Best GPS dog collar gets better with Precision+ tracking ★★★★★
The Halo Collar 5 GPS dog collar added Precision+ for even more accurate tracking. We go hand-on for this review. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPhone 18 won’t launch next month, here’s when it’s coming instead
Apple’s big September event is just weeks away, but there’s one key product that all reporting indicates will be missing: the base iPhone 18. Here’s when to expect its launch.

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Meta AI rolls out beta Mac app featuring screen sharing and system-wide dictation
Meta has released a new Meta AI application for Mac in beta form, aimed primarily at businesses and content creators. The app integrates… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 27 breaks 15 years of muscle memory on iPhone and iPad
Since iOS 5 in 2011, the iPhone and iPad have included Notification Center, a central place to find alerts from various apps in chronological order. Starting with iOS 27, Apple is making a major change to how users open Notification Center on iPhone and iPad. iOS 27 is currently in beta, and the behavior has changed slightly between the first two releases. However, sixth developer betas so far show this change will ship this fall — even if I’d change it.

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Those leaked camera-equipped AirPods probably aren’t coming this year
Macworld With all eyes on the imminent iPhone and Apple Watch launches, Apple-watching pundits were surprised this week when the company itself accidentally leaked a video of some new camera-equipped AirPods in action. But if you think the existence of an instructional video means the product must be ready for launch, you’re in for some bad news. According to the well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the leak changes nothing, and the devices still won’t launch until 2027. The video apparently exists because the AirPods have been in development for a long time and were originally slated to launch in 2026. They entered advanced testing among Apple employees in the spring, Gurman claims, but production delays made that timeframe impracticable, and Apple has known this for some time. “By the summer [of 2026], when the company had sought to begin producing the earbuds, supply chain and software snags led Apple to postpone the product until 2027,” Gurman writes. By summer, he means mid-June, more than two months ago. Those snags haven’t miraculously disappeared just because of the macOS leak. Gurman says they’re still being resolved. Worse, the delay until 2027 doesn’t mean January. It means late 2027. When covering the snags in June, Bloomberg said the camera-equipped AirPods would come out “around the same time as a next-generation foldable phone and a fresh iPhone model that will mark that product’s 20th anniversary,” which means the fall of next year. And that timing doesn’t appear to have changed. Apple only just launched the AirPods Pro 3 last fall, and it’s not uncommon for two years to pass between releases. Still, the whole situation is rather disappointing. Apple has had one of the biggest products of next year thoroughly spoiled, and fans who may have had their hopes up still have a long wait.

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Apple’s camera-equipped AI AirPods not arriving until 2027 despite internal video leak
Apple’s plans for camera-equipped AirPods designed for AI features remain on track for a 2027 release, even after a recent internal video… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Adobe Firefly’s music, voiceover, and sound effects generation tools now generally available
Users can now create fully licensed tracks, voiceover, and sound effects on Adobe’s Firefly AI assistant. Here are the details.

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Apple’s camera AirPods leak early — but they’re many months away
Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods leaked in a macOS build this week, but that doesn't mean they'll launch next month. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Roblox still allows predators to contact children, says regulator
Roblox claimed to have made changes to its hugely popular children’s app to protect them from predators, but a regulatory authority says these protections are inadequate. It found four major failings, including adults being able to send connection requests to children without parental approval …

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Samsung and Apple are now neck and neck in Europe's declining smartphone market
European sales of smartphones have reached a new three-year low, but Apple's iPhone has increased its share to now tie with Samsung.Apple's current iPhones.Globally, the most recent figures show that Apple has earned 49% of all smartphone revenue in the second quarter, despite the iPhone only accounting for 23% of shipments. New figures for solely the European region show an overall decline, but in that shrinking market, Apple is increasing its share.According to Counterpoint Research, Q2 2026 saw shipments fall 10% year over year. At 35 million smartphones, this is Europe's weakest second quarter in three years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Bought Logitech kit during the Trump tariff mess? You may be due a refund …
