9to5Mac Top Stories: The latest iPhone Fold, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18 rumors
Welcome to 9to5Mac’s top stories of the week, where we recap the biggest news in the Apple world every Saturday. This week, we have tips and tricks for your new Apple gear, updates on iOS 26 features, and the latest on iPhone Fold. Plus, our usual slate of new podcast episodes, opinion pieces, and much more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories. more…

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How to use Apple Games & Game Center for cross-device play & cloud saves
Apple has a way for videogamers to keep progress and friends synced, leveraging iCloud to do it. Here's how to get the most out of Apple Games and Game Center.How to use Apple Games & Game CenterApple's revamped gaming tools let players jump between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, without losing progress or juggling accounts. The combination of the Apple Games app and Game Center turns Apple's ecosystem into a cohesive option for gamers.Apple has turned its once basic Game Center system into a unified gaming experience built around the Apple Games app. The app brings together your library, recommendations, achievements, social features, and Apple Arcade titles in one place. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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You can now get Microsoft Office for life for $30
Macworld TL;DR: Get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more for life when you get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office on sale for $30. Microsoft 365 isn’t the only way to get apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s definitely not the cheapest, especially when you never know if Microsoft is going to raise the price of a subscription again. If you want another option, check out Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019. The apps may be a little older, but they still work great with modern hardware, and you can get a lifetime license on sale for $29.97 (reg. $229). This lifetime license comes with Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook OneNote Teams Classic If you’re used to Microsoft 365, these apps may look a little different, but they still work great whether you need daily productivity tools for work or apps to help you get through the semester. And you don’t have to worry about sudden price hikes or ongoing costs from a subscription. Right now, it’s only $29.97 to get Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac. Sale ends soon. Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for MacSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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This new tool protects you from lost emails, and it’s only $35 for life
Macworld TL;DR: Mail Backup X helps you organize and back up your inbox, and it’s only $35 for life. Email has a way of piling up until something important disappears and you realize you never set up a real backup plan. Recovering messages at that point is stressful, slow, and usually involves multiple accounts and export files. Mail Backup X is a simple way to create long-term archives you can search, restore, and move between accounts when needed. Right now, it’s only $34.97 to get a lifetime subscription (reg. $179). This lifetime subscription supports Apple Mail, Outlook, Office 365, Exchange, Thunderbird, Postbox, Gmail, Yahoo, GMX, and any service that works with IMAP. You can back up one account or several, and you can store those backups locally or mirror them to cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Pcloud, or an FTP server. Mail Backup X compresses archives to save space and includes a viewer that lets you search through old messages without restoring the entire backup. It also imports a wide range of formats, including PST, OST, mbox, olk, eml, and rge, which makes migrations faster. If you move to a new Office 365 account, the software can push everything over for you. Encryption works with your own private key, so only you can read your data. You get lifetime access on two devices, and updates are included. Use code ARCHIVE by January 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a Mail Backup X Lifetime Subscription on sale for $34.97. Mail Backup X Individual Edition: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Amazon slashes $250 off M4 MacBook Air models, prices from $749
Amazon's year-end MacBook Air sale slashes $250 off a variety of M4 models, including configs with 24GB RAM.Save $250 on a variety of M4 MacBook Air models with year-end savings - Image credit: AppleAmazon's cheapest M4 MacBook Air deal is back for $749.99, reflecting a $250 discount on the 16GB/256GB model.Buy M4 MacBook Air from $749.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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HomeKit Weekly: Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 brings Thread and motion automations to your smart home
Aqara is introducing a new presence sensor that is a natural addition for HomeKit users who want reliable automations without the need for a camera. The new Aqara FP300 combines mmWave presence sensing with a traditional PIR sensor and also adds on light, temperature, and humidity readings. For Apple users, the big story is Thread and Matter support, allowing it to easily integrate with the Home app for fast, room-aware automations. more…

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An Apple Gift Card is the easiest way to try Apple’s best services
If you’re an Apple fan, chances are you unwrapped at least one Apple Gift Card this holiday season. These gift cards can be used for App Store purchases, Apple Store purchases, and Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV. more…

