5% Daily Cash Back Offered by Apple Card for Certain Transactions
Apple Card users are able to enjoy 5% Daily Cash Back when they use the card on Apple Pay for up to $750 in merged purchases at Exxon, ChargePoint, Mobil, and Booking.com. You can get up to $37.50 cash back from now until the 15th of September. Typically, only 3% Daily Cash Back is offered […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Home Hub by Apple To Feature Widget Gallery
Apple is manufacturing a home hub integrating Siri AI into the device with a release as early as 2026. A Widget Gallery will be used by the home hub to let users choose the content they want to see on the home screen of the device. macOS Tahoe 26.7 references the Widget Gallery alongside a […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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AirPods With Camera May Be Called AirPods Pro
The AirPods with cameras might be included in the AirPods Pro line instead of having the branding ‘AirPods Ultra’. A reference was found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 about the device being labeled AirPods Pro, but it could also be a placeholder. Apple is thinking of releasing a couple of devices with the Ultra branding: the […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple Music will tell you when a song is made with AI
Apple Music will introduce “Made With AI” labels to help listeners identify songs, artwork and other content that used generative AI. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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You don’t need a new Mac. You need a new keyboard
Macworld How much time do you spend in front of your Mac every day? If it’s more than an hour or two, there’s one upgrade you can make that will transform your experience in an instant: a mechanical keyboard. This simple change can step up your productivity and make typing the most comfortable it’s ever been. Take it from me. I’ve been using and reviewing Mac-friendly mechanical keyboards for years. I’d never go back to Apple’s Magic Keyboard, never mind any of the thousands of cheap and nasty rubber-dome alternatives that flood the market. It really is something you have to feel to understand. Once you do, you’ll never look back. The mechanical hype is real. Here’s why you should make the switch. Pure typing bliss As the name suggests, a mechanical keyboard is defined by the mechanical switches that lie underneath its keycaps. Each time you press a key, it moves downward on a spring-loaded mechanism, sends a signal to macOS, then moves back up. Conversely, on a standard keyboard such as Apple’s Magic Keyboard, the keycap sits atop a rubber dome. As you push the key, it moves downward onto the dome, which squishes down and actuates the key press. There are several problems with this rubber dome system. The first is durability. The soft dome wears down over time, reducing the consistency of its interaction with the keyboard’s contact points and potentially introducing errors in your typing. The longer you use it, the less dependable it becomes. MAcworld's TOp pick for Mechanical KEyboards Keychron Q6 Max Price When Reviewed: $239.99 Best Prices Today: $208.99 at Amazon | $239.99 at Keychron A mechanical switch, on the other hand, is made from much more solid metal or plastic that is designed to last. Some mechanical keyboards go a step further and use magnetic connections (based on Hall effect or tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) tech) to actuate each key press, reducing the number of physical contact points and increasing durability exponentially. In other words, mechanical keyboards tend to be far more reliable in the long term, meaning fewer frustrating mistakes and costly replacements. The second issue with rubber dome keyboards–the most important one–is the typing feel. Mechanical switches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from those that feature a tactile bump as you press the key to those that are entirely smooth in action. That’s important, because the switch you choose can have a big impact on the typing feel. As someone who types all day, every day, I love a tactile switch because it provides physical feedback that helps me type with greater speed and accuracy than a non-mechanical keyboard ever could. For my use case, the difference between a tactile switch and a linear one–never mind a rubber dome keyboard–is night and day. Many mechanical keyboards let you swap out the switches on the fly, giving you many different typing experiences that can be customized to your needs. You’ll never get that with a rubber dome keyboard, where you have to stick with its (often unsatisfying) under-finger feel through thick and thin. A great smaller-sized mechanical keyboard SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Amazon | $99.99 at B&H | $99.99 at Best Buy US A new world to explore Mechanical keyboards have benefits. But aren’t they just for PC gamers? And what about the price? They’re all eye-wateringly expensive, right? I used to think that mechanical keyboards were just for Windows users whose idea of tasteful computer design was a blinding array of garish neon lights. But while that’s the stereotype, it’s far from the truth. These days, many manufacturers are making Mac-specific mechanical keyboards. There are excellent offerings from the likes of Logitech, Keychron, NuPhy, Satechi, and more. Lofree has a superb range of Mac keyboards color-matched to the MacBook Neo, while Corsair even collaborated directly with Apple to create the K65 Plus, which is often on sale for under $120 and well worth the price. These devices all use macOS key layouts. For example, the Option key is in the proper place, which isn’t the case if you use a keyboard designed for Windows. No adaptation or adjustment is needed. And with high-quality materials and beautiful designs that fit in with your Apple setup, these keyboards are far from the obnoxious gamer aesthetic. The Keychron Q3 Max is my current Mac keyboard and it’s a huge improvement over what Apple sells.Foundry Take the Keychron Q3 Max, for example, which is the mechanical keyboard I’m using right now to type up this article. It comes with macOS keycaps and a switch to toggle between macOS and Windows layouts (so the Option key is in the right place, which isn’t the case if you use a keyboard designed for Windows). Its all-metal case is rock solid; it looks downright gorgeous and sounds pleasing to the ear, and I can change its switches to a different type if I want a fresh typing feel. My fingers have never felt so luxuriated. All of the devices made by the companies I mentioned above use macOS key layouts, meaning there’s no adaptation or adjustment needed. And with high-quality materials and beautiful designs that fit in with your Apple kit, these boards are about as far from the obnoxious gamer aesthetic as it’s possible to be. As for the price, sure, mechanical keyboards are often pricey, but so is the Magic Keyboard. And as Apple fans are well aware, expensive doesn’t equate to overpriced. You can easily find a mechanical keyboard that far exceeds the Magic Keyboard for the same price or less. There are mechanical keyboards that push the price into $200 (or more), but in most cases you’re making an investment in quality. And if you don’t want to spend that much, you don’t have to. Even high-end brands such as Keychron sell entry-level mechanical keyboards starting at around $60. An Apple Watch can make up for the lack of Touch ID on third-party keyboards.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Touch ID The only advantage of an Apple keyboard is the Touch ID button. Due to the way Touch ID works, you won’t find a third-party keyboard with it. But this is much less of an issue than it might appear. If you have an Apple Watch, you can log into macOS and confirm purchases using it, just as you would with a Touch ID button. In fact, logging in is actually faster using an Apple Watch than the Touch ID button because it happens automatically. If you don’t have an Apple Watch, you’ll have to enter your password to log in and at the checkout. On the plus side, the latter can be sped up considerably if you have a password manager that autofills your login details. I have an Apple Watch, so I don’t miss the Touch ID button at all. But even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t trade it for a mechanical keyboard. The benefits far outweigh what you miss out on. With a far superior typing feel, a huge range of switch options, plus exquisite quality and ingenious features everywhere you look, every Mac user can benefit from ditching the Magic Keyboard and exploring the world of mechanical alternatives. I made the leap years ago and have never regretted it. Perhaps you should give it a try and take a look at Macworld’s picks for the best keyboards.

