ChatGPT is $20/month, but this app gives you ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for life for $60
Macworld TL;DR: Replace your monthly fees for ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude with a lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground, on sale now for $59.97 — Offer ends 7/19. Subscribing to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini all at once means three separate monthly bills, each around $20. ChatPlayground bundles the major AI models into one platform, and it’s on sale for $59.97 right now (reg. $619). ChatPlayground runs in your browser and puts more than 20 AI tools in a single window. Type one prompt and see answers from GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 1.5 Flash, DeepSeek V3, Llama, Perplexity, and others side by side, then keep whichever result actually answers your question. No more asking the same thing in four different tabs to figure out which model knows what it’s talking about. ChatPlayground does everything Generate images directly in the platform Work through coding problems with model comparisons Upload images or PDFs and get answers based on what’s inside them Use built-in prompt engineering tools to sharpen a vague request Keep saved chat history around for ongoing projects The Unlimited plan means you can use it as much as you want, with no daily or monthly limits on prompts. You’ll also get priority access to new models as they’re added, which matters given how quickly this space moves. Stop paying for three subscriptions just to get your work done. Get a ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan lifetime subscription for $59.97 through 7/19. ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Read more »

iPadOS 27 still needs simpler multitasking, here’s what I’d like to see
Last year, Apple completely reinvented multitasking on the iPad, with the introduction of windowing in iPadOS 26. At first, this meant the removal of the simpler version of multitasking, Split View and Slide Over. Those features did eventually return, but at a cost – they required you to use the clunky new windowing system. I was hoping iPadOS 27 would improve this, but it didn’t.

Read more »

Exactly Like Om Malik
Remembrances, tributes, and stories.

Read more »

Indie App Spotlight: ‘Route 25’ is an all-in-one social app for Pokémon collectors
Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact. Many apps make it easy to track your Pokémon card collection. Route 25 takes that a step further by bringing a social experience into the mix, so you can talk to other collectors about your cards, pulls, and so on.

Read more »

SANDISK Phone Drive for iPhone is a great solution to low storage 
Each time we buy a phone, we have to decide which storage tier to go for, and that requires a judgment call – not just about how much storage we need today, but how much we are likely to need for however long we end up keeping the phone.  There are times when we’ll get this wrong, but fortunately there’s a simple solution to your storage woes: the SANDISK® Phone Drive for iPhone. 

Read more »

Apple sues OpenAI exec for theft of trade secrets
Macworld As first reported by Bloomberg, Apple has filed suit against OpenAI, accusing the AI developer of running a coordinated campaign to steal information about upcoming Apple products. OpenAI is Apple’s partner in some ways. Since iOS 18 was released two years ago, Apple has incorporated ChatGPT features into Apple Intelligence, allowing users to optionally ask ChatGPT for more detailed information than Apple’s own AI can provide, or to write longer-form text. But in recent years, OpenAI has set its sights on more than just providing AI services to consumers and businesses. The company is reportedly working on more than one hardware device, and while the rumors vary about the form it will take (a pin? a pendant? a pen? a little desk accessory?), it will almost certainly compete with one or more of the AI-powered accessories Apple is said to be working on. OpenAI has also enlisted the help of Jony Ive, the celebrated Apple designer who left the company seven years ago, to help it design products. OpenAI has poached numerous Apple employees—according to the lawsuit, over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. Apple’s lawsuit claims OpenAI “encouraged Apple employees to share information, components, drawings, and other materials related to upcoming products.” The lawsuit also names Tang Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, who previously was VP of product design at Apple, charging Tan ” exploited a rare, previously unknown authentication bug to access Apple’s shared network folders” and “surreptitiously accessed and downloaded dozens of Apple’s confidential hardware-related files, including voluminous, detailed information about unreleased products, engineering presentations, technical specifications, and proprietary project data.” Apple is seeking a jury trial and demands that OpenAI cease its practices, destroy any proprietary materials, and redesign its products so they don’t use any of Apple’s technology. According to Apple’s suit, it attempted to resolve this matter months ago out of court and only filed the suit when it received no response. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Tan and incoming Apple CEO John Ternus have “had a rocky relationship for years.” Tan was reportedly is the running for the head of hardware engineering role that Ternus got, and Gurman says the “vast majority” of the employees poached by OpenAI came from Ternus’s division. You can read the entire lawsuit, which also requests “Damages sufficient to compensate for the actual loss caused by Defendants’ trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract,” here.

