS Tahoe 26.4. Mac users can download the new software by opening up the System Settings app and navigating to the Software Update section. According to Apple's release notes for the update, it includes unspecified bug fixes.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums05:17 pmApple releases macOS 26.4.1 software update, details here
Apple has just released a new software update for Mac: macOS 26.4.1. Here’s what to expect from the latest release. more…05:09 pmApple TV just added two exciting new series to future lineup
Apple TV just brought back one of its biggest hit series, and has an acclaimed comedy debuting next week. But looking ahead to projects that are further out, there are two exciting Apple TV series coming that were just unveiled. Here are the details. more…05:05 pmBig Swift meetup in SF this evening!
submitted by /u/Austin_Aaron_Conlon [link] [comments]05:02 pmIs $(PRODUCT_NAME) allowed in localized InfoPlist.strings?
The app review just caught a minor bug where the localized strings don't seem to do the product name replacements properly. My files are in `Supporting/en.lproj/InfoPlist.string` and that's generated by `expo-localization`: CFBundleDisplayName = "My New App"; NSCameraUsageDescription = "Allow $(PRODUCT_NAME) to access your camera."; When the camera dialog pops up, it shows the string directly […]05:01 pmApple TV celebrates the premiere of ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman | Mac Daily NewsApple TV celebrates the premiere of ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman
Apple TV hosted the star-studded premiere for its upcoming comedic family drama “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” at Regal Union Square theater… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:00 pmMacBook Neo helps power Mac to its best quarter in years
Mac shipments reach impressive levels in the first quarter of 2026, partially driven by the popularity of the new MacBook Neo. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:49 pmApple announces permanent closure of three US retail stores
Apple has announced that it is closing three retail stores in the United States, including locations in Connecticut, Maryland, and California. more…04:34 pmAnthropic scales up with enterprise features for Claude Cowork and Managed Agents
Claude Cowork, available on macOS, is losing the “research preview” label today as Anthropic introduces enterprise capabilities. Separately, Anthropic is reclaiming the AI agent narrative with Claude Managed Agents. more…04:30 pmApple is Permanently Closing Three U.S. Stores
Apple today announced it will be permanently closing three retail stores in the U.S. in June, including Apple Trumbull in Trumbull, Connecticut, Apple Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland, and Apple North County in Escondido, California. Apple Towson Town Center in Maryland Apple issued the following statement to MacRumors:At Apple, we are constantly striving to deliver exceptional service and great experiences for our customers. As we continue investing to expand and enhance our retail stores and offerings worldwide, we remain deliberate about evaluating our existing locations to ensure that we can meet our customers’ needs in the best way. Following the departure of several retailers and declining conditions at Trumball Mall, the Shops at North County, and Towson Town Center, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our stores at these locations. Our team members at Trumbull and North County will continue their roles at nearby Apple Retail stores. Towson employees will be eligible to apply for open roles at Apple in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. We look forward to continuing to serve customers at nearby stores and on Apple.com, the Apple Store app, and at Apple Authorized Resellers and Service Providers throughout the states.All three of the stores are located in struggling shopping malls that have lost dozens of other major retailers in recent years. Earlier this year, for example, Banana Republic, Madewell, and Tommy Bahama announced they were leaving Towson Town Center. And last month, the owner of Trumbull Mall defaulted on a $150 million dollar loan and the property is now for sale. Notably, employees at Apple Towson Town Center had formed a union. On the other hand, Apple has opened 11 new stores around the world in the past year or so, including in Miami and Detroit. Apple has also replaced and upgraded 14 store locations, and it plans to open its first stores in Saudi Arabia.Tag: Apple StoreThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums04:29 pmFrom A12Z to A18 Pro: How Apple Silicon Macs have gone back to the basics
With the MacBook Neo, Apple's A-series chips came back to the Mac, completing a lengthy journey from experiment to fully finished product.The MacBook Neo traces its roots to the 2020 Developer Transition Kit.Apple Silicon on the Mac began with an iPad chip, and now the MacBook Neo has taken things to the next level with a chip originally designed for an iPhone.Since 2020, every Mac, from the entry-level Mac mini to the powerful Mac Studio, has been powered by an M-series chip. The M1 was the first Apple-designed ARM chip made with the Mac in mind. It spearheaded the company's move from Intel, but it didn't start the transition to Apple Silicon. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:01 pmEurope’s largest Apple museum opens in Utrecht, showcasing 50 years of innovation
Europe’s biggest Apple museum has officially opened its doors in Utrecht, Netherlands, just in time for Apple’s 50th anniversary… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.04:00 pmApple isn't done with Dynamic Island but shrinking it on iPhone 18 won't be easy
Apple is working to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island on iPhone 18, but the limits of Face ID hardware continue to dictate how far it can go.Render of iPhone 18 Dynamic IslandThe company is testing a smaller Dynamic Island design for a future iPhone Pro, based on a new supply chain leak. The effort centers on moving more Face ID hardware under the display without hurting security or usability.Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station said in an April 9 Weibo post that Apple is running A/B tests on two front-panel designs. One keeps the current layout, while the other shrinks the cutout by placing part of Face ID beneath the screen. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:59 pmShared Swift Packages: Unifying Your Client and Server Models
submitted by /u/unpluggedcord [link] [comments]03:55 pm9to5Mac Daily: April 9, 2026 – iOS 26.4.1 released, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily. more…03:54 pmWhy the macOS “49-Day” Networking Bug Probably Won’t Affect You
Don’t panic about the newly discovered macOS bug that freezes TCP networking after 49 days of uptime. Between security updates, sleep cycles, and typical usage patterns, most Mac users will never encounter this edge-case failure.03:48 pmApple Card’s transition to Chase: Here’s what’s not changing (and might be)