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Apple smart glasses: Everything you need to know
Macworld According to reports, Apple is going to expand its presence in the wearable market with a new product: smart glasses. The Apple smart glasses that have been reported are a departure from the spatial computing platform of the Apple Vision Pro. They won’t be a headset and they won’t offer AR or spatial computing. They aren’t going to be a computing device in any way. Instead, they will be glasses like those from Meta AI and other companies. They will be designed like typical eyeglasses, not a headset or goggles. They will have built-in cameras, speakers, and microphones for taking pictures and video, and to interact with the iPhone. These glasses are expected to function as an AI-powered wearable, potentially launching in 2027. This article will track the latest reports on the Apple smart glasses. Check this space often for the latest news before they are released. Apple smart glasses design: What will Apple smart glasses look like? Unlike the bulky Vision Pro, Apple’s smart glasses are expected to resemble a normal pair of eyewear. Apple is said to be prioritizing a lightweight, accessory-like design rather than the heavy, immersive approach of the Vision Pro. To appeal to a mainstream audience, the glasses are rumored to be significantly lighter and more affordable, positioned primarily as an iPhone companion. According to various reports, the glasses will look like traditional frames and will not adopt a headset-style design. To accommodate the necessary hardware, the frames may be slightly bulkier than standard glasses and will likely use plastic or similar lightweight materials. One potential frame style could be inspired by the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook. One of the frame style coule be modeled after a pair of Tim Cook’s glasses.Apple Frame styles in development In April 2026, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple has four frame styles in testing: A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers Larger oval or circular frames A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook A smaller, more refined oval or circular option Apple is also experimenting with finishes such as black, light brown, and ocean blue. The frames are reportedly made from acetate, which Gurman describes as “more durable and luxurious than standard plastic.” Apple’s design approach Apple is developing the frames in-house rather than partnering with third-party brands, unlike Meta (Ray-Ban, Oakley) or Google (Warby Parker). The goal is to create a product that is instantly recognizable as an Apple device. Earlier reports suggest Apple is aiming for a higher level of build quality compared to competing smart glasses from Meta and Google. Apple smart glasses features: What will Apple smart glasses do? Apple’s smart glasses are expected to be a lightweight, AI-first accessory designed to complement the iPhone rather than replace it. Unlike the Vision Pro, which focuses on immersive spatial computing, these glasses will likely take a more subtle approach – similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses – prioritizing everyday utility and privacy. The glasses are not expected to function as a standalone device. Instead, they will rely heavily on a paired iPhone via Bluetooth. How much functionality will be available without an iPhone remains unclear. The Apple smart glasses are reported to offer the following features: Camera for video/photos: Users will be able to capture photos and record video directly from the glasses. Visual Intelligence: The onboard camera will analyze objects and scenes in real time, enabling features like object recognition and contextual awareness. Speakers: Built-in speakers will deliver audio from the iPhone, including calls, music, podcasts, navigation directions, and alerts. Microphone: Used for phone calls, voice commands, and features like live translation. Advanced Siri integration: A more capable, AI-driven Siri is expected to power most interactions and tasks. Fixed heads up display: Likely limited to simple overlays such as notifications and turn-by-turn directions rather than full AR visuals. Privacy focus: Apple is expected to emphasize on-device processing and secure cloud infrastructure to minimize data collection. The built-in cameras are rumored to feature vertically oriented oval lenses with surrounding indicator lights, distinguishing them from the circular cameras used in Meta’s glasses. Role in Apple’s ecosystem One of the primary purposes of the smart glasses is to act as a wearable interface for Apple Intelligence. Much of their functionality will depend on Apple’s next-generation Siri, which is rumored to be previewed alongside broader AI upgrades at WWDC26. The Apple smart glasses could have health tracking features, but will not be as robust as an Apple Watch.Apple Advanced capabilities (rumored) The first generation will likely focus on audio features and basic visual overlays. Over time, Apple is expected to evolve the product into true augmented reality glasses capable of rendering 3D digital content seamlessly within the user’s physical environment. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring more advanced features, including: Text recognition and digitization Context-aware reminders (e.g., prompting you to pick up an item you’re looking at in a store) More natural navigation guidance, with Siri referencing real-world landmarks instead of generic directions Health tracking has also been mentioned, though it’s expected to be less comprehensive than what’s offered by the Apple Watch. What specs are rumoured for the Apple smart glasses? According to Mark Gurman, the device will likely use a modified version of the Apple Watch S-series chip. Apple is reportedly developing custom chips for the glasses based on the Apple Watch S-series, modified for extreme power efficiency to manage camera controls and AI tasks. The glasses are expected to include open-ear speakers, a microphone for voice commands, and a built-in camera for capturing photos and video. Reports indicate that Apple may chose a display-less design for its first iteration, similar to the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Will Apple smart glasses support prescription lenses and different sizes? The early reports for the Apple smart glasses have not stated if they can be outfitted with prescription lenses. Since other smart glasses support this, it seems likely that Apple will, too. Reports have also not stated how Apple will handle frame sizing for customers. As prescription glasses wearers know, some frame styles fit better than others. Also, some styles can’t be used with multifocal lenses. With the Apple Vision Pro, customers book demos at the Apple Store to get the experience of using one and also get fitted properly. Apple has this infrastructure in place and can use it with the new smart glasses. Apple smart glasses name: What will Apple’s glasses be called? No reports have been made regarding the name for the Apple smart glasses. Within Apple, the device has the code name of N50. We can speculate on what the naming system will be, based on recent history. Apple no longer gives products “i” names, so it’s unlikely that they will be called iGlasses (though that won’t stop the media and others from calling it that until the official name is released). “Apple” is in the company’s branding: Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Business, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, etc. So it seems like a viable possibility that this device will be called “Apple [something].” This leads to whether Apple uses some form of the term “glasses” in the name. It seems unlikely that Apple will use “smart glasses.” One interesting development to watch for is whether Apple decides to include the device in the Vision Pro lineup. If it does, then it will use some form of “Vision” in its name. If not, then Apple will not use “Vision” in the name in order to signify the separation. Apple smart glasses release date: When could Apple smart glasses be released? While Apple has made no announcements relating to smart glasses, it does seem that development work has been ongoing at the company for some time. Back in November 2024, Gurman reported that Apple had begun research into the smart glasses market by performing focus group discussions with Apple employees. Then, about a year later in October 2025, Gurman reported that Apple had decided to abandon its work on an Apple Vision Pro redesign to prioritize smart glasses. Several detailed roadmaps from industry analysts suggest a launch could occur between late 2026 and 2028. Late 2026 Launch: Back in 2025 Mark Gurman suggested that Apple has big plans to release smart glasses in the second half of 2026. This is looking less likely now. 2026 Preview with 2027 Launch: Apple might previewing this new category early, as it has done in the past: showing off the new glasses as early as 2026 as a preview, although the actual launch will be delayed until 2027. This was suggested by Gurman in December 2025. Launch in 2027: In February 2026, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple made “significant progress” in the development of the glasses, and it could be ready for production by the end of the year, with a public release in early 2027. Launch in 2028: Development delays relating to Apple’s AI could push the launch in to 2028. In August, the macOS 26.7 release candidate contained references to new products, including a possible update to the Vision Pro. Many of the references are unidentified model numbers, so one or several of these numbers may refer to the Apple smart glasses. Apple smart glasses price: How much could Apple smart glasses cost? No reports have been made so far regarding the prices for the Apple smart glasses. For reference, here are the starting prices for the Meta AI glasses without prescription lenses and other lens options: Ray-Ban Wayfarer (Gen 1) and Skylar (Gen 1): $299 Ray-Ban Wayfarer (Gen 2), Skylar (Gen 2), and Headliner (Gen 2): $379 Ray-Ban Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2): $499 Oakley Meta HSTN: $399 Oakley Meta Vanguard: $499 Apple will want to be competitive with these prices, but the variance is wide, so the company could offer the higher prices that you’ll often find with designer frames.