During the height of Trump’s trade war with China, where tariff increases were announced on an almost weekly basis, companies like Logitech responded by significantly increasing the prices of their products in the US. Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court ruled that these tariffs were illegal and must be returned to manufacturers. However, there’s been no sign of companies passing on the refunds to customers, and a class action lawsuit is now seeking to correct this …

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12 ways to use your iPhone’s USB-C port to do much more than charge
Macworld It took the iPhone an eternity to strike Lightning in favor of the universal USB-C port. Now that it’s here on all models, including the low-end 16e, many users still limit its use to charging, overlooking the slew of other advantages it offers over Lightning. If you’ve got an iPhone 15 or newer, you can expand the USB-C port’s functionality beyond fast charging, and we’ve got a few ideas to share. 1. Charge another device Rival companies, like Samsung, have long supported reverse wireless charging, letting users turn their smartphones into portable Qi pads. However, it’s not all that practical, forcing users to flip over their phones and rendering both unusable. With the iPhone 15 and newer models, Apple introduced its own version that works via the USB-C port. Your iPhone can now deliver up to 4.5W of power, letting you charge your AirPods, Apple Watch, or even a friend’s Android phone. To do so, simply plug your USB-C cable into the iPhone and the other end into the USB-C port on the other device. 2. Increase your storage Even with 128 GB as the standard, we’ve probably all come across the iPhone’s full storage alert. While data stored in iCloud can easily be offloaded from the local memory, not all users trust cloud storage. Fortunately, the iPhone supports a wide range of external storage devices, including USB sticks and hard drives. This makes it easy to free up space by moving large files to a separate drive. To get started, connect a compatible flash drive to your iPhone using its USB-C port. You can then view, manage, and transfer data using the built-in Files app. One of the solid options out there is this tiny Samsung Type-C Flash Drive ($80), which supports regular file transfers and real-time ProRes video storage. As a Pro exclusive, those with the highest-end iPhone models can directly record ProRes video to a compatible external storage device. Given the considerable size of raw footage, being able to write the data directly onto a separate device can help you shoot for longer periods and avoid filling up your iPhone’s memory. Your iPhone’s USB-C cable can do more than just charge your iPhone.Foundry 3. Connect a keyboard While iPads and Macs are better suited for long-form typing, iPhones—especially the near-7-inch Plus and Pro Max models—can still handle productivity tasks effectively. To make the most of the relatively small screen, though, you may want to pair it with a dedicated keyboard. Fortunately, iOS natively supports this through the USB-C port. Most standard keyboards, such as this compact Macally keyboard ($30), will work with your iPhone just fine. Or if you want to always have a keyboard with you, you can opt for a Clicks case ($139), which connects to your USB-C port so it’s always ready for a text or email. 4. Amplify your microphone In the era of TikTok, everyone is a content creator, so a high-quality microphone is an essential tool. Fortunately, your iPhone’s USB-C port can support a wide range of them, letting you pair your footage with crystal-clear high-quality audio. One reliable option is the Rode Wireless Micro ($85), which utilizes your iPhone’s port while maintaining the convenience of wireless recording. 5. Add an SD card Photographers and videographers love the handy SD card slots on board the newest MacBook Pro and Mac Studio, but that convenience doesn’t extend to the device that does most of your shooting. Fortunately, that can be easily remedied with a wired SD card reader. While newer cameras generally support wireless photo transfers via their respective companion apps, the process tends to be slower than the wired alternative. Apple’s USB-C to SD Card Reader ($39) connects to your iPhone through its charging port and should work with all relevant SD cards. You can also use this same dongle with your Mac or iPad when editing on a larger screen. 6. Hook up an external display If you’re staying at a hotel that blocks wireless media casting, you may be able to mirror your iPhone’s screen to the TV using a wired solution. Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter ($69) transforms your iPhone’s charging port into an HDMI connector, allowing you to watch 4K content on bigger displays using a regular HDMI cable. Your iPhone can connect to most displays with a single cable.Foundry 7. Plug in a game controller Thanks to the A17 and A18 chips, the latest Pro-tier iPhones can run some AAA games. Notably, though, these titles typically need a controller, as touch controls don’t always offer the best gameplay, if they’re available at all. While Sony’s DualSense controller ($75) supports Bluetooth pairing, opting for wired mode using the iPhone’s USB-C port can minimize latency and enhance overall performance. 8. Connect to Ethernet  Speaking of gaming, the iPhone fully supports Ethernet dongles, allowing for faster download and upload speeds. While Wi-Fi and 5G are sufficient for most users, Ethernet can come in handy when seeking an even more dependable connection. Belkin’s USB-C to Ethernet Adapter ($23) is one of the solid options that is guaranteed to get the job done. 9. Peer into small places There are many accessories that you can plug into your iPhone’s USB-C port, but none are cooler than a borescope/endoscope camera. Basically, it’s a snake wire with a tiny HD endoscope camera at the end and an LCD light. It’s flexible yet rigid enough to fit into the smallest of crevices, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. We haven’t tested them, but this model has a 4.3-star rating with nearly 7,000 reviews and costs just $30. You can attach a tiny USB-C camera to your iPhone’s USB-C port to see into small places.Amazon 10. Cool off in summer With temperatures steadily rising all around the world, we can all use a little relief during long days outdoors. Your iPhone’s USB-C port can help there too. This 17,000 RPM 4-setting high-speed fan ($15) plugs directly into your iPhone’s USB-C port and offers a “focused airflow channel that generates a high-speed airflow of up to 36 ft/s.” Reviewers praise its size, portability, and low-power requirements, but you’ll just appreciate a quick blast of cool air when you’re overheating. 11. Plug and don’t play When you’re not using your iPhone’s USB-C port, it’s just a gaping hole at the bottom of your phone waiting to collect dust, dirt, and lint. A USB-C plug will make sure your port stays clean and clear for as long as you use your iPhone. You can get a bunch of them ($7) for just a few bucks or you can get one that sticks to the back of your phone ($8) so you don’t keep losing them. An added bonus: it doubles as a handy pinkie rest when you’re using your iPhone with one hand. 12. Talk to your car Apple introduced wireless CarPlay a few years ago, but if you don’t have a newer car, you’ll still need to plug into your car’s USB port. For that, you’ll need a USB cable that supports data and charging, and one that’s long enough to reach wherever your car’s USB-C port is, and flexible enough not to get caught on any knobs or vents. A coiled USB-C cable is perfect for such instances, such as these popular Chubby Cable car-charging cables that come in USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-C-to-USB-A options for $20, as well as a variety of colors. One port can do it all The biggest detriment of the iPhone is that there’s just one port, but a USB hub can give you much more. We recommend the Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C Hub Multiport Adapter ($40), which will bring a headphone jack, USB-C charging, HDMI, an SD card reader, Ethernet, and even a couple of USB-A ports for good measure. It’s not exactly small, but if you need to use several ports at once, there’s no substitute. Your iPhone’s USB-C port is a multi-purpose connector for displays, hard drives, and other accessories.Connor Jewiss / Foundry Michael Simon contributed to this report.

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9to5Mac Daily: August 20, 2026 – Apple RAM suppliers, iPhone Ultra rumors
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.

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Apple’s long-running app store battle with the EU appears to finally be over
Apple’s long-running antitrust battle with the European Union over the sale of iPhone apps appears to finally be over. The EU has said that it welcomes the new app commission rates the company is offering within the bloc. The revised terms will see developers pay a commission or fee ranging from 5% to 26%, depending on their turnover and chosen sale channels …

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macOS cheat sheet: How many Mac keyboard shortcuts do you know?
Macworld One thing that never ceases to amaze me about macOS is the amount you can do with just a few keyboard shortcuts. In fact, Apple seems to have coded so many functions into various combinations of key presses that it feels like I’m finding new ones every day. And whether you’re a newbie with a Neo or a veteran from the PowerBook days, there are always new ones to learn. Here, we’ll show you all of the best macOS keyboard shortcuts that you need to know. Memorize a few of them and you’ll be well on your way to a faster, more convenient way to use your Mac. And if you ever forget one or want to discover a few new shortcuts, just come back here and check our extensive list. Keep in mind that some third-party apps override these combinations with ones of their own. The key