Apple Card is officially moving to Chase, with Apple’s current partner Goldman Sachs transitioning out over the next year or two. Apple has published details on what to expect during the transition, here’s everything the company says won’t change once Chase takes over—and a few that might. more…03:40 pmDeals: 1TB M5 MacBook Air $150 off, Apple Thunderbolt 5 cables up to 48% off, Magic Keyboard Amazon low, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: 1TB M5 MacBook Air $150 off, Apple Thunderbolt 5 cables up to 48% off, Magic Keyboard Amazon low, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Apple’s most affordable 1TB M5 MacBook Air at $150 off via Amazon and in all colors). Alongside the rare $99 price drops on Apple Watch Ultra 3, we also have refurb deals at $164 off joined by Apple’s least pricey USB-C Magic Keyboard sitting at the Amazon all-time low today, and these official Apple Thunderbolt 5 Pro cables at up to 48% off. Be sure to check out Nintendo’s new and FREE Hello, Yoshi! app for iOS and head below for a closer look at everything. more…03:25 pmToday in Apple history: Apple sells its 100 millionth iPod
On April 9, 2007, Apple sold its 100 millionth iPod. The landmark event confirms the iPod as Apple’s most popular product of all time. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:11 pmApple Apparently Still Undecided on iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island
Apple is weighing two options for the iPhone 18 Pro's Dynamic Island, and a final decision has yet to be made, according to the Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station. In a new post today, the leaker says that current supply chain feedback points to an A/B scenario: one option retains the existing screen mold from the iPhone 17 Pro, while the other introduces a significantly smaller "Mini Dynamic Island" enabled by moving the Face ID receiver and transmitter components beneath the display. Current feedback from the supply chain suggests an A/B testing scenario: one option retains the existing screen mold, while the other features a 'Mini Dynamic Island' with the Face ID receiver/transmitter (RX) components positioned beneath the display. If they opt for the latter, it feels like sales figures will once again be a non-issue. The update is a slight shift from the leaker's previous position. Earlier this year, Digital Chat Station claimed Apple was leaning toward reusing last year's design, which would have left the Dynamic Island largely unchanged. The report was a dissenting voice against a body of reporting, including from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, DSCC's Ross Young, and multiple other Weibo leakers, suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro would feature a Dynamic Island roughly 35% smaller than on the iPhone 17 Pro. In a follow-up post, the leaker also addressed the iPhone 18 Pro's rear design. He said that the rectangular plateau design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro will carry over unchanged, but the back will see "minor adjustments to the body materials and design details.” This is likely a reference to previously rumored changes aimed at achieving a more uniform look between the aluminum unibody frame and glass cutout for wireless charging. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced this fall alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone.Related Roundup: iPhone 18 ProTags: Digital Chat Station, Dynamic IslandThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums03:09 pmWhy more carmakers race to adopt iPhone car keys
As automakers adopt iPhone car keys at a faster clip, we think it could become as standard as seat belts and touchscreens. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:00 pmApple subpoenas Samsung in South Korea in U.S. DOJ antitrust action
Apple has asked a U.S. court to formally request internal Samsung documents from South Korea as part of the discovery process… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:59 pm2026 Swift Student Challenge: Three Apps Created by Young Developers
In late March, Apple notified the winners of the 2026 Swift Student Challenge, who each received a complimentary one-year Apple Developer Program membership, AirPods Max 2, and a special certificate. A smaller group of Distinguished Winners were also invited to a three-day experience at Apple Park during WWDC 2026 in June. The annual Swift Student Challenge gives eligible student developers around the world the opportunity to showcase their coding capabilities by using the Swift Playground or Xcode apps to create an interactive "app playground." Despite receiving many incredible submissions, Apple can only select a limited number of winners due to WWDC space constraints. Below, we have highlighted three young developers who did not quite win, but still deserve attention for their efforts. Teddy For the 2026 Swift Student Challenge, UC Santa Cruz student Morris Richman submitted Teddy, a voice-controlled camera app that uses Apple Foundation Models to help those with touch-related accessibility issues take photos. "There is a strong overlap between those who have touch issues and those who have difficulty learning accessibility focused features such as VoiceOver," said Morris. "Teddy addresses this issue through Apple's Foundation Models and SpeechAnalyzer APIs to take action on behalf of the user through natural language processing and tool calling." Morris created the app after being inspired by his grandfather, Larry. Teddy is available in beta via TestFlight and as an open-source project on GitHub. ActivTimer MacRumors reader Kate's first-ever Swift Student Challenge submission was ActivTimer, an iPhone app designed to help reduce your screen time and increase your activity. The app was built with SwiftUI and other modern Apple technologies. Kate describes the app as a "screen time tracker and workout app all in one." "It keeps track of how long you're on your screen and alerts you with a sound to get up and move, or to do some mindfulness," said Kate. ActivTimer is not available in the App Store, but the project's source code is available on GitHub. Write: A Literary Journey Victoria Ali is a young developer from Argentina who created Write: A Literary Journey, an iPhone app that she describes as a narrative puzzle experience. The app tasks you with solving puzzles to reconstruct the portraits and legacies of history's most influential female authors. Victoria said the app both demonstrates her coding skills and serves as a tribute to her late grandmother and writer, Rosa. When you first open the app, you are presented with a 3D onboarding experience that allows you to explore Rosa's desk. "Through an immersive 3D onboarding I designed in SceneKit with models I built in Blender—like her vintage Remington typewriter and her yellow tulips—I wanted to create a bridge to feel her close again," she said.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Tag: Swift Student ChallengeRelated Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums02:57 pmGet 3 official Apple USB-C cables for (almost) the price of 1
Macworld Apple USB-C 60W cable View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Like everything Apple makes, its cables are among the best, but they’re also among the most expensive, like “$19 for a 3-foot USB-C cable” expensive. Well, if you don’t mind plain packaging (and you really shouldn’t), Amazon’s Woot is selling Apple’s USB-C cables at a significant discount: one for $10, two for $17, or three for $22. These 3.3ft cables are just about perfect for use at your desk because they only need to reach a short distance. If you tend to actually put your phone down before lying down in bed, it might even work to charge your phone overnight. These cables available for sale on Woot offer up to 60W of charging, as well as data transfer at decent rates. They support fast charging, but you’ll need a power adapter that can support 40W charging or more. So why are these cables so cheap? Woot says the products are brand new, direct from Apple, but they’re shipping in “bulk packaging.” Basically, they’re shoved in polybags and plain brown boxes rather than those shiny white Apple-branded boxes. Basically, they’re excess units that Apple is getting rid of at wholesale prices. So grab however many of these Apple 60W USB-C cables you need and enjoy the deal. Since this sale is happening at Woot — an Amazon company — your Prime free-delivery perks cross over.02:44 pmApple Releases iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1 to Fix CloudKit Syncing Bug