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One $100 payment gets you ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more for life
Macworld TL;DR: Just one $99.99 payment gets you lifetime access to 1min.AI’s multi-model business and creative toolkit. There’s productive multitasking, and then there’s keeping six AI tabs open while trying to remember which one was editing your image. 1min.AI simplifies that setup by bringing multiple AI models and content tools into one workspace. You get multiple AI assistants, including GPT-5.5 Pro, GPT-5.4 Pro, Claude Opus and Sonnet models, several Gemini options, Llama 3, Mistral, and Command R. That gives writers, designers, social media managers, podcasters, and small business owners different models for different tasks. Writing features cover keyword research, blog generation, rewriting, summarizing, grammar checking, brand voices, and social media comments. Image tools handle generation, upscaling, background replacement, object removal, face swapping, text editing, and sketch-to-image conversion. The document section supports multi-document chats, translations, presentation generation, and PDF summaries, translations, and questions. Audio tools include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, music generation, voice changing, cloning, isolation, and translation. This plan makes sense for someone who regularly works across several content formats and prefers one organized toolkit. Don’t miss lifetime access to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan for a one-time $99.99 (MSRP $540). 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Get Windows 11 Pro for $10.49: a one-time rate, no subscription
Macworld TL;DR: This lifetime Windows 11 Pro license runs cleanly via Parallels or Boot Camp on a Mac, for $10.49 (reg. $199.00) using code SAVE30 through August 25. You don’t need a second computer to run Windows software, you just need a license, and this one costs less than a coffee run. Windows 11 Pro is $10.49 for lifetime use instead of $199, and it installs directly through Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp on your Mac, so Windows-only apps sit right alongside your Mac apps. Built for Pro-level work Pro brings the features Home leaves out: BitLocker encryption for locking down sensitive files, Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox for testing apps in an isolated environment, and Azure AD support for connecting to a business network. You also get Copilot built into the taskbar for quick settings changes and file searches, Snap Layouts for real multitasking, and amped up security with biomentric login features. For Mac owners running Parallels or VMware Fusion, this covers the Windows license without a monthly fee tacked onto an already-recurring app cost. Boot Camp users get full native performance on the Windows side, no virtualization overhead at all. Get Windows 11 Pro for $10.49 (reg. $199.00) using code SAVE30 through August 25 at 11PM PT. Microsoft Windows 11 ProSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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ChatGPT can now handle your iMessages, SMS and RCS texts
ChatGPT’s new Messages plugin can find details buried in old conversations and send replies through your Mac. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies’ now available to stream on Apple TV
Apple TV’s three-part docuseries about the University of Connecticut women’s basketball program is now available to stream. Watch the trailer below.

