New malicious clipboard clone raises serious security concerns for Mac users
Macworld Jamf Threat Labs has issued a report on new malware that users of the third-party clipboard manager Maccy need to be aware of. The malware, dubbed “PamStealer,” is distributed by malicious sites that impersonate the actual Maccy website, with downloadable files that trick visitors into thinking they are getting legitimate Maccy files. The fake files are Maccy.scpt AppleScript files, made to look like legitimate installer files and distributed on disk images. If the script is launched, users are instructed to run the script, which then triggers the payload that can track information on your Mac and send it to a threat agent. The name PamStealer refers to the malware’s validation of the victim’s login password through the macOS Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM). To avoid downloading the malicious files, Maccy customers should make sure they are visiting the maccy.app website. According to a disclaimer on that website, “maccy.app is the only official website.” Customers can also visit the Maccy GitHub website at https://github.com/p0deje/Maccy, which states that “maccy.app is the only official website.” Maccy is a free open-source clipboard manager that tracks clipboard history. Apple only just introduced a clipboard history tracker in macOS Tahoe through Spotlight, so these third-party managers are popular among power users. However, as Jamf explains, the delivery mechanism for this particular threat could have far-reaching implications beyond just this particular app: Although disk images and AppleScript-based malware are well-established on macOS, PamStealer combines them in an interesting way. Rather than relying on shell commands such as curl or zsh, the AppleScript executes a self-contained JavaScript for Automation (JXA) downloader that retrieves and stages the payload using native Objective-C APIs. Combined with a Rust-based second stage and a password capture workflow that validates credentials locally through PAM, the result is a quieter execution chain than we typically observe in commodity macOS stealers. The report goes into great depth on how the attack tricks users, and concludes: “Together, these behaviors illustrate how commodity macOS stealers continue to evolve, adopting quieter execution chains and native implementations that reduce traditional detection opportunities while remaining compatible with standard macOS features.” How to protect yourself from malware The easiest way to protect yourself from malware is to avoid downloading software from unfamiliar download sites. Never open links in emails or texts you receive from unknown and unexpected sources. If you get a message that looks like it is from an entity that you do business with, check the sender’s email address and inspect the URL carefully. If you see a link or button, you can Control-click it, select Copy Link Address, and then paste it into a text editor to see the actual URL to check it there. Apple has vetted software in the Mac App Store, and it is the safest way to get apps. If you prefer not to patronize the Mac App Store, then buy software directly from the developer and their website. If you insist on using cracked software, you will always risk malware exposure. Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and a comparison of Mac security software.

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iOS 27 just broke your oldest iPhone habit
iOS 27 hands your familiar Notification Center gesture over to the new Siri AI — here’s where your notifications moved to. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Anthropic brings back powerful Claude Fable 5 AI model after U.S. export controls lifted
Anthropic has officially redeployed its advanced Claude Fable 5 model, making the cutting-edge AI available once again to users worldwide… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone 18 Pro Max’s huge battery size reportedly leaked
A new report from Macworld based on social media leaks claims to know iPhone 18 Pro Max’s exact battery capacity, and it seems impressive.

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Upgrade your MacBook with Satechi’s 5-in-1 USB-C hub for just $25
Macworld Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Adapter 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; }); })(); Satechi’s Type-C Pro Hub Adapter is on sale for $25 at Woot, a $55 savings that shaves off almost 70 percent off the usual price. This silver hub is built specifically for MacBooks, so it matches your machine and packs the ports Apple left out. The port lineup is the best part about the hub because it transforms the two USB-C ports into a 4K HDMI output port, two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. That makes it possible to plug in a wired internet cable, a monitor, an extra keyboard, a mouse, and a memory card all at once. The extra ports pull their weight, too. The Gigabit Ethernet port supports fast, stable wired internet, which can definitely save the day when Wi-Fi gets flaky. The USB-C Power Delivery lets you push up to 100W to your MacBook so you can charge your device. The two USB-A ports will make it possible to quickly transfer files at up to 5Gbps. You do have to keep in mind that this hub’s HDMI output caps at 4K 30Hz, which is fine for spreadsheets, browsing, and presentations, but if you’re going to do any type of gaming, it might lag behind. The hub is specifically designed for the M1 and M2 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, but it should work fine with any MacBook that has a pair of USB-C ports on onw side. It is not designed to work with single-USB-C-port models. At $25, this hub is a good pick if you want to make your MacBook more useful. Grab it while this Woot deal lasts, and keep in mind that if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, those free shipping perks extend to Woot.