If iCloud syncing has been unreliable since you updated to iOS 26.4, relief has arrived. Although Apple’s release notes don’t mention it, developers confirm that iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1 fix the CloudKit bug.02:44 pmApple Releases OS 26.4.1 to Fix CloudKit Syncing Bug
If iCloud syncing has been unreliable since you updated to iOS 26.4, relief has arrived. Although Apple’s release notes don’t mention it, developers confirm that iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1 fix the CloudKit bug. Apple also released macOS 26.4.1 Tahoe, presumably to incorporate the same code changes.02:32 pmUse Apple Music Sing to throw your own karaoke party
Apple Music has a karaoke mode for people who love to sing along as they listen. Apple Music Sing lets you turn down the lyrics. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:30 pmIncreased HTTP 5xx errors in Philadelphia colo
Apr 9, 14:30 UTCResolved - Between 14:41 and 16:34 UTC on April 9th, 2026, we experienced an elevated level of HTTP 5xx errors affecting traffic through our Philadelphia (PHL) data center. The issue has been mitigated now.02:13 pmLeaker gives iPhone 18 Pro updates on two design changes
It’s been a big week for iPhone Fold rumors, but a reputable leaker just posted iPhone 18 Pro updates related to two potential design changes. more…02:05 pmWhat Anthropic’s Mythos and Project Glasswing Mean for Your Apple Devices
AI is accelerating the discovery of security vulnerabilities, transforming the landscape of digital security. But Apple users are in a good spot, thanks to Apple’s focus on security and control over the entire ecosystem. TidBITS Security Editor Rich Mogull explains Anthropic’s Mythos and Project Glasswing.02:03 pmApple’s MacBook Neo is the best laptop you can get for $599 – New York Magazine
Apple's MacBook Neo is an all-new laptop that delivers the magic of the Mac at a breakthrough price, making it even more accessible… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:56 pmAirPods Max 2 Available for $529.99 on Amazon
Apple's new AirPods Max 2 launched last week, and Amazon is still one of the only retailers offering a discount on the headphones. You can get the Midnight and Starlight color options for $529.99 on Amazon, down from $549.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Although this is only a $19 discount on the AirPods Max 2, it's the best markdown you'll find online if you're looking to order the new headphones. Free delivery has the AirPods Max 2 arriving around April 14, but they can be delivered as soon as tomorrow with Prime shipping. $19 OFFAirPods Max 2 for $529.99 In other new product discounts, Amazon has the M5 MacBook Air for $150 off across nearly every model this week. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums01:53 pmHow I hit an 18.6% App Store CVR without pushing a new build (Using Apple’s PPO + AI Sentiment Analysis) | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingHow I hit an 18.6% App Store CVR without pushing a new build (Using Apple’s PPO + AI Sentiment Analysis)
Hi everyone, Like most devs here, I love coding but absolutely hate ASO. For my first few apps, I’d spend months building the features and then 10 minutes slapping together a Figma template for the screenshots just to get the submission over with. My conversion rates (Impressions to Installs) were sitting at a miserable 1% […]01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:29 pmSpotify’s newest feature lets you focus on audio without distractions
Spotify has introduced a new universal switch for making the app all about audio. No, it’s not a toggle for hiding podcasts and audiobooks, but it does turn off almost all videos. more…01:22 pmNintendo Wii can run Mac OS X like it's 2001 all over again
Over 101 million Nintendo Wii consoles have been sold since 2006, but only one of them runs Apple's Mac OS X Cheetah. Here's how it works.There aren't many Wiis running Mac OS X in the worldThat Wii is owned by developer Bryan Keller after he took considerable time to port Apple's 2001 software. We've seen Wiis running everything from Linux to Windows NT before, but this is the first we've ever seen running a flavor of macOS.Understandably, the process of getting 25-year-old software to run on 20-year-old gaming hardware wasn't a short one. And it's absolutely something we expect that most people would have given up on. Thankfully, Keller is made of sterner stuff. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:15 pmThis $8 Microsoft Office deal is your ‘I just need Word for a week’ fix
Need Microsoft Office right now? This one-month subscription to Microsoft 365 is the easy way to get in, get it done and get out. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:10 pmMediaTek Looks Much More Like a Power Player
MediaTek is repositioning itself as a top-tier silicon player, expanding beyond smartphones into AI, data center, and connectivity markets with a more focused strategy and clearer messaging. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.01:06 pmOn-device Apple Intelligence vulnerable to prompt injection techniques
Apple Intelligence's on-device AI can be manipulated by attackers using prompt injection techniques, according to new research that shows a high success rate and potential access to sensitive user data.Apple IntelligenceResearchers from RSAC Research have unveiled a method to circumvent Apple's security measures. They achieved a 76% success rate in 100 tests by employing adversarial prompts and Unicode obfuscationThese findings were shared with Apple on October 15, 2025. The focus was on the on-device large language model embedded in Apple's operating systems, which is accessible to third-party applications. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:59 pmApple TV celebrates ‘Shrinking’ season three at PaleyFest LA with Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, and many more | Mac Daily NewsApple TV celebrates ‘Shrinking’ season three at PaleyFest LA with Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, and many more
On Tuesday, April 7th, PaleyFest LA hosted a screening and conversation for the season three finale of Apple’s hit comedy “Shrinking” at… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.12:19 pmBuilding a “Passive” Habit Meter for Apple Watch – No manual logging, just 3D physics | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingBuilding a “Passive” Habit Meter for Apple Watch – No manual logging, just 3D physics
Hey everyone! I’m building AbSync. I got tired of apps that act like your boss and make you type in every glass of water or stress level. I wanted to create a "digital mirror" for your body that does the work for you. Fun fact on the name: The "Ab" in AbSync comes from the […]12:14 pmDIY MacBook Neo upgrade can boost the SSD to 1TB using iPhone parts