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Hisense TopLift dehumidifier review: Matter-enabled for hot summer months
Hisense has launched the first dehumidifier to support Matter, making it a perfect summer combo with Apple Home for easy control, Siri support, and automations.Hisense TopLift dehumidifier reviewWe got the first look at the Hisense Matter dehumidifier at CES 2026, and a few months later, it's shipping to users.With a fair price tag and Apple Home support, it's poised to be a great solution for those swampy summer months. I've been testing it out for the last several weeks, and it's done wonders to make my home more comfortable. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple reportedly lays off 60 Vision employees amid shifting priorities
AppleInsider reports that Apple “has just laid off an entire team dedicated to VR development,” with at least 60 employees reportedly affected. Here are the details.

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WhatCable Reports on USB-C Cable Power and Speed
USB-C cables look alike but vary wildly in capability. WhatCable, a free utility for Apple silicon Macs, shows you exactly what each cable supports for charging, data transfer, and display. The paid WhatCable Pro adds persistent cable naming and additional diagnostic options.

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Apple Music's AI disclosure labels will soon be mandatory, rather than optional
AI-generated content in the Apple Music app may get easier than ever to spot, as record labels and distributors will be required to label it as such later in 2026.Apple Music's AI disclosure tags will soon become mandatory.Back in March 2026, Apple introduced Transparency Tags for Apple Music. These are entirely optional disclosure labels, which were used to indicate that specific content was "materially generated" with the help of artificial intelligence.At the time, Apple said it believed distributors should "take an active role in reporting when the content they deliver is created using AI," and that its AI-focused tags were "the first concrete step" in the process. So far, however, Apple hasn't forced labels or distributors to label AI-generated content, but that might soon change. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple bucks downward trend as reports show global smartphone shipment and sales declines
Four Counterpoint Research reports published this week reveal drops in smartphone sales and shipments in India, Latin America, Europe, and China. Here are the reports.

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Apple bucks downward trend as reports show global smartphone shipment and sales declines
Four Counterpoint Research reports published this week reveal drops in smartphone sales and shipments in India, Latin America, Europe, and China. Here are the reports.

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Apple bucks downward trend as reports show global smartphone shipment and sales declines
Four Counterpoint Research reports published this week reveal drops in smartphone sales and shipments in India, Latin America, Europe, and China. Here are the reports.

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Apple bucks downward trend as reports show global smartphone shipment and sales declines
Four Counterpoint Research reports published this week reveal drops in smartphone sales and shipments in India, Latin America, Europe, and China. Here are the reports.

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Apple releases new AirPods beta firmware
Apple today released a new beta firmware update for several AirPods models, marking the fifth version in the current testing cycle… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple among tech giants in court fight over voice data used to train AI
Apple and eight other leading tech companies, including Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Samsung, are battling proposed class-action… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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