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MacPaw Moonlock review: Fast Mac antivirus that focuses on security
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Excellent malware detection Fast scanning performance Useful built-in VPN Helpful security guidance Clean, focused interface Cons Leaves some support files behind No phishing website blocking No scan time estimates Trial requires payment information Our Verdict MacPaw’s Moonlock succeeds by focusing on the security features that matter most instead of trying to become another bloated system cleaner. Its malware detection is fast and impressively thorough, the bundled VPN performs well for everyday travel use, and the educational Security Advisor encourages better online habits rather than overwhelming users with technical jargon. Malware cleanup occasionally leaves behind non-executable support files, and requiring payment information before the seven-day trial is disappointing, but overall Moonlock delivers an excellent balance of protection, usability, and value for home users and small offices. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: MacPaw Moonlock Retailer Price MacPaw (annual) $45 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who it’s best for: Home users and small businesses wanting a focused, lightweight Mac security suite with excellent malware protection and a capable VPN. Who it’s not for: Enterprise administrators or advanced users who require detailed logging, centralized management, or extensive network security controls. At a glanceProtection: ★★★★★Performance: ★★★★★Features: ★★★★☆Ease of use: ★★★★★Value: ★★★★☆ Moonlock is MacPaw’s dedicated Mac security application, combining malware protection, VPN services, scam detection, and security education into a streamlined package. Rather than trying to replace every maintenance utility on your Mac, it concentrates on protecting your system against modern threats while encouraging safer computing habits. For this review I tested Moonlock extensively under macOS Tahoe using more than 160 live malware samples from the Objective-See malware archive, evaluating its malware detection, VPN, scam detection, network protection, and overall performance. The results were consistently impressive, with only a handful of minor shortcomings. Features: What do you get with MacPaw Moonlock? Moonlock includes malware scanning, real-time protection, a VPN, Network Inspector, Scam Detector, System Protection, and Security Advisor. The suite focuses on practical security tools rather than unnecessary extras. While it lacks parental controls, password management, and identity monitoring found in some competing suites, every included feature feels purposeful and well implemented. Malware Protection Customizing Moonlock’s Malware Scanner utility.Foundry Moonlock’s Malware Scanner is unquestionably the centerpiece of the suite. During initial testing it detected 266 malware components, integrating seamlessly with macOS XProtect and Gatekeeper under macOS Tahoe. Real-time protection proved particularly effective. Compressed malware archives were detected successfully, including fake installers for popular applications such as Discord and WhatsApp. External USB drives are automatically scanned after mounting, and users can manually scan any folder or drive using the “Scan an Item…” feature. Cleanup was excellent overall, although several malware families – including CrateDepression, DigitStealer, FlexibleFerret, Inqtana, and KandyKorn – left behind harmless support files after executable components had been removed. Firewall & Network Protection A Network Inspector tool can be used to block incoming traffic from specific countries.Foundry Rather than functioning as a traditional firewall, Moonlock’s Network Inspector lets users block traffic to and from selected countries. Regions can be filtered using predefined categories including Scam Risks, Sanctioned Countries, and Bot Traffic, making configuration straightforward while offering useful protection for many users. Web & Phishing Protection Moonlock’s Scam Detector uses AI to analyze images and up to 20,000 characters of text for phishing attempts and online scams. It produces reliable assessments with relatively few false positives. The Scam Detector tool analyzes phishing text from an email.Foundry However, the suite does not actively block malicious websites or phishing URLs while browsing, leaving Safari and other browsers dependent upon their own built-in protections.Extras (and What’s Missing) The bundled VPN is surprisingly capable. While it lacks advanced administrative features such as activity logs or detailed configuration options, it delivers excellent performance, easy server switching, and includes a Kill Switch. System Protection and Security Advisor also stand out by educating users rather than simply generating warnings. Helpful guidance, direct links into macOS Settings, and MacPaw’s entertaining “Cybersecuritoons” videos encourage better long-term security habits. Test Results: How well does Moonlock protect your Mac? Moonlock’s malware