If you’ve thought the MacBook Neo could be for you, but the 512GB maximum storage size wasn’t enough, a YouTuber may have good news for you. They carried out a DIY upgrade to swap out the SSD for a 1TB one, which is also faster than the stock one supplied in the device … more…12:11 pmUnless you reboot every once in a while, your Mac will get kicked offline every 49 days | AppleInsiderUnless you reboot every once in a while, your Mac will get kicked offline every 49 days
A new bug has been discovered that breaks all Mac networking every 49 days, 17 hours, two minutes, and 47 seconds. It's simple to get around the bug, though.You'll need to restart your Mac regularly to avoid this bug.The bug was detailed in a blog post by Photon, a service that connects AI agents to iMessage. In it, Photon explains how it discovered the issue on its own fleet of Mac servers and confirmed its discovery by running additional targeted testing.According to Photon, the bug affects all Macs, whether you use the brand-new MacBook Neo or a powerhouse Mac Studio. The good news is that you can avoid the bug by simply restarting your Mac sooner than every 49 days, 17 hours, two minutes, and 47 seconds. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:07 pmViral iPhone Fold unboxing video is a very well made fake
A new video purporting to show the unboxing of an iPhone Fold months before it's even expected to be announced, is an excellent piece of work. It's also entirely false.Turn it on, then - image credit: Viktor SeraleevThis isn't like the YouTubers who unboxed an M5 iPad Pro back in September 2025. As unlikely as that video had seemed, it turned out to be genuine when Apple released that iPad a few weeks later.The iPhone Fold unboxing video doing the rounds is instead purporting to be of a product that has only just gone into manufacturing testing. It's also said to be having problems in that testing. Rumor Score: 💩 B#$&(*it Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:37 amEx-Apple engineers create an AI button that looks like an iPod Shuffle – but can’t explain why | 9 to 5 MacEx-Apple engineers create an AI button that looks like an iPod Shuffle – but can’t explain why
I said a couple of years ago that AI hardware devices were like trying to invent the iPod after the iPhone. Two former Apple engineers appear to have leaned into this with an AI button that bears more than a passing resemblance to an iPod shuffle. While the AI wearable does address the horrendous privacy problem created by its erstwhile competitors, the duo still haven’t provided a convincing explanation as to why it isn’t an app … more…11:28 amMacBook Neo storage can be upgraded to 1TB with the right soldering skills
Apple's 256GB SSD in the MacBook Neo can be swapped out for 1TB one with skill and with an iPhone component. You probably don't want to do it.Detail from the YouTube video showing the MacBook Neo's NAND storage - image credit: dosdude1Apple never offers any official way to increase the storage in a Mac after you have bought it. But in the last few years it has become more relaxed about making it possible to do, usually now by slotting a larger-capacity drive into Apple's connectors.There is no way to do that with the new MacBook Neo, but YouTuber dosdude1 has upgrade the storage with the kind of NAND chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro. It can't actually be taken from an iPhone 16 Pro you happen to have lying around, though. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:20 amApple Subpoenas Samsung in South Korea Over DOJ Antitrust Case
Apple has asked a U.S. court to formally request internal Samsung documents from South Korea as part of discovery in the DOJ's ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the company. The DOJ filed suit against Apple in March 2024, alongside a number of governments, alleging the company used App Store rules, developer restrictions, and control over key iPhone features to stifle competition. After Apple's bid to have the case dismissed failed, the litigation moved into discovery. Samsung is central to the case. All four complaints identify Samsung as Apple's "closest smartphone competitor," and plaintiffs allege that Apple's conduct caused Samsung to stop making smartwatches that connect to iPhone in 2021. Apple subpoenaed Samsung's U.S. subsidiary, Samsung Electronics America, for documents, but the subsidiary declined to produce any records, arguing the materials are held solely by its South Korean parent. Apple says Samsung America lodged that objection 65 times across its responses. In a memorandum filed on April 7, Apple asked the court to issue a formal letter of request under the Hague Evidence Convention, an international mechanism that allows civil proceedings to seek documents from foreign entities. The request targets market research, sales data, financial statements, and consumer switching analyses from Samsung's smartphone and wearables divisions, as well as Galaxy Store developer agreements and documents relating to Samsung Pay, messaging apps, and super apps. Apple pointed specifically to Smart Switch, Samsung's tool for transferring content from iPhone to a Samsung device, as evidence that the company holds directly relevant data on consumer switching behavior. The filing also seeks Samsung's own documents on its digital wallet fees, after plaintiffs alleged Apple charges banks 0.15% per Apple Pay transaction while Samsung charges nothing comparable. Even if the court grants the motion, South Korean authorities would independently decide whether to comply, and Samsung Electronics could raise objections under Korean law.Tags: Apple Antitrust, Apple Lawsuits, Samsung, South Korea, United StatesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums11:11 amiPhone Fold unboxing video is a fake, not the real thing
There’s an iPhone Fold unboxing video doing the rounds, and at first glance it does look rather convincing, with none of the usual signs immediately pointing to an AI-generated fake. However, there’s one rather large giveaway that it’s not the real thing, and that provides a clue as to how it was produced … more…10:30 amApple’s first touchscreen MacBook is coming. I don’t want it
Macworld Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup has remained resolutely familiar for several years now. We’ve grown accustomed to getting a new chip here, slightly more storage there, and being happy with it. Really, there hasn’t been a seismic shift since the last redesign back in 2021. That’s all set to change in a big way later this year. That’s when Apple is anticipated to unveil a new MacBook Pro bearing an OLED display with touchscreen functionality. If it comes to pass, it could be the largest shake-up of Apple’s flagship laptop in half a decade. Given those expectations, there’s every reason to believe that this could be the best MacBook Pro in years, and it’ll undoubtedly be an attractive option for many Apple fans. Yet, despite all that, I’ll be steering clear. I do not doubt that this MacBook Pro will be an excellent device, but whether it’s right for me–and, potentially, for you–is open to question. The new MacBook Pro could be great For years, Apple has employed mini-LED technology in its MacBook Pro screens, and this has served the company well. Yet over that time, it’s been hard to ignore the OLED-shaped elephant in the room. Apple’s rivals have almost all outfitted their laptops with OLED panels, and it’s one way that Apple could noticeably improve the visual experience of its laptops. That’s set to finally become a reality with the revamped MacBook Pro. The other change of note is the arrival of touchscreen tech, something that’s been mooted for years now. Apple