Read more »

OS 27 betas for all and everything else coming from Apple this month
Macworld For the last several years, July has been the same, in the Apple calendar. WWDC is long over, and the rush of hardware for the fall is still a couple of months away. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing exciting, though. After several weeks of beta releases meant only for developers, July is when the new operating systems announced at WWDC and releasing in the fall are deemed stable and feature complete enough for the general public to test out. The Public Beta of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and macOS 27 will begin in July. If you want to participate, read our article on how to sign up for and download the public betas. New hardware releases We’re pretty confident that July will pass without any new Apple hardware. For one, you’d have to go back to 2019 to find the last time Apple released anything new in July (an update to the 13-inch MacBook Pro). For another, Apple just raised prices on all of the products that might have been released, including the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini. That probably means there won’t be anything new until the iPhone event in September. Software releases Apple starts releasing beta versions of the new updates at WWDC, and after three or four beta releases intended only for developers, it starts releasing them to anyone in the public who wants to test them out and provide feedback. Apple announced at WWDC that the public beta would arrive this month, so we expect it by mid-July. If you want to sign up, see our article on how to join the Apple beta program. Fortunately, Apple has now unified all its operating system version numbers, referring to them by the year in which they will mostly be in use—the releases for this fall are “27” because they will be in use and updated primarily in 2027. It’s like model years for cars, so it’s easy to know what your device is running and whether the newest version has been installed. We recommend you don’t install the beta on any device that you rely on every day. If you need it for work, and if it’s your only authenticator for critical applications, you should really wait for a full release. Having said that, the iOS 27 and macOS 27 betas have been remarkably stable for most testers so far. There are bugs, but they are mostly of the “annoyance” variety and not of the “this mission-critical app no longer works” variety. Note that battery life is often worse on beta releases than it will be with the final release in September. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content. Silo (season 3): Season three of Silo continues the saga of a dystopian society of 10,000 people living underground under mysterious circumstances, while revealing an origin story set centuries earlier. July 3 Trying (season 5): Season five finds Nikki and Jason dealing with the consequences of Princess and Tyler’s biological mother turning up at their doorstep. July 8 Lucky: A young woman (Anya Taylor-Joy) leaves behind the life of crime she was raised in years ago, but must now embrace her darker criminal side one final time in a desperate attempt to escape her past. July 15 The Dink: Washed-up tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd gets involved in the world of pickleball in this sports comedy. July 24 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Creatures of the Deep+: A detailed 3D fishing adventure game. July 2 Draw It+: Draw as fast as you can before time runs out and try to earn a high score. July 2 Dungeon Clawler+: A claw machine deck-building roguelike. Yes, you read that correctly. July 2 Pocket City 2+: You’re the mayor and city planner in this cartoonish 3D city building game. July 2

Read more »

Today in Apple history: iPhone 3G brings a big speed boost
On July 11, 2008, Apple's second smartphone went on sale. The iPhone 3G launch brought many innovations -- and a serious price cut! (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

Price cut: Get FastestVPN on 10 devices, just $25 for life
Keep your personal data private with a FastestVPN lifetime license, on sale now. Supports iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, smart TVs and more. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

4 unanswered questions ahead of the September iPhone event
Leaks have revealed plenty about the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone, but Apple’s biggest announcements may still be waiting for its September event. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

Apple's 100% tariff exemption may have been helped by Intel supply deal
Apple may have been pushed into a deal to contract Intel for chip production, with it claimed to have persuaded President Trump into giving it an exemption from 100% semiconductor tariffs.Intel could soon be making Apple's chips. Image credit: IntelIn August 2025, facing the prospect of semiconductor tariffs at 100%, Apple managed to secure an exemption from the massive import fees.It appeared at the time to have been avoided thanks to a major investment in U.S. manufacturing efforts. But it may also have been an Intel deal that helped grease the wheels. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Read more »