scanner removes dozens of quarantined items.Foundry Moonlock successfully detected nearly every malware sample tested, including compressed archives and disguised application installers. Real-time protection reacted quickly and consistently throughout testing. Real-World Testing Testing consisted of more than 160 active and archived malware samples from the Objective-See security archive. The scanner quarantined executable malware almost immediately while working smoothly alongside macOS’s own XProtect and Gatekeeper protections. Only a handful of non-executable support files remained after cleanup, leaving no functional malware behind.External storage devices were scanned automatically upon connection, while manual scans of selected folders worked exactly as expected. Reliability Moonlock maintained an excellent balance between protection and usability. False positives were minimal, and security alerts were clear without becoming intrusive or overly aggressive.Independent Lab Results At the time of testing, recent independent AV-Test and AV-Comparatives Mac-specific benchmark results for Moonlock were not available. As a result, this review is based primarily on extensive hands-on testing using live malware samples under macOS Tahoe. Methodology Testing was performed on macOS Tahoe 26.6 using Moonlock’s complete feature set. More than 160 active and compressed malware samples from the Objective-See malware archive were evaluated alongside phishing detection, VPN performance, network controls, and everyday usability. Performance observations were made throughout normal multitasking to determine whether scanning noticeably impacted system responsiveness. Performance: Will Moonlock slow down your Mac? Moonlock proved exceptionally lightweight throughout testing. Full system scans completed quickly without noticeably affecting day-to-day work. Animations remain smooth, interface responsiveness stays high, and background scanning rarely interferes with normal productivity. Real-World Behaviour Even while scanning hundreds of malware samples, my MacBook Pro remained responsive enough for everyday multitasking. The interface is polished, malware quarantine events are accompanied by satisfying sound effects, and the application’s visual design never comes at the expense of performance. Key Metrics While Moonlock currently doesn’t display scan duration or estimated completion times, overall scan speed was among the fastest observed during testing. Ease of Use: Is Moonlock Mac-friendly? Moonlock installs cleanly, requiring only Full Disk Access and Network Extension permissions before becoming fully operational. Its interface feels modern and Mac-native, organizing features into clearly labelled modules without overwhelming users. Security Advisor and System Protection deserve particular praise for translating security recommendations into actionable steps, often linking directly to the appropriate macOS Settings pages instead of forcing users to hunt through menus. Moonlock pricing and plans Moonlock is competitively priced for individual Mac users and small offices. Subscription plans offer the best long-term value, while perpetual licenses remain available for those who prefer one-time purchases. MacsOne-Time PurchaseAnnual SubscriptionMonthly1 Mac$150$54/year ($4.50/month)$13.50/month2 Macs$240$84/year ($7/month)5 Macs$480$168/year ($14/month) Moonlock offers strong value thanks to its excellent malware protection, capable VPN, and thoughtful security education features. While it lacks some enterprise capabilities and advanced extras found in larger security suites, its focused approach makes it an appealing alternative for users who simply want dependable Mac protection without unnecessary complexity. Should you buy MacPaw Moonlock? Yes. Moonlock is one of MacPaw’s strongest products to date because it understands exactly what it wants to be: a focused Mac security suite rather than another all-purpose maintenance utility. Malware protection is excellent, the VPN performs surprisingly well, and the educational tools genuinely help users improve their security habits. Requiring payment details before beginning the free trial is unfortunate, and enterprise users may want more advanced management tools, but for home users and small offices Moonlock is an easy recommendation and one of the better Mac security products currently available.

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Deals: AirPods 4 nearly 25% off, M5 iPad Pro $350 off, M4 iPad Air, Apple accessories from $15, more
Alongside the ongoing all-time low on the 4-pack of Apple’s latest AirTag 2, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Amazon still offering Apple’s AirPods 4 at nearly 25% off ahead of July 4th and the pre-price hike M5 iPad Pro deals still live at up to $350 off. We also have the most affordable 13-inch M4 iPad Air at $200 off and the rest of the official Apple 4th of July accessory deals from $15 – AirTag 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, iPhone cases, Sport Band, and more. Head below for a closer look at those and more.