has long opposed the idea of creating a touchscreen MacBook, but for one reason or another, it seems to have finally acquiesced. According to recent reports, macOS adapts to your input, whether that’s a mouse or your finger. I hope that means that the operating system will act as it always has if you don’t want to use the touch controls. The Dynamic Island is a good iPhone feature. How can Apple make it Mac-relevant?Foundry A report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claims that Apple will add the Dynamic Island to the new MacBook Pro. I know I’ve been pretty critical of Alan Dye’s stint as Apple’s chief design guru, but the Dynamic Island is actually one feature of his that I think works really well. It takes something that is, for now, unavoidable (a visible front-facing camera and sensor array) and makes it useful. Running on the new MacBook Pro, it could certainly be much more functional than the dumb notch that Apple’s laptop roster is currently stuck with. We shouldn’t forget the next-generation M6 chips that will be in this device. The M6 Pro and M6 Max chips will be made with a new 2nm process, which should help improve their power and efficiency, making for a more generous performance improvement than we’ve seen for some time. Overall, then, there’s a huge amount to look forward to in the touchscreen MacBook Pro. So why don’t I want to buy one? Why I’ll be staying away To start, I’m concerned about the potential for higher prices. As I’ve already written about, the global RAM crisis means that component prices are currently through the roof, and even Apple has admitted that it might not be able to insulate itself against that forever. Computer component prices have skyrocketed, which could affect the sales price of the new MacBook Pro.Foundry Couple that with the pricey new touchscreen OLED display, and rising MacBook costs feel like an inevitability. If you want to avoid that and need a MacBook as soon as possible, the current M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros should be on your list. But it’s not all about the financial outlay. I happen to agree with Steve Jobs’ longstanding opposition to touchscreen laptops. I find them uncomfortable to use, particularly for long stretches at a time, and I also don’t think that the MacBook Pro will be especially improved by the addition of a touchscreen. It’s heartening to hear that macOS won’t be compromised by the introduction of touchscreen functionality–you can go without it if you wish, by the sound of it–but I don’t want to pay extra for a MacBook with features I don’t need. And despite the inclusion of the Dynamic Island, Gurman’s report made no mention of Face ID, a feature that I’ve been hoping would grace the MacBook Pro for years. While the Dynamic Island could improve the experience, without Face ID, I’m less excited for it. While I’ve no doubt that the touchscreen MacBook Pro will be a groundbreaking device, the combination of its likely price and notable holes in its feature set means it’ll be a classic early adopter device—and I won’t be one of them.09:53 amRussia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Bee Line
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 13, 14:00 - 15:00 PDTApr 9, 02:27 PDTScheduled - The Bee Line network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 13 April 2026 at 14:00 PDT until 13 April 2026 at 15:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Bee Line Russia handsets.09:51 amSynthethcis Manager
Apr 9, 09:51 UTCInvestigating - Some customers in the US region may be experiencing delayed Synthetics Checks execution data in queries with Synthetics Job Manager.09:24 amSwift vs. React Native: After scaling 2 apps in the US using only AI, I’m choosing Swift every time. Am I missing something? | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingSwift vs. React Native: After scaling 2 apps in the US using only AI, I’m choosing Swift every time. Am I missing something?
Hi everyone, Senior SWE here. Confession: I haven’t written a single line of code manually in 2 years. I use AI for everything. I’ve used this workflow to build and scale 2 apps in the US market, so the results are there. I started with zero knowledge of Swift or RN. After trying both extensively, […]09:20 amiOS 26.4.1 fixes major iPhone bug and adds a quiet security upgrade
Apple’s iOS 26.4.1 update quietly fixes a frustrating iCloud syncing bug while bringing stronger security to enterprise iPhones. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)09:15 amDIYer proves MacBook Neo can support a 1TB SSD
Macworld The MacBook Neo has taken the world by storm, offering premium Mac quality that exceeds its price point. But the Neo isn’t without its shortcomings, most notably its SSD. Not only are its 256GB and 512GB capacities not enough for a lot of users, but it’s also incredibly slow compared to other Macs. But if you’re handy with a soldering iron, you might be able to fix that problem. In his latest video, YouTuber dosdude1 was able to upgrade a MacBook Neo with a 1TB NAND NVMe SSD that’s both more spacious and faster than the one Apple offers. In a post on X, dosdude1 wrote, “It ended up working without a hitch!” The module they bought is “commonly used” in the iPhone 16 Pro, though the module was “a good 35% of the cost” of the MacBook Neo. (In case you don’t want to do the math, that’s $210 if we’re talking about a $599 Neo.) In case you’re gung-ho to do this on your own MacBook Neo, you’d better be prepared, because it’s not as simple as popping out RAM sticks and popping in new ones. It involves disassembling the MacBook Neo, preparing the new SSD for soldering, removing the Neo’s existing drive, preparing the new SSD for soldering, soldering it in, and testing for integrity. I generalized for the sake of this article, but it’s quite complex, though doable. If you’re wondering if a similar hack can be done for the MacBook Neo’s memory, it can’t. The RAM is not a separate component like the SSD, so you can’t just use an off-the-shelf memory module due to Apple’s proprietary chips. The memory part of the main chip, along with the CPU and GPU, so you basically need to replace the Neo’s A18 Pro chip with an A19 Pro, which has 12GB of RAM. But if you wait a little while, it might just be on the way. Apple MacBook Neo Read our review Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $599 at Amazon | $599 at Apple | $599 at B&H08:50 amAceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station review: Compact multi-device power pal