keys Keyboard shortcuts involve combinations of modifier keys. Here, we will refer to these modifier keys using their abbreviations: Command: Cmd Control key: Ctrl Delete key: Del Function key: Fn Option key: Opt Core macOS functions ActionCombinationMove selected item to the TrashCmd-DelEmpty the TrashShift-Cmd-DelEmpty the trash without confirmationOpt-Cmd-Shift-DelCycles through appsCmd-Tab (Cmd-Shift-Tab reverses the selection)Cycles through the open windows of your currently selected appCmd-`Open SpotlightCmd-spacebarSearch within FinderCmd-Opt-spacebarOpen the Apps app (macOS Tahoe or later) or open Launchpad (before Tahoe)Fn-Shift-AOpen the Character ViewerCtrl-Cmd-spacebar or Fn-EShows the DesktopCmd-F3 or Fn-H or Fn-F11Opens Mission ControlCtrl-Up arrowShow all the open windows of the foremost appCtrl-Down arrowOpen Mission Control settingsOpt-F3Opens and closes Control CenterFn-CStarts and stops dictationFn-DOpens and closes the Notification CenterFn-NLock ScreenCtrl-Cmd-Q (or press the power button on MacBooks)Log out of your user accountShift-Cmd-QLog out of your user account without confirmationOpt-Shift-Cmd-Q Handling text ActionCombinationCutCmd-XCopyCmd-CPasteCmd-VUndoCmd-ZRedoShift-Cmd-ZBoldCmd-BItalicCmd-IUnderlineCmd-UInsert a web linkCmd-KFind text on screenCmd-FFind next instance of text on screenCmd-GGo back to previous instance of text on screenShift-Cmd-GOpen the Spelling and Grammar windowShift-Cmd-;Look for misspelled wordsCmd-;Delete word left of insertion pointOpt-DelDelete character left of insertion pointDel or Ctrl-HDelete character right of insertion pointFn-Del or Ctrl-DMove insertion point to start of documentCmd-Up arrowMove insertion point to end of documentCmd-Down arrowMove insertion point to start of current lineCmd-Left arrowMove insertion point to end of current lineCmd-Right arrowMove insertion point to start of previous word or the end of next wordOpt-Left arrow or right arrowMove insertion point to paragraph above or belowOpt-Up arrow or down arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to start of documentShift-Cmd-Up arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to end of documentShift-Cmd-Down arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to end of lineShift-Cmd-Right arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to start of lineShift-Cmd-Right arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to start of paragraphShift-Opt-Up arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to end of paragraphShift-Opt-Down arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to same location in line aboveShift-Up arrowHighlight all text from current insertion point to same location in line belowShift-Down arrowHighlight one character, then select next characterShift-Right arrowHighlight one character, then select previous characterShift-Left arrowMove to start of line or paragraphCtrl-AMove to end of line or paragraphCtrl-EMove one character forwardCtrl-FMove one character backwardsCtrl-BMove one line upCtrl-PMove one line downCtril-NGo back to the insertion point locationCtrl-LInsert a new line after insertion pointCtrl-OSwap character to right of insertion point with one to the leftCtrl-T Manage apps and files ActionCombinationClose active windowCmd-WClose all app windows, keep app runningOpt-Cmd-WSave fileCmd-SCycle through open appsCmd-Tab or Shift-Cmd-TabHide all windows of the foremost appCmd-HHide all app windows except foremost appOpt-Cmd-HEnter or exit full screen for foremost appCtrl-Cmd-FMinimize current windowCmd-MMinimize every window of frontmost appOpt-Cmd-MOpen settings for frontmost appCmd-,Open new tabCMd-TQuit appCmd-QForce quit unresponsive appOpt-Cmd-EscPreview a fileSelect file, then spacebar or Cmd-YPreview selected files as slideshowOpt-Cmd-Y Explore the Finder ActionCombinationDuplicate selected itemsCmd-DEject the selected disk or volumeCmd-ESearch within FinderCmd-FGet Info for chosen fileCmd-IShow View OptionsCmd-JConnect to Server windowCmd-KOpen new Finder windowCmd-NCreate a new tab in FinderCmd-TOpen selected itemCmd-Down arrowGo to previous folderCmd-[Go to next folderCmd-]Open folder containing the current folderCmd-Up arrowOpens folder containing the current folder in a new windowCtrl-Cmd-Up arrowChange the Finder view, going through icons, a list, columns and a galleryCmd-1 through Cmd-4Open Applications folderShift-Cmd-AOpen Desktop folderShift-Cmd-DOpen Computer windowShift-Cmd-COpen Recents windowShift-Cmd-FOpen Go to Folder windowShift-Cmd-GOpen the Home folderShift-Cmd-HOpen iCloud DriveShift-Cmd-IOpen Network windowShift-Cmd-KOpen Downloads folderOpt-Cmd-LCreate new folderShift-Cmd-NCreate a new Smart FolderOpt-Cmd-NOpen Documents folderShift-Cmd-OMake alias of currently selected itemCtrl-Cmd-AShow/hide Preview side pane in FinderShift-Cmd-POpen AirDropShift-Cmd-ROpen Shared folderShift-Cmd-SShow/hide tab bar in FinderShift-Cmd-TOpen Utilities folderShift-Cmd-UAdd selected item to Finder sidebarCtrl-Cmd-TShow/hide path bar in FinderOpt-Cmd-PShow/hide sidebar in FinderOpt-Cmd-SShow/hide status bar in FinderCmd-/Hide top toolbar in FinderOpt-Cmd-TMove copied files