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Today in Apple history: Apple admits Antennagate is a thing
On July 2, 2010, Apple opened up about "Antennagate" in a letter that addressed iPhone 4 reception problems publicly for the first time. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple TV has five new movies premiering soon, here’s what’s coming
Apple TV has a strong lineup of shows about to debut, kicking off with tonight’s Silo season 3 premiere. But there are five new movies on the Apple TV schedule too, here’s what’s coming.

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Report reveals iPhone 18 Pro Max’s ‘exact’ battery capacity—and it’s huge
Macworld It may not be regarded as the flagship of the iPhone range as of this fall (that honor will transfer to the folding iPhone Ultra), but this year’s Pro Max model will have at least something to boast about: one of the biggest batteries ever to grace an iPhone. That’s if a new report is accurate, at any rate. According to a leak on social media this week, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,235 mAh on the Nano SIM model and a whopping 5,425 mAh on the eSIM-only version. That’s an increase of 8.5 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively, compared to the 4,823 mAh/5,088 mAh capacities of the iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Those are solid year-over-year bumps, though not among the biggest we’ve seen. Last month, we heard that the iPhone 18 Pro will only go up by 1.5 percent and 0.8 percent across the two models, compared to previous annual increases of up to 19 percent. But in absolute terms, compared with phones outside the Apple bubble, these would be impressive figures. In the past, Apple’s phones were often criticized for their relatively small batteries, but 5,425 mAh would stand comparison with most rival offerings. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, for example, has a capacity of 5,000 mAh. iPhone battery capacities have been rising steadily for the past few generations. Here’s how the rumored figures compare with the previous five Pro Max models: iPhone 13 Pro Max: 4,352 mAh iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4,323 mAh iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,441 mAh iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh iPhone 17 Pro Max: 4,823 mAh (Nano SIM), 5,088 mAh (eSIM only) iPhone 18 Pro Max: 5,235 mAh (Nano SIM, claimed), 5,425 mAh (eSIM only, claimed) Is this report legitimate? The key question about all this is, as with most iPhone rumors, whether this report can be trusted. That’s debatable. Even tracing its origin is complicated. We first saw it covered by the reputable news site GSMArena, which linked to a since-deleted tweet by a leaker going by the handle @fireuniverse8. However, we’ve found this still-available tweet, which appears to contain largely the same information: Two batteries that seemingly belong to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, labeled with corresponding battery capacities. With us so far? Good. We can’t see the image from the original tweet, which may have named a source in the form of a watermark or similar. But we can still see the accompanying text: “Even iPhone 18 Pro Max battery higher than S26 Ultra,” which matches up with the numbers in a general sense. But that doesn’t give us much to go on, or reason to believe it’s legitimate. The remaining tweet, meanwhile, contains a screenshot of a post on Weibo that appears to come from an entirely different person. Using Google Translate, their account name comes up as “Doge Internet Technology,” and the avatar is different. Is this the original source? Or, as seems more likely, is this a follower of Fire Universe discussing the information disclosed in the previous tweet, and Fire Universe then reposting that? FireUniverse8 (If you’re interested, Doge’s commentary reads: “The world has suffered from SIM cards for too long. iPhone 18 Pro Max Battery. Compared to the overseas eSIM version, it has 190 mAh less battery life. What will it use to compensate?”) Fire Universe isn’t a leaker we’re familiar with, so we don’t have a track record to check. So what that leaves us with is a leaker without much of a reputation posting a rumor without a source, or repeating a rumor from another unfamiliar leaker, then deleting the tweet, but leaving up a tweet where we can still see the numbers. Hopefully that’s all clear. Under normal circumstances, we’d advise extreme skepticism with something like this, but the one point in its favor is the fact that other sources have previously predicted something similar. In February, another Weibo leaker (one who is more familiar to the rumorsphere, Digital Chat Station) claimed the 18 Pro Max would have battery capacities of roughly 5000mAh and 5100-5200mAh, respectively. The latest numbers are more optimistic, but largely align with the original claim. One final note: there’s a reason why I said one of the biggest batteries ever to grace an iPhone. The iPhone Ultra is expected to have a battery capacity of around 5,500mAh, and could go as high as 5,800 mAh. That would be really big and one of the largest ever—the Galaxy Z Fold 7, for example, only uses a 4,400mAh battery, and the latest iPad mini has a 5,078 mAh battery. But that’s why it’s going to be the flagship–and why it could cost as much as $2,500.