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Multiple power outputs Fast 25W iPhone wireless charging Adjustable iPhone stand Built-in retractable USB-C cable 100W max output Compact Cons 25W only for iPhone 16 and later Apple Watch charge not fast Our Verdict This is a good-looking, super-compact and affordable multi-device charger that will wirelessly charge your iPhone as fast as anything can, as well as simultaneously charge your Apple Watch (a little slowly) and AirPods case. On top of all that, it’s an able 100W desktop charger with its own built-in 60W retractable USB-C cable for your MacBook, and two further ports. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$79.99 Best Prices Today: AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station Retailer Price $65.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Could this compact near-cuboid charger have everything an Apple user needs for charging? It certainly comes close to achieving that goal. The AceFast Z9 Pro can wirelessly charge your iPhone at up to 25W at the same time as your Apple Watch, an AirPods case, a MacBook at up to 65W, and two other devices using the USB ports. Charging potential iPhone wireless charging: 25W Apple Watch wireless charging: 2.5W AirPods wireless charging: 5W USB-C cable: 60W USB-C port: 100W USB-A port: 30W The AceFast Z9 Pro has a maximum power output of 100W to share between the six potential ports, cable and wireless pads. The wireless charging pad at the top is rated at the very top Qi2.2 spec, so allowing the fastest-possible wireless speed of 25W for iPhone of the 16 or 17 series or 15W for iPhones 12-15. That fastest 25W wireless charging should get an iPhone up to 50% power in just over 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes at 15W. Behind the raised iPhone charger is a 5W Qi pad that will charge all but the oldest AirPods cases. The pop-out Apple Watch charger is a nice-to-have for Watch wearers, but is a little slow on the power front.Simon Jary Hidden on one side is a wireless charging module for Apple Watch. Just press it to reveal the Watch pad and push it in when you’re done to return the charger to its compact shape. This pop-out 2.5W charging pad isn’t powerful enough to fast-charge the Watch—for that you need at least 5W; see our roundup of the best Apple Watch chargers for faster Watch refills. That said, it doesn’t take an age to fill the Watch’s tiny battery so unless you’re in a great hurry, 2.5W will get you there in the end. On the other side is a long 2.3-foot (700mm) retractable USB-C cable, capable of 60W charging. Having a built-in cable is incredibly useful, saving time hunting for your own USB-C charging cable or pleading with someone else for the loan of theirs. Simon Jary That 60W will keep any connected MacBook going but 60W is not enough for the fastest MacBook charging. MacBooks fast-charge at 70W (MacBook Air), 100W (14-inch MacBook Pro) and 140W (16-inch MacBook Pro), but 60W will certainly keep your laptop going and charge to full pretty quickly. Below that are two USB ports. Thankfully, the USB-C port is capable of 100W so can—with the right cable—fast-charge all but the 16-inch MacBook. The legacy 30W USB-A can be used for those devices still demanding the old rectangular connector. Check our reviews of the best MacBook charging cables for a suitable USB-C cable. With a maximum power output of 100W, you could charge a MacBook at 60W, your iPhone at 25W and your AirPods plus another small device. Using the USB-C cable and port and can achieve 60W plus 30W—enough to slowly refill two laptops. using all three (but no wireless) you can get 60W from the cable, and share 15W between the two ports. There’s no fan-based active cooling technology as found on some 25W wireless chargers, which means it will always run silently but might limit power to the iPhone if your device gets too warm. The integrated 60W USB-C cable is handy but you’ll get more juice using the 100W USB-C port below it.Simon Jary Compact design The uniformly dark gray AceFast Z9 Pro is a near 3-inch cube, measuring 3.3 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches (82 x 72.5 x 72.5mm) and weighing 1.3lbs (590g). That’s pretty small for a charger with six outputs. It can sit pretty much unnoticed on your desk, and features a non-slip silicone base to keeps the charging station stable when being used with multiple devices. Simon Jary Many 3-in-1 charging docks use a wide tree-shaped design or low-profile stand. The Z9 Pro is more of a block with a raisable iPhone charging pad and push-out Watch pad. It still works like a stand, carrying the iPhone in either portrait or landscape orientation—meaning it can display the time when charging in StandBy Mode. The iPhone charging pad is highly adjustable— up to 65 degrees—so it can be angled as you desire. Simon Jary Price The AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station is priced at $79.99, and at the moment is available in North America and not the U.K. For a 25W wireless iPhone charger and 60W MacBook desktop charger with integrated cable, that’s good value for money. The company also makes a non-Pro Z9 Charging Station, which has a smaller maximum 80W output and much slower 7.5W wireless iPhone charger but otherwise the same specs in an identical form for ten bucks less ($59.99). The Pro makes more sense at only a little higher cost. Ugreen’s 100W GaN Mini MagSafe Power Station ($99 or £79) is a similarly shaped stubby desktop charger with raised MagSafe charger on top (although only to 15W) and has two USB-C ports and one USB-A but no built-in cable. The AceFast Z9 Pro looks better value with its faster wireless charging, Watch module and built-in cable. For more solutions read our reviews of the best USB-C chargers and best iPhone wireless chargers. Simon Jary Should you buy the AceFast Z9 Pro 6-in-1 100W Charging Station? This is a good-looking, super-compact and affordable multi-device charger that will wirelessly charge your iPhone as fast as anything can, as well as simultaneously charge your Apple Watch (a little slowly) and AirPods case. On top of all that, it’s an able 100W desktop charger with its own built-in 60W retractable USB-C cable for your MacBook, and two further ports.08:23 amScheduled maintenance- Cloud Manager Analytics
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 14, 05:30 - 07:30 UTCApr 9, 08:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance on our servers responsible for Cloud Manager Analytics in Dallas starting at 05:30 UTC on April 14th, 2026. The maintenance period is expected to last 2 hours ending 07:30 UTC, April 14th, 2026. While existing graphs will continue to be displayed normally, please be aware that a slight delay in graph updates may be observed during the process.08:22 amMacworld Podcast: Requiem for the Mac Pro
Macworld Apple has finally discontinued the Mac Pro. On this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about Apple’s tower workstation: its history, its purpose, and what it means for the Mac lineup going forward. This is episode 978 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 978 on YouTube Listen to episode 978 on Apple Podcasts08:00 amThis $26 iOS scanner app could make tax filing less hellish
Macworld TL;DR: Get an iScanner lifetime subscription for iOS or iPadOS on sale for $25.97 (MSRP $199.90). You already carry the best scanner there is—your iPhone! But by scanner, we mean photo taker, and by photo taker, we mean a ton of shadows and crooked edges that actually look like doodoo. During tax season, you need real scans, and the good apps aren’t free, but iScanner is currently 87% off, and it’s completely capable. You can scan multipage tax documents, receipts, or whatever you need with automatic edge detection and perspective correction, so everything comes out clean and readable. It also uses OCR to recognize text in 20+ languages, making your scans searchable and editable. Once scanned, you’re not stuck with static files. You can sign documents, fill in forms, annotate, or even blur sensitive information before sharing. Files can be exported as PDFs, Word docs, images, and more, so they’re ready for whatever. There’s also built-in file organization with folders and drag-and-drop, plus PIN protection to keep sensitive documents secure—useful if you’re handling financial or personal records on your device. Get iScanner for iOS (also works on Android) while it’s on sale for $25.97 for a limited time (MSRP $199.90). No coupon is needed. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.07:10 amUnable to open manage portal and StatusPage intermittently