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 10K Apple Watch Power Bank review: The best Apple Watch charger yet?
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Apple Watch fast charge Can fast-charge two iPhones plus Watch 45W maximum output Battery display Cons Anker alternative is smaller Our Verdict With its higher USB-C power output and superior dual-iPhone charging advantage, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K is a compelling alternative to Anker’s Apple Watch power bank. Although we still prefer Anker’s dinkier size, the 20g in weight difference won’t be noticed in your pocket or bag. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$99.95 Best Prices Today: Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger Retailer Price $99.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger is a compact 10K power bank with built-in charger for Apple Watch, plus two USB-C outputs for other devices. Who is it for? Apple Watch owners who need to charge their Apple Watch on the move, or quickly charge it with one or more iPhones at the same time. Who shouldn’t buy it? If you want a smaller Watch power bank, consider the Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K for Apple Watch. If you’re after a magnetic connection to the iPhone check our reviews of the best wireless power banks. The Apple Watch is probably Apple’s biggest battery failing. Compared to other smartwatches, its time between charging is rather pitiful. Apple Watch: 18 to 24 hours Google Pixel Watch: 24 to 36 hours Fitbit: 4 to 10 days Garmin: 5 to 30+ days We have rounded up the best chargers for Apple Watch as you’ll be attending to its battery needs every day. But what if your Apple Watch sends you that Low Battery alert when you out and about and away from a charger or wall power socket? Any power bank with a USB-C port will work if you carry it and your Apple Watch Charger with you, but it’s more convenient to have a power bank with a built-in charger for the Watch—see our best Apple Watch power banks. Our favorites are the Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K for Apple Watch, Kuxiu K1 Pro/Ultra, and Alogic Lift. To that list we now add the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger (Belkin loves a long product name), which is closest in looks and function to the Anker MagGo. You can charge the Apple Watch on its own with the raisable Watch Charger that means you can charge it flat with the band round the power bank or in Nightstand Mode. It also boasts a built-in USB-C cable, capable of charging any supported device at 45W—enough to keep even a MacBook powered up as it supports Power Delivery (PD). In addition, there’s a spare USB-C port, meaning you could simultaneously charge your Watch plus two iPhones. Note that only iPhones from 15 on have a USB-C charging port, so this could be used in conjunction with a USB-C to Lightning cable if you own an iPhone 14 or older. Charging specs Apple Watch Fast Charge: Yes, 5W Built-in USB-C cable: 45W USB-C port: 45W Watch + iPhone: 5W + 40W Watch + iPhone + iPhone: 5W + 20W + 20W Input: 30W Belkin Watch Power Bank (far left) next to the Anker Watch Power Bank and an iPhone 15 Pro.Simon Jary Belkin vs Anker: Which Apple Watch power bank wins in 2026? Both Apple Watch power banks have a capacity of 10000mAh. A more accurate measurement of battery capacity is Watt Hours (Wh), where Belkin scrapes a narrow win. Belkin: 36Wh Anker: 35Wh The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger measures 4.7 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches (118 x 60 x 32mm) and weighs 9.4oz (265g). The similar Anker MagGo Power Bank is smaller and lighter, measuring 3.7 x 2 x 1.3 inches (95 x 51 x 32mm) and weighs 