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Apple aggressively ramps up foldable iPhone ‘Ultra’ production to 10 million units
Apple has significantly increased its production target for its first foldable iPhone — potentially branded as the iPhone Ultra… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 27 makes a very strong case for upgrading to a new iPhone
Most years, major iOS updates offer the same basic feature set on new iPhones and old ones. But with iOS 27 things are different, and anyone with an iPhone 15 or older will miss out on a lot of new features. Here’s why iOS 27 makes a strong case for considering an iPhone upgrade.

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Malware found spreading through sponsored ads on X
Jamf Threat Labs, the company’s security research arm, recently shared details of a ClickFix-style attack it spotted running as a sponsored ad on the social media site X. The ad, originating from a well-known account, promoted a malicious domain under the guise of a popular Mac app.

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New Mac infostealer confirms stolen passwords before stealing data
A newly discovered macOS infostealer verifies Mac login passwords before stealing sensitive data, giving attackers immediate confirmation that compromised credentials will actually work.PamStealerResearchers at Jamf Threat Labs have documented a new macOS malware campaign built around an infostealer called PamStealer. PamStealer disguises itself as the Maccy clipboard manager and uses AppleScript alongside a Rust payload to infect Macs.Jamf found that PamStealer verifies login passwords through Apple's Pluggable Authentication Modules before stealing additional data. Password verification sets PamStealer apart from most macOS infostealers, which typically capture whatever password a victim enters without confirming that it's valid.The campaign begins with a fake website that closely imitates the legitimate Maccy clipboard manager. Next, the fake website delivers a malicious AppleScript application disguised as Maccy. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple preps upgraded iPad Pro and redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro
Apple is gearing up for one of its busiest hardware years yet in 2027, with fresh updates to the iPad Pro and a significant redesign… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Why next-gen iPad Pro could skip Apple’s M6 chip, go straight to M7
Speculation points to the next iPad Pro refresh sporting an M7 processor. Will it bypass the M6 to deliver Apple's fastest chips yet? (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review: Excellent protection held back by frustrating flaws
Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating Pros Excellent malware detection Fast scan performance Very low system impact Effective ransomware protection Generous 30-day free trial Cons InConsistent phishing protection Chat Protection needs improvement No scheduled scans Log export unavailable VPN requires separate subscription Our Verdict Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac remains one of the stronger security suites available for macOS, combining excellent malware detection, fast scan performance, and minimal system impact in an easy-to-use package. Standout features such as Safe Files ransomware protection and the integrated VPN add genuine value, while newer additions like Chat Protection and Web Protection still need refinement. Although the lack of scheduled scans and log exporting may frustrate advanced users and IT administrators, Bitdefender continues to offer outstanding protection at a competitive price. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $49.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $69.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 1 year, 3 devices$29.99 (usually $69.99)1 year, 1 device$24.99 (usually $49.99) Who it’s best for: Mac users who want strong, lightweight antivirus protection with excellent malware detection and minimal performance impact. Who it’s not for: Users who require advanced administrative features, scheduled scanning, or a fully featured VPN without paying for an additional subscription. At a glanceProtection: ★★★★☆Performance: ★★★★★Features: ★★★★☆Ease of use: ★★★★☆Value: ★★★★☆ Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is one of the best-known cross-platform security suites available for Mac users. Rather than attempting to reinvent antivirus software, the latest version focuses on refining its already impressive protection while introducing AI-powered additions such as Chat Protection. For this review, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac version 10.3.2.2 was tested under macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 using more than 150 malware samples alongside phishing, browser security, and ransomware testing. While the core antivirus engine remains excellent, several newer features still need polish before matching the quality of Bitdefender’s traditional protection. Features: What do you get with Bitdefender? Bitdefender bundles together antivirus protection, ransomware defence, browser security, Safe Files, VPN functionality, and the new AI-powered Chat Protection module. Installation remains straightforward, requiring Full Disk Access and network extension permissions before becoming operational. The package focuses on protection first, while several premium features – including unlimited VPN usage – remain optional paid upgrades. Malware Protection Bitdefender’s Protection tab provides access to its security features.Foundry Real-time protection remains Bitdefender’s greatest strength. Both Quick Scan and System Scan completed impressively quickly while detecting over 95% of more than 150 malware samples during testing. Compressed archives are scanned automatically, and detected threats are quarantined without interrupting normal workflow. Like several competitors, Bitdefender occasionally relied on macOS XProtect and Gatekeeper to finish blocking certain developer files associated with malware. Fake versions of Transmission, WhatsApp and Discord installers were allowed onto the system before macOS ultimately prevented execution. Several developer scripts—including Flasfa.py, GetShell.sh, Invisibleferret.py, PokerStealer.sh and others—were also permitted to launch before Apple’s own protections intervened. While these cases were limited, users would benefit from clearer notifications explaining exactly when Bitdefender has blocked a threat. Firewall & Network Protection Bitdefender does not include a traditional configurable firewall for macOS, instead relying on Apple’s built-in firewall while expanding network protection through its VPN service. The VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP alongside automatic protocol selection, automatic activation on unsecured Wi-Fi, an Internet Kill Switch, and automatic VPN activation when peer-to-peer applications launch. Although not as comprehensive as dedicated VPN products, it’s one of the better bundled VPN implementations available. Web & Phishing Protection Web Protection is inconsistent. TrafficLight installs easily across Safari, Firefox and Chrome, but browser performance varies considerably. Safari performed poorly during testing, allowing nearly every phishing and scam link contained within Gmail’s Spam folder. Firefox blocked some phishing attempts but still permitted access to questionable clone websites. Chrome delivered the strongest overall performance but continued to miss several phishing pages. The browser support is welcome, but detection consistency still trails the quality of Bitdefender’s malware engine. Extras (and What’s Missing) Customizing protected folders with Bitdefender’s “Safe Files” feature.Foundry Safe Files remains one of Bitdefender’s standout features. Desktop, Documents, Downloads and Pictures folders receive ransomware protection by default, while additional folders can easily be added. Blacklists and whitelists provide fine-grained control over which applications may modify protected content. The new AI-powered Chat Protection successfully identifies obvious scams but currently struggles with more sophisticated social engineering attempts. Missing features remain equally noticeable. Scheduled scans are unavailable, VPN functionality requires a separate subscription for unlimited access, and log exporting remains absent. Test Results: How well does Bitdefender protect your Mac? Bitdefender delivered excellent malware detection throughout testing, successfully identifying more than 95% of malware samples while maintaining extremely fast scanning performance. Real-World Testing A Bitdefender quick scan in progress.Foundry Testing consisted of more than 150 malware samples sourced from the Objective-See malware archive. Quick Scan completed in just 4 minutes 29 seconds, while a complete System Scan covering over 800GB of data finished in 47 minutes 8 seconds. Bitdefender detected malware during scanning, quarantining threats automatically while working alongside macOS XProtect and Gatekeeper to eliminate active components. Developer scripts represented the primary weakness, with several samples launching before Apple’s own protections completed the blocking process. Web Protection proved considerably less reliable, with browser performance varying significantly between Safari, Firefox and Chrome. Reliability Bitdefender proved stable throughout testing and never crashed under macOS Tahoe 26.5.1. False positives remained minimal, although notification behaviour could be improved by more clearly informing users whenever malware has been actively blocked. Independent Lab Results Bitdefender consistently performs well in independent testing from organisations including AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, regularly earning top marks for malware detection while maintaining low false positive rates. Our hands-on testing closely reflected those results, particularly regarding malware detection speed and overall performance. Bitdefender got full marks in the March 2026 AV-Test results: Protection: 6/6 Performance: 6/6 Usability: 6/6 Total: 18/18 The latest AV-Comparatives Mac Security Test (published 17 June 2026) also certified Bitdefender after testing it on macOS Tahoe. It achieved 100% malware detection and received AV-Comparatives’ Approved Security Product certification. Methodology Our testing was performed using macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 on a Mac equipped with a 1TB SSD containing more than 800GB of data. Evaluation combined real-world malware testing using more than 150 Objective-See malware samples alongside phishing testing, ransomware protection evaluation, browser security testing, application stability, performance measurements, and overall usability. Performance: Will Bitdefender slow down your Mac? Performance remains one of Bitdefender’s biggest strengths. Despite scanning a drive