Apr 9, 00:10 PDTInvestigating - Customers might intermittently experience issues when accessing Statuspage capabilities.07:10 amBest laptop power banks for Apple MacBook 2026
Macworld Many of us are quite used to carrying around a handy power bank to top up our iPhone batteries during a long day away from a power socket, but these pocketable battery packs are usually not powerful enough to keep an unplugged and energy-hungry MacBook going all day. We’ve rounded up the best portable laptop power banks with battery capacities high enough to recharge a fading Apple MacBook if you won’t be able to plug it into an electrical outlet for some time. Despite new laptops boasting improved battery life duration, it’s easy for your trusty MacBook to lose power after a day of intense meetings and PowerPoint presentations. No one wants to see the Mac’s “Your battery is running low” warning, especially when halfway through watching a downloaded Netflix series on a long-haul flight. We looked at seven main factors for recommending laptop power banks: battery capacity, charging speed, total power output, power input, USB ports, portability and safety. For more details on each see below this list of the best MacBook power banks. Power vs portability As a rule, the higher the battery capacity, the larger and heavier the power bank. We have included size and weight so you can determine if each power bank suits your traveling needs. Some laptop power banks are built to last in the great outdoors so will feature more rugged IP-rated shells; read on for our reviews below. There are much smaller, lighter and more portable power banks for phones—check out our recommendations of the best power banks for iPhone. You could use some of these to recharge a laptop but we recommend the power banks tested and reviewed here for the best results when powering up a laptop. There are some giant power banks, usually called portable power stations, that can keep a family going all weekend, but they are way too large to carry with you on your travels. We have tested the most MacBook-friendly models in our roundup of the best portable power stations. Macworld Test Score We test each power bank’s real-world charging prowess by recharging a spent 14-inch MacBook Pro from 0% to 100% (or as far as it gets) and then repeat, adding the two percentages together to create a comparable Test Score. Which power bank is best for your MacBook in 2026? We have indicated which models of MacBook we think each power bank is best suited to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pair any with different MacBooks. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W so owners of that model should look for a PD 3.1 power bank. But even a 13-inch MacBook Air will work well with the higher-capacity power banks. They might not charge any faster, but they will be recharged more times if you pick a high-capacity battery pack. Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) – Best overall MacBook power bank Pros Large battery capacity 140W (PD 3.1) charging power 300W total output Super-fast 250W input Dedicated app Cons No built-in cable Price When Reviewed: $229.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $171.48 View Deal $199.99 View Deal Anker $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery capacity: 26250mAh (99.75Wh)Fastest Power Output: 140WTotal Power Output: 300WPower Input: 250WUSB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W).Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (160 x 64 x 38mm)Weight: 21.1oz (599g)Airline compatible: Yes Macworld Test Score: 125% The Anker Prime 26K Power Bank (300W) is one of the most powerful laptop power banks that you can match with your MacBook. It is a great fit with the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has a battery rated at around the same watt hours (99.6WH) as this power bank (99.75Wh). There are three USB ports. Each of the two USB-C ports can be used to power at 140W. Attach Apple’s USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable or the included 240W USB-C cable to the power back and you can utilize one of the 140W PD 3.1 ports to fast-charge the 16-inch Pro. Indeed, with its 300W total output at your disposal you could fast-charge two of the top-end MacBooks at the same time and still have enough juice to fast-charge your iPhone! Anker claims that you can fast-charge that top-end MacBook Pro up to 50% in 27 minutes. In our tests, we charged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to full power with enough left over to power it back to 25% on the second recharge. You can recharge the power bank itself to 50% in under 15 minutes using the two USB-C ports at the same time at an impressive 250W. This is a sophisticated power bank with some tricks of its own. It can be controlled by an app, which gives real-time charging stats (Remaining Charging Time and Input and Output power indicators) and can be optimized to help extend the battery life of the devices being charged as well as its own. You can even use the app’s Find Device feature to activate a sound alert from the power bank when you need to locate it. Anker also sells a 27K Prime Power Bank, available in either black or gold colors. We prefer the 26K model as it’s a little smaller, performed better in our tests, and out guns the 27K model in total output (300W vs 250W) and input (250W vs 170W). Who should buy the Anker Prime 26K 300W Power Bank? Powerful enough to charge two 16-inch MacBooks at the same time, this power bank is a great travelling companion for any of Apple’s laptops. Both its 300W total output and 250W input are top-end for a truly portable power bank. Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro. Read our full Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) review07:00 amApple's Foldable iPhone Is 'On Track' To Launch In September
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple's foldable iPhone is still "on track" for a September unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. 9to5Mac reports: The report notes that Apple's stock took a hit earlier today after Nikkei Asia indicated the iPhone Fold was having serious production issues. Clearly, sources within Apple were motivated to share positive news via Gurman. Not long ago, Gurman himself said that he was expecting an iPhone Fold release date that was a little bit later than iPhone 18 Pro. That's still very possible, but it sounds like Apple is internally feeling optimistic about its targeted September launch. The report continues: "While the complexity of the new display and materials may limit initial supply for several weeks, Apple is currently operating with a plan to put the device on sale around the same time -- or very soon after -- the new non-foldable models, the people said." Gurman adds an important qualifier: "Still, the release is six months away and production has yet to ramp up. That means the timing isn't final." Read more of this story at Slashdot.04:18 amWhat is “NSCKRecordMetadata”? Found this seemingly cloudkit related fetch when profiling my app on launch | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingWhat is “NSCKRecordMetadata”? Found this seemingly cloudkit related fetch when profiling my app on launch
Working on improving my performance on launch for an app that uses SwiftData to store user data. For some reason I'm seeing a huge amount of fetches tagged as "NSCKRecordMetadata" but can't seem to find any docs related to this object online. According to stack trace this seems to be related to cloudkit. Wondering if […]02:17 amiOS 26.4.1 Includes These Two Changes for iPhones