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Wes Hilliard's best tech in 2025: Apple Vision Pro, Invites, & e-bikes
It's been another busy year in tech, and while there were some interesting innovations, a few devices stand out for Wesley Hilliard. Here are his picks for his top tech in 2025.Tech has had an interesting year, and Apple Vision Pro is the capThere's a lot more going on in the tech world than what Apple releases in a given year. It saw a few important updates through 2025, but I'm focusing more on the ecosystem around Apple products rather than the products themselves.Well, with one exception. I could put the iPhone 17 Pro Max here and talk more about the cameras and other upgrades, but what I'm more excited about is the Apple Vision Pro with M5. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Price drop: Generate images, text, logos and more with lifetime access to this AI platform
All-in-one platform gives businesses AI tools for writing, chatbots, and logo and art generation. Save on a lifetime AI MagicX subscription. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs loses ‘Man of the Year’ award to the PC
On December 26, 1982, "Time" magazine named the personal computer its "Machine of the Year." The news devastated Steve Jobs. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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New LG GM9 5K mini LED display adopts AI scaling, anti-blooming tech
Global brand LG is launching a new line of high resolution monitors ahead of CES 2026, including two gaming monitors, and one model particularly suited to Mac users.LG's new line of UltraGear evo monitorsFor the initial round of monitors under the new brand, LG is including three models — 39GX950B, 27GM950B, and 52G930B. The GM9 will be the most enticing for Apple users and claims to fix one of mini LED's biggest issues."The new UltraGear evo marks a definitive turning point, signaling the end of compromises in gaming display performance," said Lee Choong-hwoan, head of the Display Business at the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. With innovations like industry-first 5K AI Upscaling, the lineup ensures that whether gamers prefer perfect blacks, unmatched brightness, or expansive scale, they can enjoy the same high standard of performance, clarity and immersion in high resolution." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Just unwrap new AirPods Pro? Here are the must-try features
Did you just unwrap new AirPods Pro? If so, it’s key that you know there is a lot more to the experience than just listening to music and podcasts. Here are some of my recommendations for new AirPods Pro users. more…

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Apple Wallet got two feature upgrades it really needed in iOS 26
Apple Wallet got a bunch of new features in iOS 26, including the recently released Digital ID that, along with AI order tracking, fix key shortcomings in previously launched Wallet features. more…