8.64oz (245g). Belkin The Belkin power bank has a smooth silicone coating that feels great, while the boxier Anker is shinier with ridged sides for grip. Belkin’s Watch power bank is available in Black and Sand colors (see above), while Anker’s MagGo has black, white, pale pink and pale teal versions. The Anker wins with its smaller size, but the Belkin wins on brute power delivery with its 45W USB-C beating Anker’s 30W. It can also charge two iPhones plus Watch at the same time, with both phones fast-charging at 20W and the Watch at a full 5W. Anker’s MagGo can charge two iPhones at the same time but when using both the cable and the port, output is limited to 24W shared. That means a much slower iPhone charging time in that situation. In tests, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro powered an Apple Watch (Series 8) to 25% in just over 20 minutes and 50% in 45 minutes. Even a 10% Watch charge should get you back to base unless you are on a long trip. After fully charging the Watch, the power bank had 89% of its charge remaining. Each power bank charged our test iPhone 16 Pro quickly, reaching 50% in around 30 minutes. The Belkin scored a respectable 182% in our Macworld Recharge Score, which tests how many recharges a power bank can give an iPhone. Simon Jary That extra 15W didn’t make a big difference when charging an iPhone, as the Apple device can’t take in much more than 35W. It matters more for Samsung phones that do accept 45W, but surely Apple Watch owners are armed with an iPhone rather than a Samsung mobile. On the other hand, the 45W will help if you need to charge a MacBook where the power bank’s 10K capacity will fill the laptop’s battery by around 40%. The max 45W vs 35W output also makes a difference when sharing between multiple devices. Neither Belkin nor Anker can charge an iPhone magnetically. For that functionality, consider the Kuxiu K1 Ultra that can wirelessly charge an iPhone at 25W. Both power banks have a 30W maximum input rate for when they need recharging themselves. Each of the Apple Watch power banks has a charging display. Belkin’s shows the remaining power bank battery capacity as a percentage. Anker’s shows the capacity and the current charging power in watts as well as an extrapolation of the approximate duration, and is easier to see in poor light even though its reading is much smaller. The Belkin’s integrated braided cable is 8.3 inches (210mm) long. It can be completely stowed in a side recess, where the Anker’s (about the same size) plastic cable will always poke out from one end as a handy carrying strap. It’s possible to create a similar long carry strap by plugging the Belkin cable’s connector back into its USB-C port, although it comes with a smaller loop at the top, too. The integrated cable tucks neatly round the edge of the power bank.Simon Jary Price The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger is priced at $99.95 as an Apple Store exclusive in the US. It’s cheaper in Europe for some reason, selling for £69.95 at Apple U.K. and €74,95 at the German Apple Store. It’s also available direct from Belkin U.K. but for £79.99. As we’ve been comparing it to the Anker 10K MagGo Power Bank For Apple Watch, it should be noted that Belkin’s rival is a little cheaper at $89.99 / £69.99. Should you buy the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger? The Anker MagGo Power Bank has long been my favorite among the power banks with an Apple Watch charging port. With its higher USB-C power output and superior dual-iPhone charging advantages, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K is a compelling alternative. Although we still prefer Anker’s dinkier size, the 20g in weight difference won’t be noticed in your pocket or bag.