Apple today released a minor iOS 26.4.1 update for the iPhone 11 and newer. While the release notes for the update only mention unspecified "bug fixes," we have since learned about two specific changes that are included in it. First, 9to5Mac spotted an Apple Developer Forums thread suggesting that iOS 26.4.1 fixes an iOS 26.4 bug that affected iCloud syncing in some apps. Second, an enterprise-focused Apple support document indicates that Stolen Device Protection will be automatically enabled on iPhones that update from iOS 26.4 to iOS 26.4.1. This likely applies to devices that are managed by a workplace/organization, as iOS 26.4 already turned on the feature by default for regular users. Introduced in iOS 17.3, Stolen Device Protection adds an additional layer of security in the event someone has stolen your iPhone and also knows the device's passcode. The feature is designed to reduce instances of thieves spying on an iPhone user's passcode before stealing the device, often in public places like bars. When the feature is turned on, Face ID or Touch ID authentication is required for more actions than usual on an iPhone, including viewing passwords or passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain, applying for a new Apple Card, turning off Lost Mode, erasing all content and settings, using payment methods saved in Safari, and more. No passcode fallback is available in the event that the user is unable to complete Face ID or Touch ID authentication. For especially sensitive actions, including changing the password of the Apple ID account associated with the iPhone, the feature adds a security delay on top of biometric authentication. In these cases, the user must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, wait one hour, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID again. However, there is no delay when the iPhone is in familiar locations, such as at home or work. Prior to iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection was turned off by default on all iPhones. It can be turned on in the Settings app under Face ID & Passcode.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: iCloudRelated Forums: iOS 26, Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums01:46 amApple rejected my free LGBTQ+ community building app as “spam” without ever opening it | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingApple rejected my free LGBTQ+ community building app as “spam” without ever opening it
I spent months building Gayborhood, a free community building app for gay men. There is nothing like it on the App Store. Nothing even close. The app is built around 200+ identity-based "tribes" – Bears, Gaymers, Trans, Leathers, Twinks, city-based communities like SF Castro and NYC Hell's Kitchen. Each tribe has its own community board […]01:40 amApple Now Selling Parts for Seven New Devices Unveiled Last Month
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service repair program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones, iPads, Macs, Studio Displays, and Beats Pill speakers. Apple says the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." Apple today started selling parts and tools for seven new devices through its self-service repair store in the U.S., Canada, and many European countries. As reported by 9to5Mac, genuine Apple parts are now available for these devices:iPhone 17e iPad Air with M4 chip MacBook Neo MacBook Air with M5 chip MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips Studio Display (2026) Studio Display XDRAfter ordering parts and tools, you can follow the steps in Apple's repair manuals for each device. There is a notable piece of news related to this. As we reported last month, the MacBook Neo's keyboard can be replaced individually. For years, replacing the keyboard in other MacBooks has required replacing the entire Top Case, which refers to the top half of the aluminum shell surrounding the keyboard. For example, the latest MacBook Air has a "Top Case with Keyboard" part, and the latest MacBook Pro models have a "Top Case with Battery and Keyboard" part. For the MacBook Neo, there are separate Keyboard, Keyboard with Touch ID, and Top Case parts, and Apple shows how to replace the keyboard individually. While there are still more than 40 screws involved to replace the keyboard on its own, the process is much easier than replacing an entire Top Case, which requires lots of disassembly. Best of all, the MacBook Neo's individual keyboard part starts at just $140 on Apple's self-service repair store in the U.S., whereas the Top Case with Keyboard for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models costs around $400 to $600.Related Roundups: iPhone 17e, Studio Display, MacBook Neo, MacBook Pro, MacBook AirTag: Self Service RepairBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17e (Buy Now), Displays (Buy Now), MacBook Neo (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), MacBook Air (Buy Now)Related Forums: Mac Accessories, MacBook Neo, MacBook Pro, MacBook AirThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums12:41 amI built an offline-first, privacy-first travel planner because I don’t trust travel apps with my data | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingI built an offline-first, privacy-first travel planner because I don’t trust travel apps with my data
I’ve planned a lot of Japan trips. And every time, I’d download some travel planning app, dump my entire itinerary into it and just… not think about it. Then I actually read one of those privacy policies. These apps know where you’re going. When you’re going. How much you’re spending. What kind of traveler you […]12:15 amAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: Fast, portable, & smart
The Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is a fantastic portable charger that is MagSafe-compatible, delivering up to 25W of power to your iPhone, while simultaneously charging your AirPods and Apple Watch.Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: The perfect travel accessoryWith the launch of Qi2.2, we've started to see a trickle of chargers that have embraced the latest standard. Anker, which already launched a highly-praised Qi2.2 desktop charger, is now out with a foldable version.If you have a recent iPhone that supports the faster Qi2.2 standard, like the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17 series, or iPhone Air, this may be the companion device you're looking for to hit the road with. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:14 amDOJ antitrust case goes to South Korea in latest evidence request from Apple
Samsung America has refused to submit evidence owned by its South Korean parent company, so Apple has turned to the Hague Conventions to force the matter.Apple requests Samsung provide evidence even if it's in South KoreaIn March 2024, Apple was sued by the United States Department of Justice for allegedly stifling competition through proprietary hardware and software. After months of appeals and requests for dismissal, the case finally moved forward.The discovery process hasn't been an easy one, with both Apple and Samsung fighting lawyers every step of the way. The latest filing from Apple, shared by 9to5Mac, shows Apple is having to take legal measures to force evidence from Samsung. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our ForumsFirehose II – Jobs, Deals, Apps
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