to a new location.Opt-Cmd-VOpen file/folder while closing original windowHold Opt while double-clicking file/folderOpen folder in new tab/windowHold Cmd while double-clicking folderCopy item to new location instead of moving itDrag file while holding OptMove item to new location instead of copying itDrag file while holding CmdMake aliasHold Opt-Cmd, then select item and drag the alias to its locationIn Finder window, open all subfoldersIn List view, hold Opt and click the triangleIn Finder window, see all the folders that contain the current oneCmd-click Finder window title barIn Finder window, select multiple filesHold Cmd while clicking on the different filesIn Finder window List view, select a consecutive selection of filesHold Shift; click the first item, then click the last item The Dock ActionCombinationAdd selected item to DockCtrl-Shift-Cmd-TDisable magnification if it is turned onHold Shift-CmdHide or show DockOpt-Cmd-DSelect the left-most item in DockFn-AMove between iconsFn-A, then left or right arrow Screenshots ActionCombinationShoot entire screen (includes additional displaysShift-Cmd-3Select portion of screen to shootShift-Cmd-4, then select the portionShoot specific window with drop shadowShift-Cmd-4, then press Spacebar; move Camera cursor to the window and clickShoot specific window without drop shadowShift-Cmd-4, then press Spacebar; move Camera cursor to the window and hold Opt while clickingOpen Screenshot appShift-Cmd-5 Displays ActionCombinationRaise/lower brightness in smaller incrementsOpt-Shift-Brightness up or brightness downOpen Display System SettingsOpt-Brightness up or downChange the brightness of an external display (if supported)Ctrl-Brightness up or downTurn video mirroring on/offCmd-Brightness down Move and resize windows ActionCombinationExpands window to fill DesktopFn-Ctrl-FMoves window to center of screenFn-Ctrl-CMoves and resizes window to fill left half of screenFn-Ctrl-Left arrowMoves and resizes window to fill right half of screenFn-Ctrl-Right arrowMoves and resizes window to fill top half of screenFn-Ctrl-Up arrowMoves and resizes window to fill bottom half of screenFn-Ctrl-Down arrowRestores the window to previous sizeFn-Ctrl-RMoves and resizes active window to fill left half of display; window below fills rightFn-Ctrl-Shift-Left arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill right half of display; window below fills leftFn-Ctrl-Shift-Right arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill top half of display; window below fills bottomFn-Ctrl-Shift-Up arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill bottom half of display; window below fills topFn-Ctrl-Shift-Down arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill left half of your screen. Second and third windows fill the top-right and bottom-right portions of your displayFn-Ctrl-Opt-Shift-Left arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill right half of your screen. Second and third windows fill the top-left and bottom-right portions of your displayFn-Ctrl-Opt-Shift-Right arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill top half of your screen. Second and third windows fill the bottom-left and bottom-right portions of your displayFn-Ctrl-Opt-Shift-Up arrowMoves and resizes active window to fill bottom half of your screen. Second and third windows fill the top-left and top-right portions of your displayFn-Ctrl-Opt-Shift-Down arrow Other ActionCombinationOpens Keyboard System SettingsOpt-Keyboard brightness up or downAdjust keyboard brightness in smaller incrementsOpt-Shift-Keyboard brightness up or downOpen Sounds Sytem SettingsOpt-Volume up or downAdjust sound volume in smaller incrementsOpt-Shift-Volume up or volume down

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Brydge ProDock Trio review: A premium Thunderbolt 5 MacBook dock
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Space-saving vertical design 3x Thunderbolt 5 ports 2.5Gb Ethernet 140W PD 3.1 laptop charging Wireless iPhone charging Cons MacBook’s own screen unavailable Wireless iPhone charging is slow Premium price Our Verdict The sleek Brydge ProDock Trio saves desk space while adding Thunderbolt 5, 2.5GbE, faster USB-C and 140W charging to your MacBook. These meaningful upgrades make it worth the extra $40 over the cheaper Duo while the Trio is discounted to $399, especially if you value its tidy vertical design. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$459 Best Prices Today: Brydge ProDock Trio Retailer Price Brydge $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? A vertical docking station for MacBooks that reduces a dock’s natural desk footprint. Who is it for? MacBook owners looking to connect multiple displays and fast Thunderbolt 5 devices. Who shouldn’t buy it? People who want to use their MacBook screen at the same time as external monitors. Most docking stations sit or stand separately from the host laptop that connects via a single USB-C or Thunderbolt cable. You want to hide them and their snaky cables away from sight. The Brydge ProDock takes a different approach, being a vertical dock that you slide your closed MacBook into so that it connects with the dock’s built-in connector to make every port, display, and connection instantly live with minimal footprint and clutter. It even features a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad for your iPhone. Brydge It’s a sleek dock aesthetic that puts all the tech (including your MacBook) into one compact and convenient desk placement. When you want to take your laptop away from the desk, you simply lift it out — without having to disconnect and then reconnect any cables. The top-end Brydge ProDock Trio reviewed here is part of a wider ProDock range, starting with the new entry-level ProDock Solo, and a refreshed Thunderbolt 4 ProDock Duo. Packing Thunderbolt 5, the ProDock Trio delivers the highest bandwidth and multi-display performance for power users. Simon Jary What ports does the Brydge ProDock Trio have? The Brydge ProDock Trio includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports, one USB-C port, three USB-A ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet, an SD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack and 140W host charging. The Thunderbolt 5 ports are fully backwards compatible with lesser Thunderbolt 4 MacBook Pro and Air models. While these won’t be able to take advantage of TB5’s full 80/120Gbps, the dock will remain useful to you when you upgrade to a Thunderbolt 5 MacBook. Thunderbolt 5 will be the mainstay connection for Macs for the foreseeable future so buying in now is a sensible decision. If you simply don’t need such bandwidth you can save some money by opting for the Thunderbolt 4 ProDock Duo that hosts a similar rack of dock ports. ProDock Trio One upstream Thunderbolt 5 connector (80Gbps, 140W) inside sleeve Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 15W) at rear 1x USB-C (10Gbps, 5.5W) on side 1 2x USB-A (10Gbps, 5.5W) at rear 1x USB-A (10Gbps, 5.5W) on side 2 Ethernet (2.5Gb) at rear SD Card Reader (4.0, UHS-II, 312MBps) on side 1 MagSafe Compatible Phone Charger (10W) on front 3.5mm combo audio jack on side 2 180W power supply Missing are video ports, with the three downstream Thunderbolt ports taking on the display connection jobs. This is a flexible approach with the caveat that you may have to add adapter cables if your monitor demands either DisplayPort or HDMI. While a dedicated DisplayPort or HDMI port can save you having to invest in adapter cables, most modern monitors include USB-C or Thunderbolt connections, and leaving the choice up to the user means the dock’s Thunderbolt ports can be used for either video or other devices as required. An HDMI port when your display has a USB-C connection is likely a wasted one, and when there are only eleven each port needs to count. On one side there’s a 10Gbps USB-C port and fast SD card reader.Simon Jary The other side has an audio jack and a 10Gbps USB-A port.Simon Jary And because the MacBook connects vertically you still have access to the laptop’s own HDMI port, plus a Thunderbolt and SD card reader slot at the top. There is one extra USB-C port (10Gbps) alongside the faster Thunderbolts (80Gbps). It would have been a bonus for this port to have a higher power output than its mere 5.5W. Fast-charging an iPhone or iPad requires at least 18W. Brydge There’s a handy MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad on the dock, but it’s also relatively slow at 10W. A certified MagSafe or Qi2 charging pad would have increased this to 15W or even 25W. There are three legacy USB-A ports (10Gbps) that should be plenty in today’s USB-C-dominated world. With the USB-C port and the three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, there are enough connections for most users. With fast 2.5Gb Ethernet now the norm on top-end docking stations, it’s appreciated here. It will work with the more standard Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE), and future-proofs your investment for when you upgrade network speeds. Brydge Design and build One of the reasons you’ll be considering any of the ProDock models is the tidy vertical arrangement. It’s a convenient design if you’re not planning on using the MacBook’s own screen. In my home office I have a dual-stacked monitor while my closed MacBook lies flat on the desk taking up too much of what’s left of the desk when it’s hosting the large screens, a keyboard and mouse—plus my glass of water and coffee cup. The ProDock entirely takes away the MacBook’s desk hogging. At the point of purchase you choose the Sleeve Adapter (the part the laptop fits into) for your size MacBook from a choice of four: MacBook Air (13in or 15in, M2-M5), MacBook Pro (14in or 16in, M1-M5). Even though it won’t get the full benefit of Thunderbolt 5, a MacBook Air can still use the ProDock Trio, although a Duo probably makes more sense. You screw this onto the dock, with screws and screwdriver included. There are little padded stickers for the MacBook’s USB-C ports to protect from frequent insertion and removal. The MacBook fits in only one way so you can’t choose which side of ports sticks out the top and is still available for use. That means the MagSafe 3 power connector can’t be