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This AI video enhancer for Mac fixes blur, reduces noise, and upscales to 4K
Aiarty Video Enhancer can remove noise, reduce blur, and enhance your old videos to become watchable in beautiful 4K on your modern devices.Image source: AiartyAs content creators on Mac know, improving footage isn't always simple. We've all faced clips that are noisy, blurry, or simply too low in resolution to look great on modern screens.Whether it is cherished family videos, clips exported from old iMovie projects, or legacy mobile footage, traditional tools often fall short. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Sergey Brin thought he had his Steve Jobs moment with the failed Google Glass
Looking back on Google Glass, Google co-founder Sergey Brin thought he was "the next Steve Jobs," a mindset that pushed the device out the door before it was ready for consumers.Sergey Brin wearing Google GlassSmart glasses are back, though whether or not that's a good thing remains to be seen. Meta's Ray-Ban Meta lineup is the current most well-known iteration of the technology, but it's certainly not the first.All the way back in 2012, Google introduced Google Glass, a lensless pair of smart glasses, to a limited audience. While Glass wasn't the first pair of smart glasses, it was certainly the most widely known. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Top 10 Apple setups of 2025
Cult of Mac's top 10 Apple setups of 2025 excel in raw computing power, aesthetic beauty, functional innovation -- or all three. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to buy a refurbished iPhone without getting burned
Buying refurbished tech is one of the easiest ways to save cash, cut waste, and still score a great iPhone, but, if you're not careful, you can lose your money. Here's what to look out for, and how to keep yourself safe.iPhone 15 ProI personally love buying refurbished gear. My M2 MacBook Air was a refurb that I snagged from NewEgg.Not only did I save money, but I also managed to keep a device out of the landfill, which is kind of a big deal for me. And as I'm notoriously slow to upgrade my devices, it'll have a long, happy life in my home. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Ride1Up Portola e-bike review: A foldable e-bike geared towards the everyman
The Ride1Up Portola takes some getting used to even if you're coming from another e-bike, and is an excellent blend of features, performance, and price.Ride1Up PortolaI love biking. I've talked about this extensively in the past.In 2023, I received the Gravel edition of the Roadster V2, a "stealthy" e-bike from Ride1Up. Before that, I hadn't hopped into the bike saddle since I was in high school. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First half of 2025 in review on the AppleInsider Podcast
It's been a busy year for Apple and alongside this week's news, it's time to look at just what happened when — from Apple Intelligence woes to brand new devices.First of two special AppleInsider Podcast episodes looking back over Apple's 2025T'was the week of Christmas and yet all around were still stirring yet more discussion of Apple staffers quitting the company. Join us as we may well be able to conclusively prove there's no mass exodus.But then also join us for news of the iPhone Fold, enthusiasm about the iPad Pro and Nintendo Switch 2, and guarded enthusing about Final Cut Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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2026 iPad preview: What to expect from Apple’s next tablet lineup
Macworld The iPad lineup has settled into a predictable and stable update cycle in recent years. Major redesigns are rare, with Apple mostly focusing on internal upgrades such as faster chips, better displays, and incremental refinements. And according to multiple rumors, we already have an idea of what to expect from the iPad lineup in 2026. Based on information reported by Macworld and other reliable sources, Apple is gearing up to launch another wave of minor iPad refreshes with spec bumps. Read on as we detail which iPads will be updated and which won’t over the course of the coming year. Entry-level, 12th-gen iPad: A much faster chip The base model iPad is certainly the right choice for most people who just want a good tablet at an affordable price. This iPad is especially popular in the education segment, with Apple offering it for only $329 to students. In 2025, Apple gave its iPad such a small update that it wasn’t even capable of running Apple Intelligence, but in 2026, it looks like it will get a much more significant spec bump. As previously reported by Macworld, the 12th-generation iPad is expected to debut in 2026 with the faster A19 chip, replacing the A16 found in the current 11th-generation model. The A19 chip is the same as the one in the iPhone 17, and is more than 50 percent faster than the A16 chip in the current iPad. The entry-level iPad could be getting a much faster chip next year.Foundry With the upgrade, the entry-level iPad will finally support more advanced capabilities, including Apple Intelligence. It will also become a great option for gamers, as the A19 chip can run console-level games with ease. In addition to the A19 chip, Apple is also expected to bring its new N1 wireless chip to the new iPad. This is Apple’s first custom wireless chip to handle both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, delivering both better performance and energy efficiency. Reports suggest that Apple will keep the same overall design, display, and camera system. This means that the 12th-gen iPad will likely have the same 60Hz LCD panel as the current generation, as well as Touch ID in the power button. While the idea of having the same design and display for another year may not sound exciting, most buyers looking for an entry-level iPad are more interested in having a reliable tablet at a lower price. The A19 chip will make the next entry-level iPad very future-proof. iPad Air: M4 comes to the middle of the lineup The iPad Air has increasingly become Apple’s “sweet spot” tablet, offering near-Pro performance without the Pro price tag. In 2026, that positioning looks set to continue. Macworld has reported that Apple plans to update the iPad Air with the M4 chip, replacing the current M3. The jump from M3 to M4 isn’t significant, but most users don’t upgrade their iPad every year anyway. The idea is certainly to make the product more appealing to first-time buyers or those upgrading from a much older iPad. The iPad Air is reportdly getting an M4 in 2026.Foundry The upgrade appears to be almost entirely internal. Just like the next entry-level iPad model, the M4 iPad Air will also feature Apple’s N1 wireless chip and possibly the C1 modem. Otherwise, the design, display, and cameras are all expected to remain unchanged. The current iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch screen options, both with a 60Hz LCD panel. Apple is comfortable with the current Air design, which already supports Magic Keyboard and the latest Apple Pencil Pro. Plus, the iPad Air is already compatible with features including Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager. In short, the iPad Air will get even better and more powerful with M4, just don’t expect it to have the same fancy display and design as the iPad Pro. iPad mini: The next to get OLED While both the entry-level iPad and iPad Air will retain the same display technology for another year, the next generation of iPad mini may surprise us with a more modern display. According to Bloomberg, the 8th-gen iPad mini could feature an OLED panel for the first time. Other sources have already corroborated that the smallest iPad will have its LCD screen replaced by an OLED display made by Samsung. The iPad mini could be in for an OLED upgrade next year.Foundry OLED panels are brighter and have better contrast than LCD, as each pixel is controlled individually. Currently, the iPad Pro is the only iPad to feature OLED, though it’s unclear whether the OLED panel in the new iPad mini will feature ProMotion with a higher refresh rate or remain limited to 60Hz. When it comes to performance, MacRumors reported that the iPad mini 8 will be powered by the A19 Pro chip – the same as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The chip is about 30 percent faster than the A17 Pro in the iPad mini 7. It’s not a huge leap, but it’s enough to keep the iPad mini on par with the latest Apple devices. In addition, a separate Bloomberg report suggested that the next iPad mini could be the first water-resistant iPad. Unfortunately for iPad mini fans, rumors about the release date are quite conflicting. While some believe it may arrive in late 2026, it seems more likely that the iPad mini 8 will be held back until 2027. iPad Pro: Don’t expect a new model anytime soon Of all the iPads Apple makes, the one least likely to make headlines next year is the iPad Pro. That’s because Apple has just released the M5 iPad Pro, and a new model is unlikely to arrive until spring 2027, about 18 months after the release of the latest model. According to rumors, Apple is already working on a new iPad Pro with the yet-to-be-announced M6 chip. However, the M6 is still a year away from being announced, as is the next generation of iPad Pro. In addition to the new chip, the next generation of iPad Pro is also rumored to feature vapor chamber cooling, just like the iPhone 17 Pro. Given that Apple has already refreshed the iPad Pro design with the M4 models in 2024, another redesign for 2027 is highly unlikely. The iPad Pro probably won’t get an update until 2027.Foundry Should you buy a new iPad now or wait? Whether you should buy an iPad now or wait depends largely on which model you’re considering and the age of your current iPad. If you’re looking at the entry-level model, waiting for the next generation is definitely worth it. Despite no changes to the design or display, the jump from the A16 to the A19 chip will not only bring significantly better performance, but also enable support for more iPadOS features. For the iPad Air, the decision is less clear-cut. The move from M3 to M4 won’t dramatically change the experience for most users, and the current iPad Air is already extremely capable. If you find a good deal on an M3 iPad Air, buying now still makes sense. iPad mini buyers may want to hold off if possible. An OLED display and A19 Pro chip would be meaningful upgrades, even if the release timeline remains unclear. That said, if you need a compact iPad today, the current model remains a solid option, especially given that the new mini may not arrive until 2027. As for the iPad Pro, don’t hesitate to buy one. With the M5 models just released and no major update expected in the near future, there’s little reason to wait unless you’re specifically holding out for next-generation features like vapor chamber cooling.

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