containing over 800GB of data, both Quick Scan and System Scan completed rapidly while having very little impact on normal system responsiveness. Real-World Behaviour Background protection remained largely invisible throughout testing. Applications launched normally, multitasking performance stayed responsive, and no crashes occurred. Both installation and uninstallation completed without issue. Ease of Use: Is Bitdefender Mac-friendly? Installation remains straightforward, with Bitdefender requesting only the permissions necessary for operation before becoming fully functional. The interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate without feeling like a Windows application transplanted onto macOS. Individual security modules are clearly organised, Safe Files is especially easy to configure, and notifications remain relatively unobtrusive. Documentation is comprehensive, although the support experience would benefit from integrated tutorial videos alongside the existing manuals. Bitdefender pricing and plans Bitdefender remains competitively priced, particularly during promotional periods, although unlimited VPN access requires an additional subscription. DevicesOne-YearTwo-YearThree-Year1 Device$24.99 (normally $49.99)$69.99 $89.993 Devices$24.99 (normally $69.99)$89.99$119.99 The 30-day trial remains one of Bitdefender’s biggest advantages, requiring only an email address and no payment details. The core antivirus protection easily justifies the asking price, although the additional VPN subscription slightly reduces the overall value proposition compared to suites that bundle unlimited VPN access. Should you buy Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac? Yes – provided your priorities are excellent malware protection and outstanding performance. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac continues to deliver some of the strongest malware detection available for macOS while remaining lightweight enough to leave running continuously. Although Web Protection and the new Chat Protection feature still need refinement, the core antivirus engine remains exceptionally strong. Users looking for scheduled scans, enterprise logging features, or unlimited VPN access may find better value elsewhere, but for most Mac owners Bitdefender remains one of the safest recommendations in the consumer antivirus market.

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MacBook Pro models sharing the MacBook Ultra redesign is, and isn’t, surprising
We’ve been hearing for a long time now that a new high-end MacBook Ultra model with a touchscreen will get a significant redesign with a slimmer form factor. The new design appeared to be one of the things that would differentiate the high-end model from the MacBook Pro. However, a report yesterday said that an entry-level MacBook Pro set for release early next year will have a new design in line with that of the Ultra …

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Gorgeous shots winning 2026 iPhone Photography Awards show old models still cut it
The winners of the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards have been announced, with many of them taken using older iPhones, including an iPhone 8 Plus.The iPhone Photography Awards winners are inThe 2026 IPPA winners were announced after entries from more than 140 countries were submitted. Four overall winners were announced, ranging from Grand Prix to Bronze.Category winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions were also shared, giving us a wider look at the quality of images that were submitted this year. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Amazon forgot to raise M4 iPad Air prices–grab one for $200 off right now
Macworld Apple iPad Air M4 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; }); })(); Apple raised iPad Air prices by $150 last week, but over at Amazon you can still get one for even less than the old price. You can grab Apple’s 11-inch M4 iPad Air for $559 or the 13-inch M4 iPad Air for just $749 right now. That’s not quite as low as Prime Day’s $80-$100 savings, but that was before Apple raised prices. So, now you’re saving $200 off the new MSRP and $40-$50 off the older price. This is a powerful tablet that you’ll get to take with you everywhere. The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and a snappy performance that’s fantastic for multitasking. Whether you’re bouncing between apps or editing photos, this tablet will perform just fine. The chip also supports Apple Intelligence, so you’ll have tons of fun with those features too, including the new Siri Ai coming this fall with iPad OS 27. The tablet comes with 128GB of storage space, which isn’t a ton, but it’s a decent amount of room for apps, games, and whatever else you need to store on there. The display is as gorgeous as ever, as the 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina screen delivers vivid colors, great contrast, and super low reflectivity. Pair that with the excellent all-day battery, and you have a device you can use for work, doomscrolling, gaming, and whatever else you feel like around the block. If you want to take things further and make this into a true productivity tool, you’ll need to pay a bit extra for an Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard, both of which are sold separately. The bottom line is that you can save $200 on an Apple iPad Air with a speedy M4 chip, and that’s a smart choice.

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