used, but isn’t required as the dock supplies the power via the Thunderbolt connection. But it also means one of the MacBook’s three TB ports goes unused. HDMI, SD slot and one TB port remain available for use at the top, depending on your MacBook model, of course. With the MacBook out of the sleeve, the ProDock is 127mm tall. Including the magnetic wireless charging section, it is 203mm long. Its width depends on which sleeve is in use for your MacBook model’s size. Brydge What display setups can the Brydge ProDock Trio handle? Any dock user wants to hook up to an external monitor, and this becomes essential when your MacBook’s lid has to be closed to fit in the ProDock’s sleeve. You can connect up to three displays from the dock if your Mac supports it. Macs with an M5 Pro or Max can handle up to three 6K displays at 144Hz (DSC) or two 8K at 60Hz with this dock. M1/M2/M3 Max, plus all M4/M5 variants, support up to two 8K displays at 60Hz. M1/M2/M3 Pro support up to two 6K displays at 60Hz with DSC-enabled monitors; two 4K/60Hz without DSC. MacBook Air models with M3/M4/M5 chip support up to two 6K/60Hz displays (DSC). MacBook Air models with a base M1/M2 chip support only a single 4K display. The MacBook Neo has a similar limitation but doesn’t fit any of the ProDock models. MacBook Pro users can still use the exposed HDMI port and keep one of the dock’s Thunderbolt 5 ports free for another device. Brydge How much power can the ports output? The upstream Thunderbolt 5 port can supply up to 140W of power (PD 3.1) to your connected laptop, which is enough to fast-charge even the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro. The dock is less able, however, at outputting power to other devices, which might be because of its now rather average 180W power supply. With a possible 140W going to the MacBook, there might not be a whole lot left for other devices. If the laptop is taking just 100W or less (as is likely), the 180W should be fine. None of the Thunderbolt ports can deliver more than 15W of power, which is enough to charge a connected iPhone or iPad but not fast-charge them. The USB-C port is rated at just 5.5W, which should be fine for your AirPods case or Apple Watch. USB-A isn’t up to fast-charging so its low charging output is less of an issue. If Brydge had included a 20W or 30W USB-C port or allowed for one of the Thunderbolt ports at that power output, and then boosted the power supply to 240W, this dock would better suit pro users in a studio situation. ProDock family If you don’t need Thunderbolt’s full 80Gbps bandwidth, Brydge has two cheaper vertical models for you to consider. Brydge ProDock Solo ($229) Brydge With an HDMI 2.0 port, this single-display dock is aimed more at MacBook Air users. The MacBook Neo’s USB-C port configuration doesn’t yet fit a ProDock sleeve. One upstream USB-C connector (10Gbps, 90W) 2x USB-C (5Gbps, 5.5W) 3x USB-A (5Gbps, 5.5W) Ethernet (1Gb) SD Card Reader (3.0, UHS-I, 104MBps) on side 1 MagSafe Compatible Phone Charger (10W) on front 3.5mm combo audio jack 135W power supply Brydge ProDock Solo Price When Reviewed: $229 Best Prices Today: $229 at Brydge Brydge ProDock Duo ($359) Brydge This Thunderbolt 4 model also lacks some of the Trio’s faster port variations, such as 2.5Gb Ethernet and 10Gbps USB-C in favor of slower versions but costs less. Unless you are planning on connecting to a fast network or connecting a speedier storage drive, these aren’t automatically limitations. One upstream Thunderbolt 4 connector (40Gbps, 98W) Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (40Gbps, 15W) 1x USB-C (5Gbps, 5.5W) 3x USB-A (10Gbps, 5.5W) Ethernet (1Gb) SD Card Reader (4.0, UHS-II, 312MBps) MagSafe Compatible Phone Charger (10W) 3.5mm combo audio jack 135W power supply Brydge ProDock Duo Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $359 at Amazon | $359 at Brydge Brydge Is the Brydge ProDock Trio worth its price? The ProDock Trio Thunderbolt 5 Dock is priced at $459 but is currently discounted to $399. It is planned to be available via Amazon in the coming weeks, but not on international Amazon until 2027 so non-US customers may encounter higher shipping and custom fees. Thunderbolt 5 docking stations start at $300, so you are paying a premium for the space-saving and pleasing vertical design and required sleeve. It’s difficult to compare it to other Thunderbolt 5 docking stations as its design is so unique. If you want dedicated display ports and more powerful ports, check out the options in our roundup of the best Thunderbolt docks. If you’re stuck choosing between the $399 ProDock Trio and $359 ProDock Duo, at the current pricing we recommend the Trio if you can go the extra mile. You get Thunderbolt 5 and 2.5Gb Ethernet (both useful for future-proofing even if you don’t need them now), faster USB-C, and higher power output (180W vs 135W). Should you buy the Brydge ProDock Trio? If you desire the vertical format for space-saving or purely aesthetic reasons, the sleek Thunderbolt 5 Brydge ProDock Trio is a neat, unique solution that adds a tidy stack of speedy connections to your MacBook without messing up your desk.