Read more »

Apple weekend deals: AirPods, Apple Watch Ultra 3, MagSafe chargers, Magic Mouse, more
We are touching down today with the weekend edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break to uncover all of the best deals on Apple gear, accessories, and more. Alongside the ongoing Amazon Anker summer sale loaded with notable deals on power banks, 25W MagSafe charging stations, and more from $8, we also have some ongoing deals on Apple Watch Ultra 3, nearly 25% off AirPods 4, and even some notable discounts on iPhone 17 Pro/Max units at up to $449 off. Those deals join the rare price drops on Magic Keyboard and the black Magic Mouse, as well as Beats cables from $18, and more. Check it all out down below. 

Read more »

Apple @ Work: The M1 MacBook Air has the longest usable lifespan of any Apple laptop in history
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage, and protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. I have a very standard plan when a batch of Apple laptops reaches the end of its lease or deployment lifecycle. I want them gone ASAP. Typically, by the time a MacBook Air or Pro hits that four-year mark, it is old, unusable, and ready to be recycled. I don’t want to see them in my office, and I certainly don’t want to support them. I want them recycled, but the M1 MacBook Air has completely broken that rule, and in a world where Macs are going up in price, it matters.

Read more »

Clean up your iPhone camera roll and save $75 on Cleaner Kit
Macworld TL;DR: Get Cleaner Kit for iPhone for $29.99, down from $104.97, and clear out duplicate photos, bulky videos, and other storage-hogging clutter. It doesn’t take long for an iPhone to fill up with screenshots, duplicate photos, forgotten downloads, and videos that are much larger than expected. Cleaner Kit gives you a quicker way to sort through the mess, and its Premium Plan is currently available for $29.99 instead of $104.97. The app scans your photo library for duplicate, similar, blurry, and unnecessary images, so you do not have to hunt them down one by one. You can review photos with simple swipes and compress larger videos to free up space without automatically deleting the clips you want to keep. The savings extend beyond your camera roll Cleaner Kit can also merge duplicate contacts, remove incomplete entries, organize calendar data, and group Gmail messages by sender to make inbox cleanup less tedious. There is also a private vault for files and contacts you would rather keep behind an extra layer of access. The app has a 4.5-star App Store rating from more than 280,000 reviews, and its cleanup tools process private data directly on the iPhone. Get Cleaner Kit for iOS for $29.99 (reg. $104.97) and give your phone storage a little more breathing room. Cleaner Kit for iOS Premium Plan: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Read more »

Your Mac doesn’t need another monthly bill to run Microsoft Office — own a license for $43
Macworld TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac for just $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 19 and own Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more with a lifetime license instead of a subscription. There’s no rule saying you have to rent your productivity software forever. Right now through July 19, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac is available for just $42.97 (reg. $219), giving you a lifetime license to the classic Office apps without subscriptions or recurring fees. Apps included in this license Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Teams (basic) OneNote (free version) That’s basically everything you need to handle work projects, personal tasks, or school assignments like a pro. It’s perfect for students, families, or small business owners who want a dependable, full-featured productivity suite without ongoing costs. Once you purchase, you’ll get instant delivery of your redemption code via email, along with instructions to activate it. The license connects to your Microsoft Account (not your device), and it works on one Mac for the lifetime of the product. It also comes with updates and free customer service. Just make sure you redeem the code within 7 days of purchase, and note that this version is not compatible with virtual machines like Parallels Pro. Skip the subscriptions — get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 while this $42.97 deal lasts until July 19. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Read more »

WSJ: Apple avoided semiconductor tariffs last year thanks to Intel chip deal
Intel in the U.S. is expected to make at least some upcoming Mac and iPhone chips for Apple. That recent development may have been the key to a major tariff exemption on semiconductors Apple received almost a year ago.

Read more »

Apple Sues OpenAI, Accusing It of Stealing Company Secrets
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The New York Times: Apple on Friday accused OpenAI of stealing secrets about products still in development, setting up a legal face-off between two of the world's biggest tech companies. In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the consumer tech giant said that OpenAI, a leader in artificial intelligence that has a new hardware business, had asked job candidates from Apple to share details about secret projects and to bring device components and prototypes to their interviews. Apple also accused an OpenAI employee of downloading internal documents from a laptop owned by the iPhone maker. OpenAI used the confidential information to approach Apple's manufacturing partners, including asking one partner to demonstrate Apple's technique for finishing metal on its devices, the lawsuit says. Apple sent a letter to OpenAI in February to raise concerns that confidential information could be "making its way to OpenAI's business improperly," according to the suit. OpenAI did not respond, Apple said. "OpenAI's nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets," Apple wrote in its lawsuit. [...] In its lawsuit Friday, Apple accused Tang Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer and a former Apple executive, of coaching his hires from Apple on how to evade Apple's security processes for departing employees. Apple accused another former employee, Chang Liu, of using a former colleague's Apple-owned laptop to access and download technical documents while working at OpenAI. Mr. Liu told that Apple employee what information about unannounced products she should study before job interviews, Apple said. Mr. Liu also planned to access internal documents through an Apple-owned laptop that he didn't return when he left the company, according to the lawsuit. OpenAI had misled the manufacturing company it approached to learn about the metal finishing technique to believe it had Apple's permission to view it, according to the lawsuit. Apple is seeking an injunction that would prevent OpenAI from possessing, using or sharing Apple's trade secrets, as well as an order requiring OpenAI to return Apple's intellectual property. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Read more »

Apple sues OpenAI, alleging trade secret theft in blockbuster Big Tech battle
Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging the AI company stole trade secrets from former employees to accelerate its push into AI-powered hardware. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Read more »

OpenAI responds to Apple’s trade secret theft lawsuit
OpenAI has issued a formal statement in response to Apple’s lawsuit accusing the company of trade secret theft. Read it below.

Read more »