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Macworld Podcast: Apple product leaks! AirPods Camera and more
Macworld With new products coming soon, it’s getting more difficult for Apple to keep them under wraps. In this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we take a look at a few leaks from Apple OS updates that provide insight into what to expect in the coming months. This is episode 996 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 996 on YouTube Listen to episode 996 on Apple Podcasts Tune in to episode 996 on Spotify Get info  Click on the links below to learn more about what was discussed on the show.  Wild leak straight from Apple shows camera-equipped AirPods in action Upcoming Apple products revealed in the macOS 26.7 release candidate Apple introduces Apple Card (Apple) Comment Corner I’ve been a Mac user and Apple enthusiast since 1995, and I’ve always enjoyed Roman’s reviews and his comments on the podcasts, as well as his easy-going personality and sense of humor. After all this time, he seems like an old friend. Thanks, Roman! Also, thanks to Michael and Jason and all of you guys on the Macworld podcast–I enjoy what you do!  Donnie A. via email l’ve said it before, I’ll say it again … Roman has been a long time staple of my Mac world! I used to go to SM Mega Mall in Pasig, buy MacAddict magazines, and read Roman’s articles. And before that, I grabbed every issue of MacUser I could get my hands on and read all the reviews of Mac hardware put together by the editorial team. Thank you Roman, and I hope you enjoyed the solar eclipse! Cameron via YouTube Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcast—or leave us a review!—right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel.  Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworld’s podcast page or our home on MegaPhone. Apple

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This AI-powered X growth extension is available for just $49.99 (reg. $89)
Macworld TL;DR: This Tweetback Starter Plan is an AI-powered X growth extension, and it’s available for just $49.99 (reg. $89.00). Growing an audience on X means writing constantly, watching conversations, and following up with the right people at the right time, and doing it manually eats hours every week. Tweetback handles the busywork with AI-drafted replies, original post ideas, and a built-in watchlist for tracking creators and prospects, all without leaving your browser. Get this Tweetback Starter Plan for $49.99 (reg. $89.00). How it works Tweetback generates contextual reply drafts directly inside X, lets you set a tone for every response, and turns links or conversation insights into original posts you can review and edit before publishing. A dedicated workspace tracks opportunities and outreach so nothing worth following up on gets lost in your feed. It connects to the AI provider you already use, including OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Grok, or a local model, so you stay in control of both the content and the cost. It’s built for creators, founders, and marketers who want consistent output on X without hiring a social media manager or living in the app all day. The Starter plan covers one device and includes lifetime updates, so there’s no monthly bill eating into the budget while you grow. Lock in this Tweetback Starter Plan for $49.99 (reg. $89.00). Tweetback Starter Plan (1 Device): Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Stop paying for five AI subscriptions: Get 50+ models for $39.99
Macworld TL;DR: AskAnyModel AI Pro bundles 50+ AI models, including GPT, Claude, and Gemini, in one dashboard for $39.99 lifetime (reg. $499.00). Running a separate subscription for every AI model gets expensive fast, and none of those tools let you compare answers in one place. AskAnyModel AI Pro bundles top language-learning models, including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, and Llama, into a single workspace for one payment of $39.99 instead of $499. What’s included Unlimited use of 30 standard models covers everyday chats, brainstorming, and research without hitting a wall. Five hundred monthly credits unlock 19 premium models, including flagship versions of GPT, Claude, and Gemini, for the tasks that need more horsepower. Send one prompt to up to six models at once and compare response times, token counts, and quality side by side instead of guessing which tool fits best. Unlimited AI image generation is included too, and it doesn’t touch your premium credits. It’s built for developers comparing code suggestions, writers testing tone across models, and researchers who want a second opinion before trusting an answer. Everything runs in the browser, across unlimited devices on one account. Get AskAnyModel AI Pro for $39.99 (reg. $499.00) and consolidate the AI resources at your fingertips AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple hits back at OpenAI’s bid to dismiss lawsuit, reaffirms ‘pervasive trade secret misappropriation’
Apple has filed its response to OpenAI’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit in which it accuses two former employees, as well as OpenAI and io Products, of stealing its trade secrets. Here are the details.

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